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Helplink Supports Entrepreneurs in PE2EL 250km Ocean Challenge

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Helplink Supports Entrepreneurs in PE2EL 250km Ocean Challenge

Helplink, the AI-powered platform transforming South Africa’s informal economy, proudly announces its sponsorship of the Port Elizabeth to East London (PE2EL) Ocean Canoe Challenge taking place from the 3rd to 6th December 2025.  Widely regarded as the toughest ocean paddling race in the world, the 250-kilometre endurance event is a powerful, four-day metaphor for the entrepreneurial journey. Helplink’s involvement celebrates the shared values of resilience, grit, and growth that are vital both for conquering extreme sport and for building a successful business.

The four-day, 250-kilometre endurance event, often nicknamed “The Maker of Men” and “The Blood, Guts & Glory Race,” demands extreme physical and mental resilience. It is thus befitting that Helplink is sponsoring such a race (and two inspirational participants) as there are strong similarities in the challenges of building a compliant, formal business in South Africa.

Helplink’s involvement is powerfully embodied by three sponsored paddlers: Helplink graduate and brand ambassador Sibusiso Zulu, dedicated lifeguard Sandile Menjenjalo, and top sportsman Bevan Manson.

Helplink graduate and brand ambassador Sibusiso Zulu will participate in the race, representing thousands of emerging micro-entrepreneurs who embody the same courage and perseverance. This sponsorship creates a platform for live event engagement and human stories, connecting Helplink’s mission of formalising businesses to a broader audience of potential funders and partners through emotional storytelling.

“There is a direct and undeniable correlation between the sheer intensity of the PE2EL Challenge and the grit required to successfully launch and run a formal business in South Africa,” said Adelaide McKelvey, Executive Director – Helplink. “Sibusiso is a living testament to the transformation our programme achieves. He has navigated the tumultuous ‘waters’ of the informal economy to establish a solid business and is now applying that same perseverance to conquer the harshest coastline in the world. He represents every micro-entrepreneur who embodies courage, perseverance, and purpose.”

Helplink’s second sponsored paddler, Sandile Menjenjalo, a dedicated lifeguard from Orient Beach, adds a powerful dimension to this partnership. Through his sponsorship, Sandile gains access to the Helplink AI Course—a practical, SETA-approved programme building skills in adaptability, life-skills and career advancement for corporate and community environments.  His participation highlights the deep connection between Helplink’s beneficiaries and PE2EL paddlers and both rely on discipline, courage, mentorship, and mental resilience to succeed. Whether navigating unpredictable surf or career challenges, Sandile embodies the Helplink spirit: real growth occurs when grit meets guidance and learning fuel’s purpose.

Champion ocean paddler Bevan Manson has joined the lineup completing the dynamic trio. The accomplished athlete not only captained the South African national water polo team for several years but has also won the PE2EL race three times.  Bevan holds the World Ocean Canoe record of 243 km in one day and is renowned for excelling amid long hours of gruelling training and unforgiving ocean conditions. He shares a compelling story of perseverance that deeply resonates with young South Africans as they navigate careers or build businesses in the informal economy. A credible and inspiring role model, Bevan embodies grit, guidance and growth in every stroke.  “Through paddling, I’ve learned that pushing through the toughest waves builds the strength to achieve anything,” says Bevan Manson. “I’m excited to connect with others and help them chase their goals.”

The Entrepreneurial Challenge vs. The Ocean Challenge

The PE2EL race is a gruelling test along South Africa’s treacherous Sunshine Coast. Paddlers face notorious surf breaks, long, exposed open-ocean legs, and the psychological burden of four days of extreme endurance.
• Distance: 250 kilometres.
• Duration: 4 days of open-ocean racing.
• The Challenge: Battling unpredictable conditions, negotiating the massive surf at Woody Cape, and overcoming mental and physical fatigue—all challenges that mirror the uncertainty and resilience needed to build a thriving enterprise.

Sibusiso Zulu who successfully completed the Helplink programme, is leveraging the foundational skills he gained—discipline, strategic planning, and perseverance—to prepare for this epic undertaking.

“The Helplink programme taught me that endurance is not just physical; it’s about having the right strategy, mentors, and the mental fortitude to push past the breaking point,” said Zulu.  “Every day on the PE2EL race needs focus and proper commitment, just the same as in running my business. I am proud to represent the thousands of resilient micro-businesses in South Africa who are ready to make the leap into the formal economy.”

About Helplink: Fuelling Inclusive Growth

The informal economy receives minimal support from corporate SA, yet it is South Africa’s most underutilised engine for inclusive growth. Helplink is the ideal scalable tool to bridge this gap. Using its AI-powered platform, together with extensive mentoring – it fast-tracks the transformation of micro-businesses into compliant, fundable, and future-ready enterprises.

The programme offers:
• SETA Approved AI Training in financial literacy, compliance, and marketing.
• Access to professional mentors
• A substantial media budget and access to the Helplink Media Alliance, which boosts advertising exposure by up to 100%.
• A shared value strategic investment model for corporate partners that offers extensive media exposure and powerful brand association.

Helplink also offers an AI-powered training platform, empowering corporate employees to develop essential life skills to assist in their careers— from adaptability to strategic problem-solving.   Helplink is actively seeking funders and partners to empower not only their own employees but also micro-businesses from their supply chain. This is where compliance meets opportunity – a strategic investment that delivers visible, measurable impact and positive brand association.

Follow the Race and Helplink’s Journey:
For more information go to: https://helplinkai.co.za/

To follow the race please follow: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BhAJQPP1c/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Instagram: @helplinksa
YouTube: Helplink AI

Facebook : Helplink

LinkedIn:  Helplinksa
Race Updates: #HelplinkXPE2EL | #FormaliseFast | #GritMeetsGrowth | #LearnToEndure

‘You’re my friend and my idol’: Jürgen Klopp hails Siya Kolisi on 100-Test milestone

Adnaan MohamedRugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on ‘You’re my friend and my idol’: Jürgen Klopp hails Siya Kolisi on 100-Test milestone
By Adnaan Mohamed

Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has sent a heartfelt message to Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, congratulating him on reaching an incredible milestone of 100 Test matches for South Africa.

Despite having to play with 14 men for the entire second half after lock forward Lood de Jager was controversially red-carded, Kolisi’s Bok side produced an inspiring performance to earn a crushing 32-17 win over France .

In a special video message shared on his Instagram account, Klopp spoke with deep admiration about Kolisi’s journey from humble beginnings in Zwide to becoming a two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain.

“Siya, my friend, another milestone in one of the most incredible sports careers I’ve ever heard of,” Klopp said.
“The things I love in life the most are stories about people who made their way. Obviously, the most inspiring stories are the stories where the start was at a time when nobody could even imagine that a positive future was possible, and I think that’s your story.”

Kolisi, who led the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2019 and again in 2023, became only the seventh South African to play 100 Tests for his country when he captained the Boks against New Zealand earlier this year.

A lifelong Liverpool fan, Kolisi has often spoken of his admiration for Klopp — and the German coach clearly feels the same.

“Calling you my friend is one of the biggest honours I can imagine,” Klopp added.
“Having an idol in a sport I don’t understand at all is pretty special as well.

“Congratulations. One hundred, isn’t it crazy? And the best is still to come. Much love from Germany. See you.”

Klopp’s message struck a chord with South Africans and Liverpool fans alike, as two of sport’s most respected leaders shared a moment of mutual respect, proof that inspiration knows no boundaries.

Rassie’s Springboks Gears Up for Gruelling Northern Tour

Adnaan MohamedRugbyLeave a Comment on Rassie’s Springboks Gears Up for Gruelling Northern Tour
By Adnaan Mohamed

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus jetted off to London on Sunday, bracing for a five-week European tour that promises to test every sinew and synapse of the world champions.

The full squad will regroup in the UK on Monday morning, ready to tackle a sequence of five Test matches that reads like a gauntlet of rugby heavyweights.

The Boks kick off their campaign against Japan at Wembley Stadium on 1 November, before locking horns with France in Paris, Italy in Turin, Ireland in Dublin, and Wales in Cardiff. Each encounter will present a fresh challenge in vastly different conditions.

Erasmus, ever the strategist, knows that touring Europe in November is no spring picnic. It’s more like a muddy, cold-weather arm wrestle, where slick southern flair must survive in the trenches.

“We are excited about the tour and to measure ourselves against some of the best teams in the world,” he said before departure.

“A lot of hard work has been put in behind the scenes since the Rugby Championship, and hopefully this will set us in good standing to build on our season so far.”

The Bok mentor is acutely aware of the curveballs awaiting his squad. This includes the heavy air, damp pitches, and bruising opposition. But he believes his players are well-prepared for the north’s wintry grind.

“The conditions are vastly different in the UK and Europe to South Africa this time of the year,” Erasmus noted.

“But fortunately, most of the players have been exposed to those conditions either during their United Rugby Championship tours or by playing for overseas clubs.

“The time zone is also very similar to South Africa, which means we can slot back into full Test mode immediately from our first training session on Monday.”

If the schedule looks daunting on paper, Erasmus embraces it like a seasoned flanker facing down a charging number eight.

He knows the mental battle will be just as fierce as the physical one. It’s been 10 years since Japan caused one of the biggests upsets in the rugby world when the Brave Blossoms beat the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup in Brighton in England in 2015.

Coaches, Eddie Jones (Japan) and Rassie Erasmus (South Africa), will be going head-to-head at Wembley Stadium. Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images

“Japan have been improving steadily over the last few years, and they defeated us a few years ago, so we have no doubt they will come out guns blazing next Saturday and throw everything at us,” he said.

France and Ireland, both top-four sides, loom as potential tour-defining tests.

“The last time we faced France in Paris was in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final, and that result will psyche them up going into the match against them,” said Erasmus.

“They are also ranked fourth in the world currently, and Ireland third, and we all know how tough matches at the Aviva Stadium are against them.”

He also expects spirited resistance from Italy and Wales. These two teams have plenty to prove on home turf.

“Italy put up a brave fight against us in Pretoria, and that will give them confidence going into our match in Turin. Wales will also be up for the challenge after recovering from a tough few years earlier this season, so we need to be ready mentally and physically each week to get the desired results.”

For Erasmus, the tour is a measure of mettle, a proving ground for depth, discipline, and determination.

“It won’t be easy,” he concluded, “but we have a quality group of players, and we know what they are capable of doing when we stick to our structures and play to our potential on the day.”

Ox Nche back for Rugby Championship ‘Final’

Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Ox Nche back for Rugby Championship ‘Final’

By Adnaan Mohamed

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has recalled powerhouse prop Ox Nche for Saturday’s Rugby Championship decider against Argentina at Twickenham in London.

Nche, a late withdrawal in Durban last week, returns to the front row alongside Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit. Grant Williams, Jesse Kriel and Bongi Mbonambi are back on the bench in the only other changes to the match-day 23.

“This match is a Final for us, and we know how dangerous Argentina can be, so we selected combinations we feel will be best suited for this game,” said Rassie.

“There are minimal personnel changes, with the bulk of the team having done the job for us last week against the Pumas in Durban and our other Rugby Championship matches.

“Ox and Grant could have played last week if we really needed them, but Boan (Venter) and Morne (van den Berg) did really well, while Jesse was rotated in the last two matches and is raring to go.

“The same applies to Bongi, who last played against Australia, and who is excited for this opportunity.

“Their experience, combined with the younger players in the team, makes this an exciting squad, which is exactly what we need in a match that will essentially be the Rugby Championship decider.”

Eben Etzebeth wins his 138th cap in the second row, while Siya Kolisi will lead the side in his 98th Test.

The rest of the starting XV is unchanged, with Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu again at halfback and Damian Willemse at fullback.

Erasmus warned of a backlash from the Pumas:

“They may be out of the title race, but they have beaten the All Blacks, Wallabies, and British & Irish Lions this season. It’s going to be another hard grind.”

The Boks will know exactly what result is needed after Australia face New Zealand earlier in the day.

Kick-off is at 15:00 (SA time).

SPRINGBOKS – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Jesse Kriel.

Source: SA Rugby

Springbok Women’s Historic World Cup Win

Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, Springbok WomenLeave a Comment on Springbok Women’s Historic World Cup Win

By Adnaan Mohamed

The Springbok Women tore through the history books in York on Sunday, barging past Italy 29–24 to clinch their first-ever Rugby World Cup play-off spot. It was a tackle-busting, line-breaking moment that also catapulted South Africa into the world’s top ten for the first time.

Head coach Swys de Bruin hailed the victory as a true pack effort:

“We stuck to our game plan, scrummed down as one, and outplayed them in the backs. Italy showed their Six Nations pedigree, but our team simply wanted it more.”

De Bruin said his team’s refusal to back down when Italy came with a determined fight back to twice draw level in the game, as well as the tactical acumen of his coaching staff were highlights in this exceptional win.

“I am so proud of everyone, this was really a team effort, not only from all here in England, but also our support structures back home, and this performance justifies the belief SA Rugby had in us,” said De Bruin.

“We had a plan on how to beat Italy and credit to my coaches, as it worked to a tee. Our first phase helped us to score some tries, while we also outplayed them in the backs with some delightful tries.

“We improved on every positive statistic out there and we are only two rounds into this tournament. It is such a relief and one can only thank God that it worked as planned.”

Italy twice levelled the scores after trailing 17–5, yet the Bok Women refused to fold. Their grit in defence and flair on attack delivered tries that split the Azzurri line like a well-timed crash ball.

Captain Nolusindiso Booi, playing her fourth and final World Cup, likened the triumph to lifting silverware after years of hard graft:

“This win is for those who laid the foundations before us. From where we started to breaking into the top ten. It’s magic. This is just so rewarding for everyone, especially the coaches who prepared us for this moment. I couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding send-off.”

The Boks now return to their Northampton base, preparing for a heavyweight pool clash with unbeaten France. This game will be yet another massive test in their quest to keep this fairytale rolling.

Deadly Dozen Joburg

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Deadly Dozen Joburg

Hey Athletes… fancy putting that endurance to the test in a whole new way?

Introducing: Deadly Dozen.
South Africa’s exciting new fitness racing event is heading to Johannesburg on Saturday, 3 May 2025, at the Ruimsig Athletic Stadium — and trust us, you’ve never raced like this before.

Here’s the breakdown:
4.8KM of running journeys.
12 killer workout labours in between.
One seriously electric atmosphere that’ll leave your legs burning and your endorphins soaring.

Each labour is designed to test a different aspect of your fitness — from leg burning lounges, burpee broad jumps, and killer bear crawls, to overhead carries, devil presses, and more. You’ll be sprinting, sweating, and shouting “what the hell was that?” with the best of them — and loving every second.

Why should YOU take this on?

  • You’ve already nailed distance — now add power and grit.
  • It’s the perfect way to cross-train and build full-body strength.
  • It’s fast-paced, competitive, and fun as hell.
  • There’s no pressure, just good vibes, a buzzing crowd, and a chance to try something totally different.

Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior, a trail junkie, or just someone who loves a good old-fashioned “sufferfest” with friends — Deadly Dozen is calling.

You’ll walk away with:

  • A free FitCard with race-day pics
  • Access to a full photo drive post-event
  • Insane bragging rights
  • A Finishers patch
  • And that post-race glow that only comes from truly pushing your limits

More than 80% of tickets are already gone, and waves are filling fast — so don’t snooze on this one!

JOIN THE FITNESS RACING REVOLUTION:
ENTER NOW
on webtickets:
https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1564754406

More info: www.deadlydozen.co.za

Deadly Dozen isn’t just a race. It’s a full-send, full-body, full-beast experience.
Come for the run. Stay for the burn. Leave with the stories.

 We’ll see you at the start line in Jozi.

Tatjana Smith retires, looking forward to life after swimming

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Tatjana Smith retires, looking forward to life after swimming

Tatjana Smith has announced her retirement shortly after making history as South Africa’s most successful Olympian at the 2024 Paris Games.

The announcement wasn’t entirely unexpected, as the 27-year-old has consistently expressed that swimming does not define her. She values her life outside of the pool and believes it’s best for champions to retire while on top.

A devoted Christian, Smith has always felt there is a greater purpose to her life than winning medals. Having married late last year and with the next Olympics approaching in her thirties, she said, “I’m looking forward to my life outside of swimming.”

Reflecting on her career, Smith remarked, “It was an amazing battle and I’ve never raced Kate (Douglass) in an Olympic final before. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my career in such a tough competition. I’ve always loved competing.”

In confirming her retirement, she added, “Achievements fade, but people remember who you are. I want to be remembered for bringing joy to others. Swimming was just one season in my life, and now I’m excited for the next chapter.”

Smith capped her illustrious career by winning her fourth Olympic medal—a silver in the women’s 200m breaststroke—bringing her total to two golds and two silvers across two Games.

Photo by Anton Geyser

https://www.teamsa.co.za/tatjana-smith-announces-swimming-retirement/

Training ON SA Vibes

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Training ON SA Vibes

South Africa has been a favourite winter training destination for European athletes for many years. What that means is that they head to sunny SA in their European winter months – our summer – for training in our great weather conditions, when running outdoors back home is likely to be washed out by snow, rain, wind and freezing conditions. Two of these athletes are George Mills of Great Britain and Tom Elmer of Switzerland, who are also part of the ON Athletic Club (OAC), sponsored by ON apparel and shoes. Both have been coming to SA for a number of years, and we caught up with them in between double training session days for a chat about their experience in and thoughts on SA. – By Sean Falconer 

The Running Mann: Searching for Pots, Chefs, Strooms

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on The Running Mann: Searching for Pots, Chefs, Strooms

Now that I am finally back to enjoying one of my favourite hobbies, travelling the country to try run every marathon or ultra in South Africa, I recently found myself in Potchefstroom for the LetsGo Potch Marathon, and besides enjoying a good run with various running friends, I also delved deep down into the darker side of my sense of humour. – By Stuart Mann