Capital Life

Capitallife Pretoria’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine

Madiba & Pretoria NUVO Restaurant

Freedom Park Voortrekker Monument

2010 | issue four

Brille en Pille Thai Islands & Golf

The Jupiter Drawing Room 39946

Absa Wealth, a division of Absa Bank Limited, Reg No 1986/004794/06. Authorised Financial Services Provider Reg No 523. Registered Credit Provider Reg No NCRCP7.

Wealth Actualisation Not many people reach the summit of Maslow’s stages of selfactualisation, where all aspects of life are in perfect balance.

In the same way, only a handful achieve harmony between wealth creation, building a legacy, giving to those less fortunate and, of course, enjoying their money. These people see views not many see. These people bank with us. www.absawealth.com

WE CREATE

28 46 62

Getting Married in Pretoria The Iconic Madiba Shirt Hope and Prosperity in Atteridgeville

WE LEARN, TEACH & RESEARCH

ents

40 54 60

What’s in our Water, Really?

Innovation Summit 2010 Training Local Government Capacity

“No journey to the Land of Smiles would be complete without a visit to its many world-class golf courses.

– page 48

WE PLAY

8 36 38 43 70

New Market on Lynnwood Shaka Zulu the Musical Nuvo Restaurant Bela Bela Cycle Challenge Morgenster Wines

Held at the CSIR International Convention Centre, the focus of the TITIIC event typically has both a local and international objective. – page 58 WE TRADE, GROW & GIVE

52 58 64

Amajobjob Initiative TITIIC Awards China-South Africa Relations

WE VISIT

26 48 56

Post Cards from Africa Thailand Ndlovu Lodge

WE REMEMBER

10 12 18 22 44

Red, White and Blue July Mandela’s Footsteps in Pretoria

ON THE COVER

Capitallife Pretoria’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine

2010 | issue four

Voortrekker Monument

Mandela collage by artist Francois Gouws. Acrylic and silkscreen on canvas.

Freedom Park

800mm x 800mm

Marabastad

apiece. For more than a decade, this artist’s Mandela

WE SHARE

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Letter from the Editor

Madiba & Pretoria FIFA Legacy Project

Freedom Park Voortrekker Monument

Brille en Pille Thai Islands & Golf

collages have graced

Capital Style: City Trends

embassies and private residences across

Human Capital: City Voices

the globe with the welcoming face of the

Social Capital: City Vibe Agter Os: Brille, Pille en Grille The Capital’s Best Guest Houses

international icon. The ANC presented Madiba with one of Gouws’ works in 2004.

Contact: Francois.Gouws@mtnloaded.co.za.

“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” – Nelson Mandela

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Nelson Mandela is undoubtedly one of the greatest leaders that South Africa, and the world, has ever seen. His story is one of taking action for his beliefs, being punished for his principles, and of displaying leadership without prejudice. He is a role model to people from diverse backgrounds; he is friend of democracy and a father to all of the South African nation.

In his 92nd year on the planet, his light is still shining.

Recently, Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Carlos Queiroz were invited to visit Mandela at his home, and offered him a team shirt with his name and the number “91” on the back, alluding to his current age. Even though Mandela is increasingly frail and rarely appears in public, he is still active in society and has made brief appearances during the build-up to the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup that kicked off in Mid-June. FIFA organisers have explained that the presence of Mandela and the supportive role that he’d played for South Africa hosting the event is one of the highlights of the month-long tournament.

And that’s what Nelson Mandela means when he says that you should shine your light and encourage people to do the same.Because your skills and talents could be useful and change people's lives, his words urge us to put these at work to the greater good.

At Capital Life, we celebrate peoples’ talents and the magazine serves to inform, enlighten and entertain our readers with stories of places and faces that are “letting their light shine.”

It’s through appreciating other’s talents that true leadership is cultivated. Nelson Mandela once explained that “it is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.” Leadership is working as a team in order to realise a greater goal. Capital Life is a magazine that runs on the premise that the people of Pretoria and the Greater Tshwane area are all on the same team. The team that sees the value of co-existing in the capital city; the team that wants to cultivate a “proudly South African” atmosphere for all who interact with us.

Enjoy this edition of Capital Life. I hope it inspires you to shine your light in our capital city.

Much love and happiness, Claire Pienaar

editor’s letter

Readers' give-away: See page 7

Publisher Chapel Lane Media Tel: +27 (0)82 452 8110 Managing Editor Charl du Plessis charl@chapellane.co.za Tel: +27 (0)82 452 8110 Group Editor Tanya Goodman tanya@chapellane.co.za Tel: +27 (0)82 671 2762 Editor Claire Pienaar claire@chapellane.co.za Tel: +27 (0)82 372 8054 Assistant Editor Luka Vracar research@chapellane.co.za Tel: +27 (0)72 612 2747 Advertising Sales: Riette Stevens riette@chapellane.co.za Tel: +27 (0)82 949 4107 Katlego Molatjane katlego@chapellane.co.za Tel: +27 (0)83 310 2679 Gizela van der Sandt gizela@chapellane.co.za Tel: +27 (0)82 578 3181 Alwyn Dormehl alwyn@chapellane.co.za Tel: +27 (0)84 580 8284 Admin and Subscriptions: Tarisai Maraba admin@chapellane.co.za Tel: +27 (0)82 679 0488 Design & Layout Marike van Zijl Liesel van der Schyf VDS Design Studio liesel@vdsdesign.co.za Tel: +27 (0)82 336 7537 Printed by Business Print, Pretoria capital life is published by Chapel Lane Media. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Chapel Lane Media or its Editors. 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 this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without specific written permission from the Editor.

Copyright © 2010. www.capitallife.co.za Look for Capitla Life on Facebook

package 2010

PILANESBERG THE BLUE TRAIN OFFERS THE ULTIMATE SAFARI GETAWAY

No driving, no trafc... Just pure indulgence from the moment you step aboard the “World’s Leading Luxury Train”... to enjoying sundowners while watching the sun set at Ivory Tree Game Lodge.

The Package includes one overnight forward and one return trip’s accommodation on The Blue Train, inclusive of all meals, drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic), as well as Blue Train gifts.

Guests will be treated to two nights’ accommodation at the Ivory Tree Game Lodge, inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner, but excluding drinks. Guests will indulge in four game drives at the Ivory Tree Lodge, and each person will receive a R400 voucher for the Amani Spa. The price includes the transfer from / to Sun City Station, as well as the tourism levy. The package does not include French Champagne, caviar, purchases from the Boutique Shop and external telephone calls.

Please note that there are no parking facilities available at Pretoria Station. Kindly make transfer arrangements.

Package dates: Rack rate from:

16 – 19 September 2010 30 December 2010 – 2 January 2011 R11,350 per person sharing

Rates for children available on request

It’s time for the denitive bush lodge experience at Ivory Tree Game Lodge, let The Blue Train to take you there.

For enquiries or bookings on these packages, please contact The Blue Train Reservations ofces on: Tel: +27 (0) 12 334-8459 +27 (0) 21 449-2672 E-mail: info@bluetrain.co.za

Yesterday’s Dreams is an Antiques Emporium offering a collection of European antique furniture in a luxurious environment. You will find an array of ornaments, porcelain, glass, silver, plated ware, jewellery, paintings, Victorian clothing, period furniture and gorgeous French antiques. And if you have a desire for a fabulous cuppa java, or a delightful weekend breakfast, or a scrumptious double chocolate cupcake, it’s the place where these cravings can be satisfied.

Yesterday’s Dreams is situated on the corner of Cliff Avenue and Muskejaat Street in Waterkloof Ridge Ext 2. Call +27 (0)12 347 6902 for more information.

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style

capital

A

melt-in-your-mouth

fudge

packaged to perfection... This is

experience,

Floriat.

Floriat is a fabulous birthday treat, a stunning corporate gift, or a self-indulgent “pick-me-up.”

Ingrid is the owner of this little enterprise, and believes that small business has a lot to offer the gifting and confectionary industry.

She prides herself on the fact that every aspect of the gift is prepared and chosen by herself, thereby ensuring that clients receive exactly what they’ve asked for. These are not mass produced, run-of-the-mill products.

They are freshly made, lovingly packaged pieces of heaven, and readily available here in Pretoria. To order, email info@floriat.com or call +27 (0)12 997 0509.

Nerdsonsite is a technology services company with operations in Canada, USA, UK, Australia, South Africa, Mexico and India, serving more than 65,000 clients around the world. They specialise in providing cost effective, leading edge solutions to Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs). The nerds are the complete ON-source SME IT solution specialist, which means that you no longer have to outsource any business process solution. From network security, to network design and support, to IT department outsourcing and software development as well as Voice-Over-IP implementation and website design and hosting, nerdsonsite are competent and cool in their approach and solutions. Nerdonsite offer “solution pricing” as opposed to hourly rates, so that you’ll know up front what you’ll be charged for a particular service, and they work with clients to come up with a schedule of prices based upon individual expected needs. For more information, visit www.nerdsonsite.co.za or call 0800MYNERD (696373).

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Tina Skukan Gallery is a real find! It is situated in Faerie Glen and is part

Thea Nigrini is the owner, and she has transformed this smallholding into a wonderland for art and nature lovers. The gallery hosts

monthly

exhibitions

professional

and

artists,

there

and

of

experienced are

often

talks and demonstrations. New exhibitions open monthly, on a Sunday at 11:30am, and include wine and refreshments. From 4 July to 29 July, Anne Archer’s paintings will be on display. From 1 August to 26 August, Wanda Haarhoff will be exhibiting her pottery and Nola Strauss will have her paintings on exhibit. For more information, visit the Tina Skukan Gallery at Plot 6 Koedoeberg Road, Faerie Glen or call +27 (0)12 991 1733.

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Bush Relaxation is only a few minutes away...

Butjani Bush

Lodge is an intimate retreat on a

private 650 hectare game reserve only 75km from Pretoria. The lodge can accommodate 8 individuals in 4 tented en-suite chalets depicting a country theme that includes fans, outdoor showers and decks. The lodge also has a lounge, covered dining area, boma and pool. Activities at Butjani include bush walks, bird watching, game drives and cycling. Butjani Lodge is giving away two nights of accommodation for two people sharing that includes breakfast, dinner and hot beverages to the value of R3,000. To stand a chance to win this fabulous giveaway, email research@chapellane.co.za and include “Butjani Lodge Giveaway” in the title.

Call +27 (0)86 122 3221 Email reservations@thokozela.co.za

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of the Bronberg Nature Reserve.

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Words: Claire Pienaar Images: © Nerds on Site; Butjani Lodge; Floriat; Tina Skukan Gallery; Revital Orkan from Yesterday's Dreams

The

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market lynnwood newcomer on

L

ocated in an empty lot just off Lynnwood past the intersection with Hans Strydom, and conveniently situated near Hazeldean Square shopping centre, the market offers a logical and generous layout. While it is still small, and many of the vendors are recognisable from our other neighbourhood market excursions, it seems this one has potential. It also appears that the organisers are familiar with the market scene, having built a set of permanent structures and creating a welcoming environment, such as having a shaded area for tables, live music for entertainment, and plenty of kiddies activities.

Wares for sale are the predictable range, for now – jams and preserves, a smattering of crafts and jewellerymakers, the tried-and-tested delectable cupcake and

we trade

Neighbourhood markets seem to be a growing trend. In search of the newest arrival on the scene, we headed out to the Market on Lynnwood. With balloons cheerfully waving, signs pointing the way, and a cartoon character at the traffic light promising

free ice cream for the kids, we ventured in.

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Words: Tanya Goodman Images: © Tanya Goodman

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muffin stalls, and some lovely smoked meats. What caught my eye and emptied my pocket, but saved me a trip to the grocery store, however, was an expansive fruit and vegetable stall. Perhaps it was the end-of-season cling peaches and grapes she had available, or the box of fresh persimmons I have not seen at the supermarket this year, or the basics of potatoes and onions, which looked firm and fresh. No matter what, it was this stall that had me feeling grateful for having stopped to look.

The other pleasant surprise was the range of Proteas and indigenous plants on sale from Cullinan Garden Centre.

Another category on the cusp of being successful at the market is represented by stalls showcasing antiques, old furniture and frames.

Though we’d had a hearty brunch before leaving home, those seeking a tasty snack cooked to order did not go hungry. Wine and beers are also available. 

• •

•

Ed’s tips

Rusty’s dried fruit by the half-kilo from the Ceres Valley, ideal as a gift for Ouma.

Smoked chorizo sausage and hams from Victoria’s Traditional Polish Meats, perfect for a winter soup.

Ma-Se-Stalletjie’s fruit and vegetables fresh from the market.

The Market on Lynnwood is held every Saturday, from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

Contact +27 (0)82 447 5615 or visit www.marketonlynnwood.co.za.

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Red,and Blue July White

we govern

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n 2 July 1776 the American colonies legally separated from the Kingdom of Great Britain. A group of leaders, who would come to be known as the Committee of Five, was commissioned to draw up a declaration that would explain the reasons for the separation and, when adopted, would signify the independence of America.

Two days later the Declaration of Independence was revealed and signed (although most of the delegates only signed the declaration in August) and it is this day, the 4th of July, which is celebrated as the birth date of the United States of America. More importantly this event paved the way for the formation of a democracy that instilled the concepts of liberty, equality and unity. Three words, which when put together, may seem even more familiar in French.

Liberté, égalité, fraternity was the call of the French people 13 years after witnessing America gain its independence. However, unlike America which freed itself from the reigns of a foreign and distant country, the French majority, the so-called Third Class consisting of the peasantry and the bourgeoisie, faced an internal struggle. They were oppressed by an authoritarian monarchy and a corrupt feudal system.

Heavy taxation and callous inequality led to the storming of the Bastille prison on 14 July 1789, marking the start of the French Revolution.

The fortress was regarded as a symbol of oppression as it imprisoned those who revolted against the monarchy or could not adhere to the feudal system. Even though the Bastille only contained seven prisoners at the time, its fall was significant as it served as the flashpoint that would ultimately lead to revolution.

Today the success of the French Revolution is celebrated on the anniversary of the Bastille’s fall. The 14th of July is regarded as French National Day, or Bastille Day, and although the storming of the Bastille did not immediately ensure a new and democratic government it represents to the French what the 4th of July does to Americans and what the 27th of April represents to South Africans.

South Africa’s day of independence, Freedom Day, could be said to have been fathered by the American and French revolutions, as it is their idealism that shaped our government. We are not even aware of how close our own struggle for democracy resembles parts of the French and American Revolutions. Even Mandela’s famous concluding remarks at the Rivonia Trial, of his willingness to die for a democratic South Africa, echo the complete French revolutionary slogan, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity – or Death. The overthrow of the Apartheid government was South Africa’s French Revolution, where the oppressed majority stood up to the unjust few, and the Freedom Charter was our Declaration of Independence.

We may not bite into a hotdog and sing the Star Spangled Banner on the 4th and we may not wrap our heads with the tricolore on the 14th but perhaps we should, or at least remember why these days are celebrated each July.

Much like the release of political prisoners from the Bastille, South Africa has its own significant jailbreak, one which we cherish and regard as one of the most important days in our history – the release of Nelson Mandela, whose subsequent influence over the world is well known. And if the legacy of the French and American Revolutions is anything to go by then the potential of South Africa’s own is surely reason enough to celebrate. 

South Africans do not celebrate

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consider that these holiday celebrations

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we expected to, but perhaps we should

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either the 4th of July or French National Day, nor are

represent a vital precedent

Words: Luka Vracar Images: © www.iStockphoto.com

which affects us more than we think.

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Following

MADIBA’S footsteps

in Pretoria Nelson Mandela is undoubtedly a man who leaves his footprint wherever he goes. His legend spread not only through our entire country, but all over the world. Reflecting on the occasion of his 92nd birthday, we

followed his footsteps in Pretoria.

we admire

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andela was born on 18 July 1918 in a small village near Umtata in the former Transkei. His birth name was Rolihlahla, meaning troublemaker. It is therefore ironic that in 1993 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, jointly with FW de Klerk, for the role he played in guiding South Africa peacefully into a new political dispensation. He accepted the award on behalf of all South Africans who suffered and sacrificed much to bring peace to the country. Over the years, he has been awarded numerous honors and many honorary degrees.

Because Madiba, as he is affectionately known, first made his mark as an intellectual, tracing his footsteps in Pretoria should start at the University of South Africa (UNISA) where he completed his Law degree in 1941, after having been expelled from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa’s first institution of higher learning for black people.

However, Mandela’s relationship with the capital city will probably forever be associated with the Rivonia trial. It was in a Pretoria court where he delivered his famous four-hour statement and concluded: "I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to life for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

It is also Pretoria that set the scene for more than 100,000 South African men, women and children of all races who sang and danced with joy when Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first black president after the multi-racial elections of April 1994. When Mandela appeared on the lawn

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Words: Gerda Potgieter Images: © www.MediaClubSouthAfrica.com; GCIS; UN Photo - Chris Sattlberger; Francois Gouws

beneath the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 10 May 1994, flanked by First Deputy President Thabo Mbeki and Second Deputy President FW de Klerk, the crowd was jubilant. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Union Buildings amphitheatre and was attended by politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries around the world.

Driven by his love for children and a desire to end their suffering, Mandela established the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (NMCF) in 1995. Mandela committed to donating one-third of his annual Presidential salary to establish the fund and it has become an international fundraising organisation devoted to empowering and improving the well-being of children and youth in South Africa.

It was in Shoshanguve in December 1997, just north of the Pretoria city centre, where I had the pleasure of meeting Mandela in person. He had come to witness the occasion of electricity being officially switched on to the first of 24,000 households to benefit from one of the country's biggest electrifications projects.

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Like so many before and after me, I immediately came under the spell of the Madiba magic. He was gracious to all and I felt as though I had met a supreme being. I walked on air for the next month or so. What struck me most was the joy he seemed to elicit from children in particular.

In the years since his retirement from politics, Mandela has continued to be a force for justice in society, focusing on some of the most impoverished communities in our country. In 1999, Mandela opened a R4-million primary school in Shoshanguve for children who previously had lessons under the trees. Mandela persuaded the petroleum company, BP Southern Africa, to fund the school. In 2007 the Nelson Mandela Institute was also founded to take forward his work in education and the development of rural areas in South Africa.

Mandela was instrumental in setting up one of Pretoria’s landmark monuments, Freedom Park. In 1999, when discussions were underway, Mandela envisioned its significance, stating: “The day should not be far off when we shall have a people’s shrine, a freedom park, where we shall honour those who endured pain so we should experience the joy of freedom.” This vision was realised 10 years later when he visited Freedom Park to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the struggle.

Nelson Mandela stepped down as leader of the ANC in 1997 and retired from public life in 1999. What will last forever, though, is the example of magnanimity that Mandela has left as his legacy for the capital, his country and the world. 

Mandela Day For 67 years, global icon, visionary leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nelson “Madiba” Mandela gave his time for the greater good of his people. In 2009, the United Nations declared 18 July “Nelson Mandela Day” to give people around the world an opportunity to spend just 67 minutes taking small actions that could contribute to the upliftment of their communities.

Mandela Day is more than a celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy; it is a global movement to take his life’s work into a new century and change our world for the better.

Mandela Day asks us all to embrace Madiba’s values and honour his legacy through an act of kindness. Who knows, it might leave you inspired enough to make every day a Mandela Day! Each of us can make a small difference. If we all make a difference together, our collective effort can truly change the world. Mandela Day is not a holiday. It is a day for all of us to "opt for humanity" – to roll up our sleeves and play an active role in building our communities. This is an opportunity for each of us to share Nelson Mandela’s vision of a better future for all. This year, organisations the world over have registered their initiatives at www.nelsonmandela.org.za.

To find out more about what you can do, you can also visit www.mandeladay.com

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QUAINT LOCK UP AND GO! This stylish home boasts 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. This home offers a spacious family room and dining room. Large wood framed sliding doors lead out onto a beautiful undercover patio which features a built in braai and a view of the sparkling pool. 2 garages.

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SILVER LAKES

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OFFERS EVERYTHING YOUR HEART DESIRES! This cosy home boasts 4 bedrooms, 3 newly revamped bathrooms. Main bedroom offers wooden deck which is guaranteed for relaxation. 3 spacious living areas. Study. This home includes well manicured garden and sparkling pool. Staff accommodation. 2 Garages. www.remax.co.za - Web Ref: 3002 927 96

SILVER LAKES

R 2 950 000

STYLISH ABODE! This home offers 3 north-facing bedrooms with the main bedroom offering balcony and en-suite bathroom.

Guest toilet. Entrance into home leads lounge and open plan dining room. Bar. Neat kitchen with scullery and breakfast nook.

Outdoor highlights include private landscaped garden and pool.

Double garage. Staff accommodation. www.remax.co.za - Web ref: 3002 959 22

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3 garages. No expense was spared. www.remax.co.za - Web ref: 3002 750 48

ELEGANT AND SPACIOUS! This breathtaking home features 5 bedrooms which conveys an air of luxurious comfort and 5 bathrooms. 4 of them en-suite. 4 family rooms, dining room, lounge and study. Guest toilet. Patio leads to landscaped garden and sparkling pool. 3 garages. Staff accommodation. UFH throughout the house. This is truly a magnificent residence. www.remax.co.za - Web ref: 3003 002 94

human

capital

By the people, of the people, for the people Capital Life interviewed some of the city’s inhabitants to find out if they have FIFA fever. iss ue fo

Name: Leanne Curry

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Age: 21

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Occupation: Marketing Student and South Africa Touch Rugby Team member.

Where do you live in Pretoria? Lynnwood Ridge.

Have you got FIFA fever? Yes.

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Do you support football Fridays? Yes, as you can see.

Have you got tickets to any of the games? I have one, but I don’t know who is playing.

Who will you support? Obviously Bafana, second choice would be Italy.

Who do you think will win? Spain... let’s just go with Spain.

Name: Sipiwe Petros Age: 20 Occupation: 2nd year Industrial Engineering student.

Where do you live in Pretoria? Brooklyn.

Have you got FIFA fever? Yes, I’m really excited about the World Cup. Do you support football Fridays? Yeah, every Friday.

Have you got tickets to any of the games? Yes, for ten games!

Who will you support? South Africa, of course.

Who do you think will win? South Africa.

In this section, we seek the opinions of our resident capital readers concerning Pretoria and Greater Tshwane. If readers have a question they would like us to pose, please drop an email to research@chapellane.co.za with subject line: Human Capital

we share

Name: Nathi Baloyi Age: 30 Occupation: Technical Support at Telkom.

Where do you live in Pretoria? I live in Midrand.

Have you got FIFA fever? Yes, I’ve been looking forward to it since 2004.

Do you support football Fridays? Yes. I wear my jersey even when it’s cold.

Have you got tickets to any of the games? No, I’m not really a stadium guy.

I prefer to watch the games on TV with some friends.

Who will you support? South Africa.

Who do you think will win? Brazil, but maybe Italy.

Name: Rifilwe Malatji Age: 32 Occupation: Sales consultant at Edgars.

Where do you live in Pretoria? Orchids, Pretoria North.

Have you got FIFA fever? I am very excited, yes!

Do you support football Fridays? Yes, I do.

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Who will you support? Bafana Bafana, of course.

Who do you think will win? Bafana Bafana.

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Have you got tickets to any of the games? No, unfortunately.

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Name: Adriana Vracar Age: 17 Occupation: Matric student.

Where do you live in Pretoria? Val de Grace Have you got FIFA fever? It hasn’t really hit me yet.

Do you support football Fridays? Yes. Have you got tickets to any of the games? Yes, I watched Serbia vs Ghana at Loftus, it was painful to see my team lose.

Who will you support? Brazil.

Who do you think will win? Brazil.

Name: Anthony Wingfield Age: 23 Occupation: Assistant Lecturer and honours student at the University of Pretoria.

Where do you live in Pretoria? I live just down the road from TUKS. Have you got FIFA fever? Yes, we’ve decorated our entire department.

Do you support football Fridays? Yes. Have you got tickets to any of the games? Yes, for three games.

Who will you support? I have no idea, I’m just going for the vibe.

Who do you think will win? I don’t know... Spain?

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The Voortrekker

Monument A Tr i b u t e to Per severance

Towering some 64 metres above

Tora tše e ka bago 64 ya di mitera

the summit of Monument Hill,

go ya godimo sehloeng mmoto

the Voortrekker Monument is

wa monument. Monument wa

dedicated to the memory of the

Voortrekker o dirilwe ka dikelello

pioneers who left the oppressive Cape Colony

tša batho ba mathomo ba go tlogela kgatelelo kwa Kapa

for the northern hinterland. Some

kolone, go ya lebowa. Ba bangwe

call the construction colossal,

ba ebitša moago o mogolo, ba

some majestic and others monstrous. However, nobody

bangwe bare ke moago wa go hlomphiwa. Efela ga

can ignore the fact that this

go motho yo a ka hlokomologang

historical monument dominates

histori ya monyumente yeo e

the capital city’s skyline.

renago mothaladi wa leratadima la

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we remember

motse mošhate wa torope.

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Words: Wilhelmina Bekker Translation: Judith Seanego Images: © Sarel van Staden; The Voortrekker Monument

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he Voortrekker Monument is situated in a nature reserve and was constructed to pay tribute to the perseverance, courage, and determination of the Voortrekkers, some of whom played an important part in the city’s early history. The name “Pretoria,” for example, is derived from that of a Voortrekker leader, Andries Pretorius. More specifically, the Monument commemorates the exodus to the north of farmers of mostly German, French and Dutch descent, who had already shaken off their European roots and now considered themselves “burghers” (citizens) of Africa.

Their migration from the Cape in 1835 – in different groups and to different areas later known as Natal, the Orange Free State, Transvaal (modern-day Gauteng), Namibia, Angola and Mozambique – has become known as the Great Trek, and this event has dominated the historical account of their descendants, the Afrikaners. Roughly 15,000 people, mainly stock farmers, their families and servants, participated in the Trek. For many Afrikaners, this period represents a heroic phase in their historical lore, as it symbolises the start of a sacred connection between the people and their destiny in Africa, and the religious foundations on which this relationship was forged.

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onumente wa Voortrekker o dutše mo lefelong la hlago moo o agetšwego go hlompha kgotlelelo ya go loba ga mavoortrekker, le go bakgothatsa le go itlama ga bona. Ba bangwe ba bona ba tšeere karolo ye bohlokwa mo historing ya toropo (Leina le Pretoria mohlala letšwa go bana baetapele ba mavoortrekker go swana le bo Andries Pretorius). Ga holo monumente o dira segopotšo ka exoda go ya lebowa gantšhi balemi ba Geremane, ba mafrench le badimo wa madutch. Bao ele goreng batšwa bale meding ya MaEuropa, efela lehona ba epitša badudi ba Afrika. Go falala ga bona gotšwa Kapa ka 1835. Ka go fapana fapana ga bona le ka go fabana fabana ga mafelo a o lehono a tsebe yago ka Natal, Orange Free State, Transvaal, Namibia, Angola and Mozambique – tše di tsebeyago bjale ka Great Trek. E bile yona tiragalo ye ke yona e renago mo megopolong ya Histori ya ditlogolo tša maAfrikanere.

Go ya ka batho ba e ka bago 15,000 gaholo balemi rui le meloko ya bona le bašomi ba bona, ba ile ba tšea karolo mo go Trek. Go maAfrikanere a mantšhi nako ye e emetše kgato ya bagale mo historing ya bona.

Ka ge e bontšha mathomo a bohlokwa bja kgohlagano magareng ga batho le seo se diragetswego mo Afrika.

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The foundation stone was laid on 16 December 1938 at one of the largest open-air gatherings of people yet seen in the country. The date for the ceremony was specifically chosen to fall on The Day of the Vow, which Afrikaners celebrated annually in their belief that it was God’s will that they had triumphed at the Battle of Blood River, a war fought between an estimated 470 Voortrekkers and an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 Zulu warriors on 16 December 1838. (It is a public holiday in South Africa and is now called the Day of Reconciliation).

Some of the seriousness with which the Afrikaners considered this project in 1938, at a time when the country was in the colonial fold as part of the Union of South Africa after the second Anglo-Boer War, is reflected by the number of children born that year who were named after the centennial. It was during this time that names such as “Eufeesia” (Eeufees being Centennial) and “Kakebeenwania” (a Kakebeenwa being a type of ox wagon) and others first came into being.

The Monument was designed by architect Gerard Moerdijk and many Afrikaner artists, sculptors and builders participated in the project. Italian artisans and large teams of black labourers also contributed to the construction. The onset of World War II slowed down building works at the Monument and it eventually took 11 years to complete. It was officially inaugurated by the then-Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa, Dr DF Malan, on 16 December 1949.

The Monument is surrounded by a symbolic wall of 56 ox wagons, the same number as was used to form a defensive laager at Blood River. A two-metre-high cenotaph, made from a block of polished red South African granite, is the focal point of the monument. On 16 December each year, at exactly 12 noon, a ray of sunshine passes through an aperture in the Monument’s dome and falls on the cenotaph, illuminating the inscription of the last sentence of the first passage of the previous national anthem, The Call of South Africa: “Ons vir jou, Suid-Afrika” (translated as “We for thee, South Africa”).

The Hall of Heroes is the main chamber in the Monument. It contains an historical marble frieze in basrelief and consists of 27 panels that depict the story of the Great Trek from 1835 to 1852 as well as the

Le motheo wa bodumedi o lego gore ke kamano ya go direlwa.

Kago ya Voortrekker Monumente e thomile ka 1937 pele ga go ketekwa ga Leswika la mathomo le theilwe ka 16 Desempere 1938. Mo sekgobeng se segolo se se buleilego go kapanego batho bao ba bonwago mo nageng ya Afrika Borwa. Ietšatšikgwedi la moletlo le kgethilwe gore le wele ka fase a letšatši la Covenant, leo MaAfrikanere ba le ketekago ka ngwaga o mongwe le o mongwe ka tumelo ya gore ka thato ya modimo e bile bafenyi ba ntwa ya Blood River. Ntwa yeo e lwelego ke batho ba magareng a 470 ba mavoortrekker le bao ba balelwago go ya 10,000 go fihla go 15,000 ya bafenyi ba MaZuulu ka la 16 Desempere 1838 (tšatšikgwedi ye ke tšatši la go ikhutša mo Afrika borwa lehono, ke letšatši leo ba le bitšago tšatši ls poelano).

Tše dingwe tša bohlokwa tšeo maAfrikanere a ilego a di elahloko ke projeke ya 1938. Nakong ya ge naga e le ka fase ga o phuthwa ga bokoloniale bjale ka karolo ya Union ya Afrika borwa ka morago a ntwa ya bobedi ya Anglo-Boer War ye e bontšhitšwego ke nomoro ya bana ba ba beleilwego ka ngwaga woo ba o ba filego leina la Centennial. Ke nakong ya ge maina a go swana le bo “Eufeesia” (Eufees e lego Centennial) le “Kakebeenwania” (Kakebeenwa elego mohuta wa koloi ya dipholo) le ba bangwe ba tlileng pele.

Monumente o akantšhwe ke thutamoagi o berego ke Gerard Moerdijk le ba bantšhi ba bathaladitshwana,ntšho ba maAfrikanere, le babetli le baagi ba o ba tšerego karolo mo projekeng. Bethaladitshwantšho ba maitalian le dihlopha tše dikgolo tša bašomi ba batho batsho, ba bile le seabe mo moagong woo. Mathomo a ntwa ya bo bedi ya lefase e dirile gore bašomi ba baagi ba monumente ba diege go fihlela ba tšea mengwaga ye 11 go ka fetša go aga. O ile wa hlomiwa se mmušo ke Prime Ministara wa Union ya Afrika borwa, ka yona nako yeo elego Dr DF Malan ka bi 16 Desempere 1949.

Monumente o akareditšwe ke maswao mo maboteng a koloi tša dipholo tše 56 go no swana le nomoro tseo ba bego ba dišomiša go thoma tšhireletšo e kgolo kwa Blood River. Di metara tše Pedi goya godimo tša Cenotaph, mo o dirilwego lefelwana la go polishiwa ka mmala o mohwibidi wa leswika la gokgwahla la go aga la Afrika Borwa.

Ke yona ntha ya šedi ya monumente ka di 16 tša Desempere ye nngwe le ye nngwe ka iri ya lesome pedi mosegare, foro ya letsatsi le le kganyago e feta mo apertyreng ka mogane go monumente ye e welago godimo ga Cenotaph mo e bontšhago mantšu a mafelelo a lefoko la mathomo a temana koša ya Setshaba ya kgale Pitso ya Afrika borwa. Re mo ka wena Afrika Borwa.

Holo ya bagale ke yona e phapošhi e kolo mo monumenteng, ke yona e swerego Histori ya ditshwantšho tša mmabole ka mo gare ga bas-relief ye e aroganyago ka dipanele tše 27 ye e swerego histori ya ma Great Trek go tloga ka 1835 go fihla 1852 e lego le ka tsela ya bophelo bja mavoortrekere. Mašhela a gona bontsha hlompho go bagale ba bantšhi ka ditiro tša mavoortrekere tše din ago le 15 ya diphanele tšeo di akantšhwego ke WH Coetzer,

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Voortrekker way of life. The tapestries, paying homage to the many heroic deeds of the Voortrekkers, consist of 15 panels which were designed by WH Coetzer and stitched by nine women, taking eight years to complete.

The Monument is open to the public and, apart from its historical significance, offers a variety of interesting entertainment options such as horse riding, picnics and even a ride on an ox wagon on special occasions. It is regarded as the most visited heritage site of its kind in Gauteng and is listed under the country's top 10 cultural-historical visitor attractions, with over 155,000 visitors last year almost evenly divided between local and foreign visitors. With many tourists arriving on our shores during the FIFA World Cup, the Voortekker Monument is definitely worth a trip for anyone interested in learning about the complexities of modern-day South Africa and understanding how the period signified by the Monument has played, and still plays, a role in the history and identity of many Afrikaners. 

tša roka ke basadi ba senyane ba o ba tšerego menwaga ye seswai go ka difetša.

Monumente o buletšwe setšhaba, ntle le bohlokwa bja histori ya ona. O fana ka go fapana ga boithabišo bo bo kgahlišago go swana lego namela ga diperele dipikiniki le go namela koloi ya dipholo mohlang woo o kgetheilego. O tšewa bjale ka ketelo ya bohwa bja lehlakore bja mokgwa wa wona mo Gauteng. Ke o mongwe o olego ka fase a mananego a lesome a histori ya setšo sa maatiakgogedi a baeti ba go feta 155,000; ngwagola ge ne nyaka go arola magareng a baeti ba mogae le ba kantle. Bjale ka baeti ba bantšhi bao bafihlelago lebopong la rena nakong ya Sebjana sa lefase sa FIFA. Voortrekker Monument ruri ruri e nyaka boleng bja leeto mang goba mang. Kgahlego ya go kwišhiša mararagano a matšatši a lehono mo Afrika Borwa le go kwišhiša nakong tša bohlokwa tšeo monument o di ralokilego, e bile o sa tšea karolo mo historing le go itsebiša ga ba bantšhi ba maAfrikanere. 

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park

Freedom

we remember

“The Freedom Park is a

place

“Freedom Park is ‘n

of pilgrimage and healing and human communion which seeks

pelgrimstog vir die herstel van die menslike samesyn, wat poog om die

to end the divides that scar

littekens en wonde van die

and fracture the national and

nasionale en wêreldwye

global human society beyond its boundaries.”

verwydering tussen mense te herstel” –

– Former President Thabo Mbeki.

Voormalige President Thabo Mbeki.

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Words: Tanya Goodman Translation: Charl du Plessis Images: © Freedom Park

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ocated high above the capital city on a 52-hectare site on Salvokop Hill, Freedom Park is a permanent national symbol that recognises the struggle for freedom and democracy not only in South Africa, but across the continent and the globe. Originally conceived in 2001, Freedom Park took years of consultation and construction before it was officially opened to the public and declared a Cultural Institution on 1 April 2009. It is regarded as one of the most ambitious attempts to capture the history of a previously divided nation and to build reconciliation.

The vantage point that offers visitors a spectacular panorama of our capital city is reason enough to visit Freedom Park. But it is the cultural, historical, spiritual and heritage content of the various elements that will inspire you to contemplate, and perhaps even to act.

There are a number of separate yet interconnected elements to the park. Sikhumbuto, the place of reflecting, is a dramatic yet tranquil space. It consists

F

reedom Park sit hoog teenaan Salvokop Heuwel, op gronde van 52-hektaar, en dien as simbool ter herinnering aan die stryd vir vryheid en demokrasie, nie alleenlik in SuidAfrika nie, maar ook op ons kontinent en deur die res van die wêreld. Die idee het reeds in 2001 ontstaan, en na jare se konsultasie en bouwerk, is Freedom Park op 1 April 2009 amptelik geopen en tot Kulturele Instansie verklaar. Dit word oor die algemeen beskou as een van die mees ambisieuse pogings om die geskiedenis van ons eens verdeelde nasie saam te vat, en om daardeur versoening te probeer bewerkstellig.

Dit sou bloot die moeite werd wees om Salvokop net te besoek vir die fantastiese uitsig oor die hoofstad.

Maar dit is die kulturele, geestelike en erfenis inslag van die park se onderskeie elemente wat besoekers inspireer tot herdenke en selfs tot aksie.

Die uitleg van Freedom Park bestaan uit verskeie losstaande, dog gekoppelde elemente. Sikhumbuto,

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of six main features: the Reeds, the Gallery of Leaders, the Wall of Names, the Sanctuary, the Amphitheatre, and the Eternal Flame. Each of these features offers a way to remember the past and to imagine the future.

In the Gallery of Leaders, for example, 27 of the most outstanding political leaders in South Africa, Africa and the world today, are mentioned, including Oliver Tambo, Steve Biko, Bram Fischer, Lillian Masediba Ngoyi, and Helen Joseph from South Africa; Julius Nyerere, Thomas Sankara, Amílcar Cabral from the African continent; and WEB Du Bois, Ché Guevara, and Françoise Domingue Toussaint L’Ouverture, among others, from the international arena. Currently there is a discussion suggesting that the Generals De Wet and De la Rey, who fought during the South Africa war, be included as well. The Gallery aims to inspire visitors to emulate the sacrificial and heroic

die plek van bepeinsing, is dramaties, dog vreedsaam.

Dit bestaan uit ses fasette: die Riete (the Reeds), ‘n Leiersgallery (the Gallery of Leaders), die Muur van Name (the Wall of Names), die Hawe (the Sanctuary), die Amfiteater (the Amphitheatre), en die Nimmereindigende Vlam (the Eternal Flame). Elkeen van die fasette bied ‘n eiesoortige manier om die verlede te onthou en om in die verbeelding ‘n toekoms vooruit te skou.

Die Leiersgallery lys byvoorbeeld huidiglik die name van 27 uitmuntende politieke leiers vanuit eie bodem en die res van die wêreld, insluitende Oliver Tambo, Steve Biko, Bram Fischer, Lillian Masediba Ngoyi, en Helen Joseph vanuit Suid Afrika; Julius Nyerere, Thomas Sankara, Amílcar Cabral vanuit die res van Afrika; en WEB Du Bois, Ché Guevara, en Françoise Domingue Toussaint L’Ouverture vanuit

lives of these commemorated leaders. The Wall of Names is a structure inscribed with the names of those who died during the eight conflicts that have taken place in South Africa’s history. The physical wall can accommodate 120,000 names. To date, 75,000 names have been verified for inscription. The design also allows for future generations to memorialise their heroes and heroines.

Besides the majestic Gallery of Leaders and the stark reality of the Wall of Names, there are serene environments like the Sanctuary, where visitors are invited to conduct a ceremony or light a candle and the Eternal Flame, both of which encourage us to remember those unsung heroes and heroines who lost their lives without their names being recorded in history.

Freedom Park’s outdoor areas are abundant and inviting. Mveledzo is a spiral path which links all the elements together while Uitspanplek is a park-like resting spot with a view. Isivivane, situated on the

die internasionale arena. Na hewige protes vanuit die Afrikanergemeenskap is Generaals Christiaan De Wet and Koos De la Rey ook ingesluit, hoewel daar steeds ongelukkigheid heers oor die uitsluiting van ‘n paar ander Boere helde. Die doel van hierdie gallery is om besoekers te inspireer om die opofferings en die heldedade van hierdie leiers na te streef.

Die Muur van Name is ‘n struktuur waar die name van diegene wat tydens elk van agt konflikperiodes in Suid Afrika gesneuwel het, ingebeitel kon word. Soveel as 120,000 name kan hier geakkomodeer word, en daar is tans reeds 75,000 name op die muur. Die struktuur bied dus die geleentheid vir toekomstige geslagte om hulle helde by te voeg. Benewens die indrukwekkende Leiersgallery en die harde werklikheid van die Muur van Name, kan mens in die kalmte van Die Hawe ‘n kers opsteek, of by die Nimmereindigende Vlam diegene wie hulle lewens op die tafel van Vryheid bedien het herdenk.

Freedom Park se ruim buitelug areas strek wyd oor

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The Freedom Park is open for tours daily.

Call +27 (0)79 837 9092 Email tours@freedompark.co.za Visit www.freedompark.co.za

Freedom Park is elke dag oop vir besoekers.

Skakel +27 (0)79 837 9092 Epos tours@freedompark.co.za Besoek www.freedompark.co.za.

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//hapo, will be unveiled. The word //hapo was taken from a Khoi proverb that says “a dream is not a dream until it is shared by the entire community.”

This is the element that will draw all the parts on the site together to present a united whole. //hapo tells the story of Southern Africa dating back 3.6 billion years, unfolding over seven epochs or eras, from creation to the issues of reconciliation and nation building that we face today. This is an interactive exhibition space with many social spaces allowing for live interpretation, performance and storytelling.

Through a variety of efforts to promote the values of indigenous knowledge, //hapo aims to emphasise the creativity, inventiveness, resilience and spirit of our people, thereby emancipating the African voice. 

die 52-hektaar perseel. Mveledzo is ‘n spiraalpaadjie wat al die elemente verbind, en Uitspanplek is ‘n rusplek met ‘n lieflike uitsig. Isivivane, aan die oostelike kant van die heuwel, is simbolies gekies as die finale rusplek vir vryheidsvegters uit die agt konflikte wat die Suid-Afrikaanse nasie gevorm het. Die agt konflikte word deur die breins agter Freedom Park beskou as: Pre-koloniale Konflikte, Volksmoorde, Slawerny, Weerstandsoorloë, die Boere-oorloë, die twee WereldOorloë, en die Bevrydingsoorlog. ‘n Sirkelvormige struktuur met 11 groot rotse, genaamd Lesaka, verteenwoordig onderskeidelik die nege provinsies, die nasionale regering en die internasionale gemeenskap, wat ‘n groot rol gespeel het in die stryd vir menslikheid en vryheid in Suid Afrika. Gedagtig aan die feit dat water in verskeie gelowe sterk simboliese krag het in purifikasie en helende seremonies, het die ontwerpers waterfonteine by beide ingange tot Isivivane geplaas sodat mense hulle hande kan was as teken van respek vir die gewydheid van die plek.

Die laaste fase van Freedom Park, //hapo, word die maand onthul. Die woord //hapo het sy oorsprong in ‘n Khoi gesegde wat lui dat: “'n droom is nie ‘n droom voordat die hele gemeenskap dit nie deel nie.”

Hierdie element is bedoel om die hele bevolking saam te snoer. //hapo vertel die storie van ‘n Suider-Afrika wat oor 3.6 miljard jare terugstrek, deur sewe groot eras, vanaf die skepping tot en met die huidige fase van rekonsiliasie en nasie-bou. Hierdie is ‘n interaktiewe uitstalling met ‘n verskeidenheid van sosiale ruimtes vir opvoerings en vertellings. Deur die pogings om die waarde van inheemse kennis te bevorder, stel //hapo die bevordering van die kreatiwiteit, uithouvermoë en die moed van ons mense ten doel, en dien dit tot die bevryding van die Afrikaan se publieke stem. 

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eastern side of the hill and a second major element of the Park, is considered the final resting place for the freedom fighters who fell in the eight conflicts which shaped the South African nation (defined as the Precolonial Wars, Genocide, Slavery, Wars of Resistance, the South African War, the two World Wars and the Liberation Struggle). A structure of 11 boulders designed in a circular form, the Lesaka, is intended to represent the nine provinces, the national government, and the international support for the struggle for humanity and freedom of South Africans. Respectful of the fact that in many belief systems, water plays a significant role towards cleansing and healing, water features are stationed at both entrances to Isivivane for the washing of hands as a mark of respect for this sacred space.

This month, the last phase of Freedom Park,

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Postcards from

africa

Canadian world traveller and regular Capital Life contributor, Lauren Ettin, has spent the last six months exploring the continent...

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c u r si on m y fi r st e x om fr d e n r , r e th e y n d ju st r e tu D e a r S im on anage whe i, K e n y a a h p ob or ir t a n N a h in w il d . le p d e vo te d e d sa fe ly , a baby e n ts in to th e a st u h r p T le e c h a r g e s, so fe e I h a ve a r r iv li d ir th il e e W th c u k h it ic od r w tr h a ve n in ns d S h e ld d th is sa fe p os si b le , r e s in th e p e e r e if e n p to th e D a vi n e e ts e n k th a e h d p but , th e e le w a tc h e d th nd-rear an n fo r tu n a te ly ent as we n d d is e a se , r e sc u e , h a d U a vi . e g s, e , in n ol n h io ve r ss e er pa h a te p h a n ts e a c p li g h t, fu r th an-made w le ou sl y r u n on ’ e m vi ts e n s, ob a p th a h is p h tr e it le l c e th e ar ep w T h e p la io n fo r th e d in g fo ot sn op le a r ou n d ss a t th e y sl e e a lu p p th c y in g om n c in a s, e m lt e b ti ll a ls . n d w h y so e q u ic k ly fe u m a n a c ti vi to th e ir w e k e r s’ jo u r n to u n d e r st a in iv or y . W ff e c ts of h ta d e e r e r a d e a h a c th tr ot e n of e th th b e c a u se u c ti on ! It ’s r e c e ip t of e d d u e to b y r e g u la r a r e or p h a n ou t in in tr od y te lf it a r se d c om in g it jo a to g m p in u th e o p ok kept r in g m y u p u tw g d in g or e in b k e n , u se ls a tr se a n im a a m e I’ ll b e to u c h e d b y “ a d op t” th e ow m u c h g to h s g d n in n im a ls . r fu e d te si g c on a n y w il d a in m w r e w or ld d on a vi fo l is a im t fi r st a n th e si tu a ti on a n im p or ta n p r e c a r io u s n e e ow b h s of a h ll T h is e r to u s a d a r e m in d tr a ve ls , a n c h a se w e n t to p u r e w n e h w nge and , g e tt in g c h a permarket of su d A ll m y lo ve l a a e r u st r In ll a t a sm a a ll c h a n g e .

Lauren e st op p e d in g ou t of sm W in n : n y u a r d is e d b it of th h e c ou n tr y te r e st in g ti r read: “T te n ou c e P .S . M y in p la c e ! th m y k in d of th e si g n a t st s, u J ie d ” oo s. g ie e d n so m sm a ll c a l g iv e y ou b a c k , w e ’l

we visit

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Words: Lauren Ettin Images: © Lauren Ettin; Justin Smith; www.istockphoto.com

m o r f s g n i t e e Gr

He llo my de ar es t Si mo n, Ap olo gi es fo r no t w ri tin g so on er ! Th e w ee ks ha ve ju st pa an d bo at fu ls of ad ss ed by , fil le d w ith ve nt ur e (l ite ra lly ). be au tif ul sc en er y, I’m in Ug an da no w ch an ne l in Qu ee n El fr ie nd ly pe op le , ju st re tu rn in g fr om iz ab et h N at ion al Pa a ri ve r cr ui se do w rk fo r cl os e up vie fo r us , an el us ive n th e Ka zi ng a w in gs of hi pp os sn or le op ar d sig ht in g as tin g an d ca vo rt in g, it ba sk ed in th e su in de ed . It’ s ab so lu te an d mo st lu ck ily n on th e sid e of th ly in cr ed ib le to be e ro ad on ly a fe w so cl os e to w ild lif e ca pt ur e on fil m. me tr es aw ay ! Ra re an d ex pe ri en ce th e th in gs th at I ju st ca n’ t se em to W hi le I ex pe ct ed th e an im al s to be fe w an d hi dd en , I ha ve sa va nn ah . Bu ff al o, be en qu ic kl y am az ze br a, el ep ha nt s, ed at w ha t w e’ ve rh in os , w ar th og s an mo nk ey s sc am pe r ab se en in th e op en d an te lop es al l gr az ou t. Th e an im al s ar in g to ge th er , w hi le en ’t sk itt ish at al l, ou t of th e ca r w in ba bo on s an d an d ba re ly no tic e do w s to ge t th e pe th e hu ma ns ma ni pu rf ec t ph ot o (g oo d la th tin in g th ei r bo di es g I pr ac tic ed my yo ga Th e ot he r hi gh lig ht be fo re I le ft ). ha s be en w hi te w at er ra ft in g do w n th w ay to o mu ch of th e N ile – ex hi la ra tin e ri ve r an d pa id fo g, th ou gh I un in te nt r it th e ne xt da y! ion al ly dr an k Se nd in g dr ip pi ng hu gs , La ur en

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Wedding Wonderland

Pretoria’s

Romance in the air? Wedding

bells a-ringing? Start planning

now, but while scanning the globe for ideas, think

local. We’ve discovered that Pretoria has a plethora of excellent venues, caterers, and designer boutiques to suit every fantasy.

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lthough the perception might be that we are currently in a nuptial lull, with the season for wedding expos having recently closed and the spring-time rush to the altar more than a few months away, this is no time to sit back if you have plans afoot to tie the knot. In fact, this is the best time to research and think ahead. Before you venture too far outside of Pretoria, you might be pleasantly surprised at the number of options available right here on our capital city’s doorstep.

Over the past two years, there have been multiple weddings of various proportions among our personal friends and colleagues – small and intimate, large and expensive, and some

we create

Words: Tanya Goodman Images: © www.istockphoto.com

do-it-yourself festivities. Each time, despite the roller-coaster ride of anticipation and aggravation we were privy to for months on end, each event was characterised by its own magic and lasting memories.

Naturally, after returning home from the celebrations, I have reflected on my own wedding and wondered whether I wouldn’t have done anything different.

When we got married, I was an “older” bride – one of those who can’t quite call her best friend a “maid of honour” any longer but equally unwilling to catch the flak for calling her a “matron.” No flowing white dress for me, and no tuxedo for my husband-to-be, we opted instead for a low-key, barefoot weekend in the bushveld at one of our favourite lodges outside the Kruger National Park where friends and family joined us for two days of game drives, basking next to the Blyde River, and dancing around a blazing fire.

Bushveld Boma Flames from a bonfire, stars twinkling above, lamb-on-the-spit and even the roar of lions could be part of the ambience at your wedding if you consider the following venues: • Surrounded by jacaranda trees and set against the beautiful mountains of the Magaliesburg, Isiphiwo Guesthouse, Wedding Venue and Spa will cater to your every need, from décor to coordination.

Book your wedding with Isiphiwo and receive discounted rates on accommodation, décor and floral requirements.

Call +27 (0)84 457 6937

Email caron@isiphiwo.co.za • Intundla Game Lodge is picture perfect for the bushveld boma themed wedding. Lovely chalets, a charming chapel and an all round rustic feel with nature in abundance – this is the stuff that wedding dreams are made of.

Call +27 (0)82 804 1547

Email weddings@intundla.co.za

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Our vows were exchanged under the stars and friends passed a lantern around a circle as they bestowed wedding wishes upon us.

It’s all a bit of a blur now, but even for such a laidback, come-as-you-are event, the one thing I might have done differently was to have the event closer to home. There was so much to arrange, and all of it was especially complicated at a distance. You know the drill – location, accommodation, attire, flowers, cake, food, drinks, hair and makeup, gifts for the wedding party; the list goes on. So, during the quiet, chilly winter months, why not indulge a bit in the fantasy of what you imagine your own wedding to be.

But before you start pounding the pavements along the Crocodile Ramble, Muldersdrift, Dullstroom, the Hoedspruit area or as far afield as the Cape, try some of the amazing offerings we have right here. Given our mild and predictable seasons, you might even opt for a wedding sooner rather than later. No need to wait for spring in these sunny parts.

If a bushveld getaway is your preference, there are a number of facilities along the Pretoria perimeter where a boma ceremony is not only readily on offer, but once you reach some of these lodges a mere 20-minute drive from the city centre, you feel as if you are hours away from the urban jungle.

If rustic is not your style, a five-star sophisticated affair is possible at a number of classy B&Bs, conference centres, and hotels. And there is much to choose from in between as well. Consider a wedding at a regal riverside castle or at a mountain lodge, a ceremony on an equestrian estate or a mansion in the heart of one of our historic areas.

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Chic and Sophisticated If you want to feel like a princess, you can find a royal wedding ambience along with all the expected accoutrements of white linen, silver plates, crystal chandeliers, and a ballroom at the following establishments: • The Farm Inn offers every bridal couple the chance to enter into a lifelong partnership in tranquil and romantic surroundings. From the most unique chapel, to the superb traditional South-African cuisine and hospitality offered at the Farm Inn, this first most important day in your lives will become a special memory for the rest of your lives. The Farm Inn offers you and your guests an occasion which will live up to all your expectations.

Call +27 (0) 12 809 0266

Email farminn@farminn.co.za • Lombardy Estate offers the perfect intimate venue for your wedding ceremony, with spectacular venues to choose from. This five star establishment not only promises distinct quality and excellent service, but also guarantees a memorable experience in style, grace and opulence. The professional banqueting team will be there to turn your fantasy into a reality.

Call +27 (0) 12 809 2351

Email info@lombardy.co.za Cosy and Intimate Keeping the festivities small and personal allows you to spend time with your guests, instead of just greeting them. Creating the opportunity for sharing this special time without compromising on the details of fine food and tastefully decorated spaces is done impeccably well at B&Bs and conference venues: • Cricklewood Manor is perfect for small intimate day weddings. Situated in Waterkloof, they have classic cars for hire as wedding transport, and they offer weekend packages for couples and their guests that include in-room pampering treatments.

Call +27 (0)12 460 8225

Email info@cricklewood.co.za • Schoongezich Wedding and Conference Venue has been rated by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa with the status of five stars. This is an all-in-one wedding venue that is very popular among couples and offers 32 rooms with en-suite bathrooms as well as an on-site spa for a full day of pampering before you walk down the aisle.

Call +27 (0)12 347 2233 Email guesthouse@schoongezich.co.za

Accommodation & the Bridal Suite

Even if your guests are not travelling from afar, it’s always nice to choose a venue that offers accommodation or has a partnership with a nearby establishment. For the bride and groom, it ought to be a requirement that they stay over in a bridal suite on the property or are chauffeured to a romantic retreat. A lovely touch, too, is to offer the bridal party and in-laws the option of booking a room close by, (but perhaps not too close by…) so they need not curtail their celebrations. Venues that offer bridal suites include: • All Seasons offers personalised service, attention to detail and incomparable stylishness, giving each guest a sense of belonging. Each guest is treated as a VIP, and the honeymoon suite offers a spa bath with romantic touches like after-dinner chocolates on a king size bed.

Call +27 (0)12 9970557 • Montpellier Guesthouse is an upmarket, gracious guest house situated in Waterkloof, Pretoria. The ambience is luxurious, quiet and relaxing… the ideal honeymoon stop over.

Call +27 (0)12 460 4351

Catering & the Cake

If food is your thing, this is the fun part. Start talking now to the various pastry chefs and caterers in the area and get on their tasting schedule. It’s so much more enjoyable if you have the time to spread this task out over a couple of weeks or months (and better for your waistline). Believe me, there is such a thing as too much chocolate. For some brides, the cuisine on offer is a central criterion when it comes to choosing a venue. For others, especially those who are cobbling together their own event from different suppliers, an independent catering company is a better option.

• Chillies and Chocolate is a top end, small catering business that will surpass your wildest expectations.

Call +27 (0)82 689 5360 Visit www.chilliesandchocolate.co.za • Towers of Flowers offers amazing cakes of all shapes and sizes for weddings and other special occasions.

Karin, the owner, takes your budget and wedding style into account, and creates a cake that any bride can be proud of. From the traditional tiered creations, to cupcakes, to gold-dusted sweetie-pies, her creations are delectable.

Call +27 (0)83 640 5390

Visit www.towers-of-flowers-online.com

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The Gown, the Dresses, the Suits

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The wedding dress, of course, is a highly personal decision and likely involves months, if not years, of research and imagination. Why not be bold, ignore the typical bridal magazines and have a creation personally designed instead. Think of some styles you like, then consult with an expert about the most flattering fit for your body. Don’t forget that you need to feel comfortable and confident in the gown. When it comes to dressing your wedding party, be kind to your fair-figured friends. Why not simply choose a colour or a material and let them work with a designer to find a cut that suits them. And in this day and age, the groom’s attire is just as important and individualised, where choices abound – from vests, to bow ties, to casual linen suits.

• ALC – a Minimal Chic Design will provide you with stylish evening wear and wedding dresses. Visit the Faerie Glen showroom at 969 Tonetti Street.

Call +27 (0)12 991 0339

Visit www.alc1999.co.za • Eve Glamour has a wide range of elegant evening wear for every occasion. Visit their boutique in Zambezi Mall, shop 446.

Email eve.zambezi@gmail.com

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It's all about you with FWilson Fashion Design.

There’s no complicated formula to how they ensure that their clients walk away happy and gorgeous. They work from the belief that their core responsibility is to increase your confidence by creating the optimal outfit that will make you feel irresistible, no matter what the occasion. FWilson create a personalised, professional relationship with each client, where attention to detail is evident as being the heart of their business. Whether it is evening wear, cocktail wear, bridal wear or accessories, FWilson will create a design that will leave onlookers spellbound.

Call Fritz or Johan on +27 (0)12 543 2249 Email fwilsonfashion@iburst.co.za Visit www.fwilsonfashion.co.za

MICHAEL TREE PHOTOGRAPHY

If you think that choosing a venue, selecting a menu and cake, and finding the perfect dress are overwhelming, be warned. You’ve got a long way to go before every detail has been attended to. We have not, of course, even touched upon that most important symbol of love and commitment – the wedding ring. In future editions, Capital Life magazine will continue to focus on the many elements that go into producing this very special day – such as invitations, flowers and décor, photographers, musicians, transportation, bridal spa treatments and other necessities – by highlighting all that Pretoria has to offer. Together, we will help you make your wedding day a stress-free, memorable celebration. 

a MINIMAL CHIC DESIGN SINCE 1991 • ALC Faerie Glen carries an elegant collection of minimalist, chic designs that range from wedding gowns to evening wear, cocktail dresses and 21 other categories.

• Our designers regularly embark on international travel to source the latest fashion and trendy fabrics.

• The sophisticated showroom is open from Monday to Saturday, and all visits to the shop need to be made by appointment, so that you have the undivided attention of the fashion specialists. Allow at least 1 month production time.

•

969 Tonetti Street, Faerie Glen, Pretoria Tel +27 (0)12 991 0339 Web www.alc1999.co.za iss ue

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NOW THAT’S PRETTY

NICE

Pretty Nice aims to think outside the box. Pretty Nice design and manufacture their own unique garments for everyday comfort wear and special occasions, customised according to your needs. From specialized permanent make-up, to event make-up and hairstyling, we guarantee that you will look spectacular on your special day. Unique flower arrangements, artistic photography and detailed wedding or event planning and management skills will ensure that every special moment is crafted to ensure your optimal satisfaction.

Pretty Nice will always make you feel Pretty Special and Pretty Unique.

Call +27 (0)82 566 1741 Email marcel.verster@gmail.com

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Extraordinary Extras

weddings

Photographers • Brenda Veldtman:

Call +27 (0)83 417 8374

Visit www.brendaveldtman.com • Paula B Photography:

Call +27 (0)72 238 7804

Visit www.paulabphotography.co.za • Moments by Annalene:

Call +27 (0)72 603 6368

Visit www.momentsbyannalene.com • Marelize Schmahl:

Call +27 (0)84 517 7177

Visit www.marelizeschmahl.co.za • Annelize van Jaarsveld Photography:

Call +27 (0)72 341 5540

Visit www.avjphotography.co.za

Lombardy Boutique Hotel and Conference Centre, situated in the east of Pretoria, has for many years been a popular hideaway for corporate leaders, bankers, government ministers, celebrities and captains of industry.

With 19 rooms en suite, each individually decorated in a luxurious yet understated style, and outstanding food from an awardwinning Chef, your every need will be catered for whether you are looking to host a corporate event or a sophisticated wedding.

The Casa Milano, with its beautiful clock tower and chapel overlooking the gardens, can host up to 150 guests. The smaller Stanza room can seat up 45 people and is ideal for smaller gatherings, breakaway sessions or intimate events.

Flowers • Flowers and Things specialise in wedding flower arrangements and bouquets.

Call +27 (0)84 506 9634 • Floral Blessings is a haven for creativity in flower arrangements for any occasion.

Call +27 (0)12 331 7000 Music • Resonance Music will provide you with live, authentic music for your special occasion or with a modern, professional DJ service.

Call +27 (0)76 076 7370 • Riaan Jansen is a real treat, with upbeat, modern music that will keep your guests on the dance floor all night long.

Email riaan.jansen@up.ac.za • Live saxophone music for weddings, functions and events will create an elegant, sophisticated feel for the wedding reception.

Call +27 (0)82 807 4333 Dance Classes • Ferdinand & Diani offer dance classes that will help you choreograph a personalised dance number for your special day as well as provide a memorable and enjoyable journey along the way.

Call +27 (0)83 357 4302 • Fred Astaire are known for their professional dance classes that will help you score the perfect ten on the dance floor.

Call +27 (0)12 548 6582

Wedding Projects Lombardy Boutique Hotel 4 Lynnwood Road, Tweefontein, Pretoria East Tel: +27 12 809 1260 Email: info@lombardy.co.za www.lombardy.co.za

• Capture and manage your most special day on your own unique website!

• How we met, invitations, RSVPs, kitchen teas, bachelor’s party photos, wedding present wish list, dynamic wedding photo album, Google Earth map to your venue, seating plans, special songs, thank-you notes...

• Share the stories and photos of your honeymoon, your first house, your pets, your children and your achievements!

• Independently update all your information!

Call +27 (0)83 2726986 | Email info@weddingprojects.co.za Visit www.weddingprojects.co.za

Aesthetic Treatments •

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Dermatology Clinic 778 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria Tel: 012 343 1762 info@dermatologyclinic.co.za www.dermatologyclinic.co.za

Our

African

King Shaka Zulu – The Musical

26 June - 18 July 2010 South African State Theatre

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When Shaka’s

mother fell pregnant with him, Zulu elders dismissed her claims and suggested that she was suffering from an intestinal parasite called “ishaka.” Ironic, then, that the parasite became

legend and a musical...

a warrior, a king, a

we play

Words: Claire Pienaar Images: © Marriët Kloppers

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For tickets visit www.computicket.com. The show is on stage at the South African State Theatre and runs from Wednesdays to Saturdays at 20h00 and Saturdays at 15h00 and Sundays at 14h00.

Ticket prices range from R145 to R245.

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he life and times of Shaka will be brought to the stage for the first time in musical form. Sponsored by Absa, Shaka Zulu – The Musical is created and produced by Packed House Productions. The musical, featuring an original musical score created by Johan Vorster as well as the cream of South Africa’s performance and production design talent opens at the Drama space at the South African State Theatre in the capital on 26 June and runs until 18 July 2010.

Written by Samson Khumalo, together with Sean Else and Deon Opperman and directed by Khumalo and Opperman, the rise and fall of Shaka Zulu will play out in legendary proportions. “This is a fast-paced show,” says Paul Berning, Chief Operating Officer of Packed House Productions. “We are telling the story of Shaka from birth to death, in two hours flat. It is written in an epic style and although the show is written in English, it has the form and musicality of royal Zulu. English is spoken as if they are speaking Zulu.”

The musical is significant as it explores the life of one of Africa’s best known sons, Shaka. He was born into a culture in crisis. The musical touches on the important aspects of his political life as well as his life as an ordinary man, revealing the man behind the legend.

Shaka was born in 1787. During this time, the political economy of modern Zululand was unsettled

by European trade initiatives emanating from the Portuguese enclave at Delagoa Bay, while the close of the 18th Century was characterised by a decade of drought and famine. Coupled with the uneasy political economy was the fact that Queen Nandi, Shaka’s mother, was a difficult woman to live with so Shaka and his mother were expelled from the Zulu people. They took refuge among the Mthethwa, and when Shaka grew old enough,

he joined the amabutho (the part-time national service regiments) of Chief Dingiswayo.

It was at this point that Shaka came into his own.

Dingiswayo had no compunction in using force when his diplomacy required it, but warfare at this stage was not very destructive. Shaka was a military strategist who revolutionised effective warfare and refined a sword that was heavier than a spear and that could do more harm in battle. He was an aggressive young man who found an outlet for a lot of pent-up frustrations in fighting.

As an adult he was astute and ruthless. These skills soon caught Dingiswayo's eye, so much so that in 1816 Dingiswayo set him up as the new Chief of the Zulu, in preference to the legitimate heir. Thereafter, things happened quickly for Shaka. By 1827, Shaka held central Zululand – the area between the Black uMfolozi River in the north, and the Thukela in the south – firmly under his control. The Zulu kingdom grew extraordinarily rich on cattle captured during this period of almost constant military activity.

By 1828, however, the signs were growing that Shaka was losing his grip on his kingdom. An attempt to open up diplomatic communications with the British at the Cape proved an embarrassing failure. Then, on 24 September 1828, he fell victim to a palace coup, orchestrated by his brothers Dingane and Mhlangana – the only ones willing to challenge the awesome aura Shaka had created around himself. They took advantage of a rare lapse in security to pounce on him as he received an envoy from the amaMpondo people, and stabbed him to death.

Much of what has been published in mainstream history texts about Shaka comes from the accounts of the first white adventurers, who established a settlement at Port Natal (modern-day Durban) in 1824.

Predominantly British, they thrived under Shaka's protection, hunting for ivory, and trading with the Zulu kingdom. However, seeking to blacken his reputation as a means of justifying their own less reputable activities, they portrayed Shaka in their writings as a bloodthirsty despot, a caricature which has lingered to this day in certain quarters. In African oral traditions, however, Shaka was a great hero, an iron-fisted leader who knew the value of terror as a tool of state-craft. He imposed a whole new state superstructure over his conglomerate kingdom, but he did not accomplish it by relying on diplomacy alone. He also had a loyal, caring side to his character, and there are accounts of him being openly affectionate to his female relatives and supporting his father's sons, despite the fact that they posed a political threat. Shaka Zulu – The Musical, promises to tell the real story of the outcast son who became a leader that ruled with power and pride. 

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Nuvo Cuisine

we play

This could easily have been one

gastronomically delightful, and

aromatically tantalising, Nuvo Cuisine is a must for

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t is rare that one is pleasantly surprised at a restaurant. There are so many predictably good establishments around Pretoria that we often forget to try out the newer, fresher options. And Nuvo Cuisine is just that! A quaintly decorated venue, with a minimalistic yet romantic ambience, one can easily sit back with a glass of vino and relish all that Nuvo Cuisine offers.

Cornè Grobler, the owner, has recently handed over his chef’s hat to Annelize van Aswegen who is the Executive Chef. As proprietor, Grobler has the fine dining experience down to a fine art. From perfectly set tables to knowledgeable waiters to the showstopper food that he personally oversees, nothing at Nuvo Cuisine can go wrong. And for good reason – Grobler studied Hospitality Management at the

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the discerning palate.

former Technikon of Pretoria and has worked at Whistletree Lodge, Intercontinental Sandton Sun & Towers and the Piccolo Mondo at The Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton. The training has put him in good stead, and those former environments of pure indulgence have rubbed off on him. The live piano performances and the carefully selected music that whispers to the patrons during the silences that come from satisfied full mouths is impressive. Everything at Nuvo just fits together to create the ultimate dining experience.

The menu is comprised solely of chef’s specials that represent a five-year long process of incorporating many of the dishes that have been continually requested by frequent guests. It is not a normal menu with typical dishes that make you doubt whether your expectations for a well-deserved evening out will be met. Instead, it’s rich with creativity, flavour and style. Grobler continues to innovate with new specials that are written on the blackboards throughout the restaurant and change frequently. Every meal is freshly prepared, and one should allow 30 minutes for starters, and about 40 minutes for the main dish; a leisurely wait that is more than worth it.

For starters, guests are treated to no less than 16 choices, ranging from a cream and garlic mussel pot to a delightful poached pear and gorgonzola salad.

From the chef’s specialities, the beef Carpaccio with wontons and a berry reduction are absolutely mouth watering. The main attractions will leave you almost speechless, save for the “ahs” and “oohs” that escape from one’s lips between mouthfuls. The duck confit is exceptional, and is presented as two hind quarters, slow roasted for 12 hours and glazed with a decadent orange and fresh lavender sauce. The rack of lamb rolled in doukha is tasty and meaty, and the chicken pot pie will possibly leave you with a craving that will only be satiated with another visit to Nuvo Cuisine.

The extensive wine selection caters to every preference, is well-priced and served in glasses that are fashionable and created for the express purpose of drinking wine. The desserts are magical and strike a balance that I have rarely encountered elsewhere.

Indulging in a mixture of four of the best desserts on the menu, my sweet tooth was left satisfied but not overloaded with sugar. Complementary tastes and textures in the chocolate lava pudding and a sharp, creamy berry pavlova culminated in an exquisite evening of taste-bud therapy.

The restaurant simmers down to a hush as guests leave, as though it’s too difficult to say goodbye – both for the patrons and the staff. The staff is there to serve, and the patrons are there to enjoy a fabulous meal, and both rest their heads peacefully at night knowing that these have been accomplished. Call +27 (0)12 991 3396 for reservations at Nuvo Cuisine, situated at 823 Old Farm Road in the Old Farm Centre in Faerie Glen. 

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life

Water, Water, Everywhere...

And Which Drop Should You Drink?

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From conception to death,

we are surrounded by water. Water even shapes our thoughts, literally, because our brains are made up of 85% water.

we learn

Words: Sydney Curtis Images: © www.istockphoto.com

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n adequate intake of water is needed for digestion, absorption, circulation, excretion, building body tissue and maintaining constant body temperature. More specifically, water is the lubricant that keeps the body going. It eases tension on joints, it acts as a shock absorber to protect organs, and most importantly, it flushes our kidneys of impurities and balances electrolytes in the body that aid in controlling blood pressure.

The premise that one should drink six to eight glasses of water per day is true, but only if one drinks “good” water. The average person gets their water from a government controlled water source that flows out of a household tap. The water that most people drink contains various “additives,” such as sand, pipe scale, lead, mercury, pesticides and microbiological organs.

In any water system, there are designated “safe” levels of such chemicals and particulates that seep into the water table and water transport process. These factors are considered “acceptable” because water, in itself, is a living body and is transported through the natural environment. Household water, however, can become contaminated because of the lead, copper and rust that is leached from soldered and aging pipes. Another reason for contamination is that microbiological habitats form within the pipelines or tanks that carry water, creating microscopic communities of organisms within the water supply.

Governments all over the world use chlorination and filtration methods to counteract the effects of the heavy metal additives and the microbiological communities present in the water supply. But, if these processes are not properly monitored, they can create further challenges in supplying the consumer with adequate water. If the chlorination is not strong enough, the high concentration of organic compounds from micro-organisms such as algae will cause eutrophication in the water body, the undesirable overgrowth of vegetation which flows right through to the consumer. If the chlorination is too strong, trihalomethanes (THM) are formed, which present a different set of challenges for the consumer. THM is a group of chemicals that is formed when chlorine used to control microbial contaminants in drinking water reacts with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter in water.

A new study commissioned by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) demonstrates that contaminated water used for drinking as well as for sanitation services is responsible for more deaths than all forms of violence, including war. “These deaths are an affront to our common humanity, and undermine the efforts of many countries to achieve their development potential,” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in April, on World Water Day. In South Africa, the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) is the water sector regulator, with a specialised unit that monitors municipal drinking water quality

management performance. Known as the Blue Drop, the programme is aimed at testing the quality of drinking water provided by South African municipalities and water authorities. The Green Drop is the unit that specialises in waste water management systems. Only municipalities and water waste management systems that score at least 95% can obtain the Blue/Green Drop status.

According to the most recent Blue Drop System report, the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality is managing its water supply systems well, and is in the top 10 of the national performance category. Tshwane increased its Blue Drop score from 95% in 2009 to 96% in 2010. The Green Drop System report awarded the City of Tshwane with 75% satisfactory performance for water waste services. Daspoort and Zeekoegat Waste Water Treatment Systems received Green Drop status, as these centres achieved more than 90% in compliance with the system.

However, there is opposition to the DWA’s handling of South Africa’s water. According to various sources, ground and surface water quality in South Africa is deteriorating fast, and people have died after drinking polluted water, according to the Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament (MP), Anette Lovemore. The United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa is of the opinion that MPs are sitting on a time bomb

How pure is the water you drink?

@ R3850 fully installed

• Variety of water Filters Available • Eish2o offers purified water that has Total Dissolved Solids of less than ten parts per million.

• We offer water dispensers, personalised branded water, filtration systems, weight loss water and bottle refills.

Call +27 (0)12 660 9786 or +27 (0)82 952 5786 Email waterbarrel@mweb.co.za Visit www.eish2ocenturion.co.za Shop 9, Clubview Corner, cnr Lyttelton & Harvard Roads, Clubview, Centurion.

"Water as pure as nature intended it to be."

Alternative Home Water Systems

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when it comes to South Africa’s water situation: “This is a water-scarce country with a growing population and outdated infrastructure designed to serve a small portion of citizens who live in the privileged areas.” Holomisa said government had failed in the past 15 years to bring the infrastructure in underprivileged areas on a par with privileged areas.

The Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) recently published findings from a Round Table discussion entitled “Water, a Looming Crisis.” In the publication, CDE explains that South Africa is inherently a dry country and compounded with this, our potable water is being mismanaged by the Government. At least 90 municipalities do not even have a single water engineer. South Africa’s water quality is also being questioned, with more and more pollution emanating from the industrial and agricultural sectors.

Buyelwa Sonjica, the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, despite opposition, has given the “thumbs up” to the tap water in South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup host cities. Her reason is simple: “When you go to other countries, the hotels have a tag there saying don’t drink water from the taps. We have never had that.” However, she added, this does not mean that once can become complacent as the quality of water is constantly under threat by an increasing population, dilapidated infrastructure and pollution. To find out how the drinking water quality scores in your area, go to www.dwaf.gov.za/dir_ws/DWQR/. 

While the Blue Drop System boasts that the City of Tshwane qualifies as having excellent water, it might be better to rely on alternative methods of filtration and purification; to proverbially “keep your health in your hands.” There are a few extra processes that one can utilise to extract “better” water.

The most common filtration method uses granular activated carbon. The advantages are that the carbon reduces chlorine, improves the smell, taste and odour of the water and reduces parasitic cysts that might be harboured in the water. However, granular carbon is often ineffective against inorganic compounds, and while this system reduces contaminants, it doesn’t eliminate them. The granular carbon has no filter replacement indicator, so one needs to be vigilant when using this method, as the filter needs to be replaced regularly.

Reverse osmosis (RO) is another method that people use to create “better” water. RO reduces the amount of particles, inorganic compounds and parasitic cysts. However, RO machines requires high water pressure to function optimally, and waste water during the process. RO is also ineffective against microbes, such as viruses.

Another method of filtration is to use a pressed carbon block, as it reduces chlorine and organic compounds and other particles that are found in water. It is not the best option in reducing inorganic compounds, and it does not entirely remove particulates, such as asbestos fibres, cysts and bacteria. It doesn’t remove viruses.

An ultraviolet light is advantageous, merely because it inactivates bacteria and viruses.

Considering the complexity of the issues, some of which are raised in this article, it’s best to shop around before investing in a filter/purifier.

Water specialists based in Pretoria: • RC Global Water Specialists:

Call +27 (0)83 292 8266 Email pienaar0@gmail.com • Aquarius Chlorination

Call +27 (0)12 661 5864 Visit www.aquariuschlorination.co.za • Puritech

Call +27 (0)11 312 4618 Visit www.apuritech.co.za

we play

On one Saturday every autumn

Bela Bela

the town of Bela Bela is woken up really early. By cyclists. Thousands of them.

Capital Life finds out why.

and the Strange Bunch

Words: Luka Vracar Images: © www.istockphoto.com

Autohaus Centurion supports Centurion Cycle Club and safe cycling. Contact Eugene for special offers for Cyclists on 082 823 8081 or eugened@autohaus.co.za

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For special pricing on cycling gear contact Jan at Centurion Cycles.

Call: +27 (0)12 663 8047. Address: Bazaruto Centre, South Street, Centurion.

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two distances: 98km and, for those with expired gym memberships, the 63km.

There was, however, plenty incentive as prizes to the value of R3,850 were up for grabs, courtesy of Centurion Cycles, who also provided a mountain bike which went to a lucky winner at a draw held after the race.

Event safety was taken care of by Autohaus Centurion, who supplied the race with six safety vehicles, and they did not hold back. Some of the vehicles utilised were the New Polo Vivo, New Polo, Jetta TSI, Tiguan and Golf 6. Four of the vehicles were used by the safety officers and two served as the lead vehicles, one for the 63km and one for the 98km race.

Suddenly it does not sound strange anymore, does it? With prizes, warm weather (eventually), a whole host of enthusiastic riders, friendly sponsors and organisers, and a safe environment, the Century21 Bela Bela Cycle Classic is almost enough to get me out of bed at 5:00am. 

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yclists are a strange bunch: Wake up at 5:00am on a chilly Saturday morning, drive an hour or so to Bela Bela, ride 98km only to finish where you started, all the while dodging cars and potholes at speeds reaching 50 km/h, only without the usual 50km/h protection. Not everyone’s squeeze of Powerade then.

However, when almost 2,000 brave, albeit shivering, souls turn up to such an event we have to ask ourselves, do they know more than they’re letting on?

There were 1,785 participants at this year’s 2010 Century21 Bela Bela Cycle Classic. To call the event a success would be an understatement, particularly when the Average Joe considers the nature of such a race and the number of entrants who line up at the start year after year. Organised by the Centurion Cycle Club, the Classic is one of the headliners of the Gauteng road cycling calendar. The 2010 race offered

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we live

Marabastad A M i x o f C u l t u r e s a n d Tr a d i t i o n s Marabastad is a Pretoria neighbourhood with a

personality of its own – a blend of African traditions

mixed with Asian flavour and European culture.

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ituated on the western side of the capital city, Marabastad has been a lively community of Indians, Coloureds and Blacks since 1902.

Today, Marabastad is primarily an Indian area and is often associated with the nearby Asiatic Bazaar.

In the late 1800s, the village of Schoolplaats became home to a large number of African servants that soon resulted in an overflow of residents. In order to accommodate the growing population, a new township to the north of Schoolplaats was established in August 1888. It was named Marabastad, after a local headman from one of the nearby villages who had worked in the area as an interpreter and a chief constable.

Further expansion was needed in 1899. The Anglo-Boer war had forced a growing tide of refugees into the area and soon squatter camps began to emerge, especially on the industrial and military lands surrounding Marabastad. A temporary township called New Marabastad was established in 1900 to accommodate the refugees. However, due to the continuous growth in population, the military authorities were forced to give permission for permanent residential buildings to be built. These were soon followed by other permanent structures such as schools and churches. What was originally meant to be an interim settlement became a permanent one and in 1906 New Marabastad and Old Marabastad became one township.

However, this is not the Marabastad we know today. Due to the feeble administration and lack of necessary public services the residents had to suffer extremely poor conditions. These were best described by social commentator and African intellectual, Sol Plaatje, as “unhealthy and ramshackle tin hovels (whose appearance spells extreme heat in the summer and excessive cold in winter), lined along rocky and craggy apologies for streets, unsatisfactory because of inadequate water pipes; a dirty and unsanitary place.” As a result the residents of Old Marabastad were relocated to what would later become Atteridgeville, and by 1920 Old Marabastad itself had been completely destroyed in order to make way for a new sewage system.

Today, Marabastad is mainly an Indian trading area, comprised predominantly of wholesale and retail outlets, vacant, underdeveloped pieces of land, and some entertainment and religious complexes.

There has been very little attention paid to this area by the government, that is, until March 2010 when President Zuma arrived for a surprise visit, spending an hour interacting with locals. Marabastad shop owners and hawkers listed their complaints about service delivery while residents appealed to Zuma to speak with the municipality about developing the area.

Zuma promised to engage the Mayor of Tshwane and the Department of Transport to make improvements.

While it might be too early to tell if the surprise visit has resulted in any steps by the Tshwane Metro Council to approve improvements, one thing is certain: Marabastad continues to be ever-present, like a khaki bos. It’s rough, it’s real, and it’ll grow in the most adverse conditions. 

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Established in 1905, the Mariammen Temple is the oldest Hindu Temple in Pretoria and was built by the Pretoria Tamil League. The Temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Miriammen, who is believed to control smallpox and other infectious diseases. Located in the Asiatic Bazaar, the original structure was made of iron and wood, but later the League decided to replace the old temple with a small cella (sanctuary), designed by renowned temple architect, Parasuraman Govender. An assembly hall and gateway, otherwise known as the gopuram was constructed shortly afterwards. As is custom, the gopuram is out of proportion with the rest of the building. It is 12.4m high and consists of layer upon layer of cast concrete figures of gods, goddesses and demons (images of main characters from the Puranas, tales that allegorise the activities of supernatural beings), crowned by symbolic flames of life. With its richly adorned exterior, unique oriental architecture and cultural significance to the local Indian population, the Temple was declared a national monument in 1982.

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Cnr Middel & Fehrsen Street, New Muckleneuk, Pretoria Tel +27 (0) 12 346 1063/4 Fax +27 (0) 12 346 1579 www.brooklynmall.co.za

Words: Wilhelmina Bekker Images: Š Sarel van Staden

Miriammen Temple in Marabastad

A Unique Shopping Experience

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shirts

Madiba Above: Madiba, in one of his signature shirts at the official launch of the worldrenowned One&Only Hotel in Cape Town.

For Extra-Ordinary Men

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“A Madiba shirt is batik silk or a

his is how Wikipedia, the free online encyclopaedia, describes this most famous fashion item. Over the years we have, seen a number of variations on the theme and many locals and tourists alike have purchased Madiba shirts as a memento of the great man, or as a fashion statement.

But how did this particular style originate and who was the inspiration behind it?

A number of people have claimed that they were the driving force behind the famous shirt and a few sources identify designer DesrĂŠ Buirski, who now owns the Presidential Shirt shop in Cape Town, as its originator.

The story goes that she gave Madiba his firstever shirt, a (now famous) black silk creation with a fish pattern.

According to Buirski's website, this shirt was first worn by the thenPresident at the dress rehearsal of the opening of South Africa's

pure

cotton shirt, usually adorned in a bright and colourful print. It has become a well-known nickname for batik or Indonesian

inspired geometric shirts in South Africa,

being popularised by former South African

President Nelson Mandela.�

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first democratic Parliament in May 1994.

Other reliable sources, however, have it that this famous fashion statement was created by none other than Sonwabile Ndamase, Chief Executive Designer of the Vukani Range Creations and now also the creator of a new line of designs that will form part of the Winnie Mandela Signature Collection.

Ndamase received the “Life time Achievement Award” at the Pan African Fashion Festival in Namibia in 2002 as the official designer of the Madiba shirts.

We decided to let him speak for himself on the topic.

CL: What was the brief for the design?

SN: Simply to design a garment that would retain body heat, yet was cool and not heavy. I had to create shirts that he could wear without a jacket and untucked, but always with dress slacks and shoes. Madiba shirts are never casual; they are always buttoned at the neck and wrists, well pressed and in batik silk or pure cotton fabric.

CL: Would you describe Madiba as a fashion icon?

SN: It is indeed official: Madiba is a fashion icon. He has given people the courage to dress differently and, as such, he was (and still is) an inspiration to us all. He’s given us a new look. There was a time when dressing in

African clothes outside rural traditional societies only identified one as an artist or anti-Apartheid activist.

Now African traditional and modern outfits are turning up in boardrooms of corporate South Africa and have become an acceptable substitute for black tie events.

Over the years I accompanied then-President Nelson Mandela’s entourage of government officials as a business delegate to England. I also took Africaninspired designers to Lusaka, America, Addis Ababa, Reunion, Ethiopia, Abidjan, Sweden, Paris, Brazil and Europe for exposure and exhibitions. The Vukani! Day proclamation certificate which I received from Mayor Bill Campbell of Atlanta, for example, is one form of international recognition that is very close to my heart.

The Madiba shirt is part of Mandela’s legacy to the world. Having played a role in this is the most exciting thing that happened to me personally and to our country’s fashion industry. We say thanks to Madiba for breaking the ice for us as African-inspired designers.

No longer will the mention of the term “ethnic fashion” conjure-up visions of boring, predictable, repetitive, if not somewhat garish, fashion. Africa means colour.

We are revolutionising fashion, and promoting an image of South Africa that is confident, proud and self-assured, the perfect embodiment of the image we want to project – and Madiba has had a lot to do with it.  For more information, contact Sonwabile Ndamase on behalf of Vukani! Range Creations.

Call +27 (0)11 402 1661 Email sonwabile@vukanifashions.com Visit www.vukanifashions.com.

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CL: How did the design of the Madiba shirt change your life as a designer?

SN: Designing shirts for Nelson Mandela was an obvious winner for me since I got inundated with calls after people became aware that Mandela was wearing my design. I became recognised as an influential designer, designing clothes for business, community and political leaders in Southern Africa, USA and Europe. I got awarded a contract by SABC to design and create an African-inspired collection for their “SABC TV Sport” presenters, including T-shirts, caps, bags and shirts. Corporate companies also started to buy my designs, which made (and still make) the Vukani range marketable since these people refer others. Nelson Mandela’s house in Orlando West was turned into a museum, with the Madiba range displayed and sold to tourists. This really shows that Vukani’s scope of competing is very wide. Every generation and culture has had its own dress symbols, from the bowler-hatted City of London gentleman to the animal-skin clad Zulu warrior. Now we have the Madiba shirt.

Nelson Mandela addresses the United Nations on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary.

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Words: Wilhelmina Bekker Images: © www.imagenet.com; 50th Anniversary UN Photo - GKinch

Capital Life (CL): What inspired you to design the Madiba shirt?

Sonwabile Ndamase (SN): Philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote in his Pensées: “The greater intellect one has, the more originality one finds in men.” That’s where my inspiration came from when I received the brief from the former President himself to design a special shirt. I wanted to honour and thank him for his magnanimous bravery by giving him his own style.

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Thailand is certainly one

of the great resort destinations of the world. Its profusion of soft, sandy beaches, idyllic islands with towering palm trees and a wide range of ocean front accommodation provide all the elements for an ideal holiday. And the

weather is simply superb for most of the year.

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he islands of Koh Tao and Ko Samui are well-known treasures for paradise seekers, though few South Africans have yet to explore this region. Therefore, when the Thailand Tourism Board offered me the opportunity to visit these islands, I did not need much convincing and was packed and ready to go in a wink.

For my first Thai island experience, I checked into a bungalow with a panoramic view at the Charm Churee Villa on Koh Tao. This rustic boutique resort and spa is built into an entire hill with steep steps structured in a random fashion, which resulted in a lot of sweating and panting. But, it was well worth it, as the view from my room was absolutely breathtaking. The clear blue and aquamarine ocean is visible from all angles, and the view makes all the difference to a holiday in the sun.

Loaded with facilities, this charming resort provides a good balance of tranquillity against the frenetic buzz of activities in town.

Koh Tao is popular with families and definitely the place for diving. The 1,500 metres of coastline along the island is widely regarded as Thailand’s premier location by the world’s scuba diving and snorkelling communities.

On Ko Samui I checked into the Pavilion, an exclusive

beach front resort designed in contemporary Thai style and situated on Lamai Beach, one of Samui’s most magnificent stretches. There are lots of things to see and do on Samui besides basking in the sun. There are superb eateries and casual dining places, waterfalls, snake and crocodile farms, and temples to visit as well.

The Na Tian Butterfly Garden houses numerous species of butterflies on exhibit, and is well worth a visit. The temple in Wat Khunaram has a unique draw card: a mummified monk called Luang Phor Daeng wearing sun glasses. The story goes that not only did he predict the exact day of his death in 1973, but that he also refuses to decompose. The congregation placed him in a glass case to celebrate the miracle, and it has become one of the island’s top tourist attractions.

Each beach on Samui has its own personality, depending on the island’s topography and how far it is from the major resort areas. If your stay is brief, Big Buddha beach offers convenience due to its close proximity to the airport. The Big Buddha, sitting 15 meters tall, is a monumental landmark and is placed on the northern shore built in 1972.

Most of Thailand’s coastal resorts have an in-house spa and at least one restaurant. The spas at both Charm Churee and the Pavilion are a treat for the senses, offering signature therapies for well-being and relaxation.

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Words: Wilhelmina Bekker Images: © Pavilion Resorts; www.istockphoto.com

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Dining at Charm Churee takes you to a promontory at the base of a massive granite rock which is illuminated at night, creating a romantic atmosphere. The Pavilion’s Patio restaurant serves breakfast and dinner and also authentic Italian and Thai delicacies that you can enjoy while gazing out to sea. If budget is a problem, there are cocktail bars on every corner and friendly locals frying up exotic-looking foods on tiny gas stoves. There are also tattoo and Thai massage parlours on every block. For a casual hour session, one can find modest spas with prices surprisingly low for a truly rejuvenating indulgence.

No journey to the Land of Smiles would be complete without a quick visit to its many world-class golf courses.

The championship Santiburi Samui Golf Course, for example, is landscaped into the mountain of the island.

From steep uphill and downhill slopes to winding fairways that cut into the coconut forest to cliffs and mountain creeks, this course prompted us to negotiate a special package for South African golfers so that our readers can indulge in their favourite sport. Let the tour specialist take care of the details so that you can concentrate on your game and take in the splendid scenery of Thailand.

For more information on each of these destinations, visit www.charmchureevilla.com, www.pavilionsamui.com, and www.santiburi.com. 

Capital Life and the Thailand Tourism Board have put together the following Thailand Golf Holiday to Chiang Mai and Bangkok (8 days,7 nights) with a parallel itinerary for the non-golfing partner. The tour includes return airfares with Thai Airways International directly to Bangkok and return air fare between Bangkok and Chiang Mai as well as all transfers.

Accommodation, daily breakfast and a welcome dinner as well as green fees and caddie services and tours for non-golfers are also part of the package.

The cost per person sharing is R14,950.

Terms and conditions apply. Valid until 15 September 2010. For more information, call: Tommy +27 (0) 82 781 0735 Leon +27 (0)82 332 1812

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where anyone can make a difference

Social ventures are self-

sustaining businesses that pursue profit in order to

plough the returns right back into further market development. It takes a passionate entrepreneur with a social

conscience as big as a barn to drive these enterprises to success.

V

ivienne Schultz is an Ashoka Fellow, one of only a few in South Africa. Ashoka Fellows across the world are individuals recognised by the international development community for their selfless dedication to creating and growing social enterprises that work towards the development goals of our society. As an occupational therapist, Vivienne’s latest venture not only aims at job creation among our society’s most vulnerable people, but also at developing skills and confidence that will empower participants and their families to break the cycle of poverty and dependence.

Vivienne suggests that due to the limited experiences and resources that previously disadvantaged people had in their formative years, the occupational performance levels of the majority of emerging entrepreneurs is generally too low for the business demands they face.

She explains: “Street hawking should not be confused

of the Amajobjob products are priced reasonably enough that buying them in bulk from the hub and selling them at flea-markets across the city could yield a handsome profit to any young entrepreneur. Aspiring designers can bring their ideas to the hub and find a willing team of workers who can make their product market-ready. Volunteers can help out at the hub, and according to Vivienne, the backpackers hostel right next door has seen many a tourist stumble across a life-enriching experience by getting involved with the Amajobjob team. Finally, Vivienne mentions that they are looking for a large building to house the whole project, as current rental costs are high. So, if you know of a suitable premise that could be used for this laudable cause, please assist generously. Contact Vivienne Schultz on +27 (0)82 676 7219 or email viv.schultz@mweb.co.za for more information. 

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I lived in these pants in the late eighties.

They represented the vibrancy of the emerging rainbow nation. And now they are back, probably at a time when we could do with some of that same optimism again. Happy Pants are known for their fun design, representing the typical African everyday life with sporty multi-functional pockets and hooks for keys.

By wearing Happy Pants, you too can embrace this emerging “cool, integrated culture.”

The material used to manufacture the product comes from all over Africa and uses traditional designs as well as novel local prints. For homes and hospitality companies, there are the Happy Home Worker range of uniforms, consisting of colourful dress-like aprons and housecoat sets. The Department for Consumer Sciences at the University of Pretoria partnered with Amajobjob’s product development team as part of their contribution to community upliftment and assesses and confirms the durability of each product.

Amajobjob’s “can do” attitude provides local producers with the opportunity to be nimble and responsive to new trends and ideas in their designs; hence the socially conscious branding and unique Afro-urban design style, with its serious nod to the need for recycling. Now, that’s one way to help build a new, positive identity for our country.

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with sustainable entrepreneurship, as the two are worlds apart. The one is generally a survival activity, while the other requires multiple skills and problem-solving abilities. Many community projects, faith-based services and NGOs in South Africa offer piecemeal interventions.

The individuals who steer these projects are passionate and often willing to work on a volunteer basis for years on end with the goal of empowering the poor, yet they are ignorant of how to truly facilitate self-sustaining enterprises that can make a real difference. When these volunteers burn out, they end up feeling as disempowered as the people they have been trying to help.”

Amajobjob is the latest job creation initiative that Vivienne is driving in Pretoria. Originally launched with one person in an old firehouse building, this initiative pairs young designers with unemployed people in need of new skills. Often working with recycled material, Amajobjob produces an amazing array of innovative, colourful products that are offered at competitive prices. Handbags, conference bags, shopping bags, and my personal favourite, the return of the “Happy Pants” (those baggy, multi-textured, ultra-comfortable unisex pants from the 1980s) are a result of the initiative. Young designers receive a royalty fee from the designs they bring to the Amajobjob hub, and the workers at the hub convert these designs into vibrant products which they sell at the hub in Museumpark, located in the Central Business District of Pretoria.

The very core of the Amajobjob model is to bring the trainees into contact with Pretoria’s economically active society and to enable workers to gain confidence in selling their wares.

As we listen to Vivienne, her obsession with giving individuals the opportunity to transform themselves from living on hand-outs into independent workers with a sense of pride in what they do, is contagious.

She is bitterly outspoken about hand-outs. “You are not doing any beggar a favour when you give them those coins,” she says. “Dependency is an almost impossible habit to break. We have done experiments with street beggars by offering them useful employment at our hubs, and few of them ever manage to break out of the ‘easy’ habit of the streets. Tell people to stop giving in that manner, and to rather support these programmes where we have a track record of making a difference.”

For Vivienne, the huge potential of the project can be summarised quite succinctly: “Amajobjob has been able to turn beggars (those with a poverty mindset and part of a perpetual cycle of despair) into choosers (those with transferable skills and the confidence to accomplish their goals)!”

There are several ways in which any individual can contribute to the Amajobjob initiative, the best of which is to place orders for corporate identity gifts, conference bags, birthday presents or office furnishings. Donating old, recyclable materials that workers at the hub can convert into products assists in two ways – the greening of industry and the creation of more jobs. One surmises that some

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Words: Charl du Plessis Images: © Vivienne Schultz

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Clockwise from top right: The Idea Guy; Children learning to innovate; Julia Fourie, CEO of Here Be Dragons (started by Mark Shuttleworth); cartoonist Zapiro and Mark Sack, Managing Director of Sally Williams.

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we innovate

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The third annual South African

reat stories have interesting characters and these abound in the 2010 Innovation Summit programme from 26 to 27 August. A collection of fantastic speakers will share their personal innovation experiences. They will explain how they tapped into creative thinking to stand out from the crowd, what made them successful, and describe what motivated them to pursue their goals. Their stories will tell of a journey that was often difficult and yet rewarding. Their personal experiences reflect the heart and soul of innovation.

For starters there is Zapiro, the slightly crazy cartoonist who can’t seem to stay out of trouble.

Also on the list are Bob van Bebber and Piet Boer, the deep thinking architects who turned a calabash into South Africa’s largest ever World Cup Football stadium. Another interesting story will be told

by Marc Sack about Sally Williams, the sweettoothed cook who turned her passion for nougat into a thriving business. There are loads more of these fascinating speakers lined up for the Summit this year.

Henra Mayer from the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS), who helped compile the impressive group of speakers, explains: “We will break away from traditional theoretical PowerPoint presentations and tap into the real experiences of people. All our speakers have been briefed to use storytelling as the preferred presentation methodology.”

The main goals for the Summit are to create a WOW experience for the audience; to create deep and connected learning for all delegates; and for every person to walk away with value beyond expectation. Itha Taljaard, one of the members of the organising committee says, “All good stories have interesting characters and we have these in abundance! Michael Jordaan, the CEO of FNB, will present a great story on how innovation has been embraced at FNB. Paul Raphaely, one half of the dynamic husband and wife team behind the NoMU brand will speak on day 1, as will Xolani Mtshizana, Julia Fourie, and Andrew Lawrence. We really wanted to attract some of the most innovative people we could find to the Summit and we think we have been able to do this.”

To coincide with the Innovation Summit this year, the Innovation Hub will be hosting an Innovation Week from the 23rd to the 27th of August 2010.

The Innovation Week will offer insights into the Science Park development and its local, regional and national implementation, the stimulation of innovative green thinking among primary school children, and workshops on innovation policy and implementation. 

Innovation Summit, taking place at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria in August, is all about innovation in

action – about how real innovators

and innovative organisations do what they do. It is about their trials

and errors, the lessons learned, the hardships and breakthrough moments. It

will highlight their celebrations and

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Call +27 (0)73 257 8178 Email info@innovationsummit.co.za Visit www.innovationsummit.co.za.

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Words: Angus Campbell Images: © Itha Taljaard

makes these innovators successful.

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Below: Michael Jordaan, CEO FNB.

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Ndlovu Lodge, " fabuloso"

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dlovu (translated as “elephant”) Lodge is a unique establishment that combines an uplifting natural setting with top-notch amenities that will awaken feelings of absolute contentment for any visitor.

The Lodge is 40 minutes away from OR Tambo International Airport, and only 10 minutes northeast of Pretoria, which allows even the most time-strapped individual in Gauteng to slip away for a night or two into a world where comfort and delight reside.

The management at Ndlovu Lodge pride themselves on arranging tailor-made options for their guests and will go the extra mile to suit your gastronomic, lifestyle and entertainment needs. Each of the 11 en-suite rooms are elegantly furnished and designed in harmony with the earthy, African look and feel of the rest of the lodge. The wellness spa offers the best of both worlds with indoor and outdoor experiences that include massage therapy and body and facial treatments. It’s hard to imagine why you’d ever want to leave.

Because the owner is originally from Spain but has fallen in love with South Africa, the restaurant serves unashamedly exotic cuisine with African and Spanish flavours that will make you leave your diet at the door.

On specific Spanish-themed evenings, you can indulge in a bottle of Catalan wine and a selection of chorizo (spicy sausage), jamon (dry, cured Spanish ham), torta del casar (cheese made from sheep’s milk), ibericos (Spanish styled meat tapas) and salchichon (cured pork that resembles salami). The restaurant and boma also specialise in the simply South African braai, where special evenings are often arranged to create an extraordinary experience for those in search for “something different.”

Ndlovu Lodge is a premier venue for conferences and events and boasts a large safari-tent style venue that can host up to 120 guests inclusive of a bar, restrooms and roll-up sides that awaken the senses to the beautiful surroundings. A dedicated set of resources to customise every function is on hand to create the best possible event for guests, from networking activities to weddings.

Ndlovu Lodge is situated in the northeast of Pretoria and despite its proximity to the city is a worthy destination for those with a penchant for hunting. The Lodge is registered as a hunting camp through the Gauteng Nature Conservation authority. To add to the hunting experience, there are taxidermy and meat processing services available. Besides all the hunting amenities required, the Lodge believes in pampering their clients before, during and after a hunting expedition to maintain a calm, enjoyable atmosphere for all patrons.

Once you’ve made the decision to get away from the madness of urban life, Ndlovu Lodge takes care of the rest. The Lodge arranges transfers from OR Tambo International Airport, Hartesbeespoortdam, Sun City, Carousel Casino, Pretoria Central and Johannesburg Central.

From the moment a visitor is picked up, “African Time” sets in and you’re whisked into a journey where your rejuvenation and satisfaction are priorities for each staff member involved with your booking. It’s the attention to detail and the enthusiasm of the management that make Ndlovu Lodge a getaway to remember. Call +27 (0)12 809 0432, email info@ndlovulodge.com or visit www.ndlovulodge.com for more information. 

relaxation and all-round satisfaction is

what you’re after, look no further

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TITIIC 2010

Celebrating Tshwane’s Achievements The prestigious

2010 Tshwane Tourism and Business Awards form part of the Tshwane International Trade and Infrastructure Investment Conference

(TITIIC). In its third successful year, the conference served as the perfect build-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

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eld at the CSIR International Convention Centre, the focus of the TITIIC event typically has both a local and international objective. The global aim is to profile Tshwane as an ideal destination for tourism and trade that offers investors an array of exciting opportunities with excellent returns.

The local objective is to accomplish one of the City of Tshwane’s strategic goals, namely to accelerate higher and shared economic growth and development, as well as to fight poverty.

The event consisted of a two-day conference highlighting Tshwane’s role in South Africa, Africa’s role as an emerging market and Tshwane’s key sectors of interest. Parallel to the conference, exhibitions showcased opportunities that Tshwane, South Africa and Africa have to offer. Other activities included businessto-business meetings, a Mayoral Gala Dinner, Business Awards rewarding local talent, excursions within the city, and a networking golf day.

Formerly known as the Tourism Awards, this year saw the introduction of a new sector – that of business.

Business confidence continues to grow rapidly in South Africa, and it is befitting to recognise those that

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Words: Tanya Goodman Images: © Lodewyk W Goosen/BushBabyCommunications

Tourism Awards Winners Accommodation • Bed & Breakfast: All Seasons Bed & Breakfast • Guest House: Opikopi Guest House • Self-Catering Apartments: Alpine Attitude Boutique Hotel & Conference Venue • Lodges: Kwalata Game Ranch • Hotels: Alpine Attitude Boutique Hotel and Conference Venue Arts and Crafts • Overall Winner: Kea-Nthabi's African Design • Traditional: Voice of Tshwane • Modern: Moonson Manufacturing and Projects Conference Venue • CSIR International Convention Centre Food and Beverage • Royal Elephant Serviced Attractions • National Zoological Gardens of South Africa Tourist Guide • Marianne Elke Louw Tour Operator • Ulysses Tours and Safaris Recognition Awards • Menlyn Park Shopping Centre • National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

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play a paramount role in setting a leading example to others. These awards celebrate companies that embody principles of excellence in Tshwane and endeavour to promote the economy in order to achieve ongoing growth and success beyond 2010. It is for this reason that the City of Tshwane urges those active in both the tourism and business sectors to apply for these awards and stand a chance to receive acknowledgement from those already well established in their respective industries.

The Gala Awards Ceremony, attended by the Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, was a starstudded event featuring the city’s captains of industry, business leaders, business organisations, exporters and emerging enterprises as well as an entertaining lineup of renowned performers. Addressing the audience of dignitaries, diplomats, international delegates, conference participants and award nominees, the Mayor said: “The fact is, regardless of whom you ask, the City of Tshwane offers something to everyone, and as a result, it will continue to attract visitors from other provinces, from other African countries, and from countries around the world... TITIIC 2010 represents an important step forward to position Tshwane globally as a destination of choice for business, investment, events and the tourism world.” For more information on TITIIC 2010 and next year's event, visit www.titiic.co.za. 

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City of Tshwane Mayor, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, at the golf networking event.

This year's awards focused on the development of a viable economy and action plans in partnership with the City of Tshwane. Awards were awarded in the following categories: Business Recognition Awards • Aerospace: Ansys and TMI Dynamatics • Agro-Processing: Winterveldt Citrus Project • Alternative Renewable Energies: Exxaro Resources, Lonaka Trading and Projects, and Palmtree Power • Automotive: AIDC, Automotive Supplier Park Development Company, Ford Motor Company Southern Africa, BMW and Nissan • Business Process Outsourcing and Offshoring: Pharmacall, Deloitte and Percepta South Africa • Emerging Start-Up Enterprise: Motlogapele Projects and Solutions, Moftrade No 1, and Jahmy Cleaning and Recycling • Mixed-Manufacturing: SMTDC, My Home Building Construction, Jamec Development and Training, and Snackworks, a division of National Brands (Willards) • Research and Development: CSIR, the Innovation Hub and the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria • Women in Business: Suz-Lee Trading Enterprise, Sandra Marsh Cluster – Little Butterfly Day-Care and Projects, and DW Fresh Produce • Youth in Business: Seboka Training and Support Network, Batho Bethu Business Trading and Youth in Business

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Training Local Government

Capacity

Continuing Education at University of Pretoria In the wake of the recent service

delivery protests

across South Africa, local government officials and organisations have been tasked to accelerate

the implementation of the Local Government Turn Around Strategy fo

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tarting with the signature of a performance agreement by Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sicelo Shiceka, with the Presidency on 29 April 2010, the next step will be the conclusion of similar performance agreements between the Minister and each of the country’s Mayors, aimed at holding each Mayor accountable for service delivery in key areas affecting the well-being of citizens in their regions.

The agreement between the Minister and the President commits local government to perform along the following dimensions before or by 2014: The delivery of basic services which include water, sanitation, electricity and waste management; the creation of 4.5 million job opportunities by 2014 through the Community Works Programme; the transformation of the administrative and financial systems of local government, which includes Supply Chain Management; the filling of six critical senior posts in each municipality, namely Municipal Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Town Clerk, Town Engineer, Human Resources Manager and the Communications Manager; the achievement of clean audits by all municipalities by 2014; and the building of municipal capacity to enable municipalities to collect 90% of their revenues.

For the past 10 years, Continuing Education at University of Pretoria Trust (CE at UP) has been at the forefront of assisting organisations in both the public and private sector with building their capacity through offering specialised in-house and open enrolment courses

for the further training of career professionals. With the growing need for the development of local government management capacity and its specialised technical expertise, several academic departments through CE at UP have stepped to the fore and developed tailor-made training solutions to assist municipalities and other government structures with their training requirements.

Course selection on offer at CE at UP now includes, through the Engineering Faculty, several courses in water and waste management and in maintenance. In the Natural Sciences, courses address issues like land reform, wetland and environmental management, and agricultural and rural development. Between the School of Public Management and Administration and the Department of Town and Regional Planning, virtually every training need required under LGTAS is addressed through a selection of courses that include financial management, supply chain management, project and supervisory management, policy implementation and problem solving in the public sector, and leadership programmes for both developing and executive public officials. Under the Town and Regional Planning banner, delegates may choose between infrastructure planning, long-range planning and investment, or the planning for sustainable communities programme offerings.

Over the past 10 years, CE at UP has become an essential partner to organisations who need to expand their skills base, and stands ready to partner with local government in building the capacity necessary to address the future service delivery needs of our society.

Contact: Estelle Viviers at estelle.ce@up.ac.za to discuss your organisation’s requirements.

Call +27 (0)12 420 5015 or visit www.ceatup.com. 

Words: Charl du Plessis Image: © www.istockphoto.com

(LGTAS) approved by Cabinet towards the end of last year.

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e p o H d n a y t i r e p Pros The Attridgeville Murals Project As part of the urban beautification drive of the City of Tshwane, five

remarkable murals have been painted on various walls in Attridgeville, Tshwane. These murals, entitled “The

Prosperity Murals,” form part of a national project that entails the partnership of the City of Tshwane with the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Department of Visual Arts at the University of Pretoria (UP).

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he Attridgeville murals can be found at the community hall opposite the new superstadium; Malambo community hall; and Kalafong hospital. A mural by the internationally known Attridgeville resident, Titus Matiyane, forms part of the group of paintings. The theme of the murals, “A prosperous and integrated region progressively free of poverty and dependency,” is followed throughout and sub-themes directly relating to local social issues such as education, health, housing and the FIFA World Cup are addressed in the murals' design.

The project will be extended to other townships and suburbs in Tshwane as well as to other parts of the country. An important part of the project is training and education, and in each earmarked area 15 community artists or artistic Grade 11-12 learners are trained in art and design skills during a four-day workshop offered by staff and postgraduate students from the Department of Visual Arts at UP. During this workshop the designs for the murals are

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developed by the community artists under guidance of the lecturers, after which the murals are painted by the project participants.

It is an expressed hope of the project partners that the murals will attract tourists, not only now during the FIFA World Cup, but in an ongoing way, and as such add value in terms of internationalisation. Longer term objectives, however, are cultural exchange through the meeting and working together of different cultural groups, community upliftment, beautification of the urban environment and job creation. Communities benefit from the project through the training of the nominated community artists in art and design skills and the murals add to the spirit of communality in the regions. Acting as large-scale outdoor artworks, the murals become valuable cultural assets of the municipality and the CBD area of the region is given a revamp.

The project has specific research merit for the University in that staff members are at the same time investigating aspects of communication design and art practice in the public domain. Contact the Project Coordinator, Prof Elfriede Dreyer of the UP Department of Visual Arts, on +27 (0)12 420 2353 or email elfriede.dreyer@up.ac.za. ď °

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A Look at Sino-South African Trade

China has strategically established relationships with African nations – a region previously reserved for Western influence – and South Africa is a strategic partner in this relationship.

The Giant of the East is now South Africa’s biggest export destination as well as our biggest importer, and business between the two countries is flourishing.

I

was sitting in my favourite Chinese restaurant in Brooklyn the other evening, celebrating a friend’s birthday and having sushi – Japanese food in a Chinese restaurant. We were being served affordable sushi of excellent quality by a waitress who had a behind-the-iron-curtain beauty and mystery about her. While I soaked my sashimi in the soya, I thought to myself that this is what the Chinese do best: not only do they provide people with what they want, but they also give them the most affordable prices in town. They also diversify according to demand in order to make money. A few years ago, Chinese restaurants didn’t serve sushi, but they identified an international trend that was coming to the fore in South Africa and, like a few other restaurants, added the trendy and healthy Japanese cuisine to their menus. Today people are enjoying the wonders of ginger root, wasabi and salmon, and restaurant owners are making a lot of money. This comparison might be rudimentary, but it points to what

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Words: Alida Kok Images: © www.MediaClubSouthAfrica.com

The South African pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.

has been happening to the Chinese economy. It is this recipe for success, combined with Chinese ambition and efficiency, which has led to China becoming a trading giant and the largest market in the global economy.

Chinese ambition can already be found in the Mandarin name for their country ­– Zhöngguó, meaning “Middle Kingdom” or “Central Kingdom” when directly translated into English. In the past, the Chinese considered the Middle Kingdom as the centre of the world. With the recent opening of the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai it looks as if China has indeed moved to the world’s centre stage, even if the country is still only an industrialising nation. This World Expo is the largest and most expensive one ever staged and those at the opening ceremonies witnessed Shanghai dishing out some extravagant and breathtaking entertainment.

South Africa, for the first time, participated as an individual country in the Expo and this is symbolic of the importance of the South Africa-China relationship.

In 2009, China overtook the United States as South Africa’s biggest export destination. Exports to China were at R27.6 billion, while exports to the United States stood at R19.1 billion. China also replaced Germany

as South Africa’s largest country trade partner in the same year. Imports from China were valued at R35.24 billion while German imports were at R31.45 billion. China has investments in the South African textile, garment, energy, manufacturing, mining, machinery and construction industries while South Africa exports minerals, diamonds, wine and crafts to China. Some of the many South African companies with investments in China include: Discovery Health, SABMiller, Sasol, Naspers, Exxarro, Kumba Iron Ore, Hollard Insurance, Anglo American, Goldfields and even Spur. In the beginning of 2008, South African investments in China were of higher value than those of China in South Africa, yet by the end of 2009 South Africa’s investment in China reached $546 million while China’s investment in South Africa totalled $950 million.

An interesting aspect of the South Africa-China trade relationship is the interaction between Pretoria and Beijing. Pretoria has signed agreements with the Helongjiang, Hunan, Sichuan and Jiangxi provinces to promote trade and investment between Gauteng and Beijing. Co-operation between the two capitals further paves the way for increased integration between

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the two countries. In March this year, the importance of the South Africa-China strategic relationship was reemphasised when a top political advisor for the Chinese government, Jia Qinglin, gave a seminar in Pretoria where South African commerce officials and representatives of Chinese businesses based in South Africa met.

It is thus not just China trading with South Africa, but South Africa also trading with and investing in China that is of importance. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the rest of the African continent. Despite the fact that there are already more Chinese in Africa than all the Western colonial administrators from the past put together, Africa is not taking on a mutually symbiotic relationship with China. China is proactively and strategically engaging Africa, mainly to find the resources to support its rapidly growing economy, and most African states are taking a reactive stance.

A better proposition would be that the African continent be innovative in its quest to drive economic growth and development, lest the continent ends up worse off with Chinese financial contributions and infrastructure developments that are unsustainable over the long term.

South African businesspeople have been proactively engaging the Chinese market, and our entrepreneurial spirit should be celebrated. Not only will you find our entrepreneurs all over Africa, from the Congolese jungle to the beaches of Mozambique, but you’ll also spot South Africans taking on the challenges of the Chinese market. We’ve indeed moved past the chopsticks, not only enjoying aspects of Chinese culture in South Africa, but also discovering the mysteries of this country far from our own borders.  International Relations and Co-operation Minister, Maite NkoanaMashabane, at the opening of the South African pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai

The South African pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.

Department of Political Sciences @UP

Alida Kok is a Junior Lecturer at the University of Pretoria’s Department of Political Sciences. She specialises in European Union and Chinese relations with Africa, as well as political culture and socialisation in South Africa and Germany. The Department of Political Sciences, in the Faculty of Humanities, presents undergraduate and postgraduate degree packages and modules in International Relations and Political Science up to a doctoral level. Located in the capital of South Africa, the Department of Political Sciences, with an 80-year track record and headed by Prof Maxi Schoeman, has regular and vibrant interaction with the international community in Pretoria. The Department has a newly inaugurated Institute for Strategic and Political Affairs (ISPA).

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Trading hours: Mon - Fri 07:15 - 16:00 Sat 07:15 - 15:00

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Bam Express

– for door to door shuttle

service, with a smile. From personal tours to safaris, Bam Express will make your journey their priority. Bam Express is situated at 301 Saron Street in Garsfontein, so call +27 (0)12 998 7234 or +27 (0)72 219 2176 to book a shuttle service that is reliable and affordable.

Cultural Happenings •

The South African State Theatre will host the International

Woman’s Festival 2010

from 4 to 8 August. Visit

www.computicket.com for more details.

•

Pretoria’s favourite dinner theatre will be showcasing a special tribute to Elton John, Tina Turner, Madonna, Michael Jackson and Rod Stewart. The

Menlyn Barnyard Theatre will

be showing the Big Five tribute from 13 July to 29 August. For bookings or further information contact the Barnyard Theatre at +27 (0)12 368 1555 or visit www.barnyardtheatre.co.za.

•

The FRIED

Contemporary Art Gallery & Studio

will be hosting a solo exhibition by Titus Matiyane. Cities in Transition will be on from 22 July to 22 August. For more information, call +27 (0)12 346 0158 or for a sneak peek at the exhibition, visit www.friedcontemporary.com.

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social capital

A guide to Pretoria’s happenings – from movies to shows, to sports to events.

Let the beat move you at the

Klitsgras Drumming Circle, every second Friday. Contact Andries

capital life seeks to provide our readership with an

on

up-to-date social pages section in every edition. If you are interested in marketing a note-worthy event, please email research@chapellane.co.za.

www.klitsgras.co.za.

The Annual Feast of

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visit

the Clowns festival celebrates the vibrant

diversity of the inner city and takes place from 12 June to 11 July.

Included in the festival is live music, an annual street parade, a minifilm festival, art workshops, three productions at the State Theatre and much more. Visit www.feastoftheclowns.org.za for more information.

Pretoria has its own Big 5 tourist attractions: The Union Buildings, Rietvlei Game Reserve, Tswaing Crater, Voortrekker Monument and National Cultural Museum. Visit at least one in the next month.

Expos and Markets •

For those curious at heart, the

Bundu Expo

is

all things wild and outdoor and takes place at the Tshwane showgrounds from Friday 30 July to Sunday 1 August. For more information, contact Linda on +27 (0)12 548 1214 or visit www.bunduexpo.co.za.

• It’s

XMAS in July

at the Irene Village Market on

31 July. For more information, call +27 (0)12 667 1659 or visit www.irenemarket.co.za.

•

Cars in the Park will be visiting Zwartkops Raceway on 1 August.

From classics to American muscle, this annual motor show is sure to be a blast. Contact Elvene at +27 (0)12 373 5800 for details.

Yesterday’s Dreams will be exhibiting at the National Antiques and Decorative Arts

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For the Runner in you... The Springbok Vasbyt Road Race will take place at the Voortrekker Monument on 17 July. For bookings or more information contact Leon at +27 (0)12 486 9000.

A Touch of France The Alliance Française hosts a variety of

cultural and

Words: Luka Vracar Images: © www.istockphoto.com

social gatherings: •

3 July: an exhibition by Pretoria artist Marinus Wiechers.

•

15 July: Alliance Française and the South African State Theatre team up for a production of A Moliere in Soweto. A play based on street theatre, using people, puppets, dance, songs and a lot of humour to portray the ambivalence between traditional and modern times in South Africa.

For further information on the Alliance Française winter programme, visit www.alliance.org.za, call +27 (0)12 343 6563 or email culture.pta@alliance.org.za.

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Good Wine Becomes

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wine “Where there is passion, there is no compromise.”

These are the words of Morgenster owner, Giulio Bertrand. With John Platter’s Wine Guide rating

the Morgenster Bordeaux Blend with five stars, and

the Morgenster Lourens River Valley receiving 4.5 stars, I’d say there’s a fair amount of passionate winemaking going on in Somerset West.

Words: Sydney Curtis Images: © Morgenster Wines

time great After Enough

T

he 300-year-old Morgenster wine estate was once part of the thriving farm, Vergelegen, owned by Cape Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel. After van der Stel's recall in 1708, the land was divided into four, after which a French Huguenot named Jacques Malan bought the property now known as Morgenster. Malan acquired the six perfectly proportioned gables, of which the front holbol gable, with its delicate scrollwork and scallop shell apex framing the morning star, is considered one of the finest existing examples of the baroque style in the Cape, and has been adopted as the wine’s logo. Giulio Bertrand bought the farm in 1992 and has restored the glory of Morgenster under the guidance of architect Revel Fox. Bertrand had no plan to produce olive oil or wine.

Although his aim in coming to South Africa was "to have less responsibility,” it was inevitable that the idea of farming in Somerset West would come to the fore. The Morgenster wines have been around for more than fifteen years. While the running of the estate requires a fair amount of dedication, the 2006 vintage tested Morgenster’s mettle, as this was a particularly challenging year. Wine makers suffered because of the infamous power failures that showed no mercy.

The viticulturists, too, were pushed to the limit, with extreme high temperatures, water-stressed vines and gale force winds. Nonetheless, Morgenster managed to produce an excellent harvest. Bertrand believes in delayed gratification. He only shows his wines once they’ve approached their prime, and even then he only releases a small portion of them. The remaining wines are evaluated and released in batches that showcase their progression. This is why the 2006 is only now showing its potential.

The 2006 Bordeaux Blend presents a seductive harmony of fruit and tannin, nudging the drinker to savour the blend of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc and Merlot cultivars. This wine has been in maturation for fifteen months, and will continue to impress for the next five to eight years. With a hearty meal of beef fillet or prime rib, the blend will reveal a terrific intensity of savoury spices.

The Lourens River Valley Bordeaux is an old faithful blend that has received 4.5 stars in the John Platter Wine Guide since 1999, and the 2006 variety is no exception. The consistency of excellence will not disappoint the discerning connoisseur, with its sweet taste and moderate tannins. The wine makes a statement of elegance, and can be enjoyed with most poultry dishes as well as pasta with a spicy Carbonara sauce.

The Morgenster wine labels have not only established themselves in South Africa but also on the international market, being exported to the UK, Europe, North America, Canada, Sweden and Singapore. It’s more than passion that makes Morgenster Wines a definitive choice, it’s their commitment to excellence. 

Guest Houses

The Capital’s Best:

THE OAK HOUSE, CULLINAN

CORAL TREE INN, WATERKLOOF HEIGHTS

The Oak House was the second house to be built (in 1904) in Cullinan. It was built for the resident director, Ross Frames and used as the general manager’s residence when the mine re-opened after its first closure in the early 1900s.

A number of celebrities have spent time here over the years, including President Nelson Mandela, mining magnate Harry Oppenheimer, and a list of dignitaries and visitors from all over the world that includes the Minister of Geology and Mines from Angola and the High Commissioner of India. info@oakguesthouse.co.za | +27 (0)12 734 2496

Coral Tree Inn is situated in Waterkloof Heights Security Estate, overlooking a magnificent natural park in a tranquil and established suburb of Pretoria. It is within a 25 minute drive from OR Tambo International Airport and 10 minutes from the centre of Pretoria. Also close to major shopping centres, the Union Buildings and most Embassies and Consulates. Coral Tree Inn is a prime example of sophistication and style combined with a five star rating. For more information visit www.coraltreeinn.co.za. info@coraltreeinn.co.za | +27 (0)12 347 8770

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OPIKOPI GUEST HOUSE, ERASMUSKLOOF

LOERIE’S NEST B&B, BAILEY’S MUCKLENEUK

Opikopi is situated centrally in a quiet Eastern Pretoria suburb called Erasmuskloof and is close to numerous attractions and offices: Botanical Gardens, Voortrekker Monument, Union Buildings, Menlyn shopping Mall, Sita Offices, Kloof Medic Clinic, and the Waterkloof and Wingate Park Golf Courses. Eight double suites are individually decorated and reflect understated elegance and luxury. All the suites have their own private entrance into the garden.

Two luxury self-catering units with private entrances and fully equipped kitchens for long stay guests. helendebeer@mweb.co.za | +27 (0)12 347 7456

Quality assured by AA Travel Guides with a “Superior” rating and awarded a four star grading from The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. Loerie’s Nest sits in the forested Bailey’s Muckleneuk hill in the heart of the suburbs of Hatfield, Brooklyn and Groenkloof. Close to Universities of Pretoria and South Africa, Loftus rugby and football stadium, all major hospitals, schools and shopping malls. Many fine restaurants and gymnasiums within 2km.

Delightful well-equipped en-suite double rooms with fully equipped kitchenette. Excellent security and on-site parking. marlene@loeriesnest.co.za | +27 (0)12 460 3605

MONTPELLIER GUEST HOUSE, WATERKLOOF

MUCKLENEUK GUEST HOUSE

Montpellier Guesthouse is an upmarket four star, gracious guest house situated in the prestigious Waterkloof suburb of Pretoria. Located close to the heart of Pretoria’s business district (CBD), with easy access to major shopping malls, universities and hospitals. Some of the city’s best restaurants and golf courses are within easy reach, and Montpellier is also conveniently located for quick access to Waterkloof Airport and OR Tambo International Airport. hnf2010@gmail.com | +27 (0)82 820 8563

A luxury four star guest house situated in the leafy suburb of Muckleneuk in Pretoria. We pride ourselves that one visit leads to a regular stay, because of our great service and value for money offered to our customers. Our guests include visitors to the Universities of Pretoria and South Africa, business travellers who need to be close to the CBD, sport fans and families who want to be close to Loftus and the Tuks campus, as well as frequent foreign guests. info@muckleneukguesthouse.co.za | +27 (0)87 808 2668

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AGTER-OS BRILLE, PILLE EN GRILLE

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an, jislaaik, toe jaag ek so amper reg agterin die taxi voor my vas. Sou net reg wees, want ek het wragtag menigmaal al gedreig om presies dit te doen soos die ouens mens van die pad afdruk. Maar die keer was dit nie uit woede vir die taxi nie nie. Nee, ek misgis myself toe so amper want my nek was totaal en al omgedraai en my mond wawyd oop soos ek loer na die groot foto van die sexy bikini meisie op die advertensiebord daar voor Makro. Ek was nog so ewe besig om saam te neurie met die Jakaranda liedjie toe sy voor my opdoem. Bykans kaal, soos wat sy in die wêreld moes ingekom het, plat op haar maag en op arms gerus, terwyl die 20 voet oë my aankyk met sulke skalkse ‘ek-weet-wat-jy-van-hou’ wimpers.

Sy verkoop verslankingspille, lees ek die volgende dag toe ek stadig met ‘n ompad by haar verbyry op pad werk toe. Maar nie sommer enige pille nie. Die goed maak jou vinnig maer, dit maak jou mooi, dit vat die lemoenskil van die dye af, en wat nog. Klink vir my net te goed om waar te wees en of sy dalk vir dieselfde Dr Sango, wie se pamflette ons elke week by die robot kry, mag werk. Hy kan alles fix. Selfs daardie swart kolle op jou hand wat jou geld brand. En wat moet groter, sterker, fikser en wat nog pas so reg in sy kraal. Jammer niemand het al ‘n pil gekry om mense slimmer te maak nie, want as ek tred hou met hoe daar elke week nog ‘n Professor So-en-So toetree tot die pamfletuitdelery en gepaardgaande wensdenkery wat beloof word, is daar duidelik ‘n mark vir die tipe kleingelowiges.

Toe ek die volgende week by die derde kalerige meisietjie op ‘n lamppaal verbyry wat iemand se verslankingskuur smous, tref dit my uitendelik hoe ons eie mense nie te hard moet lag oor die pamflette van die slang-olie ouens vanuit die res van Afrika. Ons self vreet die beloftes ook maar soos soetkoek op. Al verskil is, ons doen dit groter en beter as die pamfletbrigade.

Ons het yslike advertensieborde langs die pad, blink fotos in ons tydskrifte, rye en rye se beloftes agterin die Rapport Tydskrif se advertensiekolomme. Maar die gedagte is dieselfde – ons is doodtevrede om iemand geld te betaal in die hoop op ‘n quickfix wat een of ander pil kan bring.

Die volgende naweek kuier ons by my Pa. 80 jaar oud en pas terug tuis na ‘n hele paar maande in die hospitaal. Sy dag begin en eindig met die reeks pille wat in ‘n mooi plastiekhouer met die dae van die week reglangs hom staan, daar waar hy nou maar meeste van sy tyd op die leuenstoel in die son deurbring. Hare effens lank gegroei om die gehoordingetjie in sy oor toe te maak ook. Nog steeds geen bril, merk ek op, maar weet ook nie of dit net is omdat hy sulke lekker lang arms het nie. Ja, sy pille het regte wetenskap agter hulle, want dit kom mos van die dokter af. Maar, tussendeur is die druppeltjies uit ‘n ou boereraatbotteltjie al wat sy bloeddruk ophou. So stoom hy, nes elkeen van ons ander klomp voort na sy daaglikse verwagtinge met ‘n kombinasie van pille en grille.

Terug in die dorp gaan maak ‘n draai by ‘n ou vrind om hulle nuwe baba te gaan loer. Kleinman lê lekker en snoes in pa se kantoor terwyl pa en ma saamsmous aan hulle eie reeks verslankingspille.

Betroubare apteker van inbors glo agter die formule en besigheid boer sterk vooruit, veral noudat een van die groot name in die bedryf al hulle beloftes moes terugtrek en van die mark onttrek. Maar, vertel hy my toe ons uitsttap buite toe, die groot geld sit met die ou omies en hulle probleme. Vergeet van Viagra. Ons mix vir hulle hier ‘n ding bymekaar wat soos ‘n bom werk. Hy vertel my hoe ene Oom Willie hom sommer laat op ‘n Vrydagaand op sy selfoon bel om dankie te sê en om sommer summier nog ‘n bestelling te plaas.

Ek spot so ewe met hom dat hy vir die ou omies maar moet vra om ‘n foto van die tannies ook saam te stuur, sodat mens darem kan weet presies hoe sterk mens die mengseltjie moet aanmaak.

As jongman het ek ‘n huisdokter as huismaat gehad. Hy het gereeld vir ons ‘n ‘party pack’ opgemaak voor naweke. Vitamines, iets om mens deur die nag wakker te hou, iets vir die babalas, en selfs ‘n ou kondoompie ingeval, mens weet nooit. Dog ek by myself hoe die 'party pack' deur die jare sou verander, en mens mag opeindig net met ‘n vars battery vir die gehoorstuk, ‘n leesbril om die kykbril af te wissel, ‘n glas vir die tande, maar nog steeds, al die jare later, ‘n paar pille waarop on steun vir al ons nukke en grille. 

Words: Charl du Plessis Images: © www.istockphoto.com

M

Deur Briekblok Van der Merwe

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