The Crest 97

OCT-NOV 2020 ISSUE 97

FINE CARPENTRY Cotswold Furniture's Richard Kaufmann

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

*ed's letter

H

ave you noticed the huge shift within local business of late? Not just in terms of reinvention, but also growth and development. It’s amazing to see how things have suddenly picked up after a slow and challenging year.

As society has gradually opened up again, I am loving the positivity and buzz in the Upper Highway area. It almost feels like everyone has got a new lease on life, and the hum of coffee shops, restaurants and our beloved farmers market is nothing but energising. We have seen new stores, eateries and other exciting ventures open up over the last few months, many of them born out of lockdown.

Business is booming, and I believe it’s largely due to our community supporting local wherever they can.

Speaking of business, we recently hosted a webinar together with ActionCoach Ignite and have had incredible, encouraging feedback. We most definitely had the right recipe; attendees were given valuable practical advice to benefit their businesses – whether small or big – directly.

Thank you to everyone who made it such a success! If you missed it, a recording can be found on our Facebook page.

Read more on page 16.

You’ll enjoy meeting crafty, colourful people in this issue – from our cover star, the

selection of every plant, tree and gardening accessory under the sun – so this wonderful prize is sure to kickstart that beautiful garden of yours!

We are so blessed to have continuous support from our local schools and we love hearing their stories about how they have, during a turbulent year of change, worked hard to adapt and passed with flying colours.

We have also started a new retirement pillar – a platform which going forward will

bring iton TALK TO US

katrine@famouspublishing.co.za www.thecrestonline.co.za W Crest Magazine

skilful carpenter Richard Kaufmann, to resourceful entrepreneurs in our Take Note section and local garden guru Tanya Visser. Tanya created a delightful little garden in Emberton Estate, on a low budget and in just a day. Now you can do the same to get your own piece of magic ready for summer. Pop over to page 14 and enter the Blackwood’s Assagay competition – where you stand a chance to win plants to the value of R3 000.

Blackwood’s offers a vast

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Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.”

– Luther Burbank tackle positive, fresh and relevant topics within this field, while also showcasing how attractive retirement in our province really is.

The holidays are close, and many of us will be keeping it local. Explore KZN and share your experiences with us! Start planning those adventures now, and don’t forget to stay focused on having fun and making memories. Woza December… Bring it on!

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in this issue*

GROUP EDITOR Doody Adams 083 325 7341 EDITOR Katrine Anker-Nilssen 083 309 6736 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 Les Abercrombie, Greg Ardé, Candice Botha, Darrel Bristow-Bovey, Cathy Clark, Ant Ellis, David Knowles, 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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46

42

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COMMUNITY A DAIRY FULL OF SAWDUST

LIFESTYLE 8

PATTERN PLAY

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GO WITH THE FLOW

16

GET YOUR GLAMP ON

Handmade wooden furniture with character

LOCAL IS LEKKER Garden magic in time for summer

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS Published by Famous Publishing www.famouspublishing.co.za Printed by Novus Print (Pty) Managed distribution by Vibrant Direct

Practical help for business owners

A LEGEND OF THE TURF

20

Herman Brown: Horse trainer of note

BUYING WHERE THE BIRDS SING

24

46

Easy-living fashion

54

Luxury camping in the Midlands

REGULARS

27

ED’S LETTER 1 TAKE NOTE 4 TRENDING 40 LAST WORD 56

32

ADVERTORIALS

Cotswold Fenns – a green offering in property

STEPPING OFF THE TREADMILL

42

Combining patterns to make them work

Preparing for retirement 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.

HOW GREEN IS YOUR LIFE? A more sustainable lifestyle

FIRST OF THE SUMMER WINES Enjoy summer entertaining

THE BEE'S KNEES WE ALSO PUBLISH ...

A gardening app to increase awareness of bees

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MJ ACCOUNTANTS ACTION COACH ST MARY'S DSG MT EDGECOMBE RETIREMENT VILLAGE VEGA SCHOOL MARWICK & COMPANY WATERFALL ONLINE HIGHBURY PREP SCHOOL ILLOVO SUGAR ULTRA CAT

15 18 22 26 30 38 44 48 49 51

ON THE COVER: Richard Kaufmann, photographed by Roxy Hutton.

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031 087 031 031 031 031 081 031 031 031 031

Paint and Beyond Rugs Original Quiksilver Sorbet The Ear Institute The lnkdrop The Juice Kitchen The Toy Factory Shop Tops at SPAR Trellidor Highway Woolworths

Office

Acutts Anthony Kerdachi & Associates Champagne Sports Resort Guardian Accounting Solutions Hannah Interiors Laser Lipo Lime Distributors Natal Ridgetop Investment Managers

765 353 765 765 765 765 828 765 765 765 761

1313 9795 4105 4186 8158 8650 6387 8238 5353 3567 3800

Shop B1-B2, Lillies Quarter Lifestyle Centre 031 763 1660 hillcrest@zebbies.com

031 765 9555 031 765 4339 031 765 7100 031 765 2688 031 765 2439 031 765 1466 031 765 7100 031 765 6625

WHERE QUALITY MEETS CONVENIENCE

Retail

LILLIES QUARTER

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031 765 8353 ACA Auto 031 765 8792 Audio Architex 031 171 0364 Bergen’s Appliance Repair 086 144 6666 Bidvest Waltons 031 765 4686 Biggie Best 031 761 8007 Bloomsbury Café 064 880 5982 Calypso 031 765 7648 Clicks 061 528 9663 Colé Bridal 031 765 4898 Entropy Hair Design Studio 083 731 0542 Hair Base 031 765 7839 Hillcrest Art Supplies 1 2 - 1 6 Hillcrest O L D Tyre M Aand I NExhaust R O A D , 031 H I765 L L2512 CREST 031 765 2770 Hillcrest Wool ’n Weave 031 765 8293 Home Etc. 031 765 4004 Household Plastics 068 584 4836 iWorld

Lillies Quarter Lifestyle & Design Centre, conveniently situated at 12-16 Old Main Road 765 and Beyond in Paint Hillcrest, has established 031 087 353 Rugs Original itself as the destination Centre 031 765 Quiksilver ofSorbet choice when it comes 031 765 Ear Institute toThe quality and convenient 031 765 031 765 The lnkdrop shopping offering a broad081 828 The Juice Kitchen range ofFactory retailShop options for 031 765 The Toy 031 765 Tops at SPAR everyone in the family Trellidor Highway Woolworths

|

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031 765 4037

Office

Acutts Anthony Kerdachi & Associates

031 765 9555 031 765 4339

take note*

“Looking back on the last six months, we like to call Spence & Mae the silver lining to what was a dark and gloomy start to the year for us,” says Lisa Burn.

“With both Jane Allison and myself working within the events industry, we were forced to think outside of the box – something that we luckily love to

FOR MORE INFO: Spence & Mae, The Mushroom Farm Hillcrest; 082 339 7695; info@hiredandco.co.za

EC

T KEPT S ES

editor's choice

REST MA EC

ZINE’S B GA

New local BRAND HUB STORE at The Mushroom Farm

do – and find a way to continue working whilst staying creative and passionate at the same time.”

With a combined history in both retail and floral design, their store was born out of a desire to create a space that was beautiful and that could allow incredible local talent an opportunity to showcase and sell their wonderful products. “We couldn’t think of a better place to create this than at The Mushroom Farm – a true hidden gem in the Upper Highway area,” says Lisa. “Fast forward two months, and we have been blown away by what we, with the support of our incredible brands, have been able to achieve. We love this hub that we have so very carefully curated, and we believe in each and every brand that we represent.”

Heading into the festive season, Jane and Lisa have many exciting projects in the pipeline. “We cannot wait to share them with you,” says Lisa.

RET • TH

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

A safe haven FOR PREGNANT AND NEW MAMAS

As doulas, childbirth educators, teachers and infant massage instructors, Samantha Salter and Natascha Elsmore-Cary have created and launched a long-loved dream.

“This is a holistic accumulation of professionals and happiness where our sleepdeprived, hard-working, baby-home-husbandwork-juggling women can come to be loved, boosted, cared for and emotionally rejuvenated.

We have created a space that not only nurtures the child, but also the mother,” says Natascha.

At Bub & Co. Mum and Baby Lifestyle in Kloof you can expect a charming coffee shop with an enchanting garden, a baby boutique with all the latest styles and trends, antenatal classes, yoga and more. “You can bring your baby here for vaccinations and weekly weigh-ins, and get advice on breastfeeding, weaning, women’s health and your baby’s sleeping patterns,” says Samantha. “We even have a therapy garden suite with an OT, Speech Therapist and Play Therapist all on hand for your developing child.”

When you’re having a bad day, sitting down with someone who truly knows and understands the challenges you’re facing can be a life-saver. And why not have your nails and lashes done, while a qualified childminder cares for your little one safely nearby? Lastly, there’s also supportive Bub Club mum and baby stimulation classes all in full swing.

FOR MORE INFO: 076 329 0217; info@bubclubsa. com; www.bubclubsa.com

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The benefits of sharing OFFICE SPACE Co-working is an arrangement in which several workers from different companies share an office space, allowing much-needed cost savings and convenience through the use of common infrastructure.

Although there can be some disadvantages of sharing office space – such as distractions, proximity to competitors and lack of customisations to showcase your brand, the advantages far outweigh these minor issues.

Co-working allow for more flexibility in terms of costs, space and an office plan – such as hot seats and private desks. It also gives you the opportunity to mingle and network with like-minded individuals. Amenities and services are all provided – such as Wi-Fi, shared printers and scanners, meeting rooms, desks and onsite support. Educational opportunities, among others the sharing of ideas and mutual challenges, can also be hugely beneficial.

Whether you are looking for a serviced office, an occasional workstation, a boardroom or simply just a virtual office – there are options to suit every type of business.

There are a couple of shared office spaces in the Upper Highway community. The Yard Office in Hillcrest has the perfect solution to fit your business needs, or as The Corner Office in Gillitts simply puts it; “At face value it can be seen simply as shared space and resources, but what sets coworking apart from the rest is the community.”

The SEXTON “South Africans love a good story and the interest in Irish whiskey shows no signs of slowing. For connoisseurs, The Sexton is an interesting, quality, Irish single malt made according to traditional methods. For the ‘just curious’ looking for a versatile drink to enjoy neat or in cutting edge cocktail serves, The Sexton speaks to bold personalities who do things differently and forge their own paths,” says founding owner of Truman & Orange, Rowan Leibbrandt.

The Sexton is made with 100% Irish malted barley, distilled in copper pot stills and exclusively matured in hand-selected first-, second- and third-fill Oloroso sherry casks to achieve a perfect balance between rich dried fruits, and memorable toasted oak notes to offer a smooth finish.

The rich, sophisticated liquid is matched by its striking, hexagonal dark bottle, which tells its own multi-faceted story. The bottle requires a strong grip mirroring the bold essence of those who drink and choose to serve it.

FOR MORE INFO: www.theyardoffice.co.za; www.thecorneroffice.co.za

FOR MORE INFO: R499 a bottle, available at reputable bottle stores, or buy it online at Grooveco.co.za.

JULI-ANN RILEY

Physiotherapists

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The Gillitts Medical Centre, 15 Old Main Road, Gillitts info@rileyphysios.co.za * www.rileyphysios.co.za

take note*

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

Is your car ready FOR A HOLIDAY? Keeping things local, you may be planning on driving to your holiday destination this year. Thousands of motorists will be on the road, so safety is of upmost importance.

To make sure your car is up for the challenge, why not book it in for a pre-holiday minor service at FCA Hillcrest, from only R1 500. With this you’ll receive a free health check on your car – giving you peace of mind that your well-deserved holiday will go without a hitch.

For all your service and repairs, interest in new or preowned vehicles, visit www. fcahillcrest.co.za or the JEEP, Fiat, Alfa Romeo dealership in Hillcrest.

FOR MORE INFO: This offer is valid until December 31, 2020. Book with Immi on 031 716 5000 or info@fmgh.co.za

Peace of mind with OAKLEIGH Oakleigh Funeral Home has a number of pre-planning options: your standard funeral insurance that pays out a monetary amount; service packages; as well as a prepaid option where funeral arrangements are made, funds held in trust with our attorneys which are audited annually; and held in the client’s name until the time of need. The benefit of a prepaid option, for clients post 65, is that it’s inflation proof – giving extra peace of mind.

FOR MORE INFO: 031 205 9959; www.oakleighfuneralhome.co.za

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Deserving WIN The Harvest Table has been awarded the Health Supplement Business of the Year at the 2020 Corporate LiveWire Prestige Awards. The awards recognise small- and medium-sized businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months.

“We were thrilled when we got the news! It’s truly rewarding to receive an award for something we believe so much in. This has been a challenging time for many businesses, but we were fortunate enough to continue producing top quality products for our customers,” says Catherine Clark, owner and founder of The Harvest Table.

“We are interested in more than just the bottom line and endeavour to give our customers an experience that leaves them feeling healthier and motivated to continue making better food choices every day,” Catherine says. She adds that remaining earthconscious, educating customers, and providing products that are additive-, preservative- and filler- free, is truly at the heart of their brand.

FOR MORE INFO: www.theharvesttable.co.za

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cover story*

A dairy full of

SAWDUST

COTSWOLD FURNITURE IS A LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS CRAFTING FINE FURNITURE TO ORDER, WRITES STEPHEN SMITH

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F

rom an old but characterful dairy in the farmlands near Baynesfield, between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, comes a range of sleek, modern and beautiful handcrafted furniture.

Cotswold Custom Made Furniture started not as a family business as such, but more as a family hobby. Richard Kaufmann’s dad, Paul, used to do woodworking as a hobby, then turned it into a small business. After

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an accident Paul stopped woodworking, and the dairy and the machinery sat unused for years. Richard, meanwhile, was working in the States farming potatoes, coming back for a few months every year over the Northern Hemisphere winter, our Christmas. Kicking his heels on the family farm, he wandered into the dairy parlour and began tinkering, and the process of a hobby turning into a business repeated itself. That was only a smidge over two years ago, with Richard working long hours in the dairy, making furniture by hand. Now Richard employs six other people and spends most of his time managing the growing business.

While Richard started more or less by himself, for a few months at the beginning he got some mentoring from a Zimbabwean

carpenter who used to work with his dad.

Then a business up the road that made beekeeping equipment closed down. What could have been a catastrophe for the community was actually serendipitous, as the out-of-work employees had some woodworking skills and knowledge. Richard employed a few of them, which was a bit of luck for everyone involved.

Every piece of furniture produced is made to order for a customer, be it an individual or one of the few furniture boutiques Cotswold Furniture supply.

Richard comes up with the final design with the customer and then builds it to Âť

LEFT: Richard Kaufmann is growing a business started by his father.

BELOW: Industrial woodworking machinery

now stands where cows lined up to be milked.

Every piece of furniture produced is made to order for a customer, be it an individual or one of the few furniture boutiques Cotswold Furniture supply

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cover story*

FAR RIGHT: The Cluan bedside

table, which can be ordered with a matching headboard, or altered to suit your needs.

RIGHT: The Preston bar stool is available in a range of timbers, with elegant metal legs.

BELOW: The Cluan plasma stand, a fine blend of timber and metal.

spec, before finishing it in the oil or colour of choice.

He prefers to keep finishes minimal so that the character and grain of the timber shines through.

Richard has also branched out into some steelwork to keep up with modern design trends – when I visit there are a number of very sleek pedestals made of ash wood on black metal legs, ready for delivery.

Richard describes the style as modern, simple lines with a clean look. “One of the reasons I started doing what I do is that I fell in love with this design style on Instagram, and that and I spent hours looking at them. I wanted to make it.”

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ABOVE: The Cotswold team, from left: Moosa Ntolo, Sipho Cele, Mbongi Mabena, Gerald Nqayi and Richard Kaufmann.

ABOVE RIGHT: Cotswold makes a range of practical, beautiful furniture, such as these towel racks.

About 70% of the furniture is made from ash timber, but Richard regularly uses pine, saligna, oak and blackwood as well. And if a customer has their heart set on another timber, then that can also be arranged.

In terms of actual pieces, Cotswold makes furniture for just about every room in the house, examples of which can be seen on these pages as well as on the website, but Richard will also happily build something if you bring him a picture of it.

As I follow Richard around the dairy, full of sawdust, piles of raw timber and industrial woodworking machinery, I am struck by a parallel journey that the wood and the furniture take.

I mean, this is an old-fashioned dairy, a shed with dusty windows and a corrugated iron roof, a bit rough around the edges but a lovely space in which to work. The piles of timber, likewise, are rough and dusty, but the craftsmanship of the woodworkers transforms it into classy pieces of furniture with clean lines and modern inspiration. And then the furniture starts an actual journey, from the dairy

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LEFT: Mbongi Mabena, Gerald Nqayi and Sipho Cele with some recently completed furniture.

filled with sawdust to the homes that will welcome these custom-made pieces, which I imagine to be bright and clean and airy, probably with minimalist lines and in trendy colours. And half of the attraction of this furniture is the journey it has made, from a local farm where it is handmade in a real workshop by a guy who loves what he does, not mass produced in some characterless industrial factory on the far side of the world where the wood barely feels a human touch.

Remember, now more than ever, it’s so important to #shoplocal.

*

FOR MORE INFO 072 838 7431; cotswoldcrafts@telkomsa.net; www.cotswoldfurniture.co.za

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Road, Westville

gardening*

O

ur much-loved local garden guru doesn’t need much to turn drab into fab. With her extensive knowledge, dedicated team and a gorgeous bunch of colourful plants from Blackwood’s Assagay, Tanya’s good to go.

Truly an estate for all, Emberton has such a peaceful feel to it. Children play together in the streets on their bikes and skateboards, and parents enjoy the safe and secure environment for an afternoon run, a game of tennis or a swim.

In keeping with the estate’s sustainability ethos and its focus on indigenous, water wise plants, this picturesque garden was created in just a day – showing you how easy it can really be to spruce up your own without spending too much.

“I love it when I am presented with a blank canvas, it allows me to really get to grips with the look and feel that I finally wish to achieve,” says Tanya.

“Here it was inspired by the beautiful indigenous plants which thrive in the Upper Highway climate, in

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Local is

LEKKER

TANYA VISSER WORKS HER MAGIC TO CREATE A CHARMING LITTLE GARDEN IN THE BEAUTIFUL EMBERTON ESTATE story katrine anker-nilssen pictures mbali m photography Plant List

• Crassula ovata • Kalanchoe thyrsiflora • Aloe Charles • Lampranthus • Agapanthus • Osteospermum • Sedum Golden Glow • Leucospermum ayoba orange • Leucospermum so sincere

particular pops of colour and structure from the lovely specimens of pincushions. These plants are remarkably tough and very giving. It’s only during the first few months that one has to be cautious of them drying out and not getting enough water.”

To assist with this problem Tanya used Hydrocash water-retaining granules in the preparation of the planting holes. “This ingenious

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polymer has been used in the timber industry for years, and is now available to the home gardener – it is a game changer,” says Tanya. The granules are prepared by adding water which is absorbed into them, making them swell and retain the moisture. “The gel is placed at the root zone of the plants, thus when the plant is needing moisture it simply extracts it from the gel,” explains Tanya.

A weathered piece of hardwood driftwood forms the main feature in the garden.

“Surrounded by the pincushions, succulents, agapanthus and rocks it sets the scene for this garden – which will be home to many a butterfly and bee,” says Tanya. “An old wheelbarrow filled with fragrant herbs adds a nice touch.” »

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gardening*

Tips When Planting

 Group plants in odd numbers. This helps bring

harmony and balance to the garden.  Limit the variety of plants you choose, in smaller

gardens this is even more important.  Make sure the plants you choose enjoy the

conditions in your garden – whether sunny, shady or windy.  Always use compost in the planting holes. If you are on a budget, rather cut back on the plants and buy more compost – but never ever cut back on the compost.  Try use an organic-based fertiliser, such as Atlantic Bio Ocean – a pelatilised chicken litter with seaweed extracts. This won’t burn your plants and provides a good balanced form of nutrition in the months when they are starting out their growth and throughout their settling-in period.

“Remember to take your inspiration from local sources,” advises Tanya. “Pay attention when driving around your neighbourhood or estate, and see which plants are doing well. If they are thriving in your neighbour’s garden, they will thrive in yours.

Local is lekker!”

*

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FOR MORE INFO Tanya Visser, editor of The Gardener and Die Tuinier www.thegardener.co.za; Blackwood’s Assagay www.blackwoods.co.za; Emberton Estate www.embertonestate.co.za

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*advertorial

I

n keeping with the theme of seven, Melissa shares the seven main reasons that cause businesses to have cash flow challenges. Solving these seven challenges will assist to alleviate any cash flow pressures.

Insufficient Sales – Be sure to know your break-even sales point. Divide this by the number of weeks in the month and even the number of

Lucky

SEVEN

GILLITTS-BASED ACCOUNTING FIRM MJ CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS CELEBRATE THEIR SEVENTH BIRTHDAY IN OCTOBER, A VERY PROUD MILESTONE FOR BUSINESS OWNER MELISSA JACOBS

are sufficient controls around the ordering process.

Excessive Owners Drawings – Pay yourself a fixed salary on payday with the rest of the staff. Don’t live out of the till. Don’t buy what you can’t afford and don’t live beyond your means.

Insufficient Savings – Every business has a bad month. Work towards saving two to three months fixed expenses as a safety net.

Recent Testimonial

7 Interesting facts about MJ Chartered Accountants  Started in October 2013 as MJ Accounting and Tax Solutions  Moved four premises over the past seven years  Hired 11 employees 181 active clients  Melissa would have consumed 7 280 cups of coffee at the office over the seven years  Melissa worked 4 368 hours of overtime in the seven years  Melissa and Nicole are training to run the Comrades next year, to raise funds for lion conservation

trading days in the month so you can calculate how many sales you need to make each day to at least break-even.

Remember sales is a function of generating leads and converting these, you need to master both.

Poor Debtors Collections – It’s no good doing the work and not getting paid, or not getting paid on time. Ensure you educate your clients on your payment terms, implement a collections process and do

regular follow-ups.

High Debt Levels – Ensure you know your cash flow break-even point. Closely monitor all your expenses and cut out any fat. Pay off the expensive debt first.

Big Cash Gap – The timing difference between paying money out (to suppliers) and getting money in (from customers). Try and negotiate a longer payment term with your suppliers and a shorter payment term with your customers. Factoring your debtors can be an option for your business too.

Overstocked – Excess

MJ CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

Our Offer to You A Complimentary Tax & Accounting Health Check to ensure all your affairs are up to date and fully compliant. To book your session email Melissa at melissa@mjacc.co.za

stock on the shelves ties up your cash flow. Ensure you implement re-order levels in your business and that there

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MJ Chartered Accountants have provided us with accounting and business advisory services since 2014. The efficient and personal service we have received over the years has helped us to focus on other aspects of our business.

Melissa and her team are very much a part of our company and go above and beyond the call of duty” KR van Staden, Director, Shades of Green

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business* GET IN TOUCH!

Boost your

BUSINESS OUR RECENT BUSINESS WEBINAR WAS A HUGE SUCCESS, WITH ATTENDEES GAINING LOTS OF PRACTICAL ADVICE FROM LEADING EXPERTS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE FIELDS

B

rought to you by The Crest magazine and hosted by Darryn Le Grange of ActionCoach Ignite, this highly valuable webinar offered great insight into marketing with no budget, tax planning and savings, debt collecting and investment for wealth creation.

“Marketing is the key to business growth,” says Deborah Coskey of ActionCoach Ignite.

“It should be the last item you cut if you want your business to thrive.” The following three strategies are great lead generators that won’t cost you a thing: Referral Marketing, Email Marketing and Testimonial Marketing.

“The most important marketing is consistent marketing, as this leads to consistent leads, which result in consistent sales, which allows for consistent profits and will ultimately lead to consistent cash flow,” says Deborah.

Melissa Jacobs of MJ Chartered Accountants spoke about salary structures and their impacts for individuals, as well as tax planning for companies – and how to link the two. “During these challenging times cash flow is what decides whether you are going to survive as a business or not. With this in mind tax planning is not just a luxury anymore, it is a necessity to ensure that you are not paying more tax than you should,” says Melissa.

So how do you, as a business owner, keep your debtor risk low? “Collecting unpaid invoices costs your business extra time, effort and money,” says Jonathan Brookes of Brookes Attorneys. “This is not only unfair on you as a business owner, but has a hugely negative impact on your cash flow.” Properly drafted terms of business can reduce your

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number of handed over collections by up to 70%. “Reviewing your current terms and conditions can help you keep your debtor risk as low as possible,” adds Jonathan.

At various stages of life we all face many different and often complicated legal and financial decisions. “These all share one common feature – the need for genuinely independent and impartial advice to help us make informed decisions,” says Iain Ewing of

Never take your eyes off the cash flow, because it’s the life blood of business.”

Book a complimentary coaching session with Deborah Coskey to discuss your business opportunities and challenges; deborahcoskey@ actioncoach.com

For a free tax assessment, book an appointment with Melissa Jacobs; melissa@mjacc.co.za

Enjoy a complimentary, noobligation session with Jonathan Brookes on the process of collecting what’s due and how it applies to your business specifically; jonathan@brookes.co.za

– Richard Branson Ewing Trust Company. “We recognise that our clients have different and individual requirements and aspirations. Our aim is to provide unique solutions to meet their needs through quality personal service with a focus on expertise, professionalism and integrity.”

If you missed the webinar, pop over to our Facebook page @TheCrestMagazine to view the recording.

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For a complimentary investment strategy consultation, contact Iain Ewing; iain@ewing.co.za

advertorial*

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s the size of your team grows, so too does the importance of accountability. I often hear business owners complain that their team members are not accountable, and my response to this statement is quite simple: your team is only as accountable as you hold them to be. As the business owner or leader it is your job to set the tone, create and enforce the culture and hold your team accountable.

There is a direct correlation between accountability and high performance – the higher the accountability, the higher the performance. Let’s explore exactly what accountability is. Accountability involves employees taking ownership of their job, their tasks and their deliverables. To hold someone accountable means to ask them why they did or did not do something. This implies asking questions which is far more effective than “telling” someone something for a variety of reasons.

So what should you hold your staff accountable to?

• Their KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).

• Their targets.

• Their behaviour.

• Their conformance to the company’s policies and procedures.

• Their commitment to the company’s vision and values.

The above implies that companies need to have KPIs, targets, values, procedures and a compelling vision in place.

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ABOVE: ActionCOACH Ignite team Deborah Coskey, Darryn Le Grange, Natasha Swartz and Chenal Brummer.

Accountability in the

WORKPLACE DARRYN LE GRANGE DISCUSSES THE IMPORTANCE OF HOLDING YOUR STAFF ACCOUNTABLE

From experience, the business owners who don’t hold their people accountable do so for some of the following reasons: • They want to avoid confrontation – Accountability does not need to mean confrontation. After all, you are just asking questions.

Although some of them may be tough questions, there is nothing confrontational about asking questions.

• They want to be seen as a nice person – As a manager, leader or entrepreneur you may not always be popular, but that’s the nature of the role. You are there to make decisions and lead your people.

Rather aim to be trusted and respected as opposed to liked.

Complimentary POWER HOUR Contact Darryn Le Grange on darrynlegrange@ actioncoach.com to schedule a complimentary session to discuss your team and any performance gaps.

• They haven't made their expectations clear – It will be an uphill battle to hold people accountable if you have not made your expectations crystal clear in the form of KPIs, organisational values, a vision statement, etc.

• They are poor at management – There is no college, university or institution that can teach you how to be

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a good leader or manager. The best lessons are learnt on the job by doing and of course by making mistakes that you learn from. Make it your mission to read books, watch videos, network with and get mentored by other leaders – you will soon figure out what works and what doesn’t. Remember: you get the people you deserve – so the better the leader or manager you are, the better the quality of the people you attract and retain. A poor leader or manager will not attract or retain good quality people.

FOR MORE INFO www.actioncoachignite.co.za; W ActionCOACHIgnite

nostalgia*

A legend of the

TURF

AFTER A LIFETIME TRAINING HORSES, ENDEARING GENTLEMAN HERMAN BROWN STILL HAS THE THRILL OF THE RACE IN HIS BLOOD, WRITES DAVID KNOWLES

H

e is a legend of horseracing in South Africa, a survivor from the days when trainers wore jackets, ties and a hat, and he recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

Even people not associated with the sport will know the name Herman Brown, a man who was involved in the game for decades.

Herman now lives with his daughter Louise and his wife of nearly 70 years, Thelma. Walking into his lounge, it’s clear to see he has fond memories of his racing days. Pictures of some of the horses he trained hang on the wall and there is a cabinet of trophies. One photograph is his favourite, a picture of the great Gatecrasher, with Michael “Muis” Roberts in the irons.

“I had some incredible horses in my string – Foveros, Turnocat, Rock Star, Glenever, Forty Winks, Bold Monarch, Sun Monarch, Wave Crest, Jet Pilot and others, but Gatecrasher remains the best horse I ever trained,” says Herman. “He had big, loping strides but had trouble with his legs. I had to bandage his legs and treat them with ice every day.”

Although Gatecrasher was his favourite, like a child, it provided Herman with the most heartbreaking moment of his career. Every South African racehorse trainer wants a Durban July win on his CV, but it was the one race to

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ABOVE: Early morning training for Herman with Michael Roberts and Sun Monarch.

I had some incredible horses in my string, but Gatecrasher remains the best horse I ever trained

elude Herman. “Gatecrasher had the 1975 July sewn up. He was ahead, roaring to the post and I had instructed his jockey, Garth Puller, not to use the whip in his right hand, as the horse would drift and change his running line,” says Herman. “In his excitement, Puller did just that, sending Gatecrasher sideways to interfere with Distinctly on the inside rail. Our moment of joy was cut short when an objection was upheld and we were relegated to third.”

Herman bears no grudges, acknowledging that rules are rules, you win and lose – and he lost then. He had seconds in the July with Bold Monarch (1977) and Versailles (1984).

“It was a race I wasn’t destined to win, but Gatecrasher and Foveros gave me two Metropolitans, plus I won the Queen’s Plate

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three times and the Cape Guineas twice.”

Herman was also on the beach when Sea Cottage was shot ahead of the 1966 July. “I was further up from Blue Lagoon when I heard what sounded like a car backfiring. A fisherman told me what had happened and the hitman was a Durban gangster, Johnny Nel,” he says. “He was the only bloke in Durban with a yellow convertible car and he was soon caught. He got three years, I think.”

Snooker was another sport Herman could play. “In 1970 I hit the double, winning the Natal Trainer’s Championship and Natal Snooker Champs. I played world number one Joe Davis when he came to South Africa and afterwards he told me I could go far in the game.”

Growing up in Johannesburg’s southern suburbs, Herman had a tough childhood. His

ABOVE: Herman Brown at home with the memories of his long and distinguished racing career.

father, also Herman, had a small string of horses and he advised his son to move on when he was 18. After a few years in Port Elizabeth, Herman moved to the Newmarket stables in Durban and then Summerveld, his “Ups and Downs” yard next to Fred Rickaby.

“Michael Roberts was my apprentice jockey for five years and with Basil Marcus, were the best that rode for me. Michael, an Afrikaans boy from Oudshoorn, was taken to elocution lessons by my wife so he could learn English when he was at the Jockey Academy in Mariannhill,” explains Herman.

Although retired, Herman still wears a hat, something he has done since he was 14. “I have hats from Australia which I wear and I never leave the house or went to a course without a hat. It’s part of me,” he smiles.

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Michael Roberts was my apprentice jockey for five years and with Basil Marcus, were the best that rode for me ABOVE: Herman with Forty Winks, after winning the Champion Stakes at Turffontein.

RIGHT: The best horse Herman ever trained, the great Gatecrasher, with Michael ‘Muis’ Roberts in the irons.

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advertorial*

THE LEARNING JOURNEY AT ST MARY'S

Educating Hearts and MINDS HOW DO WE FUTURE-PROOF OUR DAUGHTERS THROUGH EDUCATION? THIS IMPORTANT QUESTION IS ONE WHICH ST MARY’S AND PARENTS HAVE BEEN ASKING MORE AND MORE

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parent in this modern age with technology, busy lifestyles and uncertain value sets all adding pressure to raising a family. We recognise the importance of supporting parents in this and to create a sense of community where we all have a role to play.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution requires that programmes must be adapted not only to present the theoretical implications, but to incorporate as much of this change into the way schools run from Grade R to Matric. The possibilities

hen considering this challenge, technological change and emotional intelligence are top of mind. These might not appear to be connected in any way, but strangely enough they are. In order to be successful, our girls need to grow up understanding the role that technology can play in their lives and careers, and, at the same time, how important it is to understand one’s emotional needs and skills. Maintaining a balance in this regard throughout their school journey is imperative for us, and we adapt each year to prepare them for the landscape into which they are emerging.

The role emotional intelligence plays in learning is becoming clearer. Children with higher emotional intelligence are better able to pay attention, are more engaged in school, have more positive relationships, and are more empathic.

From a young age then this compounds, and successful students are the ones who are emotionally resilient and comfortable within themselves.

At St Mary’s, we use research to guide our programme development and so much is becoming clearer about learning when one considers the language used, exposure to role models and the support needed from parents and family members.

It is a much more demanding job being a

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we will see that passion and innovation does not emerge from sterile screens, but from a dynamic learning community where one’s identity and sense of self is nurtured. It is crucial for there to be an authentic challenge present for this to happen. Psychologists all over the world are observing that the reduction in the exposure to meaningful challenges is also eroding children’s self-confidence. It is not coincidence then, that without a shared struggle or challenge, people do not feel “connected”. At St Mary’s we aim to provide that sense of challenge, teamwork, support and ultimately: independence.

We strive to create a stimulating learning environment encompassing service, the arts and sports. The correlation between being involved in music, drama, singing, sport and community service and one’s success and happiness, is very high. Our commitment to experiential learning for our girls is based on the belief that what is achieved through structured learning experiences is so much more effective than a passive, theoretical approach. “The best learning takes place where there are healthy relationships and inspirational teachers who are demonstrating what is possible and how valuable discovering new knowledge and skills can be,” says Mr Manley, Executive Principal.

Investment in our staff is critical for our school to flourish. The experience they bring is invaluable, but more importantly, their commitment to continued learning is greater.

What we know to be true, is that it is not the expert who matters most, but those who are ready to adapt, innovate and change, who find success and meaning in their work.

and opportunities become part of the daily experience of school. This is the reason why we include robotics, coding, design, computational thinking and creative experiences to make videos, 3-dimensional artefacts or games for a deeper understanding of the technology in their lives. A natural development of this is to include exposure to drone technology and to understand that these are making a big impact in how the world works. When learning happens, it allows the individual to transfer their skills into other areas and innovate by combining, refining and scaling up what they have seen elsewhere.

This human connection and shared joy in mastering work is what inspires our girls to dream and to work hard. As the trend of online learning continues to grow,

Grades R to Matric, with boarding from Grade 8.

CONTACT US FOR A PERSONAL TOUR on 031 764 9800; marketing@stmarysdsg.co.za; www.stmarysdsg.co.za

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property*

Buying flutter where the birds

SING

FOR PROPERTY BUYERS LOOKING FOR A GREEN OFFERING DESIGNED AROUND A WETLANDS ECOSYSTEM, COTSWOLD FENNS TICKS ALL THE BOXES, WRITES GREG ARDÉ

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ll property developers like to crow about their offering, but Jacques van Rooyen’s chirp is arresting. The man sparkles when he talks about the birds, all 520 species of them that call Cotswold Fenns home.

Van Rooyen is the son of residential property developer Nico van Rooyen and the son-in-law of industrial property developer Gavin Strydom – partners in Fenns, a 72-hectare project in a valley in Hillcrest, below the landmark Cotswold Downs Estate.

At Cotswold Fenns, extraordinary emphasis has been placed on the green offering.

According to Van Rooyen – the sales manager at Cotswold Fenns – they started with the wetlands and designed everything around that, bumping it up from the legally mandated three hectares that had to be preserved to 17 hectares.

It is a place of tranquillity where bullfrogs croak and birds twitter from the branches of indigenous trees that seem to stalk lazily around dams, streams, beds of reeds and dirt roads.

“This place,” Van Rooyen gestures with a sweep of the hand, “is unique. We are creating a truly nature-inspired lifestyle around a thriving wetland ecosystem. The Nkutu River runs through the estate, which has been built with

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sustainability and conservation as its pillars.”

Van Rooyen says the designers went for big green spaces, creating 12km of walking and biking trails around the wetlands, which has a bird hide as its centrepiece.

Beyond the preservation of green areas, Van Rooyen says there is a strong emphasis on energy conservation. It is no good waxing lyrical about a wetlands if it is surrounded by energy guzzlers.

We are creating a truly natureinspired lifestyle around a thriving wetland ecosystem” “We have to protect this. We have to have a long-term vision when it comes to how we live.”

Each unit in Fenns has a heat pump, a water and cost saver, working in tandem with the geyser to ensure wastage in piping water from the geyser to the tap.

It promises a 40% saving on water bills.

The developers have also extended their water saving to the wider estate, innovating around the sewage system and grey water.

“We can recycle 100% of the estate’s sewage water and grey water (from sinks

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LEFT: A bird hide at Cotswold Fenns.

BELOW: View of the wetlands. and washing machines, for example).”

The electric fence and 180 security zones have solar back-up.

Phase 1 of Cotswold Fenns has 186 apartments in three-storey buildings around a recreational area with a pool, and is closest to the gatehouse where a 24-hectare lifestyle centre with a creche, gym and retail stores has already started being constructed.

Phase 1 is sold out and 90m² units that came on to the market in 2016 for R1,1-million

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are being resold for R1,4-million. Van Rooyen says Phase 2, closer to the wetlands, will see an additional 101 units being released, varying from two or three-bedroom apartments starting from R1,18-million. Monthly rates are R1 325 and the levy is R1 900.

Van Rooyen says Fenns has attracted both families looking for a new home and investors looking to earn a rental income fuelled by growth in the area.

“People at Cotswold Fenns thrive in the space and freedom here. We have focused on the wetlands and then safety, security and sustainability.”

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advertorial*

P

lanning. It’s what we do – all for the future. It gives us a comforting sense of certainty.

Whether it’s university for the kids, a bucket-list trip, or pension savings. We plan ahead, so we have life’s landmarks well covered.

And what about retirement?

We feel a little uneasy about it – something we’ll think about tomorrow or the day after. But we shouldn’t see it like that. It’s another important landmark in life, which we can bed down to our satisfaction, just like the others.

Retirement means very different things today than it did yesterday. It also means different things to different people.

But what is absolutely certain is, if we make decisions now, we have choices. Our own choices – not forced decisions or moves. We can hand-pick a retirement solution that makes us happy, and meets our needs. It’s that simple.

Which kind of retiree do you see yourself as? No longer working, and playing golf or bridge whenever you fancy? Fired up to start an entrepreneurial online business? Excited to finally travel now you’ll both be free to do so? Alone, but seeking the companionship of a community? The list is long, but no matter which kind of retiree, be the one to choose your future, on your own terms.

Everyone has a list of priorities. Like proximity to family, accommodation for

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What kind of retiree are

YOU?

of-the-art Totalcare medical facility and professional staff – over 100 beds – right on your property. One press of your panic button, and you’re totally cared for. You might never need it, but it’s there, just in case.

Comforting.

At Mount Edgecombe Retirement Village, retirement can be whatever you want it to be. You’ll be part of a multigenerational community who may play golf or canasta, cycle or surf.

One thing’s for sure, there’ll be your kind of retiree there too.

Come and see for yourself – it’s your retirement after all.

INTERPRETATION OF THE WORDS “RETIREE” AND “RETIREMENT” HAVE SHIFTED DRAMATICALLY IN THE PAST DECADE. SO, WHAT KIND OF RETIREE ARE YOU, AND HOW DO YOU VISUALISE YOUR RETIREMENT?

them, a patch of garden to tend, a golf course next door, walking trails and, of course, a fact of life – convenient medical attention on site should, or if, you ever need it.

Mount Edgecombe Retirement Village is a secure, supremely attractive gated estate, accommodating whichever kind of retirement you want. Right from the outset, the developers have listened keenly to current and prospective residents, and been open and pliable to create the lifestyle that the wide range of retirees seek. It’s a thriving

community, and the lifestyle evolves along with them.

It’s simply about making residents happy. Mount Edgecombe Retirement Village has a number of natural advantages – the glorious landscape and environment means trails, walks, bird watching, and scenic surrounds are a given. And its position – right in the heart of the Mount Edgecombe and uMhlanga community, so you’re not tucked away or isolated. A stone’s throw from everything, really.

And then there’s the state-

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Mount Edgecombe Retirement Village

Totalcare – fully built and equipped 112 bed state-ofthe-art facility, on the estate.

Panic buttons linked to healthcare, in each unit.

Very welcoming of family visitors, with high teas and community events. Club house.

14km of wide-open spaces, walking/jogging trails.

Access to Kindlewood Estate facilities.

Pet friendly.

Membership of Mount Edgecombe Country Club golf course. www.merv.co.za

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Stepping off the

TREADMILL RETIREMENT IS NOT ALL DOOM AND GLOOM, SAYS LES ABERCROMBIE, BUT LIKE IT OR NOT, IT HAPPENS TO ALL OF US

S

ome people dream of retirement, others dread it.

But, like death and taxes, retirement comes to us all. And, whether you are a dreamer or a “dreader”, adaptation to the change tends to impact your life in unexpected ways. If possible, it is often a good idea to ease oneself into the change by working part-time.

Many of us are not ready to retire at the obligatory 65 (the new 50) and negotiate with our employer to work on a contract basis for a set wage and days per week.

This is first prize – enabling you to have cash flow and free time to start a hobby or play sport. If a contract is not possible,

review your skill set and find some part-time work to bring in a bit extra, but again leaving you free time to do your own thing.

Alternatively, you may be like me and long for one, last grand adventure. So, when my husband came home from meeting with old colleagues one day and asked if I’d be interested in going to live in Oman for three years, without a second thought I replied, “Yes, of course, but tell me, where exactly is Oman?” And so, at nearly 70, started three of the most interesting and enriching years of our lives.

Unfortunately, there are very few of us who are able to comfortably retire in our 60s, play golf four times a week, eat out whenever the mood takes us, visit children »

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e v a h e W ! d e v o m

Oakleigh Funeral Home has moved from Hillcrest, to Shop 3A, Gillitts Corner, 7 Old Main Road, Gillitts continuing to serve the Upper Highway community and...

24 HOUR CONTACT: 086 111 1380 031-205 9959 info@oakleigh.co.za www.oakleighfuneralhome.co.za

retire*

overseas, and travel as often as we wish. Retiring means you suddenly have to live debt-free on a fixed income – and the reality of that only really bites once you are retired. No matter how well you may have planned for your retirement and regularly paid your taxes, death is unpredictable and many retirees end up outliving their income.

So be sure, from the outset, to live within your means and limit financial risk.

With all that said and done, retirement is certainly not all doom and gloom. In fact, it’s probably one of the best times of your life. You find yourself mellowing, smelling the roses, talking to strangers – you start doing things you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time – be it gardening, learning to play bridge, learning a new craft. You have greater opportunity to interact with your grandchildren and marvel at their growth and development.

It’s nice to get out of the rat race, but you have to learn to get along with less cheese – Gene Perret

You also have the time to really play with them – something you may have missed out on in the frenetic parenting process when bringing up your own children.

And then there are the marvellous, complicated road trips visiting little dorpies and places of interest, getting lost and not caring because it doesn’t matter if you get to your destination a day late or delay your return by a week because some new friend has suggested another “must-see” in the area.

You reconnect with old friends and make a few new ones, you adjust to a new rhythm, your hair turns silver, knees start to creak and your laugh lines deepen. So what! Don’t fear age, embrace it. Make this life-stage one of enrichment and joy. Work at keeping physically fit, mentally alert and love unconditionally. And remember, quality beats quantity every time!

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ew . vi

nt

to

ST F A ca R ll O RT us to M m IN ak e R an G ap 1 po . 6 in tm M e se ea Pl

MORE OUT OF RETIREMENT FOR LESS THAN YOU THINK IT TURNS OUT, YOU CAN PUT A PRICE ON YOUR DREAM RETIREMENT AND WITH US, IT’S AN AFFORDABLE ONE… At Renishaw Hills, a mature lifestyle village and celebrated coastal gem located in Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal, we deliver unmatched value that goes beyond price alone. Our Reversionary Transfer Obligation model (similar to Life Rights) gives you the most for your money so that you can retire the way you’ve always wanted to.

From as little as R1.64 million, you’ll get more than just stunning views, spectacular finishes and a well-designed home that celebrates the best of Mother Nature and indoor/outdoor living. You’ll be enjoying our laid-back lifestyle, inclusive community, state-of-the-art security and glorious weather. Our popular Phase 5 is going fast and every home is now available at RTO prices. Want to live the holiday the way our residents do? Book your private tour complete with strict health and safety measures when you email sales@renishawhills.co.za or take our virtual tours on www.renishawhills.co.za.

THE START OF A NEW ADVENTURE

Julieann: 084 514 8028 | sales@renishawhills.co.za | www.renishawhills.co.za

advertorial*

Brand students

SHINE

T

IIE-VEGA SCHOOL PULLED OFF A GAMECHANGER DURING THE LOCKDOWN, TURNING ADVERSITY INTO ADVANTAGE WITH ITS FIRST VIRTUAL PORTFOLIO DAY

he event, in August, allowed students the chance to present their work to top corporate brands and advertising and marketing agencies from around the world. For those who don’t know it, Vega School (named after the brightest star in the constellation, Lyra) is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (IIE).

Vega was started 21 years ago and delivers globally recognised degrees in graphic design, digital design, copywriting,

strategic brand communication, brand management, interior design, game design and digital marketing.

Vega enjoys influential international alliances with Fontys Academy for Creative Industries in Holland, Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach University of Art and Design in Germany, Lillebaelt Academy in Denmark, Sup de Pub, with campuses in France, Germany, Switzerland, the UK and USA. Vega also has a strong affiliation with The One Club in New York.

The work of IIE-Vega students receives

“It was such a privilege to be given the opportunity to connect with inspiring industry leaders and of course young bright minds from Vega! A humbling reminder of the value of being open to new and different perspectives, and broadening your network to learn as much as you can from others, as well as sharing your own knowledge and experiences.”

– Stacey Grant, Consumer and Marketing Insights Director, Unilever Africa

.

“I was very impressed by the professional way in which technology was used during the first Vega Virtual Portfolio Day. The students rose to the occasion, albeit a bit nervous, and their presentations were generally of a high quality.”

– Cathie Lewis, Sustainability Manager for Grinrod

“I thought the overall quality and depth of thinking of the Business/ Management students was impressive while some of the physical presentations were outstanding.”

Illustration: www.freepik.com

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– Clive McMurray, FCB Durban

recognition and awards at local and international industry festivals like the Loeries and the Design Indaba.

Every year pre the pandemic, Vega in Durban hosts its annual Portfolio Day, inviting industry representatives to view the work of students. This year the event went online and was a roaring success.

IIE-third year and postgraduate students from various disciplines participated, from Business, Management and Strategy, and Graphic and Digital Design to Copywriting.

They introduced themselves to the mentors and presented their portfolio of work to about 60 industry experts in various virtual meeting rooms.

It was a lively format – a cross between “speed dating” and Dragon’s Den, and students got a real sense of what industry standards are, receiving feedback and mentorship from top

“Great idea going virtual and kudos for pulling it off.”

– Nick Heygate, Bitfoundry Industry 4.0, Durban

“Be brave.”

– Naresh Ramchandani, Pentagram, London

ABOVE: The Portfolio Day showcases students’ work. placed potential employers in South Africa, London, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Ireland and Canada.

The event, said Vega campus head Naretha Pretorius, was “part of Vega’s commitment to grooming its students and supporting the continuous development of our industry”.

“It helps our students to become industry confident. It was inspired by the International Portfolio Night originated by McCann. We have been running our own Portfolio Night at Vega School in Durban for several years. It is immensely valuable to our students, industry partners and ourselves.”

Senior Copywriting Lecturer, Siobhan Gunning, saw this year’s Virtual Portfolio Day as an opportunity to go international

“You certainly have a talented group of students!”

– Gemma Lord, Design Lead, IDEO, London

“Thanks for a great session!

And for allowing me to be part of it.”

FOR MORE INFO www.vegaschool.com

“This was really awesome.”

– Nella Addy and Rogen van den Berg, Feral Child, Durban

– Brendan Hoffman, Co-founder & CD, Joe Public, Cape Town

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and secured creative directors and ex-Vega lecturers from around the country and the world.

“While there is nothing to beat a physical encounter, being able to get international luminaries such as Naresh Ramchandani from Pentagram and Gemma Lord from IDEO, both from the UK, was an exceptional coup for us! This event is a Vega Durban initiative, it is not part of the curriculum, and I am so proud of our campus for dreaming big and pulling this off.”

Nothing prepares students for the real world better than engaging with real world experts and Vega used its tremendous influence to make the connection global.

The event reflected the passion Vega has for its students in ensuring the best industry exposure for them and their work.

Students were introduced to creative directors from top agencies such as FCB Durban, King James, Joe Public United, Barrows Global, Derivco, and agencies from around the world (the likes of Parsons Branding, Ireland), and business and brand management heads of local and globally recognised brands, such as Unilever, RCL Foods, Red Bull SA, ABSA and SA Homeloans, to name a few.

From this experience, students secure interviews to embark on industry immersion opportunities, the first step to realising the career they have aspired to.

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“It’s such a great idea and I hope you all keep it up.”

“That was rad.”

– Tania Barker, Creative Director, Ofyt, Cape Town

– Carl Addy, Hvy Mnthl, London

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eco-friendly*

How green is your

LIFE?

MOVING TOWARDS A MORE SUSTAINABLE WAY OF LIVING IS NOT AS DIFFICULT AS YOU MAY THINK, WRITES KATRINE ANKER-NILSSEN

G

oing green is all about pursuing knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations.

A green lifestyle focuses on reducing, reusing and recycling whenever possible, and includes the initiatives

and products you choose to support, buy and use. There are many ways you, as a consumer, can go greener at home and in your personal life – doing your bit to reduce the carbon footprint. Be conscious of what you buy and how much you buy. Ask yourself: Is it eco-friendly? Is it locally made? Do I really need it?

We have rounded up a few fabulous local and Proudly South African options for you – because every little bit you do counts.

 Made from 100% South African post-consumer waste, these bags remain entirely local throughout their manufacturing process. Low cost, versatility, durability, high strengthweight ratio and limitless and immediate designs, make Virobag a highly feasible alternative packaging option for both big retailers and smaller independent brands. www.virobag.co.za

 Green Office, wanting to “close the loop” on their waste, has designed a unique portable laptop stand made from cartridge plastic waste. The Eezigo is not only sustainable, eco-friendly and manufactured locally, but also ergonomic, 32

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portable, convenient and compact. It’s the ideal corporate Christmas gift, with bespoke branding available. www.valfyproducts.com

 A pioneering, clean and conscious range make-up, Lula Fox is ecolux – eco because it is not tested on animals and is made from natural, organic and non-toxic ingredients; lux because it is on a par with professional and mainstream make-up ranges with regards to performance and colour payoff.

The proudly South African brand offers an inclusive shade spectrum covering all skin tones, and are at the forefront of international trends. www.lulafox.life

 The South African designedand-manufactured YOLO Compost Tumblers are ideal for organic kitchen waste as they are rat, dog, monkey and pest proof. Free-standing or wall-mounted, they come in three sizes, take little space and are odour-free. By composting, less volume is produced for trash collection, and rich compost dug directly into the garden puts valuable nutrients back into the soil. www.yolocolours.co.za

 Moontree's Facefood is 100% organic and suitable for all skin types. It is cellular regenerative, collagen supporting, reduces wrinkles, improves skin tone and deeply hydrates and nourishes.

Boasting the most incredible

ingredients to feed your face – such as mafura butter, shea butter, sweet orange oil and lemongrass oil – it’s also rich in antioxidants, Vitamin A and E. Understanding that your skin is your largest organ in your body and absorbs what you apply to it, you will want to try this out. www.moontree.co.za

 Did you know that the fashion industry is the world’s second biggest polluter? Excess production, mismanaged waste and fast fashion can be avoided by opting for preloved. Chic Mamas Do Care Durban raises funds to support early childhood development projects in our neighbouring communities – promoting conscious, sustainable thrift shopping through the sale of donated quality clothing, handbags, shoes and accessories. Pop into their Westville retail store, where it’s easy to go green without compromising on fabulous fashion or skimping on style. www.chicmamasdocaredurban.co.za

 The Nu-Eco range of cleaning products has plantderived ingredients that work to clean your home through the inclusion of powerful botanical extracts that are not only highly effective, but burst with the delicious fragrance of essential oils. Creating awareness about the importance of using products that are watercourse safe and biodegradable, NuEco’s 100% natural products

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are lovingly manufactured in a small local factory in Hillcrest. www.nu-eco.co-za

 The importance of books from a fundraising perspective as well as a cultural perspective cannot be over-emphasised.

Receiving a huge number of ongoing donations, the Kloof and Highway SPCA's Village Green book shop has a vast range of books to choose from.

Staff take tremendous time and care to display and arrange all the books, ensuring customers are able to browse and select their favourite topics. All income generated from sales goes directly into financing the SPCA’s fight against animal cruelty. www.kloofspca.co.za

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rock the kitchen*

F

or most of us, pairing wine with food is a simple exercise to complement, contrast and improve our dining experience, although matching red wine with red meat and white wine with fish is kinda old-fashioned given today’s gastronomic free-for-all. But for me, it’s about matching the mood – on a warm and relaxed Sunday, an ice-cold glass or two of a good dry Riesling is superb with a garlicky leg of spit-roasted lamb. Prove me wrong.

I called on some of our favourite people to kickstart the sunny season on a glorious early-spring day: Matt Draper, Durban’s wine guru, rock star and purveyor of good vibes; Vanessa Blevins, incredible home cook and wine oracle; and fellow New York obsessives Nat and Clifford French (who, along with my girls, double as my chef-school tasting guinea pigs now and then).

Good guy Matt took us on an unexpected and enlightening journey through the ever-fertile slopes of the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington and Robertson Valleys, and brought some delicious examples of his nectars for us to try. Our take-out for the season ahead? Chenin Blanc, all the way. Matt describes this typically dry but complex and fruity white as “sunshine in a bottle” – and we all agreed. Cheers! My advice? Invest in a case or two.

But, of course this is a food story too. Paired with the laughter and wine, I made a table full of really delicious, Greek-inspired grub that made our spirited al fresco gathering a memorable one. Garlic, lemon and herb chicken souvlaki with all the trimmings, accompanied by Vanessa’s incredible corn and black bean salad, and roasted eggplant with chilli and garlic.

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First of the summer

WINES

NOW’S THE TIME TO GET OUT AND ENJOY THE SUNSHINE WITH YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD, YOUR FAVOURITE WINE AND YOUR FAVOURITE PEOPLE, SAYS ANT ELLIS

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Souvlaki *Chicken 6-8 free-range chicken breasts, skinned and cubed Marinade: • 8 cloves garlic • 2 tablespoons dried oregano • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary • 1 heaped teaspoon paprika • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup Chenin Blanc • juice of 1 lemon • 2 bay-leaves • salt and pepper

Add all marinade ingredients except bayleaves to a blender. Blend until combined.

Add bay-leaves and chicken. Marinade in a covered bowl for at least 3 hours, or overnight in fridge. Thread marinated chicken cubes on to skewer sticks (if you’re using wooden sticks, soak them in water

BELOW FROM LEFT: Matt Draper,

Ant Ellis, Karin Ellis, Vanessa Blevins, Clifford French, and Natalie French.

for half an hour first). Cook over hot coals or in a preheated skillet for 4-6 minutes. Turn regularly, making sure to get good colour on the outside, and baste with any left-over marinade as you cook. Slide out the skewers and serve with warm flatbreads, lashings of hummus and tzatziki, fresh onion and tomato, chilli (as hot as you dig it) and a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Boom.

Vanessa's Sweet *Mielie And Black Bean Salad

• 4 sweetcorn mielies, on the cob • 4 spring onions, finely sliced • 1 fresh red chilli, finely sliced • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped • 1 tin black beans, drained • juice of 2 limes or 1 lemon • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil • salt to taste • half a bunch of fresh coriander, chopped

Cook mielies either over coals or boil in salted water. Cool and carefully slice

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kernels off the cobs. In a bowl mix all ingredients together except coriander. Chill in fridge for an hour. Stir through freshly chopped coriander just before serving.

*Easy Flatbreads

Also try out these kick-ass, super-simple flatbreads. In a bowl, mix 4 cups of plain flour, 2 tablespoons of milk powder (leave out if not handy), 300ml milk, 1 teaspoon salt and 80g soft butter. Mix well and knead gently on a floured surface, into a smooth, soft and elastic dough. Wrap in cling film, rest for an hour. Divide into golf ball-sized pieces and roll out until about 4-5mm thick, using a bit of extra flour to prevent sticking.

Cook in a very hot skillet on each side until golden, using a touch of olive oil if you like.

It only takes seconds, so don’t take your eyes off them. Keep warm.

*

FOR MORE INFO ant@rockthekitchen.co.za; Whatsapp Matt Draper on 078 209 9592 for wine tastings or a price list, and some killer recommendations.

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advertorial*

Count on US MARWICK & COMPANY IS HERE TO MAKE LIFE A LITTLE BIT EASIER FOR YOU

A

udits aren’t easy; that’s why we make audit season that much more bearable. Our friendly and professional staff are committed to providing exceptional customer service, we value each client and strive to understand and facilitate the specific intricacies of each client’s financial objectives.

Marwick & Company provides services that support our clients and help their business run more effectively, efficiently and compliantly. We have had the privilege of offering professional, personalised

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service for over 45 years. Spearheaded by our experienced and dynamic management team, we offer an array of auditing and financial solutions for both businesses and individuals.

WHY MARWICK & CO.?

We believe in being more than just a company. We are passionate about delivering exceptional service. To do this we prioritise our five core company values – T.R.I.P.P. : Teamwork – Working together as a cohesive unit to achieve mutual goals.

Reliability – Being trustworthy and

performing consistently well.

Integrity – Demonstrating sound moral/ ethical principles and being transparent.

Professionalism – Combination of ethics, honesty, integrity, reliability and dignity.

Personalised Service – Tailored service to meet the needs of clients with attention to detail.

AUDIT SERVICES Auditing & Assurance Your business can perform more efficiently. Our team is here to give you sound, insightful advice and reports to improve business efficiencies. We can also see the audit and independent review of your annual financial statements.

BELOW: Executive team Douglas Walton, Graham Hutchinson, Reasha Maharaj, Graham Marwick and Benjamin Flowers.

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What Our Audit Clerks Say About Marwick & Company

Khaya Mthethwa: What inspires you?

Having the CA(SA) title next to my name one day.

Damien Govender: What is the impact of our services?

We provide a support system to our clients in terms of providing them with reliable information that they can use in their operations.

Prevani Reddy: What do people say about us?

This is a very good company with many great opportunities in the field of my choice.

Laura Chesterton: What are we great at?

In terms of training we get exposed to a lot of sections and auditing skills that people at big firms do not get exposed to. In terms of our clients we have good relationships with them and know their businesses well, therefore we are more aware of the industries they work in and can provide more personalised services for them.

Sinmi Onyebilanma: What makes you excited to come to work every day?

Being on a challenging audit and with an engaged team.

A well laid out routine.

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ABOVE: Audit supervisors Dylan Nash, Yajna Singh, Serena Subramony, Jade Boulle and Rishen Sewcharran.

Non-assurance Taking the hassle out of routine tasks, call on us to assist with your business’ non-assurance requirements – including compilations and the drafting of annual financial statements. Focus on your employees and clients while we see to any due diligence reviews, internal audits, or special investigations that you may require.

Looking for a SAICA training contract?

OUR 2021 APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN, CONTACT OUR AUDIT DEPARTMENT NOW 031 765 6764; audit@marwick.co.za; www.marwickandcompany.co.za; Gate 2, Marwick House, 30 Old Main Road, Hillcrest, 3610

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trending*

LOVING

summer

STAYING HOME AND ENJOYING WHAT LIFE HAS TO OFFER IS THE NEW NORMAL. TURN YOUR GARDEN INTO YOUR SANCTUARY FOR THE BEST SUMMER YET

W

ith summer fast approaching, now’s the time to enjoy Durban’s stunning sunshine.

The days are getting longer and warmer, and staying at home has become the new going out. Luckily, our gardens are an extension of our homes, an extra space where we can relax on our own or entertain family and friends.

There is a trend towards features we may have previously taken for granted in our daily lives, and 2020 outdoor designs will reflect “things I would want to have if I ever get stuck at home again”.

Bring the comforts of the indoors out, with the following on-trend ideas.

Experience based spaces

Slowing down, enjoying conversations and what life has to offer are just a few of life’s lessons we’ve all had to learn over the past few months. With this in mind, carefully created outdoor spaces are more than decor – they represent experiences and spending time with loved ones.

Whether you are dreaming of unwinding at an outdoor bar, cooking for the family at a pizza oven, sharing bonds over a firepit, doing daily yoga or mediation in your garden sanctuary, experience based outdoor spaces are the way of the future.

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Bring the indoors out

Bringing the indoors out is a product of our times. The need to “stay in” when we can’t travel means designing an outdoor space that’s comfortable, allows for social distancing, and is ideal for family gatherings.

Fitting in with the boho decor trend, woven materials add texture and contrast when dressed up with decorative cushions. An outdoor grass rug, a boho styled umbrella, oversized daybeds and egg chairs are fresh and trendy ways to add style to your outdoor space.

Woven grass rug: KitCat Handmade, made to order, n 073 586 9150; Crowley nest chair, R9 995,  www.blockandchisel.co.za; Oversized daybed and umbrella: Sunny Spot, sunnyspot.co.za.

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Grass is always greener

Lawn plays a vital role in the overall appearance of a garden, and a patchy lawn can spoil the entire landscape.

According to Julie Scragg, owner of Hingham Nursery, “Give your lawn a spring boost by applying, in the correct ratio, Gromor lawn dressing and 321 fertiliser.” Hingham Nursery can offer advice on quantities required and pricing.  031 564 3062.

Outdoor play

Young families who want to encourage their children to get outdoors and away from game-stations, tablets and TVs, can look at incorporating blackboards, sand pits, hammocks, balance beams, climbing frames and even mini wildlife ponds into their garden design.

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decor*

Pattern

PLAY COMBINING CONTRASTING PATTERNS IS A CONTEMPORARY WAY TO ADD INTEREST TO YOUR DECOR. CANDICE BOTHA ASKED LOCAL DECORATORS FOR THEIR TOP TIPS FOR MAKING PATTERNS WORK TOGETHER

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Combining patterns is a simple way to add interest and personality to a room. In this living room, Tarryn Hendra of calla&taia has used a patterned rug and scatters to instantly refresh a tired room. The tribal print and geometric patterned cushions on the sofa work in harmony with the abstract rug by keeping to a neutral palette.

“Choosing similar tones is key when making several patterns work together – the prints may contrast but the colours are complementary,” she notes.

Picture: Olivia Rebecca Photography “Working with pattern combinations is probably my favourite part of any project,” says Kirsty Badenhorst of Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors. “I get to really express my creativity through textures, styles and tones of patterns.” For this master bedroom, Kirsty has created a luxurious feel by pairing a whimsical wallpaper with rough textured marble on the wall around the fireplace. “It is an interesting combination that is enhanced by the contrast between the soft velvets and structured pattern on the scatters which also echoes the feel of the wall feature and brings the space together.”

Picture: Courtney Dale Photography In this formal lounge, Kirsty has warmed up a muted colour palette with a pop of gold. “I went for a soft watercolour-like wallpaper, paired with a strong patterned velvet with darker tones to anchor the space,” she says. “The lighter tones are incorporated with the linen feel and embroidered design of the geometric which brightens up the space.

People tend to think that neutrals can be boring,

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however when you create a striking combination of texture, complementary tones, and incorporate interesting patterns, they can be just as appealing as colour.” Picture: Courtney Dale Photography In this bedroom, Tracy Joubert of Refreshed Designs has varied the scale of the patterns.

The rug is a large-scale floral, the cushion is medium, and the buttoning on the headboard is small. “The varied scales make this space look contemporary rather than cluttered, which tends to be the case when every element is in a similar scale of print,” she says. “When choosing the location of your patterns, keep in mind that a large pattern works best on a large item – like the rug here – because the space is large enough to accommodate the pattern in its entirety.” The faux fur throw at the bottom of the bed adds another element of interest with its texture without competing with any of the patterns.

Incorporating pattern via natural materials, as Tracy has done in this dining-room, is a modern take on luxury. “It is essential to distribute patterns evenly throughout a room,” she says. Adding the

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pattern to the server balances out the busy marble wall and dining table on the other side of the room.

In this bedroom, Amy Mitchell of Studio Mitchell has chosen a patterned wallpaper as the starting point in the room. “The 60/30/10 approach has worked well here,” she says. “The wallpaper accounts for 60% of the pattern in the room, the pattern on the curtain for 30%, and the final 10% comes from the floral cushion as an accent.” As a bedroom should be relatively tranquil, Amy has included several elements in plain fabrics to balance out the patterns. “The plain yellow headboard and white linen give the eye somewhere to rest, keeping the look calm.” Picking up touches of yellow and stone in the cushion and repeating them in the headboard and wallpaper creates some depth and connects the scatter with the other patterns in the room.

The wallpaper accounts for 60% of the pattern in the room, the pattern on the curtain for 30%, and the final 10% comes from the

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FOR MORE INFO

CALLA&TAIA INTERIOR DESIGN: hello@callaandtaia.com KIRSTY BADENHORST INTERIORS: kbinteriors.co.za REFRESHED DESIGNS: refresheddesigns.co.za STUDIO MITCHELL: studiomitchell.co.za

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advertorial*

*

Now enrolling Grades 6 to 10 for 2021

Education for the digital

AGE

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A STRUCTURED, TEACHER-DRIVEN LEARNING PROGRAMME FOR YOUR CHILD – A VIRTUAL SCHOOL IN YOUR HOME – THEN WATERFALL ONLINE IS THE SOLUTION

W

aterfall Online offers students (initially from Grades 6 to 10) access to consistent, excellent teaching with the learner’s well-being at the heart of every decision.

Waterfall Online is a virtual school where experienced, specialist teachers follow the CAPS curriculum, preparing learners to sit the NSC IEB exams in Grade 12. “Our aim is to support every child to realise their potential, equipping them with the skills and confidence

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to navigate a rapidly changing world, and the drive to make a difference,” says Principal Jeanette van der Merwe.

Ongoing communication between students, teachers and parents enhances the learning experience.

Waterfall Online has grown from Waterfall College – a small school, built on a foundation of Christian values and ethics.

The College is known for its small classes and exceptional teachers, and has achieved a 100% IEB matric pass rate 16 years running. Waterfall Online will run independently from the campus school, but share this same ethos.

The benefits of online learning are extensive and include refined critical-thinking and complex problem-solving skills, improved virtual communication and collaboration (vital for the world of work), and the opportunity for a family-defined learning environment.

A structured programme, supervised daily by qualified teachers who are passionate about the opportunities of digital learning, will see

students engaged in interactive lessons with teachers and fellow students. Subjects for Grades 6 to 9 include English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Technology, Arts and Culture and Life Orientation. Grade 10s will be able to select from English, Afrikaans or isiZulu, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, Life Orientation, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, History, Geography and Business Studies.

Regular collaborative group sessions will extend the educational experience and promote positive relationships, covering topics from study skills to personal development, Christian values and community connection.

Teachers and guest speakers will promote a positive sense of self, while encouraging students to pursue a healthy lifestyle, balancing physical fitness, culture, service and leadership.

This provides a platform for genuine engagement and for a sense of belonging. Every child is encouraged to contribute to the school experience.

To find out how you can start your exciting journey with Waterfall Online, visit waterfallonlineschool.com today.

FOR MORE INFO hello@waterfallonlineschool.com; 031 710 1834

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fashion*

Go with the FLOW TURN HEADS WITH THE LATEST FLOWING OUTFITS THAT CAN BE DRESSED UP OR DOWN DEPENDING ON THE OCCASION

Shapiro maxi dress in mustard features a half sleeve with full panelled skirt and pockets, R1 295. Scorpio trapeze dress in black with both a high and low hem, front placket and mandarin collar, R1 295.

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Picasso funnel neck long-sleeve dress, sheer knit printed with unique mirror print, and separate inner cami lining, R1 595.  Noelle black fitted knee-length

dress with unique mirror print kimono sleeves which are lined, R1 295.  White Theresa three-quarter sleeve top with rib neck, R550, worn with Johnson skants (straight leg

pants with overskirt), R950.  Jemma long-sleeve dress with multi-frill skirt, sheer knit with unique mirror print, separate inner cami lining, R1 395.

 Capricorn stretch knit midi dress with solid contrast insets and unique mirror print, R1 295. Rust Katrina panelled calf-length dress with kimono sleeves, R1 095.

FOR MORE INFO Clothes by Leigh Schubert; 082 771 4208

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advertorial*

B

oys and girls are the same in many ways, however boys are generally busier, more robust and physical.

There is a spectrum of boy types, as there is a spectrum of girl types. Boys are more practical and logical, but usually a few years behind girls in their emotional development – and we need to help them with that and teach them along the way.

I think if one had to set a goal in life for a child, it’s simple: happiness. There are of course times when they aren’t going to be happy, when they learn through adversity or difficulty, but let’s work at happiness as a goal.

Most parents of boys would agree that boys can certainly behave like hooligans. There are three words that I use when I’m working with children, especially boys. They are commitment, communication and collaboration.

In order to bring up a happy hooligan, you need to show him that you are committed to him at all times. We talk about unconditional love – is it a misnomer? Absolutely not. We have unconditional love for our children which we need to express to them on a regular, ongoing basis. Boys need to know that they are loved, always and at all times.

Commitment is: “I love you always, no matter what you do or who you are”. Importantly, this doesn’t mean that discipline falls away and your

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HAPPY

hooligans

STEVE MACK TALKS ABOUT THE CHALLENGE OF PARENTING BOYS, BOTH ON A PRACTICAL AND EMOTIONAL LEVEL son can get away with anything without consequences.

Out of commitment comes communication.

Boys are not always the best communicators. I remember picking up my son from school and asking: “How was your day?” All I’d get was a grunt.

You need to work harder at communicating, so think about your son’s day when you’re going to fetch him. Did he have a sports practice or a drama rehearsal, or maybe his best friend has been sick? Use this to improve your conversations.

Boys don’t mind questions as long as you aren’t asking the same one over and over again,

Steve Mack, EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST Steve is an ex-high school teacher who taught at boys schools and then shifted his career to psychology.

expecting a different response.

Once you are committed and communicating, that’s when collaboration comes in.

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Remember that collaboration isn’t control. Many of us think that kids should just listen to what we say because we’re older and wiser, and because we are their parents. Children like to argue, especially boys.

However arguing isn’t always disrespectful, it’s also about seeing how their brains were trying to prove themselves right or wrong. Disrespect is not allowed but questions should be, and that’s where collaboration comes in. When you’re collaborating with your son, you’re giving him the chance to share his opinion and to say what he thinks and show who he is.

In today’s world it’s tough being a boy. Everyone is in power and everyone has equal rights, yet the world still says boys have to be masculine, in charge and in control. Feelings of inadequacy is something to look out for, as boys often don’t feel good enough. We have it in our power to make our sons feel better about themselves by encouraging them to be involved and have fun. Happiness is having fun!

It is through commitment, communication and collaboration that we can raise happy hooligans who grow into balanced young men. *Brought to you by Highbury

*advertorial

TIME TO MAKE: 30 M INS PREPARATIO TIME: 15 M N COOKING T INS IME: 15 MINS

Sweet &

STICKY

ALWAYS A HOT FAVOURITE, CHICKEN WINGS DUNKED IN A SWEET AND STICKY SAUCE ARE GREAT AS A SNACK, APPETISER OR EVEN A MAIN MEAL

AN ILLOVO SUGAR AFRICA COMPANY

METHOD: In a small pot, heat olive oil and fry garlic until softened, about 30 seconds. Add Illovo Golden Syrup, soy sauce and hot sauce,

You probably know who we are but we bet you didn’t know this…

ILLOVO SUGAR SA IS A HOUSEHOLD NAME WITH SOUTH AFRICANS HAVING ENJOYED OUR QUALITY SUGAR AND SYRUP PRODUCTS SINCE 1891. AND, ALTHOUGH YOU MAY “KNOW US”, YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW THESE FACTS ABOUT US WHICH MAKE US WHO WE ARE TODAY. We have sold approximately 55% of our land to black farmers through our land redistribution programme.

INGREDIENTS: FOR THE STICKY HOT SAUCE: • 2 tbsp olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, crushed • ¾ cup Illovo Golden Syrup • ¼ cup soy sauce • 1-2 tbsp hot sauce, or to taste FOR THE CHICKEN: • oil, for frying • 16 chicken wings, cleaned and dried • 1 egg, beaten • 1 tbsp water • ¼ cup cornflour • salt and pepper to season • sliced spring onion to serve

to taste. Stir until well combined, allow to simmer for 8-10 minutes on low heat, watching it carefully.

Remove from heat when sticky and glaze-like.

Pour oil into a mediumsized pot until 10cm deep, and preheat over medium heat. Place chicken wings in a large bowl. In a small bowl whisk 1 tbsp of water into beaten egg and pour over chicken wings, stirring to coat. In another bowl add cornflour and season with salt and pepper. Using a fork or tongs, toss chicken in cornflour until wellcoated, allowing excess egg to drip off. Fry chicken wings in hot oil in batches until golden, crispy and cooked, about 8-12 minutes per batch. Transfer chicken to drain on paper towel.

Dunk the crispy chicken into the sticky hot sauce, ensuring each wing is dripping with sauce. Serve the spicy, sticky chicken wings with sliced spring onion. Serves 1.

ISSA produced the first ever black miller in the country based in Gledhow.

To date we have donated 150 libraries to 25 schools in rural KZN communities.

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We have made an impact of R9,6-billion towards the South African economy according to the 2019/2020 findings of Through the Formal Work Opportunities study.

26% of our permanent staff complement are women.

Connect with us on W www.facebook.com/IllovoSugar  www.illovosugarafrica.com

nature*

B

ees are an essential part of an ecosystem and responsible for the pollination of about a third of our food crops and many of southern Africa’s indigenous plant species. What can we do, as individuals, to create a sustainable environment for bees and their needs?

Candide’s #PolliNationSA movement encourages gardening enthusiasts to plant flowers, vegetables, herbs, fruit and trees for bees, and aims to recruit a minimum of 100 000 South Africans to become pollinators or VIPs – very important pollinators.

“Early spring is a busy time for most bees,” explains Candide’s market lead, Shani Krige. “After winter they start foraging extensively, and plants and flowers in your garden will provide the resources they need.”

The free Candide app offers expertise on all things bee-friendly, and is the place where you’ll find all the information you need to create a bee-friendly garden – as well as inspiration and knowledge about all things plant and garden related.

CREATING A BEEFRIENDLY GARDEN • Allow vegetables and herbs to flower by adding a few extra plants or seeds. Bees love the

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The Bee's

KNEES

INTRODUCING A FREE GARDENING APP DEDICATED TO RAISING AWARENESS AROUND BEES Join the

#PolliNationSA movement Download the free Candide app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Snap a pic of a beefriendly plant or flower that you’re growing. Share the pic on the Candide app using the hashtag #PolliNationSA. Once posted, you’ll receive a #PolliNationSA sticker that will be added to your Candide profile pic confirming your pollinator status. You will also be able to view a countrywide map showing the growing movement as more bee ambassadors create beefriendly spaces throughout our country.

flowers of rocket, fennel and carrot – to name a few.

• Be diverse. Plant as many different flowering herbs, plants, shrubs and trees as possible.

• Make sure your garden has one or a few water sources

that are friendly to bees. They need to have a place to sit where they can reach the water, so consider placing a large rock inside your birdbath or fill a shallow tray with pebbles.

• Avoid pesticides and

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chemicals. Rather try natural ways of fighting off pests – such as neem oil, soap, garlic and Epsom salts.

• The indigenous Cape-forgetme-not produces brilliant blue blooms, is easy to grow and attract bees and butterflies.

• The tiny flowers of the Alyssum are honey-scented and attract bees in their numbers.

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FOR MORE INFO www.candide.co.za; W @candideappza

*advertorial

I

know you might be thinking ‘Thanks for stating the obvious, Doc’, but many pet owners I have encountered consider having a cat as a pet to be the same as having a small dog. I would like to share some of the common issues I have discovered over the last few years to help shed light on the key differences between the two species.

• Cats are pure carnivores while dogs fall into the omnivore category: Cats require a higher amount of protein in their diet compared to a dog of the same size.

They are unable to synthesise certain amino acids. Our Ultra Cat range meets all the requirements cats need in their daily diet.

Dogs can thrive on a cat’s diet, but not the other way around. Cats will suffer from malnutrition and develop lifethreatening deficiencies if they are fed the wrong food.

• Never use dog tick and

CATS are

not small dogs BESIDES CATS AND DOGS LOOKING DIFFERENT AND HAVING DIFFERENT TEMPERAMENTS, THERE ARE MORE SERIOUS DIFFERENCES WORTH KNOWING, SAYS DR KARIEN BRINK, RESIDENT ULTRA PET VETERINARIAN flea products on cats: One of the most common cat toxicities veterinarians see is cats being accidentally given dog products containing permethrin. Cats receiving such products will start to show clinical signs minutes to hours after application. This is a serious toxicity and may be lethal if left untreated.

• A lack of appetite or anorexia in a cat is serious: When a dog stops eating, veterinarians will monitor it for a day or two before starting with serious

intervention. However, when a cat stops eating, nutritional support needs to be started as soon as possible.

• A cat that struggles to urinate is an emergency case: Urinary obstruction occurs most commonly in male cats and is a medical emergency.

Despite the obvious discomfort the cat feels, it can go into renal failure, develop metabolic abnormalities, and if left untreated, will die.

Considering these pointers, it is clear that cats are definitely

Dr Karien Brink qualified from the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria in 2010. She worked at Valley Farm Animal Hospital from 2011-2019, before she joined RCL FOODS. She has a special interest in animal behaviour and dermatology, and is passionate about nutritional advice and preventative health care for pets. Drop her a message at ultra-pet.co.za/dr-karienscorner/ if you have any questions.

unique and different to dogs!

At Ultra Pet we appreciate the uniqueness of your feline companion, and truly believe by celebrating the differences in our pets, we can ensure they remain happy and healthy.

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ULTRA CAT?

Manufactured in a world-class factory WHY CHOOSE100% money back under the strictest care guarantee

ULTRA CAT?

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A wide range at prices you can afford Manufactured in a world class factory under the strictest care LEARN MORE AT ULTRA-PET.CO.ZA Tried and trusted by veterinary stores and shoppers for over 25 years

Re-Discover Durban Summer 20 C REA T I N G N E W M E M O R IE S

RE-DISCOVER DURBAN THIS SUMMER TO CREATE NEW MEMORIES IN A UNIQUELY VIBRANT SUMMER SEASON. EXPERIENCE DURBAN LIKE NEVER BEFORE!

 www.visitdurban.travel

Explore the sprawling coastline, buzzing restaurants, magnificent outdoors, a heritage rich in culture and so much more. Durban has plenty on offer to create new and lasting memories for you and your loved ones.

Feel the pulsating energy

that moves from Umlazi across Durban to the drumbeats of Inanda, Clermont and many other townships that offer a full Durban experience. Re-discover a crisp ocean breeze, year-long sunshine that takes you from Durban’s Golden Mile promenade

 031 322 4164

to the urban cosmopolitan beats of downtown uMhlanga.

This summer Durban has packaged an all-inclusive selection of products and experiences that will cater for all tastes and expectations, accommodating the whole family.

E info@visitdurban.travel

DURBAN’S TOURISM HOTSPOTS

Unique culinary experiences suitable for every palate, world-class shopping and a pulsating nightlife.

For a complete Durban experience, make sure you visit at least one of these: • Florida Road in Morningside • Station Drive in Umgeni Road

• Inanda Heritage Route • The Valley of 1000 Hills • Umhlanga Arch • Davenport in Glenwood • Ushaka Marine World theme park • Mackeurtan Ave in Durban North • Chartwell Drive in uMhlanga • The Sapphire Coast

WT

@dbntourism

weekend escapes*

H

ave you ever been glamping? It’s the best way to spend a weekend – you can enjoy the benefits of camping without sacrificing on comfort. No more lugging a heavy tent and heaps of other camping equipment around, not to mention spending ages setting everything up … only to pack it all away a couple of days later. The tent and all necessary amenities are right there waiting for you, you just have to rock up and be ready to connect with nature.

AfriCamps has got this concept down to a T, and with 11 different camps situated on working farms and estates spread throughout our beautiful country – there’s lots to explore for glamping enthusiasts.

Get your

GLAMP ON

THIS FAMILY-FRIENDLY GETAWAY IN THE MIDLANDS OFFERS LUXURY CAMPING AT ITS BEST, WRITES KATRINE ANKER-NILSSEN

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The boutique tents are very spacious with fully equipped kitchens, comfortable bedrooms and large showers. The freedom of a self-drive holiday while being close to nature is wonderful – and the convenience of having it all set up and waiting saves precious time, which can be better spent exploring the surroundings or relaxing in your own private outdoor hot tub.

Five new tents have recently been set up at Gowan Valley Guest Farm in the Midlands – one of AfriCamps latest additions. The farm is truly enchanting with its rolling green hills, endless fields and mighty river. Hosts Deanne and Brett Bouwer farm Nguni cattle and Golden Kiwis on the property, and offer delicious cookyour-own breakfast and braai baskets – which can be ordered ahead to make your stay even more hassle-free.

My daughter and I recently spent a night, exploring the farm through a lovely four kilometre walk. Passing through indigenous forest, stopping to enjoy an exciting swing and marvel at an enormous 500-year-old Yellowwood tree, you then walk along the Mpofana River and can

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The boutique tents are very spacious with fully equipped kitchens, comfortable bedrooms and large showers settle down at a grassy picnic spot. There’s also plenty to do in the area if you wish to stay longer – the familiar and muchloved Midlands Meander has endless opportunities of food, fun and frolic.

The AfriCamps business philosophy is strongly based on the foundation of sustainability. All tents and furniture is

made in Atlantis Western Cape – where hiring and training staff in an area with a high unemployment rate has empowered locals with skills within the fields of sewing, woodwork, welding, painting, electrical and more.

Taking on this notion of education, AfriCamps aim for families to discover farm life and the serenity that can come from being in nature, while at the same time educating kids about the animals on the farm, the fresh local produce, and providing them with a closer look at their direct connection to and impact on the world around them.

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FOR MORE INFO www.africamps.com

Africa’s Largest Selection of Patio Furniture & Accessories

www.patiowarehouse.co.za | Cell: 087 825 1120 | Umhlanga Branch: 031 566 8550

last word*

A beest of a

STING

IF YOU GET A BUZZ OUT OF TRYING TO IMPRESS THE OPPOSITE SEX, LOOK OUT FOR THIS HONEY TRAP, WRITES DARREL BRISTOW-BOVEY

S

ummer’s almost here and you know what that means?

Well, it means lots of things, but one of them is bees.

I have mixed feelings about bees. On one hand, I have a grudge against them that began the way most bad things begin – trying to impress girls. They were younger than the girls I usually try to impress – they were four-year-old twins, and they were my partner’s daughters.

I was wary of them at first. I’d never spent time with human beings that small before. What would we talk about? Did we have any friends in common? How did they make a living?

Soon my attitude softened. They were upstanding young citizens and far more interesting than most adults. We had many interesting philosophical debates ranging from why a milkshake is called a milkshake when you never shake the milk, to whether I could beat a kangaroo in a fistfight. The more I liked them, the more I wanted them to like me, and like any stupid boy I thought the best way was to impress them.

One day while having a picnic I noticed a dead bee.

“Mmm,” I said. “Bees taste good.”

“They don’t,” said one of the girls.

“People don’t eat bees,” said the other, calling my bluff.

“Oh no?” I said, and before my partner could even stop rolling her eyes, I popped the dead bee into my mouth and pretended to chew it up and extravagantly swallow, while actually, cunningly, concealing the little bee corpse beneath my tongue.

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“See?” I said, opening my mouth, “it’s all gone.”

They examined my apparently empty mouth with bafflement and disgust.

“He hasn’t really eaten it,” said my partner, glaring at me furiously.

“Yes I have!” I said, and like a ventriloquist drinking water to seem more convincing, I took a sip of soft drink and swirled it around to show how thoroughly I had swallowed the bee.

At this point I discovered two things: first, that sometimes dead bees are not in fact dead but enjoying some kind of afternoon siesta. And second, that the best way to wake a sleeping bee is to douse it with fizzy, sugary liquid.

As the bee stirred grumpily beneath my

tongue, I tried to stay cool.

“Oh yes,” I said, “I eat bees all the time, I …

AAARGGGHHHH!” That last word wasn’t actually a word, more an involuntary howl as the bee yawned and stretched and resumed the workday by stinging me. Have you ever been stung under your tongue? It’s like being stung anywhere else except 10 times worse. It’s so sore you start laughing because you can’t quite believe how sore it is. Then you start crying and jumping up and down.

“Boys are silly,” said one of the girls.

I suppose it’s good that I was a teachable moment. The other thing I taught them is that when you are stung in the mouth your salivary glands swell up, producing lots of spit you can’t swallow because your glands are too swollen.

So I have a grudge against bees, but later that afternoon, as I lay in a darkened room with my mouth open so that a constant river of saliva could drain into a gross Tupperware bowl, the door opened quietly and two little girls crept in. One of them held my hand and the other one stroked my forehead, and they both sat with me until it was time for their dinner. That’s when they told me they thought I was silly but also funny. I lay there and thanked that bee from the bottom of my happy heart.

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*

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