The South African 23 – 30 December 2014 pages 1 16

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Meeting Miss World: Rolene Strauss is South Africa's new favourite tjerrie | Fans welcomed Rolene Strauss, the first South African Miss World in 40 years, as she returned home after winning the title in London on 14 December

| MADE IN MZANSI: Fans wait to welcome South African Rolene Strauss, the newly crowned Miss World as she arrives at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on 20 December. Photo by Ihsaan Haffejee/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

SA mom stabbed to death by husband was trying to flee Ireland

Heartbroken South Africans can’t get home for Christmas page 2

News

page 3

News

Zimbabwean Brett Rice wins battle against deportation page 3

News

Shamwari game reserve: conserving a vanishing way of life page 10 –11

Travel

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| 23 - 30 December 2014 | thesouthafrican.com

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Editor: Deva Lee Production and Design: Andisiwe Juta Registered office: Riverbank House 1 Putney Bridge Approach Fulham SW6 3BQ. Tel: 0845 456 4910 Email: editor@thesouthafrican.com Website: www.thesouthafrican.com Directors: P Atherton, A Laird, J Durrant, N Durrant and R Phillips Printed by: Mortons of Horncastle Ltd

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Heartbroken South Africans can’t get home for Christmas | South African families in the UK have lost thousands of rands and their Christmas trip home to South Africa by deva lee

Hundreds of South Africans, including multiple South African families living in the UK, fell prey to a scam operated by a non-registered travel agent in Polokwane.

Victims have identified Kim Robbertse from Sentose Travel Polokwane as the person responsible for the scam. Although not registered with the International Air Transport Association (Iata), Robbertse used the ticketing services of a registered travel agency with whom she was affiliated.

Her customers had been told that the company would not accept credit card payments, and would need to be paid via an electronic bank transfer. Robbertse accepted money from customers, but allegedly did not pay the airlines.

Thinking they had found a deal on flights to South Africa, the expats purchased tickets, only to discover that the tickets were invalid. Some had only discovered this when attempting to check-in to a flight that did not exist.

Robbertse had previously booked flights legitimately, and had been recommended to expats online.

Susan Coetzee*, a South African living in the UK, heard about the ‘deal’ on offer via a friend who previously travelled with tickets bought through Robbertse. After the incident at the airport, Robbertse contacted some of her clients, including Coetzee.

“I received an email from Kim [Robbertse] late on 16 December 2014 to say she will be unable to book our tickets as her bank account and booking facility had been blocked in view of some cases in

UK relating to fraud,” said Coetzee.

Many of the families had booked tickets to South Africa from the UK for the Christmas period, and some are now unable to get home.

“We can only hope that we will be able to visit but with the amount of money we paid out for the tickets R22 500 it is not something we will be able to recover from in the short term,” says Coetzee.

Some of the families had purchased multiple flights from the travel agents, which resulted in losses of over R100 000.

A Facebook Group named “Action Against KR” has been started by those who have allegedly lost money to Robbertse.

Fraud charges have been laid against Robberste, who is consulting an attorney. There is no guarantee that the victims will get their money back.

“My main question is whether we will be able to recover some/all of our funds. Will [the banks] be taking the matter further and how long will the investigation take?

Will her passport be confiscated to prevent her from disappearing?” says Coetzee.

Coetzee has reported the matter to Action fraud in the UK, but was told by SAPS she is unable to report it to the police in SA. It seem the investigation may hinge on the action of South Africans in the country who are willing to report the matter on behalf of the expats.

This post has been edited with updates. * Not her real name. Ms Coetzee requested her name be withheld as she claims Robbertse has made threats online to people, saying they will be arrested once they arrive in SA.

No sign of Zuma’s sanitary towels | In 2011, President Jacob Zuma made promises about the provision of sanitary towels to poor women. Three years later, GroundUp tried to find out whether these promises have been kept

by Pharie Sefali

Seen our new website?

THE South African features a brand-new design on its website THESOUTHAFRICAN. COM. Keeping up with the latest news from Mzansi is now even easier with this userfriendly and stylish design.

Catch up with the latest sports news, read up on current events, find a recipe for dinner, learn about the latest events for the expat community and be in touch with your South African heritage more than ever before.

On 8 January 2011, marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the African National Congress (ANC) President Jacob Zuma promised: “We will promote the provision of sanitary towels to women on the indigent list of municipalities.”

This commitment was welcomed on 10 January by the ANC Youth League, which interpreted it to mean that “ultimately poor females in indigent municipalities will receive free sanitary towels” The League noted that “this is in line with the campaign the Youth League is leading to ensure that all needy females have access to free sanitary towels” and continued: “The practicalisation of this request is a sign that the ANC deeply cares about the wellbeing of the people of South Africa, in particular poor females”.

In his State of the Nation address a month later, Zuma reiterated: “Given our emphasis on women’s health, we will broaden the scope of reproductive health rights and provide services related to amongst others, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, teenage pregnancy and sanitary towels for the indigent.”

But three years later, many girls and women still say that they are unable to afford sanitary towels.

In an attempt to find out what had happened to the president’s plans, on 24 November GroundUp sent an email to the media liaison at the Department of Basic Education.

There was no reply. On 3 December

GroundUp emailed Zanele Mngadi and Bongani Majola who are in the presidency’s media office. We also emailed the presidential address (presidentialrsa@presidency.gov. za) and Charmaine Fredricks in the private office of president Jacob Zuma, asking about progress in the provision of sanitary towels.

Fredricks was out of the country and an automatic reply to her email referred GroundUp to Michael Louw, in presidential support services. The others did not reply.

GroundUp emailed Louw the same day. In response, he wrote: “You may liaise with Mr Elijah Mhlanga at the Department of Basic Education (copied here-in) who will be able to elaborate on some of their initiatives in this regard.”

GroundUp phoned Elijah Mhlanga but he said he could not help since this was not his portfolio.

He referred GroundUp to Lumka Oliphant, the spokesperson for the Department of Social Development.

GroundUp phoned Oliphant, who responded that the issue of sanitary towels had nothing to do with her department. “If you were asking me about social grants or about feeding people, maybe I could answer you, but not about sanitary towels,” said Oliphant.

On 5 December, GroundUp sent an email to the president’s spokesperson, Mac Maharaj, explaining that several emails to the media office and to the department of Basic Education, and a telephone conversation with the Department of Social Development had not produced any answers.

Maharaj has not responded to the email.

On 20 November, the presidency announced that Deputy Minister Buti Manamela would walk 9.4km as part of the 2014 Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

“The cause chosen by Deputy Minister Manamela is putting an end to the ‘no pads, no school days’ for young schoolgirls. Many schoolgirls stay away from school during their menstrual cycle as they

are unable to afford sanitary towels.

“The office of the Deputy Minister has therefore partnered with Dignity Dreams, an NGO which makes a huge difference in the day-to-day lives of South Africa’s schoolgirls by providing reusable sanitary towels that can be used for four years.”

Beyond this, GroundUp has been unable to find any further information about state provision of sanitary pads.

thesouthafrican.com | 23 - 30 December 2014 |

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SA mom stabbed to death by husband was trying to flee Ireland

WE WILL TAKE YOU HOME/ONS DOEN DIE GROOT TREK HUIS TOE...

| New evidence reveals Angie Billing was attempting to flee the country with her children before she and her husband knifed each other to death in their home by deva lee

Angie and Cornelius Belling were both pronounced dead at the scene after a knife fight in Kildysart, Co Clare, Ireland.

Their children — aged three and five — were found unharmed upstairs in their home. The Bellings were originally from South Africa and had only moved to Ireland two months ago.

As reported by the Belfast Telegraph, new evidence has revealed that Angie Belling was attempting to leave the country with their children. She had been prevented from getting on a flight because her husband had reported the children missing.

Angie Belling, who was in the country illegally, had previously attempted to get herself deported

by presenting herself to authorities.

The Belfast Telegraph also reported that she had was due to attend court in Co Clare in connection with a custody order.

A police spokesperson confirmed that they were not looking for a third party in connection with the double killing.

Zimbabwean Brett Rice wins battle against deportation, can stay in UK | Zimbabwean-born man faced deportation from the UK for “not earning enough”. He has since been granted permission to stay in the UK with his partner Katy Scott

British authorities told Zimbabwean-born Brett Rice that he was to be deported to South Africa and separated from his civil partner, Matt Mallinson, as he did not earn enough to live in the UK. Rice has lived in the UK since 2009 and started dating Mallinson in 2010.

“In July 2012 we became civil partners just a few weeks after a new law come into effect requiring married couples with one partner who is required to apply for a marriage/civil partner visa to earn a minimum income of £18 600 per year or higher,” said Mallinson.

These rules are designed to ensure that foreign migrants and their partners do not rely on

taxpayers for support.

When they applied for their civil partnership visa in April 2014, Rice was completing his MBA at the University of Huddersfield and was restricted by his student visa to only work 20 hours a week. At that time the couple’s income fell short of the income bracket by £361.20.

Once they had completed their studies a few weeks later, they were able to take on more work and their wages increased. However, the Home Office said that they could only look at figures given from the time of the application.

Rice works as a waiter and said that he was not allowed to include tips in his overall income figure. The inclusion of tips would

have brought him over the legal threshold.

On 21 August, their application was refused as they did not earn the required amount. This gave Rice the option of appealing the decision or returning to his home country.

After being issued a deportation notice, Rice launched an online petition to Home Secretary Theresa May, to reconsider the case and the regulations governing it and others like it.

Rice then launched an appeal which was heard last month.

On 11 December their solicitor informed them that the judge had made a decision on their appeal and granted Rice permission to stay in the UK on a marriage/civil partnership visa.

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Farewell to a revolutionary, Sadie Foreman | OBITUARY | Sadie Forman (1929-2014) was one of the most unconventional, interesting and lovable fighters in the South African anti-apartheid movement. She died on the morning of 11 December, aged 85. She spent the last years of her life with her daughter, Sara, in Lewes, in the East Sussex county of England. Her funeral will be held on 23 December

by Terry Bell; Sadie relocated to England in 2007 on health grounds, after spending nearly a decade working as a volunteer in the library and archives at Fort Hare University.

She returned from exile to take up the position, having retired as a primary school teacher in England where she had been in exile since 1969. In 2012, she returned briefly to Fort Hare to receive an honorary doctorate in the humanities.

Sadie married Lionel Forman, perhaps one of the brightest stars in the South African anti-apartheid and Communist movements, in 1952. Four years later, Lionel was one of the 156 men and women in the marathon treason trial that began in 1956. Sadie provided essential back-up to Lionel whose failing health saw him die in 1959 on heart transplant pioneer Christiaan Barnard’s operating table. An advocate, historian, activist and prolific writer, he was just 32. By then, Lionel and Sadie’s third child, their daughter, Sara, was just five days old.

“Yet I had to earn a living,” Sadie noted in her 2008 memoir, Lionel Forman — A life too short. That was easier said than done, because not only did police harassment continue, but she was served with a banning order. Subject to police permission, she was restricted to a “one mile” (1.6km) radius of her home and forbidden to enter “any factory premises or educational institution.”

When fellow activist and print shop owner, Len Lee-Warden offered her a job as a proof reader,

the police finally relented, but only on condition that she be housed in an enclosed office, and that only one worker at a time could enter to deliver or remove proof copies of the publications she read and corrected. Any breech of these conditions could result in a prison term.

The stress was starting to tell, compounded by news that a friend in Johannesburg, Babla Saloojee, had died, having “fallen” from a seventh floor window of a Special Branch interrogation room. Some other political families had also left for exile. She had no money, but the cottage in Camps Bay she and Lionel had bought years earlier has appreciated greatly in value.

Having been denied a passport, Sadie applied for an exit permit that entitled her to leave on condition that she never return and sold the cottage. But then she had second thoughts, feeling she was deserting the many comrades and friends who could not afford to leave. This meant that she had then to apply to stay and to live elsewhere since Camps Bay was now financially out of her reach. As she put it: “After much parleying with the Special Branch, I was given permission to look for a house outside of my restricted area.”

She moved to Wynberg. But the harassment continued. And then came the final blow: a new regulation made it imperative for all proof readers to pass a compositor’s examination by the end of 1969. This entailed work on the factory floor which, as a

banned person, she could not do.

The time requirements also meant it would be impossible for her to qualify.

Unemployment loomed. “I was also certainly unemployable elsewhere in South Africa,” she wrote. The time had come to leave.

And when she again applied for an exit permit and was told: “If you don’t go this time, you will not get another one.”

Sadie Forman, together with children Karl, Frank and Sara set up home in London where Sadie qualified as a primary school teacher and later gained a second degree, this time in psychology.

Fiercely non-sectarian, outspoken and with a keen mind, she was also a notoriously bad time keeper, resulting in her many friends affectionately referring to her as “the late Mrs Forman”. A member of the ANC Women’s League and campaigner on human — and especially women’s — rights, she maintained an open house for exiles passing through England.

A seriously loyal friend, she was generous almost to a fault, with both her time and resources. She also had a deserved reputation for speaking out against perceived injustices, even within an ANC to which she remained firmly attached although increasingly — and constructively — critical of it and its leadership over the years.

Utterly unawed by pomp, circumstance and position, she famously — and loudly — advised Ireland’s Sin Fein leader Gerry Adams at a conference about Irish negotiations: “Gerry. Don’t you make the same mistakes we did.”

| Sadie Forman on Muizenberg beach about a decade ago. Photo courtesy of Terry Bell and Ground Up

Petite, charming and armed with a fount of jokes, she arrived at Fort Hare University in 1996 and fell in love with the village of Alice, one of the very few staff who actually stayed in the town. Over the next decade, she became something of an Alice institution herself. And, even when her health was failing and her memory beginning to let her down, she did not want to leave.

Finally prevailed upon by her daughter, she reluctantly returned to the place of her exile. The words of fellow activist and friend, Douglas Maquina, who wrote (in isiXhosa) of Lionel when he died that he was “a small man, but…. as big as Table mountain” apply equally Sadie: She was a small woman, but certainly as big as Table mountain.

Want your family to visit the UK? Non-EU family members now might not need a visa | The ECJ’s decision could open UK borders to great numbers of non-EU nationals living with Britons across Europe. So what does this mean for Non-EU family members of British citizens?

by Katy Scott The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that Britain cannot impose a blanket visa requirement on non-EU family members of British citizens. Non-EU family members with valid EU residency rights need not have a travel visa to enter the UK. This decision could open UK borders to great numbers of nonEU nationals living with Britons across Europe.

This ruling follows the

controversial case of Sean McCarthy, of dual British and Irish citizenship, living and working in Spain, and his Colombian wife, Patricia McCarthy Rodriguez. Sean McCarthy lodged legal action against Britain, claiming that his wife should be allowed to travel to Britain with her family with her EU residence card (issued by the Spanish government) without having to obtain a “family permit” every six months.

ECJ in Luxembourg ruled in the

McCarthys’ favour. The ECJ ruled: “Where a family member of an EU citizen who has exercised his right of freedom of movement is in a situation such as that of Ms McCarthy Rodriguez, that family member is not subject to the requirement to obtain a visa or an equivalent requirement in order to be able to enter the territory of that EU citizen’s member state of origin.”

The visa regime in Britain was introduced owing to concerns that other EU member states’

residence cards did not meet international security standards and could potentially be used to abuse EU freedom of movement regulations.

The official spokesman for David Cameron said that “we disagree with the outcome of it” and that “there is not a uniform consistency across other EU countries on the residence cards that are sometimes the issue here”.

Ukip MEP and spokesman on immigration Steven Woolfe said: “Britain will be forced to

recognise residence permits issued by any EU member state, even though the system of permits is wide open to abuse and fraud.”

“This ruling extends the socalled ‘right to free movement’ to millions of people from anywhere in the world who don’t have citizenship of any country of the EU.” “The ECJ, like every other EU institution, is determined that Britain will never take back control of its borders,” said Woolfe.

thesouthafrican.com | 23 - 30 December 2014 |

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| There are plenty of things to do in the UK these Christmas holidays, but very few activities are suitable for the whole family. Here’s how you and your kids can enjoy the holidays to the fullest

BY KATY SCOTT

Christmas holidays are just around the corner, which means whining kids and parents missing large clumps of hair. Keep your cool this Christmas by busying your kids (and yourselves) with the following holiday activities.

Something for tweens and teens Walk in the footsteps off Harry Potter & co through the iconic Hogwarts Castle set. The castle is decorated with the actual golden partridges, props and baubles seen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and the set will be covered in a blanket of snow. Harry’s Invisibility Cloak and Molly Weasley’s hand-knitted jumpers are also on display and the special effects department will create the Great Hall ‘fire’ using coloured lights and flickering vapour.

Something to keep the magic alive (for kids that still believe)

Treat your kids to the most authentic Father Christmas experience at Lapland (in Kent). The littlies can ice skate, decorate gingerbread with Mother Christmas, help the elves in the toy shop, see huskies and reindeer and visit Santa in his snowy woodland hut. 97% of children will believe that they have met the real Father Christmas, (according to Lapland’s 2013 customer survey).

If you don’t want to buy decorations this year Your Christmas tree will sparkle that much brighter with homemade decorations. There are many places for children to make Christmas wreaths, décor, baubles and even salt dough wombats.

Might as well get the kids to cook the Christmas goodies too by sending them to a kid’s cookery class.

Something for the whole family At Winterville in Victoria Park mum and dad can enjoy themselves at the indoor pub while kids jump on the ferris wheel, visit Santa and skate at the ice rink. Older children can enjoy the roller disco or the vintage motorbike stunt show. For those trying to bring the spark back to their relationship, there are plenty of romantic horsedrawn carriage rides. Street food is available for rosy-cheeked children and parents alike.

Something to get the blood pumping Spend family time walking through the Hampton Court gardens and famous maze. The interactive light trail will bring the surroundings to life and respond to your route and actions. Festive foods and beverages are available.

Or, test your patience at the Vauxhall Christmas Tree Maze and weave through a square kilometre of fairy light-decked Nordmann Firs. For those that make it to the middle, a special Christmas guest will be waiting.

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Even more Tesco locations across London to send and receive from Open 7 days a week** Acton Metro - 31 The Vale, W3 7XA. Barkingside Superstore - 796 Cranbrook Road, IG6 1HY. Barking Superstore - Highbridge Road, IG11 7BS. Bethnal Green Metro - 361 Bethnal Green Road, E2 0AN. Brent Cross Hendon Way Superstore - Tilling Road, NW2 1LZ. Brixton Superstore - 13 Acre Lane, SW2 5RS. Bromley By Bow Superstore - Hancock Road, E3 3DA. Catford Superstore - 16-21 Winslade Way, SE6 4JU. Clapham Superstore - South London Hospital, SW4 9DE. Colney Hatch Extra - Coppets Centre, N11 0SH. Ealing Metro - Unit 20 Broadway Shopping Centre, W5 5JY. Edmonton Metro - 34-44 North Mall, N9 0EJ. Egham Superstore - 60-63 High Street, TW20 9EX. Elephant and Castle Metro - 326-328 Shopping Centre, SE1 6TB. Elmers End Superstore - Croydon Road, BR3 4AA. Finchley Superstore - 21-29 Ballards Lane, N3 1XP. Gallions Reach Extra - 1 Armada Way, E6 7FB. Hackney Metro - 180 Well Street, E9 6QU. Hackney Morning Lane Superstore - 55 Morning Lane, E9 6ND.

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Hammersmith Superstore - 180 Shepherds Bush Road, W6 7NL. Highams Park Superstore - 405 Larkshall Road, E4 9EF. Kennington Superstore - Kennington Lane, SE11 5QU. Kensington Superstore - West Cromwell Road, W14 8PB. Kings Cross Metro - 21 Caledonian Road, N1 9DX. Lea Valley Extra - 1 Glover Drive, N18 3HF. Lewishan Superstore - 209 Lewishan Road, SE13 7PY. Leyton Superstore - 825 High Road, E10 7AA. Leytonstone Superstore - Gainsborough Road, E11 1HT. Paddington Metro - 94 Church Street, NW8 8EX. Portobello Road Metro - 224-226 Portobello Road, W11 1LJ. Purley Extra - 8 Purley Road, CR8 2HA. South Tottenham Superstore - 230 High Road, N15 4AJ. Southwark Superstore - 107 Dunton Road, SE1 5HG. Sutton-Cheam Extra - Oldfields Road, SM1 2NB. Thornton Heath Superstore - 32 Brigstock Road, CR7 8RX. Upton Park Metro - 346 Green Street, E13 9AP. Woolwich Extra - Grand Depot Road, SE18 6HQ. For other locations across London and the UK visit

moneygram.co.uk/tesco

*Subject to agent hours of operation and local regulations. **Excludes Public holidays. Tesco Personal Finance Plc is an agent of MoneyGram International Limited in the provision of money transfer services. MoneyGram, the Globe and MoneyGram Bringing You Closer are trademarks of MoneyGram. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. MoneyGram International Limited is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority. © 2014 MoneyGram.

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| 23 - 30 December 2014 | thesouthafrican.com

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From Great Britain to gumboot dancing, these boots are made for talking | Doc Martens may be known as a British boot, but they truly are inter-continental and never cease to draw quizzical stares and a string of commentary

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I have lost count of the amount of strangers, young and old, male and female, who have expressed their admiration for my boots. At Torquay beach in the South West of England, the approval was mentioned in passing: “Now that’s what I call a pair of boots!”

At an Exeter fair the rotund installation technician was shaking his head in disbelief: “Where did you get those? …. I used to wear them when I was a teenager.”

In Chelsea and on the streets of London these substantial shoes caused sheer mesmerisation.

At Heathrow, the glaring customs officer gave them one disparaging look and ordered me to remove them. Heaven knows what could be concealed within those 20 holes, extra long laces and extra thick heels. Truthfully, they have so much of a life and identity; they could very well qualify for their own passport. Fortunately, my Air Wear (as their comfort is branded) was allowed through to take flight. I don’t know what I would have done otherwise. One thing was certain; I was not leaving the UK without them!

For decades they were my most desired item. My first introduction to these clodhoppers, initially designed for military use, was at the once trendy Small Street Mall in Johannesburg at the esteemed Moola’s Music Store. It was roughly the same time when this Boeremeisie was dating an avid Siouxsie and the Banshees fanatic — really a kind soul wrapped up in a punk exterior. Throughout the years, several friends (who actually owned a pair of these sought after Docs) have shared my admiration – another one in particular is also a gentle soul who creates beautiful pottery. My personality could relate to the contradiction these rugged boots would present especially when paired with an ultra-feminine dress (somewhat like the exquisite Audrey Tautou in that whimsical movie Amèlie).

As my desire for them increased

so the likelihood of finding a pair in SA seemed to decrease. For years my husband would scour the internet to try and source a pair. It was he who declared towards the end of our extended stay in the UK, that a pair of Docs was going to be the one thing we would not leave without. So with the dismal PoundRand exchange we sacrificed eating out for purchasing no-name brands at Sainsbury’s. When that beautiful day arrived, I went all out – not literally, as on-line shopping is the custom — and ordered the tallest, highest heeled, reddest and most beautiful pair! They arrived the next day, by courier who I’m certain bowed his head as he sacredly extended the large box, including all forms of authentication, towards me. The tough leather folds left bruises on my feet and their hell-ofa-lot-of-sole weighed heavily on my ankles, but the pain was minimal and the love was immediate.

They suited my marketing position at a Devon farm complete with boot wash facility. I wore them to my interview and am 99% certain they got me the job. Even in SA, without its boot washes, my Docs were again mentioned as most appropriate attire for the marketing of a Knysna NPO working with disadvantaged preschools. I got the job and got stuck in ‘boots and all’.

“Sjoe, kyk daai bootse!”

The young children widen their eyes at these instruments of improbability as they try to contemplate exactly what they are. “Juffrou Ka-boots-ie” was the recent chant of a group of little preschoolers in a township outside Sedgefield. One little boy in Knysna bent down and slapped the sides of them to produce a rhythm which I continued, happily making a fool of myself trying to perform a gumboot dance.

These clodhoppers truly are globetrotters. Deep down, I very well might believe that they actually contain some sort of healing power.

They certainly speak a universal language which holds a kind of magical appeal.

Walking on air? Mmm… more like walking on sunshine. And it feels good.

7

thesouthafrican.com | 23 - 30 December 2014 |

Food

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Chef Petrus' recipe for Boxing Day Brunch Omelette

Make Christmas wishes come true

| Christmas isn’t just about turkey and cranberries. A healthy brunch will set you up for Boxing Day, and a beetroot and goat’s cheese omelette is on the menu

Send money to your loved ones in minutes*

by PETRUS MADUTLELA This delicious, light omelette is quick and easy to put together. It features beetroot, a healthy super food, and bears a great contrast to some of the heavier delights you’ll be feasting on over the festive season.

Ingredients 6 eggs 30 ml Olive Oil 25 g butter 6 small beetroot 200 g creamy goats cheese,

crumbled ½ baby gem lettuce ½ bunch spring onion Seasoning Method Boil the beetroot in salted water until tender, approximately 20 minutes. Peel while still warm, and cut in half.

Preheat the oven to 170°C fan, 190°C std, Gas mark 5.

Wash the leaves of baby gem, and slice the white bulb end of the spring onion.

Whisk the eggs and season with salt and pepper.

Heat the oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium low heat.

Add the eggs and use a fork to fluff them up as they cook to a creamy consistency; the eggs should not be fully set.

Add the beetroot, goat’s cheese and spring onion, then transfer the pan to the oven for 6 minutes.

Remove from the oven & sprinkle over the gem leaves.

Season to taste and cut into wedges to serve.

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Get a feel for the classics with a Groot Constantia wine tasting | Spending summer in Cape Town and want to taste some of the world’s best wines? Trust the estate that has produced award-winning varietals for over 300 years by staff reporter A summer in the Cape is incomplete without a visit to the country’s revered wine estates, and Groot Constantia tops the list.

The estate has won over 100 gold medals since 2003, the most recent of which was awarded to their 2013 Chardonnay at the South African Wine Makers Choice Awards. With a history of impressive wines, the estate has never failed to seduce wine-lovers.

South Africa’s oldest wine estate Built on land granted to Simon van der Stel in 1679, the estate produced wine that delighted even Napoleon — who had 30 bottles of wines made in cellars on Groot Constantia, shipped to him every month.

glass off the coast in the US with an inscription that read “Constantia Wyn”. Historians traced this to a British supply ship that was wrecked in the Delaware Bay in 1774 after being hit by a storm.

The same vineyards are still producing distinguished wines hundreds of years later.

dine at Groot Constantia. Whether at Jonkershuis or Simon’s, there is a menu selected to pair beautifully with the varietals on offer.

You’ll want to end the meal with a chocolate pairing on offer, in which four of the estate’s best are accompanied by four kinds of chocolate.

perfection, you’ll want to taste a little more of what the cellars have to offer. There are daily wine tastings and cellar tours that will help you find your favourite and let you in on the nuances that render these wines unmissable.

These wines have made it all over the world. In 2004, an American picked up a piece of

A pair made in heaven With a wine list that may make you stay all day, you’ll want to

Step inside the world-famous cellar After a lunch paired to

To find out more or book a tasting, visit http:// www.grootconstantia.co.za/

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thesouthafrican.com | 23 - 30 December 2014 |

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Five Reasons you'll want to stay with Red Carnation Hotels when you spend summer in South Africa | Summer in South Africa means sun-filled days surrounded by beauty. To make the most of these sizzling summer months, Red Carnation offers a twin centre stay at two of South Africa’s most luxurious five star properties

by staff reporter Enjoy the fresh ocean air at The Twelve Apostles Hotel, Restaurant and Spa, a beautiful property poised at the edge of the world with the iconic Twelve Apostles mountains on one side, and the rolling Atlantic Ocean on the other. Then get back to nature at Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat, located at the foot of the Cederberg Mountains. Here are five reasons to visit South Africa with Red Carnation this summer: Hallmarks of luxury A short three hour drive can take guests from the stunning Oceanside Twelve Apostles Hotel to the threshold of the sister property, Bushmans Kloof, a luxurious retreat and lodge in the South African wilderness.

A visit to both properties offers the perfect Twin Centre holiday

for those wanting to experience South Africa’s diverse land and seascapes. Both hotels offer the Red Carnation hallmarks of luxury: first class service, warm hospitality, excellent cuisine and stunning surroundings. Not only this, but both also boast award winning state of the art spas with signature treatments using the unique B | Africa product range which is designed to replenish the body, mind and soul. The spas are situated among the beautiful surroundings of the hotels and provide the perfect environment for a relaxing and tranquil spa experience.

Southern Africa inspires a wanderlust aimed at finding wildlife South Africa is home to all creatures great and small and The Twelve Apostles provides the perfect place to appreciate some

of the country’s most fascinating marine life. Southern Right Whales are often spotted basking in the Atlantic Ocean having migrated from colder seas of Antarctica during the summer months. Guests needn't worry about missing out on seeing these magnificent mammals, once one is spotted the designated whale bell will ring to alert guests who can then head to an appropriate viewing spot to catch a glimpse of these ocean dwellers.

Bushmans Kloof in all its bounty For those looking for more wild encounters, Bushmans Kloof offers further opportunities to spot some of South Africa’s native animal and bird life including Zebras, Bontebok, Red Hartebeest, Grey Rhebok and Ostriches.

The reserves plains and rocky outcrop are also home to smaller inhabitants such as Cape Clawless

Otters, Baboons, African Wildcat and Aardvarks. Avid birdwatchers will find themselves in a paradise of singing, feathered creatures with the summer months being particularly good for those wanting to catch a glimpse of the 150 or so species of bird found around Bushmans Kloof, including the jewel-like Sunbird and great African Fish Eagle.

Rustic and romantic summer sunsets - overlooking the Cederberg Summer hails the arrival of long days and even longer nights and where better to spend them than at one of Bushmans Kloof extraordinary dining venues. Indulge in South African specialties under the light of the Milky Way, romantic lanterns and myriad candles in the Embers restaurant, perched on the edge of a dramatic cliff and overlooking the spectacular valley below.

Alternatively, opt for a private dining experience in the secluded Kadoro cottage where guests can admire the distant Cederberg Mountains over an exquisite candlelit dinner; a delight for all the senses.

Toast to Twelve Apostles hospitable beauty Guests at The Twelve Apostles can also combine fine dining with the great South African outdoors.

Flanked on one side by the iconic Table Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, there are few hotels that could rival the beautiful location of The Twelve Apostles hotel and guests are able to appreciate these spectacular surroundings alongside a specially prepared picnic. Take a refreshing mountain walk, find the perfect picnic spot and toast to a wonderful stay as the sun melts into the Atlantic Ocean whilst enjoying a freshly made hamper of fine foods.

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| 23 - 30 December 2014 | thesouthafrican.com

Travel

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| Various-animals-are-cared-for-at-the-Shamwari-animal-rehabilitation-and-rescue-centre. Photos courtesy of Shamwari

Shamwari game reserve: conserving a vanishing way of life | Upon a visit to the world-renowned big five Shamwari game reserve in the Eastern Cape, Craig Lewis discovers a conservation industry leader where animal care and welfare is a top priority

by Craig Lewis Like rolling thunder, the distinctive rumble of a lion reverberates across the plains of Shamwari game reserve.

As if playing a game of Marco Polo, we head in the direction of this unmistakeable sound that is synonymous with the African bush, and are quickly rewarded with the sight of a majestic male lion striding into the sunset.

For the next half an hour, those of us on the early evening game drive remain transfixed by this powerful predator, having just moments earlier sat in similarly hushed silence as a hulking rhino and her calf strolled by just metres from our vehicle.

It marks an unforgettable way to start our stay at Shamwari, a world-renowned big five game reserve in the Eastern Cape, 45

minutes from Port Elizabeth.

Once the site of former farm lands, the area has been transformed into an abundant wildlife reserve, which stretches 25 000 hectares across diverse landscape that is unique to the Eastern Cape.

The meandering Bushman’s River snakes its way across the reserve, which has been transformed from a previously desolate area into a richly diverse wilderness area that includes five of South Africa’s seven ecosystems.

For many, Shamwari’s leading conservation efforts undoubtedly add to the reserve’s appeal, and it is these initiatives that piqued my interest during the course of a memorable two-night stay.

In September, Shamwari was named ‘Africa’s Leading

Conservation Company’ at the 21st annual World Travel Awards Africa gala ceremony — an award they have won on several occasions before.

It’s testimony to Shamwari’s multifaceted conservation initiatives, which include an animal rehabilitation centre, a rhino awareness centre, a 3500 hectare breeding area, and various educational and interactive programmes.

Shamwari is also home to two sanctuaries of the Born Free Foundation, which was co-founded by actress and conservationist Virginia McKenna, and serves to rehabilitate lions and leopards that have been rescued from poor living conditions in circuses or zoos from around the world.

Upon our visit to the sanctuary,

we found a compelling story behind every animal, with these big cats having been relocated into spacious bush enclosures where they are closely monitored and cared for, while being allowed to become re-accustomed to a natural way of life devoid of any human contact.

I was particularly fascinated by the story of ‘Brutus’, a male lion that was confiscated from a run-down circus in France, where he was living in a cage space of less than two metres. Brutus has been at Shamwari since 2008, and the sight of this regal creature revelling in his new-found freedom was something special to behold.

Apart from guided game walks, game drives and photo safaris, there is also the opportunity to visit Shamwari’s on-site “animal

hospital”, where a full-time vet provides care for young, abandoned, orphaned or injured animals.

All manner of animals have been rehabilitated at this centre, and there are a host of fascinating cases, such as we encountered when we spent time observing and feeding an injured antelope that had been fitted with a prosthetic leg.

And while Shamwari has established itself as one of the world’s leading conservation companies, it’s clear that they pride themselves just as much on the guest experience.

The cuisine is impeccable, while there are five world-class lodges, one villa and one explorer camp spread out across the reserve, with each offering its own unique draw card.

While we stayed at the spacious

11

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Long Lee Manor, we also enjoyed a lunch at Bayethe Tented Camp, where an indignant hippo kept us entertained throughout the meal as it snorted and cavorted in a nearby dam, which is overlooked by the dining area.

Shamwari’s primary philosophy is to “conserve a vanishing way of life”, and in this regard, a campaign of education, conservation and awareness for the plight of rhinos has been actively embraced.

In conjunction with the

Wilderness Foundation, the Dr Ian Player Rhino Awareness centre was created to highlight the devastating effect of rhino poaching in South Africa and Africa, while over R8 million has been raised to help save and protect the species.

At the time of our visit, the number of rhinos poached in South Africa this year had already risen above 1000, and it was clear to see just how passionate the Shamwari Wildlife team were about playing their part in the

rhino protection initiative.

It brought into focus the privilege of being able to view these magnificent animals in such close proximity during our time at Shamwari, with our affable field ranger, Abel, very rarely failing to deliver on his catchphrase of “let’s go have some fun”.

And with its ongoing interactive and awareness initiatives, one couldn’t help but get the sense that Shamwari really is contributing to conserving a vanishing way of life.

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Business

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Advice from the experts on sponsoring a spouse or partner to live and work in the UK | The current UK family migration rules thus require a minimum income at £18 600 for sponsoring a spouse or partner, rising to £22 400 for also sponsoring a child and an additional £2 400 for each further child.The past year BIC heard a lot of heart-breaking stories from couples and families who were or are adversely affected by the UK immigration rules, requiring a minimum income of at least £18 600 for spouse visa applications by breytenbachs

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The current UK family migration rules thus require a minimum income at £18 600 for sponsoring a spouse or partner, rising to £22 400 for also sponsoring a child and an additional £2 400 for each further child.

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Fortunately, in cases where the application is done from within the UK, the £18 600 can be made up from the income of both parties, and it should thus be easier for the couple to fulfil the criteria.

Couples, who are not able to meet the financial requirement, can also look into the so-called Surinder Singh route. In short, this route entails that the EU partner must exercise his/her EU treaty rights (by working, being self-employed, self-sufficient or a student for example) and live anywhere in the European Economic Area with his/her nonEU partner for a period of at least three months. After exercising this EEA citizenship right, the family can gain access to the UK, as they are then covered by European law.

There would thus be no need to apply under the UK family migration rules, and the family

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For more information and advice in your unique circumstances, please speak to your BIC consultant today. www.bic-immigration.com or info@bic-immigration.com

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| 23 - 30 December 2014 | thesouthafrican.com

Sport

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| Stiaan van Zyl celebrates his 100 during day two of the 1st Test match between South Africa and West Indies at SuperSport Park on December 18 in Pretoria. Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images

Stiaan van Zyl joins a list South African cricketers who scored a Test century on debut | Jabu looks at the five South Africans who have scored centuries on their test match debuts

by Tyron Barnard The Proteas are currently taking on West Indies in the first test at Centurion, and they have a strong grip on the match already — with a fine batting display. Much focus will be on Hashim Amla (208) and AB de Villiers (152), and rightfully so.

But in their shadow is the Cape Cobras batsmen Stiaan van Zyl. Van Zyl had been waiting for an opportunity to play after being around the squad for a couple of months, and now joins a list of Proteas who have scored a century on their test debut. He has also become the 100th man in test cricket to do so.

Here are the five South Africans on that illustrious list.

Andrew Hudson 163 vs. West Indies (Away) – 18 April 1992

Hudson got this century in South Africa’s first test match after rejoining the international fold. It was a one-off test and an opportunity for the South Africans to show the world what they had been missing.

Hudson, our current convener of selectors, produced a fine display in South Africa’s first innings to score an incredible 163 and give South Africa a lead of 83 runs. South Africa unfortunately fell to an inspired spell of bowling from Curtly Ambrose and lost the test, but had done much to enhance their reputation, and none more than Hudson.

Jacques Rudolph 222 vs.

Bangladesh (Away) – 24 April 2003 Many overlook this incredible feat.

Rudolph’s double-ton debut is only the fifth in the history of test cricket

during a first test. The fact that it was Bangladesh should not deter from the outstanding achievement, especially considering Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs had both failed.

The Proteas would win the game by an innings and 60 runs and Rudolph would go on to play 48 test matches for the national team.

Alviro Pietersen 100 vs. India (Away) – 14 February 2010 This was a time when Alviro had long been overlooked for a deserving place in the team. South Africa had not truly established an opening partnership after the demise of Gibbs and Mckenzie’s drop of form. But given an opportunity, the Highveld Lions captain grabbed it with both hands. To score the century at Eden Park would have been great but — incredibly — South Africa, with

three centuries in the match, would lose the game by an innings of 57 runs. Alviro has been an ever present in the team since then, although currently struggling with a lack of form.

Faf du Plessis 110* vs. Australia (Away) – 22 November 2012 The most famous of all these centuries, and arguably one of the most famous centuries ever. South Africa were facing a heavy defeat after Warner, Clarke and Hussey had abused the SA Bowling lineup. Graeme Smith’s fine innings meant SA avoided the follow on, but a quick declaration meant that SA would need 430 to win or would need to survive 150 overs. SA found themselves in trouble at 45-4 after 20 overs when Du Plessis walked to the middle. It became a matter of

time rather than runs and Faf, along with AB, batted for 70 overs together adding only 89 runs in a memorable rearguard. When AB was dismissed it was Du Plessis who marshaled the tail home, leaving SA with a famous draw. Faf’s 101 came off of 376 balls and he batted for just under eight hours. Incredible.

Stiaan van Zyl 101* vs. West Indies (Home) – 17 December 2014 At last we have a South African century debut on home soil. Van Zyl has deserved his chance for the Proteas and, after a nervy start, underlined his quality both side of the wickets. Needing to score at a decent rate to stay ahead of the pending declaration, van Zyl scored well with 16 boundaries in his 134 ball knock.

Welcome to test cricket Stiaan!

15

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London Touch Rugby Update: Touch for 2014 bows out on a high | The Sunday Individuals Team joined in on the festive spirit for their final game of the season, sporting traditional Christmas attire By in2touch The Sunday Individuals Team had a fantastic season in the Late Autumn Mixed League. Each season there are a few individuals who want to join a Touch Rugby team but find the task of rounding up a full side to be a real challenge at times.

So we like to help them out by putting a group of players together in the league and then they play as a team for the rest of the season.

The individual team this season have gotten along perfectly and each week they make their way to the pub to have some drinks and snacks after an active game of touch.

At the last day of the Sunday league the players are also planning on entering their team on their own in the next Mixed league at Clapham Common.

The Sunday Individuals Team were dressed to impress for their final game of the season as they were celebrating the festive season wearing their Christmas jumpers

and hats while playing. Fiona Manning-Blakey had this to say about her individual’s team "It's fun, social and a great way to meet new people in the local area. We did really well for an individual's team over the weeks, we really moulded together to play as a team and we ended up winning our division in the league."

One of the players down at the Sunday league Nick Matenga on playing the game "This old timer still dazzles the younger players with my bro skills", he comes down every now and then from reading to play in the league and to catch up with the teams.

There are new leagues starting in January and February in 2015 at Clapham Common on a Sunday as well as the Active Touch leagues in Canary Wharf and Wandsworth.

If you are interested in joining these leagues then send an email to tracy@in2touch.com or have a look on our website, www.in2touch.com/uk for more information

Sport 23 – 30 DECEMBER 2014

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Stiaan van Zyl joins a list South African cricketers who scored a Test century on debut

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London Touch Rugby Update: Touch for 2014 bows out on a high

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South Africa slay the Windies in the first Test | Finishing off the West Indies in just 80 minutes and 15 overs, South Africa will start the second Test on strong footing

| TAKING US HOME: Dale Steyn celebrates as he takes the wicket of West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chandepaul during the 4th day of the first test match between South Africa and the West Indies at Supersport Park in Centurion on 20 December. Photo by GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images

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