Cape Times 2024-12-24

In the festive season, everyone wants to look pretty but, because it’s hot, you may want to consider some hairstyle options. Getting your hair done is part of the festive culture in South Africa, along with getting new Christmas clothes. To make sure that you don’t have a stressful festive season by wearing hairstyles that may spoil the fun, these are some hairstyles that you should avoid. Frontal wig A wig is one of the best protective styles to promote hair growth. But since it’s hot, it may be a bit too much, especially if it’s long. Instead, opt for a glueless pixie wig that you can take off any time you want. Thick box braids Braids are nice because they are easy to maintain but they can be a…

Cooking is often seen as a solitary pursuit but when approached collaboratively, it can become a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for couples. In an age where relationships can suffer from a lack of quality time together, cooking offers a unique opportunity to bond, communicate and create lasting memories. Here are some valuable tips for couples looking to enhance their teamwork in the kitchen. Plan your meals together Shared planning serves as the cornerstone of successful teamwork. Sit down together to discuss the week ahead and decide on meals that excite both of you. This not only builds anticipation but also ensures that both partners feel invested in the cooking process. Divide and conquer Turn cooking into a team effort by delegating tasks based on each person’s strengths. One partner might…

It’s been a year of buzzworthy health trends and few have dominated the conversation quite like semaglutide, the active ingredient in the weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. From Hollywood A-listers to everyday folks, these medications have been heralded as game-changers in the battle against obesity. For some, they’ve sparked dramatic transformations – so much so that terms like “Ozempic face” have entered the cultural lexicon, a nod to the gaunt appearance caused by rapid weight loss. But beyond the headlines and celebrity endorsements, these drugs are tied to a much bigger picture: obesity, a condition that affects millions and has long been a burden on both personal health and the healthcare system. With over 200 diseases linked to obesity, curbing its prevalence could mark a monumental shift for public…

Feeling dizzy or fainting on occasion might seem harmless but these could be early symptoms of low blood pressure or hypotension. While medication is often necessary for managing this condition, incorporating the right exercises into your routine is an accessible and effective way to boost your cardiovascular health and to regulate blood pressure naturally. Physical activity strengthens your heart, enhances circulation and helps maintain a stable blood pressure level. But before jumping into a new workout regime, always consult your doctor, especially if you have recurring low blood pressure. What is low blood pressure? According to Harvard Health, low blood pressure, medically known as hypotension, occurs when the force of blood flowing through your arteries drops below the normal range. A healthy blood pressure reading typically lies around 120/80 mmHg.…

The Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) legal team is studying an Infringement Notice by the Information Regulator (IR) which ordered the DBE to pay an administrative fine of R5 million. According to the IR, the fine comes after the department failed to comply with an Enforcement Notice issued by the regulator last month. On November 18, the regulator had issued the Enforcement Notice after finding the DBE contravened various sections of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). The Enforcement Notice had ordered the DBE to provide an undertaking “that it will not publish the results of the 2024 matriculants in the newspapers” within 31 days from the date on which the order was served. It also ordered that the department “must not publish the results for the 2024 matriculants…

The National Minimum Wage Commission has proposed the national minimum wage (NMW) hike for 2025, recommending an increase of CPI +1.5%, according to a statement from the Department of Employment and Labour. This is after the commission invited written representations on potential adjustments to the NMW for 2025. Last week the NMW commission published a report in the Government Gazette that outlined the commission's recommendations for the annual review of the national minimum wage as well as an invitation for the public to submit their written representations. The deadline for the written representation is January 14, 2025. According to the department, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures changes in the prices paid by consumers for goods and services over time, is a key factor in these considerations. For November…