For nearly six decades, Spur has been synonymous with birthday celebrations, and this year, the beloved brand is shifting the spotlight away from itself to the children of South Africa, many of whom are yet to experience the joy of a birthday celebration.

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Spur will throw 320 birthday parties across the country, giving over 10,000 children the chance to celebrate their special day in true Spur fashion, complete with treats, sparklers, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime. From Cape Town to Limpopo, each Spur restaurant opened its doors in partnership with local charities, creches and homes for seniors to create this unprecedented birthday bash.

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“Spur turns 58 this October,” says Vuyo Henda, Chief Marketing Officer of Spur Corp. “For years, we’ve celebrated by connecting with the communities we serve, with each restaurant hosting birthday parties for underprivileged children and seniors. This year, we wanted to make an even bigger impact. Many people don’t get to celebrate their birthdays, and we want to change that.”

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Henda adds, “At Spur, birthdays aren’t just dates on a calendar, they’re moments to spark joy and create unforgettable memories. For 58 years, Spur has been the heartbeat of celebration for many families, where every birthday is honoured with a special song, bright sparklers, and heartfelt cheer. We serve more than just a meal, but a shared experience that lights up lives. As Spur turns 58, we renew our promise to keep the joy alive, making every birthday a bright, joyful occasion for all.”

The initiative is in line with the Spur Corporation’s purpose of Leading for the Greater Good through various initiatives, such as The Full Tummy Fund. This bold drive aims to ignite joy in the lives of children across South Africa, making Spur’s birthday a day where the whole nation comes together to celebrate life and the power of community.

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Here’s how to give your car the care it needs this season:

1. Don’t let a cold battery leave you stranded
   Lower temperatures can reduce battery power. If your battery is older than three years, get it tested. Corroded terminals? A quick clean could save you a lot of hassle.
2. Tyres lose pressure in cold weather
   It’s simple science: colder air = lower pressure. Underinflated tyres mean less grip and higher fuel consumption. Check them regularly and don’t forget about tread depth. You want maximum contact with the road, especially when it’s wet or icy, which happens overnight in many places in SA.
3. Fluids matter more than you think
   Coolant and washer fluid are winter essentials. Coolant helps prevent overheating, even in cold weather, and a good washer fluid cuts through mist and grime with ease.
4. Foggy windows? Fix it fast
   Cold mornings create steamed-up windscreens. Use your aircon or demister. Keep a microfiber cloth nearby in case you need a quick wipe.
5. Winter isn’t kind to your paint
   Dust, moisture and dirty roads can damage your paint over time. A regular wash and wax protects your car’s exterior from dirt buildup and minor scratches and keeps it looking fresh.
6. Don’t idle, just drive gently
   Modern engines don’t need long warm-ups. Instead of idling, start driving slowly after a few seconds to allow the engine to reach optimal temperature naturally. It’s better for the car and your fuel bill.
7. Light the way
   With fewer daylight hours, your lights are more important than ever. Check all bulbs – headlights, brake lights, indicators – and replace any that are dull or faulty for maximum visibility and safety.

Winter doesn’t have to be hard on your vehicle. A little care now goes a long way in keeping you safe and your car running smoothly. And if you’re unsure, visit a trusted service centre.

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RMI Chief of Corporate Strategy and Corporate Support, Ipeleng Mabusela said that with the increased traffic volumes, including more heavy vehicles on all major routes, drivers have to ensure that their vehicles are ready to deal with occurrences on the road.

“Regular servicing and maintenance at an accredited MIWA workshop provides you with peace of mind, but even so, just to be absolutely sure, have all the essentials checked before you embark on your journey,” said Mabusela.

He added that the RMI affiliated Vehicle Testing Association (VTA) was once again running its annual Easter safety campaign from 11 April to 17 April offering motorists a free service.

“The RMI agrees with government’s stance that the responsibility lies with motorists and pedestrians when it comes to road safety. The leading causes of accidents on South Africa’s roads remain drinking and driving, speeding, reckless driving and blatant disregard for the rules of the road, especially behaviours like ignoring traffic signals,” said Mabusela.

He said pedestrians also become a hazard by walking on the roads drunk and not wearing bright clothing.

“Motorists also have a lot to contend with on our roads in terms of poor road markings, potholes and even sinkholes, so pre-trip planning and prep is of utmost importance. Let’s all work towards a peaceful and safe Easter holiday on the roads by doing our part in preventing accidents. Embarking on your journey in a roadworthy and well maintained vehicle is the first step towards this,” concluded Mabusela.

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Criminals continue to find new ways to commit vehicle theft, focusing on areas of vulnerability to strike. A concerning new modus operandi has emerged where suspects are targeting vehicles at local car washes.

Hattingh says after arriving at a car wash, unsuspecting customers often leave their cars – and keys – behind to shop or run errands. Taking advantage of this, criminals claim the vehicle as their own, enter it, and drive away. Just last week, there were five reported thefts in the West Rand area.

In recent incidents, suspects arrive at the car wash telling the car wash attendants that they were sent by the owners to collect the car.

Thefts have also occurred where the keys were left in the ignition, and in some cases, suspects even checked for unattended keys before quickly seizing the opportunity. While these incidents began locally, such tactics can spread quickly, making this a relevant concern for all motorists.

Fidelity ADT urges motorists to follow these precautions:

• 1.Don’t leave your car keys with the attendant when you are at a car wash
• 2.Make sure you are waiting in a spot where you can watch your vehicle
• 3.Watch if you were followed to a car wash or if there are suspicious persons around
• 4.Inform the attendant that only you will be collecting your vehicle
• 5.Remain vigilant of suspicious individuals and report any unusual behaviour to mall or local security.

Hattingh asks residents to report any suspicious activity to the SAPS or security providers in the area.

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Bettysgoed, a small village in the Gert Sibande district is where he grew up. He attended
both primary and high school at Kaduma Primary School and high school at Lusushwa Secondary School. His favorite subjects included Life sciences and Geography.

“After completing my studies I landed a job as a high school assistant administrator. Hungry for more opportunities, I joined TransUnion’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) Africa learnership programme.
Today, I have a recognized qualification and a permanent position in the GCC in the Talent & Acquisition department,” he says.

As a young person who was offered such an opportunity, Tebogo sees himself as someone with exceptional potential and a strong drive to succeed.

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He says he enjoys his current role and is committed to continuously developing his expertise. However, his passion lies in managing teams.

“I envision myself taking on more responsibilities in this area, leading and inspiring a larger team towards achieving our shared objectives. My goal is not just to excel individually, but to contribute to the collective success of the team. Next stop, definitely a managerial position,” he says

The post From Bettysgoed to Egoli: A Mpumalanga youth’s journey appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

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Diabetes is a chronic health condition that occurs when the body cannot effectively regulate blood sugar levels. There are two main types of diabetes: type-1 and type-2. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, or when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. This is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity.

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Both types of diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels, leading to serious health problems for different organs and systems. Some foods can increase the risk of type-2 diabetes, especially if eaten too much or as part of an unhealthy diet.

Here are five foods that can increase your risk of diabetes:

1. Refined grains
2. Dairy products with high fat
3. Artificial sweetened beverages
4. Processed meats
5. Fried foods

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