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MUSE N 4
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“The pupils are the opportunity for the future; at this school, we are building for the future.” EDUCATIONALIST EXTRAORDINAIRE, this “giant” (he’s 2m tall!) has set his sights on making sure that Uplands College is the school of choice amongst the leading co-educational schools in South Africa. The Uplands family has recently welcomed Allan Laing as the incoming Head of College. His amazing wealth of experience, which spans over 30 years in education, shines like a beacon from him. After spending the past 17 years in KwaZulu-Natal at the illustrious Michaelhouse, the Uplands community can look forward to an impressive addition to the team. When asked why he chose Uplands for this next phase in his journey, he smiles and says, “It just felt right – the perfect fit!” whilst admiring the view from his Cricket Oval-facing office. “Everything fell into place so seamlessly that the transition to Uplands has been smooth and easy, and of course, being close to the bush, which I have a deep connection to, has made the journey all the sweeter. I have visited Uplands a few times in the past and loved
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the campus and the wonderful people that work and live here.” Born in Kabwe, Zambia, Allan obtained his Honours and Master’s degrees from the University of Johannesburg. His Independent School teaching experience started at St John’s College in Johannesburg, where he stayed for 11 years. A surprising anecdote from Allan reveals that he earned a basketball sports scholarship to America, where he studied geology in the 1980s! Allan has always been passionate about pastoral care – and boarding in particular. He is excited about the opportunities for growth and development within Uplands boarding and expands on his view that children in residence bring a life force to the school. Currently serving as National Director of the Boarding Schools of Southern Africa Association, Uplands looks forward to benefitting from his vast knowledge and skills in the boarding school environment. The fastest-growing trend in the boarding school environment is flexi-boarding (meaning that boarders can board weekly or for just a couple of days per month), which offers options to families. Flexi-boarding is a great way of conquering the new-world challenges that families face, with remote work, travel requirements and commuting scenarios. He is determined to pursue his goal of expanding the development of all involved in the care of young people within the schools. As a lay minister in the local Anglican Church in Nottingham Road and in the Michaelhouse Chapel, his role has offered him a strong faith-bound foundation. To head up this family school, a true family man
seems like the perfect match. Married to Caireen and with four adult sons – Andrew, Jonathan, Ross and David – Allan looks forward to embracing all that the Mpumalanga countryside offers. He enjoys several hobbies and interests, including various sports, reading, fly fishing, caravanning and the bush. His vision as an educationalist, with an impressive and varied career in independent education, is to support hard work and true commitment. ‘Grit and determination’ is his personal motto, and we can be assured that he will be engaging with pupils regularly.
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contents
8 REVIEW Books, products & all things fabulous 16 DESIGN 3D printed houses, architecture in ink, alchemy in the bush & a new online décor shop 33 FEAST Muse wine columnist talks best affordable wines, and we go food tripping in the Kalahari 42 WANDERLUST Gonana Lodge – a combination of charm & eco-tourism, win a Lowveld getaway and we give SA cyclists a go-to Lowveld MTO trail guide 56 PEOPLE Exclusive interview with Madam & Eve creators
T H E LO D G E MO D U L A R S O FA Three components. Ultimate comfort. Endless possibilities. V I S I T O U R S H OW R O O M AT 5 W E I R S T R E E T, N E L S P R U I T, M P U M A L A N GA , 12 0 0 | N A D I N E . D U TO I T@ W E Y L A N DT S H O M E .C O. Z A
ed’s note This is our first edition of 2022, and Team Muse feels excited, grateful and challenged for the year ahead. If COVID has taught us anything, it’s the importance of time. Time with family, time with friends, but almost more importantly, time for yourself. Just a moment of quiet contemplation, reflection, meditation or curling up with your favourite magazine. Muse means to inspire, and that’s what we are all about. We want our stories and design to stimulate, inform and entertain. This year you can look forward to visiting the Vic Falls with us, the untamed bush of KwaZulu-Natal, the flyfishing meccas of Mpumalanga and the awe-inspiring architectural gem Bosjes Chapel in the Western Cape. In Muse, you will meet artists, chefs, authors, gamechangers, explorers and more. But I am getting ahead of myself. This edition is jampacked with our favourite book reviews, wins, and storytelling. Discover 3D design, architecture in ink, great-value wines, and food trends. Join us on an adventurous food-tripping tour through the Kalahari, seek out the solitude of beach dunes in Paternoster or go crazy on the MTO trails of the Lowveld. Plus, Muse chats exclusively to the genius and illustrator behind SA’s favourite comic, Madam & Eve. Live an inspiring life. Nicky.M
Editor: Nicky McArthur, 076 952 7761, nickymacmediagroup@gmail.com. Sales: Audrey Ford Duimelaar, 072 726 4660, audreymacmediagroup@gmail.com. Journalists: Trevor Crighton, James Bisset, Mart-Marie du Toit, Editing: Anne Schauffer. Digital: MPDPS. Design: Union Restoration. Publisher: MacMedia Group. Cover Image: Geure recipe book, win a copy on page 15. @musemagazinesa
@musemagazinesouthafrica
musemagazine.co.za
Meet SAIA SAIA Mpumalanga is the regional Institute of the South African Institute of Architects.
SAIA is a voluntary association and the natural successor to the Institute of South African Architects, originally established in 1927. SAIA is a member of the Africa Union of Architects (AUA), the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) and the International Union of Architects (UIA) just to name a few. The mission of the Institute is to act as the collective voice serving the interests of its members, in pursuit of excellence and responsible design. It aims to uphold the dignity of the architectural profession and contribute meaningfully to the enhancement of society and the environment. The Institute recently held their Annual General Meeting at the stunning showrooms of Weylandts in Nelspruit – a succesful event informing members of the exciting future for architects in the area. SAIA Mpumalanga has organised many events to showcase the talent of the Lowveld architects as well as educational ventures, and 2022 will be no different thanks to the generosity of corporate affiliates. SAIA Mpumalanga not only provides local support to the architectural fraternity within the boundaries of the Mpumalanga province, but can assist you with details of professional architects. info@saiampu.co.za, saiampu.co.za
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SAIA MPUMALANGA
review home&décor
Hertex’s new range, African Illustrators, captures bold design from canvas to cloth. Local artists have reimagined the SA landscape of indigenous flora and fauna to create a rich backdrop printed on linen. Ideal for home upholstery. Hertex.co.za
Design in the home space
A round-up of our favourite beauty, style, décor, fashion, homeware, wellness and kid’s stuff
Pear Fantasy
Desert Water
Zanzibar
We love the Anwar Light series from Parachilna. Anwar means simply luminous and these sculptural light installations will wow in any space. Cremadesign.co.za
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Plascon’s Colour Combination of the Year 2022 features earthy Africa-inspired hues. We love the gorgeous range of yellows. Check out Plascon Pear Fantasy (Y5-B2-1); Plascon Desert Water (B5-B2-2) and Plascon Zanzibar (70). Sunny or beachy, alluring or exotic, choose your favourite shade. Plascon.co.za
KURO-B Charcoal 2L Water Jugs reveal a beautiful blend of simplicity, functionality and modern design. A bamboo and handmade pyrex jug with an ergonomically designed handle offers a sustainable water filtering system. Comes with the eco-friendly, reusable and recyclable KURO-B Activated Charcoal (Binchotan), which only needs to be replaced every three to six months. Available from takealot.com, faithful-to-nature.com and wellnesswarehouse.com. kuro-bo.com
The New Raw are known in the biz for their design ethos – giving new life to discarded materials through craftsmanship using industrialsized 3D printers. The newly revealed Ermis Chair is made with 100% recyclable plastic that has been recycled twice. thenewraw.org
review kids’stuff The African Alphabet Safari by Brenna Halse: Take your children on a safari and meet Africa’s favourite creatures big and small. This delightful book is created to engage and enhance your child’s interest and fascination with reading, nature and African animals. R297, excludes courier fee. Order on africanalphabetsafari.com, 072 997 6740 and hello@nickolabales.com @africanalphabetsafari
Don’t Be Shy, Bushbaby by Avril van der Merwe: None of the animals in the bush can understand why the Bushbaby won’t come out and play. Perhaps he is shy? From the giraffe to the warthog, each tries to coax him out of his hole. R100, Penguin Random House.
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The African Alphabet Safari. Send your contact details to musemagazinesa@gmail.com and put ‘African Alphabet’ in the subject box. Closing date is March 31, 2022. Ts&Cs apply.
Mepal Campus Lunch Box: Turn every mealtime into a party with these adorable, colourful lunch boxes. Includes a Bento box and mini fork. R209, Yuppiechef.com
How cute is this Llama Blanket? Made from knitted cotton, it is soft and comfortable too. R379, Woolworths.
Piggy Paint is a non-toxic, child-safe nail polish – alcohol free, virtually odourless and does not peel off. Good, clean, and healthy fun playing dress up. Available from lovedbynature.co.za
Little Monsters by David Walliams: In true Walliams style, this hilarious rhyming tale is about a young wolf whose howl is just not scary enough. His parents send him to Scary School, where he meets little vampires, skeletons and mummies. R330, Jonathan Ball Publishers.
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beauty&style review Mark Anthony Complete Color Care™ Nourishing Hair Mask, R189.95. Your coloured hair will thank you – helps to reduce fading, provides nutrients, and protects against environmental damage. Available at Dis-Chem.
L’MAD Collection presents a summer ensemble of limited-edition silk scarves by South African visual artists. Shop online for the one of a kind artistic treasures on latitudes.online
DID YOU KNOW? Design Indaba has its own shop? We are in heaven. Think fashion – bags and Ts by Emerging Creatives, limited edition prints from the likes of William Kentridge, Design Indaba posters, and more. Have fun browsing, store.designindaba.com
COLAB Dry Shampoo, R88.95. Funky packaging, delicious scents and vegan-friendly. Simply spray directly onto your hair, massage in and style. Locks out oil and gives hair great lift. Available at Clicks.
WEA R J O Clothing Boutique CASTERBRIDGE LIFESTYLE CENTRE WHITE RIVER
WWW.WEARJO.COM
review wellness
food is medicine with Dr Rav Acknowledge the Sugary Comet in the room. Have you watched Don’t Look Up? In this Netflix movie, scientists try to convince humanity that a civilisation-destroying comet is on a collision course with Earth. Still, most people don’t believe them, even when they look up and see it for themselves. I’ve got my own version of this blockbuster: Don’t Look In. Even though the evidence exists in a person’s blood panels and symptoms that sugar (and insulin resistance) leads to rapid, premature ageing and all the resultant diseases – heart disease, cancer, diabetes, dementia, and stroke – they continue to eat refined sugar and processed carbohydrates. Most people are in denial of the large sugary comet and blame their symptoms (central obesity, cardiovascular disease, pre-diabetes, gut issues, brain fog, moodiness, and fatigue) on everything else under the sun. Here’s what I want you to know: research shows that reducing your blood sugar and insulin is the best way to increase your health span, defined as the number of years that you live chronicdisease free. In fact, by eliminating refined sugars and processed carbohydrates, we can reverse ageing. Many of my patients have acknowledged the sugary comet in the room. Together, we co-create a step-by-step personalised plan to transition to a sugar-free, mostly plant-based diet high in healthy fats. And the anti-ageing benefits show themselves almost immediately. I use glucose monitors to help my patients understand which foods spike their glucose levels. Our motivation to change goes up hugely when we get real-time feedback, allowing us to link how we feel with what we are eating. Bottom line: If you want to live a happier, longer life, start looking in and realise the damage that sugar is doing. For the latest Food is Medicine recipes from Dr Rav James, follow Hanya House on Instagram – @hanya_house. Hanya House Functional Medicine & Wellness Retreat hanya.house | connect@hanya.house | 068 494 6621
THE TRUTH ABOUT SUNSCREEN: IT’S ONLY 53% EFFECTIVE. According to Lamelle Research Laboratories, to get 100% protection, you need a single product that contains all of these: SPF50, antioxidants, 80GG-1 to replenish your body’s supply, and Photolyase, an enzyme capable of correcting the skin’s DNA damage. Try Lamelle Helase 50: (50ml) R545. lamelle.co.za
Healthy and nutritional meals deserve to be shown some love too. These Mango Wood Platters are lined with a gorgeous sage ceramic on the inside, making dining so much better looking. Available from Woolworths.
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Adolescence is a time of phenomenal growth and to help teens between 13 and 19, Bioteen has launched a new dietary supplement and functional foods brand. Only quality-assured, natural ingredients, with no fillers, artificial colourants, or additives, the range targets health and wellness; study; mood and stress; and sports and exercise. Learn more, bioteennutrition.com “Organic” isn’t just for hippies and baby food anymore – it’s for all living things. All Good sources organic ingredients to make products that promote good practices. Power to the plants! Try their range of flavoured lip balms, R77.95. Available from lovedbynature. co.za
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A Davines Shampoo Bar for your hair type. Send your contact details to musemagazinesa@ gmail.com and put ‘Davines’ in the subject box. Closing date is March 31, 2022. Ts&Cs apply.
This deliciously scented and gorgeous looking Davines Solid Bar is a shampoo; ideal for gently cleansing hair. Choose to smooth, moisturise, add volume or choose one for all hair types. And it is packaged in 100% recyclable FSC paper wrapper. Easy to use and easy to transport. Available from Mink Hair Salon, Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, 082 332 3501
Family Friendly Honeymooners Corporate Stays
Wellness Centre Massages Mani’s and Pedi’s Facials & More
review books
Take a good one to bed with you – books don’t snore
foodiefaves
Hosting with The Lazy Makoti by Mogau Seshoene: The Lazy Makoti (the lazy bride) brings us a host of new and exciting dishes for 2022, brimming with traditional meals like spicy gizzards and goat and cabbage stew (Seshoene assures us goat can be the most delicious meat in the world!) Also includes booze berry ice lollies for summer followed by immune boosters for the day after, plus curries, bread recipes and everything in-between. Beautifully presented and simple to follow recipes make it an excellent read. R350, Jonathan Ball Publishers.
recipes will make your mouth water. Think crispy Panko tofu bao, smoked tofu, curried coronation tofu and hot and sour soup. There are even recipes for tofu desserts. Yum! R310, Jonathan Ball Publishers.
nonfiction Shackleton, A Biography by Ranulph Fiennes: In 1915, Sir Earnest Shackleton’s attempt to traverse the Antarctic was cut short when his ship, Endurance, became stuck in the ice. What followed became legend. Told by one of the greatest explorers of our time, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who himself has fought near death many times, the book is part celebration, part vindication and all adventure. “To write about hell, it helps if you have been there!” R350, Penguin Random House.
thrillercentral
We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz: A best friend’s holiday gone wrong! A dead backpacker in their hotel room leads to Emily and Kristen making a life-changing decision together. But once home, it’s harder to keep a secret. This will keep you up all night and you may want to relook your backpacking-around-the-world plans! Penguin Random House.
Tofu Tasty by Bonnie Chung: Everything is included in this book, from making your own tofu to preparing it. The
dramadrama Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty: A new intriguing read comes from the author of Big Little Lies. From the outside, the Delaneys appear to be an enviably contented family. Former tennis coaches Joy and Stan have retired and have all the time in the world to learn how to ‘relax’. Their four adult children are busy living their own lives. But then Joy disappears, and her children must re-examine
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their parents’ marriage and their family history. Chapters move from past to present fluidly and keep you captivated until the very last page! R338, Penguin Random House.
books review
The Dark Flood by Deon Meyer: Fans across SA gave a ‘whoop whoop’ when the latest Deon Meyer book was released. Detectives Benny and Cupido have been demoted and are relegated to a missing person case. But of course, nothing is as it seems. Fabulously intriguing, The Dark Flood will keep you guessing until the very end. R315, Jonathan Ball Publishers. The Judge’s List by John Grisham: A judge who is a serial killer? The subject matter alone makes for one hell of a ride. Stunning Grisham style, you will be reading this long after the bathwater turns cold! R340, Jonathan Ball Publishers.
WIN
Geure by Lientjie Wessels: This is one of those recipe books you could look at all day. All dressed up in gorgeous pink, it is an absolute delight. Filled with delicious recipes, try the Harissablomkoolsteaks op hummus, kekerertjies, spinasieslaai en haselneutdukkah (Harissa cauliflower steaks on hummus, chickpeas, spinach salad and hazelnut dukkah). It’s an absolute mouthful to say but too delicious for words. Food styling and photography are also out of this world. Published by Annake Müller Publishing, R400, order your copy via annakem@mweb.co.za And because it is so beautiful, we will share!
A copy of Geure. Send your contact details to musemagazinesa@ gmail.com and put ‘Geure’ in the subject box. Closing date is 31 March 2022. Ts&Cs apply.
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design 3D
The futuristic world of 3D printing your own home has landed in our present.
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3D design Tecla House
Rain Catcher
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3D-printed houses are created using large 3D printers that can extrude concrete, plastic, or other building materials through nozzles to gradually build up a 3D object the size of a house. Only the frame and walls of the house are built; other elements, such as windows, electricity, or plumbing, need to be installed separately. The benefits are big ones: A project that would usually take weeks can now be done in a matter of hours and for a fraction of the price and impact on the environment. From a sustainability perspective, homes created with 3D printing reduce a building project’s carbon footprint by 70%. This home has been made entirely of 3D-printed concrete. Located in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, it is one of the first single-family homes of its kind. The 94-squaremetre house consists of 24 printed concrete elements printed layer by layer in the printing plant in Eindhoven. The house was then provided with a roof and frames, and the finishing touches were applied. Thanks to the performant insulation, the building is energy efficient and offers greater comfort for its occupants.
Other projects
The 3D-printed Rain Catcher is the brainchild of Tactus Design Workshop and addresses the need for sustainable, self-sufficient homes in the UK. Still in its concept phase, the roof of this environmentally friendly house can collect rainwater and filter it. The house boasts a central core with dividers available to easily create seven rooms. Bay windows with transparent PV panels harness energy from the sun. TECLA House in Italy took 200 hours to print and is made entirely from mud. Sixty cubic metres of natural materials, which became 150km of extrusion when fed through the nozzle of the specialised printing arms. It is a collaboration between Italian 3D-printing firm WASP and architect Mario Cucinella, who wanted to pair an ancient construction material – earth – with new technology.
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designarchitecture design profile
home design
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profile design
Introducing Miwa
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A new and proudly Lowveld online design shop offering home, furniture and décor products, Miwa – pronounced me wa – translated directly from Japanese means Beautiful Harmony. It is also a Swahili word meaning cane. “It is the perfect fit for our business as we believe that your home should be your haven, a refuge that is harmoniously balanced with the things you love and enjoy,” explains Sarah Wood, one half of the Miwa duo, who has always wanted to open an online shop. “My husband Nick (second half of said duo) and I designed the logo and formed some brand ideas a while back. But it was always on the back burner as Nick and I both have full-time jobs – myself with my graphic design studio Threefish and Nick managing Matumi Fresh Logistics. Life is pretty full, and we now have a toddler.” But then came COVID – “People are focusing more on their home space, so we thought that there was no better time than now to launch Miwa. With a few setbacks, we opened our online shop in January 2021. We literally went from zero to hero in a month. Having graphic and web design skills definitely sped up the process; I designed the eCommerce website, took all the pictures and managed the social media and marketing.”
WIN
WIN a R500 voucher to spend at Miwa online. Follow @musemagazinesa & @miwacollectionsa. Email your contact details to musemagazinesa@gmail.com and put ‘Miwa’ in the subject box. Closing date is 31 March 2022. Ts&Cs apply.
Do you source or make items? We source 90% of our stock. However, Nick and I are super into DIY and spend whole weekends at home making things for our own house. Which I guess are Miwa prototypes and possible additions to our online collection. Where do you source from? We have several small artisans in Hazyview, but most of our cane and woven stock is made in Malawi and trucked into South Africa. What made you go into this field of curating furniture and décor? We enjoy filling our own home with sentimental finds we discover from our holidays or spaces that inspire us, so we thought it would be a fun side hustle to share these. What is the style of Miwa? The Miwa style is Boho Chic. Nick and I grew up in entirely different areas. Nick is bushveld, and I am beach. Miwa is a combination of the two. miwacollection.com
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design architecture
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architecture design
my african roots Words Nicky McArthur Photos Francois van Zyl, Africa Photographic Services
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design architecture
Brothers David and Mark Stanbridge emigrated from South Africa in the 90s but retained a strong bond with the country. Ubuntu Lodge is their realised dream of bringing their families home. “My brother and I wanted to provide a place where our families could gather and where our children, who were all born overseas, could continue to nurture their South African roots,”
uber-modern. Think glass walls, stone cladding, steel structures and numerous water elements. Light and airy with no thatch in sight. Nick Plewman is the architect, and the Stanbridge brothers immediately fell in love with his vision. “Ubuntu Lodge eschews traditional lodge design aesthetics in favour of a contemporary Afro-chic experience. We were lucky to have the services
Natural materials were also important. The stone cladding provides texture and character to the linear, parallel walls that also provide thermal mass in the cooler months. The wooden solar screens alleviate solar gain and give some privacy, while the shadows cast internally offer some visual interest. And wooden walls with a favourite herringbone design add a stunning
Ubuntu Lodge is the result of a labour of love. Two brothers seeking to provide their families with a slice of Africa. explains David. “The African wildlife experience and the Lowveld bush is something that can’t be authentically replicated outside of the continent.” Elephant Point in Hazyview is where they chose to build, thanks to its well-established developer, Legacy, and location around the corner from Paul Kruger Gate. “We investigated many different options. The share block options all have quite strict rules. We liked the fact and took comfort from the leasehold structure (in a deal with the local community). We also preferred the location, easy access to the Kruger, and a great gateway to all the attractions of the wider Panorama Route,” says David. The design and architecture of Ubuntu Lodge sets it apart from the traditional South African holiday home. It is chic, highly stylised and
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of Plewman’s design team. His firm is one of the leading lodge designers across the African continent and increasingly further abroad.” “Building in the Lowveld comes with some challenges,” laughs David. “The climate is harsh on structures, and the termites are a challenge with regards to anything wood-related. However, masonry structures and steel windows and doors mitigate these challenges.” “We wanted to utilise ecofriendly design and building practices and chose floor-to-ceiling steel windows and doors that flood the voluminous interiors with natural light, while those same doors open expansively, allowing the breezes to naturally moderate the internal temperature. There are no air conditioners in the common areas, only the bedrooms.”
design touch. A hardwood called Garapa was used throughout, a pre-requisite in the termite-prone Lowveld. The build incorporates numerous spaces that gently flow into each other, allowing large groups to mingle at will or remain exclusively private. Each area is intended to provide optionality in experience. “That is probably what I like the most,” shares David. “The abundance of beautiful spaces in which to gather together or perhaps retreat in solitude. Both indoor and outdoor, weather fine or inclement.” “To me, luxury destinations always provide optionality in experience. Today you might take cocktails upstairs in the bar and the outdoor viewing patio. Tomorrow, it might be the boma for a drink around the fire. Dinner could be
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design architecture
indoors or undercover outdoors or under the stars. I love the attention to detail in each space, that started at the building design phase, continued through construction and the interior design process and execution.” Not only does this lodge ooze sophistication and comfort, but it is digitally adept too. Speakers have been discreetly placed in all common areas, and WiFi was an important element for working guests. “Everything these days seems to rely on wireless networks and an internet connection. People are used to this and demand these services when they travel. We installed wireless ceiling speakers in the bedrooms and common areas. The bedroom speakers are Bluetooth. In the common areas, both upstairs and downstairs, indoor and out, zoned WiFi speakers can be played separately or together for whole lodge sound, all via simple Airplay2 functionality. While many visitors will prefer the sounds of the bush during their stay, others celebrating
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an event will appreciate this feature.” The interiors at Ubuntu were given the same dedicated attention to details as the exteriors. And it is hard not to focus on the lodge’s exciting art collection, including the lifesize portrait of Dr Esther Mahlangu painted by the Lowveld’s very own Felicity Bell. “We were looking for a statement piece for the stairwell. I had searched high and low in vain when I stumbled upon the White River Gallery website and happened upon Mama Esther’s striking portrait. It was exactly what we had been looking for, and all the stars aligned right there. The subject, artist, gallery and lodge – all wonderful products of Mpumalanga!”
The Team Nick Plewman Architects Avenir Construction High Thorn Chandeliers Reflecting Africa Interiors Morse Nurseries
Light installations are also a talking point and were custom designed for their particular installation space by Georgina Anderson of High Thorn Chandeliers, with input from Cate Simpson of Reflecting Africa Interiors. Muse especially loves the stairwell light, which spirals down authoritatively overlooking the lodge’s vast interiors. “It’s a beast,” laughs David, “And required reinforcement of the ceiling attachment points.” Ubuntu Lodge is a force to be reckoned with in terms of design, and David and his brother are thrilled to showcase it but prefer guests to decide this for themselves. “When you combine the best South Africa has to offer in terms of design, a construction company that cares and local suppliers producing an amazing product, then alchemy happens.”
@ubuntu.lodge, ubuntulodge.com
architecture design
Meet the Library Pond. The team’s vision was a long ’finger’ of water pointing towards the Sabie River. This ribbon of water (library ponds + pool) is in the same plane as the parallel stone-clad walls. “With so many people now working remotely, we wanted to provide an area where someone who might have to work from holiday could retreat,“ David.
Lowveld Art Specialists
Exhibition Opening
Through the fire
Odette Saayman Annalie Odendaal Opening date: Sat 12 March 12noon
FOLLOW US @White River Gallery
@whiterivergallery
whiterivergallery.co.za Contact: Dana MacFarlane +27 82 784 6695 dana@whiterivergallery.co.za
designarchitecture design architecture
The bedrooms are sumptous and ooze style and comfort. The stone cladding offers texture and can be seen throughout the lodge.
FEEL INSPIRED
+27 44 382 2369 | info@timberfans.co.za | www.timberfans.co.za
The bedrooms are completely private and offer an intimate getaway from other guests.
Beautiful light installations and herringbone wood panneling on the walls as well as wooden ceilings turn the bathrooms into a designer space.
design architecture
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words from the designer
Cate Simpson, Reflecting Africa
What was your creative thought process and inspiration when fitting Ubuntu? The owners and I engaged regularly and they were very involved in the selection process. They wanted something refined but relevant to the bush environment. Any special items of furniture in your mind? We wanted to use local South African furniture as much as possible – the majority of items were made to order. Dining tables by James Mudge, loungers and dining chairs by Raw Studio, library shelves by Studio 19, outdoor lounge chairs and guest vanities by Greg Marshall Design, chandeliers by High Thorn Chandeliers, ceramics by Mervyn Gers, scatter cushions by Evolution and other softs by Natural Fabrics
and a special pool table by Pierre Cronje. Now while I list everything, I am battling to think of items that were not locally handcrafted! Colour palette and emotions you wanted to portray? The colours used are all reflected in the surrounds and kept quite neutral. Guests go there to relax and the colour palette maintains a calm and soft relevance. Favourite space in the lodge? The double volume staircase, showcasing spectacular artworks by Lisette Forsyth and Felicity Bell and a bespoke chandelier weighing 110kg by High Thorn Chandeliers. I enjoy the fire pit and braai area – one feels immersed in the bush in this space! reflectingafrica.com
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lookingback design
the intersection of design and art and activism
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Built during his lifetime to commemorate the work and life of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Arch for Arch is a play on his nickname with its design being a physical representation of Arch Tutu’s strength and resilient humanity. We go back in time to its inception and design beginnings as the Arch for Arch now stands as an enduring monument to this great man’s teachings. The idea was first introduced at Design Indaba 2017 by the commissioned architects, Snøhetta co-founder Craig Dykers and Johannesburg-based architect Thomas Chapman of Local Studio. The structure consists of 14 individual arched wood beams, together forming a dome. Each
wood beam bears a quote from one of the 14 lines in the South African Constitution’s preamble. The wooden arches were bent by Croatian boat builder Dario Farcic in Johannesburg. The Arch for Arch is an experiential piece, allowing anyone to walk through it or seek the shelter it provides. Dykers explained that just as an arch relies on a keystone to avoid collapse, so too does a free South Africa rely on its Constitution. “It is not a confrontational structure, although its very presence will serve as a strong reminder of the importance of the Constitution and the freedom of the people.” The Arch for Arch structure stands near St. George’s Cathedral in Cape Town. RIP Arch.
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design drawing Markham Building, Johannesburg
Reinet House, Graaff Reinet, Eastern Cape
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Bosjes Chapel, Worcester
drawing design
S T O R E Y teller Telling stories, uncovering history, and examining our past through ink and paper. Words Trevor Crighton Images © Blankinkdesign F reedom Park, P retoria
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Architect and artist Shaun Gaylard is telling South Africa’s story through its architecture. What started as a passion project in 2013 has grown into Blank Ink Design, his illustration business, which has seen his Architectural City Guides – miniature renderings of the most iconic buildings from cities around the world – shift from specialist architectural drawings into the fine art space. “The constant throughout my work is that I’m trying to tell a story,” he says. “All the works are in chronological order, starting with the oldest buildings in a city or country. It illustrates where the highs and lows of development are, where new ideas took root, and gives us a snapshot of the city’s history.” A project four years in the making gained new prominence with the arrival of lockdown. Gaylard had long been researching buildings with the aim of drawing one a day for 365 days. The daily drawing posts to his Instagram page – under #ZA365 – drew interest as much for their beauty as for the ritual of it,
giving many people motivation to tackle their own daily work under alien conditions. The selection of buildings was fairly loose, based on his collection of SA architecture books and his passionate travels throughout the country. About 90% of his original list made it into the series, with some discarded because they didn’t translate well on paper. “There are buildings that are evocative of each city for me – they’re not necessarily the most beautiful or most architecturally important buildings in the city, but they’re the ones that I connect most with,” he says. “The Donkin Reserve in Gqeberha is an example – for me, it tells a part of the story of the origins of the city.” The feedback on the project showed that people wanted to engage about the spaces, with some recognising buildings where their parents grew up, worked or used to be a nightclub in Hillbrow they frequented during the 1980s – or one they had never seen before or realised how it contributed to the country’s heritage. “So many Chapel Park, Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng
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design drawing of our CBDs are deserted or seen as dangerous – when people drive through them, they don’t take the time to look up and appreciate the beauty,” says Gaylard. “To see a structure standing alone in full elevation on paper offers the chance to appreciate it, explore it and improve our education about our own architecture”. He has turned this project into a book rechristened RSA365, which will be published in July this year. RSA365 tells the story of SA via its architecture and is currently available to order on his website. Asked about iconic structures in South Africa that should carry the ‘tourist attraction’ cachet of the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building or London’s Houses of Parliament, Gaylard says that we do have plenty of buildings to rival those in major capitals, but sometimes it’s difficult for us to separate the architecture from what those buildings represent for some people, given our history. “The Union Buildings are a good example – they’re grand and should be iconic, but there’s a colonial stigma about buildings like that,
which people justifiably find hard to separate from the architecture itself. I also drew the Taalmonument in Franschhoek and got a lot of negative feedback about it. It’s part of the story of the country for some, but has negative connotations for others – but can it just be viewed as a beautiful object, separated from its history? It’s something which we should debate”. He says that the country’s newer structures, like the flowing Bosjes Chapel in Worcester, are on track to becoming icons of South African architecture because they don’t bear that baggage. “The Constitutional Court is another that tells a more positive story about our country and should rightly be one of the architectural structures that represent South Africa to the world,” he says. Gaylard’s first exhibition starts 17 February at Spier Wine Farm with the launch of pre sales for the book.
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a good example – they’re grand and should be iconic, but there’s a colonial stigma about buildings like that which people justifiably find hard to separate from the architecture itself.
blankinkdesign.com, @blankinkdesign
Pietermaritzburg Town Hall, KwaZulu-Natal
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“The Union Buildings are
Johannesburg Council Chamber, Gauteng
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trends feast
Trending in a kitchen near you It has been a busy time for food and drink trends thanks to COVID keeping us mostly housebound and inspiring us to cook more, drink more (due to numerous alcohol bans that had us stockpiling as if our lives depended on it) and ‘Googling’ more. And 2022 brings its very own foodie movement to the table.
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Virgin? Research shows that our pandemic happy hour is closing. More and more people are going alcohol-free, and with a ton of really delicious non-alcoholic variants emerging, this trend is set to continue. 2022’s catchwords are ‘drysolation’ and ‘sober-curious.’
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Ever heard of a pandemic puppy? It seems like everyone we know got a dog in lockdown, including the team at Muse. That said, there has been a subtle increase in dogfriendly restaurants, guesthouses and hotels. There are even several Facebook pages dedicated to the subject. So dine out with your bestie.
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Size does not always matter Smaller menus due to supply chain issues have actually made us happy. Gone are the days of pouring over the menu for days on end while an impatient waitress hovers. Fewer choices, better food.
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Simplify food We are tired of cooking, cleaning, cooking, cleaning. So simple food, readymade meals, meal kits, food subscription boxes or services and easy-to-navigate online grocery shopping are on the rise.
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The humble potato Potato milk keeps popping up its knobbly brown head. This nondairy milk, made from boiled potatoes and the water it’s cooked in is being sold stateside. Is SA ready for it?
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Demand more from your shops Packaging innovations in food are set to take centre page as consumers say no to single-use plastics and demand recyclable everything. So, paper straws, compostable bags, and recyclable products will continue developing.
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Nice to meet you A flexitarian refers to a person who is not ready to go totally vegetarian or vegan but still wants to reduce their consumption of meat, dairy and eggs to help the planet (and their health). Love this!
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Gut health = body health Gut health continues to rise. Think fermented foods like kimchi. Superfoods are still super. And check out the new shakes and coffees that add health kicking-butt ingredients like collagen and turmeric.
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Sunflower power We are avid lovers of cashew and macadamia butter but enter on the non-dairy stage – sunflower butter. It is staking its claim as the nondairy substitute for ice cream. Even Ben & Jerry’s has released four new flavours using sunflower seed butter.
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Ultra-urban farming In the city, super words like hydroponics, aquaponics and urban greenhouses are on everyone’s radar (and we are not talking about growing weed in your cupboard)! Restaurants, hotels and individuals are urban farming on rooftops, patios and inside. It’s not new, but it keeps growing.
feast wine
everyday value
(The summer edition) We all love a deal, and we all love wines that punch way above their price. These are mine.
A birthday or anniversary, a new arrival or a fond farewell, a passed exam or a new job; these are the times to open something extra special. It might be a wine with sentimental significance, or from a vintage relevant to the occasion, or it might just be a particular favourite bottle. Whatever the case, it’s likely to come at a price. Indeed, this is often a part of its appeal. But what about the rest of the year? Well, let’s start with summer. Of course, the typical weekend braai or walk-in guest might not be an occasion to open your best. Still, they are great times to experiment with a view towards quality, variety and value. In fact, with the options available to us these days, we should always be on the lookout for new wines that deliver precisely what we’re after at a price that’s just as nice. I try new wines as often as possible, but I keep coming back to these because they deliver remarkable value for money: False Bay Windswept Sauvignon Blanc 2021. Waterkloof sits overlooking Somerset West and False Bay. Here, they make a range of premium wines, many of them
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from organically farmed vines. For me, the False Bay range impresses with its focus on coastal vineyards and the expression of the cooler coastal climate. This Sauvignon Blanc is bursting with freshness and acidity. It’s not overly complex, but it is overly delicious, not to mention everything you need in a Savvy and a steal at the price. R65 Paul Cluver Village Pinot Noir 2020 While we’re riding the cool climate train, let’s get off in Elgin at Paul Cluver Vineyards for one of the biggest bargains you’re likely to find. One cannot often say that about South African Pinot Noir, with many local producers pricing theirs in the “eye-watering” category, but the humble Village Pinot Noir from Paul Cluver is an absolute winner. Light yet surprisingly serious, with bright red fruit styled to be smashed right away, it’s the quintessential summer Pinot, and I’d suggest filling your boots. R120 Cape of Good Hope Laing Semillon 2021. I was tempted not to include this wine because it is made in such tiny quantities and sells out very quickly, but the new vintage has
just been released and once again, is such value for money. The Laing Groendruif (Semillon) is made from remarkable vines in the Citrusdal Mountain area. This wine is salty and citrusy with great acidity. With ageing, it becomes even more spectacular, developing more grip and revealing more depth. A wine geek’s Sauvignon Blanc. Anything you don’t drink, I’ll happily take off your hands. R130 Eenzaamheid Chenin Blanc 2020. I’m not sure why, but Chenin Blanc is a divisive grape. It’s made in so many different styles that there’s something for everyone. However, this wine is one of my favourites. To my mind, it’s what Chenin Blanc should be. Made from low yielding, dry-farmed, old bush vines, it is absolutely packed with richness and vibrancy. A wine that’s up there with the best in the country. R180
James is the Creative Director of www.newagency.co.za. When he’s not working, he’s sharing the wines of South Africa on his wine blog allthewine.co.za
eat out feast
Curbside dining just got cool YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED a quirky little space suddenly appear outside Ambassador Foods Factory Shop on the corner of the R40 and R537 Sabie Road in White River. Pop in and discover a brilliant chill zone for a quick meal or a takeaway coffee. Ambassador wanted to extend its offering, and the result is Bushbucks. A fun play on words – can you figure it out? “We wanted simplicity – a solution to a quick healthy meal on the run – one without long queues, and frustrating parking lots,” explains Ambassador’s Nadine Wilkens. “Ambassador Foods Factory Shop is such a popular destination for shoppers, and now with Bushbucks coffee stop on its doorstep, it’s an even more attractive shopping experience.” Bushbucks has been created using a small container. Obviously, it is super cool, but it also has a low environmental impact and is very versatile. Muse loves the look; gunmetal grey, wooden panelling, a lattice roof, and plenty of greenery.
South Africa invented the toasted sandwich, and if not, we have claimed it, so we could not go without the good old chicken mayo or ham, cheese and tomato. The Unna coffees are amazing, but the star performers are our frappes and iced coffees.”
Eat-in cos Bushbucks just loves it when their regulars shoot the breeze on the deck!
Or order and go. There is something for everyone: school snacks, afternoon pick-me-ups and road trip padkos. You can even SMS your order in and collect – 060 460 8896. 6.30am - 5pm Mon to Fri. Sat 6.30am - 3pm. @bushbuckscoffeestop, bushbuckscoffee.co.za
And what will you discover? Besides the cute bar, the shaded outside seating area, and the friendly staff, the concept revolves around convenience and freshness. You will find the usual coffee shop fare on the menu but with some added excitement like the matcha green tea latte and salted caramel frappe. And they even offer alternative milk like soy, almond and macadamia. Choose from breakfast cups & buns, quinoa salads, and deli sandwiches, freshly-baked muffins and salmon & cream multigrain bagels. This is not your average curbside takeaway joint! Says the Bushbucks team: “We are pretty sure
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feast travel Fun signage outside Die Pienk Padstal.
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travel feast Road tripping!
There is nothing quite like a road trip through a place so unpretentiously alluring that it captivates your soul and pulls at your heartstrings to return time and again.
kalahari food tripping Kgalagadi Lodge boasts unbelievable views.
Die Mas offers a beautiful outdoor spot to enjoy the view while having a wine tasting.
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feast travel
Augrabies Falls in all its glory.
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Travelling through the Kalahari, you’re treated to an ancient, undulating landscape with endless horizons stretching before you. The Kalahari desert is a mystical place – displaying dry and cracked earth under an unrelenting sun. However, we discovered pockets of gushing water as we came across the Augrabies Falls, the Eye of Kuruman, and the Orange River, which feed the majestically tall Camel Thorn Trees and the vines on wine farms, with millions of litres of the crystalline, mineral-rich water. Our dining and wining road trip takes us from Augrabies National Park, past small towns and farmstalls to Upington, and then north to Kgalagadi National Park. So naturally, we expected to experience a dry, drought-ridden region where sunscreen, hats and a snooze over midday (to escape the worst of the scorching rays) is the norm. Yet, we encountered an arid landscape with pockets of abundant green – restorative, to say the least.
Words Mart-Marié du Toit Photos: Johann Visser, M du Toit, NCTA, Jacques Marais, Denise Koortzen
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Head to the water
The Augrabies Falls, named after the Khoi-word Aukoerebis, meaning “the place of big noises”, is a sight to behold. And with the recent rains in the Northern Cape, the river is in flood, and people are flocking to encounter one of the loudest noises the park has ever heard. The experience is bound to leave you hungry, so head out on the R359 to Kakamas, a route once-known as the Quiver Tree Food and Wine Route. It stretches along Gariep and includes the towns Augrabies, Kakamas, Keimoes, Upington, Marchand, Kanoneiland, Kenhardt and Riemvasmaak.
Pour, Sip, Shop
You have to stop at Die Mas in Kakamas for a wine, brandy or gin tasting. Their Kalahari Dry Gin is not only award-winning but also a lovely take-home-gin for when you long for a taste of the Kalahari. You’ll also feel as if you’re in the Cape Winelands when sitting on their stoep – no sign of the arid Kalahari landscape here. Look out for the export-quality dates and pecan nuts available at almost every farm stall along the route. Stop at Die Pienk Padstal to stock up on local delicacies and.
find a couple of perfect spots for an Instagram post. Don’t eat all of the provisions in the car, though, as lunch at Bezalel Estate Cellars awaits. The Garden Café and Farm Kitchen offer platters to accompany their tastings – an exciting selection of boutique wines and pot still Cape brandies. Their refreshingly light Kokerboom Colombard was precisely what we needed on a scorching summer’s day. You can either pass through Upington or stop in town to buy supplies before heading North. If a multi-day trip is on the cards, have dinner at Zest Restaurant in Upington – you won’t be disappointed. We also popped into the tasting room of Orange River Cellars to taste a variety of wines from the region. Here you can taste your own selection of their award-winning wines and spirits or enjoy any of them by the glass with a deli platter from Kerkmuis Restaurant. The best way to spend an afternoon. Next on our list was the famous Askham milk tart at Diamond T Coffee Shop. This little bowl of goodness is traditional, but with a twist – and you’ll like the twist! Order your own portion – you won’t want to share!
travel feast
Our favourite lamb tjops at Kgalagadi Lodge. Kalahari Craft Beer on tap for the thirsty traveller.
Diamond T Coffee Shop stocks a variety of homebaked goodies. Pop in to Die Mas for a wine, brandy or gin tasting.
Wine and snacks await at Bezalel Estate Cellars.
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feast travel
You’ll want to return for their pies, milkshakes and Kalahari coffee too.
Let’s be adventurers
The rugged and luxurious Kgalagadi Lodge is conveniently close to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – only 4,6 km from the gate at Tweerivieren. The self-catering chalets have everything you could need. Their shop is stocked with premium Kalahari meat, freshly baked (and delicious) bread, fresh produce, and everything you need for a braai; ice, and other goodies you might like to stock up on before heading into the park. A plunge in the glittering blue pool is also one of the best things you can experience after hours in the car. Take a swim at night under the Kalahari stars and take a mental snapshot to remember forever. The highlight of Kgalagadi Lodge has to be their on-site restaurant, Black Mane Butcher & Grill. Here we were welcomed with a glass of ice-cold Kalahari Craft Beer, of which the Meerkat IPA was a firm favourite. The wood-fired pizzas, venison steaks and lamb rib are dishes I still dream about, but the lamb chops steal the show every time we visit. Kalahari lamb has a distinct flavour,
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and after eating lamb chops at Zest Restaurant and Black Mane Butcher & Grill, we had to take a detour to Upington Slaghuis on our way back for some tjoppies to braai once we’re back home. The lodge is the perfect place to explore the park as day visitors, especially since our national parks can be fully booked for months in advance. We love the Kgalagadi Park because it never seems to be too full, and you can sometimes drive for miles before seeing another car. In addition, the park has close to 3,7-million hectares of dry riverbeds and red sand dunes – home to various wild animals. The Kalahari region is a vast and exciting landscape, and this is by no means a comprehensive trip through its entirety. Instead, it’s a small snippet of the region’s geography, food, and culture that you have to explore bit by bit to truly get under its skin. The Kalahari is a study in abundance and paucity, an unlikely kinship that seduces anyone who treads the soil.
More time, more scenery
If you have a couple of extra days, explore the Orange River Wine Route, the Red Dune Route and the Roaring Kalahari Route. You can also search for the elusive Nabas (Kalahari truffles), visit the Living Museum, & the Khomani Cultural Landscape, to see how the Khomani San live in the desert plus experience the legendary cooking by Aunt Koera.
Non-foodie activities
The 35m-high dunes in Mier are one of the biggest tourist attractions in the area. But there are many other places to sandboard down the spectacular dunes. Did you know Kakamas has 11 waterwheels that farmers still use in the area?
Something to behold
In Riemvasmaak, north-west of the Augrabies, you can while away the day in the hot springs or tackle one of the 4x4 routes – there is almost 160km of mountain bike and 4x4 trails to explore. Visit Kalahari Trails with the family; his meerkat sanctuary is a fun and immersive experience for young and old!
experiencenortherncape.com, riemvasmaak.co.za, @OpenAfricaKalahariRedDuneRoute, kalahari-trails.co.za
travel feast
Kokerboom Route vineyards.
Discover Restaurant Klein Jan at Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve. It was not part of our foodie road trip but definitely worth a mention if you find yourself in the area. This is SA Michelin-starred Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s great homecoming project, bringing fine dining to the Kalahari using the region’s underexplored ingredients. Restaurant Klein Jan was recently awarded in the international hidden gem category at the prestigious La Liste 2022 gala evening in Paris.
and in the opposite direction
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WIN
the call of the nightjar beckons WIN a two-night getaway for two at Nightjar. Name one of the properties at Katrinasrust. Send your answer, name and contact details to musemagazinesa@gmail. com and put ‘Nightjar’ in the subject box. Closing date is March 31, 2022. Ts&Cs apply.
Nightjar is the latest addition to the Katrinasrust Country Estate portfolio. A unique, intimate escape for two people, Nightjar offers guests the chance to explore Katrinasrust while still enjoying ultimate privacy. Tucked away at the base of a koppie, you’ll feel sheltered and hidden in the bush while also enjoying long-distance views of the mountains. Nightjar sleeps two in a unique dome-shaped bedroom. The cottage has a small, fully-equipped kitchen and an indoor living area with an open fireplace for those cold evenings or rainy summer days. There is a covered stoep and deck with a Kol Kol woodfired hot tub, a cool plunge pool when it’s warm or the ideal spot to soak up the stars in the evening. Katrinasrust.com
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MTO wanderlust
mastering the MTO If you are an avid mountain biker, you’ll already know that the Lowveld offers some of the best mountain bike tracks in South Africa. Whether you live in the region or are visiting, we give you the scoop on the Lowveld’s trails and loops.
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wanderlust MTO MTO Trails has worked closely with the White River cycling community to formalise trails and create a worldclass mountain biking experience. Developed across numerous farmlands, natural forests and bush, there are 22 trails in total across 80 kilometres of loops, from which numerous single-track trails snake off and back on again, allowing long continuous rides over a 6000ha area with very few man-made obstacles. “We also have seven different loops that cater for all levels of skill and fitness, “explains Vaughan Lascelles, Area Manager Eco. “They include main roads, forestry roads, jeep and single tracks. Not all our single tracks are included in the loops.” Muse has conveniently graded each trail for you and advised if suitable for runners and birders too.
MTO Trail Loops Pull Scar Loop Riders pass along the river and experience the splendour of the surrounding lush forest. Pull Scar Loop ends off with Backbone, a single track, which comprises approximately 20% of the trail. The trail is perfect for beginner riders as the climbs are not very steep, and there are friendly jeep tracks. Dan’s Loop Dan’s Loop is an exciting loop with a handful of fun single tracks. It takes riders anticlockwise around forests and brings them back up from the dam. This route is perfect for skilled riders who love pacing down the single tracks. Red Devil’s Loop The Red Devil’s Loop has steep climbs and descents. This challenging route is best suited for skilled riders, surrounded by lush forests, beauty, and thrilling single tracks. Backbone Loop Riders are taken up into Backbone to enjoy the total thrill of this amazing single track. All riders. Rutland Loop This loop is perfect for beginners or riders who want to make an easy loop. In this 17km, riders explore the forest underneath the dam. It consists of gentle slopes, nontechnical downhills, and one fun and flowy single track all the way down to the river, which will lead riders back to the main road underneath the dam wall. Roy’s Quay Loop Roy’s Quay Loop is a fantastic route for all riders looking for a quick and easy loop with no skill required. The loop takes riders to Roy’s Quay (bush lapa), where they can stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the dam. All riders. Storm Valley River Loop The Storm Valley River Loop is a quick short loop for the last-minute single track or two. Then, it takes riders into Storm Valley Bush Tunnel and Python Dam, after which there is a short hill followed by the last bit of single track to the dam. All riders.
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MTO Trails Byron’s Bush Tunnel – MTB Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
800m
Green
-6,90%
58m
Our most popular trail by far. A truly fun-for-everyone trail. Riding Byron’s feels like riding a super tube on your mountain bike. The berms (banked turns) are perfectly built and compact. It’s super flowy and fun, fast or slow. You get the bush tunnel feel. There is a hiking/running trail next to Byron’s for those who choose not to ride. All riders. Skyler (Byron’s side-kick) – Run/Hike A new trail developed for runners/walkers to avoid a clash of pedestrians and cyclists in Byron’s Bush Tunnel. Referred to by the White River running community as Byron’s side-kick, it starts next to the head of Byron’s and winds its way through and along the forest edge bordering Byron’s tunnel below. It follows the edge of the gulley, twisting and winding until you pop out at a steep pathway leading down to the near end of Byron’s, where the wooden drop-off provides ample challenge for more novice riders. All runners. Komatieland Bush Tunnel – MTB/Hike/Run Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
1200m
Blue
-6,00%
57m
This trail starts off on a giant smooth boulder and flows into the bush tunnel of Komatieland. This trail will test your overall skills with tight corners and a slick mossy surface. But fear not… it will suit most skill levels. This trail is hidden, so it often doesn’t get wheels on it, making it safe to run or walk. All riders. Kuka and Pines – MTB/Hike/Run Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
2900m
Blue
-4,9%
30m
One of our smoothest trails, Kuka and Pines, are just plain fun. There are no tricky sections except for a small rock drop with a B-line; this trail is suitable for beginners to pro. With lovely scenery of the massive pine trees, this trail is definitely one to ride or run on. All riders. Airstrip Downhill – MTB Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
600m
Green
-7,20%
45m
This trail is pure speed. Coming down next to the Broken Pipe climb, this trail will test your brakes. Berms built for speed and corners to keep flow. You may find a few optional jumps in this trail, but you can skip them. Also, a course for most skill levels. Not advisable for runners as cyclists reach speeds of up to 50km/h down this one. Skilled riders.
Heuglins Lodge is a timeless icon for quality self-catering accommodation. The Lowveld is famously known for it’s incredible diversity of natural features – offering breathtaking scenery, adventure and activities.
Three Rocks – MTB/Hike/Run Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
800m
Green
-3,20%
25m
A quick yet fun connector trail from the bottom of Kuka back to the main road. Ending off with rolling-down-arock mountain, anyone will be comfortable riding this trail. It is also a great trail for running or hiking. All riders. Spring Farm Alley – MTB/Hike/Run Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
750m
Green
-2,00%
20m
This is just a fun, easy way of keeping off the main road. Starting at the bottom of Rock and Roll and Airstrip, this is a two-way trail with no difficult features, a flat gradient and perfect for cyclists, runners and hikers. All riders.
www.heuglins.co.za admin@heuglins.co.za +27 (0) 83603 5001
wanderlust MTO Rock and Roll – MTB/Hike/Run Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
1600m
Blue
-6,60%
89m
Imagine riding a rollercoaster on your bike. This is what riding Rock and Roll will feel like. Starting off in the tall gum trees and heading into a bush tunnel, you get more than 2km of this rooty bush tunnel feel. Add to this a few tight corners and speedy downhills on the roots. Skilled riders. Vaughan’s Revenge – MTB/Hike/Run/Birding Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
700m
Red
-10,00%
66m
This trail started off as a running trail but got taken over by the cyclists due to the steepness and speed in this tight bush tunnel. Although runners and hikers are still welcome, watch out for the slippery moss growing on the surface. Even more so on a bicycle. It works well for a fun loop of running or hiking going down and up Tim’s G-spot or the other way around. Skilled riders. Tim’s G-spot – MTB/Hike/Run Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
1600m
Blue
-6,40%
98m
This trail also starts on a massive rock face rolling into smaller rocks and tight rooty sections. A true skill tester in wet or damp conditions. Another fun trail for running down and back up Vaughan’s Revenge. Skilled riders. ZigZag to Hell (temporarily closed) MTB Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
900m
Blue
-11,80%
124m
With a climb next to it called Stairway to Heaven, going down Hell just made sense. This is a fast trail with wellbuilt berms, roller jumps and road gaps. This trail is not for the fainthearted and will challenge those who aren’t ready. This is a better suit for the enduro riders. B-lines (otherwise known as chicken runs) are built at all the significant sections, so beginners are more than welcome to send it down Zig Zag. Skilled riders. Boulders – MTB/Hike/Run Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
700m
Green
-2,4%
19m
Don’t let its name scare you off. Boulders is one of our
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most friendly trails on one of the highest points. Wide and open in the gum trees, this trail is super fun with the scenery of giant boulders all around. A perfect track for beginner riders to experts and suitable for running and hiking. All riders. Paradise Pass – MTB/Hike/Run/Birding Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
1800m
Red
-10,20%
201m
Our most beautiful trail. Starting at the very top of our highest mountain, this trail takes the cake for its stunning views and thrilling ride. This trail will challenge you with a few short steep downhills, tight corners, and some roots. Do not fear, though, as most riders with an average skill-set could send it on this trail. You can also enjoy the pass on your feet because it’s one of the favourites for running, hiking, and birding. Skilled riders. Backbone – MTB/Hike/Run/Birding Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
5000m
Blue
-4,00%
219m
Our longest connecting piece of single track. Starts close to the highest point of the mountain; this trail takes you on a 5km adventure to the dam. The path is very friendly to cyclists and runners as it’s wide and open, smooth and has no technical sections. All riders. Storm Valley Bush Tunnel – MTB/Hike/Run/Birding Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
500m
Red
-7,50%
95m
This trail is perfect for the last-minute thrill seeker who wants to ride one more epic trail before returning home. Surrounded by bush and pacing down the gully, it truly feels like you’re riding down a tunnel. This trail will test your skills with its steepness and roots. A great environment of thick bush to find some secretive birds too. Skilled riders. Leonard’s Long Drop – MTB/Hike/Run Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
1600m
Red
-6,90%
119m
Leonard’s is our second most challenging trail regarding roots and corners. Labelled as one of our top enduro trails, this trail is not for the fainthearted. With roots and ruts, you better watch what’s lying ahead as you might get a surprise. Starting off in the small gum tree section,
MTO wanderlust the trail feels like it lasts forever into the indigenous bush and some bamboo. Skilled riders. Bedpan – MTB/Hike/Run Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
700m
Green
-2,50%
25m
The calm after the storm. Leonard’s flows into Bedpan, a mellow flowy trail next to the river. There are no surprises on this one, making it a perfect family trail. Runners and hikers are also welcome on this one as it is nice and open with a clear view of what’s lying ahead. All riders. Claudia’s – MTB Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
1100m
Black
-9,20%
109m
Our only black-rated trail. This is one of our steepest trails going down and down. This trail is only for the brave with a steepness of -18% in a rocky section. However, if you’ve made it down the first part, the rest is beautiful and fun to ride, crossing two bridges and a small rock drop. Skilled riders.
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wanderlust MTO
Developed across numerous farmlands, natural forests and bush, there are 22 trails in total across 80 kilometres of loops, from which numerous single-track trails snake off and back on again, allowing long continuous rides over a 6000ha area with very few man-made obstacles.
Covid & Lockdown – MTB/Hike/Run /Birding Covid Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
400m
Green
-5,90%
18m
Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
600m
Blue
-12,60%
72m
Lockdown Brightside – MTB/Hike/Run Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
1300m
Green
-0,30%
5m
Built during the first wave of lockdown, these two trails flow into each other. And just like the pandemic, they start off not too serious, evolving into some steep sections but nothing technical. If you can ride down a vertical piece of dirt, you will survive this pandemic. Lockdown is also great for running, hiking and birding. All riders.
Found on the Pullscar Loop, this trail is perfect for beginner riders wanting to get into single track riding. The trail is flat and open, with no technical sections at all. Good for running. All riders.
Jock of the Bushveld – MTB
Speed Wobble – MTB/Hike/Run
Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
1200m
Green
-7,00%
114m
1800m
Green
-4,00%
71m
Named after the real Jock of the Bushveld, this trail crosses the famous Jock Rock. A familiar place where Jock and his owner used to camp. The course itself is super fun to ride and not too tricky. However, it also feels like you’re riding down a short roller coaster with a few steep roll downs. Skilled riders.
Starting at the top of the R40 next to Brightside Estate, Speed Wobble is a fun trail to learn how to ride faster on single track. It’s also fun for riders who enjoy pure speed down the tracks. The first part is wide and open in a cut gumtree section (speed), whilst the second part is in a small bush tunnel section (wobble). Runners will also love this trail. Skilled riders.
Python’s Rush – MTB/Hike/Run/Birding Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
400m
Red
-10,10%
50m
Python’s Rush is built down a steep gully. You will need to look ahead, so you don’t ride down the wrong part of the gully. But fear not, the trail is not as difficult as it sounds, and when you get to the bottom, you’ll cross an exciting bridge over Python dam. The track is perfect for birding. All riders.
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Rutland Rock Run – MTB/Hike/Run Distance
Rating
Grade
Elevation
1700m
Green
-3,50%
-m
Rutland Rock Run is found in the Rutland loop. There is not much to this trail in terms of difficulty, but it’s a scenic trail through the large gum trees. The track is over 2km long, making it feel like it is never-ending fun. All riders.
MTO wanderlust AND FURTHER AFIELD... MTO SA – MTO Jonkershoek: World-class trails for MTB, trail running & hiking to suit all fitness levels. Safe, clearly marked routes & an exhilarating experience, allowing all to explore Jonkershoek’s hidden treasures. MTO Garden Route: Stretching from Knysna through to Witelsbos in the Tsitsikamma, enjoy access to various routes in the region. Over 1000km of plantation jeep tracks and linking single track. BUY A PERMIT: For day users: Visit the MTO Trail Centre on the D1560 Klipkopje Road outside White River & buy a day permit with a credit card (no cash). For annual permit holders, download the myMTO App for Android or Apple; register, select region & buy permit. Also available on Trailforks App.
Vaughan Lascelles, 083 310 7272, Willie van Eck, 081 503 4653 info@mtotrails.co.za, visit mtotrails.com
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SA'S NEWEST LIFESTYLE MAG IS HERE
HAVE YOU GOT YOUR COPY OF THE THE LOWVELD'S NEWEST, MOST GORGEOUS & INTERESTING READ? DISTRIBUTION: NELSPRUIT, WHITE RIVER, BARBERTON, HAZYVIEW, SABIE, GRASKOP, HOEDSPRUIT, DULLSTROOM, MACHADODORP, MALELANE, KRUGER, SABI SAND, MANYELETI, N4, JHB, KZN, CT.
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wanderlust paternoster
strandloping in style Gonana Guesthouse is a breath of fresh air in the oversaturated Cape tourism market.
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paternoster wanderlust
Words Nicky McArthur
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wanderlust paternoster
N
Nestled on a sand dune overlooking the pale cool waters of Paternoster, it’s a beautiful retreat that surprises with its chic and comfortable interiors and special offering. Owned by Swedish entrepreneur, Jonas Sandström, it is not surprising that Gonana Guesthouse oozes Scandi design. The upstairs open-plan dining, kitchen and lounge area showcases simple yet aesthetically pleasing design in pale rough woods (indigenous trees and raw materials), tan leather furniture, woven carpets, wood flooring and a fantastic abundance of basketware. One long table encourages guests to mingle over breakfast, a fresh selection of continental deliciousness. The honesty bar’s coffee, tea and hot chocolate selection are impressive. So is the help-yourself mini-bar offering of chilled wine, gin and tonic, and bar snacks. Outside
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the balcony is the place to chill, getting lost in the magnificent view. The guesthouse is more boutique than lodge comprising only eight rooms. The room décor mirrors upstairs. Huge, pale wood beds with matching headboards, wooden sculptures cleverly fashioned into bathroom hooks, tree trunks as bedside tables, crisp cotton gowns, gorgeous local Simply Bee body products and local Barrydale Handweavers towels – we love. The effect is simple yet stylish, exuding comfort. The rooms are a good size and airy, and if you can – book the Seaview Rooms. They boast cute courtyards with beautiful coastal succulent gardens and trails over the sand dunes directly to the beach. The beach itself is pristine. White sands and mesmerising, if slightly chilly waters. It’s more of a
paternoster wanderlust
Your Family Holiday
Bush Escape Treat yourself to a luxury bushveld escape, to be welcomed and hosted by our hospitable Phelwana Team. Partake in bush walks, Big 5 game drives and other funfilled activities. Enjoy our acclaimed fine dining experience and revel in some downtime in our luxury accommodation. Soak up the views while you unwind in your private swimming pool watching nature slowly pass by. Tel: 015 793 2475 | Cel: 071 659 9555 Email: book@phelwana.co.za Web: www.phewlana.co.za Address: P.O Box 11 Hoedspruit, 1380, Limpopo, South Africa
wanderlust paternoster
cove, and apart from the odd walker, it’s practically deserted. Gonana also has a delightful, solar heated, saltwater swimming pool and poolside loungers for more downtime. Gonana means ’embrace’ in isiZulu, and Swede Sandström has embraced nature and his community. In fact, Gonana is Paternoster’s first sustainable and environmentally conscious guesthouse. Effectively off the grid, the house is not affected by loadshedding, and is completely environmentally ethical. Solar power provides the electricity, rainwater feeds the house, there are waterwise showers and grey water is recycled for the toilets and for use in the indigenous garden. Features also include no single-use plastic, recycling, upcycled light features and towel rail holders, and only vegan, cruelty-free local products available to guests, along with meat-free breakfasts and fresh bread prepared overnight. Sandström has also helped rehabilitate the surrounding
nature reserve, purchasing the last property along Bekbaai Beach with a green belt running next to it. Here he has replanted fynbos and stabilised the dunes directly in front of the Seaview Rooms. The empowerment of the local community is important. Housekeeping staff and the reservations and guesthouse managers are all women who started as domestic workers before going through extensive training to become breadwinners for their households. Paternoster is just two hours from Cape Town along the West Coast, and thanks to a clean-up programme and neighbourhood watch that owner Sandström chairs, the town has thrown off its ‘scruffier cousin to Langebaan’ label and become a must-visit destination in its own right. And the proof is in the pudding or perhaps the wild oysters, as local restaurant Wolfgat just won Africa’s Best Restaurant in the latest awards ceremony for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021. gonanaguesthouse.com
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people madam&evecreators
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madam&evecreators people
Kicking back with Madam & Eve Rico is one half of the Madam & Eve comic creative geniuses who South Africans have come to know and love. The other guy is Stephen Francis. Stephen is the brains behind the wise-cracking dialogue of our favourite characters, while Rico brings them to life on paper. As they celebrate 29 years in business, Muse chats exclusively to Rico about the life and loves of Madam & Eve.
How did you get into comics and satire? I got into trouble drawing cartoons and comics all over my schoolbooks and desks, so I guess it was inevitable. I started as a cartoonist on a satire magazine called Laughing Stock back in 1990, which is also where I first met Madam & Eve writer Stephen Francis. How do you come up with your titles and themes? Every year, we find a title that sums
up and reflects on the year just past and current issues or popular trends… like movies and political events. The “Family Meetings” just summed up this past year for us… just like last year was the year of The Lockdown. Does SA politics make doing your job easy? Not sure about ‘easy’, but it definitely provides us with a steady (if sometimes exhausting) supply of satirical material.
Has there ever been a time in our history, an event that had you stumped on how to represent it? Sure. The pre-election violence 1994-95 was near impossible to satirise, the tragic Mbeki era of HIV denialism, and more recently, the riots and looting earlier this year nearly had us stumped. Where do you seek inspiration? We’re lucky with Madam & Eve that we can make jokes about just about anything, politics to silly everyday
59
people madam&evecreators issues like forgetting your mask when you go out shopping. So never really get too stuck. How was the original Madam & Eve conceived? It was conceived a long time ago when Stephen, who is from New York, came over to stay with his in-laws in Johannesburg and observed the day to day interactions of his then mother-in-law and her domestic worker, which to him as an American, was a rather strange situation. A few years later, when we were looking for a concept for a satirical cartoon strip for the Weekly Mail, the title popped into his head and things developed from there. How do you think it has developed from Edition 1? The country has changed, our society has changed, and the characters and relationships have changed along with it (although some things never seem to change for the better). I think we may be a bit more jaded, and some days it feels like really hard work to see the funny side of things, especially after these last two years. New characters to look out for? We don’t really plan new characters – they pop up when we need them, and some stick around and become
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popular as they are fun to write or the readers can relate to them. Your favourite character? Are you team Madam, Eve, or perhaps Gogo, or Thandi? They are my “cartoon children”, so I cannot possibly have any favourites. That said, Thandi and Gogo Anderson have dominated the strip quite a bit. Have you ever been in trouble over
a cartoon? Not really – I think over the years, we’ve perfected the art of “sticking in the satirical knife” with sweetness and charm. You seem to court less drama than Zapiro. Why is that? Our comic strip is different from editorial cartoons – our characters do the talking for us, and our tone is generally lighter.
madam&evecreators people Would you rather make a political statement or be funny? Hopefully both – but funny always comes first – we want to make people laugh and hopefully lift some spirits. Is it easy to do both? Not always – but we try our best. Where do your ideas spout from? Anywhere and everywhere – you absolutely NEVER know what might trigger an idea. The brains of cartoonists and humour writers, work in very peculiar ways. Is there any subject you shy away from? Subjects that we feel can’t be handled credibly with a dash of humour – for example, GBV, extreme violence in general, the tragic side of COVID deaths – some subjects we leave to the editorial cartoonists to cover. How has COVID affected your work? It hasn’t changed the way we work – we’ve always worked from home studios and remotely. But the overwhelming dominance of the epidemic in all our lives has made writing and creating more challenging. Do your cartoons ever make you sad? Yes, when I look back at cartoons
from several years back (even a decade), and they are still totally relevant (like cartoons about load shedding, corruption and government incompetence) … some things just do not seem to change for the better in our country. That makes me sad. What are your deadlines like? We produce six daily strips and one large weekend full-page cartoon per week. Any cartoonists around the world you admire? Well, our own home-grown Zapiro and Dr Jack (Lowvelder!) My current favourite overseas cartoonists are American Steve Sack and Ann Telnaes. Any cartoonists who have inspired your work? When we started out, we were inspired by cartoons like Doonesbury, The Far Side and our all-time favourite, Calvin & Hobbes. Any cartoonists you grew up reading? Growing up, I read a lot of comics like Asterix, Tintin and Carl Bark’s Donald Duck stories… and later French graphic novels by artists like Moebius. How long does it take to sketch a cartoon?
It’s kind of a how long is a piece of string question. It can take anywhere from one to three hours for a Madam & Eve daily strip – it depends entirely on what’s happening in it. Same with ideas – they can occur in a flash… or take hours of effort to come up with and whittle into shape. Digital or pencil? Combination of pencil, paper, pen and ink and digital – not sure I’d ever change over to fully digital. Anything to add? I think we’ve covered everything… oh, one more thing: Please buy our book!! They make excellent presents! Thank you. Madam & Eve, R185, Jacana.
WIN
WIN a copy of Madam & Eve. Follow @musemagazinesa! Email your contact details to musemagazinesa@gmail.com and put ‘Madam&Eve’ in the subject box. Closing date is 31 March 2022. Ts&Cs apply.
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