khuluma30

free copy

got the munchies?

FOR THE MENU see pages 2&3

july

2014

The W inter W armer s issue

SKHUMBA HLOPHE

toasts the tasty side of the chilly season

Skhumba interviews

Gordon Igesund Does Gordon ever consider the DIY approach to winning matches?

Boitumelo Thulo Is Boity considering changing her nickname to Booty?

PLUS Fly-fishing, soup kitchens, tented camps and all sorts of hot stuff to keep the cold at bay

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Have Your Say

Whether you’ve had a great flight or feel that we could improve our service, we’d like to know. Drop us a line at khuluma@picasso.co.za.

Dear Mr Venter, Shortly after boarding an aircraft, one is normally met with the mundane and rather boring pre-take-off announcements, which I quite appreciate are of an urgent nature. However, fast forward to my flight from Cape Town to Lanseria on kulula! On the airwaves comes one De-gratia Mahlare – brilliant! She added humour (some spontaneous) to what are normally rather dull announcements. I would go so far as to say that she should be in your magazine and have her own column, as I am sure that she would bring much enjoyment to the readers of your magazine (this apart from people who want to fly and simultaneously be treated to a comedy show for free!).

I look forward to seeing and hearing from her on kulula adverts on radio and in the not too distant future. Perhaps as ‘CEO’ – Chief Entertainment Officer?!

With kind regards, Tim Maughan

Find G-Bet and win!

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To enter, find the G-Bets logo hiding in a story in this issue of khuluma, then email your name, contact details and the page number to win@gbets.co.za. Competition is open to all South African residents, excluding employees of Picasso Headline/Times Media Ltd/kulula.com/Comair Limited, and closes on 31 July 2014.

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kulula.com

View from the top 30.indd 3

View from the Top

ONCE AGAIN IT is the month of the Durban horse-and-pony show, although these days it is more about the fillies on the stands than those on the track. Have some sympathy for the jockeys who have to ride these most vicious of beasts (I refer to the four-legged variety); a horse is basically a 600kg wrecking ball balancing on wobbly legs, with teeth at one end and a kick at the other.

While we panic about being eaten by sharks, lions, Katlehong rats and the like, remember that the only animal to put Superman in a wheelchair was a horse. Apart from having the option of throwing you off either backwards or forwards, they can also bite, kick, stand on you, or roll over you. A serious predator indeed, and sadly ignored by National Geographic’s World’s Deadliest Animals.

Many years ago I was convinced by my wife to buy one of these most ruinous of pets for the measly sum of R1 500, which did not appear to be excessive. Little did I know that the horse is to riding like the golf ball is to golf. The difference is that you can put your golf sticks in the cupboard until next time you want to smack a ball, but a horse keeps eating, day and night and in the wee hours you didn’t even know existed. This is when it decides to go outside by using its 600kg to break the stable door and crash through the paddock fence so that it can eat the garden before you wake up. Thus you have a DIY list before the weekend has even started, but you can’t do any repairs because, in getting the monstrosity back to its paddock, it stands on your foot and breaks your toes.

So while our beasts are pampered in an equine paradise, I think the best place for a horse might still be in a French fast-food joint.

But don’t worry; your gourmet kulula sandwich is still only pure beef.

Erik Venter, CEO: Comair Ltd

JULY 2014

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Contents July 2014 regulars

1 VIEW FROM THE TOP Our CEO’s letter, your thoughts

and our treasure hunt

11 ÜBER-EDITOR’S LETTER Skhumba Hlophe is simply biding his time until he can become a taxi driver

12 KULULA PAGES The lowdown on Lanseria Airport, plus Trev flees the chill for Thai shores

guide

17 WESTERN CAPE What to do, what to eat, where to sleep and how to dress in and around the Mother City 23 GAUTENG Get busy, chow down, shop till you drop then sleep it off in Gauteng

29 KWAZULU-NATAL The rest of the country may be freezing their butts off, but it’s always summer in KZN 35 GARDEN ROUTE Get wet and wild on the Garden Route 41 TOP TIPPLE Fortify yourself from the cold with fortified wines

42 WATCH Latest flicks at the box office, and a giveaway to go ape for 45 LISTEN Three guitar-driven beauties for your ears

49 GAMES Fast cars, flying beasts and fantastic bundles

53 TECH Our roundup of the hottest trends and gizmos

JULY 2014

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5

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ent

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A Supplement to HelpA Prevent Supplement to Help Prevent A supplement to helpDiabetes to prevent diabetes Diabetes

Constantly highNatural blood-sugar levels areNatural the main cause of Manna, a 100% Manna, & Organic a 100% & Organic Type 2 diabetes, insulinNutritional resistance and being overweight.

Supplement with Nutritional Supplement with glyconutrients, extremely effective glyconutrients, extremely effective A low-GI dietis can help to regulateis blood-sugar levels, supporting in supporting the stabilisation of blood the stabilisation of blood control appetite, stop in cravings, prevent Type 2 diabetes sugar levels. sugar levels. The gel-forming soluble fibre The gel-forming soluble fibre and diabetes complications. glyconutrients in the supplement and glyconutrients in the and supplement Manna Blood from Sugar is a natural allow the glucose from foodand to be organic slowly allow the glucose food Support to be slowly absorbed overtoa reduce long period time and absorbed over a long period of time and dietary supplement which helps theofglycaemic smooth bloodthus sugarcontrol level help smooth out blood sugar level indexto of the food youhelp eattoby up toout43%, fluctuations. fluctuations. Studies suggest that by Studies suggest that by blood-sugar levels, which can help to control and even controlling one’s blood sugarcontrolling levels, oneone’s blood sugar levels, one prevent diabetes. can indeed prevent diabetes. can indeedType prevent2 diabetes.

Manna is Blood availableSugar in Pharmacies Manna is and available in Shops Pharmacies and Health Dis-Chem Shops countrywide.

Manna Support is Health available incountrywide. pharmacies, and Clicks, Also visit our web site at www.mannaplus.com our office Also visit our web siteoratcontact www.mannaplus.com or contact our office Also visit www.mannaplus.co.za at 0861114197 at 0861114197 or call 086 111 4197.

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countrywide.

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Contents July 2014 chat 56 SPORT

Skhumba and Gordon Igesund get deep – real deep – about the beautiful game

60 ACTRESS Skhumba tries to establish why he didn’t get an invite to Boitumelo Thulo’s birthday party 66 LOCAL HERO Find out how you can help those less fortunate get through the winter

travel 72 FLY-FISHING

Our roundup of the best places in the country to find that river that runs through it

79 TENTED CAMPS Like camping, but don’t fancy fiddling with pegs and guy lines? This is for you

action 86 BEHIND THE SCENES

Find out what goes on behind the glamour and the clamour at the Durban July

93 CARS The new Renault Sandero is a car you actually should buy, plus a bunch of SUVs that you shouldn’t

96 GO GREEN Why office greenery equals office productivity

stuff

98 MONEY MATTERS Six tips for pitching that big idea of yours

101 HEALTH Healthy hints to

ward off the winter nasties, plus tips on staying alert to allergies

104 COLUMN Sometimes it pays to check the weather report

JULY 2014

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EDITOR Anthony Sharpe anthonys@picasso.co.za CONTENT MANAGER Raina Julies rainaj@picasso.co.za CONTENT COORDINATOR Vanessa Payne COPY EDITOR Joy Capon PROOFREADER Ingrid Graham COVER PHOTOGRAPH Morné van Zyl MAKE-UP ARTIST Cindy Horton HEAD OF DESIGN STUDIO Jayne Macé-Ferguson DESIGNERS Mfundo Ndzo Leo Abrahams Johan Labuschagne PRODUCTION EDITOR Shamiela Brenner PROJECT MANAGER Richard White richardw@picasso.co.za SALES CONSULTANTS Stephen Crawford, Bonnie Eksteen, Randall Grace, Steve Norval, Marc Plastow, Andre Potgieter, Luke Roebert, Alec Rompelman, Roman Ross, Clint Smith, Zelda Stein BUSINESS MANAGER Robin Carpenter-Frank robinc@picasso.co.za FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT Lodewyk van der Walt

To advertise in this magazine please contact Richard White (Project Manager) on 021 469 2500 or richardw@picasso.co.za

SENIOR GM: NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES Mike Tissong ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Jocelyne Bayer

kulula.com CEO COMAIR LIMITED Erik Venter MARKETING MANAGER, kulula.com Shaun Pozyn SENIOR BRAND MANAGER, kulula.com Bridgette Ramuluvhana BRAND MANAGER, kulula.com Thembeka Mabaso COMAIR LIMITED 1 Marignane Drive, Bonaero Park, Kempton Park, 1619 Tel 011 921 0111 kulula.com contact centre 0861 KULULA (585852) PRINTING

CTPprinters

CAPE TOWN

Copyright: No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publishers. The publishers are not responsible for unsolicited material. khuluma is published monthly by Picasso Headline Reg: 59/01754/07. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Picasso Headline, kulula or Times Media. All advertisements/advertorials and promotions have been paid for and therefore do not carry any endorsement by the publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of its contents, neither kulula, nor the publisher can be held responsible for any omissions or errors, or for any misfortune, injury or damages that may arise therefrom. We reserve the right to edit interviews for layout purposes.

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ÜBER-EDITOR OF THE MONTH

Über-ed’s letter Skhumba Hlophe

Winter is coming, mos

picture: morné van zyl

HI, MY NAME is Skhumba Hlophe – born, bred and buttered in Tembisa.

I’ve been doing comedy for the past eight years, and I’ve done some nice TV ads along the way, including White Star. I’ve done a couple of big shows, like Blacks Only, and quite a bit of stage work. I also got the chance to perform in the 2013 Comic’s Choice Awards. I love life and I’m a silly person.

So I was asked to come down to Cape Town to do a photoshoot for khuluma, which was awesome. I flew in early in the morning, got picked up at the airport, did the shoot and enjoyed every moment. But you know, when people want you to do things you don’t really want to? The next thing I found myself sitting in front of a fire. Even though I’m black, they wanted me to sit in front of a fire! But I did it.

Then the weather decided to change on us, and so we found ourselves shooting outside in the rain. And they gave me the smallest umbrella of them all. I looked ridiculous, but I had fun doing it.

Then I had to meet up with Mr Gordon Igesund, which was awesome. Had a chat with him. Cool guy, but he’s always changing his mind because he’s unemployed – you know they fired him, mos? I tried to offer him the position of my manager, but I would’ve fired him too.

I also chatted to Boity Thulo. She’s a lovely girl, and more than just a pretty … face. We have a lot in common, because she’s also in acting, and we’ve both been asked to do nude shoots. I enjoy acting – I was part of a movie called Taxi Ride, which played on Mzansi Magic. And I did a whole lot of good things.

What people don’t know about me is that I write my own jokes. I’ve got two kids, aged eight and three, and I love having them around because they give me material – the most original gags ever.

I think I’m going to be doing comedy until I’m 47. Then I’m gonna quit, and become a taxi driver. ■

Who will be our next ed?

South Africa’s a funny place. It’s got lots of funny people.

Some are damn hilarious. Every month, khuluma chooses a particularly amusing individual to be our über-editor. This funny man or woman then interrogates prominent South Africans for us. So book your flight for next month or head over to www.khulumaonline.co.za to see who it’ll be.

kulula.com

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Skhumba’s creds

Skhumba Hlophe is a comedian, actor and father based in Jo’burg.

He’s worked with the likes of Loyiso Gola, David Kau and Eugene Khoza, to name a few. He starred in the comedy film Taxi Ride, and also received a standing ovation at the 2013 Comic’s Choice Awards. Plus he actually writes his own jokes. Seriously. Well, not that seriously. Follow him @skhumbi.

JULY 2014

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Flying 101:

size doesn’t matter!

location, location, location!

The airport is just around the corner from Pretoria, Midrand, Krugersdorp

12

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Kulula Pages 30_1.indd 12

give me space Check-in is a breeze, with friendly staff, spacious check-in counters and self-service kiosks, and once on the other side you can kick back and enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee in the swanky departure lounge. Boarding your kulula flight is quick, as you can just hop onto the plane with no bus rides to other terminals necessary.

a place to wait When picking up a friend from the airport, instead of driving around in circles getting frustrated and sweaty in your ride, you can park in Lanseria’s Ring & Ride parking area for free. When your friend is ready to be collected, you can drive to the Drop & Go zone to pick them up. If you need to park at the

airport, it’s affordable and you don’t have to walk for miles to get to the terminal building. And if your partner has packed everything including the kitchen sink, you can hop onto one of the frequent golf cart shuttles.

seeing them take off We also love Lanseria’s one-of-a-kind viewing deck, with a watering hole where you can sit back and sip on a cold one while watching our sexy kulula planes take off into the sunset.

work hard, play hard If you really insist on doing work at the airport, Lanseria has VIP lounges and boardroom facilities, so you can always squeeze in a last-minute meeting before boarding. And in the airport you can enjoy fast Wi-Fi free for 15 minutes and then pay as you go. But remember, if you work hard, you need to play hard too!

a run(a)way success Our kulula planes love landing on Lanseria’s recently upgraded, wider runway as it ensures a smoother landing. And since there is less airport congestion and shorter taxi-ways, we’ll spend less time on the runway waiting for take-off and thus get you to your destination quicker.

So if you need to be closer to the north of Jo’burg and it’s ease and convenience you’re after, fly with kulula to and from Lanseria International Airport, and enjoy all these great benefits.

pictures: supplied

FLYING HAS BECOME the most popular method of travel, but with that comes the hustle and bustle of crowds of people making their way through busy airports. Often we spend more time at the airport than in the sky, so a quick journey is as rare as a fun evening out with your mother-in-law.

Flying from a private airport to save time is usually reserved for the rich and famous, but savvy Gauteng commuters have used such an airport for years without breaking the bank. You don’t have to be Lady Gaga to experience the best a private airport can offer, because kulula gives all its customers, from Oom Gawie to uGogo Gumede, the choice of flying to and from Lanseria International Airport. It may be small, but it packs a major punch in terms of customer satisfaction.

and the northern suburbs of Jo’burg. It also happens to be close to some of Jo’burg’s tourist attractions like the Cradle of Human Kind, the Lion Park and many safari lodges. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, Montecasino and Silverstar Casino are just a roll of the dice away, and with kulula you can easily hire a car to get you to wherever you want to go.

kulula.com

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pictures: supplied

get great deals with our partners be driven in style Book a kulula cab, sit back and enjoy your holiday or business trip from the moment

Trev’s Hot Spots

Anyone for some summer?

your chauffeur arrives. Avoid the stress of driving to and from the airport, paying for and looking for parking, as well as getting lost or taking the wrong turnoff. kulula cabs are available in Jo’burg, Cape Town, Durbs, and on special request in George and PE.

HERE’S MY RECOMMENDATION for winter: spend your days hanging out in flip-flops and boardies, lounging by the beach, taking long, refreshing dips in the ocean and sipping ice-cold drinks from coconut shells. No, seriously. Thanks to kulula, you can buy yourself a toasty slice of summer right in the middle of the chilly season.

From only R10 269 per person sharing, you could be jetting off to the warm beaches of Thailand. Pay for four nights but stay for eight in Phuket’s Sea Sand Sun Resort and Spa, with its incredible views of the glistening Patong beach.

The four-star Sea Sand Sun Resort pulls out all the stops to make you feel like a celeb. You’ll get a complimentary fruit basket and flowers in your room on arrival, and a free shuttle service will be available to chauffeur you to the Jungceylon Shopping Mall. Your every whim will be catered to, with a choice of two restaurants and the Sunset Bar, which serves a wide selection of drinks and snacks.

If it’s sea, sand and sun you’re after, the Sea Sand Sun Resort does its name justice. You’ll be a few steps from the golden, powdery sand of the beach and

the impossibly blue, bathwater-warm ocean.

You can lounge by the resort’s pool or on the beach, and just do nothing. Or get busy: take a Thai cooking class, find your zen at a yoga class, go on an elephant trek or hop on a sailboat to the nearby islands for the day.

The resort offers a complimentary early check-in from 11am and/or a late checkout until 4pm. They’ll also make sure you can stay in touch with the rest of the world, with free Wi-Fi access in all of the rooms and the hotel’s public areas.

To trade in the winter blues for the aquamarine waters of Phuket, take up this incredible kulula deal between 1 July 2014 and 30 September 2014. The price mentioned above includes eight nights in a Sea Sand Sun Resort and Spa deluxe room, breakfast daily, return economy flights from Jo’burg to Phuket, return transfers, all pre-payable airport taxes, and fuel levies of R805. The deal excludes all meals that haven’t been specified, beverages, tips and items of a personal nature. kulula legal stuff, and terms and conditions apply.

Until next time, happy travelling!

Trev

Request your cab for individual or group travel on www.kulula.com or through the Contact Centre and be driven in style. kulula cabs are provided by Europcar Chauffeur Service, a wellestablished business with over 35 years of experience run by a highly professional, committed and experienced team.

Got some eBucks? Pay or part-pay for your next kulula flight using your eBucks.

Choose your favourite Tsogo Sun hotel and let kulula book your room. Now that’s luxury you can afford.

As a Discovery Vitality member, you can earn Discovery Miles, which you can use towards paying for your next kulula flight.

Protea Hotels ensure your stay with them is as unique as the kulula experience. Try out any one of the hotels – you won’t forget the experience.

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THE NOTICEBOARD don’t let the extra baggage weigh you down Buy an extra bag for only R245 on www.kulula.com and SAVE 30% on the price at

*legal stuff: The package is valid from 1 June to 30 September and subject to availability. It excludes tips, meals and beverages (unless specified), entrance fees and all items of a personal nature. Standard kulula legal stuff applies. E&EO. Single supplements do apply and supplements apply on peak flights. The package price is from a starting price based on two people sharing and was correct at the time of publication.

kulula.com

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the airport. Now that’s a pocket saver! For more info go to www.kulula.com or call our Contact Centre on 0861 KULULA (585852).

JULY 2014

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CONNECT TO CAPE TOWN M

yCiTi welcomes visitors to the Mother City. Cape Town’s safe, reliable, convenient bus system, MyCiTi is the perfect way to access some of the most famous tourist and leisure destinations.

Explore the city’s historic heart – from Greenmarket Square to the Grand Parade, the Bo-Kaap, Castle and District 6 and the Company’s Garden. Unwind in the entertainment zones of Long and Kloof streets and Green Point. Visit the V&A Waterfront, Africa’s premier shopping and leisure destination. Cool down Green Point Urban Park

Waterfront Two Oceans Aquarium Breakwater

Somerset Granger Hospital Mouille Point

Granger Bay

Nobel Square

Robben Island Ferry

in sparkling waters at Camps Bay, the Sea Point Pavilion and Bloubergstrand.

Kitesurf Big Bay or take a bike along the cycle paths.

HOW TO START YOUR JOURNEY WITH MYCITI Get your myconnect card at the MyCiTi station outside the main Airport terminal. Ride in comfort to the city centre from just R41.80, and then pay as far as you go. Buses leave the Airport station every 30 minutes from 04:45 to 22:15, seven days a week.

Waterfront Silo

Aquarium Marina

Stadium

Woodstock N 1

Amsterdam

Foreshore

V&A Waterfront

Surrey

Kent

TABLE VIEW/MELKBOSSTRAND/ ATLANTIS/DUNOON/CENTURY CITY

Convention Centre

Civic Centre

Upper Salt River

SALT RIVER

The Old Biscuit Mill Neighbourgoods Market Lawley

102

T01

N Balfour 2 Upper Roodebloem

A01

Gallows Thibault Square Coronation East Upper Upper Hill The Castle Portswood Mountain Adderley of Good Hope A01 Lower Loop Coronation West Chester East Lower High Level N Chester West 2 Alfred Mid Loop Long Grand Parade AIRPORT Zonnebloem Skye Way 104 Three Anchor Old Fire Station Ben Nevis 105 Mid Long Strand The Hanover Bay Hill Darling Castle Street Greenmarket Square District Six Ravenscraig Church CPUT Longmarket Lower Sea Point Ellerslie Groote Library Buitenkant Kerk Dorp Rocklands St Bedes Leeuwen Kort Company’s Camberwell Roeland Garden Ilkley Upper Long Upper Loop Sea Point High Rhine District 6 Gardenia Bo-Kaap Promenade Museum Nazareth Museum Roodehek Firmount Stairs Lower Kloof St James Firmount Michaelis Albany Gardens 101 London Government Ave Deane Ludwig’s Wexford Garden Sea Point Annandale Upper Buitenkant The Glen Graaff’s SA National Art Gallery d Exner Pool Barkly tR or np Lower Reservoir Van Riebeeck ve Boat Bay 113 Da Herzlia Arthur’s Belle Ombre De Waal Park Highlands Sea Point Pavilion Irwinton Welgemeend 103 Sea Point De L’Hermite St Michael’s Rayden Pool Upper Orange Clarens Fresnaye Branksome Upper Kloof Cassel Montrose Kei App l e Rd Molteno Cassel Disandt Cotswold Kei Apple Tramway 107 Table Mountain Cableway Kloof CAMPS BAY HOUT BAY Queens Beach Brevity Lane 106 Koosani Lighthouse

Cape Town Stadium Wigtown

 N

For more info call the Transport Information Centre (toll-free 24/7) 0800 65 64 63. Visit www.myciti.org.za

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2014/05/13 12:09 PM

WESTERN CAPE | GUIDE

WHAT’S ON WESTERN CAPE BEATING DIABETES 7-10 July

Healthcare conference The International Footcare Foundation is hosting the first ever Primary Care Conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. With diabetes a serious and growing illness in South Africa, the organisers plan to undertake prediabetic screening, at grassroots level, of at least 10 000 people with a family history of diabetes or a BMI greater than 25-28. For more info, check out www.internationalfootcarefoundation.com.

Please note: Put your best foot forward – get tested if you think you should.

FIVES ALIVE 12 July

Soccer tournament Fives Futbol powered by Hisense will be hosting SA’s very own 5-a-side World Cup at Fives Century City, where 32 teams will go head-to-head in the spirit of the 2014 World Cup. The tournament offers heart-pumping games, FIFA PlayStation tournaments, entertainment and more. Sponsored prizes up for grabs from Hisense, adidas and Powerade. For tournament registration, call 021 555 1707 or email keith@5v5.co.za, and check out www.fivesfutbol.co.za for more info.

Please note: A lot of soccer players become scuba instructors after retirement – must be all the diving.

BASTILLE YOUR NERVES

text: anthony sharpe; images: supplied

12-13 July

R’S ITOICE D E O CH

Lifestyle festival Franschhoek’s much-loved Bastille Festival turns 21 this year. As always, the town will be a hive of activities, from the popular Franschhoek Boules Tournament to the Solms-Delta Parade and the Barrel-Rolling Competition. Other favourite attractions are the farmers’ markets in the Town Hall and the church grounds, with musicians and carnival performers adding to your festival experience.

Tickets to the Food and Wine Marquee are R150-R200, available from www.webtickets.co.za. Go to www.franschhoekbastille.co.za for more info.

Please note: Why do the French eat snails? Because they don’t like fast food.

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DRIFT TO DRIF 16-19 July

Canoe race The Berg River Marathon has been testing paddlers since 1961.

This challenging race takes place over four days and covers 227km from Paarl to Velddrif, making it the longest canoe race in South Africa. For more info, check out www.berg.org.za.

Please note: Water you waiting for? You canoe it!

OTHERWORLDLY 18-19 July

Music festival The Cape Town World Music Festival, taking place at the Cape Town City Hall, features artists from across South Africa, Mali, the USA, China, Uruguay, Mozambique, Colombia and more across three stages. Expect brilliantly lit stages in a lantern-lit venue filled with music from the past, present and future. Participating artists and industry innovators will be giving free talks and master classes in and around the festival. Tickets are R280, available from www.computicket.com. For more info, check out www.ctwmf.com.

Please note: How do you get a guitar player to play softly? Give him a sheet of music.

SOUPED UP 18-19 July

Food and wine festival Get lost in the scenic Cape Winelands and beat away the wintry blues at the annual Breedekloof Soetes & Soup Festival. The event, hosted by wineries in the Rawsonville, Slanghoek, Goudini and Breede River areas, combats the chills by serving complimentary cups of steaming homemade country soup, accompanied by a glass of soetes (dessert wine). Just purchase your mug, get sipping and drive safely! For more info, check out www.breedekloof.com.

Please note: An irate customer asked a waiter what a fly was doing in his soup. ‘The backstroke, I believe,’ he replied.

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GUIDE | WESTERN CAPE

EAT WESTERN CAPE

The Test Kitchen

This is Cape Town’s place du jour, booked out weeks in advance. Located in the retro-industrial-chic Old Biscuit Mill, exposed everything – kitchen, brickwork, ducting – is the décor order of the day. This can make a restaurant chilly, so ask for a table at the counter, where the heat from the open-plan kitchen will keep you warm.

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On a cold day, comfort kos is the way to go. This late-19th-century hotel restaurant (situated at the start of

For Capetonians, winter means not only cold, but also pretty darn wet, so make sure you dress accordingly.

1) Naturally, you will need an umbrella.

But while rain and wind can make for dreary days, your umbrella needn’t be a drab old black thing that adds to dampening your spirits. Babatunde umbrellas come in an array of beautiful prints and colours, and were shortlisted for Design Indaba 2013’s Most Beautiful Object in South Africa. R450, Spree.co.za.

2) A trench coat is not only a necessity for a Cape winter, but also a wardrobe staple. You’ll never regret investing in a good quality, well-fitting trench, and this one from Witchery is just that!

R1 599, available in select Woolworths stores or Witchery standalone stores.

3) Gumboots will stand you in good stead this winter, but we’re not talking about the oversized army green ones you’d find at the local agri-mart. These adorable cutout gumboots from Idadi will brighten up any rainy day. Tuck your skinny jeans into them and go jump in some puddles! R295, HelloPretty.co.za.

4) Without getting too caught up in bad puns about cold feet, let’s just admit that freezing toes are the worst, and so are boring socks. Keep your feet toasty warm with some fun striped socks from NicSocks.com. At R309.25 for a pack of three, that’s a solid return on investment.

text: anna trapido, lize hartley; pictures: supplied

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Chapman’s Peak Hotel Restaurant

Chapman’s Peak Drive, which winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay) will induce warm and fuzzy feelings in all who dine there. The De Nobrega family (who have owned the restaurant since 1977) serve accessible, well-executed Portuguese/Mozambican classic dishes in generous portions.

Calamari and chouriso combos compete with espetada, piri piri chicken and flour-dusted prego rolls. Only the dessert menu is a huge disappointment.

Anglophile cheesecake and lemon meringue pie doesn’t hit the spot for those of us lusting after pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts).

Chapman’s Peak Drive, 021 790 1036, info@chapmanspeakhotel.co.za, www.chapmanspeakhotel.co.za, every day lunch and dinner

DRESS WESTERN CAPE

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As is to be expected of such a hip spot, the food is a mish-mash of Asian chic, deconstructed Spanish and modern French. Only Cape Town is nowhere to be found. Be warned, the waiters are very pleased indeed to have secured jobs at the hottest spot for coolest people. Such is their pleasure that they are constantly interrupting, explaining and pointing at things on the plate.

The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, 021 447 2337, reservations@thetestkitchen.co.za, www.thetestkitchen.co.za, Tue-Sat lunch 12.30-2pm

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half price.

50% off pizzas at Col’Cacchio pizzeria. Mondays all day.

Limited winter offer, valid until 31 August 2014.

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WESTERN CAPE | GUIDE

SLEEP WESTERN CAPE LUCKY CLOVER Anthony Sharpe finds perspective at Wild Clover Guest Farm.

pictures: supplied

IT’S AMAZING WHAT a little perspective does, isn’t it? It was dark when we arrived at Wild Clover Guest Farm, located on the R304 about 2.5km from the N1, a little before 7pm. It’s a side of Stellenbosch I hadn’t explored much, usually passing by the rows of farms on my way into town.

After checking into our self-catering cottage, one of six on the property (another two open soon), we moseyed on up to The Eatery, the farm’s restaurant.

It serves up unpretentious pub grub, with tongue-in-cheek menu items like the Alfred…oh! and Shorn Prawn ‘ghetti. The menu’s not bad, but I’d recommend opting for a pizza – there’s a huge range and the thin, wood-fired crusts were perfect.

We also sampled the farm’s deliciously smooth 2012 Notre Rêve Syrah, made on the premises by resident brewmaster Ampie Kruger (that’s right, there’s a brewery), then popped in to the recently opened Johnny Rockets Pub, which was conspicuously empty (no surprise, given the weather).

With the storm gathering, we ensconced ourselves in our cottage, lit a fire and watched football as the rain lashed down outside. The single-bedroom cottage was simple but pleasantly done up, with the most comfortable sleeper couch I’ve ever encountered (in couch or bed form) a built-in braai on the covered patio, and a little garden. The television,

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however, was minuscule and strangely positioned above the kitchenette – the weather being what it was and the World Cup in play, this was one of the few occasions I’ve ever really had to care. But TV’s not really the point of staying here.

That point became clear in the morning.

We knew there was game in the area, but what we didn’t realise was that the vast, black expanse that the cottage faced was a 220ha private game reserve, formed from land contributed by Wild Clover, Villiera and other neighbours. Richmond Wilmot, a former game ranger of 26 years and the manager of the farm, took us on a game drive over lush green plains dotted with springbok (including the rare white variety), eland, bontebok, gemsbok, zebra, kudu and black wildebeest, all soaking up the morning sun after the fresh rains.

It was astonishing to be in the midst of such a conservancy just half an hour from Cape Town.

Game drives can be organised at a cost of R150 for two hours. The farm also offers clay-pigeon shooting, archery, flyfishing and a kids’ play area. After packing up, we returned to The Eatery to find the huge outside seating area packed. There was live music; couples were dancing; kids gambolled about; every table was occupied – it felt warm and festive, a stark contrast to the tranquillity of our cottage just down the road. We grabbed a couple of bottles of Notre Rêve before reluctantly leaving the farm behind, swearing to return.

It’s amazing what a little perspective does, isn’t it?

R304, Stellenbosch, 021 865 2248, www.wildclover.co.za

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GAUTENG | GUIDE

WHAT’S ON GAUTENG CHILLS FOR CHILDREN

11-20 July (Jo’burg), 23-27 July (Cape Town)

Variety show Disney on Ice features more than 60 unforgettable Disney stars spanning the decades, a sing-along score of award-winning Disney music, stunning choreography, elaborate sets and beautiful costumes. The show runs at the Coca-Cola Dome in Jo’burg before moving to Cape Town’s GrandWest Grand Arena.

Tickets are R150-R250, available from www.computicket.com. Family packages, as well as 20% discount on group bookings of 20 or more, are available. For more info, go to www.disneyonice.com.

Please note: When Minnie finally filed for divorce, she got the kids and the Mickey House.

TURBINE DESIGN 17-20 July

text: anthony sharpe, eugene yiga; pictures: supplied

Art fair The Turbine Art Fair returns to Turbine Hall, the multifunctional venue located in the heart of the Newtown cultural precinct.

The fair continues where the first event left off, with increased emphasis on new work and promotion of emerging South African artists. Tickets are R55 from www.quicket.co.za, R75 at the door, and R30 for pensioners, scholars and students. For more info, visit www.turbineartfair.co.za.

Please note: ‘The artist should never try to be popular. Rather the public should be more artistic.’ – Oscar Wilde

MUCHO GAUCHO 17 July – 2 August

Art fair Johannesburg can look forward to a vibrant arts and culture event this winter in the form of the Argentinian Cultural Fortnight. The exciting line-up will include exhibitions, dance performances, a theatre production and music collaborations, and is the first of many events to run from July until the end of 2015 as part of a continuing exchange programme between Argentina and South Africa. For more info, check out www.embassyofargentina.co.za or www.facebook.com/argcf.

Please note: The ‘earth’ without ‘art’ is just ‘eh’.

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VROOM VROOM 25-27 July

Motor show The Gauteng Motor Show, on at Rock Raceway in Brakpan, offers a fun-fuelled entertainment line-up including drifting, track experiences, Atomic Junkies activities, simulators, competitions, a wide range of kiddies’ entertainment, music, and an array of products and services from the motor industry for all petrolheads and adrenaline junkies. Tickets for Friday are R45 for adults and R25 for kids under 13, while Saturday/Sunday tickets are R85 for adults and R45 for kids.

For more info, go to www.thebereed.co.za/gautengmotorshow.

Please note: ‘Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.’

– Albert Einstein

FEED YOUR FACE 31 July – 3 August

’S OR E T I ED OIC CH

Food and drink expo The Good Food & Wine Show returns to the Coca-Cola Dome. Sample tasty treats, check out the latest epicurean trends and tips, and see celebrity chefs including Reza Mahammad, Buddy Valastro, and Siba Mtongana. Tickets from www.computicket.com at R125 for adults, R50 for kids under 12, and kids under three get in free. For more info go to www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za.

Please note: Why didn’t the obese man know he was overweight?

It just kinda snack up on him.

Interview with Buddy Valastro – the Cake Boss What have been your experiences with TV show Cake Boss and its spinoffs?

I am living my dream job: I get to bake extraordinary cakes, have fun, work with my family and meet amazing people all the time. I also get to impart my love for baking and food to others, and hope that I get to inspire them in some small way.

What is your favourite thing to bake right now?

It depends, really. At the moment I am enjoying a fresh slice of strawberry shortcake, but in the winter there is something to be said for rich chocolate cake with chocolate ganache!

What do you have planned for the Good Food & Wine Show?

I am busy preparing some fun stuff, but I can’t let on just yet. You’ll just have to come in and see for yourself!

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Johannesburg’s Alternative Airport Lanseria International Airport is Gauteng’s only privately owned international Airport. Commercial airlines, charter companies, and many other service providers, call it home.

It’s conveniently positioned north of Johannesburg, close to the business hub Sandton, as well as Pretoria, Midrand, Krugersdorp and surrounds.

World class airport facilities: • • • • • • •

Spacious airport building servicing Domestic and International flights Self service check in kiosks Ample parking and Fast Drop ‘n Go Facilities Quick baggage collection Daily domestic flights on offer between Johannesburg and Cape Town, and Johannesburg and Durban One-of-a-kind open air viewing deck that overlooks the runway Close proximity to hotels and B&B’s and many tourist attractions

world class facilities on offer, shouldn’t you be considering Lanseria International Airport?

With all these

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EAT GAUTENG Swallow’s Inn

Moema’s

Let’s be clear: this is not a good restaurant, but on a cold night there is a place for a Chinese restaurant where the sweetand-sour sauce is so vividly orange that it must surely glow in the dark. Swallow’s Inn is Jo’burg’s oldest surviving Chinese restaurant. Founded in 1940, the menu reflects the culinary fusion that inevitably occurs in a diaspora community isolated from its motherland for almost a century.

One might kindly describe the bill of fare as nostalgia manifested on a plate (more for food historians rather than foodies).

There’s ‘Shanghai steak’, battered spring rolls and tinned lychees with ice-cream.

6 Commissioner Street, Jo’burg CBD, 011 838 2946, 11am-3pm and 5-9pm

Most of the tables at Moema’s are outside, which is chilly on a cold day.

There are only five inside spots, so get there early and hang on tight. This venue is great for café food – pies, stews and salads à la Ottolenghi. Vegetarians love it because it’s one of the few eateries in Jo’burg that takes vegetables seriously.

Delicious morsels of al dente broccoli with pine nuts compete for customer attention with grilled aubergines, feta and chickpea delights. Salads are all very well, but the sweet treats are the main event, including perfect almond tarts, chocolate brownies from heaven, brioche, meringues. This is sugar central. So be sure to pack in the carbs – it is a very

text: anthony sharpe, eugene yiga; images: supplied

DRESS GAUTENG The oh-so-stylish Johannesburg crowd faces the challenge of staying warm as well as chic. It’s no easy feat, but it can be done with a few smart purchases.

1) Naturally a coat is a must-have for Jo’burg’s chilly months. But that doesn’t mean it needs to be oversized and lumpy.

This monochrome coat from Black Coffee is bang on trend with its black-and-white palette, not to mention the trendy (and flattering) curved cocoon shape. R1 800, available on Spree.co.za.

2) Faux fur is a great way to stay warm as well as add a touch of luxe to an outfit.

Invest in good-quality faux fur or it will look cheap and tacky (not to mention the discomfort of the fibres near your face).

This one from Trenery comes in jet black

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as well as a more natural brown palette.

R649, select Woolworths stores or Trenery standalone stores.

3) The temptation in winter to buy items in nothing but dark neutrals for one’s wardrobe is always there, so make a conscious effort to ensure you have a few accessories that will add a pop of colour to all that grey, black, and brown, like this Jenna pale blue leather handbag.

R1 399, Erato.

4) Ankle boots are a great way to keep cosy without compromising on style.

You can wear them with woolen tights or skinnies tucked into the boot, and they are wonderfully versatile. Try these pointed ankle boots from Plum, R595, also available on Spree.co.za

GAUTENG | GUIDE

long time until anyone needs to see you in a bikini.

Shop 1, Parktown Quarter, Cnr 7th and 3rd Roads, Parktown North, 011 788 7725, www.moemas.co.za, Mon 7am-6pm, Tue-Fri 7am-10pm, Sat 8am-10pm, Sun 9am-6pm, public holidays 9am-4pm 1

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GAUTENG | GUIDE

SLEEP GAUTENG ESTATE OF BLISS Morrell’s Boutique Estate astonishes Trevor Crighton with authenticity, style and quality.

pictures: supplied

THINK ‘THEMED HOTEL’ and you probably imagine Montecasino’s cavernous faux-Tuscan excesses or tacky Las Vegas extravagance. Morrell’s Boutique Estate dispels that myth by mixing class and elegance in a way seldom found in themed establishments.

Owners Bernice and Mike Morrell have converted a 19th-century dairy farm into an enchanting French Provençal boutique hotel that encompasses function rooms, a chapel, spa, décor store and an elegant bistro. The attention to detail is amazing, with homely touches at every turn complementing five-star quality and attentiveness.

The farm house, beautifully restored, but retaining the charm of the original stone-and-wood flooring and pressed ceilings, has seven rooms. So too does the manor house across the road, though the theme there is more modern, with stylish steel and glass contrasting the farm house’s warm wood and brass.

Each room is individually themed and Bernice’s touch is evident everywhere, from the luxurious bedding to the surprising knick-knacks that accent, rather than clutter, the space.

The recently opened bistro is as unpretentious as it is beautiful, with tables scattered outside in the ivy-

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lined courtyard or under the tinkling chandeliers in the vaulted indoor area.

Chef Tyrone Geduld’s food reflects his enthusiastic personality, and each plate that emerges from the kitchen is a work of art in both form and taste.

Tyrone and his team make everything to order, but the slightly longer-thanusual wait is rewarded with a quite spectacular dining experience. Think red-velvet flapjacks at breakfast; beef fillet with rustic mash, seared prawn tail, grilled baby marrow, glazed carrotand-red-wine caramel sauce for lunch; or a dinner main of roasted venison loin with chestnut and butternut purée.

The wine list is thoughtful rather than extensive, but offers more than enough quality options to complement the dynamic menu.

Morrell’s is filled with private corners and breakaway spaces, including the snug Love Letter Bar (where the walls are papered with handwritten notes of devotion) and a cosy cigar bar off the main function area in the piano room, which opens onto the beautifully manicured gardens. The chapel above the piano room overlooks the estate’s magnificent gardens, with the Magaliesberg visible in the distance.

Morrell’s Shoppe sells novel local and imported décor elements and jewellery, and the discreet spa offers an array of indulgent treatments.

All in all, Morrell’s ticks all the boxes with panache.

Cnr Weltevreden Road and Scott Street, Northcliff, 011 476 9495, www.morrells.co.za

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KWAZULU-NATAL | GUIDE

WHAT’S ON KZN

YOU CAN PET ON IT 18-20 July

SCREAM YOURSELF HORSE 5 July

Horse race South Africa’s premier horse-racing event, the Vodacom Durban July, is taking place at Greyville Racecourse in Durban. Around 56 000 people are expected to turn out to witness South Africa’s best thoroughbreds storm down the home straight towards a first prize of R3-million. Generating as much excitement as the race itself is the fashion – hopefully this year’s theme, The Big Screen, will attract some silver-screen-worthy creations.

For more info, check out www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za.

Please note: A white horse walks into a pub and asks for a whisky.

The landlord says: ‘Hey, we’ve got a whisky named after you.’ The horse replies: ‘What? You’ve got a whisky called George?’

CELEBRATING CINEMA 17-27 July

’S OR E T I ED OIC CH

Film festival The Durban International Film Festival celebrates its 35th edition this year with more than 250 screenings of cutting-edge cinema from around the world, and a special focus on films from South Africa and Africa. The largest of southern Africa’s film festivals, and the most important film festival in Africa, it has a film competition component and also presents screenings in township areas where cinemas are non-existent. For more info, check out www.durbanfilmfest.co.za.

Please note: Some feel Hollywood movies would be improved if they shot less film and more producers.

ROW, ROW, ROW… text: anthony sharpe; pictures: supplied

18-20 July

Lifestyle expo The Durban Boat & Lifestyle Show is on at the Durban Marina. This year’s show has more exhibition space, with a wider range of exhibitor options, boats in and around the moorings, gazebos along the boardwalk, a marquee on the new grassed area across from Café Fish, on-site catering including a beer garden, and a range of attractions for the whole family.

Tickets are R50 for adults, R30 for pensioners and kids over 12, and kids under 12 get in free. For more info, check out www.durbanboatshow.co.za.

Please note: When your ship springs a leak, you’ve got a hull of a problem on your hands.

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Pet expo The World of Dogs and Cats and Pet Exhibition provides an avenue to learn more about different dogs, cats, reptiles and other fascinating creatures, as well as the joys and responsibilities of being a pet-owner – whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or considering pet adoption for the first time. You’ll find everything from treats, toys and accessories to nutrition, health and wellness solutions on show. Tickets are R60 for adults and free for kids under 12 on 18 July, and R85 for adults, R70 for pensioners and R40 for kids under 12 on 19 and 20 July. For more info, check out www.dogscats.co.za.

Please note: What do you call a canine magician? A labracadabrador.

ON THE RISE 25 July

Career expo The Rising Stars Career Expo, taking place at Westwood Mall, is the largest of its kind in South Africa targeting tertiary students and graduates. The event offers students and graduates the opportunity to meet their desired employer, find out more about careers that interest them, internships, mentorships, recruitment and more, in a variety of industries. For more info, contact 031 368 1979 or info@fezekisacom.co.za.

Please note: Jessica finally quit her job at Nike. She just couldn’t do it any more.

ALL IN GOOD TASTE 25-27 July

Food festival The Pick n Pay Taste of Durban is back at Suncoast Casino. Boutique exhibitors, artisan producers, premium drink brands and award-winning wineries will provide a bounty of the country’s finest food and drink, ensuring that you can sample and shop for a range of produce in the laid-back atmosphere of a boutique food market. Tickets are R50-R685, available from www.itickets.co.za or www.pnptickets.co.za, with early-bird tickets available until 6 July. For more info, go to tasteofdurban.co.za.

Please note: This is one occasion where it might be acceptable to confuse your roulette with your roulade.

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KWAZULU-NATAL | GUIDE

EAT KZN Havana Grill

On a cold night, a hot steak is a very fine thing. This KZN hotspot for cool people has a vibrant, sometimes hectic buzz. The menu explains how the animal was fed, how long the meat has been aged and the lack of antibiotics in its lifestyle. There is also an extensive, luxurious seafood selection.

Langoustines, crayfish galore – it’s all very nice.

The problem is that the restaurant’s name leads diners to expect something Cuban on the menu, and the only evidence of Cuba is the cigars in the humidor. Havana proper has such fantastic Afro-Spanish fusion food that it does seem a shame to get stuck with only steak. It’s good steak, but it’s not Havana.

Suncoast Casino, North Beach, Durban, 031 337 1305, lunch and dinner daily

Le Troquet

A bourride shellfish soup with garlic croutons and spiced mayonnaise is just the thing to warm you up. Owners Annick and Gilbert Bordier keep the mood cosy with Gallic charm, and chef Michel Lefort serves up classic cuisine from his Normandy childhood.

Don’t expect hot and hip new trends; this is a restaurant for old favourites, not innovation. Rabbit with mustard, and flavourful oxtail brawn are wellloved menu items.

Village Market, Jan Hofmeyr Road, Westville, 031 266 5388/266 4902, Tue-Fri lunch and dinner, Sat dinner

text: anna trapido, lize hartley; pictures: supplied

DRESS KZN Durban basically doesn’t have winter, so the worst that will come your way is a wave of jealousy from the rest of South Africa. Here are a few items you can buy for your pseudo-winter while laughing at all of us.

1) Because Durban likes to keep things casual, a hoodie will always do. Style it up a bit with some leather sleeves to add a bit of a fashion edge to your old faithful top. R680, Spree.co.za 2) Long pants in Durban? Surely not!

But on the odd chance that you need to cover your legs, a good pair of skinnies will always be your best bet as they’re comfortable, durable, and incredibly

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versatile. You can’t go wrong with a dark wash from Woolworths, R399.

3) Chances are you won’t be needing a heavy-duty, floor-length coat with fur trimmings to keep you warm in Durban, but a light jacket might not be a bad idea. This hoodie-inspired jacket from Lo is the perfect in-between jacket, plus it’s ideal for layering.

R780, HelloPretty.co.za 4) Long-sleeved and collared?

That’s right. You can’t go wrong with Ben Sherman when it comes to menswear, and this shirt is high quality and classic, so you’ll be wearing it for years to come. R1 250, also available on Spree.co.za

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GUESTS can experience a variety of activities such as game drives, boma dinners as well as safari activities such as cheetah and elephant interaction, a St Lucia boat cruise and the Zulu Crocodile farm.

With unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi (in public areas only), keep your finger on the pulse and your feet up.

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KWAZULU-NATAL | GUIDE

SLEEP KWAZULU-NATAL BITE OF THE BUSH Samora Chapman takes the pain with the pleasure at Protea Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris.

pictures: supplied

I HEADED NORTH along the N2 from Durban on a simmering afternoon. As the last signs of civilisation disappeared, the landscape became a blur of rondavels, pineapple vendors and dusty soccer fields.

I swung into the Protea Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris as dusk settled in. The hotel emanated a soft yellow glow, nestled as it was among some fever trees. I experienced that familiar feeling of arriving home after a long journey – tired, but happy.

Stumbling wearily into the lobby, I was greeted with a warm smile. Gugu sure seemed pleased to see me. The hotel boasts a five-star lodge and 76 up-market rooms fitted with satellite TV, air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms, but I found it was the little details that made it memorable. When I arrived at my

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room, I found a juicy spanspek cut in half and filled with sparkly fruit salad next to a personalised welcome note on the dressing table. I felt like a dignitary!

Later, I headed to the dining room for the buffet feast. The lamb stew was spectacular; I ate till my tummy hurt then retired to my room, where I collapsed into a luxurious bed and slipped into blissful dreamland.

I awoke at dawn and went strolling under the fever trees. It’s the vast, unspoiled landscape that really makes this place unforgettable – and it’s perfectly situated to tap into the incredible wilderness of Zululand. It’s just 15km from the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Park, where all of the Big Five can be found, and less than an hour from the St Lucia Estuary, a World Heritage Site, where you can explore the marine reserve and see hippos, crocs and rare mangrove forests.

The hotel has the perfect balance of amenities to suit both leisure and business travellers, including a swimming pool, bird hide and a paintball park, as well as tours to the game park and marine reserve. It also has unlimited Wi-Fi, large-capacity conference rooms, a bar and a restaurant.

As I strolled about, deep in thought, I was suddenly shocked back to reality by a pain in my foot and went hopping sideways into a bush, yelping like a hyena. A fevertree thorn had gone straight through my cheap Woolies boots and sunk into my heel. It was just a little reminder to come prepared for the bite of the bush! And that maybe it was time for this city boy to get back to the city.

104 Main Road, Hluhluwe, 035 562 4000, www.proteahotels.com

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WHAT’S ON GARDEN ROUTE CUTTINGWEDGE ACTION 3-5 July

Bodyboarding contest The Wedge Classic in Plettenberg Bay is South Africa’s longest-running bodyboarding contest and the final event before SA champs. The event expects to attract more than 150 entrants, among them many of South Africa’s best bodyboarders, from all around the country to battle one another for the coveted King of the Wedge title. For more info, check out www.facebook.com/wedgeclassic.

Please note: How do bodyboarders greet each other? They wave, of course!

CULTURE VULTURE 3-13 July

text: anthony sharpe, pictures: brenton nicholls, supplied

Arts festival The Grahamstown National Arts Festival, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, has announced a landmark main programme featuring the work of 65 former Standard Bank Young Artist Award winners; artists from 26 countries; more than 550 performances in theatre, dance, performance art and music; nine specially commissioned music works; musicians with more than 40 South African Music Awards and three Grammy Awards under their belts; and an ambitious, sprawling ‘Creation of a Nation’ project across Grahamstown. For more info, check out www.nationalartsfestival.co.za.

Please note: Hear about the artist who was arrested for forgery?

He claimed he was framed.

AW, SHUCKS 4-13 July

R’S ITOICE D E O CH

Lifestyle festival South Africa’s premium sport and lifestyle festival, the 31st annual Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival is expected to raise more than R1.5-million for charity. With more than 100 lifestyle and sporting events spread over 10 days, the festival offers a diverse programme of sport, gourmet offerings and family activities. For more info, check out www.oysterfestival.co.za.

Please note: Why don’t oysters give to charity? Because they’re shellfish.

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GARDEN ROUTE | GUIDE

RASTA LA VISTA, BABY 22-28 July

Cultural festival Judah Square in Knysna plays host to the annual Rastafarian Earth Festival, which celebrates the Rastafarian way of life – their food and music, as well as the philosophy behind this sometimes misunderstood faith. The festival includes seven days of church ceremonies (Nyahbingh) and two days of Music Splash, before concluding with the Emancipation Celebration celebrating the abolition of slavery.

Please note: Rastafarian criminals are kept under dreadlock and key.

HOME SWEET HOME 24-27 July

Lifestyle expo The 2014 Port Elizabeth Algoa FM Homemakers Expo, on at The Boardwalk, offers an opportunity to connect with PE’s leading homeimprovement experts. Here you can experience and discuss the very latest décor, furniture and home lifestyle trends and products.

Highlights include Chairs for Charity, the Eastern Cape Barista Championships and Coffee Lovers Theatre, and the Gourmet Garage.

Tickets are R40 for adults, R20 for pensioners, and kids under 12 get in free. For more info, check out www.homemakersonline.co.za.

Please note: A man was doing some decorating, so he got out his stepladder – he didn’t get on with his real ladder.

SAY CHEESE! 25-27 July

Food festival Lovers of all things cheesy should get to Outeniqua Park rugby stadium for the Vodacom George Cheese Festival. Expect plenty of cheese, wine and food exhibitors, live music, restaurants, a full bar, smoking lounge, cheese and wine-pairing session, brandy and Belgian chocolate-pairing sessions, interactive cooking demos with top local chefs, a supervised children’s area for under 10s and a play park for older. For more info, go to www.georgecheesefestival.co.za.

Please note: Which cheese is made backwards? Edam.

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GARDEN ROUTE | GUIDE

EAT GARDEN ROUTE Firefly Eating House

Cold night? Think fireplace. The warm glow of the signature red walls at Firefly is enhanced by a working fireplace in the main dining room. Plus there’s a gin bar where the selections can be tasted as a single shot or made into cocktails.

If you are still cold after all of this, try exploring the range of global curry genres on the menu. Whether it be Cape Malay bobotie spring rolls with mint chutney, silken coconut milk Goan curry or Thai yellow curry crab flavours, it’s all delicious.

152a Old Cape Road, Knysna, O44 3821490, fireflyeatinghouse.com, Tue-Sun 6pm

The Grand

There is a deliciously infamous strip club in Johannesburg called The Grand, where dodgy deals reportedly go down, and there is a very fine buffet where one can meet dancers in white gogo boots and not much else.

Sadly, this Grand is not that grand, but rather a shabby chic fashionista hot spot where the menu swings wildly from ‘Durban-style curry’ to pastas, and on into the ‘Grand burger’ and a shellfish platter. Only salads are offered as vegetarian options. The fishcakes served with aioli are a legend in their own lunchtime. But still not as legendary as the other Grand.

text: anna trapido, lize hartley; pictures: supplied

DRESS GARDEN ROUTE Winter weather along the Garden Route ranges from rainy to pleasant and mild, so a versatile winter wardrobe is key!

1) A classic denim jacket is another one of those wardrobe staples you simply must have. Levi’s is the ultimate go-to for all things denim, and this jacket is no exception. R795, also available on Spree.co.za 2) Cable knit is gorgeous and classic, and a soft pink jersey is a great way to add pretty, feminine colours to a winter wardrobe. An added bonus is that this feels amazing against the skin.

R999, Trenery, available in select Woolworths stores or standalone Trenery stores.

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3) There’s a lot to be said for a great perfume, but summer and winter call for different fragrances. Invest in a gorgeous, timeless winter fragrance like Sì from Giorgio Armani. Bergamot, mandarin oil, and liqueur de cassis top notes combine with jasmine, patchouli, and amber to form a classic scent that is perfect for winter.

Available at Woolworths, R 1 489 for 100ml.

4) Winter is the perfect time to wear rich tones like wine, teal, plum and burgundy. Add depth to an outfit with richly coloured accessories like these suede shoes from Zoom, R799, also available on Spree.co.za

27 Main Road, Plettenberg Bay, 044 533 3301, www.grandafrica.com, Mon-Sun breakfast 8-11am, lunch and dinner 12pm-late

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GARDEN ROUTE | GUIDE

SLEEP GARDEN ROUTE FOR LOVE AND ADVENTURE Gareth Pretorius finds his Garden Route home base at the Wildnerness Hotel.

pictures: supplied

‘BEFORE YOU MARRY her, take her into the Wilderness.’ Can you imagine your future father-in-law grumbling these words to you? But when George Bennet did just that in 1877 to appease his prospective in-laws, the town of Wilderness was born.

And now, almost 140 years later, another destination of delight has been born. Well, perhaps it should be regarded as a reincarnation.

The Wilderness Hotel used to be known as the Karos Wilderness Resort & Spa. Now, after five years, a company represented by Mossel Bay businessman and hotelier Albert Wiffen has bought it and revitalised it.

‘The Wilderness Hotel has a grand tradition as a honeymoon destination and a family hotel,’ says Albert, ‘and it’s still got the old-fashioned charm that made it so popular for so many years. It’s situated almost in the very centre of the Garden Route, so it’s perfectly placed for families who want to explore the area, and also for sports teams and businesspeople.’

So whether you just want to disappear with your beloved into one of the very well-priced rooms and occasionally saunter on down to be pampered in the spa, or haggle over

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business deals in the conference rooms (the largest of which can accommodate up to 300 delegates), there’s the proverbial bit of everything for everyone.

But perhaps being on honeymoon isn’t enough of an adventure for you and you wish to seek your thrills elsewhere? This is the ideal destination, nestled as it is right in the adventurous playground that is the Garden Route. If only one of you on the honeymoon is a mountain biker, then good luck, because your marriage might get off to a start as rocky as one of the numerous, incredible single tracks snaking throughout the surrounding Outeniquas.

On the other hand, if you fancy a round of golf between meetings, choosing which course to play might be as difficult as deciding which club will get you out of the rough. From Pinnacle Point in Mossel Bay to Goose Valley in Plett, with a smorgasbord of world-class courses in-between, you’ll be overjoyed that the hotel offers a full child-minding service with more than enough entertainment to keep the rug rats happy.

Plus, the hotel offers free accommodation to children under 10 years of age, and a 50% discount for teenagers if they share with their parents (these rates apply to all 158 rooms except the honeymoon suites, of course).

So, you ready to get wild?

044 877 1110, www.thewildernesshotel.co.za

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TOP TIPPLE | GUIDE

Fortify me Scarves, beanies, gloves and boots keep you warm on the outside. But what keeps you warm inside as the ‘brrr’ descends? Ingrid Graham finds out.

MY MEDICINE CHEST is stocked with strengthening tonics to ward off the winter chill. Here are some favourites:

Or try sealing some stewed guavas with a layer of sherry to preserve for a warm dessert later in the week.

On the top shelf

On the stove

Allesverloren Fine Old Vintage: At 20% alcohol, this tipple’s sure to warm the cockles of any heart, as well as other extremities. A blend of three traditional port varietals matured in oak for two years results in a rich velvet fruitcake palate with lingering nutty memory.

Try it with a fireside fondue, Earl Klugh, and your preferred partner to make a fabulous foursome.

Simmering gluhwein: My choice for mulled wine is Du Toitskloof Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz. This accessible blend of soft ripe tannins is ideal for making glogg. Never use an unsound or spoilt wine that you wouldn’t drink on its own.

images: thinkstock, supplied

Within easy reach Monis Medium Cream: I so enjoy sherry in the kitchen. ‘One for the pot and one for the cook’ is my motto. Although Monis fortifieds are made using natural flor yeast and are blended by the solera system – just like the Spanish do in Jerez – we in SA are prohibited from using the term sherry on our labels. I think the Spanish got wise some years back when they realised that flor-style wines like Monis garner awards, honours and accolades equivalent to the finest from Spain!

Besides sipping a glass on its own, add a dollop to your soup just before serving.

This recipe serves 10-12 people: • 6 cinnamon sticks • 10 cloves • 10 cardamom seeds • Grated nutmeg • 2 litres Du Toitskloof Cab/Shiraz • 1 litre fresh orange juice • ½ cup sugar • Glazed ginger Crush the spices slightly and steep in a cup of water over low heat to release the flavours. Combine wine, juice and sugar, stir over low heat till sugar dissolves. Add spices and simmer until well heated. Don’t boil, as the alcohol will evaporate (boiling is spoiling). Serve hot in mugs with a slice of lemon and a piece of ginger. Add raisins, rum, brandy or vodka for extra kick!

Why glogg is good for you

Cardamom: Good for colds, bronchitis and fevers.

Cinnamon: Stimulates appetite, a digestive, an aphrodisiac, treats coughs and sore throats.

Cloves: Anaesthetic, relieves toothache, preserves food, aphrodisiac properties, strong flavour.

Ginger: For nausea and motion sickness, stimulates appetite.

Nutmeg: For digestion, flatulence, diarrhoea, nausea, mild sedative in small doses, narcotic in large doses.

Citrus: Vitamin C for colds and flu – natural therapists laud these properties.

Giveaway

We’ve got a Monis cocktail kit (valued at R1 000) and two Monis triple packs (each comprising a Pale Dry, Medium Cream and a Full Cream) to give away. To enter, go to www.khulumaonline.co.za and hit the Competitions tab.

Competition is open to all South African residents over the age of 18, excluding employees of Picasso Headline/ Times Media Ltd/kulula.com/Comair Limited, and closes on 31 July 2014.

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GUIDE | WATCH

Watch this…

What better place to hide away from the weather than in a comfy cinema chair?

Release date: 4 July

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

CALVARY

Release date: 18 July

Release date: 11 July With school holidays in full swing, this is ideal animated fare to keep younger humans entertained for a couple of hours. House of Magic tells the tale of Thunder, an abandoned young cat who sneaks into a mansion owned by a retired magician, Lawrence, and filled with animals and automatons.

When Lawrence ends up in the hospital, his nephew tries to trick him into selling the house, but its ragtag inhabitants develop a spooky strategy to defend their home. It’s not particularly challenging cinema, but it’s bright, colourful and it’s of Belgian pedigree, so it’s guaranteed to be at least slightly insane.

Anticipatometer: 2/5 ■ ■

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The latest film in the popular simian franchise is directed

by Matt Reeves, whose last two films were the critically successful Cloverfield and Let Me In. Dawn continues the story with a growing nation of genetically evolved apes led

by Caesar (played once again by the brilliant Andy Serkies) being threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier.

They reach a fragile peace, but it proves shortlived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as earth’s dominant species. The last one was a great popcorn treat, so hopes are pretty good for this instalment.

Anticipatometer: 3/5 ■ ■ ■

Renowned Irish actor Brendan Gleeson stars in Calvary as Father James Lavelle, a good man intent on making the world a better place, who is continually shocked and saddened by the spiteful and confrontational inhabitants of his small country town in County Sligo.

During confession, a parishioner threatens that he will kill Lavelle the following Sunday, and as the week progresses the forces of darkness begin to close in around him. Although it all sounds rather heavy, the film is really a black comedy, with Gleeson’s performance anchoring a film that examines religion through rich character drama.

Anticipatometer: 5/5 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

This ain’t no monkey business: we’ve got three awesome Dawn of the Planet of the Apes hampers to give away.

Each hamper comprises a water bottle, torch, mouse pad and a Rise of the Planet of the Apes DVD. To enter, go to www.khulumaonline.co.za and click on the Competitions tab. Competition is open to all South African residents, excluding employees of Picasso Headline/Nu Metro/ Times Media Ltd/kulula.com/ Comair Limited, and closes on 31 July 2014.

text: anthony sharpe; pictures: supplied

HOUSE OF MAGIC

CALVARY

HOUSE OF MAGIC

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes giveaway

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LISTEN | GUIDE

Listen up Claire Martens snuggles up to her speakers this July.

Basson Laubscher & the Violent Free Peace

pictures: supplied

Shakedown Independent Despite the oxymoronic nature of his band’s name, the debut EP from Basson Laubscher is straight-up blues.

It also pays homage to the type of rock ’n roll that deviates little from the solid bedrock of a great lead guitarist.

Laubscher is truly a remarkable musician with an admirable approach to his art – no bull, no frills, just a simple desire for perfection. He knows that his music will do the talking, and in this instance, it’s a lullaby of blues licks and soothing bass notes.

Well known among local music communities for his first band, Zinkplaat, and current membership of the Valiant Swart Band, Laubscher knows how to structure a great song. It shows in his stylish compositions, his ability to complement the talents of his collaborators, and his soul-wrenching, knee-jerking guitar solos. Matched with a warm guitar sound, Shakedown provides all you need in a blues album.

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Tony Cox Padkos Independent With Tony Cox, you get what you expect.

His intricate fingerpicking style, which transforms a six-stringed guitar into a percussive, multi-toned beast of an instrument, is respected by young and old alike, both internationally and at home. His career began in the days of cassettes and his has been an extraordinarily long, but well-aged, musical journey. Great talent never gets old.

In Padkos, he focuses our attention on South Africa’s greatest artists. The album holds a likable mix of covers and originals, cast within the sultry undertones of his signature style. He has the ability to make instrumental sounds invoke the tastes and sounds of the country. The visual dexterity is welldisplayed on songs like ‘Padkos’, but also in the timeless classics he chooses to cover, such as Juluka’s ‘Impi’ and Bright Blue’s ‘Weeping’. Padkos is an instructive album for the unacquainted and a pleasant addition to any fan’s collection.

The Black Hotels Holidays Honey Tone

Back in 2006, The Black Hotels quickly became darlings on the local scene with their EP Beautiful Mornings. At the time, indie was all the rage and TBH were ahead of the pack. But, if we were honest with ourselves, TBH defied the genre. Their music has always been obtuse but accessible, hip but exclusive. Three full-length albums later and the focus may not be on them entirely, but it should be.

Holidays is otherworldly and as far from the band’s South African roots as you can get. Spun on the web of resounding bass notes, captured by the gravitas of John Boyd’s vocals, sheathed by the honeyed Laurie Levine, the music is both death and life, leaden and light. At times the album lumbers, at times it soars, but most importantly, it is never clichéd.

Spend some time with Holidays; it’s an intricate dichotomy of emotions both cleverly crafted and endlessly entertaining.

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GAMES | GUIDE

Game on!

Squeal your wheels, train your dragon and vitalise your Vita this July.

lease

New re

Grid Autosport

text and pictures: supplied by BT Games

If you have even the slightest bit of interest in cars, or just feel drawn towards placing your body in a high-powered metal can and using it to propel yourself forwards at ridiculous speeds, then Grid Autosport promises to be the game for you. The newest title in Codemasters’ much-loved racing series offers cars from five different racing groups to pilot recklessly along 100 routes spread across 22 locations. It also sees the return of the in-car view, for those who want maximum immersion with minimal control.

There are 78 cars to choose from, divided into touring, endurance, openwheel, tuner and street categories. Those cars can be used in a variety of events dedicated to various disciplines, from time-attack mode and GT to drift events and destruction derbies. There’s a range of multiplayer options as well, allowing you to test your abilities online against virtual racers around the world, as well as compete in weekly Discipline Challenges.

There’s also split-screen multiplayer, so you and a friend can race together from the same couch. Out late June.

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GAMES | GUIDE

lease New re How to Train Your Dragon 2: The Video Game They say that success breeds success, or in the case of films, success breeds sequels, which everyone hopes breeds success. It sounds like a bit of a raunchy industry really, and where there’s a film that’s bound to be a success, there’s a game to follow. Thankfully, How to Train Your Dragon 2: The Video Game actually looks like a fair bit of fun.

The game lets players embark on a heroic adventure on their way to becoming a formidable dragon rider alongside the beloved characters from the film, entering a dragon flight school filled with tournament events, challenging mini-games and exciting training exercises. Take to the skies on the back of a dragon of your choosing from the film, each presenting different strengths and weaknesses. Some might be quicker in a race, others pack a meaner punch (or fireball, as it were), while others might lack the size and speed, but make up for it with agility. It’s a classic type of game layered on top of a lovable film franchise – perfect for kids and even the occasional adult.

’s f what Best o

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out the

PS Vita Mega Pack The PS Vita has been around long enough to have earned a few musthaves, and for anyone only now picking up this portable gaming device, the PS Vita Mega Pack is your best way to jump straight into the best of the best.

Fans of fighting games will love PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, which features up to four players each taking on the role of a character from a classic PlayStation franchise and battling one another for dominance in a chaotic arena. Then there’s also

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Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition, which sees DC Comics characters engaged in one-on-one fisticuffs.

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is a spinoff of the popular Arkham series, pulling in some of its best bits and adapting them for a classic platformer style of gameplay.

God of War: Chains of Olympus and Killzone: Liberation are for all you action junkies. These two titans from the PlayStation world represent the best in third-person god-smashing and first-person sci-fi shooting.

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TECH | GUIDE

Talking tech Warm up with the hottest tech news, brought to you by Steven Norris of Gearburn.com.

pictures: thinkstock, supplied

Hisense Pure 1 review ‘Hisense makes phones?’ was the first thought that popped into my head when this 5.5-inch behemoth of a phablet (a phone/tablet hybrid) landed on my desk.

It’s tall, stocky and it’s also possibly the best Android phone I’ve used in 2014. Why so? Because it’s an incredibly fast and powerful phone, and it costs only R2 999.

Hisense is traditionally in the budget-TV business, cracking out 40-inch sets at a fairly affordable price, so it comes as no surprise that it would produce a cheap phablet that doesn’t sacrifice quality for a lower price. The Pure 1 has everything you need from a phone, minus all the silly gimmicks seen in those snazzy Samsung smartphones.

For such a large phone, it weighs only 155g and is barely noticeable in your pocket. The screen resolution is low (only 1280x720, which is HD-only) and the viewing angles are poor, especially in bright sunlight. Regardless, content looks superb, although it sounds a little weak due to the tinny rear speaker, so I suggest using headphones instead.

The Pure 1 handles the latest mobile games such as XCOM and Monument Valley with ease (both are superb and worth the download); it’s humbling to know that a budget phone with a 1.5GHz CPU can run Xbox 360 games. The Pure 1 is under-specced in terms of storage, though, shipping with only 8GB

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of internal memory, and the 8MP camera is underwhelming at best. It feels like a camera from five years ago – slow, buggy and prone to crashing.

Otherwise, with a dual-SIM, a slick design and a solid version of Android installed, there’s little to complain about.

Also, it’s half the price of other phones that share the same features – and it’s impossible to argue with that.

Nelson Mandela Legocy Lego is the new hotness and, partially inspired by The Lego Movie, digital agency Quirk has decided to retell the story of Mandela in toy-brick form. Combining silly and serious, the stop-motion video, currently making the rounds on YouTube, has gathered well over 20 000 views, and quickly recaps Madiba’s triumphs and struggles.

It’s not all for fun and giggles, though, as the short animation is aimed at keeping

the ‘Legocy’ of Madiba alive, and, with some luck, their efforts will inspire Lego to build an actual ‘Madiba: Freedom Fighter’ set.

How to host a party with just your phone Karaoke time: ‘Embarrassing’ and ‘fun’ are two words to describe karaoke, and there are thousands of smartphone apps that do the same job as those dedicated karaoke machines (which belong in the ’90s). Simply download any free app from the Apple or Android app store and get singing!

Meal planning: The bane of any party (or professional bachelor) is meal planning.

Enter the brilliant Epicurious. This app has menus galore, with glossy images, and, in a genius move, suggests menu items based on whatever’s in your pantry. Enter your food into the app and Epicurious spits out suggestions. Très cool.

Party games: If the party’s taking a turn for the worse and you’ve run out of ideas, your smartphone can once again save the day. Free party planner apps such as Pro Party Planner and PitchIn (shared to-do list) will help you to organise your party beforehand, ensuring that no guest grows bored or leaves the party early.

For more insightful and entertaining tech news, check out gearburn.com.

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Skhumba Hlophe reckons he’ll stick with air travel from now on‌

rdon talk o G d n a a Skhumb p finals u c d n a ntry club, cou k melo tal u t i o B d a an Skhumb t picture a h t d n a parties privacy,

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CHAT

Join the...

2014/06/19 12:46 PM

h c a Co l o Co Skhuma Hlophe tries some fancy footwork on PSL legend and former Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund.

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SPORT | CHAT

Skhumba Hlophe: How are you, sir?

Gordon Igesund: I’m okay, thank you.

How are you?

SH: I’m fine. You sound like you’re in the bathroom. Are you taking a shower?

GI: No, no [laughs]. No time for showers; I’m too busy!

SH: [Laughs] Okay, Mr Igesund, for a while you didn’t believe in the national team until you came into the fold.

What did you do differently from other coaches?

GI: I think all the coaches before were very good coaches, but the biggest problem we’ve had with South African football was that there was no development. Since my two years with the national team, there hasn’t been an under-23, under-20 or under-17 team.

Now, these teams are the feeders to the national team. The last two years, there haven’t been any of those players available, because we haven’t been participating in any competitions.

SH: Okay. With you watching SA football, who is that one player you look at and say, I wish I had time to work with this player? Or one team – maybe you want to coach Kaizer Chiefs, we don’t know, hey? [Laughs] GI: You know, I think the biggest thing with the overseas players versus the South Africa-based players is that those guys know this is a job. You look at players like Ronaldo or Messi ... these guys stick around on the field after training has finished, they look after their bodies, they make sure they invest their money the right way; they know it’s a short career – possibly 10 years if you’re lucky, barring any serious injuries. Those players are the true professionals.

That’s one thing that has to change with South African football: we have to become more professional and start realising that football is a business.

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These players become idols, they get on the stage quickly, people want their signatures and pictures with them, and all this sometimes goes to their heads and they forget about what they’re really doing, which is playing football, because it’s their job.

SH: Right. Now which one did you enjoy more: coaching the national team or coaching PSL? GI: To coach the national team of your country of birth is obviously the greatest platform for any coach. It’s a great honour and privilege. At club level, you’re with your players every day, Monday to Friday, and you play on the weekend; I miss that.

I miss being on the field a lot. With the national team, you play a match and then you don’t see the players for two or three months, then you have two days before a match to coach them again, and you have to try to get a good result.

SH: Do you think it’s really your responsibility to make sure the team wins? I feel it’s really wrong for any national team just to fire the coach.

There are players who need to be fired at some point.

GI: It’s a very difficult situation, because, as I said, the national coach doesn’t get his players for a week or two before a game; he gets them two days before.

His players have been playing in Europe, and that brings us back to the same argument that’s been going on for 100 years now: country versus club.

You know, clubs don’t want to release their players, and it’s very unfair for a national coach when he’s selecting his team and 60% of the players that he wants aren’t available. Because then he plays a match with a team that he didn’t really want. I think that’s the biggest, toughest task for a national coach.

SH: We’ve seen Ryan Giggs taking a coaching position, and at the same

To coach the national team of your country of birth is the greatest platform for any coach time putting on his boots and creating a goal for Van Persie. Was there ever a moment when you felt, these boys just aren’t doing what I want them to; I wish I could throw on a jersey and get out there?

GI: Many, many, many times. [Laughs] Your heart and your brain say, ‘Get out there!’ – because football’s in your blood, you know – but your body just can’t do it any more.

SH: As a coach now, do you want to go back to the PSL? Or do you want to take a break, like José Mourinho, who took almost three years off?

GI: You know, Mourinho earns probably a million pounds a week! He can afford to take a break. [Laughs] No, obviously you miss the game, and at this time I’m going to see what the future holds for me and take it from there. When I wake up in the morning and I say to myself, ‘Oh, I don’t feel like going to training today,’ that’s the day I’m going to retire from football.

SH: I’m an Orlando Pirates fan, by the way, and I was happy when you won the league with us, and the helicopter was there to pick you up to go to your daughter’s wedding. What I want to know is, of all the teams with whom you’ve won the trophy, which was your favourite?

GI: They’re all very, very special. My first championship was Manning Rangers,

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and that was special because it was the first, and I had a team people never thought could win the championship.

They came from the federation into the soccer league, which was a big jump for them in terms of the level of football.

Then I won it with Orlando Pirates; that was also very rewarding, because it was a time when Pirates hadn’t won anything for many years.

SH: I’m gonna ask you five quiz questions. José Mourinho or Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola?

GI: José Mourinho.

SH: [Laughs] Chiefs or Pirates? I know it’s hard…

GI: Um, Bafana Bafana. [Laughs] SH: Being a boxing coach or being a cricket coach?

GI: Cricket coach.

SH: PSL or English Premiership?

GI: You know, the English Premiership is very exciting because of the support that is there every game. But the PSL is where I am; South Africa is where I was born, and we have to respect that.

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I think our league is going from strength to strength; the only thing that’s lacking is the support.

When you go and watch a game in England, you get caught up in it because no matter who is playing, you have 40 000 or 50 000 people there. Here, you can have 200 people pitching up at a stadium.

SH: One last question: Gordon Igesund or Gavin Hunt?

GI: Gordon Igesund. [Laughs] No, Gavin is a great friend of mine and he’s a fantastic coach.

SH: Who do you think is gonna win the World Cup? GI: Germany.

SH: [Laughs] I just don’t see it happening, coach.

GI: I need you to phone me back about 30 days from now, and you’ll see why I said that. Mentally they’re very strong and they’ve got good character.

SH: I see an African team in the top four, and I see Argentina going all the way.

GI: I think the four teams that are probably going to fight it out will include Brazil, because they’re hosting it, but because of that they’re under a lot of pressure. I think Germany, Brazil, Argentina and I’m not sure about Spain, because they haven’t really been firing and they’ve become quite predictable.

Maybe Italy, maybe Chile.

SH: Whatever happens to Ghana, if they get a penalty they mustn’t give it to Asamoah Gyan – we all know what’s gonna happen.

GI: Yeah, there’s such a thin line between success and failure. I certainly do hope that an African team does well. It’s time for Africa to shine. I think Ghana has a very good team and Nigeria has some great players who’ve been playing in Europe, so they’re probably Africa’s best hopes.

SH: Thank you very much for your time, coach, and all the best for the future.

And whatever you do, you have my support 150%.

GI: It’s a great pleasure. Thank you so much for the support.

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2014/06/18 9:36 AM

Boitylicious Skhumba Hlophe chats to actress, model and possessor of a derrière extraordinaire, Boitumelo Thulo.

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ACTRESS | CHAT

Skhumba Hlophe: Hi Boity, thanks for chatting to me today.

Boitumelo Thulo: Hi Skhumba.

SH: Before we go anywhere, I suppose we should talk about the pink elephant, or should I say, the pink thigh, in the room.

BT: Yeah?

SH: So, about that picture.

BT: Oh gosh. People must get over this story now!

SH: [Laughs] But it’s not the first time you’ve caused some controversy with a picture on Twitter.

BT: Ja, people always overreact. It’s okay, though. It comes with the Twitter territory.

SH: You gonna keep posting ’em then?

BT: I don’t post them for the sake of causing controversy; I just post something I’m comfortable with and people tend to react a certain way. I can’t help that.

I don’t normally post things with a plan to be controversial.

SH: It’s clear you’re comfortable with your body, though. There was even more of a storm around that Marie Claire picture from the naked issue.

BT: Oh yeah. That was not by choice.

I didn’t plan any of that; I didn’t plan on that reaction. I didn’t even fathom that the response would be as big as it was. But it happened, and as I said, all of these things just come with the territory.

SH: Did you get more positive feedback than negative?

BT: Definitely. I didn’t even register any of the negative feedback. I actually decided to be indifferent to both sides.

So I know that if I was going to be indifferent to the negative, I had to be indifferent to the positive as well. I took it as it came.

SH: Nice attitude. How did you feel when Marie Claire approached you to do the shoot?

BT: For me it was major. It was a great honour, because usually the people they

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choose to put in their naked issue are people they believe to be influential. So I was like, okay, that’s pretty cool. I didn’t even think about it; I knew I would do it.

SH: I see your mom Tweeted the photo and her support for it, which is pretty awesome. Has she always supported these acting and modelling ambitions of yours?

BT: I think, at the beginning, she wasn’t certain, because every parent wants the best for their child, but yeah, after just a little bit of convincing, she gave in and decided to give me the benefit of the doubt. Ever since then, she’s never looked back; she’s always supported me wholeheartedly.

SH: The turning point for you was a Wimpy ad, yes?

BT: Yeah.

SH: Was that enough to convince Mom? BT: I think she was happy with the ad and the reaction, and she thought, well, there’s nothing I can do, so she pretty much gave in.

SH: So tell me, you’ve done a naked shot facing away from the camera. Do you have any plans to do any similar shots facing towards the camera?

BT: No, not at all!

SH: [Laughs] BT: Not a single chance. I think we’ll leave it at Marie Claire and that’s that.

SH: So you were voted as Mzansi’s sexiest woman by the Sowetan last year.

BT: Yeah, that was a really cool honour.

For me, I always feel like it’s not an achievement, but it is an honour, and I appreciate it wholeheartedly.

SH: Do you find that accolades like that make it difficult to be taken seriously?

BT: Sometimes, yes. I mean, you have to take it as it comes. It’s not like you choose. But you have to do what you have to do. And with that, you have to re-evaluate all the time, and sometimes

you do have to prove yourself. But it’s something you have to accept because it comes with the territory. There’s nothing you can do to change it; it’s been like this for the longest time.

SH: You were a tomboy growing up, I believe. When did this substantial change happen?

BT: Well, I think I’m still a tomboy at heart. I just obviously had to mould myself into a lady who could work in this industry, while also keeping true to the person I am. So in my comfort zone, in my private space, most of my friends would definitely say I’m still a tomboy.

In front of the camera, I wouldn’t call it being fake or putting anything on, but there are different sides to me. In front of the camera there’s one Boity; behind the camera there’s another Boity.

SH: Talking about your private space, how do you blow off steam? What’s an ideal weekend for Boity?

BT: Literally, I’m a homebody. I love being at home; it’s my favourite place. I used to party a bit more and I loved being out with friends, but right now, I think the more time you spend in the public eye, the more you appreciate your private space. So any chance I get to be at home, I’m home. And if we decide to do drinks, I prefer doing it at my place.

SH: Now, speaking of parties, I believe you had a birthday party sponsored by Moët a little while ago.

BT: Ja, it was my 24th, and I hadn’t really done anything major in the years before, so this year I decided I was going to bring my grandparents down and do something extremely special, and it turned out very well.

SH: So where was my invitation?

BT: Um … I was just considering the fact that you might be far away, so I was actually just being considerate, more than anything.

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SH: All right, all right. Now, Cliff Central: I believe you were on the station recently.

BT: Yeah, we were just testing it out.

I went on the one Monday for the afternoon drive. We wanted to see if it would work, test the waters. I wouldn’t say I’m part of the team yet; we still have to decide if I fit with the team and if my schedule allows it.

SH: If we look at what you’re doing, there’s model, actress, possible radio presenter – it looks like you’re going to have to release an album soon.

BT: Never gonna happen. That would kill my career completely.

SH: [Laughs] So you’re not much of a musician?

BT: Never!

SH: You’ve got that husky voice thing going on.

BT: That’s not by choice.

SH: [Laughs] BT: It works for me, but it’s not something that’s supposed to be there.

SH: Now you’re pretty passionate about acting. What’s on the cards for the future?

BT: Rockville has been and will always be at the top of my game. But I shot a short film recently and that went very well. I’m still going to castings and auditions, so we’ll just wait and see and hope for the best.

SH: Is this your first film role?

BT: Yeah, it’s a film called Dear Betty, and I play Betty. It was part of an initiative by the National Film and Video Foundation around 20 years of democracy and female empowerment. They had five films created, written, directed and shot by women. It was an all-women cast and crew, so it was a pretty good experience.

SH: That’s wonderful. Are you at all interested in writing and directing, or is that a long way off at the moment?

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You have to accept that the celeb machine is there. It didn’t start with you and it’s not going to end with you

BT: I think that’s something that will come about in time, but at the moment I’m just concentrating on actually getting an acting career going.

SH: You’ve been involved in a couple of scandals in your time. What do you think of the South African celeb machine?

BT: Well, it’s done everywhere, not just in South Africa. It’s something we’ve all had to come to terms with. It never used to be this bad – I think it’s getting worse and

worse by the day, but it’s nothing we can change. For now, if you’re in it, you have to accept that it’s there. It didn’t start with you and it’s not going to end with you. As long as you have a strong support system around you, that makes it a little more bearable.

SH: Are you still involved in this charity, Thusa A Girl Child?

BT: At the moment they’re taking a bit of a break. Getting some things sorted out to grow the brand. But I still help here and there wherever I can. If ever they need me to do something at short notice, I’m there.

SH: Last question: who is your favourite South African comedian, other than me, of course?

BT: [Laughs] You’re at the top of my list.

SH: [Laughs] Right answer.

BT: Then definitely Trevor Noah. He’s genuinely, genuinely one of the funniest, even though he’s not around so much anymore. Loyiso Gola’s pretty cool; I like him. Loyiso Madinga is also amazing.

The up-and-coming comedians are doing really well. They’re pushing the envelope, which is fantastic.

SH: Well, Boity, thanks for your time, and good luck with the acting and Twitter!

BT: Thanks Skhumba. ■

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Warm up someone’s winter When the temperatures start to drop, it’s tempting to crawl inside and hibernate with blankets, hot soup and crusty bread. But what about those who don’t have any of the above? Bridget McNulty has a round-up of our favourite blanket drives and soup kitchens – and how to get involved this winter.

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WINTER WARMERS| LOCAL HERO

The give a little, get a little option What is it? A winter clothing exchange: one item of warm clothing or a blanket gets you a R100 massage voucher for En Masse.

Where is it? Both Cape Town and Jo’burg En Masse studios.

What do they do? The lovely folk at En Masse massage concept studios decided that it was time to make a difference, so they’re working with StreetSmart to collect clothes and blankets for those in need. So many people clear out their closets and don’t know what to do with their unwanted clothes; now they can either drop them off at En Masse or get them picked up – for free – and get a R100 voucher towards a fabulous massage in exchange (to be used in the next three months).

How can you help? Give your closet a springclean and keep someone else warm this winter. En Masse (Cape Town and Jo’burg) are open seven days a week, 8am-10pm, and you can literally just pitch up and drop off your clothes.

For more info: Visit www.enmasse.co.za or call 021 461 5650/011 880 3020.

pictures: supplied

The social-media option What is it? The Twitter Blanket Drive Where is it? Official kick-off events were held in Cape Town, Jo’burg and Durban in May, and there are smaller events around the country. Follow the hashtag #TBD2014 on Twitter for updates and to find out where to drop off your blankets.

What do they do? It all started with a single tweet. In 2010 Melanie Minnaar (@MadameBlanket) threw out a challenge for every SA Tweep (Twitter personality) to donate a blanket to a

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LUNCHTIME RUSH Every day after school, the Hope in South Africa Soup Kitchen in Richmond serves meals to children in need.

WARM MEAL Hope in South Africa partners with a local church to provide meals in the local squatter camp.

Twitter Blanket Drive. The rest is history.

There are now events all over SA, and all of the charities they donate to are NPOs (nonprofit organisations), so you can be sure each blanket goes to someone who really needs it.

How can you help? Donate a blanket at one of the many drop-off points. When you drop off your blanket, take a picture and upload it to Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, using the hashtag #TBD2014 and tweeting @TBDAfrica, so they can keep track of how many blankets have been donated.

For more info: Visit www. twitterblanketdrive.wordpress.com or twitter.com/TBDAFRICA. Tweet for drop-off locations in Cape Town @merentia, Jo’burg @serenacg and Durban @fredfelton.

TAKE A BITE Sandwiches are handed out XXXXX at the ROKPA Soup Kitchen xxxxxxx in central Jo’burg.

The get involved option What is it? The ROKPA Soup Kitchen Where is it? Central Jo’burg: on the corner of Nind and Siemert Streets in Doornfontein. Matthew Kushner, one of the ROKPA volunteers, drove around Jo’burg looking for the perfect spot: this area has a number of people living on the streets and under bridges who are in need of assistance.

What do they do? They offer a vegetable-and-rice soup (filled with carrots, spinach, butternut, pumpkin, onions, cabbage and sweet potato) as well as peanut-butter sandwiches on brown bread every Tuesday to homeless, needy and unemployed people in the inner city. They also distribute clothing and blankets in winter, which are donated by the public.

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Contact us on T: +27 11 803 3299 E: info@nodiet.co.za. W: www.nodiet.co.za.

2014/06/19 10:01 AM

WINTER WARMERS | LOCAL HERO

d mon bakery ls h c i l R e The y Centr d and routh o it ea mun resh br ope in S m o C n. pf eH ps u for th Kitche i h y w p Sou y da ever Africa

How can you help? Get stuck in by helping to prepare the soup at 10:30am on Tuesday mornings, or help to deliver the soup on Tuesdays at 5:45pm.

Volunteers meet at the Kagyu Samye Dzong Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Centre in Kensington, where they load the food into the centre‘s bakkie and drive to the delivery location to distribute it. You can also donate any clothing and blankets to be distributed along with the food.

For more info: Call 011 614 1948 or email johannesburg@kagyu.org.za.

The outreach option What is it? The Richmond Soup Kitchen Where is it? Richmond in the Northern Cape Karoo – also known as South Africa’s Book Town. The soup kitchen has been running since 2005, as a partnership between the local NGK Dutch Reformed Church, Anglican Church, Episcopal

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Church and Rotarians. Today, Hope in South Africa operates the soup kitchen in a renovated kitchen and bakery space at the Richmond Community Centre, with the support of partners in South Africa, the United States and Canada. It now includes a new kitchen, community garden and bakery at the youth educational centre.

What do they do? The soup kitchen and bakery serves meals after school from Monday through Friday, yearround, to children in need. They offer a wide variety of healthy, meaty soups, stews and hot meals made with fresh vegetables from the on-site garden.

Bread and rolls are also baked fresh at their bakery.

As well as healthy food, the children are offered educational and learning experiences at the Richmond Community Centre. The Soup Kitchen also partners

with a local church to provide meals in the local informal settlement, where soup and fresh bread are delivered each week.

How can you help? Hope in South Africa is a small nonprofit organisation that depends on donations from individuals to continue their mission. They also provide educational opportunities for Northern Cape youth in foetal alcohol spectrum disorder and HIV/AIDS. For more info: Check out www.hopeinsouthafrica.com or www.richmondnc.co.za/soup.html.

The container option What is it? Breadline Africa Container Kitchens Where is it? Twenty-one container soup kitchens are spread throughout the Western and Eastern Cape.

What do they do? Breadline Africa supports women who are already doing

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LOCAL HERO | WINTER WARMERS

WINNING GRIN Shoprite Mobile Soup Kitchen team member Dion Raboroko gets a smile from little Mbali Mbhele.

valuable outreach work in rural and impoverished communities. They provide these women with containers from which to cook and serve. They are not involved in the day-to-day operations, but provide improved facilities for ongoing work.

When they have funds or donated items, they support these projects with soup, bread or any other items.

How can you help? By making a donation towards the purchase and conversion of a container, or by donating educational material (such as stationery, chairs, tables, toys for children, blankets) for the Early Childhood Development centres or any non-perishable food for the kitchens.

For more info: Check out www.breadlineafrica.org or email programmes@breadlineafrica.org.za.

The quick and simple option What is it? Nedbank’s Winter Campaign Where is it? On your phone.

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SOUP’S UP! Carol Moeletsi hands a young boy a cup of nutritious soup with bread during a Shoprite Mobile Soup Kitchen visit.

What do they do? Nedbank’s annual blanket collection and distribution drive is the perfect solution for those who are too busy to get involved, but would like to make a difference. Their Winter Campaign distributes blankets to South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens, and it really couldn’t be easier to help.

They’re donating R800 000 towards their Winter Campaign – and adding to the stash is as simple as sending an SMS. How can you help? Simply SMS WINTER to 40017 to donate R20.

For more info: Visit www.facebook. com/nedbank or www.twitter. com/Nedbank and follow hashtag #NEDBANKBLANKETS.

The corporate option What is it? Shoprite Mobile Soup Kitchens Where is it? Twenty-two mobile soup kitchens travel to South Africans around

the country, distributing 660 000 cups of soup with bread every month. There are two units each in the Western Cape and the Free State, and three units each for the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West.

What do they do? The project started in 2009 with just two mobile soup kitchen units in Gauteng and North West.

They have now distributed more than 16-million cups of soup to needy South Africans around the country.

The focus of the project is on children and senior citizens in the poorest communities, as well as thousands of families affected by unemployment.

They operate seven days a week, and prepare the soup in the vehicles. Their long-term partners include Royco, Albany, Mercedes, Toyota, Volkswagen and UD Trucks.

For more info: Go to www.shoprite.co.za/ Pages/Mobile-Soup-kitchens.aspx.

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Pretty fly for a trout, guy Want to catch a trout? We’ve got an abundance of great spots around the country to cast your fly. Nick Dall grabs his beadheads, hoppers and nymphs, and wades once more unto the breach.

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pictures: nick dall, wolf avni, mavungana flyfishing

FLY-FISHING | TRAVEL

BRAD PITT’S ROLE in A River Runs Through It did wonders for the worldwide popularity of fly-fishing, but it also spawned countless misconceptions about what the sport really entails. That whole spiel about getting the mayfly to dance above the water like the real thing is utter hogwash. In practice, all the fancy casting is just an elaborate way of getting your fly into the trout’s feeding zone. Plus I’ve never got a sunburnt bottom while fly-fishing.

The only thing that makes fly-fishing any more romantic than conventional visvang is never having to deal with grimy bakkies of redbait, and these days you can catch just about any species on a fly if you really put your mind to it. That being said, trout and salmon remain the quarry of fly-fishermen around the world. Unfortunately, there aren’t any salmon in the Rainbow Nation, but here are the best spots to catch a trout or two…

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2014/06/12 9:51 AM

FLY-FISHING | TRAVEL

THE WADING GAME Our intrepid journo on the Elandspad River.

Western Cape Cape Town is closer to quality flyfishing than any other major city in the country. Some of SA’s best streams are found in the Du Toitskloof valley, on the northern side of the Huguenot tunnel, while there’s decent dam fishing in most of the cooler high-altitude areas of the province.

The three rivers that crisscross Du Toitskloof all feature small, picky rainbow trout; crystalline, whisky-tinged water; boulder-strewn riverbeds; and fairy-tale mountain backdrops, but each stream also has its own distinctive character. The Smalblaar has the biggest fish, but is also closest to the N2. The Elandspad feels a million miles from anything, even though it’s actually closest to the city. And the Holsloot is great in late summer, when the overflow from the Stettynskloof Dam ensures a steady flow of cool water.

Lakenvlei, beyond Ceres, is undoubtedly the biggest and best trout dam in the province, and like the rivers of Du Toitskloof, it is managed by the Cape Piscatorial Society. Closer to home (and, notably, to wine) is Eikendal near Stellenbosch.

SIZE DOESN’T MATTER It’s all about the thrill of the chase.

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MY CUP RUNNETH OVER Giant’s Cup is so stunning you won’t mind even if you catch nothing.

The ’Berg It goes without saying that SA’s biggest, baddest mountain range should harbour some of its best trout fishing.

Countless rivers and streams tumble off KZN’s escarpment and – thanks to colonialism – they virtually all contain trout. The ’Berg is unique among South African fly-fishing destinations in that it holds at least as many brown trout as it does rainbows, and rivers such as the Mooi, the Bushman’s and the Umgeni are synonymous with the sport in our country.

These days the trout in rivers and dams on public land aren’t looked after quite as well as they used to be (officially, trout are an invasive alien species), but Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife does still have some good river fishing at Lotheni and Giant’s Castle.

Arguably the best dam fishing in the country is at Giant’s Cup, which is home to the only population of selfspawning still-water trout in the country.

Otherwise, the Underberg-Himeville Trout Fishing Club allows members to fish a vast array of waters, while nonmembers can also fish a couple of their dams.

Shopping list

First up, have a long, hard think about what kind of fishing you want to do, then head over to your nearest specialist fly-fishing shop. You’ll need a rod, some line and a reel, with the first two being far more important than the reel. Rods, reels and lines come in different weights – higher equals larger and cruder. What’s more, lines can be sinking or floating – in general, floating lines are used on rivers and sinking lines in dams, but it usually pays to have at least one of each.

Weighty tomes have been written on the subject of flies, but the honest truth is that you could get through your first fishing trip with only a woolly bugger on the end of your line – especially if you’re fishing in a dam.

The woolly bugger is to trout what a Big Mac is to the Springbok front row, and a few different sizes in black, olive and brown will cover most bases.

Rivers are a bit more complicated, and you’ll need a couple of nymphs (small sinking flies that mimic underwater larvae) and a few dries (floating flies that mimic little flying goggas) too. As a beginner, you’ll lose quite a few flies to the surrounding foliage – so bring backups!

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TRAVEL | FLY-FISHING

Dullstroom Like most things in and around Gauteng, Dullstroom is quite cutesy and gentrified, and the fishing is also manicured and centred more around dams than rivers. Bank fishing is the order of the day, as there are very few trees to snag your woolly bugger in, and most dams even feature jetties to compensate for poor casting.

What it lacks in ruggedness, though, Dullstroom makes up for with the size and abundance of its fish. Mavungana Flyfishing is the one-stop answer to all your needs: buy yourself a rod or some extra flies, arrange a fishing guide for a day, or fish for trophy trout on one of Mavungana’s own well-stocked dams.

Otherwise, most of the country lodges in the area have stocked dams for paying guests.

Contacts

Cape Piscatorial Society www.piscator.co.za Eikendal www.eikendal.com KZN Wildlife www.kznwildlife.com Giant’s Cup www.giantscup.co.za Underberg-Himeville Trout Fishing Club www.uhtfc.co.za Mavungana Flyfishing www.flyfishing.co.za Wild Trout Association www.wildtrout.co.za Semonkong Lodge www.placeofsmoke.co.ls Tourette Fishing www.tourettefishing.com

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What it lacks in ruggedness, Dullstroom makes up for with the size and abundance of its fish Rhodes

Lesotho

The remote mountain hamlet of Rhodes (population 26) is the jewel in the crown of South African fly-fishing.

Landowners and fly-fishermen in the area have united to form the Wild Trout Association (WTA), which administers over 200km of pristine rivers and streams in this sparsely populated, but spectacular, corner of the world.

You won’t get bigger river fish anywhere in the republic, and you have Rhodes’ sheer remoteness to thank for the fact that even during the height of the season (later summer and autumn, when the trees go 50 shades of orange), the rivers are blessedly under-fished.

The WTA does an excellent job of managing the fishing, and once you’ve booked a section of river, it’s yours for the entire day.

There are a few dams in the area, all of which hold some enormous fish (that food chain again), but in a twist of snobbery typical of fly-fishing sorts, the rivers, streams and brooks (the smaller the better for many light-tackle aficionados) are what draw most people to Rhodes.

Lesotho is one of the last great frontiers of wilderness fly-fishing, and although it lies outside of our official borders, it’s only a short drive from both Joburg and Durban.

It’s the only country in the world with all of its territory above an altitude of 1 000m, which means it’s chock-a-block with rivers and streams that are perfect for trout.

The fly-fishing industry here is seriously underdeveloped and there must be loads of spectacular fishing that’s yet to be discovered. Even those rivers that are known for their trout are still wild and usually accessible only on ponies, thus fishing in Lesotho is best undertaken with a professional guide. Not only is the terrain rugged and access to emergency services complicated, but permission to fish also has to be negotiated with the local chieftains.

Semonkong Lodge is located on the legendary Maletsunyane River, which harbours some seriously large browns, and they organise regular fishing treks.

Tourette Fishing specialises in bucketlist trips to remote African hotspots, and their two Lesotho itineraries are completely out of this world.

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2014/06/17 2:21 PM

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2014/06/19 10:13 AM

TENTED CAMPS | TRAVEL

The perfect pitch The best kind of tent is one you don’t have to put up, as Will Edgcumbe discovers at tented camps around the country.

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TENTED CAMPS | TRAVEL

pictures: thinkstock, supplied

TAKE THAT, CAMOUFLAGE! Game is way easier to see in winter, when the vegetation is is low and dry.

IN MANY RESPECTS, the idea of camping is better than camping itself.

When we picture ourselves in the wild, at one with nature, square jaw set, fire blossoming from two sticks idly rubbed together, camping seems amazing.

What we don’t think about are clouds of mozzies going straight for the jugular, tripping over guy lines, sleeping on hard-packed earth and, worst of all, warm beer. For all of these reasons and more, the romantic idea of camping can very quickly turn into a constant state of discomfort and irritation.

If only there were places where your tent was set up, inside was a comfortable bed and you could get up to pee in the middle of the night in an actual toilet, and not accidentally on your neighbour’s cooler box.

It’s really no surprise that tented camps are so popular, combining all of the comforts and amenities of a hotel with the same feeling of being in the bush that camping brings – with just a thin piece of canvas between you and whatever might be out there.

Just like hotels, there are tented camps and there are tented camps.

Some are rustic, with just the bare necessities, and some are opulent suites that make home feel like a hovel.

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BUSH BABIES Tamboti’s tents are rustic but comfy, and set deep in the bush.

ATTENTION, LAZY GAME WATCHERS! Set on the Timbavati River, at Tamboti the animals come to you.

It all depends what kind of break you’re after. Whatever level of camp you go for, undoubtedly the best aspect is being deep in the wild, surrounded by birds and animals. With the vegetation sparse and dry, winter is the best time to see animals, whether it’s from your tent’s porch or the back of a game vehicle, so cancel whatever plans you had this weekend and plunge into the bush.

Tamboti Tented Camp, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga The real deal, Tamboti is pretty rustic, but has all of the amenities you need for a comfortable stay in the bush. Set on the banks of the Timbavati River, 2km

VLEIS PALEIS Lord it over the nearby carnivores gnawing on raw zebra when they smell your Woolies wors.

east of the Orpen Rest Camp on the western boundary of Kruger, the tents are utterly secluded and most look over the river, meaning plenty of opportunities to spot game from your veranda.

There are two types of tents available: the two and four-bed units have communal ablutions and kitchens, while the semi-luxury three-bed tents have their own en-suite bathroom and kitchen facilities, and a braai area.

Because the camp is so central, you’re able to explore a hang of a lot of the park, but it’s at night when the camp truly comes into its own – the animal noises are almost deafening.

The area is well known for being animal-rich, so keep your eyes peeled for rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, sable, cheetah, and pretty much anything else with four legs and a pulse.

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2014/06/12 9:50 AM

TENTED CAMPS | TRAVEL

ROUGHING IT? Not a chance at Woodbury. The walls may be canvas, but in every other respect this is a sweet suite.

LET’S HOPE HE’S EATEN We have yet to confirm whether or not lions refer to occupied safari tents as ‘pigs in blankets’.

HOME WAS NEVER LIKE THIS You’re never lacking for stunning views at Woodbury.

Tlopi Tented Camp, Marakele National Park, Limpopo Limpopo’s Waterberg Biosphere is a gorgeous place of giant rock formations, dry deciduous forest and scrubby bushveld. Marakele National Park is in the heart of the Waterberg and is home to the Big Five, 16 species of antelope and 250 species of bird, including some 800 breeding pairs of Cape vulture – the largest such colony in the world.

Tlopi Tented Camp has 10 twoperson safari tents on raised wooden platforms overlooking a dam, with a great view of the mountain behind it.

Each tent is fully equipped and has a deck with a braai area, perfect for chilling in the early evening when the animals come down for a drink of water.

The camp is unfenced from the rest of the park, so you may have some close encounters with the game. You’ll need to keep an eye out for raiding monkeys, but otherwise you’ll be in for a relaxing stay. When you book, ask to stay in a tent on either end of the line, as vehicles won’t pass by and you’ll be closer to the animals.

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LOUNGE ACT Rest your eyes from the view in Woodbury’s communal lounge.

Woodbury Tented Camp, Amakhala Game Reserve, Eastern Cape Just 75km from Port Elizabeth, the private Amakhala Game Reserve is an 18 000acre malaria-free safari park, home to the Big Five. Overlooking the Bushman’s River floodplain, Woodbury Tented Camp is set into a hillside and offers rustic, but luxurious, en-suite tents on raised bases.

The deck of the central lounge and dining area has sweeping views, overlooking a waterhole where elephant, eland and buffalo come to drink, and when you’re not gazing at the wildlife, you too can wallow, in the camp’s pool.

Woodbury offers a complete safari experience; all of your meals and game drives are included in the cost to stay here. So eat to your heart’s content, take it easy and set your bush eyes to work on guided day and night drives.

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TRAVEL | TENTED CAMPS

The Beach Camp, Paternoster, Western Cape

‘SO THE CAMP IS ON THE BEACH?’ The Beach Camp virtuously proves there can be truth in advertising.

TESTING THE WATER At Rocktail Beach Camp it’s worth taking a break from all that relaxing by lounging at the pool.

AWAY FROM THE RABBLE You can take your dinner privately on your own deck at Rocktail.

Rocktail Beach Camp, Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal Few places are as exclusive as Rocktail Beach Camp. Set on a wooded dune among lush coastal forest, the camp is extremely secluded – walk onto the beach and you’re likely to be the only person for miles in either direction. It must be noted that it’s a 20-minute walk to the beach from the camp (located where it is because the area is environmentally sensitive), but the walk is gorgeous, home to an outstanding variety of birds, as well as red duiker and reedbuck.

The marine life in the area is spectacular – the snorkelling at Lala Nek will reveal eels, triggerfish and more, and the nearby reefs, with their pristine hard and soft corals and resident potato bass, can be dived only by Rocktail guests.

Just inland is Lake Sibaya, South Africa’s largest freshwater lake and home to a staggering density of hippo and crocodiles, and the perfect spot for a sundowner.

If you go between October and March, you might be lucky enough to watch loggerhead and leatherback turtles coming ashore to dig a nest and lay eggs, or to watch the hatchlings make a mad dash for the sea.

Rocktail Beach Camp has 17 private, en-suite rooms, including seven family units that sleep four, and a secluded honeymoon suite with views over the ocean and forest. The central dining area is a great place to relax and the food is superb, so whether you’re after a chilled romantic break or an action-packed adventure with the kids, you’ll leave smiling.

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Just 5km from Paternoster on the windswept West Coast is the small Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. It’s here on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean that you’ll find the Beach Camp, a rustic tented camp with a backpacker feel.

Four cosy twin-bedded A-frame huts sit practically on the shoreline, and behind these are six twin tents and one threeman tent.

The facilities are basic, but neat, and include a communal kitchen, braai area and ablutions. You’ll need to bring your own bedding, towels, cooler box and torches or lamps; there’s no electricity by design, in order to keep the vibe as chilled and rustic as possible, so the good news is you won’t have to put up with a neighbour playing music all night.

When you’re not sitting with your feet up, there’s loads to do in the area, including horseriding, sea-kayaking, mountain-biking, picking through rock pools or exploring the nature reserve.

Just make sure you have a windbreaker on hand, because the prevailing wind can whip up pretty quickly. If you’re after a simple, down-to-earth break far from the glow of your tablet and television, this is the place to be.

Contact

Tamboti Tented Camp 012 428 9111, www.sanparks.org Tlopi Tented Camp 012 428 9111, www.sanparks.org Woodbury Tented Camp 046 636 2750, www.woodburytentedcamp.co.za Rocktail Beach Camp 011 807 1800, www.wilderness-safaris.com The Beach Camp 082 926 2267, www.beachcamp.co.za

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2014/06/17 3:46 PM

And e r ’ y the off!

They say that behind every great stallion stands a great mare. Or something like that. Gaynor Lawson takes the bit between her teeth to find out what it takes to make an equine shine.

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2014/06/19 11:15 AM

DURBAN JULY | BEHIND THE SCENES

BASICALLY, HORSE-RACING is all about sex. Not sex between the breeders, trainers, bookies, punters or glamorous fashionistas, mind (although it probably happens). It’s about which thoroughbred stallion mates with which mare, and the quality of the offspring they produce.

This is especially relevant when the race in question is the hottest on the country’s racing – and social – calendar. The 2014 R3.5-million Vodacom Durban July is being run on Saturday 5 July, at, as always, Greyville racecourse in Durban. It’s an iconic race that sees the country’s best horses take on the challenge of the pear-shaped course for a lungpunishing 2 200m.

This year, with the establishment of the new all-weather Polytrack on the inside of the main turf course, the width of the turf track has been reduced to about 19m, necessitating the reduction of the main race field from 20 to 16 horses (with four reserves ‘on the bench’), to give every runner a fair and safe chance, and reduce the possibility of interference.

No neigh-bourly tea party Yes, interference does happen, either accidentally or, very occasionally, deliberately. Racing is a hard business. To quote Mick Goss, owner and CEO of Summerhill Stud near Mooi River (South Africa’s champion breeders for nine consecutive years, producing the second-most July winners of all time), writing about the July in the 2011-2012 Summerhill brochure: ‘All can play, all can win. Victory goes to the hungry. Horseracing is not surrounded by dainty old ladies serving cucumber sandwiches to retired vicars. Nor is it contested by quiet and neighbourly countries like Sweden and Greenland… Racing is more like the Balkans.

Everyone is at each other’s throats, especially in the July.’

Yes, while racing might be ‘the sport of kings’, it inspires fierce rivalry between trainers, breeders, punters and jockeys. And there’s something about the Durban July that makes it the most desired trophy, the one that everyone wants. Perhaps the size of the prize money – the largest in local racing – has something to do with it. But mainly it’s for the prestige, the glory of winning this most sought-after race.

It’s not only the equine fraternity that feels the buzz. It’s the one horse race that almost every South African knows about, prompting countless light-hearted office sweepstakes and inspiring those who seldom think about racing to ‘have a little flutter’. pictures: thinkstock, john lewis

Out of the gates The July has a long history, dating back to the late 1800s. Racing in Natal was well supported from the earliest days of British control. Durban’s first race meeting was a few years later than Pietermaritzburg’s, probably because, at the time, Pietermaritzburg was a far larger town, the capital of Natal and the seat of government, while Durban was little more than a scruffy pioneer settlement and a military base. Plus there was no suitable area to run the horses until 1852, when a course was mapped out between Umgeni Road

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DURBAN JULY | BEHIND THE SCENES

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and a wetland, which crosses the present racecourse.

The first meeting was in January 1852, and a rough grandstand was erected to accommodate about 100 spectators.

Most of the 7 000 white inhabitants of the town were there, while a diarist of the time wrote: ‘Native supporters came from the Tugela in the north and Umzimkulu in the south and shouted themselves hoarse.’ This inaugural race meeting was so successful that another was held in August the same year – the forerunner of the Durban Winter Handicap, first run in 1897, which became the Durban July.

The racetrack in those days was very basic, a far cry from the manicured turf of today. John Coleman, a visitor from

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England, wrote a particularly scathing review of Durban’s track in 1880: ‘In some places it was little better than a bed of sand; being somewhat new, it had been the habitation of ant-bears and sundry holes had to be filled up, so that the sandy course puzzled some of the horses, which performed ludicrous gyrations.’

In 1963, tobacco company Rothmans acquired sponsorship rights, the classy, high-action racing scene being a perfect match for ‘the greatest name in cigarettes’. The race was known as the Rothmans July Handicap until 1989, and then simply the Rothmans July.

But Big Brother put an end to this longterm relationship with the introduction of new anti-tobacco legislation that

prohibited any form of tobacco branding or advertising. After 38 years, the longest-running sponsorship of any local sporting event, Rothmans was out by 2000. There was no main sponsor until 2001, when Vodacom snapped up the sponsorship rights, and it remains firmly entrenched as the main sponsor.

Come see the fillies The glamorous image of the Rothmans era has remained to this day. It’s the one race day that sees leggy models dressed by the latest designers making the front pages of all the newspapers. More than 50 000 people flock to Greyville, some sipping champers in special enclosures or marquees, some slumming it in the stands. It’s one big party, even for those

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BEHIND THE SCENES | DURBAN JULY

who don’t really know what racing is about. Who cares? It’s about being there, being seen and being part of the in-crowd.

For those arranging things behind the scenes, it’s not quite such a relaxed day.

Gill Simpkins, public-relations manager for event organiser Gold Circle, explains that when the winner flies past the post, the running isn’t over quite yet. ‘After the race is over, an assistant of mine goes straight to the jockey room and gets the winning jockey’s silks. These are taken directly to my office, where we have an artist who recreates the silks.

‘Then, once the paint is dried – we’ve been known to use a hairdryer – it is framed. I take the frame and the winning owners to the Classic Room (where dignitaries and special Gold Circle guests sit on the day). Our chairman invites the winning owner to place his frame on the wall of fame, which is filled with winning jockey silks going back years and years.’

Odds are...

And do Gold Circle personnel have any insider tips for punters? Well, apparently they have their own method of determining a winner. Every year, they take 20 beans and plant them in a mixture of soil taken from the finish line and potting soil. By the time these beans are three weeks old, one can clearly judge which of the sprouts is the strongest contender. ‘We’ve done this for years,’ says Gold Circle events marketing manager Ken Tweddell. ‘Almost every year we have one beanstalk growing way above the others.’

He adds that this year, they are all very much the same height, although there is a slight difference in the top three sprouts… So, which is your lucky bean?

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2014/06/02 4:10 PM

Voulezvous?

CARS | ACTION

pictures: supplied

David Taylor gets under the skin of the charmingly spacious Renault Sandero 2014.

WHEN I WAS given the helm of khuluma’s motoring section, I was encouraged to make it fun to read, light-hearted and entertaining. My scribbles about cars were more about keeping you folk entertained on a two-hour aerial commute than outand-out consumer motoring journalism.

This, then, is a tale of a car that I really think you should buy. We all dream of highperformance exotica, but at the end of the day most of us just need a reliable, economical set of wheels with enough creature comforts to keep us happy. Meet the 2014 Renault Sandero. Wait! Before you flick the page in disgust, hear me out.

This is an all-new car. It’s no longer made in South Africa, instead coming from Europe, home of the small commuter car.

While its looks are subjective and I quite like the mildly attractive Sandero, it’s what’s underneath the skin that counts.

Let’s start with the engine. It’s a tiny 900cc three-cylinder, which has just enough power to make things interesting.

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There are two versions available and I’d advise you to go for the top-spec Dynamique, which goes for R141 500.

The first-generation Sandero wasn’t anything to write home about. But practice makes perfect, and this 2014 version truly is a class act. Salut!

Right, so that’s my bit of consumer duty done for the month. The next issue will see me behind the wheel of an impractical, gas-guzzling sports car with a price tag akin to that of a small house.

Renault Sandero (2014) quick specs

Engine: 0.9-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol Power: 66 kW @ 5 250 rpm Torque: 135 Nm @ 2 500 rpm Transmission: Five-speed manual gearbox Wheels: 15-inch 0-100km/h: 11.1 seconds (claimed) Fuel economy: 5.2l/100km (claimed) Price: R141 500

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Uphill history

Cut your lawn at 187km/h!

This event is the perfect setting for automatic, all-wheel drive, computer-controlled Nissan GTR supercars, yet the 2014 Knysna Hillclimb was won by a piece of automotive history that is the complete opposite. The little Chevron has no turbos, a manual gearbox and is rear-wheel drive, making it a bit of a handful. Franco Scribante piloted it to gold.

Honda has scooped the Guinness World Record for the world’s fastest mower. The Mean Mower averaged 187km/h on a test track and is powered by a 1000cc Honda Firestorm engine. The criteria for this world record are that the vehicle has to be able to cut grass and look like a ride-on lawnmower. Who says gardening is boring?

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It’ll match most 1.6-litre cars in terms of performance, yet consumes barely any fuel. This is a car that theoretically can do more than 950km on a single tank. Yay for low fuel consumption and not having to fill up every third day! Adequate ground clearance and high-profile tyres make short work of our potholed roads too.

It comes loaded with specifications.

Ever seen a car costing under R150 000 that comes standard with air conditioning, power steering, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity for mobile devices and a USB port for music? You must be thinking that Renault has taken a shortcut somewhere, but they haven’t. The car boasts classleading safety too, and is one of the few cars in its segment which comes with Electronic Stability Regulation. Despite its small size, it’s even quite spacious inside, and offers a generously sized boot.

The Renault Sandero is a charming little car that offers outstanding levels of specification, comfort and spaciousness.

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Five bigger and badder

ACTION | CARS

Many car manufacturers are going the big-and-bold SUV/bakkie route, resulting in some pretty strange automotive creations.

se Becaulove we allist al

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MINI PACEMAN ADVENTURE CONCEPT

The ever-popular everyday sports car from BMW received the bakkie treatment as an April Fool’s joke a few years back.

It was shown off as a concept and a one-off was seen driving around. It’s hilariously bad, but that didn’t stop people enquiring about pricing and showroom arrival date.

When you think of MINI, you think of fun, funky little city cars. Admittedly, the cars have grown up of late and the four-door Countryman has become one of its bestselling models locally. Then MINI went and created a Paceman pickup truck.

Secretly, I adore it.

MERCEDES-BENZ 6X6

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So, four wheels on your Mercedes-Benz G-Class not enough? How about six then?

It started as a show car, but MercedesBenz fanatics in the Middle East urged the car company to make it for real. The 6x6 is now a production model and represents ostentatiousness at the very highest level.

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Sadly, your eyes are not deceiving you. That is a Lamborghini on stilts and it’s not very pretty. It’s designed to have the same sort of performance as the supercars, but will feature more space and practicality. Think of this as the Italian answer to the Porsche Cayenne.

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BENTLEY EXP 9F

This is still a concept, but Bentley has released a teaser image that strongly suggests that a Bentley SUV is a very real possibility. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope the production model isn’t as visually horrifying as this.

text david taylor; pictures: supplied

the fiver

BMW M3

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Let’s clear the air Clean up the air you breathe eight hours a day by bringing plants into the office, says Robert McGuiness.

A morsel of borsel Dracaena fragrans (pictured opposite left) which looks a bit like a toilet brush, does well under any kind of office lighting. This

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plant is excellent for getting a laugh at your colleague’s expense. While leaning over the wall of the cubicle next to yours, hold it inches from the back of their head, call their name and, as they turn around, they’ll get a mouthful of foliage.

Remember to consolidate the earth first to keep the mess down, since this moralefor-menials practice, albeit immature, is not understood by people above a certain pay grade.

You could easily convince middle management to get a few of these for the office, touting the exceptional score of ‘nine out of 10 for air filtering’, and since your colleagues ought to have cleaner lungs after such a close encounter, no hard feelings. Right?

Quit mothing about Phalaenopsis (pictured opposite top right) also known as the moth orchid, gets its name from its appearance rather than any unwanted or annoying nocturnal habits.

A more delicate stem than the trunk of dracaena means this plant won’t work as a giggle for main floor staff. And it shouldn’t, since this is an opulent plant more at home in a boardroom or corner office, where colour is required.

Just the two of ficus Ficus benjamina (pictured above) when matured, would take a really large man to wield it and is practically useless as a means with which to knock your work buddy over the head, even for a laugh.

pictures: IPSA

WINTER IS A dry, cold and dusty place, not dissimilar, in fact, to the innards of airconditioning vents in corporate buildings.

Sadly, the odd potted plant dotted about outside will do little to help the state of the air in your office; however, a few strategically placed verdant vice-presidents will improve health and productivity, and probably work a little harder than many of the mortal ones already installed.

There are so many plants to choose from, but as magazine space is money and trees (and we love trees), we’ll keep it short.

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GO GREEN | STUFF

The ability of indoor plants to improve the air that we breathe is now a scientific fact

It’s statuesque, the largest of the three, and a pair would make the perfect sentries for a foyer and elevator alike. With an air-filtration rating of eight, management wouldn’t have to worry about making clients wait for an elevator or a meeting.

Filtering fronds In all seriousness, plants have a vital role to play in the wellbeing of staff. It’s not only well documented, but the results have also shown that operating costs can be substantially reduced by spending a little more on indoor plants. Apart from raising morale with their occasional use in office gags, they filter VOCs (which stands for lots of horrible things you’d rather not know about) from the air, meaning less time spent wondering if Susan in cubicle three has swine flu, what with all her sniffing and noseblowing. Instead, she’ll be hard at work, which should mean more productivity.

Dr BC Wolverton of NASA says: ‘The ability of indoor plants to improve the air that we breathe is now a scientific fact.’ If someone at NASA is sounding off about it, it must be true, eh?

Regardless of that, though, next time you’re milling about the water cooler, take a moment to consider the nearby yucca tree, quietly beavering away, doing exactly what it was put here on earth to do: take care of you.

For more info, check out www.ipsa.za.com or join the conversation on www.facebook.com/ InteriorPlantscapersAssociation.

Oops!

In last month’s Go Green article, ‘A pint-sized rhino champion’, we said that rhino champion Alyssa Carter was eight years old.

She is in fact just seven! Moreover, in the time since publication, Alyssa has reached her goal of raising R100 000 to buy a sniffer dog to assist in the war against poaching. She travelled to Skukuza in the Kruger National Park on 29 May to hand over a cheque of R40 000 to the SANParks Honorary Rangers, as well as R8 000 she had raised earlier that day while visiting schools in the area. As a surprise, Honorary Rangers representatives donated the remainder of the money to make up the full amount, and a sniffer dog should be acquired soon. Alyssa has reached her dream and looks forward to raising her next R100 000!

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2014/06/17 11:31 AM

STUFF | MONEY MATTERS

Six tips to successfully pitch your idea Whether you’re pitching to Somebody Really Important in the lift, a panel of angel investors or the CEO, the same principles apply, says Katherine Graham.

caused by paraffin stoves. The solution he proposed was an LED lamp that can run for a week and is recharged kinetically using a bicycle pedal.

Do your homework. Having a good idea and a compelling story is not enough. You need to convince potential investors that they are going to make a return on their investment. ‘The most important thing is that you can demonstrate demand for your product,’ states Michael van Wyk, a Stellenbosch-based partner at Deloitte, and one of the competition’s judges. ‘Test your idea in the market on

a small scale and then grow it.

You must include the competitive landscape in the pitch process, as investors are bound to ask about this.’

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Remember, pitches don’t always happen in boardrooms; sometimes they happen at your local coffee shop.

‘Start by talking to the people you know and whom they know – see if your contacts know anyone who might be interested in your idea,’ suggests business coach Megan Galloway. Although it’s tempting to send an email to somebody you’ve been referred to, it’s always preferable to take the personal approach. ‘Take the time to sit down for coffee,’ says Megan. ‘It’s always more interesting, informative and memorable for both of you.’

Be creative. Whether it’s injecting a little humour or including some interesting visuals in your presentation, it will help your pitch to stand out from the crowd.

Six new ways to pitch

Dan Pink, author of To Sell Is Human, believes the six new ways to pitch are: the one-word pitch; the question pitch; the rhyming pitch; the 140-character Twitter pitch; the subject-line pitch (which elicits curiosity) and the Pixar pitch – i.e.

‘Once upon a time _____. Every day _____. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___.’

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picture: thinkstock

Keep it simple. You don’t want to bore your audience to tears. ‘Don’t go into the nitty gritty in the beginning,’ advises Avelino Rodrigues, junior marketing manager of Stellenbosch University’s LaunchLab, an incubator for technology startups and the organiser of the annual Pitching Den competition.

‘You want your idea to be easily understood, so be as concise as possible.’

Tell your story. Your audience will be curious to know who you are and how you came up with your idea. Tap into this by telling them your story. ‘Be interactive and engage your audience – talk from the heart, like you’re talking to a friend,’ suggests Avelino.

What’s your solution? You must be able to express what the problem is and how your idea will go about solving it. For example, one of the winners of this year’s Pitching Den competition, Vijay Mitha, identified the problem of shack fires

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2014/04/16 7:31 PM

HEALTH | STUFF

Brrrr! ’Tis the season of snuffles and sniffing, but Annie Brookstone has some useful tips to help you get through the cold.

picture: thinkstock

Sore that coming WE ALL KNOW there’s one sure way to warm up when it’s icy outside, but before you pucker up for a kiss, take heed. ’Tis the season for cold sores (also called fever blisters), which are characterised by groups of small blisters around the mouth caused by the highly contagious herpes simplex virus. Here’s what you need to know to avoid them: Avoid coming into contact with infected fluids: that means no smooching or sharing cutlery, cups, licks of your ice cream or Zam-Buk with anyone with an active infection.

Once you are infected, keep your immune system strong with a balanced diet, regular exercise and enough sleep.

Catching a cold or the flu will often trigger an outbreak.

Whether you’re infected or not, wash your hands frequently. It’ll help to keep all sorts of other winter nasties at bay too.

People who are prone to cold sores should wear sunscreen and lip balm

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with an SPF daily, as sun exposure can cause a flare-up.

Oh, you teas!

Get steamy and warm up the oldfashioned way (uh, the other oldfashioned way) – that’s right, with a cup of hot tea. And while you’re sipping away, check out how the following brews are actually good for you, bru ...

Green tea While I’m not so sure about its supposedly ‘delicate’ flavour (sure, if you think lawn clippings taste delicate), what we do know is that the green stuff packs an antioxidant punch. These antioxidants are thought to play a role in preventing cancer, maintaining heart health, protecting the brain from oxidative stress, reducing cholesterol and even assisting weight loss.

Ginger tea Ginger is well known as for its nausea-relieving properties, but did you know it can ease inflammation too? Drink it on those icy mornings when the ol’ joints feel particularly creaky.

Peppermint tea This winter warmer is great for digestion and less likely to leave you feeling green than, say, that other famous digestif, Jägermeister. In fact, it is known for easing nausea and vomiting too.

Chamomile tea Sweet dreams are made of this. Chamomile is revered for its soothing properties, so enjoy a cup before bedtime to bring on the Zs. And hey, the cooled-down teabags can even be used to refresh tired eyes by reducing under-eye circles and puffiness.

Sock up Did you know that wearing socks to bed can actually help you to sleep? Swiss researchers found that when we are falling asleep, blood flow to our hands and feet increases. The warmer they are, the more their blood vessels can dilate, and it’s this improved circulation that helps you to nod off. Just make sure you’re not wearing the same stinky socks you’ve been walking around in all day – unless you want to sleep alone!

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HEALTH | STUFF

Alert to allergies

text: supplied by thermofisher scientific, picture: thinkstock

Like ninjas, allergies can strike at any time. Here’s the lowdown on identifying them.

LIKE MANY PEOPLE, you may find it difficult to tell whether your symptoms are caused by allergies or not. You also need to remember that a runny or stuffy nose and other symptoms may not be caused by an allergy at all. A number of other factors, such as irritants, infections, injuries, or deformities of the nose, can cause symptoms similar to allergies.

To treat the symptoms, you need to understand the real cause behind them, since treatment differs for different conditions. That’s why it’s important to have an allergy test to help your doctor make an appropriate allergy diagnosis.

The tip of the iceberg Most people with allergies are allergic to more than one thing, and greater exposure to allergy triggers is more likely to make symptoms worse. Since allergy triggers (such as dust mite, furry animals, pollen, and so forth) add up, symptoms may appear only when exposed to two or more allergy triggers at the same time. This means that what may seem like the obvious trigger – for example, pollen – may just be the tip of the iceberg.

Scouting the symptoms

Testing, testing

Beyond itching, sneezes and sniffles, allergies can have many symptoms you wouldn’t expect, including stomach pain, diarrhoea or ear infections. Recognising typical signs of the most common allergies is a prerequisite to get a correct diagnosis, appropriate help and optimal symptom relief. By limiting the exposure

How do you know whether your symptoms are caused by allergy or not – and if so, to what exactly? Knowing what’s causing your symptoms is important, since treatment differs for different conditions. The right diagnosis and early treatment of allergies can also help prevent the potentially serious

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to the relevant triggers (allergens) you can improve your wellbeing.

complications of allergies, such as ear infections, sinusitis and asthma, from developing.

A blood test is quick and simple, and will help your doctor determine if you are allergic, what you are allergic to, or it may even rule out allergies altogether.

A blood test is quantitative and measures the amount of allergy antibodies in the blood (IgE), which is an indicator of allergic sensitisation.

Based on a physical examination, your case history and the blood test results, the doctor will be able to make a proper diagnosis and decide on a relevant treatment for you.

A blood test can test for hundreds of allergens, including weeds, trees, pollen, mould, food, and animal dander. Adults and children of any age can take a blood test, and it can be performed irrespective of skin condition, medication, symptom, disease activity and pregnancy. Any doctor can take the blood sample and request the test, and the tests are covered by medical aid.

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STUFF | COLUMN

Cloudy with a chance of brain freeze WHEN PLANNING A trip, weather is usually a game-changer. Meteorological intelligence determines when to go, what you’ll do once there, and what to pack. At least you’d think so, right?

However, apart from getting a broad sense of places I’m about to visit, I seldom consult forecasts. Unlike climate-savvy friends who consult accuweather.com whenever outdoor activities are planned, I stubbornly refuse to look into the future.

It’s why you’ll sometimes find me being blown off the beach, swimming in the rain, or traipsing through Rajasthan’s Thar Desert when people are dropping dead from heatstroke on the streets of Delhi.

It’s not solely because I like surprises and savour unpredictability, but also because I believe weather is part of a place’s personality. Planning a holiday based on predicted weather feels a bit like cheating. Locals have to deal with it, so why should travellers be spared the uncomfortable bits?

This logic’s landed me in plenty of dumb situations, like arriving in snowed-under New York with just two sets of footwear: flip-flops and running shoes. The slops were ideal for my next stop, balmy Mexico, but for a week I traipsed around the Big Apple with squelchy, frozen feet.

Growing up accustomed to Durban’s endless summer, I’ve always marvelled at humankind’s capacity to survive extreme winters. Scarf-and-glove cold existed in a science-fiction universe,

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far from my reality.

The coldest time I ever experienced in London was as a penny-pinching student trying to outwit a freezing midwinter night.

Rather than cough up for dorm beds on the night before leaving for Paris, my mates and I went clubbing.

We thought we’d dance all night, using the club as shelter until dawn. But the pounding music broke us, and we weren’t spending anything at the bar, so we eventually got turfed into the night with hours before our planned departure.

To keep warm, we first tried running across London, but eventually crammed ourselves – all three of us – into a telephone booth, huddling for warmth. A few weeks later, we fell in love with Switzerland’s icy Alps, and celebrated by dancing in the snow in our underwear.

I still don’t pack responsibly for northern-hemisphere winters, and every year I’m surprised when downpours, late sunrises and ‘devastating’ cold spells hit Cape Town. It’s not that I mind; I’m just never prepared.

But there are plenty of places around the world where it’s little surprise when the mercury shrivels up like a grown man taking a dip in Camps Bay. And locals

adapt to whatever conditions nature deals them. In Finland, countryside winters are spent lounging naked in saunas before jumping into near-frozen lakes for a bloodstimulating jolt. In Iceland, thermal hot springs are part of the cultural identity. And haven’t Inuits always built igloos out of ice?

Pity the poor souls of Siberia’s Oymyakon, the world’s coldest village, where January’s average temperature (–50°C) is being punted as a good reason to visit. By contrast, in our coldest town – Molteno in the Eastern Cape – winter temperatures dip only to zero.

How have locals adapted? Well, for one, an old lady went into her kitchen and invented Ouma Rusks. Shame they don’t serve them in European phone booths…

illustration: duncan larkin

With his head in the clouds, Keith Bain prepares (poorly) to embrace the cold.

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