Springbok director of rugby Rassie Erasmus faced a potentially life-threatening health scare in 2019 that required chemotherapy before and during the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
According to a Rapport article on Sunday, Erasmus was diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis with granulomatosis – a rare autoimmune disease – in early 2019.
The disease is not cancerous but it can severely impact the lungs, kidneys, sinuses and trachea and Erasmus is understood to have suffered a rare strain of the disease that, according to his doctor Johan Theron, was potentially fatal.
According to the report, Erasmus continued with the treatment until March 2020 and it was considered successful.
“Rassie was treated for a serious condition in 2019, from which he has recovered,” a SA Rugby spokesperson confirmed to Sport24 on Sunday.
“He thanks people for their concern but wishes to keep the matter private.”
The report adds that, during the World Cup, Erasmus’ chemotherapy doses were lowered so that he could give his full attention to the Springboks.
“He really doubted at one stage whether he would be able to push through with his position as Springbok coach,” Theron said.
After winning the World Cup, Erasmus stood down as head coach of the Springboks and moved into his role as director of rugby on a full-time basis, handing the coaching reins to Jacques Nienaber.
Yet another gruesome murder of a young woman is being investigated after the body of a 17-year-old girl was found lying in a street near Philippi in the Western Cape.
Yet another gruesome murder of a young woman is being investigated after the body of a 17-year-old girl was found lying in a street near Philippi in the Western Cape.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut, the girl was found naked in Albert Luthuli Street in Browns Farm around 07:00 on Saturday.
“The exact cause of her death is yet to be determined and no one has been arrested as yet,” Traut said.
“Any person with information that can assist police with the investigation is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” he added.
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday evening addressed the recent spate of gender-based violence incidents, stating the country had seen no fewer than 21 women and children being murdered over the past few weeks.
The president’s comments come as the country mourns the deaths of Tshegofatso Pule, Naledi Phangindawo, Nompumelelo Tshaka, Nomfazi Gabada, Nwabisa Mgwandela, Altecia Kortjie and Lindelwa Peni, and many other women at the hands of men.
Many people are familiar with the idea that gut bacteria are important for health. Given their location, you might assume that role is only about digestion.
But evidence is mounting that the microbes in our intestines interact with our minds – and hearts – in significant ways. Gut bacteria have been linked to depression, anxiety and the regions of the brain that process emotions. These regions share brain circuitry that affects cardiovascular issues such as blood pressure.
“People have co-evolved with environmental bacteria (that have) adapted over aeons to being at home in human bodies. The present-day result is that our metabolism, our neurons and indeed our entire physiology is an interactive cross-talk with the bacteria in our bodies,” said Bruce R. Stevens, professor of physiology and functional genomics in the College of Medicine at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
He perceives humans and gut bacteria as one interactive “meta-organism” – a single ecology of human cells plus bacterial cells.
Depression-like behaviours
The idea that guts and minds are linked goes back centuries, and the influence of gut bacteria on our health has been discussed in the press for years. But recently, after thousands of published articles, understanding of the links has grown immensely.
For example, studies show transferring gut bacteria from depressed people into lab rats can cause the rats to exhibit depression-like behaviours. Similar mouse studies show gut bacteria affect anxiety.
Dr Kirsten Tillisch, professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, led a study in 2013 that was the first to show eating a bacteria-friendly, or probiotic, food – in this case, yoghurt – affected regions in the brain associated with processing of emotion and sensation in healthy women with no psychiatric symptoms. Four years later, her team linked specific gut bacterial profiles to brain differences in those regions.
How might tiny microbes exert such great influence? Stevens explained some basics.
First, the number of bacteria in your gut is vast – 50 trillion or so, which equals about one for every human cell in our bodies. The makeup of this bacterial collection, or microbiome, is affected by many things, including diet, exercise and cultural influences.
Those bacteria interact with the brain and other organs in three ways. First, the gut and brain communicate by molecules carried in the blood, and microbes influence those chemical messages.
Serotonin comes from gut wall
Microbes also interact with the gut’s special nervous system, called the enteric nervous system. It has a direct, two-way connection with the brain via the central nervous system.
Finally, the immune system of the gut wall and the body’s other immune components respond to gut microbes, affecting the brain and organs.
Here’s one example of how it all ties together. You might have heard of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitter molecules that steer mood and behaviour in brain circuits. These molecules also are found in the gut. In fact, Stevens said, most of the body’s serotonin comes from the gut wall.
Gut bacteria also use them to signal the gut’s nervous system and its direct link to the brain. The bacterial messages also can prompt responses from the body’s immune system.
Summed up: “Your gut, your brain and your immune system interact,” Stevens said. “The triangulation of those things controls much of your other physiology, whether it’s blood pressure, metabolism or mood.”
Plus, it’s two-way communication, he said. “We use their molecules; they use our molecules and physiology in a mutualistic way.” Our understanding of these interactions, he said, could someday open the door to better treatment, diagnosis and prevention for disorders of the heart and mind.
Eat more fruits and vegetables
To Tillisch, the body-brain link to the gut biome is significant not just for what it might do in the future, but for what anyone can do with it now.
“I really feel like all the research to date has pointed us to really basic concepts” that add up to “what we eat and how we live our lives is going to affect our health, whether it’s our mental health, whether it’s our cardiovascular health, whether it’s our gut health, whether it’s our neurologic health.”
She’s intrigued by the prospect that an understanding of gut bacteria might someday explain why some people can, say, eat a seemingly unhealthy food but stay thin. But for now, she said, we can use our knowledge to do what we already know is good for us – such as to avoid processed foods and eat more fruits and vegetables.
Research supports the Mediterranean diet, Tillisch said. The diet features fish and poultry, and includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, bread and other grains, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds. It uses olive oil as a primary fat source.
Stevens agreed. “There is currently no ‘silver bullet’ probiotic or antibiotic, although certain combinations of probiotics are providing promising research results. If you want to foster ‘good guy’ bacteria over ‘bad guy’ bacteria, research evidence demonstrates the best way is to exercise and eat a diet that has the appropriate dietary fibre, unsaturated fat and low sugar, which will encourage the growth of those particular species of bacteria.”
People get excited about the microbiome, Tillisch said. “Like, ‘Oh, it’s so cool, all these things are making all these decisions and changing our health!’ They’re really resulting from our behaviours – whether we exercise, whether we take (medications), whether we drink alcohol, whether we eat well.
The health department is ready to immediately roll out dexamethasone to seriously ill Covid-19 patients.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said there were three major suppliers of intravenous dexamethasone in the country.
He added the drug had no benefit to patients who did not require an extra supply of oxygen.
The national Department of Health says South Africa is in a “favourable” position to immediately roll out dexamethasone to all seriously ill Covid-19 patients.
On Friday evening, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said the department had checked its stock and currently had around 300 000 ampoules, or vials, in the country.
“This is one of those medicines where we do have excellent local capacity.”
He added there were three major suppliers of intravenous dexamethasone in the country.
Manufacture
“One of the companies manufactures the oral equivalent and supplies it all over the world, and so we are able to negotiate the security of our own supply right here at home.
“In fact, to have a South African enterprise be a manufacturer and supplier of a critical medicine, especially one that will prove to be lifesaving in the current global context, is a real departure from the norm and so South Africans can take pride in being one of the countries that will provide a solution to a global crisis.”
Mkhize said he was excited about the recent breakthrough research of the recovery trial from Oxford University in the UK.
“Dexamethasone was found to reduce mortality by one third in patients who require ventilatory support and by one fifth in patients who require non-invasive supplementary oxygen.
“This is a significant breakthrough in evidence-based management of Covid-19. The study results are compelling because it was a randomised study that was able to recruit large numbers of participants.”
He, however, emphasised the study had showed no benefit for those patients who did not require oxygen supplementation.
“Since this announcement, we have looked into our own context and found that we are indeed in a favourable position. Our healthcare workers are very familiar with dexamethasone, having used it for decades as a registered medicine in South Africa.
“We are immediately able to offer all patients who need intravenous dexamethasone. Our Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid-19 issued an advisory to recommend the use of dexamethasone for all patients on ventilators or requiring non-invasive supplementary oxygen,” Mkhize said.
Our client is currently looking for a Supply Chain Manager. The role actively manages all supply chain activities, including sourcing raw material, production, and logistics, as well as the information systems needed to co-ordinate these activities maximising the effectiveness and efficiency of the whole value chain.
In this environment, the physical flow of materials involves the transformation, movement, and storage of goods and materials. Information also flows in conjunction with the materials to allow the various supply chain partners to co-ordinate their long-term plans, and to control the day-to-day flow of goods and material up and down the supply chain.
The Supply Chain Manager will co-ordinate the above elements to ensure that both internal and external customers receive their products in the most cost effective and efficient manner.
Minimum Requirements:
B.Com Supply Chain Degree.
B.Com Supply Chain Honours Degree preferable.
Minimum 5 years’ experience in the Supply Chain field in a Pharmaceutical / FMCG Industry, with 2 to 3 years’ experience at a Senior Management level.
SAP experience preferable.
Key Performance Areas:
Supply Chain Management Planning and Control:
Direct, manage and control Supply Chain Planners and integrate with Operation Manager planning to ensure forecast demand and supply plans maintain availability of materials and/or products.
Develop procedures for co-ordination of supply chain management with other functional areas, such as Production, Sales, Marketing, Finance and Quality Assurance.
Participate in the co-ordination of engineering changes, product line extensions to ensure orderly and timely transitions in material or production flow.
Review or update supply chain practices in accordance with new or changing environmental policies, standards, regulations, or laws.
Implement new or improved supply chain processes.
Define performance metrics for measurement, comparison, or evaluation of supply chain factors, such as product cost or quality.
Use SAP to improve tracking and reporting of materials or products distribution, storage and inventory.
Procurement:
Manage activities related to strategic or tactical purchasing, material requirements planning, inventory control, warehousing, or receiving.
In conjunction with the Procurement Manager:
Meet with suppliers to discuss performance metrics, to provide performance feedback, or to discuss production forecasts or changes.
Negotiate prices and delivery of materials to produce cost savings, reduce lead times and manage contracts.
Transport and Storage:
Assess the entire flow of goods and materials to ensure efficient delivery, quality goods, and on-time delivery of those goods.
Select transportation routes to maximize economy by combining shipments or consolidating warehousing and distribution.
Assess appropriate material handling procedures, equipment needs and staffing levels to load, unload, move, or store materials. This includes room temperature and cold chain management of active and inactive raw materials and finished product.
Design and/or implement plant-warehousing strategies for production materials or finished products.
In conjunction with Finance, analyse inventories for efficiency improvement and to determine how to increase inventory turns, reduce waste.
Departmental Responsibility:
Responsible for SCM budget setting and control.
Document physical supply chain processes, such as workflows, cycle times, position responsibilities, and system flows.
Staff Management and Leadership:
Set both departmental and individual objectives in order to meet strategic objectives, in the form of individual performance plans.
Track performance through the performance plan and institute required actions where performance is found to be lacking.
Identify training needs and set development plans in conjunction with the Training department.
Align deliverables in the SLA’s to objectives in individual performance plans, to ensure that financial and service deliverables are met.
Competencies:
Organising, planning, prioritizing and co-ordinating work.
AGRONOMIST (PAARL) in Western Cape | Agriculture/Fisheries/Aquaculturist | Job Mail | 4742886
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Our client has a fantastic opportunity for an Agronomist to be based at their operations in Paarl. This position requires extensive travel as well as your own vehicle.
Requirements:
B.Sc. degree in agronomy, specialization in viticulture an advantage
Previous experience in a similar role, such as technical/research assistant, or agronomist, or a farm advisor. Practical experience on a grape farm would be an advantage.
Deep knowledge of the Vitis genus, anatomy of the grapevine, plant nutrition, soil characteristics, rootstocks, irrigation systems and other agronomic subjects. Additional knowledge of other tree/vine crops would be an advantage.
Outstanding verbal and non-verbal communicational skills, in English and in native language.
High flexibility and mobility, readiness to travel, willingness to work during non-standard hours and on weekends/holidays if necessary.
High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
An understanding of procedures, responsibilities, and systems.
Exceptional time management skills, with the skill to multi-task and prioritize tasks.
Organized, good at documenting and retrieving data, files and reports.
Investigational in his/her DNA
Valid License and Own Vehicle
Please Note: if you have not been contacted within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.
2 BEDROOM APARTMENT / FLAT FOR RENT IN SANDOWN, SANDTON
Listing Features
Listing Description
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Floor Size:
± 85m2
Complex situated in the heart of Sandton This FIRST FLOOR Apartment offers: 2 Large bedrooms with bic’s. 1 Bathroom (only shower), blinds fitted to window. Stunning open plan lounge, dining room and kitchen (blinds fitted to kitchen window). Kitchen has space for 1 appliance and a standard fridge. Lots of cupboard space. Parquet flooring throughout. Basement parking. Beautiful communal gardens. Access controlled.
2 BEDROOM APARTMENT / FLAT FOR RENT IN BRYANSTON, SANDTON
Listing Features
Listing Description
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Floor Size:
± 89m2
This Ground Floor Apartment offers: 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom Open plan kitchen, lounge & dining room Patio – with steel table and chairs 1 Parking bay Communal gardens No pets Access gate with 24-hour security Swimming pool and braai area in the complex Within walking distance of shops & restaurants
Bruno Fernandes’s penalty salvaged a 1-1 draw for Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur as the Red Devils had another late spot-kick overturned by a VAR review on Friday.
Jose Mourinho was on course to get the better of his former club when Steven Bergwijn’s strike gave Spurs a half-time lead.
However, United’s second half pressure finally told nine minutes from time when Fernandes converted from the spot after Paul Pogba had been brought down in the box.
Fernandes then thought he had won a second penalty, but a VAR review decided there was little contact as he went down under a challenge from Eric Dier.
A point does little for either side’s chances of breaking into the top four.
United remain in fifth, two points behind Chelsea, while Spurs are four points further back in eighth.
In keeping with all matches since the Premier League’s return earlier this week, all players and officials took a knee before kick in protest against racial injustice.
Once the action did get underway, United settled quickest to the eery surroundings of a 62 000 seater stadium draped in banners with the only fans appearing on giant video screens behind each goal.
Marcus Rashford has had a momentous week as the English international’s campaign to ensure vulnerable children are not left without food vouchers during the English school holidays forced a government U-turn.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer described the 22-year-old’s action as far “more important than any game of football that he would probably play.”
However, the England international admitted he was also desperate to get back to the day job after being sidelined since January with a back injury prior to the coronavirus-enforced shutdown of football for three months.
Rashford had the best chance to turn the visitors’ early control into a goal as his low shot was beaten away by the legs of Hugo Lloris.
Tottenham could be the Premier League side with most to gain from a three-month stoppage.
Prior to lockdown, Mourinho spoke of his desire to fast forward to the end of the season when he would have Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Moussa Sissoko and Bergwijn fit again.
All four were fit to return to the starting line-up and it was a inspired moment from the Dutchman which opened the scoring.
Bergwijn surged past the leaden-footed Harry Maguire before David de Gea could only parry his powerful shot into the roof of the net.
De Gea made amends moments later with a stunning save to prevent Son’s looping header from Bergwijn’s cross doubling Tottenham’s lead.
However, that was the last time the Spaniard was troubled as Tottenham sat on their lead after the break and invited plenty of United pressure.
The arrival of Fernandes in January played a huge part in an 11-game unbeaten run for Solskjaer’s men before the break.
Fernandes was inches away from an equaliser as his low drive fizzed just wide.
Lloris then produced a stunning save to tip Anthony Martial’s rising effort over.
Solskjaer had left Pogba on the bench from the start, but the Frenchman made a big impact after being introduced for his first appearance since December 26.
Pogba’s quick feet left Eric Dier in his wake and Dier then pushed the midfielder over inside the box as he tried to recover.
Fernandes coolly sent Lloris the wrong way from the penalty spot to deservedly level.
And United thought they had the chance to win the game when Jon Moss pointed to the spot again in stoppage time.
Rashford was set to take the penalty this time, but was denied the chance to round off his momentous week as VAR overruled the referee’s original decision and United had to settle for a point.
Medical staff, wearing protective gear, move a patient infected with the coronavirus from an ambulance to a hospital in Seoul, South Korea.
Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
Covid-19-related deaths rise to 1 831 nationally.
About 1 260 434 tests have been conducted, with 87 715 total positive cases as of Friday.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said 60 deaths were reported in the Western Cape, 27 in Gauteng and seven in KZN.
The Department of Health says 94 more people have died of Covid-19, raising the total number of deaths to 1 831 people in the country.
As of Friday, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said they have conducted 1 260 434 tests, with 87 715 people having tested positive nationally.
Mkhize also said the daily testing total was 32 336 new tests.
“Regrettably, we report a further 94 Covid-19 related deaths. Sixty deaths were reported in the Western Cape, 27 in Gauteng and seven in KwaZulu-Natal.
“We wish to express our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased.”
The mortality rate is 2.1%, said Mkhize, while the number of recoveries is 47 825, which translates to 54.5% of the total cases.
