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Every Breast Cancer Story Is Unique

Ubuntu in a Mushroom Punnet During October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month Breast cancer is not one story. Every diagnosis, treatment decision and path through recovery is deeply personal. And for many women, the need for practical support does not end when treatment does. “And because it is so personal,” says Stephanie van Deventer, national manager of breast cancer support organisation Reach for Recovery (RFR), “we believe every woman facing breast cancer should be treated with empathy and dignity — and have the same access to quality care, regardless of whether she can afford it.” Beyond Awareness: Practical Support After Mastectomy That belief lies at the heart of the annual Power of Pink campaign, through which the South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association (SAMFA) and Pick n Pay turn an everyday fresh-produce choice into practical support for breast cancer survivors. Throughout October, shoppers can support the campaign by buying fresh mushrooms in distinctive pink punnets from Pick n Pay stores nationwide. For every pink punnet sold, R1 is donated to Reach for Recovery’s Ditto Project. The Ditto Project provides high-quality external silicone breast prostheses to women who have undergone mastectomies and cannot afford reconstructive surgery or a prosthesis, either privately or through medical aid. “When shoppers choose a pink punnet at Pick n Pay, they take home a nutritious and delicious ingredient while also helping a woman at a profoundly personal time,” says Ross Richardson, SAMFA Chairperson and a passionate supporter of the campaign. “That is the real power of this long-standing partnership.” Restoring Comfort and Confidence A mastectomy can affect far more than a woman’s physical appearance. It may change how she sees her body and femininity, as well as her confidence and sense of belonging. A well-fitted prosthesis can help restore physical balance and comfort while supporting her confidence as she moves forward after surgery. The Ditto Project’s silicone prostheses are individually matched for size, shape, colour and texture. Each is fitted with care by members of Reach for Recovery’s peer-support team; trained volunteers who are themselves breast cancer survivors. Their understanding is lived, not theoretical. They visit patients in hospitals and clinics, share practical information and offer the reassurance of someone who has walked a similar road. More Than 10,900 Women Supported and R9.87 Million Raised Since the Ditto Project was launched through the Power of Pink campaign in 2011, more than 10,900 women have received free, fitted silicone breast prostheses, representing an investment of more than R9.87 million. Around 2,000 women have benefited during the past two years alone. A comparable prosthesis can cost as much as R8,000 in the private sector, placing it beyond the reach of many women. Reach for Recovery annually supports more than 5,000 breast cancer patients and fits over 800 silicone prostheses annually. Its work recognises different diagnoses, treatments, circumstances and definitions of recovery — because people-centred care begins with seeing the whole person, not only the disease. Mushrooms and the Breast Cancer Conversation Fresh mushrooms also have their own place in the breast cancer conversation. A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis led by researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that eating approximately 18 grams of mushrooms daily — about two medium-sized mushrooms — was associated with a 45% lower overall risk of cancer compared with eating no mushrooms. Among the cancers examined, the strongest association was observed for breast cancer. Ubuntu in Action For 15 years, SAMFA, Pick n Pay and Reach for Recovery have united growers, retailers, shoppers and volunteers through the Power of Pink campaign. It demonstrates Ubuntu in a simple, honest and practical way: a small everyday choice, multiplied across thousands of shopping baskets, helping women regain comfort, dignity and confidence after a mastectomy. “The beauty of Reach for Recovery is that there is no single ‘right’ way to experience breast cancer. Whatever a woman’s circumstances, and wherever she is on that journey, we are here with practical help, understanding and hope.”

October 14, 2026

Switching from CAPS to an International British Curriculum: Will Your Child Lose a Year?

CAPS and an International British curriculum do not line up grade for grade. That does not mean a child who changes curriculum must automatically repeat a year. It means placement needs to be handled properly. Moving from CAPS to an International British curriculum does not automatically mean losing a school year. The two systems are structured differently, so the right question is not simply, “Which British year equals my child’s CAPS grade?” Parents need to establish where the learner is academically, which subjects they have completed, what qualification they are working towards and whether there are any gaps that need to be dealt with before the next stage. The closer a learner is to external examinations, the more important that planning becomes. Why There Is No Perfect Grade-to-Year Conversion Parents naturally look for a conversion chart. Grade 7 equals this. Grade 9 equals that. Grade 10 equals something else. It looks reassuring, but it can be misleading. Curricula do not necessarily introduce the same content in the same order. A learner may be ahead in one subject and have gaps in another. Mathematics is an obvious example. Two learners with identical school grades can arrive with very different levels of confidence in algebra, fractions or geometry. Subject structures also change as learners get older. This is why placement should take account of academic readiness rather than relying on age or current grade alone. Age still matters. Previous schooling still matters. Neither should be used in isolation. The Younger the Learner, the More Room There Usually Is to Adjust Curriculum changes tend to be simpler earlier in a child’s school career because fewer qualification decisions have been locked in. For a primary-school learner, the important questions are usually about foundational English, Mathematics and Science, along with the child’s overall readiness for the next stage. Small gaps can often be identified and addressed as part of the transition. For a learner approaching secondary qualification years, the calculation becomes more specific. Subject choices, prior syllabus coverage, examination timing and the learner’s intended school-leaving qualification begin to matter. By the later secondary years, university requirements may also need to form part of the decision. A Move Should Start with the Learner’s Current Work A proper transition review should look backwards before it looks forwards. Recent reports are useful, but marks alone do not tell the whole story. A school needs to understand what the learner has studied, which subjects they have taken and how securely they understand the material the new programme assumes. Parents should expect to discuss the learner’s current grade or stage, subjects, recent academic performance and intended qualification route. Older learners may also need to discuss university plans because some degree programmes have specific subject requirements. Moving quickly is less important than entering at the right point. “Repeating” and “Bridging” Are Not the Same Thing Parents often hear that their child has a gap and immediately assume it means repeating an entire year. It may not. A learner can have a specific content gap without being a year behind. A child might be ready for the next stage in English and Science but need additional work on a Mathematics topic that was taught in a different sequence. The sensible response is to identify the gap and decide how it will be closed. In some cases, additional work alongside the new programme may be enough. In others, the academically safer decision may be to start at an earlier point. There is no benefit in placing a learner too far ahead simply to preserve the label attached to their age. Timing Matters More in the Examination Years Changing curriculum six months before an important external examination is a different decision from changing in Grade 6. Older learners have less room for trial and error because the qualification pathway has already begun to narrow. Before moving, the family should know which subjects the learner will take, what prior content is assumed, when the relevant examinations are written and whether the planned subject combination keeps the learner’s next step open. If university is part of the plan, work backwards from the likely course or faculty requirements. Curriculum choice at this stage is a route decision. It affects what the learner studies now and what becomes possible later. Do Not Change Curriculum Because One Sounds More Prestigious CAPS remains the right route for many South African learners. An international curriculum may make sense for a family that expects to move countries, wants a different qualification structure or has a specific university route in mind. That does not make it automatically better. The best curriculum is the one that fits the learner’s current position and future plans without creating unnecessary academic disruption. Parents should be wary of schools that sell a curriculum label before understanding the child. Five Questions to Settle Before Making the Switch Before changing curriculum, a family should be able to answer a few basic questions. Where is the learner academically now? Which subjects will they take after the move? Are there important gaps between what they have covered and what the new programme assumes? Which qualification are they working towards? Where does that qualification need to take them next? If those answers are clear, the transition becomes much easier to plan. If they are still vague, enrolment can wait until they are resolved. What Does This Look Like at CambriLearn? CambriLearn offers both South African and international education pathways, which allows families to discuss a curriculum change with the child’s current position in view. Its International British Curriculum places learners according to readiness rather than age alone, and admissions remain open throughout the year for that pathway. The exact route still depends on the learner. That is why a family considering a move from CAPS should have the conversation with recent academic information available, rather than selecting a new level from a simple grade-equivalence chart. The aim is to preserve progress where it makes sense and identify genuine gaps where they exist.

October 14, 2026

Raising Resilient Kids in an Uncertain World

Today’s world presents children with unique challenges—rapid change, global events, and constant information can be overwhelming. Resilience, the ability to adapt and recover from adversity, is a crucial skill for kids to thrive. Raising resilient children doesn’t mean protecting them from difficulties but equipping them with tools to face life’s uncertainties confidently. Here’s how parents can foster resilience in their children. 1. Encourage Problem-Solving Skills Allow children to face age-appropriate challenges and guide them to find solutions rather than immediately stepping in. This builds confidence and independence. 2. Promote Emotional Awareness Teach kids to identify and express their feelings. Validating emotions helps children cope better and develop empathy. 3. Model Resilience Yourself Children learn by example. Show how you handle stress, setbacks, and change with calmness and positivity. 4. Build Strong Connections A supportive network of family, friends, and mentors provides a safety net during tough times. 5. Foster a Growth Mindset Praise effort over innate ability and frame mistakes as learning opportunities to help children persevere. 6. Establish Routines and Stability Consistent routines create a sense of security, helping kids feel grounded amid uncertainty. Final Thought: Raising resilient kids equips them with the strength to navigate life’s twists and turns. With love, guidance, and patience, parents can nurture a generation ready to face the future with courage and hope. 📚 Sources:

October 14, 2026

A Letter to Women from a Radiologist

Dr Salomine Theron, Head of Mammography at SCP Radiology During Breast Cancer Awareness Month there is one message I want every woman to hear: Your breasts deserve your attention. As a radiologist with a special interest in breast imaging, I spend a lot of time looking at mammograms, breast ultrasound and breast MRI scans. I meet women proactive about their health, worried about a symptom, who have been called back for additional imaging and who have received lifechanging news. Early Detection Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide. The good news is that when it’s detected early, treatment is often less invasive and outcomes are significantly better. Early detection can save your life. Symptoms The challenge is that breast cancer doesn’t always announce itself with a lump. Subtle changes in breast shape or size, skin dimpling, nipple changes, persistent pain, unusual discharge or an area that simply feels different needs to be checked by your doctor. That’s why I encourage you to know your own body, be familiar with what’s normal for you, so that you can be alert to any changes. The Importance of Screening Screening is equally vital. Mammograms can detect cancers long before they can be felt, sometimes years before symptoms appear – but they aren’t the only screening tool. Age, family history, genetics, breast density and personal risk all influence which imaging approach is best. For some women, ultrasound or breast MRI may provide crucial additional information. Early Detection Most importantly, don’t let fear keep you away. Knowledge is power. When breast cancer is detected early, treatment is often less invasive and outcomes are significantly better. Even if you are told you need a biopsy, it does not automatically mean it’s breast cancer – it may a benign lesion which needs to be tested for confirmation. Younger Women Get Breast Cancer And remember, breast cancer is not only a disease of older women. Younger women (and to a lesser degree, men) can be affected too, especially those with family history or genetic risk. Talk to your healthcare provider if you fall into these categories. Make Your Appointment Don’t postpone your health checks. Make your appointment for a screening mammogram if you are 40 years or older or if you have noticed changes in your breast NO matter what age you are. Ask questions. Follow up on symptoms. Encourage your mother, sister, daughter or friend to do the same. As radiologists, we meet women at pivotal moments. We see relief, courage, resilience and hope every day. We also see the difference early detection can make. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, my appeal is simple: Make breast health a priority, not just in October but all year long. Your future self will thank you. Warm regardsDr Salomine Theron, Head of Mammography at SCP Radiology

October 13, 2026

The Screen-Time Swap: What Real-World Movement Gives Children That Screens Cannot

There are moments in almost every family when a screen feels like a small miracle. A long car journey. Dinner needs to be cooked. A parent needs twenty quiet minutes. Everyone is tired. So this is not an article about making parents feel guilty about screen time. Screens are part of modern childhood, and they can entertain, connect and even teach. The more useful question is not, “How do we get rid of screens?” but rather: “What experiences does my child still need away from a screen?” Because however colourful, clever or interactive an app may be, there are some things a child’s developing body and brain can only really learn by moving through the real world. Some things have to be felt, not watched A child can watch someone balance on a beam, jump over an obstacle or catch a ball, but watching is not the same as doing. When children balance, their bodies are constantly making tiny adjustments. Their feet feel the surface beneath them, their muscles respond and their eyes help them judge where they are in space. They wobble, correct themselves and try again. The same is true of climbing, jumping, rolling and landing. These experiences teach children about gravity, distance, speed, effort and control in a way that simply cannot be recreated on a screen. Movement gives the body information that the brain uses to learn. Real objects build real coordination Tapping an object on a screen may require quick reactions, but catching a real ball asks much more of a child. They have to watch where the ball is going, judge its speed, move their hands into position and decide when to reach for it. Sometimes they catch it. Sometimes they miss completely. And that missed catch matters too. Each attempt gives the brain new information. It learns, adjusts and prepares for the next try. Throwing, catching, bouncing, kicking, building, threading and handling different objects all help children develop eye-hand coordination, timing and control. These are skills that grow through repeated physical experience. Children need to learn where their bodies fit in the world Spatial awareness develops when children move through their environment. They crawl under the table, step over a cushion, squeeze through a gap, run around a chair, jump between markers or crawl through a tunnel. Through play, children begin to understand ideas such as under, over, around, through, near, far, high and low. A screen keeps everything neatly inside a rectangle. Real life is wonderfully less tidy. A child has to work out whether they can fit through a space, how far they need to jump, how high to lift a foot or how quickly to slow down before bumping into something. That is how children learn to understand and control their bodies in relation to the world around them. Real-world play includes real people Physical play also gives children something screens cannot fully reproduce: the unpredictable give-and-take of playing with other people. Someone runs in front of them. A friend wants the same ball. Another child changes the game. Someone has to wait for a turn. These moments help children practice sharing, listening, negotiating, reading facial expressions and coping when things do not go exactly as planned. It can be noisy, messy and occasionally frustrating, but that is part of the learning too. Children are not only developing physical skills. They are learning how to be with other people. Movement gives imagination room to grow Real-world play also leaves space for imagination. Give a child a cardboard box and it may become a racing car, a pirate ship, a house or a rocket to the moon. A hoop becomes an island. Cushions become stepping stones over crocodile-infested water. A towel becomes a superhero cape. The important part is that the child creates the story. During open-ended play, children decide what things mean, what happens next and how the game changes. They are not simply following a world that has already been designed for them. They are building one of their own. It is about balance across the whole day South Africa’s 24-hour movement guidelines for young children look at the full picture of a child’s day. They recognise that healthy development depends on a good balance between active play, quiet sitting time, screen time and enough sleep. For children aged three to five, the guidance recommends plenty of movement spread throughout the day, including energetic play, while keeping recreational screen time limited. The important message is not simply, “Use screens less.” It is also: “What can we add instead?” That is where the idea of a screen-time swap becomes useful. Think “swap”, not “stop” Parents do not need to overhaul family life overnight. Swap ten minutes of screen time for throwing a ball outside. Put on some music and dance through one song. Build a cushion obstacle course. Walk along a chalk line. Play follow-the-leader. Take a ball to the park. Small swaps add up. And perhaps that is the kindest way to think about screen time – not as a battle between “good parents” and screens, but as a reminder that childhood still needs real things. Real balls to catch. Real spaces to explore. Real friends to play with. And real bodies that need to discover just how much they can do. At Catrobatkidz, we believe children learn through movement because movement gives the brain experiences that cannot simply be watched or swiped. Sometimes the best thing we can give a child is not another thing at all. It is space to move, freedom to play and time to discover the real world.

October 13, 2026

Beyond the Report Card: Helping Your Child Discover What They’re Actually Capable Of

Every parent has had that moment, watching their child do something and thinking, I didn’t know you could do that. Potential has a way of hiding in places a standard school day doesn’t reach. A child who may seem “average” on paper may be a sharp problem solver, a natural communicator, or someone who simply learns best when nobody’s rushing them. Educ8 SA exists to give that kind of potential somewhere to actually show up. Potential Isn’t Always Visible in a Classroom A traditional classroom measures a rather narrow slice of ability: how well a student performs on a test, on a given day, at a pace set by somebody else. That’s a reasonable measurement for some people and a poor one for others. A child who struggles to sit still for 6 hours might excel if they have the chance to control how and when they work. Potential that doesn’t fit the box doesn’t disappear; it just goes unmeasured. What Unlocking Potential Actually Requires Educ8 SA’s online, self-paced curricula are specifically selected to give hidden potential room to surface. The flexibility allows a student to work in a way where they can actually learn, environmentally, quickly, slowly, and in deep focus. There is no fixed pace to fall behind. Each path is personalized to every individual student, with real-time feedback and monthly to weekly check-ins depending on your package! Why This Matters Long After School A child who discovers what they’re capable of early carries that with them. It shows up as confidence to try subjects they may have previously avoided, independence to manage their own learning, and, eventually, the foundation to keep building toward further study or a career they may not have considered before. Potential, once it’s actually seen, tends to keep growing. Get Started If you suspect there’s more to your child’s ability than their current environment is showing you, it might be worth a different approach. Call: +27 21 431 9258Email: [email protected]: www.educ8sa.com Educ8 SA gives every learner the space to find out what they’re actually capable of. On their term. At their pace.

October 13, 2026

Beautiful Creatures: Big Music for Little People

Biography 2026 Beautiful Creatures is a pioneering South African children’s music project created by musicians and writers Ed Jordan and Alan Glass. Born from a desire to create children’s music that parents could genuinely enjoy too, the project began in 2004 with a simple but ambitious idea: to make music that entertained, educated and celebrated the natural world without talking down to children. Today, over 20 years later, the songs are as relevant as ever, while artwork and characters get a modernised look-and-feel to appeal to children of today. Jordan and Glass, who knew each other from their time at the University of the Witwatersrand’s drama school, combined their talents as composer, songwriter, musician and lyricist to create a distinctly South African sound. Their songs brought African animals to life through memorable characters including Imvubu the Happiest Hippo, Lucas the Lazy Lion, Zee Bee Dee Bee Dee the Zebra, Lorenzo the Luckiest Lizard and Wallace the Wondrous Warthog, amongst many, many others. The original Beautiful Creatures album was released was followed by a growing catalogue that explored African wildlife, the ocean, bedtime, lullabies and children’s emotional development. Albums including More Beautiful Creatures, Even More Beautiful Creatures, Beautiful Creatures of the Sea, Beautiful Bedtime, Beautiful Lullabies and Beautiful Me expanded the world and introduced new characters, stories and themes. The project has always placed a strong emphasis on quality, working with leading South African musicians, singers and performers. Musicians include TK, Shaluza Max Mntambo, Bongani Maseko, Kurt Darren, Frank Opperman, Ronell Erasmus and others. Its music combines playful storytelling with African rhythms and positive messages around nature, conservation, diversity, confidence and emotional development. More than two decades after its creation, Beautiful Creatures continues to introduce a new generation to its music and characters, demonstrating the enduring appeal of songs that can be enjoyed by children and parents together. Its legacy is one of imagination, education, African identity and a belief that children’s music can be both meaningful and musically sophisticated. Beautiful Creatures is available to stream on Spotify, Apply, Deezer, Tidal, YouTube, Musicafricadirect.com and more. Find them here: https://linktr.ee/beautifulcreaturesalbums?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=a70f1811-c1af-4873-abdb-b1c1e38b235e “Best music for kids and adults to enjoy together or separately, clever lyrics and catchy music with inimitable voices” – Gaby Aizenman “My son grew up with this and I now I play it for my niece and nephew 15 years later – it’s the best!” – Andrea Doig

October 13, 2026

Dragon Ball Daima premieres exclusively on Cartoon Network

Goku and company are back — albeit pint-sized. Dragon Ball Daima, a brand-new instalment in the legendary Dragon Ball franchise, premieres as a Pay TV exclusive on Cartoon Network (channel 301) on Monday, 12 October, airing every weekday at 17:10 CAT. Goku and his friends were living peaceful lives when they suddenly find themselves turned small by a mysterious conspiracy. Searching for answers, they discover the cause may lie within a hidden realm known as the “Demon World.” There, a young Majin named Glorio appears before them, setting the stage for a brand-new adventure across uncharted territory. With 20 episodes in this first instalment, Dragon Ball Daima gives longtime fans a fresh mystery to unravel while keeping the franchise’s signature blend of action, humour and heart fully intact. It’s an ideal entry point for anyone curious about the Dragon Ball universe, and a must-watch for the fandom’s most devoted followers. Join Goku and the gang on their strangest adventure yet, every weekday from 17:10 CAT, only on Cartoon Network.

October 12, 2026

How to Secure Your Child’s Learning Path for 2027

The rush for school places has begun, and the early figures show just how much pressure South Africa’s education system will face in 2027. Within four hours of Gauteng’s online admissions system opening on 5 August, more than 210,000 Grade 1 and Grade 8 applications had been submitted. Within days, the number climbed to almost half a million applications, renewing attention on the availability of classroom space across the province. The Gauteng Department of Education has indicated that learner enrolment increased by more than 23,000 during the past year. This is equivalent to the capacity of approximately 19 additional schools accommodating 1,200 learners each. The scale of the demand has again made school placement one of the biggest concerns for parents preparing for the new academic year. The anxiety is understandable. In December 2025, more than 10,000 Gauteng Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners were still waiting for placements for the 2026 school year. Some families later received placements at schools situated far from their homes, creating additional transport, cost and logistical pressures. “For parents, a school placement is never simply an administrative outcome. It determines daily routines, transport arrangements, household costs and, most importantly, whether a child can begin the year settled and ready to learn,” says Louise Schoonwinkel, Chief Commercial Officer at Optimi, of which Impaq is a registered trademark. While provincial education departments continue working to place learners, the level of demand has highlighted the importance of having a clear education plan in place well before January. Certainty Should Come Before Urgency Many parents wait for a placement outcome before investigating other education options. By that stage, the decision may be driven by urgency rather than by what will work best for the learner and the family. Alternative education models can provide a structured, recognised path for families who want greater certainty about the year ahead. They can also suit children whose learning needs, health, family circumstances, sporting commitments or personal wellbeing make a traditional classroom setting less suitable. “Parents should have the opportunity to make an informed decision based on how their child learns, the academic support available and the realities of family life. Waiting until there is a placement problem can turn an important education decision into a crisis-management exercise,” says Schoonwinkel. Choosing home or online education does not mean stepping away from academic standards. Parents should ask questions such as: Which curriculum will the learner follow? Who provides academic support? How are assessments managed? How will progress be reported? What is the pathway to matric? Impaq provides a CAPS-aligned education path from Grade R to Grade 12. Families can choose its homeschool offering from Grade R to Grade 12, while the Impaq Online School is available from Grade 4 to Grade 12. The homeschool option is parent-led and includes CAPS-aligned lesson material, tasks, tests and examinations. Learners can also access some recorded lessons, live subject-support sessions and advice from qualified teachers. Further, the Optimi Learning Portal assists families with planning, capturing marks and generating report cards, giving parents a clear view of the learner’s progress. The Impaq Online School provides full-time live classes presented by qualified teachers, along with learning material, structured assessments, marking, feedback and additional subject support. Both approaches provide a clear academic framework and allow parents to monitor whether their child is keeping pace with the required curriculum. A Decision Based on the Child Placement pressure may prompt parents to investigate home or online education, but it should not be the only consideration. A successful transition requires an honest assessment of the learner’s needs and the level of support available at home. Some children work well independently and enjoy taking greater ownership of their learning. Others need the routine and interaction of live teacher-led lessons. Parents should also consider their own availability, the learner’s study habits, subject choices and the type of academic guidance that may be needed during the year. “Peace of mind comes from knowing that your child has a structured curriculum, appropriate academic support and a clear path through each grade,” says Schoonwinkel. “Starting the conversation early gives families time to compare the options, prepare properly and help the learner approach the change with confidence.” Registrations for Impaq’s 2027 academic year are open. Parents who want to secure a clear learning plan for the year ahead can begin the enrolment conversation now, rather than waiting for placement uncertainty to determine their next step.

October 12, 2026

The Quiet Child in the Room: When Silence Is Temperament and When to Look Closer

A child who races into preschool talking before their bag has hit the floor is easy to read. The child who hangs back, watches and says very little can be harder. For many children, quietness is simply part of their temperament. They observe before joining in, prefer one friend to a noisy group or need time before they feel comfortable speaking. There is nothing wrong with that. But quietness can sometimes deserve a closer look, particularly when it is new, accompanied by distress or noticeably different from one setting to another. “A child who shouts, pushes or has a meltdown will usually be noticed immediately,” says Ursula Assis, Managing Director of Dibber International Preschools South Africa. “A child who quietly withdraws can sit in the same room without disrupting anyone. That is why we need to notice patterns rather than assume silence always means a child is content.” Temperament or Something More? A naturally reserved child may spend the first part of a birthday party beside a parent before eventually joining in. At preschool, they might listen during a group conversation but happily talk to a trusted educator later. A useful question is not simply, “How much does this child talk?” but, “How does this child seem while they are quiet?” If they appear relaxed, play, form relationships and gradually participate, quietness may simply be their way of approaching the world. Labels do not necessarily help. “Saying, ‘She’s the shy one,’ can turn a behaviour into an identity,” says Assis. “It can be more accurate to say, ‘She likes to watch for a while before she joins in.’ That leaves room for the child to develop at their own pace.” Language Can Add Another Layer In South Africa, language can add another layer. A child may speak isiZulu or Sesotho freely at home but be quieter in an English-speaking preschool while their confidence in that language develops. That does not mean learning more than one language is causing a problem. Evidence reviewed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association does not support bilingualism as a cause of language delay. What matters is the broader picture of how the child communicates across the languages and environments they know. When Change Is the Clue A bigger reason to pay attention is change. A child who has always been quiet presents a different picture from a previously talkative child who suddenly withdraws, stops joining activities they enjoyed or becomes noticeably less communicative. There may be a straightforward explanation. A new classroom, a family change, tiredness or a difficult friendship can all affect behaviour. The important thing is to notice the shift rather than immediately assign a meaning to it. “Change from a child’s usual behaviour often tells us more than the behaviour on its own,” Assis says. “If a child suddenly stops talking, playing or engaging in the way they normally do, we would want to understand what has changed.” Quietness accompanied by increasing clinginess, persistent physical complaints, sleep changes or strong avoidance of certain situations may also warrant a conversation with a professional. None of these signs, by themselves, provides a diagnosis. A Pattern Worth Understanding One particular pattern deserves careful attention. Some children speak comfortably at home but are consistently unable to speak in particular social settings, such as preschool. This can sometimes be associated with selective mutism, an anxiety disorder in which a child who can speak in some situations is unable to do so in others where speaking is expected. It is not deliberate refusal. A persistent pattern should be discussed with an appropriate professional, such as a paediatrician, child psychologist or speech-language therapist. Repeatedly pushing an anxious child to “say hello” or “use your words” may increase the pressure they already feel. Quiet Children Are Easy to Overlook Quiet children can also be easier to overlook in busy classrooms. The child needing help calls the educator. Someone spills water. Two children argue over the same toy. Meanwhile, the quiet child sits at an activity and appears to need nothing. This is where observation matters. An educator needs to notice who joins play easily and who stays at its edge, who regularly contributes and who rarely gets heard, and whether a child’s behaviour has changed over time. Parents and educators comparing what they see can be especially useful. A child who barely speaks at preschool but tells long stories at home presents a different picture from one who has become withdrawn everywhere. What Parents Can Do For parents, the first response does not have to be complicated. Describe rather than judge. “You’re watching the children play” puts less pressure on a child than “Why are you being so shy?” Give them time to settle. One child and one activity may be easier to approach than an entire group. A gesture or nod can also be communication while words take longer to arrive. At Dibber, Engaged Educators™ are encouraged to pay attention to these quieter patterns of behaviour as part of getting to know each child. “The goal is never to turn a quiet child into a loud child,” says Assis. “It is to understand the difference between a child who is comfortable in their quietness and one who may be finding something difficult.” Most quiet moments do not need to be fixed. Sometimes a child is watching, thinking or waiting until they feel ready. The important thing is that silence does not make them invisible.

October 12, 2026

Why Gut Health Is the New Foundation of Wellness

ProbiFlora™, a multistrain probiotic range,¹ knows that gut health is the new foundation of wellness.² Yet most of us only think about gut health when our tummies start causing trouble, whether it’s bloating after a meal or constipation. Paying attention to your gut health can help you support your gut before small discomforts become harder to manage.³ What Is the Gut Flora? Inside your digestive tract lives a vast community of microorganisms known as the gut microbiome. It includes bacteria, viruses, fungi and other tiny organisms, with bacteria making up the largest share.⁴ Around 70 to 80 percent of the body’s immune cells are found in the gut, where they help identify what is harmless, what poses a threat and which beneficial bacteria should be left alone.⁵ The gut also communicates with the brain through the gut-brain axis, a two-way messaging system linked to mood, sleep and stress.⁴ What Can Disrupt Your Microbiome? Antibiotics are one of the biggest disruptors of gut health. A single course of broad-spectrum antibiotics may remove large numbers of helpful bacteria within days. Many recover over the following weeks or months, but some may not return to their previous levels.⁴ What you eat also shapes what is happening in your gut. Meals high in processed foods, sugar and saturated fat can reduce the variety of helpful bacteria and give fewer desirable microbes more room to grow. Stress, poor sleep, too much alcohol and very little movement can also affect the balance of your gut flora.⁴ With ProbiFlora™ Your Gut Is Good! When your gut needs more than everyday support, ProbiFlora™ Adult Intensive Rescue,⁶ rebuilds balance fast after gut disruptions. For daily support, ProbiFlora™ Adult Everyday Flora Balance,⁷ protects and restores gut flora and improves gut function, so you can feel light, balanced and ready for anything. If comfort and regularity are your focus, ProbiFlora™ Adult Classic Bowel Support,⁸ with four active strains for bowel support, provides relief from bowel discomfort and diarrhoea, while supporting immunity and gut balance. Across the family range, daily use ProbiFlora™ Infant Drops⁹ offer a three-strain probiotic combination for immunity and gut support. For older children, ProbiFlora™ Junior Everyday Flora Balance Chews¹⁰ bring 3 everyday strains tailored for juniors into an easy format because happy tummies mean happy, active kids. Your gut works hard for you every day. Healthy habits can go a long way, but there are times when it may need extra support to get back into balance. That is where ProbiFlora™ can help, with targeted probiotic support designed to restore balance and give your gut exactly what it needs to feel good. ProbiFlora™‘s range of products are available from leading pharmacies and retailers nationwide. For more information, visit https://probiflora.co.za/ and join the conversations on Instagram and Facebook. Approval ticket #05.08.2026.1000006241. August 2026.

October 12, 2026

18 Years of Wriggling, Rhyming and Growing Together

Eighteen years. That’s a lot of singing, clapping, giggling, smiling, wriggling … and quite a few questionable dance moves! This October, Wriggle and Rhyme is celebrating its 18th birthday – something I find both slightly surreal and incredibly special. The birth Back in 2008, I was a mom with two very young children, a love of music and a rather desperate search for a music class that inspired me. As a trained musician (piano and orchestral percussion), I decided to create one myself. Wriggle and Rhyme began with a single class in the lounge of my home in Fish Hoek. I certainly didn’t have a grand 18-year plan! What started as a little music group has grown into a proudly South African music and movement programme reaching babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers through classes, pre-school programmes, original songs and musical stories. The passion But while the business has grown, the heart of Wriggle and Rhyme hasn’t changed. I remain deeply passionate about music education and the incredible role music can play in a child’s development. Music isn’t simply something children listen to – it’s something they can experience, explore and learn through. I often say “we don’t teach music, we use music to teach!”. Singing supports language and listening; movement develops coordination and body awareness; rhythm builds musical understanding; and making music together creates opportunities for connection, confidence and social development. And perhaps my favourite thing of all? We make learning feel like FUN. The family But Wriggle and Rhyme has never been a one-woman show. It’s a family. It’s a team. Over 18 years, an extraordinary group of teachers, musicians, creatives, administrators and behind-the-scenes heroes have helped shape W&R into what it is today. There have been countless people who have poured their energy, creativity and love into this little musical family – and I’m incredibly grateful for every one of them. The newbie And now, as we celebrate 18 years, we’re delighted to welcome the newest member of the Wriggle and Rhyme family: Snugglers. Created especially for moms and their babies aged 2–5 months, Snugglers brings our love of music into those precious early months – using music to care for both mom and baby, bring comfort, joy and nurture their beautiful bond. It feels very fitting that after 18 years of making music with little people, we’re going right back to the beginning – to babies, their moms and the power of music. So, here’s to 18 years of musical adventures. To the babies who became toddlers, the toddlers who became teenagers, the moms who became friends, the teachers who became family – and to every person who has been part of the Wriggle and Rhyme story! And to our newest little family member, Snugglers – welcome to the world! The music is still playing. And we’re still wriggling. Musical resources Find us at www.wriggleandrhyme.co.za or on Facebook and Instagram @wrigglerhyme.

October 9, 2026

Online School Doesn’t Mean Learning Alone

What Happens After Your Child Logs In? Technology makes online education possible. People make it a school. Students still need educators, academic guidance, encouragement and opportunities to connect. Parents also need confidence that their child isn’t expected to navigate their education alone. At Wingu, the learning experience extends beyond online lessons. The wider student experience includes Student Success Advisors, SEN & Wellness, Supplementary Tuition and Student Development. This allows learners to develop greater independence while still having a support structure around them. Social connection matters too. Clubs, engagement opportunities and student activities help learners experience community beyond their academic programme. If you’re considering online school for 2027, don’t only ask what happens on the screen. Ask what support surrounds your child. Discover the Wingu experience

October 9, 2026

Finding Harmony Through Resilience

The first time I burnt out was around 2014, while teaching full-time in South Korea and doing a Master’s degree online. I was already being treated for chronic fatigue, which, along with the bone-deep tiredness, brought inexplicable inflammation that would take months to recover from. The last time, the fourth time, was in 2024, when I was in a toxic work situation and suffered a three-hour panic attack that doctors likened to having a heart attack. I had been pushing myself, trying to delay leaving the company to save up more money, until my body had to shout. I was completely depleted. Even taking a shower required planning, and a rest afterwards. I had driven myself to the brink, again, and I was done. When people asked me, while I was living abroad, what South Africans are like, I always answered, “Resilient. And we have a great sense of humour; we laugh when things are going well, and we laugh when things are going badly.” This all holds true. We have a wonderful strength to us, borne of adversity and the political and economic pressures that come with living in a multicultural, developing country. Where I missed the mark was in my understanding of what resilience means. Resilience is not simply bouncing back after setbacks. It is more than just getting up and dusting yourself off when you’ve fallen down. This was my mistake: Thinking that I had to keep going, to do more, to work harder. Resilience, at its core, is about being flexible, flowing like water; being able to recalibrate with awareness, to come back to our centre and our purpose, to find harmony no matter what life presents. What Is Resilience? Resilience cannot exist without self-compassion and the awareness of ourselves as part of a larger community. It takes introspection to be resilient rather than just obstinate. Resilience is having the ability to be productive and knowing when to rest. We need to invest in our own wellness practice and integrate the lessons and skills we learn along the way. We have to be attuned to ourselves, our values and our purpose, to act as our north star on the journey back from hardship or challenge. Without that, we don’t know what to return to. If we don’t know ourselves, our innermost desires and needs, what matters most to us and what we choose to frame our lives around, what do we set our sights on when we feel as if we’ve lost our way? Resilience relies on knowing ourselves well enough to find our way back to centre; to flow over and around obstacles on our life’s path. To return to harmony, which is ultimately the highest expression of ourselves. Harmony vs Balance We often hear people talk about achieving balance in life. But the thing about balance is that it has an implied burden of doing more. Not only that – it also means that you have to divide your time, energy, resources and capacity equally between all the different dimensions of your life. This is just not realistic, and especially for someone who is already feeling spread too thin, it requires too much mental and physical bandwidth. Harmony, on the other hand, doesn’t aim for a fixed state of equilibrium, but encourages a gentle, dynamic flow of energy, resources and mental load between the different aspects of life, as needed. In her Harmony Handbook, Melissa van Hal describes harmony as inviting “adaptability, alignment, and authenticity” (van Hal, 2025). It’s not about forcing a calm demeanour at all times, but about nurturing the ability to continually return to our centre. Harmony means we have the capacity to re-align and respond to the demands of our lives without burning out because we are trying to be everything for everybody all the time. Resilience Supports Harmony The secret to building our resilience lies in granting ourselves the grace to grow our capacity in small increments. Just as we don’t learn to swim by flinging ourselves into deep water on the first try, we have to take the baby steps and train ourselves over time. After a setback, we want to give ourselves the space and time to recalibrate, take a breath and reevaluate. To see if there is a lesson to be learned from the experience. Perhaps with hindsight, we can see that there was another pathway that we could have followed. Perhaps we realise that we weren’t playing to our strengths, and doing so would smooth the way and lead to a better or more achievable outcome. We often want to force ourselves into an attitude, or a notion of success, that we are just not currently ready for. Taking a step back to increase our perspective allows us to see a healthier, more sustainable approach that would serve us much better. Resilience is not just about getting back up and dusting ourselves off. It’s about looking at the experience from a new vantage point, practising kindness to ourselves and thinking about how to support and sustain our wellness. Maybe we can reach out to someone in our community to delegate a specific task to. Maybe we can arrange our schedules to make time to learn a new skill, or take that yoga class we’ve been aiming to go to. Maybe the thing we need is to do less, to expect less of ourselves, not more. Breaking complex or daunting tasks down into micro-steps until we get to a level that feels achievable. And herein lies the meeting point between resilience and harmony. By building our resilience slowly, mindfully, with a view to increasing our overall well-being, we place ourselves in harmony. Not only with all the external aspects of our lives, but with ourselves. We give ourselves the breathing space to look within, to get to know ourselves, to notice the way breath catches in our throats when we say yes when we mean no. When we ignore our fatigue to pick up the

October 9, 2026

Breast cancer awareness: The medical aid questions worth asking now

A breast cancer diagnosis can change far more than a person’s health. Alongside treatment decisions and emotional challenges, many patients and their families are suddenly faced with questions about medical aid benefits, healthcare costs and financial planning. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, understanding what your medical aid covers can be just as important as understanding the disease itself. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women in South Africa. According to CANSA, a woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is approximately one in 27. While Breast Cancer Awareness Month traditionally focuses on screening, early detection and treatment, it is also an opportunity to better understand your medical aid benefits and available support. Alongside the emotional and physical demands of treatment, many people find themselves having to make decisions about healthcare costs, time away from work, transport, caregiving responsibilities and household finances. “Every person’s experience with breast cancer is different, and no two treatment journeys look the same,” says Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer at Bonitas Medical Aid. “What many people also don’t anticipate is the financial and administrative burden that can accompany a diagnosis, even when medical aid cover is already in place.” Understanding your cover Having medical aid can provide valuable support during a serious illness, but understanding exactly what your plan covers is equally important. “People often assume that every cost associated with a cancer diagnosis will automatically be covered. A serious illness can quickly highlight the difference between having cover and understanding how that cover works,” Callakoppen explains. Cancer-related treatment may involve specific funding arrangements, healthcare provider networks, treatment protocols and authorisation requirements that differ between plan options. While Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) provide important protection for eligible cancer treatment, members should understand how their plan applies this cover. Before treatment is ever needed, make sure you understand: Questions to ask now The best time to ask about cancer-related cover is before you need to access treatment. Knowing the answers in advance can reduce delays and make difficult decisions easier to navigate. Consider asking: The hidden costs of treatment A common misconception is that the financial impact of serious illness begins and ends with treatment. In reality, additional expenses can continue throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Additional costs may include transport to specialist appointments, accommodation when treatment takes place away from home, nutritional support, caregiving assistance and specialised products such as mastectomy bras. Income may also be affected if patients need extended periods away from work. Family members or caregivers may likewise need to adjust their work commitments to provide supportive care. “Diagnostic procedures such as biopsies, PET scans and MRIs can also involve specific funding rules depending on a member’s option,” says Callakoppen. “Understanding these aspects of your cover can help reduce financial surprises and allow families to plan more confidently.” Support beyond treatment Following a diagnosis, engaging early with your medical scheme can help ensure treatment requirements and funding arrangements are clearly understood. Access to practical support can make a meaningful difference during treatment. For Bonitas members, this includes anOncology Management Programme that assists with oncology registration, treatment authorisation and benefit-related queries, as well as emotional support through qualified social workers. “Support during a cancer journey is about more than funding treatment,” says Callakoppen. “It is also about helping members understand the process, access available support and feel guided during a particularly difficult time.” Preparing for the unexpected Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to think beyond screening and diagnosis and consider how preparation can help individuals and families navigate treatment and recovery. “Financial preparedness cannot prevent a diagnosis, but it can help reduce uncertainty during a difficult time. Understanding your medical aid benefits, knowing what questions to ask and planning ahead can help individuals and families navigate treatment with greater confidence and peace of mind,” concludes Callakoppen.

October 8, 2026

The First Signs of Labour

If you’re expecting your first baby you’ve probably read up a little (or a lot) on pregnancy and birth process. Labour is something you’ve probably wondered about and seeing as every pregnancy is different, many moms experience different labour signs. However, there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for that you are about to meet your new baby soon. What to look (or feel) out for You may be worried that you won’t distinguish normal late pregnancy signs from the fact that you’ve started labour. Luckily your due date should give you an indication of when you could expect your baby to arrive, but this won’t always be the case. Here are some indicators that your baby is on the way. One of the more obvious signs of labour beginning is regular contractions. This will be different to the Braxton Hicks contractions you may have been experiencing leading up to this point. Labour contractions are longer, stronger and more frequent – when they come every 5 minutes you should call your doctor or midwife. Another sign your baby is on her way is your cervix dilating or beginning to open. This can start happening in the days or weeks before you deliver. Your baby will also move down into your pelvis during this time – which is known as your baby dropping. When your labour begins, the mucus plug which seals your cervix opening comes away. This jelly-like pink mucus is known as a show, and you may notice it when it passes out your vagina. Lower back pain, diarrhoea and looser feeling joints are all other signs that your labour may be starting. Another sign is your water breaking, this can happen in a gush but a trickle is more likely, most moms-to-be go into labour within 24 hours of their water breaking. Be sure to keep your birth partner in the loop about how you are feeling mentally and physically around the time of your birth. If you are at all worried about your baby or experience anything abnormal be sure to let your doctor know as soon as possible.

October 8, 2026

Batwheels races back with new episodes on Cartoonito

Gotham’s smallest heroes are back behind the wheel. Batwheels returns with brand-new, fully exclusive episodes on Cartoonito (channel 302), premiering Monday, 12 October at 15:25 CAT and airing every weekday. Bam, Redbird, Bibi, Batwing and Buff are thrust into fresh hijinks and action as they learn important lessons about teamwork and friendship while helping Batman, Robin and Batgirl defend Gotham City. With nine brand-new episodes in this run, there’s plenty of high-energy adventure — and heart — packed into every instalment. Batwheels has become a firm favourite for younger superhero fans thanks to its perfect mix of humour, action and positive lessons about working together. These new episodes promise more of the vehicle heroics and Gotham City fun that fans have come to love. Buckle up and join Bam and the crew every weekday at 15:25 CAT, only on Cartoonito.

October 7, 2026

2027 School Fees: What to Budget for and What You Can Lock In

School fees are only one line in the family education budget. Before committing to 2027, parents should know the full cost of the year, what is included, what is separate and which costs can be fixed in advance. A useful 2027 school budget starts with the full cost of the education your child will receive, not the number printed next to “annual tuition”. Registration fees, books, examinations, devices, internet access, transport, uniforms, aftercare and additional learning support can all change what a family ends up spending over the year. Some apply to physical schools, some to online schools, and some depend on the curriculum or qualification a child is following. With 2027 planning already under way, families have another question to consider: which of those costs can be confirmed before the new school year begins? For CambriLearn families, one of them can. The online school is currently allowing new and existing families to secure its 2026 course pricing for eligible 2027 enrolments, provided the required enrolment and payment steps are completed before 23:59 SAST on 31 October 2026. That makes October a sensible time to do the maths properly. Start with the Full Cost of the School Year School fees are easiest to compare when every cost is considered together. Start with tuition. Confirm the annual fee for the exact grade, curriculum, subjects and package your child will take. Then check registration fees. Some schools charge a once-off registration fee, while others have annual administration or enrolment charges. Add books and learning materials. Find out whether textbooks, workbooks, printed resources and other materials are included in the school fee or bought separately. For older learners, check examination costs. External examination and examination-centre fees can sit outside normal tuition and may be charged per subject. Include technology. Online learners need a suitable computer and reliable internet connection. These may already be household costs, but they still belong in the calculation. Consider additional support. A family may choose to use a tutor, learning coach, facilitator or other support depending on the learner’s age and needs. Finally, compare the daily logistics. A conventional school may involve transport, uniforms, meals and aftercare. An online school may remove some of those costs while creating different practical needs at home. The useful number is the total cost of the arrangement your child will use, not the monthly tuition figure on its own. Know What the Quoted Fee Includes “School fees” can describe very different things. At one school, the fee may cover most of the academic programme. At another, subjects, books, examinations or additional services may be charged separately. Online schooling is no different. Parents should ask for the cost of the specific pathway, grade, subjects and package their child needs. A generic “from” price is useful for orientation, but it is not a family budget. Older learners need particular care here. Examination fees can become a material part of the annual cost, especially where qualifications are assessed externally and fees are charged per subject. If a family is changing curriculum, the calculation should happen after the academic route has been checked. Choosing the wrong subjects cheaply is not a saving. Be Precise About What “Locking In Your Fees” Means CambriLearn’s current 2027 offer runs until 23:59 SAST on 31 October 2026 and applies to eligible new and existing students across its curriculum pathways. For an existing CambriLearn family, the offer secures the 2026 course fee for the child’s next-level 2027 subscription. That does not mean the child’s next level will necessarily cost the same amount as their current one. It means the family pays the 2026 price attached to the 2027 course they are selecting. For a new family, a once-off, non-refundable registration fee also applies. Extracurricular courses are excluded from the offer. Check the Payment Commitment Before Securing the Rate Parents should understand what payment is needed to qualify. Families using CambriLearn’s 10-month instalment option need to pay the first instalment to secure the fee lock. That instalment is held as non-refundable and non-transferable. The remaining instalments begin when the course activates. Families choosing the upfront option pay the full course fee. Ten per cent of that payment is held as non-refundable and non-transferable to secure the fee lock. The total course fee can also differ depending on whether the family chooses upfront payment or instalments. These are details worth understanding before checkout rather than afterwards. Course Start Dates Are Not Identical Across Every Pathway Another detail that can be missed in year-end planning is the activation date. For the current offer, CambriLearn states that CAPS, KABV and IEB courses will activate automatically on 11 January 2027. International British Curriculum and US pathway courses may be activated when the student is ready to commence. That is one reason parents should avoid assuming that every curriculum follows the same calendar. Before making payment, confirm the start date, examination schedule and any programme-specific deadlines that affect your child. Cost Certainty Is Useful, But the School Still Has to Fit the Child There is obvious value in knowing part of next year’s cost before next year arrives. It should not become the reason to choose the wrong school or curriculum. The academic questions still come first. Does the curriculum suit the learner? Does it keep the right qualification route open? Is the level correct? What support is included? What will the parent need to provide at home? Once those questions are settled, fixing a known 2027 cost becomes far more useful. A fee deadline can tell you when to make a decision. It should not make the decision for you. A Practical Way to Plan 2027 Before committing to any school for next year, write down the annual tuition, every compulsory additional cost, expected examination expenses, technology requirements and the practical cost of making the school day work at home. Then check which of those figures are fixed and which can still change. CambriLearn families who have already decided on their 2027 pathway can review the

October 7, 2026

When The Numbers Don’t Add Up – Understanding Dyscalculia

For many children, the world of mathematics is a logical progression of patterns and rules. But for others, numbers are a source of profound confusion and anxiety. This is not necessarily a reflection of intelligence or effort – rather, it is often the result of a specific neurological condition called dyscalculia, also known as a specific learning disability in mathematics. While most people are born with an innate number sense (an intuitive ability to understand and compare quantities) those with dyscalculia perceive numbers as confusing, arbitrary symbols. While even infants can notice when a group of sounds or objects changes in quantity, a dyscalculic brain struggles to make these basic connections. Neuroscientists have identified that our primary number processing occurs in the parietal lobe, located just above the ear. In a typical brain, this area allows us to subitise, which is the ability to look at a small group of dots and know there are four without counting them one by one. For a person with dyscalculia, this “gut feeling” for numbers is often missing. The mental bridge between the symbol (the digit 7) and the actual magnitude it represents (seven items) is unformed or fuzzy in the brain. Experts in mathematical learning emphasise that the subject is strictly hierarchical. It is built like a skyscraper; if the foundation is cracked, the upper floors will eventually collapse. Many children fail not because they cannot grasp complex algebra later in life, but because they never mastered that basic concept of number and quantity. One such example is decomposition and recompositing of number – the ability to see that a 10 can be broken into a 7 and a 3, or a 6 and a 4, manipulated, and put back together again. Without this mental flexibility, every mathematical task becomes a monumental chore for the working memory, and the individual relies on counting strategies their entire lives. Dyscalculia is often called the dyslexia of mathematics. Although not quite accurate, it is nearly as prevalent, affecting roughly 8 to 10 per cent of the population, and just as debilitating, yet it remains significantly under-diagnosed. The signs often go beyond simple arithmetic errors. They include place value confusion, such as writing “one hundred and two” as 1002, and persistent confusion between symbols like times and divide. Many also face great difficulty reading analogue clocks, telling the time, or estimating how long a task might take. Often, they rely on physical counting for basic addition long after their peers have moved to mental recall. The good news is that the brain is remarkably plastic. While dyscalculia is a lifelong condition, targeted intervention can build the neural bridges that are missing. One of the most effective strategies involves the prolonged use of manipulatives – physical objects like blocks, beads, or rods. These students need to “see” and “feel” the math so that they can strengthen visualisation skills. They need to physically break a block of ten into two fives to understand the logic of the number. This concrete experience should last much longer for a dyscalculic student than for their peers, moving slowly from the physical object to a visual drawing, and finally to the abstract symbol. By asking open-ended questions like, “What is being asked here?”, “How do you understand this question?” or “What comes next?”, we can help students internalise the underlying concepts rather than just mimicking a process or procedure they don’t understand. Low numeracy skills is a significant hurdle. Studies have shown that poor maths skills can impact a person’s life prospects even more than low literacy, affecting everything from financial management and debt to general employability. By identifying dyscalculia early, we can move away from the frustration and shame that so often characterise the dinner-table struggle over homework. We can replace defensive outbursts with tools and understanding. When we change the way we teach numbers, we don’t just help a child pass a test – we change their ability to navigate the world. For additional resources, visit www.bellavista.org.za Written by Annelize Clark Hendry, Occupational Therapist & HOD – Professional Awards at Bellavista School

October 7, 2026

The hidden reason children struggle to recover from a cold

Colds and kids go together like crayons and walls. Most children clock up around six to eight colds a year, and if they’re in daycare, that number can climb even higher. While the sniffle phase usually clears within about a week, a few things can drag cold symptoms out.1 Here’s how colds progress, what can slow recovery, plus simple ways to help your child feel more comfortable while they get back on their feet. What your child’s cold can look like day by day A sore throat may be the first clue that your child is coming down with a cold. Then, over the next day or two, the sneezing, runny nose and congestion often join the party. A cough, hoarse voice, tiredness and a mild fever can follow. The first few days are usually the roughest. After that, things should slowly start to improve. By around day five or six, many children are feeling more like themselves, even if the cough or blocked nose is still hanging around.2 The little things that can make a cold feel harder to shake Sometimes it is not the cold itself making your child feel rough for days on end. Poor sleep can leave your child’s immune system running on empty yet coughing and congestion can make a good night’s rest hard to come by. Let your child slow down and sleep when they need to, rather than expecting them to bounce straight back to their busy selves. Dehydration can also make cold symptoms feel worse, especially when fever, frequent nose blowing or some cold medicines are part of the picture. Ensure they drink fluids regularly, as this helps prevent dehydration and can make thick mucus easier to clear. A cool-mist humidifier may make a stuffy nose more comfortable. While there is no medicine that cures the common cold, some over-the-counter medication can help reduce symptoms while your child’s body does the actual virus-fighting.3 The power to fight pain and fever Panado®’s Paediatric Range deliver the trusted4 pain relief South African families have relied on for generations. The range includes Infant Drops,5 named Product of the Year 2025 in the Child – Health category following a Kantar survey of 2,000 South African consumers,6 as well as Peppermint Syrup7 with improved taste8 and Strawberry Syrup,9 which is also available in handy single-use 5 ml sachets9 for families on the go. Panado® products are available from Baby City, Pick n Pay, Checkers including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem and independent pharmacies. For more information, visit: https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook and Instagram. For references and legal disclaimers, visit https://panado.co.za/references. Approval ticket #11.08.20261000006178. August 2026.

October 7, 2026

Beantastic: a Mr Bean marathon returns to Cartoonito every Sunday

Cartoonito (channel 302) is turning Sundays into Beantastic days, with a fresh marathon of six Mr Bean episodes airing every week from Sunday, 11 October at 14:00 CAT. Mr Bean: The Animated Series follows the clumsy and quirky Mr Bean as he stumbles from one absurd misadventure to the next. With his teddy bear Teddy always close by and grumpy landlady Mrs Wicket never far behind, even the simplest everyday task spirals into chaos. The show’s slapstick humour and exaggerated animation have entertained generations of fans, and this marathon serves up a full season’s worth of laughs each week. The line-up runs across four consecutive Sundays: 11 October brings six Season 1 episodes, 18 October moves on to Season 2, 25 October serves up Season 3, and the marathon wraps on 1 November with six Season 4 episodes. It’s the perfect lazy Sunday watch for the whole family — no words needed, just non-stop physical comedy. Tune in every Sunday from 11 October at 14:00 CAT, only on Cartoonito.

October 6, 2026

Room to Grow: Why Self-Paced Learning Meets Every Child Where They Are

Growth isn’t a straight line. Some children race ahead in maths yet need more time with reading. Others thrive when they can take their time working through a tricky concept, rather than being rushed to finish with the rest of the class. Educ8 SA follows a core principle: real growth happens at different speeds for different learners, and our education should make room for that, not fight against it. The Trouble with One Growth Rate for Everyone Traditional classrooms are built for the average pace of thirty learners moving together. For a child who needs a bit more time, that pace turns into pressure. For a child who moves faster, it can feel like they’re standing still. Neither experience helps a child grow into their full ability; instead, it teaches them to keep up instead of doing any real learning. What Self-Paced Learning Actually Looks Like With Educ8 SA, growth is measured by progress, not the clock. Our online curricula programs let students move at their own pace, fill in learning gaps, track their own progress, and spend their time where it’s needed. Growth Beyond the Report Card When a child is allowed to grow at their own pace, it isn’t just academic; it’s personal. Students build the independence to manage their own time, grow confidence from genuinely mastering a topic rather than rushing past it, and develop digital literacy that comes with online learning! Getting Started If your child’s growth doesn’t fit the one-size-fits-all box, it might be time for a learning environment that adjusts to them instead. Call: +27 21 431 9258Email: [email protected]: www.educ8sa.com With Educ8 SA, growth isn’t something a child has to keep up with; it’s something they get to set the pace for.

October 6, 2026

How Skills Learnt at Sugar Bay Camp Boost Academic Performance

Doing well at school takes more than understanding the lesson. Children need to manage their time, work with classmates and ask for help. At Sugar Bay Camp in Zinkwazi Beach on the KZN North Coast, everyday camp experiences give them opportunities to practice these skills. Parents notice changes, too, and tell us about them in their feedback after camp. Hearing how children use what they’ve learnt once they’re home is especially rewarding. Here’s how those skills can support them at school. 1. Independence: taking ownership of schoolwork Choosing activities and managing daily routines at camp gives children practice in making decisions. Back at school, they can apply that independence to organising homework and preparing for lessons. Let your child suggest their homework plan, then check it together. 2. Teamwork: contributing to group projects Camp activities involve listening, sharing ideas and working towards a common goal. These skills are useful in classroom discussions and group assignments. Encourage your child to agree on responsibilities with classmates so everyone has a part to play. 3. Resilience: working through difficult subjects Learning a new activity can take several attempts. Children get to experience how practice and guidance help them improve, giving them something to draw on when schoolwork feels difficult. At home, help your child choose a manageable next step, such as reviewing an example or asking for an explanation. 4. Curiosity: finding a reason to learn A camp activity can spark an interest children want to explore further. Encourage their interests with a library book, a school club or a project they choose. Give them room to follow their own questions without making it another homework assignment. 5. Social confidence: participating in class Meeting new campers provides practice in starting conversations and joining unfamiliar groups. Asking counselors for guidance also gives children experience in speaking up when they need help. At home, practice putting a question into words so your child feels more prepared to ask their teacher. Sugar Bay offers school holiday camps for children and teens aged 7–17 in Zinkwazi Beach, north of Ballito and Durban, South Africa. Explore upcoming camps at sugarbay.co.za. As a parent, you want your child to feel capable when you’re not beside them. To ask for help, make a friend and give something difficult another go. At Sugar Bay, they have room to practice, with counselors there to guide and encourage them. Their reason for wanting to go might be the activities. Yours might be knowing they’ll have the chance to discover how much they can do for themselves. Give your child that opportunity at Sugar Bay in Zinkwazi Beach on the KZN North Coast. Camps welcome children and teens aged 7–17. Explore upcoming camps and book their stay. Parents can book online here: https://www.sugarbay.co.za/book-a-holiday View all 2026 & 2027 Sugar Bay camp dates here: https://www.sugarbay.co.za/2026-school-holiday-camp-dates For booking help, contact the Sugar Bay team: Call: 032 485 3778 WhatsApp: 082 525 9503 Email: [email protected]

October 6, 2026

When School No Longer Suits Your Child, Education Can Continue

405 000 South African children were not enrolled at school in 2024. That is the deeply concerning figure highlighted in a new report – and behind that number are hundreds of thousands of children whose education, future employment prospects and opportunities are potentially being affected. The figure, contained in the Department of Basic Education’s recently released General Household Survey 2024: Focus on Schooling, represents far more than a statistic. Behind it are hundreds of thousands of young people whose education has been interrupted, delayed or stopped altogether. There is no single reason why children find themselves outside the schooling system. Unfortunately, issues such as financial pressures, family circumstances, relocation, health challenges, learning difficulties or disengagement from education can all play a role. And, for some families, simply securing a place at a suitable school close to home can be difficult. The extraordinary demand for places in some provinces ahead of the 2027 academic year gives another view of the pressure on the system. When Gauteng’s online admissions platform opened at 08:00 on 5 August, more than 200,000 Grade 1 and Grade 8 applications had already been submitted by midday. Within days, the number was approaching half a million applications. High application numbers do not automatically translate into hundreds of thousands of learners without places, but they do demonstrate the enormous scale of demand that provincial education systems must manage each year. The immediate priority must, of course, be to get children into education. But placement is only part of the challenge. We also need to ask what happens after a child has entered the education system. How do we keep learners engaged through primary and high school? And what happens when circumstances change and the conventional schooling route no longer works for a particular learner or family? “Getting a child into Grade 1 is enormously important, but our responsibility does not end there,” says Louise Schoonwinkel, Chief Commercial Officer at Optimi, of which Impaq is a registered trademark. “Every learner needs a credible route all the way through their school career to complete matric. We need to become equally concerned about the child who enters the system successfully but falls out somewhere along the way.” Education Should Not Depend on One Route Home education and online schooling have become increasingly established choices for South African families. They may be considered because of geography, sport or cultural commitments, family circumstances, a learner’s individual needs, relocation, or because the conventional school environment is no longer suitable for that child. Parents considering one of these learning models need to understand the curriculum being followed, how teaching takes place, how progress is assessed, what support is available and, particularly in the senior grades, how the learner will progress towards a recognised National Senior Certificate (matric). “Leaving a school environment should not have to mean leaving education,” says Schoonwinkel. “If a learner cannot continue along one route, families need to know what credible alternatives exist and what is required to keep that child progressing academically.” Preventing Learners from Disappearing Later The conversation about access to education tends to intensify at the beginning of the school journey, particularly during Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions. But the risk of leaving education does not disappear once a learner has secured a desk. The later high-school years can present their own pressures. Academic difficulty, financial circumstances, family responsibilities, health challenges or significant changes at home can make completing Grades 10 to 12 difficult. This is where greater awareness of alternative education pathways becomes particularly important. A learner experiencing a difficult year should not automatically conclude that the only options are to cope with the existing situation or abandon matric altogether. Instead, home schooling can allow learners to follow a structured curriculum outside the conventional school environment, while online schooling can provide a teacher-led school experience remotely. The appropriate choice will depend on the learner, the family and the level of academic support required. Matric Does Not Always Have to Happen in One Year For Grades 10 – 12, families may not realise that there can be another pathway when completing the full subject load in one year becomes difficult. Through Impaq, South Africa’s largest provider of home and online schooling, Grade 10-12 learners can divide the subject load between the two years and, provided the combined results meet the National Senior Certificate requirements, request that the statements of results be combined through SACAI into a single matric certificate at the end of their Grade 12 journey. This is not an easier matric. The learner must still meet the required academic and certification standards. What does change, is the time available to complete those requirements. For a learner dealing with serious sporting commitments, health circumstances, family disruption or simply an academic load that has become unmanageable, knowing that such a route exists can be the difference between continuing and giving up. “We sometimes speak about education as though there is only one acceptable timeline,” says Schoonwinkel. “There are learners for whom completing seven Grade 12 subjects in one year is entirely manageable, and there are others whose circumstances make that extremely difficult.” Parents Need Information Before a Crisis Arrives Alternative education pathways should not only become part of the conversation when a family reaches crisis point. Parents should understand their options before they need them. That means knowing the difference between home education and online schooling, understanding whether a programme follows CAPS or another curriculum, checking how assessments are managed and establishing what support is available. When a child’s circumstances change, do families know where to turn? No single education model will be right for every child. Equally, we should be cautious about suggesting that alternative learning models can solve the complex socio-economic and structural reasons that hundreds of thousands of South African children are outside education. But recognising that education does not always have to take place in exactly the same way, in exactly the same environment or according to exactly the same timeline. Registrations for Impaq’s

October 5, 2026

Family Adventures Start at Trail’s End

Swap screens and schedules for fresh mountain air, muddy shoes and days filled with adventure at Trail’s End Adventure Hotel in Grabouw. Whether it’s a weekend escape, a school holiday adventure or simply time for the family to get out of the city, Trail’s End offers a refreshing change of pace, with plenty of ways to get active, explore and have fun together. Just over an hour from Cape Town, Trail’s End is an adventure-focused hotel where families can fill their days with activities, or simply choose a few favourites and take things at their own pace. Adventure starts at the hotel You don’t need to leave the property to keep the family entertained. Take a dip in the swimming pool, challenge the kids to a game of table tennis, or let them burn off some energy on the climbing wall. For cycling families, there’s a flow trail and a pump track to tackle, while bike rentals make it easy for the whole family to get out and explore. The beauty is that everyone can choose their own level of adventure. One child might be racing around the pump track while another is trying the climbing wall, while parents enjoy a little downtime before joining in the fun. And, of course, there is always the opportunity to simply relax together and enjoy the mountain setting. Discover Africa’s cycling history Trail’s End is not only Africa’s first Bike Hotel, but is also home to the first Bicycle Museum in Africa, making it a fascinating stop for families who want to add something different to their adventure. Curated by Professor Mike Bruton, the museum features two galleries: ‘The History of the Bicycle’ and ‘Celebrating Bicycles in Africa’. It’s an opportunity for children and parents to discover how bicycles have evolved over time and explore the important role they have played across Africa. For young cycling enthusiasts, it adds another layer to the experience – turning a family stay into an opportunity to explore, learn and discover together. Take the adventure further For families looking for something a little more adventurous, Trail’s End can also arrange a selection of add-on activities to make your stay even more memorable. Try your hand at archery, get the adrenaline going with quad biking, discover the surrounding area on a guided cycle, or give the children an experience that is both fun and educational with outdoor education activities. This means you can create a getaway that suits your family, whether that means a relaxed weekend with a few activities thrown in, or a full-on adventure packed with things to see and do. A holiday that gets everyone moving There is something wonderfully refreshing about a family holiday centred around being outdoors. Instead of children spending their time off in front of screens, days at Trail’s End can be spent cycling, climbing, swimming, playing and exploring. Parents get to join in too, because family adventures are even better when everyone gets involved. And after a day of activity, there is nothing quite like returning to the hotel tired, happy and ready to relax. The memories are in the moments The best family holidays aren’t always about elaborate plans. Sometimes they’re about the spontaneous moments: a race around the flow trail, finally making it to the top of the climbing wall, a family game of ping pong, learning to shoot a bow and arrow, exploring the Bicycle Museum, or discovering a new trail together. These are the experiences children remember – and the ones parents treasure long after the holiday is over. Good food to refuel After a morning of cycling, climbing and exploring, hungry adventurers need somewhere to refuel. Trail’s End’s onsite restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, making it easy for families to enjoy a delicious meal without having to leave the property. From a hearty breakfast before heading out for the day to a relaxed dinner after an afternoon of adventure, everything you need for a comfortable family getaway is close at hand. At Trail’s End, families have the freedom to make their own adventure. Stay active, try something new, explore the outdoors and, most importantly, enjoy being together. Book direct for best value: trailsend.bike

October 5, 2026

Six Simple Science Experiments That Get Preschoolers Asking Questions

A bowl of water, a few raisins, an old torch and the contents of a kitchen cupboard may not look much like a science lesson. To a preschooler, though, they can provide plenty to investigate. Young children spend a great deal of time testing the world around them. They pour water from one container to another, build things to see how high they can go and repeat an action to find out whether the same thing will happen again. That instinct gives parents an easy entry point into early science. “Science with young children does not need to begin with explanations or terminology,” says Ursula Assis, Managing Director of Dibber International Preschools South Africa. “It can begin with a question. What do you think will happen? Why do you think that happened? Giving children time to make a prediction and then see the result for themselves makes the experience far more interesting.” And it does not require specialist equipment. Here are six experiments families can try with ordinary household items. 1. Will It Sink or Float? Fill a basin with water and collect a few objects such as a plastic block, wooden spoon, cork or large stone. Before putting each object into the water, ask the child what they think will happen. Then test it. The experiment introduces children to the idea that different objects behave differently in water. For older preschoolers, parents can begin using simple words such as floating, sinking and buoyancy without expecting them to master the science behind them. The prediction is just as valuable as the result. Being wrong is part of the experiment. 2. Make Water “Walk” Place several clear cups in a row and partly fill every second cup with water. Add different food colouring to the filled cups, then connect each cup to the next with folded pieces of paper towel. Over time, the coloured water begins travelling through the paper towel into the empty cups. Children are watching capillary action: the movement of water through small spaces in the paper fibres. They may be more interested in the colours meeting in the middle, which creates another useful conversation: what happens when two colours mix? 3. Try Magic Milk Pour a little milk into a shallow dish and add several drops of food colouring. Dip a cotton bud into dishwashing liquid and touch it gently to the surface of the milk. The colours quickly move and swirl. The reaction happens because soap affects the liquid’s surface tension and interacts with the fat in the milk. A preschooler does not need that full explanation. “What changed when we added the soap?” may be enough. 4. Watch Raisins Dance Drop a few raisins into a glass of sparkling water and wait. Bubbles of carbon dioxide attach to the raisins’ wrinkled surfaces and can lift them toward the top. When the bubbles burst, the raisins may fall again. For a child, watching the same raisin repeatedly rise and fall is often enough to prompt the inevitable question: why? 5. Investigate Shadows Science can also begin outside. On a sunny day, ask a child to look at their shadow and notice where it falls. Try again later. Has it moved? Is it longer or shorter? Indoors, a torch and a wall can produce the same kind of experimentation. Move the light closer to an object, then further away, and watch what happens to the shadow. Children begin to see that changing the light’s position changes what they see. 6. Make Static Electricity Visible Inflate a balloon and rub it against a woollen jersey or hair. Bring it close to small pieces of paper and watch them move towards it. Rubbing the materials together can build up an electrical charge, producing the attraction the child can see. Again, the terminology can wait. At preschool age, surprise is a perfectly good place to begin the conversation. The Questions Matter as Much as the Experiment There is a temptation for adults to explain everything immediately. Assis suggests resisting it occasionally. “If the adult gives the answer before the child has had time to wonder, part of the opportunity disappears,” she says. “Ask what they noticed. Let them have an idea, even if that idea turns out to be wrong. Then try it again.” Repeating an experiment can be useful too. A child who wants to sink the same objects for the fifth time may be checking whether the outcome remains the same, changing something or simply enjoying the satisfaction of knowing what is about to happen. There is no need to turn that into a formal lesson. Adult supervision matters throughout, particularly when activities involve small objects, balloons, glassware or substances such as dishwashing liquid. Items used in the experiments should not be eaten or left with young children unattended. At Dibber, hands-on investigation is part of how children are encouraged to explore ideas in the early years. The purpose is less about producing a correct scientific answer and more about giving children opportunities to notice, predict, test and reconsider. “Curiosity is already there,” says Assis. “Adults do not have to manufacture it. Sometimes all we need to do is put something interesting in front of a child and give them enough time to see where the question takes them.” The raisins will eventually stop dancing, and the coloured water will be poured away. The question that started it all, though, may lead somewhere else entirely: What happens if we try this?

October 5, 2026

Thinking About Switching Schools for 2027?

Is Your Child’s School Still the Right Fit? Choosing a school is about more than subjects and results. Parents also need to consider support, wellbeing, flexibility, communication and whether the environment allows their child to thrive. For families thinking about switching in 2027, ask what happens beyond the classroom. Who supports your child when they struggle? How is progress monitored? What opportunities exist for connection and personal growth? At Wingu Academy, online learning is supported by educators, Student Success Advisors and a broader student-support structure designed around the learner. Wingu also offers different curriculum pathways, allowing families to explore an educational route suited to their child’s journey. Explore Wingu’s curriculum options If you’re questioning whether your child’s current school is still the right fit, 2027 could be the opportunity to explore something different. Discover Wingu Academy

October 2, 2026

Having a Baby? 7 Medical Aid Benefits Parents Often Forget to Use

Preparing for a baby comes with a long list of expenses, from the cot and car seat to nappies and everything in between. Medical costs can also add up quickly. What many parents don’t realise is that their medical aid may include maternity and newborn benefits they aren’t fully using. Benefits differ between medical aid schemes and plans, but understanding what’s available before your baby arrives can help you get more value from your cover and avoid some unexpected expenses. According to Adriaan Schoeman from MedicalAid.com, one of the biggest mistakes expecting parents make is assuming that all pregnancy-related expenses will automatically be paid from their normal medical aid benefits. “Parents should contact their medical aid as early as possible in the pregnancy and ask for a full breakdown of their maternity benefits. Some benefits may only become available once you register for the scheme’s maternity programme, while others have specific limits, networks or authorisation requirements. Knowing this upfront can make a big difference when it comes to unexpected medical bills.” Here are seven benefits worth checking. 1. Antenatal Consultations Regular antenatal check-ups are an important part of monitoring the health of both mother and baby. Depending on your medical aid plan, some antenatal consultations with a GP, midwife or gynaecologist may be covered through a maternity benefit rather than your normal day-to-day benefits. There may be limits on the number of consultations covered, and some schemes require you to use healthcare providers within their network. Ask your medical aid exactly how many consultations are included and whether you need to register your pregnancy before accessing the benefit. 2. Pregnancy Scans and Blood Tests Ultrasounds are often one of the highlights of pregnancy, but they also play an important medical role in monitoring your baby’s development. Some maternity benefits include specified ultrasound scans as well as certain routine blood tests. Depending on your plan, tests may include blood group and Rh testing, haemoglobin levels and other pregnancy-related screening. More specialised tests may not automatically be covered. Before having additional scans or tests, check whether your medical aid requires a referral or pre-authorisation. 3. Maternity Programmes One benefit that’s particularly easy to overlook is the maternity programme offered by some medical aid schemes. These programmes can provide pregnancy-related information and support throughout the different stages of pregnancy. Depending on the scheme, members may have access to educational resources, advice from healthcare professionals and additional maternity benefits. Registration isn’t necessarily automatic. Once your pregnancy has been confirmed, contact your scheme and ask whether you need to register for its maternity programme. 4. Childbirth and Hospital Benefits Whether you’re planning a vaginal delivery or Caesarean section, it’s important to understand your hospital benefits well before your due date. Your medical aid may cover the hospital admission, but that doesn’t necessarily mean every account will be paid in full. The hospital, gynaecologist, anaesthetist and paediatrician can submit separate accounts, and specialists may charge more than your scheme’s tariff. Check your hospital network, obtain pre-authorisation and ask how your medical aid will cover the different healthcare providers involved in the birth. 5. Lactation and Postnatal Support Going home with a newborn can bring an entirely new set of questions. Some medical aid maternity programmes provide postnatal support, which may include access to nurses, midwives or lactation advice. Certain plans may also contribute towards consultations with a lactation specialist. These benefits can be particularly useful if you’re struggling with breastfeeding or adjusting during the first few weeks after birth. Don’t assume the benefit isn’t available. Ask your scheme what postnatal services are included. 6. Newborn Screening and Early Check-ups Your baby’s first medical checks start almost immediately. Depending on your medical aid and plan, newborn benefits may include certain screenings, paediatric consultations or follow-up checks. One important administrative task is adding your baby to your medical aid within the scheme’s required timeframe. According to medicalaid.com, this is something parents should understand before going into hospital. “Ask your medical aid before the birth exactly how and when your baby must be registered. You don’t want to be trying to understand the rules for newborn cover while you’re dealing with hospital accounts and looking after a new baby.” Have the required documents ready and confirm the registration requirements with your scheme. 7. Baby Vaccinations and Preventative Care The medical expenses don’t stop once you leave hospital. Your baby will need vaccinations and routine healthcare as they grow. Some medical aid options provide preventative-care benefits that cover specified vaccinations or childhood health checks, subject to the scheme’s rules and benefit limits. Find out whether vaccinations are paid from a separate preventative benefit, your medical savings account or normal day-to-day benefits. Check Your Benefits Before Baby Arrives Every medical aid plan works differently. Two people belonging to the same medical aid scheme can have very different maternity benefits because they’re on different options. Ideally, contact your scheme early in the pregnancy and ask for a detailed breakdown of your maternity and newborn benefits. As Schoeman explains, “The important thing isn’t simply having medical aid. It’s understanding what your particular plan will pay for, what you need to register for and where you could still face out-of-pocket costs.” A few questions early in your pregnancy could help you avoid unexpected bills later – and make sure you’re actually using the benefits you’re already paying for. Adriaan Schoeman is from MedicalAid.com, a South African medical aid comparison website that helps consumers compare medical aid options and understand their healthcare cover.

October 2, 2026

Mental health vs mental illness: Why knowing the difference matters

An estimated one in three South Africans will experience a mental health condition during their lifetime, yet many people still struggle to distinguish between poor mental health and mental illness. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Everyone has mental health, just as everyone has physical health. Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing and can fluctuate in response to stress, life events and everyday challenges. Mental illness, on the other hand, refers to diagnosable conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia that can affect how a person thinks, feels and functions. According to Dr Themba Hadebe, Clinical Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund, knowing the difference between a difficult period and a potential mental illness is an important first step towards getting help. “It’s normal to experience stress, sadness or worry from time to time. However, when these feelings persist, worsen or begin affecting daily functioning, they may indicate something more serious that requires attention and support,” he says. Recognising the signs early can make a significant difference. Here are five indicators that it may be time to seek professional support. Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety or hopelessness Everyone experiences difficult emotions from time to time. However, if feelings of sadness, worry, fear or hopelessness continue for several weeks and begin interfering with your daily life, it could be a sign of an underlying mental health condition. Pay attention to emotional changes that don’t improve with rest, self-care or changes in circumstance. Changes in your sleep patterns Mental illness often affects sleeping habits. You may struggle to fall asleep, wake frequently during the night, experience restless sleep or find yourself sleeping significantly more than usual. Over time, disrupted sleep can affect concentration, energy levels, mood and overall wellbeing. Withdrawing from people and activities A common warning sign of mental illness is losing interest in activities that once brought enjoyment or distancing yourself from family, friends and colleagues. While it’s natural to need time alone occasionally, ongoing social withdrawal may indicate that something deeper is affecting your wellbeing. Difficulty coping with everyday responsibilities If routine tasks suddenly feel overwhelming, or you’re struggling to focus, make decisions, meet deadlines or manage responsibilities that once felt manageable, it may be a sign that your mental wellbeing requires attention. “One of the biggest misconceptions about mental illness is that seeking help is a sign of weakness,” says Dr Hadebe. “In reality, recognising when you need support and taking action is a sign of strength.” Relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms Turning to alcohol, overeating, substance use or other unhealthy habits to cope with emotional distress may provide temporary relief, but often masks underlying challenges. Recognising these behaviours early can help prevent them from developing into longer-term problems and can signal the need for professional support. Mental illness is not a personal failure, and effective treatment and support are available. The earlier a condition is identified and managed, the better the outcome is likely to be. “We need to normalise conversations about mental illness in the same way we normalise conversations about physical health,” says Dr Hadebe. “Awareness helps reduce stigma and encourages people to seek help before challenges become crises.” Understanding the difference between mental health and mental illness can help people recognise when they or a loved one may need support. If symptoms persist, worsen or begin affecting daily life, speaking to a healthcare professional is an important step towards recovery. Bonitas members also have access to a dedicated Mental Health Programme, which offers professional guidance, counselling support and resources to help them better understand and manage their condition. Looking after your mental health is important, but recognising the signs of mental illness and seeking help early can make a meaningful difference to your long-term health, wellbeing and quality of life.

October 1, 2026

Managing Bumps, Bruises and Minor Aches as Kids Get Active Outdoors

After just an hour outside, your child can come back with grazed knees, a fresh scrape on one elbow and a bruise the size of a plum on their shin. How did all of that happen in one afternoon? The reassuring answer is that, in most cases, this is simply what an active childhood looks like. And with warmer weather keeping kids outdoors longer, climbing, running, riding bikes, and seeing just how high they can jump, you may notice a few more bumps, scrapes, and bruises that need a little TLC. Why do children get bruises? Bumps and bruises are almost a childhood rite of passage. Most are nothing to worry about. They’re simply part of having an active and adventurous child who is still figuring out where their body ends and the coffee table begins. Children may seem to bruise more than adults, but that doesn’t necessarily mean their skin or blood vessels are more fragile. Kids spend more time running, jumping, climbing, falling and bumping into things than the average adult, who has generally learned to walk around furniture rather than through it. Add a little built-in childhood clumsiness into the mix, and bruises are almost guaranteed.1 First aid for bumps, bruises and minor aches Cuts, bumps and bruises can all come from the same tumble, but they happen in slightly different ways. A cut breaks the skin, while a bruise forms underneath it when tiny blood vessels are damaged and a little blood leaks into the surrounding tissue.The majority of small injuries can be treated at home so long as bleeding is light or has stopped, your child is not in severe pain, and they can move the area normally. If the injured area has a skin scrape, wash it with mild soap and lukewarm water. You can apply an antibacterial cream to prevent infection. Cover the wound with a sterile gauze pad and tape or a simple plaster.2 Bruises may not appear straight away, but the skin can still be painful and often feel tender at first. Most need nothing more than a cold pack wrapped in a towel (or even a bag of frozen veggies), for no more than 20 minutes. And if your baby seems in pain, an age-appropriate pain reliever with paracetamol may help.3 Stocking a child-safe first aid kit A first aid kit stocked with a few essentials gives you peace of mind when your child gets hurt. Start with plasters in a range of sizes and antiseptic wipes for cleaning small cuts and grazes. A digital thermometer is also worth keeping close for checking your child’s temperature. Add tweezers for splinters, blunt-tip scissors for cutting gauze or tape, and sterile gauze pads for anything too big for a plaster.Saline solution is useful for rinsing eyes or wounds, while a cold pack can help soothe bumps, bruises and sprains.4 Keep an age-appropriate pain reliever such as Panado® available in handy single-use 5 ml sachets13 on hand, along with oral rehydration salts for bouts of vomiting or diarrhoea and burn gel for minor burns or scalds. Finish with disposable gloves and hand sanitiser.4 When should you call the doctor? Most childhood bumps heal themselves with time, a hug, and maybe an extra story before bed. But a few situations warrant a trip to your child’s paediatrician. Any head injury followed by vomiting, slurred speech, pupils that look different in size, or a sudden change in the way your child walks needs medical attention.5 The same goes for a limb your child suddenly refuses to walk on or put weight on, cuts that are long, deep, or ragged edged, any visible deformity,numbness around the injury, or pain that seems far bigger than the bump itself.Redness, swelling, discolouration, or pus are all signs of infection worth flagging quickly, while anything needing stitches or an X-ray is usually best handled at a hospital rather than waiting it out at home.6 The power to fight pain and fever Panado®’s Paediatric Range delivers the trusted7 pain relief South African families have relied on for generations. The range includes Infant Drops,8 named Product of the Year 2025 in the Child – Health category following a Kantar survey of 2,000 South African consumers,9 as well as Peppermint Syrup10 with improved taste11 and Strawberry Syrup,12 which is also available in handy single-use 5 ml sachets13 for families on the go. Panado® products are available from Baby City, Pick n Pay, Checkers including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem and independent pharmacies. For more information, visit: https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook and Instagram. For references and legal disclaimers, visit https://panado.co.za/references. Approval ticket #09.09.2026.10000064388. September 2026.

October 1, 2026

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