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DISTANCE LEARNING: IS IT AN OPTION FOR YOU?

Published

8 years ago

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South Africa’s tough economic conditions, combined with limited space at public universities, is seeing thousands of students opt for distance learning annually. Students who need to earn while they learn, and people already in employment who need to upskill to boost their career prospects, consider distance learning an effective way to further their education.

But distance learning comes with very unique challenges, and anyone considering it should make sure that they tackle this life-changing project with a strategy that will ensure their ultimate success, an education expert says.

“Distance learning is a great way to further your career or get the qualifications you need to enter the job market, but it requires the same, if not more, discipline as full-time study,” says Elbie Liebenberg, Principal at Oxbridge Academy, which serves more than 20 000 South African distance learning students every year.

She says before embarking on the distance learning route, prospective students should get in the right headspace, and make sure that they have the structures in place that will enable them to balance the demands of their studies with their personal and work lives.

“You have to ask yourself some tough questions, and be honest with yourself. If you find that you come up short in one or all of these areas, you need to address them first, which will leave you better equipped and empowered to achieve your goals,” she says.

Liebenberg says prospective students should consider the following:

ARE YOU ORGANISED?

Making a success of distance learning centres a huge amount on being able to keep balls in the air and admin sorted. You need to plan your days, your assignments and tests. If you are not the list-making, diary-scheduling type, it is a good idea to start implementing basic planning principles into your daily and work life. Once you feel in control in these areas, you can transfer your newly acquired skill to the planning required for distance learning.

ARE YOU DISCIPLINED?

Having plans and programmes in place are great, but it is no good to be a good planner if you can’t stick to the plan, says Liebenberg.
If you are studying on your own, and are not part of a contact lecture environment, it is up to you to keep up with things. Make sure you schedule at least 2-3 hours daily to do you reading and studying, work on assignments, and prepare for tests. If you consistently wait until a few days before the test or assignment deadline to get going, things are soon going to pile up and spiral out of control. A daily, consistent effort is required in distance learning.

ARE YOU ABLE TO FOCUS ON YOUR GOALS AND THE BIG PICTURE?

Quality distance learning institutions have the support structures and interactive online environments that didn’t exist in years past, and which make a significant difference to the success of students. However, at the end of the day, distance learning students need to be able to focus on why they started in the first place, and be able to visualise and work towards their goals. It is easy to get lost in and overwhelmed by the twin demands of keeping distance learning admin under control while also excelling in your studies – particularly if you don’t see your fellow students grappling with the same issues. It is therefore important to make use of the support and collaboration opportunities that good distance learning institutions will have in place, while constantly reminding yourself of the better future you are building.

ARE YOU AMBITIOUS AND MOTIVATED?

Do not sign up for a distance learning qualification if you are simply making a half-hearted attempt to add a qualification to your CV. A quality distance learning qualification is just as respected by employers as one from a full-time contact institution, but that means that the demands on students must equally be so if the fruits of the labour are to be enjoyed.
If you are serious about your life and your career, then distance learning is a fantastic option which will bring significant rewards upon graduation, but it is not to be considered a second-rate option for those who are not committed to making a success of their studies.

“When things get tough for distance students, they often opt to just throw in the towel and disappear,” says Liebenberg.

“But these students and prospective students should know that just like at contact institutions, good distance learning providers will have ample resources to assist them in making a success of their studies if they can commit to seeing things through.”

She says students should not underestimate the intellectual demands of distance learning, and should make sure that they effectively structure their studies.

“Throw yourself into your studies and take every advantage of the opportunities provided by your institution, to ensure you banish any feelings of isolation and engage fully with your chosen field, your tutors and your future peers,” she says.

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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Businesses

Playtime Rentals: Rent. Play. Repeat.

Published

1 month ago

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6 October 2025

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Tired of spending a fortune on toys your kids play with for five minutes, only for them to get bored? We get it! That’s exactly why Playtime Rentals was born, a smarter, more affordable way to keep playtime fun, fresh, and exciting for your little ones.

Based in Ballito and serving families from Ballito to Durban North, we provide premium, sanitized toys that you can rent instead of buy.

What We Offer:

Playtime Rentals provides a wide range of high-quality toys for boys and girls aged 3 to 7 years.

From:
– Pretend-play sets for little imaginations
– Balance bikes and ride-ons for active adventures
– Party rentals like bubble machines & toddler coasters

We’ve got fun covered, without the clutter or cost of constantly buying new toys.

How It Works:

✔ Browse our toy catalogue on WhatsApp or download it from our website
✔ Book your toys by completing the short booking form & submitting documents
✔ Pay & Play. Make full payment + refundable damages deposit
✔ Collect in Ballito or book delivery straight to your door
Then… play, return, repeat. It’s really that simple!

Why Parents love Playtime Rentals:
– Save money on toys kids outgrow
– Reduce clutter and reclaim your space
– Swap toys monthly with a fun toy rotation system
– Encourage sustainable play (less waste, more fun!)
– Keep playtime exciting with something new each month

With Playtime Rentals, your kids enjoy endless variety, and you enjoy less stress and more savings.

Check them out here:
www.playtimerentals.co.za

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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News

Springboks Crush Argentina 67-30 in Durban

Published

2 months ago

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29 September 2025

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With the Rugby Championship title race hanging in the balance, the Springboks delivered a second-half masterclass in Durban against Los Pumas.

After a tense first 40 minutes ended 25–23, South Africa erupted with 42 unanswered points.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was unstoppable, scoring a record-breaking 37 points with a hat-trick, pinpoint kicks, and 134 meters run.

Pieter-Steph du Toit and Manie Libbok added tries as the Bokke overwhelmed Argentina.

Nine tries, relentless pace, and a roaring Kings Park crowd — this was Springboks rugby at its finest.

The bonus-point win puts South Africa right back in the hunt for the Rugby Championship crown.

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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Attractions

What’s On at Westown Square, Shongweni

Published

2 months ago

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26 September 2025

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Discover the heart of KZN at Westown Square in Shongweni – a vibrant, growing destination where shopping, dining and lifestyle come together in perfect harmony.
Here, local craft, artisanal homeware and unique products find a home, bringing the very best of our region to life.

At the centre of it all is The Town Square, your gateway to The Barn & Makers Market. Stroll through an eclectic mix of locally sourced art, beauty, fashion, homeware, food and
drink — all set alongside some of the region’s finest restaurants and exciting concept eateries.

More than just a market, The Barn is the beating heart of Westown. It’s where the community gathers each week for live music, entertainment, and a celebration of local talent.
#ItsTimeForTheWest

LOCAL IS LEKKER and we’re celebrating all things Heritage this month, in this beautiful province of KZN that we call HOME! There’s something for everyone, so follow us on social media to keep up to date.

THIS WEEKEND!
OPENING OF THE PADDOCK at Westown – 27 September

Westown is excited to celebrate the opening of The Paddock– a unique new place and the ‘home’ for Westown Trails. It’s fun for the whole family, whether you’re on horseback, on your mountain bike, running or walking. Our network of marked trails, suitable for a variety of sporting codes, enhances and extends the spectacular outdoor character the area is renowned for.
* Time: Hub Opens – 06:00
Official Start – 07:00
* Venue: The Paddock at Westown
* Cost: No cost and complimentary bike and wash service from Cycle Science Shongweni

SPRINGBOK RUGBY IN THE BARN
Come & support The Bokke at the Westown Square Fan Park in The Barn at Westown.
⁠⁠Catch the live action on the big screen – our DJ will be in the house for the pre-match warm-up and post-match fun.
Saturday 4 October – SA vs Argentina
*Time: 15:00
* Venue: The Barn at Westown Square
Pre-match fun in the Rugby Kids Zone:

* The Garvz Sport Activation (13:00 -16:00) & Kids Activities (14:00 -16:00) including:
Baby Bok, toddler soft-play area, face painting, balloon sculpting and crafts activities

PASSION PAINT & SIP – 1 October

Release your inner artist with an evening of fun and creativity. This guided class is open to all, no matter your competency level. Be prepared to be surprised at what
you can create!

Date: Wednesday 1 October
Time: 18:30
Venue: The Barn at Westown Square
Cost: R250 pp incl. a complimentary drink & all materials to make your own work of art.
Booking: Quicket or WhatsApp Kirsty on 083 2555 736

OCTOBER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME – Follow our social media pages
Westown Square is THE PLACE TO BE this October, with a School Holiday Programme to delight kids of all ages!!

FREE MOVIE NIGHT AT WESTOWN – 3 October
Bring your picnic blankets and camp chairs for a free outdoor movie night under the stars.
Food and beverages will be sold – no food/ beverages may be brought into the venue.
* Date: 3 October
* Time: 18:30
* Movie: How to Train Your Dragon
* Venue: The Bowl at Westown Square
* Cost: Free

BLASTER WARS – the ultimate interactive fun for kids aged 5 – 13 years. Jump into action-packed group games, bouncing from one awesome game to the next, all with hands-on
safety. Activities include:
​•​Blaster Wars fun battles and blaster games
​•​Target shooting challenges
​•​Fun races and games for all ages
Date: 7 & 8 October
Venue: Grass Area/Lawn on Level 4
Time: 11:00 -13:00
Cost: R120 per child
Bookings: Tel: 066 236 8100 or email: info@blasterwars.co.za

FRIDAY FLASHBACK
Get a jump-start on the weekend with our vibrant weekly Westown Wind-down. Turn after-work drinks into a full night out at Westown Square, as we dial back the clock, with our weekly 80s-themed Friday Flashback retro music experience with DJ Spike & James VN on the decks and Happy Hour food and drink specials.
Date: Every Friday
Time:  16:30-21:30
Cost: Free entry

SUNDAY SOUNDTRACK VIBES
Join a line-up of Durban’s hottest musicians, every Sunday afternoon, from 12:00-15:00 in The Barn at Westown Square. Choose a bite and beverage from a diverse selection of eateries and settle in for the afternoon.

– Sunday 5 October
A regular favourite at Westown Square, Angel is in the house for this Sunday’s session.
– Sunday 12 October
Popular songbird Carmen Rodrigues is back at Westown Square for a laid-back chill
interlude.

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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