The Crest 111

Distributed to the communities of Everton, Gillitts, Hillcrest, Kloof, St Helier & Winston Park

Have yourself a merry little Christmas ...

let your heart be light

And just like that, 2022 is almost over. How did a whole year fly by so fast? I think we were all playing catch-up after a long period of stifling Covid restrictions, most of us cramming too much in – constantly chasing our tails and attending every social event under the sun. But lots of good memories were made, and now we’re ready to welcome a new year with new opportunities.

What is Christmas to you? To me it’s a feeling – a feeling created by giving, being and sharing. It’s all about slowing down and giving of your time, being present with family, and sharing and honouring traditions over lots of yummy, nostalgic yule food.

I can’t think of anything

better than being on the receiving end of a homemade, edible gift. Check out Ant’s decadent treats on page 22, and pop over to our website via the QR code provided to access the recipes. And why not make a double batch of everything, so you can treat yourself too?

We have featured six amazing charities that would love your support, and there are so many more in our community that could also benefit from your time, services or donations. Please consider giving back a little to spread some joy to the less fortunate.

Supporting small businesses is just as important. Buy from local crafters where and when you can – such as Pretty on page 4, who makes the most beautiful shwe shwe uniforms.

Take Note also showcases a few talented authors and their books in this issue – unique books that make the perfect Christmas gift.

If you haven’t already, put your tree up, make (or just eat!) some gingerbread cookies, and enjoy everything the festive season has to offer.

Happy reading!

TALK TO US katrine@famouspublishing.co.za www.thecrestonline.co.za W Crest Magazine

THE FAMOUS FEMMES

We recently conquered and absolutely loved the Muddy Princess, our team has never been stronger. After crawling through mud for a couple of hours – losing a few shoe soles, a crown or two, and possibly a little bit of grace along the way – we even won a game of tug of war. In the end we gained heaps of team spirit, cashed in on belly laughs, and sported fabulous sunburns. We can’t wait to tackle the next set of obstacles in 2023; whether they’re covered in mud or not, we’re ready!

Copyright: All material in this issue is subject to copyright and belongs to Famous Publishing unless otherwise indicated. No part of the material may be quoted, photocopied, reproduced or stored by an electronic system without prior written permission from Famous Publishing. Disclaimer: While every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this publication, neither the authors nor the publisher will bear any responsibility for the consequences of any actions based on information contained herein. Neither do they endorse any products/services advertised herein. Material which appears under ‘Advertorial’ is paid for.

*To the people of Everton, Gillitts, Hillcrest, Kloof, St Helier and Winston Park, the office parks, the residential estates and, of course, all our advertisers, thank you for your continued support.

Published by Famous Publishing www.famousdurban.co.za

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KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

SISTER CHEF DUO ARE BRINGING IT HOME

For the last decade, sisters Zainab and Faatimah Paruk, both qualified chefs, have been making their indelible mark on Durban’s collective palate through their catering company, Chilli Chocolate Chefs. Now they are passing on that knowledge to their followers through a luxurious 240-page book entitled Bringing It Home

“Our inspiration for this cookbook stemmed largely from listening to our customers. They want simple, uncomplicated yet delicious food. We wanted to showcase the flavours we grew up with, together with different preparation techniques. The book

encapsulates the simple joys of creating food that tastes as good as it looks – if not better,” say the sisters.

Each of the easy-to-follow recipes have been created using ingredients which are readily available so there won’t be any searches for obscure, hard-to-find ingredients. And, in keeping with the visual element of eating, each of the more than 85 recipes is accompanied by a photograph to take the guesswork out of plating.

Whether it is a ladies’ brunch, an intimate picnic, a big fat Indian dinner or anything in between, the recipes in Bringing It Home are ones that you’re sure to return to again and again.

FOR MORE INFO: Bringing It Home costs R500; visit www.ccchefs.co.za to order

UNIQUE DESIGNS, ELEGANT PATTERNS, COMFORTABLE FIT

Nonzwakazi Pretty Zongolo, who has worked full time at Beehive Montesorri in Kloof since 2007, lives in Clermont with her husband, 14-year-old daughter, 19-year-old son, and 22-year-old brother.

“In 2009, my boss, Margaret Courteny, gifted me with a sewing machine. I joined a course in Pinetown, and rushed to the lesson every day after work for three months,” says Pretty.

Pretty then made herself a beautiful uniform, which led to Margaret suggesting she make one for all the ladies working at Beehive. Margaret then shared it on the Beehive moms’ WhatsApp group, and Pretty

started getting a few orders. “It’s been 10 years, and it was slow at first. But now I have a business,” smiles Pretty.

In the beginning, Pretty used any fabric she could get her hands on, but when clients said they’d be happy to pay more for better quality fabric, she started using shweshwe. “My son does the cutting – I have patterns for the sizes. And my daughter helps with overlocking. I get the fabric in Durban,” says Pretty, who now delivers nationwide via a courier.

The domestic helper uniforms come in five colours, and Pretty says they will last at least three years. She also makes gardeners’ uniforms. Working evenings and holidays, she loves to be busy and wants to add kids’ skirts and shorts to her range – in matching material for siblings.

Go on, place an order and bless your staff this Christmas!

FOR MORE INFO: 078 301 0578; W Uniforms by Pretty

COLLECTIVE NOUNS FOR AFRICA - THE PERFECT

CHRISTMAS GIFT

“The biggest response from those who get their hands on Collective Nouns for Africa is the delight at the enormity of information jam-packed into this book,” says author Meggan Schaefer – adding that their second

response is surprise at how reasonable it is. “And their third response is to determine how many more copies they should immediately get as gifts for a child, a visitor from abroad, a grandparent, a bush-loving friend, or for overseas family.”

This light-in-weight, fun-filled, fabulous handbag A5 size, 212-page, all-in-one wildlife book includes birds, mammals, and other Southern African species. It’s the perfect wildlife identification tool, and the only one you need for your next safari, or simply to identify the birds in your garden. “Also including collective nouns, diminutives, and genders, it contains everything from spoor identification, what to pack for your safari, slang, interesting facts, and so much more,” says Meggan. “Species names have also been translated into Southern African languages.”

The creativity, effort, love, and detail that the author and self-publisher has put into compiling this fun-filled book

are wonderful. It’s printed in South Africa on eco-friendly paper, and is a must-buy for anyone who loves the quirkiness of collective nouns and the bush. It’s a book for all ages and occasions, making it an ideal and unique Christmas gift.

FOR MORE INFO: www.collectivenouns.africa; 083 663 3774; meggan@collectivenouns.africa

MEET HILLCREST HOSPITAL’S NEW

MANAGER

Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital recently welcomed its new hospital manager, Rafeek Nakooda, to their team. He brings with him 17 years’ experience within the healthcare industry.

“It is a proud moment to join Busamed Hillcrest, which boasts a rich history in the healthcare industry

and the Upper Highway area.

It is a beautiful hospital with incredible doctors and staff,” says Rafeek.

Busamed Hillcrest is a multidisciplinary specialist hospital facility that has serviced the Upper Highway community for 12 years. In addition to its services, the hospital includes the Busamed Oncology and the Renal Unit.

“Our aim is to continue focusing on ensuring our patients’, and specialist and referring doctors’, experience is of high standards. This includes additional support to our teams after experiencing a challenging three years. We will endeavour to keep improving our services and reinforce our commitment to the community,” says Rafeek.

THE MRS GLOBE SA EXPERIENCE

BY KIM GRIFFITH JONES

“The Grand Finale on November 12 brought to close a once-in-a-lifetime and remarkable journey of growth for me, at 43 years old, as a Mrs Globe South Africa 2022 finalist,” says Kim. “With a happy heart, I am especially proud, as the winner is ex-Durbanite Zanele Sibiya, and first runner-up Durban’s Rianne Rautenbach –who will be representing SA in Hong Kong in April next year, along with representatives from 83 other countries from around the world.”

Kim says the journey over past four months has been surreal. “I have done a lot of internal work to challenge and better myself over the course of my life, and stood on many stages to present in my professional capacity as MC and speaker. But never like this. Talk about stepping out of comfort zones with a giant leap!” she laughs. Never having participated in a pageant, she was drawn to the purpose behind Mrs Globe SA – the

first one in South Africa, but a pageant that has a 25-year-old history and is one of the most recognised and celebrated international pageants in the world.

Mrs Globe SA uplifts and celebrates women from all cultures and all walks of life.

“To stand on a national platform with incredible women of substance from all over the country, who advocate for the rights of women and children and all the good the B Loved Foundation does across South Africa, was an absolute privilege,” says Kim. “I have had the most incredible opportunity to meet some phenomenal people, share stories of faith, victory and strength, and raise awareness and support for the B Loved Foundation,” she says.

LOCAL AUTHOR’S DREAMS TURN INTO PAGETURNING BOOKS

An air traffic controller at Virginia Airport, Gillitts’s Kyle Pillay is also a self-published author.

His first novel, Black Plane, is about an astrophysicist who builds a radio that can send omnidirectional signals to outer space in the hopes of finding extra-terrestrial life. “The journey of him building this radio leads him to a village far removed from the

city. The radio, its discoveries and the people he meets completely change his life and outlook of reality,” says Kyle – adding that this book was written at the start of his own spiritual journey and deals predominantly with the painful truths we all shy away from; truths that are part of our intrinsic human nature.

The Riders of Chase Town, Kyle’s second novel, revolves around the lives of three skateboarders who wake up one day and find that everyone else on the planet has disappeared. The story follows their search for others, and for an answer as to why they were left behind. “I have been a skateboarder since 2008 and am very much part of the culture,” explains Kyle. “This book serves as a medium to tell a story with deeper

significance, and deals with the impact mankind has on the planet.”

Both novels draw inspiration from dreams Kyle has had. “These dreams were so vivid and detailed that little thought was needed to complete the stories. I also decided to include concepts and ideas I am passionate about, like sustainability, compassion for the planet and the value of one another,” he says.

Kyle has also been working

toward and saving for a piece of land to start an urban farm. “I am undertaking an agricultural and plant science degree to deepen my own understanding before using it to teach and serve others – and to be more useful in helping to conserve our beautiful planet.”

FOR MORE INFO: Kyle’s books are available at Ikes Books on Florida Road, or directly from him via W and @kylejpillay

THE SLEEP HOUSE

Things are starting to get a little wild around here this festive season.

Our nightshirt is about as luxurious as it gets. It’s so comfortable and versatile – so whether you are looking to treat yourself or someone else, this is the perfect purchase.

Want a little around-the-house coverage? Slip into our night-shirt – casual, baggy with loads of chic. Featuring long sleeves, one pocket, a fold-over collar, buttondown, and a curved side hem for easy movement (so you can dance around your living room). It’s a classic signature must-have!

www.thesleephouse.co.za orders@thesleephouse.co.za

Cafe Mayfair caters for all ages and tastes – with a kiddies menu for under 12s, a wide selection of cakes and pastries, and an array of vegetarian, vegan as well as banting options.

The menu includes a full array of breakfasts, sandwiches, wraps, salads as well as cafe-style main courses.

Open 6.30am – 4pm Monday to Friday, and 6.30am – 3pm Saturday and Sunday.

Last month we celebrated our ninth birthday. Considering that the failure rate of small businesses is so high (around 80%), we are delighted to have not only survived the statistics but to be thriving as a business. Starting a business from scratch is never easy, and that’s why we can relate so well to our business owner clients we have the privilege of serving. The journey of entrepreneurship is fraught with highs, lows, tears, sacrifice and compromise, but if you can get it right, entrepreneurship is a beautiful thing.

As we cracked our bottle of bubbly to celebrate our journey, we reflected on the top lessons we have learnt from these sometimes tough but hugely rewarding nine years. These are our top learnings:

1. Get rich quick – There is no such thing. If it was that easy, everybody would be doing it (entrepreneurship). Realise that by starting your own business, you are going to have to work harder than you ever did as an employee. There is no 9am-5pm when it comes to being your own boss.

2. Tough times will pass –There have been plenty of tough times for us over the years, indicative of the many seasons in the lifecycle of a business. We have always tried to remain as upbeat as we could, safe in the knowledge that these tough times would pass.

3. Cash is king – Lack of cash is what keeps business owners up at night. Be frugal and disciplined with your cash. Keep at least two months’ expenses in reserve for the economic winters.

9 LESSONS in 9 Years

MJ CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS CELEBRATE NINE YEARS IN BUSINESS AND THE BEAUTY OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

4. The right employees are your biggest assets – Be slow to hire and quick to fire, not the other way around. Find the right people to join your business and treat them like gold.

5. Take regular breaks –Burnout is real. We have tried to take regular breaks throughout our nine years to re-energise and recharge. This has served us very well.

6. Learn to let go and empower your people –Starting a business is like birthing a baby, and you don’t want anybody to hold your baby. You cannot do everything on your own, and we have learnt that delegation is such an important management skill to master.

7. Celebrate your wins –We often used to beat ourselves up when we failed, and we completely forgot to celebrate the wins. Celebrate every win, no matter how big or small.

8. Get a business coach –Four years into our journey, we invested in an ActionCOACH business coach, which was a game changer for us. Our coach continues to guide, motivate and hold us accountable.

9. Enjoy the journey –Being an entrepreneur is a journey far more than a destination. Enjoy the journey and love what you do. If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life!

FOR MORE INFO melissa@mjacc.co.za | 087 821 7110 | www.mjacc.co.za

OUR OFFER TO YOU

A complimentary tax assessment to ensure you are not overpaying on your business or personal taxes. Email melissa@mjacc.co.za to schedule a discussion.

ABOVE: Suné Alexander and Melissa Jacobs.

trees, tables & CHRISTMAS TALK

INTERIOR DESIGNER AND DECORATOR TARRYN HENDRA OF CALLA & TAIA INVITES YOU INTO HER HOME FOR A SNEAK PEAK OF CHRISTMAS HER WAY

If by any chance, you didn’t feel the jingly feeling when you stepped into her space, Tarryn laughs, “I’m completely mad about Christmas! It brings such joy and life into a home.”

Tarryn’s tree, table, as well as cameo spots and experiences she’s created for her two little girls, Calla and Taia, are absolutely delightful. More than simply giving you that Christmas thrill, everything she’s touched is stylish and sophisticated, yet never over the top or … expensive: “I’m the queen of spray paint,” she laughs. “I’m all about repurposing, reusing, recycling, and a bit of crafting too. Wherever I can, I bring in the girls to help me stick, cut and pass opinions on whether I’ve got it right!”

This year, Tarryn thought her colour theme would be Pantone’s colour of the year: “It was a bright purple, but so difficult to source, it eventually morphed into plum. Plum just worked better with the decorations I had.” And Tarryn has decorations – boxes upon boxes of them, most reinvented to the point of being unrecognisable, year after year. “No, I don’t start with a very clear vision, my Christmas decor just evolves.” One suspects that’s part of the joy of it. Play, not work.

Tarryn’s repurposing of decorations is masterly. Out comes the spray can, and that bauble gets a whole new lease on life, as do those garden cuttings: “Use your garden. I chop down grasses or leaves,

story anne schauffer pictures olivia rebecca photography

and leave them to dry out. Once they’re dead dry, I spray them.”

Tarryn ’s also a big fan of buying after Christmas for next year, and buying on sale: “Christmas decorations are expensive, you have to get clever.” She is clever: “That wreath next to my tree was tired and dirty, on sale for R100. I thought, I can fix that.” She’s also a firm supporter of buying local. A number of her decorations are from crafters selling their wares at the roadside, like her grass stars, which she sprays every year. Grass table mats or a grass mat for the floor works well too.

She has loads of advice for decorating the tree: “When I’m on the hunt and find inexpensive, I always buy at least 20 to 30 of the same thing. If you have dozens of different decorations, it ends up as a mishmash. I use lots of decorations – there are about 300 on this tree – but many are the same, which helps your eye to focus.”

Tarryn suggests we don’t get fixated on elements that have the label “Christmas” attached to them: “Your decorations don’t have to be standard Christmas decorations. Either use what you have, and transform it into something for Christmas, or try this. »

Tarryn bought a roll of plum-coloured vinyl, cut rounds and glued them to fit into Mr Price coasters, and added fishing line from which to hang them off the tree. “It’s important to connect your tree and table, without it being matchy-matchy. Pull them together by look and feel, rather than the same elements – I cut up the remaining vinyl into placemats for the table.”

A few hints for the mechanics of dressing a tree: “My tree is big, yours might be smaller, but the principles are the same. I take a few pieces of string, and tie them around the tree at equal distances, and decorate along those lines. That way, you’ll know they’re level.

At the bottom, start with your bigger, heavier decorations first, and distribute them evenly on your tree, getting smaller as you travel towards the top: “It’s a good idea to step back and take a picture with your cellphone to see where the negative spaces are, so it’s easier to go back in and fill them.”

Looking at Tarryn’s tree, it’s clear she’s repeated decorations or clusters of decorations, and most are round shapes: “If you have many textures on your tree, rather stick to a similar shape so it doesn’t confuse the eye. You want to create a cohesive look.”

Just as on the tree, so too on the table: “You want the tree and table to

talk to each other, but not directly match – here, round elements on the tree tie in and are reflected on the table. Tarryn bought those round clear balls and filled them with chocolates: “I needed a touch of gold …”

Tarryn always has elements other than traditional decorations, and they’re often around greenery or plants, real and not so: “The penny gums on the tree are silk plants, and I break them up and usually spray them; the greenery on the table is from an old plastic Christmas tree – I took off the greenery and broke it up (kept the stem because it might be the tree next year!); and I used dried flowers for decor on the gifts.”

She always has gifts around the tree as part of the decor. She grins, “Sometimes there are little things in there for the girls, usually linked to the advent calendar. But it’s largely to hide the tree base.” She uses monochromatic wrapping paper.

It doesn’t have to be Christmas paper –a large roll of Kraft paper, ribbon and the kids stamping stars on it works equally well.

What about Christmas lights? “If you think you have enough lights, double them,” she grins. Another case where, as she puts it, more is more. And don’t use flashing lights if your tree is close to your dinner table, as they can be distracting –nor battery-operated lights which die, rather have them plugged in. She also suggests not buying anything which already has lights on it: “When you want to spray that little reindeer, you’ll spray over the globes. Rather buy separate string lights, and wrap them around your decorations.”

When Tarryn’s sourcing materials over the year, she looks for certain things: “A textured ball works well (buy lots) because it adds texture and interest, and you can spray it. You can’t spray a »

sparkle ball (buy lots), but you can add to it: “Every year, I get a different ribbon and glue it on. Just peel off last year’s.” And whatever decoration you buy, remove the coloured hanging string and replace with clear gut for uniformity.

Every year, the Hendras have an advent calendar with a difference. First of all, Tarryn makes it, and secondly, very, very few sweets and chocolates: “I made this one with little brown paper bags, and spray-painted some pegs.” Tarryn’s thinking behind the calendar is that children are on school holidays, and self-employed parents, in particular, are hectic in December: “We needed to find a way to spend time with our children over that period, so the advent calendar is largely scheduled activities, and we put them in our diaries.

So, family things like Movie Night with Popcorn, or Walk on the Beach, or You Choose Supper. They can also be things the children need, like swimming

goggles for school, or a paint set to keep them busy while we’re out. We also check when we have meetings or events, and we work around those, so Sleepover with Granny is a favourite.” Each year, the first advent calendar window they open is an outing to choose a Christmas decoration –anything they like, but inexpensive. And they decorate their own little tree in their play space.

Tarryn believes firmly that the house should not be overfilled: “For each new toy the girls get, they donate one to charity. So ten new toys, they choose ten to give to less fortunate children.”

Tarryn is clearly passionate about Christmas, and puts an enormous amount of her after-hours time into creating something really special. She’s strong on detail – a soft toy for the girls has a little label embroidered with their names. Inexpensive, but priceless.

ABOVE: From left: Vincent Zuma, Ashlea Park, Tarryn Hendra, Haru Chigadza.

But style, sophistication and warmth doesn’t need to come at some massive expense –take a (gold) leaf out of Tarryn’s Christmas book. *

FOR MORE INFO

www.callaandtaia.com

callaandtaia W callaandtaia

Vegmo Accessories: Christmas decor, flowers and plants.

The Local Design Lab: Made the placemats.

Loomcraft: Fabric used for placemats and decor. Colour Domain: Vinyl printing.

WRAPPED inlove

Think of the festive season –beautiful Christmas decorations, twinkling lights, the fun of shopping for the perfect Christmas gifts, Christmas carols, mouth-watering desserts … and of course, wrapping pressies. Look at the gifts under most Christmas trees and you’ll find works of art with perfectly folded corners and exquisitely tied bows, and then pressies

held together with blobs of glue and paper-thin wrapping paper. No joy there!

uMhlanga interior designer Lisa Walters-Hunter has mastered the art of gift wrapping, and shares her thoughts and tips with us.

“For me, gift wrapping and the thought and time I put into packaging a gift should have the same amount of effort as the time I spent selecting the gift. It’s the first impression – and I like that impression to be a lasting one.”

If you’re not particularly creative, it can be hard to know the best, most effective ways to wrap presents. “There are a ton of gorgeous options out there, but I stick with my firm favourite ideas year in and year out,” says Lisa.

• I love to layer ribbons.

• I mix wrapping paper and gift tags, then embellish and decorate the gifts with goodies to personalise them, and if need be, jazz them up.

• I also like to use beautiful boxes to

place gifts in, which means the recipient can use the box afterwards.

• I like to keep to a colour palette – this festive season I have used black, cream and gold.

• Depending on the recipient, let your imagination run wild, be creative, mix clashing patterns and textures.

Find my style: I sourced the wrapping and ribbons from the following suppliers: Star wrapping paper – Value Co, Cornubia Centre; Various ribbons – Vegmoflora Decor and uMhlanga SuperSpar Decor Division; Black boxes – Value Co and uMhlanga SuperSpar Decor Division; Ticking stripe collapsible gift box – Typo; Christmas ornaments on gifts – H&M Home, Gateway, uMhlanga SuperSpar Decor Division, and Mr Price Home; Christmas gift tags and gold deer stickers – Woolworths; Gold scissors – Poetry. *

RIGHT: Lisa Walters-Hunter.

Covid gave many of us the opportunity to reset, and we discovered we could change our lives completely. We left jobs we hated. We discovered we could work from a lovely environment rather than a sterile office. We discovered there were things we could go without.

In my coaching work, though, it looks as though many of my clients are slipping back into their old patterns. They’re taking on more and more (without putting anything down). They’re spending too much time in meetings – and travelling to meetings. They’re running from deadline to deadline. Before they know it, they’ll be back at pre-Covid stress levels – and, like the proverbial boiled frog, they will not even notice the loss of quality in their lives until it’s too late.

The end of a year is a great time to take stock and make some decisions for the next year. If you want to make sure you have a good quality of life in 2023, here are some good starting points:

1. Make A “To Don’t” List

We all have To Do lists, and for most of us they just keep growing. How about this –make some clear decisions about what you will NOT do in 2023. What will you stop doing? These could be things that other people should be doing – so make it clear they will need to do these things if they want them to continue happening. It could be things that add no value to your life, but you keep doing them out of a sense of obligation or guilt. High on my own “To Don’t” list is spending

5ideastomake2023 A CRACKER YEAR

THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS HAVE MADE US ALL MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY OF LIFE. BELINDA DAVIES –A DURBAN-BASED BUSINESS COACH WITH SPECIAL INTERESTS IN STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP – SUGGESTS FIVE IDEAS TO FOSTER A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE GOING INTO 2023

time writing proposals for people who really just want my ideas, but have no intention of doing any work with me. I’m done with that.

2. Identify What You Definitely Want In Your Life

A little bit of what you fancy does you good. Do you love spending time in nature?

Schedule dates with yourself to get out there and enjoy the mountains, the beach or the birds. Do you love road tripping? Even a few two-day road trips to enjoy our beautiful country will make a significant impact on the quality of your life. Book the time out in your calendar – if you wait to see if you’ll have the time, you’ll never have the time.

I learnt to book my holidays into my calendar before I book my clients in.

Take time out to sit in the garden or in a park – and make it a regular thing. Do you wish you had more time with your friends? Put some dates in your calendar when you can get together with them – and do it before your calendar fills with

busy-ness that doesn’t feed your soul. Include something creative in this list – find an art class or a gardening group and commit to regular creative time.

3. Take Charge Of Your Finances

There’s nothing more draining than continuously struggling financially. Debt is a drain on your bank account and on your soul. Put a plan in place to get out of debt. Look at your retirement planning. Are you on track? Or are you just hoping it will work out? Find a reputable independent financial planner who can help you get on track. Decide what you can do without. Do you really need that new car/outfit/gadget? Or could you put that money towards getting out of debt or your savings?

4. Make A Contribution

I believe our lives have greater purpose when we make a contribution. This is about giving of our time, energy and

expertise in the interests of something outside of our own lives. This could include simple things like helping in a pet shelter, or working with a local charity to help them raise funds. We feel good about ourselves when we make a contribution, but we also connect with others in a meaningful way – that social connection is important to us as human beings. There is something about working together towards something bigger than ourselves, and we need to find something that matters enough to us to be willing to get involved.

5. Practice Gratitude

Life is busy. Life can be difficult. If we don’t make a point of savouring moments of gratitude, we can become blind to all the good in our lives. Start your own daily ritual. Perhaps at the dinner table, every family member talks about something they are grateful for today, or something that warmed their hearts. Alternatively, end your day with a reflection on what was good today. If you know you tend to be overly aware of what is not good in your life, start a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re grateful for each day. It will completely change your focus and you’ll start to notice more and more aspects of your life that are worthwhile and positive. Just being appreciative has an amazing impact on one’s quality of life. *

FOR MORE INFO 082 551 9504; belinda@leadershipsolutions.co.za; www.leadershipsolutions.co.za

EDEN DURBAN

Pre-Primary | Preparatory |

den Schools Durban offers the best quality co-educational private schooling in KZN from Sunshine Group (grade 0000) to grade 12.

Matric Results

Eden has ranked as one of the top five schools in South Africa for our NSC matric results for the past 5 years. In 2021 Eden was ranked Number 1 in SA with 3,76 A’s per candidate.

The Secret to Eden’s Success

The secret to our success is our small classes, warm, friendly, family atmosphere and experienced, caring teachers who are prepared to go the extra mile.

Extension at Eden

We extend our children by developing out-the-box thinking and problem solving skills by entering various Olympiads.

Eden’s Philosophy: Holistic Education Eden Schools are committed to provide a balanced, holistic education to produce well-rounded confident young people. We offer a wide range of learning areas and extra-mural activities and have a strong programme of arts and culture.

CoastalHorse CareUnit

Founded in 2009, the Coastal Horse Care Unit is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the welfare and protection of equine animals from abuse, as well

as rehabilitation through campaigns and education on horse and donkey care.

The Emahhashini Training Centre, a facility used by the CHCU in conjunction with the Rural Outreach Program, promotes on-site and in-field education to those rural communities working with horses.

The farm is a rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming centre for horses who are abused or neglected. To date this year, CHCU have offered care and medical assistance to almost 4 000 horses within the rural districts of KZN. CHCU empowers equine communities through service initiative; education in terms of how to care for horses that are used for racing, transportation, herding, and leisure.

CHCU are 100% reliant on funding to feed, shelter and offer medical attention to the many horses they treat and rehabilitate. We would encourage donations and are also more than grateful for donations of pre-loved tack, shavings, hay, or even for volunteers to come and help out at the unit.

FOR MORE INFO 073 550 3061; W coastalhorsecare

and consists of individual homes, each belonging to a carefully selected foster mother and six children.

The first child came to call Ingane Yami home 10 years ago. Today the village has six homes with 26 children, with a vision of adding another 19 homes. Ingane Yami is not an orphanage in the traditional sense: Ingane Yami is a forever home.

There are so many ways to get involved: you can give a once-off monetary donation towards making the kids’ Christmas extra special this year, or you can give more regularly by signing up to sponsor a child.

InganeYami

Ingane Yami – which means my child in isiZulu – is a permanent, loving home for orphaned and vulnerable children. The village is based in the Shongweni Valley

Doors are always open to show anyone who’s interested around; and keep your eyes open to hear about the Family Day in March 2023.

FOR MORE INFO tricia@inganeyami.com; www.inganeyami.com

TheRobinhood Foundation

After two long years of Covid, The Robinhood Foundation is finally running their full Bless a Granny & Grandpa Campaign with parties at each home and in-person visits, lavish eats, tea and music. Visiting many old age homes in and around Durban, the foundation will be treating the elderly to a morning of love and laughter. For many old folk, this is the only gift they receive all year and for some, the only visitor they get.

How Can You Help?

1. Make a Wish: Email us at admin@ robinhoodfoundation.co.za with your request on how many grannies’ and grandpas’ Christmas wish lists you would like to fulfil, along with your contact details. We will then send you the names of your grannies or grandpas and their wish lists, along with a date of delivery.

2. Fulfil A Wish: Purchase a gift to the value of R250 each. Place your gifts into a fabric gift shopper or bag. We encourage you to include a personalised card or message. Attach the provided printable gift tag securely on the outside of the gift bag.

3. A Wish Come True: Drop your gift bags at one of our drop-off points by the stipulated date, and your muchappreciated gift will be personally hand delivered to your granny or grandpa.

If you would like to rather make a donation for a gift, please can you deposit R250 into the Robinhood Foundation bank account and we will purchase the gift on your behalf.

FOR MORE INFO 082 864 5729; info@robinhoodfoundation.co.za

Hearts In Hands

Hearts in Hands Foodbank NPO was started by local businesswoman Tracy Klokie at the start of lockdown in March 2020, when she felt compelled to get involved in making a difference personally to positively impact the community.

Each week HIH provides meals for over 100 children at Asivuke Community Centre, and sends out food-aid hampers, sandwiches and fresh produce and supplies into the community of Embo and surrounds for the families they support. They also assist a few local creches, homes for the elderly and children’s homes with food supply and necessities – partnering with local, trusted organisations and community members.

This Christmas season, HIH want to share a little Christmas spirit in the community and bless 200 children under 12 through their outreaches in Embo – and would love your help in donating a brand new toy to the value of R200, or donate to Hearts in Hands.

FOR MORE INFO enquiries@heartsinhands.co.za; 084 555 1195

Anchor Of Hope

Anchor of Hope started in 2014 as a group of volunteers passionate about improving literacy rates in our schools. Their aim is to create structured literacy programs in schools in order to benefit those children who are falling behind, and the organisation has grown to a point where they are running two literacy centres and libraries at Clayton Primary School and Natest Primary School – located in Overport and Phoenix respectively.

During lockdown, they learned that many of the students at Natest Primary School were without food, as they had relied on the hot meal provided by the school. They therefore established a relationship with Bhekimpilo Daycare Creche in the Waterloo

Gozololo

Gozololo began in 1997 in KwaMashu, and its name in Zulu means stay awhile; rest awhile; or a halfway house. The name was chosen as a result of the vision of founder, Mirriam Cele. Gozololo is the response of a growing community of people on a passionate quest to change perspectives, beliefs and ultimately outcomes, by mobilising individuals around South Africa to take positive action against the tragedy of children orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS, violence, crime and teenage pregnancy.

Gozololo exists to implement and manage sustainable community-based childcare centres that will ease the pain and suffering inflicted on children who are vulnerable, mostly as a result of the breakdown of the core family unit.

Due to limited resources, Gozololo

area, where many of the Natest Students live. Anchor of Hope now supports the creche in providing a hot, nutritious meal to their community once a week, and provide the children with a sandwich once a week. They have also opened a homework centre at the creche to provide a space for older children in the community to complete homework and receive help with their schoolwork.

Assistance is always appreciated in the form of volunteers at the literacy centres (no teaching experience required) as well as the sandwich-making group, and any financial donation will be most welcome.

FOR MORE INFO anthea@anchorofhope.africa; 082 466 8323

is struggling to operate its four centres around Durban, and is currently trying to fix their centres after lockdown vandalism and the April floods. Donations to assist in rebuilding and daily operations would be appreciated, and food donations are also always welcome.

FOR MORE INFO gozololochildren@gmail.com; 081 279 4984; www.gozololochildren.org

gifts from the KITCHEN

EASY TO MAKE, SIMPLE TO BOTTLE OR BOX, TRIM WITH RIBBON AND A TAG. ANT ELLIS SHARES SIX DELICIOUS FESTIVE GIFTS THAT WILL BRING JOY IN EVERY MOUTHFUL

Scan this QR code to get your hands on all six recipes for these wonderful Christmas treats!

 Chocolate Truffles

They’re delicate and decadent, and when you make them yourself you can flavour them however you like, inside and out. Roll the little blighters in just about anything and scoff them after lunch with a coffee and my boozy cream liqueur. Then take a nap.

 Boozy Cream Liqueur

In the spirit of the Irish, this easy-tomake recipe is a creamy, dreamy delight and works with a variety of your favourite liquors. Serve it for sipping, as shots, over ice, or just stick a straw in the bottle and go for it.

 Infused Olive Oils

These work great as a drizzle, a dip for warm, crusty bread, and in making pasta sauces and even baking bread – maximum flavour, very little hard work. An important note here is that as we’re not using a preservative, these oils should be used within a couple of weeks – make sure to pass that fact on with your gift.

ABOVE: Durban lover of good food, wine and company, Ant Ellis.

 Pickled Vegetables

Not only is pickling the most delicious way to preserve almost any vegetable, it’s much easier to do than you think. Home-made pickles should be brighter, more tangy and more acidic than bought ones, and should be fresh and really punchy. Package in a nice jar and give ’em away with strict instructions to put on everything.

 Easy Limoncello

A delightful cure for any all-too-silent night is an ice-cold, sharp and citrussy drinkypoo. It’s hard to say whether traditional limoncello includes the juice of lemons as well as the beautifully aromatic skin, but I like it. Give yourself a couple of weeks to infuse as much lemony flavour as possible.

 Scottish Shortbread

O come all ye faithful gobblers, you’re getting shortbread in your Christmas stocking. Yes please! But it’s not just your grandma’s favourite cookie, it’s beloved worldwide and for good reason: shortbread is delicious, easy, reliable and also pretty versatile, and actually super cost-effective. Make double – keep half for yourself.

GILDED glamour

GLITZ, GLAMOUR, GOLD – ’TIS THE SEASON TO GLOW AND SPARKLE

The festive season is here. Whether you’re wanting to turn heads on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve, celebrate in style. Add more sparkle … add a touch of glitz and glam to your make-up look. A sprinkle, a dusting, a lacquer or paint, go for gold this season and create a luxurious glamorous glow.

With an array of cosmetics

specifically designed to add a golden glow to every make-up look, age, skin tone and personal style are no longer limitations to creating a gorgeous, gilded and glamorous effect.

Master make-up artist and owner of Makeup Your Mind, Aldytha da Silva, created these three striking looks and shares her go-to tips and techniques to creating a festive make-up look that is sure to leave you looking and feel “glamorously gilded”. »

Scan the QR code to take a look behind the scenes and watch how the team created these beautiful images.

LEFT: Aldytha da Silva from Makeup Your Mind.

VANESSA KIRSTY MARLINI

PRO TIP – Shadow Blend

I worked with a palette of complementary skin tones on Vanessa’s eyes, lips and cheeks, and focused on creating beautifully blended tones of the same shade to highlight and contour. I added a soft bronze shade and blended this over the inner eyelid and top of cheekbone to add soft highlights.

Vanessa has gorgeous eyebrows, so I used a brown matte eyeshadow and a brow-forming gel to enhance the shape. Using an eyeshadow brushed through the eyebrows results in a very subtle definition. Monotoned make-up looks are understated yet beautiful and enhance facial features in a very subtle manner. Blend a highlighter along the top of the Cupid’s bow to add a highlight to the mouth.

Mark Gold platinum pave set earrings; Mark Gold 18ct white gold heart set with 380 diamonds; Mark Gold diamond tennis bracelet set with 9cts of diamonds; Mark Gold pave set bangle with 450 diamonds in 18ct white gold.

PRO TIP – Layering

I used a trio of golden metallic eyeshadow tones to create this eyecatching reflective eye make-up.

To enhance the effect of the metallic shadow, first use a cream-based shadow on the eyelid. This will boost the reflective quality of the shadow and also help glitter and loose shadows adhere to the eyelid.

For added drama on the eye, extend the lightest shimmer tone on to the inner eye and all the way along under the lower lash line. Blend the mid golden tone outwards to the temple area and add a dusting of shimmer glitter for added sparkle.

This look is complemented with a high-gloss soft metallic lip sheen. Balance this look by using shimmer on the eyes, cheeks and lips for a radiant glow. Mix a small amount of glitter into your lip gloss and add to the middle of your mouth for added sparkle.

Mark Gold modern flower earrings; Mark Gold Embrace pave set bangle with 401 diamonds; Mark Gold diamond sun necklace set with 3cts of diamonds.

PRO TIP – Feature Pop

The classic red lip, red carpet makeup look never goes out of date, and will add a classic groomed chic look to any occasion. The defined eyebrow, winged eyeliner and perfectly defined mouth are the basis of this look. Using a matte eyeshadow to define the brow, a quickdrying liquid liner and matte lipstain will ensure the defined elements are the feature. A golden-bronze trio of eyeshadow was used on the eye. The lightest shade was used along the browbone and on to the inner eye while the midtone was used to create a contour along the socket line. A dusting of sparkle shimmer was added to the middle of the eyelid to create a reflective highlight, while lash clusters were added to the outer corner of the eye to emphasise a winged eye.

Mark Gold classic pave set flower earrings; Mark Gold Colori ring; Mark Gold Embrace pave set bangle with 678 diamonds; Mark Gold Cabochon cut tanzanite and diamond ring. *

story jess smit pictures supplied

Traditional book publishing is a lengthy process. With many hoops to jump through – from story ideas and flat-plans, to character sketches, editing and printing – it can be many months before the finished product is in your hands. Not so at Book Dash. Their revolutionary model brings together skilled creative volunteers to produce affordable African children’s books from scratch in a single day.

Held twice a year at venues across the country, the Upper Highway community recently welcomed the return of Book Dash for the first time since 2015. Ten hand-picked teams – comprising a writer, illustrator, designer and editor – gathered at TWIMS Kloof campus and pooled creative resources to each produce a precious new title to add to the Book Dash library.

Sponsored by the Otto Foundation Trust and the Young Presidents’ Organisation (Durban Chapter), this latest event was extra special as it was a milestone for Book Dash, which saw them celebrating their 20th event.

With the help of loyal funders, philanthropic trusts and partnerships with local organisations, each new Book Dash creation is then translated, printed and distributed, along with other cherished titles, to thousands of little readers across South Africa.

It is in this spirit that Book Dash has been able to publish 176 books since 2014, and printed and distributed over 2,5-million copies to young children across the country. The benefits of book ownership in the early years are well-documented, with huge learning and development gains.

The free Book Dash online library is another wonderful resource. Mom’s Red Coat, Fifi and the Teddy Bear and Look Out, Luthando! are just a few of the new additions following the latest event, with all titles able to be read without the need for data or Wi-Fi. What’s more, each book is open-licenced, meaning anyone can print, translate and distribute it.

“The time limit adds an interesting layer,” says Book Dash facilitator Dorette Louw,

BOOKS, gloriousbooks

BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN’S STORY BOOKS MADE IN A FLASH AT BOOK DASH

who has a background in educational publishing, early literacy and social impact. “It’s an incredibly rewarding process for the volunteers, and each event puts us one step closer to achieving our vision of ensuring that every child owns 100 books before the age of five.”

Want to support this worthy non-profit? My Little Book Dash library is available at Bargain Books for R499. With eight of Book Dash’s most-loved titles in a printed bag, it makes the perfect birthday or Christmas gift for young readers. *

FOR MORE INFO

www.bookdash.org

TOP: The creative volunteers and facilitators at the recent Book Dash event held at TWIMS Kloof campus.

ABOVE RIGHT: Illustrator Brad Cuzon, writer Chrissie Kritzinger and designer Meerashen Naidoo (aka the creators of Mom’s Red Coat) in their superhero cloaks, a gift from Book Dash to echo the theme of their book.

RIGHT: My Little Book Dash library is now available at Bargain Books.

the perfect LIFESTYLE

estates and complexes on offer are also geared to more professional younger families entering the market place.”

There’s also far more than just solid value-for-money properties to entice families to the Highway area – ample quality schooling is another major drawcard. The area has always been lauded for its well-established top private schools, but it is equally known for its numerous popular public schools.

KZN has major hybrid town-country appeal. Whether you’re looking for the MTB tracks of Giba Gorge, the legendary outdoor Shongweni Farmers Market, or the wilder side of birding or hiking at Krantzview Nature Reserve, the Highway lifestyle is country within the convenience of an urban hub. Hillcrest has every possible retail experience, and if you’re eating out, you really are spoilt for choice.

KwaZulu-Natal offers everything we need and want. You name it, we have it – not just the “berg, beach and bush”, but easy accessibility to it all. We also have superlative schools, and that’s of inestimable value. Granted, the province has had a few hard knocks, but we’re not only resilient, we know the lifestyle is unmatched. Country or urban, you can pick and choose.

Haydn Wakefield, director at Wakefields Real Estate (Pty) Ltd, reconfirms the company’s support, confidence and future investment in the Highway area. Wakefields Real Estate is a fourthgeneration family business with six branches servicing the suburbs of Westville, Pinetown, Kloof and Hillcrest, as well as Cotswold Downs and Le Domaine estates. The property group supports 26 branches in total throughout KZN, the Kloof branch forming the heart of their footprint.

“Property in the Highway area has been

doing exceptionally well,” says Wakefield. “We believe in it going into the future, hence our continued investment. A key factor when compared with other mid- to upper-market regions is the wonderful value for money; there’s a great deal of house to be had for one’s money up here.”

Properties range from small townhouses and the-sky’s-the-limit grand old homes on several hectares of land, to wonderful smallholdings and the most desirable estate homes. Far from the old perception of life elevated 500 metres above sea level requiring very deep pockets, today’s Highway area has a far broader range of properties to consider in most price brackets.

Wakefield says there’s a strong demand for properties under R3,5-million, and they’re experiencing as big a demand for freehold properties as for sectional title. “Gated estates like Cotswold Downs are drawcards for sporting and lifestyle enthusiasts, while the wide range of other

Wakefield says, “The entire region was always billed ‘country’, but today with the burgeoning retail and commercial offerings, with exciting plans for the new mixed-use development on the cards for Shongweni, it provides a comprehensive retail experience with plenty of quality office space. The area has retained that sense of country with a strong connection to the natural surrounds.”

Wakefield referenced the Kloof Project, the urban precinct clean-up crew supported by local businesses in the area, for their excellent work. “The Highway area is a community in every sense of the word, and we at Wakefields are proud to play our small part.”

The Covid lockdown may not have changed the face of the Highway suburbs, but it changed people’s perceptions about how they wanted to live. The property market has been buoyant with those choosing this hybrid country-urban life over the city alternative.

IN THE HIGHWAY AREA YOU’VE GOT THE PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN TOWN AND COUNTRY

LEFT: From left; Myles Wakefield (CEO), Keith Wakefield (Chairman), Paula Haskell (Financial Director) and Haydn Wakefield (Marketing Director).

HAPPY 50th birthday

KLOOF PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOL HAS SERVED THE COMMUNITY FOR 50 YEARS

Starting with 12 learners at a cost of R20 per term and a headmistress who had no salary for the first seven months in office, Kloof PrePrimary was initially created due to a lack of nursery schools in Kloof. Through the years it has established itself as a platform for hundreds of children, from 19 months to Grade R, as they embark on their school careers.

Today the school boasts one of the best equipped playgrounds in the Upper Highway area, with swings, jungle gyms, a cycle track, a vegetable garden, a sensory garden and a gross motor station – providing many opportunities for the exploration and development small bodies require.

Qualified teachers oversee eight classrooms, each with an assistant or intern, throughout the day. Some important improvements have been completed in

recent years, including a much-needed school hall for functions and concerts, upgrades to the courtyard and cycle track, renovations to the bathrooms, a fantasy gym, as well as solar power and an inverter to ensure a start to going more green. Next year there’s more to be achieved, including astro turf in the Playgroup, a gross motor area with softplay equipment, a smartboard and an audio visual room, and heavy duty blinds for the fantasy area.

Kloof Pre-Primary is a place where parents meet and children develop, with many family functions encouraging this, such as spring races, grandparents and parents mornings, annual big walk, treasure hunt and class concerts.

To celebrate 50 years this year, KPP will hold a special and fun celebration open to KPP families, the community, past learners, staff and parents. This will be combined with their annual Christmas

Celebration on 8 December, from 4.30pm to 7.30pm. There will be tours of the school, live music and food. The History Wall and KPP Family Tree will also be unveiled, with plaques of past learners and staff. Bookings essential!

FOR MORE INFO admin@kloofpp.org.za

aspecialway OF CARING

HELPING

ACTIVITIES

INTELLECTUALLY IMPAIRED ADULTS, THE CAREWAYS WORKSHOPS ENCOURAGE SELF-ESTEEM AND TEACHES BASIC SKILLS BY EXPOSURE TO STIMULATING

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Careways, the workshop for mentally challenged adults, which runs every weekday at the Kloof Methodist Church, and every Wednesday at the Siyanakekela Centre at the KwaNdengezi Methodist Church.

In our clamorous society where groups and individuals representing every cause shout out their demands and rights, there is a group marginalised and isolated – their voices rarely heard. Poorly represented, largely unknown, and few in number, they are truly disadvantaged and often forgotten.

In South Africa they are referred to as mentally handicapped or mentally disabled. The British have a less stigmatised term; people with a learning disability. In Western nations, members of this group are accorded respect, assistance, protection, choices, and opportunities the likes of which their peers in South Africa could never even dream of.

As for their parents, two perpetual questions hover like a doubled-edged sword: How can I give my child a richer, more stimulating life? What is going to happen to him/her when I am dead? To both questions there are no easy or comforting answers.

Once the children turn 18, they are asked to leave the special needs schools they attend, and it was in response to this question that the vision for Careways was born.

Ian Edwards, a member at Kloof Methodist Church, had the initial vision

to start a daily workshop for mentally challenged adults. As both a teacher and a parent of a mentally challenged child, Ian was able to set the programme and modus operandi in those early days. He chaired the board for a number of years, for which the Careways team are eternally grateful.

Careways, like the name suggests, is a caring organisation that reaches out to the intellectually impaired adult. Providing day care centres where those attending are involved in a variety of activities/outings, it also provides a service to families of those persons who have intellectual disabilities, as well as lifelong care in residential facilities.

Many lessons have been learned over the years, and the workshop programme has been refined and improved. Today

Life is a social whirl at the workshop. It’s hard to keep up with birthdays, outings and activities. There have been visits to the movies, the library, the swimming pool, the water park and the beach, as well as game reserves. Special games are often arranged, like Odd-ball Olympics, Christmas parties are held at both centres, and over the last few years Careways members have been able to attend an annual camp – at Pennington, Ramsgate and Richmond.

At the end of every year the Careways Craft Market is held at Kloof Methodist Church or an alternative venue. The skills of the Careways members are impressive. They have their own stall, but crafters and others are invited to hire a table to sell their goods at the market.

Careways run an integrated programme under the direction of workshop manageress, Tina Smith, and assistant manager, Tozama Nodada.

The programme includes academics, pottery, crafts, cooking, baking, sewing, life skills and other activities. New activities are being added from time to time. Music, exercise, and dancing are enjoyed. There are 23 regular members in the Kloof workshop, who attend on alternate days. The workshop’s maximum capacity per day is 18.

The KwaNdengezi workshop currently has 13 members attending. Due to limited resources, they are sadly only able to scratch the surface of the need in the community. The workshop is run by a small team of volunteers and a manageress, Nomfusi Fica, who love the members and give of themselves sacrificially to care for them, to develop their potential and feed them breakfast and lunch. A simplified version of the Kloof programme is used at Siyanakekela, which is mainly funded by its sister workshop in Kloof.

In the past, Careways ran a residential

How can I give my child a richer, more stimulating life?

How can you help?

The fees are not sufficient to meet all the costs of Careways, so much effort is put into raising funds. Annual events are held and donations from companies help sustain the work. The immediate goal is to raise funds to purchase a school bus, and to establish a residential care facility. Following that, there are simple material needs that would make the world of difference for both the members and their caregivers.

If you need further information or would like to contribute towards this very worthwhile project, please contact Reverend Peter Crundwell on 083 230 0034 or Tina Smith on 082 897 0085.

home in Richmond for about ten years. Unfortunately it closed a few years ago. The vision, however, has been revived. There is a small steering committee, made up mainly of family members, who are looking for a suitable property closer to the Kloof workshop. They are currently exploring ways of funding the purchase and running costs of a new Careways residential home. *

MAIN PICTURE: Joy Juckes and Madison Nel share a hug.

TOP LEFT: Sian Edwards and Njabulo Ncgobo.

MIDDLE LEFT: Nomfusi Fica, manageress at the Siyanakekela Centre in KwaNdengezi.

LEFT: Tozama Nodada, Sonja Gladtz and Tina Smith.

Just over a year ago, The Crest magazine published the story titled A Hillcrest Community Project, where local estates Plantations and Greenvale Village had joined forces with other local Hillcrest and Waterberry Close residents to clean up, uplift and improve the safety of Intersection 31 off the M13 to Shongweni Road.

Over the past year, this project has continued with weekly attendance by the volunteer teams, and the area is looking completely different.

The hard work and coordination by the “Bevanator” – a nickname given to the lady who has driven this initiative but would like to remain anonymous – has ensured the painting of road markings, litter picking, bush clearing and cutting, alien vegetation removal, new planting and even the filling of potholes.

There have been investigations into illegal dumping of hospital and stepdown facilities’ high-risk waste, as well as dumping by a lot of other companies that have been identified. The weekly dumping sadly continues – bags upon bags of soiled nappies, general waste, moving company waste, empty bottles and take-away restaurant packaging. Despite numerous efforts to engage with the responsible departments

MAKING adifference

WITHOUT COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS AND SPONSORS, PROJECTS LIKE THESE WOULDN’T BE POSSIBLE

Thank You To Our Sponsors

• Kayak Craft.

• Induradec Coatings.

• Weekly support staff sponsored by Greenvale Village and Plantations Estate’s Wynne Landscaping.

• Guy de Charmoy, Don’s Treefelling and Sipho’s Treefelling.

• With a salute of gratitude extended again to our first round of sponsors who kicked it all off with us, who were named in the last article.

from the municipality, as well as local ward councillors, the area still receives no attention, except for some quick minor clean-ups. And so it’s down to this team of wonderful volunteers to keep it going.

This list gives an indication of weekly litter and waste-picking over six consecutive weeks:

1. 14 black bags of waste, two eThekwini beige bags left on PMB on-ramp, and two bags of glass bottles (56 units).

2. Eight bags of litter and two bags of bottles (47 units). Hazardous medical waste (intravenous bag) found on the PMB on-ramp, as well as a 20-litre plastic can of used oil.

3. Eight bags of litter and three bags of 25 bottles each.

4. 14 bags of litter.

5. Six bags of litter and 55 bottles.

6. 20 bags of litter and 19 bags of 20 bottles each (382 units).

The project, which began in June 2021, tackles and highlights these areas:

LITTERING

Fast food packaging, plastic bottles, alcohol glass bottles and baby diapers.

DUMPING

• General kitchen/household waste.

• Hazardous medical waste: used diapers and sanitary towels, used intravenous drips, coveralls etc.

• Builders rubble: roof, wall and floor tiles, unused cement, paint tins, demolished brickwork etc.

• Unwanted old furniture and appliances.

• Alien garden waste.

• Dead animals.

• Garage waste: car parts, used car engine oil etc.

ALIEN VEGETATION

Cutting, ring barking and removal, burning.

STORMWATER DRAINS & GUTTERS

Unblocking, clearing and securing with grating to prevent litter getting into the system.

ROAD MARKING

Marking and painting.

ROAD SIGNS

• Clearing vegetation that obscures essential road signs.

• Repairing, washing and repainting.

• Requesting road authorities for missing or absent road signs.

STREET LIGHTS

An application for street lights was submitted as a matter of road safety and personal safety; preventing vagrants, beggars, thieves and opportunists, and discouraging temporary storage of stolen goods, prostitution and hi-jacking.

The Plantations Home Owners Association wants to reach out and say a big thank you to those who have donated the funds to allow for the purchase of materials and provision of staff, and to the volunteers who give of their time and energy to uplift Hillcrest. Every bit helps, and the transformation of this area speaks for itself.

story

shirley le guern picture alistair mulder

At the peaceful home-based studio which she set up in Hillcrest three years ago, Gina explains: “When I am working with a client, I look at how they are holding themselves, where there is tension. I listen to their voice because it is the mirror of the psyche and tells me all sorts of things.”

Whether she is working with a CEO, a professional performer or a child, therapy is never a “once size fits all”. Gina’s work is highly intuitive, combining significant theoretical knowledge with imagination as she engages with each person.

“I create a safe place where they can explore different aspects of themselves. They can test and rehearse different responses. I give them an opportunity to identify and understand various patterns in their lives and to realise that they have choices and can use other ways of expression,” she says.

“Our identity is our sense of self and our sense of self is in our body – how our body feels and the way that our body expresses that sense of self in the world. Our identities are developed that way. So when you are a tiny baby, the way that you start to understand who you are in the world is how your mother holds you or doesn’t hold you. The way that I work really taps into our instinctual way of being in the world from a very early age,” she continues.

Gina believes the voice is the bridge between the inside and the outside world.

“Someone who is very depressed has a specific way of being in their body. Their body might be contracted. The energy’s down and their voice will have a specific tonality which communicates that all is not right. Someone who is totally empowered, who is thriving, will carry themselves differently. Their movement and vocal patterns will mirror that,” she explains.

Gina says this goes further. What has been suspected for some time, that physical ailments and mental well-being are closely linked, is now being confirmed by research.

bringingvoice andmovement TOGETHER

THE AGE-OLD SAYING THAT IT IS NOT WHAT YOU SAY BUT HOW YOU SAY IT THAT IS IMPORTANT STILL HOLDS TRUE FOR GINA HOLLOWAY MULDER, KZN’S ONLY VOICE MOVEMENT THERAPY (VMT) PRACTITIONER

“The voice is a key aspect. There is an intricate link between trauma and pain that we don’t express fully. It lands up sitting in our bodies, making us unhappy, causing depression, making us ill,” she explains.

Breathwork plays an integral part in breaking destructive life patterns and helping people to express themselves.

“Our emotions are held in different parts of our bodies. If you have a lot of tension in the abdominal space or the solar plexus, you aren’t going to be able to find a deep breath. Breathing deeply allows you to be centred, to ground yourself. You can come back into the moment. When people find themselves in difficult situations, they lose their centre and come forward to defend or go backward in retreat. Empowerment is found in what we call the vertical – a feeling that I can breathe. I can think about my response. I can make a decision to either engage or walk away.”

Gina admits that although much of

what she teaches is known subliminally, people are not using this to thrive. “So, we become more and more isolated and feel more and more alone.”

She continues that people don’t only want to be heard, but also to be seen,

a whole body thing.”

She went on to study dramatic art at university where she majored in movement, choreography and film. She worked in television, film and advertising, but came back to movement when she worked at a psychiatric rehabilitation centre where she took patients through a five-month process which culminated in a production at Johannesburg’s Dance Factory.

It was then that she began to realise the importance of the voice in healing and telling life stories.

which is where she comes in. “If you just want to come here and scream, I am going to see you and be with you and give you permission to do that. Then, we are going to explore what the scream is about,” she says.

Gina believes that her work is a calling which began during her school years doing speech and drama. “I enjoyed the performance, but it wasn’t just about that. It was about the process and the expression and understanding that this is

Her own career transformation came with bringing voice and movement together and studying VMT in America. She returned to South Africa as the country’s first VMT practitioner. Shortly afterwards, she embarked on a master’s degree to further her research in integrating VMT and performance.

She continues to share her wisdom through therapy and through her books. *

FOR MORE INFO gina@voicemovementtherapy.co.za; 084 827 8481

Physical ailments and mental well-being are closely linked

verygood! verygood! YAY!

JANE LINLEY-THOMAS AND JESS BASSON SHARE THOUGHTS ON COPING WITH LOSS

Recently, Jess got one of those phone calls that everyone dreads. A dear friend had been attacked by a shark in Plettenberg Bay and died. While there are many who knew Kimon Bisogno more intimately than Jess, and she leaves behind her close-knit family and community, the light that ‘Kiki’ shone was so bright that her death has impacted people far and wide, many whom had never even met her.

The day after she got the phone call, Jess lay crying

on the bed. Her oldest son snuck into the room and asked what was wrong.

“I’m crying about Kiki, my boy,” replied Jess.

He looked surprised. “Again?”

Jess couldn’t help but laugh. It’s true – she had cried already. When the call came and the news broke, her boys had been with her. As complex and confusing as death is, processing it with our children brings certain simplicities to the fore.

Life is, as Jane and Jess always say, a beautiful

mess. They simply come as a package deal. But how can we process loss with our children?

One afternoon shortly after Kiki’s death, Jess sat on the beach and created an altar. She gathered shells and shaped them into an infinity symbol – thinking of the way life ebbs and flows, and feeling grateful she had intersected with Kimon in both of their lifetimes. After she’d crafted a space with Kiki’s name on it, she invited her two boys to come and place something special on the altar.

“What’s an altar, mom?” asked one of them. “An altar is a place where we remember the goodness of God,” she replied. “And even though Kimon’s death is sad, there was so much good in her life that we got to share.” Then, they prayed for Kimon’s family.

Jess later told Jane about how the boys had enthusiastically and innocently engaged in this spontaneous moment, and Jane pointed out how Jess had turned to wellestablished practices to help us process grief.

Here are three practical ways to help our children (and ourselves!) navigate loss, whether it is of a person, a place or a pet.

1. Say the stories: While Jess’s boys had only met Kimon once or twice, Jess had shared her pain with them, and wanted to make sure there was more to their memory of Kiki than her death. Kimon was a social activist, a restaurateur, and also a laughter yoga instructor. She had a way of bringing people into a place of

joy they didn’t know they could experience with her vivacious leadership and whole-hearted energy. Jess told the boys about how after every fit of laughter she led her audience through, Kimon would have them all exclaim her trademark saying … “Very good! Very good! YAY!”

After they had laid flowers and shells on the alter, they all chanted, “Very good! Very good! YAY!”, and Jess saw with delight that the boys would remember that story as well as the sadness about their mama’s friend.

2. Ritualise remembrance: Jane has cultivated a beautiful practice of remembrance in her family for when someone who has died would have had a birthday. Their photo is placed on the dining-room table and decorated with flowers, sentimental items and special objects. The family then shares stories about the person. This practice gives us permission to remember the person, and teaches our children that loss is a part of life. There is no shame in loss, and remembering the person helps us normalise the reality of their presence and their absence.

3. Embrace the emotions: Too often, our own pain causes us to compartmentalise and shut away uncomfortable emotions. But when we tell stories about the person, place or pet that we’ve lost, we keep the good things alive in our hearts. American author Brené Brown says we cannot selectively numb emotions, and when we numb the negative ones, we numb the positive ones, too.

Perhaps there is an opportunity to find the beauty in the mess with your family or friends through one of these practices. Kiki would tell you they are very, very good! (Yay!) *

Alocally-driven initiative that connects people with spaces and experiences, Westown offers a brand new destination for living, working, shopping, business and recreational activities within a managed, urban environment that supports a range of amenities and facilities.

These include the retail offerings of Westown Square and Westown Lifestyle, The West Private Hospital, residential apartments, a warehousing and logistics precinct, commercial/business activities and uses, and an active green belt.

Led by Fundamentum Property Group, which has significant experience in property development, property leasing and property management, the new city of the west is anticipated to unlock the region’s investment potential and generate some R15-billion in new investment over the next 10-15 years, while at the same time increasing the value of home and property prices in the area.

“Our mixed-use development is guided by an urban sustainability agenda –inclusive, environmentally sustainable, high-energy, safe and secure,” says Fundamentum CEO, Carlos Correia. “This includes harnessing the open spaces and ecological assets synonymous with the region, such as horse riding, trail running, mountain biking, walking, birding, and other outdoor pursuits.”

Westown’s focus is on innovation, creating a legacy of inter-disciplinary planning, engineering, architecture and place-making. Starting with the long-overdue upgrade of Kassier Road, the commitment by the eThekweni Municipality to the funding of this infrastructure development has enabled Westown to begin development. This includes the road upgrade itself, the supporting bulk infrastructure (water, wastewater, electricity) and the development of Westown Square.

A 48 500m� retail high street environment where indoor meets outdoor, offering entertainment, recreation, lifestyle, and leisure for all ages, Westown Square will be built on a human scale to be open, permeable and accessible. Structured around the architectural landscaped

thenewcityof THE WEST

SUSTAINING THE ENVIRONMENT, WESTOWN WILL CONNECT PEOPLE WITH SPACES AND EXPERIENCES

Town Gardens and Town Square, Westown Square will include an amphitheatre and a maze along with children’s play areas. Anchored by a 8 500m� new generation Checkers Hyper and a Pick n Pay new concept store, Westown Square will be complemented by a variety of other offerings making up the 150 retail tenants.

Westown is designed around a SMART CITY framework – including precinct management via a Management Association, water, waste and energy demand mitigation. The intention is for recycling to occur on a micro/site level on top of measures aimed at re-using and reducing waste as much as possible. Plans are in place to facilitate a new wasteto-energy facility in the area, generating economic and employment opportunities, complemented by energy reduction measures and micro-solar solutions. Water saving and reduction is also part

of the development along with rainwater harvesting and reuse where possible.

“We are grateful for the support and patience of our neighbours and stakeholders, including the Durban Shongweni Club and Polo Club, Enviroserv, Shongweni Farmers Market and Denny Mushroom Farm, as well as the local chief, indunas and councillors of wards 7 and 103, who are working with us to ensure Westown becomes a true asset for the area,” says Correia.

readytomake BIG WAVES

4X4 FUNDRAISER SENDS THE SA ADAPTIVE SURFING TEAM TO CALIFORNIA

The South African Para Surfing Championships were held in Durban in 2021 and 2022, with TyreLife Solutions being the major sponsor in support of adaptive surfing for persons with disabilities. This championship is organised by Made for More, a non-profit and public benefit organisation that aims to use sport to include, empower and equip people with disabilities.

“Following the SA Champs, a team is selected to represent our country at the international adaptive surfing competition in California, USA. Unfortunately no government funds are made available for this sport, so individuals are on their own to raise funds in order to attend,” explains Jenny Soons of TyreLife Solutions.

With its head office in Kloof, TyreLife

Solutions is a one-stop online shop for the purchase and fitment of tyres and wheels. CEO Georg Schramm, a surfer with a love for the great outdoors, combined two of his great loves and initiated a fundraiser at Clifton Canyon 4x4 track in order to get the team to California.

The fundraiser was an extreme offroading adventure with 18 obstacles, each sponsored by KZN’s best 4x4 and motoring related companies. Marshalls were TyreLife Solutions staff, adaptive surfers and their friends and families, and R56k was raised on the day. Sponsors and participants provided very favourable feedback, so this will be an annual fundraising event going forward. *

FOR MORE INFO

If you can help, please get in touch with Jenny on jenny@tyrelife.co.za

Made For More

“Thank you, TyreLife Solutions, for being an amazing friend and supporter of both Made For More and adaptive surfers of South Africa. We are so grateful for your help and really wouldn’t be where we are today without your backing. We had an awesome 4x4 day at Clifton Canyon experiencing a different kind of adrenalin than we are used to out in the water. It was special to see the SA team members and Made for More surfing family volunteer and give back on the day, too. Thank you to Georg, Jenny and the amazing team at TyreLife for making this all happen and pulling such a beautiful day together with so much support from local businesses and the community. We look forward to continuing this beautiful journey together as you help us to include, equip and empower people with disabilities through surfing.”

– Michelle White, Made For More

fortheloveof DANCE

SANDILE MBILI MEETS A PROFESSIONAL DANCE CHOREOGRAPHER STRIVING TO HELP YOUTH THROUGH HIS TALENT

Growing up in the township of Dassenhoek did not stop Bonga Hlongwane from pursuing his dream of becoming a recognised dancer in South Africa. Raised by his grandmother, the only breadwinner of the family, Bonga would dance to express his emotions from the early age of seven –which was when he discovered his passion after being encouraged by his uncle, who led a dance crew in his community.

“I would peep through the windows just to see them rehearsing, and later practice what I had observed,” says Bonga. “I started dreaming of having my own dance studio, where I could also use my gift as a tool to help teach others.”

After Bonga matriculated at Ndengetho High School, he formed a dance crew called Angel Players, and they soon started joining competitions to gain exposure.

Because of his yearning to use his talent in making a difference in the community, Bonga was introduced to Collin Edmonds and his non-profit organisation, Trulife. In 2016 Bonga was offered an intern position at Trulife, and he went on to become a life skills facilitator touring schools throughout South Africa. In 2018 he enrolled in a three-year dance instructor course in Cape Town.

Bonga has received numerous trophies in his dancing career, and has won the South Africa Championship twice. Through dancing, he has been lucky to travel to Mozambique and as far as China.

Describing himself as a versatile dancer, Bonga teaches ethnic dance such as

TOP RIGHT: Bonga and fellow Truelife Dance instructors after winning the 2020 South Africa Championship in Cape Town.

RIGHT: Bonga loves interacting with youngsters and sharing his love of dance.

amapiano, Afro-pop and pansula, but mostly he likes to specialise in hip-hop.

Trulife Dance was established in 2021, with a vision of teaching and using dance as a tool to keep youth off the streets. Based at the Open Skies church in Kloof, Trulife Dance – through Bonga and other talented dance instructors – offers lessons on Mondays and Wednesdays for ages 5-18 at only R400 per month.

“We give back to the underprivileged youth, because each dancer signing up for lessons automatically sponsors a disadvantaged dancer in the community of Dassenhoek,” explains Bonga. “Every Tuesday and Thursday we go to the Dassenhoek community to teach youth dancing and life skills. We also host an annual show to give them a platform to showcase their dancing skills and everything that they have learned throughout the whole year.”

The inspiring 32-year-old, who is currently studying online business management and administration at Varsity College, hopes that our community will continue to support Trulife Dance and their wonderful initiative and vision.

Enroll your children for next year now, to give them the opportunity to build self-confidence and dance skills in a fun, encouraging environment. *

FOR MORE INFO dance@truelife.org.za; info@truelife.org.za; 074 423 8166

SINGLE parenting

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD, WRITES CHRISTY HERSELMAN

Most stay-athome moms of small kids know this feeling; it has been a long day with only toddlers for company, the floor is strewn with Lego and Oaties, you can’t remember if you even brushed your teeth this morning, your two-year-old is ugly crying because you cut his snack wrong, and you can’t decide whether your feverish baby has the common cold or needs to be hospitalised.

And then your husband walks through the door. You hand him the crying baby and begin to share all your frustrations and concerns while you sip your first hot cup of tea (or cold glass of wine) of the day. Suddenly things are a little easier, the load a little lighter and this parenting thing seems possible again.

But what if there is no spouse or partner to walk through the door? What if it is just you? There is nobody coming to take over baby duty or help you negotiate with the tantrum-throwing toddler. What if all the decisions are on you, and there isn’t someone else to share the load.

For single parents, this is the reality.

If you think it gets easier

when the kids get older, what about being the only one to wait up to fetch them from a party? Struggling not just to pay for school fees, but also extra maths lessons, cricket coaching and sports tours?

Single parents often feel overwhelmed because they are mom and dad, disciplinarian and comforter, lift club and homework club.

They often feel lonely, not having a spouse to go through struggles with or even just for adult company.

They often feel judged and inadequate, constantly trying to keep up and thinking they are getting it all wrong.

If they share custody, they have to be two different people – one week a single, one week a full-time parent. Saying goodbye is heartbreaking every time. They feel anxious when their child is at their ex’s – a home with different rules, different people and different expectations that they have no control over.

Being a single parent is never easy, and if it takes a village to raise a child, how can we be the village to those around us parenting solo, especially over the Christmas season? I asked four experts (aka two single dads and two single moms). Here are some

of the gems they shared with me:

• Invite us to join you for outings in public places which would be too hard for one parent: a day at the beach or night at the movies.

• Many single parents work fulltime and need help with kids during the holidays. Offer to take our kids for an hour or two while we work, so we can do our Christmas shopping or run the errands we usually have to drag them to.

• Don’t judge. The story is more complicated than you know, and we are doing the best we can.

• Don’t say things like, “It must be nice to get a weekend off.” We dread that weekend when we don’t have our kids and often don’t know what to do with ourselves.

• Men, offer to help single moms with hard things like popped tyres, opening mayo jars and throwing a ball.

Ladies, offer to help single dads to help things they don’t know how to do, like taking his daughter shopping or for a pedi, baking biscuits or helping create a dress-up costume ... things that the single parents don’t have help with from a partner anymore.

• We often feel like we don’t fit in with “the married crowd” and we really need to feel like we belong. Invite us to your braai, your family dinner or to a playdate with your kids. Visit us. The holidays can be extra-lonely.

So as our homes fill up with family for the holidays, let’s stop and think about those who are parenting alone and don’t have the support we have over this time.

As one of my favourite sayings goes, “When you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence.” *

Scan this QR code to find out more about Christy Herselman and her culture-shaping movement The Chat!

Optimum Mobility | Live YOUR Best Life

Optimum Mobility | Live YOUR

Optimum Mobility | Live YOUR Best Life

Maritzburg Orthopaedic Centre has a tradition of excellence in orthopaedic care, and the fine reputation of its surgeons is known throughout KwaZulu-Natal. Each surgeon in the group is board certified and many have additional sub-speciality training.

Maritzburg Orthopaedic Centre has a tradition of excellence in orthopaedic care, and the fine reputation of its surgeons is known throughout KwaZulu-Natal. Each surgeon in the group is board certified and many have additional sub-speciality training.

Maritzburg Orthopaedic Centre has a tradition of excellence in orthopaedic care, and the fine reputation of its surgeons is known throughout KwaZulu-Natal. Each surgeon in the group is board certified and many have additional subspeciality training.

Dr Greg Van Osch studied at the University of Cape Town for an undergraduate medical degree. He worked in the United Kingdom and Australia, then returned to South Africa and completed post-graduate training at the University of Cape Town and qualified as an orthopaedic surgeon. He did a fellowship in hip/knee and trauma surgery at Cape Hip and Knee. His interests are sports medicine, arthroscopic and lower limb surgery. Dr Greg Van Osch is married with two children, and is a keen mountain biker and river-and-surfski paddler.

Dr Paul Hatfield returned to his hometown of Pietermaritzburg after completing his medical studies at the University of Cape Town. He continued his studies at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine in Durban, where he qualified as an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

Dr Andre Morrish was born and raised in Durban before completing his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Cape Town. He has been in private practice since 2005 with Maritzburg Orthopaedic Centre, and specialises in hip and knee replacements and sports medicine injuries involving the knee.

Back in Pietermaritzburg he gained valuable experience at Edendale Hospital before completing a Hand Fellowship with Prof Mike Solomons at the University of Cape Town. Paul is married, has two daughters and enjoys competing in Maritzburg’s iconic sports of paddling, running and cycling.

MEET THE TEAM

MEET THE TEAM

Dr Andre Morrish Hip and Knee Specialist

Dr Nitesh Bhagwan Shoulder and Elbow Specialist

Dr Andre Morrish Hip and Knee Specialist

Dr Ian Cochrane Spine and Arthroplasty Specialist

Dr Nitesh Bhagwan Shoulder and Elbow Specialist

Dr Greg Van Osch Hip, Knee and Trauma Specialist

Dr Paul Hatfield Hand and Wrist Specialist

Dr Paul Hatfield Hand and Wrist Specialist

Dr Ian Cochrane Spine and Arthroplasty Specialist Dr Paul Hatfield Hand and Wrist Specialist

Dr Ruvyn Frank Foot and Ankle Specialist

Dr Ruvyn Frank Foot and Ankle Specialist

Dr Ruvyn Frank Foot and Ankle Specialist

Dr Jacques De Wet Tumour, Reconstruction and Deformity Specialist

Dr Jacques De Wet Tumour, Reconstruction and Deformity Specialist

CONTACT US

CONTACT US

PMB ROOMS: Suite D, Block 2 Mediclinic, Payn Street. Tel: 033 342 0416 reception@pmborth.co.za

HOWICK ROOMS: 50 Fraser Street. Tel: 033 330 7809 howickreception@pmborth.co.za

PMB ROOMS: Suite D, Block 2 Mediclinic Payn Street. Tel: 033 342 0416 reception@pmborth.co.za

HOWICK ROOMS: 50 Fraser Street. Tel: 033 330 7809 howickreception@pmborth.co.za

PMB ROOMS: Suite D, Block 2 Mediclinic Payn Street. Tel: 033 342 0416 reception@pmborth.co.za

HILTON ROOMS: Suite G3, Hilton Life Hospital, Monzali Drive. Tel: 033 329 5712 hiltonreception@pmborth.co.za WWW.PMBORTH.CO.ZA

HILTON ROOMS: Suite G3, Hilton Life Hospital, Monzali Drive. Tel: 033 329 5712 hiltonreception@pmborth.co.za WWW.PMBORTH.CO.ZA

HOWICK ROOMS: 50 Fraser Street. Tel: 033 330 7809 howickreception@pmborth.co.za

HILTON ROOMS: Suite G3, Hilton Life Hospital, Monzali Drive. Tel: 033 329 5712 hiltonreception@pmborth.co.za WWW.PMBORTH.CO.ZA

Dr Andre Morrish Hip and Knee Specialist

Dr Nitesh Bhagwan Shoulder and Elbow Specialist

Dr Ian Cochrane Spine and Arthroplasty Specialist

Dr Greg Van Osch Hip, Knee and Trauma Specialist

Dr Greg Van Osch Hip, Knee and Trauma Specialist

Dr Jacques De Wet Spine, Reconstruction and Deformity Specialist

PRP injections

DR GREG VAN OSCH OF MARITZBURG ORTHOPAEDIC CENTRE

EXPLAINS HOW PRP INJECTIONS WORK AND HOW THEY CAN HELP SPEED UP HEALING

1. WHAT ARE PRPS?

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. A person’s own blood is drawn up into a syringe, in volumes between 15 and 50ml. This is spun in a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from white cells, platelets and plasma. The plasma and platelets are then injected back into the area being treated.

2. HOW DOES IT WORK?

The platelets have alpha granules that contain various cytokines and cell mediators. These substances are important to stimulate the healing process in the body’s tissues. They activate the inflammatory process and activate cells to form collagen and blood vessels, and to regenerate the underlying tissue. PRPs provide supraphysiological amounts of these substances directly to the area of injury in order to speed up healing.

3. WHAT DOES IT WORK FOR?

There are a number of orthopaedic conditions that it can be used for (see below), and this is supported by

studies in scientific literature.

It is also used by other specialities such as plastic surgery and cosmetics, and even to treat male pattern balding.

Currently, scientific results can be summarised as:

Abundant high-quality evidence: lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), OA knee (moderate severity).

Moderate high-quality evidence: patella tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis.

Insufficient evidence for routine: rotator cuff, OA hip, high ankle sprains.

Lack of evidence currently: Achilles chronic tendinopathy, muscle injury, uon-union of fractures, ACL reconstruction.

When scientific literature refers to high-quality evidence, it means a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT). In these trials you require large numbers of patients who are randomly assigned to either the experimental group or a control group and then the data is statistically analysed. Prospective and retrospective trials are then the next order of evidence, and finally case studies (which are often in

smaller numbers.) Currently there are significant numbers of RCTs which support use of PRPs.

Studies are ongoing and will provide more clarity on effectiveness in these areas in the future.

4. IS IT SAFE?

It uses a patient’s own blood and it is an aseptic technique, to avoid reactions or infection. It works on cell receptors, not the nucleus, so there is no risk of neoplasia (cancer).

5.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Low platelet count (<105).

• Dysfunctional platelets.

• NSAID (antiinflammatories) within 48 hours.

• Corticosteroid injection at site within two weeks.

• IVI or oral steroid.

• Pseudomonas, enterococcus or klebsiella infections.

• Haemopoietic cancer.

SUMMARY

PRP is a promising treatment for some musculoskeletal diseases; however, evidence of its efficacy has been highly variable depending on the specific indication. Additional high-quality clinical trials with longer follow-up will be critical in shaping our perspective of this treatment option.

TIKTOK forbusiness... Really?

Any business owner that focuses on the latest business marketing initiatives knows that TikTok has over onebillion monthly active users and almost as many users as Instagram. It is also one of the most addictive platforms, only launched six years ago, and gaining momentum as a primary avenue for social media marketing for business users.

TikTok is not your “normal” social media platform, and it’s still young enough for your business to get in early and take advantage of countless marketing opportunities. It’s also a large enough platform for your business to benefit from a consumer audience almost immediately, and is already available in 150 countries worldwide.

Businesses are recognising that with the massive and growing popularity of the app, TikTok has the power to reshape the way brands and businesses communicate with their customers regarding products and services, convey

and share information, and connect to communities and cultures worldwide. TikTok has constantly changed over the past six years and has evolved into a bonafide advertising and business marketing haven.

TikTok is unique in that it’s all about sharing relatable, engaging and natural short videos where users can create captions and distinctive overlays often set to popular music. It also has the ability to integrate automatically with the other social media networks, making content easily shareable across multiple audience channels. This in itself opens up a whole new level of connection with the audience your business wishes to target.

The perception in the market is that the app is used mostly by GenZ, but the stats are indicating that the demographics are changing constantly. The largest group of active users is between the ages of 16 and 24, but more and more people aged 4080+ are creating content and frequenting the app.

With these numbers in

mind, and considering that social media influences 71% of consumer buying decisions, businesses need to start paying attention. One cannot ignore that the app has led to more than $350-billion worth of sales in the US alone, and the number of adults using TikTok grew by six times in the last 18 months.

So you may be thinking; “but I don’t need another social media platform”. While this may be valid, depending on your business, your audience and your niche, keep in mind that it may be an investment worth making for your brand long term.

Due to the enhanced creativity and exposure it offers, many companies have found success on TikTok simply by offering access to an audience other platforms don’t have.

In the same way Facebook has a business platform, TikTok for business has a centralised platform especially for advertisers and marketers. They have an e-learning centre (ads manager platform) where businesses can go to learn how to create specific ads to cater directly to your target audience, set reasonable budgets, as well as provide pertinent insights for your campaign.

TikTok is great for listening to the feedback it receives from users. When certain features or trends are “liked”, the app can create new editing features and effects allowing users to create similar content more

8 Reasons to use TikTok

If you decide to use TikTok as a strategy for your business in 2023, there are a number of benefits to consider. Here’s how TikTok that can work for your brand and improve your overall social media footprint: 1. Grow your brand/ business awareness 2. Educate your target audience 3. Increase your website clicks 4. Increase leads and prospects 5. Target future clients or customers 6. Grow conversions 7. Increase your audience reach 8. Engage with potential employees and clients

easily. The inverse is also true; when a new feature releases only negative feedback, the platform swiftly adjusts to its users’ liking.

TikTok for business is definitely a vital and growing force to consider for your business to connect, engage and interact with particular members of your audience and make them more aware of your business. *

FOR MORE INFO

craig@upperhighwayinfo.co.za

DUE TO THE ENHANCED CREATIVITY AND EXPOSURE IT OFFERS, MANY COMPANIES HAVE FOUND SUCCESS ON TIKTOK SIMPLY BY OFFERING ACCESS TO AN AUDIENCE OTHER PLATFORMS DON’T HAVE, WRITES CRAIG BRIGG

A GRAND impression

THE ALL-NEW JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE L IS BUILT FOR ADVENTURES, WRITES KATRINE ANKER-NILSSEN

This beautiful SUV is nothing short of wonderful. I was lucky enough to take it for a spin in the KZN Midlands recently, and must admit I found it very hard to hand it back to JEEP Hillcrest on my return.

First impressions do matter, and this beast makes a grand one; it simply oozes luxury. From the stunning interior, with lots of leather and wood trims, to the supersmooth, quiet ride … it’s a dream. Also love the digital dash with its stateof-the-art features – although I felt a bit intimidated by all the buttons at first, I soon got the hang of it.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers

three rows of very comfortable seats, with generous room for all seven passengers. The third row bench seat at the back folds down to make the boot even larger, and there are 12 available USB ports; four in each row. How convenient!

Back to luxury; the 16-way adjustable front seats have it all – memory, massage, cooling and heating. And the leatherwrapped steering wheel is also heated, delightful on chilly winter mornings. With climate comfort everyone can be kept cool or warm – the airflow is adjustable throughout four zones in the vehicle.

The dual-pane power panoramic sunroof makes you feel part of your surroundings –

adding lots of natural light. Also worth a mention is the incredible McIntosh premium audio system. With 19 speakers you get precision sound with unrivalled clarity – so make sure you have everyone’s favourite songs ready for long road trips!

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L won’t let you down in terms of safety, either, with great overall visibility and the feeling that it is solid and heavy on the road, which made me feel very safe. Adding to this, there’s drowsy-driver detection, 360° cameras, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, parallel park assist and lane departure warning.

The new heads-up display windshield feature is handy: I could remain focused on the road ahead with the help of this transparent display, projecting my speed and road location onto a safe viewing area on the windscreen in front of me.

I didn’t get to experience the JEEP Grand Cherokee L’s 4x4 abilities, but I have no doubt they are second to none – judging by the rest of its capabilities.

Motoring boffins – pop into the JEEP Hillcrest dealership for more technical specs and a test drive. For me it was all about the luxury; this is without doubt the ultimate family SUV.

MOTORING WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Independently owned FMGH motoring group’s Head of Marketing, Bronwyn Fynn, scooped first place in the category of Top Achievement at the SA Motoring Women of the Year Awards 2022 – held in Sandton in November. This award is in recognition of Growth, Successful Implementation and Positive Results in Motoring South Africa. Bronwyn’s achievement in a very competitive category is made even more remarkable by the fact that she has only been in the motoring industry for just under three years.

Bronwyn’s FMGH career highlights:

• Rebranded the company, creating a more premium and corporate logo and image.

• Set up digital platforms, developed and implemented strategic marketing plans for the dealerships.

• Strategically aligned the brands with lifestyle events such as the Durban Sunrise Run – presented by JEEP Hillcrest, and the Black Jeepers Club ride and drive – sponsored by JEEP Hillcrest.

The Crest magazine would like to congratulate Bronwyn on this amazing achievement, we are so proud to have you as part of our community!

39 Old Main Rd, St Helier Rd, Hillcrest | 031 716 5000

The

Hibiscus

Hospital Group not only provides a high standard of medical care, but continually strives to maintain a hygienic, patient focused and friendly hospital environment for the whole family.

ABOVE: Vaughn Marescia (Director at FMGH), Bronwyn Fynn (Marketing Manager at FMGH) and Leslie Ramsoomar (MD of Stellantis SA).

awalkin THE WILD

THANDA SAFARI’S WONDERFUL VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES GIVES YOUR BUSH BREAK THAT LITTLE BIT EXTRA

Offering a world of wilderness and a deep commitment to Zulu culture and environmental conservation, Big Five private game reserve Thanda, meaning love in Zulu, really has it all, and more. This 14 000-hectare reserve doesn’t stop at offering an abundance of wildlife and a luxurious lodge experience, but also has a huge focus on authentic activities for visitors who want a bit more out of their bush break.

At Thanda you have the opportunity to participate in rhino monitoring –where you track rhinos on foot and learn about their behaviour, as well as rhino darting – which gives you the rare opportunity to be in close contact with these prehistoric animals. There are also cultural activities on offer, allowing you to follow in the footsteps of the Zulu people and experience a Zulu blessing under the sacred marula tree.

Then there are the walking safaris, of course, which are exhilarating, educational and enriching all at once. Thanda’s guides and trackers have extensive knowledge of flora and fauna, animal spoor and animal tracking – not to mention many personal anecdotes from their own villages, tribal elders and families. They’ll teach you about the smaller, but no less impressive, aspects and secrets of the bush. Being on foot in the bush in the domain of wild animals is one of the most exciting experiences life has to offer, and makes you feel part of the circle of life.

Last but not least, Thanda has become a popular destination for those wanting to see the bush through a lens and capture wonderful memories and moments through photography.

Christian Sperka, the resident wildlife

ABOVE: Christian Sperka

photographer, teaches according to his basic rules of wildlife/motion photography under the motto “Keep it Simple”. He has travelled the world photographing animals and his work has been featured in wildlife magazines and books.

If booked in advance, for guests who stay two nights or more, Thanda offers a complimentary two-hour photography lesson with Christian. You can also book a three-hour evening game drive with Christian in the Green Mamba – the ultimate photography safari vehicle – to put into practice what you have learnt. A bird photography experience is also available at Thanda; you can choose between a half-day or a full-day excursion to the nearby Mkhuze Game Reserve.

At Thanda Safari there really is something special for everyone. *

FOR MORE INFO www.thandasafari.co.za

The wildness

of one of Africa’s oldest game reserves is as far away as the door of your chalet.

Comfortable living with the Big Five comes naturally here ...

Hilltop Resort is the pride of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. The Resort is situated on the edge of a forested hill and offers fine views of the surrounding countryside. It is a three-hour drive north from Durban via the N2. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is a premier, “Big Five” park; home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Its rich plant-life, grasslands and forests support a wide variety of other game animal.

Activities: Bush braai, game drives, picnics/sundowners, Santa Lucia boat cruise ( hippos and crocs), game capture museum, outdoor brunch-kwa maphumulo, bush walks, pool.

Santa Lucia boat cruise

Hilltop Chalet Mthwazi Lodge

“H

ey, do you know where we should go on holiday?” I said.

“Where?” said my partner warily. I knew what she was thinking: that I was going to say “remain here”, but make it sound like “Romania”. I make that joke a lot, mainly because I never really want to go anywhere on holiday.

“We should go to Australia,” I said.

“Australia?” she said. “You said you would never go to Australia.”

“I know.”

“You said there’s nothing there but snakes, skin cancer and Australians.”

“I know.”

“You said that if I ever suspected you’d been abducted by aliens and replaced by a clone, I should suggest we go to Australia on holiday, and if you gave it serious consideration, I would know it wasn’t really you and I should run you over with my car.”

“I know.”

“I have to ask then: are you a clone?”

“No.”

“It’s not necessarily a deal breaker if you are. Maybe you’re an improved model.”

“I’m not a clone,” I said. “There’s just a really good deal on flights to Australia right now.”

“Ah,” she said, with a disappointed expression that said, “Yup, it’s you all right.”

If I have any flaw in my character, it’s that I love a bargain. Is that so bad? It saves money!

“It’s not saving money when you buy things you don’t need,” my partner said.

FOOL’S bargain

his face.

“Actually,” I muttered. “I don’t think that was beard oil. I think it was hoisin sauce.”

She does have a point, I guess. Sometimes the thought of saving a little money makes me act foolishly. Once when the petrol price was going up at midnight, I went out to fill up the tank but the queue at the filling station

But how can she say that for sure? I may not need it now, but what about the future? I’m living in four dimensions! Don’t confine me to the present moment.

“What about that halfprice six-pack of beard oil you bought from the Asian supermarket?” she said.

“It was a very good price.”

“You don’t have a beard, and you never will.”

“Oh, you never know.”

“I do know. I’ve seen you try to grow one, and if that ever happens again I will run you over with my car and tell people you were an alien clone.”

I was going to point out that the beard oil was so cheap I can sell it to beardy friends and make a profit, but I remembered I once gave a free sample to my friend Chunko and he said that bees kept trying to swarm around

was so long, it wasn’t worth waiting for the little amount of petrol I needed to put in, so I drove around to empty the tank to make it more worth my while. But that was an aberration. Usually my behaviour is perfectly rational.

“We probably will visit Australia at some point of our lives,” I reasoned with her. “Let’s just get it over with, at a good price.”

“You do know,” she said, “that once we get there, we’ll need hotel rooms. Do you know how much hotel rooms cost?”

I pondered that. She made a good point, but there is always a solution.

“We could fly there,” I said, “and walk around and see the place, and fly back that same night. That way we’re saving money, and we also don’t have to spend too much time in Australia. Everyone wins!”

“Or you know what we could do?” said my partner. “I’ll go to Australia, you go to Romania.” *

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A GOOD BARGAIN TO GET ME EXCITED, SAYS DARREL BRISTOWBOVEY, BUT IS A BARGAIN A BARGAIN IF I DON’T NEED IT?

If I have any flaw in my character, it’s that I love a bargain. Is that so bad? It saves money!