Education is too expensive and does not prepare students for the workplace. These are the lamentations of both employers and students across Africa. Why are educational institutions not changing their curricula fast enough to provide relevant education that satisfies industry skills demands? What do students really pay for when getting an education?These are some of the questions that Edzai Conilias Zvobwo has been asking for years.

Out of disgruntlement from the rhetoric and low pace of change, Edzai, popularly known as “The MathsGenius” has decided to be the change he would like to see.Edzai is on a mission to facilitate the free delivery of relevant skills to anyone who wants to learn. “In the information age, knowledge is free, and students are merely paying for accreditation and associated prestige that comes with institutional names”, said Zvobwo who has created an online platform that offers free courses and educational insights on all subjects.According to information on the platform’s homepage, MathsGee is an online content recycling initiative.

The platform serves as a bank for educational content in the form of courses.

The content on MathsGee is free for everyone, everywhere and anytime. The courses are being developed in conjunction with organizations that are willing to share knowledge and contribute in solving the educational crisis across the continent.To bridge the expectation gap between students and employers, it is necessary to co-create learning paths that are focused on skills and not necessarily labelled as degrees or diplomas.

What industry needs are skills and not qualifications. MathsGee offers this opportunity to employers to communicate their expectations to the future workforce to avoid discord.In line with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, MathsGee is also tackling the exclusivity of education by providing all courses for free. If one has an internet connection, then they will be able to learn any skill anytime and anywhere.It is important that all stakeholders rethink about what education is relevant and how it should be delivered.

For more information on the initiative you can send an //mathsgee.com/joburg-social-entrepreneur-on-a-mission-to-democratize-education-delivery-in-africa/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">email  or simply use the “Contact Us” form on the platform.

Life Retreat Studio brings you our annual ISHTA Yoga Teachers Training Course, which is suited to anyone who wishes to learn more about yoga…… and especially as for those who wish to qualify as an internationally certified yoga teacher (check our link for Q&A's https://www.liferetreat.co.za/ttc/)

♥If you are doing the course from provinces/countries outside the Western Cape, please contact us to quote you on ACCOMMODATION FOR MODULES 1 & 2
♥For all Queries Call 087 1950629Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

COURSE INFORMATIONModules 1 and 2 are open to anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of yoga. All three modules are required if you were to register for the 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Certificate. Your course facilitator is Sevak Hari Singh (Ryan G. Edmonds), with several excellent guest trainers and speakers along the way.

♥ MODULE 1
A stand-alone module for those who either want to train and certify as a Yoga Teacher, or for those who wish to immerse themselves in yoga philosophy deeply.For ISHTA YTT Certification (to become a Yoga Teacher) you need to have done this module. Or it can be done as a stand-alone module for those with a desire to learn more about yoga, and its ancient wisdom.Module 1 Will Include:Friday 1 JUNE: Introduction & welcome + Opening RitualWeekend 1 (2-3 JUNE): Yoga Philosophy – history, origins, ancient texts, the eight limbsWeekend 2 (9-10 JUNE): Meditation & the Mind; Pranayama 101Weekend 3 (16-17 JUNE) Ayurveda & Yogic LifestyleVenue: Life Retreat Studio, Lourensford EstatePrice: **Early-bird rates at the bottom of description**R6 000 (for those applying to do full certification, modules 1-3)[R8 000 for a stand-alone module]

♥ MODULE 2:A stand-alone module for those who either want to train and certify as a yoga teacher or for those who wish to immerse in yoga philosophy deeply.For ISHTA YTT Certification (to become a yoga teacher) you need to have done this module – or it can be done as a stand-alone module, for those with a desire to learn more about yoga, and its ancient wisdom.Module 2 Will Include:JULY 6: Introduction & welcome + Opening ritualWeekend 1: (7-8 JULY) Energetic Anatomy as taught within the ISHTA system (including the chakras, mantras, sound, color); Pranayama 102Weekend 2: (14-15 JULY) Anatomy, Asana & AlignmentWeekend 3: (21-22 JULY) Physiology & Asana (physical & energetic)Venue: Life Retreat Studio, Lourensford EstatePrice: **Early-bird rates at the bottom of description**R6 000 (for those applying to do full certification, modules 1-3)[R8 000 for a stand-alone module]

♥ MODULE 3: YOGA TEACHER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION RETREATThe Retreat is only open to those wanting to certify as an Internationally Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200hr level - it is the "Crowning Jewel" of the accumulated trainingOn this seven days intensive away-retreat, you will immerse yourself in all facets of yoga, which teaches conscious living… on all levels. Our beautiful venue set in the heart of a valley is only 2 hours from Cape Town, surrounded by nature to best support your process.

You will experience a modified Ashram lifestyle (from pre-sunrise spiritual practices, to end the of the day "check-in," evening meditations, topical films, and games) so as better to understand & progress along the yogic path.This week includes theory, practice, and development of your unique teaching toolkit (in preparation for certifying practical assessments & theory exam upon returning home).

Module 3 Will Include:Teaching style, creating & holding space, hands-on adjustments, building confidence in yourself & your students, class structure & sequencing, ethics, setting yourself up as a professional Yoga Teacher.

7 - 14 SEPTEMBER (retreat)18 SEPTEMBER (optional "check-in" session)29-30 SEPTEMBER (assessments & exam)[time needed to take off from work will be five working days, and a weekend for the retreat]Venue: Away – to be confirmed upon registrationPrice: R12 000**EARLY BIRD SPECIALS**The entire YTTC is valued at R24,000 (including the away retreat).

If you book & pay by 30 April, you will receive a 10% (R2,400) discount!! To qualify, email us immediately, and we will give you your DISCOUNT CODE right awaySEATING IS LIMITED, and BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN:https://www.lifestyleshoponline.co.za/product-category/life-retreat-studio/yoga-teacher-training-2018/ Queries? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

By Michelle Moss*, Director at Signium Africa - www.signium.co.za

Politics was once a dirty word in business. You did not play politics to get ahead. It was just not done. Rubbish! Corporate politics have always been played.

The challenge is to play without deceit and duplicity while boosting the business. Of course, smart political players boost themselves as well.Currently, a corporate politics rethink is underway overseas. International literature confirms it.

A similar reassessment is underway in South Africa.Local indicators include executive search feedback to job candidates that their ‘political’ skills need attention and growing demand in the executive coaching arena for assistance with this aspect of personal development.Stalled careers are a key driver.Long hours and impressive gains should have resulted in career recognition but haven’t.

The individual then asks, ‘What more can I do?’The answer is ‘Learn to play the game’, and that game is corporate politics.

Many newcomers to the game are shamefaced about it.They confuse politics with ‘brown-nosing’ and manipulation.

They believe good people do not network for self-advantage.However, a good executive coach will point out that access, visibility and credibility are essential for personal and corporate success.Good ideas are useless unless they’re shared with decision-makers.

ccess to senior ranks is therefore essential. Once access is gained, the ambitious manager has to be seen as a credible performer making a visible difference.Credibility is rarely an issue. The go-getter usually has the qualifications and experience, has put in the time and achieved success.The challenge relates to access and visibility, but first mindsets must change.This is no problem for those who are aware their career has stalled and change is overdue.

Good coaches also point out that personal values are not compromised by networking and relationship-building. Behaviour might change, ethics remain intact.Behavioural change helps put a name to developments that were previously anonymous.Bosses are swamped by data. Often, they don’t have time to ask ‘who worked on this project?’ or ‘who led that team?

By changing behaviour and creating favourable awareness, players make it easier for superiors to remember a face and name.Once the mindset has been adjusted, it is necessary to identify decision-makers and influencers; external as well as internal. Impress some clients or suppliers and the word may go all the way to the top of your own organisation.Once identities have been established, relationships can be developed. Often, this is through participation in various initiatives or at certain social occasions.Take an interest. Get on to the invitation list.This can be difficult for introverts. They need to become more outgoing. Extroverts face a different challenge. They can come across as pushy and egotistical.One way forward is to tell a story that subtly conveys the contribution of the ambitious manager without bombast. There may be a humorous pay-off line, but the story-teller is positioned as a key actor.These techniques involve no play-acting. Superiors are not being deceived.

They are being alerted to interesting developments and the impact of new role-players.Advancement from this base can be impressive. Stalled careers may go into overdrive.Stellar success like this is not built on a lie. You have to be the real deal to make real progress. Play the political game to win recognition. But remember; real winners always deliver results.

*Michelle Moss is a Director at Signium Africa (previously Talent Africa), a leading South African-based executive search and talent management company servicing sub-Saharan Africa. www.signium.co.za

On 23rd May 2017 the inaugural TULA graduation ceremony for young leaders in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)/ Contact Centre sector will take place in Cape Town.

The ceremony will be attended by Cape Town Executive Mayor Patricia de Lille who will also award the graduation certificates to the students. 59 students from 4 companies have attended the TULA leadership course over the past 18 months. TULA Founder and CEO, Gareth Pritchard, explained the relevance of the new leadership programme: “TULA works with OnTrac , an Indian based training and consulting company. The programme aims to give students the tools to develop their leadership skills and improve their respective company’s operational efficiency. More than 60,000 students worldwide have participated in the programme. The programme is unique in that it is able to measure the impact of learning activities against each company’s individual business goals.” 

Executive Mayor Patricia de Lille commended the students who had taken part in the programme: “I would like to congratulate each and every student who successfully completed their course and graduated in the first graduation ceremony of the TULA leadership programme. The BPO / Contact Centre sector is contributing significantly to the development of our economy, with over 4,500 new jobs created in the last year alone. This growth will only continue if we ensure that our leaders are equipped with globally recognised skills.” 

Lufthansa InTouch was one of the participating companies. Their Site Operations Manager, Ian Ohlson commented: “Not only does this program unleash the individual’s leadership potential, it also works towards achieving your organisational goals by allowing employees to take control and influence the bottom-line through individual and group work.”  

Capfin Business Operations Manager, Jacques Loubser agreed: “We see such a positive shift in team and individual performance, purely because the learnings imparted during the leadership programme speak to the cornerstones that make up a successful contact centre and in turn our people are able to positively influence the customer value proposition.” 

Leading global customer experience and business process outsourcing company, Webhelp, who employs over four thousand people in South Africa, also participated in the programme. Chief operating officer for South Africa, Simon Garabette, commented: “The quality and expertise of our people are extremely important to Webhelp. Our people are our biggest asset and it is crucial for us to be able to offer our best people rewarding and meaningful careers. Engaging in training of this nature highlights our commitment to developing our people, which benefits them and our clients through the enhanced levels of customer experience we can deliver to their customers.” 

EXL Service is a global provider of decision analytics, operations management, outsourcing, business transformation and IT services. Their country head, Pratap Rao, welcomed the invitation to participate in the programme: “As we continue to grow our teams and to solidify our presence in the industry, the TULA program played a huge role in not just helping the participants understand the importance of building winning teams, but how to build them as well. I can see a program like TULA becoming integral to growth in this industry in any geography. 

TULA has also formed a partnership with the Zoe Incubation Centre in Delft to help establish a skills pipeline in Delft to enable access for township communities into the contact centre sector. 7 of Zoe’s students will also be present at the graduation ceremony. 

The graduation ceremony will be held on 23rd May at 14:00 in Cape Town’s entrepreneurial hub, Workshop17, at the V & A Waterfront where TULA has its offices.    

TULA provides consulting services and training in the area of Operations Management for the Contact Centre / BPO sector.  CEO and founder is Gareth Pritchard

email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; cell: 0837030822; website www.tulasa.co.za; Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethmpritchard Twitter @BPESACT   

Recently Hirsch’s Meadowdale branch hosted a fun and instructive workshop for Domestic Workers within the East Rand. 

Once a month Hirsch’s offers the unrecognized heroines in the community the opportunity to learn and grow, and this month,  Charm Naicker from Hirsch’s service department provided the ladies training on the best chemicals Hirsch’s have to offer when cleaning appliances and delicate objects, such as TV’S, wood and leather surfaces.  Ambassadors from different brands also provided training to the ladies on the use of the different appliances. 

After the training Hirsch’s Nonhlanhla Sibanda taught the ladies how to cook Melkkos.  The ladies were all eager to participate in the prep and got to enjoy the meal afterwards.At the end of the training session, each lady was presented with a Hirsch Domestic Training Certificate.

Domestic Worker of the Month was Elizabeth Sebothoma who was nominated by her employer – Erika Bester. Elizabeth received a R300.00 Hirsch’s Voucher. If you would like to sign up your Domestic Worker for Hirsch’s monthly trainings, contact Letitia Haywood at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.www.hirschs.co.za

The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) held its inaugural Recognition Awards Ceremony on 26 October 2016, to acknowledge excellence in the areas of skills development partnerships, innovation in training, work integrated learning, support for people living with disabilities as well as extraordinary work by new member companies.  

33 Companies walked away with awards that were given across 6 categories namely; Best Skills Development Partner, Recognition for Support of People with Disabilities, Best Partner for WIL, Best Innovation in Skills Development, CHIETA 2015/2016 Achiever Award and Special Award to new member companies from CHIETA ACEO.  

The companies received a trophy, a certificate of acknowledgment as well as a cheque for R 150 000.00 towards skills development in the 2017(terms and conditions apply).  

Member companies such as SASOL, CHEVRON South Africa and Unilever were amongst the veteran industry companies to snatch up awards during this prestigious event. The focus however was not on the age or history of organisations but rather the merits of each project.    

Rural based companies such as Elinem Construction CC were recognized for their unique offering to the unemployed youth of rural Kwa-Zulu-Natal.   “As a SETA accredited training provider and employer, we target unemployed youth from the rural community of KZN and take them through the institutional training and then into Elinem Construction for in-service training,” shared Warren Birchall, Training Manager of Elinem Construction CC.  He added that the Elinem learners therefore leave the program trained for industry and not for the minimum outcome as is specified by many training program.  

Mr Birchall reiterated that this program is largely made possible by CHIETA funding as 99% of their learners hail from impoverished backgrounds. This program was visited by the Auditor General of South Africa during the 2016 Audit period, and was found to be fully compliant, with a low dropout rate of 2%.   South Africa’s unemployment rate has gone up since 2013 where it peaked at 24.5%, 2016 shows a 2 % increase to 26.6%. It is crucial that employers and the unemployed find each other. Often the problem comes in the from of young people not accessing training due to financial constraints or receiving training that is not necessarily suited for the employers’ needs.  

Ayesha Itzkin, CHIETA CEO (Acting) stated: “The focus of CHIETA has, over the past year been on strengthening South Africa’s youth skills development system and ensuring that the right skills are developed for the needs of industry, the economy and the country, specifically enhancing workplace experience – based training and contributing to building strong partnerships with important role-players for a range of training interventions. This is also done for bursary students”   Henkel South Africa is one of the member companies that was recognized for their innovative approach to training and ability to deliver on CHIETA and industry focus areas. Through their Shaping Futures project, Henkel South Africa offers training and placement to young aspirant hairdressers. Mr Bongani Mabunda, Head of Education for Africa, Henkel South Africa celebrated the fact that of the 300 students trained though this program, 270 enjoy fulltime employment.   “We normally used to do this program once a year but due to demand and funding from CHIETA we are now able to do it twice a year. We are also expanding and were now taking the program to Cape Town for the first time,” said Mr Mabunda.                

Amidst the uncertainty of the future of our tertiary education system in the face of the fees issues, it is heartening to see parties collaborating to address the skills, funding and education challenges. Partnerships between TVET colleges such as Umfolozi, Gert Sibande and Falvius Mareka TVET Colleges, as well as universities such as Wits and Western Cape University, industry and SETA’s are essential in ensuring that learners are financially supported and trained for industry needs.   Michelle Rock from Unilever observed; “We have worked on a strategic project with CHIETA, Wits University and our Khanyisa manufacturing plant on a unique skills program to take engineering students out of formal study for a year to come and do a full year of work integrated learning and then, fund the remainder of their studies at university again”.   It is award ceremonies such as these that bring stakeholders together in order to collectively celebrate the dedication and hard work of all parties and serve as encouragement to stay the course.   The CHIETA Board Chairman, Ms Nolitha Fakude’s message focused on the importance of the event and said: “We are gathered here this evening to celebrate and honour the achievement and commitment of 33 CHIETA companies in skills development. We recognise your efforts and to all other stakeholders, not being recognised today, we also thank you for your participation and commitment, and in the same breath encourage you to do even more going forward. “

Mayor Patricia de Lille and Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee, Freestate of Thuringia, Germany inaugurated today themaxx-solar academy in cooperation with SARETEC

The maxx-solar academy was established in 2011 by the German Solar Energy Society DGS and the maxx I solar energy PTY Ltd. Since than more than 1500 engineers, architects, craftsmen andinterested citizens have been taking part in the maxx-academy courses in Africa. The South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) is the first national renewable energy technology centre in South Africa and has been established at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology(CPUT). maxx I solar academy and SARETEC unites the objective to pave the way for a sustainable use of solar power by education. After a first meeting end of 2015, both partners ratified their cooperation with an MOU signed in April 2016. Mayor Patricia de Lille and Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee, Freestate of Thuringia, Germany officially inaugurated the maxx I solar academy CapeTown in cooperation with SARETEC on 10 November 2016.

The maxx I solar academy, Africa´s Premier Training Institute on Solar Power acts as non-profit training center for solar energy. It was established in 2011 by the German Solar Energy Society DGS and the maxx solar energy PTY Ltd. South Africa. Since then more than 1500 engineers, architects, craftsmen and interested citizens have been taking part in the maxx-academy and DGS courses in Africa. Our fast grow is only possible due to great local partners. All maxx-solar academy courses are centrally managed and quality assured by the maxx-solar academy team. However the single academies are operated by local partners. Presently we have 5 academies in South Africa in Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Upington.

The maxx-solar academy in Cape Town was established 2012. Since then maxx was looking for a partner with similar objectives as maxx. With SARETEC we found a new home for our academy in Cape Town. The South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) is the first national renewable energy technology centre in South Africa and has been established at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) - Bellville campus, Cape Town, South Africa. SARETEC offers specialized industry-related and accredited training for the entire renewable energy (RE) industry along with tailored short courses and workshops. This new technology centre is the perfect location to offer the maxx-solar academy trainings. SARETEC’s workshops are equipped with mock roofs and different demo photovoltaic systems which allow the maxx I solar academy to offer the hands-on training which is needed to train the future installers in state of the art installation, operation and maintenance of embedded generation PV systems.

CPUT, SARETEC and maxx signed the MOU to operate the maxx-solar academy Cape Town in cooperation with SARETEC in 2016. First training courses were already offered in 2016, but Mayor Patricia de Lille and Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee, Freestate of Thuringia, Germany gave us the honour to officially inaugurate the maxx-solar academy in cooperation with SARETEC on the 10th of November. Patricia de Lille said the “training institutes like the maxx I solar academy are an important to help the City of Cape Town's green development”. The origin of the maxx I solar academy is in in the Freestate of Thuriniga in Germany. The first time that Minister Tiefensee saw the engagement of maxx I solar in South Africa was during his first mission to South Africa in 2015. He saw that even a small company as maxx I solar can play an important role in building up one market segment, such as maxx I solar plays with his training academy in the photovoltaic sector. Antje Klauss-Vorreiter, director of the maxx I solar academy, presented the development of the academy during the last 5 years. She said that “in 2011 we came as a Germans training provider to South Africa, today we are a South African training academy with mainly South African Trainers.” The training programme of the maxx I solar academy is dynamic. Every year the academy reworks the training programme to follow the fast market development. The trainings courses are accredited internationally by the German Solar Energy Society DGS and locally by SAIEE. Participants will be awarded with CPD points.

The first training in 2017 we offer in March. The so called SuperSolarSchool is a one week intensive course where the participants learn how to start or professionalise their solar power business in only one week. Trainers with practical experience train the design of embedded generation system and the proper installation. All our alumni become part of the maxx I solar alumni network. Maxx offers its alumni’s frequent network meetings, access to latest market development including new technologies and even consultants with their first projects.

Maxx I solar academy – More than only Training!

maxx I solar energy PTY Ltd.

The maxx | solar energy group with headquarters in Thuringia, Germany provides its customers with all services related to photovoltaics. Through maxx | solar energy PTY Ltd., the maxx group extended its presence to South Africa in 2011. The service range of maxx | solar energy PTY Ltd. includes training, wholesale and consulting. As the South African Premium Partner of the German PV system integrator IBC SOLAR, we stand for the highest quality standards in wholesale of photovoltaic technology. Our maxx-solar academy is Africa´s Premier Training Institute on Solar Power. It was established in 2011 by the German Solar Energy Society DGS and the maxx group. Since 2011, hundreds of engineers, architects and craftsmen have been taking part in our trainings and many of them now work as certified maxx I team installers.

Craig Featherby, Group CEO of Carrick, is pleased to announce the promotion of Samantha Taylor-Bowen to Group Director of Training and Development for the Carrick Group of companies, where she will sit on the Board of both the South African and International divisions.

[PHOTO] Sam is the first woman to be appointed to the Board, in an industry that is largely dominated by men.

Her role as Group Director of Training & Development will largely be focused on developing, implementing and monitoring training programmes within the organisation; mentoring new and existing Associates in skills development so that they can continue to excel in the industry, and assisting with development of strategic training for the Group. Her leadership in this area is viewed as being vital to the growth of the business and the professional development of the various teams.

Samantha joined Carrick at inception (8th October 2014), and assumed a management role in Cape Town, having spent seven successful years as a senior Financial Adviser and manager for a large international brokerage. In the two years that she has been with Carrick, her track record as a Senior Adviser has been without par, with the highest income production level in the company. While the Sales division will be minus their most lucrative team member as a result of this promotion, the Group will profit from her leadership and direction in the continued maturation of the various business units, and in the organisation’s expansion plans.

She sees her role on the board as an exemplar to others within the company: that it is possible to work your way to the most senior levels through tenacity, skill, knowledge, experience and self-development. Her promotion is evidence of Craig Featherby’s belief that hard work and personal accomplishment should be rewarded with promotion where deserved, and her appointment to the Board of Directors is the first from within the ranks at company level. Taylor-Bowen will report directly to the Group CEO from 1 January 2017.

After two successful sets of courses in KZN, the Investec International Rugby Academy will be returning to St Charles College in Pietermaritzburg these school holidays, adding position-specific courses, for both players and coaches, to the course line-up.

The 5-day course aims to provide high school players with the skills and expertise they need by matching them with former national and international players in their position and teach coaches to learn alongside these players.

The exciting line-up that attendees can look forward to working with are former Springbok flank Ian MacDonald and utility-back Brent Russell, former Springbok assistant coach Dick Muir, ex-Wallabies kicking coach Braam van Straaten, former Sharks coach Grant Bashford, Sharks forwards coach Ryan Strudwick, Sharks under-19 coach Paul Anthony, Super Rugby referee Archie Sehlako, as well as local coaches Greg Miller, Greig Wegerle and Ryno Combrink.

Behind the scenes training is also a feature of the academy and specialists such as Mark Steele (former Springbok conditioning coach) and Ruan Fourie (former Sharks and Lions physiotherapist) will be educating players on conditioning for the season and injury prevention.  

“The academy affords players the opportunity to meet, interact and learn from the greats of the game. It can only have a positive effect on one’s development,” says former Springbok, Brent Russell. World renown kicking coach, Braam van Straaten, who has been a coach at the academy for the past seven years, is passionate about his role at the academy. “In a week you see boys become men. We get players to function outside their comfort zone,” says van Straaten.

Players’ courses on offer in July are the Prestige Players’ Course (aged seven to 10 years), the Intermediate Players’ and Coaches Course (aged 11 to 14 years), the 5-Day Players’ and Coaches Course (aged 14 to 17 years).

Former Eastern Province player and GM of the Investec International Rugby Academy, Greg Miller, believes that in order to remain competitive on an international level, it is vital that more emphasis is placed on school level players.

“We want to set up structures that will allow players to develop over time and then reach their true potential only when the leave school, we don’t want to feed the funnel from the top. We need to plough resources and money into this every year,” says Miller.

The academy, while focused on developing SA’s talent base, is also passionate about the life skills that boys can gain from playing rugby. “We want to create young men who will become great leaders in their community and schools. With our intense programme and the way we challenge them, we get them to come out of their “shells” with confidence. Rugby is just the vehicle that gives us that opportunity,” says van Straaten.

The Investec International Rugby Academy’s players’ and coaches courses will take place from 9 to 13 July at St Charles College in Pietermaritzburg. Visit www.investecacademy.com  or contact Bernadine on 031 940 5565 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Current and former SA hockey greats will be making their way to Stellenbosch these school holidays to provide high-level performance training and mentorship to the Western Cape’s passionate hockey fraternity as part of the Investec Hockey Academy on Friday, 8 and Saturday, 9 July at Bloemhof Hoër Meisieskool.

Travelling to various provinces throughout the year, each time with a new set of coaches, the Investec Hockey Academy provides school-going players and hockey coaches with an opportunity to work on their skills and strategies, stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and learn what it takes to succeed while working closely with international players, coaches and experts involved in the game.

Those attending the July courses can look forward to meeting and learning from the greats of the game. The star-studded, passionate line-up of coaches participating in the Stellenbosch course are national players Wade Paton, Lloyd Norris-Jones and Shelley Russell; national player and Cape Town-local Quanita Bobbs; as well as national coaches Kurt Serfontein (SA women’s assistant coach) and Lindsey Wright (SA under-21 women’s coach).

Important behind the scenes training is also offered by the academy’s experts Ruan Fourie (former Lions and Sharks physiotherapist), Lauren Penny (former national hockey player and psychologist) and Grant van Gelden (vision training expert) who will be providing the young players with a better understanding of all the game’s elements.

National player and general manager of the academy, Shelley Russell, is the driving force behind making sure that the academy’s goals are achieved through her love for the game.

“We try to give young, aspiring hockey stars a glimpse, and start the process, of what is required to fine-tune their skills and abilities. The Investec Hockey Academy is a platform where these passionate hockey players can learn and improve their skills by being exposed to top-level coaching personnel. We hope to create an environment where young players can grow their games,” says Russell.

The academy offers courses for players at all levels; a Fundamental Players’ course (aged 8 to 11), an Intermediate Players’ course (aged 12 to 15), an Advanced Players’ course (aged 16 to 18) and a Coaches course (all levels).

National player and Strandfontein-local, Quanita Bobbs, acknowledges that it is not easy to find the right opportunities to get trained and noticed. She believes that when initiatives like the Investec Hockey Academy arrive, players and coaches should make the most of the experience.

“The academy offers the full hockey experience; it provides the opportunity for the academy-goers to expand their hockey ability but also gives them the necessary information to make them a complete player and coach,” says Bobbs.

The Investec Hockey Academy provides SA hockey players a chance to give back to the sport and pass on their expertise with the hopes of sustaining the future of the sport they love.

“I would love to see the natural-born talent, in abundance in this country, be directed in the correct way so that we can grow the sport nationally and, subsequently, improve our international standing,” said an enthusiastic Russell.

The academy believes in encouraging the youth to play sport and welcomes hockey player, on all levels, to enrol in their courses.

 “I feel that it is important to be out there, taking part in outdoor exercise, from a health and general well-being perspective.

There are so many life lessons to be learned from the discipline of sport, especially fitting into a team dynamic. If we can instil love for sport within the youth, that would be first prize,” says Russell.

“Sport is good for a child's overall development; not only keeping them healthy, but also teaching key life skills such as teamwork, self-discipline, goal setting and how to deal with disappointment or setbacks,” says Bobbs.

The Investec Hockey Academy’s next course will take place on 8 and 9 July at Bloemhof Hoër Meisieskool in Stellenbosch. For more information or to book contact Bernadine on 031 940 5565 or visit www.investechockeyacademy.com