The Crest 88

MAY-JUNE 2019 ISSUE 88

AFRICAN PALACE

Historical Treasure

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

*ed's letter

a few months ago. Our cover story visits this fabulous boutique hotel in Kloof and uncovers how Peter Amm had a vision he never let go of, and how his collection of treasures through the years created a wonderfully quirky and historical space to share with guests from near and far.

I always get such wonderful feedback in connection with Robin Lamplough’s nostalgia pieces, it’s great to hear that you enjoy the fascinating tales as much as I do. There’s nothing quite like stepping back in time and learning about how things were before, how they came about and how they progressed into what they are today. In this issue, Robin takes a closer look at the Rob Roy saga.

With Father’s Day around the corner, we

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BE THE CHANGE

here are so many people in our community who truly are the change we want to see in the world, proactively helping improve lives of the less fortunate, especially children – our future. Upper Highway Baby Home and Ingane Yami Village both provide safe havens for orphaned and abandoned children, rewriting their stories and giving them a second chance of growing up in a nurturing, stable and loving environment. These are just two of many organisations that without the help of local volunteers wouldn’t be what they are, nor would they exist in the first place if it wasn’t for inspiring founders not letting go of ideas and dreams until they become reality.

Speaking of making dreams come true, I am amazed by Ammazulu African Palace – I didn’t even know it existed until

 TALK TO US

E katrine@famouspublishing.co.za b @TheCrestMag W @TheCrestMagazine  thecrestonline.co.za

celebrate two incredible men. Neurosurgeon Dr Basil Enicker recently performed the first “awake” craniotomy on renowned jazz artist Musa Manzini, and Daniel Stewart travels across the world protecting street dogs – and their human best friends – from rabies. We also have super trendy outfits for the men in your lives in our fashion feature, and Father’s Day gift ideas in our trending piece.

Our Take Note section, keeping you in the loop of what’s happening in our neighbourhood, is one of my favourite parts of The Crest. I just love all the little snippets of positive news and initiatives. If you have a story to share – whether it’s your own or a friend’s – please drop me a line.

Until next time, happy reading!

LEE SHELLY INTERIORS GIVEAWAY!

Lee Shelly Interiors create timeless and comfortable interiors which reflect their clients' personal style Ð be that modern contemporary or classic elegance.

To stand a chance of winning these gorgeous scatter cushions and a luxury faux fur throw, go to Lee Shelly Interiors Facebook page, like, share and tell us where you plan on using them in your home.

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in this issue*

50 GROUP EDITOR Doody Adams EDITOR Katrine Anker-Nilssen PRODUCTION EDITOR Lorna King GRAPHIC DESIGN Kyle Griffin SALES CONSULTANTS Anneline Domnick 066 254 0621 Gaylene Diedericks 081 707 6313 DISTRIBUTION Mphumzeni Thusi Enquiries: sumayia.khan@ famouspublishing.co.za ACCOUNTS Sumayia Khan CONTRIBUTORS Andrea Abbott, Sally Chance, Cathy Clark, Gavin Foster, Robin Lamplough, Jeremy Nell, Debbie Reynolds, Anne Schauffer, Stephen Smith

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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.

COMMUNITY CAPTURE YOUR IMAGINATION

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Historical treasures and cultural heritage

SACRIFICE AND VISION

Published by Famous Publishing, 52 Mahogany Road, Mahogany Ridge, Westmead, Durban, 3610.

031 714 4700 www.famouspublishing.co.za Printed by Paarl Media, KZN Managed distribution by Vibrant Direct

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NO MONEY BUSINESS

WE ALSO PUBLISH ...

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Off the grid and reconnecting with nature

THE GRAND EXOTIC

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A special place filled with creativity

OUR CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE 54 The Upper Highway Baby Home

LOOSEN UP

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BERG BLISS

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REGULARS 26

Michael Stephenson: bartender extraordinaire

WILDERNESS, UNPLUGGED

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Ingane Yami The ABC logo is a valued seal of trust, providing measurement, compliance and auditing services which protects the way advertising is traded. The Crest is ABC audited and certified.

EAT MY DUSTER

Relaxing and adventure in the Drakensberg

The mysterious Rob Roy saga

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD

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The latest trends in menswear

State-of-the-art dealership opens its doors

HIGH IN THE SKY

DECOR TRENDS

The new Renault Duster

Daniel’s passion for animals goes global

SUPERTECH PINETOWN

LIFESTYLE What’s hot in 2019

Neurosurgeon Dr Basil Enicker

ITÕS A DOGÕS LIFE

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ED’S LETTER 1 TAKE NOTE 4 SOCIALS 10 TRENDING 38 LAST WORD 56

ADVERTORIALS IMAGE INSURED BB SQUARES BRETTENWOOD ACTION COACH

ON THE COVER: Ammazulu African Palace, photographed by Etienne Koenig

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www.crestwoodkitchens.co.za

1 Builders Way Centre, 4 Builders Way Road, Hillcrest Tel: 031 765 4260 Email: info@crestwoodkitchens.co.za

take note*

u Keeping yo in the loop A New Weed Eater

Iphithi Nature Reserve in Gillitts recently saw the first release in South Africa of Neoloema abbreviata, a beetle that feeds exclusively on the invasive alien plant Tradescantia fluminensis. Commonly known as Spiderwort, it’s a vigorous creeper that, like the beetle, originates in southern Brazil.

The weed stifles indigenous growth in forest understoreys. Left unchecked, it could decimate forest habitat. As with all biological control agents imported into the country, Neolema abbreviata underwent extensive tests by scientists from the Agricultural

ed's choice

Research Centre and with the support of the Department of the Environment to ensure it poses no risk to the local environment. South Africa has a healthy record of biological weed control, starting in 1913 when a cochineal bug was released to control smooth prickly pear.

Since then, many other biological control agents have been introduced without negative impacts. So, if you spot this little beetle or its grey, slug-like larvae, welcome them with open arms.

– Andrea Abbott

Unique And Uplifting Bags Uzwelo Bags and The Jes Foord Foundation have formed a partnership to support rape survivors. Every Jes Foord-Uzwelo bag purchased and given on your behalf, after the victim’s initial reporting process, contains a selection of toiletries and care items to help start the victim from journey to survivor.

The functional, stylish and affordable bags are manufactured from 100% recycled PET non-woven felt. Each unique bag is handmade by local heroes who are now earning a living that puts food on the table for their families, funds education and provides dignity and upliftment for their communities long-term.

Visit  www.uzwelo.co.za to sponsor a bag for R100

Let The Fun Be-Gin A two-day gin festival offering late night shopping, live music, food, beer and of course gin. A luxury ticket, at R100-R140, will give you a free gin cocktail and a gin glass to take home, while general admission is R50. Head to the ticket station to purchase drinks tickets, before exploring the various gin bars and sitting down to enjoy the live entertainment and great vibe.

May 25 (12pm-10pm) and May 26 (12pm-8pm), Hillcrest Centre, 42 Old Main Road.

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Alpine VW Rocks Competition More than 50 rocks have been placed at select venues around the Upper Highway area, so grab your family and friends and get exploring. When you find a rock, snap a selfie and check in on Facebook at the venue where you found the rock. Don’t forget to include the hashtags #AlpineVWRocks and #SeeUpperHighway, and to like both Facebook pages. The more rocks you find and post, the more chances you stand of winning. Be sure to follow the See Upper Highway page for updates and hints on where the rocks are. The campaign ends May 29, and winners will be announced June 1. Have fun!

W AlpineVWHillcrest, seeupperhighway

Pinetown Gymnastics Opens Hillcrest Branch Allan Chadwick has been involved in gymnastics since 1968, training and coaching locally and touring overseas as national coach.

In 1991 he got involved with setting up and running Pinetown Gymnastics Club at Lahee Park, and that’s where he has been ever since.

Recently a branch of the club has opened up at the Oxford Village – which is wonderful news for the Upper Highway community. “We engage beginners with a fun programme which develops your whole body – strength, flexibility and coordination,” says Allan, adding that classes for four to 10-year-olds are on offer.  www.ptngym.co.za  031 702 9756

GET INVOLVED! Assagay Conservancy To Raise Community Awareness The Assagay Conservancy was formed by a group of local residents concerned about the proliferation of invasive alien plants and the poor water quality in the valley. The conservancy covers 282ha and constitutes the Madwala Reserve and the Umhlatazana River

catchment habitats – predominantly temperate grassland, but also undisturbed areas of riverine forest and sensitive wetlands. As the pressures of urban encroachment continue to increase, it becomes more important for us to focus our energy on the sustainable utilisation

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and effective management of our surroundings, ensuring it is conserved for present and future generations to enjoy. Assagay Conservancy, a non-profit organisation, aims to raise community awareness and enthusiasm through the dispersal of information and various education initiatives.

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take note*

u Keeping yo in the loop

Avant-Garde Inspiration From Local Hairdresser Hair is not only what’s on your head, but a reflection of who you are and how you feel.

“Hair is like a canvas for me,” says Keelen

Gilbert of VOGUE101 in Winston Park, who recently did an avant-garde photo shoot to create an awareness of the industry not only

being about hair – but also an expression of art and entertainment. “These styles are not the normal day-to-day look, but are all about Durban July and Fashion Week,” says Keelen.

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2019 Vodacom Durban July July 6, Greyville Racecourse: Fashion, fillies and a whole lot of fun. This year’s theme is “Stars of Africa”, and there’s still time to book your ticket and get your winning outfit organised. Be there or miss out on the most prestigious horseracing event of the year in KZN.

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Stepping Back In Time Highbury recently celebrated its 116th birthday and unearthed their first-ever time capsule, which was buried by Mrs Pam Turner’s Grade 5 class in 1994. Her class each wrote a letter about South Africa’s first democratic elections that were taking place at the time, and a second letter to their “future-selves”. They also gathered a collection of things that were “new” and “old” at the time, to place in

the capsule. The time capsule was created from PVC pipe and buried in the gardens at the back of Highbury’s Chapel.

Ten of the boys from Pam Turner’s class gathered together with their retired teachers, special guests and Highbury staff and boys to unearth the capsule, and it was a wonderful surprise to see that everything had been perfectly preserved. The contents of the time capsule has been set up in Highbury’s Media Centre.

Fun And Fitness Miss Messy, May 25, 8am-2pm, Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park: Miss Messy is a ladies only 4km run, so bring yourself or your squad and immerse yourself in this unique, out of this world course. Expect fun from start to finish – mud, colour, inflatable obstacles and foam. n 082 892 7837 Comrades Marathon, June 9, 5.30am: Starting at the Durban City Hall and finishing at Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg, don’t forget to get out there and cheer on the 25 000 runners covering 87km. It’s gruelling – and the runners need all the support they can get.

Fit Night Out, June 22, 4-8.30pm, Moses Mabhida, People’s Park East: Women’s Health’s incredible Workout Party is returning to Durban for a mid-year sweat session. Expect the hottest fitness trends packed into a late afternoon and early evening of fun and fitness, led by trainers, yogis, dance instructors and the Women’s Health team. Sweat while you socialise.

Tickets cost from R370.

Charlotte's Web June 13-July 7, Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre: This charming children’s story comes to vivid life in Greg King’s enchanting stage adaptation. It tells the tale of Wilbur, a prize-winning piglet and his unique friendship with an extraordinary spider, named Charlotte. This is heart-warming family entertainment that is perfect for the July holidays.

Tickets cost from R120-R180 for adults; R100-R160 for children, students and pensioners.

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take note*

u Keeping yo in the loop Campfire Tales With Kingsley Holgate An explorer, humanitarian and author, Kingsley Holgate has been described as “the most travelled man in Africa” – which most certainly means he has a lot of wonderful stories to share. Join Kingsley on June 13 at Kloof’s St Agnes Church in Abelia Road, at 6pm, for some magical campfire tales.

Tickets through Computicket, all proceeds go to Youth Education and Support Trust. n 083 309 6211

Celebrating 30 years of more than just auditing

*makeover

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LOOK YOUR BEST

ost of us have no idea as to what suits us when it comes to the colour and style of our clothing or hair. We generally just do what we are attracted to, but the fact that we are attracted to something does not necessarily mean it suits us. Fay and Megan of Image Insured will teach you step-by-step which colours you should be wearing to suit your skin tone, how to apply your make-up correctly, what colour and style your hair should be and also which styles of clothing would suit your body shape.

Tamaryn Hunter, 36, is a busy mom who

runs her own business and never has much time for herself. She had no idea where to start and needed to look good for her clients.

“I visited Image Insured and am so delighted that what I learnt there has taken the guesswork out of everything, and I no longer have to wonder whether I am looking good or not,” says Tamaryn. “I am a Summer with cool undertones to my skin and everything I had been doing regarding clothing and hair was enhancing the sallowness of my skin,

which made me look washed out and tired. I am absolutely delighted with my new look.”

Grant of Grant Harper Hair Design in uMhlanga Rocks used light violet cendre blonde from Wella Illumina to cut the yellow out of Tamaryn’s hair and then used a square layer technique to cut her long hair into a chic shoulder length bob.

Tamaryn is dressed in Image Insured’s own clothing range Seasons.

Tamaryn’s outfit is from Fay and Megan’s own Seasons clothing range, obtainable at their Kloof shop Image Insured. MAKE-UP BY MEGAN COLEMAN. STOCKISTS OF KRYOLAN MAKE-UP

FAY COLEMAN MEGAN COLEMAN

GRANT HARPER

JUSTIN DALLAS

Delcairn Centre, 12 Village Road, Kloof 031 764 1039 www.imageinsured.co.za

Grant Harper Salon, 6 Lagoon Drive, uMhlanga Rocks 031 940 6817

031 764 3824 082 590 5491 studio@impakt. co.za

IMAGE INSURED -SINCE 1985-

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take note*

! d n u o r a Seen

SHING.CO.ZA FAMOUSPUBLI E@ IN R AT K ICS TO SEND YOUR P

St Mary's Foundation Trust Business Breakfast The annual business breakfast was a huge success – with MC Refilwe Moloto, guest speaker Jeremy Gardiner and Stone Wealth Management.

 Linda Stonier, Jonathan Manley and Lisa Praschma.  Lisa Praschma, Linda Stonier, Jeremy Gardiner and Refilwe Moloto.  Refilwe Moloto and some of the St Mary’s DSG High School girls.

Hillcrest High School Angel Tea This year’s Angel Tea theme was “Keen for Green”, and 235 ladies enjoyed a morning of speakers and pampering at the Dis-Chem-sponsored event.

Lynn Goss, Sandy van Willingh and Liesl Sparg. Candace van Wyk and Kim Griffith Jones.

Music at Makaranga One of South Africa’s favourites, Matthew Mole, gathered a happy crowd on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the Makaranga Gardens recently. The regular picnic concerts are popular in our community, and next up is The Parlotones on July 7.

Local Firm Ranked Fifth In The World ActionCOACH Ignite recently celebrated exceptional international rankings – fifth in the world out of over a hundred firms.

Deborah Coskey, Darryn Le Grange, Wendy Richards and Chenal Brummer.

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P R I V A T E

E S T A T E

RAINMAKER 05|19 The depictions herein are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change without prior notice.

SIBAYA

cabanas and villas from R3.9 million Just 5 minutes north of Umhlanga, Balize Private Estate is the first luxury estate in the sought-after Sibaya Coastal Precinct with ocean views from every home. Offering smart-ready 2, 3 and 4-bedroom luxury freestanding Villas, Cabanas and Penthouses, Balize Private Estate is designed to inspire a resort-living feel with highest-quality finishes, generous outdoor living and an ocean-front lifestyle.

The depictions herein are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change without prior notice.

The depictions herein are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change without prior notice.

Contact our Development Consultants to set up your on-site appointment and experience the most exceptional views on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.

u m h l a ng a umdloti

The depictions herein are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change without prior notice.

John Robinson: 083 410 1536 | Charlene Anamourlis: 083 262 2200

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b a li ze. co. za

i n fo@b a li ze.co .za

cover story*

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CAPTURE YOUR IMAGINATION The spectacular Ammazulu African Palace in Kloof is full of historical treasures and celebrates the cultural heritage of KZN, writes Katrine Anker-Nilssen

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round 50 years ago Peter Amm was on his first job as an architect in Kloof when he discovered a beautiful vacant plot nextdoor – right on the edge of the gorge. Peter saw a golden opportunity and decided to buy the plot, planting the edges with trees and promising himself he would return to make the most of it one day.

Forty years later, after living in Cape Town for some time, Peter returned to Durban and reconnected with Kevin MacGarry – whom he had met at University of Natal’s School of Architecture in 1968. And that’s when the idea of Ammazulu African Palace started to form.

“Peter’s energy, passion and grasp of the wholeness of our three-dimensional world is the reason there is a palace to talk about,” says Kevin.

“He defines a world in which less is definitely not better than more. His appreciation of the luxuriousness of the plant world spreads to be surrounded by the richness of hand-crafted beauty – the items of everyday use and adornment that are governed, in his case, by ‘new is not necessarily better than old’.” With a laugh, Kevin adds that Peter was born with compulsive collector’s syndrome.

In the garden, in Peter’s Kloof home Merrywinkle – previously a cattle farm – there was a cow shed with a collection of Zulu arts and crafts; fragile, damp and forgotten. And the garden itself was full of teak windows and doors, choked by tropical plants. “I realised I needed to incorporate these treasures into a building,” explains Peter. “The treasures had to be the building, not in boxes inside the building itself.”

Peter considered a cultural museum, but this idea was rejected by the council – deeming it inappropriate in a residential area. So

he decided to turn his treasures into a boutique hotel – supporting beautiful artefacts, earning running costs and satisfying council regulations all at once.

“Among Peter’s scattered variety of possessions were the title deeds of that property he found and fell in love with all those years ago,” says Kevin. And now the ball started rolling. For three and a half years Peter and his partner, Leon Mostert, sat to lunch with Kevin to search for the heart of the scheme. Then time was spent weaving new windows, doors, timber shutters, marble paving and other things that Peter had found in his garden, into the building fabric. Ammazulu African Palace was complete and opened its doors to the public in 2011.

FAR LEFT: The majestic Art Deco bronze original front door from the old Colonial Mutual building in West Street.

LEFT: Ammazulu is the vision of local artist Peter Amm (left) – here pictured with fellow architect Kevin MacGarry, who helped make the palace what it is today.

Walking into Ammazulu you find yourself catching your breath at the sheer scale and magnificence of the space and building. You may feel a little overwhelmed at first and unsure of where to look, as there is so much to take in. But once you have explored, one part at a time, you are certain to be left in awe.

Traditional artefacts, beadwork, sculptures and much more adorn walls, floors and ceilings.

Twenty columns, arrayed on a gentle curve – wrapped by Jane Durand in traditional beadwork panels fixed next to the sparkle of chipped china, topped with traditional spears, wooden spoons and milk pails – stand 5-6 metres tall, assembled in twos with a sense of twinning.

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cover story*

Ten guest rooms, kitted out in beautiful things from India and Bali and supported by kitchen and health amenities, are on the top floor – which can be reached by a spiralling down cast-iron stair rescued from Greenacres. There’s also a private dining room and a peaceful reading area upstairs, along with a veranda boasting breathtaking views of the gorge.

Downstairs you’ll find reception, a curio shop, the African Art Peeping Museum, a sauna and a steam room. There’s also a large dining space with eye-catching snake-shaped tables by wood-artist Russell Walford – which along with a kitchen close

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by is perfect for functions and conferences.

All this is protected by the dragon’s multi-coloured roof, whose spine is split to provide beautiful, natural light. There’s also an inviting splash pool outside, and direct access to trails in the Krantzkloof Gorge.

So what’s next for Peter, you may wonder? “We are working

on a sculpture garden, hopefully to be opened soon, in my home garden at Merrywinkle,” he says with a twinkle in his eye. If Ammazulu is anything to go by, I expect this project will be just as magical. Watch this space!  www.ammazuluafricanpalace.com

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profile*

A passion to blaze a path in the field of neurosurgery has put Dr Basil Enicker and KZN on the world map, writes Debbie Reynolds

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or Dr Basil Enicker it was another day in the office. For jazz musician Musa Manzini it was a life changer.

The University of KZN lecturer and internationally celebrated jazz artist had already undergone two operations to remove a benign brain tumour when he consulted Dr Enicker late last year.

“His symptoms such as numbness and weakness of his left hand had returned and the frequency of his seizures were increasing,” says Dr Enicker. “Because he is a professional musician and teacher, it was critical to preserve his neurological functions.”

And so, Dr Enicker decided that an

“awake” craniotomy was appropriate, the first ever undertaken in South Africa.

During the six-hour operation in which the neurologist and his team removed a bone flap from the skull and a large portion of the tumour, Manzini played his guitar.

“He was sedated so his playing was not 100%,” laughs Dr Enicker, “but we needed to know that we were not compromising his skills which was easier to do while he was awake.”

In February Manzini went back to lecturing and his gigs around the country.

“It’s results like this that make my job so rewarding,” says Dr Enicker, who grew up in Umlazi and matriculated at

SACRIFICE AND VISION

ABOVE: Jazz artist Musa Manzini during the six-hour awake craniotomy.

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St Francis College in Mariannhill. While his parents and grandfather were all teachers, it was his grandmother who inspired him to be a doctor.

“She was a paediatric nurse and I always remember her looking after us when we were sick,” he says. “From a young age I wanted to be like her and help people. In fact, my whole family instilled in me a sense of respect and compassion.”

His family encouraged his dream and “sacrificed much” to pay for it, and he enrolled at UKZN’s Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 2002.

After his internship and community service he arrived at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in 2006 with his sights

ABOVE: Dr Basil Enicker, who heads up the neurosurgery unit at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, lives in Kloof. set on being a specialist neurosurgeon. He qualified in 2010 and today heads up the neurosurgery unit.

“It was a tough 10 years of study, hard work and self-sacrifice, but it has been worth every moment,” says Dr Enicker. “From early on I realised I wanted to lead by example, and the best way to do that was to supervise and mentor others.

“In this hospital, which caters for the 11 million people who live in KZN, we only have six specialist neurosurgeons. My goal is to inspire people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to become neurosurgeons so that we can help more people.

“Albert Luthuli is doing excellent work and it was good to see the hospital getting international coverage through the Manzini story, but we need to be keep giving our patients the best care possible.

“For now, the buck stops here as we are the only public health neurosurgery unit in the province. What we do has a longlasting impact on people who are often

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ABOVE: One of Musa’s albums.

I am here because I did the work and made the sacrifices.

There are no short cuts

breadwinners and contribute to the economy.

“It means so much when patients get back to us and tell us where they are in their lives and how we made that difference.”

Dr Enicker’s vision is to increase the meaningful research output in the province and expand the neurological service, so it is more accessible to people outside of Durban.

He also strongly believes in balancing work and family time.

“My wife Zanele is specialist oncologist and we have two beautiful children, fouryear-old Liso and two-year-old Nala. We have lived in Kloof for three years and love the climate, open space, amenities and proximity to good schools.”

The lessons he will teach his children are: value education, surround yourself with positive role models, and never give up.

“I am here because I did the work and made the sacrifices. There are no short cuts.”

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profile*

H

e’s rescued goats from cliffs and dogs from quarries, worked in 18 different countries, lectured to experts and spurred numerous rabies elimination projects. Animal behaviourist Daniel Stewart loves animals and dogs in particular.

“I was dragged up in animal welfare,” laughs Daniel. “When we lived in Empangeni my mom ran the SPCA and then worked for the Lower South Coast SPCA when we moved to Port Shepstone.”

It stood to reason then that Daniel would do “something with animals”. “I desperately wanted to be a vet but was told I was too stupid, so after doing my army service and backpacking around Europe, I joined the Pietermaritzburg SPCA.” Over 16 years he earned his stripes moving from an inspector to assistant manager and a seat on the national council’s board of directors.

“Just before I left welfare the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation came to KZN and I worked with them on rabies control projects here and in Tanzania and the Philippines,” says Daniel.

In 2009 he started his own business, Wild Capture, which specialises in the development of humane animal handling equipment, animal training, rabies elimination, animal welfare and dog bite prevention.

“Working with dedicated people such as Kevin le Roux from

IT'S A DOG'S LIFE After being told he was too stupid to be a vet, Daniel Stewart turned his passion for animals into a rewarding globe-trotting career, writes Debbie Reynolds

the Department of Agriculture was a big influence on has created with GARC and Humane Education, he is where I have gone from there,” says Daniel. also working on developing a fully dedicated bite He now works with all the big guns in prevention programme teaching people how to the field, including the World Health avoid being bitten by dogs.

Organization, Food and Agriculture More recently he’s also worked with the In 2017 KZN had rabies under control, having Organization, World Animal Protection, Centre for Disease Control in America had no human deaths for the previous two years. the Global Alliance for Rabies Control and the Ohio State University on rabies However, Daniel says after a problem with procurement (GARC) and the Pasteur Institute. control projects in Ethiopia. of the vaccine and other political influences, rabies “Working with the SPCA where every “Working out of Paris the Pasteur day was a challenge gave me a good Institute provides rabies elimination tragically claimed eight lives in 2018. grounding on how to handle stress,” says training around the world with “We haven’t had any human deaths now for six Daniel. “My biggest challenge now is the our next stop being Morocco in months, so are getting back on track.” stupidity of governments that think culling September,” says Daniel. “The courses The bottom line: Make sure your dogs have massive amounts of dogs is the answer to teach everything from how to read dogs, their rabies vaccinations. population and rabies control. take samples, vaccinate and also how to educate people properly.”

“Education and vaccination is the answer. A lot of free roaming dogs are actually owned by people and have Following on the two bite-prevention booklets he

FACT FILE:

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LEFT: Daniel with three of his four furry friends.

BELOW: Daniel during a rabies vaccination campaign with the local SPCA in Zimbabwe.

a place in a humane society. In Ethiopia, for instance, we have seen incredible connections between homeless people and street dogs.

“For us to catch the dogs so we can vaccinate them, means convincing the homeless people that we aren’t going to kill them but are rather helping them.”

He tells the story of a man who lived on a pile of plastic with 12 dogs. After convincing him to help them catch the dogs, they could see which was his favourite.

“He held the dog as we injected it and then bent down and touched his head to the dog’s and said he was sorry if we had hurt him. People don’t realise that dogs give humans life as much as humans give them life.”

He says just because dogs don’t have a purchased property with a fence around it doesn’t mean they don’t have a good life.

“Dogs are meant to roam,” he insists. “My biggest bugbear is confining dogs to a flat and then thinking taking them for a little walk every day makes up for it.”

He says, for example, they have tracked free-roaming dogs in townships which don’t actually move more than 300m away, but still walk 14 to 27km every two weeks.

Closer to home, he thrives on teaching people how to train their dogs and helping them with behavioural problems.

“It’s all about happy dogs and happy owners,” he laughs. Never mind that his four best friends – Abby (Border Collie), Heera (German wirehaired pointer cross Collie), Bailey (Africanis) and Tucker (German shorthaired pointer) – rule his life!

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Let’s do soft, fresh and delicious, and take lunch to the next level with BB Squares! BB Squares are proudly Born ’n Bread in KZN for topping, filling and toasting any way you like - so let’s skip boring, and let’s try something new!

development*

This state-of-the-art dealership looks forward to giving back to the community

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he Supertech Group has once again excelled as a leading BMW Group nationally, taking a total of six first place awards at the BMW SA National Dealer of the Year Awards. Supertech Group Managing Director, Ubaid Tayob, says the results show that the Supertech Group, with six dealerships across the country, is a leading BMW brand on a national level. “I am extremely proud of my phenomenal staff who have shown passion, dedication and loyalty to the BMW and Supertech brands.”

The R150-million Supertech Pinetown dealership, located strategically off the busy M13 highway between Pinetown and Kloof, opened its doors in January. Taking only 12 months to construct, the dealership is one of the most advanced BMW dealerships in the country and has changed the skyline in the area for years to come.

With 130 parking bays, a full carwash recycling system and generator backup, the 11 600m² dealership is not only one of the largest in the country, but also one of the most advanced in terms of technology and sustainability systems.

Shabir Tayob, Chairman of the Supertech Group, says that the dealership, which was built within a year, is a culmination of hard work, determination and passion from the Supertech team and key stakeholders. “The opening of the new dealership highlights our commitment to investment, job creation and social responsibility in the area. In addition to retailing, financing and servicing BMWs as well as selling approved BMW parts and offering excellent customer care, we have already engaged with several charity initiatives and look forward to constantly giving back to the community.”

In keeping with Supertech’s vision of constantly being innovative, the group has created its own coffee brand – linking up with Lineage coffee. Supertech Pinetown

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SUPERTECH PINETOWN OPENS ITS DOORS also has a fabulous in-house cafe, the Isetta Bar, serving gourmet meals by talented chef Dwayne Druckenbacher.

With the incredible range of BMW’s that are being released in 2019, matched with the phenomenal growth of the Supertech brand, 2019 is indeed a massive year for Supertech, and will also see the first BMW Approved Repair Centre opening in Pietermaritzburg – which will set the standards high for repair work in the area.

“The Supertech Group as a whole has contributed greatly to BMW sales across the country and as a result, BMW has been the number one premium vehicle brand in South Africa,” says Tim Abbot, Managing Director for BMW South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

H 6 Kirk Road, Pinetown  031 701 4772

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HIGHBURY BURSARY OPPORTUNITY A foundation to future success

HIGHBURY CLASS OF 2013 ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF 2018 83% attended Kearsney, Michaelhouse or Hilton 2 Dux and 1 Runner-Up

10 Prefects

1 Headboy 12 Academic Honours 4 Sport Honours

7 President’s Award Gold Certificate

19 Prestigious Awards or Trophies

12 Colours Awards (5 Academic, 2 Sport, 2 Art)

2 Captains of 1st Teams

10 KZN Sports Representatives and 1 SA Team Representative

BURSARY APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW UNTIL 30 JUNE 2019 Grade 2 to 7, starting January 2020

At Highbury, we continue to prove the benefits a well-balanced boy-centric education has on your son’s future. We invite you to apply for the opportunity to be awarded a bursary of partial tuition fee remission (25% to 50%) until

the end of Grade 7. Bursaries are limited, and will be offered to students who are currently in Grades 1 to 6, who are not attending Highbury and who would otherwise be unable to be enrolled in our school.

Visit our website www.hps.co.za/bursary for further infomation and to apply.

nostalgia*

HIGH IN THE SKY Robin Lamplough uncovers the mysterious Rob Roy saga

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nce a well-known hostelry, the Rob Roy has been a Botha’s Hill landmark for almost 90 years. Perched on the highest ground in the area, it commands views to the Drakensberg Mountains, as well as over the Thousand Hills to Inanda. Old plans of the Botha’s Hill township show the site clearly marked W.D. for “War Department”. Perhaps as early as 1879, it had been earmarked as a British army heliograph station. Certainly, the heliograph was often used in that conflict for sending and receiving messages to and from inland units.

Early in the 20th century, the land around Botha’s Hill was acquired by local politician and property developer, Clement Stott. Stott laid out the township and planned an upmarket golf

RIGHT: A Kloof socialite at the site of the proposed golf clubhouse, about 1935.

LEFT: The first Rob Roy Hotel burnt down in 1962. course in the Assagay valley. He identified the high ground to the north, where the Rob Roy would later stand, as the site for a clubhouse.

Unfortunately the Great Depression of the early 1930s wrecked this scheme and the golf course was quietly forgotten.

Not long afterwards, however, another developer built the first Rob Roy Hotel. It became a popular watering-hole and overnight stop for travellers to and from the coast. This phase lasted some 30 years. As a student in Pietermaritzburg, 60 years ago, I remember that one of my fellows

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regularly hitch-hiked to the hotel at weekends to charm (at least, so he claimed) the daughter of the owner, whose surname may have been Rumble.

Then, in 1962, the building was destroyed in a disastrous fire. The former headmaster of Kearsney College, Robert Matterson, had in retirement taken up residence at the hotel. He lost all his books and most of his possessions in the blaze. He was forced to take refuge in the newly erected Chantecler Hotel in the valley across the main road, where he would spend the rest of his days.

Before long, however, the Rob Roy had been rebuilt and was back in business. As I recall, the owner at that time was Arthur Gallwey. The hotel specialised in cream teas on the sunny lawns and became a popular wedding venue. It was also increasingly used for a variety of corporate events.

In the 1990s the building was considerably refurbished. I recall, after 1994, a telephone call from Johannesburg in which I was asked to suggest a suitable name for the revamped establishment. In the spirit of the times, I proposed “KwaNyuswa Towers� but that clearly did not pass muster and the old name Rob Roy was retained.

In the new century the use of the property underwent a change of ownership and radical transformation. The new owners had recognised the growing demand among the over-60s for comfortable accommodation in a secure environment. In 2007 work began on turning the Rob Roy into an upmarket retirement village.

The first phase of the project was to convert the existing hotel accommodation into a range of comfortable apartments. In addition, there was added a restaurant-dining room, an auditorium, a swimming pool and a well-equipped gymnasium. A Rob Roy bus made regular excursions to local shopping centres, and a stateof-the-art security system ensured that access to the village was tightly controlled.

A decade or so later, at the western end of the complex, a new wing was constructed, offering luxury apartments with views beyond Pietermaritzburg as well as northwards over the Valley of a Thousand Hills. For the foreseeable future, it seems, the Rob Roy will continue to play a key role in catering for the needs of those who are able to retire in secure comfort.

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advertorial*

LET'S DO LUNCH Your family is No 1 in your life, so celebrate lunches and pack them with goodness in every mouthful

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t’s so easy to get into a lunch slump – making the same boring lunches day in and day out. But finding original lunch ideas for your family that are creative, delicious and tasty can be daunting, which is why it’s so much easier and simpler

to recycle the same old lunch ideas every day of the week.

Wouldn’t it be great to change things up with something new, fresh and exciting that puts the WOW factor back into lunchtime?

Something that leaves your family looking forward to eating

their lunch … something that brings a smile to their faces with every mouthful.

It’s time to skip boring and do the unexpected – from light and delicious to rich and decadent, the time is right to think outside the loaf and breathe new life into lunch making.

BB Squares are the quick and easy answer to doing lunch differently. High in fibre, these soft Squares can be topped, filled or toasted, and enjoyed sweet or savoury.

Stretch your imagination and revolutionise the sandwich. It’s what your family deserves!

DID YOU KNOW? People who eat regular, balanced meals are less likely to be tired, are more attentive in the classroom or office. And more importantly, they retain more information – leading to better results.

JOIN THE BB SQUARES TEAM AT WATERCREST MALL ON MAY 25 AND 26, WHERE YOU CAN VISIT THE BB SQUARES MYSTERY LUNCHBOX, COLLECT RECIPE CARDS TO INSPIRE YOUR NEXT LUNCH, OR STAND A CHANCE TO WIN SOME AWESOME PRIZES. SEE YOU THERE AND LET’S DO LUNCH!

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Yu’reInie

to ex�erience a spectacular lifest�le..

ROB ROY - the choice for your retirement living!

ROB ROY LUXURY RETIREMENT BOTHA’S HILL

Resale prices range from R750 000 to R1 850 000 for apartments and from R2 000 000 for a free standing cottage. New Inverness apartments start from R1 775 000 and are 70% sold.

For peace of mind and glorious views there is no better than the Rob Roy Retirement Lifestyle Village.

ROB ROY CONSISTS OF:

• • • •

Apartments Freestanding houses 24 hour established Care Centre Assisted living

These are situated in magnificently landscaped gardens within a highly secure estate. Additional units are currently being built in the new Inverness Wing to meet the increasing demand for luxury, yet affordable, retirement. All apartments are finished to the highest standards, fitting for the finest lifestyle village in KZN. With a choice of a wide range of facilities, security, medical care and various services, you and your family will have peace of mind.

Enjoy a sundowner in the MacGregor Bar or take a casual stroll to the spectacular Community Centre for a glass of wine on the deck whilst taking in the beauty of glorious sunsets over the Valley of a Thousand Hills.

Retirement at the ROB ROY is the time to and enjoy ever� moment!

lie lie  he ull

www.robroylifestylevillages.co.za 4292 Rob Roy_Crest Magazine.indd 1

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CONTACT: Anne Peddle 082 568 6331 OR Lynne Hannah 073 210 0577 | EMAIL: robroy@robroylife.co.za VIEW: Monday to Friday and Sundays 10am to 3.00pm | Saturday by appointment

2019/01/24 9:29 AM

community* Katrine Anker-Nilssen discovers the beautiful Ingane Yami Children’s Village – where orphaned and abandoned children’s stories are rewritten thanks to an extremely passionate team and our very own community

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

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wenty years ago Jayne came into Yvonne Greig’s life. In the course of two years, Jayne lost several family members to AIDS, leaving her with grandchildren to raise and eventually having to leave Yvonne’s family to focus on her own. Yvonne visited Jayne in a community out of sight and behind the hills just outside Ixopo, and it was during these visits she realised she wanted to do something to help orphaned and abandoned children. When Jayne passed away in 2007, and Yvonne was connected with the Watoto Children’s Village in Uganda, the journey of Ingane Yami began.

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TOP RIGHT: An aerial view of the village.

LEFT: Mama Ruth – the village’s first nurturing foster mom.

Ingane Yami is an isiZulu word meaning “My Child”, and Ingane Yami Children’s Village makes a difference by rescuing children, rebuilding families, restoring lives and releasing leaders. “We believe there is no substitution for the love of God and the nurture of a mother. Children deserve to grow up knowing what that is,” says Yvonne – who founded the village with husband Roger.

The Restoration of Hope Board was formed in 2007, and bought a 30-acre plot in Shongweni/Dassenhoek two years later. “For three

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BELOW: Patricia Deacon with some of the school children.

BOTTOM: Prime Circle recently visited the Ingane Yami children and held a free concert to raise funds.

TO RAISE A CHILD years the ground was cleared, levelled and prepared to become a future children’s village,” explains Patricia Deacon, who’s in charge of marketing and fundraising. “In 2012 our first foster mom, Ruth Makhaye, moved in and the village was officially opened.”

Mama Ruth arrived with her two biological sons Mthoko and Mbongeni. “Both my foster children and my biological children are my children, I don’t see a difference,” says Ruth – who heard about Ingane Yami through her mom’s employer. “I went for an interview and when the vision of the village was explained to me, I realised that this is something I want to get involved with. I love working with children and I want to give back to the community.”

The concept of cluster foster care is fairly new to South Africa and demonstrated in different ways: from multiple foster homes integrated into a particular community, to a community created around foster homes. Ingane Yami is the latter. “Our moms commit to long-term care just as a mother would.

Ingane Yami then acts as the umbrella covering and supporting our moms with a home, food and education – so they have all they need to raise the children,” explains Patricia. All homes have capacity for six children and one mom, and are designed in a circle in order to create a “smaller community within a larger community” feel. This allows moms to support one another in areas of discipline and play, while still being able to take ownership of their individual home’s needs.

Ingane Yami is a permanent, loving home for previously orphaned and abandoned children. It is a place where children without a family can be knitted into a family, receiving the nurture of a mom

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community*

ABOVE: Hope, faith and charity – three words that have come to mean so much to the children of Ingane Yami.

There’s currently five homes in operation, with five moms looking after 19 children. “We have an on-site school catering for Grade R to Grade 7, a creche, a community hall, a resource centre, an office with supportive staff, a home for our social worker and her family, an astro turf and a soccer field,” says Patricia. “Our long-term plan is 150 children in 25 homes. We also want to expand our school as our children grow – creating a high school facility – and add computers, books and a quiet space for completing homework at our resource centre.”

Ingane Yami looks to take the next step after simply rescuing a child, wanting to raise that child to become a whole, secure, confident adult. “We want each child to grow to be the best at whatever they are called to be. We want to see functional, wellrounded and well-balanced individuals who are able to go back into their community of origin, experience a healthy and wholesome marriage and raise their own children in that same way – starting transformation in their own community,” says Patricia.

“We have been amazed at how people from our community have so generously offered to give what they have to give in order to see our children’s stories rewritten,” says Patricia. Spar KZN donates all the food for moms and children monthly, while local dentists, doctors and other specialists look after the children’s needs in health. Others are involved giving free lessons in tennis, P.E., dance and gymnastics.

“The African proverb ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ really rings through. We could not see the change that we see in these children’s lives without the help we receive from the wider community,” says Patricia.

E tricia@inganeyami.com  www.inganeyami.com

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ar t deco

Gwyneth Paltrow

live your passion

supports DonorsChoose

foundation.frederiqueconstant.com

For further information contact Picot & Moss 011 669 0500

profile*

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he owner of the Lucky Shaker cocktail bars in uMhlanga and Ballito says he’s super proud to be able to fly the flag for KZN. “I’ve been competing in various bartending competitions for 17 years and we’ve always been the underdogs, even though we’ve done a lot of dominating,” says Michael. “Last year Lucky Shaker won four national titles from three different bartenders, so we’re doing something right.”

He says it’s probably his experience and interest in “the full picture” that made him top dog in the Monkey Shoulder competition.

“I’ve been creating cocktail menus, doing proper calculations, pouring and measuring

NO MONKEY BUSINESS Winning the Monkey Shoulder Ultimate Bartender Championship for the second consecutive year makes Michael Stephenson a serious player in the industry, writes Debbie Reynolds for so many years that most of the competitions skills came naturally to me.”

Described as the competition that “tests the skills that pay the bills”, the format included six challenges: a general knowledge quiz, pouring, nosing, table service, the perfect serve, and round building.

Said Joe Petch, Global Brand Ambassador for Monkey Shoulder: “The Ultimate Bartender Challenge is an unconventional bartending championship, with a series of rounds aimed at testing all the skills that make a bartender extraordinary.

“It has been running for over six years globally and gives bartenders from each region the spotlight they thoroughly deserve.

“It is evident from the scores and flair witnessed at the 2019 South African championship that there are some undeniably talented and passionate bartenders in the region.”

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FACT FILE What is Monkey Shoulder? Besides being a 100% malt whisky made for mixing, it was voted the world’s best-selling and top-trending Scotch whisky by Drinks International for three years.

Using batches from just 27 casks, Monkey Shoulder is created by combining single malts from three of Speyside’s finest distilleries. Known for breaking conventional whisky rules and traditions, Monkey Shoulder puts the fun back into whisky drinking. Famed for its versatility, the taste has hints of mellow vanilla – a flavour which works well with mixers and in cocktails.

The term “monkey shoulder” harks back to whiskymaking heritage. It’s a reference to a condition that malt men sometimes picked up while working long shifts, turning the barley by hand.

This had a tendency to cause their arm to hang down a bit like a monkey’s, hence the nickname “Monkey Shoulder”. Thankfully practices have changed, and the condition no longer exists.

Having been in the hospitality industry for much of his life, Michael believes the recipe for success is all about thorough training, learning new skills and having an insatiable curiosity.

“But you have to have fun doing it,” he laughs. “After all, we’re in the business of making people happy.”

Lifting the Monkey Shoulder trophy – which is a specially designed ring – from some of the best bartenders around the country – means that Michael will be jetting off to the UK for London Cocktail Week in October.

“With my fellow winners I’ll be exposed to all the latest trends in the industry through seminars, themed evenings, tours and brand events and, of course, I’ll get to visit some of the city’s top bars. It’s all about connection and inspiration.”

One bar on his wish list is Tayer Elementary in Old Street, owned by Alex Kratena and Monica Berg, who used to be bartenders at Artesian Bar, also in London, which won The World’s 50 Best Bars four years in a row.

“It’s their first venture on their own and with their amazing approach to hospitality and their belief in collaboration, it should be industry defining,” says Michael.

One of his overseas favourites is Duck and Cover in Copenhagen. “It’s owned by a friend and was modelled on his grandparents’ lounge … very Scandinavian, moody, comfortable and beautiful.”

Locally, Michael wouldn’t mind sipping a Negroni at Sin+Tax in Joburg or Cause Effect in Cape Town.

“Great decor, great service, great company and great conversation is what makes a great bar anywhere in the world,” says Michael.

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The Crest and The Ridge Magazine MS final.indd 1

2019/04/17 1:33 PM

wilderness*

WILDERNESS, UNPLUGGED Eight strangers set off on a Wilderness Leadership School Trail in iMfolozi Game Reserve in April. Apart from every single thing required for five days off the grid, we carried our anxieties, expectations, histories and hopes

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story anne schauffer

ow on earth do we describe this trail to friends and family? This was the principal musing of the group as our trip wound down. It’s quite straightforward detailing the day-to-day rawness of the experience, but less simple describing that, through scraping away at life’s veneer, something truly extraordinary emerges. Something for which words seem inadequate, or are perhaps un-invented.

This trail had long been on my bucket list. Way too long. As you get older, so many of those bucket list items stare back at you accusingly, and suddenly you’re faced with this daunting queue … and the real possibility you might run out of time, or, my greater fear, steam. The realisation that I might be “too old” for anything,

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wasn’t something I was keen to face up to.

One soothing word popped up in the literature of the Wilderness Leadership School’s (WLS) trails – moderate. I thought, hey, I’m moderately everything, I can do this. Not that I had no concerns – I did, primarily the weight of the backpack, and the impact on the group if I couldn’t function effectively from around day two. Ego or concern for others, time would tell.

I knew no one on the trip. Would I be the oldest by far? The only one who hadn’t, or ever wanted to summit, Kilimanjaro? What if the average age was 18, and language Norwegian?

I deliberately avoided asking questions of WLS. I was going to do the trip come what may, and given the rising self-doubt, best to skip hard facts. What I knew was this – the trail took eight

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maximum, with two highly experienced and armed guides, and we’d be carrying backpacks with all our clothes, food, and sleeping gear. And we’d be sleeping without shelter.

Did I “train” for it? No. They were clear – this wasn’t a hike, safari or personal endurance test. It was a trail.

Moderation my mantra.

Our ages ranged from 22 to 74. Eight complete strangers who lived for five days in extraordinary intimacy, and who become for that period, family. More than family, a tribe even.

Out there it’s soon clear, you pull your weight or someone else has to pull double theirs. In the bush, every single activity that’s automated simplicity at home, needs a mindfulness and generosity of spirit. Whether it’s gathering and purifying water from the river, sourcing a loo and selecting leaves as your three-ply, washing pots with sand, or obeying a hand signal when you meet a lion, elephant, or herd of buffalo. Which we did.

You have no watch, and no cellphone. Time revolves around when you’re tired, rested, or

RIGHT: Eight complete strangers who soon become family, helping each other along the way.

LEFT: You are required to carry a backpack with all your clothes, food and sleeping gear – just the bare necessities ... and no cellphone. hungry … or the stars, moon and sun. Or, increasingly, your intuition, which becomes honed into a far more trusty tool out there, than in here.

At the outset our two guides, Mandla Mkhwanazi and Siphiwe Mthethwa, laid down the ground rules about safety, about leaving no trace of ourselves, and about why we were there. A deep respect for nature is a guiding principle, so too the simple fact that we were in the domain of the animals and the environment, not the reverse. As Mandla said, “The environment doesn’t need us. But we need the environment.”

A trail such as this is a great leveller. Your BMW and your bank balance aren’t visible, and if they were, it would mean zero. It’s those intangibles which show, and show they do.

A sense of caring about your comrades, a desire to play your part with the workload as much as sharing in the pleasure, and the complete absence of ego.

One thing which struck me forcibly was the great sense of humour which prevailed throughout our trip. Is it there with every group? I’ve no idea, but I do know I felt immensely fortunate to be a part of this joyfulness and often playfulness. » M A Y - J U N E

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wilderness*

There is a darkly humorous side to eight adults frolicking in the muddy Black iMfolozi River, watched over by Mandla – who is knee deep in the water, rifle at the ready. It was a steamy day, and we were all delirious with joy when he scoped out a small sliver of the river as unlikely to house crocodiles. Our faith in him, our desperation to submerge ourselves in cold water – the only occasion in five days – exhibited itself as a certain craziness with which we were all, by then, perfectly comfortable. This was our new normal.

Life is the essence of simplicity on a trail. Walk, prepare food, cook, eat, sleep … and do your hour-long night watch.

No, you wouldn’t be sharing it with another, you’d do it alone.

Not only would you keep the fire alive, ensure that no wild beasts encroached on the camp, but, importantly, this was a contemplative time for you, and you alone. Night one, nervewracking – a solitary primal fear of the pitch-black unknown, see-sawing with the burden of responsibility for the others’ safety.

Night two and onwards, a gentle, growing curiosity, a calmness, an overwhelming sense of the majesty of a star-studded sky, and the utter thrill of lion calling to lion ricocheting through the valley, the plop of something unknown into water. Almost surreal.

On a WLS trail, it’s not a slow crescendo of emotion, with the end goal, a profound connection with the wild. For me, it was closer to a daily roller coaster, from exhaustion to elation, fear to acceptance, and so on. The wonder of the trip seeps into you, reveals itself in little bites, and now, looking back, some of the down moments are as rewarding as the up ones. And yes, you will experience a profound connection with the wild, but rather than an epiphany, it was more a drip technique. Well, for me anyway.

The wilderness – and this is wilderness, for unless you’re on foot, you will never access this part of the park – is so intensely quiet, yet not at all. The longer you submerge yourself in this environment, the more your senses are heightened. You don’t have

BELOW: Ages ranged from 22 to 74. Eight complete strangers who lived for five days in extraordinary intimacy.

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THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE TALLOULA EXPERIENCE

There is a darkly humorous side to eight adults frolicking in the muddy Black iMfolozi River, watched over by Mandla – who is knee deep in the water, rifle at the ready

to work at it at all, it just happens. Nature facilitates that long-lost, or perhaps, dusty, connection, and the deluge of city stresses you’ve been carrying, subsides.

It seemed as if, even if some on our trail had life issues with which they were dealing, the trail provided a hiatus. Instead of wrestling for five days, you were given the gift of a five-day break from it, simply focussing on basic needs, small pleasures, elements of survival, one foot in front of the other, and the extreme beauty all around.

Everything else receded.

I’m no stranger to the bush. But never like this. I don’t camp, nor do I hike. But I love it, and I’ve always valued the peace it offers and the escape from my world. But this trail was something entirely foreign to me – nothing I’ve ever experienced before. You’re stripped down to you, with no interference between yourself and the environment.

For me, it was like coming home. Contrary to feeling exposed, I felt protected. But that was my experience, and yours might be entirely different. Whatever, it’ll be an indelible one.

The Wilderness Leadership School was founded by Dr Ian Player and Magqubu Ntombela in 1957. The guides have a vast amount of experience, spending over 2 000 hours a year in the Wilderness ... they are arguably some of the best in Africa. The WLS trails have a 60-year incident free record.  www.wildernesstrails.org.za

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OVERNIGHT, FULL OR HALF DAY PACKAGES AVAILABLE Check our monthly 2 for 1 Specials on facebook and instagram

talloulabothashill 61 Old Main Rd, Botha’s Hill 031-777 1586

decor*

DECOR TRENDS What’s trending for your home in 2019

A

re you moving into a new home, or considering doing a few renovations?

If you are looking for inspiration, here are a few trends for you to keep in mind when it comes to fabrics, textures and colours.

• Velvet: Velvet was once seen as old fashioned and stuffy, but is now viewed as luxurious yet funky. This multi-dimensional fabric has already started gaining a lot of attention this year.

• Natural: The vibe in 2019 is moving towards fresh, natural materials such as stone, concrete and granite. These elements will help add an organic, classy and serene ambiance to your living space while reflecting the world around you.

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•Copper Accents: This year we are expecting to see less rose gold and more copper accents – along with a mixture of other metals. With its red and orange tones and overall earthy hue, copper is a muchneeded breath of fresh air.

• Brass: 2019 is setting up to be a year where we wave goodbye to stainless steel and polished nickel, and welcome brass accents – surprisingly warm and subtle – back into our homes.

• Colours and Prints: The Pantone Colour of the year is Living Coral, and blues and greens help this colour stand out while also adding a popping, pleasant contrast. In addition to this, there is a strong focus on animal prints as well as big, bold extravagant florals.

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G V

Om

She FSP T’s

LEFT: NeoLITH follows the latest European trends with slimline countertops which are resistant to scratching, stains and heat. NeoLITH is made up of 100% natural composition.

IN THE KITCHEN Home design and renovation usually starts with the kitchen space – the central home feature where meals are enjoyed and family stories shared. Pewter and gunmetal taps give a softer look to what we’ve had in the past, while concealed storage for appliances and handless cupboards offers a seamless,

clean look. As for countertops, an essential component of the kitchen, quartz is here to stay – mimicking the look of natural stone, and veining and patterns create character.

The Studio Collection shares their top four kitchen trends for 2019:  Natural African grain veneers: We are seeing a move towards celebrating the

natural and warm features of this earthy look.  Crystal or high-gloss surfaces: Although matte finishes are a big conversation in the interior design zeitgeist, we are still seeing a strong preference for crystal or high-gloss finishes.  Classic-contemporary design: We are seeing more hybrid kitchen designs that incorporate the best of classic and contemporary designs – such as combining natural veneers in a traditional door style with sintered stone worktops.  Island mounted hobs and extractors: We’re liberating the chef and allowing him or her to move more freely in their kitchens, rather than being pressed up against a wall.  studiocollection.co.za W OJ Communications

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on trend*

YOU'RE THE MAN Father’s Day is a great opportunity to appreciate the love and effort of our fathers, so shower your dad this Father’s Day with any one of these great gift ideas THE FITNESS FREAK DAD Treat dad to a sports massage by Lauren Uys, a qualified sports massage therapist with a chiropractic background. A massage helps improve his circulation and lymphatic flow, relax his muscles and decrease his tension. It also improves his flexibility and range of motion, helps prevent injury and speed up his recovery, and improves his muscle tone and energy levels, relieving any pain and making him feel great. Flow Hands: n 083 300 9824

LA U R EN UYS

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THE OUTDOOR DAD A far cry from the old polystyrene cooler box, Rogue Ice Coolers are built to last, utilising heavy duty rotational moulding technology and are foamed, to ensure optimal thermal insulation. The end result? A cooler that is incredibly strong with brilliant ice retention. Inspired by the natural African bush and great outdoors, the look in olive green is rugged but refined and sophisticated, with genuine leather straps and handles for a uniquely South African feel.  www.rogueicecoolers.com

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Without my dad I wouldn't be here - MARIA SHARAPOVA

THE GIFT-IN-ABOTTLE DAD  Turn any sundowner into a fundowner by adding your choice of Botanical Bombs to a shot or two of gin, vodka or rum. Top up with ice and 250ml ice cold tonic water, dry ginger or soda. Stir gently. Let the Botanical Bomb infuse for a couple of minutes. Sip, savour, sunsets, surrender. Choose from Canal Cruising with fresh tastes of pineapple, naartjie, lemon grass, grape slices, and juniper berries, or Rumble in the Jungle with spicy tones of cinnamon bark, red jalapeno chillies, star anise, black pepper,

naval orange wedges, and pomegranate arils.  www.sundownersociety.com  Distillery 031 have created craft spirits that offer a distinctly Durban flavour. Two great choices for dad are: D’Urban Scarlet Gin – the world’s first gin made with cascara (coffee cherries). It is South Africa’s most internationally awarded gin, having won gold medals in New York, London and San Francisco. This exciting gin is crafted in small batches using cascara, the red, fleshy covering around the coffee bean, and adds subtle berry notes to our gin without being overpowering.

If liqueurs are your dad’s thing, then Heart of Darkness Coffee Liqueur is a must for him to try. This all natural liqueur is hand-crafted with ethically sourced Arabica coffee beans from the Meru region in Tanzania.  www.distillery031.com  As the world’s best-selling and top trending Scotch whisky – as voted by Drinks International for three years running – Monkey Shoulder is sure to be the top trending Father’s Day gift too. R369,95 from leading retailers.

THE FUN LOVING DAD Mantality’s Mystery Box is an awesome, mysterious box of manly goodies. Each box is randomly picked and will contain between two and five items – depending on the size

you choose. No two boxes are alike, and we constantly add new products to the Mystery Box all the time. Available in small,

medium and large boxes, for R399, R499 and R899 respectively.  www.mantality.co.za

THE MASTERCHEF DAD  Deejo expresses its love of cutlery with an exclusive collection of Deejo table knives which are tattooed around four collections: Art Deco, Blossom, Geometry and Toile de Jouy. Playfully and skilfully alternating between tradition and modernity, these collections entertain in a single harmony a unique tattoo for each guest.

R4 199.  www.yuppiechef.com  Mile 8, a cookbook by David Higgs, co-owner of Marble restaurant, celebrated chef and co-presenter of My Kitchen Rules, grew up along the SA coastline, and for him, Mile 8 is where he caught his first fish and his food journey began. This is his story, and with over 90 dishes and 150 recipes influenced by the journey of Higgs’ career, Mile 8 is a culinary adventure bringing together the unique and interesting flavours of southern Africa. The perfect gift for a taste adventure enthusiast. R550.  marble.restaurant/mile-8-cook-book

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advertorial*

S

ales for 28 premium family homes, part of the Palm Swift development, have just opened. As one of the last sectional title developments in Brettenwood Coastal Estate, Palm Swift is an unmissable opportunity for those looking to be a part of the exclusive estate.

Although strategically placed within a short distance of Ballito and uMhlanga, Brettenwood itself – situated within Sheffield Beach’s lush rolling hills – remains a coastal haven. Expansive sea and forest vistas along with stylish amenities and facilities makes Brettenwood a prestigious and modern lifestyle estate where families can grow and live in luxury and tranquillity.

Palm Swift offers homes priced from R2,6-million for a two bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom; and R2,9-million for a three bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom.

Homes are expertly designed to give homeowners a comfortable living space while making the most of the indigenous landscape. Set in the magnificent Falcon Crescent, the family-focused homes are pet-friendly – a rarity in estates – have an exclusive-use garden and are designed with modern amenities in mind. Outdoor living is at the centre of these stylish homes, each boasting a covered terrace. Other features include an open plan living space with a centre island, a double volume staircase and covered parking and storage.

Located inside the luxury residential community of

INTRODUCING PALM SWIFT Affordable luxury family homes in the coastal haven of Brettenwood Brettenwood Coastal Estate, Palm Swift homeowners will have access to the estate’s facilities – including a clubhouse and restaurant, kids play area, gym, waterslides, bird and wildlife, and many wild spaces and walkways. Amenities have been built for families with children, nature lovers, individuals who enjoy an active lifestyle, and those searching for peace and calm.

Residents’ safety and security are continuously prioritised, with a number of highly successful preventative measures implemented to ensure the estate remains safe.

With only 28 stylish homes available, potential homeowners are urged to secure their next home timelessly. Chat to Brettenwood’s trusted on-site estate agents, Home & Country Property, to find out more. n 082 789 6340 E info@brettenwood.co.za  www.brettenwood.co.za/palm-swift

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www.brettenwood.co.za/palm-swift

@brettenwoodcoastalestate

RESIDENCES

NEW DEVELOPMENT

PRICED FROM R2.6 MILLION, PALM SWIFT OPENS THE WAY TO ESTATE LIVING.

Can you imagine yourself living in one of the country’s most exclusive estates? For a limited time only, Brettenwood Coastal Estate is offering 2 and 3 bedroom homes from R2.6 million and R2.9 million through the new Palm Swift development.

The modern homes are pet-friendly, have an exclusive-use garden and are set against a backdrop of indigenous coastal foliage.

LAND FROM THE DEVELOPER FROM R1 50 0 0 0 0 info@brettenwood.co.za www.brettenwood.co.za

As one of the last remaining sectional title developments on the established luxury coastal Estate, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

Register your interest for exclusive access to the Palm Swift development: www.brettenwood.co.za/palm-swift

Mark Harris Sales Advisor T 082 789 6340 E mark@brettenwood.co.za

motoring*

EAT MY DUSTER Stephen Smith tries out the new Renault Duster, and explains why it is more than just a name and deserves its 4x4 badge

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hat do people want in a family car? Space … affordability … reliability and safety. Add a modicum of 4x4 ability to the equation, and you’ve basically described the Renault Duster 4x4. In my opinion, it also offers pretty good value for money, and I love the humble way it goes about its business – there’s nothing too flash about the Duster, except maybe the chrome grille, and yet it ticks so many boxes.

Compared to the previous model this newer version is replacing, there are no extravagant design changes, probably because the original design of the Duster was so popular, and because big changes would be more expensive. The grille and headlights have been made wider, with LED driving lights, and the taillights are now square. The wheels have been made bigger and the bonnet has been sculpted, while the roof rails have been made more prominent.

There are a few more subtle changes, but the overall effect is a car that is instantly recognisable as a Duster, but also obviously as a new generation.

The interior has some very welcome changes – a 7-inch touchscreen is the interface for information and entertainment and includes Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto, which has been moved to a more userfriendly position. Other than that, materials have been improved and the seats made more supportive and comfortable.

Some of you might question whether the Duster’s 4x4 badge is worth anything, but rest assured, the Duster 4x4 can actually

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traverse some pretty tricky stuff. The 4x4 model is only available in manual form, with a six-speed gearbox, but the first gear has a lower-than-usual ratio for good control at slow speeds. The 4x4 system itself features three selectable modes: 2WD (where power is sent to the front wheels), Automatic mode (where the car determines which of the four wheels to send torque to), and Lock mode, where torque is sent to all four wheels. I’ve tested this system a number of times, and it really does work well on everything from slippery slopes and mud, to those bumpy moments where only three wheels are touching the ground. The all-important ground clearance figure is 210mm, which is class leading.

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PETROLHEAD SPECS ENGINE: 1,461cc four-cylinder turbodiesel | POWER AND TORQUE: 800 kW @ 4,000 rpm 260 N.m. @ 1,750 rpm TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual | MAXIMUM SPEED: 168km/h | ACCELERATION 0-100km/h: 12,5 seconds FUEL CONSUMPTION (claimed): 5,2-litres/100km | DRIVER AIDS: ABS with EBD and emergency brake assist, ESC with hill start assist | PRICE: R327 900 with 5 year/150 000km warranty and 3 year/45 000km service plan Entirely new to the 2019 Duster 4x4 is a multiview camera, enabling drivers to see terrain in front of them, to the sides or the rear. Very useful in tight 4x4 situations.

In terms of safety, the Duster features two airbags in the front, as well as a relatively full complement of active safety features such as ABS braking with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist. Blind Spot Warning also helps to avoid accidents by warning the driver of vehicles they can’t see.

My conclusion? The Duster offers arguably the best value of any new car on the market, and in a segment where space is so desirable, that goes a long way to ensure success. That said, there’s a lot more going for the Duster than mere spaciousness, with a great engine and gearbox setup, a very competent 4x4 system, and good specification levels.

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IT HAS HAS ARRIVED! ARRIVED! IT 2019Renault Renault DUSTER DUSTER 4X4 4X4 2019

T’s &&C’s C’s apply apply T’s

fashion*

LOOSEN UP Get the edge this winter with a more relaxed, laid-back and layered style perfect for our not-too-chilly days. Debbie Reynolds asked three local designers what the guys should be wearing this season

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o, guys, if there’s just one thing you must do to be on trend this winter, it’s lose your skinny jeans.

“Everything is baggier and more generous and, at last, the skinny jean is heading for the hills,” says Laurie Holmes of Holmes Bros fame.

“They’re not cool anymore, so bros, let them go!

“From shirts to pants, the silhouette is bigger, looser and boxier … think the 90s with a fresh twist.”

Cargo pants are back in a big way along with fresh safari-style jackets and carpenter’s vests

Longer-length shirt (R1 495) layered under woven sweater (not for sale), cargo pants (R800), and bucket hat (R495).

AMANDA LAIRD CHERRY Geometric take on traditional camouflage created using seven shades of Shweshwe fabric with garment panels made into a “shacket” (shirt jacket) and trousers. Only made to order (R19 995). All-black utilitarian look with parka (R1 000), longer length shirt (R1 495), and Cargo pants (R800).

Multi award-winning Terrence Bray agrees: “Shapes are more oversized, slouchy and generous mixed with an element of tailoring.”

He says menswear trends are very exciting as they get edgier and men take more risks. “I think we’ve been starved for so long, that we’re finally embracing a more interesting look.”

For Durban fashion doyenne Amanda Laird Cherry, it’s also about a more relaxed “dressed-down” style with the utility look taking centre stage.

“Cargo pants are back in a big way along with fresh safari-style

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 Double-breasted print knit jacket with printed pull-on knit pants. Camo kilt leggings and zip cardigan. Liberty print shirt, camo jacket with puffer lining and paper bag pants. Liberty print shirt with reversible coat and baggy pants.

The “it” item is a classic Liberty-print lawn shirt then layer it with a cardigan or overcoat TERRENCE BRAY

jackets and carpenter’s vests.”

Spot on, says Terrence, with camo utility jackets being elevated with bright embroidery. “Think the 70s Vietnam army jacket reworked and upcycled with mix-and-match prints.”

Laurie calls it the “technical” trend with zip-up nylon jackets, lightweight for Durban and more puffer-style for Hillcrest.

Embellishment is another hot trend taking winter fashion by storm.

“There’s lots of embroidery – dragons and snakes and college jacket motifs – with bigger logos and imagery,” says Laurie.

For the East Coast’s more balmy winter you also can’t go

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fashion*  Afro dot shirt (R699), charcoal Lee jeans (R749,95). Laurie, left, wears grey zip hoodie (R590), Wrangler shirt (R1349,95), and Lee Detroit chinos (R749,95). Josh wears self-label hoodie (R550), Wrangler jacket (R1 899,95), and indigo Wrangler jeans (R1 379,95).  Made in SA white LS T (R420), stripe trackpants (R559).

Big stripe sweater (R490), Wabash trackpants (R559).

From shirts to pants, the silhouette is bigger, looser and boxier … think the 90s with a fresh twist LAURIE HOLMES

wrong with a good long-sleeve shirt. Amanda advocates the white shirt in various cuts, fits and lengths, worn smart or layered and relaxed.

For Terrence the “it” item is a classic Liberty-print lawn shirt then layer it with a cardigan or overcoat. “It’s perfect for the Durban climate where you can bundle up or peel it off.”

The consensus on colour is that the muted shades are being pushed out by richer colours. Laurie is going for washed-out purples, blues, oranges and yellows, while Terrence is opting for bright jewel tones.

Amanda’s palette is tending towards interesting dying techniques, including tie-dye and ombre effects, which, she says are “a revival of

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yesteryear, but done in an updated sophisticated way.”

She’s also pushing a contemporary take on the idea of a classic suit. “We’re going for both subtle and bold versions, exploring print and plain options.”

H Terrence Bray garments available from E studio@terrencebray.co.za. All prices on

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request. Pictures: Simon Deiner (SDR Photo) H Holmes Bros garments available from stores at La Lucia Mall, Ballito Lifestyle and Watercrest Mall, Hillcrest H Amanda Laird Cherry garments available from The Space stores at Gateway and Pavilion and online at Spree. Pictures: Simon Deiner (SDR Photo)

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Recruitment Agency Stands The Test Of Time WESTVILLE’S PRO APPOINTMENTS & PRO TALENT CELEBRATE 25 YEARS CEO of the multiple award-winning recruitment agency, Cindy Norcott started off the business in a spare bedroom in 1994. Despite industry changes, recessions and legislative changes, the agency has grown from strength to strength over the past 25 years. Norcott believes that longstanding relationships built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect and customer care have been important ingredients of their success recipe.

“The company’s slogan is a heart for people, and we strive to provide a friendly, professional and responsive service to both candidates and clients.”

The Pro Appointments division focuses on providing temporary and contract staff to many of Durban’s finest companies, while the Pro Talent division has a team of specialist recruiters who focus on specific sectors – such as finance, technical, IT, insurance, sales and logistics.

The company also offers regular business breakfasts and seminars to help upskill and uplift clients and staff. These events are reasonably priced, motivational and offer great value for money.

▪ To celebrate their 25th birthday and give back to the community, Pro Appointments and Pro Talent are hosting a free job seeker workshop

on Wednesday, 22 May in Westville, from 8am to 10.30am. Email Judy at admin@proappoint.co.za to book your seat.

▪ To contact the friendly team at Pro Appointments and Pro Talent, call 031 265 2000 or visit www.pro-talent.co.za

weekend escapes*

BERG BLISS A peaceful hike and a thrilling canopy tour is the perfect combination when spending a couple of days in the Champagne Valley, writes Katrine Anker-Nilssen

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n a recent mission to the Drakensberg Mountains I decided I needed a mix of relaxing and exhilarating, which is why Champagne Valley came to mind. It has so much to offer – apart from hiking and ziplining, there’s also a bird of prey centre, a reptile centre, the boys choir, golf courses, fishing, horse riding, river rafting, abseiling, hot air ballooning, spas and much more.

If you’re like me and want to make the most of every road trip by stopping as often as possible, pay Sycamore Avenue Treehouses outside Mooi River a visit. I have been intrigued by these treehouses since they were featured on SABC3’s

ABOVE: The spectacular Nandi Falls – a must on a hiking enthusiast’s list.

TOP RIGHT: The quirky Sycamore Avenue Treehouses.

RIGHT: Inkunzi Cave is built to blend into its surroundings.

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Steve himself – Inkunzi Cave, Zulu Hut and Diddly Squat. Apart from appreciating the cosy, cave-like interior and inviting rock pools, the spectacular view of the mountains when waking up made me want to put my hiking boots on immediately and hit the trails.

Hiking lifts your mood, keeps you present, invites a sense of adventure and really puts nature into perspective. This area of our beloved Berg is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, from Monks Cowl there are lots of trail options with paths that link up – and there’s something to suit all fitness levels. I headed for Nandi Falls; the sheer power and coolness of the masses of falling water was mesmerising to say the least, and broke up a five-hour, sweltering summer hike nicely.

For thrill seekers, it doesn’t get much better than ziplining through the canopy of a lush, indigenous forest. Drakensberg Canopy Tours offer 12 slides, with the longest at 180m and highest at 65m above ground, and anyone from the age of seven can join. Guides Smangele Nkomo and Bongiwe Zondo had heaps of fun taking a group of us from treetop to treetop, and made sure we didn’t forget to enjoy the view by being too focused on braking and reaching the next platform. “I love my job and start every day with a smile on my face,” says Bongiwe.

Smangele enjoys sharing her love for nature with people from all over the world, and says that the 20-minute steep hike at the end of the tour, to reach pick-up point, is her “daily gym session”.

Don’t rush off when you head home, popping in at Valley Bakery is well worth it. This family-run business produces its own flour and has the most amazing baked goods on offer.

If you don’t have time to sit down in the lovely coffee shop or browse the art gallery, be sure to stock up on rye bread, gingerbread men (and women!) cookies, pastries and rusks.

For those who prefer a bit of pampering, there are plenty of

Top Billing, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to take a closer look. Almost like stepping into a fantasy fairyland, the six superbly quirky treehouses all have something unique to offer. My personal favourite: the Pegasus. Home-made dinner and breakfast, great hospitality and the proximity to the Midlands Meander is a bonus for those wanting to stay longer.

Moving on to the beautiful Champagne Valley, I opted for self-catering accommodation this time – on a hiking holiday it’s nice to do everything in your own time. Estelle and Steve Bull have three unique units perfectly built into their surroundings by

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ABOVE LEFT: Fun and games at Drakensberg Canopy Tours.

INSET: DCT guides Bongiwe Zondo (left) and Smangele Nkomo. other accommodation options in the Champagne Valley – perfect for a weekend escape. We tend to take the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains for granted, forgetting entirely that they are right here on our doorstep – always ready and waiting to give us blissful time-out from the business of everyday life.

Sycamore Avenue Treehouses  033 263 5009  www.treehouse-acc.co.za Inkunzi Cave & Zulu Hut  036 468 1244  www.inkunzicave.co.za Drakensberg Canopy Tours  036 468 1981  www.canopytour.co.za/locations/drakensberg/ Valley Bakery  036 468 1257 W @ValleyBakery1

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decor*

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THE GRAND EXOTIC It’s shocking, the pink. Gloriously shocking. When you catch sight of The Grand Exotic, you just know it’s going to be extraordinary story anne schauffer pictures sally chance

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he Grand Exotic is opening its doors slowly, in complete contrast to the immense, intense amount of work which owner Sarah (Dykins) Owen, and partner, Curt Wolff have put into the project. It’s not possible to fling open the doors of The Grand Exotic, because although it’s growing organically – pretty much like all of their projects – it still needs to be perfect, and there are I’s to dot, and T’s to cross.

Sarah was renowned for Churchill’s Antique Cafe, off Lilian Ngoyi Road, everyone’s favourite cafe-cum-antique-shop-cum-quaintlittle-Victorian house with astonishing decor. Sarah travelled extensively to India, France and Buenos Aires, and containers would cross the seas laden with massive carved doors, colourful gilt-edged saris, authentic old signage, and wonderful wooden artefacts, all of which would either be incorporated into her design and decor, or snapped up in her vintage shops by hunters of quirkiness. The decor was literally unlike anything Durban had seen, and Sarah not only dreamt it up, but painstakingly, on ladders, 24/7, physically did it. She’s turned building and decorating into an extreme sport.

Ten years ago, she sketched her vision for The Grand Exotic on a scrappy piece of paper. She’d bought the land in Sheffield, but red tape meant the project stalled constantly.

After selling Churchills – and bundu and head bashing at Sheffield – Sarah opened Crystal Barn wedding venue/cafe/shop on her farm in the KZN Midlands. Once again, she and Curt rolled

up their sleeves, and created this astonishing venue from nothing … with all her colourful saris, building material from everywhere including India, and a range of paint colours and techniques hitherto unknown in the Midlands. It was a great success, but still, they hadn’t forgotten The Grand Exotic.

Curt and Sarah learnt a great deal from Crystal Barn, but still, they began from scratch with The Grand Exotic, still modelling their vision on that scrappy drawing, now an architect’s plan. It’s not your usual plan of course, because, among other things, Sarah likes angles.

Forget dreary straight lines: “I think in angles,” she laughs. No matter where

LEFT: Owner, Sarah Dykins hitches a ride on her wonderfully ancient ricksha.

FAR LEFT: Look fleetingly, and it’s grand, exotic and utterly fanciful, but linger any longer, and the attention to detail is captivating. you sit in the venue, no detail has been left to chance, so you’re certain to have a fresh angle on something. Anything pretty or exotic. Sara chooses a paint colour, experiments with it, and usually, that’ll be just the first layer, with others partially covering it, so there’s a depth, a texture or a sense of antiquity. Sarah has an instinct for colour, and she’s neither frightened by it nor feels herself beholden to keep it. She’s constantly questioning herself about the shade, the intensity, the feel. Most of the fittings and fixtures have emerged out of the 400 square metre storage shed in which Sarah stashed her favourite pieces. Some, she says, from over 17 years ago. But it doesn’t mean she necessarily employs the door or

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decor*

CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT: Toby and Alfred have long and wonderful histories; Curt’s charming secret garden; this quirky interlinking space between two key function rooms houses the bar; furniture is often mismatched wrought-iron with intricate detailing.

window as it was intended – she puts together pieces of unrelated items, perhaps paints them to pull it together, and creates something entirely different.

There’s very little of The Grand Exotic which hasn’t been made

by Sarah and Curt. Sarah handmade many of the chandeliers out of Indian pots, embedded saris into the screed on the floor, inlaid “tiles” of broken plates and antique vases into the steps, painted 16 “stained-glass windows” for the ceremony and cafe space, and – on her veranda at home – painted and decoupaged fabric on to each of the 64 panels destined for the dome.

Curt built The Grand Exotic – he created the framework for the dome, attached all the panels, and had it hoisted by crane on to the building. But first and foremost, he’s a landscape gardener, and is

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fully responsible for the greenery, in particular, the “secret garden” at the back of The Grand Exotic. “That secret garden – the rockery and water feature – was the first thing Curt created,” says Sarah.

“From there, everything radiated.” It’s a magical little space.

The Grand Exotic is a certain traffic stopper. Something extraordinary, unexpected. There are two large function rooms: the main one for weddings and functions, and the dome for the ceremony, with seating in a symbolic circle of love – linking the two is a wonderfully crazy bar. The two main rooms can be hired separately for functions and conferences.

Well respected caterer Jacqui Rey heads up the function catering – there’s a full catering kitchen on site, including generator – and Cathryn Hulett is the in-house event co-ordinator. The cafe – with barista station – and antique shop will be open during the day. To add to the experience, there’s a delightful wellness spa on site.

As would be expected, Sarah has innumerable creative and crazy concepts for The Grand Exotic. Wonderfully memorable events, big and small, exclusive and inclusive. But for now, it’s about to open its delightfully prepossessing doors, and everyone knows it’s guaranteed to be both Grand and Exotic.

Sarah Owen E antiquecafe@telkomsa.net Curt Wolff E sibonlandscapes@vodamail.co.za Cathryn Hulett E kath.eventfctr@outlook.com n 083 227 5431

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*directory HEALTH

MOTORING FRIENDLY, AFFORDABLE, GENTLE CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

DENTIST

BChD (UWC), PDD Int Ortho (UWC), M.Med (UKZN). Practice no 0599395

Dr Sonam Balwanth

MEDICAL AID RATES Check ups & cleanings / Fillings / Root Canal Treatment / Extractions / Dentures (False Teeth) Veneers / Crown & Bridge work / Teeth Whitening Removable Orthodontic Plates

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MONDAY FRIDAY: 07:30  17:00 & SATURDAY: 07:30  13:00

031 764 0114 | drsonambalwanth@gmail.com Shop 7 Natalia Terrace | Commercial Centre 15 Charles Way Kloof

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HEALTH

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Curtains |Blinds | Upholstery | Cushions BLINDS, UPHOLSTERY, Roman Blinds | SoftCURTAINING, Furnishings SOFT FURNISHINGS, WALLPAPER

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SECURE YOUR SPACE IN THE Carmen CREST MAGAZINERobbertse TO SHARE - Decorator | 082 321 6964 YOURcarmen@hem-it.co.za MESSAGE WITH THE UPPER HIGHWAY COMMUNITY Contact us now to find out how we can customise an advertising campaign for your business.

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community*

LEFT: Kerry, Gary, Rebecca and Sma Stanton with four of their current six babies.

BELOW: Volunteer Robyn Keulder, who has just completed the baby home’s website, cuddles the latest addition to the UHBH family.

OUR CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE Katrine Anker-Nilssen meets the wonderful family behind the Upper Highway Baby Home

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he Stanton family has always been passionate about children.

Kerry and Gary got married 22 years ago and had Samuel (20), followed by

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Rebecca (17). Their adopted daughter Simangele became part of the family at four months old. “When Sma turned 10 and Gary retired from his full-time job recently, it was the perfect opportunity for us to start

dedicating more time to babies again,” says Kerry, who also runs a successful environmental consulting business. “We assisted other facilities with baby care, and this really confirmed our intention to start our own baby home – providing an opportunity for abandoned babies to be loved and cared for in a safe environment.”

The adoption-based Upper Highway Baby Home in Summerveld is a registered NPO, and cares for undertwos until they can be placed in families in South Africa or Canada. “The babies are part of our family whilst they are here.

A nursery is connected to our house and looked after around the clock by us, five permanent staff and a huge volunteer base that has quickly become an integral part of the baby home,” says Kerry.

“Our babies play with their siblings beautifully, they know what it’s like to go to the shops and to the beach, they do school runs and interact with lots of people and our pets on a daily basis. This way we can be sure that happy, well-adjusted tots will be confident when they meet their new families for the first time.”

Kerry runs various courses on baby care for students and scholars, and also offers a community service programme.

The warm and loving baby home has become a sanctuary for everyone who visits, and is thankful all the donated goods from our supportive community.

“We also have professionals who give of their time to help with the

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babies – such as a paediatrician, a clinic sister, an OT and an audiologist,” says Kerry.

The UHBH is at full capacity with six babies, but in the process of registering as a cluster facility – and will then be in a position to help 12 babies at a time. An extension to the nursery is under construction, which will allow for more space when completed.

“Our lives have become a lot busier and we are never off duty, but we could not be happier.

Each morning we get the first gummy smiles of the day, and in the evening the baby smell and comfort of the last cuddle before they are placed in their cribs for the night is priceless,” smiles Kerry.  www.upperhighwaybabyhome.co.za

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*advertorial

B

eing a leader is not always easy. Leaders face many challenges on an ongoing basis, but have to be the guiding light for the organisation. You often hear the cliché “Our people are our biggest assets”. We prefer to say “The right people are your biggest assets” – and these people deserve a great leader who can lead, motivate and inspire them to great heights.

Many leaders are self-taught and learn how to lead by trial and error. While learning by trial and error can be effective, you need to make sure you acknowledge your mistakes and stay open to constructive criticism. Here are some of the worst behaviours of leaders:  Micromanaging No one likes to be micromanaged. Give your people clear expectations in

To book a complimentary coaching session to assess your business and discuss your leadership strengths and weaknesses, please email darrynlegrange@ actioncoach.com

COACH'S CORNER In this column, Darryn Le Grange discusses the worst behaviour traits of leaders the form of a job description and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and manage them on the delivery of this.

Micromanagement stifles the creativity of your employees and disempowers them, and as a result they will stop thinking

for themselves.  Losing Their Temper When Things Don't Go Their Way These leaders have low emotional intelligence and scream and shout when things don’t go their way. They insult

their employees and speak to them in a disrespectful tone. These leaders manage employees via fear and intimidation rather than holding their team accountable in a professional, respectful manner.  Making False Promises

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There is nothing worse than a boss who makes promises and never follows through on these.

In doing this, you keep moving the goal posts which causes distrust and will result in you losing the respect of your team.

How would you feel if your employees broke their promises to your customers?  Not Dealing With Conflict These leaders avoid conflict at all costs and opt for corridor discussions, which can often result in an environment of gossiping and backbiting.

While no one enjoys the tough conversations, leaders must be able to have these and address any issues head on.  Overworking Employees These leaders don’t really care about the well-being of their employees. They have unrealistic expectations of what is possible from employees, and keep loading their team members with work. They have very little to no empathy, and rarely compliment their team.  They Think They Know It All These leaders always have the need to be the smartest person in the room and think they know it all. Team members will stop sharing good ideas because the leader knows it all and doesn’t consider other people’s ideas.

If you are guilty of any of these behaviour traits, try hard to make the necessary changes which will no doubt have a very positive impact on your team, their performance and the business results. n 081 231 2270  www.actioncoachignite.co.za W ActionCOACHDurban/

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last word*

F

lying just ain’t what it used to be. Despite claims that theirs is the safest, best organised industry ever, the airlines who pay young women to demonstrate how to put on a lifejacket as a prelude to flying over the Sahara Desert have made the news for all the wrong reasons lately. Early in March we read how one of our national carrier’s pilots used forged documentation to prove that he was qualified to fly Airbuses full of passengers around the world. He got away with this for two decades and was only caught out during a routine investigation into a minor incident over Switzerland.

Scarcely had my hands stopped shaking after digesting this than I was confronted with a report on the shenanigans that took place when a British Airways flight from London, England, scheduled to fly to Dusseldorf in Germany, mistakenly delivered all its passengers to Edinburgh in Scotland. It appears that most of the passengers only realised there was a problem when the pilot cheerfully welcomed them to Edinburgh. There was much mirth and some grumbles when an embarrassed air hostess asked for a show of hands by those who had bought tickets to Dusseldorf, and the passengers’ response looked like the semi-final of a world championship one-handed clapping competition.

Flying hundreds of people safely and comfortably between countless cities and countries requires a huge amount of organisation, but one would expect things to be a lot

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simpler when a pilot has just one passenger to worry about.

Apparently not. A French military pilot’s logbook in March gained an interesting endorsement when he took a civilian passenger for a joyride in a Rafale B two-seater fighter jet, only to see him make a spectacularly noisy departure just seconds after take-off.

French journalists and politicians are sometimes allowed to accompany aircrew during sanctioned flights on military aircraft, but they’re usually expected to remain seated in the plane until the performance is over. On this occasion the passenger was peremptorily ejected from the

WE HAVE TAKE OFF Being a passenger in a plane is one time in life when the control of everything is put into someone else’s hands – unless you choose to fiddle with that yellow and black striped lever, writes Gavin Foster illustration jeremy nell aircraft shortly after take-off.

Leaving an aircraft by way of an ejection seat is not something to be undertaken lightly. When the lever is pulled upwards by as little as 1,5cm, an explosive charge blows off the canopy, another one blasts the seat and its hapless occupant clear of the aircraft, and a rocket motor then propels the seat perhaps another 100m upwards. The

individual’s parachute then opens, and the seat falls away to allow an unencumbered landing a few seconds later.

The whole process – from pulling the handle until the parachute opens – takes less than two seconds, and the person in the seat can experience forces of up to 20-G’s while being blown free of the aircraft. In this case,

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the pilot landed the plane safely, and the parachutin’ passenger was hospitalised with compression injuries to his spine from the extreme accelerative forces.

We had a very similar mishap in our air force back in 2009, when a civilian passenger anxiously snatched at the black and yellow striped handle between his legs while being treated to a stunt session in an SAAF Silver Falcon’s air-display team’s Pilatus PC-7. Just like that he was gone – literally in a flash – and when he regained consciousness he found himself dangling silently below a parachute amidst a bank of clouds. Perhaps he thought he’d died. Once on the ground again he was swiftly tracked down and recovered by an SAAF helicopter. One wag was widely quoted as saying that the fellow had been treated to a very special day – he’d gone up in a jet, come down by parachute, and then returned to his starting point in a helicopter.

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JOURNEY INTO THE UNKNOWN WITH DISCOVERY

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