Latest news with #Pretorius
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Skin self-care during pregnancy
Many women forfeit a healthy measure of self-care during pregnancy. There is nothing more beautiful than a pregnant woman. It is the process of creation; it is the joy of giving life to a new generation and a future that is changing forever. But despite concerns, many women forfeit a healthy measure of self-care during pregnancy. TLC for our largest and most visible organ, the skin, may often be set aside until post-partum, when having to deal with stretch marks and other challenges may incur an opportunity cost when it comes to self-confidence and comfort. But, suggested biomedical scientist and skincare formulator Dr Judey Pretorius, self-care comes with a host of caveats. Many of the products linked to everyday skin care and aiding body care can be harmful. Dr Pretorius said she started taking a closer look at skincare ingredients when she went through her own pregnancy at a somewhat later stage in life. 'I had to use IVF,' she said. 'And when the first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage, I started looking for possible causes by a process of elimination. One of the things that came up during her process was the use of topical products with harmful ingredients,' she said. Take care which products you use Dr Pretorius pointed out that many conventional skincare products contain substances that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. 'Retinol, for instance, is a form of vitamin A that has been linked to foetal abnormalities,' she said. 'Salicylic acid is another common ingredient that is not advised during pregnancy. It is found in many cleansers and body washes. Then there is caffeine, which appears in stretch mark products and even some shampoos.' While you may be avoiding coffee during pregnancy, the caffeine may still be absorbed via other means. ALSO READ: Gentle aesthetics are replacing the knife Preservatives like parabens and phenoxyethanol are also on the list. 'Women need to check what is in the products they are using,' she said. 'Not all skincare is safe for pregnancy.' And there are many challenges women face. 'Pregnancy is a time of immense hormonal upheaval,' said Dr Pretorius. 'Increased levels of oestrogen, progesterone can lead to everything from radiant skin to frustrating breakouts, heightened sensitivity, and melasma which is also known as the mask of pregnancy.' How the body protects the fetus Melasma comprises darker patches that appear across the face and neck, and in many cases a visible brown line forms across the tummy. It is called the Linea nigra and is linked to increased melanin production during pregnancy. 'It is the body's way of protecting the fetus,' said Dr Pretorius. 'But it leaves behind uneven pigmentation that many women struggle with long after giving birth.' Fluctuations in hormone levels can also cause breakouts. 'The rise in progesterone leads to increased sebum production,' she said. 'That creates oiliness on the face, chest and back and often results in acne, particularly from the second trimester onwards.' Then there is what she called pregnancy dermatitis. 'It is an itchy rash that often appears over the abdomen, where the skin is stretching,' she said. 'It is inflamed, sore and uncomfortable, but in most cases, it disappears after birth.' Stretch don't only appear on the tummy Stretch do not only appear on the stomach area. 'You will often find them on the upper arms, buttocks and thighs as well,' she said. 'Keeping the skin hydrated during pregnancy is very important. Use oil-based creams or tissue oils after bathing to help maintain elasticity of your skin and reduce the impact of nine months of stretch.' Dr Pretorius said that hair loss after birth, in the weeks after delivery, could see many women lose a lot of hair. 'It is because the body is adjusting to hormonal changes and the physical impact of giving birth,' she said. Nipple and areola sensitivity also becomes an issue during breastfeeding. 'Some women even experience cracked or bleeding skin in those areas,' she said. 'A calming and safe ointment can make a big difference.' Dr Pretorius recommended gentle cleansers without sulphates, non-fragranced products, and moisturisers that support the skin barrier. 'Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides are safe and help to keep the skin resilient,' she said. 'For breakouts, azelaic acid and niacinamide are good alternatives.' Sun protection is non-negotiable. 'Pigmentation will worsen with sun exposure,' she said. 'A physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is best.' 'There is no single solution for pregnancy skin,' she said. 'Each person will have a different experience but knowing what to look for and what to avoid can make the journey easier. Skincare should be part of pre and postnatal care, not something to figure out later.' NOW READ: Expert reveals the natural beauty revolution taking over
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Ferrari to steal the show at Sedgefield Motor Show 2025
The Sedgefield Motor Show has for its 2025 edition, decided to make Ferrari the featured supercar brand. The event will take place on July 6 at the Scarab Arts & Craft Village alongside the N2 highway in Sedgefield. Looking for a new or used Alfa Romeo? Find it here with CARmag! Often considered the pinnacle of automotive performance, Ferrari's rich history in motorsport and poster cars have created an allure that very few other high-end automakers have been able to emulate. The 2025 edition of the Sedgefield Motor Show will tap into this reverence! 'We have decided to make Ferrari the featured supercar brand at the second Classic Car and Motorcycle Show,' says Peter Pretorius, the head of the Eden Classic Car Group's organising committee. Pretorius added that at the first show last year, the extremely rare Jaguar E-Type was featured, with 10 pristine examples on display. For this year, the man organising the event has gone on to say that five Ferraris have already been entered, dating from 1993 to 2017. 'The models entered already are a 488 Spider, 360 Modena, 512 TR, F430 Spider and 458 Spider.' Related: Alfa Romeo Scores Triple Win at Best Cars Awards 2025 The major focus this year is on attracting a host of supercars to back up a wide display of British, European, and American sports car brands. Other supercars to support the Ferraris that are already on the display list include an Audi R8, Lamborghinis, various Aston Martins and Porsches as well as a Mercedes-Benz SLS. Mainstream classic car brands that will be on display include Alfa Romeo, Austin Healey, BMW, Jaguar, MG, Morgan, Morris, Sunbeam, Triumph, and Volvo. There will also be several rare car models on display too, some unique, including a few made in South Africa…. 'We have already secured a good mix of 25 motorcycles for our show, ranging from a 1926 Sunbeam and 1951 Ariel to some of the latest Ducati models Currently we are aiming for a total of about 230 cars and motorcycles to be on display on July 6,' added Pretorius. Participants who will be displaying their cars come from Cape Town, Gqeberha, Pretoria and spread along the Garden Route. The country setting for the Sedgefield Classic Car and Motorcycle Show adds to the ambience of the event, while visitors are well catered for with a variety of food and beverage stalls to suit all tastes. Related: Star-Studded Alfa Romeo Racing Lineup to Be Celebrated at FuoriConcorso 2025 The event will enjoy backing from Sanlam Private Wealth and again forms part of the popular annual Knysna Oyster Festival. It falls in school holidays too, so an even larger number of visitors is expected than the 2 000 adults who attended the 2024 show. Proceeds go to various charities on the Garden Route and last year R42 000 was distributed to worthy causes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CAR Magazine (@carmagazinesa) This year adults will pay R70 for admission while children will have free entry. Gates will open at 10:00 and close at 16:00. Further information can be obtained by emailing edenclassiccargroup@ If you have a supercar, classic sports car, a collector car or motorcycle and want to participate on July 6, contact Pretorius by email: peterpretorius6@ Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with CARmag! The post Ferrari to Steal the Show at Sedgefield Motor Show 2025 appeared first on CAR Magazine.
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- The Citizen
Community unites against crime at Akasia Crime Talk Imbizo
Persistent criminal activities in the north of Pretoria came under the spotlight last week with the intention of finding answers. The Akasia Police Station hosted a Crime Talk Imbizo at Wonderpark Mall in the north of Pretoria, to engage with residents on pressing safety concerns. The event, which brought together local law enforcement, community leaders, and concerned citizens, aimed to confront the escalating crime rates plaguing neighbourhoods, discuss pressing safety concerns and collaborative solutions. The primary grievances voiced by attendees centred on delayed police response times and a noticeable lack of patrol vehicles in the area. Residents recounted instances where calls to emergency services went unanswered or were met with prolonged delays, leaving victims vulnerable and eroding trust in law enforcement. Akasia has recently been spotlighted as one of Pretoria's most crime-affected areas, with a notable increase in contact crimes, including assaults, robberies, and burglaries. According to the latest crime statistics, the station reported a 10.6% decrease in contact crimes, with no attempted murder cases reported. Assault with intent to cause GBH decreased by 1.5% (131 cases to 12), and cases of common assault by 8.6% (245 to 224). Common robberies decreased by 27 counts (now 30) and murder cases by 8 counts (now 13) while sexual offences increased by 2 (now 5). Cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances decreased by 2.2%, from 227 cases down to 222. This quarter, 19 rapes were reported. Carjackings increased by 15 counts to 47, and robberies at non-residential premises decreased by 7 counts to 12 cases. Residents voiced their frustrations and fears during the imbizo, emphasising the urgent need for effective interventions. The imbizo served as a platform for law enforcement to outline ongoing and upcoming initiatives aimed at curbing crime. Resident Elza Pretorius said police made a lot of broken promises to residents. 'We held marches and handed over petitions, and police promised us that the station would be better. 'If you call the security, they say they don't have vans. Community members end up taking matters into their own hands because police take about five hours to arrive at the scene,' said Pretorius. During the imbizo, residents engaged in a dialogue with the different stakeholders, who addressed their questions and concerns. The Akasia CIMAC Unit said that during April, the station recorded an increase in car hijackings. The unit pointed out that any Toyota, VW Polo and Nissan NP200 were the most stolen cars. The community members were provided with safety tips on how to protect themselves and avoid becoming victims of crime. One such initiative is the Light Up Akasia project, a collaboration between the Akasia Community Policing Forum (CPF) and local authorities, focusing on repairing and maintaining streetlights in high-crime areas to deter criminal activities. Additionally, the Akasia CPF has been actively recruiting volunteers to bolster community patrols, highlighting the importance of resident involvement in crime prevention. Public Relations Officer Lerato Makwe stated, 'Community participation is crucial. By working together, we can create a safer environment for all'. Akasia Police station commander Colonel Aaron Molefi Setlhalogile stressed the importance of rebuilding trust between police and the community. Setlhalogile acknowledged the challenges faced by police and the need for community support. 'We are committed to serving and protecting, but we cannot do it alone. Community co-operation is essential,' he said. Residents were encouraged to report all criminal activities, no matter how minor, to aid in accurate crime mapping and resource allocation. The imbizo concluded with a renewed sense of determination among attendees to combat crime through unity and proactive engagement. Plans are underway to hold regular community meetings, enhance neighbourhood watch programmes, and implement educational campaigns on safety and crime prevention. Amandasig Action Group (AAG) Chairperson Quintin Painter said the group, together with the CPF and police, can combat crime. 'We have a community plan and prevention strategies that will help reduce crime in sectors 1 and 2,' said Painter. According to the Chairperson of the CPF William Motshoene, the forum has vetted over 200 members. 'We have a lot of patrollers in Sector 1. Sector 2 can be covered if a sector forum is formed. 'We encourage businesses all around Akasia to avail themselves of fighting crime.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Concerns rise over appointments of former Zondo Commission leaders
The implications of appointing Zondo Commission evidence leaders to key prosecution institutions Image: IOL/Independent Newspapers The appointment of Advocate Paul Pretorius SC to strengthen the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has ignited a wave of concern among political analysts and legal experts. They question the appropriateness of elevating former evidence leaders involved in the Zondo Commission to influential prosecutorial roles. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced that Pretorius's appointment will strengthen efforts to pursue cases arising from the Zondo Commission's report into State Capture. However, critics are raising alarms over the potential conflict of interest, given Pretorius's previous role as an evidence leader during the commission's inquiry into corruption at the highest levels of government. A Troubling Pattern of Appointments Adding to the controversy, Advocate Pule Seleka SC, former evidence leader and current Chair of the Legal Practice Council (LPC), was appointed chair of the LPC in November 2024, a move that has also been scrutinised. Seleka played a pivotal role in the Zondo Commission, serving as a key evidence leader during the hearings into state corruption. This has led many to question whether such appointments could undermine public trust in the justice system. Political analysts warn that these appointments risk creating a perception of bias and conflict of interest, especially when individuals directly involved in investigations or evidence collection are handed influential roles in prosecution. Expert Opinions Sound the Alarm Professor Sipho Seepe, a respected political analyst, expressed deep concern over the implications of such appointments. 'The NPA is supposed to conduct its affairs without fear, favour, and prejudice,' Seepe emphasiaed. 'Unfortunately, the NPA is now relying on evidence leaders from the Zondo Commission to prosecute State Capture cases. These individuals have already been entangled in the process, which raises serious questions about their impartiality. 'We should be asking: what motivates these individuals? Is it a genuine pursuit of justice, or personal interests? How do they reconcile their past roles with their current positions?' He further warned that the involvement of these figures could undermine public confidence in the justice system. 'The Zondo Commission has already damaged trust. If the system is seen as biased or selective, ordinary South Africans will see through it. The abuse of state machinery for personal or political ends can only go so far before the public completely loses faith." Similarly, Zakhele Ndlovu, another political analyst, expressed skepticism about the efficacy of the appointments. 'The only way these appointments will be meaningful is if they lead to successful prosecutions of those implicated in the Zondo report,' Ndlovu stated. 'We've seen the NPA's leadership, especially under Shamila Batohi, struggle to deliver results. The appointment of former evidence leaders doesn't inspire confidence—they are just individuals operating within an ineffective institutional framework.' He also highlighted the political ramifications, noting that 'if the NPA begins targeting certain individuals within the ANC or affiliated groups, it could be perceived as political persecution, especially given the history of the Zuma era. This risks further polarizing the nation and undermining the perceived independence of the judiciary.' The Political Backdrop The controversy comes amid ongoing debates about the fairness of the Zondo Commission's focus. Critics, including MK party Chief Whip Mzwanele Manyi, have argued that the commission appeared to target former President Jacob Zuma and his allies, fueling perceptions of political bias. Zuma and his supporters have long claimed that investigations are politically motivated, complicating efforts to establish an impartial pursuit of justice. NPA's Response and the Way Forward In a recent statement, NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga confirmed that negotiations are ongoing regarding the extension of Pretorius's contract. 'IDAC is processing the appointment of Adv Paul Pretorius SC, and the process is at an advanced stage,' Mhaga stated. 'Pretorius has been sought to enhance capacity in managing cases linked to the Zondo Commission's findings.' While the NPA maintains that these appointments aim to strengthen the fight against corruption, critics remain unconvinced. Analysts argue that such appointments could further erode trust in an already fragile justice system without transparent processes and safeguards. [email protected] IOL Politics
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Playground revamp now included special needs learners
Playing outside plays an essential role in the development of children with special needs, including physical disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders. This was according to New Hope School social worker, Wilma Pretorius, during the revamp of the foundation phase playground at the school on May 8. In celebration of RED Day, volunteers came together to refurbish the playground to make it accessible and fit for every learner's needs. Pretorius said the expansion and special design of the playground are going to have a very positive impact on the learners' development and livelihood. The volunteers did a lot of renovations, including tracks which were made on the playground to enable learners with physical disabilities and those in wheelchairs to easily access and move around it. 'Some of the things on the playground weren't accessible for physically disabled children, and they would not have the opportunity to play like the other learners. 'Our physiotherapists always encourage a lot of moving around for the learners to develop their muscles and connections from their brains to the nerves. But because the space was too small for everyone to fit in, the learners would not want to participate.' She said a bigger and nicer playground encourages learners to take part in moving and using their bodies in different ways. She added that the playground will also improve the learners' cognitive development and social skills. 'Children learn through play. The more variety they have in their play sessions, the more they are able to develop on certain levels.' Pretorius said that for learners with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, who often get frustrated with learning traditionally, it becomes a different way to learn. 'After having to concentrate in class for a while, their energy builds up, but now they will have the opportunity to let it all out and exercise, which really helps to calm them down, reset and be able to focus again.' Other renovations included the expansion of a sandpit, shaded canopies, buddy benches and drawing and painting of floor games. Sponsors and volunteers played games with the learners while their new playground was being prepared. One of the volunteers, Jenny Buck, said she feels content to have made an impact on the children's different developmental processes through the playground. New Hope School principal Gerhard Venter said he feels honoured to have had volunteers assisting the school in the upgrade of the playground and making it accessible to all learners. 'It's not just about beautifying… but the functionality of the playground that makes a difference with the learners in a sense that they can spontaneously develop physically and mentally as they are playing.' Venter expressed his gratitude to all the role players in the revamp of the playground and said the new play area will definitely improve their learners' development in all aspects. WATCH: Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
