Table of contents for 2023-01-18 in Post

People close to you, including family members, friends and co-workers, frequently express their “stress” at this time of the year. As we enter the new year, people are likely to feel weary, irritable and overwhelmed. The definition of stress is the bodily, psychological and social-spiritual reaction to a demand or stressor. The stressor could be a deficiency (like unemployment), a danger to one’s physical or mental health, or a deadline at work. A certain amount of stress is necessary for performance and is even pleasurable at times, according to Hans Seyle, the “father” of stress research. As social beings at our core, humans rely on others to organise their internal and external environments. Although we cannot survive without interpersonal relationships, engaging with others in high-stress situations (such as lengthy patient…

THE National Senior Certificate (NCS) and Independent Examination Boards (IEB) matric finals are viewed as the culmination of a significant period in a young person’s life and as achieving a milestone. Many learners will wait in anticipation of the release of the newspaper or the delivery of that much-awaited SMS. While this will be a time filled with celebrations and well wishes for some; for others it may be a time filled with fear, embarrassment, isolation and self-loathing. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) reports that about 9.5% of teen deaths are caused by suicide, with exam disappointment being a trigger. Many learners experience stress and anxiety as they feel pressured by family and friends to achieve good results to be able to pursue their desired careers and…

As KwaZulu-Natal public schools start the year on Wednesday, Tamasha Khanyi spoke to principals about their state of readiness, challenges, and the programmes they have implemented to better serve pupils’ education needs. l Arthur Lukhan, principal of Chats-worth Secondary School, said they introduced yoga classes for Grade 8 pupils and line dancing for teachers last year, and aimed to continue these activities in 2023. “Studies have shown that proper practice of yoga helps with self- discipline, growth and esteem. I believe children deserve a well-rounded experience in school. It’s not just about academics. They need to be provided with creative outlets, sport, and leadership opportunities,” said Lukhan. “We also introduced line-dancing classes for the staff and extended it to other educators in the area. We wanted to give them an…

THOSE who attended school during my time have “Poli Aunty” and “Wheelbarrow Uncle” to thank for the healthy snacks and treats they could buy during break. Colonel Saunders was a corporal in the army then, hence greasy and oily Kentucky Fried Chicken had not yet been conceived. The term “junk foods” which are unhealthily high in kilojoules, salts, sugars and fats, was unheard of. Nicknames such as “Bones”, “Skeleton” and “Skinny” were far more prevalent on school grounds than teasing names such as “Fatty”, “Lard” and “Roly-Poly”. However, several studies in recent years have pointed to eating practices and food preferences imprinted in childhood as contributing to the prevalence of being overweight and obese in adulthood. In South Africa, school tuck shops stock an array of energy-dense snacks and food…

February 15 marks 20 years since the bookseller and revolutionary AKM Docrat passed on. A few among old newspaper vendors might recall the old communist, head down hurrying along Grey Street in his signature black beret and wisp of white chin hair. It is unlikely that many among us will remember his death anniversary. Phyllis Naidoo would have. She had an uncanny manner of honouring the living, the dead, and random acts of kindness. Her mountain of personal papers archived in the Gandhi-Luthuli Documentation Centre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal are a poignant record of the people and events that must remain in memory. Recalling Abdul Khalek Mohammed Docrat takes me back to one Saturday morning two decades ago. The unfashionable beige plastic phone at the end of the passage…

SOUTH Africa's first democratic parliamentary Speaker, Dr Frene Ginwala, who has been referred to as a trailblazer, died at her home in Sandton on Thursday after suffering a stroke two weeks earlier. She was 90. Ginwala was born on April 25, 1932. In 2005, she received the Order of Luthuli in Silver for her contribution to the Struggle against gender oppression and for a non-sexist, non-racial, just and democratic society. According to the Presidency, Ginwala studied law at the University of London in the UK, where she completed her LLB degree. She returned to South Africa to complete her legal training prior to the banning of the ANC. Ginwala worked in Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique and the UK as an ANC official, and as a journalist and broadcaster in East Africa…

Newly-installed Wallabies coach Eddie Jones is looking to reverse the talent drain from Australian rugby union and bring back former schoolboy internationals who defected to rugby league. Jones, who was sacked by England in December, replaced Dave Rennie as Wallabies coach on Monday in a shock move by Rugby Australia only eight months before the World Cup. In his first stint as Australia coach from 2001 to 2005, Jones brought in backs Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers from rugby league in a high-profile recruitment drive. Without disclosing any specific names, Jones said he would be looking to do something similar for the Wallabies this time around. “There’s a definite priority in there. The first thing we want to do is retain all the talent in rugby, then secondly…

WHILE a shifting workplace environment in recent years may have altered your career trajectory, your experiences during this time could present an opportunity to reflect and update your professional development toolkit with a structured approach towards maintaining focus in a crisis. Over the last two-and-a-half years, the world has adapted to living in crisis mode. While it’s in the nature of some to rise to the occasion in stressful situations, others find it overwhelming, often with negative impacts on their career and other areas of life. Stress and work performance A crisis or a period of increased pressure at work is inevitably a stressful experience. A proactive approach can help you not only to manage the situation better but also to take learnings from it which can be applied in…

THE last two years have been far from normal for children and families. Our research has shown that children, teens and parents have struggled with mental health during the pandemic, where higher levels of pandemic-related stress corresponded to more mental health difficulties in families. Research shows that negative mental health outcomes in the face of stress are not inevitable based on external factors alone. There are important strategies families can use to help promote mental health. Family routines can provide stability during times of stress. As child psychologists and researchers, we review the scientific evidence for strategies that are associated with positive child and family mental health. These are the strategies that we universally recommend and share with the children, teens and families we work with in our clinical practice…

MANY Grade 12 learners who will receive their results this week will go straight into further study while others may be planning – or dreaming – about a break. As a professor of education with a focus on positive psychology, I think of a gap year as a time of transition that allows you to be your own person. It is a chance to reconnect to who you are and what you want in life. It can mean working, volunteering or travelling. Despite what some assume, it is not a year of doing nothing nor is it an indication you won’t return to further study. Here are some things to consider: It can be a form of self-care A gap year can be dedicated to exploring who you are as…

IN THE past month, the cabinet of Afghanistan has been facing criticism for its ban on tertiary education for women. According to Al Jazeera, Afghanistan’s Taliban-run higher education ministry said woman students would not be allowed access to the country’s universities until further notice. The statement was signed by Neda Mohammad Nadeem, the Minister for Higher Education, who instructed Afghan public and private universities to suspend access to female students. Clayson Monyela, the spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Co-operation, said South Africa was concerned by the decision. “The Afghan Ministry of Higher Education reportedly justified the ban on grounds, among others, that women students were not dressing properly and that the universities taught subjects to women students that were inconsistent with Islamic law and Afghan culture. “This…

Frene Ginwala, feisty feminist, astute political tactician and committed cadre of South Africa’s governing party, the ANC, has died at the age of 90. In a country blessed with exceptional leaders, Ginwala must surely count among the best. Typically for her, but unusually for the ANC leadership, she was laid to rest in a private ceremony. While she was modest about her achievements, she has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s Constitution and democratic institutions. Frene Noshir Ginwala was born in 1932 in Johannesburg. Her Parsee grandparents immigrated from Mumbai in India in the 1800s and made a life for the family in Johannesburg. Ginwala left South Africa after high school, to pursue an LLB degree at the University of London. She qualified as a barrister at the Inner…

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland might turn out to be the most prolific goalscorer the Premier League has ever seen but after a passive performance in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Manchester United his role in the team is being re-assessed. Haaland had little influence in City’s play in the derby, taking only 19 touches and registering only two shots, neither of which hit the target. His performance at Old Trafford was in stark contrast to when he scored three goals and contributed two assists in the 6-3 drubbing of United in October, taking 35 touches and having six shots. City coach Pep Guardiola conceded his concern about Haaland’s involvement in the aftermath of a defeat which left City eight points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal after ceding eight points…

Manchester United set out a dazzling Davos shop front this week, but insisted its lounge was to entertain clients and partners rather than attract buyers for the English soccer club. In November, United said it was looking at options to either get new investment or explore a potential sale, 17 years after the Glazer family bought the 20-times top flight champions. There has been no update since, amid British media reports that bids from the US, Middle East and Asia are expected to come in within the next month. Ellie Norman, a spokesperson for the club, said the lounge was “definitely not” aimed at attracting buyers, and would be used to meet existing clients and partners. The strategic review was an ongoing process, Norman said, adding “we don’t know the…

Star India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has extended his gratitude to Rajat Kumar and Nishu Kumar, the youths who helped him after he had a car accident and ensured he reached hospital safely. On Monday, Rishabh took to Twitter and posted a picture of these two individuals standing with his mother. “I may not have been able to thank everyone individually, but I must acknowledge these two heroes who helped me during my accident and ensured I got to the hospital safely. Rajat Kumar & Nishu Kumar, Thank you. I'll be forever grateful and indebted,” tweeted Pant. He later thanked all his fans and well-wishers for their support and good wishes as he continues to receive treatment after last year’s car accident. Pant said his surgery was successful and his “road…

We are all tired. Fatigue is a common feeling as we deal with a year’s worth of pressure in addition to the demands of always being available and having to respond instantly. This has blurred the lines between our work and home life, causing a tiresome imbalance. Change is only successful if the right change system is used and implemented with the right partners. My top 10 concepts: 1. Don’t be afraid of change: Change is all around us – it is a part of who we are and is necessary because there is always room for improvement. Some people love change and embrace the uncertainty, while others fear it, because they don’t know how to deal with the sudden alterations that threaten the status quo. Communication is key to…

AN ONGOING talent shortage is forcing South African organisations to relook at the ways they recruit, train and retain staff. Research shows that people under 35 are expected to make up 75% of the workforce by 2030, so the need to handle a younger workforce has become more important, especially as older, more experienced employees exited the workforce during the pandemic. Having fresh young talent is crucial to the success of a business, but what is not so obvious is that more than a quarter are likely to quit in the first three years of joining an organisation. This isn’t just because young graduates lack the skills needed to perform adequately during the early years of transitioning to employment. Businesses that want to survive need to know how to reduce…

MANY parents have been in this situation: their child has a meltdown when they are attempting to prepare dinner, make a phone call or run errands. Occasionally it seems to be a quick fix to give a cranky preschooler a digital device. However, recent research suggests that this relaxing technique may be related to future behavioural issues that are even more severe. Frequent use of devices like smartphones and tablets to calm children aged 3 to 5 was associated with increased emotional dysregulation in children, according to a Michigan Medicine study in JAMA Paediatrics. “Using mobile devices to settle down a young child may seem like a harmless, temporary tool to reduce stress in the household, but there may be long-term consequences if it’s a regular go-to soothing strategy,” said…

Pupils at some private schools in KwaZulu-Natal returned to class last week. Monishka Govender chatted to Grade R pupils about their first day back. Crawford College North Coast: l Kiolan Munsamy: “I am enjoying colouring-in, learning new things and playing outside with my friends but I am missing my parents. When I grow up, I want to be a chemical engineer and businessman like my dad.” l Aadhya Madhoo and Thayuri Pillay said they enjoyed playing together. “We have been best friends since we were 2 years old. I am happy I am with Thayuri. When I came to school, I cried because I missed being away from my dad but I got excited when I saw my best friend,” said Aadhya. Thayuri said she also missed her dad. “But…

DOUBLE the success, double the happiness. Eighteen-year-old twin brothers Javashkaar and Javhar Naidoo of Kearsney College are among the high achievers at their school. Javashkaar attained 8As. He wants to follow in his parents’ footsteps and study medicine. “My mom is a GP and my dad is an orthopaedic surgeon. So it’s only fitting I find myself in the same field,” said Javashkaar of Musgrave. “I have applied to four universities, the University of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University, the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria. I have been provisionally accepted into two of them. I will decide on the university on the basis of my final results.” He said while matric was challenging, talking to his sister and hanging out with his friends helped ease his stress.…

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he is not being “too loyal” to long-serving players who are underperforming at the club but that a lack of adequate replacements means he has to keep picking them. Liverpool have failed to mount a Premier League title challenge this season and are down the table in ninth – 19 points behind leaders Arsenal. “I am loyal, I think everyone should be loyal, but I am not too loyal,” Klopp told reporters ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round replay at Wolverhampton Wanderers. “You have a good player who did a lot of good stuff in the past and then maybe, in your mind, you think: ‘That’s it for him now’. If you can then go out and bring in another player to replace him then…

WES Brown, a former Manchester United defender, has said that Lionel Messi went a step ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s achievements after he won the Fifa World Cup with Argentina last year. Speaking on legendary Messi’s unrivalled performance and recalling his earlier days with Ronaldo, Wes said: “Messi winning the World Cup just edges it out. Ronaldo has always wanted to win this competition, and I believe the main point is that when you talk about Messi, you are also talking about Ronaldo. For the past 15 years, these two have been unchallenged Goats (Greatest of All Time). Everyone is always focused as to what Ronaldo and Messi are up to.” Brown spent six years at Manchester United before moving to Real Madrid with Ronaldo. Together, they triumphed at the Uefa…

The president of the French Football Federation, Noel Le Graet, has been placed under investigation for alleged sexual harassment, prosecutors told AFP yesterday. The probe was opened on Monday after football agent Sonia Souid made accusations against Le Graet in an affair that has rocked French football just weeks after France were beaten by Argentina in the World Cup final. “He very clearly said to me in his apartment that if I wanted him to help me, I had to let him have his way with me,” said Souid, who gave interviews to sports daily L’Equipe and radio station RMC. Le Graet, 81, has been president of the FFF since 2011 but was forced to step down last week pending the outcome of an audit of the federation performed by…

Veteran Australian opener David Warner has hinted at retirement, saying 2023 could be his final year in international cricket, though he would like the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup to be hosted in West Indies and USA to be the ending point of what has been a glorious 13-year career so far. “[This will] most likely be my last year of my international career,” Warner was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. “I have got my sights set on the 2024 [T20] World Cup as well, so finishing in the Americas, that would be nice to top it off with a win over there, pending selection,” added the opener. Warner has been an exceptional servant to Australian cricket across all formats since 2009. In 101 Test matches so far, Warner…