The SA issue 31 by The South African Magazine

The

Issue number 031

February/March 2013

South African

CONNECTING SOUTH AFRICA AND NEW ZEALAND

Free

Greatest little nation on earth page 4

Caring for our Heritage page 22 The South African

From the editor

hope you all had a great Xmas season and a well deserved rest. Most of us are back at work and getting back into the normal grind. The year started with a lot of positivity with the fiscal cliff being resolved by the USA, the job market is slowly recovering and the share market has had some of the best results in 5 years. Whoopee! I hope this has a ripple effect on all of you, more business in 2013, higher salaries and more stability in the world. I have just completed my advertising budget for North Shore Immigration Services and realise I need to spend more money on local as well as international advertising if I want my business to grow. Like most of you, one advert does not necessarily get you an immediate fix, but consistent regular advertising does definitely work. The magazine is full of interesting articles and if you have an article you want featured or a South African who has done well in sport or business, please give Sherelee a call to arrange an article and photographs to recognise the achievement. I am meeting more and more new South Africans every day as many of them are coming over. Please be aware of the New Arrivals meet and greet which is held on the last Tuesday of every month and all ‘newbies’ are more than welcome. I had a bunny chow from the Cuisine India takeaway at Northcross, off East Coast Road, the other day. Excellent! Without a doubt, the best bunny chow on the Shore. Give it a try! Regards

The

South African PUBLISHER & EDITOR Peter Woodberg e-mail : jepwood@xtra.co.nz; mob: 0274 520 794 ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR Sherelee Clarke e-mail: sherelee.samagazine@gmail.com; ph 09 281 5069 ADDRESS The South African, P.O.Box 300 155, Albany, AUCKLAND 0752 17 Corinthian Drive, Albany, AUCKLAND, 0630 JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! THE SOUTH AFRICAN MAGAZINE http://www.facebook.com/groups/401361333247671 CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS The SANZ Charitable Trust – George Deeb Tel: 09-486 1415 e-mail: george@georgedeeb.co.nz Die Afrikaanse Klub – Thys Oosthuizen e-mail: die.afrikaanse.klub@clear.net.nz Christchurch contact: Linda Klok: e-mail: info@sinzasa.org.nz THE SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSION, WELLINGTON Tel: 04 815 8484 Level 7, State Insurance Tower, 1 Willis Street, Wellington. e-mail: consular@sahcwellington.co.nz COVER Auckland - City of Sails photo Sherelee Clarke 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 be the vehicle for SA immigrants living in NZ to integrate socially with their own community and to advertise their products and services.”

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www.anniqueonline.co.nz Tracey Crosby Tel: 09 420 4330 Email: tracey@anniqueonline.co.nz The South African

LEGAL UPDATE: EMPLOYMENT LAW

Restructuring:

the rights and wrongs of it. Eska Hartdegen

Restructuring a business is within the prerogative of management where it is motivated by genuine commercial reasons.

t is the unfortunate reality that many companies show a definite lack of Christmas spirit by deciding to restructure their businesses particularly in December. Thus some unfortunate employees find themselves being made redundant just before the Christmas holidays, leaving them in the knowledge that in the New Year they are without employment, and possibly they have little prospect of finding a new job until some months into the next year. So what determines their entitlements, and what rights do they have? It is unlawful to use restructuring or redundancy as justification to disestablish a role where the decision is motivated by wanting to get rid of a particular employee. Thus creating a new role for this purpose, which is substantially no different but possibly has a different title, will fall foul of the justification test, and will not be considered a genuine redundancy. Even where a position genuinely is no longer needed, transparency and fairness of process are still a requirement. In New Zealand currently, whether or not an employment contract includes a redundancy provision determines what an employee is entitled to by way of compensation, notice and also regulates various other matters such as a right to redeployment for example. Where the contract is silent and does not provide for compensation, there is no entitlement, no matter how long the employment lasted. There is however the requirement to follow a consultation process in most instances, and section 103A of the ERA 2000 sets out the test of justification to determine whether or not a redundancy was justified. The following are some cases where the redundancy was not considered to be justified or genuine: In Simpson Farms Ltd v Aberhart, it was held that “So long as an employer acts genuinely and not out of ulterior motives, a business decision to make positions or employees redundant is for the employer to make and not for Authority or the Court, even under s103A.”

disadvantage, and referred to the good faith obligations of section 4. In Wang v Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust the redundancy was found not to be genuine given the similarity between the employee’s existing role and the new role which the employer created. The role title was changed from Financial Administrator to that of Financial Manager, and despite the fact that the role was more senior and had broader responsibilities, it was held that the employee already was doing the duties of the new role. Mr Wang was awarded six months’ lost wages and $5,000 compensation for hurt and humiliation as a result. A redundancy can also be unjustified if it does not comply with the provisions agreed in the employment agreement such as where in Harris v Charter Trucks Ltd, the employment agreement specifically provided for “at least two weeks notice of termination”. The employee had been employed for more than

25 years in the business, but was given two weeks’ pay in lieu of notice. This deprived him of saying goodbye to colleagues, in what a fair and reasonable employer would have realised, was a difficult and traumatic time for the employee. The Court said a longer period of notice should have been considered, and it was critical of the way in which the dismissal was communicated to the employee by letter, faxed to his advocate, finding this to be grossly insensitive. Also of the fact that the other staff were not told what had happened to Mr Harris, as he simply disappeared from the workplace. A sad state of affairs indeed, but not an uncommon occurrence! The principle remains that employers cannot rely on their management prerogative to conduct what is actually a sham process to get rid of an employee. It would not result in a genuine redundancy, it is not lawful, and there are remedies for it.

In Farmers Transport Ltd v Kitchen the Court held that there was “a blatant attempt to disguise a dismissal for performance as redundancy”, and in Allen v Johnson’s House Removal Co Ltd, it was held that the dismissal had “all the hallmarks of an employer who has, for whatever reason, tired of an employee and sought to justify her dismissal by relying on management prerogative.” In Rillstone v Product Sourcing International 2000 Ltd, the employee managed a farm. The employer created a new position for the management of three drystock farms, which would incorporate all the tasks already undertaken by the employee. The Court held that in this instance it was not a case of unjustified dismissal, but rather a case of unjustified The South African

Greatest little nation on earth

mericans like to think they are the greatest country in the world and the best at just about everything. Sadly, that hasn’t been true for quite some time.

So who’s taken the crown? The latest international index of 123 countries released by the Fraser Institute, Canada’s leading public policy think-tank, and Germany’s Liberales Institut, ranked New Zealand number one for offering the highest level of freedom worldwide, followed by the Netherlands then Hong Kong. Australia, Canada and Ireland tied for fourth spot. The survey measured the degree to which people are free to enjoy classic civil liberties - freedom of speech, religion, individual economic choice, and association and assembly - in each country surveyed, as well as indicators of crime and violence, freedom of movement, legal discrimination against homosexuals, and women’s freedoms. The United States tied Denmark for seventh. America didn’t even get bronze. As for the idea that the United States is the envy of the world when it comes to free markets and business? Wrong again. The U.S. continues to lose ground against other nations in Forbes’ annual look at the Best Countries for Business. The U.S. placed second in 2009, but in 2012 it ranks 12th, trailing fellow G-8 countries Canada (5th), the United Kingdom (10th) and Australia (11th) The world’s biggest economy at $15.1 trillion scores abysmally when it Auckland – City of Sails photo Sherelee Clarke comes to trade freedom and monetary freedom. New Zealand has eight universities nationwide, with New Zealand. New Zealand can boast a transparent and stable slightly less than around a business climate that encourages entrepreneurship. New Zealand is half million students. Acthe smallest economy in the top 10 at $162 billion, but it ranks first cording to the QS World in personal freedom and investor protection, as well as a lack of red University Rankings, two of tape and corruption. New Zealand’s universities – So who tops the educational rankings? Auckland and Otago – rank in the top 200 of the 700 That would be New Zealand again, first in the world on the basis of performance in three areas: access to education, quality of best universities in the world, and Auckland in the top 100 education and human capital. (83rd and 133rd respecThe annual QS World University survey ranks institutions based on tively). That’s 25% compared scores for academic reputation, employer reputation and how many to the United State’s 2.06%. international students it has, among other things. Up to 20,000 All eight universities rank in universities from around the world were surveyed to find the top the top 500, with Auckland 700 academic institutions from 72 countries, the best universities in University of Technology apthe world. pearing on the list for the first time this year. That’s a 100% rating. So, who did top the list for the Best Countries for Business?

Even when New Zealand isn’t top of the list, they’re outranking and out-performing the United States on just about any index you want to consider. How about the environment? According to the Yale University and Columbia University 2012 Environmental Performance Index at the World Economic Forum, ranking 132 countries, New Zealand placed 14th in the 4

top 30. The United States trailed at 49th. Auckland is ranked the third best city out of the top five for quality of living, after Vienna and Zurich, nothing in the United States making the list at all. Even when it’s just the Americas being ranked for quality of living overall (taking New Zealand out of the equation altogether), the top four cities are all in Canada, with Honolulu coming 28th. Don’t even get me started on the All Blacks. One of the smallest countries in the world is kicking our ass when it comes to actually living up to the standards we Americans pretend we still have. Isn’t it about time we stopped kidding ourselves, stopped living on past glories that mostly never were, and started actually trying to be at least as good as one of the smallest nations on earth?

Excerpts taken from http:// crooksandliars.com, written by an American. The South African

When it comes to retirement planning, don’t bet the house on it. “You can’t eat your house” sums up an all too common quandary for a number of retired people in New Zealand.

hese folk have paid off their mortgages but at the same time are finding it tough to get by without the regular income that sustained them through their working lives. They discover they’re cash poor, though quite well off in a property owning sense. But edible dwellings, like the gingerbread house discovered by Hansel and Gretel, are indeed the foodstuff of storybooks. Owning one’s home is an important and worthy goal, and yes, for many of us our residence usually does end up being our largest asset. But the point here is that there are dangers in building a savings strategy solely around the family home. A New Zealand Treasury study, released back in 2007 prior to the launch of KiwiSaver, highlighted this situation. It found that the family home accounted for about 70 percent of the wealth of the average New Zealand household. Many families viewed this as a substitute for saving. Once retired, they planned to downsize their home, which they hoped would give them a lump sum they could then invest to generate extra income. But the study reported that the effect of doing this is “modest; it is only noticeable when households halve the size of their home.” So… if this is your strategy and you live in a house worth $700,000 now,

be prepared to move to a dwelling valued at $350,000 in order to free up the necessary capital. In fact, the study prompted the architect of KiwiSaver, former Finance Minister Michael Cullen to say: “This is a timely reminder for many New Zealanders to think beyond their investment in the family home if they are to secure their retirement dreams.” Another pitfall is the lack of diversification that results in a ‘home alone’ investment approach. The first rule of Investment 101 is always: spread your risk. Remember, the real estate market is just another type of market. It has been subject to downturns in the past and it will be again. Have you really spread your risk if as much as 70 percent of your wealth is tied up in a single asset within a single market? It’s also worth remembering the costs of investing in a home. Many homeowners look at the price they get when they sell a house, subtract what they paid for it and think… “Haven’t I done well!” They forget the interest costs of a long-term mortgage, rates, insurance, maintenance, renovations… the amount paid to live in a house can sometimes outstrip the so-

called profit made when the house is sold. So what’s the best path to take? By all means, invest in your own home, but don’t let it become the only string to your retirement savings bow. Being involved in a retirement savings scheme is an effective way to diversify your investments. For example, KiwiSaver is a savings option available to Permanent Residents and citizens.

Information provided as a ‘class’ advice by Neil Clarke AFA (FSP10261) - 09 915 0100 – www.hwp.co.nz Health Wealth Preservation Ltd do not accept responsibility for any loss or damage arising from reliance by any person on the Article or any information provided in the Article, whether in original or amended form, or for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions. http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ node/28759 1,2 & 3

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Masters Athletics By Bruce Solomon

s a young man of 25, I represented Border in Athletics from 1982-85 before a work promotion took me to Johan-

nesburg.

Fast track to 25 years later to 2010: I decided it was time to get back into athletics. I had no doubt in my mind that I could pick up immediately where I left off. I contacted Tauranga Ramblers, our local athletics club, and joined. It was a Tuesday morning and they have weekly track meetings on a Tuesday evening so I rushed out to a local sports shop and bought myself some running spikes. Boy, was I in for a surprise! I warmed up briefly before the 100m sprint, placed my starting blocks somewhere before the start line, and got into position. Bang, the gun went off, I took my first stride out the blocks (which I later worked out I had incorrectly set), kicked my spikes into the track, stumbled, and almost took the poor runner out, who was running in the lane next to me. Needless to say, I pulled muscles in my right leg I never knew I had. BIG words of advice: Don’t think you can run competitively without getting your body back into shape. If you haven’t run for a while, it can take a year just getting fit, never mind running competitively. I wasn’t put off by my injury and incurred a further 3 hamstring injuries throughout 2010 and 2011. I still kept at it, lost weight and made myself stronger during winter which resulted in achieving some

100 meters 1st Bruce Solomon 11,6 sec, 2nd Paul Daborn 11,9 sec, 3rd Stephen Burden 12,2 sec.

good times during 2012. All the hard work has paid off and this year I’m an extremely proud New Zealand M50 60m Record holder. NZ Masters Athletics is great fun with the competitive element attached to any sport. I would really like to encourage anyone interested in getting fit, having fun and competing at ages from 35 – 100+. New Zealand Masters Athletics (NZMA) conducts annual national championships for track and field, cross country, road,

marathon, half marathon, mountain running and distance walking for Masters Athletes in New Zealand. Membership to NZMA has many benefits, including eligibility to compete in local, regional, national and international masters competitions. Masters athletics is open to anyone over 35 yrs of age.

To find out your nearest Athletics Club, check the website www.nzmastersathletics.org.nz or contact me on brucesolomon@xtra.co.nz.

Designer of the Miss World NZ Crown

tepping onto New Zealand soil in the winter of 2011, Anita had truly found a country of new beginnings. Aqua Jewels Ltd was born in March 2012!

Bridal and Evening design was how Dutton entered the extraordinary world of the glitter and glamour of pageants. Her new client, Miss Earth NZ 2012, Gloria Blake, started wearing Aqua designed jewellery when she represented New Zealand in the Philippines at the international Miss Earth Pageant. The exclusive range ‘Earth Collection 2012’ was launched in December with Blake as the face of the collection. 10% of the proceeds are donated to Variety, the Anita Dutton children’s charity. Meeting the National Directors of the Miss World NZ, Desmond and Rose Foulger, landed Dutton her dream assignment – designing the new Miss World NZ crown! Under wraps for now, the unveiling of the new crown will take place at the final evening and crowning of Miss World NZ 2013 on 27 April this year. On that evening Dutton will be accompanied by Mr World NZ to present the new crown to the reigning Miss World NZ, Collette Lochore, who will then crown the winner. The crown is used for a minimum 5 year term. Dutton has already had her jewels on the international stage when she designed a 600 Swarovski Elements Crystal neckpiece, headpiece and earrings for Miss Universe NZ, Talia Bennett, who represented NZ in Las Vegas two months ago. Her designs also adorned Miss Intercontinental NZ 2012, Avianca Bohm, when she represented NZ in Germany. Dutton’s future is as bright and sparkly as her jewels and although she says it’s still early days for her, her dreams are coming true!

The South African

A Day in Christchurch By Eve Hemming

rriving in CHCH at 7.30 a.m. was enough to cause personal shock to the system, with a 3.30 a.m. wake up call in Auckland for us to get to the airport to catch an early flight. We were cheerily met by South African friends, who had braved a crisp morning to generously welcome us to their city. This was followed by a hearty family breakfast at their home, where we were shown ‘white dot stickers’ on walls. All homes in the city have every single earthquake crack earmarked. Without our attention drawn to this anomaly we may not have noticed, and could just as well have been in any good suburb in any NZ city… But we weren’t. We were in Christchurch. Later in the day we met a group of South Africans for a luncheon and only then did the magnitude of it hit me. Beforehand it had been ‘other’ people in ‘another’ city. Here we sat with recently made ‘Saffa’ friends listening to their stories. Each recounted what had happened in their lives on that fateful day. The table was abuzz with stories and I sensed that for all of them there was a strong identification and collegiality. This was their city and they had been in it! Each person had been affected. Some had lost work colleagues. One woman recounted how she and some work colleagues had uncharacteristically gone to a specific eatery next to their office for a bite. When the violent shaking started, they had taken shelter under the table. They survived to tell their story. The office building, where she would normally have been on the fourth floor, was severely damaged and later had to be demolished. Dazed, I listened while nibbling my Pâté. I started to more fully internalise how each and every person in the city had suffered - whether experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, severe anxiety, sleep disturbance, panic attacks, substance abuse, bereavement or depression, amongst other symptomology. An entire city. Later in the day we travelled through the tunnel to view Littleton, a once charming naval port; now more like the vestiges of a port that had a couple of bombs dropped on it. We travelled into the heart of the city to view what is called the ‘Container Mall’. In an effort to encourage people back into the city, shops have been built using containers. It is quaint and colourful; a reminder that in the face of defeat, the human spirit is able to display great courage, determination and almost defiance against nature’s wrath, to emerge triumphant. We silently passed cordoned off demolition and rubble zones and empty spaces, where buildings once proudly stood. The locals say they get lost as the familiar landmarks have all vanished and one has to travel circuitous routes around barricaded areas to find one’s destination. For us it was the cathedral. I had to see it; part magnificent, part brutally destroyed... The experience of being in Christchurch was strangely sacrosanct and surreal. All seemed to stand still and feel eerily quiet. A vast washed out silent sky. I felt a reverence for the people; for their robust endeavour to stand together in a broken city. Deconstruction has taken two years; slowly and delicately, as one can’t simply implode broken buildings, which could destabilise the foundations, creating earth tremors. Every site is painstakingly assessed for repair or to be cleared away brick by brick. Now it is The South African

time for the construction; for new buildings, new beginnings. Talking Therapy NZ report that many of the Canterbury population have developed PTSD. Their article (http:// www.talkingtherapy.co.nz/ resources/articles-on-mentalhealth/167-post-traumaticstress-disorder-and-thechristchurch-earthquakes), highlights three major clusters of experience:• Intrusive responses – e.g. flashbacks and nightmares, in which one feels as though one is reliving the experience, which is stressful and

physically and emotionally draining. •A voidance – e.g. avoiding places and memories related to the experience, which can lead to manifestations such as aches, pains or rashes. •H yperarousal – e.g. being constantly vigilant and on high alert waiting for the ‘next one’; leading to irritability, reactivity, poor attention, sleep disturbance and anxiety attacks.

Eve Hemming is a freelance writer and psychologist living in Auckland, NZ

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SaffaZealanders 2013 Calendar Launch By Eve Hemming

n enjoyable and successful SaffaZealanders 2013 Calendar Launch took place at Bushman’s Grill in December. It was packed to capacity with South Africans, Zimbabweans and friends. I enjoy the

atmosphere at Bushman’s, as it transports me ‘home’ with the thatch and African wildlife décor, right down to the miniature salt and pepper 3 legged pots; not to mention the tasty cuisine reminiscent of SA, like the scrumptious spare ribs.

“ Wild! about Food”

The objective of our calendar project was to create a fund raising venture which would support South Africans in NZ, simultaneously bringing us together; to meet, greet and have a collective sense of purpose. This goal Eve Hemming with the new calendar. was achieved by They are on sale at the fola group of women; models, lowing outlets: Bushman’s photographers and a designer Grill in Northcote, SA Shops who worked tirelessly to realise in Browns Bay and Rosedale a dream, with local Saffa busiRd, The Springbok Shop in nesses sponsoring the printing Pukekohe East, Farm Butchery costs, culminating in a fabulous in Warkworth, Suzette du Bois product. This has to date asin Hamilton, Bernadette Moirsisted several Saffa families in Webster in Howick, The DragNZ. Bushman’s Grill was one of onfly in Matakana or contact our generous sponsors - and Eve Hemming at saffazealandour thanks to Bushman’s Grill ers@gmail.com. We can post and one and all! anywhere (postal costs extra).

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The South African

Creating Wealth by Investing in Real Estate By Peter Woodberg

t’s our quality of thought that makes the difference, not our upbringing or education. So what is this different thinking? Robert Kiyosaki says in his book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” how the rich think, is it different to the way other people think? Not really, it’s how they take action that is different. How they may take perceived risk. How they look at money, how they use money, understanding the basics of good debt as opposed to bad debt, understanding assets & liabilities. It’s called ‘Financial Intelligence’. None of this, unfortunately, is taught in school, so the cycle of poverty will continue until we all can think differently and those that choose to be poor will remain so. I am going to show you a proven way of WEALTH CREATION through REAL ESTATE. Real Estate Education. It is very important that you read and understand some of the Real Estate philosophies so that you can comprehend the various types of property, the various ways in which to purchase property and the various ways to finance property. I would like to embark, with you, on a financial journey over the next ten years to create wealth though ownership of property. Most wealthy people use teams of people

A straight arrow

nton Heyns is a Barrister practising in the greater Auckland region and specialising in Criminal and Traffic defence work. Before immigrating to NZ he practised in South Africa for 15 years, with a strong emphasis on litigation, particularly Criminal defence work. As all South Africans will know, this meant that Anton handled a lot of serious crimes such as murder, robbery, rape and so on. Consequently he has a vast storehouse of court experience. Anton moved to New Zealand in 2005 with his family. Initially he practised with a firm of Solicitors doing conveyancing, before moving to the NZ Police Prosecutions Service, where he served as a Police Prosecutor on the North Shore for more than three years. This time was extremely valuable in marrying Anton’s South African experience to the New Zealand system, which is, in fact, very similar to the South African system. Anton has a “straight up and down” approach. He likes you to know exactly where you stand in terms of the problems you might face and his philosophy is to find the best, most pragmatic and realistic outcome for your matter, for a reasonable fee.

ANTON HEYNS A H Barrister

to help them on this journey because no one person knows it all. I would like you to participate in this journey, together, using the very different skills we all have. Leverage is the magic word in real estate investment, when you buy a property you do not sell; you leverage that property and buy more property. Most property doubles every 10 years. If you have developed a portfolio of $3 million over 10 years, your equity will be at least $1, 5 million depending on how your purchasers are spread out. If you sold your portfolio and invested in long term commercial property, you would get passive income of $120,000 per annum for the rest of your life, increasing with inflation every year. Would this work for you? There is no magic in property investment, no smoke and mirrors, just simple procedures which, if followed, will enable you to achieve wealth most people in the 500 rich list own property. Property is a long term investment and over time increases at least 10% per annum. Some years it will not increase at all but over time this increase is regular. Property in New Zealand has gone up on average by 10% for the last 30 years. Why should this change? Have there been ups and downs, of course, nowhere does it say that it is a steady one way climb by 10%. In all our calculations we use 5% growth, to be conservative. That is why Real Estate is a long term investment. We are looking at a 10 year journey to wealth. Golden Rules: The Six Golden Rules of Property. 1. You make money when you buy

2. Always buy from motivated sellers 3. Fall in love with the deal, not the property 4. Be countercyclical 5. Seldom sell 6. The “Deal of the Decade” comes along about once a week I provide a one stop shop for property investing to help you develop your portfolio. I will source the property. We will buy and repair if necessary and rent. I would manage the property, find tenants and look after maintenance and tenancy matters, if you need that service. Some property owners love doing all that themselves. We will try to develop your portfolio to 3 properties of $500,000 each or 6 properties of a lower value to achieve a $1.5 million portfolio which will double in 10 years. In traditional deals we would take a fee from the other Estate Agents or charge you a modest finder’s fee. We will have a team of finders looking for properties for you. You are welcome to assist. It would give you good practice. Not all properties will look like a million dollars. However, the main criteria are that the investment property must generate a certain level of income. Our main focus will be on properties that will be in good areas with good resale value and will be appealing to tenants. For example close to schools, bus stops & shops. I work with a team of professionals, mortgage brokers, lawyers, accountants & financial advisers. We do mini seminars to explain the procedure in more detail. If you are interested in coming to one of our seminars please contact me. I also do free one on one meeting to advise you how to start and hopefully give you the tools to achieve your dream.

Peter Woodberg has been in Real Estate for 34 years and sells commercial investment property, residential property and businesses. Contact details Corporate Real Estate: mobile 0274 520 794: e-mail jepwood@xtra.co.nz 10

The South African

Blue, my first love! By Kira Longman

I was born in Cape Town 13 years ago, now living in Browns Bay with my parents, Sean and Wendy, and my sister, Mia, 4 years ago. At the age of 4 I had my first riding lesson on a white thoroughbred. At 8 we left South Africa but my passion for horses continued. Finally, 2 years ago I started taking riding lessons again and joined several different Equestrian schools while always keeping my ears and eyes open for my own horse.

An injury during one of his races put an end to his racing days and he was put out to pasture. When I first saw Blue I was shocked at his condition. He was so skinny I could see all his ribs and he had a horrendous eye infection. I was told he would never get better, I would never be able to ride him and I shouldn’t invest my time in him. I knew my love would heal him. Every day I hand fed and medicated his eye. After 2 months of perseverance and dedication his eye started to open, he gained weight and I was riding him. Blue and I had the most wonderful time together. He was my best friend and the love of my life. We spent every spare moment together and our bond was tangible. One day the unthinkable occurred. As I was letting Blue out of the paddock to run to the top of the hill as he usually did, he ran into the top gate which was mistakenly left open. Blue misjudged the opening and his leg got stuck in the gate. Before LINK NZ offices are Licensed REAA08

Horse Watch Public NZ was where I found the love of my life, Blue. Blue was born on 14 November 1998, a white thoroughbred, 13 years old, 15.3hh gelding. He was an ex-race horse and very well known in racing circles. His race name was Tantalic and among the many races he’d won

was the Manwatu cup in 2004. Photo: Amber Mulholland

y passion and love for horses started at the age of 3 when I saw the movie, Spirit, about wild horses. This was when I fell in love with horses.

Kira Longman and Blue

I could get to him and, using all his force, he pulled his leg out causing a cut through his coffin bone. After two weeks of intensive medical care there was nothing more Blue and I could do. Our fight was over and my best friend was put to sleep. I was heartbroken. I still miss him so! I visit him regularly as Blue is buried near his favourite grazing spot in a tranquil clearing and where I planted a shrub which blooms white flowers – for my white horse. My videos are on YouTube channel chiefanddublin, click xBlessinginDisguisex.

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

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james pretorius B.Ch.D. M.Ch.D. (Pret)

orthodontist Suite 3, North Shore Medical Centre 326 Sunset Road, Mairangi Bay Auckland 0632, NEW ZEALAND Telephone: Surgery (09) 479-7963 Fax (09) 479-7941 Home (09) 413-9854 Email: j.pretorius@clear.net.nz 11

What is the Fiscal Cliff? By Peter Woodberg

here has been a lot of talk regarding the Fiscal Cliff and I am sure many may not understand what this really is. The USA has a huge debt problem and politicians have different views how to pay this debt down without going back into a recession. Simply put the Fiscal Cliff is when, in this case, the USA will have to make radical changes to be able to pay their debts, nationally and internationally. This is not a political argument but a national argument that has been politicised because both parties have different views on how to solve this problem. There are two ways to sort the problem out - one is to increase taxes and the other is to cut costs on government spending. No one likes tax increases but governments often raise taxes to balance the books. In a recession this is not always prudent as small businesses will lay off staff to balance their books, so it has a negative ripple effect. President Obama is adamant that he will not reduce government spending. Why, I do not know? Europe is in the same dilemma but they have gone down the road of Austerity measures, which is simply

that governments have been forced to cut deficits to prevent fiscal insolvency. So why is it okay for Europe but not okay for the USA? In the modern world, governments should be administrators and not nanny states. Well, the Fiscal Cliff has been averted and a bit of each of the examples has been used, increased taxes on the rich and a promise to reduce governPresident Obama ment spending. Why are we in New Zealand even talking The share market has rallied to the posiabout this? Well, it affects New Zealand as tive outcome of the agreement to avert part of the global village, our exports, our the fiscal cliff but is this the end of it? The share market, and the worlds share marnew argument for 2013 is the USA debt kets? When the biggest economy in the ceiling which President Obama will try to world is sick New Zealand also gets sick. increase to pay the bills.

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The South African

PROPERTY CORNER This regular article is brought to you by Richard Pearce of Barfoot & Thompson.

Property market review – 2012 year Richard Pearce

According to the latest market review by QV.co.nz, Nationwide residential property values increased 5.7% over the past year, and are now 2.0% above the previous market peak of late 2007.

Jonno Ingerson, QV.co.nz Research Director said “Looking back over 2012 the increase in national values was predominantly driven by Auckland and to a lesser extent Christchurch.” The performance of individual areas can be seen in the diagram on the right. “The sales for 2012 were 20% to 30% higher than 2011 and higher than any year since 2007. However, sales volumes are still 30% to 40% lower than during that 2003 to 2007 period when the market was flourishing.” “One of the defining features of 2012 was the low number of properties on the market. Many willing buyers found it hard to find suitable properties and this constrained sales volumes” said Jonno Ingerson. The outlook for 2013 QV stated that “The year has begun with supply still constrained due to a low number of new listings. With Auckland likely to continue to get more internal and external migration than other parts of the country, the demand for housing is not likely to ease in the short term. Values in Auckland are likely to keep rising.” “The rest of the country looks to remain variable in response to local economic conditions, but in most areas values will remain relatively flat.”

The South African

In concluding the Barfoot & Thompson December market review, Peter Thompson, Managing Director, stated that “With new listings and the total number of listings being at all-time lows, and with mortgage lending rates forecast to remain steady for the first half of 2013, the outlook for the early part of this year is for prices to hold on to the gains made in the last quarter of 2012.” I have personally experienced the current high buyer demand, with an incredible 78 buyer groups viewing an Albany home that I am marketing during the first two weekends of open homes. Disclaimer: The comments and opinions expressed above are my personal views and are NOT those of Barfoot & Thompson. The above is not intended as financial advice, and all persons should make their own decisions based on their personal circumstances and on advice from a number of sources.

“ Tales of the Full Moon” by Sue Hart

hese timeless Tales are from the pen of Dr. Sue Hart, the “Daktari” vet of “Born Free” fame. Sue wrote many books including the best seller, “Life with Daktari”, on which the popular TV series was based. She began telling these stories to her children at bedtime and they implored her to write them down. So began this blend of fact and fiction that developed into tales told by Spinosa, “the spider friend of everyone who lives in the bush”.

Nicky, the blind rhino Wildlife rangers have rescued a blind baby rhino found bumping into trees and rocks in the African bushveld. Nicky, a rare black rhino, is now getting 24-hour care and has formed a close bond with staff. The wildlife park has launched a campaign to raise funds for specialist surgeons to restore sight to Nicky’s eyes, which have been blinded by cataracts.

   

SYNOPSIS: “When the full moon rises, its light beckons all the animals of the bush. Everyone from far and wide gathers round Spinosa Spider’s umbrella tree to hear Spinosa spin her tales. So eager are Tops Giraffe, Rip Rhino, Merlin Monkey, Dudu Dove, Whoo Hoo Owl, Rumble Drum the wise old tusker - and all the other animals for a full moon tale - they even forget those animals they fear most.” Traditional storytelling is brought to life by modern technology in this unique eBook. Innovative hyperlinks illustrate each Tale with the use of spectacular wildlife photography, narration, and genuine bush sounds that draw the reader into the realm of wild Africa. The “Web Link” hyperlinks throughout the book give it the added dimension that takes it beyond an ordinary eBook. Each Tale is illustrated with creative ‘photo-animations’ by Trevor Barrett, and read by the actress and storyteller Rula Lenska, whose voices bring the characters vividly to life. The Tales are “edutainment” at its best - an imaginative blend of fact and fiction - based on Sue Hart’s experiences as a wildlife vet in the Kruger National Park. These Tales, though primarily written for children, will be enjoyed by young and old alike. “Tales of the Full Moon” is published by PlanetAfryca.com, and is available on iBooks, amazon, Lulu, and Kobo. The eBook is best viewed on the iPad or Kindle fire.

                                                       

    

 

                14

The South African

New Zealand Inspired

ew Zealand Inspired in Browns Bay opened in March and is run along the same lines as the successful Nikau New Zealand Made, Mairangi Bay. Gifts and Souvenirs are inspired by the fauna and flora have either been made or designed here. Many visitors come to the Bays area and are inspired to take a little of New Zealand away

Garth, Cycling for Cheshire

with them. We carry a large range of small gifts ranging from scarves, t-shirts, key rings, magnets, wine charms and beanies which are easily transported and very affordable. Also available are our Manuka Honey and Lanolin skincare products.We are now open on Sundays 10am – 3pm.

d’ nd Inspire ‘New Zeala ns Bay in Brow

In the December/January we published the incorrect banking details. Garth’s contact details are: http://www.facebook.com/garth. lezard, http://twitter.com/GarthLezard, garthlezard@hotmail. com, http://e-mile.org/journeys. The bank details are: Nedbank, La Lucia Mall, 90 William Campbell Drive, Durban, South Africa, Account name: Garth Lezard, Branch code: 198765, Account number: 10214221057, Swift code: NEDSZAJJ.

                       

3pm Sat: 9am to 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri: to 3pm d, Sun: 10 am s & Clyde R ner Invernes or C 5, op Sh Browns Bay s blic Holiday Closed on pu

                                 

          

      

EAST COAST BAYS DENTAL LTD Dentists: Willie Steenkamp Colin Angelo Jan Steenkamp Anneke Steenkamp

Therapist Hygienist

Bookings call: Anna Steenkamp or Annelize Angelo

Phone: 09·478 1300 or 09·478 1309 Mble: 021 192 9592 The South African

An african doctor

Elizabeth Rose Hennelly

duma is her Sangoma name but she’s Elizabeth Rose Hennelly to her family and friends. She is a registered Doctor at the Traditional Healers Organisation with recognition from the World Health Organisation. And she lives right here in New Zealand.

Hennelly was taught Palm and Teacup reading by her grandmother at the age of seven. In her teens she had premonitions, dreams and nightmares of flowers, plants, trees and animals which made no sense to her at the time. This continued throughout the years until the age of 58 when things became crystal clear. At a reading by Maria, a Sangoma, her destiny was revealed to her. Through a white haze, three male spirits stood by her side, talking to her and, as bizarre as this all sounds, it was clear to her that she had a gift and her journey as a Sangoma and a Traditional Healer began.

Rodriguez Live: Auckland and in SA

f you’ve won the lotto in the past week, don’t miss out on this opportunity to see the iconic Rodriguez live in South Africa in February performing his classic hits in support of ‘Searching for Sugarman’. The recently released documentary ‘Searching For Sugarman’ was a big hit at this year’s Sundance Film Festival where it won

Hennelly and 11 other students went to Marias Training school and were taught, in Zulu, about connecting with their ancestors. They would sing and dance in the traditional way. They were taken into the forests and into the mountains to learn all about the different plants, trees and roots and what medicinal use they had for the different ailments. Finally, after almost a year Nduma graduated, as one of only a handful of whites ever to be initiated fully as Sangomas in Swaziland. This is a major honour! Nduma does readings and the cleansing of people, homes and businesses. Her role is that of a physician, a counsellor, psychiatrist and the healing of the body, mind and spirit.

the world documentary audience award and a special jury award, and it received fantastic reviews at this year’s SXSW, Tribeca film festival, Sydney film festival and several others. He has since appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman and Rodriguez was recently featured on the television program, 60 minutes. In Auckland If you can’t make it to SA, Rodriguez will be in Auckland in March where he’ll be performing for his diehard fans on Sunday, 17 March, at 7pm at the Logan Campbell Centre, 217 Greenlane Road West. Tickets will be on sale from $101.00.

U-Bag - connecting

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The South African

Don’t forget the good news

2012

was a truly awful year for rhino poaching, with a record number of rhinos poached – by year end 684 rhinos were killed in South Africa alone. Headlines captured the gory images of dehorned rhinos, as ruthless criminal syndicates swept over Africa’s rhino population.

Wildlife trafficking is a deplorable criminal enterprise and at times, the bad news can seem overwhelming. But it’s important to appreciate the successes and take note of the work being done on a daily basis — on the front lines, behind the scenes and everywhere in between — by people all over the world. The impact of education and awareness programs may not be seen immediately. Corruption and dirty players won’t be rooted out willingly. Changing the situation for the good will take a mighty international effort on the parts of governments, conservation organizations, media, and concerned citizens. However, despite the poaching crisis, there were also some extraordinary conservation success stories over the past year. February 22nd, 2012: NBC’s “Rock Center with Brian Williams” did an outstanding job of bringing the rhino crisis to the American TV audience. March 13th, 2012: The European Commission announced a temporary suspension of trade in rhino horn across the EU, which extends to “artistic” items, such as rhino horn libation cups. April 9th, 2012: The rhino population in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park increased to 2290, up from the 2009 census which counted 2048 rhinos.

The South African

June 5th, 2012: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia declared 2012 as the International Year of the Rhino. It is a fitting proclamation, as Indonesia is home to the world’s rarest rhino species: Javan and Sumatran rhinos. July 3rd, 2012: The South African Department of Environmental Affairs amended the requirements for issuing trophy hunting permits, in hopes of tightening the loopholes used by “pseudo-hunters” and their South African accomplices to launder rhino horn for the illegal market. On September 22nd, 2012: The third annual World Rhino Day was celebrated, with over a dozen countries participating! November 2012: Killing for Profit: Exposing the Illegal Rhino Horn Trade, written by award-winning investigative journalist Julian Rademeyer, brings scrutiny where it is needed most: Corrupt government agencies and South Africa’s dysfunctional wildlife “industry”, where some (but certainly not all) of the very people entrusted to protect wildlife are instead unscrupulously manipulating international wildlife trade regulations to line their own pockets. December 9th, 2012: Thanks to a grant from Google’s Global Impact Awards, WWF will receive $5 million for “conservation drones” and other innovative tools to protect endangered species in Africa and Asia.

Melbourne City Dukes

uthewaan Waggie, the founder of the Auckland City Dukes, has just come back from Melbourne where he’s been setting up to launch the Melbourne City Dukes as part of their global promotion of the Klopse culture. The official launch will take place later this year.

This will develop into a tri-partnership between Auckland/Cape Town/Melbourne making it a first ever Klopse cultural exchange tour for 2013/14. And this year promises to be an even bigger year for the Auckland City Dukes.

Cuisine India’s Durban style Bunny Chows

wner Laxman Singh Rawat (50) from India has travelled and worked all over the African continent perfecting his curry cuisine.

Twelve years ago Rawat arrived in New Zealand with his family and they have three Cuisine India takeaways but only the Northcross takeaway on the Shore makes the Durban Style bunny chows. A Durban chef came to visit him 2 years ago and taught Rawat how to make the bunny chow as only a Durbanite can as it’s all in the taste. He imports all his spices from North India where he blends them to make his signature paste. So pop along to Cuisine India today and taste them for yourself. You’ll not regret it!!

“Our intention is to compete in the annual Cape Town Minstrel/ Klopse competition as the Auckland City Dukes, thereby promoting N.Z, via tourism, whilst in Cape Town,” beams Waggie, with pride. They will also be having a series of massive fundraising and awareness events this year starting this month. The Auckland City Dukes have had massive successes last year in both the 10th Anniversary Ball as well as the Santa Parade.

Bunny Chow

$12.00 Takeaway orders Ph: 479 4040 Open 7 Days 11:00 am – 9:30 pm 178c Carlisle Road Northcross Lunch Time 11:00 am – 2:30 pm Lunch Special Choose any Curry with Rice

$7.00

Lunch Combo Choose any Curry with Naan & Rice

$10.00

Durban Style! The South African

Fred’s Fine Foods

red is the powerful figurehead behind a huge food and grocery outlet in Auckland simply known as ‘Fred’s Fine Foods.’

Fred Peens was born in Benoni, South Africa, during the 1920’s. He grew up during the recession years of the 1930’s and his instincts of frugality and economic survival were engrained on his personality from his experiences during this era of international hardship. There was a demand for technical skills in those days, so Fred became a boilermaker and he began his career as such in 1945 at Brakpan Mines, after doing a 7 year course at the mine he became a design draughtsman. In 1951 he started at the national S.A. steel manufacturer ISCOR. His promotion led him down to Iscor’s plant in Newcastle KZN, where he became a senior manager, but the young Fred Peens was not destined to progress his work career as a “company slave.” No way. In 1969 he left Iscor and started his own engineering company, “Boschpick Engineering,” with its core activities relating to the foundry industry. Fred had absolutely no formal training in business management, but he learnt the hard way… from the school of “hard knocks!” Fred wanted to make it a family business, so he brought his sons into Boschpick after they had done the relevant apprenticeships in the industry. The business prospered and over the years it became an integral part of the Northern Natal engineering sector.

Daughter Aletta Ludwig, Fred and Nellie Peens, son-in-law Danie and daughter, Alida Olckers.

Fred still retains dual citizenship with both South Africa and New Zealand due to his business ties with both countries. To top it off, Alida’s son will be joining the family business this month. Fred became involved with the Massey University Business School as a presenter of papers on the subject of “Immigration

Entrepreneurs.” This is a far cry from the boilermaker from South Africa but it certainly is an indication of how pure grit and determination can turn the mediocre into the giant success that Fred Peens is today. Congratulations Fred and all your family at Fred’s Fine Foods!

As the South African political arena began to change, Fred and his family became more and more frustrated and concerned about safety and security.

He eventually made the decision in February 2002 to emigrate here and he brought with him his wife Nellie and two daughters, Alida and Aletta, with their respective spouses and his grandson. His three sons decided to stay behind and they are now the mainstay of Boschpick Engineering. In order to obtain permanent residence, Fred wrote a business plan for a food and grocery outlet and presented it to the immigration authorities. He needed to obtain immigration points in order to qualify as a business entrepreneur.

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Shopping Centre

Fred and his son Carel came to New Zealand for the first time in 1994 as part of a Rugby tour by the Springboks. He was very impressed with this country and it sat in his mind as a possible immigration destination should he decide to move away from the home country.

He used the business plan to start “Fred’s Fine Foods” and the family has not looked back since. Fred has always been a good cook and his love for food is manifested in the skillful way that he runs the business with the assistance of Danie, his right hand man.

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Today Fred is a highly respected businessman in Auckland with an extremely successful food outlet at Seville Shopping Centre Albany with a second shop opening at Highland Park Shopping Centre in October last year, which is run by his extremely capable daughters Aletta and Alida and son-in-law Danie. Alida and Danie are no strangers to running successful food businesses. While in South Africa they bought the Longhorn / Steers franchise and ran it extremely well for about 12 years before they decided to emigrate. The South African

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The SA isue 30.indd 23

30/11/12 3:07 PM

Christmas First Friday Social

Graeme and Peter

Cliffie and Cheryl Garcia - Dansbaan

Lindy van der Merw e.

Austin Campbell. Steven and Peter

Cheryl Carcia

Peter and Chantal Jagoe

Suan-Elize Janse van Rensburg and Neilia Schroeder.

Lindy van der Merwe, Desiree Campbell, Maria Chinn and Vicky Oliver.

Valentines Dance/Opskop

Cairo to Cape Town

Wear red and white on16 February at the Torbay Community Hall, 1050 Beach Road, and join us to celebrate the day of Love.

Saturday 9 March, 10am-5pm;

If you want to secure seats or a whole table contact Clifford or myself please for bank deposit details. Or buy tickets at the door on the night. First come first served. Seats are limited.

Featuring:

Browns Bay Village Green, Inverness Rd Browns Bay ZohZoh: Street Level: Burundian Drummers: Belly dancers

Cover charge: $15 per adult, children 12 and younger free

Craft stalls

Awesome calendars for sale $10 each: ALL proceeds go towards a worthy cause.

Art exhibition

BYO: Nibbles, drinks and glasses please

Michelle and Carolyn Chelin, Marianne Pe arce

Jewellery Licensed beer garden Pannekoek, boerewors, ribs and curries

Contact Clifford or Cheryl: @ 09 4783975 / 021 02754781

Tea garden

Email: dansbaan@hotmail.com.

Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities

South African groceries

The South African

Upcoming community events South African Social: North Shore: First Friday Social of the month at Browns Bay Bowling Club: 1 February and 1 March: 6pm – 10pm: Cash Bar. Saffa-Zealanders February Funky Fusion West Fest: 23 February: Contact Eve Hemming: eve.epiphany@gmail.com Mairangi Bay SA Group: Penelope Rijkaart-Berrington: 09 4265933 Christchurch Socials: Linda Klok: info@sinzasa.org.nz

New Arrivals Social

e understand that starting a new life in a new country can be a little daunting.

We therefore invite you to join us for a drink and the opportunity to meet with other like minded people who have recently arrived or have now settled in New Zealand.

Gretha Widd

From time to time we will also be joined by a guest speaker, who will give a brief presentation on a relevant topic.

Marriage Seminar:

When: 6.00pm, Tuesday, 26 February

Friday, 8 March 2013 at 6.30pm $60 per couple. Goodie bag & supper included!

And 26 March 2013

Women’s Seminar

Where: Level 1, Building 2, 100 Bush Road, Albany, North Shore

Saturday, 9 March 2013 at 8.30am

We look forward to meeting you. RSVP Please confirm your attendance to

$25pp. Goodie bag, morning tea & lunch included! Ticket sales close 4March! (Please note: Seminars will be held in Afrikaans) Massey University East Precinct, Albany Contact: Lijlanie Stander: lijlanie@xnet.co.nz /021 023 18357

Vicki Scott by 25 February and 25 March 2013

Eugene Van Heerden: Ph: 09915 0100: Mobile:022 276 0082

E. enquiry@hwp.co.nz P. 09 915 0100.

NEW YEAR. NEW TOYOTA.

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ALBANY TOYOTA Corner Main Road & Gills Road, Albany | Ph 09-415 7890 or 0800 657 755 | www.albany-toyota.co.nz The South African

Caring for our Heritage By Sherelee Clarke

our extra-ordinary people from different walks of life have taken the protection of KwaZulu Natal’s rhino to a whole new level. Zelma Vermaak, Audrey Raubenheimer, Rob Grinham and Sifiso Dlamini are ordinary South Africans who have taken to the bush, under Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, under cover, and determined to protect our rhino from poachers. After the staggering figures of the slaughtering of 684 rhino last year, this pilot project has been given the go-ahead. Working together with ‘Space For Elephants’, under the umbrella of ‘Project Rhino KZN’, two non-profit organisations, and sponsored by Skintrade Tattoos, citizens with a passion for keeping our animals safe and alive are living somewhere in the bush with the Anti-Poaching Unit.

White Rhino

Base camp.

White Rhino

Audrey Raubenheimer and Zelma Vermaak

Raubenheimer, 38, who was born in Rhodesia, immigrated to SA in 1982, is married, left the Kalahari to come to KZN with the support of her family to live in the bush to make her dream come true of keeping our animals safe. Vermaak, also 38, grew up on a farm in the Northern Cape but left and worked in the corporate industry in Johannesburg for 20 years before deciding to return to the Northern Cape. After meeting Raubenheimer last year, she decided to join her on this journey to make people aware of the project, fundraise and show the world how anyone can get involved at grassroots level. “Based in a camp in the bush for 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off, and with only the basics for food and comfort, we learn to appreciate what we have. Every morning we wake up to the sounds and smells of the wild. Rhino come into our camp daily as if to say ‘thank you for fighting for our survival.’ It’s these moments which make us feel proud of the choices we have made,” explains Vermaak. Raubenheimer says, “Our hearts are fully in this and we’re determined to make it work.” As with all pilot projects, the funds are very low and they are looking for sponsors to continue the great work being done by the Anti-Poaching Units. “Our APU guys are living in desperate conditions. They’re aware the main objective is to ensure the 22

safety of the rhino and are prepared to do so but it would be great to provide them with the basic kits”, pleads Vermaak. The basic kit for 20 Anti-Poaching Unit members: • 20 x camel back 25 litre day packs in multi-camouflage • 20 x green or multi-camouflage ponchos • 20 x led flash lights with rifle mounting. • 20 x dixies (military cook sets) • 20 x 0 deg - 10 deg sleeping bags • 20 water canteens (green) • 10 x good quality 2 man tents (terra firma) • 10 x butane gas cookers (20 butane refills) • 5 x 50 litre camel back packs in multi-camouflage • 5 x tasco binoculars (basics) • 20 x 10mm roll mats (sleeping mat) olive green This will boost the Anti-Poaching Unit members’ morale hugely. Thermal and night vision’s also important but very pricey as five sets of head gear and one base station eye are required.

To assist the four volunteers, and any other volunteers who are thinking of joining this project, they’re also in need of funds to help with the running costs such as fuel, food, basic toiletries, maintaining Raubenheimer’s own vehicle, as well as helping with printing of photographs and pamphlets. A gas fridge, another solar panel, a regulator, an invertor and deep cycle battery to run the Research Centre at base camp are also urgently needed. Rough terrain mountain bicycles are required, at least 6, to help in monitoring the rhino in the reserve. Two man tents and building materials would also be greatly appreciated. In return, they are willing to cater for up to 4 ‘generous’ sponsors to visit the base camp to see exactly what is being done to protect our wildlife. “Words are few that can describe an emotion so intense, that one chooses a life of caring for animals in their own environment!” To follow go to www.skintrade.co.za: www. projectrhinokzn.org The South African

Charl’s World Famous Braai Pie

By Charl Delport

Method:

Ingredients: 2 Rolls of Puff Pastry 1 Packet of Spinach 1 or 2 Large Chicken Breasts (fillets) 1 Packet Shredded Bacon 1 Onion 1 Red Pepper 1 Yellow Pepper 1 Packet of mushrooms Feta Cheese (optional) Mozzarella and/ or Cheddar to taste

1. Defrost the dough and roll the first one out onto the grid (Sandwich type grid with edges) (dough must defrost on the counter). Tip: spray Spray & Cook on the grid before placing the dough on it.

6. Chop and add the mushrooms Tip: you could opt for frying the mushrooms in with the bacon and onion as well 7. Add the different cheeses (grated)

2. Fry onion, bacon and peppers together. 3. Place half the raw spinach on dough. Tip: Make sure to dry the spinach off properly before placing it on the dough. The less moisture you have before you start the better. (I’m a HUGE fan of cheese, so I add a layer of cheese here). 4. Cut chicken into pieces and place on spinach 5. Add onion, pepper and bacon mixture.

8. Finish off with the rest of the spinach (the Spinach should cover the dough exactly so it prevents too much moisture from seeping through getting the dough wet.) 9. Place the second roll of dough on top. 10. S eal the dough (as if you are making pies) Tip: Egg-wash the dough for that extra golden brown effect. Place it high up on the fire and turn constantly until golden brown... This is not a steak: rather turn too much rather than too little!

EX SOUTH AFRICAN? Access your retirement annuities now! Take it all in cash at any age Specialists in Emigration Formalities for Former South African Residents

              

••••

Contact: Julian Haw ACIS; CFP Registered Tax Practitioner (SARS) Email: jrhaw@iafrica.com

Tel: +27 31 701 9603 Fax: +27 31 701 9602 • Visit www.julianhaw.com for more details. PO Box 10672, Marine Parade, 4056, South Africa

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  

     

    

      23

17 Corinthian Drive, Albany, Auckland New Zealand

Immigration Service you can Trust (established 1993)

New Zealand is slowly coming out of the recession and there are now more skilled jobs being advertised in most of our cities. Christchurch will be needing hundreds of skilled people to assist with the rebuild, so trades people as well as civil and other engineering posts are now becoming available. North Shore Immigration with their wealth of experience & sound reputation can assist migrants relocate to New Zealand as providers of highly personalised service, from temporary, permanent and business visas. For those business people that would prefer to work for themselves, they can either start a brand new business in New Zealand or buy an existing business via the Long Term Business Visa. There are also two investor categories of $1.5 million & $10 million. Please contact us for more info at email: sim.woodberg@nsis.co.nz

We provide specialist immigration solutions for: U Residence (Skilled Migrants, Business, Family) U Business Visa (Entrepreneur and/or Investor Categories) U Work Visa (for those who have a job offer, based on their skills & experience) U Work/Student visas for their immediate family members U Student Visas for those who wish to study in New Zealand, and U Job Search/Graduate Work Experience Visas for students who have completed their NZ studies. website: www.nsis.co.nz

We also offer help and assistance with: U unabridged birth certificates U police clearance certificates U passport renewals U translations U assessment of overseas qualifications U obtaining NZ registration for occupations where this is required.

email: info@nsis.co.nz

ph: 09 415 3392

The South African