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LOWVELD ISSUE 69 | WINTER 2018 R30.00 (incl VAT)

LIVING

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MUST-VISIT ANIMAL HIDES | LOCAL IS LEKKER FISHING | WILD MARATHONS GARDENING MOVES INDOORS | HANGING IN DURBS | WIN A BUSH ESCAPE BEHIND THE SCENES OF RHINO POACHING | DISCOVER THE MALUMA AVO

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winter g n i m o c is

These words still resonate with me. Not only were they made famous by a certain popular series last year but they excite me as I love Lowveld winters.

As the mornings bite at our toes and the evenings tickle our noses, we are certainly being reminded that Winter is on her way in all her blustering best.

Yet us Lowvelders can count ourselves lucky to still enjoy lovely warm, blue-skied days.

I think this poem by Paula Swanson perfectly describes my favourite season.

I Welcome Winter With cooler nights and soft warm days. quilts for the beds, days breeze welcome.

We say goodbye to summer’s blaze.

Gold, orange and red are my Chrysanthemums, as fall doggedly leaves the desert kingdom.

Soon will be gone, the light weight jackets.

Leaves, will finally, dance from the trees.

Goodbye to all the Farmer’s Markets.

While I warm my hands round a cup of hot tea, powdered sugar snow, in the hills I see.

The bird bath has a coat of ice, small creatures go off and hibernate.

My home is redolent with baking spice, red berries in the bushes, so ornate.

It’s Winter’s time to dominate.

Light your fires, dine on heavy casseroles, drink mulled wine, take out your beloved boots, stay warm and enjoy the read… Winter is coming.

EDITOR Nicky Manson, nicky@lowveldlivingmagazine.com | EDITORIAL Nicky Manson, Dianne Tipping-Woods, Jenny Chaplain, Anne Schauffer, Kim Springorum, Jonathan Boulton | ADVERTISING Audrey Ford Duimelaar audrey@ lowveldlivingmagazine.com. Shanei Mostert shanei@lowveldlivingmagazine.com | PHOTOGRAPHY Africa Photographic Services | DESIGN Creative Union | PROOF READING EditPro | EDITORIAL info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com | DISTRIBUTION GMF Consulting PRINTING Paarl Media KZN | CONTACT US 013 751 3330 | COVER Umthwalo by Zizipho Poswa, courtesy of Southern Guild | Cover Photo Gardening moves indoors. www.bureaux.co.za © Copyright 2018 Lowveld Living. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of Lowveld Living Magazine or the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. All editorial information contained herein is, and remains, the property of Lowveld Living Magazine and/or its writers and/or photographers. Lowveld Living Magazine, its publisher, staff and contractors accept no liability for loss or damage in any form whatsoever arising from information, submissions or opinions expressed in this publication. Public comment and submissions are published at the sole discretion of Lowveld Living Magazine. E&OE.

inside play

Books for everyone, amazing photographic and viewing hides around SA and out and about in the Lowveld

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kids

Fabulous toys to win, great reads and a local children’s author impresses

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Food news and views, red wine weather and we discover the Maluma avocado

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Winter stuff you want, new gallery spaces and creating a stylish indoor garden

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Holidaying in Durbs, great local fly fishing spots and uncovering the Skukuza marathon

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Saving people and animals

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A new school cultural centre and a hot dining spot

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eat style go live spaces

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read it & love it Look For Me by Lisa Gardner: A whole family has been murdered and one daughter is missing. The murderer or the witness? An epic police hunt begins, and is escalated when people who know the family become targets too.

Helping the police is Flora, herself once a victim, now survivor and informant but what is her agenda? Suspense all the way but also much gore. Not for the faint hearted. R290, Penguin Random House.

My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella: Katie tries to keep up with the Joneses by blogging about her perfect life in New York. Her great apartment, amazing friends and brilliant job. She even changes her name to Kat to sound cooler. But her reality is completely different. She lives in a terrible digs, has not made any new friends and is just an intern at work – an overlooked intern.

When she is let go from her job, she has no choice but to return to the family farm where her dad and step mum have some big ideas up their sleeves. Can Katie turn her life around and live one that is true to herself? R175, Penguin Random House.

The Family Lawyer by James Patterson: Three stories in one book by a favourite author. The first, a lawyer and father, must defend his own daughter from a charge of bullying, which has led to a suicide. Next, a damaged detective must stop a calculating sniper, and lastly a woman’s brother-in-law is found dead and she must help or obstruct the investigation. Short and powerful stories. R175, Penguin Random House.

I Know A Secret by Tess Geritsen: Clever plotting, nerve tingling writing, this is Geritsen at her best. A number of deaths are precariously linked to an old case.

But does that mean the wrong person is in jail? I am a big fan of the Rizzoli and Isles partnership in the books and on TV, and here the detective and pathologist have their hands full, especially with a young woman who claims to be the next victim. R290, Penguin Random House.

If I Die Tonight by A.L. Gaylin: The tagline is “By the time you read this I’ll be dead.” Chilling words and introduced on the first page of this novel in a Facebook suicide note. The book takes you back to explain the nature of the note written by teenager Wade. It looks at the world of teenagers, bullying, friends, love and loyalty; all tested to the brink when a young classmate is involved in a hit and run. Thrilling to the end. R295, Penguin Random House.

The Sleeping Beauty Killer by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke: This is the fourth installment of Clark’s Under Suspicion series where a TV show unearths new material in cold cases. Enthralling and entertaining, journalist Laurie Moran’s next case looks at Casey Carter, who after spending 15 years in prison for killing her fiancé, comes out mantaining her innocence. For the show’s success, they must find the real killer but what if it was Casey? A great mystery novel. The new Under Suspicion book, I’ve Got My Eyes On You, has just been released. R170, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

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read ED’S

A Great Reckoning by Louise PICK The Spire by Fiona Snyckers: This Penny: This is a number one is local fiction at its best. Dr Caroline New York bestseller and rightly Burchell is staying at SPIRE, a remote so. Following the Chief Inspector research station in Antarctica, along with Gamache series, this thriller is riveting a group of scientists. She is studying the without being gory or scary. It will effect cold weather has on a container of keep you reading into the night as it viruses – mutated and cryogenically frozen really is an excellent who dunnit. Set – that she has brought with her under in Quebec, the setting, language and heavy security. But suddenly everyone characters are memorable as they on the base gets ill and symptoms reveal follow the ins and out of the Surete they are caused by smallpox and the other Academy (police training academy). viruses Caroline is studying but how can R185, Jonathan Ball Publishers. that be when they are under lock and key?

R230, Clockwork Books.

WIN a copy of The Spire. Email your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine. com and put ‘Spire’ in the subject box.

Closing date is July 31, 2018. Ts & Cs apply.

Hitler, Verwoerd, Mandela And Me: A Memoir of Sorts by Marianne Thamm: Writer, journalist, feminist, mother and comedian Thamm recounts her unconventional childhood in a tough Afrikaans suburb. With a German father and Portugese mother, her story is poignant, often funny, and told against a background of Nazi Germany, apartheid and a free SA. R280, Tafelburg.

Oz Clarke’s World of Wine: Wines, Grapes, Vineyards: This is definitely one for the aficionado. Oz is a well known UK wine lover and critic and here he looks at the story of wine, the grape varieties, what happens in the vineyard and winery, how to read labels, and more. It’s a comprehensive guide, which takes you on a tour of the great wine regions of the world. Enjoy. R615, Penguin Random House.

Shisanyama: Braai Recipes from South Africa by Jan Braai: In this book, Jan approaches South Africans for their favourite braai recipes. He then mixes them up with his own, tests them and presents them here. Think coffee-spiced steak, Bloemfontein lamb curry, Jan Braai pizza and braaied tomato soup. It is simple to follow, visually appealing and should be in all South African homes. R355, Bookstorm.

WINTER 2018

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For many, sitting for hours in near-silence in a hide is the closest thing to heaven. Whether you’re a photographer, a wildlife lover, or simply an observer of nature, you have no idea what will happen next Words Anne Schauffer

Silence

, that unique white noise of the bush, broken only by a faint rustle in the dry grass, a gentle bird call, or a sudden splash, origin unknown. Sitting in a hide is part meditation, part concentration, alert to an unexpected sighting, as (nearly) everybody sits obediently on a hard bench in silence. No, not all hides are uncomfortable – as you’ll see in some we’ve chosen – but in the main, they’re not designed for lingering. Yet you will, and you do, because in a milli-second, that calm vista and silent camera can be galvanised into action, as a leopard appears out of nowhere, and the shutters of a dozen high-level cameras fire off a cacophony of over-excited shots.

With South Africa’s richness of public and private game and nature reserves, hides for bird- and animal watching

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are not only on the rise, but in some instances, have taken them into a different direction, where sophistication, superior technology, and innovation reign. These are primarily for photographers and photographic safaris where smart design substantially increases the possibility of securing that award-winning shot…as well as providing a level of comfort to stay overnight or sit for five hours, simply waiting for that moment.

But there are also hides which aren’t in safari lodges or parks, simple hides just placed in a location where sightings of particular birds, for example, are likely or inevitable. You pay entrance fees ranging from honesty boxes to top dollar, but they’re often once-in-a-lifetime visits. We chose a few stand-out hides throughout South Africa.

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ZIMANGA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, KWAZULU-NATAL NORTH COAST Zimanga is a private reserve of some 6 000 hectares of bushveld, fever trees and rolling hills, and it offers five brilliant photographic hides – as well as game drives – and has recently opened stylish accommodation so you can live there forever! As a photographer, you’ll want to. The hides were designed by a photographer for photographers, each one the end-result of exhaustive research, and placed in very specific locations on the reserve. They are world class, designed by internationally acclaimed wildlife photographer and hide designer, Bence Mate (together with the reserve’s owner and photographer, Charl Senekal). Zimanga is particularly well known for its birds – over 400 species – so for bird lovers who enjoy their photography, this is Nirvana. You’ll find the Umgodi Overnight Hide, Zimanga Lagoon Hide, two reflection (or ‘bird-bath’) hides, the new Vulture Hide and a smaller mobile carmine bee-eater hide. At the five main hides, photographers shoot from behind special, imported one-way reflective glass, so the birds/animals can’t hear or see you. The hides are dark to minimise reflections from inside, and are mostly underground. The comfort – exec chairs, laminate floors, air-conditioning – the tools, like gimbal-head tripods, and the innovation behind the hides, makes this a sensational experience. The images which are emerging from the Zimanga hides are winning awards globally. Of course, you don’t need to be a photographer to relish time spent in the hides, because your vantage point for sightings isn’t like anything else you’ve experienced. www.zimanga.com

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LAKE PANIC, LOCAL KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, MPUMALANGA Lake Panic is accessed from the main road between Skukuza and Paul Kruger Gate (H11) – about eight kilometres from Skukuza Rest Camp – and it’s legendary among Kruger-ites. There are many irreverent interpretations of its name, one being that it originates from visitors tempted to stay longer than they should, resulting in panic to return to camp before the gates close.

Officially, the name was given shortly after completion of its construction around 1975 when, during torrential downpours, it was feared the dam wall would give way, creating panic at Skukuza. As the most popular hide in a well populated corner of the Park, even though the limit is eight cars, it can get busy. Rustle the tinfoil of your breakfast sarmies, and you’ll be reprimanded, if only by the death stares of your companions.

What makes Lake Panic so special is that it’s L-shaped, allowing views in two directions over this large dam in the Sabie River, so one hide, two different vistas. It’s renowned for sightings, whether it’s the resident leopard, hippos, crocs, or a herd of elephant, and it’s a wonderful water spot for birders. You’re really up close to the water, so there’s never a dull moment. www.sanparks.org

MHONDORO GAME LODGE, WELGEVONDEN PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, LIMPOPO A stunning safari destination in Limpopo’s Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, is the five star Mhondoro Game Lodge. Aside from its other attributes, it has a unique underground waterhole hide – just the spot for capturing wildlife sightings unobtrusively. Connected to the main lodge by a 65-metre reinforced concrete tunnel, the hide offers a safe and satisfying way of viewing wildlife from within a structure. It’s a magnificent opportunity to snap

The Oriental Join us on a trip to the Orient at the Biggest, most Prestigious Ladies Fund-Raiser in the Lowveld!

THREE LOCAL CHARITIES TO BENEFIT!

the wildlife pics you’ve always wanted, from a great position – it feels as if you’re right among the animals. Whether it’s elephants, warthogs or baboons, the sense of being both observer and participant in the action, is really thrilling. If you don’t feel like a game drive…no problem…just head on down here, and wait for life to unfold. www.mhondoro.com THE VULTURE HIDES, GIANT’S CASTLE NATURE RESERVE, DRAKENSBERG Word is, it’s almost impossible to get a foot in the door of the hide at Giant’s Castle. It’s clearly the world’s worst-kept secret because it’s packed to the rafters all year round. It’s on the bucket list of all international bird lovers and photographers, and even though it’s about three kilometres from the Ezemvelo Giant’s Castle resort, you’ll be hard pressed to beat them to it. If you’ve never seen and photographed the rare and magnificent Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier), then this is the place for you.

The original hide is on the edge of a cliff, offering majestic vistas of the mountainous terrain, but also close-up views through one-way glass of the Bearded Vultures as they drift in to feed on the bones on a ledge outside the hide. A second hide was built in the area in 2014. Looking like a large boulder, it is set back from the edge and has a view over a large flat area where the vultures land to feed. Other visitors include Verreaux’s Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Cape Vulture, White-necked Raven, Red-winged Starling, Yellow-billed Kite (summer), Cape Rock Thrush, Buff-streaked Chat, Gurney’s Sugarbird, and the Cape Crow. The hides are open all year round but advance bookings are essential.

Access to the hides is in your own 4x4 vehicle only.

The price you pay includes one bucket of bones per day (sometimes extra can be purchased) but because of disease, you may not bring your own. www.kznwildlife.com

Choose which charity you would like to support!

*R10 000 Worth of prizes for best table decor! *R500 Riverside Mall Gift Voucher for Best Dressed Lady. *Entertainment. *Lucky Draws. *High Stakes Auction and More!

Make a difference in your community, while having the best time a bunch of ladies can possibly have!

Date: Thursday 26 July 2018.

Time: 10h00 till we’re done!

Venue: Emnotweni Arena, Nelspruit.

Costs: Table of 10 - R4500 includes: Gourmet platters, choose from a selection of three menus, welcome drinks, table with table cloth, chairs with chair covers, cutlery, crockery, tea and coffee for the table.

Just come along and decorate!

Single Tickets - R450.

To Book: Go to: wwwfinditpromo.co.za Charity Tea and download the booking forms for table bookings or maillesley.ings@gmail.com for single ticket purchases.

Call: 082 494 4279

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JACI’S LODGES, MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, NORTH WEST PROVINCE At Jaci’s Lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve the submerged Terrapin Hide is a great water-level vantage point from which to get outstanding wildlife pics. Experts at Pangolin Photo Safaris assisted with the hide’s design and construction, which ensured that the position and functionality of the hide offered up a truly unique game-viewing and photographic experience. The hide’s west-facing orientation guarantees soft morning light and warm backlit silhouettes in the late afternoon. Eight photographers can be accommodated in the hide, and gain unobtrusive access via an underground tunnel – it’s fully equipped with red LED interior lights, spotlights and a radio. Positioned at the centre of a watering hole, the hide is open 24/7, and is open to all guests of Jaci’s Lodges. With a star-gazing bed in the hide, an overnight stay in the hide is a delightful option too.

Jaci’s Lodges’ has a resident photographic expert, so the opportunity to learn about wildlife photography is yours for the taking. www.jacislodges.co.za KARKLOOF CONSERVATION CENTRE, KWAZULU-NATAL MIDLANDS Take the Howick South/Merrivale off-ramp from the N3, and you’re on your way to the Karkloof Conservancy (about 15 kilometres on the Karkloof/Rietvlei Roads). Here you’ll find two bird-hides run by the Karkloof Conservancy: the Crowned Crane Hide on Gartmore Pan which normally contains water year-round, and the seasonal Wattled Crane Hide on Loskop Pan.

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The hides were designed and built by the experienced Mike Exelby in 2007. The Crowned Crane hide has an expansive window covered by a one-way film, with a few comfortable chairs, as well as the adjacent viewing slits with moveable tree-trunk seats. Unusually, the hides are set within a working farm landscape, and it is the lowtillage farming practiced here that has ensured the area is visited regularly by all three species of South African crane.

Special bird sightings in the area include Blue Crane, Grey Crowned Crane, Wattled Crane, Yellow Wagtail, Southern Bald Ibis, African Spoonbill, Buff-spotted and Red-chested Flufftail, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, African Fish-Eagle, African Grass-Owl, Orange-breasted Waxbill, Denham’s Bustard, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Baillon’s Crake and in wetter years, Lesser Jacana. Other rare sightings in the area include Pied Avocet and once, a Pectoral Sandpiper.

033 330 2992, karkloofcentre@telkomsa.net

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shooting robby collins

Robby Collins is considered one of the most prominent faces of the new generation of South African comedy. He has performed to some of the biggest comedy audiences in the country, and has been nominated several times for Breakthrough Act of the Year at the Comic’s Choice Awards.

How did your love for comedy develop? Making friends and family laugh. It just felt good. Have you entered a competition? Yes, when I first started and was fortunate enough to win it. When did you realise ‘hey I am funny!’? The first time I was on stage and I made a bunch of strangers laugh. It felt like stand up was the right decision. What did you grow up listening to or watching on stage? Oooh so many. Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Martin, In living Colour, Eddie Murphy, The Cosby Show and Marc Lottering. Hardest moment on stage?

Performing the day we buried my grandfather. Best moment? Realising Marc Lottering was in the audience. The introduction after my set hooked me up with a lot. What do you like about the Lowveld? It’s a beautiful place and the people are always happy to show you a good time. How would you describe your comedy style? Storytelling with the truth. Who would you love to share a stage with? Dave Chappelle. Swearing or no swearing? Swearing.

Comedy idol? Richard Pryor. If you knew today was your last day on earth, how would you spend it? I’d call up family and friends and see who was free to braai. How do you prepare for a show? I jump on stage as much as possible and just work the material. Ever kissed a fan? Ummmm. Any lucky charms? My grandfather’s ring. If you were a convicted felon, what would your last meal be? Chicken curry for sure. If you weren’t a comedian, what would you be? A teacher or a music producer. Favourite series? Narcos.

How do you relax? Perform stand up. I really love what I do. It makes me so happy. If your house was on fire, what would you save? Passport and a pair of Vans. What’s next? A lot more travelling and performing around the world.

New York next.

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ching ching Out & About with Showme Nelspruit

The Lowveld Gin Festival held at Elmswood Estate was a fantastic mix of drinks, food trucks and entertainment. Great craft gins from all over South Africa were on display and tasting them all was a treat.

Proud partner of the Lowveld Gin Festival

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flytome the moon South African Council for Business Women’s Fly Away event at the old Nelspruit Airport featured life entertainment and prizes galore.

Out & About with Showme Nelspruit

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kids

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kid-elicious

baby secrets Dip the baby’s nappy in the bath and it will change colour to pink or blue to reveal their gender. Once the secret is out, you can name your baby on the birth certificate. R 59.99, available from toy stores.

WIN Baby Secrets toys. Email your contact details to info@ lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘Baby’ in the subject box. Closing date is July 31, 2018. Ts & Cs apply.

bathtime fun We have just discovered Jordan’s Fun Soap. Gorgeous handmade soaps with little surprises in them. Think dinosaurs, wild animals, lollipops, lego pieces and mermaid tails. Bathtime should never be a struggle again. priced between R30 -R50 per bar. Contact Carly, 084 816 9443, jordansfunsoap@gmail.com fun read Middle School Escape to Australia: James Patterson and Martin Chatterton’s favourite preteen series is back. Rafe has won a trip to Oz but he has no idea just what adventures lie in store. Think horrid hosts, poisonous critters and steaming temperatures. Ages 9-12. R150, Penguin Random House.

Peter Rabbit: the movie This book is based on the new movie. Here the grumpy character of Mr Macgregor is put to rest, leaving his bountiful vegetable patch open for the taking for Peter Rabbit and his friends. But then the city slicker nephew of Macgregor arrives and mahem ensues. A fabulous remake of the beloved Enid Blyton tale. Penguin Random House.

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stuff

smashers This is the newest toy trend to hit the shops.

Enjoy the thrill of smashing open the surprise smashball to collect the Smashers characters.

R49.99, available from toy stores. For ages 5 plus.

WIN Smashers toys. Email your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘smashers’ in the subject box. Closing date is July 31, 2018. Ts & Cs apply.

meet culinary kids These guys are passionate about teaching children to be creative and achieving a balance in their food choices. Culinary Kids wants kids to experience the joy and love of food. This cooking school will teach your child about food prep and the creation of age appropriate meals, while offering a fun and exciting experience which includes learning about a balanced diet and eating good, healthy choices. Find them in your area: Barberton: Gateway Christian Academy. White River: Kinderland and Accelerated Academy. Nelspruit: Wip en Snip; Little Heaven; Kabouterland; Angels Nest & various home schooling groups. www.culinarykids.co.za Piggy Hero by Pip Jones. Illustrated

by Adam Stower. Piggy Handsome is still on a mission to be famous, as he comes from a long line of very important guinea pigs. So when a dog needs saving he is on the case, but then naughty Dan and Dolly escape from prison ready to thwart any plans. R145, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

The Amazing African Animal Alphabet: Written and illustrated by Kristen Jones. A beautiful hard cover book.

P is for Pula the penguin, Q is for Quinton the quail and R is for Rudiro the rhino. Easy to follow alphabet with both big and baby letters. R140, Penguin Random House.

Pirate Blunderbeard by Amy Sparkes & Ben Cort. When Grandpa Greybeard invites you on a sailing adventure on the high seas, of course the answer is YES. That is until you meet the scariest pirate in the world. Fun and mayhem. Jonathan Ball Publishers.

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buffaloes, moles & a wandering sock Gavin Kukard is a local kid’s author who is making children laugh across the Lowveld. Born and raised in Middelburg, he went to Middelburg Primary School, then Hoerskool Middelburg. While surveying and electrical engineering are his background, his hobby is writing Why children’s books?

I’m not entirely convinced of my ability to write adult material actually. I have tried before but managed to tell my entire story in only 26 short-ish chapters. My writing moves too fast, for lack of a better explanation and children are less critical of errors in a way. I also think that it’s easier to think of ideas for stories for kids, because with kids you can be as absurd and unrealistic as you like.

Where do you get your ideas?

Mostly they just strike me. I could be having a conversation about something totally different, and then have a way off idea for a kid’s book mid-sentence. Other times I’d experience something, or I’d see my kids enjoy something, and base a story on that. Most stories have a good lesson to learn. We are in the process of completing The Revenge of Mighty Mr. Mole, which is about vengeance and forgiveness. It’s fun.

Why rhyme?

Rhyming has a rhythm to it, which my kids seem to enjoy. It also makes it easier to write, for me.

I have been asked this question a lot, and my choice to rhyme probably hurts my chances in the market, since it’s so common, but that’s just how I write. The words come to me, they fit into boxes, the boxes make verses, and the verses make stories, with rhythm. It just works this way.

What age group is your target audience?

Mostly very young children. We started reading to our children literally from the day they were

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born, both of them. I think from around the middle of primary school, the kids might start to look for something more serious. I haven’t had feedback from parents of that age group yet; maybe Lowveld Living readers can help me out on this one?

Who illustrates them?

My illustrator is Gerent Jarren Smith. My mother was his teacher and I always remembered his name, as he was a great artist at school. I got hold of him on Facebook and he was exactly what the books needed.

Where can we find your books?

I have a Facebook page called Gavin Kukard Children’s Author. A PDF of the first story How to Buff Your Buffalo is on there and it is also available to download for free at www.smashwords.com. The book is for sale at Amazon.com.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Some stories take quite long as I might, for whatever reason, struggle to find flow in the story. Kung Fu Caterpillar has been halfway written for a few years now; I just can’t seem to close it. I also won’t give up on it. It’ll come.

Molly’s Giant Pancake I wrote from start to finish in less than four hours. That was insane, the words just came to me and flowed from my fingers. Wandering Sock, I also wrote within one day. It’s great fun when that happens.

INFO www.facebook.com/ GavinKukardChildrensAuthor. Gerent, illustrator, 076 587 3109, gerent022@gmail.com

“With kids you can be as absurd and unrealistic as you like”

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new goodies vegan deliciousness Marian is the well-known chef from Old Joe’s Kaia’s The Seedling Restaurant in Schoemanskloof. Despite it closing, she has not stopped cooking and now offers clever Dehydrated One-PotOne-Portion Meals. Simply add hot water for a fully delicious and nutritious meal. Think lentil stew with red and white quinoa and Chakalala samp and beans. Other unique dining options include cashew cream and cashew energy truffles, which are gluten free, dairy free and egg free. Contact 083 229 3751, marian@oldjoes.co.za, www.oldjoes.co.za

meet melt Melt’s decadent, smooth and quite delicious chocolate sauce had us begging for more at the recent BFM market at Casterbridge. Made with the best quality ingredients, no preservatives and no colourants, it takes yummy to another level. Use it in baking, on cakes, in shakes or top your ice cream sundae for a glorious cocoa finish. Made locally and to order: Barbara 083 555 6025, barbm01@icloud.com

micro goodness Grow your own microgreens from home. The Urban Farmher has created a micro green kit, which contains enough seeds to get 2-3 harvests. Choose from rocket, alfalfa, beetroot, broccoli and radish and get growing. The kit includes soil, the bowl to grow in (100% biodegradable), seeds (enough for 2-3 harvests), instructions on how to grow your microgreens and a simple recipe card for some meal inspiration. They are quick to grow and harvest in 2-3 weeks.

Pop them on a windowsill or brightly lit kitchen.

From R65 per kit excluding delivery. Get in touch hello@urbanfarmher.co.za, www.urbanfarmher.co.za

Win three kits of micro goodness. To enter, answer this question – True or false: microgreens can be grown indoors? Email your answer and contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘Micro greens’ in the subject box. Closing date is July 31, 2018. Ts & Cs apply.

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drink

Zevenwacht Merlot 2014: Rich and generous with concentrated flavours of plums, chocolate and a combination of red and black cherries. Layers of red fruit, strawberries and hints of red cherries cover the palate. For those with a fondness for a softer yet fullbodied Merlot, then this is your investment wine, which with maturation, will reward you handsomely.

R95, Rooikat Liquors.

Hermanuspietersfontein Skoonma is made from varietals Shiraz, Mourvedre, Grenache, Viognier. Its beautiful deep purple colour reveals aromas of spice, violets, black olive, dark chocolate, and purple fruit.

On the palate, discover a generous mouthfeel, smooth tannins, and delicate persistence. Will age well. R140, Rooikat Liquors.

Reyneke Biodynamic Syrah is certified biodynamic and organic, “grown with consideration with minimal intervention,” explains co-owner Johan Reyneke. The award-winning Syrah offers an aromatic and perfumed nose, with concentrated notes of raspberries and

cherries and hints of chamomile flower and fynbos.

Layers of red fruit and spices, with savoury notes can be found on the palate. Delicious with lamb shank.

Drink now or keep for five years. R175, buy online www.cybercellar.co.za. www.reynekewines.co.za Nederburg Vintage The Motorcycle Marvel. This Rhône-style blend pays homage to winemaker Günter Brözel, who is remembered for driving around the farm on a 250cc BSA motorcycle. Blended from Carignan, Shiraz, Grenache, Cinsaut and Mourvèdre, find generous notes of spicy, peppery berry and sweet fruit characters on the nose. There is a rich and intense, fullbodied explosion of flavour on the palate with ripe and silky tannins and an excellent integration between fruit and wood. Quite delicious with roasts, and barbecued steaks. R180, Rooikat Liquors.

Nederburg Vintage The Brew Master. This Bordeauxstyle blend commemorates German brew master Johann Graue, who revolutionised winemaking with clonal experiments, and cold fermentation techniques.

A full-bodied, classic red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec, find concentrated aromas of blackcurrant, mulberry, dark chocolate, mocha, cigar box, and a hint of vanilla spice. Complex with juicy and savoury notes, and ripe tannins with a fantastic integration between wood and fruit. Excellent with casseroles. R180, Rooikat Liquors.

keep it warm with red

Plaisir de Merle’s Merlot 2015 offers sweet, plummy flavours. Cherries, hints of cloves and mocha are on the palate and the nose features red berries and floral notes with hints of spice and mint chocolate.

Yummy with a pot roast. R190, available online from www.vinoteque.co.za.

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eat

meet

maluma we recently

met Maluma. He is dark skinned, rather large with a bad case of razor rash. However, never judge a book by its cover and this is true with Maluma‌ unique, genuine and quite delish.

Of course, we are talking about the Maluma avocado, a new generation avocado cultivar differing from its better known Lowveld counterparts like the Edranol and Fuerte avocado varieties.

The Maluma is renowned for its small seed and thicker-than-usual skin. In the production and sales world, this makes it a good bet as there is more creamy flesh to eat and it is well protected from internal injuries, giving it a longer life span. For the farmer, the tree requires fewer chemicals too.

Where does it originate?

The Maluma originates from the Levubu Valley near Louis Trichardt, Limpopo. The name Maluma is derived from the farm it was originally found on, Maluma Farm, which in turn was most likely named after the Venda tribe, Mauluma, which means ‘indulgently eating’.

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The farm’s owner, Dries Joubert, discovered a dark-skinned avocado variety in one of his orchards in the ‘90s that year-on-year produced tremendous yields. As a production-driven farmer, the late Dries Joubert, propagated a few trees for himself and exported these fruit as Hass fruit, a well-known avocado cultivar.

During a visit to Joubert’s farm, farmer Kosie Eloff from Morebeng, noticed this unique tree and, with the permission of Joubert, contacted Dr André Ernst from Allesbeste Nursery and requested him to propagate clonal avocado trees for him with this variety. Dr Ernst agreed. He was intrigued by this unique plant and asked permission to further study this avocado variety.

In 1998, Eloff planted his first trees calling the fruit the “Dries Hass” in honour of Dries Joubert. Soon after, Dr Ernst propagated plants for himself and planted his first orchard in 1999 calling his fruit Maluma, after Joubert’s farm.

In subsequent years the Maluma was closely evaluated and more farmers became aware of its potential, including tomato giant ZZ2. It was registered as a full avocado cultivar in 2004.

Today roughly 800 hectares of Maluma are planted throughout South Africa, with its largest production being in the hills and valleys of Tzaneen and Mooketsi. Maluma is also produced in Peru, Israel, Spain, Morocco, Australia and New Zealand.

We chat to Maluma farmer, Zander Ernst, son of Dr André Ernst, about the rising star of the Maluma.

Which farms cultivate it?

Maluma is produced by a large percentage of South African avocado farmers. We have decided not to limit who grows Maluma as we want the popularity of the cultivar and its supply and availability to grow as quickly as possible. As the plant breeders rights owners, we at Allesbeste, have just decided not to allow the cultivar just to be left to chance, and rather take the responsibility to drive this product to market.

eat

Is it sold locally?

Maluma is produced mainly for the export market as the local market often cannot keep up with the high prices in Europe.

However, the local market is growing in stature and over the past few years demand for avocados in South Africa has grown tremendously with prices becoming more lucrative.

Roughly 10-20% of Maluma is sold locally, and reaches most of the local supermarkets. Unfortunately all dark skinned cultivars are sold under the original name of Hass, so much of the Maluma’s identity and its uniques features are lost. A large part of the Maluma avocado branding effort is going into education throughout the Supply of Value chain about acknowledging the benefits of selling different cultivars with its unique identities.

Where can we buy it?

Since 2013 Woolworths has acknowledged Maluma as a cultivar, and the Maluma is also often sold in Spar and the Foodlovers Market with the unique Maluma branding in association with Avolands. And when in Tzaneen pop into the Allesbeste padstal.

Where is it exported?

The Maluma is currently exported to the UK, with the biggest market being the European Union. The Maluma produced in

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Peru is already being exported to the United States and will soon be available in China too What are the growing conditions?

The Maluma grows well in all traditional avocado regions, which includes Nelspruit, White River Kiepersol, Schagen, Tzaneen, Mooketsi, Levubu, Haenertsburg. It is also being planted in many of the warmer non-traditional avocado areas such as Hoedspruit. Maluma has proven to cope well with a wide spectrum of microclimates, and produces much bigger fruit than Hass in the warm climates. Maluma also copes better in frost prone areas than Hass and is not affected by internal orchard frost damage.

TODAY ROUGHLY 800 HECTARES OF MALUMA ARE PLANTED THROUGHOUT SOUTH AFRICA, WITH ITS LARGEST PRODUCTION BEING IN THE HILLS AND VALLEYS OF TZANEEN AND MOOKETSI.

food for thought maluma avos

Maluma milkshake – very few people realise that some of the countries that have the highest consumption of avocado like Morocco and Mexico consume avocado by drinking it in a milkshake form.

eat Did you know? The Maluma is the first avocado that doesn’t need lemon juice to keep in a salad. It has the best “post-slice-lifespan”, and remains perfectly green and yellow while other avocados turn brown much faster.

Everyone loves avo on toast.

Keep it simple – Maluma, salt and pepper, roughly mashed on toast.

Maluma guacamole – we add a sweet twist. Mash Maluma with salt, pepper, aromat, and sweet chilli sauce.

promotion

Nevills clothing T

Nevills Clothing isn’t just a clothing shop, it’s an experience

he name is synonymous with, quality, style and sophistication – they are ready to clothe the discerning shopper.

Staying abreast of the fashion industry is key. The Nevills team travel regularly to top-end fashion and trade shows in order to keep one step ahead of style trends. “We want a long lasting relationship with our customers and maintaining fashion standards is a necessity. Customer service is key, “ says Duncan Blum, owner of Nevills.

“Our ability also rides on the shoulders of our suppliers who have endured the road with us for the last 37 years and helped create our success, and with their continued support, will ensure decades to come. A special thanks to all our loyal staff too, who are part of the Nevills family and

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have helped tailor the way to a well established business and personalised shopping experience.” Training and product knowledge is an ongoing exercise at Nevills to ensure the customer gets professional help at all times.

With multi branded labels for both men and women, a large variety of accessories and shoeware, Nevills can help to get the right fit and style for everyone. They also have an alteration den to ensure the perfect look and feel for a tailored appearance.

Whether it is an international or local brand, Nevills aims to accommodate your needs with their professional, friendly and committed service.

INFO Nevills, Riverside Mall, 013 757 1203. Nevills Nelspruit CBD, 34 Brown Street, 013 752 6800.

style

styled for winter you and your home

Catrice Brown Collection Nail Polish: Beautiful shades to match the colours of autumn.

R59.95. Available from pharmacies.

Lov Valentina’s Grenadine Lipstick: Bold, bright and beautiful for winter. R229.95.

Available from pharmacies.

The Bluebeards Revenge Bodywash: Finally you can get clean properly! R250.

Available from pharmacies.

The Bluebeards Revenge Post Shave Balm: Winner of a FHM grooming award, this is every shave’s happy ending. R350. Available from pharmacies.

HairGum Barber Shop Beard Oil: Smoothes with a shine and smells vanilla delish. R240.

Available from pharmacies.

HairGum Sculpt Gel: Professional fixing gel for a great hold. R179.

Available from pharmacies.

FINO Cosmetics Beard and Shave Oil: Can be used as a smoothing beard oil or moisturising shave oil. Mint scent.

R135. Available from pharmacies.

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Mama Mio Superstar In A Jar: 100% natural baobab oil infused into this multi-purpose balm makes it amazing for dry skin, unruly hair, baby scalp, cracked cuticles, chapped lips and more. A little wonder jar for the whole family. R450, shop online at https://shop. poisebrands.co.za

Violet & Rose

kitchen cool

Chandi, handcrafted kitchens, cabinetry and furniture, has established an exceptional reputation in the Lowveld. Their attention to detail and superior craftsmanship are second to none. Head designer, Chanté Schwartz, draws on 17 years of experience in cabinetry designs to create concepts with original features tailored to suit the individual needs and aspirations of each client.

Chanté spends time getting to know her clients and understanding their lifestyle, allowing her to create concepts that will perfectly complement a home. The Chandi team prides themselves on delivering exceptional levels of customer service, unsurpassed quality and guaranteed after sales services.

In the photo above, the Chandi team used their expertise to create a number of hidden work services in an open plan kitchen. The German systems they use ensure every drawer, cupboard and shelf gets designed to fit its contents perfectly with bespoke inlays. Get in touch 013 751 5126, chandi@lantic.net, www.chanteschwartz.wix.com/chandikitchens

stockists of:

Shop 69UG I’langa Mall Shop 73A Crossing Centre 013 742 2267 sales@violetrose.co.za

style warming design St Leger and Viney’s amazing wallpaper will warm up any room. This is Cole & Son Royal Fernery (113/3008) design and retails at R4 181.40 per roll. Available from stleger.co.za

keep warm Inspired by the icons, culture and landscapes of Africa, these gorgeous Hinterveld Africa blankets are made from a blend of mohair and wool.

Available in six designs: R3 605, buy online from www.linendrawer.co.za.

Free delivery throughout South Africa.

Styling you and your home going old school Field Shoes Inc. has launched VELDSKOEN™ shoes with a fresh new look. Seven Mzanzi inspired colours have been added to the original ‘Hunter’ shoe. With colour soles and matching laces, the shoes have been given names like The Vilakazi, The Bloem and The Uhambo – aptly reflecting their heritage. Available from Tekkie Town Nelspruit, or buy online from veldksoen.shoes. R790.

the biography basket These baskets tell the stories of the Gone Rural women in Swaziland.

Everything is done by hand in the homestead: From grinding maize to thatching roofs, with each material collected, used and re-used resourcefully. This is reflected in the baskets, for which traditional weaving techniques have been revived, revamped and redeveloped. www.goneruralswazi.com

style

eden project It’s no longer enough to have a few houseplants dotted in and amongst your decor. Instead, answer the call of the wild and create a fanciful interior where every space defers to nature through an abundance of lush, living greenery

Words Mandy Allen, Bureaux Production Janine Vermeulen, foraged.co.za Photos Warren Heath, Bureaux Plants Cape Garden Centre, capegardencentre.co.za

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style No garden, no problem. Ever since the 70s-inspired houseplant revival, our senses have been reawakened to the emotionally and physically restorative effect of plants. But there’s a new trend for displaying indoor specimens that is taking root in spatially restrictive urban settings – a more-is-more approach underpinned by a maximalist mantra. The result is a hyper-stylised and whimsical aesthetic of woodland fairy-tale meets tropical fantasy. We show you how to take your garden indoors as the weather cools.

house plant wishlist Typically well suited to indoor conditions, the following plants will thrive with the right care.

Air plants • Asparagus Fern • Arrowhead Plant • Bamboo Palm • Betel Leaf Plant • Bird’s Nest Fern • Bromeliad • Button Fern • Calathea • Creeping Fig • Delicious Monster • Devil’s Ivy • Ficus or Fiddle-leaf Fig • Heartleaf Philodendron • Leather Fern • Maidenhair Fern • Mother-InLaw’s Tongue (also known as the dieffenbachia plant or dumb cane) • Peace Lily • Silver Lace Fern • Spider Plant • Star Jasmine • Sweet Viburnum • Tree Fern • Wandering Jew (also known as the Inch plant)

style points The choice of indoor plants and trees is endlessly diverse with wonderful variations in the shapes and sizes of leaves, colouration, texture and the way they grow. This makes creating a stylish green space relatively easy when it comes to good looks.

A tropical mood is easily achieved with plants bearing large, waxy leaves in intense shades of green, while ferns and plants with cascading tendrils such as string-of-pearls and devil’s ivy are delicate and enchanting. Group plants the way you would figurines or other objects and display them in living vignettes: potted and arranged en masse in a corner, arranged on floating shelves, on coffee and hallway tables, interspersed in between cookbooks and kitchenalia on pigeonhole shelves, at varying heights on plant stands, in terrariums, under glass cloches, hanging from the ceilings in bathrooms and vertically in contemporary and vintage wall planters.

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style

look get the

the hanging garden Idea: Windowsills, floating shelves and tabletops are familiar places to show off houseplants, but why not elevate your displays into living installations by opting for unusual containers and surfaces. An old painted kitchen drawer, mounted on the wall, has been planted with a creative composition of leafy flora that has a striking gradient colour effect. In addition, a cascading assortment of plants arranged on a vintage wooden stepladder looks abundant and layered.

Notes: Display plants vertically in a wooden box, old drawer or hexagon or triangular shadow boxes and mount on the wall as a solo display or as part of your gallery wall.

To get the look, carefully remove the plant from its plastic pot and set it aside on some newspaper. Make sure the plastic pot fits into your chosen display box and, if using more than one plant, mark out your desired arrangement. Remove the pots and drill small holes, two for each pot (more depending on the size and weight), making sure to align the holes in the box with those in the base of the plastic pots. Use gardener’s wire or cable ties to secure the pot/s to the box, then carefully replace the plants and hang up your creation. To water, use a spray bottle.

Ferns (both of the delicate and big-leaf variety), air plants and cascading plants such as Philodendron, Chain Of Hearts, Devil’s Ivy and Spider Plants are well-suited to vertical growing.

Plants in wall display: Bird’s nest fern, button fern, maidenhair fern, silver lace fern.

Plants on ladder: Button fern, mother-in-law’s tongue, philodendron, spider plant, asparagus fern, silver lace fern, and a bromeliad.

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style Plants used: Bamboo palm, button ferns, delicious monster, philodendron, magnolia tree, mother-in-law’s tongue, silver leaf ferns, star jasmine, tree fern, silver lace fern.

the greenhouse effect Idea: Dark walls, a monochrome palette and the absence of frivolous decoration have been selectively chosen to allow the greenery to make a statement in this space. A mid-century modern coffee table and graphic rug pay homage to retro style, though the prevailing mood is clean and contemporary.

Prominent in this arrangement of plants is a variety of philodendrons. There are so many variations and shapes of philodendron available and they are very low maintenance, requiring medium shade and an average amount of water.

Popular houseplant varieties including the non-climbing split-leaf philodendron more commonly known as delicious monster, and the climbing variety, heartleaf or sweetheart philodendron. The latter make amazing hanging plants. They survive in low light, but grow faster and bigger leaves in medium to high light.

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Plants used: Asparagus fern, bird’s nest fern, button fern, ficus lyrata (Fiddle-Leaf) tree, philodendron, star jasmine.

forestry division Idea: Embrace the earthy delights of a woodland biosphere and create a sitting niche encircled by tall indoor trees with large, waxy leaves, wispy ferns displayed in hairpin-leg pot stands set at varying levels and hanging houseplants with tendrils that playfully trail downwards.

Notes: Tall indoor plants can be used to designate a specific zone in an open-plan space, effectively doing the job of a screen without sacrificing the interior flow or natural light.

This reworking of the retro look gets its modernity from leaner lines (the hairpin-leg pot stands), a utilitarian side table made chic by its gold metal top, a masculine edge in the form of the mid-century chair and a wink to Scandi chic with a sheepskin area rug.

Create a super-natural layered effect with plants displayed at varying heights – just as they would grow in the garden.

Books-as-decor, with engaging graphic covers, complement the setting. This corner has an abundance of natural light but this selection of plants, given the right care, will also do well in lower light settings.

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style Plants used: Asparagus ferns, button ferns, philodendron.

sustainable coexistence Idea: Verdant houseplants make a high-impact addition to a collection of antique sewing machines; the eye-catching installation made all the more interesting by the juxtaposition of industrial objects designed for creating precision with the tangled, wildly flourishing greenery.

Notes: Pots have been painted black and no other colours (other than natural wood) introduced so as to allow the setting to feel dramatic without being overwhelming.

Trailing indoor plants that spill out of their pots look wonderfully wild and whimsical. Common vines and climbing indoor plants include heartleaf philodendron, devil’s ivy, betel, star jasmine, creeping fig, arrowhead plant, and wandering Jew.

caring for house plants All plants – even hardy air plants – have specific needs. Do your research and ask at the nursery to ensure your greenery thrives.

Indoor plants will benefit from a monthly boost of indoor plant food.

Growing conditions to consider include: light (or lack of light), temperature, humidity, watering, feeding and potting as well as repotting.

Yellow leaves indicate over-watering while brown leaves mean the plant needs more water.

Care considerations aside, most indoor plants are reasonably low maintenance.

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natural selection Idea (window): A beautiful bay window is transformed into a leafy, inviting wonderland by an abundance of houseplants. In this context, the plants help to enhance a sense of privacy in a densely populated urban setting.

The windows afford the plant collection with growthenhancing light, while the plants help to moderate the room’s temperature – natural air conditioning for eco-aware homeowners.

Idea (table vignette): The joy of plants lies in their extraordinary shades of green and graphic forms.

Celebrate this natural beauty by fashioning an installation of hanging and potted specimens as well as terrariums with a geometric modernity.

Plants used (window): Bamboo palm, button fern, delicious monster, ficus millennium, heartleaf philodendron (in macramé), star jasmine, delicious monsters, silver lace fern. Plants used (table vignette): In macramé hanging planters: asparagus fern, bird’s nest fern; In terrariums: Wild olive bonsai trees, moss. Other plants: Bamboo palm, heartleaf philodendron, motherin-law’s tongue

style

high

on art

New gallery curator aims to take the space to new heights Photos Chris van Heerden

The White River Gallery

located in Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre has a new curator, Dana MacFarlane. Dana has always had a passion for art. Even from a young age she collected and displayed works of the great masters on her bedroom wall. We chat to the curator whose excitement about Lowveld art and the gallery space is contagious.

What is your background? It was always my dream to own an art gallery, but my parents thought a career in finance was a better bet. This passion however never let me go, and after I met my husband and started a family, I resigned from banking.

I was able to explore my dream by working in the Michael Heyns Gallery in Pretoria part time. Michael subsequently became my mentor, and it wasn’t long before I was sourcing art and exhibiting from my home. As my children grew older, I sourced venues in Joburg as exhibition spaces, ending up with my first gallery Halifax Art in Parkhurst. The gallery hosted numerous group and solo exhibitions before our move to the Lowveld.

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Are you an artist? No – sadly I never produced any art of my own. I guess my creative expression lies in conceptualising and curating an exhibition. I see the gallery as a blank canvas, each exhibition constructed as a beautiful large scale painting.

Do you have a favourite type of art? I love all types of art; it’s hard to choose. Each genre and medium has its own charm and beauty. However, I do have a great passion for prints and printmaking, purely as it is such a technical as well as a creative process. We are fortunate to have the world-acclaimed printmaking studio, The Artists’ Press, on our doorstep in White River.

Favourite international artist? Marlene Dumas. Although based in Amsterdam since 1976, she is homegrown, having been born and studied in Cape Town. In 2008, she briefly held the record for the highest price paid for an artwork by a living female artist. I admire her incredible ability to explore the human spirit, and that her art serves as a framework for human thought and debate. I am fortunate to own a lithograph of

style Nelson Mandela produced by Marlene Dumas as a tribute to his 90th birthday, printed in New York.

First piece of art you bought? A Zakkie Eloff sketch of an impala with some hard earned pocket money.

Why the White River Gallery? A trip to the Lowveld was never complete without slipping into the beautiful White River Gallery, often sneaking away from the obligations of family to spend an hour there. Part of the incredible attraction was the architecture of the building itself, infused with a serene calmness. After moving to the Lowveld in 2015, I searched for a gallery space in Nelspruit, however I was constantly drawn back to the White River Gallery. It has been a true privilege and an honour to take over the reins as curator of the gallery as from January, as the custodian of one of the few visual arts platforms in the Lowveld.

What are your goals for the new gallery? Quite simply, I’d love the gallery to be the most interesting place to visit in White River. We hope to broaden our community’s awareness around art and the process of art, hoping it will serve as a centre of art education. We aim to seek out and provide a platform for local talent through a programme of mentorship.

We have recently taken on a truly talented local artist, Winston Thekiso. I would love the gallery to serve as a space of serenity, inspiration, enlightenment and debate.

What we can expect? We are planning to host a series of workshops for artists and art audiences alike, hoping to bring subject matter experts from around the country to share knowledge on art in general. I’d like to host guest curators, to keep the offering at the gallery unpredictable. We are currently in discussion with curators Thabo Sekoaila and Mandy Conidaris to host a beautiful show of African artists.

Whose work will we see? We will always aim to showcase a

mix of local and broader South African artists. We are preparing for a group exhibition as part of the Innibos Arts Programme, called Mostert na die Maal, paired with a cultural meal offering

by Magnolia Restaurant. We are also excited that Felicity Bell is currently working towards a solo exhibition of portraits (with a twist) later in the year, and Ingrid E Uys will be presenting a solo exhibition of hauntingly graceful birds in flight early next year. In between expect local names such as Erika Schoeman, John-Anthony Boerma, Winston Thekiso, Karin Daymond, and broader South African names such as Michael Heyns, Laurel Holmes, Sue Martin, Sue Pam Grant, Lebohang Sithole, and John Moore. We will also stock and display works by a few of our South African greats such as Deborah Bell, Nelson Makamo and Sam Nhlengethwa to name a few. Sculpture by Anton Smit can be expected.

What else will you use the space for? I’d like to offer the gallery as an exclusive events space, as a beautiful venue to host a special dinner birthday or wedding.

Whose work would you love to have in the gallery? I would love to host a retrospective of Zakkie Eloff’s work as one of the first established artists of the Lowveld. His story as an artist is hugely inspirational, giving hope to many aspiring artists possibly involved in other disciplines.

INFO Dana MacFarlane 082 784 6695, dana@whiterivergallery.co.za Did you know?

The White River Gallery has been accepted to participate in the Turbine Art Fair in Joburg in July this year, where 15 000 feet from all over South Africa and beyond pass through its doors. Later in the year, we will be participating in the Fine Art Print Fair at the Gordon Institute of Business Science in Joburg, bringing a few of our artists to a new audience – we are truly hoping to place White River firmly on the arts map.

“I would love the gallery to serve as

a space of serenity, inspiration, enlightenment and debate.”

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style

game face A new gallery in Hoedspruit celebrates the success of local award-winning artist Warren Cary Words Dianne Tipping-Woods

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style

“My day is not complete if I don’t draw.”

A

“A beautiful, strong interpretation of an iconic and powerful species left in the wild today. It’s refreshing to see an individual style of precision, power and eloquence.”

This is the citation for Game Face On, artist Warren Cary’s category winning entry in the 2016 David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year Awards. Warren’s visit to London for this prestigious event was the catalyst that turned a long-held dream into a reality; the opening of the Warren Cary Wildlife Gallery in Hoedspruit last year.

“When I left the exhibition space in London, I knew it was time for my own space,” says Warren. Nervous beforehand, he was stunned and honoured by the recognition he received overseas. He was also reassured as to the incredible pool of artistic talent in South Africa, and the Lowveld in particular.

So began his search for the perfect space for his gallery; somewhere central and modern, with ample wall space for canvases of all sizes. The double volume Kathryn Parker Interiors building on Hoedspruit’s main road was perfect. Warren has turned it into a light-filled space that shows off the detail in his work to perfection, with clever lighting and stylish touches, like the heirloom desk on loan from a close friend and the Janet Berry Ottomans that are scattered around. ”It’s the most beautiful space in Hoedspruit,” he laughs, delighting in the fact that his vision has become a reality and that his hard work over the last few years has paid off.

Warren describes himself as a self-taught artist, who moved to pursue art full time in Hoedspruit in 2011. Not content to rest on his laurels, he’s never stopped experimenting with new techniques and honing his ability to render the incredible, precision artworks that he is increasingly well-known for. “My day is not complete if I don’t draw. I am never going to have enough time in my life to draw what I want to draw, and I want to keep evolving,” he says.

While the gallery bears Warren’s name and will feature his latest works, it will also display art by Kim Kay, Dave Tomlinson and other established wildlife artists, so there will always be something fresh to see. “The idea is to have a guest artist exhibition every three months or so to show off the diversity of quality work being created,” he explains. The gallery can also be be used for small events.

The style of art on offer at the Warren Cary Wildlife Gallery may vary, yet it all relates to the wild world that Warren draws on for inspiration. As fantastic as his success is, you’re still most likely to find Warren parked off in the bush somewhere in his beat-up old game-viewer analysing the colours of the clouds or debating how to bring a particular colour or texture to life in his work. INFO www.warrencaryartist.com

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go

go

lekker bydie

sea

We have created your very own itinerary for your next trip to Durbs Words Kim Springorum

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go

joburg is trendy

, Cape Town is glamorous, but Durban is cool.

Really cool. A little bit Rio, a little bit Miami, eThekweni is in a class of its own. The weather is glorious year-round, the people are friendly and there is so much to see and do. There are beaches to explore, an abundance of fun activities for the kids, excellent and diverse shopping experiences and some fantastic restaurants. Your only problem is going to be fitting it all in. Here are some ideas if you find yourself in sunny “Durbs by the sea” for a few days.

WHERE TO STAY I stayed at the fabulous Beverley Hills Hotel, which offers great weekend deals. Each room has an uninterrupted view of the ocean. The food and service were impeccable, right down to the gentlemen assigned only to clean your sunglasses while you suntan, sipping a delicious cocktail by the pool. And it was almost as if the pod of dolphins diving through the waves were putting on a show just for us. 031 561 2211.

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go A renovated colonial style Durban house on Florida Road, Quarters Hotel is ideally located for both the beach and the trendy Berea area. The hotel has 25 rooms including family rooms. 031 303 5246, www.quarters.co.za For a bit more of a holiday beach weekend, stay at the luxurious Coco de Mer Hotel in Ballito. The hotel has 14 suites and is situated in the heart of the town’s hot spots as well as being an easy stroll down to the beach.

032 946 1034, www.coco-de-mer.co.za WHAT TO DO Durban’s Golden Mile, or The Mile as it is often called, is your typical waterfront promenade. The prom runs from uShaka Marine World to Moses Mabhida Stadium. It is full of families enjoying the sunshine and a having a walk, run or bike ride. For something less energetic, you can sit in one of the many beach-side cafes and watch the world go by.

After a few frozen Margarita’s at Wahooz Bar, for research purposes, I decided to brave the beach front cableway at Durban Fun World. A ride costs just R35. A little hairy for anyone scared of heights, but it was a fun trip down memory lane and a lovely way to view the beach front – when I managed to open my eyes. Find it opposite Marine Parade Holiday Inn on Durban’s Beach Front. 031 332 9776.

For those with kids Ushaka Marine World is a must.

It is the fifth largest aquarium in the world. Spend the day enjoying the abundance of water rides, penguin, seal and dolphin shows. And for the brave, book a table at the Cargo Hold restaurant, inside the shark tank.

At the other end of The Mile is Moses Mabhiba www.ushakamarineworld.co.za Stadium. Built for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the stadium has many adrenaline filled activities on offer. The Sky Car, a single cabin that runs up steel tracks on the northern arch of the stadium, is designed to roll down under its own gravity (in case of load shedding) and has a 106m vantage point. The best scenery for miles. There is also the Big Swing and the Big Sky Walk along the arch. After the cable car on the Beach Front, I opted out of this one. You can also beach glide on a Segway for those seeking a more serene adventure. www.mmstadium.com If you are in Durban on the first Saturday of the month it is worth a visit to the I Heart Market, held outside the Moses Mbhida Stadium. Shop for locally produced art, craft, décor and design. After browsing the stalls, grab something to eat and drink from one of the food trucks and have a picnic on the lawn. It is the perfect way to spend the morning. www.iheartmarket.com If I am ever in Durban with my boys I make time to visit the Natural Science Museum. On the first floor of the magnificent Durban City hall, this little treasure trove of dinosaurs, fossils and taxidermy predators. Entrance is free.

Smith Street. 031 311 2256.

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If your kids are like my boys and mad about trains, then take a trip up the hill to the Valley of 1000 Hills. There you can catch the Umgeni Steam Train from Kloof to Inchanga’s small Victorian station and back again. There are trains on the first and last Sunday of every month. The train leaves from Stoker’s Arms pub in Kloof so you can enjoy a cold beer on your return. Seats fill up fast so it is recommended you book in advance. www.umgenisteamrailway.com If you have never visited Durban before then hop on the top-deck of a Ricksha Bus Tour. The three-hour tour will take you through pretty much the whole of Durban. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and entertaining.

With that year-round sunny weather it was a lovely way to spend the morning. 031 322 4209.

WHERE TO EAT Whenever I plan a trip, I always make sure I research a new restaurant to try. And Durban has a lot to choose from. With its rich cultural heritage and the largest population of Indians in one city outside of India, you can’t visit Durban without sampling a curry. And Afros Chicken. Here are some of my top places to try next time you head Durban way.

Afros Chicken – If you have never tried Afros chicken then you are seriously missing out. www.afroschicken.co.za Chef’s Table – on my last trip, I had dinner with some friends in a private dining room at the Chef’s Table in Umhlanga. It reminded me of the Test Kitchen in Cape Town. We had the 5-course tasting menu and the food was sublime. www.thechefstable.co.za Cafe 1999 – they may just have a view of a parking lot, but their fresh seasonal food is so delicious you won’t look up anyway. www.cafe1999.co.za Lupa Osteria – a fantastic chain of Italian restaurants in Durban. The food is always great and the atmosphere buzzing. www.lupa.com Market – for a casual café style lunch I recommend Market. Set around a central fountain, often with live music, it has a real European café feel. www.marketrestaurant.co.za Johnny’s Rotis – a Durban institution, it is the best place to visit to sample one of Durban’s famous Bunny Chows or Rotis. 031 209 2020, 89 Sparks Road, Durban.

The Chairman – Tucked away downtown is a hole-in-the-wall jazz bar called The Chairman. Durban’s best-kept secret. www.thechairmanlive.com.

WHERE TO SHOP Durban is fast becoming a creative hotspot as far as fashion, design and décor are concerned. In the past, the creative Durbanites fled the city for greener pastures in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or overseas. Now they are sticking around to be a part of the city’s rejuvenation.

For the big shopping mall experience, Gateway, is top of my list. Well-laid out, it ticks all the boxes for your overseas and local brands such as H&M, Zara and YDE. Spend a morning shopping and finish it with a delicious salad at Tasha’s.

Station Drive is a creative hub that forms part of Durban’s urban renewal. There you will find Con Amore, a stunning décor shop, as well as other local shops such as

Shoppe and Savior Brand Co. It is also home to craft beer Distillery 031 and houses the Morning Trade artesian food market every Sunday.

Just up the road pop into Anthology at Windermere Centre. Curated by local artist Terry Angelos, Anthology offers a range of local designers, Terry’s designs, décor and jewellery.

Down Ballito way The Lifestyle Centre is a good spot for shopping and lunch at their newly renovated The Market. It also has a great new vintage clothing shop called Castaway Love. I picked up a Mango shirt, a lovely pair of Witchery shorts, a vintage beaded clutch and an Accessorize handbag all for just R700.

Patagonia is synonymous with unexplored landscapes, wild nature, and extreme weather conditions. This place has everything for an unforgettable experience

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patagonia journey to

Discover the southernmost city in the world and the beautiful Tierra del Fuego National Park, plus travel back in time on the Southern Fuegian Railway. Explore how Ushuaia transforms into a magical winter wonderland at night. Take an exciting dog sled ride across the valley to a charming cottage in the woods where you will enjoy a homecooked meal accompanied by live music. Close this itinerary with a city tour in the amazing and cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires, perhaps with an additional night stay in Buenos Aires and a watch a Tango show. This is a land only package but the possibilities are numerous. Ask a Dana Agency Travel Professional for more information. 013 753 3571, www.danaagency.co.za USHUAIA – BUENOS AIRES 1 June – 31 August 2018: From R13 770 pps incl 4 nights of 5* accommodation Buenos Aires (1) - Ushuaia (3). A half day excursion in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Ticket for End of the World Train. A Snow & Fire excursion and full day off road 4x4 in SIB in English/Spanish. A city tour in Buenos Aires.

Meals: Breakfast (4) - Lunch (1) - Dinner (1).

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Win a dream getaway at Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge valued at over R28 000

Sign up to the LL experience and the latest copy will be delivered to you.

For only R216.24, you will receive a year’s subscription of six editions of Lowveld Living Magazine. Subscribe in the months of June or July 2018 and you stand the chance to win a two-night stay at Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge for two adults sharing, including all meals and two safaris per day.

Located on an ancient elephant route on the Mluwati River in a private concession within the Kruger National Park, this unique lodge boasts a breathtaking blend of ethnic luxury encompassing both warmth and style.

The lodge is steeped in modern day comfort and blends into the surrounding bush perfectly. The opportunity to immerse yourself into some of the rich culture of the Shangaan heritage and traditions will ensure an unforgettable safari experience. The luxury air conditioned ‘beehive’ suites, with earth coloured walls, king size beds, en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers and private game viewing decks, are charmingly decorated with African fabrics, décor and objets d’art that are sourced from the local Tsonga community.

Designer menus offer a traditional taste delicately balanced with European flair. Activities include open vehicle safaris, guided bush walks and Nomadic African Spa treatments.

INFO Extraordinary’s Reservations 011 516 4367, res@extraordinary.co.za, www.extraordinary.co.za

TO SUBSCRIBE: CALL: 079 523 4671| EMAIL: lowveldliving@gmfc.co.za Ts & Cs: The prize excludes: Transfers, gate entry fees and drinks. Magazine: Rate applicable to one-year subscription of six editions at R216.24. Processing of the subscription may take up to a week.

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fisherman’s

playground Fly fishing the Lowveld

Words and photos Jonathan Boulton

Fly fishing

is often surrounded by misnomers and half-truths. While yes it is a sport, some might say it’s a heightened mental state, requiring enormous skill to gracefully aerilize a long fly line over the water to delicately present an intricately hand tied imitation of the flies the trout happen to be eating. Well, yes that’s true and while some think it is the pastime of bearded pipe smoking cronies in tweed blazers with a secret handshake, it is in fact a game for everyone.

Young and old, boys and girls, can catch any fish, anywhere at anytime, practicing the gentle art of fly fishing.

It helps not if you are weak or strong, tall or short; everyone is on the same level. Historically, yes, the “Fly” in “Fly fishing” was named thus as it was the Ancient Greeks thousands of years ago who first tied a white fly with cockerel feathers to imitate the white insects their local fish were eating. Now the “Fly” in “Fly fishing” can represent absolutely anything. If a fish eats something, a fly can be made to imitate that. We throw 50cm big, bright dazzling imitations of the fish that marlin eat off the back of the boat. In the Amazon, jungle nut eating piranhas shoal under specific trees at a certain time of year. A fly made of tightly spun deer hair is used to create a

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neat round profile, and if cast enticingly under the branches, and makes a tempting “plop”, it is more often than not, consumed in an instant – hey presto “ the nut fly”.

So yes the bread and butter, and traditionally the most widely accepted form of fly fishing, is fishing for trout on South Africa’s high altitude streams and man-made dams.

Trout were introduced well over a hundred years ago, as they were to other Southern Hemisphere countries, with cool well-oxygenated water like Patagonian Chile and Argentina and mountainous New Zealand. They have been part of those landscapes and ours for a very long time and support huge industries, selling gear, providing accommodation and fishing on site. In South Africa these regions include the Western Cape Mountains, the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensburg and arguably the best known and often referred to as the capital of fly fishing in South Africa – Dullstroom. With numerous trout fishing estates, pubs, restaurants and fishing shops, it’s a fly fisherman’s weekend heaven. An escape to the great outdoors to pit their skills against Mother Nature and attempt to fool a wily trout to eat an imitation made of fluff and feathers.

Mpumalanga and the immediate surrounds, say a three-

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hour radius of Nelspruit, must in fact boast the widest variety and diversity of fly fishing in the country, arguably even the world. The “Trout Triangle” of Dullstroom, Lydenburg and Machadodorp”offers the angler countless trout fishing possibilities, with manmade dams stocked with trout which require flowing water through the winter months to breed.

Bass were introduced from North America’s warmer states like Florida and are aggressive predators, attacking other fish, frogs, birds and even snakes on the water, making for the creation of some very interesting fly patterns. Yellowfish, the Lowveld Largescale and Small Scale in particular, are a gorgeous butter golden endemic fish that inhabit clean fast flowing rivers such as the Sabie and Komati systems. They are caught using small nymphs and fight incredibly hard.

Tiger fish are probably Southern Africa’s most esteemed game fish. Fast and voracious with teeth that are not just for show, fly fishermen use heavier rods with wire trace above big flies, resembling the bait fish tigers eat on the lower Crocodile, Komati and Sabie river around Malelane and Komatipoort.

With passport in hand and heading over the border towards Maputo on the N4, a whole different world of saltwater fly fishing opens up. From fishing in the surf for small Kingfish and the Pompano species, to off-shore with huge flies resembling monsters of the deep which Barracuda, Sailfish and Giant Kingfish devour.

So indeed fishing can be a sedentary pastime, drowning some worms, snoozing in the shade of a tree next to a cooler box, but fly fishing has also evolved into an adrenaline pumping sport. Enjoy your Lowveld fly fishing playground.

For any help with fly fishing locally or as far afield as the Amazon and Alaska contact the author on jonathan@flyfishing.co.za Small GT off Mozambique.

YOUR ESSENTIALS FROM MAVUNGANA FLY FISHING CENTRE The fly rod: Fly rods come in weights. This is not how heavy they are but a rating. Like a gun, you could hunt a buffalo with a .22 but it wouldn’t end well. 1 and 2 weights are short, super light rods for palm size mountain trout. 12 weights are like broomsticks for sailfish. A 6 weight rod is a good all rounder, with a quality reel and a floating line and is excellent for still water trout, yellowfish and light bass and tigerfish.

Flies: One needs a selection of flies picked by your specialist fly fishing store and a matching leader (the nylon that attaches the fly). As with golf clubs and cars, you pay for what you get. The more expensive the rod the better the components and its performance and hence your enjoyment level – so break out that credit card and let the fun begin!

082 573 3624, www.flyfishing.co.za

Rainbow trout at Dullstroom.

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running

wild

Half marathons in South Africa are a dime a dozen. But right here in Mpumalanga we have one that’s like no other.

That’s because it takes place in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife refuges – the Kruger National Park. What makes this 21.1km race so unusual, is that athletes aren’t the only living things out on the road. Because the route is unfenced, lion, buffalo and elephant have tried to take part too Words Jenny Chaplin Photos Joep Stevens

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as a runner

, there’s nothing quite like getting up early on the morning of a race. There’s always a sense of excitement ahead of the big event – especially when it’s the Skukuza Castle Lager Half Marathon – a race run in the bush surrounded by the Big 5 and any other number of creatures that call this place home. Luckily for us, a huge number of people will have been on the go making sure we’ll be safe two hours before we set off.

A squad of rangers, whose responsibility it is to ensure the safety of the athletes during the race, travel the course by vehicle and foot to herd off any big game that may be lurking. At the same time, the SANParks helicopter lifts off on its first flight of the day to make sure that no elephants, rhinos or lion get too close to the route.

That being said, there have been a few close encounters.

Bruce Fordyce who has run the Skukuza Half 17 times, recalls a time when lions had made a kill on the cricket

field where the race starts. “Fortunately for us, the drama all happened before the race started and the rangers were able to move the kill with the lions in hot pursuit.”

At 8.30am, to the sound of a lion’s roar – the race start signal – we set off. After climbing the first short but steep hill, named Vossie’s Hill after the founder of the Kruger Park Marathon Club, Dr Vossie de Vos, one soon realises that this race, like Africa, is not for sissies. In fact it’s rated a 5, because of the toughness of the route and the danger factor.

Thereafter it’s onto a dirt track across the Lake Panic dam wall where hippo, waterbirds and a variety of antelope are often seen. “We once had a problem with a Black Rhino at this spot,” relates Bruce. “Black Rhino’s look at you like you owe them money and the rangers had a tough time getting it to move off.”

It’s at the end of this stretch that the first water table is located and it’s a welcome sight. Because of the late start,

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go which gives all the athletes a chance to get through the gates and the rangers time to clear the route, temperatures are often already quite high. “I’ve never experienced a cool, rainy race in Skukuza,” says Bruce.

From there it’s around the edge of the golf course and up ‘Rhino Hill’ where a few years ago a black rhino gave golfers more exercise than they bargained for. Then it’s back through the village before taking on Vossies Hill for the second time. Next it’s time to head out of the village along a sand road around the rhino bomas where animals are held before translocating them. It’s a difficult section. Hilly, dusty and by now very hot. Fortunately there are plenty of water tables and lots of chirps from birds and runners alike to keep the spirits high. There are also plenty of rangers around and the ever-watchful helicopter as we’re now truly running in the bush.

Martie Oosthuizen, the race organiser tells of a time when lions disrupted the race. “The front runners had to hop onto a bakkie while rangers chased the animals away. Once it was safe to carry on, the athletes got off at timed intervals – all except the frontrunner. He refused to dismount and has never entered the race again!”

A long, gradual uphill in the bush takes us onto the Kruger Gate Road – where two years ago, the helicopter and rangers had their work cut out for them keeping a 200-strong herd of buffalo from crossing the road.

From there it’s onto the last stretch which is back through the staff village and at the 19km mark with just one more uphill to go, the Castle Lager water table offers thirsty runners a beer which many are unable to resist. Then it’s thankfully down Vossie’s hill for a change, with the finish line in sight marking the end of an unforgettable running experience.

Besides the incredible nature of the race, many stories abound. Bruce remembers the year when FW de Klerk set the race off. “It was around the time of the unbanning of the ANC. The Nats were having a Bosberaad at Jakkalsbessie and as we all know, a politician will never turn down a captive audience. He arrived with his then wife, Mariekie, said a few words and as the last runner left the field, he turned to my wife who was still smoking then and bummed a cigarette off her. He wasn’t stupid enough to smoke in front of 1 000 runners!”

Martie laughs about other incidents, which of course are only funny in retrospect. “One year, a day before the race, we had to translocate a leopard who loved hanging around a certain area. Three days later he was back in the same spot, as happy as Larry. We’ve had a hippo knocking over a water table and ellies pulling down a tree on the route. First we had to chase them off and then remove the tree. Thanks to the efforts of our rangers though, we’ve never had a

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serious incident, nor have we ever had to stop the race.”

Besides its unusual location, what makes this race even more special is that each year the money that is collected from entry fees goes towards a nature conservation project.

“We’ve raised funds for wild dog, rhino and crocodile projects amongst others. Wherever the need is greatest,” explains Martie.

The Skukuza Castle Lager Half Marathon is such a unique event,” says Bruce. “It’s hard, hot, dry and hilly. But there’s nothing like it in the world. Where else can you run a race inside a game reserve where the Big 5 roam? Or Big 10 if you include things like mambas. It’s well organised and it’s a bit like being with family.”

August 4th will mark the 30th anniversary of this wonderful race. Unfortunately entries are already closed, but if you’d like to enter for 2019, entries open on the day of the race. But be quick… it usually only takes six weeks to allocate the 2 000 spaces available. And despite vowing each year that I’ll not put myself through this again, I for one, will be hoping like mad that I once again get one.

Visit www.skukuzamc.co.za for more info.

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africa’s best marathons Victoria Falls Marathon – 1 July 2018 A real beauty, this half or full marathon plus a 7.5km fun run crosses the Zambezi River which borders Zimbabwe and Zambia. The course also goes through a game park.

The Knysna Forest Marathon – 14 July 2018 This amazing run meanders through the Knysna Forests. Rumour has it the elephant dung along the route is trucked in from the Addo Elephant Park, but the Sambuca shots at the last water table are real.

The Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon – 18 to 28 October 2018 This race is for serious athletes. It’s held in the Northern Cape’s ‘Green Kalahari’ and is made up of six legs over seven days with set distances for each day ranging from 28km – 75km.

4 Peaks Mountain – September 2018 A 24km mountain race, this unique circle race runs along the tops of the Witteberg Mountain range to make an unforgettable horse shoe that encloses the Moolmanshoek Valley in the Free State.

The Kilimanjaro Marathon – 3 March 2019 A famous half and full marathon with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. The route passes through smallholdings, villages, parts of town, banana and coffee plantations and patches of forest, providing great excitement to the residents who give ample vocal support.

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extreme

running

Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon: You race against hundreds of Elvis impersonators and partake in a runthrough wedding and say I do in the chapel.

Le Marathon du Medoc, near Bordeuax: A truly French event, runners sample a selection of wine at the 23 wine tastings along the route. There are also opportunities to eat oyster, foie gras, cheese and ice cream.

The Great Wall of China Marathon: With more than 5 000 steps to climb along the 50km route, it’s no wonder that it takes runners about 50 percent longer than the average marathon time.

Polar Night Half Marathon: It takes place in the beginning of January, during the Polar night-period, when the sun does not rise above the horizon so the route is lit by torches to make it easier to see the aurora borealis as you run.

Kyoto Marathon: The course takes runners though the gorgeous city of Kyoto, passing by seven UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites, several temples, and numerous sacred shrines.

The Everest Marathon: Listed in the Guinness Book of Records, as the highest marathon in the world, the start line is at Gorak Shep (17 000 feet), close to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, and finishes at the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar at 11 300 feet.

The North Pole Marathon: Runners face negative 40-degree temperatures and must run over hard snow and the frozen ice of the Arctic Ocean.

Midnight Sun Marathon, Norway: Run in the evening, the majority of runners finish around midnight, as the sun

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doesn’t set in this region of Arctic Norway between May and July, so it is broad daylight.

Walt Disney World Marathon, Florida: “The most magical race on earth”, this 50km race takes runners through four Walt Disney World theme parks, with the route lined by Disney characters.

Marathon des Sables, Morocco: A six-day, 251 kilometers race through the Sahara desert, it is considered one of the hardest on earth.

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live

helping hands

Running a medical practice in Skukuza in the Kruger Park isn’t for everyone.

After all, when snake bites, poachers, malaria, and even delivering babies are part of your everyday life; you have to be a special kind of ‘animal’ to get the job done. Meet Dr Julia Dabrowski and Dr Nardus Visser – two medical practitioners who don’t just love what they do – they thrive on the thrill of practising medicine in the bush Words and photos Jenny Chaplin

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ONE OF THE BIGGEST DIFFICULTIES IS HAVING TO DEAL WITH THESE EMERGENCIES WITHOUT THE CONVENIENCE OF A HOSPITAL AND ALL ITS FACILITIES CLOSE BY

The Skukuza

practice is busy. The phone rings non-stop. SANParks employees pop in from the staff village side of the building to collect meds or see a doctor and on the opposite side, tourists rush in with concerns and ailments too many to mention.

Amidst all the activity, Drs Julia Dabrowski and Nardus Visser are impossibly calm and upbeat. Ready with a smile, a healing hand or a listening ear, these two are seasoned pros, ready to tackle anything that comes their way.

After a childhood in Kinross – a small farming town south of Jozi, Nardus headed off to Pretoria where he studied medicine. After a two-year internship and another of community service, Nardus spent a number of years working in Papua New Guinea and then on cruise liners (or “pleasure boats” as he calls them), where he met his lovely wife.

When the previous Skukuza Doc left the practice to specialise in 2015, Dr Nardus filled the post. “I delivered a baby in my first month,” he recalls. Although it’s not quite the norm in a GP practice, he hasn’t looked back. In 2016, he started looking for a partner and was put in touch with Dr Julia – who had previously turned down a position here to specialise in Internal Medicine.

Julia came highly recommended. She’d studied in Cape Town and post studies, internship and community service in Bloemfontein and Kabokweni respectively, did a diploma in Child Health as she wanted to specialise in Paediatrics.

“After realising I enjoy all aspects of medicine, I moved onto

studying family medicine and then entered a programme to become a physician.” The universe had other plans for Dr Julia though and after two years as a Registrar, she fell pregnant with twins.

“I was devastated about resigning as a Registrar. But shortly after the boys were born, I saw the ad to join the Skukuza practice and a few Skype sessions, a lot of packing and a month later, we’d arrived!”

It wasn’t quite what Julia had expected. “This is a family practice, so you see all the normal stuff. But… we’re also expected to help out with dental problems, gynae and obstetrics and surgery for lumps and bumps. We do our fair share of psychology and counselling too,” she smiles.

The team is also faced with a number of emergencies – falls, car accidents, animal and snake bites and of course poaching incidents. One of the biggest difficulties is having to deal with these emergencies without the convenience of a hospital and all its facilities close by.

“It can be a challenge,” says Dr Nardus, explaining that one can’t simply send a patient to the office next door for X-rays. Most patients also don’t want to leave the Park – preferring to stay right where they are. “We do our best to accommodate them and where possible, provide an inpatient service, but it’s not always do-able and sometimes we have to put our foot down,” says Julia .

The biggest challenge the Docs face though are the results of poaching.

“Working here is sometimes like being a war zone medic,”

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live “Working here is sometimes like being a war zone medic. When we get called out – which happens during the day and night – we change into bush gear, get into the chopper and go to the crime scene.

says Nardus. “When we get called out – which happens during the day and night – we change into bush gear, get into the chopper and go to the crime scene. Sometimes, we have to drive there and then because the terrain is inaccessible by car, you have to hike through the bush with your torch, emergency pack and stretcher accompanied by an armed ranger. It can be tough, but there’s also a certain kind of magic about being in the middle of nowhere and seeing the stars,” adds Julia. “Not when you have to carry a patient back out and it takes ages to get back to the ambulance!” quips Nardus.

At poaching scenes, the most common injuries are gunshot wounds. “Our trauma experience has stood us in good stead and we do what we have to do,” says Julia. “We keep the poachers alive – we want them to stand trial. As hard as it is to stay professional, we have to,” explains Nardus.

Dealing with poachers is only one aspect of their demanding jobs though. Julia recalls a particularly crazy day when a patient had a heart attack in reception. Later that night, she was called out to assess an elderly gentleman running around the campsite in his undies! He was making quite a nuisance of himself and it took three men to catch him. It turned out, the poor guy was going through a diabetic delirium. Even later, a hugely overweight man collapsed in the pitch dark – with no-one around to help him up, Julia had quite a job on her hands.

Undaunted, the two carry on. They’ve seen the results of rhino and buffalo attacks and guys who have ‘bumped into’ elephants. They’ve treated people for hyena and monkey bites and been rushed to a light aircraft crash site where amazingly, those on board all survived. There have been scorpion, snake and spider bites and near drownings. And there are calls at 4am. From people living overseas wanting to know about malaria.

As if this isn’t enough to contend with, the pair also dispense meds, run a chronic medicine programme for SANParks and surrounding lodge staff and also play an active role in the local government clinic. “We volunteer an hour a day to sit with the sisters who present patients they feel need to be reviewed. It’s important and we’d rather see problems before they become emergencies as we feel responsible for all the people that live in the Park,” says Julia.

The final tick on their big job description list is the bag check. “Every three months, we travel around the park

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live “WE KEEP THE POACHERS ALIVE – WE WANT THEM TO STAND TRIAL. AS HARD AS IT IS TO STAY PROFESSIONAL, WE HAVE TO.” checking emergency equipment and spending time with duty managers,” explains Nardus. “You can’t take it slow and enjoy the sights as the distances are vast and we need to get to all the major camps,” adds Julia. “But there are moments where we feel like tourists again!”

“I love living in the bush,” says Dr Nardus. “I enjoy nature and wildlife and it’s awesome not to have to worry about crime. Plus the work is interesting and varied.”

Dr Julia agrees. “I love that we see patients from all walks of life in Kruger. That doesn’t happen in a city practice. What I love even more is the continuity we have with our patients and how we get to know them. It’s good feeling that we have a purpose and that we make a difference. The community creeps into your heart.”

Undoubtedly, with the sterling job these two doctors do; they have crept into the community’s hearts too.

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a step ahead

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live The world of rhino poaching isn’t a pretty one.

Much of the focus is on donations and arrests.

What we know less about is the team of incredible investigators that do everything from intelligence gathering, forensic investigations and post mortems on poached animals. Frik Rossouw – who is a Senior Investigator for the Environmental Crime Investigation unit at SANParks – gave us a glimpse into life behind the scenes Words Jenny Chaplin

From a peaceful

childhood spent on a research farm just outside of Pretoria, Frik Rossouw has come a long way. Yet it was probably from these simple beginnings that his love of the bush and animals was sparked and that the first step of his incredible journey began. It’s one that took a few twists and turns, but each brought him closer to where he is today – investigating rhino poaching and doing post mortems on South Africa’s threatened creatures.

After attending Police College, Frik was posted to the special guard unit, doing VIP protection for the then Prime Minister and other members of cabinet. Little did he know he would one day be protecting VIPs of a different nature. It was during his time on the Force, that he met Petro, who also worked at Police HQ. “After stalking her and doing some investigations into who she was, we eventually got married,” Frik laughingly recalls.

When a post at the Pafuri Police Station opened, Kruger became the next stop for the Rossouws. “At the time I was studying law and Petro finance, so we thought it was ideal an ideal place to finish our studies.” It was a move that would change the course of their lives.

“It was during our time at Pafuri, that I became involved in doing elephant poaching investigations. It was a crazy period, as the Mozambican War was still in full swing. We experienced people shooting one-another and fleeing the border into the Police Station. In 1990 alone, we had 1 795 refugees to repatriate – all the time dodging bullets while fighting the elephant poaching war,” recalls Frik.

Then, in 1995, the Parks Board opened an Antipoaching Unit in Phalaborwa. Frik applied for the position and got the job. “When the unit changed to a counterpoaching operation, I was appointed manager and moved to Skukuza – along with Petro and by then, our two children.”

The ensuing years saw many changes in this unit, bringing it to where it is today – Environmental Crime Investigations (ECI), with offices around the country. “Our responsibility is tackling syndicate related environmental

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crime issues, from the poaching of rhinos to pangolins and abalone,” explains Frik, adding that they have a broad range of powers and mandates, allowing them to do the same work as a non-commissioned Police Officer. “There isn’t a unit like this anywhere in Africa, possibly in the world.”

Although Frik says there no such thing as a typical day as things change hourly, the unit’s work kicks into high-gear when a ranger calls in a scene. After doing a brief investigation to determine whether or not it’s a crime scene, they hand over to ECI. “Our mandate is to get to the scene within hours,” says Frik.

Fortunately, these days, the team has the use of two JD Gators – mini 4x4 vehicles that save them time, allow them to carry equipment and get through the bush quickly. If it’s a really difficult location, a private sponsor flies the investigators there.

“We’ve got to get there as soon as possible, as our biggest challenge is the environment. It’s not friendly. Evidence deteriorates very quickly and the difference between a fresh and a two-day old scene is vast.”

On arrival, the job at hand is about way more than just finding a bullet. The team does a thorough search and marks all the evidence in the company of two police officers who take charge of the evidence that’s been found. “In the bush, you have to figure out what happened before the bullet arrived. It’s hard work interpreting that. Because so many of the scenes have been contaminated by hyenas and lions, a post mortem also becomes part of the investigation.”

The post mortem sees the crew taking samples of muscle, skin, blood and toenails, so that when a horn is recovered and DNA is taken from it, a link can be made back to the scene and what was discovered there. Ballistics also get matched to weapons, tracks are lifted and every bit of what is found gets recorded, to hopefully, ensure a conviction further down the line.

“As an organisation, we’re getting better and better at managing the situation. The proof is in the success we’re having and year on year. We’re making more arrests and seizing more firearms. We have to stay a step ahead of the poacher and the syndicates all the time, which is why a lot of our work is also about gathering intelligence.” says Frik.

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“RHINO’S WON’T GO EXTINCT ON OUR WATCH.”

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IT’S A MASSIVE AND AT TIMES, FRUSTRATING CHALLENGE. ONE THE TEAM IS UP FOR.

Contrary to popular belief, only a small percentage of rhino horn ends up being used as an aphrodisiac. “Possessing rhino horn is all about status and 70% of it is used to make ornaments and jewellery. The other 30% is for the medicinal market as it’s believed it can ‘cool fevers, drive out spirits and cure cancer,’ Frik relates, adding that despite the fact that the horn has been proven to have absolutely no medicinal properties, time-worn beliefs are hard to change.

It’s a massive and at times, frustrating challenge. One the team is up for.

“We’re not here for the paycheck,” smiles Frik. You have to have a passion for the place, the animals and what you do. You get used to the smell, the blood and the scene, but you never get used to the cruelty. Poachers don’t discriminate. I’ve seen rhinos with their tendons cut to immobilise them. I’ve seen evidence of animals still being alive when their horns were removed. I’ve seen foetuses that were weeks away from being born and I’ve seen orphaned babies.”

“It’s heart-breaking, but fortunately most of us have very supportive families who understand the long hours and periods away from home.”

Although Frik only has eight years left in the Park, he says there’s good succession planning in place and he believes he’ll never stop fighting this war. “There are plans in place and things are already happening which I can’t divulge, but the rhino has a future.”

As for his own future? “I enjoy training and teaching people to do things the right way. I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with the Dutch Forensic Institute and Interpol workshops where we share what we’ve learned and problem solve.

With 30 years’ experience in the Park, this quietly spoken and humble man isn’t just internationally renowned in his field, he has a host of awards under his belt, including a Kruger National Park team award, Rhino Conservation Award for Political, Investigative and Judicial support and a SANParks Kudu Award (Chief Executive’s Reward), including the SANParks Webforum People’s Choice Award in 2017. All off which, he says, would not have been possible without the support of a very dedicated and professional team of colleagues. So when he says “Rhinos won’t go extinct on our watch,” there’s absolutely no doubting him.

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hola habana

Habana 64 is the newest designer spacein the Lowveld and we are excited to show it off Words Nicky Manson Photos Nicky Manson, Audrey Ford Duimelaar

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located in

the Bagdad Centre outside White River, this Cuban restaurant and bar offers a nounder-18, relaxed space to hang out .

Owned and conceptulised by Lyn and John Davis, owners of the popular Picassos restaurant, the idea was sown after a trip to Cuba last year where the duo fell in love with the vibe of the island.

An unassuming entrance welcomes you.

The concrete façade is simple. A rounded staircase, white washed light blue doors and a wooden sign annouce the venue.

Step inside and a completely different look and feel is presented and you are immediately transferred to downtown Havana. It’s fun, exciting and tropical from the get go. Vibrant, lush wallpaper competes with chic wooden furniture, black and white flooring and hanging basket lights. The dark blue washed bar takes centre stage and lines one wall. Next to it, an old classic shop fridge in green complements a green feature wall and the splashes of jungle décor inside and out. Above the bar, a bright red shelving unit handmade by Hans van der Merwe & Son showcases the beverages on offer.

Across the room, another beautiful wooden bar drapes itself on the neigbouring wall. Cool steel barstools in pastels sit under similarly coloured metal lamps. The space is airy and light and cool. Funky planters and a variety of greenery has been used generously. There is an intimate seating area inside and out with open balconies and sliding doors, which will offer respite from the Lowveld summers. A small lounge area is also dedicated to chilling.

Photos of the Davis’ own family trip to Cuba adorn the walls, as do cool prints and metal mirrors. Outside, the space extends to a deck.

Equally sophisticated, the cool Havana thread is interwoven throughout. The interior design is a combined effort between owner Lyn and designer Meg van der Merwe and they sourced the furniture and décor from various places including Hans van der Merwe & Son, Amatuli Artefacts, Jambo Exports, Oriental Concepts, Gracious Living, and Pennylane. Throw in a jukebox, a cigar humidifier and bartenders wearing fedoras and the effect is intimate, cozy, fun and tres cool.

“John and Lyn had a lot of holiday pics to work with and I researched Cuban décor and interiors. My inspiration came from the eclectic combination of classical and kitch and of course, Cuban colours,” explains Megan van der Merwe.

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Next time you feel like escaping our borders, think of Habana 64 – where Cuba’s traditional drinks of the Mojito and Cuba Libre, and the restaurant’s signature dish, Ropa Vieja Beef, a classic Cuban mix of slow cooked shredded beef – will have you lingering a while.

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housing rising stars HoÍrskool Nelspruit’s new Cultural Centre is a blend of creativity, technology and community Words Nicky Manson Photos Etienne Oosthuizen, Africa Photographic Services

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Hoërskool Nelspruit

The beautiful rock wall formation by artist Anton Bosch sets the stage for the Cultural Centre.

was built around 1916. Back then it was a small school with 20 pupils. Kids would travel to school by foot or donkey, and if you lived as far as Schagen or Kaapmuiden, by train. The school was known as the Nelspruit School and later it moved to the premises of Laerskool Nelspruit. Hoërskool Nelspruit (the high school) was completed and opened on 29 July 1952.

Since then the school has seen phenomenal growth.

The school now showcases its new Cultural Centre. “Due to the growing number of learners competing in activities such as photography, debate, public speaking, art, music and dance, the need was emphasised for a modern facility like this,” explains

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spaces Voltex is responsible for all the building’s lighting requirements.

Aliche Bezuidenhout, Hoërskool’s marketing and communication dept. “The establishment of this project gives our learners dreams’ wings. The Centre provides the opportunity for development in a variety of cultural activities and the hosting of such extracurricular activities. As such the learner benefits by being able to compete at a much higher level against top South African schools.”

The Cultural Centre is a multi-functional facility.

Both the indoor and outdoor spaces have been designed to be adaptable and functional for a variety of activities. There is a coffee shop, a venue for debating and a photography club, an art studio, a dance studio, a soundproof music room and various multifunctional outdoor spaces. The public relations, marketing and supporters’ club office is also located here.

Gerhard Jooste Architects are responsible for the design of the space, while artist Sias Bosch, a past pupil of Hoërskool Nelspruit, joined the architectural team. “The challenge here was to give the building a modern but timeless look and feel to blend in with the existing architecture on the grounds, “ says Aliche.

The project was a long-time dream of previous headmaster Dr Louis Swanepoel, and he was closely involved in choosing the right fittings for the interiors. Arkas Textiles custom made the huge aweinspiring Matumi desk, with timeless cabinets and wall paneling in the offices creating a very traditional feel. Woodenways supplied all the chairs. Adorning the wooden panels are plaques with the names of sponsors who helped make this building a reality. “As

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spaces The Sable antelope sculpture by artist Arend Eloff stands sentry.

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spaces such, this building truly is a showpiece for the school and we are proud to be able to entertain friends and supporters of the school here,” says Aliche.

The colour palette is bright and bold in keeping with the school colours, which include green and yellow. The neutral tones help the space blend in with its tree-rich environment.

Landscaping was done with the help of former teacher Mr Jos van Dyk and was kept simple and easy to maintain.

To the western side, the building is surrounded by lovely green grass and most of the old indigenous trees on the property were kept. “This creates the illusion that the Centre has been here for a long time,“ explains Aliche.

A combination of subtropical and desert plants such as agapanthus, cycad, marlothi and tree aloes, were planted to keep watering and maintenance down to a minimum.

There are several talking points in the Centre. One is the ceramic rock wall feature by Lowveld artist and past pupil Anton Bosch. “Having old Nellies students be part of such a big project is really special to us and in itself symbolises generations of families passing through,” says Aliche.

Within the mosaic each ceramic rock is handmade.

The design symbolises various facets of the school. In the

centre the palm tree represents a strong school theme with the slogan “Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat” which refers to the learners who are worthy of carrying the palm branch.

Surrounding it is the N4 with the school grounds on the one side and the sport or athletics field on the opposite side. Other elements represent the hostels.

Another favourite feature is the beautiful Sable antelope sculpture by Lowveld artist Arend Eloff. It looks towards the building as if standing guard over it. This piece was commissioned by the matrics of 1983 as a gift to the school to use here at the Cultural Centre. The Sable features the school crest and represents the fauna and flora of the Lowveld.

“I think that my favourite part, however, is the building coming to life with learners and making the most of and appreciating the opportunities they’ve been afforded,” says Aliche.

Note: The project was made possible by the support of the greater school community and important players such as the Trust Vir Afrikaanse Onderwys, the Atterbury Trust, as well as funds raised during the Fiesta year, which is a five-yearly fundraising project.

Buco supplied the majority of buildware and hardware.

Woodenways supplied all the plush office chairs.

MAKE YOUR DREAM OFFICE A REALITY Visit us for inspirational decorating ideas Design Quarter, Amanzi Street, Mbombela 013 590 5018 nelspruit@woodenways.co.za www.woodenways.co.za

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restaurant guide

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F�o� ����� lo��e� ��i� g�o� The Lift Café restaurant and bar is fast becoming known for spectacular views and great food!

Popular dishes are given a fresh twist, with homemade mayos, sauces, pickles, juicy burger patties, rotis and scrumptious cakes and muffins.

Pizzas are baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven.

Enjoy craft beer on tap, wine, cocktails or specialty teas and coffees.

In summer, sit out on the balcony, which is perched on the edge of the gorge and in winter, enjoy a hearty, crackling fire.

After your meal, take the lift down to the enchanting 600-metre circular trail and enjoy a magical forest walk. (It’s balm for the soul - see website for more info).

F�� ��e�i�� o�ca�i�n�, c��� Yv���� a� 076 159 �047

The Lift Café @ the Graskop Gorge Lift Co On the R533 towards Hazyview (1km out of Graskop) 076 159 0047 / www.graskopgorgeliftcompany.co.za Open daily (including public holidays): 08h30 to 6ish Conservation fee: R20 Adults and pensioners (17 years & older); R10 Children (4 yrs to 16 yrs)

restaurant & venue guide

ACCOMMODATION l RESTAURANT CONFERENCE l WEDDINGS

T’s & C’s

Tel: 013 758 1222 Cell: 082 898 9533 banqueting@bundulodge.co.za www.bundulodge.co.za R40 main road l Nelspruit / White River

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Nurture your Soul with Healing Therapies

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Experience the

THRILL TWO AMAZING ADVENTURES

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+27 (0)13 737 6747 www.skywaytrails.com

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Stockist of top Quality Equestrian Products.

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KNIVES LEATHER JEWELRY 36 WATERFALL AVENUE, RIVERSIDE IND. PARK, NELSPRUIT

013 752 7432 │nelspruit@midfeeds.co.za

SHOP 21C STEILTIS CENTRE 076 248 1523 MetalEdgeBVW@gmail.com

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