As South Africa marks 30 years of collective action under the theme “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children”, Afrika Tikkun calls for urgent and inclusive measures to combat gender-based violence (GBV). The leading youth development non-profit organisation (NPO) places a spotlight on the disproportionate effects on women and children living with disabilities.

While the 16 Days of Activism has brought awareness and some positive changes over the years, it is evident that systemic failures, performative campaigns and inadequate action have allowed GBV to persist at alarming rates. This anniversary year presents a critical opportunity to recommit to bold, inclusive and transformative interventions.

Women and children with disabilities are GBV’s overlooked victims despite the prevalence of violence against them.

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) launched the first report on GBV which has revealed an alarming statistic: over 31% of women with disabilities in South Africa have endured sexual or physical violence in their lifetime. Compared to women with no disabilities, a higher proportion of ever-partnered women with a disability had experienced physical violence. The prevalence of sexual violence by a partner was twice as high for ever-partnered women living with a disability than for those who did not report a disability.

The HSRC said the high rates of violence against women, particularly those with disabilities, highlighted an urgent need for government, professionals, and service providers to identify affected women and include them in prevention strategies.

Addressing male perpetrators and the factors driving their behaviour is critical, as the study underscores that GBV is a direct consequence of these actions.

This is the first instance of national data shedding light on the pervasive and deeply entrenched impact of GBV on women with disabilities.

“Disability inclusion must become a core focus in the fight against GBV,” said Marc Lubner, Executive Chairperson, Afrika Tikkun. “Creating a disability-inclusive society is not just about access to physical spaces; it’s about ensuring the safety, dignity, and protection of the most vulnerable. This means creating inclusive policies that address the unique vulnerabilities of women and children with disabilities, empowering victims with accessible support services and fostering community leadership to dismantle rape culture.”

Despite 30 years of democracy, the gap between South Africa’s progressive legal frameworks and the realities women and children face daily remains glaring. Leaders have yet to adopt a unified voice or implement meaningful changes to address the roots of GBV.

“The government must prioritise systemic social re-engineering to dismantle the pervasive attitudes enabling GBV. There is a need for actionable plans with measurable outcomes to challenge rape culture and societal normalisation of violence,” said Lubner

As Afrika Tikkun celebrates its 30th year of service and a legacy of creating holistic development and sustainable impact, the organisation remains steadfast in advocating for a safer, more inclusive society where the rights and dignity of every woman and child are protected. The organisation is tackling South Africa’s socio-economic disparities head-on and fostering an equitable society.

“The communities we serve are characterised by high levels of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), in part due to the legacy of apartheid. GBV impacts the ability of young girls and women in our programmes to make the most of learning, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. We believe it is never too early to start educating our young people on gender equality and GBV-related issues,” said Tiyani Mohlaba, COO, Afrika Tikkun.

The organisation implements the Anti-Violence Buddies (4 – 6yrs) where Early Childhood Development learners are taught about abuse in an age-appropriate manner. In addition, in the Young Urban Women (YUW) programme, young girls are given a platform to discuss issues affecting them, including GBV, women’s health and economic empowerment. Parallel to this, The Young Urban Men (YUM) programme was established to provide a space for positive role modelling in conjunction with activities and campaigns related to the issues young men face.

“We must invest in targeted educational campaigns to challenge harmful attitudes and promote equality from an early age. Anything less is a disservice to the progress we aim to achieve,” concludes Mohlaba.

Although climate change is making accurate weather predictions more difficult, forecasters expect this summer to be hotter than average with the possibility of more frequent and intense heatwaves.

According to the South African Weather Service, both minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to exceed normal levels. Possible La Niña conditions may result in heavy rains, particularly in the central and eastern parts of the country.

Even if there are no extreme weather events, anticipating soaring temperatures, seasonal rain or wind, depending on where you are in the country, might save proactive homeowners some money and certainly make summer more enjoyable.

According to Gavyn Letley from specialist loans provider, DirectAxis: “Setting up your home for summer need not cost you a fortune. Some simple upgrades can make it more comfortable while basic maintenance could prevent costly repairs.”

Letley shares some tips to consider over the summer season:

• In summer, the braai allows South Africans to escape the heat and confines of their kitchens and enjoy the relaxed informality of cooking, eating and entertaining outside.

Depending on the set-up, getting the braai ready for summer may mean more than just washing the grid to remove any buildup of rust or bacteria. If it has a chimney, check for soot build-up. Chimney fires can be dangerous, so if in doubt, get the chimney swept.

On gas braais the hoses, washers and cylinders must be checked for wear and tear. If in doubt get these replaced.

• After the braai, the pool is probably the next priority for those lucky enough to have one. If you’ve kept up some basic maintenance over winter, preparing it for summer should only involve cleaning out the leaves and checking the pH and chlorine levels. Saltwater pools may need the chlorine generator cleaned and some additional salt.

You’ll probably need to spend more to make it swimmable if it’s gone green over winter. It’s advisable to take a water sample to a pool outlet and let them recommend the best remedy rather than spending lots of money on treatments that may not work.

• In summer rainfall areas, blocked or broken gutters and leaky roofs can ruin eves and ceilings; and heavy downpours may cause additional interior damage. Some straightforward maintenance will prevent these issues. If you’re not confident about doing it yourself, gutter-cleaning services are relatively affordable, and most will also check the roof for you.
• Seasonal strong winds can also be a problem, particularly in coastal regions. Trimming the trees around your home prevents wind-blown branches from damaging the roof, gutters, windows, satellite dishes, walls and fences. Shothole borer weakens trees and kills branches, making them more susceptible to wind. You can do basic trimming yourself but get an expert for larger branches and trees. Costs range from R500 upwards depending on the complexity of the job and the amount of material that needs to be removed.
• While you’re in the garden check the exterior of the house. Paint provides crucial protection against the elements. It’s easier and cheaper to deal with small areas of chipped and peeling paint as you notice it, especially on wooden or metal features, rather than waiting until you have to replace them or repaint the house.
• Moving inside, slatted blinds or light curtains will help keep out direct sunlight. This will keep the interior cooler and prevent sun damage to furniture and carpets.
• Fans are another popular way of keeping cool. Depending on your décor, classic ceiling fans can add a nice touch. Alternatively, self-standing pedestal fans can be moved from room to room.
• Air conditioners are a more expensive solution. These range from simple units for single rooms or small spaces, to ducted systems that cover the whole house. Inverter air conditioners are the most energy-efficient. Costs vary depending on the system and size of the home and could be anything from R20 000 to R65 000 depending on the specifications, requirements, and area.

“Being proactive, doing preventative maintenance and making your home more comfortable will ensure that you enjoy summer more, and importantly, you may save some money over the long term,” says Letley.

CMS announces it will partner with Mauritian-based firm Prism Chambers, with Prism Chambers joining CMS as an associate firm of CMS Africa. The firm will provide CMS with outbound legal work from Mauritius, as well as access to the Mauritian market for CMS and its clients. The firm will be known as “Prism Chambers – in association with CMS”.

By working with Prism Chambers, CMS further strengthens its presence in Africa. With operations already in Angola, Morocco, South Africa, Kenya and Mozambique, expansion in this region remains a strategic goal. As of now, CMS has offices in 47 countries and 79 cities and more than 6,300 lawyers worldwide.

Duncan Weston, Executive Partner at CMS, said, “We are delighted to have Prism Chambers joining CMS as an associate member of CMS Africa. Prism Chambers’s strong local expertise as the only firm in Mauritius specialising in tax law, as well as its focus on excellent client service, will support CMS as we continue to deliver the legal services needed by our clients to operate and grow their businesses across Africa.”

Riza Moosa, Chairman of CMS Africa, added, “We are excited to welcome our new collaboration partner in Mauritius, whose unique market position and alignment with the CMS culture underscore our shared vision for growth in Africa. This partnership strengthens our ability to build a truly competitive African offering and identity, further establishing us as the ‘go-to’ unified firm across the continent.”

Established in 2019, Prism Chambers is a boutique business law firm located in Ebène, Mauritius. An agile and innovative firm focusing on all aspects of corporate and finance law, it is often sought out for its expertise in high-profile tax litigation cases and on complex cross-border matters. Sectors that provide opportunities for cross-border advisory and transaction work for both firms include renewables, impact funds, sustainable finance, hotels & tourism, M&A, infrastructure, technology, consumer products, life sciences and healthcare, manufacturing, automotive and agriculture.

Johanne Hague, Founder of Prism Chambers, said, “We are thrilled to be working with a forward-thinking, market-leading global organisation like CMS. This association will enable us to strengthen and consolidate our legal offering to our clients on the African continent and beyond”.

Mauritius is a prosperous country with a strong history in the global outsourcing and financial services sectors. Strategically situated in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius has earned a prominent reputation as a robust international financial centre over the last three decades. It continues to serve as an ideal platform for investment in Africa and Asia, with a skilled bilingual workforce, a modern regulatory and legislative framework and a stable political environment.

Symrise South Africa announces its 60th anniversary of operations in South Africa, which is marked by the grand opening of a new emulsions plant. This significant milestone underscores Symrise’s commitment to growth, innovation, and excellence in the region.

“Today, we proudly celebrate 60 years of excellence at Symrise South Africa. This remarkable milestone is not just a reflection of our history, but a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering solid performance and building credibility within our industry. Over the past six decades, we have established ourselves as a trusted leader in our market, and this longevity speaks volumes about the quality of our products and the dedication we have to customer satisfaction. The strong relationships we’ve fostered with customer partners has been vital to our success.” noted Sofiane Berrahmoune, Vice President Symrise Africa, Middle East, Turkey and Russia in Taste, Nutrition and Health Division.

In alignment with this momentous occasion, Symrise South Africa has embraced the theme of “Shosholoza” for its customer appreciation event and future strategy. Shosholoza, a term rich in cultural significance, embodies the spirit of moving forward and striving for excellence. This theme aptly reflects Symrise’s dedication to forging ahead with innovation, growth, and customer-centric advancements.

Future Strategy: Shosholoza

• Commitment to Innovation

Symrise is committed to continuously advancing its technological capabilities, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the fragrance and flavour industry.

• Sustainable Growth

The company plans to expand its operational footprint sustainably, aligning with environmental and economic best practices.

• Customer-Centric Approach

By focusing on understanding and meeting customer needs, Symrise aims to enhance customer satisfaction and strengthen partnerships.

• Investment in People

Symrise is dedicated to investing in its workforce, fostering talent development and supporting a culture of excellence.

The “Shosholoza” theme is a testament to Symrise South Africa’s unwavering commitment to progress and innovation, guiding the company as it sets new benchmarks for success in the industry.

With the opening of the new emulsions plant and the introduction of the Symcloud Double Concentrate Neutral cloud, Symrise is poised for a future of continued achievement and growth. In the dynamic and ever-evolving Flavour Industry market within Southern Africa, Symrise South Africa has demonstrated exceptional growth and resilience. According to recent market analysis, the regional flavour industry is projected to reach a value of $1.5 billion by the end of 2025, expanding at a compound

annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7%. Amidst this growth, Symrise South Africa has outperformed its leading competitors, achieving a market share increase of 10% over the last fiscal year. This success is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainable practices that meet the

diverse needs of our customers. As we continue to lead the way in the industry, we remain dedicated to delivering exceptional flavour solutions that enhance the culinary experiences of consumers across the region.

The 60 year milestone not only marks osuccessful operations but also marks a new chapter of expansion and innovation for Symrise South Africa.

Speaking about the companies local progression, Teresa Orlanov – Managing Director Symrise Southern Africa said, “Our recent advancements at the factory site are not just upgrades—they are a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. These enhancements are paving the way for our company to achieve its ambitious growth goals, ensuring we remain at the forefront of industry leadership and sustainable development.”

Over the past five years, the local team has diligently focused on site improvements and operational efficiencies aimed at future growth. These advancements have included:

• Increased Productivity: Doubling the output of batches produced per shift, enhancing overall productivity.
• Inventory Optimization: Successfully reducing Days on Hand (DOH) by half, optimizing inventory and storage.
• Production Volume: Doubling the annual local production volumes, reinforcing Symrise’s position in the market.

Launch of Symcloud Double Concentrate Neutral Cloud

The new emulsions plant will also see the launch of the Symcloud Double Concentrate Neutral cloud, an innovative product that exemplifies Symrise’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and customer satisfaction.