Samsung South Africa Launches Smart Camera

Samsung Electronics South Africa has launched the new DV180F SMART Camera, that features front LCD capabilities.

The portable and stylish features of the camera, along with its classic design and modern touch, make it the “go-to” device for family and self-portraits.

“The Samsung DV180F is the perfect companion for consumers who want an entry-level camera equipped with up-to-the-minute functionality and the latest technology. With a powerful 16 megapixel lens, our newest SMART camera captures those treasured moments with outstanding detail,” said Michael Gibson, Digital Imaging Part Leader at Samsung Electronics South Africa.

“This fantastic device also comes with digital image stabilisation, which helps in taking precise shots, even when you’re on-the-move.”

Boasting a front LCD Camera, the Samsung DV180F SMART camera lines up the best shot and allows everyone to be part of the image. The best snaps can then be shared on social networks whenever a Wi-Fi connection is available. The range of Smart Filters on the camera inspires users to produce entertaining images and creative edits; plenty of fun can be had by all, with filters such as Cartoon – which makes any photo look like an animated film scene.

Consumers don’t have to worry about running out of memory, even on-the-go; with Cloud, photos can be wirelessly uploaded to cloud services so that images can then be viewed anytime on a smartphone or tablet, or downloaded to a PC later.

“At Samsung, we always strive to offer our customers the next level in smart technology,” continues Gibson. “The DV180F does just that – with its wireless sharing capabilities it is great for people who want to update their friends instantly.”

Additional Features include:

Smart Auto (Still & Movie) instantly analyses key elements of your composition then automatically adjusts to capture the best shot with a multitude of different photo modes and movie modes.
Live Panorama allows users to capture every detail of skylines and mountain ranges to create astounding 180º panoramic images. Images can be previewed on the LCD before it is even snapped.
Samsung SMART Camera App features Remote Viewfinder, AutoShare, and MobileLink without having to download each app individually. Consumers can open all three apps at once, with the touch of a finger.
Software Upgrade Notifier provides a notification window on the camera’s screen to tell users when an update is available. Connect the camera to your PC for the upgrade, and start using the latest features without delay.

Matheba, Mbuli And Jeannie D Show Starts Today

TV and radio personality Bonang Matheba, actress Bonnie Mbuli and presenter Jeannie D will this afternoon team up to serve South Africa a brand new lifestyle show on SABC 3.

The trio will be hosting SABC 3’s new 45-minute lifestyle show “Afternoon Express”.

All three successful ladies were thrilled by the new venture.

Matheba said in a statement to the media, ““I am really excited to be stepping into a new terrain with SABC3 and the opportunity to co-host with Jeannie D and Bonnie. We can promise you, it’s going to be daytime television like never before.”

Mbuli commented, “I’m so thrilled to be one of the hosts; it is a great concept and there is so much to look forward to. I don’t think there has ever been a more exciting time for television in S.A – I can’t wait!”

The show will touch on South Africa’s lifestyle issues, and have live performances, competitions and real time social media interaction.

Mayweather Beats Pacquiao In Fight Of The Century

Floyd Mayweather has won the highly anticipated superfight against Manny Pacquiao in a points decision at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Mayweather took his unblemished record to 48-0 adding the Filipino great's World Boxing Organisation title to his World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council crowns.

Mayweather managed to keep Pacquiao at bay through much of the welterweight world title right, exploiting his longer reach and height to frustrate the Filipino.

A Better Voice

By Pastor Lulamile Sifuba

Life can get busy: we have commitments and we have deadlines. In all this, we have to prioritize and sacrifice; if we don’t, it’s inevitable – we will break down. But  how do we maintain composure and keep sane in the midst of this busy life?

Life has many voices – the voice of our emotions; the voice of our past failures; and the voice of bad news from our casual observers. There’s a voice I know: it always carries the good news. Every time it speaks, it shoots adrenalin to our souls. Everyone who has allowed this voice to fall in their ears, whether a regal or a commoner, has found joy and peace – they won’t trade this voice for anything in this world or the world to come.

This voice was a better voice in Jarius’ life. “And one of the synagogue officials named Jaruis came up , and upon seeing Him, fell at His feet, and entreated Him earnestly, saying, please come and lay your hands on her, that she may get well and live.”

We all know the story in Mark 5: Jesus went off with Jarius to pray for his daughter, and in between their departure and destiny, there was a woman with an issue of blood that had tormented her for twelve years who touched the helm of Jesus’ garment and was immediately healed.

In verse 34, Jesus praised her faith saying, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” And it further says, “While He was still speaking, they came from the House of the synagogue official, saying, ‘Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher anymore?;’ But Jesus overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.'”

Jarius’ employees were a negative voice wanting Jarius to give up on his dream. How many people said to you are not fit for a certain position? How many people said your business won’t prosper? How many people said you’re not good for anything? But Jesus being a better voice assures us not to be afraid but to believe. Maybe Jesus knows that fear is more crippling than failure itself.

“And they came to the house of synagogue official; and He beheld a commotion, and people loudly weeping and wailing. And entering in, He said to them, “Why make a commotion and weep? The child has not died, but is asleep.” And they began laughing at Him. But putting them all out, He took along the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and entered the room where the child was. And taking the child by hand, He said to her, “Talitha Kumi!” (Which translated means, “Little girl, I say to you arise!) And immediately the girl rose and began to walk.”

Jesus told the mourners that the daughter is not dead. If they were really mourning, why did they not rebuke Him? Instead, they chose to laugh. Why a sudden change of emotions? In the first place, I gather that they were not there to comfort Jarius, but for gossip. They are people who will pretend to support you but in essence they are looking for something to make a scorn of.

Jesus is teaching us to let go of people who are not hearing the same voice as us and embrace a companion that always support the voice of God in our life. No matter how intimidating the situation can be, the voice of Jesus will come out triumphantly. He is the voice of hope, courage, joy, love and peace.

 Pastor Lulamile Sifuba

@LulamileSifuba

Change Bible Church, Daveyton

Pacman Set To Profit Large After Mayweather Bout

As the world awaits the ‘Fight of the Century’, Manny Pacquiao (36) will certainly be smiling all the way to the bank after Saturday’s fight against Floyd Mayweather (38).

Forbes reports that the battle between the currently undefeated Mayweather and the Filipino national will see Pacquiao joining the ranks of athletes such as Tiger Woods, Lebron James and Roger Federer who earned at least $425 million (R5 billion) during their careers.

Pacquiao’s boxing career earnings, including endorsements, are set to increase to $400 million (R4,7 billion).

The fight, which has taken almost six years to organise is not only the most-anticipated fight in the world, but will give both boxers the biggest payouts of their careers.

Mayweather is expected to receive at least $150 million (R1,7 billion), while Pacquiao, who has received support from former world champion Muhammad Ali is expected to pocket at least $100 million (R1,1 billion) from the fight.

The fight is also predicted to become the most popular pay-per-view fight in the history of sport, according to the Daily Mail.

While Mayweather’s fight with Canelo Alvarez in 2013 was said to be the richest boxing fight in history, generating $200 million (R2,3 billion), this fight is predicted to exceed that figure. It’s expected to generate about $300 million (R3,5 billion).

Viewers in the US will pay R1 065 to watch the fight, while British viewers will be charged £19,99 (R364, 34).

Arriving in Las Vegas this week, the fighters were welcomed by thousands of fans. The BBC reports that Pacquiao told his fans: “Don’t get nervous. I’m the one fighting, so relax. I’m very excited and my confidence is one hundred percent.

“Any time I am the underdog, I like that. It means my killer instinct and focus is fully there. This is the moment I believe he will experience his first loss.”

Out of 47 matches, with 26 knockouts, Mayweather, who is nicknamed ‘Money Mayweather’ has never lost a fight, while Pacquiao aka ‘Pacman’ has had 57 wins with 37 knockouts, two draws and five losses.

The match will take place on Saturday 2 May at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas.

Sources: Forbes, Daily Mail, Telegraph, BBC

The Most Important Quality For Leaders

It is an old refrain, but the rate of change in the business environment continues at a speed that makes it difficult for most leaders to keep up.

And those who are not perceptive or agile enough to do so will suffer, says the leading academic at the UCT Graduate School of Business (GSB).

Dr Tim London, whose field of specialty is leadership, says that the greatest advantage for a business leader today is the gift of “setting the curve”: “the ability to develop new insights into not only what people are doing now, but also what may be coming down the line in the future”.

“We don’t know what the markets of tomorrow will look like, but we do know they will be different in some way,” he says. “This remains the biggest challenge for successful leaders: running their businesses in the best way possible now, while being prepared to change to meet the needs of tomorrow.”

This trend has been some time coming, and is increasing exponentially now, London believes.

Martin Reeves and Mike Deimler identified the pattern a few years back in Harvard Business Review, in a feature titled Adaptability: The New Competitive Advantage, in which they noted increasing difficulties facing CEOs from the 1980s onwards.

“We live in an era of risk and instability,” they wrote. “Globalisation, new technologies, and greater transparency have combined to upend the business environment and give many CEOs a deep sense of unease.”

Market leadership is even more precarious, they reported. “The percentage of companies falling out of the top three rankings in their industry increased from 2% in 1960 to 14% in 2008. What’s more, market leadership is proving to be an increasingly dubious prize: The once-strong correlation between profitability and industry share is now almost non-existent in some sectors.

“According to our calculation, the probability that the market share leader is also the profitability leader declined from 34% in 1950 to just 7% in 2007… it has become virtually impossible for some executives even to clearly identify in what industry and with which companies they’re competing.”

The best defence against these challenges is an agile and adaptive response, London believes.

“The best leaders are able to be proactive in these scenarios: setting the standards, identifying new markets and developing innovative products and services,” he says. “There is, of course, the need to be reactive at times too, particularly in light of increasing global competition.”

London is not alone in this thinking. Travis Bradberry, author of the book Emotional Intelligence 2.0, writes on Forbes.com: “Adaptive leadership skills are what set great leaders apart: these skills represent the otherwise intangible qualities that great leaders have in common.

“Adaptive leadership is a unique combination of skills, perspective, and guided effort that enable true excellence. Adaptive leadership skills can take a leader at any level, to places others cannot go.”

Interestingly, adaptive leadership skills are the single advantage that leaders overestimate in themselves the most.

“We had leaders from a large cross-section of industries rate themselves in 22 core and adaptive leadership skills,” Bradberry explains.

“We had the leaders’ peers, boss(es), and direct reports answer the same questions about them, and compared the scores.” In all adaptive leadership skills, leaders overestimated their capabilities.

This is bad news for businesses looking to increase their adaptability in an era of rapid change. So what is to be done?

Leaders can certainly attempt to educate themselves or gain more insight into their leadership style, believes London, who teaches the Executive Development Programme at the GSB, which is aimed at senior executives.

“The best courses are those that bring together brilliant lecturers and facilitators with the highest calibre of students,” he says. “The course allows successful leaders to challenge their thinking in an engaging environment, sharing ideas among their colleagues, and being exposed to cutting-edge thinking and practices.”

SOURCE: UCT Business School.

Load Shedding Tops SA Google Searches

Information about Eskom’s slow moving crisis is one of the hottest topics that South Africans searched for on Google during April.

According to Google’s Trends tool, ‘load shedding’ is one of the top searches performed locally as South Africans face the prospect of a winter with unreliable electricity supply.

But if the search results are anything to go by, more people are becoming aware of the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

“Ironically, Earth Day Quiz, the #1 search term for all of April, was the only other thing South African’s Googled about more than load shedding. The Earth Day Quiz was the doodle Google created to mark Earth Day on the 22nd of April,” said Google.

Beyond the issues around power, many people also searched for content related to the xenophobic attacks hurting South Africa’s international reputation.

What To Consider When Opting For A Linked Credit Card

While taking on the responsibility of assisting your partner with paying off their debt should be carefully considered, having an additional linked card* when you move in together or get married can actually prove to be a handy tool in managing household and shared finances.

“We have seen continued growth in the number of linked credit card applications. We currently have a quarter of our customers who have linked an additional card to their account. This suggests that more households see this as a good way to manage joint finances,” says Chris Labuschagne, CEO of FNB Credit Card.

Using a credit card for household expenses is a simple and effective way of paying and keeping track of all shared expenses, such as groceries, household maintenance and electricity. It is however important for individuals to clearly understand the difference between a linked credit card and a standalone credit card, and the pros and cons of each before entering into a credit agreement.

With a standalone credit card you are the only authorised user on the account and you will be responsible for all debt incurred on the account.

Similarly with a linked credit card, the requirement to repay the debt falls solely on the main accountholder’s shoulders.

However, the convenience of a linked credit card for ring-fenced spending and shared access to credit can outweigh the risk if you take a few simple precautions such as setting a low limit on the linked credit card to avoid abuse, enabling transaction notifications for ongoing updates on all transactions and ensuring that your linked credit card account holder is responsible enough to be given the responsibility of a credit card.

“The success of such an account depends on the level of trust and transparency in the relationship and the ground rules that are put in place,” says Labuschagne.  “Before you decide on a linked account, sit down and agree how you will run your linked cards”.

There are naturally pros and cons to consider.

Pro: An easy way to pay household accounts
Having cards linked to a household credit card account is the easiest way to keep the household up and running. Draw up a list of all the purchases and costs that are generally incurred in order to run the household.

Pro: Detailed credit card statement
 “Your transactional history can be accessed via your bank’s digital banking platforms. These are handy tools when you are budgeting and allocating expenses,” says Labuschagne.

Every swipe is recorded which means it is easy to reconcile at the end of the month.

“The smallest purchases such as bread and milk at the garage, will all be recorded. Using your credit card statement every month to add them up will give you a true reflection of your household expenditure.”

Most banks, including FNB will also give a detailed statement of purchases and summarised amount of each card on one statement. This makes it easy to see how much was spent by each individual.

Pro: Let it rain rewards
Migrating some of the spending you would have done as an individual, such as groceries, on to an account that you both use means that you have the opportunity to earn more rewards.

Most banks offer rewards programmes with their credit cards that give subscribers access to a range of products and services. According to Labuschagne, rewards programmes can prove invaluable, particularly in tough months.

“Swiping together on a credit card means that you are earning more points, which can be used to purchase items such as groceries and electricity. The saving made from buying these items with your rewards points can be used to fund other expenses or it can be used to pay off your debt faster.”

Cons: Covering the debt in a break up
In the event of a break up or a fall out, the main account holder will remain responsible for outstanding debt without any responsibility placed on the partner who held the linked card.

Build up a buffer for this in your savings account or ensure that your credit is paid in full in order to avoid this risk all together.

“If managed well, there is no reason to steer clear of a linked credit card. The benefits that you could enjoy such as more control over household spending, rewards and embedded services such as roadside assistance and travelling lounges often far outweigh the concerted effort of making sure that you manage the account well,” concludes Labuschagne.

*Note that adding an additional card to an account is likely to result in a small additional monthly card fee. - FNB Press Release

Hilarious Resignation Letter Goes Viral

This is the latest in crazy resignations that seem to have been a trend in recent years.

The hilarious, sarcastic letter offers ironic apologies for being human, and being tired of being exploited and underpaid.

The writer is believed to be American because of the spelling, as the writer used “z’ instead of “s” in certain words, although the letter is for all intents and purposes, anonymous.

The letter reads: “I am sorry that my step-mother died so suddenly from cancer. I am sorry that I am not a robot and was emotionally affected by her passing and had to miss work.

“I am sorry that I got sick and had to miss work so that I didn’t get anyone else sick.

“I am sorry I work 47.5 hours per week (without getting paid the overtime that I am legally owed) for the last 7 months, and thus have little choice but to schedule necessary doctor’s appointments during school hours.”

“Clearly I am a terrible employee, and for that I apologize. I know you hate people telling you how to do your job, but I suggest you start looking for my replacement. Immediately.”

Can Floyd Weather The Pacman Storm?

The two greatest fighters of our generation. Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather. Floyd Mayweather - Manny Pacquiao. Slice it whichever way you want, on Sunday morning the questions surrounding this great rivalry will finally be put to bed. Six long years after the initial outcry to get these welterweight (147lbs) champions to square off, boxing fans have finally received their wish. Rewind a few months and on-again-off-again negotiations over the past few years had left the boxing world with flailing hope that the biggest question mark over both careers would ever be resolved. The time for resolution has come, at last.

Both fighters have been considered the mythical “pound-for-pound” boxing king at various times in their careers. Pacquiao’s unprecedented, hellacious and all-action rise to win world championships in eight weight classes would serve as a counter to the masterful displays by the supremely talented Mayweather. Facing off against common opponents Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley and Miguel Cotto only fuelled the fires of public imagination of how a fight between the two would play out.

The aptly dubbed Fight of the Century sees TV networks HBO and Showtime come together for only the second time. At $100 a pop and three million Pay-Per-View buys, you can do the math. The PPV, live gate and sponsorships are expected to bring in north of $400 million with the fighters guaranteed to divide more than half of that amount. Of course when the numbers (and egos) are that big neither team wanted come off as the ‘B-side’ in the negotiation. Pacquiao’s camp did however give in to a number of Mayweather’s demands. Here’s a few:

Venue and Date choice.
Drug testing protocol.
60-40 purse split.
The event is billed Mayweather – Pacquiao, not Pacquiao – Mayweather.
Mayweather can choose his corner of the ring.
Mayweather walks to the ring last.
Mayweather is announced last in the ring.

Pacquiao, for his part, managed to see the lighter side of taking the backseat in the negotiation. With a cheeky schoolboy smile he said recently, “That's how we treat everyone in our Death Row. We give all they want before the execution.”



It’s difficult to believe Mayweather was or is scared of Manny Pacquiao. But what Floyd fears above anything is losing his beloved zero. Floyd’s known for years that stylistically Manny Pacquiao has been the biggest threat to his unbeaten record. He’s sold his boxing image on his undefeated record. To risk that, would be to risk his paydays. Forget glory, legacy and facing the best, for Floyd, “If it makes dollars, it makes sense.” Earning $40million against opponents he knew he would beat meant there was no need to step into the ring with Manny Pacquiao. It’s not that he didn’t believe he could beat Pacquiao; the risk has never been worth it until now. In contrast, Pacquiao has taken on much bigger opponents and shown plenty of heart.

Mayweather (W47-L0-D0, 26 KOs), was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to a boxing family with his father Floyd Mayweather Sr. and uncles Roger and Jeff professional boxers. His early years saw his father in jail and while his uncle Roger and mother struggled with substance abuse, Floyd Jr. was raised by his grandmother and the steely figures in the boxing gym. It’s easy to see why he’s always seen the world as his enemy.



Pacquiao (W57-L5-D2, 38 KOs) grew up as a street child in General Santos City, Philippines selling donuts and cigarettes to make a living to support his family. Eventually, the financial lure of prize fighting in Manila presented an opportunity to escape his reality. In his first few fights, a teenage Manny Pacquiao was so scrawny and undernourished that he snuck weights into his pockets to make the minimum weight.

Fast forward through the in-ring success and the parallels in their childhood difficulties couldn’t be further away from their current realities.



It’s difficult to like Mayweather as a man. Floyd and his Money Team entourage are loud, egotistical, brash, cocky, arrogant and hypocritical. Yes, part of that persona is him selling and promoting his fight but part of it is really him. Racism, bigotry and sexism have never been far away from Floyd. Add in the jail time he’s served for domestic violence against his former girlfriend and the villain role in the ring isn’t too far divorced from reality. I, for one, have been waiting for someone to shut him up and give him a dose of some much-needed humility. It’s why we watch him. We watch him to see him get beat.

Manny, on the other hand, is gracious, humble and always smiling. His fame has even seen him take a seat in the Filipino Parliament as a congressman as he aims to help people who live in the same abject poverty in which he grew up. It’s difficult to not root for him. So how do these legends stack up in the ring?



The Pacman’s strengths have always been his speed and ability to create awkward angles, allowing him to land punches. His lateral movement combined with the “in-out” volume punching style has meant he’s never been shy to trade punches, at times to his detriment. Mayweather, in contrast, is a purist. Defensive skill and speed abound but are not complemented by an all-action, fan-friendly style. Rather, he picks his spots usually with single, precise punches. Floyd has never had to go for broke knowing he has been trailing on the scorecards.  The truth is no fighter, apart from maybe Jose Luis Castillo, has had the tools, skill and desire to push him for twelve complete rounds.

Despite his three-year age advantage at 36, Pacquiao’s been in more fights and his aggressive style and nature has seen him put more wear and tear on his body. Floyd, a defensive genius, hasn’t taken the punishment typical for a fighter his age. In recent fights however, the undefeated star has shown some signs that his legs are not what they once were. Despite handily outpointing Argentine Marcos Maidana in both their first bout and rematch in 2014, Mayweather took more punishment in those fights than we’ve come to expect. Pacquiao’s legendary trainer Freddie Roach was quick to pick up on this, “I don't think he moves like he used to. His legs aren't what they were - that's the first thing to go with a fighter.”

Pacquiao’s last fight was a complete shutout over undefeated Chris Algieri in which he scored six knockdowns against the tall American. Despite a convincing win Pacquiao was caught rather easily with a number of straight rights. The straight right is Mayweather’s best punch.

My breakdown of the key areas shows that there’s little to choose between the two:




It may be easy to pick Mayweather because at his core he’s a counter-puncher and Manny has been in trouble against counter punchers. But Pacquiao is too good offensively to not land. If Manny can overwhelm him and apply pressure for twelve rounds, he can win the decision. Will it be the volume punching of Pacquiao or the precision punching of Mayweather that the judges prefer? A knockout either way is unlikely given the lack of KOs in their recent fights but certainly remains a possibility. The safest bet would be a Mayweather decision at 13/20 but Pacquiao at 4/1 is much better value for a decision win. If pushed for a single bet to make, the only one I can tip with any degree of certainty is Over 10.5 Rounds at 2/7. The return isn’t great but I’m convinced this fight is going the distance.

Rivalries define the sport. The great heavyweights of the ‘70s in Ali, Frazier and Foreman are still revered today. The Fabulous Four of the ‘80s, Leonard, Hearns, Hagler and Duran produced the most competitive era in the sport as they traded defeats and victories in epic encounters. Pacquiao and Mayweather have without doubt been the two standout icons of this generation.  But in every rivalry and era, one fighter emerges as the greatest. Ali the greatest heavyweight, Sugar Ray Leonard as the best of the Fabulous Four. On Sunday morning one man from this generation will join the greats. - Hollywoodbets.net