Blue Hills Equestrian Estate | June 2023

EQUESTRIAN living

JUNE

Publisher

K-Studio (Pty) Ltd on behalf of Blue Hills Equestrian Estate

Advertising Sales Tobia tobia@k-studio.co.za sales2@k-studio.co.za

Calvin sales3@k-studio.co.za

Editor Tobia von Zwietring

Copywriter / proofreader Chantel Venter

Design & Layout

K-Studio (Pty) Ltd e tobia@k-studio.co.za

t 082 962 8255

f KreatiefStudio

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION & CONTACTS

FROM THE ESTATE MANAGER

DETOX DELIGHT

ESCAPE TO SERENE SAFARI LODGES

GIVE YOUR BODY THE GIFT OF INTUITIVE EATING

MOTORING

HOW TO KEEP YOUR WORKFORCE HAPPY

POTTED PLANTS

HOT TREND: EMBRACE THE DESERT

Disclaimer: This e-Magazine is produced especially for residents/owners of Blue Hills Equestrian Estate to provide updates and useful information. It is produced by K-Studio on behalf of Blue Hills Equestrian Estate HOA. Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy of content, Blue Hills Equestrian Estate HOA and/or the Publisher, cannot be held liable for any inaccurate information, and may not agree with all opinions expressed in this publication.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION & CONTACTS

BLUE HILLS EQUESTRIAN Estate MANAGEMENT BODY

The Blue Hills Equestrian Estate management body has been developed to ensure that should you have a query or wish to address anything on the Estate, we have a team of individuals you can refer your concerns to. This Committee goes beyond our monthly Directors’ Meetings, and is instead aimed at ensuring that the running of this Estate is handled with all due care.

THE BOARD IS MADE UP OF:

• Andile Mtetwa

• Jessica Hofmeyr

• Joe Mahlangu

• Obakeng Mathibe

• Tracy Fry

THE COMMITTEE IS SUPPORTED BY TRAFALGAR WHO ARE REPRESENTED BY:

• Michael Schaefer / Director of Trafalgar

• Shahiem Carr / Director of Trafalgar

• Carlos Pinto / Estate Portfolio Manager

• Rashni Andhee-Shah / Estate Manager

• Head office support Birdhaven

ESTATE MANAGER

Rashni Andhee-Shah

083 703 9436 rashnia@trafalgar.co.za

SALES MANAGER

Musi Motsuenyane

082 806 1735 / musi@century.co.za

SECURITY SITE MANAGER

076 771 9082/ 061 704 0111

Bluehills@thompsec.co.za

CONTROL ROOM Primary contact for Security

010 109 0935

079 539 4499

EMERGENCY

Eskom 086 0037 566

JHB Water 0860 562 874

Police 10111

Ambulance 10177

SPCA 011 265 9935

SNAKE CATCHER

Mike 083 448 8854

letter from the Estate Manager

Dear Homeowners & Residents

I am happy to advise you that the Estate has completed the Landscaping Tender process. Life Green Group has been awarded the Landscaping maintenance contract to maintain the Estate’s common area from 01 June going forward.

Work on the tennis court has been completed and homeowners are now welcome to utilize the facilities. The one tennis court was converted to a multi court where residents may play either soccer, netball, basketball, or tennis.

The second tennis court was resurfaced, and nets replaced.

Residents are kindly reminded to use the facilities responsibly.

Please be advised that the Estate’s rules of construction will apply to all residents who have received their Occupation Certificate from council and Completion Certificate from the Estate/Studios Architects, who wish to undertake any new construction work on their stands. The Estate’s rules of construction will apply to the resident and relevant stand for the

duration of the construction period. Please contact me prior to commencing work on your stand to ensure that all requirements are in place. Rules were distributed with the communicated-on 25 May and can be obtained from the Estate office.

We’d like to request that homeowners ensure that your contractors familiarize themselves with the rules and guidelines of the Estate. The rules are being enforced stringently. Not knowing the rules is no excuse!

Speeding within the Estate is still a huge concern despite the installation of the speed signage around the Estate. Residents are reminded that this is a community and that we need to be mindful of those around us. Speeding puts those around us at great risk. The speed limit within the Estate is strictly 40km per hour. Offenders will be penalised in accordance with the Estate penalty schedule.

Construction stands need to ensure regular sweeping of the roads as the roads are in need of much attention currently. Construction stands also need to ensure regular grass cutting, fence maintenance and rubble removal from their stands.

Health and Safety adherence is also a requirement at the Estate, as mentioned and covered at the last AGM. A representative is stationed at the Estate office should you require any assistance when you are conducting any building, construction work or alterations to your property.

All construction stands are required to submit compliant safety files to the Health and Safety officer as appointed by the Estate.

There are an increasing number of pets that have been found either roaming the Estate or escaping their stands unaccompanied by owners. Owners must ensure that fencing is adequate to secure your pets within your properties and to take the necessary precautions when entering and exiting your property.

Pet owners are also required to clean up after their pets especially when they defecate on the common area.

Stands are reminded that pets need to have identification tags on their collars.

Let your pet not be a bone of contention between you, your neighbours and other owners, residents, or visitors.

The board of directors shall have the right to prohibit, restrict and control the keeping or removal of any pet which they regard as dangerous or a nuisance to other residents of the Estate.

Homeowners are reminded that the biometric system is fully operational. Kindly contact the Estate manager for an appointment to enrol on the system.

Kindly note, homeowners are not permitted to use their biometrics to enable entry or exit at the Estate for anyone other than themselves.

As a reminder, there are several stands who

have completed their construction but have not arranged for their Completion Certificates. Homeowners can contact Studios Architects to arrange for a final inspection of their property and to arrange for their Completion Certificate. inspections@studious.co.za

A friendly note, if you are not in possession of a Completion Certificate your stand is still considered a construction stand in terms of the Estate and will still be liable for a late building penalty. This still applies if you are living in your home and are in possession of an Occupation Certificate from council.

Security is an integral part of the Estate and requires a holistic approach. Unfortunately, our guards are being abused for performing their duties which is unacceptable. Security works under certain protocols and any requests or arrangements that deviate from these protocols needs to be made via the appropriate channels. We appeal to homeowners to not vent your frustrations onto the guards and to please be mindful that the guards are acting upon instruction. You may contact the Estate manager or the onsite control room to make the relevant arrangements timeously.

Homeowners are requested to contact the control room as per the numbers provided should you wish to contact security for promote assistance.

General consideration by all residents for each other will greatly assist in achieving a happy community and a pleasant environment. Harmonious community living is only achieved when residents can use and enjoy their private property as well as the public areas of the Estate while not negatively impacting fellow residents. Please be vigilant at all times and report any suspicions to the office or to security.

Kind regards

Rashni Andhee-Shah

Detox Delights

By Abigail Baker

It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, and I’m feeling…good? With the new year having come and gone, you might be looking to start fresh and considering a potentially devastating, year-defining, extreme detox.

Gone are the days of the torturous fad juice cleanses that can leave us feeling weak in the knees. The new era of wellness is

turning back to ancient wisdom for advice on gentle, healthy ways to cleanse the body and mind.

Today, we recognise that there are many healthy and enjoyable ways of giving our systems a break - cleansing, nourishing, and resetting them to allow us to start our resolutions without the holiday toxins

holding us back. If you want to improve your overall health, balance your emotions, strengthen your immunity, and clarify your skin, it might be time to consider a gentle detox.

It’s important to remember that your body is actually well equipped to eliminate toxins – the liver, kidneys, digestive system, skin, and lungs all work hard, every day, to release the nasties from your system – but it is only when these organs are healthy that they can do so effectively. Your detox can help to optimise your body’s natural processes and enhance its abilities.

OUR TOP 5 GENTLE DETOX TIPS

1. Reduce caffeine and increase citrus

Instead of starting your day with a cuppa joe, try drinking a glass of warm water with some slices of lemon in it. Not only is this a deliciously refreshing sip, but it is also likely to improve your digestion and give your metabolism a boost. If citrus is not to your taste, consider switching to green, cinnamon, or fenugreek tea - which can all boost the digestive system.

2. Be pro probiotics

Try to include whole foods that contain good bacterialike yoghurt, curd, bananas, onions, garlic, leeks,

asparagus, artichokes, and beans - in your diet. These foods are great friends to your gut, and will help to alleviate digestive issues.

3. Lessen your ‘s’ consumption

Spirits, salt, saturated fat, and sugar are some of the most hindering ingestibles, as they hinder your body’s ability to naturally detoxify, making it retain excess fluid and leaving you feeling sluggish. Limit your consumption, and you’ll no doubt come to see the negative effects these ingredients were having on your health.

4. Glug that water

Try to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day to give your body enough fluid to help dispel waste. If you have trouble remembering to drink enough water, consider investing in a flask that you can refill on the go. Being hydrated will also help your body to regulate your temperature, lubricate your joints, and absorb necessary nutrients.

5. Fill up on antioxidantrich, anti-inflammatory foods

Try to eat whole, fibre-rich foods like fruit, veggies, and beans, as well as nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lean protein to aid your gut and liver function. Detoxifying hero ingredients include onions, broccoli, garlic, cilantro, lemons, ginger, beetroot, and cabbage. Add them to your shopping list to feel lighter and more energised in days.

Helping your body to release harmful toxins will also help it latch onto the nourishment you are bringing into your life this year. Out with the old, and in with the new!

CLEANSING & COOLING JUICE

Ingredients

1/2 cup water (or orange juice)

1 green apple

1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks

1/2 frozen banana

1/2 inch fresh ginger (peeled and minced)

1 cup fresh spinach

Small handful fresh cilantro

1 TBSP fresh lime juice

Method

1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy this gratifying green juice!

NEED ADVICE ON GENTLE DETOXIFICATION SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE LIFESTYLE AND NEEDS? CHAT TO AN EXPERT WELLNESS WAREHOUSE CONSULTANT IN STORE, OR SCAN THE QR CODE TO BOOK YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION ONLINE.

SA’s leading health retailer, Wellness Warehouse offers everything you need to live life well under one roof. Visit one of their 50 stores (and growing) nationwide or shop online to stock up on quality health supplements, organic and natural beauty products, real foods, eco home products and natural baby care, all offered with personal service and a 360° approach to health.

www.wellnesswarehouse.com

ESCAPE TO SERENE SAFARI LODGES: WHERE LUXURY MEETS THE WILD

Are you ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines the wonders of the untamed wilderness with the comforts of worldclass luxury? Look no further than Serene Safari Lodges, your ultimate destination for an unforgettable safari experience.

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Waterberg region of Limpopo, Serene Safari Lodges offer an exclusive and immersive escape into the wild. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or a first-time explorer, our lodges cater to all, ensuring an extraordinary encounter with nature at every turn.

Serene Safari Lodges is meticulously constructed to provide comfort and indulgence. Our lodges, Gweda, Shammah, and Tadima, are in the beautiful Mabalingwe Game Reserve, which is only 2 hours from Pretoria. Our other lodge, Hillside, is located on one of the top ten golf courses in the world, Elements Private Golf Reserve. The world-renowned Black Rhino Pilansberg is also home to our lodge Umoya.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a team of warm and attentive staff who will cater to your every need. The lodges themselves boast exquisite architecture, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding natural beauty. Picture

yourself waking up to panoramic views of sprawling plains or lush forests from the comfort of your spacious and elegantly appointed suite with animals greeting you at your doorstep.

Serene Safaris five-star lodges offer everything from all-inclusive packages to self-catering with a chef. We offer everything, from self-drive cars to narrated game drives. With our impeccable eye for detail in our décor, we work hard to give our visitors a magnificent experience. After a day of adventure, indulge in a well-deserved pampering session at the luxurious spas. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or unwind with a dip in the sparkling pool, surrounded by the serenity of the natural landscape. As the sun sets, gather around a crackling bonfire under a star-studded sky, savouring delectable cuisine crafted by our incredibly chefs.

So, if you’re seeking a truly extraordinary safari experience that seamlessly combines luxury, adventure, and environmental stewardship, Serene Safari Lodges are your ideal choice. Book your escape today and let the wonders of the wild leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

www.serenesafarilodges.com

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Give Your Body the Gift of Intuitive Eating

By Kimberly Kemp

Intuitive eating is an approach that acknowledges that the body knows best - or should I say, that a body in balance knows best. When your body is in balance, you create the mental and emotional space to start making decisions based on how you feel rather than relying on outside sources to inform how you should eat or approach your health. Whether it’s vegan, plant-based, paleo, carnivore, or a combination, you do what’s best for you. When you restore balance and tune in, you become empowered with the knowledge that your body is your best guide, and that you are your own best healer.

STUMBLING BLOCKS

The problem is that the more interference you have had throughout your life, the longer it may take to restore balance. Interference, in this instance, would be anything that disrupts the balance of the body and mind, including:

• Processed foods (refined sugar, sweeteners, additives, colourants, etc.)

• Medications (antibiotics, antiinflammatories, acid blockers, etc.)

• Heavy metals

• Toxic relationships

• Emotional and physical trauma

We are born with an innate understanding of what our body needs, but it often gets disrupted along the way. When you limit the interference and restore balance, it becomes less about what diet fad to follow or how much to eat and more about letting your body guide you. You begin to crave foods that are nourishing, and start to notice how dead and devitalised processed foods affect you. This makes the decision to eat healthier that much easier, because it’s based on how you feel rather than on what you are told.

However, if you are not in balance, you could be getting mixed signals. This is what you should be looking at, in particular, when in this state…

• Gut health

• Mineral levels

• Toxins and trauma

Gut health imbalances have a major effect on our health and what we choose to eat. 80% of our immune system resides in our gut. Poor gut health can result in a compromised immune system, which can lead to a vicious cycle of antibiotic use, which in turn damages the gut even more. This can start at an early age, so you may not even remember what it feels like to have a body in balance.

How does this relate to intuitive eating?

Our microbiome has been shown to influence our mood and behaviour. There are a number of ways in which your microbiome can manipulate your eating behaviour for its survival. Depending on the composition of bacteria, fungi, and viruses found in your gut, this manipulation can be detrimental to your health.

ravenous hunger and uncontrollable cravings. You feel the constant need to eat, but if you continue to eat processed foods devoid of nutrients, you don’t ever satisfy that hunger - and so begins another vicious cycle.

Sugar, stress, medication, and toxic substances all deplete minerals. While we understand that this can affect appetite, what is even more concerning is that mineral deficiencies can cause cellular function to falter. Minerals are the spark plugs that ignite our cellswithout them, our bodies do not function optimally. Low energy, hair loss, fatigue, a compromised immune system, poor wound healing, and accelerated ageing can all be a sign of a mineral deficiency.

Both sugar and artificial sweeteners can alter our palates or taste preferences over time, increasing our desire for sweet foods. This disrupts our ability to eat intuitively.

Restoring gut health is fundamental to intuitive eating. How do you tune into your body when you have an overgrowth of microbes that constantly tell you to eat sugar?

Healthy eating isn’t just about motivation and making the ‘right’ food choices, and it certainly can’t be reduced to a calories in and calories out approach. It’s about nourishing your body and microbes with quality wholefoods in a way that optimises your health and works best for you.

TOXINS AND TRAUMA

Toxic exposure, toxic relationships, traumas, toxic thoughts, and of course chronic stress can all lead to some level of imbalance that dissociates you from your body. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual, your body pays the price. In order to restore balance, it is essential to face the aspects of your life that are holding you back from aligning with your highest potential and purpose.

MINERALS

Your brain does a constant analysis of the nourishment it gets from the foods you consume. This has a major effect on appetite regulation. Mineral deficiencies can trigger

Your thoughts and beliefs control your biology. How you perceive life has a direct effect on your biochemistry. Often there needs to be a recognition of programmed beliefs before you can change them. Are you stuck in a cycle of self-sabotage, bad relationships, bad

habits, or a lack of fulfillment?

On a physical level, we are exposed to a bombardment of toxins that have a major effect on our microbiome, cellular health, and mineral levels in the body.

Toxicities come in many forms, and it’s up to you to recognise them, put up some boundaries, and make the changes necessary to limit your exposure and cleanse your body and mind.

RESTORING BALANCE

Instead of a mechanistic view of your body, focus on a holistic approach that seeks to nourish you on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Start to build some awareness of your current state of being. What is not in balance? What have you ignored? What is your body trying to tell you?

In order to effectively listen to your body, you need to cut out the interference. The easiest way to do this is to align with nature. Eat quality wholefoods, spend time in nature, and trust that you are exactly where you need to be.

Your body is working for you, not against you. Tune in and listen to what it has to say.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly Kemp is the co-founder of Healthy Hunnies, which offers a holistic approach to health through consultations and a 14-Day Mind and Body Detox. For more information or to get in touch, visit www.healthyhunnies.com.

SA’s leading health retailer, Wellness Warehouse offers everything you need to live life well under one roof. Visit one of their 50 stores (and growing) nationwide or shop online to stock up on quality health supplements, organic and natural beauty products, real foods, eco home products and natural baby care, all offered with personal service and a 360° approach to health.

www.wellnesswarehouse.com

At Wellness Warehouse, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health and wellbeing. That’s why we want to learn your unique needs so that we can help to empower your personal journey to holistic natural wellbeing.

Chat to one of our expert in-store Wellness Warehouse Consultants about your health today!

THE EXTRAORDINARY UNDERTAKING CONTINUES:

SPECTRE APPROACHES TWO MILLION KILOMETRE MARK IN LATEST PHASE OF RIGOROUS GLOBAL TESTING

• Rolls-Royce continues 2.5 million kilometre testing programme of all-electric Spectre

• Almost 2 million kilometres of testing now completed across the world

• Extreme hot weather testing currently being undertaken in South Africa at 50°C

• ‘Marginal gains’ theory employed to make substantial overall improvements

• Spectre will be cycled through ‘final four seasons’ of conditions to ratify results

• Final ‘Lifestyle Analysis’ process will conclude Spectre testing

Spectre, Rolls-Royce’s genre-defining all-electric super coupé, has now covered almost two million kilometres as it completes the third phase of the most rigorous testing programme ever devised in the marque’s 118-year history. This has already surpassed every Rolls-Royce testing programme before it – and it is still far from over.

Spectre is currently undergoing extreme hot weather tests in two locations in South Africa: Augrabies in the Northern Cape; and Franschhoek, the

‘French Corner’ in the Western Cape winelands. The stable yet contrasting climates provide some of the finest summerweather driving in the world, with dry and extremely hot conditions in the north and more humid, Mediterraneanstyle, conditions in the south. At its hottest, temperatures can exceed 50°C, while the southern region hosts a great variety of surfaces and terrains, including twisting country roads replete with gravel, dust and dirt. Truly testing conditions, by any measure.

During this stage, engineers are observing and refining every system, hardware item and software protocol that has been developed over the course of almost two million kilometres of continuous testing. Only through such painstaking assessments can Rolls-Royce’s technical experts achieve the exacting levels of ride refinement that are so central to the experience beloved by clients, and successfully translate the marque’s defining ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ to the new all-electric paradigm.

Throughout Spectre’s testing, each of the motor car’s 25,000 separate performancerelated functions have been meticulously tailored to deliver a quintessentially Rolls-Royce experience. The refinements being made now follow the principles of ‘marginal gains’, in which individual, very small and incremental adjustments cumulatively produce a significant overall improvement. Though widely used and proven in elite sport and high-level business, this theory is being used during Spectre testing to an unprecedented extent, as part of the wider validation process characterised internally as the Rolls-Royce Finishing School.

Examples of the meticulous attention-to-detail that Spectre prototypes are being subjected to are manifold but often impossible to quantify, as they represent the judgement and instinct of the marque’s peerless and long-standing engineering elite. For example, over 1500 hours have already been dedicated to finessing the car’s regenerative braking to ensure it feels effortless but present. Data-logging equipment processes sensor inputs generated by this braking force, to ensure that adjustments do not compromise the overall serenity of Spectre under any driving conditions. However, it is only the experience and judgement of long-standing Rolls-Royce engineers that can ensure the motor car will, when testing is completed,

meet the inimitable standards required to deliver an elevated expression of the Rolls-Royce experience.

Similarly, anti-roll stabilisation is being tuned to reflect the dynamic promise of Spectre’s dramatic super-coupé design while still delivering on the marque’s hallmark ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ qualities. In South Africa, this testing has specific significance as high temperatures can alter the hardness of rubber suspension components, providing a parameter that is bookended by the results of extreme cold weather testing.

This exhaustive approach has also been applied to ensuring the correct colour-quality and brightness for the theatre of light that is prompted by opening Spectre’s coach door. To ensure a sense of harmony in the cabin, whatever the external light conditions, all internal illuminations, including the marque’s celebrated Bespoke Starlight Headliner, instrument cluster and SPIRIT interface, must be perfectly coordinated. This requires detailed analysis of a global range of sunlight exposure and types, to ensure consistency of colour-quality wherever in the world Spectre is.

As the car approaches the later phases of its exhaustive testing programme, further adjustments will be made to sealing materials to deliver Rolls-Royce’s famed aero-

acoustic performance. This process is essential because rubber sealing materials perform differently through the spectrum of temperatures. For example, during Spectre’s testing phase at Arjeplog in Sweden, seals hardened in sub-zero temperatures. Conversely, in South Africa, Rolls-Royce engineers will be assessing the acoustic performance of seals softened in hotter conditions. Their work is therefore to find optimum balance to ensure the cabin is insulated in all extremes of climate.

In South Africa and throughout the remaining programme, the audio system will also be tuned and finessed to achieve fractional gains in the quality of the sound offered through Spectre’s 17 speakers. Following initial testing and calibration in a laboratory setting, the system is now being tested exhaustively in real-world conditions. A specially curated playlist presenting a wide range of genres to represent a full spectrum of sonic requirements is used.

This commitment to ensuring perfect acoustic performance extends to the key functions of the motor car. Indeed, even the speed at which the self-closing coach doors shut is being scrutinised to ensure that the perfect level of positive noise is generated upon closure.

ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE: THE EXTRAORDINARY UNDERTAKING NEARS COMPLETION

When the experience and data collected from South Africa has been fully analysed, and relevant actions and measures have been implemented, Spectre’s testing programme will be around 80% complete as it sets off on the final ratification phase. This consists of taking the motor car through a condensed programme of ‘all-season’ testing, including return visits to the Arctic extremes of Arjeplog and the more temperate conditions of the Côte d’Azur.

The final 500,000 kilometres of Spectre testing will focus on Lifestyle Analysis. This proprietary testing process will see Spectre tested in super-luxury situations and usecases specific to Rolls-Royce clients, to ensure Spectre performs as required in the centre of global megacities, around new and historical luxury destinations, and in other settings commensurate with owners’ needs, habits and lifestyles.

ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE: TESTING BACKGROUND

Ahead of the first cars being delivered to clients, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2023, Spectre has undergone exhaustive

trials designed to replicate almost 400 years of normal use, in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth. In total, the car will cover more than 2.5 million kilometres – the equivalent of circumnavigating the globe 62 times.

Testing began in the winter of 2021 at a special testing facility in Arjeplog, Sweden, just 55 kilometres from the Arctic Circle. In temperatures of -40°C, Rolls-Royce engineers examined and refined every aspect of Spectre’s performance and handling in snow and ice, and any effects of prolonged extreme cold on the motor car’s batteries and other electronic systems.

With this examination successfully completed, Spectre then spent the summer of 2022 in the sunnier, but no less exacting climes of the French Riviera and around the Côte d’Azur. This included testing at the historic Autodrome de Miramas proving ground, a former Grand Prix circuit that now provides over 60 kilometres of closed routes and 20 state-of-the-art test track environments. The majority of the testing, however, was conducted in the Provençal countryside, assessing Spectre’s capabilities under realworld conditions in an area where many production cars are likely to spend their lives.

“The reason for our extraordinary and restless global testing process is simple: there has never been a motor car like Spectre before. As the first all-electric Rolls-Royce, Spectre represents not just a new paradigm in our technology, but the entire future direction of our brand. Only Rolls-Royce engineers could conceive this astonishing journey, and only Rolls-Royce engineers could undertake it: the task is not to test a motor car but to elevate the benchmark of automotive excellence.”

Dr. Mihiar Ayoubi, Director of Engineering, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

G H O S T

Success at school and beyond

KUMON is an ability development programme suited to children of all ages and abilities. Through the subjects of MATHS and ENGLISH, we aim to create life-long learners who are confident, hardworking and big dreamers We create problem solvers who can go on to contribute to their communities and society at large. At KUMON we believe that every child has potential, it just needs to be discovered and nurtured.

We do this by finding the potential in each individual and assisting them to reach their highest levels of achievement. At KUMON we aim for new learners to be studying at their international grade level within one year of study And its only up from there, with learners reaching two, three and even four years above their grade level Studying at an advanced level develops the ability of self-learning which is the ultimate aim of the KUMON method of learning

While KUMON is a Maths and English programme, it is not just about academic development in these two subjects alone These subjects are the tools we use to unlock our students' full potential in all subjects, as well as to develop key lifeskills such as concentration, goal-setting and completion, perserverance, grit and self-confidence. We believe that hard work, discipline and determination will make all things possible Thus it is part of our mission to develop these skills in all the students that walk through our doors.

If your child is struggling at school or even excelling and you want to give them the extra edge, contact us and we will set up an assessment where we will discover your child’s potential and all they are able to accomplish.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR WORKFORCE HAPPY on the Move, from Baby Boomers to Gen Z

For the first time in history, there are five generations in the workplace. From Gen Z to The Silent Generation, the diversity of life stages is the most complicated it’s been in history. In the same way that corporate culture and policies are evolving to stamp out issues like the “wage gap”, organisations need to address the issues created by the “age gap”.

The stakes are high. Attracting and retaining talent in today’s multigenerational workplace is challenging, which puts company culture under the spotlight. According to the 2022 EY US Generation Survey, 90% of surveyed workers said that company culture impacts their decision to stay at their current employer. A company culture that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and considers the values, needs and perspectives of its employees is vital to remaining competitive.

And a travel policy can go a long way creating this kind of culture.

Bonnie Smith, GM of Corporate Traveller, explains:

“The cookie-cutter approach to travel policy is no longer effective. Inclusivity is more critical than ever before in a world where the workplace now includes five different generations. Our definition of inclusivity also needs to evolve to stay relevant. It’s not just about minority groups or those with special travel needs but also about preferences and personal priorities.

“Though these five generations all want to feel valued, each has its own mix of priorities, and whether it be through interpersonal interaction, flexibility, choice or sustainability, your travel policy needs to be dynamic enough to cater to each set of needs,” says Smith.

But what are the needs of each generation?

[1928-1945] The Silent Generation

Endorsed, established brands with a good track record appeal to the Silent Generation, and they tend to stick with what they know. Physical accessibility is important, as is clarity in travel policies and ease of booking, tracking and reporting. This generation does not use sharing, social and digital technology; they prefer to communicate in person and appreciate hard copies of information.

Smith points out: “Though the Silent Generation is the healthiest elder generation in history, travel insurance, specifically those policies that cover health and wellness, are a vital part of their travel policies.”

[1946-1964] Baby Boomers

Booking, tracking and reporting are not determining factors of satisfaction when it comes to Baby Boomers, but access to free Wi-Fi, flexibility, and hotels with business centres are priorities. Though they are tech-literate, they don’t engage with sharing technology like Airbnb and Uber. In a survey conducted by Software Advice, only 3% of Baby Boomers were interested in the idea of a robotic room service or a robotic butler. Baby Boomers favour direct in-person communication and appreciate a personal touch.

“Customised, person-to-person service goes a long way in ensuring Baby Boomer satisfaction. Getting through airport security, being able to check in their bags and having their family obligations respected is more important than choice in travel plans, and it is key to opt for structured plans that offer flexibility when accommodating this generation,” advises Smith.

[1965-1980] Generation X

Generation X greatly values work-life balance and family life. Bleisure – extending business trips for leisure and inviting family members to join them – is a growing requirement within this age group.

“With the rise of bleisure, company travel policies need to clearly define the parameters of what constitutes leisure and business, especially when it comes to duty of care and expenses,” says Smith.

The ability to make changes to travel plans is also essential for Generation X.

As Smith explains, “Flexibility in travel plans is a major driver of satisfaction for Generation X, and it can be a deciding factor in whether they use company booking tools or book directly with suppliers themselves. This can present a problem in terms of leakage, so it would be wise to modify travel policies to include the flexibility vital to this generation.”

Generation X is also not constantly connected like its younger counterparts, as they use a desktop to interact with technologies. Therefore, the details of their travel plans must be confirmed and wellorganised beforehand.

[1981-1996] Millennials

Millennials see travel as part of their identity and travel the most out of all the generations. According to a study conducted by Expedia, the average Millennial travels 35 days a year, while Generation X, Baby Boomers, and Generation Z travel around 26-29 days.

“Currently in their 30s and 40s, Millennials will make up 75% of the global workforce by 2025, so

understanding this generation is key to creating sustainable travel policies. They are fluent in the latest technologies and use Airbnb and e-hailing, and they want to choose their own accommodation. Millennials also enjoy unique and social itineraries, so when considering this generation offering various accommodation options and interesting group activities will greatly add to their satisfaction,” recommends Smith.

Millennials are likely to extend their trips for bleisure and enjoy a digital nomad culture – remote and hybrid work. This calls for clear-cut travel policies that outline what is covered and what is not.

[1997-2015] Generation Z

Generation Z are digital natives, meaning they have never known the world without digital technologies and have grown up with computers, smartphones and the internet. They communicate through technology and use their phones to interact with the world and organise their daily life.

“If you want to maintain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining future talent, now is the time to tap into the needs of Generation Z as they enter the workforce.

Be aware that they have different priorities than the other generations and that they prize mental health and freedom of choice over structure and conformity. They are also champions of social justice and climate-friendly practices, and remote working and bleisure are important to them.

Their travel policies must reflect these priorities and allow for flexibility while clearly stating the framework for bleisure and remote work.”

Start the process – check in with your people

So how do you transform your travel policy? “In collaboration with a TMC like Corporate Traveller, you can craft a travel policy that is both flexible and relevant. It is crucial to involve members from different generations within your organisation to understand their unique travel preferences rather than making assumptions. By acknowledging your employees’ individuality and working closely with your TMC, you can create a people-led travel policy that aligns with your company culture, ensuring everyone feels seen and valued as humans,” advises Smith.

For more information about Corporate Traveller, or to interview Corporate Traveller South Africa

GM Bonnie Smith, call Dorine Reinstein on 083 278 8994 or email dorine@bigambitions.co.za.

POTTED PLANTS

Article by Elize Malan

This is a plant grown in a container, with limited access to water and nutrients. It is completely dependent on an artificial environment for its survival.

The fastest way to get privacy on a patio is to invest in advanced evergreen plants in large containers. Dense evergreens such as conifers work well and can be grown successfully in a large container. Shade is not a problem as perennials combined with annuals will give a pop of colour to even the darkest spot under a tree.

Apply fertilizer, once per month to the soil of the container.

Outdoor pots

Through the use of plant containers, the whole design and layout of a patio or garden can easily be changed from time to time. Possibilities for containers are endless, from rustic re-cycled materials, plain or decorated cement containers, wooden tubs, barrels and boxes and the old- time favourite terracotta.

Good drainage is essential. At least three holes in the base of the pot, covered with plastic mesh and filled with good quality Outdoor potting soil is needed. A pot with a micro-drip watering system or gravity fed auto-watering system will cut down on maintenance.

Indoor pots

The selection of container depends on interior design. Sleek white, black or grey containers will suit modern homes with limited floor space. This is where the use of accent pieces comes in. For this, you can stick to smaller plants like succulents that add texture and detail to a room without competing with the rest of the pieces in the same area.

Whether you suspend your plant from the ceiling or neatly line your walls with plant shelves or individual sconce half-moon containers, it will definitely be an eye-catching statement in the room.

Use indoor potting soil in the container and avoid using bark chips as surface finish. When watering the plants by hand the bark chips remain moist, start rotting and midges become a problem. Pebbles or silica sand will be a neat finish.

When growth of indoor plants is unsatisfactory, it can be caused by incorrect placement of the container. Change of light intensity, and/or watering and fertiliser will usually solve the problem. Containers with flowering plants should be seen as long-lasting flower arrangements. The light intensity required to induce new flowers, is usually not available in a house. Soil is limited in a plant container and failure to re-pot a root bound plant, will force it to stop growing or even cause it to wilt.

Fertilizer for indoor containers differs from the outdoor pots. Liquid fertilizer, specially formulated for this purpose should be used.

To cut down on maintenance time, The Self Watering Urban Hydroponic pots made of high-quality plastic can be used. Each pot has a rope wick which draws water from the pot into the growing medium to keep it moist at all times.

A house and garden filled with potted plants will add a wide variety of species to your surroundings. The container is not important, but consistent maintenance of the plants is.

References

The Complete Indoor Gardener - edited by Michael Wright.

Small Garden -John Brookes

The Care of House Plants -David Longman

https://www.seedsforafrica.co.za/products/ self-watering-hydroponic-pots

VITZ FOR VICTORY

• Distinctive styling, segment-beating boot space, generous spec and good standard safety including VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)

• Lower entry price than the outgoing model

• Toyota-exclusive KINTO pay-for-use mobility plan

The all-new Toyota Vitz is the latest entrant in the small-car segment for the Japanese automaker and it will reinforce the company’s status as the leading purveyor of motor vehicles in South Africa, underpinned once again by the fact that the ability to provide the right product at the right time is key.

Building on the success of its predecessors, the Aygo and the Agya, the new Vitz takes Toyota’s small car offering to a whole new level, combining funky styling with more pragmatic considerations in tune with the needs of the savvy consumer. These include a larger cabin, class-leading cargo space, enhanced specification, more safety (Vehicle Stability Control standard across the range), and even a lower price tag to boot!

But that’s not all, Toyota is also pleased to usher in KINTO*, a revolutionary new pay-for-use mobility solution that makes driving a new Vitz, not just hassle-free, but more affordable too. In more ways than one, this compact newcomer really does live up to its marketing tagline –Vitz for Victory – proving that sometimes big things do indeed come in small packages.

Vitz for Style

With its softly contoured lines punctuated by bold swept-back headlights, teardrop rear light clusters and distinctive grille dissected by a single chrome line, the new Vitz passes the design brief with flying colours. And while on the subject of colour, it’s available in seven exciting new hues including several iridescent metallics.

Vitz for Comfort

A spacious interior with ample front- and rear legroom belies its compact dimensions. Elevating the interior design are a number of unique touches. The dashboard features a swoopy design with a contrasting carbonfibre-look insert in line with the infotainment system for some visual relief. This insert is replicated on the door panels. Silver satinfinish flourishes adorn the speedo, rotary ventilation dials and circular air vents, while the vent sliders are tipped with chrome.

Power steering - tilt-adjustable* of course - and standard rear parking sensors make light work of piloting your new Vitz, whether you’re cruising down the highway or reversing into a tight parking space.

On the convenience front, you’ll find everything you need including remote central locking*, air conditioning, steering wheel controls for telephony and audio functions, electric mirrors/ windows* and a four-speaker sound system* as part of the integrated touchscreen infotainment system featuring Bluetooth* and USB* functionality. Apple Carplay* and Android Auto* are incorporated to make navigating a breeze.

*Selected features available on XR models

Vitz for Safety

There’s an all-inclusive list of active and passive systems on the standard safety menu, setting the Vitz apart from many of its price competitors. These include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) which helps keep you in control regardless of the road conditions, bringing you to a complete stop every time. Another must-have is VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) – this assists by maintaining traction even when things get really slippery. HAC (Hill-Assist Control) is a standard AMT model feature that prevents the car from rolling back when you stop on an incline.

Pricing and Servicing

Vitz 1.0 MT – R 189 900

Vitz 1.0 XR MT – R 219 900

Vitz 1.0 XR AMT – R 239 900

All Vitz models are sold with a 2-year/30 000 km Service Plan. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided. Service intervals are pegged at 12 months/15 000 km. Customers can purchase an additional service plan and warranty options via the extensive 220-strong dealer network.