TRUST & TRADITION

It all began with Ben Narotam, who founded Benze in 1970. When you step through the door of Benze in Mayville, you’ll find him still at the helm, still with the same values of impeccable service and quality workmanship.

He’s known as the “Upholstery Whisperer”, and you’ll soon see why. Decades of experience means you’ll get a straightforward opinion, a fair quote, and work which goes beyond your expectation.

As a family business, Ben’s wife, Budds Narotam, oversees the upholstery and carpet cleaning arm of the business.

But no matter which sector of the business, the family prides themselves on two key aspects: building lasting relationships, and their client-focused approach. Clients return time and time again because they know beyond any doubt, that the Benze team is fully committed to firstrate quality – with at least 70% of their new business coming from referrals.

When it comes to upholstery, nothing speaks louder than “before” and “after” images of chairs, couches, and more. For the Benze team, their biggest reward is that look of astonishment, relief, pleasure and gratitude when a treasured heirloom or loved piece is given a new lease on life. As Ben says, “I’m totally driven by passion. I’m determined that each client will receive the

THERE’S SOMETHING SO REASSURING ABOUT DEALING WITH A DURBAN FAMILY BUSINESS THAT’S OVER 50 YEARS OLD. WHEN YOU HAND OVER A FAMILY HEIRLOOM FOR RE-UPHOLSTERING, TRUST IS EVERYTHING, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER

ABOVE: Still going after 50 years – husband and wife team, Ben and Budds Narotam are passionate about their family re-upholstery business. BELOW: Before and after. best service possible, and that is our motto.”

Upholstery and restoration is highly skilled work, carried out by experienced craftsmen who’ve not only been doing this for decades – but who take immense pride in their work. Over the years, staff arrived from all walks of life, and learnt their trade the Benze way.

Benze offer a wide range of South African fabrics from top fabric houses, but they don’t simply recover your furniture. Reupholstering involves everything from repairs to joints and structural damage, to stripping,

Decades of experience means you’ll get a straightforward opinion, a fair quote, and work which goes beyond your expectation

replacing webbing, springs and padding.

Ben Narotam pointed out their Duco work: “We can revive a scratched surface, or paint and colour-match any furniture. We’ve even given wooden furniture a young, contemporary colour, which includes sanding, painting then upholstering the chairs.”

It feels good to deal with a family business. There’s a sense of continuity, that personal touch. And after 50 years Ben still takes great pride in ensuring the Benze reputation stays that way. *

Beach BLISS

UMNGAZI HOTEL & SPA, A BEAUTIFUL WILD COAST DESTINATION

Just south of Port St John’s in the Eastern Cape you’ll delicious meals a day. And for those looking to celebrate a special find Umngazi Hotel & Spa. From wonderful welcoming occasion, there are two magical private dining venues available to hire. staff to tasty morning and afternoon tea offerings on Another must when visiting Umngazi is to venture out on the the recently extended wooden deck and the tranquillity afternoon river cruise, admiring the end of another glorious day of the hotel’s natural surroundings, a visit to this on the Wild Coast and sipping on a chilled refreshment. If popular beach resort is a delight. lucky enough, guests will witness the majestic African Umngazi is a perfect destination for a completely relaxing holiday for the whole family. The kids are THE HOTEL HAS WORKED VERY HARD TO Eagle swooping down to claim his catch of the day. Umngazi is an incredibly romantic destination, kept entertained with daily ENSURE THE UTMOST SAFETY and renowned for orchestrating activities that include a variety OF GUESTS, STAFF unforgettable and truly of games and adventures, and a AND COMMUNITY DURING THIS memorable honeymoons – as most welcome nanny service is TIME OF well as being a sought-after available for parents who would COVID-19 escape for couples looking to like to enjoy well-deserved quality time together. There is a team of experienced gillies on hand with a wealth of Umngazi is an local knowledge to encourage incredibly romantic and guide young budding fishermen. A tennis court, a fully air-conditioned gym, SUP destination, and renowned for boarding, kayaks, walks and orchestrating hikes, and an award-winning spa – located on the hillside with breathtaking views – is also unforgettable and truly memorable available to add to the fabulous honeymoons Umngazi experience.

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

Designed in Sweden, the new Volvo XC60 is a midsize SUV crossover with a uniquely Scandinavian character and refined strength. In 2018 the Volvo XC60 captured hearts around the globe from drivers and critics alike and was awarded the coveted World Car Of The Year title. With four 2-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged powertrains to choose from, the Volvo XC60 ensures that every need is catered for. The D4 and D5 diesels deliver 140kW/400Nm and 173kW/480Nm respectively, while the T5 and T6 petrol versions deliver 187kW/350Nm and a whopping 235kW/400 Nm respectively – the T6 using a combination turbo/ supercharger. All engines are mated to a super-smooth 8-speed automatic gearbox and an AWD drivetrain for sure-footed handling in all road and weather conditions. The interior cabin blends exceptional craftsmanship with everyday versatility, using premium selected leather and trim materials. Sitting high in an extraordinarily supportive seat – which is sculpted to fit your body no matter what shape you are – you gaze at a simple dash with a large 22cm portrait high resolution touchscreen taking centre stage. The menu is simple and intuitive, allowing you to customise your driving experience. Voice control activation enables changes to climate control, navigation, telephony and media functions so that you don’t have to take your eyes off the road. Innovative technology connects you and your car with the world through Sensus

Connect. A personal sim card connects your Volvo to the internet, enabling you to browse the web, access a variety of internet, radio and media apps, and facilitates over-the-air diagnostics and software downloads. Connect mobile devices to the Wi-Fi hotspot, stream your favourite tunes via Bluetooth, or access your device apps on your Volvo’s screen through smartphone integration. USB

Refined LUXURY

OFFERING SOPHISTICATION, COMFORT AND CONTROL, THE NEW VOLVO XC60’S LATEST SAFETY TECHNOLOGY HELPS PROTECT WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU

points are standard and optional inductive charging ensures you are always in touch.

Volvo On Call is a unique service that comes standard on the Volvo XC60 and helps motorists communicate with their vehicles. Using a smartphone, you can remotely track your car, lock or unlock the doors, check fuel level, and remotely start your XC60 to cool or heat the vehicle. In addition, you can keep trip logs and a calendar of meetings with addresses, and download to the car’s navigation system. If you forget to lock your vehicle, you will get a notification. The push of a button in the car

Volvo pioneered City Safety – collision avoidance technology – that helps prevent collisions

connects you with your very own concierge service, roadside assistance, or emergency response through Tracker Connect. Intellisafe encompasses a myriad of active safety features expected on a Volvo. In addition, Volvo pioneered City Safety – collision avoidance technology – that helps prevent collisions, even on highways. It scans the area around you, detecting other vehicles as well as pedestrians, cyclists and large animals, and automatically applies emergency braking when necessary. City Safety, Driver Alert Control with Lane Keeping Aid, a reverse camera, and Roadsign Information System are standard, while Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert and a 360° camera are optional. A special key fob enables you to set speed parameters for less experienced drivers. Adaptive and bending LED headlights complete the comprehensive safety feature list.

What should get potential owners particularly excited is the Pilot Assist feature. This optionally available semiautonomous driving system combines the Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Aid to maintain a safe following distance and steer the car at speeds of up to 130km an hour. Keyless entry and a power operated tailgate with foot sensor are great standard convenience features. There is a full range of accessories to choose from, including styling, packing and loading, protective, performance, and lifestyle components – each one created to complement the look of the XC60 and personalise your driving experience. *

FOR MORE INFO Visit your CMH Volvo Cars uMhlanga at 1 Wilton Crescent, Somerset Park, uMhlanga Ridge, 4319 or call us on 031 571 2600; www.cmhvolvocarsumhlanga.co.za