In the heart of Afri-village in Randfontein, Dumela Day Care and Preschool is celebrating a new chapter, with upgraded classrooms, sanitation facilities, and learning materials that will help local children learn and grow in dignity.

From humble beginnings to community cornerstone

Led by Principal Ms Lenah Pulane Lebitsa and Administrator Mr Isaac Oupa Mokgele, Dumela Day Care has been serving the Randfontein community since 2019, when it was first established in Munster near Randgate. Born out of a response to the growing number of abandoned and vulnerable young children in the area, the centre began operating from a small shack and quickly became a safe haven for local families. Ms Lebitsa and her husband supported children through a feeding scheme and by providing toys and care, driven by a deep desire to make a difference.

Over time, the principal sought a more permanent home where the centre could expand and comply with municipal by-laws. With the support of local stakeholders, Dumela Day Care now caters to 42 children aged between 2 and 6 years old. Until recently, however, the centre operated from corrugated iron structures without access to sanitation for the children.

Dumela Before and After Upgrade

Building a brighter future together

In partnership with Breadline Africa, the DO MORE FOUNDATION (DMF) identified Dumela Day Care as a deserving site for infrastructure support after a thorough assessment process. The recommendation came through DMF’s Technical Committee, and a site visit confirmed that the centre met key criteria. This included an active lease for the land, a clear growth vision, and evidence of initiative such as starting a food garden and submitting all required compliance documents.

Through this collaboration, Dumela Day Care has now received two brand-new classrooms, four children’s toilets, a JoJo water tank, and learning and teaching materials to equip the new spaces. These improvements ensure that children now have a safe, stimulating environment in which to learn and play.

“Seeing the transformation at Dumela Day Care has been incredibly inspiring,” says Rebotile Matoane, ECD Project Manager at DMF. “What started as a small centre with big dreams is now a place where children can learn and play safely every day. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when passionate people like Ms Lebitsa are supported with the right resources and when communities, partners, and organisations like Breadline Africa and DO MORE FOUNDATION work together to give children a stronger start in life.”

Dumela Day Care will benefit from ongoing support from DMF including nutrition initiatives, capacity building, parent/caregiver support, and other early childhood development programmes designed to strengthen both the centre and the community it serves.

Media are invited to attend the official launch of the upgrade:

Date: 18 November 2025

Time: 10h00 – 12h30

Venue: Dumela Day Care & Pre-school, Plot No. 4, Wildotsdal, Greenhills, Randfontein

The number of people in South Africa, and around the world who live with diabetes, is staggering. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 537 million adults between the ages of 20-79 years are living with diabetes, roughly one in 10, with almost with almost half unaware that they are living with the condition. 

This number is projected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. It is also South Africa’s second biggest killer, according to research carried out by Wits University.  As of August 2024, approximately 4.2 million people in South Africa had diabetes, representing about one in nine adults. However, the accurate number of individuals with diabetes is uncertain due to insufficient surveillance.

There is not enough understanding of the links between diabetes and hypertension, and heart failure. Not many South Africans realise that common conditions like diabetes and hypertension are not just chronic illnesses to be managed on their own — they are also major drivers of heart failure.

According to Lizeth Kruger, Dis-Chem Clinic Executive, all too often patients are not aware of the direct correlation between non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension and heart failure.

“While Diabetes Awareness Month highlights the importance of managing blood sugar levels, it’s equally vital to understand the broader impact of diabetes on heart health. These diseases are diagnosed, treated, and managed daily, yet awareness of how they contribute to serious complications such as heart failure remains low,” she says.

Diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart disease because consistently high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in arteries. This leads to reduced blood flow which can cause coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and heart failure.

High blood sugar from diabetes causes hidden damage. Over time, it can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart, and the progression of heart disease can go unnoticed because the damage doesn’t typically have visible symptoms in its early stages.  Furthermore, nerve damage from diabetes can mask heart attack symptoms, causing them to go undetected or be mistaken for other issues.

People with diabetes may experience heart problems that don’t feel like the typical chest pain; they might notice unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath or dizziness.  Many factors that raise the risk of heart disease, like high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol, also occur with diabetes, so it can be hard to separate diabetes’ exact role. Daily diabetes care, especially keeping blood sugar in check, can take up a lot of attention and make long-term heart risks easy to overlook. If you already have heart disease, your risk is even higher if you also have conditions like high blood pressure or obesity.

Other risk factors like high cholesterol, obesity and high blood pressure often occur alongside diabetes, further increasing the danger to the heart. Managing blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol, alongside lifestyle changes like healthy eating and regular exercise, is crucial for managing heart health in individuals with diabetes.

“People often don’t correlate diabetes and heart disease because the connection isn’t always obvious, even though they are closely linked,” says Kruger.

To stay heart-healthy while managing diabetes, she proposes these proactive steps:

• Have regular check-ups and talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider about your heart health.
• Keep an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol, and have your nurse check them during your visits.
• Quit smoking to reduce your cardiovascular risk.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods and low in added sugars and salt.
• Stay active with regular physical movement suited to your lifestyle and fitness level.
• And if you experience sudden fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath, seek medical advice immediately.

These small, consistent actions can make a significant difference in protecting your heart and improving your long-term health.

Testosterone – the hormone associated with strength and performance – tends to evoke images of buff men building muscles at the gym. Yet testosterone plays a far broader role in a man’s health, overall well-being and vitality, affecting their physical, sexual and mental health.

Many men chalk up fatigue, low mood or a fading sex drive to stress and the natural effects of aging. But for some, these subtle changes may point to a deeper issue – low testosterone (also called male hypogonadism). Recognising it early and seeking medical advice can make a big difference to man’s long-term health and quality of life.

Understanding the effects of low testosterone

Ingrid Singels, Associate Director of Pharma Dynamics’ Scientific Division says, “Testosterone underpins much of what men take for granted – strength, drive, focus and mood. When it dips the effects ripple across body and mind.”

• Sexual health is often among the first flags. Low libido, erectile dysfunction (ED) and reduced spontaneous erections are well-documented in hypogonadal men.
• Men with low testosterone often report reduced muscle mass and strength, greater fat accumulation and slower recovery from exercise or injury.
• It also contributes to bone health; low levels are linked with lower bone density and higher fracture risk.
• Mentally, low testosterone is associated with depression, irritability, fatigue, poor concentration and diminished motivation.
• Beyond quality of life, observational studies also suggest low testosterone may correlate with higher cardiovascular risk and greater mortality in men.

Who’s at risk and when does testosterone tend to drop?

While testosterone levels naturally decline with age – typically by about 1% per year from the time a man reaches his 30s – the hormone never depletes completely.

Low testosterone can result from two main categories of causes. Primary hypogonadism originates in the testes themselves, where the glands are unable to produce adequate testosterone.

Secondary hypogonadism, on the other hand, occurs when the brain – specifically the hypothalamus or pituitary gland – fails to send the proper signals to trigger testosterone production. These can be caused by a myriad of factors including obesity, type 2 diabetes, HIV, chronic illnesses, certain medications, poor sleep and lifestyle elements like excessive alcohol use and major stress.

There is also what’s known as late-onset or adult-onset hypogonadism, which tends to develop gradually as men age. This form is more common in those who are overweight or obese, or who live with chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

“We often see a silent onset of hypogonadism,” comments Singels. “Men don’t realise that the chronic fatigue, reduced strength or mood dips may have an endocrine root. That’s why early screening and dialogue with healthcare providers is absolutely critical.”

Prevention and early detection

You may not prevent all cases of testosterone deficiency, but several strategies can reduce the risk or slow the decline. Maintaining a healthy body weight – especially by reducing abdominal fat, helps minimise hormonal suppression. Regular exercise, particularly strength training, supports muscle mass and may help maintain testosterone levels; while good sleep hygiene and treatment of sleep disorders like sleep apnea, are equally important. Managing chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol), reducing stress, limiting alcohol intake, and following a balanced diet all contribute to better hormone balance.

Screening too, plays a key role. Pharma Dynamics has digitised the internationally recognised ADAM Screening Questionnaire for Low Testosterone allowing men to assess their risk online, download their results and share them with a doctor.

“This questionnaire provides men an easy way to start important conversations with their GP – talks that many tend to put off or avoid, because of stigma or embarrassment,” says Singels.

When to seek help and what treatment options exist

If symptoms and screening results raise concern, the next step is a medical evaluation and blood tests.

Singels explains that treatment depends on the cause, other health conditions and the patient’s health goals.

“Before hormone therapy, doctors often recommend addressing underlying factors, like excess weight and poor blood sugar control, that might lower testosterone. These steps alone can sometimes make a noticeable difference,” she notes.

“For men with confirmed low testosterone and noticeable symptoms, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is the most direct option. It comes in different forms, like gels, patches, injections (both short- and long-acting) and implants. Long-acting injections, for example, can provide stable hormone levels for weeks or months, which helps avoid fluctuations and makes it easier to stick with treatment.”

Singels emphasises that testosterone is a regulated medicine in South Africa and doctors must carefully guide its use.

Why men should care

“Low testosterone is not simply a sexual issue – it’s a systemic issue affecting strength, vitality, mood and long-term well-being. If you sense something is wrong, don’t wait – early screening can help you and your doctor catch it before downstream damage sets in,” she adds.

Education reshapes family histories. For South Africa’s first-generation graduates, one degree transforms what entire households believe can be possible. Nandipha Mbhele, Admitted Attorney and academic at Regent Business School, examines how postgraduate learning creates ripples across generations, communities and the nation itself. Drawing on her experience as both legal practitioner and mentor to prospective students, she explores why investing in education means investing in collective progress and legacy-building that begins with a single qualification.

In many South African families, the first graduation gown ever worn not only symbolises generational renewal, but it also honours personal triumph that transforms family narratives. Behind every degree lies a community that dared to dream differently. I think of the countless first-generation graduates who cross the stage each year carrying with them not only their own hopes but also those of their siblings, parents, and children. For them, education is not an individual achievement; it’s a collective milestone.

Our country is still marked by deep social and economic divides, and as a result education remains the most reliable bridge from limitation to liberation. When you consider this, it makes perfect sense that a single graduate has the power to rewrite a family’s story. One qualification can shift what an entire household believes is possible. That is the quiet, transformative power of learning and its ability to plant seeds of change that bloom across generations.

The Ripple Effect of Learning

When one person studies further, their success radiates outward. A postgraduate qualification is rarely a private victory; it creates ripples that touch everyone around the learner. It may come in the form of greater financial stability, which supports dependents and reduces the cycle of poverty. It might mean exposure to new ideas that influence how a community solves problems. Or it might simply be the inspiration which provides proof that higher education is attainable and worth pursuing.

In many South African homes, the first graduate often becomes the family’s informal career coach, legal advisor, and life mentor. Their knowledge extends beyond textbooks; it shapes conversations, decisions, and aspirations. This is especially true for mature learners who attend university for the first time or further their studies while raising children or managing full-time work. Their perseverance teaches resilience, a lesson their children carry into their own lives.

Education’s real influence is measured not in certificates but in changed attitudes: the way it shifts a family’s vocabulary from “if” to “when,” and transforms questions like “Can I?” into “How will I?”

From Personal Advancement to Collective Progress

The decision to pursue postgraduate study is often seen as an individual career move a way to climb the professional ladder or specialise within a field. But in South Africa’s context, it is far more significant than that. Every postgraduate graduate adds to the country’s social capital: an expanding pool of critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators who drive economic growth and community development.

Research consistently shows that education enhances social mobility. According to Statistics South Africa, individuals with tertiary qualifications are significantly more likely to achieve stable employment and higher lifetime earnings (Stats SA, 2020). A 2025 policy brief by RESEP at Stellenbosch University further supports this, revealing that the return on tertiary education has more than tripled since 2001 (Kohler, 2025) But beyond the economic data lies something less quantifiable than the societal confidence that comes from education. It allows people to participate meaningfully in democratic life, to make informed decisions, and to lead with empathy and insight.

When we invest in postgraduate learning, we invest in communities that are better equipped to solve their own challenges. Education becomes the thread that connects personal advancement to collective progress, and each graduate becomes a custodian of national development.

Cases in point would be a nurse who pursues a master’s degree may introduce new health protocols that improve patient outcomes in rural clinics. Or a teacher who completes a postgraduate diploma might develop methods that reduce dropout rates in under-resourced schools. And perhaps a business leader who furthers their studies could mentor young entrepreneurs in their township. These are not isolated benefits; they are generational catalysts.

Education as Legacy

Graduation Day is often described as the end of a journey, but in truth, it’s the beginning of a legacy. The impact of one degree extends far beyond its holder and a postgraduate qualification often becomes the foundation upon which others build their dreams.

In South African families, especially those where access to education was once a distant dream, the presence of a graduate shifts the family narrative permanently. Younger siblings see possibilities their parents never had. Children grow up believing that excellence is expected, not exceptional. Friends and colleagues find motivation in watching someone in their circle achieve what once seemed impossible.

Education doesn’t just alter economic outcomes; it redefines identity. It gives people the confidence to say, “I come from a family of graduates” a phrase that carries weight in communities where opportunity was historically withheld. And with each generation that follows, the ripple widens. Postgraduate study, then, becomes more than a personal investment. It is an inheritance a gift that keeps on giving.

The Role of Business and Society

Organisations, too, play a vital role in sustaining this generational impact. When businesses support postgraduate education through bursaries, study leave, or flexible learning arrangements they do more than upskill an employee. They invest in a multiplier effect that benefits society at large.

A workforce that values continuous learning results in innovation, inclusivity, and long-term resilience. It encourages leadership that is informed, ethical, and responsive to social realities. Employers who enable postgraduate study are, in essence, contributing to nation-building.

It follows that businesses which champion education create a culture of aspiration within their teams. When employees see that learning is celebrated, they are more likely to pursue development themselves, passing that enthusiasm on to their families and communities. The result is a virtuous cycle of growth one that links organisational success with social progress.

South Africa’s future depends not only on economic reform but on intellectual renewal. That renewal begins with every individual and institution that believes in the transformative power of education.

The Knock-on Effect

Graduation is not merely a ceremony; it is a moment of generational handover. The cap and gown of course represent academic achievement but more than that they symbolise responsibility. Each graduate becomes a torchbearer for those who follow, lighting a path towards possibility.

As we celebrate this season of achievement, we are reminded that effects of education extend further than earning a qualification. The resultant earning power changes lives beginning with our own, and extending to those yet to come.

For mature learners, pursuing postgraduate study is not only a personal milestone; it is an act of legacy-building. It says to future generations, “I have climbed so you can soar.” And that, perhaps, is the greatest gift education gives us the power to transform one success story into many.

Sources:

1. Statistics South Africa. Inequality Trends in South Africa: A multidimensional diagnostic of inequality. Published 30 September 2020. Available at: https://www.statssa.gov.za/?p=17995
2. Kohler, T. Returns to Education in South Africa: An Update Using Labour Force Survey Data (2001–2023). Research on Socio-Economic Policy (RESEP), Stellenbosch University. Published June 2025. Available at: https://resep.sun.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Kohler-2025-education-returns-SA-Policy-Brief_v2.pdf

If you’re ready to seek success, explore Regent Business School’s Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes, short learning programmes and workforce solutions on our website, call +27 31 304 4626 or send an email to [email protected]. Our programmes equip you to excel by surrounding you with success.

Author Bio: Nandipha Mbhele

Nandipha Mbhele is an Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa and academic at Regent Business School. She holds an LLB from the University of Zululand (2021) and a Master’s in Labour Law from the University of Johannesburg (2024). Before her academic appointment, she practised as a Candidate Legal Practitioner at Legal Aid South Africa, gaining experience in trial court proceedings and immigration law. She lectures at Regent Business School and serves as an Executive Member of the Against All Diversities NPO, mentoring prospective students.

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What happens when one person in a family earns a postgraduate degree? The answer extends far beyond individual success. @REGENT_BSchool Academic, Nandipha Mbhele explores education as legacy-building in South Africa.  Read the full piece: [Insert link] #SurroundYourselfWithSuccess #RegentBusinessSchool #GenerationalPower #EducationChangesLives

GoodGirl LA is a Nigerian singer-songwriter known for her seamless blend of Afro fusion, R&B and pop and has been announced as the Spotify EQUAL Africa artist for November.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, GoodGirl LA’s journey started early in her life, drawing music inspiration from icons like Michael Jackson, Whitney, and Britney Spears. A story of honing her true creativity, weaved into powerful soundscapes that speak to authenticity, independence, and evolution.

Her breakout collaboration with Vector in 2021, Early Momo, became a nationwide hit, racking up millions of streams and cementing her status then as an emerging artist to watch.

Beyond her music, GoodGirl LA embodies the growing movement of women who are reshaping the African music landscape with her comeback EP ‘Goodgirl’ in 2025, symbolising the duality of modern womanhood: strength, vulnerability, rebellion and grace. Her message is clear; women can be multifaceted, fierce, and free.

Spotify’s EQUAL AFRICA initiative remains dedicated to shining a light on women who are defining the rhythm of African music, providing the reach and recognition their artistry deserves and connecting them with their audience worldwide.

“GoodGirl LA represents everything EQUAL Africa stands for: authenticity, courage, and growth,” said Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa. “She’s shaping a new narrative of what it means to be a woman making music in Nigeria; unapologetically herself, fiercely talented, and setting the tone for a new generation.”

GoodGirl LA embodies the fearless spirit of creation. For her, life isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up, fighting for your dreams, and owning your truth, even when it gets messy.

We sat down with GoodGirl LA to learn more about her and her music.

What is that one surprising thing your fans might not know about you? 

I spend a lot of time on Substack and Pinterest lol.

When did you realise that making music was in your destiny and what is your WHY for pursuing this craft? 

I have always had a love for music, which existed subconsciously, as far back as I can remember. I used to imitate MJ, Whitney and Britney Spears songs and watch the performance videos my parents had. This grew into writing lyrics in class, being a studio rat, watching YouTube videos, and learning sound, visuals and just production in general. I’ve always had a love for the arts. My why is that I have been given a gift that I can express through art and I believe there is a life force in expression. Since we’re here to create the life we want, creativity is the raison d’être.

Which African songs or artists did you grow up listening to? 

Asa, 2baba, Psquare, Wizkid and some Brenda Fassie – very rad times.

To someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe the sound, tone, and style? 

I’d describe my sound as sexy, ambitious and beautiful. My style? Weird, avant-garde, and also an intersection between vintage grunge and Y2K.

Any advice for someone dreading following their dreams? 

Things are bound to be imperfect, but you have to keep going regardless. We are conscious in this one life at the moment so why waste time being anything else than the badass you know you are? Life ain’t all roses, it’s a fight for a knife in the mud, but no matter how it ends, you fight for your dreams. Life is about creating. So you win, regardless, and hey, mud’s great for your skin, double whammy.”

How do you navigate the music space as a woman artist and how does your unique perspective shape your artistry?

I’m always focused on the music. I try to put my experiences in the music for the girls because they get it too. I also just think the energy of art made by women is infinite and I’m still drawing from the well of women who came before me. They also inspire me and reflect as a mirror sometimes in terms of vision, standards, and excellence in general.

A quote from you about your experience navigating the male-dominated world of music and what being a part of the EQUAL programme means to you?

It’s not just a male dominated world of music, it’s a male dominated world, but I’ll never be less of a human because my organs are different, not happening, girl. Also, being a part of EQUAL right now feels like perfect timing in light of the kind of music I’m putting out soon – more fearless expression and owning my vices, sensuality and steeze, regardless of the norms.