The Crest 99

JAN-FEB 2021 ISSUE 99

AWARENESS Nature-based education

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

*ed's letter

nurture your mind T he first month of 2021 hasn’t really gone according to plan. But then again, does it ever? We tend to put too much pressure on poor old January, thinking it will bring solutions to all our problems.

Let it go! The thing is, nothing is forever. So put your head down, chin up and soldier on. Count your blessings, and hold those affected by the pandemic close as we ride this second wave together – as a community.

With its strong education focus, our first issue of the year always aims to tackle and unpack informative, interesting topics beneficial for, in particular, teachers, learners and parents. And this issue’s no exception.

Anne Schauffer takes us on a journey to discover the value of learning additional languages, and realises that the bilingual brain is simply more efficient. Besides; “Learning another language not only takes you beneath the skin of another culture, but opens you up to other ways of looking at the world,” she says.

Anne also explores the benefits of extra-mural offerings and nature-based education for

TALK TO US

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

younger learners, encouraging parents to leave pressure and competition out of the equation by allowing their children to “explore wonderful new worlds, build confidence, learn life lessons, and hone in on, and identify, what gives them joy and satisfaction.” In other words – just let them get on with it in order to find their own happy place.

We also meet the resourceful Roodt brothers – who truly believe speedcubing is contagious and are spreading their love for the Rubik’s Cube as far as possible; chat to 11-year-old motocross ace Jack Pullen; and hear the story behind fun learning programme Little Genius – which shines a bright light on memory enhancement through colourful, entertaining

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Instead of thinking outside the box, get rid of the box!”

– Deepak Chopra puppets.

Profiles on passionate barista Kgune Dlamini and faithful-to-nature entrepreneur Anele Msweli, along with Take Note’s selection of local and lekker pop-ups – most of them born out of lockdown – inspire and sets the tone for the year.

Go forth and create!

Stay safe,

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in this issue*

16 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 ACCOUNTS Meghan Dewet 083 533 5898 CONTRIBUTORS Les Abercrombie, Candice Botha, Darrel Bristow-Bovey, Cathy Clark, Ant Ellis, David Knowles, Anne Schauffer, Stephen Smith

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Copyright: All material in this issue is subject to copyright and belongs to Famous Publishing unless otherwise indicated.

No part of the material may be quoted, photocopied, reproduced or stored by an electronic system without prior written permission from Famous Publishing.

Disclaimer: While every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this publication, neither the authors nor the publisher will bear any responsibility for the consequences of any actions based on information contained herein. Neither do they endorse any products/services advertised herein.

Material which appears under ‘Advertorial’ is paid for.

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*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.

EDUCATION BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

LIFESTYLE 10

ON-TREND & COOL

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TIMELESS AND CLASSIC

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REGULARS

The benefits of learning languages

THEIR HAPPY PLACE Published by Famous Publishing www.famouspublishing.co.za Printed by Novus Print (Pty) Managed distribution by Vibrant Direct

The connection between extra-mural activities and personal development

GENIUS IN TRAINING Teaching skills critical for future academic success

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Speedcubing leads to thriving business for brothers 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.

FAITHFUL TO NATURE

ADVERTORIALS

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Anele Msweli's all-natural product range

HILLCREST'S CHAMPION BARISTA 32 Kgune Dlamini's winning secret

GRANDIES IN RETIREMENT

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WE ALSO PUBLISH ...

Setting boundaries

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OPENING THE THROTTLE

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Fashion, accessories and homeware from Willow

ED’S LETTER 1 TAKE NOTE 4 TRENDING 42 LAST WORD 56

COMMUNITY A GOOD PUZZLE

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Lisa Twyman's bold and playful locally made furniture

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ACTION COACH IMAGE INSURED ST MARY'S DSG MJ ACCOUNTANTS INSPIRING SCHOOL ACHIEVERS RAWBIOTICS ILLOVO SUGAR SEEFF UMNGAZI HOTEL & SPA

9 21 22 23 24 36 47 48 54

Jack Pullen's motocross dream

5 RULES TO BE A GREAT COOK Ant Ellis shares his top tips for being the best chef

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ON THE COVER: The Eco-Schools programme encourages young learners to recycle. Picture: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com

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LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE FOR 2021

Quality independent education ... where connection is key Set on the bright and spacious iThemba Campus in Hillcrest, Waterfall Schools is a complete educational pathway from 12 months to Grade 12, incorporating Waterfall Pre-Primary, Waterfall Preparatory and Waterfall College, now with Waterfall Online (established 2020). The schools provide a peaceful environment and age-appropriate structures to encourage growth and learning at every stage, supporting children to realise their God-given potential in all spheres of life.

Our staff have adapted to the new requirements for teaching during the pandemic, striving to promote our students’ wellbeing while protecting the health of our community. Systems have been put in place to ensure that learning continues.

Our schools will be hosting Virtual Open Days, this February.

For updates and to find out more, please visit www.waterfallschools.co.za or call 031 710 1808

take note*

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

Mesmerising, QUIRKY & BEAUTIFUL

The magical 20-acre Ammazulu Garden and Sculpture Precinct is a gem to discover for people from all walks of life, both young and old. “The idea was to create an urban ecological zone that has certain cultural dimensions attached to it, a place where you can come and locate yourself and appreciate the value of the space,” says renowned sculptor, Andries Botha. He joined forces with fellow sculptor Peter Amm – who owns the property and is also the man behind the spectacular Ammazulu Africa Palace – to create a place of fantasy and wonder.

Peter believes that even junk has beauty and presence, so be prepared to be surprised and amazed when you explore the gardens by following a 1km marked path. This incredible forest walk, where you’ll discover 120 unique sculptures from all over the world, leaves you in awe and allows your imagination to run wild. Peter’s lush property has been in his family for 70 years, and was originally a cattle farm. “This is a legacy to preserve what has taken a lifetime to create,” he says with a smile.

Hein Lottering, a chef and previously involved in theatre, came onboard to kick-start the business.

He is the general manager, and also owns the coffee shop – where you can indulge in fabulous toasties, cakes and wood-fired pizza after exploring.

A permanent gallery home for Andries, you’ll find his personal collection of sculptures in a magnificent threestorey high 600 square metre space just behind the coffee shop. “A document of South African history, this space holds memories,” says Andries – adding that the exhibit explores and helps one understand the complex, yet inspiring, human journey that we as South Africans have lived through over the past 40 years Set aside a good few hours when you visit, as here you can expect a truly unique experience that’s both educational and fun – and the perfect outdoors activity during current Covid times.

editor's choice

FOR MORE INFO: 84-88 Kloof Falls Road, Kloof; open Thurs-Sun, 10am-4pm; entrance fee is R50pp, kids under 10 free; call Hein on 083 244 7565 for more info.

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The Ultimate HIIT TRAINING EXPERIENCE

“This evolved fitness concept will be offering month-to month training (Kickstart) Neil du Plessis has over two decades as well as eight-week programmes, which will include dietary guidelines and before of experience in the fitness industry – and after photos – ensuring maximum starting out at Virgin Active as a personal accountability,” explains Neil. trainer before six years later co-starting the Neil and Denya will give clients their renowned Get Fit brand. “I have successfully continuous guidance and been running 12-week motivation, and you can challenges for 12 years, expect a bigger studio and my speciality and passion high-end cardio airbikes, is without doubt designing ski ergs, air rowers, curve custom original group treadmills plus lots of training workouts,” says free weights to enhance Neil – who due to Covid Stand a chance to that maximum metabolic and lockdown was forced win 1 of 2 four-week burn. “This will guarantee to close his doors and train Kickstart Challenges – the ultimate HIIT training clients from his private visit our website www. experience, while burning studio at home last year. thecrestonline.co.za to maximum calories and enter, and don’t “The last nine months has forget to follow creating an extreme given me time to work on @dynamicHITTstudios endorphin rush,” says Neil – a new brand and concept, on Facebook and adding that he can’t wait to and I have decided to join Instagram. open the doors on February forces with my wife Denya 1 at Watercrest Mall, next – who has also been in to Ster-Kinekor. For your safety, strict Covid the industry for over 20 years.” social distancing protocols will be adhered to.

As a dynamic powerhouse team, the

WIN!

couple’s thrilled to announce and launch their new brand, Dynamic HIIT Studios.

FOR MORE INFO: Call Neil on 084 444 8015, or email admin@dynamicstudios.co.za

Picture: Tracey Poole

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take note*

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP NIICE FOODS: Delicious Macadamia Nut Based Products

food so that one day we can export finished products instead of raw materials.”

Their new range, cold pressed macadamia nut oil, macadamia dukkahs (or A fledging start-up was proudly launched rather makkahs) in three flavours – Durban in February 2020 – just before the Covid Curry, North African and Chipotle Chilli – and shutdown. “We had been working on mac-parma cheez, is 100% vegan and locally products and developing recipes prior to the made. “We have been overwhelmed by the launch, and knew that we wanted to create a response to the range and are working hard vertically integrated manufacturing company to produce new innovative macadamia that produced value-added macadamia nut products,” says Taryn. “We offer a great based products,” says Taryn and Stef van reseller deal for anyone who wishes to der Westhuizen. distribute the range to their “Being foodies and customers – a great job loving a good cook up creation opportunity. with wine in hand, we “You can find us at the began experimenting Shongweni Market every with recipes to make with Saturday,” says Taryn, macadamia nuts,” says “and our range is also Taryn. “Stef’s family has available at HomeGrown been farming macs on their (Ballito Lifestyle Centre), Nelspruit farm for about Hope Meats (Mackeurtan 14 years, and the farm has Avenue, Durban North), over 10 000 mac trees.

Off The Shelf (Umdloti), Like many macs produced Delicious Deli (Windermere in South Africa, they are Centre), and Nouriti Cafe To stand a chance to win exported to China, Europe, a Niice Foods hamper, (La Lucia Mall).” the UK and the USA as a

WIN!

‘raw’ nut in-shell product.

We wanted to change this and create special, artisanal and unique South African

visit our website www. thecrestonline.co.za to enter, and don’t forget to like Niice Foods on Facebook and Instagram!

FOR MORE INFO: W and @niicefoods; www.niicefoods.com; niicefoods@gmail.com

WATERFALL Pre-Primary Waterfall Pre-Primary just celebrated five years on the iThemba Campus – home of Waterfall Schools. Founded in 1974, Waterfall Pre-Primary was previously known as Crossroads PrePrimary and originally based in the leafy suburb of Waterfall. This muchloved school, under the leadership of Dawn Crookes for over 20 years, had a strong reputation in our Upper Highway community of providing an excellent foundation for young boys and girls.

The current principal, Paula Mason, took the reins in 2012, and in 2015 the school was purchased by a local businessman. The team were delighted to relocate to a brand new modern, bright school building based on the picturesque 41-acre iThemba Campus in Hillcrest. The first little feet ran into the school gates in January 2016 with 40 boys and girls enrolled.

Today Waterfall Pre-Primary is thriving with over 150 children – including a passionate team of eight teachers, seven teacher assistants, six interns and three aftercare teachers. Early Childhood Development expert, Sharron Lane, was appointed as director in 2018, and through the combined knowledge of Sharron and Paula the curriculum has been enhanced to ensure joyful learning through play for little ones.

The school serves as the first step for children as they begin an educational journey on the campus up to Waterfall Preparatory and Waterfall College, as their feeder school.

FOR MORE INFO: www.waterfallpreprimary.co.za

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The Magic SCHOOLBOX

REST MA EC

“My teacher bestie Brigette Watson and I started The Magic Schoolbox just as our lockdown was lifted last year,” says Seanne Meaker. “Our love for creative crafts, fun art activities and glitter made it easy to brainstorm some

arty ideas, and package it up as craft activity boxes for parents to keep their children busy during these uncertain times.”

Everything your child will need to do the activities are provided, so it’s super convenient for the parent. “Each box has had much thought put into it to try make it as special as possible. So far we have done themed Winter, Spring and Christmas activity boxes for children aged three to eight years,” says Seanne.

Next came their love of reading and books, and so a kiddies book club was created. “Both of our families are avid readers and, being teachers, we believe that reading to your children is so important,” says Seanne. “Besides the obvious vocab that they are learning, the time spent together sharing a good book will be something your child will love.” Book club children get two new books a month.

“We also offer our Magic Boxes, which

is where our name originally comes from.

This is a hands-on and fun approach to preschool learning,” explains Seanne. “There are two themes per month and it comes with everything your child will need for all the art and crafts activities.” In these monthly packs your child will learn about colours, shapes, numbers and letters. Other activities include developing fine motor skills, cutting and sticking, learning their name and body image activities.

As most of the activity boxes are aimed towards children aged three to eight, Seanne and Brigette are planning to do some for the older age group this year. “We are also thinking about starting an online school,” adds Seanne. “When you put two experienced preschool teachers together, with some paint, glue and fun … we are totally just living our creative dreams at The Magic Schoolbox.”

FOR MORE INFO: 084 406 3205; info@magicschoolbox.co.za

take note*

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP Pop-Up Lifestyle BOUTIQUE Vittoria and Co, a lifestyle pop up boutique based at Watercrest Mall, currently stock 27 brands – all local makers and creators.

Products include bath and body goods, home decor, bags, shoes and clothing for all ages.

“Our clothing range includes noteworthy designers who have been featured at Durban Fashion Fair and Vodacom Durban July,” says Roxy Geldenhuys.

“All of our suppliers, whether big or small, might be recognised from local markets and events. For some of these makers, whom rely solely on markets for income, Vittoria & Co has been a small lifeline during the pandemic.”

Roxy owns local knitwear business Vittoria Designs, and when lockdown hit in March 2020 her business came to a grinding halt.

“Our national events had all been cancelled, all markets closed, all our stockists closed doors and my own retail shop was forced to close

under lockdown,” she says. And this is when Vittoria and Co was born.

“A colab of my expertise and that of Debbie Viviers, owner of The Festive Market, we wanted to create an upmarket pop-up, supporting local businesses,” says Roxy. “With thanks to Watercrest Mall, we were able to open a space in July 2020, and have since upgraded to a bigger shop thanks to the amazing support of our community.”

As we’re heading into 2021 with tighter restrictions, we’ve seen many closures of local markets again. “Under strict retail protocol, we are fortunate to remain open and continue to promote local makers and designers,” says Roxy.

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Sweet

SUCCESS DARRYN LE GRANGE SHARES A CASE STUDY OF CURRENT COACHING CLIENT, MADELEINES COFFEE SHOP

B

usiness coaching is all about getting results for clients, and to do that you need the input of a skilled coach as well as a hardworking business owner and her/his team. In this article I have great pleasure in sharing the journey to success of one of our clients, Madeleines – a high-end coffee shop based in Oxford Village, Hillcrest.

ABOVE: Janet Sawkins and Darryn Le Grange. Picture: Sue Vacy-Lyle  Madeleines Prior To Coaching Owner Janet Sawkins approached us in March 2017 to assist with her business.

At that stage the business was making a loss and was being funded personally by the owners and a bank overdraft.

Janet, a very passionate and talented chef, had started the business in her garage at home and it had grown to a coffee shop and bakery. But Janet was stuck on how to make the business profitable, and wasn’t sure of the necessary steps required to do so.  Madeleines After Coaching Fast forward three-and-ahalf years and the business has grown its turnover by 20% each year. The most impressive improvement has been in the profit growth, to the point where the business now makes a very healthy profit.

An overdraft is a thing of the past, no more personal funding by the owners and most importantly no more stress!

A number of new staff members have been added to the team, positively contributing to employment in our local community.

The current focus is to keep raising the bar in order to achieve excellence across all areas of the business. Despite the challenges of 2020 and the lockdown, Madeleines performed exceptionally well and even hit record turnovers during this period.  Coaching Approach The first priority was to get on top of the numbers. We had to calculate the breakeven, understand the margins per item, wastage, get an understanding of the fixed costs, etc. From there we then set a plan in place to change the numbers that were out of line.

After improving the numbers,

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the focus turned to growing the turnover. A number of marketing and sales strategies were put in place which yielded great results. The product offering was analysed and some new product lines were introduced with great success. Other areas worked on included time management, team roles and responsibilities, customer service and systemising the business.

“Darryn’s guidance has been invaluable and I have learnt so much through my coaching journey. I am now able to effectively manage the

OUR OFFER TO YOU

Email darrynlegrange@ actioncoach.com for a complimentary Business Health Check

business, from financial skills and system implementation to sales and marketing.

Darryn has provided a holistic approach and honest, unbiased feedback and direction. I can’t imagine life without Darryn – he is an integral part of my team,” says Janet.

To get the Madeleines experience – including breakfasts and lunches, external catering and speciality cakes – visit shop 9 in Oxford Village or take a look at www.madeleines.co.za.

www.actioncoachignite.co.za W ActionCOACHIgnite

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education*

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ake French. A seductively beautiful language to listen to, and useful in that it’s spoken on five continents by about 265 million people, and used by numerous internationally respected bodies like the United Nations. Similarly, Spanish, German and more. But there are layers upon layers of both visible and invisible advantages to learning a foreign language, and the practical aspect is just one.

Francesca Balladon, former UKZN Professor of French, has 36 years teaching experience in both higher and tertiary education: “Knowledge of a foreign language encompasses much more than a passing acquaintance with the grammatical system of the language. Learning the language requires knowledge of the patterns of living, acting, reacting, seeing and

Picture: Shutterstock

Beyond the

CLASSROOM

THERE’S SO MUCH MORE BEHIND CERTAIN SCHOOL SUBJECTS OR EVEN STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES THAN MEETS THE EYE – BENEFITS WE NEVER EVER DREAMT OF, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER

explaining the world of the target country.”

She believes there are two compelling reasons around the value of learning languages other than your own country’s official ones: “Learning a foreign language has an educational worth which is pertinent in any geographical or social context, in that it provides an opportunity for personal growth.

Secondly, it has implications for the shaping of values vital in a pluralistic cultural context such as South Africa.” Big, bold concepts for sure, but there’s an enormous amount of highly respected research to support her views.

It stands to reason that the worldviews of

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ABOVE: Francesca Balladon, former UKZN Professor of French.

different language speakers are different, just as the concepts within which we all operate are culture-bound. Learning another language not only takes you beneath the skin of another culture, but opens you up to other ways of looking at the world.

Francesca says, “At a deeper level, the study of languages helps us understand that which we, as humans, have in common. Learning French involves, to an extent, ‘becoming’ French. It’s a valuable means to enable us to reflect on humankind, on differences, to learn to be tolerant of these differences, and more importantly, to understand them. In this way,

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foreign language learning goes a long way towards promoting the values of tolerance and openness, and preparing learners to live in a pluralistic society.”

Bottom line, in order to speak another language competently, you are not only required to learn about “the other”, but also to restructure your view of reality, and learn to see the world differently.

Heather Peel is head of French at Hilton College, and a matric national examiner and moderator. Her research into the value of bilingualism has led her down many paths – the physiological one is powerful. Essentially, there’s ample proof that multilinguals display detectable growth in the hippocampus, the part of the brain which helps govern memory and mastery of new material; likewise in three areas of the cerebral cortex, where higher-

Give your son the Highbury advantage At Highbury, we know that boys learn differently. They need space, they need challenges and they need to be active learners. That’s why, over 117 years, we have developed an environment tailor-made to bring out the best in your son.

Highbury offers your son all the advantages of a dynamic education, through academics, culture and sport – while equipping him with Christian values and the skills to succeed as a well-connected global citizen.

Knowing Boys. Since 1903.

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order reasoning is processed.

But it is the knock-on effects – not how the brain looks but how it functions – that argue most for learning additional languages. The bilingual brain is simply more efficient: “The constant toggling that comes from having to choose between two words for every object or concept in your world is a total-immersion exercise in what cognitive scientists call ‘task switching’ and what the rest of us call trying to do 17 things at once. The loss of efficiency when we rotate among tasks is called the global switch cost. Everyone slows down some or makes more errors, but multilinguals in all age groups have less of a drop-off. That increased efficiency plays out in people’s lives outside the lab – and there is no reason to think it doesn’t – that would confer a real advantage over monolingual classmates, »

HIGHBURY OPEN DAY • Grades R-7 • Friday, 12th March 2021 at 08h30 RSVP: www.hps.co.za

education* Picture: Shutterstock

colleagues and others.” In short, the brain becomes more nimble.

Heather references a 2020 feature in The Financial Times, which explained: Research shows bilinguals have an enhanced awareness of other people’s points of view, born from their deeper understanding, from an early age, that some people have a different perspective.

They are also better than monolinguals at giving selective attention to specific features of a problem, while ignoring misleading elements, and at switching between different tasks. Professor of Developmental Linguistics, and founder and director of the research and information centre Bilingualism Matters, Professor Sorace points out that bilinguals do not switch off their “other” language – their brains actually grow to be more adaptable than those of monolinguals – a vital asset in a complex business world.

Professor Sorace’s research shows speaking another language offers not only utilitarian communication advantages, but also cognitive benefits. Her message to business is: “Hire more multilingual employees, because these employees can communicate better, have better intercultural sensitivity, are better at co-operating, negotiating, compromising.

But they can also think more efficiently.”

Sensitivity to others, improved communication, adaptability, ability to

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ABOVE: Heather Peel is head of French at Hilton College, and a matric national examiner.

Research shows bilinguals have an enhanced awareness of other people’s points of view, born from their deeper understanding, from an early age

compromise and more – all invaluable life skills, many of which Sue Meehan of Durban Girls’ College, pinpoints as benefits of their student exchange programme.

Sue has spent five years with the portfolio of Exchange and Global Initiatives. At 27 years old, the school’s exchange programme is probably the largest and oldest in the country, with 17 partner schools in over 10 countries, with capacity of around 30 girls in Grade 9 to apply for travel to another country in Grade 10 year. It’s not a one-way street either – the school/families reciprocally host those 30 partner girls from around the world. Sue’s passionate about the programme which has a quote by Gustave Flaubert as its motto: Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. Sue says, “My absolute joy and passion is to see how the girls flourish when they are given these kinds of opportunities.”

For all the right reasons, the school has a very stringent application process: “We measure them on academics, peer and teacher relationships, general integration and engagement in school, whether it’s cultural, academic, sport, or more. Over and above those diagnostics, we interview the girls to find out precisely why they want to ‘go on exchange’.” Sue’s goal is to ensure the girls are going for the right reasons, and her experience in this field is reflected in what she’d describe as around a 96% success rate in the choice of girls, and matching them to a school and home/girl in another country.

Sue says girls who go on exchange are often those who like to step out of their comfort zone, and want to try something new: “They’re not always the most confident girls, but want to grow in confidence; not necessarily good communicators, but want to improve their communication skills.” She adds, “They often want to learn a new language – even if they don’t necessarily take French at school, they want to see what it’s like going to school in France.” They come with the right reasons. »

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education* Picture: Shutterstock

Weavers’ Nest is Highbury’s co-educational pre-primary school for Grades 0000 – 00 (from age two to five). Here, your child will be at the centre of everything we do and, through our dynamic pre-school programme, will be given the wings they need to fly.

We will inspire your child with a love of learning and their deep curiosity and innate sense of adventure will drive their interest to understand the world and their place within it. Your child will be acknowledged as strong, capable, resilient and full of wonder and potential.

Our dedicated and experienced teachers are passionate about the development of your child and encourage discovery through play in a nurturing environment, providing our young girls and boys a solid foundation for the years ahead.

ABOVE: Sue Meehan of Durban Girls’ College.

To fully benefit from the experience, girls need to be adaptable, be willing to compromise, and be flexible”

For Sue, there are clear things children really gain from exchange programmes: “To fully benefit from the experience, girls need to be adaptable, be willing to compromise, and be flexible. If they can do that, they return having grown in confidence, with an ability to handle different or uncomfortable circumstances, with improved communication skills and an enhanced ability to compromise. The friendships too, that they often forge with the girl they’re twinned with, can last a lifetime.” It boils down to a single question: “How human are you?” asks Sue. All those “human” attributes like compassion, communication and compromise – these are put to the test on exchange programmes, and can be massively enhanced if you’re open to the experience.

When Sue initiates the year’s programme, she presents to parents and prospective exchange students, and is very clear on one thing: “Your girls will not just be receiving, they’ll be giving too. It’s an experience versus an expectation. And, importantly, your daughter is an ambassador for our school, and for South Africa. It’s a responsibility they need to honour.”

Travel in person, or travel through acquiring a foreign language, presents young people with opportunities to expand their worldview. Experiencing “differences” in global cultures, clearly fosters an understanding and willingness to embrace those differences. That sensitivity is certainly something of value, which the world needs today, and certainly will tomorrow.

*

JOIN OUR OPEN DAY

Thursday, 11th March 2021 at 08h30 Grade 0000-00 • RSVP now: www.weaversnest.co.za

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Durban Girls' College

Inspiring Young Women

We inspire our young women to realise their potential by building on tradition, innovation, diversity and excellence, all with the aim of enriching our world.

Founded in 1877, Durban Girls’ College is a Christian independent school from Grade 00 to Grade 12, with weekly boarding from Grade 7.

We have a limited number of places available for 2022. To book a tour of our school or find out more, please email marketing@dgc.co.za or visit the Admissions page of our website www.dgc.co.za.

education*

Picture: Shutterstock

Their happy

PLACE

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e all know parents who spend their afternoons driving their young children to extra this and that, every day of the week, relentlessly. It begs the question, “Why?” Is it necessary, or should the children have more time out?

Gail King, headmistress of Montpelier Pre-Primary School, reminds us, “We had a very different childhood to the children today. We walked or cycled to school,

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ALTHOUGH THERE ARE, AS ALWAYS, NUMEROUS OFF-SITE EXTRA-MURAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED TO THE YOUNGEST SCHOOL-GOERS, THERE IS AN INCREASINGLY WIDE RANGE OF PROGRAMMES SUPPORTIVE OF THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM OR OF PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER

played out in the streets until late, didn’t have television or technology which kept us indoors – so for starters, being outdoors is not nearly as much an integral part of their lives as it used to be of ours. Outdoor activities are often something parents have to orchestrate.” Gail also points out that, without overdoing it, extra-mural activities certainly can and do have value: “Children learn to commit to one or other hobby or interest, and by having a range of them, choose what appeals to them.”

There are, of course, important distinctions between the various motivations behind taking extra music, cricket or drama (remedial classes aside).

For young children, those choices are often parent driven. Are extra-mural classes about achieving excellence, or about experiencing joy and satisfaction in the mere doing of it? A child’s reaction to it will usually answer that quite swiftly, but there’s certainly a life lesson in how commitment to a task is essential for success. »

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OL R N E AY TOD

Adapting to an ever-changing world.

Curro Hillcrest schools are well-equipped to teach your child in class or in live lessons from home. Our dedicated and well-prepared teachers are able to give individual time and attention to your child, even while at home.

Curro continues to build confident and well-connected global citizens.

At Curro Hillcrest, all Covid-19 safety measures are put in place with the utmost care and attention to ensure learner safety while at school.

Curro Hillcrest offers your child all the advantages of a dynamic education, through academics, sport and culture, while equipping them with Christian values and the skills needed to adapt and succeed in an ever-changing world.

education*

Messing about creatively with paint at an art class is satisfying and rewarding enough – it’s not about winning the art prize or even later doing art for matric.

Likewise with music. A practising musician, Mike Mazzoni has been teaching drums and percussion as a school extra-mural for 30 years. “Children find drumming exciting. To get a halfdecent sound out of a drum doesn’t take nearly as much discipline as, say, a violin or piano.” He’s endorsing what Michel Schneuwly, principal trumpeter of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, had to say.

Michel’s taught music for many years.

Today, there are quite simply far fewer students: “Learning a musical instrument takes real commitment, long repetitive hours,

Picture: Shutterstock

and discipline – there’s no shortcut. But that’s totally contrary to the way the world operates today. Everyone wants instant gratification, the fast-track to success. Few are prepared to put in the hours.”

Mike’s drumming classes always begin as one-on-one lessons, so skills are built at the learner’s own pace, nothing competitive: “No one is judging them, and they know that. If you start with a group, and one individual progresses faster than another, that youngster becomes despondent and likely to give up.”

He says children benefit in so many different ways from playing the drums: “Most can see and feel they’re making progress, and in that way, feel good about themselves and grow in confidence.” Many

of the schools at which Mike teaches have percussion bands, and once skills have been learnt, many children enjoy that group collaboration: “Bring someone into an ensemble, they’re part of a team and they grow. Even some who’ve been reticent, come out of their shells when part of a group.”

But not all: “Some don’t want to join up with others or compete in competitions, they play purely for themselves. It’s their outlet.”

Mike watches his students develop in different directions, not just their skillset, but their joy: “No matter what you do, there’s always a great deal of pressure to be the best. Fact is, in life, there’ll always be someone better than you, so best learn that early. That doesn’t mean you can’t strive to do or be your best, or really enjoy what »

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you’re doing. It’s not about passing or failing, this is about getting something out of it.

“Some students dream of going on to be in bands, others leave them behind when they leave school, and others still go on to learn other instruments after drums. But the joy was had, their sense of timing (and maths) was enhanced, self-esteem grew – and many of the more serious ones developed or discovered their sense of humour!”

Mike laughs, “A drum is the most unsociable instrument there is.” But, as he says, “It’s creative, accessible, great stress relief, very physical, and for some, a real outlet from a situation in which they’re struggling. It could be that they’re not good at sport and feel ‘lesser’, or they’re having mental health issues. Drumming tends to have a bit of a rebel image to it, and it gets kudos from the other children.”

For children, it’s about finding their passion, and with young children, it’s usually parents who help them there.

As Gail says, just as life outside school has changed, so too within its doors: “Exposure of children via the school to so many outdoor, environmental and cultural experiences has been made tricky. There are strict departmental rulings around transporting children off the property, so now, many of those extra-murals come to us. There are wonderful little businesses focusing on different aspects of child education, and they bring their knowledge and experience to us – whether it’s snakes, creepy crawlies, or balancing equipment.”

Heather’s Puppet World has been in operation countrywide for 40 years, and Heather Tomlinson and daughter Jane, fully qualified teachers, tour the country with the puppets, props, and scenery: “We see great advantage in drama and music, and our shows are fully interactive. We have several shows on environmental topics, like saving the rhino, and protecting our oceans.”

The content rolled out at pre-primary schools falls under the national curriculum, so at Montpelier, movement, music, and

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Picture: Shutterstock

environmental play are all part of daily activities. But what about outside the school?

Clearly, those parents who are “bush” people, will take their young children regularly to game parks, and they’ll grow up with an understanding and appreciation for the environment, wildlife and so on. More and more regional nature reserves, organisations like Green Corridors, freelance trails guides and others

A strong connection to nature is considered at the very least, vital for good mental and physical health offer nature-based outdoor education opportunities for children. Increasingly, a strong connection to nature is considered at the very least, vital for good mental and physical health, and at the most, educational in terms of seeing and understanding what is impacting our planet and how our actions play a positive or negative role in our own destiny.

The Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA) runs a programme with the

support of the Department of Basic Education, namely Eco-Schools, an international programme active in 78 countries, with over 1 200 registered SA schools. “It’s the biggest environmental movement globally,” says programme manager Cindy-Lee Cloete.

“Essentially, young people learning about their natural surroundings and how they can improve it. Each project is flexible and dynamic, so a school can work within its own parameters. We encourage schools to find innovative solutions to challenges – for example, a vertical garden if you lack space.”

Numerous KZN schools are members, and some have taken their nature connection to wonderful heights, from recycling to income-generating veggie gardens. The Eco-Schools programme encourages schools to rather integrate conservation/environment into all subjects, so young people are immersed in an holistic vision of the environment and its impact.

Drumming, ballet, ball skills or birdwatching. This is a time for young children to explore wonderful new worlds, build confidence, learn life lessons, and hone in on, and identify, what gives them joy and satisfaction. And it doesn’t have to be stereotypical ballet for girls, and drums for boys! Let them find their happy place.

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*

*makeover

and balance your body to make you look slimmer and gorgeous.”

Fay and Megan have also designed their own beautiful and affordable clothing range. Their shop Image Insured is based at the Delcairn Centre in Kloof, where they also stock Kryolan makeup.  Dagmar’s “after” outfit by Image Insured  Makeup by Image Insured  Hair by Carl Putz - 072 640 7185

om and daughter team Fay and former Miss SA Megan of Image Insured are passionate about helping people reach their full potential. With international training and 34 years experience, they are leaders in their field when it comes to teaching you how to look your best.

They recently performed their magic on 54-year-old Dagmar Breiling, a black belt karate ace, and the change is phenomenal; the Before and After photos above are only two days apart.

Dagmar was naturally attracted to the wrong colours and styles, as are most of Image Insured’s clients.

“Just because you like certain colours and styles, does not mean they suit you,” says Fay. “During a Colour and Figure Analysis we equip you with all the knowledge you need as to which colours you should wear, what colour your hair should be and which styles suit

Pop into our shop in the Delcairn Centre, Village Road, Kloof and browse through our beautiful clothing range or contact us for more information on one of our life-changing makeovers.

Tel 031 764 1039 or email info@imageinsured.co.za

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advertorial*

S

chools experienced a challenging year in 2020.

Teachers had to continue working during lockdown and find ways to build community, inspire children and complete a curriculum with a shifting set of goalposts. Internationally, teachers have been identified as one of the most stressed groups of professionals – given the challenges that they faced last year.

However, there were many valuable lessons learnt during the course of 2020. Firstly, that when there is a healthy working relationship in place, then switching to online learning can be effective. At the same time it became very apparent that children need more than a screen and the internet to learn and develop in a healthy, holistic way. The lack of social interaction has led to many mental health concerns and brought into focus the shortcomings of technology in helping children – teenagers in particular – to feel loved, accepted and validated.

There were also difficult lessons to learn from 2020, and if we do not stop and understand what the implications are, then it is a high price to pay to remain ignorant. More so than ever before, we need to understand what children truly need now, not what the curriculum prescribes. As families, communities and schools, we need to articulate our priorities

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What did we learn in

2020?

JONATHAN MANLEY, EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL AT ST MARY’S DSG, KLOOF, TAKES A LOOK AT LESSONS LEARNT FROM LAST YEAR’S CHALLENGES

ABOVE: Jonathan Manley, Executive Principal at St Mary’s DSG, Kloof.

and then dedicate time to ensure these are addressed.

We should be wary of returning to “normal” without reflection on what has transpired. We can rebuild our systems with this hard-earned knowledge.

The first idea most people have when they think of 21st century learning is technology, but research tells us that people skills, relationship management and communication is more important. Schools are

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needing to invest more in mental health services and in lifestyle activities, so that we are able to address the authentic needs of children in light of their current context, where stress and uncertainty are higher than they have been in decades.

Our programme at St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, has time dedicated to cultural literacy and understanding diverse perspectives. Schools which embrace these will be producing the game-changing leaders in business and society in time to come.

If we are to be successful as schools, then we need to be actively working towards making sense of what the pandemic has taught us. If schools are not asking big questions this year, then they will not change and fulfil their mandate to educate children for a changing world.

FOR MORE INFO 031 764 9800; www.stmarysdsg.co.za

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Budgeting for

SUCCESS

MELISSA JACOBS EXPLORES THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR ANNUAL BUSINESS BUDGET

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ith most businesses approaching their financial year-end at the end of February, it’s a great time to start thinking about and preparing your annual business budget for the forthcoming financial year.

From experience we have seen that very few businesses, especially those in the SMME sector, prepare a business budget. We believe this is essential for the following reasons:  Your budget becomes your financial target. If you aim for nothing, you are likely to get nothing.  Your budget becomes your yardstick to measure yourself against throughout the year, so at any time you can determine if you are ahead, in line or behind budget and take the necessary remedial action if you are behind.  A budget is a great tool to restrict spending that is not part of the plan, i.e. when you prepare your budget, you plan the expenditure you expect to incur. When additional discretionary expenses pop

ABOVE: From left: Nicole Kitching, Melissa Jacobs, Suné Alexander and Emily Motaung.

TESTIMONIAL “Melissa’s advice and experience has been invaluable to us. The team who support Melissa are excellent, and manage our account accurately and professionally. They’re always at the end of the phone to answer any queries we have. To me, as a small business owner, it’s indispensable having the back-up of a very professional company to assist on the financial side, allowing us to concentrate on what we excel at. MJ Chartered Accountants have done this and we would highly recommend them to anyone.”

– Darryne Welgemoed, Hammond Interiors

up along the way, you can rely on your budget to guide you in this regard.  A budget is a great tool to link to staff incentives and bonuses.  It helps to ensure that money is being allocated to resources that support the strategic

objectives of the company.

The above points highlight the importance of the budget, which brings us to the next question: how to go about preparing the budget. We would offer the following advice in this regard:  Start by deciding how much bottom line profit you want to make for the year.  Then start at the top with your sales/revenue, and budget for each month taking into account your growth assumptions.  Next you budget for your cost of sales, which would normally be a fixed or average percentage of your sales.  Finally your fixed expenses; go through each expense line by line and budget accordingly.

Certain expenses can be budgeted with a high degree of accuracy, and others would need to be an estimate.  You now need to compare your profit as per the budget, to the profit you decided

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on upfront. If there is a big discrepancy, you need to go back to tweak and adjust the various line items until you get closer to your desired profit.

We call this the “Top Down, Bottom Up” approach.

It’s very important that you compare your monthly actuals (as prepared by your accountant) to your budget.

Any variances must then be investigated and corrective action taken.

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

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Be INSPIRED DISCOVER A NEW STEAM CENTRE AND MEET A FEW HIGH ACHIEVERS FROM SOME OF OUR WONDERFUL SCHOOLS IN AND AROUND DURBAN

Sciences receive a boost at Waterfall College 

Construction of the new STEAM centre at Waterfall College is progressing well, with staff and students looking forward to using the space in the second half of 2021. The development will provide two science laboratories, as well as classrooms for creative discovery in EGD, Design, Technology and Mathematics.

Rebecca Goodrick (pictured above), Head of Physical Sciences, says: “The new building will provide both a Life Sciences and a Physical Sciences lab for all learners from Grades 8 to Grade 12, so that everyone will be able to use the scientific method to learn about the world around them. This facility will allow us to expand and enhance our practical offering to get our students excited about science, opening up opportunities for their future.”

Aerial photo by Bryce Goss

Corey-Rachel Ward, St Mary's DSG 

“Corey-Rachel was our 2020 Vice Head Girl who epitomised all the qualities of the ethos and values of the school,” says Jo Kinsey, head of high school. “She has always been well-liked amongst her peers and teachers, and was an exceptional academic student and sportswoman.”

In 2020 Corey-Rachel played for the St Mary’s 1st team in action netball and waterpolo, and was awarded Full KZN

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Colours and Half Colours for swimming.

She was also selected as the action netball Captain and waterpolo Vice-captain.

Unfortunately, due to the national lockdown in March, any further achievements were put on hold. “We wish her well as she enrols to study Industrial Psychology at TUKS while continuing to play sport,” says Jo.

Kunashe Kamwendo, Highbury Preparatory 

Kunashe Kamwendo, who completed Grade 7 at Highbury last year, has achieved excellence not only in his academics but also as a musician. Kunashe passed his Grade 7 Drumming music exam, a level that high school students are usually tackling,

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She has a passion for French which she says, “made me appreciate different cultures through learning a language”

putting him way ahead of the game.

Kunashe was a percussionist for the Highbury orchestra and is a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Orchestra.“We are so proud of Kunashe and everything he achieved throughout his time at Highbury. To have a boy who not only excels at academics and music, but is also polite, humble and kind is truly a blessing,” says Bianca Wooley, Highbury’s marketing manager.

Brigitte Larkin, Teneo Schools 

One to watch, Brigitte Larkin is currently embarking on her AS levels as one of Teneo’s top achievers. In 2020, she took eight subjects in the CAPS curriculum where she maintained a 90-plus aggregate.

She has a passion for French which she says, “made me appreciate different cultures through learning a language”.

In honour of her consistent academic success, Brigitte was recently awarded a bursary for Teneo International School (British International curriculum). An allrounder, she is also a gifted artist as well and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this dynamic teen.

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

Saabira Amod, DGC

Saabira started her journey at DGC in Grade R, and says that being appointed as Head Girl is a meaningful and rewarding way to conclude her final year at DGC. Saabira has been involved in all aspects of school life – including being on the netball court and maintaining a high academic standard in the classroom. She is dedicated, determined and always strives to give of her best, in all spheres.

When reflecting on the announcement of her appointment, she feels excited and humbled to take on this role. She knows it’s a challenging and demanding role which requires time and resource management, as well as self-discipline and the ability to be fair. The pride that Saabira holds for DGC is what will drive her efforts and passion to excel and bring out the best in herself and her school.

“The constant love and support that I’m shown motivates and inspires me to work harder and help those around me. Whilst this year has come with its unprecedented challenges, I am excited to work with the rest of my team as we embark on this journey together, aiming to enrich the College experience for us, and for those to follow,” she says.

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profile*

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homeschooling family, Cheryl and Craig Roodt and their five children enjoy waterskiing, fishing, gymnastics and tennis. “We also enjoy yoyoing, but speedcubing is our absolute favourite,” says 13-year-old Chase.

The journey of CubeCo started when 15-year-old Raefe got his first Rubik’s Cube from his grandparents for his birthday in 2019. “He Googled ‘how to solve a Rubik’s Cube’ and discovered that there was much more to solving a cube than meets the eye,” explains Chase.

“That was how we found the world of speedcubing and speedsolving – basically two names for the same thing; seeing how fast you can solve a Rubik’s Cube.”

In this intriguing world there’s algorithms (a sequence of moves used to solve specific

A good

PUZZLE

KATRINE ANKER-NILSSEN FINDS OUT HOW THREE BROTHERS’ LOVE FOR SPEEDCUBING CREATED A THRIVING LITTLE BUSINESS

the top three, it was an awesome experience and we strongly recommend it to any new or experienced cubers who haven’t been to one already,” says Chase. “It was after this competition, after meeting lots and lots of new cubers from around the country, and during the first stages of lockdown, that we decided to start a cubing company to supply cubes to all the cubers in South Africa.”

The Roodt brothers were keen to grow

the cubing community and build up a following of cubers who loved this hobby as much as they did. “We went through a lot of different names: CubePro, CubesRUs, SuperCube, and even Cubes4Africa, but settled on CubeCo as it sounded much more professional,” says Chase. “We then created our logo and website, and ordered our stock from a supplier in China. All of this was happening during lockdown, so we were very

If you are curious, you’ll find the puzzles around you. If you are determined, you will solve them.”– Erno Rubik parts of the cube) and permutations (different patterns of colours and pieces), PBs (personal best; your quickest time to solve a cube), cubing competitions and world records. “After a few days of showing his friends and family how he could solve it, Raefe – along with 10-year-old Blake and I – were soon bitten by the same cubing bug,” laughs Chase. “And from then on we have steadily become faster and more competitive – challenging each other and trying to get the fastest times possible.”

Perhaps six-year-old Grace and eight-yearold Faith will follow suit?

Forming a little cubing community, the Roodt boys went to a cubing competition in Cape Town. “Although we did not place in

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of anyone looking to find a great present for their friends and family.”

The brothers want to share their love of cubing in order to build up a bigger community so they can eventually run more competitions. “This especially goes for Durban, as there has only been one competition held here so far,” says Chase – adding that they loved teaching a group of kids at Vukukhanye Children’s Home in Westville some basic algorithms, and gave each of them a cube and a bag as a gift.

“We love competing against other cubers, online or in person, to see who can solve the fastest. We also take our cubes everywhere we go, whether it be to the shops or to a restaurant, or even on holiday.

So we love the fact that they are portable and we can cube in any place and at any time,” says Chase. “Our dream is to run annual competitions here in Durban. We would also like to do workshops at schools and in underprivileged communities.”

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FOR MORE INFO www.cubeco.co.za

ABOVE: Huge excitement unboxing their first cube shipment, with dad Craig.

LEFT: Blake, Raefe and Chase Roodt.

RIGHT: Sharing their love of cubing at Vukukhanye Children’s Home. worried that our shipment would be delayed.

But they arrived – a full month after they had been shipped,” he smiles.

Inspired by many famous cubers, such as Feliks Zemdegs and Max Park, the brothers’ first sale was to Nicholas Barlow – a cuber from Cape Town they met at the cubing competition. “He was super excited to have found a new cubing company, especially one run by cubers. We were equally excited, and are now sponsoring his YouTube channel – which goes by the same name as him,” says Chase. “We ran a giveaway with his channel, which really helped to promote CubeCo to other cubers, and also ran Facebook and Instagram adverts to capture the attention

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profile*

Faithful to

NATURE

ANELE MSWELI’S ALL-NATURAL PRODUCTS ARE FINALLY GETTING THE RECOGNITION THEY DESERVE, WRITES KATRINE ANKER-NILSSEN

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is how Mare & Itis was born. “I found a South African expat selling essential oils and started tinkering away in my little kitchen,” she says.

Not only focusing on skin and hair products, Anele had also realised that cleaning products in China had harmful chemicals that would cause a rash or peeling. “That’s when I made the first prototype of the Zesty Kitchen Cleaner.”

Anele moved on to Wuqing, a small district in Tianjin, and worked long hours as a Montessori English teacher and co-ordinator. “I was also studying interior design online,” she explains. “I was exhausted all the time, so I needed to make another plan as I couldn’t continue working myself to the bone.” Anele’s partner back home in South Africa, Kyle Watkins, told her to sit

nele Msweli and her three sisters were raised by her mom in Montclair. “At Mowat Park High School I was a bit of an odd ball, I was a library monitor and organised cake sales for Animal Action,” she laughs. “But a lot of my childhood was just me in my own head, dreaming big. And I was obsessed with South Korea and Japan, everything about the East fascinated me.

“Some of the best days of my life were spent at Rhodes University, where I studied a Bachelor of Science,” continues Anele. “After university I volunteered for Greenpeace Africa. The most memorable part of this journey was onboard the Rainbow Warrior, sailing with an eclectic and multi-national crew I learnt so much from.”

In 2016 Anele moved to Harbin in China. “I needed change, adventure and well, money, to be perfectly honest,” she says. Completing an online TEFL certificate, she secured a decent entry level job. “The first three months were hard, I missed home and it was just the biggest culture shock,” says Anele – who chose Harbin because it was a city most unlike Durban, with long and freezing winters.

“I remember being absolutely down with my dry hair, scalp and hands in Harbin. Everyone blamed the harsh weather,” she says. “After a YouTube rabbit hole spiral, I learnt so much about essential and carrier oils, and started making concoctions for my dry hair.” And this

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down and think long and hard about her future.

“For our relationship, someone had to move. I was that someone. And, I was going to start a business. I needed to do something new and something I loved – and that included tinkering, creating, and being environmentally conscious.”

Mare & Itis has grown far beyond what Anele had imagined. “From just selling at markets in China, we are now online and at numerous stockists in KZN,” says Anele – who laughs when asked about the story behind the unusual name, which originates from her student days at Rhodes. “Mare is a ‘Rhodent’ word that you’d hear buzzing around on a Saturday morning; meaning somewhat a fun yet debaucherous time. Itis is slang from the Boondocks which is your translation of ‘maagies vol, ogies toe’ – that feeling you have after Christmas lunch,” she explains. “I decided to put these two amazing things together to create something that is quintessentially me.

I love a good time and I love food.”

I needed to do something new and something I loved – and that included tinkering, creating, and being environmentally conscious” TOP: Anele during her time in Harbin, China.

ABOVE: A few of the all-

natural Mare & Itis skin products.

LEFT: Passionate about making a difference, Anele hopes to shift the consumer mindset.

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Anele had come back to South Africa for a friend’s wedding early last year. “I had a suitcase packed for two weeks, but then lockdown happened in both China and SA and I couldn’t go back,” she says. Mare & Itis Shoppe was propelled, and had to become a fully functioning income-earning business.

“The year 2020 will always remain a significant year for me and for the brand. It was all or nothing, and I have learnt so much about entrepreneurship and resilience.

“Mare & Itis home care products instantly convert an apartment into a home. They envelop the space with cosy and homely scents that often remind people of something. The non-toxic, natural and cruelty-free products are plant-based and biodegradable, work really well, and won’t break the bank,” says Anele – who still makes everything herself. “I formulated every single product with some help from friends in the industry. I think having studied science has helped me a great deal.”

When Anele is not tinkering, she loves being in nature, travelling to new places and talking to passionate people. Her partner is also an entrepreneur. “Seeing his fire lit, working tirelessly to build his dream, inspires me every day. It lights my fire too,” she says – adding that she met Kyle on holiday in SA in 2018. “We will talk about our businesses, the operations and the ups and downs until the wee hours.

It is so good to have someone with far more experience than you do, someone who can be a sane sounding board.”

This year Anele is focusing on growth by leading Mare & Itis into more retail stores.

“We want to shift the consumer mindset; it’s affordable and practical to shop consciously,” she says. “We also wants to educate. Even if you don’t buy a Mare & Itis product, but you have learnt something from us – whether it’s about essential oils or cleaning products, which will make you shop with your health and environment in mind – then we have done our part.”

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FOR MORE INFO www.mareanditis.shop; anele@mareanditis.com STOCKISTS: Faithful to Nature, Yuppiechef, We Are Egg at the Cavendish Mall, Off The Shelf in uMdloti, Sage Ko’op in Salt Rock, Vittoria & Co at the Watercrest Mall.

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K

ath Denholm was working as a speech therapist in a private practice in uMhlanga when she first came across her now husband, Daren. “I had to teach children how to store information to their long-term memory. To be honest, I had crammed most of my Speech Therapy and Audiology Degree into my short-term memory – and the information was long gone! I felt like a complete fraud,” she says. Kath had heard about Daren who was making a name for himself as “the memory guy” after competing in several World Memory Championships.

“I researched and stalked him online and watched all his videos over and over again.

The cost of his courses far exceeded my meagre budget, though.” But in a divine twist of fate, Kath and Daren met through church, fell in love and Daren soon had a wife who shared his passion for learning and memory enhancement.

“He encouraged me to compete in the World Memory Championships too, and we went to China when I was six months pregnant,” Kath says.

There she met a nine-yearold girl who was not only a talented competitor but found learning genuinely enjoyable.

“She set me thinking that kids could find learning and memory development fun – and it was this that set the stage for what has become Little Genius.”

Daren has built a successful business around teaching

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GENIUS in training

KATH DENHOLM’S FUN COURSE FOR CHILDREN TEACHES SKILLS CRITICAL FOR LEARNING AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS, WRITES CANDICE BOTHA

ABOVE: Daren and Kath Denholm with their three children.

TOP: Puppet characters used on the Little Genius programme.

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memory and learning skills to high school and university students and adults, after his dismal grades at university were completely turned around by implementing them in his own life. Kath has adapted the skills he teaches – through Genius Series – for a younger audience. “The sweet spot is from around Grade 2 to Grade 5,” she says.

The programme uses a group of entertaining puppets to teach children skills including effective listening, the distinction between critical and non-critical information, identifying key concepts, effective reading, note-taking, summarising, and the art of revision. “The tone is entertaining and humorous and children find the weekly lessons genuinely enjoyable,” says Kath – who runs the courses at local schools, children’s homes as well as working through it with her son, Jack, who is in Grade 2.

Little Genius has been eight years in the making and Kath has seen students who worked through the material in their early school years successfully matriculating.

“Learning is a science we can

all get better at,” she says.

“Organised, creative and consistent reinforcement of key information leads to superior academic or learning results.

Building the foundational skills

that we teach through the puppets enables kids to see results and learn effectively.”

The facilitator of the online course is an essential element, especially for younger children,

but Kath says parents have been amazed at how much they have learnt about how they learn themselves, through working through the course with their children. “It’s so important to equip yourself with the strategies and model them for your children. Starting early – as soon as they can read – is also essential. As is being consistent and working through the course week by week,” she says. “Parents who understand the concepts and how it increases their child’s potential and makes learning fun and straightforward, are also able to help them implement the strategies –

which is key to success.”

The online Little Genius series includes the puppet show videos, workbooks, quiz books and star charts and runs for three terms of 12 weeks with lessons taking 40 minutes each. “Parents enjoy the fact that they can revisit the course as their children grow, and refresh just certain skills if necessary,” says Kath.

“The skills children gain apply to all areas of learning – from comprehension to fact recall – and we find it so rewarding to see how our Little Geniuses grow in confidence.”

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FOR MORE INFO kath@genuisseries.com

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profile*

story and pictures stephen smith

Y

ou’re only as good as your last cup of coffee,” says Kgune Dlamini. That encapsulates the philosophy of this young man, who has been a barista for just five years but who has already won two major awards. In 2019 Kgune was named Best Barista in KwaZulu-Natal, but in 2020 he won the big prize: Barista of

through a cup of coffee, then I’ve done my job.”

Kgune has been very involved in deaf culture, because a friend of his is deaf. “This has helped me to perceive people, and also taught me how to welcome people with more than just words. I have learnt that when you welcome someone, you can’t just welcome them with words – you must welcome them with your smile, your body language and your attitude,” he says. “Being a part of the deaf community, which is very

Hillcrest's champion

BARISTA KGUNE DLAMINI IS AN AWARD-WINNING BARISTA DETERMINED TO MAKE EVERY CUP OF COFFEE HIS BEST

the Year in the annual Coffee Magazine awards.

“I try to make every single cup of coffee as good as I can. It might be the 300th cup of coffee I’m making today, but it’s your first cup and you deserve it to be great,” says Kgune – adding that he comes in to work with the attitude to do everything with grace, kindness and love and to the best of his ability. “My story is more about people than coffee, if you know what I mean. If I can change your day

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isolated, has helped me make my story a story of inclusivity, of welcoming people and coming together over a cup of coffee.

I think that is one thing that makes me a good barista,” he adds. “No matter if we can hear or not, or whatever language we speak, we all speak the language of taste, which is why my theme when I compete is ‘coffee is a language’.”

So how is a barista competition judged? Surely a well-made cup of coffee is a well-made cup of coffee?

Kgune’s Coffee Kgune drinks espresso, black with no sugar: “If you want to celebrate the coffee bean, drink it black with no sugar. You will taste all the flavour notes and the natural sweetness.

But that’s why you need to drink good coffee!”

Kgune explains: “When baristas are judged they are judged on the barista’s complete package: their

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espresso, their cappuccino, a signature drink, their coffee knowledge, presentation and their overall personality.”

Kgune is also big on community, about Lineage being a place where people come for more than just an excellent cup of coffee. People can buy a good cup of coffee at lots of places, but Lineage has regulars who come back every day, sometimes more than once. “This is because my colleagues and I make Lineage more a community

A barista has the ability and the responsibility to make someone’s day” – Kgune Dlamini

set that can be learnt, but a professional barista puts his heart and passion into every cup. “A barista,” Kgune says passionately, “has the ability and the responsibility to make someone’s day.

“I have natural passion, that all or nothing attitude – if I do something I want to do it 100%.

So I make the decision every day to give my best, to come into Lineage and make people’s days better by giving them a great cup of coffee, but also having a great attitude and making them part of our community. I want to be here. I want to be doing this, and I think that’s what people see and enjoy.”

centre than a cafe,” says Kgune with a smile.

“I was trained by Craig Charity here at Lineage Coffee, and now when I train other baristas I ask them if they want to be coffee makers, or if they want to be baristas,” he says, placing an exotic flourish on the word barista.

Making coffee is just a skill

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retirement*

G

randparents and grandchildren have a special bond that is difficult to explain. It’s also fairly common for grandaunts and grand-uncles to have a special place in the hearts of young children within the family. Retired grandies have more time to spend listening to a slew of high-pitched stories, playing Snap and building intricate Lego cities – and they also have far more patience and are quite happy nodding off midway through the fourth rerun of Paw Patrol.

Some grandies live close to their grandchildren while others may have families overseas – but either way, grandparents have an important role to play. It is necessary for young children to have an older person in their lives to give them stability, cuddles, read stories and overflow with unconditional love. Keep in touch with your overseas families and chat to your grandkids as often as possible, congratulating them personally on each milestone reached.

Visit as often as you are able to and stay for as long as you can without causing stress within the family unit.

It is important for grandparents to accept and respect the fact that their children are now grown-up and have a significant other with whom they have built their own family unit. Although

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Grandies in

RETIREMENT LES ABERCROMBIE MULLS OVER THE ROLE OF RETIRED GRANDPARENTS AND THE BOUNDARIES THAT NEED TO BE SET ON BOTH SIDES

it may come as a surprise to some grandies, we are not part of that unit. In fact, we are not welcome within that unit unless we follow the rules and routines laid down by the nucleus family.

There are bath time and bedtime routines, nap time and snack time routines; rules about screen time and

God couldn’t be everywhere so He made grandparents

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sugar intake. These rules and routines have been put in place not only to make the parents’ lives easier but also to provide the children with a sense of security through routine. Don’t rock the boat – you’ll make bad friends and get to see less of your special little people.

On the other hand, children should also respect their

e v a h We ! d e v o m

THINGS

grandparents should never do Request more grandchildren.

Give naming advice.

Post about them online without their parents’ permission.

Hand off your grandchildren to anyone who wants to hold them.

Try to raise your grandkids like you did your own children.

Be lax about car seat safety.

parents’ boundaries. Retired grandparents are busy people: they may play golf, bridge or bowls; attend art classes or work three mornings a week. These things are important to older people – they are the things we couldn’t do when we were working long hours providing the best we could for our own families. Your children therefore must also accept and adapt to your rules and routines. Draw up a timetable of when you are free to babysit or help with the school run or swimming lessons. Arrange sleep-overs convenient to you both.

I’m sure it annoys you as it does me to hear how

some grandparents are literally abused by their children’s expectations of them. Both sides need to sit down, discuss and draw their parameters so that there are no future misunderstandings.

My house rules aren’t quite as stringent as my daughter’s, but they fall within her boundaries, so the occasional spoiling is overlooked and supper in front of the telly is ignored!

Enjoy and love your grandchildren. They are precious beings. Next time you’re watching them play with your heart overflowing with love, think of James Joyce’s words: “As you are now so once were we.”

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advertorial*

O

ver the past decade, probiotics have become one of the fastest growing sectors of the natural health market. But why do we actually need them? And what benefits do they have for children?

Well, ensuring a healthy gut is arguably the most important factor in the overall health of your body. The bacteria in your bowels outnumber the cells in your body by 10 to one. This gut flora has incredible power over the immune system, meaning that the health of the body is largely tied into the health of the gut. Beneficial bacteria are responsible for the body’s ability to use the nutrition in food. They are responsible for the production of vitamins and fatty acids. They stop the build-up of disease-causing bacteria and harmful yeasts – such as Candida. And they produce natural antibiotics. In fact, one could say that no matter how good your diet is, or no matter what supplements you take, the ability of your body to use them is firstly dependent on the health of the bacteria in your gut.

When it comes to your children, beneficial bacteria are vital in the formative years of the body, ensuring good nutrition, immunity and growth. But another vital and often overlooked factor is that the gut plays a major role in one’s emotions, concentration and judgement … so much so that it has been nicknamed the “second brain”. Emotional stress, poor concentration, poor sleeping habits and general unhappiness are all factors which can very often be linked to bacterial imbalances in the digestive tract, and which can often be resolved through fixing that imbalance.

When choosing a probiotic for your children there are two general types of probiotic. Liquid (live fermented) probiotics are produced using a wide range of beneficial bacteria that are grown together, and compete amongst each other, to form the final product. They are the most natural form of bacteria since the conditions in which they are grown mirror the conditions inside the human body. Encapsulated (freeze-dried) probiotics are much easier to produce and store, however, and so make up most of the probiotic market. Encapsulated probiotics will also typically

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Healthy, happy

CHILDREN LET’S TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS FOR KIDS

The gut plays a major role in one’s emotions, concentration and judgement … so much so that it has been nicknamed the “second brain”

have high counts of Colony Forming Units (CFUs) to ensure that enough bacteria reach the gut to be effective. With liquid probiotics, however, very high counts of CFUs are usually not needed as the microbes have been grown in conditions similar to those in the body and are not killed off on their way through to the gut.

Whichever you prefer, the fact remains that ensuring a balanced digestive tract, along with a good diet, are the first steps in ensuring that you have healthy and happy children.

FOR MORE INFO www.rawbiotics.co.za

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

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sport*

L

ike father like son, and dynamite comes in small packages – these are sayings we use often, but when meeting Kloof’s 11-year-old Jack Pullen, they describe him from head to toe.

Jack is a Grade 5 pupil at Highbury, but his real passion is motocross. And like a superhero who changes his persona when he needs to perform, so Jack moves from schoolboy to fearless rider and competitor when he pulls on his gear, straps on his helmet and climbs on his bike.

“My Dad did some enduro and hill riding and I went along, a little guy itching to get on a bike. My wish soon came true and that’s how it all started,” says Jack. “I started riding on a small strip while he was busy, and soon wanted to take it further.”

Despite being so young, Jack has no hesitation in what his future holds. He has one ambition and he stands tall when saying, “I want to become the motocross world champion.” Plain and simple, he has a purpose, a goal, an ambition and the determination to embark on that quest.

“I started riding when I was eight. Unfortunately motocross is not a huge sport in South Africa. We get 200 entries in my age group here, whereas there are 5 000 in the US – meaning riders must qualify to race,” says Jack.

Currently Jack rides in the 65cc class and this

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Opening the

THROTTLE

SMALL IN STATURE, KLOOF’S JACK PULLEN IS A GIANT ON A MOTORBIKE, WRITES DAVID KNOWLES

year he will compete for the championship in the US later this year, a big step for him and a new experience. “It won’t be completely foreign as I have been in the US a few times riding in local races, but not competing for anything – just

ABOVE: Motocross fanatic Jack Pullen in action.

RIGHT TOP: Jack has mastered the moves in his radio-controlled car. Picture: David Knowles RIGHT: Not quite as good as racing, but sitting on his bike at home gets his juices flowing.

Picture: David Knowles

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getting a feel for what it’s about, how competitive it is, the conditions and the style of racing,” he says. “We did what is considered a small race, and it was bigger than the South African Nationals.”

In 2018 Jack gave an

in Moto GP, I want to do on the dirt,” says Jack.

A whole new lifestyle awaits Jack. He will become a fulltime online learner and the family plans to move to Florida

by June/July. Jack has their support, and he will be racing the full South African season plus the bigger American events in the 65 and 85cc classes. It means plenty of travelling between the two countries, but in chasing his passion nothing will deter Jack.

He’s had his fair share of mishaps, including an open

Currently Jack rides in the 65cc class and this year he will compete for the championship in the US later this year

indication of his prowess when he won the Regional (KZN) 50cc title as a rookie, awarded his KZN and Protea honours in the process – a rare achievement. The US is a challenging move for him, but he remains quietly undeterred.

“I will take my racing bike with me and a spare engine, plus some parts. At least I will be on a bike I am familiar with,” he says.

Jack’s race number is 31 and therein lies another story.

“I originally wanted 41, the number Brad Binder had, but that was already taken, so 31 was next best. I have met Brad three times and what he’s doing

skull fracture with subarachnoid hemorrhage. But when he’s not surrounded by his bikes, Jack enjoys his radio-controlled car, PlayStation where the motocross games take preference, and spending time with Bubbles the family pooch.

There’s also his coaching, diet, plus gym – but there’s no stopping him opening the throttle. It comes down to wanting something so badly; the sacrifices are barely noticed, unlike Jack who will no doubt be noticed on the motocross tracks of the world.

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rock the kitchen*

I

f you’re listening, you’ll hear even the greatest chefs say unashamedly that their mothers or grandmothers are their greatest source of food inspiration, often citing a single dish or family kitchen memory that kick-started their culinary journeys. Layer on top of that some serious theory that ranges from science to history to agriculture; plus insane hours in a hot kitchen with a perpetually furious boss, and eventually they get to call the shots on who eats what, when and for how much.

For us everyday home cooks, there’s a food memory or family-favourite recipe that’s become a go-to by default – and there’s a good chance it has become a springboard for some delicious signature cooking on our own turf. But there are some very simple rules I’ve picked up on at culinary school that genuinely mean the difference between good and GREAT cooking – and

and robust flavour, so next time give it some attitude! Try adding more than you usually would, and you won’t believe the difference. This includes basic seasoning with salt and pepper. It’s about trial and error and developing your ideal taste profile, but chefs can literally take years to perfect a dish in search of that utopian balance.

Taste as you go and remember, you can keep adding – but you can’t take away.  Stock is liquid gold: This nutrientrich and delicious-on-its-own bone (or vegetable) broth is the flavour base for the world’s greatest sauces, gravies, soups and more. Rocking if you can make your own from a roast chicken carcass and/or veggie offcuts, or buy good-quality reductions (not the blocks or granules). Plain rice boiled in stock instead of water is a delicious surprise – so imagine what it can do for your

5 rules to be a great

COOK

you can use them too. Here are my top five.  Mise en place is everything: French for “putting in place” – making a habit of your recipe prep before you start cooking will make your time in the kitchen a joy.

It’s a professional kitchen non-negotiable, and for good reason(s). A clean, organised path from your recipe to the table means an uninterrupted, efficient cook, so plan accordingly. Defrost, chop and measure your ingredients in advance, get all your utensils ready, then grab a glass of wine and enjoy the process.  We underuse herbs and spices: A pinch of this or that won’t result in bold

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ABOVE: Durban lover of good food, wine and company, Ant Ellis. true – long days and bad moods can mean rushed cooking, distractions and ultimately poorly cooked, burnt or just misjudged flavours. If you aren’t in the mood, do everyone a favour and laugh it off with a comforting takeaway, or a cup

ANT ELLIS SHARES THE SIMPLE THINGS HE LEARNT AT CULINARY SCHOOL – AND HOW THEY CAN CHANGE THE WAY YOU COOK

bolognese, chilli con carne or tray bakes.  Live the dream with butter and cream: Use good-quality farm butter and full cream for huge flavour boosts and luxurious textures. These are saturated fats, so it’s not wise to make these ingredients everyday purchases – but to elevate the occasional family favourite and make a big difference to your overall foodie journey, there really are no substitutes.  Never cook grumpy: Another thing we hear from highly-awarded chefs is that food tastes better when it’s cooked with passion and love. While that’s as cheesy as a quattro formaggi pizza, it’s dead

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of tea and a sack of biscuits.

There are endless lessons to be learnt from culinary school – but there’s never a point when the learning is over. Here’s a basic I’ve been working on since I was seven.

My Kinda *Bolognese Sauce • a healthy glug of olive oil • 1 large onion, finely diced • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 2 large carrots, grated • 500g lean beef mince • 1 glass red wine • 1 heaped teaspoon each of: dried oregano, dried marjoram, dried parsley, dried basil, paprika, dried chilli flakes • 1 tin Italian diced tomatoes • 6 large, fresh plum or roma tomatoes, finely chopped or puréed • 2 tablespoons tomato paste • 500ml chicken, veg or beef stock, hot • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • ½ cup cream • salt and pepper to taste • Parmesan cheese, fresh basil and sliced red chilli to serve

On medium heat, add onion, carrot and garlic to a large flat-bottomed pot with olive oil. Sweat, don’t fry. Add minced beef, using a whisk to break it up evenly and brown. Add red wine, cook until the boozy smell is gone, then add herbs and spices and mix. Add all tomatoes, stock and Worcestershire sauce, mix and simmer on medium-low heat for 90 minutes. Crank up the heat to reduce to desired consistency for last 15 minutes and stir cream through.

Season to taste. Toss with al dente penne and serve with lashings of good Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves and red chilli.

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FOR MORE INFO Talk to me at: ant@rockthekitchen.co.za

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trending*

On the brighter

SIDE

WELCOME TO 2021, WHERE THE PAIRING OF A SOLID GREY COMBINED WITH A CHEERY YELLOW OFFER US HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

F

ollowing a turbulent and uncertain year, the Pantone Color Institute announced that it had chosen two colours to best express the mood for Colour of the Year 2021. Only once before have the experts at Pantone ever awarded this prestige to two colours. 2021 sees Ultimate Gray and Illuminating as the perfect combination of dull, familiar grey with the bright yellow of lemon skin. According to Pantone’s executive director, Leatrice Eiseman, the two colours come together to create an aspirational colour pairing that is practical, rock solid and resilient, yet providing us with hope, optimism and the promise of a sunshine filled day.

Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow

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1

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2 sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power. Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation. The colour of pebbles on the beach and natural elements whose weathered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time, Ultimate Gray quietly assures, while encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.

The tonal pairing encompasses the seriousness of the world’s ongoing struggles while at the same time acknowledging the hope connected to the availability of a vaccine against Covid and

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4 4  HAPPY DAYS

3

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light at the end of the tunnel.

When using the two colours in 2021, they do not have to be used in equal proportions. Either colour can take precedence whether for apparel, beauty, home furnishings, product design or packaging.

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6 

SUNNY SIDE UP

Enhance every occasion with Tavola’s beautifully designed napkin range.

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HAPPINESS IN YOUR HOME

5 J A N - F E B

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decor*

On-trend

& COOL

INTERIOR DESIGNER LISA TWYMAN’S NEW RANGE OF LOCALLY PRODUCED FURNITURE IS BOLD AND PLAYFUL, WRITES CANDICE BOTHA

I

pictures lar photography

ABOVE: Ballito interior designer, Lisa Twyman, feels the timing is right to create a series of furniture pieces made by small businesses.

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nterior designer Lisa Twyman’s new range of colourful, contemporary furniture perfectly reflects the combination of modern lines and fun elements evident in all her work whether it’s an interior, ceramic piece or painting.

“I think my style is joyful. Exciting,” she says.

“As an interior designer I emphasise how a space feels, and how this will impact the users of the space. I like to create interest by juxtaposing unexpected elements. The furniture collection speaks to this ethos too. Some

w w w . t h e c r e s t o n l i n e . c o . z a

pieces have a playful element, while colour and the use of different materials create depth.”

The furniture was a natural extension of her work and she says the timing felt right to create a series of pieces that would appeal to the current market for products made by small businesses and the move away from massproduced furniture. “I think there is a niche group of people looking for something special, something with a story. Even though there are bigger companies out there with cheaper products, I felt the time was right to service the smaller niche market, those buyers who are interested in locally produced heirloom

I’d say the ceramic work, painting, and the furniture and interior design complement each other by allowing me different channels of creative expression” J A N - F E B

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pieces. I also sensed that the realm of South African design was gaining momentum and I want to be a part of it,” she says.

Her background in psychology has led Lisa to a deeper understanding of how our homes and the items we surround ourselves with can impact on our moods and overall well-being, and even as a child, she says she was constantly thinking about how to move furniture around. Lisa’s home showcases many of her favourite items from her range, including the one-off Mrs Wallace stainedglass cabinet. “I also love the simple lines of the Beatrix sofa. The proportions are just »

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decor*

right in both looks and comfort,” she says.

Proportion is important in her work, and her home reflects this with a series of spaces that flow into one another and blur the boundaries between indoors and out with an enormous tree growing through the roof of the living area. It’s dramatic yet completely inviting – like her furniture.

Lisa’s creativity extends to several artistic mediums and she is a renowned ceramicist and painter. “Playing in my art studio is important for my sanity. Without the creative play I am unsettled and a bit lost. Painting, although the most challenging cognitively, leaves me feeling the most grounded,” she says. “I’d say the ceramic work, painting, and the furniture and interior design complement each other by allowing me different channels of creative expression, and by fulfilling the various processes I enjoy, from conceptual and analytical through to material completion.”

Her furniture has been well received and she plans to extend the range this year. “I aim to connect with other South African designers and platforms, too. I love the side of my furniture collection that offers one-off pieces that will never be reproduced. It means I can constantly be creating. I think the next product will be something small, such as a table lamp or pendant light.”

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FOR MORE INFO Lisatwyman.com

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*advertorial

One-eyed maple apple

MONSTERS

MAKE LUNCHBOX MEAL PLANNING FOR BACK-TOSCHOOL FUN BUT HEALTHY BY TRYING THESE ONE-EYED MAPLE APPLE MONSTERS PACKED WITH A SELECTION OF FRUITS AND HIGH IN POTASSIUM AND VITAMIN C

TIME TO MAKE: 20 M INS PREPARATIO N TIME: 20 MINS

INGREDIENTS: apples strawberries whipped cream blueberries Illovo Maple Syrup METHOD: Remove the core from an apple, place apple on its side and slice through, but making sure not to slice all the way through. Play around with the slices so they all face different directions.

Take a strawberry and cut into slices, then place one strawberry slice between two slices of apple to create a tongue.

Put some cream in a piping bag.

Add a blob of cream to the front of the apple above the tongue to create an eye, and on top to create horns. Place a blueberry in the middle of the cream to form the eye.

Drizzle Illovo Maple Syrup on the tongue and all over the apple for that sweet ending.

Doing more in 2021 WITH A NEW YEAR COMES THE ADDED ANTICIPATION OF ANOTHER YEAR OF LEARNING FOR OUR COUNTRY’S FUTURE LEADERS. In line with Illovo Sugar SA’s mandate to build thriving communities, we are passionate about supporting initiatives that look to improve schools and assist learners so they can help build a brighter tomorrow.

Illovo Sugar SA annually supports the Eston Trail Challenge, which is a major fund-raising event for the Eston Club and its community that caters for 130 commercial farmers

and 510 small scale sugar cane growers.

Eston places value on quality education being made available to all of its community members, and in late 2020 the funds raised from another safe

Wishing all pupils, teachers and families embarking on another year of education a safe and fruitful year ahead!

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

and successful Eston Trail Challenge event went towards the upgrading of school infrastructure and sporting facilities for the Nippers Preprimary and Eston Primary schools.

advertorial*

Mother and son

TEAM MEET THE DIRECTORS OF SEEFF HILLCREST AND KLOOF, GREGG WILSON AND MICHELE WILSON

T

he Wilson family has lived in the Upper Highway area for the last 15 years and enjoyed watching the farming village grow into a village with a vibe – with all the property developments and opportunities that have popped up together with the influx of numerous major retailers.

Michele loves structure and is driven by clarity. “To cope in the competitive, fast lane property industry, I try to balance my career-related challenges with being mindful of also allowing myself relaxation time and personal rewards,” she says – and finds the right way forward with a firm background in sales combined with the core values of Seeff. “Seeff’s blueprint values are creativity, excellence, experience, family, integrity and passion. I embrace this in every aspect of my career and personal life – and it’s a magic recipe that never fails.”

Both Gregg and Michele agree

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that the powerful property industry contributes so much to the economy.

“By being professional and serviceorientated, people with strong character can use this industry as an opportunity to make a difference,” says Gregg. Michele adds that they aim to nurture the correct people into the industry by providing them with an exceptional working environment – motivating them to succeed and experience personal growth. “We love seeing our agents succeed in a fulfilled environment which oozes with the approach of being frank, fresh and savvy.”

Seeff enrol their agents into the Seeff Smart Academy to achieve the correct NQF Level 4 qualification – ensuring professionalism. Early in her career, Michele was awarded the coveted National Agent of the Year. “I am able to impart with all the ground rules to my team and set them on the right path regarding the basics and hard

The R1,5million to R2million bracket is still where the money is in terms of activity and numbers work required in being an estate agent,” she says. Completing her NQF Level 5 now enables her to run a successful, professional environment for those wanting to form a career in real estate.

“The office would not run as successfully as it does without Gregg, who is full of young and innovative ideas,” says Michele. “He is my right hand man and armed with two degrees – a BComm and a BSc Honours in Property – which he filters into the business and powerful Seeff family.”

ABOVE: Directors of Seeff Hillcrest and Kloof, Gregg Wilson and Michele Wilson.

Gregg and Michele took over from Dave Jones, who is still very much involved, in 2010. The mother and son dual directorship has huge advantages.

“We have such different roles, but we are a powerhouse team and agents benefit from always having someone to go to,” says Gregg, who adds that Covid has seen a massive mindshift and change in property. “This year the market will continue being very active and buoyant. People are downgrading and simplifying for happiness and affordability, or upgrading with the attitude that ‘life is too short’ – wanting that swimming pool or extra room for a home office now rather than later.”

Gregg adds that the R1,5-million to R2-million bracket is still where the money is in terms of activity and numbers, and that all properties they get within this bracket sell quickly.

FOR MORE INFO 031 765 5326; hillcrest.seeff.com; greggwilson@seeff.com; michelewilson@seeff.com

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fashion*

TIMELESS & CLASSIC

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W

illow opened in Windermere Centre in June 2015. “Brett, my hubby and business partner, and I have a clothing wholesale business called Collins Collection. We found that we had no wholesale customers in Durban and decided to open our own store so that we could also retail our clothing,” says Cathy van Rooyen.

“We initially set up a boutique at our factory premises at The Design Factory in Station Drive, but there wasn’t a lot of foot traffic or parking. So when an opportunity arose at Windermere Centre we took the plunge.”

Cathy and Brett haven’t looked back since, and opened their second store in La Lucia Mall in April 2019. “During lockdown last year we set up our online store, and now offer a selection of what we have in store online,” says Cathy.

“We started out stocking mainly clothing from our wholesale brand. Soon however, we realised that our Durban customers had very diverse styles and tastes and were also looking for accessories, shoes and gifts,” says Cathy. “So our wonderful journey began as we moved from being a clothing boutique to a lifestyle store.

“It has been incredible building relationships with other talented local brands and stocking their beautiful products in our stores. As we got a feel for what our customers loved,

A BEAUTIFULLY CURATED MIX OF FASHION, ACCESSORIES AND HOMEWARE FROM SOUTH AFRICAN DESIGNERS CAN BE FOUND AT WILLOW, WRITES KATRINE ANKER-NILSSEN

We want customers to have a luxury shopping experience where they are looked after and given exceptional help and service”

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we developed our own Willow collection – reflecting our causal Durban lifestyle.”

Willow aim to find beautiful and unique locally made items at affordable prices and curate them together in such a way that customers love coming in to browse, see what’s new and wanting to treat themselves.

“We want customers to have a luxury shopping experience where they are looked after and given exceptional help and service,” says Cathy.

“We like to go the extra mile where we can, and our staff are known for their friendly customer service.”

Willow’s latest summer collection is all about beautiful natural fibres like linen, cotton and rayon. “We print some of our own fabrics to keep things exclusive and unique. Our styling is classic and feminine with a contemporary twist, so it will last beyond one season and won’t necessarily date,” says Cathy. “We love detail and believe it’s the subtle details on each piece that adds that element of luxury and chic. This season we are loving tiers and frills, and flowy silhouettes – so we have incorporated these elements in some of our dresses and tops. We have also created some loungewear pieces which have been popular, reflecting the current trend for comfy casual wear.”

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FOR MORE INFO CATHY: 082 567 2715; willow@iafrica.com; www.willowshop.co.za LA LUCIA MALL: 031 562 9190 WINDERMERE CENTRE: 031 303 1425

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Here’s how to make the most of your Durban experience:  Get outdoors. Be an explorer and venture out to Durban’s many outdoor destinations. Sample the city’s fresh air, wide open spaces, great weather and stunning nature and wildlife areas – from Phezulu Safari Park and Giba

E info@visitdurban.travel

Gorge Mountain Bike Park in the West, to Sugar Rush Park on the North Coast.  Max out on adventure. Durban has activities to suit just about every taste – from adrenaline-pumping thrills like shark diving and skydiving, to more tranquil options like hot air balloon trips and horse rides.

 Get your retail fix. As a shopper’s paradise, Durban boasts a large variety of world-class malls, boutique retail outlets, outdoor strip malls and markets with stringent measures in place to keep you safe while you shop till you drop.  Walk away with a creative masterpiece. For a rich tapestry of

 031 322 4164

D U R B A N I S R E A D Y, W I L L I N G A N D A B L E TO GIVE YOU WONDERFUL MEMORIES, WITH NUMEROUS APPEALING TOURISM AND LEISURE OPTIONS IN AND AROUND THE CITY

creations from the city’s talented creatives and makers, be sure to visit Durban’s wide variety of museums and art galleries. Here, you can acquire the stunning handiwork of some of Durban’s talented emerging or established local artists.  Enjoy an unforgettable coastal culinary experience. Durban has an array of mouth-

 www.visitdurban.travel

watering cuisine that sets it apart from any other city in South Africa. Wherever you are – North Coast, South Coast, Central or West of the city, there are restaurants with the space and comfort you need to enjoy a meal with peace of mind.

So, if you’re keen for some safe and enjoyable days out in Durban, then don

your masks, sanitise and respect the curfew. Let’s all Rediscover Durban safely while observing all Covid-19 protocols.

For more information visit www.visitdurban. travel or follow @DBNTourism across all social media platforms.

WT

@dbntourism

advertorial*

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Beach BLISS

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UMNGAZI HOTEL & SPA, A BEAUTIFUL WILD COAST DESTINATION

ust south of Port St John’s in the Eastern Cape you’ll delicious meals a day. And for those looking to celebrate a special find Umngazi Hotel & Spa. From wonderful welcoming occasion, there are two magical private dining venues available to hire.

Another must when visiting Umngazi is to venture out on the staff to tasty morning and afternoon tea offerings on afternoon river cruise, admiring the end of another glorious day the recently extended wooden deck and the tranquillity on the Wild Coast and sipping on a chilled refreshment. If of the hotel’s natural surroundings, a visit to this lucky enough, guests will witness the majestic African popular beach resort is a delight.

THE HOTEL Umngazi is a perfect destination for a completely Eagle swooping down to claim his catch of the day.

HAS WORKED relaxing holiday for the whole family. The kids are Umngazi is an incredibly romantic destination, VERY HARD TO ENSURE THE kept entertained with daily and renowned for orchestrating UTMOST SAFETY activities that include a variety unforgettable and truly OF GUESTS, STAFF AND COMMUNITY of games and adventures, and a memorable honeymoons – as DURING THIS most welcome nanny service is well as being a sought-after TIME OF COVID-19 available for parents who would escape for couples looking to like to enjoy well-deserved quality time together.

There is a team of experienced gillies on hand with a wealth of local knowledge to encourage and guide young budding fishermen. A tennis court, a fully air-conditioned gym, SUP boarding, kayaks, walks and hikes, and an award-winning spa – located on the hillside with breathtaking views – is also available to add to the fabulous Umngazi experience.

Guests will enjoy comfortable reconnect and spend quality thatched accommodation with time together. calming views of either the wellUmngazi also offers a variety manicured gardens, the sparkling of out-of-season promotions and river or the wide-open ocean. packages that are ideal for 60+ Umngazi’s romantic suites are guests, those who no longer perfect for those looking to indulge have kids at home and families and reconnect with their loved who are not yet bound to the ones. These suites are situated school calendar. close to the river mouth and have exclusive access to the Emlonyeni FOR MORE INFO Please email our amazing reservations private lounge and pool deck. team on requests@umngazi.co.za, find One of the many highlights out more on www.umngazi.co.za or when visiting Umngazi is the dining follow us for news on our social media platforms @umngazi experience, which includes three

Umngazi is an incredibly romantic destination, and renowned for orchestrating unforgettable and truly memorable honeymoons

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last word*

T

he problem with you,” I told my partner, “is that you don’t have enough faith in my abilities.”

“No,” said my partner patiently. “I am perfectly prepared to believe that you’re a glutton. I just don’t think you held the world record.”

“Well I did,” I said. “If you don’t believe me, you can ask my mom.”

I tried to maintain my air of worldbeating confidence, but I must say, the more I thought about it, the more I wondered if it was true. It couldn’t have been a dream, could it? Did I really, when I was 10 years old, break the Guinness World Record for eating a pie?

I am SPECIAL DID I REALLY BREAK THE WORLD RECORD FOR EATING A PIE? ACCORDING TO MY MOM I HAD, AND THAT MADE ME SPECIAL IN HER EYES, REMINISCES DARREL BRISTOW-BOVEY

I desperately wanted to be good at something, but, as I had so far discovered, I wasn’t naturally very good at anything It may seem unlikely, but I have a very clear memory of it: one day my mother brought back a quantity of chicken and mushroom pies from the tuck shop at the school where she taught, and lined them up in the kitchen, and stood there timing me with a stopwatch.

There were a number of pie records an aspiring champion could tackle. There was the stamina record, where you eat as many pies as you can in an hour, but I was too canny to try that. My 10-year-old belly was not as athletically developed as it is now – I would have been defeated by sheer volume. But speed and enthusiasm – there I had a shot.

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The current world record for eating a standard-sized pie is 23,5 seconds, set by a professional pie-chomper named Martin Appleton-Clare in Wigan in 2012, so allowing for improvements in technology and training methods in the intervening decades, I am going to assume the record back then was a more manageable time of somewhere around a minute.

The first time I tried, I fell short of the mark, but my mother encouraged me not to be crestfallen. No one succeeds at the first go, she said, cleaning pie pastry and gravy from the floor, from the front of my

T-shirt, from my face and hair. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.

I took a short breather, then applied myself to the second pie. You’re getting closer, she said. Definitely closer! I was tempted to give up. If something didn’t come easy, was it worth anything at all?

Also, I was quite full. Two pies in a row is quite a lot of pie. But my mom persuaded me that something means more when you’ve worked for it. Then it becomes something to be proud of.

I’d never thought of it that way. I’d spent my days studying a copy of the Guinness Book of World Records I’d received for Christmas, trying to decide which record to try to break, not sure where my natural talents lay. I desperately wanted to be good at something, but, as I had so far discovered, I wasn’t naturally very good at anything.

So I didn’t give up, and it’s strange – the third time felt like my slowest effort yet, but I still remember my mom’s look of excitement when she told me I’d done it! I’d broken the record! I’d worked hard and I’d done it! She was so proud of me!

It never became official, of course. You need special timekeepers and verification for that, but all through my childhood I knew I was good at something. I knew that if I tried hard enough, I could be special. I told my partner all this, and she was quiet for a while, and then she apologised for having doubted me. It’s true, she said. I am special.

“And so is your mom,” she said.

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