Too much boozing can lead to holiday heart syndrome #KeDezemberBoss

If you're planning on partying it up this holiday season with champers, wine and beer on tap, beware of a serious complication, known as "holiday heart syndrome" (HHS), which can cause palpitations and irregular heart arrhythmias.

 

Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics – SA's leading supplier of heart medication – describes HHS as a condition which typically occurs during the holidays when people who don't suffer from heart disease experience irregular heart rhythms following heavy alcohol consumption.

 

"The effect of alcohol on the heart generally depends on your age, health, the volume and the pattern of your drinking. Excessive alcohol consumption over time can increase your risk of stroke, weaken the heart muscle and render it less efficient at pumping blood to vital organs. Blood pressure also increases with each standard alcoholic drink, which contains roughly 10 – 16g of alcohol depending on the liquor of your choice.

 

"Holiday Heart Syndrome is typically associated with the consumption of an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time and can cause acute cardiovascular effects such as heartbeat irregularities, shortness of breath and chest pain. The effects are reversible if you stop drinking or greatly reduce the amount you consume, but can be alarming when you first experience it," she says.

 

An association between the ingestion of acute alcohol and onset of cardiac arrhythmias has been well documented over the past few decades and was first reported in the 70s when Dr Philip Ettinger noticed an increase in cardiac rhythm disturbances in patients following heavy drinking over the holidays.

 

Most of the irregular heart rhythms associated with HHS are atrial in nature. Atrial fibrillation or AF (when you experience heart palpitations, fatigue and shortness of breath) is the most common, but atrial flutter (a fast heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute) and ventricular ectopy (when your heart skips a beat) are also common.

 

Jennings says the mechanism of HHS isn't fully understood, but alcohol affects the conduction paths of the heart, which explains the onset of atrial fibrillation.

 

"When the heart develops a rhythm like atrial fibrillation, the atria stops contracting in unison, which decreases the amount of blood moving through the heart. This causes a drop in blood pressure that can result in dizziness and in response, the body increases its heart rate.

 

"Abstaining from alcohol for a while is usually the recommended treatment for HHS, but it's best to see a doctor who will check for a dangerous drop in blood pressure or signs of acute heart failure. It's better to always err on the side of caution, when it relates to the health of your heart," she advises.

 

So, what constitutes sensible drinking? According to the National Department of Health (NDoH), women should limit their alcohol intake to two drinks a day and men should preferably call it quits after the third glass.

 

It's equally important to keep tabs on the amount of alcohol you consume, which can vary from drink to drink. According to the Association for Responsible Alcohol Use (ARA), the quantities of alcohol in popular liquors are as follows:

 

340ml malt beer (at a typical 5% alcohol by volume) contains 12g of alcohol340ml cider (at a typical 6% alcohol by volume) contains 16g of alcohol25ml tot of brandy, whisky, gin, cane or vodka (at a typical 43% alcohol by volume) contains 11g of alcohol120ml glass of wine (at a typical 12% alcohol by volume) contains 11g of alcohol). Based on a Swedish study, red wine and spirits tend to produce more episodes of arrhythmia than white wine.

 

To help your heart survive the festive season cheer, Jennings suggests the following:

 

"Limit your alcohol intake, especially if you have congenital heart disease or have an increased risk of heart disease as a result of obesity, smoking, high cholesterol or hypertension. Don't overeat during the holidays either and try to reduce your salt intake. Too much salt could cause water retention and an increase in blood pressure, putting you at greater risk of a heart attack.

 

"Lay low on coffee, energy drinks and fizzy drinks as they all contain caffeine which can act as a heart stimulant and cause AF. Avoid stress by exercising, meditating and getting enough sleep. Too much stress elevates cortisol levels in the body, which can increase your heart rate and blood pressure in the same way that caffeine does.

 

"Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. A sudden change in eating patterns and physical exertion (common during the summer holidays) can result in dehydration. When at a party be sure to eat something before taking alcohol and remember to drink enough water in between drinks since alcohol strips water from the body," she recommends.

 

For delicious heart-healthy festive season eats and treats, try any of the more than 100 recipes fromwww.cookingfromtheheart.co.za. They've each been given the Heart and Stroke Foundation of SA's stamp of approval and most are diabetic-friendly too.

Customer makes himself a meal as worker doses off at popular #restaurant

After finding the only employee at the South Carolina Waffle House asleep, one customer decided to help himself to assauge his early morning cravings. 

Alex Bowen let the entire Facebook world know that at 02:00 he had a really bad craving for a meal at the popular restaurant. 

To his surprise, Waffle House was empty and the only employee on shift was asleep. 

According to Bowen, he waited 10 minutes before he started making his own meal. He claims that he not only helped himself but he also had time to "scrape the grill" when he was done. 

Speaking to WIS-TV, Bowen said he made himself the best double Texas bacon cheesesteak melt with extra pickles.

"When I was done I cleaned the grill, collected my ill-gotten sandwich and rolled on out," he said. 

Bowen returned to the restaurant the next day and paid for his meal.

Waffle House responded to Bowen's actions and said they were impressed with his skills.But the restaurant chain said that they do not agree with the fact that he went behind the counter as customers aren't allowed there due to safety reasons. 

Waffle House also confirmed that the sleeping employee was suspended for a week. 

A proudly #Mzansi shoe 'spa' #CleanGripShoeLaundry

Clean Grip Shoe Laundry, founded by Luyanda Mehlomakhulu and Lebogang Mohlala, is a shoe-cleaning business that's changed the way your sneakers and shoes should be taken care of. This start-up business has created what is essentially a "spa" for your beloved shoe collection.

"It's not just about washing sneakers or washing footwear, it's a lifestyle and an art and not just anyone can do it," says Mohlala.

She says that the idea to start the business came from her own frustration with never knowing how to keep her sneakers clean. She'd chuck them into the washing machine or wash them with detergent and, although her shoes were clean, the colour and quality were often compromised.

"I approached Luyanda, who I knew knew a lot about sneakers, shoes and shoe fabrics. For a few years, Luyanda and I went around the country learning everything we needed to know about shoes, how to effectively clean them, how to get the colour back and how to cure creases. We eventually created a detergent formula.

A big part of the research was finding out how people in the kasi (township) were able to keep their shoes so immaculate, no matter how old they were. The pair learned the different techniques and also taught the shoe owners some of their own tricks. They then recruited some of the them who now work as sneaker technicians in the business.

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> > Some investors tried to take advantage of us, probably because they assumed we weren't that educated and wouldn't know what certain things meant.

After this they gathered the sneakers of their friends and family for a trial and error process, which Mohlala adds ruined quite a number of shoes and compromised a few relationships, but it eventually helped them to perfect their craft. Their services now include pick-up and delivery, shoe form correction, deodorising, colour restoration and even custom design elements such as changing your shoes' colour.

Overcoming challenges 

In April 2015 the two launched their business – a journey they say hasn't always been easy. One of the challenges they faced was gaining trust from their clientele.

"Being black and having a pick-up and delivery service proved to be very difficult in the beginning. People simply didn't trust that we would bring their shoes back. We've had customers who've asked if we could rather come wash shoes at their homes instead," says Mohlala. "We saw this as another element we could actually add to our business."

Another big challenge was financing their business. In the beginning the duo had an investor, but that fell through because they felt that they were being taken advantage of, which Mohlala attributes to both their age and their race.

"The deal fell through because we weren't seeing eye to eye. Because we are young and black, some investors tried to take advantage of us, probably because they assumed we weren't that educated and wouldn't know what certain things meant," says Mohlala.

Outside of the business, Mehlomakhulu is involved in property while Mohlala is a writer. They had to use the funds they accumulated from their respective jobs to essentially fund the business. Mohlala also notes that her father played a huge role in keeping the business afloat.

Stimulating growth

Having started with just the two of them washing and caring for the shoes, Clean Grip Shoe Laundry now employs five people – two delivery guys and three shoe technicians. In just under nine months, they've secured a partnership with Nike South Africa and have their sights set on even bigger things.

"We're definitely looking at franchising in the future," says Mohlala. "We've already received a couple of offers from the different provinces, but we're not ready yet. We believe that we need to grow further before we can sell our idea."

The pair says that they're also looking to patent and sell their formulation in retail outlets across South Africa and, eventually, throughout the world.

At least now you no longer have to painfully let go of that favourite sneaker that has seen you through the toughest of times. These young and brilliant business minds have proved that through belief in yourself and perseverance, great things can truly come to life.

MOHLALA'S TOP TIPS TO CARING FOR YOUR SNEAKERS:

Never immerse your shoes in water. "This expands or shrinks your shoe and changes the fit."Never leave your shoes in the sun. "This also expands the shoe, changes the colour and can unthread some of the stitches of the shoe because of the heat."Wipe away stains as quickly as you can. "Use baby wipes or a wet cloth to remove the stain and do this as soon as possible, otherwise it might stain your shoe forever, even if you bring it us.

©Destiny Mag

Four money mistakes that keep you in #debt #KeDezemberBoss

THE FOUR CARDINAL MONEY SINS

Not paying January's bills first

The December salary is usually paid early (around the 15th of the month), which means there are 40 days to the next pay-cheque! Most of our salaries are spent by the time the January bills and debit orders arrive and any New Year's resolution to settle your credit cards and overdraft will be broken.

So pay your January bills immediately, before you start spending – and welcome a 2018 that kicks off debt-free.

Paying the minimum balance

If you have a R10 000 credit card balance and only pay the minimum amount each month, it will take you nearly 20 years to pay off! That's because the minimum amount is only marginally higher than the interest charged. The only credit card bill you can afford is the one you can settle in full each month.

Buy now, pay later

Using a store card may be a tempting way to buy gifts for the family or treat yourself, but is it worth purchasing something that will take the whole of 2018 to pay off?

Forget the imported toys and designer shoes: instead, buy yourself a cappuccino and a bag of  delicious grapes for the family, and go home feeling virtuous (and solvent!).

Impulse spending

Credit cards and store cards make it very easy to buy stuff we don't really need. If you lack the self-discipline to use your credit card responsibly, rather don't have one. If you already possess one, cut it up or freeze it in water, so you have to wait for it to thaw before you use it – which gives you time to reconsider whether you truly require whatever you were considering buying.

Nomzamo Mbatha's ethnic elegance #DoItLuQuLuQu #OneTribe

(Copied from Nomzamo's Instagram)

"As you know, a couple of weeks ago, along with a school of people I highly respect, I was in Malawi at the Dzaleka Refugee Camp. One of the most life changing experiences of my life. 

Last night we launched the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Agency DoItLuQuLuQu campaign. Honoured to have been selected as one of the ambassadors and High Level Influencers on the continent. Raising awareness about the plight of refugees and how we can all be a part of the change and revolution in transforming AFRICA to become #OneTribe @unhcrpartnershipsafrica @unhcrkenya @luquluqutribe"

Hidetoshi Kaneko appointed as new #Panasonic South Africa MD

Hidetoshi "Hide" Kaneko has recently been appointed as the Managing Director of Panasonic South Africa. As the former Vice President for Panasonic Corporation of North America, located in New Jersey, USA, this appointment draws on his considerable experience in logistics, manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, sales, marketing, after service and retail. It is this breadth and diversity of experience which has given Kaneko the uniquely holistic perspective which distinguishes his ability to grasp issues, develop strategies, and effect end-to-end solutions applied to the South African context.

Kaneko's three month tenure thus far has been nothing short of a shake-up. Kaneko has restructured Panasonic's internal departments to maximise efficiency, implemented a membership programme and revised Panasonic's marketing strategy. Most prominently, his tenure has seen the implementation of Panasonic's Finance initiative in order to make Panasonic's innovative products available to everyone. According to Kaneko, "We believe that all South Africans should have the opportunity to better their lives through Panasonic technology, and our newly-launched Finance Initiative makes this possible. Now everyone can gain access to innovative products for the betterment of their daily lives." 

Recently, Panasonic has claimed a spot in the top 10 Best Regarded Companies globally, according to the Forbes Global 2000 List of 2017. These companies were revaluated on numerous factors, including trustworthiness / honesty, social conduct, the company's perception as an employer and the performance of the company's product or service. Kaneko believes that this accolade is a reflection of the company's global ethos to create a better life and a better world for all members of society. "As a company, we have always been committed to the evolution of society and to the happiness of people around the globe. We have a responsibility to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of people across and throughout the world; we are very proud that these endeavours are recognised." 

2018 rings in 100 years of technological innovation for the organisation, and it is Kaneko's commitment to advancement and quest for zero defect that keeps Panasonic creating high-quality products that consumers love. Kaneko's vision for the next year is to continue to uphold Panasonic's core principles - contribution to society, fairness and honesty, co-operation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability and gratitude - in his endeavour to make Panasonic products easily accessible to the everyday South African consumer.

#MTN slashes data! #DataMustFall

Mobile network provider MTN will slash data rates down to 29 cents per megabyte on its lowest tariff.  

MTN SA CEO Godfrey Motsa said on Thursday that the network would be cutting data costs to 29c for its "Accidental users" who typically use less than 5MB per month, and those who use more can now expect to pay 60c out-of-bundle. 

"We have been investing heavily in our network infrastructure, because customers are the basis of our network," Motsa said. 

During the same announcement Jacqui O'Sullivan, head of corporate affairs executive at MTN SA, said that, from Friday, customers would be able to purchase 1GB data bundles through the network's cellphone app for R50 which will be valid for a week.  

Motsa added that MTN wants to drop data rates even further, but can only do this with more spectrum allocation. 

"We would like to see out-of-bundle data drop even further for our customers and every time we have the opportunity to engage with government we ask for more spectrum to be released, because we understand the positive impact that more spectrum allocation has on the SA GDP," Motsa said.

©Fin24

Zodwa WaBantu: Its all about having fun with young #bae

South African entertainer Zodwa Wabantu recently revealed that despite being in a relationship, it's not serious as her new bae is fun but not "husband material". 

In an interview with TshisaLIVE, Zodwa admitted that she's having fun with her new man and also confirmed that he is younger than her. 

She told the publication that they met before she was famous, but then lost contact. 

"He messaged me and we started hanging out again, but he is not with me for my fame."

When asked if marriage would be in the near future, Zodwa said that she's just having fun.

"He is fun but he is not husband material. We are just hanging out. He comes to my shows, we eat, we drink and we do a whole lot of other things together. It is just someone to talk to," she said. 

Worlds first #vending machine that will dispense food to the homeless launched

London - The world's first vending machine for the homeless will start giving out free food and clothes as charities in Britain gear up for a cold winter amid record levels of homelessness.

A new charity, Action Hunger, plans to stock the machine in Nottingham with excess produce donated by supermarkets, such as fresh fruit and sandwiches, as well as essentials it has bought, like socks, toothpaste and sanitary towels.

"Action Hunger's machines provide access for the most vulnerable in our society to satiate the most basic of needs - that of sustenance," the charity said on its website.

"They permit access to food and clothing free of charge at any hour - without requiring anyone to be left without aid outside the operating hours of the various charities and shelters that are available."

Homelessness is rising in England, with at least 4,100 people sleeping rough on any given night in 2016, according to the homeless charity Crisis.

Action Hunger lists the supermarkets Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury's among its donors, while volunteers will stock the machines each day.

Users, who will access the machines with special key cards, can take three items per day. Action Hunger says this is to guard against dependency.

Rough sleepers will be given priority, it told the Thomson Reuters Foundation via email.

The cards will be issued by partner organisations, such as The Friary in central England's Nottingham, which also offers homeless people lunch, counselling, showers and medical care.

Action Hunger said it plans to install a second machine in Manchester soon, and another in New York in February.

© Thomson Reuters Foundation

Article 5

Salah pulls the strings for Liverpool again

By Ole Media

Match Summary

Jurgen Klopp's side were on the front foot early on when Sadio Mane opened the scoring in the 17th minute, but it was left to Salah to finish the Potters off as he bagged a second-half brace to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to five matches.

Full Report

The Reds broke the deadlock with their first chance on 17 minutes as Dominic Solanke managed to keep the ball in play from Joe Gomez's cross and he set up Mane to slot home from six yards out.

Solanke then had an opportunity to score himself after being found in space inside the area, but he forced a good save out of Lee Grant.

A huge decision from the referee just before half-time could have changed the complex of the game as Simon Mignolet raced off his line to bring down Mame Biram Diouf just outside the box. But the keeper was only booked instead of being sent off, despite denying the hosts a clear goalscoring chance.

The woodwork would come to the Potters rescue soon afterwards when Mane beat the offside trap but not the post, while former Red Joe Allen squandered two opportunities to level the scores after the restart.

Klopp turned to Salah with 23 minutes left on the clock, and the Egyptian star didn't disappoint as he netted with a sweet volley at the far post from Mane's cross on the right in the 77th minute.

Salah showed his determination and pace six minutes later as he pounced on a weak back-pass from Erik Pieters to stroke the ball into the back of the net from inside the box to seal all three points.

Ends..

Sindi Dlathu is back! #TheRiver

Just weeks after leaving thousands of fans devastated by her decision to leave Muvhango, Sindi Dlathu is back on the scene.

According to a Sunday World report, Dlathu has landed the lead role in a new series called The River. 

Details at this stage are a little thin as the production team works to finalise details, but it is understood that filming for the show is already underway.

"Look, we are still tying up loose ends, but we should be able to give details early next month after all parties have been informed about the publicity date," scriptwriter Phathu Makwarela was quoted saying in the report.

Dlathu previously said that leavingMuvhango and the character, Thandaza Mokoena, she had played for two decades was one of the hardest things she's had to do, but a necessary move if she wanted to grow in her career.

"Muvhango has been more than a job to me, it has been my life for 20 years and I've loved and cherished every single moment of playing Thandaza. After 20 years I've decided to give the Thandaza character a break in order for me to grow as an artist, venture out to explore new opportunities and discover what I can do as an actress and as a human being," she said.

President Jacob #Zuma congratulates #MissUniverse Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

President Jacob Zuma has congratulated Miss South Africa 2017 Demi-leigh Nel-Peters on being crowned Miss Universe. 

Zuma released a statement on Monday, saying that Nel-Peters has made the nation  "immensely proud". 

"Our nation is immensely proud of Ms Leigh for this tremendous achievement.  She has hoisted the South African flag higher and continues to inspire many young women who look up to her, to reach even higher for their dreams.  We congratulate her most heartily and wish her all the best during her reign which is South Africa's reign."

Nel-Peters is the first Miss SA to bring the Miss Universe title back home since 1978 when Margaret Gardiner won the title.

#Taxpayers get billions in refunds from #SARS

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) on Sunday released the numbers related to refunds citizens received from the body for the 2016/2017 tax year, and it went into billions.
 
According to the SARS statement, 2.22 million non-provisional taxpayers received R18.5-billion in refunds for this tax season.
 
This was a 26 percent increase from last year, SARS said. The refunds were connected to tax returns filed for the current season and filed between July 1 and November 24.
 
"In total, R19.8-billion in refunds have been paid to individuals for this financial year to date, inclusive of prior year returns, directly contributing to household incomes and the domestic economy; 93.63 percent of returns [were] processed within 24 hours," the statement explained.
 
The revenue service added that it also saw in improvement in spotting and preventing fraudulent claims from being paid out.

"Significantly, during tax season 2017, Sars prevented R2.7-billion in fraudulent claims in the personal income tax environment, saving the fiscus potential revenue loss. This was a R900-million (50 percent) improvement from last year when R1-8 billion in fraudulent claims was prevented during the same period (tax season)," the statement added.
 
The tax season closed on Friday, November 24, and SARS said that by that time, it had received 5.67 million returns, which included returns filed for previous years.
 
The rate of individual expected returns submitted on time for this tax season exceeded last year's number, 94 percent for this year compared with 91 percent last year.
 
The expected number of returns was arrived at by using last year's submission numbers and information from employers gleaned from IRP5 forms.
 
The e-Filing deadline for provisional taxpayers to submit their returns is January 31.

SARS explained that the number of payments made into fraudulent accounts was significantly reduced as a result of the increased security and user authentication, including the introduction of e-DNA and improved security of personal information.

Baby girl on the cards for #RhythmCity star Samkelo Ndlovu AKA Lerato

Rhythm City actress Samkelo Ndlovu on Monday morning revealed that she is expecting her first child.

Samkelo shared a nude snap of herself with just tribal paintings covering her skin, on Instagram. 

"In my culture, it is inappropriate to give news of a pregnancy too early, also for one to ask "how far along are you?", " the actress first explained before revealing the good news.

Samkelo did let her fans know that she would be welcoming a baby girl.

"Thank you for choosing me. We prayed for you with all our faith. We cannot wait to meet you, little princess," she wrote. 

The actress's character in Rhythm City is currently pregnant. She has not, however, disclosed who the father of her unborn child is. She has recently been linked to model Sello Nhlapho.

Powerful strategies to beat your #business competitors

Any business adviser worth their salt will tell you that the key to entrepreneurial success lies in how well you understand your customer.

But perhaps even more critical to this for a business-owner, says Kobus Engelbrecht, Head of Marketing for Sanlam Business Market, is understanding your competitive landscape and how your target market responds to other businesses that provide similar services.

Understanding what your competitors are doing will enable you to position your unique selling proposition to plug gaps in the market.

He shares these seven strategies to help you understand the competition:

Identify your main competitors: There is no one-fit formula for this; it is a case of knowing your industry and using all possible resources to extract information..

Find out everything you can about the competition: Understand each competitor's offering, benefits and USPs..

Don't underestimate industry newcomers: You run the risk of being blindsided if you have the mistaken belief that new players can't and won't disrupt your business..

Take every opportunity to network: Networking is as much about identifying your competitors as it is about finding complementary ways to leverage off other people's strengths and connections..

If your competitor is outperforming your business, ask why: If you're losing customers to the competition, take a deep look at your business strategy from a client's perspective and ask what barriers are preventing your growth..

Make decisions that make sense for your business: While it is all very well to copy the competition, the decisions you make need to benefit your business. For example, a competitor's pricing model may not work for you..

Consider the industry: Your industry plays a part in determining your competitive edge, but there are some general ways to boost all companies' market visibility, including social media, a user-friendly, modern website and SEO strategy for improved Google rankings.

#TurnUp music launches on #Samsung Z series

Being the ultimate gateway that has been successfully hosting local talent for over a year now, TurnUp Music has joined forces with Samsung and officially announced the launch of a streaming service on the Samsung Z Series mobile devices.

TurnUp Music has been turning heads over the past year as a disruptor in the local music industry. The mission continues to grow as the service has now partnered with one of the world's largest tech companies, Samsung, to host local music on their Z Series mobile devices.

Through this incredible partnership, TurnUp Music and Samsung are focussed on the development and growth of local artists' careers through various collaborative opportunities and a strong market reach.

"Samsung, as the global smartphone leader, is the perfect partner to accelerate not just the streaming platform, but also to reduce barriers to entry across Africa. The 4G enabled Z Series devices are both accessible and affordable, making it a great tool for listening to music and watching videos" said Thabiet Allie, CEO of TurnUp Music.

The announcement of the partnership was unveiled at AfricaCom, one of the largest African telecoms, media and technology events and met with great support from key industry experts and delegates at the event.

"Because Samsung always strives to create technology that enriches people's lives, we are delighted to partner with TurnUp Music in this initiative, bringing local sounds to users and helping to promote local musicians," said Craige Fleisher, Director Integrated Mobility, Samsung.

The TurnUp Music app will soon be available on the Z series, which can be purchased at Ackermans, PEP, Jet and CNA. 

Cassper Nyovest to appear on #LiveAmp this Friday

SABC 1's Live Amp Music Special Featuring Cassper Nyovest

Friday 24 November 2017, at 19h30

Motswako rapper, Cassper Nyovest, performs 4 of his latest singles with help from Family Tree members Nadia Nakai and Tshego. He talks about what it's like to own a label and gives a sneak-peek into what to expect at FNB Stadium.   

The show is presented by Lerato Kganyago and DJ Warras.

Catch all the hot performances by one of Mzansi's most eminent the hip hop and motswako rapper this Friday at 19h30 – exclusive to SABC 1 Mzansi Fo Sho.

Cassper Nyovest to appear on #LiveAmp this Friday

SABC 1's Live Amp Music Special Featuring Cassper Nyovest

Friday 24 November 2017, at 19h30

Motswako rapper, Cassper Nyovest, performs 4 of his latest singles with help from Family Tree members Nadia Nakai and Tshego. He talks about what it's like to own a label and gives a sneak-peek into what to expect at FNB Stadium.   

The show is presented by Lerato Kganyago and DJ Warras.

Catch all the hot performances by one of Mzansi's most eminent the hip hop and motswako rapper this Friday at 19h30 – exclusive to SABC 1 Mzansi Fo Sho.

Article 6

Preview: France vs South Africa

By Ole Media

France and South Africa do battle in the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Saturday in what could be a significant match for the teams' respective coaches.

Both les Bleus boss Guy Novès and Srpingbok head coach Allister Coetzee are under pressure after several underwhelming results by their sides during this year.

France head into this clash on the back of a typically topsy-turvy year which they started in solid fashion by finishing in joint second place – alongside Ireland and Scotland – in the Six Nations behind winners England.

Things went pear-shaped during their mid-year tour to South Africa in June, however, with the Springboks claiming a comfortable 3-0 series victory courtesy of impressive wins in Pretoria, Durban and Johannesbuirg.

Les Bleus were under the cosh during the first half against the All Blacks last weekend and trailed the world champions 31-5 at half-time but came back strongly in the second half before eventually losing 38-18.

The Springboks, meanwhile, fared little better in 2017 and despite that series whitewash of France in June, will head into this fixture as the underdogs after they suffered a humiliating 38-3 defeat to Ireland in Dublin last weekend.

That result was a shock to the system for everybody associated with Springbok rugby as the two-time world champions looked like they turned the corner when they finished their Rugby Championship campaign with a superb performance in a 25-24 defeat against the All Blacks. 

But that result proved to be a false dawn as they were outplayed in all departments against Ireland and will have to show considerable improvement if they want to beat France.

Adding spice to this fixture is Wednesday's announcement of France as the hosts of the 2023 Rugby World Cup ahead of South Africa, who were initially identified as World Rugby's preferred host nation of the global showpiece.

Coetzee admitted that South Africa's failed bid was a disappointment but dismissed talk of revenge against les Bleus.

"Obviously losing the bid is not ideal for a country like South Africa‚" he said.

"We would have loved to have that opportunity because it would have been massive for our country.

"We accept the result. We just want to focus on the Test. It won't motivate is differently necessarily.

"We will have to play well to beat an improved French team. In a way both teams are desperate to get the result."

Players to watch:

For France: Despite finishing on the losing side against the All Blacks, one player who emerged with his reputation enhanced is young scrum-half Antoine Dupont. The 21-year-old is one of the brightest talents in the game and proved a real handful on attack against the world champions. Dupont has a superb skill-set with his ability to break around the fringes particularly impressive. He played a bit part when les Bleus visited South Africa in June with an appearance off the bench in the second Test in Durban the only time he saw action during the series. Tthe Boks will be wary of his ability, however, particularly after his exploits against the All Blacks.

For South Africa: He's back! The return of inspirational number eight Duane Vermeulen is a shot in the arm for the Boks and he will be expected to give the visitors much needed go-forward in the forward exchanges. The Toulon stalwart is playing in familiar surroundings and his knowledge of the opposition and conditions could prove crucial in the bigger scheme of things. Apart from his ball carrying, Vermeulen is also a solid lineout option while his prowess at the breakdowns should not be underestimated.

Head-to-head: The front row duel between France's captain Guilhem Guirado and his direct opponent, Bok hooker, Malcolm Marx will be one of the highlights of this encounter. Both players play integral parts in their respective side's game-plans and will be determined to stamp their authority on this fixture by delivering superb individual performances. Both are adept ball carriers but Marx is also influential at the breakdowns and will be determined to make an impact in this facet of play.

Previous results:

2017: South Africa won 35-12 in Johannesburg
2017: South Africa won 37-15 in Durban
2017: South Africa won 37-14 in Pretoria
2013: South Africa won 19-10 in Paris
2010: South Africa won 42-17 in Cape Town
2009: France won 20-13 in Toulouse
2006: France won 36-26 in Cape Town
2005: France won 26-20 in Paris
2005: South Africa won 27-13 in Port Elizabeth
2005: They drew 30-30 in Durban
2002: France won 30-10 in Marseilles  
2001: France won 20-10 in Paris  
2001: South Africa won 20-15 in Durban  
2001: France won 32-23 in Johannesburg

Prediction: Les Bleus will be up for this one and although the Boks will also deliver an improved effort, the hosts will be victorious. France by six points!

The teams:

France: 15 Nans Ducuing, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Geoffrey Doumayrou, 12 Mathieu Bastareaud, 11 Teddy Thomas, 10 Anthony Belleau, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Kevin Gourdon, 6 Judicael Cancoriet, 5 Sebastien Vahaamahina, 4 Paul Gabrillagues, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Guilhem Guirado (c), 1 Jefferson Poirot
Replacements: 16 Clement Maynadier, 17 Sebastien Taofifenua, 18 Daniel Kotze, 19 Paul Jedreasiak, 20 Anthony Jelonch, 21 Baptiste Serin, 22 Francois Trinh-Duc, 23 Damian Penaud

South Africa: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Ross Cronjé, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Beast Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Dan du Preez, 21 Rudy Paige, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Damian de Allende

Date: Saturday, November 18
Venue: Stade de France
Kick-off: 20:45 local (19:45 GMT)
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Tom Foley (England)
TMO: Rowan Kitt (England)

Ends...

#Condriac launches streaming platform #CondriacLive

Live streaming is without a doubt the hottest trend of 2017, and Condriac's in-house initiative, Condriac Live, aspires to be at the forefront of eSports and live streaming entertainment in South Africa. Streaming has taken over the world in the last few months, with most smartphone apps now having the capability to go 'live' and broadcast video to viewers globally. TwitchTV is the biggest streaming platform available, and when Amazon bought the company for a whopping $970 Million eyebrows were raised across the entertainment industry. TwitchTV allows anyone with internet connection the ability to stream gameplay, talk shows or tutorials to a voraciously hungry online audience.

It is clear to eagle-eyed marketers and business people that Twitch and gaming in general is the new hot spot. The gaming industry is worth more than the film and music industry combined. Before the scramble to latch on to these platforms reaches a fever pitch, leading Johannesburg integrated communication agency, Condriac, has taken the plunge into live streaming on Twitch. "Condriac has always sought to be at the forefront of the digital media industry, identifying and jumping on trends that we see being significant in the future," said CEO Keshia Patchiappen.

The Condriac Live initiative was thus created to fill a gap in an entirely untapped market. The agency has created a full-time TwitchTV channel manned by one of their own, Kyle Singh. Kyle is no stranger to gaming, he started playing on his father's computer when he was just four years old and it's an open secret in the office that Kyle's first love has always been video-games. Together with a production team, there has already been considerable investment into the Twitch stream, with high-end production equipment being purchased and sponsors eager to get on board. When questioned about this groundbreaking endeavour, Kyle says, "I'm honestly living in dreamland at the moment, as being a streamer has been one of my goals for the longest time. I'm thankful for Condriac's investment into this project and I'm eager to succeed."

As the Twitch channel is still in a fledgling state, the main focus is on consistency. Condriac Live wants to dominate the local streaming scene and is happy to take the long road. Despite the channel being live for just one month, the team has already been approached by Twitch for Affiliate status, allowing users to donate or subscribe to the stream and thus creating a revenue channel. Kyle and the streaming team have also held the first of what they assure us are many more 24-hour live streams, where gamers stay up all night and all day to showcase new game releases.

Being the first of its kind in the South African context, Condriac Live will be positioned as thought leaders and pioneers of this movement. Gary Meyer, Condriac's Managing Partner, says, "As the first movers, we are provided with an incredible opportunity to reach an enormous database of like-minded consumers. Through the Twitch platform, we believe there is unlimited potential to reach with audiences like never before. Condriac will be announcing Condriac Live's first official sponsors soon."

Everyone is invited to tune in to the CondriacLive stream here:http://twitch.tv/condriaclive

Broadcasting weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00.

Serena Williams continues inspiring women in sport as she ties the knot #WTA

Serena Williams married her millionaire fiance Alexis Ohanian in a lavish ceremony in New Orleans in front of A-list guests including Beyonce and Kim Kardashian. The tennis champ, 36, threw a Beauty and the Beast-themed bash and held a cocktail reception in the street outside the venue. The nuptials were shrouded in secrecy, and even A-list attendees including Jay Z, Beyonce and Kim didn't find out the exact details until the morning of the wedding.

It was held at the city's historic Contemporary Arts Center last night and veteran boyband New Edition were reportedly booked to play a set at the reception. Other guests included actress Eva Longoria, who attended with her husband Jose Baston.

Kim Kardashian was spotted jetting into New Orleans ahead of the ceremony, and she saved time by getting changed in the airport before heading into town for the bash. Serena's sister Venus was among the guests along with her daughter Serena's two-month-old daughter Alexis. Fellow tennis star Caroline Wozniacki wowed in a long blue dress as she attended with her new fiance, basketball player David.

#Codriac launches streaming platform #CodriacLive

Live streaming is without a doubt the hottest trend of 2017, and Condriac's in-house initiative, Condriac Live, aspires to be at the forefront of eSports and live streaming entertainment in South Africa. Streaming has taken over the world in the last few months, with most smartphone apps now having the capability to go 'live' and broadcast video to viewers globally. TwitchTV is the biggest streaming platform available, and when Amazon bought the company for a whopping $970 Million eyebrows were raised across the entertainment industry. TwitchTV allows anyone with internet connection the ability to stream gameplay, talk shows or tutorials to a voraciously hungry online audience.

It is clear to eagle-eyed marketers and business people that Twitch and gaming in general is the new hot spot. The gaming industry is worth more than the film and music industry combined. Before the scramble to latch on to these platforms reaches a fever pitch, leading Johannesburg integrated communication agency, Condriac, has taken the plunge into live streaming on Twitch. "Condriac has always sought to be at the forefront of the digital media industry, identifying and jumping on trends that we see being significant in the future," said CEO Keshia Patchiappen.

The Condriac Live initiative was thus created to fill a gap in an entirely untapped market. The agency has created a full-time TwitchTV channel manned by one of their own, Kyle Singh. Kyle is no stranger to gaming, he started playing on his father's computer when he was just four years old and it's an open secret in the office that Kyle's first love has always been video-games. Together with a production team, there has already been considerable investment into the Twitch stream, with high-end production equipment being purchased and sponsors eager to get on board. When questioned about this groundbreaking endeavour, Kyle says, "I'm honestly living in dreamland at the moment, as being a streamer has been one of my goals for the longest time. I'm thankful for Condriac's investment into this project and I'm eager to succeed."

As the Twitch channel is still in a fledgling state, the main focus is on consistency. Condriac Live wants to dominate the local streaming scene and is happy to take the long road. Despite the channel being live for just one month, the team has already been approached by Twitch for Affiliate status, allowing users to donate or subscribe to the stream and thus creating a revenue channel. Kyle and the streaming team have also held the first of what they assure us are many more 24-hour live streams, where gamers stay up all night and all day to showcase new game releases.

Being the first of its kind in the South African context, Condriac Live will be positioned as thought leaders and pioneers of this movement. Gary Meyer, Condriac's Managing Partner, says, "As the first movers, we are provided with an incredible opportunity to reach an enormous database of like-minded consumers. Through the Twitch platform, we believe there is unlimited potential to reach with audiences like never before. Condriac will be announcing Condriac Live's first official sponsors soon."

Everyone is invited to tune in to the CondriacLive stream here:http://twitch.tv/condriaclive

Broadcasting weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00.

#Condriac launches streaming platform #CondriacLive

Live streaming is without a doubt the hottest trend of 2017, and Condriac's in-house initiative, Condriac Live, aspires to be at the forefront of eSports and live streaming entertainment in South Africa. Streaming has taken over the world in the last few months, with most smartphone apps now having the capability to go 'live' and broadcast video to viewers globally. TwitchTV is the biggest streaming platform available, and when Amazon bought the company for a whopping $970 Million eyebrows were raised across the entertainment industry. TwitchTV allows anyone with internet connection the ability to stream gameplay, talk shows or tutorials to a voraciously hungry online audience.

It is clear to eagle-eyed marketers and business people that Twitch and gaming in general is the new hot spot. The gaming industry is worth more than the film and music industry combined. Before the scramble to latch on to these platforms reaches a fever pitch, leading Johannesburg integrated communication agency, Condriac, has taken the plunge into live streaming on Twitch. "Condriac has always sought to be at the forefront of the digital media industry, identifying and jumping on trends that we see being significant in the future," said CEO Keshia Patchiappen.

The Condriac Live initiative was thus created to fill a gap in an entirely untapped market. The agency has created a full-time TwitchTV channel manned by one of their own, Kyle Singh. Kyle is no stranger to gaming, he started playing on his father's computer when he was just four years old and it's an open secret in the office that Kyle's first love has always been video-games. Together with a production team, there has already been considerable investment into the Twitch stream, with high-end production equipment being purchased and sponsors eager to get on board. When questioned about this groundbreaking endeavour, Kyle says, "I'm honestly living in dreamland at the moment, as being a streamer has been one of my goals for the longest time. I'm thankful for Condriac's investment into this project and I'm eager to succeed."

As the Twitch channel is still in a fledgling state, the main focus is on consistency. Condriac Live wants to dominate the local streaming scene and is happy to take the long road. Despite the channel being live for just one month, the team has already been approached by Twitch for Affiliate status, allowing users to donate or subscribe to the stream and thus creating a revenue channel. Kyle and the streaming team have also held the first of what they assure us are many more 24-hour live streams, where gamers stay up all night and all day to showcase new game releases.

Being the first of its kind in the South African context, Condriac Live will be positioned as thought leaders and pioneers of this movement. Gary Meyer, Condriac's Managing Partner, says, "As the first movers, we are provided with an incredible opportunity to reach an enormous database of like-minded consumers. Through the Twitch platform, we believe there is unlimited potential to reach with audiences like never before. Condriac will be announcing Condriac Live's first official sponsors soon."

Everyone is invited to tune in to the CondriacLive stream here:http://twitch.tv/condriaclive

Broadcasting weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00

Cheap #beauty tricks: make a face mask using an avocado

For this mask, you'll need:

One avocado100ml honeyChopping boardMixing bowlKnife and forkMake-up brush

Cut the avocado and take out the pit.
Scoop the avocado into a mixing bowl and mash with a fork.
Add the honey and mix.
Apply to your face with a make-up brush and leave on for 15 minutes.
Wash off.

Visit: South African Avocado Growers' Association

What kind of spender are you?

When it comes to money, there are three types of people: the risky spender who lives to splurge; the cautious saver who puts money away any chance they get; and the wise user, who shows restraint.

Matthys Potgieter, a debt expert at DebtSafe, has a few savvy tips to help you make smarter decisions with that windfall you may be coming into in December from your year-end bonus or your tax returns.

The risky spender 

It's always fun to have a bit of a splurge but, as you know, life is expensive, and South Africans are living in tough economic times. DebtSafe suggests you spend only a little this December (if you can really afford it). Rather spend a few bucks on that holiday you need to pay off instead of being a "throw caution to the wind" spender by shelling out all your bonus money on unnecessary, expensive items.

The cautious saver 

If you're in a position to save your entire bonus or have money left from your tax refund amount after debt payments, why not save it? Tuck your entire bonus or part of your tax return into your rainy day/emergency fund. Life happens and you never know how handy that little bit of extra savings may be.

The wise user 

Potgieter recommends that a bonus or tax refund can be put to productive use by paying off excessive debt. If this applies to you, here's what you can do:

1.    You can make use of the so-called snowball effect by paying off your smallest debt first (like a clothing accounts) or

2.    You can use the avalanche method – where you use the money to help pay off the debt with the highest interest rate first, like your credit card.

Are you about to #graduate? It's now time to start your job search

Leading online job portal, Careers24, is encouraging those who are about to graduate to start their job search for 2018 as early as possible.

According to Careers24, this will offer graduates more time to research the job market and prepare their applications for the companies they believe may suit them best. Mark Kritzinger, Head of Careers24, says it is not too early to start post-graduation job hunt if you are about to graduate.

"Not only is the recruitment process for most companies lengthy and complicated, forward planning also gives graduates more time to research what kind of company they are interested in working at," says Kritzinger.

Careers24's third-quarter stats showed that young, educated and upwardly mobile job-seekers are doing more and more research on the companies they want to work for.

In fact, one of the more popular employers was viewed more than 150 000 times onCareers24 in the third quarter. This activity on the platform is showing that new job-seekers would rather work for a company which suits them, making it vital for companies to position themselves correctly online in order to attract the in-demand candidates.

Another reason it is important to begin early is that the competition in the graduate sector is fierce.

"Companies hiring graduates are well-aware that applicants will have minimal job experience but that means they need to sell their value in other ways. Before entering the job market it is essential for graduates to find out what skills recruiters are looking for and bolster their as-important softer skills like being organised, confident and resilient – all of which will come through in a good job interview," adds Kritzinger.

While South Africa's youth unemployment stats remain unacceptably high, there is always a place in commerce for emerging, hard-working and passionate recruits.

Trends suggest that while Generation Z, people born between 1994-2000, is the first digitally native generation, it is also a generation with a very different work ethic to millennials.

#Durban student to study at #Oxford

For final year medical student Kumeren Govender, being awarded a scholarship that will pay his travel, living and study expenses at the prestigious Oxford University, England is the latest in a long list of achievements.

The 24-year-old, who won a Rhodes scholarship to study overseas next year, plans to focus his PhD degree studies on the interdisciplinary field of artificial intelligence, and complex systems.

"The aim of this is to use big data from healthcare systems or genomic data to solve complex healthcare threats including patterns of diseases such as the emergence of drug-resistant TB or antibiotic resistance, which is predicted to be the number one cause of death by 2050," he said.

When he enrolled at University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) for the medical programme, during his undergraduate years of study he managed to publish three peer reviewed articles and presented papers at conferences.

Govender's academic achievements include being placed in the Top 5 "intellects" of the International Science Competition in Abuja, Nigeria; receiving a medal from the International Sustainable World Energy, Engineering and Environment Project, Texas; and being awarded the Dean's Commendation for every semester; the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for the top 3 students in the College of Health Sciences; and the Golden Key Chapter Award 2014 for best all-round achiever.

Article 1

Eriksen hails Tottenham manager Pochettino

By Reuters

Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen believes the club have been transformed, and has credited manager Mauricio Pochettino for providing stability.

With a steady improvement in their Premier League placings in recent years, Spurs have now established themselves as one of the strongest English clubs, placing third in 2016 and second in 2017, and are on course to challenge for the title this time around.

Eriksen has been delighted with the way the club have progressed over the last few years and has praised the impact Pochettino has made at Spurs since taking over the reins in 2014.

"A lot has happened in the last few years," Eriksen told Sky Sports.

"A lot of things have changed. Everything, really, both on and off the pitch. Everything has been put into what we all wanted at Spurs. 

"Everybody wanted to become a top team and that is what we have tried to do. I think we are getting closer than ever before."

On Pochettino, he added: "He has given stability not only to me but to the whole club.

"That's the main thing for a player. You feel comfortable, you feel aware of everything around you and you don't think about anything other than football when you're on the pitch. 

"All the players have long-term contracts. They feel safe being here. It's why you commit your future to a place like this."

Ends...

Three compelling #investment opportunities

According to Marriott, the income specialists, which aims to reduce the financial anxiety of retired investors by offering solutions for retirement, using an income-focused investment style which produces reliable and consistent monthly income, investors are currently dealing with a tough economic and investment environment.

Marriott spokesperson and Chief Investment Officer, Duggan Matthews, says by tapping into the trends of a rapidly growing consumer class in the developing world, an ageing first-world population and technology-enabled efficiency and productivity gains, investors will be best positioned for future growth.

These three macro-trends hold significant opportunities for investors:

1. Rising incomes in the developing world

The GDP growth of many major emerging markets is increasingly being driven by household spending as they transition from investment-led to consumption-driven economies. Over the next five years, it is anticipated that incremental consumption growth in China and India will equate to a market about the size of Japan.

The annual consumption in emerging markets is expected to reach $30 trillion by 2025 while the consuming class is expected to rise from some two billion today to nearly four billion.

Consumers facing multinationals with meaningful footprints in the developing world will, therefore, benefit from what we believe to be a significant growth opportunity of the next decade.

2. Ageing populations in the first world

People born in the baby boomer generation – those born post World War II until the early 1960s – are reaching retirement age. By 2030, there will be a one-third increase in the number of people over the age of 60 in the developed world.

Baby boomers are also living longer – in some societies as much as three decades longer than they did a century ago. They have higher spending power and own more assets than any other generation.

In the US, boomers represent 44% of the population and in the next 5 years, they're projected to hold 70% of US disposable income and buy 49% of total consumer-packaged goods. Healthcare spending by boomers is projected to rise by $1,4 trillion and they are currently responsible for 80% of all luxury travel spending.

Companies which target this generation's consumption habits will have a ready-made market for their goods and services.

3. Technology-enabled efficiencies

Advancing technology presents investors with a major opportunity. Business is expected to benefit from long-term gains in efficiency and productivity as well as connectivity – termed the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Internet of Things.

It has been predicted that by 2020 there will be over 26 billion connected devices – more than three connected devices per person on the planet. Data production will increase by approximately 44 times by 2020 and only 10 -15% of companies globally currently use data efficiently to optimise performance. The upside potential of this trend is significant.

Considering these three trends, Marriott has identified certain stocks which they believe investors should buy and hold for next decade.

Companies which own the world's most sought-after consumer brands like P&G, Unilever, Reckitts Benkiser and Nestle own brands like Pampers, Dove, and Dettol with the demand for these products likely to increase substantially in the years ahead considering the rapid growth of the consuming class.

World-leading pharmaceutical companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi are amongst the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world and own a large percentage of the globe's essential medicines ranging from vaccines to cancer treatments.

The world's finest manufacturers. These are companies like GE and Honeywell which are leading the way when it comes to connecting equipment to the internet and analysing data to optimise performance.

Celebs pledge to assist Cassper Nyovest in his quest to #FillUPFNBStadium

After Cassper Nyovest admitted that he needs R15 million to make his upcoming gig #FillUPFNBStadium a success, many celebs rallied behind the rapper with offers of help. 

In just 18 days, the Tito Mboweni hitmaker hopes to make history and fill up the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

In an interview on MetroFM, Cassper admitted that he is "broke as hell".

After hearing that Cassper needed help, Oskido, Black Coffee and even AKA decided to assist the rapper. 

Oskido pledged to spend R50 000 on tickets for Cassper's gig. 

Black Coffee also offered to help. The DJ took to Twitter and said that he will be spending R20 000 every Friday, to buy tickets for fans for the concert. 

Pearl Thusi also got in on the action, saying that despite not being able to attend the show, she will be purchasing 10 tickets.

AKA also offered assistance, saying that he would gladly perform at Cassper's gig.

The rapper reached out to Cassper via Twitter, saying that he was more than willing to help. Cassper, however, declined AKA's performance offer saying, "You wanna help? #JustBuyATicketBroer". 

#IdolsSA - And then there were two!

IT was a bittersweet finish as fans said their farewell to Top 3 Idols Season 13 finalist, Botlhale, whose journey ended just short of next week's grand finale.

The spectacular apex at Carnival City will feature musical prodigies Paxton (17), and Mthokozisi (25), in what promises to be an unforgettable night of music, dance and confetti.

But before exiting the Idols stage, Botlhale got to make some remarkable memories as part of the Top 3 whirlwind international tour. He, Paxton and Mthokozisi enjoyed a packed four-day tour of London before coming back home to record their singles, which they debuted in Round One.

Botlhale's Afropop love song Good Enough, Mthokozisi's own composition Masithandane and Paxton's pop tune Demonstrate drew great reviews from the judges and enthusiastic reception from the live audience. If that's anything to go by, the three brand new songs are going to be selling fast.

Round Two saw Paxton and Mthokozisi recreating their Theatre Week performances – only better. The teen sensation performed Estelle's American Boy while the inked Durban boy sang Musa's Mthande. They closed the show with their third and last round of the evening, where they chose songs they felt were their best acts on the show so far. Mthokozisi went with Ringo's timeless Kum Nakum, giving a smouldering show that left Unathi speechless, Randall saying he deserved being in the Top Two and Somizi declaring: "That's how you close the show!"

For her last showcase, Paxton slowed it down with a sweet rendition of Judy Garland's Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Somizi gushed about her "incredible" voice control and Randall urged her to enjoy the next few days before the finale, despite the inevitable nerves.

Unathi shared that in Cape Town, people are claiming "their" Paxton. "You are amazing!" she concluded.

The audience and viewers also got to see the evicted contestants from the Top 10 when they opened the show with a percussion perfect performance of Believer by Imagine Dragons. Vocalist LaSauce also took to the stage for her hit single, I Do.

Next week's finale will be broadcast live on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) at 5PM.

#AKA is dead serious about helping #CassperNyovest #FillUPFNBStadium

South African rapper AKA says that despite Cassper Nyovest turning down his offer to help fill up FNB Stadium, he was 'serious' about performing at the gig. 

Fans were left shocked when the rapper offered to help Cassper make history at his #FillUPFNBStadium gig. 

Last week, Cassper told MetroFM that he is "flat broke" and couldn't afford the R15-million he needed to fund the gig. 

"I'm broke as hell. I almost sold my cars. I am flat broke. I have two employees that haven't been paid this month. This is the first time since [Fill Up] The Dome that I don't have money, I am in debt," he told the station's Masechaba Ndlovu.

AKA then took to Twitter and asked Cassper what he thought about having the Supa Mega perform at the gig. 

"I wanna do fill up FNB with Tsibip. It's time we put this shit to bed. It's 2017 guys," he tweeted.

AKA also told fans to put some respect on the Tito Mboweni hitmaker's name for wanting to fill up the stadium with 90 000 fans.

"Besides, the balls this guy has to have to try and fill FNB stadium …. by himself. You gotta at least respect that."

Cassper responded to AKA saying that if he wants to help, all he needs to do is buy a ticket.

In an interview with TshisaLIVE, AKA said he would gladly perform at the gig if Cassper asked him to. 

"We haven't spoken yet and I doubt he (Cassper) will approach me to be part of the show but I am serious about performing," he said. 

Are you getting married? Vusi Nova could perform for free at your wedding!

South African artist Vusi Nova recently set social media alight when he announced that he was giving couples the chance to have him perform at their wedding… for free!

Last week, Muthaland Entertainment took to Twitter and announced that a lucky couple had the chance of winning a live performance by Vusi himself.

"If u or some1 u know is getting hitched let us know & u could get a free performance! (sic)"

Vusi recently released a single,Ndimfumene. In the tweet, the record label explains that the track is all about "couples getting married". 

In an interview with TshisaLIVE, Vusi said that he wanted to do this to "make someone's day".

"I thought why not just go around and find weddings and sing the song, which is a wedding song anyway. Also, if it is going to make someone's day then all the better because that is why we do music."

How a wife's suspicion of #infidelity diverted a plane

Washington - Our latest episode in our never-ending series on airplane trips gone astray because of human frailty comes from east Asia - though it could just as easily have happened in the skies over Los Angeles or Australia or anywhere else on the planet.

It begins in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday morning, when a married couple boarded a Qatar Airways flight for what the Hindustan Times reported was supposed to a holiday in Indonesia.

You'll notice we said "couple." This should immediately create a sense of tension and foreshadow trouble to come.

Will our holidayers find the kind of trouble that a man and woman got into on a Delta Air Lines flight in last month's story, when police accused them of having oral sex in their seats? Or will they wind up like a Citigroup vice president and his girlfriend last year - jailed for disorderly conduct on a flight to California?

Not quite. The husband on Qatar Airways Flight 962 fell asleep about an hour after takeoff, according to India Today.

As he drifted into upholstered oblivion, his wife picked up his phone.

(A brief reminder that sleep is no guarantee against calamity. Never forget the bedbug infestation on board British Airways Flight 84.)

The wife carefully lifted up her sleeping husband's index finger and pressed it against the scanner on the phone, according to the Times of India.

She was "a few drinks down by then," the outlet wrote, as she began to read what was on her husband's private screen and "realised that he was allegedly cheating on her."

Some reports about the Qatar flight say the wife began to hit her sleeping husband, while others describe shouting and some unspecified "misbehavior" that proved beyond the flight crew's ability to control.

In any case, Indian federal police told the Times that the pilot had to make a sudden landing at an airport in Chennai, where the couple and their young child were kicked off.

The arrival of a misbehaving passenger into the arms of airport authorities is often the climax of sad plane stories. In May, a sort of rally formed inside a Shanghai airport, as dozens of put-out passengers chanted "Lock him up!" while police escorted a belligerent man off their flight.

Our married couple was in fact locked up in Chennai, the Hindustan Times reported, though only because they didn't have Indian visas.

The woman sobered up, discussed who-knows-what with her husband, and the family were eventually returned to Doha without further incident.

A little anti-climactic, as such stories go. But there's always the next one.

Washington Post

Saluting all women at #Shell

When people feel included and engaged, Shell South Africa believes, they leverage the richness of ideas, backgrounds and perspectives to create value in business.

With this notion in mind, the company's diversity and inclusivity policy creates an enabling environment for its employees. We hear from five women who have experienced it first-hand at the company, as they share their career highlights.

Showcasing diversity

Nthato Minyuku heads up government relations. "My journey as a female executive at Shell started with leading transformation and I now head a vibrant group of people who work on government relations."

Thabile Molokomme, Head of Legal, shares what has worked for her: planning, formulating lists, concentrating on what matters and prioritising important projects.

Barbara Makhubedu, Shell Downstream CFO, has been at the company for 11 years. "My career highlight was being appointed to this role," she says.

"We believe that our strong identity is anchored by all the voices and minds of all our people across the gender spectrum," says Shell South Africa.

"We are proud to be part of a transforming society that is ready to embrace inclusion, build trust and unleash the collective intellectual capital of our diverse talents."

A relationship for 115 years

Shell has been in South Africa since 1902. Back then, it focused on selling paraffin and kerosene. Today, with a head office in Johannesburg, its business activities range from retail and commercial fuels, lubricants and oils, manufacturing and upstream exploration.

For more information, visit: shell.co.za

Plan a wedding to remember with these cool #Android apps

You're planning to get married—now the hard work of organising the venue, choosing a dress, deciding on a menu, and sending out invitations begins. There are a lot of moving parts in planning a successful wedding. There are also many great smartphone apps that allow you to stay in control of every single detail. Alcatel suggests some Android apps to help you organise an unforgettable wedding day:

 

South Africa Bridal & Weddings

This app is your guide to a list of service providers and suppliers who can help you plan a magical wedding day:

gownswedding cakeswedding venueswedding plannersflowers/decorhoneymoonswedding entertainment

Get it here: South Africa Bridal & Weddings

 

LadyMarry Wedding Planner

LadyMarry helps you plan a dream wedding with a monthly checklist, hands-on tips, and other handy features. Think of it as a wedding planner in your pocket.

Get it here: LadyMarry Wedding Planner

 

Wedding Countdown Widget

No wedding is complete without a countdown - install this widget to count down the years, months, days, hours, minutes, seconds, heartbeats or kisses until the big day.

Get it here: Wedding Countdown Widget

 

Wedding Checklist

Use this master checklist to prepare for your wedding and ensure that you're on top of your plans and tasks.

Get it here: Wedding Checklist 

Wedding Invitation Design App

Design your own wedding invitation with this app, choose from a selection of sizes, layouts, colour themes, and embellishments. Save your creation to your portfolio, email it to yourself or share it with friends.

Get it here: Wedding Invitation Design App

Wedding Dresses
Running out of time to get to all those dress fittings? View the selection of elegant bridal dresses on this app to get inspiration for your own wedding gown. This will save you time hunting through the dress racks.

Get it here: Wedding Dresses

Wedding Cake Design

Chocolate, red velvet, vanilla or caramel – the choice can be daunting. This app will give you some ideas for a beautiful wedding cake that will perfectly match your décor and dress choices.

Get it here: Wedding Cake Design

Wedding Colors
This app will help you choose the perfect colour scheme for your wedding. Be inspired by colour ideas for wedding dresses and decorations for spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Get it here: Wedding Colors

Wedding Decorations
Browse some wonderful ideas for wedding decorations, flowers, and themes.

Get it here: Wedding Decorations

 

Modern Wedding Songs

Music is the party starter of all weddings so plan your playlist from this selection of romantic, celebrational and dance-floor-fillers.

Get it here: Modern Wedding Songs

#Twitter moves from 140 to 280 character limit

The 140-character limit that has been around since 2006 and became part of Twitter's personality on Wednesday paved the way for a new 280-character limit that is now available virtually for all users.

In September, Twitter launched a test with a select group of users that expanded the 140-character limit so that they could express themselves easily in a tweet.

"Our goal was to make this possible while ensuring we keep the speed and brevity that makes Twitter, Twitter. 

"Looking at all the data, we're excited to share we've achieved this goal and are rolling the change out to all languages where cramming was an issue," the micro-blogging platform said in a blog post on Wednesday.

During the first few days of the test, many people tweeted the full 280-limit because it was new and novel but soon after, the behaviour normalised.

"We saw when people needed to use more than 140 characters, they tweeted more easily and more often. But importantly, people tweeted below 140 most of the time and the brevity of Twitter remained," said Aliza Rosen, Product Manager, Twitter.

Only five per cent of tweets sent were longer than 140 characters and only two per cent were over 190 characters.

In addition to more tweeting, people who had more room to tweet received more engagement (Likes, Retweets, @mentions), got more followers and spent more time on Twitter during the experiment.

"Japanese, Korean and Chinese will continue to have 140 characters because cramming is not an issue in these languages. In fact, these languages have always been able to say more with their tweets because of the density of their writing systems," the post said.

The average length of a tweet in Japanese is 15 characters, and only 0.4 per cent of tweets hit the 140-character limit.

But in English, a much higher percentage of tweets have 140 characters (nine per cent). Most Japanese tweets are 15 characters while most English tweets are 34.

Twitterati were joyous.

"I think it's brilliant that 280 UI replaces the old character count with a graphic of a circle filling up. It removes the precision of the count. It feels casual. There's less pressure. You just write. This is so great. It's endless. 280 is perfect. It's really fun," posted Farhad Manjoo, technology columnist at The New York Times.

According to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, this is a small change but a big move for them.

"The 140 limit was an arbitrary choice based on the 160 character SMS limit. Proud of how thoughtful the team has been in solving a real problem people have when trying to tweet. And, at the same time, maintaining our brevity, speed, and essence!" Dorsey had tweeted during the time of trial.