Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Staying healthy during your pregnancy

Welcoming a new addition to the family is exciting but also a little daunting. Parents are anxious to make sure everything is done correctly to ensure the best start for their little one. Part of this preparation is also maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet, during the pregnancy, crucial for both the mother and developing baby. Dr Themba Hadebe of Bonitas Medical Fund says that what you eat during your pregnancy, directly affects foetal development. ‘A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and other key nutrients can help ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome. Proper nutrition supports the development of your baby’s brain, bones and organs. It also aids in building the placenta, which supplies the baby with oxygen and nutrients.’ He advises eating a balance diet that includes a variety of food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. Each offers unique benefits that support both maternal health and foetal growth. What foods should I be eating?  Bearing in mind that you may feel nauseous in the beginning and not be able to eat certain foods and may have cravings for others, as far as possible try to follow a balanced diet, rich in nutrients. Foods you should include in your diet are dairy products, such as milk and yoghurt, as they provide extra protein, calcium and probiotics. Legumes, such as lentils and soybeans, are other good foods to include as they contain protein, fibre and folate, which is particularly important during pregnancy.  Sweet potatoes, which are high in vitamin A and fibre, are also a good addition to your shopping list. Other wholesome foods include eggs, broccoli, lean meat and berries.  ‘During pregnancy your vitamin and mineral needs will change,’ say Dr Hadebe. ‘And although a heathy diet should supply most of the vitamins and minerals needed, often healthcare professionals suggest prenatal vitamins as a good way to supplement and cover nutritional gaps, even though they don’t replace a healthy lifestyle and diet.’ What vitamins and minerals are essential and why?  Folic Acid: Or folate helps prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and supports the development of the baby’s brain and spine. Iron: Supports healthy growth and helps prevent anaemia by ensuring that blood (in both mom and baby) carries oxygen effectively. Iron-rich foods like lean meats, beans and spinach can help but most pregnant women need an iron supplement to meet the increased demands.  Calcium: Calcium supports the development of the baby’s bones and teeth. If the mother’s calcium intake is inadequate, the baby will draw from the mother’s stores, potentially weakening her bones. Dairy products and leafy greens are great sources of calcium. Vitamin D: Aids in calcium absorption and supports the baby’s bone health. Exposure to sunlight and foods like fortified dairy and fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) can help ensure adequate vitamin D levels.  Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fats, found in fatty fish, like salmon and also flaxseeds, support the baby’s brain and eye development. Omega-3s can also help reduce the risk of preterm birth. Vitamin C: Helps with iron absorption and boosts the immune system. It can be found in citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers and broccoli. Iodine:  Essential for the production of thyroid hormones that regulate the development of the foetal brain and nervous system. You will need more iodine than usual when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.  Iodine can be found in dairy products, eggs and seafood. ‘Getting the correct micronutrients is essential for a healthy pregnancy and best possible development of your baby,’ says Dr Hadebe. ‘Deficiencies can lead to complications such as hypertension and low birth weight which is why prenatal supplements are often prescribed.  However, it is important not to exceed the recommended dosages.  Consult your doctor or gynae before starting any supplements, they will help determine the appropriate dose for your individual needs.’ In additional to a balanced diet, Dr Hadebe also recommends you exercise regularly – it’s a great way to stay in shape, boost your mental health and releases ‘feel good’ endorphins. In addition to maintain a healthy lifestyle, cut out alcohol and nicotine, cut down on caffeine and find way to manage your stress levels.   *Plan dependant.

January 12, 2026
Impaq

Nearly 23 000 pupils still unplaced as term begins — families weigh interim options and longer-term alternatives

With public schools due to open on 14 January 2026, placement pressure remains acute in several provinces. News24 reports that almost 23 000 pupils in Gauteng, Western Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga were still awaiting places this week as departments work through appeals, late applications and capacity constraints.  Against this backdrop, education providers say parents are asking two sets of questions at once: “How do we secure a place now?” and “What is our Plan B if we don’t?”  Here are some practical steps for those caught in placement bottlenecks — from documenting applications and tracking provincial deadlines to understanding recognised alternatives that keep learning on track.  “Most families still want their first-choice school, and departments are working to place learners,” says Louise Schoonwinkel, MD at Optimi Schooling of which Impaq is a registered trademark. “But when the clock runs down, parents also need a credible pathway that protects the academic record and daily routine. We encourage families to plan in parallel: continue engaging with your district on placement while you map a structured learning option at home should you need it.” Gauteng officials say the province has narrowed its own backlog to about 4 858 Grade 1 and 8 learners, with late applications open through 30 January 2026 and offers being released on a rolling basis. Departments in the Western Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga have also acknowledged outstanding lists and ongoing appeals as schools prepare for the first day.  Schoonwinkel emphasises that “alternative” does not mean “informal”: home education in Grades R–9 requires provincial registration, while learners in Grades 10–12 who opt for distance education complete the NSC through an assessment body accredited by Umalusi. Families also retain social and co-curricular opportunities through sport, arts and more, which many use to maintain a balanced routine during placement uncertainty.  “Parents’ primary concern is credibility — is this route legal and recognised? And the answer is a resounding yes,” Schoonwinkel adds. “If an alternative route is necessary — even temporarily — the weekly plan, assessment calendar and reporting must be clear from day one. That’s what helps learners settle quickly while placement issues are resolved.” For families still waiting this week, Schoonwinkel suggests a simple checklist: confirm the status of all applications and appeals, keep copies of offers or correspondence and explore a weekly learning timetable at home that aligns with the national curriculum. “The aim is not to replace the school you wanted; it’s to prevent lost learning time while the system catches up,” she says. As the term starts, provincial departments will keep issuing offers and finalising appeals — but for several thousand families, decisions must be made now.  “Every learner deserves a stable start,” Schoonwinkel concludes. “Whether that stability comes via a late placement or a structured alternative at home, the focus should be the same: consistent teaching, credible assessment and a calm daily rhythm until a permanent solution is in place.” For families who prefer a teacher-led model, Impaq’s Online School offers a timetable of live classes with qualified subject teachers, structured assessments and clear reporting. The daily routine is managed by the school, so parents don’t have to oversee each lesson while still staying informed. It can serve as an interim bridge during placement delays, or as a longer-term solution where the fit proves right for the learner. For more information please visit https://impaq.co.za/ 

January 12, 2026
Dalza

Starting the School Year Without Starting from Scratch: Smoother Transitions for Kids with Additional Needs (and Their Parents)

The new school year can dial up parent anxiety, especially if your child has additional learning needs. New class, new teacher, new routines (maybe a whole new school) can all come with an uneasy feeling: will the teacher know what my child needs to settle? The night before day one, you find yourself scrolling through emails and WhatsApp threads at 11 p.m., piecing together a “what works” list and wondering when you’ll find time with the teacher to explain your child, without reducing them to a list of challenges.  Meanwhile, your child is facing new rooms, new rules, and often making new friends. It’s a lot – for both of you. Transitions are a high-risk zone. For many neurodivergent children, predictability is essential for regulation. Parents feel the strain of advocacy fatigue; retelling the same story, hoping the crucial parts aren’t lost in translation, and worrying about how much to share with each new adult. Schools work hard to bridge these gaps, and a beginning-of-term transition plan is a helpful start. Here’s what you might let the teacher know about your child: If your child is finding the transition particularly tough, some parents recommend: Still, even the best handover is just a snapshot in time. Children grow; strategies evolve week by week. Without a record that lives and breathes with your child, continuity cracks appear. Teachers may miss last term’s wins, therapists may lack context, and you’re back to starting from scratch. That “remember everything” pressure is real. Reports here, notes there, a dozen threads everywhere. Holding it all in your head makes it harder to think clearly and to show up calm.  Research shows that when parents and teachers are well-connected partners, children do better academically, socially, and emotionally, another reason to make sharing easier and more consistent. That’s where Dalza comes in. Dalza is an award-winning, secure app where your child’s story lives and evolves across home, school, and therapy. Dalza gives you one organised place for strengths, supports, reports, and real-life notes, so this term’s teacher and next term’s therapist don’t start from zero.  You decide who sees what, when (POPIA/GDPR-compliant by design). And when staff or schools change, the record goes with your child. No more re-explaining the same history. Transitions will never be completely friction-free. New terms bring new faces, timetables, and friendships. But you don’t have to hold every detail. Keeping a living record in Dalza protects what you’ve already built, honours your child beyond a checklist of challenges, and makes collaboration simpler for everyone who supports them. Start your secure, living record today at dalza.com.

January 9, 2026
DIBBER SA

Easing First-Day Jitters: Dibber’s Guide to a Smooth Start for Preschoolers

As the new school year approaches, the team at Dibber International Preschools reminds families that preparing emotionally is just as important as packing a lunchbox or buying new school shoes. While the start of the year can feel exciting, it can also bring anxiety – especially for toddlers and preschoolers taking their first steps into a structured classroom environment. “School transitions are big milestones in a young child’s life. They bring a range of feelings – from curiosity and joy to nervousness and uncertainty,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director at Dibber South Africa. “By offering children consistent routines, open conversations, and gentle preparation, we lay the emotional foundation they need to walk into school with confidence.” At Dibber, educators view the transition into a new year as a moment of connection, a chance to honour each child’s emotions, while also equipping them with tools to adapt and thrive. One of the most powerful ways to ease this transition is through routine. After the relaxed pace of the holidays, families are encouraged to gently reintroduce familiar rhythms such as earlier bedtimes, regular mealtimes, and quiet evening play. These small steps help children feel safe and ready for the day-to-day structure of preschool life. “Children thrive on predictability,” explains Assis “Something as simple as brushing teeth at the same time every night or sitting together for breakfast each morning helps them feel anchored as they prepare for change.” Communication is another key ingredient. Dibber encourages parents to listen attentively to their child’s thoughts and feelings, no matter how small they seem. Young children often express their worries indirectly – through behaviour or play – and offering empathy in return can go a long way. “Speak to your child in your home language – whether it’s English, isiZulu, Afrikaans, or Sesotho,” says Assis. “Familiar words feel comforting. When children feel heard, their emotional load lightens, and their confidence grows.” To strengthen that confidence, Dibber recommends celebrating small wins; from remembering to greet a friend to helping pack their own bag. These moments build emotional resilience and a sense of pride, which are essential when navigating unfamiliar environments. Dibber educators also collaborate closely with parents, building continuity between home and school. These warm relationships (what Dibber calls ‘Engaged Educators’) are the cornerstone of their approach. “When children see their grown-ups working together, they feel secure. They understand that they are supported on all sides,” says Assis. Storytelling can also be a powerful preparation tool. Reading books about starting school or inventing your own story where your child is the hero can ease anxiety And above all, never underestimate the power of play. “Pretend play at home – from packing a snack to role-playing as the teacher – transforms the unknown into the familiar. “Play is how children practice life. It gives them a sense of control and excitement.” As South African families prepare to turn the page on the holidays, Dibber reminds parents that perfection isn’t the goal – connection is. With a little structure, playful practice, and openhearted teamwork, school transitions can become joyful rather than daunting. “At Dibber, we believe every child deserves a warm, secure start. That’s why our educators walk hand-in-hand with families to make each new chapter as smooth and meaningful as possible,” concludes Assis. To learn more about Dibber’s approach to emotional readiness and play-based learning, visit your nearest Dibber International Preschool or connect with the team at www.dibber.co.za.

January 9, 2026
Cartoon Network Africa

Cartoon Network Movies: End the Holidays with Adventure and Fun

Looking for the perfect way to wrap up the holidays? Cartoon Network Movies brings two exciting films that the whole family can enjoy together! On Monday, join the lovable Krypto the Super-Dog in DC League of Super-Pets. When Superman and the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must rally a rag-tag group of shelter pets — Ace, PB, Merton, and Chip — to master their newfound powers and save the day. Action, laughs, and heroics abound as these adorable animals take on a super-sized adventure in Metropolis! Then on Tuesday, dive into the thrilling world of Pokémon Detective Pikachu. When ace detective Harry Goodman mysteriously disappears, his son Tim teams up with the wise-cracking Pikachu to uncover the mystery. Together, they chase clues through the neon-lit streets of Ryme City, encountering a vibrant cast of Pokémon characters and racing against time to save the peaceful coexistence of humans and Pokémon. Both films are perfect for families looking to end the holidays with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable adventures. 📺 Premiere: Monday 12 January 2026⏰ Tune-in Monday and Tuesday @ 11:00 CAT on DSTV Channel 301 Tune in for endless laughter and adventures for the whole family!

January 9, 2026
Cartoonito

Cartoonito Movie Star Holidays: End-of-Holiday Fun for the Whole Family

The holidays might be winding down, but the fun isn’t over yet! Cartoonito Movie Star Holidays brings a double dose of laughter, adventure, and excitement straight to your screens, perfect for the whole family. Kicking off on Monday, Tom and Jerry team up with the legendary Sherlock Holmes in Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes. As jewel heists baffle Scotland Yard and the singer Red is framed, it’s up to Sherlock, Dr. Watson, and the ever-rivalrous Tom and Jerry to crack the case. With Tuffy, Butch, Droopy, and a host of familiar friends adding to the chaos, it’s an action-packed adventure full of laughs! Then on Tuesday, Lego Scooby-Doo!: Haunted Hollywood takes you on a glitzy, spooky ride through Brickton Studios. Scooby, Shaggy, and the Mystery Inc. gang face classic movie monsters during a VIP studio tour — only Mystery Inc. can save the day with their clever sleuthing. Grab your Scooby Snacks and prepare for some movie magic! Cartoonito Movie Star Holidays is the perfect way to enjoy the last days of the holidays together as a family — lots of fun, laughs, and beloved characters await! 📺 Premiere: Monday 12 January 2026⏰ Tune-in Everyday @ 09:40 CAT on DSTV Channel 302 Don’t miss out – Big Laughs and Fun Adventures make Kids Happy!

January 8, 2026
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