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summer 2023

Latest news from our branches

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PORT ELIZABETH BRANCH

Happy 90thbirthday Jean

At our September Diabetes Wellness meeting, held in the Caritas Service Centre, we celebrated the 90th birthday of Jean Cawood.

She regularly attends our monthly meetings even during the cold winter months. Jean brought the most delicious diabetes-friendly homemade muffins for us to enjoy with our coffee and tea after the meeting.

Candice Kemp from Virgin Active was our guest speaker and Jean participated in all the weird and wonderful exercises that Candice demonstrated. Jean is currently in England visiting some of her family.

Jump for diabetes 

Our second annual Jump for Diabetes was held, on Sunday 28 October 2018, at the Gravity Indoor Trampoline Park, Port Elizabeth.

Paula Thom, convener of the DSA Young Guns, hosted this fun-filled afternoon with Kureshin Reddy, owner of Gravity Indoor Trampoline Park.

While the youngsters enjoyed jumping, they also helped raise awareness of diabetes and some much-needed funds.

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WESTERN CAPE

Western Cape Diabetes SA Annual Camp for children with Type 1 diabetes

The 2018 Western Cape Diabetes SA Annual Camp for children with Type 1 diabetes took place, from the 31st of August to the 2ndof September, at Soetwater Environmental Centre in Kommetjie.

It was a wonderful weekend filled with fun, laughter and new friends, and even the weather was kind to us. On Sunday, we were tired enough to be ready to go home but sad to see everyone leave.

The camp may be just three days, but the role it plays in the life of a child with Type 1 diabetes can be transformational. During camp, children learned about treating hypo- and hyperglycaemic episodes; how to eat to achieve the best blood sugars; and managing ketones. But most of all, campers learned that they are not alone. There are so many others like them who test, inject, and deal with the many other challenges of living with diabetes on a daily basis.

We enjoyed fellowship whilst experiencing many fun activities, including a bird and snake show, an incredible obstacle course and a sandcastle building competition. Due to all the activity, we had plenty of low blood sugar levels on Saturday afternoon but it was definitely worth it!

We also had ‘morning madness’ to start each day off with a bang and show how morning exercise can affect blood sugar levels positively throughout the entire day.

Thank you

Thank you to our junior leaders who planned the morning madness class and led it very ably.

This camp could not have happened without the generous sponsorship of the My School Foundation and a range of incredible volunteers and support from various companies with donations in kind. Thank you so much to each one of you.

We could not hold these camps without the onsite help of medical volunteers. So, we give special thanks to Dr Adnaan Mia; Sister Barbara; Sr Gloria from Tygerberg Hospital; and Sr Tina and Sr  Salomie from St Joseph’s Home.

Thank you to Shelly Schutte for the programme and Lesley Mc Clure, the camp photographer, and Michelle Wridgeway who took care of the children on pumps. Last but not least, thank you to the many others who make up our camp team and without whom we could not hold camps.

See you again next year!

PORT ELIZABETH

Winning duo: Estelle and her dog

One of our members, Estelle Lamont-Turner, who has had Type 1 diabetes since 1988 and who is involved in dog training and dog shows, travelled to Bloemfontein with her dogs to attend the Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA) National Championships that were held 9 to 12 August.

Estelle and her little Jack Russell, Bailey, won the 2018 KUSA Nationals Mini Senior Carting. Estelle was also a member of the Eastern Province team for the Inter-Provincial Dog Carting competition. Eastern Province came first, followed by Kwa-Zulu Natal. Congratulations Estelle and Bailey.

Estelle receives the trophy for the KUSA Nationals Mini Senior Carting Dog 2018.
The Inter-provincial team winners: Estelle is second from the left.

Branch management board members selected

At the Port Elizabeth Branch Annual General meeting that was held recently, the following branch management board members were elected to serve our people:

  • Martin Prinsloo – Chairman
  • Surendra Daya – Treasurer
  • Paula Thom – DSA Young Guns Convener
  • Elizabeth Prinsloo – Branch Manager and Editor of Sweet Talk
  • Lofaine Van Niekerk – Librarian
  • Clive Bourke — Springdale Convener
  • Kaylee Buchner – Secretary
  • Pamela Molefe – Nursing Advisor
Standing: Martin Prinsloo, Surendra Daya, Paula Thom and Elizabeth Prinsloo. Inserts (top): Lofaine Van Niekerk and Clive Bourke. Inserts (below): Kaylee Buchner and Pamela Molefe.

PRETORIA

DSA Pretoria Children’s camp

Date: 26 – 28 October 2018

Attendees: Children with diabetes ages 6 – 16 years

Venue: Camp Wag ‘n Bietjie

Cost:  R600 per child

For more information: Mariaan 079 319 0887 / [email protected]

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DSA Port Elizabeth

Springdale Diabetes Wellness Group

The Springdale Diabetes Wellness Group celebrated their 10th anniversary on 10 April 2018. This was also the 100thmeeting that Hester organised.

Ten years ago, on 8 April 2008, the Gelvandale Support Group was started under the able leadership of Hester Isaacs. In September 2016, they moved to a more convenient venue nearby Springdale and changed their name to the Springdale Diabetes Wellness Group.

We salute Hester Issacs and her husband, Esau, and daughters, Sadie and Terry who have supported her all these years while serving their community so faithfully.

Sadly, we bid farewell to Hester who has now retired. Clive Burke is the new convener and we are confident that under his leadership, this amazing group will continue to flourish.

DSA Young Guns 

Paula Thom encouraged the Young Guns, both male and female and some not so young members, to participate in the 25th Annual Spar Ladies Challenge.

To help raise awareness of diabetes, the Young Guns painted diabetes on their arms. Some even had blue hair, blue fingernails and carried blue balloons. Great fun was had.

Most of them did the 5km, but Estelle Lamont-Turner who was diagnosed with Type1 diabetes in 1988 was an inspiration to the others as she did the 10km and completed it well within the time limit.

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Western Cape branch news

Justice Dikgang Moseneke supports DSA

Diabetes South Africa (DSA) was invited to the Golf Challenge and Dinner held in honour of the retired Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa, Justice Dikgang Moseneke. Earl Bell, from East London DSA branch, and Margot McCumisky, DSA’s national manager, attended the event.

At the event, Margot and Earl presented the work DSA does. The South African judge then donated the proceeds raised at the Golf Challenge and Dinner to DSA. He kindly matched the donation raised with the same amount, donated by himself and his wife.

In his speech, Justice Dikgang Moseneke gave explained why he chose DSA as his beneficiary. His son, Reabetswe Botshelo ‘Bo’ Moseneke – who was a Super Sports presenter, succumbed to the complications of diabetes in 2005.

What was profound about his speech was that he stressed the fact that people in South Africa should learn to give more and not just take.

The attendance was littered with who’s who from judges, advocates, lawyers, retired army generals and businessmen. It was certainly a glittering occasion and many items from one of Madiba’s painting (limited edition no.84 of a 100 copies that are produced), wines and holiday vouchers were put under the hammer.

From left to right: Earl Bell, Kabonina Moseneke, Justice Dikgang Moseneke and Margot McCumisky.

Diabetes SA Seminar for Diabetes Wellness/Support Group

The facilitators held this seminar on 2 September 2017. It was kindly sponsored by The South African Sugar Association (SASA) and Fountains Hotel in Cape Town.

The programme included: depression and diabetes; diabetes nutrition, diabetes emergencies; CPR and first aid for heart attacks and stroke.

Children’s Camp

Diabetes South Africa Children’s Camp was held in April 2017 at Soetwater Environmental Centre in Kommetjie, Western Cape. Fifty-one children with diabetes attended.

Port Elizabeth branch news

The DSA young guns meet-and-greet

This newly established group for Type 1 children, teens and young adults, named The DSA Young Guns had a meet-and-greet picnic in Victoria Park, Port Elizabeth on 7 October.

The aim of the meet-and-greet was so the youngsters and their families could get to know each other.

Coach Kux (Nkululeko Kwinana) from PowerPlay Cricket Academy entertained the young fellows by playing soccer and cricket with them.

Zillah, the Rottweiler with diabetes, gave cart rides to the little ones and demonstrated that having diabetes does not prevent her from still enjoying life.

Casey Roche, our special photographer, took all the photographs.

Paula Thom is the enthusiastic convener of this group, and is already, with the help of some of the parents, planning another fun event.

For more information, contact Paula on 073 895 0707.

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dsa news spring 2017DSA Port Elizabeth branch news

The Diabetes SA Port Elizabeth branch’s library was started in 1991, when the Port Elizabeth Lions Club donated the first books.

Pat Rhodes was the first librarian. She carried the books in a box to the monthly meetings. Over the years, many more books were obtained and a cupboard was purchased.

Currently, there are 148 books, several DVDs and a variety of magazines, not only back copies of Diabetes Focus but also magazine from overseas countries.

The library is based in Newton Park, where the branch’s main Wellness Group meeting is held. Books are loaned to the Malabar and Springdale Wellness Groups.

The present librarian is Lofaine van Niekerk, who enthusiastically encourages members to expand their knowledge of diabetes by reading. She also keeps strict control of the books and gently reminds those whose books are overdue.

Books may be borrowed, at no cost by all paid-up members, and can be kept for one month. There are books on meal planning ideas, healthy eating, diabetes management as well as recipe books. There are a range of books suited for men, parents of young diabetics, teenagers and children of all ages.      

‘Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.’

– Joseph Addison

Dates to diarise

DURBAN

 

Wellness Festival and Run Walk – Sat 11 November, Durban Beach Front Ampitheatre, 1 – 6 pm. 5km Run/Walk; live music, beach hockey, yoga, aerobics and kids’ area. Exhibitors and sponsors welcome. Enquiries at [email protected] or 084 717 7443.

CAPE TOWN

 

Diabetes Outdoor Family Day for families with children with diabetes – Sat 18 Nov. Speakers and activities for children, sponsors and exhibitors welcome. Enquiries [email protected] or 072 345 0086.

PE

Port Elizabeth Global Diabetes Run/Walk –  Date to be confirmed. R20, 000 sponsorship is needed.

PRETORIA

Diabetes Children’s Camp weekend of 20th to 22nd October 2017. Donors and sponsors welcome. Enquiries louise.pywell@gmail.com or 082 451 0706.

DSA

NATIONAL

 

Corporate Casual Day “Denim for Diabetes” Awareness Campaign November 2017. Wear an item of denim in exchange for a small donation to support Diabetes SA’s outreach projects i.e. camps and children’s activities for children with diabetes. Community outreach groups into underprivileged communities. Enquiries: [email protected] or 072 345 0086.

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DSA Port Elizabeth branch news

The Springdale Wellness Group

The Springdale Wellness Group, under the able leadership of Esau and Hester Isaacs, celebrated their 9th anniversary in April. Guest speaker Thaya Moodaley gave a most interesting discussion on therapeutic reflexology.

The Malabar Wellness Group

The Malabar Wellness Group, led by Surendra Daya and his committee, held a well-organised ‘Health Day’ in June. There was a variety of exhibitors present, offering useful information and providing awareness of various conditions and what treatment is available. Over 270 people attended.

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DSA News – Autumn 2017

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Diabetes SA – Port Elizabeth branch

Malabar celebration

On Valentine’s Day, Diabetes SA’s Malabar Diabetes Wellness Group celebrated the fact that, after a recess, this group was relaunched on Valentine’s Day five years ago.

Most of the people dressed in red to add to this festive occasion. Everyone present was given a special Valentine’s Day gift. The guest speaker was Manhar Makan, an optometrist, who spoke about ‘Simplifying the grading of retinal changes in a diabetic Patient’.

Manhaar Makan(centre) flanked by Surendra Daya and the Malabar committee ladies.

Manhaar Makan(centre) flanked by Surendra Daya and the Malabar committee ladies.

Diabetes SA – Pretoria branch

Diabetes SA Pretoria branch AGM

The Diabetes SA Pretoria branch AGM was held on Saturday 25 March 2017. It was well attended. Brian Midlane, the branch chairman, led the meeting and gave a report on all the branch activities for the past year. A diabetes workshop was also held during the event. 

Domestic worker event

In February 2017, Liz Midlane, the treasurer of DSA Pretoria branch, spoke to a group of domestic workers about diabetes. She explained the symptoms, the types of diabetes, the treatments, the medications as well as the consequences of a well-controlled or uncontrolled diet.

The women were grateful for the information, and the literature which was handed out. A lucky draw was held where the winners won goodie bags.