Latest news with #SpringsAdvertiser
The Citizen
20 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Springs arm wrestlers bring home medals from African Championships in Nigeria
Three arm wrestlers from Springs represented the country at the 14th Africa Championships 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria, from July 23 to 27. Arm wrestlers from 15 African countries participated, with South Africa taking seventh place. Janco Kok, Johnny Meyer and Rosemary Botha collected medals in various categories in the tournament. Speaking to Springs Advertiser, Botha said she was proud of herself and her teammates. She said she was honoured to represent her town, province and the country. Her biggest stand-out moment was competing against the Master Women World Champion. 'I cannot do this sport without the support of my work, my friends and my family. Our national federation, led by president Yorinda Nel, has been extremely supportive and was part of the reason I could attend this event,' said Botha. Botha participated in the Master Women U80kg left and right arms category, where she won a bronze medal. Although she competed internationally, she spoke about the challenges faced by herself and others. 'One of the biggest challenges is to get funding and to prove that arm wrestling is a real sport that requires more financial support,' she said. Botha said she aimed to become a full-time coach, serve as a referee at the Armwrestling Federation of Africa, and represent South Africa at the African Games in Egypt in 2027. Meyer participated in the master men's 110kg right-arm category, where he won the silver medal. Kok is the new African champion after he won the gold medal in the youth men's 110kg left and right arms.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Scouts showcase talent, business skills at Entrepreneurs Day
The Springs Central Air Scouts hosted their first Entrepreneurs Day at the Scout Hall in Springs on August 2. The venue came alive with a vibrant array of stalls, each one unique and thoughtfully presented. Visitors enjoyed a variety of handmade goods, some baked, some painted, and others carefully crafted by hand. Annelesia Laubscher from the fundraising committee told the Springs Advertiser that the event was a success. She explained that the Scouts took part to earn their entrepreneurs badge, learning valuable lessons in the process, as everything sold on the day was handmade by them. She noted that the event also enabled Scouts to gain practical business skills, including marketing, pricing, and customer service, all while having fun and engaging with the community. 'They all learnt how to trade among themselves. All in all, we had a great day with them. The people who supported us had a great time speaking to each Scout, finding out how they made their products, and asking them anything and everything about their stalls,' said Laubscher. She also thanked everyone who came to support the Scouts, adding that the Scouts appreciated every one of them.
The Citizen
04-08-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Springs beauty Bejandri Lourens to represent SA at Miss Asia Pacific
With purpose, determination, and a message of empowerment, Springs' own Bejandri Lourens is preparing to represent South Africa on the global stage at the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant this September in the Philippines. Speaking to the Springs Advertiser, Lourens described the experience as overwhelming to put into words. 'It's a mix of pride, gratitude, and responsibility. As someone from Springs, going to a global stage and representing not only my country but the town that shaped me is incredibly humbling,' she said. 'I carry my own dreams, but also those of every little girl in Springs—to remind her that where you come from does not determine where you're going.' As she trains for the competition, Lourens is taking a holistic approach to preparation. 'To me, that means staying grounded in my faith, keeping my mind and heart in balance, and surrounding myself with people who uplift me,' she explained. 'It's not just about perfecting a walk or a speech. It's about aligning with who I am and what I want to bring to this platform.' ALSO READ: Tournament set to celebrate Women's Day in Slovo Park She is also focusing on refining her advocacy work and building confidence. 'Professionally, I'm pouring time into growth—embracing every opportunity to learn and serve,' she added. A strong advocate for women's and children's rights, Lourens is passionate about raising awareness around gender-based violence and empowering the next generation. 'I hope to be a voice for the voiceless and to help create safer spaces where women and children are seen, heard, and supported,' she said. 'Real change starts with awareness and is built through action. This platform gives me a chance to be part of that in a meaningful way.' Lourens sees the crown not as the end goal, but the beginning. 'Whether it's hosting workshops, speaking at schools, or creating platforms for young women, I'm committed to building a world where every girl knows her worth and is empowered to lead.' As South Africa marks Women's Month this August, Lourens reflected on the significance of the occasion. 'It's a powerful reminder of how far we've come—and how far we still have to go. It's a time to reflect on the strength, resilience, and courage of South African women,' she said. 'As a young woman, it inspires me to use my voice for good and to encourage others to do the same.' She ended with a heartfelt message to girls in her community who may look up to her: 'Believe in yourself, even when it feels like no one else does. Your voice and your story matter. Don't wait for perfect—start where you are, use what you have, and stay consistent. With heart and hard work, you can achieve more than you ever imagined.' ALSO READ: Advent One donates 150 corrugated iron sheets to help rebuild Slovo Park after explosion
The Citizen
28-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
‘Let's shine a light on hepatitis' – Springs' nurse urges awareness on World Hepatitis Day
As the world commemorates World Hepatitis Day (July 28), a local nurse practitioner said the day is an opportunity to raise awareness, promote education and support those infected with hepatitis in the community. Sister Nomvula Mtshali from Epilepsy SA in Springs told the Springs Advertiser that World Hepatitis Day is important for the community because many might not understand the risks, symptoms, and consequences of hepatitis. She also said the condition can carry stigma, which leads to social isolation and delays in seeking care. She added that awareness campaigns can promote prevention strategies such as vaccination, safe sex, safe injection practices, and encourage testing and treatment to improve health outcomes and reduce transmission. 'By promoting awareness and prevention strategies, we can reduce transmission in our community. Early detection and treatment improve outcomes and lessen the burden of hepatitis on individuals and families. World Hepatitis Day helps raise awareness and support for those living with the disease,' said Mtshali. Mtshali also said that awareness can lead to early detection and treatment, improving outcomes, and help prevent transmission through safe practices. It also helps reduce stigma and promotes understanding and support. ALSO CHECK: Joburg gets ready to thrive at 2025 SPAR Women's Challenge Jozi She said hepatitis remains a significant public health concern in SA and highlighted the viral hepatitis types: • Hepatitis A (HAV): Transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person. Usually causes acute illness, and symptoms resolve on their own. • Hepatitis B (HBV): Transmitted through bodily fluids, such as blood and semen. It can cause acute or chronic infection, potentially leading to liver damage; • Hepatitis C (HCV): Primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles. Often causes chronic infection, which can lead to liver damage and liver cancer. To protect themselves from hepatitis, Mtshali said people should practice good hygiene, get vaccinated, use safe injection practices, practice safe sex and avoid sharing personal items. She also noted that food and water safety are crucial. 'If you are at risk or have been exposed, get tested for hepatitis. If someone in your household has hepatitis, take precautions to avoid close contact, such as not sharing personal items. Stay informed about hepatitis risks, symptoms and prevention strategies,' she said. ALSO CHECK: Springs Photography Club monthly competition showcases local photography talent Common symptoms: • Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired or weak; • Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes; • Loss of appetite: Decreased interest in food; • Nausea and vomiting: Feeling queasy or vomiting; • Abdominal pain: Discomfort in the abdominal area; • Dark urine: Urine might appear darker than usual; • Pale stools: Stools might appear lighter or clay-coloured. She said that there are opportunities for improvement through public awareness campaigns, community outreaches and healthcare provider education and that people with hepatitis often require comprehensive support and care to manage their condition. She concluded by saying the community should work together to raise awareness, promote education and support those affected by hepatitis. 'Let's shine a light on hepatitis. Awareness, testing and treatment are key to eliminating this disease. Get informed, get tested, and let's work together to create a hepatitis-free future.'
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Springs church hosts mini triathlon to feed the hungry
Geduld Methodist Church hosted its annual fundraising event at Springs Girls' High School on July 19. Pastor Jonathan Coates told the Springs Advertiser that this year's event was a Tin Man competition. It was organised by members of the church to raise funds in support of their soup kitchen initiative. Funds raised will go directly towards sustaining the church's soup kitchen, which feeds many in need, as well as maintaining the church's historic building. The soup kitchen operates from Tuesday to Thursday and serves between 85 and 90 adults each week. Nourish a Child, the children's feeding scheme, provides meals for 63 to 65 children four days a week on the church premises. Last year's event was the Polar Plunge. This year the organisers added two more challenges to make it more exciting. With a combination of a polar plunge-style swim, cycling and running, Coates said the event was not for the faint-hearted, especially with icy winter water. But that didn't stop participants from pushing through the cold with grit and good humour, cheered on by supportive community members, local businesses and volunteers. 'This event proves what can be achieved when a community comes together. Every step taken and every splash made will help us continue serving those who rely on our soup kitchen,' he said. He added that the Tin Man was more than just a race. It was a powerful expression of community spirit, with local businesses stepping in to sponsor and support the event. Judy Wheller, one of the event organisers, said, 'The event pushed people out of their comfort zones, especially with the freezing water. We knew we were doing this for a cause greater than ourselves.' Organisers extended heartfelt thanks to Springs Girls' High School for hosting the event and to everyone who took part, from the athletes to the volunteers and sponsors. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
