Lifestyle Archives - Page 4 of 5

SILENT THREAT: Illegally refilled gas cylinders could turn homes into bombs, expert warns

23Apr

By News SANo Comments

Lifestyle

SILENT THREAT: Illegally refilled gas cylinders could turn homes into bombs, expert warns

Sitha Maliwa (Image: EasiGas) With electricity prices set to rise by 12.7% come 1 April 2025 and inflation edging up again, more domestic consumers are expected to seek cost-effective and reliable energy alternatives, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the cost of which is approximately 15% lower than that of electricity. However, to save additional money, some individuals may unwittingly buy unsafe, illegally filled LPG cylinders. “If an unauthorised person fills the branded cylinder of a legitimate company, instead of the owner of the branded cylinder themselves, or an approved distributor, then it is considered to be illegally filled,” explains Nomkhosi Makhathini of Easigas. “The South African National Standard, SANS 10019, requires that all LPG cylinders must be h...

MASS WEDDINGS: Church members to tie the knot in mass wedding on Easter Sunday

19Apr

By News SANo Comments

Lifestyle

MASS WEDDINGS: Church members to tie the knot in mass wedding on Easter Sunday

By Mpumzi Mshweshwe Leader of the International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC), Comforter MG Sandlana, officiating at the 2023 mass wedding, where more than 400 couples tied the knot. (Image: IPHC Media Unit). Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC), under the spiritual leadership of Successor MG Sandlana, is set to host mass weddings of 1500 couples, roughly 3000 members, on Easter Sunday, the 20th. The mass weddings form part of a longstanding, year-on-year tradition by the IPHC. The weddings are set to break a record for the largest number of people being married in one event. The weddings, which will start at 9 am, will be held in the newly built Dome at IPHC Kanana City, Heidelberg, the largest congregational Dome in the southern hemisphere, with approximately 60 000 seating...

PARADIGM SHIFT: Hope rises as lung cancer treatment evolves

15Apr

By News SANo Comments

Lifestyle

PARADIGM SHIFT: Hope rises as lung cancer treatment evolves

Sitha Maliwa Lung cancer has long carried a grim reputation, often associated with late diagnoses and limited treatment success. Its symptoms can be subtle, like a persistent cough, and are frequently mistaken for minor ailments. As a result, many patients only receive a diagnosis once the disease has reached an advanced stage, making effective treatment more challenging. In South Africa, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The most significant risk factor remains tobacco use, with 33.4% of males and 8.3% of females over the age of 15 identified as tobacco consumers. Other contributing factors include a family history of cancer, poor diet, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ionising radiation, HIV infection, occupational hazards, and expo...

THE RISE OF MINIMALIST SKINCARE: Why less is finally more

10Apr

By News SANo Comments

Lifestyle

THE RISE OF MINIMALIST SKINCARE: Why less is finally more

Sitha Maliwa In an era where simplicity is becoming a luxury, the idea of doing more with less is gaining traction; not only in how we dress or shop, but also in how we care for our skin. As the broader wellness movement continues to shape our choices, skincare routines are following suit. The focus is shifting from elaborate, multi-step rituals to something more intentional: minimalism. This move toward minimalist skincare reflects a growing desire to slow down, pare back, and prioritise what really matters, not just for convenience but for skin health, sustainability, and peace of mind. The case for simplifying Skincare has become increasingly complicated. The average consumer is bombarded with advice about layering serums, using actives, double-cleansing, exfolia...

TEA TIME: South Africans share their favourite tea pairings for today’s most popular dishes!

8Apr

By News SANo Comments

Lifestyle

TEA TIME: South Africans share their favourite tea pairings for today’s most popular dishes!

By News SA Correspondent Lemon Slice Dessert. (Image credit: Nikita Rwida/ @nikitarwida) Move aside, wine pairing – tea pairing is the new kid on the block and South Africans are loving it! Tea and food pairing, much like wine pairing, involves understanding how different types of tea and food flavours interact to create a harmonious taste experience. For example, teas with a Black tea base usually complement hearty breakfast foods, chocolate desserts, and spicy dishes; while Green teas work well with Asian cuisine, light meals and citrusy desserts, and Herbal teas generally pair well with fruit desserts and cheese plates. From the full-bodied Premium Blend tea, to a range of light and refreshing Green teas, aromatic Chais and delicate Pure Chamomile, Tetley Tea has a flavour...

PROPERTY TRENDS ALERT: The rise of starter homes

7Apr

By News SANo Comments

Lifestyle

PROPERTY TRENDS ALERT: The rise of starter homes

By Sitha Maliwa As interest rates continue to drop and salaries rise, first-time homebuyers are seizing the opportunity to enter the property market. The recent increase in the transfer duty exemption threshold by 10%, saving buyers up to R3,300, further fuels this surge. According to Jonathan Spencer of OneDayOnly.co.za, first-time buyers now make up a significant 46% of all home loan applications. But what are they buying? The answer: starter homes. A starter home is a smaller, more affordable property that serves as a stepping stone for those looking to enter the property market without the financial strain of a larger, more expensive home. These homes typically feature one or two bedrooms, a single bathroom and range in size from 70m² to 116m². They’re cozy enough to ...

OLDER MEN, YOUNGER BRIDES: Men are opting for younger women in marriage

4Apr

By News SANo Comments

Lifestyle

OLDER MEN, YOUNGER BRIDES: Men are opting for younger women in marriage

AI-generated image Once, marriage was the dream- a sparkling milestone to be achieved in the early twenties, eagerly anticipated as a rite of passage. But now, the narrative is shifting, and the vows that once echoed with the promise of forever are becoming increasingly rare, as personal growth, career aspirations, and financial stability take centre stage. This transformation is not confined to the borders of South Africa; it reverberates across the globe. Yet, the latest data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) tells a compelling story about how this shift is unfolding within the country's very heart. In 2014, the median age for South African grooms stepping into civil marriages was 35, while brides were typically 31. By 2023, those numbers have surged. Grooms now enter mar...

WINTER SKINCARE: Why petroleum jelly is your winter skincare saviour

3Apr

By News SANo Comments

Lifestyle

WINTER SKINCARE: Why petroleum jelly is your winter skincare saviour

By Sitha Maliwa As the temperatures drop and winter’s chill sets in, your skincare routine requires a little extra care and attention. The dry, cold air, combined with indoor heating, can leave your skin feeling tight, irritated, and parched. But fear not; there’s one trusty skincare product that has stood the test of time for tackling winter dryness: petroleum jelly. When winter hits, the cold air can strip your skin of moisture, leading to dryness and discomfort. One of the most effective ways to lock in hydration and protect your skin from the elements is by using petroleum jelly. It works by forming a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture from evaporating and shielding it from harsh winds and low humidity. “Winter weather demands more from your sk...

DECOR TREND ALERT: The rise of timeless elegance in home design

27Mar

By News SANo Comments

Lifestyle

DECOR TREND ALERT: The rise of timeless elegance in home design

By Sitha Maliwa As we move further into 2025, home décor is embracing a refined sense of timeless elegance. This year, design is all about blending classic styles with modern touches, resulting in spaces that feel both sophisticated and personal. Homeowners are opting for spaces that are functional, beautiful, and reflect their individual style, without compromising on luxury or comfort. Here’s a look at the key trends shaping the interior design world in 2025. Sculptural furniture: Art in every pieceFurniture in 2025 is no longer just about utility; it’s about making a statement. Sculptural furniture pieces have become central to many homes, merging art and function seamlessly. Bold, organic shapes in items like curvaceous armchairs or wave-inspired coffee tables serve as fo...

CHANGE MAKER: South Africa’s Ncazelo Mlilo nominated for Women Changing the World Awards

26Mar

By News SANo Comments

Lifestyle

CHANGE MAKER: South Africa’s Ncazelo Mlilo nominated for Women Changing the World Awards

By Sitha Maliwa Ncazelo Mlilo, an esteemed Narrative Therapist and Psychosocial Specialist based in Johannesburg, has been nominated for two prestigious awards at the Women Changing the World Awards. Known as the “Grammy Awards” for women making exceptional contributions globally, these awards honour women across various sectors such as business, leadership, health, education, innovation, and sustainability. Ncazelo is nominated for the following categories: People’s Choice Award for Non-Profit and Social Enterprise Women in Therapy and Counselling Services Award These nominations are a significant recognition of her pioneering work in mental health, specifically her development of Afrocentric, culturally sensitive narrative methodologies. Her efforts have empowere...