Muse Lowveld by nicky mcarthur

LOWVELD#2

bush or beach?

R34.99 0

people | style | travel | design | food

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talking with tony park olympic adventures green getaway luxe lodge win

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new beginnings

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new successes

Uplands continually challenges the status quo to improve our offering of educational excellence

UPLANDS RECENTLY APPOINTED Sean Carlisle as Executive Head, and after six months in the saddle, MUSE sits down to chat to him about his varied role. Change never occurs in isolation, so the arrival of Sean is creating positive ripples across the Uplands landscape. Immediately upon meeting the dynamic yet humble powerhouse, one senses that the values that identify Uplands already run deep within him. Underlying the gentle, softly-spoken intellectual that is Sean, runs a determined steel will and a truly invested ambition to reach new heights for Uplands – a world-class family boarding and day school that welcomes children from Grade 0000 to Matric. His servant leadership style is already reaping the rewards, as he thoughtfully connects with pupils, staff, parents, alumni, and the local community. Challenges bring possibilities, and while COVID-19 has presented numerous challenges for the Uplands community, it has also opened many creative educational options. Uplands staff members have responded with flexibility and professionalism in an ever-changing landscape. “A growth mindset within our staff and pupils is evident, as Uplands continually challenges the status quo to improve our offering of educational excellence. I have no doubt that the future will also highlight the value of a well-rounded, balanced experience for pupils, together with high expectations and standards,” comments Sean. Sean is no stranger to Uplands, having grown up in the Lowveld with deep roots in the area. He studied teaching at the University of Johannesburg and started his teaching career in 1994 as the Deputy Boarding Master at Uplands Prep. He was part of the team that launched Uplands College, spending over eight years at Uplands. Beyond this, he went on to gain valuable experience overseas teaching in the UK, and at the renowned Hilton College in KZN for over a decade as a History teacher, Boarding Executive, and first-team cricket and rugby coach. His teaching experience at both primary and secondary levels, along with boarding and day scholars, gives him a clear view of what works well for children throughout their school days. Sean is passionate about connecting with the intrinsic motivation of each child and has consciously sought to elevate the tutor system at Uplands, whereby each child has a champion looking out for them. Already fully immersed in the Uplands and White River community, he is passionate about the bush and our surrounding communities, and fully embraces the important work of Uplands Outreach. “A seasoned educator who is greatly respected, Sean has a calm, thoughtful, collaborative and inclusive approach to work. His strategic, holistic, and team mentality will serve Uplands well, as our ‘One School’ moves into a new and exciting era,” notes Bruce MacFarlane, Chairman of the Uplands Board. “Uplands develops interested and interesting young people who are self-confident, happy and successful in a changing world.” The Carlisle family, including wife Kerry and daughters Megan and Hannah, are delighted to be in the Lowveld. “As a family, we feel so privileged to live on this gorgeous school campus with all these exceptional facilities enveloped in such a family-friendly environment,” says Sean. The family, along with their beautiful cat, Bella, is here to stay and make a real difference at Uplands. www.uplands.co.za, admissions@uplands.co.za

editor’s letter And then there was Edition 2. It has been a busy few months, but MUSE has conquered the Lowveld. You will find us in White River, Mbombela (Nelspruit), Hoedspruit, Hazyview, Graskop, Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand and along the N4. You may have even spotted us in Cape Town and Joburg; we didn’t think it was fair to keep the glory of the Lowveld all to ourselves. Read on and discover an exclusive interview with author Tony Park who considers the Lowveld his playground, and win a copy of his new book. There is an exciting array of good reads to be explored, and we review the latest beauty, style and wellness products and treatments just for you. Check out who will be in town for i’langa Mall’s festival – Gaan Bos InniMall. Designwise we look at the award-winning sustainable architecture of Witklipfontein Eco

WELCOME TO MUSE NO2 Lodge and the mod interiors of a frequent traveller. In FEAST, we test out new

restaurants, Mozambik and Clay & Coffee, and recommend wines for spring drinking. We also get a sneak peek at food scientist Annelien Pienaar’s new recipe book, Meat and share a favourite recipe. Our WANDERLUST

feature takes us further afield to a different kind of beach and bush holiday – glamorous, family-friendly and close to nature. Then meet Kobus Maree, a Lowvelder and part of the Tokyo Olympic physio team, who entertains with

behind-the-scenes anecdotes. And lastly, congrats to Jacaranda’s Breakfast with Martin Bester team who just won

Best SA Breakfast Show – we interrogate them about everything! We hope you enjoy the read, and we would love to hear from you, so stay in touch, nickymacmediagroup@gmail.com. Visit www.musemagazine.co.za for our interactive digital version.

REVIEW

DESIGN

FEAST

WANDERLUST

PEOPLE

@musemagazinesouthafrica @muselowveld www.musemagazine.co.za

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Books, products and all things fabulous.

Sustainable architecture. Afro-scandi design at Monaghan Farm. Out & about! Annelien Pienaar’s new cookbook – Meat/Vleis.

Bush or beach?

Olympic physiotherapist Kobus Maree. The team behind Breakfast with Martin Bester.

Editor: Nicky McArthur, 076 952 7761, nickymacmediagroup@gmail.com Sales: Audrey Ford Duimelaar, 072 726 4660, audreymacmediagroup@gmail.com. Journalists: Heléne Ramackers, Graham Wood, James Bisset. Editing: Anne Schauffer. Digital: MPDPS. Design: Creative Union. Publisher: MacMedia Group. Cover Image: Safari Moon Luxury Lodge. Win a stay for 2 see pg 56

Cloud Burst, Mapungubwe, oil on canvas, 40cm x 50cm.

co nt en ts

In association with

Everard Read

Revered Landscapes

Walter Voigt

9 - 24 October Opening Sat 9 October at 12noon Walkabout Sat 23 October Catalogue available on request.

@whiterivergallery

whiterivergallery.co.za Contact: Dana MacFarlane +27 82 784 6695 dana@whiterivergallery.co.za

books review

lockdown sessions with Tony Park

Dodge bullets and witchcraft on this rollercoaster adventure ride across Africa – Blood Trail – Tony Park’s latest novel has landed. MUSE chats to Tony about being stuck in Australia during lockdown and how it affected his writing. Your story is back in the Lowveld. What bought you back to our hood? I had to write Blood Trail during lockdown in Sydney, Australia, where I was stuck for the last 18 months because of COVID. Usually, I love to write in whatever African location I’m travelling in. But for this one, I had to set it in a place I could remember and visualise clearly. When I’m in South Africa, the Lowveld is my home, so it’s the area I know best and the place I love most.

Who inspired your characters? The characters are not based on real people, but they share the jobs, attributes, skills, and strengths of people I know. For example, Mia, one of the lead characters, is a female safari field guide. A friend, Margaux Mathey, was field guide of the year, and Tayla McCurdy, a presenter on safariLIVE, helped me with my research. Can we identify any Lowvelders or famous Lowveld sites? I’m sure a few locals might think

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they recognise themselves! Indeed, there are some real locations like Skukuza Golf Club and the Kruger Park in general. The action takes place on a property in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, but the lodge’s name is fictitious. A community on the edge of the park will also be easily identifiable to locals even though I’ve changed the name. The other leading lady in the book, Sannie van Rensburg, lives on a nature reserve called Hippo Rock, which bears a striking similarity to where I have a home at Sabiepark. Did you auction off your character’s names again? Yes, and I’m pleased to say some South Africans bid to have their names used. Samantha Karandis and Elizabeth Oosthuizen are great supporters of the SANParks Honorary Rangers, and Bongani Ngobeni, who works with the fantastic Nourish community sustainability project at Acornhoek, had his name purchased by a friend and supporter. Imagine you didn’t auction off names. How would you keep thinking up authentic characters? I think a lot more of my Lowveld friends would end up as characters in my books. Some have snuck in already. Umuthi, potions and witchcraft are new topics for you. I have a friend who has been researching the traditional beliefs and the use of

or talismans – to help them be successful and protect them from the bullets of anti-poaching rangers. They believe umuthi will turn them to water if a bullet comes towards them or allow them to morph into the shape of an animal, such as an impala, confusing their pursuers. Rangers, too, carry or take umuthi to keep them safe while on patrol. Belief systems are not reserved for African culture. Soldiers in war, sportspeople and even astronauts have dedicated, serious rituals they go through to keep themselves safe. When I’m out on safari and particularly want to see a certain type of animal – a leopard, for instance – I never say the animal’s name aloud. To do so would ruin my chances of seeing one. You also touch on rhino poaching. Poaching is a common theme in most of your books. It’s fair to say that South Africa’s amazing wildlife was the thing that first hooked my wife, Nicola, and I on Africa. It’s sad but true that the more you learn about wildlife and the environment, the more you understand the threats. Africa gave me a love of nature, and I feel that as a way of saying thank you, I need to do my bit, to raise awareness and, even more importantly, to recognise the good work being done by rangers, conservationists, and anti-

Evil is stalking South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Viewers around the world are shocked when a live lockdown webcast of a safari game drive exposes them to the brutal reality of rhino poaching. A wily poacher disappears into thin air, confounding logic and baffling ace trackers Mia Greenaway and Bongani Ngobeni.

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umuthi by poachers. I’d also read about it in the media, and it seemed to me that it would be a fascinating topic to write and learn about. Did you have to research a lot? Yes, and probably more than any other subject I’ve covered in a book, to hopefully get it ‘right’ and be culturally sensitive. I spoke to a couple of academics and interviewed friends about their traditional beliefs. Poachers hunting rhinos in southern Africa will often visit an isangoma (a traditional healer) to buy umuthi – medicines

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poaching operators. You must be missing Africa, what with lockdown? Absolutely, but as I write this, I have just found out that my wife and I have been allowed to leave Australia, so we are on our way ‘home’! How was this storyline inspired by living in Oz? Like many people worldwide who couldn’t get to Africa, and many South Africans who couldn’t travel to the bush because of the pandemic, I got my wildlife ‘fix’ by watching live

books review webcast game drives from the Sabi Sand and other reserves online. It gave me an idea – what if, during one of these drives, the ranger and her tracker witness a poaching incident, and it goes viral. Have you written more or less? More! People worldwide have been reading like crazy, and publishers had a big year thanks to COVID. I’ve written two novels during lockdown and two non-fiction books. In addition, I’m about to start on a biography of a significant South African, and I think it will be of great interest to the Lowveld. Has lockdown influenced your writing style? At first, I thought it would be a struggle not being in Africa to get my inspiration. However, I found that I could maintain and forge some excellent personal connections by talking to people online and on the phone. I Iearnt that inspiration doesn’t just come from lions, elephants and rhinos; it comes from people. Any writing struggles? A lot of this book concerns African culture and traditions. The book would have failed if it wasn’t for some good, tough proofreading from some great women – the academic who gave me the story idea, and an editor at Pan Macmillan, who is a sangoma. I am sure you are already writing your next book – any teasers? The next book, my 20th, will see the return of another of my favourite strong-willed female characters, retired mercenary Sonja Kurtz. This time I’m tackling the issue of an abalone poacher, thanks to the help of some friends in Cape Town. The characters also make it to the bush, especially Nantwich Lodge in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, where my wife and I are shareholders. Anything to add? Over the last 18 months, I’ve learned that the old adage, ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’, is true. I have missed my African home in the Lowveld so much, it hurts. I can’t wait to get back to beautiful, warm, slightly crazy South Africa.

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A copy of Blood Trail. Simply Like & Follow Musemagazinesouthafrica on Facebook and Instagram and send your contact details to musemagazinesa@gmail.com and put ‘Tony Park’ in the subject Box. Closing date is November 15, 2021. Ts&Cs apply.

Blood Trail, R310, Pan MacMillan South Africa. tonypark.net

promotion Gaan Bos InniMall is a new, cultural, and interactive festival brought to you by i’langa Mall in partnership with Innibos. KORONA KIELIE Frank Opperman showcases his oneman show Steeds Donkie (Still Donkey), depicting the burnt out principal of Hans Oosthuizen High School. A hilarious production with fine observation, subtle commentary, and absolute compassion. Wynand van Vollenstee presents Geen salf te smeer (No Ointment To Apply). As if COVID has not punished the world enough, masks are not made for fat people! As a versatile theatre, film and television actor, Van Vollenstee brings something fresh to the stage with a collection of clever, funny sketches and interesting characters. Schalk Sing Sleg with Schalk Bezuidenhout and Wesley van der Westhuizen is a new show that combines Afrikaans stand-up comedy with razorsharp original songs and music. Margit Meyer Rödenbeck and Coenraad Rall on piano introduce Dowwe Dolla: Nou of Nooit (Dull Dolla: Now or Never) Dolla is en route to the Lowveld to say goodbye. She planned to hang up her stilettos in 2020 and sell her lollipop on Gumtree, but Auntie Corona and her cousin Nkosozana slightly delayed her. Tickets available from i’langa Mall Centre Management office 013 742 2293.

Discover a host of entertainment at your favourite shopping centre over three busy, full days. This is fun and excitement for the whole family taking place in a safe environment, adhering to all COVID-19 protocols. Gaan Bos InniMall offers a variety of entertainment to suit everyone. All performances and activities take place in the mall in and around your the shops and restaurants. Times vary from morning to evening shows. Special appearances and performances cost between R50 and R100. Visit www.ilangamall.co.za for the full programme.

gaan BOS

InniMall 23-25 Sept 2021

BOOK LAUNCHES & COOKING DEMOS Enjoy a morning of storytelling with Martie Naudé’s Die Padonkels van Hoekomsberg, Chris Daniels’ African Educational Stories and Louisette le Roux’s Die Avonture van Talita Tarentaal.

Marinda Engelbrecht introduces her new cookbook – Marinda Se Koskas (Marinda’s Food Pantry). Get tips on her favourite dishes. Susan Coetzer launches her new novel, Die Uil In Die Ysbos (The Owl in the Ice Forest). Get to know this South African actress, motivational speaker, and writer. Tickets available from i’langa Mall Centre Management office 013 742 2293.

MUSIC Two venues, three nights, do not miss out on this exciting musical line-up. Enjoy the festive vibes of guitarist and singer Loki Rothman, Vivid Paradox, saxophonist Wanda Zonke, Coenie Naude, Refentse, Majozi, Elvis Blue and Ross Learmonth. Book directly with participating restaurants. Details in the full programme on www.ilangamall.co.za

BUSKERS

There will be surprises, entertainment, and prizes around every corner at Gaan Bos InniMall. Look out for Wiebke Holm on accordion, a mysterious keyboard player, Jabulani from Puppetsula Entertainment, the Sweet Dreamers Marimba Band and Zippy and his merry band of clowns.

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promotion THE ACTING SCENE Sandra Prinsloo stars in Oskar En Die Pienk Tannie (Oskar and the Pink Auntie). Sad and funny all at the same time, Prinsloo shines in this timeless one-woman show. Watch Lizz Meiring in – Mooi Storie – Die Geskiedenis Van Skoonheid (The History Of Beauty). In this solo piece, multi-award-winning actress, writer, and director Meiring tells the untold, hidden stories of aesthetic history. Cleverly funny, surprising, unique, heartwarming and warm-hearted. Tickets available from i’langa Mall Centre Management office 013 742 2293.

ICE SKATING

FILM PREMIERE

FOR THE KIDS

Panarottis and the Bee Creative team will keep your kids very busy making all sorts of fun goodies. Get their creative juices flowing while having lots of fun with their friends. Tickets available from i’langa Mall Centre Management office 013 742 2293.

Kaalgat Karel premières in Ster Kinekor on 23/9. Rub shoulders with Francois Jacobs on the red carpet. The film is about the hilarious antics of Karel Venter, who is addicted to the excitement and attention he gets when he goes naked at sporting events. Enjoy the movie on the big screen from 24/09.

i’langa Mall and RocoMamas present Rock & Roll @ Ice Rink. So, dress to impress in your favourite 80s-style outfit and join us for an 80s disco with lots of prizes up for grabs. Tickets available from i’langa Mall Centre Management office 013 742 2293.

WORDS IN MY MOUTH POETRY SLAM Watch local poets battle it out to see who will be the king or queen of the rhyme.

Keep an eye on Facebook/ilangamall for the latest updates and promotions. All events strictly comply with COVID-19 prescribed, precautionary measures. T’s&C’s apply

ART Enjoy an exhibition of eight local artists displayed against a backdrop of culture and change. Artists include Ingrid Uys, Odette Saayman, Michael Heyns, Winston Thekiso, Zondi Skossana, Eric Manganje, Tony Friedrickson and Rueben Mpangane.

review books

Not all books are created equal foodiefaves The Medicinal Chef by Dale Pinnock: From TV chef and nutritionist Pinnock comes a guide to eating your way to better health. The recipes are centred around common ailments and illnesses. There’s the famous flu fighter - a one-pot wonder soup, which not only is a powerhouse against colds and flu but is also good for acne, arthritis, and high cholesterol. Problems with your digestive system? Why not try the banana and peanut oat bars or roasted beetroot wedges with avocado and horseradish? There is even a tummy tea. Fascinating and filled with advice on aiding critical bodily systems. R475, Jonathan Ball Publishers. Africola by Duncan Welgemoed: Welgemoed was born and raised in Norwood. His Portuguese heritage and the Jewish neighbourhood he grew up in was integral to his passion for cooking. His family moved to White River when he was in his teens. “I hated it there. It was hotter than the sun, and everything literally could and wanted to eat you.” His cooking career accidentally started in London, but it was in the Cotswolds he learnt the trade. Australia was next, and then came Africola, his own restaurant. This is a story about cooking and life and

him. A wonderful account of his life, its ups and downs. It’s real, it’s raw, and it gives back to the reader. Loved it. R355, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

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with a foreword by Marco Pierre White, you know it’s going to be special. Recipes include Peri Peri Chicken better than N@ndhoes, Beetroot Salad of the Gods, and Crying Tiger – “spicy, fragrant, bitter, and sour, just how I like my friends”, aka rare beef in lime juice salad. It is funny and provoking with some delicious food to boot. R460, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware: This is definitely my best book of lockdown. Rowan has been arrested for the murder of a child in her care. She writes to a lawyer to implore him to represent her, claiming she is innocent. Her letters reveal the story as it unfolds. Absolutely gripping, you will race to the end. R268, Penguin Random House.

legit Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey: Whether you are a fan of Matthew’s or just a fan of life, this autobiography is filled with adventure, mishap, and advice. As it follows his life – Matthew recounts how his experiences have led to various green lights – “go” signs, if you will, that he has observed and have led

Precious You by Helen Monks Takhar: Katherine is a magazine editor in her 40s. She is relatively jaded until she gets a new intern. Beautiful, talented and perky Lily. Soon she has a confidante at work, but Lily doesn’t want to be her friend; she wants her life – a power struggle to the end. R320, Jonathan Ball Publishers. The Nowhere Child by Christian White: Twenty-six years ago, Sammy Went aged two, vanished from her home in Manson, Kentucky, USA. Her family was torn apart by grief. Today, Kimberly Leamy is a photography teacher in Australia. She had a wonderful upbringing with two loving

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parents. However, she has just found out that she is Sammy Went. This is a serious read-through-the-night novel that will keep you guessing till the end. R385, Jonathan Ball Publishers. Apostle Lodge by Paul Mendelson: The Lodge is an awardwinning architectural masterpiece that overlooks Camps Bay, Cape Town. But the home is empty, abandoned and the ideal spot to hide a body. Colonel Vaughan de Vries must investigate the depraved crime committed within the house, and hurry as the killer is not finished yet. Explosive, uncompromising – if you love Deon Meyer, you’ll adore this book. Jonathan Ball Publishers.

chicklit And Now You’re Back by Jill Mansell: Didi and Shay had a teenage romance that ended abruptly years ago. Now Didi is engaged, and Shay is back in town to visit his dying dad. Emotions are high, long-lost secrets emerge and unlikely friendships blossom. You’ll adore this smorgasbord of characters and their journey to happiness. R355, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

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The Bone Code by Kathy Reichs: If you follow Temperance Brennan and her partner in crime and life, Andrew Ryan, you will thoroughly enjoy this storyline that follows the discovery of two bodies after a hurricane and an investigation into a cold case. R338, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

theclassics The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow: Calling all Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice fans. You will love this twist on the classic. Told by the middle sister Mary, this is her take on the world of the Bennett family. In her own words, Mary has neither the looks, charm nor wit of her sisters, which does not make for a suitable wife in 19th century Middle England. R304, Pan Macmillan.

Planting For Butterflies by Jane Moore: A small, charming guide to introducing butterflies into your garden. Wherever you live, Moore reveals how to create butterfly habitats, what you should be planting, and so much more to encourage the gentle flutter of wings in your space. R245, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

review beauty & style

A round-up of our FAVOURITE beauty, fashion, decor & homeware STUFF

Created with modern African women in mind, the proudly SA Boity Haircare Collection by Halo Heritage offers vegan-friendly, natural products. Black seed oil, vitamin E, shea butter, jojoba, coconut and argan oils keep hair healthy and hydrated. Available from Takealot, Superbalist and Clicks.

SOTHYS Detox EnergieTM is like Christmas for your skin. It boosts your skin’s resistance to the environment, reducing the impact of pollution, and preserving and increasing cellular levels. Silky and delicious to apply, it leaves skin looking luminous – we promise! R1095, available online at orleanscosmetics.co.za

The answer to our hot Lowveld summers is here. Meet Nuxe Crème Fraîche® de Beauté Mist, a 24-hr moisturising spray-on

cream. Enriched with Botanical Sweet Almond Milk, the light mist cloaks the face with a delicious scent of Orange Blossom. Keep it in your handbag to ensure sweet-scented, refreshing top-ups. R375, available from select Woolworths, Truworths and Foschini stores. And online at orleanscosmetics.co.za

Cape Island’s The Wild Coast Collection of body products and candles features a provocative mix of iris, black currant, wild jasmine, rich praline and patchouli. Made from natural, plant-based oils and free from nasties, they are super creamy, like every good lotion should be. Soft, moisturising and pure indulgence, gift your fave person or keep for yourself – you deserve it. Shop online at capeisland.co.za. Lowvelders can visit Kubili at Crossings White River.

Create waves with The Bluebeards Revenge Sea Salt Spray for men. Harnessing the natural properties of sea salt

minerals, a few spritzes help create textured surfer hairstyles. In addition, it’s vegan-friendly, packaged in recycled plastic, and the water-based formula makes it easy to wash out. R349, available at Sorbet Man.

wet n wild’s 10 Pan Eyeshadow Palettes offer 10 super pigmented shadows in one convenient spot. We love the colour mix, moving from nudes for the day to glitters at night. Gorgeous. R139.95, available from Clicks.

hanya house home to healing

wellness review

Hanya House is a functional medicine and holistic wellness retreat in White River, South Africa. Home to Dr Rav James’ new practice, Hanya offers functional medicine, life coaching, sound therapy, and specialist bodywork and massage services. Located in the old White River Golf Lodge, Hanya House has thrown its doors wide open and welcomes you into its beautiful space overlooking an expansive pool area and the White River Golf Course. Candice Buys is Hanya’s bodywork specialist. Having trained at a Condé Naste Traveler award-winning property, she is now Lowveld-based and works with Dr Rav to select personalised treatments and essential oils that support healing, detoxification, and stress relief. Now at MUSE, we love a massage. In fact, we have never met a massage that we have not liked except for maybe that time in India. We tried out the full-body organic coconut oil scrub. The Africology scrub is expertly applied in circular motions in a heavenly scented room filled with rose quartz and soothing music. This kind of treatment removes impurities and smoothes, softens and moisturises. And it is certainly a must to slough off winter skin. After a quick candlelit shower, the full body massage was next. The Functional Deep-Tissue Massage is ideal for those who prefer firmer pressure and require focus on areas of the body to release tight muscles and improve flexibility. By stimulating blood flow and facilitating lactate clearance, it will relax, lengthen and release holding patterns. Even feet and hands get the love and gratitude they deserve. We thought we had died and gone to heaven. Firm pressure and expert techniques meant we could literally feel the knotted muscles dissolve. In the end, we were relaxed yet invigorated. We cannot recommend this enough. But other treatments may entice… The Re-Earthing foot massage focuses on relieving tension and bringing the body into balance. The Great Pyramid massage is for the desk workers of the world. Focusing on the upper pyramid of the back, neck and shoulders, this massage is ideal for reducing stress and anxiety. Get in touch and discover relaxation at its best, (and not a panpipe version of I Will Always Love You in sight). hanya.house

hello, body! CANDI CE

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Ready for one of the lowveld's best massages? Quote "Muse" when booking a massage with bodywork specialist, Candice, at Hanya House this Sept, Oct, & Nov 2021, and get 10% off.

connect@hanya.ho e

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reviewhouse&home Woolworths 2021 Spring/Summer

homeware range brings us pops of green and blue, natural textures, durable fabrics, and sustainable products. We love the luxe bath towels and the new Zero Twist towel range from Studio. W, made from bamboo fibre, have a rich, velvety feel, and are hypoallergenic and antibacterial. Include a Tall Grass or Thlou laundry bin handmade locally to add an artisanal feel to your bathroom space. Woolworths.co.za

Everybody loves travelling, but no one enjoys the headache of packing. Creators of Cotton & Co, Maré Botha and Johanné Dreyer, experienced this time and time again and came up with a nifty solution. Cotton & Co will help you organise your life and packing, by providing specific bags to make those travelling frustrations disappear. Shopping bags, laundry bags, charger bags, dirty shoe bags, and so much more. Created in the heart of the Free State, these reusable eco-friendly cotton bags offer quality and cost-effective solutions for all your travel, closet, and gifting needs. Personalised, custom cotton bags are also available. Nationwide delivery, 083 281 8265, info@cotton-and-co.com

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WIN WITH COTTON AND CO

Three lucky readers each win a laundry, charger and shoe bag from Cotton and Co. Email your contact details to musemagazinesa@gmail.com and put ‘Cotton and Co’ in the subject box. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook/ musemagazinesouthafrica. Closing date is 15 November 2021. Ts&Cs apply.

Bike talk with Thulestore.co.za

• If your bikes or bike carrier line up with your exhaust, then use a heat shield to avoid the bike tyres and bike rack wheel holders getting burnt whilst driving. • Make sure there is no movement between bikes on a carrier – a bike protector can help here. • Use a Thule Carbon Frame adapter to ensure your carbon frame doesn’t get damaged. • Use rim protectors on the wheel straps to avoid scratching the rims. • Use a ladies frame adapter if your bike has an oddly shaped frame that doesn’t fit the bike carrier properly. • Always use a cable lock on bike carriers and platform carriers as an added safety measure. • Always fit the larger and heavier bikes closer to the vehicle with lighter bikes on the outside. • Check lights before a long trip, and use a light board if the lights and number plate are obstructed when using a bike carrier – this will avoid getting traffic fines. • If you are using a roof-mounted carrier, place your garage remote in the back of the vehicle so you’re forced to get out of the car to open the garage. This way, you won’t forget that the bikes are mounted to the vehicle. Thulestore.co.za

To make bath time one of the most exciting moments of the day, Hansgrohe has developed the Jocolino children's shower. Cute and colourful, the showerhead has a narrow handle for a good fit and offers two different spray types. Choose your favourite animal design – zebra, lion, or crocodile – and enjoy a shower safari. hansgrohe.co.za

designarchitecture

eco retreat Witklipfontein Eco Lodge is an exclusive game farm sitting on over 215 hectares in the Free State. One of the original farms of The Vredefort Dome – home of the world’s largest meteorite impact crater – the land is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Words Nicky McArthur

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backdrop is undoubtedly striking. The landscape encapsulates interesting geological characteristics, including hills, a kloof, and a spruit, while game like springbok, giraffe, ostrich, blesbok, kudu and impala roam freely. “The lodge was designed to blend in with nature as much as possible to not detract from the incredible beauty of the region and instead to add to it,“ explains lodge owner and Director of GLH Architects, Xavier Huyberechts. And the design is certainly a talking point. A masterclass in sustainable building methods, the architecture has won numerous awards to attest to this fact. “The architecture is a combination of traditional vernacular building techniques and modern minimalistic design,” says Xavier. “Witklipfontein aims to embody modern sustainability and is packed with simple and forgotten basic design and building techniques making it a showcase project in the field of green building.” Building an eco-lodge was important to Xavier and his wife, Carine, who both support building and living as sustainably as possible. “From the moment you arrive until you depart, your stay is completely off-grid,” explains Xavier. “Vegetables come from an organic garden, eggs from free-range chickens, and all water is spring water from our borehole. Living in harmony with nature and immersing yourself in it is an incredibly therapeutic experience that we hope to share with all who visit.” Eco-friendly aspects include Thermal Mass Temperature Modulation (replacing mechanical air conditioning), natural building materials like rammed earth and sandbag walls have been utilised, and a shutter system regulates heat gain and loss. The green roof provides a rainwater buffer, purifies the

The architecture is a combination of traditional vernacular building techniques and modern minimalistic design

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designarchitecture air, reduces the ambient temperature, regulates the indoor temperature, saves energy, and encourages biodiversity around the lodge. Solar power and water heating, borehole water, photovoltaic electrical production and gas appliances allow the house and its residents to live entirely off the grid. The build is almost cement-free. According to GLH, cement is one of the highest producers of CO2 emissions. Instead, recycled granite, offcut floors, and reclaimed wood were laid throughout. A natural pool completes the picture. Here, the marshland environment created in the regeneration pools cleans the water and acts as a permanent water source for the animals on the reserve. The raw use of natural materials creates warmth, and the panoramic views from all corners of the house allow nature inside. The décor is minimalistic, not needing to compete with the surroundings, and the colour palette complements the beautiful, rammed earth walls. Functionality was as important as design. Witklipfontein was constructed as a breakaway for the family. They needed to have a space that could accommodate friends, family and loved ones all together. “It was important during the design process that the home’s functionality should not be impacted at any point by the sustainability of the property,” says Xavier. “It is an escape from everyday life, and those who choose to visit leave rested, rejuvenated and reinvigorated.” witklipfontein.co.za

The colour palette complements the beautiful, rammed earth walls. 20

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The extensive English and French library is a book lover’s dream. “We encourage ‘unplugged’ holiday experiences, which have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in people of all ages.”

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designhome

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afro

scandi As family histories intersect on the site of this home north of Joburg, a subtle African internationalism has arisen in its simplicity and warmth.

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Although Eva Kavuma was born in Uganda, “I’m from many places,” she says. However, she has lived in South Africa since the first democratic elections in 1994, when she came to the country as a development consultant. The rest of her life takes in schooling in Kenya and the UK, university in the US, time in France learning the language, and, of course, all the travel she does for work. When Eva acquired a site at Monaghan Farm, an eco-estate on a farm north of Johannesburg, she asked her close friend, architect Anna Claude Bailey to design her house. Anna is married to Prospero Bailey, the developer of Monaghan Farm. His idea was to develop only three percent of the 1 260 acres of the land, so there was lots of vast open space and the farm’s natural beauty was preserved. “Eva was looking for a contemporary African home that wasn’t overtly ethnic,” recalls Anna. While it was to have local resonance, it needed to reflect Eva’s internationalism and her love of elegant simplicity. “I wanted something simple but beautiful,” says Eva. “I wanted pockets of green, and character that wasn’t superimposed or clichéd. I really wanted it to be earthy and warm, and to have our spirit.” (Our refers to Eva’s family – son Pablo, daughter Suubi, and stepdaughter Lindiwe). Eva didn’t want the house to impose on its surroundings. “There is so much beauty in what is natural,” she says. “If you don’t take advantage of that, I think you really miss out.” Anna, whose Danish mother passed on to her a love of the pareddown beauty of Scandinavian design, adds, “Eva and I coined the term Afro-scandi to describe the result.” The house’s defining feature is the 50m long and five-metrehigh rammed-earth wall that acts as the home’s ‘spine’. It is made almost entirely (87%) from material from the site. “It’s like pulling the earth into a vertical wall,” says Anna. Not only is it warm to the touch and tactile, but it also has symbolic power. “It’s exactly of its place,” she says. The living spaces are like “overlapping units clipped on to the spine,” Anna explains. “I didn’t want dead space, and I hate corridors,” says Eva. So this design creates pockets of space in its fluid, snaking circulation through a series of alternating courtyards and rooms. “The green spaces allow the house to breathe,” says Anna. “They’re the lungs of the house.” She adds that this arrangement creates a kind of intimacy that wouldn’t occur in a minimalistic ‘shed’. The house is positioned unobtrusively behind a row of (licensed) old gum trees, which once served as windbreaks on the farm. “They are like a row of messy, slightly dishevelled soldiers,” says Anna. But she adds that they anchor and hold the house, frame its view and lend it a sense of place. The fact that the house engages with them in this way adds to its rootedness.

designhome Architect Anna Claude Bailey and homeowner Eva Kavuma in the main living room. The rug is from Nanimarquina in Barcelona. The armchairs are from Weylandts, and the spider stool is from Ghana. The large artwork on the wall is by Ugandan artist Ian Mwesiga. Eva found his number on an art calendar when visiting Uganda and visited his studio outside Kampala.

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homedesign The large open-plan living area opens onto the stoep or deck. A hatch connects the kitchen and the dining room. Below sits a Turned Table server by Gregor Jenkin. The dining room table and chairs are from Weylandts. The artwork is by Paris-based Bruce Clarke, an artist with South African connections. Eva has visited him in his studio in Paris.“Once, when I received a bonus, I said to him that I was ready for a big piece, and he identified this one for me,” she recalls.

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A window seat and beautiful cupboard doors designed by Anna animate the area’s living space towards the bedrooms. “The window seat is really for Suubi,” says Eva. “She’s a huge reader.” The cupboard doors are made from two-thirds recycled timber from the builder’s shed and one third SA pine. Anna says she was inspired by a bench she saw in Buenos Aires using a similar idea. “I like the fact that it makes reference to something someone else has done before,” says Anna. “It’s important to acknowledge that we don’t do things first, and we don’t do them alone.”

designhome The guest bedroom is typical of the warm simplicity that defines the aesthetic of Eva Kavuma’s home on Monaghan Farm. The neutral screed floors are softened and given texture with a grass mat and cowhide. Next to the bed is a simple, modernist-inspired Sullivan table from Mezzanine in Johannesburg, topped with a lamp by Philippe Bousquet. Eva has one in almost every room in the house. The artwork leaning up against the wall is by South African artist Senzo Shabangu.

Its gentle impact on its surrounding is carried through into a broader sustainable ethos, from its rainwater harvesting tanks to its materials: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood doors and windows, eco cement, bamboo in the kitchen. In addition, Anna sourced alien-eradication poplar for other woodwork. She also designed beautiful cupboard doors using wood salvaged from the builder’s shed. The rooms are uncluttered but subtly softened and given warmth and texture with cowhide, grass mats, and, in front of the fireplace, a rug from Nanimarquina in Barcelona, handwoven in India. “I just needed something a bit rounder and more colourful and feminine here,” says Eva. The furnishings combine contemporary items – mainly cleanlined wooden designs – with carved African furnishings, more like functional art – a spider stool from Ghana, an Ethiopian headboard, a bed from Cameroon, doors from India. “I love African stuff, but I do mingle it with some Asian and others,” Eva says. In almost every room, there’s a lamp by Philippe Bousquet, a French former architect living in South Africa who creates expressive lights from recycled materials. The rooms are layered with fabrics, baskets, books and art. “I’m a bit of a collector of beautiful things,” says Eva. There are fabrics that Eva has picked up around the world. “I’ve got Ethiopian, Sengalese Ghanaian, Sri Lankan (I was in Myanmar for a month for work) and Indian,” she muses. The bookshelves in the library area are joined by family snaps, Pablo’s art and baskets. “I love baskets,” says Eva. “These are Ugandan and Kenyan.” The artworks are primarily by artists she’s made a point of meeting or visiting their studios, so they have a strong personal resonance. There are paintings from Cameroon, South Africa, Uganda and France, among others. There are plenty of books and family photographs and many pictures by Pablo, the resident artist. For someone from everywhere and nowhere, this house is at once rooted and personal – of its place, inhabitants, and world. “Once in a while, when I wake up here on a Sunday morning, I text Anna and just say, ‘I love my house,’” says Eva.

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Eva’s house is positioned sensitively and unobtrusively in the landscape. The primary cue for the house’s siting was a row of gum trees, “a relic from the past,” explains Anna, originally planted as a windbreak on the farm. The row of trees, all licensed, so they don’t have to be removed, anchors the house in the landscape. The house engages with the site’s history and creates a dialogue between past and present and between the home and its location.

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Celebrate your space Celebrate your space

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designhome

Eva’s bedroom includes a bathroom that leads to the courtyard and an outdoor shower. The bath looks out over the beautiful views. The shelves beneath the basin are stacked with fabrics that Eva has collected from Ethiopia, Senegal, Ghana, Sri Lanka and India.

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The carved front door is from India. “We toyed with the idea of a Zanzibari door,” says Eva, “but we realised it has become taboo because they are very limited, and people are yanking them out of beautiful old buildings.”

eat&drink

feastin&out

De Toren BOOK XVII 2019 showcases an exquisite new look. Placed in a specially handcrafted and sealed wooden display case with an iconic key that ensures the safekeeping of this rare collector’s item, each Bordeaux-style blend has been individually labelled and numbered by hand. With an ageing potential of 40 years plus, BOOK XVII promises to deliver optimal pleasure into the future. Shop online de-toren.com

The Old Packhouse Distillery is situated on a farm near Tzaneen in South Africa and produces artisanal gin. Only the finest ingredients are used in its handcrafted small-batch gin. In the range, discover Crystal, Blueberry, Valencia and Dragonfruit gin. All the gins feature juniper, coriander, caraway, iris germanica, angelica and fennel as their base ingredients. Blueberry is the flagship gin, four times distilled for purity and smoothness. Its colour is produced by anthocyanins found in blueberries. Valencia is citrus infused with a light orange note. While Double Gold went to Dragonfruit at the recent SA Craft Gin Awards. 082 804 2940, theoldpackhouse.co.za

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in&outfeast

Clay & Coffee is a new coffee shop and restaurant with a creative spin. While dining on light lunches or a decadent slice of chocolate cake, why not get painting? Clay & Coffee offers a variety of premade pottery items just dying to be decorated. Choose from plates and bowls, coffee cups and teapots; the blank canvas is yours to paint. Kids will delight in the fun pottery items they can get creative with, including soccer ball money boxes, dinosaurs, fairies, cats and pigs. Once you have chosen your desired piece, select your colours and your brushes. You will be given a paper sheet and a turning table to assist with your masterpiece and 1,2,3 go. “I wanted to bring this experience to the Lowveld where I grew up,” says owner Deirdre das Neves. “My passion is people, being creative, good coffee and food.” Located at Elmswood Estate, home to the furniture store on the Brondal Road, we recommend booking your table as it gets pretty festive on the weekends. There is also a delightful playground for younger kids. Tel 072 413 8162.

BOS Brands, the makers of organic rooibos-based products, has revealed their latest offering, BOSpresso®. This hot drink is a smooth, full-bodied organic rooibos espresso, an alternative to the usual tea and coffee, and it’s caffeine-free. Made with fine cut, organic rooibos, it is naturally sweet, with notes of honey. BOSpresso® comes packaged in a 750g bag and is prepared using traditional plunging methods. The Rainforest Alliance Certification ensures ethical and sustainable certification of products, biodiversity preservation and organic farming methods. R269.99, buy online bosbrands.com

feastin&out

A new world of South Africans don't know how good they've got it, and it's only getting better... It wasn't long ago that "white" or "red" were our only options. ‘White’ was a young, fruity Sauvignon Blanc. ‘Red’, a young, fruity blend of Bordeaux varietals. And while there was plenty of scope inside those categories (hundreds of generic Sauvis on the left and row after row of powerful paint strippers on the right), choice was an illusion. You could decide the brand, but the style of wine was limited. I'm delighted to announce that we've come a long way in this country. In recent years, the wine landscape has developed significantly. Not only are our wineries planting cultivars that are more conducive to their growing environment, but there's been a shift in the mindset of drinkers. Whites don't need to be fruity acid bombs, and reds don't need to be jammy showstoppers. There's a middle ground of wines that are fun, exciting, simple, complex, surprising and every other adjective you care to name. Keep an eye out for blends of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, and other grapes that are hard to spell. They're softening Sauvignon Blanc with old vine Semillon, and many of these wines are extraordinary. Also, they're making Chardonnays that don't taste like vanilla trees, so forget what you think you know about Chards and try some un-oaked versions. And while you're busy unlearning, know that it's unacceptable to say, "I don't like Chenin Blanc". There are almost six million Chenins on the market to suit every budget and every palate. It's so versatile that if you've ever liked wine, there's a Chenin out there for you. With a courtesy glance at the many excellent new rosé options (we'll get back to you this summer, pink friends), perhaps the most significant change has been the ongoing

shift in attitude towards red wines. Pinot Noirs, Cinsaults, Grenaches and even Syrahs are providing us with lighter, fresher options. Innovative winemaking methods have further enhanced this change. These refreshing red wines are great because they are perfect for so many more occasions, especially in sunny South Africa. Lighter reds are the business, and you should seek them out. Of course, the wheels of change are slower in some parts than others. It's taking a while for your local pub, restaurant and liquor store to catch up, and most supermarkets seem to be clinging to the past as though their profit margins depend on it. They'll catch up but in the meantime, this is what we're going to be doing at MUSE for the foreseeable future. I'll be introducing you to new varieties, new wines, new ways to find them and new places to enjoy them. We are blessed with such diversity in this country. Our wines are no different, and I look forward to discovering them with you. Recommendation: Track down the Natte Valleij Cinsault. Amazing juice; try to get your hands on it. It is bright, fresh, and goes down far too quickly. Perfect for any time quaffing, it will have you reimagining the role that red can play in your life. James Bisset is the Creative Director of www.newagency.co.za. When he's not sharing work with clients, he's sharing the wines of South Africa on his blog, allthewine.co.za

Chillen in Mozambik Peri-peri chicken livers – crispy fried squid heads – fried chorizo – prawn bilene – crispy battered halloumi fingers... Is your mouth watering yet? This is just a small sample of the starters available at the new eatery Mozambik, located at De Hallen shopping centre in Mbombela. Throw in prawns, curries, espetadas, mussels, grilled chicken, fish and more, and you still have not even scratched the surface of deliciousness available at Mozambik. Opened in April this year, the space is light and airy and pops with vibrance and colour. Wrought iron fixtures sit alongside expanses of glass and feature walls of red brick. Large wooden dhows suspended from the ceiling act as planters. Funky tile mosaics have been inlaid into the floor. The décor is pure beach bar sans sand but with a couple of palms thrown in for good measure. Check out the personally embossed paper table runners. Even the ceiling and light fixtures are cool. Sit outside on the deck surrounded by leafy treetops or grab a wooden booth inside for some extra comfort. We recommend booking on the weekend because the place hums. And it is also the place to be seen on weekday afternoons with sundowners galore on the menu. 087 057 3383, nelspruit@mozambik.co.za, mozambik.co.za

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The taste of escape Shop 6, De Hallen, 104 Ferreira St, Mbombela, 1201 | 087 057 3383

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’ let s

talk meat

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Whether it’s meat or vleis, this guide to the life force of most South Africans will impress. Food scientist and cookery author, Annelien Pienaar, has a passion for sustainable, top quality meat and her new book, Meat The Ultimate Guide, is her latest passion project. Part meat encyclopaedia, part recipe book, you will find everything you need to know and a lot you probably never considered. Each chapter is dedicated to a type of meat: the parts of that animal, cuts of meat, different methods of cooking like dry heat and wet heat, the ageing of the meat, its nutritional value, meat terminology and more. In the recipe section you will find meatloaf and rump steak with chimichurri sauce, pork neck roll with apple cider marinade and creamy chicken livers in peri-peri sauce. To our excitement, there is a whole chapter dedicated to marinades and sauces. Beautifully presented with easy-to-follow directions, this is a recipe book you want stocked in your kitchen! Annelien describes herself as a farm girl who grew up influenced by her mom’s hard-working and inventive cooking. Recipes on how to make boerewors, biltong, bacon, and different spice and herb mixes have all been passed down through the generations. “My cooking and my books are inspired by my childhood memories of growing up on the farm and, of course, my parents.” Annelien studied Food Science and Technology after school, which developed her interest in food even further, especially meat. “As a Food Science lecturer, we are compelled to write and plan content for textbooks. So we first start with in-depth research on the matter. Meat chose me. I have made meat a field of study for the past 10 years due to the lack of information supplied to the public via the Department of Agriculture.” Today Anneline lives with her husband, Hanru, on their pecan nut farm. Here she runs her culinary studio and provides training in the form of intimate, interactive classes on a variety of topics. She is a specialist in sourdough baking and cheese-making, which takes her all over the world assisting cheese factories and bakeries with training and problem-solving.

“Wys my jou vleis!”

Meat, R380, Human en Rousseau. annelienpienaar.co.za

in the hot seat

feastprofile Which recipe do you cook all the time for the family? Lasagne. Go-to for a dinner party? Duck breast with cherry sauce and tuilles. Recommendation on where to buy meat? Countryside butcheries. Thoughts on organic meat? I am a firm believer in organic meat, ethics and the sustainable production of meat. Favourite meat? Mutton. How often do you eat meat? Four times a week. What would you cook for a vegetarian friend? I have one vegetarian in my family and LOVE cooking for them. We have meatless days at our home, so I will make dahl with tofu or falafel with a nice dressing. Who else cooks in the family? Both my sons, 17 and 22, love time in the kitchen. Do you bake? Instead, ask when don’t I bake? Fave thing to bake? Weekly, I bake rusks, bran muffins, cakes and cookies. I have another book just for bakers. How do you like your steak cooked? Medium to rare with chargrilled veggies and a balsamic dressing. On the steak, I like my flavoured butter melted on top.

WIN

A COPY OF MEAT/VLEIS Like & follow Muse on Facebook/musemagazinesouthafrica. Email your contact details to musemagazinesa@gmail.com and put ‘Meat’ in the subject box. Closing date is 15 November 2021. Ts&Cs apply. 38

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recipefeast style

curry&coconut pork kebabs

If you prefer a meat dish with a bite, these Tabasco-flavoured kebabs from Annelien are just the thing for you. Directions. (Serves 6) 400ml coconut milk 45ml soy sauce 5-10ml Tabasco sauce to taste 15ml brown sugar 5ml salt 2.5ml ground white pepper 5ml masala 150ml condensed milk, cold 1kg leg or shoulder meat, cut in 3-cm cubes 12 rashers streaky bacon 30ml lemon and fennel salt Method Bring the coconut milk, soy sauce, Tabasco, brown sugar, salt, pepper and masala to a boil, and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to develop. Remove from the heat, pour into a glass bowl and add the cold condensed milk. Stir well and allow to cool to room temperature. In the meantime, soak 6 kebab skewers in cold water. Combine the meat with the coconut milk mixture and marinate for 1 hour. Thread the meat and the bacon, alternating, on the skewers. Grill on the braai until done (about 15 minutes) and turn often. We prefer to cook the kebabs in a hinged braai grid. Season with lemon and fennel salt and serve with a salad.

wanderlustbeach

beach Two destinations to choose from for your next vacay! Heléne Ramackers and her family move between beach and bush and discover two properties that are not only family-friendly but that ooze luxurious style.

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bushwanderlust

bush? With their ethos of reconnecting family, friends, nature and you, the Morukuru Family lodges offer the ideal bush and beach escape. Conveniently situated in the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape province and the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s northwest province, exclusivity lies at the heart of these properties. Words Heléne Ramackers Photos Morukuru

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A scenic drive from Cape Town of just over three hours takes you to the magnificent Morukuru Ocean House in the unspoiled 36 000-acre De Hoop Nature Reserve, where endless sea views welcome you. We were warmly greeted with song and dance by the entire team, made up of house manager and host Elliot, butler Blessing, guide Admire, chef KG, housekeepers Plaajie and Nomsa, maintenance team Lawrance and Reegan and kitchen assistant Akhanya. Ocean House accommodates up to eight adults and four children under 16. It is the ideal space for friends or families travelling together. Designed by Nick Plewman Architects with interiors by Janine Feikes-Butter, the authenticity of this beach dwelling is imprinted in the choice of colours, furnishings and fabrics. Each suite is sea-facing, with oversized beds, crisp white linen, smidgens of vibrance and dreamy bathrooms. Sit in a window seat gazing at the magnificence of the sea, and sip on a

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immerse yourself in the underwater magic of spotting starfish, sea anemones, octopus and whales frolicking in the bay

perfectly made cappuccino by your friendly butler. If you’re lucky, the resident eland might even make an appearance on the dunes outside. When it comes to dining, Chef KG has mastered the art of whipping up the memorable meals, catering to varying tastebuds and palates. We dined on Full English breakfasts, chicken Florentine and gourmet burgers poolside for lunch, lamb and beef fillet for dinner, and for the sweet-toothed among us, lemon cake and chocolate mousse made for a delicious end to a magical day. Nature drives in the De Hoop fynbos biome are a must, with sightings of gemsbok, eland, ostrich, herons, and various plant species. The marine walk at low tide is a great activity to immerse yourself in the underwater magic of spotting starfish, sea anemones, octopus and whales frolicking in the bay. Careening down the pristine natural splendour of the dunes, aka dune boarding, was a hit with all members of the family, And to end off a day full of wonder, a soak in the wood-fired hot tub watching the sun set.

wanderlustbush

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Head northwest, a four-hour drive from Johannesburg to a place where safaris beckon and fish eagles call. We stayed at the ultra-luxurious Owner’s House (sleeps two adults, two children). You can also choose from River House (accommodates six adults, four children under 16) and Farm House (houses a family of 10). The exclusive-use properties are situated in a malaria-free private concession in the Madikwe Game Reserve, the fifth largest game reserve in South Africa. When Morukuru owners, Dutch couple Anka and Ed Zeeman, decided to build a home away from home, Owner’s House came to fruition. Tucked under the leafy canopy of a Tamboti tree on the banks of the Marico River, the luxury aspect is evident in all areas, notwithstanding the fact that it still feels like a private home albeit with a team of eight staff at your service. Designwise, Owner’s House is a treat to behold. The prominent use of mustard accents and patterns are featured throughout the lodge. Textures are overlaid and the authentic stone walls and soft thatch roof complement the natural fabrics, woodwork, and carpets. Contemporary South African art is showcased in all the rooms, and heavily detailed furniture, various sculptures, and a gorgeous custom-made mustard leather and bead chandelier in the dining area create interesting focal points.

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bushwanderlust

Bedrooms portray the wow factor, and the custom-made, hand-woven headboards are inspired by the traditional basket weave of the Tswana culture in the Madikwe region. Cabinets are striking with the use of geometric shapes and stained-glass panels. Taking inspiration from the resident wild dogs, the bathroom vanities feature the texture and pattern of their coats, with strong black steel accents. The expansive outdoor deck is a favourite spot to sit in the afternoon under the dappled light of an ancient Morukuru tree. And as the skies darken, the fire pit is the place to be. Dining is also an experience. With fastidious training, the team of chefs offer a wide variety of meals, ranging from traditional, formal and nouvelle cuisine. Casual snacks on demand will ward off any munchies, and dining under the stars is a must. Twice daily safaris are on offer under the expertise of a private guide and tracker team. This is Big-Five territory, and we spent early morning drives tracking lions and the endangered African wild dog. Few things beat the thrill of finding a leopard in a tree or watching a herd of elephants swimming in the Marico River. Afternoon drives were accompanied by magical sunsets, a cold beverage and delectable game drive snacks. Game drives and sundowners or surfing and cocktail hour, these holiday destinations offer something for everyone. morukuru.com

peopleolympicadventures

on your marks 46

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olympicadventurespeople Olympic training and misadventures – we get the lowdown on Village life and more at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics from an Olympic physiotherapist – and he just happens to be a Lowvelder. Words Nicky McArthur

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Physiotherapist Kobus Maree considers himself a Nelspruit boy. This despite growing up in Joburg and spending a few years in Pretoria. He and his family wanted a lifestyle change and, like most of us Lowvelders, now considers the Slowveld his home. He specialises in the field of orthopaedic and sports therapy and has a practice in Mbombela. This specific physio lends itself to the Olympics, and Tokyo 2020 was Kobus’ third Olympic games. “The application process to attend the Olympics in a professional capacity depends on experience and specialty. The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee handle everything. If you are a young and new physio, you will start with lower-level games, then make your way up to continental games and finally international games. The Olympics are the ultimate games to work at,” explains Kobus. The South African Olympic team had a 12 person physio team. “Often the bigger countries can afford larger groups of physios. But our ratio of athletes to physios was not bad comparatively,” says Kobus. “Each physio is assigned an event or a group of events, and you are responsible for those athletes during their training and in the competition.” Kobus oversaw physiotherapy for the aquatic events. This included swimming, diving, and the artistic swimmers. Waterpolo teams have their own physio teams because the game is a contact sport, and more injuries occur. “I was also invited to help with some track events and climbing, which is new to the Olympic circuit and really interesting to watch. So, it was a busy time.”

A usual day It’s a demanding schedule. The team works seven days a week; there are no weekends off in the Olympics. “Our day typically revolves around the athlete. Most swimmers are up early for training, so we are up with them. You can get a quick breakfast and then it’s to the training venue. After training, you grab lunch and head to the clinic.” Each country has its own physio clinic in the Village. Athletes can pop in and out throughout the day, and the physiotherapists rotate hours. “Then it’s back to the swimming arena for the afternoon training session, and afterwards, if you are lucky, you can get in some exercise yourself.” Swimmers train twice a day, and training tapers down in volume and intensity as competition day gets closer. Marathon runners, race walkers, triathletes, and cyclists can train in the Village; otherwise, athletes are

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given specific training venues and time slots. “Your days get even longer when there is drug testing. This is totally random, but if one of your athletes is chosen for testing, you need to stay by their side. Testing happens indiscriminately throughout the event,” explains Kobus. “In fact, the top athletes are part of the Registered Testing Pool and must submit where they can be found. If officials come and test you in your room or in the Village and you are not where you are supposed to be, it’s an offence. Three offences in a year get you a ban, so it’s a serious business.” What’s involved Kobus and the team are on hand to manage injuries, muscle tweaks and more. “We are working with the top of the top athletes. They all have their own warm-ups and regimes. We help with warm-up massages, shake-ups and recovery massage too.” The Village houses

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a Poly Clinic (for all countries), which has a MRI machine, CT scanner, and a private orthopaedic surgeon on hand to handle any serious injuries. “This is amazing to have right there. We can send any athlete immediately for scans if we suspect something more serious. There is always quite a volume of injuries across the Village. They are super busy.” Luckily Kobus’ athletes avoided any significant injuries. “These usually go to the bigger contact sports,” explains Kobus, “like water polo, wrestling, boxing, and rugby.” Events “I love watching the swimming events,” says Kobus. “You are more invested in the sport you are working on because you are part of their team. I also have a running background, so I enjoy athletics. And I climb a little and climbing made its debut at the Olympics and is a great spectator sport.” He finds the artistic

There are no weekends off in the Olympics

people

during these games, screens were set up in front and to the sides of diners, which made conversations harder. “Typically, the physio rooms are the most sociable place to be in-between events. Even for athletes who don’t need treatment,” says Kobus. “It’s always been the place to hang out. But COVID made that difficult. It put a damper on meeting spots. These games were COVID and the Village The Village is home to the athletes and is their pleasant, but it’s harder to be social with the COVID restrictions.” place to relax, meet and engage. Inside, you Athletes were also restricted in their time will find the main dining room, canteen-style. in the Village. You could arrive seven days There is also a casual dining area to sit and before your competition. This helps with enjoy Japanese food. There’s a Relaxation acclimatizing to new time zones and climate, Zone with massage chairs, compression but you had to leave the Village within 48 garments, and table tennis. It’s also not a dry hours after your event. And if you didn’t zone. But according to Kobus, it was hard to qualify, you had to leave immediately. “There find a beer. was less time to celebrate and relax with the Inside the Village, restrictions were stringent. For example, masks were worn 24/7 different athletes from around the world this time around,” says Kobus. “You also couldn’t except when eating. The main dining room leave the Village except to train or to attend is usually the social hub of the Village but events very interesting too. “They offer a completely different dynamic to the Olympics in terms of their performance. On the day, it’s a quick event, but these athletes are so strong, and they are training up to 10 hours a day over 18 months. You can’t quite see that from watching it on TV.”

peopleolympicadventures

your event. Furthermore, you could only get into the venue that hosted your event, so there was no exploring Japan or discovering other parts of the Olympic games,” explains Kobus. (Except for the lucky medical staff, who had all-access passes.) And yes, you heard right, the beds were made from cardboard. “It’s all to do with Japanese recycling, although I don’t know how the weight limit wasn’t reached with some athletes,” laughs Kobus. “You always hear about the shenanigans. But I’m old and married, I didn’t see it. The rules this year made it harder too. Before your event, you want to train and perform at your best, and then after your event, you had to go home.” But in some ways, COVID also made things easier. “For one thing,” says Kobus, “Comradery was everywhere and at an all-time high. Many athletes tried to be at their countrymen’s events, and it was not

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uncommon to see signs that said, ‘I’m his roommate!’ in the stands. Athletes get access to the competition venue they are competing in. But you could sneak into some venues. We were lucky, medical staff get access to most stadiums.” COVID regulations also made it less intimidating for first-time Olympic athletes. The competition venues were relatively empty, which in a way made it easier for them, less daunting.” Drama? “You are always going to have the big guys who thrive on controversy and crowd support, but for the most part, the Village was quiet this year,” says Kobus. “You had your token appearances from some of the better-known athletes like the number one tennis guys. People queue up for a photo and a signature, but all athletes stay in the

people

Comradery was everywhere and at an all-time high

Village. There is no special treatment. South Africans tend to socialise more easily with New Zealanders and Canadians. While we found the Americans and Ozzies less approachable.” “The more senior athletes are very social. They are well travelled and have an international community. They have been competing together for a long time so there are lots of friendships too.” Favourite moments & challenges “It’s such an honour working with and getting exposed to this level of athletes in such a broad sporting environment. These are the best of the best in all fields. It is great to see their routines, and different training methods,” says Kobus. But obviously, everyone has a bad day, he explains. “We all had a bad stretch. You get back late. You hardly have time to sleep

before the next event. It happens, there are busy stretches and sleep is lacking. It can be taxing but everything is catered for at the Village. If you need a meal at 3am, it is there for you, which makes it much easier.” “There are so many great memories,” smiles Kobus. “But one of my funniest must be the reaction of the Australian coach, Dean Boxall, when his team won gold. He has become a celebrity himself. You must check it out. And then of course we are so proud of Tantjana and Bianca’s medals.” The team are now home, back into the swing of life and for Kobus, back to his wife and two daughters and overseeing his busy practice. “Oh yes, and I am training for the 100mile Cederberg Traverse in a few weeks. But unfortunately, the Olympics has severely interfered with my training schedule,” he laughs.

people style jacaranda fm

wakey wakey Jacaranda’s Breakfast with Martin Bester has just won Best SA Breakfast Show, and it’s been busy shaking up its team. MUSE CHATS TO THE show’s captain, joker, and muso, Martin Bester, princess and fashionista, Liesl Laurie, and the new family man of the show, Xola Ntshinga. From sidestepping the technical knocks lockdown threw at them to early wake-up calls and dealing with ‘those’ callers, the team tells us how it is. How has lockdown changed radio? Martin: Obviously, over hard lockdown, we had to work from home. It was challenging, but we adapted quickly. Most people couldn’t tell the difference. Our content was certainly more info heavy. People had to be informed and entertained at the same time. How do you broadcast from home? Martin: Jacaranda’s technical team came and set up at our homes. We had microphones and comms set up and we had Zoom running so we could see each other. Xola: It’s become super simple. I’d hazard a guess that you could do a good job on a smartphone with a mic these days.

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jacarandafmpeople Are you in your PJs? Martin: I need to wake up in the morning. I need to follow my routine whenever I’m working. I shower, and get dressed; I need to keep a routine to keep up the energy, as I am not a natural morning person. Liesl: Yes! I wake up, shower, and put on my ‘breakfastshow-onesie’ – the one that’s waiting for me, not the same PJ’s I woke up in! Ha-ha! Did anything funny happen working from home? Martin: When my dogs finally realised I was home, they interrupted the entire show. Listeners loved it. Xola: I have two very inquisitive little girls, so the answer is yes. Multiple times.

What is your fave part about being a member of the breakfast team? Martin: I want to see everybody step up, especially during these times. So, I pressure my team to keep going, not let the energy drop and keep interest going. Now is the time to shine. People rely on us for entertainment and for info. I’m proud of the team for making it work in the strangest of times. We keep each other motivated. We have a solid team on and off-air and we are professionals. Liesl: I get to be the queen! As a former Miss SA, I am a #ForeverQueen. I’m also the team’s baby, so I get the extra goodies or get away with switching off the aircon. Xola: Knowing that I am part of a team that effects real change is a phenomenal privilege. Even through the darkest days, spreading joy and helping people smile is an

I’m happy if people disagree with me

Martin

How has lockdown affected you personally? Martin: The radio side is one thing. But I’m also a musician with a band. We travel and perform, and it was hard not being able to. It was difficult to watch my band members not performing or being able to show off their talent. Obviously, the financial side affected everyone. I did get the opportunity to write more, and we did some online stuff. But now that lockdown has lifted, we grab any chance to perform. It is a huge part of my life, and I cannot wait for more festivals and shows to open. Liesl: It affected me positively as it brought me closer to my mother – we ended up in lockdown together, which gave us precious time. Xola: It’s forced me to reconsider what I think is important. I have reached out to long lost friends and family, and my priorities have shifted. Good things about lockdown? Martin: I am a huge music lover. I write, perform, and record, so I had more time to do this. It is interesting to see the music that came out of these times. It’s very reflective. Musicians are away a lot, and so if anything, they were forced to be home and hang out with their kids, which was good. For me, I hung out with my animals and did stuff around the house as I had just moved. I became handier! Xola: Coffee, all the time. I’ve also become so much more involved with my kids.

honour afforded to few, and having a voice and an opinion is also a rare opportunity and I’m humbled by that. How do you get up so early and still act so happy on air? Martin: It’s a conscious effort. I’m not a huge morning person. I have my coffee and get my head around the day. Our team’s first-morning meeting helps get us ready. I’m not a person who wants to wake up at 4am and go to the gym but I’m disciplined. I don’t go out much during the week; it’s early to bed. There’s a lot of pressure working for a big station. You can’t do it if you are not disciplined. So, what time do you wake up? I push it till 4.15! Liesl: I won’t lie – it is hard, and I do press snooze about three times, but we don’t need to act. By the time you hear us on-air, we’ve been up a while, and our naturally jovial and gregarious personalities are present. Waking up is hard; being on air is exceptional. Xola: Coffee, coffee, coffee. Jokes aside, it is easy to lift oneself up for the responsibility of being on the platform. Have you watched The Morning Show? Martin: Yes, that’s hectic. TV guys need a lot of prep, makeup etc. But radio is no longer just behind the mike? Martin: Yes, we do videos and live streaming, so you must look okay. Most of us guys can get away with just a dab

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I put on my breakfastshow onsie

Liesl

here and there of powder. Guests make an effort so often I have to too. And I had to step it up as my team always looks so good. Do you feel like you miss out on anything? Martin: I miss a lot of evening jols, and I definitely miss out on sleep. When I’m on leave, I love sleeping in. Even until 6.30am is a huge treat. But it is such a privilege doing a morning show. I appreciate my job. Liesl: I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. By 9am, we’re done with the show, and I can meet up for a late breakfast. I’m a brunch kind of girl anyway! Xola: I miss the morning school run and some family moments. But I am still in awe that my girls get to hear me in the mornings. Favourite musician? Martin: Music is my life. It makes my life better. I love different music for different moods. I just had a braai at home because I was on leave, and I was in a mellow mood, so I listened to War On Drugs. When I’m on the road with my band, who are hard rock and metal fans, we listen to music like Twelve-Foot Ninja. Other days I catch up on classic rock. Liesl: Martin Bester, Olivia Rodrigo, and I’ve fallen in love with Taylor Swift again, especially her last two albums. Xola: It’s impossible to equate Pyotr Tchaikovsky to Bob Marley or The Roots with Drax Project for me. Favourite series? Martin: I absolutely love Breaking Bad. Amazing. The Morning Show, Veep, 13 Reasons Why, Homeland, I’m waiting for the new season. I also love documentaries. Liesl: Greys Anatomy. How can we support musicians during these trying times? Martin: Stream their music, watch their music videos. It

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costs almost nothing to listen to and to share with your friends. It’s entirely possible to support musicians at little cost. Sharing is caring! Xola: Log in, download, and listen. Does SA’s political landscape ever affect your show? Martin: Our show is incredibly in touch with what is happening around us. It’s an integral part of the show. We talk about everything that is going on. We discuss daily issues before the show. Then, if it is relevant to the audience, we cover it in our own way. We are not a news station or talk station, but we need to be in touch. Personal fave part of your show? Martin: Being a musician and music lover, I love Friday Live. We have a catch-up and have some fun. And then Good Morning Angels on Wednesdays is always close to my heart. Liesl: Good Morning Angels, giving away money and gifts and generally making our listeners’ day. Xola: The live call-ins. Can you play any music you like? Martin: Um, no! The music is well researched. It’s what the audience wants to listen to. If you could play the same song every day for a week – what would it be? Martin: My new single Lily. That was easy, ha-ha! I wrote that song during lockdown, and it reflects what it was like

jacarandafmpeople for me. I would also play Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds. It is so uplifting. Liesl: Iris – Goo Goo Dolls Xola: Friday – Riton, Nightcrawlers Which guest on the show would leave you speechless? Martin: So many exceptional musicians. Bono. Robert Plant, Elton John, and if alive – Freddie, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison. Stevie Nicks has quite a story to tell. Even younger artists, I will always be a fan and awestruck. Liesl: Michelle Obama or Oprah – I’d just like to be in the same room with these inspirational women. Xola: As much as it is easy to get starstruck, ordinary people always have extraordinary stories. Any celeb you were unimpressed with? Martin: The bigger fan you are of someone, the bigger chance to be disappointed. For example, I interviewed Jack Black in Cancun. He was really laidback after doing so many interviews; he looked disinterested. But then he found out I was from Joburg and wanted to know if I knew Die Antwoord; he just loved them. Interviewing Jamie Foxx was also disappointing – he only wanted to chat about Oscar Pistorius. How much of the show is scripted? Martin: None of it is scripted. Planned, yes, in terms of prep and structure. But it’s flexible and can be spontaneous.

Have you ever got into trouble over something you have said on air? Martin: Ja! I can’t get into it right now. But people disagree with me weekly. The latest was a group of anti-vaccers. I’m opinionated but tactful. I’m happy if people disagree with me. It would be dull if they didn’t. Liesl: Yes! Xola: No. How do you deal with difficult callers? Martin: I love it. It adds spice to the morning. Our callers really make our mornings. They are highly entertaining, and it would be boring if everyone was polite and normal. But, I have been doing it for long enough to take everything in my stride. I just don’t humour rude or hateful people. Xola: Best to let them have their say and move on. Anything to add? Martin: We have an incredibly dedicated team of people who work on the show. But let’s be honest, the listeners of Jacaranda make the show. They are so generous – just look at the Morning Angels. They trust us with their stories, even intimate stories, and they are also very entertaining. We also have fun, enjoy what we do, and enjoy each other as a team. It makes a difference, and I hope people hear it. Breakfast with Martin Bester, 94.2, weekdays 6am-9am.

Coffee, coffee, coffee... Xola

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