Safaris and cruises
LIRA
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Contents
4 PROFILE
Singer and songwriter, Lira is singing again after what she’s termed her “stroke of luck”. 6
HEALTH
Longevity and sleep: new research con rms what we’ve long suspected – getting enough good quality sleep can add years to your life. 9
FINANCE
Investment and wealth management advice.
TRAVEL
Not sure how to expand your horizons this winter? The possibilities are endless, we offer a few ideas – whether you’re keen to board a big boat or dream of a safari.
18 PROPERTY
Property has long been viewed as a reliable investment, promising both long-term capital growth and short-term revenue income. We look at what an investor needs to be mindful of when looking to invest in residential property, mixed-use developments and lifestyle estates.
24 YOUR PET
From hotels and spas to insurance – here’s what the modern pet owner needs to know to ensure their furry friends live their best lives.
Why investing in art makes nancial sense; and what’s on at galleries around the
SALUT!
Sip and tipple: the latest trends; and we round up a few blends to add to your collection.
REBORN, RECHARGED AND FEARLESS
Singer and songwriter Lira is singing again after what she’s termed her “stroke of luck”. Her song is more harmonious by far.
By NIA MAGOULIANITI-MCGREGOR
I“am reborn. And I am singing again,” says Lira – real name Lerato Molapo – after a “miraculous” recovery following her stroke just over two years ago in Germany. It left her unable to speak, write or read at the age of 43. Being reborn means there is a new Lira with a renewed love of life, which she says, she’s grabbing “with all the enthusiasm of a child”. Yes, she has the same indomitable spirit that saw her leave a safe job in accountancy to follow her dream of becoming one of South Africa’s best-known vocal artists. And yes, she has the same enjoyment of adventure. But she is singing a different, more harmonious tune.
“I take life slowly now. I savour everything. I feel all my feelings. I don’t run away from them like I might have in the past.
“Before I could talk again, I found quotes online that resonated with me so I could articulate how I felt. One of these was: ‘Being fearless is letting go of what you thought your life was supposed to be and just embracing where you are now’.”
ACCEPTANCE AND FINDING JOY
“I am fearless. I don’t feel bad. I’m not going to feel embarrassed about anything or hide in any way. I’m going to be in the now. I have reached a stage of complete acceptance and I’m enjoying this process and my progress.”
“I LIVE IN THE MOMENT. I DON’T WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW. I LIVE MORE INTUITIVELY AND FEEL JOY IN MY EVERY EXPERIENCE.”
This “stroke of luck” gave her a blessing, she says – “time!” “I now take all the time I need to enjoy life. I have gained so much meaning.” She says her brain has “blocked out the future”.
“I live in the moment. I don’t worry about tomorrow. I live more intuitively and feel joy in my every experience, in the simple things … I am totally in touch with what I need.”
Lira says she even eats more slowly now. “I make a point of setting the table every night and lighting the candles. I savour every bite.” It helps to have a partner who cooks delicious meals for her, she comments with a smile.
The turning point came two days after her stroke when doctors told her that with practice, she would be able to speak again. She was overjoyed. “I had a fully functioning body so learning to speak, read and write was all I needed.”
The rst word Lira learned to say was “love”. “When I rst lled a page with words I had written down, it felt like a huge achievement. I was always easily excited, but it really came to the fore with each new success. I immersed myself in the positive of the situation.”
She doesn’t miss the old Lira or even aspire to her in any way, she says. “I don’t resonate with that Lira. I was always rushing around, I was booked up and busy. It was all about the phrase ‘strike while the iron is hot’ – well the iron was very hot and happening.”
Lira inspires others by giving talks about her experience. “If I could advise anyone going through their own healing journey, I would say bring acceptance to that which you can’t control. Don’t ght with it. You’ll have an easier time.”
Throughout, she’s motivated herself with one of her songs, “Let There Be Light”, especially the lines, “Stop hiding in the dark, don’t be overcome …”
When she’s ready, she’ll write songs again. After all, she says, her superpowers are “grace and patience”.
Though Lira says she has realised life is for “enjoyment, laughing and playing games and not just about goals”, she still has the same dream she’s had from the beginning: “To win a Grammy. I’m not sure how I’m going to do it. But I’m alive and I’ll keep conquering so I’ll do it.”
“Stop hiding in the dark/Don’t be overcome/ You have the right to choose your vibe/Step into the light/You can be the light …” – Lira’s lyrics from “Let There Be Light”
Longevity and sleep
New research con rms what we’ve long suspected – getting enough good quality sleep can add years to your life. Take steps to ensure you get it. By
GLYNIS HORNING
It’s well-known that we function better after a decent night’s sleep, but a recent study of over 170 000 people followed over four years found those with better sleep habits were more likely to live longer – men by 4.7 years, women by 2.5 years on average. What’s more, the data suggested about eight per cent of deaths from any cause could be attributed to poor sleep patterns.
Importantly, the researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in the United States, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, concluded that simply getting enough sleep wasn’t suf cient – it needed to be good quality sleep. They de ned this as:
• Ideally sleeping for seven to eight hours a night.
• Having dif culty falling asleep no more than twice a week.
• Having dif culty staying asleep no more than twice a week.
SLEEP REFRESHES YOUR BODY AND HELPS IT FUNCTION OPTIMALLY.
• Not using any sleep medication.
• Feeling well-rested when they awoke at least ve days a week.
People with all ve of these ideal sleep behaviours were 30 per cent less likely to die for any reason, 21 per cent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, 19 per cent less likely to die from cancer and 40 per cent less likely to die of other causes (including accidents, infections or neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease).
The study, published in March in QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, comes as little surprise to sleep professionals such as Durban clinical neuropsychologist Michelle Baker, chairperson of the Allied Group for the South African Society for Sleep Health and vice chairperson of the South African Society of Sleep Health.
“There’s a clear link between sleep and longevity,” Baker says. That’s because many body processes take place when we sleep – from the release of hormones such as testosterone and human growth hormone, which maintains our muscle and bone and renews organs like our skin, to the clearance
of potentially harmful metabolic or protein waste products from our brain such as amyloid beta (the core peptide that forms plaques in Alzheimer’s disease).
Not getting enough sleep won’t necessarily lead to you getting Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, says Baker, but sleep refreshes your body and helps it function optimally.
“While seven to eight hours is ideal, some people are short sleepers who need only ve or six hours, others are long sleepers who need nine or more. The key is that you wake feeling rested, restored and alert.”
TO IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP QUALITY
1. Keep a routine – turn in around the same time each night, and wind down with something such as a warm bath or shower, suggests Baker.
2. Keep the bedroom dark – your pineal gland picks up how much light is around you and increases production of the sleep hormone melatonin when it’s dark. Dim the lights and electronic devices. If light comes in from outside, get blockout curtains or a sleeping mask.
3. Keep it cool – the best bedroom temperature is about 16–18ºC, according to the National Sleep Foundation. If you don’t have aircon, use a fan. Wear loose sleepwear and have light blankets at hand.
4. Keep it quiet – try a sleep sounds app, such as ShutEye or BetterSleep, or earplugs if necessary, but just a fan sound can be soothing.
5. Keep moving – get regular physical activity. According to a recent systematic review in the journal Cureus, physical activity improves sleep quality by increasing the production of melatonin, reducing stress and helping to regulate body temperature, which is necessary for falling asleep.
6. Watch what you eat and drink – avoid sugary foods or beverages before bed, which raise blood sugar levels and can keep you awake, and when you nod off, the levels will drop, which can wake you, Baker says. Avoid caffeine (a stimulant), alcohol (affects sleep quality) and even water in large quantities before bed, as you may need to get up for the loo.
THE MATTRESS
Selecting the best sleeping partner –the right mattress – for good quality sleep is vital.
In a National Sleep Foundation poll, 92 per cent of people said a comfortable mattress was important for a good night’s sleep – and that’s been shown in numerous studies to be vital for your body and mind to repair and rejuvenate, supporting physical and mental wellbeing and even increasing longevity. But how do you select the most comfortable and beneficial mattress from the large variety available today?
“Remember, you will spend about a third of your life on it,” says Dale Harley of Restonic South Africa, partners in the Restonic Ezintsha Sleep Clinic launched last year to conduct South African sleep research and treat sleep disorders.
1. Consider your sleep position.
The best position promotes the healthy alignment of your spine from your hips to your head. Sleeping on your side or back is considered better than sleeping on your stomach, particularly if you have sleep apnoea, says Harley. Whichever you favour, your mattress can help accommodate it.
Side sleepers are generally more comfortable with a softer mattress for pressure relief on the hips and shoulders.
Back sleepers are better off with a medium to firm mattress to prevent their body from sinking and head from tilting forward, restricting airways.
Stomach sleepers can benefit from a firm mattress for optimal spine alignment to prevent sinking in too far.
2. Consider your body type. Your size and weight will affect how much you sink into a mattress and therefore how well it will keep your spine aligned. In general, the heavier you are, the firmer and more supportive your mattress should be, so you don’t sink too much. The smaller and lighter you are, the softer your mattress should be, Harley says.
3. Decide on the mattress type.
Innerspring: the traditional mattress, this is made of steel coils and is firmer and bouncier than other mattresses, making it suited to back and stomach sleepers. It’s good for support and cooling (air can
flow through the coils) and can be cheaper than other varieties.
High-density foam (such as memory foam): conforms to your body contours, takes weight off pressure points and has less motion transfer than innersprings (so you don’t feel your partner’s every move). But it doesn’t offer as much support and may trap heat. Often recommended for side sleepers and people with back pain.
Latex: similar to memory foam but firmer and more responsive. “Latex is generally cooler, however, it’s less conforming to the contours of your body than memory foam,” says Harley.
Hybrid: these mattresses tend to be foam-encased and are generally more expensive than traditional innerspring mattresses.
Pocket spring: these mattresses are made from individual pocket springs that work independently from each other, reacting only to the pressure applied to that specific area. “They’re great for motion isolation, making them a good option for couples or restless sleepers,” he says.
“Ultimately, your best mattress type will depend on your preferences,” says Harley. “It’s important to try out different mattresses and lie on beds on the showroom floor – don’t just sit on the edge of the bed. A bed is an investment in your health and wellbeing. Make sure you spend the most you can afford on the best bed.”
Sleep patterns and life expectancy report
RE AD
INVESTMENT TIPS
Many aspire to build wealth across various asset classes, yet navigating the path to achieve this goal can be daunting. If you nd yourself in this position, fret not – we have an industry expert ready to guide you. By ITUMELENG MOGAKI
Gregoire Theron, CIO at Grayswan, an investment advisory and wealth management rm, offers the following invaluable insights and strategies for effectively managing your wealth and investments.
1. Start saving early: the earlier you start saving for retirement, the higher the probability of saving enough money. Even small contributions make a big difference in the long run.
2. Set clear goals: de ne clear fundamental goals when planning investments. Knowing how much you need to save for retirement is crucial for effective wealth management.
3. Regularly assess and adjust: reassess your savings goals and investment strategies annually. Adjustments may be necessary to stay on track and adapt to changing market conditions.
4. Diversify your portfolio: diversi cation across asset classes and geographic regions is key to managing risk and maximising returns. Avoid overexposure to any single market or asset class.
IMPORTANT “DID YOU KNOWS” ABOUT WEALTH MANAGEMENT
1. Fees matter: understand the fees associated with your investments. Even seemingly small fees can signi cantly
impact your long-term returns. Aim to minimise fees wherever possible.
2. Risk tolerance matters: your risk tolerance should align with your investment goals and time horizon. Younger investors can afford to take on more risk, while those closer to retirement may need a more conservative approach.
3. Regular rebalancing is crucial: market cycles can impact the performance of different sectors. Regularly rebalancing your portfolio ensures you maintain your desired asset allocation and take advantage of market opportunities.
4. Seek professional guidance: consider consulting a wealth management specialist to develop a comprehensive investment strategy tailored to your nancial goals and risk tolerance. Professional advice can help you navigate complex market dynamics and achieve long-term success.
These simple yet essential tips and insights can empower individuals to make informed decisions and secure their nancial future through effective wealth management practices.
UNDERSTAND THE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR INVESTMENTS. EVEN SEEMINGLY SMALL FEES CAN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT YOUR LONG-TERM RETURNS.
LOCAL AND OFFSHORE PORTFOLIOS
Investing in local and offshore portfolios involves careful consideration of various factors to optimise returns and mitigate risks, writes ITUMELENG MOGAKI
Richard Haller, managing director: offshore real estate & investment migration at Sable International, shares some top tips on investing in local and offshore portfolios.
Local portfolios
1. Assess risk vs stability: understand the risk profile associated with local investments, considering factors such as sovereign and country risks. Local investments may offer familiarity and stability, but can be influenced by the economic conditions of a specific country and region.
2. Currency exposure: be mindful of currency fluctuations and how they impact your returns, especially if you plan to spend funds locally in the future. Consider a mix of assets, such as real estate, equities and bonds, within your local
portfolio to balance risk and potential returns.
3. Consider stability and familiarity: investing locally offers more familiarity with the market, enabling a better understanding of investment dynamics and risks. But it does also come with less stability given that South Africa is an emerging market.
OFFSHORE PORTFOLIOS
1. Diversification in hard currency: allocate a portion of your portfolio in hard currency assets, such as real estate, equities or bonds, denominated in stable foreign currencies. Offshore investments can provide exposure to more stable markets and hedge against local currency risks.
2. Future planning: consider offshore investments if you anticipate future expenditures or commitments in foreign currencies (for
example, education expenses, travel or retirement abroad). Offshore portfolios offer exposure to diverse global markets, potentially enhancing portfolio stability and providing access to markets with higher hard-currency returns.
3. Access to expertise: offshore investing requires specialised knowledge, access to global financial instruments and real-estate professionals.
GENERAL TIPS
1. Long-term strategy: approach investing with a long-term perspective, focusing on wealth preservation and growth across borders, and consider how each investment aligns with your overall financial goals and risk tolerance.
2. Risk management: mitigate risks by diversifying across asset classes and geographic regions and stay informed about global economic trends and geopolitical developments that may impact investment performance.
3. Partner with trusted professionals: choose advisors and partners with proven expertise and integrity to navigate the complexities of international investing and ensure transparency and due diligence in all investment transactions.
Gregoire Theron
IN THE BUSH OR OUT TO SEA?
Not sure how to expand your horizons this winter? While the possibilities are endless, KEITH BAIN offers a few ideas – whether you’re keen to board a big boat or dream of a safari straight from your adventuresome childhood imagination
ON LAND
There’s the unmitigated thrill of setting off at dawn on a Big Five safari with a khaki-clad ranger showing you lions on the hunt while elephant families pad silently through the wilderness. The South African traveller’s imagination is, in many ways, built on the idea of being on safari – that adventuresome picture of the wild outdoors so many of us had when we were young. When the bush called out to us, and we knew how lekker it can be to pitch a tent and sleep under the stars or check in at a cheap-and-cheerful SANParks’ rondavel and listen to hyenas laughing through the night.
That’s all well and good, but safaris have grown up, and so have we. While missioning to Kruger remains an iconic way to mix a road trip with adventure, don’t overlook the many private reserves that now offer ultra-comfort as an antidote to roughing it. Tswalu in the Northern Cape has pangolins and a chance to walk with meerkats, and all across the Waterberg, a few hours from Joburg, there are small lodges full of character and tight security to ensure the rhinos are protected.
Even from the Mother City, you can drive to several nearby reserves, usually rewilded land that’s been restocked with animals hunted and driven away a century or more ago. Albeit tamer than Kruger, a few safaris you can have not too far from Cape Town include Sanbona (in the Klein Karoo), Gondwana (on the Garden Route), and all those private reserves within an hour or so of Gqeberha are good value and malariafree. Also close to Gqeberha is Addo
THE RECENTLY PROCLAIMED MAPUTO NATIONAL PARK IS AN ABSOLUTE STUNNER OF A BUSH-AND-BEACH RESERVE.
Hot air balloon ride, Tanzania, Serengeti National Park
Elephant National Park, with its enormous pachyderm herds. Near Graaff-Reinet, Samara is where cheetah-collaring means you can track these fast-paced cats on foot.
If you want to mix a seaside jaunt with time in the bush, KwaZulu-Natal’s network of game reserves is unrivalled for variety; you can experience extreme pampering at Phinda or rough it on a no-frills walking safari in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.
Right across the border in the south of Mozambique, the recently proclaimed Maputo National Park is an absolute stunner of a
bush-and-beach reserve that will knock the socks off birders and shock everyone with its marine life and annual in ux of turtles that pad across the sand to nest.
If you’re looking to see more of the continent, there’s still nothing on earth to compare with East Africa’s Great Migration, a primal pilgrimage when millions of wildebeest, zebra and other game journey across the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya) plains. Pursued by hungry carnivores and ambushed by humungous Nile crocodiles, they put on one of earth’s most spectacular
wildlife shows. In nearby Uganda and Rwanda, treks through lush forest result in glimpses of endangered mountain gorillas, ranking among the rarest experiences on the planet.
Captivating, too, are orange-hued orangutans spied from the decks of riverboats in the jungles of Borneo, or stately Bengal tigers that can be gawped at in India’s game reserves.
Animal encounters happen in water, too –off the shores of Cape Town, you can snorkel with seals, take a dip with penguins and board boats to see southern right whales and humpbacks breaching just metres away.
ON WATER
A ship can be as large as a skyscraper or it can be a sleek yacht with just a handful of berths. You can tailor-make your experience; pick a cabin and boat that suits the size and ambit of your adventure – and the depth of your pockets. There are now even ships you can retire to permanently, living aboard for the rest of your days as you gently sail the seven seas, essentially exploring the planet with nary a care in the world. For those with time restraints, there are cruise packages for anything from a couple of nights to weeks or months. You can choose to see lots of different places, practically a new port and different country every day, or pick something
more in-depth, sometimes with a scientist or marine biologist on board, someone who will ensure you end your cruise a whole lot wiser and better informed than when you boarded.
One kind of adventure worth leaning into is a cruise that seeks out the summer sun; sailing through the Mediterranean can make hassle-free exploration of Italy, Croatia, the south of France, Spain and Portugal feasible.
Also useful is a cruise that gets you to places that are expensive or complicated to explore by plane. Antarctic cruises are increasingly popular and will show you the frozen continent in ways you might never have dreamed possible: penguins, whales, seals and glaciers, some of which you might see up close from a dinghy when passengers leave the ship to explore for a bit.
Similarly dramatic when seen from a ship is Alaska, while the Fjords of Norway are best experienced from the water – you get a sense of being part of a watery landscape as you skirt around the edge of the mainland watching as the contours take shape. Cruises to see the Northern Lights are another unimaginable once-in-a-lifetime experience.
EXPLORE CLOSER TO HOME
Silversea’s Silver Spirit offers you a new way to explore your own country.
Following her sold-out 2023 and 2024 season, Silver Spirit will return to the Indian Ocean and Southern Africa later this year and early 2025.
During an extended season, operating from December 2024 until March 2025, Silver Spirit will undertake a collection of “closer-to-home” voyages, which invite South Africans to experience their own country, perhaps in a way they never have before.
With a season beginning in the Seychelles in December, Silver Spirit offers two stunning itineraries. The Mahe-round trip takes in the stunning Seychellois islands, beauty and culture.
Departing Mahe on 7 January 2025, Silver Spirit heads to Cape Town before her series of Cape Town round-trip voyages throughout January and February, which sail both the West and East Coasts going as far as Walvis Bay in Namibia and Richards Bay in the Indian Ocean. These carefully curated itineraries offer incredible and immersive experiences
You could also simply go cruising for the sociability, the entertainment and the chance to meet people.
The thing about a ship is that it’s more than mere transport: on board, the cruise is the holiday, so you never stop experiencing. Plus, there are many other advantages: meals are sorted, navigation is someone else’s indaba and, unless it’s one of those super-size ships that require a map, you probably won’t get lost. You only have to unpack (and repack) once and there’s a long list of nuisances you don’t have to deal with: taxis, touts, airports, checking in and out of hotels.
If you’re unfamiliar with the options, you could do worse than start by looking at some of the major cruise companies. Norwegian Cruise Line (ncl.com), for example, has an 11-night cruise from Barcelona to Rome with stops in Florence, Valencia, Ibiza and
KIND OF ADVENTURE WORTH LEANING INTO IS A CRUISE THAT SEEKS OUT THE SUMMER SUN.
Cannes, among others for about $2 000 per person. Sounds like a big spend, but it includes an ocean-view room, meals, drinks, some Wi-Fi and hassle-free stops in all these beautiful summer hotspots.
Niche cruises and small-scale boutique cruises are also on the rise and river cruises are a growing genre. Uniworld (uniworld. com) has an eight-day river cruise between Burgundy and Provence in summer.
Virgin Voyages (virginvoyages.com) offers over 240 stylish adults-only boutique cruises that will make you rethink every negative stereotype you may have of being on a large ship with hundreds of strangers.
covering a wide range of interests, including 4x4 desert adventures, the wild horses of the Namib, bird watching, hiking, scenic flights, cultural villages, game parks, marine excursions, Kolmanskop Ghost Town, wine tastings, culinary experiences and the history of the Midlands and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site. Guests will feel great pride in the incredible way our beautiful country is showcased – Silversea style.
Silver Spirit offers guests one of the most complete cruise experiences
available. With one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the business and eight superlative luxury dining options, she retains our world-famous service standards and home-awayfrom-home feel.
Bookings are available through Cruise Vacations, Silversea Cruises’ exclusive general sales agents who can work with your preferred travel agent. Contact Cruise Vacations: email info@cruise-vacations.co.za or call 011 514 0564. ONE
PARK PLACE IN R ATANGA PARK A HUGE SUCCESS
RABIE PROPERTY DEVELOPERS’ launch of the first phase of its new residential showpiece, Park Place in Ratanga Park, was nearly sold out on the day
Rabie Property Developers launched the rst phase of Park Place, comprising the rst two of three buildings, to the public on Saturday 25 May. The launch was a soaring success with 90 per cent of the units sold at a value of R260-million. Park Place is Rabie’s exciting new waterfront development comprising luxury studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and penthouse apartments in the form of one low-rise and two high-rise apartment buildings.
The residential development is set within Ratanga Park, a recent addition to the mega mixed-use precinct of Century City in Cape Town. Ratanga Park is an expansive six hectares of green parkland of mature trees, indigenous planting and a tranquil waterfront, connected to 8.5km of canals.
E XC EP TI ONAL AME NIT IES AND OFFERINGS
Apart from its prized location, Park Place boasts exceptional lifestyle amenities with a clubhouse, a sparkling swimming pool, a boules court and a braai area with a pizza oven. All the apartments and penthouses in Park Place are oriented towards the north,
optimising natural light and providing maximum protection from the summer south-easter winds. This orientation also opens up views of the waterways, trees and rolling lawns of Ratanga Park. From the higher oors, the views open up further, offering mesmerising vistas of Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and the glistening blue expanse of Table Bay.
The ground- oor apartments offer private garden spaces. It’s a site where birdsong and the sound of running water make you feel as though you’re deep in the country... and yet just 500m away is Century City’s vibrant urban square, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, a host of boutique hotels, an international conference centre and a great line-up of top coffee shops and restaurants.
Park Place is designed to achieve full EDGE certi cation (Excellence in Design for
PARK PLACE BOASTS EXCEPTIONAL LIFESTYLE AMENITIES WITH A CLUBHOUSE, A SPARKLING SWIMMING POOL, A BOULES COURT AND A BRAAI AREA WITH A PIZZA OVEN.
Greater Ef ciencies), from the Green Building Council of South Africa. This energy-saving design approach will not only save residents money, but also allow buyers to apply for green mortgage bonds at preferential interest rates. Park Place follows recent sell-out successes at Ratanga Park including Nine Palms and On Park. Nine Palms achieved its Edge Advanced certi cation in April and On Park is currently under construction. The evident success of these developments signals Ratanga Park’s location as a highly covetable address.
Investors and residents bene t from total peace of mind, thanks to highly effective security measures, and the convenience of a healthy, outdoor-oriented, highly walkable, connected and sociable new urban lifestyle. The perfect position of Park Place in the landscape of Century City fosters an ideal balance between a thriving career and a ful lling personal life. Here you can stay near the epicentre of a major business hub, close to blue-chip corporates, an international conference centre and a host of co-working spaces, but never lose touch with the beauty of nature. Whether you’re in the mood to work out on the water in a kayak, hit a high-intensity session in a nearby gym, join in a popular weekly 5km park run or simply relax at the swimming pool, the amenities of Park Place and surrounds extend a constant invitation to stay t, refresh your energy and give your best, day in and day out.
ALWAYS ON AND SAF E
Another major advantage of the technology infrastructure of Park Place is the onsite generator that will provide full power backup for the entire development. No more downtime as lights, lifts, kitchen appliances and electrical plug points will be powered by the generator in the event of load shedding. It’s the perfect space for digital natives and young professionals who rely on constant
communication for work and leisure. Park Place residents will bene t from a highspeed open-access bre network providing lightning-fast and reliable internet access, whether in their apartment, at the pool or in the garden. A network of Wi-Fi hotspots throughout Century City lets you stay connected on the go, relaxing with your laptop in the park or enjoying an espresso at a nearby cafe.
Residents of Park Place will enjoy complete peace of mind every minute of the day, thanks to a unique system of security measures. These start with the safe environment of Century City itself, with its extensive network of constantly monitored CCTV cameras and its own, dedicated rapid response team. All this makes it perfectly safe to run through Ratanga Park at dawn or stroll back late from an evening out at Gusto Urban Italian, La Parada or Tiger’s Milk. At home in Park Place, you’ll be protected by Century City’s smart security, effective perimeter security and high-tech access control.
KEY INVESTMENT FEATURES
• Studio apartments from R1.5-million.
• One-bedroom apartments from R2.2-million.
• Two-bedroom apartments from R3.3-million.
• 10 per cent deposit.
• No transfer duty payable.
• Occupation: late 2025.
• Capital growth at Century City is growing at 10 per cent per annum.
• Insatiable rental demand for apartments at Ratanga Park.
• Aimed at EDGE certi cation for lower interest rates.
• Green building ef ciencies lower running costs.
KEY LIFESTYLE FEATURES
• Tranquil, north-facing water’s edge location.
• Pool, sun deck, play park and boules court.
IT’S THE PERFECT SPACE FOR DIGITAL NATIVES AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS WHO RELY ON CONSTANT COMMUNICATION FOR WORK AND LEISURE. PARK PLACE RESIDENTS WILL BENEFIT FROM A HIGH-SPEED OPEN-ACCESS FIBRE NETWORK PROVIDING LIGHTNING-FAST
AND RELIABLE INTERNET ACCESS.
• Clubhouse with pizza oven and braai areas.
• Exquisite waterfront lifestyle with magni cent park views.
• An array of great shops and restaurants within 500m.
• Pre-installed fibre with access to a high-speed network.
• Full backup power – no more load shedding.
• 24-hour security with access control.
• Perimeter fencing and monitored CCTV cameras.
• Secure onsite parking plus storage units for sale.
• Built-in cupboards in bedrooms and kitchens.
• Top-quality engineered stone tops in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Timber-look vinyl ooring in bedrooms and living areas.
• Two-plate hob and convection microwave combo in studios.
• Oven, built-in hob and concealed extractor fan in other apartments.
• Energy-ef cient central hot water system.
INVEST NOW
Contact a Property World agent if you are interested in purchasing at Park Place. A handful of units are still available from the release of Phase 1, and a third building will be released in Phase 2 soon.
Median selling prices at Century City have grown by 10 per cent year-on-year for the past two years. Devon Usher, CEO at Property World, explains: “Demand for rental
properties bordering Ratanga Park has been insatiable. The ever-growing semigration trend has driven impressive rental returns and multiple applications per apartment. We have also seen buoyant capital growth and numerous pro table resales. This combination of strong rental uptake and rising property values, coupled with a diminishing supply of new developments in Century City, is a golden scenario for any investor.”
RABIE
Scan to visit Rabie Group’s website
THE FACTORS DRIVING INVESTMENT DECISIONS
Property has long been viewed as a reliable investment, promising both long-term capital growth and short-term revenue income. CARYN GOOTKIN looks at what an investor needs to be mindful of when looking to invest in residential property, mixed-use developments and lifestyle estates
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
When investing in property, one’s eye is always on the potential return. “There is a variance in return between residential property on the one hand and commercial/industrial property on the other,” says Andrew Dewey, managing director of Swindon Property. “Residential property yields are normally two to three-and-a-half per cent lower than for commercial or industrial property, ranging between ve and seven-and-a-half per cent, maybe eight at a push in the rst year of investment. However, with residential property, there is a strong likelihood that you will achieve a higher loan-to-value for gearing from the bank. Also, residential property normally offers a lower price point for entry into the market than other property types, so there is potentially less capital outlay at the outset.”
Charles Norris, sales manager at Abland Properties, says residential property makes a good investment as it tends to retain its value over time, providing long-term nancial security with a tangible asset. “Historically, residential property has shown the potential for long-term appreciation, particularly in the Western Cape. Also, property values and rental income tend to increase with in ation, providing investors with a hedge against the eroding purchasing power of at currency.”
As we have always been told, it is still all about position, position, position. “Situated in the heart of Cape Town City Centre, The Rubik apartment building offers residents easy access to a range of amenities, including
shopping centres, restaurants, entertainment venues and public transportation hubs, which enhances the property’s appeal to both tenants and potential buyers, potentially leading to higher rental yields and property appreciation,” says Norris.
The Rubik is an example of an apartment building with superior features attractive to tenants: high-speed internet connectivity, energy-ef cient features, secure parking and recreational areas such as a rooftop pool. “These enhance the overall living experience and attract tenants willing to pay premium rents,” says Norris.
Dewey warns investors to be careful of guaranteed rentals with off-plan sales both in the commercial and residential markets. “Some developers doing off-plan sales will offer a guaranteed rental for a year or two to give the buyer a secure return,” he says. “Consider that these returns are likely built into the purchase price, and once the guarantee period lapses, many other units in the same scheme may come onto the leasing market simultaneously, creating a very competitive environment. Make sure therefore that the rental guarantee is in line with market conditions and look to see whether comparative sales in the area show capital growth above in ation.”
Newer buildings often have lower operating costs. “Energy-ef cient design, modern construction materials and effective property
management practices contribute to reduced overheads in developments such as The Rubik, ultimately increasing the net income generated from the property,” says Norris.
Always consider body corporate rules when investing in sectional title developments. “Residential property owners in sectional title schemes make much higher returns on short-term or Airbnb lets, but some body corporate rules don’t allow this, meaning the owner can only enter long-term leases at a lower rental return,” says Dewey.
Investors in The Rubik, for example, have the exibility to capitalise on both long-term and short-term rentals. “While long-term rentals provide stable, consistent income streams, shorter rentals cater to the lucrative tourist sector, especially in popular tourist destinations such as Cape Town,” says Norris. “This dual rental strategy allows investors to maximise yields and adapt to changing market conditions.”
“RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NORMALLY OFFERS A LOWER PRICE POINT FOR ENTRY INTO THE MARKET THAN OTHER PROPERTY TYPES, SO THERE IS POTENTIALLY LESS CAPITAL OUTLAY AT THE OUTSET.”– ANDREW DEWEY
Mariska Auret
Charles Norris
The Rubik
MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTS
Mixed-use properties have residential, retail and commercial elements. “Investors must look closely at how the body corporate levies are calculated – are they based on the total square metres or are the residential, commercial, and retail elements treated separately,” asks Dewey.
Cape Town’s Century City can be described as a mega mixed-use development or mini city. One of the newest projects is Rabie Property Developers’ Ratanga Park. “Ratanga Park is based on the concept of new urbanism –creating inclusive, sustainable urban spaces offering enhanced quality of life,” says Mariska Auret, director at Rabie. “The three components – residential neighbourhoods, workplaces and shopping districts – are integrated, so residents have easy walking access to all their needs.”
On delivering this trifecta of residential, commercial and retail offerings to those residing in mixed-use precincts such as Ratanga Park, Auret continues: “We are very meticulous with setting levies within our mixed-use precincts. We ensure that each component, whether residential, commercial or retail, is siloed with its own levy structure. The only shared levies applicable would be for the upkeep of all communal use spaces where each development type has usage rights.”
Tight security is a crucial component of mixed-use developments as it underlies the promise of being able to live, shop, work and relax freely. “Century City’s state-of-the-art security system provides the community with total peace of mind, and each development within the mini city has its own security, too,” says Auret. “For the environmentally conscious investor, residential developments in Ratanga Park target EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Ef ciency) certi cation, which facilitates the opportunity to acquire a green bond at a lower interest rate. Most recently, Nine Palms at Ratanga Park achieved its EDGE Advanced certi cation.”
LIFESTYLE ESTATES
Investors prioritising security should also consider buying in a lifestyle estate, as these are designed with security in mind using CCTV surveillance, electric fencing and 24/7 security. “Residential estates offer secure investments and growth in property value,” says Geraldine Harris, CEO of Dainfern Golf Estate. “Dainfern is a premier Gauteng golf and lifestyle estate, boasting a unique blend of luxury and secure living surrounded by natural beauty with abundant green space.” What makes Dainfern such an attractive buy-to-let investment is that many multinational corporates choose to house their staff there. “This is due to the high standard of security, lifestyle facilities and proximity to the American International School (with a shuttle for students in the estate),” says Harris. “Multinational corporate rentals are very appealing to property investors as the leases usually run for the
duration of the secondment contract (usually three years), creating long-term income certainty and reducing the administration of nding new tenants annually.”
This points to the attraction of lifestyle estates. “Dainfern is also the choice of discerning tenants seeking a high-quality lifestyle in an established estate in the proximity of several excellent schools, shopping centres and Lanseria airport.”
Another factor driving investment in lifestyle estates is semigration and a desire to move out of the big cities.
“As a semigration facilitator, I have witnessed the Western Cape being the destination of choice for people aged between 36 and 64, as borne out by specialist Lightstone, which indicates that Mossel Bay is a very popular destination,” says Jan Wessels, property consultant at Hartland Lifestyle Estate.
There are many such developments along the Garden Route, offering a wide range of accommodation types and prices. “What sets Hartland Lifestyle Estate apart is that it is a three-generation lifestyle estate,” says Wessels. “Located between the Hartenbos and Klein Brak Rivers, it is a 20-minute drive to the George Airport and is close to numerous golf courses, schools and the Mossel Bay air eld for private aircraft.”
Of particular interest to investors looking to buy in the mature lifestyle estate market is that the retirement part of Hartland Lifestyle Estate specialises in home-based care for frail persons. “This means that you can invest in a sectional title unit (rather than buying a life right, which is how many retirement developments work) and older tenants can retire in their dream home and be assisted at home,” says Wessels.
Ratanga Park
Dainfern Golf Estate
Dainfern Golf Estate
LIVE SECURELY AND THRIVE NATUR ALLY IN BURGUNDY ESTATE
RABIE PROPERTY
DEVELOPERS, a trusted name with 47 years of property development experience, proudly presents Umberwood, where suburban living has been elevated to the next level
Located in Cape Town, Burgundy Estate offers a vibrant and welcoming suburban lifestyle like no other. With Cape Town’s charming suburbs to the south, the pristine beaches of Milnerton and Blaauwberg to the west, and the renowned winelands of Durbanville Hills to the east, Burgundy Estate is a growing community within Cape Town. This community is perfect for those seeking security, nature, connection and convenience. This superb suburb boasts private schools and a range of lifestyle amenities, including exceptional wine estates.
Step into a place where convenience and community come together effortlessly. Burgundy Estate is more than just a home; it’s a vibrant neighbourhood full of lifestyle opportunities waiting to be explored. Rabie is proud to present Umberwood, another opportunity for investors and home seekers to purchase a brand-new home off-plan in this vibrant prime location. Building on the success of previous developments, such as Rhapsody, Quinta and Bowtie, Umberwood, launching in August 2024, is set to be another contemporary and gated community estate designed to offer a serene escape from the city’s hustle.
IMAG INE TH IS
Lush parks that feel like secret gardens, invite you to relax and unwind with the majestic Table Mountain as your backdrop.
Ride your bike through picturesque streets or head to the Burgundy Golf Club for a round amid stunning scenery. This isn’t just living; it’s thriving.
Every convenience is at your ngertips, with shopping centres, schools and medical facilities nearby.
COMMUN I TY V IBE S AND M ODERN L IVI NG W ITH MO RE PRI VACY
Here, neighbours become lifelong friends. From events to social clubs, there’s always something happening in Burgundy Estate. Whether you’re a savvy investor looking for the next hot spot or a home seeker searching for the perfect nest, Burgundy Estate is where dreams come to life. Being in a gated community means you have more privacy and tranquillity away from the maddening crowd. Enjoy the quieter side of life, Umberwood is strategically located adjacent to green open spaces, comprising of 120 elegantly designed apartments borded by a picturesque retention pond and lushly landscaped pocket parks. Designed by BAM Architects, Umberwood features low-rise
UMBERWOOD, LAUNCHING IN AUGUST 2024, IS SET TO BE ANOTHER CONTEMPORARY AND GATED COMMUNITY ESTATE DESIGNED TO OFFER A SERENE ESCAPE FROM THE CITY’S HUSTLE.
buildings opening onto expansive gardens, offering residents a perfect blend of modern living and natural beauty.
LIFE STYL E AME NIT IES AND S E CURITY
Umberwood boasts an array of features designed to enhance your lifestyle in Burgundy Estate.
• Pre-installed bre to the home with an open-access network.
• Solar PV system for geysers.
• Communal laundry facilities.
• Shared of ce space providing a station to work within the estate.
• Excellent neighbourhood security.
• A stunning swimming pool with pergola.
• A communal braai and entertainment area with views of Table Mountain.
• Access to kilometres of running, walking and cycling paths.
• Convenience of shopping, restaurants and schools, all within walking distance, ensuring a comfortable and connected lifestyle.
Umberwood offers a secure, walkable community with a gatehouse, access control
and perimeter fencing. The estate is bordered by serene retention ponds and features gardens and playgrounds set within scenic landscaped bio-corridors. Committed to sustainability, Umberwood is aimed at EDGE certi cation for lower interest rates, green building ef ciencies and lower running costs.
AN INVESTMENT-SAVVY DECISION: RUNNING THE NUMBERS
• One-bedroom apartments from R1.045-million.
• Two-bedroom apartments from R1.465-million.
• Deposit: 5 per cent.
• Public launch: 3 August 2024.
• Occupation: mid 2025
• No transfer duty, VAT included.
UMBERWOOD
OFFERS A SELECTION OF ARCHITECT’S FINISHES TO CHOOSE FROM.
Investing in Umberwood promises excellent capital appreciation and strong rental return on investment. The demand for rental properties in Burgundy Estate exceeds supply, ensuring that your investment grows in value by the time you take transfer in 2025. Additionally, buying directly from Rabie means you avoid transfer duty and bene t from VAT-inclusive pricing. Recent sell-out successes developed by Rabie in Burgundy Estate include Rhapsody – only ve units are left for sale, Quinta and Bowtie where there’s been a demonstrated 18 per cent escalation in the average R/sqm value over the past three years.
CUSTOMISATION AND QUALITY
As a new homeowner, enjoy the satisfaction of being the rst to live in your home. Umberwood offers a selection of architect’s nishes to choose from to ensure everything is new, clean and ready for you.
DON’T WAIT FOR YOUr SLICE OF DELIGHT
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of Umberwood at Burgundy Estate. Secure your slice of delight in this community for a life of laid-back luxury, convenience and unbeatable value. Contact our sales team today to schedule a private tour of the area and the development site to discover why Umberwood is the perfect place to call home. For more information, register your interest by lling in our contact form on our website, www.umberwood.co.za, or call one of our agents at Property World Cape Town.
For more information:
Devon Usher 082 446 9188
Aldo Strumpher 082 451 9990
Natasha van der Bergh 072 222 7560 info@rabie.co.za www.rabie.co.za
RABIE
Scan to visit Rabie Group’s website
GET PET INSURANCE FROM PEOPLE WHO LOVE PETS AS MUCH AS YOU DO
ONEPLAN PET INSURANCE has been helping South Africans keep their fur babies healthy and happy for over a decade
Oneplan Pet Insurance offers affordable pet health cover with bene ts you can actually use when you need to.
OUR PET INSURANCE PLANS
• Accident Plan: R80pm. An accident-only plan for pets of all ages.
• Primary Plan: from R160pm. Affordable and comprehensive cover for the budget-savvy pet parent.
• Hospital Plan: from R190pm. Extensive hospital benefits for accident- and illness-prone fur babies.
• Classic Plan: from R280pm. Our most popular plan, including all the bene ts your pet needs.
• Super Plan: from R430pm. A premium plan with all the bells and whistles for those extra spoiled pups and kittens.
Optional add-ons
• Excess Buster: waives all excesses on claims so that you never have to worry about paying out of your pocket for vet bills again.
• Pet Med Booster: adds Pet Med Savings of R350 to the Primary and Hospital Plan; doubles Pet Med Savings Bene t for the Classic and Super Plans; and waives all excesses.
• Diagnostic Booster: provides additional cover speci cally for diagnostic procedures so that your vet can give your
fur baby the best possible treatment and is available on the Primary, Classic and Super plans from R120pm.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE BEING PART OF ONEPLAN
Oneplan is all about simple, easy-to-use insurance – this is why we pay you before you see your vet through our unique Oneplan Upfront Claim Card and App. This means you’ll never have to worry about unexpected vet visits again.
We also believe in giving our pet parents something back in the form of exclusive discounts of up to 25 per cent in the Onepet Premium Online Pet Store. This is the place where fur parents shop – it stocks premium pet food brands, such as Hill’s, Eukanuba, Royal Canin, Montego, and more, plus tick and ea treatments, dewormer, chronic care, grooming, accessories, beds and whatever else your pet may need.
By saving monthly on all your pet’s expenses, you can offset these savings from your premium, making pet insurance even more affordable with Oneplan.
MORE PAWSOME REASONS TO LOVE ONEPLAN PET INSURANCE
• Keep your favourite vet with no vet networks.
• New policies for small cats and dogs up to their 11th birthday, even with pre-existing hereditary and congenital conditions.
• Upload and manage your policy information and claims from the palm of your hand with the Oneplan App.
• Keep track of your pet’s health with Oneplan’s Pet Wellness Tracker in the Oneplan App.
• Get up to R5 000 deposit paid on pre-authorised hospital admissions or no deposit with our partnered vets’ network.
• Multiple pet discount: 5 per cent discount for the second pet and 10 per cent discount for third or more pets.
• No surprising sub-limits, the cover we say you have is yours to use when you need it the most.
To get an online quote in minutes, visit https://www.onepet.co.za/?referrer=sundaytimes
ONEPLAN PET INSURANCE TO MAKE TODAY BETTER T&Cs apply. Premiums are risk-profile dependent. Discounts tiered and plan dependent. Excludes Accident Plan. Max eight pets per policy. Pets must be older than 8 weeks, small dogs and cats younger than 11 years, medium dogs younger than 10 years, big dogs younger than 9 years.
Oneplan is sold by Oneplan Brokers (Pty) Ltd and administered by Oneplan Underwriting Managers (Pty) Ltd, authorised financial services provider FSP43627 and FSP43628. Oneplan products underwritten by Bryte Insurance Company Limited a licensed insurer and an authorised FSP(17703).
GETAFREEPET INSURANCEQUOTE
Scan to visit the Oneplan website
For more information: www.oneplan.co.za
ONLY THE BEST FOR MAN’S BEST FRIEND
“It’s very important for consumers to understand how pet insurance works so they can choose the most comprehensive cover available for their pets’ needs and get the most out of their cover, while keeping their premiums affordable,” explains Alden.
From hotels and spas to insurance – here’s what the modern pet owner needs to know to ensure their furry friends live their best life.
By ANTHONY SHARPE
ROOM SERVICE
Taking your pet on holiday is great, but for those overseas vacations, business trips and long road trips where you don’t necessarily want Fido slobbering in your ear for 12 hours, you need to nd somewhere for them to sleep. Kennels are one thing, but for discerning pets (or at least owners), pet hotels are where it’s at.
South Africa has a range of such establishments to suit most budgets. In Durban, the Durban Dog Hotel (durbandoghotel.com) offers cushy sleeping arrangements on hotel sofas or beds, behaviour classes and more. In Johannesburg, Must Love Dogs Luxury Emporium (mustlovedogs.co.za) offers droolicious food and treats, along with plush suites for animals accustomed to sleeping indoors (on mom and dad’s bed) and webcams so mom and dad can check in on their babies. And Cape Town complements its bevvy of luxury human hotels with the atFrits Dog Hotel & Daycare Centre (atfrits.com), an uber-luxurious ve-star dog hotel that prioritises animal wellness. There’s even a salon and spa!
POLICIES FOR PETS
It’s every pet owner’s nightmare: your beloved furball gets sick or injured. The only thing worse than this is having to pay for it, which can torpedo your bank account if you’re not adequately covered.
Lucinda Alden, head of marketing at MediPet Animal Health Insurance Brokers, says South Africa has seen massive growth in the pet insurance market. “Consumers are nally catching up with the rest of the world in realising the crucial need for pet insurance. Having to put your beloved furbaby to sleep because you can’t afford that R40 000 surgery is no longer required. Pet insurance has become a necessity – part and parcel of responsible pet ownership.”
Alden says that while advancements in veterinary medicine mean that medical treatments are more readily available, the vet industry heavily relies on imports, drug licencing, equipment and supplies, resulting in vet bills continuing to rise at a greater rate than general consumer in ation.
“Short-term insurance works very differently to human medical aid, and similarly to your car or house insurance. If you claim for all the little bumps on your car, your car insurance premium will increase. Pet insurance works in the same manner. It is designed for the larger, unforeseen and unaffordable vet bills.”
Alden advises considering the following when choosing your cover.
• Some breeds are more prone to speci c hereditary conditions, for example, a dachshund (back problems) or a Labrador (obesity and skin conditions), so choose a provider that does not exclude these altogether or has longer waiting periods for these common conditions.
• If your furbaby has a pre-existing condition, look for a plan that will cover this, but expect an additional premium as insurance is designed for future, unforeseen incidents.
• Sublimits are commonly used by some to keep premiums low, but these severely cap what you can actually claim. For example, line-item limiting can reduce a pet to a quarter of their plan bene t for surgery or an unrealistic amount of cover for diagnostics.
• Accident cover is rarely suf cient, so look for comprehensive cover for both accidents and illnesses.
• Finally, always read the ne print. Insurers can add terms and conditions, for example, admittance matrixes to how hospitalisation is covered, so ask your broker all the questions you have.
This article is not to be and does not constitute financial advice.
THE SOUTH AFRICAN ART MARKET
FRANK KILBOURN, chairperson Strauss & Co, shares that the interest and appreciation of South African modern and contemporary art remains buoyant, and, just as gratifyingly, the spirit of collecting is alive and well in South Africa
Irecognised the interest in South African art and collecting in February when collectors from far and wide came to Cape Town to participate in the extensive programme of collateral events – museum and gallery openings, a major conference and an international prize – that make the Investec Cape Town Art Fair so special. Strauss & Co was a vital part of the bonhomie, hosting several successful auctions, exhibitions and symposia throughout February and early March.
Shortly afterwards, in April, we were in Italy to attend the opening of the 60th Venice Biennale, where Strauss & Co once again sponsored the African Art in Venice Forum. It was a grand occasion for South African art on the international stage, with a large selection of work by more than 50 artists from Africa prominently featured in curator Adriano Pedrosa’s main exhibition, Foreigners Everywhere. The line-up included important painters such as Ernest Mancoba, Gladys Mgudlandlu, George Pemba and Gerard Sekoto.
Many of the South African modernists selected by Adriano Pedrosa for his exhibition,
including Dumile Feni, Maggie Laubser, Esther Mahlangu, Irma Stern and Edoardo Villa, are household names in South Africa. These artists form an essential core of any representative collection. Sadly, this is not the case among international collectors, curators and the various cognoscenti constituting the global art world. For many, the work of Pemba and Sekoto, for example, has been a revelation.
GREATER APPRECIATION FOR AFRICAN MODERNISM
This year’s Venice Biennale will be remembered as a catalytic event in the story of South African modernism, marking a turnaround in its wider global appreciation. But, it is not an isolated instance of international recognition for our earlier artists. Currently, the Kunstmuseum Basel in Switzerland is hosting When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting, a travelling group exhibition initiated by Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town, featuring work by Strauss & Co stalwarts such as Pemba, Sekoto and Gerard Bhengu.
In 2025, African modernism will form an integral part of the new-look Michael C. Rockefeller Wing of The Metropolitan Museum in New York when it nally re-opens. Plans are also afoot in Berlin, London and Paris to survey the individual practices of important modernists. The unstinting commitment of South African collectors to modernist artists from this country is nally receiving wider recognition. Strauss & Co has played a vital role in this process and will continue to offer its expertise as an auction house. We are also committed to facilitating meaningful conversations and publishing initiatives that enrich the appreciation of our diverse and astonishing artistic output of the last two centuries.
WHAT’S ON?
IZIKO, SA NATIONAL GALLERY
Cape Town: The exhibition, Then I knew I was good at painting: Esther Mahlangu, a Retrospective, covers her over 50-year-long career and rise as a contemporary artist to global acclaim. The exhibition will be open to the South African public until August 2024, after which it will begin its global tour.
STRAUSS & CO
Pierneefs Kraal, Pretoria: Modern and Contemporary Art, live virtual spotlight auction, 21 July Gardens, Cape Town: Welgemeend Art Month, exhibition, walkabouts, talks, and fund raising dinner, 1–31 August. Cape Town: Modern and Contemporary Art, evening sale, live virtual flagship auction, 17 September. Cape Town: Transcending Boundaries – International
Live virtual spotlight auction, 23 October
Johannesburg: Modern and Contemporary Art, Evening Sale Live virtual flagship auction, 17 November For more details: www.straussart.co.za
RUPERT MUSEUM
Stellenbosch: The South African Art Collection of Huberte Rupert can be seen until 17 November 2024.
ZEITZ MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART AFRICA
Cape Town: Seekers, Seers, Soothsayers, featuring seven artists whose lens-based work explores accounts and experiences connected to the nonphysical world, is on view until 13 October 2024
Images: Supplied, Esther Mahlangu pic courtesy of Clint Strydom
Artist Esther Mahlangu in front of her BMW Art Car at Iziko South African National Gallery, 2024.
Frank Kilbourn
SIP AND TIPPLE: EMERGING TRENDS
Chairperson of the SA Wine Routes Forum and manager of Stellenbosch Wine Routes ELMARIE RABE shares insights into some of the latest trends within the wine industry
1. Premiumisation: af uent wine drinkers are increasingly looking for high-quality wines. Trade enterprises focusing on premium wines are seeing positive outcomes as consumers are more likely to recommend experiences where they perceive the wine quality to be high.
2. Preference for white wines: a notable pivot towards white wines is occurring internationally, driven by changing consumer tastes and global warming. Globally, traditional red wine regions are adapting by focusing more on white wine production, re ecting a broader industry response to climate change.
3. Regenerative agriculture: these practices include cover cropping, composting and biodiversity preservation. While contributing to healthier vineyards and better-quality grapes this also aligns with the environmental values of consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z.
4. The rise of maker wine brands: there’s a growing trend towards smaller, boutique, or “maker” wine brands. These brands are often characterised by their unique stories, limited production and artisanal methods. They appeal to consumers looking for authentic, exclusive wine experiences and often leverage direct-to-consumer channels for distribution.
TOKARA RESERVE COLLECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020
Tokara Wine Estate is one of the most breathtaking wineries in the Cape with the single-minded vision of producing memorable world-class wines.
Looking ahead in terms of responsible wine production, Tokara has raised the bar with standout vintages from its major focus variety, Cabernet Sauvignon. The Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a classic expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon, capturing the true Tokara terroir on the mid-slopes of the Simonsberg. Sumptuous and full, the flavour profile of classic graphite notes, black cherry and briary fruits interwoven with cassis and five spice follow through onto the palate, ending with a multilayered, persistent finish.
Highly acclaimed with impressive scores from leading local and international wine judges, this wine has irresistible energy and concentration, which will make for an age-worthy gem. “2020 was a powerful vintage, perfect in every sense – from grape to juice to wine, the stars aligned and ensured a beautiful outcome,” says winemaker Stuart Botha. Owners GT and Anne-Marie Ferreira, who celebrate Tokara’s 25th anniversary this year, have seen their vineyards consistently produce exceptional, world-class wines.
KLEINE ZALZE SAUVIGNON BLANC
An early, hot and dry grape harvest in the Cape Winelands is showing accurate varietal expression in the wines being released from this year’s vintage, with Kleine Zalze’s just-released Vineyard Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2024 being a case in point.
“With the young wines now being nished for market and some getting out there, we are seeing tremendous fruit expression and the signature of that speci c wine’s grape cultivar in the bottle. If it says Sauvignon Blanc on the bottle, trust me it tastes like Sauvignon Blanc, and of good quality at that.
“To get a diverse expression of Sauvignon Blanc avour pro les in a singular style for our Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection, we source grapes from sites in three distinct regions, namely Durbanville, Stellenbosch and Darling,” says cellarmaster RJ Botha. “We believe in variety being the spice of life and are convinced Kleine Zalze can make a more complete Sauvignon Blanc from three different terroirs than is the case when you are con ned to only using grapes from one geographic parcel.”
ERNIE ELS MAJOR SERIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Located in the world-renowned Golden Triangle of Stellenbosch, Ernie Els Winery has just released the 2022 vintage of its award-winning Ernie Els Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon, with the previous three vintages all achieving a top 10 placement in the Winemag Annual Cabernet Sauvignon Report. Winemaker Louis Strydom shares that his wine-making techniques evolve with every vintage, and 2022 proved no different as he experimented with various maturation vessels for the Cabernet Sauvignon: primary fermentation in Nico Velo concrete tanks, followed by secondary fermentation in terracotta amphorae and oak barrels. With the terracotta, he achieved a purity of fruit flavour, exuding minerality and flintiness, while the French oak provides structure and mid-palate, allowing for decades of ageing.
The Ernie Els Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is available for purchase from the cellar door or online: www.ernieelswines.com/shop
More about Ernie Els Wines
