PregOmega® Platinum

Choosing the Right Prenatal Supplement

For the first time in your life you truly know how it feels to be walking on cloud 9!  You’ve just left the doctor’s office, and your pregnancy test is positive! Once the euphoria has calmed a little, the questions start to arise and the first is ‘what’s next?’  “What can I do to keep both myself and my developing baby, at our absolute optimum healthiest throughout this most exciting time?” Of course you know that following a great nutritious diet is best, and perhaps you already do, but is it enough?  How do you find a multi-vitamin supplement that is specially formulated for each stage of your pregnancy but can be taken throughout your pregnancy, with confidence that you are doing what is best for you and baby? These are very important questions to be asking!  Research shows that an adequate intake of micronutrients will support mom’s health before, during and after pregnancy as well as contribute to the development of baby.  Your body’s nutritional needs definitely change throughout your pregnancy and the research shows too, that many of the essential minerals that your body requires during pregnancy, deplete and decrease.  Your pregnancy is divided into three significant trimesters, each requiring nutrients that will assist with the development of that particular stage of your baby’s growth as well as contribute to lowering many of the risks as mentioned above. But, how do you know what to look for when choosing a multi-vitamin supplement to take whilst you are pregnant? Leading OB/GYN’s recommend the same vital nutrients which are required throughout all three pregnancy trimesters. These are: There are specifically formulated multivitamin supplements, containing all the above vitamins and minerals that your body needs for before, during and after pregnancy.  This is why: During the first trimester (week 1 to week 12), rapid cell division happens and major organs, such as the heart, liver, kidneys and lungs, begin to form.  This includes the neural tube which becomes the brain, spinal cord and central nervous system.  This is a crucial period in your pregnancy and forms the foundation for the development of your baby. Folate (Folic Acid) is the most important supplement to take throughout pregnancy. In fact, before, during and after! It is important for the metabolism of several amino acids, and essential for normal cell growth and replication. Folate supplementation during pregnancy is proven to reduce the risk of neural tube disorders and helps to form red blood cells. Choosing a multivitamin supplement that includes chromium, iodine, folate, choline, and omega-3 DHA supports all this vital activity taking place during the first trimester of your pregnancy.  These supplements will also contribute to your physical health. Chromium is essential during both the first and second trimesters. It is a trace element that helps the body use insulin – especially important when hormone changes are increasing insulin resistance.   Whilst iodine is important throughout all three trimesters, it is particularly vital during the first trimester.  Iodine is especially important for the function of baby’s brain.  Baby also relies completely on mom for thyroid hormones during this critical first trimester, developing its own thyroid hormones around week 12. The second trimester (week 13 to week 28) sees significant growth of baby, especially in terms of length and weight, whilst the organs are all continuing to mature.  This is the time when you will get to feel baby moving.  How exciting is that?! Most pregnant women don’t get sufficient iron from their daily diet, so choose a multivitamin supplement that includes iron, particularly during this second and vital trimester of your pregnancy. During pregnancy, more blood is produced to facilitate the growth of baby. This means that more iron is required to help that you don’t feel tired – a sure sign that your iron levels are low. Iron also contributes to normal cognitive function and helps to form red blood cells and their proper function. Iron is an essential nutrient that contributes to the formation and proper function of red blood cells and supports your immune system. Iron is found in red meat, poultry, and seafood, as well as beans, tofu, spinach, nuts, and seeds.  It’s important to note that as mentioned above, chromium is necessary during both the first and second trimesters.  The third trimester (week 29 to birth) is the final stage of development.  Baby gains weight rapidly.  Body fat is added and significant brain development takes place.  Here, Omega 3 Fish Oils are important as they aid in the function of baby’s brain and eyes.  As you move through this last trimester of your pregnancy, calcium and vitamin D become even more important for your nutrition.  Vitamin D is so important for baby’s bone structure and immune function as well as supporting the development and maintenance of bones.  It is important to note the other vitamins that are vital for your baby’s development and your pregnancy health. These include: It is highly recommended for moms to take a comprehensive multivitamin supplement that offers essential vitamins, minerals (like chromium, iodine, active folate, iron, and calcium), and Omega-3s (DHA & EPA), before and after delivery.   It is important to note that from a scientific perspective, prenatal supplements have been developed so that they can complement a balanced diet rich in whole foods, rather than be seen as a replacement. If ever you are in doubt, please do consult your doctor. Please note: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any supplements during pregnancy. References available upon request from Parenting Hub. This article was sponsored by iNova Pharmaceuticals. The views and content are that of Parenting Hub and not necessarily of iNova Pharmaceuticals.

February 12, 2026
Impaq

Impaq learner named SACAI’s top NSC candidate for the Class of 2025

An Impaq learner has been named SACAI’s top National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidate for 2025, underscoring the strong outcomes possible through home and online schooling in South Africa. The accolade was announced at an awards ceremony at SACAI’s offices in Pretoria East, where top achievers from across the country were recognised. SACAI (the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute) administers matric examinations for homeschoolers and distance learners, providing a quality-assured route to the NSC for families who choose alternative schooling options. For Impaq, South Africa’s largest provider of home and online schooling, the recognition comes in a year of strong overall performance across its matric results. The top national candidate, Georgia Anne Constanti, began her homeschooling journey in Grade 8, joining a cohort of learners whose high school years coincided with the disruption and uncertainty of the COVID-19 period. For many families, those years reshaped what learning could look like – with disrupted routines, shifting learning environments, and a growing need for structure that could hold steady even when circumstances did not. Against that backdrop, Georgia’s performance reflects a sustained commitment to consistency over multiple years, rather than last-minute pressure. Impaq reported that Georgia has led her grade since 2023 (Grade 10) and achieved an average of 92.29% across seven subjects. Her marks included Business Studies (98%), Mathematics (96%), Afrikaans First Additional Language (95%), Life Orientation (93%), Computer Applications Technology (91%), English Home Language (88%), and Life Sciences (85%). At the SACAI awards ceremony, Georgia received multiple top honours, including Best Overall Candidate Average, Best in English Home Language (88%), Best in Computer Applications Technology (91%), and Best in Business Studies (98%). Two other Impaq matriculants, Dylan Case and Yoosuf Ramith, were also acknowledged after achieving six distinctions each. Louise Schoonwinkel, Managing Director at Optimi Schooling, of which Impaq is a registered trademark, said the differentiator for top learners is typically steady routine rather than high-pressure cramming near the end. “The strongest performers make exam conditions feel familiar: they practise under time, review memos for how marks are earned, and escalate early when there are concepts they don’t understand. Those habits translate directly into final-year outcomes,” she said. Beyond the top individual achievement, Impaq said the 2025 matric results reflect broader momentum, reporting a total of 558 distinctions, 767 bachelor passes, and 1 430 total passes – up from the previous year.  As South Africa’s Class of 2025 steps into the next phase – whether at university, a college, in learnerships or in the workplace – Impaq congratulates every matric learner who completed the journey and wishes them well for their studies and training this year.

February 12, 2026
Parenting Hub

From referral to report: 7 questions patients frequently ask 

Dr Jean de Villiers, a radiologist and director of SCP Radiology, answers some of the most frequently asked questions, specifically around the process from referral to reporting in radiology imaging. The usual process when it comes to going to a radiology practice for imaging is that a medical professional (a doctor or clinician) will refer you for imaging. Radiographers take the images and then radiologists, doctors who have specialised in radiology, analyse and interpret the images and provide a detailed report.   The report is highly technical, which is why it is sent to your medical practitioner for explanation. Why do I need a referral for imaging? There are several reasons for this referral system, one of which is your safety: To ensure you are not being exposed to more imaging than is necessary. The other is so that your referring doctor – who is trained to know when and what imaging is essential or required – will receive the results, explain them to you and plan appropriate medical care.  The only exception is for a mammogram or bone density scan (DEXA scan). Will the radiographer give me my results after the imaging? A radiographer is a trained healthcare professional who operates the equipment that produces these images. They are responsible for taking the images but not interpreting them.  Who interprets the images and writes the report? A radiologist is a medical doctor who has specialised in interpreting medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds to diagnose and treat diseases. Reports cannot be generated immediately, it takes the radiologist time to study the images and often includes comparing previous images. This means they will not be able provide a report instantly and, any such report will need to be interpreted with full knowledge of your medical history and clinical findings.  So, I won’t receive the results from the radiologist? No. The radiologist analyses your images and then prepares a detailed report, which is sent to your doctor. The protocols and systems around the reporting means that your doctor will discuss and explain the findings with you and then recommend treatment and co-ordinate follow up care.  In the case of a mammogram, the radiographer may sometimes let you know if the mammogram is clear or suggest an ultrasound for confirmation. However, the mammogram images are still sent to a radiologist who will prepare a report and may suggest further screening, if necessary.  How long does it take to get the results?   This depends on the type of imaging (scan) and the urgency of the case; generally, the results are available within 24 hours.  Urgent cases are prioritised. Your doctor will contact you once the results have been received and reviewed. This may mean a follow-up appointment, or it can be discussed over the phone. What does the radiologist’s report reveal? The actual radiology report provides information about the type of imaging test that was done, how it was done, it includes the brief medical history and any information provided by the referring doctor.  The report outlines what structures and processes are normal and any abnormalities in the images. A radiologist does not diagnose but they can identify abnormalities or suspicious features in images that might indicate the presence of a tumour. They cannot definitively diagnose cancer from images alone, only a biopsy or tissue sampling can do that definitively. They will use words and phrases in their report, such as: Am I allowed to view my results or get a copy of the X-rays? Absolutely. Some radiology practices have a patient portal that allows you access to your images and results. It is routine for these results and images to be released once your referring doctor has had a chance to view them.(Remember it can take a few days). Alternatively, you are able to request a copy of the imaging and reports from the radiology practice or your doctor.  Dr Villiers says, ‘if there are additional questions you want to ask don’t hesitate to ask at the radiology practice where you are having the imaging done.’ For additional information go to: www.scp.co.za

February 11, 2026
Wingu Academy

Rethinking Education: A Smarter AlternativetoOvercrowdedClassrooms and Exorbitant School Fees

For many families, choosing the right school has become increasingly complex. Rising school fees, overcrowded classrooms, and inconsistent academic support leave parents questioning whether traditional schooling still offers the best return on investment for their child’s future. At the same time, families are seeking high-quality education that delivers strong results, individual attention, and long-term value — without unnecessary financial strain. This is where a carefully structured online school, such as Wingu Academy, offers a compelling alternative. The Challenge with Traditional Schooling Across many conventional schools, class sizes continue to grow while resources remain stretched. Teachers are expected to support large numbers of learners simultaneously, often limiting the level of individual attention each child receives. Questions families may ask themselves include: When rising costs do not consistently translate into improved outcomes, families are justified in rethinking their options. The Wingu Way: Online Learning Done Properly Wingu Academy was created to address these challenges directly — offering a structured, accredited online education model that prioritises quality, accountability, and learner support. Unlike passive or self-paced platforms, Wingu Academy operates exclusively through live, teacher-led classes. Learners engage daily with qualified human teachers, ensuring real interaction, guidance, and academic oversight. This approach allows for: Academic Credibility That Delivers Results At Wingu Academy, learning is not diluted. Learners complete real tests and exams, aligned with recognised academic standards. Progress is measured, feedback is structured, and expectations are clear. This academic discipline ensures: Flexibility Without Compromising Quality While live classes remain the foundation of learning at Wingu Academy, lesson recordings are available for revision and convenience. This provides flexibility for families without replacing real-time teaching. Learners benefit from: Importantly, flexibility never comes at the cost of structure or accountability. A Smarter Financial Choice for Families One of the most significant advantages of Wingu Academy is value. Families gain access to: All without the excessive overheads often associated with traditional schooling. The result is a premium education model that delivers strong outcomes at a more accessible cost. More Than an Online School — A Connected Community A common misconception about online education is isolation. At Wingu Academy, learners are part of an active school community. Through daily live interaction and collaborative learning, students build belonging and connection. Education succeeds when learners feel supported — academically and emotionally. Looking Ahead to 2026 As families plan ahead, many are choosing to move away from overcrowded classrooms and escalating fees, and towards smarter, future-focused education models. Wingu Academy offers a proven alternative: a school where quality teaching, real results, and affordability come together — without compromise. Considering a Change? If you are rethinking your child’s education for 2026 and beyond, Wingu Academy invites you to explore their learning models designed for today’s families and tomorrow’s success.

February 11, 2026
Miki Maths Magic

Why do young children battle with Maths?

The Development of Maths Anxiety – Common Challenges that Children Face Studies show that at around age 8 children start losing their spontaneity and become more anxious about Maths. Why is this? Maths is Unforgiving! Maths measures us like no other subject and affects our self-esteem like no other subject.The perception is that if you are good at Maths, you are clever. A Maths answer is either perfect or not. An answer of 7 x 7 = 50 is very close but very wrong. None of us like being put on the spot and being wrong. Speed kills Many children equate speed to intelligence. Pressure to give answers quickly often builds anxiety in children that need a bit more time. Speed tests for basic facts are often counter-productive and serve to make the faster child quicker and the slower child even slower and more anxious. Children who work slowly end up doing fewer sums and get caught up in a downward spiral. Developing understanding takes time. When we emphasize speed only, we send the incorrect message that all problems should be solved quickly, which hurts children’s persistence on more complicated tasks. Emphasis on Rote learning and memory An over emphasis on rote learning impacts children that have a limited working memory and long-term memory. Many of our ideas around teaching Maths revolve around memorising Maths information. All of us differ in our ability to do that especially when what we must memorise has no meaning. Negative messages about Maths by Parents and Teachers Many of us send out messages of a fixed mindset. “I am just not good at Maths and will never be good at it. This is just the way I am!” One often hears parents say: “I was never good at Maths, so it’s not surprising my child isn’t good either.” A growth mindset says that we can all become better through practice. Ineffective Strategies Many children have an over-reliance on counting. This leads to problems in developing fluency for the four operations. Poor number sense and an inability to estimate leads to difficulty in understanding place value. This in turn has a negative effect on children’s ability to develop effective strategies to do calculations fluently. It is a common misconception that Maths is all about “rules” and procedures. Algorithms play a big role in Maths but a lot of it needs to be understood. Maths is about making sense of problems and understanding why particular strategies work. Maths becomes tricky if we don’t Understand what the Symbols mean Somewhere a young child is confronted with the fact that the number 7 on a clock can represent 7, sometimes 25 and at other times 35. When working with money, two 50 cent coins equal a R1 coin. When measuring length, we expect children to know that 100cm =1m. All of this is very confusing for a young child if they don’t have conceptual understanding of what the symbols represent. What can I as a parent do? Here are a few simple ideas for you to think about. Your Child first, Maths second Know that your child is a little human being not a little human calculator. We are human beings not human doings. Our ability to do Maths does not define who we are. Our ability to do Maths does not define our worth. Our ability to do Maths does not determine whether we will be financially successful one day. It is also true that Maths plays a big role in the school curriculum. Battling with Maths is not nice. Full Stop. Maths is a pathway to many careers. It feels nice to be able to solve a Maths problem. We firmly believe that all children can develop a good foundation in Maths. Be Authentic Know that you and your child are unique and that you both have your own unique gifts. Take a firm resolution to never compare your child with other children. All children develop differently and at their own pace. There is no rush. Regular opportunties for learning in an enabling environment gives your child the best chance. You as a Mom are unique with your own talents and parenting style. Take a firm resolution to never compare yourself with other Moms. You don’t have to be a great Mathematician in order to be a great Maths Mom. There is no Ceiling Know that your beliefs determine everything.Isn’t it amazing and scary that the beliefs that we infuse in our kids will be the beliefs that they will most probably carry with them for the rest of their lives. Children become what those around them believe them to be.The biggest gift that you can give your child is to help them develop a good feeling about themselves. Your child knows more than what you think. You know more than what you think. Your child is capable of much more than what you might believe. You are capable of much more than what you might believe. At the end of the day how you interact with your child is foundational. Read through these tips a few times and reflect on your belief systems around Maths. In our next article we will look at specific topics in the curriculum and give you some pointers of how to help your child. If you are interested in chatting further you are welcome to contact us at www.mikimaths.com

February 10, 2026
Dalza

Here’s How Tax Relief for Neurodivergent Kids Actually Works

If you’re raising a neurodivergent child in South Africa, you’re already doing a lot. Appointments. School meetings. Forms. “Can you just send that report again?” moments. The daily juggling act of home + school + therapy + life. So when someone says, “You might be able to claim tax relief,” it can feel like one more admin mountain… right when you’re already running on fumes. Here’s the good news: tax relief is available, and there’s a real framework designed to give families some breathing room. The bad news is: it’s not always obvious how it works, and the internet is full of conflicting advice. This guide will help you understand the basics without spiralling. Tax relief is available in South Africa South Africa’s tax system includes support for families who carry additional medical and care costs. The main mechanism is the Additional Medical Expenses Tax Credit (AMTC). It’s not a cash payout. It’s a tax credit that reduces the amount of normal tax you pay. For many families, it becomes a crucial “safety valve”, especially when you’re paying for the kind of support your child needs to function well in the real world. Where neurodiversity fits into the SARS framework SARS doesn’t have a neat category called “neurodivergence.” Instead, conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and PDA are considered based on their functional impact, in other words, how much they limit day-to-day life. For tax purposes, a “disability” is defined as a moderate to severe limitation in a person’s ability to function or perform daily activities (including learning, thinking, communicating). If your child’s challenges create a moderate to severe limitation that is expected to last more than a year, your family may qualify for tax relief. If the limitations are considered milder, the condition may fall under what SARS calls a “physical impairment.” (Despite the name, this category isn’t limited to physical conditions and can still apply in some neurodevelopmental contexts.)  Relief may still be available, but often with different thresholds and limits. The common misunderstanding that trips parents up One of the biggest myths is: “If I have the diagnosis, we automatically qualify.” Not necessarily. SARS looks at whether the condition remains a significant limitation even after what it calls “maximum correction” (including appropriate therapy, treatment, or medication). Because every child is different, eligibility is assessed case by case. Two families can have the same diagnosis and still have different outcomes depending on how the condition impacts daily functioning. Which is frustrating, yes.But also: it’s why getting clarity early matters. Why paperwork and medical confirmation matter (even if you hate admin) The admin requirements can feel like adding weight to an already heavy load. But they’re also the keys to unlocking tax relief. A diagnosis label isn’t enough. You need formal medical confirmation from a registered practitioner who is trained to give an opinion on your child’s condition. The key document is the ITR-DD form (Confirmation of Diagnosis of Disability). Whether this form is required in your situation can depend on how your child’s needs are classified (which is exactly where many parents get stuck). Important: you typically don’t submit the form with your annual return, but you must keep it, along with invoices and proof of payments, for at least five years.  SARS often verifies these claims, so having your paperwork organised from the start protects you later. Think of it like this: a few clicks to save documents today can save you hours of stress later. You don’t have to figure it all out today If this feels complex, you’re not meant to decode it alone in between lunchboxes and meltdowns. So we created a simple starting point for parents: ✅ Download the tax relief cheat sheet at www.dalza.com/tax-relief-cheat-sheet/ A clear summary of what you need to know (and what to gather), without the jargon. Supporting a neurodivergent child requires enough time, energy, and emotional bandwidth as it is. Tax admin shouldn’t be another thing you have to white-knuckle your way through. Start with the cheat sheet.Get the lay of the land.And take it one step at a time. 👉 Download the free tax relief cheat sheet at www.dalza.com/tax-relief-cheat-sheet/ Disclaimer: This content is provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended as legal, tax, or financial advice. Tax outcomes depend on individual circumstances, and eligibility for tax relief is assessed by SARS on a case-by-case basis. We recommend consulting a registered tax practitioner or qualified professional before submitting any tax claims

February 10, 2026
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