The Crest 109

AUG-SEPT 2022 ISSUE 109

LEADING LADY

Summerveld jockey Rachel Venniker

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

Faculty of Information Technology Degrees and Diplomas Bachelor of Science in IT degree Diploma in Information Technology

Majors: Systems Development Systems Engineering IT Management

Higher certificates: Higher Certificate in Computer Forensics Higher Certificate in Information Technology

Faculty of Business and Management Sciences Degrees and Diplomas: Bachelor of Business Administration Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Public Management Diploma in Business Administration Diploma in Local Government Management

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Majors: HR Management Marketing Management Accounting Supply Chain Management Economics Public Management Local Government

Higher certificates: Higher Certificate in Office Administration Higher Certificate in Business Administration Higher Certificate in Local Government Management

*ed's letter

BITTERSWEET GOODBYE

ABOVE: Mandela Day well spent; a few of the Famous team’s women with Zero 2 Five’s Julika Falconer.

It’s with sadness we say goodbye to Tracy Hardouin, pictured above with our social butterfly Kim Griffith Jones at the recent Olive & Oil relaunch. Trace – you returned after three years and took The Crest to new heights with your bubbly personality, unrivalled sales experience and fresh ideas.

You are a force to be reckoned with!

We’ll miss you dearly, but wish you all the best on your new adventure.

HereÕs to strong women T

May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.

he last sentence in particular hits the nail on the head. I couldn’t relate more, being a mom of an extremely strong-willed daughter.

I keep telling myself every time she tears my gentle reminders into pieces that I just don’t know where she gets it from. But of course I do. And although parenting a tween, or should I say trying to parent a tween, is a journey full of slamming doors, frustration and tears, it’s also a journey full of joy, wonder and pride. At the end of the day I can truly appreciate the fierceness that rises in knowing exactly what you want and fighting for it. All of this makes me think of something I read a few years back, something that has stuck with me

since: Teach you daughters to worry less about fitting into glass slippers, and more about shattering glass ceilings.

With August being Women’s Month we have naturally decided to celebrate women in this issue; strong women in our community who are forging new paths and sharing their passion and knowledge while spreading love and support. Our cover star Rachel Venniker shines brightly in a maledominated space. Read more about this fearless jockey on page 8, followed by an inspiring business woman who dreams big, a down-to-earth teacher and talented artist, two hard-working brewers with a Peanut Butter Porter, and

Scan this QR code for a direct link to our new What’s On events list and find out what’s hip and happening in our community over the next few weeks!

A U G - S E P T

a truly gifted horsemanship instructor.

We also have plenty of food for you to enjoy; join us at The Black Rabbit’s grand opening, savour Brett’s beautiful 3603 creations at the old Gillitts post office, and impress the women in your life with Ant’s butter chicken recipe on page 34. As Ant says: keep calm and curry on.

Happy reading!

TALK TO US

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

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in this issue*

GROUP EDITOR Doody Adams 083 325 7341 EDITOR Katrine Anker-Nilssen 083 309 6736 PRODUCTION EDITOR Lorna King GRAPHIC DESIGN Stephanie Osborne SALES CONSULTANT Charlene de Vos 073 383 8635 DISTRIBUTION Mphumzeni Thusi ACCOUNTS & DISTRIBUTION QUERIES Meghan Dewet 083 533 5898 ONLINE EDITOR Sarah Mackintosh CONTRIBUTORS Craig Brigg, Darrel Bristow-Bovey, Cathy Clark, Ant Ellis, Christy Herselman, Kelly Kidgell, Robin Lamplough, Shirley le Guern, Anne Schauffer Copyright: All material in this issue is subject to copyright and belongs to Famous Publishing unless otherwise indicated.

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

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

Material which appears under ‘Advertorial’ is paid for. *To the people of Everton, Gillitts, Hillcrest, Kloof, St Helier and Winston Park, the office parks, the residential estates and, of course, all our advertisers, thank you for your continued support.

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COMMUNITY GALLOPING AHEAD

LIFESTYLE 8

Rachel Venniker sets the pace for female jockeys

A ZEST FOR LIFE

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FOR THE LOVE OF COLOURS

10 11

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KZN

WE ALSO PUBLISH ...

In compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4, if you do not want to receive The Crest magazine for free, please email sarah.mackintosh@famouspublishing.co.za For more information visit: www.famousdurban.co.za

A U G U ST 2 0 2 2

INVEST CONNECT COMMUNICATE COLLABORATE

ISSUE 18

Exporter

Gambling

Marketing

Fashion

Government roasted for taxes that will kill the goose that lays the golden egg

Social media boffs on what button to press to help your business soar

Local producers pumping to meet local clothing demand

AUGUST 2022 ISSUE 134

Celebrate Women's Month

Agriculture Special

18 22

David Fregona's contribution to Hillcrest

ENGAGE WITH WHAT YOU EAT

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3603 brings something different to the table

PETS AND MORE

30

Collagen, Pringle the service dog and a tribute to Bakes

A small business getting wings to fly with food exports

Future Farming

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Great advice on choosing subjects in Grade 9

AN EARLY ENTREPRENEUR

Distributed to the communities of Ballito, Durban North, Gateway, La Lucia, Mt Edgecombe, Prestondale, Somerset Park, uMdloti, uMhlali, uMhlanga Ridge, uMhlanga Rocks, Zimbali

RESPECTFUL AGREEMENT

ED’S LETTER TAKE NOTE SOCIAL SCENE LAST WORD

Social marketing at its best

MJ CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS LINKHILLS FAMILY DENTAL CENTRE BLACKWOOD'S ASSAGAY MARITZBURG ORTHOPAEDIC CENTRE VALUE HEALTH MEDICAL & DENTAL RENISHAW HILLS CHAS EVERITT ADOPT-A-RIVER

40 44

1 4 46 48

ADVERTORIALS

How to bring back this lost art

BRAND CONSISTENCY

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REGULARS 14

The Black Rabbit

SIMPLE AND INSPIRING

WANDERLUST

12

Horsemanship instructor Patsy Devine

WELCOME HOME

38

Travel trends

Meet Megan and Londy of Clockwork Brewery

ENERGY, SPIRIT AND EMOTION

WHEN FURNITURE IS ART Nolden & Early

Primary school teacher Amy and her passion for art

IT'S BEER O'CLOCK

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Butter chicken – the Ant Ellis way

Zethu Grass Installations never disappoints Published by Famous Publishing www.famousdurban.co.za

KEEP CALM AND CURRY ON

ON THE COVER: Rachel Venniker. *Picture: Candiese Lenferna

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ATM Absa Bank Nedbank ---------

Automotive ACA Auto Parts Hi Q Hillcrest ---------

Electronics Audio Architex Bergens Appliances & Repairs ---------

Fashion Calypso Quiksilver

Where

Food & Drink Manolis Munchies The Juice Kitchen Tops at Spar What’s Cooking?

Woolworths Food ---------

Health & Beauty Clicks Ear Institute Entropy Hair Design Hair Base Laser Lipo Global Moffatt Optical Prestige Dentistry Sorbet Rain Natural Skincare

Hobbies & Gifts Hillcrest Art Supplies Nikki’s The Gift Shop The Toy Factory Shop Wool n’ Weave ---------

Home & Décor Home Etc Household Plastics Pait & Beyond Rugs Original Zebbies Lighting ---------

Stationery & Office Bidvest Waltons The Ink Drop

Offices Acutts Antony Kerdachi & Associates Guardian Professional Accounting Solutions Ridgetop Investment Managers ---------

Restaurants Olive & Oil Oscars Café The Black Rabbit The Library Bistro & Wine Bar Woolworths Café

Quality Meets Convenience 1 2 - 1 6 O l d M a i n R o a d H i l l c r e s t / Te l : 0 3 1 7 6 5 4 0 3 7 / w w w. l i l l i e s q u a r t e r. c o . z a

take note*

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP QUEEN: ItÕs a kinda magic International hit show Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic will bring its stadium-rock tribute concert to South Africa this year, visiting The Globe at Suncoast on Saturday September 3.

The tour will be the show’s long-awaited return to South Africa after the COVID-19 pandemic forced a three-year hiatus and the cancellation of several South African concerts which were originally scheduled in 2020.

Producer Johnny Van Grinsven from Showtime Australia says he is thrilled to be able to present the show to full arena audiences thanks to the lifting of capacity restrictions, which was announced by the South

African government in June: “Queen deserves to be listened to in a big room with big sound and lighting and effects and all the spectacle and grandeur of a true rock concert, and that’s what we intend to bring.”

The show promises over twohours of Queen hits performed live on stage and in original key, and features KZN-local Warren Vernon-Driscoll in the starring role as Freddie Mercury.

Fans will hear Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, I Want to Break Free, Don’t Stop Me Now, Somebody to Love, Under Pressure, Fat-Bottomed Girls, Another One Bites the Dust, Radio Ga Ga and more.

FOR MORE INFO: Visit queenitsakindamagic.com to book tickets

INNOVATION TREATMENT for breast cancer warriors Melanie Marshall and Elmari Oppermann are the dynamic duo behind the NPO Med Ink SA, as well as the driving force behind its pro-bono initiative, “The Nipstick Project”.

Medical trauma aesthetics/ paramedical tattooing is opening conversations with doctors, surgeons and oncologists in providing further options for cancer patients, post-mastectomy and while

TOP: Elmari Opperman.

BOTTOM: Melanie Marshall.

in recovery. Less invasive and more cost effective, 3D areola reconstruction (tattooing) provides a solution to creating realistic nipple tattoos. It improves the overall appearance and camouflages surgical scars on the breast and body, as opposed to surgical re-grafting.

With the aid of corporate sponsors “The Nipstick Project” will be able to gift 3D areola reconstruction for patients in need, nationwide.

Med Ink SA’s main goal is to gain the support of medical aid and gap cover groups to recognise and endorse these innovative treatments as an

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alternative option for patient care and rehabilitation, as well as an inclusion as an extra benefit on their cover plans.

The group is currently in discussion and negotiation with a major gap cover group who will be key in achieving this ultimate goal. Undoubtedly, this will be a ground-breaking developmental milestone for Med Ink SA in terms of paving the way for future institutions to follow as well as for future projects.

FOR MORE INFO: Contact Melanie Marshall: 074 733 6513; Info@melpmu.co.za; W @Med_ink_sa; or Elmari Opperman: 082 661 0400; info@pmuperfection.co.za

editor's choice

REVITALIFE – overall wellness with nutrient infusions Dr Colleen Goodman did her undergraduate training in Gauteng before an internship in PMB and community service in Knysna. “I have a post-graduate diploma in emergency medicine, which I did whilst working in the emergency department at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria,” she says – adding that she moved to KZN five years ago with her husband.

The couple has two beautiful young boys.

“I have always had a passion for holistic and preventative medicine and care, as opposed to the traditional Western view on medicine were we just treat, treat, treat!” says Colleen, who has been doing GP work since

2014 and also does sedations for endoscopies at the Hillcrest Surgical Unit, and assists a surgeon in theatre a couple of times a week.

A few months ago Colleen started reading up on nutrient infusions and the benefits they have to overall health and wellness. “I signed up for a couple of courses and then decided to open up my own infusion clinic right here in Hillcrest,” she says. “IV nutrition is so much more effective than anything taken orally. Less than 30% of nutrients taken orally are absorbed, whereas 100% of IV nutrients are immediately available to your cells.”

With today lifestyle, so many of us are lacking in not only nutrients like vitamins and minerals, but also antioxidants and amino acids. “Our infusions are formulated for a variety

of needs, and I am so excited to share them with people as I really believe they will help get you back to functioning at your best in these difficult and stressful times.

“It’s definitely not a quick fix to all our daily problems, but at least with IV infusions we can ensure that our bodies are getting the nutrients they need in a form that they can uitilise,” says Colleen. “With minimal side effects and many potential benefits, I don’t see any reason to not give it a try. Especially if you are struggling with something in particular like chronic fatigue, recurrent illness, post-covid syndrome, or poor sleep. Let’s try get healthy and stay healthy, instead of having to get treated when we are already sick!”

FOR MORE INFO: www.revitalife.co.za; 078 007 2244

WIN WIN WIN

One lucky reader stands a chance of winning a ReVitaLife IV infusion. Please enter via www.famousdurban.co.za

Potential benefits of IV infusions:

• 100% bioavailability of the nutrients • Increase your energy levels • Helps curb anxiety • Help rid your body of toxins and free radicals • Assist with weight loss • Rejuvenate and brighten skin, hair and nails (anti-aging) • Improved athletic performance and recovery • Fast rehydration • Boost immune system – prevent illness • Improved overall wellness

R E -U P HO LST ERY

EST. 1970

BENZE UPHOLSTERY

“Retain the quality of a bygone era”

WOOD R ESTO R AT IO N & R E PA I RS S COTCHG UAR D IN G CA R P E T & UP H O LST ERY CLE A NI N G

Showroom: Unit 10 Buro Centre, 55 Buro Crescent, Mayville upholstery@benze.co.za | www.benze.co.za | 031 208 7131 | 082 635 0165 (WhatsApp) Check us out on Google J U N E - J U L Y W

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take note*

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

THE HEALING POWER of nature Stress tends to rule our lives, leading to health issues, strained relationships and generally leaving us feeling drained. Nature provides the perfect instrument for therapy; to soothe the body and soul and give us greater “bounce back” from stressful things that happen in life.

Mary Rogers and Diane Lohrentz’s wonderful full day retreat is the perfect combination of deep insightful psychology and nature therapy, using metaphor to guide the therapy and the healing power of nature to soothe the nervous system and deepen the emotional experience –

widening the window of tolerance and increasing a sense of internal resilience to stress.

The day aims to deepen your journey of self-discovery, awakening new levels of understanding about what you need to face and what might be blocking the flow in your life. It enhances emotional and spiritual engagement and develops a new sense of compassion, connection, nurturing and healing for the younger, more vulnerable parts inside of you. This is a journey quite different from anything you’ve ever experience before.

CHECKERS FOOD – watch this space The Colony Centre in Hillcrest is soon to be home to the second smaller format Checkers Foods supermarket in KwaZuluNatal, and only the fourth one in South Africa.

This Checkers store will boast an expanded fresh food offering with solutionbased convenience ranges curated to meet specific customer needs – including lunch, braai, dinner or emergency purchases Conveniently located and ideal for quick top-up shops, Checkers Foods offers: • Freshly prepared sushi; • Exclusive brands such as Forage & Feast and Simple Truth; • A Meat Market with free range chicken and restaurant-quality steak; • A bakery with artisan breads; • Fresh fruit and vegetables; • A wine and cheese cellar; • Fresh flowers; • Krispy Kreme doughnuts; and • A Money Market counter.

FOR MORE INFO: For more updates on their opening in October, visit www.thecolonycentre.co.za

FOR MORE INFO: Google Nature Theraphy KZN or email mrogers.psychologist@gmail.com

FAMILY FUN DAY at Wynnifreds Enjoy a fun family day out that supports a good cause; protecting our precious rhino.

There will be a fun run as well as a market, jumping castles, entertainment, yummy food and drinks. August 21, 8am – 12pm.

FOR MORE INFO: 078 147 2989; info@raverhino.org.za; www.roag.co.za

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THE KLOOF PROJECT’S annual meeting with guest speaker Jenny Dean

GET INVOLVED!

COMMUNITY EFFORT improves Kassier Road Kassier Road’s numerous dangerous potholes are looking a lot better, thanks to Assagay residents Jason McCall and Marco Crestani.

“After hearing about how many people have had accidents on the road, how many people are avoiding the road, and how people won’t use that road to go to the hospital, we decided to do something,” says Jason. “Everyone had their brights on early in the mornings and late at night to look for the holes – causing oncoming traffic issues. You either stand by and wait and watch tragedy unfold, or you do something.”

The process was pretty easy and straight forward, but only a temporary solution to a big problem. “The road needs redoing completely. But in the meantime we just want people to drive on there and not fear for their lives,” says Jason. “We purchased cold tar which you essentially pour and compact into the holes, then

using a stamper compress it in, tidy up and it’s good to go. It’s instantly driveable.”

Many members of the Assagay community helped with donations. “Apart from tar, we got gloves, many pies and cokes and dozens of avos,” smiles Jason.

“It’s been really great seeing the power of the community as they come together to support this.”

They’ve filled close to 40 holes and poured around 2.2tons of asphalt by hand into the potholes so far – on weekends and public holidays. “We still have more to do, and intend on just maintaining it so that it remains fairly driveable for as long as it takes.

“Subsequently we have started a community organisation for Assagay specifically, called GROW Assagay.

We have lots of plans to help our area with betterment projects, and we are excited about making a difference in our community,” says Jason.

FOR MORE INFO: If you can help, call Jason on 072 537 3342

A group of dedicated volunteers that Kloof residents have come to know as The Kloof Project, serve the community by ensuring beautifully landscaped and maintained indigenous plantings in the business district, litter pickup, beautification of the rail reserve that runs through the village, infrastructure repair reporting to the authorities, and implementing special projects such as “The Bench” wall art mural zone. They are required as an NPO to hold an open annual meeting of interest to Kloof residents whom they serve.

Please join on Monday 19 September at 18h00 in the Kloof Junior Primary School hall for snacks, followed by brief annual activity reports, and finishing with a thoroughly inspiring presentation by Jenny Dean (pictured below), the local doyenne of indigenous plants.

FOR MORE INFO: Contact Sandra on info@thekloofproject.co.za or 083 312 6654

SUPPORT LOCAL

WITH ADS RANGING IN PRICE FROM R3 000 TO R28 500, LET US PUT TOGETHER AN ADVERTISING PACKAGE TO SUIT YOUR BUDGET AND NEEDS. Charlene de Vos 073 383 8635; charlene.devos@famouspublishing.co.za

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cover story*

story shirley le guern pictures candiese lenferna

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t the beginning of July, Rachel Venniker was set to make Durban July history as the first ever female jockey to take part in this iconic event at Greyville. But, just a week before the big race, she was injured.

“On the Monday prior to the July, my filly in the last race fly jumped coming out the gate and I hit my head on the top of the gate. They booked me off for concussion, which is the standard 10day procedure. I was mortified. But there is always next year. You’ve just got to carry on,” says Rachel.

This courageous 21-year-old is anything but daunted. Easy going by nature, she says she is totally at peace as soon as she on the back of a horse – and that is somewhere she has been since the age of just four.

While there are many female jockeys overseas, this is seen as male career in South Africa. Much of that has to do with the danger factor – something to which Rachel is no stranger. About a month ago, the horse that she was riding went through the rails. But, despite a few aches and pains, she was back in the saddle and won the next race.

She admits that she already has two false teeth, has broken her cheekbone, and that her nose is not quite as straight as she would like it to be. But, that is a small price to pay for doing something that is her passion.

Born in KZN and raised at Summerveld where she still lives, she says she has grown up with horses. Both of her parents were show jumpers and she followed in their footsteps.

One of the trainers she approached looking for a horse for show jumping suggested she try some track work.

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GALLOPING ahead

COURAGEOUS SUMMERVELD JOCKEY RACHEL VENNIKER ALWAYS AIMS HIGH

She was just 14, and has been working at the track from 4am ever since.

Her first win as a work rider came in 2020 at Scottsville and, since then, she has added a few more. She is currently the stable jockey for well-known trainer Michael Roberts, and has 72 wins to her name.

Now a second year apprentice at the South African Jockey Academy, which is the only local institution offering an academic and practical apprentice programme, Rachel admits that her journey hasn’t been easy.

She applied to join the academy three times but was turned away not only because she is a girl, but also because she’s taller and slightly heavier than most of her male counterparts. She was told to finish her schooling and think again.

After completing her matric at the Roseway Waldorf school Rachel was as enthusiastic as ever, and trainer Michael Roberts together with Garth Puller and Kevin Wright approached the academy.

“So… they said they’d take a chance, and they haven’t looked back!” laughs Rachel.

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But Rachel wouldn’t change anything.

She is waiting for her next ride at a major South African event – perhaps even the upcoming Gold Cup. After winning a few majors here, she’d like to ride overseas.

Her advice to other girls who’d like to ride like her is to keep believing in themselves.

No one really cares, I’m just one of the boys,” says Rachel of her fellow jockeys at the academy “If you really want to, just keep trying.

There are going to be hard times. This is not an easy career. People have seen my success but it comes with a lot of work.

I’ve pretty much given up everything to do this job. It’s tough – physically, mentally, emotionally – but it’s also really worth it and I love it,” she says.

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That was in 2021, and she remains the only girl at the academy. “At the start, they were all a bit cagey with me and wouldn’t give me a very easy time. But now I’m one of them. No one really cares, I’m just one of the boys,” she says of her fellow jockeys.

She is still at the track before dawn and rides at least 25 different horses every morning. She moves from trainer to trainer, something that she admits to finding stressful.

“I also work out as often as I can. We do gym twice a week at the academy and I do my own stuff as well, because my weight is quite a challenge. I can ride 53,5kg and I’m 170cm tall. I road run and I’m always watching what I eat. That is the added pressure – because, often, you feel like you are running on empty,” she admits.

RIGHT: Rachel with her trainer and mentor Michael Roberts.

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a zest for

LIFE

WITH AN INFECTIOUS SMILE AND POSITIVE ATTITUDE, ALONG WITH BUSINESS SAVVY, IT’S EASY TO SEE WHY ZETHU AND HER TEAM COME HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, WRITES KATRINE ANKER-NILSSEN

TESTIMONIALS “We have used Zethu to replace different areas of lawn on three different occasions on our property in Westville. All I can say is: wow! Her pride in her work, friendly attitude, and always putting the client first, impressed me. And if she says they will be there at 9am, they are. Would not use anyone else, she is a star.”

– Wendy Roux “Zethu is responsible and reliable. She arrives on time and does what she says she will do. The whole experience with her has been amazing, her group of guys are great too – and I love that she works with them. She has great knowledge about which type of grass you need, and lets you know exactly how to look after it.”

– Janet Atkinson

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ethu Radebe was born 35 years ago in Hlokozi near Ixopo, where she grew up and attended school. After matric she obtained certificates in both Pest Control and HIV/AIDS Counselling, before moving into insurance – selling policies for Old Mutual. But this did not give her the job satisfaction she craved.

Although she learnt a lot when it comes to customer service and more at Old Mutual, she puts it all down to her late mom – who taught her everything she needed to know about starting and running a business. “My mom was an inspiration to me and taught me that the customer is always right. Because without the customer, you have no business,” smiles Zethu.

In 2019 Zethu relocated from Cato Ridge to Shongweni Dam with her husband and now five-year-old son, and created her business Zethu Grass Installations. Starting out with only two guys, today Zethu employs five and sometimes hires casual labour on top of that – when she has bigger contracts. “I am so happy I am able to provide a livelihood for five guys and their families,” she says.

Zethu does mostly lawns, but also a little landscaping and pest control. Right now she is busy with a big contract at Queensburgh Girls’ High School. Her work comes through word-of-mouth and referrals, but she plans to create a website soon – knowing it adds credibility.

Taking huge pride in her work, Zethu is always on time and feels follow-ups are very important. “The best part of my job is when I have laid the grass down and it looks lovely and neat. Everyone should have some greenery in their life – it just makes

everything more beautiful!”

A challenge has been transport. But Zethu saved carefully for a year, and in 2020 bought a secondhand five-ton truck. “I am hoping to get more big contracts – such as school grounds maintenance,” she says. But no job is too small for her and her great enthusiasm. With a recent sponsorship from Lasher, there’s no stopping Zethu from growing and touching more hearts, and lawns, in our community.

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FOR MORE INFO

Zethu 072 447 9466

*profile

W

ith an upbringing that seemingly matches the theme of her paintings, Amy Botha grew up in Somerset West in an eccentric, art- and literaturerich household. “I spent most of my childhood outside playing with my two older sisters, climbing trees, making mudballs, eating termites… It was a wonderful, real childhood,” beams Amy. Amy’s mother is a fine artist and illustrator, but her father can only draw stick figures. With no formal art studies, it’s clear where her artistic talent comes from. “I never considered selling my artwork until a dear colleague asked me to paint something for her earlier this year. It has been a dream come true ever since,” says Amy. “I mostly paint on weekends when I get a gap between spending time with my boys.”

After matriculating at Rhenish Girls’ High School in Stellenbosch, Amy studied her B.Ed and then B.Th (Theology) at Stellenbosch University.

After graduating she moved to Mozambique and became the sole teacher on a remote sugar cane plantation in malaria-ridden Marrameu. Her next relocation was to Scotland and England, where Amy met her husband Jacques. Together they adventured to Botswana, where she found herself at another remote school; this time teaching the children of workers on a salt pan. “We lived a very carefree life for 10 years in Botswana, until my husband wanted to return to South Africa. It was a really difficult decision for me, but I suppose South Africa has more opportunities for my three sons, plus it has PNA – which I should own shares in,” she laughs.

Amy is inspired by the love of colours; clear, strong colours and the magic that can be created by an image. “I think my art can best be described as innocent, optimistic and happy,” she says. Her paintings are done in acrylic, while her book illustrations are done in colour pencil. “My favourite illustrator is Peter Cross, and Alexander Jansson is my favourite painter.”

With such a colourful past and cheerful outlook on life, Amy’s endearing paintings capture the diversity and true nature of her vibrant being.

Matched with exceptional talent, her artistic future is sure to be as bright and bold as her work.

for the love of

COLOURS

KELLY KIDGELL MEETS A FOREST VIEW PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER WHO COMBINES HER DOWNTO-EARTH PERSONALITY WITH AN EXCEPTIONAL ARTISTIC TALENT

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FOR MORE INFO

baggynel@gmail.com 1. “A Foxy Cup of Coffee”.

2. “Good Hair Day”, one of Amy Botha’s vibrant acrylics.

3. Amy is inspired by clear, strong colours and the magic that can be created by an image.

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IT’S BEER oÕclock

M WOMEN in the brewing industry

Women have been actively brewing since ancient times; it is only in the last 150 years or so that it became more male-dominated. From the mid-18th century many women were barred from participating in alcohol production.

Thankfully that is no longer an issue, and many women are reentering the field as brewers. Says Megan; “There is a common misconception that you need to have a particular physical strength in order to do the job. There is no doubt it is an active job, where you are on your feet a lot, with plenty of heavy lifting, but it is nothing a women can’t handle. Who needs gym when you run a brewery!”

The Clockwork ladies get a lot of respect and support from others in the industry and from their customers, which is fundamental for the growth of their business.

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KATRINE ANKER-NILSSEN MEETS THE TWO LADIES BEHIND CLOCKWORK BREWHOUSE

egan Gemmell, with an Honours Degree in Biochemistry and a Master’s Degree in Microbiology, grew up in Pietermaritzburg and discovered her love of brewing at university. She took it to a commercial level in 2014, becoming a full time brewer three years later with her Clockwork Brewhouse. This is when her partner in crime, Londy Mbanjwa, came onboard. “Londy always has a smile on her face and is willing to go the extra mile – running a brewery means rolling with whatever the brewhouse throws at you on the day. She is an absolute asset to the business and an amazing person to be around,” says Megan.

Londy has two boys, Abenathi and Ayabonga, and also grew up in Pietermaritzburg. But her home is in Elandskop just outside of Howick – where she lives with her sisters and their children when she is not at work during the week. “Megan has been a sister, a friend and a boss to me. She has taught me the A-Z of brewing, from how a label needs to look on a bottle in order to catch your eye, to maintaining proper cleaning and sanitation on brew and bottling days, to pouring the perfect pint.”

Megan and Londy have a core range of beers, but love experimenting with different ingredients

and new brewing techniques and styles – it keeps their passion and interest alive. One of their more talked about beers is a Peanut Butter Porter, and they recently won a gold medal at the African Beer Cup for their Syrah Grape Berliner Weisse – where the grapes were handpicked and hand squeezed, creating a beer-wine hybrid.

Clockwork Brewhouse joined forces with the 1000 Hills Chef School and Brewery in 2020 – but kept their own brand, beers and recipes. With the onsite restaurant and tap room Clockwork is now a destination brewery, and being at a chef school, where Megan is also the brewing lecturer, has allowed easier access to interesting brewing ingredients – such as hibiscus, vanilla pods and a beautiful variety of fruit.

Growth is always a good thing, but Megan and Londy have no intention to expand so much that they are no longer able to be actively involved in brewing. They don’t want to be stuck in an office, but stay on the brewery floor doing what they love.

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FOR MORE INFO www.clockworkbrewhouse.co.za

BELOW: Megan Gemmell and Londy Mbanjwa.

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*advertorial

who needs annual financial

STATEMENTS? MELISSA JACOBS OF MJ CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS DISCUSSES WHAT ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AND WHO NEEDS THEM

ABOVE: Suné Alexander and Melissa Jacobs.

A

nnual financial statements provide an overview of the financial position and performance of a business and include an income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, statement of changes in equity as well as other important disclosures and notes.

Section 30 of the Companies Act 71 of 2008, requires every company to prepare annual financial statements within six months after the end of its financial year.

If you are the business owner of a company, no matter the size, you are required to have annual financial statements

prepared and submitted.

Depending on your Public Interest Score, your financials might have to be independently reviewed or audited (for more info on auditing, please refer to Melissa’s previous article by scanning the QR code below).

Why are financial statements important and what are they used for?

Financials are used by a wide range of users and stakeholders to make informed economic decisions about the business.

• Shareholders want to know how their investment is performing.

• Banks, lenders, suppliers, credit reporting agencies and insurers want to know about

creditworthiness.

• SARS – it is compulsory for small, medium and large businesses to submit signed financial statements to SARS on the submission of their ITR14.

• You as a business owner get much-needed insight into the development and growth of your baby.

The following information can be gleaned from your annual financial statements: • How solvent and liquid your business is.

• Your level of profitability (gross profit and net profit).

• How productive your assets are in generating revenue.

• How efficient your business is in turning revenue into profit.

• How effective you are at turning your profit into cash.

Implications of receiving financials late?

• You fail to take any timeous remedial action on items that require improvement.

• Your investors/lenders might think the worst and make assumptions. You may also lose/compromise any credit facilities.

• Income tax submissions with SARS are missed which will result in admin penalties for late submission and might result in further penalties and interest on any amounts payable.

OUR GUARANTEE TO YOU

We guarantee a turnaround time of 30 days on finalising your financial statements (Ts & Cs apply). Does your accountant offer you that guarantee?

Email melissa@mjacc. co.za or sune@mjacc. co.za should you require any assistance with the preparation of your annual financial statements and tax submissions.

MJ CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

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

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profile*

I

n worldly terms, it’s hard to work out exactly what the vibrant and inspiring Patsy Devine, founder of the Triple-H Horsemanship Centre, does. “I’m an artist and a horseman,” she replies. But you sense there is so much more.

“I teach people to teach horses, dealing with them completely holistically in the truest sense of the word, seeing to their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs. People generally leave out about three of the four. They deal with horses physically, but they forget about the rest,” she explains. People come to her usually when there’s a problem – a performance or behavioural issue. For example, recently she helped a horse that was too terrified to get into a horse box.

Whereas many would consider force or even drugging a non-complaint animal, thankfully more and more people are looking for better solutions.

Patsy’s mantra is to teach horsemanship without fear or intimidation. Although, for the most

energy, spirit and

EMOTION

PATSY DEVINE TEACHES NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP WITHOUT FEAR OR INTIMIDATION, WRITES SHIRLEY LE GUERN part she does include equipment, her ultimate ideal is to embrace what in true horsemanship is known as Liberty – training a horse with no physical connection between horse and rider. This hinges on the human’s “inner picture, inner feeling”, which is a very powerful tool.

Closely linked to this is helping people who are mentally, physically and emotionally impaired. It is widely known as equine facilitated therapy (EFT) and closely linked to equine facilitated learning (EFL).

“I have a lovely workshop menu available to the corporate world to improve teambuilding and communication skills.

I pair people with specific horses. It is fascinating to watch the transformation,”

says Patsy. She also mentors and coaches people who compete, and is presently working with the KZN Equestrian Federation developing a program for advancing equestrians’ skills sets.

“One family with which I have been working has progressed from never riding in any competition to the point where one member came ninth in her category nationally. Both sisters are competing this month in the KZN dressage championships after only four shows. This is despite the fact that they only ride once a week,” explains Patsy.

Another example is Cape Town art student, Dina Frey, who is excelling at her Liberty training despite the fact that she FOR MORE INFO: www.blackwoods.co.za

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only gets to ride her horse during holidays.

Patsy describes the connection between her and her horse as “mind-blowing.”

When not working directly with her own horses or with clients and their horses, Patsy is an accomplished painter. She accepts commissions for human and animal portraits as well as murals from across the world. As part of a highly creative family, art has always been in her life. So it was a natural progression for her to go to art school and build her career as a graphic designer and illustrator.

Ultimately she moved away from her career in the corporate world to pursue her passion for horses, which had begun at the age of three during her childhood in the Zambian bush. “By that time, I was competing quite a lot in show jumping and dressage. I loved the dressage terminology where they used words that described horses as ‘happy athletes’. I was doing well, but I still couldn’t agree with some of the things that I saw happening,” she says.

Looking down from her home that is perched on a green hillside in Drummond to where her horses gather at the dam for a drink, she recalls how her sister, who she describes as “the wind beneath

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her wings”, sent her a video of the very beginning of what is now known as Parelli natural horsemanship. A buzz word in the mid-90s, this softer and kinder way of training horses was pioneered by American horseman Pat Parelli.

It was something of an ah-ha moment for both. “I realised that this was what I needed to do, and that I had to bring it back to South Africa. So I started learning.

During my second year, I realised that I needed to qualify as an instructor. We were doing things through a fax machine. If you wanted them to see your work with a horse you had to video it, put it on a whopping cassette, keep one copy and send one in the post. It was really hard,” she recalls.

Patsy qualified as the first Horsemanship Australia instructor outside of that country and went on to expand her knowledge across the world.

But there was a great deal of change in the world of natural horsemanship and, together with many of her teachers, she broke away to add more to her skillset.

Now, years later, she remains in touch with her Australian, French, American and Spanish instructors and mentors. She says that her influencers – Karen Rohlf, Frédéderic Pignon and Magali Delgado from the south of France, Philip Nye in Tasmania, Mark and Debbie Rodney and Minolo Mendez – have transformed her life and are now part of her moral fibre.

“For instance, when helping the horse that is terrified of getting into a horse box, I ended up talking to the owners, telling them not to be afraid. I heard Philip’s voice saying, when fear subsides, curiosity takes its place and I shared this with them,” she explains.

The name for the brand that she has developed – the Triple-H Horsemanship Centre – comes from a book she read and loved as a child, known as Horse Heaven Hill. “My maiden name is Hill. When we bought this hillside property and built here, we realised that it had a very special energy about it. Horses get well here and their people get healed here,” she smiles.

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food*

welcome

HOME AUTHENTIC YET LAVISH COMFORT FOOD, ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND METICULOUS HOSPITALITY IS WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT THE BLACK RABBIT, WRITES KATRINE ANKER-NILSSEN

A

midst a buzz of excited patrons, surrounded by attentive staff and a warm and cosy ambiance, a wonderful feeling of being home away from home enveloped me on the grand opening night of our new favourite neighbourhood brasserie, The Black Rabbit.

I savoured every bite of the best prepared and presented kingklip I have ever had. It was so good, I was actually tempted to lick the plate. Poached in a copper pot with garam masala spices, coconut milk, jasmine rice and coriander – this dish was truly out of this world. And don’t get me started on the ridiculously indulgent yet comforting dessert, whose flavours and fragrance took me straight back to childhood memories of making Christmas cookies with my dad.

I had the carrot cake trifle; served in a class, soaked in ginger and layered with mascarpone and crunchy candied pecans. Heavenly!

What I love about The Black Rabbit – apart from

the beautiful homely interior and incredible hospitality – is that the menu is seasonal and created to ensure that only the very best quality ingredients are used.

Chris has enthusiastically committed to changing the menu four times a year. This is something many restaurants have forgotten the importance of, and will without doubt keep things fresh and interesting.

I had a hard time deciding what to eat from the winter menu, as everything was both tempting and unique. I can’t wait to see what else Chris and his team has in store for us as winter turns into spring, summer and autumn. Judging by the lack of available tables over the next few months, I have every faith that this new kid on the block will be a great success and treasured by our community.

The Black Rabbit is open for lunch daily from 11.30am and dinner till 9.30pm.

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FOR MORE INFO

Lillies Quarter, 14 Old Main Rd, Hillcrest; 031 765 3059

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*advertorial

your family

DENTIST LINKHILLS FAMILY DENTAL CARE IN WATERFALL IS GENTLE ENOUGH TO CATER TO YOUR WHOLE FAMILY WHILST HAVING THE EXPERTISE TO PROVIDE HIGHQUALITY, CUTTING-EDGE COSMETIC DENTISTRY (FULL SMILE MAKEOVERS, VENEERS, IMPLANTS, CROWNS, CLEAR BRACES)

F

amily Dental Care was established in 2010 and now has as many as 10 dental practices across South Africa, with plans to continue to expand. Linkhills Family Dental Care caters to patients of all ages, and a vast variety of dental treatments are offered – from general dentistry to specialised and cosmetic dental treatments.

Head dentist Dr Dineshen Govender is the co-founder of Family Dental Care and master of smile transformations using various methods of specialised dentistry.

Dr Govender and resident dental therapist Claire Goddard have been serving the Waterfall community for almost a decade and continue to change lives and exceed expectations one smile at a time. Dr Callyn Witbooi is a passionate and enthusiastic

dentist always striving to make a meaningful contribution to her patients’ lives.

The chic yet modern dental practice, along with the friendliness throughout, immediately makes you feel at home.

Fully equipped with state-of-the-art dental technology and materials, high standard dental care is provided – with reasonable cash rates offered and most medical aids accepted. The dentists are constantly learning new treatments to keep up with the ever-evolving dental industry – making the delivery of treatments more effective with a faster turnaround time, while enhancing the comfort of the patient.

The practice strongly believes that prevention is better than cure and recommend that children start visiting from a young age so they get familiar and comfortable with the dental setting and environment, and establish a healthy, fear-free relationship with a family dentist. Young patients are given the best experience at Linkhills – with TV screens above the dental chairs playing their favourite shows, bravery certificates, and small gifts rewarded after appointments.

The practice’s three dental professionals are amazing with children and highly trained for dealing with scared and anxious patients, making sure their fears are that of the past by the end of their visits.

Situated in the Linkhills Lifestyle Centre in Waterfall, Family Dental Care caters for the entire family.

We offer a vast range of dental treatments: * General dentistry * Specialised dentistry (full smile makeovers) * Cosmetic dentistry (crowns, veneers, implants, bridges, dentures) * Paediatric dentistry *Clear braces: active aligners We pride ourselves in providing a high standard of dental care at affordable rates, and accept most medical aids.

LEFT: Claire Goddard and Dr Dineshen Govender.

FOR MORE INFO 031 762 4796 | linkhills@familydentalcare.co.za

Book today on 031 762 4796, or email linkhills@familydentalcare.co.za

opinion piece*

simple and

INSPIRING MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION WHEN CHOOSING SUBJECTS IN GRADE 9 CAN BE DAUNTING. NARETHA PRETORIUS, CAMPUS HEAD AT IIE-VEGA SCHOOL, OFFERS A GUIDELINE ALONG WITH EXPERT ADVICE FROM CAREER COUNSELLOR PROF ZAK NEL

S

ubject choice is just a starting point, the beginning of a lifelong journey. Few people know exactly what they want to do – most discover it along the way, while some make radical career shifts far removed from what they originally studied.

We can however approach this starting point in a better way, ensuring a more meaningful, enjoyable and fulfilling journey for our children. The answer sits in the cliché “love what you do, and you will never work a day in your life”.

Parents may feel anxious and uncertain, especially when facing current challenges, fears and prejudices. Our attitude has a great impact on how our children will feel about their choices, so rather approach the process with excitement and inspiration. How do you achieve an enjoyable experience in selecting subjects?

As a higher education manager, I have witnessed the subject and study choice process parents and learners go through.

And as a parent myself, I can relate.

Recognising this need, the IIE-Vega School collaborated with Prof Zak Nel, a career counsellor and counselling

18

psychologist with over 40 years’ experience. Here is a guideline, combining my experience and his advice.

NOTICE WHO YOUR CHILDREN ARE

Be a curious observer, ask and listen.

There is no need for psychometric assessments if you can notice it yourself – often the answer and direction is right in front of you. Observe these two telling factors: your child’s personality and mode of thinking. Their personality is their way of being and what they love doing. It is who they are. Their mode of thinking on the other hand is the way they are “wired”. We naturally perform at our best if we get to utilise this. The aim is to identify and name their preferred way of thinking. For example; creative thinkers are makers and play with creative ideas, analytical thinkers enjoy numerical challenges and feel safe in facts or information – they carefully think before they make decisions, language thinkers enjoy expression through stories or words, kinetic thinkers express through movement or performance, technical thinkers build mechanical things, digital technical thinkers enjoy information technology like coding,

empathetic thinkers connect with the world around them (people, animals or nature), and versatile thinkers are diverse in various thinking styles. Subjects must ultimately complement the person.

CREATE A SUBJECT SCORECARD

Identify which subjects they enjoy the most, are most confident in or find most interesting, as well as the subjects they perform best in and the subjects they dislike or find the hardest. Finally, ask them to select from the school’s available electives, ask them what they would prefer, and ask them why.

CREATE A STUDY AND CAREER OPTIONS GUIDE

Making subject choices in Grade 9 is the starting point for their study and career choices. To study a degree they need a Bachelors pass in matric, and to meet the entry criteria for their preferred degree. With information on websites from private and public higher education institutions, Prof Nel advises you should explore with your child and create a table to compare the following: • The degrees available and their entry criteria (the subjects and marks they ask for).

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• The degree modules (to get an idea of the content).

• The career opportunities (and then google what that means).

THE FULL PICTURE: SELECTING THE SUBJECTS

Once done, ask them to show you where they see themselves in that table. Highlight the “must-have subjects” from the entry criteria, then consider which subject combination will support them best – the first indicator is the entry criteria (the “must-have” subjects), while the elective subjects support their interest or the field they wish to consider (the “want-to” subjects). If math core is not a requirement, then opt for math literacy.

Use these indicators to consider the subjects they should select or avoid. By choosing their own subjects they make a commitment and will want to do well.

The ideal outcome of this process is a happy child feeling inspired and capable; having something to look forward to while

TOP: Naretha Pretorius.

ABOVE: Prof Zak Nel. feeling empowered in having a choice in their future. And as Prof Nel would state, the ideal outcome is also to end the process by having a stronger relationship with your child.

SCAN THIS QR CODE The Beautiful Mess – Jane and Jess chat to Naretha to further unpack subject choices.

IIE-Vega School invites teachers, parents and Grade 9 learners to join a webinar with Prof Nel on August 31, 2022 advising on subject, study and career choices.

FOR MORE INFO dbn@vegaschool.com | 031 569 1415 | www.vegaschool.com

A U G - S E P T

2 0 2 2

advertorial*

PLANT DIVERSITY at its best

O

BLACKWOOD’S ASSAGAY – YOUR NUMBER ONE LOCAL NURSERY

ne of five Blackwood’s retail garden stores in KwaZulu-Natal, the country style Assagay branch has a wonderful rustic charm and focuses on stocking a wide range of plants – amongst the widest selection on offer in

FOR MORE INFO: www.blackwoods.co.za

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the province.

Catering for both warm subtropical climates and cooler temperature inland regions, the key aspects that are prominent in the Blackwood’s Assagay range are: • Edibles – fruit trees, citrus, herbs, and vegetables.

• Indoor decor – foliage and flowering house plants.

• Cacti and succulents – for pots or garden.

• Orchids in a wide variety – for amateurs and collectors.

• Flower seedlings – ensuring seasonal colour.

• Hedging and screening plants – for privacy and security.

• Trees and shrubs offering long-lasting

garden solutions.

• Wide range of indigenous plants.

• Plants for shaded parts of the garden.

Besides plants, Blackwood’s Assagay offers a full range of compost, organics and fertilisers for planting and maintaining gardens in tip top condition. Pots and containers from tiny to huge in different colours, shapes and textures – for indoors and outdoors – are also available. Not to mention

a comprehensive range of gardening sundries and accessories – including pesticides, to keep plants in a healthy state.

Friendly staff are always around to assist with all your gardening queries – whether it’s helpful advice or plant and product information you need.

When it comes to plants, shopping online just doesn’t do it. There’s nothing like real life shopping in a nursery – where you can feel, touch, smell and learn.

nostalgia*

AN EARLY

ENTREPRENEUR

D

ROBIN LAMPLOUGH DELVES INTO THE PAST OF HILLCREST

avid Fregona arrived in South Africa from Italy late in the 19th century.

He travelled to Emberton, the farm of William Gillitt on the main route to the interior. There he entered an agreement to take over a trading store called the Waggoner’s Rest, which stood somewhere in the vicinity of the present Oxford Centre.

According to research by local journalist Julie Claxton, David Fregona was born in Belluno, Italy, in 1867. He and two brothers left home in search of better prospects, each going to a different country with a view to exchange information on prospects.

There is no evidence that either of his two brothers also moved to South Africa.

At the time that David settled in the Hillcrest area, important changes were taking place here. A Durban estate agent, Ernest Acutt, had just concluded an agreement with Gillitt to sell plots to well-to-do Durbanites wishing to escape the summer heat at the coast.

This arrangement would provide Fregona with several opportunities to expand his operations. When the railway reached Hillcrest, he opened a trading store opposite the station, where the Elangeni

22

Picture: www.iol.co.za

Centre is today. He started a dairy farm near the present Hillcrest High School and supplied many householders with milk daily. Julie Claxton reports that David Fregona and his wife had six sons and two daughters. Sheila Gillitt attended a local school with the daughters. My current

Halstead has left graphic details of the way, in earlier times, celebrations and entertainment had been provided in a wood and iron hall where the present civic centre stands. After the hotel was built, young people played tennis on the courts on Saturday afternoons and often attended a dance in the evening.

David Fregona’s greatest contribution to Hillcrest was the building of a hotel on the main road telephone directory reveals only one resident with that surname, living in Kloof.

Without doubt David Fregona’s greatest contribution to the growing population of Hillcrest was the building of a hotel on the main road. It became a social centre for the people of the community. Sheila

Travellers from the Transvaal found the place a convenient overnight stop and locals, in the automotive age, enjoyed a drive into the country at the weekend. In those days, too, it was unheard of to drive between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, or vice versa, without a stop for tea, and the Hillcrest Hotel was

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a favourite venue. This building has been incorporated in the Colony Centre.

The only surviving memorial to David Dominic Fregona is St Dominic’s Catholic Church, in Mill Road. It is very likely that even regular congregants there are not aware of the connection. Joy Brain, in her account of the archdiocese of Durban published in 2010, records that Fregona donated land for the church, which was opened in November, 1936, and named after St Dominic.

It stood between the railway line and the R103, or Old Main Road, which was by the 1960s an inconvenient spot for local Catholics. In 1965, money was donated for a new church closer to the centre of the town, but a dispute with local authorities delayed the project until 1968.

The church was opened in 1969.

David Fregona made a significant contribution to the development of Hillcrest at a time when it was an independent community and not part of the eThekwini megacity which evolved in the later 1990s.

I believe that his role deserves to be recorded, not just for nostalgic reasons but in order to help the present generation understand something of its roots. I would be very sad if my grandchildren grew up believing that the status quo was how things had always been.

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EDEN DURBAN Pre-Primary | Preparatory | High School

den Schools Durban offers the best quality co-educational private schooling from Sunshine Group (grade 0000) to Matric in KZN. Eden Durban has the highest academic standards, expert teaching and a caring supportive environment that extends beyond the classroom.

Our learner’s horizons are broadened and they are challenged to become more involved, thus developing their social, leadership and communication skills.

Matric Results

Eden’s Philosophy: Holistic Education

Eden Schools are committed to provide a balanced holistic education to produce well-rounded, accomplished, self-disciplined and confident individuals. In addition to offering a wide range of learning areas, we encourage our students to participate in various sports and extra-mural activities such as soccer, cricket, swimming, water polo, basketball, netball, sailing, dance, chess, debating, public speaking, eco projects and community outreach programmes.

Our matric results each year are outstanding. Eden has ranked as one of the top five schools in South Africa for our NSC matric results for the past 5 years. In 2021 Eden was ranked Number 1 in South Africa with 3,76 A’s per candidate. We have had 100% bachelor passes since our inception in 2007 and our number of A’s per candidate regularly exceeds 3,5.

We have a strong programme of arts and culture enabling our music, dance, drama and art students to have the opportunity to perform in festivals, productions, shows and exhibitions. Our children also take part in many online events such as an International Online Mock Court Debate, the GMMDC Art competition, Speech Festivals and Online Talent Competitions.

Coping with Lockdown

Extension at Eden

Despite the lockdown due to the Covid 19 pandemic and the disruptions of the past 2 years, our students have had access to online and recorded Zoom lessons and material loaded onto Google Classrooms. We are confident that our students are always well prepared for examinations and will continue to achieve excellent results.

The Secret to Eden’s Success

The secret to our success is firstly due to our small classes, and the warm, friendly, family atmosphere we cultivate and secondly to our experienced, caring teachers who are prepared to go the extra mile, giving extra lessons when needed.

The children at Eden are happy to come to school. At Eden we strive to provide a unique and vibrant educational experience for our students.

We celebrate the diversity of cultures in a cosmopolitan South Africa and respect religious practices and holidays of various faiths.

At Eden, we extend our children by encouraging out-the-box thinking and developing problem-solving skills. Our children excel at various Olympiads such as the South African Mathematics Olympiad, Conquesta, the Computer and Physics Olympiad and the English Olympiad. One of our students, Jaedon Naidu made it through to the top 10 of the SAMO (Maths) Olympiad, top 10 of the SAAO (Computer) Olympiad and won the gold for the Programming Olympiad during 2021. In addition, Jaedon has been selected to represent SA teams for Mathematics and Computers.

As a centre of excellence, Eden College Durban’s vision is to be a leading institution in educating boys and girls to enable them to become responsible young men and women who will make significant, positive contributions to the situations faced in South Africa and the world.

PRE-PRIMARY (Sunshine Group - 0000 to Grade 00) Love and laughter; work and play

PREPARATORY (Grade R to Grade 7) Growing happy children

COLLEGE (Grade 8 to Grade 12) The genesis of genius

Is it t tim time m Work to Home Downsize?

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HIGHMEAD COUNTRY ESTATE 5

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Totally separate office, an addition to the five bedrooms.

This property is the most private Highmead home on the market.

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on the northern side, making this purchase an absolute nobrainer, with a sparkling pool for the summer months and a fire pit for the winter months.

hillcrest.seeff.com

hillcrest@seeff.com

031 765 5326

food*

B

rett Gentles says growing up in the Upper Highway has memories of misty mornings, hydrangeas and azalea hedges. “My parents moved into the area from Durban as newlyweds in 1977. Hillcrest was still a country village at that stage, and a very happy place to grow up,” he says. “Having access to nature and open land was the best education. It has had a huge impact on the way that I think about food and the way I produce food.”

After attending Highbury and Kearsney, Brett completed a BSocSci Degree at UKZN in PMB. “Half way into my degree I realised that I wanted to be a chef. Cooking in a digs for four other guys made me want to cook for a living. We had a roster, but I always used to take over,” he laughs.

“When I finished my degree I went to study at The Christina Martin School of Food and Wine in 2004. I started my professional career at Lynton Hall with Richard Carstens, before moving to Cape Town to work the restaurant scene that was starting to take off.”

Returning to Durban, Brett took a position as the Head Chef at Vanille Cafe (now Bellevue) until it closed. “I then moved on to 9th Avenue Bistro as Sous-chef with Graham and Gina Neilson, until my sister Lara and I opened Parc in Glenwood in 2013. After almost nine years at Parc we decided to move back home, and we opened 3603 in July 2021,” says Brett – adding that being siblings, it’s great to be able to trust that your business partner has the same vision and investment. “I am mainly creative and operations focused, while Lara deals with the financial and administrative aspects of the restaurant.”

Brett has memories of cooking with his mom and grandparents from a very young age. “My mom’s father was Italian, so food was celebration of life. It was more than just sustenance, it has the power to transport you back to your childhood, to celebrate and console. It was that alchemy that got me hooked!

“My passion for food also extends to growing food. We have planted large vegetable gardens at our family home in Everton, which we use to supply our home

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engage with

WHAT YOU EAT INSPIRED BY THE WAY FOOD CAN EVOKE NOSTALGIA, 3603 BRINGS SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT TO THE TABLE, WRITES KATRINE ANKER-NILSSEN

and the restaurant with as much as the gardens will give us. Seeing the earth turn into something beautiful that nourishes you is so rewarding. Nothing tastes better than something that you have grown and picked and eaten directly from the ground,” smiles Brett.

“I am inspired by ingredients and their seasonality, by the way that food can evoke nostalgia. Food has the ability to illicit emotion if you engage with it, and I want our diners to engage with what they eat when they come to 3603,” he says.

“Our journey with Parc had naturally come to an end and we felt it was time to change and return home, to the Upper Highway area. When we discovered that the old Gillitts post office was empty and up for lease, we immediately went to see the space. As we walked in we knew that we had found our new home,” says Brett – adding that 3603 is an extension of Parc.

“Lara and I often joke that 3603 is Parc’s older sister. We are still ingredient-focused, but now we are able to open for dinner too.”

The breakfast and lunch menus are modern cafe in style; good, fresh, seasonal fare. The dinner menu is a little more sophisticated, international bistro. “The lights get dimmed, the jazz comes on, and the stemware gets set,” says Brett.

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ABOVE: Brett in his food garden. dressed in a spicy Vietnamese sesame dressing… or locally caught line fish served with honey roast pumpkin, wilted imfino and sauce almondine.

“3603 as we know it is just the beginning of where we want to take the space. We want the space to grow with us, organically.

The garden area that is attached to the old post office has plans to be developed into

Seeing the earth turn into something beautiful that nourishes you is so rewarding a food garden with an outdoor seating area.

In summer we hope to be able to serve our guests under the stars,” says Brett.

“We want to create a space where you can celebrate your engagement or just come for a quick cup of coffee. A locally run, locally supported space where everyone feels comfortable and welcome.”

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FOR MORE INFO Shop 13, Gillitts Shopping Centre, 1 Clifton Road; 082 381 9737; www.3603.co.za

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OptimumMobility Mobility|| Live Live YOUR YOUR Best Best Life Life Optimum Maritzburg Orthopaedic Centre has a tradition of Maritzburg Orthopaedic has a tradition excellence in orthopaedic care,Centre and the fine reputation of of excellence in orthopaedic care, and the fineEach its surgeons is known throughout KwaZulu-Natal. reputation its surgeons known throughout surgeon in the of group is board iscertified and many have KwaZulu-Natal.

Each surgeon in the group is additional sub-speciality training. board certified and many have additional subspeciality training.

Dr Paul Hatfield returned to his hometown of Pietermaritzburg after completing his medical studies at the University of Cape Town. He continued his studies Dr Andre Morrish was born and raised at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine ininDurban, Durban before completing his undergraduate where he qualified as an Orthopaedic Surgeon. and postgraduate studies at the University of Cape Town. He has been private practice since Back in Pietermaritzburg he in gained valuable experience 2005 with Maritzburg Orthopaedic Centre, and at Edendale Hospital before completing a Hand specialises in hip and knee replacements and Fellowship with Prof Mike Solomons at the University sports medicine knee. and of Cape Town.

Paul isinjuries married,involving has two the daughters enjoys competing in Maritzburg’s iconic sports of paddling, running and cycling.

MEET THE TEAM MEET THE TEAM

Dr Andre Morrish Hip Knee Specialist Dr and Andre Morrish Hip and Knee Specialist Dr Nitesh Bhagwan Shoulder and Elbow Specialist Dr Nitesh Bhagwan Shoulder and Elbow Specialist Dr Ian Cochrane Spine and Arthroplasty Dr Ian CochraneSpecialist Spine and Arthroplasty Specialist Dr Greg Van Osch Hip, Knee andVan Trauma Dr Greg OschSpecialist Hip, Knee and Trauma Specialist

Dr Paul Hatfield Hand Specialist Drand PaulWrist Hatfield Hand and Wrist Specialist Dr Ruvyn Frank FootDr and AnkleFrank Specialist Ruvyn Foot and Ankle Specialist Dr Jacques De Wet Tumour, Reconstruction Specialist Dr Jacquesand DeDeformity Wet Tumour, Reconstruction and Deformity Specialist

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

HOWICK ROOMS: 50 Fraser Street. Tel: 033 330 7809 howickreception@pmborth.co.za PMB ROOMS: Suite D, Block 2 Mediclinic Payn Street. Tel: 033 342 0416 reception@pmborth.co.za HILTON ROOMS: Suite G3, Hilton Life Hospital, Monzali Drive. Tel: 033 329 5712 hiltonreception@pmborth.co.za HOWICK ROOMS: 50 Fraser Street. Tel: 033 330 7809 howickreception@pmborth.co.za WWW.PMBORTH.CO.ZA HILTON ROOMS: Suite G3, Hilton Life Hospital, Monzali Drive. Tel: 033 329 5712 hiltonreception@pmborth.co.za

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ROBOTIC

knee replacements DR ANDRE MORRISH OF MARITZBURG ORTHOPAEDIC CENTRE TALKS US THROUGH THE LATEST ADVANCEMENT IN KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

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robotic knee replacement is a combination of conventional knee surgery, which I have been doing for the past 15 years, and computer aided surgery; done with the addition of a robotic arm which aids in improving the precision ofthe bony cuts.

Pre-operatively a CT scan facilitates planning and the ability to select the size of the implants as well as the optimal placement of the implants prior to theatre. Intra-operatively these predetermined positions can be modified to balance the knee by changing the bony cuts or releasing tight structures by 1-degree increments. This is

especially useful in severe deformities where prior injuries, such as femoral or tibial fractures, make conventional surgery difficult or near impossible.

A further advantage is that femoral canals are not broached, which is performed in conventional surgery, reducing intra-operative bleeding and post-operative oozing.

Robotic surgery will also decrease or eliminate outliers (positioning of implants incorrectly), and allows me to place an implant with a degree of accuracy not possible with conventional techniques.

It does however come with cost implications. Robotic surgery is currently not paid for by medical aids, however

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they should cover the cost of the knee replacement – but not the pre-operative CT scan or rental of the robot intraoperatively. New negotiations are currently underway to show that the risk of revision is reduced with robotic assistance, reducing the life time cost to the medial aids.

Robotic knee replacements are currently offered at Life Hilton Hospital.

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pets* WHAT IS FREEDOM? Some might say it’s something you’re born with, while others would say it’s something you strive for. For the millions of physically and visually impaired of this country, independence is something that dreams are made of.

South African Guide-Dogs Association understands the difference it makes to have the independence to live life to the fullest. They train guide dogs for people who are visually impaired, service dogs for people who are physically disabled and autism support dogs for children diagnosed with autism.

Grant Adams was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (a debilitating disease of the central nervous system) 15 years ago. “For about eight years life carried on as per normal, but the past few years of my life have become increasingly difficult as the MS has progressed,” says Grant, who is now bound to a wheelchair with a limited amount of mobility. He can no longer drive and enjoy life’s simple pleasures like walking.

Grant applied to the South African

TRIBUTE TO THE LATE DR BRIAN BAKER

By Patrick Baker Dad moved to Natal from Johannesburg in the early 1960s – he had qualified from Onderstepoort and realised there was an opportunity to specialise in equine veterinary work in Newmarket, Durban.

One of his first major breaks was when The Saunders family from Tongaat Sugar in those days offered him the opportunity to take care of the 800 mules that pulled sugar cane in the cane fields. Dad treated all animals – from donkeys to ducks, giraffes, zebras, yellow billed kites, owls, and all breeds of dogs and cats … but horses were his passion.

Dad moved to Summerveld with my mom Janet in 1965, where he built Littlefields Farm and the first veterinary hospital of its kind in South Africa – the same practice is the international Baker and McVeigh Hospital of today. He also started a taxi service in Summerveld so

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that all the local school kids could get to the farm schools in the valley, all at his own cost.

Dad worked with some of the best in the world, including Sea Cottage, Politician, Horse Chestnut, London News and Flaming Rock. He spent his time traveling and learning from the best, and was always so happy to share his knowledge with all those around him. He was never about the money, it was the welfare of an animal that was paramount to him. He was well known and loved in the community for his exceptional kindness.

In his later life dad spent time with American horse whisperer Monty Roberts, and was the pioneer of Equine Acupuncture in South Africa. He even went to Egypt to sort out a few pack camels, and ended up helping with some top Arab horses.

Dad loved the bush and animals of the wild, loved his home and feeding the birds, loved his friends and a good braai. He was an incredible father to James, David and myself (Pucky), and extra special to his nine grandchildren.

Rest in peace, Bakes.

FOR MORE INFO: www.blackwoods.co.za

Guide-Dogs Association for a service dog.

“After I submitted the application, I was visited and interviewed. The process was lengthy and extremely thorough,” he says.

Nine months later Grant received the call to inform him that a trained 18-monthold dog was ready for him. The dog had been specifically trained to meet Grant’s individual needs. “Leon, a trained handler, and my new dog, Pringle, road tripped to Durban to meet me for the first time,” says Grant. Leon spent three weeks with Grant and Pringle, training and assisting to develop the new bond.

Pringle is trained to assist Grant with simple tasks like picking up or retrieving a dropped item and bark on command during an emergency. “Most importantly Pringle is my new best friend, providing me with companionship and everyday purpose,” says Grant.

The South African Guide-Dogs Association helps millions of impaired people in this country experience the freedom of independence that so many take for granted. To support this organisation please visit https://guidedog.org.za.

6. Supports the immune system.

Old dogs with arthritis especially benefit from collagen, they are more mobile, energetic and free from pain. It really changes their quality of life. You may need to double the dose for a few days at first, or even for a full a month, in order to see good results – especially for giant breeds.

Pop in to Muddy Dog, 11 Old Main Road, Kloof, to see a wide range of supplements and natural products to keep your pooch in tip top health.

COLLAGEN FOR PETS

By Sarah Duke-Norris Both humans and animals benefit immensely from adding collagen into their diet. Lack of this essential protein can have negative effects on skin, cartilage and bones – especially as you get older.

How can you include collagen into your

pet’s diet? It can easily be fed through supplementation or bone broths to dogs, cats and even horses. Some benefits of feeding collagen to dogs especially are: 1. Improves age-related joint pain.

2. Stabilises joints and prevents injury.

3. Aids digestion and assists liver function.

4. Promotes a shiny healthy coat and skin.

5. Prevents bone loss.

DID YOU KNOW?

Raw chicken feet are full of collagen! Many people feed these to their dogs (who love them!) and see fantastic results. For those not quite as adventurous, a range of collagen products are kept at Muddy Dog.

advertorial*

energy and

DR KAY GOVENDER, DENTIST

EXPERTISE VALUE HEALTH MEDICAL & DENTAL OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF PRIVATE MEDICAL, DENTAL AND COMPLEMENTARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES THROUGH ITS MULTIDISCIPLINARY MEDICAL FACILITY

D DR PREOLIN MUNSAMI, AESTHETICS

KIRSCHNEE NAIDOO, CLINICAL PSYCOLOGIST

PROF PRAGASHNIE GOVENDER, OT

SUBASHNI NAIDOO, PHYSIOTHERAPIST

eveloped by medical doctor, Dr Kams Govender, with a vision to better serve the Upper Highway community and provide a wide range of high quality medical and paramedical healthcare services all under one roof, this impressive one-stop facility located on the first floor of Christians Village Centre offers the convenience of having distinctive healthcare professionals working together – bringing energy and expertise, as well as offering a customised combination of treatment approaches with the aim of optimising patient outcomes.

Dental surgeons, Dr Megan Naidoo and Dr Kay Govender, provide high quality dental care – including general dentistry, teeth whitening, crown and bridge work, implants, dentures, orthodontics and aesthetic dentistry.

“Managing the community during the pandemic as well as the unrest last year gave me insight on how these events had affected patients’ mental health, and the need for intervention,” says Dr Govender – who recently teamed up with Durban-

based clinical psychologist, Kirschnee Naidoo. She joins Value Health Medical & Dental next month and will focus on various aspects of counselling.

With 27 years’ experience, physiotherapist Subashni Naidoo assesses, treats and manages a wide variety of injuries including ailments from the fields of orthopaedics, neurology, respiratory and thoracic, cardio-vascular, obstetrics, sports medicine, geriatrics, ICUs and general rehabilitation.

Dr Govender is also delighted to have the expertise of multiaward winning professional researcher Professor Pragashnie Govender at the facility – an occupational therapist with more than 20 years’ experience in both the public and private health sectors.

The growing trend of medical aesthetics and increased demand in the area has prompted Dr Preolin Munsami to extend his brand to Hillcrest. An aesthetic doctor who specialises in non-surgical rejuvenation, Dr Munsami’s expertise include dermal fillers, botulinum toxin (Botox), PDO thread lifts, intravenous drip therapy, PRP (platelet rich plasma) treatments, medical grade skin peels, cyst removals,

DR KAMS GOVENDER medical weight loss (via IV drip therapy, medical grade targeted fat loss injections) and medical grade micro needling.

The centre’s auxiliary services includes cardiac technologist, Desan Chetty, neurophysiologist, Stephanie Sampson, and wound care services by Zakia Haniff.

These multi skilled experts are committed to generating a healthcare provider model based on love, compassion and humanity aimed at creating a centre of excellence within the community.

FOR MORE INFO

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031 761 8190 | 031 761 9746 | admin@valuehealthsa.co.za | W Value Health Medical & Dental

rock the kitchen* Slam Dunk Butter Chicken Marinade: • 750g chicken breast or thigh fillets, cut into bite-size pieces • 1 tbsp ginger, freshly grated • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • ½ cup plain yogurt • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 1 tsp turmeric powder • 2 heaped tsp garam masala • ½ tsp chilli powder or cayenne pepper • 1 tsp ground cumin Gravy: • 2 tbsp butter or ghee, or 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 cup tomato purée • 1 cup cream • 1 tbsp sugar • 1 1/4 tsp salt

In a bowl combine marinade ingredients except chicken, mix thoroughly. For a super smooth sauce, do this in a blender. Add chicken and coat thoroughly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours. Heat the ghee, butter or oil over medium-high heat in a large pan. Add chicken, without shaking or wiping off the marinade, but don’t pour remaining marinade left in the bowl into the pan yet. Cook for about 3 minutes, until chicken is white throughout. Add tomato purée, cream, sugar and salt and any remaining marinade, mix through. Turn heat down to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Test to see if you need more salt, according to your taste.

keep calm and

CURRY ON COME ON DUDES, CELEBRATE WOMEN’S MONTH BY TREATING YOUR SPECIAL LADY (AND FAMILY) WITH ONE OF MY HOT FAVOURITES, WRITES ANT ELLIS

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t’s become more apparent than ever that there are plenty of dudes out there who don’t cook (sad) or won’t cook (sadder). In my ongoing kitchen conversations with dads, bros and lazy SOBs everywhere, I’ve encountered some bona fide mageirocophobes (Google it), but most importantly, there

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are plenty of us who really want to cook more but don’t know where to start other than with the braai tongs or with the same-old, same-old formulaic dinners we think our families can’t get enough of (saddest).

It may be an East Coast thing, which is good with me, but the one dish most men

wish they could cook is curry.

Now this is an absolutely wonderful, creative and truly delicious world which ranges from the rich and varied flavours of the Indian subcontinent, the tantalising tang and spice of Southeast Asia, and of course, the very special and ridiculously tasty Durban varieties, especially lamb and prawn – from the sweet and fragrant, to the TP-in-thefreezer scorchers.

So my dudes, this Women’s Month represents your

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opportunity – nay, your duty – to step up to the hot plate once again with a familyfriendly addition to your repertoire. It’s a dish that right now is among the world’s most popular, and a lot easier to crack out than you think: Murgh Makhani, AKA Butter Chicken. Grab your apron and smash it out (remember to do all your prep and measuring upfront, it’s critical), then bask in the unparalleled glory of your colossal, delicious achievement.

The WorldÕs Quickest Flatbread • 1 cup cake wheat flour • 1½ teaspoons baking powder � • ½ cup plain yogurt In a bowl simply mix the 3 ingredients together until combined, then using your hands, compress and knead into a dough. Too dry? Add a touch of yogurt. Too wet? Add a touch of flour until it’s nit sticky, not flaky and smooth. Cover and rest for 30 “at-room-temperature” minutes.

Cut into 4 pieces, roll into a ball shape then dust with flour and roll out until 2mm thick.

Add a little oil to a medium-hot pan, add flatbread. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until bubbles form and the bottoms have golden patches.

Flip and cook the other side then remove and repeat.

If you ain’t got time for that, serve this cracking curry with Basmati rice (it’s real easy to make – just follow the instructions on the packet) and a stack of fresh warm roti (don’t make these, let the experts do it). Finally, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and if you’re feeling pretentious, flaked almonds.

As always, for the vegetarians out there, this delicious recipe

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can be made just as tasty by substituting the chicken with any combo of steamed vegetables like sweet potato, carrots, turnips, green beans or cauliflower.

Until next time: I’m sensing a pattern here. It’s becoming my mission to take the male species on a journey from kitchen boys to kitchen men. Single? Cooking more for yourself will save you a fortune.

Have a significant other? Cooking more for them may greatly improve your luck.

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

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

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advertorial*

RETIRE

at Renishaw RENISHAW HILLS IS THE RIGHT PLACE. IS NOW NOT THE RIGHT TIME?

“The views, openness, clear fresh air and the call of nature I experience on a daily basis, I would definitely recommend Renishaw Hills.” – Alison Lambros

“I

t’s just not the right time …” How often have we heard these words when it comes to considering a retirement property? More importantly, how often do they come from us? It’s no secret that this stage of life can be met with worry and resistance. It’s why finding the right place and moving at the opportune time is vital. At Renishaw Hills, we’ve noticed that our Village delivers both the height of time and place for those who want to live a holiday and make this season the best years of their life.

It all starts with our location. Set in an unrivalled location on the mid-South Coast complete with sea views and coastal forest surroundings, our people can live the holiday, come what may. It’s a life that means better weather and a closeness to nature that many haven’t felt in quite some time.

Our community really is the heart of Renishaw Hills.

The true value of a “village” is only revealed when you’re looking for someone to lean on. At Renishaw Hills, our people are quick to step up when anyone in our community falls on hard times. More than that, they share life’s challenges and triumphs together, along with fun, excitement, and an array of activities every day. No matter their reason or season for choosing Renishaw Hills, they’re always glad they did.

With several Master Builders Association awards behind us, it’s clear we live by our ethos of “built with care”. By keeping that signature coastal indoor/outdoor living in mind, we’ve been able to create homes that let our people live the holiday. Even our finishes are chosen meticulously because when everything is done with care, there’s no reason not to love the home you live in at Renishaw Hills.

Ready to live the holiday with our ever-growing community of happy, healthy residents? There’s no greater time than the present. With Phase 6 making waves as our most sought-after one yet, we know there’s a home to suit all needs at Renishaw Hills.

“The absolute love and support we received from the “new” friends in Renishaw Hills in our hour of need was overwhelming! – Elaine Green

“Our home is a great place and a safe haven, with stylish features, a comfort zone that reflects good vibes, and open plan layout. The entire house is well ventilated.” – Renuka and Prakash Rampersad FOR MORE INFO

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For more on our home types, why not arrange a personal tour when you email sales@renishawhills.co.za. Alternatively, take our home tours on our website.

THE RIGHT TIME AND PLACE AT RENISHAW HILLS. When retirement can be met with worry and resistance, finding the right place and moving at the opportune time are vital. Set in an unrivalled location on the Mid-South Coast complete with sea views and coastal forest surroundings, our homes keep indoor/outdoor living in mind so that our people can really live the holiday, come what may.

“The absolute love and support we received from the "new" friends in Renishaw Hills in our hour of need, was overwhelming! – Elaine Green The true value of a “village” is only revealed when you’re looking for someone to lean on. At Renishaw Hills, our people are quick to step up when anyone in our community falls on hard times. More than that, they share life’s challenges and triumphs together, along with fun, excitement, and an array of activities every day. No matter their reason or season for choosing Renishaw Hills, they’re always glad they did.

Renishaw Hills is the right place. Is now not the right time? To arrange a tour of the village, email sales@renishawhills.co.za. To take a virtual tour, please visit renishawhills.co.za

Sharyn 079 853 8946 | Kelly 087 135 5555 | sales@renishawhills.co.za | www.renishawhills.co.za

profile*

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ndrew Early is a warmly familiar name to those whom, a few years back, spent weekends wallowing in the appealing work-home country spaces of the artisans and crafters of the Midlands Meander. You may even be fortunate enough to own a glorious Andrew Early hand-turned bowl, more fortunate than you know, because that hand work brought on Andrew’s arthritis so he could no longer turn those bowls.

Now, wonderfully, he’s turning his hand to something else.

The stars aligned when Nick Nolden – manufacturer and importer of home decor goods – identified a gap in his product range: “Wooden furniture, but not production line cabinetry. Something exceptional, more niche, bespoke.” By chance, Nick met Andrew, and by January this year, Nolden & Early opened its doors.

Andrew and Nick had a very clear idea of what they didn’t want to be: “We did not want to be another furniture manufacturer using the imported timbers everyone uses.

RIGHT: Nick Nolden and Andrew Early – bespoke furniture makers of wooden pieces of art.

when furniture

IS ART

NICK NOLDEN AND ANDREW EARLY ARE NOLDEN & EARLY, A BESPOKE FURNITURE COMPANY USING LOCAL ALIEN TREES AND MANUFACTURING FUNCTIONAL ART FOR HOMEOWNERS WHO REFUSE TO LIVE WITH ORDINARY, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER

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We are not a joinery using American oak or beech or SA pine – we do not want to do cabinetry. We use exotic timbers, alien species to South Africa, all hardwood, so jacaranda, fin oak, silky oak, London Plane, and camphor. We made a large investment in the right equipment and gained the skills to produce superb quality bespoke furniture.”

What’s definitely given Nick and Andrew the edge in the marketplace is their imported radio-frequency drier: “It enables us to dry hardwood in six weeks as opposed to the usual three years. It’s the only one in South Africa, and it’s been a game changer,” says Nick. This expedited drying makes it far more viable as a manufacturing business.

Nick and Andrew source their wood from woodsmen who harvest these exotic woods in South Africa for them. What makes this even more exciting, is they’re able to source massive slabs which allows them to create large, dramatic one-off pieces. They’re producing live-edge tables, coffee tables, mirrors, and extraordinary epoxy river tables: “Epoxy is a very expensive material which takes great skill to use. We brought Haffie Mohammed on board, and she’s a real epoxy expert.

It’s been a learning curve for us, but we’re now making incredible pieces of art, each one completely different from the

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next. No reproduction of the same item, ever,” says Nick. Recently, Andrew’s been experimenting with different techniques on massive, intricate roots – charring or sandblasting them, and the end result is astonishingly beautiful tables.

The partnership at Nolden & Early sees Andrew’s role as design and manufacturing, and Nick as sales and marketing. For now, you won’t find their furniture in a store. You need to visit them at trade shows – they were at the House & Garden Show, and they’ll be at Decorex in Johannesburg – or at their Westmead factory near Pinetown: “We welcome people here, to find a piece they can’t live without. We also love to talk through a piece that a client might like that doesn’t yet exist ... perhaps they see the wood they want, and we can collaborate on its design.”

Andrew’s been experimenting with different techniques on massive, intricate roots – charring or sandblasting them, and the end result is astonishingly beautiful tables Nolden & Early prides itself on the exceptional finish of their products, which makes a piece of bespoke furniture an investment purchase. The combination of Andrew’s decades-long expertise and creativity with wood, their highly sophisticated woodworking and drying machinery, and the love they both clearly have for exceptional wood furniture that’s unlike anything else ... is plainly visible in every single unique piece they make.

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FOR MORE INFO Contact them on 031 700 5126 or find them at 43 Circuit Road, Westmead; sales@noldenbros.co.za; noldenandearly

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parenting*

respectful

DISAGREEMENT

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INSTEAD OF ENGAGING IN ROBUST FACE-TO-FACE DEBATES, WE THROW OUR PASSIONATE VIEWS INTO CYBERSPACE. CHRISTY HERSELMAN DISCUSSES HOW WE CAN CHANGE THIS

hen I was in high school I was part of the debating team.

With dreams of becoming president, I knew that the skill of articulately and convincingly arguing my point was one I needed.

And I loved it – thoroughly studying a topic, finding ways to show that my side of the argument was the right one, and then of course the debate itself. I don’t remember too much about our inter-school debates, but one thing I do remember: as passionate as our arguments were, they were always respectful. It was not so much about proving that your opponent was wrong, but proving that you were right. We never shouted over each other, but rather waited for our turn to speak. Once everyone had had their chance to present and rebut, a winner was announced, we shock hands, thanked one another and went home.

As someone whose current job involves spending a lot of time on social media, I fear we have all but lost this beautiful art of respectful disagreement.

Now, instead of engaging in robust face-to-face debates, we throw our passionate views into cyberspace, hoping to be affirmed by like-minded people.

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And those who dare disagree are shot down, shut down or branded an idiot.

I know I sound a bit extreme, but I see this so often: this inability to really have open-minded, open-hearted discussions with those whose views on religion, gender, sexuality, parenting, abortion or politics (and many other topics) differ from our own.

I think we all know that it is mainly social media that has polarised us so much and I think we all feel the loss of healthy, robust disagreement,

but I don’t think we quite know how to reclaim it.

How do I raise my kids to be secure in their values and beliefs but to allow others to be free to live in theirs without belittling them or cancelling them? How can I instill in my kids a respectful curiosity of people with very different worldviews to theirs? How can I help them become humans who honour all people, regardless of their beliefs?

In this volatile, fearful, angry world, this is not easy, but I think there are a few things we

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

can teach our kids: • Just because someone thinks differently to you, it doesn’t mean that person is stupid/hateful/wrong.

• Just because you think differently to someone, does not mean you can’t be friends.

• We don’t need to like everyone, but we should love everyone – treat people with dignity and respect.

• Spend as little time as possible on social media. All social media platforms are narcissistic echo chambers, the algorithms constantly at work telling us how right and clever we are, and polarising us from people who are different from us.

• Never argue online. If you want to express a difference of opinion, do it face-to-face.

Screens tend to make us forget we are talking to actual people.

• You are allowed to disagree – with your parents, your siblings and even your teachers.

But it must always be done respectfully. Model this for your kids and give them opportunities to develop this skill at home.

• Talk TO people, not AT them.

The most fruitful conversations are those we go into ready to have our minds changed.

If we are able to help the next generation reclaim this lost art of respectful disagreement, even just a little, I believe our society will be vastly richer for it.

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trending*

WANDERLUST THERE’S STILL PLENTY OF TIME TO BOOK THAT HOLIDAY FOR THE END OF THE YEAR. WITH WORLD TRAVEL OPENING UP, HERE’S WHAT’S TRENDING

1. Krabi, Thailand

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s the Covid pandemic begins to settle and the world returns to some sense of times gone by, our dream holiday plans which were put on hold for the past two years can now become a reality.

Judging by recent travel trends, holidays in destinations which offer many outdoor activities – with the beach, sea, sand, and adventure being a big attraction – are at the top of everyone’s list.

“Slow Tourism” is seeing people take longer trips with fewer stops and simpler

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itineraries. And with remote working being the new norm, setting up shop on the sandy shores of an exotic beach somewhere is so 2022 “bleisure” and makes barefoot workations possible.

Naturally, it is important to be mindful of the pandemic situation in the travel destination you choose and likewise to consider the case numbers in your home community before booking your trip.

Here are our top three destinations which should be on your December holiday bucket list.

Krabi, located on the south-west coast of Thailand, is the most relaxing part to be in, in all of Thailand. It is a province with the most stunning scenery imaginable, beautiful white beaches that stretch on for miles, gorgeous limestone mounds, aqua blue waters, a jungle and over 200 islands just off the coast.

It covers quite a large area, so many of the attractions require some travelling.

But the magnificent beauty will make it worthwhile.

Railay Beach is potentially the most attractive beach in Thailand, accessible only by boat due to the large cliffs on each side cutting it off from the mainland.

Here you will find stunning white sand, breathtaking views and fantastic limestone cliffs. Due to its remote location, you will not find any roads or cars, just a few longtail boats and a couple of bars to spend your evenings in. Looking to really escape from the world, this might just be as good as it gets.

Rent a boat and take a guided tour of the many islands sitting just off the Krabi coastline. Some are small rocks jutting out of the sea, some are quite a lot larger but still remain uninhabited, and some are large islands with many inhabitants living a normal life.

Take a quick speedboat trip to PhiPhi Island, about 45 minutes from Krabi mainland. It is well known for its turquoise waters, and is famous for its party vibe, day and night.

Phra Nang Beach has been voted one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world and is a place you’ll not want to miss. Only 20 minutes by long boat from Ao Nang, it has amazing scenery and is a beautiful place to swim.

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2. Tulum, Mexico

The best time to visit Tulum is November and December, as it is post hurricane season, the temperature is not too hot, and it’s a little less crowded with tourists.

This boho beach paradise is located on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and is well known for its beaches and well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city. The main building is a large stone structure called El Castillo, perched on a rocky cliff above the white sand beaches and turquoise sea.

With a rustic vibe and relaxed resorts along the beach, Tulum is a laid-back alternative to the nearby tourist hubs of Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

While in Tulum, be sure to book a trip to the iconic archaeological wonder, the Maya ruins, perched on bluffs above the sea. Then follow the trail to the base of the bluffs where you can take a dip in the Caribbean. After relaxing on the beach or snorkelling, head into downtown Tulum for an authentic Mexican or traditional Maya lunch and browse for Mexican and Maya crafts in local shops.

Then venture into the interior of the Riviera Maya. Making use of a bicycle tour will allow you to head off-road to explore parts of the region you can’t see from a car or tour bus, experiencing wildlife sanctuaries and local villages.

The Cenote trail is an inspiring journey through the high forest on the outskirts of Tulum, allowing you to discover the variety of caves, caverns, and cenotes that are hidden underneath the jungle of the Yucatan. Explore secluded cenotes by bike, far from the crowds. These freshwater sinkholes are alive with lush plants and marine life, and are worthy of your entire afternoon or day. You can swim and snorkel in several unique ecosystems on a cenotehopping tour, or scuba dive in massive caverns and narrow underground rivers.

Finally, explore more of the surrounding region with a tour to Coba, where you can climb an ancient Maya pyramid in the heart of the jungle, or visit the impressive structures at Chichen Itza – one of the new seven wonders of the world.

3. Morocco

Each December planet earth crosses the orbital path of an asteroid that gets close enough to the sun so that its rocky body begins to crumble, resulting in what is known as the Geminids Meteor Shower.

The astral debris vaporises on contact with the upper atmosphere, and from earth it appears as streams of coloured light tracing a path across the sky.

The Moroccan Sahara is one of the best places to witness this phenomenon – with no light pollution and expansive vistas.

Become star struck by getting off the beaten track and discovering a lesserknown side to Morocco. Venture out of

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Marrakech on a camel trek into a palmfringed oasis and sweeping deserts.

From the ancient kasbahs of Skoura to the history of Zagora, there is plenty to discover.

But there is also an opportunity to disconnect as you head out into the untouched dunes of Erg Chigaga for a night in the desert with only the stars above you for company. Away from the crowds and embedded deep within Moroccan culture, it’s an adventure worth taking.

Ensure you book your desert trip over December 14 and 15, 2022, as this is when the meteor shower will take place.

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digital footprint*

letÕs talk BRAND

CONSISTENCY CONSISTENCY IS CRUCIAL IN SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING; YOU NEED TO FIND YOUR VOICE AND STICK TO IT, WRITES CRAIG BRIGG

O

ne of the key drivers to success in most activities in life, sport and business is consistency. And consistency is key in social media marketing too.

If you want your audience to recognise your brand, you need to be consistent. There’s no doubt in the fact that consistency drives growth in audience numbers, engagement and in turn sales.

So, what does it mean to have a consistent voice? Your social media tone is all about understanding who you want to speak to and finding the identity of your audience. Choose a voice that your selected audience will understand, so that when you use “your tone” consistently, your audience will understand that you’re speaking to them. This brand recognition is required to build a loyal following.

Always aim to communicate in a manner that stays true to your brand. Think about your mission, vision, and values when choosing your voice. The content of your postings can help ensure there is balance and consistency to market your business well on social media.

Ensure your content is consistent, and ensure that

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what you share is relevant to your audience and their lives.

Be real, and create content that evokes emotion. By eliciting a response with consistent content you will draw your audience in, and they will engage with your message, your story and you information. And don’t forget to always be consistent in your choice of trustworthy information. If your content is trustworthy, so is your business, and in turn so are you.

Try to maintain a balance of the content you post and ensure you’re not posting too much of one type of content, and too little of another. For example, as an estate agent don’t only post your property listings, but also offer tips and advice on selling your home – or even about finding a good agent. Creating a posting schedule over six to eight weeks in advance helps ensure that your consistent content is well balanced.

Many businesses make the mistake of posting content that is too long, disjointed and messy, leaving their content unappealing. Focus on consistent aesthetics with appealing visuals, colour schemes, brand identity and fonts. If your brand identity is cohesive and consistent, your audience will recognise the brand and engage accordingly.

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5 PRO TIPS for maintaining the consistency of your brand 1. Understand the key differences between frequency and consistency.

Frequency is specifically the number of posts you share on your social platforms, and consistency is the type of messages that you are offering to your audience.

2. Be mindful of setting yourself rigid content goals that meet with your strategy and the clear message guidelines that have been established.

3. Planning is essential to maintaining your consistency, because it allows you time for thought and applying good content ideas to your platforms.

4. Do not wake each day and think “what shall I post today”. Set aside a day or even a few hours and create your content for the coming weeks. This aids in the balance of your messaging.

5. Make life easier for yourself, and use scheduling tools so that you can focus on other key elements of your marketing.

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If you would like to learn more about how to improve the performance of your digital media and build a social media following, please feel free to contact Craig Brigg of UHI MEDIA GROUP on 079 505 3170 or craig@upperhighwayinfo.co.za

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social scene*  MANDELA DAY BLOOD DRIVE Hearts in Hands NPO in collaboration with Connective Consulting and partnering with South African National Blood Service saw 41 donors register and 35 blood donations. 105 lives can be saved thanks to incredible community support! Pictured below is the Debonairs team.

Get in touch with Kim on kim@kimgriffithjones.com if you want more info on events and happenings in our community or have photos of a recent event you’d like to submit for consideration

 KHWEZI GROUPÕS FIRST COFFEE CONNECT

 OLIVE & OIL HILLCREST RELAUNCH

A lovely morning with so many individuals intent on making a meaningful impact in the world through the business they run – eager to brainstorm, share ideas and help grow each other’s brands. The next one will be held in September, please email Tracy on tracy@khwezi.net if your company is keen to join.

Owner Jacqui Surmon’s vision has been brought to life, creating a spacious and elegant new look at the much-loved Hillcrest restaurant. Pictured above at the VIP launch in June is: Thobeka Zondi, Nontobeko Nxumalo, Pearl Holdstock, Futhi Sono, Amanda Mnguni, and Nokuthula Hlophe.

 MANDELA DAY WITH ZERO 2 FIVE AT BELLEVUE CAMPUS 20 000 Book Dash books were packed into library pouches and 250 school bags filled with ample stationery. Huge thank you to over 200 volunteers and to Uzwelo Bags, Illovo Sugar SA and Bigen for sponsoring bags and stationery. Pictured below is Dorette Louw (Book Dash), Julika Falconer (Zero 2 Five) and Julia Norrish (Book Dash).

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last word*

W

ell, it’s Women’s Month, so there’s the usual hub-bub about women scientists and politicians and role models, but during Women’s Month I don’t think of them. I don’t need any convincing that women are as smart and serious as men.

I prefer to think about Annie Edson Taylor, the Queen of the Mist.

Annie was born in 1838. She became a schoolteacher and married her sweetheart but he died in the American Civil War. Annie was afraid for the future, but she tried to make a plan. She opened the first dance school in Bay City, Michigan, but not enough people wanted to dance. She became a music teacher. She tried to write a novel.

She became an interior decorator and an actress and an inventor. Nothing worked.

It’s not easy, ageing as a single woman in a society that expects you to rely on a man.

When I think of Annie, I think of my mother, who was also a primary school teacher and widowed young, only she had two small children. She was brave, like Annie, but there were nights when I woke to a muffled sound from her room. This, it seemed to me, was the true sound of the world: a woman sobbing with her face pressed into her pillow so her children wouldn’t hear.

Finally, Annie Edson Taylor had an idea: she would be the first person – man or woman – to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

She would publicise the event and sell tickets (Watch the Queen of the Mist defy death!) then tour with the barrel, giving paid public talks. She was naturally shy, and the public speaking frightened her more than the Falls, but she practiced emerging from the barrel with a smile and a wave.

She chose October 24, 1901 for the big adventure. It was her birthday. She claimed she was turning 43, but really she was 63.

She sank her meagre savings into customising a pickle barrel, padded with an old mattress salvaged from the town dump, and with a leather harness to hold her in place as the barrel flipped and fell. Then

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KUDOS to women

THIS WOMEN’S MONTH, BE PROUD OF HOW BRAVE YOU ARE … AND EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE, WRITES DARREL BRISTOW-BOVEY she curled up inside, tightly hugging her lucky heart-shaped pillow.

Air was pumped into the barrel using a bicycle pump, and the hole in the lid was sealed. Then she was dropped over the side of a rowboat. The barrel bobbed and righted itself in the river, then the current took it over the edge and she disappeared in mist and white water.

A minute or so later, the barrel appeared at the bottom of the Falls, wedged against a rock. The crowd roared as she emerged in her long skirt and billowing blouse and sturdy shoes, dazed and disoriented but uninjured, except for a cut on her head.

Annie had done it, but the world wasn’t quite done with her. She wrote a pamphlet

about the experience and sold it for 10c at her public talks, but her manager absconded with her barrel and Annie didn’t have the confidence or stage presence to carry off a public speech without it. Soon she was spending all the money she made from pamphlet sales on a private detective to track down her barrel.

She did eventually retrieve it but by then her celebrity status had waned, and anyway the barrel had been stolen again – never to be seen again. Annie died, aged 82, in 1921. My mom is 82 this year. I hope they both look back on their lives and see themselves as rich despite the money.

I hope they are proud of how brave they were, and everything they’ve done.

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