Latest news with #Bester
National Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- National Observer
Canada's competition watchdog publishes final greenwashing guidelines
Businesses can make environmental claims — only if they aren't false or misleading and have been properly substantiated, according to new Canadian anti-greenwashing guidelines. The guidelines released Thursday by Canada's Competition Bureau are intended to help companies comply with anti-greenwashing laws introduced last June. Businesses making environmental claims will require an assessment, not only of the literal wording of the claim, but also of the general impression created by the advertisement as a whole, including the words, images and layout, the bureau said. The new rules elicited both praise and swift backlash. 'The bureau's guidance is important, but it is really just one piece of the puzzle, and it is not determinative,' said Keldon Bester, executive director of the Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project, an Ottawa-based think tank focused on economic competition issues. After the amended legislation came into force last summer, corporate Canada clamoured for clarity on how it would apply, so this guidance should answer some of their questions, but the real test will be the cases the bureau decides to pursue and how they fare in front of competition tribunals, Bester said. But it is encouraging to see the bureau 'matching the spirit of the law,' he said. INSERT ALBERTA ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS MINISTER REBECCA SCHULZ STATEMENT Canada's competition watchdog published finalized guidance to help corporate Canada navigate the new greenwashing rules that came into force last summer 'The new guidelines appear to get to the heart of the matter,' Green Party Leader Elizabeth May said in an emailed statement to Canada's National Observer. "'Greenwashing' is just another form of untruthful advertising. We need enforceable 'truth in advertising' laws and these guidelines move in that direction,' May said. The bureau's guidance explained that if a Canadian business claimed in its marketing that it was on its way to net-zero emissions by 2050 and 'had good intentions about reducing greenhouse gases' — but made the claim before making a clear, evidence-backed plan to reach net-zero — that would be inadequate. Keith Stewart, senior energy strategist for Greenpeace Canada called this the 'Pathways clause,' in reference to the Pathways Alliance's ad campaign. In 2023, the bureau launched an investigation into the oilsands lobby group's campaign, 'Let's clear the air,' after Greenpeace Canada filed a complaint alleging net-zero claims in the ads were false or misleading. After the new greenwashing laws came into force last summer, Pathways Alliance removed all of the content related to its 'Let's clear the air' campaign from its website, social media and other public communications. The Competition Bureau dropped the investigation a few months later, in December 2024, according to a letter Greenpeace Canada shared with Canada's National Observer. 'Given that the representations that were the subject of this inquiry are no longer publicly available, as well as the Commissioner's discretion with respect to the assignment of limited resources, the Commissioner has decided to discontinue the inquiry at this time,' reads the letter to Greenpeace Canada. 'You don't have to read very far between the lines … to see that Pathways was going to lose that case, which is probably why they took all those ads down so quickly,' Stewart said. 'I think the Competition Bureau essentially said, 'OK, we're going to give you a mulligan on this one. We're not going to go after you because you took all the ads down … and we're now putting it in black and white, clarifying the rules around what constitutes greenwashing on net-zero claims, so don't do it again',' he said. 'You'll notice Pathways no longer talk about being on the path to net-zero.' The Pathways Alliance did not respond to a request for comment on the new guidelines. Alexandre Boulerice, NDP critic for environment and climate change, said deceptive marketing practices, particularly greenwashing, are a major problem because it misleads consumers and 'hurts public trust in a genuine green transition.' The new rules could be a step in the right direction, but consumers must know that they can report deceptive or false advertising and file a complaint, Boulerice said in an emailed statement to Canada's National Observer. 'Additionally, the Bureau requires the resources and capacity to carry out all those inquiries,' Boulerice said. Boulerice said the next few months will tell whether the federal government is serious about this issue. The Conservative Party and Bloc Québécois did not respond to a request for comment. Although the legislation and guidelines could both be stronger, 'the new guidelines should quiet the trumped-up backlash from parts of corporate Canada,' said Emilia Belliveau, Environmental Defence's energy transition program manager, in a Thursday press release.
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
From arousal to awareness: demystifying Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (Candace Syndrome)
Your enjoyment of sex is just as important as your partner's. Image: Pixabay When it comes to female sexual health in South Africa, honest conversations are long overdue. After attending a recent webinar on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) hosted by Lady Prelox, a leading Lamelle Pharmaceuticals brand, Independent MediaLifestyle wanted to unpack what real women face every day. I spoke to Karen Bester, medical training manager at Lamelle, to explore what's going on behind closed doors, why so many women battle in silence, and how South Africans can take steps toward better, more fulfilling intimate lives. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ What is Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) or 'Candace Syndrome'? According to Bester, Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD), sometimes called Candace Syndrome, is more common than you might think. It's not just about 'not being in the mood', FSAD means having ongoing trouble getting or staying aroused, even if you want to be intimate. This can look like trouble with lubrication, loss of sensitivity, or struggling to experience orgasm. Bester explains, 'FSAD is a physical challenge; your mind may be ready, but your body just isn't responding how you'd like.' Is FSAD the same as low libido? Many people confuse FSAD with low libido (or low sexual desire), but they are not the same. FSAD is about the body's response, like a car engine that just won't start, while low libido is a lack of sexual interest, even in your thoughts or fantasies. Bester adds, 'Desire starts in the mind, arousal happens in the body. You can have one without the other, and both can need different solutions.' Unlike male sexual dysfunction, diagnosing female sexual dysfunction isn't always straightforward. Image: Саша Соколова/pexels Why does sexual desire drop? Sexual desire can dip for lots of reasons and at any age. While menopause and hormonal changes are common triggers, so are stress, a busy work life, relationship tension, physical health problems, and even becoming a new mom. Stats from the World Health Organisation show that up to 40% of women globally experience some form of sexual dysfunction during their lifetime. In South Africa, lifestyle pressures from juggling careers to raising families mean more women are affected than ever. And it's completely normal for desire to rise and fall through the years. The reality of orgasm issues If you have difficulty reaching orgasm, you're in good company. There are two main types: primary (never having had an orgasm) and secondary (you used to, but now you can't). Causes range from anxiety and lack of sexual education to hormonal shifts, relationship issues, or medication. Bester notes, 'Women often blame themselves, but orgasm challenges are so common, and there is real help available.' Pain during sex: dyspareunia explained Painful sex, or dyspareunia, is often misunderstood or brushed off. It can feel sharp, burning, or like pressure, and might happen at the entrance or deeper inside. Causes vary from infections and inflammation to lack of lubrication or arousal. Brushing it off can lead to anxiety, avoidance, and relationship strain. It's not 'all in your head', it's a real, treatable medical issue. How is female sexual dysfunction diagnosed? Unlike a 'yes/no' checklist, female sexual dysfunction needs a holistic approach. Doctors look at your medical history, symptoms (present for six months or more), and rule out other medical or mental health conditions. 'It's about getting the full picture, your body, mind, and life situation all matter.' One of the biggest barriers to better sexual health is stigma. Image: cottonbro studio /pexels
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- The Citizen
Deportation appeal of Thabo Bester co-accused dismissed, trial to go ahead
Deportation appeal of Thabo Bester co-accused dismissed, trial to go ahead Dr Nandipha Magudumana, who faces 38 counts alongside co-accused Thabo Bester – known as The Facebook Rapist – will remain in South Africa. This after the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) dismissed the deportation appeal in its judgment delivered on Friday (today). ALSO READ: Thabo Bester saga referenced in KwaMsane bail hearing Magudumana and Bester were arrested in Tanzania in April 2023 after fleeing the country following Bester's escape from the Mangaung Correctional Facility. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga said the pair face charges ranging from fraud, corruption, money laundering, assisting an inmate to escape, violation of the body, arson, and defeating the ends of justice. 'The NPA is committed to ensuring justice is not only served, but manifestly seen to be done because of the alleged crimes' impact on the rule of law and the victims,' said Mhanga. The NPA's prosecution team will now focus on ensuring the trial, set down for 21 July to 19 September before the Free State Division of the High Court in Bloemfontein, proceeds without any unreasonable delay. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
New Zealand break Junior Springboks' hearts to defend U20 title
New Zealand held on to beat the Junior Springboks 48-45 in front of 14 835 spectators at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Sunday to retain the U20 Rugby Championship in dramatic fashion. Having to play with 13 players in the final minutes, the NZ team just managed to hold on as they overturned a fast Junior Springbok start to the match, with the home side scoring 19 unanswered points in the opening 15 minutes and leading 26-24 at the break. Fifteen tries – which included a penalty try – resulted in a high scoring match that was dominated by the home side in the first 20 minutes, before the defending champions took control, only to have their effort almost derailed with ill-discipline in the final 10 minutes. The South Africans will look back at this match as another one of missed opportunities and some weak defence in their outside channels being exploited by their opponents. The Junior Boks played with a strong wind in the first half and enjoyed a great start. The Kiwis tries to run the deep kick off back to their opponents, but were forced into touch 20m out. The SA U20s mauled well from the resulting lineout and then kept excellent exposure. Their attacks around the rucks sucked in defenders and after four minutes centre Albie Bester scored in the corner for the first points of the game. The conversion was wide, but the home side had their tails up early. Their second try, three minutes later, was even more impressive. A strong burst by Bester started some good momentum and a long-range attack from the Junior Boks. It was loosehead prop Simphiwe Ngobese who finally crashed over near the posts after some brilliant support play and good option taking by various ball carriers. Vusi Moyo converted for a 12-0 lead. Ten minutes into the game, the NZ side already were forced to make 37 tackles. Some ill-discipline around the breakdown seemed inevitable and twice New Zealand were pinged for such offences. The Junior Boks went for the driving maul twice and after the first one was dragged down illegally, the second was a thing of beauty with hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele at the back of the pack scoring their third try. Moyo's conversion was good and the lead 19-0 with 15 minutes of the match played. Credit to New Zealand though who recovered well to score a well-taken try of their own from the next restart. They forced the Junior Boks into conceding some penalties and also twice mauled for the line, but the South Africans kept them out. Keeping the ball alive through a number of phases, their patience was rewarded with a try by Harlyn Saunoa. The left wing's acrobatic finish despite two SA defenders trying to get him away from the corner flag had the spectators in black on their feet. The conversion was wide and the SA lead of 19-5 still well-deserved. Saunoa scored his second 26 minutes in, but he needed to fancy footwork for this one. In fact, some ball watching and a failed intercept effort by the Junior Bok outside backs left the winger will acres of real estate and he almost walked over for his try. The conversion by flyhalf Will Cole was good and suddenly the lead was only seven points. Stung by the two conceded tries, the Junior Boks struck back, again with a spectacular team try. Good interplay between backs and forwards and a great timed pass gave Gino Cupido just enough space to work his way to the line for a fourth South African try. Moyo kicked the conversion and the lead was back to 14 points (26-12) after 30 minutes. New Zealand kept on coming though and found some angles around the SA ruck defence less threatening, winning metres per carry at a time. The Junior Boks conceded a penalty trying to stem the flow and NZ kicked for the corner from where Manumaua Letiu was driven over by his pack. The NZ captain's try cut the lead to 26-17 with five minutes to go before the break. Saunoa got his third just before the break and again needed some stepping to score, but the Junior Boks will only have themselves to blame for this try. Attacking strongly a long looping pass was intercepted by New Zealand and although South Africa's scrambling defence kept their opponents at bay, it was just a matter of time before the original mistake would be punished. The conversion was good and suddenly, at the break, the lead was cut to only two points. An early New Zealand try in the second half gave them the lead for the first time. Maloni Kunawave reaped the rewards this time when he ran onto a good kick by centre Jack Wiseman. The conversion was good and suddenly the Junior Boks were trailing by four points. The Kiwis' sixth try came from a Wiseman intervention again, going around his opponent and that momentum resulted in a try to front-ranker Sika Pole. The kick was good and the score jumped to 38-26. Some luck came the home side's way after the restart though as Wandile Mlaba intercepted a loose pass near their own line, giving his team a lifeline, as they came back to a seven-point deficit (38-31). That did not last long though. Some around the back play by the NZ backs again shredded the rush defence by their opponents and Stanley Solomon finished a smooth move in the corner. That pushed the lead up 43-31 with 25 minutes to play. The Junior Boks came back into the game with a second Mlaba try. Some good attacking play of a lineout handed the NZ defence lots of homework and when play was switched to the blindside, the SA No 8 proved too powerful for the defenders in black. Moyo converted and 55 minutes in, it was a five-point game again. Kunawave's second try extended New Zealand's lead again, with the wing emulating Saunoa in the acrobatics stakes to dot down in the corner. Again, the SA defence would look at the replay with dismay as again they rushed a stack attack. The conversion was wide but at 48-38, SA needed to score next to remain in the contest. That job became a little bit easier when NZ flanker Caleb Woodley was red-carded 11 minutes from time after a head clash with Cheswill Jooste, but the home side could not take immediate advantage of the extra player. They did so five minutes from time when Kyle Smith dummied his way past a couple of defenders, but the try was disallowed for obstruction. South Africa had a penalty advantage though and they kicked to the corner. Their maul was pulled down by New Zealand and the referee had no option but to award SA a penalty try and send Randall Baker to the bin. New Zealand, now with 13 players, were defending a three-point lead with three minutes to play which they managed to do to secure a memorable win and another title. Earlier, Australia beat Argentina 40-36 to finish second in the championship. The Junior Springboks ended third, with Argentina winless in fourth. Junior Springboks Tries: Albie Bester, Simphiwe Ngobese, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Gino Cupido, Wandile Mlaba (2), Penalty try Conversions: Vusi Moyo (4) New Zealand Tries: Harlyn Saunoa (3), Manumaua Letiu, Maloni Kunawave (2), Sika Pole, Stanley Solomon Conversions: Will Cole (4) Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
01-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Consistency over perfection: A kinder way to approach your health
South Africa has just marked Health Awareness Month and now is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and rethink how we approach our wellbeing. For many people balancing careers, families, and personal goals, health often feels like just another high-pressure item on an overflowing to-do list. We're constantly told to eat clean, exercise daily, manage stress, get enough sleep, and somehow glow while doing it all. But when we skip a workout or reach for something quick and comforting to eat, it can leave us feeling like we've failed. This perfectionist mindset can be more harmful than helpful, says Karen Bester, Medical Training Manager at Lamelle Pharmaceuticals. 'Health doesn't have to mean getting everything right all the time. It's about consistency, doing the little things regularly that support your body and mental well-being. Progress, not perfection, is what leads to lasting change.' Start small and stay kind to yourself by picking one or two habits you can realistically stick with. It might look like taking a short walk in the morning, drinking more water, or building a simple bedtime routine that includes a nurturing skincare regimen. For those managing ongoing health concerns, leaning into tools that support your journey can make a big difference. 'Whether it's products that support overall skin health and repair, assist hormonal imbalances or reproductive health, consistency will show up when you least expect it. Even gentle shifts like improving your sleep routine or committing to regular movement can yield noticeable changes over time,' says Bester. For women dealing with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), hormonal imbalances, irregular cycles, and symptoms like weight gain or acne can feel overwhelming. These physical changes can add emotional stress, triggering feelings of frustration, anxiety, and self-doubt. But fertility challenges aren't exclusive to women. Male fertility plays an equally important role in conception. When issues like low sperm count or motility arise, men often face similar emotional stress. Unfortunately, male fertility is often not as openly discussed, leaving many men feeling isolated in their experiences. Both partners share the emotional weight of these challenges, which can disrupt sleep, mood, self-esteem, and even relationships. When daily life is already busy, this added pressure can feel overwhelming. That's why small, consistent steps are so important. Supplements like Ovaria and Prelox Fertility offer targeted support for both partners. While no supplement is a cure-all, consistent use of these tools, combined with daily self-care routines, can help reduce the stress of feeling out of control. When used together with healthy habits that support rest, movement, and emotional well-being, they empower couples to face their fertility journey together. As winter sets in, it's easy to slip out of our usual self-care habits. Skincare often takes a back seat, and sun protection becomes one of the first things to be forgotten. But UV exposure doesn't disappear just because it's colder. UVA rays are responsible for skin aging and long-term damage remains constant throughout the year. They can penetrate cloud cover and glass, so daily protection is still essential, even when indoors or on overcast days. This long term UV exposure is why many people develop dry, rough, or scaly patches on their skin, often known as actinic keratosis (AK), which can sometimes progress into more serious skin conditions. Winter's cold and dry air can also weaken the skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to irritation and sensitivity. That's where Nia-Sol a range developed specifically to treat the long term UV effects on the skin with a unique blend of nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and Pycnogenol a power house antioxidant comes in. While sunscreen remains essential year-round, Nia-Sol is increasingly recognised for its ability to reverse skin damage through the seasons. It can help reduce inflammation, assist with DNA repair, and provide added support to the skin's natural defence mechanisms. Health doesn't have to be about perfection, it's a journey, one that rewards consistency, gentleness, and showing up for yourself, even in small ways. Whether you're focused on managing stress, balancing hormones, boosting fertility, or improving skin health, progress often happens quietly. The most impactful shifts come from little choices made day after day: a bit more movement, a bit more rest, a supplement taken regularly, or a skincare ritual that makes you feel cared for. Health is not a pass/fail equation. It's about the quiet moments of care you show yourself every day even when life feels messy.
