05 May l 2025 | Story: Gracious Ngomane and Qhawekazi Memani | Photo: Naledi Nkosi The Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT’s) Centre for Academic Development recently hosted an engaging and thought-provoking academic writing retreat at Emerald Casino and Resort from 22 to 24 April 2025 The retreat brought together scholars and students from across the university’s faculties to explore and reflect critically on Telagogy an emerging approach to teaching and learning that challenges traditional academic frameworks the retreat aimed to contribute to the university’s research output while promoting a shift towards a more just and inclusive society Discussions were grounded in the belief that education must evolve to meet the needs of future generations moving beyond current limitations and embracing new ways of thinking the CAD Academic Staff Development Unit Manager opened the retreat by emphasising its purpose: to enhance scholarly work in a world undergoing rapid social and technological change She posed a critical question: Where does higher education fit into this transformation Her address set the tone for a gathering centred on inquiry Manager of the VUT Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship delivered a keynote presentation titled Telagogy in Theory and Practice: Learning Beyond Neo-Colonity and Cyber Coloniality He traced the evolution of human society from unstructured hunting communities to the complex information age urging attendees to reflect on the transition to Society 5.0 and technological advancement are more valuable than material wealth He stressed the importance of embracing mindset shifts and encouraged researchers to act boldly “Forget about who will review your work,” he said Do not be afraid of rejection or acceptance.” Dr Pitso presented thought-provoking ideas including the Indian origins of mathematics and the historical link between pharmacy and witchcraft These insights prompted participants to question dominant narratives and develop a more inclusive understanding of knowledge and its origins Several key themes within Telagogy were explored throughout the retreat These included integrating digital tools and resources into education which are reshaping teaching and learning by making it more accessible Telagogy promotes a shift from teacher-centred instruction to learner-centred approaches It also places strong emphasis on collaboration and social interaction the theory advocates for flexible and inclusive learning environments that support diverse student needs including those with disabilities or additional responsibilities This includes the use of asynchronous learning and accessible digital materials Retreat participants are expected to contribute chapters to a forthcoming book on the permutations of Telagogy • Telagogy as a digital platform for a decolonised curriculum • A new approach to learning beyond pedagogy • A vision for transforming traditional universities into digital institutions that exist as accessible applications The second day of the retreat focused on developing the content of the book chapters Participants were introduced to principles of academic writing they presented their draft chapters and received constructive feedback to support their scholarly contributions Commercialisation and Internationalisation visited and actively engaged with participants His presence underscored the university’s commitment to fostering academic discourse and supporting staff and students in their research endeavours described the retreat as a valuable learning opportunity Another attendee praised the initiative as excellent and expressed hope for long-term productivity noting that greater emphasis on motivation throughout the event could enhance its impact The academic writing retreat successfully positioned VUT as a forward-thinking institution committed to educational innovation By encouraging critical dialogue and collaboration it laid a solid foundation for future research that challenges conventional models and embraces new learning paradigms Previous VUT’s Alumni Relations Department champions social impact with a meal packaging event VUT strengthens global footprint at prestigious European Metaverse Academy meeting Vacancies Suppliers and Tenders Partnerships MaVUTi Shop Ethics and Fraud Hotline Vanderbijlpark Campus Quest Conference Centre Science and Technology Park VUT FM Radio maVUTi Pulse Podcast Copyright © 2025 Vaal University of Technology - All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions of User NEWS INSIGHTS EVENTS VIDEOS Search ITWeb CISO Retreat 2025 own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment View all partners The Catholic church faces a fundamental question as it prepares to elect a new pope. That is, whether to go back to a monarchical papacy with its pomp and pageantry, or to build on the momentum begun by Pope Francis He focused on the poor and proffered a humble lifestyle and message of hope I am a theologian who has studied the development of Catholicism in Africa, especially under the leadership of Pope Francis. In my view, the church after him will be defined by two forces, which will be at play during the process of choosing a new pope First, those who embrace Pope Francis’ wide-ranging, modernising changes in the Catholic church. The reform-minded pope made it possible to advance a new church culture that respected the voice and agency of the non-ordained In the second camp are those Catholics who oppose the reforms introduced by Pope Francis They see cultural evolution and social change as destroying the traditions and teachings of the church They would like to restore the Latin Mass with its ancient church rituals and male clerical culture The 18 African cardinal-electors will be fully aware that the divisive issues in contemporary Catholicism often neglect the concerns and needs of Africa These concerns include a continued colonial structure and racialised thinking and mentality that sees Africa as one country rather than a continent of diversity and pluralism My hope is that the cardinals will find among their ranks someone in the mould of Pope Francis who has a far-reaching vision Someone with the courage to continue reforming the ecclesial systems and structures to meet this moment with the gospel of love Pope Francis often pointed to Africa, which is seeing the highest growth in population in the Catholic church A continent where the world can see how religious faith can bring about a different attitude to human relationship But African Catholicism has been severely affected by the polarisation in the broader church This is particularly true on issues of marriage and family life Other polarising issues include same-sex marriages the place of women in leadership in a patriarchal church and the autonomy of local African Catholic dioceses from the central authority of the Roman Catholic Church The Catholic bishops of Africa need to be united in addressing these issues there is a growing consensus that the most pressing challenge facing African Catholicism is how to wean itself from being dependent on resources from the west The Catholic church in Africa – despite its exponential growth – is still treated as a “mission territory” it receives financial support for its activities and the running of schools and social agencies from the Roman Church and other western Catholic charities This dependency has affected the growth and autonomy of African Catholics and churches in setting forth and implementing priorities and projects that address the unique situation of Africa African Catholic churches are “under the protection” of the Roman agency in charge of evangelisation there are limits to what African churches can do on their own without the permission and supervision of the Roman office A self-reliant Catholic church in Africa that’s free from the control of Rome would be able to stand strong in world Catholicism A less dependent African Catholic church could be an alternative staging ground for new forms of faith that meet the spiritual hunger of today’s world This would mean providing vibrancy of worship and a sense of community through the social and spiritual bonds that exist in African churches Given the changing demographics in the world church – where a majority of the 1.4 billion Catholics live outside Europe – it’s clear that Africa and the rest of the global south can no longer accept being dominated by Eurocentric Catholicism Catholicism cannot be reduced to a single cultural or ecclesial form It is not a western prototype that has to be replicated in Africa and the rest of the global south without regard to the social spiritual and cultural contexts of churches in these regions the future of Catholicism in Africa must be built on the agency of African cultures Not on a rigid centralisation of power that reduces African dioceses institutions and congregations to outposts of Rome The Catholic church in Africa must take the lead in promoting human rights good governance and the empowerment of women It needs to reflect the values of inclusion through its leadership Pope Francis’ attention to the poor and the victims of history and his commitment to global solidarity and fraternity the power that the Catholic church or the next pope will wield won’t arise from the power of position or a rigid doctrinal formula It will come from the power of non-transactional and self-effacing love through gospel non-violence Catholicism suffers when it narrows what it means to be Catholic to rituals and repetitive communal practices and devotions without attention to people’s personal experience and encounters with God Or when it interprets as normative and divine revelation those traditions laws or structures that are the product of history culture and human attempts to meet the challenges of a bygone age The School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management (IPS & HRM) at the North-West University (NWU) recently held its highly anticipated annual master’s degree research retreat at Stonehenge River Lodge in Parys organised by Dr Neil Barnard and Prof Marissa Brouwers academic staff and guest speakers to enhance research capabilities and promote collaborative learning The sponsors of the event included the Optentia and WorkWell research units The retreat focused on several key objectives it aimed to foster collaboration within the IPS & HRM across the Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark campuses “The event provided an environment conducive to focused guidance on student research projects while also facilitating engagement with supervisors and peers The overarching goal was to support students in effectively navigating their research journeys reinforcing an academic culture of collaboration and exploration,” says Prof Brouwers The retreat attracted a diverse group of 42 participants comprising master’s degree students from Industrial Psychology Human Resource Management and Labour Relations Management The students actively engaged in discussions about their research challenges and aspirations Potential supervisors and academic staff in turn provided invaluable feedback guest speakers shared their expertise on various pertinent topics surrounding research practices and academic writing The retreat featured a robust lineup of presentations that covered critical themes necessary for research development · “Your Why and Purpose” by Dr Neil Barnard delved into the motivations behind pursuing research and understanding one's purpose in the field · “Personality Preferences and Team Building” examined how different personality types can influence team dynamics and effectiveness in collaborative research settings Prof Ian Rothmann discussed common obstacles researchers face and provided strategies for navigating and overcoming these challenges co-authored by Prof Brouwers and Prof Bennie Linde offered guidance on selecting a research topic that not only interests the researcher but also contributes meaningfully to the field · Dr Barnard also presented “Research Software and Resources” highlighting essential digital tools and resources that can enhance the research process and improve efficiency · Carla du Plessis covered emotion artificial intelligence (EAI) The study focused on gaining the perceptions of industrial psychologists in the existence and use of emotion artificial intelligence · “The Significance of Research” by Prof Crizelle Els emphasised the importance of research in advancing knowledge and its potential to drive societal change These presentations were complemented by interactive group discussions allowing students to refine their research ideas before presenting them to a panel at the end of the retreat also included various engaging activities and workshops including presentations from both students and faculty that emphasised key research methodologies student presentations and networking opportunities that encouraged discussions that linked academic theories with industry practices Dr Barnard says these activities not only encouraged teamwork ensuring that students left the retreat with strengthened research proposals and a deeper understanding of their academic pursuits "Feedback from the participants indicated a high level of satisfaction with the retreat Participants appreciated the informative sessions and specifically noted the value of discussions and insights gained from the lectures We also plan to include the Mahikeng Campus in next year's retreat," says Dr Barnard presenters and students for making the retreat a success The NWU’s School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management recently held its highly anticipated annual master’s degree research retreat which included addressing the nation about Hurricane Irene and issuing press statements following the death of Senator Ted Kennedy The classic clapboard home is nestled in the heart of the island A long gated driveway ushers guests to the seven-bedroom a rounded dining room boasts picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean Get a year of unlimited access for $25 $20 per month A living area in the home Elsewhere on the property is a five-bedroom guesthouse. There is also a 150-year-old barn, relocated from Pennsylvania, which is outfitted with traditional Cape Cod–style cedar shingles and a wraparound porch. Down by the waterfront is a boathouse equipped with a private dock on a secluded stretch of Tisbury Great Pond. Additional amenities include a pool and an accompanying poolhouse and equestrian riding rings are found around the plot Maggie Gold Seelig of MGS Group Real Estate and Brian Dougherty of Corcoran Property Advisors hold the listing An aerial shot of the estate’s tennis court The Studio Has Tons of A-List Cameos—Including Some of the Best Midcentury-Modern Architecture in LA 50 Cent’s Houses: Exploring the Rapper’s Over-The-Top Real Estate Portfolio The Full House Victorian in San Francisco Sells for $6 Million The Residence Offers a Peek Inside the White House—but What Really Goes Into Running the President’s Private Quarters? Severance Twists the Mundane Trappings of the Office Into a Mind-Bending Hellscape Inside Lana Condor’s Completely Transformed Dream Home Actor Walton Goggins and Director Nadia Conners Imagine a New Life in the Hudson Valley 5 Secrets of the SNL Sets You Probably Didn’t Know Not a subscriber? Join AD for print and digital access now Browse the AD PRO Directory to find an AD-approved design expert for your next project. While the ANC-led National Treasury framed Thursday’s decision to scrap the value-added tax (VAT) hike as a compromise born out of “extensive consultations” the true victor was Herman Mashaba’s ActionSA which outflanked both the ANC and DA through strategic positioning and coalition bargaining The breaking news is a prime example of tactical maneuvering and public perception management — all of which aim to reshape the political landscape And ActionSA passed with a distinction even when critics labelled them as fools for supporting the adoption of the national budget with a condition that the VAT hike be scrapped within 30 days ActionSA’s calculated gamble to conditionally support the ANC’s budget in exchange for scrapping the VAT hike proved masterful By leveraging its role as a smaller but pivotal party outside the government of national unity (GNU) ActionSA secured a quid pro quo: backing the fiscal framework while forcing the ANC to abandon the tax increase within 30 days This advantage now enables Mashaba’s party to claim credit for safeguarding the low-income households The party has framed itself as a defender of low-income households leveraging the ANC’s vulnerability to public backlash over austerity ActionSA has also managed to undercut the DA While the DA opposed the VAT hike through legal challenges and rhetoric ActionSA achieved a reversal within the system positioning itself as a pragmatic alternative to the DA’s combative approach ActionSA has further expanded its influence by extracting concessions from the ANC demonstrating its ability to shape policy despite its small parliamentary footprint — a critical step in building credibility ahead of future elections The ANC’s reversal reflects a survivalist calculus Faced with crumbling public trust and coalition instability the party has prioritised short-term stability over fiscal discipline But question marks remain on whether the party’s promised “reset” of the GNU was a bluff to pressure the DA into compliance the ANC pivoted to secure support from ActionSA The Treasury’s abrupt U-turn — from defending the VAT hike in court to scrapping it days later — exposed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s weakened authority His assertion that the reversal was the result of “careful consideration of the recommendations of the parliamentary committees” is unfounded given that he had just days earlier sought punitive legal costs against the DA and EFF The R75-billion revenue shortfall forces austerity measures undermining the ANC’s ability to deliver services ahead of elections Yet by shifting blame to “constrained fiscal positions” The DA’s rigid opposition to the VAT hike failed to translate into tangible gains despite their bid to appear as champions of the low-income groups The DA’s court challenge may have forced the ANC into negotiations but its demand for a constitutional amendment to strip the finance minister of VAT-setting power remains unresolved They can defer any claim of victory until the conclusion of the protracted legal battle By voting against the budget and alienating ANC allies Despite leader John Steenhuisen’s claim that the coalition is “the best option for the country” the DA’s influence is waning as ActionSA ascends The ANC’s retreat highlights the political toxicity of regressive taxes in a nation with 30% unemployment The ANC salvaged short-term stability but at the cost of fiscal credibility while the DA’s legalistic approach yielded limited returns Godongwana’s flip-flop damages ANC credibility while Mashaba’s tactical wins bolster ActionSA’s image as a decisive force ActionSA’s pro-poor branding will also resonate more than the DA’s fiscal conservatism The party emerges as the biggest winner in the debacle leveraging its strategic position to extract concessions and exert significant influence as a coalition kingmaker In South Africa’s volatile political arena realpolitik rewards agility over ideology — a lesson ActionSA has mastered The GNU’s survival hinges on transactional alliances ActionSA’s rise underscores the power of smaller parties in fragmented legislatures Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Tel: +27 11 268 6300 Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms & conditions and privacy policy Ambassadors of EU Member States convened at the Château de Pourtalès in Strasbourg for a Heads of Mission Retreat dedicated to strengthening the EU’s strategic partnership with the Council of Europe Co-organised with the Polish Permanent Representation the retreat focused on current political developments and accountability mechanisms for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.  The programme featured expert contributions from Aleksandra Mężykowska member of Board of the Register of Damage for Ukraine (RD4U) Criminal Law from DG Justice and consumers of the European Commission Director of Legal Advice and Public International Law from the Council of Europe and Ambassador Tanja Gonggrijp Vice-Chair of the Register of Damage for Ukraine (RD4U) Their interventions informed a constructive discussion on the state of play regarding accountability for the crimes committed in Ukraine and joint efforts to uphold human rights and democratic values within the EU–Council of Europe framework the Heads of Mission held an open exchange with Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset Discussions centred on deepening cooperation in critical areas such as democratic security and accountability Ambassadors underlined how recent crises have strengthened EU-Council of Europe cooperation and reaffirmed the importance of enhancing synergies and political cooperation The retreat provided a valuable forum to share perspectives and explore coordinated approaches to advancing democratic resilience and human rights across Europe and beyond The brand new Buff Medical Resort has set a precedent with it’s high-tech approach to longevity and luxury — but it’s no outlier Lifestyle | Travel Sign up for the best picks from our travel I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice What was once the stuff of Silicon Valley ambition is now becoming a travel trend: elite longevity clinics blending science beachfront hideaways and private medical retreats wearable tech and cellular rejuvenation meet spa robes and Michelin-star dining Leading the way is Buff Medical Resort: a glamorous new clinic on the banks of Lake Konstanz Launched in March 2025 and located in Germany on the Swiss border, Buff is the latest addition to the area’s budding wellness clinic scene, alongside the Swiss Center for Health and Longevity and Lanserhof Lans Read more: The best medi-spas in Europe for 2025 “Buff is one of the largest wooden structures in the whole of Germany, if not the world,” says Jean Jacques Buff Medical Resort, deputy CEO and son of the eponymous founder Michael Buff. “Yet, encased in this entirely organic wooden shell, are some of the best health technology facilities you can find.” The contrast and harmony between old and new epitomises what Buff is all about: guided by the fundamental principles of FX Mayr—an Austrian physiologist who over 100 years ago preached the importance of diet and gut health for longer life—yet utilising forward thinking are the high altitude simulators,” says Dr “Rooms are effectively a sealed chamber—though we don’t like to use that word because it sounds claustrophobic—so we can control the pressure depending on how high the guests want to simulate which is roughly the same height as Mont Blanc.” pushing guests’ bodies to burn more calories and respire more efficiently showing high altitude triggers Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF)— a process that boosts cell repair Also on offer at Buff is Medicine 360, a comprehensive update of the well-fabled Medicine 1.0, 2.0, 3.0: a popular theory surrounding the history of health prevention which argues for a more anticipatory approach to health rather than reactionary “Medicine 360 marries the knowledge and wisdom from ancient Mayan medicine with cutting edge technology,” says Dr. Fegerl. “This involves mimicking Mayan diets of maise, fasting regularly, and paying close attention to circadian rhythms creating an entirely personal map of each individual guest.” but it’s certainly no outlier in the wellness resort space With locations in Alicante, Spain, and a new branch in Cancun, Mexico, SHA has earned an excellent reputation in the longevity retreat scene Besides the dreamy locations and design of SHA has been raising eyebrows and standards in the longevity community through their pioneering “smart algorithm” Best Photos of the Day from around the world London travel news LIVE: Severe delays on the Metropolitan and Piccadilly line Meal2Deal: on a mission to make food poverty history “This is a programme entirely unique to SHA and to you,” says the Vice President of SHA Alejandro Bataller “Guests are asked a series of questions about their physiology and life and the algorithm builds an individual health profile of them which is from over 100,000 individuals.” SHA was already one of the most premier longevity retreats on the planet Tailor-Made has now given it a technological edge One of the oldest longevity clinics in the world is anything but dated. This classy Swiss joint has been leading cellular repair for almost 100 years and continues to do so, hosting the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and Winston Churchill in its time. One recent innovation is their beauty stem cell programme allowing you to reinject your own younger cells into your face to rejuvenate your looks — Clinique La Prairie will bank your cells for up to 30 years the clinic also launched a longevity technology investment fund demonstrating their commitment to this new frontier of the industry This venture improves the customer’s experience too with companies from the fund being used for patients who perform epigenetic testing with unusually fast results so visitors can receive their data within days rather than months Built in an old Italian spa town in the Lazio region’s hills near Rome, Palazzo Fiuggi has a timeless grandeur But go beyond Fiuggi’s impressive neoclassical façade and you’ll find one of the most high-tech wellness treats on the market One of the Fiuggi’s technological USPs is its futuristic Fitness Lab — also known as the gym Guests can experience the latest in fitness technology from Icarus VR Machines — headsets that turn gym workouts into immersive full-body experiences — to Reaxing Training the world’s first method of motor stimulation This includes flashing lights and unconventional equipment like the Reax Board a motion-sensitive panel that responds to your movements to enhance balance Alongside the health facilities you would expect from a wellness clinic — Fiuggi’s approach to fitness tech is groundbreaking and earns its place on this list Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin David Beckham extends olive branch to son Brooklyn amid 'family feud' Pregnant Jesy Nelson reveals plans for future in message from her hospital bed after surgery Pregnant Jesy Nelson reveals plans for future in message from hospital This emerged during an exclusive two-day CISO retreat hosted by Veeam in Magaliesburg. Themed: ‘The CISO’s strategic shift – from IT security to business enabler’, the event discussed the changing environment and pressures CISOs work under. A thought leadership and roundtable discussion hosted by Andre Troskie, EMEA Field CISO at Veeam, and Ian Engelbrecht, Team Leader & Manager, Systems Engineering for Africa at Veeam Software, focused on ‘Governance in the age of resilience: Leading through uncertainty’. They noted that achieving balance between innovation and resilience was a challenge. “We want to enable the business to take advantage of the latest technologies and processes and think to get to where they need to be. But we also have to take care of the risks and the emerging threats. Many CISOs come from a technical background, some come from a legal background, some come from a risk management background, and we have to take all these things into consideration,” they said. The conversation focused on the need for board members to understand the implications of geopolitical factors on product dependencies and how these affect the organisation. Participants said CISOs had to enhance education and awareness among board members regarding technical processes and their impact on risk and resilience; as well as demonstrate the value of IT improved reporting and metrics-based decision-making. MC Rodney de Koch, board advisor, business coach, sales strategist (SaaS) and digital evangelist, noted: “As resilience shifts from reactive recovery to proactive adaptability, governance provides the framework for aligning leadership, risk management and cultural readiness.” The dialogue focused on the intersection of financial services and public sector governance, emphasising the need for alignment with standards set by financial services. Participants discussed the role of the Auditor General in providing oversight and the importance of compliance and governance models. Speakers also noted the importance of organisations remaining relevant to customers, and a roundtable discussion focused on elevating the visibility of the CISO and the level of cyber conversations in the boardroom. Participants also noted that incident disclosure regulations and associated penalties would put CISOs under additional pressure: “We need robust ICT risk management processes, and this goes beyond ISO 27001. Now, we must provide the assurance that the process is in place, the process is implemented and we have to demonstrate that that process works. In addition, public companies must disclose material cyber security incidents within four days.”  The University of Johannesburg (UJ), through its Institute for Intelligent Systems (IIS) hosted the Hundzula Retreat from 19-22 February 2025 This annual event brings together researchers in African languages and African Natural Language Processing (NLP) to advance the role of African languages in digital and computational fields The retreat serves as a dynamic platform for collaboration fostering interdisciplinary engagement between the humanities and computational sciences The retreat addressed several pressing challenges in African language technology with a particular focus on the preservation of African languages which remain underrepresented in digital and computational research This underrepresentation makes them vulnerable to marginalisation particularly as widely spoken languages are often prioritised in technological development The Hundzula Retreat actively challenges this trend by promoting the inclusion of African languages in digital transformation ensuring they are represented in technology Developing NLP tools for African languages presents significant economic and social opportunities These languages serve as the primary mode of communication in many regions and by creating digital tools and resources the retreat directly empowers local communities Bridging linguistics and computational sciences the retreat fosters innovative solutions to linguistic challenges and enhances access to technology it supports the preservation of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage The 2025 retreat featured a rich programme designed to empower participants and enhance the role of African languages in research and digital spaces A keynote address by a leading NLP expert set the tone providing deep insights into the future of African language technologies engaging talks and workshops explored both foundational NLP concepts and emerging linguistic challenges offering participants a comprehensive view of the field’s future Panel discussions brought together experts to explore the latest trends and advancements in African NLP and linguistics sparking insightful conversations on the future of the field A key highlight of the retreat was Discovering Language (DiscoLang) an interactive session celebrating International Mother Tongue Day This session showcased pioneering research and projects that are shaping the future of African language technology providing participants with hands-on experience with innovative solutions the retreat had a lasting impact by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and capacity building Researchers gained foundational knowledge while engaging with advanced NLP challenges The event provided a platform for networking By supporting language documentation and accessibility the retreat reinforced the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural preservation reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing African language technologies the retreat continues to play a crucial role in ensuring that African languages thrive in the digital era 0861 99 00 44    Studio@smile904.fm The Chairperson of the DA’s Federal Council says the party’s court case against the VAT hike was pivotal in Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s about-turn on the issue Godongwana was adamant in his answering affidavit that the 1 May VAT hike would be implemented But late last night, Zille says she got a phone call from the DA’s lawyers saying Godongwana wants to settle the matter out of court Zille says the Minister realised he would be beaten in court She says the Minister’s backtracking underscores the very point made in the DA’s court application: that he had attempted to exercise unconstitutional powers to impose or withdraw VAT unilaterally Zille says this is a major victory for the DA and But Zille says there are still a few hurdles to cross before the entire VAT debacle can be laid to rest She says the DA is currently awaiting a formal written settlement offer before responding to the Minister’s request ALSO READ: VAT hike to be scrapped who was also in court with the DA calling for the scrapping of VAT and has called for the immediate resignation of the Minister of Finance and the Director General of the National Treasury The party argues this entire budget fiasco shows the Minister and his Director General are “out of depth and pose a threat to the economic stability of the country and are a threat to the livelihoods of South Africans.” WATCH: Helen Zille briefs the media after the announcement that the VAT hike will not be implemented: © Smile904.fm hosted and supported by ImmediaTerms of Use | General Contest Guidelines|Archive|Advertise with us|Privacy Policy|Contact Us South AfricaChevron It’s overwhelmingly peaceful; the kind of place that encourages you to immediately grind to a halt Five days without real coffee–suffering through brain fog and debilitating headaches knowing very well that I’ll drink it again–feels like a punishment like pouring hours into learning how to ride a bike and then deciding you’d rather walk after all a personalized gut repair program and wellness retreat you can really access how you’re feeling.” A mountain peak along Garden Route in Tsitsikamma Dishes being prepared at the Oppidum Health Retreat “You also produce so many neurotransmitters in your gut,” says Whiteman who notes that stress paralyzes the gut and therefore shuts down our digestion detoxifying—all of that doesn’t happen [when you’re in a fight or flight state].” While a little bit of stress—like being nervous before a test—can be good “We're not supposed to be in this constant distressed state where we are unable to process emotions and regulate an eating plan that cuts out all the main culprits: caffeine But it also boosts foods that are good for the gut: an array of plants “We also want to diversify the gut flora,” says Whiteman describing the microbiome like a rainforest which contains multiple species that live in harmony Whiteman still considers this diet the best way to rule out food sensitivities and also give the gut a chance to rest and heal its lining After putting many of her patients on the diet (during one-on-one sessions at her practice in Plettenberg Bay) she quickly found that doing it in isolation doesn’t have the same reward “It's not as beneficial if you don’t [also] regulate your nervous system,” she says “The mental health aspect is almost more important “Most of what happens in our day is concentrated in our head We’re so detached from our hunger and satiety centers and where we are feeling pain in our body,” says Whiteman “All of these modalities help you to get out of your head and into your body.” where workshops like bone broth making and fermenting take place The farm where this monthly retreat commences is strikingly beautiful, with a garden filled featuring indigenous plants like aloes. The house is set on the edge of a forest, so guests can head down into the valley and trace through the towering trees; maybe even spot a baboon. Inside the low-slung farmhouse there’s a blazing fireplace and oversized couches, perfect for curling up and reading a book and large sash windows that frame the mountains chef Murray Pienaar cooks up healthy and homey dishes: coconut flatbreads curries or pesto made from the spekboom plant There’s always something bubbling on the stove– from turmeric tonic to broth After the communal meals you feel nourished Which is to say that this feels more like a home than a medical facility “It should be like a big hug,” says Whiteman Mountain views from the private nature reserve where Oppidum is located Rooms at Oppidum are cosy, featuring antiques and views of the mountains. up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world the conglomerate controlled by the billionaire Koch family is exiting oil and refined products trading globally to pull back from speculation and push into areas with more attractive returns ocean freight and natural gas related products The move is meant to focus the company more on areas where it can provide value to customers of its other businesses You don't have permissions to access this page Although the BRICS countries have steadfastly opposed unilateralism since the group was founded some Western media have still tried to portray the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Monday as the grouping's attempt to forge a united front against the United States They are trying to create the impression that it is the US that is being targeted by a gang of gangsters rather than the other way round Even before the US launched its "reciprocal tariff" war on April 2 the BRICS grouping of major developing countries came under fire from the White House which threatened a punitive 100 percent tariff on its members if the bloc moves ahead with a single currency to replace the weaponized dollar in trade relations between its members It is natural that the BRICS members should discuss the US assault on global trade and seek a coordinated response They are all at a critical stage of their respective development and heavily reliant on exports They need stable global industry and supply chains and a predictable external development environment it has been a constant pursuit of BRICS to promote a fair and just world through reform of the global governance institutions and inclusive economic globalization Striving to maintain stable global industry and supply chains and oppose hegemony in world affairs is not only in their interests but also that of the Global South as a whole It should also be pointed out that the other key agenda of the meeting was to prompt a shared position on climate finance with Brazil hosting the United Nations climate summit in November as the BRICS countries are working together to help transform the developed economies' pledge to help developing countries finance the fight against climate change and the energy transition from words to deeds As Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at the meeting the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak is now being openly applied the coercion and bullying of the US is no longer disguised and its undermining of the foundation for the development of international relations can be seen as a constant threat Maintaining multilateral trade rules is now the most urgent issue The essence of trade is complementary advantages and mutual benefits The US has benefited greatly from free trade for a long time but now it is using tariffs as a hammer to distort the trade landscape to its liking it will only make the bully more aggressive We find ourselves on the threshold of a new conclave an event that could mark not only the immediate future of the Church In this context of spiritual and historical significance it is worth pausing to reflect on the true protagonist of this process: the Holy Spirit Although legally regulated by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis meet after a series of Masses and general congregations There they share impressions on the state of the world and the Church and the qualities the new Pope should possess where the voting begins in isolation and under an oath of secrecy is not a simple political exercise or a casting call to choose the best manager Labels like “progressive,” “conservative,” or “moderate” are insufficient and misguided The conclave does not respond to human logic Three misguided approaches are common and make it difficult to understand what happens in a conclave: Neither of these perspectives is fair or accurate The true criterion is love for Christ and the willingness to bear his cross said that the most suitable person to be Pope is the one who seems least suitable from a human perspective The Pope is not chosen for his knowledge of languages ​​or his prestige The Holy Spirit does not choose with lightning and thunder He acts in the consciences of the cardinals through isolation and the spiritual transparency of some of them He can speak through the witness of holiness or even the progressive convergence of votes It is a process of communal and spiritual discernment open themselves to the promptings of the Spirit It is up to the faithful to pray that the Spirit blows with strength and clarity The College of Cardinals has explicitly asked all the People of God to live this moment as a time of grace and spiritual discernment The Pentecost hymn summarizes this plea well: send down your light from heaven… Enter into the depths of the soul The election of the new Pope does not depend on human calculations Only the Holy Spirit knows who will be Peter’s successor splendid in your gifts; light that penetrates souls; Source of the greatest consolation joy that wipes away tears and comforts in grief if you are lacking within; see the power of sin give toil its merit; save those who seek salvation and grant us your eternal joy Inside the Conclave: The Pope’s Election as Never Told Before A Historic Conclave: 133 Cardinals Prepare to Elect Pope Francis’ Successor Tweets by Pontifex ITWeb is proud to announce the launch of the annual CISO Retreat an exclusive gathering of top-tier cyber security leaders As part of the renowned ITWeb Security Summit brand this highly anticipated 2025 retreat is set to be a game-changer for both industry leaders and visionary brands in the information security space Taking place on 26-27 March 2025 at the luxurious De Hoek Country Hotel this invitation-only event offers an unparalleled opportunity for C-level ICT executives to engage in high-impact discussions and strategic collaborations in a private “2025 is the 20th anniversary of ITWeb’s Security Summit making it the perfect occasion to launch this unique closed-door setting where industry leaders can tackle their most pressing challenges and share strategic insights,” says Lisa Lawlor “We’re also inviting visionary brands to join us at the epicentre of cyber security innovation and to cement their support of leaders in the information security industry in southern Africa.” Sponsorships for the ITWeb Security Summit CISO Retreat are extremely limited and highly coveted. Secure your place now and be part of this elite gathering that’s set to redefine the future of cyber security leadership in southern Africa. For exclusive sponsorship opportunities, contact Debbie Visser, Business Development Director at ITWeb Events, at debbiev@itweb.co.za. Be the change. Be the future. Be at the CISO Retreat. NEWS INSIGHTS EVENTS VIDEOS Search Join the CISO Retreat 2025! The African Union (AU) Commission will convene the 15th AU High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace Security and Stability in Africa under the theme “Impact and Sustainability of AU Preventive Diplomacy and Mediation” President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and H.E is being organised in collaboration with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire It will be held from the 25th to the 26th of October 2024 in Abidjan The African Union (AU) Commission will convene the 15th AU High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace Set against the backdrop of the 20th Anniversary of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) and convened toward the end of the tenure of the current AU Commission Chairperson the Retreat will provide the opportunity to reflect on and review the AU’s mediation strategies and preventive diplomacy efforts suitability and effectiveness in the current context of evolving conflicts in the African continent It will also offer insight and learning on emerging policy and practice in mediation and preventive diplomacy that can inform the Commission’s engagements under its next senior leadership Underpinned in the discussions will be considerations on how the AU can further deepen women and youth inclusion in its preventive diplomacy and mediation efforts including through the subsidiary mechanisms of the Panel of the Wise: FemWise-Africa and the WiseYouth Network The Retreat will bring together the AU Commission leadership as well as Heads of Regional Economic Communities and Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) Special Representatives and Special Envoys of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSGs and SESGs) representatives of the AU’s bilateral partners policymakers and decision-makers will reflect on the various preventive diplomacy and dialogue efforts that the AU is currently leading or supporting and on strengthening existing formal and informal preventive diplomacy mechanisms to ensure they can effectively respond to emerging threats to political stability They will identify opportunities for improved coordination and harmonisation of mediation efforts with national and international actors and multilateral institutions for enhanced impact in a rapidly evolving continental and geopolitical context The High-Level Retreat will be preceded by the Second Joint Retreat of the AU Commission and the United Nations (UN) SRSGs and SESGs towards enhanced cooperation and collaboration in peace and security the African Union and its partners will reflect on ways to prioritise conflict prevention and mediation while ensuring inclusivity strengthen UN-AU-RECs/RMs cooperation in addressing conflicts and leverage each institution’s comparative advantage to prevent Mr Paschal Chem-Langhee I Communications Coordinator I Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department I African Union Commission I Email: chem-langheep@africa-union.org Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org I Web: au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker A planned Retreat housing project for which construction should have started between February and December last year is now only set to get going in three years (“500 houses planned for Retreat,” Southern Mail, December 1, 2021) The plan for 500 state-subsidised houses on land behind Crestway High School is still on the drawing board and will take longer to get off the ground because an environmental authorisation must be issued before work can start Mayoral committee member for human settlements Carl Pophaim said that although most of the specialist studies had been done for the environmental authorisation construction would only start in 2028 and be completed by 2033 if all went to plan “Once reviews of the studies are completed and the environmental impact assessment (EIA) approved we will be able to finalise the designs and start with procurement.” The project was set to cost the City an estimated R110 million in 2021 but a final estimate would be recalculated after the EIA and final designs had been done lives in a wendy house in her cousin’s backyard with her two children and three grandchildren and has been on the housing database for over 30 years She said the delay had an impact on the lives of those “When we heard the news of this housing project and the others we were so happy because it gave us hope Now they’re saying it will be completed in 2033 and we don’t even know if that will happen,” she said The United Housing Developments Association was at the forefront of negotiations with the City since 2013 to make the land available for housing development and its members occupied the site and the former grounds of Crestway High School but were evicted by the court after violent clashes with law enforcement who took over as chairperson of the association following the death of its founder said their efforts hadn’t stopped since Mr Soetwater’s death Mr Petersen however alleged that the organisation had been sidelined by the City and had not been included in the steering committee for the housing project “We need answers from the City because we are not being seen or heard Our organisation has been fighting for this land for years but now we’re not even given the courtesy of getting updates or meetings with the City about the plans for the site,” he said Mr Pophaim said the late Mr Soetwater had been voted out by the members of the steering committee but the organisation could still be represented if it chose and notified the City of a new representative “All active and registered community organisations can form part of the steering committee and take part in the processes to communicate updates to their respective constituencies,” he said The City stressed that only those listed on its housing database would be eligible for available housing opportunities and those on the database should ensure their details were up to date think beyond the usual gifts and offer something extraordinary: an experience that renews the body is a four-night luxury wellness experience created for women who are ready to reclaim their energy and purpose—just in time for the season of reflection and giving to mom on that special day Brought to you by Desibodymind in partnership with Journeys that Fit and Deep Living Set in the tranquil surroundings of the private Desert Ridge Estate in Indio The Radiant Renewal Retreat is co-led by two of the most trusted names in women's wellness: Dr they offer a deeply curated program grounded in holistic health and evidence-based practices—making this a gift whose benefits extend far beyond the moment it's unwrapped by mom brings over 30 years of experience in fitness and yoga Known for supporting women through life's transitions with compassion and clarity offering powerful tools for everyday well-being is a board-certified naturopathic doctor and national wellness educator they guide mothers and daughters through a restorative experience built around five foundational elements: passion This November's retreat is intentionally timed as a pause before the year's end—a sacred window for introspection and inner alignment "This is about learning to receive before we give When women take the time to restore themselves Each day of the retreat includes guided yoga and meditation immersive workshops in nutrition and hormonal health Participants will enjoy chef-prepared meals and gentle excursions to nearby natural wonders like Joshua Tree and Palm Springs and spacious time for reflection round out the experience The retreat is hosted by Journeys That Fit a boutique wellness travel company founded by Mary Funkhouser who has spent years designing soul-nourishing experiences for women seeking more than just a break from routine "This isn't about checking out—it's about tuning in," Funkhouser shares "Our retreats are designed to spark lasting transformation in a setting that feels luxurious The Radiant Renewal Retreat is ideal for women navigating transitions or simply needing a deeply restorative pause It also makes an unforgettable gift for the mothers and soul-friends who give endlessly and rarely take time for themselves A complimentary pre-retreat night is offered on Tuesday to ease travel and help participants arrive in a state of calm readiness Spaces are intentionally limited to maintain intimacy and a high-touch experience Whether attending solo or with a loved one participants will leave with renewed energy and a profound connection to themselves and their community For more information or to gift this experience to someone special (including yourself) visit the Radiant Renewal Retreat Invitation Page or contact: Mary FunkhouserJourneys That Fit[email protected]833-348-8747 (833-FIT-TRIP) In honor of Women's Month and in celebration of empowering women Retail Fitness/Wellness Health Care & Hospitals Women Do not sell or share my personal information: The Governance State Capabilities and Institutional Development (GSCID) Cluster of Director Generals convened for a two-day retreat at the UNISA Main Campus in Pretoria on December 2 and 3 The retreat focused on discussions related to government functionality and strategic planning including representatives from various national and provincial departments and partner organizations the Director General of the Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation and co-chair of the GSCID Cluster who outlined the session’s objectives Puleng LenkaBula contributed to a positive tone for the discussions Key topics included the importance of the Cluster system in government operations The session also featured a keynote address by co-chairs Ms Yoliswa Makhasi Director General of the Department of Public Service and Administration who emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts across various government sectors Henk Serfontein presented the GSCID Cluster Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) Framework outlining a blueprint for future initiatives cluster convenors reflected on the alignment of cluster priorities with partner programs engaging representatives from the National Planning Commission (NPC) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Presentations on flagship cluster project plans were made for the next five years addressing crucial areas such as alternative financing for municipal projects Specific themes were explored in greater depth and local government strategies for disaster management Attendees engaged in discussions to define desired outcomes for state capacity by 2029 Participants at the retreat expressed optimism about their collaborative efforts moving forward reaffirming their commitment to enhancing government effectiveness and improving service delivery to citizens The GSCID Cluster Retreat underlined the importance of strategic planning and cooperation among cluster departments Get the best South African technology news and analysis delivered to your e-mail inbox every morning Climate programmes targeting about US$45-billion (R825-billion) in funding for emerging economies won’t be derailed by America’s decision to withdraw The US decision to exit from a leading role in Just Energy Transition Partnerships for South Africa Indonesia and Vietnam will complicate financing efforts but won’t halt the overall objectives of the deals “Although we expect the loss of US funding in the JETP partnerships to be disruptive and potentially add further delays to these programmes we see other international partners stepping up to fill the void,” BMI analysts wrote in the note on Tuesday China could be among nations to replace US leadership and financing which had pledged to contribute more than $4-billion according to investment plans drafted for the JETPs has quit the programmes amid US President Donald Trump’s wider retreat from climate action It’s a move that has raised questions about the future of the programmes which had been viewed as a test case of how to bring together public and private finance to help large developing nations move way from fossil fuels Germany confirmed last month that it would replace the US as co-leader of work focused on Indonesia Japan has reaffirmed its support for transition efforts in both Vietnam and Indonesia while the UK pledged renewed backing to a South Africa deal along with private sector entities and philanthropists “still support JETP and want to realise the mechanism’s potential,” Grant Hauber at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis critical financing and support for the programme remains.”  — Aaron Clark Get breaking news from TechCentral on WhatsApp. Sign up here South Africa seeks billions in climate funds even as it keeps coal plants open and after roughly two hours you reach the Pinnacles — eerie mysterious limestone formations within the remote Nambung National Park There are several theories about how they evolved but not one agreed explanation and because they are only around 30,000 years old There’s a lot of sniffy ageism in the geology field Unless a rock was around in the Paleoproterozoic era it’s considered a Johnny-come-lately and nobody gives a stuff So the secret of the Pinnacles remains unresolved and star watch at night and it feels very otherworldly and lunar Registered in England No. 894646. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. Tasleem Gierdien11 November 2024 | 6:09Retreat, Durbanville, Sea Point, Hout Bay without water at times between 9 and 21 NovemberIs your area affected? Tell your people.City of Cape TownPicture: Pixabay/balouriarajesh The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will be doing planned work in the identified areas which will result in water supply disruptions RELATED: How to check for water supply disruptions in your area Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to take note of the work that will take place and prepare accordingly, and store enough water in advance in clean, sealed containers. To enable the safe connection to the water network, the water supply will be shut off from 09:00 until 16:00 on Saturday, 9 November 2024.  This water disruption will affect the entire Viben area, including: Blackheath Industrial and the following streets: This plant will temporarily shut down from Monday, 11-13 November 2024 to enable the maintenance team to do routine maintenance.  The reservoirs will be filled in advance.  The water supply to parts of Retreat will be shut off from 09:00 until 17:00 on Tuesday, 12 November 2024, to enable the safe completion of construction work on the main water supply.  The work involves the connection of a newly installed water pipeline along Loch Road and Domingo Road to the water reticulation system.  The water supply to St Johns, London Road, and adjacent streets will be temporarily shut off from 09:00 to 17:00 on Tuesday, 12 November 2024, to facilitate the installation of a tee-piece and valve at the corner of Beach Road and London Road. A second shut-off will occur from 09:00 to 17:00 on Thursday, 14 November 2024, to allow teams to install a new valve at the corner of Beach Road and St Johns Road. Emergency installation of 200 mm valves on the main feed from the Altydgedacht Reservoir will result in the water supply to be shut off from 09:00 until 19:00 on Wednesday, 13 November 2024.  The water supply to areas bounded by Disa River Road to Park Avenue will be shut off from 09:00 on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, until 17:00 on Thursday, 21 November 2024.  Water tankers will be strategically positioned along the route, with their locations to be communicated in advance of the shut-off period. Zero-pressure tests (ZPT) and conditional assessments will be done on the water supply network on Wednesday, 13 November from 10:00 until 16:00. For updates on the maintenance work (and location of tankers where applicable), follow @CityofCTAlerts which is a City of Cape Town X account. Prepare for planned water supply disruptions by: Sections A rare investment opportunity has come to market with the auction of the iconic Hole in the Wall Retreat one of the largest resorts in Coffee Bay on the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape that are within easy reach of major cities have quickly become preferred holiday destinations “Coffee Bay attracts backpackers and adventurers who are drawn to its natural beauty,” says Wesley Cowan, MD of Galetti Auction “With the area being largely underdeveloped visitors are left with very few accommodation options The locals have also worked hard to preserve the heritage of this remote town with hardly any shops in the area Owned by First Group and spanning a total ERF size of 13 062m2 with a GLA of 3 196m2 the fully operational property presents three exciting investment opportunities with the option to bid on the entire property (1) backpackers and vacant land (2) and/or the chalets and houses (3) comprises 11 self-catering hotel suites on the water’s edge while the backpackers There is also 8 355m2 of additional development land up for sale and 10 chalets/houses available for purchase “Each of the thatched chalets offer between one and four private bedrooms The backpackers sleep between three and five per room which has proven to be popular for a quick stop over.” The additional 8 355m2 of land may be used for agricultural purposes to expand on hospitality purposes or to create a new mixed-use development Cowan says that the property has huge potential presenting the opportunity for collaboration between keen investors and developers the sale involves the transfer of shares in a share block granting a right of use over the connected property through a lease valid until 2084 The business operations (the hotel and backpackers) are included in the sale and the lease will transfer to the share block upon full payment at property transfer.” Galetti Auction anticipates high demand with the auction taking place at 12:00pm on the 4th of February 2025 at the King David Mowbray Golf Club in Cape Town View drone footage of the Hole in the Wall Retreat Contact Wesley Cowan for more information on 082 964 0158 All 5 Releases Stedsans seemed to embody Scandinavia’s love of nature – until its owners moved to Guatemala apparently leaving behind 158 barrels of human waste For me, visiting the now infamous Stedsans eco-retreat in Halland southern Sweden was the apotheosis of the Scandinavian dream: apple-cheeked children running barefoot on the forest floor simple cabins for sleeping and dinner served in the evening on a long table surrounded by trees When I booked to stay back in 2022 to celebrate my wedding anniversary it felt like I was going to be walking straight into my Instagram feed Only now, it seems like that was as fantastical as it first appeared. This week, a joint investigation by the daily newspapers Dagens Nyheter in Sweden and Politiken in Denmark found the owners of the eco-conscious retreat chef Flemming Hansen and food writer Mette Helbæk were now living in Guatemala after apparently going on the run from tax authorities leaving behind multiple animals and 158 barrels of human waste The investigation also claimed that waste water was left to run into the forest with local authorities describing their purported actions as “environmental crime” and have since started a new hotel business in Guatemala Mette Helbæk and Flemming Hansen Photograph: Stedsans in the WoodsI find this reality hard to square with the way Helbæk presented the retreat to me in a Zoom interview some months before my visit She told me about the couple’s desire to build a happy place to bring up their children in an ancient forest and how lucky they had been to find this one that she felt she had a special connection to: “It’s growing on me that I can hear what trees say to me … and I can sit down and talk to a plant and it will answer me back.” Apparently the forest was giving her messages of love and light and spirit guides had told her to create peace between all life forms I wonder what the forest and her spirit guides are whispering about her now – and the authorities who failed to show up and shut them down earlier Read moreMany people around the world tend to idolise Scandinavia: it’s the region of hygge and lagom and all these difficult to translate concepts that seem like they hold the secret to living a good life But we should also remember it’s the home of Scandi noir: crime stories where dark things can happen in the vast expanses of countryside where there are no neighbours to see what you’re doing and it’s easy to find somewhere quiet to bury a body I’ve often found it hard to marry up those two opposing presentations of Scandinavia but this story does it well: it starts out in a woodland paradise where foraged herbs are steeped for herbal tea then takes a dark turn as the owners escape to a country where their tax debts can’t follow them and that we should all be wary of taking national stereotypes to heart Sweden is just like everywhere else: where there’s money to be made not to take what you see on Instagram at face value Laura Hall is a freelance journalist based in Scandinavia, and writes the monthly newsletter Modern Scandinavian This article was amended on 14 April 2025 to update a picture caption An earlier version referred to the sauna on the lake as a cabin Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission Are you ready for what we have been advised by the legal department to call “a retreat” because I can’t take you into an office over the weekend Even though I thought we ended last week’s episode with the understanding that the writers’ room would be a hybrid — some of Ava’s picks and some of Deborah’s — the crew we see taking Damien’s informational packets as they deplane in Las Vegas seems to be 100 percent Ava-coded Deborah mentioned that one of her women was still out of town Or were Deborah’s choices just not required to attend this getaway Ava believes that the writers aren’t able to do anything well unless they get to know each other first and some icebreakers where she can discuss her new shellfish allergies While I find the concept of icebreakers very annoying — sorry — I think Deborah’s approach is also wanting Just rapid-fire demanding her new hires blurt out ideas at her Someone has been working alone for a long time As with their vision for hires, I imagine a little-of-this, little-of-that strategy is also what’s called for here, no? Ava wants to be everyone’s friend because she has not seen that episode of 30 Rock where Liz Lemon realizes that no one wants to be buddies with their boss Deborah wants to shout at people as she assumes this will make them creative and productive a leadership style modeled by the youth soccer coaches I endured during my formative years This approach does not seem to be landing with her underlings The gang gets a beautiful tour of all the fun Deborah has decided they will not be having and then they are locked in a windowless ballroom-turned-conference room with nothing but cantaloupe and saltines to keep them going Deborah states the obvious: Late-night shows work because of the host and not the format so every single aspect of the show must be specific to her She also says that they need to be the number one late-night show within three months although that pressure will surely break the more fragile writers in this room Deborah and Ava deal with the underwhelming offerings of this team — I really enjoyed their sidebar screams — and wrestle with whether or not to hire a “riff-killer.” (My favorite part: Deborah asks for a show of hands about her idea and then in response to Ava saying that she can’t do that Ava talks Deborah into letting everybody have some fun insisting that this will result in better vibes and Deborah relents: “I will show them the weekend of their lives right before I GRIND their BONES to DUST.” In my notes I write: Not to be a buzzkill but I fear that this will involve a LOT of HR violations Did she take that cash off one of her new writers buy a medicine cabinet worth of drugs from a guy who is even selling 12-year-old cans of Four Loko and we discover a whole new side of our leader: DJ DEBORAH I wouldn’t have even made it through the part of the assignment where you have to be able to read in a moving car one of our favorites appears: Kiki (Poppy Liu) she means blackmail; I do wonder how many times Ava will have to tell someone about this before she internalizes that no one is going to respond the way I guess she hopes they will Presumably she’s waiting for someone to say you’re so cool and brave and also a genius!” Kiki astutely describes this maneuver as “so sad and dark and horrible” and warns Ava that Deborah holds grudges forever here we are at the escalating HR violations: Deborah’s bringing everyone to Loretta’s strip club since the group left without Ava because she is a try-hard and isn’t that fun “You told me to curate a fun vibe,” Deborah says in self-defense “I thought I would help by abandoning you.” Deborah is forced to confront the real reason for her trip Deborah and Ava attempt a brainstorming session in the Champagne room The riff-killer vomits in the middle of their conversation As she speeds through the Vegas night, Deborah insists to Ava that the writers’ inability to be funny under duress is a huge problem. Late night is ALL duress. (Or … is it? I mean, it’s not like working in a coal mine. Or is it way worse than working in a coal mine?) Just as these two are moving on from work talk to real talk — re: if Ava can get over being stabbed in the back — the ultimate riff-killer arrives: the cops does not know that you’re not supposed to say anything to the cops when they pull you over And you’re definitely not supposed to say that you aren’t drunk Fortunately she is clever enough to hold onto her phone so she can call for help from the backseat of the cop car Her knight in shining Reebok tracksuit arrives: It’s Mayor Pezzimenti (Lauren Weedman) Deborah’s campaign contributions to Pezzimenti’s reelection campaign are back on and everybody is going to forget this ever happened Every single thing Pezzimenti said KILLED me Pepper Ann!” to the way she whipped out her gun (!) at the end of the whole ordeal to ask Deborah to prove that she has great aim to “I don’t get why firemen are more popular than cops everybody got what they needed out of this retreat The almost-arrest has given them material and an idea for the big opener: Deborah getting let out of late-night jail (“You try to lock James Corden in on your way out so he doesn’t do anymore musicals.”) Because when Deborah and Ava return to the office many reports of highly inappropriate behavior” from the retreat (I think the riff-killer did it when he thought he was going to be fired for good and he probably regrets it now.) Per the network Ava and Deborah will never be unsupervised together ever again Or this will unlock a new kink in this relationship … maybe they’ll like being watched By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission. Password must be at least 8 characters and contain: As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can opt out of anytime. There was an error processing the request. Please try again later. US firms thinking of buliding in the US to replace imports from China will need to reconsider their plans in light of another retreat from Trump on tariffs. Speaking over the weekend on the tariffs he has placed on China: Copyright © 2025 FactSet Research Systems Inc.© 2025 TradingView