Update
Phoenix Durban

Male circumcision is gaining in popularity globally and in South Africa, and is currently one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the world.
Rachael Rawlinson, the prevention programme manager at HIV management organisation, CareWorks said the increased interest in male circumcision primarily stems from studies conducted in South Africa, Kenya and Uganda which indicate that male circumcision may reduce the risk of HIV acquisition by up to 60 percent.
It has also been found that circumcision can protect a circumcised man’s female partner from certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
She explained that more adult men are also making the cut for aesthetic reasons.  Currently, more than 2, 3 million men in South Africa have been circumcised. During 2014 in the 14 priority African countries, over three million men were circumcised, which is a 22 percent increase from 2013 and a 750 percent increase from the annual number of circumcisions performed in 2010.
Rawlinson said that there’s no denying that circumcision is popular right now, especially among men between the ages of 15 and 24 who are opting for the 20-minute surgical procedure.
“From a medical and hygiene point of view, men who haven’t been circumcised are more prone to a wide range of infectious diseases, ranging from HIV to thrush, syphilis, the human papilloma virus (HPV) and urinary tract infections. Their female partners are also more at risk of contracting genital herpes, and HPV which is a leading cause of cervical cancer. The lining of the foreskin is very thin and as a result offers fertile ground for bacteria and other microorganisms to multiply,” she explained.

Prostate cancer rates also tend to be higher in uncircumcised men and rates of cervical cancer are also greater in their female partners. “The lack of circumcision increases a man’s risk of contracting HIV by up to eight times and the risk is even higher when STIs are present.   The method of circumcision you opt for is something you will need to discuss with your doctor if you are considering Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC). There are three recommended methods for surgery, each with advantages and disadvantages, some better suited to specific anatomical cases. All have excellent safety records when performed by a trained professional and all require local anesthesia, and are conducted on an out-patient basis with full recovery in as little as six weeks,” she said.
Dennis ‘Yuki’ Masina, Orlando Pirates and Black Aces’ soccer star, has recently come out in support of VMMC as an HIV prevention option by undergoing the procedure. Named as the Centre for HIV and AIDS Prevention Studies (CHAPS) ambassador, Masina is urging men to get circumcised to protect not only themselves, but their female partners too.  Already, Yuki’s former teammates, Reginald Motsa and John Shisa Junior Mdluli, and the manager of the Black Aces youth team, Mandla Soko, have all decided to undergo medical circumcision.
Rawlinson said that circumcision remains a very personal decision, but the health advantages are very clear and far outweigh the cons.
To find out more information or where you, your son, friend or partner, can undergo free VMMC: send a free ‘please call me’ to 0606 800 800 and a councillor will get back to you.

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Update
Phoenix Durban

The Glenover Secondary class of 1988.

There was nostalgia and excitement in the air as Glenover Secondary School’s class of 1988 rekindled fond and special memories at a 30th reunion, held recently.
The venue for the gathering was the Umhlanga Function Venue and it is evident that some had travelled long distances to re-establish lost friendship and recall the good old days of yesteryear.
ALSO READ: Old memories rekindled at reunion
The programme was filled with intimate moments and much smiles.
The prosperous get-together certainly rekindled links with former pupils and ended on a high note of fun and merry making.

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Update
Phoenix Durban

It’s holiday time and you’re alone. You are dreading the year-end social at work and the family lunches.
Your least favourite aunt is definitely going to ask you yet again, in her high-pitched voice, for all the family to hear, “When are you getting married? Career is not everything. You have to find a nice boy.”
Being alone for the holidays is challenging; but it doesn’t have to be depressing.
Be prepared for the questions and comments from family. When you have a ready answer, you will feel more confident and in control.
Be straight forward, without becoming defensive. Tell them that while it’s tough being alone, you’d rather find the right partner than settling for just anyone, simply to be in a relationship.
Up your game! Take time to self-reflect. Take a good look at your life. Who are you deep inside? What do you bring to the world?
Where are you playing small and what steps can you take to become your best self? What bold career moves would you like to take in the next year?
How can you take better care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually? This kind of reflection is easier done when you’re alone, so use this time to introspect, set goals and make decisions about the direction you want to take your life.
It’s a wonderful time to reconnect to your vision both personally and professionally.
Get happy NOW! No one wants to meet a person who is sad and depressed and complaining about life. When you focus on becoming the best version of yourself, you become confident, fun, enthusiastic about life and very attractive to a new partner.
Do the things you love to do and you will meet new people who love doing the same things. Look at happy couples and know that if it’s possible for them it’s possible for you too.

Pamper yourself. Self-care increases self-love. Be kind to yourself, eat healthy, nutritious food, exercise regularly as this releases endorphins, which is a “feel good” hormone. Watch the movies you love. Be the host and invite some friends over.
Have a little dessert. Get a massage. Explore your city like a tourist would. Look up and smile at strangers in a shopping mall. Become the person that others find easy to approach. Start conversations with people standing in a queue with you.
If you’ve been in a long-term relationship and find yourself alone now, learn to become comfortable with yourself.
After I got divorced, I started a new tradition called “Date night with a Special Person.” It might sound crazy to some, but that special person was ME. The first time I had a meal alone in a restaurant, was quite uncomfortable.
Then I decided to put my phone away and look around and take in the room and the people. I became present and enjoyed the food and the atmosphere.
I also went to the movies alone on my date night. Surprisingly, I loved it. I didn’t have to share my popcorn! After a while, I would actually be excited and look forward to these dates.
Now it’s easy to engage in activities alone and value who I am instead of just who I’m with.
My first New Year alone was a celebration of freedom. I picked out my favourite music and danced with wild abandon with my dog looking at me with his head cocked to one side. Music and dance are great gifts to yourself and once again gets the happy hormones flowing.
Do some volunteer work.
Whether it’s at a children’s home, animal shelter or a charity drive, giving-back gives you perspective. It makes you feel intensely grateful for the life you have and that you can actually make a difference.
Becoming grateful for what you already have, shifts your energy some what’s missing to what you can be thankful for.
Being alone for the holidays, doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. Whether it’s a work social or a family event, be the person who brings the good time, instead of waiting for someone else to provide it.
Take the risk to compliment people you find attractive without expecting an outcome. Say YES to invitations. Fight the need to isolate yourself.
This is an easy option, but not one that will get you through the holidays feeling more connected to your community.
You attract people when you live your best life. When you can focus on all the good in your life and in the world around you, you raise your energy and that makes you very appealing.
So, put on that party dress and step out with a spring in your step.
Kas Naidoo is a relationship coach and matchmaker. She can be contacted via [email protected]

The post Alone for the holidays | Phoenix Sun appeared first on Gangwatch.

Update
Phoenix Durban

Thabani Sishi, Mark o Brien, Rsoemond Nyathi, Albert Mark, Tyrone Muldoon strike a pose for the camera.

The management and staff of the KZN Chamber of Printing SA ended the working year off in style at their annual year-end gala dinner function, recently.
Held at the glamorous Elangeni Hotel, many members and special guests made quite the effort for the theme which was ‘neon’.
Beautiful decor also set the tone high as attendees united and made treasured memories.
Comedy duo, Mamba Republic also featured and delivered a top-notch performance that kept the guests super entertained.
With smiles all around and an atmosphere of joy and jubilation, the gathering was indeed prosperous.

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Update
Phoenix Durban

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 was launched earlier this year (August). However, since then there has been reports suggesting that the smartphone has a freezing issue in its camera app.
Now, a moderator at Samsung seems to have responded mentioning that Samsung is working on a fix for the same issue and will be rolling it out soon.
The issue was reported by users on both the 64GB storage and 512GB storage variants of the device.

One of the users on the Samsung Forum stated, “I’ve noticed that on my note 9, that the camera freezes while taking pictures. It’s worse while shooting videos with a lot of lagging. I don’t know if anyone one else have experienced this,[sic].”
This was followed by dozens of other users pointing out the same issue on their units as well.
Samsung has not yet committed to any time frames on the fix.
Credit: Digital Street SA

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Update
Phoenix Durban

Excited pupils: Shivali Folly (grade seven) and Meriska Naicker (grade R).

The respective winners of the recent debs ball proudly hosted by Dianthus Primary School, Shivali Folly (grade seven) and Meriska Naicker (grade R) have been awarded with a special treat.
The school felt the need to give back to the pupils for their exceptional fundraising efforts.
ALSO READ: RUSA helicopter visits North Coast primary schools
They are now ready to take off after winning a ride in the Reaction Unit South Africa helicopter.
Dianthus Primary School principal, staff, SGB and pupils thanked head of RUSA, Prem Balram for his generous sponsorship.

The post Dianthus debutants take to the skies appeared first on Gangwatch.

Update
Phoenix Durban

Rev Bryan Naidoo alongside a rack of clothing. These will be among the items that fill the church hall as it is turned into a free shopping mall.

The Upper-Room Church extends a warm invite to less fortunate members of the community to visit their church hall, which will soon be magically transformed into a free shopping mall.
Around this time of the year, shopping malls and abuzz with excitement with everyone being caught up in the festive season spirit.

“Sadly, in the midst of all this excitement, there are many who are not able to share in the festive season. There are many in Phoenix and surrounding areas who will not be enjoying the comfort and warmth that fills the air during the festive season. There are those who do not have enough to provide a meal for their family and therefore, we chose to host this special initiative,” said church members.
ALSO READ: Spreading cheer and love
The aim of the church is to brighten up the lives of the underprivileged. Spread the message and make a difference.
For more information, contact the church on 031 505-8222, the secretary, Teddy Govender on 073-315-6559 or Rev Bryan Naidoo on 084-507-2384.

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Update
Phoenix Durban

The circumstances surrounding a shooting incident, which left a man dead and a woman injured in KwaMashu earlier this week, have yet to be established.
Netcare 911 issued a report briefly detailing the incident.
ALSO READ: Stranded motorist injured in Verulam drive-by shooting
On Wednesday at about 3:48pm, paramedics responded to reports of a shooting at a shopping centre in the KwaMashu area.
The man, believed to be in his 20s, sustained a fatal gunshot wound while sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle.

He was assessed and thereafter declared dead at the scene by Advanced Life Support paramedics.
The woman, believed to be a family member and the driver of the vehicle, was injured after sustaining a gunshot wound to her right leg.
ALSO READ: Armed attackers shoot Phoenix man during house robbery
She was transported to hospital in a stable condition. Police were at the scene and will be conducting an investigation into the matter.
Visit our sister sites for more news in the respective areas: 
Rising Sun Chatsworth
Rising Sun Overport

The post Man killed, woman injured in KwaMashu shooting appeared first on Gangwatch.

Update
Phoenix Durban

Zungu Mthokozisi, Sthe Nzama, Siyanda Makhany and Andrew Dlamini display their awards.

Verulam Athletic Club ended its season with a glittering awards ceremony with members converging at the annual banquet.
The well attended banquet saw every member receiving membership mileage awards that sent all members, competitive and non-competitive happy.
Ronnie Rangasamy took the coveted Men’s Middle Distance Walker and Male Sportsman Award to the delight of team VAC members which showed that a pensioner has an equal chance to win the highest accolade in the club.
Shirley Narainsamy received the Female Sportsperson of the Year award, taking it two years in succession. Both also topped the respective categories with the highest mileage.
Ronnie also completed the 10×21.1km challenge, completing 10 half marathons in one calendar season, while Shirley Narainsamy did a double with 10km and 21.1km events, having completed ten 10km races.
With serving as ambassadors of the club and outstanding service, both were unanimous choices for the supreme award.
Male Middle Distance Runner of the Year was conferred on Velvan Nair, who has shown tremendous improvement in times. He also outperformed his running colleague by capturing the highest mileage award.
Dolly Shamlall took the Middle Distance Female Runner in a keenly contested category with one minute separating the next candidate.

ALSO READ: VAC ends season with glittering awards finale
She came second in the Highest Mileage Award. The Male and Female Sportsperson of the Year, Ronnie Rangasamy and Shirley Narainsamy also led Team VAC with the highest mileage overall in excess of 100km for this season.
A special recognition award was given to Raymond Muthen for his achievement of 20 Comrades finishes and the entire crowd stood up to acknowledge this great achievement, second currently to Krish Naidoo’s 26 comrades finishers.
Another recognition was given to Vyukani Maphumulo for his service to the club and 10 Comrades finishes.
Zama Ngcobo completed the trio and received her recognition award for her dedication and hard work toward team VAC’s projects.
Junior Runner of the Year, Sihle Mpanza, was visibly elated at the outcome and promised to improve in the next year. Verulam Athletic Club also issued tokens of appreciation in the form of club tracksuits to members that brought in over R3, 000 worth of adverts. Other categories include: 10x 10km challenge, and 10 x 15km challenges, 10×21.1km challenges.
VAC Challenge recipients, Comrades Manco, top male and female finisher in the walk and run mileage, 30km and 10km challenge, time trials and development made a new impact, Airport challenge and Ottawa time trials.
Two thousand one hundred rand was raised through Ricardo Nair’s painting that was auctioned off, while a sweets Woolworths basket also raised a substantial amount of money.
Verulam Athletic Club extends its appreciation to all stakeholders and members for a wonderful year. The 2019 mileage has commenced.
Time trials resume next Saturday. Organisations and businesses interested in wanting to assist development runners, call 093-783-6363.

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Update
Phoenix Durban

WhatsApp has recently made their iOS beta app available to the public, and now the company is said to be testing a new feature that will enable iPhone users to view videos sent on WhatsApp directly in the push notification panel.
What this means is that users will not have to open the app in order to see a video sent to them via an individual or in a group chat, instead easily watch the video directly through the notification panel.
This comes after Apple announced that it is removing all WhatsApp sticker apps from the App Store.
Reports suggest that any iOS beta user that has version 2.18.102.5 installed should see this new feature.

Details regarding how the feature will work on the notification panel have not yet been shared, however the WhatsApp beta tracker does claim that stable app users on iOS can expect to receive the feature soon via an App Store update.
There’s no word on a beta or stable rollout for Android users just yet.
With the video playing in notifications feature now testing in beta, users will be able to do more without the need to open the WhatsApp app.
Credit: Digital Street SA

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