Last year Uber and Uber Eats hosted their inaugural Tech For Safety summit, and this year they're back again on 22 October, hosting their second annual summit with a focus on technology-driven innovative solutions. In true 2020 spirit, the summit is being held virtually which means anyone can join in! But wait, what's in it for us?
The summit is for riders, drivers and the general public to bring to the forefront some of Africa's biggest threats to personal safety, while highlighting the opportunities that exist in leveraging technology. The summit is Uber's way of providing a platform to discuss safety issues and innovative tech solutions to their problems.
My Thursday the 22nd of October is fully booked with taking full advance of the opportunity to attend the summit virtually accompanied by ordering in Uber Eats. Thanks to the numerous safety features on the app, I have that extra peace of mind. The summit runs for the entire day from 9:30am to 4:30pm (Agenda below). Don't forget to use the hashtag #Tech4Safety on social media to join in on the conversation (I definitely will!).
HOW YOU CAN JOIN THE SUMMIT
The virtually Tech For Satefy Summit by Uber is 100% free (Yes, for mahala). Registering is easy peasy (Literally took me less than a minute). The summit is held on Zoom so you can register using the webinar registration link or you can email your full name and email address to rsvp@ubertechsafety.co.za. You get a confirmation email and DONE.
3 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND THE TECH FOR SAFETY SUMMIT
1. Because COVID-19 happened.
● 2020 is no ordinary year. We're living in the age of COVID-19. That makes safety an absolute PRIORITY and makes this summit more relevant than ever. The world is not the same, and the summit will look at how now more than ever, safety and technology is the key for survival, for people and businesses.
● This summit, with its innovative speakers and panellists, will contribute to COVID-19 safety conversation while equipping guests with the thinking and knowledge needed to use current and new technology to help create a safer future for all across sub-Saharan Africa.
2. Because our communities, and protecting their well-being, matter.
● Safety unlocks opportunities for growth in our communities.
● Innovation in the safety sector is of utmost importance and Uber wants to show us how they're raising the bar on safety to provide a safer experience for riders, drivers and the larger community.
● Uber is continuously improving their technology because they believe that safety never stops. There is always a way the app can get better at protecting and supporting its communities and they have done so during this crisis.
3. We'll get to hear from the experts.
● COLLABORATION: This event encourages collaborative discussion, whereby solutions can be conceptualised and developed across the region.
● Thought leaders, corporates, start-ups and innovators from across sub-Saharan Africa will lead the summit by addressing the safety challenges faced by the pandemic and what solutions have worked.
Tech For Safety Agenda & Topics
● 09:30 – Welcome & Opening Remarks
○ Welcome from Frans Hiemstra, Uber SSA GM and perspectives on tech and safety
● 10:00 – Panel | Tech for Transport Safety
○ How has technology changed the way we move around safely especially with today’s
challenges and how the face of transport could evolve to embrace the future. Speakers include:
Moderator: Geoffrey Bickford, Executive Manager: Programmes at the South African Cities Network
Sveta Milusheva – Economist in the Development Impact Evaluation (DIME) Department at the World Bank.
Tshepo Kgobe – Chief Operating Officer – Gautrain Management Agency
Christopher Kost – Africa Program Director – Institute for Transportation & Development Policy
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji – General Partner at Future Africa
● 11:00 – Break
● 11:20 – Panel | Tech for Safety in the New Normal
○ Now that we are spending more time at home, what are some of the tech advancements
that are making our lives easier, and what are some of the risks that are now heightened. Speakers include:
Moderator: Rehana Moosajee, CEO & Founder The Barefoot Facilitator
Rebecca Harrison – CEO & Co-Founder of African Management Institute
Professor Tshilidzi Marwala – Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg
Gretchen Wilson-Prangley – Social entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Play Africa
Emmanuel Lubanzadio – Head of Public Policy Sub-Saharan Africa, Twitter
Eyitemi Egbejule – Cybersecurity Analyst
● 12:20 – KeynoteKeynote address: Mr. Michael Jordaan, Venture Capitalist – Thinking Like a Startup
● 12:50 – Lunch Break
● 13:40 – Fireside Chat | Adapting to the New Norm
○ How companies have had to adapt – to serve employees and customers. We need to be
more open to unprecedented ideas, with the pandemic already proving that entire
workforces can operate remotely
Presentation | Akankshu Dhawan, Head of Product Management at Uber – Adapting to the New Norm
● 14:10 – Panel | Tech for Community Safety
○ The community at large already faces general safety issues, with COVID-19 further
complicating and exacerbating safety concerns faced. How are companies using
innovation in this time to make their communities safer? Speakers include:
Moderator: Prof Geci Karuri-Sebina, National Organiser: Civic Tech Innovation Network Wits University
Katie Modrau – Country Manager SA – A21
Siphelele Ngobese – Researcher : Inclusion & Wellbeing Programme, SACN
Alloysius Attah – Co-Founder and CEO, Farmerline
Shile Owoka – Country Manager (Nigeria), Smile Identity
● 15:10 – Break
● 15:30 – Tech for Start-up Safety
○ Startup showcase session where participants showcase their startups to VCs and
everyone online.
● 16:30 – Closing Remarks
By Nduduzo Nyanda, Country Manager of Uber South Africa
So from here, there's only 3 things you need to do:
1. Clear up your calendar for Thursday, 22 October
2. Register for the Tech For Safety Summit
3. Enjoy the Summit!
This post is sponsored by Uber Eats South Africa, however all opinions expressed are my own.
When we think of "treat yourself" what comes to mind is face masks, champagne and massages but I for one believe wash-day should be a whole pamper session too. If you have curly hair you're probably already accustomed to wash-day being a whole occasion that you have to schedule out in your diary. But instead of it being something you dread (Washing my hair takes at least 3-4 hours out of my day) make it something to look forward to.
READ: INTRODUCING HEAD & SHOULDERS SUPREME RANGE (PLUS GIVEAWAY)
HEAD & SHOULDERS SUPREME REVIEW
I wanted to first start off giving you my review of the range after using it for the last 2 weeks. I tried the Supreme Repair and Supreme Smooth both shampoo and conditioners. Both have Argan oil, while the Supreme Repair 'fights surface damage from the 1st wash'.
Starting off with the shampoos - having type 3 curly hair, an important criteria for my shampoo is that it must not be too harsh or drying. I shampoo at most twice a week (I generally pre-poo with coconut oil so co-wash isn't sufficient for me and I need to shampoo). Another reason that I shampoo is because I have psoriasis that causes my scalp to be quite dry and flakey. Luckily for me, the head & shoulders is designed specifically as an anti-dandruff shampoo. Compared to the original ranges, it did do an amazing job of cleansing my scalp although I'd say it isn't as strong as previous head & shoulders shampoos and doesn't feel harsh at all. It also smells very different to the more minty 'fresh' smell and is instead more florally and fruity.
The conditioner, on the other hand, is unique in that it is specially designed for scalp use. I'm so used to just using my conditioner on the length of my hair (And not the scalp) that it was refreshing to get to use it closer to my scalp (The hair closer to my scalp also tends to be very dry so getting to use conditioner made the biggest difference). The conditioner has a similar floral and fruity smell to the shampoo and just by using a small amount it left my hair soft and was easy to detangle. I generally leave my conditioner on for a few minutes and by the time I washed it out my hair felt silky soft and smooth - just how I like it and I didn't have to use a treatment.
HOW TO TREAT YOURSELF ON WASHDAY
Another week, another wash day. Here are some easy ways to make your wash day a whole special occasion.
- Set the mood: Start off with your set up. Maybe put some music on and light some incense. You can be super extra too, with candles and a rose petal filled bath, if that's your thing.
- Pre-poo: Before shampoo, I generally like to oil my hair, usually an hour or so before. If I'm using coconut oil, I'll get it out of the fridge, melt it between my hands and rub it into my hair usually while watching something on tv. You can also prepoo and then put on a face mask or do your nails while you wait.
- At this stage I'll get into the shower, wash up and then rinse off the prepoo and shampoo. All the while singing along to music ;) While you shampoo, it's also the perfect opportunity to massage your scalp which has the added benefits of stimulating blood flow to help keep your hair happy and healthy (And head massages feel AMAZING!)
- I like to condition twice - the first time I just detangle my hair and leave it on for at least five minutes. While I wait I'd probably shave my legs or do my usual shower routine. I rinse off then condition again - curly girls need as much moisture and nutrients as we can get.
- After showering and washing your hair, why not put your hair up in a towel and do any other personal grooming things you have left - perhaps shaping your brows or spending that extra time getting your skin extra moisturised.
Head & Shoulders is one of those OG brands that take me back to childhood, and this time they've come up with a new premium and feminine range, Head & Shoulders Supreme infused with Argan oil. Without compromising their anti-dandruff technology, Supreme is more conditioning and nourishing than ever thanks to the added Argan oil and micro hair nourishers.
HEAD & SHOULDERS SUPREME RANGE REVIEW
Value – R1,300 per prize
How to enter: Take a picture with a Head & Shoulders Supreme product and post it on your Instagram feed, making sure to tag @headandshoulders_sa and you stand a chance to win- I can't wait to see your entries!
As someone with a super dry scalp thanks to my psoriasis (when your skin cells build up and form itchy, dry patches), I've tried every anti-dandruff shampoo on the market, multiple times. Since I can remember my dad's always used Head & Shoulders shampoos and he was the one that introduced me to it, and since then I almost always have a Head & Shoulders shampoo as my anti-dandruff shampoo and alternate its uses with my ordinary shampoo. However with the Supreme range, Head & Shoulders is combining the benefits of an anti-dandruff shampoo of that of a nourishing beauty shampoo so that we get the best of flake free, extra beautiful, moisturised hair in one product!
They've only just released in South Africa, and when they contacted me I knew I couldn't pass up on an opportunity to try their new range (My dad would have been so disappointed in me if I didn't!). What intrigues me so much is that they infused the range with Argan oil - personally I can vouch for the fact that Argan oil changed my life. Since starting my curly hair journey in February 2020, I've tried at least 5 different products that contain Argan oil and even purchase pure Argan oil in it's little essential oils bottle (P.s pure Argan oil is expensive fam!). BUT it's always been 100% worth it to keep my hair soft, smooth and moisturised.
BENEFITS OF ARGAN OIL FOR YOUR HAIR
Argan oil has been a staple in Morocco for centuries. It contains essential nutrients, has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is a rich source of vitamin E, which is required for healthy skin, hair and eyes. The oleic and linoleic acids that make up the majority of Argan oil's fat content are vital nutrients for maintaining healthy skin and hair.
Inspired by the Argan story, the new Head & Shoulders cosmetic dandruff series design brings to life the beauty and efficacy of the Argan tree leaves in a delightfully modern way.
WHAT MAKES SUPREME SPECIAL?
The first Head & Shoulders:
- with Piroctone Olamine
- with Argan Oil
- with BIC conditioning technology from Japan
SCENT
PACKAGING
VARIETY
References:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/argan-oil#section9
This post is sponsored by Head & Shoulders South Africa however, all opinions expressed are my own.
Face maskcheck - New Uber Technology that helps confirm drivers are wearing a face mask
This push notification, along with a few others, came up on my phone over the last few days from my Uber app. And just in time too, now that alcohol is back on sale I need a girls night with some cocktails and that means I need Uber to the rescue.
Over 6 months into the pandemic and life goes on - but it's a little far-fetched to think things are back to normal. Something as simple as Ubering, as effortless as it was pre-pandemic, might bring about a bit of apprehension now. Is our favourite ride-hauling app still safe to use during cover-19?
Uber recently launched their #RideSafeWithUber campaign that brings about changes to the Uber experience to bring both drivers and riders a bit more piece of mind. As I was briefed on the campaign and Uber's efforts, I was thoroughly impressed by the attention to the smaller details (And things that didn't even cross my mind) that they've decided to implement.
So, what has Uber decided to do to ensure our safety? Here are the main new additions to your Uber ride experience:
Pre-trip
- Drivers will thoroughly sanitise their vehicles before or after every trip to ensure that the strictest measures in hygiene are adhered to and keeping the community safe
- Sanitisers reimbursement: Drivers are reimbursed for their purchase of a sanitiser or disinfectant of their choice.
- Interactive Safety Checklist: You'll receive a reminder before each trip to follow hygiene best practices like washing your hands before getting in the car, sitting in the back seat and opening windows for ventilation. (Drivers also receive their checklist that must be completed before taking trips)
- Mask Detection: Uber has launched a new in-app tool that detects if drivers are wearing a mask or not. Drivers are asked to take a selfie to confirm that they're wearing a mask before going online and riders receive confirmation of this.
- Free Masks for Riders: A partnership with YES foundation ensured that drivers are provided with free masks to wear on-trip.
On-Trip
- No Cancellation Penalty: No penalty cancellation before a trip commences whereby either the driver or rider isn't wearing a mask
- Seating: There is now a maximum seating capacity in place of 50% per vehicle and encourage riders to sit in the backseat to encourage social distancing between riders and driver
- Contactless Payment: Riders can now prepay for their upcoming trips with Uber Cash, creating a stress-free way to travel, further adding to the convenience this payment method offers. Digital payments help ensure the well-being of both the rider and driver by limiting unnecessary physical contact and it is the encouraged method of payment should travel be necessary. Debit/ Credit, EFT and barter payments are still available!
Post Trip
- Safety and Hygiene Feedback: Both your driver and yourself will be asked to leave feedback in the app regarding safety and hygiene. On the other hand, drivers will also be able to leave feedback if a rider was not wearing a mask or removed their mask.
