Prestige 90

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90

FA S H I O N | DESIGN | J EW E L L E RY | T R AV E L | BU S I N E S S | P RO PE RT Y WAYDE VAN NIEKERK AND THAT WATCH • VERTICAL TAKE-OFF CORPORATE JET SUMMER FASHION • SAILING INTO THE WIND • TOUCH WARWICK – THE WINE ISSUE 90 – 5/2016

AFRICA’S PREMIER LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

OPENCO/6171/E

I AM THE RAREST OF THE RARE. BUT THE BEST IDEAS NEARLY ALWAYS ARE. THEY SAID I WAS IMPOSSIBLE, THAT ELECTRIC AND COMBUSTION AND PERFORMANCE WERE IMPRACTICAL. YET HERE I AM. A PRIMAL FORCE OF FIRE AND LIGHTNING MADE MANIFEST. I WAS JUST AN IDEA BUT NOW I AM THE FUTURE. A CRIMSON BEACON THAT SHINES SO THAT OTHERS MAY FOLLOW. I AM THE BMW i8 PROTONIC RED EDITION.

i8

49g CO2/km

266kW

BMW i8

Sheer Driving Pleasure

The BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition is available in limited numbers.

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CONTENTS

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34.

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Upfront Ed’s Letter – Page 8

Inside A Keen Traveller – A skybourne ace with its famous aviation slide rule and a time zone champion with its Manufacture Breitling movement delivering unprecedented user friendliness – Page 10 Arthur’s Theme – When Arthur Kaplan opened his first store in 1973, the retail brand was born. – Page 12 Wayde’s Coup - Wayde van Niekerk won South Africa gold in the Mens’ 400m and ruffled a few feathers at the same time – Page 16 Brides by the Dozen – 12 rings, 12 designers, 12 dresses – Page 20 Team Player – Dr John Demartini says success doesn’t mean being a team player. Some highly successful leaders and managers prefer to do things on their own – Page 26 Vertical Take-Off – Steinhobel Design, based in Johannesburg is involved in a project that is set to make aviation history – Page 30 With the Wild Things – With a passion for wildlife Fred Wörner has provided the foresight and impetus for the development of Mahathunzi – Page 34 On The Runway – Saturday, 17 September 2016 saw the sixth annual Red Carpet Fashion Show in partnership with Prestige Magazine and DStv’s Fashion One, with a line up of international and local designers at The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay – Page 38 Making Scents – Maison Louis Vuitton is finally formally branching out in the world of fragrance with a modern range of perfumes – Page 46 W W W. P R E ST I G E M AG.C O. Z A

Getting Away from it all

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A Steamy Affair – It’s reputed to be the most luxurious train in the world and is reminiscent of a bygone era of elegant travel at a slower pace – Page 48 Holding Court – Carly Bailey Natasen travels to Graaff-Reinet and an old institution that has hosted travellers for the better part of two centuries – Page 54 Ultimate Bull Run! – Vivien Natasen visits the home of Lamborghini and wants to go back – Page 58

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CONTENTS

Food and Wine

46.

Getting Around

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Close to the Wind – A perfect blue water cruiser, the Pilot Saloon 58 is the quintessence of Wauquiez’ expertise in terms of conception and high-end yacht building – Page 86 Crouching Jaguar, Hidden Dragon! – Jaguar’s foray into the SUV market has come in the new Jaguar F-Pace and Vivien Natasen got to experience it in the Eastern Cape – Page 94 Winds of Change – Vivien Natasen casts his first impressions on the Maserati Levante – Page 98 Race Bred! – Vivien Natasen spends some time in the ultimate toys for boys showroom – Page 102 Modern Icon – Porsche revives the 718 name as new world beater for a different generation – Page 106 Botoxed CLA – The facelifted Mercedes-Benz CLA range has been launched for the South African market and Carly Bailey Natasen did a few laps around the Zwartkops Raceway – Page 110

Final Say From the Publisher – Page 112

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The Benguela Factor – Somerset West is the gateway to the winelands and holds its own as far as food and wine pairings are concerned – Page 64 Chapter and Verse – Dubbed "chapters", Hennessy X.O’s layered seven flavour notes give rise to an instant sensorial journey – Page 68 Touch Warwick - Two extraordinary people met by chance and what they had in common has forged a friendship and a cultural bridge – Page 72 Back to its Roots – Whisky finds new inspiration from within. Patrick Leclezio looks at the emerging trend of beer cask maturation – Page 78 The Roads Less Travelled – A world of and in liquor. Patrick Leclezio unearths a few lesser known spirituous gems – Page 82

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UPFRONT

Publisher Vivien Natasen +27 11 484 2833

ED'S

Editor Chris Buchanan chris@prestigemag.co.za Deputy publisher/brand ambassador Carly Bailey Natasen carly@prestigemag.co.za

BY DESIGN

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have an ashtray, as politically incorrect as having an ashtray might be, designed

by Danish architect and designer Arne Jakobsen, renowned for designing the Egg, Ant and Swan chairs and the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen.

It’s part of the Stelton Cylinda-line and comprises a stainless steel cylindrical base with a revolving bowl which tips the cigarette ends into the base and eliminates odours, as well as keeps the ends from blowing away in the wind. As an ashtray the Stelton is highly functional but it’s a piece of art and sculpture that can be displayed as an objet d’art without being used as an ashtray. An original piece will cost you R1000.00, a hefty price for something that holds cigarette butts.

An original Egg chair from the Fritz Hansen showroom will set you back R80 000.00 and I can hear you saying madness as you contemplate the price tag against a piece of seating. The iconic Charles and Ray Eames chair and ottoman that you might recognise from Frasier’s apartment in the popular sitcom is another sought-after iconic design piece that comes at a price of around R60 000.00.

What price do we then put on design and something unique that takes iconic status when, from a practical perspective, a chair is just a chair and an ashtray is merely an ashtray? Design presents itself in the same realm as we define luxury – craftsmanship, heritage, time and excellence in the product.

In this issue of Prestige we look at design and luxury as a combination and we feature design elements that you’ll

Layout and Art Direction Daniel Jonathan info@danieljonathan.co.za Advertising Sales Carly Bailey Natasen carly@prestigemag.co.za

probably see for the first time.

The first is a vertical take-off corporate jet that is a marvel of aeronautic and industrial design and has deep South African roots. It’s revolutionary in the time-scale of flight and when the first prototype takes to the skies a new era in corporate aviation will be born.

We also feature a portable speaker made entirely of anodised aluminium that will hold place among your most treasured pieces of objet, as well as being a marvel of acoustic design and engineering with phenomenal 360° sound quality.

But the epitome of design and luxury comes in the form of a wine. It’s no ordinary wine because it stands for far more than excellence in winemaking.

This wine represents everything we went to the polls in 1994 to achieve and is particularly significant as we watch our fragile democracy stutter under the shadow of corruption and racial tension.

It’s designed from a zero base to be the best it can be as a wine and it speaks luxury in its appearance and the time and heritage of manufacture and estate.

So, what price do we put on design when practicality will suffice? Design is a process and aims for excellence as the end point, just as sought after art comes at a premium, so does good design. As a reader who appreciates luxury and all that it embodies, so too will you see the investment in design as a long term commitment to a process that produces exceptional products with little attention to the price tag because that is relative and the investment in the excellence will be your reward.

CHRIS

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Operations and Circulation Eugene Reuben eugene.reuben@neoafrica.com Digital Marc Rudman marc.rudman@neoafrica.com Contributors Keri Harvey, Patrick Leclezio, Andrew Leopold Printing Paarl Media Kwazulu Natal Subscriptions: To subscribe please go to www.prestigemag.co.za click on the Subscribe tab and submit the form. An invoice with banking details will be sent to you. Your first issue of Prestige will be despatched as soon as payment is made. Costs: 6 Issues = R600 per annum excl VAT, other countries are subject to a postage surcharge and will be calculated accordingly.

Single copies of Prestige can be purchased for a nominal fee of R89.00.

PUBLISHED BY Neo Publishing (Pty) Ltd Tel +27 11 484 2833. Fax +27 11 484 2899 All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or any of its clients.

Information has been included in good faith and is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information and reports in this magazine, the publisher does not accept any responsibility, whatsoever, for any errors or omissions, or for any effects resulting therefrom. No part of this publication may be used, or reproduced in any form, without the written permission of the publisher. All copyright for material apearing in this magazine belongs to Neo Publishing and/or the individual contributors. © 2014

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JEWELLERY & WATCHES

a keen

traveller A SKYBOURNE ACE WITH ITS FAMOUS AVIATION SLIDE RULE AND A TIME ZONE CHAMPION WITH ITS MANUFACTURE BREITLING MOVEMENT DELIVERING UNPRECEDENTED USER FRIENDLINESS, THE NAVITIMER GMT CHRONOGRAPH EXTENDS A FRESH NEW TRAVEL INVITATION WITH A LIMITED SERIES FEATURING AN EXCLUSIVE BLUE DIAL.

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he blue of broad skies and far horizons…

If ever a colour were perfectly suited to the Navitimer GMT, this would be it, a fact well grasped by Breitling and expressed in this 1 000-piece limited edition of its cult model. Its blue dial with a discreet sunburst decor and tone-on-tone counters radiates a technical, elegant and timeless style.

The Manufacture Breitling Caliber B04 beating inside the large steel case is distinguished by a high-performance chronograph combined with an extremely functional dual time zone system.

To adjust the main hour hand to local time, the wearer need only pull out the crown and turn it in either direction in one-hour increments – without losing any precision in terms of the minutes and with the date being automatically adjusted both forwards and backwards. Meanwhile, the red-tipped hand continues to show home time in 24-hour mode, thus serving to distinguish day from night. A transparent sapphire crystal case-back provides a chance to admire the movement chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), a token of superior reliability and precision.

The Navitimer GMT Aurora Blue features another original characteristic in the shape of a colourful rubber strap matching the dial colour and adorned with an aircraft-tire tread motif. It is also available with a leather or crocodile leather strap, or a steel bracelet.

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Arthur's theme ARTHUR KAPLAN TRACES ITS ROOTS BACK TO 1889, WHEN THE FAMILY BUSINESS WAS FIRST ESTABLISHED IN PRETORIA BY THE GRANDFATHER OF ARTHUR

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NORMAN KAPLAN.

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hen Arthur Kaplan opened his first store in 1973, the retail brand was born. A culture of personal service, quality and attention to detail continues to identify the Arthur Kaplan brand to this day. Arthur Kaplan is a luxury jewellery and watch retailer with stores located in major shopping centres in South Africa. There are currently 11 retail stores, which include a watch specialist store trading as World’s

Finest Watches.

Arthur Kaplan has earned a reputation as a quality jeweller to discerning clients and is a trusted destination for diamond engagement rings. The brand is particularly well renowned for watches and is the largest retailer of Swiss luxury watches in South Africa.

ENGAGEMENT COLLECTION The Engagement Collection is Arthur Kaplan’s signature collection of diamond rings, inspired by True Love. Express your desire with a superior quality engagement ring with timeless appeal and a distinctive design. The engagement rings in this collection are a culmination of years of development with our clients and reflect on our heritage of timeless design, quality and exquisite attention to detail.

DESIGNER COLLECTIONS Arthur Kaplan has a long standing heritage of jewellery design which we showcase with our Designer Collections. Each Collection was created to celebrate an aspect of your life’s journey or to evoke and reflect a beautiful emotion. Whether the jewellery piece you choose is to celebrate a special event, or to dress up and spoil yourself, all of our designs have an underlying grace and femininity that is instantly recognisable, but that always puts you first. Our jewellery is crafted with an exquisite attention to detail and a passionate focus on quality, with the care that you deserve.

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JEWELLERY & WATCHES

JEWELLERY DESIGN STUDIO Our jewellery Design Studio service invites you into the creative process.

Here we offer a personal design service, where you are able to select your diamond and be involved in the creation of a piece that uniquely expresses your individuality. Whether you have a specific idea of what you want, or you would like to explore some options with the guidance of our professional jewellery designers, the end result symbolises your love and commitment in a bespoke piece. Our jewellery designers will spend time with you to understand what you are looking for. We will translate your initial ideas into a sketch to ensure that we are on the same page. The sketch is then translated into a 3D CAD design, so that you can visualise the jewellery piece before our goldsmith begins.

We regard our valued clients as our patrons. Our brand journey and their love stories are inextricably intertwined, as our jewellery forms an indelible part of their most treasured memories.

It is in this spirit that we celebrate the artistic talents of promising and accomplished artists alike.

NEW LUXURY BOUTIQUE CONCEPT The new boutique presents a strikingly fresh luxury experience for aspirational clients - one that remains true to the Arthur Kaplan philosophy that “love is in the details”. This is reflected in every aspect of the opulent environment, from the romantic gift presentation that looks good enough to eat, to the personal jewellery design service where you can translate your passion into a

bespoke creation. The Sandton City boutique showcases the new Arthur Kaplan Collections in a style and exquisite attention to detail that sets this store apart from other retailers.

The Rolex corner, which was designed and imported from Switzerland, finishes off the breathtaking feeling of luxury and is the ultimate complement to the exquisite jewellery. The newly revamped boutique store in the Gateway Theatre of Shopping is our first store to stock the prestigious Cartier watch brand. Included in the fresh new interior are store-instore concepts for Rolex, Cartier, Omega and IWC. Alongside a wide range of Swiss watch brands, our fine jewellery collections make a visit to the Gateway store an unmatched luxury shopping experience.

There are currently 11 retail stores, which include a watch specialist store trading as World’s Finest Watches.

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WATCHES As the largest retailer of Swiss watches in South Africa, Arthur Kaplan is synonymous with premier international watch brands. We have earned a reputation for carrying the widest range of luxury watches and for our in-store focus and staff expertise. Arthur Kaplan is one of the few retailers in the South African marketplace to stock leading luxury brands in multiple outlets and we have a unique approach to presenting these timepieces to consumers in their own branded environment.

ARTHUR KAPLAN AND THE ARTS Arthur Kaplan is proud to present a series of artistic experiences. A culture with the capacity to nurture a passion for art is a culture with a propensity to feel love. This empathy lies at the heart of the Arthur Kaplan brand. Since our inception we have tirelessly encouraged individual excellence and the pursuit of perfection. Every precious stone we set is handled with the greatest of consideration and care – just as the artist approaches each chord, phrase, brushstroke or cherished ingredient.

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We’re open in the Mall of Africa Arthur Kaplan traces its roots back to 1889, with a reputation for fine jewellery that is made to last a lifetime. And, as the largest retailer of Swiss watches in South Africa, our expert staff will take the greatest care to guide you through our wide range and provide you with the ultimate watch experience.

www.arthurkaplan.co.za

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JEWELLERY & WATCHES

time

classics

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ROLEX CELLINI TIME, DATE AND DUAL TIME

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olex is introducing new versions of its Cellini Time, Cellini Date and Cellini Dual Time in 18 ct white or Everose gold in a 39 mm case. The new Cellini Time models feature a redesigned white lacquer dial with 12 elongated applique hour markers. The Cellini Date acquires a blue dial and strap, and the Cellini Dual Time range is expanded by a version with a brown dial and strap. The Cellini models are driven by a self-winding mechanical movement manufactured entirely by Rolex. They carry the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015, which ensures singular performance on the wrist.

The Cellini collection celebrates the eternal elegance of traditional timepieces with a contemporary touch. The essence of a timeless classic, the Cellini Time displays simply the hours, minutes and seconds, as if nothing but the present were of importance. The Cellini Date adds a date display suffused with elegance, tradition and poetry, showing on a single dial the current day, the days gone by and the days to come. The Cellini Dual Time, with its simultaneous display of the time here and the time elsewhere, grants its wearers the gift of temporal ubiquity.

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ROLE OF OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES. FROM

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coup

THE START LINE TO THE SCOREBOARD, THEY HAVE BEEN IN

ON 26 OCCASIONS SINCE 1932, OMEGA HAS FULFILLED THE

CHARGE OF EVERY SECOND IN EVERY EVENT.

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t the 2012 Olympics in London Yohan Blake, came second to Usain Bolt in the 100 metres wearing Richard Mille which infuriated the Olympic committee. The fact that OMEGA sponsors the games as the official timer and pays a small fortune for the privilege adds an extra sting to the situation. They still pulled this publicity stunt and were willing to pay the applicable fines for doing so.

This year’s Olympic Games in Rio saw our own Wayde van Niekerk winning gold and breaking the record in the 400m sprint with a Richard Mille on his wrist super controversial and kind of rebellious since Olympic Rule 40 protects official sponsors and limits the extent to which private athlete sponsors may use the Olympics to publicise their brands.

Olympic rules don’t allow watch brands to announce what their ambassadors are wearing during the Olympics, but now that they have concluded, Richard Mille has made the announcement that Van Niekerk joins the list of athletes who wear their Mille watches while in play after winning the 400m in record time while wearing the RM27-02.

The Richard Mille 27-02 features a manually-wound movement with a tourbillon and weighs an astounding 4.6 grams. This is an evolution of the RM 2701 that was spotted on Nadal’s wrist as he won the US Open in 2014.

http://topwatch.co.za/

This year’s Olympic Games in Rio saw our own Wayde van Niekerk winning gold and breaking the record in the 400m sprint with a Richard Mille on his wrist - super controversial and kind of rebellious

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brides by the dozen PRESTIGE

LIFESTYLE

12 RINGS, 12 DESIGNERS, 12 DRESSES by: carly bailey natasen

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hoosing a bridal ring is special occasion for any bride. It holds the promise of joy and love, wrapped up into a beautifully designed piece, celebrated for years to come. Your ring is as unique as you are.” – Zimbini Peffer, Sterns Marketing Director.

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francois vedemme

Sterns invited twelve top South African designers to each design a wedding dress, finding inspiration from two of Sterns beautiful bridal collections. Each designer had to select one ring from any of these two collections being the Sparkling Moments collection or the Designer Collection.

Sparkling Moments Collection is a design-rich range recognised by its delicate multi-stone settings. A very elegant option for a classic bride.

The Designer Collection is a compilation of large stone bridal rings inspired by the Disa Orchid and designed by the award winner, Bheki Ngema, making it proudly South African.

It is rare to see different designers collaborating on one platform and one forum. Sterns had the capability and know-how to bring prominent designers together for an interpretation of their bridal jewellery. Through this collaboration brides have the opportunity to have a dress and ring that are designed to be complemented with each other. Most brides often treat these as separate decisions.

The designers that participated included Danielle Margaux, Francois Vedemme, Heni, Kobus Dippenaar, Le Art Neviole Emporium, NN Vintage, Orapeleng Modutle, Stefania Morland, Suzaan Heynz, Thabo Makhetha, Werner Dey, and Zarth.

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werner dey

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LIFESTYLE

sight and

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CHRIS BUCHANAN WAS GIVEN A TASTER OF BANG & OLUFSEN’S NEW BEOSOUND 1 & 2 PORTABLE SPEAKERS AND THE BEOVISION HORIZON TV.

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he range of available portable wireless speaker systems is huge.

They’ve become essential for streaming your device music while at home relaxing, cooking and just hanging with friends. They have one thing in common, they all look like speakers, whether retro, futuristic, rustic or fashionable.

Bang & Olufsen has just released two speakers that sit comfortably as a piece of sculptural design anywhere in the home and are of the most technologically and acoustically advanced systems available.

Aluminium is a fundamental material for Bang & Olufsen and most of its products through the years have seen the material used in some way or another. Their plant in Struer, Denmark, has a highly advanced anodising process, as well as precision milling, working and polishing machinery to create any shape or texture. When the engineers proposed a sold aluminium cone, actually a trumpet shaped cone, to the acoustic guys as a design for a new speaker, they must have thought they were mad. No sound will travel through solid aluminium but that didn’t stop them.

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When the engineers proposed a sold aluminium cone, actually a trumpet shaped cone, to the acoustic guys as a design for a new speaker, they must have thought they were mad.

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B&O’s acoustic lens technology, pioneered in the BeoLab 5 and BeoLab 18 speakers, meant they could sculpt the opening at the top, separating the control wheel from the main chassis, and use it for the lens and driver to create a 360° sound experience. By elevating the cone off the surface, bass notes reflect outward from the bottom of the speaker in yet another 360° experience. Rumour has it that they had to invert the lens to incorporate an LED, which has in fact improved the effect of the lens.

The speakers are called BeoSound 1 & 2 and they’re seamless extrusions of anodised aluminium, with a 5mm thickness average so they’re solid units, while BeoSound 2, a slightly larger and more powerful unit, has parallel milled slats at the top of the cone to allow more mid-range and a fuller sound effect with the extra power.

But here’s the kicker, B&O has

a standard function on most of its interfaces by swiping left to right to advance a track, right to left to back track and a circular motion to increase or decrease volume. Difficult with a symmetrical cone of aluminium when you approach it from any angle. Thanks to proximity sensors, the speaker knows your position, so no matter which side you operate the control on top of the volume wheel, left to right advances and right to left back tracks.

These are perfect pieces of kit for modern compact living complemented perfectly by the BeoVision Horizon television. The slim aluminium frame design gives the screen a floating sensation and the TV can be placed on an easel, stand, a 360° rotating stand, a wall mount or a wheeled stand ready to entertain you no matter where you wish to spend time in a compact environment.

Both BeoSound 1&2 and BeoVision Horizon are available at B&O stores.

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BUSINESS

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team player DR JOHN DEMARTINI SAYS SUCCESS DOESN’T MEAN BEING A TEAM PLAYER. SOME HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL LEADERS AND MANAGERS PREFER TO DO THINGS ON THEIR OWN by: chris buchanan

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He emphasises that there are some positions that lend themselves to more autonomy than group structures.

He also says they might have had criticisms of working in groups by thinking that the team was holding them back and not letting them fulfil their true potential. The question is how do you capitalise on that type of personality?

He cites an employee who would come into work at two minutes to nine and leave at two minutes after six as a routine. She isolated herself in the room and she didn’t talk to anybody and she didn’t relate to anybody. But ultimately she was one of the most productive workers on the force.

Ultimately he says you don’t want to get so stereotyped into thinking it has to be a joyful team effort because that’s not always the case.

It’s also about their ambitions within the company according to Dr Demartini because if the next step is management then they will need to change their

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n a recent team building exercise we were allocated partners in groups within which we undertook tasks in competition with other groups. It was clear from the start that certain people did not work well within a team and that they preferred to solve problems on their own. Initial reaction might be that they’re not team players and it’s a bad thing but that’s not necessarily true according Dr Demartini.

“I don’t think there’s any human being who’s incapable of doing it, what is usually the case is they’ve had experiences that have been associated with more pain than pleasure working in groups so they’ve found themselves more productive and less stressed by working individually”, says Dr Demartini.

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BUSINESS

behaviour to lead a team below them.

“You have to look at the individual to see if they’re more of a lone ranger than a team player and allow them to reach their full potential as the one in a hundred who prefer to work on their own.

Isaac Newton is another example he refers to as a person who worked as a lone ranger and actually became rather arrogant, unpleasant and unsociable later in life but produced a definitive body of work.

Success he says is not to do with being just unpleasant or being the nice guy, you have to be both. “You have know when to be nice, when to be mean, when to be kind when to be cruel and when to be easy and when to be tough. You need to have both to be a leader.” The truth about people he says is that they’re never always nice or always mean, there’s an element of each trait in everyone and some show more of the one than the other.

It comes down to that familiar theme of balance and evening out all aspects of your life if you’re to become

a true leader of people. The person who has both has greater potential than the person who only exhibits one of the traits.

The relationship between success and eccentrics is also something to consider and Dr Demartini believes there are certain niches that lend themselves to isolated eccentric behaviour. Often by being eccentric the person is able to be true to themselves and completely honest in their endeavours. They may not fit into social society which can be conservative, but they still succeed according to the societal standards.

Richard Branson is a good example of an eccentric and a maverick who is highly successful within conservative business environments and ruffles feathers as a consequence.

Dr Demartini’s talk when he was last in the country centred on raising your own level of worth and getting over the things that you might be ashamed of or that might be holding you back in your subconscious. He talks about an internet entrepreneur in

Australia who develops music online but sits isolated and totally alone as he builds his fortune of $20m. The reason he isolates himself comes from a background of an aggressive family life in which he created his own world in order to escape the trauma. There are stories he says, of individuals who were so abused by parents that they escaped to their fantasy worlds and have excelled in jobs that require them to work in total isolation.

The point says Dr Demartini is that being totally individualistic, doesn’t mean there’s a weakness, it means that is your preferred method of getting your work done and it shouldn’t be a pre-requisite that an employee be a team player. As long as the results are positive they’ve earned their place in the organisation.

Founder of the Demartini Institute, International best-selling author, educator and consultant

www.dr.demartini.com

Presented by Dr John Demartini: Human Behavioural Specialist, Educator, Author and Business Consultant

PUBLIC TALK:

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE

You Get One Life To Live, Make It Extraordinary And Inspiring!

Many people at some time in their life have a feeling or fear that they’re not going to get everything they want out of life. They’re afraid that time is ticking by and they feel like it’s not happening as fast as they would like.

What is it that plateaus, blocks and holds a person back? What can you do to ensure that you don’t fall into the self-doubt and self-futility trap so that you continue to unfold your journey of growth and reward?

Wednesday 23 November 2016 Sandton Convention Centre Time: Reg 18h30. Talk 19h00 - 21h30 Price: Computicket R350 per attendee or R400 at the door.

If your intention is to make the most of your life and you’d like to breakthrough any feelings of frustration then know there are some simple strategies and tools that I’ll be sharing at my evening presentation that can help you to break through any barrier in the way of your growth and achievement.

If you know you are here to do something inspiring with your life and you know you have something amazing to do then now is the time to take action! I look forward to seeing you there.

To Book Your Ticket: www.Computicket.com or Call 011 011 9093 www.DrDemartini.com

w w w.aegirper formanceyachts.co.za | info@aegirper formanceyachts.co.za frederic@neoaegir.co.za +27 (0)21 554 1743 | john: 072 683 2660 | frederic: 072 244 1982 Head office: Cape Town – South Africa | Service points: France & Italy

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vertical

take-off STEINHOBEL DESIGN, BASED IN JOHANNESBURG

IS INVOLVED IN A PROJECT THAT IS SET TO MAKE

AVIATION HISTORY. CHRIS BUCHANAN SPOKE TO BRIAN STEINHOBEL.

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here have been some definitive moments in the history of flight.

Of course Orville and Wilbur Wright succeeded where Leonardo da Vinci might have and Icarus failed and actually got their contraption to fly. Since then we’ve seen jet engines, supersonic passenger flight, the possibility of passenger space flight, helicopters and vertical take-off fighter jets. The next trick surely is to combine the last two for convenient corporate pick-up and then jet off to a foreign land. The problem is, no urban helipad, or a landing pad on a private yacht wants 3000 pounds of hot jet thrust unleashed to get the craft airborne.

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FEATURE

This is about to change and industrial designer Brian Steinhobel is working on a project that will soon see vertical take-off corporate jets a reality. Dr Reza Mia, with Pegasus Universal Aerospace, whose business extends into medicine, aviation and philanthropy brought Brian Steinhobel Design and aeronautics engineer Matthew Buttle of Epsilon Engineering Services together to realise the next step in corporate flight.

Brian calls it hybrid technology between drone-like characteristics and jet flight. The oversized leading edges on the wings have advantages and disadvantages, enabling increased gliding capability and slow speed precision flight onto a helipad using drone technology built into the wings.

This makes it a little slower than your typical corporate jet but with significant advantages. Once you’re free of a built up area the jet engines take over and intake and outlet louvres in the wings are shut to create the aerodynamic surfaces of a typical wing, so you’re in a drone while landing and taking off from any location and a corporate jet while heading intercontinental.

You’re in a drone while landing and taking off from any location and a corporate jet while heading intercontinental

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“This is a revolution. This is like, in the history of flight, this will be a significant point”, says Brian and the technology is patented and aeronautically verified, so it will fly, they just need to make one. Brian says this is a three year process of finding interested parties who will contribute to raising in the region of $350m capital to see this dream become a reality. In terms of certification Brian says it’s likely that the capital will be raised in Europe and the manufacture in the US but for the moment it’s about stirring the pot of interest and getting the finance in place while fine tuning the technical aspects of the aircraft.

So, who is Steinhobel Design and how does a local industrial designer get to work on such a project? Brian’s business extends into three elements of industrial design and this is one guy who believes that design unlocks so

many aspects of our daily lives yet the appreciation of good design is often overlooked.

Steinhobel Design consults as industrial design consultants to many brands that manufacture daytoday products such as hairdryers, lawnmowers and sanitary ware to name a few products with which you may be familiar.

They also develop products with inventors and innovators where there’s a need to raise capital – the business of design and unlocking the high return on investment (ROI) that deign offers. This means engaging with high net worth individuals and influential business entrepreneurs The third element is the ART Steinhobel brand. Art is his middle name and incorporates sculpture and art into industrial design across the spectrum – office furniture, and

exclusive design items. One such piece can be found in the wine gallery in Ellerman House called the cork screw. It’s a 1700 bottle wine rack made from carbon fibre, limited to 20 pieces and comes at a cost of $2m as a beautiful piece of objet d’art. “Paul Harris asked me to design a wine rack like no other”, says Brian and I think by looking at it, the brief was fulfilled.

The aesthetic says Brian is one of ambulating through a vine and being totally enveloped by it.

For the last 25 years Steinhobel Design has been a pioneer in products that we take for granted, as well as innovative and exceptional one off design projects in partnership with HNWIs and business leaders through its offices in South Africa, the UK and Europe.

http://www.steinhobel.co.za/ +27 [0] 11 706 2187 design@steinhobel.co.za

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WITH A PASSION FOR WILDLIFE, BASED ON HIS FORMATIVE FARMING YEARS IN MPUMALANGA, BUSINESSMAN FRED WÖRNER, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SKEMA HOLDINGS, PROVIDED THE FORESIGHT AND IMPETUS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MAHATHUNZI.

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รถrner began his commercial career in 1984 as an accountant in the Sorghum Beer Division at Kwa-Zulu Finance Investment Corporation, eventually holding the reins of financial director at Skema Engineering which he bought out and founded Skema Holdings.

With a long term view on diversification, Skema Holdings initially purchased two game farms in 2001 adjacent to Hilton College. A third farm was then added to the portfolio later that year and then a further two farms were purchased in 2002. Initially focusing on breeding disease free Buffalo and White Rhino, Wรถrner engaged

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Falls Dam sits 2km away on the Umgeni River. This property has retained its essential ecological systems and dolerite cliffs, forested valleys and water pools.

With regards to environmental responsibility two wildlife and environmental consultants Dr. Hans Grobler and Peter Le Roux have been visiting the property on a weekly basis since 2001 and have advised, and will continue to advise on the rehabilitation and sustainable wildlife management of the property. As part of the development of the property, an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was established and approved by the Department of Environmental Affairs. The two wildlife and environmental consultants have been appointed as the Environmental Control Officers (ECOs) in terms of the EMP and report to the Department of Environmental Affairs every 6 months.

This approach has ensured the carrying capacities of the gated property are not exceeded, that food sources are sustained,

soil erosion is prevented, invasive alien vegetation is monitored and removed with the competent assistance of the local community as the development forms part of the Umgeni catchment area, and, annual animal censuses are recorded.

One of the ECOs will also sit on the Architectural Committee at Mahathunzi to ensure that the environment will always have right of way. This land supports established populations of wildebeest, giraffe, reedbuck, eland, kudu, impala, nyala, blesbok, zebra, and warthog as well as abundant bird life.

Security is a major factor, and access to Mahathunzi will be strictly monitored on a 24 hour basis. All plots will have access to three phase electricity, fibre optic cables will provide access to Telkom and high speed internet, and water will be provided from boreholes and dams. Offering a lifestyle aligned to environmental etiquette rather than regulatory rules, Mahathunzi will appeal to those whose values connect to the

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the services of wildlife and ecological consultants to successfully rehabilitate the individual farms into a larger wildlife area and grew the wildlife populations considerably.

In 2004 Wรถrner conceptualized and developed a 5 star Safari Spa on one of these properties which culminated in the opening of Karkloof Safari Spa in September 2008. With a vision of creating an opportunity to live amongst wildlife, with a minimal footprint on the landscape, and no change in land use, Wรถrner started the development approach for his second undertaking Mahathunzi in 2012.

Situated in over 1000 hectares of African terrain, complete with both large and small wildlife, this offering in KwaZulu-Natal has been released onto the property market. Hilton College is an immediate though invisible neighbour, Pietermaritzburg is ten minutes away, the northern boundary neighbour is the five star Karkloof Safari Spa, and the Albert

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This land supports established populations of wildebeest, giraffe, reedbuck, eland, kudu, impala, nyala, blesbok, zebra, and warthog as well as abundant bird life.

African landscape yet still want the choice of accessing city rhythms on demand. With some of the best schools in the country and excellent medical care just a short distance away, a revamped airport offering seven flights a day to Johannesburg from Pietermaritzburg, plus the fact that Durban is just an hour’s drive away, Mahathunzi offers premium hinterland living.

Architects on the project include Neil Hayes-Hill who focuses on design strategies based on a vernacular that is sensitive to the immediate environment and its surrounds. Having designed in the most renowned safari areas of Africa, as well as in the UK and Brazil, Neil is versed in design principles and offers valuable insight and creative solutions in building design.

George Elphick, co-founder of Elphick Proome Architects, has undertaken a wide range of well-known projects in the Southern African subcontinent over a 25 year time frame. The practice philosophy

is rooted in contextual regionalism to realize resourceful, appropriate and enduring design solutions. EPA enjoys extensive experience in creating bespoke private residences, placing emphasis on innovating individual, crafted buildings with sensitive, respectful design response to the surrounding landscape and a strong ethos of reflecting locality.

Design workshop : sa, integrated a complex and very personal client brief with the beautiful landscape and architect Andrew Makin, believing the land of Mahathunzi is sacrosanct, its topography raw and emblematic, quintessentially African, and far too important and valuable to be interfered with, is designing living environments that embody and resolve Africa’s beautiful contradictions of raw and refined, rough and smooth, loose and precise, rich and delicate, heavy and light, and, enclosed and open, requiring architecture that is a direct extension of the landscape itself, rather than an imposition on it.

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on the

runway T SATURDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER 2016 SAW THE SIXTH ANNUAL RED CARPET FASHION SHOW, ORCHESTRATED BY JADE ALLEN OF RED CARPET CONCEPTS FROM ITS INCEPTION AND WHICH HAS BECOME A SIGNIFICANT EVENT ON THE SOUTH AFRICA FASHION CALENDAR WITH A LINE UP OF INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL DESIGNERS AT THE BAY HOTEL IN CAMPS BAY. THIS YEAR MARKS THE SEVEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF RED CARPET CONCEPTS.

his year the Red Carpet Fashion Show went global redefining the South African runway with a fusion of art, fashion, music, culture, gastronomy and fine wine.

Included was SA King of Couture Jacques LaGrange, fashion powerhouse Joanna Hedley with BeachCult, theHive, OnTrend and M-Couture! Modest wear together

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show whilst guests enjoyed interactive activations where professional hair, makeup, manicures and massages were offered

by Cape Town Beauty Bar, Dermalogica, ghd and Rain Africa.

Tides Restaurant was transformed into an impressive fashion show production with Kelly John Gough and Natasja de Wet’s exquisite artwork at the entrances of the venue. A beautiful rose wall designed

by Eventiv, specifically for RCFS2016 was placed at the end of the runway, creating a feeling of poise and style as the models stepped onto the ramp. The runway itself was designed and installed by Next

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with fine quality footwear by Tread+Miller.

Designer brands from abroad included Devernois (France), Hackett London, Juicy Couture (USA) and Vilebrequin (St Tropez) together with Etnia Barcelona eyewear.

Further driving the show’s global credibility was the celebrity Master of Ceremonies Jen Su, along with celebrity guests like Andrew Chaplin, from Locnville who attended with Jade Hubner of Top Billing. Also joining in the celebrations were Radio & TV personality, Elana Afrika, Mark Bayly and model/celebrity chef, Ilse Fourie.

Guests were welcomed by Maseratis parked at the entrance of The Bay Hotel creating a sophisticated feeling as guests arrived. Swiss watch manufacture and designer, TAG Heuer also displayed a stunning collection of watches at Sandy B Private Beach Club for guests to simply admire.

Upon arrival complimentary gourmet canapés from Mediterranean Delicacies prepared by The Bay Hotel were served, paired with premium Deetlefs wines, MCC and a fruity selection of refreshing Sir Juices.

A pre-event performance from beat-boxer, singer and live-looper, The Loneraynger took place at Sandy B Private Beach Club before guests were taken through to Tides for the fashion

Dimension Entertainment, ABS sheeting marked the runway with one section of small LED lighting, encapsulating the ramp for a glistering effect as each model walked by in their flawless designer wear.

Tulu Entertainment captured the audience with graceful dance performances. The entire sound and lighting rig system was built and programed by leading high-end technical equipment specialists, Kilowatt AV who effortlessly ensured the production of the show ran smoothly while backstage production and choreography was impeccably managed by Melanie Rossline. Music producer of SA and New York Fashion Week, Dino Moran, headed up the auditory production for the runway and after party, creating an upbeat ambience unique to RCFS 2016 designers. Francesca Biancoli wowed guests with her live Bjork cover performance during Devernois’ showcasing, preceded by The Loneraynger’s live beatboxing interlude.

Following the fashion show the after party took place at Sandy B Private Beach Club and offered more of the party and guests received luxury gift bags filled with spa vouchers and products from Dermalogica, Rain, ghd, Cape Town Beauty Bar, Mint Spa, Morgan Taylor and to commemorate the evening, two lucky guests each walked away with a DStv Explora decoder.

In support of a good cause R30 off each ticket went towards Relate Bracelets supporting the Endangered Wildlife Trust for the Dugong Project, the Rhino Project and Cheetah Project as well as the Save the Elephants Project. Making RCFS not just a commemoration of local and international fashion trends, but an event that acknowledges the importance of South Africa’s incredible wildlife.

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AS A BUILD UP TO THE RED CARPET FASHION SHOW 2016, RED CARPET CONCEPTS TOGETHER WITH MEDIA PARTNERS PRESTIGE MAGAZINE AND FASHION ONE, PUT TOGETHER A SHOOT FEATURING THE COUTURE THAT WOULD BE SHOW CASED ON THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT.

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Location - Camps Bay Retreat (7 Chilworth Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town) Styling – Melanie Rossline Production Management – Red Carpet Concepts Photography – Julia Janse Van Vuuren Make up – Cape Town Beauty Bar Hair – ghd Male Model: Luc De La Motte (Boss Model Management) Female Model: Kristel Reiss (Fusion Model Management) Featured Designers: Xxxxxxxx Other participants: Maserati Deetlefs Estate Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) – the only white MCC made from Pinotage Grapes in South Africa 1974 Philippus Petrus Deetlefs Muscat d’ Alexandrie PRESTIGE: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY

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making MAISON LOUIS VUITTON IS FINALLY FORMALLY BRANCHING OUT IN THE WORLD OF FRAGRANCE WITH A

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MODERN RANGE OF PERFUMES. by: Carly bailey natasen

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ven though it is their first official commercial line, it is believed that over the years Mister Louis Vuitton’s fondness for the art of travel, did not only cover luggage, bags and accessories, but even extended to travel flasks, vanity cases and some fragrances which carried the Louis Vuitton stamp on it. The very first trunks, created in 1854, had padded compartments to protect fragile items and scents on these long journeys. Only later, in the 1920’s, the vanity case got introduced, which consisted of tortoise shell hairbrushes, ivory mirrors and perfume vials. Louis Vuitton always brings his unique design to the world, so it wasn’t long before the house called upon artists to design and decorate these beautiful

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crystal pieces known as “Editions d’Art”. In 1927, Louis Vuitton, being as innovative as always, realised that the collectable bottles were a huge success and launched his first perfume, Heures d’Absence. Unfortunately, the scent has long been lost, but is has given the opportunity for Jacques Cavallier Belletrude, the current Master Perfumer to reinvent a true craft.

With the help of cuttingedge technology, Jacques Cavallier Belletrude started his journey over the course of four years, creating the dream pallet of fragrances.

Using unique techniques like supercritical CO2 Extraction (extracting flavours without heat - only used on Vanilla before), Jacques decided to test it on flowers.

Using May Rose and Jasmine, the extractions process is not only a first these very rare flowers, but also exclusive to the Louis Vuitton Maison.

Being inspired by the Louis Vuitton workshop, he decided to create a madeto measure infusion using his extensive research of “raw materials”. A Touch of leather has been simulated in various perfumes before and usually associated with dark and heavy under tones, however, Jacques went the complete opposite; the aroma of fresh leather on the Louis Vuitton bags, inspired Jacques to create a perfume that is soft and sensual, like smelling leather for the first time.

In 2016, Maison Louis Vuitton travelled to South Africa, at Lone Creek Falls, in Sabie Town to presents its debut perfume campaign, starring the actress Léa Seydoux, in a series of photographs by the photographer Patrick Demarchelier. Through his portraits the actress reveals an expression of purity.

“Louis Vuitton is about travel, but is also about dreams. Its spirit lends adventure, discovery and emotion.

I am very honoured to embody this universe.” - Léa Seydoux

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steamy AFFAIR IT’S REPUTED TO BE THE MOST LUXURIOUS TRAIN IN THE WORLD AND IS REMINISCENT OF A BYGONE ERA OF ELEGANT TRAVEL

AT A SLOWER PACE. ROVOS RAIL IS INDEED THE PRIDE OF AFRICA, AND TRAVELLING ON ONE OF THE METICULOUSLY RESTORED EDWARDIAN TRAINS WILL LEAVE YOU ENCHANTED BY THE ART OF JOURNEYING. by: keri harvey pictures by: rovos rail

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ictoria Falls station is quietly busy this Sunday morning. A red carpet greets guests while their luggage is being effortlessly dispatched to their suites on board the train. The atmosphere is nostalgic and passengers are animated as they board the elegant Edwardian carriages that will cocoon them in deep

comfort for the journey south. For the three days and two nights aboard Rovos Rail, from Victoria Falls to Capital Park Station in Pretoria, guests will experience a journey of old world charm. The trip is exactly 1 652km, and for this time the train is the known world and life aboard is only about pleasure.

With all aboard, the train eases out of Victoria Falls station, set against the rising pall of vapour from the thundering falls. It’s May and the falls are in full curtained flood; if you draw closer

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you’ll hear their deafening rumble and be doused by vapour rain. We’re home dry though, in the Observation carriage at the rear of the train and sit back to enjoy a panoramic view of the receding Zimbabwean countryside. It’s peacefully beautiful, still and scenic; completely in keeping with David Livingstone’s description in the 1850s that the area is “so lovely it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”.

The bell beckons us for lunch in the Dining car and its antique wood paneling gently creeks as the train moves along the track. We choose window seats for the passing views of countryside and the home of game spotting as we dine.

The train will soon be traversing iconic Hwange Game Reserve and seeing wildlife from a train will be a first for us.

It seems surreal when we do spot a herd of elephant through the window, then two giraffe, while a white butterfly seems able to keep pace with the train outside the window. This is slow travel at its

very finest, and exactly what Rohan Vos had in mind when he started Rovos Rail back in 1989. Then there was one train of 13 carriages doing trips to the Kruger National Park; now there are trains doing back to back routes through South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and all the way to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

“I wanted to combine the romance of train travel with accommodation, cuisine and service of the highest standard,” says Rohan. “Travelling on Rovos is like being in a time warp. We’ve tried to recreate the ambience of the English gentlemen’s club of the early twentieth century, but with attention to modern comforts.”

Rohan Vos has certainly achieved this goal, and somehow still finds time to bid a personal ‘Bon Voyage’ or ‘Welcome Home’ to passengers on Rovos trips. The tall, lean figure on the platform at Capital Park, Pretoria, when trains depart or arrive could well be Rohan Vos. An afternoon of reading, playing backgammon and sending handwritten

These locomotives all bear the names of the Vos children, while the fifth locomotive is named after Rohan Vos’s mother, Marjorie.

postcards home flows into evening an evening of fine dining and wine decadence. Rovos showcases world cuisine at its very best, but importantly, South African dishes also get lots of shine. Think Sweet Potato, Lamb and Hanepoort Bredie or Seared Ostrich Fillet for mains; Dark Chocolate Potjie Supreme or Rose Crème Brulee for dessert and you know for sure this is a South African train at heart. And the Zambezi Bream with Lemon Butter Sauce reminds us we’re on the Victoria Falls to Pretoria journey.

Dining tables are laden with silver and crystal awaiting the numerous courses, and diners are glamorously turned out – some men don tuxedos and their ladies are in ball gowns to evoke a sense of splendour and old world opulence; other couples are demure in classic black with collar and tie. Talk around the Dining car is in Russian, German, Finnish, Austrian with English accents from America, Britain, Australia and of course South Africa. A league of nations is on board Rovos, the common thread is a sincere appreciation for the finer, slower things in life.

Post dinner, guests sip port in the Lounge Car, then return to the Observation Car for liqueurs and stargazing; others retire to their sumptuous suites for a night of deep sleep. Most spacious of the suites are the Deluxe and Royal suites, both with

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We’ve tried to recreate the ambience of the English gentlemen’s club of the early twentieth century, but with attention to modern comforts.

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and steam engines. These locomotives all bear the names of the Vos children, while the fifth locomotive is named after Rohan Vos’s mother, Marjorie. Rovos Rail is a proudly family affair.

At a halt in Capital Park, passengers are reluctant to disembark. A loan, lean figure is on the platform. It’s Rohan Vos, there to welcome us home, though everyone only speaks of ‘the next trip’ as they walk the private platform to the historic Victorian station building.

While refreshments await us, talk is still only of the journey, the evocative experience of an Edwardian train trip in Africa in the 21st century, the consuming luxury of life on board, the unmatched service and friendliness of staff, and the overwhelming desire to do it all again as soon as possible. Steel and steam will punctuate conversations for a long time to come, as passengers disperse and bid each other farewell – new friends united by a shared and unique experience. But we will all soon be planning their next trip somewhere else ‘into the interior’, somewhere that Rovos goes. For, without exception, we have all been seduced by steel and steam; enchanted by trains and with the knowledge that travel can be just about the journey.

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workmanship on the magnificent steel coaches, all paneled in mahogany. It is meticulous and pays homage to the era of twenties and thirties colonial glamour and elegance, when travel was truly about the journey and the destination was incidental.

After gently rocking to sleep to the tap-tap of steel on steel, track on wheel, a new day dawns back in South Africa.

We’re heading for the Highveld, but not before a decadent breakfast of Eggs Florentine. It’s a Last Supper in breakfast form, before alighting at the Victorianstyle Capital Park Station in Pretoria. But first a surprise is in store, as the train comes to a gentle halt just outside the capital city.

Although Rovos Rail started out as a steam train in 1989, it has become increasingly difficult to run on steam as refilling facilities have been discontinued en route. A steam engine needs 300 litres of water and 75kg of coal to travel just one kilometer, so now the train is drawn mostly by diesel or electric locomotives on its long journeys.

However, Pretoria still offers facilities for steam engines, so whether departing from or arriving in Pretoria, steam engines are customary on this section of each trip. And Brenda is our gal today.

She’s a gleaming, shining vintage beauty, and she puffed and blew and whistled as she eased us into Pretoria. Strong and well turned out, Brenda has an equally dashing brother Shaun, and two beautiful sisters, Bianca and Tiffany – both in life

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roomy bathrooms. The Royal Suites also boast full lounges and Victorian baths.

To fend off cold nights all cars also have under-floor heating, electric hot blankets, heated air-conditioning and the bathrooms even have heated towel rails and wall heaters – so there’s no chance of getting cold. Every evening there’s the following day’s weather forecast and a beautifully handcrafted chocolate on your pillow – for special occasions there may be champagne too. All suites also have well-stocked mini bars with champagne and a tea and coffee drawer to enjoy at your leisure, though 24-hour room service is available via your personal room telephone. Rovos is quite serious about service and finesse.

Our routing takes us through Bulawayo, along the border with Botswana, down to Francistown and Gaberone before crossing into South Africa via Zeerust and the Magaliesberg, wrapping around Krugersdorp and Kempton Park to Centurion, where we will arrive under steam and drawn by one of the vintage engines named after Rohan’s children.

First, we have more time to savour on board, Edwardian-style. It is by design that there are no televisions, radios, CD players or newspapers aboard the train to distract you – and cell phones should remain in suites. Instead, conversation takes center stage, along with the passing scenery, reading, relaxing and all that makes for a life of luxury without limits. We also take time to admire the

CONTACT DETAILS

Head office: Tel 012 315 8242 Cape Town: Tel 021 421 4020 Email: reservations@rovos.co.za Website: www.rovos.com PRESTIGE: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY

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Holding

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COURT

CARLY BAILEY NATASEN TRAVELS TO GRAAFF-REINET AND AN OLD INSTITUTION THAT HAS HOSTED TRAVELLERS FOR THE BETTER PART OF TWO CENTURIES.

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outh Africa is ideal for road tripping, with beautiful open roads and lovely scenery just to remind you of how insignificant mankind is next to nature. Stopping in small towns, experiencing the nostalgia and the history of these locations, some of these towns dating back to the 1600’s, usually one has to compromise on luxury, since accommodation is limited to small guest houses and mid-market hotels servicing corporates and mines. To go a step further, some of these establishments generally involve being badgered by an 80 year manager/ owner who has been craving company for months in return for you trading your life stories with her. Not to mention the nuances that come with 200 year PRESTIGE: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY

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old venues, you are probably sharing a bed with a ghost and other paranormal activity.

It is sad that we don’t take the time to get to know our own country better – this doesn’t mean you have to seek out cheetah or baby lion to pet, but rather spend some time learning our beautiful country. Small towns are full of history and there is something quite intriguing about simple living. Enjoying the quietness and the simplicity that life has to offer to these people. I am not saying pack up your life and exchange the hustle and bustle for a quieter, one street town. I refer to merely appreciating the small things in life that our city dwellers sometimes lose sight of. Did you know that Graaff-Reinet is busy building their first Pick n Pay store.

With strong marketing on road safety, travellers elect to now be more conscious around the risks of speed and fatigue. It is the more fashionable, even socially acceptable, to therefore book an overnight stay - which will generally be in Bloemfontein, Ficksburg or Graaff-Reinet.

This is a great opportunity to teach your kids to embrace different cultures and the history of a country. We all enjoy a holiday to Disney world, but somehow we still remember the days when our parents loaded us into a VW Kombi and did a road trip along the coast with “padkos” (Snacks for the road) -tomato sandwiches half mushed into the bread stuffed into Tupperware containers.

Drostdy Hotel is situated in the beautiful town of Graaff-Reinet which was established in 1786 and is South

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The town contains over 220 heritage sites which is more than any other town in South Africa and has examples of magnificent Cape Dutch, Victorian and Karoo architecture.

by having the option to stay in a 5-star luxury facility in the middle of the Karoo.

More importantly, the presence of the Drostdy Hotel is good for the hospitality industry as it forces other establishments to raise their game.

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KAROO LAMB The Karoo is synonymous with windmills, sheep farms, endless vistas, hospitality and wholesome food. Goat is used for mohair production and South Africa is one of the highest quality producers of such outputs in the world. For example, the produce from goats from South Africa is used by Ermenegildo Zegna

in their finest material production, and our sheep for merino wool and meat rates right up there against our Aussie competitors, even when our rugby players don’t. The Karoo lamb is especially world renowned and in high demand since it is generally free range and free from added hormones and no routine antibiotics are used. The Karoo sheep mainly feed on this indigenous flora which gives it its distinctive taste. Whether you enjoy a rack of lamb for dinner, or just the lamb sausages with eggs for breakfast, going to the Karoo without enjoying a traditional dish experiencing this distinctive taste and texture, would be sinful.

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Africa’s fourth oldest magisterial district.

The town contains over 220 heritage sites which is more than any other town in South Africa and has examples of magnificent Cape Dutch, Victorian and Karoo architecture. If you are not one for museum hopping, just taking quiet time in The Valley of Desolation that lies in the Camdeboo National Park. If hiking also seems like a far stretch (even though it is an easy walk and worth the breathtaking views) having sun downers on one of these hills, can be an very tranquil.

The town’s Drostdy (the office and residence of the landdrost) served as the administrative headquarters and was turned into a hotel in 1878.

After changing hands a few times and extensive refurbishment, it re-opened its doors in November 2014. It offers a total of 48 rooms, some of which are beautifully restored old Cape cottages that were originally built and used for labourers and freed slaves.

It is truly comforting knowing tackling a long road trip can be made pleasurable

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VIVIEN NATASEN VISITS THE HOME OF LAMBORGHINI.

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here are few who get offered an opportunity to visit the Lamborghini factory in Italy.

When I was presented with an opportunity to travel to the hallowed lads of Sant’Agata, Bologna with the Lamborghini Esperienza I was more than thrilled. It was a really

long three months of anticipation before I finally jetted off to Italy, not a moment too soon.

We were accommodated at the famous Grand Hotel Majestic in Bologna, the largest city near the factory. This hotel carries its own fame having accommodated many great names covering royalty, celebrities, artists and performers over the decades. The hotel is situated in the city centre within a

stone’s throw of all the major landmarks including their version of the twin towers and the large piazza.

My travel arrangements allowed for me to do a bit of sightseeing around the city before the rest of the group arrived.

Bologna is most renowned as a university town with oodles of young people milling in the streets. I must say that my favourite Italian city is Florence and my favourite area is Lake Como, having

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visited most major Italian locations, so I am somewhat biased in my opinion.

That said, there are a few locations worthy of visiting to get the touristy things out of the way.

But, onto the subject matter at hand, the Lamborghini Esperienza. The visit starts off with a tour of the Lamborghini Museo (Museum) situated at the factory in Sant‘Agata which to describe in layman’s terms is the ultimate definition of “car pornography.” With a complete collection of the cars that have most influenced the brand’s history as well as some special concepts that were never produced, the museum is well worth the visit. My favourite models being the original Miura and the concept Miura

developed in 2003 to pay homage to the original. To me, it is unfathomable why this vehicle was never produced commercially though the Lamborghini personnel were at pains to explain that certain icons were never meant to be repeated and rather new ones created.

Also, on show was the concept of the Urus SUV, which is scheduled for final launch in 2017 with shipments commencing in 2018. Construction on a new facility for manufacture of the Urus is already underway and this is expected to create a further 600 direct Italian jobs.

The museum tour was followed by a tour of the Lamborghini Factory to which the museum is annexed. To

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be brutally honest, the reputation of true Italian sports cars with finicky electronics and temperamental performance is long gone at Lamborghini. The production line is slick and well-coordinated, almost German in its design and productivity.

No wait, it is German due to the unmistakable intervention of the owners of Lamborghini to turn the business into a profitable enterprise. Parts bins and bar codes hint at their origins in the belly of the Audi and VW brands, however, thankfully, the craftsmanship elements of the interiors and the inclusion of real artisans kept the art and legacy elements of Lamborghini alive. We spent a bit more time on the leather and interiors component of the factory seeing how the eye of the artisans are better at picking up quality considerations than any machine can, just through sight and touch. Ironically, on average six cows graciously commit

their hides for the creation of one bull.

Lamborghini is meticulous at ensuring the quality of its leather and related materials on its leather.

Although I pushed and hinted, and even begged, we were not given access to the Research and Development facility, apparently there is very secretive work being done on the revised Aventador and the Huracan Performante for release over the coming year. If you are ever in the vicinity of this area of the world, a visit to Lamborghini should be on your list, along possibly with some of the other great brands that seem to emanate from this part of the world.

The next day was our eagerly awaited track day at the world renowned Imola race circuit. The bus ride to get there seemed endless to say the least. Imola is most known for its 1994 race in which Ayrton Senna succumbed to injuries from his crash. That weekend was fraught with crashes and injuries

The visit starts off with a tour of the Lamborghini Museo (Museum) situated at the factory in Sant‘Agata which to describe in layman’s terms is the ultimate definition of “car pornography.”

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and is classified as a difficult track at the minimum with high speed sections dotted by complex corners that require unique lines. Further, as an older track, run offs and barriers were never contemplated with the kinds of speeds that race cars are capable of today. The other famous, or rather infamous corner, Tamburello, also represented great risk to famous pilots. Some of the great ones

that crashed on that corner included Nelson Piquet and Gerhard Berger.

The Esperienza day involved rotation of groups between track time, skid pan, slalom and a bit of a drive out in the spyder. The slalom, which is what I did first, was to demonstrate the sharp handling of the models as well the impact of different handling settings on the vehicle’s performance. Similarly so,

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At the end there were one or two die-hards, namely myself, merrily running out getting lines and times better.

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was the time spent on the skid pan. I got the power slide right on my third attempt, especially as I was under pressure to perform to impress my female instructor, who I later found out to be a racing driver for the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series and whose father was a 19 time champion racing driver in his class in his time.

The track time in the Huracan was the highlight though. Lamborghini sends their clients out alone in the vehicle with an instructor in the vehicle ahead.

They obviously gauge the skills of the client in the first few laps and from that can take the client through their paces to improve their handling etc and to get their eye in. This is a great way to teach lines, braking points and to get a general feel for the track rather than with

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Europe who tend to tire out quite quickly, leaving the hard core petrol heads with plenty of track time to themselves. At the end there were one or two die-hards, namely myself, merrily running out getting lines and times better.

The Lamborghini Esperienza is unequivocally a bucket list experience for any supercar fan and is a not negotiable for any Lamborghini fan. Lamborghini has realised that their clients demand a lifestyle and as such are creating bespoke experiences that clientele can sign up to. These include track experiences around the world as well as the amazing ice driving experience in the Winter. Hint, hint, Lamborghini!

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the instructor sitting next to you. The instructor is always in contact through a radio system connecting their helmet to yours anyway. We got to experience the track in both the RWD and the four wheel drive versions.

Between my sessions we also got to play on the simulators, which are accurately configured for the track and the various models of the Lamborghini range. If one is a collector of boys’ toys, this is one not to be missed for the collection as they can be purchased as full working simulators with authentic Lamborghini seats and steering wheels.

Thankfully, the experience is designed for owners and potential owners in

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VIVIEN AND CARLY NATASEN EXPERIENCE FOOD PAIRING AT BENGUELA ON MAIN IN SOMERSET WEST

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ur esteemed Deputy Publisher and I have a penchant for pairings, and it is really rare for us to turn one down. On a recent trip to the Cape we were invited to a dinner at Benguela on Main, a fine dining venue situated in Somerset West, quite close to Stellenbosch. The restaurant is owned by the same group who own Benguela Cove and therefore serves as a retail point for the wine collection from the estate.

The Restaurant at first felt a bit eclectic with the different art, coupled with modern sculptures set against a fairly antique backdrop. The wood burning fireplace was a welcome addition in light of the sudden cold front that blasted Cape Town that weekend along with one of my favourite touches being the self-playing piano.

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The wood burning fireplace was a welcome addition in light of the sudden cold front that blasted Cape Town that weekend along with one of my favourite touches being the selfplaying piano.

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The pairing menu comprised seven courses and, maybe as a force of habit (that’s our excuse) we elected to pair them with wine. Jokes aside, I actually like getting into the minds of people so it is always intriguing for me what goes through chefs’ and sommeliers’ minds when putting such pairings together.

Our menu started with an interesting pear combo linked with a Clive Torr Viognier, the wine was of interest as it is prepared by the famous teacher of wines from the Cape and he does not own his own vineyard, instead choosing to source his favourite grapes for his blends.

Other courses comprise interesting infusions of flavours. I see that an emerging trend is the finalising of tastes at the table. This involved crushing the cover elements on some of the courses into the dish before consuming the explosion of flavours. Pairings included wines from Iona (The One Man Band, one of my favourites), as well as Longridge and Paul Cluver. Another highlight was two desserts, hence two dessert wines being the Paul Cluver Riesling and the first iteration of the Benguela Cove Late Harvest.

We both loved Benguela on Main. It is a bit of a drive from the Cape Town Central Business District and with the Cape’s penchant for Uber, is a bit of an effort and cost for the locals to get there, which means that the obvious guests

would be tourists or those who don’t mind the commute. It is a genuinely real venue with good service and attentive staff.

Come on Cape Town, you need to get to these special establishments and get out from under the shadow of the mountain every so often!

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DUBBED "CHAPTERS", HENNESSY X.O’S LAYERED SEVEN FLAVOUR NOTES GIVE RISE TO AN INSTANT SENSORIAL JOURNEY.

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n icon created in 1870 and untouched since, Hennessy X.O captures its seven flavor notes - Sweet Notes, Rising Heat, Spicy Edge, Flowing Flame, Chocolate Lull, Wood Crunches, and Infinite Echo - in an array of highly evocative imagery by London photographer Dan Tobin Smith for an unparalleled experience of the golden drop.

Smooth yet so complex in texture, delicate but strong in aroma, bold but subtle in flavour, Hennessy X.O uses a unique concept of revolution to represent its different textures, notes, moods and elements through a topography of flowing liquid and gentle curves:

Chapter 1: Titled “Sweet Notes,” this abstract form image takes on the role of candied fruit that hits the palette at first sip.

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Chapter 2: The “Rising Heat” portrays the intriguing sensation of an intense, rising heat that reveals the complex taste of eauxde-vie (a clear, colorless fruit brandy) that have patiently aged in oak barrels.

Chapter 3: “Spicy Edge” presence a strong spicy note that tantalises the lips and palate with its distinct peppery flavour intertwined with a hint of chocolate.

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The result of Hennessy XO’s ‘seven facets’ are striking images that capture intangible sensations, perfectly depicting the spirit of the campaign’s storyline, “Each drop of Hennessy X.O is an odyssey.

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Chapter 4: “Flowing Flame” reveals a wave of warmth that grows, crests and then breaks in the mouth with a sensation of an immense roundness that releases a full and voluptuous presence.

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Chapter 5: The deep cocoa note is personified in “Chocolate Lull” where there is a discovery of a well-rounded and familiar flavour of a rich, dark chocolate. Slightly sweet and silky smooth, this chapter gently caresses the palate.

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Chapter 6: “Wood Crunches” is a striking sensation that is suddenly felt; the vigorous ebb and flow of oak notes interlaced with vanilla. With their bold and complex taste, they make their powerful presence felt and then vanish.

Chapter 7: The final chapter, “Infinite Echo” is the evanescent oak notes that leave a long, omnipresent finish in their wake.

Seemingly endless, it echoes all of the subtleties of each taste and sensation that has preceded it, as well as the complexity of X.O’s blending and aging process.

A dreamscape of colour, texture and elements such as water, earth, fire and metal, the Hennessy X.O Odyssey campaign images take cognac lovers to a new and undiscovered place

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and elements such as water, earth, fire and metal, the Hennessy X.O Odyssey campaign images take cognac lovers to a new and undiscovered place where an extra-ordinary story awaits. Through these representations, we are transporting cognac aspirants to a journey of seven tasting notes into distinct chapters that flow seamlessly into one another,” says Michael Ellingworth, Brand Manager Hennessy South Africa.

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Inspired by the Hennessy Comite de Degustation, this striking narrative weaves a 250-year rich tapestry and heritage, illustrated by the sophisticated elixir crafted by Hennessy’s master blenders.

The result of Hennessy XO’s ‘seven facets’ are striking images that capture intangible sensations, perfectly depicting the spirit of the campaign’s storyline, “Each drop of Hennessy X.O is an odyssey.”

“A dreamscape of colour, texture

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TOUCH

Warwick TWO EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE MET BY CHANCE AND WHAT THEY HAD IN COMMON HAS FORGED A FRIENDSHIP AND A CULTURAL BRIDGE. IT’S A WINE CALLED TOUCH WARWICK AND THIS IS ITS STORY. by: chris buchanan PRESTIGE: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY

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he story begins in 1771 on the property “De Goede Sukses” in Stellenbosch which became “Warwick” after it was purchased in 1902 by Colonel William Alexander Gordon who was in charge of the Warwickshire regiment during the Anglo Boer War. The farm was then purchased by the Ratcliffe family in 1964 and has been producing iconic boutique wines ever since.

Four years before this pivotal moment in the Ratcliffe family’s future, 69 people were gunned down in Sharpeville and buried by the presiding Bishop at the time who was the grandfather and became the primary care giver of Thabo Molefe, a young lad who grew up on rusty township streets under the shadow of that Sharpeville massacre.

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“If you roll the dice 1000 times, you would never come up with these two people from such different backgrounds, coming together and forming a union.”

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While the Ratcliffe children were growing up on a wine farm with the Simonsberg and Hottentots Holland mountains as their backdrop, young Thabo’s backdrop was the beginning of an uprising that would see profound change in South Africa and the liberation of its people.

But a common passion was being born within the Ratcliffe son, Mike, and Thabo whom we all know today as TBo Touch – a passion of wine, as Mike became immersed in the family winery and TBo became too fond of his grandfather’s communion wine, locked away in the cellar.

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a business and a most lucrative one. His entrepreneurship and vision have seen a disruption in South African entertainment and his mentors are of the most loved and influential families in the American music and entertainment business, whom he spent years with in LA, the centre of showbiz. He’s listened to people and learned from them and has become an influence and benefactor, always conscious and aware of his roots.

Mike also looked to the States and to California to forge wine partnerships and Vilafonté was born and wine entered the world of true luxury, representing all elements of craftsmanship, heritage, time and an exceptional product. He disrupted wine marketing with both Warwick and Vilafonté pushing every boundary possible as the number of wine estates

in South Africa escalated from 160 odd in 1994, to close to 1000 today. Mike did what TBo did – find the business, connect yourself with leaders and influencers, learn from them and partner with them to create greatness, no matter the industry, culture or background.

And then they met. Two rock stars in their own fields with a passion for South African wine and a vision of common values within a diverse cultural landscape that is pressurising itself into finding unity. “It was a shared passion for the South African diaspora and shared passion for wine”, says Mike.

Touch is a bit more flamboyant in his recount of their first meeting. “Mike and I, it was electrifying from the first day.

He came on my show as a guest and while he’s talking about the story of his mom Norma Ratcliffe, I’m listening and thinking, I should make wine with his guy! While I’m interviewing him! ” Touch made the suggestion during an ad break on the show and Mike said, “let’s make a wine”.

I know what you’re thinking, find a winemaker with a ready-to-release vintage, give it a catchy name with a picture of a celebrity on the label and sit back and let the two reputations sell the concept. Both agree that such a collaboration could be interpreted as arrogance, so it would be a new wine and it would be a 50/50 business partnership and a true friendship between two families from opposite ends of the South African social spectrum.

They also both have a vision to give more

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substantial part of Californian wine. “The Burgundians might have a few things to say about that but they’re wrong”.

There are three vintages in production and the next is on the vines and Mike says every step of every vintage has been documented. The first vintage released this October was blended in August 2015 and they flew fourteen of SA’s top sommeliers to participate in the blend. “Over the last two years the most influential sommeliers have been to the winery, tasted out of the barrel, so this partnership is not about publicity, it’s about a great wine. Our communication is never going to be mass market”, says Mike.

“It’s likely that we’ll sell out in three days and that’s at a thousand rand a bottle. I’m a marketing guy, we could triple the price and sell out in two months and we’ve had a lot of discussion

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South Africans the opportunity to get to know wine without being patronising in the process.

Mike says the story has always been bigger than the wine. He assures me the wine will be good and that one of the key criteria in luxury is that you have to make an assumption of excellence in the product itself. “We’re layering stories on top of that excellence in the product.”

So, the wine. It’s crystal clear, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon says Mike, and the best that they can make. “The Mike Ratcliffe reputation has pretty much been built on Cabernet and if your look at the greatest wines in the world, invariably they are Cabernet or Cabernet blends”. With Vilafonté he’s had a partnership with California for 17 years, Touch through his SA and American connection – he and Nandi’s son was born in California and Cabernet is a

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He came on my show as a guest and while he’s talking about the story of his mom Norma Ratcliffe, I’m listening and thinking, I should make wine with his guy! the dice 1000 times, you would never come up with these two people from such different backgrounds, coming together and forming a union.”

Touch Warwick is a story, not only of an exceptional wine, but of two people, two families with so little but so much in common, and one goal – to create something with longevity that seeks to unite, that embodies excellence and creates hope for cultural embrace.

It’s also about giving back to the community and to wine in South Africa so 10% of profits are committed to the South African Sommelier Association training academy to uplift young black sommeliers. To get onto the list sign up at www.touchwarwick.com.

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about this, but that would be arrogant.”

The long term approach they’re taking is for Mike and Touch to man the stand at WineEx for three days and give people who will never get hold of a bottle the opportunity to taste it. Over time Mike says they hope it will increase in price and value like any reputable luxury item.

Touch says this of the wine,“our family stories blended us to say, whoever drinks this wine is flying the flag of believing that South Africa is possible post-apardheid; South Africa is possible post this black and white war”.

Mike and Touch believe Touch Warwick has the potential to be a metaphor for the things that could happen in the SA economy. “If you roll

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BACK TO ITS WHISKY FINDS NEW INSPIRATION FROM WITHIN. PATRICK LECLEZIO LOOKS AT THE EMERGING TREND OF BEER CASK MATURATION.

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ometimes the best ideas are those that have been staring you in the face all along. Familiarity is fickle lens and often you can’t see the potential in something that is closest to you. Until you do. And even then it can be a while until it takes hold. The situation I’m about to describe has taken hundreds of years to emerge, when it was right there from the start. Perhaps the world wasn’t ready for it, perhaps the industry and market conditions were not amenable until recently. It is flabbergasting nonetheless that something so obvious should have taken so long. Shortly before 2001 the chaps at William Grant looked at whisky deeply, at its very DNA, and saw a glimpse of the future. That future was in fact the elemental past. The future of whisky that revealed itself to them was…beer.

There’s a certain synchronicity to this occurrence, because whisky is in fact made from beer – the wash from which it’s distilled is also known as “distiller’s beer”. The ingredients are virtually the same, with the exception of the hops - although where legislation allows, as is the case with American whiskeys, distillers have been experimenting with making hopped-up whiskey, so to speak, from consumer-ready, finished beer. These are undoubtedly interesting developments worth exploring but since these products are yet to wash up on our shores, the effort is best shelved for another time. More relevant is the flowering of those early Grant’s initiatives, which resulted in the Grant’s Ale Cask Reserve, and incidentally in the Innis & Gunn range of cask matured beers.

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This is a sit-down-with-a-buddyand-finish-the-bottle kind of whisky - which I almost did, finding restraint only because I knew I’d be appreciating it in diminishing measures.

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The intention had been to season casks with ale, casks which would then be used to further mature (i.e. finish) whisky, and impart flavours which it would draw from the ale.

This intuitively feels right. What better way to bring balance and equilibrium than to find it from within yourself? The analogy that comes to mind – intellectually, I certainly won’t be dwelling on it when I’m suiting down to nip on a dram – is an organ transplant.If you were able to donate organs to yourself, then the chances of a harmonious result are hugely enhanced.

The Ale Cask Reserve and its successive incarnation, the Grant’s Ale Cask Finish, were well received, but in fifteen odd years since its ignition, the flame of this new phenomenon has spread only modestly. In fact its widest (and unintended) impact has been on the arena not of whisky but of beer. Once this beer had done its job on the casks, it was “discovered” that the casks had also done a job on the beer. The story that we’re told is that the beer was slated for disposal but that workers were taking it home to drink it, such was its tastiness.

Now this sounds somewhat cultivated, it makes for good copy as they say – who’d believe that canny Scots would waste potentially good beer (or anything really) without checking it out first. Regardless of whether it was all part of the plan or not, the beer was unarguably good, and it birthed the delicious Innis & Gunn range, and gave a massive impetus to the development of cask-aged beer.

A great idea is a still a great idea though, even if people are slow to see

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it. The flame is now starting to flare.

With the release of Jameson’s Caskmates last year and Glenfiddich’s IPA experiment this year the next wave of beer matured whisky, now pounding at the dam wall, is being unleashed. The former is partly matured in stout seasoned casks, fittingly for something of Irish provenance, and the latter is finished in casks that have been seasoned with a craft India Pale Ale. I was impressed by the boldness of the Caskmates, which is a departure from the standard, more muted Jameson (which I always find interesting, but limited by diluted-seeming flavours).

This whisky may have sprung from the same loins, but it’s the rowdier and more boisterous sibling, the one who’s had a few pints. A loud but good natured whisky. I’m a huge fan of the IPA style of beer so I found myself gravitating naturally to the Glenfiddich, which beautifully evidenced the anticipated hoppy flavours.

The whisky is rich without being full, possibly because it’s a touch young,

but it’s wonderfully layered and palate hugging, with tranches of citrus and boiled sweets overlaying oak and cereal.

This is a sit-down-with-a-buddy-andfinish-the-bottle kind of whisky - which I almost did, finding restraint only because I knew I’d be appreciating it in diminishing measures. It’s good enough to tempt you, but concurrently good enough to stop you.

The time seems to be right for this trend to kick on, for that dam wall to burst. We’ve witnessed an explosion and proliferation in the craft beer arena, so if conditions weren’t optimally in place previously, the stars are now unequivocally in perfect alignment. There is a plethora of variety from which to constitute a new palette of well-integrated, complementary flavours. In an industry where the scope for innovation is limited, this is a breath of fresh, invigorating barley, a genuine meaningful dose of originality in a marketplace where the invocation of “new” is beginning to feel like lip service.

May the brew be with you.

Regardless of whether it was all part of the plan or not, the beer was unarguably good, and it birthed the delicious Innis & Gunn range, and gave a massive impetus to the development of cask-aged beer.

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SPIRITS

THE ROADS less travelled A WORLD OF AND IN LIQUOR. PATRICK LECLEZIO UNEARTHS A FEW LESSER KNOWN SPIRITUOUS GEMS.

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rinks are more than just drinks.

The typical person doesn’t really think about it but one’s enjoyment of a drink goes beyond the liquid itself, and the value that this offers in isolation. Context is important, the intangible elements with which it is associated are important, which is why untold millions are spent on engineering and augmenting context, on creating these little worlds in which you the drinker experience the drink –

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from its story and its rationale, and its packaging and its advertising, to the perception of yourself that it frames for you. These machinations though often take inspiration from what is already there. I take great relish from a drink’s pure and natural context. All over the world drinks have evolved in response to and in harmony with their environment, to become a portal into a history, a culture, and a way of life. The pleasure in a drink often irrespective of the liquid.

So put aside your regular beverage, step out your routine, and open yourself up to a different world to a holiday abroad every time you have a drink.

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a to

ANISE LIQUORS Anise (or Aniseed) is a flowering plant native to the Eastern Mediterranean, the fruit of which, or rather its essential oil – called anethole, is used to flavour variety of spirits indigenous the region. The best known and most widely consumed are pastis, ouzo and raki, in France, Greece, and Turkey and Greece respectively.

The distinctive liquoricelike flavour is somewhat polarising, but even if you don’t have a ready affinity for it) it can be immensely satisfying. The typical serve - diluted with water over ice – is a revelation: I would struggle to find

something to compete on the basis of sheer refreshment. These are drinks that obviously evolved to douse the throat and quench the thirst during the hot summer months in the Mediterranean basin…perhaps when sitting in a little family-owned café, overlooking the sea, eating a few dolmades whilst waiting for a freshly caught fish to be served. Or at least that’s the world you’ll experience when you sample these drinks. Their other, equally distinctive feature is a transformation in appearance to a cloudy, milky colour when mixed with water.

This reaction is known as spontaneous emulsification, or more memorably, as the Ouzo effect. This Lion’s Milk (as the raki version is known in Turkey) notwithstanding,these drinks have some versatility: I was recently in Crete, where raki is also served a digestif, complimentary (!) in many places.

BAIJIU I must confess that when I hear the word “byejo” (as it is pronounced) it strikes fear in my heart. I first encountered the stuff at dinner with a supplier in central China. I was incited to throw it back to loud shouts of “gan-bei”, the Chinese equivalent of cheers, which literally means drink it all. At 48 to 56% ABV (and sometimes even higher), with a flavour that needs acquiring to an uninitiated Western palate, and when introduced to you with frenzied drinking, baijiu can be intimidating. But it’s worth persisting. Chalking up an estimated half a billion nine-litre cases in sales, it is

Chalking up an estimated half a billion nine-litre cases in sales, it is easily the world’s biggest spirits category, so with millions upon millions of Chinese drinking it.

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The typical serve - diluted with water over ice – is a revelation: I would struggle to find something to compete on the basis of sheer refreshment. value for distilled liquor. So whist you shouldn’t be fooled into buying the older, premium priced varieties – do keep a bottle at hand for raucous, banqueting celebrations, Chinese style!

CACHAÇA There are few cocktails that compare to Brazil’s caipirinha. The exquisite taste both belies and credits the simplicity of the ingredients – lime, sugar and cachaça. I find many cocktails to be frivolous, but then there are those that bring such weight of tradition and meaning to bear as to be undeniable. If you haven’t had one, then make it your mission to correct the oversight. Despite its similarity to rum and specifically to rhum agricole, both are made from sugarcane juice, cachaça is its own unique spirit with a unique, funky, evocative flavour. It’s a beach, a party, and a party on a beach (in the best Brazilian style), all inside the confines of nine ounce rocks glass. Perhaps the most interesting aspect to cachaça and a hint to its one-of-a-kind flavour profile is that it’s matured in a variety of woods, including the exotic sounding amendoim, jequitibá and umburana, unlike other fine spirits which employ oak exclusively. It’s thin on the ground in South Africa, but the excellent Germana, an artisanal, pot distilled cachaça in a distinctive banana leaf wrapped bottle, can be found here and there.

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easily the world’s biggest spirits category, so with millions upon millions of Chinese drinking it, and having drunk it or its antecedents for thousands of years, it’s clear that it’s something worthwhile. And yet it’s almost unknown outside of that country, even now in the post isolation era. How ironic that the world’s most plentiful spirit is also one of its most obscure.

The stuff is made using a variety of grains, primarily sorghum, although rice is also used in some regions, and it is categorised by fragrance, with varieties ranging from the “sauce”, with a character resembling soy sauce, to “phoenix”, which is earthy and fruity. It is served warm or at room temperature and usually as an accompaniment to a meal. Interestingly Baijiu is aged in large earthenware pots, a process which I would think is of dubious

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A PERFECT BLUE WATER CRUISER, THE PILOT SALOON 58 IS THE QUINTESSENCE OF WAUQUIEZ’ EXPERTISE IN TERMS OF CONCEPTION AND HIGH-END YACHT BUILDING.

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he ‘‘Pilot Saloon’’ concept, launched by Henri Wauquiez over the last 20 years, continues to attract many sailors looking for a versatile sailing yacht, matching every sailing program and offering comfort, brightness and high performance.

A sleek-lined roof, large side windows underlined with a natural teak louver – a trademark of the Pilot Saloon range – have been extended at the aft to optimize visibility and brightness aboard. The opening portholes allow for excellent ventilation within an elegant hull profile with two rectangular windows.

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The hull, designed by BerretRacoupeau Yacht Design, is powerful and well-balanced and has been built to endure the harshest sailing conditions.

Equipped with a 2,3m bulb keel, the Pilot Saloon 58 is stiff and efficient in all points of sailing. Two optional keel drafts are available: 2.0m and 2,5m and an opening platform at the transom enables easy access to the tender garage.

The sleek lines of the roof emphasise the yacht’s thoroughbred style. The uncluttered deck offers great forward visibility thanks to the flush deck hatches and the control lines leading aft to the cockpit. Several options of teak battens are available to match each owner’s use and style criteria.

The helm station is equipped with all necessary assistance for singlehanded sailing including accessibility to the oversised winches from the helm station. A German system main sheet, control lines lead aft to the cockpit and a self-tacking track can be integrated as an option. Two lockers and access to the tender garage at the helm station allow for easy access of the gear and two retractable back feet have been designed to ensure more stability and maximum sailing comfort.

Fully equipped with Andersen’s stainless steel winches, Harken’s Performance rigging and Dyneema’s running rigging, the Pilot Saloon 58 deck hardware is focused on performance and

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The waxed teak used on all Wauquiez remains the dominant interior feature, while other materials (leather, stainless steel) give the Pilot Saloon 58 her thoroughly refined and modern style.

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has been selected for its very high quality and efficiency. The 22m mast guarantees efficiency and accurate handling and the 9/10 rig has wide angled spreaders and no running backstays.

True to the genuine ‘’deck saloon concept’’, the saloon is on one single level and enjoys optimal light while the windows offer great panoramic sea views. The interior volumes have been optimised to offer comfortable living spaces and the saloon is equipped with reading lights and lighting chains under shelving. The handrails on the ceiling ling and along the settee allow for maximum safety on board, and the galley, located to port, features a number of storage cabinets and all the comfort necessary for long journeys. The waxed

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teak used on all Wauquiez remains the dominant interior feature, while other materials (leather, stainless steel) give the Pilot Saloon 58 her thoroughly refined and modern style.

The owner’s cabin is large, with a lit cabinet; its en-suite bathroom features a separate shower with very large hull portholes bringing brightness, and wide opening portholes allowing for great cabin ventilation. The guest cabins have all the comfort that one can expect and all beds are of king size and are fitted with HR mattresses and a slatted bed base.

For enquiries contact Frederic or John Makelberge frederic@neoaegir.co.za john@neoaegir.co.za

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Vehicle specifications may vary for the South African market.

Thrill instructor.

The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 CoupĂŠ S. Visit www.everyterrain.co.za

A Daimler Brand

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Jaguar, HIDDEN DRAGON! JAGUAR’S FORAY INTO THE SUV MARKET HAS COME IN THE NEW JAGUAR F-PACE AND VIVIEN NATASEN GOT TO EXPERIENCE IT IN THE EASTERN CAPE.

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have always loved the Jaguar brand, having grown up at a time when this brand was an icon of achievement, and more recently, having owned the Jaguar XJ which in many respects I felt the ergonomics bettered its German rivals in many respects. Since the intervention of TATA into the group with a refreshed team striving for innovation, the brand has grown in leaps and bounds.

So it was with relish that I missioned down to windy Port Elizabeth for the launch of the F-pace - Jaguar’s latest offering, following many other marques into the lucrative Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment. Over recent years, in an environment like ours in South Africa, where we have a culture of heading out of urban areas, increasingly poorly maintained roads, and not having a need for tiny vehicles as we have the luxury of space and not so congested cities (Capetonians excluded as they are the only ones thinking they are on a different continent), the increasing popularity of SUV’s actually makes sense. The normally minor premium and the not too different fuel consumptions (diesel especially) from their sedan relatives, makes the option of an SUV extremely attractive to the average sporty household who needs a Mom’s taxi that can lug all the gear or having versatility of space for getting out of town with everything bar the kitchen sink over weekends.

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with the 2-litre diesel and two 3-litre variants of diesel and petrol. There are also variations in trim levels between these models with Pure, Sport and First Edition options. We had the option of experiencing all three models on highway, tarred, gravel and surprisingly

even on the famous Aldo Scribante track, the latter really to emphasis the “tall sports car concept” instead of traditional Sports Utility of its class competitors. The specifications list of options is also extensive including the option of 22 inch wheels starting with

The vehicle is beautiful to behold and does evoke the Jaguar traditional lines of high slung arches, chunky stance, narrower windows and menacing front face.

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The other question that begs to be asked is why would Jaguar want to compete with its Land Rover and Range Rover cousins. This was explained carefully by management that the Land Rover and Range Rover brands are generally off-road focused and the Jaguar is more a sedan with some off-tar credentials. Fine line at the end as the Evoque and the Land Rover Discovery Sport sort of attract that same segment and in fact any sales of the F-pace might actually be a customer who would have purchased a group product anyway. Price wise however, the F-pace would also likely poach customers from Porsche (Macan), or Toyota, Nissan etc who may be wanting something different, so time will tell if this strategy will pay dividends.

All of the common sense stuff being said, let’s look at the vehicle itself. The F-pace in the flesh is a great looking vehicle. When prompted, although not officially confirmed, the vehicle essentially was built to take on the Macan and was engineered to better the Macan in every way, including price. The vehicle is beautiful to behold and does evoke (pun intended) the Jaguar traditional lines of high slung arches, chunky stance, narrower windows and menacing front face.

There are three model variants available in South Africa, starting

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having a really good soundtrack to match the badge on the car. Claimed consumptions are reasonably in line with competitors however, the actuals we achieved were significantly higher, however, one should not base decisions on that as we did press the right pedal a bit harder than normal.

Jaguar has also not failed in the innovation department with a really impressive interface for occupants, especially the driver with a configurable

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a the base of 18 inches on the lowest specification.

Our trip was an extensive run out from Port Elizabeth to Shamwari Reserve with a mix of both tarred and gravel surfaces. On tar, as predicted the vehicles perform competently, even the 2-litre diesel. We also drove the 3-litre petrol and diesel models on the open road and I was truly impressed with the power, performance and stability of both. The petrol variant

display on the centre console as well as the instrument cluster. The optional Incontrol Touch Pro infotainment/ navigation system comes with a 10.2-inch colour touchscreen coupled with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. On the standard system, there is a normal 8-inch display (common to other Jags) and traditional needle gauges. There are further options for an 825W Meridian sound system, internet connectivity, an on-board wi-fi hotspot, and a smartphone app which allows remote starting among other things. These innovations are a precursor to further technology firsts to be introduced in other models of the marque. For the extremely sporty owner (especially surfers) there is an optional activity key, a fit bit looking wristband device that could be used to lock and unlock your car whilst the key remains in the vehicle.

Only time will tell how this model will perform against the plethora of sports utility vehicles out right now.

However, as an avid Jaguar fan, I would rate this vehicle above the sedan equivalents in the range in terms of purpose, attractiveness and exclusivity.

My pick of the pride for every day usability, practicality and value for money lies in the 3-litre diesel with a generous standard specification balanced with a decent pricing, after adjusting for the fact that I feel every vehicle in South Africa is too expensive right now.

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winds OF CHANGE VIVIEN NATASEN CASTS HIS FIRST IMPRESSIONS ON THE MASERATI LEVANTE.

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aserati follows the rest of the marques (with the jury only being out on Ferrari) with the launch of their Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), aptly named the Levante. The name refers to a warm Mediterranean wind that sweeps onto Europe causing some serious swells through the Straits of Gibraltar.

We were treated to the South African reveal of the new vehicle recently with the first customer batches expected on our shores in time for Christmas.

The Levante is positioned in my opinion more as a wagon on steroids than as a SUV competing with the mainstream utility vehicles on the market. I guess this issue of Prestige is showcasing

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The name refers to a warm Mediterranean wind that sweeps onto Europe causing some serious swells through the Straits of Gibraltar. two such vehicles (see our review on the Jaguar F-pace) although these two vehicles are in two totally different price points. Looks wise, many have compared the vehicle to a Cayenne and some of the criticism is that the vehicle emulates its Porsche competitor too much in profile. I suppose marketsegment-wise, that would be the direct competitor in any event, so maybe this is part of the strategy to pilfer some of the clients away from the German and British brands. Nonetheless, the Levante presents an imposing image in the flesh with a strong menacing grille adorned with the iconic trident logo.

Maserati’s resurgence in the market, let’s call it that as they clearly had lost the plot over recent years, comes from the fresh Ghibli, a rethought and re-designed car, which acknowledged that the days of relying on the heritage of the brand are over and they needed to innovate and catch up to the technology (safety, utility and performance) of its competitors.

The Levante takes that platform into its underpinnings and vastly improves it. From pure technology, handling and ergonomics, coupled with improvements in the quality of materials, the Levante is all round a really good vehicle.

For obvious reasons, the entire suspension and handling set-up was improved for the ride height, handling and dimensions of the Levante, especially for off-road performance.

This includes the electronically controlled (and adaptable) air suspension. The Levante also has a "Q4" intelligent all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission specially calibrated for the product.

While the full engine line-up is yet to be confirmed (there is silence around a V8 version), Maserati says the Levante will come with Euro6-compliant petrol and diesel engines. The first batches of vehicles will primarily be the 3-litre V6 diesel, pushing out 275 kW – not great, but not a slouch either.

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From pure technology, handling and ergonomics, coupled with improvements in the quality of materials, the Levante is all round a really good vehicle.

Interior quality is superb with quality materials. There are several bespoke options including material by Emergenildo Zegna. I did play around in the options list as it is quite easy to add on a million randelas to the price by merely ticking some boxes. I did feel that the standard specification was a bit short when weighed up against their competitors.

Whether this Maserati is good enough to steal away customers from the competition, only time will tell. In a continent like Africa, where there is a significant increase in obsession with vehicles that can go off road (onto a gravel surface at least) even if on an ad hoc basis, potential owners would likely be seeking a vehicle that does stand out from the crowd. Whilst many of the other marques have sold large numbers of their SUV’s over the years and there are now so many options to choose from, it may be that the Maserati strategy of arriving late to the party may actually pay off in attracting a market share of those seeking exclusivity without breaking the bank.

With the rejuvenated Maserati presence in South Africa, the choice of the Levante would also come with a degree of comfort around support and reliability of service.

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race BRED! VIVIEN NATASEN SPENDS SOME TIME IN THE ULTIMATE TOYS FOR BOYS SHOWROOM.

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e all want to feel like we are special and different and most of us want to stand out from the crowd.

In today’s world of mass production runs, it is hard to find things that are truly unique, things that will set us apart from the next guy. Take that desire and add in some petrol and a whole dose of testosterone and you have a unique business case. This is effectively what Marco Casciani dreamed of doing and in recent years converted into a reality with the creation of his Race! Facility in Kyalami, next to the world famous race circuit.

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Marco himself comes from racing stock in the motorcycle world so a lot of his capability and his showroom is dedicated to the two-wheeled world.

However, he has signed up some exclusive relationships with renowned car and motorcycle after-market suppliers globally, allowing him the sole rights to certain products that allows his business case to flourish. Some of these include Amytrix (the over-the-top exhaust modification people), Liberty Walk (after market body specialists), amongst others.

A new wave of clients have emerged.

In our teenage democracy of South Africa, there is a lot of new money floating around which doesn’t mind being flashy, in fact, this new money is quite the opposite and actually wants you to know they have arrived. There are clients that sometimes spend as much on after-market modifications to their cars as they have spent on the car itself.

Many of these changes are not approved

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There are clients that sometimes spend as much on after-market modifications to their cars as they have spent on the car itself.

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by motor plans and warrantees yet these owners will accept these risks as they have the money to merely buy a new car if need be should something go wrong and the manufacturer repudiates the claim due to the extent of modification of the base vehicle.

Don’t get me wrong, the quality of Marco’s work is superb, right up there with any internationally renowned after-market builder and he is constantly innovating and providing inputs to the global brands on innovations they may want to look at, including even the famous bolts and studs on the Liberty Walk fenders.

Some of the vehicles that Marco has recently done include the high end Ferraris with wide-body conversions such as the 458 Liberty Walk and the F12 Novitec N-Largo of which there are only ten globally and he was allocated one in South Africa.

Race! Also caters for various levels of budget so it is not only those that have obscene amounts of cash to spend that go to him. There are packages where one could spend a reasonable (relative) wad of cash to get one’s car looking different enough from the pack without breaking the bank and whilst still keeping warrantees and motor plans intact.

He also has an arsenal of relationships, toys and a team of skilled staff that he could make a plan to take the picture you have in your head and convert that into a reality piece of art in your car. So, if you feel the need, you know the one I am talking of, to make your car stand out from the rest and get it done in time for the next Fast and Furious flick. Pop past Race! and see what they could do you make your toy extra special.

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MODERN icon PORSCHE REVIVES 718 NAME AS NEW WORLD BEATER FOR A DIFFERENT GENERATION. by: Andrew Leopold

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rogress through Germany’s Black Forest is interrupted by the many villages scattered hither and thither.

On any other day each would provide its own quirky charm, a photo opportunity or simply time to gaze across the rolling countryside, which at this time of year is green and chirping with life. Today however the convoy consists of the new Porsche 718 Cayman and we’re trying to make haste through as many sinewy sections as possible before popping out near the hotel.

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Our Finnish driving instructor has been paired with the South African media contingent and we’re giving his pace car scant breathing room. From the door pocket our radio crackles often with stern emotionless warnings deadpanned by our Finnish rally pro “Watch the speed limit, village ahead.” You dare not switch off though because up ahead in his Cayenne (ironically a hybrid) he is a constant source of vital information regarding the traffic ahead and the places where one needs to exercise particular care.

collectors.

The custodian of bang-for-buck performance gets a new name affixed to the beginning of the familiar Cayman badge. Pronounced seven-eighteen, the latest Cayman is a diplomatic sports car in these sensitive times with its turbo charged engine trimming emissions and consumption – factors that as we scythe through the unspoilt Black Forest seem poignant. The name has historical roots with the original Porsche 718 of circa 1957 which successfully employed a compact 4-cylinder engine in the

Porsche often descends on these roads for the launch of its new cars partly because the Black Forest is a short hop from Porsche’s birthplace in Stuttgart and partly because no race track or formulated demonstration exposes the 718’s ability to adapt to a fast-changing environment quite like this.

By comparison villages along the route barely differ from one to the next.

Any display of wealth, aside from the slew of 718 Porsches, is barely evident.

Tranquil and spanning several family generations, the standard architecture is narrow double storey designs with pointed roofs to clear December’s snowfall. No doubt the barns, shielded by large wooden doors, would be a bargain hunting ground for antique

rarefied air of motorsport when the majority opinion was that bigger meant better.

Two versions of 718 Cayman are on sale and for the first time the hardtop is priced below the open-top 718 Boxster.

A step above is the Cayman S which quantifies its sportier credentials with a bigger 2.5-litre turbo charged engine, compared to 2.0-litres in the Cayman, and a vociferous soundtrack that booms off the scenery. One thing for sure, Porsche’s junior sports car doesn’t act like it. Not long ago Porsche’s uppercrust 911 models did 0-100km/h in a whisker under 5 seconds and now the 718 Cayman S fires off like a popped cork for the same speed in 4.2 seconds – no mean feat.

The road curves in and out of the

Not long ago Porsche’s upper-crust 911 models did 0-100km/h in a whisker under 5 seconds and now the 718 Cayman S fires off like a popped cork for the same speed in 4.2 seconds..

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shadows, quickly muddling any sense of direction and without the luxury of impact-absorbent crash barriers to guide the Porsche’s nose, the only other option is to use the crude 3-foot-tall concrete poles anchored every few hundred metres. A daunting reminder to stay focussed.

Precise driving is required. Out here, rescue services don’t appear to drive these routes often. I’ve seen one fire truck parked forlornly in its boutique garage and the whole station seems to run on a voluntary basis. The adjacent

thriving vegetable garden is the only sign of life here. A short distance down the road a resident peers into his letterbox while a cyclist – not the competitive, lycra-wearing type - rides by. He could be the fire chief. Scenery changes from 10-metre tall trees casting shadows below to sections flanked by rows of vineyards, although at this time of the year beer is being crated and transported for Oktoberfest in Munich.

Type in the hotel’s address into the car’s navigation system with Live Traffic updates and marvel at the Cayman’s

infused technological prowess. The Traube Tonbach hotel is nestled in Baiersbronn, ninety minutes outside Stuttgart but it would be remiss not to include at least one scenic loop before arriving. Arrow-straight, 4-lane broad highways are our best chance to sample the car’s active cruise control for partial autonomous control and soften the springs and PDK gearbox into a relaxed gait.

The view outside my room overlooks the Black Forest and unspoilt hiking trails begin whispering my name,

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inviting a quick exploration for a postcard aerial shot of the village before working up an appetite for the hotel’s 3-Star Michelin restaurant.

The Porsche 718 Cayman is now on sale at Porsche dealerships and joins the Boxster as the brand’s two new model launches of the year. Since both have received equal treatment in terms of how they perform, the choice between the two segment leaders is tougher than ever before.

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THE FACELIFTED MERCEDES-BENZ CLA RANGE HAS BEEN LAUNCHED FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN MARKET AND CARLY BAILEY NATASEN DID A FEW LAPS AROUND THE ZWARTKOPS RACEWAY.

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ercedes Benz has really stirred up the market when they targeted the ‘entry level’ market with the advent of the A Class, then they “unlearned” the market with the introduction of a four door coupe, the CLA. This model has been reasonably successful in the South African and Australian markets, which surprised even the marque themselves.

Mercedes recently unveiled the facelifted CLA. In its most simplistic form, the CLA is classified as a quirky little vehicle for the upcoming younger market. With its prominent profile from the front and the sides, and the very prominent recognisable back, it is a very cheeky all around. With the new facelift, the CLA underwent a few styling updates, but it is mostly the engine that is all new.

The CLA is a great looking car; in fact, its looks belie what is generally available for its targeted client base, providing a far more affluent vehicle for the segment that it competes in. The standard specification is also superior to most competitors, packed with safety features.

It seems that Mercedes Benz also tends to add turbo-diesel to all their model line-ups, making it a great entry level car for the environmentally responsible driver. The CLA 200d is most fuel-efficient model of the range, with a claimed consumption figure of 4.0L/100 km.

Look away 200d responsible drivers.

The top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic deploys a 2.0 litre turbo petrol motor that churns out 280 kW and 475 Nm of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.2 seconds – 0.4 seconds faster than the pre-facelift version.

Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

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rowing up, I was always inspired by great leaders, ones who stood head and shoulders above everyone as role models, ones with visionary thinking who stretched into future millennia. We have been fortunate enough to have come through a century of great souls who have shaped the planet through futuristic thinking such as Gandhi, Mandela etc.

However, where are we now?

It seems that we have slipped off a precipice into an abyss of misunderstanding, intolerance and hatred. I recently went through a trip into Europe where officials seem to be pre-programmed to stereotyping and profiling amidst the distrust and resentment towards immigrants and the spate of terrorist attacks that seem to pervade certain regions in sporadic bouts.

Even back at home, from the flurry of racism (both ways) and political steering of the country down a path of mistrust and resentment it is evident that there are no real leaders emerging from the mix to say “enough is enough!�

The ruling party in South Africa has hopefully had a wake-up call in the aftermath of local government elections. There appears to be a bit of knee-jerk though, as instead of the ANC leadership taking a long heartfelt look into itself, it sought to firstly deny there is a problem by stating that they are still the majority nationally and chose to downplay the severity of the

problem by taking comfort in that they still hold the rural vote. With the next election looming on the short term horizon, urbanisation accelerating at a rapid pace, the mining slow down resulting in people seeking employment in urban areas, the shortage of skills and growing unemployment and the increased disgruntlement (especially by the youth) of service delivery and education, the ruling party is in for a rough ride. The question that begs an answer though, is do they know it? And if so, what corrective mechanisms are being implemented to address these.

With most of our neighbours (Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe) on the brink of political overthrow, there is instability in the region that may take the destiny of the country out of the hands of the ruling party in any event, as global perception may drive economic behaviour and we may just become a victim of circumstance like most of the emerging world is prone to do. We are very good at disempowering ourselves and externalising the problems.

The time has come for leaders to emerge, let us take a role in transforming the country. We should not wait for politicians to get going, this is not a political problem. We have a problem with humanity and we need to start there. Everything else falls into place when we understand each other, communicate clearly and take personal ownership of solving the problems!

There is strategy in every single one of us, and sometimes greatness emerges when trying situations are thrust upon us. The time to effect change is now!

Vivien Natasen

PRESTIGE: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY

DISCOVER THE THRILL OF DRIVING

THE ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE COUPE

FROM R10 200 PER MONTH 37 MONTHS TERM 50% DEPOSIT

Drive your inspiration with powerful finance.

V8 Vantage Coupe

DB9 Coupe

Price

R1 950 000

Balloon Payment

50%

Price

R3 050 000

Balloon Payment

Deposit

50%

Monthly Instalment

R10 200

Deposit

50%

Monthly Instalment

R16 200

Total Cost to Customer

R2 317 221

*Fixed Interest Rate 12.75%

Total Cost to Customer

R3 633 221

*Fixed Interest Rate 12.75% Term

37 months

Term

50%

37 months

TO REQUEST A TEST DRIVE VISIT WWW.DAYTONA.CO.ZA

Aston Martin Sandton: Sandton Isle 126 Rivonia Rd, Sandown Grant Dryden 011 301 7100 grant@astonmartin.co.za

Aston Martin Cape Town: V&A Waterfront Cnr Dock Rd & Breakwater Blvd, Cape Town Andrew Meyer 021 425 2007 082 905 5520 andrew@astonmartin.co.za

Edge offers available through ALPHERA Financial Services a division of BMW Financial Services (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd, an Authorised Financial Services and Registered Credit Provider NCRCP2341.

Total cost includes initiation and monthly service fees (R57 p/m) and excludes license and registration. Residual applies subject to deal structure. Offer valid until 30 June 2016 and subject to stock availability.

Instalment may vary if price differs from the example displayed in this advert. Model shown with optional extras not included in pricing. Terms & conditions apply. Offer available with fixed or linked interest rates.

For more information visit www.alphera.co.za *Advertised instalment is based on the prime lending rate of 10.25%, should the rate change during the period of the offer it will have an impact on the monthly instalment.

INSIGNIA ADVERTISING | O11 783 5534

www.daytona.co.za

R E C O R D I N G O LYM P I C D R E A M S S I N C E 1 9 3 2 An Olympic medal is the ultimate sporting dream. A lifetime of dedication can be transformed into gold in less than a heartbeat. This summer in Rio, OMEGA’s team of timekeepers will measure the fractions of a second that determine the medal hopes of the world’s best athletes, including Chad Le Clos. We will be beside every pitch, pool and track to record their achievements as they aim to fulfill their dreams.