The Ridge 132

MAY/JUNE 2022 ISSUE 132

KIPEKEE Michael and Kylie's unique family adventure

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

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*ed's letter

A UNITED COMMUNITY "Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity" – Nat Turner

A New Website

Our brand new website has just launched – and it’s nothing short of fabulous! Please pop over to www.famousdurban. co.za, browse through our fresh community news, and let us know what you think. You can also enter a competition to win a FREE banner ad on our website for a month – valued at R2 000.

s I write this a month after the KZN floods caused untold damage and devastation to thousands of people in our province, the search and rescue teams continue to look for beloved family members still missing.

Once again KZN has been struck a cruel blow which has affected families, livelihoods, businesses, the economy, and life in general, and day by day people are picking up the pieces and trying to move forward to rebuild their lives.

On the positive side, once again the KZN community has stepped up and is a beacon of light for many. It never ceases to amaze me how in times of trouble our communities stand together, rallying around to help wherever they can, bringing comfort, support and relief – not only to the people in need, but also to the many “superheroes” assisting behind the scenes and on the ground.

“Light in a time of darkness, hope in a time of despair, and positivity in a time of

negativity” – that’s how Tatum Ridgway, the young, energetic woman behind the Facebook page Rebuild KZN, sums up the amazing response to her initiative which she started during the July riots last year.

The Ubuntu Army Facebook page founded by Clint McLean is another success story. “We are not a charity. We’re Crisis Relief and Crisis Response.

When we’re not in crisis, we’re about poverty alleviation. We are not about perpetuating poverty – we don’t believe in giving handouts to keep those who’re hungry, fed. We believe in creating dignity and independence.” Read more about Rebuild KZN on page 20, and the Ubuntu Army on page 16.

The name Nicole Bollman is not new in our community, but for many of us we’ve come to appreciate her communication skills when they’re needed the most. As Nicole says, “I’m passionate about my home, my city, my country and all who live here, and I’m very often the

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voice of the voiceless.” Find out more about Nicole on page 14.

These three stories are linked in more ways than one, but they all reflect what can be achieved to help build a stronger community – and ultimately province. I, for one, am truly grateful and encouraged to know we have people in our community who are ready to step up and do something to benefit others.

KZN, we should be proud of ourselves.

Until the next time, stay safe.

TALK TO US

lorna.king@famouspublishing.co.za www.theridgeonline.co.za W Ridge Magazine

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in this issue*

GROUP EDITOR Doody Adams EDITOR Lorna King 078 750 9669 DESIGNER Stephanie Osborne SALES CONSULTANT Tracy Hardouin 083 236 3292 Tracy.Hardouin@famouspublishing.co.za DISTRIBUTION Mphumzeni Thusi ACCOUNTS & DISTRIBUTION QUERIES Meghan Dewet 083 533 5898 ONLINE EDITOR Sarah Mackintosh CONTRIBUTORS Gareth Bailey, Jess Basson, Darrel Bristow-Bovey, Cathy Clark, Lee Currie, Ant Ellis, Christy Herselman, Nelfrie Kemp, Thandeka Mdlalo, Dawn Rouse, Anne Schauffer, Lisa Walters-Hunter 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 uMhlanga, La Lucia, Zimbali, Mount Edgecombe, Ballito, Gateway, La Lucia Mall, the Crescent, the office parks, the residential estates and, of course, all our advertisers, thank you for your continued support

28 26 22 COMMUNITY FATHER'S DAY SURPRISES

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Treats to win for Father's Day

COVER: KIPEKEE STUDIO

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Scandinavian-styled furniture

MEET NICOLE BOLLMAN

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Passionate about her community

UBUNTU ARMY

16

The compassion revolution

Published by Famous Publishing www.famousdurban.co.za

COMMUNITY IN ACTION

Printed by Novus Managed distribution by Vibrant Direct

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KZN Rebuild – heroes in our community

COUPLES WORKING TOGETHER

22

Getting the balance right for the family

A DASH OF ICING ...

BALANCING ACT

44 10

LIFESTYLE WRAPPED UP FOR WINTER

28

Fashion essentials

DRAWER STORAGE

36

Ideas for organised kitchen drawers

AIR FRYERS

40

The best roast pork belly yet

MINDFUL MAKING

42

This year create something beautiful

THE FUN NEVER ENDS 26

46

Unpacking the recent interest rate increase

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All year round is fun time at the Wild Coast Sun

Dashriya Naidoo's passion for baking The ABC logo is a valued seal of trust, providing measurement, compliance and auditing services which protects the way advertising is traded. The Ridge is ABC audited and certified.

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

BE A GREAT FRIEND

29

Jane and Jess – a good listener is important

CULTURE SHOCK

34

ED’S LETTER TAKE NOTE SOCIALS LAST WORD

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ADVERTORIALS

Problems surrounding second language learners

BACK TO WORK Out with the slops ... in with the work shoes

PARENTING: BOUNDARIES

REGULARS

38

TURNING THE TIDE

WE ALSO PUBLISH

Guidance to help maintain and respect boundaries

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MAY 2022 ISSUE 107

with ISSUE 14 WINTER 2022

JANE & JESS Taking a chance on life

W E H A V E WA L K E D T H I S J O U R N E Y T O G E T H E R !

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

Siya Kolisi Touching lives

Gadgets & Gizmos Time savers in the kitchen

TV’s Lorna Maseko Shares her fave recipes

Food Fads 6 Health trends

THE COVER: Michael and Kylie Bornman *ofON Kipekee Studio with their family.

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take note*

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP CELEBRATING 40 YEARS Of Creative Spaces The East Coast Radio House & Garden Show is back and will be celebrating its 40th birthday bash in carnival style – toasting four successful decades of creative spaces that have led the way locally in inspiration, innovation, entertainment and craftmanship.

Themed “Celebrating 40 years of creative spaces”, a host of your show favourites will also return – including the Home Grown Design Fair, Outdoor, Garden and Lifestyle area, Foodie Fair, and Hirsch’s excellent show deals.

Find a signature piece for your home, get inspired for your next big renovation project, or bring friends and family to experience a myriad of entertainment and tantalising treats – including plenty of giveaways, special offers, big competitions and more.

FOR MORE INFO: From June 24 to July 3 at the Durban Exhibition Centre; www.housegardenshow.co.za; W @housegardenshow

HELPING KZN Flood Victims R3-million was recently donated to Gift of the Givers towards relief efforts for residents of KwaZulu-Natal who were severely affected by the recent floods. Hyundai Automotive South Africa and Hyundai Motor Company of South Korea donated R1,5-million, while Motus Corporation, the holding company of Hyundai Automotive SA, donated a further R1,5-million. The bulk of the donated money will go towards acquiring materials to help flood victims rebuild homes that were damaged or washed away.

LEFT: Dr Imtiaz Sooliman accepts a cheque for R1,5-million from Gideon Jansen van Rensburg (left), regional director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa in KZN, and another cheque for the same amount from Berenice Francis, an executive for corporate affairs, risk and sustainability at the Motus Corporation.

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PT SECR KE

’S BEST INE

HANDS ON Art

• THE R I

E MAGAZ DG

ET

Ten years ago professional artist Syd Sellars started Hands on Art together with the help of his wife Laura in Glenashley.

Since their first art class in May 2012, their school has stood the test of time. Today they have some students who have been attending art classes for nine years, and Syd and Laura have witnessed how their artistic abilities have grown, as well as their

satisfaction and pride when taking completed paintings home.

The art classes are an extramural activity on offer to extend children’s love of art, from Grades 1 to 12. Syd teaches the children to paint in inks, acrylics, as well as oil paints, drawing and sketching, and classes are every afternoon (Monday to Friday), with a maximum of eight students per class.

“A special thanks to the management of St Luke’s Church, where Hands on Art studio is based, and also to all our current and past students and parents for their continued support and for being an integral part of our continued growth these past 10 years,” said Syd. FOR MORE INFO: Syd: 083 776 9941; Laura: 082 903 1209

THE CHILLI CHICK

SUPPORT LOCAL

ABOVE: Claire with Rudo, who helps behind the scenes with all the prepping.

The Chilli Chick was born during the lockdown when Claire de Sylva’s salon was forced to close – and her versatile chilli relish with Mauritian roots became a story of restoration and hope.

“My chilli relish is so much more than a bottle of deliciousness.

It’s about empowering oneself by remembering who you are,” says Claire.

“As a sideline business my relish means everything to me because of its story, and also because of the stories that have been shared with me by the many people who have bought it – perfect strangers sharing their own struggles and leaving with a smile. I have built beautiful and meaningful relationships with so many people because of my relish. What a blessing they have been!”

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According to Claire, the chilli relish is compatible with all palates – for the die-hard chilli fan it’s a tasty treat, and for the more timid chilli eater it’s a delicious hint of the good stuff.

All fresh ingredients and natural preservatives are used. It’s also vegan, diabetic and keto friendly as well as low calorie, sugar and gluten free.

The Chilli Chick is currently available from uMhlanga Rocks SuperSpar, Park Square SuperSpar, Nouriti, Investec in-house restaurant uMhlanga Ridge, Bloomingdales Garden Centre, Ellis Park Butchery, Blast Fitness and Cycle Studio, Belinda Tostee Fitness Gym, and various local markets. We also supply bulk orders for corporate gifting.

FOR MORE INFO: Claire: 079 031 0506; @thechillichick_sa; W The Chilli Chick SA

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Know your NUMBERS HANDY PHONE NUMBERS FOR USEFUL SERVICES IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD  NORTH DURBAN

VICTIM SUPPORT SERVICES: (formerly Durban North/Umhlanga Crisis Team).

Trauma debriefing: 066 483 8589  NO WATER? SIZA WATER: 032 946 7200  POISON INFORMATION 24-HOUR HELPLINE: (includes medication, toxic substances snake and spider bites): 086 155 5777  POWER FAILURE: 032 437 5081  TO REPORT INJURED MONKEYS: Monkey Helpline: 082 659 4711/ 082 411 5444  CONCERNS ABOUT TREATMENT OF ANIMALS – SPCA: 031 579 6500  TO REPORT POTHOLES AND BURST WATER PIPES: 080 131 3013  SNAKE CATCHERS: Jason Arnold 082 745 6375 Neville Wolmarans 082 561 4969  TO REMOVE BEES: Honey Bee Removals: 084 594 1122  WHALES AND DOLPHINS (beached as well as entangled in shark nets).

Sharks Board: 031 566 0400

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competition*

SURPRISES WITH FATHER’S DAY ON JUNE 19, ENTER NOW TO STAND A CHANCE OF WINNING ONE OF THESE PRIZES TO GIVE YOUR DAD ON HIS SPECIAL DAY

PRIZES

TITION PE

FatherÕs Day

C 500 OM

ORTH R6 W

To Enter!

To enter these competitions, visit our competitions page on our website – famousdurban.co.za. Closing date is June 10 – so hurry, you don’t want your dad to lose out. T’s & C’s apply.

A R2 000 MEAL VOUCHER AT MOZAMBIK THE PEARLS

The Taste of Escape is the best way to spend Father’s Day! Surprise dad with a treat he’ll remember – a voucher valued at R2 000 for Mozambik The Pearls. Sun, sea, a chilled vibe and good food.

A GATEWAY SHOPPING SPREE WORTH R2 500

A R2 000 VOUCHER AT FIAMMA GRILL

Enjoy a memorable Father’s Day sipping on a cold beer or a glass of red wine while enjoying fresh sushi, tender steak or a pizza. Fiamma Grill in Ballito – the perfect venue to relax and celebrate.

d an 01 fs 0 16 f i tar 94 or 031 f s n ll u tio Ca rma o inf

Let dad indulge in a shopping spree of his choice – spend it on clothes, shoes, books, jewellery, tech goodies, or even a delicious meal at a restaurant of his choice. It’s now dad’s turn to spend, spend, spend at Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

Somerset Lodge CARE CENTRE

We are an Assisted Living facility of excellence, with dignity-based, individual care for our residents, and we offer end of life nursing, frail and step-down care.

As a multi-disciplined centre, we can also accommodate Special Needs Adults.

NOW OFFERING ACCOMMODATION FOR ‘INDEPENDENT LIVING’ OPTIONS. THIS COVERS ACCOMMODATION, MEALS, LAUNDRY AND CLEANING, WITHOUT REQUIRING NURSING. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR RATES. Residents of Somerset Valley Estate may make use of our Ageing in Place (home based) care, and Clinic Services, including Rapid Antigen Tests.

Visit our website for a virtual tour

www.somersetcarecentre.co.za

EXTRAORDINARY LIVING FOR THE BEST YEARS OF YOUR LIFE

Auria Senior Living’s latest development, Coral Cove, is a 21-hectare continuing-care retirement community, situated on the magnificent KZN North Coast within the safety, security and serenity of Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate.

With sweeping ocean views, private beach access and Auria’s hallmark hospitality, care and support, Coral Cove is the first of its kind in KZN and a new gold standard for senior living.

2 & 3 BEDROOM GARDEN VILLAS FROM R3,6m 1 & 2 B E D R O O M A PA R T M E N T S F R O M R 1 , 6 9 m SALES ENQUIRIES: 087 537 0539 | coralcove@auria.co.za | www.auria.co.za

INTERNATIONALLY AWARDED

socials*





Buxton's

WINE SHOW

W



ith what KZN has gone through in the last couple of years, it was with much excitement that 500 wine lovers gathered at the end of April for the annual Buxton’s Wine Show. Tasting 450 different wines from 60 of the best wine farms/ winemakers in the country, it was certainly a night of making new friends, catching up with old friends, laughing and enjoying life.

Pictures: Dawn Rouse

 Carmen Hockey and Leigh Pearce.  Back: Stuart and Richard Dubber, Aaron McIlroy and Wayne Usher.

Front: Michelle Buxton, Lisa Bobbert and Myles Buxton.  Kendra and Mike Hamilton.  Sandra Hean, Amy Brown, Brenda Lockyear, Caryn Gibson and Carolyn MacQueen.  Brent Buxton and Garth Naude.  Ronwyn and Michelle Rae.  Anja Evans, Michael Bayne and Dani Roelandt.  Siya Mhlongo and Pearl Mashego.  Brenda Lockyear, Bernice Moyle, Brent Moyle, Allen Lockyear.  Lance and Janick Buxton.  Sunil Patel, Kabi Naidu, Dhes and Shivs Naidoo.  Bronwyn and Mark Desplace.  Barry and Karen Bloom, and Richard McElligot.  Andile Khumalo and Sne Shandu.

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cover story*

Kipekee

STUDIO

MICHAEL AND KYLIE BORNMAN ARE KIPEKEE STUDIO, AN INCUBATOR OF DESIGN CONCEPTS AND A WORKSHOP FOR THEIR UNIQUE, SCANDINAVIAN STYLED RANGE OF FURNITURE – HENCE THE NAME KIPEKEE, “UNIQUE” IN SWAHILI, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER

K

ylie Bornman describes Kipekee Studio as “a family adventure.

It’s run solely by us, and our two little wildflowers Fynnley Grace (four) and Willow Wylde (two), and our youngest little dude Jory Judah (nine months). They’re fiercely beautiful, and keep us on our toes.”

Michael and Kylie have a wonderful love story: “We went to primary school together, lost touch through high school, and reconnected in 2016 – when our love story began.” She adds, “Growing up, we were

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both passionate about creating and making things. As a child, Michael was free to go wild with his dad’s tools and create things, and this love has never left him. Fresh out of school and during his university years at the University of Cape Town, he began making furniture for himself.”

Trained as a teacher, Kylie has always been designing and making, passionate about all forms of art, and creative and talented at whatever she tackles. She believes her vision to see a creative process is a gift, something that has blessed their

business and furniture designs.

The couple started Kipekee Studio in 2017 when they returned to Kylie’s hometown of Ballito – they’d been living in Cape Town where Michael was a quantity surveyor: “The seed for Kipekee Studio was planted when we, together, built a bed for our nephew – we constantly spoke about our big dreams of merging our talents, and love for creating beautiful things together.

“In 2017, after Fynnley’s birth, we took the leap to pursue passion and a dream,” says Kylie, “but also to be able to put

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our family first. With Michael working in corporate, the hours were not his own.

My very tough pregnancies and us both wanting to be very present in our children’s lives, was the impetus.”

Kipekee Studio’s factory moved into a beautiful space called The Makers Yard in uMhlali: “We are mainly online and haven’t had a showroom before, but are currently attaching one to our factory where visitors can have a full experience of seeing the process, the making and crafting of Kipekee Studio furniture and, at the same time, sitting on, seeing and feeling the finished product.” They do have a small space in Cape Town with a few select pieces, one that gives the public the opportunity to experience their furniture.

Michael’s woodworking skills have developed over the years through passion, trial and error, and is constantly learning from other skilled carpenters and applying this to his craft. The conceptual design, vision and dreaming up of furniture pieces is done by Kylie. She explains, “There is however a lot of design work that continues through the prototyping and manufacturing of each new item. So, it’s largely a »

RIGHT: The Bornman tribe – Michael and Kylie with little ones Willow, Jory and Fynnley.

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cover story*

combined effort, bouncing off of each other to create the final product. We have so many beautiful ideas and products we want to develop and create, and we’re slowly ticking them off the list.”

The furniture style is very Scandinavian, very Danish, sometimes with a Japanese element. They’re both drawn to and inspired by minimalistic beauty: “We’ve always wanted to create functional, yet breathtaking, unique pieces of furniture that speak for themselves when standing in a room. Handmade furniture is a craft, it draws on knowledge gained over centuries of experience. It is the same practice today as 100 years ago. There is a real grounding in having your hands as your tool – I’m

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sure any artist or crafter would agree.”

At Kipekee Studio, each piece of furniture is handmade using traditional craftsmanship, modern technology and the highest standard of solid, sustainably sourced furniture-grade timbers: “We design and build products to last, and don’t aim to make those that trend with the season, but rather create simple pieces that hold the integrity of their design for many years.”

What about the wood? “First and foremost, we select environmentally friendly and ethically sourced timbers – forested timbers from North America, parts of Europe and Australia fit this profile best.

Secondly, we look at structural properties and workability, and, thirdly, aesthetics.

As such, we have ended up narrowing

our offering to American white oak and American walnut. We found that these two are by far our most requested and indemand timbers for furniture.”

But it’s not all work and no play. “We’re a full, busy and wild household – it’s been a crazy, beautiful juggle the last five years being full-time parents and starting Kipekee Studio. Navigating this has included hard days and glorious days, but we’ve learnt so much about ourselves, and the power of grace and gratitude. We don’t always get

We create simple pieces that hold the integrity of their design for many years things right, but our children thrive off their little routine and are very adaptable when things don’t go according to plan.”

Inevitably, the couple’s roles have changed over the past five years, and Michael is full-time furniture making with his team in the factory, from early morning so he can finish around 4pm to be home for family time. After school drop off, Kylie is committed to Kipekee Studio, and Sunny and Bear (her children’s brand): “My afternoons are for the three wildlings. Some of the time they join in on the afternoon work journey, lots of factory visits, but we think it’s important to bring your kids along on the journey. They can learn a lot.”

FOR MORE INFO

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www.kipekeestudio.co.za

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profile*

N

icole Bollman is a born and raised Durbanite, schooled at Northway Junior Primary, then Northlands Primary, and finally Northlands Girls’ High. She knows the territory intimately, and today, she lives, works, works again, and is single mom to two kids – “awesome kids,” she says – close on 16-year-old Tatum, and nine-year-old Liam.

Listening to 47-year-old Nicole, community-centricity is her middle name: “I was involved in community groups right from school. President of the north Durban Rotoract Club – Junior Rotary – I’ve always thrived on giving back, whether it’s time or mentorship. I’m passionate about my home, my city, my country and all who live here, and I’m very often the voice of the voiceless.”

Way back when, Nicole had always wanted to be involved in design, but it was not to be. Her working life began at 17 at SARS, and after a few years she joined an auditing firm: “When I was retrenched, I ventured into real estate, qualifying as a property practitioner in 2010. Real estate has been so much fun because I’ve watched many of these suburbs evolve – in a sense, we’ve grown up together.

I’m passionate about my community, so much so that I welcome new families here and feel sad when our older folk sell to move on. There’s so much history in our community with people who’ve lived here for decades. To hear their stories of how they met and brought up their families brings me such a sense of nostalgia – pretty much why I started the Facebook Page ‘Durban North Past Present & Future’ in 2017.”

Nicole became a councillor after she met John Steenhuisen: “That was back in 2009, through Rotary, and we had a conversation about the Democratic Alliance. This prompted me to attend branch meetings in Ward 36, that is, Durban North. But getting

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meet

NICOLE BOLLMAN INCREASINGLY IN WARD 35, YOU’LL HEAR THE NAME OF COUNCILLOR NICOLE BOLLMAN – WITH VERY GOOD REASON. AMONG HER SKILL SETS, SHE’S A STRONG, STRAIGHTFORWARD COMMUNICATOR, WHICH IS MUCH APPRECIATED, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER

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LEFT: Passionate about her home, city, country and all who live here, Nicole Bollman is often the voice of the voiceless. Picture: Lupi RIGHT: Offering comfort after the KZN floods.

involved was a tough one. Retrenched and a single mom, I chose to put my then young daughter’s welfare before my own aspirations, and stepped back from party political work.” Nicole only became actively involved again in 2016, when elected as a member of the Municipal Ward Committee, and in 2019 – after the position of Ward Councillor for Ward 35 became vacant – she applied and succeeded.

Nicole laughs at the juggling act required by home and work: “Easy – low flying and zero personal life. Just kidding – I’ve had the benefit and support of both my parents.

Without them, I would never have been able to pursue a career in either real estate or politics (sadly, we lost my dad at the end of last year).”

Leadership roles – often unintentionally, she says – are something she seems to have persistently landed in, so she assumes wryly that it’s something for which she has an innate ability. There are so many skill sets required by a councillor, but for her, “I’d definitely include tenacity, persistence, patience and empathy. We have to be team players who don’t have an issue working in isolation, be able to think on our feet, and master the art of clear, concise communication. I believe in empowering my community through education whether it be the simple things like administrative matters or the more involved issues such as our local reticulation process currently under a lot of pressure now.”

Another laugh, “I don’t like describing myself, but there are certain qualities I know I have: I’m detail-oriented to a fault, I’m passionate, dedicated, determined, enthusiastic, respectful, honest, curious and I always have a positive mindset.”

She reflects on the current KZN disaster:

“As an avid equestrienne, there is a saying when a horse is playing up or being difficult: ‘shoulders back, heels down’ – not unlike the situation in July last year. When the rains were hammering our communities on the Monday night, it was really a case of the unknown. I saw my role as watching the community groups, determining the risk, then engaging with the various stakeholders/role players.

“The Tuesday saw us/me mostly on the ground driving our ward, determining

I believe in empowering my community through education the amount of chaos/disaster and liaising with the various departments whether it be Metro Police, Disaster Management, Parks and Gardens or Roads and Storm Water.

Subsequent to that, was to determine the bigger issues and get the right folk involved immediately, as we were cautioned there could be a second deluge on the weekend.

“I think my main role has been clear and adequate communication to my ward, and being readily available. People don’t know what they don’t know until they know they don’t know it – as such, I was/am a conduit

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between the city and our residents.

“Disasters don’t come with clear guidelines, and you don’t know what you’re going to face until you get there … but it is to be kind to those who have been affected, and hard on the resolution. We are not all designed to deal with chaos and destruction – I am thankful I have the ability to do so.”

Nicole reflects on her past 10 years: “Had you asked me a decade ago if I could see myself representing a political party, the answer was likely to be no. I am more of a ‘behind the scenes’ person, however – as the saying goes – if it’s to be, it’s up to me.

I cannot be a person who idly watches the world go by. I have the ability to effect change and I will do that. I have much to learn and a long journey to walk, but I do hope to see myself at the Provincial Legislature or Parliament representing my people, representing my home.”

OK, the big question. What would you change if you ran the show?

“Accountability, respect, fit for purpose, empathy and humility – we have some incredible folk in our communities – to engage and empower them to better facilitate their communities. South Africa is not a one-dimensional country – there is work to be done. Let’s start at home!”

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FOR MORE INFO ward35@nicolebollman.co.za

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community*

H

i, We are Ubuntu Army. Please don’t send us your money.

Prior to the recent floods, these words would greet you on the Ubuntu Army Facebook page. Refreshing, yes, but chat to founder Clint McLean, and you’ll find that not only is Ubuntu Army not a charity, but Clint is vehemently opposed to the concept of charity.

It all began at the onset of the 2020 lockdown. Durban North resident Clint McLean is a lot of things, but back then, he was in his twenty-third year as a production designer and art director working between LA, London and Durban, directing films, shows, corporate art, and design elements for the likes of Nike and Adidas: “I was literally about to escape to the mountains to my little farm when I heard Covid was on its way. I knew I couldn’t go. I said to my son, Tor, ‘I have to stay and fight it’. Had no real idea what ‘fight it’ meant.”

Two hours later Clint was online working with an Israeli designer, designing opensource respirators and working out how to give the designs to South Africa and

UBUNTU ARMY - THE COMPASSION REVOLUTION

THE UBUNTU ARMY MIGHT HAVE THE POWER OF AN ARMY, BUT THAT STRENGTH IS BORN IN THE HEARTS OF ITS MEMBERS. ANNE SCHAUFFER CAUGHT UP WITH FOUNDER CLINT MCLEAN 16

the world.

That was the start. Within a month, he was feeding thousands: “I went into Point Road, worked out of a church, and created a massive feeding and support programme. We represented the foreign nationals in Durban, at a time that they essentially became Covid refugees.”

Within months, Clint and his newly formed Ubuntu Army were feeding thousands upon thousands.

Clint established the Ubuntu Army Facebook page, and that’s how he leveraged support. He’s a writer, so he used that medium to tell the stories. The more he wrote, the more he touched people. His posts were printed verbatim in publications around the globe. His particular stance, too, was a significant driver: “We are not a charity. We’re Crisis Relief and Crisis Response. When we’re not in crisis, we’re about poverty alleviation. We are not about

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perpetuating poverty – we don’t believe in giving handouts to keep those who’re hungry, fed. We believe in creating dignity and independence.”

For Clint, the charity model serves no purpose, just reinforces poverty: “Our aim is to create systems, solutions and motivations to get people to start looking at their situation differently, looking at poverty generally – both as people with money, and those without – so they can at some point make a proactive move towards alleviating or escaping poverty.” Clint wrote about that viewpoint, about our rainbow nation, what it meant, and what we’re experiencing.

And it worked: “People were ready to stand up – it was a moment of giving. We had a common destiny as a country and a world, and that united us.”

The Ubuntu Army Facebook page increased in popularity – anyone could, and can, join – and those 8 000 members shared and shared: “People were reaching out from around the world. We have brilliant donors in California, New Zealand, Poland, UK, Australia, Rio de Janeiro … all who believe in it. We have local donors of all sorts, from grain manufacturers to elderly

ladies who make soup. In the two years I have never ever had a supply problem with food or donations, and I still don’t.”

The response to the Ubuntu Army’s call during the KZN floods was equally positive: “No lack of donors. We compiled response packs – a blanket, food, water, some clothes – and dropped them off at numerous locations.” There are so many emotional moments – all of them documented on the Facebook pages – but for Clint, this one was particularly poignant.

Compassion builds community and destroys division He wrote: This afternoon, I delivered food, blankets and clothes to a group of gogos and children in the Ghandi memorial in Bhambayi, then drove into Matikwe, to the Siya creche, with a similar delivery. There, in the crumbled remains of a house, among a throng of friends and family, and next to the dozen chicks being sheltered from the rain, was an old friend, a gogo in her late 70s, »

ABOVE: Kim Brown from House of Love and Hope helps with distributing food and blankets at lower Molweni after the floods last month.

LEFT: Clint shares some time with Jabu in Ntuzuma B section while doing a food and blanket drop following the KZN floods.

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community*

who we have supported over the past two years. She is blind, and upon hearing my voice, burst into tears, and then laughter, telling me she knew Ubuntu Army was coming. This is why we do this. Ubuntu.

Rather than seeing himself as heading up the Ubuntu Army, Clint describes himself as the tip of the spear: “Sure I started it, but so many others step up and help – there’s a lawyer in LA, a doctor in Paris and a grandmother in Umbilo making soup.

People want to be part of something bigger than themselves.”

Over time, Ubuntu Army gave birth to Ubuntu Link – 6 000 families on Facebook: “You post your request – ‘Please help me, here’s my number’ – and people from around the world step up and make connections.” The great thing is that this is no top-heavy charity which has to budget or pay salaries. There’s also no middleman: “There’s no point in having a middleman between giver and receiver. With the money or resources I have, if I give directly to the person, then a connection is made, a community is created. If the person who needs always has a charity as their first point of contact, they become reliant on it.”

As Clint says, “Give if you have. Take if you need. If you can give, identify your own five, 10, 17 people who need help. Reach out to them and create a link to them, an Ubuntu Link. Get to know them, learn about their lives, chat to them, create community with them. Compassion builds community and destroys division. Simple and powerful,

but it requires us all to commit, to all step up. We are all members of Ubuntu Army, and we all need to recreate the rainbow, one Ubuntu Link at a time.

“Our model – forged during Covid and refined during the riots – has been polished during the floods. Our formula, if practiced during more calm times, on a wider, national level, has the power, I believe, to unite our country.”

Clint has another string to his bow.

Well, a few actually. He has dedicated the past five years to building a collection of sculptures in Los Angeles – the Niemand Collection – which he is about to present globally. There’s one piece in the collection Clint would love to sell to a South African collector so it can come home: “The piece, Ubuntu19: The Rise of Compassion, was built as a tribute to the people who stood up as the army of Ubuntu during Covid, and serves as a monument to the power of compassion, of creating community and of taking personal responsibility for reclaiming our rainbow nation. Ubuntu.”

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FOR MORE INFO www.ubuntuarmy.org; W Ubuntu Army or Ubuntu Link

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UPHOLSTERY EST 1970

“Retain the quality of a bygone era”

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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 W

ABOVE: From left: Stanley Friedrich, Matt Hayden, Fin McLean, Sne, Lilian, Taylor Irving and Cameron Dudley after leading a micro-farm planting session for the residents of Bhambayi during lockdown in September 2020.

2022

Celebrating 40 YEARS

24 JUNE – 3 JULY DURBAN EXHIBITION CENTRE

The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show is back and will be celebrating its 40th birthday bash in carnival style. This memorable event will toast four successful decades of creative spaces that have led the way locally in inspiration, innovation, entertainment and craftmanship. The Show will return with plenty of giveaways, special offers and more.

www.housegardenshow.co.za

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community*

COMMUNITY in action

B

IN THE MIDST OF THE UNTOLD HARDSHIP AND TRAUMA OF THE RECENT FLOODS, EMERGED A POWERFUL GROUP ENERGY AND TEAMWORK – ONE OF THE HEROES WAS THE REBUILD KZN FACEBOOK PAGE, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER

rainchild of Tatum Ridgway, the Rebuild KZN Facebook page once again became the perfect platform for crisis relief – this time, the flood relief at Virginia Airport. Tatum, 28, is very swift to knock any idea which places her at the forefront of the action. She was one of many volunteers who played their part for KZN. Tatum’s a Grade R teacher at St Henry’s Marist College, and she chatted to her little charges about the amazing spirit and volunteers at Virginia: “They are like real life superheroes,” she told them. “Like we see Spiderman and Superwoman, these are people doing real life things to save other people.”

The Facebook page Rebuild KZN was sparked by the July riots: “I was going insane with all the negativity, and decided to turn it around,” she explained. Within days, 28 000 people had joined in. She refers to it as “light in a time of darkness, hope in a time of despair, and positivity in a time of negativity”. The platform also became a perfect “message board” for those who needed help – or those who were offering help – and it pulled people together.

Enter the floods: “I saw a post on the Rebuild KZN page about Virginia Airport, and how desperately the rescuers needed supplies. I used the page to call for donations, and was overwhelmed by the goodness of people from all walks of life.”

Tatum’s main role was posting on Facebook, sourcing donations, shopping and collecting. Boyfriend, Brendon Fleming, was by her side, doing whatever he could, as were many, many others. Tatum is

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When she wasn’t posting or fundraising, Tatum was deeply involved in gumboots: “We raised funds, then approached suppliers. They were brilliant – Neptun Boots sponsored 67 pairs!” And then there were spades and much more – the list of requirements was specific to the gruelling tasks at hand, and met by willing donors.

Tatum says every donation counted: “We were blown away by the compassion shown.” Groups such as Famous Brands were there through it all: “Their Wimpy coffee station made between 400 and 500 cups of coffee a day, and they provided pizzas for dinner and burgers for lunch – they were amazing. We Are Food donated so many meals, as did a number of Spar outlets. Someone always stepped up when it was needed.”

Tatum laughs, “Even the schoolchildren played a role. You’ve no idea the smiles that broke out on the faces of exhausted rescuers when they read the heartfelt messages of support from the kids.”

Every bit, every donation, every effort counted. This was community in action.

FOR MORE INFO

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W RebuildKZN

adamant: “I didn’t start the work at Virginia.

The team was headed up by Lauren Izaaks, supported by myself, Dean Grobler, Mandy Hawkins, Sonja Horsley, Lynette Louter, Malena De Robillard, Hannah Sinnicks, Triveshan Naidoo, and the three sisters of Brenda’s Angels – Tammy, Lindy-Leigh and Kirsty – who cared so brilliantly for all the

The rescuers are so positive, and so grateful.

Everyone was working towards a common goal” K9s needs. We all had our roles, some just evolving, like the humanitarian side which Lauren managed – we envisage that being ongoing.”

Donations poured in from all quarters, from corporates to individuals, in the form

of cash or specified goods.

There were two arms: all supplies coming in from the community fed the rescue teams, but also, increasingly, contributed to the humanitarian aid dropoffs: “Food menu rosters were drawn up and compiled – we then reached out to suppliers for meals, water, Energade, Rehidrat and Slow Mag for the rescue teams. Dr Rafiek Rodriques set up a tent at Virginia, complete with a medical team offering massage and physio services to the various exhausted rescuers out in the field, day in and day out.”

On the ground at Virginia, each one of these people were just local community volunteers coming together as a team, and literally making a world of a difference. “And through all of this,” says Tatum, “you’d think the mood would be negative and stressful.

But not at all. The vibe was amazing. The rescuers are so positive, and so grateful.

Everyone was working towards a common goal.”

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ABOVE: Tatum Ridgway, brainchild of the

Rebuild KZN Facebook page, says she was blown away by the compassion shown by the community in the recent KZN floods.

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community*

COUPLES WORKING together

WORKING TOGETHER HAS ALWAYS BEEN A NO-NO. BUT INCREASINGLY, COUPLES ARE NOT ONLY NEGOTIATING THAT MINEFIELD SUCCESSFULLY, BUT SURVIVING AND THRIVING, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER 22

A

generation or two ago, you had to be an extraordinary couple to work together. It was a standing joke that it was the kiss of death for a relationship.

But that was then, when far fewer women worked, child-raising was exclusively women’s work, and gender roles were clearly defined. Today, it’s entirely different – yet still, chatting to new and seasoned husband and wife workmates, working together is no walk in the park.

Clearly there are numerous advantages, notably the flexibility these moms have with children, and there are others too. For these wives, it’s about working with, not for – and that good working relationship doesn’t happen by itself, or overnight.

Abi Suttie joined husband Roland at

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Quattro Finance three months ago. She was a La Lucia stay-at-home mom, and an artist: “Roland’s PA resigned, and I offered to help as our kids are getting older, and stay at school longer. I was also keen to use my brain again.” Abi admits to having a lot to learn: “I’m even rusty with a computer,” she laughs. “But seriously, there are a lot of legal requirements, and at times it feels like I’m learning Chinese, but I’m getting there.” She admits, “Roland and I are both strong individuals who go about our day differently. Communication has perhaps been the hardest, as he says I’m cheeky. I do push back when I’m not happy with something, which he’s not used to, as employees usually comply and don’t ask questions.” What do you do to make sure it works, I ask? Abi laughs loudly, “Drink lots of champagne … no seriously, we have worked hard on our marriage, and have had to learn to listen without reacting.”

LEFT: Abi and Roland Suttie: “Communication has perhaps been the hardest as he says I’m cheeky,” says Abi. Picture: Jon Ivins

BELOW: Alex and Brett Jones: “I wanted to

help build our family business and be part of his success,” comments Alex.

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Employee or wife or partner or all?

It’s a fine line, but to work it must be a team. Roland admits it was tough in the beginning: “Still is. Showing your wife the ropes, and also setting boundaries with clients that this is no ordinary PA, it’s your wife. “Still,” he laughs, “she is cheeky, and I’ve suggested she listen better, and call me Mr Suttie.”

From the outset, a sense of humour is essential. So, too, some rocky roads in the early days: “There might be some voice notes on my husband’s phone of some interest to you,” says Alex Jones drily.

Alex was in the interior decorating industry and joined husband Brett three months ago at Ancient Waters, a water treatment and purification business based in La Lucia. Her motivation was clear: “I wanted to help build our family business and be part of his success. He had become very busy much faster than he thought he would, and needed help.” Alex describes herself as “an absolute organiser of note (her nickname is Badger)”. “To be able to organise Brett is the cherry in my champagne! Brett knows how I work, and that I always gave 110 percent, so for him it was a no-brainer.”

Another advantage of couples working together, is the absolute knowledge that the finances are in trustworthy hands.

Alex recognises her biggest challenge: “Being told what to do. I’ve realised I’m not someone who takes well to step-by-step instruction, especially when I’ve been given a task – I need to be trusted to action it.

I have had to be strong with myself, to stop, listen and learn about how his brain processes – and how he wants certain things done.

For Brett, the toughest aspect initially, was learning to delegate. The proverbial Catch 22. You’re so busy you bring someone on board to assist – but being hectic there’s no time to fill them in: “I realised I had to make time. Alex made it work though. I need her in our business, I can’t do it all by myself. Her having a vested interest makes all the difference.”

Alex’s advice to others walking this »

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LEFT: Samantha and Calvin Thompson:

“Knowing Sam is involved in the company and taking care of the kids, is an absolute win-win,” says Calvin.

path: “Breathe. Don’t take things personally.

And a must is a de-briefing most days to talk about what happened during the day, and how you could have done it better. That is my best time of day actually, sitting down with Brett, a glass of wine and chatting about how we can improve OUR business!”

Considerably more seasoned are Samantha and Calvin Thompson of Hillcrest, working together in DMY Accounting (Pty) Ltd – financial services – which Calvin started in 2012. Prior to having children, Sam was in PR: “I loved my job, but it wasn’t conducive to how I wanted to parent, so we made the call for me to work from home.” Why? “Sheer madness I suppose,” she laughs. “But we are the sort of couple who don’t let feelings linger, and we knew this would be part bed of roses, part boxing ring.”

Sam does the internal bookkeeping: “Self-taught, or rather Calvin taught me.

The accountant babble definitely took time to learn – still learning – but it was key for both of us that I could be flexible and around for the kids. Luckily my role is just that – something that can be caught up at night or during odd hours.”

Sam says her biggest challenge was being able to tie down Calvin to get work

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decisions or answers finalised: “With a spouse, it’s far easier to put them off for a day later.” She adds: “Oh, and being made to feel like his glorified secretary at his beck and call – with requests he probably wouldn’t have asked of another colleague.”

To make it work, Sam says, “Having defined roles and expectations is key, and we are a constant work in progress, always finding new challenges and ways to improve.” She adds, “It also takes a special sort of person to work with a married couple.”

Calvin, too, found those early days challenging: “The constant questions and teaching was tough. I realised we all learn and communicate in different ways, and that was hard.

“When you’re in a relationship with someone you work with, accountability and responsibility are sometimes blurred, because you are supposed to share

Another advantage of couples working together, is the absolute knowledge that the finances are in trustworthy hands everything equally. In business, it’s often nice to have an employee where you can say ‘just do it like I said’. In relationships, one of you is always making a smart-ass comment back to the other and in business that’s not productive.

“Knowing Sam is involved and fulfilling those needs for our company, while being at home and available to the kids, is an absolute win-win.”

Sam’s advice to others? “Go for it – if it doesn’t kill you, it’ll make you stronger.

I believe you need to know your partner extremely well before you decide to work

together. Know their faults, their strengths and how they deal with people (clients) before you sign on the dotted line. Many couples have no idea what sort of person their partner is when they’re in their office space, or how they fill their working day. If you have that understanding then why not – just try to leave work at work.”

Separating work and home is a challenge, and all four couples put that as a reality, and a priority.

Of course, couples working together don’t necessarily work 24/7 in the same space. One partner can be largely or fully out in the field. Leanne and Shaun Saddington of Mount Edgecombe are that couple – Saddington Electrical handles industrial, commercial, domestic and residential, and “Shaun’s often spinning,” says Leanne. Me being in the business frees him to be out there with his teams.

In her previous life, Leanne was a beauty therapist, then did her honours in psychology. Once her children were born, she chose to be a stay-at-home mom: “My mom worked for Shaun for about seven years before I took over. To have an absolutely trustworthy person doing his books, invoicing, checking bank statements, and chasing money is essential. The job’s not rocket science, but you have to keep on it.”

Leanne identifies the biggest challenge as switching off at the end of the day, and not discussing work again: “We are really patient with and understanding of each other. I would definitely say speaking nicely and communicating in a respectful way is key – not him talking down to me or losing his cool. We have a lot of respect for one another, so we have a good working relationship.”

Not being together 24/7 makes life easier, but still she laughs, “More than once I’ve resigned on a Friday, and rehired myself on a Monday.” For her, it’s toughest when Shaun is under heavy stress: “I say ‘You’re not a surgeon, no one’s going to die on the table if they don’t get their chandelier hung before Christmas. Breathe’.”

Shaun talks about the early days challenge. “If I needed something done, I would tell Leanne in a very straightforward

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LEFT: Leanne and Shaun Saddington: “More than once I’ve resigned on a Friday, and rehired myself on a Monday,” laughs Leanne.

way exactly what I needed. But if I was under pressure she sometimes took me to be rude or demanding. But once we established a few working parameters, everything went pretty smoothly.

“In the beginning the most difficult aspect was differentiating between the working and non-working environment,” says Shaun.

Leanne is adamant about two things: “Take time out for yourself, and schedule a date night.”

It’s all about a new kind of balance, and not unlike building a marriage, it takes hard work, commitment, and mutual respect. Enjoying that level of trust and accountability, sharing the same vision of success and being able to celebrate that together, is a big deal. A really big deal.

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profile*

W

ow! This is the only word to describe Dashriya Naidoo’s stunning cakes – especially when you realise she is only 14 years old. This remarkable Grade 9 learner is fast making a name for herself in the competitive world of bespoke baking.

“I actually fell in love with cooking before baking,” confesses Dashriya who is one of a set of triplets. “I used to cook meals and ask my sisters to judge them as if I was a contestant on MasterChef.”

Her mom was initially the family baker, but as the creative craft bug started to bite Dashriya, she too began to experiment with her baking – and eventually started a business which she named Whipped

by Dash.

“Thankfully I haven’t had many flops or disasters but during my first week of taking orders I received an order for a chocolate cake. The customer collected it and unfortunately it fell over in the car on her way home. The lady sent me a picture of the ruined cake, and because I was so set on making a good first impression, I made her another cake and delivered it to her house an hour later. It was very stressful, but I don’t regret it. I’ve learnt to put an extra dowel stick into my cakes just in case.”

Customer favourites – apart from vanilla and chocolate – include coffee cake with coffee icing and orange cake with cream cheese icing, while Dashriya has a personal favourite: “I love red velvet cake because it’s the perfect combination of flavours and the cream cheese icing is, well, the icing on the cake,” she grins. Her range includes

LEFT: Dashriya – doing what she loves best.

a dash of

ICING 26

… TAKES THE CAKE. FOR 14-YEAROLD DASHRIYA NAIDOO, HER CREATIVE MASTERPIECES ARE HER PASSION – AND ARE FAST HITTING THE SWEET SPOT WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, WRITES LEE CURRIE w w w . t h e r i d g e o n l i n e . c o . z a

cakesicles, novelty cakes, cupcakes, wedding cakes and more.

It has always been acknowledged that baking is both a science and an art form – and Dashriya wholly endorses this.

“Baking is a science in itself because it’s the combination of various ingredients – very much like the combination of reagents in a science experiment with the aim of producing a result. The science of baking

Creativity is the crucial facet that enables the baker to create memorable masterpieces relies on the interaction of various additives with the use of heat to produce a delicious product.

“Baking requires accuracy, attention to detail and an understanding of proportions and measurements. It’s also an art. Baking would be a dull science without an artistic flare. Creativity is the crucial facet that enables the baker to create memorable masterpieces.”

Any inside tips to share? “My best tips for success would be to follow experts

in the field to gain from their valuable experience. Social media and YouTube tutorials as well as ‘hands-on’ classes are a sure-fire way to ensure you’re constantly learning and improving. And keep practicing – oh, and don’t forget to make lists and stick to them!”

With medical specialists as parents, Dashriya’s long-term plans are to study to become a doctor. Right now though, this dynamic teen is enjoying a craft she loves and at the same time generating a steady income.

While family and friends and certainly her customers are enthusiastically behind her, Dashriya says her sisters are still her biggest supporters. “However, they do tend to complain because I don’t have the time to bake for them as often as I used to!”

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FOR MORE INFO Whipped by Dash: Whatsapp 078 019 2991; @whippedbydash

SERVICE, PASSION AND PARTNERSHIPS Service. Not lip service, but supremely personal service. That’s the focus which has ensured that KZN north-coast-based SIYANQOBA Worldwide Express – SWE – couriers has stood out from the crowd for over 17 years.

M A Y - J U N E

Call 031 569 6808 or visit www.swe.co.za

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fashion*

wrapped up for

WINTER

FASHION ESSENTIALS TO KEEP OUT THE WINTER BLUES

CARDI COAT Versatile enough to be dressed up to the office or paired down with denims and a pair of sneakers, R899, H & M.

BOXY FIT POLONECK JUMPER An essential for your winter wardrobe – pair with a skirt or denims for a casual chic look, R429, H & M.

ALL SET FOR WINTER Turtleneck knitted top, R299; hooded puffer jacket, R999; embroidered pocket detail denim jeans, R699; moccasin shoe with buckle detail, R399; scarf, R180. All from Queenspark.

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CORNFLAKE KNIT JUMPER Wear with leather pants for an edgy look or team with denims or over a floral dress for a softer look, R329, H & M. All items available from Gateway Theatre of Shopping

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the beautiful mess*

be a great

FRIEND

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FOR JANE AND JESS, GOOD LISTENERS MAKE GREAT FRIENDS

Picture: Val Adamson

ecently, Jess had a surprise visit from her sister, Nicky, who lives overseas.

After the initial excitement had settled down, they sat on the couch with a glass of red wine catching up.

Surprisingly, Jess began vividly explaining the chaos of the looting and the flooding in KZN. The next thing, Jess found herself ugly-crying on her sister’s lap.

“I don’t know why I’m crying.

I’ve already processed this with so many people,” she sobbed.

Nicky just hugged her.

At this point Jess realised that something unique had happened as she described these events to someone on the outside – someone who hadn’t experienced them.

Nicky had really listened.

She hadn’t shared her own experiences, or tried to console Jess by comparing it to the Ukrainian refugees flooding into her own city in Europe.

Nicky hadn’t responded with something like, “Well, at least you have a house”, or even tried to cheer her up.

Later that week, Jess told Jane about her sisterly reunion. Of course, Jane wisely observed that Nicky hadn’t actually listened – she had

done so much more.

She had been deeply present. She had allowed Jess to ramble and explore her thoughts without interruption.

She hadn’t centred on her own experiences or compared similar feelings.

This is, of course, what we all long for in a friend.

Someone who will show up, have a drink with us, and let us cry on the couch. But could we be missing the next layer of depth and connection in our friendships if we just stop there? Could there be more than catch-ups and coffees?

Jane and Jess are absolutely convinced there is, so here are our three top tips for being a great friend.

SHOW UP. There is something weirdly awkward in us that makes us step back when our friends are in trouble.

Perhaps we’re tired of the same problems, or don’t know what to say. But when our friends are struggling or overwhelmed, we need to show up – with a text, a meal, or just a phone call.

They may not respond with the

appreciation you expect in the moment – but we all remember the people who showed up for us when everyone else looked the other way.

SHUT UP. Be like Nicky.

Pretend you know nothing about the problem or experience, and just listen. Friends probably know what they “should” do, but the one thing they need from the outside is a safe, neutral person to muddle out loud with.

Be that person for them and watch your friendship deepen.

GIVE UP. Give up some of the conversation space. Making space for the other person means pressing pause on your own advice or experiences, your own stories to try and out-do your friend. Listen like you’ve got nothing useful, interesting or entertaining to add. There’s a good chance that if you give up talking, you’ll gain trust – and they may even ask you what you think, which is so much better anyway.

If you ask Jane about friendship, there’s someone she will always recommend you pursue a great friendship with.

Yourself.

Being a good friend to yourself might mean bravely allowing someone into your world – someone who will show up, shut up and give up.

Treat yourself to time with good people. Being a good friend to yourself might mean noticing the friend who doesn’t show up, shut up and give up.

Being kind to yourself might mean acknowledging that some friendships are not the life-giving ones you deserve.

“Friend” is a noble name to give someone.

Maybe your heart is telling you to be a deeper one to someone you love. Maybe your heart is telling you to reach out to a potentially wonderful one.

Maybe your heart is telling you that you deserve more than some people can give.

May you show up to the good, great friendships around you. And in you.

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Listen to Jane and Jess here, as they further unpack their thoughts!

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advertorial*

M

y introduction to the piano started at age nine when my parents decided to send me for piano lessons. My first teacher was an elderly lady called Mrs Reeves, and when she passed away Dave Wellard tutored me up until Grade 6 through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in London.

At this point I lost touch with my music due to the various responsibilities at school – I played 1st team rugby and 1st team cricket, and was elected headboy of Marist Brothers St Henry’s. Thanks to my parents, Neville and Barbara, I experienced a happy school life for which I am forever grateful.

However darker days were just around the corner. After school I sank into the abyss of deep depression and anxiety, and eventually dropped out of university as I felt worthless. I thought my life had ended until two humble men from my church, the New Apostolic Church, came into my life as angels sent by God. Keith Gilpin and David Dettmar built up my confidence by aligning my mind and thoughts to the Triune God, thus steering me away from the negativity of depression and anxiety. I then spent a year in the South African Navy which taught me much discipline.

The renaissance of my musical began in the New Apostolic Church where I exercised my talents as a baritone soloist, pianist, organist, choir member and eventually choir conductor. At a later stage – to earn extra pocket money – I started playing in restaurants and hotels providing background piano music.

In September 1999 I married Maureen Prinsloo, but after six years our blissful marriage was struck a tragic blow. At six months old, our first daughter, Danae,

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turning the

TIDE SHELDON VETTER – WHOSE PASSION FOR MUSIC RUNS ALL THE WAY TO HIS FINGERTIPS – HAS MADE IT HIS LIFELONG AMBITION TO BRING JOY TO THOSE AROUND HIM contracted acute lymphoblastic leukemia and passed away a year later. During this time I had no choice but to play the piano at various venues in order to raise funds for Danae’s medical expenses.

When our second pregnancy ended in a

ABOVE: Sheldon Vetter – sharing his magical touch on the keyboards. miscarriage, we were urged never to give up on God. Eventually we were blessed with our third child Kaitlin who today is studying piano too.

I am currently employed full-time at Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) but every second weekend I tinkle the ivories at the Oyster Box Hotel adding a melodic ambience for those enjoying high tea. For anyone who knows me, my music and work at MSC are my greatest work passions, however my greatest passion is my relationship with God who has turned the tide in my life. I thank our minister of religion, John Kriel, for all the opportunities given to me to further my musical talents.

I am available to provide live piano music, string quartets and other solo classical instruments for all occasions, including weddings. I also offer the services of a professional chef who will cook for a private dinner party in your home while I play romantic songs on the piano to turn your special occasion into cherished memories.

FOR MORE INFO Sheldon Vetter: 083 466 8552 | email: sheldonvetter@gmail.com

S E R A B E L L A – M E A N I N G A B E AU T I F U L E V E N I N G I N I TA L I A N – I S A N E W D E V E LO P M E N T I N T H E H E A RT O F I Z I N GA I N U M H L A N GA C O N S I ST I N G O F M O D E R N C O N T E M P O R A RYI N S P I R E D V I L L AS T H AT E M B R AC E A S E N S E O F S PAC E A N D E L EGA N C E A N D F E AT U R E STAT E - O F -T H E -A RT F I N I S H ES W I T H I N I TS AU T H E N T I C BA L I N ES E A EST H E T I C S .

No transfer duty payable Stunning architecturally designed modern contemporary / balinese inspired homes embracing a sense of space and elegance situated in a prime position in the prestigious Izinga open suburb, Umhlanga making it one of the most sought after addresses in the area.

Gated with an electrified perimeter fence and surveillance cameras with a 24 hour security guard manning the access control from the guardhouse providing residents with absolute peace of mind.

The guardhouse area will also incorporate domestic help washrooms, change rooms and toilets.

Only a few kilometres away from the famous Gateway Theatre of Shopping complex, as well as in close proximity to some of KwaZulu Natal’s most prestigious schools and hospitals. A short drive to the Umhlanga coastline beaches.

Location, security and privacy translates to peace, happiness and a coveted lifestyle that only Sera Bella can provide.

Peace of mind: Situated within a double gated security precinct, in addition to patrolled security and tactical presence, Sera Bella also has an electrified perimeter fence with surveillance cameras and a 24-hour security guard manning the access control from the guardhouse.

Location is key: Sera Bella is ideally located to Gateway Theatre of Shopping, hospitals, prestigious private schools, King Shaka International Airport, restaurants and beaches.

Privacy is paramount: Ranging from two- and three-storey villas to three-bedroom apartments, each villa’s garden is totally private and fenced off, offering total seclusion. Within the complex there is also a communal pool and braai area.

TO FIND OUT MORE Website: www.serabella.co.za / Email: sales@serabella.co.za Mobile number: +27 83 786 8999 / Address: P.O. Box 22115, Glenashley, Durban 4022

opinion piece*

culture

SHOCK DR THANDEKA MDLALO, A SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPIST AND AUDIOLOGIST, SHARES ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS FACING SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNERS

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ABOVE: Dr Thandeka Mdlalo.

earning a first language usually happens in the natural, familiar context of the home supported by family. However, learning a second language is often more complex as it happens in an educational surrounding where the demands on a young child go hand-in-hand with educational demands like numbers, alphabet and shapes.

Cultural differences may add to the difficulty experienced by a second language learner – or emergent bilingual – which may result in misunderstanding or confusion. The cultural shock experienced by these learners can be compared to the analogy of having a new programme loaded on to your computer at work, and being expected to understand how it works without first being trained.

The demands of the curriculum do not accommodate the difficulties facing the emergent bilingual who are expected to work at the same pace as their peers studying in their first language. If the emergent bilingual does not meet the expected language standards at school, there is often pressure on the parents to stop using the mother tongue at home in order to accelerate the development of the second language.

However, it is a myth that this measure will be beneficial. Instead, it can be detrimental to the emergent bilingual as they lose their mother tongue and

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often struggle to communicate with their extended family. As language and culture are linked, emergent bilinguals who lose their mother tongue become “cultural outcasts”.

At this point, and out of desperation, an educator may refer the child to a speechlanguage therapist even though the child is not presenting with a speech or language disorder, but rather difficulties due to learning a second language.

As language and culture are linked, emergent bilinguals who lose their mother tongue become “cultural outcasts” Enter the Diversity Centre – which aims to provide solutions to problems linked to diversity, including language and cultural diversity. Its focus is to support, educate and empower parents, educators and therapists on the challenges linked with diversity.

The focus of the centre is on shortterm support of children who are struggling to meet the scholastic demands due to differences, especially language differences. There are

strategies educators can use to help support children who are learning a second language. However, it is important that the educator understands the process of second language learning.

It also helps when the learner is given multiple opportunities to speak the language in a non-threatening environment – play dates or staying for aftercare allows time to talk in the second language to peers who are not making academic demands on the child and who are on the same level so there is no fear of authority.

The use of multiple modalities (gesture and voice tone) is used to explain a concept or word that may be challenging – for example, there was a colossal aircraft – where colossal is emphasised by using technology aids to understand.

Redundancy is also an invaluable tool when introducing new or potentially challenging vocabulary. For example, there was a colossal, yes really big aircraft.

Last but not least, it is crucial to remember that the emergent bilingual may appear slower to learn, but this is not due to their level of intelligence, but rather language challenges.

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FOR MORE INFO www.thediversitycentre.com The Diversity Centre is a free interactive website with a monthly blog, podcasts, videos, links to articles and resources. A Diversity Centre has also been established at Our Lady of Fatima Diocesan School for Girls, which is open to all children.

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foot care*

back to

WORK WITH MORE FEET HEADING BACK TO THE OFFICE, IT’S TIME FOR THE SLIP-SLOPS AND SLIPPERS TO MAKE WAY FOR SMARTER SHOES WRITES PODIATRIST NELFRIE KEMP

T

he good news about wearing closed shoes is that your feet have less chance of developing cracked heels, a slight heel should provide more comfort for your feet when walking, and the upper offers more support to your feet than you think.

There has been an increase in foot discomfort since we’ve been working at home wearing slip-slops, slippers or going barefoot more often. In addition to this, slopping around in flat slip-ons with little or no support does most walking postures no favours.

But now, heading back to the office, it’s time to slip your feet into work shoes and turn every office day into a happy comfortable one.

When choosing work shoes, there is no sense in compromising style for comfort, so consider the following.

Choose a shoe that takes on the shape of your feet – and not your feet taking the shape of the shoe. More importantly, make sure the width of the shoe will accommodate the widest part of your foot. The front of the shoe should taper and become narrower only from the widest part of your

foot going forward. Consider a rounded toe or square toe for more comfort.

Trick the eye with interesting uppers. Even if you need to wear only black or navy shoes, a patent leather or different textured insert, or the way the stitching is done on top of the shoe, often adds style to the shoe while still providing comfort to your feet.

Make sure there are no stitching or seams on the inside upper of the shoe that could irritate your feet.

Heels give you height, define your calves and complement your outfits. However, you need to choose them depending on the amount of standing and running around you’ll be doing during the day. #dressfortheactivity A block heel – which has a larger surface in contact with the ground – will accommodate more of your body weight compared to a thin stiletto heel which

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accommodates very little and pushes all your weight on to the front of the foot. Use lower or bigger heels for when running around, and keep your higher, daintier heels for when you’ll be sitting most of the day. A wedge heel is often the answer as it gives you height while still distributing your weight evenly across your feet.

A shoe with a rubber sole will absorb more of the shock and provide cushioning, while an accommodating soft innersole will also add to your feet’s comfort.

When travelling to a business meeting wear a sensible, comfortable shoe, then slip into your stylish work shoes once at the office or meeting. Always keep a sensible shoe in your car to wear when going to the shops or you need to do a lot of walking.

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FOR MORE INFO Nelfrie Kemp: www.nelfriekemp.co.za; @nelfriekemp; W @nelfriekemp

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get my style*

ABOVE: “Organised drawers can make your time spent in the kitchen a pleasure,” says uMhlanga interior designer Lisa Walters-Hunter.

pictures michigan behn

drawer

STORAGE BANISH DISORGANISED DRAWERS FROM YOUR KITCHEN FOREVER

“I

like my drawers to be a little more interesting so that when I open them there is contrast of colour and items. In this way they look appealing and beautiful to the eye,” says interior designer Lisa Walters-Hunter. “After all, this is my passion and my career – to make things look pretty.”

Lisa put an enormous amount of thought into the design of her kitchen, making sure it was designed with everything she wanted, and with the smallest details taken care of. “Because my kitchen is black, I

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had my kitchen contractor manufacture internal dividers for my drawers in oak as a contrast to the black.

“My favourite drawer contains everything I need for my coffee station which is on the countertop directly above it. This means everything I need for making coffee is easily accessible and there’s no rummaging through drawers that are not organised.”

Find my style: Coffee cups, H & M Home; Gold spoons, H & M Home; Paper napkins, Zara Home; Coffee pods, Nespresso; Salad servers, Poetry; Silver spoons, antique store.

*

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parenting*

maintaining and respecting

BOUNDARIES CHRISTY HERSELMAN PONDERS OVER WHAT ACTOR WILL SMITH TAUGHT US ABOUT BOUNDARIES, AND THE LACK THEREOF

“L

ove makes you do crazy things.” This was the justification given by Will Smith at the recent Academy Awards after storming onstage to slap Chris Rock for making a joke at his wife’s expense. Will’s actions have been widely condemned for many reasons, and as I watched the

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spectacle unfold, what struck me was his complete lack of boundaries.

Boundaries can be defined as the invisible line where I end and the world around me begins. They affect both my incoming and outgoing interactions.

Without them my identity and behaviour is dictated by what others think and do.

Developing healthy boundaries not only

creates a sense of autonomy, but also bring clarity to relationships.

So what can we learn from Will’s “love made me do it” moment?

Self-control There should be a boundary between what happens to me and my response.

Will was offended; lost control and reacted.

Healthy boundaries help us respond appropriately to situations. Our children are often slaves to whim and emotion.

Modelling a self-controlled response to tough situations teaches our children that our lives should be governed by discipline, respect and mindfulness.

Ownership What Will should have done after his Oscar outburst was to own it. Instead of blaming his violence on “love” he should have taken responsibility. It is important that our children learn that they alone control their thoughts, emotions and choices. One way to model this is to apologise when we make mistakes. There is something so humbling about asking your five-year-old to forgive you for an angry outburst, and by doing so you show her what it means to take ownership of our choices and actions.

Respect When Will flew off the handle, he violated

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The Chat

The Chat is a culture-shaping movement which exists to start conversations and impart accurate information around issues like sex, identity, social media and pornography.

The Chat believes that if these issues are left unaddressed, they threaten to derail a generation. The Chat was founded and is led by Christy Herselman, and is overseen

his relational boundaries with both Jada and Chris. He decided Jada needed to be rescued and that Chris needed to be taught a lesson. Chris, too, crossed the line when he made a very personal joke at the expense of women grappling with hair loss in a world obsessed with appearance.

In reality, neither man had the right to do these things. Respecting the boundaries and autonomy of others is key to healthy relationships.

We will not always get this right, and let’s count our lucky stars that we don’t have to make our mistakes in front of billions

by The Table Church in uMdloti. Christy has a background in journalism and teaching.

She has written two books and currently divides her time between researching, writing, speaking and being a wife and mom. She lives in uMdloti with her husband Brad and her children Emily, Ryan and Blake. Please contact Christy on info@thechat.co.za or visit www.thechat.co.za for more info.

of TV viewers. But let’s use this teachable moment to help our children understand that maintaining and respecting boundaries is key to healthy autonomy and relationships. Not only do boundaries help us retain our own identity, but also foster mutual respect and trust with others.

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rock the kitchen*

E

ish. The air-fryer dilemma plagued Karin and I for a good year-anda-half before we caved in to the not-insubstantial peer pressure (well, mostly people saying ‘how can you not have an air fryer?’) and joined the locked-down masses – starved as much for something delicious as for inspiration – in an investment. At the time, it felt like I was committing cooking treachery, that this purchase was an all-too-trendy betrayal of everything I had learnt at culinary school … ultimately that I had thrown technique out the window in favour of a convenient and new-fangled kitchen gadget. Plus, most of ’em look kinda hideous in my kitchen work area. Hmm. So what’s the verdict? Did we find a shortcut to culinary nirvana? In a word, no.

There’s obviously nothing an air fryer can do that we couldn’t do before, but there are some definite benefits to owning one – not the least of which were cutting frying oil out of lots of tasty everyday foods, and some proper speed. Oh, and the guilt associated with eating French fries by the bucket was pretty much halved.

At the end of the day, an air fryer is a convenience gadget that makes food crispy without the oil, pretty fast – I have made peace with it on that basis alone – but they’re more valuable than for pubby frozen chips, meatballs and samoosas. You actually can roast a chicken beautifully, many owners bake muffins and cookies in theirs, and I’m trying new things every week (crispy, spicy chickpea snacks anyone? Google it).

Get an air fryer, or don’t. If you’re on the fence, I wouldn’t push you either way. But if you do own one, I would encourage you to try some new things. Chicken pieces rubbed in paprika, oregano, lemon zest-infused salt and pepper, with a salad. Asparagus tossed in garlic, oil olive oil and seasoning, then topped with grated Parmesan and a squeeze

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AIR FRYERS: yank Õem or crank Õem?

I DIDN’T START OUT AS A FAN OF AIR FRYERS, BUT SLOWLY, AND WITH EXPERIMENTATION, THIS WAY OF COOKING HAS ITS MERITS, WRITES ANT ELLIS of lemon juice. And yes, try baking a batch of New York style chocolate fudge cookies.

You’ll be very, very pleasantly surprised.

Here’s something I did recently that a chef friend of mine recommended. Could this

be the push I needed to fully embrace this terrifying new paradigm. It felt risky. I backed out and recommitted. My brothers were there for me as I worked myself up for the big day. I went for it. And it ruled.

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Simple, Crispy Roast Pork Belly • 1kg skin-on pork belly • 3 teaspoons coarse sea salt • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper • ½ teaspoon baking powder • olive oil There are two important steps you don’t want to miss when prepping this recipe.

Firstly, you absolutely have to score the rind. This should be almost as deep as the rind itself in lines, or a cross/diagonal pattern of about 1,5cm between cuts with a sharp knife. Secondly, this must rest uncovered in your fridge for as long as possible (minimum 4 hours, but overnight to 12-14 hours is preferable). Moisture is the absolute nemesis of crispy crackling, so don’t skip either of these steps.

Preheat your air fryer for 6 minutes.

While preheating, mix together most of the salt, most of the pepper and all the baking powder, then spread over the pork rind, getting into every nook and cranny.

Season the underside with a touch of salt and pepper and olive oil. Flex the pork to

open up the cracks. Set the pork in your air fryer (highest shelf if you have a front loader) and cook at 160º C for 35 minutes.

Carefully give your porky dude a flex and then push the heat to 200º C, and cook for a further 10-20 minutes, checking regularly until you’re satisfied. The crackling may not puff up, but tap with a knife and you’ll know when it’s crunchy. Remove and rest.

Disclaimer: Results, of course, may vary as air fryers models do. If you have a meat thermometer, you’re looking for a minimum internal temperature of 65º C. Serve this as a classy Sunday roast with gravy, roast potatoes, apple sauce, vegetables and yes, you most certainly can pair this with a full-bodied red wine. If you’re feeling adventurous, sliced for a sweet and sour, crispy, crunchy Vietnamese-style banh mi sandwich on a crusty baguette will blow you away.

Until next time: If all you’re doing is French fries in your expensive air fryer, that’s cool with me. But don’t say I didn’t at least try. Veggie fans, fear not. I’ve got something up my sleeve for you soon.

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FOR MORE INFO Talk to me at ant@rockthekitchen.co.za M A Y - J U N E

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trending*

mindful

MAKING

RELAX, UNWIND, FOCUS AND CALM YOUR MIND – MINDFUL MAKING IS ALL ABOUT CREATING SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL … AND THIS YEAR EVERYONE’S DOING IT

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s we slowly heal from the side effects of the pandemic and adjust to changes in our home and working lives, we are becoming more and more conscious of how we spend our free time.

This year will see us practicing mindful making, using arts and crafts to relax, find calm, and to connect with loved ones, friends and even TikTok followers in new and meaningful ways.

After spending so much time at home daydreaming of travelling and fulfilling our wanderlust, makers will craft designs inspired by their bucket list destinations and favourite places.

Nostalgia and comfort will reach mainstream through crafts such as embroidery, knitting and needlepoint.

Foraging for and collecting unexpected natural materials to incorporate into crafts will encourage us to explore the outdoors and environment and get us out of the house.

Thoughtful personalisation such as hand stitching, printing and appliqué will mean personalised gifts and DIY branding will be huge in 2022. Makers will lean into technology and tools in order to create custom leather, vinyl, paper and fabric crafts at home.

Sustainability and environmentally friendly choices will see the upcycling of furniture and textiles as part of this trend.

Furthermore, handmade clothing, chunky knits and crochet pieces will make a statement about slow living and conscious

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values. More people will turn to creating their own garments; boycotting fast fashion and the impact it has on landfills.

Our homes have taken on extra significance since the pandemic, so it’s no surprise that makers want to lavish handmade love on their homes. Whether it’s a terrazzo side table, a needlepoint cushion or an heirloom quilt, this year we will make our house a home with handmade items we love and cherish.

This is the year to become makers, together.

1. PERSONALISATION WITH TECH

Cricut is a hot new trending tool – the ultimate smart cutting machine. A musthave for creating personalised projects, allowing you to design and make things like stickers, cards, personalised T-shirts, or even wall decals. It can write and draw designs and has the flexibility to cut a wide range of craft materials, from cardstock, vinyl and iron-on to glittery paper, polished foils and bonded fabric with the precision to deliver exactly what you need.

Versatile fine point blades enable Cricut

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2. NATURAL TREASURES

Turn an oyster shell into an anthroplogiestyle trinket dish, paper clip holder, jewellery holder or a salt or pepper dish. These unique and beautiful handmade treasures are the perfect gift for anyone who loves home decor and pretty things.

Oyster art and decoupage is easy and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon crafting. The designs are endless and are created using tissue paper or paper napkins and decoupage techniques.

3. NOSTALGIC MOMENTS

machines to cut light- to medium-weight materials quickly and accurately, cutting the most intricate shapes to perfection.

The Cricut handles pens like your very own calligrapher, embellishing projects with beautiful text and delicately drawn shapes. With a variety of styles, the possibilities are endless. Use your own images and fonts in a variety of standard file formats, or choose from 50 readyto-make projects. With a Cricut machine, you’ll be able to design and make whatever your imagination allows.

This year is all about nostalgia. Capturing those precious memories and creating items that give us a feeling of comfort, cosiness and cuddles.

Expect to see chunky knits everywhere in the form of blankets, socks, sweaters and jerseys, all crafted by yourself or granny (if need be). Create a family heirloom that can be passed down through generations.

Scrapbooks, bullet journals or photobooks will be the papercraft of nostalgia, the photo collage memoirs, which will become treasured keepsakes in the years to come.

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getaway*

THE FUN never ends

WITH WINTER WELL AND TRULY HERE THE SUN MAY HAVE LOST SOME OF ITS HEAT, BUT AT THE WILD COAST SUN 24-HOUR SUMMER FUN IS WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT, WRITES LORNA KING

W

hen the Wild Coast Sun opened its doors at the end of 1981, a kilometre from the KZN border in the then Transkei, one of its main attractions was the casino, offering South Africans the opportunity to take a break and try their luck at gambling legally.

Fast forward to 2022 and the Wild Coast Sun has mushroomed into a one-stop holiday resort offering families – from the young to the elderly – enough activities to keep their days and nights filled with fun,

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adventure, leisure and pleasure.

The weekend I visited the resort it rained most of the time, but that didn’t discourage visitors from making the most of the Wild Waves Water Park. If it’s adventure you’re after, these water ride attractions are sure to tick all the boxes. A nice touch was the “private space” with guaranteed shade and loungers one could book in advance.

But the outdoor water fun doesn’t stop there. The Riverside – based on the banks of the Umtamvuna River – offers amongst others, water-skiing, paddle boats, canoes, Wake Snake rides, and the ever-popular

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cruise up the river. Order a cocktail from the Riverside bar (where there’s also a braai area), climb on board the cruise boat and relax – what a way to end the day.

The resort boasts two outdoor swimming pools and one indoor pool where you can enjoy cocktails and sundowners as you unwind before tucking into a buffet-style supper at Chico’s.

If watersports are not your thing, there are plenty of other options: horse riding on the beach, quad biking tours, karting, Segway rides, tennis, lawn bowls, a guided beach walk to the Petrified Forest to see marine fossil beds which are actually fossilised logs embedded in rocks, and, of course, the 18-hole champion golf course.

Saturday afternoon turned into an afternoon of treats. First stop was Mangwanani Spa, where every knot was banished from my body as we enjoyed a couple’s full body massage. After leaving the spa feeling like a new couple, it didn’t take much temptation to try out the high tea which was in full swing. What a delight!

A selection of savouries, more sweet treats

than I could actually eat, and a long list of teas to choose from. Well worth every cent.

Indoor entertainment activities are just as vast as the outdoor offering. There’s a fully equipped gym if you’re needing to work off the calories, a Netflix chill room, ten-pin bowling, an escape room, and for the little ones there are three separate areas filled with fun and adventure.

Parents can leave their children at Squawkers Cove knowing they will be supervised and safe.

It has been a while since I last visited the Wild Coast Sun, but one thing general manager Peter Tshidi and his team have done, is successfully transformed this stretch of beautiful coastline into a playground where families can enjoy life.

A place where dad can play golf, granny can chance her luck in the casino, mom can relax by the pool, and the children have fun, make new friends, and go home with memories to cherish.

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FOR MORE INFO www.suninternational.com

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Rooms: The bed was comfortable, and the room was spacious and clean with all the standard facilities. We could have done with an extra power point.

Staff: All staff carried out their duties with a smile on their faces, and were happy to go above and beyond.

Food: Catering for a diverse clientele,

the food was in abundance. From a choice of soups, carveries, curries, pizzas, fish, salads, vegetables and desserts for supper, to eggs anyway-you-want-them with all the normal trimmings, fruit, yoghurt, waffles, pastries and much more for breakfast.

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property*

balancing

ACT

GARETH BAILEY UNPACKS THE RECENT INTEREST RATE INCREASE

T

he Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) faced a particularly delicate balancing act when it met at the end of March. According to Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group, by increasing the repo rate by a moderate 0,25% for the third consecutive MPC meeting, the SA Reserve Bank is endeavouring to normalise interest rates – in line with their stated strategy – amidst a resurgence in inflationary pressures and a tepid economic growth outlook.

While an unchanged repo rate would have been preferred, this moderate approach has in all likelihood already been factored in by the housing market.

With heightened uncertainty and a worsening growth and inflation outlook, but with a need to contain inflationary pressures and anchor inflation expectations, we believed the Reserve Bank was unlikely to respond to the deteriorating inflation outlook aggressively – given the risks to economic growth – and that it was anticipated to stick to the slow

46

but steady pace of normalising interest rates evident at the past two MPC meetings.

Attempting to tighten monetary policy to dampen price pressures but not derail the economic recovery was already challenging, but now the war in Ukraine has brought further uncertainty and financial market turmoil. The war, coupled with the West’s sanctions against Russia, has sent global commodity prices soaring, while surging food and energy prices in particular have forced local analysts to revise their inflation forecasts.

The latest Thomson Reuters Econometer poll reveals a marked upward adjustment in consensus inflation predictions for 2022 with headline inflation now projected to average 5,5% this year, up from an estimated 5% in the February 2022 survey. The inflation rate may well breach the upper limit of the Bank’s inflation target range within the next few months, although encouragingly, the consumer inflation remained unchanged at 5,7% in February, slightly below market expectations.

But it is not only the

deterioration in the inflation outlook applying pressure on the SARB to hike rates.

Recently, the US Fed hiked interest rates for the first time since 2018 as American inflation soared to a fourdecade high. Rising interest rates in the West typically weakens the rand, as capital

The war in Ukraine has brought further uncertainty and financial market turmoil flows out of emerging markets.

This would normally weigh

on the local exchange rate, making imported goods more expensive – which would be particularly serious at a time of soaring international oil prices.

Fortunately for South Africa, the rand has shown unexpected resilience this year as it is underpinned by surging commodity prices, notably coal, platinum group metals and gold – commodities that SA exports – and has strengthened by 6% against the US dollar for the year-to-date, even as both the Fed and the Bank of England raise interest rates. This will at least partially offset the effect of soaring international oil prices.

While the MPC will be eager to dampen inflationary pressures and, more importantly, to prevent any upward drift inflationary expectations, it will also have

I M M ERSED I N NA TURE

ABOVE: Gareth Bailey, Pam Golding Properties.

to consider the fragile state of the local economy.

Despite a robust rebound in economic activity last year off a very low base in 2020, the economy has yet to fully recover from the impact of the severe pandemicrelated lockdowns in 2020, and the growth outlook remains tepid, with the national economic growth rate forecast at around 2% for the next few years.

For the year-to-date,

and in our experience, the residential property market is holding up well, with steady activity across all price bands, despite the recent interest rate increases and economic factors mentioned above.

According to the Pam Golding Residential Property Index, price growth has now peaked in all major regional markets, with the Western Cape recording the strongest growth rate of +6,3% in February 2022, followed by +5,4% in KwaZulu-Natal and +4,2% in Gauteng. This compares with a gradual slowdown in national house price inflation which eased from a mid-2021 peak of 5,89% to 4,5% in February 2022. It is estimated that after averaging 5,6% last year, national house prices are likely to increase by 3-4% in 2022.

*

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YORK

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last word*

“W

e have to go to this wedding,” I said.

“But you hate weddings,” said my partner.

“But I want to go to this one.”

“We don’t even really know these people.”

“I know! But it’s in a castle! In Tuscany!”

All my life I’ve wanted to go to a wedding in Tuscany. Oh, how glamorous and sophisticated it would be – the rolling hills and white mountain villages and lines of dark cypress and me in a linen suit on the ramparts of a castle, sipping a Chianti and wearing dark glasses and eating crostini and fried zucchini flowers and saying “Ciao!” and “Bella!” And what better way to say goodbye to lockdown than a summer wedding in Tuscany? We had to go.

It’s quite a long way to Tuscany, and the connecting flights aren’t very convenient, and the first thing I noticed in the rental car – besides that it was the size of a microwave oven – is that the airconditioning didn’t work.

“It’s too hot!” I yelled.

“Take that suit jacket off then,” said my partner.

“Never! A man must dress elegantly in Tuscany! I must present la bella figura!”

One thing they don’t tell you about linen suits when you see them in the movies is they crease quite easily. By the time we arrived at the castle I looked like a Kleenex that someone had used, scrunched up then stuffed down the back of a sofa.

“That suit wasn’t two-tone before, was it?” said my partner.

Another thing they don’t tell you about linen suits is that when you sweat through them you make large unsightly patterns like a rumpled Holstein cow.

Oh man, it was hot. It felt like someone was hitting me with a heavy stick made of rolled-up sun.

We checked in with a bored-looking woman then carried our luggage up four flights of stairs to our room.

“It’s authentic,” said my partner. “They didn’t have elevators in medieval castles.”

I tell you what else they didn’t have – rooms with en suite bathrooms. Also,

48

longing for

TUSCANY A SUMMER WEDDING IN A CASTLE IN TUSCANY. NOW THAT’S MY STYLE, SAYS DARREL BRISTOW-BOVEY OF A TRIP HE COULDN’T MISS AND WILL NEVER FORGET rooms big enough to accommodate two people and their luggage at the same time.

We struggled and sweated until finally I just put my suitcase out in the corridor. Tuscan castles look good from the outside, but you can understand why princesses in fairy tales want to be rescued from them.

We wandered down for the rehearsal dinner. The bridal couple were American, from the great state of New Jersey. We were surrounded by a cast of extras from The Sopranos. Women with big hair and men with ill-fitting suits kept shouting and jostling over the meatballs.

It was good so many people were smoking, because it helped keep off the mosquitoes. At 3am we were still awake in our tiny beds, sweating and staring at the very low ceiling, listening to drunken

mafiosi trying to sing Sinatra down in the courtyard.

“Ah, Tuscany,” said my partner, slapping at a mosquito but somehow hitting me instead.

“The glamour.”

The next day we stumbled exhausted to our car and drove into the countryside. We didn’t know where we were going, we just drove. We found a shady pine tree and lay down to nap for an hour before we had to go back to the castle, and those people, and that tiny room, and get ready for the wedding.

We woke in the cooling purple dusk.

Swallows wheeled and dipped. It was quiet and lovely and the air smelt of lavender. My partner checked her watch. “The wedding ceremony ended about two hours ago,” she said, and sighed in relief.

“I told you we’d have a good time,” I said.

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