RCS Lifestyle by The Publishing Partnership

lifestyle Issue 9 2011

R14.95 • FREE TO RCS CUSTOMERS*

Meet the teachers

Why PTA meetings are important

Interior redesign Upgrade your car from the inside

Bank it How to save your money wisely

Food for thought Growing groceries helps the youth

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RCS CONTENTS entertainment

health

shopping

finance

home

contents COVER STORY

Entertainment

PHOTOGRAPHS BY GALLO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES & SHUTTERSTOCK COVER IMAGE BY GARETH JACOBS

Movies for Moms, latest fashion tips and the talented kids of Tinseltown.

Health

All about açai berries and how to use them, bag a banana and how to keep your bones healthy.

South Africa’s sweetheart

Super Rugby and UEFA climaxes, with IPL cricket to top it off.

Take our quiz to find out.

Hot handbags, this season’s fashion forecasts and how to choose your favourite kind of milk.

Recreate the glamorous looks showcased during Hollywood’s 2011 awards season.

Water is everywhere with these great products.

Don’t miss…

The new face of SABC’s morning show Expresso, Liezel van der Westhuizen lets us in on the secrets to her success, and her growing love for endurance sports.

Grow your own food

Healthy kids are the future of the nation and these outstanding initiatives help to provide them with food to keep going.

Shopping

Which superhero would you be?

Red carpet style Drench it

WIN R30 000 in CTM gift vouchers.

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Write to us at RCS Lifestyle: PO Box 15192, Vlaeberg, 8018 or rcs@tenfourmedia.co.za

2011 Issue 9 • 01

RCS CONTENTS entertainment

shopping

health

finance

home

contents

Warm your house this winter, clear bathroom clutter and other handy household hints.

Ace your parentteacher meeting Make sure you make the most of meetings with your children’s teachers with these useful tips.

regulars

02 • Issue 9 2011

Give your vehicle a makeover from the inside out with a few small upgrades.

Make Mother’s Day magic with these mouth-watering crumpets.

Upgrade your ride

Home

Bank like a banker

Make your bank work for you with this guide from banking experts.

Recipe

Good manners and professional presentation in communication can make all the difference in the workplace.

Our columnist finds herself becoming ‘Bridezilla’ as she inches ever closer to her wedding day.

Email etiquette

Backchat

4 Ed’s letter 6 Letters and winners 8 News from RCS 53 CREDIT BUZZ For your legal questions or problems that need solving. 62 Puzzles Keep your mind active and WIN R500. 63 stockists

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Ed’s letter

Try and try again

n compiling the RCS Lifestyle magazine four times a year we’ve started to realise that South Africa is brimming with wide and varied talent. Not only that, but the stars we’ve featured in our nine issues to date all display the same humble, hardworking traits we’ve come to expect from our role models. With their life experiences and dedication to their chosen crafts, our cover stars have provided valuable life-lessons for you, the readers of RCS Lifestyle. Their determination to succeed and their enthusiasm for South Africa is infectious, providing us all with encouragment to improve our lives and our positions in the world. This month we feature the bubbly TV and radio personality, Liezel van der Westhuizen. Sensing new opportunity and adventure, Liezel left her job on Idols and relocated to Cape Town to host the Expresso morning show. Liezel’s motto in life is to ‘try and try again’, even when things don’t seem to be going her way. That’s sound advice for just about everyone. She’s worked hard to get where she is today and you can read all about her career and sporting pursuits in SA’s Sweetheart, page 14. It’s an interview with valuable insight for anyone who may need encouragement to follow their dreams. Our parenting feature this month also relates to encouragement and lifelessons – this time for the parents. Meet the Teachers, page 46, urges parents to make use of parent-teacher meetings, and to view them as an opportunity to meet face-to-face the people who shape our children’s minds. Become involved at the school if you can, or get to know how your child approaches their school life from someone else’s point of view. The more information you have, the better it is for your child. Bank like a Banker, page 54, is likewise full of encouragement, this time when it comes to saving. We all know how hard it is to put a few rands away at the end of the month, but with this sound advice from our experts you’ll be thinking like a natural born saver in no time. All the best David Tell us which stories you enjoy most. Write to us at rcs@tenfourmedia. co.za or send your letters to RCS Lifestyle at PO Box 15192, Vlaeberg, 8018. Please include your name, address and telephone number. The winner of the best letter will win R1000. You can write to us about features in this magazine, features you’d like to see or anything that’s on your mind regarding your lifestyle.

* You must be current with your RCS payments to receive RCS Lifestyle.

04 • Issue 9 2011

RCS Lifestyle EDITOR David Moseley rcs@tenfourmedia.co.za 021 424 8459 ART DIRECTOR Lindsay Peddie DESIGNER Kristin Whitfield managing editorS Jacqui Lund & Riekie Human staff writer Kolosa Vuso CONTRIBUTORS Hailey Philander James Garaghty Darkwater Illustrations PUBLISHER Mark Beare mjbeare@tppsa.co.za ADVERTISING SALES Nic Morkel nmorkel@tppsa.co.za 021 488 5926 082 468 6490 Grant Van Willingh gwillingh@tppsa.co.za Sameegha Samaai ssamaai@tppsa.co.za MARKETING & PR ASSISTANT Jacqui Turner Accounts Naeema Abrahams Elmon Searle 021 424 3517 EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Mark Beare & John Morkel RCS Editorial Board Riad Masoet & Colette Solomons

RCS Customer Services

0861 729 727

Published for RCS by Tenfour Media and The Publishing Partnership (Pty) Ltd. Copyright Tenfour Media and The Publishing Partnership (Pty) Ltd 2008. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior permission of the Editor. Opinions expressed are those of the author and not RCS. Products featured are subject to availability. While every effort is made to ensure that prices are correct at time of going to press, errors and omissions are excepted. Offers available while stocks last. Repro: Hirt & Carter Printing: Paarl Gravure ISSN: 2073-6274

LETTERS

Reader letters

Baby boon

lifestyle Issue 8 2011

I read through your article on pregnancy (Baby on Board, Issue 8) and I found it very informative. As men we are sometimes very ignorant when it comes to this issue and Motoring mysterie SecretS to do not understand the changes our partners go through s explained Su cceSS Top advice from during pregnancy. My wife is in her first trimester and I now BaBy on top achievers Bo ar d? understand why she says the food smells terrible after cooking all you need to know it, and she ends up not eating it. ShAPe FINANce I therefore need to make an effort to cook more to support uP IN FI X eS How to buy home or car a 2011 her. This I would not have known had it not been for your healthiest year ever your article. As men we need to appreciate and support our partners more, and make them see that we are in this together. hiP hoP & Keep up the good work guys, as a man I learned a lot and haPPening I will keep the article for future reference. Plum tart rec iPe Puzzles cel eb fashion coo Mr Emmanuel Sthembiso Dube, via email l school goo dies R14.95 • FREE

TO RCS CUSTO

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More from RCS Lifestyle readers Take a chance Kimberley’s Dazzling Diamond, (RCS Lifestyle Issue 8, page 14) is interesting. South Africa has many opportunities. Proverb is well within his rights to urge us to grab the oppotunities available to us. As South Africans, we must develop an eye to spot the “Unlike other rappers, he kept his lyrics clean and often inspirational, while maintaining opportunities, the right kind of hip hop image” and have the courage to take the initiative and grow. Place the worm to hook the fish. Serve the people with what they really need and your business will flourish. Imitating 14 • Issue 8 2011

06 • Issue 9 2011

others may see you struggling to get off the ground. James Kubu, Arcadia

Starting point Thank you for the informative and helpful article on buying Kimberley’S a car (RCS dazzling Lifestyle Issue diamond 8, How to: buy a home or car, page 54). I am a lady interested in buying a car and the process can be overwhelming just thinking about it. Where do you start? Your advice has given me direction and the confidence to know PROVERB

He’s the hip hop artist who’s turned his talents to unearthing rising stars on Idols, and he’s the genuine, exceptionally gifted celebrity who’s just a family guy at heart. That’s why ProVerb has become one of South Africa’s most endearing stars. By JACQUI LUND

ocially conSciouS, humble, family man… do these words sound like they’re describing one of South Africa’s most successful rappers? Not entirely. But they do describe ProVerb (known as Tebogo Thekiso to his mom). You’ll probably recognise him as presenter of the most recent Idols series, where he became many a fan’s favourite presenter – not only because he’s cool – but also because he comes across with the kind of sincerity not often seen on television. ProVerb started rapping in 1999,

a youngster dreaming of breaking into South Africa’s demanding music scene. Unlike other rappers, he kept his lyrics clean and often inspirational, while maintaining the right kind of hip hop image. In 2004, ProVerb released his official debut album, The Book of ProVerb (through independent record label Outrageous Records) and a major deal with Gallo Records saw him release his second album, Manuscript, in 2006 and Write of Passage in 2009. Now also one of South Africa’s most respected MCs, he’s presented his own show for Metro FM as well

as HeadRush, Channel O’s premier hip hop programme. More recently, he was also a popular contestant on Survivor South Africa: Santa Carolina. From early on in his career, he’s been active in raising awareness and money for good causes. From being part of the Shout for a Safer South Africa campaign and the Uniting Against Hunger campaign to his nomination as an Ambassador of Health for the Northern Cape for speaking out against drugs and for HIV testing, ProVerb’s used his voice in many campaigns to make a better life for all South Africans.

2011 Issue 8 • 15

what I am talking about. A bonus was also the article The ABCs of Motoring on page 40. This was a sign – I now feel equipped and ready to make the commitment of getting a car. Thank you RCS for lighting the way. Nana, via email

Thanks, RCS I would like to express my gratitude towards RCS. There is no retail card that matches or even comes close to RCS. Before joining RCS I had four different credit accounts with retail shops. I would find myself in a difficult position because I would struggle to pay all of them. It was hard to manage, but I closed all of them and opened RCS. It’s easy to manage, I can use one card to buy food, clothing, car stuff and school

WINNERS

PARENTING

stationery. Thank you for helping us to manage debt. A Mukelwe, via email

with such a task. I have been feeling very intimidated by the thought of this undertaking, but after reading your article, I felt a lot more confident. I am sure that after being armed with your valuable information, my husband and I will make the right choice. Thanks for a great magazine, which always has something interesting to read at the right time. Sharon Brown, via email

The right advice

the book, but parents Pregnancy might be the oldest game in details. RSC Lifestyle are often in the dark regarding the finerensure you’re well has done the homework for you, to prepared come delivery day. BY JACQUI LUND

Thank you for your comprehensive article How to: buy a home or car (RCS Lifestyle, Issue 8, page 54). We

as a trimester and weeks. each chaPter, known regnancy lasts about 40 watch the changes that and parents will be amazed as they lasting three months, is different, the womb. happen during the baby’s time inside confusing and scary moment, but pregnancy can also be having a baby is an awe-inspiring up to childbirth. on during the nine months leading if you don’t understand what’s going and ‘been-there-done-that’ some excellent advice from the pros to enlighten moms-to-be, we’ve collected the best possible start in life. baby your give and time, this moms to help you through even be near anyone the supermarket, open the fridge or food. I just chaPter one weeks 1 to 12 who had eaten garlic or any strong smelling flood a mother’s During the first trimester, hormones wanted to curl up and sleep,” she says. experiences mother Every Nathan, now body and cause many changes. Duduzile Ncube, mother of Luweza mother of Kole her pregnancy differently. Taryn Minnaar, at all. “I didn’t five years old, didn’t have any nausea three months. “All I think that and Rayne, felt nauseous for the first suffer from any pains. I was very active; the smell of soap or Dr Carolyn Nel, my senses were heightened, so even helped me in a lot of ways,” she recalls. to go couldn’t I sick. be to want shampoo would make me 48 • Issue 8 2011

FINANCE

HOW TO: BUY A HOME OR CAR The process of buying a house can be smooth armed with all the right information. By RIEKIE and hassle-free if you’re HUMAN

Don’t forget

Pregnant women should avoid raw foods like soft boiled eggs, fish (sushi) and poultry as they might contain toxins or harmful bacteria.

o you’ve decided

it’s time to buy a car or a property, but the mere thought of all the paperwork – and the time it will take to get everything in place – makes you lose all your excitement about the prospect of new wheels or a new home. Don’t despair. Because nowadays, experts at car dealerships and property gurus like bond originators take care of most of the red tape – you just need to give them the right info.

SHOpping fOR CARS

You finally have the time to go and browse a bit, but before you set off to visit car dealerships in your area, you need to grab some documents

to take with you. According to Liza Vianello, business manager of Kulu Motors, the main documents needed when you want to apply for vehicle finance are: • your id • driver’s licence • Proof of income (if you earn a salary, this would be your latest payslip. For those who earn commission, the last

three payslips are required. And if you’re self-employed, you’ll need to provide your last three months’ bank statements). • Proof of your address, for example a utilities bill addressed to you. (It also needs to be from the last says that there are different options three months). available, and that dealers can assist Vianello says that once the applicayou with choosing the right option tion’s been completed, you or your for you. “You can finance a vehicle dealer can submit it to various vehicle over 24 months up to a maximum of finance agencies and banks electronically, 72 months, depending on the age of and you’ll usually receive an answer the vehicle,” she says. If possible, you – with a repayment estimate – within can put down a deposit, which would half an hour. “Then, they’ll take two to significantly reduce your monthly three hours to do the verifications once installment. “There are also options they’ve received all the paperwork – for so-called residuals – which will such as your payslip and ID,” she says. basically lower your monthly installIf everything is in order and you give ment. But don’t forget that at the them the go-ahead to proceed with end of the payment period, you will the paperwork for the agreed amount have to pay back this residual as a quoted by the financing company, the lump sum or refinance the residual dealer can have a contract ready for you amount. It’s usually a percentage of within three to four hours, and you may the vehicle price. The residual would even be able to drive off with your new form part of your settlement if you car that very same day. sell your vehicle before your last In terms of financing, Vianello payment is due.

54 • Issue 8 2011

“Your best bet: a straight installment sale with no residual, as you’ll pay the car off quicker and your settlement will be lower”

Enlightened explanation I read through the whole magazine but I stopped at the article Baby on Board, page 48. I am a mother of two and I had difficult pregnancies. Reading this article took me back to the days where I could not even focus on being pregnant because I was suffering from nausea for the full nine months.

2010 Issue 7 • 55

are in the process of buying a new car and do feel very overwhelmed by the enormity of the matter. There is so much involved, not to mention the amount of money it costs to make a purchase of this nature. Thank you for the fantastic advice and to assist the consumer

lifestyle Issue 8 2011

R14.95 • FREE TO RCS CUSTOMERS*

Motoring mysteries explained

BaBy on Board? all you need to know

FINANce FIXeS How to buy a home or car

SecretS to SucceSS Top advice from top achievers

ShAPe uP IN 2011

All I wanted was for the babies to come and for my body to go back to normal. I was enlightened by this beautiful article that explained exactly what is happening inside every woman when she is expecting. The wonder of life that grows within a woman is a feeling that cannot be captured in one word. All these stages that RCS Lifestyle explained, until the day you can hold your baby, is just one magical feeling. Thank you, RCS Lifestyle, for taking the time to make the journey for all pregnant women a little easier with this useful information. Anonymous, via email

Puzzle winners issue 8 solutions Sudoku Number 8: Babalwa Qavane, Gugulethu

your healthiest year ever

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Word-Fit Number 2: Mnr SJV Asvegen, Bothaville

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It’s your turn to win with RCS Lifestyle • Turn to page 62 for our Sudoku and Word Search puzzles. Send your completed entries to us and stand a chance of winning R500. • Turn to page 11 to stand a chance of winning R30 000 in CTM vouchers.

2011 Issue 9 • 07

RCS LIFESTYLE

’Tis the season to give back RCS took advantage of last year’s festive good cheer to give back to children in the community.

he RCS Group is committed towards uplifting and positively improving the South African community. As part of RCS’s festive season campaign, they felt that they wanted to give back to the community and to spread joy over the festive season. “For us the festive season is a time for giving, sharing, family and spreading joy,” says programme coordinator Colette Solomons. One of South Africa’s most important challenges is helping children, the future adults of our country, grow up with healthy

08 • Issue 9 2011

minds and healthy bodies. Over Christmas RCS partnered with Foodbank South Africa (FBSA) and their ‘Buy to Give’ programme and fed 2400 kids over the festive season.

Why FBSA?

According to the General House Survey (GHS) 2009, 20 percent of South Africans have insufficient access to food, even though technically South Africa is capable of providing enough food for its people. This is because many people in poorer areas can’t afford staples, and because

food programmes and agencies can’t easily get to these people in the rural areas. To try to combat these problems, the FBSA has brought many of these food programmes and agencies together so that all their efforts are co-ordinated and their resources pooled to reach the most people possible. FBSA’s ‘Buy to Give’ programme is dedicated to making sure there is a consistent, reliable supply of staple food getting to the agencies (community-based nonprofit organisations). FBSA supplies food to more than 1000 agencies

PHOTOGRAPHS BY RCS

The RCS team with some delighted children last christmas.

with almost 208 000 beneficiaries throughout South Africa. Together with food, the agencies also provide skills training, income-generation and agricultural projects. They aim to help the hungry gain access to nutritious food, not just for today, but for tomorrow. The FBSA, on behalf of these agencies working in communities, gets food manufacturers and other corporate bodies on board to buy staple food to give the agencies. This method is a lot more cost effective and efficient than other distribution methods and has long term benefits for the communities it assists. The FBSA’s research, in collaboration with expert dieticians, shows that the most important basic food is: n Starches: rice, maize meal, samp and pasta. n Protein: dried beans, lentils, tinned fish, soya mince, milk powder and peanut butter. n Fruit: fresh fruit, jam and canned fruit. n Vegetables: fresh vegetables, canned mix vegetables. n Other: cooking oil, salt, sugar. These are essential items that many people use daily and are the ideal ingredients to create a variety of meals. This is where RCS realised that they could help. RCS, with the guidance of FBSA, bought food baskets of maize meal, rice, sugar beans and brown lentils for the children at Colleen’s Place of Hope in Mitchell’s Plain, Sakhumzi Educare in Mfuleni, Missionaries of Charity in Khayelitsha and Imitha Yelanga in Eerste River. RCS donated R50 000 to Foodbank for the parcels which ensured that the kids from these homes had a 10 • Issue 9 2011

(Above and below) The kids all appreciated a solid meal for christmas.

full tummy for Christmas 2010. Solomons says that it was a touching experience being at the homes to hand over the donations. “The kids are so vulnerable, all they want is someone to care for them. They are such friendly, warm and loving kids. It was very tough for me to see them in such a vulnerable situation. I really enjoyed spending time with them, playing and talking to them.”

Spreading the joy

In their quest to continue giving back, RCS held a celebration of festive fun at N1 City between 16 and 19 December last year. Around their concierge desk, RCS offered a host of giveaways for kids and the chance to have a photo taken with

Santa – which had the kids dragging Mom and Dad away from their shopping and into the entertainment area. While the children were entertained, parents enjoyed the additional bonus of getting their gifts wrapped for free. On top of all this goodness, a number of lucky RCS members won their festive shopping back for free. A total of R100 000 was paid out by RCS, giving these delighted shoppers a dream-come-true Christmas. In the spirit of giving back RCS made many people’s wishes come true last Christmas, both children and adults. In 2011, RCS promises to continue to work towards the betterment of the community that RCS and their staff are very much a part of.

competition

We buy big

YOU WIN BIG SMS and win fabulous prizes for your home with CTM!

lucky RCS Lifestyle readers will each win a R5 000 GIFT CARD to spend at CTM

PLUS 20m2 of Wild Cherry Elf Laminate flooring worth R5 000 is also up for grabs!

How to enter To win, SMS CTM followed by

your name and the answer to 43366. Standard SMS rates apply.

Question Name the large tile retailer that now also accepts RCS cards.

sms your d n a Y R R U H So wer NOW! name and ans 1. The judge’s decision is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into. All participants in the RCS Cards (Pty) Ltd and RCS Personal Finance (Pty) Ltd (hereinafter referred to as “RCS”) competition agree to be bound by the competition rules set out herein. 2. In order to be eligible to win prizes in the competition, entrants must SMS the key word ‘CTM’ followed by their answer to 43366 . 3. RCS Cardholder’s accounts and RCS Loans customers must not be in arrears at the time of the draw. Only the correct answers to the competition will be eligible for the draw. 4. The competition will commence on 20 April 2011 and entries will close on 31 May 2011. 5. The winners draw will take place on 6 June 2011 at the RCS head office, Liberty Grande Building, Corner of Voortrekker Road and Vanguard Drive, Goodwood, Cape Town, 7460. 6. Winners will be randomly selected and will be notified telephonically on 7 June 2011. 7. There will be seven prize winners drawn. 8. Six winners’ prizes will consist of a R5 000 CTM gift card, the seventh will win R5 000 in Wild Cherry Elf Laminate flooring. 9. The competition is open to all RCS Cardholders & RCS Loans customers residing within the Republic of South Africa. RCS, CTM and Elf Laminates employees, partners, directors, members, agents and consultants of RCS, CTM and Elf Laminates, as well as their spouses, life partners, children, siblings, business partners and associates, will not be eligible to participate or enter into this competition. 10. Prizes are not transferable and will not be exchanged for cash. 11. RCS may photograph, televise and/or publish the winners for publicity purposes. 12. All participants must be over 18 years of age and must reside within the Republic of South Africa.14. RCS Cards (Pty) Ltd and RCS Loans (Pty) Ltd its associated companies, agents and contractors assume no liability or responsibility whatsoever for any direct or indirect loss or damage howsoever arising.

RCS cards now accepted in CTM stores nationwide

ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment Easter Bliss

Hollywood is full of young starlets who are following in the footsteps of their talented parents. These youngsters caught our eye: n T om Hanks and Rita Wilson’s eldest son Chester is stepping away from the family’s acting legacy and has reinvented himself as a rapper – Chet. He’s created quite a buzz with his remix of rapper Wiz Khalifa’s underground hit Black and Yellow. n Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith have two children – Christopher Syre (Jaden), 13, and Willow Camille Reign, 11. Jaden has already established himself as an actor, rapper, songwriter and dancer. His breakthrough role was in the 2006 film The Pursuit of Happyness, and he’s also starred in remakes of The Day the Earth Stood Still and The Karate Kid. Willow’s song Whip my Hair peaked at number one on last year’s Billboard Hot 100. She made her acting debut in 2007 in I Am Legend and appeared in Kit Kittredge: An American Girl – for which she won a Young Artist Award.

12 • Issue 9 2011

A festival of olives

The weekend of 7 May is the annual Riebeek Valley Olive Festival. It’s a chance to sample a variety of delicious local dishes in the South African village and be entertained with a number of live acts while sampling olives. Local wines will also be on offer, while internationally-renowned local artists will be displaying their paintings and sculptures on the South African Artist’s Walk. While parents enjoy a leisurely day outdoors, their children can be safely entertained in the kiddies’ play section. There’s no entry charge to the Olive Festival and shuttle services lift visitors to the various venues. If you had to work over Easter this is your chance for a fun weekend away an hour out of Cape Town.

DID YOU KNOW?Kate Winslet is the youngest actress

to rack up six Oscar nominations: n Best Supporting Actress – Sense and Sensibility (1995) n Best Actress – Titanic (1997) n Best Supporting Actress – Iris (2001) n Best Actress – Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) n Best Actress – Little Children (2006) n Best Actress – The Reader (2008) – which she won. Winslet’s also only the third person in history to win two acting Golden Globe Awards in the same year (2008) for Best Actress (Revolutionary Road) and Best Supporting Actress (The Reader).

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SHUTTERSTOCK, GALLO IMAGES & GETTY IMAGES

Tinseltown’s talented kids

The Easter weekend is almost here and Jozi music fanatics can expect to be moved and mesmerised by another Easter performance of Handel’s Messiah with acts from Richard Cock, soloists, choirs and orchestra at the Nelson Mandela Square on 25 April at 15h00. Every year, South African audiences have an opportunity to experience this magnificent choral work performed at the Square for free, and through the event some good is achieved as it is also the annual fundraiser for Women for Peace (Basadi ba Khotso), and proceeds from programme sales go towards this charity.

Star birthdays

MOVIE REVIEWS

Mom’s the word

15 April

Emma Watson, actress The English actress has been playing the role of Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series since the age of nine. At 21, Watson has a successful acting and modeling career and in 2009 she was named the ‘Highest Grossing Actress of the Decade’ by the Guinness Book of World Records.

16 April Martin Lawrence, actor He was discovered by film executives on the United State’s Star Search in 1983 and offered the role of Maurice on the television sitcom What’s Happening Now? His trademark in movies is playing a policeman or a thief.

13 May Robert Pattinson, actor It was the role of vampire Edward Cullen that truly established the British actor in Hollywood. He’s starred in Twilight: New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. In his free time, Pattinson plays the guitar and piano.

22 May Naomi Campbell, model The British model was the first black cover model for French Vogue and the European edition of Time magazine. At 10 she was accepted at Italia Conti Academy stage school where she studied ballet and at age 15 she was spotted and has never looked back.

In the spirit of Mother’s Day on 8 May, we rounded up some mom-daughter movies that have captivated audiences: Terms of Endearment (1983), Debra Winger and Shirley McLaine

Happy Mothers Day, new moms! This year will welcome a string of new moms – from models to singers and even Hollywood stars: n Singer Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon are expecting twins, a boy and a girl. They’re due in April and the couple’s reportedly over the moon. “We still cry all the time. It’s an emotional journey,” Cannon said recently. n Model Lee-Ann Liebenberg and fiancé Nicky van der Walt welcomed a baby girl late last year. Gia is as beautiful as her celebrity mom. n Spanish acting couple Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem became the proud parents of a baby boy earlier this year. Little Leo was born in the Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

The quirky film is a laughout-loud comedy, offbeat romance with some serious introspective moments as it follows the life and times of Aurora Greenway – a stern, fussy widow whose only child, Emma, is about to get married to a man Aurora doesn’t like. The film was nominated for a total of 11 Academy Awards and won five. Steel Magnolias (1989), Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis and Sally Field

Who could ever forget this story of a close-knit circle of friends whose lives come together in a beauty parlour? Celebrating friendships that sustain us through life’s highs and lows, the group of Louisiana women is confronted with loss and heartache and through each other’s unwavering support they’re able to come out stronger. Mermaids (1990), Cher, Bob Hoskins and Winona Ryder

Mermaids tells the story of an unconventional single mother who relocates with her two daughters to a small Massachusetts town, where a number of events and relationships both challenge and strengthen their family bonds.

2011 Issue 9 • 13

“I always pretended to be a presenter at home and kept making my family watch me perform for hours”

14 • Issue 9 2011

Liezel

PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED BY GALLO IMAGES, shutterstock & Liezel van der westhuizen

SA’s sweetheart

There’s more reason to get up early, thanks to Liezel van der Westhuizen brightening up morning TV with her bubbly and inspiring spirit. RCS Lifestyle caught up with the busy go-getter, who’s just moved to Cape Town to refresh her career. By RIEKIE HUMAN

TV presenter, model, motivational speaker, MC, radio personality, PR manager, voiceover artist and Idols presenter – you name it, she’s done it. And it seems it’s only the start of Liezel van der Westhuizen’s long list of accomplishments. The fresh-faced and feisty celeb recently moved to Cape Town to present SABC’s new breakfast show, Expresso, and there’s

no stopping her when it comes to the plethora of endurance events on offer down south. Running, swimming, cycling – continuity TV’s leading lady is at the forefront of it all.

RCS Lifestyle: Which profession did you dream of when you were still young? Liezel: To be a TV presenter! I

always pretended to be one at home and kept making my family watch me perform for hours.

What did you do after school to pursue this dream?

At the time, my father insisted that I study something other than TV presenting, and although I was not a happy camper about that then, 2011 Issue 9 • 15

I’ve realised since that he was right. The course I ended up doing – a Communications degree at the University of Pretoria – was a great introduction into the media industry and I even proceeded to do a Masters degree in it too.

How did you first become involved in the entertainment industry?

While I was busy with my Masters degree, I did various freelance jobs, including marketing gigs at the record company EMI, and working as a radio presenter at Makro over weekends. One Saturday, as I was busy presenting on the in-store radio, the programme manager of Radio Jacaranda heard me and offered me a job on the spot. From then on, it’s been quite a rollercoaster ride!

Since then, you’ve added many other presenting jobs to your CV, including television work. Do you prefer radio or television?

I never even considered doing radio work, as presenting on television has always been my objective, but I’ve come to really enjoy radio work too. Of course TV can be more daunting – especially live TV – but I really enjoy it.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far? Being chosen to present Expresso on SABC3. It meant that I had to leave Idols, where I was a presenter; but on the up side, I had to move to Cape Town! 16 • Issue 9 2011

“I’m definitely not the fastest or best participant, but that’s not at all why I do it. For me, it’s all about enjoying the experience” How’s the adjustment going – moving from Gauteng to the Cape?

It’s been half a year now, and I absolutely love it. In a way, it’s everything I expected – for example the pace is slower. I’m a water baby and adore being so close to the sea, so I swim as often as I can. I think it’s wonderfully invigorating and energising.

You’ve become quite an endurance race junkie in the past few years – is swimming part and parcel of that? Oh yes. I swim about a mile every Sunday (either at Bloubergstrand or Camps Bay) and am busy preparing to swim to Robben Island in May for the first time. It’s 7.5km and I’m

Liezel

determined to complete it! I also completed my first Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour this year, and I plan to do the Knysna marathon too.

You completed your first Ironman race (left) last year. What was it like?

Absolutely amazing. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I’m doing it again this year. I’m definitely not the fastest or best participant, but that’s not at all why I do it. For me, it’s all about enjoying the experience, so you’ll often find me at water points chatting up a storm with some of the officials.

You should get a qualification and specialise in something else first. Not only does it give you credibility to talk about certain issues, but it’s also something to fall back on. Remember that presenting, especially on TV, is a short career option – once you’ve peaked you need something else.

So is it safe to say that you lead a very healthy lifestyle?

Well, my dad is a pharmacist, so I grew up learning how to eat healthily and take care of my body, and nowadays, I’m pretty strict with myself… although obviously there are exceptions every now and then. In terms of my exercise regime, I’m extremely vigilant about what I eat before race events – and I always make sure that I eat a proper meal beforehand. Breakfast Liezel van der Westhuizen is the most important is the second woman in the world to host Idols and she meal of my day and never missed a day of one of my mantras school in 12 years is that it’s crucial to while at Pretoria hydrate regularly – Girls High! especially during a race.

Did you know?

What advice would you give to youngsters who want to go into the entertainment industry? To be honest, my dad was right.

2011 Issue 9 • 17

Liezel

“I used to be too shy to speak in front of people, and had such a phobia that I couldn’t even speak in front of my classmates at varsity” Apart from that, my other piece of advice would be to never give up. It’s harrowing going to auditions, but you need to persevere to make it in this industry. I went for more than a hundred auditions before I was finally accepted to do continuity on television. So stick to your guns!

What one thing about you might surprise viewers and readers?

I used to be too shy to speak in front of people, and had such a phobia that I couldn’t even speak in front of my classmates at varsity. Eventually, I joined Toastmasters International – 18 • Issue 9 2011

and I cried like a baby before my first speech. It was hard work, but I kept at it, and there’s no way I would’ve been where I am today if it wasn’t for that.

Your favourite place to go on holiday?

Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape. It’s so peaceful and my family has a farm there. I can really breathe and recuperate when I’m there. Way back when, when I was still trying to break into television presenting (and kept being turned away at auditions!), I also went to the Eastern Cape to lick my wounds. I even worked for a local newspaper at the time.

Your favourite ways to relax?

Walking on the beach as often as I can, reading and playing golf. But I’m not any good at it – I just love playing it. With all of these career highlights under her belt, it’s hard to imagine that this starlet might still dream of doing anything more, but in true Liezel van der Westhuizen fashion, she gets a twinkle in her eye when you ask her. “Oh, yes,” she says. And laughingly adds that one day, she still wants to be Bulletjie – the Blue Bulls’ mascot!

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SPORT

DON’T MISS... Rugby:

Saturday, 25 June Semi-final one and two

Super snippets n Up until the start of the 2011 season, the Sharks had played in 184 Vodacom Super Rugby games since 1996, winning 89... and losing precisely 89 as well (with six draws). n When the Crusaders have a bad season, they usually have a really bad season! They have finished in the play-offs in all but three of the first 15 seasons of Vodacom Super Rugby. On those occasions they finished bottom (1996), third from bottom (2001) and sixth (1997). n Only the Cheetahs and Western Force (apart from newcomers the Melbourne Rebels) have failed to contest a Vodacom Super Rugby semi-final.

20 • Issue 9 2011

Cricket:

Indian Premier League, season 4 8 April to 28 May For full fixtures, or to follow your favourite team, visit www.iplt20.com

Twenty/20 Ticklers Kochi Tuskers Kerala and Pune Warriors will be the two new teams taking part in IPL Season Four. The addition of these increases the number of franchises from eight to 10. AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis were both ‘sold’ for $1.1m in this year’s IPL auction. Kallis is moving from the Royal Challengers Bangalore to the Kolkata Knight Riders, and De Villiers moves from the Delhi Daredevils to the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Other South African cricketers taking part this season include: Dale Steyn (Deccan Chargers, value of $1.2m – our most expensive star), Johan Botha (Rajasthan Royals), Graeme Smith (Pune Warriors), Morné Morkel (Delhi Daredevils), JP Duminy (Deccan Chargers), Davy Jacobs (Mumbai Indians), Wayne Parnell (Pune Warriors), Charl Langeveldt (Royal Challengers Bangalore) and Francois du Plessis (Chennai Super Kings).

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SHUTTERSTOCK, GALLO IMAGES & GETTY IMAGES

Vodacom Super Rugby semi-finals

AThletics: London Marathon 17 April

Marathon milestones

n The first London Marathon was held on 29 March 1981. More than 20 000 people applied to run. 6747 were accepted and 6255 crossed the finish line on Constitution Hill. n In 2010, 36 549 people crossed the line, the biggest field since the race began. n In 2002, Lloyd Scott completed the marathon wearing a deep sea diving suit that weighed a total of 50kg (each shoe weighed 11kg), he also set a world record for the slowest ever marathon time.

Soccer:

UEFA Champions League Final 28 May, Wembley Stadium (London)

GOLF:

The US Open

16 June to 19 June

Congressional, Maryland

Soccer Shorts

n 76 teams from 52 different European soccer associations started the initial rounds of the Champions League last year. n As of March 2011, 96 matches have been played, with 276 goals (an average of 2.88 per match) being scored. With eight goals to his name, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi is this season’s current top-scorer. n After deafeating AC Milan over two legs in March, England’s Tottenham Hotspur’s reached the quarterfinals of the tournament ahead of their London rivals Arsenal for the first time in the history of the competition.

Tennis: French Open 17 April to 5 June, Paris

DID YOU KNOW

Both male and female winners receive €1 060 000 each in prizey money (about R10 000 000). A first round loser recives €15 000 (about R147 000).

2011 Issue 9 • 21

Which SUPerhero would you be?

We all dream of having a few superhuman qualities, and thanks to various movies, comic book and TV series, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to drift off into a fantasy land where you have formidable powers and save the day. But with so many superheroes around, you need to pick your perfect match. Complete our fun quiz and find out which superhero is your alter ego... By RIEKIE HUMAN 22 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 9 2011

RCS QUIZ

the parameters of the island to establish if you really are on an island c) Go hunting for food

Which of the following places would you most like to visit? a) New York b) Rural America c) A WWE Raw studio

How did you score?

What’s your favourite thing to watch on TV? a) A reality series b) Wrestling c) Crime/detective dramas If you had a secret identity, it would probably be: a) High-powered business owner b) Quirky nerd c) Alien in hiding

What type of costume would you wear to a fancy dress party? a) Costumes are for ninnies – besides, they make me itch! b) Anything that’ll make me blend into the background c) Something bright, bold and colourful

If you did have super powers, would you want to hide them? a) Sometimes b) Not at all! c) Definitely

Which of the following things are most important to you? a) Power b) Acceptance c) Truth PHOTOGRAPH BY SHUTTERSTOCK

Which of these personality traits describe you best? a) Moody b) Shy c) Level-headed

What’s the most important thing in life? a) Interpersonal relationships b) Intelligence c) A fit and strong body

If you were shipwrecked and got stuck on a deserted island, what’s the first thing you would do? a) Talk to the other survivors and try to calm them down b) Go off on your own to scout out

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

a.3 a.1 a.2 a.3 a.0 a.3 a.1 a.2 a.1 a.3

b.2 b.3 b.1 b.2 b.2 b.1 b.2 b.1 b.2 b.1

c.1 c.2 c.3 c.0 c.3 c.2 c.3 c.3 c.3 c.2

BETWEEN 0 – 10 You’re a born Superman and we wouldn’t be surprised if your name was Clark or Kent! Under your gentle and good-natured personality hides a man (or woman!) of steely reserve, and when it’s needed, you can save the day. You may not be aware of your superpowers though, especially since you tend to be a bit on the quiet side, so you’ll even surprise yourself with your abilities when someone is in need of help. Just be careful of allowing personal problems to get in the way of the greater good – your complex emotional state of mind could prevent you from putting all your superpowers to good use.

Complete the following statement with the line that rings true for you. With great power comes... a) The chance to get even b) Big adventures c) Great responsibility

BETWEEN 11 – 20

Naturally quiet and reserved, you also have a tremendous sense of duty – which means you’ll feel most at home in Batman’s zooty costume. In fact, you’re so humble that you don’t want people to know about your good deeds and you avoid attention as best you can. Just be careful of hiding in the dark so much that you don’t enjoy the love and happiness available to you. There are plenty of fans in your life who’d love to tell you just how much they like you – so let them!

BETWEEN 21 – 30 Your strength is obvious to anyone who meets you – and your tantrums and imposing physicality mean that those who are friends with you count their blessings while those who are not are a tad scared of you. And so they should be! You epitomise the characteristics of The Hulk and will leave no stone unturned to combat what you perceive as injustice. Just be careful of that temper of yours, as your aggression and your tendency to be so strong-willed can cloud your judgement!

2011 Issue 9 • 23

HEALTH

HEALTH Body facts

he Body Mass Index (BMI) is the relationship between weight and height that is associated with body fat and health risk. It’s a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. You can work out yours by dividing your weight by your height squared (Eg: if you’re 63kg and 1.65m tall: 63/(1.65 x 1.65) = 63/2.72 = 23.16). A body mass index of 25 or more is considered ‘overweight’ and a BMI of 30 or more is considered ‘obese’. To help calculate your BMI, visit www.health24.com

Did you know?

Decades ago, during the Roman Empire, Romans had a life expectancy of 22 to 25 years due to problems like famine, war, disease and poor health. Thankfully, things have changed and life expectancy rose rapidly in the 20th century due to improvements in public health, nutrition and medicine. Currently, the worldwide life expectancy for all people is 64.3 years (for males it’s 62.7 years and for females life expectancy is 66 years).

Source: geography.about.com

Shake it up, Brazilian style!

This delicious açai berry smoothie is easy to make and the perfect way to start a busy day: 1. Pour 200g of açai berries into a blender. 2. Add half a cup of soya milk or fruit juice, as well as one peeled banana. 3. Blend until smooth and top with banana slices and granola.

24 • Issue 9 2011

Berry Clever Blackberries and strawberries we all know well, but have you ever heard of açai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berries? These Brazilian-grown berries are jam-packed with goodness and have an earthy-chocolatey flavour. It’s also one of the most potent antioxidant superfoods in the world. Add them to smoothies, cereals and even as an ingredient in cupcakes to enjoy their many health benefits. The berries: oost energy levels, digestive function b and mental clarity. ■ contain high levels of fibre. ■ strengthen the immune system and slow down ageing. ■ improve circulation and minimise inflammation, while helping to maintain healthy heart function. ■

Bone health

Osteoporosis – also called the Silent Epidemic – reduces the density and quality of bones, leading to weakness of the skeleton and an increased risk of fractures, particularly of the spine, hips and wrists. There are usually no symptoms until you fracture a bone, and one in three women and one in five men are at risk of this disease… a whopping 4-6 million South Africans! Luckily, it can be prevented. Here’s what you need to do: ■ Consume ■

Healthy pleasures Sweet potatoes are in season right now, and can be used in many dishes. This yummy soup is perfect to ensure your kids get in all the vitamins and minerals they need.

Sweet potato soup

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SHUTTERSTOCK

INGREDIENTS 1kg sweet potatoes (approximately 3) 4 carrots 3 onions 1 tbsp (15ml) grated root ginger ½ cup (125ml) olive oil Herb salt to taste METHOD 1. Peel and chop the onions. 2. Wash and chop the sweet potatoes and carrots. 3. S auté the onions, ginger, sweet potatoes and carrots in olive oil. 4. C ook until the sweet potatoes are tender. 5. Liquidise the soup and serve hot.

two or three servings of dairy a day.

S tock up on other calcium-rich foods such as green vegetables like broccoli, whole canned fish with bones, calcium-fortified foods and drinks (including cereals, orange juice and soya).

■ Don’t

forget about your vitamin D intake, which can be found in oily fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel, as vitamin D helps with absorbtion of calcium into the body.

Did you know?

Sweet potato is one of the richest low-fat sources of vitamin E.

Pick of the crop

It’s not for nothing that health practitioners urge us to consume at least five portions of fruits (or veg) every day, as they help to prevent obesity and lower your risk of type-two diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Here are the added benefits of our favourite ones…

Mangos One mango contains only 420 kilojoules and is a good source of fibre and antioxidants. They’re fat-free, sodium-free, cholesterol-free, high in vitamins and minerals and low in calories. They also provide 25 percent of the required daily intake of vitamin A, which is important for vision and bone growth. Apples Providing valuable amounts of soluble fibre and antioxidants, apples are also packed with vitamin C, meaning they help manage cholesterol levels, improve the body’s immune system, help to combat diseases and infection. Bananas Just one banana provides a whopping 450mg of potassium – one fifth of the adult daily requirement. Bananas also provide valuable amounts of magnesium and can strengthen the stomach lining, ease digestion and prevent acid build-up.

2011 Issue 9 • 25

HEALTH

Healthy bodies,

healthy minds Young minds need all the nourishment they can get, which is why initiatives to feed South Africa’s youngsters and show them how to grow and harvest various kinds of food are vitally important. BY KOLOSA VUSO

26 • Issue 9 2011

hroughout South Africa many campaigns have been rolled out in the past few decades to increase food security, especially among young school-goers. These initiatives all attest to the fact that as a nation, we are invested in a brighter future for all, and that with some dedication and teamwork, we can all make a difference. A recent study by The 2010 Healthy Active Kids Report Card, published by a panel of health scientists, showed that healthy foods in rural areas cost almost twice as much as the unhealthy equivalent resulting in unhealthy eating habits. But on a positive note, the studies have also shown that private-public sector partnerships to help educators teach healthy habits and life skills to learners are on the increase.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SHUTTERSTOCK/supplied

Stellar efforts include: ■ Makro provides funding to established feeding schemes such as the African Childrens’ Feeding Scheme (www.acfs.org.za). ■ Game and CBW stores donate school container kitchens, providing immediate solutions for the hygienic preparation of food at schools participating in the education department’s school nutrition programme. ■ Builders Warehouse’s school vegetable tunnels (which are purchased from the Robin Good Initiative) provide

fresh vegetables that supplement the dry ingredients provided by the education department for school feeding (www.robingood. ws). ■ Massmart Holdings makes regular bi-annual donations to Foodbank South Africa for onward distribution to those in need.

Strength to strength Another project, which was launched 17 years ago, is the EduPlant Permaculture Food Gardening Programme, which not only ensures that school-going children are properly fed, but also teaches them valuable life skills while stimulating entrepreneurial

GET INVOLVED

Want to sign up for a workshop and get involved in this exciting EduPlant initiative? Simply get in touch with the Food & Trees for Africa office on 011 656 9802/3 or 071 865 2942, or visit www.trees.co.za

Healthy food, healthy communities.

thoughts and ideas. And it doesn’t stop there. The programme is so successful and popular that its activities have started spilling over to communities, helping them to be more self-sustaining and grow their own crops. This is how the initiative works: ■ EduPlant workshops are offered to educators all over the country, where they learn how to make a significant contribution to their schools and surrounding communities. They’re taught how to grow fruit, herbs and vegetables in an ecologically sensitive and economically efficient way, and how to transfer this knowledge to learners at their schools. ■ The workshops are run by Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) with its well-trained group of facilitators. Last year, it attracted over 8000 educators

2011 Issue 9 • 27

HEALTH

“Private-public sector partnerships to help educators teach healthy habits and life skills to learners are on the increase” 28 • Issue 9 2011

at 80 workshops across the country. ■ Funding for the workshops and the initiative comes from corporate donors, and all teachers have to do to sign up for a workshop is to visit www.trees.co.za, click on the EduPlant tab and find the workshop nearest their school. ■ Back at their schools, these educators then oversee the establishment of food gardens, and manage it in such a way that it enables schools and their surrounding communities to feed themselves as well as the most vulnerable children, who’d otherwise go hungry. “EduPlant is an inspirational programme that has changed many lives,

teaching schools and their communities how to achieve food security whilst using their natural resources sustainably, improving their environments and their health,” says Jeunesse Park, founder of FTFA. She adds that even though they do not have funding to do scientific research to quote exact numbers (so their information is anecdotal over 17 years) many schools are benefiting. Observatory Junior Primary School in Western Cape is a shining example of working together and reaching others at the same time. Gardening Project volunteer co-ordinator at the school, Margaret Rosenberg, says that since they have started with their gardening project, they have also influenced two schools and other communities to do the same. “We are currently assisting two schools to start up their gardening project and we are also helping two community groups; one of them being a group of homeless people, so we are very excited that we can spread the knowledge of organic farming,” she says. Rosenberg says they started out small in 2006, and in 2008 they entered their school garden with EduPlant and won the Western Cape provincial round.

DID YOU KNOW?

Kids need plenty of calcium for strong bones and teeth to prevent conditions such as rickets. So make sure they have a calcium rich diet by including plenty of vitamin D-rich foods – such as fish, liver and milk.

Since then they received donations from Woolworths in the form of seedlings for their gardens; they have also extended their garden and currently have three sections which consist of the seedling wall, a sensory vegetable garden and the last section being companion plants and herbs. “The kids are learning about recycling, conservation of water and healthy eating. They learn about creating a balance in nature because every insect and plant has its own purpose, they also learn about how they can use such skills and make them into profitable businesses and so much more,” says Rosenberg . Rosenberg’s role as garden project volunteer co-ordinator involves working with educators and coming up with lessons that she teaches the children, such as renewable energy lessons. She says the children are very keen on learning about their environment and her goal for the end of the year is to grow enough crops so every child takes healthy food home.

The greater good The direct benefits of gardening initiatives like EduPlant are farreaching: ■ Health benefits of fresh produce. ■ Schools contribute to their

existing feeding schemes – and in some cases, they’re no longer required thanks to the growth of their own gardens. ■ Unemployed parents and community members are given garden produce, often in return for their work in the gardens. ■ Schools generate income from recycled products, vegetables and plants which they sell to the community. ■ Schools have the knowledge to run the community outreach projects that provide food, trees and permaculture assistance for hospices, HIV/Aids patients, and unemployed persons. Schools become much more environmentally aware, which means that future generations will have a greatly enhanced understanding of sustainable natural resource use and recycling. There’s no question about it – food security is one of the most important factors for our future generations, and by enabling them to be less dependent on expensive foods and rather opt for more natural, self-sustaining solutions, the young minds of tomorrow will be blessed with healthy bodies. ■ 2011 Issue 9 • 29

SHOPPING

SHOPPING The nation’s favourite No celebration should be without our beloved boerewors – the traditional local sausage jampacked with spices like coriander, black pepper, nutmeg and cloves. For an alternative to pap, wors and sauce, try this fun recipe: Boerewors and Onion Quiche

Perfect for brunch, lunch or a light dinner, this delicious quiche made of a mouth-watering cheesy pastry and a delicious filling of barbecue marinated boerewors as the most essential ingredient will have them begging for more. INGREDIENTS Pastry ■ 300ml of grated cheddar cheese ■ 250ml flour ■ 125g margarine Filling ■ 500g boerewors ■ 250ml Knorr Smokey BBQ Marinade ■ 15ml margarine ■ One chopped onion ■ One crushed clove garlic ■ handful of rocket ■ 3 eggs ■ 250ml milk ■ 250ml cream PREPARATION ■ 1. For the pastry, mix together one cup of cheese, the flour and margarine until a soft dough forms. ■ 2. Press

SHOPPING SAVVY

Don’t buy groceries on an empty stomach, or you’ll buy way too much and many things that weren’t even on your original shopping list! 30 • Issue 9 2011

into a large, greased pie dish or two small dishes. ■ 3. For the filling, marinade the boerewors before braaing, frying or grilling it. Then slice the wors. ■ 4. Fry the onion and garlic in a little margarine, and allow the onion to caramelise slightly. ■ 5. Arrange the onion, wors and rocket on the base of the pie dish. ■ 6. Mix together the eggs, milk and cream, then pour it over the filling. ■ 7. Top with the remaining cheese. ■ 8. Bake in a preheated 180°C oven for about one hour and 15 minutes or until the quiche is firm in the centre.

BAG THIS

This year’s hottest handbag styles favour exotic and bright colours like chartreuse, orange, and hot pink. Oversized floppy handbags are a thing of the past. This year you want to choose smaller, more structured handbags – leather satchels, ladylike frame bags and small cross-body bags are the way to go. TIP > Also invest in a practical and stylish handbag in a monochrome colour – it will balance your wardrobe and can be dressed up or down.

“She’s always got every bow in the right spot and her headband perfectly placed. Tights to match her sweater, to match her jacket, to match her gloves, to put on with her hat,” says Leighton Meester on her Gossip Girl character Blair Waldorf – but she says her personal style is more fun and laid back;

“Blair’s much more classic – I like changing it up and I actually think I’m prettier without makeup,” she says.

Fashion forecast

It’s easy to acquire 2011’s most fashionable looks and with these small additions to your wardrobe, you’ll be bang on trend, every day. ■ Lines galore Stripes are big fashion news right now with the nautical look making a comeback, and the best way to wear them is on cropped tops – guaranteed to turn heads! ■ Punk it up Invest in a biker jacket and add some serious bling. The final flourish? A punk T-shirt – preferably slightly torn. ■ Make ’em purr Catsuits and jumpsuits are all the rage and can be dressed up or down, depending on your mood. But for an extra dash of playfulness, seriously high heels are just the ticket.

A GLASS A DAY Whether you’re lactose intolerant or watching your weight, there’s no reason to cut out milk from your diet. Simply find the variety that suits your health needs best:

■ Whole milk Contains 3.5 percent milk fat – the fatty acids are important for the development of the brain and nervous system. Best for > Babies once they’ve been weaned. ■ 2% low fat milk Has less milk fat than whole milk and is fortified with skim milk. A cup contains 10 grams of protein. Best for > Those who want to reduce fat intake but not neces-

sarily on a strict diet.

■ 1% low fat milk Contains less milk fat than two percent low-fat milk and is also fortified with skim milk. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals. Best for > Those on a diet. ■ Skim milk/low-fat milk Contains slightly more calcium than whole milk and lower levels of fat-soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin A. It’s not recommended for children under the age of five as they need the extra energy for growth. Best for > Adults who wish to limit their fat or kilojoule

intake.

■ Lactose-reduced milk Lactose intolerance is a common disorder caused by the inability to digest lactose, a carbohydrate found in milk and milk products. It typically causes stomach and abdominal discomfort. Best for > People

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SHUTTERSTOCK, GALLO IMAGES & GETTY IMAGES

who’ve been diagnosed as lactose-intolerant.

“I don’t ask Kate Moss for fashion tips or anything, when we’re together we’re just friends” Gothic queen turned fashion princess Kelly Osbourne.

■ Soya milk Extracted from soya beans (a plant source high in fibre), the fat in soya milk is a rich source of protein. Soya milk also provides considerable amounts of isoflavones which are known to provide protection against various cardiovascular and cancer-related diseases. Isoflavones work quite similar to the female hormone oestrogen. South Africa is the 29th Best for > Women,

DID YOU KNOW?

largest Facebook-browsing country across the globe.

especially those suffering from PMS.

2011 Issue 9 • 31

FASHION

Get the Oscars look... Academy award winners Colin Firth and Natalie Portman show us how to look your best on the red carpet – or just for a glamorous night out. Earrings R999 @ American Swiss Silver ring R999 @ American Swiss

Crushed purple dress R500 @ Donna Claire

Deep purple dress R500 @ Donna Claire

Tempo diamante watch R699 @ American Swiss

Natalie Portman’s deep plum dress was a striking mix of elegance and glamour, perfect for

accepting the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Black Swan.

Silver shoes R129.95 @ Shoe City

32 • Issue 9 4 2011 2010

Black jacket R799 @ Markham Bowtie R69 @ Markham

White fitted shirt R180 @ Markham

Black belt R180 @ Markham

PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED BY GALLO IMAGES & getty images and James Garaghty

Tempo watch R499 @ American Swiss

Black trousers R350 @ Markham

Black lace up shoes R249.95 @ Shoe City

y he every bit like the charming Mr Darc his role in The King’s Speech. Academy Award for Best Actor for once played, as he accepted the

look Colin Firth’s classic black and white made him

2011 Issue 9 • 33

RCS PRESENTS

t i h c n e Dr n you drink the freshest, he w y da atgh ei ur yo t ge Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to ntainers. Get them all at co t es ol co e th om fr er at w purest ants. your favourite RCS merch Holographic cup and juice bottle Each from R6.99

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34 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 9 2011

Water purification tablets From R44.95

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY JAMES GARAGHTY

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2011 Issue 9 â&#x20AC;˘ 35

HOME

BEFORE THE FAME

Actor Harrison Ford was a carpenter for 10 years before he turned his attention fully towards acting. “I bought a house in the Hollywood Hills, and I started to fix it up. So I got some books on carpentry, and I started buying a few tools. I realised I wasn't going to be able to pay somebody else to do this work. I was going to have to do it myself. Pretty soon, I had too much invested in tools to go out and buy any materials. So I went and got a job as a carpenter. My first job was a $100 000 recording studio for Sergio Mendes in his backyard in Encino.”

Here’s our checklist of things you can do to ensure that you can cuddle up cosily this winter:

n Clean your gutters as clogged gutters can cause water damage and flooding. n Trim tree branches so heavy rains and winds don't cause them to fall on your house or car. n If you have a chimney, get it cleaned and inspected by a professional. n Look for cracks and gaps around your house and fill them with a waterproof material so that heat isn't wasted. n Replace missing or damaged weather stripping on your doors. It's amazing how much cold air can come in underneath a door!

Did you know?

A gutter guard can help prevent clogging. You'll find them at RCS merchant Builders Warehouse.

36 • Issue 9 2011

Bathroom basics Clear away the clutter with these easy DIY tips: 1. Few bathrooms have enough places

to hang towels, but stacking towel bars behind the doors is a great way to remedy the shortage. Remember to measure the width of the door before you choose your favourite towel rails from the wide variety available at Makro or Game. TIP Make sure there’s plenty of air circulation around the door – such as an open window, otherwise your towels won’t dry!

2. Combs, brushes and toothpaste take up considerable space when laid horizontally on a bathroom shelf. Flat-backed, self-adhesive cups (available from either Game or Makro) stuck on the inside of the cabinet door are a tidy solution. TIP To ensure the door can close, put thin items on the shelves in the spots where the cups will take up some space.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SHUTTERSTOCK

Winter warmers

WE CARE! Do your bit for

the environment and save some money in the process thanks to the fantastic Freecycle Network, which keeps unwanted items from clogging up landfills and finds them homes where they are needed. From old chairs to gadgets and even clothing, log onto www.freecycle.org, sign up (it’s free) to locate the closest group to you and let the swopping begin!

DAYS OF OUR LIVES

If you’re always forgetting birthdays and anniversaries, and the calendar behind the kitchen door simply doesn’t cut it, you may need a little extra help. To get reminders of all important dates way before they arrive, register at www.memotome.com and preload all those dates in one go. You’ll never be in the dog box again!

HANDY HINTS

Before you throw away those old pairs of pantyhose, put them to some good use first: n Fill stockings with lavender and use to scent your closet. n When paint goes lumpy you can strain it through a stretched out piece of pantyhose. n Rubbing polished shoes with nylon pantyhose gives them an extra gleaming shine. n Use old pantyhose to hang-dry sweaters. You don’t get peg, or line marks on them this way. Just thread them through the arms and tie them to the line.

Did you know?

Stop a ladder in your stockings from growing by painting it with clear nail polish.

FOLD LIKE A PRO Tired of wrinkled T-shirts and sweaters cluttering up your cupboard? Then head to the kitchen and grab your chopping board. Lay the shirt down on a flat surface and put the board on top of it, with one of the short ends facing the neckline. Now fold in the sleeves and sides, then the bottom and flip the shirt over. Pull out the board and there you have it – the perfect fold!

2011 Issue 9 • 37

motoring

Upgrade from

the inside If your New Year’s resolution to upgrade your car isn’t going too well, we’ve got some great pointers to help you give your wheels a fabulous makeover from the inside out. BY HAILEY PHILANDER

38 • Issue 9 2011

Remember the rush of warm, fuzzy feelings you had when you first drove off with your current car? And has that feeling subsided a little bit since? Thankfully, there are ways to update the way your car feels without necessarily breaking the bank. And since you’ll be in the driving seat, the best way to breathe new life into your car is to tweak the inside and introduce some toys that will add to your driving pleasure.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY getty images/Gallo images & shutterstock

The GPS generation Gadgets may seem a bit daunting at first, but once you learn the basics of the niftiest modern inventions, chances are you won’t be able to imagine life without them. The same can be said for those clever little pieces of technology that use global positioning systems to tell you exactly where to park your car in that new suburb your best friend’s just moved to. GPS devices, unlike partners and backseat drivers, politely and efficiently direct you where you need to go. Touchscreen navigation marvels are part and parcel of the offering when you buy a new car today. The only snag with these fancy built-in devices is that in five years’ time, they’ll be outdated with smaller, flashier and faster models on the market. Which is why portable versions are far more popular, and equally at home in a car that’s as old as our democracy.

There are a multitude of GPS devices out there to choose from. While they all pretty much do the same thing (getting you from points A to B without the need to yell or tug at your hair), the various systems use different software packages and menus, and also boast different additional features.

Here’s what to look out for: ■ Even entry-level touchscreen devices should allow for voice commands, a reasonably sized touchscreen display, and turn-byturn directions to avoid you having to cast your eye to the device. In this category, the TomTom Start and Garmin Nuvi 1200 are popular choices. ■ Also look out for built-in maps with relevant and useful points of interest, and Bluetooth operation that 2011 Issue 9 • 39

motoring

allows you to pair your compatible cellphone and receive calls, access your contact list or search for and call places of interest along your route via your satellite device. ■ Models at the higher end of the scale typically allow for live traffic updates presented on the touchscreen showing traffic, accidents or other road conditions that may delay travel, present users with photo navigation and jpeg viewers, have world travel clocks with time zones and currency

converters for those occasions when you take your GPS overseas, and useful text-tospeech technology where spoken instructions, for instance, include street names. In this category, the Garmin Nuvi 1410 or TomTom XXL versions are well worth a look.

Thank you for the music If, however, you prefer an accessory that moves you, rather than commands you to move, jazzing up your car’s audio system is definitely your best bet. And whether your driving demeanour is elevated by listening to Tchaikovsky or Barry White, no person should have to live with inferior audio quality on their daily drives. The main things to take into account are: ■ The head unit, which is usually the most visible part of the system since it’s positioned in the centre stack. If it’s in good nick, you can spruce up your sound without having to touch it. ■ Speakers; for this, a simple speaker upgrade could include a few tweeters (to pick up those notes in the higher ranges) and mid-bass (the in-between notes which are so good for humming to) units to give you surround sound. ■ An amplifier that basically amplifies the sound generated by your head unit to make it sound louder, more powerful and increase the quality of the music. ■ If you have money to burn, consider updating your head unit to something that can play MP3s and has USB ports for plug-andplay capabilities via those nifty flashdrives, and adding a subwoofer (with accompanying amplifier) to the mix. The mix of good sound and

40 • Issue 9 2011

motoring

(hopefully) good company is sure to get the good vibes going on your Sunday cruises.

Roll out the silver screen For those who prefer audiovisual stimuli, a mini-cinema for your car might be just the ticket – it is the modern equivalent of a drive-in after all! Sure, you get those high-fliers (usually ultra-glamorous SUVs) that are sold with twin screens in the back of each headrest to keep the tots occupied with Barbie and Barney while you deal with the N1, but who says a hardworking front passenger isn’t allowed to indulge every now and again? Shop around for a simple aftermarket DVD player that has the ability to clip onto your car’s roof lining and voila – an affordable way to up your car cabin’s wow factor – and to let the person in the passenger seat have a break from reading maps! What’s more, it allows you to have hassle-free road trips without having to splash out on a brand-new car.

those tired old seats and settling into super-sleek reclining racing seats. And yes, we do mean those with the comfy extra padding – complete with electric functionality to operate the seat adjustment at the click of a button.

On the other hand, if you’re more into Driving Miss Daisy than Grand Prix, you could opt for something a little less drastic. Get your auto trimmer of choice to refurbish your car interior’s leather, cloth or vinyl upholstery. They can even spruce up the door panels, guaranteeing that your car will feel as good as new. Ranging from ultra-affordable to slightly pricier, any one of these automobile gadgets can transform your driving experience in a flash. And whether you change them at once, or gradually, or just opt for the item that’s the biggest draw card for you, your old set of wheels is bound to feel as good as new after its makeover. ■

Renovate and redecorate If you’re serious about overhauling your car’s tired old cabin, why not use the opportunity to release your inner racing driver persona, by hauling out

MIDAS Handy Hints If you notice that the temperature gauge in your car shows that the vehicle is running above normal all the time, it’s a sure sign that there is a problem with the cooling system. Do the following checks: Check the water level in the radiator. Check all the hoses for kinks, cracks or leaks. Also make sure that the clips are tight. Check the tension of the fan belt. Inspect the water pump for leaks. If you spot a problem with any of these points, get it repaired immediately.

42 • Issue 9 2011

You have really earned your holiday..

so let our family keep you warm and safe on your journey.

VEHICLE PARTS & ACCESSORIES

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AUTO-ELECTRICAL SPECIALISTS

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At all our stores country-wide, we offer not only a wide range of well known brand and house products to the motorist at magic prices, but also professional and expert advice. With over 60 franchise dealerships countrywide, we have the workshop facilities, quality auto-electrical products and the professional expertise to guarantee both our parts and labour, nationwide.

DIESEL FUEL INJECTION SPECIALISTS

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CLUTCH & BRAKE SPECIALISTS

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Diesel fuel injection is our business. With over 40 franchise dealerships nationally, we supply, fit and service the world’s leading diesel product ranges, complete with manufacturer’s warranty. At all our CBS outlets country-wide our professional staff are experienced in the repair and maintenance of all light, medium and heavyduty applications for both fleet and individual customers.

AUTO CARE & DIAGNOSTICS

www.acdworkshop.co.za

BATTERY EXPERTS

www.motolek.co.za

Auto Care & Diagnostics is a local leader in providing general vehicle maintenance and light repair services to all makes and models of vehicles.

Battery Hub offers a wide range of sealed maintenance free, heavy-duty, leisure & conventional battery brands.

Use your RCS card at any one of our outlets nationwide! MAD CH301

RECIPE

WIN! Two lucky RCS

Lifestyle readers can each win a copy of this highly entertaining cookbook. To enter, simply write to us at rcs@tenfourmedia.co.za or RCS Lifestyle, 8th Floor Tarquin House, 81 Loop Street, Cape Town, 8001. Simply title your letter or email ‘cookbook’.

CRUMPETS WITH HONEY, CREAM, STRAWBERRIES AND NUTS (serves 6)

INGREDIENTS Crumpets ■ 3 large eggs, separated ■ 250ml (1 cup) cake flour ■ 7ml (1½ tspn) baking powder ■ 200ml milk ■ 1ml (¼ tspn) salt ■ oil for frying Decoration ■ Fresh strawberries, sliced ■ Whipped cream ■ A few whole strawberries for garnishing ■ Macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped ■ Honey

PREPARATION

MOTHER’S DAY MAGIC Thanks to this delicious recipe from popular soapie 7de laan’s Lukas, you can instantly put a smile on your mom’s face – and not just on Mother’s Day! PHOTOGRAPH: BERNA COETZEE This recipe is from Cook with 7de laan (Human & Rousseau). The book contains a mouth-watering line-up of treats from the soapie’s most-loved characters and is jampacked with kitchen tales and tidbits from the cast. From Paula’s perfect stir-fries and cocktails to Vince’s snacks and salads – not to mention Matrone’s cakes and pies! – the recipes are easy to make, totally homegrown and just the ticket for memorable meals.

44 • Issue 9 2011

1. Beat the egg yolks, flour and baking powder well and gradually add the milk until a smooth, thick batter is formed. 2. Whip the egg whites and salt together until stiff points start to form. 3. Fold the egg whites into the batter. 4. Let the batter stand for at least 30 minutes. 5. Pour some oil into a pan and let the pan heat up well. 6. Pour out the excess oil and ladle spoonfuls of the batter into the pan. 7. Turn the crumpets with an egg lifter as soon as they are full of air bubbles on top and firm. 8. Fry until the other side is nice and brown. 9. Place two or three crumpets on top of each other with slices of strawberries and some cream in between. Spoon more cream on top and decorate each little mound with a whole strawberry. 10. Sprinkle some nuts on top and drizzle honey over. ■

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PARENTING

MEET THE TEACHERS Your kids probably spend almost as much time with their teachers as they do with you, so it’s crucial to develop a positive and open relationship with everyone involved in your child’s schooling. BY JACQUI LUND

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SHUTTERSTOCK

e all want the best for our children and choosing where to send them to school is a big question in any parent’s life. Of course that’s only the first step. After that there’s 12 years of encouraging them through the ups and downs of their school lives. This is where building an alliance with your child’s teachers can be really helpful. Parent-teacher meetings are the most important way for teachers and parents to make contact. Melanie Webb, the academic deputy head of Diocesan School for Girls (DSG) in Grahamstown, explains: “It gives parents a chance to actually put a face to the person who writes the report for their child and teaches them a particular subject.” She says it’s an

opportunity for parents and teachers between students, their teachers and to have an in-depth conversation their parents as the cornerstone of the about the successes or problem areas home-school relationship and says in the child’s education and it helps that it’s essential for the successful create a climate of trust between them. development of a learner’s academic “Despite the fact that reports potential. “This relationship are written for each should be developed in pupil, it’s often easier different ways during to communicate the school year, issues on a more one of which is Make a list of questions personal level the parent-teacher you want to ask the without having to meeting,” he says. teacher before the try and read between These meetings are meeting. the lines from report opportunities to share comments,” says David observations, celebrate Wright, Webb’s co-deputy successes, highlight concerns head at DSG. and develop action plans to address Jeremy Gibbon, headmaster of these concerns. Pinelands High School in Cape Town, Carol Pitt from Port Elizabeth is explains that teachers have always mother to two teenagers – 18-year-old considered the triangular partnership Richard, who’s just finished matric, and

Don’t forget

2011 Issue 9 • 47

PARENTING

“Ask to see their books, recent tests, assignments and projects so you can see what they’re learning” Sarah, a 16-year-old grade-11 pupil, and she says parent-teacher meetings are essential. “You get to know who the teacher is, how he or she operates and what is expected of you and your children.” When children are still young, schools often have reward systems in place and at parent-teacher meetings, teachers can tell parents how these work. “That’s also something you can continue in your home life,” suggests Pitt. For pupils, it’s important that their parents take an active interest in their education. “They might dread the fact their parents will hear first-hand what’s happening, but at the same time, it’s important that they see their parents involved in their education,” explains Wright. 48 • Issue 9 2011

These meetings are also helpful for the teachers, who get valuable insight from parents into children’s behaviour or actions. For example, your child might be unhappy at school because of something going on at home and your explanation will help the teacher to deal with the situation in the best possible way.

How to ace parentteacher meetings ■ Do your homework > “Prepare beforehand by discussing each class with your child and identifying what’s going well and where more support or specific intervention may be needed,” suggests Gibbon. “Ask to see their books, recent tests, assignments and projects so you can see what they’re

learning.” You should be ready to talk about anything concerning your child’s progress and performance. ■ Take notes > Take a pen and notebook to the meeting so you can take notes to refer back to – and to remind you for your next meeting. “Teachers should be able to give a comprehensive report of how the child is performing in class with specific feedback on academic and behavioural issues, strengths and weaknesses,” says Wright. They should also be able to give you guidance on how to move forward. “Sometimes you may not be aware that everything isn’t quite right and teachers won’t call you in unless it’s something major,” says Pitt. “But if you make use of the interview time and make contact even if you don’t think you need to, those things will be highlighted, and something that seems quite minor might make all the difference for your child.” ■ Play fair > In return for the teacher’s contribution, be honest with them. Tell them about anything that might be significant. “Any history that may be relevant to the progress of the pupil, study habits and medical issues could come into play. Teachers need that support from parents,” says Wright. Pitt agrees and adds that the teacher needs to be made aware of any idiosyncrasies your child might have, so they can be a

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PARENTING

little more understanding. ■ Be sympathetic > Parent-teacher meetings can be tough for teachers too, especially if they’ve got a big class or if they’re new to teaching, and you need to take that into account. “I once worked with a colleague who taught physics on a part-time basis,” says Gibbon. “One of his students at the time was the son of Professor Stephen Hawking, then the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University and probably the most well-known physicist in the world. My colleague was absolutely terrified at the prospect of the parent-teacher meeting and discussing the progress of Hawkings’ son in his humble physics class!” ■ Think positive > There might be difficult issues to approach, but

a teacher’s positive criticism about your child is not a personal attack on you. Don’t jump to conclusions or be too defensive. Rather, see it as an opportunity to tackle the issues together to achieve a positive outcome. “Ask the teacher how she might go about solving any problems and how you could maybe help at home,” suggests Pitt. ■ Follow up > A quarter of an hour is not much time if there are any difficult issues to discuss, or if you’re meeting the teacher for the first time. Don’t keep the other parents waiting. If you have more questions or need an update on a particular situation, book a later appointment with the teacher. “See the brief meeting as the start of a conversation that will continue throughout the year on the telephone, via SMS, email or next to the sports

field,” advises Gibbon. ■ Be involved > Where you can find the time, serving hot dogs on sports days or driving kids to outings shows your enthusiasm to be involved with your children’s education and gives you a chance to have more relaxed contact with the teachers, outside of the formal parentteacher meetings. You can also volunteer to be part of the school governing body. After all, they hire the teachers responsible for your child’s education. ■ Talk to your kids > Listen to what they say about their schoolwork, the classroom and the playground. See if they have suggestions about what you should discuss at the parentteacher meeting. “Chatting to your son or daughter about their subjects and relationships with their teachers will provide parents with some useful background knowledge for their meeting,” says Webb. If your child has particularly negative feelings about a teacher, they’ll probably tell you – but don’t jump to conclusions and rush in pointing fingers. “Parent-teacher meetings are usually public forums and full-scale attacks on individual teachers are inappropriate,” says Webb. Discuss the matter with an open mind and see if you can come up with a solution together. Fostering a good relationship with your child’s teachers means that when your little girl or guy heads off to school you can sit back and relax, because you know they’ll be well looked after. ■ 2011 Issue 9 • 51

RCS Q&A

Credit Buzz If you have legal questions or problems that you need answered, contact Credit Buzz.

Q A

Can my credit provider insist that I pay insurance?

ILLUSTRATION BY SHUTTERSTOCK

The credit provider can insist that you pay credit life insurance during the term of the credit agreement. This type of insurance aims to ensure that if, for example, you are permanently disabled or if the goods are stolen, you won’t have to pay the balance owing on your account. In terms of the National Credit Act, insurance must be reasonable and must not come at an unreasonable cost to you. In addition, a credit provider may offer you optional insurance relating to your credit obligations or relating to the possession, use, ownership or benefit of the goods or services received.

This type of insurance is not aimed at settling your account and may, for example, provide that for the replacement of goods that were stolen. It is therefore important that you know what

“If you already have adequate cover or if you found insurance at a better price elsewhere, you have the right to refuse to purchase a product offered by the credit provider” type of insurance cover you are purchasing. If you already have adequate cover or if you found insurance at a better price elsewhere, you have the right to refuse to purchase a product offered by the credit provider. You can then substitute your own policy, but the credit provider may request that you cede that policy to it for the term of the credit agreement.

Please note: The information provided in this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal or other advice, and merely conveys general information related to legal issues commonly encountered. RCS, its employees or affiliates do not accept any liability for damage or loss sustained by any person as a result of reliance on the information. Always consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.

You can send your questions to rcs@tenfourmedia.co.za May/June 2009 47 2011 Issue 9 •|| 51 53 2009

“an internet transfer is often far cheaper than making a deposit at the nearest branch of your bank, and also a lot more affordable than paying by cheque” 54 • Issue 9 2011

Finance

BANK LIKE A BANKER

It’s no secret that you can save a lot of money by being a bit more vigilant about your banking behaviour, although few of us actually know the tricks of this trade. RCS Lifestyle caught up with some experts and rounded up the best banking advice. By RIEKIE HUMAN

n the following paragraph, we’ll be asking you three questions. For each of them, answer either ‘yes’ or ‘no’. When you set out to buy new shoes, do you generally tend to browse around and compare the options at different stores before making a purchase? When you buy a new car, do you compare the costs of various models before taking the plunge? When you order food at a restaurant, do you check the price Here are ten expert tips to get you started: If you own a business, however small it may be, for which you need a credit card machine, make sure you have the best possible deal on that credit card facility. According to Suzette van Niekerk from Exceed Asset Management, you can halve your monthly fees by being smart about your choice. “Bear in mind that a monthly rental fee comes into play, that there is a contract fee and that you also pay an amount (up to five percent) on

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SHUTTERSTOCK

of a meal first before telling the waitress what you want? Now here’s the trick question: Do you apply the same principles in terms of banking? Because whether you answered yes once, twice or three times in the above paragraph, the principle stays the same – banking is part of your monthly expenses and only by comparing costs and shopping around for the best deals will you really be able to save on those nagging fees.

every transaction. These costs differ from bank to bank so compare prices before committing to one which may be pricier than most.” Many businesses add these bank fees to the total invoices of their clients, which can also be avoided by getting the best possible deal. “Whether you run a guesthouse or own a panel-beating shop, you can save a lot and also offer your clients the best possible

service with some shrewd planning,” says Van Niekerk.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a dab hand with the internet or not, it’s definitely worth your while to start using online banking, as you can make great savings on various transactions this way. For example, says Van Niekerk, “an internet transfer is often far cheaper than making a deposit at the nearest branch of your bank, and also a lot more affordable than paying by cheque”. She adds that cash is not necessarily king either, as fees are involved with first drawing the money and secondly 2011 Issue 9 • 55

with paying it into an account – whereas one online transfer could streamline the process, without costing an arm and a leg.

Debit orders are wonderfully simple and easy as they allow you to forget about lots of paperwork and payments, and ensure that payments are made on time. However, different banks charge different amounts for debit orders, so find out what you are currently paying and start comparing it with other banks’ fees.

Save, save, save – it’s the first thing any banker will advise you to do, even when times are tough. Actually, financial experts strongly advise saving especially when times are tough. “The fact that the world is emerging from the economic downturn is good news – but most of us have had a tough couple of years, financially, and would welcome a breather,” says Sugendhree Reddy, director of banking products at Standard Bank. She adds that a good way to free money up to clear debt – and hopefully eventually save – is to re-examine your insurance policies. “You’re probably still paying premiums on assets you no longer have or are still insured for more than the market value of your car. Once you’ve adjusted the premiums, use the money you’ve saved to either bolster your savings account or pay off debt. And just keeping working towards having more savings than debt,” she says. 56 • Issue 9 2011

If you’re a pensioner, be sure to investigate the perks available to you, and insist on making use of them. Many banks offer incentives such as low or no bank fees on certain fixed amounts in a bank account, and it’s a good idea to find out if your bank adjusts these numbers when interest rates go up or down.

Make sure you understand the difference between the various types of accounts. “Many people still don’t understand that you don’t get any interest on money

in a cheque account, so when it comes to funds which are not part of your monthly deductions, it would be far better to put it in a savings or money market account,” says Van Niekerk.

To support your medium-term goals like buying a car or putting a deposit down on a property, it’s a good idea to put your money into either a fixed deposit or a money market call account. “A fixed deposit gives you a good interest rate and you have to give notice when you want to take your money out – making it ideal for medium-term savings,” says Reddy, adding that, “a money market account can have an even higher rate, but it still allows you to access your money quickly. This is a good option for saving, but you have to be honest with yourself about how disciplined you will be about leaving your savings to mature.”

“If you’re a pensioner, be sure to investigate the perks available to you, and insist on making use of them”

Finance

Be vigilant when you open new accounts and, even though it may seem boring, take the time to read the fine print. “Often fees are involved, such as a starting fee and ongoing fees on accounts like a money market account, and these are collected automatically,” says van Niekerk. If you’re unsure, ask your banker to explain in detail what all the relevant fees are which will be deducted directly and decide on the back of that whether the account is worth your while.

When you draw cash from an ATM, do you know what the charge is for every withdrawal? You may think you’re saving money by drawing (and subsequently spending) only small amounts at a time, but once you’ve considered that you actually pay anything from R5 to R11 per withdrawal, it suddenly would make a lot more sense to rather draw one larger amount weekly instead of small amounts every other day. However, things do get more complicated the more you draw too, and at some banks, the charges for drawing R600 can be double that of drawing R500. Which is just yet another incentive to spend some time finding out exactly what deal your bank is offering you, and what every single transaction – even an ATM withdrawal – costs.

Children of bankers and financial experts tend to be well versed in the art of shrewd money management, but there’s no reason why your kids can’t enjoy the same benefits.“The lessons of money management are best learnt when young,” says Reddy. Most banks accommodate youngsters and their specific banking needs (such as the

“Having an account teaches children the basics of transacting on an electronic account – and accounts like these involve little or no banking fees” Standard Bank Sum1 account), allowing them to graduate from piggy-bank savings to formal banking. Having an account teaches children the basics of transacting on an electronic account – and accounts like these involve little or no banking fees. It’s also a great way to teach children about savings, and seeing how they earn even small amounts of interest can be a huge incentive for smart money management.

The business of banking has changed dramatically over the last few decades, and long gone are the days of hiding your hard-earned cash under the mattress. It seems that more often than not, electronic transfers are the way to go (and far cheaper to boot), and in the absence of conformity when it comes to various banking fees, shopping around for the best deals definitely pays off in the long run. 2011 Issue 9 • 57

r “Write in prope rrect o c g in s u h s li g En ar and m m a r g , g in ll spe ays lw a d n a n io t a u t punc ker” use a spellchec

58 • Issue 9 2011

YOUR CAREER

Email etiquette By pausing before you hit the send button, you can make sure your messages are totally professional and to the point. We asked some experts to unpack the dos and don’ts of work emails. BY riekie human

PHOTOGRAPHS BY shutterstock

n modern society, all kinds of unwritten rules of how we should interact with one another apply, which our parents have drilled into us from an early age. And whether you call it respect, decency or etiquette – it boils down to socially acceptable behaviour in tandem with some good old-fashioned common courtesy. Still, despite our parents’ best efforts, and despite being perfectly civil in verbal communications, most of us slip up in the email etiquette department. “It seems so simple, but it always amazes me that it’s necessary to point this out,” says Viv Gordon of Viv Gordon Placements, a recruitment agency, and adds that one of the biggest ‘no-nos’ in modern office com-

munications is the use of SMS speak and abbreviations – such as ‘gr8’. She says smiley faces and emoticons are also not for use in a business environment. “Write in proper English using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation and always use a spellchecker,” she says. Furthermore, she strongly advises against using only

Netiquette in a nutshell For more tips on how to be professional in your emails, visit these handy websites: www.emailreplies.com www.fabjob.com/tips116.html www.101emailetiquettetips.com

upper case letters – another bugbear in professional emails. “In fact,” says Jolinda Kemp, an HR specialist from Cape Town, “excessive use of capital letters pretty much amounts to the email version of shouting.” Marjorie Brody – author of self-help books such as Help! Was That a Career Limiting Move? – is a regular guest on television talk shows in the US and an expert in office etiquette. “With more businesses across the world connected to the internet and relying on email, knowing ‘netiquette’ is important – and could make or break a business relationship,” she says. Brody advises that a key part of email netiquette is to keep attachments to a minimum. “The larger the attached document, the longer it takes to download and 2011 Issue 9 • 59

the more memory space it fills on a recipient’s computer. Some email attachments may not be necessary. Consider faxing lengthy documents that might otherwise be emailed.” Or, suggests Gordon, “email the recipient first and ask permission to send big files through.”

Spam alert

In terms of who you address your email to, Gordon says it should always be to a specific person. “Don’t just write your email and say ‘to whom it may concern’.” She also strongly cautions against sending ‘chain letter’ type emails. “It’s irritating in the business world and busy professionals simply don’t have the time to read them.” Brody agrees and states the obvious when she reminds readers that very few people actually like junk emails. “When sending unsolicited emails, make sure that there is value to the recipient. If you don’t, they may very well consider it ‘spam’ (internet lingo for junk mail), and delete it unread. Whenever possible, get the recipient’s permission, or at least ensure that they know the email is coming,” she says. If you need to email multiple recipients, don’t send your email to all of them on the same email so that they can see all the names, warns Gordon. “It’s rude and makes you appear lazy. If you have many names to email, there are CMS email packages you can use to ensure that each recipient is individually titled.” In the same vein, says Kemp, avoid using the ‘reply to all’ feature and sending your opinion to those who may

not be interested. The next part of your email that should be up for scrutiny is the main body copy. According to Stoffel Goosen, a business consultant from Port Elizabeth, you might find it hard to believe but each and every email you send can actually have a tone. “Read it a few times before you send it and get rid of adjectives. For example, ‘This is a crisis’ works just as well as ‘this is a terrible crisis’,” he says. Kemp also advises that you closely watch your tone: “You want to come across as approachable, friendly and respectful,” she says. Apart from maintaining a professional and respectful tone, the content of your message should also be as clear as possible. “Structure your emails well by clearly listing your points and questions,” advises Goosen, while Kemp adds that your subject line should always

reflect and tie in with the content of your email.

Keeping track of time

Another thing to consider in your email communications is your standard turnaround time to reply to emails. If you’re on leave or away, you should always utilise your ‘out of office’ function and clearly indicate on the auto reply when you will be back in the office. “This allows the initial sender to not have unrealistic expectations regarding an immediate response,” explains Gordon. She says the norm is to respond to an email within 24 to 36 hours. “If it’s going to take longer than this, send a short email to the person who emailed you and advise them that you received the message, but need more time to respond properly,” she says. “One should, at the very least, always acknowledge receipt of emails,” says Kemp. After all, you expect the same courtesy from those you send emails to. It’s important to honour these general guidelines in

r emails u o y e r u t c u r t S “ our y g in t s li ly r a le well by c ns” io t s e u q d n a s t poin

60 • Issue 9 2011

YOUR CAREER

“Make sure you end your email properly. This means that you should include a contact telephone number after your name when you sign off ” terms of timing, and you should never phone recipients 15 minutes after sending an email, to check if they’ve received it. “If you haven’t heard from them within 24 hours, you can send another email,” says Gordon. “The recipient has work to do and might not be in a position to respond immediately.” Some emails are purely informative and do not require replies. In these cases, Brody suggests making it clear that no replies are needed. “If your message doesn’t need a response, let the recipient know.” She adds that this can save time – theirs and yours – “and stop the cycle from continuing on in perpetuity.” Saying something like ‘no reply necessary’ at the end of your message should suffice.

Most of us receive a great many work emails every day, which is why it’s important to not use this medium for trivialities – or to dodge actually doing some work. “Do not use email to procrastinate or buy time by passing the buck,” says Goosen, “and do not delay the execution of tasks by replying by email and waiting for an answer, especially if a quick phone call can finalise the matter.” When it comes to email signatures and company logos, Gordon says you should ensure that they’re part of your email message and not separate attachments. And if you’re forwarding an email – for example when there’s an attachment you need to forward to another party – make sure that the pre-

vious email has been deleted. “It might contain confidential information which is not meant for the new recipient’s eyes,” she says. Make sure you end your email properly. This means that you should include a contact telephone number after your name when you sign off. The good thing about email etiquette is that once you have the basic principles down pat, you may even find yourself writing incredibly polite messages to friends and family too. But whether it’s professional or personal, the main thing to remember is that time is precious for all of us and email etiquette very much revolves around showing courtesy for the person on the other side. You’ll see, just like good manners, it soon becomes second nature. 2011 Issue 9 • 61

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2011 Issue 9 â&#x20AC;˘ 63

BACKCHAT

Here comes the bride

’m getting married in two weeks to a wonderful, handsome man. I say this now so you know I really do think very highly of him, because I might badmouth him slightly in the next few paragraphs. Am I excited about our wedding? Extremely excited. Do I find the whole marriage business daunting? Yes. Is the planning stressful? Yes, in a pounding head kind of way. People don’t warn you that planning a wedding might well be the greatest test of you and your fiancé’s relationship. If you don’t have enough money to get someone to arrange the whole thing for you (and that’s the majority of us), it’s going to be tough. No longer do you simply book a hall, buy a pretty white dress and invite your friends for a skop. There are wedding websites, blogs and download-able checklists a mile long which show every task you must complete each month leading up to your wedding (I’m still trying to tick off items from October – worrying). It’s enough to make the Dalai Lama break into a sweat. Two months to go, I started working on my own list. Actually it’s a magic list – every time I tick one item off, two new tasks appear at the bottom. I was starting to freak out. After a break for Christmas, I began rattling off to my fiancé the 100 jobs he had to do that weekend. “Actually babe, I’m going 64 • Issue 9 2011

away for the weekend with the boys,” he said casually. “Oh,” said I, just as casually, my blood boiling under the surface. But I didn’t kick up a fuss. I wasn’t ready to blow a fuse. Yet. I spent that weekend rushing from fabric shop to shoe shop to florist. I exhausted myself and when he walked in the door looking well-rested – I flipped. No tears. Just cold, calm wrath. ‘Hell hath no fury’ stuff. “This is not my wedding,” I said through gritted teeth. “There’s two of us getting married here. Do you really expect me to organise this whole thing myself?” He looked suitably horrified, astonished at this sudden outburst. That’s when I realised it was no wonder he was confused, because the never-ending list was in my head and, as much as I’d like him to be, my fiancé is not a mind-reader. He had absolutely no idea what I was going on about.

My advice: sit your partner down after you get engaged (give it at least day, so you’ve got time to bask in the love and admire the bling) and say, “Darling, love of my life, from now until our wedding day, we need to keep this happy time in mind – because things are going to be different for a while.” This is coming from me, an organised, level-headed woman (I like to believe). So I sat him down and drew him the picture that was in my head. From ordering of rings and the colour of table cloths to the species of flowers in his buttonhole and who makes the speeches, he heard it all, step by step. We drew charts, spider-diagrams and yet more lists. Finally he looked at me with wide eyes. “We’ve really got a lot to do, don’t we?” he said. I nodded. I explained that although I might be good, I’m not actually Superwoman – and anyway, there’s no way I would wear skin-tight red and blue lycra. He just smiled and said, “I know my love, but you’re Superwoman to me.” And that was when I remembered why I’m marrying him and how I know that from now on, he’ll cut out hearts, address envelopes and discuss the minute details of table settings. Because in the end, it’s about us two, doing the rest of our lives together. We’re holding thumbs for a happily ever after. If we can put up with each other for the next two weeks, I don’t think we’ll have too much of a problem.

ILLUSTRATION BY DARKWATER ILLUSTRATIONS

Jacqui Lund discovers that weddings are not all just dreamy kisses and white dresses.

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