Ridge 109

APRIL 2019 ISSUE 109

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE Cool, creative & local

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

MORE THAN SECURITY Marshall Security offers more than just security. We offer a genuine commitment to delivering unrivalled service to our customers and clients. From residential estates to retail centres and business parks, we are always on guard, so that you don’t have to be.

Marshall Security is now offering comprehensive and compliant security services to the north Durban area.

GUARDING 086 133 3031 | www.marshallsecurity.co.za Marshall Security is a BEE compliant, level 1 rated company. Our industry accreditations include:

*ed's letter LEFT: Funky Pants business partners and friendly rivals Billy and Tracy Harker.

BELOW: It’s Not Made In China founders William and Tracy Ruggier.

Why advertise in The Ridge?

LIVING THE DREAM

I

didn’t want to just make money, I wanted to create something which wasn’t over-automated, but rather benefitted many people.”

These words were the inspiration behind Tracy and William Ruggier’s It’s Not Made In China concept – a collaboration to create attractive bottled water, recycle the bottles, and again create fashion accessories – all the while supporting local and creating jobs.

Share their story on page 18.

Another Durban couple, Billy and Tracy Harker, took an idea of theirs that suited their active lifestyle, and have grown a business, both locally and globally.

Funky Pants are just that ... fun, funky and ever so comfortable.

Read more on page 36.

TALK TO US

Elorna.king@media24.com www.theridgeonline.co.za WRidge Magazine

As a community we should support and applaud the many South Africans out there who have followed their heart, grown their passion into a sustainable business, and, most importantly, are living their dream.

Retirement is something we all eventually have to face, and with it comes a change in lifestyle – whether it be downsizing, developing new interests, meeting new friends or taking care of immediate family. On page 62 read Gareth Bailey’s thoughts on retirement property options to ensure you know what is available before taking that big step.

Until the next time

As a business, we all want our hard-earned rands to stretch further these days. We want to know we’re spending our money wisely and reaching the right audience. Here are three facts about advertising in The Ridge: • The Ridge reaches 15 000 highend homes and businesses in the Ridge community – from Durban North through to Salt Rock.

•Magazines are delivered by hand (and independently audited) to ensure the right audience is reached, and there is no wastage.

•Print advertising has a longer life and “pass-on” reach.

Let us help you talk to our community. Chat to us today about how we can make The Ridge work for you. Phone Lynda on n 082 379 9912 or email E Lynda@media24.com

RECEIVE YOUR FREE DIGITAL COPY OF THE RIDGE MAGAZINE www.mysubs.co.za/magazine/the-ridge Simply log on and register to receive your complimentary digital copy or view past issues. A great way to share your favourite community magazine with family and friends who don't live or work here. And it's free!

A P R I L

2 0 1 9

1

in this issue*

GROUP EDITOR Doody Adams EDITOR Lorna King DESIGNER Kyle Griffin SALES CONSULTANT Lynda Kapsimalis (082 379 9912) DISTRIBUTION Mphumzeni Thusi Enquiries: sumayia.khan@media24.com ACCOUNTS Sumayia Khan CONTRIBUTORS Andrea Abbott, Katrine Anker-Nilssen, Greg Ardé, Gareth Bailey, Candice Botha, Cathy Clark, Lee Currie, Gavin Foster, Jeremy Nell, Debbie Reynolds, Dawn Rouse, Anne Schauffer HEAD OFFICE GM: MEDIA24 PRINT MEDIA Minette Ferreira DIVISIONAL OFFICE GENERAL MANAGER Doody Adams Copyright: All material in this issue is subject to copyright and belongs to Media24 unless otherwise indicated. No part of the material may be quoted, photocopied, reproduced or stored by an electronic system without prior written permission from Media24.

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

50 52

44

60 60

RETIREMENT GRANDPARENTS

LIFESTYLE LIVING FOR RETIREES

26

Grandparents play a major role in our lives

RETIREMENT ROCKS

28

Starting the next chapter after retirement

FEEL GOOD, LIVE WELL

30

Changing your lifstyle for the future Fa mou s P u bl i s h i n g

Published by Media24, Armstrong House, Suite 1, 94 Armstrong Avenue, La Lucia. 031 714 4700 www.famouspublishing.co.za Printed by Paarl Media, KZN Managed distribution by Vibrant Direct

NURTURING MIND AND MATTER

WE ALSO PUBLISH ...

4

LIFESTYLE FLORAL FANTASTIC TAKE YOUR WORK HOME BERG BLISS

58

Relaxing and adventure in the Drakensberg

34

BOX CLEVER

REGULARS

60

ED’S LETTER 1 TAKE NOTE 6 SEEN AROUND 12 TRENDING 48 LAST WORD 64

IT’S NOT MADE IN CHINA

18

A LAYERED LIFE

22

FUNKY AND COMFY

36

ADVERTORIALS

UNIQUENESS IN EVERY PIECE

38

Stone Wealth Management Edupower

MEETING THE NEEDS OF A COMMUNITY

50

Turning discarded wood into a masterpiece

44

Fresh looks for a productive home office

COMMUNITY

The Harker’s global business

40

Celebrating floral fashion

The Suzuki Jimny – fun and funky

From surfboards to paint brush

62

Invest options in ZKN

A look at the options available

A business that’s creative and different

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.

32

Make retirement the best time of your life

THE RISE OF RETIREMENT ESTATES

40

47 57

Cornubia’s new Makro opens its doors

MENTORING GOOD BUSINESS Making a success of entrepreneurship

54

THE COVER: Anna-Claire Whysall (@tigertitz) showing off *herON artwork outside Trade Mark Tattoo in Florida Road. Picture: Chris Laurenz

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

27

APR

2019

take note*

ou Keeping yp in the loo Putting on the Glitz April 3-7, Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre: It’s glitzy, it’s glamorous – it’s Ian von Memerty, together with his “better half”, Vivienne, in their latest production Putting on the Glitz, running for a short season of six shows which promises to be pure spectacular entertainment. Ian von Memerty brings his pianistic fireworks, and the years of their creative connection are revealed with a seamless symmetry and a uniquely powerful partnership. Wrap all this up in dazzling costumes, lithe and lovely choreography, and loads of laughter, and you have escapist entertainment that will lift your spirits.

Cost: Between R145-R160; book through Computicket.

The Road Less Travelled The Road Less Travelled is an armchair opportunity to explore the globe through the lens of wildlife and travel photographer John Gatherer and his wife Anne, who have travelled extensively since his retirement from the corporate world.

The Road Less Travelled journeys into the Arctic and Antarctic regions; explores the isolation and remoteness of the Galapagos Archipelago and the Peruvian section of the Amazon River; captivates the thrill of thousands of migrating galloping wildebeest in the Serengeti and majestic herds of elephant in the Chobe National Park; the colourful people of India are a delight, however, the sighting of the endangered Bengal Tiger is a highlight in the book; the history and beauty of Russia is fascinating; an authentic sailing adventure on the Med … the list is endless and awe-inspiring.

This timeless coffee table photographic book will tease and tempt you, and leave you longing for more, with a deep desire to leave the armchair and hop on the next plane out of here.

Know Your Numbers

HANDY PHONE NUMBERS FOR USEFUL SERVICES IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD 6

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

Trauma debriefing: 066 483 8589  NO WATER? SIZA WATER: 032 946 7200

Great Gatsby Dinner Dance April 27, 7pm, The Oyster Box: Evoke all the excitement and style of the Roaring 20s with a themed dinner and dancing to a live band in the elegant Grill Room. Start the evening with a glass of sparkling wine, followed by a fivecourse menu. Go all out to put yourself in line for the prize of “The Best Dressed” couple.

Cost: R650 a person.

 POISON INFORMATION 24-HOUR HELPLINE: (includes medication, toxic substances snake and spider bites): 0861 555 777  POWER FAILURE: 032 437 5081

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

*take note and a choice of desserts – and each dish is explained beforehand. Too many to list here, but whether it’s fish, beef or chicken they’re all made memorable with the clever spicing and deeply flavourful fusion of influences so integral to Ile Maurice.

Well priced at R395 a person (minimum two people) for the three courses and a glass of house wine or local beer. Oh ... and stunning sea views included!

It’s a deliciously leisurely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, and the buffet can also be ordered in advance for other occasions.  031 561 7606  www.ilemauricerestaurant.co.za

Mauritian Magic

BEST KEPT SECRET

Ile Maurice has remained a unique component of uMhlanga’s eclectic (and ever burgeoning) restaurant portfolio for more than two decades. Ringing the changes, talented young head chef Luke Haggar recently introduced a Mauritian Buffet. However, this buffet does not require you to stand in a queue and serve yourself.

Perhaps best described as a “plated buffet”, a delectable variety of fragrant, individually plated dishes is brought to your table to feast on. There are three starters and four mains (enhanced by some tangy sides)

The Body & Mind Celebration Festival May 5, 9am-4pm, DLI Hall, Greyville: A feast for the body and mind, with several food stalls, practitioners – reiki, psychics, hypnotherapists, body stress release, to name a few – plus Nia dancing and Belly dancing shows, face painting, and a variety of products and yummy food.

Cost: R25 each, kids under 12 are free.  031 701 7548  www.bodyandmind.co.za

March 29, 6-10pm, Durban Country Club Driving Range: Take the entire family for a night out of great food and entertainment under the stars. Join Tafta for an Old School Drive-in Movie Night experience on a traditional 12x9m big screen. Featuring the 2008 hit movie Mamma Mia, you can join Meryl Streep and a star studded cast in Greece as they sing along to ABBA hits, while enjoying a bite to eat from popular Durban food vendors and browse a few craft market stalls, all set out on the lawns of the Durban Country Club.

Cost: R200 a vehicle; R80 for picnic seating (bring your own chair).

All proceeds to go to Tafta. To book:  www.quicket.co.za

 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

A P R I L

2 0 1 9

 TO REMOVE BEES: Honey Bee Removals: 084 594 1122  WHALES AND DOLPHINS (beached and well as entangled in shark nets). Sharks Board: 031 566 0400

7

take note*

ou Keeping yp in the loo

5 Fun Family Treats

from fluffy to sparkly and everything in between. Cost: R200 each.

Booking essential. n 073 493 6153  Beacon Easter Eggsplorer Egg Hunt, April 20-21, 10am2pm, Durban Botanic Gardens: Get ready for family fun in the gardens as you and your little ones get to solve clues, complete the challenges and hunt for giant Easter eggs hidden by the Beacon Easter Bunny. Cost: R95 each.  Monster Jam, April 20, 6pm, Moses Mabhida Stadium: Featuring 4m tall, five-ton custom made monster trucks racing and ripping up a track full of obstacles. This family friendly event appeals to the young and young at heart, as well as lovers of motor and adventure sports, and is sure to have hearts racing. Book through Computicket.

GET INVOLVED!

 Easter Egg Hunt, April 21, 11am-1pm, Durban Country Club: Enjoy a day of fun and entertainment – your children will be enchanted from start to finish with entertainment galore and an Easter egg hunt to delight and amuse! Open to children two to 12 years. Cost: Adults R80; children R120, includes light refreshments, plus kiddie’s entertainment and Easter egg hunt. Booking essential.  031 313 1777  Africa's Biggest Easter Egg Hunt, April 20-21, 9am-12 noon, uShaka Marine World: Loads of Easter fun – sack race, egg and spoon race, musical chairs, Easter egg hunt. Tickets cost R186 for children over three (includes a goodie bag, all-day access to Sea World, Wet ’n Wild and uShaka Kids World) and R159 for adults.  Slime Workshop, April 3 and 20, 10-12pm, Astor House, 19 Stirling Crescent, Durban North: Ideal for kids aged seven to 12 years, this fun activity introduces sensory experiences, promotes communication skills, enhances focus and can be used as a selfsoothing toy. All materials will be on hand to create your own slime,

South Coast Bike Fest April 26-28, Margate, South Coast: Africa’s premier motorcycle enthusiast

8

and music festival is set to be bigger and better this year with great music, incredible stunts, extreme sports, street busking, themed bars, demo rides,

food and drinks – all taking place along Margate’s palm-fringed beachfront boulevard.  www.southcoastbikefest.co.za

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

*take note

ed's choice Mother's Day Pampering With Mother’s Day just around the corner – May 12 – there’s still plenty of time to plan a treat of a lifetime for your special mom.

You’ve done the flowers, the chocolates, the special lunch, now it’s time for a morning of pampering pleasure, where luxury meets peace and tranquillity.

The Spa at The Oyster Box in uMhlanga offers thoughtfully-created spa experiences incorporating leading international techniques and ingredients native to southern Africa, resulting in a spa pampering which naturally, culturally and spiritually engages the body and mind, magnifying that “in-the-moment” feeling and afterglow.

Of special note is the authentic eastern Hammam. Indulge in an array of Hammam experiences – from the Oriental Hammam Ceremony to Durban’s Hammam Ceremony offering deep cleansing, relaxing and restoring benefits. These traditional treatments have been designed to work with the unique Hammam environment to raise your body temperature allowing for a deep release, while the heated marble slab induces cleansing warmth.

The Spa treatment menu offers an extensive range of health and beauty enhancing treatments to ensure every minute of your pampering journey is a beautiful memory.

At the heart of the Spa are the individually crafted Oyster Box Spa Journeys – a unique fusion of therapies designed to replenish and soothe, that are individual and unique in character, offering that special something.

With a tranquillity lounge, health bar, plunge pool and much more to enjoy, your mom deserves the very best.

Thenga Ð Let Art Discover You Art changes lives. Art awakens our imagination, transforms our homes and expresses who we really are. Thenga’s vision is twofold: to develop sales platforms and relationships directly with creative professionals to help African artists make a living doing what they love, and to help you find

original art to suit your taste and budget.

Founder, Sue Pretorius (above) is dedicated to discovering rising artistic talent within South Africa and surrounding countries.

Working with interior designers and stylists, Thenga will put together art recommendations to bring heart and a unique

touch to perfectly finish any space, as well as provide guidance and assistance with placement, framing, delivery and hanging.

Focusing on the original, hand crafted, one-of-a-kind piece with a heart, soul and story of their own, Thenga’s home is currently online.  www.thenga.art T Follow us @thenga.art

Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival April 18, 20, 22, Kearsney College: Twelve exciting South African school teams are lined up for this year’s Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival. Participating over the three play days – Thursday, Saturday and Monday – are KZN schools Glenwood, DHS and hosts Kearsney College, as well as newcomers Hoerskool Transvalia, with Pretoria Boys High, Welkom Gimnasium, Hoerskool Dr EG Jansen, HTS Middelburg, Selborne College, Hoerskool Framesby, HTS Drostdy and Hoerskool Noord-Kaap. Food and refreshment outlets as well as a KidZone will be available.

Cost: R25 each. Parking available.  www.kearsney.com

A P R I L

2 0 1 9

9

take note*

ou Keeping yp in the loo Piano Man: The Billy Joel Show

April 18-28, Sibaya’s iZulu Theatre: He’s the consummate songwriter, storyteller and Big Shot, The Entertainer, The Piano Man – he’s Billy Joel. Fans can now immerse themselves in the memories and the musical legacy of Billy Joel with a captivating concert tribute by talented Australian singer and entertainer, Steven Michael, who brings to life the highlights of Joel’s career live on piano, guitar and vocals, to make up that true and authentic, streets-of-New-York, Billy Joel sound.

Cost: R250 each from Computicket, Shoprite/Checkers or Sibaya Box Office.

Bunny In A Box Tsogo Sun’s Jeera restaurant is in the running for the title of Durban’s most delectable bunny chow. The authentic Indian restaurant features among the city’s top 10 eateries vying for the top spot in the 14th annual Coca-Cola Bunny Chow Barometer Challenge on Sunday, September 9.

“We are thrilled to feature among Durban’s best and we look forward to the challenge. The secret is definitely in the spices and we are confident we have that perfect blend,” said Jeera’s head chef, Kevindren Pillay who will be supported by six chefs and staff.

Innovation Year After Year Innovation Hair Co recently celebrated its 40th anniversary – an incredible achievement that is testimony to the passion and vision of founder Richard Wyss and his team. With three branches across Durban, Innovation Hair Co has been a legendary industry name for

10

decades, and the Innovation Hair Academy is dedicated to the training of new industry talent.

Richard’s salons have always been exquisite, with trendsetting design and decor that has reflected the standard of workmanship and expertise clients have enjoyed. To have consistently excelled for 40 years shows not only a tireless enthusiasm and energy, but a

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

At Jeera, dishes are prepared using the freshest ingredients and the chef’s signature blend of exotic and aromatic spices – the name, Jeera, meaning “earthy” and “warm’, reflects this.

The menu offers a range of classic Indian dishes with a contemporary twist and a little bit of Durban inspiration. Flavourful curries, grills, tandoori dishes, Indian breads, a number of vegetarian options, and desserts all feature prominently on the menu. All curries are available in a bunny chow, but Jeera is currently offering customers a chance to sample a lamb bunny chow at R95 coupled with a Coke.

visionary talent for reinvention – constantly adapting to remain at the leading edge of trends.

“I look forward to my continued commitment of keeping Innovation Hair Co at the forefront of hairdressing and will carry on delivering a professional and caring service which most certainly has always been my mantra, at times becoming literally obsessive!” Richard explains.

i

*take note Tops at Spar Wine Show May 9-11, Suncoast Casino, Hotels and Entertainment: Diarise this event with all your wine-loving friends. For the best wine experience in town showcasing COMING wines, wine manufacturers, glasses SOOAN IN M Y and much more.

Durban Boat and Lifestyle Show Health Drink Revolution Rugani Juices are made using a world-first extraction process which ruptures 95% of veggie cells, optimising the nutritional content of the juice. This makes Rugani Juice one of the richest sources of beta-carotene available in South Africa.

The process, along with the unparalleled freshness, makes Rugani Juice a nutritionally superior product and a true nutraceutical (food that heals).

The promise of freshness is supported by four pillars: • Daily harvesting from freshly harvested produce; • No sugar, water or preservatives are added; • Extraction and pasteurisation converts trans-beta-carotene into cis-beta-carotene, making the extracted juice the richest

nd 1 s a0 160 ff i tar 94 forn 031 s ll u tio Ca rma o inf

source of this rare, sought-after goodness; and • Captured life force and nutraceuticals – foods that improve health and healing.

Currently, the Rugani Juice range consists of five products: 100% Carrot Juice, Ginger Infused Carrot Juice, 100% Carrot and Pineapple Juice, 100% Beetroot Juice, and 100% Pineapple Juice, and are available from Dis-Chem and Food Lover’s Market.

May 9-12, Durban Marina: The Durban Boat and Lifestyle Show will set the scene for the presentation of numerous new boats and yachts, showcase South Africa as well as world premieres, and discover the world’s greatest boat, watersport, and entertainment. This event will bring together international exhibitors, buyers and visitors.

COMING SOON IN MAY

COMING SOON IN MAY

Dan Patlansky Barnard LIVE Two-Cities Tour

May 25, Suncoast Barnyard: With nine studio albums to his name and for the last 10 years receiving legendary status as globally respected purveyor of the blues, guitarist, singer/songwriter Dan Patlansky is one of the world’s finest blues-based storytellers of his generation.

Catch Dan with his full band.

Cost: R175 each.

Somerset Lodge CARE CENTRE

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY OF EXCELLENCE, OFFERING DIGNITY-BASED AND INDIVIDUAL CARE FOR OUR RESIDENTS Somerset Valley Estate – in close proximity to excellent uMhlanga hospitals and shopping centres Somerset Lodge offers strict, but discreet, security arrangements, with well laid out gardens and lovely furnishings Short-term stays are welcome, subject to availability Visit our website for a virtual tour

www.somersetcarecentre.co.za

take note*

Seen around!

LO SEND YOUR PICS TO

RNA.KING@MEDIA

24.COM

Distell Inter Hotel Challenge Stunning decor and delicious cuisine was the order of the evening at Southern Sun Maharani & Elangeni Hotel recently as glamorous guests attended the launch of the Distell Inter Hotel Challenge. The lavish initiative takes place every year, showcasing the talent of up-and-coming young chefs and sommeliers.

Naushad and Roxanne Khan. Karen Bloom, Jacqui Rey and Jacque Taylor. Chania Morritt Smith, Marieta Human, Justin Sewpershad and Ameera Khan. Fatima Stanley, Annette Kesler and Abida Noble. Yegas Naidoo, Nicky Pearsall and Lorna Gourlay.

12

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

*take note Ò Beast BurgerÓ at Brettenwood Brettenwood residents recently wined and dined at Woodlands Cafe to celebrate the launch of their new Brettenwood website and the new “Beast Burger” on the cafe menu. The burger, which has been given the thumbs up by the Beast himself, features two succulent beef patties, avocado, Camembert cheese and caramelised onions and is only available at Woody’s Cafe. Here are some of the guests who turned out for an evening of good food and wine.

Ryan Giggs Comes To Sibaya As part of its global campaign, the 2019 UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour visited the Sun Park at Sibaya Casino in March to watch Manchester United take on Paris Saint Germain. Fans had a rare opportunity to take photos with the UEFA Champions League Trophy and meet Ryan Giggs.

Ryan Giggs with SuperSport presenter Thato Moeng at the presentation. Jean-Luc Gaud and Gareth Moran. Heather Zwane and Asanda Mshengu. Ntobkozo Phungula and Khaya Thwala.

A P R I L

2 0 1 9

13

take note*

Seen around!

LO SEND YOUR PICS TO

RNA.KING@MEDIA

24.COM

Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit The Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit took place on International Women’s Day at Durban’s ICC. Supermodel, philanthropist and cultural innovator, Naomi Campbell was the headline speaker among other global influencers in business, sport, science, entertainment and leadership.

Savannah Allessandra Cozzi, Ntsiki Biyela, Subashnee Moodley and Sue Moodley. Grace Montsho and Keletso Totlhayo. Roberta Naicker, Vinollia Jiraj and Lilian Lazarus. Dr Nomkhosi Luthuli and Ayanda Zuma. Sibahle Motha, Jenniffer Okoye, Lettie Dube and Victoria Tapfumaneyi-Strydom.

14

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

*take note

CANSA Shavathon Suncoast supported the 16th annual CANSA Shavathon recently.

Themed “Colouring Hope”, the public were invited to shave, stencil or spray their hair, to show support for a cancer survivor.

 Thembela Mnyandu, Leah Naicker and Simphiwe Dlamini. Robin Devraj.

Bridal Show KZN’s largest wedding and beauty experience was recently enjoyed by Durbanites at Suncoast who were able to browse through many stands featuring the latest trends and ideas for weddings.

Darren Clifton and Tyler Smith. Cassandra Uys and Kerwin Wade.

A P R I L

2 0 1 9

15

cover story*

IT'S NOT MADE IN CHINA Tracy Ruggier combined her sense of right and wrong, into a small bottled water brand which says it all. It’s Not Made In China. It is, however, made in Durban

T

story anne schauffer pictures chris laurenz

racy Ruggier was partly aggrieved, partly amused: “I was told repeatedly I’d never make it in business … too emotional, too sensitive, worrying too much about how everyone was doing, and whether they were benefitting fairly.” “Fairness” crops up repeatedly in her conversation, “Why can’t business just be fair? Why can’t we make money, and everyone along the way also benefit?” Naïve? Well, apparently not, because she’s living the dream.

Tracy’s corporate life was long and unfulfilling, and when she, or it, slowly ground to a halt, she moved to what would surely be the caring world of an NGO. Only, it wasn’t. As soon as CSI became the corporate buzz word, money flowed in, and so did greed. She shrugs, “I didn’t belong there either, so I opened my own business from home. Pink Trash – my range of dog’s clothing – was doing well … until the corporates swallowed that niche. Essentially, they killed the CMT industry.”

Tracy’s disillusionment with the corporate steamroller approach, particularly in the clothing and CMT world, was gradually breaking her down. She watched as small business and entrepreneurship was quashed, and quantity and price beat quality and home-grown: “I had to do something I was going to feel good about.” Tracy is vegan, too, so sustainability is always an underlying thread: “I didn’t want to just make money, I wanted to create something which wasn’t over-automated, but rather benefitted many people.”

Tracy watched Chinese imports erode the clothing industry: “I decided to be straightforward – I registered a name called It’s Not Made In China.” She had little idea of what the product would be, but it did have a very visible pair of scissors, so likely to involve the CMT industry.

Over the years, Tracy had worked extensively with creatives, and

18

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

ABOVE: William and Tracy Ruggier – the founders of the bottled water brand which says it all – It’s Not Made In China.

INSET: Durban designer Amanda LairdCherry’s bags using felt-like fabric made from 100% recycled bottles. it had always bothered her that initiates to the art world had no affordable starting point. Artists, water, plastic bottles – how to mesh them? Together, she and husband William, decided to design (and patent) a bottle that resembled a canvas, one on which she could put the artist’s work.

Hence the square bottle. But she took it much further.

Where did you get the artwork? “We found one illustrator, and from there on it was word of mouth. Illustrators and artists don’t have a platform to market themselves – so, we said, ‘we’ll give you that, and we’ll take the risk if no one buys a bottle’. We wanted to keep it niche, so we print a minimum run, therefore making it a limited edition bottle. We started holding competitions for illustrators.” Today, they are inundated with designs: “We don’t look at the name or fame of the person who submitted it. We have a little ‘judging’ panel, and we choose what we like.” To date, they have 49 illustrator’s work printed on their bottles.

It’s Not Made In China has some heart-warming stories to tell of illustrators who’ve used this platform to catapult themselves into careers or down paths they’d given up on. For Tracy and William, »

A P R I L

2 0 1 9

19

cover story*

these stories were what made them feel it was really working. That, together with their hands-on requirement for the water, labelling and bottling plants: “We don’t produce our own water, we go to water plants, see how many people they employ, how automated they are, and if they tick all the boxes, we’re in business.”

But there’s more to their bottled water than artists and water. It’s the bottle. Extrupet contacted Tracy: “They specialise in the recycling of PET plastic bottles. They wanted to congratulate us on our bottles: “Your bottle is see-through – better and less expensive to recycle a clear bottle than to make new bottles – it’s thick, so it won’t ever land up in the ocean – the pickers or informal recyclers get triple the return on money on your bottle than any other. And thirdly, your glue – when you peel off the label the glue comes too – so you’ve this perfectly clear bottle for recycling.” He said, “You don’t know what you’ve created.” Tracy didn’t’, so he explained: “We turn bottles into all sorts of things like fabrics, and we want yours.”

Once Tracy had seen the astonishing recycling work Extrupet was doing, she thought, hey, fashion accessories: “Since I was working with illustrators, why not collaborate with Durban fashion designers.”

Tracy approached Amanda Laird-Cherry, who was thrilled with the concept – she’s making the bags. The fabric used to make them is a thicker, felt-like fabric made 100% of recycled bottles; and Holmes Bros, the T-shirts (75% plastic, but feel just like any Tee).

For It’s Not Made In China, their focus is on their bottled water, but they love to explore other concepts. For now, it’s more around marketing and PR, rather than a strong revenue stream. But who knows? They’ve set up an online shop.

For the couple – and all those who are illustrating, bottling, collaborating, recycling, relaunching careers off the back of this – this is the shape of the dream they had. No large corporates, just small outlets passionate about It’s Not Made In China bottled water – “Pofadder, the Karoo, little dorpies are our biggest fans, largest market. We’re giving pickers a job, a life and an income, we’re recycling everything back into whatever we can, and we’re recycling the bottle pre-form. Our customers re-use our bottles over and over. We know this because they tell us. They do this because they like our bottles.”

And it’s (definitely) not made in China.

E tracy@itsnotmadeinchina.co.za  www.itsnotmadeinchina.co.za

I didn’t want to just make money, I wanted to create something which wasn’t over-automated, but rather benefitted many people

20

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

*

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

MAKERS OF THE ORIGINAL SWISS ARMY KNIFE | ESTABLISHED 1884

profile*

A LAYERED LIFE He’s swopped hockey sticks for surfboards and hairdressing scissors for paint brushes and he’s still experimenting. Debbie Reynolds spoke to Brendan Broedelet about his insatiable creative streak

B

rendan Broedelet is one of those people who make you wish you could do just a little more with your life.

It’s not that he’s showing off, it’s just that he’s so good at everything he does.

A madly creative hair stylist by trade and former SA Hairstylist of the Year, Brendan is also one of KZN’s top artists and is a

22

featured artist in Makiwa galleries around the country.

His love for the dramatic started in his home town of East London where, at the tender age of three, he wowed his extended family with a drawing of cherry blossom trees.

“I’d helped myself to stuff in the art room at my mom’s preschool,” he explains. “I don’t know where the inspiration for

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

profile*

“I like to do mark making which in the art world refers to lots of layering and textures and movement and depth in a painting.”

Some of the subjects he’s been commissioned to paint vary from the “totally embarrassing and unmentionable” to people’s pets and even their car collections.

“What I try to convey to my clients is that you shouldn’t paint for decor, so while decor can be an influence, an original painting should not have to fit into a set design.

“You have to let us artists be who we are.”

Like his paintings, Brendan’s life is beautifully layered. He plays league tennis, goes snow skiing whenever he can with family and friends, and is becoming a “bit of a nutrition nut”.

“My family are all incredibly energetic with my dad having played touch rugby until he was 90, so I need to make sure I stay fit and healthy so I can enjoy my time when I ease back from work,” laughs Brendan.

*

P R I V A T E

E S T A T E

RAINMAKER 03|19

S IBAYA

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

cabanas and villas from R3.9 million Balize Private Estate is the first luxury estate in the sought-after Sibaya Coastal Precinct with ocean views from every home.

Offering smart-ready 2, 3 and 4-bedroom luxury freestanding Villas, Cabanas and Penthouses, Balize Private Estate is designed to inspire a resort-living feel with highest-quality finishes, generous outdoor living and an ocean-front lifestyle.

u m h l a ng a umdloti

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

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

Contact our Development Consultants to set up your on-site appointment and experience the most exceptional views on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.

John Robinson: 083 410 1536 | Charlene Anamourlis: 083 262 2200

087 095 2744

bal i ze.co.za

i nfo@ bal i ze.co.za

retirement*

The role of grandparents has evolved significantly to meet the changing times. How is that playing out in South Africa? story anne schauffer family pictures dawn rouse

I

n uMhlanga Rocks there’s a club. A group of women who meet regularly.

Their common ground?

Grandmothers who have children and grandchildren who live abroad.

Some are luckier, with a half-half scenario. Allison Isaacs’ son, Nicholas, lives in the UK with his wife Marguerite and their 18-month-old son Xander.

Allison’s not sad, because she understood that when the couple moved to the UK six years ago, this would be the reality. “I came to terms with it – that’s the way it is.

I focussed on developing a different relationship from the one I have here,” she says.

Allison’s daughter, Kerry Jane, lives at Kearsney College with two children; nine-year-old Zac and three-year-old Zoe. Allison is moving from Durban to Hillcrest to be closer to her grandchildren. Zac is disabled, and Allison, very involved in their lives, wants to be of more support.

For any distant grandparent, technology is their best friend.

For Allison it’s a regular Sunday night visual call, and although Xander isn’t yet talking, Allison’s

recent visit there means he responds to her. “Nicholas knows I’ll visit every June/ July for around a month.

That’s understood.” For many South Africans, visiting family internationally isn’t that easy, financial constraints being one factor. But for Allison it works.

“Nicholas spoils me rotten, and I have no expenses over there.”

It’s difficult not to spoil grandchildren at the best of times. Allison says, “I regularly post parcels with books, toys and clothes to Xander. I spoil the grandchildren here, so I try to balance it out.”

GRANDPARENTS PART OF OUR LIVES LEFT: Allison Isaacs (left) with her daughter Kerry Jane and grandchildren Zoe and Zac. Essentially there’s a handbrake on the level of intimacy achievable in a long-distance grandparent relationship. Certainly nowhere close to the experience of Jennifer Naicker of Umgeni Park.

When Jennifer met husband Jeeva, she knew his mum would be an integral part of their lives.

When they moved into their new home, mum came too, and

26

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

when Jennifer had her first child, support from her mother-in-law enabled her to live the life she wanted. “When my son was four weeks old, my company merged with another and I needed to stay in Johannesburg four days a week. My husband and motherin-law raised my son. To know your child is in such good hands is priceless.”

Jennifer has three children now, Souvahn, 16, daughter Kathanya, 13, and son Tenzin.

Grandmother Dolly Naicker is now 80, and wouldn’t change

a very different one. I couldn’t have done and do what I do without that support.”

And it’s a two-way street.

Jennifer’s dad, 72-year-old Billy Naidoo, says “Being part of a household of eight people means you are always surrounded by the children and grandkids and their everyday drama. I lost my wife in May, and the loss was easier to accept and deal with as I could talk about and remember her with the rest of the family. I love being with my grandkids and taking them fishing, playing guitar, picking them up from school and hearing about their day. They keep me on my toes.”

“I have learnt to always

Picture: Getty Images a thing. “It means the world to me to wake up every morning and be a part of my son and his family’s lives. I get to watch my grandchildren grow up, and share their joys and successes in school and sports. I am never alone or bored as the children are so full of energy, I have no time to think about any aches and pains,” smiles Dolly.

A few years ago Jennifer’s parents began downscaling, but their search for a lock-up-andgo home was fruitless. They approached Jennifer and Jeeva about building a granny flat in their grounds. The young couple had been discussing building Jennifer a home office there – she started her own business in 2008 – and it made perfect sense to build a cottage too. In moved her parents.

Jennifer laughs at everybody’s

ABOVE: Kathanya Naicker with Leia, Tenzin Naicker, Billy Naidoo, Souvahn Naicker, Dolly Naicker, Lea Naidoo and Sebastian Naidoo. dubious reaction to living with parents. “It’s about boundaries – it can take time to establish them, but everybody has their own space and respects everybody else’s. For my

A P R I L

children, the involvement with their grandparents has been so beneficial. Grandparents bring a different dimension to your child’s life. You, as parent, serve one purpose, the grandparents

2 0 1 9

You, as parent, serve one purpose, the grandparents a very different one. I couldn’t have done and do what I do without that support. keep my promises and the importance of a ‘pinky swear’. I feel very youthful being around their energy – there’s no time to feel down as they always pick you up,” smiles Billy.

Increasingly in South Africa, grandchildren are spread all over the world as their parents seek out what they consider to be newer, greener, alternative pastures.

It’s become about reinventing ways to communicate and build relationships, without that physical presence. And for those who have the physical presence of grandparents, well, Jennifer said it all.

*

27

retirement*

RETIREMENT ROCKS There’s wide consensus that the Baby Boomer generation can take solace from the belief that 40 is the new 60, which means retirement is just the start of the life’s next chapter, writes Debbie Reynolds

G

lobal research has found that in developed countries 50-somethings are generally living a decade longer than their parents and reaching old age in much better health. Instead of going quietly into the night, so-called pensioners are reinventing themselves by staying physically, mentally and socially active.

Graham Edmunds gave up the Joburg rat race of corporate communications and large-

scale event design and production to take early retirement in Nottingham Road.

“I’d bought land and a small house here when our children were at school in the area and decided to fix it up and run it as a B&B,” says Graham. Over about 10 years Graham has grown the FarSide into a boutique guest farm and sought-after wedding venue.

After the tragic death of his first wife to cancer, Graham picked up the pieces and met and married his second wife, who is British.

“We live our lives vicariously between Notties,

ABOVE: Graham Edmunds recently held a photographic exhibition in the UK. LEFT: Graham loves socialising with his FarSide wedding guests. the UK and Mauritius, where we have a holiday home, and I am blessed to be able to experience the best of all those worlds.”

A Natal Technikon photography graduate, Graham is embracing his first passion and recently held an exhibition at Dorset Art Weeks in the UK, where he sold 20 prints.

“I also started painting two years ago and have sold some of my watercolours,” he adds, before telling me about his collection of 110 international gins.

He is also a mean cook, runs gun dogs and is training for a half marathon.

“Don’t get caught up on the couch in front of the TV or the quietness and peace will get you in the end,” says the 61-year-old.

28

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

ABOVE: Darryl Kreutzner – who runs a successful word-of-mouth-only “taxi” service – says ferrying people around and learning more about them keeps him young. Picture: Debbie Reynolds BELOW: Minnie Maharaj loves living in central Durban where she has easy access to public transport, shopping and theatre. Picture: Debbie Reynolds “If there was a billboard for life it should be always improve yourself physically and mentally and leave a little less to chance.”

Minnie Maharaj retired as a senior nursing sister specialising in psychiatry last year. “But only because I had to,” she laughs. “I’m turning 66 later this year so it was my time, but thankfully I still get called in to do relief work.”

The confirmed bachelorette says for her, retirement means being able to give

back to others.

“I’ve worked all my life and had a very good career and a very good life,” she says.

“Hopefully I can use some of that experience to help where I can.”

As a resident of Tafta Kings Hall in central Durban she sits on their Tafta Life Rights Committee and volunteers to help with functions and events.

“We have about 15 events here a year, so I help with decorating, serving meals,

cleaning … whatever is needed,” she says.

“I am also a fire marshal for my floor and I stand in for the building manager about eight days a month.”

Being a nurse, another of her passions is assisting with various wellness days and she also helps individual residents with health issues.

She says she’s “hooked” on computer games and enjoys knitting – when she has the time.

Minnie also loves travel. “I’ve been all over the world, but home is still my best, so from now on I’m sticking to local holidays and cruises along our beautiful coast.

“I’m probably busier now than when I was working full time,” she says. “It’s very important for your quality of life to keep active and to get involved with your community.”

Darryl Kreutzner took early retirement around eight years ago, after a 32-year career in sales and marketing.

“I knew there was no way I could sit around doing nothing, so I worked at a friend’s digital labelling company for about a year,” says the 65-year-old. “In the interim I met a guy at my church who did airport shuttles and he asked if I minded helping out occasionally.”

From that small seed grew a business that has Darryl hopping 24/7. “I started mainly doing airport shuttles, but now I do school runs, tourist trips and even run errands for people who are housebound.

“My new job is more lucrative than my previous one, not financially but definitely socially which is the part I enjoy the most.

As my wife will tell you, I love talking to people, so what better way to spend my days than meeting people from all over the world with such different backgrounds.”

With up to 10 appointments in one day, Darryl says he has little time for anything else except “playing around” with bonsais and a vegetable garden.

“My new job definitely keeps my spirit young and hopefully my body will follow.”

As celebrated writer C. S. Lewis said: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

*

A P R I L

2 0 1 9

29

retirement*

I

t’s become part of mainstream media to hear about the ways in which medical science is trying to beat the clock. But who wants to live forever?

If we had the keys to our mortality, would we choose to just keep going?

Humans are conditioned to understand that the physical world is finite; all forms of life end somewhere. And that includes us.

Perhaps what we seek is not how to live forever, but rather, how to live well.

Although we’ve not found the Elixir of Youth, there are many examples of older folk doing it right in the simplest of ways.

Across the globe regions called “Blue Zones” are places where people live longer than the global average and, statistically, are home to the oldest and healthiest people on the planet. There are five Blue Zones globally – Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa, Japan, The Seventh Day Adventist community of Loma Linda, California, Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, and the Greek island of Icaria: and all of them have an unusually high volume of nonagenarians and centenarians living there.

What contributes to the longevity in these Blue Zones is a set of lifestyle habits which are simplistic in their application and easily achievable. Here, living well is less about economics and more about lifestyle. Among the list of longevity habits in the Blue Zones are the obvious: eating a mostly plant-based diet, keeping active and watching calorie intake. What’s interesting though is the time and importance these people give to their emotional well-being. These citizens actively spend time with their families and willingly pursue friendships as well; emotional wellbeing is driven by a sense of purpose and inclusion which directly impacts their overall health.

Although Blue Zones are the blueprint for living well later on, globally people are living longer anyway. Previously, one’s twilight years were the pre-cursor to the end; but today retirement has changed, and it is retirees driving the revolution. Retirementcentric property development has had to adapt to the needs and desires of this powerful market to understand that holistic well-being is top priority. Retirees want to

30

FEEL GOOD, LIVE WELL Today’s retirees are driving a revolution to change their lifestyle for the future live where socialisation is deliberate, where they can interact inter-generationally and where they know their nutritional needs are taken seriously.

A new wave of retirement living is sweeping through South Africa where “old age homes” now take cues from the Blue Zones to boast cool interiors, highly-qualified and experienced staff and ample opportunity for socialisation – an all-round package to feeling good and living well. Locally,

ABOVE: Situated within the already established Mount Edgecombe Retirement Village, the Mount Edgecombe Care Centre has officially opened its doors. retirement villages have become more holistic and comprehensive in their offerings with state-of-the-art care centres, like the Mount Edgecombe Care Centre, emerging to shake up this stagnant and under-serviced market. Being located within the Mount Edgecombe Retirement Village, residents have access to a host of opportunities for well-being, socialisation and intergenerational interaction seen through the estate facilities on offer.

One of the key principles of the Mount Edgecombe Care Centre is that is has adopted the Blue Zone living principles into its core care philosophy, undertaken by the country’s top care centre operators, TotalCare.

Cornel Nieuwenhuizen, Director TotalCare explains it well: “We wholeheartedly believe that the way people live in the Blue Zones is possible for everyone and the care centres we operate make deliberate and dedicated efforts to provide a holistic platform for wellbeing for our residents. We are truly inspired by the learnings taken from life in the Blue Zones, to the point where it’s literally written into our company ethos and seen, in practice, throughout our care centres.”

For more information contact n 0861 130 456 or visit  www.merv.co.za

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

*

KZN’S BEST CARE CENTRE NOW OPEN

RAINMAKER 3|19

UMHLANGA, KWAZULU-NATAL

M

ount Edgecombe Retirement Village is KZN’s most exclusive retirement estate crafted for active over-50s offering premium lifestyle facilities and state-of-the-art security.

Located within Mount Edgecombe Retirement Village, the Mount Edgecombe Care Centre offers top-quality healthcare services, operated by South Africa’s leading Care provider TOTALCARE. With an extensive nationwide footprint as a premium care provider, TOTALCARE specialises in integrated Gerontology with a multi-disciplinary approach to bring quality care facilities for older people and the frail.

BOOK YOUR VIEWING NOW

With professional staff and offering modern comfort and personalised care, our services include:

ASSISTED LIVING FRAIL CARE - DEMENTIA CARE

CARE CENTRE ENQUIRIES

Care Companionship

Unlimited laundry

Assisted Living

Frail Care

Social activities

Meals and refreshments

Queries: 0861 130 456 Cornel Nieuwenhuizen (Director): 082 802 1670 | newsdesk@totalcaresa.co.za Dementia Care

Housekeeping

www.totalcaresa.co.za | www.merv.co.za

retirement*

S

tudies have shown that the peak age of great innovation is later than you’d think. In one such study, Professor Philip Franses of the Erasmus School of Economics in Rotterdam found that the Nobel laureates, composers and artists included in his data set had lived on average about two-thirds of their lives before reaching their creative peak.

Retirement, then, is a time to shine and to focus on what you’ve always wanted to do but sidelined for lack of time.

However, as Leonardo da Vinci said, “Iron rusts from disuse, stagnant water loses its purity, and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so does inaction sap the vigours of the mind.”

And, as Daren points out, people entering retirement often believe they can’t learn any longer. Yet, we can build neural networks and body mass until the day we die.

Strategies to keep brain and body fit include: • CULTIVATING A POSITIVE OUTLOOK. Psychologist Dr Martin Seligman, author of Learned Optimism, says adopting “learned optimism” over “learned helplessness” – the belief that negative events or adversity eg, a sense of irrelevance as one ages are beyond a person’s control – brings benefits such as better health, whereas a negative outlook can result in depression and illness. And while the reality of growing older cannot be changed, finding new purpose, as Daren says, can result in aging gracefully.

• BEING PART OF A COMMUNITY AND MAINTAINING SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS. Daren reminds us that the brain needs two things to thrive: glucose and relationships. Fear of aging can cause people to become isolated and lonely. Social isolation is recognised as a significant health risk whereas social interactions are key to health and longevity.

• EXERCISING AND A HEALTHY DIET. Rewiring instead of retiring requires commitment and effort. Aside from boosting fitness and energy, regular exercise provides social opportunities.

Take hiking, for example. The Durban Ramblers Club advises:

NURTURING MIND AND MATTER Retirement might be associated with being put out to pasture, but, as world memory champion Daren Denholm so nicely puts it, retirement is the start of the best years of a person’s life story and pictures andrea abbott 32

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

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Colleen Raciborska – fit and happy on a hike in the Karkloof Forest; Everyone has a story to tell; Well-known musician Dave Marks gives his brain a workout; Art classes foster creative selfexpression and new friendships; Hiking gets you out into glorious places in the company of friends.

“When like-minded folk get together for our common cause to enabling artistic self-expression. Joining a writing there is always much chat and laughter. Friends are group also opens new social opportunities. made, muscles challenged and lungs gasp the clean Similarly, art groups foster the creative drive air often scarce in our city.” If walking’s not your and widen social circles. Who knows what •Daren Denholm is the founder of Genius scene, why not take up snorkelling? Michelle dormant talents might arise?

Series that teaches strategies for unlocking Morris of Salt Rock based Tidal Tao snorkelling • LEARNING A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT. brain power: www.geniusseries.com safaris says, “Snorkelling is one of the best ways Playing a musical instrument does for your •Writing: www.sawriters.org.za to keep fit and happy. Not only will you feel brain what a physical workout does for •Facebook Art Groups: relaxed and calm, but you also get a good, but your body. Can’t play an instrument? It’s North Coast Artists, durbanartworkshops non-strenuous workout.” Another bonus is that it never too late to start learning!

•Hiking: www.durbanramblers.co.za increases maximal oxygen uptake.

For every one of these ideas there will be •Snorkelling: dozens more. And as Daren points out, taking • EXPLORING YOUR CREATIVE SIDE. According www.tidaltao.com on new challenges can spark areas of the brain to SA Writers’ Circle, creative writing yields benefits that have seldom been used. ranging from enhancing self-confidence and imagination

INFO BOX

*

A P R I L

2 0 1 9

33

retirement*

T

he escalating costs associated with freestanding homes, security concerns and desire for a lock-upand-go lifestyle have seen an increase in the popularity of modern retirement estates countrywide, with KwaZulu-Natal fast becoming the most sought-after location for retirees seeking an all-year holiday experience.

One such estate is Renishaw Hills, a mature lifestyle village within the Mpambanyoni Conservation Development near Scottburgh, just 40 minutes from Durban, boasting coastal and forest views, quality facilities, 24hour security, transport services and home-based healthcare.

“While the choice of purchase method

THE RISE OF RETIREMENT ESTATES A closer look at buy-to-rent, life rights and sectional title purchases

34

is important, it’s far more important to do one’s homework when selecting a development,” says Phil Barker, managing director of Renishaw Property Developments. “The homes and facilities must be of high-quality construction, the estate must be well-secured, there must be the provision of affordable healthcare options and amenities to promote a community spirit.”

Barker outlined the three main types of purchase methods – buy-to-rent (buy as an investment), life rights and sectional title.

Popular with the affluent under50s, the buy-to-rent model hinges on identifying a quality development in the planning stage, and purchasing with a 10-year view. While there is not necessarily a big return on investment short-term, the capital gains can be quite substantial.

Sectional title is the standard model whereby the purchaser accrues capital gains but the developer has no obligation to remain invested in the sale.

A popular version is the Reversionary Transfer Obligation (RTO) sectional title model, where the investor is offered a significant discount upfront but the

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

ABOVE: Renishaw Hills, a mature lifestyle village within the Mpambanyoni Conservation Development near Scottburgh.

LEFT: Camelot Retirement Village - a boutique retirement village in Hillcrest.

BELOW: The luxurious Balize Private Estate in the Sibaya Coastal Precinct.

developer is given first option to buy the unit back at the original price.

Then there’s life rights, an increasingly attractive option to many retirees as it provides a reasonable entry point price with similar benefits to a sectional title estate. The purchaser never has full

A P R I L

2 0 1 9

ownership, but does purchase with a right to occupy for life.

“Although not a retirement estate, Balize Private Estate has been a popular option for those looking to downsize and live in a like-minded community,” says Butch James, sales director of Balize Private Estate. “Many buyers are not ready to move into a retirement estate, but they’re finding the home too large for two people. Within walking distance to the beach and only 10 minutes to the airport, Balize is ideally situated and offers several family-friendly facilities.”

Camelot Retirement Village – a sectional title model – is a boutique retirement village. “We are seeing children already living in Camelot buying on behalf of their parents, as well as buyers who want to experience the Hillcrest lifestyle, close to friends and family,” says Wicus Jacobs, director of Carmel Properties. “TAFTA Premium Care provides residents with wellness management, frailcare bed assistance, and a clinic for basic care.”

Olivia Jones Communications

*

E media@oliviajones.co.za www.oliviajones.co.za

35

profile*

FUNKY AND COMFY Friendly rivals and fierce competitors Billy and Tracy Harker have turned their experience into a global business, writes Debbie Reynolds

T

here’s a crackle of energy in the air when this Durban North husband and wife team talk about their life’s journey. “There was no grand plan, it just kind of happened organically,” laughs Billy.

The “what happened” goes back to the late 90s when the couple were involved in ocean surfski paddling races, as both competitors and organisers.

“We started making paddling shorts with sponsors’ branding as gifts,” says Billy, explaining that it was Tracy who came up with the original design, tweaking it as she went along.

“Compared to what was available then, our pants were fully lined, long lasting and very comfortable. Then Tracy decided to break away from plain colours to also make them in colourful prints, which had also never been done before.”

Before long everyone was asking for “Tracy’s funky pants” and so a new brand of paddling shorts was born.

Fast forward a few years to when the Harkers added running to their repertoire and realised that the “paddling” pants were just as good for running.

“They don’t chaff or ride up and they dry really quickly,” says Tracy. The more running events – including trail running – they did, the more people began asking for Funky Pants.

“As organisers of padding and running events, the pants were only ever going to be a side-line thing,” says Billy, who is now – rather proudly – eating his words.

RIGHT: The Harker children proudly wear their Funky Pants swim shorts.

36

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

LEFT: The Harker family, showing off their Funky Pants, are Billy and Tracy, with Henry, twins Lucy and Eddy, and Charley.

BELOW: Friendly rivals and business partners Billy and Tracy Harker.

Because of their paddling series business, the couple were living half the year in Durban and the other half in Cape Town.

“Then along came our kids and we had to pick a city to live in and a more stable career,” says Billy. “We picked Durban because of the warmer sea, better weather and also because our family was here.”

They then opened two Thule sports gear shops and began visiting various trade shows, where they promoted Funky Pants on the side.

Adding cycling to their sporting skills saw them buying the Cadence Cycling studio in Durban North with friends, which then had them branching out into organising sporty family holidays.

“With four kids of our own (now aged between four and nine) we realised how difficult it was to train, so we began organising holiday tours where parents had time for their various sports while the kids were entertained,” says Tracy.

Two years ago, they decided to make Funky Pants their main focus, using their connections in the surfski paddling world to take their brand global.

“When we were involved South Africa was leading the charge in world surfski paddling so we hosted a lot of international paddlers,” says Billy. “Through those connections we have been able to take our

After 16 years of “tweaking, changing and adjusting”, Tracy says all their products are proudly made in Durban with imported fabric.

“We now offer pants for running, paddling, gym, cycling and swimming in various lengths and in a variety of colours from plain to patterned, as well as race vests, peaks and headbands.”

For this energetic couple who proclaim that “we do everything together”, creating a business which fits so well into their lifestyle has been an incredible amount of fun. They still organise various events, such as the Funky Full Moon Run, to market their products and visit expos around the world.

“We’re very competitive and right now I’m beating Billy at the running,” laughs Tracy. “But seriously, our next big challenge is to exhibit at the New York Marathon in November this year. With 55 000 runners it’s the biggest marathon in the world and we hope to fly the Durban flag high!”

After 16 years of “tweaking, changing and adjusting”, Tracy says all their products are proudly made in Durban with imported fabric Funky Pants around the world.”

Currently you can find this proudly-Durban brand in countries from Australasia and Europe to Asia and the Americas.

“Not only are we selling our existing range of activewear products, but there has been a big demand for personalised kit, whether it be for race teams, clubs or schools,” says Tracy.

A P R I L

2 0 1 9

*

37

community*

UNIQUENESS IN EVERY PIECE Dave Jackson’s hobby is not just about creating beautiful unique pieces for the home, more importantly it’s about sending less discarded wood to landfill sites, writes Lee Currie

L

a Lucia couple Trish and Dave Jackson’s garage is filled with a riot of logs, wood cuttings, sawdust and machinery, strongly suggestive of work-in-progress.

Indoors by contrast, there’s a serene oasis of colour and style, graced with some stunning pieces of natural wood, turned expertly by Dave.

Three years ago Dave, a company director, purchased a wood turning lathe as he wanted to see what he could make from some timber stashed in his garage. “The bug soon bit and several experiments later I am still enjoying every minute.”

As he honed his skills, Dave progressed to making his own hand tools and formers to curve the wood. Knot So Perfect Creations now has an enthusiastic following on Facebook where his pieces have proved popular, yet he takes little credit for his expertise. “The main artist is the wood. I only turn what the wood allows me to do.”

His creations range from mortar and pestles to free-form bowls to stylish platters with Trish passing ideas and approval on the pieces. However, she says if she falls in love with a piece, it stays at home.

RIGHT: Inspired by Trish, Dave Jackson creates many wooden pieces his wife won’t part with. Picture: Dawn Rouse Little wood creatures – bunny rabbits, mice, snowmen, piglets – with their warm, natural tones have also proved popular as decor for nurseries.

Dave explained the process that goes into every creation. “The shapes are cut on the lathe then fashioned with high speed gauging machinery and metal files. Turning the piece while the wood is still wet makes it easier and faster, though wet timber can take about five to six weeks to dry. Dry timber takes longer to turn,

38

but the finished product is ready a lot sooner,” explains Dave. “Actual working time is about five hours per piece, with the wood being kept as natural as possible, and mostly just burnished with wood shavings or waxed or oiled lightly.”

Dave takes pride in the fact that every piece is unique, “I don’t use patterns so no two pieces are the same.”

The wood is obtained from the side of the road, rubbish

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

LEFT AND BELOW: Some of the many creations Dave Jackson has crafted in his garage from discarded wood.

dumps, tree felling companies, friends and associates.

“Jacaranda is the smoothest, softest wood to work with, Norfolk pine is wonderful, and fever tree wood is like granite!”

He has also refashioned staircase slats, sundeck timber, shelving, braai wood, driftwood and a casino table.

Both Dave and Trish work during the day (Trish is a property consultant) so what they once began as a “hobby” now takes up much of their spare time. It’s clear though that they both love what they are doing.

A P R I L

“One of the most satisfying aspects of collecting and using discarded or trimmed wood is that something beautiful in form and function can be created, and at the same time we’re keeping the discarded wood out of our landfill sites,” says Trish.

“Should readers be felling or trimming trees please let us know.

We will collect what we think we can use and give them a unique memento in return.” n 082 322 6750 W www.facebook.com/roundwoodproducts H Visit them at the

*

Wonder Market, Chris Saunders Park, on the last Sunday of the month

2 0 1 9

39

fashion*

FLORAL FANTASTIC

Gerry Young and Chris Powell celebrate all things floral with their fresh and trendy Rosehip range story katrine anker-nilssen pictures milo photography

G

erry and Chris met 17 years ago at a party.

“Chris persuaded his date to get my number,” laughs Gerry. “All of a sudden I had an instant family with three teenagers; Sarah (now 35), Emma (now 32) and Matthew (now 29).”

Gerry was running the Wetherlys marketing department when she met Chris. But soon after their son Nicholas (now 12) was born, she decided to go on her own. “I started supplying Wetherlys with certain products,” says Gerry. As Rosehip grew, Gerry and Chris bought a screen printer and started printing in their garage – something they still do for certain customers. “About five years ago we decided to start digital printing and manufacturing. It began with a stand at the SARCDA Trade Exhibitions, when we had four umbrellas and a range of screenprinted table linen. Our wholesale customer base went from three to 97. We didn’t know what had hit us,” smiles Gerry.

Discovering digital printing certainly took the business to new heights.

RIGHT: Chris and Gerry - the creative team behind Rosehip’s success take time out to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

“This move gave Gerry the licence to do her beautiful floral work,” says Chris. “I have always been a very passionate gardener. The botanical designs were just an opportunity to take what I love to the next step and print on fabric,” adds Gerry. With Chris’s extensive experience in marketing and export, things fell into place. “Gerry does the design work and I do everything else,” he laughs.

Starting out at markets they sold bags, followed by umbrellas and raincoats. “I started manufacturing with a chap from Richards Bay, and one day we got a call from this retailer who had been let down by his supplier in India and needed 1 200 cushions in 10 days. Some were embroidered, others were printed. I still have no idea how we managed, but we got the order to them on time, and my manufacturer was able to buy himself a car,” says Gerry.

»

40

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

 Waterproof Poncho in a bag, Chelsea Blue, R690.  Tropical Umbrella, R690, and Cambridge Parka, R890.  English Garden Umbrella, R690, and Cambridge Parka, Summer, R890.  Cambridge Parka, Peony Ebony, R890.

A P R I L

2 0 1 9

41

fashion*

Clutch Bag, Tropical Leaf, printed on vegan leather, R390.  Umbrella, Peony Blush, R690. Hepburn Shopper, Peony Ebony, printed on vegan leather, R790.  Apron, Pansies, R450.  Apron, Tropycal Leaf, R450.

“Getting accepted into the KAMERS/Makers shows was terribly exciting as all the products are locally manufactured and they have thousands of applications for each show. Having such a fabulous response to our product gave us the confidence to keep going,” says Gerry.

There’s an agent in the US who has been amazing at getting their products into shops over there. “We pride ourselves in being 100% local and creating employment as we expand,” says Chris. “Rosehip is the two of us and a whole team of talented seamstresses,” adds Gerry. “We strongly believe that

42

the answers to South Africa’s problems lie in job creation, and although we are hoping to increase our sales offshore, we will always manufacture here.”

Two years ago Rosehip did a wholesale show in the UK – the Spring Fair in Birmingham. “We had fantastic response to our products and their quality,” says Gerry. This year Rosehip has been invited to take stands at another two UK retail shows, the RHS Chatsworth House Flower Show and the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival – sister events to the world famous Chelsea Flower Show. “We are particularly excited about this, as

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

everyone walking through the gates are interested in flora and fauna. Gardening is practically a national sport in the UK,” says Gerry. “Being in that environment is both exciting and terrifying,” she laughs, “but it’s an honour to be selected when up against such world-class competition.”

Rosehip is all about botanical prints. “We only use our own designs, which we print on to various different fabrics. We print and manufacture raincoats and umbrellas, bags and purses, aprons and tea towels, hats and towels. We have recently added a range of pyjamas and dressing gowns too,” says Gerry.

A P R I L

“For me it is all about the new – new products, new designs – and seeing the concepts turn into things that people use and love is very gratifying.”

“Look after your suppliers, and they will look after you. Build relationships with them, as without your suppliers you don’t have a business. And remember that every customer is valuable, no matter how small,” says Gerry.

H Rosehip is available at Baggy House in uMdloti, Willow in Windermere, Unison

*

in Mount Edgecombe, Two Acres in Assagay and from Gerry and Chris’s Kloof home – by appointment on n 083 250 4486

2 0 1 9

43

decor*

44

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

TAKE YOUR

WORK HOME With the trend for more flexible working and home-based businesses, a home office has become a necessity for many people. Striking a balance between function and aesthetics is key when incorporating a working space into your house story candice botha

FEELS LIKE HOME “The beauty of a home office is that you can add items of comfort and inspiration,” says interior stylist Genevieve Motley of Motley. “Personal touches are definitely making more appearances.” Interior designer Kirsty Lindley of Lindley and Co agrees, noting, “A home office needs to be a space that keeps you inspired at the same time as being a calming place where you can collect your thoughts and keep focused. It should reflect

LEFT & ABOVE: This space, designed by Genevieve Motley, took its cues from the balance of function and beauty. “It needed to inspire me but be practical day to day. The desk from Trestle SA ticks all these boxes.

The various forms of storage from baskets, bags, shelves and drawers ensure that the space doesn’t become too cluttered, and the more indoor plants the happier the space.” Picture: Genevieve Motley of Motley your sense of style and complement the rest of your home decor.”

The key to getting this right is to consider the decor of the rest of your home and follow it through into your home office space. Personal touches such as framed pictures and artworks, collections of books

A P R I L

2 0 1 9

on shelves, a statement rug or some striking wallpaper blur the boundaries between home and work.

A PLACE OF ONE'S OWN “The home office doesn’t necessarily have to be an entire room of the house,” notes interior designer

»

45

decor*

Kirsten Wuth of The Design Group. “It can be limited to a work nook or small area of the home dedicated to a work space. The key is to demarcate the space and try to have a bit of privacy if there are children or others at home during your work hours.

Most home office users are using laptops and perhaps a small printer and don’t meet visitors or clients at their home, preferring to meet at a restaurant or co-working space, so the work space does not need to be large, just beautiful and functional. A wall mounted work station is also a great way to have a small, neat and functional work space that takes up very little space in the home.”

STORAGE SPACE To keep the look neat and uncluttered, storage is essential. “There are so many wonderful storage solutions out there:

46

beautiful baskets, shelves, hooks,” says Kirsten. “You don’t need to use typical office furniture and accessories or use up valuable cupboard space.”

BEHIND THE DESK An essential item in any office is a desk.

“Your desk needs to have sufficient space for your needs,” says Kirsten. Consider if you simply need it to house a laptop or whether you need a working area for large sheets of paper or files as well. A comfortable chair that is ergonomically designed is another must-have.

BELOW: “For this home office I went for a minimalist clean look and put emphasis on textures,” says Kirsty Lindley. “The raw wood of the desk pairs beautifully with the rich leather of the office chair and texture of the Nguni rug. The natural colour palette reflects a calm atmosphere to work in.” Picture: Kirsty Lindley of Lindley and Co

BANG ON TREND “A pin board or word grid to pin up bits of inspiration, reminders and notes is a trendy and practical idea,” says Genevieve. Kirsty says that black is back.

“When paired with brass, black creates a sexy masculine look for any home office.”

Kirsten suggests using a rug or an accent wall to demarcate your work space. A trendy light fitting or lamp is an easy way to add a stylish touch to your home office.

“Light fittings add some interesting angles as well as softer lighting when working in the evenings,” says Kirsty. “Good natural light is first prize during the day,” notes Kirsten. “Position your desk near a window.”

E Lindley and Co: lindleyandco.co.za E Motley: motley.co.za E The Design Group: thedesigngroupsa.com

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

*

*advertorial

T

he political environment in SA is quite volatile with a lack of policy certainty and a lot of populist remarks being made by politicians prior to the 2019 national election.

Realistically, we should expect this to intensify in the struggle for votes and political power.

Will President Cyril Ramaphosa be able to steady the ship? The truth is that we simply don’t

know and no one can predict the future with certainty.

History shows that the markets do have cycles and that various negative events –including political – usually do surprise us.

The graph below lists various events over a 45-year period that have caused market turbulence and investor anxiety.

It is natural for us to become anxious as uncertainty increases.

We naturally respond to fear by wanting to “do something”.

RIDING THE WAVE Will the upcoming elections derail my retirement plans? Linda Stonier, Stone Wealth Management’s CEO and Head of Advice, sets the record straight

Reacting to fears about your investments by changing your strategy has shown to be the single biggest destroyer of value over time. Unfortunately, when it pertains to investments, activity alone does not necessarily result in achievement.

Experience has shown that investor behaviour ultimately has the biggest impact on their final financial outcomes.

Investors who have a considered long-term plan and the discipline to stay committed to the plan, have the highest probability of reaching their objectives. This is a very simple truth – but is not always so easy

to adhere to. Your plan needs to be an articulation of your personal needs and values.

The solution that has been selected for our clients’ plan has been purpose built and is managed to provide the expected return over a period of time. The portfolio will include risky assets (eg, equities) that reward you for taking the risk, but only over a meaningful period of time. In the shortrun (as with moment-in-time estimates) most portfolios will experience price volatility as markets go through a cycle – which is both normal and anticipated. Investors who understand these simple truths and stay committed to their plan should not get distracted by the daily noise that fights for our attention. So, what about the likes of controversial politicians that make front page headlines? The good news is, they too shall come to pass. The more inconvenient truth is that the power to derail one’s longterm retirement plans are more squarely under our own control.

W www.facebook.com /

stonewealthmanagement  www.stonewealthmanagement.co.za

A P R I L

2 0 1 9

47

on trend*

PLANT POWER The trend is plant-based foods … the time is now

A

ccording to John Parker from The Economist, 2019 is “The Year of the Vegan”. The plant-based wholefood (PBWF) revolution has skyrocketed in popularity over the last couple of years due to the increasing number of vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians.

The mindful consumer seeks more than fads, they are wanting genuine ways to eat better for health, longevity, sustainability, animal welfare and the planet.

According to Nestle, the plant-based food market is expected to reach $5,2-billion worldwide by 2020.

The PBWF trend also emphasises organic, fresh, whole ingredients with minimal processed foods – hence the buzzword … eating clean!

When choosing a plant-based diet, pay particular attention to your protein intake. The protein in meat, fish and chicken is complete protein, meaning it contains the nine essential amino acids required by our bodies. Plants however, contain less amino acids than meat, fish or chicken, and the amino acid profile is different, containing less of the essential amino acids. Therefore, it is important to eat a variety of plant-based proteins in order to ensure you are getting a mix of amino acids.

Plant-based proteins include various beans, pulses, nuts, seeds, tofu, edamame beans, hemp, nut milks, mushrooms, temphe (unprocessed/NGM), legumes, nuts and some leafy vegetables. It is worth considering a good plantbased (pea/rice/hemp) protein powder to supplement your diet.

PLANT-BASED PICKS FOR 2019 Mushrooms: From the humble white button to the superpowered adaptogenic variety, muhrooms are the “it” food for 2019. They have a natural savoury flavour, which makes them the perfect choice for people who recently converted to veganism and are seeking plant

48

based alternatives to their old favourite foods. Mushrooms are versatile – being used in stir-fries and to even substitute burgers – and new this year are mushrooms being used to create tasty snacks like mushroom biltong. Woolworths, R29,99.  Cauliflower: The incredibly versatile cauliflower is a satiating low-calorie, low-carb, high fibre way to bulk up any meal or snack, and can transform into endless varieties of comfort foods. In 2019, expect to see cauliflower trending in fried rice, pizza crust, cauliflower steaks, whole roasted cauliflower heads and even sweet cauliflower smoothies. This culinary chameleon will make eating your vegetables fun this year, and will be a hot favourite when eating out.

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

Love yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle

cooks and tastes like a fresh beef burger, has all the juicy, meat deliciousness of a traditional burger, but comes with the benefits of a plant-based meal. The Beyond Burger® packs 20g of plant-based protein and has no GMOs, soy or gluten. Available from Oh My Soul Café, R130 a pack of two patties E veganprotein.co.za Fish-style Fillets: New from the Fry Family Food Co are Fishstyle Fillets which are a sustainable and healthier way to enjoy a nutritious and convenient product that tastes like fish, has the same texture and can be cooked in the same way. Coated in a golden crispy batter, they are a source of protein, contain fibre and are cholesterol free and non-GMO. The fillets also contain added flaxseed oil, a source of omega-3. Available in the frozen section of all major retailers, R39,99. www.fryfamilyfood.com/za PLANT-BASED RESTAURANTS TO TRY OH MY SOUL, H 68 Adelaide Tambo Drive, Durban North.

VALEO WHOLE FOODS, H Health on Broadway, 10A

Swapo Rd, Durban North.

INCREASE YOUR KNOWLEDGE Books: SIMPLE GREEN MEALS, Jen Hansard, Exclusive Books, R388. THE 28-DAY VEGAN PLAN, Kim-Julie Hansen, Exclusive Books, R368. VEGAN EASY, Denise Smart, Exclusive Books, R267.

Podcasts: SPOTIFY: Deliciously Ella. How to get a balanced Vegan Diet. SPOTIFY: The Rich Roll Podcast. James Aspey. Eat Plants not Animals.

Netflex Documetaries: What the Health; Forks over Knives; and The Cowspiracy Cookbook.

 Oat milk: In addition to the popular almond and rice milks, oat milk is the milk substitute of 2019. It has a natural sweetness without adding any refined sugar, and is super thick and creamy. Oat Drink is a popular dairy alternative amongst baristas, as its taste and texture blends seamlessly into Americanos and lattes. It froths just as well as dairy milk, making it the perfect choice for cappuccinos, macchiatos and flat whites. Rude Health Oat Drink, available from Sprigs in Kloof, R59,95  www.wellnesswarehouse.com NEW PLANT-BASED PRODUCTS  Beyond Burger: Africa’s plant-based protein product leader, Infinite Foods, has recently launched a plant-based Beyond Burger in South Africa. The world’s first plant-based burger that looks,

A P R I L

2 0 1 9

49

business*

MEETING THE NEEDS OF A COMMUNITY The cynics will call it another big shop and one we probably don’t need, but commercial developments like Makro’s new store at Cornubia can have interesting, often unreported side shows, writes Greg Ardé

investments into Cornubia. Two years ago sceptics were shut up when Investec pumped R1,8-billion into its 66 000m² shopping centre and blue-chip tenants like Woolworths, Dis-Chem, Checkers and Pick n Pay rushed in, creating hundreds of jobs.

The popularity of the retailer has been matched in Cornubia’s business park which is home to huge firms like Hirt and Carter and others showing a keen appetite to relocate there. Government is taking Cornubia seriously. It is 7km from the King Shaka International Airport and 17km from the CBD. The new freeway interchanges and bridges across the N2 from uMhlanga into Cornubia have made access a breeze.

The partnership with Tongaat Hulett Developments (THD) will eventually unlock

I

t seems a bit passé these days to crow about your whopping big retail development with a party and a thunderous statement about the impact your multi-multi-million rand investment means to the local economy.

The new Makro store in Cornubia opened in March, although the press release is coy about how much was pumped into that money pit. Massmart delicately says it will be 19 000m² on a 6,3ha site.

The company statement has the typical verbiage about “excited shoppers in search of savings” and great deals in departments as diverse as multi-media centre and office supplies.

With a monster store already in Springfield Park, Massmart must have faith in the economy. But apparently, the folks from Phoenix, Sunningdale and Mount Edgecombe need closer convenience of online drive-through, a frozen section, money centre, and a Mugg & Bean.

It promises to be a wow, including the fact that 100% of the store’s lighting is LED, in addition to the 250 skylights that will illuminate Makro’s fully packed shelves during the day. The parking lot – like in Springfield Park – will be shaded by solar panels.

This is beyond warm and fuzzy. There’s no gainsaying the economic benefits of

50

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

ABOVE: Children from one of the four primary schools in Cornubia receiving some of the 3 000 lap-desks inscribed with useful information relating to literacy and numeracy. Picture: Dawn Rouse LEFT & TOP: The brand new Makro at Cornubia getting ready for the opening which happened at the end of March. an integrated, mixed-use development of business and residential nodes that will be worth R25-billion to the national economy and create 45 000 jobs in 20 years, THD says.

Among those employed will be the folks working at Makro, and according to Massmart, 54% of staff are local.

And now for the lesser-known story, the interesting sidebar. Makro is pumping an undisclosed amount of money into early childhood development centres, creches and four primary schools in the area.

Makro’s Farzana Sonvadi says a tour of the area ahead of Makro’s involvement was heart-wrenching. Children at many schools were squashed five to a desk, which prompted her to source 3 000 lap-desks

A P R I L

2 0 1 9

inscribed with useful information relating to literacy and numeracy.

Regarding Makro’s community investment, she said: “We don’t want to just give money away. It doesn’t solve everything.

We’ve spent time listening to the residents of the area, having tea with them and some of their stories are very sad.”

Farzana says Makro spends 80% of its corporate social investment budget on early childhood development (ECD) and has partnered with Hopewell Wide, a national charity that runs 138 ECD centres around South Africa catering for 10 000 children a day.

She said that in addition to running established ECD centres, they incubated others, helped certify their kitchens, made »

51

business*

their play areas safe, and guided them towards qualifying for funding.

The charity trains teachers and buys toys and books and other learning material to stimulate the minds of children in the crucial first 1 000 days of life.

Makro was also in the process of setting up a mobile library at Solomon Mahlangu Primary in Cornubia, run by Kevin Sevlall, a principal she said was worthy of a medal.

“There isn’t a library to be found for kilometres, so we are helping the principal by setting one up. It will hopefully help him in his mission to create a passion for learning.

Kevin told The Ridge he has been a teacher for 36 years, of which 26 had been as a principal, always in disadvantaged schools.

“This is a very poor community that relies on the surrounding businesses for jobs. The people here are struggling to survive. Ours is a no-fee school for 1 015 pupils in a temporary structure that was set up in the

52

low-cost housing area in 2015. We have been promised a permanent structure in three years. At the moment we operate in 20 mobile classrooms.

“Makro is going to give us a mobile library with staff from April, and this donation is a blessing. The library will also

Makro is pumping an undisclosed amount of money into early childhood development centres, creches and four primary schools in the area be open to the community after hours.

When you get different people involved you create an interest in reading. Reading allows you to question and develop your critical facilities. It makes you productive

and helps you in all walks of life.”

“The opening of Makro adds further impetus to the vision of establishing Cornubia as an all-inclusive multiuse economic and social development partnership, substantially reinforcing the existing business hub and industrial and business estate precincts,” says Michael Deighton, managing director of THD, who had nothing but praise for the Makro development.

“Economic participation and social cohesion requires both the short commuting distances facilitated by inclusive spatial planning and further deliberate interventions to link communities and business.

“Both Makro and Fortress, as the developers, have shown noteworthy commitment to the vision for Cornubia, including local employment, as well as local enterprise and social development,” Deighton said.

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

*

CORNUBIA NOW OPEN NOW CLOSER TO YOU. Expect BIG deals, drive-thru shopping, free Wi-Fi, a dedicated tech desk, money centre, mobile express tills plus a Vodacom store and a Mugg and Bean restaurant in-store.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: 0860 300 999 | ONLINE SUPPORT: 0860 600 999 | mCARD SUPPORT: 0860 309 999 Download the Makro mCard app or apply online to receive your own Makro card. Sms “makro card� to 31144 | For store details visit www.makro.co.za

makro.co.za

BIG on life

00/2018 Makro DTP MKNTGM3619_Promotion valid from Day 00 Montht o Day 00 Month 2018

*To earn mRewards download and register on the mCard app. Subject to a stated limitation, Makro will have sufficient stock to meet anticipated demand. If we run out of stock, we will attempt to obtain the stock or offer you a reasonable alternative. If a mistake occurs in an advertisement or incomplete information is printed, we will display a notice in-store with all the correct details. For bulk packs, any advertised price per unit will only apply if you buy the bulk pack. Prices exclude accessories used for display purposes and include 15% VAT. If we offer the product individually as well, another price will apply to the individual product, as per the advertisement. Makro Credit and Finance disclaimer: **Monthly instalment excludes card fees and customer protection insurance and includes interest at 20.75% p.a. ***Total Repayment includes card fees, customer protection insurance and interest at 20.75% p.a. All prices are indicative and actual repayments may vary based on account activity. Fees subject to change based on customer risk profile. Repayment options: Revolving, 24 month budget and 36 month budget. NCRCP 38/FSP 44481.

19_The_Ridge_ROP.indd 1

2019/03/18 15:03

entrepreneurship*

MENTORING GOOD BUSINESS

I

Being an entrepreneur can be lonely, but businesswoman Shilpa Mehta joined Entrepreneurs’ Organization and has never looked back

t took Durban’s Shilpa Mehta a trip to London to realise she could join a prestigious, global organisation to super-charge her business back home. Shilpa,

54

co-owner of electronics company Production Logix, became a member of the non-profit group Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) two years ago. EO is a network for 131 000 entrepreneurs in

181 cities and 57 countries that helps members grow through peer-to-peer learning and connections to experts.

Shilpa is a chartered accountant and part of one

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

of KZN’s most successful entrepreneurial families. Printing giant Uniprint was created by her great-grandfather who began his career working for Mahatma Gandhi’s newspaper, Indian

someone in London who suggested she join EO. “I rolled my eyes and said we do not have this back home,” she recalls, but was delighted to meet two local EO board members a few months after returning to Durban in 2016.

She joined EO in February 2017 and says that peer-topeer sharing in a confidential and respectful environment has enabled her to explore the complex intersections between her business, personal and family life.

EO has also taken Shilpa’s training and work experience to a new level. Being an entrepreneur can be challenging

majority shareholders of their business. Forums meet monthly.

Members share key issues and, without criticism, their fellow entrepreneurs can respond by sharing their own experiences in similar situations. Each forum member leaves the meeting with new goals for the next 30 to 60 days.

“This approach helps you to formulate plans and strategies and see the bigger picture.

A month later, if you are still talking about the same thing, they’ll call you out and hold you accountable. They are smart, intelligent individuals, and have the ability to see through you when you are bluffing yourself

You realise you can turn a negative situation into a positive one and cope with tough challenges

ABOVE: Shilpa Mehta and her brother Ushir, co-owners of electronics company Production Logix.

Opinion. It remained in the family for 90 years and was ultimately sold to Times Media.

After completing her articles at auditing firm KPMG and cutting her teeth in the mergers and acquisitions business at Investec, Shilpa joined Uniprint and worked there until she and her brother Ushir, an industrial engineer, invested in their own business.

Production Logix – with 110 staff and five assembly lines – assembles the printed

circuit (PC) boards which drive almost every electronic device used today. Each can have up to 350 different components with some being as small as a grain of sand. It provides turnkey solutions for a diverse client base that includes manufacturers of military equipment and electricity and water meters. A recent contract awarded via VW South Africa has opened the way for the firm to enter the auto sector.

Shilpa did not realise there was a local Durban chapter of EO until 10 months after she had invested in her own business when she met

A P R I L

and lonely, and the support of others – especially during tough economic times – can be invaluable.

Shilpa says her eight-member EO forum that meets monthly has proved an invaluable sounding board. “Surrounding myself with amazing entrepreneurs has helped me invaluably. EO stops you from settling into a comfort zone and propels you to move forward.

Being exposed to such dynamic people counteracts any negative mindset you might have. You realise you can turn a negative situation into a positive one and cope with tough challenges.”

Membership, through an application process, is open to entrepreneurs whose businesses have a turnover of more than US$1-million and are founders, co-founders or

2 0 1 9

and everyone else around you.”

Shilpa says this approach has seen many of her fellow entrepreneurs maintain booming businesses despite financial turbulence. Having identified key challenges well ahead of time and implemented strategies that have allowed them to differentiate their businesses and diversify income streams, they have remained market leaders.

Shilpa says her business priorities are: competitive pricing, quick turnaround times, and a quality product. And since the Mehtas have taken over at Production Logix, they have improved efficiencies by 20%, as well as invested in state-ofthe-art technology and training in a bid to grow their client base beyond KZN into Africa.

E sandi@eodurban.com

*

55

YOU NEED TO TELL YOUR STORY OUR STORY IS THIS: Famous Publishing started 15 years ago.

In that time we have told thousands of amazing stories in our three much loved glossy magazines: The Ridge, The Crest and KZN INVEST.

WE ARE PUBLISHERS WE ARE STORY TELLERS WE ARE DESIGNERS WE ARE THINKERS Over time we have expanded, and today we create a range of tailor-made publications, books, annual reports, newsletters – all unique and all exclusive to your business.

Let us help you tell your story to your audience.

CONTACT: DOODY ADAMS ON 083 325 7341 EMAIL: DOODY.ADAMS@MEDIA24.COM

VISIT MYSUBS AND VIEW OUR CURRENT MAGAZINES ONLINE ON WWW.MYSUBS .CO.ZA

DIRECTORY 2016

at

with Issue 6 winter 2015

Beefing it up!

at

With k Bismarc

with

CONNECT

COLLABORATE

COMMUNICATE

Decor trends: Colour blocking

Stylish fridges & wine coolers

Luxurious bedding

Healthy matters: food and products

Tested by:

ENERGY & TECHNOLOGIES

IEC 60598

KZN WOMEN IN BUSINESS

NOVEMBER 2014 issue 56

DIRECTORY

JeRRY's DReAM

CHURCH YARD & UMPLEB Y CONSTR UCTION congrat SAICE Durbanulates Branch 70 years of on Technic al Excelle nce

Inanda cultural revolution

BUSINESS POWER IN YOUR HANDS

Summer 2016 / 2017 Distributed to the communities of Everton, Gillitts, Hillcrest, Kloof, St Helier, West Riding & Winston Park I N C L U D I N G

1946-201

B U Y E R S '

G U I D E

&

A - Z

B U S I N E S S

L I S T I N G

7

H 94 ARMSTRONG AVENUE, LA LUCIA

 031 714 4700

 WWW.FAMOUSPUBLISHING.CO.ZA

www.zimbali.co.za

*advertorial

GETTING B-BBEE TO WORK FOR YOU EduPower Skills Academy unlocks potential in each learner and maximises B-BBEE compliance results

I

EduPower is committed to putting its clients’ B-BBEE investments to work and delivers on the real intent of B-BBEE by creating relevant opportunities for the unemployed, low skilled and vulnerable people of South Africa. If you would like to be part of the change that EduPower is delivering, please visit www.edupowersa.co.za or give the EduPower team a call on 031 538 1888.

s your business dependent on being B-BBEE compliant? Are you struggling to compete? Are you achieving the 20 points on your scorecard that are available for skills development?

According to Rajan Naidoo, it’s a reality that while many business owners will answer yes to the first two questions, they do not realise the full allocation of skills development points. “For various reasons, many companies struggle to meet the B-BBEE requirements for unemployed and disabled learnerships, and thus miss out on these valuable points on their scorecards.”

Rajan heads up the Durban-based training academy EduPower. Due to its focus on providing quality learnerships for people with disabilities, this company has been helping South African businesses improve their B-BBEE ratings through skills development.

“EduPower has more than 20 years’ experience in providing training for South Africa’s youth whilst also maximising results for B-BBEE compliance,” Rajan explains. “More importantly though, the investment our clients make helps us transform the lives of unemployed South Africans – as it allows us to provide practical skills and a solid foundation off which

A P R I L

our learners can build sustainable careers.”

In pursuit of maximising the potential of its learners, EduPower has pioneered many firsts in the skills development industry. It is one of the only training facilities to offer fully hosted training – where learners attend the academy from Monday to Friday and “work” regular hours. In addition, EduPower’s learners don’t work on simulations, they work directly with customers.

“We have a 180-seat experiential contact centre and we source live campaigns from the market so that our learners have the opportunity to gain essential, practical experience that is relevant to the job market,” says Rajan.

And in another first for the industry, EduPower has recently introduced NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) for each of its learners. Working with a leading NLP practitioner, this course is aimed at unlocking the unique potential of each learner.

Rajan comments: “Our aim is to transform our learners so that they are employable. We do this by developing their full potential – through experiential skills, through ongoing learning and now through NLP. This helps our learners reclaim their hope and dignity, and the change this brings to their lives – especially those people with disabilities – is profound.”

2 0 1 9

57

weekend escapes*

BERG BLISS A peaceful hike and a thrilling canopy tour is the perfect combination when spending a couple of days in the Champagne Valley, writes Katrine Anker-Nilssen

O

n a recent mission to the Drakensberg Mountains I decided I needed a mix of relaxing and exhilarating, which is why Champagne Valley came to mind. It has so much to offer – apart from hiking and ziplining, there’s also a bird of prey centre, a reptile centre, the boys choir, golf courses, fishing, horse riding, river rafting, abseiling, hot air ballooning, spas and much more.

If you’re like me and want to make the most of every road trip by stopping as often as possible, pay Sycamore Avenue Treehouses outside Mooi River a visit. I have been intrigued by these treehouses since they were featured on SABC3’s Top

ABOVE: The spectacular Nandi Falls – a must on a hiking enthusiast’s list.

TOP RIGHT: The quirky Sycamore Avenue Treehouses.

RIGHT: Inkunzi Cave is built to blend into its surroundings.

58

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

Steve himself – Inkunzi Cave, Zulu Hut and Diddly Squat. Apart from appreciating the cosy, cave-like interior and inviting rock pools, the spectacular view of the mountains when waking up made me want to put my hiking boots on immediately and hit the trails.

Hiking lifts your mood, keeps you present, invites a sense of adventure and really puts nature into perspective. This area of our beloved Berg is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, from Monks Cowl there are lots of trail options with paths that link up – and there’s something to suit all fitness levels. I headed for Nandi Falls; the sheer power and coolness of the masses of falling water was mesmerising to say the least, and broke up a five-hour, sweltering summer hike nicely.

For thrill seekers, it doesn’t get much better than ziplining through the canopy of a lush, indigenous forest. Drakensberg Canopy Tours offer 12 slides, with the longest at 180m and highest at 65m above ground, and anyone from the age of seven can join. Guides Smangele Nkomo and Bongiwe Zondo had heaps of fun taking a group of us from treetop to treetop, and made sure we didn’t forget to enjoy the view by being too focused on braking and reaching the next platform. “I love my job and start every day with a smile on my face,” says Bongiwe.

Smangele enjoys sharing her love for nature with people from all over the world, and says that the 20-minute steep hike at the end of the tour, to reach pick-up point, is her “daily gym session”.

Don’t rush off when you head home, popping in at Valley Bakery is well worth it. This family-run business produces its own flour and has the most amazing baked goods on offer.

If you don’t have time to sit down in the lovely coffee shop or browse the art gallery, be sure to stock up on rye bread, gingerbread men (and women!) cookies, pastries and rusks.

For those who prefer a bit of pampering, there are plenty of

Billing, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to take a closer look. Almost like stepping into a fantasy fairyland, the six superbly quirky treehouses all have something unique to offer. My personal favourite: the Pegasus. Home-made dinner and breakfast, great hospitality and the proximity to the Midlands Meander is a bonus for those wanting to stay longer.

Moving on to the beautiful Champagne Valley, I opted for self-catering accommodation this time – on a hiking holiday it’s nice to do everything in your own time. Estelle and Steve Bull have three unique units perfectly built into their surroundings by

A P R I L

ABOVE LEFT: Fun and games at Drakensberg Canopy Tours.

INSET: DCT guides Bongiwe Zondo (left) and Smangele Nkomo. other accommodation options in the Champagne Valley – perfect for a weekend escape. We tend to take the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains for granted, forgetting entirely that they are right here on our doorstep – always ready and waiting to give us blissful time-out from the business of everyday life.

Sycamore Avenue Treehouses  033 263 5009  www.treehouse-acc.co.za Inkunzi Cave & Zulu Hut  036 468 1244  www.inkunzicave.co.za Drakensberg Canopy Tours  036 468 1981  www.canopytour.co.za/locations/drakensberg/ Valley Bakery  036 468 1257 W @ValleyBakery1

*

2 0 1 9

59

motoring*

BOX CLEVER If it’s practical rather than sophistication you want, then take a look at the Suzuki Jimny, writes Gavin Foster

A

ffordable small cars don’t often become motoring icons nowadays. The Model T Ford, the original VW Beetle and the first Mini – it really was a mini – all qualified as icons because they were so different to everything else around.

Later cars bearing those names didn’t meet the criteria though, because they were usually just

heavily disguised clones of other models from the parent manufacturer. Despite numerous compromises – like tiny luggage compartments, cramped passenger compartments and, frequently, underpowered engines – the originals survived in the marketplace for decades, but later versions of the cars just didn’t cut the mustard. They’d lost their personalities.

The Suzuki Jimny, first launched in 1970, was a small, somewhat gutless unsophisticated offering that achieved near cult status in the early days, despite its tiny air-cooled 360cc twin-cylinder two-stroke engine and 70km/h top speed. The next two generations, sold in South Africa from the early 80s until 2018 grew in size and performance, but still offered pretty severe compromises when compared to their more sophisticated rivals, and the latest incarnation launched last year is more of the same. It’s also by far the best of the lot, and remains true to the original as an icon. Suzuki’s selling ’em as fast as they can get them in South Africa.

The secret to the Suzuki Jimny’s success lies in its soul. It’s a small, boxy SUV

60

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

PETROLHEAD SPECS designed to be extremely competent off-road as well as acceptably safe and comfortable on tarmac. Where other small SUVs use svelte monocoque body shells with transverselymounted engines, the Suzuki has a separate body mounted on a truck-like chassis, with a longitudinally-mounted engine, four-wheel-drive and a lowrange transfer case operated via a short, stubby second gear lever. There’s no mechanical diff-lock, but the brakes act on any wheel that starts spinning, and allow torque to be directed to the opposite wheel. The Suzuki has solid axles with coil springs front and rear, and its short front and rear overhangs allied with its short wheelbase and generous 210mm ground

ENGINE: Naturally aspirated 1,462cc four-cylinder petrol POWER AND TORQUE: 75 kW @ 6,000 rpm 130 N.m. @ 4,000 rpm TRANSMISSION: 5-speed manual/4-speed auto MAXIMUM SPEED: 145km/h (electronically governed) ACCELERATION 0-100 KM/H: 12,77 seconds FUEL CONSUMPTION (claimed): 6,8-litres/100km DRIVER AIDS: ABS, ESP and Hill Hold PRICE: R264 000R319 900 with 5 year/ 200 000km warranty and 4 year/60 000km service plan

A P R I L

clearance mean that it can go anywhere that a much more expensive hard-core SUV could take you in the bundu.

For most of us, though, acceptable on-road performance is equally important, and Suzuki has improved this enormously in the latest Jimny. Firstly, the new 1,5-litre naturally-aspirated engine is about 20% more powerful than the outgoing 1,3-litre motor, which makes the Jimny a fair bit quicker. One of the biggest shortcomings of previous models – including the outgoing iteration – was that they felt very twitchy at speed.

The new car is slightly shorter than the old, but that’s because the tail lights are recessed into the bodywork and the wheelbase is exactly the same

2 0 1 9

at 2250mm. The new Suzuki is 45mm wider than the old, though, and on-road stability feels significantly better. This means that a 120-130km/h cruising speed can now be maintained with confidence.

The Suzuki is still small, the boot is tiny, the ride is a tad choppy and the styling old-fashioned, but the Jimny is still a cultural gem because the factory has managed to refine the little 4X4 without forfeiting any of its charm. It’s now a lot more practical, and at R264 900 for the entry-level GA five-speed manual I’d have one tomorrow. A higher-specced GLX manual (R299 900) and GLX four-speed Auto (R319 900) complete the range.

*

61

property*

W

ith people experiencing everincreasing longevity and remaining active well into their senior years, there’s an ongoing shortage of suitable, retirement accommodation to cater for a growing demand from people across all sectors of the market.

As a result, and not surprisingly, there is also an emerging trend which is seeing retirees moving away from traditional retirement homes and instead opting for more flexible, active living within an

jogging tracks, swimming pool, tennis, golf, squash, gym and a clubhouse or recreation centre, as well as on-site medical facilities or easy access to hospitals and clinics, and other amenities.

According to Sandra Gordon, senior research analyst at Pam Golding Properties, “People are living considerably longer, so this is a new market, plus this age category is also leading a far more active and independent life, hence the change in demand for a type of lifestyle.”

From an investment point of view, retirees usually face the

an endorsement against the title deeds of the scheme and obtains an architect’s certificate declaring that the building is fit for its purpose.

According to Marina Constas of BBM Attorneys: “Buyers are liable for levies and have to pay for facilities used and the agreement between the developer and the occupant has to specify the estimated levies for two years in advance. It also has to go on record that the prospective occupant knows his rights and is aware of what he could recover when

LIFESTYLE LIVING FOR RETIREES Gareth Bailey considers the trends in retirement living existing residential community.

There is a growing market for retirement accommodation because people reaching retirement age no longer wish to move into an “old age home” but would rather move into a retirement home which is possibly within a larger estate where they can enjoy all the usual estate amenities as well as medical care.

Amenities may include security, even shops and schools, plus leisure facilities such as walking trails,

62

decision of buying a life right or sectional title unit. The life right involves paying a contribution – the purchase price – and receiving the right to live in the unit for the rest of your life or until you leave the village.

Life rights are governed by the Housing Development Schemes for Retired Persons Act 65 of 1988 in terms of which the developer needs to run the scheme as a Section 21 company and abide by certain provisions. One such provision is that the developer registers

GARETH BAILEY

Pam Golding Properties, North Durban area.

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

the contract ends.”

Importantly, a life right option should never be considered a property investment as there is no asset that grows in value.

According to Constas: “If you die or leave, the Section 21 company or trust running the scheme may retain a percentage of the original contribution or the new sale price, whichever is greater.

“For example, if this takes place within 12 months, the occupant or his estate may get 80 percent of the original payment. After 12 months, he may get 70 percent and, after 24 months, 50 percent. The reasonable cost of fixing up the interior of the unit may also be deducted from the payment to the occupant or his estate.”

By comparison, the sectional title option can offer similar care and lifestyle facilities with the added benefit that the property is an investment and growth in property value accrues to the owner. The scheme is

UMHLANGA 031 561 5300

differentiated as a retirement village in terms of the rules established for the complex.

It seems that KZN offerings are heavily skewed in favour of sectional title-based retirement options. Some of the newer offerings along our coastline include Mount Edgecombe Retirement Village (MERV) based in Kindlewood Estate which will ultimately offer 260 units as well as a limited number of freestanding homes. The facility will also include a 112-bed care centre with assisted living, frail care and a community centre.

Units will be pet friendly and range in size from 109m² to 212m² and are priced between R2,5-million and R4,5-million.

Shoreline, in the new Sibaya precinct, will offer a central community centre including a fully equipped gym, kitchen, internet cafe corner, quiet reading area, heated swimming pool, and a

social lounge and braai area.

The development’s care centre will provide residents with assistance with day-to-day living. A “care levy” will be included in the monthly levy, which will allow all residents to have access to the facility.

Studio units are priced from R1,5-million for 47m², one-bedroom units priced from R1,9-million for 65m², two-bedroom units from R2,9million for 90m², and threebedroom units priced from R4,4-million for 125m².

Lazuli, adjacent to Zimbali Coastal Resort, offers 90m² units starting at R1,6-million and 174m² villas starting at about R4-million.

Further North, Palm Lakes Retirement Village in Tinley Manor offers an onsite healthcare facility operated

by IPSS which includes qualified nurses, panic button ambulance response and monthly doctor visits. Twobedroom sectional title units are priced from R1,7-million and three-bedroom units from R1,95-million whilst twobedroom freehold homes are priced from R2,75-million and three-bedroom freehold homes from R2,95-million.

It is encouraging to see that the market is responding to this new demand for retirement properties that offer flexible, active living within existing residential communities rather than traditional “old age homes”. Furthermore, it appears that retirees in these new schemes may benefit from both the lifestyle aspect as well as significant growth in the underlying asset given the positive expectations for our coastal market in the foreseeable future.

*

JOINT MANDATE

La Lucia / R6.950 million

Ref# 1ND1397582

Beds 4 / Baths 4 / Garages 2 / Architecture comes alive when interiors feel at home. Designed to a superb specification, this outstanding property stands proud in prime La Lucia.

Susan Latter 082 442 2076 EXCLUSIVE MANDATE

Durban North / R14.5 million

Ref# 1ND1289192

Beds 6 / Baths 6 / Garages 2 / Absolutely beautiful residence, embracing the mature with modern. With floodlit tennis court and a 2-bed cottage.

One of the finest homes in Durban North.

Bryan Tuck 083 252 3536 / Stella Simes 084 556 5842 JOINT MANDATE

Umhlanga Rocks / R2.995 million

Ref# 1ND1418719

Beds 2 / Baths 1 / Parking 1 / If style is what you are looking for, this duplex has it all – glass splashback in the kitchen, American shutters throughout and top quality finishes.

Janie Parton 083 775 7992 EXCLUSIVE MANDATE

La Lucia / R10.995 million

Ref# 1ND1399778

Beds 6 / Baths 6 / Garages 4 / Verandahs 3 / Largest penthouse in La Palma Estate. Stunning 180 degree sea views make this unit simply amazing.

Phillip Reynolds 082 780 9813

last word*

S

o now that you’re about to become a pensioner, how do you intend spending your days? Do you want to go fishing? Buy tickets for a Mediterranean cruise ship? Splash out on a Harley and a tattoo? Learn how to successfully grow roses? Well, none of that is going to happen if ElliQ has her way! According to the manufacturers blurb the “proactive social robot for older adults was specially designed with and for older adults to give them everything they need to stay sharp, connected and engaged”.

Interacting with ElliQ and the world is easy and fun, and through Artificial Intelligence she becomes even more helpful by learning what you like and need. Then it starts becoming really disturbing. According to the manufacturer, the R20 000 armless and legless robot “allows family members to monitor your day-to-day activities, and can even suggest personalised activities at the right time”. Allows, hey?

Suggests, surely?

I don’t know about you, but this patronising garbage scares the bejabbers out of me.

Artificial Intelligence – or AI – is supposedly the Next Big Thing, and I heard some expert on the radio a few days ago explaining how it works. According to him, hundreds of occupations will fall away, with machines that can think and make decisions taking jobs away from humans.

Amongst those at risk are medical doctors, journalists, drivers, call-centre operators, receptionists, financial analysts, and – a peep of light at the end

64

WHEN ELLIQ MET RYAN Retirement – a time to kick back, relax and work your way through your bucket list. Not if ElliQ and Ryan have their way, says Gavin Foster illustration jeremy nell of the tunnel – movie stars.

This proponent of AI would have us believe there’s no need to worry because the present incumbents in these jobs could find themselves moved up a notch in their careers.

“In journalism the computer would actually write the article, for example, and the journalist would assume the role of editor.”

Bah, humbug! And I can just see a specially-trained medical robot sitting at my bedside

asking a few daft questions in one of those scary, tinny robotic YouTube voices before scrawling an illegible prescription for “two aspirins and a tablet to make him pee a lot”.

It seems that the designers of ElliQ have made one important addition to their wish list of roles that their robot that looks like a food-processor with a touch screen and camera can take over – wife! “ElliQ responds to you – to your voice, to your

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

gaze, even to your touch – in ways that go beyond speech.

Her body language intuitively helps you understand and communicate at a deeper level,” goes the blurb. “As you start to get to know ElliQ, she gets to know you and her suggestions grow better tailored to what you might want.”

It’s not clear who came up with the programming of ElliQ’s much vaunted body language, but I suspect it was some pimply 22-year-old male dude with thick spectacles and purple hair.

How any robotic contortions this genius can massage into the way my intended cyber-wife moves are going to help her and me to communicate at a deeper level shall remain a mystery forever – or at least till the warranty expires.

And then there’s Ryan, a companion robot developed at the University of Denver to help presumably older folk with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders. Ryan can apparently recognise individuals and engage in conversations, and one of the claims made is that he can read people’s emotions through their facial expressions and then mimic them back. I suspect that Ryan’s going to collect a solid wallop upside the head pretty regularly if he tries that too often.

Perhaps the best option for men and women in their dotage would be one of the Companion Pets offered by the toy company, Hasbro. Their furry, robotic cats and dogs apparently react with realistic animal movements when petted and spoken to.

I personally could do with a couple of those for my real, live grandkids to play with when they visit.

*

25

years

Our holistic approach to kitchens is why 25 years later, we are still the country’s leading custom kitchen manufacturer.

VISIT US info@kitchenstudio.com 0860 788 346

CAPE TOWN

MIDRAND

www.kitchenstudio.com

SANDTON

UMHLANGA

DURBAN

HILLCREST

GHANA

#DontCrackUnderPressure

MONACO CALIBRE 11 AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH

Steve McQueen’s legacy is timeless. More than an actor, more than a pilot, he became a legend. Like TAG Heuer, he defined himself beyond standards and never cracked under pressure.

TAG HEUER BOUTIQUE

Shop G219 Gateway Shopping Centre 031.566.4452