The Outdoor Edition

LOWVELD ISSUE 70 | SPRING 2018 R30.00 (incl VAT)

LIVING

the great outdoors

GET CAMPING | SINGITA’S COMMUNITY CULINARY SCHOOL | GREEN DESIGN ADVENTURES IN MOZAMBIQUE | DESERT EXPLORATIONS IN NAMIBIA MEET THE PHOSA MATRIARCHS | KAAPSEHOOP TRAILS | NEW HERITAGE SITE

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his edition we celebrate The Great Outdoors. With spring just around the corner, it is almost time to shed our winter coats and enjoy the sunshine. It’s also our 70th birthday – we celebrate the Lowveld’s Great Outdoors with a nostalgic look at camping, exploring the new Heritage Site of Barberton’s green belt, and we travel: A journey to Namibia in a 4x4 and Mozambique on a dhow.

We also Go Green with a look at sustainable design, cool green products, no-straw policies, a visit to Singita’s Community Culinary School and more.

Enjoy!

The Great Outdoors

As dawn breaks, the sun lazily stretches her rays.

They spread across the sky creating a kaleidoscope of colour.

She tentatively rises, unsure of whether she can reach the clouds.

The wind lends a helping hand, Puffs of cotton wool waft away.

The trees whisper to each other, quiet secrets only known to them.

The flowers turn to the light.

A fish breaks the still of the water.

Ripples crack the mirrored surface.

An uncertain splash, as an Egyptian goose lands.

The night’s dew begins to dry like spent tear drops.

Squirrels yawn, And the birds begin their melodic morning ritual.

It’s almost spring.

Nature is vibrant.

Welcome to the great outdoors.

- (Nicky Manson)

EDITOR Nicky Manson, nicky@lowveldlivingmagazine.com | EDITORIAL Nicky Manson, Dianne Tipping-Woods, Lynn Haken, Adam Cruise, Kim Springorum, Annelle Whyte, Bev Tucker, Buce Pinnock | 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 Spaces, Etienne Oosthuizen, Africa Photographic Services. © 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.

what’s inside play

Books for everyone, old-school camping and out and about in the Lowveld.

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kids

Board games for the whole family to win, and a different kind of artist!

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Food news and views, and we visit Singita’s Community Culinary School.

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Eco friendly products, comfort and stylish musthaves and an insight into sustainable design.

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go

Journey the deserts of Namibia and the waters of Mozambique with us.

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live

Meet the women behind Matthew Phosa and the man painting up a storm in Malelane.

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eat style

spaces

Skukuza’s new science institute and an eclectic family home.

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read

get outside with a book A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena: A domestic noir thriller, Karen has no memory of the car accident she was involved in, and no explanation for the dead body found nearby. As she recovers at home, she suspects someone has been in her home. With a disbelieving husband and a nosy nextdoor neighbour, Karen soon discovers that the people closest to you are the ones you should worry about. Perfect example of urbanites behaving badly. R290, Penguin Random House.

Hitmen for Hire by Mark Shaw: The tagline is ‘exposing South Africa’s underworld’ and true to its word, the book navigates the world of hitmen, informers, rogue policemen, criminal taxi bosses, gang leaders and crooked politicians and businessmen. Shaw interviews various sources and his story looks at the link between hired assasins and SA’s economic activity. The Zulu name for hitman is izinkabi. Shaw chats to an izinkabi, Simon, who reveals most hits require a witness, proof that the hit has been followed through, and the target has not just been warned off and run away. “Pricing a hit is a measure of water – like water in a cup,” he explains. “It really depends on who is to be killed. There are two basic criteria: status and difficulty.” A shocking and thoughtprovoking look into this dark underbelly of our country. R275, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie: This wonderful mystery novel featuring the beloved detective Hercule Poirot was rereleased wth the new film and the original story will still grab your attention many years after it was first published. R150, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

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Yes, Really! A Life by Kate Turkington: “There are a lot of good things about getting older. When you’re young you want everyone to like you and to make an impression.

When you are old you don’t give a damm,” Kate Turkington. Well-known broadcaster Kate shares her biography, which bounces from the UK to Nigeria and to SA and reminices over a remarkable life. R265, Tafelburg.

Cuito Cuanavale: 12 Months of War that Transformed a Continent by Fred Bridgland: By September 1987 Angola’s army supported by Cuba and a billion dollars of arms from the Soviet Union had assembled forces on the Lomba River, 125km southeast of Angolan town Cuito Cuanavale. Their goal was to capture Jamba, headquarters of the rebel group Unita, supported by the SA defence force in the Border War. The story is retold through interviews with the men on the front line.

Ultimately, the war had a great impact and spelled the end of African conquests by Cuba and the Soviet Union. One for the history buffs, “an indepth historical narrative!”

R290, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

The Stranger by Saskia Sarginson: Eleanor’s life is turned upside down when her husband dies. The circumstances that surround his death are strange and she makes a heartbreaking discovery in his study after the funeral. But life must continue and maybe there is even a new romance in the future. But when a stranger arrives at her door, secrets are spilled and some threaten everything she knows. R165, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

The Bone Collection by Kathy Reichs: These short stories introduce us to favourite character Tempe. They reveal how Tempe is dragged into her first case and finally leaves the world of academia to become a criminal investigator. One for the fans of Reichs’ gripping reads. R175, Penguin Random House.

C’est La Vie: The French Art of Letting Go by Fabric Midal: The perfect size for your handbag, this little guide wants you to give yourself a well-deserved break. Stop bossing yourself around and just be. Be angry, be tired, be silly, be passionate… a lovely rediscovery at how to live. R260, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

GREAT OUTDOORS 2018

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play

get outdoors With nicknames such as “MacGyver” and “Kahalari Keith”, camping with my Dad was always going to be full of adventure. We spent most of our school holidays on epic trips through Africa. But it was by no means a “glamping” experience...

Words Kim Springorum

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he insisted on

the bare minimum.

Who needs luxuries when you are camping under a blanket of stars in the Kalahari desert?

It was serious business and my sisters and I would spend afternoons pitching our tents on the lawn while Dad timed us to see how quickly we could put them up. Back then the tents were a lot more manual than the pop up variety you get now. Our toilet was a shovel. Our bath the basin you used to wash the dishes in. Luckily we were kids so we didn’t mind a little dirt.

Looking back I realise just how fortunate I was. There was a real sense of freedom and we had a truly African bush experience, sometimes a little hairy, since there were no fences to keep the animals out. Listening to a lion roar when they are just a few 100 metres away is a scary, but amazing sound. And to camp alongside a dirt road known as “lion’s freeway” in Botswana was always going to bring lots of excitement.

Now that I am older (and a lot less keen on being dirty) I no longer camp unless I can do it in style. Camping can be a wonderful opportunity for family bonding and a great learning experience for kids. So with a little planning and preparation and some nifty camping kits, it can be a relaxing holiday for the parents too.

GREAT OUTDOORS 2018

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KEEPING KIDS BUSY

WHAT TO PACK They say when you travel, first pack your suitcase and then halve it! Kids especially don’t mind being dirty and you don’t need to pack three outfits a day. Just make sure you take warm clothes. It might be sunny and hot during the day in Africa’s winters, but once the sun goes down it can get very cold.

If you have never camped before then a good starting point is to download a camping check list. There are many online. My mother used to keep an ongoing checklist.

Whenever she thought of something useful it went on the list for next time. There are a few important basics: Glasses. It might be easier to pack tin mugs or plastic glasses, but G&T sundowners are always better in glass.

Decent plates such as enamel or melamine. It is no fun trying to mop up stew on a paper plate.

A sharp knife is essential. Try cutting vegetables with a blunt butter knife.

A good quality flask for those early morning activities.

Stanley flasks, although a little expensive, are worth the investment.

And a decent tin opener.

Make sure you pack headlights for the kids and a UV torch is fun to search out the scorpions in the dark … and also handy to know where they are lurking!

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While camping is a great way for kids to explore, they can get bored sometimes without the comfort of their toys or electronics. It is advisable to take along a few rainy-day activities.

Pack games like Dobble and UNO, which are compact and light. We used to have an ongoing Rummy challenge when we went camping. I pack a clipboard for each of my boys with activity sheets, blank paper and a pencil attached with a string. It is good for the car journey and you have a ready-made table for drawing. Have a nature scavenger hunt. Get the kids to do a holiday journal or nature book. They can fill it with drawings or things that they collect such as feathers. It also serves as a great memory of your trip and may even result in some special drawings to frame.

Use what you have around you. Make a Tic Tac Toe game out of stones and sticks. Make your own balancing beam from two ropes tied from one tree to the next. One to hold and one to balance. Just don’t make it too high!

And the most important item on your list … glow sticks … glow sticks and more glow sticks! They will keep kids entertained for hours by the camp fire.

These days you can get everything that opens and shuts to make camping life easier. And who doesn’t love a camping gadget, whether it’s brand new technology or a throwback to traditional tools – camping gadgets make life easier. You might not necessarily need them, but you will enjoy using them while learning what our great outdoors has to offer.

play WHAT TO EAT Lighting the braai is an integral part of a camping holiday but eventually you will get tired of braai meat. With a little bit of preparation and planning you can enjoy some great fireside meals without it having to involve a lamb chop and a tin of creamed corn every night.

Make a big batch of rusks. They make a healthy snack with coffee in the morning before you head off on your hike or game drive. Pre-mix batter for flapjacks and keep in a sealed glass jar for up to a week. A quick and easy meal for breakfast or as an afternoon snack for hungry kids.

Invest in a Wonderbag (www.wonderbag.co.za). You can prep your soup or stew in the morning, pop it in the Wonderbag and let it slowly cook while you enjoy your day.

Then all you need to do is make a nice serving of pap to mop up the yummy gravy.

Take along a decent enamel pot with a lid. You can use it for your stew or to bake bread on the fire. You can also use your pot to make popcorn on the fire … a cheap and easy afternoon snack.

A basic dough recipe is a must.

For 1kg dough: Combine 500g bread flour with 1 packet (10g) instant yeast, a teaspoon of salt and 1 ½ cups luke warm water. Knead for 10 minutes and set aside for 2 hours.

You can make a loaf of bread in your enamel pot on the fire or twist bread dough around sticks for the children to braai. It can be used for lunch to make fresh sandwiches or to eat with soup in the evening.

And most importantly … take marshmallows! No camping trip is complete without a marshmallow on a stick with a cup of hot chocolate before bedtime.

discover

metal edge Forging a new era of knife making

As a previously renowned goldsmith in the Lowveld area, Ben Von Wielligh could not wait to return and follow his true passion – hand crafted knives and leather work. Ben, who grew up fully immersed in the industry, started honing his craft from the tender age of 12 in his father’s workshop. Over the past 29 years, he gained vast experience in the jewellery industry in the Western Cape. He admits though – there was always a knife in the making. Upon Ben’s return to the Lowveld recently, his passion was reignited and alongside his wife Lindi and well-known jeweller Melissa Skinner, Metal Edge was born.

Metal Edge strives to be a creative space where handcrafted custom knives, leather and jewellery are made to a high standard from vintage and foraged pieces of steel and wood. Their knives are one of a kind and more rustically inclined. They play with the concept of art, steam punk, textures and materials to create bespoke masterpieces. Metal Edge is continuing to make strides in the Lowveld showcasing their work at local markets and events. Drop in at their workshop in Steiltes Centre to discuss your dream knives and leather pieces. INFO 076 248 1523, MetalEdgeBVW@gmail.com, Facebook/Metal-Edge

promotion

innibos 2018 Music, drama, shopping, food, drinks and fun, fun, fun‌ This year’s festival did not disappoint.

Out & About with Showme Nelspruit

prime circle

rocks the lowveld The Barnyard at Casterbridge White River was the scene of much singing and dancing recently when Prime Circle was back in the Lowveld doing what they do best.

Out & About with Showme Nelspruit

explore & play

explore your

backyard

The Makhonjwas date back some 3,6 billion years. Known geologically as the Barberton Greenstone Belt, these mountains comprise the oldest and best preserved examples of volcanic and sedimentary rocks on Earth.

The physical and chemical characteristics of these rocks and mountains provide extraordinary scientific evidence about the earliest history of Earth itself, Archaean Earth. The rocks are a record of volcanic activity, oceans, racing tides, asteroid impacts and the birth of the first continent – the Kaapvaal Craton – and perhaps even the earliest life.

We chatted to Barberton Tourism and got the low-down of top spots you must visit and explore.

The Geo Trail: It was created to preserve this geological heritage. www.geotrail.co.za The Heritage Walk: Starting at the Local History Museum, follow the signs through town to all places of interest.

The Shell Hole: This is the old Moths Hall (Memorable Order of Tin Hats) and is home to the Wall of Remembrance.

Eureka City with the Golden Quarry: The Golden Quarry was discovered by Edwin Bray in 1885, and is so named because it looked as if the rock was formed entirely of gold. Eureka City is the historical town that grew to support the mining community.

The Queen Rose Hiking Trail: Considered one of the most scenic in South Africa, it covers 26km over two days amongst indigenous forests, over mountain passes, through the Montrose plantation and along the Queens River.

INFO astrid@barberton.co.za, www.barberton.co.za

The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the first in Mpumalanga.

Photos Chris Fourie and Derek Lipman, www.artography.co.za

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straight

shooting goodluck

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You have heard their blend of electronica, pop and subtle influences of jazz on the radio and then after a pumping performance at the Lowveld Gin Festival, we got to chat to GoodLuck. Jules gives us the lowdown.

Who is in the band? Jules Harding on vocals, Ben Peters on production and electronic percussion and Matthew O’Connel on keyboards and saxophone.

How did you all meet? Myself (Jules) and Ben started GoodLuck in 2011, we were previously in an afro-pop band together called jacSharp and Ben approached me to start making electronic music.

Matthew joined us in 2015 just before a short tour to Singapore and we have been a crazy band family ever since.

How did you get your name? We chose it intentionally. We really believe in positive affirmations and the more you say something the more it comes true.

Have any of you ever entered a singing competition? Ben: Jules entered Idols in the first season for a laugh. She didn’t make it past the first round of judges, hahaha!

How did you enjoy the Lowveld? We totally fell in love with the Lowveld. The people, the natural beauty of the place, the weather… it is really something totally magical!

What do you like singing about? We are very inspired by nature and the connection with humanity. Every feeling we feel as a species can be visually played out in nature so we write a lot of comparisons. We love to tell stories through music…

Who would you like to share a stage with? We have already shared the stage with one of our heros (Pharrell Williams) but we would still love to share the stage with Faithless, Booka Shade, Sting, Imogen Heap… the list is actually endless and super diverse.

Most embarrassing moment on stage? Probably when I ran out on stage and fell straight on my butt in front of thousands of people. It was so painful but I had to carry on!

If you knew today was your last day on earth, how would you spend it? With my family, mountain biking, listening to music, eating great food, surfing and if I had a little time left over then I would just sit quietly and reflect over what an epic ride it has been.

How do you unwind after a show? Camomile tea, an audio book and a bath.

Ever kissed a fan? A fan has kissed me… Let’s just leave it at that!

If you were a convicted person, what would your last meal be?

Roast lamb with all the trimmings.

Any stalkers? We have a few ‘enthusiastic fans’. One fan did write an entire book of poetry about me though…

Fave series? Chef’s Table, it’s so inspiring. I think all creative people should watch it.

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be? Maybe a copywriter.

Favourite local muso? I love Black Coffee and I love his story. I think he has done wonders for South African music abroad.

Who would you like to roast on the TV show? Sho, we aren’t really ‘roasting’ types of people. I wouldn’t mind roasting Steve Hofmeyer though.

What’s next? Big tour to Europe, building a music studio, new music releases and lots and lots of fun to be had!

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kids

kids stuff Fun board games and books for full family entertainment

King Pong

Twist ‘n’ Turn This is old-school Twister for kids. A fantastic game of agility and balance for the whole family, hit the playmat and get prepared to twist and turn into all sorts of weird positions. Throw the dice to find out what limb to use for which coloured meanie. The player who doesn’t fall into a heap is crowned the winner. Learn colours and left from right and have fun at the same time. Suitable for 2-4 players and ages over three years old.

R149.99, available from all toy stores.

King Pong is the crazy ball-bouncing game where the first person to bounce all of their balls into their opponent’s tray wins. Whether you bounce low or high, this game tests your accuracy and speed, as you attempt to bounce your balls one by one through the open window or down the funnel at the top. It is like Minute To Win It for kids! 2 - 4 players. Ideal for ages 8 plus. R399.99, available from toy stores.

WIN King Pong. Email your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘King’ in the subject box. Closing date is September 30, 2018. Ts & Cs apply.

Flip Slide Flip Slide is a fast-paced colour block matching game! Flip and slide to find the colour and match the lights. This fidget colour cube is the perfect game for fast minds and slick moves. Ideal for ages 8 years plus. R 599.99, available from toy stores.

WIN Twist ’n’ Turn. Email your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘Twist’ in the subject box. Closing date is September 30, 2018. Ts & Cs apply.

WIN Flip Side. Email your contact details to info@ lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘Flip’ in the subject box.

Closing date is September 30, 2018. Ts & Cs apply.

Lion Guard Surprise Slides Friends of the Lion Guard need a helping hand to get to Pride Rock, and only Kion, Beshte, Bunga, and Fuli can find the way. Race along the Pride Lands paths gathering stranded animals, but watch out, the paths can change at any time.

Kids will love this cute game based on the TV show. Great for young kids and a fun spinning tool. R229.99, available from toy stores.

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WIN Lion Guard. Email your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine. com and put ‘Lion’ in the subject box. Closing date is September 30, 2018.

Ts & Cs apply.

kids

James’s Giant Bug Book by Roald Dahl: Meet the many legged friends of James from James and the Giant Peach fame. From the old green grasshopper who reveals his musical talents to the wonderful glow worm who is not actually a worm but a firefly without wings. Learn how to make a butterfly feeder, a worm farm and a louse house. Beautifully illustrated like all Dahl’s books. R175, Penguin Random House.

Magnus Chase and the Ship of the Dead by Rick Riordan: The final instalment of this trilogy, Magnus and his friends must stop Loki who has commanded the ship of the dead filled with giants and zombies. Across the seas they face angry sea gods, hostile giants and even dragons before they reach their final battle. Age 9-12. R230, Penguin Random House.

Nicko, the Tale of a Vervet Monkey on an African Farm

by Penny Haw. Illustrated by Petra Langner. This is the true tale about the author’s grandmother, Alice, who found a baby vervet monkey and raised it in her KwaZulu-Natal home alongside her family and menagerie of animals. R130, Penguin Random House.

Rummikub with a twist Fusing a fresh and contemporary twist into the traditional game of Rummikub, this version is ideal for both fans and newcomers alike. The aim of the game is to compete to be the first to succeed in the playing out of all of the tiles. Ages 7 years plus.

R399.99, available from toy stores.

The Battlemage by Taran Matharu: This is for teenage fantasy lovers. It is book three of the Summoner series featuring a world of demons, humans, orcs, elves, dwarves, gremlins, and goblins. Like in the first two books, there’s tension among the races. In The Battlemage, prideful and power-hungry humans are shown as the other enemy to peace.

They plot to divide the races in animosity when the orcs can only be defeated if everyone works together. Suitable for 13 plus. R175, Pan Macmillan.

WIN the trilogy of Summoner. Email your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘Summoner’ in the subject box. Closing date is September 30, 2018. Ts & Cs apply.

kids We have discovered Purple Lime Balloons, a unique balloon creation company that caters for all events.

up up and away

WIN a balloon bouquet valued at R650.To enter email your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put ‘Balloon’ in the subject box. Closing date September 30, 2018. Ts & Cs apply.

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Based in Nelspruit, owner Megan Coetser loves to decorate, inspire, dream and create. “I’ve always had a fascination for art with a certain business sense, although I begun working in the agricultural industry.

I started out during the school holidays assisting at a company doing children’s parties and it’s there that I learnt the basics of balloons,” explains Megan. “When I moved to Nelspruit in 2014 I began doing balloon decor as a side line job while I was studying.”

But after being inspired by her mother, Adelé Coetser, the two started a business together as co owners and Purple Lime Balloon Décor, was born. A selfdeclared balloon artist, we assure you this is no ordinary balloon party company. Megan’s creations are unusual, unique, undeniably creative and just super cool. Think a Weber braai complete with boerewors, super hero’s galore and haute couture balloon dresses, which were made specially for the Innibos Festival in 2017 and this year. “I am very proud of these dresses. They attracted a lot of attention, which is always good for business and people were astonished that the dresses were made from balloons. The highlight of the day was when the dresses made it onto the main stage standing behind Pieter Koen as he performed the opening act for the fesitival.”

“I love working with people and adore each and every one of my clients. I am all about uniqueness and crazy ideas. I like to take on any challenge and attempt to sculpt anything out of balloons that is humanly imaginable.”

Purple Lime Balloons can do events across South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique.

INFO 060 605 8788, purplelimeballoon@gmail.com, Facebook/ Purple Lime Balloon Decor.

eat

eat & drink New restaurants, padstals, drinks and trends

New stopover When you are next travelling the N4, pop into Milly’s Café at Millys. The café is open from 5am to 2pm every day and closes at 8pm on a Friday. Discover a juice and an espresso bar, as well as a business lounge with fireplace and WIFI. Keep fed and watered with health teas, smoothies, sandwiches, baguettes, muffins and cakes.

Gin gets colourful Introducing Malfy Con Arancia. Discover beautiful botanical flavours and a bright ruby red colour, which is created from Sicilian blood orange peels, steeped in alcohol and pressed in a basket press. The infusion is then blended with Italian juniper, grapefruit peel, Amalfi Coast lemon peel, coriander, Cassia bark, Orris root and Angelica root before distillation. Yum. Its aromas of orange blossom and hints of juniper make it delicious as well as beautiful to look at. We love it as a good old fashioned G&T garnished with an orange. Love love love. Available from liquor retailers. www.malfygin.com

Joubert & Sons padstal We love the freshly squeezed orange juice and fruit ice-lollies from their cute ‘lil stall currently outside the Crossings Centre in Nelspruit. Finally bringing the Lowveld’s most famous OJ into town.

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No stra

ws!

We are so excited to support the No Str aws initia tive in Wh River. Foll ite ow suit a nd check websites. out these Go paper, go reeds, go pasta like Zann as or go m etal. www.bett erstraws. co.za, www.rest raw.co.za and Khanyiso straws.

Dine with a view 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, burgers, rotis and scrumptious cakes and muffins.

Pizzas are baked 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. We enjoyed a delish toastie packed with filling and a large salad as well as good oldfashioned fish and chips. After your meal, take the lift down into the gorge and enjoy a magical forest walk via a 600-metre elevated, circular trail. Lift Café also uses paper straws and environmentally friendly takeaway packaging.

The setting is perfect for celebrating special occasions – call Yvonne at 066 305 1572/3.

R533 towards Hazyview (1km out of Graskop).

Open daily (including public holidays): 8.30am to 6pm. Conservation fee: R20 adults and pensioners (17 years & older); R10 Children (4 yrs to 16 yrs).

eat

eat In the new teaching kitchen at Lebombo.

cooking in the wild Education and passion are a powerful combination and the Singita Community Culinary School certainly has its share Words Nicky Manson

Graduates learn the ropes alongside the head chefs at Lebombo and Sweni (pictured here).

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on a recent

trip to Singita Lebombo I was lucky enough to visit the Singita Community Culinary School, which is based in a beautiful part of the Kruger National Park, near Satara. The school has been going for 11 years but was recently moved to the lodge’s headquarters.

A new state of the art kitchen has been built in the heart of the bush lodge and is home to 10 students and their teacher Paul Antolik.

The kitchen was previously based off site at the staff village. Its new location, boasting a full glass facade, allows the students to experience the lodge’s working kitchen and meet guests; an important part in building their confidence as students and as future chefs. The kitchen showcases cutting-edge, energy-saving technology and prioritises the reduction of waste with a forward-thinking waste management policy. It follows the Singita ethos with its ethical, sustainable and local sourcing of ingredients. All together, this epitomises Singita’s commitment to “touching

the earth lightly”, which is echoed throughout the lodge and the company as a whole.

The Culinary School is one of the Singita Lowveld Trust’s community partnership programmes. Aimed at communities just outside Orpen Gate, anyone living there can apply. The other criteria is being aged 18-24, and having a matric. “If they discover cooking is not for them, then they still have their matric certificate to fall back on,“ explains chef and teacher Paul.

Applicants come in the hundreds. Many of the kids in these communities have no idea what to do after school and the cooking school also offers a small monthly stipend, which is a huge incentive. In fact most of them have little or no interest in cooking when they come for the interview. “But this is okay,” laughs Paul. “Through the classes and learning, they quickly develop a passion for it. They definitely watch too much MasterChef though, in a real kitchen there are also food dangers and hygiene issues, the unexciting stuff that has to be learnt.”

TK and Paul in the Lebombo kitchen.

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eat There are two interviews at which applicants are assessed. “We first do a meet and greet at the local Nasreen Church outside Orpen Gate,” explains Paul. “This allows the village elders to confirm the applicant does in fact come from their community and we can assess the basics, like their English ability. Their English has to be good as we teach a large English syllabus using English text books and we must know they will cope.” Interviews are conducted by Paul alongside the lodge HODs. Forty kids make it into the kitchen for a cook-off and cooking demo and then they are whittled down to just 10.

“This year we had over 300 applicants. It’s growing in popularity, which means we hope to grow too,” says Paul.

Paul has been teaching here for almost two years.

Pietermaritzburg-born, he taught cooking before moving to Singita and realised he not only loved sharing his cooking knowledge but was quite good at it too. “My mom’s food was very boring. My dad’s health problems meant no salt was allowed. I would visit friend’s homes and think their parents cooking was amazing so when I started cooking at 12, I experimented with different seasonings,” says Paul.

“I didn’t originally think of cooking as a career but soon realised I loved it. I enjoy the late hours, the chaos of the kitchen, the rollercoaster shifts.”

Today, he loves teaching these kids and watching them blossom. The new location of the kitchen also allows him to be on site more and he work his own shifts in the Singita kitchen; an ideal mix of cooking and teaching, which suits him perfectly. “I want to spark passion and then nurture it.”

The course has changed a lot since it was first introduced.

When Paul joined the team he sat down with Andrew Nicholson, the Group Executive Chef, and Cape Town’s food guru, the award-winning Liam Tomlin and they all said – ‘let’s take this to the next level’ to be on par with Singita standards. They also began a work programme whereby the top two students are given a job after the one-year course.

These graduates start in the staff kitchen – “the food is so much better there now by the way,” quips Paul and then, they move up to Singita’s Lebombo and Sweni kitchens.

“This year we offered six graduates positions at Singita.

The standard of cooking just keeps getting better and better.” The students are also awarded with an international certificate so they can literally work anywhere.

Classes are held daily and involve theory, food costing, and food practice. “In the first week, the guys come in here and they have never used a cutting board before. They use the traditional method of cutting food in your hand. By the end of the year, they are creating their own dishes, costing them, plating them and cooking 5-Star meals. It is amazing

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to see,” says Paul. “It’s life changing.”

Within the course, the students travel to meet other working chefs. These include the guys from InfoChef and the Olympic cooking team. “When they start the course, cooking is just a job but then they meet these amazing chefs, and our students begin to realise that people want to be chefs; they choose to learn about food because then they can do anything, work anywhere. It’s eye opening for these kids,” explains Paul.

The classes are structured and there are regular tests. In the curriculum you will find maths literacy for conversions, French for cooking terminology, tastings, basic knife skills, making stocks, seasoning and more. Paul assesses the tests and then they are sent to City and Guilds of the London Institute for marking.

“We work in a controlled environment, where there is a mentor around all the time. In the larger kitchens, trainee chefs may never meet the big guys but here it is different.

We encourage interaction. We are all very approachable and live and work in a tightknit community,” says Paul.

“The school is a huge investment for Singita – they want to change lives.”

The kitchen has seen its fair share of mishaps. Paul regaled us with stories like a bottle of Spray and Cook being left by the stove and exploding, serving raw gammon for breakfast and using baking powder instead of salt. “One student couldn’t understand why his Crème Brulee would not caramelise, as he had used salt instead of sugar,” laughs Paul.

In the Lebombo Lodge kitchen I am introduced to TK. She is just one of Singita’s success stories. She graduated three years ago after which she joined the kitchen team as a commis chef at Singita Lebombo and through hard

work was soon promoted through the ranks. After work experience at Liam Tomlin’s restaurant, Chef’s Warehouse in Cape Town, TK travelled to New York where she worked at the prestigious Blue Hill at Stone Barns – rated the number 11 restaurant in the world. “She wowed them with her work ethic and enthusiasm, and now she has chosen to come back and work for us again,” says Paul. “We are lucky to have her.”

The Singita kitchen also offers guests private cooking lessons in its dynamic kitchen for a small donation that goes back into the teaching programme.

GETTING THERE We travelled by road from White River to Singita Lebombo with GAP Tours & Transfers. We drove through the Kruger National Park due to road works on the route, and were rewarded with an exciting and fruitful game drive. Johan was our driver and comes highly recommended. The comfortable ride takes roughly three and half hours. Conveniently we were picked up from home and then dropped off 48 hours later. Gap Tours & Transfers also offer Hazyview and lodge transfers, transfers from all local airports in Mpumalanga and Limpopo and they can do pick ups from OR Tambo. The company’s other services include wildlife tours which can be guided, scenic tours across the Panorama, big five safaris, night drive tours and cultural tours. Get in touch with the professional and friendly team.

INFO 013 737 8063, 082 574 2535, info@gaptours.co.za, www.gaptours.co.za

GREAT OUTDOORS 2018

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drink

white wines for spring

Durbanville Hills Rhinofields Sauvignon Blanc 2017 showcases a beautiful olive green colour. An abundance of melon, gooseberry and citrus are on the palate and nose, enhanced by passionfruit. Delish chilled on a spring afternoon or pair with fresh seafood. Cellarmaster Martin Moore uses sustainable winemaking practices and this includes the protection of the endangered Renosterveld, as part of the Biodiversity Wine Iniative. Rhinofields is named after this conserved area. From R120, available from Rooikat Liquors.

Zevenwacht Sauvignon Blanc 2017. This multi awardwinning wine features beautiful aromas of crushed fig leaves, intense green guava skin and granadilla. Find notes of gooseberry, accentuated by a juicy, zesty grapefruit-like citrus finish on the mouth. From R95, available from Rooikat Liquors.

Hermanuspietersfontein Kaalvoet Meisie: This wine epitomises the soul of Sondagskloof, from where it is grown.

Thanks to a cool climate, the wine showcases natural freshness and mouthfeel. Find minerality and nuances of fresh fynbos spice and green apple on the palate. A Platter 4-Star awarded wine. From R110, available from Rooikat Liquors.

Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2017: This 100% Sauvignon Blanc offers gooseberries, sweet melon and fig

flavours, which blend seamlessly with a herbaceous character.

The palate shows intensity of fruit beautifully balanced by the natural acidity. Delish with oysters with aioli or pesto dishes.

From R66, available from Rooikat Liquors.

Stellenbosch Hills Polkadraai Chenin Blanc/Sauvignon Blanc 2018 is creamy and quite delicious. This funkily decorated bottle showcases its name Polka. Yummy for all seasons, try it with a honey-roasted duck, vegetable risotto or steamy paella. A percentage of all Polkadraai wine sales is donated to the Vlottenburg Primary School through the Polka Kids Community Project of which Stellenbosch Hills has been a patron since 2008. Very well priced at R44.50, available from liquor stores. www.stellenbosch-hills.co.za Waverley Hills Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2018: Hailing from this Tulbagh organic wine and olive farm, this unwooded wine is a blend of 84% Sauvignon Blanc and 16% Semillon. It is gorgeous with fresh herbaceous aromas of green fig, prickly pear and grass flavours. On the mouth it is silky and well balanced with lingering flavours of grass and Granny Smith apples. The wine bears a new modern label with a stylised illustration of a Cape Sugarbird, vital for pollinating the Protea species on the estate. R76, www.waverlyhills.co.za

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go green WE LOVE THESE NATURAL & EARTH FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Cowshed Knackered Cow Relaxing Bath & Body Oil: First of all we love this name, as it epitomises how most of us feel at the end of the day plus its lavender and eucalyptus will make you feel fabulous. Natural essential oils and botanical extracts cleanse skin gently and ease muscles while prepping you for a good night’s sleep. Add to bathwater or apply to damp skin.

Heavenly. R399, available online at www.beautifulage.co.za

Naturals Beauty Shampoo & Conditioner are just two from this range of natural products. They are sulphate free and colour safe and made from botanical extracts. The biodegradable formulation will nourish and strengthen, and ingredients such as Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract can help address skin conditions like dandruff and scalp irritation. From R85, available from www.faithful-to-nature. co.za, www.wellnesswarehouse.com and www.zando.co.za

We are in love with this 100% Organic Silk Sleeping Mask from The Silk Lady. Apart from it feeling amazing on the face thanks to the soft mulberry silk, it comes with a little lavender pouch so it smells amazing too. The silk prevents the facial skin from creasing during the night and keeps skin hydrated and nourished. Pure Indulgence. R395, www.thesilklady.com

BaoCare Oils from Eco Products offer various soothing ingredients for the skin. We like the Baobab and Vitamin E Tissue Oil, which contain omega 6 and 9, known to maintain the skin’s elasticity, moisturise and hydrate – making it excellent for dry skin, scarring and stretch marks. 50ml R159.

R10ml R40, available from health shops and online from www.faithfulto-nature.co.za and www.baocare.co.za Theranaka Kalahari Forest Stream Bath Milk is a luxurious addition to your bath. Infused with baobab oil, avocado oil and geranium, it soothes and moisturises. All Theranaka products use only natural ingredients and African plant extracts, which support organic certification, sustainability and Fair Trade. R160, available from salons across the Lowveld including www.gatsbyspa.co.za, www.avalondayspa.co.za and www.campjabulani.com.

African Extracts Rooibos Bath & Shower Gel: We are a big fans of these products because of their natural components and antioxidants. The gel features Rooibos extracts and Jojoba oil. R42.99, available from pharmacies.

promotion

new space for

Violet & Rose

Renowned jewellery design company, Violet & Rose Jewellery Co. has extended its reach to the Crossings Centre in Nelspruit

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his is the second store for the brand, which showcases Swatch, Seiko, Calvin Klein, Daniel Wellington, Flik Flak and Nomination Italy amongst other big names. The original store is in I’langa Mall.

The new Crossings Centre shop is a premium store, says owner and talented jewellery designer Melissa Skinner. “It carries different ranges and collections to I’langa and offers a consultation room for customers to discuss their needs privately.

“There has been a high demand for a second location and we needed to expand to cater to our customers,” she explains.

The company sells bespoke custom-made jewellery, hand-selected everyday jewellery, and watches. They are also on hand to help with the reconditioning and repairs of your precious jewellery, as well as the sourcing of stones.

INFO Crossing – Shop 73A, Crossing Centre, 013 752 2380, crossing@violetrose.co.za Ilanga – Shop 69UG, Ilanga Mall, 013 742 2267, admin@violetrose.co.za

GREAT OUTDOORS 2018

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design for living

38 LOWVELDLIVING #70

We’ve emerged, scathed but alive, from the modernist era of architecture. Modernist architects, in all their glory, have in the last century diametrically opposed nature in the quest to “make it new” Words Annelle Whyte

i

t may seem obvious (and it should be) that the spaces we inhabit, work and play in, shape us. Churchill observed, “We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.” This is especially poignant given that it’s estimated that humans spend 90% of their time indoors. View this together with rising stress related illnesses and other adverse health factors.

How exciting, then, to be a part of the global trend around the revival of what it is to be human: creatures who are very much a part of the natural world.

“The idea of sustainable buildings has evolved beyond a typically ‘green’ focus on energy, water and resources use to include health and wellbeing,” responds Georgina Smit, senior sustainability consultant, at leading multinational design firm Arup. “Buildings need to do more to become restorative places. To serve their occupants. They need to benefit both people and the planet.”

The growing movement advocates radical change to how we think, design and create the built environment. The concept of “humane design”, places people and planet at the epicentre of the process to promote healthy environments and wellbeing.

You know when you know a place has good vibes?

Turns out it’s not just a feeling. Overwhelmingly, ongoing research demonstrates the design of a space has material impact on wellbeing and productivity. It so happens that research reveals a virtuous circle of good design. Buildings that have “green philosophies” that optimise indoor

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environmental quality, such as providing for natural daylight, ample fresh air, appropriate acoustic control and opportunities for indoor exercise, also seem to make the people in them happier, healthier and better at their jobs.

“The link between productivity and holistic building design, that prioritises good indoor environmental quality, is seen as the next chapter in sustainable buildings.

Improving staff health and wellbeing can translate into financial savings via increased productivity,” adds Smit. As an organisation’s largest expenses are people and buildings: it would be logical to best understand the relationship between the two. This relationship plays out just as compellingly at home and play.

Human beings have come from an era where the belief that stimulating release of adrenalin (the “fight or flight” hormone) in the workplace resulted in increased productivity. This was, for example, achieved through intense, bright and artificial lighting (in offices that are just that little bit too cold).

Mercifully the prevalence of common sense is on the rise. Buildings are moving away from the obsession with iconography and style, to also becoming human: positively responding to their occupants and the environment.

People in firms like Arup continue to think about creating buildings that promote wellbeing.“ In trying to shape a better world, we are advocates of the need for integrated and interdisciplinary design that is sensitive to its impact on the comfort levels of the occupant,” observes Smit.

For example air-conditioning, the mainstay of most

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OVERWHELMINGLY, ONGOING RESEARCH DEMONSTRATES THE DESIGN OF A SPACE HAS MATERIAL IMPACT ON WELLBEING AND PRODUCTIVITY. Above: The Green Buildings Park in Beijing.

Below: Steyn City Clubhouse, Gauteng.

T H E O N LY L I M I T I S Y O U R I M A G I N AT I O N At Weylandts, we like to think of ourselves as your creative partner. With a range of furniture and homeware — both locally made and imported — Weylandts is renowned for combining raw beauty with a refined appreciation of detail. So visit our store and get inspired.

5 W E I R S T R E E T, R I V E R S I D E PA R K , N E L S P R U I T

|

W W W. W E Y L A N D T S . C O . Z A

BEAUTIFUL LIVING IS EASY

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offices and many homes, is considered integral to comfort indoors. Ironically, air conditioning also causes inflamed sinuses, scratchy eyes and increased incidence of illness: this is a perverse idea of comfort. Envisage rather buildings where lighting moves and changes with your natural circadian rhythm. Or buildings that regulate temperature as naturally as possible using air flow and natural light. The suggestion of biophilia (a topic interesting in itself ) continues to gain momentum. The premise being that humans have an innate bond with nature. And that we need to connect with nature to sustain health and wellbeing. This is supported by evidence like improved recovery rates for patients in hospitals that have a view. Or enhanced learning in children at schools which buy into the philosophy.

Tech giant Amazon has launched a new rainforest office complex named The Sphere. The glass-like structure in Seattle houses more than 4000 plants (and 400 species) to “inspire” staff. It has three glass domes containing over 2000 glass panels, designed to stop the production of excess heat.

“Our experience of an environment is the intricate interplay of heat, light, sound and many others. Imagine designing with the idea of social cohesion, collaboration and creativity in mind. Perhaps our homes would be better

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refuges, spaces for relaxation and assured familial and personal relationships,” muses Klippie Du Toit, architect and owner at sustainable architecture firm, Earth Switch in Nelspruit.

Surprisingly (or perhaps not so) simple principles precipitate and inspire transformative changes in how humans exist within their buildings. Like using natural light to regulate light quality in a space. And constant ventilation and airflow through both sides of a room where possible. Building orientation remains important along with access to windows, as a bioclimatic design principle to regulate solar control of a building. Colours can play an integral role in how a space feels and the energy they engender within inhabitants. For example, yellow has been associated with stimulated learning and grey with calming effects.

“The favourable Lowveld climate naturally lends itself to construct healthier homes, work and recreation places.

We have space, sunlight and warmth,” concludes Du Toit.

The notion of new sustainable architecture makes a strong value case on many levels. Rhetoric continues and awareness is growing to address environmental concerns for people and the planet. So, the next time you find yourself debating colour choices, remember it is NOT JUST A COLOUR!

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Far left: 51 Deloitte’s Office in The Edge Building, Amsterdam. Considered one of the greenest, most intelligent buildings in the world.

This picture: Vertical wall in Hotel Verde’s restaurant, Cape Town.

Right: Nicknamed the Tree House in Mexico, its vertical garden reduces heat absorption and lowers the energy needed to cool the indoor space.

style How sexy are these hanging chairs

by Studio Stirling? Handcrafted with steel, each chair is strong and durable but also unique. A variety of designs and cushion choices are available. Buy online from www.studiostirling.co.za.

083 677 1020, www.facebook.com/studiostirling

Theravine’s Tri Active Hydrating Night Cream aims to increase hydration, provide anti-aging benefits and increase skin firmness. It’s creamy and luxurious to apply and will moisturise while you sleep. Use it with ICT Superdefence Skin Densifier. This is our fave post-winter product. The serum, which contains plant stem cells, can be used day and night under your cream. It’s cream based and feels beautiful and you will wake up practically glowing. Buy online from www.theravine. co.za or pop into Freyja Holistic Wellness and Day Spa in White River, www.campjabulani.com in Hoedspruit, and Pause Spa in Hazyview.

WE INDULGE AFTER A LONG, COLD WINTER WITH THESE COMFORTING, STYLISH AND SPARKLING PRODUCTS Go metallic this spring with Clarkes’ stunning silver and gold wedges.

From R2090, available from www.clarkssa.co.za

Studio On Core now sells exclusive gym and Pilates wear. MOVEPRETTY is a premium ath-leisure brand, founded by double Olympic South African triathlete, Mari Rabie and fashion designer, Annelize Kotze. So pretty, you will keep on all day but equally comfortable and flexible for exercise. Visit them to check it out. Country Square Shopping Centre, White River, 083 504 3286, facebook/studioncore

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Folli Follie’s Rebel Riviera purse and handbags will have you lusting after its colourful range. From R2190, available online at www.follifolliesa.co.za

Help your hair get over winter with Silk Forces 6-week Intensive Conditioning Treatment exclusively available from Gary Rom Nelspruit. It is a two-part programme. Tube A’s ingredients of Lactic Acid, Silk Amino Acid, Argon Oil and Candelilla Wax strengthens, repairs, softens and nourishes. Tube B consists of vitamins and oils that will improve and maintain nourishment, softness and shine, as well as improve elasticity. Visit them at Crossings Shopping Centre, 013 752 3552.

Europa Art’s range of casual sneakers for men and women inject some well-needed vibrancy, as we end off a dull winter.

From R2390, available online from www.europaart.co.za

Technology continues to evolve in the dental world, making dentistry more comfortable, efficient and natural looking for the patient. Digital X-rays are used routinely and expose patients to 80% less exposure compared to film X-rays. Orthodontics is following suit – moving towards treatments with 3D printed appliances. Here, a series of printed appliances move the teeth into the ideal position as calculated by computer software. CEREC crowns are also revolutionary and make same-day dentistry possible, which means no more waiting for crowns from the laboratory.

My Smile is excited to be in the middle of this dental revolution. 013 751 3144, admin@mysmile.co.za, www.mysmile.co.za

stockists of:

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

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meet

Three fish design studio Sarah Georgina Porter, 26, was born in Johannesburg and brought up in Kenya. “I enjoyed the first six years of childhood on the edge of the white beaches of the Indian Ocean. Mombasa’s South coast, towards the Tanzanian border, is the pristine location of the village I came to know as home, Diani.”

Sarah attended primary and secondary school in Nairobi and at 15 began further education in Brisbane, Australia. “This was my first raw exposure to art outside Africa. Opportunities allowed me to attend many exhibitions of great historic artists including Picasso, Andy Warhol and Rembrandt.”

At 18 on returning to Nairobi, a visit to Diani presented a chance to persue a passion of hers and after completing many diving adventures on the coral reef opposite the house she once knew as home, she became a scuba diving instructor and took a job on the coast in Diani. A couple of years later she followed a desire to learn to sail and attended a sailing school in the UK on the edge of the Solent between the Isle of Wight and south England.

Following the strict exams took Sarah to the brink of danger, sailing stormy seas in gale force conditions.

She became an off shore captain, able to charter a 68ft vessel 240km off any coastline. “It was arduous and demanding, surviving in cramped conditions on board and brought me again close to the sea as I had been as a child. Just before I embarked on my sailing adventure I met a South African helicopter pilot working in Kenya. On completing my course I must say I was pretty love struck and decided to move permanently to South Africa. I took up my studies again in Pretoria and pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in visual communication design. I am now permanently living in the lovely Lowveld.”

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IT’S ALWAYS GREAT TO PULL MYSELF AWAY FROM MY COMPUTER AND GO BACK TO BASICS.

What is Three Fish Design Studio? My graphic design and art company.

Favourite things to design and draw? Designwise, I enjoy the logo process although it can be quite time consuming. I believe, where possible, that a good logo is formed with pen, paper and quite a bit of patience. You have to explore many avenues before you even get to a workable logo. Only then do you start to make it digital. At the end of the day the journey you go on, and it is a journey, is very rewarding. When I am drawing and not designing it means I have found the time to just sit and enjoy. Drawing is my side hobby and it’s always great to pull myself away from my computer and go back to basics. Why design and art? The reason I chose design and art links directly to where I grew up and especially my mum. As a child I spent hours in her studio in Kenya, where she painted, made jewellery and just collected beautiful quirky things. We would listen to music together and just be creative. I really cherish those days. I have formed a “workshop” of my own at home. Tell us something no one knows about your work?

Well, as a student, art supplies were very expensive so painting was a bit of a chore, until I was introduced to using tea as a medium. I still brew a cup of tea today because the result is natural and the natural world is a big influence in my art. How can we buy your work? You can buy online from www.threefishdesignstudio.com. I have recently started attending the BFM Market at Casterbridge, which has been successful in terms of selling my art and also promoting Three Fish as a design company – which is my main focus. In the future I am hoping to open up an office studio in a more central location. INFO 079 258 6777, sarah@threefishdesignstudio.com, Facebook/Three Fish Design Studio, @threefish_designstudio

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!

mayday mayday mayday going down in a dhow

It was an adventure in futility. From beginning to end we bungled, bumbled and botched. We were characterised by the crude, the incompetent and the clumsy. In short, we attempted to sail a dhow, but ended up sinking it Words and photos Adam Cruise

GREAT OUTDOORS 2018

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this was to be

a lifetime adventure between father and son. It was a dream vacation to sail from northern Mozambique through the idyllic islands and coves of the Quirimbas Archipelago into Tanzania, past the ancient walled fortress of Kilwa and on to the enchanting Mafia Island opposite the great Rufiji Delta.

But right after our arrival, it was palpably clear things were not right. There was much disorder and disarray.

There was not enough food nor fuel in town. We would have to secure both along the way, fishing or stopping off at little island villages for fruit and vegetables. So without much organised, and together with a young cook and a passing traveller heading north through Africa to Cairo, we made our way in a small motor boat to the mouth of a river where the dhow was anchored. She had the prophetic name Inshallah: if God wills it.

And so, God willed it thus...

Inshallah was an unhappy dhow. She listed heavily to port and sat low in the water. This, we soon discovered, was because her hull was leaking. Therefore, to prevent the ship from sinking, we would be compelled every hour for the rest of the trip to bail her out. We also discovered Inshallah lacked all safety gear necessary to go to sea. The flares were years out of date, so was the inflate mechanism for the life-raft. There was not much else that would help us if Inshallah went down, except some suspect life-jackets.

Inshallah’s canvas sails, once unfurled, had been eaten through by rats. We would have to rely on her old engine all the way to Mafia Island. Anyone in their right mind would not dare try sail this thing. Clearly none of us were mentally sound because we got ready to set sail at first light the following morning.

As we broke out of the river and into the rolling sea, the creaky old dhow listed terribly. Everyone was violently seasick within minutes. Inshallah showed more signs of decay. The depth-sounder was not working, a worry since we were traversing over shallow coral reefs. Nor were there any navigation lights. It meant we were invisible to all other vessels after dark, and it was after dark when we finally found anchorage at a tiny island in the Quirimbas Archipelago. It was without adequate shelter so we spent the night at anchor rocking and rolling with the incessant creak and groan of the wooden craft, with each of us taking turns to bail water out of the leaking hull. It rained at one point too. Inshallah is just an open deck and all we had was a gossamer-thin sheet for protection. It was a miserable night.

After a couple of days of heaving and rolling, misery turned into disaster. As we were sailing out of the dusty coastal village of Moçimboa do Praia after refuelling, the

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AS WE BROKE OUT OF THE RIVER AND INTO THE ROLLING SEA, THE CREAKY OLD DHOW LISTED TERRIBLY. engine began to splutter and shake before cutting out completely. We quickly dropped anchor just before drifting onto a reef. It took us a while to figure out the problem – contaminated fuel. We had to clean the entire fuel line stage by stage, replacing filters and finally after half a day in the diesel-infused, salt water filled steaming confines of the engine room we got the engine running again, and continued on.

After a few days spluttering by we rounded the last island of the archipelago before we reached Tanzania.

It was roughly the halfway point of our journey but unbeknown to us then that island would mark the furthest point of our voyage. Inshallah was even more sluggish than usual, labouring in the rolling sea and getting slower by the minute. We initially thought it due to an incoming tide but when we got to the open sea, where the current was supposed to be behind us, our speed dropped even more.

The engine was losing power fast and Inshallah seemed to be sagging lower into the water. There was a suggestion that we continue, but for once we exercised caution. We turned for shore but it took us the whole day to limp into a safe anchorage close to the Mozambican mainland.

Here, only a short while later, the good ship sank leaving us well and truly marooned.

It took us a few days to make it back to civilization. We somehow flagged down a battered old bakkie that bounced us to the banks of the Rovuma River. From here a wooden canoe negotiated past heaving rafts of hippos and the odd crocodile to the Tanzanian side where we presented our soggy passports to an unimpressed official in an old shack under a tree. Some more hours of hitchhiking and sharing the transport space with goats and chickens we eventually staggered into a hotel in the town of Mtwara.

For the first time in weeks we could enjoy a hot shower and an ice cold beer. We clinked glasses heartily. It could have been worse, and in the end we had to admit it was a grand adventure, but any dreams of future sailing trips went down with the dhow.

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whispers of the desert The desert sands are reminiscent of biscuit crumbs, crunched and crumbled and rolling around an enormous earthen bowl. The sun rises, dissipating the chill of the winter night and the desert groans, stretching out her arms to welcome the flame. Winter has disappeared for the day as the sun, albeit weaker than in summer, still holds her majesty over the vast landscape; casting shadows over dunes creating liquid chocolate swirls that curl in soft folds before arching towards the skies Words Lynn Haken Photos Julie van der Meulen

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winter brings a

different aura to the Namib Desert.

The name implies, “the area that means nothing” but that is not true. The sands erupt with spikey insects: spiders and ants and lizards zig-zag as the daytime heat intensifies.

Tour operators beckon to enjoy the thrill of the dunes.

Sturdy 4x4 vehicles are packed with all the necessary requirements, including basic medical emergencies. Get into trouble in the desert, and you’ve got three days to get to any medical attention. The sleeping bags are rolled tightly, extra inners are packed and layers of clothing are both worn and tucked away. Water is stored and protected as if liquid diamonds, hats have tie-downs and scarves both keep the sting of the sand in a sudden windswept whipped fury off the face, and warm around the neck whilst huddled around a camp fire. At night, the wind dies down and the sudden silence of both the night and the dimming vistas wrap themselves like protective cloaks. The stars are intense in their brilliance, flickering their enticing dance to the skywatchers, as if in a ballet of the galaxies.

The desert experience begins with course, barren bush disturbed by Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. Gemsbok look on lazily, unafraid yet cautious. Mountains of wind-scoured rock scramble for attention in the distance, their grey mass brooding, and slowly the landscape changes. The tufts of grasses start getting less, the ground more sand than gravel plains and there are initially soft, sandy hills beckoning a gentle ascent. Tyres are minimally deflated and a technique is shown on how to summit, with wheels spinning and lowrange gear straining. The adrenaline kicks in and the dunes will be mastered. How naïve we were.

The settling in at night is met with great tiredness, both from physical exertion and mental concentration. The wind rises and the tent guy-ropes stoically hold on tightly, straining against the buffering. The sands whip around the sides of the tents, creating beating monsters intent on intrusion; venturing out is met by the wind slapping the sand against the face like an angry woman. The mornings are suddenly calm. As if the sun, upon rising, quelled unruly children of the night. Hot coffee and rusks stir the sleep fog and jackets are zipped, scarves knotted and hands hold tightly around mugs to begin the warming of the souls for the day.

And we soldier on… the dunes rising like great apartment buildings. This is when it started to not be such a light-hearted endeavour. The enormities of some of the dunes take the breath away and we are to summit. Tyres are further deflated for the grip, low-range gear is again activated and the acceleration alarmingly shudders the vehicle, as if a jumbo jet is far too overloaded at take-off. The precision required at summit is exact. Stop too soon and you slide backwards, all the way down and reverse far into the

go distance to slowly begin the acceleration again…faster and faster…shudder and shake and GUN IT. Once summited, the blue skies visible upwards and around, and NOTHING more.

Time stops, you are surrounded by nothingness. The world has disappeared, as has gravity and there is a moment of suspension both in the vehicle and in our hearts. The vehicle has had to go up… and up… and teeter….until it then pitches forward and in that fine instance, ONLY then can the brake be applied. And hanging by the safety belt had us dangling at the view below, with the previous vehicles having already summited, looking like tiny mice far, far below. The descent is then gentle, a complete contrast to the blood now coursing through the ventricles in our hearts and the sands take you in her own time and with that downward motion, she sings to you…a siren of the desert, a low, melodic groan of approval. It cuts away from the vehicle, like a bow-wave and as the vehicle nears the bottom, breath is exhaled and our sweat pools. Each successful participant then waits to watch the next summiteer. A feeling of supremacy takes over the psyche with each successful implementation. One is tempted to go back into childhood mode and shout, both encouragingly, and now confidently, “come on… it’s easy!”

No, it’s not.

The heat rises during the course of the day and layers of clothing begin to come off. The sweat has soaked salty rings in the clothing and the skin is moist, despite the dry air. But as the party progresses towards the sea and the

night air comes in, bringing in the cold from the Benguela current, and cloaks us in an eerie fog. The temperature dips and the layers are re-applied. Woollen hats and gloves are donned and the fire is lit early. The dunes surround us with a silent hauteur.

And finally the desert has been experienced. One is tempted to say “conquered” but that would be foolish. You can only do what she allows you to do. We have crossed her in five days, each one different to the previous. Each one bringing more adrenaline and sweat to the fore. The beach finally meets us with her own set of rules; the waves cold and inhospitable. The colour of the sea is grey, the shale sand dark and crunchy. A colony of seals watch us balefully, untroubled by the intrusion as we drive in single file past them. Jackals sit nearby, neither party bothered by the other. An old shipwreck lies to one side; the sand partially obscuring its ribcage and bones litter the area from where jackals and hyena have shared an unfortunate seal. Gulls and cormorants brace themselves in the wind as if tethered by invisible cords, and hover over the remnants of flesh and we pass them by, eager for a hot shower and a bed for the night.

The desert calms the mind, yet fuels a fire in man. She has high expectations and will mete out swift punishment if not obeyed. She allows some intrusion, but there are strict rules to adhere to. She is a harsh mistress, a dominatrix of nature.

We were humbled by our experience, acknowledged her majesty and retreated to our own, more natural surrounds.

GET INTO TROUBLE IN THE DESERT, AND YOU’VE GOT THREE DAYS TO GET TO ANY MEDICAL ATTENTION

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live

live

“WE ARE DIFFERENT AND THE SAME; AND TOGETHER MAKE A WHOLE,” PINKY

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the

women behind the man Dr Mathews Phosa, Anti-Apartheid activist, politician, poet and leading businessman, needs no introduction.

Perhaps lesser known, is the female quartet driving force behind this man who has had an instrumental role in reshaping the course of South Africa’s history Words Annelle Whyte Photos Anthon Wessels, Africa Photographic Services

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Tshepiso

as families go

, this one has talent, nous and variety by the bucket load. And meeting the Phosa leading ladies, wife Pinky and daughters, Moya, Tshepiso and Lesika, at their beautiful and pristine home outside White River cements this idea. I’m immediately at ease as our conversation kicks off with rapid fire chat and stories to tell. Together, and individually, they’re warm, open and candid. And from the get go their strong moral compass and sense of responsibility to humanity is clear. The other side of this collective of beauties is fierce independence, commitment to business and their careers. And a wholesome groundedness about the world and its people.

Pinky, the (obvious) matriarch, family anchor and peacekeeper is a palpable inspiration to her daughters.

“She is an other-worldly woman... she has a different texture,” says Moya, the eldest daughter, describing her mother. Enigmatic, regal and with a super sense of humour, Pinky shares how she and Mathews met as teenagers in high school. I’m left thinking romance still thrives for them when she talks about his love of writing.

And the letters she received from him during the courtship of this Mpumalanga born and bred couple.

“During his time of activism he had a hard side, but his inevitable gentle fabric and humility has never wavered.

He has always been romantic,” reminisces Pinky. “As a child I was a total dreamer with strong Christian values. After 41 years of marriage his personality made me stronger and I have softened him. For him to be what he is… I’ve had to be his wife... to fly his flag.”

To best understand the women, we chatted to the man

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about his female icons, the lessons they’ve taught him and his understanding of what makes the ladies in his life tick.

“Both my grandmother and mother were indelible inspirations to me. They taught me about independence and egalitarianism. My father died young, leaving my mother to raise four children. She made sure to uphold their vision to educate their children into professional lives. And embodied this in many ways, for example as a volunteer nurse in foreign lands in the Second World War, during the time when South Africa was not free,” passions Mathews. “During apartheid and my time in exile my mother worried about me, naturally. I fondly recall how each year she would send me a pair of pyjamas through underground channels. Not knowing where her son was sleeping, she at least wanted to be sure he was warm.”

“Today, my wife remains my heroine. Above all she has taught me resilience, love and dedication to a spouse. She has never given up on me, even in the face of extreme adversity. She is a committed mother and is committed to serving the people of South Africa. Not unlike her mom, my eldest, Moya, is a reconciler and diplomat. And my two younger daughters, Tshepiso and Lesika, are more like me.

Passionate, persistent, go getters: impatient achievers,” smiles Mathews at the resemblance. “I also have a talented son called Matlhatse.”

The Phosas share many family traditions that bring them together in their very busy lives. Weekend lunches at home on their litchi farm in Kiepersol are a standing date in the diary. These gatherings nurture robust discussion, debate and opinion sharing (and gathering) through a range of topics from business to boyfriends.

Each year they plan a family holiday before Christmas.

Travel, exploring and immersing themselves in different cultures is high on the agenda. And, following the annual trip, they spend Christmas at home where the house is

Tshepiso and Pinky.

live “SHE [PINKY] IS AN OTHER-WORLDLY WOMAN... SHE HAS A DIFFERENT TEXTURE,” MOYA

Lesika, Tshepiso, Moya.

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“TODAY, MY WIFE REMAINS MY HEROINE,” MATHEWS

decked out with festive flair and gifts piled high. Birthdays are also ceremoniously celebrated and it’s a given that they get together as a family for each of its members’ special day.

Moya describes her father as an observer, who has always interpreted each of his children individually. “He can be old fashioned with a ‘tough love’ approach. This has prepared me to negotiate the upside and downside of being the daughter of such a high profile man. I’ve developed a thick skin,” says Moya. Set on proving herself independently of her family name, she is the owner of sushi restaurant, Kombu, in Nelspruit. Additionally, she holds a number of directorships and other business ventures within her own right.

She talks authentically about getting divorced three years ago and the social pressure she felt being in the public eye. And how, with the support of her family and close circle of friends, she managed the process. Totally committed to her children she keeps things as “normal as possible” for them and they love kiddie-friendly outings together. When commenting on whether living in Mpumalanga is her plan for the foreseeable future, she smiles, “South Africa will always be my home… I mean, there is no pap or Fanta Grape in Paris, is there.”

Fiery live wire, 27-year-old middle daughter, Tshepiso holds to her dad’s perspectives. “In business my dad is my mentor. He has always impressed upon me to make an impact beyond BEE. My businesses tend to be in male dominated industries and so being young and a woman

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has had its challenges. Over time I’ve built credibility in my own right and so it’s becoming easier,” she reflects.

Tshepiso owns a Puma fuelling station on the N4 as well as being on the boards of four of the portfolios of Mathews Phosa and Associates, on the board of the ICollege Puma Rugby Union, as well as Milviforce and MobiGo. Tshepiso has recently joined Leadership 2020 with DJ Sbu and Nick Regisford, who are working with her to launch her first book.

Her impact spans more than the commercial world.

Numerous projects in the social sectors (including orphanage feeding schemes and skills development programmes) are influenced by her mother, who would take her to community projects while growing up. “When everybody brings their little bit, it makes a lot,” adds her mom, (and former social worker) Pinky. For Tshepiso, when it comes to love, meeting “Mr Right” is still in the offing.

“With my background, I’ve at times found it tricky meeting someone who is genuine and authentic,” she somewhat ruefully shares. Beneath this strong and outspoken woman lies a sensitive soul.

The opportunity to meet the usually private (and very warm and caring) Phosa women was a privilege. A family, like any other, of many layers, they are loyal and protective of one another. “We are different and the same; and together make a whole. And understand that no one is flawless. You need to have flexibility to absorb what life presents you, to adapt,” Pinky sums up perfectly.

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Nkorho Bush Lodge is situated in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve and shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park. An African jewel, it is home to a diverse abundance of wildlife. As your day draws to a close, feel the thrill as the nocturnal animals rule the night. Indulge in typical African cuisine around an open fire in a traditional Leadwood Boma and then retire for the night in your stylish yet homely en-suite thatched chalet that offers comfort with a difference.

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live

art of healing Meet the talented landscape artist who was once told in school that his art was not good enough Words Kim Springorum Photos Louise Muggeridge

When you first meet artist Jeremy Maritz you learn a few things straight away. That Jeremy is laid back, kind and funny with a dry sense of humour. And that he is passionate about art. “The contrast and diversity of our landscape and our rich cultural heritage makes South Africa a treasure trove for any artist,” he says. “Whether you are a painter, sculptor or photographer there is such an abundance of subject matter in our countryside and its people.” His love of our majestic landscapes, and in particular the Lowveld, is evident in Jeremy’s work. He has the ability to truly evoke a mood through his use of colour and brushstroke. Whether it is a sombre, ochre sunrise or a clear sun-drenched day, Jeremy creates a depth of feeling in his art that is a real and enviable talent.

Jeremy Christian Maritz was born in 1972 in Johannesburg. His parents Eric and Jan moved to the Lowveld over 20 years ago. Eric had a very successful design and construction company in Malelane for many

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years and they run numerous popular guest houses in the area. His younger sister Diana lives in Joburg and works in the media industry. So art, design and creativity clearly runs in the family.

Jeremy loved art at school, but having been informed by his art teacher that he was not particularly talented, he never pursued the subject further in high school. Having had no formal training Jeremy sees his work as a constant learning process, drawing his inspiration from talking to other artists and by trial and error. “I see art as a journey of discovery. I am constantly trying to grow and evolve as an artist.” And it is easy to see how Jeremy has grown when you compare his first watercolour to the intense pieces he now produces.

After finishing school Jeremy studied Marketing Management and was part of the corporate world in Johannesburg for many years. He decided that he wanted

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to be closer to his family and to escape the rat race of the city. So he moved to the Lowveld in 2003. He joined his father’s successful design and construction business and lived in White River and Nelspruit before settling in Malelane permanently in 2012.

Jeremy only took up art formally after he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2010. “I wanted to see if I was any good and I loved it from the start. I used it as a form of therapy and it helped me to escape.”

Jeremy credits his father Eric for his love and appreciation of art. “My father has been my biggest fan and my strongest critic”. His father has always had an appreciation for art and design which translated into his business. Jeremy is also great admirer of the impressionists and realists and is inspired by the works of masters such as Monet, Vincent van Gogh as well as local artists Errol Boyley, Chris Tugwell and Eugene Hurter.

live

Jeremy paints mainly in oil on canvas, although has done some early watercolours and enjoys sketching when time allows. His main source of inspiration is landscapes, seascapes and architecture.

Jeremy lives with his wife Gillian, a medical doctor at Shongwe Hospital. They have two daughters, Jaime, nine, and Natalie, five. When he is not painting Jeremy is a devoted father to the two busy girls and helps run the family guest houses. When Jeremy’s mother was diagnosed with dementia, Jeremy and his father closed up the construction company and moved to running the guest houses full time. “My mother used to run them, but it has become increasingly difficult for my father to leave her alone so I stepped in to help and fortunately the business does allow me some time during the day to focus on my art. That is when we are not busy seeing guests off on early morning game drives to the Kruger!” When not running

the family business or painting, Jeremy is a keen fisherman and loves to coach and play cricket.

Jeremy sells his work mainly by word of mouth and many of his landscapes hang in homes all over the Lowveld and some local lodges too. “I mainly advertise on my Facebook page and exhibit at The Local Market in Malelane, but a dream would be to one day have a solo exhibit in the area.”

Where do you see yourself in five years we ask Jeremy?

“Exactly where I am now. With my family in the Lowveld, but perhaps selling my work nationwide and continuing to develop as a recognised artist.” What is clear is that Jeremy is going to continue producing beautiful, evocative work that truly depicts our South African landscapes at their breath-taking finest.

INFO Jeremy Maritz, 083 228 0127 www.facebook.com/oldstrawhat

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spaces

spaces

linger

longer 70 LOWVELDLIVING #70

spaces

Take a stroll through a contemporary farmhouse, warmed by the patina of generations’ old furniture and unique touches displaying the owners’ distinct sense of style Words Bev Tucker Photos Etienne Oosthuizen, Africa Photographic Services

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Rob and Callie

Maguire planned their build on Brightside Eco Estate years before a brick was laid. By the time they met with their architect, Reiner Förtsch, they were armed with a folder full of visual ideas, as well as photos of their main furniture, which Callie was adamant had to be incorporated into the house.

The couple had been picking up architectural bits and pieces long before they built. “I had the front door and our bedroom doors years before and Reiner just had to work them into the plan,” Callie says.

One of the key elements is the sense of openness that extends throughout the house and garden thanks to it’s elevated north facing position and undulating views over the 100Ha Estate outside White River. “I’m a farmer’s daughter and was a farmer myself, and Rob and I are outdoor people.” The house stands on a hectare surrounded by the estate’s 100 hectares of grassland, wetland, forest, and bush. With the house, the dominant outdoor area is in the form of the huge covered patio linking the living areas and office with the master bedroom. Reiner’s forte is designing houses that have easeful flow; that ‘live well’.

In the Maguire’s design, his brief included sash windows with shutters, providing security and aesthetics, and a wrap-around veranda reminiscent of traditional farmhouses. Both elements came from Callie’s input. “We wanted security without having to resort to burglar bars, and I didn’t want to charge around closing windows when it rains.” Both features add to the farmhouse feel, as do the reclaimed timber doors and other touches, like the Italian bricks in the kitchen archway.

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THE RESULT IS AN INTERIOR THAT IS 100% PURE MAGUIRE, NO SHAM AND NO POSE. “IT’S OUR ‘STUFF’.

IT’S US.”

spaces

Of all the requirements for the house, the founding principle was that it was a genuine family home, not a showpiece. The interior does not have a hint of pretentiousness. “We were never going for a certain ‘look’. We bought things we liked and we had existing furniture that we loved – like the dining room table my father made us as a wedding gift.” The couple added some new furniture, and re-did some of the soft furnishings as they felt the need, but there were no interior decorators or landscape gardeners involved. When asked where she sourced items, Callie responds, “Carpets from Morocco, tiles from Portugal, doors from India… we just bought things we liked whenever and wherever.” The result is an interior that is 100% pure Maguire, no sham and no pose. “It’s our ‘stuff’. It’s us.”

Throughout the house tablescapes from nature – stones, plants, shells – tell a story. An avid walker and gardener, Callie never leaves home without her secateurs (and possibly a saw). Her finds end up in the garden or in one of her eclectic arrangements. One of five daughters, she says “We are all quite arty farty in our own ways. We get it from my mother…”

This house is about long (long) lunches with good food and friends. It’s about the kids being home from varsity, wandering through in the morning to flop down on the red kitchen sofa while Callie makes breakfast. It’s about dogs and family and authentic living and the sweet sunlit years that make our happiest memories. It’s just gorgeous.

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where science & design collide

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“WHAT IF THE BUILDING DESIGN EMBODIES THE PRINCIPLES WE ARE TRYING TO TEACH YOUNG SCIENTISTS?”

Skukuza Institute for Science Leadership: a lesson in sustainable building Words Dianne Tipping Woods Photos Simon Bird and Karen Vickers

spaces

a new building

in Kruger National Park’s Skukuza staff village is demonstrating how design draws on life’s principles to create a sustainable – and beautiful – space for science students.

When researchers and educators Karen Vickers and Laurence Kruger were dreaming about creating a space to develop science skills in the Kruger National Park, they dared to ask “what if the building design embodies the principles we are trying to teach young scientists?”

What would such a building look like? What would it be made of? Who would design it? And how much would it cost?

The answer to the first question is self evident, because the Skukuza Institute for Science Leadership opened in 2017. It’s a beautifully proportioned building that’s deceptively unassuming from the outside, but has an expansive, welcoming layout that centres around a courtyard. The rammed earth walls and water feature create interesting functional spaces, while the steel structures that support the living roof (trays of plants) create a sense of height and perspective in an otherwise grounded environment.

The design ethos is about more than just aesthetics though.

“Our goal is to bring students here in a way that shapes them but also shakes them up,” says Karen. “We knew the centre had to demonstrate to managers, tourists and students alike the feasibility of low impact living by showcasing the ways in which design can reduce our environmental footprint in all aspects of daily living.”

Working with architects Nicholas Whitcutt and Kevin Mitchell, Karen and Laurence conceptualised the centre. Phase one, which includes a lecture theatre, library and lab space, with catering facilities for up to 40 students, is complete. Funding for the building came from The National Science Foundation in the USA through the Organization for Tropical Studies and from SANParks, which allocated the two hectare site on the road leading to the Skukuza staff village. Already serviced with water and electricity, the site contained several existing buildings and structures, including two four-bedroomed houses – currently used for student accommodation.

Rubble, rammed earth and mud bricks cooked by the sun mean that the bulk of the building materials for the centre were locally sourced and made with simple, life friendly chemistry.

“In the lecture theatre, the drivers were acoustics and sightlines, natural ventilation, light levels and the mitigation of glare, while there are various spaces in the library for different types of working and studying, with areas that are quieter and more introspective, and spaces that allow for discussion and interaction,” says Karen.

In the laboratory, ventilation was important, together with a system of specially designed work tables and racks of trays.

As much passive cooling and heating as possible was included in the design, broadly mimicking the thermal principles

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spaces

spaces

of a termite mound and drawing on the natural properties of the building materials. Rammed earth in particular has amazing thermal capabilities and the shape of the library was also designed to help the thermal aspects of rising hot air. The north wall is a Trombe wall, which is manually operated to adjust airflow and temperature depending on the time of day and year through a simple system of vents to control heating and cooling.

The lecture theatre is built into the earth so its back wall is soil and all the rainwater from the roof gets captured in storage tanks with seating around their bases, while trees and planted screens provide shade. The gorgeous, multi-functional pond in the courtyard has to work too, providing evaporation and cooling.

“The roof is the least green aspect of the building due to the high levels of embodied energy in the steel,” says Karen, but it was a calculated trade off as the planted tray system will help with the thermal effect.

“We want to enhance science education and experiential learning opportunities, but we also want to change how people think, feel and act, so they have the skills we feel scientists need for the 21st century. It’s about more than just biodiversity skills,” says Karen.

“Everything was treated as a learning exercise, in a highly participatory process. The building tells the story of the organic construction process and the work that will be conducted in these spaces – and the finished product is breathtaking,” says Laurence.

Having used life friendly chemistry where possible, available material, passive heating and cooling systems that rely on cyclic processes, and multifunctional design, with a diversity of building materials and techniques, it’s not surprising that the centre recently hosted a workshop by Biomimicry South Africa’s Claire Janisch, which used the building as a case study for sustainable design.

Other sustainability features include: A multi-hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) system to ensure uninterrupted power supply to essential equipment in the event of an outage. This works as a combined island and grid-tied system, and consists of 24 PV panels and 24 batteries.

A cold room off the laboratory that is a plant-operated humidity-controlled space for lab storage, with the plant powered by the solar PV system. LED lighting is used wherever possible.

The site is serviced for water-borne sewage, which is treated in Skukuza via oxidation tanks and a reed bed system. Additionally, Enviro Loo waterless composting toilets were installed in the Science Centre, and all wastewater from basins drains to a soakaway system or to existing plants.

Funding is still required for the phases (2, 3, 4 and 5) of the project. If you would like to make a contribution to the green facility or science outreach programs please visit: www.nsasani.co.za

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RAMMED EARTH IN PARTICULAR HAS AMAZING THERMAL CAPABILITIES AND THE SHAPE OF THE LIBRARY WAS ALSO DESIGNED TO HELPS THE THERMAL ASPECTS OF RISING HOT AIR

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restaurant & venue 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)

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there

are

aliens out there

There is a circle of Megalithic rocks (called Adam’s Calendar by some, Enki’s Calendar by others.) It has been (not surprisingly considering the touristy value of places where aliens are believed to frequent) declared a Heritage Site. But beware: you are entering the world of archaeological whodunnits, including ancient peoples or even alien Gods. This is not Colonel Mustard with the candlestick in the Library territory. This is far more sinister…

It was a cold and windy day when we set out for the Magic Rock Circle with some trepidation. Up on the escarpment it was miserably drizzly with opaque grey mist swirling around us. Visibility was nearly nil. And it was eerily quiet. If a hound fresh from the Baskervilles had sprung out of the fog at us we would not have been surprised. Terrified, yes, but not surprised – it was that sort of day. A day to encounter aliens. We were isolated out on the lonely moors.

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Do you believe in aliens? I thought so. And I can tell you just where you can go to encounter them. The quaint little mining village of Kaapsehoop Words Bruce Pinnock

And vulnerable. All that was needed was Background Horror Movie Music.

However, we did have some protection. Dick, the veteran in our party, was armed. He was on crutches. The last time a mugger had attacked him (by grabbing at his cellphone) he had instantly reversed the crutch to swing hard and connect his attacker with the business-end of the elbow grip. The would-be mugger yelped dismally, gave Dick a reproachful look and staggered off, no doubt to rethink his choice of vocation. Hostile aliens could face the same fate.

And we also had his wife, Kiloran – a charming photographer with a state-of-the-art camera. Which would be her secret weapon. The lens extended to, oh, about the length of a medium-sized medieval cannon. No self-respecting alien would ever doubt it was an industrial strength Ray Gun of bazooka proportions disguised as a camera. She would be like a Bond girl, beautiful but deadly.

We also had Mike of the Legal Profession. He could, no doubt, confound any alien hostility with legal jargon no human being, let alone an alien, could tolerate. After the fifteenth interrogative “Are you or are you not in conflict with Article 13 subsection 57 of the law against alleged alien abductors here-in-after-referred-to-as …” the poor alien would flee, hands over ears, screaming. Mike’s wife,

representing the elements of Water, Wind, Air and Fire.

Lynn, would be fine too – she could charm the aliens into It was at the central megalith that we encountered the submission with her beautiful smile. That only left me. I alien. We did not realise he was one at first, even though he would have to run. But I thought, cunningly, one does not just materialised out of the mist. You see, he looked human need to run faster than pursuing aliens – only faster than enough – well, as human as someone dressed like a cross somebody else in your group. As long as Dick did not trip between a ‘60s hippie and Tonto, the Indian, could look. me up with his crutch…

Complete with braids and tassels, he also wore a hat last Our guide, Pierre, was also there, although if truth be seen on a Mohican in a John Wayne Western. He politely told, he may have been on the side of the aliens. He asked if he could have time at the Central Megalith alone. resembled a sort of sloppy Wild Man from Borneo, complete (We realised later this was to work some alien spiritual with long hair and jeans torn in the front (discreetly magic.) We moved away. Then we noticed something very covered by a grubby faded top, possibly originally pyjamas). strange: he apparently could not tolerate the oxygen of the Was he on the side of the aliens? He informed us that only pure fresh mountain air! He lit up aliens, probably Annunaki (ancient a pipe of foul substance – possibly Sumerian) Gods from 200 000 years IT WAS AT THE CENTRAL from the Planet Zol in the Galaxy ago could have carved and set out Hotbox. He inhaled and exhaled the Circle boulders, which were of MEGALITH THAT WE fumes no earthly lungs could heavy dolerite, a rock foreign to the otherwise sandstone escarpment.

ENCOUNTERED THE ALIEN. surely tolerate – they had Lynn and Kiloran gagging and Ancient peoples (Sumerians or WE DID NOT REALISE HE WAS clutching their throats! Was he some such) could not have moved smoking his socks, wondered them. He led us to the first ONE AT FIRST, EVEN THOUGH Lynn. It was possible – he wasn’t important rock with the metal wearing any. plaque announcing that the HE JUST MATERIALISED Then he proceeded with a Heritage Site had been opened by OUT OF THE MIST. ritual only aliens would no lesser personage than the understand. A flute materialised Minister of the Environment (who in his hand and, raising his head, he pointed the flute up to was presumably not an alien.) the heavens and, with uplifted arms, he proceeded to This rock was a male rock called Standing Man. You see, serenade the universe! all the mystical supposedly carved megalithic rocks are As he tootled away, I thought the alien tune was a either male (slender, erect and sort of penile, if you get my variation on Yankee Doodle. Lynn felt it had a Star Wars drift) or female (large and rounded suggesting broad hips Theme ring to it. We speculated that he was possibly calling and extensive posteriors – sort of fat-assed, if you get my to Yoda, who, (my grandson had informed me) had returned drift. My, my – those aliens would have a lot to answer for if as a spirit in the latest Star Wars epic. the anti-sexist lobby ever got hold of them.)

And then he disappeared! Simply engulfed by the mist.

And then we arrived at the Magic Calendar Circle. It Possibly beamed away – who knows? But he left behind consists of rocks – huge carved boulders – formed roughly some mystic crystals, obviously with magical properties, in a circle marking the points of the compass. Three of these lightly hidden at the foot of the megalith under a Druidical monoliths could even be lined up with Orion’s Belt, (but knot of grass. We did not touch them – you can’t be too only as those were 75 000 years ago.) There is also a huge careful with alien artefacts. central megalith – a male and a female rock – whose Somewhat chastened, we returned to the welcome shadow could trace solstices, and equinoxes and God Kaapsche Hoop Gastehuis fireside, where hosts Neels and knows what other calendar events. Not only this: a compass Ria supplied the necessary fortifying restorative liquid to reverses north and south when held between the rocks. settle our nerves after the unworldly experience. What if Further proof, according to Pierre, of alien intervention.

Tonto was actually Enki the alien, come back to frown on Nevertheless, we found it a bit sort of, how can I put it tourists like us doubting his Circle? What if he had detected – underwhelming. It is small, certainly not of Stonehenge our Philistine scepticism? And kidnapped and beamed one proportions. However, Pierre assured us of the place’s of us up to the Galaxy Hotbox for who knows what foul spiritual aura for some people. At full moon, he once alien purposes? witnessed 28 naked women gather there. They danced – as Maybe Dick’s crutch would not have been they would, given the place and lunar stimulation – but in enough defence. groups of seven at each cardinal compass point,