keep py to our co Y • a e.co.z boutim 0 • a 1 0 2 ry Februa
timeless romance
contents
s t n e t n co On the Cover
Health
Travel
Features
As the month of luuurve descends upon us, swathed in red organza and dripping velvet hear ts, giggly school girls eagerly await the 14th to discover how many secret admirers they have ensnared. Young lovers gaze ever more lovingly into each other’s eyes, and the rest of us (jaded and cynical perhaps) tut-tut about how real love need not be rewarded with a Hallmark card. Deep down inside, though, we are all secretly touched by those rare love stories that span the test of time – epic tales of love that inspire in all of us the desire for this most beautiful of human conditions. Cover pic © iStockphoto.com
8
24 28 36
Love Stories
Timeless romances
Lillith Leda
Photography
Las Vegas
Cheap weddings
54 62 64
Zambia
Toka Leya
High Luxury Hyatt Regency Oubaai
41 45 56 66 111
Citi Golf
Fond farewell
Mapungubwe Sun City
Building of the year
Revisited
African Escape Bushfellows Lodge Royale Treatment Cape Royale
Horseback Heaven Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve
77 90
Midmar Mile Lore of cycling
www.aboutime.co.za
Great race Major events
102
Family Affair
South African golfers
Bringing the
World to your
Door
R e l i a b l e · C a r i n g · P e r s o n a l 0860 104 778 • www.airfreightafrica.co.za • eric@airfreightafrica.co.za COURIER LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL
For All Your Courier, Airfreight, Road, Seafright Requirements
contents
Business Entertainment
70 73
Regulars
s t n e t n co
10 12 16 18 20 50
10
85 96
Foreign Feat
88
Column
Woordfees
Afrikaans
No Reservations More Tech
Recession truths
Laura Cooke
Passenger Letters
Your opinion counts
More To Do
February diary
More Style
The latest trends
Go To
www.aboutime.co.za
Kobus Dippenaar
106
Industry Leaders
The Peer Group
Gadgets & Tech
Editor’s Letter
More For You
Couture King
Lifestyle guide
Port Elizabeth
98 114 118 126 128
More Fun
Wacky news
1time Good News Flight Schedule Domestic Menu Zanzibar Menu
editor’s letter contents
r o t i ed One of my favourite South African news websites is South Africa the Good News (www.sagoodnews.co.za). I often return to it because of its consistently positive, informative and interesting stories about South Africa and its people. Some argue that by focusing exclusively on the positive, you are simply sticking your head in the sand. But I think that, while it is important to face up to what’s happening in your world, one shouldn’t ignore the many great achievements and accomplishments that happen every day. Unfortunately, in the same way that most of us have “nothing to tell” until some great disaster or unexpected event befalls us, mass media everywhere sell papers by bringing us dramatic and mostly “bad news”. According to South Africa the Good News, this causes an “information imbalance”, resulting in most positive news being marginalised and ignored. And they’re trying to remedy this. I say, why shouldn’t we celebrate the positive? In this edition of abouTime for example, we look at the Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre in Limpopo, which won the extremely prestigious World Building of the Year award late last year. This is an enormous accolade for South African architecture. Share the good things in your own life rather than your petty grievances. Share the great stories and successes you hear about, rather than the macabre. What harm can it do? Perhaps the only downside is that it may mean that you have less to commiserate and gossip about with your workmates over lunch. Enjoy the read and your flight. And remember, you can read abouTime online at www.aboutime.co.za.
Laura
December Winners Provita Hamper Mark van den Heuwel Stephenie Wilson Monica Martjanek Janet Smith Caroline Buthelezi Marline Brits Lisa Roos Campari Hamper Dirk Vale Arlene Duval Taryn Long Mrs. Loppnow A Copy of Enya and Tamia Rob Smith Geraldine Pascoe
12
www.aboutime.co.za
Q IN! W ons? uesti m at
Putumayo’s latest release, Rhythm & Blues, features the rising stars and legends of the retro soul revival. Inspired by the old-style R&B of the ‘60s and ‘70s, the album includes a Keb Mo’ and Angie Stone collaboration with the legendary Sam Moore – guaranteed to make you feel good. e
Ask th ab
To win one of 5 copies SMS the word TIME followed by the word JAZZ to to 35131. Cost per SMS is R3. Competition closes 28th February 2010. By entering this competition you consent to receiving electronic information pertaining to abouTime and/or 1time Airline.
1time Airline Tel: +27 861 345 345 Publisher TCB Publishing PO Box 11273, Hatfield, 0028 Tel: +27 861 THE MAG Fax: +27 88 012 346 2367 mail@tcbpublishing.co.za Chief operations officer Bernie Hellberg bernie@tcbpublishing.co.za Editor Laura Cooke laura@aboutime.co.za Key accounts manager Marinda Scharneck marinda@tcbpublishing.co.za Advertising Sales Group sales director Andre Scharneck +27 72 739 8855 sales executives Bobby Cousins +27 83 532 6773 Calvin van Vuuren +27 82 582 6873 Dino Boonzaaier +27 79 082 9713 Estelle van der Westhuizen +27 83 947 7331 Andrew Scharneck +27 72 739 8855 Robyn Shillaw-Botha +27 82 795 5995
Images iStockphoto.com, StockXchng, Floris Leeuwenberg / TCS, Silver Bullet Productions, Lillith Leda, Media Club South Africa, South Africa Tourism, Sven Martin, Gary Perkin Design & Layout Joanne Mc Laren Virtual Da Vinci Creative Room joanne@virtualdavinci.co.za Webmaster webmaster@aboutime.co.za PRINTING Business Print Centre, Pretoria Contributors to this Issue Nicky Furniss,Yolande Jonker,Tshepi Matloga, Jacqueline Cochrane, Wilma den Hartigh, Lesley Stones, Rebecca Johnson, Vicky Harris, Elizabeth de Villiers, Baglett, Anna Krapp, Bernard K. Hellberg, Greta Steyn, Dale Hayes abouTime is published monthly by TCB Publishing on behalf of 1time Airline. Opinions expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of TCB Publishing, 1time Airline or any of their clients. Information has been included in good faith by the publisher and is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. No responsibility can be accepted for errors and omissions. No material (articles or photographs) in the publication may be reproduced,in whole or in part,without specific written permission from the Editor. Submissions of articles and photographs for publication are welcome, but the publisher, while exercising all reasonable care, cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. Please ensure that all material is posted by registered mail to PO Box 11273, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028. Copyright © 2010. All copyright for material appearing in this magazine belongs to TCB Publishing and/or the individual contributors. All rights reserved.
1time letters
s r e t let Letter of the Month Dear 1time,
The writer of the Letter of the Month will receive a Fondue for Two set. Buy your own and other gifts online from NetFlorist.
It is very important for people to know what a wonderful airline 1time is and how truly compassionate their staff are. You honoured a request “Christmas Wish” and made it possible for my mom and dad to fly to Cape Town and spend Christmas with their family. Their return flight was reduced by half the price. Dad had a stroke a year ago. He is confined to a wheelchair, paralysed on one side and cannot speak. From the time they arrived at the airport, my mom says they were treated like royalty. I always promote 1time Airline to everyone and anyone I know. Thank you once again 1time for the fantastic service you offer. May I wish you all a fabulous 2010. Regards Wendy Bergh
Visit www.netflorist.co.za or Dear 1time,
call 0861 300 600
Dear 1time, I would like to a blow a horn for 1time. I first used 1time in 2005. I did not enjoy my flight and that was the last time I flew 1time for five years. That was until this year, when my office booked me a return flight on 1time. I was not looking forward to my flight. But do you know what? Five years on and 1time is off the hook! I enjoyed my roundtrip and the crew were wonderful. From now on I will be using 1time. I totally enjoyed my trip and also love the abouTime mag! As your payoff line says: “More Nice. Less Price.” (I will add “totally awesome” and so very “ayoba”.) Best regards, Richtiee Nice-Sibanda
In the property market they refer to Position, Position, Position. In marketing they refer to the four “Ps” – product, promotion, price, placement. In flying I refer to the four Ps I experience with 1time. • Price: I will fly with 1time at any price because the experience is worth it. • Promotion: 1time keep me well informed with all their promotions, and they are good. • Place: 1time flies to all my favourite destinations like ZZZanzibar. • Product: 1time have the product and staff that suit my needs. They are fantastic and the beers are always cold. I recently flew from Cape Town to Durban and once again it was an experience well worth shouting about. I don’t know how the 1time staff keep such happy faces so late in the day. Well done to everyone at 1time. James Clark
Letters may be edited, shor tened or translated from the original language.
Have a compliment or comment?
Ask your flight attendant for a feedback form and let us know what is on your mind or send an email to cr@1time.co.za.
14
www.aboutime.co.za
OWN A PART OF THE AUSTRIAN ALPS! Breathtaking apartments available in the Zillertal Ski Arena from €167 000. Step into the snow onto the slopes from your own apartment! These apartments are one of a handful of developments which are available to non–EU buyers. Don’t miss the chance of owning something incredible in the most beautiful place in the world. Let us show you how!
Phone Jacques Van Der Merwe (Attorney) +27 83 227 8574, Email: jacques@jvdm.co.za
MORE
diary
Compiled by Yolande Jonker & Tshepi Matloga
Getting
Dirty
After a successful inaugural event in 2009, the Robertson Wine Valley is excited to host its second Hands-on-Harvest from 26th to 28th February 2010. Prepare to dig in and get your hands dirty with the endless activities on offer. Harvest your own grapes, picnic in the vineyards and go grape stomping in a fun filled event for the whole family. A programme of activities, including participating wineries, is available on www.handsonharvest.com.
Up the Creek If you take one river, divide it into three stages and add 30 live music and comedy acts, what do you get? A music festival to end all music festivals. Up the Creek will charm music lovers again this year from 5th to 7th February with performances by The Dirty Skirts, Taxi Violence and Dan Patlansky, among many others. Check out www.upthecreek.co.za for tickets, the complete line-up and more information.
Make it a
Mile
Last year, the Guinness Book of Records officially recognised the Midmar Mile as the world’s largest open water swimming event. But 13th and 14th February 2010 are the dates to jot down in your diary, as the Midmar Mile will be re-launched – complete with a new logo promoting its Olympic standard. The 2010 Midmar Mile also features a special limited edition medal and a Double Mile wetsuit swim for the braver lot among us. Check out www.midmarmile.co.za for more details.
18
www.aboutime.co.za
Design Highlights
Kicking off 2010 for South Africa as one of the first major event in this historic year, the Design Indaba is proud to celebrate the best creative minds from across the world. The Design Indaba has grown to become one of the largest multi-disciplinary design conferences around the world since its inception in 1995, and will run from 26th to 28th February 2010 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Exhibitions range from fashion to animation, and early booking is advised. Visit www.designindaba.com for further information.
Loud and
Proud
Shopaholic’s
Dream
The hugely popular Cape Town annual Pride festival is here again. The glittering event celebrates diverse cultures and creates awareness around issues affecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex communities. Running from 26th February to 7th March, the 10-day event is one of the biggest on the Cape Town calendar. For more information, visit www. www.capetownpride.org.
The way to a fashionista’s heart is through designer labels. This year’s International Fashion Sale will warm the spirit of all fashion lovers with the largest selection of designer labels under one roof. Adding to the excitement is dramatically slashed prices that will feature in every shopaholic’s wildest dreams. Hosted by the Northgate Dome in Johannesburg from 25th to 28th February, tickets will be available at the door for just R50 per person. Retail therapy has never been this rewarding.
www.1time.co.za
19
trends
e l y t s MORE
From Japan with Love
As part of the festivities to mark 100 years of official relations between Japan and South Africa, the 16th Annual Japanese Film Festival opens on 25th February at Brooklyn Cinema Nouveau in Pretoria (25th to 28th February), before moving to Gateway in Durban (6th to 7th March), and the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town (13th to 14th March).The festival ends at Johannesburg’s Rosebank Mall (18th to 21st March). Six films will be screened, including the 1998 comedy Takkyu Onsen (“Ping Pong Bath Station”), the drama Inochi (“Life”) and the acclaimed 1959 film Ukikusa (“Floating Weeds”). All films are in Japanese with English subtitles.
Steven Cohen Until 6th March, you can catch Steven Cohen’s first solo exhibition in South Africa in more than 10 years. Cohen is internationally recognised for his performance art, yet is seldom seen in South Africa. This exhibition focuses attention on Cohen as a maker of extraordinary images and objects. Look out for Golgotha, his latest video piece. The exhibition runs at the Michael Stevenson Gallery in Woodstock, Cape Town. Go to www.michaelstevenson.com for details.
Love the Lens Gifts for Valentine’s Day can end up being terribly clichéd. For something different, why not treat your partner and yourself to a day in front of the lens? Capture your feelings for one another in a series of artistic, creative and unique photographs taken by Lizelle Lotter. From weddings, couple’s photos to travel and documentary, Lotter brings with her a fresh perspective that will leave you with beautiful images to keep forever. Contact Lotter on +27 76 548 1007 or go to www.lizellelotter.co.za for more.
20
www.aboutime.co.za
lifestyle
u o y for MORE
WIN! ? tions Questhem at
The Origin of it All
Ask ab
Origin is coffee obsessed. Now they would like to show you why. For the month of February and March they will be running a competition that allows you the opportunity to win a “He & She” home barista or coffee appreciation course – which will teach you about the beginnings, how to pour and serve the best coffee. Bring your copy of abouTime into the coffee shop and you’ll receive a free coffee and your details will be entered into the draw. Alternatively email your details to info@originroasting.co.za and stand a chance to win. A Lover’s Escape Valentine’s Day is a special time to reconnect with your loved one and Hands on Retreat is offering a memorable “couples only” package.Their unique romantic menu and pamper treatments will leave you rejuvenated and refreshed. Their back-to-nature setting is situated close to Sandton, yet with tall trees, greenery and the spruit running through it, a country atmosphere prevails.This is an ideal and convenient Valentine’s date.Visit www.handsonretreat.co.za or call + 27 11 326 3181 for more.
Broaden your horizons Feel that you have that entrepreneurial spirit? Looking to branch out into your own business? Then why not make 2010 the year you start your own franchise? With a proven track record, Taste Holdings offers you the opportunity to do just that. From the hugely successful Scooters Pizza and family favourite Maxi’s restaurant to the golden NWJ Jewellers, Taste Holdings offers entrepreneurs the keys to opening their own business. For more information call Taste Holding’s support office on +27 11 608 1999 or go to www.tasteholdings.co.za.
22
www.aboutime.co.za
epic
feature
Story by Nicky Furniss, Pix © iStockphoto.com
ovie Lstor es
As the month of luuurve descends upon us, swathed in red organza and dripping velvet hearts, giggly school girls eagerly await the 14th to discover how many secret admirers they have ensnared. Young lovers gaze ever more lovingly into each other’s eyes, and the rest of us (jaded and cynical perhaps) tut-tut about how real love need not be rewarded with a Hallmark card. Deep down inside, though, we are all secretly touched by those rare love stories that span the test of time – epic tales of love that inspire in all of us the desire for this most beautiful of human conditions.
Literary Lovers Long before astute movie makers had audiences sniffling into tissues over a romantic onscreen kiss, epic love stories were the realm of literature, with some stories so powerful that centuries later they still top our favourite lovers’ lists. The 8th century epic poem The Odyssey is one of the earliest extant works of Western literature. Not surprisingly then, that it contains one of the earliest epic love stories ever told – that of Penelope and Odysseus. After ten years of fighting in the Trojan War, Odysseus embarks on his ten year journey back to Ithaca. Penelope, having not seen her husband for 20 years and fearing him dead, nonetheless waits patiently for his return, desperately trying to rebuff the advances of the 117 suitors who have moved into her palace. In the end, Penelope’s loyalty is rewarded when her husband finally returns to Ithaca, kills her pesky suitors and is reunited with her.Their love story is a testament to the power of devotion and faithfulness – and certainly puts the modern long distance relationship firmly into perspective! Possibly the most famous love story of all time – certainly one of Shakespeare’s most popular and most often performed plays – Romeo and Juliet certainly has it all. Star-crossed young lovers, love at first sight, feuding families (everyone’s worst nightmare of the evil in-laws!), clandestine meetings, elopement and secret marriages, sex, duels, and love suicide. While the play is ultimately a tragedy, its overarching theme is one of love. Young, impulsive, rash love indeed, but the kind of all-encompassing love that is the stuff of many a dream and fantasy – with a happier ending of course.
26
www.1time.co.za
27
feature
Silver Screen Suitors While “rom coms” have become as much a movie-going staple as popcorn, love stories still have the power to entrance an audience, and none more so than some of the all-time classics from the early days of the silver screen. Dubbed by the American Film Institute as one of the most romantic movies of all time, 1957’s An Affair to Remember tells the story of Nickie and Terry – a couple who fall in love, while each is engaged to somebody else. They agree to meet in six months’ time on top of the Empire State Building – if they have managed to ditch their fiancés, that is. Nickie shows up, but Terry is involved in a car accident which leaves her paralysed. Not wanting to burden Nickie with her handicap, Terry never tells him of her accident, and he – feeling rejected – continues his life without her. A year later the two inevitably bump into each other, and in a poignant and dramatic finale everything is eventually revealed and the two are romantically reunited – a classic tale of love triumphing over all the obstacles fate throws at it. The romantic 1942 drama Casablanca still regularly tops critics’ lists as one of the greatest films of all time – not least of all because of the complicated love story between its two leads, Rick and Ilsa. Rick is torn between his feelings for his ex-lover Ilsa and her request to help her and her husband escape Casablanca. The ex-lovers finally admit to still loving each other and the escape plan is set in place for Ilsa’s husband to leave Casablanca alone. However, at the last minute, Rick forces Ilsa to join her husband and escape to a better life. While the film ends with the two lovers separated by war, it is a guaranteed tear jerker that has had generations of women swooning over Rick’s selfless final act of love.
Real Life Romances
Perhaps the best of all love stories are the ones that come
28
www.aboutime.co.za
to us straight from the pages of history. After all, these are the ones that give us hope that such love may indeed also happen to us. A spinster at 38 and suffering from a mystery illness that left her bedridden for years, the last thing poet Elizabeth Barrett expected to find was love – and certainly not with a man six years her junior. However, as the correspondence between her and fellow poet Robert Browning continued, their friendship blossomed into romance and the two wrote nearly 600 (very romantic) letters to each other over their 20 month courtship. After the couple’s first face-to-face meeting, Robert proposed marriage and they eloped and made a life for themselves in Italy. During their 15 years together – before Elizabeth died in Robert’s arms – both poets produced some of their finest work. This includes Elizabeth’s Sonnets from the Portuguese – a sequence of love sonnets addressed to her husband. And today, who doesn’t know the line from one of her most famous sonnets: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways?” When American actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in a lavish ceremony in April 1956, the world watched spell bound. Not only was this a love story, but it was a real-life fairy tale too. 20,000 of Monaco’s 32,000-strong population lined the streets to welcome Princess Grace when she arrived for her wedding, and over 30 million people watched the ceremony on television. When she died in a car accident in 1982, the world mourned with Rainier, who was so deeply affected by her passing that he remained unmarried until his own death in 2005. Princess Grace, however, remains one of the best examples that fairy tales do sometimes come true, and that there is indeed a prince out there for every princess. And so here’s hoping that during this month of love you find yours, and create a couple of epic love stories of your own.
fine art
Story by Amalanka 2010, Pix Š Lillith Leda
h t i l l i L a Led
30
www.aboutime.co.za
Lillith Leda began her career in front of the lens as an outrageous art and pin-up model. Provocative and beautiful in front of the camera, Leda soon moved her creativity to the other side of the lens.
www.1time.co.za
31
fine art
Leda celebrates the goddess in every woman with photographs that challenge her audience. Without formal training in photography, Leda’s elegant, stylish and bold images are thought provoking and striking. Appealing to a more intellectual viewer, her work contains strong narratives told through marvellous human landscapes. Using mostly natural and available light and exquisite models, Leda’s photos convey that you need more than eyes to see; you need vision. She captures moments in time saturated with emotion and intensity and has the ability to see the extraordinary in commonplace circumstances. What makes her work stand out, is her ability to expose the bare emotion of her subjects in a single and intimate shot. In addition, Leda does all the styling, make-up and art direction on her shoots and so takes part in every aspect of the creative process. In her own words: “The final result is a journey for me, as every image I take tells its own story and dictates its own tones and narrative.” Leda’s skill as a photographer and stylist has seen her work featured in South African magazines, including FHM and leading pop culture magazine onesmallseed, and she has photographed numerous local bands, including the popular Prime Circle as well as international artists such as Chris Cornell. Go to www.lillithleda.com or call + 27 82 765 8495 for more.
32
www.aboutime.co.za
fine art
34
www.aboutime.co.za
feature
Story by Barend Toet & Anders Ryman / TCS, Pix © Floris Leeuwenberg / TCS
viva Getting Hitched in the City of Bling To get married in Las Vegas, all you need is love, $55 and the hope that your union will last longer than Britney’s 55-hour first marriage. Over 120,000 licenses are granted every year from the Clark County Marriage Bureau, and the chapels cater for all tastes.
“By the power invested in me by the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife.You may kiss the bride.” Pastor Iann Schonken stands beside the white limousine and smiles as Karin and Nicolas from Sweden, the top half of their bodies outside the sunroof of the long vehicle, tenderly kiss each other. Travelling through the American Southwest on vacation, they have now been wed in Las Vegas, the world’s Mecca for fast marriages. In less than ten minutes it is all over. The ceremony takes place at the “Little White Wedding Chapel”, in their “Drive Thru Tunnel of Vows”, a curved driveway with a roof that leads past the drive-up window. Whenever a car drives up to it, the pastor leans out of the window to conduct the ceremony. Occasionally he comes out and stands beside the vehicle. The Little White Wedding Chapel conducts more than 500 wedding ceremonies per week, which is more than any other Las Vegas wedding chapel. Here celebrities like Joan Collins and Michael Jordan have promised their partners eternal love. And it was here that Britney Spears, after a night on the town, appeared in the small hours of the morning to be wed by Schonken to her childhood friend Jason Alexander, a marriage that was annulled after only 55 hours. ”But she was not drunk,” insists Charolette Richards, the owner of the chapel for the last 50 years. ”Of course it happens that our customers have taken a glass or two, but we do not marry those who are obviously intoxicated.” The wedding industry is the third largest in Las Vegas, after gambling and entertainment. And most of its more than 100 wedding chapels are to be found on Las Vegas Boulevard, the gambling town’s aorta.
38
www.aboutime.co.za
Once, Las Vegas was run by the mob. Nowadays its business is respectable, and huge sums are invested in the gigantic hotels combined with casinos that line the 5 km long section of the boulevard called The Strip. What once drew the mafia to town was the absence of laws against gambling in the state of Nevada, just as it was its absence of bureaucratic red tape that made it a popular place to get married. A marriage certificate is arranged in less than 15 minutes at The Clark County Marriage Bureau. The bureau stays open from eight until midnight, every day except for Friday and Saturday, when it does not close at all. On popular wedding days, like Valentine’s Day, the line of waiting couples may reach the street outside. Nowadays, most other American states have followed suit, no longer demanding blood tests and other lengthy procedures. But it is to Las Vegas that many still travel to get married. It is a tradition, a fun place to do it in, many think, and also inexpensive. Here a wedding may cost as little as $145 (about R1,000), whereas the average cost of an American wedding has risen to more than $20,000 (about R150,000). “We escaped to Las Vegas,” say Verne and Rhonda from Canada, waiting for their certificate to be issued. ”Away from the family, the reception and everything else.” But Colby and Jennifer from Colorado, who are next in line, have brought their families with them, and they are getting married at one of the big hotels in town. In Las Vegas there are marriages for all tastes and wallets. You can do it simply, in your everyday clothes; traditionally, in a white wedding gown and a black tuxedo; adventurously, in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon; or luxuriously, for example
www.1time.co.za
39
feature
Weddings in Las Vegas cater for all tastes.
on Terrazza Di Sogno, the terrace of The Bellagio, with the daily sound-and-light show of the hotel’s dancing fountains as the grand finale. Some wedding chapels specialise in themed weddings. At Viva Las Vegas, which is next door to the Little White, you may choose Merlin or James Bond as your officiator. But Elvis is the most popular, and when Betty and Dave from Illinois step into their wedding hall, the King is on stage singing Love Me Tender, assisted by a leggy Las Vegas showgirl in plumes and a bikini outfit. “We are not kids anymore, and we wanted to do something fun and different,” says Dave. It is Ron Decar who acts the role of Elvis. Dressed in a white, one-piece outfit, covered in shiny silver rivets and open almost down to his navel, he holds a fake marriage ritual for the couple. “Do you promise to adopt each other’s hound dogs, to never wear your blue suede shoes in the rain, to be each other’s teddy bears and give each other a hunk a hunk of burning love?” And, finally: “By the power invested in me as The King I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The legal marriage ceremony is performed, fast and efficiently, in a side room by pastor Daphne Mendelhof, who, unlike Ron, is empowered by the state of Nevada to conduct marriages. And she combines this job with running a rental business, where Viva Las Vegas customers can rent their wedding clothes. “Some people complain about how quickly the wedding ceremony is over. But then I tell them that they should not have come to Las Vegas. Because here it is not about religion or anything like that. It is business, pure business.” But Charolette Richards is not quite as cynical. ”I never get tired of weddings,” she says, although she stays open 24 hours a day and has more customers than anybody else in town. Charolette is a pastor herself and she conducts many of
40
www.aboutime.co.za
the wedding ceremonies in her chapel. When Charolette first came to Las Vegas in the mid-fifties, she was a young mother of three who had just been deserted by her husband. Every day she walked with her little boys past the Little White Wedding Chapel, and soon the owner started to take an interest in her. He offered her a job in his chapel and a place to live, and when they later got married, she took over the business. Today, Charolette has 65 employees. In two big side buildings there are more wedding halls, a beauty parlour, a rental business for wedding clothes and a photo studio. And in the parking lot behind the buildings are the long, white limousines that drive the couples between the chapel and their hotels. “We can hold seven weddings simultaneously here. And, if you wish, we can take care of everything: Pick you up at the hotel, take you to the court house, dress you up, marry you, take your pictures, and then drive you back to the hotel.” But many of Little White’s customers are walk-ins, often arriving in their own vehicles and getting married shortly after. And when I interview Charolette in her air-conditioned office (outside it is 40°C in the shade), a group of Hell’s Angels roar in on their Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Under her helmet, which is full of racy slogans, such as “Go On Go F*&k Yourself!”, the bride wears a veil. And she also wears a garter on top of her jeans, over her left thigh. It is Charolette herself who conducts the wedding ceremony while the Angels all sit on their motorbikes, except for the bride, who has now taken off her helmet and stands beside the groom so that they can exchange rings and kiss each other. Tears of happiness roll down her cheeks. And they both warmly embrace Charolette to thank her when it is over. “Did you see how deeply in love they were?” says Charolette when the bikers have roared out of the tunnel of vows again. “And they believed in God too."
so long,
Story by Jacqueline Cochrane/ www.jacquelinecochrane.com, Pix © Silver Bullet Productions
Citi Golf The end of an era in South African motoring
The Cape Town signing event that formed part of the Goodbye Citi farewell tour.
After gracing our roads with its iconic boxy shape for a quarter of a century, the time has come for South Africa to bid the legendary Citi Golf a fond farewell. When Volkswagen SA announced late last year that it would no longer be producing the Citi Golf at its plant in Uitenhage, the news filled many South Africans with outrage and sadness.This entry level car has become a ubiquitous and well loved feature on our country’s roads. In fact, the Citi Golf holds the title as the best-selling hatchback in South African motoring history. But in addition to its humble and supremely practical spirit, the Citi Golf ’s distinct outline has come to symbolise a treasure trove of memories. “I was totally in love with the first Golf I had as a student,”
remembers Shannon Manders, an editor who currently resides in London. “I got it from my parents for Christmas one year. My dad went out to collect my grandparents for lunch, and he returned in the Golf. He drove up the driveway and just started hooting. I had no idea what was going on, but when I went outside, there it was. It had a bright red ribbon on the dashboard. I hadn’t learnt to drive yet, so I spent the whole day just sitting in the driver’s seat and imagining the adventures I would have.” Leány Erasmus, a senior account executive who works for
www.1time.co.za
43
feature
DJ Fresh adding his signature in tribute to the Citi Golf legend.
a Jozi-based PR company, recalls a similar memory about her first car – a “beautiful, kitsch-green Citi Golf ”. “When I first got it, I didn’t have my license yet, so I was not allowed to drive it. I bought a pretty key ring and kept opening it and just sitting inside for hours, daydreaming about when I would be able to zip around in it on my own. It was my first real step towards independence.” When Volkswagen first introduced the Citi Golf to the South African market, it was meant to supersede the Golf 1, which had been popular since its release in 1978. The 1984 release of the bigger, more expensive Golf 2 was bound to leave a gap in the entry level market, and so it was decided that the Golf 1 would be reincarnated as the Citi Golf. With its fresh and vibrant new look, the Citi Golf was targeted at first time car owners and students in the 18 – 24 age group, such as Manders and Erasmus were at the time. “I have moved on to another car, but will remember my Golf fondly,” says Erasmus. “It was absolutely great value for money; a neat little car that was light-as-air on fuel, and affordable. They were, and still are, everywhere on the road. I love the sound of their engines – it is quite distinctive.” Robert Szabo, an English teacher who currently resides in Lisbon, also drove a Citi Golf as a student. “It was small, simple, easy to park, and easy to get parts,” Robert remembers, adding that the car’s clean, unpretentious design added to its appeal. “The Citi Golf is understated, almost anonymous.” Some 377,484 Citi Golfs have been sold in South Africa in the 25 years of its existence, and when Volkswagen SA MD, Dave Powels, addressed the media in November last year, he made it clear that the decision to stop producing the Citi Golf was not based on a lack of demand. Powels announced that the continued production of the Citi Golf at the Uitenhage plant was simply not commercially viable. He also attributed the decision to drastic changes in consumer needs. In a rapidly progressing vehicle industry, consumers are becoming more sophisticated and adjusting their expectations accordingly – especially regarding safety and technology. To give South Africans an opportunity to pay homage to the Citi Golf, Volkswagen SA introduced a final limited edition
44
www.aboutime.co.za
of the vehicle, named the Citi MK1. Only 1,000 of these collectors’ cars were produced, and each unit boasts a unique number (from 1 to 1,000) embossed on the dashboard and incorporated in its exterior logo. The discontinuation of the Citi Golf will no doubt leave a hatchback-shaped hole in the South African motoring industry, but Volkswagen SA has every intention of filling this with the introduction of a different vehicle. It has not yet been made known which car this would be, but speculative reports predict a stripped-down version of the Polo. Volkswagen SA indicated that they will announce the replacement early this year. According to Leány Erasmus, her green Citi Golf symbolises “freedom and independence; my first step into adulthood”, and many South Africans no doubt cherish similar memories. Only time will tell whether the Citi Golf’s substitute will be able to fill its tyre-tracks and become as much of a legend.
Story by Wilma den Hartigh, Pix © Peter Rich Architects
Oscar
Johannesburg based Peter Rich Architects has done South Africa proud by bringing home the Oscar of world architecture for the Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre in Limpopo. The building was recently named the World Building of the Year at the World Architecture Festival in Spain.
Architect Peter Rich still can’t believe that they scooped the coveted 2009 award at the World Architecture Festival, said to be the world’s largest architectural awards programme.“Winning the award was a huge surprise.When the judges started describing the winning project, I soon realised that it was mine they were talking about. It was a very humbling experience,” Rich says. The jury voted for the Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre because it was the most “architecturally and psychologically powerful” project of all. Rich adds that the building’s authenticity was also an important factor. “What drew people to the building is that it evokes the same sentiments one experiences when walking into a ruin – a deep sense of history and emotion,” he says. Rich also doesn’t dismiss the serious contenders he was up against, or the jury of highly respected professionals in the industry. “There was a formidable array of competition, but I just ran my best race,” he tells. Other shortlisted projects included the Bras Basah Mass Rapid Transit Station in Singapore and the redevelopment of Father Duffy Square in New York. The Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre was first shortlisted in the culture category – one of the most difficult categories to enter, Rich says. It won in this category and went on to compete against buildings in all fifteen other categories, again making a clean sweep
www.1time.co.za
47
feature
Located on a site with great cultural significance, the centre had to form part of the landscape.
to bring home the prize. Shortlisted architects presented their projects to more than 1,500 delegates, distinguished architects and renowned industry experts at the festival. Rich says that many of the judges have been an inspiration to him for years. “On the jury you have people who are your heroes,” he says. The Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre, commissioned by South African National Parks (SANParks) three years ago, is an important building for South Africa. It was constructed on a site with great historical and archaeological significance in the Mapungubwe National Park, in the Limpopo Province. Around 1,050 AD to 1,270 AD, Mapungubwe was a flourishing city. It was situated in what is now northern South Africa, where the Shashe and Limpopo rivers meet. It was the centre of a pre-Shona kingdom that also spanned over parts of modern-day Botswana and Zimbabwe.The site of the city is now a World Heritage Site and national park. Its significance called for a unique design approach – particularly as it would house artefacts from the region’s prehistory. “The architecture needed something special. You couldn’t just have gum poles and thatch to display gold and artefacts. I wanted it to be a piece of landscape, not a building,” Rich explains. It is also not in keeping with a particular fashion and style. “One person aptly described it as something that looks like it has grown out of the ground,” he says. Rich admits that it was a demanding project to take on, but he doesn’t regret doing it. “The building process was far more exciting than the project on paper,” he says. Rich had to source the appropriate skills necessary for construction and even the park’s elephants wanted to put their stamp of approval on the building site. But Rich is casual about their involvement: “They
pulled the spikes out of the ground in the early construction phases, but this is all part of the story of the building.” The site’s landscape was both the inspiration for the design and the source of most of the materials for its construction. Rich only used carbon-friendly construction methods, because the sustainability component of the project was important. He emphasises that this decision wasn’t motivated by green building trends, but to highlight the vulnerability of the local ecology. “The green concept of building should become the standard. Architects shouldn’t be patted on the back for it,” he says.The building has an 80% lower carbon footprint compared to conventional buildings, as most of the materials used for the roof and cladding are from the site. There was also plenty of local involvement in the project. Local stonemasons were employed to clad the building and unemployed people were trained in the manufacture of
I wa n ted i t to b e a piece of landscape , n ot a b ui l din g.
48
www.aboutime.co.za
stabilised earth tiles and in building the Timbrel vaults. This is a long-forgotten construction technique using interlocking terracotta tiles to construct self-supporting arches. Although the company received the award, he believes it is a timeous achievement for South African architecture. “It has affirmed the country’s position in world architecture,” he says. Winning the award shows that the Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre has value on the world stage. “The award has strengthened my resolve to do good work and focus on work for people who need it most,” he says.
destination guide
Compiled by Tshepi Matloga, Pic © SA Tourism
GO TO
Port Elizabeth And get outside Often called “the friendly city” or the “the windy city”, PE has great moderate weather all year round, beautiful beaches and very little traffic congestion. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities and active excursions.
1
Stroll through Happy Valley
Situated along Port Elizabeth’s beachfront near Humewood Beach, Happy Valley is perfect for family strolls, particularly in the evening when it comes alive with colourful lights. Happy Valley is a wonderland of lily ponds, rockeries and palms and children’s storybook characters. Look out for the giant chess board on the lawn as well.
2
Paintball Heaven
For an energetic, fun-filled adventure, take a trip down south to PE’s famous paintball heaven. Launched 7 years ago, its four fields cater for both young and old. There is even an instructor to help beginners with the game rules. For more information, contact + 27 41 379 2443 or go to www.paintballheaven.co.za.
3
Seaview Game Lion Park
Situated 25 km west of PE’s city centre, Seaview Lion Park offers game viewing through superb bush and grasslands. They are famous for their big cats and have successfully bred, among others, 13 white lions. For a small fee, visitors are even allowed to handle the cubs. Go to www. seaviewgamepark.co.za or call + 27 41 378 1702 for more.
52
www.aboutime.co.za
4
Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve
Discover more about the indigenous flora of the area at the beautiful Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve. Go for hike, a mountain bike ride, have a picnic or simply browse the lovely indigenous nursery. Birders should look out for the many species that frequent the area, such as the cape sugarbird, cape bulbul, orange-breasted sunbird, Knysna warbler and forest canary. Contact + 27 41 956 0155 for directions and more information.
5
Family Fun at Funtasia
For an afternoon of bumper cars, trains, jumping castles, pool or video games, head down to Funtasia at the Bridge Shopping Centre in Greenacres.The venue caters for all ages and is open every day from 09h00 until late. For directions to the Bridge, visit their website at www.thebridgepe.co.za.
travel
Story by Nicky Furniss, Pix © Wilderness Safaris
a slower
Beat
Toka Leya Camp
A Japanese non-governmental organisation is resurfacing Livingstone’s main roads. “To get rid of the ‘African Massage ” our driver explains with a characteristic Zambian sense of humour. The roads aren’t the only things that are changing in the dynamic border town of Livingstone.
Although previously seen as a lesser alternative to the tourist hotspot of Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side of the massive cascade of water that divides the two countries, Livingstone has now well and truly come into its own. A recently opened retail centre with new – mainly South African – shops means that many Livingstonians need no longer travel to neighbouring Namibia or Botswana to shop for clothes and groceries.The logos of adventure specialists dot the shop fronts, offering a smorgasbord of adrenaline pumping activities to entice visitors – from microlight flights over the nearby “Smoke that Thunders”, to white water rafting, bungee jumping, and jet boat rides on the Zambezi. There is no doubt that Livingstone has benefited from the instability of neighbouring Zimbabwe, but a new generation of visitors to Livingstone – who might not have otherwise ventured across the Victoria Falls bridge – have certainly benefited more. A
56
www.aboutime.co.za
warm African welcome is more than just a slogan on a billboard here, and while the town centre bustles with activity, just outside of the city rural life continues as it always has. Women tend to their small gardens of mielies and potatoes; and you are as likely to pause to allow a wandering zebra to cross the road as you are a herd of cows or a stray chicken or two. This is also where you will find the Mosi-Oa-Tunya (“The Smoke that Thunders”) National Park. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site and perched in the western corner of it, you will find Toka Leya Camp – a luxurious safari-style tented camp. With its unassuming ambience and friendly feel, it is one of the most thoroughly relaxing places to stay in Livingstone. Named after a traditional tribal group, whose name translates as “jump away”, Toka Leya Camp is indeed a jump away from harried city life. Taking its cue from the great Zambezi River which wends its way sedately in front of the
camp, daily life here is equally languid, allowing guests to reset their city clocks to a slightly slower beat. Lazy days of books and naps, punctuated by a dip in the camp’s infinity pool, a trip to the spa, and of course meal times – which are always an occasion – are the order of the day. Mirroring the course of the river, winding wooden walkways connect the open plan relaxation areas to the 12 tented suites, at the same time limiting the camp’s impact on the surrounding environment – something that is of utmost importance to
Wilderness Safaris, the ecotourism company that runs Toka Leya. This theme is continued in the tents themselves, which make use of solar heating for luxurious hot showers, both inside and out. Tokya Leya recently planted 100 indigenous trees in the camp, and it is towards majestic Baobabs and Jackalberry trees that the tents’ wooden decks gaze. Making the most of these picturesque surroundings, the camp’s knowledgeable guides are available to take guests for game drives in the surrounding National Park. At this time of year, with its carpets of new green grass and rain-flooded wetlands alive with Egyptian geese and other water birds, the area resembles a lush English parkland – with the addition of the odd zebra and giraffe, of course. Sunset boat cruises on the Zambezi offer guests even more game viewing opportunities. With the added relaxation of the continuous lap of the water, visitors can expect to see herds of elephant, crocodiles basking in the sun and large pods of hippo’s vying for attention. No trip to Livingstone would be complete without a trip to the falls, and guides are available to accompany guests through the spray-soaked rainforest that clings to the hilltops around it. For an even more in-depth history of the area, the town’s museum is a must-see, particularly the section dedicated to the town’s namesake himself, David Livingstone. This section contains arguably the largest collection of Livingstone artefacts in the world. It offers a fascinating insight into this Victorian legend who considered his “discovery” of the Victoria Falls as one of the most memorable moments in his career. Modern day visitors to Livingstone are guaranteed a most memorable experience – and for far more than that just the waterfall. For more information on Toka Leya Camp and other Wilderness Safari accommodation options, visit www.wilderness-safaris.com. 1time flies direct to Livingstone. See the flight schedule for times and days. www.1time.co.za
26839 1time zanzibar 275x210_pth.indd 1
2/21/08 10:29:50 AM
57
Story by Lesley Stones, Š Media Club South Africa, South African Tourism
travel
new Sun City revisited Once upon a time, the fairy tale land of Sun City used to look tremendously kitsch. All shiny gold bath taps and extravagant bulbous rooftops. Then they built a fake Tuscan village at Fourways, and kitsch was accelerated to such new heights that Sun City lost its status as the king of bling.
58
www.aboutime.co.za
travel After my first visit to the Lost City as a newcomer to South Africa, I was horrified. “It’s so un-African.You could be in Disneyland,” I wailed to a Sandton Kugelite. “That’s the whole point, doll,” she said, shortly before she emigrated to America. Now Sun City fits in perfectly with the cross-cultural, borrow-from-everywhere architecture and attitude that permeates South Africa. I still hate the permanent gloom of the casino floors, kept semi-dark to fool gamblers into forgetting that it’s only 10h00 and they should be doing something more productive. And
the placid but perpetually menacing birds of prey. If you are looking for bigger animals, the Pilanesberg reserve is literally just around the corner, and compact enough to almost guarantee seeing several of the big five before supper. Discovering that one of the pools at The Cascades is heated gave me another warm, fuzzy glow about Sun City. It got even better when I discovered the fabulous tequila cocktail that warmed me from the inside while the water warmed me from the outside. Watching a cheeky monkey steal the sunglasses from the sunbed of an unsuspecting tourist was another delight. Sometimes you can watch the monkeys scaling the walls of the hotels with the determined precision of commandoes conducting a military raid on the enemy. On a recent visit a German tourist walked into the bar and announced that he’d just been robbed by a monkey. I tried not to smirk, but I couldn’t help thinking: “Way to go, chimp!” If you’re with your family, head down to the lake and hire a canoe or a jet ski. Otherwise just get on the boat that looks like a floating box and spend half an hour listening to a knowledgeable guide relating the history of the place. The motionless lake won’t throw any daredevil waves and currents at you, but it’s a gentle diversion for an afternoon. Sun City is more famous for the Valley of the Waves experience, with man-made waves to liven up your swimming, and kids shrieking with glee as they tumble down giant waterslides. What else? Oh yes, you can always do the golfing thing, get yourself pampered at the spa, and catch a family movie at the cinema. I haven’t tried the shebeen or the nightclub yet, and I’ve never seen anyone attempt the parasailing, but it’s available if you’ve got R500 to spare. So take the kids, take the golf clubs and the mountain bikes, the wildlife-spotting binoculars and the gym kit.Take a book for the quiet moments and a wallet for the expensive ones. It’s a fake world entirely, of course, but sometimes faking it is fun.
I’m almost embarrassed to admit I’ve developed a soft
spot for the place.
have you ever noticed that the people mechanically shoving money into slot machines never actually look as if they’re enjoying it? So steer clear of the casinos and discover what else Sun City has to offer. Which is quite a lot, actually. In fact, I’m almost embarrassed to admit I’ve developed a soft spot for the place, even if it is looking a bit faded around the edges. Like an over-the-top beauty queen whose glamour is fading, if you look closely behind the make-up you see the wrinkles and sagginess of age. Best to go with someone you love, then you’ll have much better things to do than examine the décor. My favourite spot is right out at the back, beyond The Palace, where meandering paths lead to a hidden corner of mystical baobab trees. It’s no good asking the staff for directions, because most of them don’t seem to realise the baobabs are there at all. You just turn left down a path a few metres before the grand entrance to The Palace, and ramble aimlessly over little streams until they call to you. As you stand in utter insignificance dwarfed by their mighty branches, the throbbing slot machines and gaudy flashing lights are a world away. Then you can stroll back and mooch around the aviary, wondering how birds become so vividly red. Or coo at the small collection of farmyard animals and try to outstare one of
60
www.aboutime.co.za
www.1time.co.za
61
Luxury
TRAVEL
Story by Vicky Harris/Living Easy Communications, Pix © Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
High
Opened in December 2009, the new 100 room Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa is located in Herolds Bay, George.
The hotel forms part of the Oubaai Golf Resort, the first Ernie Els signature golf course in South Africa, and an upscale residential and golf development on the Garden Route. The hotel is located less than seven minutes from George Airport in an area renowned for its pristine beaches, indigenous forests and nature reserves. Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa offers guests a range of first-class services, including airport transfers on request, concierge service, babysitting by prior arrangement, 24-hour room service, business centre services, wireless Internet access in public areas, and a dedicated retail centre. Guests of the hotel have a choice of three restaurants, each offering a unique and personal dining experience. The hotel’s Cucina Restaurant – featuring picturesque floor-to-ceiling windows, a show kitchen, and outdoor seating – serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A large wine display wall accents the private dining room and a separate fireplace lounge is adjacent to the restaurant. Located in the village area of the resort, the Waterside Bar and Grill serves afternoon snacks, drinks and dinner. Its bustling atmosphere extends across an extensive outdoor seating area, a show kitchen, and an oyster bar counter. A lounge adjacent to the seafood restaurant offers cosy seating arrangements, an outdoor terrace and bar. The Visitors’ Clubhouse provides scenic dining options for
64
www.aboutime.co.za
breakfast and lunch, with windows providing stunning views over the mountains and the driving range. Freesia Spa at Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa is part of Hyatt Pure, a worldwide collection of spas designed to embrace the local culture and provide an authentic indigenous experience.The hotel also offers a state-of-the-art fitness facility. The hotel offers more than 1,200 m2 of conference and banqueting space with a ballroom divisible into two sections, four meeting rooms, and a spacious boardroom. There are indoor and outdoor pre-function areas as well as multimedia facilities with WiFi connectivity throughout. A unique feature of Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa is a wedding chapel overlooking the bay for guests seeking the perfect location in which to tie the knot. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s location by surfing and fishing in the crystal clear waters of Herolds Bay Beach and exploring the Oubaai Heritage trail. The hotel will also feature an outdoor swimming pool, a separate children’s wading pool and access to the lifestyle centre, which includes a tennis court, two outdoor swimming pools, including a heated lap pool, a squash court, and an exercise facility and studio for group classes. Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort & Spa; 406 Herolds Bay Road, Herolds Bay, George, 6528; http://oubaai.regency.hyatt.com; + 27 44 851 1234.
travel
Story & Pix © Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve
k c a eb s H or Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve One of the most memorable ways to experience big game viewing while on safari in Africa, is on horseback. This exciting option is offered by Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve – malaria-free, it is one of the biggest reserves on South Africa’s renowned Garden Route.
Just 12 km from the popular holiday town of Plettenberg Bay, the reserve provides guests with a childfriendly safari experience with an excellent chance of spotting four of Africa’s Big Five – buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino. On horseback you are able to access areas that are not possible to reach in a vehicle, and you are free to roam with game or track them down. Accustomed to the presence of the horses, the animals allow guests within a very
66
www.aboutime.co.za
close range. But if you’re not comfortable on horseback, experienced rangers also offer a more traditional game viewing experience in a 4x4 Land Rover. On the two hour horse safari, guests are accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable game ranger who is keen to share his insights with you. The horses are well schooled and friendly and provide a comfortable, easy ride for even the most inexperienced riders. The 2,200 ha Plett Game Reserve is ideal for a weekend
or mid-week break, but also welcomes day visitors. It is a worthwhile outing for holidaymakers staying in the surrounding Tsitsikamma area, Plett, Knysna and George. The property is the natural confluence of the Keurbooms and Palmiet Rivers, and has a diversity of natural biomes, including fynbos, grasslands and indigenous forests. Over 35 species of game, including lion, rhino, giraffe, hippo, crocodiles, buffalo and a large variety of antelope roam free in their natural habitat. The area is also home to more than 101 different bird species. It is the biggest sanctuary in the area for the endangered white rhino. The friendly and professionally trained game rangers are passionate about sharing their vast knowledge of the local fauna and flora and are experienced guides. The reserve has outstanding facilities for day visitors which are supervised by cordial, helpful staff. The reception area has a curio shop, coffee shop and well stocked bar and serves an all day menu of light meals and snacks. Guests can dine al fresco next to the children’s play area, or on cooler days they can get cosy on the comfortable couches in front of two roaring fireplaces. For those looking for an African safari getaway in a luxury 4-star lodge, the beautiful colonial-style Baroness Luxury Safari Lodge, built from local stone, has lost little of its original “out of Africa” feel. It is both romantic and luxurious, with spectacular views across rolling lawns, where zebra and antelope roam freely, to the indigenous forests
and majestic Tsitsikamma Mountains in the distance. Each of the 10 spacious luxury rooms opens onto picturesque gardens with indigenous plants, cool verandas, courtyards and a quaint plunge pool. Suites are spacious and comfortable, with high ceilings and original polished cement and yellowwood floors. The décor is eclectic and colourful: Antiques and giant chandeliers mix effortlessly with leather couches, shabby chic sofas and animal skins. Romantic four-poster beds are draped with gossamer mosquito nets and dressed with cotton linen and chenille or faux-fur throws. There are extra warm blankets for chilly nights. Rooms have showers and freestanding bathtubs, some with views across the indigenous forests. The guest living spaces are heated by log fireplaces and there are many comfortable sitting areas with a library of books for guests to browse through, as well as many beautiful artefacts, trophies and original photographs to admire. The outside boma, which provides an authentic African dining experience, is guarded by two massive carved wooden doors and has a bar and deck built above the dam where guests can enjoy sundowners. Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is just 15 minutes’ drive from Plettenberg Bay and all the amenities and activities of this popular holiday town are easily accessible to guests. For more information visit www.plettgamereserve.com. www.1time.co.za
67
travel
Story by Rebecca Johnson, Pix © Bushfellows
escape “Getting away from it all” is a concept that has become something of a necessity for most of us rushed and bothered city dwellers. We yearn for an escape back to a simpler, quieter way of life. An easy two hour's drive from Pretoria, on the border between Mpumalanga and Limpopo, is just such a place – the Bushfellows Private Game Lodge – where you will indeed feel like you are a million miles from anywhere.
68
www.aboutime.co.za
It is a fun family getaway where accommodation is available either in the rustic Majoba tented camp, surrounded by the sounds of the bush, or in comfortable thatched chalets, overlooking the splash pool and main reception area.This part of the lodge is aptly named Little Eden, as the gardens are shaded by lush fully grown trees, where an active and twittering group of weavers have made good use of the surrounding palm fronds to build their colony of nests. Clearly avid animal lovers, the lodge’s owners have also amassed a large number of both indigenous and exotic animals which are housed around the main lodge and are sure to delight little ones. Various species of iguanas lounge in the sun, while injured snakes are given a second chance at life at the snake rehab centre.The calls of kookaburras mix with those of peacocks and guinea fowls, while the owl house overlooks the newly built wedding chapel, allowing them to serenade newlyweds. Scarlet, the techno-coloured Macau parrot, is often to be found hanging out on the restaurant veranda, and if he takes a liking to you, you could be rewarded with a loud “Hello!” and a ruffle of his feathers. But undoubtedly one of the lodge’s most popular inhabitants is Romeo, a male cheetah who became famous throughout South Africa for racing rugby star Brian Habana in a television commercial. For those who prefer to see their animals in the wild, the lodge offers game drives into the surrounding reserve, which boasts a large number of antelope including the endangered Sable, as well as giraffes, porcupines and a variety of bird life.
Back at the lodge, a games room and an archery range will keep the family entertained, while mum can slip off to the spa for a bit of pampering. The lodge’s restaurant, staffed by wonderfully friendly and personable staff, is also sure to pamper the taste buds, starting with a wide selection of breakfast goodies, followed by light lunch fare perfect for hot, lazy summer days. Dinners can be taken outside on the veranda or inside the restaurant in romantic candle light, and promise traditional South African fare like Nguni chops and carpaccio, made exceptionally well and beautifully presented. Once you have had your last delicious bite of malva pudding drizzled in custard, and taken a stroll to say goodnight to Romeo, it’s well worth lounging outside on the grass and admiring the stars – after all, what else is there to do a million miles from anywhere? Bushfellows Private Game Lodge is an easy two hour drive from Pretoria, and is situated near the town of Marble Hall. The lodge also offers conferencing and team building facilities as well as two beautifully appointed honeymoon suites. Call +27 013 261 2111, email reservations@bushfellows.co.za, or visit www. bushfellows.co.za for reservations and more information.
www.1time.co.za
69
column
Story by Baglett, Pic © stock.xchng
foreign
Feat
Taking a foreigner to Cape Town is an interesting phenomenon. And when I say foreigner, I mean from Joburg. In this case, my boyfriend. Let’s call him The Wine Merchant. Being a born and bred Capetonian, not only am I proud to the point of being highly annoying, but I am the ultimate tour guide. That is, of course, if you actually want to have a tour.Yet again, I had got the Wine Merchant out of bed before sunrise. Today we were going up Table Mountain. But not in the cable car – we were going to walk up the thing. I had the backpacks, water, camera, caps, binoculars and the dog. As we drove in the direction of Constantia Nek, he started to get suspicious: “Where’s the cart thingy?” “It’s a car and we’ll get there.” “When?” “In about five to five and half hours.” He was, to say the least, slightly upset. An hour into the 45 degree angle hike up the jeep track, he explained to me that to him a holiday was sleeping late, relaxing, reading books and sightseeing. At the moment, he said, he was seeing spots, was surviving on five and half hours of sleep a day and the only thing he had read were plaques on walls remembering dead guys. Calming him down with promises of deluxe sandwiches and a fat coke and the feeling of accomplishment and achievement when we got to the top, I managed to get him to continue. Two hours later, I realised we were lost. Distracting him with sandwiches, I found a Chinese couple who were walking from the direction I thought we should be going in. Using sign language I explained to them that we needed to get to the cable car.Trying to act out a cable car with a dog, a backpack and a camera was not an easy task.Turning around, I found The Wine Merchant standing behind me. “Are we so lost that we’re now in China?” Five hours later and we were out of food, water, cellphone battery and humour. I was beginning to understand the real reason behind the name of the trail – “Skeleton Gorge”. Mid screaming match (which incidentally is incredibly satisfying at 1, 086 m above sea level) we saw people. Actual moving people. Pinching the Wine Merchant to make sure it was real, we started running and found we were only an hour and 45 minutes from the cable car. I fell into the arms of a German woman and uttered one of the only German phrases I know: “Ich liebe dich” (which I thought was appropriate). The Wine Merchant tried the same, but since she was fairly
72
www.aboutime.co.za
attractive, I put a stop to that with my other German word “Nein”. This amazing tourist shared her lunch with us and brought tears to my eyes when she gave her sandwich to the dog. I tried to pretend it wasn’t ours to get the extra sandwich, but the Wine Merchant suddenly decided to play the part of the traitor in our relationship. Three hours later, fairly smelly, dirty and feeling distinctly like mountain people, we were on the cable car, overlooking my beautiful city and feeling like we had just conquered Everest. The Wine Merchant put his arm around me, looked into my eyes, smiled and said: “If you wake me before 12 tomorrow, I’m marrying the German.”
Who is Baglett? She’s a 20-something girl who doesn’t take life too seriously. Read her blog at www.baglett.blogspot.com.
Storie deur Elizabeth de Villiers, Fotos © US Woordfees
n a v s ee F n ’
e d r o o w soos min Wanneer Stellenbosch se akkerblare aan die begin van Maart wil-wil begin verkleur, is dit weer die tyd van die jaar wanneer liefhebbers van die Afrikaanse taal van regoor Suid-Afrika – en selfs België en Nederland – hulself vir ’n week in die Eikestad kom aanmeld vir ’n fees van woorde.
Die Universiteit van Stellenbosch se Woordfees het in die jaar 2000 begin as ’n naweek lange letterkunde-fees. Daardie jaar het ’n skamele 1,000 besoekers die geleentheid bygewoon. Nou in sy elfde jaar, het die Woordfees gegroei tot ’n week lange uitbundigheid waar tydens elke faset van die Afrikaanse taal behoorlik gevier word – daar is digkuns, woordkuns-aanbiedings, onderhoude met skrywers, filosofiese gesprekke, toneel, sang, musiek, kinder teater, kos (die proe, bespreek en gemeensame waardeer daarvan), en nog vele meer. Die fees het so gegroei dat ’n allemintige 38,500 mense dit verlede jaar bygewoon het.
In die jaar van die sokker Die Woordfees besluit elke jaar op ’n oorkoepelende tema waarvolgens programitems gekies word. Dis 2010, en niemand in Suid-Afrika kan die Wêreldbeker-sokker toernooi ignoreer nie (al sou sommige dalk
www.1time.co.za
75
afrikaans wou). Daarom is vanjaar se tema “Baldadig”. Die Handwoordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal, oftewel die HAT, definieer die woord “baldadig” as “uitgelate, spelerig” of “wild, woes”. Dus het Dorothea van Zyl, feesdirekteur en mede-stigter, en haar span bekwame projekbestuurders en medewerkers ’n program saamgestel wat aan al die definisies van die woord voldoen.
Wat om te verwag Die US Woordfees is anders as ander Suid-Afrikaanse (en veral Afrikaanse) feeste. Dit is grootliks te danke aan die program wat hy aanbied, wat gemik is op ’n kultureelontwikkelde publiek. Hier gaan dit nog bowenal om die kuns, en is die gekuier ’n positiewe byproduk daarvan, eerder as andersom. Tog streef die Woordfees ook na inklusiwiteit – as jy dus nie hou van akademiese gesprekke rondom ’n gegewe literêre werk nie, sal jy ook vind dat die program ’n ryk verskeidenheid keuses bied om in elkeen se smaak te val.
Die skrywers Die Woordfees het nog altyd trots daarop aanspraak maak dat van die grootste skrywers in Afrikaans – en meer onlangs Vlaams en Nederlands – in dié Bolandse studentedorp met die publiek kom skouers skuur. Letterkunde op voetsoolvlak, dus. Vanjaar is geensins anders nie. Gehore kan uitsien na gesprekke, voorlesings, boekbekendstellings en woordkunsproduksies oor en met skrywers en digters soos Dana Snyman, Elias P. Nel, André P. Brink, Peter
76
www.aboutime.co.za
Snyders, Petra Müller, Philip de Vos, Annelie Botes, Joan Hambidge, Deon Meyer, Koos Kombuis, Toast Coetzer, Lina Spies, Eben Venter – die lys is byna eindeloos. Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout kom maak selfs ’n draai om haar nuwe kookboek, Evita se Kossie Sikelela, bekend te stel.
Kom speel toneel-toneel Gehore kan uitsien na teaterproduksies uit die boonste rakke deur van ons land se voorste gevestigde en mees opwindende jong talent. Aan die komedie-front is daar Leon Kruger met Suurgat 2, Die Francois Toerien Show 7 – BEE Compliant en ’n Koeksister vir Zuma met die nimlike Evita Bezuidenhout, om net ’n paar te noem. As jou smaak meer na die dramatiese val, is die gesoute en skitterende Antoinette Kellerman te sien in As die broek pas, onder regie van die bekende Mar thinus Basson. Die stuk is gebaseer op ‘n ware verhaal wat hom afspeel in die haglike ekonomiese omstandighede van Duitsland tussen die twee Wêreldoorloë. Van Suid-Afrika se voorste akteurs en vermaaklikheidskunstenaars – soos Margit MeyerRödenbeck (oftewel Dowwe Dolla), Chris van Niekerk, Pedro Kruger, Johan en Lida Botha, Marcel van Heerden, Deon Coetzee en Marius Weyers – is ook op die planke in ’n verskeidenheid produksies wat wissel van ligte vermaak tot stof tot nadenke.
Laat daar musiek wees ’n Fees is natuurlik nie ’n fees sonder musiek nie.Vanjaar se Woordfees het so ’n wye verskeidenheid musikante
en sangers wat hulself in soveel uiteenlopende genres uitleef dat die musiekprogram onderverdeel is in: Kabaret, Woordmusiek, Klassiek en Kontemporêr. Bekendes en hoogtepunte om na uit te sien sluit in: die Belgiese sanger/liedjieskrywer Stef Bos, Zanne Stapelberg, die Libertas-koor saam met Anna Davel, Cut Glass, Coenie de Villiers, Jannie Moolman, die Theatergroep Flint, Valiant Swar t, Chris Chameleon en Jan Blohm. Daar is ook talle opwindende nuwe kunstenaars wat hul stemme en musiek laat hoor op vanjaar se fees.
Kry kultuur sonder moeite As die feesvoosheid begin toesak en die vlees versterking nodig het, maak dan gerus ’n draai by die Plataankafee of De Vette Mossel. Dié kuierplekke word spesiaal vir die duur van die fees geskep. By die Plataankafee, in die agter tuin van die Sasol Kunsmuseum, kan jy aan ’n koel drankie teug of aan ’n kossie knibbel terwyl jy na regstreekse uitsendings van RSG luister – en kyk – van onder meer gesprekke met kunstenaars en skrywers. Saans vanaf 21h00 verander dit in nagKAT, waar jy jou lyf kan skud op musiek deur van die land se coolste bands – gratis!
Maak só vir meer Daar is nog ’n ryk verskeidenheid opwindende en interessante items op die program – besoek www.woordfees.co.za om die volledige program af te laai, of bel +27 21 808 2019 met navrae. Die webwerf sluit ook verblyfbesonderhede in.
Story by Nicky Furniss, Pix © Midmar Mile
te i n u The Midmar Mile Over 16, 000 swimmers took part in last year's Midmar Mile.
In 2009, the Guinness Book of World Records finally confirmed what
many
swimmers
South
had
African
suspected
already – that KwaZulu-Natal’s annual swimming race, The Midmar Mile, was indeed the world’s largest open water swimming event.
But for many of the 16,000 swimmers who showed up on the day, the decision to par ticipate in the race had less to do with record-breaking attempts than with taking par t in an event which has become something of a rite of passage for swimmers across the country. As the saying goes, inspiration is often born of desperation; so when three friends – Mike Arbuthnot, Dick Park and Brian Glover – found themselves unable to scratch together enough petrol money to compete in the Buffalo Mile in East London, they simply created their own race in their home province of KwaZulu-Natal. Deriving its name from its location at
www.1time.co.za
79
sport
Each year, loyal fans return to take part in South Africa's largest open water swimming event, the Midmar Mile.
Midmar Dam (in Howick, just outside of Pietermaritzburg), and the average distance swum, the first Midmar Mile was staged in 1973 with a respectable 153 competitors. By 1981, the entries had topped 3,000; in 1999 over 10,000 swimmers finished the Midmar Mile for the first time in the race’s history; and in 2004, the race had its largest field of competitors ever – 16,124. What star ted out as a provincial tradition, soon caught the attention of top competitors across the country, with Springbok swimmers, and later Olympic contenders such as Ryk Neethling and Terence Parkin, vying for the top honours. But whether they are professional competitors or just recreational swimmers, the race seems to hold a special place in most swimmers’ hear ts. Paul Bushell, a KZN local, has taken par t in several Midmar Mile events and says there is definitely something special about this particular race. “For most swimmers, there is a magical sequence of emotions involved in
taking par t in an event like this. There are the early morning nerves and doubts. Then there is the sudden increase in hear t rate as the race begins, followed by a swirl of experiences as you make your way from one side of the dam to the finish on the other. By the end, your legs are like jelly and your fingers are all wrinkled, but there’s a silly smile and a swimming cap mark on your face – success!” With so many thousands of competitors, Bushell explains that the odd kick in the face or grab of the leg is inevitable, but while competitiveness is cer tainly an element of the race, “for the most par t, the Midmar Mile is a wonderfully silent and personal race”. It is “a voyage that every South African should make at least once in their swimming lives,” he concludes. This year’s Midmar Mile will take place on 13th and 14th February 2010. For more go to www.midmarmile.co.za.
promotion
promotion
accommodation
Story & Pix © City Lodge
gearing up
for
It’s “all systems go” for three new air por t hotels within the City Lodge Hotels group. By the middle of this year, travellers will be able to make use of convenient hotels – providing a total of 459 rooms – situated at O.R. Tambo Airport, Port Elizabeth Airport and Bloemfontein Airport. • City Lodge at O.R. Tambo, which will have 303 rooms and will be the biggest hotel in the group, will open its first rooms in March and will be fully open in time for the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup. • Road Lodge Port Elizabeth Airport, which will have 90 rooms, will open in May/June. • Road Lodge Bloemfontein Airport, which will have 66 rooms, will also open in May/June. This burst of activity at the country’s airports illustrates the importance of convenient accommodation for airline
Coming along nicely… City Lodge at O.R. Tambo Airport
84
www.aboutime.co.za
passengers – whether they are domestic or foreign, business or leisure travellers. Currently, the City Lodge Hotels group has one airport hotel – Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport – and four hotels at Isando, just a short drive from O.R. Tambo Airport. The new City Lodge at O.R. Tambo Airport will be ideally located for passengers needing a room before, after or in-between flights and will be easily accessible from the airport’s Gautrain terminal. The General Manager of the hotel will be Ian Laughland, previously the long-serving GM of the City Lodge Sandton, Katherine Street. He is looking forward to the challenge of running the biggest hotel in the group, interacting with
passengers and guests who utilise Africa’s largest and most vibrant gateway. Other new hotels under construction within the City Lodge Hotels group include: • City Lodge Fourways (211 rooms) – its first phase of rooms opened in December 2009; the rest will be opened by Feb/March. • City Lodge Lynnwood (205 rooms) – will be partially open by June. • Town Lodge Port Elizabeth (204 rooms) – will be completed in late 2010. • City Lodge Hatfield (187 rooms) – will be completed in late 2010. • Road Lodge Southgate (118 rooms) will be completed by June.
group, ideally meeting the accommodation needs of discerning leisure and business travellers. The location is stunning, with brilliant access to a wide range of nearby suburbs, highways, services and facilities. “City Lodge Fourways is an exciting addition to our family of hotels and I believe it will become one of our star performers as it carves outs its niche in the market,” says Tony Balabanoff, Divisional Director of Operations of City Lodge Hotels. From reception to the breakfast and bar area, to the rooms, this hotel has crisp, clean and modern lines – everything you’d expect from a top class establishment a decade into the new millennium. It also has generous underground parking for hotel guests and above ground parking for visitors. For the fitness conscious, there is a mini-gym, and for those who need to convene, there are two spacious boardrooms. The pool deck is ideal for sipping drinks or enjoying meals, day or night, while the pool offers splendid refreshment on hot summer days. Whether you’re on a business trip, going to see a show across the road, attending a wedding or a big sporting or cultural event, City Lodge Fourways is just the place for your overnight accommodation needs. There really are more than four ways in which City Lodge Fourways will satisfy and impress you – so what are you waiting for?
City Lodge Fourways satisfies in more ways than four Just a stone’s throw from the fabulously successful Monte Casino entertainment and shopping complex, City Lodge Fourways brings a rich new vein of quality hotel accommodation to Johannesburg’s northern suburbs. Hotel number 45 in the rapidly expanding City Lodge Hotels family, it opened its first rooms in mid-December last year and will be fully operational by March this year. With 211 rooms, it is one of the biggest hotels in the
www.1time.co.za
85
Story by Greta Steyn, Pic © stock.xchng
no
The Economy: Don’t just blame the global economy for SA’s woes “For 2009 we forecast gross domestic product growth to slump to only 1,5% year-on-year, with almost all sectors of the economy coming under pressure.” That quote, taken from a forecast on the economy made almost exactly a year ago, shows how wrong forecasts can be. Now economists are expecting GDP to have declined by around 2% for the full year in 2009. There’s no point in naming the economist who made that forecast, as it’s not my intention to shame economists. The point is that, about a year ago – before the last quarter of 2008’s GDP was known – most economists were still forecasting positive growth for the year as a whole. Though there were some who saw two quarters of negative growth – a technical recession – they expected the negative figures to be small and nobody foresaw the carnage that happened in the economy in 2009. While we’re looking forward to a new year and people are making new forecasts, it’s useful to reflect on why the previous forecasts were so wrong. One of the most obvious reasons is the fact that, despite the dramatic collapse of Lehman Brothers, South Africans didn’t realise the world was heading for its worst recession since the Great Depression of the thirties. There was also some clinging on to the old de-coupling theory: the belief that emerging countries far from the United States (the epicentre of the crisis) would escape the worst of the fallout. You can’t blame SA economists for having been slow to see the calamity about to strike the world. The last forecasts they saw for the world economy from the International Monetary Fund (made in November 2008) were due to be revised downwards dramatically. Late in January last year the IMF predicted the global economy would grow by just 0,5% – a downward revision of a massive 1,75 percentage points from its November forecast. Later in the year the IMF was to revise its growth outlook for the world to a contraction. But despite the IMF’s change in views, former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel still forecast economic growth of 1,2% in his Budget in February 2009. That blind optimism, just as the realisation started dawning that the world was in for its worst whipping in decades, resulted in massive Budget blunders. Manuel left his successor, Pravin Gordhan, to deal with a revenue shortfall of around R70 billion. SA’s economy experienced a massive fall in quarter-on-
quarter, seasonally adjusted and annualised GDP of 7,4% in the first quarter 2009 and a fall of 2,8% in the second. Sectors relying on foreign demand, such as mining and manufacturing, were especially hard hit. The spillover effect of the weakness in those sectors was job losses as companies tried to preserve profitability. Almost 1 million jobs were lost in first half 2009. It’s likely organised labour’s militant demands for high wage increases aggravated the job losses. Despite the high wage increases, household incomes kept on falling for a prolonged period.The result was a recession in household consumption expenditure. Household consumption expenditure growth had already slipped into the red in third quarter 2008 and has remained there for five quarters. The severity of the downturn in consumption, highlighted by monthly disappointments in the retail sales figures, took economists by surprise. The steep falls in consumption aren’t fully explained by the spillover effects of the global recession.The after-effects of the credit binge during SA’s boom years (2004-2007) also took their toll.The ratio of household debt to disposable income was a high 79% in third quarter 2009. Even though debt servicing costs have come down, households are still very aware they’re highly indebted and are less inclined to capitalise on lower interest rates to go spending. The shocking experience of the last cycle of interest rate hikes is still fresh in their memories, so don’t only blame the global recession for last year’s economic woes. Copy courtesy of Finweek. Call 0860 103 911 to subscribe.
www.1time.co.za
87
fashion
Story by Anna Krapp, Pix Š Kobus Dippenaar
e r u t u Co king of
90
www.aboutime.co.za
After numerous attempts, I finally manage to secure an interview with the elusive Mr Kobus Dippenaar. He is just back from a gruelling overseas trip to show his creations in Bangkok at the World Luxury Hotel Awards. This went so well that he has again been invited to this year’s event, to be held in Las Vegas. As I first walked into Dippenaar’s studio, a sense of being within a French boudoir overwhelmed me. Heavy drapes, mirrors and glossy chandeliers heighten the effect, while an atmosphere of high drama and an undertone of soft femininity underpin it all. Yet, it was a pleasant surprise to find an interesting and down to earth person amid such opulence. The feeling of decadence is strongly reflected in Dippenaar’s work. Dippenaar is a very well known figure in the couture industry and no stranger to dressing the “who’s who” of South Africa. It is not surprising to see some big names coming and going from his studio in Loop Street, Cape Town.Yet his client list also stretches as far as England and New York. One of the reasons why Dippenaar is so popular, is because he designs for the individual woman. He won’t let anyone be misguided by trends that are unflattering to their personality and overall appearance – even if it happens to be the fashion of the year. Having your dress made by Dippenaar is an unforgettable experience – from the first consultation until the very last fitting. Throughout the process, Dippenaar
provides expert advice on accessories and styling, considering even the finest of details. His elegant gowns feature detailed tailoring,intricate beading, elaborate embroidery, delicate lace and the finest fabrics. Each piece is painstakingly and meticulously handcrafted. In his early twenties Dippenaar lived and travelled extensively throughout London and Scotland, where he picked up a couple of tricks of the trade. These he brought home with him and started his own business. Ever since, he has achieved great success in the industry. He started off his career by winning the “J&B Met Most Elegant Couple” for four consecutive years. His creations have also been showcased on the runways of Cape Town and Johannesburg fashion weeks and he is a regular feature in the press. Kobus Dippenaar has a very busy year ahead of him and there is excitement in the air as he tells me about his plans. For a start, he has been appointed as a creative consultant for two different companies in Europe. I won’t be surprised if you see him featuring in the international fashion pages soon.
www.1time.co.za
91
sport
Story by Bernard K Hellberg, Pic © Pick n Pay Cape Argus, Absa Cape Epic /Sven Martin/Gary Perkin
The lore of It’s that time of year again – huge groups of cyclists are finalising their last minute training schedules in preparation for three of the year’s major cycling events taking place in March. Found on highways and footpaths from dawn to dusk, these dedicated individuals are recognisable by their strange two-tone tans, colourful cycling gear and fierce determination to disprove the reality – which is that getting fit enough for these events can’t be achieved a month before the race. These last minute road warriors make up a large proportion of the cycling community in South Africa. Not exceptionally fit, they nevertheless enjoy what they’re doing and take full advantage of this country’s (usually) glorious weather.
Subaru Sani2C
Starting on 27th February at the Underberg School in the Southern Drakensberg, this race is divided into two
92
www.aboutime.co.za
categories. The adventure component is more relaxed (if 260 km over three days can be described as “relaxed”), while the true Subaru Sani2C draws entries from the ranks of hardcore mountain bikers. With each division making provision for 500 teams and 100 supporters (2,200 individuals), the Sani2C logistics are capably handled by local farmers, their families and members of the local communities living along the route. The final day’s 71 km stage is the easiest of the entire event. Winding through sugar cane fields and coastal valleys, riders are energised by the salty aroma of the Indian Ocean where the event finishes at Scottburgh.
The Pick n Pay Cape Argus Now in its third decade, this is the big one of South African cycling. Traditionally held on the second Sunday in March, this event now attracts 35,000 locals and a large group of dedicated overseas cyclists. Celebrities who can proudly display their Argus finishers’ medal include actor Matt Damon, Tour de France winners Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain and the incomparable Lance Armstrong. Starting in 1977 with 500 participants, the Argus has now grown into a field of 40,000 – providing a huge cash injection for the Western Cape. What sets the Argus apart from other road events in South Africa, however, is the scenery – including the coastal highlights such as Simon’s Town and the Atlantic seaboard.The start is at the foreshore, within view of Table Mountain. Names such as Scarborough, Kommetjie and Chapman’s Peak are engraved in
the memories of generations of cyclists who have taken part in the event. And after having free-wheeled through Houtbaai, there’s the infamous Suikerbossie.This is a 2.2 km hill which has to be overcome before the ultimate reward – the fast and flat finish sprint from Llandudno to the new 2010 Greenpoint Stadium. This is also where many of the 20,000 spectators, family members, friends and supporters will gather to welcome the cyclists home after an event which, for a select few, will have ended in less than three hours. For the majority, however, the event could turn into a nightmarish struggle of 7 hours (the usual cut-off time). It’s not the toughest event on the South African calendar, but it will punish those who were too lazy to train. Of course, other aspects can also play a role on the day. Think back to 2009 when gale force winds of up to 100 km/h physically blew cyclists over right at the start, shredding flags
The Pick n Pay Cape Argus sees well over 30, 000 participants each year
www.1time.co.za
93
sport
The ABSA Cape Epic is one of the most gruelling mountain bike races on earth.
and banners and even toppling the portable toilets! Despite all this, cyclists are a hardy lot – some would say masochists – and, as in the past, will take the day in their stride. The reward (apart from prize money for the top echelon) is a medal, vouchers for two soft drinks – and a major sense of achievement.
The Absa Cape Epic
Described as the Tour de France of mountain biking, the Absa Cape Epic is the toughest and meanest 7 day mountain bike race on the planet. Just how difficult the Epic really is, can be judged by the stage specifications. Starting on 21st March at Diemersfontein Wine Estate, the first day is a gruelling 117 km section which climbs to 2,190 m above sea level. The next stage includes a 90 km adventure with a 1,625 m climb. The Epic’s reputation for unyielding cruelty to cyclists
is further illustrated by the fact that no single day can be described as easy. Even the last day – traditionally the shortest route – and a “mere” 65 km, offers 1,640 m of climbing before the finish at Lourensford Wine Estate. This is where true courage is displayed. Many cyclists have arrived at this point with broken arms and deep gashes on their legs. But still they kept on cycling, determined to qualify as having finished. Non-cyclists will often wonder what drives these individuals. The answer is multifaceted. It’s the inherent desire to experience a new challenge, the opportunity to do what few others have done, and the satisfaction that goes hand-inhand with the “I did it” feeling. 1time can fly your bike! Phone 0861 345 345 for details.
26839 1time zanzibar 275x210_pth.indd 1
94
www.aboutime.co.za
2/21/08 10:29:50 AM
h c Te
MORE
gadgets
Compiled by Tshepi Matloga
No Thumbs Required Bluetooth headset maker Bluetrek recently announced a state of the art headset that allows users to enjoy voice activated email and text messaging without touching their phones. The headset will be available in the United States from March and will be introduced around the world before the end of 2010. Although this device might not eliminate the growing problem of distracted driving due to SMSing and mailing, it’s a good star t. Go to www.bluetrek.com for more.
It’s a Phonewatch Brought to you by Kempler and Strauss, the W Phonewatch is an attractive and sporty looking digital watch that has a touch screen and basic phone functionality. It is ideal for those who enjoy cycling, hiking and running and want to remain connected. The wristwatch might lack some of the modern phone features, but is equipped with a microphone, speaker, Bluetooth and 1.4 megapixel camera for still photographs and videos. Visit www.kemplerusa.com for more. Pocket Projector Setting up your presentations just got easier with the oh-so-mobile MPro150 Projector, which allows you to project your work onto a 50” screen. It has 1GB of internal memory, an internal SD card slot and a USB input for transferring files from a laptop or notebook and pre-loading it onto the projector itself. The projector fits into the palm of your hand and can run for up to two hours. Go to www.3m.com to read more about it.
98
www.aboutime.co.za
NO DIET DIET
You too, can look this good (for the hottest body in town) • 6 Weeks • 6 Injections Th e o n l y s o l u t i o n , a M e d i c a l s o l u t i o n . Cellulitis, weight control Programme. Contact DR Gregory J Gieryn on Tel: +27 11 803 3299 / Cell: +27 82 555 2938
entertainment
MORE
Pix © stock.xchng, iStockphoto.com
Factoid Google
was originally named "BackRub".
$500 Bill Blows Sky News Online reported that a Lebanese man has been caught with $66 million of counterfeit money. The man gave himself away by leaving a $500 bill tip with a hotel chambermaid who later tried changing the note at a bureau de change. The last time a $500 denomination was printed was in 1945. The man even had $100,000 notes! In 1934 the US treasury printed a very limited run of $100,000 notes, but today the largest amount you will find in circulation is $100. One can’t help wondering how long he was able to use such obvious fakes?
Chalk and Cheese The University of Texas recently released a study in Anthrozoos saying that “dog people” and “cat people” are really different, repor ted UPI. Dog people are “more extrover ted, more agreeable and more conscientious”, while self-described “cat people” are “more neurotic, but more open.” Sam Gosling, who conducted the study, has given some substance to the common assumption that dog and cat lovers have distinct personality types.
Caving under Pressure A Weight Watchers meeting in Sweden recently ended in disaster after the floor caved in beneath the group. As the dieters gathered for their regular weigh-in, the floor collapsed in parts of the room. Later in the week other parts of the room also began to give way. Luckily nobody was injured, reported the Smalandsposten newspaper, but the Weight Watchers group will have to find another meeting spot.
100
www.aboutime.co.za
sport
Story by Dale Hayes, Pix © iStockphoto.com
a
a ffa i r
A few years ago in the company of Denis Hutchinson, Simon Hobday and Dorian Wharton-Hood, Dorian made a statement that gave us all something to think about. He said: “There are probably no three brothers in the world that could beat the three Hobday brothers – Simon, Humphrey and Jonathan.” Although both Jonathan and Humphrey remained amateurs, they were both provincial players and today both still play veterans amateur golf. Simon won numerous events in South Africa, including the South African Open Championship and the German and Madrid Opens on the European Tour. He made a name for himself on the Champions Tour in America when he won the US Senior Open. Jonathan’s son, Justin, also turned professional and played for many years on the Sunshine Tour and occasionally in Europe. This got me to thinking about some of the other great South African families that have excelled in golf. Obviously, I am very proud of my own family. My father, Otway, was a winner of many tournaments, as well as being the Club Professional at Zwartkop Country Club for 56 years. My brother, Brian, and my late brother, John, and all our sons are members of the South African PGA – totalling seven!
104
www.aboutime.co.za
When you look at the early days of golf in South Africa, the first player to achieve success overseas was Sid Brews. Both Sid and his brother Jock were excellent players, who won many South African Open Championships in the thirties, forties and fifties.Their sons, Benny and Harry, were terrific golfers and Sid’s grandson, Rory, was the Rookie of the Year on the Sunshine Tour in the early eighties. Four nephews of the Brews family (the Pappas brothers) also became professionals, with two of them (Dean and Brendan) successfully campaigning on the Nationwide Tour in America. Brendan successfully got his PGA Tour card at the end of last year, so we will see him campaigning full time on the PGA Tour this year. Craigen is the professional at the Muirfield Golf Club in Ohio and Sean is the professional at Hans Merensky in Phalaborwa. Jock Verwey was the first professional golfer to open a driving range on the southern side of Johannesburg. That was
the first of many successful driving ranges owned by the Verwey family. Jock was one of the top players, just below Bobby Locke, in the late forties and fifties. His son, Bobby, won a tournament on the PGA Tour in America and Bobby’s sister Vivienne, a good amateur golfer, married Gary Player.Two of Bobby’s sons became professionals and Gary’s son Wayne, who lives in America, is also a professional golfer. Then of course there was the Henning family. They were led by the oldest brother, Harold, who won over seventy tournaments around the world and had huge success on the Champions Tour in America. The next oldest was Brian, who although a very fine player, decided to go into the administration of golf instead. He ran our Sunshine Tour in the early seventies and then moved to America and started the Champions Tour, which he ran for over twenty-five years. The third brother, affectionately known as “Whitey” (Graham), won tournaments on both the European Tour and the Sunshine Tour. He was for many years the professional at Wanderers Golf Club and was a very likeable and popular professional. His son, Nic, is a regular winner on the Sunshine Tour. Many believe that the youngest brother, Allan, was the most talented of all, but back in his tour days, Allan despised travelling, which made playing international golf very difficult. He still managed to win in Europe though, and he won the South African Open at the age of 19 and many other tournaments on our local tour. He also led the Order of Merit a number of times in South Africa. At the end of 2009 he retired as the professional of Royal Johannesburg & Kensington.
Denis Hutchinson, South Africa’s finest amateur in the late fifties, won the South African Open Championship while he was still an amateur. He turned professional fairly late in life, but still had a remarkable career, winning the French Open among others on the European Tour, many tournaments in South Africa and also playing in the World Cup of Golf with Gary Player in Argentina. His son, Steve, is a teaching professional at a driving range on the eastern side of Johannesburg. Last but not least, on the fairer side of the fairway, the Whitfield girls from Rondebosch: Lynn and Gilly (Tebbutt). Between the two of them, they’ve won every club championship at Rondebosch bar one since the early seventies. Keeping golf in the family is easy to do, because it’s a sport you can play with your kids from the time they are old enough to swing a club to the time that you are too old to swing a golf club. We have a couple of youngsters coming through the ranks that will be interesting to keep tabs on. The likes of Charl and Attie Schwartzel, and Aubrey and Biance Barnard. I, for one, look forward to seeing how they do in the years to come. It’s a perfect day for golf at Zwartkop! Zwartkop is one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Pretoria. It’s a classic parkland layout which incorporates the Dale Hayes Golf Academy, golf shop and clubhouse, which has various function rooms. Tel: +27 12 654 1144 / +27 12 654 2111 www.zwartkopcountryclub.co.za.
the way
Story & Pix © PR Worx
The road system of the Ancient Romans was one of the greatest engineering accomplishments of its time. Almost 2,500 years later, technological advantages in road science have evolved once again by using polymer-modified binders to further improve asphalt performance. “Polymer technology is found in all aspects of our lives. However, the use of polymers for road stabilisation is relatively new technology, but has shown remarkable results all over the world. This technology reduces the amount of layers required in the road, which means roads can be constructed four times quicker, with substantial savings of at least 30% compared to traditional cement stabilisation,” says Nick Muller, CEO of Polymer Pavements. Polymer Pavements has partnered with several international companies to develop various industry leading polymer products, with an exclusive focus on manufacturing polymers for use in road construction and the industrial sectors. “The products can be used in a variety of applications, including construction of roads by stabilising base and sub-base layers, heavy haul roads for mines, aircraft landing pads, reducing
dust on mine waste dumps and even for parking lots,” continues Muller. “It is also environmentally friendly and produces minimum carbon emissions.” In addition, says Muller: “Our products don’t cure as a result of chemical reaction; instead they gain strength from mechanical compaction. The better the compaction, the stronger the bond becomes. It is for this reason that we open the stabilised roads to traffic within 24 hours, as traffic loads aid in further compaction, resulting in a stronger road.” For further details, please contact Madelain Roscher on polyroads@prworx.co.za.
business
Story by The Peer Group, Pix © iStockphoto.com
Are le p Peo n o i ll A Bi And It’s Not All About The Soccer There is no better time for companies to up their game when it comes to professionalism and excellence in customer care. In a few months’ time, the world’s attention falls on South Africa as it hosts the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and this is our opportunity to show off and impress visitors. Pundits say that this will be the most watched television event in history.
108
Business in South Africa must make sure it is polished enough to deal with the hundreds of thousands of expected visitors. “How we host our new customers is very important. Are we actively encouraging them to return to our country, or are we disappointing them with our service?” says Clive Price, Managing Director of The Peer Group, a local South African training company that specialises in sales and frontline customer service training.
First Impressions Count Creating a positive first impression of your organisation is an important part in how you sell and how much profit you make. “Ask your company chairman to phone the company switchboard. He would probably be shocked by the level of service,” Price says. What many forget, is that each and every member of staff has a role in promoting a company’s brand image and securing the sale.The Peer Group offers two courses that provide your staff with these tools: Professional Frontline Skills and Brilliant Customer Service. Price believes receptionists are the brand representatives of a company and they should be superbly trained, kept informed, motivated and incentivised to provide great customer service. The first point of call in frontline/receptionist training is building self-image, followed by areas such as anger management and conflict resolution. Dealing with difficult customers is also a key focus area. Any business that is serious about its bottom line will have top-notch customer care and well-trained frontline staff. Your company may sell a great product or service, but does your business excel at making a good first impression?
Everyone Counts Employees working in administration, production, finance, dispatch and delivery are seldom the focus of customer care training programs, but they often determine the customer’s experience. Attention to detail is needed in every part of a business’ processes, from the packaging of a product to sending out accounts. Unfortunately, in many cases these staff members are not included when sales or customer service training is discussed – it’s usually the salespeople. This is where The Peer Group steps in and reveals to other staff what a crucial part they play in the overall delivery of the brand promise.
World Class Methods
index” is compiled, rating the call on speed, care or friendliness, clarity, efficiency, effectiveness, knowledge and attention to detail. Moneypenny, the UK’s fastest growing telephone answering and outsourced reception service, recently reported that mystery caller tests showed very poor results.They found that only one in four FTSE companies are rated as “excellent” on the phone, and only half the receptionists at companies called knew their boss’ name. Further research showed that businesses deliver higher financial returns when there is a higher customer service ethic. Having the right training yields real results.
Top Class Trainers Price is justifiably proud of The Peer Group’s world class trainers. “They are not just course facilitators, but have worked in the field in these areas and match international standards in all they do,” he says. The Peer Group uses more than a “text book only” approach, with trainers using real business examples, instead of hypothetical or theoretical case studies.
Long Term Thinking Memory Muza,The Peer Group General Manager, explains “We do not believe that training should be seen as a “quick fix”. It is important to address internal communication weaknesses in a company, before dealing with the external face of the business.” Long term results are not possible if a “training only” approach is followed. There is a need to get to know the company culture and understand its ethos before training. “What sets us apart from the majority of training companies is that we do significant pre-training work and research to establish and corroborate the client’s expectations,” says Price.
Become a Leader in 2010 Price believes that the best way to ensure the 2010 World Cup is successful is to create what business strategist Clem Sunter has termed “pockets of excellence”. Make sure your company excels at everything it offers. And the way to do that is to ensure that your Frontline and Customer Care staff offer brilliant service. “More than one billion people are going to be watching and judging us”, he concludes. The Peer Group runs Open Courses throughout South Africa on these and other topics. To book, visit our website www.peergroup.co.za or contact The Peer Group: Johannesburg Head Office on +27 11 7876781, CapeTown on +27 21 913 0142 or email memory@peergroup.co.za
The Peer Group makes use of the “mystery caller” approach. Mystery calls assess how everyday calls are dealt with and also identify a company’s strengths and weaknesses. According to Price, this is one of the most effective ways to research and measure what training is needed and, after the fact, whether it worked. As part of the mystery call research, a “first impressions
www.1time.co.za
109
Story & Pix © NetFlorist
it up
Great gifts for Valentine’s Day
It’s that time of year again, Cupid is out in full force
and
NetFlorist, the
country’s
leading
flower and gift delivery company is bursting at the seams with fun and flirty ideas to help you celebrate the day of love in style. This year, why not avoid the crowds by celebrating with a sultry stay-at-home date or an outdoor romp with the one you adore. There’s no need to venture out, NetFlorist will deliver all the sexy props you need to spice up the night (or day), right to your doorstep. Unique, cheeky and fun, NetFlorist’s Valentine’s Day range is jam packed with gorgeous goodies guaranteed to get your partner eating out the palm of your hand. The NetFlorist bunch have scanned the globe for creative trends in romantic gift-giving, and have come up with some extraordinary ideas for you and your lover this year. From decadent chocolate treats, to his and hers bath and body hampers, to beautiful blooms and bouquets.
NetFlorist’s wide range of gift choices will ensure that this Valentine’s Day is one to remember. To make it even more decadent, NetFlorist is offering a free box of Ferrero Rocher chocolates to anyone who orders before 9th February. Browse the full range on www.netflorist.co.za or call 0861 300 600 now.
www.1time.co.za
111
Story & Pix © Cape Royale
treatment
The Cape Royale is a perfect match for the city of Cape Town, South Africa’s most beautiful metropolis. Here, five star travel is met with five star holiday experiences, from beginning to end. Lazing by the pool and soaking up the warm rays of the African sunshine on the rooftop pool deck of the Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence is just one of the many enjoyable things to do while staying at this landmark hotel. The Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence is in close proximity to the central business district and the famous Clifton and Camps Bay beaches. It is also within walking distance to the new and striking landmark of the Greenpoint soccer stadium, as well as the shopper’s paradise of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Within its walls, it is also home to the renowned 1800˚ Grill Room and Equinox Spa. The luxuriously appointed hotel suites offer the ultimate in contemporary lifestyle and elegant accommodation, combining the familiarity and sophistication of Europe with the vibrant spirit of Africa. To add to your holiday relaxation, why not leave the children with the hotel’s day care staff and treat yourself to a morning or afternoon of pure indulgence at the Cape Royale’s French boutique-styled Equinox Spa? You are sure to leave feeling rejuvenated, relaxed and with a spring in your step. It is made even better by the fact that you know your children are having fun too. The Equinox Spa represents the pinnacle of
pampering. Bathed in tranquil variations of blue and indigo interspersed with crisp whites, it is dedicated to physical and spiritual rejuvenation. The facilities include seven single and two luxury double therapy suites, a “presidential suite” therapy room for extra special occasions and a separate manicure/pedicure lounge with magnificent views. In addition guests can utilise 24-hour gym facilities. If fine dining is your way of indulging on holiday, then be sure to book for dinner at 1800˚ – a premier grill room located within the hotel, together with a stunning outdoor piazza. Alternatively, celebrate with sushi and champagne at the Sky Bar on the roof top pool deck. 1800˚ is no ordinary grill room and guests can expect a premier dining experience with an emphasis on innovation, excellent service and exceptionally presented food. As recent “Overall Winner of the Luxury Hotel Award 2009” in the “All Suite” category, the Cape Royale offers luxury, refinement and “home away from home” comfort in a venue exotic enough to make you want to retreat from the outside world completely. Live luxuriously at the Cape Royale. For more go to www.caperoyale.co.za www.1time.co.za
113
good news
Story by Laubcher van Zyl
ime
a 1t ecome B to How
Part 1: Getting the job
Flying an aeroplane is a passion for most pilots. We see it as a way of life rather than a career, and are often approached by passengers fascinated by what we do. Common questions include: “How did you become a pilot?” or “How long does it take to become a pilot?” Well, it’s a long story for most pilots, and I could write books if I were to deliberate on how each one of our 75 pilots ended up in the business. But I can tell you a little bit about how we find our pilots, select them and train them to ensure that you are in very capable hands every time you fly on 1time.
The Basics In order for a pilot to be considered for an interview for a position as a pilot with our airline, he or she must have accumulated at least 1,500 flying hours, hold at least a Commercial Pilot Licence and have passed the technical exams towards an Airline Transport Pilot Licence. These candidates are considered for First Officer (co-pilot) positions only.
The Interview
Psychometric Testing Candidates now progress to psychometric testing. These tests ensure aptitude and also endeavour to highlight psychological pathology or unacceptable behavioural patterns that would render the candidate unsuitable as an airline pilot. Our philosophy is to select pilots for attitude and aptitude, and then we train them to proficiency. Successful candidates are now offered an employment contract and the airline pilot job of their dreams.
No
t flying Applicants for pilot positions normally start next month ? Keep by submitting a CV. The CVs are screened for a n eye out for Part 2 minimum requirements and then an interview which beLe putblius shortlist is compiled. This is an important part of the ow will shekn d onlinat a b ou employment process and is the right time to make a www.abotime.coe.zaat utime.c o.za. good impression. On the day of the interview, the candidate is required to write a small technical exam with general questions about flying. This gives us an idea of the candidate’s preparation About the Author: Laubcher van Zyl and knowledge levels in relation to his/her experience. During the interview, the candidate is subjected to a panel I am currently the Chief Training Captain for 1time Airline. My that will try and establish the suitability of the candidate main responsibility is to maintain and develop flying and training to get along with other employees, excel in training, and standards for the pilots within our airline. I also oversee the handle the everyday pressures of airline flying. maintenance of flying standards on the flight line. I have a passion Skills Evaluation for training pilots and obtain a great deal of satisfaction every time Successful candidates will now undergo an evaluation a new pilot qualifies from one of our training programs. As we flight in a jet transport simulator. From this evaluation employ 75 pilots, I have the privilege of working with a team of flight, we are able to assess general flying ability and the very capable, professional and passionate instructors and check trainability of the candidate. We also take into account pilots assisting me to accomplish my mandate.They do all the hard the experience levels of the candidates in making this work behind the scenes to ensure that every time you get on assessment. It is very important that the candidate we board a 1time Airline aircraft, you are in good hands. select must be able to meet the expected flying standards Email your flight questions to laura@aboutime.co.za. after completion of the scheduled training course.
116
www.aboutime.co.za
n I g n i r Colouetition Comp
ThisMonth’sWinners
eva la Di L
Danie
Elizabeth Smith -
10 yrs
10 yrs
Abbegail Me
tzler - 9 yrs
We at 1time value our young flyers in the knowledge that we will grow together. This is why 1time is running a colouring-in competition especially for them. The pictures are found in the Activity Packs that are handed out on the plane and a winner is chosen every month. Winners receive a gift hamper, sponsored by 1time, including: • 1time paraphernalia, • A copy of the in-flight magazine, abouTime, in which the picture is published. Winners are notified by telephone and the hamper, together with a copy of the in-flight magazine, is delivered directly to their door. So come on kids, enter the competition! Who knows, you could be the next winner!
flight schedule contents
Joburg to Cape Town M
T
W
T
F
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
S
1 7 1
2
3
4
5
6 7 6
1
2
3
4
5
7 6 7
1
2
1
3
4
3
4
5
6 6
4 6 1
2
3
4
5
7
5 5
7
Departure
Arrival
Flight
07h10
09h20
1T 101
07h50
10h00
1T 129
08h45
10h55
1T 123
09h25
11h35
1T 103
09h45
11h55
1T 119
11h05
13h15
1T 133
12h45
14h55
1T 109
14h15
16h25
1T 105
14h45
16h55
1T 121
15h20
17h30
1T 111
16h25
18h35
1T 131
16h40
18h50
1T 125
17h20
19h30
1T 127
18h00
20h10
1T 139
18h30
20h40
1T 115
19h20
21h30
1T 137
21h00
23h10
1T 117
Joburg to Durban M
T
W
T
F
1
2
3
4
5
2
3
4
5
S
S
6 6 7 1
2
3
4
5 6 7
1
2
3
4
5 6
1
2
3
4 7 5 6
1
2
3
7
4 5 7 5 7
Departure
Arrival
Flight
06h40
07h50
1T 201
07h00
08h10
1T 209
08h25
09h35
1T 235
09h00
10h10
1T 211
09h00
10h10
1T 227
11h30
12h40
1T 203
12h45
13h55
1T 215
13h05
14h15
1T 239
13h30
14h40
1T 247
15h00
16h10
1T 217
15h35
16h45
1T 205
16h00
17h10
1T 249
16h30
17h40
1T 221
17h10
18h20
1T 219
18h15
19h25
1T 207
18h15
19h25
1T 231
19h00
20h10
1T 207
19h10
20h20
1T 237
19h40
20h50
1T 229
Joburg to Port Elizabeth M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1 3
4 5 7 6
2 1
4 5 7
Departure
Arrival
Flight
07h20
09h00
1T 501
10h45
12h25
1T 505
11h20
13h00
1T 515
11h30
13h10
1T 511
12h25
14h05
1T 507
14h30
16h10
1T 519
15h35
17h05
1T 503
16h50
18h30
1T 509
17h00
18h40
1T 517
Joburg to George M
T
W
T
F
S
S
5 1 6 2 4 3 7 5 7
Departure
Arrival
Flight
07h05
08h55
1T 831
07h50
09h40
1T 821
08h55
10h45
1T 821
09h00
10h50
1T 823
09h45
11h35
1T 827
10h30
12h20
1T 825
12h00
13h50
1T 833
15h40
17h30
1T 829
16h20
18h10
1T 835
Joburg to East London M
T
W
T
F
S
S
5 7 6 1 4 5 7
120
3 2
Departure
Arrival
Flight
06h50
08h15
1T 301
09h35
11h00
1T 319
10h45
12h10
1T 305
11h05
12h30
1T 331
13h00
14h25
1T 317
14h25
15h50
1T 307
14h55
16h20
1T 321
16h05
17h30
1T 309
16h40
18h05
1T 327
Cape Town to Joburg M
T
W
T
F
S
S
Departure
Arrival
Flight
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
06h45
08h45
1T 100
5
6
08h20
10h20
1T 118
7
09h00
11h00
1T 138
7
10h00
12h00
1T 102
1
2
3
4
5
6
12h00
14h00
1T 124
1
2
3
4
5
6
12h20
14h20
1T 104
11h05
13h05
1T 106
6
14h10
16h10
1T 134
7
15h40
17h40
1T 110
7
16h55
18h55
1T 120
17h20
19h20
1T 106
20h00
1T 112
7 1 1
2
3
4
5 6
1
2
1
3
4
3
4
5
7
18h00 19h15
21h15
1T 132
5
7
21h20
23h20
1T 116
Durban to Joburg M
T
W
T
F
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
S
S
Departure
Arrival
Flight
06h45
07h55
1T 200
6
07h00
08h10
1T 220
6
08h45
09h55
1T 210
09h00
10h10
1T 202
09h30
10h40
1T 234
10h40
11h50
1T 222
11h10
12h20
1T 240
11h25
12h35
1T 248
5
11h30
12h40
1T 248
5
13h20
14h30
1T 204
13h40
14h50
1T 238
14h40
15h50
1T 224
15h00
16h10
1T 208
16h10
17h20
1T 236
17h00
18h10
1T 212
17h10
18h20
1T 214
18h15
19h25
1T 206
19h15
20h25
1T 214
20h50
22h00
1T 250
21h30
22h40
1T 230
5 7 6 7
2 1
2
3 3
4 4
7 6 7 1
2
3
4 6 5
1
2
3
4 7 5 7
Port Elizabeth to Joburg M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1 3
4 5 6
2 1
4 5 7
Departure
Arrival
Flight
10h00
11h40
1T 502
13h15
14h55
1T 506
14h05
15h45
1T 512
14h40
16h20
1T 508
17h10
18h50
1T 520
17h50
19h30
1T 504
19h05
20h45
1T 510
19h20
21h00
1T 518
George to Joburg M
T
W
T
1
F
S
S
5 2 6 4 3 7 5 7
Departure
Arrival
Flight
10h45
12h35
1T 822
11h25
13h15
1T 824
11h45
13h35
1T 822
12h25
14h15
1T 828
13h05
14h55
1T 826
14h30
16h20
1T 834
18h20
20h10
1T 830
18h45
20h35
1T 836
East London to Joburg M
T
W
T
F
S
S
5 7 6 1 4 5 7 3 2
Departure
Arrival
Flight
09h00
10h25
1T 302
12h25
13h50
1T 320
12h40
14h05
1T 306
13h55
15h20
1T 332
15h15
16h40
1T 318
16h45
18h10
1T 308
16h55
18h20
1T 322
18h00
19h25
1T 310
18h35
20h00
1T 328
flight contents schedule
Cape Town to East London M
T
W
1
T
F
4
5
S
S 7
Departure
Arrival
Flight
09h40
11h10
1T 602
12h35
14h05
1T 604
East London to Cape Town M
T
W
1
T
F
4
5
S
S 7
Departure
Arrival
Flight
12h00
13h30
1T 601
14h45
16h15
1T 603
Cape Town to Durban M
T
W
T
F
1
2
3
4
5
S
S 7
6 7
Departure
Arrival
Flight
06h30
08h40
1T 644
11h00
13h00
1T 650
12h00
14h00
1T 652
14h00
16h10
1T 654
1
2
3
4
5
14h30
16h40
1T 646
1
2
3
4
5
17h45
19h45
1T 648
M
T
W
T
F
1
2
3
4
5
Durban to Cape Town S
S 7
6 1
2
3
4
5 7
1
2
3
4
5
M
T
W
T
F
Departure
Arrival
Flight
06h30
08h40
1T 643
08h15
10h25
1T 649
09h00
11h00
1T 651
10h20
12h30
1T 645
17h00
19h00
1T 653
18h00
20h00
1T 647
Cape Town to Port Elizabeth
1
2
3
4
5
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
Departure
Arrival
Flight
7
10h00
11h10
1T 701
13h20
14h30
1T 702
Port Elizabeth to Cape Town
1
2
3
4
5
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
Departure
Arrival
Flight
7
12h00
13h10
1T 703
15h20
16h30
1T 701
Joburg to Zanzibar 2
S
S
6
Departure
Arrival
Flight
07h45
12h15
1T 921
Zanzibar to Joburg M
T
W
T
F
2
S
S
6
Departure
Arrival
Flight
13h10
15h40
1T 922
Joburg to Livingstone M
T
W
T
F
S
S
5 1
4
7
Departure
Arrival
Flight
09h35
11h20
1T 953
10h10
11h55
1T 951
Livingstone to Joburg M
T
W
T
F
S
S
5 1
4
7
Departure
Arrival
Flight
12h10
13h55
1T 954
12h50
14h35
1T 952
1time food
at e o t more We regret that we do not accept foreign exchange coinage Due to the popularity of certain items on our menu, your choice may not always be available. Please accept our apologies for this. All sandwiches and rolls are served cold
Sandwiches
R24 ($ 3.50)
(Available on brown or white bread variations - dependent on availability)
1time Hot Breakfast
R30
Cheese filled omelette served with two rashers of bacon, two beef sausages, French toast, grilled tomato and mushrooms. Only served on JHB/CT/JHB, JHB to George and DUR/CT/DUR flights, depar ting until 9 am.
Egg Mayo & Cheese Tikka Chicken Seeded Rolls
R24 ($ 3.50)
Lean salami & emmenthal cheese Mozzarella with sundried tomato pesto Chicken Burger
v
R25 ($ 3.50)
Grilled chicken breast marinated in a lemon & herb sauce, served on a bed of lettuce, in a sesame seed bun German Hot Dog
R20 ($ 2.50)
A traditional Bockworst sausage on a bun with either tomato or mustard sauce, or even better, both! Muffins
R15 ($ 2)
Strawberry & Pistachio Coconut & White Chocolate Banana & Pecan Nuts Bran & Raisin Cheese Platter Kosher / Halaal product
R22 ($ 3)
Fairview cheese platter consisting of cream cheese French onion, cream cheese black pepper, camembert, blue rock and havarti and served with six Wheatsworth biscuits.
128
www.aboutime.co.za
ANNOUNCEMENT!
Purchase our onboard snacks and merchandise with your MASTER C ARD / V I SA credit card
Biltong 80g R24 ($ 3) Chilli Beef Snapstix Sliced Beef Biltong Dry Wors Chocolates
R9 ($ 1)
Bar One KitKat Lunch Bar Crisps
R6 ($ 1)
Smoked Beef Lightly / Plain Salted Salt & Vinegar Cheese & Onion Snacks Salted Peanuts Peanuts & Raisins Jelly Babies Wine Gums
R6 ($ 1)
r ink d o t more Beverages
Alcoholic Beverages
Hot
Beer
Coffee / Tea Hot Chocolate Cappuccino
R8 ($ 1)
R10 ($ 1.50) Peroni R10 ($ 1.50)
Cold
Soft Drinks (200ml)
R8 ($ 1)
Coke / Fanta Orange (330ml)
R9 ($ 1)
Appletiser (330ml)
R12 ($ 1.50)
Red Bull Energy Drink
R19 ($ 2.50)
Orange Apple Tropical Blend
Apple Ale
R13 ($ 2) R15 ($ 2)
R15 ($ 2)
Sarita Select
Still / Sparkling Mineral Water (500ml) R8 ($ 1)
Fruit Juice
Castle Lager / Lite
R6 ($ 1)
Sarita Ruby Dry Spirits Assorted Whisky
R22 ($ 3)
Rum
R18 ($ 2.50)
Gin
R18 ($ 2.50)
Brandy
R18 ($ 2.50)
Vodka
R18 ($ 2.50)
Wine
R23 ($ 3)
White: Sauvignon Blanc Semi-sweet Red: Merlot / Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon
Miscellaneous Merchandise
R130
Model 1time Airline MD80 Aircraft Scale 1:200
($ 17)
Kiddies Pack Our VIP passengers on board, up to the age of 12 are given a kiddies’ pack for FREE, to keep them occupied. The pack contains sweets, a pack of crayons and a colouring-in sheet. Let the kids enter the colouring-in competition found in the pack for a chance to win a hamper of 1time goodies. Should you wish to purchase an extra pack, the cost is R12. ($ 1.50) Let us know what you think. Catering comments and suggestions are always welcome. Send an email to our catering manager at catering@1time.co.za
Zanzibar Flight Menu We regret that we do not accept foreign exchange coinage
BREAKFAST
(JHB- ZNZ): R50 / US$ 7 FOR CARNIVORES
A continental-style breakfast consisting of a cold meat selection and cheese served with a mini bagel and butter portion, mini croissant served with jam, seasonal sliced fruit and yoghurt.
OR HERBIVORES
Mini pancakes served with maple syrup and butter, Burchermuesli, seasonal sliced fruit and a selection of cheddar and cream cheese wedges, served with a mini bagel.
LUNCH
(ZNZ – JHB): R50 / US$ 7 FOR CARNIVORES
Grilled Mediterranean vegetable pasta with a chicken satay kebab, sweet chilli chicken wrap and chocolate ĂŠclair for dessert! This meal is accompanied by a caprese side salad and mini ciabatta roll with butter portion.
OR HERBIVORES
Grilled butternut couscous served with a wedge of feta, selection of spinach and sundried tomato quiches. This meal is served with a tiramisu dessert and mini ciabatta roll with butter portion. We hope you enjoyed your meal but comments and suggestions are always welcome. If you think our menu could be nicer, send an email to our catering manager at catering@1time.co.za
DRINKS HOT
Coffee /Tea Cappuccino/Hot Chocolate
COLD
Still / Sparkling Mineral Water (500ml) Soft Drinks (200ml) Coke / Fanta Orange (330ml) Appletiser (330ml) Red Bull Fruit Juice - Orange - Apple - Fruit Punch
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES Castle Lager / Lite Peroni Sarita - Apple Cider
SPIRITS
Assorted Whiskey Rum / Gin Brandy / Vodka
WINE
Sauvignon Blanc Semi-sweet Merlot / Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon
R8 / US$1,00 R10 / US$1,50
R8 / US$1,00 R8 / US$1,00 R9 / US$1,00 R12 / US$1,50 R19 / US$2,50 R6 / US$1,00
R13 / US$2,00 R15 / US$2,00 R15 / US$2,00
R22 / US$3,00 R18 / US$2,50 R18 / US$2,50
R23 / US$3,00 R23 / US$3,00 R23 / US$3,00 R23 / US$3,00
SNACKS Beef biltong 80g (Chilli / Sliced / Dry Wors) Chocolates (Bar One / Kit Kat / Lunch Bar) Crisps (Smoked Beef / Lightly Salted / Salt & Vinegar / Cheese & Onion) Peanuts (Plain salted or with Raisins) Sweets (Jelly Babies / Wine Gums)
R24 / US$3,00 R9 / US$1,00 R8 / US$1,00 R8 / US$1,00 R8 / US$1,00
This menu is for our Zanzibar flights only