South Africa’s retail organisations, particularly on-line stores, could expect a significant ramp-up in cybercrime ahead of the holiday season. This is the warning from Deon Smal, CEO of Cyber Insight, a Cape-based cyber security assessment firm.

“While data breaches increased alarmingly during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, organisations - particularly those in the ecommerce sector - can expect a ‘tsunami’ of new attacks as the festive season approaches,” he cautions. “This is as a result of intensified on-line shopping activity which creates more opportunities for cyberattacks.” Smal notes that many companies that supported work-from-home employees during the pandemic – and possibly continue to accommodate a hybrid workforce - have had to take short-cuts in terms of security to rapidly protect sensitive data which is accessed on-line.

“These ‘quick-fixes’ are now leaving these organisations vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. They should be addressed as a matter of urgency,” he says. According to Smal, the most common threat facing SA companies is a ransomware attack, in which criminals encrypt files and then demand a ransom to restore access.

He says that globally, ransomware is viewed as the most malicious of the numerous malware models that were experienced this year. “Smal encourages organisations, of all sizes, to accurately and comprehensively assess their cyber security positions. This will expose possible vulnerabilities which could result in breaches of security within the corporate infrastructure. This includes basic facilities, structures and services on which businesses rely.

“They should also consider penetration testing to prove the existence and determine the extent of their weaknesses before committing to a definitive security solution to ensure that it offers an appropriate level of protection against the most evolved threats and determined cyber-criminals,” he adds.

By Signium Africa

You can’t have a real vacation if everything in your environment reminds you of business pressures and family responsibilities. You don’t have to go overseas, just somewhere different. It could be a game lodge in the bush, a holiday at the coast, camping by a dam, or simply staying in an unfamiliar town.So, if you’re a busy executive, treat your partner, your kids and yourself to a new experience. There will be plenty time for inlaws, friends and business when you get back.

Mosima Selekisho, Director: Executive Search - Pace your vacation timeTry to break your holiday into three phases: relaxation for winding down; rejuvenation for enjoying yourself; and reactivation to prepare for your return. Ideally, you need three weeks - one for each phase - but if you have less time, divide it into these stages anyway.As a competitive leader, your first instinct might be to jump on a jet ski or go skydiving. Rather opt for a good massage at the local spa, sunbathing on the beach, or anything else that lets your body rest and your mind drift. You need this.By the second phase, you’re ready to get out and have as much fun as possible, having forgotten other concerns. In the third phase, you can still have fun while making time to dream of what the new year holds in store and any positive actions you intend to take on your return.

Michelle Moss, Director: Assessments - Take a digital vacationOur devices have become a part of our daily lives so it’s difficult to switch off and disconnect for any period of time, especially for the always-on executive. Even going on holiday, we use our phones for electronic flight boarding, booking into hotels, hailing ride-sharing services, finding interesting dining and entertainment venues, taking photos and more.Yet, the more disconnected your vacation, the quicker you’ll be able to settle into the holiday spirit. Try these tips: leave your devices at home - you, your partner and your kids. Take only a single phone for emergencies, preferably with a new SIM, and share the number with a select few contacts. And switch it off when you’re not using it. For taking photos, bring along a digital camera so there’s no excuse to check emails in between.Have a great holidayIn a nutshell, disconnect digitally, mentally and physically to get the most from your vacation. Finally, from all of us at Signium, have a very Merry Festive Season and a Happy New Year.

Signium Africa (previously Talent Africa), a leading South African-based executive search and talent management company servicing sub-Saharan Africa.

www.signium.co.za

As South Africa gears up for peak holiday traffic volumes experienced during December, road safety is at the forefront of the minds of those who manage traffic flow and all road users.  The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) recently teamed up with the City of Johannesburg to host a Quality Road Markings event in support of Transport Month and to increase safety and user experience on the city’s roads.

Plascon was one of three paint suppliers to demonstrate their road-marking paint products at the event which took place at Hyde Park 6th Road between Jan Smuts and First Road last month.  Road marking paint is critical to ensuring road safety as it needs to be both visible and durable. The paint products showcased by Plascon and the other suppliers had to comply with the following factors required by JRA: 

• Paint products must include crystal glass beads with the strong capacity for absorbing, storing and emitting light.
• Can glow for more than twelve hours in the dark thereby increasing safety for road users.
• All the paints (pigments, masterbatches, and aggregates) are non-toxic with no radioactive additives. They must be harmless to the environment which offers a greater level of social responsibility.
• Paints must be quick drying and suitable for direct application to all types of new or previously painted bituminous and concrete road surfaces.
• Can be applied by brush, roller or road striping machine.
• Must have good retro reflectivity due to excellent glass bead retention.
• Produce a surface with anti-skid properties thereby increasing safety when it is raining.

Rolf Redelinghuys, who heads up Plascon’s road-marking paint division, highlights the importance of using specialised highly visible, durable and long lasting road-marking paints to keep traffic flowing smoothly and minimise driver distraction. “It can be applied to all suitable bitumen, asphalt and concrete road surfaces. The specialised resin technologies used in these products, provide maximum resistance to wear and weather conditions.  

These products can be used for painting traffic lines on freeways, city streets, airport runways, factories, parking lots, playgrounds – wherever durable traffic markings are required. “Importantly, to minimise traffic disruptions during application, these products dry rapidly within 15 minutes."

“Another important feature is that these Plascon road-marking paints are very durable with high visibility during the day and night time and designed to withstand a wide range of road and weather conditions that reduces the repainting frequency of lines within the city. Generally speaking, suitable quality asphalt roads exposed to the high traffic volumes within the city and the varying highveld weather conditions in Johannesburg, traffic line markings under ideal conditions should last up to three years. Furthermore, the product is water based and therefore have low risk to operators and is environmentally friendly.” 

Plascon Brand Manager Mareta Le Roux says, “It was an honour for Plascon to be invited to participate in the JRA and City of Johannesburg’s worthwhile road markings initiative, which highlighted the importance of road-marking paint in improving the user experience and safety of Joburg’s roads.”

The holidays are here and they bring with them a wonderful opportunity for families to spend time together, laugh, be silly and enjoy activities together and in so doing, re-connect and bond in deeper, more meaningful ways.

Cindy Glass, Co-founder and Director of afterschool remediation franchise, Step Up Education Centre gives the follow tips on how you can re-connect with your child, whether you are travelling or stay at home this festive season: 

Create a sense of excitement within the family: Have something to look forward to. Choose to make this holiday one of family connection. Remember, what you give to others, you give to yourself. Encourage tolerance, love and peace by being tolerant, loving and peaceful yourself!

Listen without judgement: Holidays provide a great opportunity to stop and listen!  Your children want connection as much as anyone on the planet and being heard is essential in achieving this! Ask questions about each other’s lives. Let your children teach you about their passions and interests – you may just be in awe of how your children view life. So often children shut the doors of communication for fear of how their parents will react – if connection is your goal, listen without judgement!

Expect challenges: Being human means that things can, and will, go awry from time to time. Allow for these moments. Own them when they happen and find positive solutions. There is, after all, a solution for every challenge! It is how each family member chooses to react to challenges that will make or break your holiday!

Be prepared: If you are travelling and you know that boredom could lead to a less than desirable journey, make sure that you are well-prepared with exciting treats and some games to play in the car! Some old favourites like ‘I spy, 20 questions and adding numbers up on licence plates’ can keep little people entertained for hours!  

“The opposite of frustration, irritation, guilt and a lack of fulfilment is…. non-judgemental human connection, and happiness is rooted in meaningful human connection. Laugh, be silly and allow for the odd challenge. Teach respect and integrity by your being respectful a person of integrity. Choose to use these holidays as a golden opportunity to create positive connections and beautiful memories that will last a lifetime!” Cindy concludes. 

About Step Up

Established in 2016, Step Up Education Centres is a dynamic after-school remediation and tutoring franchise with a difference. Step Up offers children an opportunity to succeed in a schooling system that is, at times, very unsympathetic.  From the moment, a child walks through a Step Up Education Centre doors they feel different.  They no longer feel silly or stupid. They no longer feel misunderstood. They no longer feel judged. After just one lesson they feel hope. They see possibility. After a few sessions, they walk taller, feel smarter, do better.

Why? Because Step Up believes that every child has potential…And our passionate educators will not give up until they reach it!  

Press release disseminated on Behalf of:
Cindy Glass
Director and Co-Founder of Step Up Education Centres

Press release disseminated by:
Carmen White
081 260 4011
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sam Watt Marketing Communications

A Foodie Festive Season at Kurland Hotel  

December 2016 - The renowned 5-star family friendly, Kurland Hotel, located in The Crags near Plettenberg Bay, introduces its signature festive menus over the holiday season created by the award-winning Executive Chef, Leon Coetzee. 

Christmas Day presents a 3 course buffet menu for lunch, where guests can dine at 12h00 for just R550.00 per adult. For starters: you can choose from the seafood bouillabaisse with crutes and aioli, warm camembert and rocket with blueberry and fig compote or Beef carpaccio, baby leaf salad, Parmesan and caper berry dressing. Mains include: marinated leg of lamb with Moroccan spiced, honey glazed gammon with balsamic, or roasted turkey with bread and sage sauce. Side dishes available: roasted potatoes, Asian stir fried rice, pumpkin fritters, broccoli and cauliflower with béchamel sauce, grilled eggplant, and mixed Organic Greek salad Christmas desserts eggnog, mince fruit cakes, Christmas cakes, mini meringue and berry sauce, rolled red valet cake.  

Christmas Eve has a 3 course dinner on offer for only R680.00 per adult. Starter options are: Organic beetroot soup with goat’s cheese fritter and parsley oil, or ravioli of spinach, ricotta with roasted artichoke polenta and mustard foam, or grilled langoustines with lemon grass butter sauce and a micro herb salad. Mains consist of: open ravioli of Confit turkey, sundried tomatoes, and grilled foie grass with a gruyere and truffle sauce, or rosette of sole fillet with crayfish thermidor, asparagus and langoustine sauce, or sliced honey glazed gammon with crispy potato, roasted carrots and grilled asparagus, or grilled duck breast fillet with potato gratin, sugar snaps and a porcini and red wine sauce. Desserts available: traditional mince fruit cakes, or honeybush and rooibos poached peach jelly, champagne sabayon and almond powder, or baked brandy pudding with crème unglazed.    

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with an 8 plated dinner at Kurland Hotel at 19h30 for just R1800.00 per adult with Oysters on arrival with assorted canapés and the younger guests will enjoy a pizza making in our courtyard for R110 per child. Advanced bookings are required. The dinner menu begins with confit duck consommé shot glasses, Scottish eggs with melba toast and caviar, pork and root ginger dumplings with aromatic broth, next up on the menu is Langoustines with lemon beurre blanc. Followed by a gin and tonic sorbet – (Palette cleanser), after which Tom yum prawns won ton grilled with avocado and rocket will be served, seared Wagyu beef with bone marrow sauce and buttered asparagus, and finally macaroons and chocolate truffles as a dessert. Beverages are not included in the price.  

For bookings please contact 044 534 8082 or email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..   

For media enquiries please contact The P.R Team on 021 419 23 90 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This press release has been distributed on behalf of our client, Kurland Hotel.

Welcome to the lastest PANDORA Jewellery Collection, inspired by the magic and mystery of the night sky.

You'll find sparkling and glittering stones, illuminating metals and frosted flowers in this hand-finished collection. PANDORA Jewellery makes the perfect gift for the upcoming festive season. 

Celebrating the festive season in style, Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg, has created multiple events from 24 December through to January 2017. Lunches, brunches, dinners, decadent buffets and a gala event, offer guests a plethora of choice this festive season.

On Christmas Eve, Saturday 24 December, guests can enjoy lunch at Flames restaurant with casual dining options from 12:00 -14:00. The bar/deck will remain open with a ‘Bites and Nibbles’ menu to choose from. Dinner at Flames - 19:00-23:00 for R1,600.00 p.p includes live entertainment. Enjoy 5 à la carte items for main course with a starter and hors d’oeuvres buffet. Local & international cheeses, served with crackers, lavish, homemade chutneys and preserves plus a decadent dessert buffet. Beverages are not included. Alternatively, dinner at View, 19:00-23:00, at R1,950.00 p.p. For in house guests, enjoy dinner in the comfort of your room with our in-room dining available between 19:00 - 23:00 at R1, 250.00 p.p.  

Christmas Day, Sunday 25 December 2016, breakfast served at Flames for hotel guests only, 7:00-11:00 at R350.00 p.p. Or enjoy the Christmas Brunch at Flames between 11:00-15:00 at R1,350.00, which includes a glass of sparkling wine, homemade ice-tea or non-alcoholic punch upon arrival. Enjoy a live band while you enjoy a breakfast selection, starter and hors d’oeuvres buffet, main courses from the show kitchen, pasta station, local and international cheese and a dessert selection.   Lunch at View between 12:00-16:00 at R1, 200.00 p.p for a 3 course meal with coffee, tea and mignardises (pastries). View will be closed for dinner so guests can enjoy Christmas dinner with the à la carte menu at Flames from 19:00-23:00.  

On Boxing Day, Monday 26th December, brunch at Flames is between 11:00-14:30 at R795 p.p with a glass of Steenberg Cap Classique, homemade ice-tea and non-alcoholic punch included. Dinner at Flames is between 19:00-23:00 à la carte menu. View will be closed for dinner.       

New Year’s Eve: Saturday 31 December 2016 will start with an a la carte lunch at Flames between 12:00-14:00.   Dinner is served at Flames, with a live band between, 19:00-23:00 at R1,900.00 p.p. The dinner buffet will be a selection of 5 à la carte items for main course, starter and hors d’oeuvres buffet, main courses from our show kitchen, local and international cheese and finished with a decadent dessert buffet.

Alternatively, guests can enjoy dinner at View with live entertainment between 19:00-23:00 at R2,250.00 p.p for our View New Year’s Eve Set menu dinner, with coffee, tea and mignardises. Guests may also choose to ring in the New Year in style by attending out Showcase Gala Dinner at the ‘Manor House’ from 19:30-23:00 at R1,800.00 p.p. The dinner menu consists of a starter buffet, main course, New Year’s cheese and dessert buffet showcasing local and imported cheeses with preserves, grapes and breads and an impressive gourmet selection created by our pastry chef with coffee, tea and mignardises. A comprehensive wine list will be available and a ‘Champagne Pyramid’. Various entertainment will start from 19:30-02:30. Guests may also book tables of 4 to 10 persons.

In house guests preferring a quiet evening may enjoy dinner with our in-room dining service from 19:00 -23:00 at R1,250.00 p.p.

For New Year’s Day, Sunday 1st January 2017, enjoy the New Year’s Brunch at Flames between 11:00-15:00 at R950.00 p.p with 1 glass of Cap Classique, homemade ice-tea or non-alcoholic punch included upon arrival. Breakfast selection, starter and hors d’oeuvres buffet, main course, local and international cheese and dessert buffet.

Dinners are available at either Flames from 19:00-23:00 with our à la carte menu or at View between 19:00-23:00 for an à la carte and 4 course New Year’s dinner at R780 p.p. Coffee, tea and mignardises are included.  

For reservations please visit: www.fourseasonsevents.co.za (Where bookings can be made)