Sunday Tribune 2024-11-10

With a deep passion for nature and sustainable solutions, Gerhard Vermaak realised that a lot of biotech in the country is imported which led him to start his own biochemcial company, Custom Chemistry. Vermaak told Business Report that too much biotech is imported, while we have all the necessary resources and expertise in South Africa to create technologies that don’t only keep up with the rest of the world, but break new ground and set new benchmarks. Vermaak has been working with the practical application of micro-organisms for most of the past decade. He completed his studies as a biologist in 2009 at the University of Johannesburg. Vermaak applied sound biological and biochemical principles to develop practical microbiological methods for waste management, cleaning and hygiene, and agriculture. His developments include…

As South Africa’s Grade 12 exam season is underway, we cannot help but be reminded of the steep and uncertain path facing youth after completing formal schooling. The reality is clear: statistics show that of the approximately one million young people who enter the labour market annually, 60% of them will find themselves not in employment, education, or training (NEET), within the next year. Only 30% of these youths will find employment in the formal economy, with the remaining 30% venturing into small-scale entrepreneurship. In short, our country is grappling with a crisis that prevents young South Africans from accessing sustainable livelihoods and threatens our nation’s progress. We must all be acutely aware that these young people are the future policymakers, teachers, entrepreneurs, artisans and more, forming the bedrock of…

Desperate South African motorists and commuters who were looking forward to some relief at the tanks in the months leading up to the festive season have had their hopes crushed by the announcement of a petrol price increase that kicked in this past Wednesday. The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (DMRE) announced that petrol prices increased by 25 cents per litre for both 95 and 93 unleaded, dashing the plans of millions of households who were counting on some relief to afford their year-end trip to spend the holidays with family and friends. This means motorists will now pay just under R21.00 for a litre of 93 unleaded at the pumps and R21.30 per litre for 95 unleaded. Neil Roets, CEO of Debt Rescue said that this petrol price…

The culinary landscape has seen a remarkable transformation in recent years, with veganism shifting from a niche lifestyle to a mainstream choice for health-conscious and environmentally aware individuals. As the year unfolds, food trends within plant-based eating have evolved, showcasing a vibrant array of innovative flavours, sustainable ingredients, and creative cooking techniques that cater to a diverse audience. Here’s a closer look at what’s trending in vegan cuisine. The rise of comfort foods In a post-pandemic world, comfort food has taken on a new life, and plant-based versions are leading the charge. Traditional comfort foods such as mac and cheese, pizza, and burgers are undergoing a vegan renaissance, as chefs experiment with dairy-free cheeses and meat alternatives that satisfy cravings without sacrificing flavour. Brands are pumping out innovative product lines,…

known as a social entrepreneur, human rights advocate and creative innovator, Thami Dish has propelled the narrative of LGBTQIA+ rights into the spotlight through engaging and transformative initiatives. The founder of the prestigious Feather Awards, which have recognised excellence in the LGBTQIA+ community for over a decade, Dish’s journey is as rich as it is inspiring. The Feather Awards have transcended their original purpose, evolving into a pivotal social movement that fosters community dialogues while spearheading advocacy campaigns across the nation. This innovative platform serves as a meeting point for diverse discussions about sexuality and self-acceptance, showcasing remarkable individuals making significant contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community. The recent awards celebrated the theme “Borderless Existence”, broadening the scope of inclusion. At the helm of the Thami Dish Foundation, he has established…

As we enter Movember, a month dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health issues, it’s essential to confront male mental health. South Africa, like many other countries, faces a mental health crisis. Among men, this is deeply rooted in cultural norms and exacerbated by social challenges. Sadly, the stigma surrounding their vulnerability is contributing to a silent epidemic and startling rates of suicide, substance abuse and gender-based violence (GBV). Understanding South Africa’s male mental health crisis Men’s mental health is frequently misunderstood and often neglected. Globally, traditional notions of masculinity have created an atmosphere where men feel pressured to suppress their emotions. In South Africa, the statistics speak for themselves: men are four to five times more likely to die by suicide than women. This alarming figure underscores a deeper,…