Sanlam Reality - Autumn 2019 by Machine_

www.sanlamreality.co.za • Autumn 2019

Don’t worry, be unhappy DEBUNKING THE HAPPINESS MYTH

wealth

How to recessionproof your life

travel

9 Animal migrations worth travelling for

wellness

Understanding ADHD

debate

Investigating the impact of decriminalising marijuana

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Autumn 2019 On the cover

I NVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF DECRIMINALISING MARIJUANA 12 DON'T WORRY, BE UNHAPPY! 30 HOW TO RECESSION-PROOF YOUR LIFE 22 UNDERSTANDING ADHD 46 9 ANIMAL MIGRATIONS WORTH TRAVELLING FOR 6

Also inside

9 WELLNESS 17 BEHIND THE BLACK MIRROR Find out about the danger lurking in your social media newsfeed 20 MAKE YOUR WORKSPACE A HAPPY PLACE! Give your everyday desk a makeover 27 WEALTH 34 THE CAREER MYTH Life-changing career shake-ups to inspire 38 FUTURE TECH YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Innovations that will transform our world 43 TRAVEL 50 48 HOURS IN DUBAI Got a layover? Put it to good use! 52 6 UNUSUAL PLACES TO STAY IN SA Quirky local spots to rest your head 57 ENTERTAINMENT 60 10-MINUTES DISHES All under R500! 64 5 MINUTES WITH... Chaka Khan 67 REAL WORLD New benefits for you, and more!

Win 1 of 100 prizes worth R13 000! PAGE 33

contents

We l c om e

Photography: Adam Letch, Shutterstock, Kirsten Mackrill, supplied

What makes you happy? It’s a big question, and one that likely has more than one answer. I’m happy up a mountain savouring stunning views; I’m happy behind my desk, getting stuck into an exciting project. I'm also happy tucking into ice cream just about anywhere. So how do I understand what really makes me happy? Perhaps the answer is as simple (and liberating) as: who knows? Perhaps there is no one thing. There’s something profound about learning that you may never attain happiness, but that you'll encounter experiences of it. For many of us, this is a counter-cultural idea. In the words of Harvard University’s Daniel Gilbert: “Happiness is not a place we can live. It is a place we can visit. We may learn how to visit it more often and how to stay longer, but the waxing and waning of happiness is natural and inevitable.” Read more on p12; it’ll set up your year in a new way! In the spirit of exploring happiness – and mindful of the

Sanlam Reality is the loyalty programme of the Sanlam Group and its strategic partners. The programme helps members to make the most of their money in a way that’s honest, meaningful and real. Sanlam Reality empowers its members to make responsible financial choices and enables them to live their best financial lives possible. All because Sanlam Reality believes that taking care of your money should be rewarding.

SANLAM REALITY PROGRAMME Head of marketing and communication Francois Uys Communications manager Lucille Moore Communications coordinator Hasina Khan SANLAM REALITY CALL CENTRE Telephone 0860 732 548/9 Email info@sanlamreality.co.za Website www.sanlamreality.co.za REAL FUTURES (PTY) LTD Real Futures is a wholly-owned Sanlam Ltd company managing the Sanlam Reality Programme for the Sanlam Group. Chairman Ahmed Banderker Directors Gary Allen, André Larisma, Theesan Moodley, Jan Steenkamp Company secretary Ulishia Baijnath

impact financial strain can have on our wellbeing – don’t miss out on ‘Recession-proof your life’, p30. Even better, throughout this issue there are tips galore to make the most of your Sanlam Reality benefits. Hello, rewards and savings your budget will love! Then turn to p34, where four entrepreneurs share how they made career-360s, transforming their lives in the process. It’s proof that it’s never too late to do what sets your heart on fire. After all, isn’t that what makes life truly rewarding? SARAH BROWNING-DE VILLIERS, EDITOR

Our contributors

PUBLISHED BY NARRATIVE FOR SANLAM REALITY EDITORIAL Editor Sarah Browning-de Villiers Email mag@sanlamreality.co.za Sub-editor Samantha Luiz Contributors Christine van Deemter, David Nutt, Hemant Nowbath, Katelyn Allegra, Kirsten Mackrill, Lynette Botha, Nicci Botha, Sam Newdigate, Tanya Meeson, Tracy Lynn Chemaly PRODUCTION Head of production Nicky Scheepers Traffic manager Ashleigh Tremearne CREATIVE Creative director Christelle Grobler Art director Marisa Steyn NARRATIVE Managing director Gareth McPherson Business unit director Lauren Brabant Chief content officer Sarah Browning-de Villiers Senior account manager Soni Siwela CAPE TOWN HEAD OFFICE Tel: 021 487 9100 Email: mag@sanlamreality.co.za 50 Harrington Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town, 7925 PO Box 16258, Vlaeberg, Cape Town, 8001

All content and pricing correct at time of print.

TRACY LYNN CHEMALY Chemaly worked in SA’s design industry before following her spirit of adventure and relocating to Mexico. So she could relate when, for this issue, she spoke to entrepreneurs who changed their lives’ directions. [+] See more in the feature on PAGE 34.

CHRISTINE VAN DEEMTER South African writer/copy editor van Deemter resides in Dubai, where she works for Vogue. She writes about why Dubai is worth visiting: “It has thriving arts and foodie scenes; it’s not just malls and camels.” [+] See more in the feature on PAGE 50.

Published by Narrative. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owners, Narrative Media Group, Harrington Street, Cape Town, 7925. Printed by Paarl Media. While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers, the editor, proprietors (Real Futures (Pty) Ltd) and publishers cannot accept responsibility for any damages or inconvenience that may arise from incorrect information.

Printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests.

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AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

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member interviews

MEET THE MEMBERS YOU TELL US WHY SANLAM REALITY IS

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TALITA VAN DYK FROM EQUESTRIA, PRETORIA REALITY Core MEMBER

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NOKUTHULA MAHLANGU FROM SUNNINGHILL, JO’BURG REALITY Plus MEMBER

“It makes my life a whole lot easier” My Sanlam Reality benefits are great! The rewards I receive help to improve my financial and physical wellbeing. As I’ve been trying to live a more active life, I took out a membership with Planet Fitness, and the gym benefit allows me to live a healthy lifestyle without breaking the bank. “Any night can be movie night” Family movie nights at the cinema are amazing thanks to Sanlam Reality. Whenever there’s a movie or even a concert I’m interested in enjoying, I know I can use my Sanlam Reality benefits to check them out affordably. “Travelling has never been this fun” Sanlam Reality has also changed my travelling experience. Whenever I travel, I always make sure to use the Tempest and Mango benefits. I get lots of discounts when booking accommodation, flights, and car hire – without any hassle. It all makes travelling so much easier. AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

the other side of reality

DECRIMINALISING MARIJUANA: Which side of the debate are you on?

In 2018, the Constitutional Court ruled that criminalising personal, private use of marijuana by adults is unconstitutional and invalid. We asked experts on either side of the debate the question: marijuana – gateway drug or medical marvel?

PROF DAVID NUTT, FMEDSCI Edmond J. Safra professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London.

“CANNABIS AS A MEDICINE: THE EVIDENCE IS OVERWHELMING” Cannabis is probably the oldest medicine in the world; we have evidence of it being used over 4 000 years ago. More recently, people from across the social spectrum have benefited, from Queen Victoria – who used it for her period pains – to everyday members of SA society who obtained it from local healers. Cannabis stopped being embraced as a medicine largely because of the US-initiated War on Drugs in the 1970s, which entertained the belief that by stopping medicinal use, this would reduce recreational use.

Almost all the world followed the US’ lead, largely due to their global influence. This approach has failed spectacularly: in the subsequent four decades, across all Western countries the number of recreational cannabis users has increased 20-fold. The real victims? The patients who were denied access to a proven medicine, and forced to resort to breaking the law to access cannabis therapy. The other victim was research around the drug, which nearly ceased. Despite this, individuals

have continued to use cannabis products and reported significant successes, especially in areas such as multiple sclerosis, AIDS, neuropathy and epilepsy. Now in many countries, including Holland, Canada, the situation has been rectified and medical cannabis is available legally. Why? Because governments are opening their eyes to the evidence that cannabis has many medicinal uses.

“Cannabis is a democratic medicine that grows well in SA.” In 2017, the American Academy of Science published a comprehensive report cataloguing efficacy in a range of diseases including cancer, AIDS, PTSD, addictions, cardiovascular disease and

WHAT DOES THE LAW CHANGE MEAN?

1 The personal use, cultivation or possession of marijuana, in private, is not a criminal offence. 2 It remains illegal to deal marijuana or use it in public. 3 The Constitutional Court ruling suspended the order of legal provisions which criminalised personal, private use of marijuana by adults. However, many details are yet to be defined – for example, how much marijuana an adult may use in private, and the age restriction for legal use. Following the Constitutional Court’s ruling in September 2018, Parliament has been given 24 months to amend the law, during which time they must provide clarity around questions like this. 4 Remember: “The use of cannabis in public or in the presence of children or non-consenting adults is not permitted,” confirms Gavin Stansfield, director at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr.

REALITY AUTUMN 2018

gut diseases such as Crohn’s Disease. The German health board has recently approved reimbursement from the insurance system for the use of cannabis in over 50 medical indications. For South Africa – the country that once led the world in transplantation medicine – to deny this growing body of evidence seem perverse. I presume it reflects a political polemic that has railed so loudly

against recreational drug use that it has obliterated rational thinking about the needs of people suffering disorders for which current treatments are inadequate. It may also be a residual effect of complying too closely to the US federal position. Cannabis is a democratic medicine that grows well in SA. For the sake of the millions who will benefit from medical cannabis, I suggest that the recent decriminalisation of the drug – and moving even further to legalise its use in medicine – should be embraced. www.sanlamreality.co.za

HEMANT NOWBATH Psychiatrist and president of the South African Addiction Medicine Society (SAAMS).

“’DECRIMINALISATION’ DOES NOT MEAN ‘SAFE’” The flurry of interest generated by the Constitutional Court’s move to ratify the decision of the Western Cape High Court, decriminalising the recreational use of cannabis, has consumed newspaper space. It is unfortunate that many of those who have contributed vociferously to the debate have done so without having treated a single patient. Addiction is a complex medical problem. The ignorant and ill-informed have taken ‘decriminalisation’ to mean ‘safe’. Evidence exists for the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes for a few defined medical conditions including glaucoma, neuropathic pain and as an analgesic and anti-emetic in patients on chemotherapy. There is no evidence, however, for any benefit from the use of recreational cannabis. All the literature indicates that it causes a range of physical and mental health problems. Cannabis is addictive and its

use may lead to dependence and withdrawal. Withdrawal presents with irritability, agitation and anxiety and may include physical symptoms like pain and sweating. Cannabis intoxication may lead to disturbed levels of consciousness, altered perception and behavioural problems. The risk of injury is increased as a result

who use cannabis. The rates of depression and anxiety are higher. Cannabis may induce a psychotic disorder marked by delusions, hallucinations, disorganised behaviour and a loss of touch with reality. It’s also known to lower the age of onset for Schizophrenia. Cannabis may cause acute cardiovascular effects – increased heart rate and blood pressure – leading to myocardial infarction and stroke. Respiratory problems include chronic bronchitis. Decriminalisation of the recreational use of cannabis in private spaces presents numerous challenges and could lead to increased rates of addiction, and aggravate the psychiatric problems

DAGGA & SPORT: WHAT’S THE DEAL?

Following the Constitutional Court’s ruling, the South frican Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS) was quick to share this tweet:

“Decriminalisation presents numerous challenges.” of problems with motor co-ordination. Driving ability may be impaired. Adolescents who use cannabis may sustain damage to areas of the brain associated with learning and memory. This stems from impaired neural connections and may lead to poor school performance. A range of psychiatric conditions occur with increased incidence in those

caused by cannabis. In a society marked by inequality, the poor, who don’t have medical aid and lack access to rehabilitation facilities, will suffer most. Sensational anecdotal reports are no substitute for sound clinical- and evidencebased knowledge that ought to govern decision making. Decriminalisation may spell disaster for an already over-burdened mental health service.

WHAT DOES POSSIBLE MARIJUANA USE MEAN FOR MY POLICIES?

“The fact that cannabis has been decriminalised does not change how we underwrite for it or how we assess claims,” explains Karen Bongers, a risk expert at Sanlam. “At underwriting stage we ask questions around prescribed treatment for medical conditions as well as the use of recreational drugs. “At claim stage,” she continues, “our policy wording for non-death benefits states that we will not admit claims resulting from taking drugs or medicine not according to medical prescription.”

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AUTUMN 2018 REALITY

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wellness

Shape shifter

Geometric shapes have the potential to shift our state of mind: triangles are associated with reducing stress; squares can provide a sense of comfort. Harness this power via artwork. Start with a piece by Cape Town-based Andrzej Urbanski, whose work is typified by geometric shapes, which heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continuously experimenting with to seek the ultimate sense of balance and resolve. www.everard-read.co.za

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AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

wellness

Ways to make the most of your gym contract WITH WINTER ON THE HORIZON, IT CAN GET HARDER TO MOTIVATE YOURSELF TO GET TO THE GYM. BUT A FEW SIMPLE SWITCHES CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE – START WITH THESE IDEAS.

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REALITY AUTUMN 2019

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! y a l p s s e r P Find the right music playlist for your mood.

IF YOU WANT TO… Calm down the kids Try playing reggae. According to some studies, reggae’s pace mimics a natural, resting heartbeat making it wellplaced to help reduce elevated (read: hyper children’s) heart rates. Revise for an exam Baroque music has been attributed to speeding up learning and enhancing long- and short-term memory. Researchers put it down to its typically slow adagio movements – around 60 beats per minute. Try listening to works by composers including Bach, Scarlatti and Handel.

Photography: courtesy of Andrzej Urbanski and Everard Read Gallery, Shutterstock

Uber is a convenient, affordable alternative to driving. Here’s how to ensure it’s safe, too. www.sanlamreality.co.za

Encourage creativity According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, ambient noise at a volume of 70 decibels, without lyrics, helps improve your mood, productivity and creativity. Try tracks by pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi – his pieces are subdued enough to not be distracting, but uplifting enough to be inspiring.

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USE YOUR BENEFIT

Stay safe when catching an Uber

Get pumped before a big pitch Pick songs with lyrics that match what you want to achieve, for example, I Feel Good by James Brown. According to researchers from the Netherlands, listening to songs with prognostic lyrics can help generate a self-fulfilling prophecy. Keep to a shuffle setting – randomness has been correlated with dopaminerelease increases, which helps get you pumped.

Request your ride from inside Avoid waiting outside for your Uber to arrive, phone in hand, where you’re more vulnerable to theft. Order your Uber, track your driver’s arrival on your phone, and step outside to meet them once they’ve arrived.

Triple check the number plate Your Uber app will show you the car model and number plate for your driver – triple check these are correct before getting into a waiting car.

Riding solo? Sit at the back Not only does sitting in the back create a greater sense of personal space, but it also provides the option to exit on either side of the car if needed.

Don’t reveal too much personal info Many Uber drivers are brilliantly interesting and keen to make you

feel comfortable, which is wonderful. Just be cautious of sharing too much personal info – you are, after all, talking to a stranger.

Send a notification of your trip details to a friend The Uber app lets you share your trip details with someone you know, meaning a friend, partner or parent can track your progress, ensure you arrive safely and keep track of your driver’s details if needed.

Rate your driver The best way to alert others – and Uber themselves – to good and bad drivers is to rate each driver after your trip. Be honest – Uber takes poorly-rated drivers seriously and will investigate if there is cause for concern. (Remember, drivers get to rate you too… so be courteous and timeous in meeting your driver for your trip.)

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

wellness

Don’t worry,

be unhappy

Realising that happiness isn’t a destination, that it’s okay to feel low, and that you have the power to redefine what happiness means for you frees you to stop chasing an idea, and start enjoying life. By Tracy Lynn Chemaly

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

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ew self-help books on how to find happiness appear almost daily, while motivational quotes pop up on Facebook feeds by the minute. Happiness is the ultimate life goal. So why does the relentless pursuit of this intangible concept often have the opposite effect? Last year’s World Happiness Report rated us as the world’s 105th happiest country out of 156. That’s not a great result, fellow South Africans. Professor Valerie Møller, who works in the Quality of Life Studies at Rhodes University, has been studying happiness and wellbeing for more than 40 years, and co-contributed a chapter in the report. “In SA, we have a racial hierarchy in life satisfaction and happiness ratings,” she says. “Self-assessed wellbeing is lowest for black South Africans, following a gradient related to material advantages.” Møller sees issues such as employment, income and housing playing a big part in this assessment, and adds that when different races of similarly high financial means are surveyed, they appear to be equally happy. The good news? Despite ranking low by world-happiness standards, Møller’s studies have found South Africans to be extremely optimistic, with black South Africans showing the most optimism. In fact, cultural differences aside, Møller has discovered in her research, along with Benjamin Roberts (co-ordinator of the SA Social Attitudes Survey and a chief research specialist at the Human Sciences Research Council), that “the choice of what matters in life appears to be quite similar among all population groups.” But she adds: “Culture makes a difference in quality of life and happiness measures, and plays a role in what people look for in their idea of happiness.”

things now, but I’ve realised that external factors alone can’t make me happy. Now, happiness is about feeling that I am where I want to be.” Zanele Sithole, a traditional health practitioner from Umgababa in KwaZulu-Natal, says she encounters many wealthy clients who are unhappy. “People tend to think that rich people are blessed to have everything, but they’re often so miserable,” she says. “The very things that are deemed sources of happiness may become sources of dissatisfaction, discontent and unhappiness if they are in excess and if one’s priorities change over time,” agrees Dr Paulette Naidoo, a counselling psychologist in Pietermaritzburg. The irony is that the more you acquire in the pursuit of fulfilment, the more you can be left feeling empty and dissatisfied. So why bother? “It may be linked to comparison,” Dr Naidoo explains, “where people use social-media

“Being aware that I could move my ‘happiness’ goal posts has been life-changing.”

CAN MONEY BUY YOU HAPPINESS? Møller has found material issues to be of great significance in SA. “Gaining in terms of living standards makes a difference in measures of happiness and quality of life,” she explains. Joanna Parsons, a 40-year-old brand manager from Jo’burg, says this way of thinking exists all around her. “It seems that many people in SA need so many material things to feel happy,” she says. Parsons admits to previously believing that being happily married with a good, well-paying job would be the path to contentment. “I have those www.sanlamreality.co.za

platforms to highlight their lifestyles, latest acquisitions and achievements. A competitive cycle arises where some observers may feel inadequate by comparison, while others feel the need to compete for success and approval.” HIT ‘RESET’ ON YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS Twanji Kalula, 31, a Cape Town-based corporate-affairs officer, measures happiness as the dominance of joy over stress. “It’s the ability to enjoy simple pleasures without being overwhelmed by the stresses that come with life,” he says, listing nature, food, art and relationships as some of the things he focuses on. Although a large part of his life was spent trying to derive happiness from external approval and accomplishing goals, his current view favours a more peaceful self-determination. “I think cultural context impacts the way we see happiness, and determines our default settings, but life allows us to change them up,” he insists. “Being aware that I could move the goal posts has been life-changing.” For Brandon Govender, a 41-year-old creative director from Durban, happiness is about a personal outlook. He views his Indian culture as one that possesses a deep, inward sense AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

wellness

of satisfaction rather than a loud, outward display of joy. “It’s about seeking happiness in a conscious way until it becomes something you do subconsciously.” Zenobia Africa, 44, a management consultant living in Jo’burg, identifies with happiness as stemming from an individual state of mind, although she believes South Africans possess a special collective take on happiness. “Despite all the political and socio-economic challenges, we’re always able to laugh at ourselves and maintain a sense of humour,” she says. DO YOU HAVE A HAPPINESS STRATEGY? Laughter and happiness coach Shareen Richter, who runs a consultancy called Laughter Coaching, has found there to be different cultural ideas about what happiness is and feels like, but agrees with Africa that no matter race, culture or religion, laughter transcends all barriers. By teaching people how to be happier, Richter plots ways to introduce more happiness into both their personal and professional lives. “If you were going to run a marathon, you would need a strategy, and you would have to work at it constantly,” she explains. “Happiness also needs a strategy. People have an expectation that they should automatically be happy, but happiness takes hard work and is a daily choice.” For starters, acknowledge the good around you – the things you can identify as making you happy at the moment. Then consider what it is about these things that makes you feel happy. Now ask: how can you emulate this? How can you amplify these things? How can you grow these areas of your life? Perhaps it’s pursuing

HAPPINESS: EMBRACE THE JOURNEY, NOT THE DESTINATION

Harvard University’s Daniel Gilbert is one of the world’s most eminent happiness experts. One of his fundamental beliefs? That happiness is a moving target – and that we’re not especially great at predicting what will make us happy. Here, some of his findings as a social psychologist to help you be a little softer on yourself in your pursuit of happiness.

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

HAPPINESS IS POSSIBLE IN ALMOST ANY SITUATION “I continue to be surprised by how quickly people are able to find happiness in circumstances that they were certain would preclude it before those circumstances actually befell them. We are so much more adaptable than we realise.”

HAPPINESS IS NOT ATTAINABLE “Most people think that happiness is something we attain, like a possession, and that once we have it, we get to keep it. But happiness is not a place we can live.

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the right relationships and letting go of the wrong ones, or realising that the hobby that ignites your soul should actually be your 9-to-5. Africa, who relocated from Cape Town to Jo’burg last year, has proven that such conscious decision-making works. “I periodically take stock of where I am in my life,” she explains. “It may show that I need to change aspects of my life in order to be happier.” She also plans activities in advance (such as dinner parties, weekends away, festivals and theatre shows) so that she has something to look forward to every month, and says that by surrounding herself with a network of diverse people, she’s able to remain stimulated, which is essential for her sense of wellbeing. So why can’t everyone just be happy? “There are a lot of unrealistic expectations and perceptions around the concept of happiness,” says Dr Naidoo, who sees some clients subscribing to absolutist styles of thinking, which, she says, can lead to frustration, despair and feelings of inadequacy. Parsons affirms this: “Sometimes I feel like I’m not making enough of a contribution and not doing enough for my kids. I work a lot, so they need me more, and it concerns me that I can’t be there. Perhaps it’s a question of wanting to be able to do everything well… but it’s kind of impossible.”

unhappiness on things such as relationships and family obligations, the way they look or the jobs they’re employed to do. But, she says, such discontentment isn’t necessarily a bad thing – “It can be used as an indicator for change” – and it’s totally normal. Don’t beat yourself up about it! The key is in harnessing this to shape your happiness, not detract from it: understanding how this indicates what you really enjoy, doing more of what you excites you and spending time with the people you love. Sithole agrees: “It’s okay to be unhappy because it motivates you to work harder towards your happiness.” At the same time, she encourages people to embrace their uniqueness rather than

“If you’re going to run a marathon, you need a strategy. Happiness also requires a strategy.”

IT’S OKAY TO NOT FEEL OKAY Jo’burg-based life coach Thembi Hama has clients visiting her because they too feel helpless like Parsons, many pinning their

It is a place we can visit. We may learn how to visit it more often and how to stay longer, but the waxing and waning of happiness is natural and inevitable. The waning does not mean we are doing something wrong.”

THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HAPPINESS “Natural happiness is what we feel when we get what we always wanted, and synthetic happiness is what we feel when we suddenly realise that we always wanted what we got.”

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trying to achieve a ‘norm’. Her advice? “Discover yourself. Don’t let society decide your destiny.” “Focus on, and celebrate, your unique strengths, abilities and achievements. This helps direct the focus away from what you don’t have to what you do have,” adds Dr Naidoo. The one thing all of our experts agree on? Being aware of your choices, taking ownership of your feelings around these and making positive changes are all steps in the right direction. And, if all of this fails? Hit ‘retry’, says Richter. “If you choose something and it doesn’t add to your happiness, just choose again. It is often that simple.”

LEARN FROM OTHERS “Instead of trying to predict how happy you will be in a particular future, look at those who are already in the future that you are merely contemplating and ask how happy they are. If something makes others happy it will likely make you happy as well.”

HAPPINESS IS SUBJECTIVE “Happiness is a subjective experience and therefore it is impossible to explain to anyone who has not already had it. It is like trying to explain the colour blue to a creature without eyes.”

(Source: an interview between Marianna Pogosyan PhD and Daniel Gilbert, for Psychology Today)

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

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Behind the

Computational propaganda is filling your feed with fake news. Tanya Meeson unpacks what you need to know.

HIS IS WHAT A DAY ON SOCIAL MEDIA MIGHT LOOK LIKE.

You WhatsApp a friend about a car you want to buy. Later, on Facebook, you notice ads for car dealerships in your area. It’s a weird coincidence, but you’re distracted by a post about a politician you dislike. You spend an hour fighting with someone in the comments section. For the rest of the day, your feed is a torrent of angry articles about this politician. You share these, with rants. That night you struggle to go to bed: you can’t pull yourself away from YouTube. You wake up tired and mention this to a mate over email. Later, Instagram is sending you mattress ads… HERE’S WHAT YOUR DAY REALLY LOOKS LIKE.

You plugged a sales opportunity – that new car – into a vast digital marketing network that uses big data to profile you and present you www.sanlamreality.co.za

with the most hassle-free way to part with your cash. Then you spent time on a global propaganda-friendly platform that uses big data and algorithms to track and refine your preferences to profile you more easily for their corporate and political advertisers. That day, the highest bidder to the ad space you know as your ‘newsfeed’ – for example, on Facebook – was a company looking to stir up controversy for ad revenue and a political agenda. As expected, you were triggered and responded by indiscriminately sharing the fake news posted by their bot and arguing with a sockpuppet about it,

Ka-ching, Ka-ching. Welcome to the world behind the black mirror. HOW DOES IT WORK?

unwittingly becoming an unpaid validator and disseminator of junk. Later that night, you were an advertising and datacollection opportunity, glued to the screen by persuasive design. The next day you bought a new mattress.

Algorithms, automation, human curation, AI (artificial intelligence), big data... The mechanisms that curate and deliver ads to your devices over social media could once have been seen as nothing more than clever marketing tools. But the last few years have taught us better. “For one thing, they’ve taught us not to live under the 2010 assumption that social media is this force for good, democratising conversations and bringing people together,” says Kyle Findlay, a data scientist and AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

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author of the South African data blog, Superlinear. “What we have is a place for brands to monetise our attention and for us to surround ourselves with like-minded people who reflect our beliefs back to us and make us feel better about ourselves, without having to question the world or deal with conflicting realities.” Prime conditions, it turns out, for malicious intent. Enter ‘computational propaganda’. A new term, computational propaganda uses algorithms, automation and human curation to purposefully distribute misleading information, such as ‘fake news’, to manipulate public opinion. Using the same data and programmes that profile you as a bicycle rider or a parent – or a right-wing or left-wing voter – computational propaganda profiles you for its disinformation and targets you on the same platforms you associate with community, family and friends: social media. In South Africa, the biggest computational

Use these

tools

DuckDuckGo A search engine that doesn’t track you or personalise the results. Snopes.com Read a wild story? Check its validity on Snopes before re-sharing on your social media. Africacheck.org Fact-check sensational stats before sharing. Tineye.com Think you’ve got a bot? Trace their picture online for replicas elsewhere.

18 REALITY AUTUMN 2019

Inside the

manipulation

machine

“Disinformation campaigns create media ecosystems,” says Kyle Findlay, a data scientist.

propaganda news pieces you would’ve heard about were the ‘Guptabots’ campaign locally, and the interference of Russian agents in the 2016 US presidential election. But these are just a drop in the digital ocean. According to the Oxford Internet Institute’s Computational Propaganda Research Project (COMPROP), cases of computational propaganda starting popping up in 2010 and since then, “political parties and governments have spent more than half a billion dollars on the research, development, and implementation of psychological operations and public opinion manipulation over social media”. Social media is not a place for the naive, says Findlay. “Here be dragons. As soon as you understand that, you’ll be in a better position to more critically and

cynically view your interactions online.” PROTECT YOURSELF

Here be dragons indeed. The main problem with the digital space and how we respond to it is that it’s unchartered, unregulated territory. While social media giants scramble to clean up their act to keep users trusting and engaged – Twitter started a fake-account culling spree in 2018 and Facebook has vowed to act against ‘information operations’ – government legislation remains largely non-existent. The onus is then on users to educate themselves. “A vital component of protecting ourselves against data manipulation is taking personal responsibility,” says Jacques Rousseau, a lecturer in critical thinking and ethics at the University

A website will use paid advertising on social media platforms to drive people to their page, either for ad revenue or to alter narratives to suit a specific agenda. “The content will usually play on people’s emotions and prejudices to get as many eyeballs as possible.” The campaign will often use automated bots, generated to impersonate real people sharing links to the disinformation or airing views in support of it, often trolling their targets. Bots are more easily replicating the way humans behave, says Findlay. The final cog in the machine? Real people. Triggered negatively or positively, they respond to the bot or junk information by engaging and sharing the inputs, giving it credibility and reach. Social scientists at Iowa State University in the US found that humans spread false news quicker than the truth because the novelty of a lie and our emotional reactions make it juicier.

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Decoding digital

jargon

ALGORITHMS A process or set of rules followed in calculations, typically by a computer. On social media, platforms like Facebook use algorithms to control what appears in your newsfeed, and how ads are shared with you. They regularly update their algorithms using, in part, user data – learnings from how you behave.

your area. This might sound convenient – until you try to search for unbiased news.

BOTS Short for a ‘robot’. This is an automated programme that runs over the internet, and can generate things like comments, like, shares, re-tweets and even fake social media user accounts. For example, a company can set up bots to respond to users or share content in a certain way.

• “Follow some credible, mainstream voices of those who hold opposing views and read news sources that express different values and ideologies to yours,” says Rousseau. • Avoid the ‘hot takes’ and the polarisation of communities encouraged by social media. “When content arouses anger, fear or frustration within you, it’s a sign that you’re susceptible to influence,” says Findlay. “Being in a filter bubble and reacting emotionally are the two main leverages in computational propaganda.” • Check the source of the information, the validity of the images supplied, question the purpose of the piece and what response it’s trying to elicit from you. Don’t share indiscriminately and check that the ‘person’ you’re arguing with is in fact a real person, not a sockpuppet or a bot. • Practice System 2 thinking. Too many people forget that you don’t need to pick sides immediately, if at all, says Rousseau. “Issues are invariably more complex than whatever people are saying five minutes after they learn about that issue.” • Rousseau suggests trying to cultivate intellectual humility. “Embrace and even seek out the possibility of being wrong, and recognise that the most principled and rational response to most questions is ‘I don’t know’.”

BIG DATA Extremely large data sets that be analysed using computers to reveal patterns, trends and associations, particularly in relation to human behaviour. Companies can then use this information to assess your propensity to like, buy or do something – including how you may vote – and then target you online with specific marketing in order to tap into this propensity.

of Cape Town and author of Critical Thinking, Science and Pseudoscience. “We have a responsibility to recognise our own gullibility, and to combat it. Deferring this responsibility to corporations, regulators and government is an abrogation of our own duties, and will only leave us more vulnerable to

Daniel Kahneman, System 1 thinking is instantaneous, driven by instinct and prior learning. It’s what drives our autopilot reactions and confirmation bias; it’s what keeps you in your filter bubble – and it’s a marketer and manipulator’s dream. What we’re looking for is System 2 thinking: to be

STEPPING OUTSIDE OF THE BUBBLE

Eli Pariser, author of The Filter Bubble: What The Internet Is Hiding From You, believes the rise of personalisation has created a state of intellectual isolation, seeing only people who look like you and think like you; “creating individual universes of

Photography: Shutterstock

“The content will usually play on emotions and prejudices to get as many eyeballs as possible.” misinformation in the future. Instead of encouraging people to think, we’re letting those agents do the thinking for us.” The key word here, is ‘think’. The success of the computational propaganda machine is such because it feeds off human nature’s System 1 thinking. A term developed by psychologist www.sanlamreality.co.za

slower and more deliberate and logical in our responses. “Teach yourself some basic principles of critical thinking,” says Rousseau. “It’ll help you discern good sources from bad sources, and compelling from weak evidence. Once you know how easy it is to find yourself inside a filter bubble, you can actively try to escape it.”

information for each of us” – or “filter bubbles”. Algorithms embedded in everything from Google searches to Facebook feeds selectively guess what you would like to see based on your data and previous behaviours. So, when you type ‘car’ into Google, you’re likely to get hits with vehicles in your price bracket and in

WAYS TO DISRUPT YOUR FILTER BUBBLE

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

wellness

Make your workspace a happy place! Considering you spend almost 2 000 hours a year at your desk, you want to make it as comfortable – and productive – as possible. Start here.

GET CLEVER WITH COLOUR

According to a study by the University of Texas, colour can impact your mood: try blue for a calming effect; yellow and orange inspire creativity; red is energising; and green is soothing. Weave the shade to suit you into your workspace via accent pieces: put up a sheet of wallpaper over your cubicle divider or pin board, or add a colourful pencil pot to your desk.

PUT DOWN ROOTS

Environmental psychologist Dr Sally Augustin says indoor plants promote thoughtfulness, while green, leafy plants are linked to enhanced creative thinking. Consider the lighting: African violets are hardy and cope well under artificial lighting, while air plants don’t need soil or much water, and flourish in filtered light. Forget to water plants but your desk has full light? Try a succulent.

KEEP THINGS CLEAR

Whatever your workspace personality, it’s generally a great idea to keep an empty space on your desk on your dominant side, with a notepad and pen to jot down notes, thoughts or ideas. Don’t forget that your workspace isn’t just physical: your digital workspace can impact your wellbeing, too. Regular clean-ups of your email inbox, computer desktop and electronic files can help you achieve a sense of accomplishment and control.

LIGHT IT UP

The curse of the modern office is harsh fluorescent lighting. Good lighting, on the other hand, can decrease errors by 30-60%, as well as decrease eye strain and the headaches, nausea, and neck pain, says research by the architectural department at the Insituto de Artes in Brazil. Natural lighting is best, but if you can’t move your desk to capture the sunshine, add task or ambient lighting. An angle-poise desk lamp can help without imposing on your neighbour.

FOLLOW YOUR NOSE

Text: Nicci Botha; Photography: Shutterstock

A Japanese study found people made 54% fewer typing errors when there’s lemon in the air, 33% fewer errors when there was the scent of jasmine, and 20% fewer mistakes with lavender. Be sensitive to your colleagues by using a gentle reed diffuser on your desk. Other ways to make your day scent-sational? Incorporate fragrance into your food: try a slice of lemon in hot water each morning.

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FIND YOUR BEST ANGLE

Ergonomics is a fancy name for making sure your desk and chair don’t give you a pain in the neck (or anywhere else). Professor Andrew Thatcher, president of the Ergonomics Society of South Africa (ESSA), says the right set-up improves productivity by 10-25%. Your chair should be at a height where your feet are flat on the ground with your knees at 90 degrees. Your screen should be 50-100cm away from you, and when sitting at your desk your forearms should rest comfortably on the desk at about 45 degrees. The easiest way to adjust things? Get a stand for your computer screen, and ask for an adjustable chair.

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AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

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Understanding

What do Richard Branson, Solange Knowles, Jamie Oliver and our very own Cameron van der Burgh have in common? They all have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While the disorder can become a point of difference – and driver of success – misunderstanding, misdiagnosis and mismanagement often mean ADHD is seen as a deficit. Here’s what you need to know to reshape your thinking. By Nicci Botha

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

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apetonian Lee-Ann Bell, 38, knew there was something different about her son, Brolin, when he was just five. “He used to jumble up words,” she recalls. “His concentration was that of a goldfish… unless he was looking at fans rotate, watching cricket or on the PlayStation.” Although Brolin saw a paediatrician regularly, it was only when he was nine that he was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia by a clinical and educational psychologist. “I cried and cried... I thought my son was doomed,” says Bell. “It took tons of research, trusting myself and a commitment to learn how to cope with a child who’s different.” Brolin is far from alone – ADHD is the most common neurobiological disorder diagnosed in children. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), around 5-8% of school-going children have ADHD, with 60% of these continuing into adulthood with the disorder. Dr Morwesi Mahlangu, a 37-year-old medical advisor for a corporate in Jo’burg, is among this 60%. She says her condition hasn’t improved as she’s gotten older, but the spectrum of her symptoms have become different. “As a child, I was impulsive, spoke out of turn or talked non-stop,” she recalls. “As an adult, my ADHD manifests in absent mindedness. I also can’t sit still for very long.” WHAT IS ADHD? Brain cells talk to one another through neuro-transmitters, specifically dopamine and noradrenalin, and – in parts of the brain – these aid concentration, explains developmental paediatrician, Dr Johan Erasmus. “Scientists suspect that people with ADHD have an abnormality in one or more of these neurotransmitters, causing deficient concentration and focus.” The result is often hyperactivity and difficulty concentrating – which can play out as perceived ‘misbehaving’, being ‘disruptive’ and struggling to learn in class or focus on a single task at work. Interestingly, there are also strong indications of a genetic connection. In 60-80% of cases, other family members will also display symptoms, suggesting that if one child has ADHD there is a higher chance that siblings can also have it. “In South Africa, there is a lack of accurate statistical info on the prevalence of ADHD,” says Margaret Barry, educational psychologist and chair of the Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Support Group of Southern Africa (ADHASA). “But a study in Limpopo concluded that 8% of school-going children have ADHD, in line with American statistics.” In addition, in less economically-advantaged communities many children remain undiagnosed and so do not receive appropriate treatment.

TACKLING EDUCATION WITH AN ADHD CHILD For children with ADHD, the impact on their schooling can be huge – not because they’re any less competent than their peers, but often because they aren’t benefitting from traditional teaching methods. “Children with ADHD have different education requirements as they tend to learn differently. It’s essential they’re taught by a teacher who has the understanding and skills to accommodate their needs,” says Barry. Typically, children with ADHD do better when given one instruction at a time; multiple instructions can overwhelm. Educators also need to understand that the child won’t be able to sit still for prolonged periods of time, and make provision for their need to move in the classroom. For parents, there is often a constant battle to get their ADHD children focused, on task and timeous, meaning their parenting role can be especially exhausting. That’s where parent education around ADHD becomes crucial: often different discipline methods and strategies need to be harnessed, with punishment among the least constructive. ADHASA offers a variety of support, including workshops for parents and teachers to educate them in the management of ADHD (visit www.adhasa.co.za). “In cases where the child has specific learning difficulties, a remedial school may be more appropriate,” explains Barry. “What’s important is that the school has an understanding of ADHD and teachers have received some input in managing ADHD in the classroom.” Now 14, Brolin is in a mainstream school and flourishing. What’s helping him succeed? At school, he’s supported by additional tutors who use practical, hands-on ways to help him learn. “Instead of using just numbers, they use cards to help with his dyslexia,” Bell explains. “For his ADHD, we’ve found cricket and football work best for him. There is something about either running around or the sheer concentration of the game of cricket that calm him.” Channelling her energy into sports and other activities also helped Mahlangu when she was younger. “My mother told me that I was diagnosed as a child, but at that time there was stigma around ADHD and Ritalin. She chose not to start me on medication and put me in many different activities. I did tennis, played two instruments – violin and piano – did ballet, drama and competed in science Olympiads.”

“Many people whose ADHD is treated apply their drive and hyper-focus to become inventors and entrepreneurs.”

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AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

wellness

DOES MEDICATION REALLY WORK? For Brolin, a supported teaching environment and finding the right sports haven’t been the only aids in managing his ADHD. Initially, he was on Concerta, a standard ADHD medication containing methylphenidate, which increases the levels of dopamine or noradrenalin selectively in the brain. But he’s been medication-free for about two years. “In the beginning, Concerta was something we tried for six months on and six months off. Just to see where his concentration levels were. Then we went one month on and one off when we started weaning him off it,” his mother recalls. He also doesn’t sleep much. “We have him on melatonin from time to time to help him sleep.” One thing is for sure: Bell refuses to let Brolin use his ADHD as an excuse, and she urges other parents to do same. “Don’t allow them to have victim mentality, because they’re not victims. They’re living with a condition that makes them different, not weird.” Despite popular concerns about using medication to help manage ADHD (especially in children), various studies have shown that methylphenidate decreases the incidence of substance abuse in adolescence and adults with ADHD, Dr Erasmus says. In fact, substance abuse in untreated ADHD is two to six times higher than the rest of the population. Nor does it turn a child into a criminal or monster: while around 40% of children with ADHD will develop oppositional defiant disorder – where they are disobedient to authority figures – studies suggest that methylphenidate decreases the incidence of this disorder. If the idea of medication still worries you, nonstimulants such as atomoxetine (Strattera and the generic, Inir) also increase noradrenalin levels, and its efficacy is close but not identical to methylphenidate. There are many options for therapy to help manage ADHD – what’s key, says Dr Erasmus, is making a correct diagnosis

and creating an individual treatment plan, because not everyone’s needs are necessarily the same. Options include social skills therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy and parent training (if you’re a parent whose child has ADHD). For children especially, occupational therapy can help manage any visual-, motor- and sensory integration disturbances created by ADHD. As an adult, behavioural and occupational therapy can help form habits and processes that allow you to manage your ADHD and harness your strengths. WHEN TO MEDICATE AND WHEN NOT TO MEDICATE? “When a child is diagnosed with ADHD but still performing academically and emotionally, start with parent training and educational and psycho-social support,” says Dr Erasmus. “If a child, however, does not cope academically, is under a lot of stress in school or seems to always be in trouble, start with medication and then add therapy. Therapy, diets and supplements don’t alter the core symptoms of ADHD, but are an important adjuvant to develop life skills, promote healthy living and treat comorbidities,” Dr Erasmus adds. “Exercise is also important for brain development, and increases dopamine levels.” Studies show that a high-protein, low-sugar, no-additive diet combined with supplements like omega-3 and zinc, can drastically improve symptoms with no side-effects. Eating more complex carbohydrates such as fruit and vegetables before bedtime may aid sleep. Mahlangu believes that a fresh, balanced diet and exercise help manage her symptoms. “I strictly limit preservatives or additives in my food and try to avoid junk food. Decreased gluten intake also assists.”

SUPPORT GROUPS

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Support Group of Southern Africa (ADHASA) 011 888 7655 info@adhasa.co.za www.adhasa.co.za South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) 011 234 4837 www.sadag.org Dyslexic Association of South Africa 082 828 5180/072 267 2277 info@dyslexicsouthafrica.com

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT “Many people whose ADHD is treated apply their drive and hyper-focus to become entrepreneurs, inventors or adventurers,” says Dr Erasmus. The key is in correct diagnosis, proactive management and the attitude that ADHD can be harnessed for success. Malhangu’s advice to anyone dealing with ADHD is to learn as much as you can about the condition. “There are many advantages to ADHD, including innate curiosity, always asking questions and seeking more knowledge. These qualities led me into a career in aviation medicine, where one of my functions was drafting important legislation.” ADHD became Malhangu’s difference, not a deficit – and that’s the key. www.sanlamreality.co.za

Illustrations: Shutterstock

“ADHD became my point of difference, not my deficit – and led to my career today.”

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! d e t s u b MONEY MYTHS, FINANCES CAN FEEL INTIMIDATING… NOT LEAST THANKS TO MYRIAD MYTHS AROUND MONEY WE ENCOUNTER ALMOST DAILY. HERE, A FEW OF THOSE MISCONCEPTIONS, DEBUNKED.

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MYTH: All debt is bad There is such a thing as ‘good’ debt – debt you incur to invest in an asset (which should gain value over time). For example, the bond on your home. What’s crucial is that you’re accruing debt for something that will pay off in the long-run; that the terms of the debt repayments are fair and within your reach; and that you’re receiving credit from a regulated credit provider.

MYTH: Try to get everything offshore Yes, diversifying investments can help reduce your risk – but offshore funds don’t offer tax-free benefits, and can have longer lead times for withdrawing funds. It’s generally a good idea to have some savings and investments onshore, for example, your Retirement Annuity (which will give you a tax benefit) and short-term savings you could draw from quickly, in case of emergency.

USE YOUR BENEFIT

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MYTH: Children shouldn’t have to think about money While kids shouldn’t grow up stressed about money, they should be learning about budgeting and saving – starting with your example. When you prepare your monthly budget, involve the kids by explaining your process (without going into too much detail): “After I’ve paid for our monthly expenses, we have R1 000 left for fun stuff – what would you like to do?” helps a child see you’ve got a budget and how your priorities are set. Encourage saving from an early age by giving children small amounts of money to

save for short periods. Ask them what they’re saving for, even if it’s just a bag of sweets – setting goals helps encourage saving.

MYTH: Tax-free benefits aren’t for everyone “Tax-free savings options are limited to R33 000 per year, with a lifetime cap of R500 000,” explains certified and principal financial planner, Michael Atti. But they can save you significant portions in tax each year. The good news: just contributing the minimum amount to tax-free savings or investments will let you tap into the tax-free benefits.

“SARS offers tax deductions when you make contributions to your retirement annuity, pension or provident fund,” explains Sechaba Bolofo, a registered financial planner and managing director of Lineo Financial Services. “From 1 March 2016, tax deductions for retirement savings increased from 15-27.5%. This is allowed during the tax year and should be done before 28 February, before the new tax year.” Speak to your planner or adviser to find out the best tax-free options suited to your spend and needs.

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Should access to data be a human right? When Domo, a cloud-based operating system, published its Data Never Sleeps 2018 report, the picture it painted was clear: access to the internet – and its fuel, data – is crucial to stay abreast of growth. The challenge is: how do we democratise data so that everyone has equal access, and equal opportunity?

DATA EVERY MINUTE, EVERY DAY

2018

YouTube users watch

4 333 560 videos

Amazon ships

1 111

packages

Twitter users send

473 400

2 833

tweets

LinkedIn gains

120+

smartphones are sold

Netflix users stream

97 222

159 362 760

new professionals

hours of video

emails sent per minute

Uber users take

1 389

The internet receives

rides

Google conducts

Instagram users post

3 877 140

49 380

searches

photos

Tinder users match

6 940

Photography: Shutterstock

times

42.2

3 138 420GB of traffic

Fitbits are sold

331

1.25

new Bitcoin are created

73 249

tablets are sold

online transactions are made Source: www.domo.com

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AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

wealth

RECESSIONPROOF y ou r l i f e

While we’ve begun to exit our recession, it feels as though our economy is on a permanent roller coaster ride. Lynette Botha looks into ways for you to ride the financial ups and downs.

“G

iven the rising cost of living in South Africa, bank balances that run dry every month could start becoming a regular occurrence, leaving no shelter from unplanned expenses, never mind big financial emergencies,” says André Wentzel, solutions manager for Recurring Savings at Sanlam. To prepare for the worst, you need to strive to be your financial best; here are some practical ways to recessionproof your life.

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR JOB In this economic climate, nothing is guaranteed – including your job. With an unstable economy, businesses are under pressure more than ever before, and retrenchments are an unfortunate reality. Speak to your financial planner about retrenchment insurance and the benefits of this sort of protection – you may need to output a little more each month for this cover, but in the long run it could be your saving grace. Look at how you can stay relevant and ahead of the game when it comes to your particular position at your company. Are there short courses you can take to improve your current skills? Speak to your HR department about the company’s training policy and keep ahead of the trends and advancements in your industry.

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WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR DEBT “If you’re going to repay debt, try to increase the repayment amount,” says Wentzel. “If you are struggling to put money away, the best time to start is when you get an increase. In addition, use debt effectively: stick to good debt (the bond on your home or your study loan) and use cash for other expenses instead of store cards. You pay high interest on short-term debt, so make it a priority to reduce it.” If you’re struggling to pay off your debt, speak to your creditors to try and find a solution and payment plan that will ensure you don’t get blacklisted. Don’t just avoid the problem and hope that it will go away – it won’t, so you need to take action.

USE YOUR BENEFIT

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR LIVING EXPENSES Jyoti Gopee-Mothie, a financial planner at Pinnacle BlueStar, says it’s imperative to regularly conduct an Essential Living Expenses Review, to see where you are able to cut back – small changes make a bigger difference than you think. “Look at your utilities and consider switching off your geyser during the day when it’s not in use. Fix dripping or leaking taps at home to reduce water wastage and your bill. Keep your slips after doing grocery shopping and

HOW SMALL LIFESTYLE CHANGES ADD UP One take-out coffee at

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for a working week (R110) x 52 weeks in a year

analyse what you are spending your money on – cut back on the luxuries like biscuits and expensive coffee and stick to the basics.” Similarly, Plan-B certified financial planner Jaco van Schalkwyk suggests: “Cut or downgrade luxury services; can you get a cheaper DSTV package, data contract or mobile phone package? When you qualify for a cell phone contract upgrade, take a moment and think whether you need or want a new phone. If your current phone is in good condition, why not continue using it and then reduce your monthly subscription? “Cutting down on takeaways, preparing your own packed lunch for work, skimping on the morning cappuccinos en-route to work – all of these little things add up.”

= R5 720

That money could have covered school fees, groceries or paid off debt. Small change, big reward.

SAVINGS HACKS // WANTS VS NEEDS Van Schalkwyk suggests separating ‘wants’ from ‘needs’. “Do you really ‘need’ that 42-inch flat screen television or is it a ‘want’? When money is tight it should not be spent unless absolutely necessary. Belt-tightening can be temporary if you follow a simple strategy: ratio 4:1. Save R4 for every R1 you intend spending on ‘wants’.”

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

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REALITY AUTUMN 2019

could get discounts to reduce your premiums? Are your investments utilising your tax position optimally?” This is where speaking to a financial planner can really pay off. Piet van der Walt, head of Sanlam Personal Loans, says it is rarely a good idea to cancel life policies or risk cover, or to stop contributing to retirement savings, when you hit a financial obstacle: “You simply do not want to leave your family financially unprotected.” In addition, cancelling a life or risk policy might make it harder (or more expensive) to take out again in the future. For example, if you took out a risk policy in your 20s, cancel it, and then take one out again in your 40s, you’ll likely pay higher premiums and find it harder to get the coverage you want as you’re generally a riskier profile than a young, healthy 20-something.

IS IT EVER A GOOD IDEA TO TAKE OUT A PERSONAL LOAN? According to Van der Walt, there are times when taking out a personal loan is a good idea. “While we don’t recommend getting into debt if you can help it, finding yourself strapped for cash when something unexpected happens, like an unplanned medical expense, can often be quickly resolved by a personal loan –it could be a real life-saver in a crisis.” Besides unplanned-for emergencies, personal loans can also be used for home improvements (which will increase the value of your property) or education (an investment in you or your children’s future). “You could also consider a personal loan for debt consolidation – combining short-term debts with varying terms and interest rates into one, simple monthly payment for a fixed rate and term. The idea is to work out a plan with your financial planner to consolidate your debt in such a way that your monthly debt reduction forms part of a wellconsidered budget which still gives you the cash flow you need.” If you’re struggling to keep up those important RA or risk-cover contributions, a personal loan could help so that you don’t need to cancel important policies.

As a member, you can get up to 20% cash-back on a Sanlam Personal Loan – helping you save, even when times are tough. Visit www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefits to find out more.

www.sanlamreality.co.za

Illustrations: Shutterstock

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR POLICIES “It’s not easy focusing on saving and wealth creation when your discretionary income is under severe strain,” confirms Jean Lombard, chief executive of Sanlam Savings. “At times like these, your commitment to saving and doing so consistently, even if it’s only a small amount at first, can be severely tested. It’s important to invest your money in the right place, by choosing a plan that is well aligned with your savings goals and your unique risk profile.” Speak to your financial planner about reviewing your policies and where you’re able to save or cutback, and where not. For example, it may not be in your best interest to stop paying into your Retirement

Annuity – consider the tax benefits you will lose. “Review your insurance and investment portfolio and review the coverage for all your risk cover plans,” says van Schalkwyk. “Have you ensured the best premium pattern for your circumstances and considered adding cash-back, which will refund all premiums after 15 years in the event of no claim? Are you making the most of the savings you get on some Sanlam products as a Sanlam Reality member, meaning you

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AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

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The career By following their gut, goals and passion, these four entrepreneurs demonstrate that a traditional career path isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only option. And, as Tracy Lynn Chemaly discovers, their successes prove itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never too late to take the leap into work that gives you purpose.

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

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THE SALES EXECUTIVE TURNED NATURALIST

WHEN MICHELLE REID, 49, LEFT A LIFE OF GLITZ AND GLAM, SHE HAD NO INKLING THAT HER PATH WOULD LEAD TO SHAMANIC HEALING AND COMMUNITY UPLIFTMENT. “Before my ‘shift’, I was working in advertising sales, mostly for a media company, where I was responsible for generating income and looking after clients for a magazine and TV show. Towards the end of 2011, I found myself doing a lot of research about things happening around the world. It had me question my life path and realise things that were fundamentally important to me, such as food, and being connected to Mother Earth and the plant kingdom; healing through yoga and meditation; and creating healing spaces for others. I realised there was a crucial piece missing: a connection to spirit, and so,

to do things with very little money. But we were naïve in the beginning. “We moved to a two-acre property in Cape Town’s Hout Bay – a piece of land that could be agriculturally zoned and opened to the public. Here, our dream expanded and we were able to supply organic foods and products I make, while offering yoga classes, massages, healing sessions, medicine work and female drum circles. “Three-and-a-half years ago we moved to an eight-acre farm which we named Sacred Ibis. This was when we stepped into a far more spiritual path of service. Before, we were

“You have to let go of the paradigm of needing a 9-to-5.” over the last four years I’ve been doing Native American shamanic training. “My husband and I started small, in our back garden, where we grew vegetables and opened a restaurant. There were a lot of stumbling blocks along the way, and much financial insecurity, but we found investors, used our savings and managed to sustain ourselves. We found that by investing time in research, there were ways www.sanlamreality.co.za

a business. Now, although we still grow vegetables, we don’t sell them. It’s our service to offer food to the communities around us, through our project called Gracie Love in a Bowl. “You need a lot of faith to make such a change. You have to let go of the paradigm of needing a 9-to-5 job and stable income to survive, because you don’t. There is another way.” www.sacredibis.org

THE BANKER TURNED CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER

YANGA NJOZELA, 33, HAS PUT BUSINESS-BOOK LESSONS AND CORPORATE EXPERIENCE INTO PLAY BY FOUNDING HIS OWN BUSINESS, HELPING CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES TO GROW. “Growing up in a township, you don’t get exposed to much, so I learned early on about the power of reading. After school, I received a scholarship to study business administration at TSiBA, where I had access to Forbes, Financial Mail… newspapers that showed me how businesses grew. “I worked part-time as a bank teller while studying, so when I had to drop out in my third year due to personal reasons, I became a fulltime teller. I worked my way up, becoming a business banking services

manager, part of a group of specialists looking after a portfolio of clients with R10- to 250-million businesses. However, I’d always said that I was there to learn, and that my destination was to run my own company. “I’d tried buying into small businesses such as a butchery and engineering company, but, when this didn’t work out, I started my own company. While working at the bank, I started providing electrical supplies to government agencies looking for BBBEE suppliers. There were very few black companies in that space in 2009 and I saw a gap. I would visit potential AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

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THE CORPORATE CONSULTANT TURNED INTERIOR DECORATOR WITH A WELL-PLANNED EXIT STRATEGY, BUSI MKHIZE, 41, LEFT HER 9-TO-5 TO SEEK HER PASSION… AND WAS SURPRISED TO FIND IT IN THE WORLD OF INTERIORS.

clients during my lunch break, and send quotations at night. I financed this from my salary and fell into a lot of debt. So, for the two years before leaving the bank, my wife and I started minimising our living expenses in preparation for me going into my business full-time. We sold my car, closed our clothing accounts, and refrained from opening furniture accounts. “In 2014, I resigned from the bank and bought a bakkie. My wife funded my petrol from her salary so that I could drive around knocking on doors. But even as a fulltime endeavour, the business wasn’t gaining traction. That was, until I had a meeting with the CEO of a hardware business, who suggested I stop limiting myself to electrical supplies and start looking at hardware. As I started approaching companies in the construction sector, I could identify with their business struggles – often

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

around pricing and credit – so I started offering solutions that would help, support and improve their business – from legal advice to tax compliancy. I see it as a business-banking solution for the construction sector. “Once our financial pressure lessened, my wife left her job and joined the business so that we could

“After graduating with my honours degree in Business Management, I worked in the corporate world for 10 years, but became bored. It was difficult to know what to do next, as I realised that I didn’t know what excited me. I started planning my exit strategy, and, in my mid-30s, I bought a vehicle to run as a taxi, providing an income while I discovered myself. This led to me opening a beauty spa. “During this time, I was asked to decorate our pastor’s home, because I always decorated the church stage. When an old friend visited the home and saw what I’d done, she visited my

“The corporate world felt like a prison. This feels like a hobby and is so fulfilling. The careerswitch risk was worth taking.” focus on growing it. With no grants, I built Chwai Construction Support Services the long, traditional way of starting from the bottom, taking one step at a time, with our vision being to build people, who build communities and ultimately build our nation.” www.chwai.co.za

spa. She worked for the business-support wing of our municipality, supporting small businesses, and I thought she was coming to say they wanted to help me with the spa. But it was a three-month, skillsdevelopment programme in furniture-making that she was offering me. I wasn’t

enthusiastic about it, but attended because I didn’t want to let her down. “I soon realised I had a huge creative side and, a month after the programme ended, I started making furniture in a space shared with others from my class. I never had any funding, but by sharing workspace and buying second-hand machinery together, we split costs. When I had enough profit, I bought my own machinery and moved to my own space. While building this brand, I manufactured chairs that I would hire out for events, ensuring a sustainable income stream. I’ve since bought land and built cottages for rental so my business has property assets and I’m not only dependant on décor clientele. “Through my reupholstery work, and helping clients choose fabrics, they became interested in me doing their entire homes. I no longer make furniture but am decorating huge homes in beautiful estates. I love it! “It’s not easy being an entrepreneur. There were nights in the beginning when I would be working until 3am, but it was better than the corporate world that felt like a prison. This feels like a hobby, and the training is so fulfilling. It was definitely a risk worth taking.” www.myspacegrp.co.za www.sanlamreality.co.za

THE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT TURNED SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR THIRTY-FOUR-YEAR-OLD MICHAL LUPTAK’S DISLIKE OF WORKFORCE EXPLOITATION LED HIM TO CURATE OUTINGS THAT PRODUCE GREATER EMPATHY IN BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTS, WHILE FUNDING INNER-CITY COMMUNITY CENTRES. “I used to be an accountant at a leading multi-national firm. I was just a statistic. My payslip barely had my name on it and I had no creative freedom. Everything changed when I moved into Ponte Towers in Hillbrow

All other expenses went onto my credit card. “We grew to offer a greater variety of tours every day of the week. Also, my disdain for corporate enterprises’ treatment of employees led us to curate experiences that allowed the business community to understand customers, employees and colleagues better, by taking them on immersive

Text: Tracy Lynn Chemaly. Photos: Supplied, Shutterstock

“I was just a statistic. My payslip barely had my name on it and I had no creative freedom.” where my friend Nickolaus Bauer was living. We saw a lot of kids playing in the corridors because they didn’t have a safe space to hang out in. So Nick and I opened an arcade with coin-operated games that didn’t require us to be there much, so we could keep our full-time jobs. “We also started doing inner-city tours of Jo’burg to sustain this social enterprise called Dlala Nje. After 18 months of this, I quit my accounting job, cashed in my provident fund and went on a three-month biking trip through South-East Asia to rid myself of my corporate taintedness. When I returned, I started working full-time at Dlala Nje, taking home a salary of R3 000, which covered my rent. www.sanlamreality.co.za

experiences through the inner city. This benefits organisational culture by developing understanding, empathy, social cohesion, decision-making abilities and leadership traits. It’s flourished! We have top business schools and corporations coming on these experiences now. “Through this, we’re able to generate revenue that enables us to create opportunities for the youth in our immediate surroundings. In our community centres, we offer after-school programmes for children from Hillbrow and Berea. These include things like arts and crafts, yoga, judo, and homework facilitation. “We’ve never really

HOW TO FUND YOUR CAREER 360 Thinking about making a career change yourself? We asked the experts to share some tips on how to make the money side of things work. THINK LIQUID

Head of Sanlam business market Jannie Rossouw says that when saving money for something such as starting your own business or making a career change, liquidity is an important consideration. “You should be able to release the money when needed,” he explains. It may be worth building up a rainy-day fund as a buffer before you take the plunge, just in case.

ARE YOU PROTECTED IN THE SHORT-TERM?

Kenosi Magosha, head of Sanlam Client Solutions Savings, adds that protection of capital is equally important, particularly when it’s a short-term investment that you rely on for income. “This will affect which funds you invest in, as you’ll want them to deliver reasonable returns while protecting the money you’ve invested,” she says. If you’re unsure, chat to a financial planner who can provide advice on the best options for you, depending on your career-change plans and personal financial situation.

CONSIDERING A LOAN? READ THIS

If you’re considering taking out a loan for a new venture, Rossouw cautions you to think twice. “You’ll be requested to sign personal surety, so be certain that the initial cash flow of your business will be able to carry the monthly instalments, otherwise you will need to stand in for the repayments from your personal cash flow.” As some alternative routes, Rossouw suggests digging into personal savings, or finding a benefactor with a more favourable repayment option before taking this route. Again, speaking to a financial planner may provide insight tailored to your specific needs regarding the best options available to you. Good luck as you make the shift!

received funding because I believe that winning new clients for our experience tours ensures greater sustainability, so my approach has always been to spend time looking for

work rather than building proposals for investors. This journey has been better than an MBA – it’s been hands-on, with real-life growth and challenges.” dlalanje.org AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

wealth

SEE INTO THE 9 TECH INNOVATIONS TO KNOW ABOUT Forget flying cars and robots that put your children to bed, Sam Newdigate has the scoop on the real future of tech and how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll impact your life.

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

www.sanlamreality.co.za

THE RISE OF E-THLETES

THE END OF CASH

Carrying cash can be a hassle. It’s heavy, dirty and can get damaged. That’s partly why South Korea is trialling a coinless economy. The other reason? The value of the coins themselves aren’t justifying the cost of producing them. Now, South Korean customers can ask for their change to be loaded onto a prepaid card used to pay for things like public transport, data and airtime. South Korea has also announced hopes to harness blockchain and cryptocurrency to further facilitate its move to a cashless society, which they’re aiming to achieve by 2020. Are we on track to follow suit? We have cashless options: SnapScan, tap-and-go card payments, intra-bank transfers. But our significant informaltrading sector means cash still has its place. That said, change is on the horizon: music festivals are already becoming cashless events in favour of pre-loaded payment cards and cell-phone payment solutions. These include Samsung Pay, a mobile wallet that uses fingerprint and iris-scanner tech for secure cashless payments.

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E-sports is the rising phenomenon of competitive, multi-player video games. It’s also big business. According to Forbes, the 2017 World Championship of e-sports – the Intel Extreme Masters – was attended by 173 000 people. This is a record for live-attendance numbers: the crowd was 100 000 people larger than the Superbowl. Attendees travelled to the tournament in Poland to watch and play CounterStrike, StarCraft II and League of Legends. The total prize pool? Over R9-million, making e-sports players – or e-thletes – superstars (and super-rich) on the level of elite athletes. Got kids in school? The next five years could see e-sports introduced as an extra-curricular activity, and recognised as an official sport. US universities are already starting to offer gaming scholarships alongside traditional sports scholarships. Before you bemoan the real-world application of gaming, remember it teaches logic, computer skills, and is a great way to socialise. And that’s to say nothing of the prize-pool pay cheques that can make gaming a lucrative career choice, too.

THE RISE OF THE INTERNET OF THE BODY

Smartwatches are more than a second screen for your phone. They can already track your steps and heart rate, but this is just the start in a series of wearable technologies that can influence our daily lives. Your smartwatch is set to become the central tracking system for the tech in your shoes, glasses, jewellery and implantables. Wait... implantables?! That’s right – your smartwatch could soon be linked to under-the-skin tech such as pacemakers or birth control. The internet of the body isn’t restricted to smart devices. Already we’re seeing prototypes of contact lenses that measure insulin levels for diabetics; spinal cord implants to mask chronic pain signals to the brain; smart tattoos that monitor your body’s vital signs, and soon… bionic eyes. Since 1997, Bionic Vision Australia has been developing tech to allow patients with degenerated sight to see again. They’re working towards a bionic eye by 2020. Wearables at work are another thing. Could your boss track your heart rate during a review?

Enjoy Sanlam Reality’s new tech: the Sanlam Reality App lets you access benefits from your pocket, 24/7! Download it today, free from your app store. Visit www.sanlamreality.co.za for more.

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

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THE END OF WAITING LISTS

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

THE RISE OF DRIVERLESS CARS

Cars aren’t just a mode of transport anymore, they’re getting clever: they have their own SIM cards, unlock when you get close… and now they can even drive themselves. But are driverless cars here to stay? Lawmakers seem to think so – and are making sure that we’re ready. At the Future of the Car Summit 2018, an EU representative unveiled the rules and investments they’re introducing in Europe in anticipation of autonomous transport. But they’ll need

to step on it: they’re trailing China and the US, who have already revealed similar plans. Although not currently allowed, driverless cars in South Africa could reduce accidents, provide cheaper public transport and improve traffic. That said, our infrastructure has some way to go to accommodate this. When it does happen, though, the ripple effects could be huge: for example, what would you do with your commute time, now that you don’t need to concentrate on the road?

THE RISE OF TOUCH-SCREEN SURFACES EVERYWHERE

Still measuring your phone screen’s thickness in centimetres? It’s set to be a thing of the past as soon as 2020, with the mainstream introduction of ultra-thin OLEDs, or ‘organic light-emitting diodes’. They measure 100-500 nanometres thick, are similar to LEDs in that they light up when fed electricity, but have the potential to be thinner and more flexible. Samsung has revealed its plans to make use of OLED technology with this year’s launch of the Galaxy F, with foldable ‘Infinity Flex’ display. The Galaxy F looks like a phone you could hold in your palm, but unfolds into twice its size for a bigger tablet screen. While paper-thin phones aren’t a big jump, OLED’s applications elsewhere are exciting. According to a researcher at the Institute of the Future, surfaces in your home could become screens with touch capability: your walls become TVs; your mirror could be used to shop online.

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Illustrations: Shutterstock

What do the latest shoes and a lifesaving heart transplant have in common? We might soon be able to print both of them. Fashion and health are just two of the industries 3D printing is transforming. For the 125 000 sneakerheads around the world who queued from the early hours of the morning to buy designer Yeezy sneakers, 3D-printing tech means being able to buy the blueprints to print their Yeezys at home on launch day – instead of queueing in the cold. And for the 4 300 South African adults and children awaiting a life-saving organ or cornea transplant, it might mean bioprinting a new liver – rather than relying on a donor. Swedish startup Cellink can already 3D print you a new ear in 20 minutes, and is using 3D-printing technology to replicate cancer cells for research. A 3D-printed heart is also the future. Because a bioprinted heart would be made using cells from the patient, based on their original heart, it should have a better chance of being successful. This potentially means anti-rejection drugs wouldn’t be needed. The Biolife4D team aims to begin trialling versions of this 3D-printed heart this year.

THE END OF LANGUAGE BARRIERS

What languages did you learn in school? Uyakwazi ukuthetha isiXhosa? Speaking more than one language opens up new parts of the world, new opportunities, new insights. Which is what makes real-time translation so revolutionary. Whether you’re video calling or travelling the world, real-time translation allows you to understand and be understood as you speak and listen, live. An obvious space to see real-time translation is with video calling. Skype is already trialling its own version, where it translates as you speak. If the trial is successful, the result could spell the end of language barriers… and perhaps even the end of learning languages in school. “With machine learning, machines can start aggregating different interpretations. Searching [for translations on your phone] was just the beginning, now it’s more about translating conversations real-time,” explains Publicis Machine digital strategist Amanda Alves. Siri, the voice-activated PA on your iPhone, Alexa, Amazon’s voice-activated PA for your home, and voice-activated TVs are already mainstream – seamless language translation is next.

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THE RISE (AND RISE) OF DRONES

THE RISE OF REMOTE WORKING

Your office might have a nice view, but what if your view was a breath-taking landscape, with a five-minute walking commute? For Karoo Tech Hub, this is a reality. “No commuting. No tiny apartment living. Your money goes a lot further,” enthuses CEO James Kennedy. Could this be the future of work? Kennedy believes so. “There’s no reason we can’t compete to be an outsourcing hub for the rest of the world.” This could spell big change for unemployment – remote working means your location isn’t a determining factor of where (or when) you can work. And the tech? Fibre has made communication – especially video calls – much smoother. Kennedy explains: “Video is a big part of building trust when you work remotely.” You still achieve a sense of face-to-face, but no one’s had to travel to participate. In the future, AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) business meetings could offer things like projected holograms to make it feel like everyone’s in the same room. “Declining rural towns will have the ingredients they need to start blossoming again. It’ll be revolutionary,” says Kennedy.

In Rwanda, Zipline delivers medicines, blood and vaccines via drone to remote areas. They work with health workers, who can order what they need quickly via SMS. Zipline can make up to 500 deliveries a day to hospitals and clinics otherwise tricky to access. Drone tech is also impacting conservation work, giving an edge to surveying large tracts of land. Speaking on the potential of drones, Grant Burden, head of special projects at African conservation company Grumeti Fund explains: “It boils down to picking up on illegal activities before the damage is done.” But while tech, like drones, could help them stay ahead of poachers, there is still no true replacement for boots on the ground: “I have yet to see a machine make an arrest.” Within the agri-tech sector, drones are being harnessed to monitor things like crops and drought. Over in America, drones have taken off so much that NASA is introducing a system to manage drone air traffic, while Uber is experimenting with drones to transform urban transport. The idea? UberExpress drone delivery for things like food and – eventually – people! Food drone delivery is scheduled for piloting this year. As for drones dropping off people? Watch this space…

We’ve extended your Uber benefit! Download the Sanlam Reality App and enjoy up to 30% off airport trips and after-hours (10pm-4am) trips with Uber. Visit www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefits to find out more.

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

Take a trip! Get a discount of

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travel

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Emirates flies between SA and Sri Lanka several times a week. If you’re a Reality Plus or Health member, enjoy discounted flights up to 25%.

TO VISIT IN 2019:

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Lonely Planet has ranked Sri Lanka as 2019’s top country to visit. Improved transport links and increased hotel offering are credited for opening up this nature-rich country to tourists. Go for lush jungles and ancient Buddhist monuments.

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Go to www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefits/travel to view your specific benefits, tier status and discount percentage. www.sanlamreality.co.za

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

travel

THINGS TO CHECK BEFORE YOU DRIVE AWAY IN YOUR RENTAL CAR

What we’re reading GET LOST IN A GREAT BOOK AND PRETEND YOU’RE ON HOLIDAY… IF YOU LOVE A RICH ADVENTURE

IF YOU LOVE A THRILLER

Hiring a set of wheels this holiday? Use this checklist before you leave the rental company to start your trip. 1 Know the fuel type

Ask, and ask again – just to be sure!

2 Take pics of any defects

Ideally, do your check in daylight so you can spot everything. Look over bumpers and wing mirrors, too. Take pictures of any defects and flag them at the counter before you drive away, to ensure you’re not held liable for them on return.

3 Check for emergency gear in the boot

You should be supplied with a spare wheel and jack, reflective triangle, jumper cables and a small fire extinguisher. Open up the glove compartment to check for the Owner’s Manual, too.

4 Ensure you’ve got the right insurance

Check your contract and ask if you’re unsure. For example, cover for tyres and the windscreen is often charged separately – if this is important to you, ensure it’s added to your package. As a Sanlam Reality member if you book with Tempest Car Hire you get access to their Super Cover.

5 Start the engine

It’s the easiest way to check for any upfront issues – if you aren’t confident the engine is running smoothly, flag it before signing the car out. It’s also a good idea to check that your lights are working, including your signalling lights and hazards.

‘To Keep the Sun Alive’ by Rabeah Ghaffari On the cusp of the Iranian revolution in 1979, meet a retired judge and his wife whose lives change as the political climate around them changes, too. A beautiful story of humanity.

IF YOU LOVE HISTORY

‘Before She Knew Him’ by Peter Swanson What happens if you become convinced your next-door neighbor is a murderer? As one young, suburban wife discovers, it can develop into a suspense-filled, dangerous game...

IF YOU LOVE LOCAL

6 Confirm the named drivers

Most companies won’t allow multiple drives unless you’ve declared this upfront. Ask at the counter for the numbers to call if you’re in an accident or your car breaks down. Check your contract to understand the timeframe you have to report an incident to both the police and the rental company in order to be covered; often it’s within a matter of hours.

8 Ask about e-tolls

Many companies don’t cover the cost of e-tolls or fines. Your contract should outline how this is settled, but ask upfront so you don’t get whacked with a surprise bill.

9 Crossing borders? Find out the rules

You may need a letter of authorisation from your car-rental company to allow you to drive between borders. Travelling across countries may also affect your insurance – ask before you drive off to ensure you’ve got the right cover for your holiday plans.

USE YOUR BENEFIT

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

‘That Churchill Woman’ by Stephanie Barron Based on the fiercely independent life of Winston Churchill’s mother, Jennie Jerome, this novel delves deliciously deep into her role as a British socialite with plenty of scandal up her sleeves.

‘These Bones Will Rise Again’ by Panashe Chigumadzi Zimbabwean Chigumadzi reflects on the ‘coup that wasn’t a coup’ – the ousting of Robert Mugabe – and her weeping for her country, all the while sharing stories of those around her working to restore their beloved country.

Sanlam Reality Plus and Health members can read one of these books while waiting at the airport, relaxing in a Bidvest Premier Lounge for free. Visit www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefits for more. Use your digital membership card in the Sanlam Reality App to gain access to Bidvest Premier Lounges.

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Photography: Shutterstock, supplied

7 Note the emergency number

Explore some of Mzansi’s best

t r a t e e r t s

You don’t have to be inside four walls to enjoy exquisite artwork – just look to the streets for inspiring creations often grounded in deeper meaning. BONE’TIE – HARRINGTON ST, CAPE TOWN Commissioned by BAZ-ART, the NPO behind the International Public Art Festival, Belgian artist Bart Smeets created this captivating piece over 400m2 of wall space in Cape Town’s Zonnebloem area. A STUDY OF WARWICK TRIANGLE IN RUSH HOUR – WARWICK JUNCTION, DURBAN “I’ve always been interested in the environments that my street works are in, as this creates a dialogue between the artwork and the place,” says South African artist Faith XLVII, who created this series of large-scale pieces that sit admist the hooting cars and racing lights of Durban’s traffic.

Do a graffiti walking tour!

Try www.animatours.co.za in Cape Town, www.pastexperiences.co.za in Jo’burg and www.wildroutes.org in Durban.

JAN VAN RIEBEECK – MABONENG, JO’BURG In this artsy neck of the woods, spot Jan van Riebeeck peering out from behind the historical buildings, hip bars and contemporary art galleries. The mural was a collaboration between local artist Freddy Sam and Gaia, based in America. www.sanlamreality.co.za

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

travel

THE ESCAPE

From millions of monarch butterflies traversing over 4 000kms to bats navigating their way from the Congo to Zambia, these are some of the most incredible animal migrations in the world – and how to see them… By Lynette Botha

WHY As the largest mammal migration on earth, witnessing over 10-million straw-coloured fruit bats migrate above the plains of the Kasanka National Park in Zambia is a sight to behold. Attracted by ripening wild fruits, like the local musuku and mpundu, the bats flock

from the Congo annually. WHEN The migration takes place for around 90 days from late October to mid December, with sunset and sunrise being the best times to view this phenomenon. WHERE Viewing is exclusive to a few hectares of the Mushitu Swamp Forest in Kasanka National Park. The park’s treetop hides are perfect for observing these nocturnal creatures. STAY There are two accommodation options within the park, both offering basic yet comfortable chalets; Luwombwa Lodge is located along the banks of the Luwombwa River, while Wasa Lodge, which is further east and closest to the bat-viewing site, overlooks a lake with great hippo sightings. Contact Kasanka National Park for seasonal rates and

packages by emailing res@kasankanationalpark.com. GOOD TO KNOW South Africans do not need a visa to visit Zambia, however it is a malaria-prone area so precaution is necessary (contact your local travel clinic). This trip is not recommended for children younger than 12. WHILE YOU’RE THERE Kasanka is home to many rare species, including sitatunga, wattled crane, Ross’s lourie and blue monkeys. There are over 114 mammals in the park and over 470 bird species, making it a twitcher’s dream. COSTS Fly from Jo’burg to Lusaka from R5 500/person; driving from Lusaka to Kasanka National Park takes 5-6 hours, but is on tarred roads in good condition. Remember to consider park fees ($10/person, per day).

WHERE You need to be based within the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where there are many ideally located safari lodges and camps that are perfectly positioned for the best viewing of the migration. STAY There is a wide range of accommodation available in the Maasai Mara Reserve, ranging from mid to super high-end. For a full list of options, head to www.maasaimara.com/ accommodation. GOOD TO KNOW You need

to be vaccinated against both malaria and yellow fever before visiting Kenya, but South Africans do not need a visa to enter the country. The climate is tropical, but the migration takes place during the more moderate months, so pack accordingly and don’t forget sunscreen, mosquito repellent and sun hats. WHILE YOU’RE THERE Kenya is a magnificent country with so much to see. Once your experience in the Mara is over, it’s worth it to

visit Nairobi for its museums and sites (like the famous Giraffe Manor and Karen Blixen Museum) or head to the coast (Diani or Mombasa) for some sun, sand and sea downtime. COSTS Fly from Jo’burg to Nairobi with Emirates for around R9 500/person. You’ll need to factor in costs to travel from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara (factor in around 5-6 hours on a mix of tar and dirt roads), as well as park fees (expect to pay around $70/adult per day).

WHAT: THE FRUIT BAT MIGRATION, ZAMBIA

WHAT: THE GREAT MIGRATION, KENYA WHY Every year about 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra and antelope migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in Kenya, in search of greener pastures. Predators lurk in the thicket – witnessing this wonder shows you nature at its most untamed. WHEN From July to October, animals trek for four months to cross the Mara River.

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AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

travel

WHY Humpback whales make their annual migration from the Polar Regions to the waters of the Cape to breed. WHEN The whales head south during May and November, with the height of whale-spotting season in Cape Town during the September and October. WHERE Hermanus is known as one of the 12 best whale-watching locations in the world. Viewing terraces at the Old Harbour and Gearings Point offer some of the best sightings. STAY There are many B&Bs and guest houses in Hermanus that are budgetfriendly, although during whale season prices tend to hike. Eastbury Cottage offers self-catering and B&B accommodation in the heart of the town, starting from R850/night for two sharing (www.eastburycottage.co.za). If you want to blow the budget, The Marine Hotel Hermanus is located a few metres from the sea (www.themarinehotel.co.za).

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

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Flying to Cape Town to view the whales? Pay from only R230 per day for car hire with Tempest. Visit www.sanlamreality. co.za/benefits for more.

GOOD TO KNOW While spotting whales from land is easy enough during peak season, if you want to get up close and personal, a whale-watching boat tour is well worth it (twohour boat trips cost from R600-R1 200/person; www.whaleviewing.co.za). WHILE YOU’RE THERE The seaside town of Hermanus has lots to see and do; from the awardwinning Hemel-en-Aarde wine route and beautiful beaches to amazing hikes and mountain biking routes. COSTS Flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town cost around R2 200/person return and Hermanus is about a two-hour drive from Cape Town.

WHAT: THE RED CRAB MIGRATION, AUSTRALIA WHY Every year, the indigenous red crabs of Christmas Island in Australia make their way from the cool forests to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean for mating and spawning season. Around 45-million crabs scurry through the town – so many, that often roads are closed. WHEN At the start of the wet season, between November and December, (Australia’s summer). It’s hard to pin the migration to an exact date, as the breeding sequence is dependent on the cycles of the moon and ocean tides. Consult the Christmas Island Tourism Association (www.christmas.net.au). WHERE The migration can be witnessed all over the island, but to get the most out of your experience, book

a guided tour, which starts at 3.30am and generally lasts three and a half hours. The cost is about R1 500/adult and R700/child, including breakfast – book at www. indianoceanexperiences.com.au. STAY If you’re budget conscious, the no-frills Christmas Island Lodge offers all the basics for a self-catering stay and is affordable at around R1 200/person per night. For a luxurious stay, it doesn’t get better than the new Swell Lodge 5-star eco resort, located inside the National Park. Both can be booked via www.christmas.net.au. GOOD TO KNOW As it is a tropical island, remember to drink plenty of water (the tap water is safe), and bring a hat and sunscreen. WHILE YOU’RE THERE Enjoy scuba diving and snorkelling, bird-watching tours, fishing and even golf. COSTS Flights with Emirates cost around R14 000 (Jo’burg to Perth return). From Perth, fly to Christmas Island with one of the local carriers. SA citizens need a tourist visa (around R1 300/person). www.sanlamreality.co.za

Prices correct at time of print. Photography: Shutterstock

WHAT: THE HUMPBACK WHALE MIGRATION, SOUTH AFRICA

WHAT: THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY MIGRATION, MEXICO WHY More than 100-million monarch butterflies make the journey from the US and Canada to Mexico each year for the cooler months, before returning home in the spring. Of course not all butterflies make it back; these butterflies begin an eight-month migration, during which time four successive generations are born and die. The great journey sees the butterflies flying over 4 000kms. WHEN The butterflies head to Mexico in November, but viewing is at its best during January and February; by March they’re heading home.

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WHERE The town of Angangueo is home to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is about 100km northwest of Mexico City. A one and half hour hike through the reserve will get you to the best viewing points, surrounded by pine and oyamel trees. STAY Keep the budget in check by renting one of many apartments or houses in the town of Angangueo, with prices starting from around R400/night. Or try out Hotel Villa Monarca Inn, which has 67 rooms, four suites and seven villas to choose from, as well as rolling green lawns, a swimming pool and a play area for kids, with rates starting at around R950/person per night (www.hotelvillamonarca.com).

GOOD TO KNOW Because you need to hike (you can also complete the journey on horseback), wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. To hire a guide and a horse will cost you approximately R170/person and park entrance fees are about R35 each. WHILE YOU’RE THERE It’s best to couple this with a trip to other parts of Mexico, although the town of Angangueo is very charming and also relatively affordable for South Africans, being so off the beaten track. COSTS Flights with Emirates from Jo’burg to Mexico City cost around R15 000, but this includes stopovers in both Dubai and New York. You will also need to factor in a bus trip or rental car to get you from Mexico to Angangueo.

You could save up to R3 500 on your R14 000 flight to Perth, or R3 750 on your R15 000 flights to Mexico City! Sanlam Reality Plus and Health members enjoy up to 25% off Emirates; visit www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefits to find out more.

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

travel

48 Hours in

DUBAI

Heading for a stopover in the sandpit? Give the gaudy malls a skip and let local expert Christine van Deemter tell you where to go.

EXPLORE Dubai Design District (d3) is home to the city’s creative big shots. Have the tuna tartare at The Lighthouse, or a bowl of ramen at Yui. Shop at Closet Case, a concept store; Frame, with its curated selection of Japanese homeware; and Montroi for leather goods. www.dubaidesigndistrict.com Alserkal Avenue is the beating heart of the city’s art scene. The industrial space is home to galleries and niche eateries – pop into Wild & The Moon (1) for an ethically sourced bowl of salad and

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Project Chaiwala (2) for a cup of chai. End off with a slab of handmade chocolate from Mirzam (3) (they also do kids’ workshops on Saturdays). www.alserkalavenue.ae Take a drive or walk down 2nd December Street to explore the Dubai Street Museum, a public art initiative where street artists were invited to create murals celebrating Emirati heritage. Stroll through Bur Dubai, the city’s oldest area. Visit the souks and Al Fahidi Fort and jump on a wooden dhow for a quick trip up the creek.

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

EAT Bussola (4) for the city’s best pizza, with its views across the Palm Islands. Bonus: it’s licensed, so you can enjoy a tipple. www.bussoladubai.com Reform Social and Grill has been voted best pub food in the city for a reason. Head to the ’burbs for a burger while the kids play outside in the lakeside setting. (Side note: unsually, this spot also serves pork.) www.reformsocialgrill.ae If you have an entire Friday to enjoy, you can’t leave the city without experiencing one of its

legendary brunches. Warning: this is not Eggs Benedict – it’s a full-on, all-you-can-eat-and-drink fest, and most of the city’s main restaurants are in on the deal. Vida Downtown hotel in Business Bay does a delightful picnic-style one with a pool for the kids and Pimm’s on tap for the adults. www.vidahotels.com The Eloquent Elephant (5) is a vintage-feel gastropub with an Indian twist and a swanky outside terrace – try the BBQ glazed Angus short ribs. @theeloquentelephant

If you’re a Reality Plus or Reality Health member, you can save up to 25% on Emirates flights. On an R8 000 flight, that means a saving of up to R2 000! Visit www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefits for more.

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FLYING EMIRATES? HERE’S HOW YOU CAN SCORE

Of course, you cannot come to the Middle East and not enjoy its most beloved cuisine: Lebanese. Al Falamanki is a locals’ favourite, where you have to try the kofta and taouk skewers, and kanafeh for dessert (it’s cheese, pastry and syrup, just go with it). www.alfalamanki.com

Frying Pan Adventures Hit the streets for a fourhour walking foodie tour exploring Arabic and Iranian cuisine www.fryingpanadventures.com STAY XVA Art Hotel (6), with its curated gallery and 15 unique rooms, is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. www.xvahotel.com

Rove Downtown (7), a no-frills, no-fuss hotel chain that still manages to be fun. www.rovehotels.com Vida Downtown (8) has an LA vibe right in the heart of the city. www.vidahotels.com Renaissance Downtown Hotel (9) has excellent restaurants and unbeatable skyline views of the Burj Khalifa. www.marriott.com

Apply for your visa online. There’s no need to visit a visa centre – you submit all documents and receive your visa through the website. If you’re an Emirates Skywards member (Silver and higher), you can enjoy complimentary access to the business class lounge at DXB. If you’re just stopping over in Dubai, take advantage of Emirates’ Dubai Stopover offer. You have to book it through your local Emirates office and it includes airport transfers and discount hotel and excursion rates, all of which Emirates will organise for you.

NEED TO KNOW

Prices approximate and correct at time of print. Photography: Shutterstock, supplied

I’M A WOMAN, WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? Whatever you like – Dubai is very open-minded and women only need dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered) if they are in or near a mosque or government building. You won’t get into trouble if you don’t, but Emiratis will definitely raise an offended eyebrow. IS IT KID-FRIENDLY? Very. Dubai is made for kids – both big and small. From skiing at The Mall of the Emirates to visiting IMG Worlds of Adventure and the variety of waterparks, the city is a kid’s dream. WHAT ABOUT ALCOHOL? Restaurants and bars affiliated with hotels are licensed to sell alcohol. You cannot buy alcohol at a liquor store without a license, which is only available to residents. IS IT EASY TO GET AROUND? There are ample safe, government-regulated taxis available. Uber and the local ride-sharing app, Careem, is also

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widespread. The Dubai Metro and tram run every day, with the metro linking to the airport and the tram looping around the popular tourist areas of JBR and the Marina. It’s easy to get a metro card at all stations. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO? From late October to early May, when the weather is beautiful and the city comes alive after the scorching summer months. Markets, food and film festivals, concerts and outdoor events will keep you busy. IS IT EXPENSIVE? There’s no two ways about it – Dubai is not a cheap city. Dinner for two with wine at a nice restaurant can cost around AED500 (about R2 000). WHAT’S THE ONE THING VISITORS SHOULD KNOW? While Dubai loves tourists, always be respectful of local laws and customs – excessive public affection between couples, public drunkenness and any kind of fighting or insults (including flipping the bird) will get you into trouble.

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travel

Unusual plac es to stay in South Africa If the dips and dives of the rand are discouraging you, let this warm your heart: there’s a host of world-class places to stay right on your doorstep. Here, six of the most magnificent – and magical – we could find. By Sarah Browning-de Villiers

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

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NORTH WEST

STAY IN AN ORIGINAL VOORTREKKER OXWAGON

WESTERN CAPE

RELAX UNDER THE STARS Kagga Kamma, www.kaggakamma.co.za From the moment you arrive in the Cederberg, you know you’re in a special place. Vast open skies speckled with clouds – or, if the sun is down, smattered with some of the brightest stars you’ll likely ever see – jagged red rocks that only giants could have placed in such majestic formations across the landscape, and nothing else… for kilometres. It’s the perfect place to disconnect, making Kagga Kamma’s extraordinary accommodation options ideal for a tech detox. Sleep in a Cave Suite, tucked into the face of a rock, and look out over the vast nothingness around you. But our favourites – and the options we think makes this spot truly worthwhile? The Star or Sky Suites, which live up to their names: open-air suites with the stars as your sleeping companions. Make no mistake, ‘Sky’ doesn’t mean ‘basic’ – queen-sized beds, open-air showers and a cooler box of food so that you can braai before you head to sleep, await. You can opt for half- or full-board, and book into a host of activities with Kagga Kamma’s endearing guides, from bouldering and rock climbing to stargazing tours and sundowner safari drives to find jackals, Spotted Eagle Owls and – if you’re very lucky – an elusive Cederberg leopard. THE DETAILS From R2 830/person sharing, per night (low season) for full board. In high season for a Cave or Hut Suite, pay from R2 484/person sharing, per night, including breakfast only. To sleep outside, you top up your Cave or Hut booking by R1 210/person. TAKE WITH YOU A good book and your binoculars, to make the most of the endless views. www.sanlamreality.co.za

Oxwagon Lodge, oxwagonlodge.co.za If a quirky place to rest your head is what you’re looking for, Oxwagon Lodge – close to Hartbeespoort Dam – delivers. Six restored, original oxwagons await, each converted into charming bedrooms. Expect a cosy double bed in the centre of the wagon, plus a ‘hartbeeshuisie’ chalet attached to the side so that you can enjoy a private bathroom, sitting area and second bedroom – great if you’re travelling as a family. Just an hour outside of Jo’burg, Oxwagon Lodge doesn’t just offer eclectic accommodation – it’s also a great spot for groups, with a communal braai area and restaurant – not to mention its 30-minute proximity to Hartbeespoort Dam. THE DETAILS A night starts from R650/person including a Champagne breakfast; children are from R350/ person. Opt into the Trekker Braai for R220/person. TAKE WITH YOU A sense of adventure and your best party tricks – this spot’s great for socialising around the braai.

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

travel

in SA Not que itkenow – – w o good bu t to iss! to m

LIMPOPO

SPEND A NIGHT IN THE TREES

SNUGGLE UP IN A TRADITIONAL GRASS HUT

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Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Beehive Huts, biggameparks.org Nestled in the southern Fly to your local corner of Mlilwane Wildlife spot with Mango Sanctuary – an area of and enjoy up to intensive conservation 30% off your efforts following decades flights, thanks to of poaching problems – is Sanlam Reality! Mlilwane Rest Camp, a Visit www. small, unfenced cluster of sanlamreality. accommodation overlooking co.za/benefits Mhlambanyatsi River Valley. for more. Why is this spot to special? Because about 100m from the main accommodation options – including self-catering rondavels and camping – sits Beehive Village, 43 dome huts crafted from grass. With low doors and no windows, you’ll enjoy a deep, dark sleep in a simple but cosy setup. While the game in Mlilwane is thin, the surrounds are beautiful and peaceful. The best way to enjoy the local game? On foot, via a guided walk – or on horseback. There are even overnight horseback trails if you’re keen. There are also a number of safe, unguided walking trails, a swimming pool and a play area, as well as a restaurant and braai areas. THE DETAILS A Beehive Village family hut (sleeps four) starts from R475/night. TAKE WITH YOU Sturdy walking shoes, your self-catering groceries and your swimsuit.

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REALITY AUTUMN 2019

EASTERN CAPE

WAKE UP IN A TEEPEE TiPi Bush Camp, www.tipibushcamp.com On the border of Addo Elephant National Park lies this unique bush camp, with three large teepees surrounded by wooden decks for you to enjoy. Equipped with crockery, cutlery, a gas fridge and cooker, TiPi Bush Camp is the perfect way to do the great outdoors in style. It’s also a great way to disconnect: there’s only gas and solar power, plus you’ll overlook bush teeming with wildlife, from lumbering elephants by day to roaming jackals at night. THE DETAILS From R855/ teepee per night, with a minimum of two nights’ stay. TAKE WITH YOU Warm clothes if you’re there in winter, and binoculars to spot the elephants in Addo from your teepee’s stoep.

Whether you’re road-tripping to your destination or want to hire a bigger, sturdier car for a self-drive safari, you pay from only R230 per day with Tempest Car Hire. Visit www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefits for more.

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Prices approximate and correct at time of print. Photography: Supplied

SWAZILAND

Bona Ntaba Tree House Lodge, www.bonantaba.com Just over two hours from Nelspruit lies Bona Ntaba Self-Catering Tree House Lodge, offering solitude and serenity on a private game reserve. Sit up on your deck in the trees watching the sun rise over the bush, or take an outside shower and the sun sets on the distant Drakensberg mountains. The nearest Kruger National Park gate is under an hour’s drive away, while a communal splash pool on site means you don’t need to leave Bona Ntaba if you don’t want to. There are a total of four tree houses, so don’t worry about crowds. THE DETAILS Stay in a Family Tree House from R625/person per night and R260/child per night. You’ll have access to the central communal kitchen for cooking. To secure a private kitchen, hire the Couples’ Tree House (sleeps two) from R710/person per night. TAKE WITH YOU Your anti-malaria meds and mozzie spray.

FREE STATE

SLEEP IN AN OLD GRAIN SILO Twin Towers, Fairview Estate, fairviewestates.co.za Less than an hour from Clarens, two old grain silos sit surrounded by the awe-inspiring Drakensberg mountain range. Now dubbed Twin Towers, Fairview Estate

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has re-imagined the silos into a charming selfcatering space, fitted with a wood-burning fireplace, kitchen and living room. Able to sleep eight, you’ll wake up to the sound of alpacas trotting through the fields around you, and are a short drive from Golden Gate Highlands National Park. A real treat!

If you go in winter, you’re just 90km from Afriski. THE DETAILS From R2 000 a night, with slight increases as you add more people to your booking. You’ll need to a book a minimum of two nights. TAKE WITH YOU Your walking boots and – if you’re then in winter – slippers!

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

Save R280 on movies and refreshments for a family of four!

See the biggest blockbusters at Nu Metro for less.

Use in your Sanlam Reality App

For more information, go to www.sanlamreality.co.za. Benefit T&Cs apply.

R25

R45

R30

2D movie ticket

3D movie ticket

Medium popcorn + beverage

entertainment

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY THE BIG TRIP (3D) When a ditzy stork delivers a baby panda to the wrong door, a bear, a moose, a tiger and a rabbit set out to help get the baby panda home to its parents. Expect a wild adventure plus plenty of fun and challenges along the way. Release date: 19 April

YOUR

e n tertain me n t BENEFITS

Pay R25 for a 2D movie ticket (R45 for 3D) and R30 for a refreshment combo at Nu Metro

Buy one ticket and get one up to R300 on Computicket!

Six monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; music streaming from simfy africa

1GB free data every month with AlwaysOn

Go to www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefits/entertainment to view your specific benefits, tier status and discount percentage. AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

entertainment

So many movies... and so affordable, too! ENJOY 2D MOVIE TICKETS AT NU METRO FOR R25, OR R45 FOR 3D.

MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS Two kingdoms. Two queens. The 18-year-old widowed queen of France, Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan), returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her throne, putting her in conflict with her cousin, the enigmatic Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie). Rivals in power and in love, and female regents in a man’s world, the game of thrones spells death for one. Release date: 1 March

FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY This comedy from Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson tracks the journey of a former wrestler eking out a living giving small performances in dead-end venues, while his kids dream of making it big in the world of pro wrestling. A feel-good story of a family working through their issues to achieve success together. Release date: 15 March

US If intense socio-thriller-horrors are your thing, you won’t want to miss Us. The powerhouse cast of Elizabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale), Lupita Nyong’o (Black Panther) and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Aquaman) all add to this suspense-filled film. Saying anything more about the plot would give things away… Release date: 15 March

GET CULTURED (WITH THE KIDS),

DUMBO From magical director Tim Burton, this live-action remake of the Disney classic is filled with incredible effects and a brilliant cast. Stars including Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito and Eva Green act out this heartwarming story of Dumbo, a circus elephant born with comically huge ears, only to learn that they mean he can fly. Release date: 29 March

for free!

WALKING TOURS | CAPE TOWN Pitch up at Motherland Coffee Company in the CBD and follow the green umbrellas for a historical 90-minute walk through the city. www.freewalkingtourscapetown.co.za; 11am, 2pm, 4.20pm daily MUSEUM AFRICA | JO’BURG The city’s old fruit and vegetable market houses a permanent exhibition, My Culture,

NOON GUN | CAPE TOWN The daily boom that marks midday is a Cape Town institution – but did you know you can view the gun’s sounding in person? Arrive at 11.30am for a historical talk. At Cape Town’s Signal Hill; Monday to Saturday.

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

which outlines the hundreds of different South African cultural groups, and how they’ve changed over time. 121 Lilian Ngoyi Street, Newtown; Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm. VICTORIA STREET MARKET | DURBAN Founded by Durban’s Indian community in the 1880s, today this market is a rich sensory experience. Just exploring this is a delight! www.victoriastreetmarket.co.za; weekdays: 8am-5pm, Saturday: 8am-4pm, Sunday: 9am-3pm SOUTH END MUSEUM | PORT ELIZABETH The museum commemorates the once culturally diverse suburb of South End, and its demise thanks to Apartheid. It’s an eye-opener into the area, worth educating the whole family about. www.southendmuseum.co.za; weekdays: 9am-4pm, weekends: 10am-3pm. OLD COURT MUSEUM | DURBAN A recruitment centre and canteen during the Anglo-Zulu War, the museum now contains interesting artefacts, as well as touch-screen that journeys through Durban’s history, a miniature car display and art nouveau pieces. 77 Samora Machel Street; weekdays: 8.30am-4pm, Saturdays: 8.30am-12.30pm www.sanlamreality.co.za

Research: Nicci Botha. Photography: supplied, Shutterstock

Immerse yourself in our colourful, multi-faceted history without feeling the need to splurge.

Embrace

YOUR DAYS OFF! This time of year is peppered with public holidays and long weekends. Take time out with the whole family and enjoy.

DURBAN | DECOREX Whether you’re attempting a major home renovation or simply love small DIY projects, Decorex – South Africa’s largest décor, design and lifestyle show – has plenty on offer to keep you entertained. Think experts, workshops, stores and suppliers all under one roof. When: 21-24 March Where: Durban Exhibition Centre

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CAPE TOWN AND JO’BURG | CHICAGO THE MUSICAL Set in the roaring 1920s, murder and greed take to the stage via this sexy, sassy musical. Expect renditions of favourites like All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle as wannabe songstress Roxy Hart finds herself in prison for murder, with nothing but fame and fortune on her mind. When: 15 March-14 April (Cape Town); 20 April-26 May (Jo’burg) Where: Artscape, Montecasino

CAPE TOWN, DURBAN AND JO’BURG | MONSTER JAM For the first time in South Africa, enjoy a fun-filled family day of four-wheeled monsters wreaking havoc on an obstacle course. Thrilling for the whole family – even if you aren’t normally petrol heads. When: 20 April (Durban); 27 April (Cape Town); 4 May (Jo’burg) Where: Moses Mabida Stadium, Cape Town Stadium, FNB Stadium

GREAT FAMILY DAY OUT!

PRETORIA | NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS A treat for the animal lovers in the family! Situated in the heart of the Jacaranda City, the National Zoo offers a staggering 9 500 animals to view. When: Now until 6 December Where: Boom Street

Reality Plus and Reality Health members can buy one ticket and get one up to R300 with Computicket. To book, call 0860 732 548/9 or visit www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefits.

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

entertainment

TIP

Replace the chicken with extra veggies to make this meal even more affordable.

CHICKEN SATAY STIR FRY

10-Minute MEALS UNDER

R500

60 REALITY AUTUMN 2019

Save on time and money without dialing down the flavour. Styling: Katelyn Allegra; Photography: Kirsten Mackrill www.sanlamreality.co.za

Chicken satay stir fry Cost per portion: R31 Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 5 mins Serves 4

For the satay sauce 110g ( 1/3 cup) peanut butter 45ml (3 tbsp) soy sauce 180ml (¾ cup) coconut milk 5ml chilli flakes 2 lemongrass stalks, finely sliced 15ml (1 tbsp) honey ½ lemon, juiced

Cheat’s meatballs in tomato and rosemary sauce Cost per portion: R17 | Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 5 mins | Serves: 6

500g boerewors 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil 2 baby leeks, finely sliced 2 garlic cloves, grated 3 sprigs rosemary, finely chopped 800g (2 tins) tinned tomatoes 400g (1 tin) borlotti or butter beans Salt and pepper, to taste 400g linguine or spaghetti 5g fresh parsley, freshly chopped

To make the meatballs, pull off the casing of the sausage and cut the sausage into equal-sized rounds. Roll into balls and set aside. Heat the oil in a mediumsized pot and sauté the leeks, garlic and rosemary for 2-3 minutes or until soft and translucent. Add the meatballs and fry for 5-10 minutes until cooked on the outside.

Add the tomatoes, seasoning and beans. Cook for a further 15 minutes. While the sauce is cooking, cook the linguine in a pot of salted, boiling water for 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain. Place the pasta in a serving dish. Top with sauce and meatballs. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

For the chicken stir fry 30ml (2 tbsp) sesame oil 2 chicken breast fillets, sliced into strips 3 cloves garlic, grated 5cm (1 tbsp) piece ginger, grated 200g vermicelli or instant noodles, cooked according to packaging 250g green beans, top and tailed 250g broccoli, trimmed Coriander, to garnish 75g (½ cup) peanuts, toasted and roughly chopped For the satay sauce, combine all the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Stir to combine. Heat a large frying pan or wok over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken, garlic and ginger and cook, for 5-6 minutes or until lightly browned. Add the satay sauce and cook, stirring for 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Add the noodles and toss to combine. Serve with coriander and peanuts.

TIP

Tinned beans, lentils and chickpeas are a tasty, alternative way of extending sauces and making meat go further. www.sanlamreality.co.za

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

entertainment

Crispy buttermilk fried chicken with carrot-fennel slaw Cost per portion: R19.50 | Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 5 mins | Serves: 4 For the buttermilk chicken 45ml (3 tbsp) paprika 4 chicken pieces 500ml (2 cups) buttermilk or amasi Canola oil, for deep frying 300g (2 cups) cake flour 10ml (2 tsp) baking powder 10ml (2 tsp) sea salt ½ cauliflower head, broken into pieces For the carrot-fennel slaw 30ml (2 tbsp) lemon juice 15ml (1 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced 4 medium carrots, peeled into ribbons For the buttermilk chicken, combine the paprika, chicken and buttermilk. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight.

62 REALITY AUTUMN 2019

Fill two-thirds of a large pot with oil and place over medium heat until the temperature reaches 180°C. While the oil heats, mix the cake flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Remove the chicken from the fridge and stir 4tbsp of the buttermilk mix into the flour to form clumps. Remove the chicken from the mixture and toss in the flour, coating completely. Coat the cauliflower in the leftover marinade; toss in the flour mixture. Deep fry the chicken and cauliflower for 5-10 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towel, then place in a 180°C oven and bake for 10 minutes; season with salt. For the slaw, combine the lemon juice and oil. Add the carrots and fennel; toss. Serve with the fried chicken.

Courgette, basil and mint frittata Cost per portion: R4.35 | Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 5 mins | Serves 6

30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil 2 small leeks, thinly sliced 3 cloves garlic, grated 300g courgette, peeled into ribbons 6 large eggs, room temperature 60g (½ cup) breadcrumbs 250g feta, crumbled plus extra to serve Salt and pepper, to taste

10g fresh basil, to serve 10g fresh mint, to serve

TIP

Frittatas are perfect vehicles for leftover veggies or potatoes from the night before. Add them instead of the courgettes to limit wastage.

Heat the oil in a mediumsized frying pan over a medium heat. Fry the leeks, garlic and courgette ribbons for 4-5 minutes or until slightly softened. Combine the eggs and breadcrumbs together and season. Drizzle a bit more oil in the pan and increase the heat to high. Pour the egg mixture into the hot pan. Place a lid or plate on the pan and allow to cook over a medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes or until the frittata pulls away from the pan. Once ready, flip the frittata onto a plate and back into the pan for another 5 minutes, and serve with freshly chopped mint and basil.

www.sanlamreality.co.za

Two-ingredient chocolate mousse Cost per portion: R12 | Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 5 mins | Serves: 6-8 270g 70% dark chocolate 240ml water Cocoa powder and chocolate shavings, to garnish (optional) Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water then fit a slightly smaller bowl on top. Set aside. Bring a medium pot of water filled 1/3 of the way to the boil and turn off the heat. Combine the chocolate and water in a bowl slightly larger than the pot. Place the chocolate over the pot and

stir until the chocolate has melted. Pour the melted chocolate mix into the bowl fitted over an ice bath and Immediately start whisking with a hand beater until thick. Keep an eye on the texture as you whip and make sure not to over-whip as it will make the mousse grainy. If the mousse becomes grainy (which is possible at your first try),

transfer it back into the pan, reheat until half of it is melted, pour it back to the mixing bowl and whisk again briefly. Divide into four serving cups and serve immediately.

TIP

Replace the water in this recipe with tea or fruit juice for a flavour twist.

www.sanlamreality.co.za

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

entertainment

ALL THAT

5 Minutes with Chaka Khan

ON HOW AGE CAN HELP GIVE YOU CONFIDENCE

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

who she describes as “gifted, beautiful and so full of life”.

ON HER MUSICAL

ON HAVING REGRETS

INSPIRATIONS

“Do I have any regrets? Heeeck naw! If I hadn’t done all the things I’d done, I wouldn’t be the amazing human being I am today.”

AND CONTROL

“Walking through life is really walking through fire…. As you get older, you realise there are fire extinguishers. You do have an ability to control the flames…. “Throughout my 40-year career, I’ve been through the fire a few times over and I’m still here as a living testament to God’s love and grace.”

“Every personal experience of my life impacts my music. I can only give what I have. And when I receive, I give it back. I often fix it or colour it differently or give it in my way, but that’s what it is all about.” ON THE CAUSES SHE’S PASSIONATE ABOUT

ON NOT LETTING SUCCESS CHANGE HER

“I control my life and I have never let success run away with me - I’ve taken it and ran. And the only thing that could threaten my stability is me - I’m my only threat and my own worst enemy. Beyond that, I don’t feel successful. I’m nowhere

near where I plan to be as far as my goals.”

“I realise that I can’t change the world, but I can do my part in contributing to society.” It’s why, in 1999, she founded the Chaka Khan Foundation, which supports women and children at risk. The foundation has a special focus on autism – a condition Chaka Khan’s nephew has,

ON NAVIGATING THE UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE

“You’ve just got to follow your own path. You have to trust your heart listen to the warnings.”

Watch Chaka Khan perform live at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, happening 29-30 March in Cape Town. Tickets are available via Computicket.

www.sanlamreality.co.za

Photography: supplied

With 22 albums and an estimated 70-million records sold worldwide, singer, songwriter and actress Chaka Khan is one of the all-time greats. Get to know the US superstar a little better ahead of her performance on our shores at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

IN FIVE LINES REAL NAME:

Yvette Marie Stevens BORN: Chicago, Illinois NUMBER OF GRAMMY AWARDS: 10 MUSICAL GENRES: R&B,

pop, rock, gospel, country, world music, classical BUSINESS VENTURES:

Include a gourmet chocolate line, ‘Chakalates’, and fragrances, candles and room sprays under the line name ‘Khana Sutra’

www.sanlamreality.co.za

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

Save as much as 25% Travel to more than 130 destinations worldwide and feel truly special in Emirates economy class: Over 2â&#x20AC;&#x2030;500 channels Four-course meal Complimentary drinks Free Wi-Fi

For more information, go to www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/emirates or call 0860 732 548/9. Terms and conditions apply. Exclusive to Reality Plus and Reality Health members.

real world

info guide TO WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE SANLAM REALITY

YOUR

NEW BENEFIT!

SAVE R599

GET ’APPY!

Working out just got easier...

www.sanlamreality.co.za

+ Access free tax help

Your new App is here

72 BENEFITS

All your Sanlam Reality benefits and discount percentages

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

new for members

New year, new benefit! Enjoy it today How do you stay in shape if a mainstream gym isn’t your cup of tea? Or if there’s no big-name gym in your neighbourhood? No sweat! We’ve teamed up with a host of independent gyms and studios across the country to give you options, meaning you can now work out in a way that suits you. Let’s get started!

Do your warm up

nload the new, reality.co.za or dow Log onto www.sanlam gyms and studios nt nde epe ind App to find free Sanlam Reality near to you. d to sign up nt to sign up. You’ll nee Choose where you wa or studio directly gym t tha ting tac con by using our website or lam Reality member, them that you’re a San – just remember to tell also call us on can You nt! ly your discou so that they can app 0860 732 548/9.

Burn up to 60%

ging your exercise. r discount level by log You can increase you Which means you e. out, the more you sav The more you work or studio fee! gym ly nth mo r you off could get up to 60% to increase your r gym or studio visits How do you log you lity App and use Rea lam San load the free discount level? Down code at the gym the n sca App QR scanner to code if you opt your Sanlam Reality QR the for . Or ask your trainer or studio’s reception per visit (once a nts poi tier 150 get You’ll for an outdoor class. while you work out. reasing your tier status ts day)… so you’ll be inc d based on your visi ate cul count will be cal Your percentage dis in a 30-day cycle.

and Family Reality Plus Single nth: 20% off Gym up to 5 times/mo : 40% off Gym 6-11 times/month : 60% off Gym 12+ times/month

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

and Family Reality Core Single nth: 10% off Gym up to 5 times/mo : 20% off nth mo es/ tim Gym 6-11 40% off : nth mo es/ tim Gym 12+

www.sanlamreality.co.za

What is an independent gym or studio? Sanlam Reality Core and Plus members already enjoy huge monthly discounts at Planet Fitness and JustGym, while Reality Health members can also make the most of up to 60% off Virgin Active. We consider these mainstream gyms. Any other gym or studio falls into our Independent Gym & Studio network. These are typically smaller, and often offer specialised classes, like CrossFit, yoga or Pilates. Have a local independent gym or studio not in our network? Email us on info@sanlamreality.co.za or call us on 0860 732 548/9 and we’ll see if we can add them to our network.

Grab a 10-pack to work your six-pack 3

With our ment phobia? Relax! Do you have a commit can also sign up for you , ion opt s dio stu independent gyms and classes without 10 of iety var a to access a 10-pack, giving you you’ll always ter: bet n Eve t. erm contrac having to sign a long-t mal class fee. enjoy 25% off the nor

USE YOUR BENEFIT

www.sanlamreality.co.za

What if I already have a gym contract? buy No worries! You can you as many 10-packs as like, to top up your monthly contract – and off. you’ll always get 25% g at So if you love trainin nt to Planet Fitness but wa tes make the most of Pila nt at your local independe se cha pur ply sim , studio r 10-packs and use you Sanlam Reality membership to claim your 25% discount.

Excited by this brand-new benefit? Us too! Start exploring your new benefit, and our independent gym and studio network, by visiting www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefits.

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

tax

EARN TIER POINTS Unsure what your monthly taxable income should be? Use our free income tax calculator at www.sanlamreality. co.za/wealth-sense/ income-taxcalculator and earn

Ready to save R599 on your tax return?

1 000 tier points.

We thought so! As a Sanlam Reality member, you have free access to TaxTim – an online portal that gives you expert help filing your tax return. Visit www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/taxtim for more. 1 March 2019 //

Make 2019 your best tax year yet

2019/20 tax year begins – start logging those tax-deductible expenses, like medical receipts

Save the date!

31 October 2019 //

1 July 2019 //

31 August 2019 //

Tax season opens for non-provisional taxpayers

First payment for provisional tax payers

D-Day! Tax return submission deadline for non-provisional tax payers

31 January 2020 //

28 February 2020 //

Deadline for eFiling submissions for provisional taxpayers

Top up your RA to maximise tax deductions. You have until the end of February to do this

29 February 2020 // Second payment for provisional taxpayers

ARE YOU TAX EFFICIENT? The best way to maximise your tax deductions is to speak to a financial planner, who can offer advice based on your personal finances. Plus, earn

8 000 tier points when you arrange a meeting. Visit www.sanlamreality. co.za/contact-anadviser or call 0860 732 548/9.

TaxTim is an online service designed to make submitting your tax return painless. Online expert help Get info and advice from real, live tax experts. Ask questions as you complete your return in TaxTim.

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

Safe document storage TaxTim can store your medical aid, retirement certificates and other important documents in one place, securely. Which means you don’t have to worry about where everything is when it comes to submitting your return.

Regular tax reminders TaxTim will give you nudges via your inbox as the year rolls on, meaning last-minute submissions should be a thing of the past. Downloadable expense tracker This tool will

ensure that logging your tax-deductible expenses is easy and ready for when it’s time to file that return. Mobilefriendly vehicle logbook Keep track of your tax-deductible work trips easily.

Save R599 Register to enjoy TaxTim’s professional service without paying a cent. Earn 3 000 tier points Just by using TaxTim to submit your tax return – easy!

www.sanlamreality.co.za

Photography: Shutterstock

WHAT DOES TAXTIM DO FOR ME?

app

The Sanlam Reality App is here! 6 Ways the Sanlam Reality App will make your membership even better.

Buy your Nu Metro movie tickets and refreshments on the go, directly in the Sanlam Reality App. All your ticket references will be automatically stored in your App’s wallet, meaning you won’t have to worry about printing anything out. So easy!

Activate your new, extended Uber benefit We’ve increased your Uber benefit to include up to 30% off airport transfers and after-hours trips (10pm-4am). You’ll need to activate your Uber benefit inside the Sanlam Reality App (once-off), and then you’ll be able to book your trips directly in the Uber app – your membership discounts will be automatically applied.

Use your brand-new Independent Gym & Studios benefit

Sign up with one of our independent gym or studio partners and use the QR code scanner in the Sanlam Reality App to record every visit to your gym or studio. The more you sweat, the more you save! Turn to p68 to find out more about this new benefit.

Book discounted movie tickets and refreshments

Chat to your Personal Assistant, 24/7 Need to get a quote for a new geyser on a Sunday afternoon? Your Personal Assistant is on call 24/7. Message them in the Sanlam Reality App, much like a WhatsApp chat, and track the progress of your requests.

Access your digital membership card Not only do you get a digital membership card in the Sanlam Reality App – which you can show to access Bidvest Premier Lounges, one of your benefits if you’re a Sanlam Reality Plus or Health member – but you can also upload credit cards for seamless, plastic-free payments in the App.

Win 1 of 100 prizes worth R13 000! Just by downloading the App and logging in – turn to p33 to find out more, and to read the T&Cs.

note

Get the App

www.sanlamreality.co.za

Download the Sanlam Reality App for free from your App Store or Google Play Store.

AUTUMN 2019 REALITY

benefits

Sanlam Reality benefits table Reality Health

Reality Plus

Reality Core

Sanlam Life Cover

Up to 30% off

n/a

Sanlam savings products

Up to 100% off primary asset management charges

Sanlam Gap Cover

Double the cover from day one

Sanlam online will

Free with secure will storage

Sanlam Personal Loans

Cash-back reward of up to 20% Cash-back reward of up to 20% Cash-back reward of up to 20%

Wealth Sense

Online financial platform

TaxTim

Complimentary tax assistance Complimentary tax assistance Complimentary tax assistance

Funeral cover

Fedhealth members on Reality n/a Health and Reality Access

Fedhealth members on Reality Health and Reality Access

Pet Accident Cover

Fedhealth members on Reality Health and Reality Access

n/a

Fedhealth members on Reality Health and Reality Access

Virgin Active

As much as 60% off

n/a

Planet Fitness Gym

As much as 80% off

As much as 60% off

JustGym

As much as 80% off

As much as 60% off

Independent Gyms & Studios

As much as 60% off

As much as 40% off

Mango flights

As much as 30% off

As much as 20% off

Emirates flights

As much as 25% off

n/a

Protea Hotels by Marriott®

As much as 30% off

As much as 20% off

Tempest Car Hire

Pay as little as R230 per day

Uber trips

As much as 30% off

Bidvest Premier Lounge

Up to 20 visits/year

n/a

International Travel Insurance

Fedhealth members on Reality Health and Reality Access

n/a

Fedhealth members on Reality Health and Reality Access

Nu Metro movies & refreshments

R25 for 2D or R45 for 3D; R30 for refreshment combo

R25 for 2D; R30 for refreshment combo

Computicket shows and sport

Buy one ticket and get one up to R300

n/a

simfy africa music streaming

Six months’ complimentary; save 7.5% thereafter

AlwaysOn Wi-Fi

1GB data/month

n/a

‘Reality’ magazine

Three times a year

24/7, 365 days a year

Wealth

Online financial platform

Health

Travel

Entertainment

Personal Services Personal Assistant

REALITY AUTUMN 2019

www.sanlamreality.co.za

Save as much as

30% on Uber! With the even better, expanded Uber benefit, you can: Save on trips between 10pm-4am. Save on anytime airport transfers to and from the major airports in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve integrated the Uber app directly into the new Sanlam Reality App: 1. Download the Uber app and register using the same email and phone number used for your Sanlam Reality membership. 2. Download the Sanlam Reality App (free) and log in. 3. Click on the Uber benefit block and activate your benefit (once-off). 4. Order your Uber trip in the Uber app â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your membership discounts will be automatically applied.

Use in your Sanlam Reality App

For more, go to www.sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/uber. T&Cs apply.

Your favourite benefits

in your pocket The free Sanlam Reality App is here!

Simple. Convenient. 24/7.

Download or find out more The Sanlam Reality App makes enjoying your benefits even easier – and more rewarding. Access benefits including discounts on Nu Metro bookings, Uber trips and Independent Gyms & Studios. Plus, chat to your Personal Assistant, access your digital membership card, store credit cards for payment and track your tier points. T&Cs apply.

Visit www.sanlamreality.co.za for more.