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SA songstress Casey Leigh brings some soul to the UK INSIDE Foreigners banned from owning land in South Africa, says Zuma

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NEWS Van Breda murders: Henri suspected of having a tik addiction

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NEWS 8 reasons tequila is actually good for you

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NEWS 5 unique cities to visit in 2015 for five remarkable reasons

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| THE ONE TO WATCH: Casey Leigh launches her debut album next month, before hitting the UK music scene. Read more on page 7

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| 17 - 24 February 2015 | thesouthafrican.com

News

Editor: Mareike Pietzsch 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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Van Breda murders: Surviving son suspected of having tik addiction | It is believed that Henri van Breda has a tik addiction and spent time at an upmarket drug rehabilitation centre last year. Police are investigating various possible motives for the brutal axe murders By Katy Scott Police are expected to seek the medical records of 20-year-old Henri van Breda, the surviving son of the Van Breda family, as they believe he has a tik addiction, reported the Sunday Times. Police are investigating numerous possible motives for the axe murders, including one that Henri’s parents, Martin and Teresa, allegedly cut off Henri’s allowance, reported the newspaper. The newspaper further stated that it has tracked down a man, known as Mark, who claims he

was Henri’s drug runner. Mark identified Henri from a photograph and said that he had been a regular client. Police have not taken Mark’s statement, but sources close to the investigation reported that Henri’s medical records would be subpoenaed to prove addiction, therefore Mark’s statement is not necessary. According to the Sunday Times, Henri allegedly spent time in an upmarket drug rehabilitation centre in Cape Town in 2014. Last week it emerged that

Henri van Breda told the police that his family were attacked by an unknown intruder, and that he was knocked unconscious during the attack, only regaining consciousness after 7 am, reported Times Live. He claimed that the killer hacked his brother, Rudi, to death with “tremendous strength with an axe” and when his father, Martin, rushed to Rudi’s defense, the intruder slayed him next. In the account he gave to the police, he claimed that his mother, Teresa, was murdered next and

his sister, Marli, was attacked last. The attacker then allegedly threw the axe at him and knocked him unconscious, he says. Previous evidence emerged that it took Henri four hours to call emergency services, as the attack occurred at 3 am. Marli, who suffered extensive head trauma and a severed jugular, is recovering at Vergelegen MediClinic in Somerset West, but is still unable to talk. Spokesman for Vergelegen Medi-Clinic Carla Hanekom said that no visitors are allowed just yet.

Foreigners banned from owning land in South Africa, says Zuma | President Jacob Zuma announced a controversial new Land Holdings Bill at SONA2015, which prohibits foreigners from owning land in South Africa By Katy Scott President Jacob Zuma’s actual speech at the State of the Nation Address on 12 February was upstaged by the violence and chaos that preceded it. In the speech, Zuma announced a new Land Holdings Bill which will restrict land ownership by foreigners in South Africa. If the controversial bill is passed as is, foreign nationals will be unable to own land in South Africa as they will be classed as non-citizens. Foreigners can only own land in a business capacity, and if

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foreigner would be restricted to long-term leases of between 30 and 50 years, reported BD Live. The bill will be sent to cabinet for approval soon, after which there will be a process of public consultation, said Presidency spokesperson Mac Maharaj. After 300 years of colonial and white-minority government rule, which left the majority of farmlands in the hands of the white minority, land ownership continues to be an emotive issue in South Africa. The African National Congress (ANC) has fallen short of its target

of transferring a third of farmland to blacks by 2014, reported BD Live. According to the BBC’s Andrew Harding, the ANC is wary of losing votes to the radical voices calling for white-owned land to be seized without compensation. Foreign nationals said the proposed law would only incite more violence and discrimination, reported Eyewitness News. In a statement on Saturday, Zuma said: “Land has become one of the most critical factors in achieving redress for the wrongs of the past.”

South Africans stash R23 billion in Swiss bank accounts | Leaked files have provided details on South Africans holding Swiss bank accounts, including the notorious Fana Hlongwane. Find out how much has he been stashing…. By Katy Scott

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the dominant shareholder of the business is controlled from overseas. Local farmers would not be able to own more than 12, 000 hectares, which is approximately two farms. If a South African citizen owns more than 12, 000 hectares, the excess will be liable for seizure by the state. “If any single individual owns above that limit, the government would buy the excess land and redistribute it,” Zuma said in a statement. He further explained that under legislation currently in the works,

A network of journalists across 45 countries called the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), have dug up and leaked the names of those holding accounts at HSBC in Switzerland. The list has exposed the secret bank accounts of tax dodgers, politicians, celebrities, arms dealers, among others. According to ICIJ, in total, 100,000 people and entities from 203 countries have stashed $102-billion in Swiss accounts. There were 1787 South Africans on the list, holding $2.09-billion in 2,221 accounts.

However, ICIJ discloses that there are legitimate uses for Swiss bank accounts and trusts. The team states: “We do not intend to suggest or imply that any persons, companies or other entities included in the ICIJ Swiss Leaks interactive application have broken the law or otherwise acted improperly.” South Africa allows its citizens to operate accounts overseas, as long as they declare their existence and record income deposited in them for tax purposes. While the R23 billion may have been transferred legally, the South African Revenue Service and police will

no doubt examine the documents closely, reported BD Live. The greatest amount of money associated with a South African client was $164.3 million. The ICIJ confirms that Fana Hlongwane held several accounts with HSBC. Hlongwane is accused of being a middle man in the arms deal and aiding the distribution of over R200 million in bribes to politicians on behalf of arm suppliers. He was allegedly paid R65 million in arms deal bribes. Hlongwane is listed as the beneficial owner of an account (Leynier Finance SA) which contained $888,000 in 2007 and he is linked to two others that

held $12.7 million at one point in 2006-2007. Even if Hlongwane is able prove that the accounts were linked to legitimate business activities, he may still be under extreme pressure from arms deal critics, reported BD Live. Hlongwane has not yet replied to ICIJ’s requests for comment. South Africa is ranked 31st in the list of countries, with Switzerland ranked 1st. This means, unsurprisingly, that Swiss account holders have the most money saved in these accounts. Interestingly, the amount of South Africans opening accounts spiked between 1994–1998.

thesouthafrican.com | 17 - 24 February 2015 |

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| A protestor in Church Street made a brief appearance at 6pm before the State of the Nation Address by President Zuma. Photo by Armand Hough

| MP Marius Mangoba Redelinghuys after trying to reason with the police when DA protestors were being removed from the CBD before the State of the Nation Address by President Zuma is arrested. Photo by Armand Hough

After the SONA: Questions for President Zuma | President Zuma’s State of the Nation Address was thin on detail. Here are a list of questions that we suggest Members of Parliament could ask, so that people living in South Africa will be better informed By Ground Up The list is far from comprehensive, and is weighted in favour of topics we are familiar with. Electricity The president stated, “The construction of the three new power stations Kusile, Medupi and Ingula, will add ten thousand megawatts of capacity to the national grid. The quest for alternative energy sources is also ongoing.” How much has been spent until now on the construction of the three power plants? How much more will be spent on the construction of the three power plants before they are generating 10,000 megawatts? The president stated, “A total of 2,600 megawatts of hydro-electric capacity will be sourced from the SADC region.” He also said, “With regards to hydro power, the Grand Inga Hydro-electrical Project partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo will generate over 48,000 megawatts of clean hydro-electricity. South Africa will have access to over 15,000 megawatts.” By when will this be provided and how much will it cost? The president gave various examples of additional energy being provided to the national grid. However, this raises the following question: How many megawatts of Eskom’s total energy capacity is currently out of commission or offline for maintenance? The president stated, “There are still 3.4 million households in the country without electricity. In the

June 2014 SONA, I announced that infrastructure support will be given to specific municipalities in the country.” Is there a plan and timetable to provide electricity to these unconnected households? Employment The president stated, “However, the situation is more promising on the jobs front. Two days ago, StatsSA released the employment figures for the last quarter of 2014. The report shows that there are now 15,3 million people who are employed in South Africa. Jobs grew by two hundred and three thousand.” The president has given statistics for the change in unemployment between the third and fourth quarters of 2014. Please provide the change in unemployment figures between the more representative fourth quarter of 2013 and fourth quarter of 2014. The president stated, “The Employment Tax Incentive which was introduced last year directed mainly at the youth, is progressing very well. Two billion rand has been claimed to date by some twenty nine thousand employers, who have claimed for at least two hundred and seventy thousand young people.” How many previously unemployed youths are now employed as a result of the Employment Tax Incentive? The president stated, “I announced a target of six million work opportunities over five years last year for the programme. We have thus far created more than eight hundred and fifty thousand (850,000) work opportunities.”

What is the total wage bill paid to the recipients of these 850,000 work opportunities? Education The president said, “Through the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative which is part of the national infrastructure plan, 92 new schools have been completed to date and 108 are under construction. About 342 schools have received water for the first time. 351 schools have received decent sanitation while 288 have been connected to electricity.” Health The president stated, “Over the past five years, government has scored significant gains in health care.” It is true that life-expectancy has risen in South Africa over the past five years, primarily as a result of the government’s antiretroviral treatment programme. Nevertheless several important questions need to be answered. How many people are currently still enrolled and receiving antiretroviral medicines in the public sector? How many drug stockouts (of any medicines) were there in the public sector in 2014? What measures are being put in place to reduce the risk of drug stockouts? The president stated, “This year, we are going to launch a massive programme to turn the tide against tuberculosis (TB), with a special focus on three communities, offenders at Correctional Services facilities, mineworkers and communities in mining towns.”

What measures have already been taken to reduce the risk of contracting TB in prisons following the judgments in the Dudley Lee court case? How many people became ill with drug-resistant TB in 2014 and how does this compare to 2013?

How much money is the state investing in the development of new TB drugs and diagnostics? Finally, does President Zuma intend to pay back any of the costs of the development of his Nkandla residence, as recommended by the Public Protector? If yes, how much and by when?

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| 17 - 24 February 2015 | thesouthafrican.com

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Why I don't share bad news from South Africa on Facebook | The comments on Facebook post are always interesting to read, especially when sharing results in a barrage of unexpected reactions. Comments often offer a better reflection on society than the article itself, a litmus test for the feelings and thoughts of societal groups By Philippa Cross A few days ago a friend shared an article in a South African newspaper on Facebook. It a story about a family from Perth who had moved to Stellenbosch in South Africa a year ago. They had, sadly, been murdered in their home. The story is an unfolding one, the murder under investigation. What was immediately of interest to me however were the comments in response to her posting. She had merely shared the article without making a statement of her own, but the comments in her comment box berated her for doing so. Immediately on the defensive, South Africans clearly irked by the spread of negative news about South Africa, jumped into gear. “Move on, turn the page, stop spreading negativity”, one said. “If I shared all the negative news in France I’d be on Facebook all day,” said another. The remarks on a Facebook post or in the comments section online are always interesting to read, and are often a better reflection on society than the article itself. Comments are made by real people in real-time, usually uncensored (and often to the detriment of the medium) and are a fairly accurate litmus test for the feelings and thoughts of societal group. The conversations on Facebook are what make the banal, pointless social network so addictive. Scrolling through my Facebook news feed is like slowing down to watch a car accident – I know what I’m reading is shallow, without purpose, sometimes even morally offensive, reflecting the least intelligent and most self-centered parts of human nature — but I can’t help myself. But I digress. So when I came across an article on my Facebook news feed, shared by many of my friends, from a South African newspaper, I found myself in somewhat of a quandary. To share, or not to share? The article was about a shootout in a shopping centre in Johannesburg. I was horrified, but instinctively fascinated and interested in the story, because the shootout took place in the very shopping center I had frequented just years before. Although it feels like a lifetime, just a few years ago the Bedford Centre was my local shopping centre. I would pop in almost daily for bread and milk. I am still on their mailing list for heaven’s sake. Now I get my bread and milk from my local store in Brisbane where a shootout like the one at Bedford Centre would stop

the nation in its tracks, dropping the jaw of every Australian citizen. My first instinct was to share the story. I don’t know why. I suppose I wanted my shiny new Australian friends to see what happened in the shopping center where I used to do my grocery shopping. I have been asked so many times by the lovely, friendly, wonderfully-naïve school moms why I left South Africa. I try to be constrained, reserved, and balanced in my response, not wanting to be one of those expats who badmouth their home country. God knows I have been conditioned to know that “What happens in Joburg, stays in Joburg.” To the Australians I know, the idea of a shootout in a shopping centre, or a smash and grab at an intersection, or a hijacking outside a nursery school by criminals dressed up as policemen, is so distant, so foreign, that they couldn’t even comprehend it. And so when I saw the footage, shot in a place I recognised, I wanted to show my new friends what I meant when I said: “I left because I was always afraid when I lived there.” Because I was. I was afraid I would be hijacked when I left my driveway in the mornings, or arrived home after dark after work. I was a mother driving into a parking lot with her children in the back seat, stopping at the security checkpoint manned by an armed guard. I read of toddlers being taken by hijackers who didn’t stop to let the mother whose vehicle they were stealing un-strap her child. I was afraid when I stopped at intersections at a red traffic light, afraid I would be a victim of a smash and grab. After experiencing more than one smash and grab, my panic levels at intersections increased to the point of full-on panic. I was a mother with toddlers strapped into their car seats, and at every traffic light I watched as beggars and window washers surrounded my car, hoping that today was not my day for a smash and grab, not while my children were in the car at least. I was afraid when I went grocery shopping, afraid of a shootout at a mall. I heard about the shootouts at shopping centres on the news all the time, and I figured it was just a matter of time until it happened at my local. Bedford shopping center management figured the same thing obviously, employing armed security personnel, who guarded the entrances and exits,

and patrolled the mall. There were tiger teeth tire shredders installed at the entry and exit points that would automatically be raised should an alarm go off, preventing any robbers from driving out of the car park. So I wasn’t imagining the risk. I wasn’t just another paranoid Saffa afraid of her own shadow. So I grew more and more afraid, an invisible fear eating me away. And when I spoke of my fear I was met with what I would describe as hostility. Or was it intolerance? Annoyance? It was a distinct feeling that no one wanted to listen to my whining. At least it felt like that to me, but perhaps I was viewing the world through my PTSD eyes. I felt that when I shared my anxiety, I was whinging. Talking about it was pointless. It’s an unwritten rule in South Africa that you are expected to make the best out of a bad situation. Focusing on and talking about the bad news makes you a negative person. And no one wants a negative person around, do they? So I held it in, just like I resisted the urge to hit SHARE when I read this confronting piece of news on Facebook. I don’t know why. I think it’s because I have a lot of South African friends and family still living in South Africa, who call South Africa home. And I love and respect them. I don’t want them to feel that I am disdainful of the country in which they live. I don’t want them to think I am perpetuating a negative image of

South Africa just because I have made the choice to leave. More than that, I don’t even ask them if they’re okay, knowing that Bedford Centre is their local shopping centre too, and that if they weren’t there during the actual shootout, they were almost definitely going to be later on that day, or had been the day before. I don’t ask because I know that just asking could be received as “focusing on the negative.” What I wanted to do was to share the story. And when I asked myself why, I realised this is what I wanted to say with that simple press of a button: “Look Australian friends! Look what happened where I used to shop. You see! This is why I am here, a stranger in a strange land, trying desperately to make a home for myself and my children in a place that just isn’t home. This is why I covet your passport. This is why I take such joy in the small things in Brisbane, because for the first time in a long time, I am living without fear.” And I want to say to my South African friends and family: “I love you. I respect you. I know that you consider South Africa your home, and that you are happy with your choice to live there. I know that about you, and I do respect it. But I just don’t understand. Please, please leave that country. It’s not good for you. It’s not the way to live.” Because it’s not. If there were a shootout in any mall in Australia where anyone was killed, it would be huge. The Prime

Minister would comment. The chief of police would be holding news conferences. A national day of mourning would be declared. An inquiry would be opened. Before you all jump down my throat, I’m not saying it doesn’t, or wouldn’t, happen in Australia. I’m just saying that the reaction would be enormous. Outrage. Absolute outrage. As there should be. It’s not okay for gangs of armed robbers to be robbing malls, stopped only by armed security forces from private security companies because everyone knows the South African Police isn’t going to stop the crime. It’s not okay for bystanders to be shot and wounded and killed while they go about their daily shop. It’s not normal. It’s not okay. I am not negative. I am not unpatriotic. I am not spreading bad news about South Africa because I have an axe to grind. Just like the Stellenbosch murder post that was shared by a friend, I am simply hitting share. Perhaps, instead of jumping on the defensive, you should take some time to read the comments made by non-South Africans. I think you will find that the general reaction of those living outside the desensitised nation is shock, outrage, horror and disbelief. This world is too wonderful a place to spend it frightened, anxious, afraid, and angry. There is no change without change. Perhaps it’s time to make one. That’s what I wanted to express, had I hit SHARE. But I didn’t.

thesouthafrican.com | 17 - 24 February 2015 |

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Documentary, The Other Man, explores the golden years | Released in New York last weekend, Nicolas Rossier’s The Other Man: FW de Klerk and the end of Apartheid has been met with mixed reviews By John Cole-Morgan Regardless, the documentary effortlessly tells of a story many overlooked. President FW de Klerk went from being the head of the Apartheid regime to Mandela’s deputy. The opening scene sets the mood. At Madiba’s funeral service, the master of ceremonies announces the living former presidents of South Africa. When he reaches De Klerk’s name, the crowd responds with applause for the peaceful leader. FW de Klerk’s role as the last president of the last undemocratic regime of South Africa is rarely considered. Chester Crocker, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for the Reagan administration, once said, “There are not that many examples in history, of leaders who negotiate the end of their own system.” This is certainly true for De Klerk as he put aside his party’s beliefs and took part in a decision process that paved the way forward for South Africa. On 2 February 1990, South Africa changed forever with De Klerk’s

momentous speech at the opening of parliament. The members of parliament, who disagreed with the president walked out of the chamber, while De Klerk stripped away decades of laws that had restricted the rights of many. Unrest and violence marked the "golden years". This conflict unsettled both sides. De Klerk and Madiba however, were able to work together and attempt to move forward in these struggles, but not without some serious personal conflicts. What De Klerk knew regarding assassinations of ANC members and leaders remains unclear. De Klerk swears he knew nothing about murders and torture; and viewers are left to make up their minds themselves. The Other Man: FW de Klerk and the end of Apartheid is certainly one of the most important accounts of this historic moment. It’s a powerful reflection on South Africa’s transition to democracy – and doesn't shy away from asking questions.

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| 17 - 24 February 2015 | thesouthafrican.com

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AN EXTRAORDINARY INSIDER ACCOUNT OF THE REVOLUTION

South African cuisine comes to Kent | It was finally time for the long awaited exclusive South African cuisine at The Hengist Restaurant in Aylesford this weekend

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by Danita Beetge To most, February is the month of love and chocolate. I thought to share my sinfully decadent chocolate dessert with you this week. Chocolate cremeux is intensely flavoured, smooth and creamy. I use macerated raspberries to balance the richness of the chocolate and chopped pistachios for texture. The recipe is not complicated but it does require a little love and tender care during cooking. The basis of this recipe is custard strained over chopped chocolate while hot and blended together. For the best flavour, use chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids. The flavour will be more intense, and the texture creamier.

Take the dessert out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving. Ingredients Cremeux 100 g 70% min cocoa solids dark chocolate, coarsley chopped 3 egg yolks 200 ml double cream 120 ml whole milk 3 tbsp sugar 1 tsp salt Macerated raspberries ½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries 2 tsp sugar 2 tsp lemon juice To finish: 1 tbsp chopped pistachios Method Cremeux Add cream, milk, sugar and salt to a saucepan and bring to a medium simmer. Turn off the heat.

Whisk a little of this mixture into the egg yolks. This will prevent curdling when the rest of the hot cream mixture is added. Gradually pour in the rest of the cream mixture, whisking constantly (or the mix will cook and resemble scrambled eggs)! Pour the hot custard through a sieve into a bowl containing the chopped chocolate. As the chocolate melts, mix to combine. Pour into glasses or ramekins and refrigerate for at least two hours. Macerated Raspberries In a small bowl, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Allow to macerate for about five minutes. To finish, top the set chocolate with the raspberries and a sprinkling of chopped pistachios.

thesouthafrican.com | 17 - 24 February 2015 |

Arts & Entertainment

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The one to watch: SA songstress Casey Leigh brings some soul to the UK | After reaching the top three in the Irish music charts, Casey Leigh has set her sights on the UK music scene by staff reporter Born in East London, singing sensation Casey Leigh immigrated to Ireland in 2001 at the age of just seven years old. After a string of impressive performances for Irish fans, in 2013 her debut self-penned track “Don’t Walk Away” reached number three in the Irish iTunes charts for soul/Rnb. In the same year, Leigh was invited by President Michael D Higgins of Ireland to entertain his guests

at an official annual event at his residence. Leigh wrote “Don’t Walk Away” in order to raise funds for the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, and for treatment for cerebral palsy child victim Casey Fitzgerald. While in Ireland, Leigh met the co-owners of UK music production company Zebra 1, who have written songs for the Spice Girls and Sugababes. They encouraged her to move to England and she is now living in Aylesbury,

where she says the music scene is great. Now closer to the producers of her album, Leigh is preparing for the UK release of her debut album in March 2015. Watch out Saffas, Leigh will be touring as soon as the album launches, and you won't want to miss a chance to see a rising South African star shine. Details: Date: 13 March 2015 Venue: Aylesbury Ex-Services Club Time: Doors 7:30 pm

| 17 - 24 February 2015 | thesouthafrican.com

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thesouthafrican.com | 17 - 24 February 2015 |

Food

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Seven reasons tequila is actually good for you | Beer, red wine and now tequila… look folks, as with eveything else, when done with healthy caution it could be quite beneficial by Gerhard Jacobs Ok now look, this doesn’t mean you need to go down a bottle and make out with your cousin. Unless you already wanted to do the latter, in which case: Whatever is wrong with you, it is not a small thing. We’re talking moderate amounts, and only the best quality stuff. Helps weight loss So, we know fibre is great for the waistline, but here’s another. Agavins – not an ethnic minority –, it just so happens, lower triglycerides in the blood and cholesterol follows. Lowers your blood sugar There’s this nifty little sugar compound found in the agave plant, called agavina. Agavina boosts your body’s insulin production, lowering blood sugar levels. Helps fight cholesterol Tests done by the clever folks at the American Chemical Society (ACS), fat mice were given tequila and voila… they lost loads of weight. They might just have forgotten to eat, but hey… if it works.

It’s cool for diabetics By cool we don’t mean there’s no sugar in 100% agave tequila, but it contains less than most other alcohol. Great for intestinal health Now, this part is a little doctor-ish, but pay attention. Medicine meant for your guts often break down in the stomach before they reach the intestines they’re meant to help. Tequila, for some magical reason, prevents this from happening, so they hit the mark. This is good news for those with Crohn’s disease, certain forms of cancer and IBS. Whizzkids at Mexico’s Guadalajara University have found that tequila helps deliver meds to the colon, aiding in the treatment of these diseases. Tequila could help treat the common cold Back in the 30’s, Mexican doctors used to make a cocktail – literally – of tequila, agave nectar and lime juice for patients suffering from a cold. No hangovers! Not when you drink the R20 kind. No, we’re talking 100% agave tequila… give it a try, you’ll thank us later.

A pancake recipe for Shrove Tuesday | Shrove Tuesday will mark the eve of Lent, which will begin the following day, on Ash Wednesday by moira rowan Tuesday will be a day of gorging yourself senseless on pancakes, made of rich foods like butter, sugar, flour and eggs, all the foods that will be forbidden during Lent, which will be a time of prayer, abstinence, and penance, lasting for 40 days and nights. The word "Shrove" comes from the old English word "Shrive" means to confess one's sins. Shrove must always fall 47 days before Easter. Originally Pancake Day was a pagan festival. The Slavs believed that the changing of the seasons was the struggle between Jarilo, the God of springtime and vegetation, and the "evil" spirits of cold and darkness. In order to help Jarilo fight off the evil winter spirits and bring springtime, they made and ate pancakes which were supposed to symbolise the sun. If you are lucky you may see a pancake race, which are traditionally held in villages and towns across the UK. It involves runners carrying a frying pan while racing, tossing pancakes as they

race towards the finish line. The history behind this race, was that a woman was cooking pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and heard the shriving bell (that summons people to church to confess), she ran to the church still kitted out in her apron with frying pan in hand. Basic Pancake Batter: 110g of plain flour 2 eggs 280mls of milk 50g of butter Pinch of salt Method Sift flour, into a bowl, add the salt. Make a well in the middle, add the eggs, and mix together. Then gradually add the milk, to create the batter. The butter is used to grease the frying pan before each pancake. Serve with lemon and sugar as a topping, or maple syrup. Other fillings could be sliced banana, ice cream and chocolate sauce. Buttermilk Pancakes with Cinamon and brown sugar Topping: 50g of Demerara sugar 2 tablespoons of cinnamon Batter: 225g of plain flour

1 tablespoon of white sugar 1 teaspoon of baking powder 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda 1 teaspoon of salt 2 eggs 450mls of buttermilk 60g of melted butter Method Sift all the dry ingredients together, mix the eggs, buttermilk and melted butter together separately. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, till a batter is created. Grease the frying pan, pour in the batter and cook till golden brown on both sides. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle on top. Nalesniki (Polish Pancake): Batter: 2 eggs 1 ½ cups of milk 3 Tablespoons water ½ cup sifted flour ¼ teaspoon of salt Filling: 2 Cups small curd cottage cheese 2 egg yolks 2 Tablespoons of rich cream 2 Tablespoons sugar

1 pinch of salt 1 drop of vanilla extract Preheat oven to 250 degrees F Method Beat eggs till light and fluffy, add milk and water, and beat again. Add remaining ingredients. Grease frying pan and cook pancakes.

Filling Add eggs and sugar to the curd cheese, mix well. Add the remaining ingredients, and mix together. Spoon the cheese mixture into each thin pancake, and roll into shape. Place into a grease proof pan, and place in the oven, for approx. 30 mins. Served with sour cream.

| 17 - 24 February 2015 | thesouthafrican.com

Travel

The mystery, power and beauty of Moscow | Three days in the famed city did not disappoint. Take a look at some of the classic spots in the Russian capital by Len Rutledge We stand transfixed. The sheer beauty is difficult to contemplate. On one side a Disneyland-like structure with thousands of sparkling lights; on the other, a foreboding stark red wall stretching into the distance. Straight ahead is a building too fanciful to be real and everything is magnified by the reflections off the wet cobblestones. Red Square is the epicentre of Moscow and it hasn’t let us down. St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin’s mausoleum, the GUM department store, the Kazan Cathedral and the State Historical Museum are all here. Yet at 10:30 pm we are almost alone. It is our first day in Moscow and already we love the place. We are staying in one of Stalin’s epic buildings which is now the Hilton Hotel. We have travelled to Red Square in the famous and incredibly noisy carriages of the Metro. Now we have entered the square through Resurrection Gate. This is where, in 1941, tanks took part in a military parade before rumbling off to the front line just outside the city. It is also where, during the cold war, lines of intercontinental ballistic missiles showed the world the Soviet military might. Tonight it is quiet, beautiful and slightly wet. Travelling the Metro is a challenge and a magical experience. Many of Moscow’s metro stations are architectural masterpieces, dripping with sculptures, reliefs and mosaics

expounding the benefits of a communist life. We take the circular route and alight at each station to admire its beauty. We later find that this is one of Moscows most popular sightseeing tours. The Kremlin We buy our admission tickets and also extra tickets to the Armoury. Inside is a fantastic collection of palaces, cathedrals, churches and towers. It is good to see Poteshny Palace where Stalin lived and the offices of the Russian president. We enter the Patriarch’s Palace and adjacent Church of the Twelve Apostles before seeing the wonderful Assumption Cathedral with its bright, warm and spacious interior. There are several other churches and cathedrals and the Great Bell Tower. Perhaps the highlight is the Armoury, which has a fantastic collection of treasures. The famous Faberge eggs made from precious metals and jewels are marvelous. There are coaches, royal regalia and more. I suggest we see Red Square in the daylight so we walk the few hundred metres and are again transfixed by the view. My wife is also taken by the huge GUM department store which is actually a nineteenth century gallery with footbridges, little squares and all the expensive international goods you ever wanted. St Basil’s Cathedral is breathtaking from the outside but the interior is dark with

| Photos by Phensri Rutledge

many small chapels and nooks and crannies and is slightly disappointing. Walking the streets First stop on day two is Theatre Square, where we take in the lovely facade of the

Bolshoi Theatre. Unfortunately performance tickets are not available. A little further on we see the infamous dull yellow KGB building. In the Kitai-Gorod neighbourhood, the churches and merchant’s houses along Varvarka

are a showcase of Russian architecture from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. After taking the Metro to Arbatskaya station, The Arbat, a pedestrian street packed with shops, street vendors, bars and cafes is before us. It’s touristy but locals also come here to see the buskers and to bargain. Now we walk down Tverskaya Street to Pushkin Square. Pushkin is Russia’s favourite poet and his statue overlooks Moscow’s favourite square. It is late but the shops, sushi bars and restaurants are all open. The wrought-iron street lamps, flashing advertising signs and large TV screens provide an exciting atmosphere we hadn’t associated with Moscow. Our third day is spent in the area south of the Kremlin. First stop is the secluded Novodevichy Convent where we are blown away by the architecture. Then to Gorky Park where there are many strollers and an amusement park by the river. Walking back towards town we see the enormous and controversial Peter the Great Monument with Peter perched atop a ship. It’s hard to miss the huge Christ the Saviour Cathedral recently rebuilt after the original was blown up by Stalin in the 1930s. A quick stop at the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum with its famous impressionist and postimpressionist paintings concludes another wonderful day. See more of Len’s writing at www. LenRutledge.com

thesouthafrican.com | 17 - 24 February 2015 |

Travel

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Five unique cities to visit in 2015 for five remarkable reasons | Whether you travel for the thrill of adventure, to explore unchartered territories or to post enviable pictures on Facebook and Instagram, put these destinations on your 2015 bucketlist

by Katy Scott You absolutely have to visit one of these cities in 2015, because next year will be too late. The Faroe Islands The 18 Faroe Islands are roughly shaped like an arrow, and a walk through narrow passages and between picturesque blacktarred houses with white windows and green grass roofs in the old town of Tórshavn will send you back to the Middle Ages. The town which overlooks a harbour full of colourful boats, is unique not only in the Faroes, but in the world as it exists almost exactly as it did in the Middle Ages, never burning to ash like its Nordic timber-built counterparts. The Faroes are a beautiful destination year round but in 2015 on March 20, there will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for visitors, a full solar eclipse visible from the Faroe Islands. The last solar eclipse visible from the Faroes was 60 years ago. Zermatt, Switzerland One cannot call himself or herself a serious mountaineer, hiker or skier until they have conquered the Matterhorn Mountain of the Swiss Alps. The Matterhorn is hypnotic in its majesty, reigning over the town Zermatt in such a way that it does not allow for a single photograph to be taken without it being in the

centre. And 2015 marks 150 years since the first and tragic conquest of the peak which made Zermatt famous and resulted in a rush of tourism. British climber Edward Whymper reached the top in 1865, however only 3 of the 7 climbers survived the descent. Since then brave climbers have come from all around the world to tackle the classic Swizterland climb. Today, well-kept pistes welcome skiers all year round while others can be found with mouths wide open as they take Zermatt in, in all its glory. Yamgoon, Myanmar For nearly five decades, up until 2011, Myanmar (aka Burma) was internationally isolated on account of being ruled by a military junta. For the past few years though, tourists have been cottoning on to the treasures that Myanmar holds, and 2015 might be your last chance to have the true “untouched by tourists” experience. 2014 saw approximately 3 million visitors visit Myanmar, up from 2 million visited in 2013 and 1 million in 2012. By comparison, neighbouring Thailand receives almost 3 million a month, and more and more of them are hopping across the border. The former British colonial capital city, Yangon is filled with red-robed monks, leafy avenues,

gold pagodas and fin-de-siècle architecture. Locals can be found at tea shops on every corner of the city and thousands of pilgrims from around the country are drawn to the Shwedagon Pagoda Festival in March. Valletta, Malta The ancient capital of the Mediterranean island nation of Malta is the smallest of European capital cities and 2015 marks 450 years since it was founded. The fortress city was a refuge for soldiers returning from the Crusades. Over and above Valletta’s birthday celebrations in 2015, the world heritage site boasts Baroque architecture, cathedrals with intricately caved stone vaults, palaces, restored 17th century buildings and stair-step streets which bring you remarkable views of the harbour below. In 2015 the star-shaped Fort Saint Elmo reopens its doors after being closed to the public for years. Visitors can relive the 1565 Great Siege of Malta by ambling across the fort’s ramparts. An open-air theatre and a new entrance to the city are also great highlights for visitors in 2015. New Orleans, USA 2015 marks ten years since Hurricane Katrina shook the major United States port, and the city has never been more alive. A mixture of European, Caribbean,

African and other historical influences, unique cultures, food and music blend together in this city. New Orleans’ unofficial motto is “laisser les bons temps rouler” (let the good times roll) and the

city’s jazz clubs, night markets and fantastic festivals promise to burn especially bright this anniversary year. At the Mardi Gras in February, the celebrations will roll from parades to parties and spread across the entire city.

| 17 - 24 February 2015 | thesouthafrican.com

Business

UK Visit Visa system to be simplified | The UK Home Office is planning to simplify the current visa system from April 2015 by Breytenbachs The UK Home Office has announced that it is planning to simplify the current visit visa system. The changes will be introduced in April 2015, with the aim to make it easier for business people and performing artists to enter the UK. The planned changes come reportedly in the light of continuous complaints from British business leaders that the current visit visa process is too cumbersome and a hindrance to economic growth. There were reportedly also complaints from leaders in London’s arts about the difficulty to bring talented performers to the UK. The new visit visa system will try to simplify the current visit visa regime, by reducing the current 15 types of UK visitor visa categories to only four.

The four new categories will consist of the following; A standard visa available to tourists; A visit visa for persons who will be undertaking paid engagements such as theatre appearances, concerts and performance arts; A visit visa for those entering the UK for marriage and civil partnerships; and A category covering transits through the UK. The changes will apparently further simplify the current system, by allowing individuals to use the same visit visa for a greater range of activities, such as holidaying and attending business meetings. With the current system, one would need two different types of visit visas for holidaying and attending business meetings. In the meantime, it is very

important for South Africans to keep in mind that the current visit visa regime is still in place, and that there are very strict rules about conducting business whilst on a visitor visa. Persons visiting the UK, who plan to conduct business, are advised to contact BIC for more information. BIC will update its clients as soon as finer details on the new visit visa system are announced. www.bic-immigration.com or info@ bic-immigration.com

Rand weakens ahead of Jacob Zuma's State of The Nation address ARE YOU

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Last week, we saw the Rand catapult to 11.8925 to the US dollar, this is the worst it has been since March 2002. Rolling power outages, thanks to Eskom, and bleak employment figures have weighed heavy on the Rand’s strength against major currencies. There seems to be hope for Greece, thanks to resolutions with creditors, and this will hopefully help buffer the Rand fall. The Rand weakened early on Thursday last week ahead of Jacob Zuma’s state of the nation.

The hashtag #SONA was rife on all social media anticipating the talk about electricity shortages and economic woes. The turmoil that ensued that night did not help the Rand’s standing. Closing rates on Friday showed a slight strengthening against the pound at 17.92 GBP/ZAR and is still slightly below 18 this morning. What to look out for this coming week? Monday will see the Eurogroup meet in Brussels to discuss the Greece debt. This may affect the Euro’s trading power and

would be a good one to keep an eye on. On Tuesday morning the GBP Consumer Price Index will be released which may affect the Pound’s trading power. On Wednesday, we have the release of FOMC meeting minutes which may swing the Dollar to all new highs again. Brought to you by

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thesouthafrican.com | 17 - 24 February 2015 |

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KALAHARI MOON The Southern African Shop in Bristol. Wide range of stock including excellent boerewors and biltong. Centrally situated, friendly service. Connecting South Africans. Tel: 0117 929 9879 Address: 88 - 91 The Covered Market. st Nicholas Market, Corn Street, Bristol, BS1 1JQ Email: Info@kalaharimoon.co.uk Website: www.kalaharimoon.co.uk

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St Marcus One of the most amazing emporia the capital offers to the carnivorous gourmet. People have been flocking to St. Marcus for their amazing range of Biltong and Boerewors Visit us at: 1-3 Rockingham Close, Priory Lane, off Upper Richmond Road West, Roehampton, London SW15 5RW Call us at: 0208 878 1898 Online: www.biltongstmarcus.co.uk sales@biltongstmarcus.co.uk

CHICHESTER BILTONG COMPANY BILTONG doesn’t get any better than this! Arguably the best and most authentic South African biltong in the UK. We only use the finest herbs and spices and 100 percent British grass-fed beef! Our FINEST range is also gluten, sugar, msg and preservative free. For 10 percent EXTRA FREE use code SAFFA10 in the shipping instructions box at the checkout. www.biltongcompany.co.uk / 01243 216196

FOODS4YOU Whether you like to create an incentive program for your employees or corporate gifts at special times or throughout the year. Foods4U – Corporate Services Division is there to assist and help you maintain your critical internal and external business. sales@foods4u.co.uk Unit 22 / 24 Manford Ind. Estate, +44 (0) 87 00 33 2130, Manor Road, Erith, Kent, DA8 2AJ.

NO1 South African Shop Lots of lekker stuff for a taste of home. Including fantastic biltong, droewors and boerewors. 5 Marlow Drive, St Catherines Hill, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 2RR. The shop is about 2 miles north-west of Christchurch town centre and 6 miles north-east of Bournemouth town centre. There’s loads of free parking and the shop is easy to get to from the A338. Tel: 01202 496041 10’ish to 6pm 7 days a week. www.no1southafricanshop.co.uk

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| 17 - 24 February 2015 | thesouthafrican.com

Sport

A Saffa and a Brit crowned King and Queen of the Midmar Mile | South African swimmer Chad Ho and British swimmer Keri-Anne Payne nabbed the titles of King and Queen of the Midmar in their record-breaking swims at the 42nd aQuelle Midmar Mile By Katy Scott

| Photo credit: Adam Pretty/Getty Images

The 42nd aQuelle Midmar Mile, the world’s largest open water swimming event, took place on 8 February, where two record breakers were crowned King and Queen of the Midmar Mile. British swimmer, Keri-Anne Payne secured her 8th title in the Woman 13-30 category, as well as the title “Queen of the Midmar”. At the 400 metre mark she was already 30 metres in the lead, and by 800 metres, her lead had extended to 50 metres. Payne crossed the line in 17 minutes 35 seconds, just two seconds slower than her personal best of 17 minutes 33 seconds, her 2004 maiden victory. Meanwhile South African swimmer Chad Ho secured his sixth consecutive win at the world famous event and the title “King

| Photo credit: Adam Pretty/Getty Images

of the Midmar”. Despite losing his goggles at the start, 24-yearold Ho quickly caught up with the leading pack consisting of Matthew Meyer and Danie Marais. With 100 metres to go, any three of them could have taken it, but Ho managed to extend his lead and crossed the finish line in a record 17 minutes 4 seconds, a full nine seconds faster than Polish swimmer Prezmek Stanzcyk’s 17 minute 13 second record swim in 2004. Meyer just beat the record with 17 minutes and 12 seconds, and Marais grabbed third place with 17 minutes and 12 seconds. The rest of the pack crossed the line almost a minute later. Ho’s mother, Hillary moved to the UK to work in order to help and support Chad’s swimming career, and is prouder than ever of her son’s achievements.

thesouthafrican.com | 17 - 24 February 2015 |

Sport

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Touch Leagues kicks off for 2015 | This Sunday 15 February, Touch Leagues in London will kick off for 2015 at one the most popular venues, Clapham Common By in2touch The players are all excited to get outdoors and active again after the festive season and will get to reunite with their team at the Winter Sunday League. With Mixed and Mens divisions there is a lot of touch on offer. Marc Desmeules, the Venue Manager had this to say: “I can’t wait to get back into running the Sunday Winter League as it is a great way to spend your Sunday afternoons chatting to friends and watching some great games of touch” There are two ladies teams that have entered into the Mixed division to test and improve their skills throughout the season. Galaxy Ladies and CSSC Jawas have played in a mixed division before, and ended up placing in the top two of that division. The Ladies take on the mixed teams with knowledge and experience of the rules by using strategy over brute speed/strength. These tactics allow the ladies to succeed in these

games. We look forward to seeing how they get on for the next eight weeks at the Winter League. O2Touch Spring and Summer Leagues are now open for registration and are running at various different venues throughout London such as Clapham Common, Clapham/ Wandsworth, Putney/Wandsworth, Regents Park, Hyde Park, Surrey Quays and Richmond. The leagues run on Monday to Thursday evenings at most venues so be sure to register your teams in quickly to make sure you get your space in the league. Game times run from 19:00 – 21:00 each night and there are Mens, Ladies and Mixed divisions at most venues. If you would like to register your own team or if you don’t have a team you can register as an individual then you can send an email to tracy@in2touch.com or have a look on our website for more information about the leagues, www.in2touch.com/uk

Sport page 14

A Saffa and a Brit crowned King and Queen of the Midmar Mile

page 15

Touch Leagues kicks off for 2015

17 – 24 February 2015

Twin centuries give South Africa a nervy win against Zimbabwe | David Miller and JP Duminy shared a spectacular unbroken world record fifth wicket partnership of 256 to set the Castle Lager Proteas up for a 62-run victory over neighbouring Zimbabwe in their opening ICC Cricket World Cup Pool B game at Hamilton on Sunday By staff reporter It was a partnership that started with a much needed rescue act after Zimbabwe, having won the toss, reduced the Proteas to 83/4, then a period of consolidation and finally all-out assault as 96 runs were scored in the final five overs. Tanashe Panyangara and Tendai Chatara, who had bowled so well up front to remove Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla and ensure that the Proteas only managed to make 29 in the statutory power play, bore the brunt of the final assault. Miller, making his second ODI century, both of them coming in his last three innings, finished with a career best 138 (92 balls, 7 fours and 9 sixes) and Duminy with 115 (100 balls, 9 fours and 3 sixes). It was Duminy’s fourth ODI century and his third against Zimbabwe. Their partnership obliterated the previous record of 226 achieved by Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara for England against Ireland while the previous South African fifth wicket record was the unbeaten 183 by Jacques Kallis and Jonty Rhodes against Pakistan at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead in 1998. In the end the South African victory was a solid one rather than anything special and left plenty of room for improvement for most of the front-line batsmen and bowlers. This may be no bad thing as on the two previous occasions when the Proteas had their most

| DAVID MILLER and JP Duminy shared a spectacular unbroken world record fifth wicket partnership of 256 to set the Castle Lager Proteas up for a 62-run victory over Zimbabwe the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and Zimbabwe at Seddon Park. Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images

realistic chances of winning the World Cup in 1996 and 1999 they came out of the blocks like a world champion sprinter but failed to see out the distance. The World Cup only reaches its business end in a month’s time when the knock-out phase starts

and no team can hold its peak for that long. What is required is a steady upward performance curve leading up to that stage. It must also be stated that Zimbabwe have become a much more competitive team since the ring-wise Dav Whatmore, who has

an outstanding record as a World Cup coach, took charge. They gave New Zealand a hard time in their one warm-up match and beat Sri Lanka convincingly in the other. Today’s performance will have confirmed the belief that they are very much in the running for a top

four finish in their pool. It was actually only in the 47th over that the Proteas went ahead of Zimbabwe on the over by over runs comparison after the latter had been given an excellent start with Chamu Chibhabha and Hamilton Masakadza adding 105 for the second wicket in 17 overs and Masakadza and Brendan Taylor a further 54 for the third wicket in only nine overs. Masakadza contributed Zimbabwe’s biggest score of 80 (74 balls, 8 fours and 2 sixes). Imran Tahir, who was the pick of the South African attack with career best figures of 3/36 against Zimbabwe, dismissed both Chibhabha and Masakadza. The key period of their innings came when Masakadza was dismissed in the 33rd over as it started a five-over segment when they lost the wickets of their other key middle-order batsmen, Taylor and Stuart Williams. It left them on 218/5 and, from that position, there was not a realistic prospect of their winning the match. Farhaan Behardien, who had missed both the warm-up matches through injury, passed a late fitness test and he and Duminy in the end bowled as many as 13 overs in the fifth bowler role. The Proteas next match is against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground next Sunday (05h30 start, CAT)

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