ISSUE 11 SPRING AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021
Advice on blending retirement income solutions
Discover
Maggie Smith returns to Downton
Abbey for a new era
BOOK EXCERPT: JANE’S DELICIOUS SUPERFOODS FOR Re a deearway SUPER HEALTH g iv e 25 Se e p a g
Mount Camdeboo’s Wilderness Pods
OUR ITALIAN LEGACY OF LOVE:
Recipes from Café del Sol WIN
See page 28
HAVING HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY? YOU COULD TOUCH A LIFE
Missing out on inflationbeating returns on your retirement portfolio?
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Contents
…
20 ROOIBOS FOR BOTHERSOME NASAL ALLERGIES?
Mount Camdeboo Wilderness Pods p6
04 ED’S NOTE
TRAVEL
14 CONTENT PARTNERSHIP: WOMEN SHOULD TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR FINANCES
06 MOUNT CAMDEBOO WILDERNESS PODS
Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape has launched two new luxurious, ecofriendly sleep-out pods, offering an immersive wilderness experience.
FEATURE Dame Maggie Smith returns to the big screen with the Downton Abbey sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era.
MONEY 12 BLENDING RETIREMENT INCOME SOLUTIONS
Advice from Linda Blom, Business Development Manager at Glacier by Sanlam.
Finbond Mutual Bank says empowering yourself financially helps build a roadmap for your future.
LIFESTYLE 24 BOOK EXTRACT:
Is your retirement portfolio positioned for the inflationbeating returns on offer? New research shows that the ability to leave capital to dependents is gradually becoming a less important consideration of Re a d eirveaways retirement planning. g
HEALTH
es 2 5 Se e p a g
18 HAVING HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY? YOU COULD TOUCH A LIFE.
Hip replacement patients are often unaware that they can make a difference in the life of another by donating their femoral head.
A specialist explains why this virus is just as likely to cause damage to your heart as your lungs.
LEISURE
17 GET REAL ABOUT RETIREMENT
10 MAGGIE SMITH
22 COVID-19 AND YOUR HEART
16 INVESTING FOR RETIREMENT WITH CORONATION
For many South Africans that suffer from allergies, Rooibos has been a welcome remedy, but up until now, evidence that it helps has been scant.
& 28
Jane’s Delicious Superfoods For Super Health An extract from Jane Griffiths’ comprehensive new guide to more than 150 delicious, nutrient-rich foods, plus a reader giveaway!
27 SIX SECURITY FEATURES TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN INVESTING IN A MATURE LIFESTYLE ESTATE RECIPES
28 Recipes from the family kitchen of the legendary Café del Sol in Johannesburg from their new book, Our Italian Legacy of Love. PLUS a reader giveaway. BOOKS
32 Spring reads 33 SUDOKU 34 CROSSWORD WWW.SILVER DIGEST.CO.ZA
3
Ed's note …
@SILVERDIGEST
C
lichés sometimes bear repeating
become pat. And possibly her character
simply because they contain a
has become a bit of a cliché. But, like
fundamental truth. Everything
spring, it gives us something dependable
we say about spring is a cliché: it brings
to revel in. Her delivery has always
with it a sense of renewal, a fresh start,
seemed fresh, her wit sharp and her
awakenings and potential. The beauty of
perspectives filled with as much wisdom
blossoms is undiminished by the fact that
as acid. And, like spring, the opulence and
they appear every year or that
indulgence of a costume drama, as
their arrival is predictable. heavens for the cyclical aspects of life. There is something undeniably
much as it brings a welcome
Sign up for our
Of course it is. Thank
sense of escape, also
new email newsletter.
remains uplifting in its
If you would like to receive more of the features you’ve come to love direct to your inbox, simply head to
comforting about a
www.silverdigest.co.za to sign
predictable return.
up – like the magazine, it’s
The return of our cover
also absolutely free.
star, Dame Maggie Smith, to
beauty. Just because it’s predictable doesn’t mean it isn’t refreshing. In times like these, the things we love and can depend upon
seem even more precious!
her role as the Dowager Countess of
The rest of the issue is, as
Grantham in the sequel to 2019 big-screen
ever, filled with entertainment and
take on the hugely successful TV series,
advice – on health and wealth and
Downton Abbey, was anything but certain.
ways to enrich your leisure time.
Even before she reprised her role as the
We’re particularly delighted to have
matriarch (and merciless zinger-slinger)
two giveaways in this issue: a copy
before the pandemic, she said she was
of Jane’s Delicious Superfoods for Super
tired of it, suggesting at one point that
Health by Jane Griffiths (p24), whose
she hoped the film might start with her
bestselling Jane’s Delicious Garden started
character’s funeral! But somehow she was
a vegetable-growing frenzy just over a
convinced to don her period costume for a
decade ago, and a gorgeous recipe book,
second big-screen outing.
Our Italian Legacy of Love (p28), from the
Smith seems to find her blockbuster roles unchallenging and unsatisfying. Perhaps she finds the stock facial
family who founded the legendary Café del Sol in Johannesburg. Enjoy the read, stay healthy, and we’ll
expressions and reactions predictable.
bring you a new issue in time for Christmas!
Maybe even her sharp put-downs have
Graham
SILVER DIGEST WINTER GIVEAWAY WINNERS Congratulations to the winners of the reader
EDITORIAL EDITOR: Graham Wood Email: graham.wood@newmedia.co.za SUB EDITOR: Anita van der Merwe LAYOUT & DESIGN: Julia van Schalkwyk PHOTOGRAPHY Cover: Ian Gavan/Getty Images Unless previously agreed in writing, Silver Digest owns all rights to all contributions, whether image or text. Sources: Gallo/Getty Images, Shutterstock, supplied images, editorial staff. ADVERTISING Paul Goddard | +27 (0)82 650 9231 paul@fivetwelve.co.za Tanya Finch | +27 (0)82 9619429 tanya@fivetwelve.co.za Nina Frank | +27 (0)84 434 7776 nina@fivetwelve.co.za SUBSCRIPTIONS Felicity Garbers Email: felicity.garbers@newmedia.co.za PUBLISHING TEAM GENERAL MANAGER: Dev Naidoo PUBLISHING MANAGER: Sandra Ladas Email: sandra.ladas@newmedia.co.za PRODUCTION MANAGER: Angela Silver ART DIRECTOR: David Kyslinger MANAGEMENT TEAM CEO, NEW MEDIA: Aileen Lamb COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR: Maria Tiganis BRAND STRATEGY DIRECTOR: Andrew Nunneley CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: Venette Malone CEO, MEDIA24: Ishmet Davidson Johannesburg Office: Ground floor, Media Park, 69 Kingsway Avenue, Auckland Park, 2092 Postal Address: PO Box 784698, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2146 Tel: +27 (0)11 877 6111 Fax: +27 (0)11 877 6198 © Copyright Silver Digest 2021 Published by New Media, a division of Media24 (PTY) Ltd Head Office: New Media, a division of Media24 (Pty) Ltd, 8th floor, Media24 Centre, 40 Heerengracht, Cape Town, 8001 Postal Address: PO Box 440, Green Point, Cape Town, 8051 Tel: +27 (0)21 4062002 newmedia@newmedia.co.za Silver Digest is printed and bound by CTP Printers – Cape Town.
giveaways in the last issue of Silver Digest. Two lucky readers, Shana Mouton who won a copy of A Cape Table and Mafa Maphasa who won a copy of Kruger Routes: Self-Drive Companion.
While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of its contents and information given to readers, neither the editor, publisher, or its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise therefrom. All rights reserved. © Silver Digest No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owners.
4
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2021
Travel …
SOUTHERN AFRICA’S LEGENDARY MOUNT CAMDEBOO LAUNCHES WILDERNESS PODS ADD-ON EXPERIENCE PHOTOGRAPHS: SUPPLIED
6
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2021
LOCAL
Mount Camdeboo's eco-friendly, luxurious sleep-out pods offer an intimate, immersive experience of the spectacular Eastern Cape setting.
N
estled seamlessly into the landscape of
enjoy exploring. The property is vast and includes
Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve in
a variety of accommodation, from spacious manor
the Eastern Cape are two new eco-friendly,
houses to a romantic private cottage and, now, the
luxurious sleep-out pods – the Eagle’s Flight Pod and the Camdeboo Plains Pod – offering guests a truly immersive wilderness experience. A visit to the Great Karoo’s malaria-free wildlife
new luxury pods. Unlike the large manor houses, the pods are compact, prefabricated eco-luxe cabins that offer a truly private and intimate escape. Designed with the
hub is the ideal escape from the city. Mount
landscape in mind, each pod is well insulated and
Camdeboo offers guests a personalised safari
secure, creating a warm, inviting refuge from the
experience, rich with Karoo culture and South
outside elements. They have been constructed from
African history, including Anglo-Boer war battle
a solid steel frame cladded in a combination of wood
grounds and memorials. The land offers guests
panelling, corrugate and glass.
spectacular views and varied terrain on which to
Continued …
WWW.SILVER DIGEST.CO.ZA
7
T R AV E L The contemporary interiors featuring opulent furnishings, soft lighting and 180-degree views from a deluxe double bed.
The cabins feature natural elements in a
couples, honeymooners and wildlife lovers alike. “We
contemporary design, with interiors inspired by
could not be more excited about sharing these pods
nature, featuring opulent furnishings and soft lighting.
with our guests. They are truly unique and we have
The cabins are 26m² in size and feature a deluxe
chosen the most spectacular sites for them, offering an
double bed with 180-degree views, an en-suite
unforgettable wilderness experience,” says Buchanan.
bathroom, a cleverly compact kitchenette, and lounging
The pods are available for booking as an add-
and relaxation spaces. Additional highlight features
on experience when booking your stay at Mount
include a private boma and fire pit, as well as a wood-
Camdeboo, at an additional R2 250 per pod per night,
burning hot tub. “The Scandinavian-inspired pods have
valid for stays until 30 November 2021.
been built to the highest level of quality and offer
Make it a proper road trip and stop in at
great comfort, no matter the season,” says
The Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet – the
Mount Camdeboo owner Iain Buchanan.
fourth oldest town in South Africa. Visit
The pods have been designed
the spectacular Valley of Desolation
with a light footprint, in line with
in the Camdeboo National Park, the
Mount Camdeboo’s conservation
historical Reinet House museum,
and environmentally conscious
numerous art galleries and
ethos. As Buchanan explains,
charming boutique shops. While in
“Conservation is at the core of their
the area, why not take a short drive
design, as they are completely self-
to the infamous Owl House and
sufficient, movable and rest gently
village of Nieu-Bethesda.
in the landscape, having minimal
Mount Camdeboo is just 60km
impact on their surroundings.”
from Graaff-Reinet and guests can
The real drawcard of booking a
take advantage of an amazing four-
night out in the pods is the privacy and
night special currently running for just
connection with nature: relaxing on the soft, comfortable bed, gazing out through the side panel windows, designed specifically to let the landscape in; watching the sun rise with an undisturbed, exclusive view; listening to the lions roar as they wander down the plain. While the aim is to disconnect, both pods do offer
R6 600pps. The special includes: two nights Each pod features its own private boma and fire pit, plus s a woodburning hot tub.
bed-and-breakfast at the five-star Drostdy Hotel, plus a R500 Africology Spa voucher and two nights at Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve, including all meals, two game drives a day, plus a bonus sundowner picnic experience for two. For bookings and enquiries, contact:
Wi-Fi internet access, so that if guests need to reach
reservations@newmarkhotels.com or call
out, they can. They are the perfect, private escape for
+27 21 427 5900 and/or visit www.newmarkhotels.com.
8
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2021
LOCAL
The pods have been designed to be completely self-sufficient and movable, resting lightly on the landscape so that they have minimal impact on their surroundings.
WWW.SILVER DIGEST.CO.ZA
9
Feature …
Maggie Smith returns to the big screen sequel to Downton Abbey to reprise her role as the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey: A New Era.
NOTHING LIKE THIS
Dame D
ame Maggie Smith has
Indeed, she was one of the last
Although Lady Grantham is ill at
been famously lukewarm
members of the cast of the original
the end of the first film, and Smith
about her star turn as
Downton TV show, which took the
was again reluctant, Downton fans
Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess
world by storm between 2010 and
will be relieved and delighted to
of Grantham in Downton Abbey.
2015, to agree to appear in the 2019
In several interviews she’s been
film, which saw the Granthams
quite frank about the fact that
preparing for a visit from the
she didn’t really consider the role
royal family. In fact, in one
as “really … acting”. (She’s been
interview she said she
similarly unenthusiastic about
thought the film should
sequel, Simon Curtis,
her blockbuster role as Minerva
begin with her funeral! “I
has worked with
McGonagall in the Harry Potter
just think it’s squeezing
several members of
franchise, another iconic role she
it dry, do you know what
the cast before, and
doesn’t take altogether seriously.)
I mean?” she said in
“I am deeply grateful
Film Institute at the time. The
indeed Downton but it wasn’t what
film went on to gross $194.2m
you’d call satisfying,” she told the
worldwide, so there was clearly an
Evening Standard. “I didn’t really feel
appetite for the upstairs-downstairs
I was acting in those things.”
drama after the series wrapped.
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2021
the original principal cast members who reprised their roles for the sequel. (The director of the
is actually married to
an interview with the British
for the work in Potter and
10
see that she is once again among
Elizabeth McGovern who plays the part of Lady Cora opposite Hugh Bonneville’s Lord Highclere Castle, the main setting for Downton Abbey.
Grantham. In another little aside, Imelda Staunton, who played Lady Maud Bagshaw in the first film, is
DAME MAGGIE SMITH
married to Jim Carter, otherwise
her to new and wider audiences
Green’s Travels with my Aunt, a much
know as Carson the butler.)
around the world. Her appearances
earlier incarnation of the typology
Details remain a well-kept
in Hollywood blockbusters like Harry
dating back to the early 70s.
secret, but it is good to know that
Potter is in some part a result of that
the script was written by Julian
definitive breakthrough, and her
precedents, playing the Dowager
Fellowes who created the original
turn in Downton remains a direct
Countess of Grantham simply seems
series – crafter of the fantastic one-
descendent of that earlier role. In fact,
effortless to Smith. It’s a character
liners and zinging put-downs the
Downton Abbey was originally conceived
she’s honed over an entire career and
Dowager Countess is loved for. The
as a direct spin-off of Gosford Park,
reprised aspects of at intervals for
likes of “I never argue, I explain”
although ultimately it developed its
many years. Whether she likes it or not
and “What is a weekend?” appear
own distinct character.
at this stage of her career, her legion of
on coffee mugs the world over!
IMAGES: EVERETT COLLECTION / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM , KATHY HUTCHINS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, THOMAS DUTOUR / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
“Maggie is wonderful to write
At the age of 86, however, Smith
Perhaps because of these
fans, and all the devotees of Downtown
has such depths of experience to draw
Abbey more generally, could not be
for because she always gets it,”
on, that, with a career going back six
more delighted that she hasn’t had the
Fellowes told Town and Country
decades, she’s had more than enough
character killed off just yet.
magazine. “She understands why
time to hone her craft so that perhaps
the line is funny. She understands
Downton does seem unchallenging. At
longer than we’d hoped to enjoy her
why the scene is moving. She
the same time, she’s always had a taste
latest turn. While the Downton sequel
understands why the speech will
for lighter roles. Alongside her serious
was originally intended as a gift for
make you cry even though it isn’t
film and stage roles, she’s also had a
Christmas 2021, it’ll now only be out in
about what they’re talking about.
bit of fun, letting her hair down a little
March 2022. Luckily, in the meantime,
You never have to explain any of it
in Hollywood. Let’s not forget her role
there is another new film coming out
to her – she really gets it.”
as Mother Superior in Sister Act with
this year featuring Dame Maggie as
Whoopie Goldberg in the early 90s.
part of an ensemble cast in A Boy Called
While she might be dismissive of the acting chops required by her
Literary adaptations run throughout
We will, however, have to wait a little
Christmas, based on the book by Matt
role in Downton Abbey, the template
her career; in fact, too many to
Haig, which reimagines the story of
for her character was actually
mention. They range from EM Forster’s
Father Christmas.
laid 20 years ago in another film
A Room with a View and Henry James’
scripted by Fellowes, the Oscar-
Washington Square (which the reviewer
Grantham once said, “At my age, one
winning Gosford Park, which was
Peter Bradshaw calls “one of her blue-
must ration one’s excitement.” So, it
directed by Robert Altman and
chip ‘aunt’ performances”) to Graeme
seems, must we all.
As the Dowager Countess of
co-starred Helen Mirren, another famous British Dame of stage and screen. In many ways, the Dowager Countess is an evolution of Smith’s Gosford character, the Countess of Trentham – not least her withering put-downs and sharp wit. (The film’s Oscar was for best screenplay, won by Fellowes, who has clearly never tired of crafting zingers.) While Smith was already a highly respected actor, having taken starring roles on both sides of the Atlantic by that stage in her career, Gosford Park undoubtedly
Members of the cast and producers of Downton Abbey with Julian Fellowes (second from right) at the 2011 Emmy Awards.
ratcheted up her fame and exposed WWW.SILVER DIGEST.CO.ZA
11
Money …
MONEY
A D V E R TO R I A L
BLENDING RETIREMENT INCOME SOLUTIONS Silver Digest spoke to Linda Blom, Business Development Manager at Glacier by Sanlam, about ways of blending different solutions for a sustainable retirement income. WHAT FACTORS SHOULD RETIREES CONSIDER WHEN THEY INVEST THEIR SAVINGS?
WHAT ARE THE USUAL VEHICLES FOR PROVIDING YOURSELF WITH RETIREMENT INCOME?
• Life expectancy. With medical
• A life annuity guarantees an
savings are invested into underlying funds. The performance of these funds influences the value of
advances the possibility of outliving
income until death. The risk of
the underlying investment. Poor
your capital becomes a real risk.
longevity is therefore carried
performance or income drawdowns
• Inflation. Your savings lose
by the insurer. You may add a
(the amount taken as income) that
purchasing power over time
second life insured (such as a
exceed returns could deplete your
as costs go up. This can affect
spouse). There is also a choice of
capital. There are no guarantees, and
your standard of living. Retirees
various guaranteed terms. If the
the risk of longevity is carried by the
experience higher inflation rates
life insured (or joint life) passes
client. At death, the underlying value
than other consumers, mainly due
away within the guaranteed term,
could be available as an inheritance.
to healthcare expenses.
the income will be paid to the
Income flexibility is available with a
beneficiaries for the remainder
regulated drawdown between 2.5%
aid contributions increase by more
of the guaranteed term. However,
to 17.5% per annum. A living annuity
than CPI each year, this does not
there is no capital legacy.
may also be converted to a life
account for additional expenses
Therefore, if the life insured (or
annuity later.
and associated costs not covered
joint life) passes away after the
by medical aid, which can affect
guaranteed term, there will be
your post-retirement cashflow.
no lump sum available to the
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DIVERSIFICATION?
beneficiaries.
It’s seldom that one single solution
• Medical expenses. While medical
• The importance of seeking expert advice. Do not make the mistake
• The income with capital
can reasonably provide for all needs. A
of not doing this to save on fees. A
preservation plan could be a
living annuity provides flexibility and a
good financial adviser can improve
single or joint life annuity, which
possible capital legacy, but it doesn’t offer
your investment strategy and help
provides a guaranteed income for
the security of a guaranteed income for
you reach financial goals.
life. A portion of the income will
life. A life annuity provides a guaranteed
• Emergency savings. Unexpected
12
• In a living annuity, your retirement
fund the premium on a life cover
income for life but no capital legacy. A
expenses can take a bite out of your
policy, which pays out a lump sum
blend of different solutions provides for
monthly income. Having some
at death of the last surviving life
flexibility, longevity and capital legacy.
liquidity can help in the event of a
insured. This solution provides a
medical crisis, when markets drop,
guaranteed income for life, as well
Glacier Financial Solutions (Pty) Ltd and
or when regular expenses rise due
as a guaranteed capital legacy to
Sanlam Life Insurance Ltd are licensed
to unexpected inflation.
beneficiaries at death.
financial services providers.
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2021
You’re approaching retirement… now what? At retirement, you need to invest in an income solution that makes the most of what you’ve saved so you can enjoy security. In general, you must invest at least 2/3s of your retirement savings in an annuity solution. There are many options: how do you make the right decision for you? LIFE ANNUITY Provides a guarantee in uncertain times, giving you peace of mind in your retirement.
Your income is guaranteed for life.
Your guaranteed income isn’t impacted by market volatility.
You can guarantee your income for a specific term (5-20 years) to provide for your dependants when you pass away.
You can have your income increase by a % each year to protect against inflation.
LIVING ANNUITY Gives you freedom and control in your retirement years.
You can change income level and payment frequency once a year to adapt cash flow to suit your needs (within limits).
You can choose the underlying investments so they match the risk you’re comfortable with.
When you pass away, you can leave your remaining money to your beneficiaries. They can either take the full cash amount or receive an annuity income.
BUT… YOU CAN COMBINE THESE:
LIFE ANNUITY Secure a guaranteed income that will withstand market volatility via a life annuity.
LIVING ANNUITY Gain control over your income and investments via a living annuity.
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS! Learn more about retirement income solutions at
www.glacierinsights.co.za/time-to-plan-retirement-planning.
Learn more about provident fund annuitisation at
https://www.glacierinsights.co.za//content/uploads/TDayMemberAlert.pdf
ENSURE YOUR RETIREMENT IS SECURE: SPEAK TO YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER TODAY ABOUT GLACIER RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS. GLACIER FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD AND SANLAM LIFE INSURANCE LTD ARE LICENSED FINANCIAL SERVICES PROVIDERS. The Glacier Investment-Linked Living Annuity is underwritten by Sanlam Life Insurance Ltd and administered by Glacier Financial Solutions (Pty) Ltd.
MONEY
C O N T E N T PA R T NE R S H I P
WOMEN SHOULD TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR FINANCES
W
omen’s Month has come and gone. It’s time to take control
of your finances – not only is it empowering but you will be building a financial roadmap for your future. To become financially independent is to have the knowledge of what is going on in the financial market, and also what to do should you experience financial difficulties. The first step towards financial freedom is to start with a budget. It will give you a very good overall view of how much money
last but not the least, have you got
is coming into your household
a funeral policy? We say ’I’ll do it
and what is left once all the bills
later because I still have a lot of
cheque and credit card if
are paid. You can now allocate
time’. We all know that this is not
not needed.
a certain amount every month
our call.
towards your savings goals,
• Pay your accounts before the due date. If paid late, you pay
whether it is for a well-earned
especially in these trying
holiday, that one thing you
times. We are bombarded with
always dreamt of and never had
advertisements of goods and
demand. Immediately
the means to buy, or even for
services we don’t really need but
contact the creditor to
retirement. The most important
think it might be nice to have. The
make alternative payments.
step is to start saving. Don’t wait
problem is that too much debt
for next month. Start immediately,
causes ‘over-indebtedness’.
even if the initial amount is small
A few points to ponder before
excessive penalties. • Don’t ignore letters of
The bottom line is that you can take complete control of
– the main thing is to start so that
you get into this position:
your money. It is not necessary
it can become a habit.
• Pay your premiums regularly.
to go for debt reconciliation; you
The last 20 months have, without doubt, increased the uncertainty of life. Are you protected in all aspects, namely life cover, protection of your income for dread disease and, yes, have you drawn up a will? And 14
To make debt is not difficult,
curb further spending on it. • Lower your limits on your
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2021
If difficult, at least the
can do it yourself. It will cost you
minimum amount.
nothing and you will still be able
• Establish which accounts have the highest interest. Make sure to pay them first. • Should an account become dormant, close it in order to
to get credit. Feel free to contact our Finbond website for all our products available at very good interest rates at www.finbondlimited.co.za
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MONEY
IS YOUR RETIREMENT PORTFOLIO POSITIONED FOR THE INFLATIONBEATING RETURNS ON OFFER?
I
f the last year has taught investors anything, it is the cost of ignoring risk assets when market circumstances change so dramatically. With a period of rapid global economic
growth expected this year, risk assets such as equities remain
BUT THESE INFLATION-BEATING RETURNS ARE FINITE
set to benefit.
There will be abundant years and lean years. As an income-
But inflation-plus returns do not come through in a straight
drawing investor, it is important for your retirement portfolio to
line. As such, if you are in or near retirement, specifically if you
be positioned to capture these inflation-beating returns during
have de-risked your portfolio in recent years, you need to ensure
the abundant years as is currently the case.
your retirement savings are appropriately positioned to capture these returns that are on offer. Here’s what you need to know.
YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS CAN BENEFIT WITHOUT BEING EXPOSED TO UNDUE RISK
THE STAGE HAS BEEN SET FOR A PERIOD OF RAPID GLOBAL ECONOMIC GROWTH
If you are in or near retirement, you should seek funds that
The IMF expects global growth at 6% this year (up from their
assets but also maintain a strong focus on risk to reduce the
previous forecast of 5.2%), with growth in the US leading the
likelihood of potential negative returns over shorter time
way. Albeit off a low base, this global economic recovery is
periods. The latter is important to those who are already
expected to continue in 2022 at a somewhat slower pace, but still
drawing a regular income from their funds.
above the long-term trend. This optimistic outlook is premised
invest a meaningful portion of your overall portfolio in growth
At Coronation, we offer two funds that specifically cater for
on the release of significant pent-up demand as economies start
the needs of retired investors: Coronation Capital Plus and
to reopen, further assisted by ongoing massive fiscal stimulus
Coronation Balanced Defensive. Both funds have long track
and very low interest rates.
records in providing a balanced solution by including allocations
In South Africa, we also expect a decent recovery, with the economy expected to grow at 4% or more this year – the
to growth assets while managing downside volatility. As an example, investors in these funds were able to benefit
highest number in some time, but also off a very low base.
from the strong recovery in equities since the COVID-19-
Looking ahead, however, we expect our economy to remain
induced selloff in March 2020. At the time, our deep proprietary
under pressure due to severe and ongoing systemic risks and
research enabled us to conduct rapid analysis and engage in
the devasting economic costs of the looting and mayhem that
robust debates, ultimately leading to the conclusion that the
erupted in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng in July; although
market was pricing in the worst outcome. Understanding this
improved revenue collection by the South African Revenue
gave us the conviction to buy global and domestic equities at
Service and strong policy signals from National Treasury should
depressed levels. This decision paid off handsomely across our
see us moving in the right direction.
fund range. And given the current combination of assets held by Coronation Capital Plus and Coronation Balanced Defensive, we
GROWTH ASSETS REMAIN SET TO BENEFIT
believe these portfolios will be able to deliver on their respective
Despite these headwinds to the respective global and local
inflation plus targets.
economic recoveries, we believe that equities (both local and global) still offer upside potential and we expect these asset
To learn more about investing for retirement with Coronation, visit coronation.com or speak to your financial adviser.
classes to continue delivering inflation-beating returns in the next 3-5 years (see table). 16
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2021
Coronation is an authorised financial services provider.
MONEY
GET REAL ABOUT RETIREMENT: THE CHANGING ROLE OF BENEFICIARIES COPY: TWANÉ WESSELS, PRODUCT ACTUARY, JUST SA
when asked who they would turn to for
communication flow between
financial assistance should they run
retirees and their beneficiaries,
istorically, the ability to leave
out of money in future, they say that
usually their children. If the next
capital to dependents was
children and grandchildren remain the
generation are the ones expected
a primary consideration of
first port of call.
to help, it makes more sense for
H
retirement planning. However, new research shows that this is becoming gradually less important. Of foremost concern to retirees is that their retirement money should last (at least)
This presents an opportune time to shift the conversation about the role of beneficiaries in retirement planning. Instead of putting the thought of leaving money to beneficiaries as a
them to play a proactive role in the retirement planning process from the start, rather than being caught on the back foot later. Their views on financial planning may also be more up to date, which could assist in dissolving any
as long as they do
key focus, advisers
distrust or uncertainty surrounding
and cover their
could rather
new-generation annuity products.
monthly expenses.
propose involving
This would in turn help advisers
those would-be
propose better retirement choices
beneficiaries in the
for their clients, enabling them to
This growing trend may be attributed in part to an increased longevity awareness. The simple truth is that many retirees are living longer than they anticipated and thought to save for.
decision-making stages of retirement
reduce their risk of running out of money too soon.
planning. This should help to mitigate any unforeseen changes in their role as a beneficiary to that of a provider.
For example, most recent longevity
AN INCOME LEGACY Many people still want to be able to leave a legacy for their children or grandchildren, which is why
figures in South Africa suggest that a
A TRADE-OFF IS INEVITABLE
historically many retirees opted for a
female aged 65 will live to 87. What
As in life, there will always be certain
living annuity over a life annuity. But
this really means is that 50% of
trade-offs in retirement. In the
it is worth noting that life annuities
women will die by this age, but the
case of beneficiaries, it exists in the
have evolved. Retirees are now able
remaining 50% will live on. And with
compromise between running out of
to provide for dependents on death
10% likely to live to 100, it makes
money and having to rely on heirs or
with optional benefit add-ons, which
sense for advisers to work off a much
having a guaranteed income to cover
provide an ongoing income to the
longer planning horizon.
a retiree for life. What is critical is that
surviving spouse, or to dependents for
beneficiaries also understand the risks
a period of up to 20 years.
Key findings from Just Retirement Insights 2020 offer another telling
in retirement for their parents, so that
sign of the mind shift around the role
they are able to manage their own risks
a blended annuity offers the best of
of beneficiaries. Findings indicate
accordingly, should things not work
both worlds. A portion within a living
that two thirds of the pre-retirees and
out as planned for the retiree.
annuity serves as an insurance-based
retirees surveyed have been financially
For those who want added comfort,
guaranteed life annuity to provide a secure income for life, while the
half have had to source alternative
AN OPEN COMMUNICATION FLOW IS KEY
means of income or make special
The findings demonstrate the
higher future income, which could
arrangements to meet payments. But
importance of creating an open
serve as a financial legacy.
affected by the pandemic. Of these,
remainder provides the potential for
WWW.SILVER DIGEST.CO.ZA
17
Health …
H
HAVING HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY? YOU COULD TOUCH A LIFE
ip replacement surgery, while
in a Netcare hospital in KwaZulu-Natal
reminded me of him and I was determined
a major operation, has become
was made by Netcare St Augustine’s
to make a difference in someone’s life.
routine, with 200 to 300
Hospital’s very own human resources
This has been such a rewarding personal
procedures taking place monthly in South
manager, Uday Valjee, when he
experience for me, knowing that instead of
Africa. Yet hip replacement patients are
underwent hip replacement surgery.
wasting my bone tissue, I was giving back
often unaware of the opportunity for them
“I had been experiencing terrible pain
to those in need.”
to make a difference in the life of another
in December 2020 and was soon after
by donating their femoral head, at no risk
diagnosed with avascular necrosis in
after his first replacement, Valjee is
or cost to them.
both hips, a condition in which blood
progressing well and is soon to undergo
This is according to Reka Dulandas,
supply to the bone is temporarily or
his second procedure, where he will be
regional transplant manager for Netcare
permanently interrupted, eventually
donating his second femoral head. “Since
hospitals’ coastal region. Dulandas
causing it to collapse. This meant I
commencement of the femoral head
explains that the femoral head is the
needed to have bilateral hip replacement
recovery programme in KwaZulu-Natal,
uppermost part of the femur, or thigh
surgery,” says Valjee.
we have procured eight from Netcare
bone, which, if not donated, is discarded as
Valjee’s first hip replacement operation
Dulandas says that three months
Umhlanga Hospital and 10 from Netcare
medical waste. “More than 90% of femoral
took place at Netcare Umhlanga Hospital
Alberlito Hospital. We aim to collect many
heads in South Africa are unnecessarily
in April 2021, where his first femoral head
more in conjunction with Bone SA with the
discarded, which is most unfortunate. Like
was procured for donation.
help of patients like Uday, as the demand
organs and other types of human tissue,
“The process was simple. A facilitator
for bone product currently far outweighs
donated bone can help ease suffering and
from Bone SA met me at my place of work
significantly improve the quality of life for
to sign consent for the donation and for
someone in need.
bloods to be drawn for virology testing.
emergency, trauma, transplant and
As a donor, there were no risks to me as
corporate social investment, notes that
cancer treatment, corrective surgery,
my femoral head was being removed in
the Netcare transplant division supports
spinal fusions and tooth implants.
any case, nor did it cost me anything. In
tissue banks responsible for skin, bone
Usable donated bone is processed into
theatre, the femoral head was removed
and corneal harvests and is responsible
bone cement, chips and matchsticks,
and from there it was taken by Bone SA to
for the coordination of kidney, heart, liver
which are used as a framework for the
a laboratory, together with blood samples
and lung harvesting and transplants in
recipient’s bone to grow into, modify and
to ensure there were no infections.
Netcare hospitals nationally.
make its own,” she says. “The femoral
That was it from me, nothing more was
head donation programme is carried out
required,” says Valjee.
“Bone can be converted for use in bone
by Bone SA, a non-profit organisation,
“Making the decision to donate was an
the supply,” she says. Mande Toubkin, general manager:
“Our internationally recognised transplant programme aims to increase the lifespan of patients and improve their
under the auspices of Netcare’s transplant
easy one. I drew inspiration from my late
quality of life. We are thankful for every
division in the Group’s hospitals
father-in-law, who – before passing on –
person who assists us in making this
nationally. According to Bone SA, bone is
told me that he was an organ donor and
possible with their generous donations
the most frequently transplanted human
that we should ensure his organs would
and encourage others to do the same.
tissue after blood,” explains Dulandas.
be donated as per his wishes. The femoral
Their generosity may very well be saving a
head donation programme immediately
life,” she concludes.
The very first femoral head donation 18
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2021
See a 3D scan of the heart by scanning the QR code with your mobile phone camera or QR scanner app. or visit the link www.scanforlife.wixsite. com/heart
H E A LT H
rooibos
HOMEGROWN TEA MAY BE ABLE TO ALLEVIATE BOTHERSOME NASAL ALLERGIES
F
or many South Africans that suffer from allergies, Rooibos (Aspalathus
linearis) has been a welcome remedy, but up until now, evidence has been scant to support this notion. Given the high cost of allergy and asthma medication, local researchers from the University of Cape Town are now examining the extent to which Rooibos tea can provide relief for those plagued by runny, stuffy noses and itchy eyes. Prof Jonny Peter, head of allergology and immunology at the UCT Lung Institute, says allergies are becoming increasingly common worldwide and the prevalence is increasing in low
financial burden on many patients,
conducted their own cell studies
and middle-income countries too
which is why there is a renewed
and found Rooibos to suppress
– affecting an estimated 30% of
interest in herbal and alternative
basophil activation.
South African adults.
remedies, such as Rooibos, that
“Different types of allergies include life-threatening anaphylaxis, hay fever (allergic
“Basophils are white blood
might be more affordable and
cells involved in many kinds
accessible,” he remarks.
of inflammatory reactions,
Previous allergy studies have
particularly those that cause allergic
rhinitis), asthma, food allergy,
investigated the effects of Rooibos in
symptoms. This means that Rooibos
conjunctivitis and skin allergies,
a laboratory on different cell types
could, to a certain degree, control or
such as angioedema, urticaria
(in vitro – outside a living organism),
inhibit the allergic response, but for
(hives) and eczema. However,
and these have shown some promise.
many herbal remedies promising
the most predominant is allergic
Bioflavonoids, such as rutin and
lab data has not translated to a
rhinitis, which is typically triggered
quercetin, that are found in Rooibos,
meaningful clinical effect. The clinical
by house dust mite and fine
could relieve itchy eyes and a runny
trials we are about to embark on
powdery pollen from trees, weeds
nose. Quercetin can block the
should address this gap and give us
and grasses that can flower for up
release of histamine from mast cells,
a clearer indication of its clinical
to nine months of the year.
and this may be why it could reduce
effectiveness,” says Prof Peter.
“The cost for treating allergic rhinitis has increased substantially in recent years and places a huge 20
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2021
symptoms. Prof Peter and senior researcher Dr Sarah Pedretti have also
The two trials are set to start in the next few months and will build on the preliminary findings. Prof
Peter explains, “The first will
with house dust mite in sensitised
be an open-label, randomised
allergic rhinitis patients. We’re
active-controlled trial to evaluate
aiming for 80 participants.
the efficacy of oral fermented and
“The second trial will
unfermented Rooibos (Aspalathus
evaluate the efficacy of nasal
linearis) extracts for the treatment
irrigation with fermented
of house dust mite-induced allergic
and unfermented Aspalathus
clearer picture and will provide
rhinitis. Our study will be able to
linearis extracts, also for the
further indication in terms of
tell us whether any benefit can be
treatment of house dust mite-
specific concentrations needed to
derived from drinkable quantities
induced allergic rhinitis. The
provide the desired outcome.”
of a standardised fermented
objective of this study is to evaluate
and unfermented Aspalathus
the effect of nasal irrigation with
not replace antihistamines with
linearis extract – sold commercially
Rooibos tea compared to an active
Rooibos just yet, but that in future
and readily available as Rooibos
control of saline solution, and
more natural treatments containing
tea. The overall objective of this
whether it can reduce the allergic
Rooibos could be beneficial.
study is to evaluate the effect
response from house dust mite
of oral ingestion of Rooibos tea
in sensitised patients. Here we’re
rhinitis and would like to
compared to an active control of
aiming for 130 participants.
participate in the trial, please
He advises allergy sufferers to
If you suffer from allergic
decaffeinated black tea, and if it
“We think that Rooibos may
can reduce the clinical effects of
have good allergenic effects. The
021 406 6889 or email her
nasal allergen provocation testing
trials will be able to give us a
at Noejfah.Jardien@uct.ac.za
The best protection is early detection
contact Noejfah Jardien on
Mammogram | 3D Mammogram | Breast-Ultrasound | DEXA Bone Densitometry Scan | Breast Biopsy | MRI Breast Scan | MRI Breast Implant Assessment Scan
Breast for Life offers a complete service to patients, from procedure authorisation through to the direct medical aid claim submission on behalf of the patient. Breast For Life charges the recommended medical aid rates. Breast for Life has an all-female team in a stand alone facility across from the Rosebank Hospital with easy access and ample parking.
Call: +27 (0)10 541 1387 Email: reception@breastforlife.co.za Address: Medical & Dental Building, 11 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank
www.breastforlife.co.za WWW.SILVER DIGEST.CO.ZA
21
H E A LT H
COVID-19 AND YOUR HEART Although most people think of COVID-19 as a respiratory disease that affects the lungs, this virus is just as likely to cause damage to your heart. A specialist explains why.
C
Even if patients don’t
OVID-19 commonly
the vessels around the heart,
presents with a cough and
and this can lead to a cytokine
experience damage to the heart at
shortness of breath, so it’s
storm – a condition where the
the time of infection, some of the
often thought of as a respiratory
immune system overreacts to the
virus’s effects on the heart, such as
disease only. In fact, says Dr
presence of a bacterium, virus, or
myocarditis or inflammation of the
Nivesh Sewlall, a pulmonologist
other microorganism (all known
heart muscle, can put them at risk
at Mediclinic Morningside, the
as pathogens), which causes
for heart failure in years to come.
virus affects the entire body, and
inflammation. This can disrupt
is capable of causing damage to
the proper functioning of the
conditions can be reversed, it’s
multiple organs.
organ, leading to an arrhythmia,
also possible that some damage
where the heart pumps either
may be permanent – especially in
through ACE (angiotensin-
too quickly or too slowly. Both
cases where there’s scar tissue that
converting) receptors [a specific
conditions are dangerous, Dr
affects the heart’s functioning.
protein that allows the virus to
Sewlall warns. Damage caused by
So, when should you worry
infect a wide range of human
the virus can also lead to a heart
about your heart? Dr Sewlall says
cells], and so it can be found in
attack or stroke.
if you’ve entered the recovery
“The virus enters the body
Although some of these
any organ where these receptors
Cardiac issues among
are present,” Dr Sewlall explains.
COVID-19 patients are more
experiencing symptoms such as
“These include the brain, gut,
common than you may think.
shortness of breath and fatigue
pancreas, blood vessels, kidneys,
According to the American Heart
that aren’t lessening as time
and the lining of the nose and
Association, around 25% of US
passes, further investigation may
mouth. Wherever the virus can
COVID-19 patients admitted
be required.
gain entry, it can also cause
to hospital have experienced
damage. That’s why patients
cardiac complications, and even
GP, who will conduct tests such as
suffering from long COVID tend to
recovered patients have presented
an ECG to check for any damage to
experience such a wide array of
with abnormalities in the heart.
the lungs and heart. If necessary,
symptoms.”
Symptoms of these conditions
your doctor will refer you on to a
include chest pain, shortness of
specialist for treatment.
When it comes to the heart,
phase of infection, but are still
Your first step is to consult your
this damage takes the form of
breath, as well as palpitations
scar tissue that forms on the
if the heart rate has increased.
This article first appeared on
muscles of the organ. The virus
Conversely, if the heart rate slows,
www.mediclinicinfohub.co.za on
can also cause blood clots in
the patient may faint.
1 September 2021.
22
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2021
Leisure …
JANE’S DELICIOUS SUPERFOODS FOR SUPER HEALTH Jane’s Delicious Superfoods for Super Health by Jane Griffiths is a comprehensive guide to more than 150 delicious, nutrient-rich foods which, when eaten as part of a balanced diet, boost our immune system, improve our health and reduce the risk of disease.
T
his spring, Jane Griffiths, whose
importance of gut bacteria, kitchen and pantry basics, plus
bestselling Jane’s Delicious Garden led to
useful tips on smoothies, sprouting, juicing, dehydrating,
a vegetable-growing revolution in South
fermenting and healthy cooking. And for those keen to grow
Africa, brings us Jane’s Delicious Superfoods for Super
their own superfoods, there is also gardening advice.
Health. From asparagus to zucchini, maca root to shiitake mushrooms, chickpeas to pomegranates, buckwheat to Brazil nuts, the book covers fruits and vegetables, seeds and grains, herbs and spices, nuts, seaweeds, mushrooms and more. A wealth of detailed
Sunbird Publishers has provided us with an excerpt…
information is provided on why these foods are good for us, as well as how to maximise their benefits and
HERBS
incorporate them easily into our daily meals.
Pounded into pastes, chewed, brewed, added to food and
Written in Jane’s practical and entertaining
drink, and made into oils, gargles, lotions and potions, herbs
style, and full of fascinating titbits about the history
have been used by humans since we were dodging dinosaurs.
and origins of what we eat, the book also covers
Information about their use has been passed on by word of
health aspects such as food sensitivities and the
mouth from generation to generation, the knowledge being continually refined and expanded. The botanical definition of herbs is the edible leafy green or flowering parts of a plant, either fresh or dried. However, in culinary or medicinal terms, herbs also include roots such as fresh ginger or ginseng. Most herbs are easy to grow and are relatively hassle free, with some living for years. Many can be grown on a windowsill or in a small garden. Whether you allocate a separate space for them or grow them in among your existing vegetables or in a flower garden, herbs add colour, texture and fragrance. Growing a variety of herbs means you’ll always have some on hand to add to a meal – plus it’s far cheaper than buying them. They also have a multitude of uses, with new ones being discovered every day. Incorporating herbs elevates meals from simple to sublime, adding depth of flavour and increasing nutritional content. They can be used to make infusions and tinctures, intensifying their benefits. (Be aware that heat can reduce many of herbs’ benefits.) All herbal remedies work better if they’re part and parcel of a healthy lifestyle, with good eating habits.
24
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2021
BOOK EXTR ACT
STAND A CHANCE
TO WIN BASIL
We have a copy to give away of Jane’s
Ocimum basilicum
Delicious Superfoods for Super Health.
This is one of the most
To stand a chance to win, send an email
popular and widely
to info@silverdigest.co.za with ‘Jane’s
grown herbs in the world.
Delicious Superfoods’ in the subject line, your
It’s uplifting, good for
name and contact details by 31 October 2021.
treating depression and fatigue, and improving concentration. It eases colds, asthma, coughs and sinus congestion. As
PARSLEY
an antispasmodic, it helps prevent vomiting,
Petroselinum crispum
strengthens hair and nails, and
and it’s a good tonic and soother for the digestive
This is one of the most widespread
it is a good general tonic, helping
system. It strengthens the immune system,
and popular herbs. Its botanical
to maintain emotional balance
reduces inflammation and kills parasites.
name comes from the Greek word
through stress or times of change
petros meaning ‘rock’, giving an
such as menopause.
There are many varieties of basil, with strong flavours ranging from cinnamon to liquorice.
indication of its ability to grow in
Although the most commonly known and used
inhospitable places.
basils are annual, there are some perennial
Parsley has a high vitamin and
Its calcium content
Parsley comes in two main varieties: flat leaf (or Italian) and curly leaf. The seeds take weeks
ones, including O. tenuiflorum, also known as
mineral content, and was used as
to germinate, and benefit from
holy basil or tulsi, which has been used in
a medicine long before it became
being soaked overnight in warm
Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as an effective
a culinary herb. Parsley helps
water before sowing.
adaptogenic herb.
relieve indigestion – even Peter
Parsley likes fertile soil, full sun
Basil likes a protected site with well-drained
Rabbit knew about eating parsley
and plenty of regular moisture.
soil. It prefers full sun but doesn’t mind afternoon
after overindulging: “First he ate
It’s a low-maintenance plant once
shade in summer. Sow basil seeds in seed trays,
some lettuce and some broad
established. To harvest, snip the
and transplant seedlings into larger pots so they
beans, then some radishes, and
leaves off several plants rather than
can grow bigger while waiting for warm weather.
then, feeling rather sick, he went
denuding one. Parsley doesn’t dry
to look for some parsley.”
well, so freezing is a better option.
Basil, often paired with tomato, is a common ingredient in Italian food, but its robust flavour makes it the ideal herb to accompany a wide range of dishes. Some varieties (such as Thai basil) handle being cooked, but most are better used fresh. Vitamins A, C and K1; calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese.
It also relieves the symptoms of rheumatism, colic, water
Chopped parsley is a good addition to egg dishes, salads
retention, kidney stones and
and sauces, or puréed to add to
gallbladder inflammation.
a spice rub or mix. Include it in green smoothies to boost their nutritional value. Steep chopped leaves and stems in boiling water to make a healing infusion. Vitamins A, B (1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9), C, E and K1; calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc. Continued …
WWW.SILVER DIGEST.CO.ZA
25
LEISURE
BOOK EXTR ACT SPEKBOOM
especially in semi-desert regions
Portulacaria afra
where the plant thrives.
Indigenous to semi-arid regions,
simply cut or break a piece off
a boost in popularity due to its
an existing bush, leave it to dry
ability to absorb relatively large
for a couple of days, then pop it
amounts of carbon dioxide
into well-drained soil in full sun.
from the atmosphere, thereby
Water a little every few days for a
helping reverse the effects of
couple of weeks and it will quickly
climate change. The high rates of
establish itself.
absorption are best achieved when
flavour changes depending on
with other plants.
when you harvest it. For a more
cheese (Parmesan and Pecorino), pine nuts, garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil, pesto is quick to make and freezes well. Originating in Genoa, in Italian it means ‘pounded’, as the traditional method involves bashing the ingredients in a pestle and mortar to create a chunky paste. A hand-held blender makes the job easier, but don’t overdo it – it’s meant to be a little chunky. Pesto is versatile and there are endless variations. Substitute macadamias, pumpkin seeds, walnuts or almonds for pine nuts, and parsley, coriander or young carrot tops for basil. Shake things up by adding chillies, olives or sundried tomatoes (use ones soaked in oil). Toast the nuts to add extra flavour. When freezing or refrigerating, cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidising. Use as a pasta sauce, on pizza or grilled fish, mixed into salad dressing, tossed with roast vegetables or mixed with cream cheese as a dip. Reprinted with permission from: Jane’s Delicious Superfoods for Super Health by Jane Griffiths produced by Sunbird Publishers. 26
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2021
acidic taste, pick the leaves in the
elephants and giraffes – and they’re
morning. If you want them less
on to a good thing. Spekboom
tart, harvest in the late afternoon.
leaves have a refreshing, almost
A deceptively simple combination of fresh basil,
Interestingly, spekboom’s
spekboom is in its natural habitat This is a favoured food of both
PESTO PERFECTION
Spekboom is easy to grow –
this fleshy succulent has seen
The leaves add a bright crunch
citrussy flavour, and are rich in
to salads, pairing well with
vitamin C as well as many beneficial
chickpeas, apples and feta. They
phytonutrients. Juicy and full of
can also be chopped into salsas,
nutritious moisture, they quench
added to smoothies, or used to
thirst and treat exhaustion,
make chutneys, jelly or pickles,
dehydration and heat stroke,
and included in baking.
6 LEISURE
W
RETIREMENT
SECURITY FEATURES TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN INVESTING IN A MATURE LIFESTYLE ESTATE
hile its temperate climate, natural beauty and rich heritage make South Africa a prime destination for property investors, strong security measures have always been
an important part of this incredible lifestyle. For this reason, those considering investing in a mature lifestyle estate often prioritise safety, but it’s the quality of safety that is truly the deciding factor. “The recent civil unrest put into sharp focus the importance of a
sophisticated level of security when it comes to estate living,” explained Phil Barker, of Renishaw Property Developments on the KZN South Coast. “Homeowners, particularly those enjoying their golden years, need to be assured they can enjoy the quality lifestyle so celebrated in South Africa, without the constant concern for safety.” When it comes to secure estate living, the following six security features will ensure that residents are able to benefit from an outdoor lifestyle with complete peace of mind.
1. SECURE PERIMETER
manning all entry points, as well as
6. UNRESTRICTED LIVING
The first feature is secure,
constant patrols, day and night.
At the end of it all, residents want
electrified perimeter fencing,
to enjoy the benefits of security
constructed from advanced
4. QUICK REACTION TIME
without feeling restricted by it. An
equipment that is constantly
The reaction time of a security
estate needs to prioritise unobtrusive
monitored and maintained.
company is what truly sets them
yet effective security wherever
Clear-view fencing is currently the
apart, because in an emergency,
possible. This includes a dedicated
preferred perimeter option, as it
time is of the essence. It’s also
and friendly security staff, clear-
provides optimum security without
worth checking whether the
view perimeter fencing, and other
impacting views.
security company offers the option
techniques that effectively blend
of panic buttons, either installed
security measures into the natural
2. HIGH-TECH CAMERAS
in individual units or provided as a
surroundings.
A well-run estate will include
mobile device.
thermal-vision cameras positioned
5. SECURITY COLLABORATION
on the perimeter fencing. These
Security cannot work in
our residents always feel safe without
will ensure any unsanctioned
isolation. An estate dedicated
it being too conspicuous,” explained
activity is quickly identified and
to the security of its residents
Barker. “At Renishaw Hills, we feel
halted, and can be reviewed.
will ensure that onsite security
we’ve achieved this balance. With the
works with a network of outside
incredible ocean and forest views,
3. 24-HOUR PATROLS
security operatives, including law
nature trails, estate facilities and
The security company assigned to
enforcement, community policing
wonderful community living, residents
a mature lifestyle estate must be
forums, security consultants,
are truly able to live that holiday life
able to provide a 24-hour, onsite
as well as other security
without ever having to worry about
security service. This will include
organisations.
their safety.”
“It’s a delicate balance ensuring
WWW.SILVER DIGEST.CO.ZA
27
LEISURE
OUR ITALIAN LEGACY OF LOVE The legendary Café del Sol in Johannesburg might be the city’s best-kept culinary secret if it wasn’t so well known! The family behind its charm and success – Chiara Viljoen with Ryan Viljoen and their mother Luciana Treccani – bring us recipes from their kitchen in the new book, Our Italian Legacy of Love. We have a few to share…
STAND A CHANCE TO WIN We have a
copy to give
W
hat do you get when you add a little Italian, a little South African and a whole lot of love? A legacy of classic yet contemporary dishes from the Café del Sol family kitchen. Chiara and Ryan have transferred the treasured memories of both their nonnas, as well as their mama, Luciana,
to the tables of Café del Sol, and now this cookbook. Basking in a combined Italian and South African
away of Our
heritage, this family knows how to put their heart and soul into presenting the most scrumptious food to
Italian Legacy of
their guests, and now you, the reader. From colazione (breakfast) and antipasto (appetisers), through primo
Love. To stand
(pasta and risotto) and secondo (main courses), to desserts and cocktails... we challenge you to page through
a chance to
this book without your appetite roaring to life! So step into the kitchen with the Café del Sol famiglia and
win, send an
delight your family and friends by making these dishes in the comfort of your home. Buon appetito!
email to info@ silverdigest. co.za with ‘Our Italian Legacy of Love’ in the
Beetroot carpaccio
subject line,
• 1kg fresh beetroot
Refresh the beetroots in cold water,
• 1 punnet fresh strawberries,
then peel, top and tail them. When
thinly sliced
cooked, the skin peels off easily, but
• 3 oranges, segmented
wear gloves when handling beetroots.
• 150g dolcelatte gorgonzola,
Using a very sharp knife or mandoline
your name
SERVES 4
and contact
This starter has proved to be
details by
very popular, and not just with
• Salt and pepper to taste
overlapped, on a platter.
31 October 2021.
vegetarians! The beetroot and
• Extra virgin olive oil to drizzle
Scatter the sliced strawberries all
strawberries combine for a
• A drizzle of balsamic reduction
over the beetroot.
delightful sweetness. Paired with
• 20g beetroot shoots
Place the orange segments alongside
crumbled
savoury and creamy gorgonzola
28
slicer, slice them thinly and arrange,
and crumble the gorgonzola over
and a burst of citrus, this
Wash the beetroots in cold water,
everything.
carpaccio is a winner through and
then bring to the boil in a saucepan
Season the carpaccio with salt and
through. The colours also make for
with a fitted lid. After approximately
pepper, then drizzle with olive oil and
a visual delight; after all, we eat
15 minutes, remove the lid, reduce the
balsamic reduction.
with our eyes first!
heat, and simmer until the beetroots
Sprinkle the beetroot shoots over the
are tender.
carpaccio before serving.
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2021
RECIPES
Chicken and chorizo with red pepper purée SERVES 4
• A dash of smoked paprika
This dish is nothing short of
(optional)
addictive – the epitome of luxury!
• Cooked pasta of your choice, but
The red pepper purée is a bit of a
we recommend bronze-cut penne
mission but adds a depth of flavour to this gourmet sauce that simply
• Grated Grana Padano cheese to serve
can’t be replicated by any other substitutions. The smokiness of the
Season the chicken with salt
chorizo combines with the savoury
and pepper. Set aside.
notes of the chicken to create a dish
In a medium saucepan, melt the
that is utterly moreish.
butter, add the leeks and cook over low heat. Add the chorizo and
• 200g chicken thighs, deboned and chopped
chicken and cook through. Add the red pepper purée and
• Salt and pepper to taste
coat the ingredients well. Pour in
• 50g butter
the cream and allow the sauce to
• 50g leeks, sliced
reduce and thicken, then add the
• 200g chorizo*, sliced
fresh parsley. Add a dash of smoked
• 200ml red pepper purée
paprika for a little extra flavour if
(see below)
you like. Add the drained pasta and
• 300ml cream
mix with the sauce until well coated.
• 10g fresh flat-leaf parsley,
Serve with a generous amount of
chopped
Grana Padano.
MAMMA’S PEPERONI (Makes ± 250ml peppers) • 5 red peppers (or a mixture of red and yellow peppers) • Extra virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper to taste • 125ml extra virgin olive oil Prepare the peppers by first peeling away the skin, removing all the seeds and white pith, and then cutting each pepper into thick slices. In a saucepan with a fitted lid, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat and add the peppers, turning for the first 10 minutes until all are well coated. Reduce the heat, add salt and pepper and cook, covered, slowly over low heat, turning them every so often until the peppers are super soft, TIPS: Our family is fussy when it comes to paprika. It needs to be sweet but hot, and we find that only Spanish or Hungarian paprika offers that true depth of flavour. It might be snobby to prefer imported varieties, but it’s all in the name of quality food, right? *For chorizo, we like Spanish Fort chorizo. It’s not too fatty and, in a sauce like this, that is important when it comes to flavour balance.
slightly browned and sweet. There will be a beautiful red pepper olive oil infusion in the pan as well. Transfer the peppers and oil into a sterilised jar with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the vegetables are totally submerged in the oil. Leave a thumb’s space between the contents and the lid. Tap the jar before sealing to remove air bubbles, and store in the fridge. Eat within a few days. Continued …
WWW.SILVER DIGEST.CO.ZA
29
LEISURE
Porcini and pea risotto SERVES 2 When we grew up, one of our family holidays was going to the forest to forage our own fresh porcini mushrooms. We would head down to the pine forests for the day with a packed lunch, our minds brimming with instructions about how to tell the difference between a porcini mushroom and a poisonous mushroom, and the promise of a competition. To find porcini, you have to note the texture of the pine mounds (or under oak trees) – under these trees is where the most delicious porcini are to be found. Armed with sticks, we would gently test the mound with our shoes for firmness. If firm, it was usually a porcini, but if soft and collapsed, it was generally poisonous. We’d separate the pine needles with our sticks and check. The abundance of nature in those childhood days seems almost mythical compared to the reality of life now. We would bounce back with full sacks of porcini. Considering the current cost of porcini mushrooms, we could have retired early with that much produce! Slice and freeze porcini or cook them with
• 200g Vialone Nano rice
In another saucepan, blanche the peas
garlic, parsley, salt, pepper and extra virgin
• 125ml white wine
and drain, then add to the risotto pan.
olive oil. Crumb them and eat the porcini as
• 50g frozen peas (or preferably fresh
Start adding the warm stock, two ladles
steak; or slice the porcini and cook them
if you can find them)
at a time, allowing it to absorb gradually.
in bolognese to give the sauce a deeper
• 10g fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Continue adding and stirring until the rice
and more savoury taste. Even porcini on
• Salt and pepper to taste
has a slight bite to it.
toast is delicious. Porcini are very close to
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
The risotto should be almost ready when you drag a spoon through it and
our heart, and we try to find new ways to incorporate their unique flavour and texture
Heat the stock in a saucepan and stir
the mixture comes together slowly,
in our dishes.
in the porcini dust. Simmer slowly and
almost soupy. Add the parsley and
allow it to infuse.
season the risotto.
• 1 litre chicken or vegetable broth
In another saucepan over low heat, add
Take the risotto off the stove and add
• 20g porcini dust
a dash of olive oil and 30g of the butter.
the remaining butter and some of the
• A dash of extra virgin olive oil
Allow it to melt and then cook the
Parmesan cheese, allowing it to
• 80g butter (reserve 50g for mantecatura
onion until translucent. Add the garlic
absorb and rest.
(if using) and the porcini mushrooms.
Serve topped with the
• ½ onion, finely chopped
Allow to cook through.
remaining cheese.
• 1–2 cloves garlic, chopped (optional)
Add the rice and allow it to toast slightly
• 200g porcini mushrooms, frozen and
in the mushroom mixture. Pour in the
at the end)
sliced 30
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2021
wine and allow it to cook off.
RECIPES
Tiramisu semifreddo SERVES 8—10
The semifreddo recipes included here
• 4 eggs, yolks and whites separated
Semifreddo means half-frozen, but it’s
have been the most popular ones
• 250ml castor sugar
fully delicious. Not quite an ice cream
at Café del Sol for the past 14 years
• 250g mascarpone
and more frozen than pudding, this
but, as always, we encourage you to
• 625ml cream
dessert is a crowd pleaser and can
experiment. We have made plenty of
• 8 double shots espresso
be made well in advance. Think of it
different types of semifreddo over the
• 125ml Kahlúa liqueur
as a softer version of ice cream or an
years: limoncello tiramisu, raspberry
• 12–24 Savoiardi (Boudoir)
ice-cream cake. And you don’t need an
with white chocolate ... we could go
ice-cream machine to prepare it.
on and on!
biscuits (ladyfingers) • 100g dark cocoa to sieve • Grated dark chocolate to garnish Spray with cooking spray or grease a loaf tin (20 x 10 x 6cm) and add two layers of cling wrap with an overlap (to remove the semifreddo easily when set). Beat the egg yolks with half the castor sugar until pale in colour. Fold in the mascarpone and mix well. Set aside. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites while slowly adding the remaining sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this into the mascarpone mixture when ready. In a clean bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the cream into the mascarpone mixture. Prepare the espresso. Add the Kahlúa to the coffee and mix well. Dip the biscuits into the coffee so that the edges absorb the coffee, but the insides are still firm. Do not leave them in the coffee too long for they will be soggy. Arrange a layer of biscuits at the bottom of the loaf tin, cutting them in half if necessary until they fit snugly. Spoon over half the mascarpone mixture and sieve over some cocoa. Add a second layer of biscuits, mascarpone and cocoa. Cover well with cling wrap and allow to set in the freezer overnight. About 15 minutes before serving, remove from the freezer and tug at the overhang of cling wrap to remove it fully from the tin. Slice the semifreddo and sieve with more
Reprinted with permission from: Our Italian Legacy of Love by Chiara Viljoen
cocoa. Garnish with grated dark chocolate.
with Ryan Viljoen and Luciana Treccani, produced by Struik Lifestyle. WWW.SILVER DIGEST.CO.ZA
31
LEISURE
BOOKS
SPRING READS A selection of fresh reads to get your teeth into this season, especially those fascinating biographies. INVENTION: A LIFE BY JAMES DYSON
are cleaned around the world. In devoting all his
THINKING THE FUTURE BY CLEM SUNTER AND MITCH ILBURY
resources to iteratively developing the technology,
Every decision we make is a decision about the
he risked it all, but out of many failures and
future. We constantly make choices that affect
setbacks came hard-fought success. His products,
the next week, year or decade, but then get
including vacuum cleaners, hair dryers and
blinded by what we want or expect the future
hair stylers, and fans and purifiers are not only
to be. Cognitive traps lie everywhere: failing to
revolutionary technologies, but design classics.
question our assumptions; believing in greater
This was a legacy of his time studying at the Royal
certainty and personal control than life allows;
College of Art in the 1960s, when he was inspired
or missing signals because we’re distracted
Famously, over a four-year period, James Dyson made 5 127 prototypes of the cyclonic vacuum cleaner that would transform the way houses
by some of the most famous artists. Dyson reveals how he came to set up
by the noise. The post-2020 world demands
his own company and led it to become one of the most inventive technology
a revolutionary way of looking ahead, and in
companies in the world.
these unpredictable times, the key to good
ALL IN: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BILLIE JEAN KING
futures thinking is good thinking. The goal of constructive futurism is not to forecast specific events, but to plot a series of scenarios
An intimate self-portrait encompassing
that show what could happen. Consequently,
the life, times and career of one of the most
we can work towards the future we want,
transformative individuals – let alone athletes
avoid the ones we don’t, and be prepared
– of recent times. Journeying from a blue-collar
to manage the risks and opportunities no
childhood to shatter tennis’s exclusive country-
matter what. In Thinking the Future, scenario
club culture, Billie Jean King paved the way
specialists Clem Sunter and Mitch Ilbury
for a more open, inclusive and equal sports
teach us the futurist’s art of decision-making,
environment. In her memoir, she takes us behind
where the flexibility of thinking like a fox
the scenes of the pro tennis tour, through her five
plays a key role in adapting to a complex and
years as the top-ranked woman in the world, her
interconnected world. The book rejects the
twenty Wimbledon championships, her thirty-nine grand-slam titles, and
appealing but misleading self-help narrative
her watershed defeat of Bobby Riggs in the famous ‘Battle of the Sexes’. With
that you can decide your future through sheer
her ever-present candour, King also describes the high personal price of public
determination in pursuit of your goals, and
greatness. We see how she struggled to live authentically and the challenges
replaces it with a more dynamic approach.
she grappled with beneath the mask of fame, including entrenched sexism,
Isaac Newton said: ‘If I have seen further than
an eating disorder and struggles with her sexual identity until her “outing”
others, it is by standing on the shoulders of
by a former lover led her to embrace her true self. We come to understand
giants.’ By reimagining seminal concepts
how, through it all, her unshakeable integrity, resilience and sense of purpose
thought up by some of history’s greatest
allowed her time and again to overcome her obstacles, and, at a few dire
thinkers, the authors detail the dos and
moments, to rebound from near ruin. Hers is the story of a pathbreaking
don’ts for thinking the future and handling its
fighter for equality, world-class athlete, and an indomitable spirit.
uncertainty in a constructive way.
32
SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2021
LEISURE
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LEISURE
CROSSWORD
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SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2021
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