Latest news with #isiZulu
IOL News
a day ago
- Science
- IOL News
Innovative solutions for shark conservation at uShaka Marine World
Maryke Musson at the Shark Smart Exhibit at uShaka Marine World in Durban. Image: Mnqobi Zuma, WILDTRUST Shark smart: how do we keep sharks and people safe, is the main theme at an exhibition held at uShaka Marine World in Durban. The Shark exhibition highlights innovative solutions that focus on non-lethal alternatives to mitigate shark risk. Hosted by conservation NGO, WildTrust, in partnership with Shark Conservation Fund, the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI), SharkSafe Barrier, Shark Spotters, Justice4Jaws, the Sharks & People Working Group, and others, the exhibition represents a bold step forward in rethinking the safety of both people and sharks in a way that also protects marine life. 'We were the first country to protect the white shark and now, more than ever, South Africa has the opportunity and responsibility to lead once again in shark and ray conservation,' said WildTrust's senior scientist, Dr Jennifer Olbers. 'However, our laws are outdated, shark populations globally are under pressure, and two species – the large tooth and green sawfish – have already been categorised as locally extinct,' she added. The exhibition takes people on an immersive journey through the history of shark nets and drumlines in KwaZulu-Natal, the ecological costs of current practices, and the innovative technologies and solutions being developed both locally and globally to reduce harm to marine life. Some of the alternatives featured include sonar systems, artificial intelligence software, the Shark Shield, multispectral drones, and the SharkSafe Barrier, with a spotlight also placed on personal bather responsibility when choosing to enter the sharks' habitat. "This exhibition is a result of over a year of dedication; a true labour of love,' said Lauren van Nijkerk, WildTrust's campaign director. 'All stakeholders were meaningfully included in shaping the plan, key messages, and overall vision. We focused on presenting both existing shark risk mitigation methods and potential non-lethal alternatives in engaging, educational, and interactive ways, making sure most of the materials are in both English and isiZulu,' van Nijkerk said. Maryke Musson, executive manager of the Conservation Education and Communications at SAAMBR said the aquarium has a rare and powerful opportunity to exhibit and open minds to the wonders of the ocean, especially for those who have never seen it before. 'Our team enjoyed the challenge of putting together this exhibit, and look forward to the next phases, building on this initial foundation and seeing the impact that it creates.' KwaZulu-Natal currently operates 13km of shark nets and 177 drumlines across 37 beaches, which is a system that is still widely misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, these nets are not physical barriers that prevent sharks from reaching swimmers. Instead, they are designed to catch and kill specific shark species deemed a risk to bathers. The shark nets are set in staggered rows 300-500m offshore and parallel to the shore with gaps between and below them. Sharks can therefore swim under, around and between them to reach the surf zone. Despite South Africa's rich ocean diversity, only three shark species are primarily associated with unprovoked incidents: the Zambezi (bull) shark, white shark, and tiger shark. These are the sole targets of the current "bather safety gear." However, the environmental cost is significant. On average, more than 400 non-target marine animals, including dolphins, rays, turtles, and Critically Endangered sharks, are killed in the nets each year as bycatch. With the 'bather safety nets' being highly unselective, drumlines were introduced in 2005 as a more targeted form of fishing. These are baited hooks suspended from an anchored float, targeting large sharks to reduce bycatch. [email protected]
The Citizen
a day ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Hardware app with real-time stock, in-app checkout, a first for SA
Hardware app with real-time stock, in-app checkout, a first for SA Leroy Merlin South Africa, part of the global Adeo Group, last Thursday announced the launch of its mobile app, set to transform how South Africans shop for home improvement and DIY. Available for free download from 1 August 2025, the app delivers a seamless, mobile-first experience tailored to the South African market – including low-connectivity support and an in-app self-checkout to help customers skip queues. Further enhancing usability for local customers, the app is currently searchable in five of South Africa's widely spoken languages – English, isiZulu, Afrikaans, Sesotho, and Setswana – with planned upgrades to further refine and expand this functionality in the near future. Unlike traditional retail applications that adapt websites to smaller screens, the Leroy Merlin SA App has been developed specifically for mobile. It offers a clean, logical, user-friendly interface with real-time stock visibility, expanded marketplace access, and smarter filtering to simplify every stage of the customer journey. 'This isn't just another app – it's a complete reimagining of how DIY retail can support real lives,' says Dmitriy Anderson, Chief Information Officer and Head of E-commerce and Marketplace Strategy at Leroy Merlin South Africa. 'We've designed every feature to reduce friction and give our customers more control –whether you're a contractor checking availability before a job on-site or a first-time homeowner planning your dream space from your couch.' The app enhances the entire customer experience. Users can build project-based shopping lists, scan product barcodes in-store for instant information, track orders in real time, and manage their accounts effortlessly. Integrated features such as loyalty rewards, a WhatsApp-style in-app chat, and Leroy Merlin's award-winning self-service refund portal streamline everything from support queries to returns – no phone calls or emails required. Push notifications provide instant alerts for order updates, promotions, and wish list activity – offering faster, more personalised engagement than a website. Another important innovation is the ability to select your preferred Leroy Merlin store. The app suggests the store closest to you, but switching between stores is quick and easy – ideal for checking product availability elsewhere. Store-specific trading hours are clearly displayed, helping users plan more efficiently. Beyond its functional capabilities, the app has already inspired creative use cases abroad. In France, customers are using the wish list feature as a practical gift registry – curating home renovation wish lists for weddings, housewarmings, or milestone events. This innovation enables friends and family to contribute meaningfully to a project by gifting exact items – from drill bit sets and patio furniture to tile adhesives and paint colours – turning good intentions into tangible upgrades. 'Our customers aren't one-size-fits-all,' Anderson adds. 'Some want inspiration, others want speed and simplicity. Our job is to deliver all of it in a way that feels effortless.' This commitment is reflected in their wide and carefully curated range, which spans construction, hardware, kitchens, bathrooms, décor, and garden essentials – designed for all budgets and project sizes. Leroy Merlin South Africa currently serves Gauteng through five physical stores located in Fourways, Little Falls, Boksburg, Greenstone, and Centurion. The Leroy Merlin South Africa App will be available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store from 1 August 2025.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Leroy Merlin launches SA's first mobile hardware app with real-time stock, in-app checkout, and more
Leroy Merlin South Africa, part of the global Adeo Group, today announced the launch of its mobile app, set to transform how South Africans shop for home improvement and DIY. Available for free download from August 1, the app delivers a seamless, mobile-first experience tailored to the South African market, including low-connectivity support and an in-app self-checkout to help customers skip queues. Further enhancing usability for local customers, the app is currently searchable in five of South Africa's widely spoken languages – English, isiZulu, Afrikaans, Sesotho, and Setswana – with planned upgrades to further refine and expand this functionality shortly. Unlike traditional retail applications that adapt websites for smaller screens, the Leroy Merlin SA App has been developed specifically for mobile. It offers a clean, logical, user-friendly interface with real-time stock visibility, expanded marketplace access, and smarter filtering to simplify every stage of the customer journey. 'This isn't just another app; it's a complete reimagining of how DIY retail can support real lives,' says Dmitriy Anderson, chief information officer and head of e-commerce and marketplace strategy at Leroy Merlin South Africa. 'We've designed every feature to reduce friction and give our customers more control. Whether you're a contractor checking availability before a job on-site, or a first-time homeowner planning your dream space from your couch, the app enhances the entire customer experience.' Users can build project-based shopping lists, scan product barcodes in-store for instant information, track orders in real time, and manage their accounts effortlessly. Integrated features, such as loyalty rewards, a WhatsApp-style in-app chat, and Leroy Merlin's award-winning self-service refund portal, streamline everything from support queries to returns – no phone calls or emails required. Push notifications provide instant alerts for order updates, promotions, and wish list activity, offering faster, more personalised engagement than a website. Another important innovation is the ability to select your preferred Leroy Merlin store. The app suggests the store closest to you, but switching between stores is quick and easy – ideal for checking product availability elsewhere. Store-specific trading hours are displayed, helping users plan more efficiently. Beyond its functional capabilities, the app has already inspired creative use cases abroad. In France, customers are using the wish list feature as a practical gift registry, curating home renovation wish lists for weddings, housewarmings, or milestone events. This innovation enables friends and family to contribute meaningfully to a project by gifting exact items, from drill bit sets and patio furniture to tile adhesives and paint colours, turning good intentions into tangible upgrades. 'Our customers aren't one-size-fits-all,' Anderson adds. 'Some want inspiration, others want speed and simplicity. Our job is to deliver all of it in a way that feels effortless.' This commitment is reflected in their wide and carefully curated range, which spans construction, hardware, kitchens, bathrooms, décor, and garden essentials, designed for all budgets and project sizes. Leroy Merlin South Africa currently serves Gauteng through five physical stores, located in Fourways, Little Falls, Boksburg, Greenstone, and Centurion. The Leroy Merlin South Africa App will be available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store from August 1. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
SA's first DIY mobile app launches with real-time stock in-app checkout and multilingual support
SA's first DIY mobile app launches with real-time stock in-app checkout and multilingual support Built specifically for mobile and tailored for local users, the app offers a seamless experience with real-time stock updates, in-app self-checkout, and smart features that simplify home improvement shopping. Unlike scaled-down websites, this app is designed from the ground up for mobile users, even in low-connectivity areas. It supports five local languages (English, isiZulu, Afrikaans, Sesotho and Setswana), with more on the way. Whether you're on-site checking product availability or browsing from home, the app makes it easy to build shopping lists, scan barcodes in-store, track orders, and manage your account. Features like loyalty rewards, a WhatsApp-style chat, and a self-service refund portal make the experience smooth. Customers can also set their preferred store and check real-time availability across all five Gauteng branches, being Fourways, Little Falls, Boksburg, Greenstone and Centurion.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
From drip to dazzle: Thembinkosi Lorch's fashion game is a goal
Thembinkosi Lorch has mastered the art of blending high fashion with everyday cool. Image: Thembinkosi Lorch Instagram Move over, Cristiano Ronaldo and step aside, David Beckham - there's a new style king in town, and he goes by the name of Thembinkosi Lorch. Whether you know him as 'Nyoso' or simply as one of South Africa's most talented footballers, one thing is certain: Lorch is claiming his spot on the global fashion stage, one fit at a time. If you're among his hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram, you already know what time it is - Lorch isn't just serving skills on the field, he's serving serious looks off it. As we say in isiZulu, 'uyawudla ukotini' (loosely translated as 'this person can dress'). Trendy and dapper, these two words sum up Lorch's off-field image. Since his move to Morocco to join Wydad Athletic Club (on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns), the footballer has not missed a beat when it comes to maintaining - or even elevating - his fashion game. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Lorch has mastered the art of blending high fashion with everyday cool. He has a knack for making luxury fashion feel accessible and aspirational. His fashion choices are never boring - bold prints, designer sneakers and playful accessories are staples in his wardrobe. His signature look often includes standout pieces like chunky chains, statement watches and trendy bucket hats. But it's not just what he wears - it's how he wears it. There's a confidence, a swagger, that's uniquely Lorch. His streetwear is elevated by immaculate attention to detail. Whether he's wearing a simple white tee or a fully branded Gucci set, Lorch always adds that final touch - whether it's a limited-edition sneaker or an unexpected pop of colour - to tie the look together. One viral moment that had fashion lovers talking was when he posted a snap of himself wearing the Gucci Supreme Ace Mickey Mouse sneakers, a beige pair that retails for around $720 (R10 700). The sneakers were part of Gucci's Lunar New Year capsule collection, celebrating the Year of the Rat - a stylish nod to Mickey and Minnie Mouse. But that's not where the Gucci obsession ends. Scroll through his timeline and you'll spot a growing collection: from hats and tees to belts, bags and classic kicks. One of the most refreshing things about Lorch's fashion is his versatility. He doesn't confine himself to a single look. One day it's tailored formalwear, the next, it's ripped jeans, sneakers and bucket hats. His evolving style has not only won him fans across Africa but is also setting new standards for how athletes can express themselves off the pitch. Inspired? Here are five ways to style luxury wear the street way - Lorch style: Pair a designer shirt or jacket with plain jeans and classy sneakers for a balanced street-luxury look. Let your kicks do the talking. Invest in one bold, branded sneaker and build your outfit around it. Add chains, watches, bucket hats or branded caps to your wardrobe to elevate even the most basic outfit. Details make the difference. Lorch often rocks neutral tones with a single standout accessory. Try an all-black outfit with a bright bag or hat to channel that effortless cool. Don't shy away from eye-catching prints. Match them with solid neutrals or clash them boldly. Luxury fashion today is all about fearlessness.
