The Crest 89

JULY-AUG 2019 ISSUE 89

POLOCROSSE Battle For Glory

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

*ed's letter WHY ADVERTISE IN THE CREST?

WINTER WELLNESS

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ith the winter chill upon us and the change of seasons bringing long-lasting colds and flus, it can be a challenge to keep going at your normal pace – let alone remembering to eat well. All you want is comfort food, right?

We share mouth-watering curry recipes with you on page 32, the colourful dishes from the latest Durban Curry Up2Date are guaranteed to warm you up and satisfy the whole family.

Should you need motivation to make lifestyle changes, turn to page 22 and let Deborah and Matt Prosser introduce you to Rest & Digest – where it’s easy to be inspired to kickstart healthy habits that will last.

Thrive is also here to help you on your winter wellness journey; turning 60 this year, our trusted

 TALK TO US

E katrine@famouspublishing.co.za b @TheCrestMag W @TheCrestMagazine  thecrestonline.co.za community pharmacy has a strong focus on holistic health.

Many teens approaching matric find it difficult to figure out what’s next. Some want to take a gap year, while others prefer to tackle tertiary

education immediately. With so many options out there, the pressure is on – and parents are feeling the weight of these decisions just as much as their children. There is no right or wrong, of course, it’s all about what suits each individual on his or her own path. But we’ll give you some guidance – turn to page 28 for a brief overview.

With women’s month around the corner, we meet a successful author and an upbeat physiotherapist nicknamed “Doctor Death” – who have both contributed to helping others through their professional and personal journeys. Read Melissa Delport and Caron Mackenzie’s stories on page 18 and 20.

Marvel at the spectacular Hendrick’s palace on page 48, learn how to turn a small granny cottage into something bigger by choosing the right decor on page 44, and treat yourself to a leather bag, belt or wallet at Layed Back Leather – our fashion piece on page 52 tells the beautiful story behind this thriving family business.

Take Note features fun events if you’re looking for entertainment over the school holidays, as well as great ideas for those searching for a unique, locally made gift. My personal favourite: Skwe magnets. Just love this brilliant concept, allowing us to revive those distant memories by putting them on to our fridges and enjoying daily reminders of special times with friends and family.

Do you have fabulous spring ideas, exciting stories or local products to share? Get in touch!

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“Highbury Preparatory School has enjoyed a long association with The Crest through advertising and educational articles. Every issue is a celebration of our community, filled with fascinating 'homegrown' stories and interesting, insightful articles.

Highbury, 'homegrown' here in the Upper Highway community since 1903, finds a natural fit with this exciting magazine.”

– Bianca Woolley, HPS Marketing Manager

“The Crest has really helped increase our brand awareness. I have so many people commenting that they have seen our feature in the magazine, which can only mean it has a high reach in the Upper HIghway community.”

– Darryn Le Grange, ActionCOACH Ignite

“The Crest is a fabulous, well-read local publication. We have had great success advertising our Talloula Garden Spa in the magazine over the past two years – so I would like to say a big thank you to The Crest!”

– Glynnis Dirksen, Talloula

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in this issue*

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 Doody Adams, Greg Ardé, Candice Botha, Cathy Clark, Roger Collins, Lorna King, David Knowles, Robin Lamplough, Jeremy Nell, Debbie Reynolds, Stephen Smith 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.

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14 COMMUNITY GLADIATORS ON HORSEBACK

LIFESTYLE 10

SMALL WONDER

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WORTH RAVING ABOUT

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LAYED BACK LEATHER

Polocrosse – an adrenaline rush second to none

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Durban Shongweni Club

LEADING THE WAY Westville Boys' High welcomes new headmaster

OUR OWN J.K. ROWLING Published by Famous Publishing, 52 Mahogany Road, Mahogany Ridge, Westmead, Durban, 3610.

031 714 4700 www.famouspublishing.co.za Printed by Novus Print KwaZulu-Natal Managed distribution by Vibrant Direct

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Melissa Delport

BEATING ALL ODDS

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Overcoming challenges to help others

PEACEFUL WELLNESS HAVEN

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A better lifestyle for better health

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS PERFECTLY PAMPERED

WE ALSO PUBLISH ...

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Five focus factors from PSG Wealth

THIS IS THE LIFE

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The Oxpecker Trail Run

PEACE & PARADISE

60

Chilling out in the Midlands

REGULARS

ADVERTORIALS

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Especially for lovers of gin

YOUR INVESTMENT JOURNEY

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The finer details in life

32

The latest Durban curry book is hot!

A PALACE LIKE NO OTHER

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A car for the adventurous

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At Supertech Pinetown it's not only about BMWs

SO MUCH OF FLAVOUR

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Making the most of a small space

ED’S LETTER 1 TAKE NOTE 4 TRENDING 42 SOCIALS 62 LAST WORD 64

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Making the right choice in career

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.

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HIGHBURY NETWORK CONFIGURATIONS PEARSONS INSTITUTE THRIVE ACTION COACH BRETTENWOOD

ON THE COVER: Polocrosse at Shongweni, photographed by Shannon Giles

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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

Skwe: Daily Reminders Of Lifelong Memories A Hillcrest family who felt the need to do something about the photos trapped on our phones, Gavin and Jude Foulston, with children Layla and Miles, created Skwe. “Even though we had enough photos to completely fill our walls, we didn’t really want that as a solution, and so the idea to display them as magnets up on our fridge appealed to us. In our home, our kitchen is also a place where we spend a lot of time as a family,” says Gavin.

“We wanted a solution that allowed us to display, update and rotate our memories as often as we made them.”

Skwe is pronounced square.

“We thought we were being quite clever and a little funny when we came up with this name – just not thinking that many people would misread it and pronounce

it skew! Really it was just a play on the shape of our square magnets and giving the name a little bit of a South Africanism,” laughs Gavin.

Making it easy to free your photos from your phones, computers or tablets to get them on to your fridges for all to admire and reminisce over, Skwe magnets start conversations and trigger nostalgia. “We offer the perfect gift for those people who seem to have everything but still miss that special someone, like the grandparents who have been given some magnets of family now scattered around the world.

Trips to the fridge are now filled with way more smiles. We do have personalised coasters and wooden photo blocks in our range of products as well.”

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ed's choice

ABOVE: Gavin and Jude Foulston, with children Layla and Miles, created Skwe.

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Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic And Biodegradable Cleaning Products Hillcrest-based friends Candice Larsson and Gillian Zietsman are passionate about saving the environment, and recently started Calli & Co to create eco-friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning products. “We found that all these products on the market were either way too expensive, not readily available, or in plastic bottles,” says Candice.

“There are incredible natural ingredients that not only do the same thing as nasty chemicals, but actually perform better and have no side effects,” adds Gillian.

The affordable products, which come in glass bottles, are easy to use, food grade safe and 100% local. Once you’ve run out, you can refill your original bottle or get a discount bringing your old bottle back.

One of the main ingredients in the Super Cleaner, used to kill bacteria, is oxygen – which also benefits the water as it runs down the drain, makes your stainless steel extra sparkly and kills mould. The main ingredient in the Everyday Cleaner is clove oil, which among other benefits has incredible antioxidant properties and helps boost your immune system.

Then there’s the Mould Buster – which works by killing the root of the spore and preventing it from growing back.

Available at Good Source, Hillcrest, Peels Honey Shop, Assagay, Home Grown, Ballito and House of Braco, Durban – or directly through  www.calliandco.com

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Summerveld Haven For Homeless Pets Vyaksha Singh and her family have an undying compassion for helping animals in need, and run an animal rescue home on a smallholding in Assagay. “We started rescuing animals in 2016, and now have 40 dogs and two cats in our care,” says Vyaksha. Summerveld Hound Resort’s aim is to rescue and rehabilitate neglected, abused and unwanted animals. “We are a forever home to our rescues because we believe that they are part of our family, and we could not possibly imagine life without them,” smiles Vyaksha. “We also want to educate society about animal welfare and sterilisation. Once our funding is on point, we wish to go into townships and hold animal welfare workshops. We also are involved in assisting other animal rescues by finding loving homes for their furbabies.”

Now that they are a registered NPO, fundraising is on the cards. “Furniture With A Cause is something we are currently

working on, collecting and recycling old furniture and pallets into designer dog beds and outdoor furniture – which we will sell to raise funds. We are also looking to host events in the near future, such as market days and fun walks.”

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GET INVOLVED!

Busani's Beautiful Beaded Watches Busani Mnyandu is in his third year at DUT, finishing a diploma in Public Relations and Communication Management.

One day he would like to run his own event company, but beading comes first. And it’s

easy to see that beading is in this passionate 23-year-old’s heart. “I have been doing beading since I was nine,” he smiles, adding that he wants to start an online business where he can showcase and sell his work – along with the work of his community members.

“I would like to uplift my community and have a platform where their work can also be showcased, and help them make a living.”

Busani makes ear-rings, necklaces, Alice bands and much more. But his most unique and recent product is the beaded

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watch – a stunning gift for anyone who likes a bit of colour in their life. Busani’s beautiful watches can be found at Woza Moya in Hillcrest, where he is currently doing his practical, or directly from Busani himself.

Woza Moya  031 756 5866 Busani n 074 211 3296

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take note*

u Keeping yo in the loop Three For Brides

 WINTER WEDDING CARNIVAL July 5, 3-9.30pm, Kloof Country Club: This is a must for all brides-to-be, as Upper Highway’s finest wedding suppliers – such as Wedding & Functions by Jackie, Kloof Florist, Handmade by Janine wedding stationary, Neville Nixon Photography and DJ John with his Selfie Mirror – will be

showcasing their services. There will also be gin and champagne bars, music, food, prizes to be won, whiskey tasting for the grooms, and putting on the putting green to keep the men entertained.

“As a wedding venue expert, Kloof Country Club will connect brides and grooms with everything they need for their wedding at this fabulous carnival,” says wedding and functions coordinator Lisa-Marie Beard.

Entry is free.

Good News For Chocolate Lovers New exciting flavours are in every mouthful of chocolate these days, but the good news for chocolate lovers who are wanting a healthier option, is that there’s a big move among chocolatiers to include superfoods, such as spirulina, goji berries, reishi mushrooms,

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 THE WEDDING EXPO August 3 & 4, Sibaya Sun Park: Find everything you need to plan your perfect wedding.  www.suninternational.com/sibaya/

events/the-wedding-expo-durban/  EXCLUSIVE BRIDAL FAIR July 14, Makaranga, Kloof: SA Bridal Fair hosts a number of one-day bridal information events at exclusive wedding venues throughout SA.  www.sabridalfairs.co.za

and our humble rooibos in this delicious treat.

Rooibos is rich in health-promoting antioxidants, which help protect the body against cell damage caused by free radicals. Its naturally sweet taste also makes it an obvious choice for chocolatiers.

Swiss master chocolatier, Daniel Waldis, founder and owner of SA’s popular chocolate franchise, Le Chocolatier, affirms the growing demand for healthier chocolate products and says he has been experimenting with rooibos for some time, adding that rooibos and chocolate share many similar characteristics – from the fruity, floral and nutty aromas to the slight levels of astringency, making it an ideal match.

Rooibos tea pairs particularly well with white chocolate as its citrusy undertone cuts through the richness of the chocolate, while the smokiness of rooibos complements the nuttiness of hazelnut milk chocolate.

Rooibos praline – a combination of white and milk chocolate along with a concentrated rooibos tea ganache – is a hot favourite with chocolate lovers.

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The Ballito Pro 2019 June 27-July 7, Willard Beach, Ballito: The world’s longest running professional surfing event will see the world’s top surfers compete at Willard Beach. Beach and extreme sports, culinary contests as well as quality retail and food stalls will captivate visitors to this coastal holiday highlight.  www.theballitopro.com

Local Sunglass Repair Guru Carmen Kennedy has always had a passion for fashion.

“Sunglasses are on that fashion spectrum,” she smiles. “So I joined forces with my husband Dean – who has two Sunstoppers stores in Durban – and opened a sunglasses showroom on our property in Gillitts four years ago.” Catering for Upper Highway residents, Carmen retails branded sunglasses, but the part of her business growing rapidly is the repairs side. “Our lab cuts new lenses, adds new screws, nose pieces and plastic ear rubbers for the arms. A total overhaul really. I get a mix of everything coming in from every brand, and most we can fix. It’s affordable, and it’s wonderful to revive much loved glasses.”

Giving back to the community, the Kennedys support the 1000 Hills Community Helpers, run

by Dawn Leppan, and donate sunglasses annually to all the inspectors at the Kloof SPCA and the men from Durban Search and Rescue. “Both sets of people spend enormous amounts of

time on the roads. Search and Rescue are on the water a lot so all their sunglasses are polarized.

These projects are wonderful to be a part of,” says Carmen – who has also started an online Sunstoppers store and now has customers all over the country.

“It’s been the most rewarding journey. I love people and was brought up in a family with a very strong work ethic – I am so grateful for all the entrepreneurial skills I have been taught from young. Work equates to more opportunities and more choices, being able to work is empowering.” n 082 966 1431

ECR House & Garden Show June 28-July 7, Durban Exhibition Centre: KZN’s premier home and garden show highlighting inspirational and innovative home decorating ideas for inside as well as outside your home.  www.housegardenshow.co.za

BEST KEPT SECRET

The Ultimate Food & Motor Show August 9-11, 10am-10pm, Durban Exhibition Centre: Whether you are a food fanatic or a car enthusiast, the Ultimate Food & Motor Show has something for you.

Experience dining at Durban’s famous pop-up restaurants, indulge in the local street food and browse the latest vintage wheels and accessories available on the South African market.

There’s fun, entertainment, activities and specials for the whole family. Tickets can be bought at the gate. n 074 656 0649  www.ufmshow.co.za J U L Y - A U G

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take note*

u Keeping yo in the loop Holiday Fun For The Kids Magical Ice Festival July 3-7, Durban ICC Arena: Get ready to enter a world of enchantment featuring the most magical moments from across the kingdom in Disney On Ice. Join a host of unforgettable Disney characters from Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Tangled, and Beauty and the Beast.  www.icc.co.za/event/disney-on-

ice-2019/ CharlotteÕs 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 prizewinning 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.

Fancy A Glass Of Seaward?

Spier has spent the last two years developing a unique duo of wines that pay homage to the benefits of growing grapes along the coast. The aptly titled Seaward range is comprised of a sophisticated, lightly-wooded Chardonnay and a layered, spicy Shiraz.

The Spier Seaward Chardonnay 2018: Made with grapes sourced from the Tygerberg Hills, this lightly-wooded wine has aromas of ruby grapefruit, mango, citrus with undertones of raw almonds. The creamy palate offers fresh citrus and nectarine notes with well-integrated vanilla on the finish. Enjoy with pork chops, roast chicken, creamy mushroom pasta – and, of course, seafood.

The Spier Seaward Shiraz 2017: Highquality Shiraz grapes were selected from Darling, Durbanville and the southern side of Stellenbosch for this wine, which has beautifully layered aromas of mulberry, violets and plum supported by infused allspice. Enjoy with your favourite cut of grilled red meat and root vegetables or a vegetarian moussaka.

The Seaward range will be available in stores from July.

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CAMELOT RETIREMENT VILLAGE

NOW LAUNCHED Camelot Estate, Hillcrest

Boutique retirement living

FROM R1,845 MILLION All information herein is for illustration purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice.

RAINMAKER 6|19

The prestigious Camelot Estate, situated in the heart of Hillcrest, presents its 8th and final village; Camelot Retirement Village.

Camelot Retirement Village comprises 44 apartments ranging from 1, 1.5, 2 and 3-bedroom options; all with exceptional views of the lush green surrounds and dams within this English country-style estate.

This boutique retirement village will merge into the Camelot way of life. Residents can easily become a part of its close-knit, multigenerational community and will have access to an exclusive onsite Camelot Care Centre run by Tafta Premium Care.

Book your appointment at our sales office.

Heated swimming pool

Restaurant & Clubhouse

Zen-style garden

All information herein is for illustration purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice.

Pet-friendly

Fi shi n g d a ms

Tafta Premium Care

3km Na t ure tra i l s

087 095 2746 | camelotretirement.co.za

Non-high-tech bowling green

cover story*

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GLADIATORS ON HORSEBACK Thundering hooves, flying divots, shaking ground … polocrosse is an adrenaline rush second to none story david knowles pictures shannon giles

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hongweni Club conjures up images of polo and showjumping, but a look through the mists of time, courtesy of the folks who have been associated with the venue for countless years, will uncover the skills and thrills of polocrosse – a sport which is slowly catching on in the community.

It’s virtually flown under the radar, but in 2015 the club hosted the Polocrosse World Cup which ran for 10 days. “This ignited and re-ignited people’s interest in the sport and from crowds of 300 for the first few days, we had more than 6 000 on the final day,” says Ian Gourley, vice-chairman of the Shongweni Polocrosse Club.

While most folks are more akin to polo, Ian begs to differ, offering a quick insight into what makes the sport so attractive and daring. “It’s rugby, polo, endurance riding and lacrosse all rolled into one, played on a small field. Imagine having front row seats at the Colosseum, watching the gladiators battle for glory. That’s what it’s about,” he says.

That 2015 event saw the sport rejuvenate at Shongweni, soon growing into the biggest polocrosse club in the country – thanks to the incredible venue and facilities, and not forgetting the calibre of some of the members.

“We had Gavin Cocker, Springbok

captain at the 2015 World Cup which South Africa won, defending their title from 2011, arriving with his whole clan, who all play,” says Ian. “This set the trend and soon more SA players arrived, but most encouraging was riders from other disciplines such as jumping and eventing joining in.”

Currently the youngest member at the club is a mere five years old, while some of the more senior players qualify

Polocrosse Explained •A polocrosse team comprises six players.

•They are split into two sections of three.

•Three players from each team are on the field at one time.

•Three players rest and come on at the end of each chukka to carry on.

•A match is eight chukkas, meaning each section of three plays four chukkas.

•A chukka lasts for six minutes.

ABOVE: High speed action – Charlotte Pykette (UK) out in front with the ball being chased by Paula MacLarty (in pink) and supported by her teammate Tarryn Higgs on the left.

LEFT: Chad von Benecke playing for the Land Rover Durban men’s team in the 2018 High Goal.

for shopping discounts on certain days of the week. All levels are catered for and Sunday afternoon practise sees chukkas from slow and easy to flat out tough, depending on skill.

“We have recently completed the 2019 World Cup in Australia where we reached the final against the hosts. Unfortunately, we couldn’t bag a hat-trick of titles as we fell short.

It’s not only in cricket and rugby

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cover story*

where Australia is our nemesis,” says Ian. a wildcard player. A gala dinner two days before ABOVE: Umpire Paddy O’Sullivan sees the teams which have already been selected, However the World Cup returns to Shongweni (in checked shirt) chatting to the teams before the game commences. all missing one player. On the night, a live auction is in 2023, South Africa winning the bid earlier this TOP LEFT: Polocrosse is an done with teams bidding for their final player. This year. That’s still four years away, but all is not exciting sport for spectators. allows teams to have an incredible player in the lost. Shongweni hosts the Land Rover High Goal TOP RIGHT: A quiet moment ranks and is the difference between winning and tournament every year in June, an event many see before commencing hostilities – James losing. Players from Australia, New Zealand, UK, as better than the World Cup. Hackland from the Rokwil Team.

USA, Zambia and Zimbabwe are attending.

“This annual event is second to the World Cup. The level of play and riders is incredible as the Once that’s done, bidding for the teams – four men event is geared towards building teams not constrained by clubs, and four women teams – begins and should the purchaser’s team win, nationalities or location,” says Ian. “This means teams can be created 50% of the bid is returned as prize money. from the best players in the world and it comes down to these ‘super This is not a sport for the faint-hearted. It takes skill, bravery, split teams’ battling for overall honours, where the winner takes all.” decision-making and a gamble on the gallop – all mixed in with the An exciting element of the competition sees each team able to get two most important ingredients of all: enjoyment and camaraderie.

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*advertorial

Highbury Preparatory School knows boys and celebrates all that it means to be a boy

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ere are five ways that Highbury is able to bring out the best in boys:  We have experienced teachers with a passion to teach boys. Our 24 class teachers and 15 specialist teachers have nearly 800 years of teaching experience between them. They know how to establish positive, trusting relationships with the boys in their class and they have learnt to love the exuberant energy of boys!  We use Kinaesthetic and Sensory teaching methods because boys are hard-wired to learn more easily through action than words. Boys are more active and visual by nature, and a boy-centric curriculum engages both their bodies and their minds. Our teachers plan physical activity into classroom time and include lots of action like educational games that use exciting props.  We facilitate “play with a purpose”. Play is an ideal way for boys to learn. For example, a lesson may involve building a catapult to shoot marshmallows, measuring how far they fly and making a bar chart of his results. Boy-centric teaching in action!  We offer early intervention for Learning Support. Boys are more

BRINGING OUT

THE BEST IN BOYS likely than girls to experience barriers to learning. Our Learning Support Centre caters from Grades 1 to 4 with small classes (8-12 boys) and remedial qualified teachers. Our LAD Centre also offers private therapists for one-on-one support.  We provide a strong ethical foundation for boys. Highbury is a Christian school and we teach our boys Christian morals and values through daily chapel services. Our “Culture of Honour” is based on the work of Stephen Covey, and this underpins every facet of school life.

Primary school is of primary importance. Research shows the crucial years for learning are the early years, and that academic performance is set between the ages of six and 10 years old. Here at Highbury we strive to enable every boy to fulfil his potential, while having a lot of active fun along the way!

Knowing Boys. Since 1903.

To book a private tour of Highbury contact E marketing@hps.co.za or  031 765 9800

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nostalgia*

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Robin Lamplough explores how the Durban Shongweni Club has changed throughout the years, and how it today blends its traditional values with popular innovations

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his club makes a bold claim.

Entering the Saddle Inn restaurant, you see a plaque stating: “South Africa’s best equestrian, social and outdoor lifestyle club.” The club certainly has an interesting

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past. Trustee Sandy Cox provided much detail along with documents and photographs.

Long-time member and judge, Pam Crompton, provided more photos and explained the intricacies of many of the disciplines involved in training and riding horses.

A century ago, many well-todo white families in Natal kept their own horses. Some had Durban stables and travelled there at weekends. But that ended with petrol rationing during Hitler’s war. The custom developed for 10 or 15 riders from Kloof, Gillitts and

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Hill Crest to assemble on Sundays at some central venue – the Pepperpots tearoom was a favourite – for an outride followed by a social gathering.

Before long, the group was looking for a more permanent home. They found one in the plantations of J.B. McIntosh’s

Natal Wattle Syndicate. The new Shongweni Pony Club was able to negotiate a long lease. Late in the 1950s, wattle stumps were cleared and some rudimentary wattle-and-daub stables, built of poles and clay, were put up along with a small clubhouse.

Then, early in the 1960s, the Durban Horse and Polo Club lost its grounds at Newmarket, near King’s Park. The expropriation of this municipal property brought the Durban club a handsome sum in compensation. The outcome was a convenient marriage between the two associations, with the pay-out as dowry. From that point forward, the new body was called the Durban Shongweni Club.

Many members hoped they could create a country club to rival that of Kloof, already over 20 years old and built around a golf course. But that was not to be. The new club, however, was able to level the ground and build two polo fields, soon in use nearly every weekend.

In addition, regular dressage and eventing competitions were held. Before long, the club could offer 60 permanent stables, as well as extra accommodation at weekends for visiting polo ponies and grooms. Then, in

ABOVE & TOP: A rider is judged on appearance and skills.

LEFT: The clubhouse in 1950.

BELOW: Aerial view 20 years ago.

1975, Tongaat-Hulett acquired the wattle plantations and cleared them for planting sugar.

The next threat came from the proposed route of the new N3 highway. Long negotiations

followed and eventually the road plans were modified. The club lost land but received a goodly sum in compensation. By 1985, however, many local polo players found it more convenient to use a new club off Inanda Road, and the Shongweni polo section ceased to exist.

But in the same year, the club was transformed by the

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granting of a liquor license – which enabled it to open full time. For the next decade and more, a number of ex-pat Rhodesians played a variety of roles in organising and running club activities.

By the 1990s, the approach of political change in South Africa and rivalry between local factions produced conflict which affected the running of the club. Foreign grooms were attacked, and equipment and building materials stolen. When the clubhouse was broken into, a rapid-response security system was installed.

Subsequently, under the energetic leadership of Anton Mostert, the decision was reached to make the clubhouse self-sustaining. In a recent interview, club manager Gavin Proctor made it clear that he sees his function as keeping the club profitable by staying abreast of current demand.

His formula appears to blend traditional values with popular innovations. A glance at the club’s website reveals that regular activities in the grounds include a park run, a meeting of model airplane enthusiasts, trail runs, rugby games and a mountain bike track.

Clearly the Durban Shongweni Club is here to stay.

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education*

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ollowing the retirement of Trevor Hall (right), Graham Steele (left) assumes duty on July 1 as WBHS’s 10th headmaster. Formerly headmaster of Kimberley Boys’ High, Steele says this historic school has had a profound role in moulding him into the person he is today. “I attended KHS as a scholar and then came back to teach 22 years ago. As with any institution with such a rich heritage and ethos, the teachers impart more than academics, culture and sport. They teach you something that puts you a cut above your peers from other schools,” says Steele.

With a B Ed (Honours) degree, Steele has forged a fine reputation through his career during times of significant change in education in South Africa, which will be of great benefit to WBHS. “Over the years I have carved out a niche for myself as a Physical Sciences teacher, believing that if you show students where and how the science is used in their everyday

LEADING THE WAY Westville Boys’ High School warmly welcomes new headmaster

lives, it becomes useful to them,” says Steele – who firmly believes in the value of holistic education.

“I am extremely encouraged by the President’s current trend towards accountability, and can only hope that school management teams will be

included in this trend. In doing so schools will become the safe, nurturing environment that they should be – so that children can start to get an inkling of the holistic education approach and not only the current curriculumdriven education.”

Westville Boys’ High is a school with a proud academic, cultural, student leadership and sport ethos up there with the best of the best in KZN. “My main priority when I start will be getting to know the school ethos, the boys, the staff, the community and old boy alumni.

Only then will I be able to look at further innovations,” says a clearly excited Steele – who is married to Carin, a teacher, and has a daughter in high school and a son at university.

“As headmaster the primary role is that of leadership. Trevor Hall, the school management team and school governing body have set in place a wellstructured staff of teachers, admin, coaches and estate staff. The vast number of relationships between the extensive role players in a school community needs to be serviced and managed. My role will be to ensure that this is done, and then to continue to provide strategic leadership in planning for the future of the school in a rapidly changing educational environment.”

*

AS LONG AS THE JOURNEY MAY SEEM, SCHOOL IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF LEARNING FOR LIFE. VALUES AT WBHS CHARACTER | DISCIPLINE | RESPECT | RESILIENCE | HUMILITY PILLARS OF EXCELLENCE ACADEMICS | SPORT | SERVICE | LEADERSHIP | ARTS

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*advertorial

FROM BOXES TO

BIG BUSINESS 2019 marks the 20th anniversary of Network Configurations

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ETCONFIG has become one of the most successful IT companies in KZN, and would like to acknowledge the support they’ve received from over 200 clients spread throughout Africa – many of whom have been with the company for more than 15 years.

In 1999 during the Y2k bubble burst, when many IT companies were floundering and the world thought computers where going to crash globally, NETCONFIG was born. Iain Emerson, founder and Managing Director, was caught up in the bubble with a Gauteng-based company that liquidated, resulting in him heading home to Durban.

The company started in Iain’s sister’s rented house with only five members of staff, and eventually moved into Iain’s cottage – where boxes served as chairs for clients.

Suppliers sat in the garden with an exercise book as NETCONFIG’s helpdesk system.

NETCONFIG With two branches in Durban and Johannesburg, along with infrastructure company SIYAXHUMA and online training and development company The Lime Lab, NETCONFIG strive to exceed their clients’ expectations by leveraging technology and focusing on these core areas: • IT Services and Support • Cloud Services and Software Solutions • Networking, Cabling and Wireless, CCTV • Custom Microsoft Office & Office 365 Training • Development and Business Intelligence

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Machines were built at night with family members helping out. Growth happened, business boomed and their next move was to Surrey Park, before finally settling into their new home in 2015 – at 28 Essex Terrace, which now houses 75 dedicated staff.

Erica Floweday joined the team in 2003 as Operations Director, converting boxes into chairs and implementing sound business systems. “It’s all about networking, connecting people and enabling them to function in a world that can be extremely complicated to navigate. Creating a business isn’t about how much money you raise or the path you take to get there. It’s about being in it for the long haul and remaining disciplined and capital efficient. It’s about building a real business with real customers, to create the only thing that matters in the end: value for everyone involved.”

In 2016, Wayne Erradu was appointed Technical Director to mentor the technical team and fulfil the technology goals of the business. “I joined the team in 2012 as a junior. When I was appointed director, my ultimate goal was reached and I have found my strategic importance within the business – as well as myself. I continue to look forward to actively contribute to new technologies that can aid our business and our customers,” says Wayne, adding that the real secret to NETCONFIG’s success is that both Erica and Iain bring dynamics from different angles and ultimately fight it out for what’s best for the customer. “I call them the Ying and the Yang of the business. Such different personalities who want the same thing, but from different perspectives. It has been amazing to watch and learn from them.”  031 266 1563 E info@netconfig.co.za  www.netconfig.co.za

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profile*

OUR OWN J.K. ROWLING Hillcrest author, mother and savvy businesswoman Melissa Delport has turned her bucket list inside out, writes Debbie Reynolds

I

t’s testimony to Melissa’s nature that the first thing she raves about is someone else – a quadriplegic man desperate to have his life story published.

“Gregory Zondi had written his story called Turning Point and wanted it to be published,” she says. “I was asked to help out and the culmination of months of hard work was the recent book launch. Working with Gregory was a beautiful journey and the most humbling experience of my life.”

It’s passion and tenacity that steered vivacious Melissa from being a co-owner in a busy transport logistics company to indulging her love for writing and self-publishing her first book, The Legacy, in 2013.

“I wrote books when I was in my teens and early 20s, which I’m very glad never saw the light of day,” she laughs. “But publishing a book was on my bucket list, so I decided why wait? I was still working full days and had three small children, which meant writing at night after they had gone to bed.”

The then 32-year-old Melissa never dreamt that six years later she would have a remarkable 16 books in her repertoire and a publishing contract.

“Through the online I love Books platform I sent a review copy of The Legacy to Tracey McDonald, not realising she was a publisher,” laughs Melissa. “I was stunned when she offered me a contract for The Legacy Trilogy and my first contemporary fiction book, Rainfall.”

Her next chapter was selling her shares in the transport company with the full support of her husband, Murray. “We both understood that writing is a passion and probably wouldn’t be financially viable, but

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I could also spend more time with the kids.”

She has no regrets, spending her mornings doing admin and marketing work, while afternoons are dedicated to daughters, Mackenzie, 12, Presley, seven, and son Cullen, nine. She still writes at night, or

whenever she can fit it in.

“If you want to be a successful writer you have to be savvy. You can’t just write a book and think someone is going to fund you.

You’ve got to push and have your foot on the gas all the time, or you’ll fade into obscurity.”

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If you’re not prepared to spend money on your book, then no one else should.”

Melissa also learnt to split her brand, writing her speculative – science fiction, dystopian, fantasy – novels under her name, while she writes her contemporary fiction titles under pseudonym Lissa Del. Because Rainfall is her best seller, it still falls under the Melissa Delport umbrella.

With a degree in English Literature, Melissa calls herself a “compulsive learner”, having studied everything from health and safety to financial accounting and Photoshop.

She’s also launched The Secret Book Club on Facebook around three years ago, notching up over 5 000 followers. This spawned The Secret Book Box, a monthly book box aimed at women and children.

“Being an avid reader, I am crazy about getting people to read,” says Melissa. “It’s super, super sad that children are growing up not reading.”

She says sharing platforms with great local authors like Lauren Beukes, Fred Strydom and Louis Greenberg is “humbling and inspiring”, but best of all is knowing she can write for the rest of her life.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be the next J.K. Rowling, but I’m certainly going to give it a go.”

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ABOVE: Melissa with husband Murray, daughters Presley and Mackenzie, and son Cullen.

RIGHT: Gregory Zondi had his life story published with the help of Melissa. Picture: Lara Weeks Photography As a “hybrid” author, which means she publishes some books traditionally through her publisher and the rest independently, Melissa knows all too well what goes into being an award-winning author.

“Any indie worth their salt has to be active on social media and digital is the way to go, because it means people from all over the world are going to see your book.

“You’ve got to have great editing, cover design and marketing, but the most crucial is to write a good story. Don’t be arrogant – if your friends say it’s bad, throw it in the bin and start again.

“Do everything properly – there’s no coming back from a bunch of bad reviews.

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profile*

BEATING

ALL ODDS

Debbie Reynolds meets an inspiring lady who has overcome challenges and used them to help others

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loof physiotherapist Caron Mackenzie celebrated two milestones this year. “In March I celebrated 60 years of being alive and annoying people,” she laughs, “and in May it was the 30th birthday of my physiotherapy practice.”

Caron has certainly seen her share of changes over the years, not least of all was switching careers from a bored secretary to a stimulated physiotherapist.

After matriculating from Westville Girls’ High as a young 16-year-old, Caron did the ubiquitous secretarial course, but realised soon after that she wanted to be in a more peoplecentred career. “My mom was a nurse, so she suggested physio and, honestly, I didn’t think I was intelligent enough to do anything else in the medical field,” says Caron. “I applied to the then University of Durban Westville and, to my great surprise, was accepted.”

After graduating Caron worked at Addington Hospital for a year before being employed by legendary physio Joyce Morton. “She was largely responsible for getting physio into the Comrades – initiating the Comrades Physiotherapy Portfolio in 1982 – and getting women practitioners into rugby teams.”

Caron started her own practice in Pinetown in May 1989 and recalls contacting the local soccer club offering her services. “I was told in no uncertain terms that I was not wanted,” she says.

“Not to be deterred I then contacted the Pinetown Rugby Club and was condescendingly told that I could treat the players, but I was not allowed in the change rooms, so I had to do so on the floor of the pub.”

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ABOVE & INSERT: Physiotherapist Caron Mackenzie at work in her Kloof practice.

Caron celebrated her 60th birthday this year, along with her practice’s 30th anniversary.

She also remembers starting off with only one patient a day and facing the uphill struggle of being respected as more than just a massage therapist. “My first treatment bill was for R74, and in those days patients also had to be referred by a doctor or medical aid wouldn’t pay. We only became front-line practitioners around 25 years ago.”

In 2002 Caron moved her practice to Kloof’s Delcairn Centre, and a few months later was involved in a car accident which put her out of action for three months. “I was on holiday in America with my husband Bruce and children Tracey and Devon,” she explains. “Our

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BELOW: Caron with husband Bruce and children Tracey and Devon.

car skidded on black ice and rolled. Everyone else was thankfully okay, but I ended up with two broken collar bones, a ruptured spleen, 11 broken ribs and a collapsed lung.”

It was an accident that would change her life in that for the first time she could really identify with her patients. “It helped me understand pain, surgery and the healing process,” she says.

But that’s not all Caron had to endure. She had a mastectomy in 2014. “I now can also relate to treating women post-mastectomy.

I think sometimes they feel more comfortable with someone who has been through the same experience. I also like to show people that there is life after cancer.”

With a special interest in spinal issues and sports injuries Caron, who now works from Village Healthcare, says her job is “indescribably awesome”.

“I’ve been called terrible things like ‘Doctor Death’ because I make people bleed and cry, but in the end taking someone from disabled to abled is incredibly rewarding … whether it’s the granny who can now sit in her chair or the sports person who gets back on to the field.”

Known for her wicked sense of humour, Caron has a keen creative streak which she puts to use making goodie bags for the Open Door Crisis Centre’s annual fundraising breakfast.

“When I finally call it day, you’ll probably find me still doing charity work and travelling as much as I can, especially to the fascinating Far East.”

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wellness*

PEACEFUL WELLNESS HAVEN At Rest & Digest Deborah and Matthew Prosser share their knowledge, love and passion – encouraging you to make better lifestyle choices, naturally leading to better health, writes Katrine Anker-Nilssen

T

ucked away in Gillitts, the Rest & Digest Wellness Haven offers relaxing retreats and inspiring workshops and classes – ranging from gentle cleansing health programmes and breadmaking, to fasting, juicing and yoga. Having pooled their knowledge and resources together, Matt – a reiki healer and lifestyle coach, and Deborah – a Montessori teacher, Kundalini yoga teacher, reflexologist and colon hydrotherapist, have converted their property from a traditional garden into an

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eco-environment for all living creatures.

“Matt is the third generation living here.

His grandfather established a working property with chicken coops and terraces where he grew avocado trees, pineapples and vegetables,” says Deborah. “As a child Matt played in the surrounding forests and helped milk cows at the dairy farm next door.

“Matt and I met through mutual friends five years ago, and it was an instant connection,” smiles Deborah – who spent most of her childhood on her grandparents’

farm. “This is where my love for early mornings, the land and the wisdom of our elders were sealed.”

On her life journey, Deborah was continually inspired and motivated to understand the nature of our earth and its relationship to our body. “I have always wanted to know what my place in the world holds. Through challenges and joys, my life has been filled with the richness that embracing all aspects brings. And every person who has come my way has been a teacher in some form.”

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LEFT: Deborah’s kitchen is always busy.

BELOW: The Prossers.

BOTTOM: Yoga is a big part of healing at Rest & Digest.

Sprout It Sourdough bread, kombucha tea, kefir dairy, kefir water, beet kvass, sauerkraut, kimchi/cortido, radish and honey mustard are available at the Mushroom Farm’s veggie shop – or you can order directly from Deborah. www.restanddigest.co.za

Deborah travelled to India to deepen her awareness of Hinduism and meditation, developed a candle product-line – her company growing to a staff of 23 people – and taught at Montessori, before moving into healthcare through natural means.

“I started a small business in 2011 called Sprout It, to share information about the interconnectivity and importance of living foods to the body,” she says.

Along with permaculture gardening and healing plant medicines, Deborah’s extensive knowledge as a fermenteer and

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raw foodist is incredible. Her hands-on, captivating courses are hugely beneficial for anyone looking to improve their health and well-being. “Fermentation is more than learning about soil, growing food, storing food and cultures throughout our world.

It is understanding how the environmental bacteria and our own gut bacteria are connected. The health of our microbiome is determined by how we co-exist,” she says. “I have witnessed on countless occasions how someone’s healing journey is magnified when incorporating these

»

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wellness*

foods into their diet.”

People visit Rest & Digest to learn about their bodies whilst they either carry out a detox process, or a rest and restoration experience through eating plant-based meals and choosing a therapy that will assist their process. “Our clients sincerely want to change their lives, but have no idea where to begin,” says Deborah. “Being faced with a health issue is traumatic. Having the time and the space to work out what steps to implement in a holistic approach is paramount. We provide that place, as well as show people how to bring into their own environment these healthy practises, so that they become a way of life.”

Rest & Digest continues to grow in every aspect. “It is so much more than we expected. Our professional practice broadens as we continue to learn from our environment and those we meet,” says Deborah.

Give your little one a flying start Your little one will be inspired with a love of learning in Weavers’ Nest, Highbury’s co-educational pre-primary school for Grades 0000 to 00 (from age two onwards).

Our dedicated and experienced teachers are passionate about the development of your child, and encourage learning through play in a nurturing environment.

We will ensure that your son or daughter enjoys the benefits of a solid foundation for their many years ahead.

A big heart for little people.

www.hps.co.za

ABOVE: The garden has plenty of private corners where you can sit and contemplate life.

Going forward, Deborah and Matt want to move their focus towards young adults.

“Over the years we have had the good fortune of working with this age group. It is distressing to witness the tremendous

fear and overwhelm they carry. They are harming themselves without recognising the long-term effects that their actions have on both their body and mind,” says Deborah.

“I would like to inspire youth in making informed decisions about their health lifestyle, and providing them with the means to implement their ideas.”

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P R I V A T E

E S T A T E

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

RAINMAKER 06|19

S I BAYA

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VILLAS AND PENTHOUSES FROM R7 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 3 and 4-bedroom luxury freestanding Villas and Penthouses, Balize Private Estate is designed to inspire a resortliving feel with highest-quality finishes, generous outdoor living and an ocean-front lifestyle.

side-view of development The depictions herein are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change without prior notice.

Clubhouse pool 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.

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087 095 2 7 4 4 The depictions herein are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change without prior notice.

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A HEAD START

IN LIFE

Ready to prepare young people for the world of work, Pearson Institute of Higher Education – a British owned education and publishing powerhouse – has opened in the heart of uMhlanga

A

re you familiar with the X-kit study guides?

How about Platinum textbooks? These Pearson education products are probably in your child’s backpack or classroom because Pearson has been part of the South African primary and secondary education journey for many

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years. Now, Pearson is excited to showcase their 12 private higher education institutions in South Africa, including a campus in uMhlanga.

In South Africa, Pearson is home to Maskew Miller Longman and Heinemann, two of the best-known names in South African publishing, and leaders June 29, 10am, in the provision of print uMhlanga materials and CAPS Campus (left), who brings approved textbooks. with her a wealth of As part of the company’s experience from across the organic growth in the direct education sector, including NGO, delivery of learning, Pearson Basic Education and Higher South Africa has acquired the Education proficiency. Andrea Pearson Institute of Higher was Deputy CEO at the Central Education (PIHE) – formerly Applications Office (CAO), and known as Midrand Graduate Chief Operations Officer at Institute – and CTI Education Star Schools.

Group. Today this group has “My target is to provide 12 campuses, over 8 000 students with accessible and students, and 35 different quality education in order nationalities represented across to contribute towards the South Africa. realisation of the National On our doorstep, the Development Plan for South uMhlanga campus is led by Africa,” says Andrea who lives education doyen Andrea Pratten

NEXT OPEN DAY

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in Durban with her family.

Heading the uMhlanga campus sales department is Bronwyn Holmes. Bronwyn, who has worked in London at Pearson’s headquarters as well as on special projects for Pearson in New York and San Francisco, has extensive knowledge in education technology and innovation.

“I want to improve lives through two avenues – as a Pearson employee and through my passion as a yoga instructor,” says Bronwyn.

The Pearson institute

is committed to building successful communities through partnerships across the educational landscape – with ministries of education, academic and industry professionals.

The uMhlanga campus plays host to full-time and part-time lecturers all of whom boast multiple post-graduate qualifications and are industry savvy. It is their “Real World Ready” ethos that has allowed the institute to make accessible to students professional visits from DVT, Derivco, Mr Price and Bowline Security – where some of their alumni now work. PIHE is also linked to professional bodies such as ACCA, CIMA and ICB. Conveniently located north of Gateway in New Town Centre, the campus is situated next to major transport links, restaurants, shops, gyms and yoga studios, and is a mere six-minute drive from the beautiful coastline and beaches of uMhlanga. The campus shuttle runs daily from the Durban city centre, with various pick-up points en route to campus.

The campus offers: •A new building with two floors

of large, freshly painted lecture rooms, with lots of natural light.

•A new-year and mid-year intake.

•IT labs equipped with resources ideal for the bourgeoning techie professional.

•All examinations are written on campus and the access controlled facilities are monitored by 24/7 camera surveillance and foot patrol.

•Recreational activities include an outdoor games and seating area aptly named by their students as “The Turf” which hosts their student experience events every Tuesday.

•On-site canteen serving tasty food at student-friendly prices.

•A resource centre housing a wealth of books and computer stations.

•An employability centre, ensuring soon-to-be graduates are taught job interview skills and how to network with prospective employees making them “Real World Ready”.

H uMhlanga Campus, 1D uMhlanga

Boulevard, New Town Centre  031 941 3800 E durban@pearson.com  www.pearsoninstitute.ac.za

COURSES INCLUDE Commerce & Law: BCOM (General); BCOM (Accounting); BCOM (Law); Higher Certificate in Business Management.

Humanities: Bachelor of Arts (English & Psychology), for those interested in teaching, psychology, speech therapy and communication-specific careers.

Applied Sciences: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology; Higher Certificate in Information Systems Engineering; Higher Certificate in Information Systems Network Engineering; Higher Certificate in Information Systems Internet Development; Higher Certificate in Information Systems Software Development; Higher Certificate in Information Systems Cyber Security; Higher Certificate in Information Data Analytics; Higher Certificate in Information Cloud Computing; Higher Certificate in Information Machine Learning; Higher Certificate in Information Robotics.

Short learning programmes for professionals.

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tertiary education*

J

on Stewart, American comedian, writer, producer, director, political commentator, actor, and television host, once quipped that he wants to look back on his career and be proud of the work he did, proud that he tried everything. Stewart was adaptable and prepared to take advantage of all the opportunities life offered him.

Our current societal narrative forces our children to feel that they must know what they are going to do with the rest of their lives – long before they leave school. In fact, the whole point of the journey – from choosing subjects in Grade 9 until completing matric finals – is about deciding what you are going to be when you grow up.

It is an odd obsession.

But here, I believe, is the rub – most of these youngsters don’t know what there is to do once they have finished school, and even those pursuits they do know, they have no clue as to what that choice really involves.

The new reality is that the world our children are going to go out into, will be unrecognisable from the one we grew up in.

Our children spend so much time obsessing over what particular path to choose, that they forget to explore … they forget to learn about the world. Years down the line, they discover that life and their careers are not the linear journey they thought they were … or that we sold to them.

And the sad reality is that most of our children will end up going down a career path doing

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WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS There are very few teens in high school who know what career they want to do for the rest of their lives. Roger Collins, principal at NewBridge, offers some guidance something they had never even contemplated doing.

Perhaps the point of our education is not to decide what to do with the rest of our lives, but rather to explore our options and prepare for exciting opportunities – opportunities that enable us

to find where we can best make a difference. Perhaps we need to stop chasing that piece of paper we view as the Holy Grail. Maybe there are alternatives we can investigate which will better prepare us for the world that is coming.

So, what should we be

encouraging our children to do at school? They should be exploring their options and finding out about possible career choices. They should be talking to people who think differently about education, breaking through the old narrative. They should be finding out about tertiary education that will benefit them the most, asking questions and identifying institutions that resonate with them – institutions that go above and beyond the status quo.

The first step is this: as your child identifies various options, make an application. This ensures a place is booked for your child and that they are building a small basket from which to make the best choice when the time comes to decide.

The application process is not a commitment to study, but rather a way of securing possibilities.

Remember, a final decision is only made at the end of Grade 12, and by this stage your child not only has their final results, but, more importantly, they will also be better informed. Once they are ready to decide on the start of their journey, they will then complete the registration (or enrolment) process, committing to their choice.

If your child is one of the many youngsters who do not know what they want to do, don’t stress and don’t pressurise them – that is absolutely fine.

There are plenty of options which will give them time to prepare for the world that awaits them – places that provide a platform for them to find where they can best make a difference.

*

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sponsored editorial*

PERFECTLY PAMPERED At Supertech Pinetown, it’s all about spoiling customers

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he Supertech Group was honoured to receive the top prize for best trade company in KwaZulu-Natal. The award was handed over to Supertech Group Managing Director, Mohammed Ubaid Tayob at the glitzy Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards.

The Supertech brand was also placed as the third best brand in the province, which is an extremely commendable accolade – as there were over 100 KZN brands in the running.

“This is a proud achievement for the Supertech Group, showing our ongoing commitment to the public to ensure world class service,” says Tayob.

“The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards is a wonderful platform given to

the province’s companies, where they can shine and be acknowledged as leaders.

We are grateful to receive this award, and it is dedicated to the fantastic Supertech staff who work each day with passion and dedication to be the best in their fields.

Through this, we are able to give our customers memorable experiences that last a lifetime.”

The Supertech Group has developed into a formidable brand and become a household name. The group is the largest BMW dealership group in KZN and consists of six dealerships – Supertech Durban, Supertech Pinetown (including Motorrad), Supertech Pietermaritzburg, Supertech Shelly Beach, Supertech Newcastle and Supertech East London in the Eastern Cape.

Industry leaders when it comes

to customer service, innovation and professionalism, Supertech dealerships are vastly different to other dealerships. The brand new Supertech Pinetown dealership, ideally situated off the M13 between Pinetown and Kloof, is a world-class facility with an abundance of attractions – and it’s not just the BMWs in the showroom.

For the first time in a motor dealership, Supertech Pinetown has its very own spa.

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ABOVE LEFT & ABOVE: Experienced chef Dwayne Drukenbacher; Kemayu Spa’s Kim Buys, Sinead Doveton, Latasha Chetty and Loulou Bechard.

The Kemayu Express @ Supertech is situated on the upper level of the dealership, and has a full-time therapist, Latasha Chetty, offering back and full body massages as well as manicures, pedicures and gel polishes.

Customers having their cars serviced or arriving early for their new car delivery can enjoy a relaxing massage and pampering – a complimentary, luxurious gift from Supertech to their customers.

The Isetta Restaurant, headed by experienced chef Dwayne Drukenbacher, offers a host of delicious meals – from light snacks to grills and pastas, as well as a wonderful range of cakes and confectionaries.

The Isetta team has also partnered with the Kemayu Express Spa and developed a range of healthy smoothies and health shots – such as boosters and flu fighters.

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Mohammed Ubaid Tayob, says the spa is a fantastic feature to have at the dealership.

“This is a first at a dealership, having a fully-fledged spa. Our customers are already enjoying the pampering, and we look forward to this being continuously utilised. Supertech is a leader in innovation, and this shows our commitment to making our customer experience that much more special.”

Situated above the Isetta Restaurant, the spa has a separate entrance and a comfortable waiting area with white couches and decor, topped with melodious sounds and reviving aromas for the senses. The massage room is pure luxury, and an hourlong full body massage is just what many need to feel uplifted and rejuvenated.

The Supertech Group ensures an ongoing commitment to providing a superior quality service and enhancing its status as one of the leading motor dealer groups in the country, and is thrilled with the expansion that has taken place in the past few years.

*Visit the BMW Supertech Pinetown dealership, located off the M13 between Pinetown and Kloof, to experience the Kemayu Express Spa and Isetta Restaurant.

H 6 Kirk Road, Pinetown  031 701 4772

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food*

SO MUCH OF

FLAVOUR

Durban Curry Up2Date screams flavour and features delicious winter-warming curries to satisfy all tastebuds, writes Katrine Anker-Nilssen

S

chooled reporter, writer, editor and creator of mad book ideas, Erica Platter, together with photographer and designer, Clinton Friedman, have just released their second Durban curry book.

“This is the fifth we have made together,” says Erica.

“Except for My Kind of Wine with John Platter, all the books have been a collaboration with the cooks and chefs, farmers, fishermen and

food people of KZN; a celebration of local produce and dishes.”

“The first book, East Coast Tables, was born when ‘retiring’ to my home province and concerned friends from the Cape and Joburg promptly began to send food parcels, so worried were they at the absence of cuisine in these parts,” laughs Erica. “But the jewel in our crown is of course Durban Curry, So Much of Flavour. The sales, popular and critical success of this book led to three reprints.”

We are proud to publish this, our second homage to the people, places and no-longer-secret recipes which tell the Durban curry story 32

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SHEILA'S SUGAR BEAN AND AMADUMBE BUNNIES 500ml sugar beans soaked overnight in cold water; 60ml oil; 2ml each cumin, caraway and mustard seeds; 2 sticks cinnamon; 1 onion, chopped; 2 sprigs curry leaves; 7,5ml chilli powder; 2,5ml turmeric powder; 5ml coriander powder; 5ml cumin powder; 2 green chillies; 10ml ginger/garlic paste; 2 tomatoes, chopped; 4 medium amadumbe, peeled, diced; salt to taste; 60ml oil; 750ml water; chopped coriander

CURRY LAMBURGER WITH SIMPLE SPICY RED DURBAN SAUCE 750g lamb mince; ½ red onion, finely chopped; 2 red chillies, deveined, deseeded, chopped; 1 handful fresh dhania and/or mint, chopped; 1 fat clove garlic, grated; 1 thumb ginger, grated; 1 Tbsp tamarind paste; 1 tsp honey; 1 tsp mixed salt, pepper

• Mix all ingredients well.

Shape into patties. Put on a tray in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up. Heat and lightly oil braai or ridged pan.

Cook patties on both sides until grill marks appear, but lamb remains slightly pink inside.

• Drain beans and boil in fresh water until finger soft. Drain. Heat oil in a heavy-based pot, add whole spices and cinnamon, fry for a few seconds. Add onion and curry leaves, fry until golden. Add ground spices, green chillies, ginger-garlic and tomatoes, cook for a minute. Add amadumbe.

Stir and cook till half done. Add sugar beans and salt. Stir, cover, cook for 2 minutes. Add water, simmer until gravy is thick.

Sprinkle with chopped coriander. Serve with a chopped cucumber and tomato sambal.

Simple Spicy Red Durban Sauce 3 Tbsp oil; 1 onion, chopped; 1 tsp each mustard and cumin seeds; 1 Tbsp grated garlic; ½ tsp turmeric; 1 tsp dhania-jeera powder; 1 tin (410g) Indian-style diced, peeled tomatoes; 1 Tbsp tamarind paste; 1 Tbsp honey; salt, pepper

• Braise onion, seeds and garlic in oil until seeds start popping. Add remaining ingredients. Stir well. Bring to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes over low heat.

Adjust seasoning.

The food-story book approach Erica and Clinton take is much appreciated. “We don’t do recipe books, we are not chefs,” says Erica. “Though Clinton does fancy himself as a bit of a fish cook, and I’m OK at mayo,” she laughs. “The thing is, you don’t have to gloss up a Durban curry. It comes with its own glistening oil slick. You don’t have to pump up the colours, they’re naturally there. And you don’t struggle to get their makers to relax: they are proud of what they’ve

cooked, appreciate that we are interested and enjoy explaining.

They and their stories are the distinguishing feature of our books.”

With the first book long sold out came the decision to publish a sequel, entitled Durban Curry Up2Date, not only for the obvious reason, but because it’s a play on the official name of the potatoes sold by their millions to Durban curry cooks, namely UTD or Up To Date potatoes – which cook

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food* MALINDI'S FASTFOOD CHICKPEA & POTATO CURRY WITH CASHEW CREAM 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 medium white onion, chopped; 1 Tbsp ground cumin; 1 Tbsp garlic, grated; 2 Tbsp ginger, minced; 2 green chillies, de-seeded, sliced; 1 Tbsp ground coriander; 1 Tbsp chilli powder; 1 tsp ground turmeric; 1 tin finely diced tomatoes; 2 potatoes, roughly chopped into 3cm cubes; 2 cups cooked chickpeas; 1 cup water; salt if needed; 2-3 tsp coconut sugar (or brown); 2 tsp garam masala

Cashew Cream 1 cup raw cashew nuts, soaked for at least 4 hours, drained; ½ cup water; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tsp freshlysqueezed lemon juice

• Place all ingredients in blender or food processor.

Whizz until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the bowl every now and then. Add extra water if needed to reach the consistency of thick cream.

Keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

NANDU: SHAMEN'S CRAB CURRY 75ml oil; 2 tsp mustard seeds; 1 onion, chopped; 6-8 curry leaves; 3-4 green chillies, slit; 2 Tbsp grated ginger and garlic; ¼ tsp turmeric; 3 Tbsp fish masala; 6-8 jam tomatoes, crushed; 4 Tbsp tamarind paste; salt; 1 kg extra-large crab, cleaned, segmented; handful of dhania leaves, chopped

• Heat oil in a large pot over a medium heat. Add onion and cumin, cook gently. In a mortar and pestle or food processor grind the garlic, ginger and green chillies into a rough paste. Add paste to onion-cumin mixture.

Add coriander, chilli powder and turmeric, stir to coat onions well.

Add tomatoes, potatoes, chickpeas and water. Cook for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are perfectly tender and curry gravy has thickened. Season to taste with salt and coconut sugar. Remove from the heat, stir in garam masala.

Serve with sweet potato roti.

• Heat oil in a pot. Add

mustard seeds, cook until they pop. Add onion and curry leaves. Braise until light gold in colour. Add chillies, gingergarlic, stir well. Add turmeric, masala and tomatoes, stir well. Add tamarind and taste for seasoning. You may want a pinch of salt. Braise for 5 minutes. Add crab pieces. Cook for 10-15 minutes. Scatter with dhania just before serving.

more meltingly than any other variety.

“The Durban curry is a constantly evolving and changing dish – that is its essence and explains why it changed from an Indian to a thoroughly South African dish,” says Erica. Introducing modern influences, more plant-based ideas, quicker-easier tricks, and more cheffy inspirations, Durban Curry Up2Date goes fine dining.

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“The best part is not the awards or the sales, but how affectionately we have been welcomed into the Durban curry community. No one has ever refused us a recipe. The cooks and chefs are as proud of our national treasure of a dish as we are.” *Durban Curry Up2Date is available now at Gorima’s and other spice and gift shops, or online at  durbancurry.co

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*

I.N.O.X. PROFESSIONAL DIVER TITANIUM PICOT & MOSS 011.669.0500

MAKERS OF THE ORIGINAL SWISS ARMY KNIFE | ESTABLISHED 1884

advertorial*

THRIVE

BETTER THAN WELL Our trusted community pharmacy turns 60 looking to create a space that could meet all the healthcare needs of her community – a space that combined a more holistic view on health and wellness while providing a professional approach to more integrated healthcare of the individual. Thrive has met these needs by keeping the community better than well, with a beautiful space incorporating a pharmacy, a

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n 1959 the population of Kloof was about 1 500, and the M13 built in the 1940s was the “national road”.

Gerard Viger opened National Road Pharmacy in the existing Maytime Centre as one of only three shops there.

Fast forward 60 years and that “national road” is now the M13, while the population of Kloof is over 30 000 and the pharmacy has changed, renovated and evolved many times over the years to become a pioneer in the health and wellness space.

The pharmacy has had three owners over the years. Gerard Viger handed over the reins to Jane Zietsman in 1996, and Lynda Bryant-Mutsaerts bought

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PLEASE JOIN US as we celebrate this milestone! There will be amazing specials throughout the month of July and Gerard, Jane and Lynda are looking forward to seeing everyone at the cocktail party on July 26, 5-7pm. RSVP info@wethrive.co.za or 031 764 0311

the pharmacy from her in 2005. Over the last 14 years, there have been a number of renovations culminating in a major rebrand in October 2016 – when Thrive was born.

Thrive was a long-term vision of Lynda’s, she was

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health shop, a juice bar and a clinic. Thrive has aimed to support local, natural and organic produce as much as possible – creating a niche and a trusted space in which to meet the healthcare needs of the Upper Highway community.

The staff at Thrive have been key to ensuring its success.

Their kindness, friendliness and professionalism attributes

to the love they have of their customers and community. The dispensary staff have all been trained up from basic front shop assistants to qualified post basic pharmacist assistants, and several staff members have been part of the Thrive family for many years. The clinic, which opened in 1986 by Sr Jenny McInnes and Gerard Viger, has grown to a full-time primary healthcare provider – offering basic primary healthcare services to the community.

Driver Sipho Eric Mlaba has been part of the pharmacy for over 48 years, and has witnessed many changes in the area. When he started working with “Mr V”, he rode a bicycle and delivered to the big plots around Maytime. As the area grew and developed, he learnt how to drive a motorbike in

Mr V’s garden. Under Jane’s ownership, he got his driver’s license and drove a yellow Citi Golf around Kloof. Today he proudly drives the Thrive Tazz around the Upper Highway, and often takes extra long to do a delivery as he is having a cup of tea with the patients who

are now long standing friends.

“We would never be able to celebrate this wonderful milestone of 60 years serving the community, without our key ingredient: our fabulous customers,” says owner, Lynda Bryant-Mutsaerts. “The community has been incredibly

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supportive of each and every new introduction and change that we have made over the years, we are grateful and humbled by their ongoing support. Our customers are part of our family and we feel privileged to play a small part in keeping them better than well.”

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advertorial*

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me personally, if my desk is cluttered, my mind is cluttered.

If my desk is clear, I am able to think more clearly. Your physical environment definitely has an impact on how you feel about yourself and your business, and consequently how you perform.

If you don’t like the state of your current environment, you can start cleaning it up today.

ith our business, ActionCOACH Ignite, having celebrated its fifth birthday in June, I am mindful of the many businesses that start out with great passion and enthusiasm, but sadly don’t make the fiveyear mark. There are many reasons for business failure, but two of the most common reasons are:

 Lack of Knowledge – Business owners are generally very good at their trade or craft, but are short on knowledge in all the other disciplines required to build a successful business, namely: marketing, sales, finance, leadership, business systemisation, etc.  Not Doing the Right Things – Business owners busy themselves from morning to night, but not necessarily

MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD Darryn Le Grange highlights the importance of evaluating your environment doing the things that are required to move the business forward. By human nature we avoid the things we don’t like or are not good at, but being an entrepreneur requires you to push yourself out of your

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comfort zone and do things you sometimes hate doing.

So if you are not happy with where you are in business or in life, you need to start by looking in the mirror, which is often easier said than done. The

Complimentary coaching session to qualifying business owners!

Email Chenal on adminkloof@ actioncoach.com

best way to start is with your environment. There are three key types of environment to evaluate:

 Physical Environment – What is the state of your office, your desk, your workspace, your vehicle, your grooming, etc? Is everything upside down and disorganised, or are things orderly and professional? For

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 People Environment – Who do you mix with in your life? Do you mix with people who lift you up, or do you mix with people who put you down? Likewise, do you employ people in your business who are helping advance your business, or do you have people who are holding your business back? The people you associate with have a very profound effect on how you perform. If you surround yourself with positive people, you become positive. If you surround yourself with negative people, you become negative.

Choose who you spend your time with very wisely.  Educational Environment – What are you doing to grow your knowledge?

As a business owner, you cannot possibly grow your business if you do not grow yourself. You will only grow your business to the extent of your knowledge, so when you reach your knowledge ceiling, so will your business. Reading is the primary method of growing your knowledge, but if you don’t like reading, try audio books, YouTube, Google, go on seminars, courses, etc. n 081 231 2270 W ActionCOACH Ignite  www.actioncoachignite.co.za

L551 New Evoque_Crest.pdf

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2019/06/18

16:17

NEW RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

CAPABLE. YET INCAPABLE OF BLENDING IN.

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BOOK A TEST DRIVE New Range Rover Evoque is as at home on city streets as it is on mountainous roads. It has all the capability credentials of a true Land Rover but with all the city smarts too, such as ClearSight Ground View technology.

This displays what’s underneath the bonnet so you can keep an eye on those awkward high kerbs when parking.

The Evoque really can do anything. Apart from avoid admiring glances.

Land Rover Hillcrest 37 Old Main Road 031 941 6464

Land Rover Pietermaritzburg 9 Armitage Road, Bird Sanctuary 033 897 8860

hillcrest.landrover.co.za

pietermaritzburg.landrover.co.za

LAND ROVER

RETAILER OF THE

YEAR 2019

advertorial*

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e live in a beautiful country full of adventure and opportunity. The KZN North Coast, following the Cape, is quickly becoming a beacon of hope for not just a good life, but a great life in South Africa – offering a positive alternative to emigrating.

“Semi-gration” is alive and well, and we can see it in the number of private schools that are being built on the North Coast – including the likes of Reddam House, which opened its doors in Ballito earlier this

AFFORDABLE

ESTATE LIVING Palm Swift - Brettenwood’s latest development year. Many families are moving to the area every month, and along with the influx of new residents we are seeing new skill sets being added to the region as well as entrepreneurs, former captains of industry and an excited younger crowd with young families wanting to be a part of the good life the North Coast represents.

Home & Country Property is proud to bring you Palm Swift, Hulett Development Company’s latest project in Brettenwood Coastal Estate, a development that has carefully taken into account the current property market, the young families moving here and those wanting to get into an upmarket estate

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without paying the normal entry level prices of R4-million. “We are creating homes for families who want contemporary and modern architecture with optimal living spaces and exclusive use gardens, as well as the opportunity to have pets and throw the ball with your kids in your own garden – all for under R3-million,” says Mike Armstrong, CEO of Hulett Development Company.

Palm Swift’s 28 homes offer a lifestyle of living in the most exclusive estate in South Africa with all its luxury amenities.

Each well-appointed and positioned home offers a two or three-bedroom option from R2,6-million and R2,9-million

ABOVE: Brettenwood’s coastal lifestyle apeals to young families.

BELOW: The pet friendly Palm Swift homes offer beautiful private gardens.

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respectively. A garage and a pool can be added for an extra cost. “These prices are exceptional for any estate and give you the opportunity to teach your child to ride their bike for the first time in your own garden, or plant the roses you have always wanted in your brand new home,” says Mark Harris, sales executive for Palm Swift.

Set in amongst indigenous coastal foliage along Falcon Crescent, one of the most desirable parts of Brettenwood, the Palm Swift homes feature flawless design that maximise space efficiently. The en-suite bedrooms are situated on the second floor, while the open plan living areas and guest bathroom downstairs flow on to the entertainment area and outdoor space.

Can you imagine yourself living in one of these pet friendly, modern homes?

Contact Mark Harris on E mark@homeandcountry.co.za n 082 789 6340 for an exclusive viewing

www.brettenwood.co.za/palm-swift

@brettenwoodcoastalestate

NEW DEVELOPMENT

YOUR ENTRYWAY INTO BRETTENWOOD | FROM R2.6 MILLION

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.

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

LAND FROM THE DEVELOPER FROM R1500 000 info@homeandcountry.co.za www.brettenwood.co.za

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

on trend*

FOR A BETTER PLANET Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health worldwide – but you can play your part to help save our planet

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ut of the top 20 offenders, South Africa is the 11th worst offender in the world when it comes to releasing plastic waste into the sea; 94% of all beach litter in South Africa is made from plastic, of which 77% is packaging.

Every day about eight million pieces of plastic pollution find their way into our oceans, with two-thirds of it coming from land-based sources, such as litter being left on beaches or washed down rivers.

With one in three fish caught for human consumption

Reduce Your Use Of Single-use Plastics Fifty percent of consumer plastics are single use, but with RECUP – South Africa’s first cup exchange programme – you can now return, reuse, recycle.

Simply order a take-away coffee; pay a R20 deposit for a cup of your choice in three sizes; return the RECUP at any partner cafe for a refund, or get your cup washed and refilled. Find your nearest RECUP partner using their App.  www.recup.co.za

One of the reasons why plastic pollution is such a problem is because plastic is forever now containing plastic, the question is no longer are we eating plastic, but how bad is it for us? In seawater plastic absorbs chemicals like PCBs and DDTs – which have been linked to endocrine disruption and even some cancers, becoming more powerful as they work their way up the food chain. Even if we don’t eat fish or go to the beach, we have to breathe – and with 70% of oxygen being produced by marine plants, we seriously need to take care of our oceans.

One of the reasons why plastic pollution is such a problem is because plastic is forever – plastic debris simply breaks down into ever-smaller particles, known as microplastics. Here are some ideas to reduce plastic pollution.

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Avoid Products Containing Micro-beads Tiny plastic particles, called micro-beads, have become a growing source of ocean plastic pollution. Micro-beads are found in some face scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes, and enter our oceans through our sewer systems, affecting hundreds of marine species.

Avoid products containing plastic micro-beads – look for polyethylene and polypropylene on the ingredient labels of your cosmetic products.

Without oceans life on earth can not exist Use PET To Make Products PET plastic – used for making plastic bottles – is 100% recyclable, and can be recycled into fabric and felt.

PET bottles are collected, washed and chopped into chips or flakes. These chips are used in food grade application to make new bottles made out of rPET (recycled PET bottles), or are converted into small pellets which are extruded through machines to produce fibre. This fibre, in turn, is used in the manufacture of non-woven felt,

as well as many other fibres such as duvet and pillow inners, and even knitted into T-shirt fabric.

There are roughly 15 recycled bottles per square metre of PET fabric or felt.

T-shirts: Made in collaboration with the Holmes Bros and Its Not Made In China, using 65% recycled plastic bottles and 35% cotton, which is sourced from South Africa. it-s-notmade-in-china.myshopify.com Uzwelo bags: A gorgeous range of felt bags ranging from laptop bags, tablet bags to totes and backpacks. www.uzwelo. co.za/rp-e-t-felt-bags

Adidas Parley shoes: Adidas Parley is the official collaboration product line between Adidas and Parley for the Oceans – an environmental organisation that addresses environmental threats towards the oceans. Parley Ocean Plastic™, used as a replacement for virgin plastic in the making of Adidas x Parley products, is a catalyst innovation created from upcycled plastic waste (mainly PET bottles) intercepted from beaches before it reaches the ocean. By producing one pair of Parley shoes, about 11 plastic bottles are prevented from entering our oceans. shop.adidas.co.za

The Joinery: They create local sustainable products made from recycled plastic bottles, hemp and responsible fabrics.

Ranging from travel accessories, laptop accessories, apparel and stationery to surf board covers.  thejoinery.co.za/sustainableproducts

Recycle Properly Currently only nine percent of plastic is recycled. Two options are: Either find places to recycle plastic near you: go to  petco.co.za/find-a-recyclingdrop-off-site; or download a list of plastic recycling buy-back centres:  petco.co.za/wp-content/ uploads/2018/02/PETCO-List-ofBuy-Back-Centres-January -2018-v2.xlsx

Made From Recycled Tyre Tread GRRiTT Unisex Flip Flops: One recycled passenger tyre makes 10 flip flop treads. Illustrated by local artists and hand made out of 100% recycled tyre, these flip flops come with a two-year guarantee. GRRiTT also make a range of accessories (wallets, vanity cases and cycling pouches) out of recycled tyre tread and PET plastic bottles. grritt.com

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decor*

SMALL WONDER A bold colour scheme and smart storage solutions ensure that what this cottage lacks in size it makes up in style, writes Candice Botha pictures michelle reynolds

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he minimalism, simplicity and functionality of Scandinavian design were key elements for the team from Designs by Day as they tackled this guest cottage. “The most challenging part of this project was creating the illusion of space within the tight confines of the cottage,” says Kaylin Cameron who was the primary interior designer on the project.

Although small, the building had high ceilings with exposed trusses that created an illusion of space. Kaylin emphasised this by painting feature walls in Plascon’s Night Moss to draw the eye upward and exaggerate the height. Installing sliding doors and shutters at the main entrance ensured that the veranda became a functional extension of the living space, effectively giving the

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Plascon Night Moss has become our signature colour and is our favourite wall colour to scheme with owners an extra room with the simple addition of new doors. “Using screeded floors throughout also emphasises space,” notes Kaylin.

Keeping clutter to a minimum in designing the fittings and fixtures was essential and Kaylin focused on clean lines and multi-functional elements. “We maximised countertop space in the kitchen by adding a small dual-purpose island, which also incorporates an informal eating area. In the bedroom we added a quirky, ladderstyle side pedestal beside the bed, adding more storage space in the narrow area. The limited wall space required us to be smart

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decor*

with our customised pieces so that we could still maximise their functionality, such as the corner TV unit in the living room, and corner swivel mirror in the bathroom.”

Being inspired by a Scandi aesthetic did not mean sticking to the light, neutral palette of the style, however, and bold colour abounds in the space. “We are never shy to decorate with dark colours as they can really add to the mood and create a warm, inviting environment,” notes Kaylin.

“Plascon Night Moss has become our signature colour and is our favourite wall colour to scheme with. We decided to be bold with it and paint the entire kitchen and living room feature wall in this rich, moody shade of green, which contrasts perfectly with the white herringbone splashback and countertops and complements the natural tones of the oak and brass in the shelving.”

Oak and brass details repeat throughout the cottage, bringing warmth and pairing well with leather finishes, modern furniture pieces and textured fabrics. “We were also not shy to add plants and greenery to give a fresh look,” notes Kaylin. The judicious use of pattern was also essential to creating a layered look and

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Kaylin chose these carefully to complement one another and ensure the overall look is coherent rather than busy.

Storage space is a must in a small home, and Designs by Day planned some smart shelving. “The custom brass shelves in the kitchen soften the space and create a focal point with the addition of accessories and greenery, breaking the structure of the kitchen perfectly. The built-in oak shelving on the edge of the kitchen cabinetry provides space for storing books, accessories, plants and wine bottles in what could

We used the bathroom vanity to create a special feature in the tight space by tiling the top with some monochrome patterned tiles have been a wasted space,” says Kaylin.

Adding a shelf for picture frames above the sofa enables the owners to change up the accessories on display quickly and easily and a subtle wallpaper below adds a pop of pattern without being overwhelming in the small area.

“We used the bathroom vanity to create a special feature in the tight space by tiling the top with some monochrome patterned tiles, and customising a corner swivel mirror with shelving, creating a functional addition to the otherwise unused corner,” Kaylin adds. It’s this attention to detail which makes this small space big on both style and practicality.

Designs by Day:  designsbyday.co.za

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inspire*

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it is an institution dedicated to exploration and discovery where Hendrick’s master distiller, Lesley Gracie, has the creative freedom to experiment and conceive new Hendrick’s variants. It is also the distilling home for the brand that turned the gin world on its head.

The Hendrick’s Gin Palace features a mysterious and enchanting walled garden which leads to a magnificent and imposing Victorian inspired palm house. This is flanked by two botanical hot houses used to cultivate a plethora of unusual botanicals and flora from around the world. There is the inner sanctum that is Lesley’s laboratory which features a curious flavour library, a lecture theatre that encourages scholarly learnings, and a suitably stylish bar.

And of course there are two

A PALACE LIKE NO OTHER If Hendrick’s gin is your thing, then this story is especially for you. And even if gin is not your thing, then read, enjoy and savour every mouthful

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he Hendrick’s Gin Palace and distillery in Scotland – a playground for experimentation, invention and curiosity – has been artfully and magnificently expanded to meet the voracious global demand for Hendrick’s, which is unusually infused with essences of cucumber and rose.

As an engine of innovation,

stunning new still houses.

The Hendrick’s family of stills now stands at a proud six: four Bennett stills including the original antique copper pot hailing from 1860 and three precise replicas; and two Carter Heads including one original constructed in 1948 and one exact reproduction.

William Grant & Sons – the family owned independent global spirits company – invested £13-million in the glorious expansion, a reflection of the confidence and excitement it has in the future of Hendrick’s. Innovation has always been in the brand’s DNA. It spearheaded the global gin boom, and it created and continues to lead the superpremium gin category.

“I’ve been distilling Hendrick’s for almost twenty years, and during that time my team and I have had the opportunity to explore and experiment on a small scale. However, I’m thrilled and excited to take full advantage of our wonderful new distillery and begin working on a line of experimental liquids, some of which will hopefully blossom into future releases and potential new expressions of Hendrick’s,” says Lesley Gracie, the master distiller for Hendrick’s.

Pamela Selby, the global brand director for Hendrick’s added: “The Hendrick’s Gin Palace in its design and experience, is intended to inspire curiosity, open minds and serve as a platform for invention. It pulls back the curtain on the wondrous production method and showcases the many layers of Hendrick’s that it has become celebrated for, some humorous, others curiously intellectual, detailed and deeply meaningful.”

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motoring*

For adventurous weekends away there are few better options than the new Toyota RAV4, writes Stephen Smith

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here the 1994 RAV4 was the first compact car that promised to make your life wilder and more adventurous, the 2019 RAV4 feels as though it can actually deliver on that promise.

So what do you want from a car for weekend adventures?  Space: For weekends away you need a spacious vehicle, and the 2019 RAV4 is so spacious it’s heading out of the mid-size SUV class and towards the full-size SUV segment. It will comfortably seat five adults, and the boot has a capacity of 580 litres, which is big. And if you put the rear seats down (there’s a 60:40 split) you can even fit a 29-inch mountain bike in there

WORTH RAVING ABOUT – with the wheels still on.

Another nifty feature is that the floor of the boot can be adjusted for height, or flipped over to show a rubberised surface when you’ve got dirty items you need to throw in there. In the cabin there are also a fair number of storage compartments scattered around.  Comfort: The problem with older SUVs is that while they were good for going offroad, you never wanted to take them far from home because they

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were uncomfortable. Today, the RAV4 is more car-like than ever, and one thing that stood out on our road trip to Zululand was the suspension, which is firm enough without being hard, so even on a dirt road that was falling apart at the seems there was no jarring or unpleasant noises.

There are now three spec levels in the RAV4 range – GX (the best value for money), the GX-R (for the more adventurous), and the VX (the larney option).

Even the GX is fairly well endowed with features like a 7-inch touchscreen display, cruise control, manual air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and park distance control. As you proceed up the grades more and more features are added as standard.

The GX-R grade also gets bolder, more adventurous styling with a bigger grille and chunky black bumpers. This is the sweet spot in the range, although

THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE TALLOULA EXPERIENCE

the VX comes with even more opulence.  All-wheel-drive: The standard RAV4 is frontwheel-drive only, but you can opt for the GX-R or VX model with all-wheel-drive, which I think is worth the money. It’s a mechanical system that sends torque to the wheel that needs it the most, but you can select a mode (Mud & Sand or Rock & Dirt) to suit conditions, for better traction in adverse conditions.  Efficient power: There are just two engine options: a 2-litre petrol (127kW and 203Nm) that is in four

of the five models, and a 2,5-litre petrol (152kW and 243Nm) that can only be had with the 8-speed automatic gearbox and allwheel-drive in the top of the range VX. The 2-litre comes either with a six-speed manual gearbox (only in the entry-level model) or with a CVT transmission that has 10 pre-programmed “gears”.

Fuel consumption is good too, at a claimed 6,5-litres/100km and 7,3-litres/100km for the 2-litre and 2,5-litre respectively.  Safety: A full suite of

airbags – including knee and curtain types – are fitted to all models, with electronic driver aids in the form of ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Trailer Sway Control all catered for.

The final word? The new RAV4 is very hard to fault, whether your adventures are urban or rural. Added to all of the above is Toyota’s great service network and reputation for reliability, and you can also expect phenomenal resale value when the time comes to move on.

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fashion*

LAYED BACK

LEATHER With a strong focus on beautiful leather bags and accessories, sourced from as far afield as Turkey and as near as ’Toti, Brad and Mandy Stacey’s thriving business prides itself in building close relationships with its customers, writes Katrine Anker-Nilssen

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dream woke Brad up in the middle of the night 25 years ago. “I’m most creative when I’m sleeping,” he laughs. “This dream woke me up, I sat bolt upright and had the name Layed Back Leather, the venue Heritage Market, and the product leather all branded in my brain and my heart.

“For a year I worked my then soon-to-be

small shop by day and waitered at night, ploughing every available cent back into my business,” says Brad, who says the key to his store’s success is uniqueness. “I love sourcing unique, quality leather items and exclusive goods that no one has. This is what gives us an edge.

“And of course backup service is everything,” says Brad. All products come with a one-year guarantee, which

is six months more than consumer law.

Some brands come with a limited lifetime guarantee – which covers zips, stitching and lining. “Getting to know your customers by name is also vital. Remembering your last conversation with them is always a winner when they pop by again.”

Brad met his wife Mandy in his store 20 years ago. “An indecisive shopper, I thought,” he laughs. “But I knew I was going to marry her the moment she walked

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OPPOSITE: Andy Cap, R198; genuine leather belts, from R259; Mandy and Brad.

LEFT: Thandana saddle bag, R1 798.

BELOW: Brando Daytona backpack, R3 599.

BOTTOM LEFT: Fenn bag, R1 388; Just Cruizin jersey, R895.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Moccasin sheepskin slippers, from R669.

through that door.”

Brad and Mandy – or Mad and Brandy as they are affectionately known among friends – have three kids. Their oldest is just about to move to Vienna, while their 15-year-old and 10-year-old go to school in the area. “It’s a family run business, we all contribute in some way,” says Brad. Mandy also manufactures Mookins bath and body products upstairs – inside the iconic stone turret of their beautiful building on Hillcrest’s

Old Main Road. Layed Back relocated here six years ago from the old Heritage Market.

Stocking a beautiful range of leather handbags, purses, wallets, laptop bags, backpacks, hats, sheepskin slippers and leather accessories, Layed Back has been a favourite and frequented store among Durbanites for years.

“Jekyll and Hide, Brando, Thandana, Hannitan, Zemp, Tan Brand, Fenn bags and Pudney are some of our famous brands

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offering fantastic quality, price and backup service,” says Brad.

“We continually get new ranges and styles depending on seasons, and of course we always have our best sellers in stock.

Sheepskin slippers, would you believe it, sell all year through. I suppose everyone has a family member in some part of the world who needs a gift to remind them of South Africa.” Their long-lasting leather belts, some reversible, are also very popular.

Layed Back also stock the beautiful Just Cruizin cotton clothing from Cape Town to complement their vast leather range, and own the Just Cruizin store at Village Walk uShaka. And finally, after many a North Coast client’s request of opening a store up that way, the Stacey’s decided they couldn’t say no anymore.

“We opened our new shop in uMhlanga Centre in April, opposite the famous Press Club coffee shop,” says Brad. “Timing is very important, and once again I listened to my heart and went for the gap. It’s flourishing in uMhlanga, and tourism is a big key. It’s a long road though, starting

»

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fashion*

country to discover the fresh air and beauty of our amazing Midlands.

As for future plans, nothing is set in stone. “We love what we do, me the buying and Mandy the selling and catch-ups with clients. Every night we discuss who came in that day, and retell funny stories,” smiles Brad. “But I would love to create my own leather range one day. Where that would go, is anyone’s guess!”  031 561 1330 or 031 765 1053 E layedback@mweb.co.za  www.layedback.co.za W Layed Back Leather

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a new business. Reinventing yourself can be exhausting. But I love creativity, so that helps.” The uMhlanga store offers all the best sellers from their flagship store and a bigger range of the Just Cruizin cotton clothing – suited to Durban’s warm climate.

“We are online now too, as people like to look and see before coming to touch and smell. That aspect of retail will always be around. It’s the whole experience in our

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store, we believe, that keeps people coming back,” says Brad, whose passion is sourcing, buying, and meeting the faces and hearing the stories of the people who make their beautiful products.

“If I pass a woman on the street or meet someone new, I immediately look at their handbag,” laughs Brad, adding that his best adventures include packing his leather bag and heading out of his dialling code into the

LEFT: Brando leather laptop bag, R4 700.

TOP: Thandana travel clutch purse, R998.

ABOVE: Picnic blanket, R598; Thandana crossover bag, R1 100.

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Where Quality meets Convenience.

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sponsored editorial*

Five focus factors from Marilize Lansdell – CEO at PSG Wealth

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arkets may be rational in the long run, but they often don’t seem to behave logically in the short run.

Basing your decisions on volatile short-term market movements which you have no control over, is a recipe for disaster. After all, the market is not going to recover tomorrow because you lay awake last night worrying about it, nor postpone its recovery to when you have reinvested your cash.

Recent stock market returns have been poor, and it is perhaps not surprising that many investors are losing faith in their investment

investment outcomes.  Know where you're going and how you're going to get there Investing is like a journey. If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re unlikely to arrive at your intended destination.

What’s your objective – is it a short-term goal like building up capital for a trip overseas? A medium-term goal, like investing for your child’s education? Or are you investing for retirement – a long-term goal? Are you in the right investment product?

Have you maximised your tax benefits? Or are you simply “staying safe” in low risk, low return assets? The right route is the one that matches your

and downs of the market or pay too much attention to the daily onslaught of bad news in the media. Remember your objectives and keep moving towards them. Don’t let shortterm fear lead to hasty actions.

Unchecked emotions are the cause of many ill-advised investor decisions. Making investment decisions in a panic can drown your financial ambitions and cause you untold damage in the future.  Take one step at a time Many investors fall into the trap of inaction and complacency, or procrastinating until it is too late. If you want to reach your destination, you need to be an active participant on

YOUR INVESTMENT JOURNEY strategies and abandoning their investment plans. However, since we know that investor behaviour is more likely to destroy value than markets themselves, it is often best to ignore short-term noise, and rather base your decisions on the factors you do have control over. Here are a few simple factors that are completely within your control, and that can help you stay on track on your journey to achieve successful

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needs and objectives, so the answer will be different for everyone.  Keep your eyes on the horizon If you’ve ever felt seasick on a boat, the best advice is to keep your eyes on the horizon.

Don’t look at the waves as they crash around you, rocking you wildly from side to side. That’s a guaranteed route to getting ill.

The same applies to investing.

Don’t look at the daily ups

your investment journey. Don’t second guess or beat yourself up for past investment decisions that went wrong. Rather focus on what you can control and do from this point forward, and ensure your plan enables you to reach your destination. Develop a sense of urgency: if you haven’t started saving for retirement yet, do so today; if you don’t have a valid will, get one drawn up without delay. Doing so will give you a sense of control and

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Contact Wealth Advisor, Jarryd Nieuwenhuis, on jarryd.nieuwenhuis@psg.co.za PSG Wealth Kloof is part of PSG Konsult – the largest independent adviser network in South Africa and Namibia.

purpose, and can strengthen your resolve to reach your goals.  Know there's always risk Few journeys go exactly as planned. There are always unexpected twists and turns along the way; but don’t let a

sudden startling event drive you off course. In investing, risk can be your greatest ally in achieving your goals – but it can also be your biggest enemy. Misunderstanding the investment risk you’re taking on – or its potential impact – can have a devastating effect on your ability to reach your investment destination. Be clear about what you’re investing in and why – and if you understand the risk, also understand how to manage it to your advantage.  Choose good travelling companions A sure way to ruin a good journey is to invite along the

wrong travelling companions.

This is also true in investing.

It can be tempting to listen to everyone’s opinion on the subject, but it is unlikely someone else’s route map is going meet your needs. What you need is good, objective financial advice to help you navigate, as well as a good asset manager to deliver you to your journey’s end. A trusted financial advisor can help you plan your route, focus on your long-term goals, encourage you to move forward, and understand the risks along the way. Investing in good quality advice often far outweighs the costs.

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weekend escapes*

THIS IS THE LIFE The Oxpecker Trail Run is a two-day stage trail run over 16km and 21km covering some of KZN’s most beautiful scenery. If you haven’t done it yet, then don’t miss out on the next one, writes Doody Adams pictures anthony churchyard

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omething extraordinary happens once a year in the Central Drakensberg outside Winterton, when hundreds of trail runners gather to participate in the annual Oxpecker Trail Stage Race.

The Green family host the event and certainly make every effort to create a relaxed atmosphere coupled with traditional farm hospitality – including the most delicious and well thought-out meals.

An easy drive from Durban or Johannesburg, arriving as the sun sets over Spioenkop Dam, the excitement is tangible at Em’seni campsite where neat rows of hundreds of tents await the runners. The tractor and trailer shuttle service is a welcome sight to transfer luggage and bedding to the tents.

A variety of camping options are available – including a self-camping option and a snoring camping area. The Kudu accommodation is comfortable and ideal with two single beds and shared ablutions, while the Kingfisher accommodation offers something a little extra.

After registration on the Friday evening, a wholesome and delicious dinner is served in the central runner’s village. The area is scattered with hay bales and wooden tables and benches, a craft beer stand, gin and tonic on tap, and for caffeine addicts a 24-hour hot box offering tea and coffee. The Oxpecker shop is a highlight with a variety of branded goodies to take home.

The atmosphere is festive and relaxed as runners are briefed on the Friday evening for the day ahead, a 21km trail run through some of South Africa’s most beautiful terrain.

The race starts at 8.30 on Saturday morning, and within the first 10km runners are challenged with a steep climb winding up Spioenkop Mountain. The sound of singing ladies calling you to the first water station at the highest point of the race is encouraging – and welcoming. At this vantage point the views of the dam and far into the distance are

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The poplar trees formed a narrow path that led us across the finish line, to an awaiting ice bath and cold beverage spectacular and breath-taking – and well worth a quick stop before starting the decline home.

Along the route runners gather, chat, take selfies and share the struggle of the climb.

The final stretch is along the banks of the powerful Tugela River and through the “Garden of Eden” – a narrow path formed by poplar trees. The finish line is a welcome site, where runners gather to cheer each other over the line and enjoy a cold beverage or ice bath.

The Saturday afternoon trip to Spioenkop Dam to watch the sun gracefully disappear across the horizon, followed by the stiff-legged party on the river’s edge under the light of the full moon, added to the festivities and fun of the weekend.

It was a chilly start on Sunday morning, but the fires and hot coffee at the start keep the runners warm ahead of another challenging run.

This 16km leg of the trail is completely different – large fields of aloes, a corridor through maize fields, a cotton plantation, and a bridge across the river then back through the “Garden of Eden”. The elevation is much less than the first day, but the route is technical. As usual, the camaraderie along the way is memorable.

What a great way to spend a weekend – out in the fresh air with like-minded people, enjoying our magnificent scenery we so often take for granted, warm hospitality, and feeling energised. This is the life!

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weekend escapes*

PEACE & PARADISE An hour-and-a-half from the bustle of city life, Pleasant Places is a four-star country getaway offering much-needed peace and tranquillity, writes Lorna King

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weekend break to the Midlands is the perfect pick-me-up for Durbanites. In summer it offers a welcome breather from the humidity at the coast, while in winter it affords the opportunity to snuggle in front of a roaring fire – and hopefully the chance to see snow. But, with the vast range of accommodation on offer to suit all tastes and budgets, it’s difficult to know where to start looking.

Pleasant Places is a small, select guesthouse that is ideal if you’re wanting to enjoy the peace and quiet, take in picturesque views, and simply chill out. Recently refurbished by well-known Durban interior decorator/owner Philippa Courtenay and her soon-to-be husband Phillip Dreyer, the couple have made sure the most important aspects have been met: comfort, good food, and the opportunity to enjoy private spaces dotted around the 16-hectare property.

Saturday morning started for us just after 6am as our body

Other than the gushing sound of the Lions River far below us and the odd cow mooing, the peace and tranquillity was pure bliss 60

clocks were still in city mode. Not wanting to miss the early morning freshness, we enjoyed a coffee on our deck as we watched the cows in the distance venturing out for a day of grazing. Other than the gushing sound of the Lions River far below us and the odd cow mooing, the peace and tranquillity was pure bliss.

Breakfast was standard and filling, but the evening meals – which are available on request and not included in the rate – were full of flavour, classically presented and perfectly proportioned. All three courses were certainly worth leaving home for and the ideal end to the day. Philippa and Phillip do all the cooking themselves, and don’t follow a set menu, but rather serve what’s fresh, available and in season. And of course, they tailor the menu to your needs, so any special dietary requirements can be met – just remember to tell them in advance. A nice touch which is not common these days is an honesty bar, fully stocked with beer, local wines and cool drinks.

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by local artists; and chilling out with a taster G&T paddle at Nottingham Road Brewing Company. What a way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Pleasant Places is more than pleasant, but just the sort of place you feel comfortable kicking off your shoes, chilling out with a glass of wine and watching the world go by – just the place to go to when you need to recharge your battery. And best of all, it’s reasonably priced and good value for money. n 078 768 2319  www.pleasantplaces.co.za

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Even though Pleasant Places is a four-star guesthouse, the accommodation is not flashy and pretentious, but rather comfortable, homely, tastefully decorated, and a perfect match for the country surrounds. There are five suites available and one family suite, plus two of the rooms have a fold-out bed settee for little ones if required.

The grounds are vast, offering visitors plenty of quiet areas to sit, relax and reflect on life – or simply just stare out into the distance enjoying the views. There is also a rambling walk on the property which takes you down to the Lions River and stables where horses roam freely. For children, this is the perfect place to ride bicycles and enjoy the adventure.

A trip to the Midlands would not be complete without a lazy drive on the Midlands Meander stopping where the fancy takes you. My top three must-visits were Piggly Wiggly where we quenched our thirst with wickedly delicious freshly squeezed juices from The Greenery; a browse around The Platform admiring art, sculptures and all things beautiful

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socials*

! d n u o r a Seen

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

Inspiring Annual Gardener Breakfast South Africa’s very own garden guru, Tanya Visser, educated and entertained once again at Kloof Country Club in support of The Sunflower Fund.

Gillian Scott and Lauren Ginn. Nockey Dlomo, Xolani Hlongwane, Tanya Visser, Allison Ekstrand and Stephanie Berry.

Waterfall College Matric Dance The class of 2019 danced the night away at a spectacular Masquerade Ball – at Shongweni Club’s Barn.

Back: Brandon Baker, Declan Janse van Rensburg and Alex Varenkov. Front: Alex Louter, Caitlyn Holmes, Ingrid Edwards, Katelyn Currie and Nikita D’ Hotman de Villiers.

Barefoot Day at St Mary's DSG Grade 7 students recently encouraged fellow pupils to walk around barefoot and donate pre-loved shoes in order to raise awareness for those less fortunate.

Back: Zinzi Bella and Mila van der Haer. Front: Lubanzi Chonco, Deyara Mundry and Avela Mlaba.

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*socials Fabulous Fry Family Food Co Launch Fry’s recently launched their 100% plant-based fish-style fillet and new, improved battered prawn-style pieces – hosting South African eco-activist and Sea Shepherd captain, Andre Rutishauser.

Carmen Buckle and Candice Buckle. Yavisha Ramnarain-Moodley, Yuthika Bansi, Shanitha Ramnarain, Vandana Parathnand and Roshini Parathnand.

Women In Business Networking Morning Hirsch’s Hillcrest recently hosted Cindy Norcott, drawing a crowd of over 70 local ladies hungry to learn the shameless act of self-promotion.

 Desiree Maarschalk and Jonathan Brauteseth.  Samantha Garvie, Laura Butler and Nicci le Roux.

The Sunflower Fund Glamorous Charity Ball The 13th annual Sunflower Fund’s Charity Ball saw 250 guests fill the Great Ilanga Room of Durban’s landmark Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel.

J U L Y - A U G

Alison Botes, Dave van den Berg and Michane Stead. Rakesh and Rene Jugernath, Kuben and Keru Moodley, Jay Ramnundlall and Vanessa Ankiah. Yolanda Bucklands, Nico Swart, Sarah Araujo and Barry Sparks.

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last word*

S

he broadcast a big, toothy, lipstick grin. Her friendly freckled face sat beneath a wild mop of blue hair.

“Helloooooo,” she chirruped from behind the counter.

It was homely and kind, but all my crabbiness afforded her was a feeble smile. I hate that.

When someone gives me a thinlipped, mildly upturned mouth that masquerades as a smile, I want to punch it.

My mean-spiritedness washed over her.

Before I had a chance to growl my grumpy cappuccino order the waitress transmitted a disarming “How are you?”

Only the “ou” morphed into a cheerful yodel: “How are yooooooo?”

It was iridescent and I shrunk back and mumbled for caffeine.

I’d like to say it was just one of those days or I just needed the coffee.

I had every reason to be a grumble-guts. I woke up late, tripped over the cat, got stuck in traffic on the way to the dentist, and made small talk while he had both hands in my mouth.

But it wasn’t all that.

I’m becoming more of a curmudgeon by the day.

The pearler – minutes before my encounter with Miss Happy Blue Hair – was a charming engagement with Vodacom about the rapacious gremlin bastard inside my cellphone who is looting my data.

I should never have called them, I know, but I was amped for a fight. And boy, did I get my sorry ass whipped. It happens every time, I should have learnt by now.

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SMILE!

Why are some people so damn happy, writes Greg Ardé, ’cause the older I get, the grumpier I get! illustration jeremy nel They employ legions of woebegone, disconsolate and doleful people. Their splendidly monotone voice is violently passive aggressive.

And, after you’ve repeated your ID, cellphone number and bank account details 57 times, they’ve landed you, hook line and sinker. You are a seething, rampaging beast, frothing at the mouth.

Call centre agents each have big red buttons on their desks. I know they do. When a customer gets unhinged they push the button and the call goes on a loudspeaker – and all the bored agents smile as your outrage spirals out of control.

The smiles widen to brazen rows of gnashers. As your fury

reaches a frenzy they slap their thighs, clutch their sides and guffaw hilariously.

Their pièce de résistance is when your agent mimics a yawn and says, “Hold, I’m connecting you to customer complaints.”

I would prefer it if cellphone companies employed a hideous Genghis Khan giant to handle customer queries. He could pop over in an Uber and be with you in minutes. He would listen to 15 seconds of your yabbying then just swoosh out an enormous paw and give you a snotklap, a mighty flattie across the chops and thunder: “SHUT UP PHILISTINE!” And then it would be all over.

That would be better than the call centre.

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I tapped the counter impatiently, waiting for my coffee. I glanced at the newspaper but was distracted by ghastly satisfying images of torturing telecom bosses.

Blue Hair Big Smiles reappeared gleefully in a right blossom of joy.

“Here’s your cappuccino,” she twittered, delivering the coffee with a flourish, an actual merry twirl of feet, hips, happy hands and smile.

I lowered my eyes, peering peevishly over my glasses. Was this woman for real?

And she looked back, exhaled deeply, and BEAMED! This was no garden variety grin.

It was a neutron bomb blast of bliss, a radiance so powerful it simply eradicated Mr HuffyTetchy-Scratchy-Sulky. It nuked the ill-tempered bastard.

I grinned back. I couldn’t help it. I even giggled involuntarily and became molten, middleaged goo, gibbering gratefully about her cheerfulness.

It was so powerful she stretched out her hand and pressed two fingers to my forehead as I left, “Channelling the cheer,” she said.

I stumbled gleefully back to my office like a silly teenager and Googled “men become grumpier as they get older”. It rendered 27 million hits.

By comparison, the Google box only gave Ode to Joy 21 million and “how to change a lightbulb” 13 million. It must be true.

So cheers to all the jolly, bright, bubbly, frolicsome, peppy, chipper sorts who make the world go round. The crusty buggers are deeply grateful.

Thank you.

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I-PACE_ 275x210 Crest.pdf

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