{"id":212847,"date":"2019-07-29T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-07-29T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/212847\/self-defence-empowers-macsteel-interns\/"},"modified":"2019-07-26T14:48:49","modified_gmt":"2019-07-26T12:48:49","slug":"self-defence-empowers-macsteel-interns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2019\/07\/29\/self-defence-empowers-macsteel-interns\/","title":{"rendered":"Self-defence empowers Macsteel interns"},"content":{"rendered":"

Macsteel has introduced an empowering programme to equip 100 interns and learners with self-defence skills that will help ensure their safety.<\/p>\n

The Krav Maga self-defence training programme for 100 of Macsteel\u2019s interns and learners, split equally across gender-lines, will provide them with greater self-confidence and ensure their safety during daily commutes to work, as well as customer and site visits.<\/p>

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\u201cThis is an exciting initiative that ensures participating Macsteel interns and learners are well-equipped in awareness training, safe behaviour, mental and physical conditioning and effective strategy for self-defence,\u201d said Kim Allan, Macsteel\u2019s group corporate social responsibility manager.<\/p>\n

\u201cFeedback from our interns and learners showed that many were being harassed on their daily journeys to and from work.<\/p>

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\u201cMost rely on public transport and often complete their journey on foot, which makes them the most vulnerable to unwanted approaches or unacceptable behaviour from strangers.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately, we can\u2019t take responsibility for employee safety to and from work, but we are pleased to be making a real difference by empowering them with self-defence skills that will also benefit them with self-confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Allan co-opted Anthony Segal of iDEFEND to train interns and learners in Krav Maga self-defence, situational awareness and personal safety skills.<\/p>\n

The course includes reading a situation before it is too late, using one\u2019s voice to draw attention to unwanted advances and ensuring one\u2019s personal space is maintained.<\/p>\n

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Furthermore, they learn how to counter bullying, protect themselves and their families from attackers, and improve fitness levels and weight loss.<\/p>\n

\u201cKrav Maga is the ideal self-defence technique,\u201d Segal said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOriginally developed for the Israeli army, it is now successfully applied to meet safety needs in civilian life.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe steel company\u2019s interns and learners will learn self-defence and fighting skills, as well as protection measures against verbal, and physical harassment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWomen are more likely to be identified as easy targets because they are generally smaller than men, but Krav Maga teaches them how to power a kick or punch using their body weight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Krav Maga\u2019s three keys are awareness, prevention and self-confidence.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt teaches you how to spot danger and be able to get away, how to avoid problems before they become more serious and most importantly, you gain self-confidence because you know you can deal with a problem if it arises,\u201d Segal explained.<\/p>\n

Staff, interns and learners participating in the self-defence classes, which Macsteel provides, receive a choice of either a cost subsidised mini-taser or pepper spray to offer them further support in defending themselves.<\/p>\n

Allan added that youth development programmes are maintained throughout the year as the company wants its interns and learners to be well-developed all-rounders.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe safety course provides some of these skills and it also ties in with Macsteel\u2019s long-standing philosophy of caring for our staff first and foremost by empowering them through much-needed life skills,\u201d said Allan.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Krav Maga self-defence training addresses very real insecurities and vulnerabilities that, unfortunately, are part of life in South Africa.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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