Day: November 7, 2022

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Fairmont & ALL – Accor Live Limitless Launch ‘Beyond LIMITS’: A New Collection of Boundary-Pushing Experiences Across North & Central America

UNEXPECTED, LIMITED-TIME EXPERIENCES TAKE TRAVELERS ON EXCLUSIVE JOURNEYS AIMED AT ACTIVATING THE SENSES, AND INSPIRING AWE & WONDER

Toronto, Canada, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announces the official debut of ‘Beyond LIMITS’, an exciting new collection of first-of-their-kind, awe-inspiring experiences available exclusively at iconic Fairmont properties, and other ALL – Accor Live Limitless hotels, across North & Central America. ‘Beyond LIMITS’ is designed to defy convention, shatter the boundaries of expectation, and elevate the luxury experience beyond what was previously thought possible. Each highly exclusive, immersive experience is as unexpected as it is unforgettable, carefully crafted to lead travelers on a journey of discovery, to find something new within the destination, the hotel and themselves.

‘Beyond LIMITS’ kicks off the first week of November 2022, with signature limited-time experiences slated through March 2023 – including:

 

  • Symphony in a Cenote | In the lush Mexico jungle, Fairmont Mayakoba reimagines one of Riviera Maya’s famed limestone caves as a spectacular candlelit concert hall | November 2022 & January 2023
  • Pauoa Bay Underwater Ballet | Guests at Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dive into a magical underwater world and witness a daring, mesmerizing live ballet performance beneath the sea | February 2023
  • The Vertical Stage | Fairmont Century Plaza transforms its famed Los Angeles façade into the world’s first 19-story vertical dance floor for a troupe of gravity defying performance artists | Early 2023
  • Fire & Ice | In a tiny log cabin, at the edge of frozen Lake Louise, surrounded for miles by nothing but Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and a wintry snowscape, a master chef delivers an exclusive, intimate fireside culinary experience for only 10 lucky guests, inspired by the Japanese cooking style of Robatayaki | January & February 2023
  • Christmas with Candace | Emmy award nominee, director, actress, New York Times best-selling author, producer,  ‘Queen of Christmas’ and “Full House” star, Candace Cameron Bure shares some of her favorite holiday tips and tricks, including how to decorate the perfect Christmas cookie, at a special holiday tea and photo moment at Fairmont San Francisco | December 2022
  • Haute O2 | High in the Canadian Rockies, where the air is pure and the views extend as far as the eye can see, Fairmont Banff Springs is popping up a cliffside oxygen bar at 7,000 feet, accessible exclusively to just 8 guests per day, to refresh the mind, body and soul | January 2023
  • Enchanted Forest | Perched atop Fairmont Waterfront’s garden terrace with majestic views of downtown Vancouver and the city’s stunning harbor, awaits a world of fantasy, a magnificent forest overflowing with lush sprawling trees, a dreamy musical performance, and a hint of magic | Early 2023
  • Après Scottsdale | In the heart of the Sonoran Desert, sits an unexpected luxury winter chateau, nestled amidst the ultimate holiday playground at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess; entry is only granted to a select few adults, who choose to celebrate the holidays with more grown-up pursuits, from culinary delights to the finest sparkling champagne | November & December 2023
  • Tea Noir | Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s playfully dark twist on high tea promises a journey through tea-infused sensorial delights, from savory to sweet, with a dash of spice, worthy of slipping into something a little glam | November 2022 through March 2023

“When everyone and everything in the travel space claims to be ‘luxurious’, the term loses its genuine value as a point of exclusivity and differentiation. So we posed the question – ‘how can we breathe life back into the luxury experience, what it truly means to go above and beyond expectations, in the limitless ways our Fairmont guests and ALL members deserve?’,” said Jeff Doane, Chief Commercial Officer, Accor North & Central America. “With ‘Beyond LIMITS’, we are able to redefine luxury, by challenging the norms of what is expected. We pushed ourselves and our teams to go beyond everything that had been done before, and the result is a collection of experiences that are highly inventive and exclusive, that must actually be seen to be believed. That is ‘Beyond LIMITS’.”

To learn more or to book a ‘Beyond LIMITS’ experience, visit www.ALLbeyondLIMITS.com. Even more adventures await – including a spa day in the Puerto Rican jungle with Fairmont El San Juan Hotel; a night at the International Emmy Awards with Sofitel New York; skiing with an Olympian at Fairmont Chateau Whistler; and a private cave dinner in Barbados with Fairmont Royal Pavilion – with new opportunities to thrill and inspire added regularly.

Members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless will also be able to book select ‘Beyond LIMITS’ experiences with ALL Reward points. With the travel industry’s most diverse network of brands and an ever-growing portfolio, ALL invites members to experience more of what they love through benefits and rewards in travel, dining and everyday life. Among the most valuable in the industry, ALL Reward points are highly flexible, allowing members to earn points, even when they are not staying at an Accor hotel, and then redeem their points for unforgettable moments around the globe. To join Accor’s award-winning loyalty program, click here.

To help guests travel ‘Beyond LIMITS’, Accor is also offering up to 25 percent savings for bookings made by March 29, 2023, for stays through April 30, 2023 (may vary by property), at participating Fairmont, Sofitel, Swissôtel, MGallery, Pullman, Novotel and ibis hotels across North & Central America. As always, ALL members save more, with a special member rate that delivers an additional 5 percent off.

Creative assets for ‘Beyond LIMITS’, including videos, photos and logos, are available for download in the Accor press room.

 

ABOUT ACCOR

Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing more than 40 luxury, premium, midscale and economy hotel brands, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor’s unmatched position in lifestyle hospitality – one of the fastest growing categories in the industry – is led by Ennismore, a joint venture, which Accor holds a majority shareholding. Ennismore is a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Accor boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and more than 230,000 team members worldwide. Members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program – ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the Group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com, or follow Accor on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Attachments

Paulo Senra
Diamond
psenra@experiencediamond.com

Sandra Duhamel
Accor North & Central America
+1 305 401 1556
sandra.pinto-duhamel@accor.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8690759

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CCTV+: A Piece of Song Porcelain from Baishe Kiln

BEIJING, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — “When the rain ceases and the clouds roll out, the color of the sky is just the perfect color for the bluish-white porcelain.” This is how the ancient Chinese described the bluish-white porcelain of the Song Dynasty. Carrying a bluish-white color with a delicate appearance, it shines over one of the most prosperous eras in China’s history, the Song Dynasty. Nanfeng, Jiangxi, is featured in “A Piece of Song Porcelain from Baishe Kiln”. It was remembered as a thousand-year-old town comparable to the porcelain capital. However, nowadays, only a rare few have seen its beauty.

Baishe kiln began operating in the early years of the Northern Song Dynasty and flourished from the middle of the Northern Song Dynasty to the middle of the Southern Song Dynasty. At that time, the porcelain from Baishe kiln featured a pristine white color, delicate smoothness, thin body, along with a dense and firm  texture. It was given a  special name of “Baishe White Porcelain.” The porcelain glaze is crystal clear, with a soft luster and a color between blue and white. Its exquisite gentleness gives it the reputation of “Baishe jade.” According to the Chronicles of Nanfeng County, “In the Song Dynasty, Baishe built several porcelain kilns under the official supervision looking like hills.” There are still 32 ancient kiln sites of the Song and Yuan Dynasties in Nanfeng Town. The kiln accumulations stretch for more than 2,500 meters. It is not difficult to imagine the spectacular scene of flames leaping high into the sky when hundreds of kilns were in operation at the same time  in the ancient times. In Nanfeng today, the lost memories of Baishe kiln are being pieced back together bit by bit. Baishe porcelain brings people back to the glorious and romantic time, unveiling the culture and style of the era bygone.

The waterways extending in all directions and the  busy  docks in Jiangxi have also made Jiangxi an important source  for Chinese ceramics. Porcelain, created in a kiln and shipped to the world all year round, dives into our hearts as epics of human lives, songs of Chinese porcelain, and pictures of the civilization, building the Chinese dream of the Jiangxi porcelain art.

Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1939907/A_Piece_of_Song_Porcelain_from_Baishe_Kiln.mp4

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President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his submission to the S89 inquiry panel

On Sunday 06 November 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his submission made in terms of rule 129g(1)(c)(iii) of the National Assembly rules, to the independent panel appointed in terms of rule 129d of the national assembly rule. The President’s submission affirms his committed cooperation with due process.

President Ramaphosa has always made certain that throughout his tenure as President, he abides by his oath of office and set an example in his respect for the Constitution, its institutions, due process and the rule of law. President Ramaphosa categorically denies that he violated this oath in any way, and denies that he is guilty of any of the allegations made against him.

Source: Government of South Africa

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Western Cape Agriculture on Prestige Agri-Awards winner

Nigel Klaasen from Elgin wins Western Cape Prestige agri-worker of the year

Nigel Klaasen, a junior production manager on the farm Fruitways Glen Elgin in Elgin, was announced as the 2022 Western Cape Prestige Agri-Awards winner at the annual gala dinner held on Saturday, 5 November 2022, at the Grandwest Complex in Goodwood.

Klaasen won prizes to the value of approximately R100 000, including an overseas study tour.

Klaasen said: “I am grateful to my employer, Fruitways, for allowing me to do what I do well. The positivity of my fellow competitors and agri-workers inspires me. Not enough is said about the role that agri-workers play in ensuring food security. Through our daily toil, we produce enough food to ensure that our fellow South Africans have access to food. Thank you, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, for highlighting our contribution and appreciating agri-workers.”

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, highlights that the Prestige Agri-Awards Competition recognises the province’s agricultural workforce’s hard work, commitment, and dedication.

Meyer said: “The Prestige Agri-Awards Competition not only showcases the excellent work done in the agricultural sector in this province. In addition, it acknowledges, celebrates and inspires pride in its workforce and encourages them to learn new skills.  Agri-workers play a significant role in the Western Cape economy. Their energy, knowledge, and expertise contribute to food and nutrition security, bring foreign exchange into the country from exports, and provide for their families. So tonight, we celebrate excellence, ambition, confidence, drive and the competitive spirit of our agri-workers.”

This year, nine hundred and ninety-four agri-workers representing 15 regions competed in 11 categories.

Regional winners are Emile Asplein (Bergrivier); Deon Mazetta (Breede Valley); Elloise Volmink (Central Karoo); Nigel Klaasen (Elgin); John Williams  (Franschhoek); Sithembiso Shange (Garden Route); Patrick Mosedie (Hessequa-Kannaland); Christiaan Petersen (Hexvallei); Jeanne-Meine (Langeberg); Shirlene Boks(Olifantsrivier); Zolani  Bethuel Majali (Overberg)  Gerrit Boois (Piket-Bo- Berg); Nongcebo Langa (Stellenbosch); Aphendule Dyomfana (Swartland) and Shiree Paulse (Witzenberg).

Christiaan Prins of the Breede Valley region was acknowledged as the agri-worker who displayed the best potential in this year’s competition.

Two special Ministerial Awards went to:

  • Slanghoek & Botha Wine Estate Healthcare Project for the outstanding partnership they have with the Western Cape Departments of Agriculture and Health to extend health services to agri-workers and
  • Martha Klein of Central Karoo was acknowledged for her community work amongst agri-workers despite battling her health challenges.

Shoprite Freshmark has been the main sponsor of the Agri-Awards competition since 2012.

Pieter van Zyl, General Manager of  Procurement at Shoprite Freshmark, said:

” Agriculture plays a critical role in ensuring food security. The Western Cape is a strategic supplier to Shoprite. Thirty-five per cent of all purchases come from the Western Cape and are distributed through the Shoprite network. This would not be possible without the 180 Western Cape producers and 50 000 agri-workers who supply Shoprite Freshmark with fresh produce. They are not only the 1st link but also the anchor of the whole value chain. Their love and passion for agriculture have struck me most in the last couple of years. Shoprite is proud to be associated with this great competition.”

Klaasen will now also join past winners who serve on the  Western Cape Prestige Agri Worker Forum.

The forum, which meets quarterly with the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, provides a platform for sharing information regarding good farming practices, identifying opportunities, and improving productivity.

Meyer said: “It is also an opportunity to exchange ideas on matters pertinent to the daily experiences of agri-workers. Our agri-workers are a key resource for this sector. They are the driving force behind our economic recovery. I salute the hardworking men and women that are part of the backbone of our agricultural economy.”

“The Western Cape values the dignity and well-being of our agri-workers. Climate change is real. So we also have to talk about our agri-workers who work in ever-changing climatic conditions,” concluded Meyer.

Source: Government of South Africa

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Military Ombud hosts annual Symposium and 10th year Anniversary, 11 Nov

The South African Military Ombud Office will gather diverse stakeholders from Africa and role players in South Africa in hosting its Annual Military Ombud Symposium to mark its 10th year Anniversary on Friday 11 November 2022 at the Royal Elephant Hotel Centurion. The Symposium will be held under the theme: “The Role of the Ombud in providing oversight within the Civil-Military Architecture: Threats, Resilience, Responsiveness and Future Implications”.

The renowned leaders and experts within the armed forces, civil service and academia in the continent will engage in a narrative to debate and deliberate on the best practices to be applied to enhance civil-military oversight by Ombud institutions. 

The Office was created in 2012 with the mandate of investigating complaints lodged in writing by South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members and former members regarding their conditions of service. The mandate also entertain the members of the public who want to lodge a complaint regarding the official conduct of SANDF.

“It is at this symposium that we will be able to reflect on the positives and challenges we encountered along the way. We have seen serving members using our Office as an Institution of complaints resolution pertaining to their conditions of service. Members of the public also used our services when pertaining to the conduct of SANDF members on duty,” said the Military Ombud, Lt Gen (Ret) Vusumuzi Masondo.

Speakers on the day will include Dr M.B. Khanyile: Director (CEMIS)-Stellenbosch University, Mr C. Nissen: Commissioner – South African Human Rights Commission, Prof S. Fikeni: Chairperson – Public Service Commission, South Africa, Mr N. Sendall: Chief Director – Defence Policy, Strategy and Planning, South Africa and Adjutant Gen E.Z. Mnisi, Acting Head-Defence Legal Division Services.

The discussion topics will address, but not limited to: How can ombudsman institutions build trust and manage the expectations of complainants? Why are armed forces personnel reluctant to complain, even when they acknowledge they have a problem? How do ombudsmen institutions overcome the reluctance to complain? In what ways can ombudsman institutions determine if their efforts to break down barriers are working? In what ways can ombudsman institutions promote inclusive armed forces and protection of vulnerable groups, both in the armed forces and members of the public? In what ways can ombudsman institutions protect their independence and distinctiveness through mutual support, cooperation and joint activity?  

The Office has also been a key role player and active participant internationally as a member of the International Conference of Ombuds Institutions for Armed Forces (ICOAF) where it presented papers on different topics over the years.

Source: Government of South Africa

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Minister Nathi Mthethwa launches SILAPHA Wellness Intervention Programme

Wellness programme launched for Northern Cape artists & athletes

The SILAPHA Wellness Intervention Programme, an initiative by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to support artists and athletes, was rolled out in Northern Cape by Minister Nathi Mthethwa.

Northern Cape, Kimberley: On Thursday, 03 July, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), Nathi Mthethwa launched the SILAPHA Wellness Intervention Programme for Northern Cape-based artists and athletes at the Northern Cape Theatre in Kimberley.  The Programme, which has been rolled out in other provinces was designed and established by DSAC to address some of the pressing issues that affect South African sport and creative workers. Issues such as mental health, substance abuse, financial management and legal matters.

Addressing Northern Cape’s artists and athletes who attended the launch event in numbers, Mthethwa said: “We launched the SILAPHA Wellness Programme in February 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve since helped 1 911 practitioners through our dedicated call centre toll free line. We’ve also touched 1 900 practitioners through our interface outreach provincial activations, totalling to 3 811 sport and creative sector practitioners helped. Their various problems range from legal issues, critical incidences, addictive disorder, financial problems and the most prominent being mental health related challenges.”

At the event, themed “Own your talent through-and-through,” a star-studded panel, facilitated by media personality, Penny Lebyane, shared with the audience how they dealt with mental health challenges, mistreatment from the industry and other issues. This was carried out as a means of demonstrating how and why an initiative such as the SILAPHA Wellness Intervention Programme is necessary in the South African creative and sporting landscape.

The panel consisted of some of the country’s well-adored artists and sportsmen including actors, Dawn Thandeka King, Thato Molamu as well as Northern Cape’s very own, Moagi Modise, soccer legend, Doctor Khumalo and Kimberley’s para powerlifter, Ricardo Fitzpatrick.

“Fight as hard as you can to keep your sanity. It’s all about keeping your head above the water. At the end of the day, the good will outweigh the bad. Luckily for you guys, you do not have to fight the battle alone. This programme will play an essential role in ensuring your wellbeing,” said Modise.

The SILAPHA Wellness Intervention Programme has a range of resources that are available to South African artists and athletes at no cost. These include legal advice, mental health management, lifestyle management, financial management and substance abuse management.

Northern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts And Culture Ms Desery Fienies who was present at the launch expressed her team’s support of the SILAPHA Wellness Intervention Programme: “We are looking to create awareness within the Northern Cape among the artists and athletes as well as the community at large. We will be looking into the possibility of rolling out the program to all 5 districts in the form of district activation programmes. As the Northern Cape Provincial Government, it is imperative that we ensure that we reach out to all our athletes and artists in every corner of the province.”

Since its inception, the Programme has been successfully rolled out across all South African provinces.  Minister Mthethwa said the SILAPHA programme in Northern Cape is being executed together with the department’s GBVF programmes. These are  Golekane, a men-led programme driving behavioural change amongst men, as well as Baqhawafazi, which is aimed at giving a voice to survivors of Gender-Based Violence. 

“Though we are proud of the work we have managed to do through the SILAPHA programme, much more work needs to be done. However I must say, we’re on the right direction but until we see a dramatic drop in women murders and cases of femicide – we cannot tap ourselves on the back,” said Mthethwa.

Source: Government of South Africa

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Post Office on SASSA grants payments systems glitch

SASSA grants payments systems glitch resolved, says Postbank  

SASSA social grants recipients using the SASSA gold cards can now collect their grants monies at ATM’s and retailers nationwide as the system glitches that impacted payments have been resolved.

The payments system challenges have been resolved from Saturday afternoon (5 November 2022), and we have since been recording stability with successful transactions over the ATM and retailers.  

The majority of the more than 7m social grants beneficiaries using the Postbank issued SASSA gold cards withdraw their social grants via ATMs and retailers. 

SASSA social grants recipients are therefore advised to proceed to withdraw social grants at ATMs and retailers outlets nationwide that provide the cashback functionality which includes Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay and Boxer.

SASSA grants recipients can also use the SASSA gold cards to make purchases at any place that accepts bank card transactions as the SASSA gold cards functions fully within the national payments system similarly to any other bank card.  

Postbank is monitoring the system performance within Post Office branches today, 7 November 2022, and advise beneficiaries of any developments.  

Postbank apologises to our SASSA social grants beneficiaries for the inconvenience caused due to these system challenges. We know that social grants are important to the livelihood of the most vulnerable in our community and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience experienced during the system glitch. 

Source: Government of South Africa