SAP and KZN ScienCentre launch science lab at Moorlands Primary School

Moorlands Primary School in Chatsworth today (Tuesday 8 May) became the deserving and proud owner of a brand new fully equipped science laboratory thanks to a partnership between local Non-Profit Organisation (NGO) the KZN ScienCentre and the African subsidiary of German software giant SAP. The official launch and handover of the new facility took place at the school today with a representative of the KZN Education Department present, as was SAP Africa's Director of Corporate Affairs Sunil Geness. As a flagship science awareness and education initiative for the KZN ScienCentre, SAP's 2012 corporate social investment (CSI) contribution of a laboratory to Moorlands Primary School will allow its learners the opportunity to engage in first hand science and experimentation within a specialised environment. The laboratory and the curriculum-linked workshops carried out in it are both aimed at fostering a greater awareness of science and science literacy in the learners and encouraging them to pursue science and technology related professions. Moorlands Primary School educates 8 grades (R - 7) with an average of 44 learners per grade. The science laboratory, approximately 50m2 in size, contains microscopes and dissection materials that will be used to introduce scientific methods to the learners, who will also be equipped to make their own slides and view specimen under the microscope. The facility also contains a library area within the classroom which is stocked with over 150 books for learners to freely access and read within the comfortable space. The desks and chairs in the laboratory make it possible to use the space as an additional classroom. The first phase of this project was initiated at the start of the year (30 January) when a team from the KZN ScienCentre team delivered science kits and other useful gardening resources to the school. This 'Science of Agriculture' saw the resource kits, curriculum linked interactive mathematics and science workshops, utilised in combination with planting exercises set up at Moorlands Primary School, which were both initially held with trained facilitators from the KZN ScienCentre. Educators at the school will now also be taking part in an 'Introduction to Microscopy' course with the KZN ScienCentre facilitators, allowing them to maximize the learning potential for Moorlands primary School learners. Candice Potgieter, General Manager at the KZN ScienCentre, said the world-class scientific facility that is now be available at Moorlands Primary School will no doubt enrich the learning experience of the students immensely. It is always reassuring to see big corporate companies giving back to the community, and SAP have done themselves proud with this particular initiative. The KZN ScienCentre is taking its role in the partnership very seriously, and we have done all we can to make sure that our academic materials, workshops and training do justice to Moorlands Primary SchoolÕs awesome new laboratory. The KZN ScienCentre, a Non Profit Organization (NPO #064-359-NPO), is situated at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga and offers a great variety of educational and event facilities following an extensive revamp in October 2009. Through a variety of exhibits, workshops, themed holiday programmes, events, presentations and conferences, the KZN ScienCentre aims to promote science awareness amongst all citizens and in particular the youth, in order to encourage them to pursue science and technology related professions. As a registered non-profit organization, all funds received by the KZN ScienCentre directly support its educational programmes and exhibits. The facilities at the KZN ScienCentre at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping include: its 40-seater domed planetarium, over 150 interactive science and technology exhibits, a 120-seat audio-visually equipped auditorium, a 60-seat conference room, a 60-seat laboratory, 12 well-trained Education Officers, 24-hour camera surveillance and supervision, to name but a few. Those who wish to become part of the KZN ScienCentre's online community are encouraged to 'Like' KZN ScienCentre on Facebook, follow @KZNScienCentre on Twitter, or visit the KZN ScienCentre at the Gateway Theatre Shopping website at www.sciencentre.co.za. As a registered non-profit organization, all funds received by the KZN ScienCentre directly support its educational programmes and exhibits. For further enquiries, the KZN ScienCentre front desk can be contacted on 031-5668040.

MMA Champions Fight Against Animal Cruelty

Norman Wessel's Ad

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) champions Garreth Soldier Boy McLellan, Richard Quan and Norman Chef Wessels have joined the fight against cruelty to animals. The compassionate trio have starred in ads for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Garreth takes a hard stance in his new Knock Out Cruelty anti-dogfighting ad. Unlike Garreth, dogs used for fighting don't choose to step up to their opponent. They are trained to fight through fear and punishment. After they have been forced to fight, dogs are left ripped apart, bloody, soaked in urine, unable to walk and covered with cuts, bruises and scars. The losers of these fights are often killed by their handlers. In Richard's ad, he tells us to be comfortable in your own skin, and let animals keep theirs. Richard chooses to step into the cage for a fair fight - but there's no such thing as a fair fight for the millions of animals confined to cages on fur farms, facing slaughter through beating, electrocution or even being skinned alive. And in Norman's ad, he explains why he wants people to boycott the circus, saying, I choose to be in the ring. Animals don't. Animals used in circus acts are not only pushed hard but also trained through fear and punishment to perform difficult and unnatural tricks night after night. An undercover investigation into Brian Boswell's Circus found elephants chained by their back legs in the searing heat for up to 19 hours a day and training that included the use of bullhooks - an instrument resembling a fireplace poker - on elephants' soft-tissue areas. The trio joins fellow South Africans including Wayne Parnell, Christina Storm and Charlize Theron, who have joined PETA campaigns to help animals.

SA Marathon Record Holder breaks World Age Group Record

The South African Marathon record holder Gert Thys smashed the world best performance for 50km for the 40+ age group at the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon on Saturday, 7 April 2012. Crossing the 50km mark in 2:48:40 on the way to the 56km finish, Thys took near 5 min off the current record of 2:53:21. Thys, 41, finished fourth behind Stephen Muzhingi (ZIM), Henry Moyo (KEN) and Collen Makaza (ZIM). The womenÕs race was won by Elena Nurgalieva (RUS), with countrywoman Natalia Volgina second and American Devon Crosby-Helms in third place. First South African woman was Adinda Kruger. Athletics South Africa does note with concern the fact that the finish gantry collapsed. Fortunately there are no reported injuries. The organisers will be called upon to explain how this was able to happen, especially after bad weather had been forecast. ...read more

GET inVOLVED: SAVE OUR RHINOS! Double CD.

448 rhino were killed in 2011 in South Africa alone. According to the EWT, at least 33 rhino have already been illegally poached. Despite the efforts of so many, if the predictions are true, should poaching continue to escalate, the wild rhino could become extinct in less than a decade. SAVE OUR RHINOS is a Sting Music and Endangered Wildlife Trust initiative. The double CD compilation features 40 of some of South AfricaÕs best loved artists and groups including Johnny Clegg, Prime Circle, Dave van Vuuren, Yoav, Elvis Blue, Locnville, Wonderboom, Chris Chameleon and many more. 10% of the profits will go towards the EWT in their fight to develop workable solutions to address the scourge of rhino poaching. Already, the EWT are deploying sniffer dogs at airports, training a range of law enforcement personnel and developing support networks for orphaned rhinos. By assisting in promoting this album, the media will be making a contribution to raising the awareness of this cause and helping to raise funds that will assist the EWT in their endeavours.

Husqvarna South Africa Supports the K4 Dusi 2012 Paddle for a Limb Initiative

Husqvarna Dusi K4 Team - Setting out to raise funds for prosthetic limbs for youngsters living in the Valley Of A Thousand Hills are (from left) Craig Gibson, Clint Lawson, Shane Wright, Craig Wright. Photo credit: Gameplan Media

Global leader in outdoor power products, Husqvarna, will be putting its weight behind four courageous paddlers who will be taking on the gruelling 120km The Unlimited Dusi Canoe Marathon in a K4 canoe to raise money for prosthetic limbs for children in the Dusi Valley. Malcolm Corns, general manager product marketing for Husqvarna South Africa, said that the company recognized the immense challenge faced by the four paddlers. Not only was The Unlimited Dusi regarded as one of the world’s toughest canoe events, but tight corners and rapids in the Umgeni River did not lend themselves to the use of a four man canoe. To date, only four other paddlers have taken to the water for the race in a K4. The Husqvarna sponsorship of what has become known as the K4 Dusi 2012 Paddle for a Limb Initiative will allow paddlers Shane Wright, Craig Wright, Clint Lawson and Craig Gibson to collect donations that will pay for the manufacture and fitting of prosthetic limbs for between two and four children. The Dusi Valley is home to communities who deal with crippling poverty on a daily basis. Malnourishment and the ravages of HIV/AIDS which has orphaned thousands of children means there is an urgent need to help sick and vulnerable youngsters. Paddler Shane Wright said that when the four decided to take on this near impossible challenge, they had decided to do it for a good cause. The artificial limbs will be manufactured and fitted by Craig Wright, of CB Wright Inc. Orthotists and Prosthetists in Pietermaritzburg – part of the team that will be tackling the rapids in the K4. The children who will receive these life changing limbs will be selected with the assistance of The Unlimited Dusi committee member Cameron MacKenzie and Martin Dreyer of the Martin Dreyer Academy. Husqvarna has supported canoeing over the past decade, having sponsored canoe races and paddlers previously. We believe that there is not only a natural fit between our outdoor power product brand and the adventurous, rugged nature of the sport of paddling but also that this initiative is a truly worthy cause. We'd like to encourage members of the public to support the K4 team through donations to the fund, said Corns. Wright said that he and his team were putting in a great deal of extra work in preparation for The Unlimited Dusi 2012 which kicks off from Camps Drift on February 16 and ends at Durban’s Blue Lagoon on the 18th. He said that the four would have to run and 'portage' the K4 far more than the singles and doubles who would be taking on the Dusi alongside them. Like Husqvarna, we would like to invite you to support our efforts! The kids of the Valley need all the help they can get, said Wright. Banking details for those wishing to pledge their support in the form of donations are: Craig Gibson Family Trust Acc no: 62179904175 Branch: Midlands Mall/Branch code: 257355 – (Fax proof of payment to 086 613 6444) The trust will be controlled and audited by Guy W. McEwen CA(SA). For more information: Husqvarna - www.husqvarna.co.za Martin Dreyer of the Martin Dreyer Academy – www.martindreyeracademy.com The Unlimited Dusi Canoe Marathon - www.dusi.co.za