FASHION
GROOMING
DRINKS
DESIGN
MOTORING
PURSUITS
OPINION
N 09
the edit man
N 09
the edit man
ED’S PAGE
FASHION
GROOMING
DRINKS
DESIGN
MOTORING
PURSUITS
OPINION
Editor S h a r o n A rmstrong
Robe, R15 200; shorts R3 700, both Row-G; Kangol bucket hat, R1 200, Al Capone; chain link patches necklace, R59 500, Louis Vuitton
EDITORIAL
* PRICES AND AVAILABILITY WERE CHECKED AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. SUNDAY TIMES THE EDIT CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT PRICES WILL NOT CHANGE, OR THAT ITEMS WILL BE IN STOCK AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION.
EDITOR Sharon Armstrong armstrongs@arena.africa CREATIVE DIRECTOR Anna Lineveldt MANAGING EDITOR Matthew McClure JUNIOR DESIGNERS Carike De Jager Manelisi Dabata SUBEDITOR Benazir Cassim BEAUTY EDITOR Nokubonga Thusi FASHION EDITOR Sahil Harilal DECOR DIRECTOR Leana Schoeman FEATURES WRITER Thango Ntwasa FINAL EYE Elizabeth Sleith DESIGN HUB ONLINE EDITOR Stephen Haw PUBLISHER Aspasia Karras GENERAL MANAGER GROUP SALES & MARKETING Eben Gewers CEO Andrew Gill
ADVERTISING BUSINESS MANAGER Yvonne Shaff shaffy@arena.africa 082 903 5641 GAUTENG ACCOUNT MANAGER Letitia Louw louwl@arena.africa 083 454 1137 WESTERN CAPE ACCOUNT MANAGER Samantha Pienaar pienaars@arena.africa 082 889 0366 KZN ACCOUNT MANAGER Gina van de Wall vdwallg@arena.africa 083 500 5325 ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR Jamie Kinnear PRINTING Caxton Publishers and Printers PUBLISHERS Arena Africa, Hill on Empire, 16 Empire Road (cnr Empire and Hillside roads), Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193 © Copyright Arena Africa. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publishers. The publishers are not responsible for unsolicited material. The Edit is published by Arena Africa. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Arena Africa. All advertisements, advertorials, and promotions have been paid for, and therefore do not carry any endorsement by the publishers.
Shirt, R14 000; bucket hat, R6 900, both Gucci
5 with the ed
1. On a scale of 1-10 I am a 12 (very excited) to see the end of 2020 2. I prefer Pilates to yoga 3. My ideal superpower would be invisibility 4. My current TV obsession is Euphoria 5. I hate the colour purple STOCKISTS AL CAPONE 011 326 7573 GUCCI 011 326 7928 LOUIS VUITTON LOUISVUITTON.COM ROW-G 011 870 4267
BOSS.COM HUGO BOSS INTERNATIONAL MARKETS AG PHONE +41 41 727 38 00
TREND
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BOSS
Compiled by S ah i l H ar i l al
relaxed sportswear Sharp shoulders get swopped out in hugo boss’s most romantic collection yet, easy separates in whimsical florals
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1. Shirt, R2 799, Scotch & Soda 2. Backpack, POR, Boss 3. Sandals, POR, Boss 4. Sneakers, R4 295, Boss 5. Cap, R299, Polo 6. Knit jersey, R2 799, Scotch & Soda 7. Socks, R180, Country Road 8. Birkenstocks, R1 399, Superbalist 9. Cap Camarat watch, R12 500, Michel Herbelin 10. Twister sunglasses, R7 000, Louis Vuitton 11. Coat, R899, Markham 12. Polo golf shirt, R799, Edgars 13. Shorts, R2 299, Scotch & Soda
STOCKISTS BOSS 011 884 1437 COUNTRY ROAD WOOLWORTHS.CO.ZA EDGARS EDGARS.CO.ZALOUIS VUITTON LOUISVUITTON.COM MARKHAM MARKHAM.CO.ZA MICHEL HERBELIN MICHEL-HERBELIN.CO.ZA POLO POLO.CO.ZA SCOTCH & SODA SCOTCH-SODA.CO.ZA SUPERBALIST SUPERBALIST.COM
STREET Compiled by Sahil Harilal
Crimson
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IMAGES GETTY IMAGES/LISA MAREE WILLIAMS/STRINGER/KIRSTIN SINCLAIR/MERILYN SMITH AND SUPPLIED
IMAGES DANIELE VENTURELLI/GETTY IMAGES, HUGO BOSS AND SUPPLIED
Summer black serves as the perfect canvas as crisp outerwear is reinvigorated with brilliant vermillion
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Blazer, R2 399, Country Road
Sneakers, R6 495, Boss
Redbat hoodie, R350, Sportscene
Jeans, R899, Polo
Trousers, R899, Polo
Shirt, R699, Woolworths
Polo t-shirt, R399, Edgars
Sneakers, R6 495, Boss
Polo bucket hat, R349, Superbalist
Nike Air Max Uptempo ’95 sneakers, R1 999, Sportscene
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Polo t-shirt, R399, Edgars
Skirt, R499, Truworths
Vest, R259, Zara
Sneakers, R999, Polo
Oakley Prizm sunglasses, R3 770, Sunglass Hut
Shirt, R699, Zara
Ozone jacket, R2 499, G-Star Raw
Jeans, R899, Polo
Trousers, R120, MRP
Shirt, R799, Zara
STOCKISTS BOSS 011 884 1437 COUNTRY ROAD WOOLWORTHS.CO.ZA EDGARS EDGARS.CO.ZA G-STAR RAW G-STAR.COM/EN_ZA MRP MRP.COM POLO 011 883 6126 SPORTSCENE SPORTSCENE.CO.ZA SUNGLASS HUT ZA.SUNGLASSHUT.COM SUPERBALIST SUPERBALIST.COM TRUWORTHS TRUWORTHS.CO.ZA WOOLWORTHS WOOLWORTHS.CO.ZA ZARA ZARA.COM/ZA
TREND
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IMAGES GUCCI AND SUPPLIED
GUCCI
Compiled by Sahi l Harilal
modern masculinity Kurt Cobain, David Bowie and punk rocker Richard Hell all served as inspiration for gucci’s FW2020 show
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1. Polo golf shirt, R749, Edgars 2. Moccasins, R10 845, Gucci 3. Coat, R2 599, Zara 4. Moccasins, R6 795, Boss 5. Heritage Advisor watch, R92 350, Tudor 6. Prada sunglasses, R3 930, Sunglass Hut 7. Shirt, R3 995, Boss 8. Marni trousers, from R8 325, Matches Fashion 9. Tie, R499, Woolworths 10. Earrings, R89, Cotton On 11. Jackie bag, R25 100, Gucci 12. Chinos, R599, Woolworths 13. Shirt, R3 195, Boss
STOCKISTS BOSS 011 884 1437 COTTON ON COTTONON.COM/ZA EDGARS EDGARS.CO.ZA GUCCI 011 326 7928 MATCHES FASHION MATCHESFASHION.COM SUNGLASS HUT ZA.SUNGLASSHUT.COM TUDOR TUDORWATCH.COM WOOLWORTHS WOOLWORTHS.CO.ZA ZARA ZARA.COM/ZA
WATCHES
Text G a r y C ot t er el l Illustrations R i cha r d Becker
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tuxedo models, Longines celebrates the carefree spirit of the late 1940s. These are a modernised take on historic references designed for a time of prosperity and celebration post-World War 1. After this challenging year, wearing one of these watches could be a good omen for more propitious outcomes. In line with Omega’s pledge to “make time for the planet”, the brand continues its support for conservation projects including awardwinning documentary films done in partnership with the GoodPlanet Foundation and its founder, Yann Arthus-Bertrand, and the vital work of Nekton, a UK-registered non-profit research foundation that works in collaboration with the University of Oxford on the protection and management of the world’s oceans. The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Nekton Edition is powered by the Master Chronometer Calibre 8806. It features a laser-ablated black ceramic dial with wave relief and a unidirectional rotating bezel in grade five titanium with laser-ablated diving scale in positive relief. The watch is also certified to resist magnetic fields of 15 000 Gauss. Ulysse Nardin has a research unit dedicated to finding ways of dealing with the 9-million tonnes of plastic waste dumped into the sea every year. This year, the manufacture marks its
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s summer rolls in, sleeves will be rolling up, providing plenty of opportunity for some serious wrist exposure. But before we venture out, now more than ever, we need to be more discerning consumers and vote with our wallets for the sake of the environment and future generations. What you choose to wear, drive or eat says a lot about you — but also what you have to say about the products you’ve chosen. We need to buy less and buy better. This doesn’t necessarily mean luxury, but understanding what an item is made from and what impact it has. Well-made products, such as finely crafted mechanical timepieces, are intrinsically eco-friendly, as they are built for longevity. But many brands are also making a concerted effort to secure a better future for people and planet by building more circular economies with better design to reduce material waste, making more ethical material and labour choices and creating more diversity in the workplace. At the same time, brands can use their media profiles and financial clout to support environmental agencies or initiatives that build a more sustainable future in areas of culture, heritage and society. Sustainability is a sexy buzzword, and greenwashing monitors have their hands full to help us cut through the noise. World-leading luxury industry watchdog Good On You is a source of trusted brand-sustainability ratings, revealing just how far even the most compliant brands still need to go to bring about noticeable change. Likewise, the Positive Luxury company awards Butterfly Mark accreditations — the ethical equivalent of a royal seal — to luxury brands that meet the highest standards of verified innovation and environmental performance. This guarantees full transparency to empower consumers to make more informed choices. Tag Heuer and IWC are among the few watch brands to be given “Luxury Brand to Trust” status for successfully managing their “triple bottom line” — profit, people and planet.
SMARTEN UP From practical tool watches to enduring classics the time is now to make a more informed decision about what you wear on your wrist 7.
In a time of crisis, we also turn to the reassurance of familiarity, and if you’re spending money right now, it’s worth making a sound investment. What we seek now is security, durability and something that will live up to its promises. As we simplify our lives and make better choices, let’s give some exposure to timeless, classic style, practical, durable stainless-steel tool watches and conscientious brands making a difference. We’ve existed in a world of fast, over-connected consumerism, and it’s time to change our patterns, but also our relationship with time. Much like Michel Herbelin passed the baton to his sons, Jean-Claude and Pierre-Michel, so too can one of the French brand’s watches be passed on for generations if well looked after. As we nurse our current Zoom-fatigue and long for the pre-internet era, expect to see more interest in vintage-inspired timepieces, especially from the 1970s. The polished and brushed surfaces of the 42mm stainless-steel cushion-shaped case of the Newport Héritage Automatic (Swiss-made Sellita 11½ SW220-1 movement) enhance its blue sunray dial. Its very ’70s large day/date aperture and slender red intersecting lines are reminiscent of a compass — perfect for navigating our “new normal”. The 39mm Tag Heuer Carrera is a 160th anniversary limited edition with uncluttered retro dial featuring sporty yellow SuperLuminova-detailed hour and minute hands, reminiscent of the Tag Heuer Carrera Montreal from the ’70s. The vintage-inspired 39mm Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight received a facelift just in time for summer. After wearing the “Navy Blue” on my wrist for two weeks, this is a definite must-have for anyone’s collection, but expect to join a very long waiting list. With its new Heritage Classic
commitment to the marine circular economy with its R-Strap made of recycled fishing nets and its Diver Net concept watch. The fight against marine pollution is a priority of UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, dedicated to the sea: the case, middle, back and bezel decoration of the Diver Net are made from recycled fishing nets. The strap is woven from yarn made from PET plastic found in the sea. Since 2014, Oris has been working with the Coral Restoration Foundation, a non-profit growing and replanting corals in the decimated reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. To date, more than 30 000 corals have been planted in the Carysfort Reef ecosystem, the third-largest barrier reef in the world. The perfect companion for a globetrotting eco-warrior, the Carysfort Reef Limited Edition is based on the 43.5mm Oris Aquis GMT. It is available in stainless steel with blue sunray dial on bright-orange rubber strap, or fabulous 18kt yellow gold case on dark-oceanblue leather strap to match the dial. Innovative young French company Awake launched the Awake .01, manufactured through in-house re-engineered, biodegradable and bio-sourced materials. The case material is made from fishing nets, the straps a bio-polymer made from castor beans. Almost carbon neutral, this watch also features a Japanesedesigned solar-powered movement. Swatch has always been associated with fun plastic watches, but now it has reimagined its signature material by developing a new plastic bio-sourced from the castor plant. The new 1983 Bio-Reloaded collection is inspired by watches from the ’80s, and packaging is also fully organic and home-compostable.
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1. Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 2. Michel Herbelin Newport Héritage Automatic 3. Longines Heritage Classic Tuxedo 4. Tag Heuer Carrera Montreal style Limited Edition (160th anniversary) 5. Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Nekton Edition 6. Oris Carysfort Reef Limited Edition 7. Swatch 1983 Bio-Reloaded Wakit 8. Ulysse Nardin Diver Net 9. Awake .01
STOCKISTS LONGINES.COM OR SWATCH GROUP 011 911 1200 MICHEL-HERBELIN.COM OR LUXCO 011 448 2210 OMEGAWATCHES.COM OR SWATCH GROUP 011 911 1200 ORIS.CH OR BELLAGIO 011 784 4062 SHOP.SWATCH.COM OR SWATCH GROUP 011 911 1200 TAGHEUER.COM OR PICOT & MOSS 011 669 0500 TUDORWATCH.COM OR ROLEX WATCH CO SA 011 784 9230 ULYSSE-NARDIN.COM OR PICOT & MOSS 011 669 0500
FRAGRANCE Text : No k ub o n ga Thus i
NEWS
It’s time to find your distinctive fragrance complement, whether you choose to layer up a unique scent combo or prefer this season’s must-haves
Do take into consideration the notes Focus on layering fragrances that have similar notes, for example, two fragrances with notes of neroli. Alternatively, you can go for fragrances that are on the opposite scent-profile spectrum, such as mixing a more heady, woody scent with a zesty fresh scent, so that the notes play off each other.
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Fragrance sits better and lasts longer on skin that is hydrated and moisturised. Bear in mind that the scent of your lotion will play a part in the end result of your scent combination. If you want your lotion to add to the end layering result, then layer fragrances that complement that lotion’s scent.
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Start with the scent that you perceive as heavier or more woody or oriental as a base and apply one spray to the skin. Directly after, follow up by layering two sprays of the lighter, more floral or fresh scent. Do not give the first scent time to settle before applying the second as it will not allow for the two scents to properly blend together. Lightly press the area with the warmth of a flat palm for a few seconds to allow the scents to mix together without breaking up the fragrance molecules with vigorous rubbing.
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Mixing two fragrances that are too spicy or incense-based or fruity sweet can make the end result too overpowering — not only for yourself but also for those around you. A subtle permeation of scent is key.
2. Jimmy Choo Fettle & Frisson Gaharu Perfume Oil + Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne:
Dunhill Icon Absolute EDP: + Yves Saint Laurent M7 Oud Absolu EDT
Berdoues Collection Grands Crus Venice Beach + Berdoues Collection Grands Crus Calvi Beach:
The smoky woodiness of Gaharu and the overly lemon-zest quality of Lime Basil & Mandarin make for a strange combination at first, but the bergamot and black pepper in Gaharu complement the peppery basil notes of Lime Basil & Mandarin, resulting in a more lifted, fuller woody scent. How to mix: Base with one drop of Gaharu, layer with two sprays of Jo Malone, and top with one drop of Gaharu.
On its own, YSL’s classic M7 fragrance is an elegant yet heady scent with notes of myrrh, oud and a touch of mandarin at the top. Layer with Dunhill Icon Absolute, which not only complements with notes of exotic oud and Tuscan leather, but also lifts the pairing with bergamot, black rose and jasmine. How to mix: Base with three sprays of YSL M7 then layer with two sprays of Dunhill Icon Absolute.
A duo designed to be layered, these scents from Berdoues’ Summer Mix and Match collection create a harmonious blend of fresh and aromatic. The peppery basilcitrus scent of Calvi Beach holds its own against the smoky woodiness of Venice Beach and is also amplified by aromatic orange and clary sage. How to mix: Base with one spritz of Venice Beach and layer with two sprays of Calvi Beach.
1. Fettle & Frisson Gaharu Perfume Oil, 30ml, R1 290 2. Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne, 100ml, R2 100 3. Dunhill Icon Absolute EDP, 100ml, R2 049 4. Yves Saint Laurent M7 Oud Absolu EDT, 80ml, R1 690 5-6. Berdoues Collection Grands Crus Venice Beach and Calvi Beach, 30ml, R595 each
Urban Hero EDP, 100ml, R1 499
3. Memo Ocean Leather EDP, 75ml, R5 000
4. Montblanc Legend EDP, 100ml, R1 599
5. Gucci Guilty Pour Homme EDT, 90ml, R1 665
M O O D . E V E R Y F O R
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This Is Love! Pour Lui, 100ml, R1 325
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F R A G R A N C E S
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NOTES: Bergamot, orange
blossom, sandalwood PRESS PLAY: An easy-going scent to douse yourself in when indulging in a casual hangout, it’s not overpowering or complicated, has a lively fruity first impression and is subtle on the nose.
NOTES: Lemon caviar, black pepper,
rosewood, grey amber, leather accord PRESS PLAY: If you’re a city adventurer, hitting the open road or the rugged trail, this very zesty yet woody scent profile with a hint of spiciness is perfect for laid-back days exploring your surroundings.
NOTES: Mandarin oil, basil
essence, nutmeg, sage absolute, cedar, leather accord PRESS PLAY: Save this splurge item for when you have a special date with a pristine coastline. It’s too good to sideline as an everyday scent — beach-resort escapade, anyone?
NOTES: Bergamot, jasmine, moss
accord, violet leaves, magnolia, wood, leather PRESS PLAY: There’s no better confidence boost than feeling like yourself, but better. This reinvented classic does just that with familiar notes made more long-lasting with violet leaves, wood and leather — prepare to feel like your best self.
NOTES: Pink pepper, T H E S E
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PLAYLIST
SUMMER
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Italian lemon, orange blossom, French lavender, neroli PRESS PLAY: Pulling out all the stops? Then grab this aromatic number for a date night, or just when looking to impress. The spicy opening is elegantly rounded off by the floral notes of orange blossom, French lavender and neroli.
IMAGES SUPPLIED
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T-shirt, R800; trousers, R1 100, both Nao Serati; Kangol bucket hat, R1 200, Al Capone; chain link patches necklace, R59 500, Louis Vuitton; Red X sneakers, R350, MRP
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Shirt, R3 899; trousers, R3 999, both Diesel; Kangol bucket hat, R1 200, Al Capone
Naniki shirt, R1 700; Kota trousers, R2 500, both Application Form; cap, R7 410, Ermenegildo Zegna; Nom Nom Tacos bracelet, R1 700; Matt Mav bracelet, R4 400; Nom Nom bracelet, R8 500; Matt Mav bracelet, R2 400, all Elegance Jewellers; sneakers, R5 999, Diesel
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Shirt, R329, H&M; vest, R70, MRP; trousers, R5 200, David Tlale; cap, R349, Polo; bracelets, from left, R4 900; R6 500, both Ermenegildo Zegna; sneakers, R5 999, Diesel
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Ma Duck Talor Uniform sweater, R2 800; suit cargo 5-pocket trousers, R1 799, both Application Form
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PHOTOGRAPHY ZANDER OPPERMAN/LAMPOST PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANT LERATO NTISO MODEL MOE A/FANJAM GROOMING SAADIQUE RYKLIEF PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS SAHIL HARILAL AND NOMBUSO KUMALO
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FASHION Production Sharon Arm s t r o n g
Photography Zander Opper m a n
Hempe Ya Ma Duck Talor crotch double-collar sleeveless shirt, R2 200; Dopshai bermuda blazer short trousers, R3 500, both Application Form; monogram cap, R14 200; Taiga leather phone box, R25 400, both Louis Vuitton; from top, Roberto Demeglio bracelets, R33 500; 130 000; R33 500; Baraka bracelet, R21 200, all Elegance Jewellers
Parka, R3 895, Tiger of Sweden; shorts, R1 000, Nao Serati; bucket hat, R379, Polo; socks, R60, MRP; sandals, R1 690, Europa Art Shoes
PHOTOGRAPHY ZANDER OPPERMAN/LAMPOST PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANT LERATO NTISO MODEL MOE A/FANJAM GROOMING SAADIQUE RYKLIEF PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS SAHIL HARILAL AND NOMBUSO KUMALO
STOCKISTS AL CAPONE 011 326 7573 APPLICATION FORM BIOS@APPLICATIONFORM.STUDIO DAVID TLALE DAVIDTLALE.COM DIESEL 011 783 0882 ELEGANCE JEWELLERS 011 684 1380 ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA 011 326 7767 EUROPA ART SHOES 011 883 5354 H&M 086 069 0707 LOUIS VUITTON LOUISVUITTON.COM MRP MRP.COM NAO SERATI NAOSERATI.COM POLO 011 883 6126 TIGER OF SWEDEN 011 883 2158
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healthy state of mind governs many of Seboni Abner Makgamatha’s AKA Sir Abner Makgamatha’s life decisions and creative directions. Before pursuing a career as a noted graphic and textiles designer, Makgamatha had built a reputable name for himself in retail merchandising, thanks to his multimedia design qualification. However, just before he boarded a flight to work at a retail company in Dubai, Makgamatha realised that this opportunity would not bring him any kind of fulfilment, and so he was left without a job. After spending some time at home, he contacted local fashion designer David Tlale on a whim. Tlale responded, asking Makgamatha to create the invitations for a New York show in 2014. The rest is fashion-week history. Makgamatha’s fabrics now brighten up the Tlale brand. One of these textiles, the heritage print Native Unity, was created in collaboration with Tlale and Tastic, a significant milestone for Makgamatha, who initially created it for his late grandmother. Given his rich experience in textiles, Makgamatha, not surprisingly, decided to start his own fashion venture called Application Form. “I’m applying different art disciplines on known forms to make you look at them differently, so that it’s a new concept altogether,” he says. Application Form is a by-product of Makgamatha’s distinction between fashion and apparel. He sees the former as intrinsically linked to visual art forms, and the latter as the niche markets that govern what people buy. Not just limited to fashion, Application Form also encompasses photography and interior design. Rather than
Portrait Aust in Ma l e ma
producing seasonal releases, each collection focuses on collaborations that can be added to existing material. “We would never have reached this era that we are in now with the wave of creative artists in South Africa if it weren’t for collaboration,” he says. “We wouldn’t be able to have such strong voices. We are able to do so much with the little that we have that we are able to force the intermediary to work with us. Collaboration has forced us to forge our own table and not necessarily wait for an invite at anyone else’s table.” His most recent collection
is a sleek collaboration with Pongracz titled Casablanca Skies, Les King de Township. The collection fuses many elements of Makgamatha’s layered inspirations. This can be seen in housemusic-inspired items such as bucket hats and boxy cuts, while his preppy pieces are a nod to his grandmother, his muse. Makgamatha will collaborate with Pongracz once more for a collection focusing on visualising music through fashion. He will also be working with one of his biggest influences, actor Warren Masemola, on a new collection inspired by the award-winning icon in the pantsula TV series Tjovitjo.
Sir Abner Makgamatha
He might be known as Sir, but textile designer and art director Abner Makgamatha sure rules the partnership party
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t was as a young man, paging through glossy lifestyle magazines and poring over pictures of celebrities on the red carpet that Daniel Sher first fell in love with design. He allowed himself to draw from many different inspirations and experimented with his own wardrobe, which sometimes resulted in “odd and bizarre” fashion choices, he admits. “I used to have an obsession with football kits too. And with the choice of textiles, design and layout of the kits. It was something I loved to do. I would love to design a major team’s football kit one day,” Sher says, “even though I don’t watch sport!” Design was, however, not the first stop on Sher’s career path. He first qualified as a chartered accountant to set himself up in the business world. “I didn’t have the guts to think about what I really wanted to do when I left school,” he says. “So I chose to study something that would provide me with a solid foundational understanding of business.” And that it did.
me.plus.one. The brand was built around the concept of collaboration, where the Shers (“me”) would find ways of creating together with other brands (“plus one”). Completing his studies and running a fashion business on the side became too much, so Sher shut down me.plus.one. Not only did it give him time to complete his degree, it also gave him much-needed space to refocus his fashion efforts. “I have been fascinated with streetwear, good-quality garments, and international clothing brands for as long as I can remember. I have become deeply fascinated with the culture surrounding streetwear and the cultural and social statement that one can make with a well-executed graphic t-shirt,” Sher says. And so the Cape Town-based streetwear brand Good Good Good was born in 2016. What makes Good Good Good such a great a name for this hip and colourful brand? Sher wanted it to be a testament to the greatness of the clothing’s quality. The trio of “goods” represent the three
Blending his love of streetwear and glamour, Daniel Sher’s journey with his brand Good Good Good proves a telling journey for ethically sourced fashion But design was always there. In 2010, during his third year of studies, he took his first few steps in the fashion business. It came about through love. He met Paige Smith, who would later become his wife. At the time she had been running a fashion brand from her mother’s cut, make and trim factory. In 2012, the couple founded a menswear label called
drivers that have become integral to the design house: “good manufacturing, good textiles and good designs”. “I also wanted the name to be something that rolled off the tongue, that people could easily remember, that felt good to say — and was nice to look at,” Sher says. The print-heavy brand is never shy to use colour in playful prints and motifs, and
the current collection is all about the boxy silhouette. “Good Good Good is fucking comfortable and always sprinkled with a touch of humour,” Sher says. The fashion might be all fun in terms of looks, but the Good Good Good brand is also quite serious — especially when it comes to its dedication to ethical practices and limiting its carbon footprint. T-shirts are made of 100% South African cotton, and luxury products are mostly made
Daniel Sher
Collection
from textiles milled at Mungo in Plettenberg Bay. “We have a special relationship with Mungo,” Sher says, “and we view the brand as an integral part of our own.” The relationship is set to continue, with the two brands planning to collaborate on a homeware and lifestyle range in the near future. Sher says they’re carefully growing the brand’s supplier network too, and are currently in conversation with a weaving society in the Eastern Cape. Good Good Good also upcycles and reuses fabrics, a practice that has led to patchwork details being incorporated into some of the garments. “All our textiles make their way to our 25-year-old family factory in Maitland, Cape Town, where Paige and I and our team of seven put our hearts and souls into producing every garment.” It’s the polar opposite of mass-produced fashion — which relies heavily on sourcing cheap fabric and labour from wherever in the world, no matter how far away — which is why Good Good Good also takes pre-orders. The brand also shares the love. “We offer fabric-sourcing services to other South African brands,” Sher says. “In doing so, we are reducing the carbon footprint attached to their products.” Look out for the relaunch of the Good Good Good online store (goodgoodgood.co.za). And who knows, perhaps a bricks-and-mortar store in Cape Town soon? Sher’s keeping his fingers crossed.
SPORT & HEALTH
Text T h a n g o N t wa s a
Illustrations Manelisi Dabata
WHAT 3 FITNESS TIPS CAN YOU GIVE OUR READERS?
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Makazole Mapimpi
HOW HAVE YOU STAYED DISCIPLINED IN PURSUING YOUR FITNESS GOALS?
LET’S GET PHYSICAL
Achmat Hassiem: “You should be innovative with your food. People are turning to social media for new recipes that help them stay healthy. For example, I add bananas or blueberries to my corn flakes to get enough antioxidants in that bowl. One of the biggest problems when people try diets is that they always end up having the same thing and it bores them. But I won’t lie, there were days where I sneakily ate a packet of chips and it was just to keep me sane.” Bradley Grobler: “This might not be setting the best example but I’m not someone who sticks to a serious diet. I think it’s just about finding a balance. I enjoy a bit of junk food every now and then, but I know when to have it and I know exactly how much to have.” Makazole Mapimpi: “A lot of my teammates complain about me. I love to eat everything because I don’t gain weight easily. I don’t really have a diet but when I need to gain muscle I try to eat proper foods that also help my body feel good.” Ruan Roelofse: “I feel like lockdown did not change my eating habits. In fact, I would say it made me a better cook as I prepared way more meals at home and thoroughly enjoyed that. I have been very active my whole life so weight has never been an issue for me. I do not follow a specific diet but I do stick to three healthy meals a day, which often vary. Rusks and dark chocolate are my go-to sweet treats. My girlfriend Katie Poluta, who studied nutritional science, helps me stay on track.”
Achmat Hassiem
AH: “The most important thing was setting goals for myself. You can set big goals like getting your summer body by the end of the year or fitting into a certain pair of jeans after a couple of months. Small goals are the most important ones because they can help you get to your big goals.” BG: “I’ve really struggled the past few seasons because of some very serious injuries, and post those injuries I have realised how important it is to look after your body. My motivation has been my family and kids and just giving them the best life that I can. That comes through looking after myself and my body and making sure that I am in the best possible condition.” MM: “When I was back at home, in the rural areas, I never used to go out before any games and I would focus on training a lot. I would only go drinking after six months; it’s a habit I’ve kept. When it comes to discipline I always prioritise rugby first. I need to respect rugby first, then the team and then my career.” RR: “Staying disciplined has always been very easy for me as I believe I am very driven for what I want to achieve. My parents were both teachers and taught me very well, and I am thankful for that.”
Bradley Grobler
Ruan Roelofse
WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT, TALENT OR DISCIPLINE?
To help keep us all disciplined in our fitness efforts, we sought inspiration from recordbreaking Paralympic swimmer Achmat Hassiem; local soccer sensation Bradley Grobler; Rugby World Cup-winning winger Makazole Mapimpi; and singles and doubles tennis champ Ruan Roelofse
AH: “Discipline. Talent can be created but discipline is learned.” BG: “I think it comes down to both; I don’t think you’re going to go very far without either one. You might have a couple of good years but it’s probably going to end there. Without the talent it becomes extremely hard to make it at a high level, but without the right attitude it becomes really hard to maintain the level of professional sports.” MM: “I’d say it is discipline. A lot of people have the talent, but without the discipline you end up with bad performances. Most of the people who might not have the talent, but can manage their bodies, tend to last.” RR: “In tennis, a little bit of both is needed. I think everyone is born with a specific amount of talent, some more than others. But without discipline I do not think it is possible to make it. Discipline, day in and out, goes a long way and is very important.”
ARE THERE ANY FITNESS MYTHS YOU HAVE COME ACROSS, AND HOW BEST CAN OTHERS AVOID THEM? AH: “Don’t let other people judge you based on your fitness level. Be proud of who you are and of what you can do. Just because someone else runs 5km every day, you don’t have to compare yourself to them. If you want to get to that level one day, you will. You just have to take your small steps.” BG: “I think there are so many people these days who are looking to make a quick buck when they don’t really have the necessary knowledge of what is good for an individual. It’s very important for people to understand that there are a lot of people out there who are trying to make quick money and it could affect them in the long term.” MM: “You don’t need to do upper-body [workouts] the whole week, you can mix it up. For example, you can do legs on a Monday, then you do your upper body the next day and then on Wednesday you can do your full body, so keep combining and switching.” RR: “The fitness myth I see all the time are these apps or adverts that tell you do this or that for seven minutes a day and you will have this great body. From my own experiences, you are what you eat. Training is a big part of it, but a body is made in the kitchen.”
Achmat Hassiem: 1. Believe in yourself, that is the most important thing. 2. Set yourself small goals and lead up to bigger ones. 3. Don’t let other people get in your mind about what you need to do; be comfortable in who you are and what you want to achieve. Bradley Grobler: 1. Diet is the most important thing. Understand what your body needs to carry out what you are going to do. 2. Understand your body — not everybody can do the same amount of gym sessions or running. You have to understand what your body needs and how much it can take, otherwise you are going to start getting injuries, you won’t do enough or you might do too much, which creates tired muscles. 3. Just be disciplined, know when you need to work and when you need to recover. Makazole Mapimpi: 1. There’s a fitness test called Bronco where you can see how fit you are. It’s quick and [being at home under lockdown] you also have time to run all the time. 2. If you are at a heavier weight you should run to keep yourself sweating. If you go to the gym, add some cardio as well to help you cut weight. 3. I also have the help of a personal trainer so I would advise people to get one so that they know what they need. Ruan Roelofse: 1. Always give 100% 2. Stretch after every workout 3. Add core exercises to every workout
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f you, like most of us, are looking to bounce back to your pre-pandemic fitness levels, it’s important to get the basics down. Draw up an ambitious but realistic plan and then ensure the fundamentals are in place. Then, to continue the business analogy, ensure execution meets strategy. President Ramaphosa would be booed out of parliament if he told us he could get our economy to grow at 10% a year in the medium term. When you set your goals, they also have to be realistic: you may feel like the university heartbreaker you were 30 years ago, but the fact that he lives on a Polaroid should tell you he’s a distant memory. Fitness, strength and the trendy “body recomposition” are a journey and we can blame social media and overzealous fitness magazines for misrepresenting what’s possible in a few weeks. Of course, drugs could speed this up, but we want to be around when our grandchildren are university heartbreakers themselves. Setting goals and sticking to them is the hardest part of a fitness journey. Neil Murphy, a strength and conditioning coach, has some practical advice: “Once you know where you are going, set daily and weekly goals. Start with small goals and as you achieve them it will give you the motivation to make them a little tougher over longer periods of time.”
THE FITNESS FAST TRACK Whipping your body back into shape after lockdown is probably a little easier than doing the same with the economy, yet, surprisingly, they follow similar themes. Follow our tips to get back to business Text D ev l i n B r ow n
YOU CAN’T OUTRUN A JAM DONUT Once you have a realistic but ambitious plan in place, you must eat properly. Biokineticist Gareth Devine says it all starts with how you eat. “Your diet must be on point so that you can fuel what it is you are trying to achieve. We all eat and drink too much rubbish and need to make sure we become better with this,” Devine says in a refreshingly blunt manner.
Murphy says you should cut out the culprits one by one to make it easier and sustainable: “At the start of every week, cut out one food type that’s been holding your body back. If it’s been chocolates, stop buying them. If it’s been a penchant for white bread with chocolate spread, switch to a low-GI carbohydrate such as rye toast with cottage cheese. There’s so much good variety to choose from!” He suggests you see a professional to ascertain how much you should be eating if you really have no idea. By now you should know that Marmite is not a vegetable, and so you need to ensure you eat all your macronutrients during most of your meals.
DON’T JUMP IN THE DEEP END Devine says that before you dive into complicated exercise routines, make sure you are moving properly. “When we get older, it is important to focus on
Murphy agrees. “It is very difficult when we realise we cannot run as far or lift as much weight as we did before lockdown, or a few years ago. Be smart — there’s no use trying to squat your previous best, hurt yourself, and be out for months.”
DIARY TIGHT? CONSIDER TRAINING FASTER mobility and flexibility to allow us to move better. Most people spend too much time sitting and not enough time moving. We work on mobility with clients to allow them to work through their full range and do exercises properly,” he says. Then, ease into your training routine. “It is important to focus on the correct load and work slowly, moving forward at the right intensity and duration that’s appropriate for your level of fitness and strength. Avoid trying to start at where you were when you were 10 years younger. That will increase your likelihood of suffering an injury,” says Devine.
Many working people feel they just don’t have the time to invest in serious training. This is where high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or sprint interval training (SIT) may be compelling options, provided you have been given a clean bill of health to partake in these classes. HIIT has been around for quite some time but has enjoyed varying degrees of publicity over the years. While there’s been some debate recently about the efficacy and
safety of high-intensity interval training, Dr Mike Posthumus, CEO of the Ssisa Academy, says that in times such as these one should turn to peer-reviewed sports science. The Ssisa Academy is associated with the Sports Science Institute of SA but is a standalone digital training and education business that brings science-backed education and training to people, organisations and affiliates from around the world. “It is unclear if HIIT or SIT is better than moderate-intensity continuous training for fat loss, however it is more time efficient and has greater health benefits, which are supported by research. “The effects of even below-threshold intensities still exhibit favourable results for untrained or inexperienced individuals,” he says. “Regarding safety, there are inherent risks to any exercise modality, stimulus or format, but with the correct, science-driven rationale, planning, progressions and implementations, these risks can be mitigated, reduced or avoided completely,” says Posthumus. Murphy says once you are eating well and training hard and safely, there is a tonic you can, and should take, that costs nothing. “Sleep is by far the best recovery tool — it’s free and enjoyable. Stock up on seven to nine hours a night. Training is important; eating is even more important. Don’t forget to sleep, it is vital.”
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L OCKDOWN HAS MADE IT DIFFICULT TO STICK TO A DIET; HOW DID YOU MANAGE NOT TO TURN EVERY DAY INTO A CHEAT DAY?
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PURSUITS
Text Dram T h e Ma n Illustrations Rich a r d Be cke r
WHISKY
FESTIVE CHEERS
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Whisky, knows all about them. Two of the products he distributes release Christmas editions, but that’s where the similarity ends. g i v i n g , Paul John will sing you a carol. Big Peat leaves coal in your stocking. Both are fantastic. The s o b e s t here are stories we all know, yet few love. They lurk around corners, waiting to lock former is an Indian whisky winning big on the eyes and lure you in… before hammering home a plot line with an all-too-common g global stage, even picking up Whisky Trophy i v e conclusion: buy me. These tales are not found in books or heard in conversation; at our local 2019 Michelangelo International o m e instead they sit on every shelf of every aisle in every shop at all the malls. They are s Wine and Spirits Awards. Its Christmas Edition broadcast from posters, packaging, displays, dump bins, shelf talkers, end caps and endless differs from year to year, but is always dripping h o u g h t eye-assaulting apparatus that the Dark Lords of Marketing use to spread their wreckful words. t in festive flavours. “2018 was a typical northCome Christmas — with its claustrophobic cacophony of tinselly tropes and vapid virtue — and ern-hemisphere Christmas,” explains McBeth. t o t h e you’re longing for lockdown. “2019 is more South African. It’s mince pies Apologies, that was a bit of a “Bah, humbug!” — not the best start to a festive missive. w but with better weather, so you get more troph i s k y I should be making friendly suggestions to help you — an undoubtedly noble heart — find a speical notes coming through.” The only exprescial whisky for that certain someone. Noted. And from here we’ll proceed with a joyful heart, but y sion that combines all three of the distillery’s o u ’ r e maintain a mindful brain. Because, yeah, we all know the origin story, but Christmas circa now styles — peated, unpeated and cask-finished g o i n g is mostly about getting. So let’s get it right, and get a dram that deserves to be under the tree. — this distinct release is worth the annual wait. t o g e t I’m a year-round fan of Big Peat, not just because my face is on the 2019 Fèis Ìle tin, but, damn, it’s such a bloody candid dram. This bearded, blustering, bellyacher comes off as a bit of a shouter, but beyond the gale-force winds you’ll pick up whispers of an upfront, complex blend. Available since 2010, and at cask strength from the subsequent year, the Christmas edition contains malts from every distillery on the mythical Isle of Islay, including newcomer Kilchoman and the legendary, closed-for-now, Port Ellen. So, which do you choose? It all depends whom it’s for. “The Paul John will please more 1. 3. 4. palates,” suggests McBeth. But if you like 2. brash and bold then go Big. Or you could have 1. Bain’s Wooden Tray 2. Big Peat Christmas Edition 2020 3. Paul John Christmas Edition 2019 4. Glenmorangie A Tale Of Cake your cake and drink it. That’s exactly what Glenmorangie wants you to do with its latest anecdotal expression, A Tale of Cake. From the mad mind of maverick Dr Bill Lumsden, As always, it’s good to start close to home. Here, amidst the clamour and clutter, you’ll find an the distillery’s director of whisky creation, it targets the sweet tooth, cajoling it with promises of unsung hero, in an understated state, telling a tasteful tale. The whisky is Bain’s, a South African lush, multi-layered delights. The question is: could one actually mistake it for cake? It’s more of star that has won countless awards at blind tastings around the world. It’s a grain whisky. Un- an “ode to” than a “tastes like”, so don’t expect a slice of dessert, but it’ll pair beautifully with usual. But what’s unique is its double maturation in first-fill casks, something that has given its a range of Christmas treats. Plus, it’s packaged so elegantly that you could save yourself the gifting a twist over the years. As Rowan Ellappen, South Africa brand manager for Bain’s, puts it: trouble of wrapping and just gift it as is. “We celebrate wood.” And to capture that this Christmas, the box that usually houses the bottle Another novel Noel nicety is the whisky advent calendar, allowing you to tipple the time away is no longer. “It’s a wooden tray,” explains Ellappen. “Instead of it being part of the packaging, with daily samples as you count down to the big day. Online store Master of Malt stocks a range it is the packaging.” It’s a superbly subtle touch: less litter for landfills and a light look that pays of Drinks By The Dram, clever, cute cardboard doors that open to reveal tasters from various homage to the whisky’s bourbon casks, as well as the Cape mountains and fynbos that are distilleries, regions and independent bottlers. synonymous with the brand. And with that, this story comes to an abrupt end. If it hasn’t warmed your heart, I sincerely Yearly yuletide releases are a big thing and Hector McBeth, owner of importers McBeth On hope your choice of whisky warms someone else’s. Scrooge out.
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MOTORING
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ost established motoring journalists have long-term test cars. I had one once. It was a 2013 Honda CR-Z and it arrived at my office with 200km on the clock. It was brand new, and mine for one whole year. In return I wrote monthly updates about the ownership experience in the belief that potential CR-Z owners (I’m guessing there must have been about five of them) could read my write-ups and decide whether or not this semi-sporty Honda hybrid was indeed for them. It was interesting. Especially when Honda forgot they had lent it to me and the quirky two-door hatch spent an extra six months in my garage. Since then, I haven’t gone down the long-term test car route again. Possibly because, in this day and age, most modern cars are built so well and operate with such polish that there’s often not much to write about after month three. You start scratching your head about what to pen and, as such, start criticising niggly things such as the shape of the cup holders and the colour of the stitching. Because, well, you’ve got to write about something. Although the main reason why I don’t try to barter for longterm steeds is that, when I have time off from my test schedule, I enjoy getting behind the wheel of a vehicle I own: a car with which I can do what I like, when I like and without the burden of expectation. It’s a return to freedom. Now for as long as I can remember I’ve always owned two cars. Not out of choice but out of necessity. Why? Well because one of them is an old Porsche 911 that I inherited from my father. I didn’t buy it with my own money (never in a million years could I on a journalist’s salary) and I struggle at the best of times to save the cash required to repair, maintain and even fuel it. I guess you could say that I keep it for sentimental reasons — if it hadn’t belonged to my dad I probably would have sold it by now and replaced it with a cheaper-to-run
sportster such as a Mazda MX-5 or Toyota 86. Yep, it’s a financial labour of love; an expensive heirloom that spends most of its life in the garage. Humans are strange creatures. I have always kept a more modern but slightly rough-around-the-edges “beater” to use as my main mode of transport when there are no test cars pencilled in my diary. And over the years I have been through a few, including an Opel Corsa Lite, a Toyota MR2 and a Daihatsu Materia Turbo. The latter was one of my favourites. Flawed, yes, but a real hoot to drive and capable of accommodating the trappings of all my many hobbies. Bicycles.
Drum kits. PA systems. Hell, I even moved house with it twice. I’d probably still have it now if I hadn’t sold it to a friend at the beginning of the year in the hope that I could use that money as a deposit to buy a friend’s Volkswagen Cross Up! Unfortunately, Covid-19 struck, my side-hustle withered and died and, with it, all prospects of future Cross Up! ownership. Faced with this grim reality and a future that read somewhere between the plot lines of Outbreak and 12 Monkeys (or possibly even 28 Days Later if you took credence in some of the lunatics on YouTube), I decided that the 911 would be my primary vehicle. Hell, if Magnus Walker could pull it off, so could I.
SO I BOUGHT A CHEAP ITALIAN CAR… Text Th om as Falkine r
Sometimes the sentimental choice isn’t the smartest
Well, after barely squeezing 400km from its 80-litre tank it became obvious that I couldn’t. These flames of doubt were further fanned by a fuel pump failing in my friend’s driveway followed by a DIY installation of a new one that saw a jack slip off a torsion bar and punch a hole in the car’s belly pan. After the wave of panicked nausea subsided, I hit the classifieds in search of something to replace my beloved Materia. I looked at a Toyota Camry in the bowels of Vanderbijlpark, an overpriced Renault Twingo RS in Pretoria and a depressing Peugeot 108 on a windswept street out in Randburg. Eventually, I did something completely out of character and went Italian. After a test drive and some haggling, I contradicted decades of naysaying and drove home in a Fiat 500 1.2 with 100 000km on the clock. Not — as one of my macho male friends cheekily joked — as a “coming-out present” but because at the price (R70k) it ticked many boxes: simple underpinnings, good fuel economy and, thanks to Fiat’s reputation, limited theft risk. Most importantly the 500, I believe, exudes a modicum of class and sophistication, thanks to its retro design. Even a 10-year-old example such as mine says, “I may be skint but I have a sense of style.” Anyway, after the inevitable buyer’s remorse wore off, I treated the Fiat to a major service, changed all its oils and fluids and headed to the Cape over a long weekend as soon as interprovincial travel had been reinstated. And, aside from a slightly hissy air-conditioning system, it made it there and back without breaking down. It also averaged 5.7l/100km, which made my credit card smile. Even now, with nearly 5 000km added to its odometer since I bought it, I’m pleased to report that no oils have been leaked onto my driveway and, amazingly, all electrical systems remain operational. Maybe this is a fluke. Maybe it isn’t. Maybe Italian cars aren’t quite as crap as people make them out to be. Maybe they are. Either way, I’m sure to find out. For the time being at least, long may the good times continue to roll. Ciao.
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TRAVEL
Text Leana Sch oeman
Photography Adam Letch
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Inside out Each interior and exterior space is an experience in itself, with every element complementing one another in a unique and considered way. “We wanted to design pieces that felt like an internal landscape, using materials that have inherent value and beauty which evolve and improve over time in the same way that this process happens organically in the external landscape,” explains Adam Court, head designer of OKHA. ARRCC director Jon Case says that he chose to work with OKHA because of their
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5-6 Bronze wild dog sculptures by Gail Catlin are positioned at the arrival courtyard of the Mapogo House, leading into a spectacular space overlooking a large watering hole rich with diversity. A leather-clad armchair, wooden drum-shaped side table together with custom Iroko wood and brass assemblages create a visible connection between interior and exterior.
Safari reloaded Even though I had the privilege to grow up in the countryside with regular access to the bushveld and surrounds, I cannot take spending time there for granted and I never miss the opportunity to go on a game drive. Traversing across the African plains, with their rich biodiversity and wildlife, while watching the sun rise or set has to be one of my absolute favourite things to do on this Earth. The lodge’s recent introduction of the first-of-its-kind electric game-viewing vehicles, which allow for more intense game viewing due to their zero-emission quiet hum, plus extra-comfortable seats crafted to perfection with the help of Van Niekerk himself, have made me a lifelong fan. Almost the entire property prides itself on being completely off the grid. “We’ve partnered with some of the world’s pre-eminent minds in the renewable energy field to provide clean energy solutions that drive both our hospitality and safari experiences here. Harnessing the power of solar energy to provide us with a reliable, renewable energy source and the use of grey-water recycling systems ensures our water consumption on the property remains as frugal as possible,” says Van Niekerk. We stayed in the house situated on the furthest side of the property overlooking a large watering hole. It offered an endless variety of birdlife, regular activity from the hippo family residing in its calm waters and an oasis for many other wildlife species. The perfect African version of paradise reimagined. Not to mention the wonderful culinary delights, perfectly complemented by a vast collection of the best South African wines from our own private cellar served by the casual, yet attentive, hosts. These touches are just a few of the reasons why Cheetah Plains was recently awarded Best Global Luxury Bush Villa at the 2020 World Luxury Hotel Awards. The private suites are spacious and luxurious, offering various pause areas to indulge in the views and sounds of the bushveld surrounds. Large glass sliding doors smartly placed throughout disappear almost completely, opening up the space while allowing you to be fully submerged into the tranquil surrounds while reading or taking an afternoon nap. The stunning suite, complete with an expansive bathroom, dressing room, lounge and outdoor area, is perfectly rounded off with luxurious fabrics and details, making the experience extra special and memorable. Cheetahplains.com
The scenic pool pavilion of the Mapogo House, created with sculptural raw rusted steel, filters dappled light through its cantilevered branches. The seamless boundaries between interior and exterior immerse guests in their environment rather than placing them on a platform, reduced to mere spectatorship.
Concrete facts The sleek and almost brutalist concrete architecture of the property creates incredible contrast and tension against the unique textures and tones of the lowveld bushveld. The skilful use of concrete, steel and copper elevates the structure to an almost museum or gallery-like look and feel. After dreaming of this place for a few years, owner and founder Japie Van Niekerk approached friend and world-renowned local architect Stefan Antoni from SAOTA to recreate his dream destination. With the help of the teams from interior-design studios ARCCC and OKHA, this luxury lodge was created. A place where attention to detail is maintained in a true and unpretentious way that makes Van Niekerk and his collaborators’ high standards for beauty and quality evident throughout. The property consists of three exclusive private residences, each consisting of a main entertainment area with a formal lounge, living room, heated pool and sun deck as well as a dining room with chef’s kitchen, complete with a wine cellar dedicated to the allocated group of guests. Each residence can accommodate four to eight guests, allowing for families or a group of friends to have complete privacy throughout their stay, including daily safari excursions. “My vision for the Cheetah Plains houses has always been to provide our guests with the perfect layout and design elements for exclusive family and group travel. This is how I personally love to vacation with my family and friends. Feeling part of the magnificent surroundings, making memories of a lifetime with loved ones and also enjoying the benefit of privacy,” says Van Niekerk.
“distinct ability to connect to a deeper narrative. They are rooted in Africa but always have their eye on an international aesthetic that is unique, and they are connected to artists and craftsmen who help to give the furniture a handcrafted feel which was so important to the overall language of Cheetah Plains.”
The angular architectural lines of the entrance and arrival courtyard to Karula re-invent traditional safari-style architecture in design. The creative use of raw materials merges the architectural forms and landscape seamlessly from inside out, with complementary warm and earthy tones.
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very now and then a rare, magical event occurs when brilliant, like-minded beings join forces to create something so extraordinary that it makes everything else before seem dated or even unconsidered — the perfect synergy. Cheetah Plains is the perfect example of such a miracle. Situated in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, this brand new, “one-of-a-kind” eco-luxury bush villa has managed to raise the bar substantially. This celebration of architecture, sculpture, art, design and nature flawlessly combined to complement each other in a powerful and compelling way is what sets Cheetah Plains apart from the traditional luxury safari lodge.
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7 A William Kentridge artwork hangs proudly in the entrance of the Mapogo bush villa, complemented by an OKHA custom timber server, candlesticks and circular mirror. The interiors are understated with nuances of the exotic–patterned fabrics, aged leathers andwood grains, offset with golds, bronze, rich blacks and panes of glass.
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INTERVIEW
Text S i p h i we M pye
Portrait Pumla Gobodo Madikizela
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rofessor Kopano Ratele is an author and academic in the fields of psychology and masculinities. He is the director of the South African Medical Research Council’s Men, Injury and Violence Research Unit and professor at the University of South Africa (Unisa), where he runs the Transdisciplinary African Psychologies Programme. His academic and mainstream writing and commentary — for over 20 years — have launched countless men on a journey towards a more nuanced and positive masculine existence. His 2016 book Liberating Masculinities is a lightning rod in this work. Looking back to a young Kopano at Katlehong High School (in the ’80s), where did you fit in? I liked soccer, like a lot of young men, boys, people in townships. I hung out at many points in my life with some rough young men, boys back then, what you might call abotsotsi. I also grew up in a family that was quite devout — Christian, Pentecostal basically — but I was also bookish. The guys who were popular with the girls, I hung out with them too. I had a range of groups in which I was not central but hung out with and that might be one of the things that opened me to the possibilities: I could make choices about whom I really felt at home with. How old is your son? When you look at him and compare him to yourself at the same age, in what ways are you similar or dissimilar to him? Eleven-and-a-half. One of the things that is different is that he is growing up as what you would call a digital native. He is absorbed in technology: Fortnite, YouTube; even at this age, he knows stuff that I am surprised he knows about. We are the same on this, but he reads much more than I did [at that age]; he can’t sleep without reading. But I think we have something to do with that. Even before he was born, in his mother’s womb, we would read to him. We would play music. He is a voracious reader — he gets five books a week from his school. He is now reading a series called Max Einstein. He hasn’t been playing soccer since March, but he does, [although] he does not have as absorbing an interest in sport as I had, so there’s a bit of difference there. You can instil certain values in your children, but the world out there is very likely different. For an 11 year-old to navigate that world — where there is this dissonance between what he is taught at home and what confronts him out there — how does that affect how you father him? At certain moments, every few years, I say to my partner, “Let’s leave, let’s go to Saskatchewan or somewhere where if a moose dies, it’s big news.” I am so afraid for him. If a violent death happens to him, I can’t survive, I know that now. We tell him: “You are a beautiful black boy, the world is going to push back at everything that is beautiful and kind about you and here is what we think you should think in these cases. Listen, remember when someone is nasty to you it is very often about them. They may be hungry, actually, a simple thing like hunger. They may not be aware that they are hungry and are frustrated and it comes out. They might have been made angry by something else, so remember that.” Like many middle-class parents, you take your child to school and you listen to the news and they say they have just killed a black man and he starts crying. “Why do they do this to black people, why dad? Are they gonna shoot me?” The next day, it’s about corruption, we get into that. The next, we get rape: “Why do people do this to others?” he asks. It’s great that he has this capacity of recognising that at this moment I am afraid. That’s one of the most important things you can teach your children — to recognise their feelings and articulate them. While I am doing all the fatherly things: “Make your bed, do your homework, wash the dishes,” at certain moments — many moments — I am consciously thinking, “Ok, this is the moment to let him cry.” What are the different stages you have gone through in thinking about your own father, his absence and where you are now? When I went to varsity, I hadn’t seen him for a long while — maybe 10 years. I would find him and say, “I have just got into varsity and need money to register.” I went maybe three times. I would get into three taxis to get to him and he didn’t give me
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The full interview will soon be available on The noted.man podcast: notedman.com, Spotify and iTunes.
Professor Kopano Ratele spoke to Siphiwe Mpye about violence, his relationships with his son and his own father, and how to remain steadfast against a raging storm
FINAL WORD
I
read a story a while ago about a woman who was killed by a pack of dachshunds. You may well laugh, as I did, but it’s a true story. It happened somewhere in Oklahoma, which is not renowned for its “intelligent life” and, to be fair, the dogs had been living in the woods and some were said to have had a bit of terrier in them. But still… If you’ve ever seen a dachshund you’ll know how difficult it is to picture a dog less likely to dash. In fact, you could just as easily pat one as you could make a hotdog out of one. A portrait of a killer it is not. But what struck me as funny, in a tragic sort of way, was that I can’t for the life of me imagine a less glorious way to die. “Here lies Tracy Garcia, 52,” beneath an epitaph that reads: “Death by Dachshund!” I mention this only because, in these strangest of times, it’s hard not to think about death and the manner of it. And also because the theme of this issue is about “being your best
DEATH BY DACHSHUND
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ON MASCULINITY: KOPANO RATELE
any money. I would be angry, frustrated. At a certain point I just dismissed him: this man was not interested in being my father. He had other children at that point, he had remarried. Much later, [it became] a sense of pity. I really would not want to be him, a terrible thing really, he has missed out and he is in his late ’70s now. And my mother would send me pictures and I would ask, “Why do you send me these, he doesn’t look good.” There is probably a fourth stage — and I don’t think I am going to go there — which is going to him and telling him: “Look man, you missed out and I am sorry for whatever it is that bugged you and you didn’t see it.” We are the products of our own backgrounds, our own history, and I am sure he has a history that brought him to the point where he couldn’t see the benefit of having children. How do you keep from being despondent when you are doing all the right things (towards positive masculinity) that you do in your own sphere of influence, and then it seems like the world has not moved at all? If you google “protest” in South Africa, you will see a placard [saying] “Men stop the violence”. How do you stop? Stopping is a hard thing. As a child, your grandmother or mother would say it’s your turn to wash dishes and you complain. The backs of your legs are itching, a sign that this is frustrating work. Now, washing the dishes is one of the things I do to get into a space thinking about what is going to happen today. It’s like a Zen moment and you do it all the time and it becomes part of your practice. So similarly, you don’t see the effects of what you do for broader society; it certainly [makes a difference], but it’s a droplet. Lately I have been articulating it like this: we are in a storm, in the middle of a raging river, and we can’t turn back. The storm is raging so much, you have to hold on. It’s going to sweep you up onto the rocks but if you turn back, it will still [happen] so you may as well carry on. Similarly, you have to hold on, hold on to the stuff that keeps us going. There is a fight for hegemony — what are the values that are going to rule in society? Are these the values of care, kindness, equality? But we are not there, we are not on the New Zealand side of the bank, but we are also not where Libya was under Muammar Gaddafi. Even though many times I despair and know that it may not happen in my lifetime, we are certainly getting to a society that is empathetic [and] caring.
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man”, and perhaps dying well is the best measure of having lived well. I know I don’t want to die by dachshund, and I don’t want to die by Covid either. I take comfort in knowing that my most wayward friends have been touched by it and left unscathed, but I also know that the virus can copy itself in capricious ways — and I don’t want a genetic update to find me wanting. Intubation, from what I’ve been told, is not for the faint of heart, and the idea of checking out on Zoom just makes the whole matter more excruciating. “Hello! Can you hear me? Hello! Can you hear me? I’m not dead yet. It’s just bad Wi-Fi. Hello… Is 40 minutes up already?” To have one’s last moments hanging by the thread of an unstable connection, though perhaps apt, seems a cruel twist on a happy death surrounded by loved ones. I don’t want to die of old age either, for that matter. For the lucky few it may well be a “happy autumn” or some slow summer dusk, but for
most it appears to have little to recommend it. And I’m not just talking about the indignity of adult nappies, or the broken bones and the Zimmer frames, but rather that slow inexorable slide into delirium. Philip Roth had it right when he said, “Old age isn’t a battle: old age is a massacre.” Ok, bring on the dachshunds. I also don’t want to die by accident, by an errant bullet, a bolt of lightening, or a chicken bone swallowed wrong. Mostly, I don’t want to die in a car crash. Not only are they messy, and unnecessary, they are also too sudden. In fact, I can’t fall asleep in a car because I don’t want to wake up dying. I want to see my death coming and have a say in it, not come to, bleeding out. To die with a hard-on used to be considered a fitting way to shuffle off this mortal coil, but I don’t think cancel culture allows for that these days. And, in truth, it is hardly a conscious death — though I may be doing it wrong. No, a hero’s death is a far better way to die, in the service
of others. If I could choose, I’d like a grand death in defence of a noble idea, in the manner of Socrates, perhaps. But, sadly, I lack the courage of my convictions, and have fewer by the day. So perhaps then for me, if it were not going to be entirely prosaic, it would have to be a fight to the death, a primal dance full of sound and fury, and if it were going to be heroic, it would have to be a fight I went into knowing that I was going to lose. I like to imagine facing off against a giant beast (which strangely, seems more natural than facing off against another man, though less probable). And I’d like to think that this battle would echo others down the years, right back to the dawn of “man” when we were still hunted by such things. That, for me, would be going out with a bang. But in truth, I fear the whimper. I’ve lived long enough to know that I might plunge into a little skirmish I fully expect to win, only to lose. Ah, the indignity of death by dachshund…