Khuluma40

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continue to be chastised for not using this esteemed publication to protest about the wrongdoings of mankind, such as eating slap chips with mayonnaise. If you truly want to upset yourself, there are sufficient newspapers and television shows that specialise in

misery, and thereby promote the sale of happy pills by pharmaceutical companies.

However, I do not hold shares in any pharmaceutical companies, you cannot jump out of the window of this aircraft, and we can only provide you with a KitKat for your anxiety, so I would prefer that you disembark feeling better than when you boarded.

Two of our worst afflictions are the tendency to worry about things over which we have no control, and the belief that the grass is always greener on the other side, when in actual fact, it’s only greener on kulula. So unless you have a ubiquitous cure for politicians, or you’re generating a few spare megawatts in your backyard, relax and enjoy the grass.

At least you’re not living in the Middle East, where you know that the grass is greener anywhere that grass actually grows. In the words of Veronica Roth, ‘Sometimes crying or laughing are the only options left, and laughing feels better right now.’

However, if our most revered academics believe that they can improve the future by flinging poo at a statue, then I should be able to solve the Middle-East crisis with this column. Perhaps next month…

Erik Venter, CEO: Comair Ltd

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Contents

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Regulars 1

VIEW FROM THE TOP Our CEO on why you shouldn’t worry, just be happy

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ÜBER-EDITOR’S LETTER Leeanda Reddy is our working girl

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KULULA PAGES Take in our cloud-ucation lesson, plus Trev sings the Patong song

Guide

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KWAZULU-NATAL What’s happening in the warmest place in Mzansi?

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GARDEN ROUTE Food, fashion and natural wonder along our glorious Garden Route

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TOP TIPPLE The bountiful benefits of beer

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BEAUTY Put some sparkle on your mug with our latest beauty bonanza, plus our editor is left emotional

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COMPETITIONS Win stuff! Lots of stuff!

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WATCH Silver-screen sensory sensations

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WESTERN CAPE Everything on the to-do list in and around the Mother City this month

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READ Literary larks to stimulate your cerebellum

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GAUTENG Get busy, chow down, shop till you drop, then sleep it off in Gauteng

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LISTEN Your ears runneth over with our latest CD reviews

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GAMES Thumb-twiddling, eye-twitching gaming goodness to distract you from your daily grind

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TECH Work smart with our nifty gadgets and gizmos

Chat 76

YOU’VE GOT AN UNCLE IN THE EQUALITY BUSINESS Leeanda has a heart to heart with Ahmed Kathrada

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THE SPRING COLLECTION Leeanda butters up movie producer extraordinaire Helena Spring

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LOCAL HERO How organisations are working to create work for others

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Now launching South Africa and Victoria Falls We’ve expanded our exclusive Red Label Holidays to include African destinations. Experience our hand-picked resorts in South Africa and Victoria Falls and receive up to R2000 in Added Value that you can spend on meals, bar bills, spa treatments and more.

We’ve taken organising your holiday to a whole new level with the Captain’s Red Label Holidays. When you buy a Red Label Holiday we give you extras and value adds, making sure your holiday is less expensive and more exciting.

Whether it’s a family holiday or a romantic break for two, the packages are tailor-made for you.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe A visit to Victoria Falls will leave you breathless. Often referred to as one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls is where the Zambezi River spills over a 2km basalt edge and drops 100m into the gorge below. We have negotiated a number of exclusive Red Label Holidays for you.

South Africa We have put together Red Label Holiday packages across the country, from the scenically beautiful Western Cape all the way to Limpopo in the north, where nature-based and adventure activities are the order of the day.

Perfect for couples! Whether you pick a city break, a romantic safari, a mountain or beach holiday, each of these packages caters for quality time together and some pampering.

With plenty of activities for the kids.

These packages are designed with kids in mind including baby sitting services, fun-filled activities, time out in nature and room upgrades.

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Harbour House Hermanus Hotel 3 nights 4-star

from

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Durban – Fairmont Zimbali Resort 4 nights 5-star

*

Includes breakfast daily & BONUS R2000 Added Value which includes the Entertainer buy-one-getone-free holiday offers & more.

from

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Drakensberg Alpine Heath Resort 4 nights 4-star

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Includes breakfast daily & BONUS R2000 Added Value which includes the Entertainer buy-one-get-one-free holiday offers PLUS 2 children U/12 stay FREE# & more.

from

1310

R

*

BONUS R2000 Added Value which includes the Entertainer buy-one-get-one-free holiday offers, FREE Wi-Fi & more (based on 6 people sharing).

*Package, cruise, tour, rail & hotel prices are per person, based on double occupancy for total length of stay unless otherwise stated. Prices are subject to availability for select departure dates and subject to fluctuations. Prices are correct at advertising deadline and can change without prior notification. Errors and omissions can occur. Prices quoted are on sale for a limited period unless otherwise specified or sold out prior. Some prices are based on payment by cash in store only. Group rates may differ and are available on request. Please refer to flightcentre.co.za for more details. The Entertainer holiday offers are only redeemable in JNB, DUR and CPT. #When sharing with 2 adults. 7/4/2015.

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Travel 96

ZEN AND THE ART OF MINDFUL MECHANICS Escape the rat race at these Zen getaways

102 AGRI(ABLE)CULTURE Get a taste of the country life with a stay on a working farm

Action

110 BEHIND THE SCENES The dos and don’ts of a working holiday 118 BEHIND THE SCENES We take a look at jobs that don’t really seem like work 129 DRIVE The Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger face off, plus five vans that go voom

Stuff

133 PROPERTY Work from home the professional way with your own home office 139 MONEY MATTERS Virtual labour and the future of your workspace 140 HEALTH Hints and tips to keep yourself healthy at work 143 COLUMN Ben Trovato drills too deep

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EDITORIAL Editor Anthony Sharpe – anthonys@picasso.co.za Content Manager Raina Julies Content Co-ordinator Vanessa Payne Copy Editor Lynn Berggren ART Head of Design Studio Jayne Macé-Ferguson Designers Anja Hagenbuch, Mfundo Ndzo Design Intern Johan Labuschagne Production Editor Shamiela Brenner Cover Photograph Morné van Zyl Make-up Artist Natasha Rees-Davies SALES Business Manager Robin Carpenter-Frank – robinc@picasso.co.za Project Manager Richard White – richardw@picasso.co.za Sales Consultants Stephen Crawford, Bonnie Eksteen, Randall Grace, Louis LeRoux Steve Norval, Marc Plastow, Andre Potgieter, Alec Rompelman, Roman Ross, Clint Smith, Zelda Stein, Shaun Westley Advertising Co-ordinator Vanessa Payne OPERATIONS Financial Accountant Lodewyk van der Walt Associate Publisher Jocelyne Bayer KuLuLA.COM CEO Comair Limited Erik Venter Head of Department: Marketing, kulula.com Shaun Pozyn Marketing 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)

To advertise in this magazine, please contact Richard White (Project Manager) on 021 469 2542, or email richardw@picasso.co.za

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

Leeanda Reddy Flights of fancy F

riends, flyers, countrymen and foreigners: howzit! Welcome to the Worker’s Day issue of khuluma. Gobsmacked by the challenge to don a new hat in my vast acting repertoire (exaggeration for dramatic effect), I took on this gargantuan role as guest editor with glee.

Not one for the limelight, as a child I often had humble dreams of playing a simple cabin attendant alongside Denzel Washington in a movie about flying (I would’ve settled for George Clooney in space, too). Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that in reality I could top that, but here I am, as guest editor of an in-flight magazine. Wow! As a (thankfully) working actor, I – like many other South

LEEANDA’S CREDS

Africans – am a seasoned juggler, keeping many balls

in the air at once. And just like many South Africans, Leeanda Reddy is a screen and stage actress most popularly known the closest raise in sight for me is when I put on high as Lieutenant Priya Kumar on heels. Salute to the all the workers – this is your SABC 3’s Isidingo. She also starred alongside Leon Schuster in Mr Bones 2 month! Don’t let anyone say you didn’t go the extra and Naomi Watts in Diana. Her stage work mile; you’re clocking them right now after all! has seen her perform in sold-out comedyWhat a great pleasure, then, to interview two theatre shows. Currently, she’s working on a drama series, Mat Joubert, based prominent, indubitably hard-working South Africans, on Deon Meyer’s crime thriller who remind us why we must all ‘screw our courage to series. Follow her @LeeandaReddy. the sticking place’ and allow everyone to shine! Enter (stage right) Ahmed Kathrada, a living legend and a colossal part of SA’s past and current success story, and showing no signs of retiring in the present. Enter (stage left) Helena Spring, an inspirational film producer in the now, showing all signs of taking our film industry to new levels in the future.

Now that I’ve set the scene, I hope you enjoy this insight into their lives and work Look how engrossed you’ve been; you didn’t once look out of your cabin window to see George Clooney floating into oblivion. Ah, the gravitas of khuluma magazine.

Onwards and upwards, good friends – keep working and may you always have flights of fancy!

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picture: morné van zyl

as much as I have.

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flying 101: kulula’s cloud-ucation

H

ow often have you looked out the airplane window and wondered how those tufts of white fluff in the sky are formed? Clouds are possibly the most interesting and beautiful weather phenomenon – the perfect reason to keep your head in the clouds with kulula. what are clouds?

Clouds are a collection of teeny-tiny water droplets or ice crystals that settle on dust particles in the atmosphere.

These droplets are so small that each cubic metre of air could contain 100-million droplets. how are clouds formed?

Because of evaporation, there’s water in the air around us in the form of invisible gas particles, known as water vapour.

Clouds are formed when warm air rises, expands and cools to the point where the water vapour molecules condense around microscopic particles of dust, dirt and sea salt in the air. When billions of these particles group together, they form a cloud. why are clouds white?

Clouds are white because light travels as waves of different lengths, and each colour has its own unique wavelength. The water droplets or ice crystals in the clouds are large enough to scatter the light of seven wavelengths (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet), which combine to create white light.

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what are the different clouds called?

The classification of clouds is based on height, appearance, composition and how it was formed. The three basic cloud types are cirrus, cumulus and stratus.

The word cirrus means ‘hair’ in Latin and these clouds resemble just that. Cirrus clouds are made of ice crystals, as they form more than 18 000 feet above ground.

The word cumulus means heap, and these clouds appear as white, puffy cotton wool-like balls in the sky. Cumulus clouds can develop into thunderstorm clouds, known as cumulonimbus clouds.

The lowest forming clouds are stratus clouds, meaning ‘layer’ in Latin. These clouds spread across the sky like blankets or layered sheets and often bring drizzle. how do clouds move?

Clouds move with the wind that occurs in the atmosphere. Cirrus clouds can move as fast as 160km/h, while cumulonimbus thunderstorm clouds usually travel at around 64km/h.

is fog a cloud?

Fog is a stratus type of cloud that appears very close to the ground. In order for fog to form, the air has to be very humid. Fog cuts visibility down to 1km, which often causes havoc for planes and Air Traffic Control. Luckily, our pilots are really good at navigating the big green machines. do clouds cause air turbulence?

Turbulence in the air is not caused by clouds, it’s caused by erratic changes in air density. As the airplane moves from stable air into updrafts or downdrafts, jolts can be felt, which feels similar to hitting a speedbump or pothole in the road. do any other planets in our solar system have clouds?

Earth isn’t the only planet with clouds.

Venus, Jupiter and Saturn are also known to have clouds. The clouds on Venus are made up of sulphur dioxide, while Jupiter and Saturn’s clouds are composed of ammonia.

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getting car rental from only R189 per day is so easy!

Trev’s Hot Spots

fun in the sun

pictures: istock; supplied

W

inter is coming, dudes. The sun’s taking its sweet old time getting up and very soon the mornings will be colder than a polar bear’s toenails.

Yip, I’m definitely not a winter person, not even a little bit. Luckily, those lekker okes at kulula have saved the day with a hot, new offer to my favourite, sunniest place in the entire world – Thailand!

From only R9 540 per person sharing, you get return flights from Jo’burg to Phuket (including taxes of R3 591), return transfers from the airport to your resort, eight nights’ accommodation in a superior room at the three-star Centra Ashlee Hotel Patong, and a super yummy breakfast every day. Also, there’s free Wi-Fi access, which is a score because it means you can upload all those holiday snaps straight to Facebook and make your friends back home super jelly. Which, after all, is the main reason we go on holiday, right? Right. This awesome deal is valid until 31 October 2015, but must be booked and paid by 31 May 2015.

Centra Ashlee Hotel is conveniently situated in the heart of the popular tourist town of Patong, and overlooks the awesome Andaman Sea. Another total highlight of the hotel is the rooftop swimming pool and lounge bar, which, trust me, is as kiff as it sounds. You could chill on the sun deck or in the jacuzzi, shades on, margarita in hand, checking out spectacular sunset views.

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Next morning, you’ll want to be up early to hit the endless white sands and sparkling turquoise waters of Patong beach, which is an easy five-minute walk away from your hotel. Make the most of those sunny hours by chilling on the beach or, if simply lazing in the sun isn’t your style, you’ll find a whole bunch of watersport activities to keep you busy.

Make sure you work up an appetite, because come evening, you’ll want to feast on the deliciously tasty Thai food. Bangla Walking Street is only a 10-minute stroll from the hotel, or if you’re all tuckered out from a day of doing nothing, you can put your feet up and chillax at the hotel’s in-house restaurant.

Thailand isn’t called the Land of Smiles for nothing, and the Centra Ashlee Hotel aims to please. A spa, laundry, fitness centre and baby-sitting service are all geared at making sure you enjoy a week of solid gold happiness.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that this deal is an extra goodie because it’s pay for four nights and stay for eight! This deal excludes beverages and meals not mentioned, all items of a personal nature, travel insurance and tips of any nature.

Standard kulula legal stuff applies.

Sorry to cut this short, but before the cold, dark days of winter get their treacherous grip on my soul, I’m hightailing it out of here. Check you peeps in Thailand!

Trev

Looking for car rental in Cape Town, East London or George? Visit kulula.com and book a Group T car from only R189 per day, which includes 200km FREE and standard theft and damage waivers.

Book and travel between 3 May to 30 June 2015 to qualify for this warm winter special. Ts&Cs apply.

With us, a little further goes a long way.

Europcar – moving your way.

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

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

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.

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

twitter.com/kulula facebook.com/iflykulula

THE NOTICEBOARD let’s get social Follow and like us on Twitter and Facebook, and you’ll get to hear all about our awesome savings and specials.

We’ll also keep you in the loop with exciting travel news and useful tips, for example: did you know you can check the status of any flight on kulula.com or kulula.mobi?

Join the social fun when you land and you’ll never look back!

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COMPETITIONS | GUIDE

*Alcohol sales prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

The new brew

Earn your drinking stripes

Striped Horse is an exciting new African craft beer by Grant Rushmere, the founder of BOS Ice Tea and Afro Coffee, along with ex-game ranger Charles Bertram. In combining European expertise and African enthusiasm, Striped Horse brings you a lager and a pilsner conceived with passion and brewed with personality.

One lucky khuluma reader can win a four-pack lager gift pack, a case of Striped Horse pilsner (12) and a bottle opener, valued at R500!

The world you love

We’ve got five sets of four tickets to The World of Beer in Newtown, Jo’burg, to give away! The South African Breweries’ tribute to all things beer, The World of Beer both entertains and educates. Take the 90-minute guided tour, which takes you back in time to the origins of beer and through the rich history of the South African beer industry, have lunch with a view over the city and have a pint of the freshest beer in town in their famous taproom.

For beer lovers of another kind of a brew – a hot caffeinated one – we have one case of Boston Breweries’ Black River Coffee Stout to give away to one lucky khuluma reader. Jet black with a toffee-coloured head, an aroma of coffee and hints of roasted malt in the background, this beer is perfect to pair with dark chocolate desserts – a perfect way to end the day or impress your dinner guests.

Competitions To enter

Go to www.khulumaonline.co.za and hit the competitions tab. Competitions are open to all South African residents over the age of 18, excluding employees of Picasso Headline/ Times Media Ltd/kulula.com/Comair Limited and close on 30 May 2015.

Movie merchandising

We’ve got five thug-worthy Get Hard hampers (temporary tattoos, head and wrist bands, sport bag) and five apocalyptically enormous Mad Max: Fury Road hampers (bumper stickers, temporary tattoos, window decals, T-shirt and tank top, iPhone case, rear-view mirror charm, canvas water bottle, backpack, gloves, distressed hat, blue tote bag, auto tool set) to give away! *Competition not open to Nu Metro employees.

pictures: suplied

Treat your skin with this win

Start a healthy relationship with your skin with this awesome giveaway. One lucky khuluma reader will win a Sorbet Grandé facial, valued at R380. With your facial, Sorbet will also offer a free skin scan, so you’ll know exactly what your skin needs to stay healthy. For more details on Sorbet products and services, visit www.sorbet.co.za

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GUIDE | WESTERN CAPE

What’s on Western Cape Ballet This year marks the 175th anniversary of the birth of great Russian composer Pyotr lIyich Tchaikovsky. For nearly two centuries, his music has generated great interest, and it continues to mesmerise to this day. Artistic director Anatoly Emelianov has prepared a special programme devoted to the great Ruski, called Crown of the Russian Ballet, to be performed at the Baxter Theatre this month. Tickets are R150-R280, available from Computicket.

Please note: Rita Rudner said, ‘In Swan Lake, I was the lifeguard.’ Clearly not a good one.

TANTALISING THEATRE 6-23 May

Literature festival The Franschhoek Literary Festival (FLF) takes place every year over the third weekend in May, preceded by the Book Week for Young Readers. The events take place in venues within a few minutes’ walk of each other, which creates a vibrant ambience. FLF 2014 was the busiest yet, and organisers hope to see an even bigger boost in local tourism this year. Visit www.flf.co.za for venue and ticket info.

Please note: ‘It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.’ – Jane Austen

MUNCHIES AND DRINKS 21-24 May

Theatre The dark psycho-drama The Pervert Laura, written and directed by award-winning playwright Louis Viljoen, is back at the Fugard Theatre by popular demand after its highly acclaimed debut, and promises to be just as sick and twisted as ever. Tickets are R130 per person, available from Computicket. For more info, visit www.thefugard.com.

Please note: She’s not a pervert, she’s just inquisitive. In a slightly weird way.

Food festival The Good Food & Wine Show has always attracted the country’s best chefs, as well as celebrity chefs from all over the world. This year, however, South Africa’s most popular consumer show is going to be shining an even brighter light on our local chefs, local food regions and our homegrown foodie celebrities at the CTICC. Tickets are R130 for adults. For more info, check out www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za.

Please note: If I made wine out of raisins, I wouldn’t have to wait for it to age, right?

FROM THE WINELANDS TO HIGHLANDS 8 May (Cape Town) 28-29 May (Jo’burg)

A HEAVENLY MATCH 30 May

Wine and whisky festival The Wade Bales Wine & Malt Whisky Affair is on at the 15 on Orange Hotel Cape Town, showcasing a wide selection of delectable wines and singlemalt whiskies. Tickets from R180 per person, available from Computicket. Don’t miss the sister event up north, the Kaya FM Wine & Malt Whisky Affair, at The Firs in Rosebank. For more info, go to www.wadebaleswinesociety.co.za.

Please note: What whisky will not cure, there is no cure for.

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READING AND REVERING 15-17 May

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Wine festival Shiraz and charcuterie: a culinary match made in heaven! Don’t miss out on an opportunity to experience these taste sensations at this year’s Feast of Shiraz and Charcuterie, hosted by Hartenberg Wine Estate. A highlight on the social calendar, this year’s event will take place at Joostenberg Deli.

Sample some of SA’s finest syrahs paired with delectable artisanal fare. Tickets are R180 each, available from Webtickets.

Please note: ‘In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, and in water there is bacteria.’ – Unknown

text: christian schroeder; pictures: supplied

CHIMING TCHAIKOVSKY 6-9 May

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You’ll love The Capital, we know what counts We are growing, watch this space for new hotel openings in Cape Town, Pretoria, Rosebank and a brand new 5-star conference centre in Sandton Staying at The Capital Hotel and apartments is time well spent – because we put you at the centre.

We put business, shopping and the lifestyle of The Capital on your doorstep.

Easy access to everything.

No stressful traffic. No frustration.

Enjoy uncomplicated style, ease into uncluttered spaciousness Expect every modern convenience.

Experience great value. Relax in complete comfort.

We’ve got the balance right. Stay where you count HOTEL | APARTMENT | CONFERENCE

Exclusive Offer!

10%

off

at any of The Capital Hotel Group properties, whether you stay in a hotel room or an apartment. Stay with us and save.

To qualify simply quoTe The promo code Khuluma when maKing a reservaTion. w: thecapital.co.za e: reservations@thecapital.co.za T: +27 (0)11 290 9700

Hotel Group Subject to availability, prices are correct at date of publication. The Capital Hotel Group reserves the right to withdraw these offers without notice. Terms and Conditions of Sales and Service apply and are available on request at www.thecapital.co.za. E&OE

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GUIDE | WESTERN CAPE

MUSHROOM HUNT

Why work when you can take a walk on the wild side? From 30-31 May, mushroom guru Gary Goldman will spend his mornings explaining and exploring the mushrooms that grow around the towering pine trees and indigenous flora at the Delheim Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. After a morning of mooching around with mushrooms, reward yourself with a fungi-inspired three-course lunch in Delheim’s historic vat cellar. Tickets cost R595 per person, booking is essential via info@delheim.com.

Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch, 021 888 4600, www.delheim.com.

REUBEN RIFFEL AT THE ONE&ONLY

Having more than one job is hard work. Chef Reuben Riffel from Reuben’s at the One&Only Cape Town hotel is a glutton for punishment, with a string of restaurants and a TV career, too. Like attracts like and, on May 26, he’s teaming up with Schalk Burger & Sons – the Wellington-based winery of the famous rugby-playing clan. The Burgers’ hearty red wines are to be paired with Reuben’s warming autumnal food. But, in case you can’t make it to the cook-off, try Rueben’s mussels recipe (it’s to die for).

Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, 021 431 4511, www.capetown.oneandonlyresorts.com.

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2 Tablespoons onion ½ teaspoon garlic 4 Tablespoons chopped parsley 1 bay leaf 1 sprig thyme 50ml white wine 4 Tablespoons butter 24 mussels 2 slices of ciabatta, toasted • Scrub mussels. Pull off beards, the tuft of fibres that attach each mussel to its shell, cutting them at the base. Discard those that do not close when you handle them and any with broken shells. Set aside.

• Combine onion, garlic, parsley, bay leaf, thyme, wine, and 2 tablespoons butter in large pot.

Bring to boil. Lower heat, and cook for two minutes. Add mussels, and cover. Cook until shells open. Do not overcook. Remove mussels from sauce, and place in bowls.

• Strain liquid, and return to pot. Add remaining butter and parsley. Heat until butter melts.

• Pour over mussels.

text: anna trapido; pictures: supplied

Eat Western Cape

RECIPE WEST COAST MUSSELS À LA MARINIÈRE

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GUIDE | WESTERN CAPE

Shop Western Cape

Cape Town is sometimes too well known for its night-time attractions, but there are quite a few professionals hanging around during the day.

3. R550 Spree.co.za 2. R1 699 Spree.co.za

6. R999 Woolworths

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1. Add some bright pastel heels to this embellished black shift dress, and be off to the office in style.

2. If you’re lucky (or unlucky) enough to have a job where wearing a suit every day is expected, then this black-bracken suit from 3. Marco Benetti is a must-have.

Very little can beat a well-fitted blazer that hugs you just the way you want. This fitted charcoal blazer from Edit is really a no-brainer.

4. If it’s a hard day’s work on the site for you, then these trousers from Caterpillar Apparel are perfect for the job.

5. With its vaguely suede finish, nubuck leather is all the rage this season. This nubuck zip boot from Trenery is perfect for a day in the office.

6. If you’re going for that classy yet comfy look, this navy, sleeveless, longline blouse from Country Road is an absolute necessity.

4. R599 Catapparel.co.za

5. R1 599 Woolworths

text: christian schroeder; images: supplied, simon deiner/ SDR photography

1. R149.99 Mr Price

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GUIDE | western cape

In Harms(gat) way

I

‘discovered’ the R60 between Swellendam and Ashton by accident one morning in late 2013, having slept in the front seat of a Honda Civic the night before and risen with the sun to drive aimlessly through the countryside, in absolutely no hurry to get back to Cape Town. The road wound laconically through the lush farmlands drenched in thick coats of early morning mist, while the peaks of the Zuurberg peeked through the clouds, looking as much like Mount Olympus as anything I’ve ever seen. It was a beautiful and melancholic morning, and I resolved to explore the area further one day.

That day came in February this year, when we turned onto the R60 – from the direction of Ashton this time – and drove half the length of the road to Jan Harmsgat Country House, tucked away in the north-eastern fold of a valley. This five-star gem is situated on a 680-hectare working farm, with groves of citrus and

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pomegranate, as well as nuts and fruit, all yours to explore. The 10 rooms are found in three separate buildings: the original wine cellar; the slave quarters; and Van Eeden House – each with its own distinctive style and history.

We stayed in a gloriously old-school garden suite, with a four-poster bed, freestanding stone bath and the usual mod cons, and overlooking a beautifully manicured little garden. After checking in, we were introduced to our hosts: Riaan and Michelle Garforth-Venter, of DIY Met Riaan and Top Billing fame respectively.

Riaan and Michelle took over management of the farm and accommodation last year, and their enthusiasm for their jobs (and enviable lifestyle) won us over instantly.

As it happened to be Valentine’s Day, Riaan and Michelle had organised the group date to end all group dates – dinner at two long tables in the cosy restaurant, where the wine flowed and our hosts

waxed lyrical amidst four courses to make your eyes pop and your tongue cry with delight. Breakfast the following morning was also a lavish affair, which we enjoyed on the porch bordering an olive grove, while a couple lounged in the shade playing a ukulele.

With all that space to explore, we grabbed a couple of mountain bikes and headed across the road to explore the rest of the farm, cycling up high to a hilltop where we could survey the land like lords. We weren’t alone, though; the farm is home to wildlife including springbok, rhebuck, ostriches … and some extremely rambunctious black wildebeest, who didn’t seem too impressed with our encroachment on their territory. But with 680 hectares of the most heart-breakingly beautiful countryside to discover, I could give them their space…

R60 District Bonnievale, 079 207 0777, www.janharmsgat.com.

pictures: supplied, anthony sharpe

Anthony Sharpe contemplates the agricultural life at Jan Harmsgat Country House.

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GAUTENG | GUIDE

What’s on Gauteng PANIC MECHANIC 6-9 May

Expo Automechanika Johannesburg 2015, the largest business-tobusiness trade fair and business platform in the automotive aftermarket in Africa, will take place at the Expo Centre at Nasrec.

Six hundred local and international exhibitors from 16 countries will exhibit cutting-edge technology, products and services, underpinned by a 20-event conference and events programme.

Visit www.automechanikasa.co.za for details.

Please note: Sadly, this isn’t a forum for finding a good mechanic.

MUSIC AND LIGHT 9 May (Jo’burg) 8 May (Durban) 10 May (Cape Town)

Music concert The Sound of Light, one of SA’s biggest, brightest and most epic dance, music and light festivals, is on at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. The 2015 line-up includes world-famous German electronic DJ and producer Robin Schulz, and features hits such as his legendary remixes of ‘Wave’ and Lilly Wood and Prick’s ‘Prayer in C’.

Tickets start at R399. Visit www.soundoflightsa.co.za for more info.

Please note: You’ll only be able to see the light if you dance towards it.

text: christian schroeder; pictures: supplied

FATHER FORREST 19-31 May

Comedy show Chris Forrest is back with his brand-new, hilarious one-man show Who’s Your Daddy?, showing at the Auto & General Theatre at the Square in Sandton. A clueless dad’s guide to fatherhood, this show is all about Chris’ experience of becoming a father – from pregnancy to birth to looking after an infant and everything in between. Tickets are R130, available at www.strictlytickets.com.

Follow @ChrisForrestSA for all the latest details.

Please note: You need to go see this. Go. Now! That is all.

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CELEBRATING THE FAIRER SEX 28 May

Campaign The Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work Day campaign will take place for the 13th consecutive year this month. This campaign is targeted at Grade 10 to 12 South African female learners, and gives them the opportunity to visit a place of work and to experience the various career opportunities available to them. More than 50 000 young girls will take part this year, with hundreds of companies around the country opening their doors to them. For more info, visit www.cellc.co.za/girlchild.

Please note: Feminism is humanism.

EXPENSIVE INTOXICANTS 4-5 June

Brandy showcase Fine Brandy Fusion is the premier showcase of SA’s world-class brandies, providing an opportunity to learn from esteemed brandy masters and taste their creations at the Sandton Convention Centre. Tickets are R195, from Computicket or at the door. For info, visit www.sabrandy.co.za.

Please note: ‘An American monkey, after getting drunk on brandy, would never touch it again, and thus is much wiser than most men.’ – Charles Darwin

ROMAN REVIVAL 4-14 June (Jo’burg) 27 June – 12 July (Cape Town)

Ballet A Spartacus of Africa, a re-choreographed ballet featuring the music of Khachaturian and accompanied by a full orchestra, is on at the Joburg Theatre this month. This show promises to have ballet enthusiasts in delight as they watch a cast of 100 dancers and listen to a 70-strong orchestra perform an exciting new version of Spartacus, last produced in South Africa in the 1980s. Tickets are R150-R375, available at www.joburgtheatre.com (Gauteng) and Computicket (Cape Town).

Please note: This is (not) SPARTA!

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GUIDE | GAUTENG

UNCOOKED AND UNTOUCHABLE

Who can be bothered to cook after a long day at work? Why not try raw food? Jozi (Un)cooked offers five-day, nutrientrich, raw-food detox programmes.

Each day, all of your meals by way of a delicious bag of gourmet raw food – including breakfast, snacks, lunch, juice and supper – will be delivered to you. All you have to do is enjoy the grub. It’s all vegan, raw, gluten- and sugar-free. www.joziuncooked.com.

AUTOMOTIVATION

Pretoria’s Charlotte Maxeke (previously Mitchell) Street is not known as a gourmet hot spot. Rather, its commercial focus is automotive, with block upon block of panel beaters and motor-part shops. Until now, there have only been spathlos and slaptjips for people who get hungry while looking for car parts.

The great news is that chef patronne Carla Chryssanthou has opened the very fine Portuguese Kitchen. She explains that her main business is the adjoining automobile spares shop, and that she started her food company (which opened in September 2014) because she wanted to have something decent to eat during working hours. Try the magnificent

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rissois de camarão. The crunchy outer pastry encloses a creamy, slightly nutmeg-tinted cheese-and-prawn filling. You may never go back to work. Gloriously garlicy bifana made of thinly sliced super-tender pork, grilled and simmered in a rich, paprika-flavoured stock are tucked inside flour-dusted bread rolls. Bifana tastes best before or during a football game, with a beer in hand, but even as a weekday business lunch, they taste pretty great.

289 Charlotte Maxeke Street, Pretoria West, 071 929 2211.

TIRED PEOPLE NEED CUPS OF TEA

Tea is terrific for tired people. If the world of work is getting you down, take time out to visit the super-stylish Yswara Tea Boutique for a range of luxurious, liquid pickme-up treats. Gourmet tea and tea-related homeware are always the order of the day.

57 6th Street, Parkhurst, www.yswara.com.

text: anna trapido; pictures: supplied

Eat Gauteng

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GUIDE | GAUTENG

Shop Gauteng

If there’s one thing Gautengers are good at, it’s work.

Here’s how to look good doing it.

1. R129.99, Mr Price

3. R649, Spree.co.za

7. R1 150, Catapparel.co.za

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1. If your job requires you to get a little grimy on a daily basis, then you may want to invest in some budget tights, like these printed leggings from Red. 2. If you’re unsure of what to wear for an upcoming interview, try this red twill shirt from Sergeant Pepper.

3. Did you know there are more than 20 different ways to wear a handbag? All of which are perfectly doable with this neutral shopper from Zoom.

4. Just because work can get a little rough sometimes, doesn’t mean you need to be.

This leather lace-up boot is perfect for the sophisticated Jo’burger.

5. We all need a staple belt that goes with everything, like this perforated black leather belt from Trenery.

6. These Skechers 2074 specs are the perfect ‘I’m-smarter-than-you-and-youknow-it’ frames. Plus they come from an optometrist, so you won’t be just another hipster pretending to be visually impaired.

7. If you mean business, then you’ll love this yellow-and-black spirit watch from Caterpillar Apparel.

4. R399.99, Mr Price

5. R280, Woolworths

6. R1 250, Specsavers

text: christian schroeder; images: supplied, simon deiner/ SDR photography

2. R599, Stylemology.com

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GUIDE | GAUTENG

The art of a good night’s sleep

D

escend on Jo’burg and you arrive in a city that’s on a permanent Red Bull buzz. Most people here have business on the brain and the deal-making culture results in a heady, high-voltage buzz. Amidst the mayhem, it’s a miracle to discover a quiet, contemplative refuge like ilali House.

Here, hidden behind an unprepossessing wall on a busy road in Parkwood, art aficionado Hannia Weber has revived a dilapidated 1950s house, transforming it into an intimate home-from-home gem.

Working with her architect husband and a small design team, she personally attended to the conversion, arriving at something that feels lived in, while being stylish, fresh and funky.

Wooden floors were restored and polished, old walls revived in attractive

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contemporary colours, and then Hannia scoured junk shops and antique stores for eye-catching furniture, fittings and décor.

Hannia’s concept was to play a game of amalgamation, bringing together local art and design representing different eras, to create a look that’s representative of SA creativity. An oversized Tretchikoff portrait stares from one nook, while a Kentridge print poses alongside a sculpted wooden animal trophy in another. Jo’burg street maps have become headboards, and paintings by Hannia’s artist grandmother can be found in the dining room.

Before accepting a single guest, though, Hannia selected the finest linens, and set about personally testing every mattress – literally sleeping on the job to ensure her guests got what they came for in the first place: a good night’s rest.

It’s worth reiterating that this is an intimate guesthouse – not a hotel – and focus is on providing luxury at an affordable price. This means ilali doesn’t have truckloads of price-hiking add-ons like a pool, spa or restaurant (although breakfasts are personalised and delicious).

The guesthouse’s ambience celebrates calm, affording the prospect of relaxing in the leafy garden after a busy day spent sightseeing (yes, in Jo’burg), gallery hopping, or putting together a deal.

Additionally, ilali House is within easy reach of good restaurants and reasonable walking distance from the Rosebank shopping district (and Gautrain Station), with both the Goodman Gallery and the Rosebank gallery strip en route.

19 Chester Road, Parkwood, 082 567 5142, www.ilaligh.co.za.

pictures: supplied

Katie Bigelow celebrates South African art and design at ilali House.

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kwazulu-natal | GUIDE

What’s on KZN st lucia fun in the sun 10 May

Running day The sixth annual iSimangaliso Half Marathon, Fun Run/ Walk, powered by USM, is becoming an increasingly popular event. Set in the lush vegetation of the Lake St Lucia Estuary section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, it’s not only the most pleasant month of the year, but the event also caters for absolutely everyone – from serious athletes to grannies and toddlers. For bookings, contact info@isimangaliso.com.

Please note: ‘Fun run’: one of the biggest oxymorons ever!

unMissable 12-17 May

text: christian schroeder; pictures: supplied

Theatre John Kani and Susan Danford star in Missing, on at the The Natal Playhouse Drama Theatre. This play follows the story of Robert Khalipa, who has been in exile in Stockholm, Sweden, for over 30 years. His wife Anna Olson has inherited her father’s large company and their daughter, Ayanda, is a doctor at a hospital in Stockholm. Then Mandela is released, and everything changes. Tickets are R80, available from Computicket.

Please note: Chester Missing will sadly not be making a guest appearance in this show.

Music to your ears 21 May – 25 June

Live music The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra presents the Winter Season in its annual World Symphony Series. Taking place over six consecutive weeks, the season consists of a weekly symphony concert on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm in Durban City Hall. For more details, go to www.knphil.org.za.

Please note: What did the angry brass player say to the conductor? ‘I’ve got a trombone to pick with you.’

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horsing about 23 May

Horse race The Tsogo Sun Sprint, South Africa’s oldest and biggest sprint horse-racing event will be taking place at the Scottsville Racecourse at the Golden Horse Casino, in Pietermaritzburg, this month. With South Africa’s top sprinters competing and featuring four grade-one sprint races, it’s the country’s most anticipated sprint race day.

Visit www.tsogosun.com for more info.

Please note: Good horses makes good neigh-bours.

What’s on Garden Route friends and faMily festivals 8-10, 15-17 May

Environmental festival For the fifth year running, Greenpop will host two festivals in the ancient Platbos Forest in May, bringing people together to plant thousands of trees, dance to awesome live music, listen to interesting talks and enjoy great food. Visit www.quicket.co.za for tickets and venue info.

Please note: The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago.

Motor abseiling 14-17 May

Motor racing The 2015 Simola Hillclimb in Knynsa runs over four days and includes Supercar Thursday, Classic Car Friday, Town Parade and Car Display, and The King of the Hill Shootout. The success of the 2014 Hillclimb drew unparalleled interest and word of the event has spread far and wide. Visit www.speedfestival.co.za for more info.

Please note: ‘Feel the sky. Rule the road.’ – slogan of the Jaguar car company in a bygone era

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GUIDE | KWAZULU-NATAL

Eat KwaZulu-Natal VEGGIELICIOUS

Half a century’s worth of work is worth celebrating. Staff at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel has been working hard at providing delicious luxury for 50 years. To celebrate this remarkable achievement, current executive chef Tony Kocke is retracing the hotel’s culinary legacy with a 50th birthday four-course ‘Then & Now’ menu. Tony says: ‘My concept in preparing this menu included returning to the early days, to reinterpret old favourites like avocado ritz as if they’d been devised today.’

54 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga, 031 561 2211, www.tsogosunhotels.com/beverly-hills-hotel.

Too busy to cook? Nuveg sells delicious, precooked, preseasoned South African home-style vegetables in individual portions. Convenient, appetising and nutritious, they include some of the country’s comfort food favourites.

Whether you want creamed spinach and broccoli, cauliflower in cheese sauce, butternut and cinnamon or a classic potato bake, the range is just what the doctor ordered after a long, tiring day at work. The Nuveg range is available from Checkers and Spar in South Africa. www.nuveg.co.za.

THERE’S ALWAYS HOPE

Mozambique is not KZN but they’re both Indian Ocean dining destinations, so we think Maputo deserves a mention here.

There is no better place to taste seafood delights than Evolve restaurant at Southern Sun, Maputo. New executive chef Silvio Mindrea says: ‘Evolve’s menus have been inspired by the region’s close ties to the ocean and influenced by the local cultural mix of flavours, spices and produce.’ What are you waiting for? Bunk work today and head for Mozambique.

Maputo, www.tsogosunhotels.com.

Too tired to go out after a long day at work? Why not stay in with a hormone- and antibiotic-free steak? Vikki Ker-Fox of Hope Meats sells herby sausages that are gluten free, so you’ll be full of beans (well, not literally) and ready to go the next morning. Hope Meats has a shop in Durban North, but the truly tired will be glad to know they deliver as well.

17a Mackeurtan Avenue, Durban North, 082 485 0940, www.hopemeats.co.za.

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EAST COAST TREATS

text: anna trapido; pictures: supplied

LIVIN’ IN BEVERLY HILLS

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GUIDE | KWAZULU-NATAL

Shop KZN

Some days you have to leave Ballito for the big city. Make sure you look ready for the office with these spiffy threads.

2. R999, Pringle of Scotland

1. Slim-fit charcoal trousers like these are perfect for the office.

2. There’s something sailor-esque about this navy-blue birch shirt that’ll have you looking and feeling dazzling.

3. These pointy black colour-block pumps will go perfectly well with a sturdy pair of blue jeans.

4. If you’re a boss trying to look a little kinder, try neutral knits like this mid-brown combination jersey.

5. Slinging a cross-shoulder bag across your back and being out of the door in seconds has the strange effect of making one feel like a badass.

6. Okay, so these 9ct white-gold garnet and diamond earrings are pricey, but there are very few things more respectable than a lady dripping in diamonds.

7. If you’re one of those people who unashamedly refuse to sacrifice comfort for style, then you may just love this woolflannel blazer from Trenery.

4. R399, Spree.co.za

5. R2 299, Woolworths

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7. R2 299, Woolworths

6. R3 120, NWJ

text: christian schroeder; images: supplied, simon deiner/ SDR photography

1. R159.99, Mr Price

3. R329, Spree.co.za

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kWaZULU-NaTaL | GUIDE

Hippo have right of way Will Edgcumbe gets animalistic at Umlilo Lodge.

pictures: supplied

W

hen people say that staying in St Lucia is like staying in a game park, you might roll your eyes and say, ‘Marketing codswallop!’

The thing is: it’s pretty much true. The first thing my host Lourens de Lange at Umlilo Lodge did when I arrived was give me a rundown of the animal activity in the immediate vicinity over the preceding two weeks. It can be summed up thusly: hippo feed in the park literally 10 metres away just about every night; a leopard was spotted in said park the night before my arrival; and eight hyena were seen sauntering along St Lucia’s main drag the week before. Locals don’t even bother mentioning when they’ve seen most other furry or feathered creatures, because to do so would just be overkill.

Basically, the town of St Lucia itself may seem very suburban at first glance – and there are admittedly lots of tourists about (the socks-and-sandals combo is a

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dead giveaway) – but when locals say you shouldn’t walk around town after dark by yourself, they kind of mean it. You don’t take chances with leopards and hippos.

Basically, it’s a jungle out there, but in the best way. And if you’re staying at Umlilo Lodge, it’s kind of a jungle inside too, also in the best way possible.

Umlilo has a Robinson Crusoe-meetsThailand-jungle vibe, with wooden walkways set around a central pool and dining area. A water feature runs along the front of the rooms, and the walkways are lined with ferns, palms and creepers. It’s all very evocative and pleasant.

Umlilo is a four-star establishment and its 12 rooms vary in size, from guest rooms for two to family rooms and a family unit with two bedrooms. All the amenities you’d need are included – air conditioning, complimentary toiletries, DStv, fridge – so you can while away your time in proper comfort in your room or on your stoep.

I recommend waking up hungry; there’s plenty of breakfast stuffs to dig into while you figure out your itinerary for the day.

And there’s loads to do, including game drives in the western or eastern shore section of iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, snorkelling at Cape Vidal, estuary tours to check out the massive local population of hippo and crocodile, whale watching, deepsea fishing, nature trails, horseback safaris, turtle tours … you get the picture.

The town itself has a great holiday atmosphere and a range of good restaurants, and even when St Lucia is at full capacity, it doesn’t seem overrun.

Which is why one of the simplest pleasures is just stepping out of your hotel, walking around and seeing what you can spot in your immediate vicinity. Just not at night. You don’t want to become that person who was flattened by a hippo.

9 Dolphin Avenue, St Lucia Estuary, 035 590 1717, umlilolodge.co.za.

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GUIDE | GARDEN ROUTE

Eat Garden Route Billy Gallagher represents South Africa’s grand, old finedining tradition. Having trained at the Dorchester Hotel, he arrived at the Elizabeth Hotel in Port Elizabeth in 1973 as part of a wave of young immigrant chefs.

For 20 years, Billy was the culinary commissar of every significant emotional and business deal made by the South African elite. As the maître chef des cuisines of five-star culinary landmark the Landrost Hotel in the Johannesburg CBD, he defined the palates of a generation. Tragically, in 2000, Billy was hijacked and suffered a spinal injury which left him paralysed.

The symbolic significance of the hijacking of Billy Gallagher was immense in that it fractured and soiled memories of perfect engagement dinners, romantic anniversaries and life-changing business deals.

Both before and after the hijacking, his work with the South African Chefs Association has engendered a new generation of multiracial, proudly South African culinary stars. His inspiring autobiography, Lettuce and a Lady’s Breast, is out now. R295, www.bgaa.co.za.

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GreAtly Greek

This gregarious and reasonably priced Zorba’s has served Hellenic culinary classics to appreciative PE people for more than two decades. Imagine how much kitchen work that entails – millions of kilograms of feta crumbled and so many slices of luscious oregano-rich lamb! The hearty plates compete for customer attention with one of the best wine selections in the city.

Stanley Street, Port Elizabeth, 041 582 1193.

let the kids plAy

You work far too hard to entertain your kids during the holidays. Fancourt Golf Resort is hosting a holiday programme for kids and teens, which includes a delicious bake with the chef class for aspirant epicureans. While your kids make cupcakes, you can dine in style at La Cantina (recently voted Best Hotel Restaurant in the Garden Route’s CXPress Garden Route Culinary Awards 2014). Menus change regularly but always expect superb pizza, tagliatelle topped with pancetta and peas and saltimbocca fit for a king.

Fancourt, George, 044 804 0010, www.fancourt.co.za.

text: anna trapido; pictures: supplied

A chef’s tAle

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Ctrack’s real-time visibility feature allows you to keep track of all your family vehicles via smartphone, tablet or computer.

Our safety features, impressive response times and high vehicle retrieval rate ensure that you and your family can feel comforted whenever you’re in your vehicles. And thanks to the added visibility, you’ll even save on your insurance.

0860 333 444 • telesales@ctrack.co.za • www.ctrack.co.za

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GAREDN ROUTE | GUIDE

Shop Garden Route If you like dressing up for the office, check out these pro threads for the workplace and beyond.

2. R849, Polo

3. R549, Woolworths

text: christian schroeder; images: supplied, simon deiner/ SDR photography

1. R79.99, Mr Price

1.

2.

3.

4.

7. R1 335, Spree.co.za

5.

6.

7.

If you have to look presentable in the office, but still want to keep a bit of that hip flair, then this royal-blue tulle midi skirt will do the trick.

This red tab shirt from Polo is the perfect two-way piece. Slap on a tie for the office, and just loosen a few buttons for the evening.

This grey clip-detail clutch is perfect for a career woman who doesn’t have time for tricky buckles and the like.

Rocking a bow tie anywhere is brave.

Rocking a bow tie to the office is super brave. But you’ll look and feel good with this Hendrix option.

This nude-orange court heel from Plum is the perfect option for a more sophisticated office environment.

Every woman should have an arsenal of accessories. Start with these twisted silver studs for a steal!

This dark-grey short-padded jacket from Next is perfect for winter.

4. R484, Spree.co.za

5. R385, Spree.co.za

6. R19.99, Mr Price

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GARDEN ROUTE | GUIDE

Spirited away Seth Wood exorcises the ghosts of stresses past at The Phantom Forest Eco Reserve.

pictures: supplied

E

mpty shells were piling up around us as the bubbly – a horribly tame Brut – flowed wildly. We were trapped inside an ancient harbour-side shack, with a gigantic Tabasco bottle mounted on the roof, surrounded by raucous beer-drinkers and cheesy, singalong pop just a few decibels short of a riot. Through the rain-spattered windows we watched Knysna’s lagoon in a frothy tumult, little fishing boats thrashing about in the deluge.

The moment the rain showed the slightest hint of easing up, we ordered a final platter of freshly shucked oysters, slurped them down, and made our escape.

We couldn’t wait to get back to our sleeping quarters at The Phantom Forest, a smart eco-friendly resort built deep within dense Afromontane forest up on a hill overlooking the Knysna River, and entirely invisible from the road down below. We parked the car and waited for our chauffeured 4x4 shuttle up the steep

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road to the lodge, which is set within its own 147-hectare private reserve.

Once topside, we walked along a series of wooden boardwalks through the thick mangle of indigenous vegetation, listening out for Knysna loeries and shy bushbuck.

A marvel of green engineering, our suite was a massive, luxury tree house at the far end of the lodge, where only branchswinging monkeys were likely to disturb us. We ordered more bubbly and cranked up the al-fresco jet bath poised on the edge of our deck. Squashed into the tub and our spirits elevated, we watched birds flitting about the forest canopy as we floated high above the earth.

Pre-dinner cocktails were served in the aptly named Eyrie Lounge, decorated in a rich, contemporary African aesthetic: sculptures made of recycled materials; wooden tables carved to look like zebras with green manes; and nooks in citrusacid hues. And, through the windows, commanding views of the world below.

The Boma restaurant spilled out onto a deck with tables around a raging bonfire.

Our feast began with kudu and prune sosaties. Then came springbok dusted with Egyptian dukkah, and pan-fried ostrich with black-cherry sauce. We finished with the decadent and rich ‘chocolate nemesis’, served with chilli syrup and berry ice-cream.

As we ate, we made plans for the next day. No more trips into town, no more cheap champagne. In the morning, we’d check ourselves into the lodge’s Body Boma for long, languid spa treatments and spend the remains of the day draped alongside the Moroccan-themed pool.

Plans forged, we navigated our way back to our suite and fell asleep between silky linens, mosquito netting draped around the bed like a fine gauze shield, and the silence of the forest ringing in our ears.

Off Phantom Pass, Knysna, 044 386 0046, www.phantomforest.com.

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TOP TIPPLE | GUIDE

of Mensfitness.com says beer is good for five reasons: F ibre filler. Beer contains soluble fibre, which is linked to lowering cholesterol levels and boosting heart health. Darker beers pack about 1.3 grams per 340ml.

Heart happy. Drinking 1-2 brews helps decrease the chances of blood clots by increasing HDL cholesterol (the good kind), while lowering the ‘bad’ LDL levels.

Bone benefit. Drinking 1-2 beers a day can help improve bone strength. The silicon found in beer has been linked to strengthening the skeletal system. (Conversely, heavy drinking can weaken them.)

Stop stones. Beer drinkers have a lowered risk of kidney stones compared to hard-liquor drinkers, because of beer’s high water content and diuretic effect. Plus, the compounds in beer have been shown to delay the release of bone calcium, which is linked to stones.

Daily dose. Beer has been found to be a source of heart-healthy B vitamins like B6, B12 and folate. One 340ml beer delivers 12.5 percent of the daily B6 vitamin requirements.

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Whether you’re a working girl, having a manic Monday, working 9 to 5, or the soul provider, you may need consolation at the end of your gruelling shift.

Ingrid Graham checks out what the workers inspired.

BOOZY GIVEAWAYS See page 15 for details.

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id you know that, in the 1700s, London brewers named their dark beers after the hard-working river porters who showed a preference for the sweeter dark brews? These porters worked hard carrying and carting heavy objects, including baggage, along the rivers. These dark strong beers became known as ‘porters’.

Eighteenth-century marketers distinguished their brews by calling them:

extra porter; double porter; or stout porter, depending on the strength of the beer.

Over time the rich, creamy, malted black beer has become known simply as stout.

So hooray to the 18th-century manual labourers who made the dark brew popular among the working class.

No doubt hard-working labourers needed sufficient liquid and nutrients to get through the day. Question is, does beer have any nutritional value? Bari Lieberman

It’s important to note that benefits are derived from drinking in moderation. That would mean one or two 340ml per day!

And remember that each 340ml contains about 150 calories. To consume excessive amounts will result in ‘stout’ taking on another meaning. If you’re sporting a boep, then it’s time for some serious time off from the beer, along with healthy food choices and exercise!

It’s been said: as long as you have a drinking class, you will have a working class. With prices and taxation on alcohol, to afford a drink you have to have a job.

Viva the drinking class, viva!

* Alcohol sale prohibited to persons under 18 years of age. kulula.com

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PERFECTION

Look picture perfect with Coverderm. Use Coverderm Perfect Face waterproof make-up to hide blemishes and then set with Finishing Powder to ensure all-day perfection. Coverderm Finishing Powder is hypoallergenic and designed to absorb sweat and sebum, leaving your skin silky smooth.

R499, Coverderm

LOOKING GOOD IS (NOT) HARD WORK

R310, Moroccanoil

Tsar, a masculine fragrance by Van Cleef & Arpels, has a sharp, spicy scent with notes of lavender and amber.

R780, Van Cleef & Arpels

FRESHEN UP

This new toner plus is the first in a new line of products that includes Esse’s new BIOME+ technology. It’s designed to educate the skin’s immune system and improve barrier function.

Give your skin the boost it deserves.

R370, Esse

STAY HYDRATED

Wave good bye to dull, lifeless hair with Moroccan Oil’s hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Infused with argan oil and vitamin E, your hair will thank you.

R290, Moroccanoil

JOUR D’HERMÈS

Celebrate being a woman with this floral delight from Jour d’Hermès.

With sensual fruity notes, you’re sure to turn a few heads as you walk by, R1 805, Jour d’Hermès

EMERGENCY KIT R620, Dermalogica

Keep Dermalogica’s breakout control, redness relief primer and serum range handy for unexpected breakouts, acne and irritation.

R630, Dermalogica

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THREE’S A CHARM

Morgan Taylor provides the ideal three-in-one solution for nails. With a base coat, top coat and nail lacquer, you’ll have no reason to hide your hands in gloves this winter.

Man of the Moment: R123, Stick With It base coat: R151, Make It Last top coat: R151, Morgan Taylor

text: jayne macé-ferguson, lynn berggren; pictures: supplied

R399, Coverderm

TSAR 100ML EDT

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BEAUTY | GUIDE

ROCK ON

KEEP CALM

R185, LUSH

HANDMADE BEAUTY

Invest in Lush dream cream and cuticle butter to keep your hands and body hydrated this winter.

Are your curls falling flat no matter what you try? This Catwalk curls rock amplifier promises to give your hair a boost, while creating definition at the same time.

Having a rough few weeks? This Elemis de-stress massage oil, blended with a range of peaceinducing essential oils, will bring your calm when you need it most.

R310, TIGI R275, TIGI

R685, Elemis

SMOOTH SAILING Tired of being embarrassed because your flat-ironed hair has met with too much humidity? Use this TIGI straighten-out cream, guaranteed to protect your hair against humidity.

R105, LUSH

MOISTURE SOLUTION

Prime Solution is a refreshing moisturising treatment with an exquisite floral bouquet that will leave skin soft, hydrated and looking revitalised.

DIY BEAUTY

Get salon-perfect skin with Sorbet’s new Salon Skin range. Packed with nutrients to give your skin a boost, it’ll make you feel pampered every day.

NUTTY PUTTY

Purity Design’s pure matt wax is enriched with cocoa butter and designed to keep your styled hair in place for the whole day.

R180, IT&LY

R2 255, SENSAI

text: jayne macé-ferguson, lynn berggren; pictures: supplied

R200, Sorbet

LOVELY LASHES

R200, Sorbet

SORBET GIVEAWAY See page 15 for details.

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R415, Lancôme Grandiôse

With a new revolutionary Swan NeckTM design, Lancôme Grandiôse mascara will bring out the best in your lashes.

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BEAUTY | GUIDE

Of tender treatments and tears Anthony Sharpe gets emotional – very emotional – over a massage.

pictures: supplied

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t 7:45pm on a Monday evening, I nearly burst into tears while lying on a massage table in the Amani Spa at the Radisson Blu Hotel near Cape Town's V&A Waterfront. It wasn’t that the massage was painful or unpleasant; by then the goddess of the therapist had left the room. It was simply that, after two-anda-half hours of being scrubbed, steamed, rubbed, tweaked and pampered, I didn’t actually know I could feel so relaxed.

All the stresses of work, interpersonal conflicts, worry about whether or not my licence plate would fall off the front of my car somewhere in Gardens again, the issue of that cat using my balcony as a midden … it all just melted away.

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It was like I’d reached some sort of blissful high that would surely never again be attainable. Such was the quality and – indeed, generosity – of the Amani Spa Kurhula Ritual. And I didn’t quite know how to deal with the feeling.

After completing what would best be described as an odyssey through the spa, including a foot treatment, body scrub, sauna and the loss of about 4kg in the steam room, it was time for the reckoning. It was the true definition of a full-body massage, beginning at the tips of my toes, progressing up my feet, calves and thighs, onto the tension superhighways running up and down either side of my spine, then the Gordian

knots in my shoulders, not forgetting my arms – right down to my fingertips.

I was then flipped like a tenderised burger and given another once-over, followed by the most absurdly tender, generous and invigorating facial massage and treatment.

Each step incorporates numerous delicious-smelling oils, with exotic names I couldn’t hope to recall, as I had what could best be described as something like an out-of-body experience. But trust me, this is one treatment you’ll want to experience from within your body.

Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Beachfront Road, Granger Bay, 021 441 3331, www.amanispas.co.za.

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WATCH | GUIDE

Watch this…

Feature films take years and millions of rands to produce. Reward all that hard work – and yourself – this month.

Get Hard

Get Hard

Release date: 15 May It’s been 30 years since the last Mad Max film hit our screens. Now, Tom Hardy (it’s Hardy overload this month) portrays the character made famous by Mel Gibson.

In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, loner Max meets Furiosa, a woman who wishes to cross the desert. Captured by Immortan Joe’s gang, Max’s only hope of freedom is Furiosa, who is on the run from the tyrant Joe. It’s written and directed by George Miller, who created the original films, so hopes are high that this will be furious fun.

Anticipatometer: n n n n kulula.com

PolterGeist 3d

a Most Violent year

Mad Max: Fury road

text: anthony sharpe; pictures: supplied

See page 15 for details.

Release date: 30 April Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart star in this predictably broad comedy. When millionaire James King is nailed for fraud and bound for San Quentin, he turns to Darnell Lewis to prep him to go behind bars, simply assuming he’s been incarcerated because he is black.

But despite James’ one-percenter assumptions, Darnell is a hard-working small business owner who has never received a parking ticket, let alone been to prison. Together, the two men do whatever it takes for James to ‘get hard’ and, in the process, discover how wrong they were about a lot of things – including each other. Good for a few groan-worthy laughs.

Anticipatometer: n n

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MoVie GiVeaWays

a Most Violent year Release date: 22 May Following Margin Call and All Is Lost, A Most Violent Year makes a hat-trick of critically acclaimed films for writerdirector JC Chandor.

In 1981, which was statistically New York City’s most violent year, Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac) and his wife Anna (Jessica Chastain) try to expand their business and make their American Dream come true, but find it difficult as they’re surrounded by rampant violence, decay, and corruption.

A sizzling, slow-burn thriller.

Anticipatometer: n n n n

PolterGeist 3d Release date: 29 May Horror master Sam Raimi produces this reboot and remake of the 1982 classic, directed by Gil Kenan, who also did Monster House.

This film reimagines and contemporises the classic tale about a family whose suburban home is invaded by angry spirits.

When the terrifying apparitions escalate their attacks inside a small suburban house in a quiet neighbourhood and take the youngest daughter, the family must come together to rescue her.

Anticipatometer: n n n MAY 2015

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READ | GUIDE

Library lounge The latest literary releases to while away your downtime.

WASTED

text: anthony sharpe; pictures: supplied

COOKING WITH GAS

JEAN NEL RUSSEL WASSERFALL FOOD With load-shedding here to stay for a long while yet, this is a particularly pertinent book for the times. Jean Nel, author of the best-selling Braai the Beloved Country, this time turns his hand to cooking over the more readily available flames of the gas braai.

This book is divided into three sections: ‘Click Click’, which covers the basics; ‘Heating Up’, which moves onto more sophisticated techniques; and ‘Cooking With Gas’, which covers techniques like rotisserie, potjie, salt blocks and smoking.

With recipes like Moroccan-spiced swordfish, pulled beef with passata, and salt block asparagus angels, this is a delicious way to embrace power outages.

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MARK WINKLER KWELA BOOKS Set in a dark and twisted version of Cape Town, this second novel from Mark Winkler takes the reader into the very heart of what it is to be human.

Nathan Lucius has a problem. Every time he thinks he’s got life by the scruff of the neck, it just wriggles free. But Nathan is a problem solver, and if he just tries hard enough, he will maybe, somehow, make someone, just one person happy. And then his friend Madge is diagnosed with cancer.

It all makes for a bleak, but witty and compelling portrait of mental illness and dire circumstance. An interesting read.

RETIRE RICH THROUGH PROPERTY

JASON LEE ZEBRA PRESS Buy, buy, buy! Sell, sell, sell! But when to do either? And can you secure your financial future through property investments? These issues are examined in this fully revised edition of Fast-forward Your Retirement Through Property.

Author Jason Lee acts as legal and corporate advisor to South African and international property groups doing business in SA and abroad, so he should know what he’s talking about. This book takes readers through every step of the property process, such as finding the right deals for retirement purposes, and whether to hold onto or sell a property for financial gain.

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LISTEN | GUIDE

Listen up Claire Martens fills her headphones with beats to keep you focused.

pictures: supplied

MAN AS MACHINE

PATTERNS INDEPENDENT Despite producing a brand of music favoured internationally, the local commercial circuit has continued to deny this band the fame they deserve.

Patterns comes close to delivering the band’s sound, despite being independently produced and freely offered. Unfortunately, you can find their influences buried rather too close to the surface, which makes it too easy to write them off as unoriginal and dated, but paradoxically, also easier to enjoy.

Regardless, on your way to that dreaded early morning meeting, Man as Machine will make you feel more like a man, and less like a machine in the cogs of a large working wheel – a balm for the mundane.

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THE MUFFINZ

DO WHAT YOU LOVE JUST MUSIC The Muffinz are one of those rare bands that are so good, so easy on the ear and so talented that you could take their music anywhere, to any party, with any sort of people, and know that it’s going to be embraced and celebrated. This Jo’burg band creates easily digestible soul music – varied, organic and connected to their South African-ness.

Do What You Love follows their debut Have You Heard?, which earned them instant local fame. Although a little bit of lyrical depth would have given it extra credence, songs like ‘#Standing!

Trippin’ But No Falling’ and ‘Malome Wa Loma’ bring raw emotion to the surface.

Do What You Love is a dexterous work of love that’ll take the drudgery out of drafting reports.

JOSÉ GONZÁLEZ

VESTIGES & CLAWS MUTE With his last recording released in 2007, it’s been a long wait for José González’s third album. Known for his unusual guitar tunings and textured voice, this classically trained, Swedish-born musician’s influences are a broad mix of indie, pop and rock, but what he writes and produces comes out more like melodic indie folk – delicate and restrained.

Vestiges & Claws, while fluid and intensive, lacks the hook of a good, in-your-face album. But it’s this exact unrestricted and seamless nature of the album that makes it such a brilliant way to drown out distraction.

As one long backing track, there is no intrusion quite as soothing as Vestiges & Claws.

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GAMES | GUIDE

All work

and all play Sometimes, the only thing getting a work horse through the day is the thought of a good game when they get home.

THE WITCHER 3 Winter’s coming, and what better a way to spend the cold days than adventuring in the wilderness of the Northern Kingdoms as the Witcher Geralt of Rivia.

The monumental conclusion in this final chapter aims for a truly epic gaming experience, as players explore the vast, open-world areas on offer, encountering new foes in exquisite locales across the story, with side missions spanning over 100 hours of gameplay.

New game mechanics introduce combat on horseback and at sea, plus additional improvements to the agility of the main character. A dynamic day-and-night

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system can influence monsters and their powers, and the outcomes of each quest the player completes reverberate across a dynamic world.

The tactical, responsive and multilayered combat system is integrated into a genre-defining experience, as a true next generation of audio and visual fidelity

comes to life. Combat finesse moves and witcher magic ensure your upper hand in battle against a plethora of enemies in the revamped fighting system.

Seek out and vanquish the Wild Hunt this winter. Pre-order this great RPG from BT Games to secure a free poster along with your copy.

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GAMES | GUIDE

text and pictures: supplied by BT games

THE SIMS 4 EP: GET TO WORK Running out of tasks for your Sims to perform? Fear not, the new expansion delivers additional content to your Sims, putting them to good use!

A hybrid of two popular expansions from The Sims history provides the most desirable expansion ever, from a perspective of new gameplay and options available to players.

Want to have your Sims create, customise and manage their own retail-business venture? Want to set up any type of business, like an art gallery, clothing boutique or bookstore?

Want to hire and fire employees without the grievances of the CCMA or labour laws or etiquette at your discretion? Check hat-trick!

Teach your Sims new skills and synergise their existing crafting skills in this expansion, as you have your Sims pursue three new active careers: choose a doctor to deliver Sim babies and treat patients; a detective in the new Police Station venue to track clues and solve crimes; or the scientist working in the Science Lab, experimenting and crafting new inventions.

These exciting features and additional surprises await your Sims in the latest expansion! The Sims 4 base game is required.

BEST OF WHAT’S OUT THERE COLOURFUL GAMES FOR THE Wii U! Kirby and the Rainbow Curse Disaster strikes Dream Land as a mysterious hole opens up in the sky and drains all the colours from the land.

A paintbrush fairy sends Kirby and Waddle Dee in an epic quest to restore colour to their world.

This platformer features environments and characters in a unique modellingclay look, as players guide Kirby across levels by drawing rainbow-coloured lines on the touchscreen, and can have up to three friends controlling Waddle Dees as sidekicks in Kirby’s quest.

Splatoon What do squids and humans have in common? Think Splatoon! A teamoriented, third-person shooter aims to splatter surplus amounts of ink onto your TV, as two four-player teams square out in an ink-fest of colourful mayhem.

Control Inklings who can shift between human and squid forms during the Turf War and Splat Zone battles for dominance in local and online multiplayer. A singleplayer campaign features puzzle-filled levels, while battling several types of enemies.

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TECH | GUIDE

Talking tech z

Andy Walker of Gearburn.com works up a sweat over these nifty gadgets to make your daily grind a little easier.

ORGANISE WISE

z

PRODUCTIVE POSTURE The most important part of the office is the desk at which you sit, right? It’s your home away from home, but sitting awkwardly for long periods of time can ruin your health. Ergotherapy South Africa boasts a wide range of seating options and notebook stands, catering for your body’s particular needs. This range of swanky office equipment ensures that the only pain in your neck is caused by your boss, and not bad posture.

The GetOne range of office chairs (R3 700 for the mid-back; R3 800 for the highback) features adjustable back and arm rests, to ensure that your spine is always in an upright and comfortable position. The ERGOProp laptop stand (R299) angles the keyboard on the machine to reduce stress on your wrists and fingers.

Ergotherapy.co.za.

If you’ve ever needed more organisation or collaboration across devices, there are heaps of apps that can help. Google Docs, which is a saviour in many an office (including Gearburn’s), is probably the best way to collaborate across accounts and devices, allowing users to track changes on documents or sync said documents across the office. Free, ocs.google.com.

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ON CLOUD NINE

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pictures: supplied

We’ve seen some offices around the country move towards compact computing as well. Cloudware’s Cloudgate Droid Android computer is one device set to make an impact on the market. Crafted predominantly as an easy-to-set-up, difficult-to-break machine, the Cloudgate can also be used for a wide range of tasks, not simply work. Cloudware’s cloud suite allows workers access to Microsoft’s Office suite, while the Android operating system ensures that it’s lightweight and fitted with a bevy of apps.

The Cloudgate’s quad-core CPU can also drive full-HD video, for that high-quality presentation (or a game of Angry Birds on the boardroom projector). It’s also compact, so much so that you could take it home if you really need to. R1 999, Takealot.com.

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MOUSE MAGIC A good device requires a great mouse to drive it. The Logitech M280 wireless mouse fits that description, while adding a pleasant splash of style to your desk in the process. Thanks to Logitech’s thorough quality control, this mouse will handle your office anger, while keeping you on top of your documents. Its comfortable design won’t stress your hands or wrists either, allowing you to work harder and accomplish more in a shorter time frame. R361, Estorm.co.za.

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TECH | guide

z z

GeT smarT wiTh your Time

wish lisT

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Of course, you’ll need to remember what it is that you actually need to accomplish. wunderlist is a godsend in this regard for the web, Windows, iOS and Android. It'll also keep you stay on top of that grocery list after hours. No more forgetting flowers for the wife or that car mag for the hubby. free, wunderlist.com.

Apple fanboys would have been awaiting this day with such breathless anticipation that some of them probably passed out from lack of oxygen. The apple watch is finally here.

Apple’s first entirely new product in five years (and the first developed since Steve Jobs’ death) is significant not just in terms of its own capabilities, but also in terms of its impact on the smartwatch market, which should be scrambling to respond soon.

The Apple Watch relies on a connected iPhone (5 or later) to perform many of its functions, including calls, messages and SMS, and comes packed with apps and some nifty fitness software.

It’s not perfect by a long shot, but it signals a step up in terms of wearable technology. models start at r9 199, from applewatch-za.com.

Newsflash: Cape TowN has free wi-fi, people!

The City of Cape Town offers a number of free Wi-Fi hotspots within the city, including the Company’s Gardens and Harrington Square in District Six. The City will look to roll out a further 61 hotspots in public buildings, meeting areas and government administration centres by June 2015.

There's a fairly easy way of tracking both local governmentprovided Wi-Fi networks and those provided by other businesses, like hotels, restaurants and shopping centres. Cape Town Free Wi-Fi (www.capetownfreewifi.co.za) is a resource that logs and plots all free Wi-Fi centres on an interactive map. It’s mobile-friendly for tablets and smartphones, and works well when hunting for data from a laptop. It updates regularly and highlights key points of interest in the city, too.

If you find yourself elsewhere in South Africa, Find Free Wi-Fi (www.findfreewifi.co.za) is good to know. It spans across the entire country and allows travellers to keep abreast of data centres on the road, whether you're watching holes in Kimberley or watching elephants in the Karoo.

Time To play But wait. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, right? Don’t worry: I haven’t forgotten that at all. Next time you’re flying to your next meeting, consider bringing a new Nintendo 3Ds Xl along for the ride.

This hand-held gaming console allows you to de-stress while slaying dragons, collecting coins or painting rainbows with games like Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, New Super Mario Bros. 2 and Kirby: Triple Deluxe. It’s not strictly a device to boost your productivity, but even the hardest workers need a break every now and then.

It’s light enough to fit in your hand luggage and small enough to play on a plane. And did I mention that the 3D system is quite brilliant compared to the previous generation?

The 3DS XL also features games especially suited to keeping your mind running smoothly. Brain Age: Concentration, for instance, boosts focus and prepares minds for the busy working weeks. If that gets a bit too boring, there are always more colourful and involving games available. Who said you can't act like a kid at work? r2 999, takealot.com.

For more insightful gadget and gaming news, check out gearburn.com.

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advertorial

s

Protea Hotel Balalaika is growing with the times ituated on Maude Street – known as the Wall Street of Africa – the Protea Hotel Balalaika is right in the heart of the city.

It is ideally located just three minutes away from the Sandton Gautrain Station, which connects guests to O.R. Tambo International Airport in just 15 minutes. The Balalaika is also just 300m from the Sandton City Shopping Centre, the Sandton Convention Centre and Nelson Mandela Square, all of which can be accessed by the hotel’s free shuttle service.

Despite being located in the midst of Johannesburg’s business Mecca, The Balalaika offers a serene and relaxing environment for those in search of a sanctuary, with two crystal-clear pools, beautiful rose bush-filled gardens, and an abundance of bird life.

The Balalaika Hotel has been fulfilling Joburgers’ needs for an amazing 66 years. Established in 1948 as a tea garden in a quaint country house, the Balalaika was officially opened as a hotel in 1949.

As part of the history of Johannesburg, it seems that almost everyone has their own story about the Balalaika. As a result, the hotel is a sort of heritage site filled with moving memories, a rich cultural history, and an impressive legacy. There’s even a mini museum inside its corridors,

bursting with reminders of the influential people who have visited the hotel, including Steve Zachary, who recorded his album inside the hotel; Sir Richard Branson, who dropped by and signed a bottle of wine as a memento of his visit; and Gerard le Grand, who founded the Balalaika.

Now progressing towards the future, the hotel is constantly evolving.

An ongoing refurbishment programme has enabled The Balalaika to offer the most modern facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, a business centre, and state-of-the-art conference facilities, which can host up to 300 people. No cost has been spared, and the new décor is classical and colonial, with a touch of Gatsby. Natural light filters into every room, the lavish carpets have been custom designed and made, and the chandeliers are real crystal imported from Egypt, to enhance the splendour of the hotel.

The Bull Run Restaurant (now in its 14th year of existence) will, however, remain the same, offering – as always – first-class service and food. The restaurant ages its own meat and there’s even a master in-house butcher to provide only the freshest of meat. The restaurant also blends its own red and white wines, which is just another personal touch giving the Balalaika that extra sparkle.

Protea Hotel Balalaika, 20 Maude Street, Sandton | Tel: +27(0) 11 322 5000 Email: reservations@balalaika.co.za | Web: www.proteahotels.com/balalaika

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Leeanda Reddy talks her way out of a sticky situation

hrada t a K d e Ahm charm e h t n o turns nda for Leea lks film a t a d n a Lee s with e l c i l l o f and ring p S a n e l He

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Chat

Join the...

2015/04/21 12:24 PM

You’ve got an uncle in the

equality business Leeanda Reddy chats with Ahmed Kathrada about the lighter side of South Africa, being ‘Portugeuse’ and making dreams come true.

Leeanda Reddy: I am so excited about this, Uncle Kathy!

Ahmed Kathrada: [Laughs] I’m very excited to not be discussing contemporary politics for a change!

LR: [Laughs] No, no, none of that.

We’re gonna be taking a look at the lighter side of South Africa today.

AK: Oh, I can do ‘lighter side’. In Long Walk to Freedom I’m being played by Riaad Moosa and he’s a comedian, so it’s quite fitting.

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LR: So appropriate! I always think you’re more of a comedian than anything else.

AK: [Laughs] I’m glad to hear someone thinks I’m funny.

LR: So Uncle Kathy, we’re not here just because you’re a living legend…

AK: A barely living, almost-dead legend…

LR: [Laughs] You’re one of only two of the Rivonia trialists still alive, aren’t you?

AK: There are three of us: myself; Andrew Mlangeni; and Denis Goldberg.

LR: Oh yes, Denis is still around. But as I was saying, the reason why I wanted to interview you was because, like so many other people, I love being around you. Every time I see you I say, ‘Tata, you need to rest!’

AK: There’s no peace for the wicked.

LR: [Laughs] Wicked? Never! Whenever I see you in the media, speaking at international conferences and local gatherings, you’re always surrounded by beautiful women. Do you think that’s

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activist | chat

just because they think you’re rich, or is it just your charm? aK: i like to think that it’s because i’m handsome.

LR: [Laughs] Yip, that must be it! In fact, a lot of people say that not only were you the youngest, but you were also the best looking member of the Rivonia group. aK: actually, Denis was younger than me.

He was the little baby among us. i think the confusion is because Denis is white,

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so he wasn’t on Robben island; he went to a white penitentiary. On the island i was the youngest of the seven of us, but there were others much younger than me already there. i remember one boy who was 15 years old. But i was definitely the most handsome, yes.

LR: [Laughs] Of course. Tell me, do you get asked to take selfies? aK: i heard of selfies for the first time watching television during an interview with Michelle Obama. Before that i didn’t know what it meant. and in the last week or two there have been quite a few of them.

LR: [Laughs] Well, I’m gonna be a real groupie at the end of this interview and we’re going to take some selfies together, if you don’t mind. aK: Okay. You have how many dimples, two?

LR: Two on my face, yes, I think. Why? aK: i did an interview with a lady in soweto who only had one dimple. and when we took photographs or ‘selfies’ afterwards, she insisted that her dimple be in the shot. so she manoeuvred her way around until her dimple was in full view before we could take the picture.

LR: [Laughs] The dimple was more important than you, I guess. You’ll be 86 this year? aK: Hopefully…

LR: Yes, hopefully. What’s the secret to your youth? aK: Well, on Robben island we only got cheap food. and cheap food can be quite healthy for you. No red meat and not a lot of sugar. Dr Pather, one of the physicians on the island, used to warn us that we could never complain about the meals not being balanced, because the meals were perfectly balanced. and that’s all it is. that’s why i still look so beautiful.

LR: [Laughs] So you’re retired from politics, but the [Ahmed Kathrada] Foundation still keeps you very busy.

Why do you choose to keep going? aK: Well, the Foundation specifically deals with a very important issue: non-racialism. We do a lot of other things, but this is our main focus. and it keeps me busy, both locally and abroad, but i still consider the core value of the organisation as one of the most important things in the world.

LR: At your age, you still do a lot of travelling. I think South Africa as a country is so blessed that you still give your input, because we certainly need it. So tell me, Uncle Kathy, if you could relive your life and you didn’t have to go through the struggle, if South Africa had been an ideal world already, what would you have done with your life? aK: that’s a very difficult question.

You see, when you’re young, the family decides. Or at least they hope. in those years there were two indian doctors and two indian lawyers in Johannesburg. that was it. and my family wanted me to be a doctor or a lawyer. studying medicine or anything of the sort was exceedingly difficult for us. You had to go abroad. so let’s just say my family had high hopes for me.

LR: You were 12 when you got involved in the struggle for the first time, right? aK: Yes, that’s when i joined the Young communists League.

LR: And then you really got into it after matric? aK: Well, i went to university for three months and then i got an invitation to the Youth Festival in Germany, and that’s when i became truly passionate about it all.

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ACTIVIST | CHAT

AK: It wasn’t the warden, it was a general. He said, ‘Vir wat soek jy ‘n koerant?’ He had never heard of the Qur’an before and he was so shocked that here, at the beginning of my sentence, I wanted a newspaper. And I had to explain to him and eventually they did allow me to have a Qur’an in my cell.

LR: And you could read Arabic?

AK: By that time I was quite rusty with my Arabic, but as a child I learned to read the Qur’an in Arabic, but I never understood a word of it.

LR: You were quite adept at disguising, weren’t you?

AK: Yes, in the 60s during my house arrest, I couldn’t take part in any political activities. And at the time our lives were guided by the organisation, the ANC. They offered me the opportunity to leave South Africa and go into exile. And I refused.

Then they said I should go to Swaziland and return in disguise. Again, I refused because I knew the temptation would be to not come back. The frontman of Lilliesleaf Farm, which is where everyone was later arrested, Arthur Goldreich, was an artist and an architect. And he dressed me up and made me into a Portuguese. He called me Pedro Pereira and he gave me the moustache and the spectacles.

LR: Yes, I’ve seen the photographs. You really looked completely different.

AK: Yes, so I moved into a back-garden cottage in Morningside, with a white lady who was a comrade of ours. She actually insisted that I answer an advert to rent her cottage, in case the police found us out and she could have a chance to plead ignorance.

LR: And did you have to speak as a Portuguese with an accent?

AK: Fortunately my life as a Portuguese was very short.

LR: [Laughs] So you never picked up the vernacular?

AK: No, luckily I didn’t have to.

LR: During your 90-day detention before the Rivonia trial began, Govan Mbeki’s hair turned white, didn’t it?

AK: Well, yes, we thought it must have been the stress. We were completely isolated, so we could never speak to each other. Our fear, or mine at least, was that he had been tortured and that he had given them information.

And when we finally got the chance to speak to him, we asked him

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LR: So my question is, were you so rebellious just because you didn’t enjoy school?

AK: [Laughs] No, it was because there was no parental discipline.

LR: [Laughs] Do you think so? That and the fact that you had quite an important cause?

AK: [Laughs] Yes. You see, I had to leave home when I was eight, to live with an aunt who didn’t really know how to discipline me. She was very religious, but she never really enforced that onto me. So I had to move to Johannesburg, because there was no school for Indians in my town. And in Johannesburg I had no parents to raise me right. My father died when I was 14 and then my mother passed away when I was on Robben Island. So I was basically an orphan for a very long time and I guess that must have encouraged rebellion within me.

LR: In prison you asked the warden for a Qur’an. What was his reaction?

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what had happened [to his hair] and if he had been tortured. Turns out his black hair dye had just worn off.

LR: [Laughs] So his dye from his disguise had faded and grown out?

AK: [Laughs] Yes. He was disguised as a farm labourer before the arrest. Not that he did any labour. He and Mandela both posed as farm workers on Lilliesleaf.

LR: So you’re almost a professional tour guide nowadays, aren’t you?

AK: [Laughs] Yes, on Robben Island. I get calls to do special tours with kings and queens and presidents quite often. But to be honest, they’re all the same to me.

My favourite guest was a little 13-yearold Afrikaner girl who was dying of leukaemia. And, knowing that she didn’t have long in this world, she made two wishes. One was to visit the Island and the other to meet President Mandela. So I took her to Robben Island and showed her around. Then I went to Madiba and I told him about her and asked if I could bring her to the house and introduce her.

Typical of him, he said no, it would be too much trouble for her, let us rather go and visit. So there we went, the president of the Republic and me, to go visit a dying girl in the small town of Secunda just because that’s what she had asked for.

The whole town turned up, of course.

I visited the family last year. They have a video of the visit and two photo albums filled with pictures of Madiba and the little girl, and I paid my respects at her grave. And to this day, I count her as the most amazing person I have ever had the pleasure of showing around the island.

LR: Wow, that’s such a powerful story. Uncle Kathy, it’s been lovely chatting with you. Thanks for sharing.

AK: It’s such a pleasure, my dear.

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The

Spring

collection

Leeanda Reddy chats with film guru Helena Spring about making it big in the local movie industry, rejection and ever-changing hair.

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film guru | chat

Leeanda Reddy: You are one of the most successful and prolific film producers in South Africa. It’s said that a producer’s two main jobs are hustling all the time and searching for that one good story. Is that how you would describe a day in your life? helena Spring: Well, you know, being a producer is a very odd profession. it’s a mixture of things. On one hand, you have the business side and on the other, there’s the creative aspect of it all. Both are essential to bringing a project to life. Of course, you’re always looking for a good story to tell, but for me that’s actually quite easy. There are so many fantastic stories in SA, and so many highly creative folks with their own voice and vision. The challenging part of being a producer

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is the business side. film-making, and particularly film-making in a small community like South Africa, is a highrisk business. finding investors who are willing to go to such risks in an economy that’s really risk averse can be difficult.

At the end of the day, it’s a juggling act.

LR: So when you do find a story, how do you know it’s right? Do you have a clairvoyant or sangoma that you go to, because you’ve had quite a few big hits in your career? hS: [laughs] Oh, i wish i had someone with a crystal ball to tell me how it’ll go! i agree with William goldman, who says none of us know anything. But there are a few exceptions in SA. leon Schuster, who’s such an iconic brand and who’s so in touch with a broadbased audience, makes a venture so much more of a sure thing. When you have that kind of talent and status, it’s very unlikely

that a film will be a flop commercially. it’s the same in other countries, if an American producer creates something starring george Clooney or Julia roberts, the commercial success of that film is almost guaranteed. But other than that, we don’t know. it’s one of the great thrills of film-making.

LR: It’s a certain gamble, isn’t it? hS: Absolutely. Whether it’ll be commercially successful is entirely up to your audience.

LR: You have acquired the enviable rights to Zoo City – beating out other producers in the US and UK. Firstly, congratulations! hS: [laughs] Thanks! it’s a very exciting project.

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FILM GURU | CHAT

LR: So what exactly is Zoo City? Is it just another name for Parliament?

HS: [Laughs] Not quite.

Zoo City is a sci-fi novel

by South African author Lauren Beukes. What’s fantastic about the book is that it’s essentially South African; it’s rooted LEADING EXAMPLE Helena Spring on set with a in a South African few of her colleagues. society, albeit in a slightly futuristic setting. It’s also extremely accessible to anyone in the need to create a film and put it on a world, because of the universal nature screen. Other than that, you need to gather of the theme. But, in essence, it’s about a team of people who’ll make your vision a world where survival and redemption come to life. After the fact, there’s the are of the utmost importance. The long, sometimes seemingly endless task story is very visual, so for South African of editing and post production. I always technicians it’ll be a challenge, but it’s one say that I start my day a good few hours we’re up for. before everybody else and I finish years LR: It sounds wonderful; I cannot wait to after anybody else. see it and to have the rest of the world LR: So when they call ‘wrap’, it’s for see what South Africa can do. Now, everyone except the producers. producers have to oversee projects from HS: That ‘wrap’ is just for the shooting start to finish, so apart from being able crew and the cast. Everybody else has only to decide what the lunch menu should just begun. be on set, what would you say are the LR: I’ve seen you be a sort of mediator most important attributes a producer on set. Are you happy being the one who should have that would help one avoid always has to defuse situations? antidepressants?

HS: When you work within an industry HS: Well, I must say that the lunch menu that’s so ‘people intensive’, naturally you is important, never underestimate that. have to have a good way with people.

[Laughs] But a producer’s job exists in I’m always worried about other people. phases. The first phase is finding a story, I always want to make sure my actors are and that’s obviously a very important step. comfortable with what I ask of them. So If you’re gonna spend 15 to 18 hours yes, I think I’ve accepted that when there a day working on something, you better are tense situations, I’ll be the one to sort make sure you believe in it. Making everyone out and calm everyone down. that kind of commitment is hard but LR: So you’ve obviously had quite a crucial. Then there’s the arduous task of few meetings with some big wigs, both quantifying the whole thing and raising locally and internationally. When you those pesky millions that you’ll actually walk into a boardroom full of men, are

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you ever mistaken for a secretary?

HS: [Laughs] I actually haven’t. You know, I’m often asked about gender and what it’s like to be a woman in an industry traditionally ruled by males, and it’s honestly a very difficult one for me to answer. Women regularly have challenges that men might not necessarily face in certain industries, but I’m very fortunate that I still haven’t found the glass ceiling and I don’t think I ever will. I don’t know whether that’s because I’ve been lucky or just because I’m an incredibly hard worker.

But then, so are most women, so I really can’t say what it is that has allowed me to sidestep that entire ordeal. My feeling has been that being a woman has never been a challenge to me. I was able to reach the same heights as my male counterparts.

LR: That’s fascinating. So you’ve had some amazing career highlights but you’ve also had some difficult times.

How do you handle the odd rejection?

HS: I think it’s part of life. You, Leeanda, as an actress must have had to deal with some audition rejections, in spite of being so hugely talented. I try and live by the philosophy that if you do what’s expected and required of you, you can’t do anymore.

LR: I actually meant how do you handle rejection from men? But thanks for that…

HS: [Laughs] Oh, from men?

LR: [Laughs] No, I’m only joking.

HS: [Laughs] Well, if you must know, I have a wonderful life partner – he usually accommodates me.

LR: I would hope so. I’m glad you have that resilience and thick skin that all

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of us creatives need to have. So you’ve had some dark moments and some really blonde ones too. And no, I’m not referring to your film choices, but rather you hair colour.

HS: [Laughs] Yes, I’m like a chameleon.

LR: [Laughs] Do you find that people react to you differently depending on your hair colour?

HS: Well, I’m brunette again, by the way.

But I must admit that I didn’t really have a lot more fun as blonde.

LR: [Laughs] So that defies the myth?

HS: Yes, but to be honest, I just enjoy change. You get up one morning and realise that your hair suddenly looks more beige than blonde and you change it up.

What’s wrong with that?

LR: Nothing at all, Helena. I love how adventurous you are with your hair colour. Maybe that’s the actress in you coming out?

HS: Maybe, yes!

LR: So you’ve worked with Anant Singh for almost 20 years at VideoVision. In fact, I first met you when we filmed one of VideoVision’s drama series and then we worked together again during the production of Mr Bones 2 – excuse me while I punt my own career – but tell me, is Anant Singh’s American accent real or is he also an actor turned producer?

HS: [Laughs] You know, Anant is such a well-travelled man that I think he’s developed an accent that works for him, without him even realising it.

LR: So it’s really the global influence?

HS: Yes. In fact, when I’m in those [American] states, within two minutes I start picking up a little bit of a Yankee twang, because you’re understood better.

LR: I know what you mean! Helena, it’s been lovely chatting to you, thank you so much for your time.

HS: Thank you, Leeanda!

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I ALWAYs WAnT To MAke sure MY AcTors Are coMforTABLe WITh WhAT I Ask of TheM

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GETTING A HEAD START Kingstone Kataruza is able to earn a decent wage thanks to Trade-Mark.

HARD AT WORK Sheperd Ratisai of Trade-Mark.

Teach

a man to fish‌

Though unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges in the country, these four superstars are seeing to it that our economic future looks brighter.

Delia du Toit gets busy.

BRAINCHILD Joshua Cox, founder of Trade-Mark.

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JOB CREATION | LOCAL HERO

THE ARTISAN ENABLER

SKILLING UP Linda Madube-Dube of Trade-Mark.

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Joshua Cox: founder of Trade-Mark It was a chance encounter in 2005, between Joshua and a tiler from Diepsloot township in Johannesburg, that led to the creation of Trade-Mark, a non-profit organisation that helps struggling artisans grow their businesses.

‘I met this man named Simon when he did paving work for me in Johannesburg,’ says Joshua. He was incredibly skilled, but he was struggling to get clients. His work, I saw, wasn’t the problem; he simply didn’t have the skills to market and build his business.

‘I wrote him a reference letter and helped him get some business cards, and soon he was pulling in jobs worth R30 000. He still uses that letter to this day. That’s when I realised there must be others like him, and decided to set up Trade-Mark to help them.’

It was tough going in the beginning, with Joshua still working his full-time job at a social-development organisation until 2013, but today, Trade-Mark has set up offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg. They have five permanent staff members, and have helped around 70 artisans on their way to creating booming businesses of their one-man operations.

‘We’ve helped close to 30 tradesmen though our businessincubator programme,’ explains Joshua. ‘There are another 16 completing the programme now, and we’ve just recruited another 20 in the Cape Town area and 20 more in Johannesburg.’

The incubator programme takes two years to complete, while trainees still work full time, with the first 18 months devoted to learning business skills and life skills, such as goal setting and integrity. Trainees then work with a mentor for a further six months, and are set up with new clients from the Trade-Mark network to build their referral base.

‘We have a strict selection process for trainees,’ says Joshua, ‘and inspect their previous work to see if they can deliver the level of service we promise to clients, and are reliable and trustworthy. They must also be willing to develop their business and employ others.

‘The transformations we’ve seen are incredible. Once they leave the programme, they start getting huge jobs, and we’ve even seen some family feuds resolved because of the life skills lessons. We gather feedback from clients after every contract and our current average rating from clients is over 9/10.’

As for the clients, Trade-Mark’s service is like manna from heaven. ‘People are crying out for a service like this,’ says Joshua.

‘So many people have been disappointed by contractors in the past, but we can deliver the quality we promise. Half our

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CAREER BOOST Linda Robyn is learning valuable skills at Uthango.

HAPPY DAYS Gertrude Maweyi is training at Uthango.

clients are also women, who feel much more comfortable letting a stranger into their home when he’s vetted by other clients and an organisation like ours.’

Joshua himself has also been transformed by the business.

‘We’re constantly bombarded by negative messages about SA,’ he says, ‘and it gives me a huge amount of hope for our country’s future to work with tradesman who don’t sit back and wait for government help. They push on against the odds to change their lives. I see so much positivity and transformation – people’s lives change week by week and month by month here.’

Get involved: Try Trade-Mark’s services or refer skilled artisans at www.trade-mark.org.

THE ENTERPRISE RESEARCHER Erna Sittig: co-founder of Uthango For any organisation that wants to help people in disadvantaged communities, in any way, one of the biggest challenges can be gathering information on what exactly the community needs.

Without it, any good work done can become pointless – there’s no use in shipping ice to Antarctica, after all.

But Uthango has found a way to change this. After years of research, and frustration over the footprint of their good work, they developed a need-identifying research tool for poor

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communities. It’s so impressive that the World Economic Forum (WEF) even invited them to present their work at the WEF on Africa event in Cape Town in 2011.

The main purpose of this tool is to improve Uthango’s job-creation, career-training and enterprise-development programmes for poor communities in the greater Cape area. But it has the added advantage of helping to allocate funding and grants for the most important community needs – helping other organisations and even government to help those communities more. It also tracks interesting changes in a community, such as the effects of government policy.

To do their research, Uthango identifies a community, then employs a task team of young people on a temporary basis to gather data. They walk through the area, street by street, seeking out businesses and speaking to residents about their needs.

Previously, this type of research only covered 2% of a given community. Uthango now reaches 20%, and identifies 99% of all businesses in a community. These are unheard-of stats, since these businesses are often operated from people’s homes and are not formally registered.

‘Besides aiding our business development mentorship programmes, our method has even inspired our researchers,’ says Erna. ‘We once had three unemployed teachers on a task

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job creATion | local hero

AfrikA Tikkun hAve TrAined 1 100 young people in cAreer reAdiness, And plAced 300 inTo jobs team, who realised that training was the biggest need in their community after they completed the research. They went on to establish a new basic education centre for adults, and now have around 300 students.’

And if Uthango can raise the necessary funds to implement this tool nationally, they can create 20 000 jobs over the next 15 years. Now hat’s a proper footprint.

Get involved: Donate funds or become a mentor at www.uthango.org.

The career GuiDance counsellor errol Pillay: ceo of afrika Tikkun services Since its founding in 1995, with Nelson Mandela as patron of the organisation, Afrika Tikkun has improved the living conditions of thousands of underprivileged families. With a specific focus on helping children and youth, some of their services include providing food and healthcare, getting children ready for school, and offering support with homework, sports, and arts and culture.

But while these youngsters’ lives were undoubtedly changed, they often took two steps back after leaving school when they couldn’t find work. ‘With support, kids out of a township environment can get the necessary education, but then going out on their own is still difficult,’ says Errol.

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Seeing this, Afrika Tikkun launched Afrika Tikkun Services (ATS) two years ago, partnering with recruitment companies and large firms to train matriculants for the workplace and provide job-placement opportunities. They’ve since trained 1 100 young people in career readiness, and placed 300 into jobs. ‘We help them with career assessments, and they then complete a training course accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) that teaches them skills like how to use a computer, how to do interviews, and how to communicate in a workplace,’ explains Errol.

The youngsters then have the chance to interview for jobs at ATS partners, such as Investec and Zurich Insurance. These corporates not only build on their social services, but receive well-trained candidates for entry-level positions, helping them meet B-BEEE criteria in the process.

This year, ATS is also launching a new venture-creation platform in partnership with Absa. Trainees who enter this programme will learn the ins and outs of starting a business, from registration to finance and marketing. At the end of the programme, mentors will choose two candidates who show the most promise and mentor them for a year, à la Dragon’s Den. Get involved: Donate money or become a mentor at www.afrikatikkun.org.

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LOCAL HERO | JOB CREATION

THE ANGEL OF EX-OFFENDERS Lesley Ann van Selm: founder of Khulisa Social Solutions Since she founded the Khulisa Crime Prevention Initiative in 1997, Lesley Ann has touched the lives of millions of disadvantaged South Africans. While the company expanded its services in 2010 to help with poverty alleviation and community development, becoming Khulisa Social Services, its focus has always included crime prevention.

Khulisa’s 38 offices work in 400 communities across the country, ensuring that ex-offenders don’t go back to a life of crime. ‘Shunned from society, these people usually go back to broken communities, with no choices and no understanding from others that they need support,’ says Lesley Ann. ‘Without intervention, 85% of them go back to crime.’

But Khulisa changes that, and has some impressive stats to back up its good work: only 20% of people who enter their programme go back to prison, while their victim/offender mediation programme sees over 90% victim satisfaction. ‘We’ve mediated over 15 000 cases with ex-offenders, where we give victims a chance to understand what went wrong and to see that this person truly wants to make amends,’ adds Lesley Ann.

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Of course, words mean nothing without action. To that end, Khulisa also has a pre-release programme for prisoners, where they take responsibility for what they’ve done, restore broken relationships, and make peace with themselves and others. After release, they’re also given multiple opportunities to become contributing members of society.

‘We try to find a role for them to contribute to the needs of their community, and we help them find jobs or start enterprises,’ Lesley Ann says. ‘Prisons offer courses in trades like horticulture, carpentry and building, and we match those skills with companies in the community who are prepared to give them a chance. Or we create enterprise hubs, getting four of them together to start a business, with investment from black-owned businesses.’

It’s a win-win situation. Not only do the ex-offenders suddenly have better futures, but companies get to invest in social development and improve their B-BBEE status, while the country saves a bundle in tax money that would otherwise be used to send someone back to prison.

Get involved: Become a donor or mentor at www.khulisaservices.co.za.

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HELPING HAND Lesley Ann van Selm helping learners start their own garden in Tembisa.

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Zen mechanics and the art of mindful

Whether stretching out in a hammock, getting a detoxifying massage, walking on hot coals or just finding uninterrupted time to finish a book in the middle of nowhere, sometimes what’s really required for escape is a sanctuary for the soul. Keith Bain tracks down the Zen-worthy.

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POMP AND PEACEFULNESS | TRAVEL

W

e all feel the weariness that comes with the digital lifestyle.

Unplugging has become the new Holy Grail. We’ve become caught up, ensnared by the techno glut that makes us feel connected to the modern world and ahead of the times, but invariably ensures disconnection from the present moment.

And the more we rely on being connected – plugged in, online, contactable – the more difficult it is to get away, unwind and withdraw. Real escape is increasingly elusive. Or is it?

Allowing the mind to truly escape is good, old-fashioned meditation. And contrary to common perception, this isn’t something mystical or ‘alternative’, but simply an ancient practice with a single purpose: to calm the mind, achieving what Eastern philosophies refer to as Zen, a state of mind best described as uncluttered and clear.

Anyone who has tried to meditate or let go of the constant flow of thoughts and mental clutter knows that this Zen state is virtually unobtainable. As much as sitting still and thinking of nothing sounds like something anyone can do, effective meditation invariably requires years of practising how to consciously empty the mind. Being in an appropriate environment definitely helps, and finding a place that’s specifically dedicated to the Zen experience can be a game changer.

POPLAR MECHANICS Antony Osler, who has written books on the subject and is an ordained Zen monk,

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runs meditation retreats at his Karoo farm, Poplar Grove, about 30km from Colesberg. A student of Buddhism since the early 1970s, Antony says retreating from the daily grind makes it easier to unwind and find something he refers to as ‘spaciousness’. He says before the mind can be clear, people need a space that isn’t crowded by the bustle and busyness of daily life. ‘Changing your environment can be a tool to help you pay attention,’ he says, ‘and it’s a combination of setting, personal discipline and silence that proves most conducive to meditation.’

Places like Poplar Grove offer visitors a chance to ‘just be’, to be absorbed by a landscape that’s vast, empty and visually archetypal. ‘People come here for a week of quiet and to experience the Karoo in stillness,’ he says, ‘and that compels a certain kind of letting go.’ Once the distractions and seductions of everyday life are gone, it’s easier to drop into an altered state of being.

Antony says many people have certain misconceptions about what Zen is.

Although rooted in ancient Buddhism, it doesn’t cling to any belief system or dogma. ‘It’s not about adherence to any religion or club,’ he explains. He also distinguishes between a retreat such as Poplar Grove and monastic institutions, where the idea is to recluse oneself from daily life. ‘The idea is not to spend the rest of our lives in retreat or to remove ourselves from the world,’ he says, ‘but to take this quietness and openness into whatever life we lead.’

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travel | PomP and Peacefulness

‘To learn The way of Zen is To learn abouT oneself.

To learn abouT oneself is To forgeT oneself.

To forgeT oneself is To perceive oneself as all Things. To realise This is To casT off body and mind.’

– dogen Zenji, 13Th-cenTury Zen masTer ‘Letting go’ doesn’t mean these kinds of retreats are without some effort and personal responsibility. ‘Silence and meditation don’t mean we sit around on our backsides all day,’ says Antony.

‘Guests are encouraged to pay attention to everything that’s happening, to be mindful of each and every experience and action. You learn to observe the movement of breath, even while walking, sitting, and attending to small tasks such as preparing food or cutting wood.’

Antony’s retreats are also silent.

Attendees refrain from speaking as an aid to disentangle from social and personal habits. ‘It simply means we don’t engage in our normal social patterns,’ he explains.

‘Just as the Karoo gives us physical space and the discipline of the sitting meditation gives us space, our silence gives us another kind of space.’

These retreats aren’t about changing who you are, rather, they provide some of the tools people need to perform better in all parts of their lives. ‘They enable

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us to pay attention wherever we are,’ says Antony. ‘Invariably, those who come here are busy people – executives and professionals. The feedback we get is that being here helps them get a perspective on their lives in the city, and that includes all facets of urban life: work; relationships; and even sitting in traffic. It’s a tool to help us become more open, tolerant, and forgiving – of ourselves and others.’

In full retreat In KwaZulu-Natal, near Ixopo, Louis van Loon’s Buddhist Retreat Centre is listed

by CNN as one of the world’s foremost destinations for meditation. ‘The mind is generally in a riot about the past and future,’ says Louis. ‘It’s constantly spinning stories. Meditation, which is central to Buddhist philosophy, teaches us to remove the thoughts, expectations, judgements, and emotions attached to things, so that instead of constantly interpreting reality, as we spend our lives doing, we experience reality as it truly is.’

This centre offers an introduction to the basics of meditation, and also hosts various kinds of retreats with specific focuses, such as yoga, qigong, kite flying, tai chi, painting, or cooking. Guests might plant trees or spend days bird-watching, but the idea is to give mindful focus to activities.

‘The core philosophy of Buddhism is the search for clarity by better understanding one’s own mind,’ says Louis. ‘Meditation helps calm the mind, which so readily goes into orbit. You can try doing this at home, but the likelihood is that because you’re in a familiar environment, you quickly give up, switch on the TV, or grab a book or magazine.’ He calls the centre a ‘gentle and sympathetic space’ that can serve as an ‘aid to change tune and attitude’.

‘Usually, we humans look for excitement to find pleasure,’ says Louis.

‘Here, it’s the opposite. Pleasure comes from the application of the mind to the here and now.’ It’s a beautiful place to

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apply one’s mind, too. A 300-acre expanse that takes full advantage of nature’s bounty – paths weave through trees and ancient cycads, and lead towards the dam and up rocky outcrops.

‘You can come here to be still,’ says Louis, ‘get in touch with yourself, and reflect positively on those myriad things that fill your life, preventing you from being able to see the wood for the trees.

In time, every leaf becomes clear.’

COPING WITH IT At the end of a dirt road some 25km from the fabled hamlet of Groot Marico in North West Province, the Tara Roka Centre is another Buddhist retreat where guests can experience distance from everyday life. Within driving distance of Jo’burg, this retreat sits in a fertile, little wooded valley full of streams and surrounded by rolling hills. Pippa Cope, who runs the centre and has been living there for over a decade, says people come from as far away as Europe for ‘the

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RETREATS TO RETREAT TO Poplar Grove. Antony Osler hosts four Zen retreats each year, suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators. www.stoepzen.co.za.

Buddhist Retreat Centre (BRC).

Considered one of the world’s finest meditation retreats, the BRC offers a range of accommodations (rooms, mountain kutis, bungalows, or chalets) and serves wholesome organic meals. www.brcixopo.co.za.

Tara Rokpa Centre. Aside from being an idyllic place to unwind and soak up nature, this retreat is the regional HQ for Tara Rokpa therapy, a mind-healing system that uses elements of Eastern wisdom with modern psychotherapy.

It’s also internationally known for the mindfulness courses presented here. www.tararokpacentre.co.za.

Bhodi Khaya. Hidden below the Witkransberg in the Overberg, this beautiful 217-hectare retreat is surrounded by indigenous fynbos and milkwood forest. Themed retreats include qigong, which teaches the Chinese practice of harmonising body and mind by increasing the flow of qi (life force). www.bodhi-khaya.co.za.

Dhamma Pataka Vipassana Meditation Centre. Meaning ‘to see things as they really are’, Vipassana has been taught for more than 2 500 years. Located near Worcester, this centre provides training in the meditation technique during 10-day retreats. Meals and accommodation are provided, and there is no charge. www.pataka.dhamma.org.

Little Samadhi. A tiny retreat-style B&B overlooking Barrydale from an idyllic hilltop location, this is not just a place to rest your head – there’s also yoga, organic vegetarian food, and a very caring hostess who can offer lomilomi massages and personalised yoga sessions. www.littlesamadhi.co.za.

The Robertson Dharma Centre. What started in Somerset West in 1981 is now a full-time residential Zen centre in the Robertson Valley, where clean air and tranquil surrounds contribute to the experience. Retreats are run by co-founder Rodney Downey, who was once the director of a large retail centre, so he understands the mind space of busy professionals.

This centre also runs a mindfulawareness programme for prison inmates, contributing to sustainable rehabilitation. There’s a sister centre in Rondebosch, Cape Town. www.dharmacentre.org.za.

pictures: supplied

Buddhisty retreats’, as well as various treatments and therapies that promote physical and emotional healing.

Pippa says the unpolluted air, crystalclear water and vastness of space and surrounding nature are in themselves a form of therapeutic healing. ‘Sure, we do yoga and host strange dance gatherings,’ she says, ‘and we have walking trails, philosophical get-togethers, and permaculture weekends, but for some, being here simply provides an opportunity to catch up on sleep.’

Besides the relaxation and therapy programmes, Pippa says the centre’s big attractions are its mindfulness retreats, hosted by experts in the field, and attracting visitors from as far as Europe.

‘Mindfulness is a way of encouraging us to live in the present moment,’ she explains.

‘Trying to become a little bit more aware and trying to be more in control of habitual ways and slowing down.’

While this can be difficult when enmeshed in our daily surroundings and regular routines, time away is hugely beneficial, says Pippa, and some of the mechanisms for healing are as simple as having no cellphone reception. ‘It’s a big advantage for people who are addicted to being on their phones all the time, and there isn’t much entertainment, so you have to be with yourself and with nature.

‘The presence of nature also slows people down – it gives them permission to sleep a lot, if that’s what they need.

I also think it’s an empowered valley, a special place for anyone seeking serious peace and quiet. And, if nothing else, it’s a perfect place for a break from city life and the daily grind. These days there aren’t too many places actively encouraging us to unplug.’

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2015/04/09 10:55 AM

Agri (able)culture Will Edgcumbe cultivates a sense of relaxation on a few of our country’s working farms.

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here are few places more peaceful and relaxing than a farm – unless you’re the farmer, in which case, getting up at 5am counts as a lazy lie-in and work is only completed by the sweat of the brow and when sunstroke kicks in. So perhaps we should rephrase that: if you’re a city slicker, there are few places more peaceful and relaxing than a farm.

The wide open spaces in the hinterland between South Africa’s cities are home to farming communities centred around tiny dorps populated by friendly people. The crop or livestock may be different – maize or grapes, cattle or game, herbs or lions (that’s not a typo) – but the vibe is the same: vast plains, myriad ecosystems, bird and animal life, excellent hospitality and, most importantly, the time to take it as easy as you like.

GANNABOS FARM AND GUEST HOUSES Nieuwoudtville, Northern Cape For a dash of true Karoo hospitality,

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Gannabos Farm and Guest Houses, 30km from Nieuwoudtville, is unbeatable. A working sheep farm, Gannabos is most famous for being home to the largest quiver tree forest in South Africa. The quiver tree (or kokerboom in Afrikaans) is a striking species of aloe, growing up to six metres tall, with golden-coloured bark, branches ending in thick rosettes of succulent leaves and striking yellow flowers which bloom in winter.

So already, Gannabos is basically a must visit for the winter months.

Although, if trees aren’t your thing, the hiking, vistas, stargazing and stillness make this a supremely relaxing getaway.

Two cottages – one a romantic one-bedroom rondavel ideal for couples, and the other a three-bedroom farm house – offer tranquillity and luxury, and freshly baked bread is delivered to your doorstep every evening.

JAN HARMSGAT COUNTRY HOUSE Ashton, Western Cape Set in heart-stoppingly beautiful countryside outside the dorpie of Ashton is this working wonder. The 680-hectare farm straddling the lush mountainous belt is yours to explore, with its orchards of fruit, nut and olive trees being the source of its highly acclaimed preserves and produce. Indigenous wildlife such as black wildebeest, springbuck, grey rhebuck and ostriches can be seen here,

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AFRICAN VINEYARD GUESTHOUSE IS A TRANQUIL FOUR-STAR GUESTHOUSE SURROUNDED BY LUSH GARDENS AND EMERALD VINEYARDS

along with many smaller creatures and birds. See page 24 for the full write-up.

pictures: supplied

AFRICAN VINEYARD GUESTHOUSE Kanoneiland, Northern Cape The words ‘island’ and ‘Kalahari’ aren’t often uttered in the same breath, but that’s just part of the wonderful contradiction that the Orange River brings to the Green Kalahari. Set halfway between Upington and the village of Keimos, Kanoneiland is the largest island in the Orange River, and almost every available square foot of it is cultivated.

African Vineyard Guesthouse, set on a working raisin farm, is a tranquil four-star

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guesthouse surrounded by lush gardens and emerald vineyards. Their spacious suites, each named after a grape cultivar, are supremely comfortable and the guesthouse offers some pretty amazing grub – think delicious country-style breakfasts and a six-course dinners with food-and-wine pairings. While you’re in the area, there’s plenty to do, including river rafting, game viewing and lots (lots) of wine to taste.

FOUR FLIES NATURE FARM Carolina, Mpumalanga Rustic, homely and set in an achingly lovely valley, Four Flies Nature Farm is the kind of place where it’s okay to sit

back and just do nothing, while the cattle, goats, chicken, geese and ducks amble around doing their thing (basically, eating and defecating, if we’re going to be blunt about it). The farm’s guesthouse caters for up to 11 people sleeping in three comfortable bedrooms and a loft (so you can’t, with a clear conscience, tell the in-laws there isn’t room), and it’s fully equipped with everything, from a gas braai to feather duvets.

Time doesn’t move forward so much as loll about here, but there’s plenty to do once you decide to get up from the porch.

Three dams stocked with trout are just a short walk from the guesthouse, and lavender, rosemary and camomile are

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also grown at the farm. So a gentle stroll might take you to some fragrant places, especially if you’re there in December when lavender’s in bloom.

IT’S THE KIND OF PLACE THAT THE WORDS ‘KAROO HOSPITALITY’ WERE COINED TO DESCRIBE

SIESTA GUESTHOUSE Frankfort, Free State Set on a farm called Merrydale just outside Frankfort, Siesta Guesthouse is one of the few places outside a game reserve where the roar of lions will serenade you to sleep. The farm runs a lion-breeding project, but apart from the king of the jungle, maize and grains are cultivated on the farm too, with blesbuck and wildebeest also bred on the property. It’s an interesting mix of activities, but a totally awesome one. As one would expect, the lion viewing here is exceptional, and in season you can also hunt the blesbuck and wildebeest (taking care of your biltong needs for the entire Super Rugby season). The guesthouse is four-star, so the rooms are well-appointed and have all the expected amenities. Hot tip: the rooms Illaria and

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Sasha have views of the lion camp, so it’s worth trying to stay in one of these.

KUILFONTEIN GUEST FARM Springfontein, Free State Just off the N1 between Bloemfontein and Colesberg, lies Kuilfontein – a fifth generation working sheep farm. It’s the kind of place that the words ‘Karoo hospitality’ were coined to describe – warm hearths, Karoo lamb dinners, hearty breakfasts and service with a smile.

This lovely farmstead offers six units with kitchenettes and en-suite bathrooms, and various options including self-catering, bed and breakfast, dinner, bed and breakfast, and dinner and bed.

Basically, you can cook as much or as little as you want. There are around 140

bird species to be seen, including a pair of nesting black eagles, and the hiking and mountain biking are excellent.

The area is also home to numerous places of historical significance, including an Anglo-Boer War cemetery and San petroglyphs, and the massive Gariep Dam is only 35km away. As you can imagine in such an isolated place, the stargazing is fantastic. So if you set just one alarm during your stay, make it a midnight one, bundle up and head outside to watch the universe go by.

WILDSPAN GUEST FARM Campbell, Northern Cape A 3 200-hectare farm just outside the hamlet of Campbell in the Northern Cape, Wildspan Guest Farm breeds 15 species of plains game, as well as sheep, goats

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technology we drag everywhere with us and just hang out in a beautiful setting.

OVERSTONE COTTAGES Wartburg, KwaZulu-Natal KwaZulu-Natal is home to some great farming countrysides, including the lovely Wartburg area. Overstone is a working sugar cane farm, and is also home to Nguni cattle, horses, chickens and geese, not to mention prolific birdlife and the odd bit of small game.

The comfortable stone cottages are set in a beautiful garden, and each one has its own bit of history to read up on.

Overstone is a great family destination, with horse riding, swimming in the dam, fishing and tractor rides available to keep the kids busy so you can actually take a few minutes to yourself.

Contacts

Jan Harmsgat Country House 021 762 1543, janharmsgat.com African Vineyard Guesthouse 083 461 1724, africanvineyard.co.za and cattle. So there’s no shortage of quadrupeds running around.

It’s a great destination if you’re feeling active, with game drives, hikes, bird watching and swims in the farm’s dams on offer, as well as a look into the farm’s livestock activities, such as the feeding of lambs or sable antelope. Self-catering accommodation is offered in three lovely stone cottages, and there’s also a room in the main Cape Dutch-style farmhouse for visitors who’d rather be catered for.

BAKEN OORD COTTAGES Breede River Valley, Western Cape Just two hours from Cape Town is the small town of Bonnievale, set in the

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gorgeous Breede River Valley. Just outside the town is Baken Oord, a farm on the banks of the Breede River itself.

Set between vineyards and a horse camp with views of the Langeberg and Riviersonderend Mountains, the farm offers four sweet, little, renovated labourer’s cottages which just ooze rustic charm and old-fashioned comfort. One of the simplest but best activities on the farm is walking – through the vineyards, along the river bank, through the natural vegetation or to the nearby Bakenskop for a view over the valley.

There’s also swimming, fishing, cycling, bird watching, stargazing … and no TV. This is the place to come to shed all the

Four Flies Nature Farm 083 703 1166, 4fliesfarm.co.za Siesta Guesthouse 079 382 4900, siestaguesthouse.co.za Gannabos Farm and Guest Houses 027 218 1249, gannabos.co.za Kuilfontein Guest Farm 083 283 7522, accommodationspringfontein.co.za Wildspan Guest Farm 076 733 4466, wildspanguestfarm.co.za Baken Oord Cottages 082 434 7509, bakenoord.co.za Overstone Cottages 083 290 1153, overstone.co.za

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Mind the

gap

Can’t face the thought of more books and studying straight after matric?

If you’re yearning for adventure and a taste of freedom (plus a bit of financial independence), then taking a gap year is a great option. Katherine Graham works through the options.

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here comes a time in most young people’s lives when they feel the urge to travel. Taking a gap year can be a life-changing experience that broadens your horizons. It affords you the opportunity to discover what you’re good at and what you really want to do with your life, before you commit to studying for the next three to seven years.

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TAKINg A gAp yEAr CAN BE A LIFE ChANgINg ExpErIENCE ThAT BrOAdENS yOUr hOrIZONS

Do your homework Before you go anywhere, you’ll need to research your options carefully.

It’s best to approach an agency like STA Travel or OVC to guide you through the process of applying for a work visa and knowing what requirements need to be met.

Some overseas options for working holidays include au pairing in Europe and America, working on cruise ships and super yachts, working at kibbutzim in Israel, finding a job in New Zealand, working at summer camps and ski resorts in the US, and teaching English in Thailand, Korea or China.

‘Find out as much as possible – the good and the bad – about what it is you’re interested in doing,’ advises Lee Cairncross, marketing executive of STA Travel. ‘Become almost completely knowledgeable about your chosen programme, so that you’re not caught unawares by anything.’

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She also recommends preparing a budget. ‘Work out approximately how much you’ll need on a daily basis for food, accommodation and any activities,’ she says, ‘then multiply that by the number of days you plan to be away for.’

Remember, you can live like a king in Southeast Asia on just a few rands a day, but if you’re heading for the USA, you’ll need a few more dollars in your pocket.

Getting travel insurance is also a good idea. You’ll be travelling without the normal safety network of friends and family, so you definitely don’t want to be stranded if you break your leg while zooming down those Colorado ski slopes. Some credit card companies offer travel insurance if you buy your air ticket through them, but it’s probably best to spend a little extra on insurance that’s more comprehensive.

pictures: supplied

Weigh up the pros…

‘A gap year gives you the opportunity to travel the world, make new friends, gain international practical work experience and earn and save foreign currency,’ asserts Lee. ‘It allows you to develop a worldview and become a more considerate person.’

A working holiday makes sense if you don’t have a clear vision of what career you want to pursue.

‘Studying just out of obligation or the pressures of expectation is a road to deep unhappiness,’ says counselling psychologist Dr Anthony Costandius.

A gap year gives you the freedom to explore various career paths. ‘It also gives you the opportunity to discover yourself as a person and to develop in areas such as responsibility, self-sufficiency, independence and maturity,’ he adds.

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If you plan your gap year properly, you could also develop various skills, which may come in handy later on in life. ‘As much as it’s essential to take time off to relax, lying on a beach in Thailand for six months probably isn’t going to be particularly helpful to you, let alone impress a potential university or recruiter,’ says Isabelle Tompkins of Samara Private Game Reserve, which runs a wildlife volunteer programme.

She recommends dividing up your time into different categories – from social activities like going to a festival to educational ones like volunteering.

‘You can acquire so many skills through working holidays that you can easily put on your CV, like accounting, as well as less obvious ones, like leadership and management of people,’ she says. ‘Both can be essential for your future career.’

…and the cons There are also instances when a working holiday isn’t a good idea. Some university courses, particularly those involving maths and science, may prefer students to start studying right after matric. ‘Wasting a year while losing the mental sharpness you may require for certain degrees will set you back at a tertiary level,’ warns Anthony. There’s also the danger that losing an academic year may demotivate you, so that you don’t continue studying and then end up settling for a second-rate career path.

Although there are some drawbacks to taking a working holiday, if you plan your time properly and aim to get the most out of it, there should be no looking back. Think of all the wonderful stories you’ll be able to tell your children one day. So what are you waiting for? Do your research, pack your bags and go!

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Behind the scenes : volunteering at a kibbutz

Ridge Cross was 19 when he decided to take a gap year. ‘I went straight from matric to first-year university studies and realised it was too much for me,’ he recalls. ‘I needed a break.’ He spoke to his mother and they began researching options for a gap year. After much deliberation, he eventually settled on a working holiday on a kibbutz in Israel.

After paying R10 000 for his air ticket, R3 000 for travel insurance and R400 for his visa, he was off to Israel, where he spent five months working in a factory that made irrigation parts for the kibbutz where he stayed. ‘It was a very self-sufficient kibbutz,’ he explains. ‘Everything that it produced or grew was for the benefit of those who lived there.’

He loved living on the kibbutz. ‘The whole simplicity of living, having the bare minimum (which was more than enough) really appealed to me,’ he says. ‘You share everything with everyone, as the kibbutz is one big family.’ It was also quite an eye-opening time for him. ‘Whenever I went into a main city near Tel Aviv,’ he recalls, ‘I was warned that rockets were on their way, and I had to know where the closest bomb shelter was and get ready for the rockets that came over every 30 minutes.’

Five months later, having travelled around Israel on his earnings, Ridge was ready to come back home and tackle his studies once more. ‘Taking a gap year opens up so many doors,’ he says. ‘You meet the most amazing people, and you meet people from around the world who are on the same journey as you. You learn about different cultures and different ways of living. You learn about yourself and do things that you never thought you were able to do.’

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Career envy

You get paid to do what? From the sublime to the ludicrous, Keith Bain asks if those dream jobs are all they’re cracked up to be.

I

get it all the time. People ask me what I do for a living, and when I mention travel writing, they declare it’s their dream job, too. They assume travel writing is a euphemism for ‘paid vacation’, flitting between exotic locations, with zero responsibility and countless perks.

But what no one fantasises about when conjuring up job specs for travel journalism are the late nights pounding away at the keyboard, or the endless fact checking, the unglamorous bus trips undertaken in pursuit of that one magical sunrise – or worse, entire days spent travelling to some destination that turns out to be unworthy of written description.

But the travel writer’s job is to experience the world warts and all, so that readers don’t need to. I’ve done a lot of stupid things to get the assignment done, and then – when faced with another insurmountable deadline – vowed it would be my last.

And it’s not a job from which you resign. Every personal vacation has me wondering how the story will end and

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how many stars my hotel deserves. It’s something that gets under your skin and into your blood. So is travel writing a job? I’d say almost as much as it’s a way of life.

STAND-UP COMEDIAN ‘When I was five or six years old, I wanted to become a clown,’ says actor-comedian Alan Committie.

Fortunately, Alan didn’t join the circus. Instead, he went to drama school and, while working as a teacher, wrote a one-man version of Richard III that inadvertently revealed his gift for stand-up. ‘While doing the show in Grahamstown,’ he explains, ‘latecomers were forced to walk across the stage, so instead of ignoring them, I’d interact with them and those one-liners got the biggest laughs.’

Alan says he enjoys the mechanics of comedy, and the intricacies of the techniques involved. ‘Change pitch ever so slightly, pause too long or too briefly, and you can alter the joke’s nature or change the quality of laughs you

receive,’ he says. ‘I enjoy analysing a joke, figuring out why audiences react in different ways on any particular night. It’s like a puzzle.

‘Developing new material can be tricky, because audiences arrive with expectations. It’s like watching a favourite band. Sure, we want to hear their new songs, but we definitely want to hear the stuff that

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THE BEST JOBS | BEHIND THE SCENES

‘PERHAPS IT’S A HOBBY GONE TOO FAR, BECAUSE I GET PAID TO DO SOMETHING I LOVE. IT MAY BE WORK, BUT THERE ARE DEFINITELY MUCH HARDER WAYS OF EARNING A LIVING.’ – ALAN COMMITTIE attracted us to them in the first place.

With comics there’s a conundrum, because audiences want us to do the same kinds of stuff, but it must be different.

Not too different from what they love, but not so similar that it’s precisely what they’ve heard before, which can be quite tricky.

‘Fortunately, inspiration is everywhere. You’re wired differently and look at the

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‘When Someone PaYS You To TraIn Them, TheY’re BaSICallY handIng over TheIr moST valuaBle aSSeT: TheIr BodY.’ – ChrIS WalSh

world differently. If I’m at the bank or Telkom or dealing with bureaucrats on some level, I get just as pissed off as everyone else. The difference is that afterwards, I realise it was quite a funny interaction and look at it from a different perspective, to see if it could become part of a show. You become attuned to the comic possibilities of situations.

‘It’s true that you’re constantly thinking about it. You can’t really have a nine-to-five mentality. It’s something that sits with you in both your personal and your business life. But it also has that pleasure of a hobby. Perhaps it’s a hobby gone too far, because I get paid to do something I love. It may be work, but

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there are definitely much harder ways of earning a living.’

Alan Committie stars in the comedy horror musical, Little Shop of Horrors, at Cape Town’s Theatre on the Bay until 6 June, www.theatreonthebay.co.za.

PhysiCAl TrAiner ‘It’s like having 30 or 40 girlfriends,’ says Chris Walsh, owner of 360 Specialised Training, Cape Town’s preeminent independent gym. ‘Clients can become quite dependent. When you’re giving so much of yourself, it can be difficult to have a normal life.’

Chris, who started working as a personal trainer in his teens, got into

it almost by accident, as something to fall back on if his career as a pro athlete didn’t work out. Training others brought out his lighter side, enabling him to combine the fun, social aspect of his personality with hard work, professionalism and structure.

For Chris, it wasn’t simply about hitting the gym and then showing others what he’d done to achieve an enviable physique. he says he approached fitness as a form of preventative medicine, focusing on a balanced, healthy lifestyle that extends beyond the gym.

‘When I wasn’t training,’ he says, ‘I was researching, attending seminars, keeping myself informed and up to date.

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I assumed other trainers were doing the same, but they weren’t.’

Aside from being able to translate knowledge into measurable results, Chris’s advantage is his passion for motivating others and his compulsive work ethic. But he realised that a personal trainer’s work schedule wasn’t sustainable. ‘The hours are unrealistic,’ he admits.

In total, Chris could easily spend 120 hours each week at the gym. That didn’t add up to a balanced life. ‘So I created programmes for my clients to reduce contact hours,’ he says, ‘and developed a system for training trainers, which would generate passive income. That’s how my business model developed, and out of that my gym evolved.’

Chris says although he no longer focuses on individual clients, his love for interacting with people and contributing to their wellbeing is satisfied, because he spends time on the gym floor and teaches very popular group classes.

‘People assume it’s just about looking good, pumping weights, and knowing how to do exercises correctly, but I’ve always valued the trust people place in me. Because when someone pays you to train them, they’re basically handing over their most valuable asset: their body. So I believe a trainer should give them the best possible return on that investment of trust.’

Chris Walsh owns Cape Town’s 360 Specialised Training, www.360training.co.za.

‘WHEN WE SEE IT WORKING AND FLOWING AND PEOPLE HAVING THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES, IT’S A VERY SPECIAL THING.’ – CRAIG BRIGHT

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FESTIVAL ORGANISER Craig Bright enjoys a good party. It’s his job, in fact, to make larger-than-life parties come together smoothly and effortlessly. And not just parties, but festivals such as the Cape’s premier green-themed music event, Rocking the Daisies.

It’s the kind of job Craig was born to do. ‘I’m a people person,’ he explains.

‘I’m very outgoing, and I love making people happy.’

He admits it’s a career path influenced by lifestyle. As a youngster, he recalls idolising a renowned Cape Town party organiser. ‘This guy was always surrounded by beautiful women,’ says Craig, ‘so I assumed whatever his job entailed, it must be something great.’

Such success, Craig discovered, doesn’t happen overnight. A year after convincing his best mate, Brian Little, to start an events company with him, the duo hadn’t landed one job. Craig dreamed up Rocking the Daisies as a way of showcasing their skills. ‘In our first year,’ he says, ‘resources were so limited that we were putting up 2km of fencing ourselves. I dropped one of those heavy metal things on my foot and swore I’d never do manual labour again.’

The pain wasn’t only physical. ‘We did all that fencing because we expected thousands of people to rock up,’ says Craig. ‘Only 700 did. We lost a lot of money. But we had to start somewhere, I suppose.’ Undeterred, Craig and Brian persevered and by the third year, attendance at the fledgling festival unexpectedly mushroomed to more than 8 000 people. Stress levels exploded, too. ‘Half the tickets were sold at the gate,’ says Craig, ‘which we weren’t prepared for. It was kind of disastrous.’

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thE bEst Jobs | BEHIND THE SCENES

that’s the part people don’t see, he says. ‘Everyone assumes festivals are easy money-spinners. but it’s a very tough industry to crack. no one understands the costs involved – or the stress.’ by the time any concert or festival comes together, intensive planning has been going on for years. ‘We’re constantly working the scene, chatting with managers, going to conferences, and travelling to international festivals as part of our research,’ craig explains. it is also a line of work with exposure to opinion and mudslinging. ‘you lose sleep because someone moans on twitter about a stale hotdog roll,’ he says. ‘We want to make people happy, so we listen to criticism, endeavouring to make things a bit better next time.

‘When we walk around looking at what’s been created during an event, it’s a beautiful feeling to see everything running smoothly. When we see it working and flowing and people having the time of their lives, it’s a very special thing.’

Craig Bright is co-founder of Seed Experiences, responsible for July’s Ben Howard concerts in Jo’burg and Cape Town, www.weareseed.co.za.

RoCk STaR ‘it’s not cool to be “rock star” anymore,’ says Jon savage, one-time lead singer of rock band cassette. ‘rock stardom isn’t synonymous with sex and drugs and magazine cover shoots anymore. massive shifts in the music industry have forced artists to become entrepreneurs. it’s difficult to be a “rock star” with reckless abandon and manage your business properly. in the old days, managers and record labels took care of business – all you had to do was worry about was being a rock star.

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‘EvEn if you’rE thE biggEst rock star in south african history, it’s complEtEly mEaninglEss in thE global schEmE.’ – Jon savagE may 2015

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BEHIND THE SCENES | the best jobs

‘Nowadays, you can’t afford to behave irresponsibly because you won’t last five minutes.’

Jon says he never quite achieved rock stardom. ‘I spent my life skirting the fine line in between and never really arrived,’ he says. To atone, he’s made a movie, Stone Cold Jane Austen, providing comic insight into the local music industry, satirising the insane lengths he once went to in pursuit of his dreams.

‘My character in this film is a part of myself I’m not proud of – the blind, driven wit who’ll do anything, irrespective of the consequences,’ he says.

‘Even if you’re the biggest rock star in South African history, it’s completely meaningless in the global scheme.

Our industry is totally isolated, a little bubble far from the world and utterly unrecognised. So there’s lots of pretending. You’ve got to create and maintain a rock-star façade to give your ego the juice to continue.’

Jon admits to being part of that.

‘Cassette was my six-year journey of being utterly focused on “world domination”, with a serious strategy that included constant international touring.

No local bands were making it overseas, so we were going to change that.

‘Being a rock star – that hour on stage doing what you love most – is less than one per cent of what it really involves.

The songwriting and studio recording is hard work, but you only do that once every year or two. The rest is fully timeconsuming and involves everything from strategising to touring.

‘The rest of it is like any business.

You’re trying to be a recognised band, trying to get your songs on radio, hustling everywhere, negotiating international gigs and records, and getting screwed by your publisher, fighting with the band, trying

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to release an album, trying to finance everything you’re doing. It’s hardcore.

Six years of insanity.’

But, he adds: ‘Insanity is essential – insanity and an indomitable ego. I look back and see myself as a rhinoceros charging through a forest of low branches without giving a damn about what was in front of me. I was so singleminded. That was our greatest asset – and also my greatest regret.

‘I now have a band called Kiterider,’ says Jon, ‘and what I love most about it is that there’s no pressure – it’s simply about making music. I’ll always make music, but rock stardom? I’m over that.

I’m not rock-star material. I get into trouble too easily.’

Jon Savage wrote, directed and stars in Stone Cold Jane Austen, premiering countrywide on 22 May, www.stonecoldmovie.com.

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DRIVE | ACTION

Big bakkie battle:

Toyota Hilux vs Ford Ranger It’s a clash of the titans, as two South African favourites go head to head. Which one will emerge victorious?

text: david taylor; pictures: supplied

W

e as a nation just adore our bakkies. I don’t even know where the word ‘bakkie’ comes from, as the rest of the world makes do with the term ‘pick-up truck’. Say it with a thick American accent and you get the idea that these vehicles are designed to be big, rugged and very capable.

Toughness is a key factor here, and I’m afraid the Toyota Hilux has an advantage. The Hilux, now in Legend 45 guise, is a seriously tough contender. If you want a bakkie that boasts unrivalled mechanical reliability and a strong go-anywhere attitude, then the Hilux just takes the win.

That’s not to say the Ford Ranger isn’t tough at all. Both vehicles boast 4x4 abilities, with clever differentials and low-range gearboxes to make short work of muddy riverbeds and gravel roads and beaches and Sandton pavements and … you get the idea. In fact, I’d even go as far as to say that the

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only limitation to the Ranger or Hilux’s off-road abilities is the driver behind the wheel. Once you learn how to use either of these vehicles to their full potential, you can pretty much drive anywhere.

In terms of engines, Toyota has the bulletproof 3.0-litre D4D doing duty in the Hilux, whereas the Ford Ranger makes do with a 3.2-litre Duratorq.

This Ford engine is very interesting, as it’s a five-cylinder unit – not something that’s commonly used.

Despite being an uncommon layout, I love it and I have to give Ford the win here in the engine contest.

Looks wise, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak wins the beauty contest. The Toyota Hilux design hasn’t evolved much, whereas the Ranger is an exceptionally good-looking bakkie. Go for broke and get the orange version you see pictured here. Advantage to the Ranger.

Let’s compare interiors. The Toyota has gone for a functional setup, which is

focused on getting the basics right, with very little personality. There’s some modern tech in the form of a reverse camera and a smart infotainment system, but overall, this cabin isn’t a patch on the smart and modern interior of the Ford Ranger. The Ford boasts a clever reverse camera integrated into the rearview mirror, as well as brilliant sync Bluetooth connectivity. You get a feeling that Ford has tried its very best to incorporate elements from its passenger cars, to make the Ranger feel more like a smaller passenger car, as opposed to a big bakkie.

In conclusion, Ford wins the beauty contest and interior, and Toyota wins the durability test. They’re very evenly matched, both in terms of ability and toughness, but if you had to put me on the spot and ask me to choose one, I’d go for the Ford Ranger, based purely on those looks. Still, there’s nothing wrong with South Africa’s favourite: the Hilux.

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ACTION | DRIVE

renault kangoo

ii If you’re a fan of the French, you can opt for the Renault Kangoo, which offers great value for money, as well as generous specification. Its party trick has to be its doors, which can open 180 degrees, making accessibility a breeze. From r209 900.

w

Cross Caddy u Volkswagen ii A personal favourite here. The Caddy makes a lot of sense if you need a van that offers typical Volkswagen build quality and ability. It’s strong too, with some respectable diesel engines, and comes in some vibrant colours. From r340 600.

Va-va-voom vans

transit x Ford ii I have yet to drive the latest version of the Ford Transit, but seeing as it’s the most popular van in the United Kingdom, it belongs on this list. Features like a strong diesel engine and huge carrying capacity make this a formidable van on paper, at least. Did I mention that it’s enormous? From r399 900.

Hyundai H1 MultiCab

Honda Jazz

ii You’re probably wondering what on earth the Honda Jazz is doing here – this isn’t a van! However, thanks to its brilliant seatfolding capabilities, you can pretty much turn the Honda Jazz into a van when you fold the back seats completely flat. I speak from experience; I managed to squeeze in two coffee tables plus curtains when I recently moved house. From r179 900.

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ii The Koreans are also trying to make inroads into this market, and the Hyundai H100 is a clever vehicle to fit the role. Based on the bus and van, this multicab offers a second row of seats, as well as a huge load-carrying area. While you may not have as much room as a Transit, it still offers tremendous space.

From r357 900.

y

text: david taylor; pictures: supplied

Here’s a look at five of the best vans in the business.

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property | stuff

Do your home(work) Kerry Hayes looks at the ins and outs of setting up a home office.

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o many people, working from home seems like the ideal setup: you can wake up at your leisure; stay in your pyjamas all day; take as many breaks as you want to without your manager giving you the lazy eye; and best of all, miss the horrendous city traffic that most of us have to deal with.

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple or that flexible. Working from home requires firm self-discipline, as regimented a routine as working in

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an office, and of course, a suitable environment to facilitate productivity. the working environment is probably the most pivotal aspect of being a stay-at-home businessperson, and creating a home office suited to your business and personal needs is vital.

role-working the first thing to do is ask yourself the following questions: what is the role of my office? What is the nature of my business? Do I need a shared or

closed-off space? If I meet with clients in my home office space, will they reach my office by walking through my home or a separate entrance? these questions will help you to define your needs in your home office space, be it a quiet area with lots of storage space – in a case where your job entails a lot of paperwork – or a more creative space with colour to get those creative juices flowing – should you be a graphic or interior designer, for example.

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Space caSe Next, you need to choose a space in your home that best suits your personality and working style. Be it a separate room in a larger home or a private corner by the window in your apartment, your space should encompass elements that inspire your creativity and focus your mind when you’re in ‘work mode’.

In a creative career, try to set yourself up near windows that allow natural light into the space, which will help to keep you energised and alert, and is said to improve work performance. Make sure that you find a balance between natural and functional light. Remember that your home office is a place of work, so the lighting should assist in getting the work done, as well as keep you sharp and focused. Opt for white light, which is brighter and clearer, as opposed to the traditional incandescent ‘yellow’ light.

Décor also plays a big role in creativity and productivity. Having a pot plant or two on your desk can reduce stress and make you more productive. Or, if you’re really going all out and have a few extra bob to spend, get an interior designer to help design the space.

Be sure that your office space is far enough away from your personal or family space, to separate the two.

It’s very easy to get distracted when working from home, so keep as far away from the TV, washing machine, microwave and kids’ play area as feasibly possible.

Work Smart Once your space is set up, the next step is to furnish it. Opt for practical

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as opposed to fancy, and focus on the essentials that’ll get your job done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Here are some elements to consider: • Keep your business and home phone lines separate – this also helps to separate ‘work’ time from ‘personal’ time. Have a voicemail option on your phone for when you take a lunch break and a client needs to get hold of you.

• If you travel for work, a laptop or notebook may be more practical than a desktop.

• Instead of a standard printer, opt for an MFP (multifunctional fax/copier/ printer) that combines all the elements into one.

• Internet access is vital, and adds to the functionality of your smart office. If your area doesn’t deliver a solid Wi-Fi signal, ensure that you have an Ethernet line available.

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Furnish and File Selecting the ideal furnishings for your office space is essential. Keep in mind that you don’t want to get too comfortable. You are there to stay focused and to get in a good day’s work. So while your chair should be ergonomically designed and support good posture, it shouldn’t allow you to ‘sit back and relax’, like the armchair in the lounge.

Your desk should be the right size for your office space, while allowing enough room for all your equipment and paperwork. It’s essential to do adequate space planning before purchasing your desk – and other furnishings – to ensure that the room does not become cluttered, which can lead to diminished productivity.

And don’t overlook things like wiring, filing and storage. Do proper wire and

storage management so that you don’t have a messy, tangled web of wires running through your space, or files lying everywhere. It’s advisable to consult a qualified technician to help you set up your wiring. And consider installing walls that double up as cupboards, benches with storage compartments and anything that can save you space while concealing paperwork.

Working from home certainly does have its benefits, and setting up a functional, comfortable (but not too comfortable!) home office will put you on the right path to productivity and success. Just remember to change out of your Superman onesie and slippers before meeting with that client!

For more inspiring home and décor ideas, visit www.sahomeowner.co.za.

pictures: Angelshack, Raw Studios, SA Home Owner

stuff | property

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MoneY MAtters | STUFF

Future work trends Welcome to the new world of work – where your physical environment fosters collaboration and creativity, and where a new generation of virtual workers no longer needs the nine-tofive routine to get their work done. Katherine Graham gives the lowdown.

picture: istock

Work becomes play Global trends show that people are working longer hours and integrating their work and social lives more.

‘Previously there was a desire to separate life from work,’ says Craig Spalding, director at Tuesday Consulting.

‘That’s no longer the case.’

As a result, companies are looking for ways to make their employees’ physical environments more playful and collaborative. ‘With highly skilled professionals in short supply, corporates find themselves competing for the loyalty of their most valuable staffers,’ says Robert Silke, a partner at Louis Karol. ‘It is also increasingly understood that people work longer, more productive hours in happier, better designed workplaces.’

The best example of this mantra is Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California. ‘Google was an early adopter of collaborative spaces, realising the impact that these spaces have on creativity,’ says Linda Trim of office design firm Giant Leap.

She says local companies are following suit, like the Cape Town offices of Red Bull, which include graphic wallpaper, racing games for their staff and ‘war rooms’ to strategise in.

The work environment of the future is one in which

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barriers and hierarchies are removed.

‘Stimulating connectivity is paramount, because one of the problems with corporate office space is level-by-level stagnation, where departments are divided into operational silos that foster an “us and them” mentality,’ says Aidan Hart of Inhouse Brand Architects.

labour goes virtual Shopping has gone virtual, file storage has gone virtual, why not workers as well? ‘The advantage of a virtual labour market is having access to the best person to do the job, regardless of where in the world they’re located,’ says Michelle Moss, director at Talent Africa.

Think of Fiverr, a website that enables you to find someone to do a job for you –

from graphic design to programming and marketing campaigns – from five dollars per job. ‘The requirement for flexibility by workers and by business is probably the major force here,’ says Craig. ‘Workers desire flexibility because of reasons related to their lifestyle, health or happiness, while business desires flexibility because of economics and efficiency.’

The workers of the future will have to adapt continually to change.

Traditional jobs will become a thing of the past, as innovation, technology and globalisation shift the employment landscape. ‘There are many advantages to leveraging skills in a global, virtual labour market, including cost efficiencies, broader knowledge bases and service delivery on a 24/7 basis,’ says Deirdre Elphick-Moore of The Office Coach. She does, however, stress the importance of ‘face time’ and good old-fashioned human connections.

In the wake of this new trend, corporate employers will need to abandon their mindset of ‘bums in seats equal productivity’. ‘The pressure is on traditional employers to respond,’ says Deirdre. ‘The threat of losing employees to broader opportunities, ones that offer employment on more flexible terms, is very real. South African employers need to shift their people practices radically if they are to fit into this new world of working.’

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STUFF | health

Stay fit … stay healthy … stay employed Healthy hints and tips to ensure the daily grind isn’t grinding away at your health. walk the block

If you never get up from your seat at work, this is for you. Instead of hopping in the car to go get lunch or coffee, rather grab a colleague or few and take a walk. It will do wonders for your health and refresh your mind.

Tip: If you’re one of those high-heeled fashionistas, keep a pair of comfy (yet stylish) flats in your car trunk.

According to WebMD, shrugging your shoulders to release your neck muscles, or stretching your wrists by doing air circles (clench both fists and make circles in the air with your hands), is a great way to work those old bones, muscles and joints.

Tip: Set your mobile alarm for every hour to alert you to the next stretchy slot.

have a ball

Bring your yoga ball to work (and no, not to throw at that intern) to replace your office chair. Not having a back on your seat forces you to sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor.

Tip: A yoga ball gives you a subtle abs workout, and you might even notice a flatter tummy after a few days on the ball.

Sit up Straight

Posture is oh so important. Not only can poor posture have negative effects on your physique (increased belly fat, double chin and varicose veins), but it can also have serious implications for your health (like heart strain and pinched nerves).

Tip: Squeeze together your shoulder blades to pull your spine upwards so that you're sitting up straight and not slouching.

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In the age of all things green, avoid using the uranium- or fossil fuelguzzling elevator. Reduce your company’s carbon footprint and electricity use, and get moving by taking the stairs each day.

Tip: Stair travel promotes leg and bum toning only if it’s a one-secondone-step routine.

to drink or not to drink

While it’s important to stay hydrated throughout your day by drinking fresh water, it’s also important to wash your hands often. Hand washing is the number-one way to prevent illness.

Tip: Keep hand sanitiser at your desk … and use it!

text: raina julies; pictures: supplied

Stretch at the deSk

take the StairS

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COLUmN | STUFF

Ben Trovato journeys into the dark pits of interior decorating … and his soul.

illustration: pete woodbridge

A

merican President Barack Obama thinks he’s having a hard time getting the Islamic State under control. Please. He should try putting up shelves. Now that’s a real challenge.

For a South African man, there’s nothing like having a vibrating power tool in one hand and a cold beer in the other to make you feel like a real hero.

There’s also nothing like having your shelves collapse under the weight of your entire book collection at 3am. I thought we were under attack and leaped out of bed to defend my family. Being unfamiliar with the layout of the new house, I inadvertently ended up in the cupboard. My wife Brenda said she found me cowering there three hours later, but this is a lie. A lot of women imagine things in times of stress.

Admittedly, my masculinity took a bit (maybe more than a bit) of a knock when I lost the shelves, even though I am pretty certain our house is on a fault line and that some sort of seismic activity was responsible for the disaster.

In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if every house within a five-kilometre radius lost their shelves that night.

Brenda has now banned me from touching the power tools. She won’t

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even let me near a hammer, even though it’s quite clear to anyone who’s not a woman that a hammer is not a power tool. She will, however, let me do other things. Like go shopping with her for paint and carpets.

The paint part I can just about deal with because it’s usually sold in hardware stores, and while she’s browsing through the snatches or whatever those silly little colour-coded things are called, I can sneak off and fondle the circular saws and stroke the

electric sanders. I often fall hopelessly in love with double-wheeled bench grinders and high-torque impact drills, even though I would lose at least two limbs if I ever tried using one of them.

Carpets, however, are another matter. I would rather go to Iraq and fight from doorway to doorway under heavy sniper fire than be dragged across the city in a doomed search for a non-existent carpet in a colour that hasn’t yet been discovered, which goes with a couch that cannot be found.

I am being sucked into the dark world of interior decorating and am appalled at the effect it’s having on my life. An old friend dropped by the house to watch the rugby the other day and, even though he brought enough beer to drown an elephant, I was angry with him. Not because he was a day late, but because he was wearing a canary-yellow shirt with maroon pants with white shoes and no socks.

I stamped my feet and told him to go home at once and change into something easier on the eye. He said that what I needed was to go into the bush and kill something, then drink its blood and wear its skin.

‘Fine!’ I shouted, ‘just as long as it’s not a zebra. Stripes are so last year.’

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