Gay Pages Summer 2016 by gaypages

Bel Ami by Rick Day

LARGEST GAY PUBLICATION IN SA

SUMMER 2016 History of the Rainbow Flag

LONG DISTANCE LOVE

Lack of leadership in our community

Nick Jonas To PrEP or not to PrEP? Three-way relationships Can you do it?

THE GAY GENE

Half of all heterosexuals carry it CAR TESTS Lexus RX 350 EX Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Fiat Fullback 2.5 Diesel Opel Astra Hatch 1,4T Enjoy Toyota Fortuner 2,4 GD-6 4x2 Volkswagen Golf GTi Clubsport Edition 40 DSG

R42,00 incl VAT Other countries R36,85 www.gaypagessa.co.za

LUXURY TRAVEL

Falling in love in Slovenia Orion Mont Aux Sources Hotel Kurland Hotel in Plettenberg Bay FABULOUS SUBSCRIPTION GIVEAWAYS

Search engine. For the next natural high. The new 718 Cayman. Daily routine? No thank you. So all the more curves please. The new 718 Cayman is ready for any challenge, with direct steering and a sporty suspension. New turbo boxer engines provide much more power and torque. Because there are no half measures in sport. Let‘s go: www.porsche.com/718Cayman

718 Cayman S: Fuel consumption in l/100 km: combined 7.3 • Power: 257 kW (350 hp) • Torque: 420 Nm • 0 – 100 km/h: 4.2 seconds (Sport Plus)

www.porschesouthafrica.com

Porsche Centre Johannesburg Tel: 011 540 5000

Porsche Centre Cape Town Tel: 021 555 6800

Porsche Centre Umhlanga Tel: 031 514 3000

Porsche Centre Pretoria Tel: 012 816 7600

SUMMER 2016 EDITORIAL

It’s summer again! This year has gone by in a flash and soon we’ll be hearing tiresome Christmas tunes in the shops. Maybe it might be an idea to start shopping earlier before the crazy season sets in. Sensible people will head for the hills as soon as possible. This time of the year we always receive many enquiries for gay friendly establishments at the end of the rainbow. Preferably ones with a sprinkle of fairy dust. Sadly most of the time we honestly have no idea who to suggest. I’m always amazed that there are so few gay-owned guesthouses and lodges who Editor market themselves to the gay community. Rubin van Niekerk Believe me, there is a massive demand Deputy Editor/Creative Director and almost no supply. Proprietors tend to Alan Samons believe people will find them. Some may, most won’t. Why hide? At the last IGLTA Art Director/Graphic Design Nicholas Barclay conference I attended, it was clear that Americans, in particular, take gay travel Office Manager Joan Doyle very seriously and the great numbers of gay-owned holiday establishments Décor Editor Jean-Pierre de la Chaumette anywhere in the US of A are astounding. Just look at Spartacus or online. Even Art and Entertainment Middle America is trying to reach the Denise Latham rainbow dollar. Heading towards South Lifestyle and Social America the number of gay establishments Michelle York dwindles the further south you go. Restaurant Reviews Europe remains a gay destination favourite Rubin van Niekerk, Alan Samons and during the summer months you could Music Reviews attend Pride events almost non-stop if you Jacques Botha could afford the time and money. Cape Advertising Sales Town has been finding itself more in the Rubin van Niekerk, Alan Samons international spotlight and it’s no longer Contributors just only the gay Germans arriving by the Keith Bain, Nicholas Barclay, Jacques Botha, thousands. At the IGLTA conference in Ernst Bröcker, Gunther Dippenaar, Louis Douglas, Luke Hackney, Bernard K. Hellberg, Joffrey Hyman, Cape Town a few months ago, most of the Dr Phil Joffe, Nolan Krull, Denise Latham, 330 delegates had never been to Cape Zamo Mthethwa, Neal McKenna, Town and when asked about the long Bongani Evans Mtlhavani, John O’Neil, Tim Owen, Ryan Thomas, Leon van Nierop, Christo Valentyn, travel time, the Americans said that now Eugene Yiga, Michelle York that they know how amazing Cape Town International Contributors is they would put up with the travel time Gabriel Janse van Rensburg – Canada and hassle to get to sunny South Africa. Ken Cage – New Zealand Barrie Mahoney – Canary Islands Almost none of them rented cars, but after the visit a lot more delegates intended to Photographers self-drive and the Garden Route was top Vernondo Boshoff, Deon de Lange, Bernard K. Hellberg, Joffrey Hyman, on their list. Shaun Smith, Rubin van Niekerk Having recently driven along the Garden Printing Route again I was impressed by how much CTP Book Printers most of the roads had improved. We also Distribution loved staying at Kurland in Plettenberg Bay RNA again. Owner managers generally remain well ahead of the pack and Peter Behr Copyright The copyright for all material in this publication has worked hard for many years to ensure is strictly reserved. “Family Business“ and that Kurland remains one of the classiest “Gay Pages“ are registered trademarks. properties between Cape Town and Port Published by: Elizabeth. It really is postcard pretty and Associated Business Network (Pty) Ltd. Tel: (011) 726-1560/1931, Fax: (011) 726-6948 well worth visiting. 082 777-0830, Enjoy summer! PO Box 1050, Melville, 2109 gaypages@iafrica.com, www.gaypagessa.co.za

The appearance of any person or organisation in the Gay Pages is not an indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organisations.

CONTENTS SUBSCRIPTION GIVEAWAYS

ON THE PLATE

IN THE SPIRIT

TRAVEL

MIND, BODY, & SOUL

ENVIRONMENT

HEALTH

NUTRITION

PET NEWS

NEWS

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TECHNOLOGY AND TRENDS

CAR NEWS

ROAD TESTS

FASHION

DVD REVIEWS

MUSIC REVIEWS

NICK’S NACKS & PADDY WACKS (GIVE THE MAN A BONE) LGBT ally Nick Jonas

BOOK REVIEWS

RICK DAY BEL AMI Rick Day photographs the boys of Bel Ami

LONG DISTANCE LOVE Proving long distance relationships can work

COULD YOU MANAGE A THROUPLE? Balancing a three-way relationship

CONTRIBUTORS ALAN SAMONS A passionate traveller, Alan is especially fond of visiting game lodges. When travelling internationally, he enjoys museums, flea markets and shopping for beautiful books. He is an accomplished artist and has exhibited locally and in Japan. He also deals in antique art from Japan, China and Thailand, and remounts old scroll paintings. His kimono collection is vast and he has long ago crossed the line between collecting and hoarding. JACQUES BOTHA Jacques is a project manager in the chemical industry, but his real passion lies in music. Over the past ten years he has written many music articles, reviews and conducted interviews with some of the top musicians for various publications. He also writes and records some of his own music. Travelling the world is his other passion.

BEING A GAY UNCLE IS NOT ENOUGH The pitfalls of getting broody

FINDING OUR HEROES Our community needs leaders to fix the issues

HISTORY OF THE RAINBOW FLAG The origins of this universal symbol

STRESS It’s not all bad

THE GAY GENE Half of all heterosexuals carry it

TO PrEP, OR NOT TO PrEP Safe sex and HIV prevention

ORION MONT AUX SOURCES HOTEL 80 Visiting the Drakensberg Amphitheatre in style KURLAND HOTEL Fit for royalty

PUTTING THE LOVE IN SLOVENIA Keith Bain falls for a tall man in a tiny land

OUT AND ABOUT

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

RESTAURANTS

RYAN THOMAS Ryan has an MSc in Zoology and Environmental Science from Wits University. His interests lie strongly with nature and the environment, influenced by travels with his family across southern Africa when he was younger. Ryan loves travelling and he is also an avid theatregoer. MICHELLE YORK Michelle has been a contributor for many years and is known for her lifestyle contributions and car reviews. She owns her own business printing t-shirts, making special outfits for horse riding competitions and can bling anything you like. Michelle’s exuberant personality and sharp sense of humour sows hilarity wherever she goes. She is mad about her dogs, especially Superduper Cooper, who is the undisputed king of her heart. NEAL MCKENNA Neal McKenna is a Canadian novelist, magazine writer and editor. He is based on the far side of the Boerewors Curtain, in deepest Pretoria. Lately, life in the ’burbs has been conducive to creativity; and he has begun fiction writing again. This time, he’s giving gay male erotica a go. He shares life with his partner, Navin; two dogs, Bonnie and Clyde; and three cats, Calista, Sophie and Tux, who is a transgendered male to female. …It’s a long story. CHRISTO VALENTYN Born with wanderlust and an unquenchable love of the written word, Christo has satisfied his inquisitive nature and inexplicable liking of research with journalism for more than a decade. A music lover, foodie, avid reader and red wine aficionado, he writes about all things motoring, travel, fashion, food, sex and the inexplicable nature of man.

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY A Accommodation....................15,17, 97-100 Accountants.......................................92 Adult............................................21, 92 Advertising and Marketing.....................92 Aids Treatment/Counselling..........101, 102 Airline...............................................29 Airport Valet Parking......................92, 93 Alternative Healing..............................92 Aromatherapy................................96, 97 Architectural Design.............................92 Art and Antiques......................37, 92, 93 Attorneys......................................92, 93 Auctioneer.......................................93 Audio and Visual.................................41 Audio Visual Production.....................104 Auditing............................................92 B Bars and Clubs.............................33, 93 Beauticians............................95-97, 102 Blinds................................................93 Bookkeepers.....................................92 Botox....................................95- 97, 102 Business Services...........................27, 94 C Cars..........IFC,1, 19, 45, 47, 94, IBC, OBC Car Rental.....................................13, 94 Church...........................................94 Clairvoyants..................................94, 99 Cleaning Service......................92, 95, 97 Cocktail Lounge..................................33 Conference Facility.......................96-101 Costume Hire......................................95 Courier (Postnet).................................94 Crockery............................................9 Cruises..........................................104 D Dating Service.....................................94 Debt Collection.............................92, 93 DĂŠcor......................................37, 93, 94 Dental Health..........................31, 94, 101 Dietary Supplements............................ 23 Doctors....................................101, 102 E Electrical............................................94 Entertainment.........................33, 95, 100 Esoteric......................................95, 104 Estate Agents.................................94, 95 Estate Planning...................................92 F Fancy Dress Hire.................................95 Fitness Training....................................95 Florist............................................95

Furniture Removal...............................95 G Game Lodges................................97, 98 Gay Contacts...............................90, 91 Gay Paraphernalia..............................95 Gay Travel Guide......................100, 101 Gay Wedding Specialists....................105 Grooming..............................95-97, 104 Guesthouses...............................96, 101 Guide Dogs........................................25 Gym Training....................................104 H Hairstylists......................................95 Hair Removal................................96, 97 Health, Fitness and Wellness.......95-97, 102 Herbal Medicine/Homeopath.......................94 Holiday Accommodation.......15, 17, 96-101 Hotels...................................15, 17, 97-100 Hypnotherapist.................................100 I Income Tax..........................................92 Interior DĂŠcor and Design................37, 92 Internet............................................94 Introduction.....................................100 Insurance......................................5, 100 Investment Broker................................92 J Japanese Art and Antiques...................37 L Labour Law...................................92, 93 Laser Skin Treatment...........................96 Lawyers........................................92, 93 Leather and Fetish.............................100 Life Coaching.........................92, 95, 102 Limousine Hire..................................100 M Manscaping..................................96, 97 Marriage Officer...............................101 Marketing........................................92 Massage (Therapeutic)....................96, 97 Medical....................................101, 102 Mediation.......................................101 Men Only......................................21, 92 Menswear..............................35, 92, 102 Metal Supply & Manufacture................93 N Nursery..........................................103 Nutrition............................................ 23 O Ocean Cruises..................................105 On-line Shopping................35, 103, 105 Ophthalmologist..............................102 Optometrist...................................102

Oriental Antiques and Interiors.............37 Orthodontist......................................31 P Painting.........................................103 Panelbeaters.............................100, 103 Personal Training.................................95 Pet Medical Aid.................................103 Pets..........................................102, 103 Pharmacy.........................................102 Photography..............................103, 104 Podiatrist.......................................104 Printing..............................................94 Properties........................................94 Psychic........................................95, 104 Psychologists.............................102, 105 Public Relations.................................104 R Restaurants..............................106-112 S Saunas and Steambaths (M2M)...........104 Scholarships............................27, 93, 95 Scuba Diving......................................99 Security...........................................104 Sexual Health......................................21 Sexy Crockery........................................9 Skin Care...............................95- 97, 102 Social Club.......................................100 Social Therapist.................................104 Solar Power.......................................104 Spa................................................104 Surrogacy.......................................104 Swimming Pools................................104 T T-Shirts.............................................95 Tax Consultants.............................92, 93 Teeth Whitening Clinic.............31, 94,101 Travel Agents and Tour Operators.........105 TV Productions..................................104 U Underwear.............................35, 92, 105 V Veterinary Clinic................................105 Vitamins............................................. 23 W Waxing and Trimming.....................96, 97 Weddings......................................105 Weight Loss........................................94 Wine and Spirit..................................105 Wills.............................................92, 93 Z Zulu Courses....................................105

GIVEAWAYS

MAGALIES MOUNTAIN VIEW COTTAGE Break away from the city and revitalise in the beautiful countryside of Hekpoort only about an hour-long drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. The charming two-bedroom timber-frame cottage has panoramic mountain views and is self-catering, which is a perfect excuse to explore the area’s many restaurants. You can also stock up on excellent home-made foods from several outlets, ranging from cheese at Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij, to the best chicken liver paté at Die Ou Pastorie. Cycle or take a slow walk along country roads, enjoy a balloon or microlight flight over the area to enjoy the spectacular view. Or just chillax and listen out for the cry of the fish eagle. You’ll be ready to face the rat race in no time! Five new subscribers will each receive a two night stay for two people sharing valued at R2000. Terms and conditions apply. Accommodation is subject to availability, excludes peak periods, does not include any forms of transport to and from the cottage, is self-catering accommodation, cannot be exchanged for cash value and is valid for the winner only (not transferable to third party). Prizes are valid for a period of six months. Magalies Mountain View Cottage, Hekpoort, Gauteng. Tel: (014) 576-2323 / 082 888-2724 Email: sueoxb@iafrica.com

SPROUT AESTHETICS The moment your skin changed. Forever. At Sprout they understand that how we feel about ourselves is quintessential to our wellbeing, inside and out. When we look good and our skin glows, our true essence shines through and we have the confidence and peace-of-mind to present the best part of ourselves. When it comes to skincare, clients leave with visible, measurable results. Sprout Aesthetics offers a variety of professional treatments including laser hair removal, wrinkle injections, fillers, chemical peels and micro needling. As an added benefit for guys who prefer a male therapist, they are one of the few clinics where it is possible. Six lucky new subscribers will each receive an IPL Photo Facial treatment valued at R800. The IPL Photo Facial is a great treatment for men and is very effective for eliminating fine lines and wrinkles, minimising pore size, reducing acne scars, increasing elasticity and collagen production. It will also diminish flushing or redness in rosacea, reduce brown spots, erase broken capillaries and smooth roughly textured skin. This treatment includes a SCI+CEUTIC booster treatment. 71 11th Street, Parkmore. Tel: (010) 312-5007 Email: hello@sprout.joburg www.sprout.joburg

MALEBOOTH SUMMER COLLECTION Whether you are getting that summer bod ready for the season or escaping to your next holiday destination, Malebooth has something in store for you! Launching their own swimwear and active wear range for summer 2016, the Malebooth Pacific Collection includes: bikinis, briefs, trunks, hoodies, vests, jogger shorts, V-neck tees and much, much more. Check out the full new range online at www.malebooth.com and get shopping today. Their lines also extend to include local and internationally

top-rated brands like Andrew Christian, NIKU and Guphacci. Malebooth is offering five new subscribers a chance of winning a hamper valued at R1 500 each. Every reader of Gay Pages will receive a special summer 15% discount by using the code: 15SUMMER2016 when shopping online. Code valid until 31 Dec 2016. Tel: 082 337 2258 Email: info@malebooth.com www.malebooth.com

EDITION

BOOKING DEADLINE

MATERIAL DEADLINE

PRINT DATE

ON-SALE

Special Collector’s Edition 2017 Autumn 2017 Winter 2017 Spring 2017 Summer 2017

28 November 2016 22 February 2017 10 May 2017 19 July 2017 15 September 2017

29 November 23 February 11 May 20 July 16 September

30 November 24 February 12 May 21 July 19 September

19 December 13 March 29 May 7 August 3 October

ADVERTISE IN 4 EDITIONS TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT AND EDITORIAL COVERAGE

SUBSCRIPTIONS National Subscriptions: 10 Editions (two years) – R 348 postage included. Includes 2 annual large format Special Collector’s Editions. Namibian Subscriptions: 10 Editions – R 369. International Subscriptions: 5 Editions – R 488 (US$ 35, € 31). Airmail postage included. International subscribers can only qualify for locally claimed giveaways.

Early advertisers receive discounts and are listed free on www.gaypagessa.co.za Discount offered October: 15%

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Subscribe online at www.gaypagessa.co.za and receive a great gift. 9

ON THE PLATE

SALLY-ANN CREED & CHEF JASON WHITEHEAD RELEASE TASTY WASTENOTS COOKBOOK Considered South Africa’s leading nutritional therapist, author, journalist and speaker, Sally-Ann Creed along with chef, presenter and culinary consultant, Jason Whitehead have joined forces to create an incredible new cook book. The book guides readers and offers advice on how to save money and waste nothing while creating incredible easy to follow low carbohydrate dishes that are all sugar-free. The cookbook focuses on using whole, organic foods that are preferably home-grown. Each recipe includes nutritional facts about the main ingredient and in addition lunches and suppers are paired with superb organic wines by Stellar Winery. There is also a small, dedicated space on diet suggestions for our beloved furry friends. No vegetable oils, grains or sugar has been used in any of the recipes, making it the healthiest cookbook on the market in this country right now. The 224-page soft cover book, published by NB Publishers, can be purchased online and at all good bookstores. www.sallyanncreed.co.za www.jasonwhitehead.co.za www.stellarorganics.com TABLE BAY’S CAMISSA TAKES DINER’S CLUB DIAMOND AWARD The Table Bay’s Camissa Brasserie’s emphasis on creating a more personalised wine story has seen the restaurant acknowledged with the highest accolade in the prestigious Diners Club Winelist Awards 2016. This year’s Diners Club Winelist Awards saw some exciting changes in the judging criteria in order to reward wine lists that offer a true reflection of the style and character of the restaurant and the customers they serve. The revised criteria included a greater emphasis on content, just one of four criteria used to judge the lists. The other criteria are balance, suitability and presentation. Taking cognisance of the advice of the Diners Club Winelist Awards’ convener Jean-Pierre Rossouw, who also publishes Platter’s Wine Guide and Rossouw’s Restaurants, both by Diners Club, The Table Bay’s food and beverage team paid special attention to the personality of the wines and how they complement Camissa Brasserie’s vibrant, distinctive menu. www.suninternational.com/TableBay

MRS SIMPSON’S MAKES TOP 100 Mrs Simpson’s, the divinely over the top Dullstroom restaurant owned by Stephen de Meyer and Bryan Wolmarans, has been selected as one of The One Hundred Finest Restaurants in South Africa, brought to you by American Express. The One Hundred is the new name for the eighteen-year-old American Express Platinum Fine Dining Awards which has gone before. Consistently excellent cuisine is what patrons can expect and if you ever find yourself in Dullstroom, do make a booking and enjoy some small-town hospitality and great food. www.mrssimpsons.co.za KICKSTART YOUR DAY WITH A BRUT ROSÉ BREAKFAST AT CONSTANTIA GLEN Start your morning with a French breakfast and a glass of Brut Rosé while taking in sweeping vineyard views at Constantia Glen, the magnificent boutique wine estate below Constantia Nek. Just released, the Rosemarie & Funa Brut Rosé Méthode Cap Classique is available exclusively at the Constantia Glen tasting room. This vivacious Cap Classique with its striking salmon hue is named after Rosemarie Waibel whose father, Manfred, acquired Constantia Glen in the late 1950s, and her beloved Welsh Corgi, Funa. An exuberant lover of life, Rosemarie spends most of her summers walking her dogs amongst the vines at Constantia Glen. Back home in Austria, Funa, her cherished companion and famous skiing dog of Dornbirn, was always by her side. It was on the snow covered slopes of Lank Mountain, that Funa revealed her agility and showmanship by diving onto the snow and skiing down the hill on her belly to Rosemarie’s great amusement. Funa remained her loyal companion until the ripe old age of sixteen. Enjoy this spirited Brut Rosé with one of two French breakfast options available until noon seven days a week at the tasting room. The Rosemarie & Funa Brut Rosé MCC is available for purchase at a cellar-door price of R250 per bottle. www.constantiaglen.com

IN THE SPIRIT

GROOTE POST CROWNED BEST MERLOT Groote Post, the historic family estate in the Darling Hills, is the proud recipient of the Best Merlot Trophy at the 2016 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show, South Africa’s premier wine competition. Nick Pentz, co-owner of Groote Post, is particularly excited with this prestigious award for Groote Post’s 2014 Merlot. “I’m extremely proud of our dedicated team in the cellar and vineyards – guided by our winemaker, Lukas Wentzel, and our viticulturist Jannie de Clerk – for this achievement. I feel that this is a significant honour as merlot has always been considered a challenging wine to make in the Cape.“ These sentiments were endorsed by Michael Fridjhon, Chairman of the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show, who commented, “It was particularly gratifying to have a trophy award for merlot – a category that has been battling for some time.“ In fact this year is the first time merlot has returned to the select trophy club since the 2012 competition. www.grootepost.co.za WINE POPSICLES Fine wine and the freezer don’t often go hand in hand, but that’s all about to change as an eye-catching new range of winebased frozen popsicles has launched in time for summer. Inspired by a product seen abroad, the eagerly anticipated Pierre Jourdan Wine Popsicles, or ’PJ Pops’ as they are referred to, are the brainchild of Natasha Alomia and Jon-Marc De Carvalho, founders and directors of JML Consulting (Pty) Ltd, a company that specialises in the launch of new health, wellness and lifestyle brands. Alcohol-based popsicles have already proven a runaway success in major overseas markets, and the launch of the PJ Pops marks the first time a home-grown, winebased popsicle product has landed on local shelves. The two deliciously eye-catching offerings are made from the Pierre Jourdan Brut, a Cap Classique, and Pierre Jourdan Tranquille, a still wine made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Both wines are from acclaimed Franschhoek cellar Haute Cabrière. PJ Pops are available from select Pick n Pay Liquor and Grocery outlets across Gauteng and the Western Cape at R25 per PJ Pop. www.cabrière.co.za www.jmlconsulting.co.za

MORGENSTER INTRODUCES A WINE AND CHOCOLATE PAIRING Visitors to Morgenster’s tasting room on the Estate in Somerset West outside Cape Town can enjoy a new experience, a wine tasting of owner Giulio Bertrand’s Italian Collection wines paired with specially selected artisan chocolates. Named for Bertrand’s love of Italian opera, the three Morgenster Italian Collection wines are grown and produced in South Africa from Italian varieties. Each has been matched with strikingly different chocolates handmade by local chocolatier Jane Stuart from finest quality Belgian chocolate. The tasting starts with a glass of Morgenster Italian Collection Caruso, a Sangiovese rosé paired with lemon and cherry infused white chocolate balances this zinging freshness. Two different chocolates have been paired with Morgenster Italian Collection Tosca, a Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. One is a 70% dark chocolate with cinnamon to enhance the spiciness of the wine and the other is a 70% dark chocolate with chilies to complement the warmth of the blend. The classic Nebbiolo aromas and taste in Morgenster Italian Collection Nabucco are highlighted by orange zest in a 70% dark chocolate. Morgenster is one of few South African estates to grow Nebbiolo grapes, and Italian Collection Nabucco is becoming recognised as the benchmark for Nebbiolo wines produced locally. Tastings cost R40 for five Italian Collection wines, or R65 for a fourchocolate and three-Italian Collection wine tasting. Tasting room hours 10h00 – 17h00. www.morgenster.co.za KLEINE ZALZE SECURES TWO TOP 10 SPOTS IN THE STANDARD BANK CHENIN BLANC CHALLENGE “South Africa is a world leader of Chenin Blanc. For a producer to be identified among the country’s best, therefore places it in the top echelons globally,“ says Kleine Zalze cellar master Alastair Rimmer following the announcement of winners at the Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge. This year’s Top 10 Challenge involved the blind evaluation of 124 Chenin Blancs from producers regarded as category leaders. This is the third year it has taken place and Kleine Zalze is proud to return to the Top 10 podium yet again, this time with two wines, the Family Reserve Chenin Blanc 2015 and the Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc Barrel Fermented 2015. The achievement re-affirms the excellence and consistency of wines from Kleine Zalze, one of the oldest farms in the Cape winelands. Diverse and unique terroirs combined with skilled viticulture and winemaking produce wines of character, complexity and balance. www.kleinezalze.co.za

STELLENBOSCH RIVALS NAPA VALLEY AS A TOURIST ATTRACTION “Stellenbosch has the potential to become as significant as the Napa Valley,“ says Clay Gregory, President and CEO of Visit Napa Valley. He believes South Africa already has the skills and assets but currently lacks the investment. “You have the wine, the people and the natural beauty to rival any wine tourism region of the world. But South Africa first needs to spend more on marketing and getting the region top of travellers’ minds,“ he says. Market research by Destination Analysts of San Francisco, on behalf of Visit Napa Valley, showed that 3,3 million tourists visited Napa Valley in 2014, an increase of 11% on the prior year, spending $1,63 billion (R22,82 billion), of which $1,2 billion

(R16,8 billion) was spent in hotels. By contrast, Conningarth Economists estimated the entire wine tourism industry of South Africa’s Western Cape to be worth R4,8 billion ($358 million) in 2013. The size of the global wine travel market alone is estimated to be $17 billion (R238 billion), and the culinary travel market is estimated as $25 billion (R350 billion). Currently tourism in South Africa provides employment for 4,5% of South Africa’s workforce nationally, and in the Western Cape accounts for 204 000 formal jobs. The Western Cape Government’s Provincial Strategic Plan has set a goal to grow employment in this sector by 60%, adding another 120 000 formal jobs by 2019. www.wineandfood.co.za

SXOLLIE GRANNY SMITH “We started with Golden Delicious because it is the most-popular apple in Africa. It has all the right sweet-apple characteristics,“ explains Laura Clacey who co-founded SXOLLIE together with husband Karol Ostaszewski, adding that the Packham Pears used in their pear cider – known as ’Perry’ – are crisp and acidic, leading to a dry style of Perry. Rounding out the SXOLLIE offering is the deliciously tart Granny Smith cider. The high-acidity and distinctive flavour of this famous thick-skinned varietal produces a refreshingly dry cider ideal for pairing with food. It is worth noting that this proudly South African cider brand has made its first mark on the global stage, bagging three coveted awards at the prestigious International Cider Challenge held in London earlier this year. Competing against hundreds of ciders from a dozen countries, SXOLLIE strutted off with a Gold medal – and the title of Supreme Champion – in the soughtafter Design and Packaging category. The recommended retail price is R25 per bottle for on-trade consumption and R35 per bottle for off-trade consumption.

SPICE ROUTE WINERY RELEASES MALABAR 2012 Like the fellow Spice Route wines, The Malabar 2012 exemplifies the new age of the Swartland, and the farm Klein Amoskuil, where the grapes are grown and produced. The flagship wine is the eighth Malabar edition in the Spice Route wine range since 2002. Malabar is a blend of scrupulously sorted vineyards, including Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Petit Sirah. The elegant wine has a wellintegrated palate, opulent tannin structure and balanced mouth feel, giving it the potential to age another decade. Layered and perfumed aromas of rich blackberry, plum, cacao and violets captivate the senses. The wine is delicious when served with slow roasted lamb, green beans and roast potatoes. The Spice Route Malabar 2012 retails for R425 a bottle and is currently available in the wine tasting room at Spice Route Destination in Paarl. www.spiceroutewines.co.za

TRAVEL

MOZAMBIQUE DOLPHIN ENCOUNTERS A number of formal dolphin encounter tours are hosted at Lar Do Ouro throughout the year and have some set dates in place to accommodate individual bookings and groups. You can also join professional animal communicators Tammy de Oliveira from Animal Eyes Communication and Healing, and Liesl Kruger from Spiritus Victoria, to learn to open your heart and communicate with these enlightened beings, as well as your your animal companions. There are also classical yoga and yoga nidra (deep relaxation) facilitated by Diana Kumst and Wendy Young and is suitable for all levels of experience. So, book a dolphin encounter tour where you will have the opportunity of meeting the local dolphins of Ponta up-close and personal. The tour Includes three boat tours to visit the dolphins, free dive over beautiful reefs and view whales (when in season) for only R1500. Whether it be budget or beachfront, Ponta do Ouro offers it all. www.pontadoouro.com and www.dolphincenter.org VERTIGO-INDUCING 1402-METRE GLASS WALKWAY OPENS IN CHINA If you’re scared of heights then you might not want to put this on your itinerary. The fact that it’s attached 1403 metres up the side of a mountain is scary enough, but the fact that it’s also made of glass is nothing short of terrifying. Situated on the side of Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan Province, the walkway is 100 metres long and 1,6 metres wide. It’s known as the Coiling Dragon Cliff Skywalk, and it certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted, but anybody who finds the courage to brave the walkway will be rewarded with an utterly breathtaking view that few will ever experience. The park is home to three glass walkways including a 430 metre glass bridge suspended 180 metres above the ground, so if you’re looking for adventure, or just an extreme selfie, then you know where to go.

VIRGIN LIMITED EDITION Sir Richard Branson’s collection of luxury hotels and retreats are ideal escapes where you can detox with some luxurious spa treatments or try something new and create memories. Treat yourself to some incredible food and wines, look no further than Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyard located in Franschhoek. Explore the stunning surroundings and drink in views of the vineyard from the hotel’s unique hilltop setting. Catch a little sunshine and enjoy a gourmet picnic from the Country Kitchen accompanied by a chilled glass of Mont Rochelle Sauvignon Blanc. Ulusaba Private Game Reserve located in the Western sector of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, brings the thrill of adventure and safari traditions of Africa to life in an exclusive and luxurious setting. With over 13 500 hectares of unspoilt, game-rich bush, guests can enjoy twice-daily game drives and safari walks with fully trained and experienced rangers and trackers. Kasbah Tamadot, situated in Morocco’s tranquil Atlas Mountains, offers 28 stunning bedrooms and suites to help you get away from it all in absolute comfort. If you prefer a snowy landscape, The Lodge, situated in Verbier, Switzerland, is one of the most exclusive Alpine resorts and Europe’s hottest ski spots. Located in between Esporles and Banyalbufar on the Northwest coast of Mallorca, the Son Bunyola Estate boasts two stunning villas and beautiful grounds filled with vines, citrus fruit trees, almonds and olive trees. The four bedroom Sa Terra Rotja and the five bedroom Sa Punta de S’Aguila are the perfect setting for a little peace and quiet with family and friends. Necker Island is perfect for taking a dip or getting your pulse racing with some water sports. Located in the British Virgin Islands, this private island paradise is all about barefoot luxury in a setting that’s just about as exclusive as it gets. Closer to home, Mahali Mzuri’s twelve luxurious tented suites offer every creature comfort you can imagine, not to mention a front row seat to Kenya’s incredible wildlife and scenery. Situated in the exclusive Olare Motorogi Conservancy, you can enjoy twice-daily game drives and the opportunity to spot elephants, zebra, lions, leopards, giraffe and more. www.virginlimitededition.com

ent Car R

Car Rental Because every minute counts.

TRAVEL

PRANA LODGE UNVEILS THE DIAMOND VILLA. Prana Lodge Private Beach Estate and Spa – situated in Chintsa East, just forty minutes from East London Airport – recently completed the addition of an eighth luxury suite, known as the Diamond Villa. This uniquely positioned suite offers unobtrusive views of the magnificent Indian Ocean and Chintsa Beach. In addition to this, the lodge has also transformed its wellness spa into a place where not only its guests are pampered, but its employees are uplifted. The Diamond Villa is spacious beyond what is necessary and features a separate TV- and coffee-lounge that leads onto a private deck with a pool and garden shower. The bathroom is enormous and its vintage bath and double shower both

offer magnificent views. While the large bedroom has been decorated with modern flair, it maintains the same homely feel associated with the rest of Prana Lodge. In recent months, the lodge furthermore began the process of shaping its wellness centre into a holistic spa, moving away from a focus on Thai treatments. The twenty-one kilometre stretch of uninterrupted beach on Prana Lodge’s doorstep invites guests to enjoy long, refreshing strolls, while plunge pools and private patios which form part of each of the eight luxury suites at Prana Lodge provide absolute privacy where guests can achieve further relaxation. www.pranalodge.co.za

ENJOY A SKIING MINI BREAK AT THE LODGE VERBIER What better way to celebrate the start of another snowsprinkled season than by booking a short break in the Swiss Alps at Virgin Limited Edition’s ski chalet, The Lodge. This year for a limited time only The Lodge will be opening its doors for shorter exclusive stays of 3, 4 or 7 nights. Between 10 and 22 December those looking for a mini break in the snow can enjoy all the magic of The Lodge without having to stay a full week. It’s the perfect chance to get together with family and friends to enjoy world-class skiing, fabulous après-ski and your very own dedicated team for a little bit of pampering. Situated on a quiet road just 250 metres from the main ski lifts and backing onto one of the returning pistes, The Lodge is in a perfect location for the slopes. The ski area around Verbier includes 195 kilometres of marked pistes of all standards and of every exposure divided over the sectors of Les Ruinettes, Les Attelas, Savoleyres, Bruson and within the resort. www.virginlimitededition.com

CAPE TOWN VOTED WORLD’S BEST CITY International tourists love Cape Town. Our fairest Mother City was recently voted the world’s best city for the fourth time in succession by Telegraph readers. The US News & World Report says that “if Cape Town was a person, it would be that Hollywood starlet we all secretly envy,“ in their Best Places to Visit list. Of the 1,3 million tourists that the Mother City welcomes each year, the majority fly in from overseas, visit on holiday for the first time and stay for an average of twelve nights, according to South Africa Tourism’s 2015 Annual Report.

MIND, BODY AND SOUL

RESET YOUR BRAIN Our brains form new connections at amazing speed and that’s why practice makes perfect. The more you practice piano, or speaking a language, or juggling, the stronger those connections get. But, the ability to learn is about more than building and strengthening neural connections. Even more important is our ability to break down the old ones. It’s called “synaptic pruning.“ Imagine your brain is a garden, except instead of growing flowers, fruits, and vegetables, you grow synaptic connections between neurons. These are the connections that neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and others travel across. Glial cells are the gardeners of your brain and they act to speed up signals between certain neurons. But other glial cells are the waste removers, and are called microglial cells. They prune your synaptic connections. Have you ever felt like your brain is full? Maybe when starting a new job, or deep in a project. Well, in a way, your brain actually is full. When you learn lots of new things, your brain builds connections, but they’re inefficient and your brain needs to prune a lot of those connections away and build more streamlined, efficient pathways. It does that when we sleep. That’s why a good night’s rest can be so invigorating. Short “power naps“ are also beneficial. You actually have some control over what your brain decides to delete while you sleep. It’s the synaptic connections you don’t use that get marked for recycling. The ones you do use are the ones that get watered and oxygenated. So be mindful of what you’re thinking about. If you spend too much time reading theories about the end of Game of Thrones and very little on your job, guess which synapses are going to get marked for recycling? If you’re in a fight with someone at work and devote your time to thinking about how to get even with them, and not about that big project, you’re going to wind up a synaptic superstar at revenge plots but a poor innovator. Other than learning a new language or skill requiring dexterity, simply walking on uneven ground builds new neural pathways fast. Another form of brain exercise is to surprise your brain by doing something totally out of the ordinary, like not taking your usual route to work. Simple things such as these, have big payoffs and may even be able to if not prevent, delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s by up to five years according to www.livescience.com. To take advantage of your brain’s natural gardening system, simply think about the things that are important to you. Your gardeners will strengthen those connections and prune the ones that you care about less. It’s how you help the garden of your brain flower.

ENVIRONMENT THE LAND THAT BREATHES BENEATH OUR FEET By Ryan Thomas Not too long ago a community in Sehlakwane, Limpopo Province, along with experts, were baffled by a strange subterranean fire that had reached the surface of a wetland in the area. Common as well as unusual geological phenomena such as the subterranean fire event demonstrate that we inhabit a planet that “lives and breathes“ beneath us. The non-living part of the planet is an integral part of the environment, a term many usually associate with living things. Without the non-living component, all life would cease to exist. Habitat type, evolution, water availability, mineral transport and myriad other processes and systems necessary for life are governed by geological phenomena. South Africa has a multitude of geological formations which one can explore to see how our

planet has been shaped over the millennia, a record of times past. Caves for example, are dotted across the country and provide a haven for unique ecosystems which thrive in an environment devoid of light. Caves are formed over millions of years and continue to grow and change, even when the sculpting force (usually water) which created them has all but disappeared. From the Great Escarpment in the east, to the caves which housed our ancestors, to Table Mountain in the south, geology continues to provide habitat for the living and serve as a record of those which have lived. When planning your summer holiday this year, maybe take some time to visit some of South Africa’s rich geology. Geological Journeys is a fantastic book which documents loads of sites along popular routes across South Africa, allowing you to factor craters, quartzite and fossils into your journey.

’RHINO WHISPERER’ RECEIVES A FOREVER WILD SPONSORED AMAROK At a reserve in the Eastern Cape, rhinos are part of the family. Another crucial member of this family is Cathy Dreyer, whose eighteen years of experience in nature conservation, is assisting in protecting the endangered rhino. “About fifty percent of my work centres around rhino management, which includes rhino monitoring, tracking and constantly keeping up-to-date with anti-poaching initiatives,“ said Cathy. When they are temporarily housed in a boma she often reads books out loud to them so they can get used to her voice and smell, and sometimes she sleeps outside the boma so they can smell she is there with them – this has earned Cathy the nickname of ’Rhino Whisperer.’ The continuous fight to protect South Africa’s rhinos has seen Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency staff like Cathy and her team focusing on areas like law enforcement, ensuring the infrastructure keeps poachers at bay. Cathy is also a qualified dog handler who uses her dog to track poachers. “Rhinos are crucial for our ecosystem and even more critical for our tourism sector as they form part of the Big 5 – a major tourist attraction. At Volkswagen, we proud that our vehicles are being used to safeguard our most vulnerable wildlife species,“ said Thomas Schaefer, Chairman and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa. The three-million rand sponsorship of six Volkswagen Amaroks is used in anti-poaching initiatives like rhino notching and monitoring and also training of field rangers. The Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative was started by the Wilderness Foundation in 2011 as a response to the rhino poaching crisis and now, together with the Amaroks, are on the front line in the battle against rhino poaching. www.vw.co.za www.wildernessfoundation.co.za

VULTURES IN DIRE CONSERVATION STRAITS Vultures are a crucial part of the ecosystem and these birds are under grave threat from the muti industry and also from farmers who put out poison-laced carcasses. The following vultures are listed as being in need of serious conservation efforts according to The 2015 Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland: • Bearded Vulture: Critically Endangered • Cape Vulture: Endangered • Hooded Vulture: Critically Endangered • Lappet-faced Vulture: Endangered • White-backed Vulture: Critically Endangered • White-headed Vulture: Critically Endangered By assisting vulture conservation the public will be able to lower their ecological footprint on the environment. www.nzg.ac.za

HEALTH

THE PERFECT PENIS SIZE Relax, your penis is probably a completely normal size. Are you self-conscious about your penis size? Chances are you don’t need to be. Researchers have established what may be the most accurate estimate so far, according to Dr. Gordon Muir of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London, co-author of the new study. Muir and his co-authors set out to create “nomograms“ of flaccid and erect penis size measurements, excluding men with erectile dysfunction, past surgery or abnormalities. Researchers were particularly aware that many men with normal penis size can feel inadequate or ashamed, and this paper should allow specialists to reassure them. Using more than 20 000 measurements of flaccid length, stretched length, erect length and flaccid and erect circumference, collected ARNICA: NATURE’S ANSWER TO PAIN AND INFLAMMATION A plant of the daisy family bearing yellow flowers, arnica has been used to make medicine for centuries. It is native to Europe and Siberia, but also grows in mountainous areas of North America. Arnica is most commonly applied to the skin for pain and swelling associated with bruises, aches, sprains and arthritis, but can also be used to soothe and treat insect bites, chapped lips and muscle pain. It is believed to have gained its popularity after the German poet and philosopher, Goethe, began drinking arnica tea to relieve chest pain. Arnica is known for soothing and treating insect bites that commonly lead to bruising and soreness. Most of arnica oil’s anti-inflammatory properties are thanks to its thymol derivatives. Thymol helps facilitate the transportation of blood and fluids, and acts as an anti-inflammatory to assist natural healing processes. Wintergreen has a range of topical arnica products to help relieve muscle stiffness and pain, and help your body heal naturally. They are available at www.wintergreen.co.za and leading retailers.

by health professionals for other studies, the researchers were able to find the average. The average flaccid penis was about 9 cm long and 9,29 cm in girth, while the average erect penis was about 13 cm long and about 11,7 cm in circumference, according to results in BJU International. Comparing these measures to other physical qualities, like age, body mass index or foot size, the authors found little or no association. Erect penis length and overall height did seem to be related at least somewhat, however, and they found taller men had longer penises. As far as how one man compares to another, men at the upper end of the scale (90 percent and above) for erect length were upwards of about 15 cm long, and some of the longest penises in the study were more than 18 cm long erect. Less than one percent of the male population has a “micropenis,“ which in this group included men with flaccid length below about 5 cm. But defining “too big“ or “too small“ still hasn’t been firmly nailed down, Muir said. “Many men with a 9 cm erection will have no problems having mutually satisfactory sexual relations, and few men with a longer than average penis seek medical help,“ he said. Men may suffer psychological harm and relationship difficulties as a result of worrying about their size, and potential surgical “remedies“ may be dangerous and are often unsatisfying. Males may quite easily underestimate the size of their own penis relative to that of others, because of the foreshortening obtained from looking down, due to repeated observation of atypical penises in pornography, or because of the accumulation of fat at the base of the penis. Also bear in mind that there are “growers“ and “showers,“ so while a guy’s junk might look small when flaccid, he may very well be packing quite a punch! IT’S ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR TEST-ANDTREAT POLICY AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) South Africa has congratulated South Africa’s Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and his Department at the introduction of the Test and Treat initiative of HIV treatment in South Africa. The new policy means that all people diagnosed as HIV-positive can immediately Dr Aaron Motsoaledi receive treatment – as the patient’s CD4 count is no longer an eligibility criterion. Previously only TBpatients, pregnant women and children under the age of five were eligible. AHF South Africa Medical Director Dr Bright Mhlongo noted that AHF had previously been functioning within the Department of Health’s guidelines, offering treatment at 500 CD4 as per government policy. The organization has – for the past five years – been running a test-and-treat pilot study in South Africa and been promoting the methodology since 2008. Once patients test positive AHF has been putting them on a pre-ART treatment regime. AIDS Healthcare Foundation is the largest non-profit HIV/ AIDS healthcare provider in the world. AHF currently provides medical care and/or services to more than 620 000 individuals in 36 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America, Caribbean, Eastern Europe and Asia. www.aidshealth.org

we’re brave enough TO explore our sexuality. so we’re definitely brave enough TO explore safe sex practices.

NUTRITION

PROBIOTIC FOODS FOR GUT HEALTH The trillions of tiny creatures living in our bodies have been making headlines lately – and for good reasons. The good bacteria living in our gut helps in improving digestion, boost immunity, and according to some preliminary studies, they may even help us get leaner. Research is still emerging on just how important these mighty microbes might be for our health, but the early results are promising. The most effective way to encourage their growth is by eating foods packed with probiotics, such as fermented foods. Add these fermented foods to your diet for a healthy dose of probiotics. Miso is a fermented paste made from barley, rice or soybeans and adds a nice umami flavour to food. It’s bold, so a little goes a long way. Sauerkraut is made from just cabbage and salt, this fermented food delivers a healthy dose of probiotics and fibre. Kimchi is sauerkraut’s Korean cousin, and is quite spicy. They are both easy to make at home. Yogurt labelled with the ’Live & Active Cultures’ seal is best, but even those without this seal will usually contain some probiotics. Kefir, a fermented milk drink, tastes a bit like drinkable yogurt and is packed full of calcium and probiotics. You can make your own by getting a starter from most good health shops. Kombucha is a tangy, effervescent tea – typically black or green. The drink is often flavoured with herbs or fruit. You can find it in many natural food shops and food markets.

STEAM YOUR WAY TO HEALTH South Africans are addicted to meat, especially a good braai. But when it comes to healthy food preparation methods, steaming is one of the best. You don’t need fancy gadgets and special steaming pots, but they do make things simpler. A relatively cheap option is a Chinese bamboo stackable steamer that can be found at most Chinese grocers. They impart a nice fresh woody aroma to the food as well. Steaming seals in flavour while eliminating the need for oil. It also preserves nutrients better than any other method. It’s ideal for fish and seafood and by simply putting a few stalks of lemongrass beneath the fish you’ll get a heavenly result. Vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, zucchini, broccoli and cauliflower are ideal for steaming as are chicken breasts. Simply bring water to a simmer and pop your steamer on top. If you’re using stackable steamers, meat and fish should go at the bottom. Timing is crucial, but as a guideline, a 2-3 cm fish fillet will take about 6-15 minutes to cook. Vegetables and fruit (such as a bunch of medium-stalked asparagus or 500 grams of green beans take from 10-25 minutes, and a boneless chicken breast, 20 minutes. There is no need to salt the food as it will wash off, so add seasoning after steaming. Simple flavourings are best, so a squeeze of lemon or a splash of soy sauce are all you really need. Try steaming one fish fillet by wrapping it in foil with a few garlic cloves, grated fresh ginger, onion and basil leaves. After squeezing fresh lemon juice over the fish, close the foil and place it in a steamer basket. Bring 5 cm of water to a boil in a pot, put basket over water and cover. Steam for about 6 minutes.

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Where true beauty starts from within

PET NEWS

LOSING A PET IS AS DEVASTATING AS LOSING A FAMILY MEMBER We all know that losing a pet can be incredibly upsetting and it’s more life-altering than previously thought. A new U.K. survey has found that almost 63% of Brits would grieve the loss of a pet as deeply as that of a family member. The survey, carried out by global pet insurance technology integrator Aquarium Software, proves that the bond between pets and their owners is incredibly strong. “Brits have always been renowned as a nation of dog lovers, but it seems the stereotype is incorrect – we love animals full stop,“ said Mark Colonnese from Aquarium. The survey on pet loss revealed that women were most likely to be affected by the death of a pet, with 71% saying they would regard the death of a pet as equally upsetting to that of a family member’s. Just over half (55%) of men felt the same way. It will be interesting to see the correlation between gay and straight pet owners, as we all know pets in the gay community are, for most, a stand-in for human children. HILL’S PET NUTRITION TRANSFORMS LIVES Pet parents now have a place where they can brag about their pets and share stories of how nutrition has helped transform their pets’ lives. Hill’s Pet Nutrition has created an interactive website as part of its commitment to ground-breaking nutrition and constant innovation. The website features real pets, real pictures and real stories from pet parents across the country. The home page is a beautiful mosaic of rescue dogs, pampered pooches and fluffy felines. Every pet story and photo added to the website helps complete the picture. The mosaic is interactive and allows people to search for stories that may touch their hearts. They can search for pets in their neighbourhood, pets with specific health conditions or even pets adopted from a favourite shelter. www.hillstransforminglives.co.za

DINING OUT WITH PETS With the warm weather of summer upon us, most of us are ready to get out for a meal with friends and loved ones, but something is missing though, your furkids. Fear not, there are many restaurants across the country where your pooches are welcome to join you. It’s always best to phone ahead to make sure, but here is a short list of some pet-friendly venues. JOHANNESBURG Hell’s Kitchen. Shop 4, 7th Street, Melville. www.hellskitchen.co.za Hudsons The Burger Joint. Corner of 4th Avenue and 14th Street, Parkhurst. www.theburgerjoint.co.za River Café at Field and Study. Sandton Field and Study Centre, Corner of Louise Avenue and 14th Street, Parkmore, Sandton. www.rivercafesandton.co.za Soul Souvlaki. 28 Albrecht, Maverick corner, 300 Commissioner Street, Maboneng. www.facebook.com/SoulSouvlaki Voodoo Lily Café. Wrenrose Centre, 64 St Andrew St, Birdhaven, Sandhurst. www.voodoolilycafe.com PRETORIA Afro-boer. 1 Meerlust Avenue, corner of Lynnwood Road and Meerlust Avenue, Die Wilgers. www.afroboer.co.za The Blue Crane. 156 Melk Street, New Muckleneuk. www.bluecranerestaurant.co.za Carlton Café Delicious. 71 Thirteenth Street, Menlo Park. www.carltoncafe.co.za CAPE TOWN Blonde&Beard. 25 Balmoral Building, Beach Road, Muizenberg. www.facebook.com/BlondeAndBeard Café Neo. South Seas Building, 129 Beach Road, Mouille Point. (021) 433-0849 Leopard Bar. 12 Apostles Hotel, Victoria Road, Camps Bay. www.12apostleshotel.com/dining/leopard-bar Massimo’s. Oakhurst Farm Park, Main Road, Hout Bay. www.massimos.co.za Rhodes Memorial Restaurant. Table Mountain National Park behind Rhodes Memorial, Newlands. www.rhodesmemorial.co.za The Foodbarn Deli and Tapas. Noordhoek Farm Village, 1 Village Lane, Noordhoek. www.thefoodbarn.co.za/deli-tapas DURBAN Freedom Café. 37 - 43 St Mary’s Avenue, Greyville. www.tastefreedom.co.za

Look into our eyes

The South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind is a non-profit organistation that relies entirely on the generous donations of caring citizens and companies.

By donating to the Association either by a monthly debit order or by single donation you enable us to continue to train young dogs to be the eyes of those who are either partially sighted or blind

VISIT OUR WEB SITE: www.guidedog.org.za

Your gift will enable us to give the gift of sight, and without exception, unconditional friendship. HEAD OFFICE P.O BOX 67585, BRYANSTON, 2021 TEL: (011) 705-3512 CAPE TOWN OFFICE P.O BOX 2674, CLAREINCH, 7740 TEL: (021) 674-7395 DURBAN OFFICE P.O BOX 1267, UMKOMAAS, 4170 TEL: (039) 973-0387

SOUTH AFRICAN GUIDE-DOGS

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NEWS

JOZIBURG LANE One of Joburg’s hottest destinations, Joziburg Lane is now open on a more permanent basis. Joziburg Lane’s shops comprise a series of specialist design, art, fashion and food retailers. The Joziburg Foodhall is home to a selection of entrepreneurial food and deli traders serving South-African foods with an innovative twist. JoburgPlaces Tours also operate from Joziburg Lane and offer many inner-city based walking tours and explorations. Open Tuesday till Saturday each week. www.joziburglane.co.za

EVITA BEZUIDENHOUT HAS ALSO BEEN REWARDED WITH A GOLD! No sooner had the fiftieth episode of Evita’s Free Speech entered the internet highway, when the most famous white woman in South Africa – and now arguably on the continent itself – also received a gold medal. Not like Caster Semenya for an Olympic win, but to celebrate the first year of her weekly YouTube reality newsflash. Originally inspired by the planned 3 August municipal elections, Tannie Evita used her weekly threeto four-minute video-chat with the world to put South African politics and society into a nutshell, with the accent on optimism and truth. Underlining her freedom of expression that is guaranteed by the South African Constitution, Evita’s Free Speech has reached the ends of the world and beyond, with reactions coming from Siberia, Alaska, the Antarctic, Australia, Los Angeles, Yokohama, Tibet, Nkandla, Somalia, Mali, St Helena, Camp David, The Hague, Tripoli and even the International Space Station. Filmed at Evita se Perron in Darling every Sunday morning at 07h30, Mrs Bezuidenhout faces the world with the headlines of the moment, as well as her personal comments on the state of her nation and mankind. Produced by Skolliewood Films, the episodes are filmed, edited and distributed by Stefan Hurter. Evita’s Free Speech is entering its second annual output in the service of anyone who needs to believe that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, even though most of today’s political tunnels are curved. Her weekly episodes are on the Evita-se-Perron YouTube channel and also carried by Daily Maverick, ZA News among international internet and media clusters. www.evita.co.za

THE UNAPOLOGETIC BIKERS This Johannesburg-based motorcycle club was started to disprove stereotypes. It is mainly for gay guys and girls, but anyone can join. The aim is for it to become one big family who stand together and ride together. Says founder, James William Brown, “We want it to be a safe haven for anyone to be able to be who they are. The motorcycle club has been registered and to my knowledge is the only gay club in SA. There are groups of guys who ride but they don’t belong to a club.“ They have had many requests from prospective members to join and even have people in Durban and Cape Town who would like to start a chapter there as well. The club has also expressed its gratitude to Trouble Bar for their support and sponsorship. Contact James on 072 026-1045 or email him at unapologeticbikers@hotmail.com or message them via their Facebook page titled The Unapologetic.

SCHOLARSHIPS

PERFORMANCE

PRIVATE EQUITY

SCHOLARSHIPS TO HELP ENTREPRENEURS AND CORPORATE PROFESSIONALS IMPROVE THEIR BUSINESS AND CAREER PERFORMANCE Want to improve your businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance? Want to advance your career? Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great opportunity! The Shambhala Organisation has announced that applications are now open for scholarships for LGBT leaders (and future leaders) who wish to study further. There are ten R25,000 scholarships available for studies in 2017. LGBT people from all fields of study and at all levels (undergrad, post-grad or part-time) are invited to apply. The Shambhala Organisation was established to promote and support LGBT business leaders through scholarships for further studies, coaching & mentorship to enhance performance and private equity investments in high potential entrepreneurial businesses. Since it was launched in 2014 by founder Dale Pudney, the organisation has already awarded 18 scholarships to LGBT leaders to further their studies to help them improve their performance in the business world. The committee will be looking at criteria including: natural leadership qualities; evidence of activism; ability to achieve great things; and the likelihood of promoting The Shambhala Organisation. While enabling the students to study towards a career in leadership positions in various types of organisations, the recipients are also required to give back by doing community service; with recipients having personalised action plans built into their scholarship agreements.

The deadline for applications is no later than 30 November 2016.

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info@shambhala.org.za

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INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

SEPTEMBER Curacao 26 September - 2 October. Curacao Gay Pride Los Angeles 30 September - 2 October. Gay Days Anaheim Cairns 30 September - 9 October. Tropical Mardi Gras OCTOBER Pretoria 1 October. Pretoria Pride Montreal 5 - 11 October. Black & Blue Festival Oceanside 8 October. Pride @ The Beach Atlanta 8 - 9 October. Atlanta Pride Philadelphia 9 October. Outfest Gran Canaria 8 - 16 October. Maspalomas Fetish Week Paris 13 - 16 October. Disney Pride Berlin 21 October. Hustlaball Berlin Adelaide 22 October. Adelaide Pride March New Orleans 27 - 30 October. Halloween Amsterdam 27 - 31 October. Amsterdam Leather Pride Johannesburg 29 October. Johannesburg Pride Taipei 29 October. Taiwan LGBT Pride San Diego 29 October - 5 November. Atlantis Mexico Halloween Cruise Los Angeles 31 October. Gay Halloween Street Party NOVEMBER Palm Springs 4 - 6 November. Greater Palm Springs Pride Berlin 4 - 6 November. Skinhead Weekend Puerto Vallarta 5 - 12 November. Club Atlantis Vallarta Gran Canaria 7 - 13 November. Maspalomas Winter Pride Paris 9 - 13 November. Sneak Week Cologne 23 - 27 November. Bear Pride Cologne Miami 25 - 28 November. White Party Week Hong Kong 26 November. Hong Kong Pride Parade DECEMBER Madrid 5 - 12 December. Madbear Cape Town 19 December. MCQP Las Vegas 31 December. Evolve Vegas NYE Rio de Janeiro 31 December. New Year’s Eve Amsterdam 31 December. New Year’s Eve

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

AUSTRALIA Australia’s delay in equal marriage is coming at a real cost to the region. Professor Paula Gerber, President of the Kaleidoscope Human Rights Foundation, is of the opinion that Australia’s delay in introducing equal marriage is costing it more than most people think. Achieving marriage equality in much of the Americas and Europe has freed advocates in those parts of the world to start playing a more active role in fighting for the human rights of LGBTI people globally. On Australia’s doorstep, twenty countries in the Asia-Pacific region have laws criminalising sex between consenting males. In some of these countries, LGBTI people are being targeted with increasing hostility. Brunei’s proposed introduction of Sharia law, which includes death by stoning for those who commit the “crime“ of homosexuality, and escalating attacks on Indonesia’s LGBTI community are evidence many LGBTI people in the region are far from safe. Professor Paula Gerber states: “This single-minded focus on what’s happening in Australia has regional ramifications. First, not allowing same-sex couples to marry has a negative impact on Australia’s credibility as a country that respects LGBTI rights. Thus, one of the real – but largely unacknowledged – costs of prolonging the fight for marriage equality in Australia is that we are failing to contribute to global efforts to advance respect for the rights of LGBTI people.“ “This is one of many reasons why federal parliament should get on with its job of legislating to allow same-sex couples to marry without resorting to an unnecessary plebiscite,“ she concludes. U.S.A. Alexis Arquette died at 47. The transgender actress died surrounded by her siblings, a niece and other loved ones. She passed away while listening to David Bowie’s Starman. Arquette, who was born Robert, but transitioned to a woman in 2006, had been battling HIV and died from an Aids-related illness. The actress, best known for the roles in Pulp Fiction and The Wedding Singer, was also a prominent transgender activist.

MR GAY EUROPE Raf Van Puymbroeck (22) from Belgium is Mr Gay Europe. After a week-long competition in Sweden and Norway Raf was declared the winner of the contest in Oppdal, Norway. The announcement was broadcast live to forty countries around the world with the level of engagement on social media being the highest it has ever been in the Mr Gay Europe history. Interactions came through from as far as Latin-America, the U.S., Jamaica and the Far East. On accepting his title Raf commented, “This is a huge honour, it means so much to me and all the people who have supported me. I can’t wait to start working with the Mr Gay Europe team.“ Later this year a documentary will be released showing the delegates personal and proud fight for the title; up close and personal.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

U.S.A. Cary Grant was bisexual and lived with a gay partner claims new documentary. The documentary is based on costume designer Orry-Kelly’s autobiography Women He’s Undressed, and claims to show that Kelly and Grant were lovers. Film historian William J. Mann appears in the documentary to say that Hollywood was “a city of bachelors,“ adding: “You were surrounded by men who were openly living in ways you couldn’t imagine back home…“ According to the documentary, Grant made no secret of his gay affairs before he made it big in Hollywood. The autobiography hinted at the relationship, but the documentary claims it as a certainty that the couple were together. Orry-Kelly wrote in his memoirs that Grant “always comes home to me,“ but according to the documentary Grant’s penchant for blonde women drove Orry-Kelly crazy. Orry-Kelly famously designed Marylin Monroe’s dress in Some Like It Hot. U.S.A. Nick Jonas has wise words about standing up to criticism that he is pro-LGBT. The former Jonas Brothers singer spoke to the Los Angeles

U.K. London “death to gays” preacher Anjem Choudary jailed for five years over ISIS support. Choudary, who previously called for gay people to be stoned to death, has been jailed after encouraging support for ISIS. The hard-line Islamic preacher is the former UK head of the Islamist group al-Muhajiroun or Islam4UK, which was banned in the U.K. in 2010. He suggested at a press conference in 2009 that gay people should be stoned to death, and has maintained that stance since. He claimed in a Fox News interview last year that he thought those found guilty of “sodomy,“ where there are four witnesses, should be stoned to death under Sharia law, which he said should be implemented worldwide. Times about being a straight man who often speaks out on LGBT issues. He says: “As a heterosexual male, I’ve gotten some criticism. But you’ve got to block out the noise to hear the change.“ Of playing a gay MMA fighter in Kingdom, he says: “It’s a tough story to tell, and I think there’s a responsibility as someone representing the LGBT community to do what I can to show support.“ Jonas made a stand when he and Demi Lovato cancelled their concerts in North Carolina over the state’s HB2, banning trans people from using g e n d e r- a p p r o p r i a t e bathrooms. He later said it was the “right thing to do.“

Kiki Coqtail Lounge, conveniently located close to the N14 highway (Jean Ave offramp) in Centurion, promises to add a fresh new dimension to Gauteng nightlife. The hostess, infamous drag artist Genevieve Le Coq, promises patrons spectacular original cocktails, mixed by the hottest barmen in town, alongside expertly prepared scrumptious tapas meals. Outstanding and unique dĂŠcor and design, including the glitter-infused floor, provides the ideal setting for a sparkling experience comprising a variety of performances, some by the Queen of Kiki herself, and other events. 72 Lyttelton Road, Clubview Corner, Centurion, Pretoria Cell: 073 798 9565

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

WORLDWIDE Jockmenlive.com How to bring innovation in the adult industry? A totally unique live cam, social media, hook-up, dating and forum platform is the next generation in adult entertainment. JockMenLive, the online community for bodybuilders, male athletes, jocks and their admirers, decided to offer a communitydriven environment to their free members where they get paid to post. They can spend their JockBucks on a cam show with one of the over 250 models ready to flex their muscles in (and out) of their posing trunks, custom made muscle pics, videos, tips and bodybuilding sponsorships. In addition to this, members have their own profiles, can interact over Skype, communicate via news feeds, or even broadcast their own shows for fun and profit. Dating and hook-up tools will soon allow members and models to find Mr. Right, Mr. Right Now, or even arrange live muscle worship. JockMenLive.com U.S.A. TV network ‘shocked‘ to discover gay dating show star is former sex worker. Gay cable channel LogoTV, home of RuPaul‘s Drag Race, commissioned the upcoming reality show Finding Prince Charming. According to a statement from Logo, the show features thirteen handsome suitors living together in a house and competing for the heart of a gorgeous Prince. But it turns out the Prince, Robert Sepúlveda Jr, allegedly has a secret past as a sex worker with a profile on Rentboy.com. After reports on gay blogs, Sepulveda admitted to the Huffington Post: “The past is the past. I was young and it helped through college. But what I want people to focus on is who I am today as an entrepreneur, as an activist. I started a non-profit and, you know, focusing on the show. That‘s really what I want people to focus on.“ He told US Weekly: “It‘s part of my past and these guys were open with me about their past, some talk about HIV, about whatever that‘s happened in their past. They were honest and open with me about their past, so I felt like I couldn‘t stand before them and not be open about my past.“

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

WORLDWIDE Triumph Motorcycles sponsor The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in over 90 countries. In 2016 Triumph Motorcycles is once again encouraging riders to don a dapper ensemble and take to the streets astride a classic motorcycle as it shows its support for The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride as global sponsor for the third year running. The only motorcycling charity event of its kind, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in 2012 and is a celebration of the art of being dapper and the style of classic custom motorcycles. Dedicated to raising funds to combat prostate cancer, the 2016 ride will take place on Sunday 25th September. Last year saw record numbers of participants as more than 37 000 smartly-dressed gentlefolk joined forces in 410 cities, raising over $2.3 million dollars for prostate cancer research from the saddles of their niche styled motorcycles. Recently, with the support of Triumph Motorcycles, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride aimed for 50 000 riders to participate in events in over 500 cities across 90 countries, all united in their support of men’s health. This year, for the first time, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride have chosen the Movember Foundation as their official charity partner and have set a fundraising goal of $5 million to be invested by the Foundation in local and global prostate cancer research and suicide prevention programs. www.gentlemansride.com

USA Nyle DiMarco to become Las Vegas Chippendale. Dancing with the Stars winner Nyle DiMarco has revealed he will be joining Las Vegas strip show, The Chippendales. Joining as a recurring celebrity guest, the 27-year-old told People that he was “so excited“ to be taking up the role of guest host. “Chippendales is an iconic brand and legendary show – headlining a production like this with such a talented cast of performers is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,“ he said. The star, who also won America’s Next Top Model and is deaf, has not confirmed how he will interact with the crowds. But many have said they expect him to excel at the challenge. Recently, Nyle announced that he would be giving free sign language lessons on Instagram and if you like to look at him as much as we do, you can look him up.

UK Studies show guys like cuddling guys. Latest studies show that straight guys like brojobs and cuddling, and are way more comfortable and secure with themselves than in previous decades. According to a new British study on the changing social habits of heterosexual males published in the journal Men and Masculinities in March, it is revealed that 98 percent of the study’s 40 participants – all white, college-age male athletes – have shared a bed with another guy. In addition, 93 percent also reported having spooned or cuddled with another man. Study co-author and sociologist Mark McCormack, of Durham University, says the study’s results exemplify changing conceptions of masculinity in contemporary culture. As homophobia decreases, McCormack says, straight men are acting “much softer“ than those from older generations – something he and Eric Anderson, of the University of Winchester, set out to examine. They chose athletes because of the group’s likelihood to be in closer physical contact with one another and because of the notion that athletes embody what it means to be traditionally masculine. McCormack told Huffington Post he was surprised by how uneventful and mundane participants viewed their behaviours. McCormack acknowledges that anti-gay sentiment is still around but that many guys don’t seem to mind expressing themselves however they want. “Homophobia hasn’t disappeared, but straight men today are not expected to be homophobic like they were in the 1980s and 1990s,“ he said. “This enables them to be [engaged] in softer gendered behaviours – they can cuddle and hug, wear fashionable clothes, care about looking good, and openly declare love for their friends.“ 38

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TECH AND TRENDS

WAYV Gone are the days when microwaves were relegated to the kitchen or even the house. Startup Wayv, in partnership with NXP Semiconductors, has created the Wayv Adventurer, a handheld cooker that can go anywhere you go. Intended for use during outdoor activities, as a backup cooker for busy parents in transit and even for defence and humanitarian purposes, the 200 W thermosesque Adventurer is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and is supposed to work for 30 minutes or more on a single charge. Weight is a slight concern, though. At 1,2 kilograms, it certainly wouldn’t be considered an essential for a long-distance hike, but it would probably be fine for a shorter trek. And with just 200 W of power, it will likely take longer than a regular microwave to heat up food or a drink. www.wayvtech.com/#wayv Price: $199

SONY XPERIA X It’s easier than ever before to connect with the world. But connecting shouldn’t just be about convenience. It should open up real possibilities, inspire us to do more creatively, and enrich our lives. The Sony Xperia X lets you to do more by changing the way you connect with others and the world around you. Stay one step ahead and capture those incredible blink-of-an-eyemoments with the new Xperia X powered by new Sony Predictive Hybrid Autofocus technology. With 23 megapixels, you can take super sharp snaps any time, every time. With up to two days’ battery life you’re free to experience even more and to keep your phone going for longer. This phone perfectly fuses intuitive technology with stunning design to integrate seamlessly into your life, empowering you to connect with the world your way. www.sonymobile.com/za/ Price: R11 689

BANG & OLUFSEN’S BEOVISION 14 Bang & Olufsen is known for making some beautifully designed TVs, and its latest creation, the BeoVision 14, is no exception. The newest addition to the BeoVision lineup features aluminium piping and oak wood lamellas, making it feel like a piece of furniture versus the minimalistic displays we’ve grown accustomed to. The 4K Ultra HD LED TV features a 360degree light sensor that can automatically adjust the image according to the lighting in the room. The three-way speakers can wirelessly sync with other speakers on your Bang & Olufsen Multiroom network, and the TV’s smart interface runs Android TV, giving you access to a plethora of apps. The BeoVision 14 is in Bang & Olufsen stores now. www.bang-olufsen.com Price: R131 230

SAMSUNG NOTEBOOK 7 SPIN Movies, games and all the Web surfing you could want. The Samsung Notebook 7 Spin adapts to all the ways you have fun. Rotating a full 360 degrees, the touch display adjusts to whatever angle you want so you can really get lost in the Full HD screen with Video High Dynamic Range mode It comes with an Intel Core i7 Processor, an impressive 1 Terabyte hard drive, 16 GB of RAM and an NVIDIA 940MX GPU that brings gaming to life. The 15.6“ Full HD screen with Video High Dynamic Range mode that makes contrasts sharper, colours more vivid and textures pop. Every little detail comes to life, drawing you in to all the action of games, movies and more. The fastcharging battery extends your playtime up to 2 hours in just 20 minutes of charging. www.samsung.com Price: $1 099 LG 360 CAM The LG 360 CAM lets you capture full 13 MP 360-degree photos and record 360-degree video in 2K. You can even use your smartphone as a remote control to see what you’re recording, in real time. The dual wide-angle 13 million pixel lenses brings you detailed 360degree pictures like never before. Besides stunning pictures, you can record pristine 2K video. It is compatible with YouTube and the Google Street View app, making it easy to publish, share and explore 360-degree videos and photos with others. www.lg.com Price $200 JAYBIRD FREEDOM The smallest wireless buds ever with insanely big sound in a stunning patented securefit sweat-proof, ultra-comfort metal design. Bring music to your active life and enhance your athletic experience. In-ear sport Bluetooth buds have traditionally used all plastic materials, as metal inhibits signal performance. The all-metal housing has the added benefit of removing distortion resulting in incredible sound. Your own sound profile is then saved on your Freedom buds no matter what music device they’re paired with or what music service you use. www.jaybirdsport.com Price: $200

SAMSUNG FAMILY HUB REFRIGERATOR Get more workspace while enhancing your kitchen’s look with the counter-depth refrigerator design. Its sleek, built-in style blends in with the cabinetry, adding function and style to your kitchen. Wherever you are, see what’s in your Family Hub thanks to three built-in cameras accessible from your mobile device. Stay home, find new recipes and shop online using your Family Hub’s 21.5“ touchscreen. Share your family’s calendars, photos and notes from your mobile device or directly on the Family Hub. With apps like Pandora and Tune-in Radio, your kitchen truly becomes your command centre. A versatile, bottomright door can be a fridge or freezer, maximising fresh food storage space. This premium cooling system features three evaporators for ultimate freshness and provides precise temperature and humidity controls in all three zones so that your food stays fresher for longer. LED lighting gently brightens virtually every corner of your refrigerator so you’re able to quickly spot what you want. Plus, it emits less heat and is more energy-efficient than conventional lighting. The Family Hub refrigerator comes with a wine rack, which can be positioned in one of three ways. www.samsung.com Price: $5 999

CAR NEWS

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE CONVERTIBLE Land Rover unveiled the world’s first luxury compact SUV convertible at the South African Festival of Motoring. The convertible combines the bold design and refinement of Evoque with comprehensive specification and a sophisticated folding roof to create a no compromise, all-season convertible. The groundbreaking and distinctive shape of the original Range Rover Evoque lends itself to an elegant convertible design and the new model sits at the pinnacle of the Evoque portfolio as the most exclusive and capable convertible in the world. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible has been engineered to meet Land Rover’s most rigorous standards, ensuring exceptional structural rigidity, trademark levels of refinement, outstanding levels of safety and unrivalled breadth of capability. The global SUV market is forecast to grow by 20 percent over the next five years and Evoque Convertible will play a key role in continuing Range Rover’s 45-year success story, pioneering an all-new SUV sector. Pricing starts at R1 002 400. www.landrover.co.za MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS This futuristic sedan has many new technical innovations. In the sixties the E-Class pioneered the passenger safety compartment and sold over 13 million cars. An entirely new diesel engine weighs only 168 kg and sets new efficiency benchmarks in this segment. Aerodynamically with a 0,23 Cd factor it is also the best in its class. A slight growth in size increases the cabin comfort considerably for rear seat passengers. Sensuous lines are emphasized by the elongated bonnet and sleek silhouette. A wide screen cockpit contains a large display with virtual instruments that can be changed at the press of a button to, Classic,

VW TIGUAN The new Tiguan is a great all-rounder with distinctive styling and is the first Volkswagen SUV to sit on the now familiar MQB, or Modularer Querbaukasten (Modular Transverse Matrix) platform, which means it benefits from the latest available technology and shares much of its underpinnings with other successful new models such as the award-winning Golf and Passat. A rugged 4MOTION all-wheel drive system includes premium class technology for use on and off road for smooth acceleration and an exciting driving experience. The new Tiguan will be offered in two petrol 1.4 TSI engines – 92 kW and 110 kW, while the diesel 2.0 TDI engines deliver 81 kW, 105 kW and 130 kW respectively. The 2.0 TSI produces 162 kW and the high-powered engines are offered with 4MOTION drive systems as standard, and in three equipment levels Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. The designers, under the leadership of Klaus Bischoff, created an elegant, understated car that is lower, but slightly bigger than the previous model. The cockpit is aligned towards the driver for better comfort and without constricting or disturbing the airy impression of the interior. Pricing starts from R378 000 and includes a 5-year/90 000 km Service Plan, 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 12-year anticorrosion warranty. Service intervals are 15 000 km. www.vw.co.za Sport and Progressive. Being fully digital, you can change the configuration of data to your own personal preference. The steering wheel features touch-sensitive controls, which feature for the first time in a car. A touch pad in the centre console even recognises handwriting, while some driver assist functions can also be deactivated for the first time. A multitude of new safety features are standard. A Drive Pilot system is the next step to autonomous driving. Distance Pilot Distronic keeps the car the correct distance behind vehicles in front automatically up to a speed of up to 210 km/h. Steering Pilot assists at speeds up to 130 km/h and actively helps with the steering by taking account of surrounding vehicles and parallel structures, even if the lane markings are unclear or non-existent, like at road works. Remote Parking Pilot allows the vehicle to be moved into and out of garages and parking spaces remotely using a smartphone app, enabling the occupants to get into and out of the car easily. Pricing starts from R707 100 (E 200) and a six-year/100 000 km Maintenance Plan is included. www.mercedes-benz.co.za

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CAR NEWS

VISION MERCEDES-MAYBACH 6 Every August classic car fans from around the world converge on Pebble Beach in California for a very special beauty contest. This gathering of magnificent classic cars was the perfect place to premiere the exclusive Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, a sensational luxury-class coupé. The 2+2-seater is a homage to the glorious age of the aero coupés and consciously carries this tradition forward into the future. The coupé reinterprets classic, emotional design principles in an extreme way, following the Mercedes design philosophy of sensual purity. The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, which measures almost six metres in length, is designed as an electric car. The drive system has an output of 550 kW and the shallow underfloor battery allows a range of over 500 kilometres. With its sensual design, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 represents the ultimate in luxury. The classic aesthetic proportions of the show car – the extremely long bonnet, the low roof line and the rearward positioning of the greenhouse – recall the aero coupés of days gone by. But this is not retro design, this is a reinterpretation of classic aesthetic principles. www.mercedes-benz.co.za LAND ROVER POLO One of the many highlights at the 2016 Land Rover Africa Cup polo tournament was the debut of Team Above and Beyond. The team consisting of two polo veterans and two up-andcoming development players, participated in a weekend of thrilling horsemanship. Playing in their first international tournament were development players Thokosane Zondo and Lucky Nsingo. Both were in a selection of six players who were put through their paces at the Inanda Development Cup earlier this year. After demonstrating their talent on the field and passion for the sport, Thokosane and Lucky were voted as the most valuable players of the tournament. To further aid their development, Land Rover sponsored each of the MVPs with a full complement of new polo gear for the Land Rover Africa Cup tournament in September. Joining Thokosane and Lucky were seasoned polo pros, Terence Spilsbury and Richard Pohl. Both have a love for the sport, and horses, and boast extensive playing experience. www.landrover.co.za

NISSAN BLADEGLIDER Nissan unveiled the working prototype of its futuristic BladeGlider vehicle, combining zero-emissions with high-performance in a revolutionary sports car design. The debut of the Bladeglider prototypes form part of Nissan’s ongoing commitment to the development of zero-emission vehicles and new automotive technologies including autonomous drive systems and connectivity. Nissan already sells the world’s highest-volume zero-emission car, the LEAF, and is pioneering Intelligent Mobility systems that will be deployed in a range of vehicles over coming years. With the Bladeglider, Nissan’s vision was for an agile, efficient EV that would provide new dimensions of driving fun and excitement – a car that would ’glide,’ thanks to the near-silent performance of its electric powertrain and aerodynamic shape. After two years of work on design, engineering and development, the BladeGlider has evolved further into an exciting, real-life study into the potential of advanced EV performance. Power is 100 percent electric, with exceptional powertrain performance delivered by Nissan’s technical partner for the BladeGlider project, UK-based Williams Advanced Engineering. Maximum speed of the demonstration models is in excess of 190 km/h, with 0-100 km/h taking less than 5 seconds. The rear wheels’ drive is provided by two 130 kW electric motors – one for each wheel. www.nissan.co.za ROLLS-ROYCE DAWN ’BEST OF BEST’ The German Design Council has recognised the outstanding design of the new Rolls-Royce Dawn at the Council’s annual awards. Recognised in two separate categories, Dawn was awarded ’Best of Best’ (Interior) and ’Winner’ (Exterior). The German Design Council awards are unique, internationally renowned and honour outstanding product design. The jury is composed of experts from the automotive and design industries. The award is one of many major international accolades Dawn has been honoured with since its recent global launch. The Dawn represents a seminal moment for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and promises to attract a new breed of successful, younger and dynamic customers through a highly contemporary, beautiful expression of Rolls-Royce aesthetics. www.rolls-royce.com

HYUNDAI TUCSON By Rubin van Niekerk The sturdy new Hyundai Tucson has ample ground clearance and was ideal for exploring the beautiful area around Dullstroom. It is one of the jewels in Hyundai’s crown in S.A. that elevated them to the number four position among automotive brands here. Launched in 2005, the Hyundai Tucson became a firm top-seller in the segment for several years when it was followed by its successor, the ix35, in 2009 and almost 58 000 were sold in total. “We are now in the top position in this very competitive market segment again with the new model,” says Stanley Anderson, Marketing Director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa. SOUTH AFRICAN 2017 CAR OF THE YEAR SEMI-FINALIST The Hyundai Tucson was voted to be a semi-finalist in the prestigious 2017 South African Car of the Year Competition by an invited group of the top 100 most experienced motoring journalists that are members of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists. WOMEN ON WHEELS 2016 CAR OF THE YEAR Hyundai Tucson won the overall WOW car of the year the vote of an all-women judging panel of 10 motoring journalists. Judges voted for winning cars in 11 categories that were chosen out of 120 finalists voted for by WOW readers online. DESIGN A sleek, urban style embraces the ruggedness of an SUV, along with a distinctive character emphasised by the Hyundai signature hexagonal grille that anchors the LED headlamps. Interior elegance fuses with ergonomics and the smallest details, like new soft-touch, quality materials on the cabin surfaces add to the ambience. SPACIOUSNESS, CONVENIENCE AND CONNECTIVITY A highly efficient exterior-to-interior dimension ratio and generous boot space of 513 litres can increase to 1 503 litres. Ergonomic design focuses on intuitive operation and the instrument cluster is positioned towards the windscreen to minimise distraction. A six-speaker sound system with Bluetooth connectivity enables streamed music from a smartphone or iPod, while USB and AUX ports provide further connectivity. SAFETY AND BUILD QUALITY Comprehensive safety features in the flagship model include, Blind Spot Detector (BSD) with Lane Change Assist, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and RearCross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The body shell has 51% advanced high strength steel, increasing torsional rigidity to 48%.

ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS Turbocharging the new 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol engine makes it ideal for high altitude areas with 130 kW and 265 Nm of torque, mated to either transmission. Premium derivatives come with 2-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engines delivering 115 kW and 196 Nm, with an average fuel consumption of 8,9 litres/100 km for the manual versus the 8,5 litres/100 km for the Elite All-Wheel Drive 7-speed DCT. The seven-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (7DCT) developed by Hyundai, offers fully automatic operation or sequential manual gear changes for greater driver involvement. Seamless shifting occurs through an alternative operation of the two clutches and two driving modes Eco and Sport can be selected. FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM RUNNING GEAR The 1.6 TGDi Elite has four-wheel drive (4WD) with excellent traction on rough or slippery surfaces for enhanced cornering. Front wheels receive 100% of torque normally and up to 50% goes to the rear wheels when required. A manual ’Lock Mode’ splits torque 50/50, for grip at speeds up to 40 km/h. Chassis elements enhance stability, while maximising long wheelbase benefits. An electric Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) provides faster and more direct steering. COMFORTABLE AND QUIET CABIN A stiffer structure significantly suppresses noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), making it one of the quietest and most refined cabins in this class. Increased sound-absorption reduces road vibrations, and anti-noise pads fitted in the floor limit noise. TESTED UNDER EXTREME CONDITIONS Extensive testing took place in temperatures ranging from 40 degrees celsius to 30 degrees below freezing.

PRICING Pricing includes a 5-year/90 000 km service plan, a 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty that is now enhanced by the additional new groundbreaking 7-year/200 000 km drivetrain warranty and 5-year/150 000 km roadside assistance. Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Premium (manual) R369 900 | Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Premium (automatic) R389 900 Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Elite (automatic) R454 900 | Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi Executive (manual) R439 900 Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi Elite DCT AWD R519 900 www.hyundai.co.za

CAR NEWS

GAMERS DRIVE FORD GT TO SET NEW GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS TITLE Five bleary-eyed gamers each completed a mammoth twoday stint at the wheel of a virtual Ford GT race car in Forza Motorsport 6 to set a new Guinness World Record title for the “longest video marathon on a racing game.“ Gamers Cara Scott, 25, from the U.K.; Hélène Cressot, from France; Johannes Knapp, 30, from Germany; Andrea Lorenzo Facchinetti, 42, from Italy; and Jesús Sicilia Sánchez, 23, from Spain, took on a simulated version of the La Sarthe circuit used for the Le Mans 24 Hours, where the real life Ford GT race car achieved a historic victory earlier this year. Driving for 48 hours, 29 minutes and 21 seconds, and completing a combined 41 004 virtual kilometres and 3 015 laps, the gamers survived on power naps, sweets and soft drinks as they broke the previous record of 48 hours 1 minute. The Guinness World Records title was later presented on the Microsoft stand at Gamescom, Europe’s biggest interactive games trade fair, in Cologne, Germany. www.ford.co.za FIVE-STAR SAFETY RATINGS FOR KIA OPTIMA AND SPORTAGE The all-new KIA Optima and KIA Sportage have both been awarded the maximum five-star crash safety rating by Euro NCAP in the latest round of safety testing. Both cars scored particularly highly for adult protection, scoring 89% and 90% respectively, with child occupant protection also rated highly at 86% for younger Optima passengers and 83% for those in the Sportage. The Optima was praised in particular for its ability to offer uniformly high levels of protection to all occupants during the frontal offset test and in the event of a side barrier impact, no matter the size of passenger or where they were sitting in the car. The Sportage – KIA’s European best-selling compact crossover – was also commended for its ability to protect passengers of different statures in all seats, scoring particularly highly in the demanding side pole test. Active safety assist technologies are key features in new KIA models, resulting in both cars scoring 71% in the Safety Assist category – an increasingly important part of NCAP’s independent testing process. The Optima and Sportage are two of the most high-tech models ever created by KIA Motors, each offering a wide range of active safety technologies designed to help drivers avoid a collision or mitigate the impact of one. www.kia.co.za

GUMTREE USERS VOTE TOYOTA AS SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP CAR BRAND In a survey conducted by Gumtree South Africa on the differences between men and women when purchasing a car, SA’s leading carmaker was voted as the preferred car brand by both men and women. For the ladies, Toyota was named as their ’marque’ of choice (27%), listing attributes such as reliability, maintenance, comfort and affordability when mentioning their favourite car brand. “This resonates extremely well with our brand pillars, as Toyota’s reputation for quality, durability and reliability clearly talks to the needs of these customers,“ says Kerry Roodt, General Manager of Marketing Communications. Toyota also scored the highest for men, with 21 percent recording Toyota as their preferred brand. Key phrases such as power, style, class, engineering and trust were mentioned by the respondents. “We are delighted to have been voted as the preferred car brand by both men and women in this survey, and this reflects our commitment to all our customers to offer ever improving vehicles and outstanding service,“ Roodt added. www.toyota.co.za JAGUAR F-PACE By Michelle York The premium SUV market should brace itself for the arrival of the F-PACE. Jaguar have created an SUV that offers unrivalled driving dynamics, a spacious handcrafted cabin and a full suite of cutting-edge occupant and pedestrian safety systems. There are some technological gadgets that are quite 007-ish including the world’s most advanced infotainment system and, most excitingly, the world debut of Activity Key – a waterproof, shockproof wristband. This wearable tech supports active lifestyles because it allows the key fob to be securely locked inside the vehicle – invaluable if you’re going surfing, for example, or kayaking. If you’re a techno geek you simply must go visit a dealership for a demonstration of the ultra-responsive touch-screen system, app support, Wi-Fi hotspot and vehicle monitoring by smartphone. The F-PACE will be available with a range of Jaguar engines that offer a balance of efficiency and performance. These are the 132 kW 2.0-litre diesel, the 221 kW 3,0-litre diesel, and the 3,0-litre supercharged V6 petrol, with outputs of either 250 kW or 280 kW. All F-PACE models sold in South Africa are equipped with Jaguar’s eight-speed automatic transmission and All-Wheel Drive. To celebrate the launch of the all-new F-PACE, a special model called the First Edition will be available in strictly limited numbers in South Africa. Powered exclusively by the 280 kW supercharged V6 petrol and 221 kW V6 diesel engines, the First Edition is distinguished by two unique metallic paint colours – Caesium Blue and Halcyon Gold. It’s unmistakably Jaguar and it made me purr. Priced from R776 800. www.jaguar.com

McCannJHB915029ME/E

IT’S ALL ABOUT SWEET TORQUE.

The fabulous new Trailblazer is just as bold, dynamic, fun and adventurous as you are. You’ll adore its features, like the standard satellite navigation, a range of active safety features and hands-free functionality from the latest generation Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and a rearview camera. This is the smoothest and most luxurious way to unlock every corner in your city.

THE NEW CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER

CAR NEWS

THE ALL-NEW HONDA CIVIC The all-new Honda Civic brings dynamic styling, sophistication and high-tech features. For nine generations, the Civic has continuously evolved to meet changing customer needs around the world. It has consistently set the bar for fuel efficiency, driving performance, build quality and owner satisfaction. Honda’s longest-running automotive nameplate is also its biggest-selling model globally, with more than 23-million Civics sold to date. Charismatic design is supported by technology and performance. It also delivers new levels of sporty performance, and Honda incorporated advanced equipment developed for an era that demands new levels of integration between people, smartphones and the vehicle, while also increasing the Civic’s comfort, safety and quality standards. Pricing ranges from R330 000 to R460 000 and includes a 5-year/200 000 km warranty, a 5-year/90 000 km service plan, as well as three years of AA roadside assistance. www.honda.co.za VOLKSWAGEN SCOOPS TWO EXPORTER OF THE YEAR AWARDS VWSA walked away with two awards at Eastern Cape’s Exporter of the Year Awards, namely the SJM Flex Environmental Award and the Best Exporter – OEM (original equipment manufacturer) Award, were presented at a gala event held in Port Elizabeth. The SJM Flex Environmental Award is awarded to an exporter who is ISO 14001 accredited and who pursues excellence in environmental management and this is the fourth time VWSA has received this award. The Best Exporter – OEM Award recognises manufacturers of original equipment for the automotive industry. This is the third time VWSA has won this award. “In 2015, Volkswagen exported 66 000 Polos along with engines and components, so it is an honour to be recognised by the Exporters Club for our achievements,“ said Thomas Schaefer, Chairman and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa. “Over the past six years, as a company we have reduced energy consumption by 35%, waste by 60%, water by 53%, CO2 by 33% and solvent emissions by 31%, so the SJM Flex Environmental award is great recognition for our efforts in trying to reduce our impact on the environment,“ added Schaefer. “VWSA continues to invest in the Eastern Cape both financially, socially and environmentally. The R4,5 billion investment announcement in 2015 and our CSI initiatives are our commitment to the Eastern Cape and specifically the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro,“ concluded Schaefer. The Exporters Club was founded in the Eastern Cape 35 years ago and is aimed at organisations involved in exporting, either directly or indirectly, and for organisations with an interest in exporting. There are approximately 290 organisations on the database, including automotive, pharmaceutical, agricultural and services industries. www.vw.co.za 48

KIA WINS TWO CATAGORIES IN WOMEN ON WHEELS AWARDS Women on Wheels (WOW) has announced the winners in its annual Women’s Car of the Year Awards. Thousands of votes were cast for the 120 finalists, which were grouped into 11 categories, and were not only voted for by the public, but also by an all-women judging panel comprising South Africa’s leading and most respected female motoring journalists. KIA Motors were nominated in six categories for its Picanto, Rio, Cerato, Soul, Sorento and Grand Sedona, with the KIA Picanto ultimately voted the Best Budget Buy for the year, and the Grand Sedona the Best MPV for the year. According to editor, Juliet McGuire, the judges voted based on criteria such as good value for money, practicality, comfort and performance. The car with the highest number of votes in its category was then crowned the winner of that category. KIA Grand Sedona is priced from R556 995 to R736 995 and includes a 5-year/100 000 km Maintenance Plan, as well as KIA’s new 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and 5-year/ unlimited kilometre roadside assistance. www.kia.co.za VOLVO CARS AND UBER JOIN FORCES Volvo Cars and Uber, the world’s leading ride-sharing company, are to join forces to develop next generation autonomous driving (AD) cars. The two companies have signed an agreement to establish a joint project that will develop new base vehicles that will be able to incorporate the latest developments in AD technologies, up to and including fully autonomous driverless cars. The base vehicles will be manufactured by Volvo Cars and then purchased from Volvo by Uber. Volvo Cars and Uber are contributing a combined USD 300-million to the project. Both Uber and Volvo will use the same base vehicle for the next stage of their own autonomous car strategies. This will involve Uber adding its own self-developed autonomous driving systems to the Volvo base vehicle. Volvo will use the same base vehicle for the next stage of its own autonomous car strategy, which will involve full autonomous driving. The Volvo-Uber project marks a significant step in the automotive business with a car manufacturer joining forces with a new Silicon Valley-based entrant to the car industry, underlining the way in which the global automotive industry is evolving in response to the advent of new technologies. The alliance marks the beginning of what both companies view as a longer-term industrial partnership. www.volvo.co.za

DDB SA 44959/E

DREAM BIGGER, CREATE BRAVER AND DRIVE BOLDER. Introducing the all-new Honda Civic Sedan with a powerful 1.5 VTEC TURBO engine. Crafted to perfection with a sleek design and fitted with advanced safety features, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sure to be a bold drive. Book a test drive at your nearest dealership or visit honda.co.za

ROAD TESTS by RUBIN VAN NIEKERK

Lexus RX 350 EX

isually dramatic, the fourth generation RX with its origamiinspired design cues and blend of curves and angles is striking. Over 2,1 million sales since 1998, indicate the immense popularity of the Lexus RX with owners who want the flexibility of luxury matched with off-road capability. Ample ground clearance ensures that off-roading is not just an academic equation and few competitors could match the comfort. On the open road the superb suspension ensures a marvellous ride without compromising cornering ability. A longer wheelbase also means that tall rear occupants have ample leg and head room. The powerful new engine is more economical and matched to the slick eight-speed transmission, is highly responsive. An M mode

Toyota Fortuner 2,4 GD-6 4x2

ntroduced to South Africa in 2006 the Fortuner soon took over and became the SUV of choice. This success story is already being repeated as the new Fortuner, although more refined than its predecessor, is even more capable. At the launch we drove over soft sand and I never thought for a moment that we would get stuck. What struck me was the comforting sense of assuredness of the Fortuner. Peace of mind is what Toyota and their superb after sales service is all about. Having driven both engine derivatives I would personally choose the baby brother 2,4-litre diesel over its big brother 2,8-litre diesel for the simple reason that it offers fantastic value over just about anything else. New in every respect, with a

provides full torque-converter lock-up from third to eighth gears, for manual shifting when accelerating and lock-up from second to eighth gears when decelerating. The transmission is also linked to the Lexus Drive Mode Select Function with its Eco, Normal and Sport modes. Power is distributed automatically between the front and rear axles via the Dynamic Torque Control System. Fuel is saved by driving the front wheels only when cruising, but switches automatically to AWD when needed. You could manually override the Dynamic Torque Control System at speeds up to 40 km/h by pushing the AWD Lock button to maximise all-wheel grip. Special aerodynamic features on the body and under body optimise handling and straight line stability

bigger stance than the old model, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just a pretty face Hilux. Design-wise the Fortuner is poles apart. Eight derivatives, two transmissions, and four engines and the choices of 4x4 or 4x2 means that everyone should be able to find the right fit. Competitor-wise I think the Trailblazer is a better alternative than the Ford Everest in which I failed to find the right seating position due to the very limited adjustability of the steering wheel. A facelifted Trailblazer offers a new interior and is the only worthy alternative to the Toyota. Telling the different derivatives apart is almost impossible, which is quite unusual. Manuals are not my first choice, but I could not complain about the smooth-changing gearbox. Looking at the stats I expected sluggish performance, but was pleasantly surprised. Generous torque effortlessly shoves this big vehicle and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard not to feel a little smug, while towering over traffic. Clearly others also enjoy the commanding position of SUVs. See the sales! Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Inline Diesel 2393 cc Engine 110 kW @ 3400 rpm Power 400 Nm @ 1600-2000 rpm Torque 0-100 km/h in 12,5 seconds Acceleration 170 km/h Top Speed 11,8 lt/100 km Urban Fuel Consumption 7,0 lt/100 km Fuel Consumption @ 120km/h 8,8 lt/100 km Overall Fuel Consumption 860-2260 lt Load Capacity 11,6 m Turning Circle 279 mm Ground Clearance 2049 kg Weight R445 000 Price 5-year/90 000 km Service Plan 184 g/km CO2 Emissions

at higher speeds. Comprehensive re-design of the body optimised rigidity by using state-of-the-art techniques to strengthen key panel joints. Ultimately it’s all about the cabin and enormous attention to detail, superior ergonomics and superlative finishes provide a cosy interior ambiance. A remote touch controller is positioned for intuitive control in the cockpit-like space behind the wheel and the multi-media screen is not distracting. A world-first, height-adjustable front cup holders are ideal for accommodating large cups and when you don’t need the bigger capacity, you simply push a button which restores the cup holder to its normal size without messing all over you. A wireless charger within the dashboard centre box works on Qi-enabled smart phones, by simply placing the phone on the wireless charging pad. Ten-way adjustable front seats have a new frame with enhanced pelvic and thigh support, along with a greater range of adjustment. Seat heating and ventilation has been optimised with a nifty new feature called Climate Concierge that integrates the seat heating ventilation with the ventilation system. As always, this Lexus comes standard with every bell and whistle you could wish for, from a stunning twelve-speaker sound system to voice recognition. A new interior finish known as laser-cut ornamentation evokes the magnificent finish of high-end pianos. Yamaha produced this shiny finish by combining a thin veneer of wood with aluminium and then laser-cutting through it to expose the metal underneath. Being significantly better than its predecessor and so tactile to the touch, it offers a stylish alternative to less impressively packaged rivals.

Opel Astra Hatch 1,4T Enjoy

urope’s Car of the Year is our eleventh generation Astra in South Africa. Astra is known for excellence, but this one quantum leaps ahead of the pack. Opel set out to design one of the most efficient, lightest and best connected cars with advanced safety and driver assistance technology. They managed to shave up 200 kg and brought the CD factor down to 0,285. Most cars keep growing, but the Opel Astra shrunk by a few centimetres, while the cabin became spacious due to clever design. A stronger lightweight superstructure is more bend and twist resistant, making it safer and more dynamical. An IntelliLink touchscreen with satellite navigation and an advanced infotainment interface ensure seamless connectivity on the go. Driving at night due to IntelliLux matrix lighting, a first in this segment, improves visibility at night. Benchmark-setting interior design combines sculpted shapes with premium materials and

Engine 6-Cylinder V6 3456 cc Power 221 kW @ 6300 rpm Torque 370 Nm @ 4700 rpm Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 8,0 seconds Top Speed 200 km/h Overall Fuel Consumption 10,4 lt/100 km Load Capacity 500-1545 lt Turning Circle 10,6 m Ground Clearance 208 mm Price R851 600 4-year/100 000 km Service Plan CO2 Emissions 223 g/km

functional simplicity. Innovative use of a Watts suspension linkage offers the benefits of a rear multilink suspension without the weight penalties, complexity issues and bulk that haunts multilink rear suspensions. Watts linkage enhances lateral stability and ride comfort without compromising dynamics. Road noise is also significantly reduced. Fuel consumption is improved by using an electric rather than a hydraulically powered rack-and-pinion steering system. Several refinements provide greater comfort and generous reach and rake adjustment ensures a comfortable seating position for drivers. A brand new high-tech 1,4-litre ECOTEC Direct Injection is offered for the first time in Astra and is the best in its class. Opel’s biggest engine offensive in history since 2014 sees 17 new engines introduced by 2018. By offering the kind of safety and technology features found in a luxury car, it sets the Opel Astra far apart from its peers. Truly marvellous in every respect. Engine Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Inline 1399 cc Power 110 kW @ 5000 rpm Torque 245 Nm @ 2000-4000 rpm Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 8,5 seconds Top Speed 210 km/h Urban Fuel Consumption 7,1 lt/100 km Fuel Consumption @ 120 km/h 4,5 lt/100 km Overall Fuel Consumption 6,1 lt/100 km Load Capacity 380-1380 lt Turning Circle 11,1 m Weight 1265 kg Price R313 000 5-year/90 000 km Service Plan CO2 Emissions 127 g/km

ROAD TESTS by RUBIN VAN NIEKERK

Volkswagen Golf GTi Clubsport Edition 40 DSG

’ve always promised myself not to fall for a Golf, but I finally succumbed. This great little car is well balanced and understated when you compare it to some of the competitors like the Honda Civic Type R. Driving different cars is informative and ultimately its ideal if you can test two competitors back to back, like the Golf and the Honda Civic Type R. Even more of a

Fiat Fullback DC 2,5 Diesel 4X4 LX

By Michelle York

acked by over a hundred years of history and an excellent reputation in the global LCV industry, the Fiat Professional brand is making another leap forward with the launch of Fullback, one that completes its current extensive range of products and services that are tailored to the needs of professional customers. The Fullback makes a strong entry into the medium-duty pickup segment and I thought the Fullback lived up to the promised robust construction and great versatility. The name “Fullback” is derived from the key position in rugby – the last man in the line of defence and also a defender in attack – although with the current performance of the Boks let’s not dwell on this! It’s certainly perfectly in line with the competition in terms of configuration, dimensions and engines, Fiat Professional’s new pick-up in South Africa will be available with two engine options on the double cab, whilst the single cab comes

brute! The Honda is more powerful, but more difficult to control with massive amounts of torque steer, whereas the Clubsport is quite chilled by comparison. Don’t be fooled however, as it moves like greased lightning with the accuracy of a laser beam. Day-to-day it can do Driving Miss Daisy with aplomb and that for me is what turns me on with a fast car. It has to have a Dr Jekyll standard with a 2,4-litre petrol engine. Currently both have manual transmissions only, with the automatic transmission to follow. The all-wheel drive 4X4 double cab I tested really has an identical look and feel to most other mid-level competitors. There’s a sense of familiarity with the tough-as-nails growl of the diesel engine. The comfortable cabin is practical and well laid out with no frilly bits – it’s a no-nonsense practical vehicle that doesn’t try to impress with all the bells and whistles, which is somewhat refreshing. Although it can be accessorised with the usual kick plate customised with the name of the vehicle, the side chrome-plated mouldings that protect the doors, chrome mirror covers, rear parking sensors, rubber or fabric protective mats, underbody protection, fog lights with DRL function and valve covering caps sporting with the vehicle logo. If you’re in the market for a double cab give it a spin, I believe them when they say – “Built for your work. And for your life.” Turbocharged 4-Cylinder 16 Valve Inline 2477 cc Engine 131 kW @ 4000 rpm Power 400 Nm @ 2000 rpm Torque 0-100 km/h in 12,0 seconds Acceleration 179 km/h Top Speed 7,7 lt/100 km Overall Fuel Consumption 1000 kg Payload 11,8 m Turning Circle 205 mm Ground Clearance 30º Approach Angle 22º Departure Angle 1820 kg Weight R468 900 Price 5-year/100 000 km Service Plan 206 g/km CO2 Emissions

and Mr Hyde personality and be able to glide over speed bumps, get into impossibly steep driveways and then zip around a track like a pro. Finding that formula is hard, but Eureka I found it with the Clubsport! It turned out irresistible and I’m smitten. In 1976 VW planned to sell 5 000 GTi hot hatches, but ended up selling over two million by 2016. No other car in this segment comes close to the GTi’s large fan base. Seven generations later the Golf GTi concept has been tweaked and tweaked until we thought it could not be refined and improved any more, until the next one takes us by surprise. The launch of the Golf GTi Clubsport celebrated the iconic Golf’s 40th birthday. Telling the Clubsport apart from its more junior siblings is easy as it has a new front bumper, side sills, rear diffuser and multipart roof spoiler. These changes were not just cosmetic, but improved downforce figures to enhance dynamic performance. The Clubsport is one of the most powerful frontwheel drive cars on the market and although it does not have all-wheel drive like the Golf R, the lightweight front-wheel drive offers incredible agility along with an electronically controlled front differential lock and the XDS+ vehicle dynamics function. A boost function can increase the 195 kW output to 213 kW when the accelerator is pushed down quickly, for 10 seconds. Enough time to overtake or to do some low flying out of a corner or a racetrack. Let it return to normal for 10 seconds, then you can have another go at an energy boost for 10 seconds. As in car racing you have launch control with DSG that allows you to keep the engine boost on for 20 seconds and then to take off like a bat out of hell. Typically GTi, the real fun starts through the twisties and

Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe By Michelle York

he Alfa Romeo 4C is a captivating coupé. Designed by Alfa Romeo engineers and built at the Maserati plant in Modena, it’s all carbon, aluminium, and zing. The rearwheel drive new 1750 Turbo Petrol engine with direct injection, Alfa TCT dry twin clutch automatic transmission and the Alfa DNA driving mode selector with the brand-new Race mode ups the zing to bazinga with a weight to power ratio of less than 4 kg/hp. Your head snaps back as you accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4,5 seconds and necks snap all over the place as people whip around to watch you. Not only is it eye-catching, but the sound of the engine has also been emphasised with low frequencies and the classic roar of the exhaust. Driving a sunshine yellow sports car makes travelling incognito almost impossible and every smooth line was sculpted with maximum

even if road surfaces are bad the Clubsport remains composed and remarkably comfortable, especially when compared to the racing style Honda’s rock hard ride. Nevertheless I had a lot of fun with both cars. Engine Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Inline 1984 cc Power 195-213 kW @ 5350-6600 rpm Torque 350 Nm @ 1700-5300 rpm Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 5,9 seconds Top Speed 249 km/h Urban Fuel Consumption 11,2 lt/100 km Fuel Consumption @ 120 km/h 6,1 lt/100 km Overall Fuel Consumption 8,5 lt/100 km Load Capacity 380-670 lt Turning Circle 10,9 m Ground Clearance 106 mm Weight 1395 kg Price R540 000 5-year/90 000 km Service Plan CO2 Emissions 160 g/km dynamic efficiency at the forefront. It’s a technological and sensual supercar that offers precision, agility and great performance. The Alfa TCT gearbox has been optimised for the Alfa Romeo supercar. The 4C’s special clutch features allnew control software that ensures the fastest possible gear shifts under all conditions. The other technological marvels are too many to mention. The cockpit, which powerfully suggests the world of motorcycle racing and race cars, brings together all information necessary to drive and control the car. All readings are visible on the instrument panel, comprising an original digital display, containing all the control functions. It’s one of those cars that make you feel twenty years younger and twenty kilograms lighter when you’re behind the wheel – until you try disembarking from those very low-slung racing seats and realise you need the agility of a gymnast and the grace of a ballerina… I have neither. Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Inline 1750 cc Engine 176 kW @ rpm Power Nm @ 6000 rpm Torque 0-100 km/h in 4,5 seconds Acceleration 258 km/h Top Speed 11,3 lt/100 km Urban Fuel Consumption 5,3 lt/100 km Fuel Consumption @ 120 km/h 7,6 lt/100 km Overall Fuel Consumption 110 lt Load Capacity 10 m Turning Circle 114 mm Ground Clearance 895 kg Weight R1 341 000 Price 3-year/100 000 km Maintenance Plan 157 g/km CO2 Emissions

FASHION

Underwear ads paint a glamorous picture but, in reality, fit, material and quality are more important than the brand name on the band. Here are some rules on style and fabric to help you on your way. BRIEF The traditional Y front is not for everyone but offers great support and a neat fit, particularly good for men with large thighs.

TRUNK They sit perfectly on the hip, a little lower than other styles, and are short in the leg, cutting across mid-thigh, which make them best for men with slimmer legs. This style offers a simple silhouette, ideal for wearing under slim-fit trousers.

Three things matter in your most intimate wear: comfort, support and breathability. Pants brands have long defaulted to cotton and jersey, which provide all three. Here, a few options on the best (and worst) choices on the market. COTTON This old classic is a brilliant fibre for underwear because it breaths naturally and is soft and hypoallergenic.

JERSEY Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soft and lightweight with a natural stretch, making it the perfect choice for guys on the move.

BOXER BRIEF These are a hybrid between the traditional boxer short and the trunk. They sit on the waist and are slightly longer in the leg. Universally flattering and versatile, they’re the go-to option for most, particularly good for guys with fuller buttocks.

SILK It’s a classic choice, but silk is quickly disappearing from the underwear market and for good reason. Although it offers incredible lightness and breathability, it’s a delicate fabric that doesn’t benefit from wash and wear and damages easily.

BOXER SHORT Traditional boxer shorts offer maximum coverage, comfort and breathability but can often bunch and ride with slim trousers. Modern, tailored cuts offer a more flattering fit and works well with slimmer legwear. This new approach means they complement any body shape, being both flattering and extremely comfortable.

MESH The go-to material for sports-oriented underwear, mesh is light and breathable. Some brands go more specific and use heat-sensitive mesh fabric that helps disperse body heat and leaves your pants feeling cool to the touch – even after a bout of cardio.

DVD REVIEWS by LEON VAN NIEROP All DVDs available from www.amazon.com

THE THIRD ONE (EL TREROS) Starring Carlo Echevarria, Emilliano Dionisi and Nicolas Armengol. Directed by Rodrigo Guerrero. You have never quite seen anything like this highly explicit Argentinian film. A gay couple picks up a younger guy on a chat site. This one takes its time. The three men get acquainted in an almost documentary fashion where they talk for twenty-five minutes before giving over to an explicit, erotic and realistic threesome – an effective and erotic sequence. But the film also asks: can a couple “adopt“ a third partner? Will it threaten their relationship and does a threesome work on a physical and practical level? What elevates this film, is the convincing ordinary characters as they get to know each other. The opening sequences where they meet on the internet are too repetitive, but thereafter in the realistic conversations, it’s all about subtext. Recommended if you take queer cinema seriously. THE STRING (LE FIL) Starring Antonin Stahly Viswanadhan and Salim Kechiouche. Directed by Mehdi Ben Attia. French guilt is at the heart of this sensual drama in which a young man, Malik, returns to Tunisia where his widowed mom (a splendid Claudia Cardinale) has employed a handsome house boy. The Arabic and French cultures do not make good bedfellows, but Malik and the houseboy do! Although the film pretends to explore France’s colonialist past, it is more concerned with the contemporary love story than political comment. This attractive film moves at an easy pace, there are some sensual scenes and Viswanadhan and Kechiouche make a convincing couple with great chemistry. A well-made film. DADDY Starring Gerald McCullouch, Dan Via and Jaime Cepero. Directed by Gerald McCullouch. Now here is a gay film with a difference! Unlike so many others, this one is not obsessed with six-packs or flashes of frontal nudity or sexual identity. It is about an older man, director and writer (Gerald McCullouch), who falls in love with a young twenty-one-year-old intern. He comes between him and his best friend, played by Dan Via. But there is a completely unexpected twist. It is about taking responsibility for your behaviour and allowing a friendship to continue in the normal way after getting a sexual partner. The film is well-acted, especially by Dan Via as the best friend. But don’t read up too much about the film so that nothing is given away. Strongly recommended. Based on a stage play. THOSE PEOPLE Starring Jonathan Gordon and Jason Ralph. Directed by Joey Kaplan. This is the kind of film you enjoy with a glass of red wine and your partner. It is a sophisticated, if slightly long-winded film concerning a handsome young Jewish socialite who is in love with his best friend whose father is in jail, as well as a handsome and rugged piano player in Manhattan’s East side. This triangle (and there is a menage a trois of sorts later, although not with the piano player) plays itself out in dramatic fashion against some beautiful New York shots. Recommended if you are just in a lazy Sunday afternoon mood and want to see beautiful people struggling to make sense out of love. VIHARSAROK (LAND OF STORMS) Starring András Sutö, Adam Várga and Sebastian Urzendosky. Directed by Adám Császi. It is not every day that readers will experience such an exotic, explicit or fascinating film from Hungary. Based on true events, it examines what happened when a Hungarian soccer player (brilliantly played by András Sutö) falls in love with a religious fanatic young man (Adam Várga) who helps him to restore a house he inherited. Told with exquisite sensitivity and cinematography that takes your breath away, it observes, in long unedited scenes, how a triangle evolves as three men display their love for one another. But what happens when sexual desire ignites the monster in a religious young man? Slow but gorgeous to look at and dazzlingly directed. A must see.

MUSIC REVIEWS by JACQUES BOTHA TOM ODELL – WRONG CROWD (Sony) At only twenty-five years old, Tom has made quite an impact on the music industry. He’s released a mini album as well as a full-length release, won the British Critics Choice Award in 2013 and has been compared to the likes of David Bowie and Elton John. His musical style though is completely taken over by his intellectual nature. The new album takes on the form of a story of a man who is held ransom by his own childhood, earning for the innocence thereof in this perverse world in which he now lives. Although it is fictional in concept, it reflects a universal reality and emotions. An amazing musical journey. RONAN KEATING – TIME OF MY LIFE (Universal) Ronan just recently finished some concerts in South Africa in support of his new album. For those who don’t know, Ronan used to be (along with the late and gay Stephen Gately) the lead singers for Boyzone. The new album intrigued me from the first song already, as it showcased an artist who stepped away from being a “schmaltzy“ balladeer to someone who embraces his Irish heritage along with being a serious pop singer. The album has a much more acoustic feel to it, but lyrically the album is much richer than a simple love song. It is clear that Ronan is really growing as an artist whilst having fun. BLINK 182 – CALIFORNIA (Warner) Blink 182 rose to fame in the nineties as the band who put punk in the mainstream again (imagine a punk version of the Beatles). Sadly though the original lead singer has left the band and this is the first album with the new lineup. On the plus side though, the album sees a return to their catchy pop punk sound. Lyrically, there is probably some room for improvement, but there is more than enough tongue in cheek moments to grab the attention (“I want to see some naked dudes. That’s why I build this pool“). The production is slick and for the first time in a long time, the band sounds musically unified. Some die-hard fans may struggle initially, but as a whole it is a solid fun-filled album. BRITNEY SPEARS – GLORY (Sony) I am a Britney fan. Always was and probably always will be. I must admit though the last album was disappointing, but then again we can’t always be brilliant all the time. With the release of the first single Make Me, she went all out on the eye candy factor by including lots of cute guys in the music video. Despite the fact that it is a great track, I think Ms B needs to realise that she isn’t twenty anymore. However, the rest of the album shows a pop artist who is willing to take risks musically. Tracks like Clumsy and Do You Wanna Come Over show a departure from the mainstream and proves that she has learnt something about reinvention. Nine albums later and she is still here... it must say something! DZL (Just Music) Pretty is pretty, whichever way one looks at it and these two local boys really are very easy on the eye. Andries Hendrik Potgieter and Wiaan Fourie are not only the voices behind the band DZL, but both are also professional models. The album itself is a great mix of English and Afrikaans songs. Their rendition of Say Something with its subtle country undertone works extremely well, whereas their cover of Keith Urban’s Somebody Like You is very similar to the original, but doesn’t do them any harm either. When it comes to the original material though, it is a good balance of typical dance songs and heartfelt ballads. A great debut showcasing some abundant potential. JOSHUA NA DIE REËN (JNDR/Starburst) Min Afrikaanse sangers kry my so opgewonde soos Jacques de Villiers aka Joshua na die Reën. Sy debuut album was ’n ongelooflike avontuur van drome, maar die nuwe album is meer persoonlik en introspektief oor hoe elk van ons ’n wereld het binne ons wat niemand altyd verstaan nie, maar ook hoe ons mense toelaat om grepies te beleef. Musikaal voel die album asof daar meer lae instrumentasie is terwyl Jacques se stem amper soos ’n ekstra instrument voel. Daar is ’n goeie balans van vinniger snitte, maar oorgenoeg ballades om mens mee te voer. Die grootste plus is die lirieke en dit is juis die ding wat hierdie album so besonders maak. Boonop is daar drie bonussnitte insluitend sy verwerking van Voshaarnooi. KALEO – A/B (Warner) Well, Iceland has always been eclectic in its music styles... think Björk and Sigur Ros and now we have Kaleo, who is based in Texas but hails from Mosfellsbaer, just outisde Reykjavik. The album is quite diverse, as it really is a compilation of all their singles to date, as well as songs from their Icelandic debut album. Although they are not rooted in American music, the musical style reflects a combination of American rock combined with some awesome dark ballads. The first two singles No Good and Way Down We Go have already cemented the band’s name in the charts, but the rest of the album contains tracks that are even better. Take some really great music, add some awesome vocals and you have an album that will keep you wanting more. 57

Nick’s Nacks & Paddy Wacks (give the man a bone)

by JACQUES BOTHA

If anyone asked me ten years ago whether I would ever write about the Jonas Brothers as a group or as individuals, I would have vehemently protested against it. But, as the title of Nick Jonas’s new album states: Last Year Was Complicated.

happened to catch a track on the radio and immediately loved it. With Shazam loaded up, I had to learn with shock that the song was Levels by yours truly... Nicholas Jerry Jonas. Curiosity got the better of me and I investigated further and overnight the album became my favourite gym and car jam! What made it even more complicated was that the little teenager, who wore purity rings with his brothers as a symbol of their virginity, definitely is probably wearing now a not so pure ring down there. All jokes aside (or in Afrikaans alle grappies op ’n stokkie?!), he has since moved away from organised religion, but states that he

still maintains a strong relationship with God, but that it is much more personal now. With most of his recent photographs and even his songs and lyrics just oozing raw sexuality, you still might wonder what makes a straight guy so special that I could even think of letting him grace these pages? Well, this man has probably been one of our biggest advocates in the past two years, but let’s take a step back in time. This twenty-three-year-old Texan-born singer and actor started to hone his talents from a very early age. Considering the fact

that his father was an ordained church minister, Nick managed to get himself into Broadway at age seven already, after someone heard him sing in a barber shop while his mom (a sign language teacher) got her hair done. His 2004 debut album however didn’t do as well as planned and he ended up getting signed with his two brothers (Kevin and Joe), and the Jonas Brothers phenomenon was born, who interestingly enough started out as a Christian band. Moving swiftly along though, they released four ridiculously successful albums (which I hated). After splitting in 2005 Nick returned to the solo music scene and released his second album which was a massive success, yielding tracks such as Chains and Jealous. In the meantime, he was doing quite a bit of acting already and starred in TV series such as Hawaii Five-0 and movies such as Careful What You Wish For and Camp Rock (the title which suddenly took on a whole new pun for me...). In more recent years though, he has been openly picking gay roles to show his support for the LGBT community. In the slapstick comedy horror Scream Queens (the puns just don’t stop), he plays Boone Clemens, a member of the Dickie Dollar Scholars, who is outed when one of the main characters catches him in bed with an erection... and her boyfriend. Then there is the boxing themed TV series Kingdom where Nick has been portrayed as gay all along and in a very recent episode ends up in bed with a girl and guy – a scene that was pretty hot, despite the side plot that he was supposedly drugged. In a recent interview, Nick responded to the question on whether he has had sex with a man, he replied: “On Kingdom I have a sex scene with a guy. It’s always this thing: have I? Has Nick? But it’s my lips, it’s my hands, it’s my body, even if I am playing a character. So technically I have done that, so I wouldn’t say I haven’t, because that would be lying. But as me, Nick, I am very open about who I am and that I have nothing to prove. I know what I am; I’ve been honest about that.“ Sadly there are people who have recently accused Nick of using the LGBT community as a tool for his own fame, but as soon as the accusations were made, Nick was speaking out again. Talking about his role in Kingdom he replied: “I think there is a responsibility as someone representing the LGBT community to do what I can to show support. As a heterosexual male, I’ve gotten some criticism but you’ve got to block out the noise to hear the change.“ Jonas even made a stand with Demi Lovato to cancel their joint concerts in North Carolina due to the fact that the state banned trans people from using gender-appropriate bathrooms. Jonas went further in an interview with Complex describing himself as “open and comfortable about loving my fan base, gay or straight, because to me there is no difference. Your sexual preference does not matter to me and it shouldn’t matter to anybody. The goal is acceptance on all levels – that should be the focus. I’ve gone to normal clubs, straight clubs and I’ve gone to gay clubs to party with my friends and fans. I’m thankful to have as many close gay friends as I have people who have been so supportive in my life and have always been there for me.“ Nick

also appeared at a vigil for the victims of the Orlando shooting at the Stonewall Inn. Still, Nick has not been shy to flash his rock-hard body and signature six-pack everywhere, especially gay magazines. His comment on this recently to British gay magazine, Attitude was: “I’ve been pretty clear with my heart and my nature of just wanting to be supportive of my gay fans as they’ve been of me. So there’s definitely not any cock teasing going on. If anything I can be a real ally for the LGBT community and I’m thrilled to be in a spot where I feel like there’s a lot of mutual love and respect.“ The world (including me and you) are always quick to make a lot of noise when someone says something homophobic, but even if there might be egoistic intentions behind Mr Jonas’s actions, I think the message that he is sending out there is very clear. He is setting the example of what we would like every person to be. For that I embrace him as a person and I embrace his art. I do wish I could embrace him as well, but then again that could make things “complicated.“

BOOK REVIEWS LILY AND THE OCTOPUS | Steven Rowley | Simon & Schuster | 9781471154348 | R300.00 Teddy is unhappily single in L.A. In between sessions with his therapist and dates with men he meets online, it is his beloved twelve-year-old dachshund, Lily, who occupies his heart. Curiously, Teddy is able to communicate with Lily, with whom he debates the attractiveness of male celebrities and plays board games. Distressingly, he is also able to communicate with the “octopus“ attached to the little dog’s head – a metaphor for Lily’s lethal cranial tumour. Complicating matters is the increasing prevalence of Lily’s seizures and the looming inevitability of her demise. The intimacy of pet ownership is sweetly suffused throughout this heart-warming autobiographical fiction, originally written as self-therapy for the author’s own grief. You will laugh loudly and cry often. Keep the tissues handy. THE KEEPER OF THE KUMM – Ancestral Longing and Belonging of a Boesmankind | Sylvia Vollenhoven | Tafelberg | 9780624063087 | R220.00 Award-winning journalist Sylvia Vollenhoven tells the story of her life and how it’s been turned upside down by an Ancestor, //Kabbo, a Bushman storyteller and revolutionary. She writes of being “too black“ for her coloured school mates, working as one of the early female journalists in the misogynistic ’70s and of the constant struggle to find an identity that fits. Finally, she unearths a history that speaks to her: first in the language of a long, nameless illness without conventional cure, and then in the Calling of her Ancestors. MMUSI MAIMANE – Prophet or Puppet? | S’thembiso Msomi | Jonathan Ball | 9781868427086 | R200.00 In the afternoon of May 10, 2015, Mmusi Maimane was announced as the new leader of the Democratic Alliance, beating his opponent by a huge margin. Thus a highly intelligent and charismatic young man is thrust onto centre stage. But who is the real Mmusi Maimane? Experienced political reporter S’Thembiso Msomi examines how and why Maimane rose to head up the opposition. He delves into Maimane’s formative years, his time at the pulpit in the church, and his family, to bring substance to the man. Is Maimane his own man, and can he deliver the electorate that the DA so fervently desires? A FOX’S TALE – Insights From One Of Africa’s Most Creative Strategic Thinkers | Chantall Ilbury as told to Daryl Ilbury | Penguin Random House SA | 9781770229952 | R230.00 Sit down with one of Africa’s most creative strategic minds, and really get to know her and how she thinks. The book covers her formative years in a country at war, her early days as an educator and entrepreneur, the roots of her successful partnership with Clem Sunter, and what she has learned steering the executive level strategies of global organisations and some of the biggest names in business. A Fox’s Tale is loaded with strategic insight, yet often reads like an adventure novel, rich with humour and entertaining anecdotes. AMATOLA | Piet van Rooyen | Penguin Random House SA | 9781485903161 | R220.00 In die afgeleë Sneeuberge van die Oos-Kaap soek ’n groep argeoloë onder leiding van die nimlike professor Attie Vermaak na ’n reeks rotstekeninge: ’n befaamde oorlogstafereel van ruiters en vlugtendes. Groot is hul vreugde toe hulle dié kunswerk na ’n uitmergelende soektog vind. Hulle blydskap is egter van korte duur: ’n gevaarlike groep drosters oorrompel hulle en neem hulle gevange. Onder angswekkende omstandighede deel ekspedisie- en bendelede dieselfde kampeerplek terwyl die bendekaptein wag op verslag deur twee verspieders wat hy na die buitewêreld stuur om ’n losprys te eis. SECOND-HAND TIME – The Last of the Soviets | Svetlana Alexievich | Jonathan Ball | 9781868427345 | R290.00 From the 2015 winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature comes the first English translation of her latest work, an oral history of the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the emergence of a new Russia. Bringing together dozens of voices in her distinctive documentary style, Second-Hand Time is a monument to the collapse of the USSR, charting the decline of Soviet culture and speculating on what will rise from the ashes of Communism. From this fascination emerges a hugely important and deeply moving portrait of post-Soviet society. In a nation that likewise grapples with making sense of scattershot historical experience, Alexievich’s portraits may make the South African reader draw unexpected and uncomfortable parallels between Russia post-1990 and South Africa post-1994.

GUIDE TO TREES INTRODUCED INTO SOUTHERN AFRICA | Hugh Glen & Braam van Wyk | Struik Nature | 9781775841258 | R390.00 Southern Africa is home to more than 2000 introduced (not indigenous) trees. These non-native species are encountered daily and form a familiar part of our urban landscapes, growing successfully in parks, gardens, along roadsides, and in other open spaces. This guide features nearly 600 of the most common and familiar of these and is an essential guide for landscapers and gardeners, as well as tree enthusiasts who will struggle to find these trees in their guide to indigenous trees. EVERYTHING I DON’T REMEMBER | Jona Hassen Khemiri | Scribner | 9781471155086 | R360.00 A young man called Samuel dies, but was it an accident or suicide? An unnamed writer with an agenda of his own sets out to piece together Samuel’s story. Everything I Don’t Remember is an enthralling tale of love and memory. It is also the story of a writer who, in filling out the contours of Samuel’s life, is trying to grasp a universal truth – in the end, how do we account for the substance of a life? THE BUTCHERS OF BERLIN | Chris Petit | Jonathan Ball | 9781471143410 | R330.00 Berlin 1943. August Schlegel lives in a world full of questions with no easy answers. Why is he being called out on a homicide case when he works in financial crimes? Why did the old Jewish soldier with an Iron Cross shoot the block warden in the eye then put a bullet through his own head? Why does Schlegel persist with the case when no one cares because the Jews are all being shipped out anyway? And why should Eiko Morgen, wearing the dreaded black uniform of the SS, turn up and say he has been assigned to work with him? Corpses, dressed with fake money, bodies flayed beyond recognition: are these routine murders committed out of rage or is someone trying to tell them something? HOW STAR WARS CONQUERED THE UNIVERSE | Chris Taylor | Head of Zeus | 9781784970475 | R265.00 Why do most people know what an Ewok is, even if they haven’t seen Return of the Jedi? How have Star Wars action figures come to outnumber human beings? How did ’Jedi’ become an officially recognised religion? When did the films’ merchandising revenue manage to rival the GDP of a small country? Tracing the birth, death and rebirth of the epic universe built by George Lucas and hundreds of writers, artists, producers, and marketers, Chris Taylor jousts with modern-day Jedi, tinkers with droid builders, and gets inside Boba Fett’s helmet, all to find out how Star Wars has attracted and inspired so many fans for so long. HOW TO THINK LIKE STEPHEN HAWKING | Daniel Smith | Michael O’Mara | 9781782435600 | R265.00 Undoubtedly the most famous scientist on the planet and the very face of physics over the last half-century, Stephen Hawking is remarkable for many reasons, not least because he has continued to strive to achieve so much while being hamstrung by debilitating illness. He has demonstrated that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything. By studying how he overcame great adversity, fought his demons as well as his detractors, and looked back to the origins of the universe, and with quotes and passages by and about him, you too can learn to think like the man who claims he can think in eleven dimensions. ON BOWIE | Rob Sheffield | Headline | 9781472241054 | R315.00 Until his death in January 2016, David Bowie created art that not only pushed boundaries, but helped fans understand themselves and view the world from fantastic new perspectives. In this concise and penetrating book, highly-regarded Rolling Stone critic, bestselling author, and lifelong Bowie fan Rob Sheffield shares his own feelings about the passing of this icon and explains why Bowie’s death has elicited such an unprecedented emotional outpouring from so many.

Photos by Rick Day, www.rickdaynyc.com Published by Bruno Gmünder GmbH

New York-based fashion photographer Rick Day has a gift for capturing the beauty of the male figure. In addition to numerous calendars, his work has been published in magazines like Elle, Genre, Details, Teen Vogue and GQ. In addition, he has compiled several books devoted to his photography, including Players, Players Two, All Players and Pioneers. His new collection entitled, Rick Day Bel Ami, he matches his talent for capturing the world’s sexiest exhibitionists with the beauty and youth of Bel Ami’s impressive stable of talent. The stunning allure and sensuous eroticism of his subjects is a perfect match with the lensman’s unique and highly recognisable style. Rick Day Bel Ami | Rick Day Photo Book | 208 Pages 29,7 x 38,6 cm | Hardcover ISBN: 9783959850155 €99,99 www.brunogmuender.com

Photos by Rick Day, www.rickdaynyc.com Published by Bruno GmÃ¼nder GmbH

L on g D i sta nce L ov e

by NOLAN KRULL

It will never work. This is the typical response to anyone who expresses the intention to “do long distance.“ The cliché “absence makes the heart grow fonder“ is countered with another, more disparaging, cliché, “absence makes the heart wander.“ The idea that a couple can maintain a successful relationship when separated by physical distance is incomprehensible to most people, but the truth is that most people cannot imagine putting in the effort that is required to make such a relationship thrive. It is hard enough to make a relationship work when the couple is under the same roof – how can partners possibly survive being divided by distance?

was confronted with similar cynicism when my relationship became long distance between Cape Town and New York City, a total of 12 552 kilometres (7800 miles) to be exact. My closest friends were openly sceptical about our relationship prospects and it wouldn’t surprise me if some had bets going on how long it would be before it crumbled. Cut to three years later and the relationship is very much on track. Is it difficult? Hell yes. When you are sick and all you want is someone to take care of you. When you watch a hilarious movie and there’s no one to share your laughter. When you climb into an empty bed on a chilly winter’s night. When Valentine’s Day comes around and you have no one to celebrate with (and we can fool ourselves into believing that Valentine’s Day is a meaningless money-making ploy, but deep down we all want the cheesy cards and candy). Dating, relationship and sex expert Dr Brian Rzepczynski argues that many men “lament about the loss of companionship when separated from their partners, coupled with the nagging absence of physical affection and sex“ and find it difficult to cope with loneliness and boredom while others “worry of the potential for their relationship to crumble because of the distance itself posing a barrier to solidifying emotional intimacy,

usually afforded more easily by face-to-face contact and daily living experience.“ While you cannot bury your head in the sand in the hope that these issues will simply resolve themselves, you also cannot throw your hands up in surrender before you have even started. Instead of focusing on how trying things are, you have to keep the bigger picture in mind and if you both share and are committed to that bigger picture, then distance is a fleeting but not insurmountable obstacle. Far too often couples give up before they have even tried to make the relationship work, but in doing so they also give up on a potential lifetime of remarkable experiences with each other. There are several ways that long distance partners can make their separation more bearable until a reunion, either temporary or more permanent, is possible. Be inspired by Julie Andrews and put together brown paper care packages tied up with string, containing a few of your partner’s favourite things. Candles, chocolates, CDs – items that will make your partner feel special because you took the time to think about what puts a smile on their faces. A care package is even more effective when your partner doesn’t expect it. I cannot describe the feeling that comes with receiving

a surprise package at the end of a tough day or week. It doesn’t necessarily replace a reassuring embrace from your lover, but it certainly comes close. A message a day keeps the heartache away. With the plethora of affordable and accessible communication platforms available, including WhatsApp calls and FaceTime, there really is no excuse to feel disconnected. It is important to keep each other informed about what is going on in your respective lives, no matter how seemingly trivial the details. Talk about the temperamental weather, share photos of the to-die-for chocolate brownie you had for dessert, discuss the final episode of Game of Thrones; talking about the day-to-day mundane aspects of your lives will enable you to feel more connected instead of feeling that you are missing out. In addition, Dr Rzepczynski advocates keeping your conversations “on the positive and upbeat slant“ rather than using your contact time to complain “about the pain and injustice of being apart“ because this could taint your communication with negativity. Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it. A naughty pic or video on a regular basis will go a long way (no pun intended) to keeping the sexy spark alive while you are apart. If you are concerned about having photos of your penis floating around on the Cloud, a couple of provocative underwear shots can be just as effective. Are these images a substitute for the real thing? Of course not. But they can provide a little thrill for both the sender and the receiver, especially when a measure of creativity is applied. Take a walk down memory lane often. It is important to reflect on the memories you have created together because they will provide momentum to carry you forward and encourage you to look ahead to making new memories. Travel is an ideal way to do this. My partner and I were reunited in Europe after not seeing each other for six months and spent two magical weeks travelling through Eastern Europe, sharing cherished moments

that have become amazing memories. The trip also brought us closer and gave us the motivation to continue on our own until we saw each other six months later. Beware the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on. Any relationship is at risk when partners are consumed by jealousy, but even more so in the case of long distance relationships. You cannot obsess over every photo he posts on Facebook or Instagram. You cannot let a paranoid mind create scenarios to explain why he hasn’t responded your message. You will make yourself, and eventually your partner, miserable. It is important for both of you to maintain your respective social lives, to go out and have fun instead of wallowing at home with a tub of ice-cream and a bottle of wine. And you need to be able to do this without jealousy getting in the way. The reality is that you are going to miss out on a lot of each other’s fun, but that is not reason enough to deny each other the opportunity to experience said fun. Music makes the separated couple come together (yeah!). In Moulin Rouge, the Bohemian writer, Christian, writes a song for his love, Satine, so that they will always be reminded of the enduring power of their love, “come what may.“ Whenever they hear the song it will carry them through any seemingly hopeless situation in which they find themselves. A long distance couple needs “their song,“ a song that provides a metaphorical blanket of comfort whenever they hear it because it reminds them of what they mean to each other. And when things feel as though they are entirely too much to bear, make sure that you have Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell nearby. Just turn up the volume and believe every word as you sing it: “If you need me call me, no matter where you are, no matter how far...just call my name: I’ll be there in a hurry, you don’t have to worry...there ain’t no mountain high enough, ain’t no valley low enough, ain’t no river wide enough to keep me from getting to you...“

Could You Manage A

Throuple? by NEAL MCKENNA

We live in a global society obsessed with labels. People, places and things just have to be categorised and defined or else the thing we call reality would simply implode. At this juncture in time and space, when it comes to people, lifestyle, sexuality, and how it all fits together, we are again widening the verbosity pasture. Oh, dear Lord, will it ever end? Chances are slim. 68

ow, we have “guncles” – gay uncles, who have their own special day every August 15th. Every kid really does need one of these and the truth is, most actually do. Then, moving into lifestyle, we have the “throuple.” Say what? The current hot news-maker is the throuple! And yes, we are talking about polyamory here. A throuple forms when three people get together in an equal but permanent love relationship. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. Interestingly, it is a straight as well as a gay phenomenon. Let’s face it most of us in a two person relationship are baffled by throuples, and probably quite intrigued by them. I know I am. So sit back and read while I try to answer all those silly questions you may be reticent to ask. The concept of “throupledom” is easy enough to wrap around your head but the logistics of playing it out in real life have to be tricky. The probability of something like this going off like a handful of Roman candles must be astronomical. Not so, say many who have given it a go. Apparently, in the right garden, this flower will not merely grow, it will flourish. Locating a throuple in South Africa was no small chore and finding one willing to talk about their triad relationship was even more difficult. But, after much cajoling and promises on pain of death that anonymity would be guaranteed, one throuple did agree to spill their beans. Their pseudonyms are André, Daniel and Pieter and they might live in Jo’burg, Pretoria, or Cape Town – or not. First of all, making a triad work presents issues not encountered by couples. “At the start, it was just André and me,” says Daniel. “When Piet joined us, he still had his own place so it was very important to make him feel he was an equal partner. Once he moved in, it was a lot easier. Bringing him into our relationship has given us all more stability. It has given us an unexpected equilibrium that I think couples don’t have.” “Having a third person around to hash out issues actually helps open up communication,” says Pieter. “In this relationship good communication is what makes it work. When you’re in a one-on-one, you always think you’re right. A third partner is often the voice of reason. And some of us are the voice of reason more often than others.” At this point André executes an ’oh, shut up, smart-ass’ eye roll in Pieter’s direction. He shakes his head and grins. “Ja,” Daniel agrees. “We had to learn about conflict resolution in a way that couples do not. Communication is not something you’re born with. You learn it – like riding a bike. We had no choice but to develop it, because we have to talk about all kinds of problems that you wouldn’t even think about in a couple. You can’t take anything for granted.” “Another important thing is setting boundaries,” André adds. “Triads can definitely amplify relationship problems like jealousy. But in a functional threesome, each partner has to be more mindful about how they interact with each other and this strengthens the relationship. You can’t make assumptions. And, you must negotiate things explicitly.”

“That’s true,” says Piet. “Even if two of us are on the same page, the third is likely to want something different. …We – the three of us – had to realise that our relationship is a living thing, and it will change over time. We must have a degree of understanding and flexibility when confronted with that reality.” “Yes,” André agrees. “I’ve certainly learned to be a lot more patient since being in relationship with Pieter and Daniel.” The others laugh. “What makes it work for us is that it’s a democracy. The majority rules – what works best for the most is the rule. But I also know this wouldn’t work if we all were very stubborn.” “Being in a throuple,” André pauses. “I am not used to that word. …We are truly in four relationships: Daniel and André, Daniel and Pieter, Pieter and André, as well as Pieter and André and Daniel. And, all of them need to exist independently; to stand on their own. The idea of equality isn’t always going to work out in a perfectly balanced way. Most of the time, it doesn’t.” “Sex is one example of this,” André explains. “People always ask about the sex. Sometimes they make love without me, sometimes Pieter and I make love without Daniel, sometimes its Daniel and me, but more times, it’s all three of us together. Any way it’s played, the sex is great. And yes, every night, we sleep in a very crowded king size bed.” “But, every day and night in our house is a three-way,” says Daniel. “Three-way discussions; three-way arguments, threeway scheduling of general life, and yes, our three-way sex is hot-hot-hot. But the truth is, I am in a relationship with two guys, and each of us has his own insecurities, needs and goals. Each of us is a separate universe. But in spite of it all, there’s a sense of normalcy to our three-way life.” “People always ask about fidelity,” says Pieter, “and that bugs me. I think the definitions of “fidelity” and “monogamy” need to be reassessed. As they are described now, it causes married people to have unrealistic expectations of themselves and their partners. “Besides,” Daniel interjects, “we are in a ’monogamous’ relationship. It’s just the three of us. I don’t think we’ll ever need a casual fourth to spice things up in the sack.” “It’s also about getting your needs met and I mean this on many levels,” André continues. “We are taught that all of our needs are going to get met by one person – our “life partner. Well, that’s just asking for the impossible. But by having two partners, you double the chances your needs will get met. Each partner has strengths and weaknesses and is able to help you through many things.” “One thing I know for sure,” says Pieter, “our ability to love is not limited. It is vast and huge and ever-expanding, and if we allow it, we might even find ourselves growing and expanding with it. This relationship makes me feel happy and secure, and capable of anything. I know it when I am lying there at night, often soaked in sweat, with their bodies wrapped around me. I am surrounded by them. I hear them breathe as they sleep. Then, I know this life is special. It is a gift and it lies deep inside the love I have for both of them.”

Being a gay uncle is not enough BY ZAMO MTHETHWA

Lately I’ve had a case of what I guess we can call baby fever. I have a beautiful niece who just turned three months old and I absolutely adore her, but I’ve also been wondering what my own child would be like: Will they be extroverted or introverted? Will he or she be smart as hell? On a scale of cute to fine as hell, how attractive will they be? Do I even have the patience to be with a child that might have the same temperament and demeanor as I do?

he harsh reality that a gay man cannot have children has begun to stand boldly in my face as of late. Although circumstances are different, we know the adoption process in some instances do not favor two men. Most people want to have children; women want the perfect circumstances; a guy they love and a stable environment. At a certain point women really begin to feel the pressure, the ticking sound of the biological clock seemingly grows louder and louder. Women who want a child often have the tools and resources to have one and live a lifestyle that is conducive to reproduction. A gay man on the other hand simply cannot. Working on creating the correct circumstances is something that I’d much rather be working on, rather than dealing with the reality that no matter what happens I cannot have children on my own. In those rare moments when I connect with myself, I often ask myself – don’t you think that you would have the most awesome kids ever? After all I inherited my mother’s stunning looks and my father’s incredible smarts, so that basically makes me the prototype. These genes need to live! However, the fact is, there is a strong probability that my genes won’t live and what a waste that would be. When being an uncle just isn’t enough, there are only a few other options that exist, such as having a planned baby with a female friend. I’m not the only person who has had these conversations with their female friends. “If I’m not married on my

30th birthday, I’m slipping something in your drink so you can be my baby daddy. Our kids will be cute, think about it.“ Quite honestly, nothing needs to be slipped in my drink. What if your friend does find a man? What if she gets pregnant before then? What if you have a major fallout you cannot reconcile? I can see this plan going south quickly already. Pretend you’re straight, get married to a woman, and take pills to have sex, have a few kids and live a life where you’re unhappy? Sure I will get my immediate family out of this, but living in a romantically unsatisfying relationship doesn’t sound like a good idea and I don’t think I can take deceiving the mother of my children by living out a lie, life is way too short for that. Go through the long, long and long adoption process – as far as my brown eyes can see, this is the answer. There are millions of wonderful children who need a loving home. There are children who through no fault of their own are homeless, abused and hungry. My leading option is to adopt, nurture, raise, teach and love at least one of these children and make sure that they reach their full potential. Making plans to have children with someone I am not in a relationship with is not practical when there are already children here who – for lack of a better term – need me. At this point in my life, I still need to accomplish a few more goals before I consider adopting. However, I am forever thinking about ways to have children of my own.

FINDING OUR HEROES By Dale Pudney, founder of The Shambhala Organisation

Legally, the gay community in South Africa enjoys a lot of protection from the constitution and other legislation. Under the surface, however, there is a lot of tension, discrimination and hate. We can’t rely on others to fix this for us. We have a lot of work to do, to

ias is a human condition. History is rife with prejudice against groups and individuals because of their race, religion, sexual orientation and other differences. But stereotypes and unequal treatment persist, and these divisions are often exploited by hate groups. The gay community experiences much discrimination, which tears the community apart. Great strides were made by leaders in our community, by our heroes like Judge Edwin Cameron and others, to achieve the legal freedoms we enjoy. We can hold hands in public, marry, adopt and enjoy many other benefits. The poor and marginalised communities don’t have it so easy. It’s harder for a black gay man or lesbian to come out. We have killings, corrective rape, hate speech, high suicide rates and being rejected from our families when coming out. Social media draws attention to this hate, but yet it persists. There are many examples. Are our fates not interlinked? Those that discriminate against them, discriminates against us all. We all need to do something to overcome this.

Where are our everyday heroes who must continue the struggle against discrimination? Is it that those who can no longer feel the threat of discrimination and become complacent and don’t do anything? Do they not have a moral duty to do something? Hands up everyone who is actively involved in a gay organisation. Did anyone? And so, there are few gay role models that individuals can look up to. It is a sad realisation that we are part of the problem. We are no longer a unified community. Just look at our gay events. While it is probably not intended to be so, our events are typically divided along racial, income levels, and gay/lesbian lines. Internalised discrimination maintains these divisions in the community. We talk about LGBT, LGBTIQA and with all these acronyms we try to be politically correct or inclusive. Some would say however, that this keeps each group in their individual boxes and thereby maintaining the divides between the various sections of the gay community. So in this article, we refer to the community as gay, which encompasses all of the sections as one cohesive family. Hoping that that is what we can be one day. And so, the poor image of the gay community is amplified from within. There is a large “silent majority“ that portray mainstream gay life, but they remain silent. This “silent majority“ choose not to associate themselves with the gay community in the belief that the more visible aspects of the community do not represent them. So they remain silent and many stay in the closet. When we are distracted by avoiding being associated with the gay community, we are unable to perform to our true potential. We need more leadership in the gay community. That is across the board – in the economy, employment, education and governance. Many of the gay leaders in these fields do not identify as being proudly gay. These leaders and role models need to be promoted and celebrated. From there, it’s a short step to shift the image of the gay community to one which mainstream gay individuals can be proud of. Everyday heroes can make a difference. They are the ones who can bring awareness to the causes that we need to stand together to fight against. Leaders are the ones that motivate the community to effect the change we need. These leaders will be the role models that we can all look up to. Meanwhile, other marginalised groups have made headway to overcome the discrimination that they face. What can we learn from them? Groups from other areas of discrimination, like religion, race and class, have organised themselves into groups, and developed leaders from within. They have embraced activism and stood up for their rights. They support their own and have systems in place to keep them sustainable. Where are all the programs that focus on developing, promoting and supporting the gay leaders, role models and organisations? It takes a lot of effort, time and money to build these groups and organisations; and not many of us have an abundance of those things. Our opinion is therefore that it is easier to get involved in existing initiatives and groups and extend their value proposition to more properly represent us, than trying to set up something new. The solution is also just below the surface. There is a lot of talent in the gay community that can effect all the change that is needed to overcome the hate we face.

Leadership is not something we are born with, it needs to be developed. We learn from our role models. The talent needs to be groomed into leaders, promoted into role models, and celebrated. Then it will be easier for them to lift their heads and take pride in who they are. It’s a daunting task. Where do we start? Leaders will stand up to and motivate friends to overcome discrimination in their immediate circles. Start small and build from there. When a few do it, many more will follow suit. The South African gay community needs gay focussed leadership development programs and support of gay professionals, role models and leaders. If everyone takes a leadership role to do something in their own spheres of influence, then we can affect the change that the whole community needs WHAT IS LEADERSHIP? • A leader is someone who influences a group of people towards the achievement of a goal. • A leader should have a vision, lead by example and motivate others to follow him. • Unfortunately most dictionaries define a leader as someone in a position of authority, commanding his deputies. WHO CAN HELP? 1. THE SHAMBHALA ORGANISATION The Shambhala Organisation promotes and supports proudly LGBT business leaders. It offers a leadership development program and also showcases LGBT business leaders and role models. Like TheShambhalaOrg on Facebook, get involved and #DoSomething. 2. THE FORUM The LGBT+ Management Forum is being set up to be an inclusive, supportive network for affinity groups within large organisations that enables LGBT professionals to contribute to their fullest potential. Their purpose is to create a safe and equitable workplace for all regardless of sexual orientation. 3. NGLCC The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce in the USA is in the process of helping facilitate the establishment of an affiliated chapter in South Africa. The NGLCC assists and supports LGBT owned and managed SMEs. ACTION PLAN TO OVERCOME HATE 1. ACT Do something. In the face of hatred, apathy will be interpreted as acceptance. Take action or the hate persists. 2. UNITE Each person can do their bit. But unite and we can do so much more. Get everyone involved, organise and mobilise. 3. CELEBRATE Celebrate being gay. Gay Pride was founded to overcome hate. If you don’t think the “scene“ represents you, get involved and change it from within. 4. SPEAK UP Hate must be exposed and denounced. Make sure that people hear your voice and that the message is positive. 5. TEACH TOLERANCE Bias is learned early, usually at home. Reach out. Volunteer in schools to promote tolerance and acceptance. 6. DIG DEEPER Look inside yourself for prejudices and stereotypes. Overcome internalised discrimination. Create diversity sensitisation.

History of The Rainbow Flag by ALAN SAMONS

Have you ever wondered where the rainbow flag comes from, and how it came to symbolise gay pride and rights across the globe?

ur flag, which transcends borders, first saw the light of day in 1978. It came a long way since and was recently added to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Artist and drag queen Gilbert Baker, whose alter ego was called Busty Ross, realised that flags are more powerful than seals or coats of arms. It represents a nation, a people or a country. And we are a people, a tribe, whose members span the globe. In an interview Baker did with the Museum of Modern Art he said, “We needed something beautiful, something from us. The rainbow is so perfect because it really fits our diversity in terms of race, gender, ages, all of those things. Plus, it’s a natural flag – it’s from the sky! And even though the rainbow has been used in other ways in vexillography, this use has now far eclipsed any other use that it had.“ The symbology is universal and transcends language, class, and social and cultural barriers. There is even a tenuous link with gay icon, Judy Garland, who sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow in The Wizard of Oz. Up till then, the community had adopted the pink triangle, a symbol made infamous by the Nazis. Naturally, some felt that a new symbol was needed – one with no connections to the past, yet a symbol representative of the entire community. Gay people historically used bright colours to signal their sexuality – including bright yellow socks, and the green carnation that Oscar Wilde famously wore on his lapel. Pink and lavender also featured prominently, possibly in reference to the pink triangle. Baker, who grew up in a small town in Kansas, was fascinated by fabrics from an early age. His grandmother owned a women’s clothing shop, but he never learned to sew. He left his home town to join the army and upon leaving, ended up in San Francisco in 1972, just as the city’s gay community was flourishing. One of his first purchases was a sewing machine, so he could make the kind of clothes his heroes Mick Jagger and David Bowie were wearing. Soon he started making banners for protest marches. He was approached by Harvey Milk, a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and the first openly gay politician in a major U.S. city, to make a flag for a march he was organising. Just a few months later, Milk was assassinated. To manifest the community’s solidarity in the aftermath of this tragedy, the San Francisco Pride Committee elected to use Baker’s flag in honor of the slain Milk.

Together with about thirty volunteers, Baker whipped up the first flags in the Gay Community Center at 330 Grove Street. They used trash cans filled with dye and dyed thousands of metres of cotton, but they needed to wash the dyed fabric and the group waited until late at night to visit a laundromat. They knew they weren’t supposed to put dye in a public washing machine, so they used bleach to clean the machines after they were done. The first pair of flags was raised in the United Nations Plaza in downtown San Francisco on 25 June, 1978. One was the rainbow flag and the other was an American flag with rainbow stripes instead of the usual red, white and blue. The original flag had eight colours – hot pink, red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, indigo/blue and violet, but over time, it lost two stripes and became the familiar six-coloured version we know today. Each of the colors has its own significance – hot pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony and violet for spirit. The hot pink stripe was lost when the first flags were mass produced, due to the rarity and expense of the fabric. The flag lost its indigo stripe shortly before the 1979 Gay Freedom Day Parade. The parade’s organising committee wanted to split the flag in half and fly each part from opposite sides of Market Street, so it became a six-striped flag. Baker says the flag was cemented as an international symbol in 1994, when he made a mile-long flag for the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. At the first Gay Games, originally called the Gay Olympics, and which was held in San Francisco in 1982, the rainbow flag reached cult status. The event was founded by an Olympic decathlete Dr. Tom Waddell who competed in the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. In 2004 at the Key West Pride Festival, Gilbert Baker unveiled a re-creation of his original eight-colour flag. He commented, saying, “We lost two of the original colors, pink and turquoise. It’s time, however, to restore the original design. First, it is simply more beautiful and more authentic. Moreover, when we lost the pink, we lost the symbol for our sexual liberation. The missing turquoise honours Native Americans and the magic of life. Both colors are needed to embrace our history.“ Today, the rainbow flag is recognised globally as a symbol of gay pride and can be found on websites, bumper stickers and coffee mugs, to tee-shirts and shopfronts where it confirms the shop as being either gay-owned and operated, or gay-friendly. It is a symbol of hope, diversity and our unity.

by PHIL JOFFE “Stress,“ my old American t-shirt declares, is “that confusion created when the mind must override the body’s basic desire to choke the living crap out of some idiot who desperately needs it.“ The street-smart definition has its point. Stress is the inability to release pent-up tension constructively.

he seriousness of the threat to our emotional and physical well being from stress should never be minimised. We endure dangerously high, potentially life-threatening stress levels. In South Africa, many live in apprehension, suffering anxiety. We worry about our cars being hijacked or stolen, the privacy of homes being violated, burgled and invaded, lives needlessly threatened and

taken. We fume as more evidence of corruption in high places emerges. On the roads we dodge kamikaze taxi-drivers and evade security-van and bank heists in progress. Omnipresent is the threat of AIDS and a junk status economic future, redundancies, and debt. The army of stressed, tense people in the country is so large that fortune-tellers are offering to read fists! Lifestyle magazines write about interesting, neurotic people and offer readers Best-Stressed Lists! Increasing numbers of executives are eating soup everyday because one-hour lunch breaks don’t allow enough time for them to get their teeth unclenched. Daily, we face situations in which pressure is put on us to react. Anxiety, anger, frustration are often the order of the day. These can cause psychological stress, the damaging effects of which are manifested in neurosis, depression and psychosomatic illness. The physical symptoms of stress include headaches, chest pains, palpitations, breathlessness, indigestion, diarrhoea, eczema or dermatitis. Mental symptoms include sleeplessness, irritability, poor memory, inability to concentrate, intolerance to noise, and impulsive behaviour. Stress generates heightened blood cholesterol levels and raised blood pressure. Contemporary stress thus becomes a direct contributor to ulcers, colitis, hypertension, coronary disease and strokes. However, the picture is not all gloom. A certain level of positive stress can be beneficial when it challenges us to grow more alert and spurs us to find successful solutions to the problems we face. The hyped Olympic sportsman before action, the decisionmaking go-getter who launches his plan of action, all need that adrenalin rush for peak performance and achievement. Whatever the particular circumstances, all stressful situations share in common certain physiological conditions. Understand them and the body can conquer the harmful effects of stress. We 76

inherit a series of primeval reflex actions that enable the human organism to cope with environmental stress, known as the FrightFlight-Fight syndrome. In any sudden stressful situation, the brain triggers the body for action, preparing it for either flight or fight. The central nervous system immediately releases hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream. These hormones increase the rate and power of the heartbeat, to force more blood from the heart to fuel the muscles. Vital extra oxygen is obtained by the dilation of the bronchial tubes, while the spleen contracts automatically to release more red vessels to carry this needed oxygen in the blood. To obtain further energy, more glucose is released from its store in the liver, while deposits of fatty acids and cholesterol are also raided, to provide further fuel for energy. These fats will also enable the blood to clot more effectively, should the body suffer a wound in the approaching action, for which it is being armed. Blood vessels in the skin constrict to route the blood to the

muscles, while the pupils of the eyes will dilate to improve vision. The body is thus automatically armed, ready for intense physical action and, on assessing the situation, flight or fight ensues. Today, unfortunately, these are seldom options in the stressful circumstances in which we find ourselves. An important job interview cannot be successfully negotiated if one flees the room, nor will the position go to the candidate who belts the interviewer across the chops! Even in our most intimate, private moments, stress can play its dangerous role. For performance anxiety-suffering males, flight or fight, again, are inappropriate responses. What we are saddled with today is the regular activation of this arousal system, with no natural, physically intense outlet for the reflex. Instead, it is suppressed and frustrated by the demands and constrictions of conventional social behaviour. This means that a multitude of stimuli in daily existence contribute to the repeated arousal of the flight or fight response, creating overarousal and stress (think of driving in city traffic). The safety valve is blocked and we have no healthy release of the tensions in the body. Knowing what havoc these stress reflexes can cause internally, we need to find means of release. Exercise, moderate, regular physical activity, is one of the most effective stress-reducers available. Regular exercise, especially cardio-vascular movements, helps dissipate the accumulated chemical and physical reactions associated with the flight-fight response. Exercise releases the energy that the preparatory reflex has stimulated. Whatever the anxieties one might be suffering, an hour’s moderate, continuous exercise daily will

release nature’s own tranquillisers, endorphins, into the system. Endorphins are natural substances that possess an analgesic and calming effect similar to that of more harmful opiates. Exercise reinvigorates the body, leaving it more capable of coping with stress. No one giving himself over to physical movement will be capable of concentrating on the anxieties brought with him to the workout. The brain automatically switches off and the body takes over, providing excellent relief from the pressures of the stressful state. Exercise will help reinforce fresh, positive attitudes to a stressful world, developing a more resilient and hardy body. A positive state of mind is essential for relieving the stress suffered in all the situations listed. Fight the torpor, the depression or panic that stress induces. Believe that you are capable of handling events (fight), and do so by taking a series of small, affirmative steps towards overcoming circumstances. Don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the enormity of the entire issue. Laughter can be the best medicine. It’s a natural, energising reflex that encourages a healthy psyche and body. Laughter exercises the lungs and gives the heart a tune up. Laughter releases healing hormones, lowers blood pressure and improves breathing. Smiling also helps calm the body. Find time to watch some decent comedy on the box, whatever shakes your bones, and learn to laugh out loud. Combine exercise with any form of relaxation technique through which the body is trained to unclench and let go. To effectively combat stress, you have to activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is known as the relaxation response. While suffering stress, the breath becomes light and shallow. When this happens, it is important to be conscious of the breath, to help refocus the mind. Conscious breathing ignites the relaxation response, which triggers physiological changes in our bodies, such as lowering the heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension and metabolism. Yoga or stretch classes in the gym will help, or simply try your own form of meditation. Find a quiet spot, away from others, and sit comfortably or stretch out on the floor. Close your eyes gently, and work from the toes upward, consciously contracting, and then relaxing each body area, until the head is reached. Spend five minutes, allowing the mind to wander. Don’t pursue any train of thought, merely drift and concentrate only on the rise and fall of the belly as you breathe deeply, then exhale. Teaching your mind to loosen the grip of compulsive anxiety will help unwind the tension and relax the body. By affording yourself the healing time to exercise and relax, you’ll discover that, no matter how harrowing existence sometimes may seem, stress will no longer control you. Master the mental, emotional and bodily reactions of stress with a determined focussed mind and the Fright/Fight/Flight stress syndrome can be conquered.

THE GAY GENE

by ALAN SAMONS

Around half of all straight people carry a gay gene. Could science explain how homosexuality is passed down generations? Why do gay people exist? In a world where a man and a woman are needed to make a baby, scientists have questioned for decades why homosexuality exists in thousands of different species.

ew research suggests around half of all people could be carrying a gay gene, meaning homosexuality is passed down generations despite the tendency of gay people not to have children. “This has helped homosexuality to be present among humans throughout history and in all cultures, even though homosexual men normally do not have many descendants who can directly inherit their genes,“ Giorgi Chaladze, of the Ilia State University in Georgia, said. Using a computational model to look at the influence of

genes and heredity on homosexuality, Chaladze tried to find out why genes associated with homosexuality don’t die out. As straight men, unsurprisingly, are far more likely to have children than gay men, surely the genes connected with homosexuality should eventually become extinct? But based on Chaladze’s calculations, published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior and reported by Science Daily, male homosexuality is maintained in a population at “low and stable frequencies“ if half of the men and roughly more than half of the women carry genes that predispose men

to homosexuality. Chaladze said: “The trend of female family members of homosexual men to have more offspring can help explain the persistence of homosexuality, if we also consider that those males who have such genes are not always homosexuals. The possibility that many heterosexual men are carriers can also explain why estimates of the number of men who have reported any same-sex sexual behaviour and same-sex sexual attraction are much higher than estimates of those who self-identify as homosexual or bisexual.“ And, according to Chaladze, this might explain that nonhomosexual male carriers might sometimes exhibit homosexual behaviour without identifying as gay. A study by Canadian scientists in 2013 suggested that the number of brothers a man has can increase his likelihood of being gay. The research, led by Anthony Bogaert at Ontario’s Brock University, found that each older brother raises the odds of homosexuality by a up to a third – a gradual increase which may be related to the mother’s changing immune responses to each child. Recently, scientists were believed to have found genetic indicators of whether someone has same or opposite-sex attraction. The research suggested that genetic code may play a role in determining sexual orientation. The link was discovered when scientists compared the DNA of 47 sets of male twins,

including pairs where the two twins had a different sexual orientation. Yet another study has suggested that we could be closing in on so-called ’gay genes.’ The genetic analysis of 409 pairs of gay brothers, which included twins, provides the most compelling evidence so far that people are born gay. The study strengthens theories that two regions, one on the X chromosome and one on chromosome 8, could be linked to sexual orientation in men. It is the largest study of its kind by about three times the numbers of the previous record. The leader of the study, Alan Sanders, of the NorthShore Research Institute in Evanston, Illinois, said the study counters the idea that sexual orientations can be “cured“ or “treated.“ “It erodes the notion that sexual orientation is a choice,“ says Sanders. One of the regions, on the X chromosome, called Xq28, was first identified over two decades ago in 1993, by Dean Hamer of the US National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. This study looked at 409 pairs of gay brothers, and non-identical twins, from 384 families, but Hamer’s 1993 study only looked at 40 pairs of gay brothers. Although Sanders’ work does close in on potentially locking down genes which are linked to sexual orientation, there is much work still to be done. Finally science is backing up what gay men have said for years – there is never any choice involved.

To PrEP, or not to PrEP That is the question, says Christo Valentyn, when it comes to safe sex and HIV prevention.

You may have noticed that a certain word is making its appearance more frequently in gay news and even on dating apps like Grindr: PrEP, or as some choose to use it, #PrEP. Since our very own government is still in two minds about whether HIV and AIDS exists or not, there is limited communication on the existence, usage and benefits of PrEP, or preexposure prophylaxis, in South Africa, which makes it even more revelatory to see more people embracing and proclaiming the use of it. Surely it’s a good thing that gay men, individually, are looking at modern day preventions to stay safe when it comes to sexual health?

y own reluctance regarding PrEP, from a research and usage perspective, may be based on personal perceptions, but in the same breath, I’ve always been a great supporter of safe sex initiatives. Science continues to make exceptional strides in its mission to curb the further spreading of HIV through various drugs, and I remain hopeful every time I read a story about how much closer scientists are to a cure. Most recently, for example, a team of international researchers led by Northwestern University has discovered that HIV continues

to replicate new cells at low levels in the lymphoid tissue, even when it is undetectable in a patient’s blood. Although seemingly minute, this discovery could be the breakthrough that many scientists have been searching for to take the next step in HIV treatment and prevention, reports HIV Plus magazine. Why? For the past decade, researchers have known that, although antiretroviral medication can suppress HIV in the blood, the virus remains in the body at the tissue level hiding in the body’s reservoirs. Scientists previously believed that these infected

cells were long-lived rather than newly formed, but with these findings, they now know that the virus is constantly replenished by low-level replication instead of older cells that have stayed in a resting state since a person seroconverted. “We now have a path to a cure,“ said corresponding author Dr. Steven Wolinsky, chief of infectious diseases at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “The challenge is to deliver drugs at clinically effective concentrations to where the virus continues to replicate within the patient.“ Excellent news, yes, but I’ve been left wondering why I remain sceptical. For someone with an inquisitive mind and a penchant for penning his thoughts, this is a predicament. I’m also a bit of a conspiracy theorist and a certified bookworm, and I’ve read my fair share of fictional tales about viral threats and mutating viruses to believe that there’s more to the fiction than we think. Robin Cook made a name for himself writing about all kinds of deliciously harmful viruses, and just think of James Dashner’s bestselling Maze Runner series, in which a virus – called the Flare – mutated way beyond what the evil masterminds thought it would. Where there’s smoke, there is usually fire, so I certainly do believe that we can’t control everything, especially when it comes to something that requires controlled laboratories for in-depth analysis. HIV, specifically, is known to mutate. We know there are different strains, and that different people react differently to it. When something becomes that uncontrollable, I see red flags everywhere. My mind tells me that because of this volatile nature, one drug – one, single thing – can’t possibly prevent all the known and unknown viral strains. This is, in a nutshell, and by no means interpreted in a medical or scientific manner, what PrEP sets out to do. Pre-exposure prophylaxis is deemed to be one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of HIV among gay and bisexual men specifically, with clinical and real-world trials proving its efficacy at or near 100%. While the use of PrEP still leaves one susceptible to other sexually transmitted diseases, the U.S.A.’s authoritative Centers for Disease Control have officially endorsed it – in addition to condom use – as an HIV prevention strategy, as have the World Health Organisation. However, and true to my sceptical nature, February this year saw the first documented case of a man contracting HIV while taking daily doses of Truvada as PrEP being reported at the 2016 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in Boston. The gentleman in question, aged 43, stuck to the PrEP regime religiously for two years before testing positive for HIV. So what went wrong? Truvada consists of two drugs, tenofovir and emtricitabine. Research (apparently) shows that resistance to the latter drug is fairly common, while more mutations in HIV strains resistant to tenofovir have also started to emerge. The case in question is the first time a virus has been resistant to both drugs. Even more interestingly, tests on the gentleman indicated that he was infected very recently before being tested positive, but more shockingly, that his drug resistance had been transmitted from another person – it wasn’t a latent genetic resistance that only came to life after he was infected. To me, this is straight out of a Robin Cook

thriller; clear proof of just how much HIV has mutated over the decades, and great incentive to keep the condoms handy… However, I have learned that just because I have an opinion doesn’t mean I’m right. I am not on the drug, so I can’t really present my opinion as gospel. To get some feedback from the proverbial horse’s mouth, I made extensive use of Grindr’s chat functionality whenever I saw “PrEP“ or “#PrEP“ on a profile – and I was surprised at how willing several total strangers were to talk about it, and how their feedback was so similar. Marius (not his real name) is in an open relationship. On the odd occasion that he hooks up with someone other than his partner, he always feels guilty about possibility having contracted “something,“ followed by paranoia about whether he played it safely enough. It reached a point where he would take the condom out of the trash and fill it with water to see if it might have leaked. Having heard of PrEP, he consulted a virologist to find out more about it, and decided to start using it. He notes that the added level of “safety“ didn’t change his sexual behaviour initially, and especially not in the sense that he suddenly hooked up with other men more frequently. While we may have many opinions on open relationships, one of the core aspects that make it work is trust, says Marius. Previously, neither he nor his partner engaged in unprotected sex, not even with each other. This remains one of the rules in their relationship – no unprotected sex with another person – but, as they are now both on PrEP, they have started enjoying unprotected sex with each other. For Marius, this is a huge step considering the angst and paranoia he experienced after sex before taking PrEP. “For me it was a no-brainer,“ he says. “Here is a pill that offers the same level of protection as a condom, and has been tested and endorsed by all of the world’s biggest medical and health organisations. I truly believe that more people will start using PrEP as awareness around the drug and its benefits increase.“ Internationally, there appears to be a much stronger drive to educate gay and bisexual men specifically on PrEP and its benefits, and we’ll soon see the term become more commonplace on dating and hook-up apps. Scruff, which functions similarly to Grindr, have already added two new metadata fields to the app, one for sexual practices (top, bottom, oral, fetish, etc.), and one for safer sex practices like condoms, PrEP and TasP (treatment as prevention). Grindr, which is the most widely-used hook-up app in the world (two million daily users), is a bit more vague about similar in-app plans, but has partnered with Gilead Sciences, the company that created Truvada, on research and educational awareness. I would be lying if I said that I do not have a tiny bit of scepticism left, but if I’m being honest, that remains rooted in my nature and is an entirely subjective position. Objectively, there is still no doubt in my mind that safe sex is the only sex to have, and I will remain a steadfast believer in condom usage as the first line of defence. There is an overwhelming amount of research that shows the efficacy and benefits of PrEP, and as so many men who are using it have told me, it really is a no-brainer to add this to your regime. Can we ever be fully protected from HIV? Time will tell, but we can certainly do our damnedest to prevent it.

ORION MONT AUX SOURCES HOTEL by BERNARD K. HELLBERG

Capetonians may disagree, but the view of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre must rate as one of the most scenic sites in our country. It certainly is the second-most photographed venue in South Africa – despite its rather isolated location – and guests at the Orion Mont aux Sources Hotel, which borders on the Royal Natal National Park, are usually those outdoor types who enjoy activities such as hiking trails, mountain biking and horse riding.

he magnetic pull of the mountains, as the hospitality industry has established, tends to draw those guests who, despite their love of the great outdoors, also appreciate fairly high standards when selecting suitable accommodation during a visit to the ’Berg. In addition, these ’Berg hotels mostly lack fly-in capabilities,

resulting in a rather arduous long-distance trip by car. In the case of the Orion Mont aux Sources Hotel, this means a four-hour road trip of 350 kilometres from Johannesburg via the N3 with a branch off at Harrismith on the R74 which takes one past the Sterkfontein Dam over the Oliviershoek Pass to the destination. Fortunately, there is only one stop-go delay (ten minutes) which will probably be a thing of the past by the time you read this. Arriving at the hotel, one had to take one’s luggage to reception without assistance from the staff. This minor glitsch, however, was offset by the friendly and efficient staff at the reception desk who quickly settled the admin side of things and arranged for a porter to assist with the luggage. With a selection of standard rooms featuring either single or double beds, as well as en-suite bathrooms and TVs, the choice is augmented by deluxe rooms which feature a 42“ TV, air conditioning, a small lounge area and a desk for those who need to work when they should be relaxing. The large and beautifully maintained grounds also contain

private chalets with two private bedrooms each, a full kitchenette, lounge area, gas fireplace, as well as an outside braai with tables and chairs. In-room amenities also include Wi-Fi Internet access which was rather unstable at times, tea and coffee (instant) making facilities, hairdryer and room service. All rooms have full air conditioning and heating – a vital component since it gets really cold in the ’Berg during winter with snow a fairly regular occurrence. The Mont aux Sources Hotel, part of the Orion Group, is a comfortable three-star establishment with serious four-star pretensions. Nestled at the foothills of the Northern Drakensberg range, the hotel is perfectly situated and the spectacular view raises expectations when it comes to accommodation and cuisine. Menus, while not exactly haute cuisine, rely on the tried and trusted principles of freshness and innovative dishes which one would not expect at what is, essentially, a holiday resort. With freshly prepared dishes appearing out of a kitchen in the hands of Chef Riaan van Niekerk, all guests were suitably impressed by a wide choice of starters, mains and completely insane desserts specifically designed to do serious harm to anyone hell-bent on becoming disciples of Tim Noakes or the Banting craze sweeping the world. One of the signature dishes, and one which may become legendary, is the Chef’s special beef curry – the perfect ending to

a chilly winter evening, assisted, of course, by a fine reasonably priced red. Breakfasts and dinner are always buffet-style, while lunch is an a la carte affair for those who, unusually, still find themselves within the confines of the hotel at midday. The relaxed nature of dining at Orion Mont aux Sources is underlined by the long hours set aside for meals. But what is a country hotel without a bar? The elegant Thukela Bar – named after the mighty river which originates at the very top of the Amphitheatre and then finds its way to the Indian Ocean near Durban after having plunged nearly a kilometre over the world’s second-highest waterfall – has a warm country feel with a walk-out terrace and a stunning view of the very source of this mighty river. With its obligatory large flat screen TV, the Thukela is a popular gathering place for watching sporting events. The Orion Mont aux Sources Hotel is a well-run three-star establishment with some noteworthy four-star features. It is the ideal weekend getaway for couples and fitness fanatics who should remember to bring their mountain bikes along for the ride. Rooms are roomy, apart from our rather cramped bathroom, while the linen and pillows, likewise, lived up to expectations. Managed in hands-on fashion by manager Steven Smith, the Orion Mont aux Sources is the type of venue that one will return to, again and again. www.montauxsources.co.za

TIME AND MOMENTS WITH LEXUS

KURLAND HOTEL FIT FOR ROYALTY

by RUBIN VAN NIEKERK and ALAN SAMONS

LEXUS RX 350 EX

Many years ago, a very dear friend of ours gave Alan a book entitled Shabby Chic by Rachel Ashwell. The beautiful book is packed with ideas for creating beautiful interiors with antiques, chandeliers and painted furniture that look lived in, yet elegant. Kurland fits this look to a tee.

he world famous Garden Route is magnificent and driving from George to Kurland takes anything from an hour and a half to a day as there is so much to see. If you are lucky enough to drive a Lexus RX 350 EX then a multitude of distractions should entice you off the beaten path. Ample ground clearance promises that no secret places remain out of reach. Our quest took us along quaint twisty roads with enchanting views and into the mist that often wraps this landscape in mystery. A superb suspension ensures a marvellous

ride without compromising cornering capability, while the longer wheelbase ensures spaciousness as well as luxurious comfort. With 221 kW and the slickest 8-speed transmission, optimal responsiveness is a no-brainer. Ten-way adjustable front seats have enhanced pelvic and thigh support and the seat heating ventilation have been optimised with a nifty new feature called Climate Concierge which integrates it with the ventilation system. We glided over charming dirt roads into the forests and

valleys and over mountain roads in search of the rare and unusual. Such beautiful places are worthy of exploration with an all-rounder like the RX 350. Plettenberg Bay is irresistible and we have spent almost two decades discovering its secrets. Every time we arrive at Kurland Hotel, we receive a warm greeting from owner Peter Behr and his incomparable staff. There’s no stiff formality here. Guests are treated as friends who just happen to stay over at the family’s polo farm. There’s a comfortable informality to Kurland that is hard to find in today’s world of chrome and glass minimalism. And that elegant homeliness is what sets this property apart. It doesn’t have to pretend. It has the heritage. What was once the original family home, built almost a hundred years ago, houses the lounge, library, restaurant and large verandah. Accommodation is spacious and utterly luxurious. Guests are assured of a good night’s sleep snuggled in roomy beds covered with the finest quality bedding. Bathrooms are huge and underfloor heating ensures warm feet even on the coldest days. Rooms also have fireplaces for added luxe and warmth. Kurland is blessed with a Mediterranean climate, so it rarely gets to be freezing cold here. Summers are balmy and guests can make the most of the divine weather by lounging on their private patios or at the pool with something cool to drink. Kurland has a fascinating history. More than half a century ago, Baron Peter Behr purchased the estate near Nature’s Valley and Plettenberg Bay, which he named Kurland after the Baltic province where he was born. In 2000, his grandson Peter, and his wife Dianne, transformed the family homestead into a luxury boutique hotel. Situated in The Crags, the expansive estate with its world-class polo facilities and accommodation is set gemlike amid some of the most gorgeous natural scenery on the Garden Route. The main house is indeed old, but the newer buildings are in a similar Cape Dutch style, and they look as though they have been here for many years. Sitting on the verandah one can imagine the passage of generations and the history contained within these walls. Each of the twelve suites is individually decorated with family heirlooms and objets d’art from all over the globe. Original artwork graces the walls. The Luxury and Superior Suites all have private loft rooms that are specially furnished for children with their own en suite bathrooms. The Luxury Suites have secluded courtyards and water features whilst the Superior Suites all have private pools, which enjoy magnificent views of the estate. Taking a stroll around the property and

visiting the paddocks is always a highlight for us, as we both love horses and the polo ponies housed here are beautiful creatures. One gave us a bit of a silly show, rolling around on her back and generally acting in a similar goofy manner to our dog, Onyx. Another pony came up and enjoyed a good tickle. Guests can explore the property by quad bike, and can also arrange horse rides, but by far the best is just to simply grab a hat and go for a stroll. One of our favourite activities is eating and Katharina’s executive chef, Leon Coetzee, serves some fantastic fare. Meals can be enjoyed in the dining room, but also on the patio, in the library, or your room, should the mood take you. A large fireplace takes pride of place in the dining room and the tables are set beautifully – ours was presided over by a large porcelain rabbit, an old ’friend’ who seems to pop up on our table every time we visit. With excellent suppliers of quality produce literally on their doorstep, and an organic herb and vegetable garden, the chef has access to the best ingredients from which to create

magical food. By all means, leave room for dessert – we had the best chocolate fondant ever! Kurland is perfectly situated as a base from which to explore this beautiful part of the Eastern Cape. Adrenalin junkies can go bungee jumping or choose from a variety of outdoor activities ranging from skydiving, to scuba. Monkeyland and Birds of Eden are close by and we can highly recommend Birds of Eden. This, the largest free-flying aviary in the world, is most definitely worth a visit. A two-hectare enclosed forest is home to an astounding array of birds. Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre offers a truly unique wildcat experience. Guests are taken on a guided tour to meet captive-bred felines living in a semi-natural environment. Plett is just down the road and affords a bit of shopping, good restaurants and great beaches. Do stop at Old Nick’s Village on the N2 for a gander. We often buy gifts here, or at Global Village down Piesang Valley Road. Once you’ve been to Kurland, we guarantee you’ll be back. www.kurland.co.za

Putting the love in Slovenia Keith Bain falls for a tall man in a tiny land.

“Pit-ooey,“ said Zlatan. “Bless you,“ I replied. “No, no. Pit-ooey,“ he repeated. It sounded like a cartoon character spitting. “Huh?“ I frowned, prompting Zlatan to write the word on a napkin: ’Ptuj.’ “You see? Pit-oo-eee!“ he said, underscoring the Slovenian love of dispensing with unnecessary vowels.

e were eating at Ljubljana Castle, up on the hill in the middle of one of the world’s smallest capitals, in the heart of one of Europe’s tiniest – and youngest – nations. Zlatan, the tall, ridiculously good-looking man I’d bumped into the previous day, had spent the day showing me his hometown, a handsome city beset by handsome people. Unlike other Soviet Bloc countries, communism left Slovenia mostly unscathed and its historic towns and villages intact. On either side of the Ljubljanica River, Ljubljana’s quaint cobbled lanes were lined with medieval town houses. Colourful Baroque,

Secessionist and Art Nouveau buildings loomed above public squares enlivened with statues and fountains, and every so often we’d spot the avant-garde architecture of the city’s beloved Jože Plečnik. I’d met Zlatan in front of one of Plečnik’s best-loved buildings – the university library, whose red-brick façade was studded with rocks that looked as if they were sliding upwards, towards the sky. We’d met innocently enough. I’d been staring at the front of the building and Zlatan had walked out of the library, where he’d been working, and coolly asked me if I was a tourist. His Maribor

name, he said, meant ’golden,’ and I imagined his parents had named him for the blonde mop of beautiful hair on top of his perfectly-shaped head, which rose up at the end of his tall, trim body. He was not your average librarian. Zlatan took me on a tour of museums and galleries, and we ventured through Metelkova, an edgy cultural precinct carved out of the old Yugoslav army headquarters. Here we found the odd gay bar and a few places where absolutely anything goes. Zlatan explained that despite its small size, Ljubljana was one of the most accepting and progressive cities in Europe and actually hosts the oldest gay and lesbian film festival in Europe. We strolled through the city’s busy market – another of Plečnik’s designs – where farmers sold plump vegetables on upturned carts alongside food stalls dispensing horse pâté and other Slovene specialities. Lunch was at a tavern-style gostilna cluttered with wine barrels, hunting trophies and accordion music. We ate medallions of deer with cherry sauce cooked to a recipe belonging to someone’s grandmother, and then we washed it down with beer from the in-house microbrewery. Towards sunset, a funicular took us up Castle Hill where we climbed a watchtower and stared beyond the city towards the soaring ragged mountains in the distance. In the castle’s courtyard restaurant, we sat beneath the stars and ordered refined versions of classic Slovenian farm food – salads made with dandelion and slivers of calf’s liver flavoured with fennel. What caught my attention was the wine list of local vintages with unrecognisable names. “We have at least 28 000 wineries producing 80 million litres of wine each year,“ said Zlatan in his gorgeous accent and husky voice. “Celtic and Illyrian tribes were producing wine here long before the Romans introduced winemaking to France, Germany or Spain.“ Which is how we ended up in Pit-ooey. Ptuj was in fact an ancient town in eastern Slovenia, close to some of the country’s best-know wine routes. Founded in 977, the vowel-loving Romans called it Poetovio, grew its population to 40 000, and transformed it into one of the largest provinces in their Empire. We drove there in the morning to peek into its underground wine cellars and explore its quiet, medieval maze of one-way cobbled streets lined with Gothic-era buildings. We followed a steep path up to Ptuj’s castle museum for views of the surrounding winelands – vast swathes of manicured vineyards radiated outwards across an undulating landscape dotted with farmhouses shaped like small castles, their red spires visible amidst clusters of tall trees. We spent the night in a lovely hotel filled with antiques and creaky floors, squashed together in a bed that we never got round to sleeping in. From Ptuj, a short drive east took us to Ormož, where we turned north onto bucolic backroads that threaded through terraced wine farms draped across hills straight out of The Sound of Music. We stopped in Kog, a speck of a town near the Croatian border to sample local cultivars like laški rizling, muškat otonel, traminec, and a smooth, dry white made from a varietal called šipon. Zlatan explained that the local name

Festively Illuminated City

Lake Bled

Ljublaja postman derived from a linguistic misunderstanding. When Napoleon’s soldiers occupied the area, they praised the wine, saying “C’est bon! C’est si bon!“ Locals, as ignorant of French as I was of Slovenian, heard “Šipon! Šipon!“ and the name stuck. Across the border, in Hungary, they call it something else. From Kog, we hopped onto the Jeruzalem Wine Road, centred around a hilltop village supposedly named by crusaders who stopped there en route to Jerusalem in the 12th century. Finding good food and sublime wine, they promptly abandoned their journey and settled down, declaring “This is our Jerusalem!” We stopped, too, repeatedly – often it was simply to stare in awe at the steep vine-covered hills. At Ljutomer, just north of Jerusalem, we turned west and drove to Dveri-Pax, a wine estate outside Jarenina village. “Benedictine monks from Admont Monastery in Austria started making wine here as early as 1139,“ said the guide as we were escorted down a chestnut avenue to the renovated 14thcentury tasting cellar. The monks had reclaimed their land after denationalisation and after many long years were once again producing world class vintages from naturally-grown, handpicked grapes, and storing up 300 thousand litres of the stuff Ljubljana

Bled dawn in their new state-of-the-art cellar, said to be Slovenia’s most sophisticated. Slovenia’s second-biggest city, Maribor, was a few minutes away. Backed by the green-sloped Pohorje Mountains and garlanded by more wine-growing hills, it evolved as a prosperous market town in the 13th century, and even after the Second World War clung on as a stronghold of old, wealthy Slovenian families who had flourished under Habsburg rule. It was a pretty town on the surface, but got really interesting below ground. Behind Maribor’s castle was the entrance to the Vinag wine cellars, situated seven metres beneath the city where they provided storage for up to five-and-a-half million litres of wine. They stretched for two-and-a-half kilometres and were cool, dank and covered in black mould which the guide said was an indicator that both temperature and humidity were at their optimum. We headed for Lent, Maribor’s riverside promenade, bristling with sociable bars and cafés and home to the world’s oldest living grape-producing vine, purported to have lived more than 400 years. Dinner was at Toti Rotovž, a restaurant in the former city hall with a massive subterranean cellar through which Hitler once escaped from a mob of enraged locals. We feasted on wild boar and sour cherry strudel washed down with a feisty bottle of Jeruzalem-grown šipon, and then raced to our hotel where we exhausted ourselves in another all-night outpouring of affection. “Where to next?“ I asked Zlatan in the morning.

Ljubljana Central Market Dunking Devils

“Bled,“ he said. Astonishingly, Bled was pronounced precisely the way it’s written, but the name hardly encapsulated its beauty. In the morning, a two-hour drive northwest ended on the shores of enchanted Lake Bled, around which spread a small resort town. Reflected in the lake’s mirrored surface were the craggy, snowcapped peaks of the Karavanke Mountains and Julian Alps. Swans drifted across it while oarsmen ferried awed tourists in flat-bottom pletna boats. Overlooking the lake on a high rock was a thousand-year-old castle, and in the centre of the lake was a tiny teardrop-shaped island with a church bell tower poking through the trees.

Dreznica Paolo Petrignani Cobblers Bridge

We parked and wandered down to the water’s edge where Zlatan promptly stripped down to his shorts, revealing the tall, toned, beautiful torso that had filled me with such desire these last few days. “Now we swim to the island and ring the bell,“ he said, tossing his clothes in a heap alongside a sign that expressly forbade swimming across the lake. “Are you sure?“ I asked, tentatively unbuttoning my shirt as I squinted towards the distant island, and pointed at the sign. “Pit-ooey!“ he said, this time letting an exaggerated spitting sound roll off his tongue as he waded in. “That warning is only for straight people. Get in.“ So I did.

Presernov Square

OUT AND ABOUT

BLOEMFONTEIN

SHISA GUEST FARM Joe 083 324-4466 or Francois 083 954-4428 www.shisafarm.com RELIGIOUS GOOD HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Marlow Valentine 083 668-5935

BARS & CLUBS THE BIRDCAGE Open Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays 12h00 - 02h00. 6 Abrahamskraal Road, Bloemfontein Tel: 084 298 7729 STUDENT SOCIETY out@kovsies admin.outatkovsies@gmail.com

CAPE TOWN

BARS & CLUBS ALEXANDER BAR Bar café and theatre. 76 Strand Street. Tel: (021) 300-1088. www.alexanderbar.co.za AMSTERDAM ACTION BAR Gay bar in Cape Town’s Gay Village. 10-12 Coburn Street, De Waterkant. www.amsterdambar.co.za BEAULAH BAR Bar with a lounge and a dance floor. Open from 21h00-04h00, Fri, Sat, and eve of public holidays. 28 Somerset Rd. CREW BAR Stylish décor, gorgeous bartenders and top Cape Town DJs. 30 Napier Street, Green Point. Open Mon-Sun 19h00-04h00. COMMUNITY SERVICES HEALTH4MEN OFFICE 1st Floor, 24 Napier Street, De Waterkant, Green Point. Tel: (021) 421-6127. info@health4men.co.za. www.health4men.co.za. LGBTI PARENT SUPPORT GROUP FOR GAY PARENTS. Email Heather at Health2@triangle.org.za Tel: (021) 448-3812, www. triangle.org.za PRIDE SHELTER TRUST Short-term accommodation for GLBTI people during times of crisis. 1 Molteno Rd, Oranjezicht. Tel: (021) 423-2871, Cell: 083 218-6081, www.pridesheltertrust.co.za EVENTS CAPE TOWN PRIDE The Cape Town Pride week festival and the parade usually takes place around 28 February annually. GAT PARTY Deon 082 821-9185 www.facebook.com/gatpartyfans. MCQP With an annual dress-up theme, it is regarded as the party of the year in Cape Town. Every December. www.mcqp.co.za MEN ONLY HOT HOUSE Upmarket European-style steam bath venue. 18 Jarvis St, Green Point. Mon-Thurs 12h00-02h00, Weekends 24hrs. Tel: (021) 418-3888, www.hothouse.co.za

THE INNER CIRCLE QUEER MUSLIM ORGANISATION (021) 761-0037/4434 or 082 892-3519 info@theinnercircle.org.za, www.theinnercircle.org.za STUDENT SOCIETY Rainbow UCT uct.rainbow@gmail.com

DURBAN

BARS & CLUBS THE LOUNGE Gay club with 5 bars, 3 dance floors, 2 balconies. 226 Mathews Meyiwa Road, Morningside. Tues to Sat. www.thelounge.za.org

EAST LONDON

BARS & CLUBS CLUB EDEN Atlas Rd. Arcadia, East London, Tel: 079 305-4018

GRAHAMSTOWN

STUDENT SOCIETY RHODES UNIVERSITY – OUTRHODES SOCIETY outrhodes.society@gmail.com www.outrhodes.soc.ru.ac.za

HARTBEESPOORT

MEN ONLY VOËLKOP Men only, clothing optional. Holiday resort, open daily. Glenn: 082 880-7497 or Paul 082 228-0614 www.voelkop.co.za

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (Primarily Gay & Lesbian) Parktown North Methodist Church Hall, 7th Avenue, Parktown North. Wednesdays 19h30. Contact: Lee 071 890-8001 or Nadia 082 464-7800 AA South Africa: www.aanonymous.org.za SOWETO HEALTH4MEN SIMON NKOLI CLINIC HIV & STI testing & treatment. Tel: (011) 989-9756/9865. Mon-Fri: 08h00-16h00. www.health4men.co.za. SPORT TOGS Federation of Gay Games Representative Shane: 083 654-5411, gaysportssa@mweb.co.za MEN ONLY FACTORY 6th Street, cnr Voorhout, New Doornfontein. Macho cruise bar, uniform, leather, fetish. Tel: 083 965-2227. www.thefactorybar.co.za REC ROOM Steam bath with secure parking. Sun-Thurs: 13h00-01h00, Fri-Sat: 07h00-03h00. Malibongwe Drive, Phoenix Centre, Shop 1, Randburg. Tel: (011) 792-1288. www.recroom.co.za RELIGIOUS DIE REFORMERENDE KERK 44 Vyfde Straat, Linden, NG Kerk Gebou. Ds. Trevor Skinner: 084 305-1670 GAY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY Quaker House, 3 Gordon Terrace, Doornfontein. David: 071 233-0650, Peter: 083 232-8001 RECREATION HIKING Monthly day hikes for both sexes www.gayhikers.co.za STUDENT SOCIETY WITS ACTIVATE activatewits@gmail.com

KNYSNA

JOHANNESBURG

BARS & CLUBS AMUSE CAFÉ Funky lounge café. Tues-Sat: 16h00-24h00. Shop 12, Manlam court, Corner 4th Avenue & 5th Street, Linden. Tel: 084 555-5252. BABYLON BAR 198 Oxford Road, Oxford Centre, Illovo. RATZ BAR MELVILLE Gay owned and gay friendly bar. No 9, 7th Street, Melville. Tel: (011) 482-9965 COMMUNITY SERVICES GAY & LESBIAN LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES WITS University (011) 717-1483/1963/4239 www.gala.co.za GAY & LESBIAN POLICING NETWORK Jaco le Roux: 072 434-3368

EVENTS PINK LOERIE MARDI GRAS Week long annual pride and parade – April/May. Email: info@pinkloerie.co.za. www.pinkloeriemardigras.co.za

POTCHEFSTROOM STUDENT SOCIETY POUT 082 589-7540

PIETERMARITZBURG

COMMUNITY SERVICES PMB GAY & LESBIAN NETWORK Tel: (033) 342-6165 Helpline: (033) 342-6500 Friday – Sunday 18h00 – 22h00

PORT ELIZABETH

BARS & CLUBS AQUA NIGHTCLUB Corner York Road and Prince Alfred Road. Open Wed., Fri., Sat. 20h30-04h00. www.clubaqua.co.za STUDENT SOCIETY NMMU ELOQUOR KNIGHTS Celeste: s213285665@nmmu.ac.za EASTERN CAPE GAY & LESBIAN ASSOCIATION 63 Heugh Road, Walmer. Tel: (041) 581-2414

PRETORIA

BARS & CLUBS BABYLON CENTURION Open Saturday nights. Secure parking. South Lake Centre, cnr Lenchen Street and South Road. Tel: (012) 663-7862 KIKI COQTAIL LOUNGE Clubview Corner, 72 Lyttelton Road (just off N14 Jean Ave offramp), Centurion. Cell: 073 798 9565. www.facebook.com/kikicoqtail ETC-ZONE CENTURION Gay bar. Open Mon-Sun 18h00-02h00. Gables Shopping Centre, Ivan Street, Bronberrick. Christo: 072 799-7639 COMMUNITY SERVICES OUT LGBT WELL-BEING HIV Counselling & Testing, STI screening and treatment. 1081 Pretorius Street, Hatfield, Pretoria. Tel: (012) 430-3272, Counselling line: 0860 688 688. Email: neld@out.org.za, www.out.org.za STUDENT SOCIETY Tukkies UP & OUT gay@tuks.co.za

STELLENBOSCH

STUDENT SOCIETY STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY www.sun.ac.za/lesbigay

WELKOM

BARS & CLUBS CLUB IGO Gay club. Straight friendly. 3 Alma Road (Next to SPCA) Open Wed., Fri., Sat from 20h00. Tel: 083 688-1189

Architectural Designs

Attorneys

Greta Eiser Attorneys (B.A. LLB. Qualified Mediator)

• Mediation • Civil Union Advice, Antenuptial Contracts and Cohabitation Agreements • Divorce, Domestic Partnership Dissolutions • Surrogacy • Relocation, Parental Responsibilities and Rights Agreements • Maintenance and Domestic Violence • Wills and Deceased Estates • Commercial Law Nelson Mandela Square, 2nd Floor West Tower, Sandton Tel: (011) 881-5826 Fax: 086 616-4021 Email: g.eiser@mweb.co.za www.attorneys.co.za

Accounting: JESP Financial Consulting Full business support and general accounting. Tel: 076 181-8859, Email: info@jesp.co.za Accounting: Lund and Kieck – Johannesburg Auditing, Bookkeeping, Financials, Taxation. Tel: (011) 794-9407, Email: tony@lundandkieck.co.za Accounting: PATC Personal and professional service. Tel: (031) 702-8112, Email: gavin@patc.co.za

Advertising: Lunch Box Media Advertising gateway to pink media. Tel: (021) 556-8431 Email: info@lunchboxmedia.co.za

Adult: Jockstrap South Africa’s favourite online gay sex shop. www.jockstrap.co.za

Elsa Stofberg: 072 240 0649 Tilana Kruger: 079 114 6895 Kara Peach: 078 801 6166

817 Rubenstein Drive, LugarArchitecturalDesigns Moreletapark lugar_designs Pretoria lugar_architectural_designs 0181 www.lugar.co.za

Airport Valet Parking: Air-O-Car Care – Johannesburg Personalised parking at affordable rates. Perfect for corporate and frequent flyers. Cell: 083 448-5287 or 084 778-8530 Alternative Healing: Body Sense – Linden, Johannesburg Reiki and hands-on healing. Courses. Alan Trenoweth: 082 685-9911

Art: Denise York – Johannesburg Still-life, landscape and portraits. Tel: (011) 440-4076 Cell: 082 777-0831

Airport Parking and Car Transfers

Business Scholarships

Secure parking while you are away & transfers from and to OR Tambo Airport

Plumbers, handymen, builders and related services are in high demand countrywide. Grow your business by advertising with us. Tel: (011) 726-1560 or (011) 025-5000 Cell: 082 777 0830 gaypages@iafrica.com www.gaypagessa.co.za

Art and Antiques: Alan Ross Antiques We source items for decorators and architects to find unique Oriental pieces. Tel: 082 900-3607, Email:info@alanross.co.za Art and Décor: Art de Sade Cape Town’s emporium of creativity. Tel: (021) 462-4978, Email: info@artdesade.co.za

Art: Houtvink Fine African Art Offering a diverse range of contemporary fine art, from artists like Karin Miller, Donna McKellar, Luhanri Bekker and Marie Stander. We act as a satellite gallery for the renowned Holden Manz Collection in Franschhoek. 78 Victoria Junction, Ebenezer Road, Green Point, Cape Town. Cell: 083 509 1800, info@houtvink.co.za, www.houtvink.co.za Attorney: Hahn & Hahn – Pretoria Tel: (012) 342-0563 Email: technology@hahnlaw.co.za

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure we have the airport parking solution for you at affordable rates. This service is the quickest and fastest way to park and is ideal for those on tight schedules. There is no need to drive to the car park or to look for available parking. Our facility is the only option perfect for corporate and frequent flyers. We also offer pool car parking solutions. You also receive a free car wash, dry and vacuum.

Long Term Parking @ OR Tambo International SPECIAL RATE

15-30 Consecutive Days! Only: R595 all inclusive.

Tel: 011 396-2733 / 083 448-5287 / 084 778-8530 Email: book@airocar.co.za | www.airocar.co.za 90 Maple Str, Pomona, Kempton Park, 1619 P.O. Box 1213, O.R. Tambo Int. Airport, 1627

Attorney: Greta Eiser Attorneys Civil union advice, antenuptial contracts, cohabitation agreements. Tel: (011) 881-5826, Email: g.eiser@mweb.co.za

SHAMBHALA

Auctioneers: Bernardi Auctioneers Pretoria’s leading auctioneers of antiques, fine art and rare books. 1271 Church Street East, Hatfield, Pretoria. Tel: (012) 430-6914/5

PERFORMANCE Improving

Auctioneer: Provenance Auction House Monthly catalogued themed auctions. Tel: (021) 461-8009, Email: info@provenanceart.co.za Bars & Clubs – Cape Town Amsterdam Action Bar: 10-12 Cobern St, De Waterkant. www.amsterdamactionbar.co.za Bars & Clubs – Cape Town. Crew Bar. 30 Napier Street, Green Point, Cape Town. Bars & Clubs – Johannesburg Babylon the Bar. 198 Oxford Road, Oxford Centre, Illovo. www.babylontheclub.co.za Bars & Clubs – Johannesburg (Men only) The Factory. All male nude, multi-level cruise bar. 6, Sixth St, New Doornfontein. www.thefactorybar.co.za Bars & Clubs – Durban The Lounge 226 Stamford Hill Road, Morningside. Bending and Welding: Metal Spirit cc – Johannesburg Bending and welding, laser cutting, light sheet metal work and geyser trays. Tel: (011) 402-8770/1, www.metalspirit.co.za Blinds: Blind Boyz – Johannesburg Vertical, venetian, roller, bamboo, solar-screens and folding-doors. Ronell: (011) 472-0962, Mike: 082 386-3333

leadership and human

performance

To improve leadership and human performance, we offer coaching, mentorship, learning, placement, development, business systems and processes for organisations and / or individuals through which we assist them to reach their potential.

SCHOLARSHIPS

PRIVATE EQUITY

Enabling further study towards a career in business leadership

Investing in high performance entrepreneurial businesses

Promoting and Supporting Proudly LGBT Business Leaders

facebook.com/TheShambhalaOrg

www.shambhala.org.za

info@shambhala.org.za

@theshambhalaorg

Cars

Estate Agents

The difference is real

The smart answer is always Audi Centre Claremont

Web ref: 1141

Morningside / Sandton

Please call Brian 083 675 8072 to view! EXCLUSIVE, NORTH FACING CORNER APARTMENT! BLUE CHIP!

2 beds, 2 en-suite baths, guest toilet, 2 receptions, kitchen, patio and 24hr security. The complex is incredibly secure, has lift access, basement parkings, a storeroom and abundant amenities. Only one unit per floor is north facing make sure you put your pen down onto this one! Genuine seller. Inviting buyers between R 5 000 000 to R 5 500 000 to negotiate

Your boutique real estate agency Sandton Office 011 783 1334 - Fourways Office 011 036 1826 / 7

www.chernodavis.co.za

Bradley de Villiers Call: 021 657 7194 www.audiclaremont.co.za Audi Centre Claremont 143 Imam Haron Rd, Claremont, Cape Town bradleyd@claremont.co.za @AudiCentreClaremont

Business Services: PostNet Sandton City – Johannesburg For all your Postal Services, Printing and Internet Café. Tel: (011) 783-6810, Email: deon.sandton@postnet.co.za

Estate Agents and Auctioneers

Specialise in PARKHURST · PARKTOWN NORTH Kings specialise in Parkhurst and Parktown North. For many years now, we have a proven track record of top sales and record prices and a reputation we are proud of!!! If you are thinking of selling in Parkhurst and Parktown North, or if you need advice on property in Greenside, Melville and Craighall Park, contact Kings on 447-4420.

We Provide: Realistic no-obligation valuations. Large buyer network, local, national and international, through our internet exposure. Excellent after-sales service. Fully equipped central office. Sound experience, effective advice. Constant feedback.

For a free no-obligation valuation of your property, contact us on (011) 447-4420

Cars: CMH Toyota – Melrose For any Toyota enquiries. Mark X Barnes: 083 453-5821, www.cmhtoyotamelrose.co.za Cars: Kia Motors Roodepoort – Johannesburg Personalised service and customer satisfaction. Ferdi Hiestermann Tel: (011) 768-6500 www.kiaroodepoort.co.za Car Rental: Bidvest Car rental rates tailored with you in mind. Tel: 086 101-7722, www.bidvestcarrental.co.za Church: Die Reformerende Kerk – Johannesburg 5de Straat, Nommer 44 (NG Kerk Linden). Ds. Trevor Skinner 084 305-1670 Cleaning: Rage Cleaning Solutions – Johannesburg Carpets, upholstery, curtains, tiles and grout, cars, Domestic and office cleaning. Riaan Bothma: (011) 476-6866, 073 261-5854, www.ragecs.co.za Dating: Date Circle Same-sex dating portal. www.datecircle.co.za Décor: Glass Candle Specialists Locally made reusable hand blown glass candles. www.glasscandlespecialists.co.za Tel: (011) 440-7219, Email: michael@glasscandlespecialists.co.za Dental Health: TheraBreath America’s number one premium oral care brand. Tel: (011) 465-7668, Email: orders@therabreath.co.za Electricians: Line Electrical – Johannesburg Pre-paid, geyser timer, earth leakage, cable faults, stoves, electrical maintenance. Renier: 076 403-4204, renier.line@gmail.com, info@lineelc@gmail.com

Gay T-shirts

Hairdressing

HAIR LOUNGE Shop 3, Illovo Muse, 198 Oxford Road, Illovo PHILLIP or DONNA

Tel: 011 447-9866 phillip@halohairlounge.co.za dejagerdonna@gmail.com

Esoteric: Psychic For accurate readings and spiritual guidance. Personal consultations and telephonic readings. Westdene, Johannesburg. Joan: (011) 482-9935 / 082 706-1219 Estate Agents: Kings Estate Agents and Auctioneers Specialise in Parkhurst and Parktown North, Johannesburg. Tel: (011) 447-4420 Fancy Dress: Jods Hire Service Huge selection of costumes for theme parties. Tel: (011) 450-4424/5 Furniture Removals: Girls on the Move – Johannesburg The difference is our feminine touch! Tel: 086 111-6683 or Desiré: 083 677-1273 www.girlsonthemove.co.za

Florist: Rhubarb Flower Company – George Creative, fresh floral arrangements, specialising in commitment ceremonies, weddings and functions on the Garden Route. Tel/Fax: (044) 874-5108 Email: rhubarb.flowers@gmail.com Gay T-Shirts: Rocking Horse Togs Customised gay T-Shirts, long sleeved, hoodies and jackets. Tel: 082 936-6153, Email: michyork5@gmail.com Gay Scholarships, Coaching & Mentorships, Private Equity: Shambhala Promoting and supporting proudly LGBT business leaders. Email: info@shambhala.org.za, www.shambhala.org.za

ROCKING HORSE TOGS For all your printing requirements including:

• Customised Gay Pride T-shirts, long sleeved tees, hoodies and jackets • Sizes Small to 5XL • Car Branding • General Printing • Corporate Gifts We are one of only a couple of companies in South Africa that can convert logos to rhinestone art! Tel: 082-936-6153 Email: michyork5@gmail.com

FIORE HAIR DESIGN

Hairdressing: Fiore Hair Design Master stylist, colour specialists, precision cutting. Tel: (011) 782-5760, Email: dominic@fiorehairdesign.co.za Hairdressing: Halo Hair Lounge – Illovo, Johannesburg Shop 3, Illovo Muse, 198 Oxford Road, Illovo. Phillip or Donna: (011) 447-9866 Health & Fitness: Personal Trainer Joel Sassoon – Illovo, Johannesburg Cutting edge fitness techniques and home training. Fit Gym Illovo. Joel Sassoon: 079 448-7902, joelsassoon@gmail.com, www.joelsassoon.co.za Health and Fitness: Pilates and Wellness Studio Fully equipped private gym in Melville. Tel: (011) 726-4934

Health & Fitness: Personal Trainer – Pretoria Sport specific and personal training, based in Centurion. Achieve your fitness goals. Ernest: 082 665-6876, Email: ernest.hobbs@gmail.com

Master Stylists, Colour Specialists, Precision Cutting Shop 3, Upper Level, Northcliff Corner Shopping Centre, Cnr Beyers Naude Drive & Milner Ave., Northcliff. Contact Dominic on +27 11 782 5760 or +27 82 554 6185

www.fiorehairdesign.co.za dominic@fiorehairdesign.co.za

Aesthetic Treatments

Health and Wellness

• Laser Skin Rejuvenation • Microneedling • Chemical Peels • Aroma & Sports Massage • Laser Hair Removal • Botulinum Toxin & Fillers • Waxing and Manscaping • Full Body Scrubs • Hands and Feet

[Male Therapist] Call Gunther: (010) 312 5007 Email: book@sproutskin.co.za

www.sproutskin.co.za 71 Eleventh Street, Sandton, Johannesburg 121 Springfield Road, Carlswald, Midrand, 1684 Tel: 011 702 1625 Cell: 063 292 8968 info@thegoddessfactor.co.za www.thegoddessfactor.co.za Hours: Mon - Fri 09:00 to 17:00 Sat by appointment

Slimming, Anti-aging & Glamour Solutions through cutting edge technology & products in the comfort of an exclusive country retreat

◆ Cooltech® Fat Freeze - A non-invasive procedure for body contouring, shaping & centimetre loss for fatty pockets. ◆ Safyre Radio Frequency - State of the art anti-aging treatment for firming, tightening & lifting for face & body. ◆ Dr Gobac® Cosmeceuticals - Technologically advanced skincare. ◆ Micro-dermabrasion - Radiant, smooth & younger looking skin. ◆ Micro-needling/Mesotherapy - Non-surgical Collagen induction. ◆ Byprobe/Electrolysis - Removal of unwanted hair & skin lesions etc. ◆ Dermaceutic - Rejuvenating Peels.

Health and Wellness: Alan Trenoweth Full body massage, body wellness, reiki and grooming, Linden, Johannesburg. Tel: 082 685-9911, Email: body.sense@hotmail.com

Health & Wellness: Bodyworks – Pretoria Male Grooming & Massage From brows to toes & everything in-between. Waxing, trimming or shaving. Sport, Taoist or Thai Massage. Cell: 083 286-1891 or 082 950-6789 Health and Wellness: Sprout Microneedling, chemical peels, massage, botox and fillers. Tel: (011) 039-5889, Email: book@sproutskin.co.za

Health and Wellness: Sports Massage and Shiatsu Daniel Brink Park, Bryanston, Johannesburg. For headaches, stiff neck and shoulders, lower back pain, injury, stress and insomnia. Contact Leon: 082 479-7634. Visit massage-wisdom.co.za for more details.

Holiday Accommodation: 205@Peninsula – Hartebeespoort Dam Escape from the concrete jungle to the tranquil shores of Hartebeespoort Dam. Just 20 minutes from Lanseria airport, we will ensure that you will feel at home. Gym, boating and cycling facilities available. Cell: 082 440-3684 or Email: jaques@erlima.co.za Book a long-term advertising contract and receive generous discounts and easy payment options. All advertisers are listed on the Gay Pages website at no extra charge. Tel: (011) 726-1560 or (011) 025-5000 Cell: 082 777 0830

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

gaypages@iafrica.com www.gaypagessa.co.za

Health and Wellness

Body Sense Reiki •

Aromatherapy • Full Body Massage • Total Body Wellness • Waxing and Body Grooming • Guesthouse •

Holiday Accommodation

Leisure and corporate rentals in and around Cape Town Why stay home when you can stay with us? No time wasted with our real-time availability calendars, and reservations booking engine with instant confirmation. Try it LIVE... www.fzp.co.za www.facebook.com/fzpapartments

Corporate Travel •

Contact Alan Trenoweth for professional attention

A PA R T M E N T R E N TA L S

Linden Wellness Centre 24 8th Street Linden Johannesburg Cell: 082 685 9911

Holiday Accommodation: Bartholomeus Klip – Western Cape Romantic Victorian wheat and sheep farmstead with a private nature reserve. Cell: 082 322-1758, Email: info@bartholomeusklip.com Holiday Accommodation: Boschrand Game Farm – Winburg Perfect for quick weekend breaks, Gay weddings and conferences. Tel: 072 611-8501, Email: info@boschrandlodge.co.za Holiday Accommodation: Caracal Lodge – Mpumalanga Self-catering accommodation in Houtboshoek Valley. 5 luxury cottages. Cell: 082 451-0359, dblanshard@mweb.co.za, www.caracallodge.co.za Holiday Accommodation: Celtis Lodge – Magaliesburg Escape for a romantic weekend with your soulmate for quality time together. Tel: 076 166-9123, www.celtislodge.co.za Holiday Accommodation: Cleaning Fairies – Jeffreys Bay Cleaning service for holiday apartments and homes. Tel: 076 469-6964, Email: jacqueskritz@gmail.com Holiday Accommodation: Flycatcher Castle – Graskop Be Spoilt in Luxury. Tel: (013) 767-1114, Email: info@flycatchercastle.com Holiday Accommodation: FZP Apartment Rentals – Cape Town Leisure and corporate rentals in and around Cape Town. Tel: (021) 426-1634, Email: info@fzp.co.za Holiday Accommodation: Granny Mouse Country House & Spa – KZN KZN Midlands – four hours from Johannesburg. Tel: (033) 234-4071, www.grannymouse.co.za Do you own a gay or gay-friendly business? Advertise with the Gay Pages for comprehensive national and selected international readership. Tel: (011) 726-1560 or (011) 025-5000 Cell: 082 777 0830 gaypages@iafrica.com www.gaypagessa.co.za

FZP Apartment Rentals +27 (0) 21 426 1634 www.fzp.co.za info@fzp.co.za

Email: body.sense@hotmail.com

Holiday Accommodation 100

Boschrand

Game Lodge 072 611 8501

Gay Friendly Wedding Venue • On site accommodation for guests • Up to 50 Guests seated/120 Guests cocktail style •Bosch Chapel available for ceremony • Visit our website for more information

Enjoy a romantic weekend with your soulmate. Four secluded quaint thatch cottages with log fires, cosy beds with down duvets, bubble bath big enough for two, romantic candlelit dinners with soft music and lazy breakfasts. Treat yourselves to a holistic full body massage which includes aromatherapy, Reiki, reflexology and crystal healing. Relax next to the swimming pool, walk the labyrinth together, or just spend the whole day cuddled up in bed. Country hospitality at its best. Singles welcome. Enchanting woodland chapel for meditation and intimate weddings.

www.celtislodge.co.za mike@celtislodge.co.za Tel:076 166-9123 Holiday Accommodation: Hunter Hotels – Gorah Elephant Camp This exclusive Big Five, 5 Star safari lodge is in the Addo Elephant National Park. Tel: (044) 501-1111, www.hunterhotels.com

Holiday Accommodation: Ixopix Earth & Sky Cottages – Skeerpoort. Beautiful view of the Magaliesberg. Situated between Hartebeespoort and Magaliesburg. Affordable accommodation in two en-suite units, with patios overlooking the veld. A lapa houses a fully equipped kitchen and relaxation area. Enjoy hiking, biking, hot-air ballooning, fishing and horse riding. Contact Clara: keil.clara@gmail.com / 082 557-5790 / facebook.

Website: www.boschrandlodge.co.za Email: info@boschrandlodge.co.za Facebook: Boschrand Game Lodge

Holiday Accommodation: Jabula Lodge Gay owned lodge in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth. The Friendly City. Come stay with us and we will make you feel at home. 36 Avonmouth Crescent. Tel: (041) 583 1263 Cell: 084 233-3111 Jacques Email: info@jabulalodge.co.za, www.jabulalodge.co.za

Holiday Accommodation: Namibia JJ Tours The first Rainbow Travel Agency in Namibia with a difference! We offer 10% discount on all SADC residents! Please use Gay Pages as your reference! Join us on a journey of a lifetime. Please contact us via email – bookings@namibiajjtours.com – or you can contact us on our website www.namibiajjtours.com. Holiday Accommodation: Magalies Mountain View Cottage, Hekpoort, Magalies Meander Region, Gauteng Charming 2-bedroom self-catering timber-frame cottage with panoramic mountain views. Cycle or walk along country roads. Take a balloon or microlight flight. Listen out for the cry of the fish eagle. A comfortable hour or so drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria. Call Sue on 082 888-2724 to book a piece of paradise with us. Email: sueoxb@iafrica.com

Luxury self-catering accommodation in Houtboshoek Valley in the heart of Mpumalanga. There are 5 luxury cottages, 3 of which are privately secluded in the bush and 2 have their own cuddle puddle rock pool. They have no electricity, but have gas appliances and are romantically lit with lanterns and LED lighting. Caracal Lodge is surrounded by beautiful grassy mountains, home to a variety of plains game and antelope. Gerry the friendly giraffe loves visiting guests at their cottages. Breathtaking views can be enjoyed while hiking or on a 4x4 drive. Enjoy a picnic or sundowners at the waterfall. Supervised clay target shooting, gym and honesty bar. Close to Sudwala Caves and Kaapsehoop, a quaint village famous for their wild horses. Tel: 082 451-0359 Email: dblanshard@mweb.co.za • www.caracallodge.co.za

Holiday Accommodation: Melkbos Moments Stunning self-catering unit in Melkbosstrand 80 metres from the beach and within walking distance to restaurants and shops. Hantie: 082 411-9399, www.melkbosmoments.co.za

Holiday Accommodation: Pipa’s Guesthouse Pipa’s Guesthouse, 63 Davin Street, Bultfontein, Free State. Come and experience central South African small-town hospitality only 3 hours from Johannesburg. Gay managed and owned. Charming, arty guesthouse and restaurant. Contact: Paul 072 247-7654 or Pieter 072 403-3171 Holiday Accommodation: Phoenix Guest House – Wilderness Spectacular views, contemporary interiors. It is out of the ordinary. Cell: 082 395-9986, Email: info@phoenixguesthouse.com Holiday Accommodation: Protea Hotel Victoria Junction – Cape Town Tel: (021) 418-1234 www.proteahotel/victoriajunction.com

Holiday Accommodation 101 Holiday Cleaning Service

A Romantic Fairytale Experience Awaits! Escape

Be Spoilt in Luxury

Feed your Soul

Rekindle the Flame

Jeffreys Bay Holiday Accommodation

5 Star Guest House, Graskop, Mpumalanga

Call Manie on 013 767-1114 or 072 234-4134

info@flycatchercastle.com www.flycatchercastle.com

Holiday Accommodation: Porcupine Hills Nestled in a nature reserve, an easy hour from Cape Town, Porcupine Hills offers a perfect setting for a weekend away, Sunday brunch amongst the olives, even an elegant wedding. Luxurious accommodation and a gourmet restaurant. Tel/Fax: (028) 284-9066, Email: info@porcupinehills.co.za www.porcupinehills.co.za Holiday Accommodation: Protea Hotel Malaga – Mpumalanga Regular Pink Weekends. Holiday and business accommodation. Tel: (013) 257-5300, reservations@malagahotel.co.za, www.proteahotels.com/malaga Holiday Accommodation: Reefteach luxury 3-star diving lodge – Sodwana Bay All 12 bedrooms en-suite with air-conditioning. Catered or self-catering. Tel: (035) 571-0231, info@reefteach.co.za, www.reefteach.co.za Holiday Accommodation: Shamwari Group Step into our world of iconic lodges and experiences. Tel: (041) 509-3000, www.shamwarigroup.com

WE provide you with all your accommodation needs for weekend getaways as well as a cleaning service for holiday apartments and homes Jacques Kritzinger Cell: 076 469-6964 Fax: 086 5000 564 jacqueskritz@gmail.com

Holiday Accommodation: Shangrila-innibos – Magaliesberg Luxury camping sites, log cabins, thatch chalets and a guesthouse. Tel: 072 945-4115, Email: info@shangrilainnibos.co.za Holiday Accommodation: Terra- Africa – Windhoek Your gateway to the adventure and intrigue that is Namibia. www.terra-africa.com

Holiday Accommodation: Tomjachu Bush Lodge – near Mbombela (Nelspruit) Tourism Grading Council of S.A. – 4 Star, AA Quality Assured in the category Superior. A haven of tranquility where memories will be made to be enjoyed in years to come... Tel: +27 (0)82 854-5842 or +27 (0)13 744-0203 Email: reservations@tomjachu.com, www.tomjachu.com Holiday Accommodation: The Turbine Boutique Hotel – Knysna 24 en-suite bedrooms, Island Café, Turbine Tapas Bar & Amani Spa. Tel: (044) 302-5745, www.turbinehotel.co.za Holiday Accommodation: Walkersons Hotel and Spa – Mpumalanga Nestled in the rolling hills of the Highveld, outside the hamlet of Dullstroom. Tel: (013) 253-7000, www.walkersons.co.za Holiday Accommodation: Welgedacht Tours and Safaris – Gauteng Find your own piece of Africa, hidden in the Dinokeng Game Reserve. Tel: 079 478-6780, info@welgedachtsafaris.com, www.welgedachtsafaris.com Holiday Accommodation: Villa D’or Gay Guesthouse – Johannesburg Luxury spacious rooms including full bathroom, DSTV, bar fridge and breakfast. Tel: 084 252-2565, Cell: 084 905-7909 www.villador.co.za Do you own a gay or gay-friendly business? Advertise with the Gay Pages for comprehensive national and selected international readership. Tel: (011) 726-1560 or (011) 025-5000 Cell: 082 777 0830 gaypages@iafrica.com www.gaypagessa.co.za

Choose Your Travel Partner Wisely

Book Your Stay Now res@montauxsources.co.za reservations@orionhotels.co.za 086 148 8867 / 086 199 1199 www.montauxsources.co.za / www.orionhotels.co.za

Holiday Accommodation 102 Introduction Club

It is simply time to get away! Plettenberg Park Hotel and Spa, a member of the Mantis Collection, is an exclusive hotel in the heart of the Garden Route, close to Plettenberg Bay, and situated in a private nature reserve on a cliff edge that affords dramatic sea views.

Opulent Luxury

Discerning travellers enter a contemporary world of opulent luxury where thoughtful touches combine with a host of creature comforts.

Gourmet Seafood

Cuisine at Plettenberg Park revolves around personal choice with the resident chef. Gourmet meals offer seafood harvested on the day, along with a wide array of other fine fare.

Holistic Spa Treatments

Satisfying its guests’ every whim, Spa @ Plettenberg Park offers a range of holistic spa treatments in an unparalleled setting. Tel: (044) 533-9067 | Email: info@plettenbergpark.co.za | www.plettenbergpark.co.za Holiday Accommodation: The Wild Mushroom Boutique Hotel The surprising wonder-world of exotic mushrooms is unlocked in the stylish elegance of The Wild Mushroom. The hotel’s location in Stellenbosch is ideal for an authentic experience of the Cape winelands. TOCSA 5-star hotel. Tel: (021) 881-3586, info@wildmushroom.co.za, www.wildmushroom.co.za Hypnotherapist: Timothy Fritz C.Ht. - Cape Town Certified Hypnotherapist (Non-Medical) Sexual orientation, understand yourself and your emotions, change bad habits, ego strengthening, self empowerment, reduce stress, wellbeing of body mind and soul. Cell: 083 353-4570, Email: timothy.fritz@hypnotherapy.co.za International Gay Guide: Spartacus Explore the gay world. www.spartacus.com

Insurance: 1Life For life insurance, dread disease, disability and funeral cover, 1Life has got you covered. Starting from R120pm. It’s as simple as 1 SMS and in 1 Call you can be covered in 1 Policy. SMS ‘Life’ to 45386 or visit www.1life.co.za 1Life – Changing Lives. 1Life is a trusted authorised financial services provider. T’s&C’s apply Intro Club: The Brunch Club Meeting interesting people is what life’s journey is all about. Email: family@iafrica.com Leather Fetish: Kinx Online bondage boutique. www.kinx.co.za, Email: yessir@kinx.co.za Limousine Hire: Luxury Limousines National Hire, Personal Chauffeur, Bar Service, Corporate Entertainment. Tel: 082 555-0555 or 0861 555-005, www.limo.co.za

Holiday Accommodation 103 Gay Travel Guide

Gay travellers prefer gay and gay-friendly hotels and guesthouses.Contact us to reach a wide national and international reader base. Tel: (011) 726-1560 or (011) 025-5000 Cell: 082 777 0830 gaypages@iafrica.com www.gaypagessa.co.za

Marriage Officer/Huweliks Bevestiger: Pretoria Make your union legal: marriage or civil partnership. English or Afrikaans. Religious or secular. Based in Pretoria, but able to travel. André Muller: 082 326-9385 Email: amuller@tiscali.co.za Marriage Officer: Catholic, inter- and non-denominational, spiritual or civil. At the venue of your choice or at our chapel or office in Johannesburg. Eng. or Afr. Bishop Oliver: 076 604-5582, fr.og.felix@mweb.co.za, www.whiterobedmonks.org/sa

Minister And Marriage Officer – Gauteng I shall gladly officiate for you a Church wedding and ceremony, also at your venue or home. Also feel free to contact me for other religious services like Christening of your children, pastoral counselling etc. Cell: 083 730-2887, doctorheinrich@mtnloaded.co.za

Mediation: Bateman Krogh Professional Mediators Parktown North, Johannesburg. Emotion is at the heart of any dispute. -Facilitated by two psychologists with 40 years’ experience. -Specialised divorce/partnership, avoid costly legal options. -Cost effective, emotionally intelligent and equitable outcomes. Avalene Bateman: 082 777-7811 or Annale Krogh: 083 302-5005 Website: www.professionalmediators.co.za

EXPLORE THE GAY WORLD

Medical: Dental – Dr Galatis Specialising in aesthetic metal-free dentistry, implantology and ceramic crowns. Tel: (011) 783-5558, Email: galatisatdentists@work.co.za

Medical: Dr. Cobus van Niekerk & Associates – Johannesburg Aesthetic & General Practitioners Suite 2B, Rock Cottage Shopping Centre, Cnr Christiaan de Wet & John Vorster (entrance) Rds, Weltevredenpark. Tel: (011) 675-5886 Medical: General Practitioner – Dr Steve Edwards M.B. Ch.B.B (UCT), Johannesburg Dr Gayly Fok M.B. Ch.B.B. (Wits) Tel: (011) 463-8330 1 Longford Road, Bryanston. Book a long-term advertising contract and receive generous discounts and easy payment options. All advertisers are listed on the Gay Pages website at no extra charge. Tel: (011) 726-1560 or (011) 025-5000 Cell: 082 777 0830 gaypages@iafrica.com www.gaypagessa.co.za

Medical: Dental – Kloof Street Dental Practice, Cape Town Dr S R van Wyk (B.CH. D Stell) and Dr. J F Bouwer B.Ch.D (Stell/UWC) 154 Kloof Street, Oranjezicht, Cape Town. General Dental Practitioners, Implant Treatment, Laser Assisted Dentistry, Aesthetic Treatment, Teeth Whitening and Emergencies. Tel: (021) 424-5683, Email: kloofdental@telkomsa.net

Medical 104 Pharmacy

GENERAL PRACTITIONERS

Dr Steve Edwards M.B. Ch.B. (UCT)

Cell: 082 656-0001 dr.s.edwards@me.com

Dr Gayly Fok

MBBCh (Wits)

Office: (011) 463-8330 | Fax: (011) 463-8383

Off William Nicol Road, 1 Longford Road, Bryanston

Melville Pharmacy & Pharmacist

Natural, fresh, biologically appropriate (BARF) alternative to kibble. Dog & cat food made with raw, freerange, freshly minced meat & fresh vegetables. Simply thaw each conveniently packed frozen meal. No hassle no fuss! Website : www.rawlovepets.co.za • Email: info@rawlovepets.co.za Tel: 072 328 1253

Plumbers, handymen, builders and related services are in high demand countrywide. Grow your business by advertising with us. Tel: (011) 726-1560 or (011) 025-5000 Cell: 082 777 0830

• Personalised service by owner

gaypages@iafrica.com www.gaypagessa.co.za Medical: NLP Practitioner and Life Coach – Johannesburg Don’t struggle alone. Mental, emotional or behavioural solutions. Past, present or future orientated. Brian: 078 668-8656 or www.bettereverplace.co.za

• Homeopathic and Allopathic medicine

Medical: MediCape Clinic – Dr van den Bergh, Cape Town International medical and cosmeceutical institute. Tel: (021) 801-8193

Open 8h00 to 17h00 Phone Petra for friendly advice Tel: 011 726-2304/2211 2D 7th, Closest Cnr 1st Ave, Melville

Medical: Melville Pharmacy Personal service, homeopathic and allopathic medicine. Tel: (011) 726-2304/2211 Medical: Optometrist – Johannesburg Execuspecs: The home of branded eyewear. Tel: (011) 476-5332

Dr. Fernandes

Ophthalmologist

Do you wish you didn’t need glasses or contact lenses? Contact an Ophthalmologist, they are best qualified to assess if you’re a suitable candidate for vision correction by laser. Online booking: eyedoctor.africa.com Northcliff 011-476-2818 | Bedfordview 011-616-4177 drfernandes@eyedoctor.africa.com

Medical: General Practitioners − Dr Steve Edwards and Dr Gayly Fok Tel: 011 463-8330 Fax: 011 463-8383 Cell: 082 656-0001 1 Longford Road Bryanston, Off William Nicol Road.

Medical: Psychologist (Industrial/Career) – Hilton, KZN Calum McComb, B.Com (Hons), M.Com (PS 0121398). Career guidance, EQ assessments and coaching, psychometric assessments, talent management, team dynamics and leadership development. Skype consultations available countrywide. Email: calum@peoplesense.co.za, www.peoplesense.co.za Tel: 084 913-7069 Medical: Psychologist Rob Hamilton – Johannesburg (Melville) Individual and couples therapy, coming out, substance addiction, sex/porn addiction, life changes, living with HIV, coaching for job interviews. Tel: (011) 673-9951 or 072 020-5467 Email: rhamilton.072@gmail.com Medical: Psychologist Juan Nel (Pretoria) Lesbian/gay affirmation therapy, group therapy for gay men. Cell: 083 282-0791 Medical and Aesthetic: Wellnessthetics Aesthetic treatments, cosmeceuticals and men’s health. Tel: (011) 675-5886, Email: cobus@drcobus.co.za Menswear: Malebooth Original underwear and swimwear. www.malebooth.com

Pets 105 Pet Insurance

We offer a wide range of goods from Health and Beauty products to Home and Décor Supplies, giving customers a wonderful online shopping experience

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Garden World – Johannesburg Beyers Naudé Drive, Muldersdrift, Gauteng. Tel: (011) 957-2046, Cell: 083 997-6142, www.gardenworld.co.za

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Online Shopping: Bi-Me Online Safe and secure online shopping. Tel: 082 218-2052, Email: info@bi-me.co.za Painting Contractors: The Coating Crew Wall coating, roof coating, waterproofing, dampproofing and building alterations. Tel: 083 307-2093, Email: cpiquito@absamail.co.za Panelbeaters: Cloudwise Panel Beaters – Johannesburg Corner Main Street and Berea Street, Johannesburg. Tel: 076 499-6662, (011) 334-0026/27, Email: info@cloudwisepanelbeaters.co.za Pet Accommodation: Ceasar’s Pet Palace – Pretoria 5-Star Cat Hotel. Pet food and accessory store. Shop 14 Garsfontein Village, 447 Serene Road, Centurion. Tel: (012) 993-1111, Cell: 083 325-2644, www.petsandthecity.co.za Pet Art: Pet Pawtraits Original artworks from your photographs, capturing the spirit of your pet. Tel: 083 340-4240, Email: redraven@gonet.co.za Pet Insurance: Hollard Pet Insurance Medical pet insurance from R3,33 per day. Tel: 0860 738 787, www.petsure.co.za

Safe and secure online shopping

www.bi-me.co.za Cell: 082 218-2052 Email: info@bi-me.co.za

Hollard Pet Insurance

0860 738 787

www.hollardpetinsurance.co.za

Pet Store: A Pet’s Life Online Shop Visit our online shop – everything you could need for your pet – beds, collars, supplements, fashion wear, homeopathic remedies, toys, accessories and more! Amber Jordan: 071 473-3603 www.apetslife.co.za Pet Store: Jungle Aquatics – Fourways, Johannesburg South Africa’s leading aquatic specialist retail outlet, pet shop and online shopping portal. Broadacres Shopping Centre, Fourways. Tel: (011) 467-6948 Photography: David Penney Tel: 083 470-0222 Email: davidpenney@gmail.com Photography: Ferdinand Photography Gay weddings, models, stills and art, interiors and personal. Tel: 073 871-6910, Email: ferdinand@lifeonabalcony.co.za

Photography: Shane Smith Portfolios, fashion, underwear, artistic nude solo or couples. Tel: 082 570-8983. www.shanesnakedtruth.co.za

Providing Pet Insurance for the past 22 years

The Hollard Insurance Co. Ltd is an authorised Financial Services Provider

Photography 106 Podiatrist

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Victor Blunden Btech (Pod) SA

T: 082 330 7303

10 Lily Road, Northcliff, Johannesburg Untitled-1 1

T: 011 477 0525

1/19/15 12:44 PM

victor@sharedcaremed.com www.sharedcaremed.info

Practice No: 0566705

Photography: Vernondo Boshoff Incredible technical skills and ability to capture the perfect shot. Email: vernondo@me.com, www.vernondoboshoffphotography.com

Podiatrist: Victor Blunden – Johannesburg 10 Lily Road, Northcliff, Johannesburg. Tel: (011) 477-0525, 082 330-7303, Email: victor@sharedcaremed.com

Psychic: Psychic Readings − Joan Doyle For the answers to your deepest questions call Joan for the best psychic advice. Love, money, career. Telephonic readings also done. Tel: (011) 482-9935 Cell: 082 706-1219

PSYCHIC

Public Relations: The PR Team – Cape Town Tel: (021) 419-2390/1 Email: enquiries@theprteam.com Security Doors: Protector The stronger, better retractable security door. Tel: 0861 101 500, Cell: 083 417-8263

Social Service: Dr John-Eduard Bosman (Narrative/Pastoral Therapist) Johannesburg, East Rand. At the StoryRoom we approach your life challenges in a professional, non-judgemental and caring manner. Cell: 082 856-6284 Email: storyroom@telkomsa.net Solar Power: Setsolar – Renewable Energy Solutions – Cape Town Solar Panels, Inverters, LED Lighting, Water Saving Devices, Solar Water Heating. John: (021) 535-1794, Email: john@setsolar.co.za www.setsolar.co.za

Steam Bath/Sauna: Sauna Boyz – Pretoria Sauna featuring a small gym and restaurant. Tel: 072 497-2500, 309 Lynwood Rd, Menlo Park PTA

LOVE MONEY CAREER For the answers to your deepest questions call Joan for the best psychic advice. (Telephonic readings also done.)

Tel: 011 482-9935 Cell: 082 706-1219 Melville/ Westdene, Johannesburg

Surrogacy: Surrogacy Advisory Group Support to gay parents on their journey to parenthood. www.surrogacy.co.za, Email: info@surrogacy.co.za Swimming Pools: Pretoria Repairs, Renovations, Spas, Solar Heating and Weekly Pool Maintenance. Tel: (012) 330-3331 or 072 628-1438 Television Productions: Mode Audiovisuals, corporate communication and small budget television commercials. Morné 083 488-0000, Email: morne@modeproductions.co.za

Psychologist 107 Wine Glasses and Racks

Scandinavian Psychologist

Travel: The Boyz – Pretoria Travel Merchants. Shop 24, Square @ Midstream. Tel: (012) 687-5034, www.theboyz.co.za

Vet: Melville Animal Clinic – Johannesburg 24 1st Ave, Cnr Main Road, Melville. Tel: (011) 726-2886, After Hours: (011) 705-3411

Vet: Oakdene Veterinary Clinic – Johannesburg 1 Lang Street corner of Comaro Road, Rosettenville. Tel: (011) 436-2555, Fax: (011) 436-2551

“The finest glasses for both technical and hedonistic purposes are those made by Riedel. The effect of these glasses on fine wine is profound. I cannot emphasize enough what a difference they make.“

Weddings: Registered Marriage Officer – Cape Town Personalised weddings at 4 star Guest House in Bloubergstrand. Henry: 082 337-5323, Email: h.haynes@mweb.co.za

Robert M Parker JrThe Wine Advocate.

Wedding Specialist: Outlook Africa Unique wedding specialist. Tel: 083 228-7182, Email: info@outlookafrica.co.za

Wine Courses: Cape Wine Academy – Cape Town Learn about wine, meet people and have fun! Tel: (021) 889-8844, Email: info@capewineacademy.co.za

Wine Racks: Steelrax The perfect, cost-effective accommodation for fine wine. Standard and custom-made. Tel: (011) 482-9178, cellarex@reciprocal.co.za, www.reciprocal.co.za Wine Trading: The Reciprocal Wine Trading – Johannesburg An extensive list of international wines and champagnes. Tel: (011) 482-9178/9, www.reciprocal.co.za Zulu Language Courses: Johannesburg Beginners and advanced. Sharl: 083 728-3328 Do you own a gay or gay-friendly business? Advertise with the Gay Pages and reach a comprehensive national and selected international readership.

For more information & stocklists in other areas please contact our Johannesburg Showroom: PILRIG, 1 ROCKRIDGE ROAD, PARKTOWN | TEL: +27 11 482 9178 |E-MAIL: RIEDEL@RECIPROCAL.CO.ZA

www.reciprocal.co.za

STEELRAX™

The perfect accommodation for fine wine. The various units solve all the problems of wine storage with astonishing economy of space. Made of wrought iron, and coated in matt black paint or electroplated chrome silver. - Aesthetically pleasing - Highly functional - Cost effective - Standard & Custom-made units available

Tel: (011) 726-1560 or (011) 025-5000 Cell: 082 777 0830 gaypages@iafrica.com www.gaypagessa.co.za

Tel: 011 482-9178 www.reciprocal.co.za E-mail: cellarax@reciprocal.co.za

RESTAURANTS

FLAMES RESTAURANT − Westcliff, Johanneburg Informal but elegant, Flames has a sparkling urban atmosphere with several seating options, both indoors and out on the terrace, both offering staggering views of the world’s largest urban forest, affectionately known as ’the Parks.’ Executive Chef Dirk Gieselmann, former executive chef of three-Michelin-starred French restaurant L’Auberge de l’ill, is at the helm and his dishes focus on seasonality and locallyprocured ingredients. He reinterprets classic South African and international dishes and it is a delight to watch the chefs in the outdoor braai kitchen. The menu and wine list both offer something for every palate. Flames is an ideal venue for any event, from business meetings, to kicking back on the terrace with good friends for sunset drinks and nibbles. Service is excellent, as is to be expected at any Four Seasons property. Together with the hotel’s other dining experiences, guests will be spoilt for choice. Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff, 67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg. Open Monday to Sunday from 06h30 to 22h00. Tel: (011) 481-6190 Email: reservations.johannesburg@fourseasons.com www.flamesrestaurant.co.za THE STEAMWORKS – Fourways, Johannesburg Martin Jakoby and Thomas Hughes’s gastropub is a first of its kind in Johannesburg. The funky décor ensures a ’wow’ first impression. Bespoke steampunk-style furniture, brass cogs and clocks set a funky backdrop for superb gastropub food and a wide selection of craft beers. Steampunk has taken Europe by storm and has a dedicated following there and it’s good to have a bit of Steampunk in Johannesburg. The menu is, as far as possible, seasonal and locally sourced from sustainable, free-range and organic producers, and is a modern South African twist on traditional British pub fare. Friday evenings are the highlight of the week and their Sunday breakfasts are well-known, and for non-meat eaters there is a great selection of meat-free options. Check out their Facebook page for specials and weekly events. The two friends’ stable also includes The Office in Greenside and Illovo eateries The

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CATHARINA’S RESTAURANT − Constantia, Cape Town Catharina’s Restaurant at Steenberg has embarked on an adventurous journey with Executive Chef Archie Maclean breaking new ground on the culinary frontier, exciting palates with his ’contemporary heritage’ cuisine. Creating a sensory experience that resonates with the spirited life and times of the feisty Catharina Ras, Chef Archie pays homage to Steenberg’s 17th century founder. The new menu at Catharina’s is interwoven with fresh indigenous ingredients Catharina would have hunted, grown and prepared herself. By revealing hints of Catharina’s thrilling life in this sensory culinary narrative, Chef Archie brings the ’contemporary heritage’ dictum to life. “We want to take people outside their comfort zones, to try something new when they dine with us. Our guests need to leave in awe, having experienced something absolutely amazing,“ he adds. Catharina’s offers diners a three-course à la carte menu as well as an eight-course tasting menu. Signature dishes include seared tuna wrapped in crisp salmon skin; salmon trout served with a horseradish and sour fig risotto; pan-fried crocodile tail; and grilled zebra loin. While the tasting menu at R1 100 per person includes wines from leading estates, it is interlaced with Archie’s more adventurous dishes, the à la carte menu also includes the more familiar for a quick lunch or informal dining. Catharina’s Restaurant is open 7-days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tel: (021) 713-7178 Email: reservations@catharinasrestaurant.co.za www.steenbergfarm.com

Griffin and Perron. Sunset Avenue and Forest Drive, Fourways, Sandton, Johannesburg. Open for lunch from 12h00 to 18h00 and dinner from 18h00 to 22h00. Tel: (011) 467-9721 Email: info@thesteamworks.co.za www.thesteamworks.co.za

BABEL RESTAURANT − Klapmuts Babylonstoren’s garden is an Eden where over 300 varieties of edible plants are grown. Fruit and vegetables are harvested year-round for use in the restaurant. A visit to Babylonstoren is not something to be hurried – take a guided tour of the farm before lunch. A cup of tea and a slice of cake in the Greenhouse is an ideal precursor to lunch. The restaurant is housed in a converted cow shed with floor to ceiling glass walls and white painted original brick. It is light, informal and incredibly chic. Simple, creative meals with edge are served either in the glass enclosed restaurant or under the plane trees in the garden. The stars of the menu are the organically-grown vegetables from the garden, and they are joined by trout, artisanal bread, charcuterie and cheese. A simple philosophy of "pick, clean and serve" ensures food that is fresh, nourishing and as close to what nature intended it to be. Another converted barn has been made into a delicatessen and bakery selling freshly baked breads, homemade charcuterie and cheeses. It houses a wine tasting area as well. Babylonstoren, Klapmuts-Simondium Road, Klapmuts. Open for breakfast from 08h00 to 10h00, Monday to Saturday. Lunch from 12h00 to 16h00, Monday to Saturday. Dinner from 18h30 to 20h30, Friday and Saturday. Tel: (021) 863-3852 Email: enquiries@babylonstoren.com www.babylonstoren.com LE CHAMELEON − Humansdorp More is more at this quaint eatery and gift shop. Passing through the front of the premises where visitors can buy homebaked goods, one arrives in the delightful gift shop. Here you will be tempted by a variety of trinkets worthy of Aladdin’s cave. There are silver animals, book ends, tableware, Charlotte Rhys products, jewellery and other blingy bits. But, it is the restaurant that provides the high point and the setting is suitably over the top as well, with oxblood red walls lined with paintings, mirrors and bottles of wine, lit by Art Nouveau style lamps. Paisley shawls serve as tablecloths and the chairs are comfortable, inviting guests to linger and enjoy. Outdoors, the tea garden provides alfresco dining. Home cooking has never tasted this good! Bobotie, pies with gravy, massive salads, toasted sandwiches and decadent breakfasts are served by ever-smiling waitresses. Giant fluffy omelettes and French toast with green fig preserve, bacon and maple syrup are great brunch options. Linger and savour the ambience. You’ll be back, as much for

THE COUNTESS − Melville, Johannesburg As 27 Boxes in Melville was being built, many locals had feelings of ambivalence. The centre, built from re-purposed shipping containers, has turned out to be just what the suburb needed. Pride of place is taken by The Countess, an authentic American smokehouse whose fabulously fresh artisanal food offers something for everyone. The design is sparse, grungy-steampunk and perfectly suits the centre and style of food. Everything is smoked on site and all produce is fresh and as far as possible locally sourced. Get ready for some seriously inventive food, such as the beer and cheese brûlée topped with smoked chorizo served with toasted ciabatta. On the pasta menu, the truffle mac and cheese is a firm favourite among the restaurant’s regulars. Known for their burgers, the 200g beef burger made from lean mince and oxtail fat is terrific. The sticky pork ribs are a house speciality. Vegetarian offerings are delicious as well and the veg burger is highly recommended. Try the deep-fried battered pickled gherkin as a side. For a typical American finish to your meal, have some Rocky Road ice cream. 27 Boxes, 75 3rd Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 08h30 to 22h00 and Sunday from 08h30 to 18h00. Tel: 082 804-0046 Email: Jenny@theorganicstudio.co.za www.thecountess.co.za the good food, as for the pocket pleasing prices. 53 Voortrekker Road, Humansdorp, Eastern Cape. Open Monday to Friday from 08h30 to 16h00 (Kitchen closes at 15h30). Saturdays from 08h30 to 14h00 (Kitchen closes at 13h30). Closed on Sundays and public holidays. Tel: (042) 291-0262 Email: le.chameleon@agnet.co.za www.facebook.com/LoveLeChameleon

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RESTAURANTS

THE SHORTMARKET CLUB – Cape Town Luke Dale-Roberts of The Test Kitchen fame has partnered in a joint venture with his wife, Sandalene Dale-Roberts, his top chef Wesley Randles and manager Simon Widdison to open The Shortmarket Club in a heritage building just off vibey Bree Street. Dale-Roberts focuses mainly on The Test Kitchen and The Pot Luck Club in Woodstock and is here mainly in a supporting role. The restaurant is unique in its design and it’s a place to relax and really lap up the feeling of luxury that surrounds you. Head chef Wesley Randles, who has worked closely with Dale-Roberts since the opening of The Test Kitchen, is clearly having fun with this big new project. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and, in keeping with its opulent old-world feel, many of the dishes are modern interpretations of classics. Their breakfasts have heralded a new trend for the City Bowl with the likes of shiitake brioche

toast soldiers with boiled eggs, quinoa granola made in-house and classic Arnold Bennett omelette. The open kitchen features a braai barbecue section. Front-of-house manager Simon Widdison comes to the fore with his years of experience on the floor. For him, simple, efficient and personable service is at the core of the diner experience. The restaurant space has been conceptualised and designed by Sandalene Dale-Roberts, Luke’s wife, and her vision is a powerful one creating an uncompromisingly opulent feel. The space has the feeling of a club, with leather and wood used extensively. 88 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town. Open Monday to Saturday for breakfast from 08h00 to 11h00. Lunch from 12h30 to 14h30 and dinner from 19h00 to 11h00. Email: info@theshortmarketclub.co.za www.theshortmarketclub.co.za

THE LOCAL GRILL – Parktown North, Johannesburg Having won the Wolftrap Steakhouse Championships in 2013, 2014 and 2016, owner Steve Maresch has reason to be proud of his accomplishments. Yet, he’s remained humble and treats his guests with genuine warmth. With the drought still raging, Steve’s policy of knowing the farmers who produce his meat is essential to maintaining consistently excellent quality. Diners have a choice between grass-fed and corn-fed beef, perfectly matured on the premises. Patrons are offered a quick pre-meal tour of the kitchen and cold room during which Steve reveals some of his cooking techniques – like using slabs of heated pink Himalayan salt to cook the meat, or cooking with wood from wine barrels to impart a gentle smokiness and wine flavour to the meat. Other than the superb beef, chicken and pork is also on the

menu, and there are a number of seafood options such as calamari tubes and some of the best salmon you’ll find. And, if you have room for it, the dessert menu is a delight. Service is as much part of the package as the food, so expect it to be top-notch. The wine list is extensive and there are a few options for those on a bit of a budget. If you’re interested in learning how to cook great meat, then get a few friends together and book a cooking class. You are sure to learn some very valuable insider secrets. 40 7th Avenue, Parktown North, Johannesburg. Open Monday to Saturday from 12h00 to 14h30 and then from 18h00 to 22h00. Closed on Sundays. Tel: (011) 880-1946 Email: info@localgrill.co.za www.localgrill.co.za

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THE RESTAURANT AT WATERKLOOF − Somerset West Spectacular vistas of the vineyards and False Bay can be enjoyed from the modern space housing Waterkloof Wine Estate’s signature restaurant. A glass and steel eyrie encases the dining area adjacent to the stylish wine tasting lounge and gravitational cellar. Having worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, French chef Gregory Czarnecki brings his expertise to the table in his contemporary classic cuisine that is perfectly complemented by the estate’s elegant biodynamic wines. Presentation is truly art on a plate and takes your taste sensation to spectacular levels where few local chefs compete. As to be expected, this can never be a quick lunch stop venue and the beautiful venue does help to be more forgiving. Allow about three hours to enjoy the Kodak moment cuisine. Art takes time and you will find that you will be more willing to share the pictures than the food.

Fresh seasonal ingredients include free-range eggs, farmreared Schapenberg lamb, sustainably farmed trout, kabeljou and marron, and a variety of common and rare herbs and vegetables – many of which are grown and sourced on the farm. Signature starters include lime-cured trout sashimi, while mains like springbok loin and Magaliesburg duck are paired with foams, reductions and purées. Interestingly, the artisan suppliers of the ingredients are mentioned on the menu, thus allowing patrons a glimpse into the origin of their meal. Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Road, Somerset West, Western Cape. Open for lunch Monday to Sunday from 12h00 to 14h00. Dinner from Monday to Saturday from 19h00 to 21h00. Tel: (021) 858-1491 Email: restaurant@waterkloofwines.co.za www.waterkloofwines.co.za

THE LOOKOUT DECK – Hout Bay, Cape Town Perched right on the water’s edge, the glass-enclosed deck offers gorgeous views over the picturesque Hout Bay harbour and Chapman’s Peak. While seals and dolphins frolic amid yachts and fishing boats mere metres away, sit back and enjoy the laidback vibe. The extensive menu comprises of seafood like freshly caught line fish – brought in daily by local fishermen – Cape rock lobster, prawns, mussels and tuna and calamari steaks. Try the gigantic hake and chips. If you just feel like popping in for a quick nibble and a beer or two, there is a great selection of lighter snack baskets. Wood-fired pizzas and fine cuts of meat are also on the menu. For the more glamorous palate, there are a sushi, Champagne and oyster bar. Live music on selected evenings enlivens sundowner time. Lot 65, Quayside Hout Bay Harbour, Hout Bay. Open daily from 10h00 for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tel: (021) 790-0900 Email: reservations@lookoutdeck.co.za www.thelookoutdeck.co.za

AUBERGINE – Gardens, Cape Town One of the best known restaurants in Cape Town, Aubergine is helmed by chef Harald Bresselschmidt. The interior is chic, service is effortless and the food unvaryingly exquisite. The signature dish, the aubergine soufflé filled with marinated chèvre never fails to disappoint. Meat dishes are cooked to perfection and the grilled beef rib-eye, as well as the saddle of lamb are highly recommended. As legendary as the aubergine soufflé is for starters, the must-have dessert is the cardamom and vanilla crème brûlée. The wine list is excellent and the sommelier is at hand to assist with your selection. Consistently rated among the top restaurants in the country, Aubergine has received many local and international awards. It is the perfect choice for a first date, anniversary or to enjoy a meal with close friends. 39 Barnett Street, Gardens, Cape Town. Open for lunch from 12h00 to 14h00 and dinner from 18h00 to 22h00. Booking is essential. Tel: (021) 465-4909 Email: info@aubergine.co.za www.aubergine.co.za

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RESTAURANTS

KURLAND HOTEL − Plettenberg Bay Kurland ranks among the best romantic luxury hotels in the country. The suites are spectacular and the view is simply staggering. Kurland’s polo ponies grazing happily in their paddocks add to the English country atmosphere. Kurland’s food is hearty and traditional, but executed with gentle flair. The restaurant situated in the homestead is comfortably elegant and the unique Chef’s Table created personally by the Executive Chef is a highlight. Guests are able to choose their dining space according to their mood and tables can be set up in the library, on the verandah, at the pool, in the courtyard, your private terrace, in the heart of the kitchen itself or the rose gardens. As another dining option, Katarina’s Restaurant offers a light yet extensive bistro style menu. During the summer months, dine alfresco on the verandah or inside by the log fire during the winter months. Individual requests and dietary requirements are happily catered for. The wine cellar is a connoisseur’s delight, but also caters to more modest budgets. By all means, spend a night or two to round off a perfect experience. The Crags, N2, Kurland Polo Estate, Plettenberg Bay. Open Monday to Sunday from 08h00 to 22h00. Tel: (044) 534-8082 Email: reservations@kurland.co.za www.kurland.co.za MAKARON RESTAURANT − Stellenbosch The team at Majeka House’s Makaron Restaurant is working in close collaboration with well-known consultant chef Pete GoffeWood to bring an inviting, and altogether more approachable, direction to dining here. Pete Goffe-Wood brings years of first-hand kitchen experience and a wealth of restaurant-industry knowledge to his new consultant role at Majeka House & Spa. He is responsible for directing and mentoring Makaron restaurant’s kitchen team, including head chef Lucas Carstens. Previously at Cuvée, on Simonsig Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, Carstens’ style leans towards locally sourced, ingredient-driven food with a sustainable conscience. It’s clear that Carstens and GoffeWood share a similar philosophy on food. They agree that the focus of good cooking should be all about the flavours on the plate, rather than any disguises or pretence. The hotel’s resident sommelier, Esme Groenewald, who holds a prestigious Cape Sommelier qualification, has tweaked the drinks list to reflect ’proudly Stellenbosch’ and regionally sourced wines, craft beers and artisanal cocktail ingredients.

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DISTRICT SIX – Emmarentia, Johannesburg Unpretentious home-made food and owner-run, this is a little bit of Bo-Kaap in Jozi. Colourfully decorated with old carnival costumes, shelves displaying old tins and teapots, the space has an eclectic vibe. The owner, Grace Fourie is hands-on and known for dishing out hugs. She knows her food, and her clients, and is on hand to give advice. Her staff are like family and guests are made to feel at home while enjoying the personal service. From the small kitchen appear mouth-watering dishes like samosas and pickled fish. The most popular main must be the superbly tender denning vleis, a dish of slow-cooked lamb. There is oxtail in pumpkin stew, chicken curry and some vegetable options as well. Spicing is fragrant and with just enough kick. On the dessert menu you’ll find perhaps the best melktert in all of Johannesburg. Traditional sweets also include Malay koeksisters and pumpkin fritters. No matter what you order, make sure to leave room for dessert! 35 Greenhill Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg. Open on Tuesday to Saturday from 12h00 till late and Sunday from 12h00 to 16h00. Tel: (011) 486-7226 Email: grace157@gmail.com www.districtsixeatery.co.za With its sophisticated, eclectic interiors – a mix of contemporary and antique, local and imported furniture, Makaron provides the perfect backdrop for a new era of accessible, ’bistro chic’ food that is rustic, authentic and modern. 26-32 Houtkapper Street, Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch. Open for lunch from 11h00 to 21h30 and for dinner from 18h30 to 20h30. Tel: (021) 880-1549 Email: reservations@majekahouse.co.za www.majekahouse.co.za

MRS SIMPSON’S − Dullstroom Whether you are driving through Dullstroom on your way to the Kruger, or if you are spending a few days in the area, one restaurant you should visit is Mrs Simpson’s. Owners Bryan Wolmarans and Stephen De Meyer’s over the top ode to Wallace Simpson is crammed to the rafters with vintage shoes, handbags and clothing donated by friends and patrons. The atmosphere is one of small town hospitality infused with generous warmth and humour. The food is home cooking at its best. Dullstroom is trout country and the deboned stuffed rainbow trout is not to be missed. Other mains include slow-cooked lamb shanks and huge soles. If you manage to make it through your mains and have room to spare (not an easy feat!), try one of the dessert options. Signs on both side of the street warn that Wallis, the resident moggie might decide to cross at any time. The speed bump in front of the restaurant has also been painted with brightly coloured cats who are up for ’adoption’ in support of the local kennels. 197 Teding van Berkhout Street, Dullstroom, Mpumalanga. Open for lunch Thursday to Monday from 11h00 to 15h00 and for dinner from Thursday to Saturday from 18h00 to 22h00. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Pets are welcome. Booking is advisable. Tel: (013) 254-0088 Email: mrssimpson@dullstroom.net www.mrssimpsons.co.za

HARVEY’S RESTAURANT AND HARRY’S BAR − Umhlanga Harvey’s is a visual and culinary feast. The décor is a mélange of old and new, black and white, with books lining the walls, black leather padded doors and a massive crystal chandelier commands centre stage in the dining room. Pop into the cocktail bar, Harry’s, for pre or post meal drinks and enjoy some of the most artfully creative cocktails. Attractive waiters dressed in traditional waiter’s attire are well trained and engaging. Owner Andrew Draper is known for his fine food and impeccable hands-on personal service – a reputation he’s worked on for over twenty years. Asian flavours combine with French flair and good old South African home cooking. Tempura, bouillabaisse and teriyaki sit happily side-by side and invite patrons on a culinary journey. Among the starters are Peking duck, complete with mini pancakes, West Coast mussels steamed in white wine and a divine Caesar salad. The seafood casserole in a Noilley Prat and truffle cream is one of the signature main courses and every bit as elegant and decadent as the name suggests. Vegetarians will love the wild mushroom and crêpe gateaux. Their wine list is a connoisseur’s delight and patrons can choose affordable tipples for everyday drinking, or blow-the-budget vintages for special occasions. Shop 13, Umhlanga Centre, 189 Ridge Road, Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal. Open for lunch Tuesday to Saturday, dinner Tuesday to Sunday and breakfasts at the weekend. Tel: (031) 561-4977 www.harveysrestaurant.co.za

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Gay Pages Summer 2016

Articles inside

RESTAURANTS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ORION MONT AUX SOURCES HOTEL Visiting the Drakensberg Amphitheatre in style

OUT AND ABOUT

STRESS It’s not all bad

THE GAY GENE Half of all heterosexuals carry it

KURLAND HOTEL Fit for royalty

TO PrEP, OR NOT TO PrEP Safe sex and HIV prevention

PUTTING THE LOVE IN SLOVENIA Keith Bain falls for a tall man in a tiny land

FINDING OUR HEROES Our community needs leaders to fix the issues