Cape Times 2023-08-22

In recent years, it seems everyone and their grandmother has been obsessing over maintaining a flawless complexion. So why is skincare booming? And, more importantly, could vitamin C be the ultimate secret to achieving the holy grail of skin health? The Gen Z and influencer community has been front and centre in embracing the idea that skincare isn’t just about tackling existing skin issues; it’s a form of self-care and self-love. And I can’t lie and not champion the idea of investing in ourselves, and that includes investing in our skin. The quest for a radiant complexion has given rise to an entire industry of innovative skincare products, from serums to toners and beyond, with social media influencers and beauty gurus showcasing their multi-step routines. Unveiling the ‘holy grail’…

Dirt is easy to see in the obvious dirty spots in a home, like spilt food on kitchen counters, soap scum in the shower or a pile of dirty laundry. But what about the spots that may not look particularly dirty but are the ones that can affect the health of your family? So which room is the dirtiest and harbours the most bacteria in your house? According to a survey by the National Sanitation Foundation International, it’s surprisingly not the bathroom but the kitchen. The kitchen All the elements that encourage bacteria to grow – heat, moisture and food – are readily available here. The kitchen is brimming with dangerous bacteria like E coli, when you factor in raw meats, unwashed fruits and veggies and the germs from everyone’s…

If you cannot be at the stadium, what is the next best option? Gather mates together for a mega rugby stream session at home. Almost everyone loves a good barbecue, but South Africans take the classic BBQ to a whole new level with the braai. Going beyond just a barbecue, the braai is practically a national sport. South Africans absolutely adore a braai and for them, the weekend means one thing: the aroma of grilling meats wafting from backyards across the country, while friends and family gather. Below, Ultimate Braai Master 2014 winner Stephen Mandes shares tips on how to prepare the best braai. Prepare the meat Spice the meat or chicken for more or less two hours before you get the fire going, it allows the flavours to soak…

One of the best ways to stretch your grocery budget is by meal prepping. While the idea of planning every meal in advance can feel overwhelming, there are several ways to make it easier – and less expensive. Meal prepping helps you save time and money by allowing you to plan and cook meals in advance. With a few simple tricks, meal prepping can help take the stress and hassle out of getting dinner on the table while also keeping your food budget in check. What is meal prepping? Meal prepping is an organised way to prepare your meals ahead of time so that you will not have to worry about cooking every single day. Meal prepping allows you to plan your meals and prepare enough for the whole week…

THE ANC in the Dullah Omar region announced yesterday the names of 20 members who made it on to the regional executive committee as additional members. This after the delegates held a conference at the weekend. The results showed that the candidates who vied unsuccessfully for the top five positions made it on to the regional executive committee (REC). Dark horse Tshepo Moletsane, who was outclassed by Ndithini Tyhido for the chairperson position, came in the 12th position as an additional member. Chief whip in the Western Cape legislature, Pat Lekker, who lost to SACP deputy provincial secretary Sonwabile Ngxiza in the deputy chairperson contest, also made the cut in the REC when she came at number seven. Dee Badela, who contested unsuccessfully the regional secretary post, came top on…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the government is trying to rescue 23 South Africans stranded in Niger after the military seized power. President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by the military in July and the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has threatened to intervene and restore constitutional order. But Mali and Burkina Faso, who are ruled by the military, warned that if Ecowas intervened it would be a declaration of war on all three countries. A delegation from Ecowas was in the capital Niamey on Saturday in a last-ditch effort to find a solution to the crisis. Bazoum and his family have been detained by the military. The coup has been condemned by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the AU and several Western powers. US acting Deputy Secretary of…