High-Flyers June 2024 Edition

HIGH-FLYERS

Gerotek provides accredited test services

Gerotek Test Facilities (Gerotek), an Armscor subsidiary, is an internationally accredited multidisciplinary facility offering various ISO 17025-accredited tests. The facility primarily aims to meet South Africa’s needs in the testing of defence-related and commercial vehicles and products

Gerotek’s well-maintained facilities are located just 20km west of Pretoria in Gauteng Province, a 520ha site designed and built according to international standards to offer unparalleled technical and service excellence to local and international markets.

WHO WE SERVE

Gerotek offers world-class ISOaccredited and certi ed facilities and services to both local and international clients to test and evaluate the performance of their vehicles and products. Services are designed to cater for the exact requirements of clients and to meet and exceed customer expectations.

SERVICES OFFERED

• Vehicle and product testing: Gerotek offers ISO 17025-accredited testing that adheres to international standards to promote repeatability and accuracy of tests. It offers a broad range of vehicle and product testing services, including vehicle characterisation, endurance testing, evaluation/quali cation of electronic, electrical and mechanical systems and components, fatigue testing and analysis, electromagnetic compatibility, antenna testing, and so forth.

• Advanced driver training: Gerotek’s advanced driver training focuses on safe driving practice in a safe, controlled environment

under expert supervision. Training interventions on offer include defensive-, advanced-, high performance-, offensive- and 4x4driver training. Gerotek advanced driver training offers TETA- and SASETA-accredited and other noncredit-bearing driver training courses.

• Facilities hire: Gerotek’s wellmaintained venue is suited for work and play. It is a unique venue for conferences, product launches, seminars, team-building activities, exhibitions and on- and off-road test tracks. It has an accredited shooting range, and much more. Gerotek facilities are ISO 14001- and ISO 45001-certi ed.

• Events, recreation and conferencing: Gerotek’s event services are tailored to clients’ unique needs to enable corporate clients to get down to serious business in the conference venues and then have fun outdoors as they take advantage of the many recreational pursuits the facility offers.

• Restaurant and catering: the African-themed Sidibane Restaurant venue offers excellent catering facilities to suit any occasion, from a

For more information:

+27 (12) 371 2000/2065/2059/2052 +27 (82) 800 5932 info@gerotek.co.za www.armscor.co.za

relaxed cocktail party or a spit braai to more formal events.

JUNE–AUGUST 2024

7 Sleep out

Discover the extraordinary in the heart of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve; and immerse yourself in the wonders of the Cape Peninsula’s penguins, fynbos and towering boulders.

HIGH-FLYERS

Picasso Headline,

A proud division of Arena Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Hill on Empire, 16 Empire Road (cnr Hillside Road), Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193 PO Box 12500, Mill Street, Cape Town, 8010 www.businessmediamags.co.za

EDITORIAL

Content Manager: Raina Julies rainaj@picasso.co.za

Contributors: Keith Bain, Murray Hewlett, Arlene Jocelyn, Shereen Lurie, Nia Magoulianiti-McGregor, Thami Masemola, Nicole Sherwin

10 Dining

Dinner at the door ... cooked and ready to heat and eat.

12 Swartland roaming

Back to black: a trove of lesser-known wine farms and a chance to taste your way through some of the country’s nest olives.

14 Frenching around

Quelle beauté: if you’re chasing summer, here’s a selection of beauteous places beyond Paris.

16 Travel stay

The President Hotel is a must-stay when exploring the sights of Cape Town, and you can kick back and be pampered there, too.

18 What's on...

A roundup of what to do and where to go in and around Mzansi for the entire family.

Copy Editor: Brenda Bryden

Content Co-ordinator: Natasha Maneveldt

Digital Editor: Stacey Visser vissers@businessmediamags.co.za

DESIGN

Head of Design: Jayne Macé-Ferguson Senior Design: Mfundo Archie Ndzo Advert Designer: Bulelwa Sotashe Cover images: supplied

SALES

Sales Manager: Richard White

Tel: +27 83 229 4040

Email: RichardW@picasso.co.za

Sales: Stephen Crawford, Robert Skeen

PRODUCTION

Production Editor: Shamiela Brenner

19 Quick fire

Reclamation: legendary SA musician Thandiswa Mazwai has just released Sankofa, her much-awaited, very personal album.

20 The kids corner

Youngsters changing the world; holiday favourites and activities; and gaming and the challenges and potential of e-sports.

23 Wellness

Air travel health tips; and savouring the tastes of winter for optimal health and skin glow-up.

26 At home

A selection of mirrors artfully placed to brighten up your home.

28 Motoring

We take a look at some technologies found in modern cars.

Advertising Co-ordinator: Johan Labuschagne

Subscriptions and Distribution:

Fatima Dramat fatimad@picasso.co.za

Printer: CTP Printers, Cape Town

MANAGEMENT

Management Accountant: Deidre Musha

Business Manager: Lodewyk van der Walt

General Manager, Magazines: Jocelyne Bayer

COPYRIGHT: Picasso Headline.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. HIGH-FLYERS is published by Picasso Headline. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Picasso Headline. All advertisements/advertorials have been paid for and therefore do not carry any endorsement by the publisher

DISCOVER THE

Arlene Jocelyn shares the attractions of Welgevonden Game Reserve and Mhondoro Safari Lodge and Villas

estled within the heart of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in South Africa lies a sanctuary of unspoiled wilderness: Welgevonden Game Reserve. Here, amid the rugged landscapes and sprawling savannas, travellers are invited to embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Africa's natural wonders, and yet, only three hours’ drive out of Johannesburg.

At Welgevonden, adventure awaits at every turn. Whether you're gently traversing the bush on a game drive or leisurely exploring along tranquil pathways on a serene bush walk, each moment promises to ignite the senses and awaken the spirit of exploration.

For wildlife enthusiasts, malaria-free Welgevonden is a paradise beyond compare. Home to the legendary Big Five and a myriad other captivating creatures, the reserve offers unparalleled opportunities for close encounters with some of Africa's most iconic inhabitants.

Yet, Welgevonden is more than just a haven for wildlife; it's a place of profound connection with the natural world. Here, in the untamed beauty of the African wilderness, visitors can rediscover the peace and tranquillity that only nature can provide.

And when the day's adventures draw to a close, luxurious accommodations await, providing a sanctuary of comfort and re nement amid the rugged terrain. With expert guides on hand to illuminate every step of your journey, your exploration of Mhondoro Safari Lodge and Villa is destined to leave an indelible mark on your soul. So, pack your sense of wonder and prepare to embark on a safari experience unlike any other, where the spirit of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire.

Mhondoro Safari Lodge and Villa The lodge features spacious suites and a private villa designed for relaxation and indulgence, combining contemporary elegance with safari charm.

Guests can enjoy curated experiences such as game drives, bush walks and wildlife photography sessions to explore the diverse wildlife of the area. After a day out, relax at the wellness spa, savour gourmet cuisine, or unwind by the in nity pool with views of the African plains.

Mhondoro Safari Lodge and Villa is not just a safari destination; it is a sanctuary of luxury and tranquillity where guests can reconnect with nature and create lasting memories. Whether it's a romantic getaway or a family adventure, Mhondoro offers an unforgettable safari experience in Africa.

Conservation Mhondoro is dedicated to preserving the natural environment and wildlife of Welgevonden Game Reserve through sustainable practices and active participation in conservation projects. Mhondoro is also completely off-grid.

Why Mhondoro?

1. Underground waterhole hide: immerse yourself in wildlife viewing with the underground waterhole hide that connects to the main hotel via a tunnel, providing unparalleled photo opportunities and thrilling encounters with wildlife.

2. Stargazing deck: explore the African night sky from the dedicated stargazing deck, equipped with a state-of-the-art telescope and guided by knowledgeable staff.

Mhondoro Safari Lodge and Villa

PENGUINS, FYNBOS AND

In search of winter bliss by the sea? Embrace the coastal luxury at Tintswalo Boulders. By Raina Julies

estled on the Atlantic Ocean's rugged shores, Tintswalo Boulders offers travellers a luxurious seaside experience in Cape Town, even in winter. This boutique hotel provides a tranquil escape amid the Cape Peninsula's natural beauty, where the coastal scenery takes on a new charm in the crisp winter air.

Perched by the ocean, Tintswalo features elegantly designed suites, each offering warmth and comfort during the cooler months. Guests can stay cosy with crackling replaces, plush furnishings and heated oors while enjoying stunning views of the ocean and towering boulders.

Beyond its luxurious accommodations, Tintswalo invites travellers to embrace the charms of winter. Just steps away from Boulders Beach, guests can watch African penguins play in the chilly waters, a heartwarming sight in the quieter winter season.

For adventure seekers, Tintswalo is an ideal base for exploring the Cape Peninsula's winter wonders. From scenic drives along Chapman's Peak Drive to exhilarating hikes in Table Mountain National Park, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during your stay.

At the hotel's restaurant, guests can savour cosy dining experiences with hearty winter dishes and warming drinks served reside. Every meal at Tintswalo celebrates the avours of the season, whether a leisurely breakfast or a sumptuous dinner with panoramic ocean views. I recommend trying Chef Dustin's crispy chicken nuggets for the kids, and Chef Ongie's Pork Belly with a delicious honey and soya sauce and chocolate mouse dessert for dinnertime delights.

Fun fact

As the sun sets over the horizon, guests can unwind in the inviting lounge area or relax on the outdoor terrace, where blankets and hot water bottles ensure comfort on chilly evenings. With its picturesque setting, top-notch service and attention to detail, Tintswalo Boulders offers travellers an unforgettable winter retreat on Cape Town's stunning coastline.

Penguins and fynbos

With unobstructed views across Boulders Beach and its world-famous resident colony of endangered African penguins, Tintswalo Boulders is surrounded by fynbos and boasts a unique beachfront location.

For the kids

Children have access to a TV room/playroom stocked with books, toys and gaming area, as well as the heated plunge pool.

Paying homage to maritime history and the villa’s location in Simon’s Town, the rooms are named after famous ships, ranging from the Mayflower and Cutty Sark to Jan van Riebeeck’s Drommedaris.

The Villa The luxury villa boasts sweeping sea views and operates on a bed and breakfast basis with nine double suites, sleeping 18 adults and two children sharing with their parents.

Winter special Tintswalo has launched a winter deal at each of its two Cape Town boutique hotels (Tintswalo Atlantic and Tintswalo Boulders), offering special rates and extra treats during the cooler months (valid for travel until 31 August 2024).

The Tintswalo Boulders winter deal includes sundowner canapés, a wholesome three-course family dinner and the legendary Tintswalo breakfast.

BOOK BOOK

Tintswalo Boulders

DINNER AT THE

epending on where in Mzansi you nd yourself, winter is not always the best time for little sojourns to dine out. Sometimes all you want is the comfort of staying indoors with a roaring re, warm woolly socks and the tastes of a meal you didn’t have to cook from scratch. But some of those takeaway options don’t complement the healthy lifestyle you want, right? Well, at-home healthy meal options have exploded. You’re spoilt for choice from gluten-free and low-carb to vegetarian meals.

We’ve done the research, ordered the meals, savoured the convenience and tastes and now want to share only the best options with you.

Try out: Chefsbox.co.za – we simply love the ease and variety of their packaged meals and are crazy about their 5-day Eat-in combo package. For lean living, you must try, well … Leanliving.co.za. Pick your favourite meal (body goal dependent), receive the delivery, then simply heat and eat. We loved the build-your-own-package option. Dinnerbox.co.za will delight because they promise they

chop the actual onion in your order on the day. Almost as if you are preparing the meal yourself! Their veggies are sourced daily, fresh from local suppliers. We loved the vegan pizza option and the creamy coconut curry soup in their Soup Box package. Dinner

DIY with olive oil

If you’re dying to DIY a meal, we suggest you give Hannerie Visser’s potato salad with olive oil mayo a go.

For the olive oil mayo:

1 whole egg, 20ml white sugar, 25ml Dijon mustard, 1 lemon – juiced, 100ml canola oil, 150ml olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.

Blend the egg with the sugar and mustard. Slowly add the canola oil until an emulsion is formed, add the olive oil until thick and creamy. Season with lemon juice, salt and pepper.

For the potato salad: ½ packet bacon rashers, 12 potatoes, ½ cup nely chopped onion, 1 cup olive oil mayo, 1T milk, 1/3 cup condensed milk, salt to taste. 2 boiled eggs (optional). Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake bacon in the oven for 15–20 minutes until crispy. Boil the potatoes till soft and peel while warm and cut into cubes. Mix the salt, onion, mayonnaise, condensed milk and milk together. Pour over the cooked potatoes and mix well, season with salt and pepper. Crumble the crispy bacon and top.

Serve cold and drizzle with olive oil just before serving. Optional – top the salad with quartered boiled eggs.

* Hannerie Visser , is the founder and director of Studio H, a culinary-minded design studio renowned for its groundbreaking approach to food engagement.

Grab a bottle Moedi Wines, a new female-owned African wine brand, launched three single varietals –Chenin Blanc, Mourvèdre Rosé, and Shiraz – at this year’s ProWein 2024 in Germany.

Handpicked from the prominent Swartland region’s dryland vineyards, known for producing complex and rich yet easily drinkable wines, Moedi’s wines will be available soon in South Africa, the United States, the Netherlands and Denmark. Not For Persons Under The Age Of 18.

Moedi Rosé 2023

The taste: It’s 100% Mourvèdre.

Tasting notes: Enchanting aromas of raspberry and pomegranate follow through with a symphony of avours on the palate. Ripe watermelon notes intermingle with a tantalising cranberry nish, crafting an engaging yet elegant wine that radiates nesse and allure.

Food pairing: The Moedi Rosé 2023 is the perfect wine as it complements both the freshness of summer platters and the warmth of a hearty tomato-based stew during the colder winter.

Box Coconut Curry Soup

BACK TO

The Swartland is a trove of lesser-known wine farms and a chance to taste your way through some of the country’s finest olives, writes Keith Bain

n hour or so north of Cape Town, a gently undulating agricultural region known as the Swartland stretches from between Paarl to the edge of the West Coast. Historically the Cape’s breadbasket, Dutch settlers called it Het Zwarte Land – “The Black Land”.

The name’s nothing sinister, but when it rains, its endemic renosterbos (or “rhinoceros bush”) darkens, giving what they perceived to be a bleak, brooding aspect to the land. The Swartland is the Cape’s wheat-growing heartland, interspersed with fruit farms and – thanks to the Mediterranean climate – vineyards that produce some of South Africa’s most interesting wines. It’s also a hotspot for olives, with groves here producing award-winning oils and plump table varieties.

You can explore this region forever and never get bored. It’s an endlessly changing terrain where there’s always going to be a tasting, a farm stall or a country restaurant somewhere, or perhaps an off-the-beaten-track cellar door to discover

new vintages made from old vines.

Along the way, as you explore, you discover wonderful farms, quaint towns and villages and plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors – hiking routes and mountain-biking trails are abundant. While it’s largely a land of guesthouses, there are some classic hotels and even a few spots for a low-key safari.

Here’s a tiny taste of what you might nd.

Olive central

Aside from several restaurants and cool boutiques and galleries to dip into, Riebeek Kasteel is also where you can pull in to stock up on olives of every imaginable variety. Not to be missed is The Olive Boutique (olive-boutique.co.za), owned by a pair of olive growers who bring serious expertise to their range of olive oils, table olives and beauty products made from olive oil.

In 2000, this is where the town’s rst olive press was set up to produce oil for farmers who would bring their olive harvest and have it blended and bottled here, too. To this day, households with just a handful of olive trees bring their fruit to be milled by Derek van der Riet and Susan Aird. Their oil olives are grown on Zonquasdrift, a 360-hectare farm on the banks of the Berg River. They occasionally have workshops and formal tastings, too.

A family affair

Just next to the entrance of Riebeek Kasteel, at the corner of the R46 and R311 roads, is the main gate to Kloovenburg (kloovenburg.com), a family-owned wine-and-olive farm founded in 1704. Most of their grapes go to Riebeek Cellars, the local co-op, but about 200 tonnes go to their boutique cellar, which produces a few precious vintages, including a barrel-fermented Chardonnay and their super-exclusive Riebeekberg Syrah (a great winter gift for red wine drinkers). The rst olive trees were planted here in 1988 – the year the du Toits were married. “Initially, we didn’t know what to do with the fruit,” says Annelene du Toit. “Back then, there were no decent olives or olive oils on supermarket shelves. I found recipes and started developing olive products as a hobby.” Now there’s a huge selection of different edible products, plus a natural body range. They offer wine and olive tastings, and there’s a historic guesthouse, an open-air restaurant and even a pump track where children can play. Even the du Toit boys – four of them – have gotten in on the family’s entrepreneurial spirit; their Eight Feet (eightfeet.co.za) brand includes veldskoene, coffee, wine, pizzas and views – all up at their Eight Feet Village, at the top of Bothmanskloof Pass, overlooking the Riebeek Valley.

The Olive Boutique

Kloovenburg

5. Olives, Darling?

3.Taste olives in a castle

Named for Kasteelberg (Castle Mountain) at the foot of which the Môrester farm is situated, the Vlok family’s Het Vlock Casteel (hetvlockcasteel.co.za) is hard to miss – the building’s crenellations evoking the defensive walls of a castle, a mediaeval theme that’s continued in its function hall. While this estate in Riebeek Kasteel grows principally table grapes and fruit, such as peaches, nectarines, plums, clementines and oranges, it also has olive trees, and a great deal of attention is given to preserving olives and transforming the bitter fruit into gorgeous products for your pantry. Besides jars of olives and excellent extra virgin olive oil, there are olive pastes, relishes and even olive marmalade.

Before the quaint town of Darling gave its name to one of the country’s best-known craft beers, before the erstwhile Rocking the Daisies music festival, and even before Evita Bezuidenhout made this a cultural destination with her quirky theatre restaurant at the defunct train station, Darling was growing wine and producing olives. At Darling Olives (darlingolives.co.za), where there’s a half-hour tastebud-immersive presentation in the tasting room, you will nd a vast range of olive products, from table olives, oils to keep and tapenade to bath salts and other spa and beauty products. It even has limited quantities of Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz and its Reëndans Rosé – made from the best grapes grown on a 200-hectare vineyard.

6. Go East!

Near Piketberg, which is at the extreme edge of the Swartland, Org de Rac (orgderac.com) is one of those under-the-radar estates producing wonderful wines using organically grown grapes and raking in awards. You can picnic on the estate or grab a charcuterie platter from the tasting room – it’s served with Org de Rac’s very own olive oil and is best accompanied by a bottle of wine from the estate’s extensive range. Org de Rac also makes a stomach-warming grappa and “The Old Pumphouse” is a port-style wine, perfect for winter.

Byproducts of olives

Don’t be surprised when you see beauty and skincare products displayed alongside olive oil and jars of Kalamata in brine. Besides the polyphenols in olive oil – believed to help fight inflammation and aid the immune system – olive oil contains vitamin E, as well as various fatty acids (omegas) that can be antibacterial and used to moisturise and clean the skin. Its oleic acids are good for the hair, while the linoleic acid can treat wounds and help with acne. Olive oil is also thought to be the only plant-based source of squalene, a natural emollient thought to help reduce scars and wrinkles – the other source is shark’s liver.

Org de Rac

Darling Olives

Het Vlock Casteel

Midyear is the ideal time to visit France – especially if you’re chasing summer. The capital may be slightly crammed with athletes and sports tourists this year, though, so here’s a selection of beauteous places beyond Paris. By Keith Bain

Alsace

kingdom and then a duchy before joining France in 1532, maintaining some inkling of independence with closer connections to Britain than France.

References to it as “Little Britain” set it apart in more than just spirit – the Breton people have maintained a distinct cultural identity. Breton (related to Gaelic) is spoken proudly, and festivals celebrate Celtic culture through music, dance and the donning of regional costumes that add to the pageantry.

Brittany

A vast nub of land with some wild and rocky Atlantic-bashed coastline, Brittany also shelters sandy coves and secluded beaches and ancient shing villages in peaceful bays and on offshore islets. With its historic ports and ancient maritime heritage, this western peninsula is a land of legends and myths. Called Armorica under the Romans, it became an independent

For a taste of Germanic French culture in the northeast, Alsace on the Rhine River plain bordering Germany and Switzerland is a place to re-organise our assumptions about Frenchness. Beyond the main cities of Strasbourg and pastel-coloured Colmar (which has its own canal-cut “Little Venice”), are enchanting old-world Alsatian hamlets sporting Germanic architectural in uence – great Gothic churches and brightly coloured half-timbered houses adorned with ower boxes. A prime contender as the prettiest village of all is Hunspach (around 650 residents) near the German border. And there’s Riquewihr, its narrow streets lined with distinctive 16th-century Alsatian architecture, pretty carved window frames and ower-bedecked balconies, and its cellars producing aromatic wines. There’s a museum celebrating Jean-Jacques “Hansi” Waltz (1873–1951), an illustrator and caricaturist responsible for many of the village’s shop signs, and, in a different vein, the Thieves Tower museum has dungeons and a torture chamber. A walkable (or bikeable) wine trail starts in the village, and you can stay at 16th-century Hôtel de la Couronne (hoteldelacouronne.com) for around R1 900 per room.

A river port on the Loire, Nantes is Brittany’s mediaeval capital, where its dukes lived in a magni cent chateau now restored as a history museum with a walkway atop its forti ed ramparts. Once the epicentre of France’s slave trade, Nantes today has the world’s largest slavery memorial.

Other revitalisations include the revamped île de Nantes, an island on the Loire, where a former industrial wasteland’s warehouses have been repurposed as restaurants, bars, terraces, residences and of ces. There’s also Les Machines de l’île, a playground of handmade mechanical underwater creatures and carousels. The city is lled with large-scale public artworks and can be explored by bike.

Brittany

Alsace

Dordogne

Claiming bold culinary traditions –duck, goose, foie gras and black truf es – the Dordogne produces early-summer strawberries and sweet Monbazillac and Bergerac wines. The Dordogne River weaves languidly between vineyards and meadows studded with hilltop bastides (forti ed villages built from stone in the 13th century), mediaeval châteaux, half-timbered houses and farmsteads.

Perhaps the best place to savour Dordogne’s appeal is from the cliff-clinging multilevel village of Rocamadour, a mediaeval pilgrimage town in the neighbouring region of Occitanie. Known for its complex of seven mediaeval-era religious sanctuaries (including the Chapelle Notre-Dame, with its miracle-bestowing 12th-century Black Madonna statue), the village is accessed via the Grand Escalier, a mountainside staircase. Rocamadour has one street, around 630 residents and spectacular views across the Alzou canyon.

Rocamadour is situated within the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park where free-ranging goats produce milk for some of the region’s renowned cheeses – the village hosts an annual festival of regional farmhouse cheeses, Fête des Fromages (24 and 25 August).

Provence and the Cote d’Azur

From the Plateau de Valensole with its 800 square kilometres of rolling lavender elds interspersed with dirt paths, great for mountain biking, to the sweet charms of bucolic villages, Provence lives up to the hype.

Some say the best sunset views in all of Provence are to be had in Gordes, a hilltop village where Marc Chagall frequently painted. It’s an hour from Avignon, with narrow streets, stone houses and trails for mountain biking and hiking in the Luberon Regional Natural Park. Ten minutes away is the 12th-century abbey, Notre-Dame de Sénanque, surrounded by endless elds of lavender and still occupied by Cistercian monks who offer rooms to travellers happy to gather in silence.

A lively base for hikers keen to explore the gorges and trails around Lac de Sainte-Croix, pretty Moustiers-Sainte-Marie enjoys a blissful location on the Adou River in the Provençal Alps. It’s at the entrance to the Verdon gorge, magically “protected” by a golden star suspended on a chain between two cliffs (the original was said to have been hung by a knight returning from the Crusades).

Meanwhile, Arles – van Gogh’s old haunt – is now home to Luma, a “creative campus” with a gleaming futuristic tower designed by Frank Gehry.

And while many descend on the fabled and fabulous Cote d’Azur to bask on beaches lining the coast from St Tropez to the Italian border, plenty come to partake of a buzzing cosmopolitanism. The fashionable seaside city of Nice is suf ciently prepossessing to have seduced one of our own creative treasures, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen; it’s where he established Jan, the restaurant that earned a Michelin star, the rst by a South African chef.

Dordogne

Provence

LOCATION, LOCATION,

If you find yourself on the Atlantic coast in Cape Town, you must include a stay at the President Hotel, writes Raina Julies

t’s simply the perfect bucket-list destination for those in awe of the beauty of the Cape. The President Hotel is a blend of luxury, comfort and exceptional location with breathtaking views.

Just a short drive from the iconic Table Mountain, the bustling V&A Waterfront and the pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay across the road, this location is an ideal base for exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife and natural beauty.

With 350 rooms, the hotel boasts a range of amenities designed to cater to both leisure and business travellers. So while you may be busy during the day with wrapping up meetings or shopping at the nearby V&A, when nighttime beckons, you must try out the hotel’s diverse

restaurant menu and poolside bar offerings while taking in the perfect sunset. And maybe you’ll dip into the in nity pool or work off the evening’s epicurean delights in the hotel gym just before the allure of Cape Town’s nightlife beckons. Whatever the mood, this hotel is perfectly placed for fun.

Pooch friendly

Cove Wellness Spa

A world-class spa offering a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation with a variety of treatments designed to pamper and revitalise. From soothing massages to invigorating facials, the skilled therapists use high-quality products to ensure a blissful experience. The spa’s serene ambience combined with its comprehensive menu of services, makes it the perfect retreat to unwind and destress.

No need to leave your furry companions behind. The hotel has special amenities for pets, ensuring they are as comfortable and pampered as their human counterparts. The hotel has designated pet-friendly rooms and easy access to outdoor areas where dogs can be walked and exercised. Just let the hotel staff know beforehand that little Max or Sparky will be joining you.

President Hotel

ON THE BIG SCREEN

19 JULY

Catch Twisters in cinemas. Follow Anthony Ramos, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Kiernan Shipka on this update to the 1996 lm Twister, which centred on a pair of storm chasers who risk their lives in an attempt to test an experimental weather alert system.

ON STAGE

12–13 JULY

Sjava tour, Joburg

Following the success of the 18-track studio album Isibuko released in 2023, Sjava will be taking his Isibuko Tour to Joburg Theatre. Tickets are available at 1020cartel.com/live

20 JULY

Planning a trip to Sun City, then you should de nitely catch Treffers, a performance with Chris Steyn, Samantha Leonard, Demi Lee Moore and Kurt Darren.

26 JULY

Book your tickets at Nu Metro to watch Deadpool 3 where the TVA pulls Wade Wilson from his quiet life and sets him on a mission alongside Wolverine that will change the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

ON STAGE

1 AUGUST

Opera Theatre, The Playhouse Company, KZN

Hear the brand-new lineup of NYO Jazz, Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Jazz Orchestra, as they perform under the leadership of trumpet great Sean Jones. This season, NYO Jazz welcomes guest vocalist Alicia Olatuja, praised by The New York Times as “a singer with a strong and luscious tone”, and South African guest artists. NYO Jazz’s concert in Durban will include an opening set by the All Stars Shine Ensemble directed by Dr Natalie Rungan.

FESTIVAL

25 AUGUST

Join the Umhlanga Food and Music Festival featuring Will Linley for a day lled with good food, a great variety of drinks and even better music. What to expect? Live music, craft beers, artisanal food stalls and a fun day out for the whole family. Book at webtickets.co.za

6 SEPTEMBER

Peppa Pig Live at Artscape, Cape Town Muddy puddles! Peppa, George, Mummy and Daddy Pig are returning to South Africa for Peppa Pig’s Perfect Day. From space rockets to star sh, exploding bubbles to Bing Bong singalongs – fans around the country will be dancing, singing and jumping in muddy puddles … just like Peppa!

For all the show info – visit www.peppapiglive.co.za

Book at webtickets.co.za

INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS

Who? James Blunt

The Who We Used To Be Tour

When? Thursday 12 September – Grand Arena, Grand West, Cape Town

Saturday 14 September –SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria

Book tickets from ticketmaster.co.za

Travel with Thandiswa

Legendary SA musician Thandiswa Mazwai has just released Sankofa, her much-awaited, very personal album. By

Nia Magoulianiti-McGregor

Sankofa means “Go and fetch what’s been left behind” in a Ghanaian language. As a black person, reclamation is part of healing from colonialism and apartheid. It’s about reclaiming lost histories and having a sense of pride in the pan-African identity. On a personal note, I needed to reclaim my power from the places I had left it.

The new album is a combination of various genres. It’s undoubtedly an African album with accents of jazz. I love that it seamlessly joins so many worlds together. From the West African kora to the Xhosa umrhubhe, the sound is lush and laced with synths.

My single “Kulungile” is about healing childhood trauma so you can exist in your fullness as an adult. Sometimes the things that happen to us as children negatively affect how we move in the world. I wanted to hug my inner child and let her know we’re alright.

It’s been 20 years since iZabalaza. It’s my magnum opus. It’s the work that made me an artist of my time, and through it, I was able to have a conversation with my generation about identity, memory and pride. I’m humbled that the work became such an important part of South African life.

Sometimes I have a hard time staying energised but because this is my life’s work, I’m driven. It’s almost a survival instinct.

I’ve collaborated with many of my heroes from Hugh Masekela to Meshell Ndegeocello, but my favourite collaboration was the kwaito song “Ndofaya” with all kwaito’s biggest stars in one song.

My advice to up-and-coming artists. Be yourself. Also, love what you do and keep a cool head.

Best destination for me. I always have a great time in New York City. There is so much to do, also audiences are very generous. To relax and chill, I love any tropical beach.

If I have to choose between economy or business class … lol, definitely first class!

I travel wearing Issey Miyake.

The best road trip I’ve taken was … during COVID, my partner Anika and I took a road trip along the eastern coast of South Africa, stopping at beach towns along the way until we reached Cape Town.

Favourite food while travelling. I love Asian food, such as a good Thai curry or ramen. I like to experience a Michelin-star meal in whatever city we’re in, but I love tasting street food, too.

One destination never again. I love travelling so much that even the worst experiences make great stories. The only thing that’s unbearable anywhere in the world is racism and homophobia because that can ruin your experience.

Catch me at … Artscape, Cape Town, on 20 July at 8pm. Book tickets here.

STREAM

DESTINATION …

Thayne Daniels, 12

“I love gaming, and because I don’t get to play much during the school term, holiday days are for gaming. My friends and I meet online for tournaments and challenges. We also meet up in real-time to play together.”

Khazimla Sotashe, 16

“I love being out and about with my friends … but experiencing new and different types of food is my favourite thing to do. And visiting restaurants that are the latest buzz on TikTok is a must-do for me. My latest find is Crumbs and Cream in Sea Point. I enjoy their delicious ice cream and the cool store.”

Makenzie Maccario, 13

“This June, all I want to do is relax and celebrate my school achievements. I want to spend as much time as possible with my friends and my favourite cousins, Raygen and Aaliyah, hanging out and watching movies because I hardly get to see them during the school term. I also love travelling to Richards Bay or Durban to visit family.”

Lily Desmore, 10

“My favourite thing to do is road-tripping. A long drive out is always the best … my parents pack the car with loads of snacks and games (oh, and my younger sister), and we drive for a few hours to a holiday resort. My favourite spot so far is Goudini Spa Resort. They have hot springs, a supertube, tennis and volleyball courts, a game room and nature walks (mainly) for the parentals.”

Shay-lynn Isaacs, 14

“I usually spend my vacation trying to catch up on lost sleep. But maybe this holiday, I’ll make TikTok videos with friends from my youth group. I'm also looking forward to trying out new recipes I found on Instagram as they look super easy and yummy. I’m also looking forward to a day trip to the aquarium.”

Jair February, 11, Ryan Fortuin, 12, and Abigail Schubert, 12, are en route to changing the world. These three young people who are part of the Booster Kids, a robotics and coding school in Cape Town, and call themselves Team Checkmate, have researched, planned, developed and presented an innovative chess board prototype that could make playing chess more accessible for the blind. Their chess board won them a place in the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) national tournament, and they went on to win the national tournament in December 2023. Team Checkmate’s chess board for the blind was then selected to represent South Africa in the 2024 Asia Paci c Open Championship FLL competition in Australia.

Chess is one of the team’s favourite pastimes, and Jair, whose mom lost her eyesight a few years ago, shares that he simply wanted to be able to play the game he loves with his mom. Together, the three kids developed an upright chess board using the techniques they had learned in their robotics classes. The team constantly re nes its innovation and looks forward to presenting a board that will allow the visually impaired globally easier access to enjoy the game of chess.

Call to action

Jair, Ryan and Abigail need your help to get them, their coaches and parents to Australia. The team has already initiated several fundraising events, but needs that last boost to ensure South Africa is represented at the championship in July.

“One of our big goals is to take this chess board to market. We want to be able to turn the playing of chess into a more inclusive and accessible game for everyone. We simply want to make a difference in the world,” says Jair.

Let’s help make this dream a reality and ensure family game nights worldwide become more accessible and enjoyable for all.

For more info or to donate:

1.Back a Buddy - Search:

BK Robotics 2 Australia

BK Robotics 2 Australia | BackaBuddy

2.Direct deposits to:

Absa

Name: Booster Kids

Account No 4104803227

Branch: 632005

Ref: CheckMate

Email POP: boosterkidsza@gmail.com

CHILDREN AND

n today’s digital age, gaming has become integral to many children’s lives. Whether playing on a console, PC or mobile device, the allure of video games is undeniable. While gaming can provide entertainment, education and even opportunities for socialisation, parents need to guide their children in making informed choices about gaming habits.

Education and awareness

Promote responsible gaming by educating your child about the potential risks and bene ts. Teach them about balance, self-control and the potential consequences of excessive gaming. Encourage critical thinking by discussing in-game purchases, online etiquette and the distinction between virtual and real-life actions.

Gaming as a reward and motivation

Harness the motivational power of gaming by using it as a reward for completing tasks and responsibilities. Encourage your child to nish their homework, chores or other commitments before indulging in gaming time. This approach helps instil a sense of responsibility and time management.

Seek professional help if needed

Mental health professionals, including therapists and counsellors, can provide guidance and support for both children and parents dealing with gaming-related issues.

Source: Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

June vacay mindfulness

1. Embrace outdoor play

Quality over quantity

Encourage your child to choose games that offer educational value, promote creativity or align with their interests. Engage in discussions about the games they enjoy and explore opportunities for learning within the gaming context. Parents may consider co-playing or participating in gaming sessions with their child. This allows you to understand their gaming world better and provides an opportunity for shared experiences and bonding.

DID YOU KNOW?

Some South African private schools offer e-sports as a curriculum option for high schoolers? Nadia Nell, academic advisor: ADvTECH Schools, says Minecraft has been a key element in the group’s edtech offering for some time now. “e-Sports provides the opportunity to use Minecraft in a competitive environment where teams collaborate strategically, utilising shared knowledge and combined talents to overcome obstacles, solve puzzles and riddles and complete challenges. This extends the academic offering beyond the classroom, giving students a space to apply the skills they have learnt in class in a fast-paced and exciting arena.”

Source: advtech.co.za

Whether a brisk walk or a game of tag in the garden, spending time outside can improve your child's mood and energy levels. Natural sunlight helps the body producevitamin D – essential for bone health and healthy immune systems.

2. Create indoor activities

Set up a mini obstacle course, host a dance party or play hide-and-seek. Look for fun exercise videos or games explicitly designed for children to get their hearts pumping and muscles moving. Also encourage creativity and imagination indoors by providing artistic expression, storytelling and imaginative play opportunities.

3. Prioritise nutritious meals

Incorporate root vegetables, dark leafy greens and seasonal fruits packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to snack time.And keep them hydrated.

4. Ensure sufficient sleep Shorter daylight hours in winter can negatively affect your child's mood. Create a relaxing and consistent bedtime routine for fresh-faced, happy kids.

5. Limit screen time While somescreen timemay be inevitable during winter, prioritise activities that take them away from their mobile and computer screens.

Source: Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health

EXPERIENCES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

to African Insight Academy,

For over 25 years, we’ve been working closely with international and local schools, universities and colleges to develop and facilitate meaningful field trips, internships and volunteer projects that give young people a once-in-a-lifetime South African wildlife, conservation or authentic cultural experience.  INSPIRE. EDUCATE. EMPOWER.

Reach us through:

Address: Lanes End Farm, Dargle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Tel: 033 330 2269 | 082 4940 668

Email: info@africaninsight.co.za

Website: www.africaninsightacademy.co.za africaninsightacademy africaninsightacademy

AIR TRAVEL

There's no better way to put your body's immune system to the test than by subjecting it to air travel. Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health, shares tips for flying safely for you and your children

Immunisations are key

Con rm with your child's doctor that they have received all age-appropriate immunisations. Getting an in uenza vaccine is essential for anyone six months or older. When travelling abroad, obtain destination-speci c immunisations and pre-exposure counselling. Consider purchasing additional health insurance for international travel.

Avoid aisle seats

Norovirus alert! Aisle seats are high-touch zones for passengers boarding planes, making them more susceptible to infectious pathogens. Norovirus is highly contagious; even a few virus particles can infect someone. Avoid the aisle seats and the risk associated with them.

Pack sanitising supplies

Bring alcohol wipes and hand sanitiser with you. Clean tray tables and other non-porous surfaces as soon as you arrive at your seat. Surfaces, such as armrests, seat pockets, windows, overhead bins, taps, sinks and toilet handles, are prone to infection. Dispose of used wipes in your seat's air sickness bag and sanitise your hands afterwards. Avoid placing items in the pocket in front of your seat. Passengers often use these pockets to store trash; they are made of cloth and cannot be easily cleaned with wipes.

Nappy changing on board

If you have a baby or toddler, be prepared to change dirty nappies on the plane. Most ights have a changing table against the toilet wall. Use a disposable liner on the changing mat, have nappies and wipes ready and clean the surface with an alcohol wipe.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ear discomfort often occurs during descent when the plane changes air pressure. Encourage your child to drink, chew gum or use a pacifier to equalise ear pressure during the descent.

Source:AffinityHealth

Winter Superfood Soup Recipe

Nicole Sherwin, founder of Eco Diva Natural Superfood Skincare, shares a recipe to keep the flu away and your skin glowing

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 2 carrots and a stalk of celery, chopped

• 1 small sweet potato, peeled and chopped

• 1 cup kale and spinach, chopped

• 1 cup broccoli orets

• 6 cups vegetable broth

• 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 teaspoon turmeric and cumin powder

• salt and pepper to taste

• juice of 1 lemon

• fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

• 1 tablespoon of miso paste for extra gut health bene ts (optional).

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 2–3 minutes.

2. Add chopped carrots, celery and sweet potato. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Stir in chopped kale, spinach, and broccoli orets. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly wilted.

4. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add chickpeas, turmeric powder and cumin powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. If using miso paste, dissolve in a little warm water and add it to the soup for extra gut health bene ts.

6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender.

7. Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in freshly squeezed lemon.

8. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

EMBRACING NATURE

The key to unleashing your child’s potential

Finding moments of tranquillity and connection with nature has become increasingly important, especially for our children. AFRICAN INSIGHT ACADEMY

shares the transformative power of nature and the myriad advantages it offers

Parents are often faced with the challenge of balancing the demands of city life with the wellbeing of their kids. However, the bene ts of exposing children to the wonders of the great outdoors are immeasurable. Let’s explore these.

PHYSICAL HEALTH: A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Children today spend more time indoors than any previous generation. Encouraging your kids to explore nature reserves, embark on hikes and go on nature walks can signi cantly contribute to their physical wellbeing. The fresh air, open spaces and physical activities associated with outdoor adventures promote cardiovascular health, improve motor skills and help prevent childhood obesity. It’s a natural remedy for the sedentary lifestyle that often accompanies urban living.

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING:

NATURE’S THERAPY

Nature has a profound impact on mental health, and children are no exception. Spending time in nature has been linked to reduced stress, anxiety and depression in both children and adults. Nature reserves provide a serene environment where children can escape the pressures of school and city life. Hiking, camping and sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows offer valuable opportunities for bonding and

creating lasting memories, fostering emotional resilience and strong family connections.

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT: OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS

Nature is the ultimate classroom, offering endless opportunities for learning and exploration. Visiting nature reserves provides children with hands-on experiences that engage their senses and stimulate curiosity. From identifying plants and animals to understanding ecosystems and geological formations, nature serves as a dynamic and captivating educational setting. Game drives and stargazing sessions contribute to a broader perspective on the world, nurturing a sense of wonder and promoting a lifelong love for learning.

CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION: UNLEASHING THE WILD WITHIN

City life, with its structured activities and constant stimulation, often limits the scope of a child’s imagination. Nature, on the other hand, is a boundless canvas for creativity. Camping trips and outdoor adventures encourage children to use their imagination, invent games and explore the uncharted territories of their minds. Whether building a fort in the woods or telling stories around the campfire, nature ignites the spark of creativity and innovation in our children.

CONNECTING WITH THE ENVIRONMENT: FUTURE STEWARDS OF THE EARTH

Exposing children to nature from an early age instils a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the environment. Learning about ecosystems, conservation efforts and the importance of preserving our planet empowers children to become environmentally conscious citizens. The experiences gained in nature reserves can shape their attitudes towards sustainability, making them stewards of the planet for generations to come.

In a world dominated by technology and urban landscapes, the importance of reconnecting with nature cannot be overstated. By immersing our children in the wonders of nature reserves, we provide them with a holistic education that nurtures their physical, emotional, and cognitive development. So, pack your bags, leave the city behind and embark on an adventure that will not only create lasting memories, but also shape your child’s character and wellbeing. The great outdoors is waiting to be explored and the bene ts it offers are boundless.

DECORATING WITH

Shereen Lurie, SA Home Owner Online Editor, shares a selection of showstopping mirrors to add interest to your home

Seamlessly blend the boundaries between inside and outside by strategically positioning mirrors to capture and reflect your outdoor environment. Mirrors not only catch glimpses of gardens, landscapes or urban settings, but also harness natural light, giving your home a sense of openness and depth. hertexhaus.co.za

Enhance your home decor with mirrors that are strategically placed to maximise natural light and expand the perception of space. Experiment with various shapes, sizes and colours by positioning them to capture the best reflections. Consider larger mirrors as impactful statement pieces. They serve both as stylish accents and functional additions in entryways, bedrooms and living spaces, adding depth and elegance to your interiors. www.woolworths.co.za

Strategically placing mirrors in spots where they can amplify light is the ideal way to incorporate them into your home. Placing mirrors opposite windows will reflect natural light, creating an illusion of spaciousness. This works well to visually widen hallways or small rooms. www.cielo.co.za

CARS GO

Thami Masemola delves into some of the more prevalent technologies found in modern cars

oday’s cars require and contain so much technology that several car manufacturers do not even consider themselves as such. They refer to themselves as mobility solutions manufacturers. So what is the big deal? Are we talking touchscreens and self-driving cars here? Yes. But also so much more.

Touch and go

While features like touchscreens have been with us for over a decade, they have become commonplace, tted in even the cheapest cars. What is more impressive is the array of features behind the screen. For example, 360-degree cameras that give you a bird’s-eye view of the car, making it easier to park or reverse into tight spaces. Or cameras that let you see obstacles “through the car”. Some cars from Mercedes-Benz have pothole sensors that adjust the ride comfort ahead of a pothole. Others feature thermal sensors that assist with identifying nearby pedestrians during night driving. Recently, BMW launched a car that can sense when it is being stolen and then activates the 360-degree camera system. Very useful.

Three drinks, no drive

Volvo has been pioneering an in-car alcohol breathalyser. It is not on the market yet, but if it does come to market, it will

prohibit the car from starting if it detects the driver has had too much to drink. Telecommunication is a big part of modern cars. Some cars can now detect when they are involved in a crash. They then automatically send out a distress signal with a location pin to the relevant authorities, even if the occupants are incapacitated.

AI enters the chat

Arti cial intelligence (AI) is also making its way into motor vehicles. A number of Volkswagen models in Europe, for example, are now tted with the popular AI system ChatGPT for the occupants, which allows them to access several features via voice chat.

Autonomy on the horizon

Self-driving is a reality that is slowly creeping into the automotive space. Already companies are piloting completely autonomous cars, with some, like Tesla, claiming they have enough tech to showcase such cars. Others are still driving up that ladder using different levels of autonomy. Additionally, legislation needs to be nalised to address questions such as liability in cases where collisions occur while in autonomous mode. For now, though, there is no commercially available, fully autonomous car.

An electrifi ed future

TOP TIP

While technology continues to play a bigger role in cars than ever before, buying a car purely based on the tech it offers would be a mistake. As technology improves at the speed of light, a high-tech car could be outdated within a year of launch. Hence the old phrase “greatest and latest”. Rather let the tech be a complementary reason for purchase. BOOK

With new energy vehicles – hybrids and electric cars – becoming more available to the market, technology is quickly adapting to the needs demanded by these futuristic cars. Public charging stations, for example, are popping up in different places, such as shopping malls, along freeways, at hotels and traditional fuel station forecourts. These create their own ecosystems, such as systems monitoring cell phone apps, coffee stations nearby and home-charging ports. A couple of car manufacturers are even exploring battery-swapping systems instead of charging, although charging technology is improving rapidly.

WiththankstoAudi,BMW,JLR,Mercedes-Benz, Porsche,Toyota,Volkswagen,andVolvo

WATCHBOOK

MMI infotainment system, Audio Q6-etron quattro.

Semi-autonomous driving with BMW.