Essays of Africa August 2015

ESSAYS A WOMAN’S JOURNEY

OF AFRICA

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

www.essaysofafrica.com

LOVE YOURSELF FIRST!

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What women want in & out of the bedroom!

AUGUST 2015 • VOL2 • NO9

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GERRY ELSDON

THE GRACEFUL WIFE, MOTHER, MENTOR AND FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH. August Cover.indd 140

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Inside ESSAYS A WOMAN’S JOURNEY

OF AFRICA

AUGUST 2015

cover stories 20

MAIN FASHION: Sports luxe.

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GERRY ELSDON: A wife, mother, mentor and force to be reckoned with.

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RELATIONSHIPS: Love yourself first.

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SEX: What women want in and out of the bedroom.

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NEWS REPORT: The past and future of women in the SA military serve.

people

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30

REAL LIFE: One mother’s dream for her daughter may just end the cycle of poverty in the family.

32

PROFILE: Gender activist, policy maker and entrepreneur, Dr Vuyo Mahlati, strives to make women’s issues a priority.

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Q&A: Dineo Molefe accounts for her success.

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WOMEN’S NETWORK: Nolwandle Mthembu’s flourishing network.

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MAN Q&A: Gerrard Foster shares how he recognised and harnessed the wealth of business potential in Africa.

119 FINAL WORD: Claim your space and do what you need to as a women and a mother.

columns 18

READER’S CORNER: Lerato Maphiliba’s lets go of fear and starts her journey to self-love.

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UNCOVERED: A hard look at the relevance and significance of Women’s Day.

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GUEST BLOG: Nigerian media entrepreneur and

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blogger, Matsie Uzorka, weighs in on fashion in Nigeria and SA. #GAYBESTFRIEND: Your GBF goes cyber vigilanti against online scammers.

features 56

MONEY: How long will it be before women get equal pay in the workplace?

66

PARENTING: Breastfeeding FAQs.

72

HEALTH: Facts about fibroids.

74

MAN FEATURE: What women really want in 2015.

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fashion 17 SEXY 7: The best fashion picks for the month.

19 SHOPPING: Leather is the new denim.

20 MAIN FASHION: Sports luxe.

35 SHOPPING: Cardigans turn up the heat.

36 REAL WOMAN: Bring sexy black!

39 SHOPPING: Sun protection doesn’t get more glam than this.

40 SHOPPING: A touch of masculinity.

42 FASHION NEWS 44

FASHION INTERVIEW: Sandi Mabasa talks about the rapid rise of Fabro Sanz.

52 ITEM OR OUTFIT: A grey tassle bag or whole outfit?

beauty 81 SEXY 7: The best beauty products of the month.

82 MAIN BEAUTY: The pain of pigmentation.

88 BEAUTY NEWS 90 HAIR: Colour me crazy/ beautiful.

lifestyle

20

113 MUSIC

115 TECH NEWS & APPS MOVIES & THEATRE 116

92 FOOD & ENTERTAINING: Clover’s baking inspiration.

regulars

99 DÉCOR STYLE FEATURE: High teas and ladies’ lunches.

08

ON LOCATION

09

EDITOR’S LETTER

102 DÉCOR NEWS

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CONTRIBUTORS’ LIST

104 MOTORING: Women behind the wheel.

11

ONLINE UPDATE

106 TRAVEL: The Hyatt Regency, where business and pleasure meet.

12

LETTERS PAGE

13 SOCIAL SCENE: EOA Women Of Substance Conversation Brunch.

110 ENTERTAINMENT interview: Gallery owner, Hlengiwe Vilakati, helps artists establish their businesses.

112 BOOKS

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MAIN COVER: PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS. STYLING: TUMI MDLULI. HAIR: BONOLO RAMELA. MAKE-UP: LUCOH MHLONGO. FASHION: D’ORÉ LUMINANCE. ACCESSORIES: ROBOT

76 MAN SHOPPING: Swag is confidence.

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SUBSCRIPTIONS PAGE

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117 118

SOCIAL SCENE: Sistaz United Network launch.

HOROSCOPES STOCKISTS PAGE

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ESSAYS www.essaysofafrica.com

CEO of Kwenta Media & Founding Editor of Essays of Africa

Managing Editor Deputy Managing Editor Features Writers Fashion & Beauty Editor Admin & Fashion Assistant DĂŠcor Writer Columnists Contributors Online Features Writers Sub-Editors Proofreader

Nawaal Nolwazi Mdluli

Zama Nkosi Tracy Maher Caryn Thandi Petersen, Hayden Horner, Thina Mthembu, Hlulani Masingi Tumi Mdluli Tebatjo Manamela Rhoda Davids Ndoni Khanyile, Tumi Morake, Hayden Horner, Bulelwa Mokori, Robyn Bloch, Matsie Uzorka, Ndoni Khanyile, Zama Nkosi, Lerato Sekano, Zelia Michaels Shangase, Cathrine Versfeld Thina Mthembu, Hlulani Masingi Tracy Maher, Nadia Goetham Nicky De Bene

Designer Junior Designers Online Administrator

Lelethu Tobi Asanda Mazwi, Siphokazi Masele Mpho Mahlo, Nuraan Motlekar

Production Manager

Tumi Mdluli

Sales Marketing/PR & Events Coordinator Operations & Finance Manager Advisory Board

Office Drivers Publisher Physical Address

Postal Address Websites Advertising Editorial Information & Enquiries Subscription Queries Printers Distribution

New Business Development Team Mbalenhle Fakude Nuraan Motlekar Fazila Bizor, Lindsay Breytenbach, Lindelwa Isabelle, Ndoni Khanyile, Busisiwe Mahlaba, Sen Mdhluli, Moeketsi Mosola, Dr Salifou Siddo, Nthabe Zondo, Sonto Ndlovu Gabriel Mashishi, Yusuf Msinyi

Kwenta Media (Pty) Ltd. Fourways View Office Park, Block C, First Floor, Cnr Sunset Ave and Sunrise Blvd, Fourways Tel: 011 467 5859, Fax: 011 467 2808 Kwenta Media, Essays of Africa: P.O. Box 4437, Dainfern, 2055 www.essaysofsafrica.com / www.kwentamedia.com advertising@essaysofafrica.com / advertising@kwentamedia.com editorial@essaysofafrica.com info@essaysofafrica.com / info@kwentamedia.com subs@essaysofafrica.com

CTP Printers Cape Town RNA (Astrid Anderson) Essays Of Africa Magazine, Website and Webzine are 100% owned and published by Kwenta Media (Pty) Ltd. The editor and publisher reserve the right to alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary.

Copyright by Kwenta Media (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved.

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august 2015

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EOA on location

MOTHER-AND-DAUGHTERS SELFIE TIME: LERATO, GERRY AND PRI.

LUCOH MHLONGO ADDING A LITTLE EYELINER TO THE GORGEOUS GERRY ELSDON.

Glamming up

WITH GERRY ELSDON & HER GIRLS

PRI ENJOYS THE MOMENT, WHILE BONOLO RAMELA STRAIGHTENS HER STRANDS

BOXES AND BOXES OF SHOES! ARE WE IN HEAVEN, LADIES, OR WHAT?

LERATO GETTING READY TO STEP INTO HER LOVELY DRESS.

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TUMI MDLULI AND ZAMA NKOSI ENSURE THAT GERRY’S DRESS FITS PERFECTLY.

WORDS: TRACY MAHER. PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS. HAIR: BONOLO RAMELA. MAKE-UP: LUCOH MHLONGO. LOCATION: HYATT REGENCY, ROSEBANK.

There is a lot that goes into styling a cover shoot, from sourcing the perfect location and outfits, to beautifying the models to get just the right look. But this month, Gerry Elsdon and her daughters, Lerato Legoale and Priyeshka Lutchman (Pri), added just the right amount of elegance, energy and glamour to ensure that the afternoon went without a hitch!

Ess AYS of A frica

2015/07/07 4:40 PM

ED’S LETTER EOA

STEP INTO YOUR

PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS.

true potential ’m running the greatest race of my life; step-bystep, I’m increasingly upping the pace of my journey. I am racing towards my true potential.

I’m after that quiet inner voice that is deeply connected to my spirit. I believe we all know when we’ve found it, or rather when it finds you. For me, I hear it best when I go on long walks or jogs in nature.

Like many of you, I’ve found parts of my potential self in the past but then would get waylaid by stats and doctrines and the next big trend. Sometimes I would get so trapped in someone else’s journey that I would find myself downplaying my knowledge, ignoring my intuition and veering off my true path. Luckily, I was able to pull back and say: “Hang on, this is not my journey. This is someone else’s journey.” It’s been a tough realisation, but one that has left me thankful.

So many of you write to me when you’ve realised that your life’s journeys have not been authentic. You’ve spent years building careers, families and social circles, only to realise that it’s been someone else’s path and you got yourself caught up in it for all the wrong reasons.

As you know, August is Women’s Month in South Africa. It’s a time to celebrate your womanhood, strive for your true potential and connect with your deeper self. I challenge you to use this month to immerse yourself in the goodness of being all you can be. Navigate your space, your life and your day-to-day activities from your core, while listening to your gut. I guarantee that you’ll experience a newfound, inexplicable calmness. But above all, you will recognise a sureness about yourself and your choices that is truly groundbreaking.

So those who haven’t been too successful in their personal journeys… please don’t

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fret or feel defeated. Pick yourselves up again and give it a yet another try. It may require some spiritual meditation to connect and clear the energy, a long walk in nature or a stern yet loving self-talk – whatever it takes, do it for yourself. Just for this month say: “I am going to discover something new inside of me that is true and strong beyond measure. I am going to run towards my true potential.

l a a w a N Nawaal@kwentamedia.com

09

AUGUST 2015

2015/07/07 4:43 PM

Women’s Day to me means the day we get to recognise and celebrate all types of women, whether you are a housewife, a businesswoman or serve your country in the army. We celebrate that your role in society is important. And it also helps us remember what the brave women did for us in 1956 when they marched in Pretoria. It’s also a great reminder that as a woman, I can achieve anything I want.

Asanda Mazwi Junior Designer

Women’s Day, while important for women everywhere to celebrate some of the gains made against inequality, is also an opportunity for men to question how we can support women in the ongoing struggle.

This day doesn’t belong to feminists, it doesn’t even belong to women – it belongs to everyone.

Hayden Horner Features Writer

WOMEN’S DAY WISDOM We asked Essays Of Africa contributors what this Women’s Day means to them.

WORDS AND IMAGES: ASANDA MAZWI, HAYDEN HORNER, TUMI MDLUI, CARYN THANDI PETERSEN.

EOA CONTRIBUTORS

To me, Woman’s Day is a day where we can celebrate the amazing women who played an important part in the history of this country. This is the time where we take joy in being women and celebrate the legends that marched and fought for gender equality and rights for all women in this country. There are three words that I still remember from my history class in high school: leadership, equality and diversity. Today we are where we are because of those amazing women. I still stand by the words: ‘Wathinta’bafazi, wathinti’mbokodo!’ That’s just how strong and powerful women are! Happy Woman’s Month!

Tumi Mdluli – Beauty and Fashion Editor

I think the fact that we have a day – and indeed, a month – that pays tribute to the courage and audacity of women who fought oppression and injustice serves as a constant reminder to me about the ability, and necessity, of tapping into that phenomenal innate power.

More than anything, it’s a month to celebrate the women in my life who continue to challenge and inspire me.

Caryn Thandi Petersen Features Writer

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ONLINE UPDATE EOA

GET SOME RELATIONSHIP ADVICE!

We might not have the answers to all your problems, but we always have something for you to read. Look for valuable tips and advice on our website. Click on Relationships & Sex.

SUBSCRIBE AND GET YOUR DIGITAL COPY!

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If you want to be the first to know what’s hot and what’s not in the world of beauty, fashion and your health, subscribe to our daily online newsletter and we will bring the best lifestyle trends to your inbox, every day! Visit www.essayofafrica. com and subscribe now.

HELP US GET TO 1 000!

Our IG handle is @essaysofafrica and we want to have 1 000 followers by the end of August 2015! Follow us, get your friends to follow us, and don’t forget the rest of your family. There are always so many images to share and we also run social media competitions, so you might just get lucky and WIN* big!

CONTACT US!

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SOCIAL NETWORK: Find Essays Of Africa on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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EOA LETTERS

Your letters YOU INSPIRE

I am so happy for you, my friend. Keep carrying the light for all to see. Thank you, Nawaal Nolwazi Mdluli, for uplifting the womenfolk and for telling great success stories of the continent and everywhere! Amazing! #MyEssays #MyStories #MadeByWomanForWomen #ToldByWomanThroughOthers #ProudMoments Lumka Dlomo A MY JOURNEY EOA

WOMAN OF THE

CONTINENT

business treasure trove of enormous Africa is an untappedfor those willing to embrace the continent. opportunities and supportI FEKE is living proof of this.

SIPHOKAZ

theatres, emergency of patients. In operating technologists take care used for open-heart operate the eqipment (in vitro rooms and clinics, they ram) scans and IVF surgery, EEG (electroencephalog procedures. fertilisation) among other liberated all democracy had not yet The year was 1994 and

teacher beyond where I was living.” that changed. “My maths However, in high school, and my biology teacher was Nigerian were other was Ugandan, my English It made me realise there teacher was from Ghana. people in the world.”

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY of an aunt

she admired and who Following in the footsteps into Durban’s Siphokazi was accepted happened to be a doctor, Technology, to now the University of M.L. Sultan Technikon, study medical technology. council (SRC) student’s representative “I was active in the no black students, were a few classes with and soon realised there classes was clinical Indians. One of those aside from one or two an interest in that field.” clinical technology. So I also took work in a laboratory, While medical technologists

JULY 2015

told me when we were done.” changing courses. “They She was advised against requirements for don’t meet the minimum black students usually But I did qualify. a sweeping statement! admission. Imagine, such year of medical how I would lose the Then they kept emphasising done.” technology I had already “I was quite vocal lose a year to gain a job.

But Siphokazi chose to of heat on them, so didn’t want that kind within the SRC and they they accepted me.”

BARRIERS GENDER AND RACE African woman the first black South

In 2000 Siphokazi became with a focus on in clinical technology, she to earn a qualification She speaks of the challenges nephrology (kidney treatment). speaks about her same unaffected tone she faced at college with the Professions achievements.

I had to register with Health “I only found out when first black female mentioned I was the Council. The lady there had qualified The first black man nephrologist on the database.

BY SIPHOKAZI FEKE.

academic institutions. all of them were about 50 students and “It was a small class of technology in M.L. Sultan offered clinical white. At the time, only teaching hospitals, guaranteed jobs at the us [studying English. Graduates were practicals. The rest of where they did their three-year to compete against each other would have medical technology]

IMAGE: SUPPLIED

own.” them as you would your up, but never far from where she grew Siphokazi Feke may be busineswoman medical practitioner and too far. The South African and has found now lives in Accra, Ghana, from the Eastern Cape gap between the two countries. success in bridging the journey up to Medical Group, her As a founder of BW she tells her short of obstacles, yet her own this point has not been of someone who trusts story with the confidence grew up instincts. and Qunu, where she It all started in Umtata I was curious and sheltered, “Although and went to school. about the world I didn’t ever think opinionated as a child.

WORDS: ZANELE MJI.

of South Africa, me of the rural areas “Communal life reminds It’s governed by ecosystem based on respect. where there’s a certain person to treat even have to know another humanity and you don’t

reputation in this well and have a good to work for the but a small ceilings, Siphokazi went region for delivering excellence, hospitals that Association at At the Pretoria private South African Medical percentage of us are black.” represented a race African Medical that South Siphokazi serviced, she the same time that the Siphokazi believes were at times established. with the rest transformation that patients Association was being Africans need to engage with doctors closely and be uneasy about.

Here she got to liaise of the continent more to the Southern Africa Africa works. She “When you’re called from East, West and open to learning how 2am or 3am, the the key opinion African nurses and emergency unit at and came to know points out how South It helped to discuss is your to the Middle East, last thing you want leaders in different specialties. teachers choose to go family wouldn’t network and countries race. Sometimes the she already had a solid the US when other that and Asia My the patient. before. their skills and want me to touch had visited the region on the continent need but the feel at home. colleagues were supportive pay well for them. “You’ll not ready for in a similar situation misfit. South Africa environment was just As a tip to individuals You won’t feel like a tough first start with the but my home is the me and, after a particularly as her own, she says: “Always was my landing spot you have, and with week, I quit. resources and networks rest of the continent. can endure 27 years intensive.” here saying: She says not everyone something that’s not capital “Sure I’ve heard people compares herself arranged for her country’, but of suffering, as she jokingly The BW Medical Group ‘they’re killing us in who also came from such as the DRC peaceful people. It to Nelson Mandela, patients from countries Ghanaians are a really Africa Qunu.

South because of to her rural hometown and Ghana to travel [the xenophobia] is disappointing on to work is not available in background with As a result, Siphokazi moved for medical care that of our strong historical sales, where she in pharmaceuticals and their countries. the rest of the continent.” doctors across the that Siphokazi believes that Africa built relationships with It was at this point Despite it all, Siphokazi well, but never private nephrology continent. She was doing realised there were no is thriving right now. rising middle lost sight of the next step. clinics to service Ghana’s BW Kidney and could have never class. So, in 2012, the “My father’s generation in Accra. fighting liberation MAKING THINGS Urology Clinic opened done this, they were who Somebody on. so and HAPPEN and civil wars sector, there’s goes and does “As a woman in the corporate EMBRACING DIVERSITY lives in New York easily belief that when you country has it’s off to Florida. Why glass ceilings and this “Each region and individual business in L.A, heads in your career, you of doing things. Not African continent get to a certain level own rhythm and way can’t we open up the the opportunity. But in business school is should be grateful for everything you learn like that?” E. stifled.”

Africans are doing this notion made me feel going to apply. South head against glass Not one to bang her

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three years before me.”

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

JULY 2015

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

IN THE MARKET FOR EOA I am a fan of Essays of Africa and I buy a copy every month because I feel the stories are raw and real and they hit home. I can relate to them, which is something that is rare with other magazines. I also make it a point to market the magazine to other like-minded women. I used to reside in Witbank and it was a struggle to get the magazine. I noticed that it was not in most shopping complexes and garages, except the mall.

I’m now in Nelspruit and I went to clicks at Riverside Mall but I also couldn’t find a copy. I am curious and wonder if this is done purposefully to drive subscriptions or if there is a shortage in the distribution of the magazine? If there is a need for someone who is keen on marketing and distributing the magazine, feel free to contact me. I am one hundred percent passionate about the mag!

Buyile Yvette Khoza

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SOCIAL MEDIA ENTHUSIASTIC CONTRIBUTORS I am an avid reader and writer and, discovering Essays Of Africa to be a great, relevant and interactive magazine, I became interested and have been reading it ever since. I love its unique style that differentiates it from the other magazines on the shelves.

Keep up the good work!

Katlego Lebese

I’d like to say ‘kudos’ to every member of Team EOA! Mawela Mpho Ed: We know you will be ‘smiling for many more days’ when you read this, Mawela! Thank you for being a loyal reader and for inspiring our youth through education.

A few weeks ago I sent in input to your team via email about what a good job you were doing. Oh, my word! You went and published my contributions. (Smiling for days!). The ‘Your letters’ (page 12) is my favourite part of the June 2015 issue!

I took the magazine to work and paraded it in front of some of my learners and colleagues, and by then my family had already been forwarded a picture of the letter, plus the cover page! They were so proud of me! Being an English teacher, I have become so used to reading, editing and appreciating other people’s creative work that I’ve hardly have any time to write down my own thoughts. When you selected my letter, you validated the importance of what I do on a daily basis when I go through each and every one of my learners’ works. Thank you so much for your appreciation. Once again

Beautifully written, congrats, such a beautiful family.

Anastasia Manmohan Stunning cover as I wait in anticipation.

Gloria Mthethwa

So excited to share my first PRINT article! Modern Dads in Essays Of Africa. I made Vije Vimage Vijendranath famous…

Shanéy Vijendranath

I love it! I love it! I love it! Brilliant!

Lebo Keswa Very interesting subjects. Cannot wait to lay my hands my copy!

Sasa Molobela Mapitso Thaisi @DaBrat_Mapz Knew I had to take this mag home the minute I saw it #EssaysOf Africa #newfan inspiration in one mag. Love #Yswaraluxe

We would love to hear your views, news and especially your feedback on the magazine. Email us at letters@ essaysofafrica.com or post your comments on Facebook.com/essayofafrica, @EssaysOfAfrica or EssaysOfAfrica.

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2015/07/07 5:07 PM

SASA MOLOBELA

AUTHOR OF THIS IS HOW WE DO, LIZ DITSHEGO

SINDI XULU, HOD DEPT OF AGRICULTURE

Essays Of Africa

In Nelspruit n Saturday, 4 July, hordes of excited women dressed in their finest gold and black gathered at Casambo Lodge in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga for the first ever Essays Of Africa Women Of Substance breakfast. The breakfast was held with the purpose of taking the brand to the readers, and allowing them to engage with and relate to the brand, as well as promoting a platform for intimate conversations and sharing amongst fellow women.

The day saw entertainment that included author, actress and producer, Pamela Nomvete and author Liz Ditshego, who both delivered their messages with passion and had the audience captivated. More was still to come as further speakers encouraged the women on how to dress well and how to best cope with pigmentation, while sharing uplifting words on womanhood and the importance of women networks.

The event was well facilitated by the programmed director, Sasa Molobela, who was able to keep the guests engaged at all times.

More treats included a fashion show and live music while enjoying a product exhibition display. The editor and founder of Essays Of Africa, Nawaal Nolwazi Mdluli closed the function with generous gifts to few lucky guests during a raffle. E

AUTHOR, PRODUCER AND ACTRESS PAMELA NOMVETE

NOZIPHO ZEE

LEFT TO RIGHT: THE EOA TEAM; TEBATJO MANAMELA, MBALENHLE FAKUDE, NAWAAL NOLWAZI MDLULI, HLULANI MASINGI, TUMI MDLULI AND NONO MDLULI

KHULILE MTETWA

DR NGOBENI

SPONSORS Essays Of Africa would like to thank the following sponsors and clients for their help for making the day such a success. In no particular order: Comfitex, L’Oreal (Dark and Lovely, and Garnier), Neutrogena, Otdeyo Medical Aesthetic Clinic, Posh Accessories, Top Model SA, Lashongwe Designers, Kolour Lifestyle and Thabani Mavundla.

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SOCIAL SCENE EOA

NJABULISO MATSEBULA AND FEZEKA MAHLALELA

WORDS: MBALENHLE FAKUDE. IMAGES: MUZI MBUNGELA.

LEFT TO RIGHT: LINDI MASHABANE, THELMA MDLULI AND FATIMA MKHOMAZI

GUESTS GETTING READY FOR THE EVENT

FASHION SHOW

POSH ACCESSORIES STAND

BUYILE KHOZA AND GUESTS ON THE DANCE FLOOR

FASHION COLLECTION BY KOLOUR LIFESTYLE

LEFT TO RIGHT: PHUMZILE MABUZA, NAWAAL NOLWAZI MDLULI AND BUSI BUTHELEZI

SINDI XULU'S VIP GUESTS

THE GUESTS LOOKED STUNNING IN GOLD AND BLACK GUESTS DURING THE EVENT

GUESTS STANDING TOGETHER IN PRAYER

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PRETTY MHLONGO, GOSPEL SINGER

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EOA SOCIAL SCENE

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WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS.

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ALLIGATOR BAG FRONT, R21 895, ESCADA, D’ORÉ.

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2015/07/07 5:10 PM

EOA READERS’ CORNER

LETTING GO OF FEAR EOA reader, Lerato Maphiliba shares how she let go of fear and started a journey of love and self-acceptance.

Oh fear, you are such a disappointment to yourself!

Instead of making me afraid, you made me realise that I feared things and people that fear me.

You dared me to advance further and higher.

Know for certain that God has multiplied the faith that you so-called ‘little’ Oh fear, did you ever really think that I was going to listen to your lousy voice?

You were always wrong about me, telling me that I will always remain low class, One who will never be appreciated?

Telling me that my business idea will never be upon the earth Telling me that all my desires are just illusions Telling me that I cannot overcome my past.

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A capable, conquering and caring woman lives within me She holds her own pen in her hand And begins to write an essay; Her black mysterious ink fills the blank paper with stories told to her As she discovers her fears of what could have been But did not become because her might kept reminding her not to give into a cycle that shreds her identity.

She is beauty defined.

I used to look at myself through my own mirror and always see an individual.

But one day I looked at myself through my Creator’s mirror.

And wow! I saw a nation.

Venturing forth, penetrating fears, I am a complete, whole and happy essay And I adore myself. E

WORDS AND IMAGE: LERATO MAPHILIBA.

DEAR FEAR Yesterday is gone and so are you, Today is my new day of faith.

For so long have you imprisoned me in my private space?

Afraid to come out; fearing to be judged, And yes, some did judge, criticise and curse But with enough resilience I moved my hips with humility and journeyed on.

For so long have you kept me quiet, Afraid to speak up, thinking I would not be understood, Fearing that my voice is not powerful enough, But even when I had no voice I still made an impact.

For so long have you snared me in doubt of the unknown?

But what if I succeed; will I not then regret not taking the risk?

What if I reach a thousand journeys, will I not then regret not taking the first step?

I will take the chance and reverse it into an opportunity.

Well fear… Behold me now!

I refuse to believe that I am a failure For who I am is way too great to be limited by my name, Way too prevailing to be restrained by my past Way too significant to be irrelevant Way too matured to be fooled Way too glorious to be shamed Way too marvellous to be ignored!

I know no margins, no boundaries and no limits You tried to contain me and almost killed me But I am free and super!

EssAY S of Afric a

2015/07/07 5:12 PM

Shopping

TRENDY FAUX LEATHER JACKET, R1 999, TOM TAILOR, EDGARS.

FASHION EOA

BLACK CROSS ZIP LEATHER JACKET, R7 999, DAY BIRGER.

BIKER SOLID LEATHER JACKET, R10 999, G-STAR RAW.

LEATHER IS THE NEW DENIM Leather never goes out of style and is perfect for any occasion.

WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS.

BLACK SHEEP LEATHER ZIP-THRU JACKET, R2 349, UTOPIA, ZANDO.

CADE CONTOUR ZIP HIGH SUPER SKINNY PANT, R2 999, G-STAR RAW.

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FAUX LEATHER SKIRT, R999, TOM TAILOR, EDGARS. LEATHER TROUSER, R8 799, DAY BIRGER.

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2015/07/07 7:55 PM

PRO INDY DOT BRA, R529, NIKE, TOTALSPORTS. PRINTED RELAY CROP TOP, R599, NIKE, TOTALSPORTS. NIKE WOMEN’S FLEX TRAINERS, R7, TOTALSPORTS. LADIES CLIMATE FIT, R349, ADIDAS, TOTALSPORTS. BLACK BICYCLE, R6 000, CYCLE SCIENCE.

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FASHION MAIN EOA

SPORTS

Luxe

From Sporty Spice to Posh Spice in one effortless move.

BLOUSON POPELS, R449, MANGO. SLEEVELESS COAT, R859, ZARA. BLACK TROUSERS, R649, MANGO. CHEOWIA BLACK HEELS, R1 199, ALDO. SOCCER BALL, R199, ADIDAS, SPORTSMANS WAREHOUSE.

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AUGUST 2015

2015/07/07 6:00 PM

Carry your active look into your everyday style.

WHITE SLEEVELESS COAT, R899, TOPSHOP. WHITE DETAILED DRESS, R949, TOPSHOP. BLACK AND CREAM YADOVEN HEELS, R499, CALL IT SPRING.

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FASHION main EOA

WHITE JACKET, R3 250, LACOSTE. SAOWIA SNEAKERS, R999, ALDO.

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ONE-PIECE SUIT PETUNIAS, R1 299, MANGO. L/S MAGGIE DRESSY SHIRT, R699, GUESS. BLUE HEELS, R199, ALDO. BLUE BICYCLE, R6 000, CYCLE SCIENCE.

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FASHION main EOA

L/S REGLAN GRAPHIC LOGO SWEATER, R699, GUESS. WOVEN PLEATED SKO, FUSION, TOTALSPORTS. TENNIS RACKET, R249, SPORTSMAN WAREHOUSE.

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2015/07/07 5:33 PM

LADIES’ MAROON GOLFER, R1 650, LACOSTE. LADIES’ MAROON TROUSERS, R2 250, LACOSTE. WOMEN’S NIKE FLEX TRAINERS, R799, NIKE, TOTALSPORTS. LADIES’ TECH FIT B, R499, ADIDAS, TOTALSPORTS. OVERNIGHT BAG, R8 550, LACOSTE. WOMEN’S ZOOM STRUCTURE, R1 599, NIKE, TOTALSPORTS.

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DRAPED FAUX FIR VEST, R1 699, GUESS. MESH NET PONTE LEGGING, R899, GUESS. RED AZARA SHOES, R1 499, ALDO.

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FASHION main EOA

LIVE DRESS, R1 850, LACOSTE. BLACK AND GOLD RENO STUDDED SNEAKERS, R999, SISSY BOY, STUTTAFORDS. HEAVY LONG LENGTHER, R349, NIKE, TOTALSPORTS.

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2015/07/07 5:34 PM

The perfect combination of style and sport.

WOMEN’S NIKE FLEX TRAINERS, R799, TOTALSPORTS. LADIES’ TECH FIT B, R499, ADIDAS, TOTALSPORTS. OVERNIGHT BAG, R8 550, LACOSTE. WOMEN’S ZOOM STRUCTURE, R1 599, NIKE, TOTALSPORTS.

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FASHION main EOA

WORDS AND STYLIST: TUMI MDLUDLI. PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS. MAKE-UP: LUCOH MHLONGO. DRESSED BY: STOCKISTS.

GREY SLACKS, R849, TOPSHOP. GREY L/S SHIRT, R389, TOPSHOP. L1212 BAG, R1 295, LACOSTE. STECY SILVER FOIL SHOES, R899, STEVE MADDEN.

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PROUD MOTHER MORWESI MOOKETSI READY TO WALK HER DAUGHTER, KAMO, TO SCHOOL

MOTHER IS ANOTHER WORD FOR LOVE

“You might not have anything monetary to give to your children, but if you have love, that means more than anything else.” This is how our conversation started with mother and domestic worker, Morwesi Mooketsi.

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other’ is the first word that comes to mind as you watch Mooketsi approach. Opening the interview, she says, “Hiding the truth from your children can destroy relationships in families, so much damage can be avoided.” This introduction changes the initial angle of my interview completely and leads us to talking about her very humble beginnings.

Morwesi Mooketsi was the firstborn child of nine children from Kuruman in North West province. Before their mother reconciled with her stepfather, she and her eight siblings and her mother lived at her grandmother’s house. Although their family was poor, this was the only life they knew. Mooketsi says with a smile, “We knew we were poor, but when you’re that young, you look at everything through the innocent eyes of a child. We would go for a whole year without the pleasure of eating rice, can you imagine that?”

When Mooketsi was 15, her mother reconciled with her stepfather, although at the time she didn’t know that he wasn’t her biological dad. She was happy, thinking that life would be better now that they’d moved out from her grandmother’s place. Sadly this was not the case. “We were staying at my stepfather’s house, but our grandmother was still our provider,” she explains. “He worked, but we still had to go to my grandma’s house and beg for food, how does that even make sense?”

Mooketsi said that she only had one friend growing up and he was a ‘cool guy’.

Better still, he had a brother and it was this brother who would change her life forever.

At the age of 18, she fell pregnant and this brought about a change in how her father treated her – for the worse – leading Mooketsi to learn that he was not her biological father. Times were tough and the father of her baby only contributed financially for the first month after her daughter was born; thereafter, no one helped her except for her aunt, Lydia.

Mooketsi says gratefully, “She did so much for me. She is one of those people who you can count on, I’m the woman I am today because of her!”

At the age of 19, she decided that the best thing she could do for herself and her daughter, was to find a job. She left her baby with her mother, and she and her cousin went to Dinkgwe, also in North West province, to seek employment as

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

2015/07/07 5:39 PM

WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGES: KWENTA MEDIA.

REAL LIFE EOA domestic workers. Making a measly R80, she used this money to buy maize meal and flour, what little supplies were needed back at home. After four months she left her job and went back home. She decided to write a letter to Lydia, who was in Johannesburg, asking her to help her get a job and in June 1993, Mooketsi moved to Johannesburg to stay and work alongside her aunt.

For a year, her aunt taught her all the skills she would need, from dusting and sweeping, to washing and ironing. “She took her time and taught me well. I even got paid R100 per month and believe when I say, that money did so much for me. I am sure my aunt added a few notes on the side!” She said when the year ended, she had saved a lot of money, so she and her aunt filled up two boxes with goods to send home.

In 1994, Mr Charles Lykes*, who according to Mooketsi was and still is a Godsend, the son-in-law of her former boss hired her and this was just the opportunity that she needed. “It was during this time that I decided to move out of my mother’s house, so I took both my daughters and we moved to our own shack, which later became a four-roomed house,” she explains.

One rainy day in 2009, her little daughter Kamogele was coming home from school and she didn’t have house keys to get in.

“When you get a phone call saying that your child got stuck in the rain and there was nothing you could do about it – no child deserves to go through such an ordeal alone! How does a mother go to sleep in a warm, comfortable room without knowing if her child is okay?” Mr Charles saw how distressed Mooketsi was and insisted that little Kamo was to come and live with her mother in Johannesburg.

However, the move turned out to be bit stressful for Kamo. Coming from a family and school where the language was mostly Setswana, she now had to change to communicating in English. After hearing that a little girl in Kamo’s class was bullying her, they had her moved to another class.

Mooketsi shares, “I remember telling Kamo that if a person has a problem with you, you aren’t the problem, that person is. After that, she never looked back and pretty much outshone her peers.”

The loving mother shares a ‘special routine’ she practises with her now teenaged daughter every day. “I wake up every morning around 4am and prepare breakfast for Kamo. After that I carry her

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school bag and walk her to the school shuttle. It doesn’t matter if I’m sick or faced with a busy day. My Kamo never carries her school bag, nor does she walk to the shuttle and back home alone,” she says.

When asked how this came about, and why she doesn’t let Kamo be a ‘big girl’ and do it all on her own, she chuckles fondly and says, “I can’t just sleep and let her do everything on her own. I want my baby to have the kind of love I never got from my own mother. She’s 15 years old now, but I still comb her hair.”

Mooketsi says she knows how easily young girls can be misled easily by men and she talks about how different it was for her growing up. She didn’t have anyone to tell her what to do, say or think, or how cautious to be when a man came up to her, and this is why she always makes it a point that she takes and fetches Kamo at the shuttle stop. “All of this is done so that she has a chance in life. I give so much love so that she doesn’t feel the need to go look for it outside. So much could go wrong,” she

warns. “I always tell her not to accept lifts from strangers, and if she gets left behind by the shuttle, I meet her half way from or to school.”

Like any other mother, Mooketsi has dreams for her children. “I want my children to have a good life. I don’t want Kamo to be a domestic worker – not that there’s anything wrong with being one, but she has an opportunity to be more!

I tell her every day that education is the key to success. I do homework with her, and Mr Charles and his children assist her where I can’t. She knows that education empowers and doesn’t disappoint. If she passes her matric, Mr Charles has said that he will pay for her tertiary education, so this means my baby girl can actually become a businesswoman and live in a big house! She is my hope and she’s actually going to be the first one in the family to matriculate. She will be the one to cut the poverty cord in my family. Can you believe that, my little Kamo?” E * Name has been changed.

HOMEWORK TIME

“I tell her every day that education is the key to success. I do homework with her, and Mr Charles and his children assist her where I can’t. She knows that education empowers and doesn’t disappoint.”

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DR VUYO MAHLATI

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PROFILE EOA

DETERMINED TO MAKE

a difference

From humble beginnings in Transkei to heading the International Women’s Forum of South Africa, Dr Vuyo Mahlati’s career as a policy specialist, gender activist and entrepreneur is something to showcase and emulate.

WORDS: BULELWA MOKORI. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY DR VUYO MAHLATI.

Women empowerment is a hot topic that’s on the lips of many, but the tough job of ensuring it becomes a reality isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Dr Vuyo Mahlati, however, welcomes the challenge as she strives to make women’s issues a priority wherever she finds herself professionally. The current president of the International Women’s Forum of South Africa (IWFSA), where her work has seen her making huge strides for women empowerment, her role at IWFSA is another milestone in an already successful career.

This Eastern Cape-born gender activist and public policy specialist says her career started off unknowingly when she signed up to do volunteer work in her community while she was still in school. It was here that her interest in community development was piqued.

THE CONFIDENCE TO SPEAK UP Dr Mahlati’s career has seen her work in positions where having a strong voice, especially as a woman, was paramount.

Luckily for her, she says she already had the self-assurance and confidence required to make her mark, and being raised in patriarchal rural Transkei helped her immensely. She says, “I was the lastborn girl to my parents and youngest sibling to four brothers. Being the lastborn and only girl exposed me to lots of love and the constant push for the amplification of my voice. So I had to take myself seriously and position myself in conversation.”

“This meant I had to read and always come up with something new they had not thought of,” she explains. “There was no Google then, and seeking knowledge was quite an effort for an African girl

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child. When my brothers argued, I would mediate fairly and as a result, my opinion mattered. I didn’t realise that those traits would carry me through my life.”

Dr Mahlati’s empowering voice and work is influencing the lives of many.

Internationally, she serves on a number of boards and she is recognised as a global thought leader. Locally, she spearheads a poverty eradication unit that trains unemployed rural matriculants as social auxiliary workers. “My work in fighting poverty goes back to 2005, when I was appointed chairperson of the South African Women in Dialogue Development Commission,” she adds.

But this isn’t the only hat Dr Mahlati wears. She also works with urban development, gender equality, policy implementation and global macroeconomic framework initiatives. Apart from the stellar work she’s been doing, Dr Mahlati has always been intent on studying, hence her string of degrees, including a BSc in biological and health sciences courses, a PhD from the University of Stellenbosch, and an MSc from Britain’s London School of Economics and Political Science. Yet with all these academic qualifications to her name, she remains humble and hardworking, a characteristic she attributes to the way she was raised. “The exposure to township, farm and village life early in my life is something I will always treasure,” she says humbly.

A FORUM FOR CHANGE In May 2015, IWFSA hosted the International Women’s Forum World Cornerstone Conference. “The theme was ‘Legacy and Inheritance: Journey to the Future’, and we believe it galvanised

and called to critical action our leaders, both men and women,” explains Dr Mahlati, keen to remind people that in the past 20 years, South Africa has made remarkable strides, and our economic growth is shaping a new frontier of opportunities throughout the African continent. “We wanted to showcase the great achievements and impact of women from all over,” she emphasises.

Even though this was the second time that IWFSA hosted this prestigious conference, Dr Mahlati is aware that there is still much work to be done. She attended the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women held in New York in March, where her thoughts were confirmed.

“We analysed the Beijing Platform and the Millennium Development Goals reflecting on women advancement and societal progress,” Dr Mahlati shares. “So much has been achieved, but we still have a lot of ground to cover. I would like to tell other women that it’s important that we align ourselves with the processes of the Beijing plus-20 review. As women, we have to influence the direction of interventions for transformative and sustainable change.”

THE GIFT OF BALANCE Her successful career has been aided by her support system and Dr Mahlati credits her husband of almost 30 years and her mother, who is now in her eighties, as being her most loyal supporters. “Raising children and juggling a demanding career would not have been possible without my husband. Also, to complete a masters and doctorate, and to support my children to study to masters level too, is an achievement I’m most proud of. I attribute it all to love, hard work and the determination to make a difference.” E

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EOA UNCOVERED

A HARD LOOK AT WOMEN’S DAY

s a feminist, I struggle with the notion of celebrating Women’s Day. I agree that we have to use any and all opportunities at our disposal to bring attention to the work of achieving gender equality in our society and the progress (or lack thereof) of programmes that are tasked with meeting both the Millennium Development Goals and the Beijing Declaration.

Governments across the globe committed to take drastic action to bridge the gender gap because, on paper at least, they understand that the key to development for nation states and regions is improving the living conditions and overall health of women everywhere.

This is partly why I choose to identify as a feminist. For me, the label goes beyond my own personal beliefs and aligns me to a global movement that is actively working towards the liberation of all women. I see it as a matter of life and death. Now, maybe, you can understand my irritation and even anger towards the endless ‘Happy Women’s Day’ advertising that we’re subjected to throughout the month of August. Too often it feels that the message is positioned to drive consumerism.

Companies invoke the images and slogans of the iconic women’s march on the Union Buildings in 1956 while selling us diamonds, shoes and spa pamper packages, making the day easily interchangeable with Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day or any other birthday. It is this erasure of the history of the women’s movement in our country and the magnitude of the work that

lies ahead of us that I find so difficult to stomach.

We are at a place where women in South Africa, especially black women, are more educated, have access to more and better jobs and generally have more agency over their lives than ever before. I can see this clearly when looking at the generations of women in my family – enormous leaps have been made. But, this does not change the fact that 53.5 percent of black African women 25 years and older have less than grade 12 education and 30.8 percent are employed versus the 56.1 percent of white women that are employed, and our mean hourly earnings are R23 compared to the R64 per hour of our white female counterparts.

There is still much work to be done in ensuring African women are fully included and have wage parity in our economy, have access to quality education and hold seats of power and influence in both public and private sectors.

The Freedom Charter enshrines non-racialism alongside nonsexism because the men and women who fought the hardest battles knew that South Africa would never thrive if African women were not liberated, healthy and thriving. Surely in 2015 it is time to change how we think about, talk about and position Women’s Day/Month? So this year, anyone who wishes me a ‘Happy Women’s Day’ will be met with a fist pump and an A Luta Continua because this struggle is indeed ongoing and it requires all our participation and engagement at every level. E

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IMAGE: ©ISTOCK.COM.

It’s easy to get caught up in spa treatments and other distractions when it comes to celebrating Women’s Month. Ndoni Khanyile reminds us why Women’s Day is still so significant.

Essays of A frica

2015/07/07 5:39 PM

Shopping

FASHION EOA ATILLA BLACK CARDIGAN WITH GOLD BUTTONS, R2 300, TED BAKER.

ONIVIA WHITE CARDIGAN, R1 999, TED BAKER. GREY OPEN CARDIGAN, R130, MRP.

WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS.

BLACK CARDIGAN, R2 200, KAREN MILLEN.

BURGUNDY LONGER LENGTH CARDIGAN, R170, MRP.

PLEATHER CARDIGAN, R2 799, ERROL ARENDZ, ZANDO.

CARDIGANS TURN UP THE HEAT With winter on its way out, these beautiful cardigans will keep out the chill without the bulk of coats! .

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BRING SEXY BLACK! ‘Simplicity is the key note of all true elegance’ and Phumi Mashego shows us just how to carry off this simple elegance in black.

BLACK DRESS W/ AFRICAN PRINT BELT, R1 500, MANTSHO. BLACK AND CREAM YADOVEN HEELS, R499, CALL IT SPRING.

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REAL WOMAN EOA TOP CHAIN PEPLUM, R479, CITY CHIC. LEGGING W/ LEATHER TRIM, R299, COTTON ON. BLACK AND CREAM WERNER SHOES, R2 500, MASKA.

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DRESS W/ STUD STAR, R749, CITY CHIC. BLACK AND GOLD CECCONELLO SHOES, R2 700, MASKA.

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EOA REAL WOMAN HIGH-WAIST WIDE-LEG PANTS, R950, COUNTRY ROAD, WOOLWORTHS. KITTEN BOW TOP, R650, COUNTRY ROAD, WOOLWORTHS. GOLD PUMPS, R499, ZARA.

STYLIST: TUMI MDLULI. PHOTOGRAHER: GARETH JACOBS. MAKE-UP: LUCOH MHLONGO.

HIGH NECK TOP, R600, TRUWORTHS. SKIRT MIDI LACE TUBE, R549, CITY CHIC. BLACK AND CREAM WERNER SHOES, R2 500, MASKA.

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Shopping

FASHION EOA

BLACK TOM FORD SUNGLASSES, FROM R4 800, SDM EYEWEAR.

SUNGLASSES W/ GOLD FRAME, FROM R5 300, BALENCIAGA.

CHAPLIN BOWLER HAT, R169, XOXO, ZANDO.

TOM FORD SUNGLASSES, FROM R4 800, SDM EYEWEAR.

WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS.

WIDE-BRIM HAT, R249, TWEET, ZANDO.

SUN PROTECTION DOESN’T GET MORE GLAM THAN THIS! Accessorise your everyday look with these stunning hats and sunnies.

CHARCOAL SUNHAT, R149, MRP.

MANHAT FELT, R139, MRP. TOM FORD SUNGLASSES W/NUDE FRAME, FROM R5 300, BALENCIAGA.

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PINK FELT SUNHAT, R149, MRP.

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Shopping ORANGE BROGUES, R4 999, TED BAKER.

YELLOW BROGUES, R4 999, TED BAKER.

CROC PRINT BROGUES, R4 999, DAY BIRGER.

TREENA METAL LOAFER, R1 249, COUNTRY ROAD, WOOLWORTHS.

CADIE BROGUESOXFORD, R1 249, COUNTRY ROAD, WOOLWORTHS.

MANSHOE BROGUES, R130, MRP.

A TOUCH OF MASCULINITY If you find traditional brogues a bit too masculine, these flats offer a feminine flair with their exciting shapes and colours.

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WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS.

POINTY LACE-UP SHOES, R350, WOOLWORTHS.

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BLOGGER COLUMN EOA

AFRICA IS THE PLACE TO BE

WORDS AND IMAGES: MATSIE UZORKA.

Nigerian media entrepreneur and blogger, Matsie Uzorka, weighs in on fashion in Nigeria and SA, while celebrating the vibrant energy the continent is enjoying right now.

omparing South African and Nigerian fashion is like comparing apples with grapes. I find South Africans have a more laidback, conservative style and are very in touch with the continent. There is a subtle need to showcase your individual style and your choices should have a deeper meaning; a connection to your Africanness. There is a strong ‘buy local’ ethos, but when it comes to luxury fashion the haute couture names, like Louis Vuitton and Gucci, are more popular.

The social scene in South Africa serves as a platform for the stylish, for informal social gatherings at places like Arts on Main and Neighbourgoods market, where a solid day out will keep you up to date with recent trends. Fashion is ubiquitous in Joburg and Cape Town.

Nigerians, on the other hand, are unapologetically label-conscious and very experimental with their fashion choices. Many have visited or lived in the USA or UK, with London being a firm favourite and big inspiration in their fashion choices. Style is innate to Nigerians, almost like a birthright, and I find the Nigerian fashion, specifically in Lagos, to be very elitist. Expect to find everything from 1960s

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Lanvin dresses to a growing Olympia Le Tan clutch cult. You see, with Nigerians there is no middle of the road. As they say, ‘you either have it or you don’t’. You really have to be clued up, from Urania Gazelli to Yazbukey to Bottega Venetta, the more unpronounceable the name the better.

Even though South Africa and Nigeria are far apart fashionwise, it’s beautiful to see a nonconformist generation emerge from both countries and the rest of the continent. African fashion designers are doing the continent proud and to a large extent, are a representation of the state of mind of fashion-conscious South Africans or Nigerians.

There are many flying that flag: Lisa Folawiyo showcasing absolutely brilliant print perfection at New York Fashion week; David Tlale schooling the fashion world on African sophisticated chic; artist Nelson Makamo and House of Ole collaboration featuring hand-painted faces and designs on clothing, and the vibrancy of MaXhosa Laduma’s inspired knitwear.

High-street designers have also come out in their droves, with Iconola and Michelle Ludek being my faves and competing with international high-street brands, while fashion and digital influencers are also pushing the boundaries and lifestyle brands are part of the new African moment.

The continent is bursting at its seams and it’s refreshing to see a generational mind-set change.

People want to live better and are more demanding from their respective leaderships. The energy of the continent has also affected me. I am the founder of WAKOYO.TV a digital media platform/blog showcasing art, lifestyle, music and short films of African origin. After much la di da from my friends, I decided to take the plunge and start a blog focusing on my personal style. Both platforms have been a brilliant avenue to showcase my creativity and passion for the continent! E

Visit Matsie Uzorka’s personal style blog: www.shestoopstoconquer.com.

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EOA FASHION NEWS

When you think fashion, gospel is likely the last thing that comes to mind. With Fashion Meets Gospel, talented fashion designers and beauty professionals join hands with gospel musicians in a joyous celebration. Rub shoulders with the likes of Katlego Danke, Sophie Ndaba, Pearl Modiadie and Jessica Nkosi! Tickets available at Computicket.

Venue: The Barnyard Theatre, Rivonia, Johannesburg Date: 8 August 2015 Time: 5:00pm Ticket Prizes: R250 to R300 Tel: 011 234 2033

LIGHTS, CAMERA, FASHION

The 2015 Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) is here and the selection for young and emerging designers is well underway! Greg Wallis, Sindi Shangase, Sim Tshabalala, Pearl Mzimela and Nondumiso Mhlongo were spotted judging hundreds of storyboards sent through by designers who have entered this year’s Durban Fashion Fair that will be held later this month, from 26 to 29 August.

The DFF isn’t just about fashion, it also offers local and international mentorship programmes, and goes out to discover ‘fresh faces’ for the catwalk, thus putting Durban on the fashion map! To find out more on who will be selected, visit www.facebook. com/DurbanFashionFair!

LEATHER JACKETS ALL YEAR ROUND WHERE’S YOUR LBD?

All women need to have that perfect little black dress (LBD) that comes out to play every so often! The LBD’s silhouette might have changed over the years, but it is still the one garment no woman can do without. With spring a few weeks away, we advise that you add this little number to your wardrobe and make it a point to go big with your accessories for the best effect. Visit burgundyfly.co.za and see what you can get but be forewarned, you might just end up buying more than one dress!

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Leather jackets are versatile and will never run out of style. Loved by both men and women, they have become an important part of the fashion industry and can be found boasting snap pockets, zipped cuffs or special nylon lining. So if you have a little – or a lot – of extra cash, style up your wardrobe with a new leather jacket this season! E

WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. SOURCES: EDMUND MOLATHE; COMPUTICKET; BURGUNDY FLY ,IMAGES: ©ISTOCK.COM; BURGUNDY FLY, DURBAN FASHION FAIR.

FASHION MEETS GOSPEL!

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RISING TO THE TOP OF CHIC

SANDI MABASA, THE WOMAN BEHIND FABRO SANZ

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ith the fashion world throughout the continent growing at warp speed, there are brands that have stood out and grabbed the attention of the style savvy. Fabro Sanz is one of those brands and the woman behind it now has two stores, one in Durban and one in Melrose, Johannesburg. Here’s what Sandi Mabasa has to say about style, trends and business.

go looking for fabrics. Eventually the demand for our products grew and in 2011, I quit my job to focus on Fabro Sanz fulltime.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO FASHION? I began thinking about working in the fashion industry when I started travelling internationally and would see clothes there that we didn’t have in South Africa. In 2010, I enrolled in sewing school and started making clothes for myself. My friends started noticing my clothes and would ask me to make items for them to wear. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, I made dresses that featured the colours of the South African flag on them because I don’t like soccer jerseys, but I still wanted to be supportive of our country. Those dresses became very popular and I realised that I could turn this into a business. I was still working fulltime as an executive assistant, so I hired a seamstress and used my spare room at home to do the work and during my lunch break, I would

TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THE RAPID SUCCESS OF THE FABRO SANZ BRAND? Designers sometimes forget that even though it’s about fashion, it’s still a business from which you need to earn a living. I knew from the onset that I had to put my all into my business. I used the knowledge from my marketing studies to get my brand out there: I collaborated with several celebrities, like DJ Zinhle, Nandi Mngoma and Jessica Nkosi, and that helped make my work more visible to the public; and I started styling for magazines, which worked in my favour because I would style using my clothes.

During one of my jobs as a commercial stylist, I met a producer who would later work on Our Perfect Wedding, and he recommended me for the styling of the show. That was a huge breakthrough because the show has such a huge

WORDS: ZAMA NKOSI. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY FABRO SANZ.

Sandi Mabasa’s eye for fashion has led to her building a recognisable and popular South African fashion label.

EOA spoke to the woman behind the Fabro Sanz brand.

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FASHION INTERVIEW EOA

“I always say our signature is ‘modern classic’, for women who understand their bodies and who want to dress appropriately so that they look well put together.”

following. I dressed Brenda Ngxoli and Phumeza Mda and started getting calls from all over the country, which helped my business in a major way. People started to recognise the name Fabro Sanz and the quality of our work.

What Kind Of Woman Does Your Brand Aim To Dress?

I always say our signature is ‘modern classic’, for women who understand their bodies and who want to dress appropriately so that they look well put together. It’s for women who don’t try too hard to follow trends, yet they know how to look current. There’s also a touch of vintage in our styles adds a further touch of class. One of the reasons our brand is so unlike other brands is that we don’t exclude people; our prices are reasonable and you get quality merchandise. We don’t intimidate women into feeling that our clothes are not for them.

What Items Would You Say A Women Needs To Start A Great Wardrobe?

When building your wardrobe, remember to think about your life and work around it because your lifestyle determines your style.  A black dress that suits your body shape. It’s easy to play around with and is easily accessorised.  A crisp white shirt.  A pair of well-fitting jeans.  Black court shoes that go with anything.  A blazer that you can dress up and down.

What Are Some Of The Most Common Fashion Mistakes That You See? Everyone can look good at any size, but it kills a look when you wear things that don’t work for your body shape. Many people come into the shop wanting us to customcreate a dress that was worn by Beyoncé, but they don’t have a Beyoncé body. If you dress for the body you have, you can look amazing. I also find that women don’t understand that good undergarments like spanx are for everyone, not just big women. They can make all the difference to a look! E

For more info on Fabro Sanz, visit www. fabrosanz.com.

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There’s something about

Gerry Gerry Elsdon has been in the public eye for over 20 years and managed to do it with a lot of grace, a bright smile and a positive disposition. EOA spoke to her about her journey to becoming the woman she is today – a wife, mother, mentor and force to be reckoned with.

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COVER STORY EOA

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erry Elsdon is a household name in South Africa, with a career that inspired many women of colour to follow in her footsteps. When she walks into our room at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Rosebank, she is a smiling, energetic and eager-to-help force.

Her small size is deceptive, because the energy she carries quickly envelops the space and is quite infectious.

She arrives at our shoot while her two daughters, models Priyeshka Lutchman (22) and Lerato Legoale (27), are getting their hair and make-up done. The bond between them is evident and they start joking with each other. It takes a while to realise that Gerry is actually in a considerable amount of pain because of dental work she’s had done. Not one to be easily deterred, she goes through the entire shoot without uttering a word of complaint; instead she is bubbly, helpful and keen to get the job done professionally. Her daughters, Pri and Lerato, follow her energy and what ensues is a seamless shoot that has an air of playfulness to it – refreshing and fun, even on a stressful workday.

Although Gerry has been in the public eye for a long time, she has always been a bit of an enigma, with stories about her personal life being few and far between. The last big public gig she was involved in was the putting together of the ANN 7 team for its launch, working with them as an executive producer as well as anchoring the station’s morning show. She may not be in front of a TV screen right now, but Gerry’s life is brimming over with family, love, new passions and plans to climb Mount Kilimajaro for charity.

FINDING A PURPOSE

When Gerry left ANN7 18 months ago, she says she needed a bit of a break from a busy career that has spanned two decades. “I have been gainfully employed since I was 14 years old, so when I left ANN7, I realised that I needed to step back, follow my heart and support others,” she explains. After a few weeks of being able to sleep in and get some downtime, the need to keep busy resurfaced.

“That time was glorious because I got to really be at home and spend time with my family.

“I don’t hold on to toxicity.

A life of serenity is a life beautifully lived. Yes, I cry and hurt and worry, but then I take it to God.” a ug ust 2 0 1 5

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COVER STORY EOA church can be used in the workplace and vice versa. “The plan from here is to begin developmental roadshows; I now understand my value to the larger society of women. I’ve come to realise that I don’t just live for me,” she says thoughtfully, “and that at my most exhausting, young women still want mentoring from me and I am here to serve. Twenty years ago I was moving at warp speed. I was my first priority even though I was considerate of others. I took myself so seriously and everything had to have an end goal. Now I want to enjoy the beauty life has to offer and help ensure that someone else meets their end goal.”

CALL ME MOM

FROM LEFT: LERATO, GERRY AND PRI

“I have always been a nurturer, so in that sense, motherhood came quite naturally to me.

I love working towards raising substantial human beings and encouraging those behind me so that they surpass me in many ways.”

My time was still busy with MCing gigs and other commitments, but I needed that little bit of a break.”

Post her mini-break, Gerry started the work she does with her company Gerry E Sustainability. She says, “My company helps corporates find the correct means to use their CSI spend. People want to help but don’t always know how and through the work we do, we show that the little they do amounts to something substantial for someone else.”

During the shoot, Gerry mentions to her daughters that she needs to get home to cook for the Bible study group.

It’s with this in mind that I ask her about

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spirituality. “I have always had a great relationship with the Lord, but never stepped into my spiritual gifts. This year, I studied under my pastor and became more active in the ministry. I now head up city life groups, which are fellowship groups. I wouldn’t have thought about doing this in the past because I was so career-oriented,” she admits. “While doing this, I have discovered other gifts.

It’s so amazing that after all my years of being in the church I am now able to minister to the lives of others. It has surprised me.”

Gerry says it has been interesting to see how some of the lessons from

Gerry has been very vocal about the fact that she has been unable to have children of her own. She was diagnosed with TB of the womb but that hasn’t stopped her from having a family of her own. Her husband Kerry has grown children from his previous relationships and the couple is registered as foster parents, something Gerry says further opens up their home for children. “Our family is like the United Colours of Benetton. Pri came into our life after she won Miss FTV Africa, which I was running at the time. She won and when she moved to Johannesburg, her mother asked that we take care of her and we did. Lerato came to visit Pri and we got closer during that time. I always say she came to visit and never left,” laughs Gerry.

At some point, the Elsdon household had nine people including two young children that Gerry and Kerry fostered, Gerry’s nephew and Kerry’s son. “That is a true representation of how our family is. We had seven children in the house and no TV, which did all of us good. Lots of moments were spent in the kitchen in conversation with no topic off limits.

Kerry and I have different parenting styles; I’m a straight arrow and the stricter one. He is more easygoing. Pri’s first clubbing experience was with us; we are as happy to pray with our children as we are to party with them.”

Lerato and Pri both have nothing but good things to say about the woman they call mom. “Mom is very nurturing, loving and inspirational towards young women. Our relationship developed naturally and has been a positive part

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of my life,” says Lerato. When I ask if her relationship with her biological mom is at all negatively affected by her having another mom, she answers, “Not at all. In fact, my mom is happy with our relationship because there are things I can learn from both of them.

I’m very lucky.”

Pri, who has been with Gerry since she was 15 years old, says she feels happy to have two support systems. “I’ve been with mom and dad since I was 15, they are my family and I like having two families. I got close to Kerry quickly; we are very similar. I started calling him Daddy Kerry and it evolved to Dad. Calling Gerry Mom also feels very natural and true to us,” adds Pri. When I ask Gerry if it was difficult to step into the role of mom, she says, “When I married Kerry, I felt like it was a time where I could give more of myself. I have always been a nurturer, so in that sense, motherhood came quite naturally to me. I love working towards raising substantial human beings and encouraging those behind me so that they surpass me in many ways. I could never have dreamt that my life would amount to this, considering my humble background,” she adds.

HAPPILY IN LOVE

Gerry married Kerry Elsdon in 2007. “I love being married!” she enthuses. “I have always loved the concept of marriage; I’m a nurturer and marriage gives you that opportunity. I love being loved and the companionship, having someone to shoot the breeze with, and I get to do all of that with Kerry. He is cavalier, cool, funny and he can have a bad day and still make a joke. We laugh from our bellies together, we try not to take each other too seriously and we’ve learnt to manoeuvre around each other’s quirks, which is priceless.”

Gerry agrees with experts who emphasise the importance of communication in a marriage. “Everybody says communication is key and I’m going to have to agree. It’s the only way you get to know each other. It also helps to not go into a marriage with preconceived ideas of what it’s meant to be. Plus, you’re not his mother or his keeper; you’re his lover and should enjoy that.”

One of the things Gerry says she has learnt in her marriage is the power of submission. “I know it can be such a controversial statement… There’s beauty in watching a man be strong, even though you too are strong. I got to a point where I didn’t have to prove my strength anymore…” a ug ust 2 01 5

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COVER STORY EOA One of the things Gerry says she has learnt in her marriage is the power of submission. “I know it can be such a controversial statement and it actually needs to be its own article. I have learnt that allowing a husband to lead, to be, to hold you up is hard work, but necessary for a successful marriage. There’s beauty in watching a man be strong, even though you too are strong. I got to a point where I didn’t have to prove my strength anymore; Kerry already knows I am strong. There is a real magic in sitting back and seeing what his strengths are, encouraging those things and blowing them up.

A lot of younger women could learn a thing or two about that but like I said, this topic needs a lot more time and space.”

WORDS: ZAMA NKOSI. PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS. STYLIST: TUMI MDLULI. HAIR: BONOLO RAMELA. MAKEUP: LUCOH MHLONGO. DRESSED BY: D’ORÉ. ACCESSORIES: ROBOT. LOCATION: HYATT REGENCY, ROSEBANK.

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

One of the undeniable things about Gerry, aside from her positive energy, is her striking beauty. At 44, she looks radiant, youthful, in great shape and happy. Is there a fountain of youth she has access to that we don’t know about? She laughs, “There is no secret. I have a good spiritual core, take no sugar, no alcohol, no caffeine and very few carbs.

I also laugh a lot and love a lot; that’s my recipe. I have never tarnished myself in any way, I love myself too much for that,” she confesses wisely.

Gerry says there are lessons she has learnt that work very well towards looking the way she does. “I live an exceptionally clean life; I stay out of people’s business, drink water only. When I put ice in my water, Kerry says I’m going big. I don’t care to listen to people talking about other people because I am not taking your stuff and putting it on me. I am good at admitting when I am wrong and apologising, both are very cleansing. I don’t hold on to toxicity. A life of serenity is a life beautifully lived. Yes, I cry and hurt and worry, but then I take it to God,” she asserts.

As someone many women look up to, I ask Gerry what the one thing she would share with young women is. “It’s so hard to narrow down a whole life of lessons to one thing, but let me see,” she muses. “Okay, it would be this: when you go out into the world, go out into the world as your best. Don’t go out as someone who is broken up with or someone going through troubles. The world is not interested and the energy you put out is the energy you will get back. Look your best and act your best when you share yourself with the world and if you can’t, stay home that day. Own the room when you walk in, not in an arrogant way, but in a way that celebrates you and the energy you hold. It’s not easy because its a deliberate life, but I believe in it wholly.” E

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ACCOUNTABLE FOR HER SUCCESS When Dineo Molefe discovered that she had a knack for accounting, she decided to give her all to her gift. She speaks to us about her career and her passion for empowering women.

t takes sacrifice to have the kind of career that Dineo Molefe (37) has carved out for herself.

While many are lying back watching their favourite TV shows at 8pm, she is often only leaving her last meeting at that time. For her, being a chartered account is not just a job; it’s an extension of her personality. A calm spirit who has diligently worked her way up South Africa’s lopsided financial sector, she has accolades that include being the first female Financial Director at Thebe Investment Corporation at the age of 32 and currently holding the position of finance executive at one of South Africa’s top cellphone networks, Vodacom.

HOW DID YOUR CHILDHOOD AND UPBRINGING SHAPE YOU? My single mom, who was a factory worker, raised my two sisters and me and we spent most of our childhood with our grandmother. I grew up in Diepkloof, Soweto and attended schools in the surrounding areas before transferring to a then Model-C school in the North East of Johannesburg to do Standard 9 and matric, which I completed at 16. Those final two years of high school definitely helped to shape my decision to become a CA; it was during my time at this school, with the guidance of teachers who took an interest in me, that I realised I had a talent for this subject.

My sisters and I grew up mothering one another; each one would take on responsibilities of paying for school fees of the younger one and assisting wherever possible. This sort of life taught me that I needed to have my priorities

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straight so that I could succeed and have a chance at making money and living the kind of life that I wanted.

TELL US MORE ABOUT THE WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME YOU ESTABLISHED AT THEBE INVESTMENT CORPORATION. The accountancy industry in South Africa has never been the easiest of landscapes for women to navigate. I often sit in a boardroom where I am one of two, if not the only black female at the table.’

This is a norm for women, yet through this there have been women who qualified in the profession when it was not common for black women to do so. Many have achieved greatly, starting audit firms competing at national level or working for listed entities and major banks.

The success of any woman gives hope to those who come after them and it normalises the ability for women to succeed.

I believe that it is important to have mentors and also to mentor, so the establishment of the Women Development Programme was in line with my desire to see the progression of more women and establish a pipeline of female leaders. It’s vital to have people in your life, both personal and professional, whom you can speak to in a non-judgemental space, people who will advise and help to develop you. This programme gives women the chance to see possibilities in other women, and network and learn from each other, because if women are empowered then girls are automatically empowered.

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Q&A EOA You Ran Your Own Company At The Age Of 27. What Was This Experience Like?

I partnered with two of my friends and started a franchise business with a major retailer for three years while I working for Eskom. Having gone into the business with a lot of idealisms, I came away from that experience having learnt many lessons. Although I never left my corporate job, I was fully accountable and invested a lot into the business, but I don’t believe that you should go into any business if you can’t run it yourself – you need to be hands-on. I also learnt that it is important to separate friendship from business.

Words: Zelia Michaels-Shangase, Images: MUTSAI MUSA.

You Raised Your Two Sons On Your Own After Your Husband Passed Away. How Did This Affect Your Career Choices?

I was lecturing while my second child was a baby and that afforded me some flexibility, but after their father passed away, it became quite difficult. My subsequent career choices were based on the fact that I didn’t have an ex-husband to fall back on when things got tough, so I chose not to put myself in situations that would be too demanding. However, I also remained realistic about the quality of life I wanted to provide for my sons.

How Do You Balance Your Personal Life, Two Children And A High-Pressure Career?

This issue of balance fluctuates from time to time, depending on where I am in my personal space. The only thing that has to be balanced all the time is my spiritual life. Overall, I ensure that I am fully present wherever I am; I give myself completely to what is required at that time, whether it’s my family or my work.

There is no 50/50, it just varies according to what needs my attention at that time. When I am at work or working on a specific project, I make sure I give it my all, and in the same way, I don’t take my work home with me. I make sure that my downtime is spent valuably, mostly travelling with my sons, which I find is a great way to reconnect with them.

What Lessons Would You Like To Pass On To Your Children And Those Who Look Up To You? Be yourself. Know and understand who you are and take that into everything that you do. Also, develop people along your way; try and make an impact on someone else’s life. Be conscious and intentional about your personal brand and realise that whatever you do leaves an impression of the type of person you are.

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What Is Next For Dineo Molefe?

I am very excited about my personal life changes, which include getting married soon! With regard to my career, the possibilities are endless. Once I hit that corporate ceiling, I think I may end up back in an entrepreneurial lane to drive me through to retirement. E

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INEQUALITY in the workplace Women have made major strides in the workplace since the dawn of South Africa’s democracy in 1994. Yet they have a long way to go in catching up to men when it comes to equal pay.

n a year that has given rise to unprecedented intersectional activism, one of the biggest rallying cries for people across the globe has centred on the gender pay gap. The Pope recently deemed it a ‘pure scandal’. Actress Patricia Arquette dedicated her Oscarwinning speech to the issue. Hillary Clinton has used it as a galvanising force among women in her American presidential bid. Closer to home to United Nations Under-SecretaryGeneral, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, has devoted much of her time at the United Nations to challenging the gap and working to bring about gender parity, particularly throughout the African continent.

In the United States (US), Equal Pay Day is marked in mid-April: the date that symbolises how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. In South Africa, the reality is worse because for us it would be closer to mid-May. According to Sandra Burmeister, the CEO of executive search company, Amrop Landelahni, South African women earn on average 35 percent less than men.

What’s worse, this figure has remained static for quite some time, meaning that it could take 50 years or more to reach gender parity in South Africa.

As pointed out by Mlambo-Ngcuka, the empowerment of women is a crucial element in Africa’s quest for sustainable growth and development, stating that the ‘total potential annual economic losses due to gender gaps in labour force participation

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have been estimated to exceed $255 billion for the sub-Saharan region.’

WOMEN IN THE BOARDROOM South Africa’s equality legislation is among the best in the world and has undoubtedly contributed to narrowing the pay gap.

Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi reviewed a recent study for the African Development Bank on women’s leadership and highlevel participation in the workplace, which found that Africa is top-ranked among emerging regions when it comes to female board membership in large-cap companies.

Additionally, the Special Envoy on Gender highlighted the fact that South Africa is among the countries to have taken corrective steps that take aim at the glass ceiling, putting in place mandates for women’s representation on the boards of state-owned companies.

SEXISM IN CAREER CHOICES While we have seen improvements in the workplace, the fact remains that women have far to go in catching up to their male counterparts. Burmeister points to a few underlying causes of the pay gap in South Africa, with social and cultural factors playing a big role. “Differences in the career choices made by women play a part. Women may also tend to settle for less either due to lack of confidence or because they fail to recognise their own self-worth,” she states.

Career choice is a big factor, with the majority of women occupying lowwage jobs. The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report revealed that 89 percent of women’s jobs in Africa are informal, thus they are not covered by

labour relations laws, have no minimum wage and bring no social protection.

Further, occupational segregation persists according to sexist stereotypes, so that jobs traditionally done by women, such as cleaning and catering, are typically undervalued and paid less than jobs traditionally done by men, such as construction and engineering.

And let’s not forget that women bear the brunt of unpaid, unrecognised work; they are carers of the sick and the young – doing up to four times as much care and domestic work as men in many countries spanning the continent.

MOTHERHOOD PENALTY Another major factor is the socalled ‘motherhood penalty’, where working mothers encounter systematic disadvantages in pay, perceived competence and benefits relative to childless women.

According to Burmeister, “Women with children can expect to earn less than childless women when they return to work, with the difference increasing for every child they have.” This is taken further when one looks at the widening of the pay gap for older women and for those in more senior positions, regardless of whether they have children. Thus Burmeister adds that the motherhood pay gap “casts a shadow across women, whether or not they have or plan to have children, since employers tend to invest less in career development for women than for men.”

As recent studies have shown, the motherhood penalty operates as a double standard for men, since they are rewarded with a ‘fatherhood bonus’.

Men with children are more likely to be

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money EOA hired than childless men, and tend to be paid more after they have children.

The parenthood pay gap is such that, on average, men’s earnings increase more than six percent when they have children, while women’s earnings decrease four percent for each child they have.

THE CASE FOR CORPORATE DIVERSITY Yet the responsibility cannot lie fully with individual women, as corporates have a significant role to play. The pay gap reflects the power that men wield in business, ergo they need to be orchestrators of change. “There are several progressive, yet practical options for narrowing the gender gap overall,” explains Burmeister.

“It’s important for companies to widen the search for talent, and to look beyond the

existing pool of experienced executives to bring new potential to light.”

She also believes that employers need to make changes in how jobs are structured and remunerated, particularly when it comes to workplace flexibility in terms of hours and location. “Remuneration should not be about number of hours worked. It’s time to measure output not input. We talk a lot about performance-based incentives; however, we continue to pay men more than women even if they achieve similar results.”

Research shows that companies benefit from a more diverse workforce, particularly with more women in top management.

As illustrated by Burmeister, women bring different perspectives and leadership styles to business, and positively affect performance as well as financial results.

Accordingly, she recommends that the business case for diversity be recognised and supported from the very top. She adds that organisations must ‘take action to counter even subtle forms of discrimination and train managers to recognise the value of diversity.’ If changes such as these can be implemented, we may be able to reach gender parity in our lifetime.

Although we may not reap its full rewards, the benefits for future generations are manifold. Feminism has given rise to unprecedented progress in a relatively short space of time – who’s to say what leaps women will make in the next 50 years? E

WORDS: CARYN THANDI PETERSEN. IMAGE: ©istock.COM.

THE SHACKLES OF PATRIARCHY What all this boils down to is the workings of patriarchy, which has birthed decades of systemic sexism across all sectors. It is for this reason that the South African government introduced the Employment Equity Amendment Act in 2014, in the hopes of reducing discriminatory practices in the workplace. However, as Burmeister points out, it is salutary to bear in mind that the US introduced similar equal pay legislation some 50 years ago, followed by the United Kingdom 45 years ago, and yet there women still earn 77 percent of the amount paid to men – a figure that has improved by only three percentage points in the past 20 years.

Much as the oppressive ideology of racism has been internalised by people of all races for centuries, so too has sexism been internalised by men and women.

This speaks to the fact that women often tend to settle for less, as they have not been socialised to assert their worth to the same extent as men.

TAKE ACTION According to Burmeister, there are steps women can take in fighting the battle for equal pay in South Africa. “Women need to recognise and value their own capabilities and experience, and keep their knowledge current through training and leadership development programmes,” she recommends. She adds that successful women work from a strategic perspective, keeping an eye on projects that deliver long-term benefits to their careers – and to the company they’re working for.

She further implores women to invest in their skills and says, “Women will be exchanging skills for an equivalent reward in the job market for the rest of their professional life. Their skills are their best tool to ensure that they are always in demand and receiving appropriate reimbursement for the work they do.”

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BOLDLY PAVING HER OWN LANE

With women’s networking events having taken off around the world, EOA takes a peek inside businesswoman Nolwandle Mthembu’s flourishing network in Joburg.

NOLWANDLE MTHEMBU

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WORDS: CARYN THANDI PETERSEN. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY NOLWANDLE MTHEMBU.

WOMEN’S NETWORK EOA t its best, a women’s network is a thriving space of support, inspiration and connection in a professional realm. At its worst, it’s a time-consuming, energydraining exercise generating few concrete results. As has been widely proven, the key to a successful network entails one critical ingredient: passion. Without it, there is no driving force bringing women together and it becomes an artificial space pandering to an idea of what a networking event should look like.

In a recent study by the Financial Women’s Association, it was found that networks have played an instrumental role in helping women connect with each other, obtain feedback and support each other up the corporate ladder. These spaces have been vital as many women are still excluded from deeply rooted old boy networks, as pointed out by Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi at the Special Envoy on Gender for the African Development Bank.

One woman who clearly understands the power – and necessity – of networking amongst women is Nolwandle Mthembu, the founder and Managing Director of MQQR Events. Specialising in event management, MQQR handles everything from major conferences to wedding planning, public relations and protocol services. Under Mthembu’s leadership, the company has managed a host of high-profile events, including FIFA’s visit for technical inspections during the 2006 World Cup bid, the World Summit on Sustainable Development and the Black Management Forum’s Annual Conference.

PAYING IT FORWARD

Although she always knew that planning and running events was something that runs in her blood, Mthembu never envisioned having her own company, especially one that would rise to such heights. In fact, it was in the field of catering that she began her journey, having studied at the ML Sultan Hotel School in KwaZulu-Natal.

Whilst working for Southern Sun (now Tsogo Sun), Mthembu met a formidable woman who was to become her mentor and role model, Anita Soni, the former chairperson of Brand SA, who sadly passed a few months ago.

Soni inspired Mthembu to start running her own events, supporting her as she made the leap to open MQQR Events. Mthembu gained a lot of experience in this field after

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heading the Johannesburg office of Soni’s company, and it was with this skill set that she founded MQQR. Mthembu credits Soni’s mentorship and support with enabling her to envisage a powerful future for herself, and this in turn inspires her to ‘pay it forward’ in all that she does. MQQR is an entirely black-owned business, run by women who share her vision. “I believe strongly in supporting other women through my work,” says Mthembu.

As her company branched out into a wider array of services, she brought more women on board to enhance her company’s offerings.

Through all of this, she has mentored other young women in the industry, stating that there’s no prouder moment than seeing them succeed in their own right.

EFFICACY IN NETWORKING

Before starting any formal women’s networks, Mthembu was already the embodiment and product of a powerful network, as she had gleaned its magic from her own experiences.

Yet she saw a need for it in South Africa, as too many women were operating in isolated pockets without recognising the potential of harnessing their collective skills and experiences. “I realised that there weren’t enough platforms for women to come together and discuss what they do,” reflects Nolwandle. “If they do meet, it’s often taken up with discussing their friends and families, not their work.”

She then decided to start her own women’s network; a place devoted to supporting women in their careers. Involving about 20 women, Mthembu’s network meets once a month to exchange ideas, gain inspiration and feedback from one another, as well as find out what each can offer or is in need of in their professional lives. The network has been a great success for all those involved, where they are continually drawing upon each other’s strengths and in so doing, building their own careers. Mthembu realised that many of her friends were working on interesting projects that she would never have known about were it not for the

network. Likewise, professional bonds have been formed where they look within the group to fill any job openings or consulting work needed.

She firmly believes that working in ‘isolation is the greatest downfall for women’. Networking can be unfamiliar terrain for those new to the concept, as women are often not socialised to share their skills and achievements, rather focusing on building others up before themselves. In this way, networks can be radical forums of empowerment. Mthembu explains, “The power of networking is that it opens up your mind and can spark immense personal growth. When you are growing with other people and seeing things from different perspectives, it expands that growth to reach new heights of potential.”

She says that too often, women are afraid of sharing their dreams and ideas – for fear of failure or even a fear of ideas being stolen.

But this is not something to be feared, she argues, as no one can deliver on your unique idea better than you. In fact, having others involved in its planning and execution will only enhance its success.

AN EYE ON THE FUTURE

Mthembu believes the ideal network is formed amongst a group of likeminded women who are focused and know what they want yet need a little push in the right direction. “It’s not about the number of women involved, but rather the qualities they bring to the forum,” she advises. She also warns against those who go into it wanting a ‘get-rich-quick scheme’. “If you have the mindset that it’s all about making million-rand deals, then you’re in the wrong place.” Of course, great success and partnerships can come from these networks, but this is a by-product of its work in action, not the primary goal.

And at its heart, lies passion. This is not a space for those who quit easily; it’s a platform dedicated to those women, like Mthembu and her group, who aim to continually better their lives and the lives of others.

Nolwandle’s Top Tips for Networking:

 Be a consistent member of the group.  Stay open-minded.  Listen and imbibe as much information from each session as you can.  Have patience; rewards will be reaped over time.  Motivate others as you are motivated.  Stay connected within your field while learning from other industries. E

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s has been extolled by selfhelp gurus, philosophers, psychotherapists, poets and preachers, there is no relationship more important than the one you have with yourself. Although we are inundated with this messaging in pop culture, it is often premised upon a superficial grasp of the maxim, rather than a deeper understanding of its meaning. To focus on building a healthy relationship with oneself is not narcissistic or self-obsessed and it has nothing to do with posting endless selfies on Instagram. Rather, it is the foundation of everything.

But what does this actually mean?

How can you start to build a good relationship with yourself, particularly as a woman, when you’re often socialised to put the needs of others before your own? Although it can take a lifetime to establish a healthy self-relationship, the journey can start today.

KNOW THYSELF You may have seen it over time and it forms the basis of all self-knowledge and awareness, but ‘know thyself’ is really investing in oneself. As pointed out by personality psychologist, John D. Mayer, personal intelligence opens a privileged window into our own minds, as well as into the motivations of others. According to clinical psychologist Dr Heather Jones Petersen, it takes great courage to recognise the part we play in our problems.

“Most people go through their lives avoiding, blaming and denying,” says Dr Jones Petersen. This leads to disconnection from ourselves and from others, usually with damaging consequences. Our relationships suffer and we suffer. For example, we could feel misunderstood and withdraw from loved ones instead of talking to them about our hurt. Somatising is another frequent consequence; this is when your body carries your pain and this often holds clues as to what’s going on beneath the surface.

The greatest LOVEof all When conflict arises in our lives, we often look to others as the source of our turmoil instead of focusing on the most important relationship of all… the one we have with ourselves and from which all relationships, good and bad, stem. a ug ust 2 0 1 5

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RELATIONSHIPS EOA “As we begin to examine the patterns of our behaviour, we can see that although the context may change, the themes remain the same,” Dr Jones Petersen explains. This can allow you to identify problems that lie within, rather than externalising them or projecting them onto another. She emphasises that we all have blind spots when it comes to our shortcomings, thus it is important to get feedback from others in order to see what we cannot or don’t want to see. Whilst it may be hard to hear, seeking feedback from a trusted friend or family member can be an invaluable step towards gaining selfknowledge, especially when it comes from a loving place.

WORDS: CARYN THANDI PETERSEN. IMAGE: ©ISTOCK.COM.

ACCEPTANCE AS AN ACT OF LOVE Founder of analytical psychology Carl Jung stated: “The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.” Gaining true selfknowledge can be hard; examining your deepest desires, thoughts and emotions, your motives, character traits and patterns, does not come easy. This is further compounded by the fact that we often don’t want to see or know what’s uncovered in the process; therefore, it is imperative for the journey to be shaped by compassion for ourselves. As you garner insight into yourself, the more you can reflect on it and learn from it, so long as this is done in a loving manner.

“It’s important to note that we have developed these patterns because they served us, often preventing us from other more painful realities,” says Dr Jones Petersen. “But in order to grow, we need to understand our patterns and the ways in which these have limited our development.” she adds. This cannot be done effectively unless it occurs within a spirit of compassion and gentle acceptance, for we are all flawed. Once we realise that it is nothing unique, that all humankind lives with a measure of duplicity, we can begin to unpack our defences and self-destructive patterns without needing to self-flagellate (beat yourself up).

“Facing reality involves grapple and struggle for all of us,” explains Dr Jones Petersen. To accept one’s weaknesses and flaws is to accept what it is to be human. Change can only come once you have begun to accept yourself in your entirety.

ARE YOU AWARE? Practising consistent self-awareness is a vital step in the journey towards a healthy relationship with yourself, as the inner self is the source of your greatest conflicts. According to Dr Jones Petersen, the more self-aware you are, the greater the choices you have in you life. “As we become aware of our feelings and are able to name them and understand them, we can then make sense of our difficulties and take responsibility for our dilemmas,” she explains.

There are numerous ways to gain and practise self-awareness, including mindfulness exercises and meditations. One of the most beneficial routes is through therapy. A good therapist can help you to uncover your blind spots and see what you have been unable or unwilling to see. The process is often a difficult one, but can lead to transformative results. Psychoanalysis takes this even further, exploring the unconscious and what lies beneath the surface of our thoughts, behaviour and motives. As explained by Dr Jones Petersen, “Psychoanalytic therapy delves into our inner turmoil in a safe environment, allowing us to gradually see what we’ve avoided all our lives.”

NURTURE MIND, BODY AND SOUL It is impossible to cultivate a healthy relationship with yourself

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if you don’t nurture your whole being. Much as you nurture those you love, the same tenet must be applied to your own life. Loving your body, with all its perceived flaws, is often a revolutionary act. As women, we are bombarded by messages that we are not good enough, that life will be better if we look younger, thinner, are fitter or sexier. Thus to accept and love your body exactly as it is, can bring untold peace.

The same goes for all aspects of your being. Through nurturing the physical, mental and spiritual, you can begin to heal and appreciate even the parts of yourself that we deem shameful or flawed. Self-nurturing provides a gateway to inner peace, helping you to feel better about yourself and gain selfesteem. Taking time for yourself and prioritising your needs are essential in this process. Techniques you can practise daily include good self-care, such as eating nourishing, healthy foods, as well as getting plenty of rest, fresh air and exercise. Do something every day loving toward your body, finding pleasure in its sensations.

Reflecting on your negative thoughts instead of trying to banish them or make them positive is crucial. Be curious about what you’re feeling. Could you be feeling down or inadequate or disappointed? Think about when you started feeling that way and ask yourself what could have triggered it. Try and sit with the feeling without self-judgement. Ensure that you get the support you need to help you through times that are difficult, such as turning to a friend for comfort and understanding.

Expanding your mind with books and art can nurture the growth of your intellect and spark inspiring perspectives on life.

So too, can spiritual practice nurture inner peace and acceptance – be it through prayer, meditation or communing with nature.

Mental health clinician Deborah Day advises: “Nourish yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you want to go.

This is attainable and you are worth the effort.”

TOWARDS SELF-LOVE Gaining true self-love is the epoch of a healthy relationship with yourself. From Oprah to Toni Morrison, we have been taught time and again that you cannot be in a healthy, loving relationship with another until you truly learn to love yourself. In the words of Eartha Kitt: “It’s all about falling in love with yourself and sharing that love with someone who appreciates you, rather than looking for love to compensate for a self-love deficit.”

A person who lives with self-love is magnetic, attracting people into their lives who reflect those same core beliefs. To love yourself is to live with abundance and joy, not allowing others to determine how you feel about yourself. Of course, it is not some magic potion that can eradicate all pain and hardship, but it can provide you with the power to make better choices, bringing you closer to your authentic self and becoming your own BFF. Motivational speaker and author Gabrielle Bernstein sums it up perfectly: “When we fulfill our function, which is to truly love ourselves and share love with others, then true happiness sets in.”

The hallmarks of a healthy relationship are ultimately those of creativity, love and compassion. If one can cultivate a healthy self-relationship, then engaging in loving, reciprocal relationships with others becomes that much easier. As Dr Jones Petersen concludes, “Being self-aware and accepting can diminish anxiety and lead to a more expansive and joyous life.” For indeed, the only relationship you have the power to change, is the one with yourself. All good things spring from this. E

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GIRL TALK GETS

X-RATED

Intimate sex talk seems reserved for bubbly girls’ nights out because many women are still afraid to voice their bedroom demands. With a guaranteed anonymity, if required, we got some women to give some sexy advice that they’ve learnt along the way.

BE FREE I really believe that women in Africa are not encouraged to enjoy sex. I don't know if it is because we are raised with conservative views on the subject, or perhaps we just haven't been liberated the way women in Western countries have. The result is, we grow up with ‘built in guilt’ whenever we think about, talk about, want to, or end up having sex. Don’t be afraid to experiment; don’t be afraid to masturbate and get to know your own body. And above all, allow your partner to join you on your adventure of discovery. I can guarantee he will be supportive!

Ayla*

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LUBE IS A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND When I was younger, I thought I didn’t need lube because I figured I was lubricated enough. The truth is, lube takes your sexual experience to the next level. There’s no need for discomfort after a weekend of raunchy sex, just make sure you have lube. It sounds boring, but it changes everything.

Boitumelo Masemola

NASTY GIRL I find that being a ‘lady’ is such hard work. It means behaving and not saying things out of turn, always looking good and other roles that women are expected to play daily. When it comes to sex, I only want the opposite of that. My man husband knows that there are very few holds barred in our bedroom. No lady treatments there; I like it rough, kinky and interesting.

We also have sex in public places from time to time to spice things up. We’ve been together for 22 year now and I can attest to the fact that our sex life is still crazy steamy. I’m his nasty girl and it works for both of us.

Nombeko*

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SEX & INTiMaCY INTIMACY EOA BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY My man has this thing he does where he will text me during the day with instructions of what to do. It will range from ‘touch yourself’ while I’m at work to ‘Meet me at room 307 at 6pm’. I’ve learnt to follow those instructions; it not only keeps me on my toes and turned on the whole day, but I get rewarded for being a good girl when all is said and done.

Nosipho*

WORDS: COMPILED BY ZAMA NKOSI. IMAGE: ©istock.com.

QUICKIE QUEEN After being married for 15 years, I’ve found that a great way to add sparkle to the bedroom is mastering quickies.

It’s easy to put sex last on your to-do list but if you get quickies right, they allow for fun, spontaneous sex that will have both of you wanting more. Don’t be shy either! The naughtier the places, the more exhilarating the experience.

Nomusa*

PLAY THE GAME If you are planning a fiery session in bed, then you must keep something to treat yourselves to after your shenanigans.

Share some delicious fruit, sip a glass of champers while you cuddle and feed your love. After sex, write down the things you loved that your partner did. I do this and put the note in my partner’s laptop, in her lunchbox or in her purse and when she opens this, she is reminded of what we did.

Make up a new name for sex: chasing the rainbow, grabbing some paradise, whatever means something to just the two of you. That way you can bring up this steamy topic in public and share a secret that'll strengthen your bond.

Maia Stevens*

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INSTRUCTIONS PLEASE One of the things that works really well in bed for me is telling my partner exactly what I want. How I like things done now is not the way I liked them done a few years ago. So I tell him very nicely what I want and I reward him with spontaneous blowjobs when I see that he is getting it right. The bed is the one place where men like to get directions and you get the pleasure you want – it’s a win-win.

Kim* TLC I’m an old-fashioned girl and for me, romance in the bedroom goes a long way. Make an effort, take your time to enjoy my body and make me feel special. All those things make me ready to go. I’m not a wham-bam-thank-youma’am kind of girl and I have no desire to pretend I am.

Nolwazi*

BEFORE THE CLOTHES COME OFF My work takes up a lot of my personal time, so when it comes to sex, the actual turn-on needs to happen before my clothes come off. I appreciate a man with a naughty streak, someone who makes my mind race and makes me want to keep my texts private. My mind gets me turned on, so if you wait for us to get naked, you’ve already lost the plot.

Katlego Simelane

MANY SIDES OF SEX When people think of sex they think of penetrative sex – how boring. There are so many ways to have sex and playing around with those options is fun. My boyfriend and I like to watch each other masturbate; we aren’t allowed to touch each other, but watching each other ‘play’ is enough to take us over the edge – delicious. We also have strictly oral sex days, hand-job days – the list is endless.

So much can be had.

Masego*

BOWL A MAIDEN OVER For me, like all good things, sex is like the game of cricket. How I approach the format of the game depends on my mood and my playmate. Sometimes, it could be a long innings where, like in a test match, we take the time to explore each other’s ins and outs, and it draws to a satisfying, exhausting conclusion. Or it could be a loud, raunchy explosion with great crowd appeal but limited staying power, where one side inevitably walks away wanting more. My point is, as long as the batsman has a clean stroke and his wood hard and well oiled, or the bowler knows how to finger a seam, I’m definitely on the field! E Mandy Erasmus Names have been changed.

*

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The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding as the best way to feed your baby. Although many new mothers are keen and determined to breastfeed, they may experience reservations as their D-Day approaches. Mother of five, Cathrine Versfeld addresses some of the most common breastfeeding questions and concerns.

YOUR BREASTFEEDING FAQs

answered

s with most parenting issues breastfeeding lends itself to so many varied opinions, experiences and different types of advice. Every mother who has breastfed will weigh in with total confidence, and declare that either it was so easy and natural, or no, it was painful and terrible. For a new mother, these conflicting accounts can evoke feelings of real insecurity. With all the backing of scientific research and medical professionals assuring us that ‘breast is best’, how is it possible to know what to expect at that magical moment, when our bodies will suddenly ‘perform?”

Q How Will I Know I’ve Got Milk? (I Don’t Have Any Now) During childbirth, the production of oestrogen and progesterone drop off. Progesterone is the hormone that inhibits milk production, or lactation during pregnancy. In other words, progesterone is like the ‘handbrake’ for your breast

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milk, and when less is produced, everything is set into motion.

For this reason, most new mothers will only begin to produce colostrum (the first, nourishing type of breast milk) after the birth of their baby.

It is not impossible to start lactating during a first-time pregnancy, but it is quite rare. Rest assured, your body is designed to release all the necessary hormones at the perfect time. It will be hard to see any real milk for the first few days, but you will hear your baby swallow, and when expressing on a teaspoon, or in the shower, you will see the colostrum (a thick yellow liquid) slowly give way to a watery, white substance (breast milk).

Q What Will It Feel Like?

For the first few days, it won’t feel as though much has changed; your breasts may become slightly larger and your nipples and areola may darken. You may experience pain and bruising on your nipples, as you and your new baby work out how to ‘latch’ correctly (latching is the term for when baby sucks properly on your breast, triggering good milk production.)

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PARENTING EOA that your baby is gaining weight properly. New babies fall asleep very quickly while feeding. For the first few days they will only have the energy to drink for about 10 or 15 minutes at a time before falling asleep. As their suckling reflex strengthens, they will begin to drink for longer periods, and suck harder, causing your breasts to produce more milk. Eventually, by about two weeks, your baby should be drinking for anywhere between 40 minutes and an hour, and may be hungry every two hours.

Q Will I ‘Leak’ In Public?

Unfortunately, for the first two months, your breasts will take a while to figure out the right amounts to produce. In some cases, your baby will simply not be as hungry, while a growth spurt may cause her to ‘suck you dry’ every hour and a half. Breast pads work well, as long as they are changed regularly. By about eight to 12 weeks, you will have reached a nice balance, although you may still leak when you are away from your baby for too long. Some women have also reported spontaneous leaking when hearing other babies cry!

Best tip: Always carry spare breast pads and hygiene wipes in your bag.

Q What Is The Hardest Part Of Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding can take a while to master and this may be extremely frustrating for new mothers. Some babies take a while to learn to latch, and a new mother often needs assistance in teaching her baby. In addition, many women are not warned that it can be quite painful at various stages. Although there are some women who will happily report that they felt no pain whatsoever, it is normal to suffer a bit in those first few weeks. By being prepared for pain, you are more likely to succeed.

There is an irony in the fact that the more relaxed you are, the easier it all comes, while stress and frustration can create even less results. This means that no matter how tense the breastfeeding process makes you feel, you need to be prepared to find ways to relax, and not worry about it so much. By taking it one breast at a time, one feed at a time and eventually, one day at a time, you can succeed!

IMAGE: ©istock.COM.

By the second week, you will begin to experience real milk production and find that your breasts will become large (engorged) and quite full of milk. This can be painful if your new baby is not ready to suck hard enough or drink for long enough yet. It is a tremendous relief to get rid of that milk, whether by finally getting baby to drink it, expressing by hand in the shower, or with the help of a pump. By the third week, your nipples may become quite sore and chapped from the constant suckling.

Best tip: Pure lanolin or lanolin-based nipple creams are the very best way to treat and prevent further chafing, and are totally non-toxic.

Q How will I Know That My Baby Is Getting Enough Milk, Or That They Are Full?

The only real way to track that your baby is getting enough milk is to make sure that they drink regularly enough and to keep a close eye on their weight.

All babies lose some weight directly after birth, but begin to pick up again quickly.

Regular clinic visits for inoculations also serve as an opportunity to double-check

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HOW DOES SA COMPARE GLOBALLY?

South Africa has the lowest rate of breastfeeding moms in the whole world!

Reports show that only eight percent of SA babies are being breastfed. This statistic, along with the unusually high infant and child mortality rate, contributed to the Department of Health’s decision to stop issuing free infant formula. As upsetting as this might be, many South African moms still choose to get baby on the bottle at the earliest convenience. E

Top 10 Boob Juice Ranking According to therichest.com, the following countries rank in the top 10 in breastfeeding and are all considered as Third World or developing nations: Country

% Mothers Breastfeeding

Madagascar

48%

Bolivia

50%

Egypt and Iran

56%

Uganda

57%

Eritrea

59%

Peru

71%

Malawi

72%

Cambodia, Solomon Islands, Nepal

74%

Sri Lanka

76%

Rwanda

90%

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WOMEN in ARMS

Women have been serving their countries for many generations, but it’s still a topic that is rarely mentioned. NDONI KHANYILE looks at the past and future of women in service in South Africa.

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NEWS REPORT EOA

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he 20th century saw the roles of women in society change dramatically as the suffragette movement spread around the world and women took their place in the workplace and corridors of power. While it is undeniable that women have broken many of the barriers that hindered their professional advancement, the military is still seen as squarely the domain of men. The United States Marine Corps, one of the most rigorous divisions of the American infantry, has recently been ordered to open up ground combat units to women. This is a significant ruling for a nation that has historically struggled with the notion of women serving and possibly dying on the front lines of combat. Concerns over female soldiers’ physical abilities and emotional resilience belie our enduring views of women as nurturers and caregivers, ill suited to the role of soldiers and protectors of our communities.

HISTORICALLY WARRIORS

While our attitudes and prejudices may be slow to change, the notion of women in combat is certainly not a modern-day phenomenon. African folklore teaches us of Nzinga in Angola who led an army against the Portuguese, Yaa Asantewaa who led Ashanti warriors against the British, and the lesser-known Al-Kahina who led a Berber resistance campaign in North Africa against Arab invaders. There is a long history of African women picking up arms in the defence of their people. This is certainly true of South Africa, where women took up active roles in uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), the armed military wing of the African National Congress formed in 1961.

Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, Ayanda Dlodlo, was one such woman. In 1980, she left her country and all that she knew to travel to Angola and fight the resistance campaigns that were being waged along South Africa’s borders against the former regime. She was raised primarily in Swaziland in a family that valued education and academic achievement, but she saw little use for education in the absence of liberation when she returned to South Africa late in her teens. Her commitment to a free society informed her decision to leave for exile at the tender age of 17.

Dlodlo was one of the youths who left the country in the aftermath of the student protests of 1976 and she made her trip to the MK camps in Angola via Swaziland and Mozambique.

She was young and hungry for both change and adventure, but she says the political education she received en route to Angola formed the foundation of her gender politics.

“We received intensive political education, where we were taught about the role of women in resistance movements around the world,” says Dlodlo. “From the French Revolution to World War 2, Nicaragua and Cuba, we learnt about the women who contributed to liberating their people. As a 20-year-old, I knew what an imperialist economy was versus a socialist economy; I could speak about the American military industrial complex and its impact on that economy. A young 20-year-old today

probably wouldn’t have that kind of knowledge without a tertiary education.

The MK for us was an educational battlefield more than it was about guns and mortar and artillery pieces,” she adds.

Dlodlo describes the training she received as rigorous and says her male counterparts largely saw them as equals, who shouldered the same workload when it came to physical exercises and artillery and weapons training. “We were taught that you are only as strong as the weakest member in the platoon. You did whatever you had to to make sure that wasn’t you,” she explains. Beyond the combat training she received, Dlodlo says the MK served as a ‘university’ to the young people who had sacrificed formal education.

After frontline combat in Angola and along the border states, she received further intelligence training in Moscow, but when she realised that conditions were changing at home she decided to further her formal education in the United Kingdom in Shipping and Transport Management. “I knew I was coming back to a country that was obsessed with a paper qualification and I didn’t have anything to show for my time, except what was in my head,” Dlodlo recounts. “At least I came home with something; sadly, that wasn’t the case for many of us.”

THE PERKS OF SERVICE

Post 1994, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) emerged as one of the country’s most ambitious reconciliation

“Education is expensive, but as a member of the army I didn’t just get to study, I was also paid my salary as a soldier while I finished my studies.

Stellenboswch is a prestigious university and I got my degree from them for free. I don’t take that for granted.” a ug ust 2 0 1 5

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NEWS REPORT EOA don’t take that for granted,” adds Lutywantsi. As a mother of a fouryear-old child, receiving a salary while studying makes the dream of obtaining a doctoral degree possible.

IMAGES: ©istock.COM.

AIMING FOR EQUALITY

projects that merged cadres of the liberation movements with former apartheid regime soldiers and commanders. For the first time the military was tasked with serving and protecting all South Africans and many women trained within the MK rose within the ranks of the new defence force. As the SANDF worked to carve out its role within this new society, there was also a drive to recruit more women into the ranks. One woman who answered this call was 30-year-old, Major Linda Lutywantsi. She has a family history of military service, with her aunt having joined the SANDF after returning from exile in the MK camps.

“I went with a friend of mine to apply and I didn’t take it too seriously at the time,” she admits. She was chosen for a new recruits programme that targeted young people for further maths and science education. She describes the first year as challenging as she missed her family and friends, but once she recognised the educational opportunities available to her through the army, she knew it was the right place for her. “I realised that I could be a pilot, an air traffic controller, a doctor or psychologist; I could choose to serve in any field I wanted.”

Ten years into her military career and she holds an Honours degree in Industrial Psychology from the Military Academy at Stellenbosch University and she has her eyes set on completing a PhD programme in the future. “Education is expensive, but as a member of the army I didn’t just get to study, I was also paid my salary as a soldier while I finished my studies. Stellenbosch is a prestigious university and I got my degree from them for free. I

The Department of Defence (DOD) admits that the pace of gender empowerment has been slow and they are still struggling to meet the representation targets of 40 percent female recruits at entry level and 30 percent at higher levels. Statistically, with black African women still the least formally educated and least employed demographic, the army offers an affordable route to education and ultimately independence. While the DOD struggles with insufficient funding, the UN and AU have extended the mandate to the South African military to carry out peacekeeping missions across the continent. This is over and above disaster management operations both locally and regionally.

Deputy Minister Dlodlo believes that while military readiness is critical in an increasingly hostile world, the most important role the military can play is in service delivery. “The world over, the engineering component of any army is about many things, including the building of bridges and disaster relief. The Navy can aid in the protection of our maritime borders and marine resources.

Each component of the defence force has a responsibility to the people not only in terms of physical protection, but protection of our resources as well.”

Major Lutywantsi emphasises the broader role that the armed forces can play in society. “The military is involved in a lot of community service; unfortunately, it doesn’t receive much publicity,” she explains.

Lutywantsi is of the school of thought that young people should attend compulsory national service in the SANDF because discipline is at the heart of the training. “Being a senior officer has completely changed my world view. The discipline that it instills makes you responsible for your actions and the actions of those around you. You are never just an individual,” she adds thoughtfully.

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE

Recently, SANDF military history was made when two women were awarded commendations for bravery for their actions in the clashes in Central African Republic. One of them, army medic Alphina Moletana Nkoana, was part of a group of 16 soldiers that was separated from their company and stranded behind enemy lines surrounded by Seleka rebels.

Known for her excellent navigational skills, she led the South Africans, two of whom had been shot, for two days and nights with no navigational equipment until they were able to rejoin their company.

Perhaps it is stories like these that will help to entrench women’s place on the front lines. When asked whether she feels female MK soldiers made it possible for young women like Major Lutywantsi to serve, Dlodlo pauses before she answers, “I see it as a calling for them to continue what we started. My role was to fight for liberation, which I did. Her role is to defend the gains of this revolution and to serve in protection of our people.” E

“Being a senior officer has completely changed my world view.

The discipline that it instills makes you responsible for your actions and the actions of those around you. You are never just an individual.”

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FIBROID FACTS You could be walking around with uterine fibroids without knowing it.

Dr Andrew Lawson, a specialist diagnostic and interventional radiologist, explains what this condition and how it affects you.

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health EOA Q. What Are Fibroids And How Common Are They?

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are noncancerous growths of the uterus that develop from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus. They are not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer. A single cell divides repeatedly, eventually creating a firm, rubbery mass from nearby tissue.

The growth patterns of uterine fibroids vary; they might grow at a slow rate or rapidly, or they may remain the same size. Some fibroids go through growth spurts, and some may shrink on their own. Fibroids differ in size. They vary from the size of seedlings, undetectable by the human eye, to bulky masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. They can be single or multiple, and in extreme cases, expanding the uterus so much that it reaches the rib cage.

MORE COMMON THAN YOU THINK

As many as three out of four women have uterine fibroids at some stage in their lives, but because they often don’t cause any symptoms, many women are completely unaware of them. Your doctor will discover them during a pelvic exam or when you have a prenatal ultrasound.

Q. How Will I Know If I Have Fibroids?

WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. SOURCE: DR ANDREW LAWSON. image: ©istock.COM.

Common symptoms caused by fibroids include:  Heavy or prolonged periods.  Pressure or pain in the pelvis.  Constipation and frequent need to urinate.

Q. What Are The Available Treatment Options?

There is no medication to cure fibroids.

Treatment options include: 1. Symptomatic treatment with medications for the pain 2. Hysterectomy to remove the uterus. This can be done abdominally with a cut on the abdomen, through the vagina if the uterus is not too big, and with keyhole surgery. The advantage of a hysterectomy is that there will be no recurrent symptoms, but the whole womb is removed.

3. Myomectomy to remove the myoma surgically. This is only an option if there are a few fibroids and can be done with open surgery (cutting open the abdomen), with keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) or vaginally depending on the location and size of the fibroids. Fibroids may reoccur with this type of surgery 4. MRI-guided ultrasound ablation is a non-invasive procedure that preserves the uterus and requires no surgery. It is currently not freely available in South Africa and research on the long-term effectiveness is also currently limited.

5. Uterine artery embolisation is a noninvasive procedure performed under X-ray guidance via a small puncture of a blood vessel in the groin. The large uterine arteries that supply the fibroids are identified, and small particles are injected to cut off the blood flow to the fibroids.

These then shrink and are reabsorbed by the body.

Q. Why Choose Embolisation?

Embolisation is safe and has been performed on hundreds of thousands of women. Usually women spend one night in hospital after the procedure, which is non-surgical and doesn’t leave a scar. They can go back to their usual daily activities within a few days. The uterus is not removed, which is also important to most women. Embolisation does not only treat the large fibroids but it also treats the small fibroids that are often not even visible and may grow if left untreated. The chances of fibroids growing back are extremely low.

Q. Will My Doctor Know About Embolisation?

Fibroid Care is a collaboration of professionals, including radiologists and gynaecologists who focus on the management of patients with fibroids. They do, however, specialise in uterine artery embolisation. An individual assessment is made for you to determine the best treatment option and they work as a team with your own doctor. They offer the procedure at a number of different sites in South Africa, including Pretoria, Cape Town, Rustenburg and Namibia (Walvis Bay), making it easier for patients to get treated. E

For more information, e-mail Dr Andrew Lawson at drajlawson@gmail.com or visit www.fibroidcare.co.za.

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2015 WHAT

WOMEN REALLY WANT IN

Guys seem to think they know the answer to everything, except why Bafana Bafana sucks so badly at soccer ... or what women really want. HAYDEN HORNER takes to social media to help you solve this mystery.

sk a room full of men what they think women really want and responses will range from money to good looks, a nice car or house, and maybe even seven inches or more. These are just some of the answers you’ll get from those guys who are not staring blankly at the ceiling or bleeding from their eyes as they struggle to make sense of this question.

Seriously though, it’s actually not that difficult to figure out.

While women may be perceived to be extremely complex creatures and operate on a different wavelength, especially when it comes to relationships and the obsession with the toilet seat always being down, their expectations are not as demanding as you may think. When some wives, girlfriends, sisters, daughters and moms were asked on Facebook what men could be doing to make them happier, this is what most of the ladies had to say – the good news is that it’s all relatively simple!

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Aretha Franklin sang about it in 1967 and nothing has changed since then. It’s still what every woman wants. Show women through

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your actions that you respect their opinions, careers, interests, friends, bodies and minds. You don’t have to agree with everything women say or do, but try to acknowledge their opinions as valuable contributions. And keep your promises. If for some reason you can’t manage it, muster up the courage to let them know.

MAN UP!

You don’t have to be ripped like Vin Diesel, but no woman wants a weakling. She wants to feel safe when she’s with you. You don’t have to go around picking fights for no reason (because no grown woman wants to feel like she’s with a silly teenager), but step in if you see she’s being disrespected.

A LITTLE BIT OF ROMANCE

Even if it’s another night on the couch with takeaways and reruns of The Sopranos, it doesn’t mean it can’t be romantic. Light a few candles and see where the night leads. Regular date nights, making out in the car like teenagers, and kissing like it’s the first time are all of the things that made you fall in love, so don’t stop just because there are bills to pay, a house to be cleaned and kids that need to get bathed.

Bring home flowers for no particular reason. It doesn’t have to

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MAN FEATURE EOA be expensive roses, even the R20 bouquets from the guy at the traffic light is enough to show that you still care.

EVERYONE LIKES A CHALLENGE

Not the kind that makes a relationship constant work, but the good kind that surprises and motivates someone to do, be or achieve what they desire. Studies show that partners who push and encourage each other to meet goals – in other words, don’t support lazy or bad habits – are generally happier than those who don’t hold each other accountable.

GROW A FUNNYBONE

This doesn’t mean that you have to crack jokes or entertain your woman. After all, not everyone is born to be a David Kau or Trevor Noah. Just being able to laugh at yourself is good enough. Guys who take themselves too seriously just bring everyone down... and that doesn’t do your relationship any favours.

DINNER ANYONE?

Just like men love a home-cooked meal, women are no different. Try your hand at cooking. Granted, you may not be Jamie Oliver but greeting her at the door will mean the world to her, especially after a long day at the office. It shows that you’ve been thinking about her. It also doesn’t hurt to kick your cooking skills up a notch; studies show that households where chores are shared are happier.

TAKE DATES SERIOUSLY

IMAGE: ©ISTOCK.COM.

Not the restaurant and movies kind, although these are important too, but remember important dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day and school plays. We love technology, so use your phones, tablets and other gadgets to diarise important dates. You don’t really need to shower them with expensive gifts – but these are always appreciated!

Just being present, or showing that you remember means more than you realise.

If you can’t afford gifts, help out around the around the house or give her a long, sensual massage... it could have a ‘happy ending’, if you know what we mean?

All women want to feel unique and appreciated. So, whether it’s your mom or your wife, your sister or your little daughter – all she really wants is for you to be the man who sees the world in her. E

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FOSSIL GENTS’ ROSE GOLD-PLATED BLUE CHRONOGRAPH WATCH ON BLUE LEATHER, R2 999, ARTHUR KAPLAN.

MILITARY GREEN BOMBER, R2 750, ALPHA INDUSTRIES.

TOMY HILFIGER MULTI-COLOUR SUNGLASSES, R1 660, SAFILO.

SWAG IS

Confidence

SLIM STRAIGHT DENIM, R1 299, TOM TAILOR, EDGARS.

There is elegance in simplicity.

BARRAGE BROADSIDE, R2 765, G-STAR RAW.

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MAN SHOPPING EOA BLACK PUFFER JACKET, R2 600, ALPHA INDUSTRIES,

MILITARY GREEN OXYGEN BOMBER JACKET, R2 800, ALPHA INDUSTRIES.

WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS.

FOSSIL WAKEFIELD CHRONOGRAPH WATCH ON BROWN LEATHER, R2 799, ARTHUR KAPLAN.

HUGO BOSS SUNGLASSES, R3 310, SAFILO.

TRACK II SHIFT DEBOSS PRINT, R2 396, G-STAR RAW.

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WORKER RELAXED SKINNY JEANS, R1 699, TOM TAILOR, EDGARS.

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FOR THE LOVE OF

Africa

‘This is Africa’ is a term commonly used to explain the fact that nothing in the world happens as it does in Africa. We spoke to Gerrard Foster, who has broken through and harnessed the immense diversity of the continent.

Q What Was Your First Job? My first formal job was as a data capturer for Fluor Daniel, where I captured the progress of a boiler repair at a power station in Secunda. But in hindsight, my first business venture happened when I was five years old. My mother came home with a box of 200 pieces of Chappies bubblegum and my grandmother looked at me and said, “You know you don’t have to eat all of that, right?” So I didn’t. Instead, I ate three pieces and sold 197 and that was my first business.

Q How Did You Go From That To Sought-After Consultant In The Media, Entertainment And Marketing Industry?

My first contact with the media industry was as an intern at a company called All Things Digital, where I quickly progressed to being an account manager. We created the very first Sunday World website and YFM was one of my clients. When All Things Digital was dissolved, YFM caught wind of this and headhunted me to work for them. There, I established Y-World, their website, and I became the entertainment editor, wrote for the magazine, and managed events and even some of the DJs. I also created

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custom content with brands, all of which I have carried with me and applied continuously through my career.

I then started my own media venture, New Media Entertainment with Johannesburg Development Agency and Metro FM as clients. During this time I also worked on a number of TV productions and other large productions with Channel O and Coca Cola, which is when I started travelling into the rest of the continent.

In this way, I became a partner in various entities, including Africa Jam and then Youth Dynamix, before being headhunted

by Universal Music Group, where I became the head of business development for sub-Saharan Africa.

Since leaving The Universal Music Group, I’ve started a business called Project Fable with my partner Kojo Baffoe.

It’s an African Insights and Content Design company that helps tell brand stories in the best way possible. Having had the opportunity to build a network over the past decade, we are able to direct

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MAN Q&A EOA

WORDS: ZELIA MICHAELS-SHANGASE. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY GERRARD FOSTER, LIBWEB5.PRINCETON.EDU/.

systems and generally works off a cash economy, so where you see people driving fancy cars, they have most likely paid for them in cash and owe the bank nothing.

It’s important to understand that Africa is not one country and getting to know the little nuances about the people in the different countries will set you up to successfully do business in Africa. The barriers to entry in most of Africa are also far more flexible.

A lot of Africa realises that it needs to rebuild their economies, so they are adjusting things and encouraging innovation and business.

The continent can still do a lot more toward placing greater value on our own abilities and defying stereotypes. We have amazing resources, which can build Africa in a great way if we would just reclaim ownership of them.

GERRARD FOSTER

brands in the right direction in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, DRC and Southern Africa.

Q Tell Us A Bit About This ‘Burden For Africa’, How You Continue To Feed It And Why? My passion for Africa is insatiable and it began when I was in school, where the people I most genuinely connected with were from other parts of the continent. I think this was my

way of dealing with the fact that I always saw myself as being ‘other’ and not fitting into any particular mould.

It’s never been a coincidence that my work has always fed this passion.

Q How Does Doing Business In Africa Compare To Doing Business With The Rest Of The World?

Everything is different in the rest of the continent; it has its own financial

Q What Are Some Pros And Cons Of Working Independently?

As a consultant you need to understand that you are selling your time, which makes it difficult to scale your business.

There is also the part of business where you need to chase payments for work you’ve completed. These are the more negative lessons, but there are so many more positives.

You have a particular freedom to think, innovate and not be influenced by a particular environment. There is no box out of which to think. You have the freedom to give perspective and be bold.

Q Careerwise, What Do You Still Have To Try Or Get Right?

I would like to get to a point where I am able to build other people and other businesses. I get a certain joy out of being able to mentor people. I would like to interrogate business ideas to help people think bigger. I am a problemsolver and so would like to make money off solving problems, and have fun while doing it. E

“It’s important to understand that Africa is not one country and getting to know the little nuances about the people in the different countries will set you up to do business successfully in Africa.”

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HAYDEN HORNER

You can’t CON A CON

Having been scammed once before, I have turned to online vigilantism to distract scammers long enough to prevent more scams.

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eing scammed sucks, especially on OLX or Gumtree or eBay. You invest all of that time into selling a particular product or you spend a lot of time researching the perfect item, completing the transaction, and then the buyer never pays up or the seller never ships your item to you. While some scams are obvious, others are subtle and manipulative.

Would you know when you’re being scammed and how to respond?

I recently posted an ad on OLX to sell my barely-used Sony Alpha NEX-5R digital camera for R4 000; a bargain considering it currently retails at R7 500. In less than 12 hours a woman named Maria, who works as a United Nations consultant in Nigeria, contacted me by email to say she is interested, especially since ‘items of this quality are scarce or extremely costly in Nigeria’.

Having visited the country a few times already, I knew this was not the case and given my low tolerance for scammers, I decided to play along with Maria-Michael-Macdonald-Mavis… or whoever was on the other end.

I was asked if I could Fedex or DHL the camera to her in Nigeria. I agreed and let her know: “My dearest Maria, there are just too many scams doing the rounds these days. So I will only ship the goods to you once I have the money in my hand.”

She replied with a series of nude photos of herself and an innocent: “Oh really? Maybe I’m just too trusting, Hayden, but I never realised such scams even existed in Africa. Together with the UN we are trying to clean this place.”

The whole while I’m thinking: “Yeah right darling, you’re trying to clean out this place and a whole lot of bank accounts.”

The fact that she mailed me a series of seminude selfies told me that she was trying to use her lady bits to throw me off-guard. This unscrupulous scammer had a ‘va-genda’ and she wasn’t afraid to flash it at male victims to get what she wanted.

So I replied: “My darling Maria, judging by the six beautiful selfies you have mailed me, I can see you are trustworthy. I will mail the goods to you and am certain you will deposit the funds into my account once you get them.”

Maria had no idea that as a gay man, I was forced from an early age to scam my way through most of my life in order to fit into society’s perception what is acceptable. Instead of receiving my camera in the post, Maria will instead be getting printouts of my alerts to OLX, eBay, Gumtree and various social media platforms, and a note that reads: “Dear Maria, you pathetic fool.

I too have an agenda. It’s to distract scammers for long enough for me to alert as many people as I can. #YourGay BestFriend. E

WORDS AND IMAGE: HAYDEN HORNER.

EOA #GAYBESTFRIEND

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Reduces redness and provides instant rednessconcealment. (Available from September 2015)

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Take care of your skin and its needs with these great selections.

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BEAUTY EOA

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WORDS: TUMI MDLULI. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS.

GARNIER EVEN & MATTE GENTLE CLARIFYING FOAM, R49.95, RETAIL STORES NATIONWIDE. A foaming texture with lemon essence to intensively cleanse, visibly brighten and clarify skin.

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JOHNSON’S® DAILY ESSENTIALS REFRESHING FACIAL CLEANSING WIPES, R49.95, RETAILERS STORES NATIONWIDE. Enriched with essential, skinloving minerals and vitamins, use these wipes to gently sweep away your make-up and impurities.

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Pigmentation is a source of irritation for many women of colour. Here are the basic facts about what you can do about it.

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lack women often get a lot of compliments for their skin. Thanks to high levels of melanin, black skin is resistant to wrinkles and fine lines and ages better than other races. While black women the world over can tick this as a win in the genetic lottery, there are issues that black skin suffers from more than other races. Perhaps its true that ‘black don’t crack’, but black skin does suffer from pigmentation.

Pigmentation is said to be the biggest skin concern for most women of colour and it can be enough to make even the most beautiful skin look dull and far from perfect. “Pigmentation can be caused by post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (pigmentation after some trauma to the skin), the use of certain medication and sun exposure.

Hormonal imbalance may also trigger hyperpigmentation,”

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says Zama Chiliza, an aesthetician from Sandton Aesthetic Institute.

PIGMENTATION 101 While it seems like pigmentation pops up overnight, treating it is a more complicated process. “You have to visit a dermatologist or skincare specialist to determine just how much damage has been caused to your skin. The pigmentation can be on the epidermal layers, which is easier to treat, or it can be deeper in your skin,” says Naledi Kgosi, a Pretoria-based somatologist. One of the reasons why pigmentation continues to be a problem for women of colour is exposure to the sun.

“The notion that black skin is somehow resistant to the sun is a huge myth,” says Kgosi. “Nobody should expose their skin for extended periods, especially without the protection of sunscreen,” she warns.

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A WAR AGAINST PIGMENTATION There are various ways of dealing with pigmentation, but not all ways are equal. There are over-the-counter products that promise to eradicate dark marks on skin, but the results will not be as effective as visiting a professional.

“A combination of treatments and products are administered to treat pigmentation effectively. Chemicals peels and laser have been very successful in treating pigmentation.

There are myths that claim treatments like chemical peels and lasers are not suitable for black skins, but this is not true,” explains Chiliza.

There are different types of peels available on the market and all of them address different skin problems.

The Sandton Aesthetic Clinic offers a variety of treatments. “We offer different types of chemical peels and laser treatments, depending on the severity of the pigmentation. We use the Neo Strata glycolic peels, as well as the skin Tech 15% TCA peels. These peels are done at two to four week intervals, until we have reached the desired results,” Chiliza says. “We also offer the Palomar Non Ablative Fractional Laser to treat pigmentation, which is safe to use on all skin types. The use of Crystal Tomato tablets in combination with the topical cream Crystal Clear have given best and longer lasting results thus far,” she adds.

SKIN PROTECTION If you decide that you want to fight pigmentation without outside help, Kgosi recommends a strict personal skincare regimen.

“As people get older, flawless skin is earned.

Sunscreen is not an optional item in your skincare range; it really is worth buying good quality sunscreen, even if it is a bit pricey. Don’t forget that even though you are wearing sunscreen, it doesn’t mean that you should expose yourself to a lot of sun.

When you do, make sure you reapply your sunscreen throughout the day,” she advises, adding that when you are in the sun, “Wear sunblock with an SPF of at least factor 50 and a hat!”

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Uneven skin tone

There are also various topical creams that can be used in the effort to fight pigmentation. Finding the right one is a challenge and a process of trial and error. However, there are products on the market that you should be wary of. “There are many creams that promise to lighten skin, but that’s not what we are trying to do when fighting pigmentation,” Kgosi warns.

“Look out for products that use words such as ‘brightening’ because that is very different to lightening.

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Also allow your products time to work,” she adds. “I advise my clients to take a before picture and then take another one after 12 weeks and compare them to see a real difference.”

“Treating pigmentation requires time and patience because the results are not achieved overnight. A maintenance programme is the key to ensure that the results are long lasting. Homecare products also help in maintaining results,” concludes Chiliza. E

Visit www.sandtonaesthetics.co.za for more info on pigmentation treatments.

Do you struggle with pigmentation or have you treated it successfully? Share your story with us at letters@essaysofafrica.com.

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MAIN BEAUTY EOA NEUTROGENA VISIBLY EVEN DAILY MOISTURIZER WITH SPF, R139.95, RETAILERS NATIONWIDE. Brightens and evens out skin and protects against ageing UV rays. Use in combination with other sun protection measures for advanced protection against premature ageing and future discolouration.

EUCERIN® 50+ SUN GEL-CRÈME OIL CONTROL DRY TOUCH, R79.95, RETAILERS NATIONWIDE. Provides daily sun protection for oily and acne-prone skin, leaving skin feeling naturally smooth and not greasy.

ENLIIGHTEN DARK SPOT CORRECTING NIGHT SERUM, R950, ESTÉE LAUDER POP-UP STORES. A powerful anti-spot ingredient combined with an exclusive anti-irritant compound boosts skin’s natural ability to resist spots and discolouration, helping prevent new dark spots from forming.

WORDS: TUMI MDLLULI. IMAGES: ©ISTOCK.COM, YOUTUBE.COM, SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS.

HELLO BRIGHT SKIN! Protect your skin from dark marks with these quality products.

ANTI SPOT INTENSIVE EVEN TONE SERUM, R120, POND’S, RETAILERS NATIONWIDE. Intervenes in the ageing cycle that creates dark, stubborn spots by decreasing the transfer of dark pigments to the surface of the skin.

CICABIO SPF 50 PLUS, R690, BIO DERMA, EXCLUSIVE SALON SPAS. Helps in repairing damaged skin exposed to the sun by acting on every stage of the biological epidermal reconstruction process and limiting the risk of post-scarring.

ENLIGHTEN EVEN SKINTONE CORRECTING CREME, R695, ESTÉE LAUDER POP-UP STORES. Intensely hydrating crème includes a natural complex of lentil fruit, watermelon and apple to provide deep comfort and long-lasting moisture.

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EOA BEAUTY & HEALTH NEWS SA’s FACE OF NEUTROGENA®

MINT THERAPY FOR YOUR SCALP

NOMZAMO MBATHA

TAN YOUR DARK SKIN

Pure-Royal Moisture Mint Stimulant is a specially formulated dual-action conditioner with scalp stimulant and hair moisturiser that not only stimulates the scalp, but the refreshing natural oil also improves circulation. Panthenol helps repair split ends by penetrating the hair shaft to moisturise dry and damaged hair. The benefits of using PureRoyal Moisture Mint Stimulant regularly include:  Root-stimulating treatment  Eliminates flakiness  Instantly relives itchiness and dryness  Soothes and heals the scalp  Assists hair growth and strengthens damaged hair Pure-Royal Moisture Mint Stimulant is available countrywide at Clicks, Shoprite, Spar, Pick n Pay, Jet Mart and Dis-Chem stores.

Who says that dark skin can’t tan? A healthy tan brings out the glow and Vita Liberata tan, an organic and luxurious spray tan, guarantees the following six benefits: Hydrates Skin: Dark skin, like any other skin tone, can look dry, dull and particularly ashen if not regularly exfoliated or correctly hydrated.

Anti-Oxidants: All skin tones respond to the absorption of antioxidants, which hydrate, heal, feed and prevent free radicals.

Anti-Ageing: Ageing is an inherent process regardless of skin colour.

Vita Liberata fights signs of ageing with certified organic botanicals for intense skin conditioning.

Skin Colour: The intention is not to make the natural skin colour darker, or tan it; rather, Vita Liberata enhances the natural colour, illuminating the skin for extra glow.

Masks Imperfections: Evens out skin tone and the appearance of scars, stretch marks, cellulite, skin surfacing and irregularities.

Non-Toxic: Free of toxins and chemicals.

For more info, www.vitaliberata.co.za.

LIBIDO IN A BOX

Does your life demand higher levels of energy and concentration than ever before? Do you need an occasional boost while balancing your career, children and other activities? There are many energy drinks on the market that are loaded with sugar and caffeine, which can result in blood sugar spikes and crashes. Biotone®, the staple drink of high achievers in Europe for over 40 years, has been re-launched in SA and aside from the boost it gives high-intensity athletes, it has the added benefits of lifting your libido by up to 50 percent (both men and women). An all-natural tonic containing Kola Nut extract, phosphorous and manganese, it helps combat fatigue, lack of concentration and muscle cramps. Biotone® is available from Dis-Chem and selected Clicks stores, and other leading pharmacies countrywide from R125 per box containing 20 ampules. For more info, visit Prolonglife.co.za. E

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WORDS: HLULANI MASINGI. SOURCES: COMMITMENT PROMOTIONS, FREEBEES & B-LINE MARKETING IMAGES: COMMITMENT PROMOTIONS, FREEBEES & B-LINE MARKETING. ©ISTOCK.COM.

It is always exciting when SA beauties are recognised internationally and now it is the turn of Nomzamo Mbatha, who has been appointed as the first South African Ambassador for NEUTROGENA®. Known for her appearances in popular TV programmes such as Isibaya, Holiday Swap, and Umlilo, as well as the locally-produced film, Tell Me Sweet Something, Mbatha is not just a pretty face. It is her commitment to making a real difference in the lives of women through her involvement in numerous initiatives and HIV/AIDS awareness programmes, including CHOMA and UNAIDS, that sees her identifying with the values of NEUTROGENA®. Mbatha will be joining international faces like Kerry Washington, Gabrielle Union, Eiza González, Jennifer Garner, Julie Bowen, Hayden Panettiere, Emma Roberts, Kristen Bell and Sandra Echeverria.

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DAILY SKIN POLISH POWDER for the skin that demands the salon glow Instantly brightens, exfoliates and restores your skin.

Dermatologically approved Beyond the Blue C51101

Bring Home that Sorbet Salon feeling with our Sorbet Skincare Collection.

*No.1 selling product within the Sorbet Skincare range in Sorbet stores.

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COLOUR Beautiful Don’t know what to do with your hair anymore? Put that pair of scissors down and add some colour to your hair, literally! Nothing can be more beautiful than hair with a splash of colour!

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or black women, hair colouring has progressed tremendously and become a very popular fashion statement, as well as a way of expressing their pride and freedom in the way in which they manage their hair. Subtlety when it comes to hair colouring is a thing of the past! Mermaid-blues and smoky-grey colours are taking over if the celebs are anything to go by, and we show you how you can get this look without damaging your luscious fro!

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BEAUTY EOA CHECK OUT THE DIFFERENT COLOURS:  Colour Rinses add shine and are gentle and safe to use, as they do not contain ammonia peroxide.  Temporary colours are similar to colour rinses and do not contain ammonia or peroxide. Gentle and safe to use on chemically-treated hair.  Semi-Permanent Colours like Pure-Royal’s Ruby Rage and Cherry Red are safe to use on chemically-treated hair, as they don’t contain ammonia or peroxide. Giving deeper staining, they leave hair soft and well-conditioned with a deep hue that camouflages any signs of damage and/or over-processing.  Demi-Permanent Colours contain a small amount of peroxide and no ammonia. They will not lift the dark base, but will deepen the hue of your hair.  Permanent Colours are used by professionals who have a thorough understanding of the chemical composition of these colours, as the colours have the potential to cause serious damage. They contain ammonia and peroxide and require expert mixing and application. Skin tones have to be considered when using permanent colours, so as to select a complementary colour.

WORDS: THINA MTHEMBU. IMAGES: ©ISTOCK.COM, PURE ROYALS, ORS.

A RISKY BUSINESS

3 To-Dos Before You Colour: 1. Test a strand!

2. If you’re going for a lighter colour, definitely consult a professional!

3. Make it a point to have a deep conditioner on standby for after-colour care.

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If you want to colour your hair and prefer to go the DIY route, you should be warned of the risks involved! Maude Mangana, product advisor of Pure-Royals products says, “It should be understood that African hair is naturally prone to dryness due to its curly pattern formation. It is therefore imperative to have a good understanding of the different hair colours and the use thereof on hair, to prevent damage and unsatisfactory results.” Remember that dyeing any type of hair may involve a chemical process and should be taken seriously. To achieve the best results: 1. Make sure that your hair and scalp are in good condition.

2. To eliminate dryness that will most likely lead to breakage, it is very important to condition colour treated hair fortnightly – this is why a professional should always apply a permanent colour!

3. If you’re afraid of damaging your natural hair, rather opt for hair chalk instead. You can go with bold colours without causing damage to your hair and if you don’t like the colour, you can simply wash it off!

Now the question is, are you brave enough to plunge into the world of hair colour? We say go for it, but remember to take extra care of your hair! E

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Baking inspiration FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

Whether you feel like baking a simple treat for yourself or want to wow your guests with delicious desserts for high tea, these recipes from the Clover Best Bakes recipe book have you covered for every occasion.

KEY LIME PIE Serves 8 Ingredients Sweet Shortcrust Pastry 1½ cup (210g) cake flour, sifted ¼ cup (55g) castor sugar ½ cup (125g) Mooi River butter, cubed 1 egg yolk 2 tbsp. (30ml) ice-cold water

Filling

3 eggs, lightly beaten 2 egg yolks 1 x 385g tin Clover condensed milk 1 cup (250ml) Clover cream ¼ cup (60ml) Clover full cream milk 4 lemons, juice and finely grated zest

To Serve

2 tbsp. (30ml) icing sugar 2 tbsp. (30ml) lime zest, finely grated ½ cup (125ml) Clover fresh cream, whipped

Method

Sweet Shortcrust Pastry: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Combine the cake flour and sugar in a mixing bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and cold water. Mix until the pastry just comes together. Shape into a round disc and cover in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Grease a 23-cm tart tin. Roll out the pastry with a 5mm thickness and line the base and sides of the tin with pastry. Chill the pastry case for 20 minutes. Place the pastry case onto a baking tray.

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Line the uncooked pastry case with baking paper and fill with baking beans. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the paper and beans and bake for a further 4 to 5 minutes, until golden.

Filling: Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C. Whisk the eggs, egg yolk, condensed milk, cream, milk, lime juice and zest until smooth. Place the pastry case onto a baking tray.

Pour the filling into the pastry case and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until set. Allow to cool. Decorate with icing sugar if desired.

To Serve: Sprinkle with lime zest and serve with whipped cream.

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FOOD & ENTERTAINING EOA

BAKED CHEESECAKE TARTLETS WITH SOUR CREAM TOPPING Serves 8 to 10 Ingredients Sweet Shortcrust Pastry 1½ cup (210g) cake flour, sifted ¼ cup (55g) castor sugar ½ cup (125g) Mooi River butter, cubed 1 egg yolk 2 tbsp. (30ml) ice-cold water

Filling

1 cup (250ml) Clover sour cream 2 cups (500g) smooth cream cheese 4 tsp. (20ml) cornflour 2 eggs 1 tsp. (5ml) vanilla extract 2 tsp. (10ml) lemon zest 2 tsp. (10ml) lemon juice ½ cup (110g) castor sugar

To Serve

100g fresh blueberries or raspberries

Method

Sweet Shortcrust Pastry: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Combine the cake flour and sugar in a mixing bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and cold water. Mix until the pastry just comes together. Shape into a round disc and cover in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Grease a 23-cm tart tin. Roll out the pastry with a 5-mm thickness and line the base and sides of the tin with pastry. Chill the pastry case for 20 minutes. Place the pastry case onto a baking tray. Line the uncooked pastry case with baking paper and fill with baking beans. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the paper and beans and bake for a further 4 to 5 minutes, until golden.

Filling: Preheat the oven to 160°C. Place 60 ml (¼ cup) of sour cream into a small mixing bowl, reserve the balance of the sour cream.

Whisk the remaining ingredients together until smooth. Place the prebaked pastry cases onto a baking sheet. Pour the filling into the cases. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Remove from the oven and top with the remaining sour cream. Return to the oven and bake for another 2 to 5 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

To Serve: Top with fresh blueberries or raspberries before serving.

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ROASTED VEGETABLE, FETA & PESTO FREE-FORM PIE Serves 8 to 10 Ingredients

1½ cup (210g) cake flour ½ tsp (2.5ml) salt 1/3 cup (80g) cold Clover Mooi River butter, cubed ½ cup (50g) cheddar cheese, finely grated 1 egg, lightly whisked 4 tsp. (20ml) Clover sour cream 500g assorted roasting vegetables, trimmed to 2cm pieces 2 tbsp. (30ml) olive oil 1 garlic clove, crushed Salt and milled black pepper 100g cherry tomatoes 125g Clover feta cheese, cubed ¼ cup (60g) basil pesto 1 egg 1 tbsp. (15ml) Clover low fat milk 1 tbsp. (15ml) sesame seeds

To Serve

Fresh basil leaves

Method

Preheat the oven to 190°C. Pulse the cake flour, salt and butter in a food processor until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Alternatively, place into a mixing bowl and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour. Add the cheddar cheese. Whisk the egg and sour cream together and add to the mixture. Process until the dough just starts to come together. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly into a ball. Cover in plastic wrap, flatten slightly and chill for 20 minutes.

Toss the vegetables, olive oil, garlic and salt and pepper together and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast the vegetables for 25 to 35 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are nearly cooked. Set aside to cool. Toss the vegetables, tomatoes, feta cheese and half of the basil pesto together. Reduce the heat to 180°C and line a baking sheet with baking paper. Roll out the pastry to 5 to 7 mm thick and place onto the baking sheet.

Fill the middle of the pastry with the roasted vegetable mixture. Fold the sides of the pastry over the filling to form a border – the more rustic the better. Dot the remaining pesto over the filling. Whisk the egg and milk together and brush the sides of the pastry. Scatter the sesame seeds over the edges. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and cooked.

To Serve: Scatter the fresh basil leaves over the pie before serving.

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FOOD & Entertaining EOA

SALMON & LEEK TARTLETS Serves 8 to 12 Ingredients Shortcrust Pastry 1 cup (140g) cake flour 1/3 cup (80g) cold Clover Springbok butter, cubed 1 egg yolk, lightly whisked 1 tbsp. (15ml) chilled water

Filling

2 tbsp. (30ml) Clover Springbok butter 3 medium leeks, thinly sliced 250g smoked salmon or salmon trout, chopped 1 tbsp. (15ml) fennel or dill, chopped ½ tsp. (2.5ml) milled black pepper 3 eggs ½ cup (125g) cream cheese ½ cup (125ml) Clover fresh cream ¼ cup (60ml) Clover full cream milk

To Serve

125 g smoked salmon or salmon trout slices (optional) ½ c (125ml) Clover sour cream fresh dill, chives or thyme

Method

Shortcrust Pastry: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Pulse the flour and butter in a food processor until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Alternatively, place into a mixing bowl and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour. Add the egg yolk and water and process until the dough just starts to come together. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead into a ball. Cover in plastic wrap and chill for 20 minutes. Roll out the pastry to a 5-mm thickness. Line the base and sides of 6 to 8 greased, individual tartlet tins with pastry. Chill the pastry cases for 20 minutes. Place the pastry cases onto a baking tray.

Line the uncooked pastry cases with baking paper and fill with baking beans. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the paper and beans and bake for a further 4 to 5 minutes, until golden.

Filling: Heat the butter in a pan and gently cook the leeks for 5 to 6 minutes, or until softened. Allow to cool slightly and divide between the cooked pastry cases. Top with the chopped salmon or salmon trout, fennel or dill and black pepper. Whisk the remaining ingredients together. Pour the mixture over the filling in the pastry cases and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cooked in the centre.

To serve: Top with extra slices of smoked salmon, sour cream and some fresh herbs.

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APPLE TARTE TATIN Serves 6 Ingredients

6 apples (approximately 800g), peeled and cut into thick wedges 2 tbsp. (30ml) lemon juice ½ cup (100g) sugar ¼ cup (60ml) Clover Krush apple or orange juice 1 vanilla pod, halved lengthways and seeds scraped out ½ tsp. (2.5ml) ground cinnamon 3 tbsp. (45ml) Clover Mooi River butter, cubed 1 roll (400g) ready-made puff pastry, defrosted To Serve Clover sour cream or Clover fresh cream, whipped

Method

Preheat the oven to 190 °C. Toss the apples in the lemon juice. Put an ovenproof frying pan on medium heat and add the sugar, juice and vanilla seeds. Dissolve the sugar and allow to simmer slowly. Once the caramel turns a light brown colour, carefully add the apple slices. Caution: Caramel is extremely hot so do not touch! Sprinkle the cinnamon over the apples.

Dot the cubed butter over the top. Roll out the puff pastry, on a surface that is lightly dusted with flour, to ½-cm thickness.

Lay the pastry over the top of the fruit and make sure to tuck the pastry right down into the edges around the fruit. Bake the tarte tatin for about 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before transferring onto a serving plate.

To Serve: Warm with sour cream or whipped cream.

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FOOD & Entertaining EOA

KOEKSISTERS Serves 12 to 16 Ingredients Spiced Syrup 3 cups (660g) castor sugar 1 cup (250ml) water or Clover Krush orange juice 1 cup (250ml) water 1 tsp. (5ml) fresh ginger, thinly sliced ¼ tsp. (1ml) cream of tartar 1 cinnamon stick 3 star anise 6 cardamom pods, lightly crushed 1 lemon, juice and strip of rind Koeksisters 2 cups (300g) cake flour 2 tsp. (10ml) baking powder ½ tsp. (2,5ml) ground nutmeg ¼ tsp. (1ml) salt 75g Clover Mooi River butter, cubed 1 egg ½ cup (125ml) Clover Milk oil for deep-frying

Method

Spiced Syrup: Heat all the ingredients together over low heat and stir until the castor sugar has dissolved. Increase the heat and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and chill until very cold.

Koeksisters: Sift the flour, baking powder, nutmeg and salt into a mixing bowl. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Whisk the egg and milk together and add it to the flour mixture. Mix until combined into a soft dough. Shape the dough into a ball, cover in cling wrap and chill for 30 minutes. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until 7 to 8 mm thick. Cut into twelve 10 x 5-cm strips, then make three lengthways cuts in each strip, leaving a one-centimetre border at one end to hold the strips together.

Plait the three strips and pinch the opposite end to seal tight.

Keep covered with a clean, damp tea towel until ready to fry. Half fill a deep-fat fryer or a medium-sized saucepan with oil and heat.

Fry the koeksisters in batches for 3 to 5 minutes, turning frequently, or until cooked and a dark golden colour. Drain on kitchen paper and quickly soak the hot koeksisters in the cold syrup for a minute, then drain on a wire rack.

KOEKSISTER HEARTS WITH ROSEWATER SYRUP

Use a heart-shaped cutter and cook the koeksisters as above.

Dip into the rosewater syrup and garnish with rose petals.

Rosewater Syrup Ingredients

3 cups (660g) castor sugar 1 cup (250ml) water or Clover Krush berry juice 1 cup (250ml) water 1 tsp. (5ml) lemon juice

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½ tsp. (2,5ml) pink food colouring ¼ tsp. (1ml) cream of tartar 1 cinnamon stick 2 to 4 tsp. (10 to 20ml) rosewater, according to taste

Method

Heat all the ingredients, except the rosewater, over low heat.

Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Increase the heat and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and stir in the rosewater. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and chill until very cold.

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Serves 20 Ingredients Sweet Shortcrust Pastry 2 cups (280g) self-raising flour ¼ cup (55g) castor sugar 2 tsp. (10ml) baking powder ¼ tsp. (1ml) salt ½ cup (115g) Clover Mooi River butter 3 egg yolks 1 tbsp. (15ml) cold water Filling And Topping ¾ cup (250g) apricot or strawberry jam 1 tbsp. (15ml) Clover low fat milk 1 egg, lightly beaten ½ cup (50g) flaked almonds ½ cup (60g) sugar

Method

Sweet Shortcrust Pastry: Sift the flour, castor sugar, baking powder and salt together. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs or pulse the mixture in a food processor. Whisk the egg yolks and water together. Add this to the dry ingredients. Cut it in with a knife and knead lightly to a soft dough. Cover in plastic wrap and chill for 15 minutes.

Tarts: Preheat the oven to 190°C and line a large baking sheet/tray with baking paper. Roll out the dough with a 5-mm thickness and cut out 20 to 24 pastry circles with a 9-cm cookie cutter. Spoon two teaspoons of the jam in the centre of one circle. Fold the pastry over to enclose the filling.

Use a fork and press the edges to seal. Place the tart on the lined baking tray. Repeat with the remaining pastry rounds.

Whisk the milk and egg together and brush the tarts with the egg wash. Scatter the almonds and sugar over the tops. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden.

ABOUT BEST BAKES Best Bakes is available from leading bookstores and www.lapa.co.za for R194.95. A percentage of the book sales is donated to the Clover Mama Afrika Project, a national, social upliftment project that seeks to assist and support communities at grassroots level. By empowering the Mamas – the backbone of most communities – Clover is sustainably helping them to not only look after themselves, but also the people around them. Within their community, the Mamas unassumingly take charge of protecting, nurturing and educating their children as well as taking care of abandoned senior citizens. E

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WORDS AND IMAGES: CLOVER BEST BAKES.

JAM AND ALMOND TARTS

ESSAYS OF AFRICA

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DÉCOR FEATURE EOA DÉ SILVER UNDER PLATE WITH MARBLE EFFECT FINISH, R29.99, MR PRICE HOME.

SILVER UNDER PLATE WITH CUTOUT DETAIL, R29.99, MR PRICE HOME.

MAXWELL & WILLIAMS, WHITE ROSE 16-PIECE DINNER SET, R1 299, HOME ETC.

ENTERTAINING 101

Here’s how to serve up your best!

DEEP ORANGE WOVEN PLACEMAT, R15.99, MR PRICE HOME.

LEMON DECORATIVE STORAGE JAR, R129.99, MR PRICE HOME.

7-PIECE CAKE SET, R79.99, MR PRICE HOME. MAXWELL & WILLIAMS, WHITE ROSE 16-PIECE DINNER SET, R1 299, HOME ETC.

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EOA DÉCOR feature

LADIES OF LEISURE

Entertaining at home shouldn’t be a daunting task. Just follow our easy tips to host your elegant high tea or ladies lunch. olour: The seasons are changing and this citrus shade is perfect C to make any space glow, even if it is still chilly outside. Generally synonymous with creativity, yellow is also very sophisticated when paired with grey and touches of white.

T able: These days, casual meets formal in the way you set your table and, depending on your prepared menu, you should opt to layer your table. S tart with a white tablecloth as your foundation, topped

Women’s Month has a serious message behind it, but we also want to sprinkle a lot of celebration into it. Here are ways of sharing the moment with other incredible women without having to wreck your brain about table settings. We took our cues from wedding planner and décor mastermind Precious Thamaga, of Precious Celebrations, on how you can give your Women’s Month events that extra bit of décor oomph.

LADIES WHO LUNCH Brighten up the gloomiest day with a ladies luncheon bursting in shades of happy yellow. Whether you’re getting the girls together for networking, business, fun or just moral support – it should always be done in style.

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with either an overlay in a contrasting or accent colour or a table runner down the centre of the table.  Placemats for each setting are optional or go for an under plate.  Use the centre of the table for any decorative items.

Fresh flowers preferably in your accent colours are always a winner. Remember, whatever you decide to use as decoration, it should not block your conversation with someone sitting across the table from you. You should be able to maintain eye contact quite easily and not have to reach over anything that is too high.  hite linen napkins add a sophisticated touch to any table.

W For a lunch setting: A dessertspoon or fork can be placed above the dinner plate. The bread plate can be placed above the forks on the left. You’ll also need a water glass and a wine glass placed to your right. Alternatively, use one glass and add a coffee mug.

What you’ll need per setting: Cutlery Plates And Glasses Salad fork Lunch plate (same as dinner plate) Water glass Dinner fork Knife Wine glass Mug or cup Teaspoon Dessertspoon

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DÉCOR feature EOA HIGH SOCIE(TEA) It seems like everyone is sipping on tea, nibbling on sandwiches and indulging in cream scones these days. Yes, the traditional High Tea has made a comeback and it’s more popular than ever.

The term high tea conjures up images of pretty pastels, petit fours, and printed porcelain teacups and cake plates. Events such as these are best themed, so why not opt for a whisper of feminine peach – it’s understated elegance is perfect for what could be a regal affair. The shade is soft and neutral and will complement all those decadent treats you’ll have on display.  Keep decorations soft and feminine – peach and cream is a stunning combination, so use a rich cream tablecloth instead of white as your table’s foundation.  Make sure your tablecloth drapes all the way onto the floor for added elegance. Then top with peach cloth and an elegant lace overlay to give it some antique charm.  Add some paper lanterns or bunting flags by hanging them from your chandeliers.  You can use your most expensive china or even your regular crockery, and mix and match with fancy teacups, saucers and cake plates.  Your crockery and cutlery again depends on what you’ll be serving. For example, if you’re serving finger foods you’ll only need a spoon for the tea itself. Remember, the more treats you serve the more utensils you will need. Traditionally high tea was the bridge between breakfast and dinner, which was usually at 8pm. There are three high tea types you can go for; cream tea includes tea, scones, jam and cream; light tea includes tea, scones and sweets and full tea, which includes tea, savouries, scones, sweet treats and dessert.

WORDS: RHODA DAVIDS. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY PRECIOUS THAMAGA.

For a tea setting: Place your linen napkin to the left of your plate, with the fork either on the left or right of the napkin. The knife should be on the right with the sharp edge facing the plate, the butter knife next to it, facing the same way, followed by the spoon.

The teaspoon can be placed on the saucer of the teacup, which is placed to the right of the spoon.

What you’ll need per setting: Cutlery Plates And Glasses Fork or cake fork Luncheon-sized plate or side plate Knife and butter knife Teacup and saucer Dessert spoon Dessert bowl (usually on the buffet table) Teaspoon

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DESIGNING SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa’s finest design will be showcased alongside inspiring international design at 100% Design South Africa. In its second year, the show brings consumer and trade audiences exciting new work and ranges from the stellar exhibitor list, from classic and contemporary furniture to ceramics, textiles and more. Among the local names to look out for are Egg Design, De Steyl, David Krynauw, Raw Studio and The Design Team.

International brands, such as The Scandinavian Sofa Company, Vitra and Hay from Innova will also be on show. Visitors can look forward to 100% Colour in association with Plascon, and 100 Beautiful Things, which is an artfully curated display that celebrates 100 great designs made in South Africa in 2015.

Dates: 6 to 10 August 2015 Opening times: 10am to 6pm Trade-only preview morning: 6 August, 10am to 1pm Trade focused days: 6 to 7 August Ticket prices: R100 for adults; R85 for pensioners and scholars; R15 for kids under 12; R75 for trade and exhibitors Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Gauteng For more info, e-mail: 100percentdesign@ThebeReed.co.za or visit www.100percentdesign.co.za

THE FACE OF INNOVATION August décor news has grand design events, makeovers for your bathrooms and a new shop that has great accessories for your home.

SINGER ON SOLAR ENERGY MISSION FOR AFRICA

Senegalese-born hip-hop artist, Akon is co-founder of Akon Lighting Africa, and has collaborated with youth empowerment activist, Thione Niang, and Samba Batily, CEO of solar energy solutions company Solektra to provide clean energy in the form of solar panels, street lights and micro grids to rural areas in Africa that have no access to electricity. Their latest project, the Solar Academy in Bamako, Mali, is set to open its doors this summer to help bring clean energy to 600 million Africans, and empower African youth and inspire entrepreneurs through job creation and education. At the Fifth Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Marrakech last year, Akon elaborated on this idea when he said: “One thing Africa never needed was charity. All we needed was opportunity.”

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MINIMALIST ELEGANCE IN YOUR BATHROOM

Transform your bathroom into a space with all the right fixtures and fittings, where you can indulge, revitalise and energise your body and soul. The new Sigma70 flush plate from Geberit features a smooth, seamless surface, which blends beautifully into the rest of the space. It operates with the lightest of pressure thanks to hydraulic servo lifter technology and the rimless design of the flush plate makes it appear as if it is floating from the wall.

The minimalist design is refined and elegant and is available in black, umber or white glass option. Go to geberit.co.za for more info.

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DÉCOR NEWS EOA

NEW SHOP ON THE BLOCK

For contemporary craft items you have to check out Green Grass Design in 27 Boxes, Melville (Johannesburg). Owner and visual cultivator, Ria Kraftt has an eye for design and this can be seen all over the store in hand-stitched and laser-cut quirky and clever products. All products are handmade on the premises with incredible attention to detail to ensure the uniqueness of every piece. You’ll find anything from magazine racks, greeting cards, paper products and jewellery. You can even shop online at greengrassdesign.co.za.

Spaced out

WORDS: RHODA DAVIDS. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY STOCKISTS, ©ISTOCK.COM.

Space Tower from Blum is specifically designed to help organise, store and easily access all your goodies. Use it in your kitchen, living room, bedroom and even bathroom.

Whether you’d like clear glass front and sides so you can see through at a glance or higher sidewalls, you’ll be able to create up to 55 percent more room for storage. The pullouts are integrated with Blum’s engineered motion technology, BLUMOTION, so drawers open, halt and then close softly at the lightest of touch. The beauty of this storage system is that the design is flexible in height, width and depth enabling you to individualise interior spaces throughout your home, while getting the maximum amount of storage space. For more info, go to eclipsegroup.co.za.

SOMETHING FOR PRETORIA

Hertex has expanded its Pretoria showroom and the elegant space now also has a coffee shop for customers to indulge in after they’ve browsed the array of interior accessories on show. Basics such as throws, blankets and wallpaper are now on offer at the home décor essentials shop. Visit the Pretoria showroom at 869 Justice Mahomed Street, Brooklyn. E

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WOMEN BEHIND THE WHEEL QASH WELL SPENT

So it may not be a drop-top or racy roadster, but make no mistake: this is one fun son-of-a-gun. After starting the crossover revolution, Nissan’s C-segment crossover is going from strength to strength, with over two million QASHQAI models produced since the original debuted in 2007. In South Africa, the new QASHQAI 1.6 dCi Acenta Xtronic was named as a 2015 Car of the Year finalist – an immensely coveted accolade. The newgeneration QASHQAI has also been named as a 2015 World Car of the Year finalist, underlining its standing and reputation on the world stage.

Joining the original five versions, the new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol model is available with Nissan’s advanced Xtronic gearbox, delivering a smoother, more natural driving experience. With its automatic gearbox, the

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powerful engine offers a truly luxurious ride coupled with exceptional fuel efficiency – 6.2 litres per 100km on the combined cycle. ECO mode is also available for even better fuel economy. The QASHQAI range is topped by the new 1.6-litre turbocharged derivative.

Standard equipment includes alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, privacy glass, six airbags, automatic wipers, dual zone climate control and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, as well as an intelligent key with keyless entry and push-button start for many of the new models in the range. For that extra jolt of fun, it’s well worth it to go for the Techno Pack option, which includes Nissan’s Around View Monitor, heated door mirrors, NissanConnect for smartphone integration and a navigation system with a 7” touch-screen display. Heated leather seats are also available on the 1.6T.

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MOTORING EOA

CAPTUR THE FUN

WORDS: CARYN THANDI PETERSEN. IMAGES: QUICKPIC.

Crossover models are clearly the way of the future – and Renault does a pretty good job at leading the pack in terms of innovation and design. The new Renault Captur combines the attributes of an SUV with the spaciousness of an MPV and the convenience of a hatch, all wrapped into one goodlooking package. Striking the perfect balance between beautiful design and practicality, this competitively priced crossover is exceptionally easy to drive, characterised by intuitive technology features.

The super-stylish Renault features a spacious interior boasting plenty of storage space. Its trendy shell-shaped seats are as practical as they are eye-catching, with zip collection covers that are easily removed and washable; leather seats are an option on the flagship Dynamique variant.

Most impressive, however, is the host of fitments and features that exceed the standard in its market segment. Super-smart, the Captur offers Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free telephony and music streaming, as well as an integrated onboard navigation multi-media system with a 7” touchscreen. Other standard equipment includes ECO mode function, hands-free keycard and rear parking sensors.

BE A RENEGADE

If it’s fun you’re after, Jeep’s got your back. The new Renegade marks the brand’s first entry in the Small SUV segment, delivering fuel efficiency combined with true Jeep off-road capability. Its fresh design heralds all the freedom of an open-air driving experience, thanks to two special sunroof configurations. The Renegade’s all-new interior exudes an energetic, rugged appearance, crafted in high-quality materials and inspired colours. Cuttingedge technological features include UConnect touchscreens with navigation and a 7" full-colour

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premium multi-view display for the Renegade Limited, the largest in its segment.

The Jeep’s fun-to-drive, six-speed state-of-the-art manual transmission is built and designed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies, making for non-stop thrills both on the road and off. E

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THE HYATT REGENCY

WHERE BUSINESS AND PLEASURE MEET

name that is well known, respected and taken seriously, The Hyatt Regency Hotel has been part of the Johannesburg landscape since 1995. Since then, it has earned a great reputation as the hotel where business people from across the world like to stay and have their meetings. But it was with great surprise that I experienced the Hyatt Regency as a place to have a relaxing couple’s break without having to leave the city.

A MODERN WELCOME Upon arrival, it’s clear that this is a place where your comfort and pampering are taken very seriously. A seamless checkin and a quick introduction to what the hotel has to offer and we were well on our way. The hotel’s recent expensive facelift is evident as you enter the lobby. Spacious with clean lines, new white marble between the original black granite tiles and glass panels are the first thing the guest sees; it’s modern and luxurious without being over the top and gaudy. There are two facilities that initially stand out – the oneNINEone restaurant and The Lobby Lounge. The Lobby Lounge is where the city’s business folk meet up for power meetings over a meal in a sleek

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The Hyatt Regency in Rosebank is renowned for being the hotel of choice for business travellers, but as ZAMA NKOSI soon found out, it also easily adapts to a place of pleasure and relaxation.

GUESTS WALK INTO AN IMPRESSIVE LOBBY, SURROUNDED

BY MARBLE, GRANITE AND GLASS

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TRAVEL EOA setting that doesn’t just say ‘strictly for business’, and oneNINEone restaurant introduces itself as a chic spot where the trendy crowd wants to dine.

A HAVEN AWAY FROM HOME The Hyatt Regency has 244 rooms, all fully equipped, and the moment we stepped into ours we felt as if we were officially on holiday, even though home was a mere 10 minutes from the hotel. Facilities like the docking station and high-speed WiFi afford you the added bonus of working and playing as you would in your own space, except here you have the added luxury of 24-hour inroom dining, a world-class restaurant downstairs and amenities around Rosebank that leave you wanting for nothing. The hotel is 100 metres away from a Gautrain station, which makes accessing it easy and convenient. Knowing that there is also a shopping mall a short distance away gives guests the comforts of being in a buzzing suburb, but the privacy of a luxury hotel suite.

A HOTEL WITHIN A HOTEL: THE REGENCY CLUB FOR PREMIER GUESTS

SLIP INTO THE JACUZZI FOR SOME STRESS RELIEF

PAMPERING PARTY One of the facilities that the Hyatt Regency has on-site is the Amani Spa. Just an elevator ride away, we were transported into a serene haven that belied the busy Joburg suburb outside.

Located alongside the hotel’s fitness centre, which guests can access 24 hours a day, it leads to the pool area, another great place to unwind. Amani Spa has all the qualities of a great spa;

THE AMANI SPA OOZES LUXURY

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from the moment you enter, the scents and sounds conspire to make you relax and let go of all your stresses. Offering both local and international products, there are four treatment rooms, three therapists, a full menu of unisex treatments, a Jacuzzi, sauna and a steam room. We had a decadent couple’s 60-minute aromatherapy massage, which took our relaxation to another level. The spa also offers a Swedish massage, reflexology, facial and teeth whitening, among other treatments.

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EOA TRAVEL

“… the Regency Club, which takes the experience of being at the hotel to another level; it’s meant to make you feel like a VIP and it does just that.”

FIT FOR A KING Dressed up and ready for dinner, we headed downstairs to the lobby where the oneNINEone restaurant is located.

The venue oozes luxury, with deep purples splashed across various parts of the restaurant and impeccable attention to detail in the furnishings. Immediately noticeable is the ‘open’ kitchen, where guests can see their food being prepared.

Run by Chef Shaniel Dinna, the restaurant has received amazing reviews and has become one of the top dining establishments in Joburg.

To have that a walking distance from your hotel room is quite a treat. The food was a definite highlight of our stay at the Hyatt Regency. The hotel group has a slogan: ‘Food thoughtfully sourced and carefully served’ and that came through in our meal. The hotel’s food and beverage director, Rolf Hesuing, says the hotel is keen to use local products, suppliers and distributors, as well as smaller farms and those cultivating organic products. The oneNINEone menu is changed seasonally and ensures that regulars always have something new to try and a new favourite to adopt.

The rest of our stay wasn’t without

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THE BUSINESS OF LUNCH

For anyone seeking a location for a business lunch, the restaurant has weekly business lunch menus for R100, which are made up of three-dish menus available from Monday to Friday, between 12pm and 3pm.

things to fill our time, from lounging in our hotel room and the Regency Club, to strolling around the mall for a bit of shopping, and squeezing in a bit more pampering at the spa. Yes, The Hyatt Regency is great for all your business meetings, but it more than ticks all the boxes when it comes to pleasure and relaxation.

For more information on business and weekend packages available at the Hyatt Regency, call +27 (0)11 280 1234. Visit 191 Oxford Road in Rosebank or Johannesburg.regency.hyatt.com. E

IMAGES: HYATT REGENCY, ROSEBANK.

HOTEL WITHIN A HOTEL Within the Hyatt Regency hotel, there is another hotel – the Regency Club – located on the eighth floor of the hotel.

Guests of the Regency Club get their own separate check-in and checkout facilities, all-day tea and coffee, complimentary use of its boardroom for an hour, evening drinks, and canapés. We emerged from our spa treatment famished and right on time for the drinks and canapés at the Regency Club, which takes the experience of being at the hotel to another level; it’s meant to make you feel like a VIP and it does just that. One of the perks of the Regency Club’s drinks and canapé session is that it allows guests the chance to refuel and get ready for a night out downstairs at the oneNINEone restaurant.

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Artistically

SAVVY

Hlengiwe Vilakati is not an artist, but her passion for art has led to her being a gallery owner who helps artists establish their businesses. lengiwe Vilakati is one those people that have two passions and unlike most people who give up one for the other, she pursued both. For this advertising executive and owner of Jo Anke, a gallery in Johannesburg suburb, Orange Grove, art has become the apple of her eye in a symbiotic relationship between her two professions. She describes the integration of the two passions as “a kind of polygamous relationship”. Hlengiwe gives us a glimpse into this uncanny combination of art and advertising that exists in her world.

How Did This Love Affair Between Advertising And Art Begin?

I am a marketing graduate, with an extensive background in the advertising industry. I have worked in business and client services for numerous advertising agencies, positions which were pivotal in equipping me with some understanding of the business of art.

Although I’m not an artist, I’ve always felt a strong connection to art. I believe that art allows us to do cultural research, which builds our insight into consumer knowledge, something that is extremely significant in advertising.

Art allows you exposure to consumer trends and social dynamics and highlights the direction ideas could take in a few years time. After devoting years to the advertising industry, I could no longer ignore my desire to become involved in the art industry and I approached Joburg Art fair, Africa’s leading art fair presenting contemporary African art, alongside exhibitions and

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groundbreaking art initiatives and worked part time over three years. Being exposed to various elements of art, my interest was further developed, particularly in the South African context, and I soon decided to take the very daunting plunge of opening my own gallery.

How Did The Name ‘Jo Anke’ Come About?

Jo Anke is a name I adapted from combining my parents’ names.

My father’s name was Joe and Anke is the Arabic version of my mother’s name, Nomsa.

Tell Us About The Gallery And Your Business As A Whole.

Jo Anke was born from a desire to provide knowledge in order to better equip artists for business. The gallery markets and sells young contemporary art, with a range that includes social and political commentary art. While social art assists in understanding the intricacies of society and the environment that we live in, political art looks at our values as individuals and what we stand for – both of which are very useful in a young democracy like South Africa.

In our aim to grow young artists across all spheres, we launched a programme called ‘FINART Creative Forum’, which was designed to mobilise young creatives to engage with financial knowledge. I’ve discovered that conversation around this key aspect is lacking in the industry and there is not enough exposure to financial knowledge.

Money is a necessity in this world and without profitability it becomes difficult to remain inspired. The aim of the programme is to introduce young creatives to basic concepts of finance.

The forum is not limited to visual artists, but also includes young photographers, architects and even interior and fashion

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ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEW EOA designers who found the conversation and talks beneficial. With the continued backing of our great sponsors, I hope to grow this forum and believe that once we attach value to our creativity and the work that we do every day, it will lead to respect, which will lead to demand and eventually result in sustainability.

HOW DO YOU VIEW THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BLACK PEOPLE AND ART? Only about two percent of the South African population visit art fairs, museums and galleries, let alone actually buy art.

It’s still regarded as an elitist activity, but that’s because the buyers are generally elite individuals who are drawn to different types of art. There is, however, an impressive increase in the general interest around art and what it represents.

The evolution of black people and their relationship with art is reflective in the recognition of it being an elite luxury item that can be engaged with.

The juxtaposition of this is the cautionary way in which black people approach the necessity of art and this is probably the reason the gallery does not experience any sort of significant interest from a black audience. There is much we are missing by not encouraging all South Africans to engage with art, as there are so many similarities in people’s lives that are brought to the surface through the elements of art.

WHAT ARE THE LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNT IN FOLLOWING YOUR PASSION? The key is discipline and a strong vision in moving from a structured profession to one guided by passion. It often means that no one understands you, but it’s important to remain patient and having a resilient personality doesn’t hurt either! Understand the role of finance in your business and, like any other profession, never stop educating yourself; learn as much as you can. E

WORDS: ZELIA MICHAELS-SHANGASE. IMAGES: SUPPLIED BY HLENGIWE VILAKITI.

HLENGIWE VILAKATI

THE BASICS OF ART BUYING

 Buy what you love! And as in love, listen to your instincts.  The environment you are buying for is important. Selections for a corporate environment should be based on what you hope to achieve, and purchases should be aligned to employee benefits stimulating some kind of social or political commentary and conversation.  The only reason I would not advise buying art off a street corner is because it then becomes difficult to place investment value on it, which is something that can be done with artwork that is purchased from a reputable establishment.  At the end of the day, the most important value is how the art makes you feel.

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EOA BOOKS

GO SET A WATCHMAN

ELON MUSK: HOW THE BILLIONAIRE CEO OF SPACEX AND TESLA IS SHAPING OUR FUTURE Ashlee Vance R315, Penguin Random House South African-born Elon Musk is the renowned entrepreneur and innovator behind PayPal, SpaceX, Tesla and SolarCity.

He is the real-life inspiration for the Iron Man films. Being the visionary he is, after eBay acquired his dotcom successes for $1.5 billion in 2002, Musk invested his fortune in rockets and electric cars. Tech reporter Ashlee Vance released this book after following Musk around for a solid 12 months.

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ARCTIC SUMMER Damon Galgut R180, Penguin Random House The acclaimed South African author’s most recent novel won him this year’s Sunday Times Barry Ronge Fiction Prize. The work explores the life, loves and inner turmoil of writer EM Forster at the height of his career, as he conjured the literary classic A Passage to India. The judges wrote that the novel will “shape our literary conversation for years to come”.

LOVELY, DARK, DEEP

THIS HOUSE IS NOT FOR SALE

Joyce Carol Oates R235, HarperCollins The literary master abandons the novel format in favour of the short story for this collection of 13 piercing and evocative tales of terror and gratitude that cover the gamut of emotions we’ve come to associate with her carefully crafted prose. Oates plays with motifs of light and dark to transport us into the visceral world of her literary precision.

EC Osondu R345, Granta Drawing heavily on Nigeria’s rich tradition of oral storytelling, Osondu’s debut novel is at once deeply poetic and darkly funny, and draws on the magic realism groundwork so elaborately laid out by the likes of fellow Nigerian scribe Ben Okri. The novel tells the story of a prominent house in an African neighbourhood over several generations. E

WORDS: robyn bloch. IMAGES: PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE, JONATHAN BALL PUBLISHERS.

Harper Lee R330, Penguin Random House Set 20 years after the events of To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1960 novel, Go Set a Watchman picks up on the story of child protagonist in the first book, Scout Finch, as she visits her father in New York, and her struggle to understand interpersonal attitudes in her home of Maycomb, Alabama. Lee, now 89, wrote this novel before To Kill a Mockingbird was published but set it aside, only for it to be released to the public (reportedly without any revisions) after her lawyer discovered the manuscript, which was long assumed to have been lost. Lee gained acclaim as a writer who wasn’t afraid to ask uncomfortable questions about race and the parochial prejudice she was party to growing up in Alabama. To Kill a Mockingbird is seminal reading and its themes resonate strongly with South African readers. As a sequel that’s actually a prequel, Go Set a Watchman extends those themes, but lends them a more mature authorial voice that fans of Lee’s first, and only other, novel didn’t imagine they’d have a chance to enjoy.

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MUSIC EOA

DIVAS UNITE

Celebrate the divas of South African music with two special events this month. Held on Women’s Day at the Cape Town City Hall, Divas Unite is a charity concert featuring an exceptional line-up of top female artists such as Freshlyground’s Zolani Mahola, Magdalene Minnaar, Kim Kallie, Judy Page, Sterling EQ, Noluvuyiso Mpofu and Zanne Stapelberg, accompanied by an all-female Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. TV presenter Katlego Maboe hosts this special concert, which celebrates the power and energy of women across South Africa. Welkom is hosting its own Women’s Day concert at the Kingdom Ministries Auditorium. Lira headlines ‘A Night with the Queens’, joined by other top performers, including Ayanda Jiya and Puleng.

LADY SINGS THE BLUES

WORDS: CARYN THANDI PETERSEN. IMAGES: UNIVERSAL MUSIC.

CURRENCY OF MAN Melody Gardot (Universal Music)

If you haven’t heard the haunting, unapologetic vocals of Melody Gardot, you’re missing out on something quite magical. Her fresh new album is an inspired follow-up to the intimate My One and Only Thrill, released in 2009. The highlyanticipated album is an intensely creative milestone for this Grammy-nominated American singer/songwriter and musician, transcending distinctions of jazz, blues, and R&B, to offer a stirring social and musical statement. Currency of Man takes Gardot’s music in a new direction, epitomised by the powerful track, Preacherman, inspired by the story of Emmett Till. Considered a flashpoint in the chain of events that sparked the civil rights movement, Emmett Till’s murder showed many the full brutality of racial prejudice in the United States.

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REBEL HEART Madonna (Universal Music) The Queen of Pop released her 13th studio album earlier this year, and although it may not have received the acclaim she was hoping for, Madonna proved her staying power with every track. Co-written and produced with various artists, including Diplo, Avicii and Kanye West, the pop album merges an array of genres and sounds, from house to reggae, gospel to acoustic guitar. Featuring guest appearances from Mike Tyson, Nicki Minaj, Nas and Chance the Rapper, Rebel Heart boldly conveys the different facades of Madonna.

FELINE Ella Eyre (Universal Music) Best known for her collaborations with Rudimental and DJ Fresh, Ella McMahon, known by her stage name Ella Eyre, has finally released her debut solo album. Raised in London, the English singer/songwriter is of Afro-Jamaican, Maltese and Scottish descent, a cultural mix that defines her hybrid musical style. Feline features contributions from top British music producers and songwriters, with lead singles If I Go and Comeback. E

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EOA SOCIAL SCENE AMANDA MASUKU, MC

HLENGIWE MDLALOSE, AKA ‘SOULA’ THE GOSPEL SINGER

THABANG MASHIGO, CEO OF ALTITUDE CONNECTIONS

GUESTS

WOMEN STANDING TOGETHER CAN DO ANYTHING importance of “Personal development for the self and the community”.

The Sistaz United Network is aimed at combating what is called ‘Feminine Hate’, a common, unfounded negative energy that women have towards one another.

Their vision is to rather focus on the greater good that women are capable of doing when they stand together in unity, love and compassion with one goal, to empower the nation and change the world of women.

Follow on Twitter: @S_U_N and Facebook: Sistaz United Network. E

DARKIE CAFE, MARSHALTOWN, JOHANNESBURG

SIHLE SELEKE, SPEAKER & FOUNDER OF EBENEZER

BADELISILE GAOBEPE, A QUALIFIED HEALER

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WORDS: SHIRLEY TSHWALE. IMAGES: AVI MEDIA.

n 13 June 2015, Sistaz United Network was launched – a nonprofit organisation founded by Shirley Hlongwani – at Darkie Café Restaurant in Marshaltown, Johannesburg. Speakers included the founder of Ebenezer, Sihle Seleke, and qualified healer, Badelisile Gaobepe and CEO of Altitude Connections, Thabang Mashigo. The day was inspiring as the speakers touched on very key topics such as “The Power of Unity”, “Empowered inside and out”, and the

SHIRLEY HLONGWANI

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TECH EOA

STYLISTA ALERT

Unless you’re living in a Sex and the City episode, most of us don’t have luxury walk-in wardrobes to expertly compartmentalise and display all our bags, tops and dresses – not to mention matching them to the perfect pair of shoes on a shopping expedition. Stylish Girl does all that – and so much more. This playful app lets you upload pics of everything in your closet and pair them with clothes, shoes and accessories to find the perfect outfit. You can also mix and match with what’s in stores right now.

THE ULTIMATE SELFIE SMARTPHONE

WORDS: CARYN THANDI PETERSEN. IMAGES: GOOGLE PLAY STORE., TAMPON CLUB, SONY MOBILE.

Capture your best selfies with Sony’s next generation PROselfie smartphone. Launched recently in South Africa, the Xperia C4 features a high-quality 5MP front camera, full HD display and a raft of fun camera apps. Its frontfacing camera with wide-angle lens lets you get everything – and everyone – in shot, producing stunning pictures, even in lowlight conditions.

We’ve all had those awful moments of being stuck in a meeting without a tampon or Panado to get through the day. The Period Tracker app lets you stay on top of your cycle at all times, whilst keeping track of how regular it is. Simply press a button when your period starts and it logs your dates, calculates the average length of the past three months’ cycles, and predicts the date of your next period. It’s also an easy way to recognise when you’re late and when you’re most fertile.

GOODIES galore All a woman needs to stay on her game.

JOIN THE TAMPON CLUB

PILL PLEASE

Forgetting to take the Pill can lead to some big surprises!

The myPill app sets an automatic alarm for the pill, patch or ring, and sends a reminder that your period is on the way.

It also reminds you when it’s time to buy a new pack.

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PERIOD TRACKER

Thankfully, gender equality in the tech sector is finally coming under the spotlight – and about time, too. A lot of focus has been placed on workplace environments of late, with initiatives to make them more female-friendly. One such initiative is the Tampon Club (www.tampon.club), started by women sick and tired of tampon taboos in the workplace. Women all over have started their own office tampon clubs, using the site and twitter account as a guide for starter kits in public bathrooms.

Join the movement and start your own tampon club today!

HELLO SLEEPY HEAD

Continually rated as the best smart alarm clock, Sleep Cycle helps millions of people wake up rested. The app is a bio alarm clock that analyses your sleep patterns while you snooze, then wakes you in the morning when you’re in the lightest sleep phase – the natural way to wake up feeling relaxed. It even comes with a little chart showing how deeply you sleep. E

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EOA MOVIES & THEATRE A WOMAN IN WAITING Celebrated artist, Thembi Mtshali, performs this autobiographical one-woman show. It tells the story of Mtshali’s life as a woman of colour growing up under the brutally oppressive poverty and racist policies of South Africa’s apartheid system.

Directed and co-created by Yael Faber and Mtshali, this is a notto-be missed production.

At The Natal Playhouse from 20 to 22 August.

ALL THAT DAZZLES ON THE STAGE AND SCREEN

HEART OF REDNESS A young cast, including Magnet Theatre and UCT performance graduates as well as Cape Town Opera members, brings this musical adaptation of Zakes Mda’s critically acclaimed novel to life on stage. Shortlisted for the prestigious Commonwealth Writers Prize, the story is set in the remote Eastern Cape in the 19th century. A teenage prophetess named Nonqawuse commanded the Xhosa people to kill their cattle and burn their crops, promising that once they did so the spirits of their ancestors would rise and drive the occupying English into the ocean. The failed prophecy split the Xhosa into Believers and Unbelievers, with devastating consequences. One-hundredand-fifty years later, the two groups’ descendants are at odds over plans to build a vast casino and tourist resort in the village.

At The Fugard Theatre in Cape Town from 19 to 22 August.

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BOYCHOIR Dustin Hoffman and Kathy Bates star in this uplifting film, set in an elite music academy, where a demanding choirmaster pushes a gifted but rebellious student to fulfill his true potential.

Opens at Ster Kinekor theatres on 21 August.

ANIMAL FARM George Orwell’s classic novel has been adapted for the stage by multiple award-winning writer, designer and director, Neil Coppen. The play recently scooped two of the four nominations it received at the Naledi Awards, starring an all-female cast. While the themes, characters and ideas behind Orwell’s text remain unchanged, this production tells the story with a uniquely South African slant, making it relevant for a contemporary audience.

Opens at The Market Theatre on 26 August. E

WORDS: CARYN THANDI PETERSEN. IMAGES: Fugard TheATRE, STER-KINEKOR, shake experience.

WHITE BIRD IN A BLIZZARD Kat Connors is 17 years old when her perfect homemaker mother, Eve, a beautiful, enigmatic and haunted woman, disappears – just as Kat is discovering and relishing her newfound sexuality. Having lived for so long in a stifled, emotionally repressed household, she barely registers her mother’s absence and certainly doesn’t blame her doormat of a father for the loss. But, as time passes, Kat begins to come to grips with how deeply Eve’s disappearance has affected her, eventually finding herself confronted with the truth about her mother’s departure.

Opens at cinemas nationwide on 14 August.

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HOROSCOPES EOA

WORDS: STELLA NOVA. IMAGE: ©ISTOCK.COM.

SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 22 December Anything with a spiritual, travel or mind-opening element is set for success this month. Lay the groundwork for a career upswing too, as you’ll love your job more if it gives you more freedom. A recent time-out for pleasure makes way for a full-on spell of seriousness.

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ARIES 21 March – 20 April TAURUS Love could be on 21 April – 21 May again, off again now, You’ve had which calls for a new opportunities to get to beginning rather know yourself and your than an ending, plus real needs better lately, a re-write of your with developments at relationship rules. home that have given This goes double if you more freedom. Tidy you share financial responsibilities. Getting up any loose ends with that, as now you get to fitter gets easier now focus on relationships with an all-natural and creative health kick. endeavours that make you feel whole.

TH

IN

TH ES TAR S

Your birthstone is a peridot.

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CAPRICORN 23 December – 20 January You have a passionate yet cautiously adventurous month in store. Love is intense now, and you can make the most of your money with supershrewd investments.

Friendships lighten up and all that is intellectually life enhancing has added allure, now and for months ahead.

LEO 24 July – 23 August Everything you’ve learned over the past year is now ready to be put into action, with your main mission being to develop a more pared down approach to how you live and love. You’re a full-on money and romance magnet this month, and all the way through to October.

O

AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February Relationships get a new burst of energy, so ongoing liaisons move onto another level and new entanglements shift into unexplored territory. Work pressures lift and a review of your finances could reveal hidden resources that give you unimaginable financial freedom.

PISCES 20 February – 20 March Something has to end now for something else to begin. A new take on how you work and how you workout is likely, as it’s your best month to hit the gym. Relationships get healthier too and if friends have been off the radar, they’ll find their way back to you now.

UR O Y SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November New career contacts may come your way now as if by magic.

Help things by getting busy networking, because your work life improves not by what you know but by whom you know. Drop any self-doubt and get real about romance and an artistic ambition that stirs up deep emotions.

M

LIBRA 24 September – 23 October A sense of allembracing positivity starts to add more certainty to your life now. Getting to grips with a health or fitness issue is easier, and a stalled money matter moves forward again too. Make connections, romantic or otherwise, to help you push ahead with a dream.

VIRGO 24 August – 23 September Your key words for the next 12 months are ‘bigger and better’.

You may decide you want more freedom or more choices, so you could be in line for a relationship rethink now too. Your current capacity for knowledge is limitless, so aim to experience all you can.

GEMINI 22 May – 21 June Be seen at all the right places now, but especially with work. Remember that charm and wit open more doors than attitude does.

Home is about to become more important, whether that involves your co-habitees or simply turning where you live into a healthier, happier space.

CANCER 22 June – 23 July Put extra effort into boosting your funds so you can put your money where your mind is, and invest in technology or acquiring knowledge that makes connecting easier. Romance and your arty side also start to be more fun if you keep activities local rather than ‘out there’.

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EOA STOCKISTS 011 884 4141 011 608 0023 011 783 4637/8 011 883 8767 011 784 1597 011 783 9317 021 460 1911 011 611 8700, Coricraft.co.za 011 705 1591 011 447 0839 011 589 2200 0800 203 925 011 883 4585 011 784 0321 Gucci.com 011 883 8391 Homeetc.co.za 011 784 2937 011 784 3751 011 783 7907 011 784 0222 0800 212 535, Mrphome.co.za 0800 212 535 011 444 2270 Riverisland.com 011 884 2977 011 548 9600 011 334 7020 011 467 0997 Spree.co.za 011 784 0406 011 879 1000 011 450 1156 011 684 2010 011 685 7070 011 685 1451 011 783 9002 0860 022 002 Zando.co.za 011 302 1500

PHOTOGRAPHER: GARETH JACOBS. STYLIST: TUMI MDLULI. HAIR & MAKE-UP: lucoh mhlongo. FASHIOn: totalsports.

ALDO ALPHA INDUSTRIES ARTHUR KAPLAN CASTELOS CALL IT SPRING CITY CHIC CLICKS STORES CORICRAFT Cycle Science Day Birger DIS-CHEM STORES EDGARS FOREVER NEW G-STAR RAW GUCCI GUESS HOME ETC. KAREN MILLEN Lacoste MANGO Maska Mr Price Home MRP PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND RIVER ISLAND ROBOT TRADING SAFILO SOUTH AFRICA PTY (LTD) SDM EYEWEAR Sportsman’S Warehouse SPREE STEVE MADDEN STUTTAFORDS TED BAKER TIGER OF SWEDEN TOPSHOP TotalSports TRUWORTHS WOOLWORTHS ZANDO ZARA

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WORDS: TUMI MORAKE. IMAGE: SUPPLIED BY WHACKED ENTERTAINMENT.

LAST WORD EOA

CLAIM YOUR SPACE

As Women’s Day rolls in, TUMI MORAKE says women need to stop pulling each other down and instead focus on making their presence and talent felt wherever they go. omen’s Month and Women’s Day are upon us. We don’t really get gifted on this day, do we?

EVERYONE gets a holiday, which makes no sense to me. Surely, seeing as it is Women’s Day, women should be on holiday,

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while the guys slug it out for a day without us. I mean, this is what happened just over 50 years ago, no? Women downed tools – domestic and work – and took to the streets, marching to Parliament to get these Neanderthals to tow the line.

Years later I wish we could still do that; find a united voice as women to protect our society and our integrity as women. Agree as women that sometimes we really do need to have these men by the short and curlies and beat them into submission.

Remind them that we can match their machismo with our feminine wiles; that we don’t need their permission to assert our power; we can command a Women’s Year if we wanted to.

Let us not forget those women who have allowed their own insecurities bar other women from the path of success. I had the pleasure of being the programme director for an event that had previously been hosted by the big names in comedy, and a guy from that company strongly suggested that I be booked for the event. He was met with resistance from his female colleague, but got the CEO’s buy-in and the lady was forced to book me. Throughout the build-up to the event, she made sure to remind me of my place, talk down to me and even remind me a few times that her CEO actually wanted Trevor Noah for the event but, alas, the young man was in the US expanding his career.

Needless to say, I went and put on my A-game and the CEO insisted on meeting me personally to thank me for a stellar job. She got to shine as the one who had booked me and as she revelled in the glory, I smiled and said to the CEO, “I am so sorry you couldn’t get Trevor.” I watched her face twitch as the CEO ignored my outstretched hand, hugged me, and said, “What Trevor Noah?”

My comment was as unnecessary as her need to keep reminding me I was not her first choice. I hope that this Women’s Day women, especially in the corporate world, we remember the importance of sisterhood and cut back on that Pull-Her-Down tendency. We don’t need to constantly put each other in our place. This month let us be assertive, take ownership of our space as women and stop waiting for permission or for some ‘in touch’ man to become ‘sensitive’ to our needs.

Ask anyone who has worked with me, I have pulled out a breast pump and expressed in a board meeting because I had simply not been given time to do it in private. I had a choice: sit uncomfortably and risk the onset of mastitis, or express and make sure my then very small baby got the nutrition she needed. I was not crass about it; I asked about any objections to Nature’s way, draped my nursing apron over my shoulder for the sake of modesty, and worked over the gentle hum of my portable pump.

Point is, in our little ways, we occupy our space on our terms.

There! Bra burnt, sash adjusted and month owned! E

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