Latest news with #WeekendArgus
IOL News
7 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Join the Women's Wellness Experience: a vital gathering for health and wellbeing
As the gentle embrace of spring reminds us of renewal and growth, Weekend Argus is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of the Women's Wellness Experience. Set for Saturday, 30 August 2025, at the Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town, this event promises to be a vital gathering focused intently on women's health and wellbeing. Following the overwhelming success of last year's sold-out affair, the second annual Women's Wellness Experience aims to elevate the discourse around women's health beyond the fleeting fads of quick-fix solutions. Instead, it will offer credible, science-based tools and insights, empowering women to navigate their wellness journeys with confidence and knowledge. 'More than ever, women are seeking ways to take charge of their health in meaningful ways,' notes Rehana Rutti, marketing officer for Weekend Argus. 'Our readers are deeply invested in their wellbeing — physically, mentally, and emotionally. This event responds directly to that need by curating a space where women feel seen, supported, and equipped with real solutions.' This year's programme features an impressive lineup of South Africa's foremost health professionals and wellness thought leaders. They will tackle pressing issues that resonate deeply with women today, from the struggles of chronic stress and burnout, to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, enhancing sexual wellness, and addressing the rising rates of heart disease among women. Prof Pamela Naidoo: The CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA will discuss the importance of recognising cardiovascular disease as a prevalent yet often overlooked issue among women. The CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA will discuss the importance of recognising cardiovascular disease as a prevalent yet often overlooked issue among women. Dr Layla Fakier: A general practitioner dedicated to mental wellbeing, who will delve into the emotional toll of modern life and ways to build resilience. A general practitioner dedicated to mental wellbeing, who will delve into the emotional toll of modern life and ways to build resilience. Dr Paree Amod: A medical doctor and aesthetics expert who will explore the reality behind today's trending wellness products. A medical doctor and aesthetics expert who will explore the reality behind today's trending wellness products. Amanda Lan: A wellness integration strategist presenting holistic techniques for achieving balance in busy lives. A wellness integration strategist presenting holistic techniques for achieving balance in busy lives. Prof Elmarie Terblanche: A sports scientist and movement coach who encourages attendees to embrace movement as a form of medicine. A sports scientist and movement coach Dr Marlene Wasserman (aka Dr. Eve): A renowned clinical sexologist and relationship therapist who will highlight the significance of emotional and sexual health. The Women's Wellness Experience is set to be more than just an informational session; it aims to foster a community of support and connection. Attendees can look forward to a day filled with honest conversations, engaging activities, thoughtful self-care opportunities, luxury goodie bags, and the chance to win over R20 000 worth of prizes. With tickets priced at R320 for early bird access, attendees are encouraged to book their spots through Quicket to ensure their participation in this transformative experience. Weekend Argus is proud to champion a platform that resonates with the real-life wellness journeys of its readers—grounded in empowerment, education, and empathy. The Women's Wellness Experience is not just an event; it's a movement towards truly understanding and nurturing women's health.
IOL News
21-07-2025
- IOL News
Discover the wonders of De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve: win a family getaway
Experience nature's wonders at De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve Image: Supplied Nestled in the picturesque Overberg region of the Western Cape, the De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve is a sanctuary of natural beauty that beckons adventurers and families alike. With its pristine beaches, coastal fynbos, and diverse wildlife, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique blend of outdoor experiences and relaxation. For those looking to sense the magic of this stunning locale, the Weekend Argus has announced an exciting competition: Subscribe and stand a chance to win a two-night getaway for a family of four, valued at R8,000, at the De Hoop Collection. The De Hoop Collection promises comfort and sustainability with a variety of accommodation options, including self-catering cottages, luxury suites, and even campsite rondawels set amidst breathtaking scenery. The Fig Tree Restaurant, situated in a charmingly repurposed grain silo, showcases an impressive wine cellar and a menu that reflects the abundant local produce. For the active-minded, De Hoop is a haven of activities. Whether it's biking on scenic trails, indulging in a game of tennis or boules, or embarking on an eco-boat cruise on the serene vlei, there's something to engage every member of the family. Guided marine walks along the beach and bird-watching excursions present unique opportunities to learn about the rich ecosystems that thrive within the reserve. Nature drives allow visitors to marvel at herds of bontebok, rare Cape vultures soaring overhead, and the stunning landscapes, that have made De Hoop a renowned nature lover's paradise. One of the biggest draws, particularly during this season, is the phenomenal land-based whale watching. Southern right and humpback whales frequent the south coast, with a staggering 40% of the world's southern right whales migrating here to breed. Families can witness these majestic creatures as they blow, breach, and perform spectacular bellyflops just off the coast. The elevated dunes at Koppie Alleen offer prime vantage points for viewing this annual marine spectacle. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ The De Hoop experience also includes enriching cultural insights, such as the recently launched De Hoop Trail – Vlei to Whales, and the fascinating 'Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour' exhibition. This showcase highlights the Southern Cape coastline's archaeological heritage and reveals the unique discoveries made within the reserve. Interested adventurers can subscribe to the Weekend Argus by simply sending the SMS 'DeHoop' to 33258. The winner will be notified via email, providing a seamless and convenient entry into this extraordinary world. The prize comprises two midweek nights' accommodation for a family of four in a self-catering cottage, allowing families to build beautiful memories in the heart of nature. The getaway can be used between 1 May and 31 August 2026, providing ample time to enjoy the splendour of De Hoop. Note that terms and conditions apply, including that the prize is not redeemable for cash or other rewards. With its unrivalled charm, De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve is an ideal setting for a family retreat, brimming with adventure and natural wonder. Don't miss the opportunity to discover this enchanting escape!
IOL News
19-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
City of Cape Town ready to square off against National Government over Public Procurement Act
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis Image: Supplied The Constitutional Court has opened the ring for a sparring match between the City of Cape Town and National government, by granting the City direct access to challenge the controversial Public Procurement Act, a case with potentially far-reaching consequences for the autonomy of municipalities and the future of local service delivery across South Africa. The case, which now heads to the country's highest court, revolves around both procedural and substantive concerns: that the Act was passed unlawfully, and that its implementation would severely constrain municipalities' ability to respond quickly to critical infrastructure needs. Chief Justice Mandisa Maya issued directions on 14 July, giving national government until 8 August to file its answering affidavit. The City has until 22 August to respond. The Presidency has confirmed it will make its position clear in those legal filings. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya told Weekend Argus: 'Our responses will be contained in our papers, which will be made known against the court set deadline.' For the City of Cape Town, the case is not merely a legal formality. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis described the court's decision to grant direct access as a crucial development. 'We welcome the Concourt granting direct access to hear this vital matter. 'We believe the Act was passed unlawfully, with fatal shortcomings in public participation and parliament's procedures.' The City's application contends that the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) vote that passed the Bill was flawed because seven of nine provincial delegations did not have valid final mandates. This alone, the City argues, is grounds for the legislation to be invalidated. However, Mayor Hill-Lewis emphasised that beyond procedural defects, the impact of the law on everyday service delivery is at the heart of their opposition. 'Beyond these issues, the Act will slow down local service delivery and make it much harder for municipalities to procure quickly in response to local needs. "Local government must be able to act swiftly to resolve urgent water, sanitation, electrical, waste, and environmental issues. Instead, this bill will slow down municipalities via a massive new red tape burden and interference from other spheres of government. This is unconstitutional, and undermines local government's direct accountability to serving residents.' The Constitutional Court made a ruling this past week Image: File In a comprehensive set of written responses to Weekend Argus, the City expanded on specific operational concerns. These include restrictions on municipalities' ability to procure emergency services without central approval, and the creation of a single national Public Procurement Office (PPO), which will assume oversight of municipal procurement systems. 'Specialised services or goods might be needed for urgent repairs to water, sewer or electricity infrastructure that may pose serious environmental risk or danger to residents. In these cases for example, municipalities will no longer have the power to lawfully deviate from procurement regulations for urgent service delivery without centralised approval via the centralised national Public Procurement Office (PPO).' The City warned that if the PPO database fails or is delayed, procurement for urgent services at municipal level could grind to a halt across the country. Added to this, the legislation prevents municipalities from maintaining their own supplier databases or making payments outside the central system. These concerns are amplified by the cost and complexity of implementing the law. While the Act is not yet fully operational, the City says National Treasury is still in the process of establishing the necessary regulations and systems. 'The Act is not yet in full effect as the necessary regulations and systems are still being established by National Treasury.' Even so, the City is already anticipating the financial and bureaucratic burden that will follow if the legislation stands. 'Yes because there will likely be human resource costs and other operational expenses required to cope with the major new red tape and compliance burden.' The legislation introduces 36 new regulatory requirements still to be promulgated. Municipal officials warn these changes will create delays, legal uncertainty, and reduced flexibility to deal with time-sensitive contracts. One such example is the potential for long and complex appeals against tenders — which, under the Act, would block the finalisation of contracts until the appeals process concludes. The City says this will discourage public-private partnerships and hinder investment in infrastructure, particularly in fast-growing urban areas. Cape Town has not stood alone in its opposition. The City maintains that it has engaged every possible forum to raise its objections, including public participation processes, submissions to the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), and intergovernmental meetings. 'The City has opposed the legislation at every stage including via public participation and SALGA channels. The City is acting in the interests of all municipalities.' At the heart of the City's legal argument lies a constitutional principle: that local government is not merely a service provider for national mandates, but a constitutionally distinct and autonomous sphere with direct accountability to residents. 'As a starting point, local government has constitutional autonomy and direct obligations to residents which the bill unconstitutionally infringes, aside from any and all further negative impacts.' [email protected] Weekend Argus
IOL News
06-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Safety railings finally installed along Victoria Road in Clifton after public outcry
The City of Cape Town has restored the barrier on Victoria Road, Clifton after Weekend Argus story on the issue Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters/ Independent Media After nearly a year of repeated appeals, warnings, and growing frustration, railings along a hazardous stretch of Victoria Road in Clifton have finally been installed—just days after the matter was publicly highlighted. Heron Water, a luxury apartment block located just below 64 Victoria Road and overlooking the iconic Clifton 1st Beach, has been at the centre of a safety dispute with the City of CapeTown since mid-2024. Despite commanding property values of up to R30 million and offering direct beach access, residents said they remain concerned about ongoing safety issues amid deteriorating site conditions. For the past year, residents and contractors had raised the alarm over a collapsed fence, rusted balustrades, and a steep, unstable slope directly beside a public sidewalk. In July2024, the situation worsened when a burst water main in Victoria Road caused a major mudslide, sending debris onto the property and further weakening the embankment. Property Management company SKPM informed Weekend Argus that just five days after the article was published the railings were put into place. DKZA Construction (Pty) Ltd, the appointed contractor at Heron Waters, said they are grateful it is finally done, although there were newly planted trees damaged by the installer. 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 ✕ Ad loading After recent rains, water and mud was dripping down on the expensive properties below. Now the City has replaced the New Jersey barriers Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters/ Independent Media 'It is a pity we had to endure 12 months of shifting emails from table to table (even involving councillors). The person appointed by the City could have handled this matter more swiftly (as promised) after the first time he arrived on site in 2024. "But unfortunately he failed his duties the taxpayers pay for." The contractor also claimed the comments made by the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility in the media was 'false information' supplied by the City's contractor. 'This is not the only balustrade that needs replacement/attention along Victoria Road. And Ihope this matter enlightens the City of Cape Town.' Councillor Rob Quintas, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, said: 'This is to confirm that the railings infrastructure has been erected by the City's Roads Infrastructure Management Department. The work was completed on Tuesday, 3 June2025.' Councillor Nicola Powell added that once the work is completed it will mean that the sidewalk is a bit more open with the New Jersey barriers removed. 'It will also be visually much more pleasing. This is in Clifton, not Sea Point.'
IOL News
04-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
R35,000 in 30 Minutes: The world rallies to help little Zoë hear for the first time
Tracy Olivari and her beautiful daughter Zoë Image: Supplied Just days after her heartfelt plea appeared in the Weekend Argus, Tracy Olivari from Goodwood received the kind of news that changes lives forever. In a bid to raise R35,000 for her daughter Zoë's hearing assessment and treatment — a crucial step before the young girl starts Grade 1 — Tracy never imagined how quickly help would come. Thanks to international support, including a powerful boost from American YouTuber Colonel Chris Wyatt, the full amount was raised in just 30 minutes. 'I'm still trying to wrap my head around it,' Tracy shared. 'I thought I'd be waiting months — I didn't expect this to happen in three days, let alone in under an hour. I'm completely overwhelmed.' Four-year-old Zoë's story of being born prematurely at just seven months, and was given only hours to live, touched many people, including Wyatt, a retired US Army colonel known for spotlighting South African stories. Wyatt, shared Zoë's story with his audience, who responded almost instantly — giving Zoë not only a chance to hear for the first time, but the opportunity to start school on equal footing with her peers. Tracy with a brave little Zoë Image: Supplied An appointment has already been booked with an audiologist for 17 June, just ahead of the new school term. It marks the beginning of a long-awaited journey for Zoë, who has never been able to hear since birth and in turn affected her speech. 'At least now, I can take her for proper assessments. That's something I couldn't do before,' Tracy said. 'It's going to be life-changing for her — and for us as a family.' The generosity didn't stop with donations. Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Services also jumped into action to help make one of Zoë's dreams come true. Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Services, immediately reached out to the Weekend Argus after reading Zoë's story. He offered her a personal tour of the Goodwood Fire Station — her favourite place. 'Most of us in the Fire Service are parents, and we all know the daily struggles and joys our kids bring to our lives,' said Carelse. 'Sometimes, the little moments — like bringing your child to a fire station — become the big ones. And who doesn't want to be a firefighter? We will make Zoë's day extremely special. We also want to show appreciation to Tracy, who is a single parent, and still giving 200% to make memories each day.' Tracy said she wants to stay transparent and keep supporters updated, and has launched a YouTube channel where she will document Zoë's journey — from diagnosis to treatment, and hopefully to the moment she hears for the first time. 'I want people to see where the money is going. I want them to feel a part of this journey. It's their kindness that made it possible.' Tracy recalled the exact moment everything changed. 'I had just left the office, and the campaign had only hit R1,100. My faith was low. I told myself I wouldn't keep checking because I'd just stress myself out. Then I got a call from my mum. She said, 'Tracy, we made it. Go and look.' When I saw that we'd gone over the target, I just cried. I was laughing, crying, silent — everything at once.' Even Zoë's older sister, just eight years old, was moved to tears. 'She said she's so excited to finally hear her sister's voice. We just held each other and cried.' Zoe Olivari Image: Supplied For Tracy, the journey is about more than just hearing aids or doctor's appointments. It's about the everyday moments most take for granted. 'She doesn't know what a bird sounds like. She's never heard my voice. I can't call out to her when she runs off — I just have to follow. I can't wait to hear her say: 'I love you, Mommy'. To hear it — not just feel it — that will be everything '2025 — who would've thought this would be the year everything turned around? It's a reminder that God really does come through. And that there are still incredibly good people in the world.' 'To every single person who donated — from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You've done more than help my daughter hear. You've shown us love, hope, and humanity. 'Thank you for the prayers especially- there is really power in prayer =. To the Fire department, thank you for reaching out, I know Zoë is going to love experiencing the big fire trucks, she's always been fascinated with it. 'And to the Weekend Argus — thank you for helping us tell our story…Thank you for being the one publication who got back to me. You helped change our lives.' [email protected] Weekend Argus
