Darren August takes us through a few of the experiences and relationships with his own teachers, growing up, which changed his life. He retells the stories of others too, and will surely awaken your school memories. As an experienced motivator, the book leaves not only teachers encouraged to inspire others, but everyone else will feel inspired to reach their potential and live their calling too. 

This book offers a few giggles as we see things from the perspective of a child, but is mostly introspective of the role we play in the way in which children perceive themselves. Teachers and parents will find it particularly motivating – with practical ways you could change young lives, for good. 

This book is a great resource. It’s a celebration of teachers, as instrumental parts of society – it will definitely have you thinking of the teachers that have impacted your life. Scheduled for release in October 2014 – this book is set to motivate every South African reader to once again restore the dignity of ‘The Noblest Profession”. 

About the Author 

Darren August is the Founder and CEO of Dazz Consulting – A dynamic training organisation committed to seeing people thrive and succeed.He is a Corporate Trainer, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach, Entrepreneur, Radio Host & former Lecturer.He is passionate about Life; People and Education and together with his wife – Arlene, they believe in maximizing every opportunity to impact the lives of others. 

To order, for interview requests and other queries, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To put PhD behind ones name brings status, standing and respect, but requires many hours of high-level research and especially the competency to do it. This might nevertheless be worthwhile, as the demand for professionals with a business-related PhD is increasing world-wide.  

According to University World News a 2014 global survey conducted by the Germany-based company DBA Compass indicates that there is a growing global trend towards professional doctorates in business management.  

A substantial 64% of professional doctorates in management had been launched in the past decade and a quarter of them in the past three years, with 58% of the new degrees in Europe and 35% in North America. Most universities saw the strongest increase in student demand from Asia and the Middle East (89%) and Africa (81%).  

This is against the background of South Africa’s National Planning Commission’s (NPC’s) target of producing 100 000 PhDs by 2030. According to Science and Technology Minister, Naledi Pandor, South Africa currently turns out just over 1 800 PhDs a year. In order to reach this target the country need to train 6 000 PhDs per annum.  

It is with this in mind that USB Executive Development (USB-ED), the public executive development and training company of the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB), has designed the Doctoral Research Training Programme (DRTP) to assist candidates to follow through with their PhD studies.  

A doctorate, being the highest academic qualification that can be awarded, puts enormous emphasis on producing new knowledge and therefor the crux of the matter is research and the ability to do it well.  

The programme will be presented in Cape Town from 8 to 12 September 2014. The DRTP is targeted at PhD students in all fields of study and from all higher education institutions  and business schools. It is ideal for prospective PhD candidates and those who have already started with a PhD.  

Head of open programmes at USB-ED, Willemien Law, says that at the end of the programme participants will have a clear understanding of the requirements for undertaking a doctoral study.  

“It equips participants with the ability to begin to write a comprehensive research proposal, have the capacity todevelop a suitable methodology for their research study and have an appreciation for the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of research.  

“Furthermore, the programme provides exposure to the issues and learning philosophy surrounding qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches. It also equips participants with the necessary knowledge to analyse both qualitative and quantitative data,” Law says.  

The book The Unwritten Rules of PhD Research, written by Marian Petre and Gordon Rugg and published Open University Press, states that: ”Entering students often think of a PhD as a 'magnum opus', a brilliant research project culminating in a great work. This is rather a demanding model and few students win Nobel Prizes as a result of their doctoral studies.  

“More realistically, a PhD is a demonstration of research competence. There are certain things that you are demonstrating through your dissertation:

• Mastery of your subject         
• Research insight        
• Respect for the discipline        
• Capacity for independent research        
• Ability to communicate results and relate them to the broader discourse  

“These reflect competence and professionalism, rather than greatness. Importantly­, they are as much about comprehending others' work as about doing one’s own.”  

According to Law this gives good insight into what the DRTP programme is about and what it offers participants.

More information on the programme can be found on USB-ED's website.

Furthering the journey to “Live the Legacy” of International Mandela Day on 18 July 2014, the Spur Foundation has extended its countrywide Spur Salutes You campaign. The Foundation organised an enthusiastic team of 260 individuals which included Spur Corporation staff members, franchisees and suppliers, who honoured commendable leaders in the communities it supports, by devoting time and effort to beneficiaries in five of our provinces.  

According to the Chairperson of the Spur Foundation and Chief Financial Officer of Spur Corporation Limited, Ronel van Dijk, “This was a heart-warming and enriching experience for all involved. It was an honour to assist these ladies and the institutions they devote their time to. The Spur Foundation really pulled together to let them know that we are here for you and you are not alone in your mission to ensure a great future for the children of South Africa”.  

Van Dijk added: “The Foundation would not have been able to benefit these little lives to the extent it has, had  it not been for the generous Spur franchisees and employees who have joined hands with the Foundation to contribute towards the identified needs of selected charities in the major provinces. These include basic needs such as bedding, mattresses, baby milk, curtains, slippers, cutlery and crockery, toys, furniture and food".  

Spur Foundation’s activities included:   

Western Cape 

Solomon’s Haven, Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town  

The Foundation held a collection drive at Spur Corporation’s Century City office for blankets, baby necessities and kids’ clothing, which were handed over to Solomon’s Haven. The children all received new bedding from the Foundation, along with wall decorations to create a stunning cosy environment for the 17 kids aged between 0 and 18. These children each received a Spur goodie bag with a deodorant, body cream, sweets, toys and toothpaste and were then treated to Panarottis’ delicious pizzas. They also spent some quality time with the Spur staff volunteers in a day filled with a taste for life!  

KwaZulu-Natal

Durban Children’s Home, Durban  

The boys’ bedrooms at the Durban Children’s Home were refurbished by the enthusiastic Spur staff volunteers. The walls were painted, brand new lockers were installed and new dark blue curtains transformed the rooms into a dream come true for all. Each boy received a pair of slippers, a deodorant, bath products and a Spur mug. The 75 kids aged between 0 and 18 were also treated to a fabulous Spur lunch and received rugby balls to keep them entertained for hours to come.  

Gauteng

ASHA Trust, Alexandra, Johannesburg  

Spur Foundation in Gauteng requested sponsorship from their franchisees in the province to fulfil the individual needs of ten day care centres in Alexandra, namely Happy Hours Day Care, Mante Day Care, Owethu Day Care, Pure Day Care, Sunshine Day Care, Phila Day Care, Enjabulweni Day Care, Arethabeng Day Care, Siyakhula Day Care and Dreamers Day Care.  The franchisees pulled together to raise a substantial amount of money to assist these day care centres. Toilet paper, soccer balls, toys, blankets, desks, pigeon holes, shelving and non-perishable foods were donated to the day care centres. The donation of flooring and mattresses made a huge difference to the children, most of whom slept on the floor. The volunteers laid the floor, astro-turfed certain areas and painted some of the buildings. Certain day care centres also received a modular play frame to ensure the children would have a place to play. Each child also received a goodie bag containing a Spur Secret Tribe Magazine, puzzles, sweet treats and other activities. The children were also treated to a delicious take-away lunch from either Spur, Panarottis, John Dory’s or Captain DoRegos.  

Free State

Botshelo Centre, Rocklands, Bloemfontein  

Staff from Captain DoRegos ensured a great day in Mzansi by handing out lucky packets, food and other necessities such as blankets and non-perishable food to the 40 children aged between 2 and 10.  

Eastern Cape

Inn Safe Hands, Port Elizabeth  

Spur Foundation, staff volunteers and generous franchisees arranged much needed burglar proofing and plumbing for this home. Children aged between 4 and 14 were also treated to a Spur lunch party and the volunteers spent some fun time with the children.   The Spur Foundation was founded on Mandela Day in 2012, with an initial R670 000 donation from the Spur Group. Spur’s value of generosity and focus on family will be carried through to the Foundation’s various initiatives throughout the year, aligned to its slogan Nourish, Nurture, Now!  

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  

NAME: Ronel van Dijk, Chairperson of the Spur Foundation and Chief Financial Officer of Spur Corporation Limited
TEL: 021-555 5100
E-MAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WEBSITE: http://www.spurfoundation.co.za
TWITTER: @SpurRestaurant #SpurSalutesYou
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/SpurSteakRanches    

{pp}This course is for anyone who has ever wanted to earn their living through writing or wants to simply improve their skills. This course will give you the tools to write newspaper and magazine articles, press releases and edit copy.

{pp}Marion Scher has been one of South Africa's top freelance journalists for the last 21 years, with years of experience in the field of media and the written word.

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