Teenager Chermelle Maasdorp will get to enjoy the gift of sound thanks to a successful surgery and a new hearing device! Set to pop in for her big day is none other than Miss SA Mia le Roux, who, herself, knows life without hearing.

Pretoria, South Africa (17 October 2024) — Young teen Chermelle Maasdorp from Upington is soon going to enjoy something she has long waited for—the gift of sound.

When Chermelle was only a few months old, she was treated for meningitis and consequently lost her ability to respond to sound. Because of what became severe hearing loss, Chermelle had to develop her own unique relationship with communication; teaching herself how to lipread and developing her own fashion of communication that didn’t rely on her ears.

But, things took a turn for the hopeful when Chermelle was added to the Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss in South Africa’s waiting list—an NPO that is dedicated to assisting families in raising funds for cochlear implant surgeries; a very expensive surgery that many families are desperate to access but simply cannot afford.

The race to get Chermelle (who did not have an active medical aid) her surgery saw significant community input, with Krugersdorp’s Laerskool Kenmare teaming up with the Foundation to help raise R385,000 for the teenager!

The fundraising was a hit for the life-changing op, and by mid-September it was all systems go; Chermelle was on her way to hearing!

With her surgery done and dusted, Chermelle’s hearing device is set to be switched on tomorrow at the Ear Institute. Popping in for what will undoubtedly be a moment for the books is Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, who herself was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at just one year old.

Mia will be there when Chermelle discovers sound, a moment that’s a victory not just for Chermelle and her family but for everyone who came together to support her healing journey.

Meanwhile, in other news where the senses stole the show, Cornelle Leach, AKA The Bride to See, is freshly enjoying life with sight thanks to people who gave her the wedding gift of a lifetime! You can read all about her story, here.

Source: Email Submission 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Food plays such a big part in our lives and yet, so many people around the world continue to struggle with hunger, malnutrition and poverty. This World Food Day, the Do More Foundation is embarking on a mission to empower Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, the cornerstones of young children’s lives, to serve up wholesome goodness.

South Africa (15 October 2024) – In a world where food is a vital need, millions of children across the globe face a daily struggle against hunger and malnutrition. It is a heartbreaking and undeserved struggle that demands a greater call to action.

Playing their part to help promote better nutrition for South Africa’s children who need it most, is the Do More Foundation this World Food Day, 16 October – a global initiative to heighten public awareness of the world food problem.

The Do More Foundation will use the day to empower Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre cooks and practitioners to make healthy nutrition choices for the young children who enter their doors.

With the support of the Department of Health, Do More will increase the nutrition literacy of 1,000 practitioners and cooks through cooking demonstrations, food tasting and open dialogues this World Food Day.

Helping children thrive through better nutrition

Jabu Mthembu-Dlamini, Community Programmes Lead at the Do More Foundation, shared that the key focus of the programme is to enhance childhood nutrition.

“We believe that empowering ECD practitioners and cooks to make informed, healthy choices – despite their resource constraints – is essential.

“The alarming reality is that 90% of brain growth occurs between birth and age five, and malnutrition during this period can have lasting, devastating effects, including stunting, which hinders cognitive development and ultimately, an individual’s future economic prospects,” he explains.

As part of the initiative, ECD centres across South Africa will receive recipe books, grocery vouchers, and health and nutrition charts, enabling them to implement the newfound knowledge and track the progress of the children in their care.

On World Food Day, 40 ECD centres will also be assisted by local partner organisations and over 40 staff volunteers (known as DoMore Heroes) from various company sites to help them cook and serve these meals to the approximately 2,000 young children in their care.

Chairperson of the Nkomazi Young Child Forum, Rose Phelembe, highlighted that ECD centres play a crucial role in ensuring children from disadvantaged households access balanced, nutritious meals – something they might not always receive at home.

“The centres follow strict dietary guidelines verified by the Department of Health, which positively impacts children’s health, supporting healthy growth and development. This structured nutrition, alongside health monitoring and education, sets children up for success early on.”

Going beyond just providing basic sustenance, the collective effort is providing much-needed nutrition and the building blocks for a brighter future!

Sources: Do More Foundation

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Curro Hazeldean’s under-17 boys relay team stunned local supporters and the world at large by breaking the U18 World Record in the U18 4x100m relay.

Potchefstroom, South Africa (14 October 2024) – Curro Hazeldean may just be where track stars and the world’s fastest runners are nurtured and groomed!

The high school’s under-17 boys stunned the crowd at the NWU Top 30 Schools Athletic Series held in Potchefstroom by becoming the fastest U18 relay team in the world!

The athletes set a new World U18 Best record, clocking a time of 39.92s in the 4x100m relay. The previous best time of 39.95 was held by a USA team.

South African high school, Curro Hazeldean sets new World U18 Best, clocking a time of 39.92s in the 4x100m relay!

The record previously held at 39.95s by the USApic.twitter.com/opoGQ60tBU

— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) October 12, 2024

“It is unheard of that a school relay team can hold a World best relay time,” said Coach Thabo after the amazing performance.

Matodzi Ndou, Inam Dlunge, Adam Motloung, and Zattu Hlongwane’s names will be recorded in World Athletics history as the fastest U18 4×100m relay team ever!

The school is also home to the “fastest teenager on the planet”, Bayanda Walaza, who not only shone at the 2024 Olympics this year but also dominated the track at the Athletics U20 Championships in Peru in August, clinching gold in the Men’s 100m race.

Not only are these young men inspiring future generations of South African runners to reach for the stars, but they have also filled us with pride and elevated the country’s stature in the competitive world of track and field.

Sources: Curro Hazeldean

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Far too many babies are born into the world too soon or too small. The University of Pretoria’s Professor Ute Feucht’s research underscores the urgent need for improved maternal and child health interventions to ensure a healthier future for all.

Pretoria, South Africa (11 October 2024) – The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are crucial to its health, growth and development. A lot of what happens from the moment of conception to the child’s second birthday determines just how well he or she will thrive in the future. This is according to Professor Ute Feucht, a leading expert in maternal and child health based at the University of Pretoria (UP).

She shared a wealth of knowledge about how placental function, maternal health and early childhood factors influence lifelong health outcomes.

The impact of placental insufficiency

In her inaugural address, Feucht, who is the Director of UP’s Centre for Maternal, Fetal, Newborn and Child Health Care Strategies, shared how foetal growth restriction, caused by complications with placental function, can lead to serious consequences such as stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and long-term health issues like diabetes and hypertension.

Prof Feucht added that data from the South African mortality auditing programmes in the public sector health facilities shows that most stillbirths occur mainly in apparently low-risk pregnancies and are coded as “unexplained stillbirths”.

In addition, most stillbirths are antenatal, not intrapartum, and thus not linked to the quality of care the mother receives during delivery.

The influence of maternal HIV

Feucht also drew data from the Siyakhula study, which examined HIV-exposed uninfected infants in South Africa.

The study found that even when children remain uninfected with HIV, maternal HIV infection can negatively impact their growth and development due to changes inside the uterus.

“The Umbiflow studies, which used Doppler ultrasound technology to assess placental blood flow, showed the potential for this technology to prevent stillbirths and identify at-risk pregnancies,” Prof Feucht said.

“The studies, conducted across South Africa and other low- and middle-income countries, revealed alarming rates of placental insufficiency in seemingly healthy women. The prevalence of abnormal Dopplers – indicating insufficient blood flow to the foetus – was found to be 10 times higher in these low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income settings.”

The first 1,000 days

Prof. Feucht stated that 80% of a baby’s brain growth takes place within the first 1,000 days, which is the period from conception to the child’s second birthday.

“This is a time of tremendous potential and enormous vulnerability, where the foundation for future health, growth and neurodevelopment is laid,” she said.

“Poor foetal growth and development during these early stages, particularly due to conditions like foetal growth restriction, can lead to life-long disadvantages.”

Prof Feucht went on to draw attention to the developmental origins of the health and disease hypothesis, which suggests that a foetus makes genetic adaptations in response to its environment.

These adaptations, while initially protective, may predispose an individual to chronic diseases in adulthood if the predicted environment doesn’t match reality.

When it comes to postnatal care, particularly for vulnerable infants born to mothers living with HIV, or those experiencing placental insufficiency, Professor Feucht shared findings from the UmbiBaby and UmbiGodisa studies.

These studies found that children exposed to both HIV and placental insufficiency were at significantly higher risk for stunted growth and cognitive delays.

Going forward

To identify and address these risks, Prof Feucht called for better integration of care for mothers and infants in South Africa’s healthcare system.

“Streamlined, holistic care for both mother and child at primary healthcare centres would reduce the number of visits needed for family planning, HIV-related care and routine infant check-ups and immunizations, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for both,” she said.

Professor Feucht closed her lecture by quoting a recent Lancet report, which stated:

“The fact that every fourth baby in the world is born too soon or born too small is a concern for human rights, public health, the national economy and development.” Addressing this issue, she added, is vital for ensuring a healthier future for all.

Sources: University of Pretoria

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Through their harmonious voices, the Tuks Camerata choir celebrates South Africa’s rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people in its latest album, which has earned them a South African Music Award nomination.

Pretoria, South Africa (10 October 2024) – By celebrating the country’s democracy and cultural diversity through music, the University of Pretoria (UP) choir, Tuks Camerata, earned national recognition for their exceptional musical talents.

Their latest album, uJehova, has been nominated for a South African Music Award in the Best Traditional Faith Music Album category.

According to the university, the album was released on all major streaming platforms and is a tribute to 30 years of democracy in South Africa and the country’s cultural heritage.

The album boasts 13 captivating songs, which are a heartfelt tribute to South Africa’s rich cultural heritage and a celebration of its democracy.

Tuks Camerata conductor Dr Michael Barrett-Berg, on behalf of the choir, expressed that they were humbled to be nominated among South Africa’s best artists and musicians.

“This is a special nod for us, as the Camerata strives to make the choir a home for all students.

“We specialise in both Western and traditional choral music, so to receive a nomination for Best Traditional Faith Music Album is in line with our goals to promote inclusivity and diversity, both for the choir and UP as a whole,” said Dr Barrett-Berg.

The album features thoughtfully curated pieces that demonstrate a dedication to preserving and advancing the musical heritage of the country, providing listeners with an opportunity to commemorate a significant milestone in South African history.

The choir is made up of 78 full-time students from across disciplines, and their success lies in their ability to harmonise diverse voices while embracing innovation in traditional choral music.

Noting that it is not common for a choir to be nominated at this esteemed level, Dr Barrett-Berg said the choir was honoured to be listed among the country’s best.

“We are looking forward to the announcement of the winners on 2 November 2024, and although winning a SAMA would be wonderful, being nominated is just as amazing,” an honoured Dr Barrett-Berg said.

Sources: University of Pretoria

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Pretoria and Jacarandas go hand-in-hand! And, as the city turns purple once more, we’re sharing the history of the iconic trees that (spoiler alert) begins in Brazil!

Pretoria, South Africa (03 October 2024) — For as long as most South Africans can remember, spring tends to officially be in session when the Jacarandas in Pretoria start to bloom, turning the city purple due to the number of these trees.

It’s a breathtaking sight that brings with it a sense of soft hope for better times, especially after the gruelling winters Pretoria often faces. For some, like students at the University of Pretoria, Jacarandas signal good luck (if a Jacaranda flower falls on your head, you’re more likely to pass your test as the myth goes). For others, it’s a signal that it’s time to whip out the shorts and slops again. But for most, it’s simply a picturesque experience that makes you feel as if you’re strolling through a fever dream.

But what’s the actual story behind these pretty trees?

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Jacarandas are indigenous to South Africa, but you’d also be wrong. Yes, there are a ton of cultural ties we have to the trees and the city that’s known for turning purple. Heck, we even have a local radio station named after the purple blooms! But the beginning of this story is actually rooted in Brazil.

As Brazilian trees named by a French botanist (Antoine de Jussea), Jacarandas were always destined to explore the world. It was in the 1800s that they’d adventure to South Africa ,with the first planting of the purple beauty taking place not in Pretoria as most of us would assume, but in Joburg’s Dorrnfontein.

Some also set their roots down in KwaZulu-Natal before reaching Pretoli!

However, it wasn’t long until a travelling nurseryman known as Templeton saw the opportunity to sell some Jacaranda seeds to Gauteng’s other rapidly growing city. Templeton had two seedlings and wasn’t prepared to take no for an answer. But, it seemingly didn’t take a lot of negotiating to get JD Cilliers on board. Soon, two trees were planted in Sunnyside—marking the beginning of an era.

But, it was actually thanks to a man named Frank Jameson (known as Jacaranda Jim) that Pretoria boasts so many of these trees. Jacaranda Jim was well known for planting a lot of Jacarandas in the early 20th century—many of which we still see today (jacarandas can live until the age of 200!).

While the trees are alien and planting more of them won’t make you a friend of the law, they’re certainly appreciated as honourary South Africans!

Sources: Friends of Tshwane Heritage Research Centre; University of Pretoria 

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Researchers from the University of Pretoria were part of a groundbreaking study that seeks to help us learn more about how plants adapt to extreme environments and how they can survive in a changing world.

Pretoria, South Africa (30 September 2024) – So, many people may know that plants such as the cactus and agave thrive in hot and dry conditions, like the desert. But have you ever wondered how this is biologically possible, considering just how harsh that environment is?

Well, the University of Pretoria (UP) has been involved in a groundbreaking international study that has shed new light on the remarkable adaptations of plants thriving in the harsh conditions of drylands.

By analysing data from over 1,300 plant species across six continents, scientists discovered that these resilient organisms have evolved a diverse array of survival strategies to cope with arid environments.

The results of this large-scale study, which involved 120 scientists from 27 countries, were recently published in the scientific journal Nature and have significant implications for protecting biodiversity as the planet warms and regions become drier.

UP researchers contributed datasets from South African drylands, with sampling being carried out in the vicinities of Graaff Reinet and Prince Albert in the central Karoo and around Lichtenburg in the North-West province.

“These sites provided unique data as South Africa’s drylands are particularly rich in plant species compared with many of the other sites included in the study,” said Professor Peter le Roux of UP’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences who was involved in the study.

Le Roux explained that South Africa is very arid, with 85% of the country defined as drylands, not just areas like the Karoo or the Kalahari.

“Despite this, these drylands feature exceptionally diverse flora, including the Succulent Karoo, a biome along the West Coast that usually receives less than 200mm of rain annually yet hosts more than 6 000 plant species. Many of these aren’t found anywhere else on Earth,” he added.

Why the arid plant study was necessary

Earth is home to a diversity of plants with highly varied forms and functions. This extraordinary morphological, physiological and biochemical diversity determines how plants adapt and respond to ongoing global changes, with significant consequences for the functioning of ecosystems.

Yet, 90% of current knowledge on the functional diversity of plants concerns only agricultural ecosystems and temperate zones. By contrast, drylands are under-represented in the data. These important zones are now directly threatened by increases in aridity, grazing pressure and desertification.

How plants respond to such pressures needs to be understood to more accurately predict how these fragile ecosystems will respond in terms of their biodiversity and functioning.

This worldwide investigation of the functional diversity of plants in arid zones was carried out to meet this urgent need.

Study reveals how plants adapt to extreme environments

During the massive study, scientists found that plants in dry places have many different ways to survive. Some plants have developed high calcium levels, strengthening cell walls to protect themselves from the heat, while others have a lot of salt to help them retain water.

Although there are fewer different kinds of plants in dry places compared to other places, these plants have a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and abilities.

The scientists also found that plants are more likely to survive in dry places if they are alone and don’t have to compete with other plants for resources. This is because they can develop unique traits that help them survive.

The findings of this study have significant implications for understanding and protecting biodiversity in a warming world.

As regions become drier and desertification threatens ecosystems, understanding how plants adapt to arid conditions is essential for predicting their response and developing effective conservation strategies.

Sources: University of Pretoria

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University of Pretoria graduate Keanan van Dyk is living the dream in England as he gains invaluable experience working with the talented F1 Aerodynamics team at Oracle Red Bull Racing.

Milton Keynes, England (20 September 2024) – Few feelings can compare to finally landing the job or opportunity that you had so eagerly been hoping to secure after years of studying and working hard. The overwhelming joy and sense of accomplishment that follows is truly indescribable!

Basking in the joy of his latest achievement is Keanan van Dyk, a University of Pretoria Mechanical Engineering graduate who is living his best life in England as he gains invaluable experience from the very best of Oracle Red Bull Racing F1’s Aerodynamics Development Team.

Keanan secured a highly sought-after internship at the company and shared that landing the opportunity was unbelievable.

“Finding out that I got the placement was one of the happiest moments in my adult life,

“Fearing that my ears were deceiving me, I asked the human resources employee to repeat what they said several times, before finally accepting that I was indeed hearing correctly. After that, I wasted no time and called every single close friend and family member,” Keanan explained.

According to the University of Pretoria, the young man had been working on obtaining a position in a field related to aeroplane aerodynamics since early on during his undergraduate studies before realising that the world of F1 pushes aerodynamics to the limits.

At his new job, Keanan is part of the Aerodynamic Development Team, where he helps design aerodynamic surfaces of F1 vehicles and simulates the generated flow field using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

The team also analyses the flow field, looking at pressure distribution, losses, and vortices, and trying to see what aerodynamic effects our surfaces had.

During this one-year internship at Red Bull Technology’s headquarters in Milton Keynes, England, Keanan will be stationed in the Aerodynamics department but will also spend time working with other departments, including Race Engineering and Strategy.

Keanan obtained his Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) degree from UP in 2022 and believes his UP studies created a strong basis of practical and theoretical knowledge.

“My degree offered constant opportunities to apply the theoretical knowledge gathered in the lectures to industry-relevant problems,” he said.

Looking back at his earlier study days he admits that, like many peers, Keanan faced several challenges academically, including feeling like he’d been thrown in the deep end with some modules and like he was expected to teach himself how to swim.

Keanan’s passion for engineering stems from a love of finding solutions from when he was a child who found a thrill in solving problems and challenging activities like puzzles, Lego and maths.

“Engineering is essentially just that on steroids,” shared the budding aerodynamics pro.

Sources: University of Pretoria

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The Four Schools Concert is a beloved annual tradition in Pretoria which celebrates music, unity, culture and young talent.

Pretoria, South Africa (19 September 2024) – The intricate interplay of melodies and harmonies at the highly anticipated Four Schools Concert charmed audiences and remarkably captured young talent.

The four-school concert, which is attended by the combined orchestras and choirs of Pretoria High School for Girls, Pretoria Boys’ High School, Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool, and Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool, is a highlight of culture in Pretoria.

Every year, learners, parents, and staff look forward to this event with great excitement, which has become a symbol of excellence and collaboration between the schools.

Learners have the opportunity to display their creativity through music and art, forming friendships across school boundaries, while celebrating Pretoria’s rich educational and cultural traditions.

One of the evening’s highlights was captured in a video shared by Pretoria High School for Girls which showcases the amazing performance of World in Union sung by all four high schools. Their voices blended beautifully together, giving us all the good feels!

For over 30 years, these schools have come together to create a spectacular musical collaboration which is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Pretoria and the dedication of its young people to the arts.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pretoria High School for Girls (@pretoriagirlshigh)

Sources: Pretoria High School for Girls / Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The inaugural Snare Mitigation Symposium brought together experts and stakeholders to address the pressing issue of illegal snaring, which threatens our precious wildlife.

Pretoria, South Africa (17 September 2024) – The cruel and illegal practice of setting snares to trap animals for selfish gain continues to be a significant problem in many local communities across South Africa.

Collaboration and partnerships are key in addressing the negative impacts of the illegal snaring of wildlife. This was among the takeaways from the inaugural two-day national Snare Mitigation Symposium in Pretoria on 10 and 11 September.

The meeting was co-led by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the Cape Leopard Trust (CLT), the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and South African National Parks (SANParks) where 140 delegates delved into the impacts, drivers and solutions to this increasing threat to wildlife and the economy.

The event brought together leading experts in wildlife crime, government officials and representatives of numerous stakeholders across the sector to examine the multifaceted aspects of the snaring crisis.

Snares are a significant threat to wildlife across South Africa, with many species falling victim to these cruel and illegal traps.

The symposium helped shed light on the reality that many animals are snared largely for personal or commercial use and are occurring at unsustainable rates across all provinces and in diverse landscapes. Sadly, many species, including leopard, lion, hyena and other predators, are killed as by-catch in snares originally set for bushmeat.

Another key insight was that communities living with wildlife, and those linked to snaring, need to form an integral of the solutions being proposed, and to be undertaken, to address snaring.

No solution will be credible without the involvement of the relevant community voices in the co-development of solutions.

Solutions need to be diverse, purposely inclusive and tailored to and by the people living in the affected areas. Technological advances were showcased to improve snare detection and data collection.

Among the key decisions adopted as outcomes included further research on the drivers and alternative livelihood solutions, more cohesive legislation to address snaring and other wildlife crimes, more centralised reporting and monitoring to ascertain the extent of the problem, and creating a greater understanding of the impact of snaring not only on biodiversity but also on the economy and well-being of communities.

At a workshop following the event, the host organisations strategised the next steps related to key themes and action points identified during the symposium that will include a wide range of stakeholders.

Looking to the future, greater teamwork and communication between the state, private sector and civil society will be cultivated to find sustainable long-term solutions for both people and wildlife.

Sources: DFFE, the CLT, the EWT, SANBI and SANParks

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