Author Archives: vrapto

News24.com | John McEnroe feels pressure got to Novak Djokovic

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Novak Djokovic of Serbia tends to a line judge who he hit in the throat during the fourth round US Open against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain on 6 October 2020.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia tends to a line judge who he hit in the throat during the fourth round US Open against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain on 6 October 2020.

Al Bello/Getty Images

John McEnroe has warned Novak Djokovic he will have to face up to being the “bad guy” for the rest of his career after the world number one was defaulted from the US Open for striking a ball which hit a line-judge.

McEnroe, himself no stranger to grand slam defaults, accused Djokovic of making a “rookie mistake” after the incident, which saw the Serb tossed out of the tournament towards the end of his first set against Pablo Carreno Busta.

Djokovic tweeted an apology hours after the incident but, having already courted controversy this year by staging an ill-fated tournament amid the coronavirus pandemic, McEnroe believes he will struggle to live the incident down.

McEnroe told ESPN: “The pressure just got to him, I think. A lot’s been going on off the court, it’s obviously affected him and now whether he likes it or not he’s going to be the bad guy for the rest of his career.

“It was a rookie mistake made by him to hit a ball back where he wasn’t even looking where he was hitting it. He’s been there and done that, and certainly, I know from some experience that you’ve got to be careful out there.”

McEnroe was the first player to be defaulted from a grand slam tournament at the 1990 Australian Open, after picking up a series of code violations during his match against Mikael Pernfors.

And McEnroe admitted he wished there could have been some other solution that would have enabled Djokovic to avoid being defaulted for the incident.

“I’d like to tell you I disagree with it and I’d like to find a different way to continue to play – that would obviously have been prefaced by whether or not the lineswoman’s OK,” added McEnroe.

“You’d like to at least think because it was obviously not intentional, that you try to figure out a way to keep an all-time great player going after history on the court… (but) I get that the rules state you’ve got to treat everyone the same.”

The top seed and 17-time grand slam champion had just dropped serve to trail his Spanish opponent 6-5 in the opening set of their fourth-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Djokovic, who had missed three set points at 5-4 before hurting his shoulder in a fall, hit a ball behind him without looking that struck a female line judge in the throat.

The 33-year-old wrote on Instagram: “This whole situation has left me really sad and empty. I checked on the lines person and the tournament told me that thank God she is feeling OK.

“I‘m extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong.”

The line judge collapsed to the court and could be heard gasping for air as Djokovic rushed over to check on her condition.

Djokovic pleaded his case during lengthy discussions with tournament referee Soeren Friemel and grand slam supervisor Andreas Egli, but the officials’ mind was made up.

He subsequently accepted the decision, saying in his statement: “As for the disqualification, I need to go back within and work on my disappointment and turn this all into a lesson for my growth and evolution as a player and human being.

“I apologise to the @usopen tournament and everyone associated for my behaviour. I’m very grateful to my team and family for being my rock support, and my fans for always being there with me. Thank you and I’m so sorry.”

A statement from tournament organisers read: “In accordance with the Grand Slam rulebook… the US Open tournament referee defaulted Novak Djokovic from the 2020 US Open.”

It was unquestionably an accident but it is not the first time Djokovic has flirted with such a scenario.

At the French Open in 2016 he threw his racket and nearly hit a line judge, while later that season he reacted with annoyance when questioned about a warning for hitting a ball angrily into the crowd during the ATP Finals.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Carreno Busta had sympathy for Djokovic but felt it was the right decision.

He said: “I was in shock. I never expected this moment playing against Novak. So it was a tough moment also for me.

“I don’t think that any one of us do this kind of thing intentionally. It’s just the moment. The referee and the supervisor do the right thing, but it is not easy.”

US Open tournament referee Soeren Friemel said there was no other option but to default Djokovic, irrespective of his status within the game.

Friemel told the media: “Any code violation there is a part of discretion to it but in this instance, I don’t think there was any chance of any opportunity of any other decision other than defaulting Novak.

“The facts were so clear, so obvious – the umpire was clearly hurt and Novak was angry, he hit the ball recklessly [and] angrily back, and taking everything into consideration, there was no discretion involved.

“Defaulting a player at a grand slam is a very important decision, and for that reason – and it doesn’t matter if it’s on Ashe, if it’s the number one or any other player on any other court, you need to get it right.

“Everyone on court was aware of what was at stake and surely, that’s always in the back of everyone’s mind, but we need to leave that out and make sure we base it on the facts and on the rules.”

– TEAMtalk media

 

Human Capital Administrator – Intern (Durban)

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Remuneration: Basic salary 
Location: Durban, Durban
Education level: Diploma
Job level: Student
Travel requirement: Occasional
Job policy: Employment Equity position
Type: 12 months
Reference: #HCA Intern
Company: Metropolitan

Job description

Human Capital Administrator – Intern

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU HAVE WORK EXPERIENCE – THIS POST IS FOR GRADUATES WITH WORK EXP ONLY.

Role Purpose:

Execute various administrative processes and support the HC team in delivering a consistent HC administration service that empowers the business to achieve its strategic objectives.

PERSPECTIVE

OUTPUTS

Provide administrative support for a variety of HR practices

(Internal Process)

  • Prepare job advertisements and post on the relevant platform to attract suitable candidates.
  • Review and screen CVs received from job advertisements
  • In collaboration with the HR team shortlist relevant candidate in line with the selection criteria.
  • Conduct telephonic interviews with candidates to assess candidate suitability.
  • Conduct reference, probity checks and background checks on shortlisted candidates and provide feedback to the relevant stakeholders.
  • Book and coordinate the logistical arrangements for the recruitment and assessment process (interviews, meeting rooms etc.)
  • Coordinate and support the on-boarding and integration programme for new employees.
  • Make recommendations regarding candidate suitability based on interviews and checks to the relevant stakeholders.
  • Serve as a key contact for candidates throughout the attraction, interview and offer stages
  • Capture and maintain employee and position management data on the relevant system and ensure that data quality and integrity standards are adhered to.
  • Compile employee documentation and ensure that HR documentation is timeously and accurately submitted to the relevant stakeholders.
  • Request benchmarks from central compensation for relevant roles, follow up and document feedback.
  • Facilitate the exit process and interviews by providing exit documentation to relevant parties and coordinating the logistical arrangements.
  • Consolidate reports, prepare presentations and spreadsheets, monthly reports for the HR team
  • Assist HR team with projects and research on an ad hoc basis.

Engage with clients in a client centric manner

(Client Services)

  • Build and maintain relationships with clients and internal and external stakeholders
  • Deliver on service level agreements made with clients and internal and external stakeholders in order to ensure that client expectations are managed
  • Make recommendations to improve client service and fair treatment of clients within area of responsibility
  • Participate and contribute to a culture which builds rewarding relationships, facilitates feedback and provides exceptional client service

Self-management and teamwork

(People)

  • Develop and maintain productive and collaborative working relationships with peers and stakeholders
  • Positively influence and participate in change initiatives
  • Continuously develop own expertise in terms of professional, industry and legislation knowledge
  • Contribute to continuous innovation through the development, sharing and implementation of new ideas
  • Take ownership for driving career development

Contribute to financial controls and planning

(Finance)

  • Identify solutions to enhance cost effectiveness and increase operational efficiency
  • Manage financial and other company resources under your control with due respect
  • Provide input into the risk identification processes and communicate recommendations in the appropriate forum.

Requirements

  • Matric
  • Diploma (NQF 5) or equivalent or Degree in Human Resources or related field

  • Must be Computer Literate
  • Respectful
  • Passionate
  • Hard Working
  • Solution Driven Mindset
  • Positive Attitude

To qualify – NO Work Experience is needed

Posted on 07 Sep 20:26

Management Accountant (Johannesburg)

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Remuneration: R500000 – R600000 per year Cost to company 
Location: Johannesburg
Education level: Degree
Job level: Mid/Senior
Type: Permanent

I am representing a reputable Insurance company who is looking for a hard-working, determined management accountant to join their team. Candidates should have experience in budgets and forecasts, as well as financial services. If you would like to hear more about this role then please get in touch today.

We require a candidate with:

  • BCom (Hons) Accounting + CIMA / CA (SA)
  • 3-5 years experience

Should you meet the requirements for this position, please email your CV to finance.careers@goldmanresourcing.com or fax to 086 605 1398. You can also contact Alexandra on 031 350 4019 or alternatively you can visit our website www.goldmanresourcing.com 

Should you not hear from us within 3 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Posted on 07 Sep 16:35

4 September 2020 – SARS victory against non-compliance: Cart Blanche matter

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Update:  This media release refers to a judgment in the Gauteng High Court on 31 August 2020, reported as Cart Blanche Marketing CC and two others v Commissioner for SARS, Case No: 26244/2015. The original media release incorrectly referred to Carte Blanche, instead of Cart Blanche Marketing CC.

 

4 September 2020: The South African Revenue Service (SARS) warmly welcomes the court’s decision of 31 August 2020, which ruled in its favour in the matter involving Cart Blanche Marketing CC and two others v Commissioner for SARS (Case No: 26244/2015).  SARS has over the years witnessed an increase in the number of administrative challenges to its actions. Such a legal challenge on an administrative matter delays the progress of an audit, sometimes for years, which is often the purpose of such an administrative or collateral challenge.

The case of Cart Blanche is an embodiment of such a determined effort to thwart SARS from carrying out its work lawfully. The important principle in this case was whether a decision to audit was an administrative action. If a decision to audit is an administrative act, then that decision is reviewable in terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act or principle of legality. If that were the case, SARS would have had to demonstrate that the decision to audit is rational and justifiable. This would have to take place before the actual audit engagement.

At the heart of the dispute, is the taxpayers’ non-compliance with the Customs and Excise Act. This led SARS to expand its scope of investigation to include a risk assessment on the taxpayer’s compliance with Value Added Tax (VAT) and Income Tax. This process established that there were discrepancies in the turnovers declared by the taxpayers and their customs declarations. This led to the taxpayers being selected for audit. The taxpayers elected not to participate in the audit nor provide any of the requested information as they contended their tax affairs were in order and that the decision to audit them was unlawful. SARS continued with an audit and brought its findings to the taxpayers.

Subsequently, the taxpayers launched a review application in the High Court in April 2015. The taxpayers requested the court to review and set aside the Commissioner’s decision to audit the taxpayers, arguing that the decision was unlawful for being arbitrary and irrational and done for ulterior motives and in bad faith. SARS opposed the application on the basis that a decision to audit the taxpayer is not subject to review as it is not a reviewable administration action under the principle of legality.

The High Court Gauteng concurred with SARS in its judgment, which was delivered on 31 August 2020. The court found that to select a taxpayer for an audit, does not adversely affect a taxpayer’s rights. An audit by SARS is merely the start of an investigation and the initiation thereof is not subject to review, as the decision is incomplete.

This landmark decision, following a similar judgment in the Eastern Cape High Court in 2016, represents a major victory for SARS. It communicates a clear and unequivocal message that SARS will not be deterred in taking lawful actions that are derived from and are consistent with the relevant legislation.

Furthermore, it conveys an unambiguous message that SARS has the capacity to detect and make it costly for non-compliant taxpayers who opt to use our courts to frustrate and delay legitimate and lawful action. Despite years of determined efforts to denude the organisation of its capacity to combat illicit and unlawful activities, SARS is committed to leave no stone unturned in seeking and punishing those that wilfully transgress the law and engage in criminal malfeasance to deprive the fiscus of legitimate resources.

SARS aims to provide the necessary clarity and certainty to compliant and honest taxpayers, and to make it easy and seamless for them to comply with their legal obligations. In the same vein, SARS will make it hard and costly to non-compliant taxpayers who are intentionally committing a crime. The same message should go to tax preparers who cross the line by aiding and abetting tax evasion. The crime of tax evasion ranks in the same category as that of those who engage in PPE corruption, and must be dealt with sternly and decisively. SARS will do its part to stop any descent into lawlessness.    

Health24.com | Need another reason not to vape? Your oral health is at risk

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  • There is now a solid amount of evidence showing a link between e-cigarettes and poor oral health
  • A recent study shows that close to 50% of people using e-cigarettes had gum disease and oral infections
  • Vapers are risking from inflammation and tooth cavities to periodontitis and oral cancer

The warnings about vaping – inhaling the vapour of electronic cigarettes – tend to focus on the potential dangers to the heart and lungs.

But an increasing amount of research shows the chemicals in e-cigarettes start to inflict damage right where they enter the body: your mouth.

Because e-cigarettes are a recent phenomenon, said Dr Crystal Stinson, assistant professor at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, “Studies on their impact are really new. But now we have a solid amount of evidence that shows the link between e-cigarettes and poor oral health.”

Nicotine, whether smoked or vaped, restricts blood flow to the gums, which can contribute to periodontal disease. The fluid in e-cigarettes, which can include propylene glycol, benzene, formaldehyde and other chemicals, only increases the risks.

Irreversible issues

A study published earlier this year in the journal iScience showed that 43% of people using e-cigarettes had gum disease and oral infections. That figure was higher among smokers – 73% – but only 28% among people who neither smoked nor vaped.

“The oral cavity is really resilient tissue that heals faster than other parts of the body,” Stinson said. “But we also know that when you repeatedly traumatise it, that’s when you end up having issues that are irreversible.”

Those issues, she added, range from inflammation and tooth cavities to loss of bone that anchors teeth to the jaw, called periodontitis, and oral cancer.

Another study published in May in Science Advances concluded the oral microbiome – the vast collection of friendly bacteria, viruses and other microbes that live in the mouth – of e-cigarette users without gum disease looked a lot like the microbiome of people with periodontitis.

“It’s absolutely scary stuff,” said Dr Purnima Kumar, professor at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and the study’s senior author. “E-cigarettes stress the bacterial communities that live in your mouth, and they encase themselves in slime. So they’re no longer good bacteria and the inflammatory response is through the roof. People are walking around thinking they’re healthy, but they are just primed for disease.”

‘We’ve just scratched the surface’

Oral health is a critical element of whole-body health. Two preliminary studies presented in February at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference linked gum disease with a higher rate of strokes caused by hardening of large arteries in the brain and also with severe artery blockages. A 2018 study in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension found that gum disease appears to worsen high blood pressure and interferes with medications to treat hypertension.

Last December, the American Dental Association issued a statement urging a ban on e-cigarettes not approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help people quit smoking, as well as more research on the effects of vaping on oral health.

“We’ve just scratched the surface,” Kumar said. “We know it’s detrimental. We need to start looking at which chemical components of vape really cause this, why does it cause this, how long does it take to start, and how long does the body need to recover once you quit.”

Not enough time has passed since vaping became popular to assess the long-term dangers, Stinson said. “Unfortunately, everybody’s an experiment right now.”

But Stinson doesn’t need to wait for more studies to be convinced of the dangers of vaping. One look inside a vaper’s mouth usually tells the story.

More cavities

“Periodontal disease is normally an adult disease, and we’re seeing it in younger people,” she said. “Younger people normally have more saliva than they need, so when they present with dry mouth, periodontal disease or increased complaints of mouth ulcers, our next question is, ‘Do you vape?’ These symptoms are all tied to components in e-cigarettes.”

She also notices more cavities in her younger patients who vape, which she believes may be due to the acidity of the components in vape liquid and an increase in cavity-causing bacteria.

Stinson attributes the high rate of nicotine dependence to the sweet flavourings that helped attract adolescents to e-cigarettes. In February, the FDA banned many flavoured e-cigarettes in hopes of reducing the rise in vaping among young people, but health experts fear many are already hooked on nicotine.

“Phasing out the flavours is going to help, but we still have a population that is struggling to let go of the habit,” she said.

Both Stinson and Kumar are involved in education and cessation programmes aimed at convincing young people not to start vaping and helping those who do to stop.

‘It’s not a vapour’

The first lesson: Don’t be fooled into thinking that what looks like steam is a safe alternative to cigarette smoke.

“You hear ‘vapour’ and you think steam facials or a tea kettle,” Kumar said. “It’s not a vapour. It’s an aerosol, like hairspray or what you use to kill ants and cockroaches. When I teach young kids, I take little cans of hairspray and say, ‘I want you to spray this in your mouth.’

“They say, ‘Ew, no.’ So, I say, ‘Then why would you vape?'”

Image credit: Shutterstock

Store Leader (Westville)

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Remuneration: Market related 
Location: Westville
Job level: Senior
Type: Permanent
Reference: #CUMG-3794
Company: Cape Union Mart – Old Khaki

Job description

Responsibilities:

    • Deliver exceptional customer service by implementing customer experience strategy

    • Managing all aspects of a store

    • Maximizing turnover and profit

    • Minimise shrinkage by monitoring stock related risks

    • Lead Talent selection, training, coaching, retention and recognize initiatives for all team members.

    • Implement change and diversity within store.

    • Create and implement succession plans and define development action.

    • Innovative visual merchandising to optimize sales

    • Maintaining health & safety practices

    • implement all company policies and procedures.

    • Deliver exceptional customer service by implementing customer experience strategy

    • Optimize team through creating an inspiring environment.

    • Align team members to Company culture and create fun.

Behavioural requirements:

    • Honesty in dealing with cash and finances

    • Inspirational leadership & passion

    • Taking ownership

    • Building & maintaining relationships

    • Innovation & ability to deal with change management

    • Thinking adaptability       

Minimum requirements:

    • 5 years of Management retail experience

    • Matric or Equivalent

    • Microsoft – Computer Proficiency

    • Driver’s license & own transport (Advantageous)

    • Clear criminal record

    • Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.

Posted on 07 Sep 14:13

IT Systems Administrator (Stellenbosch)

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Remuneration: To be discussed 
Location: Stellenbosch
Education level: Matric
Job level: Junior/Mid
Own transport required: Yes
Travel requirement: Often
Type: Permanent
Reference: #ITSA-0920
Company: Hungry Lion

Job description

Hungry Lion prides itself on sharing more with its customers by delivering tasty fried chicken with MORE flavour and MORE value. Operating in seven African countries, with over 200 restaurants, the brand strives to provide high-quality products at affordable prices in a modern fast-food environment.

Hungry Lion is a young, fun, dynamic and growing company full of opportunities with little to no corporate politics.  Our mandate is to enlist smart, creative and hard-working people. We at Hungry Lion can promise that you won’t be bored as long as you are prepared for a challenge and want to build something great.

The IT systems administrator is an IT dependency and focused on IT service-centricity, ensuring Head Office and store uptime and functionality as a key component. The primary role of the IT systems administrator is to serve as the primary point of contact for installing, monitoring and maintaining software applications, manage network and technology tools, manage accounts and systems, monitor performance and maintain systems, ensure security through access controls, backups and firewalls, upgrade systems with new releases and models, manage incidents, addressing user concerns for both Head Office and stores. 

The systems administrator will be providing a communications channel between other IT service management functions and the user community. This function includes infrastructure/service monitoring, remote QSR support via phone, in person, or online via support tools.

  • Responsible for the maintenance, configuration, and reliable operation of Head office computer systems, network servers, and virtualization.
  • Install and upgrade computer components and software, manage virtual servers, and integrate automation processes.
  • Troubleshoot hardware and software errors by running diagnostics, documenting problems and resolutions, prioritizing problems, and assessing the impact of issues.
  • Provide suggestions for planning and implementing new or upgrades of IT infrastructure.
  • Perform or manage regular backup operations and implement appropriate processes for data protection, disaster recovery, and failover procedures.
  • Serve as the lead point of contact in POS related/store escalations, incidents, projects and expansions of Retail Office and Wpro support efforts. 
  • Manage all applications and systems, ensuring all related equipment problems are resolved in a timely manner with limited disruptions. 
  • Responsible for capacity, storage planning, and database performance.
  • Ensure all support SOP are followed and tickets are correctly logged, categorised and prioritised in Fresh Service and in line with IT SOP.
  • Conducting full and thorough diagnostics with end-users to enable the first point of contact fault resolution and escalations.
  • Ensuring all faults are progressed and cleared within SLA.
  • Manage escalations to other internal and external teams as appropriate. 
  • Managing faults and projects through their entire lifecycle from the first point of contact through to resolution, proactively keeping the customer informed of progress. 
  • Identify and escalate repeat issues or service risks to IT management for analysis and strategic solutions.
  • Training and upskilling.
  • Manage several scheduled tasks for the department, designed to ensure that all systems remain operational and functional.
  • Perform remote troubleshooting through diagnostic techniques, pertinent questions and troubleshooting.

Requirements

  • Familiar with working on Windows, Chrome, iOS and Linux based distributions (preferably within QSR /retail environment).
  • A keen interest in POS software/hardware, POS peripherals, networking and WAN technology.
  • Have solid experience in a helpdesk or technical support environment. 
  • Must be able to demonstrate a customer-centric approach to support.
  • The ability to liaise and communicate confidently and professionally with customer representatives at all levels in multiple countries.
  • Natural aptitude for troubleshooting and problem-solving.
  • Highly organized and able to work on own initiative to complete the range of tasks required.
  • Flexible and willing to work outside core business hours if/when required.

Posted on 07 Sep 12:15

Digital/Social Media Coordinator (Cape Town)

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Remuneration: negotiable Cost to company 
Benefits: Within the cost to company package
Location: Cape Town
Education level: Diploma
Job level: Junior
Type: Permanent
Reference: #Chris2030
Company: VGP Recruitment

Previously disadvantaged candidates will be given preference.

We have a super new job opportunity for a multi-talented, junior Digital and Social Media Coordinator with design capabilities at a renowned property company. This is an exciting role for the right candidate who will be responsible for assisting in building Brand equity, driving user engagement and generating leads. You’ll be responsible for delivering hyper-local Facebook on-page content and off-page paid campaigns.  You will maintain a positive online reputation via timely community management of the company Office’s Facebook page.  Your role also includes assisting agents with their social strategy and profile. Some Design skill is a must as you will create relevant graphic collateral and other marketing deliverables. It’s key that you understand and have had exposure to the back end of Facebook, different audiences and remarketing to target audiences. The successful candidate must be able to work comfortably from home as the company is currently working remotely. If/when they go back the Office, the position will be based in their Southern Suburbs.


Responsibilities

  • Understand the company’s Social Media strategy and the role that the Office’s Facebook page plays in delivery
  • Use the Standard Operating Procedure guidelines supplied by the National Social Media team to manage the Office’s Facebook (and other digital platforms) page in order to: Maintain awareness and visibility of the brand in the relevant areas
  • Use the creative Facebook ad templates (and other Digital templates) supplied on Lucidpress and tweak them for local relevance, in order to run hyper-local campaigns for the Office
  • Use the audiences supplied by the National Social Media team to target and re-market effectively. Use geo-targeting, interest-based targeting and custom audiences where appropriate
  • Once live, optimise the campaigns for user engagement, response and conversion throughout the campaign period
  • Report on Office, Agent and Suburb paid Facebook and other Digital campaigns
  • Use the guidelines provided by the National Digital Team to create a hyper-local content calendar and effectively manage on-page content
  • Ensuring all Social Media content and ads align to Brand CI and tonality
  • Managing the Office Facebook (and Social) budget
  • Manage regional submissions for Print Publications and Digital opportunities through consulting Marketing administrators
  • Write internal briefs
  • Participate in internal incentives and local events as and when necessary
  • Assist with outdoor advertising contracts and requests as and when necessary
  • A thorough working knowledge of the various operational systems (Alchemy, Lucidpress and Yenza) will be required to meet the demands of the business
  • Conceptualise, Design and implement regional Office rental Social and Digital collateral
  • Be proficient in Digital Design principles (sizes, formats etc.) across multiple channels e.g. Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn
  • Have proven experience with regards to social video content (filming, sourcing footage, editing, titling)  
  • Be proactive by keeping on the pulse of the latest creative ideas and treatments and recommend to the business accordingly.

Requirements
The successful candidate must have/be:

  • Relevant tertiary qualification with at least 1-year experience (preferably in an agency environment)
  • Minimum of 1-year Social Media experience running ads on Facebook Business Manager and other Social/Digital platforms
  • Proficient in MS PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, HootSuite, & Google Analytics
  • Ability to take photographs, film and edit Social content in line with strong brand principles
  • Deadline driven whilst maintaining quality standards of service and delivery
  • Proficiency in Adobe Products (Creative Cloud), Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and Getty/Shutterstock photo library
  • Mac computer literate
  • Ability to work on all internal company platforms i.e. Flip HTML, Alchemy, Lucidpress, Website CMS, Blog, etc.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build solid relationships with business stakeholders
  • Excellent written Communication skills
  • Excellent eye for Design, including familiarity with Design requirements for Social platforms
  • A proactive, self-starter with a positive attitude and high-energy levels
  • A team player, who is able to also work independently.

Please submit a portfolio along with your CV on application.

Should you not receive a response within one week, please consider your application for this specific role unsuccessful.

Company Description

VGP Recruitment is a specialist recruitment agency in the advertising, marketing, media, creative, digital, PR/communications and publishing industries.

Posted on 07 Sep 11:09

Health24.com | The benefits of skipping your way through your exercise routine

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  • You can burn 25% more calories with a skipping rope than with jogging
  • Skipping is also beneficial for the heart and strengthens muscles
  • If you’re recovering from any injuries, consult a professional before incorporating it into your workout

Skipping isn’t just for lazy childhood days or boxers; it can be a very beneficial addition to any exercise routine.

From burning calories to increasing heart rate to building muscle, it’s a low-cost tool that many athletes use to improve their game.

Here are a few of the benefits of jumping rope.

READ | Being a copy-cat might make it easier to achieve fitness goals 

Travels easily

Lightweight and compact, it’s pretty easy to throw into your suitcase. 

Just don’t whip it out at the airport.

Good for your heart

Any exercise is beneficial to your heart, and skipping compacts a whole lot of exercise into a small amount of time.

According to a 2013 study from Harvard, 10 minutes of skipping is as beneficial for cardiovascular health as 30 minutes of jogging.

This is perfect for people with a tight schedule.

READ MORE | Video games may sabotage fitness among college students 

Burns calories

According to Calories Burned HQ, jumping rope can help you burn 15 to 20 calories a minute, which is 25% more than running.

This makes skipping an effective tool to include in your weight loss journey. It’s also a type of interval training exercise proven to effectively target subcutaneous and abdominal body fat, according to a recent study. 

Strengthens muscles

Skipping tones upper and lower body muscles – especially calves and shoulders – and helps strengthen your core.

It is also good for sculpting your abs, if that’s the look you’re aiming for.

Improves coordination

Besides the physical benefits of this high-intensity workout, jumping rope also helps your brain to improve coordination.

In a study, children who play soccer started incorporating jumping rope into their practices and found that their motor coordination and balance were considerably improved.

If it’s been too long since you skipped, remember to take it slowly and jump low at the start to prevent getting tangled in the rope and falling flat on your face.

READ | A lifetime of fitness helps women’s muscles in old age 

What you should know

Before you start skipping your way to a healthier life, here are some things to consider: 

  • When you buy a rope, it’s important that it’s not too light. A light rope won’t give you the momentum you need.
  • Also don’t opt to go barefoot on this one. Wear trainers that fit well and offer enough support for jumping. Ensure you practise in a space where you won’t be hitting anything or anyone.
  • Avoid grass and concrete surfaces. It’s easy to twist your ankle when the surface offers insufficient resistance. Wooden floors offer the best bounce, or you can opt for an exercise impact mat.
  • Remember to stretch and spend time cooling down to prevent injury.
  • If you have any knee, hip or ankle injuries or issues, skipping might not be best for you. Consult a doctor or physiotherapist before incorporating it into your exercise routine.

READ | Coronavirus lockdown | Stay fit at home: best workout tips that are not too technical

Image credit: Pixabay

Gabi Zietsman

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