HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

South Africa celebrates Human Rights Day on the 21st of March each year. Human Rights Day reminds us of two things – namely the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960, as well as the progress we have made as a nation in achieving human rights for all South Africans. It is furthermore on this day that we commemorate the establishment of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

The SAHRC promotes the respect, protection, development and attainment of human rights in South Africa. Interestingly, the SAHRC was established on 21 March 1996 – exactly 35 years after the Sharpeville Massacre. In response thereto, the United Nations has furthermore declared March 21st as ‘The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination’ and signifies a greater international effort to eliminate racial discrimination globally.

Human Rights Day is thus a day on which we remind all South Africans that, in stark contrast with our racial segregationist history, we now have a Constitution with a pioneering Bill of Rights that serves to shape our democratic era with the values of non-racism, dignity and equality.

STBB Claremont



www.harfield-village.co.za
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OUTDOOR FITNESS SAFETY


Thousands of people are using the warmer weather to train outdoors – whether for personal fitness goals, or to prepare for that next big marathon or cycle challenge. Whatever the driving motivation might be, it is important to be safe and to make personal safety part of your training regime.

“We hope that by following this easy step-by-step guide you will be able to focus all your attention on your training,” says Fidelity ADT’s National Marketing and Communications Manager, Charnel Hattingh.

1. Identification – Carry some form of identification on you, so that any bystanders will know who you are and who to contact in case of an emergency.  Most exercise gear has small pockets for this very reason. 
2. Mobile tracking – Find out from your security company if they offer a mobile tracking app which can be downloaded on your cell phone.  This is an effective way of alerting emergency service providers when you need them while also giving them your accurate location, especially if you are running or hiking along a mountain path or in a forest.
3. Safety in numbers – Hattingh strongly discourages running or cycling alone. Rather join a group of people who can look out for your safety and also offer moral support along the way when muscle pain or cramps set in.
4. Tell someone – Another good idea is to ensure someone you trust, knows that you are headed out for a run or cycle, has an idea of the route you plan to take and when you should be returning. In this way, they can quickly raise the alarm if you do not return as planned.
5. Be visible - Wear reflective clothing to make sure you are visible to other road users. Run against traffic and cycle with traffic. This makes you even more visible to others. If you can, make use of pavements or any designated cycle tracks.
6. Vary your routine – Changing up your route and training time makes it difficult for any would-be criminal to anticipate your movements. The change in scenery can also make the physical exertion more bearable.
7. Charge your phone battery – Make sure your cell phone battery is fully charged so that you are able to call for help in case of an emergency. It is also important to save the correct emergency contact numbers on your phone, so that you can quickly contact the police, your security company or your neighbourhood watch when you need them.

“Good luck for your fitness programme. We hope you reach the targets you have set yourself, whatever they may be,” says Hattingh.


MANY PLANS MAKE LIGHT WORK OF MOVING


For most people, moving is the big downside of buying a new home. It is stressful and can also play havoc with your finances, but fortunately there are ways to make it easier.

And the first step, says Carl Coetzee, CEO of SA’s foremost home loan originator BetterBond*, is to set a definite moving date. “Many home sale agreements will just say that you can move in “on transfer” of the property into your name, but it is much better to settle on an actual, specific date in the contract, even if that means you will have to pay the seller some occupational rent.

“Then you can give proper notice to your landlord, if you are renting, and sort out your exit inspection and the return of your damage deposit.”

The next step is to book the movers. “You need to be smart about this and try not to move at year-end, month-end or on a weekend as these are their most expensive days,” he says. “You should also be sure to get comparative quotes. But don’t skimp on expertise or references, properly trained moving staff, roadworthy trucks or goods-in-transit insurance. It’s just not worth it.”

The third thing to arrange, Coetzee says, is a trusted baby-sitter and / or a pet minder for your moving day. “Children and animals generally find moving even more stressful than adults do, and even if they are not upset by all the upheaval, trying to direct the movers, unpack and keep an eye on them at the same time can be tricky.

“So it is much better for them to spend the day away from the chaos, preferably with a family member or friend they already know. With older children, you can also reduce moving anxiety by explaining what is happening and giving them time to adjust to the idea. Take them to your new home beforehand and show them where their room is, where their toys and other belongings will go, and where you plan to put your things.”

Other pre-move steps to take, he says, include the following:

  • Check your insurance. It is very important to make sure that your new home will be insured from the day you move in, even if you have not taken transfer yet. The estate agent who sold you the property or your lender will be able to help you with this. You must also check your short-term insurance and make absolutely certain that your car, furniture, clothing and other things will be covered at the new address – and also while they are in transit.
  • Handle all the paperwork ahead of time. Change the address for all your correspondence like bank statements, accounts and insurance notifications before you move, or preferably arrange to get them by email in future. Don’t forget the annual reminders you get for things like a TV licence, AA membership, magazine subscriptions or your post-box rental.



Anne-Marie Bamber is Norgarb Properties dedicated Home Loans Consultant. She has over 15 years’ experience in assisting clients with their Home Loan needs and has placed many happy families in their dream homes.

Contact her today for no cost stress-free home-buying.
Anne-Marie Bamber
Home Loans consultant
Tel: +27 (0)21 851 3568 | Fax: +27 (0)21 441 1494 | Cell: +27 (0)82 071 1665
E-mail: anne-marie.bamber@betterlife.co.za









MARCH IN THE GARDEN

Hello Harfielders!

While it's been a cooler Summer than in previous years in general, with a few scorching days here and there, if you're growing veg, make sure to water them sparingly and only in the evening or early morning so you don't burn their leaves.

Use lots of mulch to aid water retention - there should be no soil exposed to the sun, and a thick layer of mulch makes all the difference. One way to remember to do this is to imagine yourself in the sun – if your skin was exposed for hours, you'd burn badly! The earth is the same.

If you are tending to veggies, it's best to use water that's already been used once – from the shower, sink or washing machine (if you use biodegradable products). It's amazing how much water you can recycle if you get the right sized basins!

While water shortages aren't as dire as they have been in previous years, as resilient Cape Tonians, we need to maintain water-wise behaviors. It's remarkable how our relationship with water has irreversibly changed, and may we continue to find creative ways to be more resource-efficient beyond water, and to see waste itself as a resource. There's no better place to learn that lesson than in the garden.

On that fertile note, here's the plant list for March:
Bush and climber beans, Beetroot, Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Cabbage, Calendula, Carrot, Chard/Spinach, Celery, Chinese cabbage, Chives, Chilli's, Kale, Kohlrabi, Globe artichokes, Leeks, Leaf mustard, Lettuce, Onion, Parsnip, Parsley, Potato, Radish, Rhubarb, Tomato

If you have surplus seeds or veggies, why not reach out on our Patchwork Facebook group to share or to do a swap..? It's a great way to connect with other local food growers in the area.

Happy growing!

Patchwork Group
Gabriella Garnett
076 2199 849 | gabriella.garnett@gmail.com

VACCINATIONS

As there has been an increasing concern over the  number of Parvovirus cases recently ,we thought it would be a good idea to look at vaccinations, how they work and why they are an essential part of your pet’s welfare.


Immunity – where does it start?
Colostrum - New-born puppies and kittens receive antibodies (passive immunity) from their mother’s first milk which gives them some immunity to disease. Unfortunately, various factors will influence how much maternal immunity each puppy or kitten will have. In time these passively acquired antibodies gradually deteriorate, while at the same time the puppy / kitten’s own immune system begins to  develop. While this is happening it can create what is known as the immunity gap leaving your puppy/kitten extremely vulnerable should it be exposed to disease.


It is in these early weeks that we begin a vaccination programme to maximize immunity.



HOW MANY? WHEN AND WHY?                           

The generally accepted vaccine program is:   
• Puppies - require 3 initial vaccinations for optimal protection at 6, 9 and 12 weeks of age
• Kittens- require 2 initial vaccinations at  9 and 12 weeks of age

Because maternal antibodies can interfere with the way in which your puppy or kitten’s immune system reacts to early vaccinations, it is extremely difficult to determine exactly when the vaccine will stimulate immunity. In an attempt to overcome this we vaccinate puppies and kittens at intervals during the first few months of their life. If maternal antibodies interfere with the first vaccinations the later ones will stimulate antibody production thereby protecting your puppy/kitten against the disease.

‘A vaccine works by training the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens, either viruses or bacteria. To do this, certain molecules from the pathogen must be introduced into the body to trigger an immune response. These molecules are called antigens, and they are present on all viruses and bacteria’.

Once your pet has received a vaccine, its immune system produces special substances called antibodies. These antibodies work against viruses or bacteria that cause disease.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR IMMUNITY TO DEVELOP?

VACCINES DO NOT WORK IMMEDIATELY!
Once a vaccine is given, the antigens (virus particles in the vaccine) need to be recognized, responded to, and remembered by the immune system.

• In most puppies, protection does not begin until five days post vaccination.
• Full protection from a vaccine usually takes up to fourteen days.

Why annual boosters?
Without costly laboratory tests it is impossible to determine your pet’s level of immunity to certain diseases. Therefore, adult dogs/cats are generally revaccinated annually in order to boost their immunity.

• Booster vaccinations help to remind the immune system to produce enough antibodies so they are ready should they be challenged.
• An annual examination at the time of booster vaccination can often identify problems the pet owner may not have been aware of. 

ONE IS NOT ENOUGH!


Immunity is complicated and not just a matter of a ‘quick shot’. We can also see that not only is one vaccination far from sufficient it could be detrimental to your pet’s immunity if you do not follow up with the full vaccination programme.

It is important to ensure that your puppy or kitten is in a safe environment until at least the second vaccination is given. This includes good human hygiene as many viruses can be passed through contact with infected shoes, clothing, blankets etc.

Certain dog breeds are especially susceptible to parvovirus such at Rottweilers and Boer bulls. But generally speaking it is better to ensure that any breed of puppy is fully vaccinated.

Fact:
Vaccination remains the single most effective method for protecting against infectious disease in healthy animals.

For more information on Parvovirus, click here.