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Medical aid cover for physical rehabilitation and physical therapy in South Africa, by Medshield
An operation or accident is often traumatic. The healing process after that can also be an equally gruelling ordeal unless managed well. Physical rehabilitation, or physical therapy, is the process an injured or disabled person goes through to restore their physical functioning. This process can be lengthy, beginning while the person is still in the hospital after an injury or surgery and continuing through a skilled nursing facility, in-home and out-patient therapy.  28 Mar 2024 Read more

Understanding digestive health and the gut microbiome, by Medshield
Digestive health refers to the proper functioning and balance of the digestive system. Essentially, your digestive system breaks down the food and liquid you consume into its chemical components, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are then absorbed by the body, used for energy, and to build or repair cells. 25 Mar 2024 Read more

The AEL shares how young South Africans can be custodians of our eco-sensitive future
Conservation biology is not a science, but rather a complex, multidisciplinary management system that requires individuals to navigate a highly intricate environment. People are key to conservation - we engage in it and are affected by it, which is why social science, economics, law, and politics are crucial components for solving these intricate conservation issues. 31 Jan 2024 Read more

Mapping Conservation Ecology as a multi-disciplinary and integrated field of study - The AEL
I've always been interested in 'nature', in fact, many things – but 'nature' was a constant. When it came time to choose what to do after school, having applied to join the military to study engineering, amongst other things, in the end it was Conservation Ecology that stood out. But why? 25 Jan 2024 Read more

Studying a higher certificate in Conservation Ecology – The AEL
Research according to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report shows that environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards will significantly impact the expansion of jobs. This means that companies can no longer only have a financial report in their annual report, but must also add their environmental footprints, what they have done for the environment and their social responsibilities. 24 Jan 2024 Read more

Why and how do we use medication responsibly? - Medshield
Medication and the rapidly evolving science of medication development can be very beneficial and significantly aid one's health and quality of life. However, it is crucial to use medication responsibly to ensure its effectiveness and safety. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 50% of all patients take medicines incorrectly. Overuse, underuse and misuse of medication result in the wastage of scarce resources, continued health problems or adverse reactions to drugs. 30 Nov 2023 Read more

Making the right career choice after matric – The Academy for Environmental Leadership
Are you in matric and worried about what to do next year? You are not alone. Many school-leaving youth face a significant choice challenge on what to study after high school. At 18 and 19, most people are unsure of what they want to do as a career and cannot make sense of their real options. 30 Nov 2023 Read more

Acute vs chronic pain – Medshield
From the momentary sting of a paper cut to the persistent discomfort of chronic conditions, pain is a universal human experience that serves as a crucial warning signal that something is wrong with our bodies. Each individual's encounter with pain varies, manifesting at diverse thresholds. It is a natural response that can become a debilitating condition that impacts your quality of life. 29 Nov 2023 Read more

The Academy for Environmental Leadership SA signs MoU with Sol Plaatjie University
The Academy for Environmental Leadership SA (AEL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate with Sol Plaatje University (SPU), heralding the formation of an academic node of higher learning in the Northern Cape. Amongst other benefits, the MoU allows the AEL to serve as a pipeline for qualifying students to register at SPU and for SPU to channel learners eligible to enrol at the AEL. 28 Nov 2023 Read more

Is it iron deficiency or anaemia? - Medshield
Iron is an essential mineral in preserving our overall health and wellbeing. It aids in forming red blood cells, facilitates the transportation of oxygen throughout the body, and has numerous other vital functions. However, when disruptions occur, patients often grapple with distinguishing between whether they have "iron deficiency" or "anaemia." Here are some fundamental differences: 22 Nov 2023 Read more

The Drakensberg Boys Choir thanks all partners and sponsors after the successful Mauritius tour
The Drakensberg Boys Choir returned to South Africa for a well-deserved school holiday after the choir's successful week-long Drakensberg Boys Choir Hear Us Sing Mauritius tour. The boys travelled to showcase their talents to the diverse international audience on the famous Indian Ocean tourism and business island destination, also known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean. The Drakensberg Boys Choir School (DBCS) is a recognised South African treasure and brings music lovers the most beautiful music across classic choral, contemporary African and entertaining Afro-pop genres. 19 Oct 2023 Read more

Medshield launch 2024 benefits and confirms its position as its members' healthcare partner for life
Medshield Medical Scheme launched its benefit options and contributions for 2024, building on the Partner for Life offering. Medshield continues to place its members at the centre by offering tailored cover and benefit options for every life stage from childhood to retirement. The Scheme affirms its dedication to ensuring all members and their dependents receive much-needed quality healthcare. 26 Sep 2023 Read more

The Drakensberg Boys Choir are ready for their Mauritius tour
The Drakensberg Boys Choir School is excited to announce that they will showcase their talents to an international audience for their upcoming tour to Mauritius from 17 to 24 September 2023. The Drakensberg Boys Choir is a South African treasure and brings diverse music lovers the most beautiful music across classic choral, contemporary African and entertaining afro-pop genres. 20 Sep 2023 Read more

Medshield: Early warning signs of male cancers
Due to differences in biology and lifestyle, men and women face different cancer risks. You may assume you don't need to visit a doctor for minor health issues, but cancer symptoms are often vague. For example, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men but has some of the least apparent symptoms. 15 Sep 2023 Read more

Brand South Africa collaborates with the Drakensberg Boys Choir for a Mauritius tour
Drakensberg Boys Choir School is delighted to announce that Brand South Africa is committed to supporting the Drakensberg Boys Choir School (DBCS) for their upcoming tour to Mauritius from 17 to 24 September 2023. 5 Sep 2023 Read more

Medshield: Understanding vitamins and minerals as we grow older
As we grow older, our nutritional needs change. An ageing metabolism, age-related health conditions and lifestyle choices affect how our bodies age. Vitamins and minerals are vital in supporting our bodies and could help address health risks associated with ageing. 30 Aug 2023 Read more

Medshield: Chiropractors can play a vital role in overall health and wellness
Chiropractic care is a branch of healthcare that focuses on diagnosing, treating and preventing disorders of the musculoskeletal system, mainly the spine. Chiropractors are crucial in promoting health and wellness by using non-invasive techniques that restore the body's natural balance and optimise its function. 30 Aug 2023 Read more

Medshield highlights strong financial position at the 2023 Annual General Meeting
Medshield Medical Scheme hosted its 54th Annual General Meeting today. Principal officer Kevin Aron announced a healthy solvency ratio and strong credit rating maintained in an economically challenging year. He highlighted growth opportunities for the scheme and expressed gratitude to Medshield members for their loyalty and trust amidst an ailing economy. 14 Aug 2023 Read more

Medshield: Understanding different types of non-cancerous breast lumps
It is common to find a lump in your breast and immediately feel concerned, considering the worst-case scenario. However, take comfort in knowing that most breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous) and will not develop into breast cancer. The safest approach when dealing with any breast lump is to have it examined by a medical professional. Regardless of how often you examine your breasts, it can't be assumed that the breast lump is of no concern. 8 Aug 2023 Read more

Medshield: What is hyperthyroidism and how is it treated?
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, just before the windpipe. It is crucial in regulating various metabolic processes, heart rate and body temperature. However, when the thyroid gland becomes overactive, it can result in hyperthyroidism. 7 Aug 2023 Read more

From potential to powerhouse: South Africa's opportunity in embracing technology - Accenture
In this rapidly evolving era where technology reigns supreme, our lives have become intertwined with the marvels of innovation. From the seamless connectivity of our digital devices to the awe-inspiring advancements in artificial intelligence, the possibilities seem boundless. 4 Aug 2023 Read more

15 years of leaving no stone unturned to add value
Fifteen years ago, on 1 August 2008, the Stone journey began with one man focusing on adding value. From the outset, the small Stone team used business acumen and strategic engagement to redefine the role of communication's business value and enhance business reputation beyond mere public relations. The firm was formed to deliver exceptional value to its clients while making a deliberate difference beyond Stone's own bottom line. 1 Aug 2023 Read more

Medshield: Feel your best by adopting a holistic approach to healthy eating
In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to prioritise convenience over nutritious meal choices that negatively impact our energy levels, mental well-being, and overall health. Adopting a holistic approach to healthy eating goes beyond strict diets or quick weight-loss methods. It's about finding balance and making lifestyle changes that support overall well-being. 13 Jul 2023 Read more

ICH K+S transaction heralds a new growth focus with new beginnings
Industrial Commodities Holdings (Pty) Ltd (ICH) today finalised the sale of the ICH fertiliser business to Fertiva (Pty) Ltd, an entity which is now majority-owned by the German fertiliser supplier K+S Group. The K+S Group will operate the acquired fertiliser business under the Fertiva name. 4 Jul 2023 Read more

How can we support our youth's mental health struggles? - Medshield
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately one in seven children aged 10 to 19 years are affected by mental disorders. The WHO's research indicates that up to 20% of children and adolescents globally experience mental health issues with depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders cited as the leading causes of illness, disability and even suicide among adolescents. South Africa has a significant shortage of public resources and funding for mental health services, particularly for children. 28 Jun 2023 Read more

Accenture invites youth to sign up for its skills and job opportunities
Almost a quarter of a million young South Africans lost their jobs in the first three months of 2023, taking the youth unemployment rate to 62.1%, the highest in a year. 20 Jun 2023 Read more

Preparing for chemotherapy
Chemotherapy treats cancer, slowing the growth and multiplication of cancer cells to combat the often fatal disease. Cancer cells grow and multiply faster than other cells in the body. While chemotherapy proves to be a viable method for addressing various cancer forms, it also has the potential for side effects. Some chemotherapy side effects are mild and treatable, while others can cause serious complications. The term chemotherapy is often used without people knowing what it involves. According to Mayo Clinic, chemotherapy (or chemo) is usually a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to combat and kill fast-growing cells in the body. 12 Jun 2023 Read more

Africa becoming the gender hub for gender mainstreaming success - Accenture
Nominations for the Accenture 11th Africa Gender Mainstreaming Awards, presented by Business Engage, are open. These awards offer a platform dedicated to promoting diversity and excellence with a focus on gender mainstreaming. 9 Jun 2023 Read more

Drakensberg Boys Choir to host Music in the City 2023 extravaganza
The Drakensberg Boys Choir School (DBCS) is pleased to announce Drakensberg Boys Choir Music in the City 2023, a four-day concert series to be held at the Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg, with the main gala performances in The Mandela on 23 and 24 June 2023. 30 May 2023 Read more

Is your crazy lifestyle making you sick? - Medshield
People are always on the go, juggling work, family, and social commitments and it is not uncommon for them to neglect their physical health. Modern lifestyle habits such as poor dietary choices, sedentary lifestyles, stress, and exposure to environmental pollutants have significantly increased chronic diseases and health issues. 26 May 2023 Read more

The urgent need for responsible regulation of generative AI
In a significant move towards shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI), the United States legislature recently held a groundbreaking presentation on regulating responsible AI. This week's session marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to strike a delicate balance between harnessing the immense potential of AI and ensuring ethical and responsible use of this powerful technology, with Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, speaking on the growing influence of AI in our society, and the need for comprehensive regulations. 26 May 2023 Read more

The impact smoking has on your organs and medical aid cover - Medshield
According to the South Africa Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2021, 29.4% of adult South Africans (age 15+) are current tobacco users, including 41.7% of men and 17.9% of women. Alarmingly, 21.5% of children aged 13-15 are current tobacco users (boys 24.3%; girls 19.0%) who smoke cigarettes and other tobacco products. 23 May 2023 Read more

What you need to know about child vaccinations - Medshield
Vaccines are biological substances meant to get the immune system to respond to keep the person from getting sick. When a vaccine is given, the immune system makes antibodies to find the disease-causing pathogen and stop it from making you ill. Such antibodies stay in the body for a while and keep the person from getting sick if exposed to the pathogen again. 22 May 2023 Read more

Media strategies for an atomised, multidimensional landscape
The shift to direct-to-consumer (D2C) streaming has been challenging but necessary for traditional media businesses. It has yet to deliver the rewards media companies expected from this change. Is this a crisis? Not yet. But things can only go on for a bit longer. If media companies don't adapt, they look set to lose relevance (and a market for their services) within the industry's rapid and unforgiving evolutionary momentum, which only the most adaptable survive. 19 May 2023 Read more

Total enterprise reinvention: A people-centric approach to digital transformation - Accenture
Blink and you will miss it - at times, the rapid rate at which tech is changing our lives can be difficult to comprehend. I was reminded of this when I woke up on the morning of the 30th of November 2022 to a new era of communication. 18 May 2023 Read more

Are you ready for the winter flu? Things you need to know - Medshield
Winter is almost here, and the pesky flu virus will surely make its extreme annual visit. Coupled with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, taking measures to prevent the flu is more important than ever. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting the flu and protect yourself and others around you. 5 May 2023 Read more

Using technology to fight customer volatility - Accenture
Customer volatility is the unpredictable or unsteady nature of customer behaviour. And conventional wisdom suggests this is a trend on an upwards trajectory amid heightened economic uncertainty the world over. 5 May 2023 Read more

State of the South African economy and your health
South Africa is said to have some of the most expensive medical aid in the world. According to the World Health Organization, South Africa spends more on voluntary private health insurance (42%) as a share of total health expenditure than any other country. It serves, however, only 16% of the population. With inflation and unemployment on the rise - and now the confirmed greylisting status and looming recession - that number is likely to shrink even further. 11 Apr 2023 Read more

Doctoral study can help prevent spreading of bovine TB in African buffaloes
A researcher at Stellenbosch University (SU) has found an innovative way to diagnose bovine tuberculosis (TB) in African buffaloes and identify infected animals more accurately and rapidly. This can help to prevent the spread of the disease in one of the continent's most iconic and high-valued species. 6 Apr 2023 Read more

Socio-demographic characteristics that influence the costs of healthcare and wellness food products
Socio-demographic characteristics refer to various factors that describe and analyse populations, such as age, gender, income, education, employment status, marital status, ethnicity, and geographic location. These can influence a person's health status and the likelihood of needing medical care and play an essential role in determining how people pay for health and wellness food products or medical aid. 31 Mar 2023 Read more

Digital relationships could help healthcare professionals and improve personalised patient care
Innovations like Medshield's SmartCare have helped pave the way for telemedicine to be used in South Africa. But is digital really beneficial in healthcare? The answer is yes! Digital relationships have helped lighten the load of healthcare professionals and improved patient care. It becomes easier for care providers to talk to each other and work together, but it also gets patients more involved, allowing care providers to act faster when they need to. 31 Mar 2023 Read more

Accenture Technology Vision 2023: Generative AI to usher in a bold new future
New research from Accenture (NYSE: ACN) finds that generative AI and other rapidly evolving technologies are ushering in a bold new future for business as physical and digital worlds become inextricably linked. 31 Mar 2023 Read more

How can living a normal life be sustained for people living with HIV/AIDS?
Finding out that you or a loved one have HIV/AIDS can be personally challenging, especially in a society where a positive HIV status carries a significant stigma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the HIV/AIDS stigma comes from people lacking information and awareness about the disease. Although there is still no cure for the disease today, there are medicines that help people with HIV/AIDS live long, happy, and healthy lives. 29 Mar 2023 Read more

Personalised nutrition helps to maintain better overall health
We know more about our body's today than ever before. Social media has opened the door to fitness influencers, a new generation of healthy and clean eating experts, and a new perspective on how we could live our lives if we wanted to. Smartwatches and other wearable technology help individuals and their healthcare providers track, monitor and personalise recommendations to improve our overall health. 28 Mar 2023 Read more

Limit your stress in this always-on virtual post-Covid world
The always-on virtual post-Covid world is where many people work remotely or have shifted to online communication and collaboration resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. With the availability of technology and the internet, people can work, study, and socialise from anywhere at any time. However, this has also led to an 'always-on' culture where people must constantly be available and connected. The negative impacts of the always-on culture on health can be significant. 27 Mar 2023 Read more

Adequate sleep is a prerequisite for overall better health
In 1910, most people slept nine hours a night, but today the average adult sleeps fewer than seven hours a night, and over one-third of adults report severe daytime sleepiness that interferes with work, driving, and social functioning for at least a few days each month. 24 Mar 2023 Read more

A Mama Moment for our moms - Medshield medical scheme
Medshield Mom invited young mothers, new mothers and expecting mothers to Take a Mama Moment at a special high tea event in Johannesburg on Saturday, 18 March. The sold-out first-ever Medshield Mom event was a resounding success, with Reach for a Dream benefitting from the ticket sales. 23 Mar 2023 Read more

Adequate dental medical scheme cover is key for one's dental health
World Oral Health Day, celebrated on 20 March 2023, gave a reminder that getting and maintaining a picture-perfect smile in South Africa is not always affordable. Dental consultations, procedures and appliances are often more expensive than other standard medical procedures. 22 Mar 2023 Read more

Maintaining a healthy relationship with your healthcare provider and medical scheme
After waiting many weeks to see your doctor, you still leave their office - or virtual consultation - stressed out with many questions, or worse, you don't fully understand your diagnosis. If this happens to you more often than not, you are not alone. 22 Mar 2023 Read more

Women must heed the warning signs of iron deficiency
Iron deficiency is one of the leading nutritional deficiencies globally. Proper education about iron deficiency's causes, effects and long-term impact is needed urgently. Most women may be aware of an iron deficiency but are unaware of early warning signs that could indicate a more serious underlying health concern. 20 Mar 2023 Read more

How can content streaming be a better consumer experience?
Although streaming has opened a new way for people to access content, the experience has become unwieldy, unfriendly, and expensive. In our recent Accenture survey of 6,000 consumers in North America, South America, Europe, South Africa, and Asia Pacific, participant responses point to three significant issues that are eroding the streaming experience. 20 Mar 2023 Read more

The road to sustainable mobility
In 2023, we are standing at the crossroads of significant decisions to be made around the interdependency between our future energy and mobility industries in South Africa. Make the wrong decisions, and we will likely pay the price in terms of devastating economic and social consequences. However, make the right decisions, and our potential to elevate South Africa's relevance on the global mobility stage improves dramatically, with it, the prosperity of our people, businesses and economy. 17 Mar 2023 Read more

Adapting to innovation in the healthcare sector beyond just tech
Adapting to innovation takes time and effort. It took the telephone 64 years, electricity 45 years, and computers 23 years to achieve 40% consumer adoption. Although healthcare is not unique in slow innovation and adoption, it a is laggard and other sectors have been innovating better, faster and smarter. The pandemic revealed a long-overdue urgency to innovate and embrace new tools and technologies. 17 Mar 2023 Read more

5 things new moms never talk about
Motherhood is so much more than giving birth. It's loving and knowing a soul before you even see it. It's carrying and caring for a life entirely dependent on you for survival. It's giving air to the lungs that grew within you and sight to the eyes that will look to you for answers to life's questions. 13 Mar 2023 Read more

How to include TikTok when building a winning brand?
TikTok saw a stratospheric rise in climbing the ladder towards becoming a social media brand leverage giant. The app has changed the way information consumers consume content. With over 1.53 billion users worldwide, it is no surprise why many brands wonder about using TikTok for Business as a pivotal content marketing channel choice. 28 Feb 2023 Read more

Partnerships make private healthcare and cover work
Medical schemes have been the target of widespread public criticism in recent years, with most of the narrative centred on seemingly unjust pricing. But the reality is that there is currently a fragmented system with isolated clinicians who charge separate tariffs, and a fee-for-service culture that drives costs up, which contributes to rising medical scheme premiums. The only way to make healthcare more affordable is to get clinicians to work together to produce value-based care. 13 Feb 2023 Read more

Mental health disorder is the unspoken pandemic of modern life
Broad research shows that although the global annual spending on leadership development averages $45bn, the resulting ROI is only 2%. Why do we continue spending so much on leadership training and development? Because humans are wired to believe that success depends only on what you can do rather than who you are as a whole. The pandemic proved that no matter how good a leader you may appear to be, your state of being matters far more. When your mental health is out of balance, your performance at work suffers greatly. 7 Feb 2023 Read more

Accenture Life Trends Report 2023 forecasts relationship dynamic shift between business and people
Following several years of constant global instability, people are gaining greater access to emerging technologies - including AI, Web3, and tokenisation - advancing the next generation of creativity, community and data privacy. 26 Jan 2023 Read more

Accenture recognised as overall top employer in South Africa for 2023!
Accenture has been named the overall Top Employer in South Africa for 2023. This number 1 Top Employer ranking recognises the professional services firm as the employer of choice overall in South Africa and again the top professional services firm in Africa for the thirteenth consecutive year since its certification. 20 Jan 2023 Read more

Stellenbosch University partners with Harvard Law School's Institute for Global Law and Policy
In what can be described as a golden feather in the cap of Stellenbosch University's (SU) fast-expanding international collaborations, SU's Faculties of Law and of Economic and Management Sciences have partnered with the prestigious Harvard Law School's Institute for Global Law and Policy (IGLP) in the United States to host the Global Scholars Academy(GSA) in South Africa. 18 Jan 2023 Read more

How can private healthcare become more affordable for the average South African?
Medical aid versus health insurance - where can the average South African get real value for money whilst still having the medical cover they need? Many complain that medical aid cover is prohibitively expensive and that only a small percentage of employed South Africans can afford it. Statistics show that a medical scheme covers only 16.1% of South Africans. 2 Dec 2022 Read more

SU receives report into alleged racism - Khampepe Commission of Inquiry
The rector and vice-chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), Prof Wim de Villiers, has received the report of the independent Khampepe Commission of Inquiry into alleged racism at SU. 9 Nov 2022 Read more

Dealing with the 'Big C'
Cancer is a complex, life-threatening disease which affects millions of South Africans. Cancer is any malignant growth or tumour caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division. It may spread to other body parts through the lymphatic system or bloodstream if not stopped. 3 Nov 2022 Read more

Medshield Medical Scheme appoints a new principal officer
Kevin Aron brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new Medshield PO role 27 Oct 2022 Read more

Stellenbosch University improves in 2023 THE World Universities Ranking
Stellenbosch University (SU) improved on three of the five performance indicators used in compiling the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) World Universities Ranking (WUR) that was announced on Wednesday, 12 October 2022. 26 Oct 2022 Read more

Nobel Foundation's Nobel Symposia coming to Africa for the first time
Nobel in Africa is a STIAS initiative in partnership with SU and is hosted under the auspices of the Nobel Foundation and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, with funding from the Knut & Alice Wallenberg Foundation. Through the initiative, STIAS will become the first institution outside Scandinavia to host Nobel Symposia on behalf of the Nobel Foundation since the symposium series was initiated in 1965. 25 Oct 2022 Read more

2023 Global Scholars Academy offers collaboration between global academia
Stellenbosch University Faculty of Law (with the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences) and the Institute for Global Law & Policy at Harvard Law School are pleased to announce a new collaborative initiative: The Global Scholars Academy, to be held 16-20 January 2023 in South Africa. 14 Sep 2022 Read more

The best of Kimberly-Clark Professional's global quality and innovation is now proudly made in South Africa!
Kimberly-Clark Professional™ will now manufacture the brands that users trust sustainably in South Africa, illustrating its firm commitment to SA's future through its investment while growing local business capacity. 14 Sep 2022 Read more

The marketing technology nexus and the power of Thrivers
It is early afternoon midweek. Two years ago, many of us would either have been in a meeting room, behind our desks, in a car travelling to see a client or onsite dealing with a problem. 12 Sep 2022 Read more

Medshield launches 2023 benefits and confirms its position as its members' healthcare Partner for Life
Medshield Medical Scheme today launched its benefit options and contributions for 2023 under the banner of Partner for Life. The Scheme continues its commitment to a member-centric approach and being a true healthcare Partner for Life with an appropriate product offering for every life stage as the requirements and lifestyle of its members evolve from early adulthood to retirement. 9 Sep 2022 Read more

New Stellenbosch University DVC for Research to focus on impact and innovation
Prof. Sibusiso Moyo has been appointed as the new deputy vice-chancellor: research, innovation and postgraduate studies at Stellenbosch University. 8 Sep 2022 Read more

Medshield encourages well-being in the workplace
The average person spends a third of their adult life working, and because the workplace environment is such an integral part of our existence, it must be healthy. An unhealthy work environment leads to decreased productivity, higher absenteeism, poorer work ethic and even less safety in the workplace. 11 Aug 2022 Read more

Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer!
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have hypertension. Most (two-thirds) live in low- and middle-income countries due to increased risk factors in those populations in recent decades. Hypertension is a significant cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide. Almost 50% of people living with hypertension are unaware of their condition, putting them at risk of avoidable medical complications and death. 10 Aug 2022 Read more

What consumers need to know about Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) cover
If you are a medical scheme member, you have probably heard the phrase Prescribed Minimum Benefits or PMBs. But precisely what are they, who are they for, and when do they get used? It might help to answer some of your questions and concerns and help you to understand what you are entitled to and how PMBs fit into your medical aid cover. 10 Aug 2022 Read more

How businesses can be innovative without losing their core focus
If you think about it, most large corporations grew their business by adapting to change systematically - tweaking their offering while maintaining their core business - thus optimising what they already had. But now, there is a lot more to consider as companies evolve. They must take on new ways of growing without losing their core focus. The speed of change is significantly faster than ever - an ongoing constant that, I would argue, will only get faster. The lines between industries are also blurring, leading to a new and enhanced kind of competition that includes businesses outside your industry. 10 Aug 2022 Read more

A woman's place is everywhere and anywhere - Addressing gender discrimination in the workplace
Writing as a man about gender discrimination in the workplace might seem condescending. I have never been at the receiving end of sexist comments. I have never had a boardroom of men speak over me in meetings and push my ideas aside, only for them to claim those same ideas as their own later. 8 Aug 2022 Read more

Accenture welcomes new SME intake to development programme
Accenture (NYSE: ACN) today welcomed the next group of 19 small business entrepreneurs into its fourth Enterprise Supplier Development Programme (ESDP) intake. 11 Jul 2022 Read more

Changing business landscape sparks a race for digital talent - Accenture opinion
The saying goes: 'The more advanced technology gets, the quicker it becomes more advanced.' IT infrastructure is changing rapidly. Complexity is on the rise. Digital talent is scarce. 7 Jul 2022 Read more

GOYN 2022 calls for skills partnerships to overcome youth unemployment of nearly 64%
This Youth Month marks 46 years since the Soweto student uprising of June 16, 1976, where students protested against the forced imposition by the Apartheid government of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction at local schools. As we think about that generation of brave young activists, we also have to contend with the new struggle faced by the current generation of young people - the battle against unemployment! A struggle exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic of the last two years. 4 Jul 2022 Read more

Why should youth have medical aid?
Medshield encourages youth to get covered the Youth Day 2022 4 Jul 2022 Read more

Medshield highlights successes and strong financial position at the 2022 Annual General Meeting
Medshield Medical Scheme hosted its 53rd Annual General Meeting today. Acting Principal Officer Alan Fritz announced a healthy solvency ratio and strong credit rating maintained in an economically challenging year, explained the opportunities for the scheme's growth and thanked Medshield members for their loyalty and trust amidst an ailing economy. 1 Jul 2022 Read more

Communications Service Providers' critical role in the race to net-zero
As concerns over climate change's lasting impact intensify, CSPs (Communication Service Providers) need to tackle an urgent double-edged dilemma. They need to determine how they can take action to accelerate their transition to a more sustainable future and use their position to build a net-zero global economy. 22 Jun 2022 Read more

Why building trust in the workplace is mission critical
I was asked recently to participate in a discussion about what should be done to improve or bridge the perceived trust deficit that exists in South Africa. My first question was do we have such a problem and the second was if we do, why? There is no doubt we have a problem. 21 Jun 2022 Read more

Building and operating enterprise networks in the Cloud Continuum
An entire continuum of cloud solutions now exists across the organisation, spanning public and private clouds, applications, data, edge devices, and IoT connectivity. They were combined with the need for flexible "anywhere, everywhere" access. It creates a much larger and vastly more complex enterprise IT footprint and fundamentally changes data flow in, out and across the organisation. 8 Jun 2022 Read more

Medshield recognises Men's Health Month this June
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men, on average, die five years earlier than women and die at higher rates from three leading causes of death - heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries - and, more recently, from COVID-19. During Men's Health Month, we encourage men to take control of their health and for families to teach young boys healthy habits throughout childhood. 1 Jun 2022 Read more

The call for entries is open as Accenture and Business Engage prepare to host the 10th annual Gender Mainstreaming Awards
The call for entries in the Accenture 10th Gender Mainstreaming Awards (GMAs) is open. Business Engage developed the GMAs to encourage private sector buy-in to achieve a more meaningful representation of women in the mainstream of business in Africa. Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has teamed up with Business Engage to host the Accenture tenth Gender Mainstreaming Awards 2022 (GMAs). The GMA entries are open for entry to East, West and Southern African organisations and individuals and close on 28 June 2022. 24 May 2022 Read more

A national charity drive - brings hope and warmth during our cold winter months - kicks off today
The annual national WinterHOPE 2022 campaign kicked off today for its twentieth consecutive year. The main goal of WinterHOPE is to help vulnerable urban dwellers across the country in a responsible way to survive the cold of winter. WinterHOPE will collect clothing, food and donations at more than 140 collection points countrywide and distribute them to those in need in the same communities. This campaign runs for seven weeks from 23 May to 30 June 2022. 23 May 2022 Read more

Medshield medical scheme introduces an affordable hospital plan to meet the needs of consumers
Medshield Medical Scheme today launched a new member benefit option, MediSwift, as the latest addition to their bouquet of benefit options. MediSwift is a cost-effective, value-based Hospital Plan with additional Out-of-Hospital Wellness and physiotherapy and biokinetics benefits. 7 Apr 2022 Read more