With youth unemployment climbing to 62.4% in early 2025, some young South Africans are searching for something to believe in. Last month, they found it in football. The national U20 team delivered a surge of pride by winning the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and booking their place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Thanks to video analysis, online coaching resources and digital scouting, today’s game depends as much on internet access as it does on training time. And when young players in underserved areas get both, the results come in the form of trophies and changed lives. One initiative helping to drive this change is the IberCup International youth tournament, which in conjunction with Vuma, South Africa’s leading fibre network operator (FNO), is using technology to help more talented young South Africans make it to the world’s big footballing stages.

Dylan McKnight, Academy Manager at RCD Espanyol de Barcelona, the only official LaLiga club with a South African academy, says, “Having a strong digital infrastructure allows us to maintain and strengthen partnerships with European clubs. This has the double-sided benefit of creating a talent pipeline between South Africa and the biggest football leagues in the world and raising the standards in the country through knowledge sharing.”

Much of this co-operation comes in the form of scouting. The internet has long been called the “information super highway” and strong digital infrastructure allows scouts from major clubs to share information and reports instantly.

With an established network of over 930 schools connected to free 1Gbps fibre lines, Vuma is the perfect partner to help the IberCup’s endeavours.

“Our hope is that by making it possible for more youth football programmes to go digital, we can give young players a chance to be seen. The more of them that get seen, the more likely we are to get another Benni McCarthy lifting the Champions League,” explains Taylor Kwong, Head of Marketing at Vuma.

The IberCup and Vuma’s efforts are aimed at reversing the perception that South Africa’s youth football landscape is in dire straits. Currently, infrastructure in township and rural areas is lacking. The cost of equipment, travel and academy fees also pushes the game beyond reach for most young hopefuls. And at an administrative level things can get complicated. Fortunately, those current realities do not have to derail future dreams.

 “Development is patchy. Rural areas are still left behind and the scouting networks aren’t reaching far enough. But with fibre connectivity, we’re increasingly able to reach those areas, if not in person, then virtually. Technology has allowed us to expand our reach significantly,” says Michael Bender, CEO of RCD Espanyol de Barcelona Academy SA and the IberCup International youth tournament.

The training academy is giving local youth soccer teams a taste of international competition and crucial visibility. Through IberCup, some of the biggest teams, such as Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, Paris St Germaine (PSG), Benfica and PSV Eindhoven, scouts are often in attendance, and standout players have gone on to play for some of these PSL teams and European academies.

IberCup, along with RCD Espanyol de Barcelona Academy, is soon to launch SA’s biggest talent search using digital technology, powered by Vuma, so that every player in the country stands a chance to be scouted to play in an international tournament.

Ultimately, whether it’s through technology that connects communities or tournaments that showcase talent, in celebration of Youth Month, which took place last month, the goal remains the same: empowering ordinary young South Africans to achieve extraordinary things. With initiatives like the IberCup, that day may come sooner than we think. For more information on IberCup or RCD Espanyol de Barcelona, visit: https://ibercup.co.za/ or https://espanyolacademy.co.za

Mandela Day (18 July) encourages South Africans to spend 67 minutes of their time giving back to their communities, or one minute for each of the 67 years former President Nelson Mandela dedicated to public service and fighting for human rights. One of the ways that individuals and companies can make a positive difference is by helping to bridge the digital divide.

We have made some dramatic strides in making data and devices more affordable and accessible over the past decade. The expansion of LTE and 5G coverage means that many urban, peri-urban and even rural areas now have access to fast mobile networks. More public Wi-Fi hotspots are being rolled out across the country.

There is also plenty to celebrate in terms of device innovation. Manufacturers produce cost-effective smartphones that still long battery life, reliable performance, and large screens, meaning that even entry level users can have a great experience with their devices. Plus, 4G/LTE phones have become standard and prices of 5G devices are tumbling.

Tax relief sparks hope for broader access

Regulatory interventions are also making a positive difference. For example, the government’s recent decision to drop the 9% ad valorem (luxury) tax on smartphones under R2,500 is a pivotal moment for digital inclusion. For many families managing tight monthly budgets, this could make the difference between staying disconnected or finally stepping into the digital world.

This small but significant policy shift recognises that smartphones are essential tools for modern life and that data is as important to development as water and electricity. It opens the door for industry players like TCL to deliver more affordable, feature-rich devices without compromising on quality. We hope that the government will keep reviewing this tariff in future years to align with inflation.

Digital progress leaves millions behind

The result of all this progress is that people from all walks of life are using digital tools in creative and meaningful ways. Yet there are still millions of South Africans who don’t have access to the basic digital tools they need to participate in the digital world. This locks them out of educational resources, economic opportunities and personal services that many of us take for granted.

In some rural communities and informal settlements, mobile network coverage is often patchy or unreliable. Data costs, while declining, are still unaffordable for many. A prepaid user paying per MB faces high effective rates, and low-income earners often must choose between buying data or other essentials.

We can still do more to close the digital divide. Government and industry have already done much to build digital inclusion, but there is certainly scope for more innovation.

There are numerous ways that individuals and businesses can make a contribution:

1. Donate or refurbish quality used tech

Passing a smartphone or notebook to someone else when you upgrade is a powerful way to make a difference. Companies can partner with certified refurbishers and community organisations to ensure devices are safe, secure, able to efficiently run modern applications, and distributed where they’re needed most.

2. Sponsor community access points

Support the setup of internet hubs in schools, libraries, and community centres. These shared spaces can offer free Wi-Fi, device charging and basic IT support.

3. Build inclusive products and services

Companies should strive to build websites and apps that work well on low-end devices and limited connections to ensure they leave no customers or community members behind.

4. Mentor small business owners

Teaching a young entrepreneur or microbusiness owner how to use WhatsApp for business, set up card payments acceptance or use productivity apps can help them take their business to the next level.

5. Donate data to a student or NGO

Donating data to learners or NGOs working in education can have a direct impact on their lives.

Turning Mandela Day into a digital inclusion checkpoint

Real impact doesn’t happen in a single day, but Mandela Day reminds us to keep going. We believe that Mandela Day can be a valuable annual checkpoint for digital inclusion.

This could include publishing progress reports, showcasing new public-private partnerships, and tracking access metrics. We should be bold and ambitious in the targets we set for digital inclusion because it is a powerful accelerant for economic inclusion and socioeconomic development.

• Instagram: @BerniniSA
• Facebook: BerniniSA
• Twitter: @BerniniSA
• YouTube: BerniniSA

The chefs, bartenders and hospitality stars of the future, take their first steps on a journey that will take the winners across the globe in the Reaching for Young Stars 2025 competition.

When young chefs in training take part in the Reaching for Young Stars competition organised by Showcook it’s about so much more than proving their skills. They are gaining enviable opportunities to take on the world. The initiative, now in its 17^th year, involves star students from eight of Cape Town’s top culinary and hospitality schools and, with the help of sponsors such as San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, Cape Grace, KitchenAid, Lancewood, and WWF, exposes them to the expectations of the global culinary stage, preparing fledgling chefs to take off to destinations all over the world.

San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, add their prestigious sponsorship here as part of their global commitment to the culinary arts, with a view to developing young chefs for those careers. Contributing their international reputation and association with fine dining, they are integral partners in elevating the competition’s culinary standards to a global level.

This year the event was hosted by Cape Grace; a hospitality partner very much invested in nurturing the new generation. “Events like Reaching for Young Stars remind us why investing in youth development is vital for the growth and sustainability of our industry – we’re not just hosting a competition, we’re nurturing the future leaders of hospitality,” said Leon Meyer, General Manager of Cape Grace.

Reaching for Young Stars has a number of categories, so that the students, whether aspiring hot chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, hospitality all-rounders, baristas and bartenders, all have a chance to showcase their talents. As the winners were announced in June other aspects of their future careers were highlighted.

“In a world that is more connected than ever, your skills in hospitality, cuisine, and service are a form of global diplomacy,” said Ryan Smith, MP in his keynote speech at the awards ceremony. “Through every dish you plate, every table you set, and every experience you manage, you tell a story of our nation – one of resilience, innovation, and immense talent. I see daily how much value there is in cultural exchange – and food and hospitality are some of our most powerful tools. Whether you work in Knysna or Kyoto, in Cape Town or Copenhagen, you are helping to build bridges across cultures.”

Among the winners recognised were Mia Wicomb, crowned Cape Grace Reaching for Young Stars Chef of the Year; Anja Buchner, Ultimate Lancewood Pastry Chef of the Year; and Elijah Brauer, Cape Grace Reaching for Young Stars Beverage Student of the Year. Annika Ebersohn, who came second in the beverage category, received the award for Best ClemenGold Gin Cocktail with Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks for her gin sour using Clemengold gin, a fennel and celery stock syrup homemade bitters, and a garnish of Sanpellegrino Italian sparkling Drinks Limonata foam. She and Mia Wicomb together also won two of the food and wine pairing categories.

Sustainability was spotlighted too in the award presented by WWF Sassi recognising sustainability awareness demonstrated throughout the competition and presented to the team from International Hotel School, Arthur Houston, Matthew Constant and Elijah Brauer (who were each placed in the top three in their various categories). “Chefs are key to driving change, creating dishes that inspire and create awareness!” said Pavs Pillay of WWF-SASSI.

The aspirations of the young chefs are wide-ranging: Mia dreams of running her own restaurant; Arthur of establishing a culinary scholarship for aspiring chefs;  Matthew of opening a Michelin-star restaurant; Annika or working as a private chef and studying further in culinary arts in Switzerland; Elijah of opening a restaurants focussed on exceptional guest experiences and employee satisfaction; Anja of opening a patisserie where she can train aspiring chefs and give people a second chance. Other goals include research and development in the food industry, travelling the world to work with chefs they admire, or establishing a community bakery to upskill young people.

Seven of the winning young chefs have already won themselves a first step on the way to fulfilling their dreams. They will soon be spreading their wings to overseas destinations with three-month internships at prestigious hotels and chateaus in France and in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA. Following that experience they will also be invited to take up three-week internships in a top South African hotel, broadening their practical experience immeasurably and preparing them for their future careers. San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna wishes them well on their various journeys.

adidas has revealed the next exploration of a totally new shoe-making process with the arrival of the CLIMACOOL LACED. Designed and printed as a single piece, built seamlessly layer by layer and blending upper and midsole elements through a single material, the shoe delivers a soft and adaptive fit complemented by a breathable and comfortable experience.

The CLIMACOOL LACED is the result of a deep understanding of footwear combined with design innovation. A unique printing process has been used to create a unique outcome in fit, feel and look. This new approach to shoe making results in a product where form follows function, inspired by transformative lattice structures in architecture and delivering 360° airflow. The seamless structure of the shoe means no breaks or joins, no resistance and no compromises.

Initially, CLIMACOOL LACED arrives in a bold and distinctive off white contrasted with a black lacing system, delivering the same experience as the CLIMACOOL shoe but with a more flexible and adjustable fit. The material breathes as it moves, providing cooling that helps to keep the wearer comfortable. Whilst the design focuses on revolutionary simplicity, with features like ghost stripes on the lateral parts of the shoe stripping it back to the essentials.

The CLIMACOOL shoe revealed in 2024 was the first exploration of the advanced and unique ADDITIVE manufacturing process allowing adidas to create a pinnacle expression of CLIMACOOL technology. The new process is a step forward in printing, allowing for precise tailoring of all zones of a shoe to deliver different benefits. The creation of the CLIMACOOL shoe takes approximately 24 hours and includes spinning, baking, and compression using high-tech polymers.

ADDITIVE manufacturing has unlocked new possibilities for footwear creation. In lifestyle footwear, the process allows for the creation of highly breathable, integrated fit elements, and soft yet stable underfoot conditioning. Future explorations in performance will allow adidas to create bespoke products specific to athlete needs.

Available from adidas.co.za selected retailers and adidas stores.

As the chilly season approaches, moisturising our bodies must become a top priority to avoid itchy, tight or uncomfortable skin. From head to toe, our bodies deserve support and proper care, in order to look and feel our best. With the colder months in full swing, it’s time to think about skincare proactively. Your body’s skin faces many daily challenges and neglecting it can create harmful consequences.

Why your body needs daily moisturising care

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It forms a protective barrier, helps regulate temperature and supports overall health. When it’s not cared for properly, that barrier weakens, which can lead to dryness, irritation and flare-ups of skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

Dry and sensitive skin is more common than many people realise. Globally, nearly half of all people report having moderately to very sensitive skin. That’s a clear sign that skin sensitivity isn’t rare, and that body moisturising should be a daily habit, not an occasional fix.

Choosing the right care for your skin needs

Not all skin has the same needs. Some people are looking for everyday hydration while others need something richer and more targeted. Choosing the right product can help your skin stay healthy, smooth and protected.

For daily care of sensitive skin

Eucerin pH5 Soft Body Cream is specially formulated to restore moisture, soothe sensitivity and support the skin’s natural defences. It contains ingredients like Dexpanthenol and Glycerin to keep skin hydrated and comfortable, and it absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky finish. It’s suitable for everyday use and gentle enough for the whole family.

For very dry or tight skin

Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 5% Cream and 10% Lotion offer intensive moisturisation with long-lasting results. Both are enriched with Urea, Gluco Glycerol and a blend of natural moisturisers that help the skin retain moisture and repair its barrier. The 10% Lotion is ideal for rough patches, flakiness and deeply dry areas that need extra attention.

Make moisturising part of your daily routine

No matter your skin type, it’s best to apply moisturiser directly after bathing while your skin is still damp. This helps seal in hydration and gives the product time to work. With regular use, you’ll notice the difference in how your skin feels and behaves.

Give your body all the skincare attention it needs, because your body works hard to protect you. It faces weather, clothing friction, hot water and more, especially during the winter months. Nourishing your body’s skin isn’t just a luxury, it’s a smart way to maintain comfort, confidence and overall well-being.

Take a little extra time each day to care for your whole skin. With the right moisturiser and a simple routine, healthy and hydrated skin is within reach all year round.