The Ridge 113 by famouspublishing

SEPT-OCT 2019 ISSUE 113

LIFE AFTER RUGBY

Pat Lambie's game plan

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 donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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:

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pring has arrived, bringing with it a new beginning. The flowers are blossoming, and birds are building nests in preparation for their young ones. A time to brush away old cobwebs and start afresh. A time to look forward to warmer days ahead filled with family, friends and fun. And don’t forget there will be plenty of World Cup Rugby to entertain us. One rugby name admired by our community is Pat Lambie, and even though his rugby days have come to a sad and unfortunate end, his life has started a new and exciting chapter. A brand-new father with a brand-new career ahead of him, Pat shares his plans with us on page 14. Another new beginning many of us commit to at this time of year, is making an effort to lose weight in time for the festive season – which, believe it or not, is less than 100 days away. If you need that extra nudge to get started, then read about KTY Gym and Fitness on page 22 and make that decision to get started. It’s different, it’s personal, and Kathryn will get you on track for reaching your goal. A favourite with much of the community already, The Daily Bagel is fast becoming the go-to place for artisanal breads and pastries, pies and all things deliciously mouthwatering. Best of all, if you’re counting calories, there are

more impressive each day. We have two more issues left for this year, so if you’re wanting to advertise in time for Christmas, contact Lynda today on 082 379 9912. There’s not much more to say than “Good luck to the Boks in Japan. We’re all rooting for you.” Until next time, happy reading.

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A NEW BEGINNING

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

plenty of healthy options to fill the gap. To whet your appetite, turn to page 26 and drool. There’s much more to read about in this issue – medical firsts at uMhlanga Hospital (page 34), the latest fashion looks for spring/summer that are fun and feminine (page 50), a look at the new Ford Ranger Raptor that’s all brawn and muscle (page 60), and an update on the uMhlanga Arch (page 8) which is looking more and

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Getting your very own copy of The Ridge has never been easier. If you or anyone you know – locally or overseas – would like to receive a free digital copy of The Ridge magazine, please email the details (first name, surname, email address and residing area) to theridge@ famouspublishing.co.za

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GROUP EDITOR Doody Adams EDITOR Lorna King DESIGNER Kyle Griffin SALES CONSULTANT Lynda Kapsimalis (082 379 9912) DISTRIBUTION Mphumzeni Thusi Enquiries: sumayia.khan@famouspublishing.co.za ACCOUNTS Sumayia Khan CONTRIBUTORS Val Adamson, Greg Ardé, Gareth Bailey, Candice Botha, Tony Carnie, Cathy Clark, Lee Currie, Glynis Horning, David Knowles, Candice Meiring-Basnett, Jeremy Nell, Debbie Reynolds, Dawn Rouse, Anne Schauffer Copyright: All material in this issue is subject to copyright and belongs to Famous Publishing unless otherwise indicated. No part of the material may be quoted, photocopied, reproduced or stored by an electronic system without prior written permission from Famous Publishing. Disclaimer: While every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this publication, neither the authors nor the publisher will bear any responsibility for the consequences of any actions based on information contained herein. Neither do they endorse any products/services advertised herein. Material which appears under ‘Advertorial’ is paid for.

* To the people of 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 54 COMMUNITY

SUMMER WITH STYLE

TRIALS & TRIUMPHS

THE WAY NATURE INTENDED

SOFT AS AN ANGEL

NOT JUST GOOD LOOKS

HAPPY 100

COMFORT ZONE

WE HAD A BLAST

MRS M'S KITCHEN SECRETS

BONGANI MTOLO

JUST JUNK

FAMILY FAVOURITE

SECTIONAL TITLE LIVING

Sarika and Ashley Ramlakan

Mount Edgecombe resident turns 100 Lulu Becker: a passion for women’s health The Taylor family’s beautiful adventure Quick and easy Creamy Prawns The truth behind the man

WE ALSO PUBLISH

What to do with discarded electronic junk

LIFESTYLE 14

The Araujo family’s inspirational journey

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.

LIFE AFTER RUGBY

A new chapter for Pat Lambie and his family

Published by Famous Publishing, 52 Mahogany Road, Mahogany Ridge, Westmead, Durban, 3610. 031 714 4700 www.famouspublishing.co.za Printed by Novus Print KwaZulu-Natal Managed distribution by Vibrant Direct

Chicken recipe from Riversmead The demand for convenience is on the up and up

Feminine summer looks Corporate office decor

The all-new Ford Ranger Raptor

REGULARS ED’S LETTER TAKE NOTE SEEN AROUND TRENDING LAST WORD

1 4 10 58 64

ADVERTORIALS BRAND CANDY KTY GYM AND FITNESS THE DAILY BAGEL MIND MODEL SA NETCARE UMHLANGA HOSPITAL ARAUJO ATTORNEYS Q&A VEGA SCHOOL

ON THE COVER: PAT LAMBIE. *PICTURE BY VAL ADAMSON

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17 22 26 30 34 38 48

take note*

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP National Cupcake Day 4 KIDS WITH CANCER Cupcakes of HOPE will host South Africa’s 8th annual national Cupcake Day 4 Kids with Cancer on September 28. So get your baking aprons out and start baking or go to your nearest shopping mall on the day, donate R10 for this amazing charity and sink your teeth into a deliciously decorated cupcake – it’s quite literally the sweetest way to help save a life. Funds raised are used to support children with life threatening diseases. To get involved and become a Cupcake Angel, find your nearest shopping mall, or find out more contact Cupcakes of HOPE. FOR MORE INFO: www.cupcakesofhope.org.

editor's choice

PT SECR KE

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SB NE’ EST ZI

Get Ready FOR SUMMER

Lou Harvey has just launched her new summer 2019 collection, with gorgeous new designs to take you into summer, 2020 and beyond. Quintessentially Lou Harvey, the designs include bold florals and paisleys in all your favourite products, from coolers, beach bags, cosmetic bags and so much more. “The Rosa in Navy is my favourite,” explains Lou, and the pack bag is a must-have for every occasion.

• THE R I

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DELISH SISTERS Tasty Food Made With Love Rebecca and Kate Lund, aka The Delish Sisters, are inspired by the ever-changing food industry, love creating beautiful food experiences, experimenting with new and exotic spices and ingredients, and encouraging people to be more adventurous. Rebecca and Kate’s recipes are fresh, wholesome, colourful, seasonal and mostly healthy. There are more indulgent dishes and treats, plenty of sugar-free, gluten free recipes, vegetarian options and tasty vegan food. They love what they do, where they live and the power that food has to bring people together. Delish Sisters – Tasty Food Made With Love is clear evidence of this and is a must for anyone who enjoys delicious, well-balanced meals shared with friends and family. Available from Exclusive Books and Bargain Books, and costs R300.

Miss MESSY

September 28, 6am-12 noon, Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park: A 4km run just for the ladies. Get dirty while having fun with inflatable obstacles, foam, mud, and colour. Bring yourself, friends, and family up for the challenge of this unique course.

VICTIM SUPPORT SERVICES: (formerly Durban North/Umhlanga Crisis Team). Trauma debriefing: 066 483 8589  NO WATER? SIZA WATER: 032 946 7200  POISON INFORMATION 24-HOUR HELPLINE: (includes medication, toxic substances snake and spider bites): 0861 555 777  POWER FAILURE: 032 437 5081  TO REPORT INJURED MONKEYS: Monkey Helpline: 082 659 4711/ 082 411 5444  CONCERNS ABOUT TREATMENT OF ANIMALS – SPCA: 031 579 6500  TO REPORT POTHOLES AND BURST WATER PIPES: 080 131 3013  SNAKE CATCHERS: Jason Arnold 082 745 6375 Neville Wolmarans 082 561 4969  TO REMOVE BEES: Honey Bee Removals: 084 594 1122  WHALES AND DOLPHINS (beached and well as entangled in shark nets). Sharks Board: 031 566 0400

3 Outdoor Music Events Music at the Lakes September 29, 1pm, Durban Botanic Gardens: Jeremy Loops brings his energetic, fun filled live show to the Durban Botanic Gardens – a great day out for the whole family. Tickets cost from R20 to R170. FOR MORE INFO: 031 322 4021; www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za

Marriott Ballito Beats Music Series October 6, 3pm, Sugar Rush Park, Ballito: Bring family and friends for an exhilarating music-packed day, listening to music from South Africa’s loved indie rock band, The Parlotones. Tickets cost from R20 to R150. FOR MORE INFO: www.ballitobeats.co.za

Rosefest October 12, 2pm, Jonsson Kings Park Stadium: Coinciding with the anniversary of her debut album RoseGold, join Shekhinah on her Rosefest festival of fantasy to celebrate the power of women in the South African music industry. Tickets cost R180 through Webtickets.

FOR MORE INFO: 082 892 7837

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Bubbly & Beer

80s To Now Until November 10, Rockwood Theatre, Sibaya: The 80s To Now show takes you through the memories of these iconic decades intertwined with the highs, the lows and the massive hits that were the soundtrack to our lives. Hits such as Break My Stride, Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, Just Died In Your Arms, Total Eclipse, Careless Whisper, No Woman No Cry and many more. Classics from the

90s include Bed Of Roses, Everybody, I Want It That Way, and One Hand In My Pocket and will bring back those high school memories! From 2000 to now gave us great music such as Rock DJ, Kiss The Sky, and Send My Love, which will have you dancing in the aisles. Tickets cost from R99 to R130; children under 12 are free.

HOPTOBER Fest

October 5, 11am-6pm, Jonsson Kings Park: With over 20 local and national breweries and distilleries showcasing the very best in craft beers, live entertainment from local artists, street food, craft stalls and a kids area, this is an afternoon not to be missed. Tickets cost from R50-R120. FOR MORE INFO: 061 998 8108; www.KZNCraftrevolution.co.za

FOR MORE INFO: 031 010 6444; www.rockwoodtheatre.co.za

SKABENGA'S Private Birthday Party September 25 & 26, 12 noon-3pm, The Pearl Room, Oyster Box Hotel: Gather for an afternoon of fun, games and delicacies while celebrating Skabenga’s birthday. But, there’s a request from Skabenga – instead of celebrating himself, Skabenga requests food items for the furry babies in place of presents for himself. Tickets cost R390 for adults; R200 for children. FOR MORE INFO: 031 514 5000

BUBBLY FEST 2019

September 21, 12 noon, Litchi Orchard, Salt Rock: Indulge in interactive wine tasting with 20 participating wine producers placing their world-class MCCs, sparkling wines and rosés out for bubbly lovers to taste and savour. Select food, drinks and wines on sale. Tickets cost from R50 to R220.

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MO MAGIC Live September 28, 8.15pm, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! uMhlanga: Join the electronic engineer turned magician, MO Magic, and enjoy an evening filled with his world-class magic, mystifying mentalism, and family friendly comedy. Not suitable for children under the age of eight. Tickets cost R150. FOR MORE INFO: 082 994 0699

First GOLF FITTING CENTRE In KZN Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate (MECCE) recently launched KZN’s first golf custom fitting centre by TrueFit through Global Golf. Golf enthusiasts experienced the unique facilities first-hand, with an opportunity to test 10 club brands and have a real experience of ball flight. With the focus of providing quality and variety, MECCE have over the last few years built a new restaurant, revamped the Golf Shop and upgraded the Driving Range and The Bistro. Having the TrueFit Golf custom fitting centre will take Mount Edgecombe Country Club to an all new level. Partnering with TrueFit Golf, the golf custom fitting centre can ensure custom fits of leading brands that are set to one’s individual swing style. Keeping a promise to their unique selling our Ask for y rd approach of “buying what you want” instead of “sets” of clubs c loyalty a! – additional hybrid variants are offered upon request, fitin andstore built for your standards with the best equipment and technology available, which enables one to play a better game of golf. FOR MORE INFO: www.mountedgecombe.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/likemecce

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Destination Ð ARCH! The uMhlanga Arch Development is dominating the city skyline with an eyecatching architectural marvel that will, pretty soon, become a defining feature of our city. Boasting some of the most spectacular panoramic views on offer, the experience of excellence patrons will feel when walking into the carefully constructed spaces will inspire. The uMhlanga Arch has something to offer everyone – and whether you intend to connect with friends over a meal and a glass of champagne or explore the unique and carefully selected retail offerings, the Arch has you covered. The Arch has delivered their first major milestone – the state-of-the-art SMG Dealership. Comprising of 5 000m², this unique and industry defining space contributes to the concept of excellence and communicates the spirit of partnership with leading businesses and people. Open for trading in September, the dealership

Christmas COUNTRY FAIR October 30 & 31, Collisheen Estate, Ballito: The 67th annual Christmas Country Fair will embrace the theme “Love South Africa”. Nearly 100 vendors from across the country will be offering

encourages patrons to visit the one of a kind LDV coffee shop to connect and network in an inspiring environment with views of our iconic Durban coastline. In coming months, the development will hand over offices with expected tenant occupation from January 2020, closely followed by the retail, residential and hotel streams coming online.

a wide range of exceptional, highly creative and trendy merchandise, appealing to most tastes and pockets. It is the ideal opportunity to get Christmas shopping off to a flying start and update those tired Christmas decorations. Christmas cakes and puddings, clothes, jewellery, toys, hand-

Probably one of the most defining features of The Arch will be the technological offerings, which will allow for heightened and controlled security systems to high speed data networks. With over 22 000m of fibre, 280 Samsung screens, 27 IT rooms, two data centres and close to 300 cameras, the Arch will prove to be one of the city’s most technologically advanced buildings.

{COMING SOON!} crafted linen and interesting home decor will be on offer. The Country Fair is a fundraising event, organised and curated by the Christmas Fair Fund. Proceeds will go

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to support deserving local individuals, communities and organisations. Tickets cost R60 each and are available through Quicket, or at the entrance on the day. The ticket price includes tea and a treat. FOR MORE INFO: michelle@ thechristmasfairfund.co.za; www.thechristmasfairfund.co.za

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SEEN AROUND!

SEND YOUR PICS TO LORNA.KING@FAMOUSPUBLISHING.CO.ZA

IT In The Business World

A recent business networking morning at Hirsch’s uMhlanga saw a variety of business owners and corporate employees networking, exchanging ideas and listening to Network Configuration’s directors, Iain Emerson and Wayne Erradu give a thorough run down on the latest trends available for businesses in the IT sector.

 Denver Naicker, Kayla Mendonis and Erica Floweday.

 Iain Emerson, Glenda Thompson,

Erica Floweday and Wayne Erradu.

Granada Square's New Look

Granada Square unveiled their stunning new look at the end of August. According to Emira Property Fund COO, Ulana van Biljon, the idea was to create a piazza area that exuded life and energy, and the design of the new tiled square draws you into the centre.

 Lusindiso Dabula, Ulana van

Biljon and Sandra Kruger.

 Zayd Suleman, Larisha

Guiness and Imraan Salejee.

Women's Month High Tea

Vibrant Direct had the pleasure of entertaining a few of their women clients to a high tea at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where guests shared business and personal ideas, while being treated to a very special day “out of the office”.

 Some of the special women outside the Beverly Hills Hotel.

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Double Celebration

It was a night of twin celebrations as the South African Institute for Architects KwaZulu-Natal Region (SAIA KZN), announced its 2019 Awards for Architecture and inducted its 2019/2020 president. Taking the reins of the SAIA KZN will be South African architect, Patrick Smith.

 Professor Ora Joubert, Patrick Smith and Musa Shangase. 6

Talksure Graduation Ceremony

Talksure recently hosted a prestigious graduation ceremony for 15% of their employees who recently completed various national qualifications.

 Kershnie Naicker and Fatima Khan with Daneshree Padayachee.  Ronda Pillay and Donal Mgobhozi.

Women's Day Blood Drive

Mount Edgecombe Country Club held a blood drive in August to help stockpile much needed blood for the South African National Blood Service.

 Glynis Ensor, Nikki Reusch, Lynn Basson and Betty Brown.

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SEEN AROUND!

SEND YOUR PICS TO LORNA.KING@FAMOUSPUBLISHING.CO.ZA

Anti-poaching Event

In honour of Women’s Month, the Entrepreneurs Organisation hosted an event for members, spouses and guests where International Anti-Poaching Foundation’s (IAPF), Damien Mander, and anti-poaching squad leader, Vimbai Kumire, captivated the audience with their stories.

 Shilpa Mehta, Thina Mayiza

and Mike Mayiza. Damien Mander, Tarryn Tait and Vimbai Kumire. Avthar Aniruth, Mohamed Mullah and Shaza Ballim.

The Future Is Not Female ...

Women in Architecture, in partnership with the South African Institute for Architects (SAIA KZN), ran “The Future is not Female … It is Intersectional” workshop, which was hosted by Corobrik.

Kate Otten, Karuni Naidoo, Dirk Meyer, Nina Saunders and Patrick Smith.

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Life after RUGBY

WITH THE SAME COMMITMENT, PASSION AND FEARLESSNESS HE SHOWED ON THE RUGBY FIELD, SO HAS PAT LAMBIE APPROACHED LIFE AFTER RUGBY. DAVID KNOWLES CAUGHT UP WITH HIM TO FIND OUT WHAT’S NEXT IN HIS LIFE

pictures val adamson

room for me.” His initial role has been getting involved with orced to retire from the game he loves in January communication, strategy and sales consolidation, fulfilling a link this year due to injury concerns, 28-year-old Pat has between the development teams in the office, the professional returned to Durban with his wife Kate and two-and-ateams on the ground (the engineers, surveyors, architects, etc) half month old son Jackson, where he has chosen to and the principal estate agents, the people selling the Collins follow a career in the property world, joining Collins stock and products. Residential, based in uMhlanga. “There is also the task of While Pat has settled into sales consolidation across the married life – 2014 was when different developments currently they tied the knot – fatherhood on the go,” said Pat. “I have been is another new challenge. Kate, asked to contribute towards the a school teacher by profession, strategy going forward in terms is looking after Jackson full-time of how sales are progressing at the moment and there is a and what the market dictates definite twinkle in Pat’s eye when with future phases of our he says, “Jackson is already on developments.” Michaelhouse’s books and will Pat is involved in two grace the school when his time developments up the North comes.” A hard act to follow, but Coast – Seaton equestrian with Pat’s leadership qualities, the estate near Salt Rock, and family name will fly high in the Zululami, a residential estate Midlands in years to come. near Sheffield. At Mount “We’ve only been back in South Edgecombe, he is involved in Africa for a few weeks. We are the Kindlewood Estate which living in Ballito and I feel lucky to includes two sub developments, have had the opportunity to join The Wolds and The Links, plus Collins Residential,” said Pat. “In Mount Edgecombe Retirement my playing days, I was fortunate Village (MERV). Moving inland, to do some work experience with the development at Emberton the company. Besides enjoying in Hillcrest also falls under what I was involved in, it was his banner. exciting to see the company’s Working in the property world vision and plans to invest back during his playing days has now into South Africa, in particular along the North Coast ABOVE: Pat, with laid the foundation for what Pat sees as his definite wife Kate and little of KZN, which is one of the fastest developing areas Jackson – the new career and his choice could be construed as a chip in the country.” love in Pat’s life. off the old block, thanks to his dad Ian. The company was Pat’s first port of call on his “He has been in property all his life and has return and in his own words, “Thankfully there was

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his own business, Lambie Spark and Associates, focusing more on commercial and industrial matters,” said Pat. “I’ve always had a keen interest and remember many fascinating dinner table discussions around property.” Able to now focus completely on his career, Pat is well equipped to tackle whatever comes his way. He has a solid platform from which to launch and while he may seem quiet and unassuming in character, there is a steely resolve within, a determination to do whatever comes his way properly, in a decent manner and with the best result for all involved. In his matric year at Michaelhouse, he was head boy and captain of cricket and rugby. Leadership is a quality with which he has been blessed, but his leadership is done by example, encouraging others and doing the hard yards regardless of what position he may have attained or been awarded in life. He is not one to make a noise and issue instructions in the hope of getting results. He earns respect and has prepared for life off the field, planning for his future. “I am excited at what lies ahead, a challenge away from rugby. It is an opportunity to grow and potentially make use of the studies I have done – a degree in environmental management (UNISA) and a property development and investment online course (UCT),” he said. “I have been fortunate in having people around me to ensure there has been a balance between rugby and life. There was always some

Having played at two Rugby World Cups, Pat gave us his thoughts on the 2019 tournament. The Boks have had a great build-up and there is a good aura around the team which has been tremendous for their confidence. There is great depth and competition in this World Cup and from the quarterfinal stages it will be intense. We have a good chance but it won’t be easy and playing percentage rugby is vital. It’s good the squad went over early to settle and that should be a huge plus when the business starts.

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While he may seem quiet and unassuming in character, there is a steely resolve within, a determination to do whatever comes his way properly thought and time given to post playing days and that will make this transition easier.” Pat is prepared for what lies ahead. He is a young man of strong values, principles and standards, and while the rugby world is poorer for his retirement, the business world is richer. “I love KZN. It is so good to be home,” he said. “There is no country like South Africa and despite its challenges, we at Collins Residential are all optimistic about the future.”

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n a digital world full of competing products and services, the challenge lies in making your brand visible to consumers online. But, how do you get that allimportant click? You guessed it – Google Ads should be part of your strategy. Paid Google advertising, done correctly, is one of the best and quickest ways to get more leads. Why? Because it brings your brand to a consumer’s attention when they’re actively searching for what you’re offering. And, you only pay when someone clicks, so you’re only paying when it’s working.

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hat happens when an accountant meets a lawyer? No, it’s not one of those Englishman meets Irishman jokes – although Marco and Sarah Araujo do laugh about their courtship. The two met at a rugby game in Durban … and four weeks later, Marco left South Africa to take up a pre-arranged post in Bermuda. Marco grins, “Clearly, the candle never went out,” and one year later, he cut short his contract, returned home, and they were engaged shortly thereafter. They’d only spent four months in the same country before committing to life together. Meant to be? Seems so. When they married, Marco was financial director at Trellidor, and Sarah an attorney specialising in property conveyancing. She’d used her time wisely when home alone – Marco in Bermuda – and

Foundation sealed it for her: “I was so inspired to go it alone. I got home and said to Marco, ‘I’m ready. Let’s do it’.” Araujo Attorneys began life in the loft of their two-bedroomed townhouse in Somerset Park – Sarah as attorney, and (after working hours), Marco as accountant and administrator. That was 10 years ago. Expecting their first child, the business growing well, the couple moved to a bigger home in La Lucia, one with potential for a private office. And then life changed dramatically. Their son, Cruz, suffered brain damage at birth, and this young couple who had their lives mapped out, were left floundering: “It was a massive turning point for us,” says Sarah. “Our life changed in an instant. We’d both been career driven, wanted a family, and now we’d been given a special needs child who would need a great deal of our time. It was the start of a very

Trials & TRIUMPHS

SARAH AND MARCO ARAUJO ARE CELEBRATING A DECADE OF ARAUJO ATTORNEYS’ SUCCESS. THEY SHARE WHAT CAN ONLY BE DESCRIBED AS THEIR INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY IN BOTH THEIR BUSINESS AND PERSONAL LIVES, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER

completed all her board exams, notary and conveyancing exams. She loved property law, so when Marco suggested she open her own company at home, she was tempted, but not quite ready. A talk by Cindy Norcott at the Robin Hood

different journey.” At three months, Cruz was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, with no confirmation from the paediatric neurologist as to whether he’d ever walk or talk. At eight months, he began experiencing epileptic

seizures, which escalated to 30 a day. Marco remembers, “For the next 18 months, we tried everything. We spoke to seven different specialists around the world, from the UK and Portugal, to the USA and of course South Africa. Ultimately,

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ABOVE: All smiles from the Araujo family: Sarah and Marco with their three boys, Luco, Dominic and Cruz.

there was only one solution – disconnect the right side of his brain. As the eminent surgeon in Cape Town told us, “‘It’s not the most dangerous surgery, but it’s the most radical that exists. You have to do it early, you can’t wait’. So, in a sense, we had no choice.” In addition, the professionals told the couple that in all likelihood the seizures would be drastically reduced, but there was no guarantee they would stop. The operation was deemed a success, but two years later the seizures returned, and the operation had to be repeated.

Some people say ‘God gives special needs kids to special people’. We don’t believe that. He gives them to ordinary people, and you have to become special for that child

Today, Cruz is seven years old, walking, talking and defying many of the dire diagnoses. Most of that is clearly due to the Araujo’s persistence, and their wholehearted determination to provide him with every opportunity to be the best he could be. Both sets of the couple’s parents live within a few minutes’ drive, and their support throughout was invaluable. Still is. So, too, their church, and their colleagues at Araujo Attorneys. Araujo Attorneys had moved to far bigger premises, The

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Space in uMhlanga, and during the family’s month-long stays in Cape Town when Cruz was undergoing surgery, this growing team of attorneys gave their all to the business. Marco laughs, “We had our best month ever, when we were in Cape Town with Cruz! That’s how this team is.” When Cruz was two, Marco took the tough decision to leave Trellidor and join Sarah in the business – that way, they’d have the flexibility to grow the business and still be there for Cruz: “Something had to give, and it couldn’t be family,” says Marco. “I knew I could help in Sarah’s business, and she couldn’t help in mine.” Marco describes the couple’s symbiosis during those unthinkably tough days, months, years, “We’re good as a team.” The Araujos met many people through Cruz’s journey, people who’ve had similar or tougher challenges; going through worse than they were. As Marco says, “You either pull together or fall apart. We chose to – or perhaps it made us – stronger together. Sarah adds, “Some people say ‘God gives special needs kids to special people’. We don’t believe that. He gives them to ordinary people, and you have to become special for that child.” At Araujo Attorneys, that selfsame teamwork played out just as successfully. Marco laughs, “It took me a while to learn that Sarah was boss. Many couples can’t work together, but being an accountant, I’m very admin strong, logical

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and analytical, whereas Sarah loves the marketing, legal side and client interface.” Sarah agrees, “Marco has the ability to detach, whereas I’m fully in it with my clients! He took over aspects of the business I didn’t enjoy (like admin), which freed me up to do what I do best. And he’s the strategist, the bigger picture person.” Araujo Attorneys has a different model to most. They have a staff of 12, but unusually, eight are attorneys, Marco is a CA, two doing articles, and one is an intern, completing his LLB. Everyone does their own work. “We encourage them to build their brands within our business,

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set out to create an empire. We are very blessed with how it’s grown. We have an excellent bunch of people, and a great business to come to. We’re very strong on our culture – it’s a kind, collaborative, and helpful environment.” The Araujos now have three young sons – Cruz, Dominic and Luco – so although the family demands are substantial, they manage a good balance between business and home. Having a loving, caring support team in their parents, church and community makes a world of difference.

ABOVE: Best of friends – Cruz, Dominic and Luco having fun together. and we’re very comfortable if a client asks for an attorney by name – that means that person is building their brand, and that makes them satisfied too,” says Sarah. “We believe in creating an environment where everyone is happy.” The couple have strong ties in the community in which they grew up and live, and took the decision not to spread themselves too thin. Geographically, Araujo Attorneys has concentrated on uMhlanga/Durban North, and three years ago, a branch in Ballito, headed up by Ralph Schroder, partner and shareholder. “Three of our staff are now directors and shareholders, and that has been a win-win for everyone.” As Marco says, “We never

At eight months, he began experiencing epileptic seizures, which escalated to 30 a day Meeting this warm, involved couple, makes one realise that anything and everything is possible. They tell of a Global Leadership Summit they attended at Grace Church in uMhlanga entitled, ‘How Much Is Enough?’, and how it resonated with them so strongly. As they say, “How do you define enough? We often remind ourselves of this question, examine our lives, and know that we live a very good life without the fanciest of trappings. We don’t need to work 24/7, we can give that time to our family.”

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GETTING FIT AND TONING UP AT KTY – THAT’S KATY TO YOU – IS JUST WAY MORE FUN THAN A GYM HAS ANY RIGHT TO BE. MEET KATHRYN TRACEY YOUNG

TY Gym and Fitness in uMhlanga Village is the brainchild – and baby – of Kathryn Tracey Young. She’s spent 16 years steeped in the world of personal fitness training, and in that time has developed her own philosophy on regaining or retaining fitness levels, but more particularly, what makes for an ideal gym environment – one where everyone feels safe, comfortable and confident. She took all her experience, good and bad, from her work in large local gyms, as well as life as a trainer in Saudi Arabia, and created her own personalised programmes and happy space. You’ll feel the difference when you step inside stylish little KTY. For Kathryn, KTY is closest to the look and feel of the Saudi hotel’s boutique gym which she loved as a trainer – small, good-looking, with not an intimidating or negative attitude in sight. One of her driving forces was to create a space where she could empower women, where women uplifted other women: “There’s no body-shaming here, no self-belittling, and no obsession about thinness. This is not that kind of gym, and those comments and conversations

I don’t like gym. My response to that is, “You haven’t done MY gym.” Ask the KTY girls (there are a few men). They’ll tell you it’s true

are nipped in the bud. I want everyone to feel good about themselves.” Judging from the laughter and banter in her classes, it’s clearly working. It’s a healthy, positive atmosphere for women (there are quite a few men too) to look after themselves. At KTY, you start your journey with a private assessment: “You’ll have a basic health questionnaire, an unimposing fitness test (heart rate test), a flexibility test and strength text. Nothing strenuous – it gives me the opportunity to get to know you, and you to know me,” says Kathryn. Once she knows the times you’re available to train – she suggests a minimum of twice a week – she fits you

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LEFT: Kathryn loves exercise, and her energy is contagious, which she shares with some of her clients who are happy to be training under her wing. BOTTOM: Kathryn

Tracey Young – loving life in uMhlanga.

into a group with which she believes you’ll be compatible. That’s not age related, nor about fitness. It’s about personalities. A major advantage is affordability. You can’t train at KTY by yourself, so you aren’t paying membership fees. You just pay the trainer. You can choose to join a class – maximum eight in a class – be alone for a one-on-one, or opt to join with a friend or two. The lowest rate is R150 a person per session in a group, to R300 a session, solo. It might even happen that you begin solo at the R150 rate because there isn’t a group into which you fit yet. Once again it’s not about fitness – group classes contain a mix of

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ages and stages. Each person has their own “workstation” and space, with their personalised programme, always overseen by Kathryn. No one’s competing because everyone was there in the starting blocks, once. You pay one month in advance, and give a month’s notice if you want to stop or change the number of classes. If you miss classes, you’re actively encouraged to make them up that month. Thereafter you forfeit them. It’s clear Kathryn loves exercise, and her energy is contagious. Every programme she devises, every exercise in the programme, she’s done it, and knows what it’s like, and what the outcome is. She spends hours every week working on the programmes, mixing them up so they remain fresh and fun. Kathryn is at KTY from five in the morning until mid to late afternoon, and has two other strings to her bow. Michelle Strydom, a functional fitness trainer, focuses on weight loss, strength and conditioning, sports specific rehab, and kids functional fitness – she works until 7pm; and the third member of the team is Richard Morris, who focuses on EMS (a training system combining Electro Muscle Stimulation and Active Exercise), personal training, Muay Thai, boxing, and sports specific programming. At KTY, it’s about functional fitness. There aren’t dozens of machines – only the ones necessary to build strength – but rather TRX suspension straps, kettlebells, dumbbells, gliders, fitness bands, Bose Balls and more. KTY is an unintimidating environment … but that doesn’t mean you don’t work hard. You do, but you love it. This is no boot camp. Most join because they want to shape and tone, lose a little weight, or – after an injury – build or regain fitness. Kathryn laughs, “I hear this one so often: ‘I don’t like gym’. My response to that is, “You haven’t done MY gym.” Ask the KTY girls (there are a few men). They’ll tell you it’s true. FOR YOUR INFO You can find KTY Gym and Fitness in uMhlanga Plaza, uMhlanga Village; 079 113 7166; ktygym_sa; WKTY Gym & Fitness; www.ktyfitness.co.za; gym@ktyfitness.co.za

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Soft as an ANGEL

SUFFERING FROM RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WHICH LEFT SARIKA NOT ONLY IN SEVERE PAIN BUT UNABLE TO WEAR CONVENTIONAL SHOES, HUSBAND ASHLEY CAME TO THE RESCUE. CANDICE MEIRING-BASNETT CHATTED TO THE RAMLAKANS TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SECRETS OF ANGEL SOFT

pictures dawn rouse

he saying goes: “Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she can conquer the world”. Sarika and Ashley Ramlakan, the power couple behind Angel Soft, have taken that to a whole new level. It’s been a big year for the Ramlakan family. Sarika and Ashley both turned 40 this year; they have

celebrated 14 years of marriage; their daughter Sitara turns 10; and their twins four. In between all the family festivities Angel Soft has been showcased in New York and will be heading to Paris and Australia later this year. The Ramlakan family live in an immaculate home on the uMhlanga Ridge, which is where they chatted to us about their life and their revolutionary footwear brand. When Sarika fell pregnant with Sitara she began suffering from stiff hands and feet, sore joints and little

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RIGHT: Ashley

and Sarika admire their latest designs.

BELOW: The Ramlakan family – Sarika and Ashley with their three children – enjoying some quality time at home.

aches, which continued until after her baby was born. Being a new mum she didn’t think much of it. Fast forward six months and the words “dreaded disease” suddenly became a part of their everyday life. Now diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the former Miss SA India was on the hunt for functional fashionable footwear. Enter Ashley – her dashing husband – whose family have been manufacturing footwear for the past 37 years. Their factory in Isipingo produce about 2 000 pairs of shoes a day that walk their way into the commercial market. Angel Footwear supply big retail chains as well as produce the various parts – soles, uppers, midsoles, outers, etc – that make up a shoe. Inspired by his wife’s new requirements in a shoe, he saw a gap in the market: the need for a shoe that marries fashion and comfort at an affordable price. What sets Angel Soft apart from other shoes is that it’s the only footwear manufacturer in the country currently making comfort sandals where the light and soft polyurethane sole is actually moulded directly on to the upper and sock material fusing it together. This is completely different to the traditional stuck-on application commonly used, which also means your shoes won’t fall apart because of a lack of glue. More importantly, eliminating the insole ensures complete comfort and additional flexibility. The team spent about eight years getting the science behind the shoe just right and in 2016

It’s just become a part of who I am. I train every day which has helped and I just try to live my best life every day

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Angel Soft was ready to launch. Wearing an off-the-shoulder summer dress, Sarika completes her look with a pair of Angel Soft white leather sneakers. She’s effortlessly casual and talks openly about rheumatoid arthritis. The chronic autoimmune disease affects joints, especially in the hands and feet, creating inflammation that destroys cartilage and bone causing pain and disability. Both Sarika’s wrist bones have collapsed and there is visible swelling around her knuckles on both hands. “With regards to my feet, I experience the same symptoms as my hands – swollen, stiff and really sore feet. And as a result, a collapsed arch.” Even still, this has not dampened her spirits. The mother of three says: “It’s just become a part of who I am. I train every day which has helped and I just try to live my best life every day.” As we discuss juggling being a business owner, mom and wife, she explains that with various different treatments she’s only really had about one year of relief in the past 10 years. In fact, she’s about to try yet another new med, and hopes there will be some relief. Back to the shoes, we chat about the leopard print sneakers on the table. “Animal print is still huge in the States,” says Ashley. Sarika pulls out the rose gold colourway which retails for about R750 and then a pair of metallic sandals. We all agree the new summer range delivers everything it sets out to do – offer fashion, comfort and flexibility. “The product sells itself,” says Ashley nonchalantly. For fun they took Angel Soft to the Reddam fair this year and sold out on the first day. Backed by podiatrists the Angel Soft range is not just a functional shoe, it also gets fashionistas equally excited.

FOR MORE INFO www.shoefie.co.za; or follow them on Instagram @angelsoftshoes

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THE DAILY BAGEL, ARTISANAL BAKERY, IN MOUNT EDGECOMBE IS SERVING UP WAY MORE THAN BAGELS TO THE GROWING BAND OF DEVOTEES

The Daily

BAGEL

tep inside The Daily Bagel, soak up the aroma of a million different flavours of breads, bagels, croissants and muffins, mingled with cheeses, chocolate and who knows what else. It’s seductive – ask those who’re there at 6am as the doors open, for everything hot, heavenly, or healthy. Add to the edibles, that scent of a myriad coffees from Seattle Coffee next door, and you’ve come to the right place. Brothers-in-law Blaike Terblanche and Warren Broad are well-known co-owners of steaming hot brand, Seattle Coffee, KZN. More like brothers than in-laws, says Blaike, they have very different skill sets, but connect like a snug handshake. Blaike describes himself as the pragmatic numbers man, Warren the passionate, creative one with flair, and together they’ve grown the Seattle brand in KZN. So much so, the only way to guarantee a consistently superior food product offering in the Seattle outlets, was to do it themselves. They’re really fussy like that. They decided to establish their own fully fledged central kitchen alongside Seattle in Mount Edgecombe, and simultaneously, create

ABOVE: Blaike and Warren (centre back) with the team behind the success of The Daily Bagel.

an entirely unique food brand and outlet in the on-site shop-front space. Something different, something independent. Enter The Daily Bagel, a family driven enterprise, where the two founders are supported by wife and sister, Janine, whose creativity and innovation really adds value; father-in-law Billy, who brings enthusiasm and industry skills to the table; Natasha’s eagle eye on the books; and the entire team who consistently work towards the same goals. The Daily Bagel, billed as an artisanal bakery, is considerably more than that. It’s a bakery, an eatery, a take away, a little specialist edibles shop, and it offers sensational catering

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for any event. A kids’ birthday party, from A to Z? Ask The Daily Bagel. You’ll have a party unlike any other. This is a local venue, ready, willing and able to produce something really extraordinary. The doors open at 6am – as all the local cyclists, runners, walkers and dogs, know too. Pick up your coffee at Seattle, and something ultra-healthy – or not – at The Daily Bagel. Blaike talked about the work they’ve put in to create the perfect menu, with the emphasis on artisanal creativity and healthy food: “We’ve taken nine months to perfect it so as to provide what clients want – including a number of fresh takes on old favourites. Not a day goes by when

We have the biggest range of bagels, widest range of croissants … all with some unexpected twist”

we aren’t testing something different. Our menu is as wide as it’s broad, with a versatility to suit everyone’s palate. You prefer bagels, fine. I prefer my topping on a croissant, that’s fine too. We’re entirely flexible. “And we cater for everyone in an authentic and sustainable way as we possibly can. If you want organic oats, we serve them up hot and delicious. We source cheeses and butters, free range and organic products, fresh from local farms; we travel far and wide to find the perfect charcuterie; we’ll give you gluten free, or you can have a shot of our top-of-the-range probiotics in any one of our freshly squeezed juices or smoothies.” The Daily Bagel is wholly committed to being plastic free, and at 95% and climbing, it’s a goal the partners pursue vigorously. The Daily Bagel is a welcoming, contented kind of space, with a cool, contemporary vibe. The decor and shop fittings contribute to that sense of well-being, and you’ll be as comfortable there if you’ve popped in to take home a homemade pure meat pie, or you’re settling in to tackle a few emails over coffee and an oversized buttery Nutella croissant. From your favourite healthy breakfast, to a delectably different pasta bowl at lunch time, to healthy salads, afternoon tea and a rich chocolatey muffin – you can pick whatever you like off the menu, whenever you like. There’s a strong sense of the artisan at The Daily Bagel, and you know your healthy snack or meal has been made by hand, from scratch. The pastry has been handmade, rolled out and baked right there, the roast lamb has been roasted in their oven, and the herbs were picked fresh this morning. And it tastes like it. And for parents … The Daily Bagel has the perfect kiddie play area, designed by Blaike’s wife, Janine, mother of small children so she knows. That means, while the kids play, you can actually keep that delectable bagel with your favourite topping, all to yourself. “Quirkiness,” says Blaike. “We like that idea. We’re determined to be something different. We have the biggest range of bagels, widest range of croissants … all with some unexpected twist.” FOR MORE INFO 2 Accord House, 13 Flanders Drive, Mt Edgecombe; 031 502 3336; thedailybageldbn; W The Daily Bagel

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t’s a well researched fact that as we grow older, our short-term memory becomes ... well ... shorter, yet we will often remember our early days with clarity. Mount Edgecombe resident Linda McArthur recently turned 100 years old, and while she may battle to remember recent events, her days as a young woman are recalled with some clarity. Special moments too are held snugly in her century of memories.

Happy

100

LEE CURRIE CHATS WITH LINDA MCARTHUR WHO, AT 100 YEARS OLD, IS STILL GOING WITH THE FLOW

Born Linda Stuart in Benoni, this gracious South African’s roots go quite deep; her mother was from an Afrikaans farming family that lost their farm during the Anglo Boer War – destroyed in the scorched earth policy of the British Government. Her father was a New Zealander who came here on business (to purchase a horse, says Linda) and stayed. The family moved to Sea Point in the Cape when Linda was a small child.

Her face lights up as she recalls her youth in Sea Point, living a road away from the beach. “We were a sociable group of youngsters and would meet at the Pavilion which was on the beach. We’d all go dancing on Saturday nights at the Bordeaux Hotel which was owned by one of our gang’s parents.” It was here that she met Hugh McArthur, her future husband. For Linda they were heady, carefree days until

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World War II began to cast a shadow on the friends. “It was a frightening time,” she recalls. “The group pretty much broke up. Hugh joined the army, and was injured, spending time in hospital. We were married in 1944.” In 1951 the couple moved to Somerset West to join Linda’s parents in a farming enterprise. Their three children – Stuart, Jennifer and Glenn – were born and raised on the farm. Over the years Linda has

travelled (loved Alaska), been an avid philatelist, accomplished piano player and yoga enthusiast. Sadly both her sight and hearing have more recently precluded her from these pursuits. Her life has certainly not been without its stresses though daughter Jennifer Johnson says she has played them down. She was attacked and restrained by intruders on the farm in Somerset West, but fortunately left unharmed. Inherited jewellery and other precious mementos were stolen. “For my mom the experience was lifechanging,” she confides. Today she lives in Mount Edgecombe close to her children, two grandchildren and four great

In 2012 the United Nations estimated there were 316 600 living centenarians worldwide. Here at home, Census 2011 figures show there were 5 000 people aged over 100 BELOW: Linda celebrated her 99th birthday last year at Mount Edgecombe with her daughter Jennifer, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

grandchildren. Once an enthusiastic walker, she still manages to walk 12 “laps” around her patio and garden which borders a pond. The centenarian’s remarkably unlined complexion elicits many comments. She could easily pass for someone 20 years younger, yet she has no beauty secrets – other than “never going to bed without removing her make-up”. Genetics also play a part as she recalls that her mother had a beautiful skin into her late 80s. She says she loves trying different foods and can’t understand why anyone would deprive themselves of chocolate. Her favourite saying? Just go with the flow – perhaps a philosophy for all of us?

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ipping coffee with Ishanie Munn in her office aerie in the fever tree tops of The Square on the Ridge, it’s hard to imagine that this centred woman in a striped jacket and kick-ass black boots, was once in a place of disempowerment. She’s protective of her private life, but shares: “Eventually I figured there just had to be a way out of emotional oppression and I had to find it. There were people who’d transcended pain and emotional crisis – what did they know that I didn’t? What were they doing differently? This curiosity was the foundation of my learning journey.” Until then, Ishanie had been a stay-at-

with warmth, like a glow coming off him. We chatted, and I haven’t looked back.” In Cape Town and Johannesburg, Ishanie pursued PSYCH-K®, a set of processes originated by another American, Robert Williams, 30 years ago, after a “spiritual awakening” that saw him quit corporate life to become a professional psychotherapist. Today he has a Masters Degree in Counselling and Personal Services, and in August this year facilitated a retreat called “Aligning Yourself with the Wisdom of Nature” together with Bruce in Mexico. “Bruce uses PSYCH-K® as his preferred tool for personal development,” says Ishanie. “He also recommends hypnotherapy for subconscious change.

Journey of

DISCOVERY AN UMHLANGA COACH IS INTENT ON HELPING PEOPLE LIVE FULLER LIVES BY CHANGING LIMITING BELIEFS AND BEHAVIOUR – A JOURNEY SHE HERSELF HAS TRAVELLED AND CONQUERED

home mother to her son, now 16, and a businesswoman, designing and running a CMT for her own fashion boutique: “I was ready to move on, to move deeper.” She set out on a journey of discovery by reading, studying and travelling to India. It was there, on a spiritual retreat in 2016, that she met Dr Bruce Lipton, an American cell biologist and author of The Biology of Belief, Spontaneous Evolution and The Honeymoon Effect. “I was reading Bruce’s books at the time, and there he was in front of me, giving a lecture at a yoga festival I visited by chance. He had this presence that envelops a room

It puts you in a “Theta” state, which you experience naturally each day when dropping off to sleep or waking. Theta waves are associated with super learning, problem-solving, increased creativity, intuition and spiritual creativity.” PSYCH-K® is centred on the notion that we are programmed by limiting self-beliefs and behaviours that we’ve come to accept without questioning. “This programming – very often adopted in our childhood – still mostly directs our lives,” says Ishanie. “It’s a challenge to change at a conscious level, because our beliefs sit mostly in the subconscious domain, and unless these

ABOVE: Ishanie Munn has reprogrammed her life to overcome emotional oppression, and feels everyone should optimise their personal power.

beliefs are uncovered and changed at the subconscious level, they’ll continue to drive our thoughts and actions. “It’s especially sabotaging when we hold self-limiting beliefs such as ‘I’m not worthy’, ‘I don’t deserve’, ‘I can’t be successful’, ‘I can’t find love’, and when it comes to illness, ‘I’m a victim of my genetics’. Unknowingly, holding on to these beliefs leaves us feeling stuck, hopeless and disempowered. But the end of suffering

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is literally a belief-change away.” The idea that both positive and negative beliefs determine the quality of our lives, she says, has been proven by Bruce in his study of epigenetics: “Beliefs, both negative and positive, shape our biology. Only two percent of illnesses are genetic: environment affects our genes, and our thoughts affect the environment in which our cells either grow or die – and that determines our health. There are beliefs that support the presence of disease in the body – once they’re broken through, the mind is free to claim the blueprint of perfect health held within the subconscious mind. By harnessing this

ISHANIE'S TIPS FOR LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE Nurture the relationships you hold dear to your heart. Chase after your goals, commit to them, and take massive action to make them a reality. Be aware of your thought and behavioural patterns – self-awareness is crucial to self-development. Invest in your emotional and mental well-being.

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power, and achieving the ‘Whole Brain State’, we can create our most idyllic reality.” Though sceptics label PSYCH-K® as questionable, Ishanie is unfazed: “One has to undergo regulated training to understand the framework that supports the process, and only then can one execute the facilitation of PSYCH-K® effectively.” Ishanie recently completed the Master Facilitation level, and plans to do her Advanced PSYCH-K® training in London in November. In addition, she has been pursuing other ways of helping people change their subconscious self-beliefs, including hypnotherapy and neurolinguistic programming. “I’m now a COMENSA-registered Master Neuro-linguistic Programming life coach, and accredited with the American Board of Hypnotherapy and the American Board of NLP,” she says with quiet pride. “I’m not out to convince anyone – I can only speak from the experiences of my clients. One who was able to release anger and shame from a past traumatic event, now enjoys improved overall health and she’s happier and more in control. Another is enjoying improved personal relationships after breaking through rigid beliefs about control and emotional security. And a third had sabotaging beliefs about money and success, but is now seeking out financial opportunities he once thought were ‘out of reach’. A number of others have empowered themselves to make healthier food choices and have started exercising after removing limiting beliefs about weight loss.” As to Ishanie herself, she’s clearly in a positive place in her life, at peace in her tree-top aerie – and excited at the future she can see from it. “I’m passionate about pursuing goals with gravitas,” she says. “Last year at 7.45am on October 5, in celebration of my fortieth birthday, I summited Mount Kilimanjaro.” FOR MORE INFO 082 362 6351; www.mindmodelsa.co.za

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Comfort ZONE SPECIALIST PHYSIOTHERAPIST LULU BECKER IS A PASSIONATE ADVOCATE OF HOLISTIC PELVIC HEALTH AND CREATES A POSITIVE, NURTURING AND PERSONAL ENVIRONMENT IN HER LA LUCIA CLINIC, WRITES CANDICE BOTHA

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t’s obvious from the moment you start talking to Lulu Becker – pictured left – that she’s passionate about her work as a specialist women’s and pelvic health physiotherapist. She speaks eloquently and excitedly about topics that many find taboo – incontinence, pelvic pain, bedwetting and sexual health – and makes you feel confident and comfortable to share with her about these patently uncomfortable subjects. “I aim to provide a relaxed and safe environment to discuss any pelvic floor, bladder, bowel or pelvic pain issues and to treat and guide my clients to be as proactive and educated about these areas as possible. My physiotherapy approach is quite holistic, and I draw quite extensively on my yoga knowledge as an adjunct to my physio treatments,” she says. Incontinence is very common – one in three women will experience it in their lives – but it’s also treatable, and Lulu works to ensure that her patients know how to connect to their muscles and strengthen their pelvic floor, make lifestyle changes, and access both physical and emotional support to treat issues conservatively way before surgery is necessary. “When I was studying at WITS, I didn’t think women’s health would be where I would end up,” she recalls. An interest in paediatric physio led her to her specialisation when she landed a post at London’s posh Portland Hospital for Women

followers on Instagram which leave you in no doubt that she works regularly to expand her understanding and apply new learning to her practise. Keeping up-to-date with new advances is also a focus, and Lulu regularly attends courses to enhance her qualifications. One of these was with American Dawn Sandalcidi, a leading authority in treating children with incontinence. “Constipation is the cause of bedwetting and small changes can have such a big impact for kids struggling with both urinary and faecal incontinence,” Lulu explains. Another area of expertise is in working with breast cancer patients. Lulu is a qualified Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage therapist and works with patients who and Children, where working with kids involved dedicating some of her time to working with women as well. “I soon realised that this work was so important for the well-being of women and now feel strongly about the impact that a holistic approach can have.” After running a busy practice in London for over a decade, Lulu relocated to Durban with her husband, Peter, and two daughters, Poppy, four, and Isla, two, last year. She now treats patients from her La Lucia clinic, runs yoga classes and workshops, and conducts Skype consultations with patients all over the world. Talking about anything to do with the nether regions tends to be awkward for

My dream is to help to create a society where women are educated about the part of their anatomy that truly makes them a woman

have had mastectomies and reconstructive surgery to mobilise scar tissue, fit compression garments and ensure early lymph drainage happens to lay down new pathways – all steps that can reduce their discomfort considerably. Lulu also treats men who are struggling with incontinence, usually following prostate surgery. “My heart aches for these men who often struggle even more than women do with the emotional and social impact of reduced bladder and bowel control,” she says. “My dream is to help to create a society where women are educated about the part of their anatomy that truly makes them a woman,” Lulu says. “Understanding the impact that pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, illness and ageing can have on your pelvic floor health, treating issues timeously and making time for self-care can be so empowering.”

FOR MORE INFO www.luluphysio.com; follow Lulu on Instagram @luluphysio

many people but Lulu’s warm, optimistic approach makes patients feel safe enough to share their issues. “It’s intimate on every level and I find a balance by teaching pregnancy and yin yoga, and writing articles to reduce the taboos around the pelvis and women’s health,” Lulu says. She reads widely and shares nuggets of wisdom gleaned from titles such as Me And My Menopausal Vagina by Jane Lewis, and The Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden, with her

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advertorial*

etcare uMhlanga Hospital is proud to introduce two new medical services to their centre to vastly improve their offering to the community: a Cardio-oncology service focusing on the cardiovascular health of cancer patients before, during and after cancer treatment; and a multidisciplinary Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Heart Care, to help those suffering from diabetes and its associated complications.

CARDIO-ONCOLOGY UNIT “The development of this important medical service follows international recognition that cancer patients with co-morbidities and/or treatment-related cardiovascular problems can benefit greatly from a cardiovascular and oncology team approach,” says cardiologist, Dr YT Singh, who has been a driving force behind the establishment of the new cardio-oncology unit at the hospital. “There is a tremendous need for the cardiovascular health of cancer patients to be assessed prior to and during cancer treatment, as well as for longer term monitoring, to appropriately address any cardiovascular risks and minimise the impact on their health in the long term,” says Craig Murphy, regional director coastal: Netcare’s hospital division. “Until now, a cardiologist has generally not been part of the multi-disciplinary oncology team. This newly-introduced

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to save lives NETCARE UMHLANGA HOSPITAL’S NEW CARDIO-ONCOLOGY UNIT AND CENTRE FOR DIABETES, ENDOCRINOLOGY AND HEART CARE, ARE TWO NEW STATE-OFTHE-ART SERVICES THAT WILL BE MAKING AN INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE HEALTH AND CARE OF OUR COMMUNITY cardio-oncology approach will assist in incorporating cardiac care in the treatment of cancer patients, as well as in preventing cancer patients whose cancer treatment have been successful from possibly having their health impacted by a cardiovascular event later,” adds Murphy. Dr Singh says in the

oncology patient, the focus has traditionally, and quite understandably, been first and foremost on treating the cancer. “With earlier detection and more advanced treatments, oncology medicine is increasingly successful in treating paediatric and adult cancer patients, with cures now commonly being achieved by

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ABOVE: Some of the team behind Netcare uMhlanga Hospital’s new Cardio-oncology Unit and Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Heart Care: From left: Dr Yasmeen Ganie, Dr Fraser Pirie, Dr YT Singh, Sister Fiona Prins, and Dr Sedeshan Govender. means of chemotherapy and radiotherapy,” he points out. “A number of cancer patients, however, may have co-morbidities associated with cardiovascular disease, such as diabetes and hypertension, or cardiovascular comorbidities such as ischaemic heart disease or heart valve problems that are not managed appropriately during cancer treatment,” he adds. “As cardiovascular diseases can be exacerbated by certain oncology treatments, this can have important negative consequences for the long-term health of these cancer patients. In addition, cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, Herceptin (trastuzumab), targeted therapy and certain radiation therapies, can result in

patients experiencing serious cardiovascular health problems over the longer term. “In a significant number of patients these therapies can accelerate atherosclerosis, the build-up of fats and cholesterol, or plaque, on the walls of the arteries, and increase their risk of developing cardiac dysfunction, heart rhythm disorders, heart valve disease and other problems related to the heart and blood system (vasculature) over the longer term,” he explains. According to Dr Singh, the cardiologist team at Netcare uMhlanga Hospital – including Dr Joe McKibbin and Dr Connel Barnabas – has knowledge of the side effects of cancer therapies and works closely with the multi-disciplinary oncology team to assess the patient’s cardiovascular risks prior to treatment. This can assist in guiding the approaches taken to manage an individual’s cancer. The team then proactively works to address any cardiovascular risks before, during and after

ABOVE: Dr YT Singh and Nevashnee Reddy. This highend GE Vivid E95 4D ultrasound technology – the first of its kind in KZN – is able to detect early damage to the cardiac muscle due to cancer therapy. The equipment’s enhanced 2D and colour image quality enables heart function to be easily quantified and any cardiovascular problems quickly and clearly visualised. cancer treatment. “Often the cardiovascular side effects of oncology treatment only become evident after a number of years, and if these patients had their cardiovascular health closely monitored so that these disorders were timeously detected, managed and treated, lives would undoubtedly be preserved. These are among the critical tasks of the cardiooncology team.”

CENTRE FOR DIABETES, ENDOCRINOLOGY AND HEART CARE “Diabetes mellitus is a growing health challenge – but also within KZN where some 33% of all diabetic

patients in South Africa are situated – there is a particularly high rate of this potentially life-threatening medical condition,” says endocrinologist Dr Sedeshan Govender, the driving force behind this new centre along with leading cardiologist Dr YT Singh. Diabetes is in fact a highly complex endocrine condition that, if not managed timeously and appropriately, often results in cardiovascular and other serious health complications. As such, it is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, ischaemic foot problems, non-healing ulcers and gangrene. For these reasons, diabetes is best treated holistically by a multi-disciplinary team, such as is now being offered through this state-of-the-art centre, comprising cardiometabolic and cardiooncology units. The centre also incorporates wound care, podiatry, and diabetes education units, and will closely collaborate with the cardiac, vascular, stroke and dialysis units and eye specialists at the hospital. “Our aim is to bring together all specialists and allied health services to offer optimal co-ordinated care, thereby minimising long-term risk and complications for patients and improving clinical outcomes,” observes Dr Govender, who is a leading member of the diabetes/endocrine centre with endocrinologist, Dr Fraser Pirie and paediatric endocrinologist, Dr Yasmeen Ganie. “The multi-disciplinary team will be able to meaningfully

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assist individuals in managing their diabetes and other chronic conditions. In this way the centre will no doubt make an invaluable contribution to the health and care of our communities,” says Murphy. “Recent years have seen a shift in the approach to patient care. Whereas healthcare was provided in a more fragmented manner in the past, current trends are towards a more collaborative approach to patient care by multi-disciplinary teams, and to customise treatment programmes taking into consideration the unique clinical needs and circumstances of each individual person. We at Netcare are, in line with international trends, fully supportive of care that is person centred,” he adds. “The development of this Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Heart Care is an important development in the treatment and management of diabetes and its associated complications, as well as other chronic diseases, and an important milestone for private medicine in the province,” concludes Murphy. FOR MORE INFO 031 566 0013; or email reception@endodiabcentre.co.za

adventure*

W BLAST We had a

MOST PEOPLE JUST DREAM ABOUT SAILING OFF INTO THE SUNSET, BUT FOR JAMES AND KERRY TAYLOR IT WAS THE START OF A BEAUTIFUL ADVENTURE, WRITES DEBBIE REYNOLDS

e’re having coffee in the Taylors’ old stomping ground of Durban North. “I was a Danville girl and James a Northlands boy,” says Kerry. “We met when we were 12 and were basically on and off from there until we got married in 1994.” Kerry grew up on a farm in Ixopo before coming to Durban, while James was the son of newspaperman Archie Taylor, who worked with anti-apartheid activist Donald Woods on the Daily Dispatch in East London. “When Donald was banned by the Nationalist government, we moved to Amanzimtoti where my dad started the South Coast Sun. We moved to Durban North when I started Standard six.”

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It was back to reality in 2002 when they returned home for Kent to start school. “One night after a couple of bottles of wine, we decided we needed adventure and to be together,” says Kerry. So, James bought a yacht and in November 2002 they set sail for Australia where they planned to join Kerry’s family. They spent Christmas in a bay called Kilwa Masoko in Tanzania – and never left. “We ended up working at a camp there,” says James. “I was building the fishing operation while Kerry was home schooling the kids and working in the lodge.” In 2005 they bought the camp and turned it into Kilwa Ruins Lodge which became a favourite destination for international sports fishermen. After selling that, they built their own lodge,

My focus is on a door-to-door service for international tourists wanting an authentic marine experience After school James went off to the navy to complete his compulsory military service while Kerry studied medical technology, but it was their mutual love for the ocean that saw their lives take an unexpected turn. “I was working at the Sharks Board as a boat skipper and had gone to Sodwana Bay to do a diving course,” explains James. “One of the dive boat skippers was ill and I stepped in to help out. When I realised my weekend wages were equivalent to a month back home, I was hooked.” From Sodwana, where Kerry gained experience running the camp, they moved to Mozambique and then came back to Durban North. James worked in Umkomaas running a scuba diving operation followed by dive charters, while Kerry concentrated on running the family nursery in uMhlanga.

ABOVE LEFT: Kerry, James and a young Kent fishing in Tanzania. TOP: Kent and Tyra Taylor in Western Tanzania. ABOVE: Paka Dume is James Taylor’s custom-built boat which takes guests on unforgettable ocean safaris.

Their son Kent was born in June 1995 and their daughter Tyra came along in September 1998. By then James was largely working in the commercial diving industry spending a lot of time away from home. “In 2001 when I was contracted to do a pipeline job in the Bazaruto area of Mozambique, I told the company I would only accept if I could bring my family,” says James. “Kerry and the kids – who were then two and five – joined me for a year on Magaruque and Paradise Islands.”

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Mwangaza Hideaway, opening in 2011. Their next move was to Dar es Salaam where the children attended the international school and James picked up another contract as a private boat captain. Kerry, meanwhile, had started another successful business turning old wooden sailing boats into bespoke furniture. “I bought the old boats, pulled them apart and trucked them to a workshop in Dar es Salaam where we made everything from shelving and wine racks to beds and bathrooms.” With Tyra at boarding school in Pietermaritzburg and Kent at university there, the Taylors bought a flat in Ballito, so they had somewhere to stay near the airport when they visited. They sold their lodge in 2015, but James wanted to stay on in the area taking

property advice*

adventure*

ARAUJO Attorneys

TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF SELLING YOUR PROPERTY WITH ARAUJO ATTORNEYS – FOR TOP QUALITY CONVEYANCING SERVICES, AND FAST, EFFICIENT AND FRIENDLY SERVICE for fraudsters, and thus working with established conveyancing attorneys with experience and controls in place, is essential to ensure a smooth hassle-free transaction.

ABOVE: Sarah Araujo – qualified attorney, conveyancer and notary public. Why should I choose a specialised property firm to handle my property sale? In the past it was fine to go to a “Jack of all trades” attorney for your property transaction. However, as the law has evolved, so the conveyancing process has become more intricate, meaning it’s vital you have a property law expert on your side. Not only does this ensure your attorney is always available and not tied up in court, it also ensures they are on the cutting edge of technology available as well as any changes to the law. In recent years the conveyancing process has unfortunately become a target

Once I have decided to sell, when do I actually need an attorney? Immediately! In South Africa a conveyancer is legally required for every property transfer and there is no cost to the seller for this service. If you are thinking of putting your property on the market, contact us. We can place notice on your bond, assist in getting your documentation in order, and look over any offers that come in to ensure your rights are fully protected before you sign. You don’t have to wait for your property to have been sold before you make use of this free service.

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ABOVE: Kerry Taylor’s eco-friendly, re-usable food wraps.

charters and contracts to oil and gas companies so he built a Tomcat boat, custom designed for fishing and diving charters. After selling Dhow-Licious Wood and Decor and their shares in various Tanzanian businesses, the couple decided it was time to come home last year. “Our 25th wedding anniversary to ourselves is a house which we’re currently building in Ballito,” says Kerry. “We were a bit gypsyed out and it was time to finally put down some roots.” Which doesn’t mean they’re any less adventurous. With a passion to reduce single-use plastic, Kerry has created a natural replacement for harmful plastic wraps, using 100% cotton, bees, jojoba oil and tree resin. “The product can be used to replace clingwrap and sandwich bags as it can be washed and re-used for up to a year,” says Kerry. Tombi Trade currently supplies clients in Tanzania, Ballito, Plettenberg Bay and Cape Town. James, meanwhile, has launched Executive Sea Safaris, offering luxury charter trips out of Durban Harbour. “My focus is on a door-to-door service for international tourists wanting an authentic marine experience, but I also happily cater for locals who want something different,” he says. “It’s about packages designed especially for customers’ needs, from shark watching to diving at Aliwal Shoal.” Looking back at their lives, the Taylor family has no regrets. “We’ve had experiences that you can’t buy and the opportunity to embrace new cultures,” says Kerry. “We’ve camped in the Selous Game Reserve, sailed the African coast, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and lived on idyllic islands. We worked our butts off, faced lots of adversity but had a blast. We wanted to live a life of adventure and we certainly did that.”

FOR MORE INFO www.executiveseasafaris.com www.tombitrade.com

*food

SUPER QUICK AND EASY TO WHIP UP, HERE’S A FIRM FAVOURITE THAT’S SURE TO IMPRESS

Versatile Parsley Parsley is a versatile herb that provides a concentrated source of nutrients. It’s particularly rich in vitamins A, C, and K. The vitamins and beneficial plant compounds in parsley may help to improve bone health, protect against chronic diseases, and provide antioxidant benefits. You can incorporate dried or fresh parsley into your diet by adding to soups, salads, marinades and sauces.

Mrs M's Kitchen

SECRETS

CREAMY PRAWNS

INGREDIENTS: ¥1kg prawns ¥6 tbsp Gorima’s Seafood/Prawn Marinade ¥6 tbsp olive oil or butter

Sauce: ¥1 tbsp fresh garlic ¥4 tbsp olive oil or butter ¥ ½ cup cream ¥ 4 tbsp Gorima’s Mrs Mall Peri-Peri Sauce To garnish: ¥ 2 tbsp chopped parsley

METHOD: For the prawns: Marinade prawns in seafood/prawn marinade. Pan fry prawns in olive oil or butter. For the sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil or

butter. Add cream and Mrs Mall Peri-Peri Sauce, cook for 5 minutes. Once cooked, pour sauce over the fried prawns and garnish with parsley. Serve on a bed of rice.

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profile*

here’s nothing the young Bongani Mtolo wanted to be more than a radio presenter. “Growing up in the rural area of Richmond in KZN I was inspired by the popular Ukhozi FM DJ Bodloza, who came from the same area,” says Bongani. “He was even taught by my father who was a school principal. From those early days it was all I wanted to do.” But, after graduating from Maritzburg College, life took

was not what they were looking for. I asked if he would listen to one more demo tape and if that didn’t work, I promised I would never bother him again.” Bongani’s persistence paid off and he was given the weekend midnight “training” slot, before being bumped up to the 4am to 6am weekday slot. “I was still living and working in PMB, so that meant getting up at 2am to get to ECR in time for show preparation, doing the show and then getting home to take the kids to school before

The truth behind

BONGANI MTOLO

DEEJAY, RADIO PRESENTER, COMPANY OWNER AND FAMILY MAN BONGANI MTOLO SPOKE TO DEBBIE REYNOLDS ABOUT SACRIFICE, SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT him on quite a different course. “I ended up as a car salesman in PMB and it was only later when I was already married with a kid that I started pursuing the radio dream,” says Bongani. “With my diverse background I had my sights set on East Coast Radio (ECR) and started sending in demo tapes. “I got no response at all until one day programme manager Zane Derbyshire called to say I

starting my day job.” His next big step was to the 6pm to 9pm weekday slot which meant he had to fully commit by giving up his wellpaying day job and moving to Pinetown. “Although my wife Zama thought I was crazy, she was very supportive and gave me three years to get it right,” says Bongani. “Quitting my job was the hardest thing I’ve ever done

It’s about being as honest as you can without being offensive. I would  rather hear the truth than be comforted with lies

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and because my radio salary barely covered petrol, I hired my car to a friend and used public transport. “One of the craziest things was sitting squashed in a taxi seeing someone reading an article about me in the newspaper – that’s when I made up my mind that I was going to make this work.” Even though his show grew to attracting the second largest

70 70 Years Years of Excellence of Excellence

listenership on the station, it took some time – and a lot of tears – before he was offered his dream job as co-presenter of the 3pm to 6pm “drive time” show around two years ago. Since then he’s won backto-back national Liberty Radio Awards for Best Afternoon Drive Presenter. “I still can’t believe it,” he laughs. “Everything my family and I sacrificed led to that moment being recognised by my peers as the best in our industry.” He says he thinks the secret to his success is letting the public be part of the show. “I want my listeners to feel they are having a conversation with their best friend, that person you sometimes love and sometimes hate. “It’s about being as honest as you can without being offensive. I would rather hear the truth than be comforted with lies. We are all so politically correct that we aren’t bringing problems into the

open where we can talk about them and hopefully fix them.” While radio is a huge part of his life, Bongani is also an accomplished DJ, having recently released his own house song, Spread Love; the owner of a marketing agency and, with Zama, an events and catering company. With a schedule that usually starts with gym at 5am in the morning and ends late at night, he spends as much of his down time as he can with his two boys, Lwazi, 11, and Khwezi, six. “Family is very important to me, as is touching as many people as I can along the way,” says Bongani. “I hope that I can inspire people to chase their dreams.” “It’s the normal people who inspire me … like the security guard I met a while back who heard my story and told me how much he wanted to study law. The last I heard he had finished his first year of law school.”

Consistent Consistent 100% 100% PassPass RateRate andand 93%93% Bachelor’s Bachelor’s Pass, Pass, 2 Pupils 2 Pupils achieved achieved 8 A's 8 including A's including IEB IEB Advanced Advanced Programme Programme Mathematics. Mathematics. Congratulations Congratulations to the to the Class Class of 2018. of 2018. Top Top matric matric student student awards awards include: include: 7th 7th in District in District (2017), (2017), 9th 9th in KZN in KZN andand 3rd 3rd andand 6th 6th in District in District (2015); (2015); 5th 5th in KZN in KZN (2014), (2014), 4th 4th andand 8th 8th in in District District (2014); (2014); 2nd2nd in District in District (2010) (2010) andand 1st in 1stKZN in KZN (2006). (2006).

Decades Decades of Quality of Quality Education Education WithWith a consistent a consistent 100% 100% Matric Matric passpass raterate andand Allan Allan GrayGray Orbis Orbis "Circle "Circle of Excellence" of Excellence" School School for the for the 7th 7th consecutive consecutive year, year, highhigh standards standards andand quality quality education education always always remain remain at the at the forefore at NGHS. at NGHS.

First First Class Class Facilities Facilities Learners Learners are are exposed exposed to 24 toAcademic 24 Academic subjects, subjects, including including Music, Music, IEB IEB French, French, andand Advanced Advanced Programme Programme Mathematics. Mathematics. FullyFully equipped equipped andand state state of the of the art Music, art Music, Media Media andand Art Centres, Art Centres, Consumer Consumer Studies Studies Kitchens, Kitchens, a modern a modern Gymnasium, Gymnasium, Swimming Swimming PoolPool andand Astro Astro turf turf facilities facilities ensure ensure a first a first class class HighHigh School School career. career.

Stimulating Stimulating Programmes Programmes Outside Outside the the classroom, classroom, learners learners grow grow on the on the sports sports fields fields andand in the in the 20+ 20+ ArtsArts andand Culture Culture Societies Societies on offer. on offer. As they As they get get involved involved in our in our innovative innovative leadership, leadership, community community service service andand environmental environmental programmes, programmes, theythey grow grow intointo well-rounded, well-rounded, strong strong women. women. • South • South African African Representatives Representatives in in Chess, Chess, Hockey, Hockey, Rugby Rugby andand Volleyball. Volleyball. • Provincial • Provincial representatives representatives in in Swimming, Swimming, Softball, Softball, Netball, Netball, Hockey, Hockey, Fencing, Fencing, Chess, Chess, Touch Touch Rugby, Rugby, Figure Figure Skating, Skating, Soccer, Soccer, Gymnastics Gymnastics andand Music. Music.

Discover Durban #durbanhasmore

In Durban for business or leisure? Hop aboard the Ricksha Bus for a scenic three-hour overview of Durban’s major attractions. Explore rich history of traditional Zulu culture in the Valley of the 1000 Hills or visit a local township and experience the unique Durban lifestyle.

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Durban’s sub-tropical climate is ideal for surfing the country’s best waves all year round, lounge on the golden beach, cycle or walk on the promenade, grab a bite to eat, fish, snorkel, scuba dive, canoe or kite surf on Durban’s ocean playground.

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From adrenaline-fueled adventures to family-orientated activities, Durban offers something for everyone. Take a guided tour of Inanda, where the late former President Nelson Mandela chose to vote in South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first democratic elections in 1994. Fall in love once again. Take a walk on the Beachfront Promenade, where you will truly experience love happiness that makes Durban the must visit destination. Pack your picnic basket, meet up with friends or simply enjoy a ricksha ride at the beach to experience tranquility that comes with nature and the warmth of the people of Durban.

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e-waste*

Just

JUNK

THE ERA OF ELECTRONICS AND RAPID INFORMATION HAS MADE OUR LIVES SIMPLER IN MANY WAYS – BUT WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THE GROWING AVALANCHE OF DISCARDED ELECTRONIC JUNK (E-WASTE) POISONING THE ENVIRONMENT? TONY CARNIE INVESTIGATES

pictures tony carnie

he modern economy generates nearly 50 million tonnes of e-waste every year – roughly 6kg a person annually, though this average weight is much higher in wealthier communities. The “junk” includes old computers, cellphones, televisions and all manner of hi-tech electronic gadgetry that contains a rich assortment of commercially valuable metals and chemicals. But it’s not only computers or phones. Just think about those vast electronic bundles of copper and plastic cabling that snake through the bodies of our cars, aeroplanes, offices and homes like electronic veins. Yet less than 20% of this e-waste is recycled globally – creating serious health risks for people, water, soil and food supplies if toxic or cancer-causing pollutants leak out into the environment from legal and illegal dumping.

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Closer to home, the recycling rate is even worse. A recent study by Mintek and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research says that currently, only 11% of waste electrical and electronic equipment is treated and recycled in South Africa. Quite apart from the health risks posed by dumping dangerous waste into the environment and landfills, valuable metals and other resources also go to waste. For example, a recent United Nations

BRIGHT IDEA The Electronic Cemetery does not handle old fluorescent tubes and bulbs, but a new glass lamp recycling facility – the first in Africa – was established in 2014 in Pietermaritzburg by e-Waste Africa. The company does not have its own collection points, but picks up glass lamps from a number of retailers, including Makro and Pick n Pay. Members of the e-Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA) have established more than 1 000 collection points across the country. For more information, contact eWASA: 031 535 7146; email: info@ewasa.org or visit https://www.ewasa.org

report suggests that up to 7% of the world’s gold may be bound up in e-waste components such as printed circuit boards for computers and mobile phones. And while there may be some gold in those mounds of e-waste, collecting and recovering valuable metals, chemicals and other potentially hazardous substances is not a simple matter. Just ask Jami Nash, founder of the Electronic Cemetery – a Durbanbased company that provides a free pick-up service for a large variety of

LEFT: Jami and Natalie Nash of the Electronic Cemetery provide a free collection service for company and household e-waste in Durban, subject to certain conditions. Jami collects most of the waste, while Natalie is responsible for marketing, correspondence and other functions. ABOVE LEFT: Rather than breaking them up for recycling, some discarded computers and laptops are refurbished and resold to extend their lifespan. ABOVE RIGHT: Tapiwa Matura spends his working days refurbishing or dismantling a wide variety of e-waste.

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e-waste streams. Jami started his company nearly 10 years ago, working from his double garage at home. The business expanded further when he rented a warehouse in Pinetown. Then last year – joined by his wife Natalie and business partner Malcolm Silver – he moved to a new industrial park in Hillcrest. Jami says he is not making a fortune. In fact, he barely breaks even most months because of the cost of renting a factory, collecting e-waste from all over Durban and hiring staff to sort and dismantle it.

e-waste*

The company also has a side line business: refurbishing and reselling old personal computers, laptops and some other gadgets at discount prices. As an example, a second-hand laptop (costing R8 000 when brand new) sells for about R1 500, with a six-month guarantee that can be extended for two years. However, his main focus is to reduce e-waste pollution by dismantling electronic products to extract valuables such as copper, aluminium, gold, steel and plastic. The metals and plastic are not melted by him, but sold to larger recyclers and processors. Jami would like to expand beyond the current collection volume of about 500kg a day, but this will require new permits and other major capital costs. Some waste fractions are also not profitable and currently cannot be

ABOVE: The reception area at the Electronic Cemetery, where piles of e-waste are sorted and disassembled before recycling. recycled in SA, so the company ends up paying fees to dispose of a small portion of such waste in landfill or hazardous waste sites. Jami would like the government to create more incentives for

manufacturers and the recycling industry to establish a cradle-tograve approach for e-waste, including subsidies for recyclers. “There is a lot of legislation and taxation, but very little assistance at the moment,” he says.

FOR MORE INFO Jami Nash: 079 347 7063; www.electronic-cemetery.com

*food

Family

FAVOURITE RECIPE BY LUCY MARKEWICZ

TAHINI AND FETA BAKED RIVERSMEAD CHICKEN THIGHS Ingredients: • 6-8 Riversmead chicken thighs • 500mℓ yoghurt • juice of 1 lime • thumb-size knob of ginger, peeled and minced

Riversmead The Ridge The Crest Advert•.indd 1

A FLAVOUR-PACKED SUPPER DISH THAT’S EASY TO MAKE USING THE FRESHEST INGREDIENTS – THANKS TO RIVERSMEAD FARM-FRESH CHICKEN

• 3 cloves garlic, chopped • 15mℓ cumin • 15mℓ coriander seeds • 15mℓ mint • 15mℓ marjoram • 15mℓ salt • 5mℓ pepper • 125mℓ tahini • 80mℓ - 125mℓ feta • 45mℓ toasted sesame seeds • pomegranate rubies

• fresh coriander Method: In a bowl mix together the ginger, garlic, all the herbs and spices, salt, pepper, tahini, yoghurt and lime juice. Marinade the chicken overnight in the tahini yoghurt mixture. Preheat oven to 180°C. Remove the thighs and wipe off the marinade,

reserving it for later. Brown the thighs in a hot pan until the skin colours nicely. Place in a casserole dish, cover with the tahini yoghurt marinade. Bake in a preheated oven for 45-60 minutes or until cooked through. Garnish with crumbled feta, sesame seeds, pomegranate rubies and coriander.

2019/08/30 11:48

advertorial*

Vega School

TRAILBLAZERS

MEET THREE WONDER WOMEN, ALL IIE VEGA GRADUATES, WHO ARE MAKING WAVES IN THE INDUSTRY

aking the right study choice is ultimately the starting point of a career, which means students and parents want to ensure they select a future-proof education. Vega School is not just about students finding a job, but rather something more significant; finding their purpose. The school is known for producing mavericks and trailblazers leaving a significant mark in the industry. A tertiary educational brand of the Independent Institute of Education (IIE), Vega has an unmatched IIE-Vega graduate employment rate: ninety five percent of the graduates are employed within just six months of graduating. Celebrating its 21st year since launching the school in Johannesburg, Vega has seen over 8 200 alumni setting trends in the brand, business and design industry – both locally and abroad. These figures are a direct result of the school’s methodology, industry network and the decision to expand its IIE offerings over the last few years – adding brand management and strategic brand communication programmes to its largely design-based portfolio.

Kudos to our *Vega stars

 Third years, BA in Creative Brand Communication, from left, Roxanne Schoon, Justine Clyde and Amy Tjasink, won a Gold Loeries Award.

 Tannah Renou, BA Graphic Design second year, and Barry Beukes, BA in Creative Brand Communication third year, won the Wild Bean Cup Design.

Celebrating its 21st year since launching the school in Johannesburg, Vega has seen over 8 200 alumni setting trends in the brand, business and design industry 48

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Thina Dyantyi

Studied an IIE BA in Strategic Brand Communication, landed an internship in her second year at Barrows Global, and before she graduated was appointed Field Marketing Specialist at Red Bull. “Considering myself as a strategist, I had always undermined my capabilities to be an innovator and forward-thinker,” says Thina. “Through Vega and the learnings of my degree, I gained the confidence to regard myself as a creative in my own right. I became more open to sharing my ideas, taking my earned seat at the table with the creative big shots and making my presence felt.” The Vega experience was for Thina defined by opportunities to engage in reallife client briefs through the annual Brand Challenge, and shaped by her determination to make the most of these opportunities to rise to the challenge. “Opportunity lies in everything that you do, even when you think people aren’t watching or taking notice – they are. I was surrounded by a pool of talent – graphic designers, brand strategists, photographers, content creators and visionaries. I simply couldn’t afford to miss out on the opportunity to learn from these resources every day.” Thina’s advice to school leavers is that learning is a never-ending journey. “Discover your why, the very core of why you want to succeed, and be relentless in pursuing this,” she says. “And parents – support your children! As future game changers and innovators, they’ll hear the word ‘no’ a hundred times. Their first ‘yes’ should be with you.”

LAND. CLE RD A W HO

PIC TU RE :

ETT. URN YB E CK MI

Aimee Crankshaw

Studied an IIE BCom in Strategic Brand Management and landed her dream job as content strategist for The Sharks. “I have always been passionate about rugby and fell in love with not only The Sharks style of rugby, but also their brand and all that they stand for,” says Aimee – who has recently set up the brand’s in-house creative agency. The Vega way of thinking and approaching problems has prepared Aimee for the highly competitive and fast paced industry she’s in. “Vega has always encouraged excellence and motivate students to do the impossible and to think beyond the box society has formed. Vega teaches you to constantly challenge the norms, push your boundaries and design creative solutions when coming up with campaign concepts and executions. The Vega belief and culture is that there is a creative solution for all problems, you just have to expand your way of thinking to find it.” Dedicating her three years at Vega to gaining as much knowledge as she possibly could, Aimee says the lecturers were always very accommodating and enjoyed sharing their experience and knowledge with students who were hungry to learn.

NEXT OPEN DAY: October 26 2019, 9am

S E P T - O C T

ETT. URN YB E CK MI

Zainab Mitha

Studied an IIE BA in Creative Brand Communication with core discipline in Visual Communication, and then her BA Honours in Creative Brand Communication. She is now Junior Art Director at FCB and was recently selected as a Loeries Awards Judge. “Vega’s connections and involvement in industry has been instrumental to me,” says Zainab, who met her current Creative Director through a Portfolio Night hosted at Vega – where members of the creative industry sit down with students and provide advice on how to improve portfolios. “I met him again during honours when he gave me an award at the Vega Showcase, an evening where agencies have the opportunity to look around at the new talent about to enter the working world. He offered me a job, and also hired my copywriter – another IEE Vega Alumni.” Zainab says Vega is the only college that offers a combination of strategy and creativity in one course, and has incredible lecturers who always go above and beyond to make sure each student is pushed to do the best they can. “Being at Vega gradually pushed me out of my comfort zone and turned me into the person I am today,” she says – adding that the Vega Collab lessons, when students of different specialisations had the opportunity to collaborate with each other, were extremely helpful.

FOR MORE INFO Applications are open for 2020; contact the campus on 031 569 1415 or dbn@vegaschool.com. Visit www.vegaschool.com

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fashion*

Summer with

STYLE

WITH SUMMER ON ITS WAY, THERE’S NOTHING DULL ABOUT THESE CASUAL SUMMER-LOVING LOOKS OOZING FEMININITY. LORI-BETH JAMES’S ONLINE RANGE, BELLE GRAY, IS STYLISH AND PERFECT FOR HOT BALMY DAYS

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House Of Monet Floral Kimono Dress, R840: can be worn as a dress using a concealed button and front waist tie, or open as an open front kimono. Hickory Floral Smocked Dress, R890: watercolour floral print in dusty pink and muted teal on a cream plaid textured base. Next Level Pocketed Floral Jumpsuit, R860: gorgeous floral print in lavender, cream, pink, magenta, teal, orange, yellow, lime green and blue on a navy blue base.

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Jacky Cotton Pocketed Button Down Jumpsuit, R870. Restoration Knit Lounge Set, R1 280: designed in a soft and stretchy knit fabric, cut in a relaxed fit. Keenan Satin Pocketed Leopard Tunic, R980: a sultry finish and sassy print, featuring a mustard and chocolate brown leopard print on beige soft satin fabric.

fashion*

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Foliage Printed Blouse, R750: vibrant palm print in turquoise, teal, white and pink on a dusty salmon base and bordered with diamond print. Maeve Lace Crochet Ruffle Dress, R820: all about comfort, designed with a fitted bodice and flowy skirt.

 Preppy Lady Polka Dot Maxi Dress, R860: navy blue with a white polka dot print. Cut with a fitted bodice and float skirt, this maxi can be worn on or off the shoulders. FOR MORE INFO 083 988 7336 online@bellegray.co.za

Believe It Snake Print Maxi Dress, R850: iconic snake print, featuring navy and grey print on an ivory base.

S E P T - O C T

2 0 1 9

decor*

The way nature

INTENDED

WHEN A COMPANY’S PRODUCTS ARE CLEVERLY YET TASTEFULLY REFLECTED IN THEIR OFFICES, YOU KNOW THEY MEAN BUSINESS 54

ith the relocation of their Global Business Services office from the South Coast to JT Ross’ iconic Glass House on uMhlanga Rocks Drive, Sappi commissioned Dwell Interiors to design and oversee their new office space. The brief was simple yet exciting – to design an inviting 2 000m² office space that would create an awareness of their extensive range of products – from traditional paper products, through to innovative products used in

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the fashion, textile, automobile, and household industries. Dwell created various platforms to showcase their products – from custom wallpaper, to glass privacy screens that double as a panel on which to display products, to canvasses and other bespoke finishes. Dwell further incorporated sustainably-sourced natural timbers, greenery, and inviting tones to create an environment that is both professional and welcoming. The reception area incorporates feature timber

ABOVE LEFT: Sappi’s welcoming reception area in the Glass House. TOP: The guest lounge functions as an overflow breakaway space in the frontof-house area. ABOVE: A pantry space – complete with table-tennis table, which can double up as a meeting space, and ottoman seating which slides beneath the table.

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cladding, a custom-sourced live-edge timber top for the reception desk, and suspended planter box above the reception desk – all dramatically offset against a dark charcoal exposed soffit to maximise the ceiling height and create visual impact. The reception area leads through to Sappi’s public interface area which houses numerous meeting rooms of various sizes, able to serve a range of functions. These include a video conference room with custom-designed table;

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decor*

a meeting room with height-adjustable table; and meeting rooms which are separated by a removable partition so that the space can be used as a training room. Sappi’s staff-centric and safety focused practices were a further integral consideration in the design of the office space – from height-adjustable hot desks and meeting tables, ergonomically superior office chairs, numerous breakaway “booths” for quiet or confidential work, to fully equipped pantry spaces.

RIGHT: Textured and visually dynamic reception area. RIGHT: Timber cladding, a live-edge reception counter, and suspended planter box above the reception desk all add to the visual impact of the reception area.

FOR MORE INFO Dwell Interiors: 031 313 1250 www.dwellinteriors.co.za

LEFT: An acoustic, operable partition with forest graphics opens up to create a large training space which flows to the outdoors.

The main reception area leads through to Sappi’s public interface area which houses numerous meeting rooms of various sizes, able to serve a range of functions

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trending*

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Animal

INSTINCT

ZEBRA, LEOPARD, TIGER, SNAKE – THIS SUMMER IS GOING TO BE A JUNGLE OUT THERE

nimal prints are timeless. And the good news is that even though they’re on-trend this season, there’s no need to worry that a leopard-print trench or zebra-print sandal you buy now will be out of fashion come next season. Besides, one can never have too many animal-print accessories, because they work so well with black and neutrals. From boots and bags to

statement outerwear and printed denim, it seems like exotic animal patterns and prints are everywhere. Historically, cheetah and leopard prints have reigned supreme in fashion’s animal kingdom, while zebra and tiger stripes have long served as regal runners-up. But snakeskin has officially slithered its way on to the scene and I think it’s safe to say it’s well nested and not going anywhere anytime soon. Don’t get me wrong, we’re not trying to dismiss the feline fashion

trend, but if you’re bored with the regular prints on offer, it might be time to shake things up! And reptile prints are the way to go. They’re edgy, sleek and exciting, and you can even find this print in the on-trend lumo colourway. Python prints offer the best of both worlds. They typically come in a mix of grey and brown palettes, making them a near-neutral. But their dynamic textures and bold prints make them as eye-catching as any other animal print; plus, they’re a stylish yet efficient way to instantly glam up an all-black outfit. In addition to the reptile prints, look out for snakes, crocs and bugs as the trend explodes into jewellery. Get ready for a wild summer.

 Tangible scarves from R225.  Light snake print Moscow Block Heel, R1 099, Sweet Peas.  Ostilly Collection snake print ear-rings, R260.

FOR MORE INFO www.tangibleco.co.za www.sweetpeas.co.za www.ostillycollection.co.za

Snake print Turkish Mule, R899, Sweet Peas. Snake skin effect bag, R399, Superbalist.

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motoring*

Not just

GOOD LOOKS

a whole new category of tough bakkie, one that is built locally in South Africa. While the Ranger Raptor has been hugely-anticipated, and is most certainly a striking bakkie, South African motorists could be puzzled by the fact that it’s only available with a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine. However, the automaker is convinced the smaller engine is the best option

ROBUST, RUGGED, MANLY AND STRONG. THE NEW FORD RAPTOR IS ALL THIS AND MORE – PLUS THERE’S STYLE, QUALITY AND GOOD PERFORMANCE. LIFE JUST GOT BETTER

ow do you create the ultimate performance bakkie? You engineer it to thrive in the world’s most brutal environments. You build it to handle the most aggressive off-road driving. And you do what Ford has done: you create

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for its new bakkie. Also available in an off-road performance variant for the first time, the purpose-built, desertracing inspired bakkie joins the Ford Performance family as the new Ranger Raptor. Designed and engineered to deliver an adrenaline pumping experience, the Ford Ranger Raptor sports a

head-turning exterior look that exudes toughness as well as a level of capability and off-road performance never before seen in the mid-size bakkie segment. Sharing the same nomenclature as the F-150 Raptor – the world’s most extreme production bakkie – Ranger Raptor is in a class of its own among mid-size off-road performance vehicles. So what makes the Ranger Raptor so

very distinctive? In terms of styling, the Raptor features a new, huge grille, bumper, bold wheel arches and fenders with grey accents. Ford says there are new sheet moulding compound (SMC) front fenders which wrap around the 150mm wider stance from the track. It sports 2,3mm thick high-strength steel for underbody protection, and at the rear there’s a unique box side, redesigned

bumper and tow-bar integration along with a functional aluminium die-cast side step. Inside, the seats are beautifully sculpted, and upholstery has signature stitching in lightning blue. The cabin has been designed for comfort, with the Ford Performance DNA running throughout its styling. The steering wheel has a red stripe on top of the wheel as a centre marker. It also has unique spokes, debossed graphic and magnesium paddle shifters. The other aspect of the Raptor’s speciality is its Terrain Management System (TMS) which has six various modes to choose from to suit any kind of driving surface. There’s even one called Baja mode, and despite the Baja Dessert Race being highly acclaimed internationally, perhaps this could have been better suited as the Dakar mode for local buyers. According to Ford, each mode has been precisely calibrated to offer the best possible combination of technologies working in unison to tackle the chosen driving style with sangfroid. There are five options for on-road and off-road driving.

FOR MORE INFO

To find out more or to test drive the new Ford Raptor visit CMH Kempster Ford uMhlanga at 115 Flanders Drive, Mount Edgecombe; 031 538 6200; www.umhlangaford.co.za

CMH KEMPSTER FORD UMHLANGA

087 727 7238

115 Flanders Drive Mount Edgecombe, Durban, 4302 CMH Group Umhlanga Dealers Near You:

THE FUTURE IS EVERYONE’S

property*

Sectional title

LIVING

OFFERING CONVENIENCE, AFFORDABILITY AND SECURITY, SECTIONAL TITLE PROPERTIES ARE BECOMING MORE AND MORE IN DEMAND, SAYS GARETH BAILEY

n 2010 only 13,5% of all new residential buildings completed in South Africa were sectional title properties – according to Statistics SA. By the first quarter of 2019 that figure had risen to 57,7%. Convenience and affordability are key factors behind this trend, according to Sandra Gordon, senior research analyst for Pam Golding Properties. Today’s fast-paced and busy lifestyle dictates that for many people, convenience is a key factor critical in decisionmaking when it comes to buying or renting a home. Coupled with a trend towards smaller living spaces which enjoy reduced monthly utilities and maintenance costs, or which are better suited to a change in lifestyle, this has resulted in an exponentially increasing demand for sectional title units in apartment complexes in easily accessible locations. With South Africa’s young demographic profile, it is hardly surprising that there is a

growing demand for sectional title living, not only from firsttime and young buyers opting for apartment living, but from home owners across all ages who are seeking smaller homes in more convenient locations. This is borne out by the fact that in the broader uMhlanga area, the average size of apartments sold decreased from about 103m² in 2013 to 94m² in 2018. While sacrificing space, and apart from the benefits of lower operating and maintenance costs and good security, a smaller apartment in a convenient location such as this enables a reduction in the daily commute to the workplace as well as on foot access to a range of facilities such as restaurants, coffee shops, gyms and shopping, among others. In addition to the fact that nearly 60% of all new dwellings coming on to the market are sectional title, more broadly speaking, new and repeat sectional title sales increased from 21,2% of total residential

sales in the country in 2010 to close to 28% in late 2018. The trend is pronounced in Gauteng province, which dominates the sectional title market, accounting for just over half of all apartments sold each year. Half of all young South Africans purchase their first home in Gauteng – hence the demand for sectional title units. Here, according to Lightstone, sectional title sales have risen from an average of 27,4% of total unit sales in 2010 to 33,9% in 2018. The shift developers are making towards building new sectional title homes is highlighted by the fact that 60,1% of all new homes sold in

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The trend towards sectional title properties – which facilitate an appealing and secure, lock-upand-go lifestyle – are increasing in popularity

UMHLANGA 031 561 5300

Johannesburg last year were sectional title properties, while 45,4% of all sales – both new and repeat – were sectional title units. Affordability is a further factor favouring sectional title. For example, of the 12 603 sectional title properties sold in Johannesburg last year, 45% were priced under R800 000, while a further 40,1% were priced between R800 000 and R1,5-million, and only 191 units (1,5% of the total), were sold for more than R3-million. KwaZulu-Natal is also experiencing this shift towards sectional title – with these sales as a percentage of total unit sales rising from

27,8% in 2010 to 34,7% last year. In a similar metric to Johannesburg, 61,8% of all new homes sold were sectional title properties, and 41,7% of all sales – both new and repeat – were sectional title units. Of the 4 755 sectional title properties sold in eThekwini last year, 49,9% were priced under R800 000, with a further 30,8% priced between R800 000 and R1,5-million. A total of 169 units (3,6%) were sold for more than R3-million. In the Western Cape, sectional title as a percentage of total sales rose from an average of 14,4% in 2010 to 19,4% in 2018. In Cape Town, sectional title comprised 28,4% of all new homes sold in 2018, and 25,3% of all sales, both new and repeat. Of the 6 520 sectional title properties sold in Cape Town last year, 34,5% were priced between R800 000 and R1,5-million, while a further 31,9% were priced under R800 000, and 543 units or 8,3% sold for more than R3-million. In line with the trend towards sectional title properties, mixed-use developments – such as those found in Sibaya, uMhlanga, and others in Menlyn Maine in Pretoria, Sandton and Cape Town central – which facilitate an appealing and secure, lock-up-and-go lifestyle – are increasing in popularity. Apart from having appeal for the younger generation, these include professionals who travel frequently and retirees who travel overseas to visit family.

La Lucia / R9.950 million

Ref# 1ND1442332 Beds 5 / Baths 6 / Garages 4 / Parkings 6 / Contemporary home with wow factor in prime La Lucia, easy access to main roads, schools and shopping facilities. Spread over 3 levels it has everything you require for comfortable living. Joy Chiang 083 256 5993 / Desiree Blackburn 082 450 5281

Umhlanga Rocks / R11 million Ref# 1ND1447610 Beds 4 / Baths 4 / Garages 2 / Situated on prime Umhlanga beachfront offering open-plan living, gourmet kitchen, sold fully furnished, inclusive of all appliances. Double parking bay and storeroom included. Bev Sparks 082 781 7577

La Lucia / R5.65 million

Ref# 1ND1448456

Beds 3 / Baths 2 / Garages 2 / Set in a premium executive estate, this stunning apartment offers a luxurious standard of living while boasting panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Susan Latter 082 442 2076

Umhlanga Rocks / R7.45 million

Ref# 1ND1442411

Beds 3 / Baths 3 / Basement Parkings 2 / Be blessed with morning sunrises and end your day in paradise watching the waves crashing on the beach. Corner unit with wrap around balcony, offering unobstructed sea-views. Sharon Westcott 083 270 0478

last word*

shouldn’t have been looking at old sepia photographs of my grandmother when I was supposed to be writing a column. But then I did. Instead of bashing away on the Remington with a rattle and a clank as every precious letter smacked mercilessly on to the page, I started writing longhand in a Moleskin notebook with squared acid-free paper using a 1mm broad Uniball pen from

Savour LIFE

THE FAST PACE OF LIFE CAN ERASE SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE MEMORIES, WRITES GREG ARDÉ, SO TAKE THE TIME TO STOP AND TASTE THE STRAWBERRIES

illustration jeremy nell the Mitsubishi Pencil Company. I ditched furiously productive, leant back and doodled on the page. I drew a flower and stopped worrying about my frenzied bids to make a buck. My inky scribble reminded me of the butterfly that flew into my face on the first day of spring. It really happened, and it felt like you would imagine it would: a friendly, fleeting, flirty caress on a blissfully sunny day. I had just hung the laundry on the line and was about to clean the pool – mindful chores that often have to preface my fingers flying across the keyboard. Having decided to take the flowers and flutter-by

break I ate fresh strawberries out of a glass jar. I popped one into my gob and whoa! It was an explosion of joy in my mouth. Julie Andrews suddenly started singing My Favourite Things from The Sound of Music. Seriously, her mellifluous voice muting the sound of my merry munching. I was like, wow, as teenagers say. Things are way tastier out of a polished glass jar. The strawberries were juicy, plump and red. I savoured each bite and chewed and grinned at the same time. It struck me how this beat the usual gobble-and-go from a plastic punnet. I had prepared

the strawberries a few hours earlier at home. I rinsed them and carefully sprinkled a quarter teaspoon of brown sugar over them. It was a morning unlike most others when my grumpy mug only starts to morph from Quasimodo to mild simpleton after the third cup of coffee. All this became a symphony in my head because I was looking at photos of my grandmother in her youth: all dressed up for the special shoot in a pretty brocaded dress with a hat and corsage. She peered into my soul from a bygone era before mass production. And that’s the point of this story. The other day my

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mate was waxing lyrical about the virtues of shaving. His life had become so manic, he said, that he used to attack his stubbled chin with an electric shaver in traffic on the way to work. It was patchy and did the job, but it sucked. He got the kids to school, attended meetings, compiled the company reports, had two cars, a nice house, a bunch of toys and sheer mania. His marriage went tits up. But things changed for the better. He got another wife, more kids and is very happy now. These days, though, he shaves in front of the mirror in the mornings and does so with a flourish of foam, warm water and a sharp razor. It’s a ritual and he relishes every moment. It calms him. With every mindful stroke, he plans his day and meticulously avoids slashing his jugular. It’s a bit like warming the car. Remember when you had to do that? You had to pop out 10 minutes before you left, gently pull out the choke and bring the beast to life. It was an essential necessity and in these slow, methodical strokes you derived your antediluvian joy. It felt wholesome, mindful and the antithesis of our crazy modern world, which, with all its marvel and wonder, can be like a little vomit comet careering out of control on the autobahn. I want to pull up the handbrake, hop out and amble in the countryside, take in the view, talk to the travellers and just go slow.

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