7 August 2019 saw a team of 7 SovTechians departing for the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital. Greeted by room of 25 smiling face and the Reach for a Dream (RFAD) representative, Natalie, we spent our afternoon interacting with patients - aged eleven to eighteen - in the RFAD Dream Room. Situated on the ninth floor of the Paediatric Ward, this Dream Room offers a safe haven for the boys and girls diagnosed with various renal and endocrinal conditions. What can be a cold, clinical environment, has been transformed into a warm, colourful section of the hospital, filled with so much joy.After handing out their packed lunches, we played with Virtual Reality headsets; allowing them the experience traveling under water, going on safari and riding various roller-coasters and fast cars.

The accompanying developers show groups of children the basics of coding and how lines of code correlate to the visual elements of everyday digital interactions. We sat with those who weren’t as mobile and chatted about their hobbies, favourite subjects at school and what they wanted to do when they’re older.As a team who spends much of our days in the office, communicating to team members and clients across the country and world through digital and tech platforms, it was an incredible experience spending quality time with such happy and resilient individuals. Not once was there a complaint; but rather constant laughter, squeaks and squeals of delight and happy chattering filled the afternoon.

Having worked closely on the Reach for a Dream internal platform, it was an amazingly rewarding experience to see just how much their efforts contribute to making positive changes in the lives of children less fortunate.After some time, the children who attend the local hospital school where escorted back to their classrooms by their teachers, but not before they happily huddled together with us for one final group photo. Thank you Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital and Reach for a Dream for allowing us to come and spend such a wonderfully fun and learning-filled afternoon with your children

Contact details: Lloyd ChikambaTel: +27 10 865 0161 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SovTechTel: +27 10 865 0161 www.sov.tech

iCE Angel - ID™ is a comprehensive global medical alert and emergency identification platform that uses panic buttons installed on everyday smartphone and smartwatches, and scannable QR codes to instantly notify our loved ones. The reality is that emergencies and accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and anytime. And the problem is that when seconds count, our family’s contact details are often not readily available, and they usually don’t have access to our health insurance details and medical history. “iCE” stands for “in case of emergency”. Whether you suffer from a chronic illness or critical allergy; care for elderly parents or young children; are a frequent traveller or outdoor enthusiast; live in the city or a rural area… iCE Angel - ID™ offers peace of mind for you and your family.

The founder of iCE Angel - ID™, Richie Law is a South African who intrinsically understands his home country’s safety and emergency environment having lost his mother at the age of 17 to a motor vehicle accident, and then his father a few years later, murdered in a failed robbery attempt. As an avid outdoors sportsman, he too has been rushed to the emergency room on numerous occasions due to his life-threatening allergy to bee stings, and being hit by cars while cycling.

In 2015, Richie was invited and funded by one of China’s leading internet technology accelerators to develop his proposed medical alert platform. Since then, iCE Angel – ID Limited has been operating from Shanghai, leveraging a formidable combination of leading-edge technology and a massive Chinese population, to offer safety solutions primarily to the senior care, and outbound travel sectors.

Richie said that the timing of the sponsorship announcement on the 10th Nelson Mandela International Day is an ideal way to introduce iCE Angel - ID™ to South Africa. He also mentioned that the initiative was very personal to him, quoting his belief that “service to others is the highest form of purpose”. In this context, Richie had previously worked at the Nelson Mandela Institute for Education and Rural development, a non-profit founded by President Nelson Mandela to take forward his legacy work in education and rural development in South Africa; as well as Umsobomvu Youth Fund, a government agency that was setup to create a platform for job creation, and skills development for South Africa's youth. Since relocating to China, Richie became a founding member of a non-profit organisation to alleviate poverty through skills development, and has committed a significant portion of his resources to various causes, especially those that protect and uplift people at risk. He went on to say: “Every business decision I make, is made with social impact in mind. If I don’t see the possibility for greater good, I move onto something else. There’s never a shortage of opportunities to make a positive difference to others. Besides the feature-rich premium subscriptions (priced at USD15 per year per account) that we are donating via this sponsorship, there is a basic free tier that the public can sign up for that addresses their fundamental safety needs by alerting their families and sharing their location in an emergency.”

The sponsorship offer is open to both registered and non-registered public benefit or community organisations in South Africa, including emergency rescue services, medical care services, medical support groups, senior care services, child care services, homeless shelters, public schools, and sport clubs. Applications must be submitted via (Facebook) Messenger at https://www.messenger.com/t/iceangelid, stating in 500 words or less: who your organisation is, what your organisation does, how our platform could benefit your community, and the number of people you support in your community. Applications will close by 31 August 2019 and sponsorship will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis subject to qualifying criteria.

Further product information is available at https://www.iceangelid.com
Enquiries about this promotion can be sent to https://www.messenger.com/t/iceangelid
News and updates are available at https://www.facebook.com/iceangelid

RubiBlue, intelligent business solutions provider, donated food, clothes and essential items to Othandweni Community Development Services in Mooiplaas to uphold its commitment to the legacy of Mandela Day.

The day, held on Madiba’s birthday of 18 July, marks a significant moment in South African history and inspires people to make a difference. This year, RubiBlue focused on a NGO that’s committed to helping people with HIV, AIDS and Tuberculosis. “This year we asked all of our staff to dig deep and find ways in which they could contribute to Othandweni,” says Chris Ogden, CEO, RubiBlue.

“We collected food, toys, clothes, blankets and other essential items for the month leading up to the day and then arranged to have them delivered on Mandela Day.” The employees at RubiBlue managed to collect a huge variety of kid’s, men’s and ladies’ clothes, coffee, milk and sugar, plus they made more than 300 sandwiches for the people helped by Othandweni.

The toys and child-related items were also taken to the creche next door. Every item went towards making the lives of people in the Mooiplaas information settlement easier and more comfortable. Othandweni Community Development Services provides support and care for those who have serious illnesses such as HIV, AIDS and Tuberculosis. Its work is essential to the community and the donation made by RubiBlue made a much-needed difference this winter. “We couldn’t believe it,” says Saseni Mabaso, community lead at Othandweni Community Development Services.

“People were so grateful – one gentleman was on his way to beg for food when they arrived and he was now able to eat a meal without having to beg. The children were so happy, they are still laughing about the gifts they have been given.”

To find out more about RubiBlue and how it can work with your business to create intelligent technology and ignite revenue, visit www.rubiblue.com, call 27 (0) 861 48 48 99, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To engage with Saseni Mabaso on how you can support their community with much needed donations you can call her on 078 253 1990.

The 5th edition of Adverb’s Mandela Day Have a Ball Charity Soccer Tournament will take place on Mandela Day, Wednesday 18 July 2018 at Fives Futbol, in support of the children from TK Foundation. 

Sixty children from the foundation will be teamed up with members of the participating corporate teams in a 5-a-side round-robin soccer tournament. On this day of giving kids will walk away with takkies, soccer balls, beanies and bags purchased with the funds donated by the corporate sponsors and suppliers: 

Adverb, Ankerdata, BON Hotels, Diesel Digital, Fives Futbol, Grow Recruitment Services, Hobbs Sinclair, Innovation Projects, Little Lambs, Mike’s Sports, Orlichem, Pick n Pay Big Bay, Protea Hotel by Marriott Durbanville, Pyrad International, Rush Fueling Adventure, Studio Bolland, Sir Juice, The Gemini Solution and The Sat Rats.  Participants and spectators will enjoy a fun day of soccer, food, refreshments, laughter and happiness, and most especially a surprise visit from a local football team!

Here’s to ‘having a ball’ this Mandela Day!

What’s On Mandela Day Have a Ball Charity Soccer Tournament
Wednesday, 18 July 2018 14h00 – 18h00
Fives Futbol, Century City

In honor of International Mandela day, together with a specialized them, founder of Conservation Guardians, Greg Vogt (57) and Italian-born, Sara Agostini (28) have taken on the mammoth challenge of rescuing the Shongweni Resource Reserve which has deteriorated since the land claim in 2013.

The reserve situated in Outer West, Ethikweni is 1700 hectares of pristine biodiversity and is currently home to 12 Giraffe, 12 Buffalo and a number of other species.

Conservation Guardians founded in 2008, cooperates with local structures, Conservation Authorities and global tourism organizations to achieve biodiversity targets, improve the welfare of wildlife, and the integrity of tourism and aims to inspire a community of conscious travellers.

“Conservation Guardians is mandated with the task of restoring the Shongweni Resource Reserve back to its original splendour and we will not be able to achieve this without the right attitude, the right people and the necessary resources.” - says Greg.

Hoping to raise funds to maintain the reserve for the next 3 months, Greg and Sara have committed to paddle for 67 km’s on what would have been Nelson Mandela’s 100th Birthday and have set up a campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy to appeal to the public for support.

The campaign went live on 13 July 2018 and has thus far raised R8 398.54 towards their fundraising target of R350 000 with contributions from 20 donors.

The funds will be used to cover vital operational costs and combat various threats to the sustainability of the facility as well as protect the ecosystem from poaching, vandalism, copper and brass theft from the dam wall.

“The fences that keep these animals safe have never been maintained and today the beautiful herd of giraffes, and the other animals are at risk and are exposed to various threats. Since the previous managing company has been operating the reserve, it has deteriorated and it’s been really upsetting to the Zwelibonvu community” – says Greg

Sara, who joined Conservation Guardians in October 2017, has fallen in love with South Africa. As a student studying foreign languages and international relation she has visited SA a number of times and hopes to protect its beauty.

“This beautiful country offers one culture, ancient and modern architecture and diverse natural experiences, from the ocean to the mountains. This place has nourished my soul since I was a child and believe our BackaBuddy campaign can make a difference. if our Madiba has taught us anything, is that nothing is impossible”- says Sara

Donate to this campaign here:

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/shongweni67

About Backabuddy

A proudly South African crowdfunding platform where individuals have the opportunity to raise funds for causes they feel passionate about.

BackaBuddy has raised over R70 million for various charities, individuals and causes across South Africa.

Website: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BackabuddySA/

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Shipping containers to be used for Early Childhood Development Centre in Woodlane Village.

On Mandela Day, teams from different companies will join forces to paint eight shipping containers, which will become a much-needed crèche in the informal settlement, Woodlane Village – commonly referred to as Plastic View – in Moreleta Park, Pretoria.

Big Box Containers, a South African company that specialises in container sales, rentals and conversions, is partnering with SA Cares for Life, GROOTfm and other sponsors to help build this Early Development Centre for pre-schoolers.

The settlement began in 2007, when a group of people living in a nearby field came together to build on the land. Despite on-going legal battles over occupation of the land, the settlement continued to grow. By 2016, it included 3000 registered residents and 865 shacks – and today, it’s estimated that more than 7000 residents are living on the eight hectares of land.

The community includes hundreds of children below the ages of six. Due to poverty and lack of formal infrastructure, many of these children lack proper nutrition, healthcare, schooling and even access to basic sanitation.

Sanet Fagan, managing director of SA Cares for Life, says the activities on Mandela Day will mark the beginning of a school that will provide the children of Plastic View with education, food, safety, water and sanitation. Crime is a major concern for people living in the village and the surrounding communities, she says. “Studies have shown that children who don’t receive an education between three and four are more likely to be involved in criminal activity. By giving these children an education, we empower them to make better moral decisions.”

With ongoing discussion about possible relocation of the village, using containers to build the school makes sense. If a final decision to move the people of Woodlane Village is made, the school can be moved too, says GROOTfm project manager, Lindie Strydom.

Willie Mouton, a director of Big Box Containers, says the company got involved after he was approached by GROOTfm’s marketing manager, Luané Janse Van Rensburg. “I was driving in a Big Box branded bakkie and this woman came running after me. I was quite concerned as I thought she’d been injured, so I immediately stopped. It was then that she handed me a business card and told me they needed a sponsor for the containers.”

The eight containers, valued at R282 000, have already been converted by Big Box Containers. To be suitable for use as a school, however, they need to be insulated, which is expensive. Two other sponsors, SSG Consulting and ATTBuild, have donated R100 000 each to cover the costs.

Other companies have also joined the initiative, with sponsorship from Nancefield Auto Paints, Ecsponent Limited, VDT Attorneys and SPAR Northrand. Altogether, eight teams will meet on Mandela Day to colour in outlined drawings on the containers, kicking off an initiative in keeping with this year’s Mandela Day theme, #ActionAgainstPoverty.

However, this is only the first phase.

“We still need to equip the school with furniture, as well as items such as mattresses, cups, plates and educational material,” says Fagan. Sufficient funding to cover operational costs, including salaries for teachers, is also needed.

The project aims to create several jobs for women living in Plastic View. SA Cares for Life has prepared a shortlist of women it would like to train as educators and care-givers. “This way the project changes the destiny of not only the children, but the women who are employed at the school,” says Fagan.

The aim is to deliver the containers to Plastic View by August, with official set-up of the school in September or October. Training for the women workers is planned for November to December.

However, reaching these targets depends on whether all building and operational budget requirements are met, says Fagan.

Companies that want to help with donations can contact Fagan at SA Cares for Life.

###

ABOUT BIG BOX CONTAINERS
Big Box Containers is one of the biggest privately owned container rental, sales and conversion companies in Africa, with operations in the Western Cape and Gauteng. The company has two decades of experience in converting shipping containers into functional work, living and event spaces. It’s also an active supporter of community, charitable and sporting events across South Africa.

Media contact
Taryn Nightingale; Gnu World Media
021 448 9280
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

EDITOR’S NOTES:
For more information on:

• Big Box Containers, visit https://www.bigboxcontainers.co.za/about
• SA Cares for Life, visit https://www.sacares.website/
• GROOTfm, visit http://grootfm.co.za/
• the BOUPlasticCity project, visit http://grootfm.co.za/bou/
• and Mandela Day visit https://www.mandeladay.com/.

Mandela Day has been inspiring people across the world to take action and influence change for 67 minutes on 18 July each year.  Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better, and Mandela Day was yet another occasion for Hirsch’s Boksburg to take action and inspire change within the community.

Hirsch’s Boksburg gave back their 67 minutes of change by providing lamb stew to over 50 underprivileged people at an amazing organization in Brentwood Park Benoni- The Manger Care Centre.

The Manger Care Centre creates an environment that enables positive upliftment and empowerment through its various initiatives. They achieve these goals through various programs that provide feeding, clothing, skills development, employment opportunities, post-rehabilitation services and housing for beneficiaries. By providing this assistance, Manger Care Centre also gives hope by providing psychological, spiritual guidance and emotional upliftment, and strives to make destitute and vulnerable people feel that they are valuable and worthwhile members of society. 

“What an amazing day it was for us at Hirsch’s to be able to pay our 67 minutes forward by providing everyone at the Manger Care Centre with a healthy and nutritious meal.”  Knowing that such a small act is making a difference in so many people’s lives is very humbling and rewarding”. Said Hirsch’s PRO Letitia Haywood. 

For more information on how to get involved with The Manger Care Centre please call Viresh - (0)11 747 8700 or visit their website on www.mangercare.co.za

www.hirschs.co.za

Tuesday, 18 July 201712h00 – 16h00

Fives Futbol, Century City 

Corporates line up for the 4th Mandela Day Have a Ball Charity Soccer Tournament, hosted by Adverb 

It’s time to boot up again for the 4th edition of Adverb’s Mandela Day Have a Ball charity soccer tournament taking place at Fives Futbol, Century City on Mandela Day, Tuesday, 18 July 2017 from 12h00 in support of the children from My Dunoon. 

Forty children from the project will team up with members of the participating corporate teams in a 5-a-side round-robin soccer tournament.  This day of giving will be topped off with a handout of takkies, soccer balls, beanies and bags to each child - purchased with the funds donated by corporate sponsors and suppliers, who are: 

Adverb, Ankerdata, BON Hotels, Concept Lounge, Diesel Digital, Fives Futbol, Gemini Solutions, Hobbs Sinclair, Innovation Projects, IOL, OneFM, Orlichem, Pyrad International, Sir Juice. 

Participants and spectators can look forward to a fun day of football, food, refreshments, laughter and happiness, a live broadcast from OneFM, with a few surprises in store including celebrity appearances. All the players will receive a medal and there are great give-aways throughout the day for best save, biggest smile, team spirit, sportsmanship and ball skills.   

If you are interested in entering a corporate team, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - or just pop by and cheer from the sidelines.  

Order of the day is to HAVE A BALL! 

The World Health Organisation estimates that approximately 81 million people in Africa are affected by some form of disability. Fighting for disability rights is a huge task but some people are taking it upon themselves to make a positive change.  

In Honour of Mandela Day, held on 18 July 2016, the Zinto Marketing Group (Zinto) coordinated an event for the Sithandiwe Disabled Care Centre (SDCC) in Lombardy East, a community driven project, which mainly focuses on mentally and physically challenged individuals.  

Zinto highlighted the important role that South Africans have to play in ensuring the dignity of people with disabilities and encouraged the community to avoid exclusion and isolation of disabled persons within society.  

It aimed to create much-needed awareness of the positive contribution of the SDCC and showed gratitude to caretakers at the Centre for selflessly serving the lesser-abled community. The registered non-profit organisation uses arts initiatives to address and overcome the social issues that disabled people encounter in their lives and develop minds, revive the spirit of learning and sharing in the community, regardless of disability or challenge.  

Zinto’s team of performers convened at the Centre where a flash mob performed for the differently-abled individuals as well as the servicemen and women who work there, and served a lunch to show their appreciation and support. The live entertainment included brand mascot, ‘Ken the Dog’, a jumping castle for children from the community to play on and other exciting fun and games.  

CEO and founder of Zinto Michelle Combrinck said, “Differently-abled people are not looking for sympathy, what they want is a community that understands them. We recognise that people with physical and mental disabilities face many challenges beyond just economic inclusion and our hope is to build a groundswell of invaluable support and encourage communities to get involved to help care for those in need.”  

For more information about Zinto contact Michelle Combrinck 011 553 1000 or visit www.zinto.co.za  

To make a donation or to get involved with the SDCC, visit http://www.sithandiwe.org.za/

PIETERMARITZBURG, KWAZULU-NATAL, 14^TH JULY 2016 - Mandela Day is a global call to action that promotes the idea that each person has the power to transform the world, therefore on the 18^th of July 2016, the Cascades Lifestyle Centre in Pietermaritzburg is partnering with two leading conservation groups, the Dusi uMngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT) and GroundTruth, to host an educational workshop for 70 local students to receive interactive training on water conservation and river health. The Clean Rivers, Education and Training Day initiative will take place alongside the Townbush River next to the Cascades Lifestyle Centre from 8am to 12pm on Monday, 18 July 2016.

The 70 students taking part are all volunteers on DUCT’s River Care programme, which is a non-profit initiative focused on cleaning the Msunduzi and Umgeni Rivers. These volunteers regularly meet up to help clear invasive plants and waste from the banks of Pietermaritzburg’s rivers. The Cascades Lifestyle Centre will be sponsoring the infrastructure for the event, including trestle tables, gazebos and chairs, as well as refreshments for the students and training bodies. Coffeeberry Café, which is located at the Cascades Lifestyle Centre, will be sponsoring 100 cups of coffee for the workshop attendees, while Cascades Woolworths will be sponsoring lunch for the attendees. Throughout the morning, the students will be shown a range of tools that they can use to monitor the rivers they are working on, while also learning about the building blocks of a healthy river. The environmental and Government agencies conducting the training sessions include GroundTruth, DUCT, uMgungundlovu Municipality, WESSA, the WWF Nedbank Green Trust, Mondi and the Department of Water & Sanitation.

Ntswaki Ditlhale, Aquatic Ecologist at GroundTruth, says “With South Africa experiencing its worst drought in 30 years, maintaining and restoring river health has never been as important as now. GroundTruth and DUCT are passionate about helping people realise the relationship between human life and clean river systems. This is achieved by creating awareness and educating communities about aquatic ecosystems with the aid of citizen science tools. Special events, such as this, provide opportunities for communities to learn about the importance of river water and use their gained knowledge to bring about change.” Michelle Chinnu, Cascades Property Manager, says “Although this is not a public event, the public are very welcome to come over and interact with the organisations at the event. It will be very interesting”

Compiled by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Cascades Lifestyle Centre For all press enquiries – email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.