The SA issue 05 by The South African Magazine

The

Issue number 005 September 2008

South African

CONNECTING SOUTH AFRICA AND NEW ZEALAND

Free

Inside Two Yachts two Voyages. see page 8

Great SA Sportsmen see page 16

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The

South African

From the editor O

ur special goal since we started publishing “The South African” magazine for the first time in March of this year has always been to produce a monthly magazine. The gaps between each issue have started narrowing and for the first time this month I can quite comfortably say that we have achieved our goal!

With the release of Issue 5, the South African Magazine has now become a monthly publication with future release dates around the 15th of each month, except for the December/January holiday period each year. We have included in this issue a list of distribution outlets in Auckland on page 3 opposite, so make sure you get your free copy from one of these outlets around the middle of each month. Congratulations to all involved in achieving this highly sought after goal. Special thanks goes to Jan Coetsee who came onto the production team during the making of Issue 4. Jan Coetsee needs no introduction to the South African community in New Zealand because he is well known from his regular Sunday afternoon radio programmes “The Protea Hour” which broadcasts on 104.6 FM at 3’o’clock in the afternoon. He is a highly experienced journalist with years of experience in the radio and newspaper media of Southern Africa and he is a real asset to our team. He carries the portfolio of Advertising and Promotions, so please speak to him if you are planning an advertorial or any other form of advertising in future issues of the magazine. A new feature in our magazine will be the “mini-ad” on Page 23 where we normally present our classified advertisements. This is a highly effective medium, so please contact Jan if you want to get some extra exposure here. We are currently working on framing each of the beautiful front cover pages of our issues so far. If you are a “South African Magazine” fan we would love to send you high resolution A4 or A3 images of each of our front covers so far at a small fee. Contact our office for details. A big thanks to those of you who have written to us with bouquets, rather than brickbats. We love you! Your responses are recorded on our “Letters to the Editor” page, opposite. Don’t stop the letters!

Regards, Peter Woodberg

The

South African EDITORS Peter Woodberg email. e-mail: jepwood@xtra.co.nz

Ted Woodberg mob: 021 791 284 e-mail: ted.samag@gmail.com

ADVERTISING Jan Coetsee mob: 021 153 4418 e-mail: jan.samag@gmail.com

GENERAL ENQUIRIES ph: 09-520 4107 Fax: 09-520 4127

Postal Address The South African P.O. Box 303 250, North Harbour, AUCKLAND 0751

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS SANZ Chairman - Brian Casey ph. (09) 476 1996 email. sanzba@xtra.co.nz SANZ Business Group - Lesley Langer ph. (09) 970 3837 email. lesley.langer@apl.co.nz Die Afrikaanse Klub - Phillip Langenhoven email. die.afrikaanse.klub@clear.net.nz

Mission Statement “The South African Magazine shall provide current, high quality, relevant editorial on subjects relating to the links between South Africa and New Zealand. It shall also be a platform for South African immigrants living in New Zealand to advertise their products and services.”

All rights reserved. “The South African” is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without the consent of the Editor. Opinions expressed in the magazine are those of its contributors and not necessarily those of the Editor. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the Editor assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences of reliance on this publication.

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The

South African

Letters to the Editor Dear Peter,

Good Morning Ted,

I would like to congratulate you on the great job you are doing with The South African; looks great, has good info in it and I must admit our ad is working well. Great story about your European Adventure.

Dear Editors,

Greetings Peter and Ted,

Being given a copy of your magazine on arrival in New Zealand made us feel very welcome.

May I begin by complementing you on the South African magazine and I hope you go from strength to strength.

We enjoy the informative articles, and have already purchas ed goods and services from some of the advertisers in the South African. Thanks to an article about “Familiar accents on Auckland’s airwaves.” our Sunday afternoons are now spent in front of the radio, listening to the Protea Hour on Planet FM.

By contradiction to your normal readers, I am a South African soon to be in NZ. A friend of mine forwarded me the August edition (No 4) which has since been read cover to cover and forwarded to countless soon to be ex-SAffers! It is re-assuring to see how many SAffers have preceded us and “survived” and the magazine makes great reading until we are able to be in NZ.

We frequently “consult” your magazine for information.

Looking forward to the next edition.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading Issue No 4 of The South African and would like to subscribe and from early next year advertise. Please send me each issue as it is released. Keep up the good work.

Keep up the good work.

Kindest regards,

Kathy Fandam, Managing Director Crown Recruitment Limited AUCKLAND

Kind regards,

Albert Jordaan, 62 Shelter Drive, Greenhithe, AUCKLAND

THE SOUTH AFRICAN MAGAZINE

Many thanks,

Neil Farley.

Jackie and Hannes Malherbe Red Beach

Dr Bernie Brenner

MB BCh (Wits), FRCOG, FRANZCOG, MBA, M Phil, BA (UNISA)

Gynaecologist and Uro Gynaecologist

Specialising in: • Female Urinary Incontinence and Urodynamic Assessments • Minimally Invasive Surgery for Bladder Leaking • Menopause - Hormone replacement therapy • Colposcopy (the treatment of abnormal cervical cytology) including Laser • Office Hysteroscopy for diagnosis of menstrual problems • Gynaecological Ultrasound • Laporoscopic Surgery - for removal of Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts and Endometriosis Consulting rooms at 131 Shakespeare Road, Milford

For appointments Phone 486 0182 • Email: pelvic-floor-clinic@clear.net.nz Webpage: www.berniebrenner.co.nz

LIST OF OUTLETS • Fred’s Fine Foods, Torbay • The South African Shop, Browns Bay • The South African Shop, Whangaparaoa • The South African Shop, Howick

• Janssens Butchery, Browns Bay • Inside Africa, Albany • Inside Africa, Botany • George Deeb, Takapuna • Penguinos, Browns Bay • Nandos, Albany • All other SA related outlets

Dr Peter Neumann DENTIST • B.Ch.D. (PRET)

Formerly of Pretoria and Durban. For friendly service and a high level of professional care. Consulting rooms: 18 Morrow Street Newmarket Auckland Telephone: 09 524-8399 All enquiries welcome

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The

South African

“Setting up a home business in New Zealand” Heather Douglas

We present the first article in a series on starting and running your own business from home here in New Zealand, written by local entrepreneur, Heather Douglas.

o you have a fabulous idea for a business - something that’s bound to be a sure-fire success. You also don’t have much capital and decide you will run your business from home. After all, it keeps the overheads down, and it’s so easy and acceptable these days. But how do you go about starting up? Can anyone operate from home? What are the rules and regulations? Where do you find information or who do you turn to for help? Setting up a home business in New Zealand is far easier than it is in many other countries. You are not required to formally incorporate or register a company before you start trading, although there may be distinct advantages in doing so.

Choosing a structure There are three main ways you can structure your home business: you can operate as a sole trader, form a company, or - if you are not going to go it alone - set up a partnership. There are advantages and disadvantages to all of these (they are outlined in http://www.homebizbuzz.co.nz/article. php3?ArticleID=105 ). As partnerships are generally the least common business structure for home-based businesses, as well as potentially the most risky, we will concentrate on sole traders and registered companies in this article. You will find a series of articles on incorporating your business here: http://www.homebizbuzz.co.nz/section.php3?CategoryID=241 .

Choosing a name Whether you choose to operate as a company or not, you will need a name for your business. If you use a name that is already trademarked, the trademark owner may take action against you. If your chosen name is not in use, and you wish to operate as a sole trader, you can simply print this name on your business cards, and “open shop”. You might like to go one step further, though, and check local and other phone books to see if other sole traders are already using your name - if so, there is no law to stop you from going ahead with the same name, but in order to avoid any confusion in the

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market place, you would be advised to choose something different. You, in turn, do not need to register your business name or associated trademarks, but you may want to protect your intellectual property by doing so. There is lots of information about trademarks and other intellectual property at the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand web site (www.iponz.govt. nz ). HomebizBuzz offers a free name check service. Email your name, phone number and choice of top three names to formations@homebizbuzz.co.nz

Incorporating a company It is relatively inexpensive to incorporate a company if you choose to do so. HomebizBuzz offers a cost-effective company formation service (http:// www.homebizbuzz.co.nz/article.php3?ArticleID=850 ).

What you can and can’t do from home Irrespective of whether you operate as a sole trader or a registered company, there is no “official” process you need to go through to operate from home. What you are and are not able to do is generally governed by council bylaws, and these vary from council to council. Generally, if you do not employ staff and your business is not going to create parking or traffic congestion, use or give off hazardous or offensive chemicals or fumes, create noise, harbour vermin or be an eyesore, and you intend to operate within the law, you are unlikely to run foul of the authorities. Some council regulations curtail what signage you can display on your property, and may limit or prohibit pavement advertising. Some specific industries - for instance, preparing food or engaging in body piercing - are strictly controlled and you will have to find out what legislation or regulations apply, and comply with these. If you are hiring staff, your local council is likely to have issued controls or guidelines on the number of people who may work on your premises, and you may need to comply with a variety of other employer and workplace requirements. This article is intended to serve as a guideline for those interested in starting a home-based business in New Zealand. It is not intended to take the place of legal and financial advice pertaining to an individual’s unique situation. Readers are advised to contact their own professional advisors to discuss their own individual situations. Article supplied by Home Business New Zealand. Visit www.homebizbuzz.co.nz today for heaps of free information, advice, resources and tools to help make running your business fun, easy and successful - including a free directory listing and monthly newsletter.

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The

South African WORKING FROM HOME - SPECIAL FEATURE

here is a certain allure about “being your own boss” and knowing that, when you wake up every day, you don’t have to stress about getting into the heavy commuter traffic between your home and your place of employment. Here are two success stories from ex-South Africans who have settled in New Zealand and become totally financially independent from their own home businesses – what a pleasure!

“NICE & SWEET” Angela Silberstein arrived in New Zealand from Cape Town in 2003. After working in Early Childhood Education for several years, the daily haul between Torbay and Remuera, and back to Torbay became too much. Angela decided to pursue her first love - creating lovely gift baskets - from home. Nice and Sweet Basket Promotions was born - literally on her kitchen table from where she creates and produces a wide range of gift baskets for all occasions. Angela also helps husband Allan, who is involved in “0800 Sacked,” a legal advice bureau for people who

believe that they have been unfairly dismissed from their jobs. Declares Angela:”Working from home and making suitable gifts for all occasions was formed with much enthusiasm. I do not believe in mass production when it comes to beautifully presented gifts. I have the time to make a real difference to people’s lives, whilst pursuing and enjoying my passion - the art of giving, combined with the art of tasteful presentation”.

“WORKING FROM HOME WORKS!” says Ruth Schumann, owner of ‘New Generation Liquorice’

ajor birthdays are eventful and l ife c hang i ng. The re ’s something about turning 50 or 60 that makes us take stock of things… like goals and achievements. When I turned 50, I came to the conclusion that when I turned 60, I would not be asking myself why I never worked harder or longer. I will be more likely Dennis Schumann to ask myself why I never laughed more, played longer, watched more sunsets and climbed more mountains. Working from home, aside from the obvious financial benefits, tax deductions and savings on fuel and rent, allows the flexibility and freedom to structure your working day, to suit your home, family and leisure requirements. In essence, besides personal growth and challenge, most people are really working to pay for more leisure. We have a massive warehouse below the house to store our product, an office and adjacent work room, where product is packaged and labeled and prepared for market. Walking my dogs, doing the admin, yoga, cooking dinner, taking stock and meeting clients all blend seamlessly into my working day. For me it’s about work/life balance now – and New Zealand is a perfect environment for this approach.

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The

South African

IMMIGRATION INFORMATION FOR NEW KIWIS Continuing with part four of this series produced by North Shore Immigration Services to assist new immigrants to NZ

This issue: landlords and tenants BONDS

Most landlords require tenants to pay a bond that is generally equivalent to two or four weeks’ rent. Landlords cannot ask for more than four weeks’ rent as bond. The landlord will provide you with a Bond Lodgement Form that both you and the landlord are required to complete and sign. The landlord must deposit the form and your accompanying cheque for the bond with the Tenancy Services Centre within 23 working days of receiving it. A receipt will then be sent to both you and your landlord. If you don’t receive this receipt you should call Tenancy Services. The bond will be refunded to you when you leave the property, unless you have rent owing or have caused damage. If the property is damaged, your bond is used to pay for the repair. When you give notice to move out, the landlord will inspect the property to make sure you have not caused damage. To recover your bond, complete a Bond Refund Form, signed by both you and the landlord, and send it to the Tenancy Services Centre. If you cannot reach agreement with the landlord over the return of your bond, contact Tenancy Services. To download Bond Lodgement and Bond Refund forms, visit Tenancy Services.

PROPERTY INSPECTION REPORT It is important to record with your landlord not only the furniture and fittings provided, but the condition of the property and chattels. For instance,

if the kitchen bench has a burn mark, this needs to be noted so you are not held responsible for it when the tenancy ends. Property Inspection Report Forms are usually part of Tenancy Agreement Forms. To download Tenancy Agreement Forms, visit Tenancy Services. Forms can also be purchased from major stationery shops.

A TENANCY AGREEMENT MUST INCLUDE • the names and addresses of the landlord and tenant, and the address of the property • the date the Tenancy Agreement is signed • the date the tenancy starts • addresses for service for both the landlord and the tenant (this needs to be a permanent address; perhaps a family member’s or friend’s) • whether the tenant is under the age of 18 • the bond amount • the rent amount and how often it will be paid • the place or bank account number where the rent is to be paid • any real estate agent’s or solicitor’s fees paid • if the tenant is to pay for metered water • a list of chattels (e.g. light fittings, curtains, oven, and washing machine) provided by the landlord • the date a fixed-term tenancy will end

Optional conditions include: • how many people can live on the premises • not attaching anything to the house or flat • not subletting or giving the tenancy to someone else • whether smoking is permitted • whether an animal is permitted

ENDING A TENANCY Periodic tenancies Tenants wanting to leave must give 21 days’ signed notice in writing and provide their tenancy address and leaving date. If notice is sent by mail, four working days must be added to the notice period. A landlord must give a tenant written notice of at least 90 days, or 42 days if the property is needed for family or employees, or has been sold.

IMMIGRATION MEDICALS 0800 4 MEDICAL 0800 463 342 Call Christel for all your Immigration Medicals. Excellent rates. During and after hour service. Free follow up consultation. Family discount rates. Best X-ray price and service.

Emergency Immigration and Insurance Medical Services

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What’s in it for you? The benefit of a reputable “one stop service” including assistance with the processing of your residence or work permit application, obtaining nursing registration, electrical license, official recognition of qualifications and trades, job search, business migration and help with settlement services for those migrants recently arrived.

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“North Shore Immigration have been more helpful than we could have imagined, going through the immigration process. There are many aspects of immigration, such as details on your paperwork, that the websites will never tell you about - things that will delay your immigration! It was definitely worth getting help from North Shore Immigration, because they were able to help get us through dealing with all the unknown factors of immigration. If you want to lessen the sleepless nights, we recommend going with North Shore Immigration - they keep to their code of ethics and will treat you with care and fairness.” Tem Schultz - one of many satisfied NSIS clients

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The

South African

TWO YACHTS, TWO VOYAGES’

The amazing story of the sailing voyages of the Geertsema family to New Zealand. By Ted Woodberg Cook’s Bay, Moorea, French Polynnesia

first met this couple in their beautiful North Shore home set on a hill overlooking a reserve with stunning sea views. Having sailed to New Zealand twice, each time in a different boat, they feel the view from their home reminds them of their wonderful adventures at sea. They are two highly qualified individuals. Simon, a mechanical engineer, also has a doctorate in Business Administration, and Anita has a doctorate in Musicology. They met as students when they were both studying at Stellenbosch, they fell in love and the rest is, well, …… history! In South Africa Simon gradually moved away from engineering and found his niche as a director of a software company. Looking for a change from her music career, Anita became a real estate agent for the few years between the two voyages whilst also raising three sons! After becoming permanently settled in New Zealand, both Simon and Anita returned to their original careers of mechanical engineer and musician. The large living room that we were sitting in during the interview was specially designed by Simon to be a sound proof musical studio. There are all types of musical instruments around,

including a huge grand piano and state of the art recording equipment. Anita uses the area to give music lessons to students, teachers and musicians alike, and occasionally they have concerts. During the interview she handed me one of her own recordings which I have enjoyed listening to on the CD player in my car since I last visited them. Their first trip to New Zealand was part of a circumnavigation with their family of three boys. This trip took place during the years 1985 to 1987 while the boys were still young. Paul 11, Kepler 9 and Stefan 3, were the

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The

South African Simon and Anita Geertsema

“deckhands”, Anita the chief mate and cook, and Simon the captain! He rather liked this title! Paul and Kepler were taken out of school during that period, and were “boat-schooled”. They followed the traditional “trade wind” route westwards round the globe. This route provides mainly good sailing weather and brings one to some of the most romantic and exotic destinations in the world. Starting out at Saldanha Kepler Geertsema on board “Symphony” Bay in the Western Cape they looking out towards Moorea, an island in set off across the Atlantic French Polynnesia in their 45 foot ketch, Symphony, sailing north to St Helena Island and then across to the coast of Brazil. Moving up the coast they travelled for two months through the Amazon delta, passing Macapa, the small settlement where years later New Zealander Sir Peter Blake was murdered. They then sailed along the coast of South America until they hit the West Indies and the glorious islands of the Caribbean Sea. Finally they docked at Florida and spent three months exploring the eastern states of the USA from Florida to New York. Once they were back on board they made their transit into the Pacific Ocean via the Panama Canal and then on to the beautiful Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. From there they sailed for 6 000 km across the Pacific Ocean, taking 21 days, before they reached the exotic Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. These islands were made famous by Thor Heyerdal who crossed the Pacific in a raft called the Kon Tiki in 1947. Their journey continued through the Tuamoto’s and on to Tahiti and eventually to Tonga. They had a great time on the islands, snorkelling, diving and generally enjoying the weather and the hospitality of the islanders. Anita in French Polnesia, To avoid the hurricanes that occur “Quest” in background in these parts in late summer they sailed south to New Zealand. They tied “Symphony” up in the Town Basin in Whangarei, and for the first time in many months they could relax from the rigours of the open sea. In Whangarei they did a lot of maintenance work on the boat and even put the boys in school for a while. They bought a 20year old car and travelled all over New Zealand. At that stage they had no intention of leaving South Africa but they agreed that, if they ever had to do

it, New Zealand would be a good place to go to. After five months in New Zealand they sailed to Brisbane, then north inside the Barrier Reef, around the Australian continent and into the Indian Ocean. From there it was a downhill run, stopping at Christmas Island, the Cocos Islands and Mauritius before hitting Durban. Only then did they realize the enormity of their venture. A two year circumnavigation of the globe! There was no fridge or freezer on Symphony and to relieve the boredom of tinned meat Simon tried fishing. On one occasion he pulled in a huge Dorado that was almost his size and with a huge effort he managed to get it on deck. It had big teeth, was very much alive and seemingly also very angry. As there was no fish hold on Symphony the fish had to be killed there and then. Simon found himself slipping around the deck trying to pin the creature down. He called for assistance, so Anita handed the wheel over to Paul, picked up a hammer and started tapping at the fish’s face. “KILL IT!” screamed Simon, now exhausted from the fight. “But I don’t want to hurt it!” replied Anita, choosing her blows carefully. After much unprintable verbal encouragement from Simon she managed to wield the hammer with enough force to immobilize the fish. The next thing the boat took a huge roll and the fish nearly slipped overboard. They managed to get hold of the fish’s tail again and that night they enjoyed gigantic Dorado steaks. They still have a good laugh over the incident. Living in Pretoria in the years after this trip, the Geertsemas decided that it was time to leave South Africa. For them there was no better place to go to than New Zealand and no better way to get there than by boat. They moved to

Yacht No. 2 – “Quest” in full sail

Cape Town and asked Angelo Lavranos, the leading marine designer, to design a 50 ft aluminium sloop that could go anywhere. Simon referred to her as his “Ocean Going 4x4”. He contracted the building of the hull to a firm of boat builders and he tackled the interior fit out himself. Fifteen months later the yacht was launched. Anita officiated: “I hereby christen thee “Quest” and may God bless her and all who sail in her!” So, ten years after their first circumnavigation, the Geertsemas again sailed away out of South Africa. Paul, now 21, was already studying in New Zealand, and Kepler, a Matie too at that time, followed 2 years later. Only Stefan, by then 12 yrs old, was on this voyage. He has virtually grown up at sea! After 8 months of sailing, they arrived in Auckland in November 1995. It was like a homecoming to a friendly and well known place. Anita remarked to Simon: “ Skattebol, it really is much quicker to just fly to New Zealand, you know!”. “Ja”, he replied, “but I much prefer sailing to jetlag.

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The

South African PROMOTIONAL ARTICLE

Life Insurance is a calling and a passion! Introducing Herman Roodt, of MUTUAL FINANCIAL SERVICES By Louise Luttig

erman Roodt has two, no three, strong passions: providing a professional and all-encompassing Insurance Brokerage service to set up his clients for life; helping new immigrants find their feet in their adopted country, and ensuring his horse-loving daughter Marisna can exercise her equestrian passion with the dedicated support of the family – Herman and his wife Renet. “I strive to look after the total financial portfolio of my clients. I have been in the insurance industry for 20 years, of which the last ten years were spent here in New Zealand, and I offer a wide variety of good products and an excellent business network,” says Herman. Herman’s clients could not agree more: “A very knowledgeable Insurance broker with a genuine care for his clients!” Glen McLeod, Mortgage Broker, Albany “He goes the extra mile.” Kay Fielding-Link, Helensville “He has always been very helpful and will assist you at the drop of a hat, keeping in mind what is best for his client. Thanks for a great service!” Marijke and Cornell van Rooyen “Herman is wonderful, supportive, informative, a great listener, and very knowledgeable. He is always willing to assist, and wonderful to deal with.” Virginia

Herman Rood Insurance Broker We are 100% independent and have agencies with all the major Insurance Companies in NZ. MFS assists with all facets of insurance and financial services including: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Life Insurance Income Protection Superannuation Health Insurance (Hospital Plans) Mortage Finance Vehicle Finance & Personal Loans Home, Car & Contents Insurance ( Fire & General) Unit Trusts Wills & Trust Travel Insurance

17 A Danbury Drive, Torbay, Auckland Phone: 09 473 0880 Fax: 09 473 0881 Mobile: 021 736 030 Web: www.mfs.net.nz Email: herman@mfs.net.nz

Herman Roodt with office ladies Stallard, Chartered Accountant Trading under the business name, Mutual Financial Services (MFS), Herman has agency agreements with almost all of the insurance companies in New Zealand. To be accredited he has to attend their product information courses and continuously upgrade his skills to ensure he is able to market their products professionally. Serving in excess of 1600 households, of which almost 80 percent are ex-South Africans, Herman knows the financial needs of new arrivals only too well. “New immigrants often have given up their life savings in their attempt to immigrate and resettle,” he says. An immigrant himself, Herman understands their desire to take care of their financial needs now and in the future. Initially, the most important requirement of immigrants, many of them parents or about to start a family, is to ensure that their families are taken care of if something goes wrong. Herman focuses on providing them Life Cover, Health Cover, Income Protection, as well as Home, Contents and Vehicle Insurance. Over time he tries to ensure that his clients have the same peace of mind financially as they had before they emigrated. But Herman often goes out of his way to use his broad network of contacts to help place new immigrants in jobs, or to help them find a school for their children or a church or community where they can re-establish themselves. “That’s just part of who I am, and what I do, because I know where they are coming from,” he says. Most South Africans take about two years to get back on their feet and to acquire their own home. “With the help of strategic alliances I can usually also help new home buyers get a mortgage without the need for a deposit, which is often a major obstacle for new immigrants,” Herman says. Most of his business comes to him by word of mouth endorsements. “I make a first appointment at a venue and time that suits them. And even if I do not immediately do business with them, I still treat them as clients and I usually find that they normally contact me when they are ready to do so.” Herman’s office administrators, Linda du Plessis and Deirdre Vorster, provide a bilingual service answering the phone with a friendly “Good morning, Goeie môre”, depending on the time of day. Linda focuses on Short Term Insurance (Fire & General) matters and Deirdre takes care of the Life Insurance part of the business. Herman takes care of the total insurance and financial needs of his clients. Apart from the standard insurance products, he also offers, amongst others, Mortgage Finance and personal loans services. He has established strategic alliances with legal firms and trust companies to be able to offer his clients professional advice on Wills and Trusts. This is closely related to Herman’s belief that the best way to provide long-term (retirement) financial security in New Zealand is through property investment. Himself an avid property investor, Herman’s team can guide his clients through the many pitfalls of property investment, tax implications, and trusts. By networking with his alliances he is able to offer a complete service in terms of property investment. His website http://www.mfs.net.nz/ provides a nifty calculator to help potential clients work out their Life Insurance needs, as well as other useful information on MFS products and needs.

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The

South African

Opskop! The South African Communny held an “opskop” (dance) with live music provided by Dewald and Friends at the East Coast Bays Community Centre in Browns Bay on Saturday 2nd August. As can be seen from the photographs below, everybody had a real good time.

Above - Andre De Wet on acoustic guitar Left - Calista Ferreira on vocals

Above - Dewalsd Kritzinger at opskop Below - The Opskop crowd enjoying themselves in Brown’s Bay.

Above - Calista and sister Liani with Tobie Marais and Andre De Wet behind

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The

South African

An old friend in a new jacket! Holiday Shoppe Agencies around New Zealand have been rebranded Harvey World Travel.

arvey World has been well established in Australia and South Africa for many years, and by re-establishing the brand here in New Zealand and opening agencies in the United Kingdom the International Agencies will total over 2,000 within two years. This will have great advantages for Harvey World Travel and its clients Michelle Clarke joined Holiday Shoppe Browns Bay in April as a Travel Consultant. Originally from Cape Town in South Africa, Michelle emigrated to New Zealand six years ago with her husband Neill and then four year old son Joshua. In South Africa, Michelle had been heavily involved in the production of film and television commercials for a number of years including filming over 350 international television commercials. Once in New Zealand, Michelle quickly realized that the industry was very different here so she decided to pursue new interests: enrolling initially at Unite in Film School then switching to an advertising course. During her time studying she continued to develop an idea for an internationally focused childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s television programmed. A multi-talented individual, Michelle has already shot a pilot for the show and is currently looking for investors to get the programme off the ground. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys photography, particularly black and

white portraiture. Creativity runs in the family: husband Neill is a selftaught carpenter who has crafted most of the furniture in their home in Devonport Shellee Roberts moved to New Zealand four years ago after having her own travel agency in Santa Monica, Los Angeles for 16 years. She has travelled very extensively throughout the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand as her agency focused on these areas. Her most excellent adventures include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, diving in Belize, skiing in Switzerland, Carnival Celebrations in Rio, hiking the Milford & Routebourne Trek in New Zealand and cruising with the Royal Caribbean in the Southern Caribbean. Robert Schroder has been managing the agency Harvey World Travel in Browns Bay, for the last eleven years. He has travelled extensively, skied throughout NZ including the Tasman Glacier, skied in Australia, Nevada, British Columbia and Switzerland. While mostly selling long haul â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Europe, South America, US, Canada & Asia, having visited Japan three times, he has specialised in cruising and is an accredited member of the International Cruise Council of Australia Award and a Nominee for Top Consultant in NZ in 2007. * Harvey World Travel Browns Bay is an Award Nominee from the International Cruise Council in 2006 for Best Agency Awarded Top Shoppe from P & O Cruises 2008.

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BUYING A BUSINESS a New Zealand market overview

By Paul Gilberd – commercial property and business broker with Barfoot and Thompson

f you are thinking of buying a business in New Zealand, then your timing is great and it could solve a number of problems for you all in one move. I have experienced a number of New Zealand owner operators putting their businesses on the market because they want to retire, and for new migrants into New Zealand buying a business is often a great way to secure good cash flow and also a way of buying yourself a great job. There are currently very good opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector for motivated owner operators to take on good cash flow businesses and often in this particular market segment, the arrangement includes a home to live in, so in a way it solves two problems at one time. Land and buildings prices have now stopped their strong growth across almost all parts of the New Zealand market and in some places have already softened by 10% or more. This means that it is a buyers market and prices are more realistic right now. Lending has been tight from the main banks and if you do not have capital to put down as a deposit, it may be better to consider a freehold going concern rather than a leasehold business, so that you can offer extra security to the bank. Don’t forget that there is no capital gains tax in New Zealand so this is good news and another reason to take this route to the market. The most important factor that defines the success of a business is the quality of the management team. This means it is down to you to make sure you have the experience and the passion to make your next move a winner. If you cannot see yourself behind the counter, working in the business, then it is not for you. Paul Gilberd is a commercial property and business broker for Barfoot & Thompson, New Zealand’s largest privately owned Real Estate Company.

Thinking of buying in New Zealand?

The investment options we provide qualify as acceptable investments under the new Active Investor Migrant Policy.

Barfoot & Thompson is New Zealand’s largest privately owned Real Estate firm and offers a full service for all new migrants and investors. We operate nationwide We can provide you a full service solution for any of your real estate needs – a home, a business or an investment property. Talk to us and let us help you make your next move. Ǧ

land lord collecting rent with good yields on your investments.

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Call or email me now for free advice on your next move: Paul Gilberd Mobile 021 424 079 p.gilberd@barfoot.co.nz Barfoot & Thompson Commercial Phone +64 9 358 0989 Level 3, 50 Kitchener Street, Auckland www.barfootcommercial.co.nz

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New Zealand’s biggest SA “braai” ever! Calling all south african immigrants who love braaivleis and rugby…...

orth Harbour Rugby Union & North Shore City welcome new and established residents to celebrate the history, pride and passion of this iconic rugby match between North Harbour and Auckland at North Harbour Stadium, Saturday 27th September. With South African Heritage Day taking place on 24th September this is a great opportunity to connect with your community, and rugby team. Come and have a jol over a Fred’s Fine Food boerewors roll. There is fun for everyone with spot prizes and entertainment for the kids. Plus the chance to win beer for a year with the Speights Dodgeball. Register online at speights.co.nz. For information and tickets visit www.harbourrugby.co.nz.

R U B Y

QBE Insurance Saturday 27 September. Kick off 2.35pm Curtainraiser: North Harbour U18 vs Auckland U18 Kick off 12.00pm Game Day Sponsor: Royal New Zealand Navy

Sample culture and South African flair - right here on the North Shore! North Harbour Rugby welcomes you from 12pm in the lead up to one of the biggest battles in New Zealand Provincial Rugby. There’s fun for everyone with spot prizes up for grabs. For more information visit www.harbourrugby.co.nz or phone Liesl Kemp on (09) 447 2100 Proudly bought to you by North Shore City Council – your Lifestyle City.

Pre-purchase your tickets and save up to $5 per ticket on gate prices! Tickets available at TICKETDIRECT www.ticketdirect.co.nz or 0800 4 TICKET

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South Africa Revisited An ex-SA Kiwi explains why she went back to the place of her birth. By Alison Hofer

returned to South Africa with the primary idea of giving my son a chance to really know his country of birth. I wanted him to know what I meant when I spoke of the South African landscape that I love so profoundly. I had a need to introduce him, as a growing boy, to the people, the poetry, the culture and the values that shaped me; and which will influence the way I guide him as he develops. I wanted him to smile as I spoke about the canter of a giraffe, or the grunt of a lion, or the flick of a hippo’s ear in the water when they surface. I want him to smile when he hears that, out of recognition and pleasure so that he can share it. I had no idea how long Alison and Julian Hofer we would be back here. We still have no concrete plans regarding the duration of our stay. The interesting twist in the plan has been my own joyous rediscovery of this country thanks to the new focus on living a life where we seek out the beautiful, the special, and the pleasures that are so abundant in South Africa. Yet we do not hide from the challenging questions this country poses. We discuss the brutality of life when we see the amputee asking for money at the robot at the bottom of Orange Street, Cape Town, on our way to watching the sunset over the ocean with a picnic on Signal Hill; and we listen to tourists around us marvel and we swell up with pride. On another sunny day we hike up Lion’s Head and shake our heads with awe at the view of the Twelve Apostles, while still panting from our climb up the chain ladders. As we sit and tear open our naartjies (yes, they are not mandarins anymore), I still can’t believe the story that they printed in the Cape Argus this week about the people that got mugged on this same hill. Perhaps it is this focusing on doing all that is wonderful in South Africa that allows me to enjoy my country like never before. When you have foreign guests staying with you and suddenly you do all the tourist things, you find to your surprise that you’re loving it too; so being back in the old country and showing my son his homeland has helped me see South Africa in a new light. Never before have I been to Groot Marico, met the locals, eaten in the café’s, swung off the fooffie slide to splash into the Groot Marico river, and then rest in the sun while the Woodland Kingfisher darts overhead. And then

the unique experience of climbing up the koppie beyond the river, sitting under the thorn trees and braaing a whole spiral of boerewors with homemade chutney and rosterkoek. On the way home to Cape Town we saw the elegant blue crane in the fields and I was able to show him the national bird on our coin, which blew him away. As you can see, South Africa sings deep into my heart, and I see Julian beginning to hum along. South African born Alison Hofer lived in Auckland from 1999 to 20 06 where she worked as an actress in various TV series like “Shortland Street”, played various roles in films and short films, did theatre “Othello”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Hello and Goodbye” and began The Actors’ Lounge theatre troupe. Alison co-presented The Protea Hour (a weekly radio programme for South African migrants living in Auckland) with regular presenter Jan Coetsee. She also began teaching actors at TAPAC (The Performing Arts School) and University of Technology, and graduated with a Masters degree (with first class honours) in Theatre Studeis at University of Auckland. She is currently working as an actress, writer and director of plays like “Helping Hand” (2008), has acted in local soaps “Isidingo” and “Binnelanders”, worked on the American TV series “Life is Wild” and currently heads the performance department of the South African School of Motion Picture. She lives in Cape Town with her Journalist partner Angus Begg (Carte Blanche) and son Julian Thomas.

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GREAT SOUTH AFRICAN SPORTSMEN

JOHN SMIT By Ted Woodberg

lthough John has one of the most common names in the world, he certainly stands out head and shoulders above any of the other “John Smiths” that I have known in my lifetime. He has been described as one of the most successful South African rugby captains ever; up there with legends like Gary Teichmann and Francois Pienaar. He was born in 1978 in the Northern Transvaal town of Pietersburg. He attended Pretoria Boys High School where he played in the first rugby team from 1994 to 1996. He was appointed head prefect in his last year at school, 1996. He then moved down to Durban where he briefly attended Natal University. In 1998 he joined the provincial Curry Cup side, the Natal Sharks and enjoyed success as part of the scrum; playing hooker, flank or prop; an ideal place to be if you are to lead a team as captain. He was also heavily involved in the Super 12 from 1998 onwards, playing exclusively for the Sharks; but in the early years of this competition, the South African teams did not do well and often ended up in the bottom four. John first represented South Africa as hooker in the Springbok team in 2000 at the tender age of 22 when they played against Canada in an

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Ensuring your success is my practice Relocating to a new country is probably one of the most difficult things you and your family will undertake in your lifetimes. I know as I have been there done that. Planning your affairs is crucial to your success in your new country - you cannot afford mistakes. Formerly of Johannesburg, I have practised in New Zealand for the past ten years and I can advise you on all matters relating to • Purchasing your new home • Purchasing and setting up a new business • Setting up new Wills and Estate Planning (including Family Trusts) • Winding up your South African Affairs • Immigration Applications and Problems • Notarising of documents for use in South Africa

I am here to help you to succeed so give me a call to discuss your requirements. The first half hour is free of charge and so are standard wills.

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John acknowledges the crowd after South Africa wins the Trinations in 2007 John raises the Rugby World Cup when South Africa wins in 2007.

international test match at Basil Kenyon Stadium in East London.

The Springboks won the match 51 – 18. Despite John’s obvious talent, he spent the first few years of his Springbok career on and off the reserve bench which was undoubtedly an extremely frustrating place to be. After a plethora of dismal coaches, Jake White finally appeared on the scene and he decided to give John the chance that he had been waiting for. He was promoted to captain in 2004. From then on John’s career skyrocketed, and by the next year he had notched up 16 victories in only 22 games, which is an incredible record for a novice captain. Then came the 2007 Trinations competition which was dominated by the feisty Springboks, bringing another crown to John’s superb captaincy abilities as he led his team to victory and the highly coveted William Web Ellis Trophy. This was a heady time indeed for the bold Sprinboks, but they kept their cool as they entered the most important competition on the rugby union calendar, the 2007 Rugby World Cup. The All Blacks were the hot favourites to take control of this all important series of matches after having last lifted this trophy way back in 1980. But luck went against them when they lost to France in the semis. South Africa went through to win the World Cup after a brilliant display of captaincy by John which was the pinnacle achievement of his career to date. John Smit was now hot property in the eyes of the rugby union world and he attracted the attention of French club, Clermont, who arranged a two-year deal with John to play for them. This meant that John had to move to France and naturally give up his ties with the provincial Natal Sharks and the Super 14 Sharks teams. Fortunately he was able to retain his place in the Springbok team as both hooker and captain. Unfortunately during his first game in the 2008 Trinations, after a deliberate spear tackle by Brad Thorn of New Zealand, John was hospitalized with a groin injury which has put him out of the competition. This is a weird twist of fate for our illustrious hero and despite a strong stand by relief captain Victor Matfield, the spirit seems to have gone from the team that held the trophy so high at the culmination of the 2007 competition. Don’t worry, John. There is still the 2011 World Cup to look forward to. So vasbyt my china! There are a whole bunch of records still to break out there!

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DESTINATIONS ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Intriguing Rangitoto Island J ust a few short nautical miles east of the Auckland coastal suburb of Torbay lays a huge outcrop of volcanic rock known as Rangitoto Island. It is easily accessible from the mainland if you use a Fuller’s Ferry from the main quay in Quay Street, Auckland City.

their home, but it also thrusts Rangitoto up from the ocean. There are now daily ferry trips to the island from Auckland but overnight stays are not generally possible, although a campsite exists close to the wharf with basic amenities. A day trip allows plenty of time for the fit to walk to the summit and back, with stunning views of Auckland harbour and the city. And if you can’t handle the walk, a land train, co-ordinated with the ferry sailings, takes visitors to within a short distance of the summit. And, finally, if you hear a deep rumble, get back to the ferry as fast as you can. Who says an inactive volcano can’t erupt again?

It is a fascinating venue because it vibrates with every type of flora and fauna that you can imagine on a piece of rock; but it has an added attraction in that it is replete with an amazing network of lava tunnels that criss cross the island and create interesting caves to visit. Rangitoto Island literally exploded from the sea approximately 600 years ago, spewing forth 2300 million cubic metres of lava and 19 million cubic metres of ash. The volcano is now extinct and it is astounding that anything grew on this acrid Lava field with path and encroaching vegetation. base of black lava after its initial emergence from the sea. Against all odds, life spawned on the basaltic rock, and today, the walk to Rangitoto’s summit is lined with 200 species of native plants and more than 40 types of fern. New Zealand’s largest remaining pohutukawa forest Rangitoto Island from One Tree Hill. also grows on the island. Purchased by the Crown in 1854, Rangitoto became a public reserve in 1890. The first wharf and a track to the summit was built seven years later, but it was in the 1920’s and 30’s that Rangitoto really came to life. As new roads, stone walls, and even a tide-fed swimming pool were built, so too were a scattering of small holiday homes. Erected on crown-leased sites, they were home to a small community of holiday makers who turned Rangitoto’s blackened base into a festive summer destination. Some of these derelict dwellings still remain, maintained by the Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust and restored to their former glory as a tribute to the small community that once thrived on Auckland’s largest volcano. Employment and Recruitment Consultants Today Rangitoto has no population whatsoever (except for the tourists) and the abundant, unchecked wild life. Maori legend tells the story of the origin of Rangitoto where one night a husband and wife who were children of the local fire gods quarreled and cursed the goddess of fire, Mahuika. Upset by this slight, Mahuika complains to Mataoho, the god of earthquakes and eruptions. He punishes the squabbling couple with an eruption of such force it not only swallows up

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E-mail: info.jobsrus@gmail.com 17

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Dominique and her class receive their black belts

My Biggest Challenge TOP KARATE TEEN TELLS HER STORY

y Biggest Challenge has always been my size. I’m rather a small girl. Some four year’s ago I thought Karate would be a fun idea and I found myself signing a piece of paper that committed me to three years Dominique Foster. of hard karate training. The uniform was different to the normal white gee - my own was red. This is where my first challenge began - the only size I could find had me looking as if I was in an over sized Father Christmas suit. There was one good point – my sleeves were very long and when I start a kata the material would “SNAP” and it would make an awesome sound. My second challenge had just kicked in, and this was commitment. I had committed myself to twice a week and sometimes on a Saturday morning to training. If I say so myself I was getting really good, I was passing belt tests and on the plus side getting fit. Tax But each lesson demanded more discipline, 0350I was SA Directlink Ad.pdf 4/8/08 2:05:59 PM

more physical strength and a lot more bruising. M y p a r t n e r s w e re always bigger than me in every way weight and size and most of them were boys (there were a few cute ones!!) I started to think this wasn’t what I signed up for. One of the hardest belts I ever had to pass was my red belt. I realised I had come so far but still had a long way to go. I wanted to give up, I’d had enough! Dominique with her Even those cute boys instructor, Master h a d c h a n g e d i nt o Kendall Jones. mean monsters. They seemed even bigger than they were before. Choi Kwan Do was all about persevering and not giving up because it’s too hard. I made a choice to carry on and make it worthwhile. My brown belt was all about mental strength and my head wasn’t in the right space, I didn’t pass. I went back and with loads of encouragement from my family and from Master Kendall Jones my instructor, I re-did my brown belt. I passed with a great mark, but it wasn’t over yet. I still had to do a four hour long black belt test. I put everything I had ever learnt into one afternoon’s test and I PASSED!!!! Last Saturday I put on my uniform for the very last time. Four years of hard work was represented in one black belt, but to me it meant so much more personally and now I think of that moment with great happiness and pride. Dominique Foster. Age 16. First Dan Black Belt. Impact Black Belt Academy.

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The Cape of Storms On August 31 2008 a terrific storm hit the Western Cape Coast of South Africa, wreaking incredible damage to the coastline. Here are some pictures taken by locals.

The aftermath of the storm, Camps Bay, Cape Town.

ning! sy drow e bu10/6/08 p tsa ad 100608.ai 11:10:25 a C rand, W The St

Seapoint promenade, Cape Town

A big w ave hit s the S trand p romen ade.

JIM PRETORIUS B.Ch.D M.Ch.D (Pret)

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THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC SCENE

JOHNNY CLEGG “THE WHITE ZULU” By Ted Woodberg

rying to play his music while running from the law must have been hard for young Johnny during those strict apartheid years of the 70’s and 80’s. As a teenager he was blown away by the sounds that his black friend, Sipho could produce by threading a few guitar strings across a paraffin tin. Sipho was a poor black migrant worker from Zululand who happened to be doing the garden work for the Clegg family when English born Johnny first noticed his natural musical talent. They became strong friends during a time in South Africa when it was unacceptable for respectable white people to associate publicly with blacks. But this did not stop these two vagabond musicians from breaking the curfews so that they could play their music behind the apartheid curtain. In the dusty black townships of Johannesburg Johnny Clegg and Sipho Mchunu began a musical legacy that has become part of South African political history. It was political because Johnny hated apartheid as much as he loved his music. Johnny was born in 1953 in Rochdale, near Manchester and had an amazing upbringing across a variety of continents, namely England, Israel, Rhodesia (today Zimbabwe) and ultimately Johannesburg, South Africa, where he met Sipho. From his high school, Jeppe Boys High in Jo’burg, Johnny moved on to study anthropology at the University of Witwatersrand and qualified with a BA in the subject. He spent four years as a university lecturer but his heart was in the music, so he and Sipho formed the band “Jaluka” which is the Zulu word for ‘sweat.’ Their first album, “Universal Men” was rejected by the South African Broadcasting Corporation because it was too anti-apartheid, so these two aspiring musicians had to rely on “word-of-mouth” popularity rather than normal radio air play to achieve their initial fame. Another album “Work for All” picked up on South African trade union slogans in the mid-80’s. Strangely enough, Clegg and his African band received much airplay in

Europe and they became overnight successes in France, where they sold over a million copies of their album “Shadow Man” when it was released in the late eighties. The Europeans dubbed him “Le Zoulou Blanc” (The White Zulu) when they saw how closely he had adopted African street music. Jaluka toured Europe in 1985 when they made their first impression on the European market. Unfortunately Jaluka had to disband in 1986 when Sipho was asked by his father to return home and herd the family goats. This he did without compunction, giving up a life of international fame as a well-recognised musician, next to his “white-boy” confederate, Johnny Clegg. Obviously the cultural bond amongst African black families had a lot to do with Sipho’s decision. This did not deter Johnny from re-forming his black band without Sipho, which he called Savuka, based on the Zulu word for “we have risen.” At the height of Savuka’s success in 1988, Michael Jackson had to cancel his show in Montreal, Canada because he attracted fewer audiences as compared to Johnny Clegg and his newly formed band. In the mid-90’s Mchunu decided to hand the management of the family goats back to another sibling and he re-joined Johnny as Jaluka and they started doing world tours as the opening act for King Sunny Ade as well as other headliner performances. Clegg and his band often make an international tour during May-August of each year, covering mainly Europe and surrounding countries, however in June 2004 the Johnny Clegg band toured North America for the first time in over eight years, and even without significant media coverage, they managed to fill most of their venues. Johnny’s compositions will always remain an integral part of our lives as genuine South Africans. His song “Scatterlings of Africa” constantly remind us of our European heritage, mixed with the mud and dust of African culture. Savuka’s song, “Dela,” was featured on the soundtrack of the George of the Jungle movie (1997) while “Great Heart” was the title song for the 1992 movie Jock of the Bushveld. Johnny, we owe a lot to you as an ambassador of our great country, South Africa. Sawobona … hamba kahle!

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Comforting Curry for Cold Days Recipe provided by Christa Welgemoed (Riekert), author of The Seven Ingredient Cookbook. (More information from www.nb.co.za or Christa at christawelgemoed@gmail.com.)

ew Zealand winters are wet, they are drawn out but there’s a sure remedy to drive away the cold. The answer is a pot of steaming, hot curry! Your choice might be for the authentic Indian variety with a multitude of spices blended into a harmony of flavours or you may opt for the easier ready mixed varieties. One thing is sure. You are bound to brighten up the dreariest of days with a colourful curry dish. South African curry has a character all of its own. The curry dishes we learn to love was first introduced by the Cape Malay people. Their influences fused with the flavours of Western India, creating a unique Asian taste which gained popularity and became part of the South African cuisine. The

basic ingredients are onions and some fresh garlic, spices such as turmeric, coriander, cumin, cinnamon (preferably a stick) and curry powder or chilli powder (amount depends on taste) and ginger root (ground ginger if fresh is not available). To allow the flavours to marry well, the spices need to be fried with the sautéed onions and garlic. Browned meat (either lamb or beef) can be added but vegetarians will use their choice of vegetables. This dish needs to simmer in a sauce consisting of vinegar, apricot jam and broth, and seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. Many recipes add tomato paste, coconut cream or buttermilk to this to add variety. For those with health at heart, yoghurt is a worth while option. The following recipes are a few tested favourites which allows room for own interpretation. Feel free to delve in and add ingredients enjoyed by your family and friends!

Lamb Curry (4-6 servings)

Method

1 kg boneless lamb cut into 20 mm cubes 2 large onions, chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 20 ml curry powder 3 ml turmeric 15 ml chopped ginger root (5 ml ground ginger) 5 ml coriander (optional) 2 ml cinnamon (optional) 30 ml vinegar 15 ml apricot jam (or 15 ml brown sugar) 1 can tomato paste 500 ml heated meat stock 10 ml salt freshly ground black pepper to taste 30 ml cake flour

Brown meat in a heated heavy-based saucepan. Add cooking oil if needed. Add onions and garlic and sauté until onions are translucent. Add curry and spices and fry for a few minutes. Add remaining ingredients except the flour. Bring to a boil, cover with lid and simmer for 1 ½ hours or until meat is tender. Thicken gravy with a paste of flour and water. Serve with Chapatis or rice. Or make a Bunny Chow.

Options: •A dd 1 green apple, 1 pineapple (cubed) and 1 banana (sliced) 20 minutes before end of cooking period for a fruity alternative. • Use pork rather than lamb •A dd 250 g dried fruit halfway through the cooking process •A dd 2 large potatoes (cubed), 3 carrot (sliced) and 200 g green beans to the dish. •G arnish with grated fresh coconut or chopped cilantro. •A dd a can of chopped tomato rather than the tomato paste. Reduce the stock to 250 ml or less. •R eplace the lamb with butter beans and kidney beans for a vegetarian variation.

Method Brown chicken in a heated saucepan, turning frequently. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add onions and sauté until translucent. Transfer to an oven-proof dish. Mix lemon juice, sugar, heated juice and chutney thoroughly and pour over chicken. Add prunes, season to taste, cover with lid and bake at 180 degrees C for 1 hour or until meat is cooked and tender. Serve with garden peas and steamed rice.

Chicken curry (4-6 servings) 6 - 8 c h ic ke n t h ig h s and drumsticks 1 large onion, chopped 15 ml curry powder 15 ml lemon juice 15 ml brown sugar

250 ml apricot or orange juice 50 ml chutney 50 ml raisins 100 g dried prunes (about 12) salt and pepper to taste

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Snippets

“Whereto from here Zimbabwe?” The former British colony of Rhodesia is disintegrating under the rule of Robert Mugabe, probably one of the most brain-dead idiots ever to find himself in charge of a country. Zimbabwe was formerly the “bread-basket” of Africa and this fool Mugabe stole the successful farms of the minority white farmers and gave them to his retard followers who don’t even understand the concept that you have to “sow before you can reap.” All this on the dubious pretext that the ancestors of the white farmers originally stole the land from the ancestors of his retard followers. Yeah, right! However, it would be wrong to write off the Mugabe government as totally incompetent. When it comes to producing abject poverty, rampant inflation, abuse of human rights or failing to fight the spread of aids, then these guys are definitely Premier League. Witness the hundreds of poor Zimbabweans trying to escape the country by illegally crossing the border into South Africa. With an official inflation rate of 100,500%, you couldn’t buy a loaf of bread even if you were a millionaire! It sounds like Disneyworld. Professional companies in Zimbabwe have now adopted the US dollar as an acceptable form of legal tender. Welcome to Africa. Maybe South Africans should now change their “rands” for “dollars?”

“Auckland’s North Shore City attracting ever more South Africans.” The North Shore is developing a South African flavour with an influx of migrants planning new lives in the city. An immigration expo held in Johannesburg in August 2008 attracted more than 6 500 attendees looking to migrate to New Zealand, and particularly to the North Shore which has already attracted many of Auckland’s approximately 25 000 exSouth Africans. See pictures of the expo on Page 14.

“Condition Report on South Africa?” Many white South Africans take a dim view of the endorsement by the ruling African National Congress of party leader Jacob Zuma as its candidate for president in the 2009 elections. Zuma faces trial next year on charges of corruption and fraud. South Africa’s Institute for Race Relations estimates that around 800 000 whites emigrated in the decade from 1995 to 2005. Crime continues to ravage the country with 50 people murdered every day and over 130 rape cases reported on a daily basis. While the past few years have seen a slight drop in contact crime statistics, the level of violence used during robberies and other criminal acts has sown terror in the population. Why? The leaders have the answer. We can only speculate!

PROPERTY WATCH By Carlene du Toit of Ray White Mairangi Bay

ow you too could be in the running for home ownership - thanks to the “nanny state.”

You’ve got to hand it to the New Zealand government – they sure do look after their people. They have a new initiative, delivered jointly by the government’s Kiwibank and Housing New Zealand, that is aimed at those with a household income of between $55 000 and $85 000 who meet certain criteria. A maximum house price cap applies which will fluctuate according to the market. Up to 700 loans are available under the $35 million scheme which operates in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Queenstown. In terms of the new pilot scheme which was launched on 1 July, twenty-six aspiring first home owners have now been granted pre-approval and their certificates sent in the mail. They are now faced with the exciting prospect of having to find a home they like within 90 days. A shared equity loan is an interest free loan from Housing New Zealand, topping up a Kiwibank home loan and the home buyer’s own deposits. It means people can borrow less from the bank. They will still have to make regular repayments on their home loan from Kiwibank but they will not have to pay back their shared equity loan until their property is sold or their Kiwibank loan term ends – although there are incentives to pay the Shared Equity loan earlier. Any capital gains made are shared by Housing New Zealand and the vendors and the same applies to losses – it seems but please check this out. . Rush off to www.sharedequityscheme.co.nz and find out more about this exciting windfall – and if you qualify, contact me to start looking for a house for you without delay – and don’t forget to say a little prayer of gratitude for our magnanimous nanny.

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25/9/08 8:54:16 AM

The

South African