The 18 Unwritten Rules of Texting You Should Know - BY SAMMY NICKALLS text a person at 4 in the morning And nobody wants that! Texting is practically the most unless it’s your BFF, and even then, common form of communication your BFF may want to kill you. How- 7. Double-check your autocorrect. nowadays. It also can be the best ever, also keep in mind the schedule Unless the correction is particularly tool to use if you’d like to really, of the specific person you’re texting. hilarious, of course. Read inside really annoy people. Odds are, you Is your friend at work? Then don’t don’t. So know how to text right text him or her a million times in a 8. Double–no, triple–check who High ranking with these tips! row in the middle of the shift. Does you’re sending it to. officials meet for your friend enjoy sleeping in on the If you’d like to lose your job quickly panel discussion 1. Didn’t get a reply right away? It’s weekends? Don’t text him or her at and with little effort, texting “hey okay. Chill out. 8:30. Be nice. sexy I miss you ;)” to your boss Competition - we Don’t keep texting until they re- instead of your significant other is a need a name! spond. They’re probably busy. And 4. Don’t text a novel… great method. if they’re not, maybe they just don’t This is one that I personally break Inspirational feel like texting. Texting them over all the time, but it just makes sense: 9. If you’re running late, text the South African and over again is the perfect way if it’s taking you more than thirty person. women to ensure that they won’t respond. seconds to text it, you probably It’s just good manners. Brownie Self-worth from Ever again. just want to take care of it over the points for including an ETA. phone. Don’t make it more confus- with in 2. Always respond. ing than it has to be. 10. Respond proportionally. The Insurance That being said, don’t blow anyone phone call, text them asking them If someone breaks rule number 4, Apprentice off. Respond to someone’s text in a 5. …however, don’t call in response first. don’t respond with just “k.” Unless kind and reasonably-timed manner. to a text without asking. you want to lose friends and alien- (Unless the person is a stalker, in Be kind to the introverts. If someone 6. Generally, avoid sarcasm. ate people. Or make them want to which case, please do not respond. I texted you, it means they didn’t Unless the person knows you really destroy their phone. do so care about your safety here.) want to talk on the phone. That well, sarcasm is best avoided via might mean they’re busy, or they’re text. You can’t read the tone nearly The same goes for the opposite 3. Keep the other person’s schedule relaxing, but don’t call them in as well, and you could end up get- case: if you’re composing novels to in mind. response. If you really think it would ting into arguments or hurting someone, and they’re texting you Of course, you generally shouldn’t be something better covered via someone’s feelings. Continued on p.2 >>

1 The 18 Unwritten Rules of Texting You Should Know COMPETITION extended back with very short replies, take to make that fact obvious. the hint. Haha: use when you don’t really find something funny, but you would like to be polite. 11. If you wouldn’t talk to them Hahaha: use when their text made you smile. about this issue in real life, don’t Hahahaha+: use when you sincerely laughed. text it to them. HAHA+: one of the few exceptions to the no-caps rule. Use when What’s in a name? This can apply with so many differ- you find something hysterical. ent situations. Everyone knows not to use texts to break up, or to Lol: Use when you want the sincerity of your laughter to be a Our monthly newsletter communicate grave injuries. But you also shouldn’t try to get really mystery. Did you really laugh out loud? Nobody knows! You’re so needs a name that is funky deep into conversation with an acquaintance / stranger. I recently mysterious! and represents what Gauteng had someone I barely know text me their life story, and it was more than a bit jarring. 16. Don’t bury your face in your phone when you’re hanging out Women in Insurance stands with someone. for. Members only, please 12. Do. Not. Hashtag. In. Your. Text. Okay, let me preface this by saying that with some people, it’s cool send your suggestions to It’s something you can only do ironically. And even if you do that, if you text. I have a group of friends who are always responding to [email protected] before you have to make it really obvious that it’s ironic, or else you’ll risk texts when we’re together, and we’re okay with it, because we hang 30 November 2014. looking like an idiot. out all the time.

13. Don’t use chatspeak. Just don’t. But if you don’t know how the other person feels about texting eti- The winning entry will re- dont 4get this rule, b/c u will lose s0 much credibility rofl quette, or you don’t know the person well, just don’t do it. It’s rude ceive a R500 voucher with and it gives the impression that you don’t particularly care about the compliments of Gauteng There are certain abbreviations that are generally accepted, but the other person’s presence. Women in Insurance. make sure you know the meaning of them. Don’t text someone “lol” when they’re going through a crisis, thinking it means “lots of love.” Another exception: if there’s something really pressing, like, I don’t know, your sister is expected to go into labor any day now, inform 14. DO NOT TYPE IN ALL CAPS!!!!! your company that you may be checking your phone every so often. DOESN’T IT SEEM LIKE I’M SHOUTING AT YOU?!? NOTHING IS If you are really angry to the point where you feel like shouting, it’s 17. Don’t text while walking. probably a conversation that should be saved for another medium. You might walk into a large parked van in front of a crowd of stran- IMPOSSIBLE. gers. I may or may not be speaking from personal experience. (Note: the only exception to the past two rules is while you’re live- texting the Game of Thrones season finale to a friend, e.g. OMG I 18. Above all: do not text while driving. THE WORD HATE YOU CERSEI STFU WHY DO YOU EXIST.) This is the biggest rule. Please. Please please, don’t do it! ITSELF SAYS 15. Use the right texting laughter. Here’s a quick guide to laughter via text. “I’M POSSIBLE”! Ha: use when you don’t really find something funny, and you want - Audrey Hepburn

2 High ranking officials meet for panel discussion auteng Women In Insur- financial services industry, opening this is very exciting and rewarding ance (GWII) recently communication at a senior level for women, one wonders if it has arranged an event with of some of the key issues faced been challenging. Julia Graham, Presi- by women and what the potential Gdent of FERMA, Director of Risk solutions are. A word of the wise Management and Insurance at Da Silva started off the conversa- DLAPiper. The event took place on Jacquie Cassette, Director: Pro tion by mentioning that she has the 17th of September and was Bono and Human Rights Depart- been working in the insurance hosted by Cliff Dekker & Hofmeyer ment at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr industry for 28 years. “I am a in which high ranking insurance of- facilitated the discussion by asking mother, a wife and a working ficials met for a panel discussion. these panellists, who have many woman. I would like to say I am years of experience, to share their very grateful to be working in the Panel speakers included Julie journey and the challenges they financial services industry in a Graham, Caroline da Silva, Deputy have faced based on gender equal- democratic society where equality Executive Officer for the Financial ity issues in organisations. is entrenched within the constitu- Advisory and Intermediary Service tion. Through drive and determi- (FAIS) at the FSB, Wayne Abraham Going back to basics nation, I am where I want to be, Managing Director of AIG Africa Since the beginning of time there which I think is very important for and Board Member of the Insur- has been a distinction between women. I have never really faced ance Institute of (IISA) men and women and what role discrimination and I think it is and the South African Insurance they play in society. It was often because the picture has changed Association (SAIA), Thokozile said that a woman’s place was at from 20 years ago. Before there Ntshiqa Executive Management: home, raising children and main- was no choice, today we have a Stakeholder Management at taining the household, while the choice. ” SASRIA SOC Limited and Seamus man served as the breadwinner for Casserly Past President of the the family. “The gap for me is identifying Financial Intermediaries Asso- where women want to be in the ciation of Southern Africa (FIA) However, gone are the days where workforce, if women can deter- and Director of First Equity Risk women sat at home, managing mine this then we can expect the Management. the house and looking after the structure that we work with to children because today, the tables recognise this. Another important The intention of the discussion have turned and most women issue to me is the balancing act. was focused around women in the have more opportunities. Although Continued on p.4 >>

3 High ranking officials meet for panel discussion

Women should never feel guilty Like Casserly, Abraham gave credit ‘never try to please other people’. for leaving their children at home. to women in the workforce. He “You should always choose a ca- I have made choices in my career, went on to mention that he con- reer that gives you fulfilment and and I think to lose the gap it is up ducted some research and found happiness. I have taken chances to women and how they perceive stats showing that of 51% of the and opportunities which I think is a themselves. It is only up to us how insurance industry globally, 51% are great analogy for women. You have we move forward and what choices female, however when you start to to take risks and convert them into we make,” she concluded. break up the layers from junior to opportunities which is what got senior levers it falls away incredibly. me where I am today.” Casserly added that women play a significant component to society. “The lack of women in manage- Speaking about gender inequality, He says, “the biggest mistake that ment positions is disturbing. This Graham goes on to give an exam- people make is to generalise by makes you realise that there is a lot ple of how she once worked in a saying women cannot and will not more work that needs to be done. company where she and another succeed. Yet there are a couple of From my perspective I think women lady were the only two females wonderful people who have suc- have many opportunities and in the organisation. “It was tough ceeded. Take Da Silva for example, choices available to them. However, because no matter how hard I and the position she is fulfilling they need the support in terms of performed, it was never ever good now. She is a person that has dem- balancing life, work and family.” enough. However, as the years onstrated a clear drive and desire have gone by women are being to succeed and has not stood back “Another key aspect that is impor- recognised and applauded. It is because of any male. I do not ac- tant is mentorship.” He goes on evident that organisations where cept that there is any reason why to give an example of how people women are strongly represented any generalisation should happen tend to look up to their role models at senior levels are also organisa- if women’s skills are equivalent. for direction. “When you are mak- tions that perform best. I think Nobody should be restricted on ing important decisions in life do women need to have courage and what they want to do and how they you not ask the person you trust come out of there comfort zone. do it.” the most what they think? It is wise Women naturally do not sing their to ask your mentor or role model praises but I encourage them to Recently the Durban Chamber of for advice, sleep on it, then make sing louder.” Commerce 2014 Annual Report the decision tomorrow. It is impor- was released and statistics show tant to mentor, educate, empower Da Silva agrees that women should that the number of senior business and guide each other.” sing louder. She says “women positions filled by women in South are capable of achieving a lot. In Africa declined by 2% to 26% during Women should sing louder order to succeed women need 2014, while 21% of local businesses Having gained an intense amount to be strategic and have balance had no women in senior manage- of experience, Graham pointed out between pushing and knowing ment positions. that the lesson she learned is to their limits.” Continued on p.5 >>

4 High ranking officials meet for panel discussion

Jack of all trades Therefore, it is pivotal that women are aided in the Ntshiqa, on the other hand, touched on the chal- transition from junior and middle positions to senior lenges she has faced being a woman of colour. She positions, it is only through this that organisations can joined the industry in 1999 at a very young age with- improve on gender diversity. out any support or coaching of the corporate world. “I had to learn things on my own. From a cultural Senior level individuals should take leadership in initi- and ethnic perspective I was told to call elders aunt atives and programmes to drive change and diversity. or uncle which I eventually learned was not appro- priate in the corporate world. We need to develop A platform for young voices these basic soft skills at an early age so that women It is also critical that the younger generation is edu- are prepared. I do not think we have the strategies at cated and empowered on gender diversity issues in hand to get women to senior levels,” she said. order to instil the values of change and development in them. “Also, the roles I play every day are important to me. However, they are also challenging. At work I All the proceeds from this event, amounting to put on my Executive hat, handle budgets and have R55 000, were donated to United Nations Interna- authority. As soon as I get home I remove that hat tional Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), a leading and revert to being submissive to my husband, I then advocate for children. UNICEF was created to work become a wife, a mother and a homemaker. So it is with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, challenging, but with determination any woman can violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s do it,” says Ntshiqa. path.

Women’s roles have definitely been redefined in the Lyle Jacobs Sports for Development Specialist at 21st century. They are fast becoming forces to the UNICEF said, “children make up 37% of South Africa’s governing world of men as they graduate from col- population, yet young voices are seldom heard. Every lege and move up the corporate ladder to manage- child has the right to education and I would like to rial positions. thank you for giving me the opportunity to share our story with you because you are helping us turn ideas However, despite the commitment to correct gender into a reality.” diversity within organisations, most women are still underrepresented.The World Economic Forum’s “Your support is at the heart of our drive for change; Gender Gap Report reveals that South African real and lasting change which can only be secured women earn 33 % less than their male counterparts, through the realisation of children’s rights,” conclud- compared with the rest of the world which is in the ed Jacobs. region of 13 %. At present, South Africa does not have strong legislation enforcing companies to remu- See all the photos on nerate women the same as they do men. www.gautengwomenininsurance.co.za > In the news

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pring has sprung and the tones brightened up spring’s sarto- varsity students, working mothers, bees are humming! The sea- rial landscape. The ladies made caregivers and frail and elderly wom- Sson everyone has been wait- their statements with A-line skirts en. These pads come in a ‘Dignity ing for is here and what better way and fashions that offered wonder- Dreams Pack’ which consists of one to celebrate than with a splash of ful vivid prints, stripes and geo- colorful drawstring polycotton bag, colour, colour, colour…… metric prints. Outfits where mixed six washable, absorbent pads which and matched, with a touch of bold, have two layers of absorbent towel- This is exactly what the ladies from and edgy added into the mix. ing, one layer waterproof plastic and Gauteng Women in Insurance one layer of polycotton, the pad’s (GWII) did on Thursday the 11th of The formalities of the day started wings are made with a thin layer of September as they gathered for a out as GWII Chairwoman An- plastic between the two layers for fun networking session at Emerald nelot Schrijver welcomed all of extra protection. House in Waterford Office Park the guests and thanked all of the Fourways. sponsors namely Emerald, Stalker The pack also includes three panties Hutchison Admiral (SHA), Mirabilis which are available in small, me- The ladies said HELLO to spring and Santam. This was followed dium, large and extra-large, with one by sipping on refreshing, mouth- by the introduction of Dignity instruction sheet and a plastic bag to watering cocktails by Flair Bar Ser- Dreams’ Charity Founder, Sandra keep soiled pads safe until they can vices and nibbling on scrumptious Millar and Andy. Cash donations be washed. bites while socialising with peers and a generous R5 000 donation on current industry developments from Insure Group means that Dig- “Our goal is that every poor girl and and trends. nity Dreams will be able to sponsor woman in South Africa and beyond 101 girls. receives a Dignity Dreams pack so The event hosted by GWII was that menstruation does not mean about inspiring and empowering A helping hand they stay away from school, varsity women in a fun social atmosphere. Since 1995, Sandra has attended or work. Our reusable sanitary tow- conferences in South Africa and els are beautiful and feminine so Out with the old…in with the new Holland to hone her knowledge that their dignity is maintained,” said The ladies celebrated as they were of global trends in the non-profit Millar. out with the drab and subtle black sector, with the emphasis on com- and grey tone of winter, and in munity development, direct mar- One of these packs costs R140 to with the splash of bright and bold keting, corporate governance, the make and distribute. GWII donated colours. Everywhere you turn, role and duties of Board Members, the proceeds of the event to Dignity colour was all the rage. donor acquisition and retention. Dreams who will make and distribute these packs to girls in the rural areas While whispering taupe, blush and Dignity Dreams supplies feminine that are missing school due to a lack nude dominated, saturated jewel reusable pads to school girls, of not having sanitary towels to use.

6 Deserving winners Topping up the formalities for the day was the lucky draw done by GWII Treasurer, Carla Jordan and Committee member Ja- nine Smith. Members walked away with amazing prizes such as two nights’ accommodation for two to the value of R5 000 at any BnB/Guesthouse in SA sponsored by Zurich, a scenic flight sponsored by Airborne Insurance, a hat and salt and pepper shaker sponsored by SASRIA, three Sorbet gift packs sponsored by Centriq. Tracker sponsored a girly gift, while Camargue sponsored two cool powerbanks and delicious chilli and body cream. GuardRisk sponsored a fragrance and hand treatment gift from Evelyn & Crabtree. A luxurious Body Shop pack was sponsored by Constantia, while three lucky winners walked away with bottles of champagne sponsored by Fulcrum.

One winner walked away with Swarovski earrings sponsored by Aquarius Underwriting Managers, while another lucky lady won perfume sponsored by Innovation Group, Gem & Jewel sponsored a fantastic limited edition R5 coin set in silver and New National gave away a gift voucher from Life Day Spa.

The second round of canapés was served immediately after the draw, while the ladies networked and mingled. To end this fantastic day on a fun note, the ladies where tested and given free breathalysers sponsored by Hollard.

It’s a wrap GWII would like to thank all the sponsors: Emerald, Stalker Hutchison Admiral (SHA), Mirabilis, Santam, Insure Group, Zu- rich, Airborne, SASRIA, Centriq, Tracker, Camargue, GuardRisk, Constantia, Fulcrum, Aquarius, Innovation Group, Gem & Jewel, New National and Hollard for their support. We really appreciate you all.

The individual membership program has also continued to flourish and we thank our individual members for their sup- port.

See all the photos on www.gautengwomenininsurance.co.za/gallery

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Basetsana Kumalo Ina Paarman

t is hard to believe that this for- na Paarman came from humble midable women was once a shy beginnings. She was raised by FROM WIT H IN FROM SELF-WORTH introverted girl at school. her mother and grandmother I I oung girls today are very mis- and they both influenced her love taken to be thinking that their Basetsana (Bassie) Kumalo entered for food. Ysense of self-worth and their the limelight in 1990 when she acknowledgment of their beauty was crowned Miss and It was also her grandmother that depends on whether a man will give Miss Black South Africa at the age encouraged Ina to do more with that to them or not. Such naïveté! of 16. Four years later Bassie won her life than just being the home And so what will happen when the the pageant, and economics teacher she started out man changes his mind about her? was also crowned First Princess in to be. Tells her she’s not beautiful enough? the Miss World Competition. That she’s not good enough? Cheats Ina made her first product, a salad on her? Leaves her? Then what happens? She will lose all her self- But Bassie is far from just being dressing, in her kitchen and started worth, she will think she is not good a pretty face. She started doing range which is sold through the a cooking school with 6 pupils in a spread of different markets with enough, she is not beautiful enough, work for charities during her reign Foshini group. converted garage. Today she is the a diverse product offering. because all of those feelings as Miss South Africa and today owner of a multi-million Rand food depended on the man in the first she is not only actively involved Basetsana is also involved in a company and exports her products Her philosophy about food is still place! And along with the loss of the man, it will all be lost as well! in various charities, but is also a production company, Tswelopele to more than 15 countries around the same: Unicef spokesperson in the bid to Productions which produces the the world. Giving customers ready made Mothers, teach your daughters bet- eradicate neonatal and maternal shows Top Billing and Pasella. products that tastes as good as if ter. It pains me to see such naive in- tetanus. She has received various With passion, dedication, hard it was made at home. nocence right under my nose! Such awards and been recognised by Basetsana is a role model to work and perseverance and with naïveté does no good for any girl. It is better for a girl to be worldly-wise several organisations for her phil- youngsters all over South Africa, the right strategy and planning Ina has dared to dream bigger and have street-smarts! That’s what anthropic work. that proves that by following your her quest for perfection and than she ever imagined and it a girl needs to have in life! Not wide- dreams and putting hard work and quality of workmanship took Ina was the belief in this dream and eyed delusional innocence! In 2002 Basetsana launched her passion into your work, you can Paarman from an obscure home hard work that made her the suc- own clothing, optical and sunglass accomplish more than what you based business to a significant cess she is today. The sense of self-worth and acknowledgment of being beauti- range as well as her own cosmetic ever dreamed possible. food company servicing a wide ful must not come from a man, it http://showme.co.za/paarl/lifestyle/inspirational-women-in-sa/ http://showme.co.za/paarl/lifestyle/inspirational-women-in-sa/ must come from inside the woman herself, men will come and men will go and their coming and going must not take an effect on the woman’s sense of worth and beauty. ― C. JoyBell C.

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ou may not have time to go to the thing you’ve heard is true. gym, but you can still be physically The number of active and boost your metabolism by Likewise, getting off the bus or subway a applications received Y using a bit of creativity in planning your day. 7stop or two before your destination on An overwhelming During a recent week when my kids were a regular basis adds up to a lot of heart- sidelined by a nasty cold, I started thinking healthy walking. about ways to be physically active when go- THE PROCESS TO FOLLOW ing to the gym was out of the question. Do yoga or Pilates while you, or the possible 8kids, unwind in front of a movie. While Apprentices If you’ve got a young sports enthusiast in watching TV, do push-ups or sit-ups during 1the family, play along. Shooting baskets commercials. Even one per commercial will be invited and kicking a soccer ball around the yard during a two-hour movie can give you some for interviews are great ways to get your heart pump- good exercise. ing. Thirty minutes of cardio training are BUT ONLY recommended, but even five to 10 minutes In a sedentary job, take your breaks will elevate your energy and speed your outdoors and have a brisk, short walk. Apprentices will 9 metabolism. You’ll also improve your concentration and be chosen mood. Take the kids for a walk or just go by Do we have a “Donald Trump”? 2yourself. If their pace is too slow, add Dance or do aerobics at home. No Yes we do… but that will remain a mystery. some lunges, jumping jacks, or running in 10one is watching, anyway. If you like, And no… he does not have a ‘kuif’. place every few minutes to make yourself include the little ones and turn it into a game. work harder. Practice stretching or light yoga FILMING Pull young children in a wagon through 11moves while talking on the phone, 12-16 January 2015 3the neighborhood. Or give them a ride listening to the news, or while dinner is in a jogging stroller. cooking. Online videos After the editing has been completed, the five Let little children ride bicycles or tricy- Find the high-energy items on your episodes will be sent out. It promises to be atten- 4cles while you jog behind. 12to-do list and tackle these when you need physical activity. Think about washing tion gripping and somewhat entertaining. Get into some vigorous sweeping, the car, digging the garden, mowing the 5mopping, or vacuuming. These types of lawn, or reorganizing a closet. housekeeping chores can burn a significant Follow the journey number of calories. Get up 15 to 30 minutes earlier than 13the rest of the family and use this Make sure you follow the journey. We’ve all heard the benefits of taking time for a run, a walk, or some stretching Visit www.TheInsuranceApprentice.co.za 6the stairs instead of the elevator. Every- and yoga. to subscribe to our newsletter.

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