Strauss, Smit split SuperSport Ladies Challenge lead

Lali Stander – JOHANNESBURG, 4 January 2017 – Defending champion Bertine Strauss and three-time Sunshine Ladies Tour winner Monique Smit provided the early fireworks in the opening round of the R200,000 SuperSport Ladies Challenge on Wednesday.

Monique Smit. (Photo by Luke Walker/Sunshine Tour/Gallo Images)

Gunning for a fourth successive title on the local circuit, Strauss looked fit to establish a commanding lead, but the Koster golfer ultimately had to settle for a share of top spot at three under with Smit, the champion of this event in 2014.

The pair both signed for rounds of 69 at Huddle Park Golf Club, although it could have been much better for Strauss.

She needed to produce a run of birdies on the back nine to secure a share of the lead, but Strauss was well pleased with a fine opening round.

“I haven’t touched a club four weeks, which is probably the longest lay-off I’ve had in years,” Strauss said. “It was difficult to gauge how I’d play, but although there was a little bit of rust in the system, I was pretty pleased with how I did overall.

“I came through the front nine with eight pars and a birdie at the ninth and I thought this is going well, but I gave a couple of shots back on the homeward loop. That’s golf for you, though; it gives and it takes away.”

Strauss bogeyed 10 and 12, but guaranteed her share of the top spot with a birdie at 12 and four straight birdies from the 14th before she signed off with a bogey at 18.

“I played steady and started to get the pace of the greens on the back nine,” said the 24-year-old Investec-backed pro.

“Once a few putts started to drop, the confidence and belief flooded back. If you’d offered me three under at the start of the day, I definitely would’ve taken it. I’ve put myself in a great position and it’s something to build on.”

Smit was also delighted to find some good form with the prestigious SA Women’s Masters in the City of Cape Town just a fortnight away.

The Fancourt golfer offset a double bogey at the second with an eagle at 14 and picked up gains at 12, 16 and 17 while keeping the bogeys off her card until the final hole.

“I had no idea how it would go today, because I haven’t played competitive golf since I started my PGA apprenticeship at the end of last season,” Smit said. “I was just hopeful that I’d play well, and so it proved.

“Confidence is a funny thing. Once you get a few good things going, you get that confidence where you feel like you’re going to shoot a good number. I found a way to put myself into contention and hopefully I can keep it going.”

Chase to the Investec Cup winners Kim Williams and Nicole Garcia share third on two under 70, with Swaziland’s Nobuhle Dlamini, Bonita Bredenhann from Namibia and Lejan Lewthwaite from Benoni a further stroke adrift.

First Round Scores

All competitors RSA unless otherwise specified and amateurs indicated as (AMA)

69 – Bertine Strauss, Monique Smit 

70 – Nicole Garcia, Kim Williams 

71 – Nobuhle Dlamini SWZ, Bonita Bredenhann NAM, Lejan Lewthwaite 

72 – Ivanna Samu, Laila Hrindova SR, Morgana Robbertze 

73 – Lynette Fourie (AMA), Lindi Coetzee (AMA), Alexandra Lennartsson SWE, Carrie Park S-KOR, Michaela Fletcher (AMA), Tijana Kraljevic, Melissa Eaton, Catherine Lau (AMA)

74 – Eleonora Galletti (AMA), Crizelda van Niekerk, Mae Cornforth, Kiran Matharu ENG, Lara Weinstein (AMA)

75 – Hanna Roos SWE, Flavia Namakula UGA, Francesca Cuturi 

76 – Lora Assad (AMA), Mandy Adamson 

77 – Caitlyn Macnab, (AMA) Siviwe Duma (AMA), Monja Richards, Tandi von Ruben, Alana van Greuning 

78 – Casandra Hall (AMA), Natasha Carlsson (AMA) 

79 – Yolanda Duma (AMA), Nicole Becker, Maria Roos SWE 

80 – Wilna Bredenhann (AMA) NAM

81 – Michelle de Vries 

84 – Sarah Bouch (AMA), Shawnelle de Lange (AMA), Nina Grey 

86 – Leslie Grandet, Kim de Klerk 

87 – Michelle Leigh 

89 – Noluthando Mdanda (AMA)

Strauss, Smit split SuperSport Ladies Challenge lead

Strauss, Smit split SuperSport Ladies Challenge lead

Lali Stander – JOHANNESBURG, 4 January 2017 – Defending champion Bertine Strauss and three-time Sunshine Ladies Tour winner Monique Smit provided the early fireworks in the opening round of the R200,000 SuperSport Ladies Challenge on Wednesday.

Monique Smit. (Photo by Luke Walker/Sunshine Tour/Gallo Images)

Gunning for a fourth successive title on the local circuit, Strauss looked fit to establish a commanding lead, but the Koster golfer ultimately had to settle for a share of top spot at three under with Smit, the champion of this event in 2014.

The pair both signed for rounds of 69 at Huddle Park Golf Club, although it could have been much better for Strauss.

She needed to produce a run of birdies on the back nine to secure a share of the lead, but Strauss was well pleased with a fine opening round.

“I haven’t touched a club four weeks, which is probably the longest lay-off I’ve had in years,” Strauss said. “It was difficult to gauge how I’d play, but although there was a little bit of rust in the system, I was pretty pleased with how I did overall.

“I came through the front nine with eight pars and a birdie at the ninth and I thought this is going well, but I gave a couple of shots back on the homeward loop. That’s golf for you, though; it gives and it takes away.”

Strauss bogeyed 10 and 12, but guaranteed her share of the top spot with a birdie at 12 and four straight birdies from the 14th before she signed off with a bogey at 18.

“I played steady and started to get the pace of the greens on the back nine,” said the 24-year-old Investec-backed pro.

“Once a few putts started to drop, the confidence and belief flooded back. If you’d offered me three under at the start of the day, I definitely would’ve taken it. I’ve put myself in a great position and it’s something to build on.”

Smit was also delighted to find some good form with the prestigious SA Women’s Masters in the City of Cape Town just a fortnight away.

The Fancourt golfer offset a double bogey at the second with an eagle at 14 and picked up gains at 12, 16 and 17 while keeping the bogeys off her card until the final hole.

“I had no idea how it would go today, because I haven’t played competitive golf since I started my PGA apprenticeship at the end of last season,” Smit said. “I was just hopeful that I’d play well, and so it proved.

“Confidence is a funny thing. Once you get a few good things going, you get that confidence where you feel like you’re going to shoot a good number. I found a way to put myself into contention and hopefully I can keep it going.”

Chase to the Investec Cup winners Kim Williams and Nicole Garcia share third on two under 70, with Swaziland’s Nobuhle Dlamini, Bonita Bredenhann from Namibia and Lejan Lewthwaite from Benoni a further stroke adrift.

First Round Scores

All competitors RSA unless otherwise specified and amateurs indicated as (AMA)

69 – Bertine Strauss, Monique Smit 

70 – Nicole Garcia, Kim Williams 

71 – Nobuhle Dlamini SWZ, Bonita Bredenhann NAM, Lejan Lewthwaite 

72 – Ivanna Samu, Laila Hrindova SR, Morgana Robbertze 

73 – Lynette Fourie (AMA), Lindi Coetzee (AMA), Alexandra Lennartsson SWE, Carrie Park S-KOR, Michaela Fletcher (AMA), Tijana Kraljevic, Melissa Eaton, Catherine Lau (AMA)

74 – Eleonora Galletti (AMA), Crizelda van Niekerk, Mae Cornforth, Kiran Matharu ENG, Lara Weinstein (AMA)

75 – Hanna Roos SWE, Flavia Namakula UGA, Francesca Cuturi 

76 – Lora Assad (AMA), Mandy Adamson 

77 – Caitlyn Macnab, (AMA) Siviwe Duma (AMA), Monja Richards, Tandi von Ruben, Alana van Greuning 

78 – Casandra Hall (AMA), Natasha Carlsson (AMA) 

79 – Yolanda Duma (AMA), Nicole Becker, Maria Roos SWE 

80 – Wilna Bredenhann (AMA) NAM

81 – Michelle de Vries 

84 – Sarah Bouch (AMA), Shawnelle de Lange (AMA), Nina Grey 

86 – Leslie Grandet, Kim de Klerk 

87 – Michelle Leigh 

89 – Noluthando Mdanda (AMA)

Strauss, Smit split SuperSport Ladies Challenge lead

Book Review: The One Man

The One Man

Andrew Gross

Macmillan

Review: Brian Joss

While most people are dying to get out of Auschwitz, the concentration camp in Poland, one man is trying to get in to rescue Professor Alfred Mendl, a scientist who has worked out a key formula that will help the Allies to build the atomic bomb and bring World War II to an end.  Dr Mendl had it all written down but when he was arrested for being Jewish and taken to the camp the Nazis burned all his scientific papers. Meanwhile, back in America, the head of OSS, William “Wild Bill” Donovan, is hatching a plan to send an intelligence officer to Poland and bring Mendl back. The man chosen for the task is Nathan Blum who escaped from the Krakow ghetto to America and freedom, leaving behind his parents and sister who were later sent to the gas chambers. Blum has all the qualities necessary for this dangerous mission. He is Jewish , he speaks several languages and showed his survival skills when he fled Poland. Blum agrees to undertake the mission because he believes in the Torah dictum: he who saves one life, it’s as if he has saved the world. However, he has only 72 hours to complete mission. All the knowledge is in Mendl’s head and he knows that his days are numbered. Somehow he has to get his knowledge to the outside world. Then he meets a 16-year-old chess prodigy, Leo Wolciek, who was also caught by the Nazis and tossed into Auschwitz. Mendl is unaware of the plan to rescue him but he befriends Wolciek and begins transferring his knowledge to him. Meanwhile Hedda Ackermann, wife of the assistant camp commandant, takes a shine to Leo, and she summons him to play chess with her and she becomes Leo’s protector.  Blum is parachuted into Poland and with help of the Resistance is smuggled into the camp. However, one man who has been listening to the radio traffic, hears a strange message which arouses his suspicions and he is convinced that there is a spy in the camp.  To reveal more of the plot would be a spoiler. There are plenty of harrowing moments and surprises in store, especially for Nathan, who has to rescue three people, not only Mendl.

Wolciek, a successful lawyer, now living in the geriatric wing of a veterans’ hospital, near Chicago, tells the story to his daughter when she asks him about  a medal and old photos she found in a cigar box when she was clearing out his house before being moved to the hospital.

Gross, better known for his thrillers, among them Reckless, Don’t Look Twice and the Blue Zone and in collaboration with James Patterson (3^rd Degree, Judge and Jury), has turned his hand to historical fiction and has done an excellent job.
Much of The One Man is based on fact: the Manhattan Project (to develop the atomic bomb) headed by Robert Oppenheimer did exist. The author says that he based Leo on his father-in-law, Nathan Zorman who came to America from Warsaw just months before the war, leaving his family behind and they were among the six million who perished at the hands of the Germans.

Book Review: The One Man

Book Review: The One Man

The One Man

Andrew Gross

Macmillan

Review: Brian Joss

While most people are dying to get out of Auschwitz, the concentration camp in Poland, one man is trying to get in to rescue Professor Alfred Mendl, a scientist who has worked out a key formula that will help the Allies to build the atomic bomb and bring World War II to an end.  Dr Mendl had it all written down but when he was arrested for being Jewish and taken to the camp the Nazis burned all his scientific papers. Meanwhile, back in America, the head of OSS, William “Wild Bill” Donovan, is hatching a plan to send an intelligence officer to Poland and bring Mendl back. The man chosen for the task is Nathan Blum who escaped from the Krakow ghetto to America and freedom, leaving behind his parents and sister who were later sent to the gas chambers. Blum has all the qualities necessary for this dangerous mission. He is Jewish , he speaks several languages and showed his survival skills when he fled Poland. Blum agrees to undertake the mission because he believes in the Torah dictum: he who saves one life, it’s as if he has saved the world. However, he has only 72 hours to complete mission. All the knowledge is in Mendl’s head and he knows that his days are numbered. Somehow he has to get his knowledge to the outside world. Then he meets a 16-year-old chess prodigy, Leo Wolciek, who was also caught by the Nazis and tossed into Auschwitz. Mendl is unaware of the plan to rescue him but he befriends Wolciek and begins transferring his knowledge to him. Meanwhile Hedda Ackermann, wife of the assistant camp commandant, takes a shine to Leo, and she summons him to play chess with her and she becomes Leo’s protector.  Blum is parachuted into Poland and with help of the Resistance is smuggled into the camp. However, one man who has been listening to the radio traffic, hears a strange message which arouses his suspicions and he is convinced that there is a spy in the camp.  To reveal more of the plot would be a spoiler. There are plenty of harrowing moments and surprises in store, especially for Nathan, who has to rescue three people, not only Mendl.

Wolciek, a successful lawyer, now living in the geriatric wing of a veterans’ hospital, near Chicago, tells the story to his daughter when she asks him about  a medal and old photos she found in a cigar box when she was clearing out his house before being moved to the hospital.

Gross, better known for his thrillers, among them Reckless, Don’t Look Twice and the Blue Zone and in collaboration with James Patterson (3^rd Degree, Judge and Jury), has turned his hand to historical fiction and has done an excellent job.
Much of The One Man is based on fact: the Manhattan Project (to develop the atomic bomb) headed by Robert Oppenheimer did exist. The author says that he based Leo on his father-in-law, Nathan Zorman who came to America from Warsaw just months before the war, leaving his family behind and they were among the six million who perished at the hands of the Germans.

Book Review: The One Man

A New Frontier in the Enterprise: How Microsoft’s HoloLens is bringing AR to the forefront of industry

Etienne de Villiers, Lead Programmer at Fuzzy Logic – Earlier this year, tech juggernaut Microsoft began shipping the developer’s version of its HoloLens AR headset. A device that has been in development for years, the HoloLens is the first ever fully untethered, holographic computer – which enables users to interact with high‑definition holograms in the real world.

Etienne de Villiers

For developers worldwide, and indeed, for individuals and businesses, the Microsoft HoloLens has the potential to transform the way we work and interact with our physical environments. While the cost of the device ($3000) remains prohibitive to the average consumer, it is already being embraced within certain industries and sectors.

Contextual Wizardry

Arguably, the HoloLens is the first device that is demonstrating the real power of Augmented Reality (AR) and its potential applications in both business, and in the longer term, our day-to-day life. One of the most compelling elements of this technology is its ability to use the context you are in, and then overlay information around or onto that physical context. So, while Virtual Reality (VR) takes you into an entirely new context, the HoloLens uses AR to enrich and enhance your own, current context.

Imagine, for example, you are in your garden and you spot an unfamiliar plant. Using the HoloLens, the idea is that by simply looking at the plant and asking the question about what it is, the answer will pop up onto the screen – overlaid onto your view of the plant. From here, you can ask other questions such as, will it work in my garden? How do I care for it?

For AR developers, the key will be to ensure that this contextual ability is seamlessly integrated into the HoloLens, so that it becomes a natural extension of our world and our work.

Untethered, Unlimited

While AR and VR have been around for many years, it is the ‘untethered’ element of the HoloLens that makes it so exciting and transformative for developers. Because it is a headset the user’s hands are freed, and in combination with excellent hand tracking technology, it opens up the opportunity for entirely new experiences that are far more interactive and immersive. And unlike AR applications on a smartphone, which use the smartphone’s camera as its ‘eyes’, the HoloLens’s see-through display allows the user’s own eyes – and therefore own, real world context – to shape and guide the experience. No longer are you limited by your device’s camera view – it is your own, real world view that is providing the context.

This ability, and the resulting immersion in both the real and virtual world, has massive ramifications for businesses and professionals. Picture a paramedic rushing to an accident, and encountering a very serious and complex emergency scene. Using the HoloLens, this paramedic can connect – via Skype – to specialists located back at the hospital, who will then be able to ‘see’ what the paramedic is seeing. They can then guide the paramedic, step by step, by overlaying digital information and guidelines onto his immediate view of the physical scene in front of him.

Businesses on the AR Bandwagon

Although many of these scenarios remain purely hypothetical at this early stage, some companies are already leveraging the HoloLens within their operations. One such company is the engineering giant thyssenkrupp, which is using the technology within its elevator business. The company has pioneered the use of the Microsoft HoloLens amongst its army of service technicians.

Using the device, the technicians are able to visualise and identify problems with elevators ahead of a job. Prior to tackling any task, a technician can view a detailed, 3D image of the elevator, and then zoom into any part – offering endless training opportunities as well. These technicians then arrive at the actual site better prepared than ever before.

In addition, they have remote, hands-free access to technical and expert information when on site – with the HoloLens able to trigger a remote call to a subject matter expert. According to the company, the device saves huge amounts of time, stress and effort. A job that normally takes 1-2 hours, now takes less than 20 minutes, reports one company spokesperson.

A Universe of Opportunity

As many who are close to this technology have asserted, we are only scratching the surface of what AR, and devices such as the HoloLens, can truly offer. The early adopters, for now, will be those industries and sectors that rely on sophisticated and expensive technology, and who can afford the high costs associated with research and development. Indeed, we are already seeing the aviation, engineering and medical spheres embracing the HoloLens and finding ways to harness its game-changing capabilities. For local businesses and industry leaders, it is well worth keeping an eye on this fast evolving technology and planning for ways to leverage its immense potential.

About Etienne de Villiers

Etienne de Villiers has been creating interactive experiences for over 15 years and has worked at some of the top multimedia and game development companies in South Africa and the UK. As the lead programmer at Fuzzy Logic, he has helped grow the company from small beginnings 5 years ago to one of the leading mobile development companies in SA. He has a passion for technology that helps people connect with the real world.

About Fuzzy Logic

Fuzzy Logic is a games, augmented reality (AR) and apps developer that is at the cutting edge of software technology. Based in George in the Western Cape, Fuzzy Logic was formed in 2011 by Gautenger, Jason Ried, and brings together top-class artists, animators and programmers, with the more experienced members having worked on technically complex, award-winning AAA video games in the UK, such as Split/Second, Disney Universe and Championship Manager.

The team prides itself on the ability to deliver quality, creativity and professionalism in their mobile games and apps, employing games analytics, behavioural psychology and user research to create entertaining, commercially successful products. To date, Fuzzy Logic has not only released chart-topping products, but has also won a European AR award and worked with high-profile clients such as Vodafone, Castle Lite, Woolworths, Standard Bank and Nederburg. Fuzzy Logic has just started work on a big budget, highly ambitious game for an international toy company, details of which are currently under wraps.

A New Frontier in the Enterprise: How Microsoft’s HoloLens is bringing AR to the forefront of industry

Mahindra’s KUV100 is fun to drive despite its quirks and odd design

Despite its quirks – and it has a few – I enjoyed driving Mahindra’s new KUV100, clearly marked the K8 at the back. Which was a surprise considering that few manufacturers today highlight the model. Probably as a cost-saving device.

Brian Joss – The KUV100, pronounced Koov, is odd-looking and appears to have been designed by the same team that devised the camel: they weren’t sure whether to give it one hump, two humps or three. In the end they came up with a camel with two humps (bactrian) and a camel with one hump (dromedary). And in case you were wondering a camel with three humps is pregnant.

The Mahindra KUV100K8: odd looks do attract attention. Picture: Quickpic

So I am not sure if the Indian-developed KUV is a sports utility vehicle posing as a hatch or a hatch pretending to be an SUV. When you turn on the ignition the engine sounds like a buzz saw. I was a bit taken aback because today diesels are really quiet. But then I was in for another surprise.

The tank holds 35 litres, including five in reserve.  After driving twice to Stellenbosch from Milnerton, a few shopping trips to the mall and a meander along Melkbos the fuel warning gauge suddenly gleamed a bright red, although there were five litres in reserve. But as far as I am concerned it’s 30 litres.

When I pulled in to the garage forecourt I pointed to the diesel pump. The petrol attendant had other ideas and directed me to the lead-free dispenser. Whenever I stop at a garage to fill up I always get out of the vehicle to check that they’re putting the correct grade into the vehicle. And on the inside of the fuel cap it clearly said petrol. When I asked the pump jockey how he knew that it was petrol, he said, it’s what he gets paid for. I owe him a vote of thanks.

The KUV100 is Mahindra’s first foray into the compact SUV market, and according to the manufacturer, it is aimed at buyers of conventional hatchbacks. It is powered by the in-house developed mFalcon G80 three cylinder 1 200cc all-aluminium engine mated to a five-speed manual gear box. The engine delivers 61kW@5 500rpm; torque is 115N.m from 3 500rpm and drive is through the front wheels. The KUV100 can accommodate three adults at the back. Inside, the cabin is neat. It has a floating dashboard, which accommodates the joy-stick type gear lever. Gear changing was smooth too.

There is the usual instrument cluster including a gear indicator. Bluetooth, an auxiliary slot and USB port are in addition to the radio and CD player. It has an air-conditioning system and electrically adjustable windows and mirrors. The single colour display screen is hard to read, except when the fuel is low and the indicator glows bright red. The one thing that annoyed me most was the stop-start feature which often failed to restart at the red lights. And in Cape Town if you don’t put foot the instant the traffic starts to flow the angry hooters behind you will soon get you going.

The boot is not cavernous: it expands to 473 litres from 243 litres (the back bench seat can be folded flat) but not flush with the floor. At least I couldn’t get it to sit flush. And there is an under-floor storage area at the rear. You have to give the boot lever, which is situated next to the driving seat, on the floor, a hefty yank to work. So until I figured that out the shopping bags went on the back seat. Although the boot has a keyhole, the key wouldn’t go in.

There is a good view of the road from the driving seat, and speaking of seats, they were comfortable, at the rear as well, even if the upholstery felt a bit thin. The three-cylinder engine moves along at a rapid pace once the torque kicks in.  And there’s power to spare if you want to overtake. It also performed reasonably well on the test route which included a few “hill climbs”. However, it’s not a Speedy Gonzales. The KUV exhibited a lot of roll around corners, and the electrically powered steering, leaves a lot to be desired, it feels fuzzy and you have to work to keep it in a straight line. The steering wheel is tilt-adjustable. I thought that the gap between first and second gear was a bit too wide. When you change to second you notice quite a drop in power and it takes a while for the KUV8 to get going again. The ride is comfortable and hoovers up the bumps and potholes with relative ease. Braking is good too. As for fuel, I recorded figures of just more than 7litres/100km in a town and country cycle. More than Mahindra’s claimed 5.9 litres/100km with CO2 emissions of  139 g/km.

Safety features include two air bags; ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and corner braking control (CBC) as standard, a collapsible steering column, and child safety locks on the rear doors. The headrests are adjustable. The KUV is equipped with the ubiquitous cup holders, on the armrests, front and back, as well as one-litre bottle holders in the door pockets and 12V accessory sockets front and rear. Power windows, central locking and an immobiliser system are standard across the range which consists of the KUV100 1.2 K8 Petrol, the test car, which carries a price tag of R179 995, the KUV100 1.2 K4+ Petrol ,  KUV100 1.2 K6+ Petrol,  KUV100 1.2 K6+ TurboDiesel  and  the KUV100 1.2 K8 TurboDiesel. As a matter of interest  the turbodiesel produces 57 kW at 3 750rpm and 190 N.m of torque from 1 750 rpm, Mahindra said.

Summing up: the Mahindra KUV8 is clearly aimed at the budget conscious and those who want a SUV but can’t afford one. It has its pros: it’s comfortable; the engine is surprisingly peppy; it’s fun to drive and its odd looks do attract attention. I think it’s good for city driving and the daily commute and even though the boot is not big it would be suitable as a mom’s taxi. The cons are the woolly steering; the small fuel tank; the annoying start-stop feature which stops more than it starts and the noisy motor. 

The price includes a three-year/100 000 km warranty on all models, and a three-year/50 000 km service plan on the K6+ and K8 derivatives (optional for K4+).

Mahindra’s KUV100 is fun to drive despite its quirks and odd design

Jaguar Land Rover “most prominent premium brand on African continent”

Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa has been recognised as one of Africa’s top brands, at the World Brand Congress awards of 2016.

Brian Joss – The awards ceremony took place in Mauritius, one of the markets Jaguar Land Rover operates in, and the company was recognised for being a sought-after employer in Africa. Qualifying criteria for nominees include brands that are top of mind with consumers, have presence through a strong market share, and commitment to markets in Africa.

Nigel Clarke, sales director for Jaguar Land Rover sub- Sahara Africa: proud moment. Picture: Motorpress

“We are incredibly proud of this achievement. Over the last few years we’ve embarked on a journey to expand into Africa, and it’s fantastic to receive recognition for our efforts to be the most prominent premium brand on the continent,” said Nigel Clarke, Sales Director for Jaguar Land Rover sub-Sahara Africa. “This has also been a landmark year for us, with the opening of a number of new retail facilities to increase our market presence. And we’ve bolstered that with the introduction of fantastic new products.”

In 2016 Jaguar Land Rover opened the doors for seven new world-class retailer facilities in Africa. State-of-the-art facilities were opened in Accra in Ghana, Lusaka in Zambia and Windhoek in Namibia.  In South Africa there have also been a number of new facilities invested into, namely Stellenbosch, N1 City in Cape Town, Menlyn in Pretoria and West Rand in Johannesburg and the biggest Jaguar Land Rover retailer in Africa will launch in Sandton, Johannesburg early in 2017.  All these facilities offer customers a premium and consistent retail experience and the best possible interaction when having their vehicle serviced.

With more than 900 employees across Africa, Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa is a sought-after employer committed to investing in the future of the automotive industry and engineering talent of tomorrow.

Focusing intensively on developing staff, customers are able to benefit from world-class service from award-winning dealers, importers and technicians at every branch.

Each technician undergoes intensive training at the Jaguar Land Rover Training Academy in South Africa. This facility was established to train all Jaguar Land Rover technicians on the brand’s global programme, thus maintaining excellent service levels at all facilities in Africa.

The stringent certification process also incorporates real-world feedback from customers, ensuring that only the cream of the crop are certified as master technicians.

The company also introduced several new models, including the Jaguar XF sports sedan; the world’s first premium compact SUV convertible, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible; and Jaguar’s first SUV, the F-PACE. These products proven popular, offering consumers an uncompromised combination of superb design, lightweight aluminium architecture, and leading technologies – in both Jaguar’s selection of the world’s most exciting sports sedans and sports cars, as well as Land Rover’s range of versatile and capable SUVs.

Jaguar Land Rover was chosen as a winner by the World Brand Congress panel of judges. The panel comprises prominent business leaders, researchers and academics, including Mr. Nandkishore Badami, Chief Marketing Officer, CISCO Systems India, Jonathan Peters, Global Chairman, Stars of the Industry Group and Nina E. Woodard, President and Chief “N” Sights Officer at Nina E.

Woodard & Associates.

Jaguar Land Rover “most prominent premium brand on African continent”

Inflatable-Zone: big inflatable product specialists

Established in 2008, Inflatable-Zone is the leading company and the share-issuing enterprise with both manufacture and marketing.

With the great support of experienced staff, the advanced technology, and heat-welding machines, we are dedicated to providing various professional services, including responsible after-sales service, OEM service, drop-ship facilitation service, etc.

Inflatable-Zone specializes in big inflatable products, including Bubble Soccer or Bumper Ball or Loopy Balls call them whatever you may water game toys like water roller, blob, and trampoline, inflatable slide, and bouncer. They are export-oriented and approved by our customers from United States, Europe, Canada, Australia amongst others thanks to our fine workmanship and quality assurance. And customers are welcomed to offer us customization ideas, like logo printing, personalized size, shape, and design.

In order to maintain the long-term business relationship with our customers, we are committed to living up to their highest expectation about our services and products and promise to provide the most satisfied products.

For more information, please feel free to contact us or visit our factory. May Inflatable-Zone be your best business partner!

Bubble soccer is a new thing for people who are looking for excited and out-of-box sport. Bubble soccer is more about fun rather than organized exercise. To buy it online wholesale or retail for sale and rent it for an affordable price are the most popular way to purchase. Bubble soccer, also known as bubble ball, bubble suit, and bubble ball soccer, is an innovative sport in town. Bubble soccer requires a few teammates to make the game work, pretty much like the traditional soccer game. To be more specific, bubble soccer game is players wearing a huge inflated bubble suit with the upper body completely covered and only legs sticking out for running for the possession of soccer. During the bubble soccer game, players inevitably run into each other, or precisely speaking, bump into each other while fighting against the soccer. And bumping is the essential fun of this game. It is fun to play, as well as fun to watch.

Similar to human hamster ball, zorb ball is a very large ball for people inside and rolling down the hill, which a crazy and exciting game. Online wholesale or local store business is available. To buy zorb ball online for sale would be great deal. But to rent zorb ball would be more likely to be with cheap price.If people are familiar with bubble soccer, they may get the easier understanding of zorb ball game. It is also called human hamster ball. as the name suggested, zorb ball is like a hamster ball, but with a human inside. Zorb ball is a very large ball which is able to contain a human being inside to walking inside the ball or down the hill. It has a zipper for people get inside and handles for players to hang tight with while playing. And people who can easily get sick after spinning may not be appropriate for this game. But it definitely is a wild and exciting game for enthusiasts to play.

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Wednesday Morning Edition

Good morning all,

This Edition is sponsored by the Pomodoro Restaurant.

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LATEST LOCAL NEWS

Busy season for the NSRI

Sopkombuise kry brandveiligheid opleiding

Die George Munisipale sopkombuise, wat almal uit vrywilligers bestaan, kry elke jaar sedert 2014 opleiding van Working on Fire om brande in die kombuise te voorkom.

Despite rain Greater Knysna remains on Level 2 water restrictions

Despite the recent rain that fell on 2 January 2017, Greater Knysna remains on Level 2 Water Restrictions which means, amongst others, that potable municipal water is restricted to human consumption and businesses. 

Tariff increase for GO GEORGE in new year

Tickets bought off bus are cheaper The George Municipality has announced an increase in the price of GO GEORGE bus tickets, to be implemented on 1 February 2017. 

Go George continues to refine routes

With the festive season amendments coming to an end on Saturday, 7 January 2017, GO GEORGE will be implementing more route refinements on Sunday, 8 January. 

George Trails unveiled

It all started towards the end of 2014 when a bunch of mountain bikers out on a long training ride discussed their safety following some unfortunate incidents that took place in Witfontein.

Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival™ Knysna 2017

For the past sixteen years at the end of April and the first week of May, Knysna has also become home to one of the freshest and most exciting LGBTI celebrations around the world – the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival. 

Photography Beginners Workshop in George

Photography Beginners Workshop in George, starting 14 & 15 January 2017. Learn to just take better pictures, from hobbyist to advanced photographers. Closing date for entries IS 12 January 2017. 

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LATEST SPORTS NEWS

Oudtshoorn to host Cobras vs Lions clash

The first ever Sunfoil Series four-day franchise match will be played at the Recreation in Oudtshoorn from Thursday the 5th of January until Sunday when the Builtnat Cape Cobras will take on the Bizhub Highveld Lions.

Festival makes a big SPLASH in Knysna!

This year’s Knysna SPLASH festival was the most successful ever, confirms Knysna Rotary President and event director Mick Furman, and the four events (the Mud Run, the Lagoon Mile Swim, the Canoe Races and the Quack Attack duck race) were all well-supported. 

Strauss set for sizzling start to 2017

JOHANNESBURG, 3 January 2017 – Bertine Strauss will be gunning for a fourth straight Sunshine Ladies Tour victory when she starts her title defence in the SuperSport Ladies Challenge on Wednesday. 

Grace eyes fast start

Branden Grace is looking to hit the ground running in 2017 when he tees it up in the HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

Jean du Plessis kaptein van SA Jongspan

Die kaptein van die SWD o/18 skolespan tydens die onlangse Coca Cola Khaya Majola nasionale krieketweek wat in Bloemfontein plaasgevind het, Jean du Plessis, het die SWD vlag hoog laat wapper toe hy as kaptein van die SA Jongspan na afloop van die toernooi aangewys is.  

SWD u/18 at Coca Cola Khaya Majola Week

The SWD U/18 team that participated in the Coca Cola Khaya Majola week that was hosted in Bloemfontein during December 2016:  

Sedgars SWD Cricket League fixtures

The Sedgars SWD Premier League competition will resume on Saturday after the holiday break and four interesting matches are predicted.  With the provincial players available the competition will even be more interesting. 

SWD Women ready for battle in East London

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George Golf Club Newsletter

Fancourt Golf Club Newsletter

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International News

Click here for the latest International News

Let All Opposed to War Praise Trump’s ‘Treasonous’ Tweet

When President Obama expelled Russian diplomats over the hysterical and unproven accusation of “hacking the election” on December 29, Russian President Vladimir Putin refused to be drawn into a petty squabble, saying he would delay any response …

Mugabe succession: Fury over VP Mnangagwa’s ‘I’m the boss’ coffee mug

President Robert Mugabe’s big-spending nephew Philip Chiyangwa nearly saw his daughter’s wedding ruined when South African customs allegedly confiscated her crystal-encrusted dress.

Turkey fixed in ISIS crosshairs

Istanbul – Turkey risks encountering a new level of threat on its own territory from the Islamic State (ISIS) group after the Istanbul nightclub attack, with the group openly targeting the country as Ankara battles the jihadists inside Syria.

Ethiopia jails at least 20 Muslims accused of pursuing Sharia state

Addis Ababa – An Ethiopian court has sentenced 20 Muslims to prison after they were found guilty of trying to establish a state ruled by Sharia law and inciting violence.

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National News

Click here for the latest National News

Education dept stands by 2016 matric results

Cape Town – The Basic Education Department is standing by its 2016 matric results, due to be released on Thursday, despite DA MP Gavin Davis questioning the way some averages were increased.

SA braces for matric pass rate announcement

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga is due to reveal the highly anticipated national matric pass rate for the class of 2016 on Wednesday.

Muthambi wants to ‘hijack’ the SABC

South Africa’s Communications Minister Faith Muthambi wants the state to have total control of the SABC and has introduced legislation that would give her the final say on who is appointed to the broadcaster’s board, which has been backed by cabinet, …

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Business News

Click here for the latest Business News

Fuel price hike hurts commuters

The hikes have been attributed to a rise in international fuel prices and currency fluctuations. The 50 cents per litre petrol hike due to go into effect today will have a negative impact on motorists, especially the poor, business owners say.

Automakers are rushing to copy Elon Musk — and it’s turning into a problem

Back in the 20th century, one of the main reasons people went to auto shows was to see the “dream machines” – wildly stylish, often futuristic takes on motoring that the automakers rolled out to get the world enthused about their brands.

The Next Energy Revolution: Petrolithium

Marking an official intersection between the energy sector and the new energy sector (or green energy), the process of extracting lithium from heavy oil EBD wastewater has been finally successfully proven, with enough of an economic upside to …

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Sports News

Click here for the latest Sports News

Australia declare on 538-8 after Handscomb ton

Peter Handscomb scored the third century of Australia’s first innings before the hosts declared on 538 for eight before tea on the second day of the third and final test against Pakistan on Wednesday.

It was too easy for the Proteas

Kagiso Rabada celebrates after taking the wicket of Sri Lanka’s Kaushal Silva. Photo: Mike Hutchings/Reuters. At Newlands – No one expected the Sri Lankans of 2016/17 to topple the Proteas of the same vintage, but the events of St George’s Park a week …

Loeb wins Dakar Rally stage 2, Giniel fourth

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PRESS RELEASES

Tsogo Sun takes green action

Embracing greener behaviour for the wellbeing of the planet is a hallmark of Tsogo Sun’s and is written into the group’s over-riding environmental management policy.

What’s happening at the National Rooibos Day gathering?

The first National Rooibos Day will be celebrated on Monday, 16 January 2017 in Clanwilliam, the Rooibos capital of the world.

GlenWood Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2016 – Summer in a glass

Hot on the heels of its recent success at the launch of the 2017 Platter Wine Guide, GlenWood Vineyards in Franschhoek has released another guaranteed winner.

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REGULAR COLUMNS & OPINION PIECES

Kia Niro sets Guinness World RecordR title for miserly fuel consumption

Arriving at New York City Hall in downtown Manhattan, the 2017 KIA Niro officially received a Guinness World RecordR title for the lowest fuel consumption driving across the USA from coast to coast (hybrid car). 

Opel set to make production in Europe more efficient to secure jobs, plant

Opel is setting a new course to make production in Europe even more efficient: The successor of the extremely successful Mokka X SUV will be made in Eisenach in  2019. 

Street-ready 2017 Ford GT rolls off the assembly line

The first road-going version of the all-new 2017 Ford GT has rolled off the line – heralding the beginning of production of the long-awaited halo car from Ford Performance.

Toyota Gazoo Racing wins opening stage of Dakar

RESISTENCIA, ARGENTINA – It was a picture perfect start for Toyota Gazoo Racing SA, as Nasser Al-Attiyah and navigator Mathieu Baumel (#301) triumphed in the opening stage of the race, a 26th stage victory for Al-Attiyah on the Dakar Rally.

Book Review: First Response

Book Review: The Black Widow

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Until next time…

Bruce

Wednesday Morning Edition

Oudtshoorn to host Cobras vs Lions clash

The first ever Sunfoil Series four-day franchise match will be played at the Recreation in Oudtshoorn from Thursday the 5^th of January until Sunday when the Builtnet Cape Cobras will take on the Bizhub Highveld Lions.

Wayne Parnell. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

The hosting of the event will be a historic landmark for SWD Cricket.  Although SWD hosted more than sixty-first class matches over a period of ten years this will be the first franchise match in the Ostrich Capital.

The Buildnat Cape Cobras have appointed the former South African batting icon Ashwell Prince as caretaker head coach until the end of the 2016/2017 campaign replacing Paul Adams who has been at the helm as coach since June 2012. The South African off-spinner Dane Piedt was appointed as interim captain of the Cape Cobras for the rest of the 2016-/2017 season.

“Paul’s new role is pivotal, as he will be the caretaker and manager of the pipeline structures, nurturing the next generation of franchise players,” said Nabeal Dien, chief executive officer of Western Cape Cricket (WCC).

 

Hardus Viljoen. (Photo by Louis Botha/Gallo Images)

“Last season was the first one in eight seasons in which we had an empty trophy cabinet. This season, we have lost three of our first five Sunfoil Series matches and we are hovering at the basement of the log in the Sunfoil Series, said Cobras Chief Executive Officer, Nabeal Dien.

“We believe that Ashwell possesses the international pedigree, the management skills and the interpersonal prowess to rejuvenate the Cobras.  “He is not only a veteran of 66 tests for South Africa, striking 11 centuries, but was also a trophy-winning captain of the Cape Cobras” said Dien.

Various players with international experience will be in action with the Lions that will field players like Reeza Hendricks, Dwaine Pretorius, Hardus Viljoen and Aaron Pangiso.  The Cobras line-up will include Dane Piedt, Andrew Puttick, Dane Vilas, Justin Ontong, Stiaan van Zyl and Wayne Parnell.

Play will start at 10:00 each day and entrance will be free.

The teams are: 

BUILNAT CAPE COBRAS (From): Dane Piedt (Captain), Andrew Puttick, Aviwe Mgijima, Dane Paterson, Dane Vilas, Jason Smith, Justin Ontong, Kyle Simmonds, Omphile Ramela, Stiaan van Zyl, Tshepo Moreki and Wayne Parnell. 

BIZHUB HIGHVELD LIONS (From):  Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Dominic Hendricks,  Nickey van der Bergh, Kagiso Rapulana, Dwaine Pretorius, Mangaliso Mosehle, Wiaan Mulder, Bjorn Fortuin, Hardus Viljoen, Aaron Phangiso, Ayavuya Myoli and Devon Conway

The Builnat Cape Cobras at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn with their newly appointed coach, Ashwill Prince, before their first training session ahead of the Sunfoil Series match against the Bizhub Highveld Lions that will start on Thursday. Back Row: Ashwill Prince (Head Coach), Justin Ontong, Sherman Baatjies (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Siya Sibiya (Assistant Coach), Wayne Parell, Dane Paterson, Kyle Simmonds, Omphile Ramela, Stiaan van Zyl and Andrew Puttic. Front Row: Aviwe Mgijima, Jason Smith, Dane Piedt (Captain), Dane Vilas, Tsepo Moreki and Michael Gwilliams (Physiotherapist)

Oudtshoorn to host Cobras vs Lions clash