South Africans running the London Underground to help save the Rhino

Duncan and Jono have made it their 2016 goal to run the London Underground from station to station, above ground, in order to raise awareness for a great cause! 

"We will be dedicating each run, each station, each kilometer and each drop of sweat to the plight of one of Africa's most majestic animals, the Rhino."

They have teamed up with the registered rhino charity 12 Hours who are a reputable, registered Rhino conservation charity in South Africa. The donations received by the charity are used to fund specific projects like Rhino DNA Database, Horn Treatment and poisoning, anti-poaching intelligence, sniffer/tracker dogs and education. 

"Every 12 hours a Rhino is killed in South Africa. A simple and devastating fact, but true nonetheless. The thought that when you wake up tomorrow morning another Rhino would have been slaughtered is heartbreaking, yet there is something you can do in the next 12 hours to help change this."

The idea to 'run the underground' came when Duncan was sweating on a packed jubilee train one hot summers day. He found himself frustrated by the fact that more and more people kept cramming themselves onto the train and to make matters worse it felt like the train was coming to a stop every 500 meters.  

Since arriving from South Africa in 2014 he never had any reference points for the landmarks in and around London and he never got to see anything because he was always travelling underground. Duncan had no idea how far the train was travelling or what was directly above ground and he found himself fascinated that although it seemed like the stations were quite far apart, in actual fact they were really close together. 

Duncan and his friend Jono both decided that running the underground would not only give them a very unique view of London but that they would also be able able to achieve the health and fitness goals they both had in common. Not only would this be a really fun way to get fit and healthy they also realised it would be a brilliant opportunity to raise awareness for the 5 species of rhino which so badly need to be protected for our future generations. 

To date they gave run a total distance of 53KM, reached 37 out of the 270 stations and have grown to a team of 4 runners. If you like what you are doing and would like to get involved please get in touch with them. Most importantly, please show them your support by making a donation to their JustGiving page. All the donations will go directly to the charity, 12 Hours. Every single donation no matter how small and in any currency is welcome and does make a huge difference.

'Like' and follow their progress on their Facebook Page - click here

Run the London Underground website - click here

Make a donation - click here

Visit the 12 Hours Rhino Charity website - click here 

Recent Hand Overs by 12 Hours

• R10 000 donated to RhODIS® (Rhino DNA Index System)  
• R6 000 donated to Project Rhino KZN 
• R10 659 donated to Amakhosi Safari Lodge 
• R30 000 donated to Spioenkop Nature Reserve 
• R8 854 donated to Amakhosi Safari Lodge (Ranger equipment)
• R40 000 donated to Rhinoart
• R5 000 donated to the Rhino Orphanage
• R10 000 donated to Amakhosi Safari Lodge (Bullet proof vests)
• R10 000 donated to Project Rhino KZN – ZAP Wing

FEATURED BLOG : Touchee Feelee

This weeks featured blog post is from Euodia Roets, the artist, illustrator and designer for Touchee Feelee - A South African home ware & pamper boutique. 

"We all live in a world of mass production where the touch of a hand has value. I have no interest in mass production, but rather take pride in creating tactile pieces. My art and products have been sold across South Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, Canada and the US." - Euodia Roets

Euodia Roets was approached by Woolworths to feature her products in their new artisan range and while this kind of approach is nearly every business owners dream, for Euodia it was a living nightmare. 

It is never okay to treat anyone badly in business but for such a huge name in South Africa, their behavior was just disgusting... some of you may have heard of this kind of thing happening with Woolworths but it was a first for us. 

We think it is only fair that because they have such a 'great' name in SA retail, (what we thought in any case) people need to know that this is how they are treating the you's and the me's running our own businesses, trying to make a living. 

They should really be ashamed of themselves....

  

Click HERE to read her Blog post

Fatal Shark Attack in J-Bay

A SHARK REPORTED TO BE OVER 4m HAS KILLED A SWIMMER AT LOWER POINT NEAR ALBATROS BEACH IN JEFFREYS BAY. 

Picture: Facebook

The man has been named as 74 year old local resident, Burgert van der Westhuizen. 

The avid open water swimmer had started training again for the up coming open water swim season, but swam regularly as apart of his normal routine. He always parked his vehicle at the petrol station and walked down to the beach entering the water from Boneyards across from the Checkers. His aim was to swim to the next beach break that was to the East towards Kabeljouws at Albatross and he was about two thirds of the way when the shark attacked him. He was then pulled further out to sea. 

Terry Olivier was in his kayak and made his way over to the scene finding Burgert lying face-down in the water. The shark was thrashing around, taking bites out of the body and Terry tried fending it off with his paddle but his attempts were in vein due to it's sheer size. The shark then disappeared underwater with the torso and Terry quickly headed back to shore getting himself out of the water and out of a very dangerous situation.  

There were several witnesses to the attack, one of them, a Member of the Supertubes Surfing Foundation, Allison, said that her son Zach witnessed the attack and told his mother that he saw the shark was "lifting the man up and down out the water." Allison rushed to the beach, grabbed her binoculars and said that she could see that there was a lot of blood everywhere. "I have seen fins in the water before, but this time you could see a lot of the sharks body. I could see the man's blue swimming cap." 

Some first believed it was 2 sharks because of it's length but the local media later reported that it was just one shark. It is not clear what breed was involved but locals and some officials are certain it was a Great White. 

The National Sea Rescue Institute said that a volunteer rescue crew was sent out to the scene at around 11:30am local time.  "On arrival on-scene remains of a body, believed to be those of an adult male, have been recovered from the water and handed into the care of the police and the forensic pathology services." 

According to a statement by the Kouga Municipality the beach was to remain closed for the weekend: “We will be re-assessing the situation on Monday.”  The Municipality reminded people that if they entered the water, they were doing so at their own risk.

This is the first fatal shark attack at Jeffries Bay which is hailed one of the top 5 surf spots in the world.

According to the International Shark Attack file at the Florida Museum of Natural History, there were 4 shark attacks in South Africa last year, three of which were fatal.


Everyone at the House of Biltong and the Daily HoB would like to extend their deepest condolences to Burgert van der Westhuizen's family and friends for his tragic passing.

Sources:

Reuters UK

AOL

SKY News

St Francis Chronicle

WaveScape

UPDATE: Female prison officer rescued

UPDATE: 03/10/2013 - 10.47AM

The female prison officer was rescued last night by the special forces unit when they were finally able to overpower the 4 prisoners holding her hostage. The female officer was unhurt after the 13 hour ordeal and has thanked everyone involved in getting her out safely. As a matter of precaution she was taken to the Rosepark Hospital for a medical check up and treatment.

The 13 hour ordeal started when the prisoners grabbed the officer and pulled her into one of the cells with them and locked the door. Male guards tried to pull her free as she was being dragged away but both were attacked and stabbed in their arms with what they now know to be pieces of scissors. Both the male officers were treated at the scene and their condition was deemed 'not serious'.

There was minimal force used to free the officer and no shots were fired. The hostage takers were arrested and will be charged with kidnapping and attempted murder of the 2 G4S employees who were injured earlier in the day. The prisoners are currently serving sentences for rape, murder and robbery.

A good outcome for all involved but apparently this is not the first time this has happened at this exact prison. Hopefully measurements will be put in place to make sure this never happens again but somehow this seems highly unlikely - as long as there are staff shortages, this problem will no doubt keep rearing it's head.

____________________

02/10/2013 - BREAKING STORY: What do we know?

• The female guard is being held by 4 prisoners
• No demands have been made as yet. 
• SAPS Special Task Force along with security company G4S are working on her release.
• 3 other people have been injured
• Many people are blaming the shortage of staff for this incident 

Background

Everything seems to be sketchy at the moment but apparently there were over 300 police and Prison Civil Rights Union members dismissed earlier this year and because of the staff shortage the woman guard was encouraged to help out with guarding the prisoners. G4S has said that all it's staff are fully trained for hostage situations and that they also have provisions in place for handling hostage scenarios.

G4S says that they are doing everything in their power to rescue their employee.

We really hope it's over soon for that poor woman and hope that she gets back safely to her family...

... developing story

WHAT A REFFING SHAME!

New Zealand 29-15 South Africa

 The worst performance of the day was that of the Referee - sport24.com

JON CARDINELLI - Eden Park

The spectacularly abysmal officiating by French referee Romain Poite destroyed what promised to be one of the great contests.

Can a team be too physically dominant? The Boks may have conceded an early try when All Blacks No 8 Kieran Read barrelled over from close range, but they were by and large the more physical team. At times it was a case of men versus boys, such was the Boks' superiority at the collisions and breakdowns. They also gave the All Blacks scrum a hiding during the initial stages.

Bismarck du Plessis should have been cheered for his tackle on Dan Carter in the 17th minute. Carter had received a hospital pass from his scrumhalf, Aaron Smith, and Du Plessis had lined him up and absolutely flattened him.

It was a fantastic tackle that unfortunately saw Carter leaving the field with a shoulder injury - But unfortunately Poite reached for his pocket and gave Du Plessis his marching orders, citing no arms in the tackle.

It also saw the 47,362-sellout crowd baying for the Springbok's blood as he (DC) trudged to the sideline... - ire.co.ie

It was a shocking call. It looked a good tackle live, and when the big screen at the stadium showed the replay, it was evident that Du Plessis had indeed used his arms as well as his shoulders.

Poite's decision was based on an overwhelming reaction from the partisan New Zealanders in the stands. The crowd wanted Du Plessis off, and Poite obliged. It was gutless, and one would think that Poite will have a lot to answer for when fronting his bosses next week.

The All Blacks scored seven points in the big man's absence. The Boks missed Du Plessis's set-piece presence as well as his muscle at the breakdown. The unstructured contest during this period certainly suited the physically inferior All Blacks.

When Du Plessis returned to the field, the Boks began to regain control. They looked good when they kept the ball and built through the phases. Du Plessis was the Boks' best player, and the Bok loose forwards also ensured that the visitors continued to win the battle at the gainline.

Jean de Villiers read the situation well when he instructed Morné Steyn to kick a penalty to touch. The Boks won the lineout, set the maul, and it was fitting that Du Plessis was the man to finish.

The Boks went to the break trailing 17-10, and yet you got the sense that the momentum was with the visitors. If they could continue to slow down the ball and unleash their powerful runners, the All Blacks would battle to remain in the game.

Poite once again put paid to those ambitions with another farcical call. Du Plessis went into a contact leading with the arm, and when his elbow slipped and hit Liam Messam in the throat, it seemed a genuine accident.

Poite thought otherwise, and proceeded to show Du Plessis a second yellow, and then ultimately a red. He may as well have held up a cardboard sign that read 'Game Over'.

"The All Blacks are already hard to play when you're fifteen, then fourteen ..." JEAN DE VILLIERS

Du Plessis left the field in the 43rd minute, and with him went the Boks' chances of victory. With only 14 men, the Boks were unable to implement their structures and build the pressure. Their priorities quickly shifted from winning the game to keeping the scoreline respectable.

Referees must be brave enough to dish out yellow and red cards, but they have to be warranted. I've never been one to suggest a referee should keep his cards in his pocket for the sake of the contest. If a player deserves to be ejected, show him a card.

As far as refereeing performances go, this one was twice a failure. It robbed the Boks of any chance of ending their 76-year drought at Eden Park, and it also robbed the fans at the stadium and the millions watching around the world of what would have been an absorbing contest between the two best sides on the planet.

The Boks gave everything in the remaining 37 minutes, but they were never going to keep the All Blacks back. They were guilty of some basic errors during this period, but there needs to be an appreciation for the fact that they were operating with 14 men.

Predictably, they tired as the game progressed and the All Blacks piled on the points.

We will have to wait until the next contest at Eden Park to see if this Bok side is good enough to end a long-standing losing streak. The Boks may have won or lost on Saturday, but we will never know, thanks to Poite.

The referee succumbed to the pressure and made a couple of game-ending decisions. They are mistakes that should not go unpunished.

Poite has a lot to answer for.

Rugby Championship standings

New Zealand P4 W4 D0 L0 BP 2 Pts 18

South Africa P4 W3 D0 L1 BP 2 Pts 14

Australia P4 W1 D0 L3 BP 0 Pts 4

Argentina P4 W0 D0 L4 BP 2 Pts 2

Sources:

JON CARDINELLI - Eden Park - www.sarugbymagazine.co.za 
www.sport24.com
BBC Sport
www.rte.ie

MOVIE REVIEW : WINNIE

The Epic Untold Love Story : 

Winnie Mandela

Often, it’s actors who cannot withstand the burden on playing historical figures. In the case of “Winnie Mandela,” Jennifer Hudson has the opposite problem. It’s the movie around her that doesn't rise to the challenge.

Co-writer and director Darrell Roodt’s film is based on a 2005 biography of Winnie Mandela. But unlike the woman who often polarized her fellow South Africans, the film feels static. At one point, faux newsreel footage and a montage of newspaper headlines depict the hunt for and imprisonment of Nelson Mandela.

Any urgency the movie comes from co-star Terrence Howard, a firebrand of an actor who can’t be contained by a paint-by-numbers script.

Glimpsed briefly during her childhood in a tribal community, Winnie (Hudson) may have been a disappointment to her father, who wanted a boy, but she soon proves herself a worthy warrior. As a young adult, she works as a nurse and captures the eye of Nelson Mandela at a rally. They court and marry, and as his fight for democracy leads to arrest and imprisonment, Winnie stands with him.

As Winnie works to free Nelson from Robben Island Prison, she picks up the struggle for a free and equal South Africa, eventually being imprisoned herself for refusing to reveal the inner workings of the anti-apartheid movement. (She recites Shakespeare and talks to roaches to retain her sanity during solitary confinement.) An officious government leader (Elias Koteas) cannot figure out how to break her spirit, so eventually gives up and orders her release.

Winnie becomes her husband’s voice on the outside and a rallying point for the African National Congress (ANC). She’s forced to live in virtual exile, until the opportunity comes to regain prominence and again rally her people. After scandal erupts, the ANC separates itself from her and then makes a dramatic announcement upon Nelson’s release.

Hudson, the former “American Idol” finalist whose Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “Dreamgirls” was based not just on her vocal strength but also an openhearted-ness the camera couldn't miss, matches that here with a steadfast intelligence. Though it’s hard for her to equal Howard’s charisma and energy in early scenes, as Nelson ages and Howard dials down, their roles, in essence, reverse.

But the film doesn’t match them. Distant and obvious, it takes a story with many angles and reduces its edges, becoming a glorified TV movie. The real Winnie Mandela has denounced the film for being made without her cooperation, which in this case does not necessarily mean its revelations are surprising.

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Overweight South African allowed to stay in New Zealand

Earlier this year a South African chef by the name of Albert Buitenhuis applied to have his work permit renewed for the 6th year in a row. Albert (50) and his wife Marthie (47) had been living and working in New Zealand since 2007 but what he thought would be a simple documentation renewal landed up becoming a 5 month nightmare when his visa application was denied on the basis that he was overweight!

His story gained worldwide publicity with most saying that the NZ authorities should never have approved his visa application in the first instance if his weight was an issue and many others were commenting on the fact that year after year his application was approved with no issues ever being brought up about his weight.

When the Buitenhuis' arrived in New Zealand in 2007 Alberts weighed a whopping 160kg but at the time of his latest renewal application he was down to 126kg. In an interview in July 2013 Albert said that he understood why a government would want to protect it's taxpayers against high healthcare costs but he said that if they did not want him there he he would have liked to have been told this much sooner.

Albert and Marthie followed the appeal process but without a valid working visa the couple have not been working for 5 months which has obviously resulted in no income. They sold some of their possessions in order to pay for their new application but they could no longer stay in the house they rented. Finally their appeal against the decision was successful and they went to Facebook to break the good news to the world. Their application to stay in NZ had been approved and Albert said he was:

“Relieved, excited, grateful, scared. I can’t describe how many emotions can run through your mind simultaneously.” "I'm not sure where we'll start to pick up the pieces because they're all over the place".

The Cycling Medicine Man

Sizwe Nzima, from Khayelitsha township in Cape Town, has won a Forbes Magazine award for being one of Africa's top young entrepreneurs. The youngster started a new business which is now helping to solve problems faced by people needing to collect medicine from public health facilities. Instead of sick and elderly people having to stand in queues for hours in overcrowded centres, Nzima's Iyeza Express collects chronic medication and delivers them by bicycle to the Khayelitsha residents in their homes.

Collecting medication from a clinic or a hospital dispensary in a South African township is by no means easy. The cost of transport to and from the facility including the hours spent in queues, paying for childcare and loss of pay for missing work are only some of the problems faced by those who collect their medication. The elderly and infirm face a terrible nightmare as they are often physically unfit and find it almost impossible to travel the distances required.

After reading an article about the clinics struggling to cope with patients queuing for hours to collect their medication, he recognized a need and came up with an idea to create a business which could assist the elderly and the infirm as well as those who are too weak to travel or too ill to stand and wait for hours.

“The service encourages people to go to work and stay healthy as they aren't tempted to stop taking their life- saving medication because they have run out,” he says. “What I'm doing is helping to improve people’s quality of life and life expectancy.”

He knew there was a  non-profit charity organisations that collect medicine for bed-ridden and elderly people, but there wasn't a similar service for working people. “I thought to myself that I must do something and that surely there must be a need for a service that would streamline the process,” he explains. “I realised it will also take the load off public health facility workers which would in turn allow them to be able to help others who are in desperate need of attention."

“I used to collect medication for my grandma for three years and experienced first-hand what happens, but it isn't only elderly people who are affected. The majority of people who queue for their medicine are able-bodied and waste time that could have been spent at work. These are people who would happily pay for affordable delivery of their medicine, allowing them to save their sick leave – if they get any – for days when they are really ill,” he says.

Sizwe together with his two helpers are social entrepreneurs at heart, and their goals are finding solutions to the problems in their community, and in doing so make a contribution to improving the economy. “We are all about social change and we are coming up with business ideas that can change society, help our community and uplift the economy,” he says. “Business isn't just about making money, but also about bringing about positive change.”

Less overcrowding, better health, more jobs

Not only does his business save his clients time and money but he is now creating much needed employment for young people who know their way around the network of streets in Khayelitsha. Using bicycle's to transport the medication they are able to keep the service affordable and environment-friendly. Sizwe launched the pilot in May this year and the business has now been up and running for only a few months but the response from the local residents has been very positive. Clients pay a small fee of R10 per collection and at the moment there are about 40 clients but he is positive this number will increase as he builds trust within the community. He hopes to take the service to other parts of Cape Town next year but his vision is to expand his business nationally. “For me, this is a national problem and it needs a national solution. The sky is the limit,” he says.

Sizwe was one of 24 finalists selected from over 200 applications, and one of six chosen to receive seed funding from Forbes. “I couldn't believe it. My business was only starting out; while others were going for at least two years already,” he says. Young people have what it takes to be change makers in South Africa and throughout the world by developing economically viable business solutions that can bring about a positive change in society. “Young people should be the innovators. Every young person needs to decide how they are going to use their power for good,” he says.

He believes that young people have what it takes to be change makers in South Africa and the world, by developing economically viable business solutions that can also bring about positive change in society.

Sizwe and his helpers are also involved in setting up other projects - a recycling business and an initiative to educate people about gangsterism. “Making money is good, but you have to give something back. This is also what they taught us at the Academy,” he says.

“I believe young people have the power to change the world, if the youth can understand this, they will stop focusing on things like drugs and crime. We can change the world, make it safer and improve our economy in this way.”

Sources: BBC Worldwide News & New Generation Africa

Order TODAY!

We  so excited to let you know that we have added new items to our online shop!

Our first product to 'hit the shelves' will be these cute little Springbok Baby vests. 

£13.50**

(10% off orders until 31/10/2013)

**Please note this price does not include postage

Beautifully embroidered with the the iconic Springbok and Protea, these make fantastic gifts or would be a great addition to your little one's wardrobe. 

The quality is brilliant which makes them great to hang onto as a little keepsake when baby has grown out of it.

The vests are READY NOW in the following sizes:

MONTHS:
0-3 

3-6 

6-9 

9-12

NOTE: If you require any OTHER size then PLEASE EMAIL us.
We are able to do these in ANY size but if you send an email we can give you an idea of how many days it would take to complete and send off to you - 'n Boer maak a plan!   

This is the first design of many and one you will find NO WHERE ELSE! 

So stay close to get exclusive sneak peaks and chances to pre-order before they go online!

ORDER DETAILS:

Email us at: info@houseofbiltong.co.uk and let us know the following details:

• Required Size
• Quantity
• Town and Country of delivery 

We will make contact with you and let you know what your postage will be as well as a delivery date for your order. Once you are happy with the details, you will receive an invoice via PayPal and once paid we will despatch your goods!

It's that simple... and don't worry, if you don't have Paypal you still have the option to pay through Paypal as a guest, using your card and if you would prefer then we can also accept BACS as well as direct deposits. Just let us know in your email what your preferred payment method is and we will make a plan! 

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SA FACT #1

Pietermaritzburg City Hall is the largest red brick building in the Southern Hemisphere 

• Built in 1893 (the most accurate date we have come across)
• Victorian architecture 
• Ravaged by fire in 1895
• Rebuilt in 1901
• 47m High Bell Tower
• Houses one of the biggest pipe organs in the southern hemisphere with 3806 pipestringing with sizes starting at the thickness of a knitting needle right up to pipes 11 meters in size.
• Declared a South African National Landmark in 1969

Here are some great photo's we found from way back when: