Muse

birthday issue Timbavati retreat Paddling Orange River Online with The Local Edit Modern twist to classic farmhouse The Good Life with Fhatuwani Mukheli

R34.99 0

people | style | travel | design | food

MUSE N 6

Chef Gregory Czarnecki’s chocolate flair

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promotion

Uplands Pre-Preparatory meet the head

Heather Prior is the Head of Uplands Pre-Preparatory School in White River. She leads an incredible team, and her eyes sparkle when she talks about the children and her exceptional team of teachers.

Passionate about early childhood development, Heather is a firm believer in the principle of a good solid start to a child’s education by equipping youngsters with the vital skills they need whilst ensuring that they are having fun! “Research shows that children exposed to a quality learning environment at an early age can excel in their school careers and beyond.”

“Our Uplands children are excited to come to school. We have created an enjoyable atmosphere centred around these little ones,” smiles Heather. “Uplands is such a communitybased environment and has always been an inclusive space where parents and grandparents truly feel a part of the school.

Through the many interactive events held on the campus every year, families can experience what the kids experience.

Everyone loves to see happy children who revel in a nurturing environment.”

Our Uplands children are excited to come to school. We have created an enjoyable atmosphere centred around these little ones Heather is Lowveld-raised and studied at JCE in Johannesburg, after which she started her teaching career at a school in Soweto before moving into private education. She went on to run her own pre-school in Randpark Ridge until the call of motherhood and the Lowveld beckoned her back to White River and to Uplands, where she has been for the past 15 years and Head of the Pre-Preparatory since 2018.

Heather loves that Uplands is One School, from the Pre-Preparatory grades to the College years. “We are at an amazing place right now. The new members of the Executive team bring huge value and experience, and the sky is the limit for Uplands!”

The Pre-Preparatory School at Uplands offers a fun playbased programme that ensures that children can learn the necessary skills they will need for their preparatory years. In addition, Uplands boasts an incredible 110-hectare estate that promises families a safe and secure environment at highly competitive fees. admissions@uplands.co.za, www.uplands.co.za

ed’s note

As I write this letter, it’s just been announced that SA is now mask-free.

I had to laugh at the different responses. From utter relief and joy to ‘Ah no, now I have to put a face on when I go out!’ And I had to smile when I drove past my son’s school only to see a young group of kids throwing their masks into the air! So instead of our graduation hats, it’s our masks – reversible, disposable, coloured, medical, personalised – that are soaring sky high.

With this most welcome decision also comes open events, fewer regulations for travelling and many more changes that will lighten our load and simplify our lives. Now that you are in a celebratory mood, please also raise a glass to Muse Magazine, which has turned one this month. Born out of the ashes of COVID, Muse has grown into a much-loved SA magazine, exuding inspiration at every turn.

Muse is available nationally in over 120 stores, delis, restaurants, grocery shops, garages, hotels and lodges. Thanks to you all who took a chance on Muse.

Thanks to my family, who are also my delivery team across Joburg, The Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal and who always insist on buying a copy, even when they have an in with the publisher. A special thanks to my husband and friends who took up the immense distribution challenge when I got COVID. Thanks to my team of writers who, when I launched, even offered to write for free. And finally, thanks to Audrey and Craig, who believed in Muse and in me and often give up their afternoons for long discussions on how we can make Muse bigger and better!

Happy Birthday, Muse!

Enjoy the read.

NM Editor: Nicky McArthur, 076 952 7761, nicky@macmediagroup.co.za Sales: Audrey Ford Duimelaar, 072 726 4660, audrey@macmediagroup.co.za, musemagazine@macmediagroup.co.za Journalists: Helena Ramackers Editing: Anne Schauffer Digital: MPDPS Design: Union Restoration Cover Image: Cape Farmhouse Photo: Warren Heath/Bureaux Publisher: MacMedia Group

@musemagazinesa

@musemagazinesouthafrica

musemagazine.co.za

I N T E RI O RS L E D BY N AT U RE’S D ES I G N ILetNWeylandtstudio T E R I O R S transform L E D B YyourNhome A T Uwith R ESpring’s ’ S D Epromise SIGN of newness. As the interior design division of Weylandts, we create interiors that hold the authentic spirit of natural elements. By following nature’s revitalising cue, our design process awakens the Let Weylandtstudio transform your home with Spring’s promise of newness. As the interior design division of Weylandts, we create essence of the season. Our turnkey ser vice offers clients professionalism of the highest calibre. interiors that hold the authentic spirit of natural elements. By following nature’s revitalising cue, our design process awakens the essence of the season. Our turnkey ser vice offers clients professionalism of the highest calibre.

contents 08 Reviews

16 Design

Gucci’s latest SA Books, products & muse & Cape The all Penthouse Full andfabulous Half Page_PRINT_220608.ai 1 2022/06/09 11:19:01 things farmhouse

A luxurious seafront retreat for your next family holiday The warm Kwa-Zulu Natal South Coast climate makes Manaba the perfect winter get away.

Walk along the blue flag beach, fish, swim, surf, relax on the beach or at the pool and spot whales and dolphins from the comfort of the penthouse balcony.

Find out more and book at www.penthouse-at-stirling.co.za

28 Feast

Chef Gregory Czarnecki gives us a lesson in chocolate

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Wanderlust

Into the bush we go & paddling Orange River

52 People

Meet The Local Edit team & artist Fhatuwani Mukheli

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Expect the Unexpected Discover our new furniture collection in-store now.

Visit our Nelspruit showroom at The Grove shopping centre or shop online at www.coricraft.co.za | 013 757 8460 | nelspruit@coricraft.co.za

review décor.home

South African interiors company, ChicShak, has set up shop in the beautiful town of Hoedspruit in the Lowveld. The store showcases a sample of what designer Louise Worthington offers her clients in a complete interior design service. Louise and her team stock primarily local and handmade items, supporting natural materials and sustainable living, focusing on a few niche South African artists. ChicShak’s workspace is incorporated into the shop, so the team are available to meet with clients to discuss orders and complete interior design projects. Get in touch, Louise 084 381 7071, louise@chicshakinteriors.com.

Kate 082 313 5830, kate@chicshakinteriors.com

it’s a

need

Our favourite beauty, style, tech, décor, homeware, wellness and kid’s stuff

The Ubud Hanging Light is a stylish lighting option for your home. It can easily blend in with an array of interior design styles. Its woven construction in a soothing black tone exudes sophistication, while its unique structure makes a statement no matter where you decide to place it. Shop Weylandts.

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We love Clara von Zweigbergk’s take on a traditional paper bin combining contrasting colours with a slanted folding technique to create a playful and colourful wastepaper bin.

Made from FSC recycled paper, its protective coating allows it to be used for all kinds of storage. R808, shop cremadesign.co.za

review wellness

food is medicine with Dr Rav Let’s Channel House Can you remember the TV series featuring Dr. House? “House”, as he is called by his colleagues, is an infamously cranky diagnostician who can save people on the brink of death by “following the trail”… to uncover the real reason behind their strange mix of symptoms.

It sounds silly, but Dr House inspired me to follow the trail. Of course, it’s not quite as dramatic as it is on TV, but today I’d love to take you on a simple “follow the trail” exercise focusing on uric acid.

As I mentioned uric acid, did you immediately think of gout? And maybe you thought, “I don’t have gout, and so this column doesn’t affect me.”

Let’s channel Dr House and follow the trail beyond gout. A 2018 study showed that a uric acid reading of above 0.4mmol/L was associated with: • 16% increase in all causes of mortality • 38% increase in cardiovascular mortality • 32% increase in stroke • 155% increase in all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

Follow the trail. More than a molecule used to diagnose gout and kidney stones, evidence is stacking up to show that uric acid plays a significant role in many metabolic processes and diseases.

Follow the trail. Where does uric acid come from?

There are two main sources: (1) High-fructose corn syrup – think processed foods like sweets, juices, fizzy drinks, fast food, sauces, salad dressings and jams; and (2) Purines – think highly cellular foods, such as specific meats and seafood, and brewer’s yeast (think beer).

Follow the trail. Modern culture presents us with easily available processed foods and has recently encouraged us to eat more meat than we need in our diets. Add beer into the mix, and suddenly, you don’t need to be Dr House to have an ‘aha’ moment.

My recommendation: Start paying closer attention to your metabolic health indicators. And – when they need to be corrected – follow the logical trail.

Hanya House Functional Medicine & Wellness Retreat www.hanya.house • connect@hanya.house 068 494 6621. Available for national consults.

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Introducing a premium 100% Pure Hydrolysed Collagen that’s been amped up with good-for-you ingredients for your skin: hydration from Hyaluronic Acid, brightness from Vitamin C and protection from Zinc. This all-rounder supplement boosts general health and well-beingtoo; what’s not to like? Add to your coffee or hot tea in the morning.

Soluble and tasteless. Shop be bright.co.za

WIN

WIN a bottle of Be Bright. Send us your contact details and put ‘Be Bright’ in the subject box.

Don’t forget to follow us on FB & IG @musemagazinesa. The closing date is 31 August. Ts&Cs apply.

Essential oils and wellness go hand in hand. Not only do they leave a room beautifully scented, but oils can also help benefit your mood, help focus and aid sleep. At work, try the SOiL Inspire Essential Oil Blend – an uplifting and refreshing blend of lime, mandarin and spearmint to energise and inspire. For an energetic atmosphere, opt for SOiL Energy, with lavender, bergamot, marjoram and vetiver. And at home, add a few drops of the SOiL Sleep to your burner or bathwater. It contains a blend of soothing lavender, marjoram and bergamot to help you drift off peacefully.

From R125, SOiL is available at Dis-Chem, Wellness Warehouse and online at faithful-to-nature.co.za, takealot.com and soil.co.za.

wellness review

Transformational Dentistry

with Dr Cobus Verster

We have discovered blue block readers by David Green Eyewear. Lightweight, good to look at and seriously good for you because they block out the blue light from your phone, TV and computer – which can cause eye fatigue and strain. Visit greeneyewear.com and use the ‘virtual try-on’ state-of-the-art technology to choose your own personal style. From R459, available from leading optometrists.

Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub may just be our best discovery for 2022. This facial scrub incorporates mango and pineapple enzymes and scrubs all your dead cells away. You can literally feel it work, and the result is clean and perfectly smooth skin. A must in any beauty regime. From R355, buy online at arcstore.co.za

Dr Cobus Verster has provided excellent service in transformational dentistry in White River for over 35 years. Discover modern trends like DSD (Digital Smile Design), Cloud Dentistry, genuine natural tooth libraries, digital workflow principles and a “concierge” patient handling experience. Become a co-designer of your smile, with the end product visible from the beginning. Transformational Dentistry is at the forefront of all new technology and dentistry.

Everything under one roof: • Cosmetic dentistry, including DSD (Digital Smile Design) • State-of-the-art treatment planning • Advanced implantology, including bone augmentation, the latest sinus lift techniques, and microsurgical soft tissue management • Highly developed light dentistry like injection molding • Veneers, crowns, and bridge work • Accredited Invisalign provider (invisible braces) • Orthodontic treatment • Day-to-day dentistry and more What is DSD? (Digital Smile Design) The DSD concept is much more than a smile design system; it is the platform to achieve excellence in dentistry, using the latest technology to involve the patient in the design process of their new smile and fulfilling the commitment to reproducing it with absolute accuracy.

The concept of DSD is improved diagnosis, exceptional smile design, team communication, high-end treatment planning, clinical execution, and improved patient understanding.

For mind-blowing dentistry, book your appointment and let us help you transform your smile at Transformational Dentistry with Dr Cobus Verster.

The Huda Beauty Cheeky Tint Blush Stick is a gorgeous alternative to mineral blushes. Just swipe along your cheekbone, blend and voilà – an instant creamy and glowworthy look. R460, buy online at arcstore.co.za

Before

After

Follow us on FB @Transformational Dentistry, 013 751 3800, admin@allon4-dental.com, www.allon4-dental.com 9 Palm Street, White River, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Available for national and international consultations.

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Kelly van Rooyen

It goes by many names – conscious parenting, gentle parenting, respectful parenting, parenting by connection. It doesn’t matter what you call it, but there is a definite shift in how we lead our families as parents.

Coming into the space of conscious, connected parenting can feel overwhelming, and it’s sometimes difficult to know where to start. Moreover, every parent-child dynamic is different, and it’s impossible for two parents to use the same approach expecting precisely the same results.

So here are five things you can do to start incorporating a conscious approach to discipline into your relationship with your child.

1) Shift the focus from being on your child to the relationship between you and your child. Find a few minutes each day to make an uninterrupted connection.

2) Identify which aspects of your child’s behaviour trigger you.

Get curious, sit with it, go deeper and figure out why. So often, it’s our childhood hurts that play out in these difficult parenting moments.

3) Accept (although it’s hard) that every emotion your child experiences has a place and reason. Give them the support they need to process these feelings rather than push them down. The same goes for your feelings, too!

4) Understand what developmentally normal behaviour looks like and set boundaries accordingly. Our expectations of our children can sometimes be a bit high, and some research goes a long way towards understanding what to expect from a child their age.

5) Even in the most challenging moments, consider your child as intrinsically good and doing their best. This makes it easier to stay patient and see their behaviour as the communication that it is.

And it’s not listed here, but we all need this reminder sometimes: no matter how you are parenting, you are doing your best! Every single parent wants the best for their children, but not every parent has the support they need. So be gentle with yourself too.

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www.consciousconfidentparenting.co.za kelly@consciousconfidentparenting.co.za IG @consciousconfidentparenting FB @ConsciousConfidentParenting MUSESIX

family games

Solar Pop has a host of new games for the whole family.

WIN

This is dominoes with a kingdom building twist. In Kingdomino, you are a lord seeking new lands to expand your kingdom. To spot the best plots, you must explore all the lands, wheat fields, lakes, and mountains. But be careful as some other lords also covet these lands.R359.99, available from Takealot, Makro, Toy Kingdom and Hamleys.

WIN a game. Send your contact details to musemagazine@macmediagroup.co.za and tell us the game you love. Don’t forget to follow us on FB & IG @musemagazinesa. The closing date is 31 August 2022. Ts&Cs apply.

Ever heard of Catan? This multi-award-winning game has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. Your adventurous settlers seek to tame the remote but rich isle of Catan. Guide your settlers to victory by clever trading and cunning development using resources, trading and building. If you are a fan of Risk, you will love this. R1 149.99. Available from Takealot, Makro, Toy Kingdom and Hamleys.

The Worst Restaurant in the Universe

by Jaco Jacobs, Dale Blankenaar: Give your kids a chuckle with this collection of laugh out loud stories.

From stinky feet to alien invasions, monster glue and swimming with sharks, entertaining at every turn.

Penguin Random House.

If you love sushi, you may love the game Sushi Go even more! So pass the sushi in this fast-playing card game, where players must grab the best sushi combinations to score big. Winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award and Parent’s Choice Recommended Award. R399.99. Available from Takealot, Makro, Toy Kingdom and Hamleys.

review books Rhino War: A General’s Bold Strategy in the Kruger National Park by Johan Jooste, Tony Park: In 2012, retired South African general Johan Jooste joined the relentless war against rhino poaching in the Kruger. With poaching spiralling out of control, Jooste was given the mandate to ‘go military’, to convert Kruger’s ranger corps into a paramilitary force capable of taking the fight to the poachers. Aged 60, white, and a veteran with 35 years of military service, Jooste’s controversial appointment was immediately met with resentment and outright hostility by elements of South African National Parks, the police, and even the military he had served. This is his story. R280, Pan Macmillan.

WIN

Win a copy of Rhino War. Send your contact details to musemagazine@macmediagroup.co.za. Put ‘RhinoWar’ in the subject box. Follow us on FB & IG @musemagazinesa.

Closing date is 31 August 2022. Ts&Cs apply.

If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair by Anya Hindmarch: Live your life better, says Anya, mom of five, stepmom, entrepreneur, and businesswoman. Here she shares her sage advice from her own crazy, busy life on just how to do that. Jonathan Ball Publishers.

if uncovering the truth is the greatest Nuclear: Inside South Africa’s Secret Deal by Karyn Maughan, Kirsten Pearson: Through insider accounts, audio recordings, and confidential minutes of Eskom’s board meetings, this writing duo pieces together the goings-on of the terrifying nuclear power deal between Zuma and Russia. “Russia was almost at the centre of supporting our country, and ANC cadres were trained there. They gave us education, even weapons, food... So we cannot, when we are free, forget about people who were our friends at the time of need.” Jacob Zuma.

R320, NB Publishers.

WIN

Win a copy of Adulting 101 & Nuclear. Send your contact details to musemagazine@macmediagroup.co.za. Put ‘Adulting’ in the subject box. Follow us on FB & IG @musemagazinesa. Closing date is 31 August 2022. Ts&Cs apply.

Adulting 101: How To Survive The Real World by Jen Thorpe: From getting enough sleep to paying taxes, buying a house, starting your own business and keeping a work-life balance, this is a little book of tips to thrive and survive in this world as an adult. Essential reading! R260, NB Publishers.

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books review Brandalism – Building Brands by Vandalising the Status Quo by Mike Sharman: Sharman uses his unique storytelling approach and explores the last 12 years of building a business from scratch and elevating many of his clients into cult brands. He provides branding advice you would usually pay for and hilarious anecdotes on brands he has worked with. Have a business? Brandalism it! R310, Tracey McDonald Publishers.

Dangerous by Erik Kruger: You cannot escape threats. Threats to your business, relationships, potential, and health. But before you can face a threat, you must recognise it. Being wilfully ignorant of these dangers is a reckless way to live. It is through threats that we are strengthened.

Encouraging advice to help you navigate this thing called life.

R195, Tracey McDonald Publishers.

challenge of non-fiction writing, it is also the greatest reward Abundance: The Inner Path to Wealth by Deepak Chopra: World-renowned pioneer of integrative medicine, Chopra offers a simple seven-step plan to help you reset your focus, become the agent in your own life and thrive.

Looking at money, creative intelligence, awareness and the chakra system, live a life of abundance. R350, Penguin Random House.

Push Past Impossible by Ryan Stramrood: “I’m about to attempt to become the first man to swim solo from Russia to the USA. The Russians had refused us permission to be there. We did ask, but we didn’t take no for an answer.” Intrigued? Motivational speaker Ryan Stramrood describes diving into one of the coldest, most hostile places on Earth – Antarctica and what came after. R275, Tracey McDonald Publishers.

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design architecture

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architecture design

E L E M E N T A L E L E G A N C E A change of pace and a focus on a better quality of life led one couple to a small coastal village near Cape Town, where they built their contemporary, farmhouse-inspired home.

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design architecture

Fifty years ago, Noordhoek, near Cape Town, was a valley known more for its fertile farmlands than anything else. Since then, the growth of a like-minded community of people seeking a semi-rural environment and a lifestyle that embraces mountains and the sea has made it a much sought-after place to put down roots. The area attracted James and Clare Templeton for exactly these reasons. The couple had been living in Johannesburg and moving to this part of South Africa meant they could breathe out a little.

An essential part of their brief to architect WP Bosch was to create a two-storey home that embraced the natural surroundings. The architect and local builder, Lee Slabber, fulfilled the brief and so much more, which involved demolishing the original house down to the foundation level and starting again.

“When we first saw this house, it was pretty darn ugly, but we knew the site was really special; there was this crazy overgrown garden with rusted wheelbarrows. WP Bosch really brought our needs and wants together so beautifully with his design,” says Clare, who explains that while James loves ultra-modern design, she wanted more of a

When we moved in it felt like the garden had been here forever

farmhouse feel for their new home.

Their architect managed to combine both James’ and Clare’s desires. As a result, aspects like the crunchy stone driveway, slatecoloured tin roof, magnificent external stone masonry and the dramatic view of the garden and pool on entering the house feel delightfully old-school. In contrast, the vast, double-volume steel windows and the elegant, monochrome palette of raw and polished cement, exposed brick, tempered steel and natural textures feel thoroughly modern.

The master bedroom suite occupies at least half of the upstairs section of the home and is an exercise in space and laidback luxury.

The bathroom reflects many of the same design elements of the bedrooms but in an all-white and wood palette.

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Our shop is open !

Visit us at The Farmery, R527 Hoedspruit

+ 27 84 381 7071

design architeture

The couple’s modernist farmhouse celebrates being social and cooking and much of their life happens here. “We love entertaining and drinks often ends up being dinner for 10,” says Clare. The oak kitchen island features an impressive tempered steel top while a pop of baby blue from the Smeg fridge is a nod to Clare’s love of the vintage farmhouse feel.

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We wanted something really special that was a bit of a showpiece without being too over-the-top

design architecture

The couple loves to entertain, and the kitchen forms a central part of their home. “We wanted something really special that was a bit of a showpiece without being too over-the-top,” says Clare of the central island made of a single piece of tempered steel and an impressive slab of oak. They also commissioned a local boat builder to design and build their kitchen cabinetry. The result is a seamless and thoughtful design. “This kitchen has seen a lot of wine,” laughs Clare. And while it’s clear that both Templetons have an eye for beautiful things, comfort is an important factor in their lives.

The living area is an informal space, boasting a huge low-slung sofa, ideal for marathon TV sessions, and the inside living area flows effortlessly onto the outside patio, effectively doubling the living space in the summer months. “For the garden, we worked with local landscaping legend Tone Alexander.

When we moved in it felt like the garden had been here forever,” says Clare.

While the downstairs half of the couple’s home is all about work and play (a wine cellar and glassed-in office were two essentials in the brief), the upstairs zone is all about breathing out and private time.

Perhaps it’s the view of the sea, the soft jute carpeting underfoot throughout the upstairs floor or the oversized master bedroom and matching monochrome bathroom (the sleek black bath is a beauty), but the serenity is palpable. Patches of afternoon light fall in just the right places, a gigantic leather upholstered bed in the master bedroom begs to be leapt on, and here and there, a cat stretches in repose – the perfect balance of style and comfort.

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The easy-on-the-eye palette continues in this space with simple white soft furnishings and the addition of charcoal tones and wood. “I loved the colour of a wall in a restaurant we often go to so I asked the owner what colour he’d used and painted the wall the next day,” says Clare.

design profile

G U C C I W I T H

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C O L L A B S S A

A R T I S T

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profile design Highlighting SA’s artistic talents, 25-year-old Latitudes artist Cinthia Sifa Mulanga, has caught the eye of Italian fashion house Gucci, who recently commissioned her to create an artwork that celebrates their iconic Diana tote bag.

First introduced in 1991, the bag was worn by and later named after Diana, Princess of Wales.

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Cinthia was asked to paint one of her strong femalethemed paintings featuring the Diana bag. “It has definitely been surprising; I was really taken aback,” says Cinthia of the invitation to be featured in Gucci’s latest campaign. “I’m only now digesting what has happened and starting to understand the impact of my work and how different it is.”

Gucci discovered Cinthia on Instagram. “They loved how she challenges beauty standards in her work and portrays confident, powerful women. They wanted an original work that would represent the artist’s style and that included the handbag front and centre,” says Chelsea Selvan, a curator of Latitudes Online, an art platform and organisation that works with the young artist.

Cinthia’s artistic themes were a natural fit with the fashion house and including the Diana bag was no hardship. “I love Gucci. Their styles and designs, especially the inclusivity in collaborating with different

kinds of visual artists and representations,” says Cinthia.

And the bag? “I think who the bag stands for made me love it even more.”

Cinthia submitted two sketches, and Gucci selected its favourite. It was then a back-and-forth process over three weeks, explains Selvan. “We sent through images of the work as it developed, and Gucci’s full creative team gave feedback from Milan. There weren’t any misses per se, but they gave great advice and perhaps led the piece in a new direction – it was a truly collaborative process with the end product being Moment.”

The future is bright for this young artist who only began showcasing her talent during lockdown. Aside from several international art shows that will be featuring her art, she is now working on a new set of editioned prints with Latitudes and master printmaker Jillian Ross. | latitudes.online

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feast in&out

Foodie greats unite. Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, Yotam Ottolenghi and South African Mynie are back with newly-released cookbooks. Jamie’s Together: “Getting together and sharing a meal with loved ones has never felt so important.” Nigella’s Cook, eat, repeat: “Food, for me, is a constant pleasure: I like to think greedily about it, reflect deeply on it, learn from it; it provides comfort, inspiration, meaning and beauty... More than just a mantra, “cook, eat, repeat” is the story of my life.”

Ottolenghi’s Test Kitchen: Shelf Love: “Relaxed, flexible home cooking from Yotam Ottolenghi and his super team, using what we’ve got to hand.” Mynie Plays With Fire: “Everything tastes so much better when cooked over fire.”

WIN

Win this amazing Foodie Book Hamper from Penguin Random House. Send your contact details to musemagazine@macmediagroup.co.za and put your fave chef’s name in the subject box. Don’t forget to follow us on FB & IG &musemagazinesa. Closing date 31 August 2022. Ts&Cs apply.

Roku Autumn Highball Cocktail 25ml Roku Japanese Gin Fresh ginger muddled 20ml lemon juice 15ml suger syrup 90ml soda Directions Muddle fresh ginger, and shake with remaining ingredients. Double strain over ice and top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon twist and fresh ginger.

We are big fans of Roku Japanese Gin. Dressed up in a gorgeous hexagonal bottle, we enjoyed it straight up and as a classic G&T topped with an orange slice.

Roku, translating to the word ‘six’ in Japanese, is a crafted gin created with six botanicals sourced from Japan. They include sencha and gyokuro teas, the Sakura flower and leaf, Sansho pepper, and yuzu fruit peel. Muse also recommends the more decadent Roku Autumn Cocktail. R299, available from Makro, Pick n Pay, Checkers, and selected TOPS.

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Lindt has a new flavour, and it may just burst your tastebuds – Lindt Excellence Mango & Almond is a tantalizing contrast of fresh tropical mango and roasted almond slivers in Lindt’s traditionally smooth dark chocolate.

Hello! lindtonlineshop.co.za

in&out feast

How gorgeous is Black Elephant Vintner’s new range of bubbly, and we have a bottle on our table this winter, along with one of their fave recipes – Stuffed mushrooms. They have paired this moreish starter with the BEV Pinot Noir Cap Classique. This is a classic blend of Chardonnay (75%), contributing fruit and elegance and Pinot Noir (25%) for complexity and length of flavour. Tones of citrus and freshly picked red apples with a rich, creamy complexity mix with cherries on the palate. The excellent mousse contributes freshness and finesse.

How cute are these microgreens?

And they are delicious and nutritious too – tried & tested in Muse’s kitchen.

Microgreens are the densely grown seedlings of radish, beetroot, broccoli, pak choi, mustards, cress and herbs like basil and coriander. Typically harvested within 14 days, microgreens are the first ‘seed leaves’ to emerge and are good sources of vitamins A, B, C, E and K and calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iodine, manganese and sodium. The beauty of growing microgreens at home is that they can be cultivated all year round. In fact, all you need is a light, bright windowsill.

Feelgood Health’s My Growing Health range includes five different varieties of popular microgreens, compostable containers, bamboo rakes and good quality soil. Easy peasy! Shop online at feelgoodhealth.co.za

Stuffed Mushrooms 20 white button mushrooms 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp butter 1/2 cup chopped onion 2 tbsp minced garlic 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary 50g shredded cheese 3 tbsp breadcrumbs Salt and pepper 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for serving

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Directions Heat oven to 190 degrees C. Clean mushrooms, remove stems and finely mince. Toss mushroom caps with a tablespoon of olive oil and lightly season with fresh ground black pepper. Arrange them cavity-side-up. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and chopped mushroom stems and a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and herbs, then cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Pop mixture into a bowl and set aside to cool. Add the breadcrumbs to the same pan over medium-low heat, and cook until lightly toasted. Stir the cheese into the onions and garlic mixture, then divide the filling between the mushroom caps. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs on top.

Bake until the cheese has melted and the mushrooms have softened; 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with chopped fresh herbs and freshly ground black pepper on top. And, of course, top up your glass with BEV bubbly.

Win a bottle of BEV Pinot Noir Cap Classique and find your own classic pairing. Send your contact details to musemagazine@ macmediagroup.co.za and put ‘BEV’ in the subject box. Don’t forget to follow us on FB & IG @musemagazinesa. Closing date 31 August 2022. Ts Cs apply.

We are going back in time with a nostalgic childhood treat reimagined.

UltraMel Custard is 50 years old and has launched new full-cream ready-to-drink milkshakes in three delicious flavours – vanilla, chocolate & strawberry. Available in all grcery stores.

Which is your favourite?

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You may remember him as the cool French chef who judged the most recent MasterChef SA? But did you know that rock-star chef Gregory Czarnecki has secret skills that only a select few know – anyone lucky enough to try his mind-blowing ‘guess-the-flavour’ bonbons will never go back to eating just any chocolate.

A spray gun and a hairdryer. They don’t sound like usual tools in the arsenal of a professional chocolatier, but then again, ‘usual’ is not a word anyone who knows or works with Gregory Czarnecki would use to describe him.

In fact, the award-winning French-born chef doesn’t even call himself a chocolatier.

“I didn’t study it; it’s not my job,” he explains as he sprays a fine mist of vivid orange cocoa butter into a chocolate mould, occasionally using the hairdryer to warm up the mixture when it becomes too thick. This is how he creates the delicate shells of his bonbons. Still, he says a home cook could use a small paintbrush to thinly paint the cocoa butter onto the moulds, then use a toothpick to create any pattern, zigzag or swirl, followed by a second layer of cocoa butter in another colour to fill in the lines.

So, if making chocolate is not his job, it must be a passion, then? A calling? Why else would he spend two days a week crafting his astonishing chocolates for diners at Somerset West’s The Restaurant at Waterkloof?

Gregory has headed up the kitchen for the past 10 years, but it was only four years ago that he decided to start making the edible works of art that have since become a fixture at the end of his 15-course degustation menu.

“I was one of the first people to bring the bonbon to this country – I wanted to offer diners something different,” says Gregory. “I am self-

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ChefGregoryCzarnecki feast The Restaurant at Waterkloof where chocolate magic happens.

taught. Yes, I did work with chocolate when I was an apprentice, but now, I guess I have more knowledge, more patience, and less arrogance. And I decided that if I was going to make chocolates, they would have to be the best-looking ones I could possibly make. I want to look at them and be proud to have spent so much time on them. For me, it’s the results that matter.”

And it’s the imaginative results of his experiments in colour and flavour that almost defy description. The themed collections of five bonbons per table of two change constantly and can include gleaming black pyramids and gemstones; marble-like stones in neutral hues; swirls of yellow, turquoise and purple. Ganache fillings in some rather way-out flavour combinations are concealed beneath their mirror-like cocoa butter shells. If, for some reason, the hazelnut and Parmesan or passion fruit and basil oil do not fascinate you, perhaps the crème Fraiche and raspberry vinegar will. What’s more, their creator takes great delight in tricking the senses – the exteriors of Gregory’s bonbons give no clue to what diners’ taste buds will experience. “I always make sure that the colour on the outside doesn’t match the flavour. Why do yellow if it’s lemon, you know? You want people to be intrigued, to have to figure it out.”

A no-limits attitude, a powerful streak of perfectionism, and the best-quality chocolate as the star ingredient – which he works with at precisely controlled temperatures – are the key to his edible works of art.

“If you just melt chocolate, like people do when they want to dip strawberries, you’re not going to end up with a snappy chocolate. You have to bring it to a higher temperature, quickly lower it, and then warm it up again to work with it. There are specific temperatures, depending on the amount of bitterness, origin and type of chocolate you are using.”

When the chocolate has been expertly tempered, it is poured into the moulds over the set cocoa butter shells. Once the chocolate has had a chance to set, Gregory uses a piping bag to add the ganache filling, taking care not to overfill each mould. The ganache is then left to sit at room temperature for 24 hours. Now comes the final touch – a last layer of tempered chocolate to seal the deal.

Gregory’s meticulously created bonbons are then demoulded and stored in a special room at 7˚C until two hours before they are served.

They are then transferred to another room at 14˚C – this is his advice on the perfect temperature at which chocolate should be served for maximum flavour.

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Exactly two hours after diners first embark on their culinary journey, they will, at last, receive their bonbons presented in a box bearing Gregory’s logo.

A chocolate pièce de résistance. @Czarneckigregory, waterkloof.co.za

I have more knowledge, more patience, and less arrogance.

And I decided that if I was going to make chocolates, they would have to be the best-looking ones I could possibly make

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Cocoa Loco Gregory’s experiments in flavour have resulted in mind-blowing combinations: Think burnt lemon and jasmine; crème fraiche and kalamansi; grapefruit and pink peppercorn; clementine and masala; white peach and saffron; mango and piment d’espelette; blood peach and verbena.

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fulaWozi Wilderness is a 5 Star Private Game Reserve found in the heart of KwaZuluNatal’s Zululand. Bordering on the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, the oldest proclaimed area on the African continent, mFulaWozi is home to two luxurious lodges - Biyela and Mthembu.

Experience a fascinating combination of Indigenous history, culture and wilderness that is found nowhere else in Africa.

Walk in the footsteps of giants, including the military genius - King Shaka, the King of the Zulu and Dr Ian Player, the world-renowned conservationist. Every day guests are treated to a different exhilarating experience from the passionate and knowledgeable staff and guides. No day repeats itself. Each one is different, exciting and memorable.

Many have described this area

as “being as close to a state of naturalness as you can get”. mFulaWozi Wilderness and surrounds are home to diverse plant, animal and bird species, including the impressive Big 5.

Welcome to this authentic African wildlife experience rooted in purpose.

BIYELA LODGE

Biyela Lodge is an oasis of privacy and eco-luxury, built into the hillside, perfectly positioned to maximise sweeping views over the river below. All of the 12 private suites have their own private decks (most with plunge pools), offering unmatched views of the wildlife that traverse daily down to the river below.

MTHEMBU LODGE

All of the 7 luxury one-bedroom suites and 2 luxury family suites command magnificent views of the floodplain and its vast herds of elephant and buffalo.

IMMERSE YOURSELF in the majestic luxury of mFulaWozi Wilderness and experience the exhilarating lure of the Big 5.

Relish watching the wildlife from the idyllic comfort of your suite.

Or gather around the boma pit fires in the evenings to share the adventures of the day with fellow guests.

Enjoy this reclusive spot of exclusivity, created for the discerning traveller. A place to relax, regenerate and rediscover.

Contact us today at reservations@mfulawozi.com www.mfulawozi.com

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RockFig Safari Lodge is Timbavati Private Nature Reserve’s newest luxury safari getaway. Muse’s Heléne Ramackers pops in for a visit and discovers a little slice of bush heaven.

Words & Photos Heléne Ramackers, RockFig

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When owners Glen and Bruce Jenkins first set their sights on this pristine piece of wilderness, they knew it was too special not to share, and RockFig Safari Lodge was born. “As owners, we had no intention of owning a lodge and the African bush was purely our sanctuary,” says Glen. “Little did we know after having friends and family visit our little piece of heaven, we were encouraged to share our bush home with others. We hope guests experience the same sense of peace and calm we do, and feel at home.

The Timbavati shares an unfenced border with Kruger, which allows for the free flow of animals, so you never know what is around the corner.”

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It’s early morning in the renowned Timbavati Reserve. Game drives start before dawn to allow sightings of the nocturnal animals returning from their night-time shenanigans. Here low density game drives are key and there is approximately one vehicle for every 500 hectares. Tracker Rennico has discovered the spoor of the king of beasts, with overlapping paw prints of a smaller yet similar species, and guide Willie follows his signals for the exact location. The anticipation is palpable and sitting cosily in our open vehicle, we try not to breathe too loudly.

Willie steers the game viewer into the dense vegetation while Rennico warns, ‘Look out for

branches’. And suddenly, after much manoeuvring and expert driving, we spot them. Out in the open by a drainage pipe, three lionesses are sleeping on the ground while a male is lying next to a small shrub. It’s rumoured that the pride has small cubs, and as we wait patiently for any sign of life, the male stretches, gets up and walks over to greet the rest of his pride. We sit and watch in silent awe.

Someone’s stomach grumbles in protest. Breakfast calls, so we leave them to nap, but we find them again during our afternoon game drive. Some are having a siesta next to the dam while two lionesses oversee six playfully boisterous cubs. It is a magnificent sighting,

SAFARI SHOP DESIGN STUDIO A curated collection of homeware, photography and accessories inspired by Safari.

Shop 22 Kamogelo Tourism Centre Hoedspruit

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especially when a couple walk to the nearby dam to drink. Unsure of what is lurking in the water, the cubs hide beneath their mother’s shielding frame, lapping up mouthfuls of refreshment. A beautiful and fruitful day in the African bush.

Back at the lodge, it’s time for dinner, and Chef Jeremy presents pre-dinner drinks and canapés around the fire in the boma while guests excitedly exchange highlights from their day. Tonight, we dine on a herb-crusted rack of lamb, Pommes RockFig, carrots, peas, courgettes, and a coal charred onion sauce.

Dessert is a butterscotch pot de

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crème with lemon tahini caramel and bourbon Chantilly cream. It seems the dining is successfully competing with our game sightings.

The accommodation and décor of RockFig Safari Lodge are equally inviting. Situated a mere 35 minutes from Hoedspruit Airport, the lodge offers six exclusive suites, allowing guests a sense of indulgence and privacy. Even more attractive are the SADC rates. Our suite is a haven of tranquillity and comfort, with a colour palette inspired by indigenous birds and plants. If you can tear yourself away, the lodge’s central area is a peaceful, cool spot to read and relax, surrounding an

inviting swimming pool, which you sometimes have to share with ellies that stroll by looking for an afternoon drink. | rockfigsafarilodge.com

RockFigSafariLodge wanderlust

How To Get There Airlink offers direct scheduled flights from Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport.

Book online at www.flyairlink.com, or download the new FlyAirlink App. Muse enjoyed the E-Jet cabin with its generous legroom and wider seats.

You can also charter a flight from KMIA, Nelspruit or self-drive.

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Words Nicky McArthur Photos Nicky McArthur, Nic Bothma, Wingman M & Gravity Adventures

The Orange River is the longest in Africa at 2432km extending from Lesotho into South Africa and Namibia to the north. This I discovered while Googling ‘Orange River’ Having just agreed to go paddling down – or is it up the Orange River, I thought it was the least I should know.

Paddling the Orange River seems to be on everyone’s bucket list. Just ask any good adventurous South African, and it’s right up there with hiking Fish River and doing the Otter Trail. For this writer, I have never

given paddling the Orange River much thought, in fact, no thought, until that fateful day, around a dinner table, when a friend said, ‘let’s do the Orange River together.’

And I, after much wine – said yes!

It’s not easy following in someone else’s bucket list footsteps.

Especially when their adventure partakes in camping, and your one and only camping experience consists of mosquitoes, mud, and a hangover.

But when someone else’s bucket list is the Orange River, it’s an

opportunity you just can’t refuse, camping and all.

And so the planning commences. The supplied kit list involves several days, if not weeks, of shopping and ranges from hats and sunscreen to pillows and foam mattresses.

There are a lot of companies that can take you paddling. We used Gravity Adventures, which I cannot recommend enough. However, you can shop around, but ensure they have excellent safety records. We chose Gravity because they offer a

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gourmet dining experience. And let’s be serious, since we have to paddle, carry all our gear, camp, decamp and do our business in the bush, I think that’s the least they can do.

We are doing Thunder Alley in Hopetown, Northern Cape. Fun fact: Hopetown is where the Eureka Diamond and the Star of South Africa were discovered between 1867 and 1869. Depending on where you live in SA, the trip here is around 843km from Cape Town, 602km from JHB and a whopping 1022km from White River where this brave and foolhardy group of paddlers hail.

We arrive at Point A on Sunday night. Rain and chilly weather greet us, and we are immediately relieved that we have a chalet on our first night. Super basic accommodation but dry and warm. And we happily drink wine and eat braaivleis alongside the mighty Orange.

Monday is our first day on the water, and the heavens open. By the time we get to camp, everyone is soaked thanks to item 11 on the kit list – the all-important raincoat – comfortably packed at the bottom of our dry bag. A rocky start to our much-anticipated trip. But the Gravity team jump into action, put up a gazebo, light a fire, and feed us. Top points to them. The kids, ranging in ages from eight to 12, seem unbothered by the rain and set

up camp in the wet sand to see who can build the largest sandcastle.

After a few sips of someone’s brandewyne, the grownups are perkier too. We collapse into bed slightly damp that night, smelling like smoke and with sand in our teeth.

“Mom, you almost fell off your boat,” yells Luke, my eldest. He looks smug on the sturdy 5-seater boat that Guide Tristan is captaining especially for the kids. “You must be more careful!”

I smile. “I’m ok,” I shout back.

Barely, I think, as we have just circumnavigated the Doctor’s Rooms – the biggest rapids on our section of the Orange River and not to be trifled with. I thought me and Wingman M had done pretty well, but apparently, to bystanders, what I thought was masterfully gliding over the rapids, looked more like two shipwrecked women swirling round and round and teetering very close to peril.

It’s the first of many nervous shout outs from my sons over the next five days. “Mom, have you got any more snacks?” This was the second most popular shout out. And the first of many lessons over the coming days. No 1. try not to look like you’re drowning. No 2. pack ample snacks and then pack extra.

Not that you need them unless you are my kids. Aaron, Trystan and

Michael are as talented in the bush kitchen as they are on the water, and we dine like kings. Breakfast is a mix of fresh fruit, yoghurt, eggs and bacon. Lunch is cauliflower salad with a secret recipe mayo (which we never got out of them), couscous, cold meats, Greek salads, and more.

Everything is freshly prepared and delicious, with no tools other than a pan, a knife and a fire. Dinners consist of roast lamb, gourmet pasta, chops, stir-fry and other tantalising dishes that have us scrambling for more. We even enjoy dessert every night, so they have researched us well.

Days on the river seem to glide by. There’s a routine: paddle, set up camp, open a cold beer, enjoy an afternoon on the beach, fireside stories, eat, strike down camp, get on the water and repeat.

Thanks to all the rain, the Orange is an almighty beast in April.

So, for the first few days, we sail down the river, paddling now and then, eating our prerequisite snacks, hydrating and every once in a while, jumping in for a swim to cool off.

Safety comes first and briefings are every day. They often happen on the side of the river mid paddle to notify you of the next rapids and how to navigate them. So we are given ample time to mentally prepare. Or perhaps that’s just me.

I find the rapids equally thrilling

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wanderlust OrangeRiver So fall in and get it over with. Our group only had 2 swimmers... and terrifying. Shouting orders to Wingman M at every turn, I sound more like a Sergeant Major than a chilled paddler as I steer us through, trying to stay on course and not fall out.

Falling out is par for the course, and we discovered after the trip that the group in front of us had had 10 swimmers, including their guide.

One fellow mom commented that she was so chilled on the rest of the paddle after she fell in on the first rapids. This may be good advice.

So fall in and get it over with. Our group only has two swimmers, who, despite the shock (the water is cold!), are picked up quickly and promptly given more brandewyn at camp.

Afternoons are my favourite part of the day. Iced beverage in hand, we sit on camp chairs along the river’s edge and wile away the day, the kids cavort in the water and we admire the striking scenery. But as soon as the sun drops, it is time to don the thermals. Despite the splendid warm afternoons in the Northern Cape, temperatures drop steadily in the evening, and dressed up for a day in a ski resort, we settle down by the fire, ready for dinner, stories and a laugh.

The guides are excellent, encouraging and cajoling us along.

Especially on day 4, when the headwinds pick up, and it feels like despite our best efforts, we aren’t moving. At one stage, we just spin around and around, caught

in a whirlpool, taking in copious amounts of water. All I can do is shout and scream at the Orange. It listens because it eventually spits us out, and we paddle on, a little battered but still in the game.

Every morning we wake to clear autumn skies in our orange world.

There is nothing rushed about packing up. While kids catch barbel against a rising sun, we dozily enjoy coffee and rusks gazing up at the multi-coloured mountains, turning our faces to the warm skies. This is Africa at her best.

We are not adventurous enough to sleep outdoors like our guides, who don’t seem to feel the cold.

Although at the end of our trip, Trystan tells us the trick is to sleep with two sleeping bags. Instead, we sleep like a tight community, tents in a rough line, except for the honeymoon couple, who stay on the outskirts. Earplugs are suitable for this kind of communal sleeping arrangement.

By the end of the trip, we learn that sand is part of the deal – live with it. Keep your shoes inside your tent at night because the early morning dew soaks them. Close your dry bag properly, at least three turns to keep everything dry. Pack an extra blanket; it is cold at night. Do not hang your clothes up on thorn trees. Have snacks at all times of the day and night for ravenous children, even though you eat three amazing meals a day. And, finally, pack your cooler box with expertise to ensure

a cold beer on your last day.

By the end of day 4, isolation and quiet are the norm. Cell phones and devices are long forgotten. We have left the calls of the hadeda and fallen into tune with a pair of fish eagles who seem to be following us.

The kids are wild, and we have long given up trying to get them to brush their teeth or use soap in the river.

They act feral, hunting, gathering and cuddling with the fishes.

On our last day, we hit xxx.

Guide Michael is sent downriver to ensure we don’t take the left fork, or is it the right fork? The wrong one takes you into Namibia and is unreachable for a least 20kms. The wind is up, and the river is swirling.

I’m trying to stay on course but instead, shove Wingman M into a thorny bush face first. Boasting a torn shirt and some bloody scratches, she now looks more like a contestant on Survivor than a part of our family trip. Luckily she doesn’t hold it against me, and we continue down the river.

When we reach our final destination, Witfontein Game Lodge, my adrenaline is pumping. We have just come off some crazy rapids and paddled hard against a raging warrior to make the tricky turn to our pick up point. But we have made it in one piece, exhilarated, triumphant and smiling.

It turns out that completing someone else’s bucket list is not too bad. In fact, it might just be pretty epic.

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TheLocalEdit people

The Local Edit is SA’s latest and newest online shopping app.

We chat with one part of the heart and soul of the company, co-founder and CEO Christine Meintjes.

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Do you remember The Pretty Blog?

Well, the author and content creator of one of our favourite blogs has taken her industry knowledge, tech presence, creativity and together with her team, built a platform that not only celebrates local talent and entrepreneurship but brings it all together.

Christine Meintjes partnered with Berdine Swart in 2019 to create an online shopping platform where you can buy your favourite night cream, a luxe angora jersey for winter, a pair of boots, a new basket for that pot plant and a beautiful piece of jewellery to gift your bestie – all on one app – The Local Edit. Never has buying and supporting SA creatives been so easy and so exciting.

“The Pretty Blog started in 2010. My husband always jokingly says I never start anything if I don’t believe it can be a success,” laughs Christine, co-founder and CEO, and mom of almost two! “I was literally born a grown-up. I have always been focused and always knew what I wanted to do.” Christine began her career in the wedding industry, helping photographers on weekends and in the school holidays. When she was studying graphic design at Stellenbosch University, Christine started shooting weddings to earn extra money. “I began playing with technology. It was the early days of digital photography, where it was unheard of for a bride to see her photos the next day. And I built up a career doing this.”

Words Nicky McArthur

“Facebook had just started, my boyfriend (now husband ) was in tech, and I started a blog about the weddings I was shooting and the wedding industry, and it just took off. I started with a mate who would literally publish content from the university computer lab.

Our audience snowballed. What we were doing was considered revolutionary at the time.”

Christine has continuously been bombarded by requests from friends on where to find the best locally made handbag or which SA beauty brands they should be using. “I thought my mates were just being lazy. It’s easier to ask someone in the publishing industry than do the research. But then I started to research, and I found it hard to find and compare SA brands in one place. You can’t Google the small guys. And I thought there must be more people having this same problem?”

Christine met her business partner Berdine through their mutual interest in local talent and fascination with the innovation opportunities in the creative industry. “Berdine has a massive passion for South Africa, an appreciation for all arts, from boutique designers to the guys on the street. She asked similar questions – ‘How do we help these people get their stuff out there?

How do we help SA’s small business entrepreneurs?’”

“We started the project from

the ground up, asking our blog followers, where would you want to shop from? A store, a blog, an app? Every small guy has to fight for himself, but what if everyone local could be in one place? Fashion equality if you like.”

“It took us two years to build this platform, and almost one year later, we have 12 000 products and 140 local designers, and it’s growing weekly.”

Today there are seven full time members: Christine, Berdine, Micaela, Leigh, Idane, Jesse and Kylie. “Our team have office and remote work days. We are a womenowned and women-run team, and we want to have a company that supports working and living, being a mom etc. My husband and I moved to Paarl during COVID. We wanted a family lifestyle, which was not all-work orientated like before. We needed space for an active lifestyle.”

Benefits for designers/creators The selection process is by invitation only. There is no risk for the designer and no monthly fees or advertising costs. “Our team curates the editorial and creates beautiful content for your brand.

We also have a podcast called Behind The Edit. This gives people insights into behind the scenes, raw conversations, allowing the shopper to discover the story behind the brand.”

And the great news is that the customer gets the same price, whether they are shopping on The

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Local Edit or shopping directly with the designer.

Sustainability “People need to consider their spending. As buyers, we have the purchasing power required to support local communities. We aim to educate, so the shopper has options. Know the founders and stories behind the brand, track its footsteps, and consider its production and quality. Make informed shopping choices.”

Choosing designers and products This is a group decision made by The Local Edit team. “Ultimately, we must love it and want to naturally talk about it. Is it made by a cool team, does the design inspire us, does the creator inspire us, is there an amazing story to tell? There is also technology to consider. Can the brand be integrated with us online?

We currently look at South African businesses only, but do asses each brand on a case by case basis.”

Target market “We target people who have an appreciation for aesthetics. Our primary audience is between 30 and 45 – definitely people with an established career and who have started families. Surprisingly, lots of purchases come from men. Our platform lends itself to gifting, and our new offering of The Local Edit Gift Voucher has taken off.”

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Hot trends in online shopping When it comes to industry trends, Christine knows her stuff. “We have recently seen chunky knitwear for winter, beautiful mixes of wool and big investment pieces. There is an increase in bows and puffy sleeves and a move to loose, relaxed looks like kaftans. This comes from COVID and people looking towards comfort and being at home.” So is Christine a fashion diva herself? “I definitely have my own style, but no, I am not a fashion diva. I have a classic capsule wardrobe. I like a simple life with little clutter. I love throwing stuff out, so I relook my wardrobe every six months. I have a huge appreciation for design, culinary, architecture, and interiors.”

In September, The Local Edit marks its first birthday. And with their early successes and big future plans, there is much to celebrate.

“I can honestly say people are very excited about this product.

We receive requests weekly from designers. Tech takes a long time, and it is still early days, but we are

hitting our targets, and our customer feedback has been amazing.”

Christine and her team email each shopper personally to discover their happiness factor. “Right now, it’s at about 90%. We constantly encourage our customers to give us feedback, good or bad, because we can only learn from each experience.”

And the future?

“We just launched the first version of our eCommerce website. So you can buy on the app and the website, which target different audiences.

Our big dream is to take The Local Edit and go global. There is a massive audience of South Africans living abroad who love shopping local. But we need to overcome banking and shipping regulations.” | thelocaledit.com

TheLocalEdit people Quickfire Q&A Christine My favourite international designer is Hannah Lavery.

Fave city to shop in is NY. My fave item of clothing is sneakers and leather jackets.

I won’t leave the house without my phone.

In winter, you will always see me in my boots.

To me, fashion is timeless.

You would not find me dead in a short skirt, anything above knee height.

At weekends I’m probably baking. I have a really bad habit of carb-heavy baking.

Dressing down means loungewear.

Dressing up means changing my earrings.

Fashion no-no is pants that show your bum.

Clothing or accessory I just can’t bring myself to throw away is leather boots, and jackets, I always breathe new life into them.

One day I am sure I will wear my skinny jeans again after pregnancy.

Christine (left) & Berdine (right), who is a huge Victoria Beckham design fan.

SO WHAT WOULD THE LOCAL EDIT TEAM BUY ONLINE? Christine: R500 Amanda-Jayne’s Greenhouse Collection Hand & Body Wash. R1500 Kolmio Everyday Huggies earrings. R40k on a Kat van Duinen leather handbag.

Berdine: R500 Kate Sunley bath products.

R1500 more Breazies golf shirts for my husband. R5000 furniture from Pedersen + Lennard.

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FhatuwaniMukheli people Fhatuwani Mukheli is a visual artist, influencer and entrepreneur.

He believes that happiness is a choice, and success is a choice.

When one meets him, he is all smiles, generous with the attention he gives, and easy to talk to. He personifies the French saying joie de vivre – the joy of living – by the way he thoroughly enjoys his life to its fullest.

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This man’s creative expression is also making serious waves in the South African and international art scenes. Earlier this year, he showed and sold works at the Venice Biennale. This prestigious Italian art exhibition invites artists from across the world to exhibit their latest artworks. Next is a solo exhibition at Homme Gallery in Washington DC, USA. Muse sits down with the effervescent Fhatuwani for a quick catch-up.

How would you describe yourself? I

love adventure, travelling and art.

Tell us about your background? I was born in Soweto and grew up there. For as long as I can remember, I loved to draw. Then, at the age of seven, I watched my dad draw a portrait of my two brothers and me, and I immediately thought, hey, I want to do this. My dad is not an artist, it’s not a thing that he pursued, but he could draw. I knew that I was better than the other kids at school. I drew with pencils and a pen and started playing around

with alphabet letters, graffiti-style.

By the age of eight, I could draw a recognisable face. Now portraits are what I gravitate to when I paint.

Tell us about your art? My art is inspired by my childhood and my relationship with my mother. I work with acrylic paint (which I am loving a bit too much right now!), charcoal and ink. I love depicting ordinary life, revealing a picture of what a family looks like. A parent and child.

I love nostalgic things that remind me of home.

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What do you love the most about painting and drawing? It’s therapeutic for me. Being able to express what I’m feeling inside through painting is amazing. It connects me to my inner child. I feel excited when I paint. I have that feeling again – of wanting to learn and show off what I can do. It’s cool to have that same feeling as an adult.

Why portraits? Because the eyes never lie, they evoke emotions.

What inspires you? My life, everything I have experienced, and all that I’m currently experiencing inspire me.

Where can we find your art? My studio is at 44 Stanley, one of my favourite places, and I spend most of my time there. I share it with my twin brother Justice (we both paint like champions!) and my best friend, Sthu Manaka. It is nice and big and represents exactly who I am. It feels like the space of an artist who loves what he does and loves himself – but not in a narcissistic way ;) It must have been exciting to be in Venice. It was fantastic. I sent in three huge pieces, which sold quickly; I was lucky. It inspired me to realise that I’m on the right track – I just need to express myself

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more and feel free. It’s opened doors for me and exposed my work to collectors.

And you are a Courvoisier cognac brand ambassador? One of the best things that has ever happened to me. To have a brand that believes in me and what I do is just brilliant.

They always support my ideas and what I do.

Are you living your best life, as per Courvoisier’s tagline? Definitely! It’s the #JoieDeVivre. I’m doing what I’ve always dreamt of doing, and I make a living from it. I don’t feel like I’m going to work every day when I go to my studio; I’m having fun.

How has being a brand influencer helped your career? It’s certainly

I’m doing what I’ve always dreamt of doing, and I make a living from it.

made my life easier; it validates most of the things I do. Also, having backing for everything you do is a dream, and Courvoisier does that for me.

What do you think of marrying business and art? It’s essential because art is business, and you need to understand that making your art a business builds credibility and fuels the art. Courvoisier and I are planning a mentorship workshop in my studio with 20 young artists.

We’ll bring them in, have a chat, and show them the ropes. Most artists focus a lot on execution and talent. Talent comes naturally.

What doesn’t come naturally is the business side. Artists need to understand the business side and be more entrepreneurial, especially if they don’t have a gallery representing them.

What else will we find on your CV? I have a restaurant called Even After All at 44 Stanley. I’m a foodie, so I thought I should get into something I like. There’s also a clothing brand in the pipeline.

Words of advice to working artists?

Keep pushing yourself, and one day it will all make sense. | FB/ IG @Fhatuwanimukheli

FhatuwaniMukheli people

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