Sandton City is thrilled to host the Women for Change Run that will be taking place on the 30th of November 2019. Women for Change is a call to unify and drive awareness regarding violence against women and children in South Africa through the annual Women For Change 5 and 8km Run starting and finishing on the Sandton City rooftop.  

The Women For Change movement was founded by ‘Catch Me If You Can’, South Africa’s largest all-women running community. 

Amelia Beattie, Chief Executive of Liberty Two Degrees (L2D) which co-owns Sandton City has recently been named as an Ambassador of Women For Change. Beattie’s passion for running, together with her determination to make a difference for women, children and the environment alike makes her the perfect example of a woman who endorses change in her daily personal and business undertakings.  This is not only seen through her individual actions but is also reflected through the impactful changes she is making in the L2D portfolio.  

“We are honored to be the launching point for an initiative that strengthens gender-based violence prevention and raise awareness of violence against women and children, while actively engaging our communities in this effort. Part of the building blocks that position our portfolio for the future is community place making and it is truly inspiring to see a community of ladies come together at Sandton City in the name of change, for a cause this significant,” Beattie states. 

Catch Me If You Can has chosen their annual run to raise awareness during the 16 Days of Activism campaign which is held from 25 November until 10 December 2019.  

“We will come together. We will not be silent. We will stand for what we believe in.” Sabrina Walter, Founder of CMIYC   

Join the Women For Change 5/8km Run on Saturday, 30 November 2019 at Sandton City Rooftop and run with us united against Gender Based Violence.  Tickets available online: http://shop.cmiyc.co.za/product/women-for-change-jhb2019/or at Sportsman’s Warehouse Sandton City Mall from 1 September 2019. Join the movement #WomenForChange

As part of creating awareness around the 16 days of activism, which commences on 25th November (Orange Day), Edgars invites you to take part in the forthcoming 6km Edgars UNiTE Orange Run on the 2nd December at Mushroom Park Sandton. We are putting the active in activism and saying NO to violence against women and girls.

#BreaktheSilence, DO NOT look away and DON'T be a bystander. Here are five big and small ways that we can all use to put an end to Gender Based Violence:

1. LISTEN AND BELIEVE This issue is real and the way you respond to a survivor WILL make a difference. When a survivor of violence takes that brave step to speak out, the most important thing they need from you is to just sit and listen. Let them know that both they and what they went through are important. Listen to what they have to say, don’t analyse or plan a response, just allow them to be truly heard. Always reassure them that, ‘it’s not their fault”.

The reality is that the person who assaulted them is always to blame, it’s never the victim’s fault and there was nothing different they should have done to prevent it. And finally, one of the most important things you can do for survivors is to believe and tell them: “I believe you.” A lot of people don’t ever report their assault because they’re afraid that no one will believe them. If they decide to report it, they will have the experience repeatedly challenged by the police, in court and potentially the media. Survivors often face the de-legitimization of their assault throughout their life, so it’s important that you offer unconditional support.

2. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
It is incredibly difficult for some women and girls to talk about or report their experience of harassment, rape or other forms of gender-based violence. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of violence and abuse - bruises, scratches, cuts, and burns, as well as emotional signs such as anxiety, withdrawal, fear and sadness. Don’t walk on by if you witness assault or harassment on the street or anywhere: assess the situation, then intervene or defuse the situation. If you’re unsure what to do or the risk is too high, ask for help or contact your nearest police station.

3. SHOW SUPPORT
Sometimes we may feel like we know what the survivor needs to do in this situation or we want to run and find help. We must remember that it’s not about us and it is more useful to ask “Is there anything I can do to support you right now?” It is important to remember to go at the survivors pace and give them the space to do what they are comfortable doing in their own time. Offer to drive them and/or accompany them (with their permission) to any of the organisations that will provide them with help, to the police station, the hospital for a medical exam or to a counselor for therapy. If you suspect that a woman or girl close to you is being abused or has been sexually assaulted, gently ask if you can help connect them to support services. Help and support the organizations that support survivors of violence.

IT STARTS WITH YOU
You DO have the power to change things. And you start by leading by example. For men, question your own beliefs and behaviours and how they may disrespect or harm women. Sexist language and street harassment all contribute to a culture of violence. Talk to your friends, colleagues and relatives and encourage them to actively take a stand against the abuse of women and children. Talk about violence against women and children. Organize community discussions; speak to people at your workplace, your church, your community forums etc. Attend programs, take courses, watch films, and read articles and books about gender based violence and its root causes. If you’re a father, teach your sons to respect women. Teach your daughters that they are never to blame, empower them and give them the confidence and support to speak up.

5. GET INVOLVED Be part of any movement that seeks to end Gender Based Violence especially the Edgars UNiTE Orange Run on the 2nd December 2017 at Mushroom Park.

Venue: Mushroom Park, Sandton
Race Fee: R120 / Kids under 12 run for free (includes T-Shirt)
Start Time: 7am
Registration: www.orangerun.co.za or at your nearest Edgars store.

For More Information visit www.orangerun.co.za Learn more about the Edgars UNiTE Orange Day Campaign and follow the following social media pages:
Facebook: Edgars UNiTE Orange Day
Twitter: @EdgarsOrangeDay
Instagram: EdgarsUNiTEOrangeDay

STEP UP FOR HEALTH AT THE DURBAN WELLNESS FESTIVAL! 

Diabetes may be the second highest cause of death in South Africa after tuberculosis but people are still in denial. 

As most people only begin to look after their health when they have a scare and are forced to drastically stem their intake of fast food and begin exercising, the Durban Wellness Festival supported by SASA and Lilly has been created to show people that they can make positive, fun changes before it is too late. 

The strong message from Jenny Russell, branch manager for Diabetes SA Durban, a non-profit organisation that provides support and wellness education for both diabetics and communities at large, is that diabetes is both preventable and manageable. “Get tested at the Durban Wellness Festival so you can manage this silent killer or, better still, learn how to live a healthy life the fun way,” she suggests.  

The Durban Wellness Festival takes place on Saturday, November 11, 2017. It is a true celebration of all things healthy with live music and an expo that not only aims to raise awareness about the scourge of diabetes in South Africa but also to encourage people to look after the one thing that money cannot buy – their health. “Join us for either a 5km Run or Walk, a variety of entertaining activities, and a live performance by Durban singer and songwriter, Holly Wasserfall who also happens to be a type 1 diabetic.

This is a family affair, so everyone is welcome – even your pet dog. But on a leash, of course,” says Russell. Taking place at the Durban Amphitheatre at the Bay of Plenty, the Durban Wellness Festival will open for registration at 10am.

The Durban Wellness Festival officially kicks off at 2pm with the 5km walk and run starting at 4pm with the entire event finishing at 6pm with lucky draw spot prizes. 

Russell adds that despite the light mood of the day, Diabetes SA will not be pulling any punches when it comes to driving home the reality of the diabetes pandemic.  “Diabetes has become known as the Tsunami of the 21st century, killing more people worldwide than AIDS and cancer combined. Our main objective is to bring diabetes into the spotlight, in the hope that it gains the recognition it deserves, instead of remaining in the shadow of HIV, AIDS and Cancer.” To bring the message even closer to home, Russell states that the latest statistics received from a podiatrist doing her Master’s degree are absolutely shocking. “In 2014, 1,288,973 diabetic patients were registered in state health facilities alone in KwaZulu-Natal. 

An unacceptable total of 2323 diabetic lower limb amputations were carried out between 2013 and 2014 in KZN. This amounts to six per day!” she points out. When you have diabetes, your body is either unable to make enough insulin, or it is unable to correctly use the insulin it does make.

As a result, the glucose in your bloodstream cannot move into your cells to be used as energy and thus creates a build-up, resulting in high glucose levels.Damage caused by elevated blood glucose levels is irreversible. Diabetes has been linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, eye disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, lower limb amputations, sexual dysfunction as well as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.2016 Statistics from the International Diabetes Federation, the World Health Organisation and the Centre for Disease Control paint an extremely depressing picture.

Worldwide, 415 million people were diagnosed as diabetic as opposed to 35 million patients with HIV and 14 million with cancer. Every six seconds a person dies from diabetes-related causes. Every 10 seconds two people develop diabetes and every 30 seconds, a lower limb is amputated due to diabetes related complications.What is most startling, according to Russell is that statistics show that at least 50 percent of those with diabetes are unaware of their condition. “That means that those numbers are, in reality far higher. In some countries this figure may reach 80%. We have between 3 and 3.5 million diagnosed diabetics in South Africa. We also have an estimated 1.5 undiagnosed diabetics and approximately 1.5 to 2 million pre-diabetics in South Africa.” Children are also not immune. Worldwide, every year, 70000 children under the age of 15 develop Type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes in children is becoming a global public health issue with potentially serious outcomes.

Thirty percent of children born since the year 2000 are expected to become diabetic if lifestyle changes are not made.95 percent of all diabetics are type 2 with 90 percent of all complications experienced by type 2 diabetics. “What is so frustrating is that this is preventable if people eat healthy foods and exercise. Hence, it is important to get the message out there and to continually try to educate people to make good lifestyle choices for both themselves and their families,” she concludes.

Supporters of the 2017 Durban Wellness Festival are SASA who are committed to the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases in South Africa, as well as Lilly Diabetes, who have been a global leader in diabetes care since 1923 when they introduced the world‘s first commercial insulin. Ninety years later, they remain committed to meeting the needs of people with diabetes from medicines to support programs and more.A major emphasis of Lilly’s work is to understand that people with diabetes should first be seen as individuals. Many of their programs and solutions are designed based on feedback from people who live with the illness every day.

The 5km Walk or the 5km Run costs just R60 per person with all proceeds going towards Diabetes SA Durban.

Please note that this organisation is a self funding organisation and does not receive any form of government funding and all proceeds raised go back into the education of this dreaded disease within KZN.

The Wellness Expo is free to the public.

For further information about this event, please contact Pat Bonini on 082 499 5222 during office hours or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On 25th November 2015, Edcon, in partnership with UN Women, the Gauteng Departments of Social Development and Community Safety, and the South African Fashion Council, launched the Edgars UNiTE Orange Day Campaign to #BreaktheSilence and say NO to violence against women and girls.

This flagship initiative seeks to support survivors of gender-based violence by developing their skills in the world of fashion design and sewing through workshops and accredited training courses. This will result in tangible opportunities for job creation in the local manufacturing market, financial independence and enterprise development, and will ultimately allow the survivors to reclaim their dignity and lives, and become self-sufficient. Since the inception of the Edgars UNiTE Orange Day Campaign in 2015, Edcon has successfully launched the campaign in KwaZulu Natal and Western Cape, empowering over 100 women by providing them with the skills and knowledge in fashion design and product development.

“The Edgar’s UNiTE Campaign is more than just a programme. A programme has a start and finish date. This is a process.” explains Mr Bernie Brookes; CEO & Managing Director of Edcon. “The Orange Campaign features a multitude of events and functions that all raise the profile of the significant problem of abuse we have in our country.”As part of creating awareness around the 16 days of activism, which commences on 25th November, Edgars invites you to take part in the 6km Orange Run, which will take place at Mushroom Park, Sandton on Saturday, 2nd December 2017.

From the organisers of the Neon Run and the Spar Women’s Race, The Orange Run - Empowered by Edgars UNiTE promises to be an event to remember. Tickets are R120 per person, every participant will receive a goodie bag and the first 8000 entries will receive the official Edgars UNiTE Orange Run T-shirt. Orange Run - Empowered by Edgars UNiTE is a day out the whole family, kids between 10 - 12 run for free and there will be a dedicated play area for the little ones to enjoy. There are tons of things to do for everyone, so bring the whole family along to enjoy a fun-filled day.

Join us as we run for a purpose, raise awareness and #BreaktheSilence. Tickets are open and available at www.orangerun.co.za or in-store at your nearest Edgars.

Follow the Edgars UNiTE Orange Day Campaign on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/EdgarsUNiTE/
Join the Orange Run - Empowered by Edgars UNiTE Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/885270144957189/

Towards the end of Mo'vember – when the moustaches will be in full flourish – join us for a charity fun run/walk through the Stellenbosch vineyards at Remhoogte Wine Estate as we give one final hurrah to the impressive 'Taches of the month. In aid of Operation Smile SA and The Lunchbox Fund, Signature of Hope Trust will be launching the inaugural Cashes for 'Taches 5km fun run. Your 'Tache need not be real; all mouth brows, face-grown or otherwise, are welcome. After a quick morning jaunt (or stroll) through the beautiful countryside, you can enjoy your first half-pint of Wild Beast craft beer on us in your custom Cashes for 'Taches beer glass (which is yours to keep!).

The day of family fun starts with the off-road 5km fun run/walk and continues with lounging on the lawn with your celebratory beer in hand. There will also be food stalls, a cash bar and a jumping castle for the kids. Everyone under 16 years of age can participate for free. Spot prizes will be awarded for the best Bro-merangs of the day!We encourage you to make a day of it by bringing blankets and chairs to picnic on the lawn but, please note, no food or drink (other than water, energy drinks and snacks for the race) will be permitted. There will be food and drinks (soft drinks, coffee and alcoholic) available for purchase on the day.

A first aider/paramedic will be on site for the duration of the race. Please follow the instructions of the marshals along the route at all times. In an attempt to reduce litter, there will be no water stations or bins along the route, so please bring your own water bottle or camel pack and keep your trash secure until the end of the race where bins will be provided. Secure parking will be available on the day. Facilities will be open during the event. Please arrive early to avoid the rush. The race starts at 9 am sharp, but try to arrive from 8 am to secure your parking space at the front (and perhaps grab a coffee from our on-site vendor). Dogs are unfortunately not allowed.

Disclaimer: All participants entering and participating do so at their own risk. Signature of Hope Trust and Remhoogte Wine Estate shall not be liable for any claims /s or damage arising or suffered either directly or indirectly from personal injury or harm whatsoever, including death, or any damage whether direct or indirect to personal or other property whatsoever, and howsoever caused. Furthermore shall, by doing so, be deemed to indemnify the above mentioned parties and their employees against any liability for damages, howsoever caused.