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Arno Carstens brings Lightning Prevails to London

| BACK IN TOWN: In an exclusive with Arno Carstens, we find out about his new album, a Nude Girls reunion, and his work on The X Factor. Read more on page 7 How South African scientists plan to map the universe, yes really page 2

News

An Ethiopian shopkeeper escapes Soweto, but loses all his stock page 2

News

Think grocery shopping in the UK is always more expensive than in SA? Think again page 5

Community

The Cape West Coast, the green jewel of South Africa

page 11

Travel

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| 27 January - 3 February 2015 | thesouthafrican.com

News

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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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.

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How South African scientists plan to map the universe, yes really | South African scientists are helping push the limits of our current knowledge of the universe by playing a leading part in setting out the SKA science

By Katy Scott South African scientists are playing major roles in laying out plans for the Square Kilometre Array’s (SKA) mammoth surveys of the skies.

The SKA will have thousands of satellite dishes in South Africa and Australia with the core of the telescope in the Northern Cape in South Africa. The telescope will scour the universe for information to give scientists more data on dark matter, black holes, energy particles and the formation of stars and galaxies.

The final construction will look like a field of giant satellite dishes.

On 19 January an international team of researchers published a series of papers setting out their plans for the gigantic survey.

Researchers from the Cosmology Science Working Group, chaired

by SKA Research Professor at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Roy Maartens, have worked out how to use the telescope for the task.

“Researchers here have devised a means of using the world’s largest telescope in new ways that will help shape the future of cosmology,” said Professor Maartens.

Research Professor at UWC Professor Mario Santos explained how they intend to map the universe.

“Usually a map of the universe is made using galaxies as tiny beacons of the large scale structure of the Universe. This is quite demanding as it requires the mapping of large numbers of galaxies across the sky.”

He continues to explain that the survey they are proposing will measure the emitted radiation from

all the hydrogen atoms spread across the universe without actually detecting galaxies. “This will make it easier to survey all of the sky across cosmic times, allowing the phase 1 of the SKA to become an extremely competitive cosmology machine,” he said.

These enormous, 3D maps of the universe will be used to test the limits of General Relativity and perhaps find some signature of new physics which can she light on the real nature of dark energy.

“Moreover, we can also look for imprints of what happened at the very beginning of the universe,” he added.

“It will be like making a movie of the universe from a young age, when it was only about two billion years old, until today when it is about 14 billion years old,” said Maartens. “The movie will be low resolution but enough to test the fundamentals of cosmology.”

A large team will be required to deal with the actual survey when it goes online. Around 2022, once the phase 1 of the SKA is built, it will take about two years to complete the survey.

SKA SA has been pivotal in promoting the build up of the required researchers to lead the effort. However, they don’t have to wait for the SKA to start before doing observations.

“Tests are already being conducted using the KAT7 system with the full support of the KAT7 staff and we plan to start tests with MeerKAT in just a year, during the early science phase,” says Santos.

The 64 dishes of the MeerKAT, South Africa’s main component of the colossal Square Kilometre Array

| The first of 64 antennas that will make up the MeerKAT radio telescope, the country’s precursor to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).

telescope, will be integrated into the first phase of SKA’s construction along with Australia’s ASKAP. The first phase of the SKA is expected to be complete in 2023, and the second phase, which will be ten times larger, in the late 2020s.

Santos added that the SKA telescope is like a “physics lab”, in that other surveys, in combination with this one, will allow scientists to push the limits of our current knowledge of the universe.

An Ethiopian shopkeeper escapes xenophobia, but loses all his stock | After a four-month journey to South Africa 11 years ago, Melese Elebajo settled in Soweto. The recent xenophobic attacks have caused him to flee his area

By Maxine Becke Fleeing from Ethiopia almost 11 years ago, Melese Elebajo came to South Africa, escaping the political tension in Ethiopia and seeking safety. He trekked through Africa via Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and Zimbabwe, arriving in South Africa almost four months after he left Ethiopia.

“I had to leave Ethiopia to a better

country so that I could survive,” Elebajo said.

He established himself in South Africa by selling goods door-to-door until he could manage to open up a shop in Soweto. Elebajo had a shop in Nomzamo Park, Soweto until he lost all his stock and furniture to looters last week.

“Everything was taken, there is nothing left and everything is

damaged, totally,” Elebajo said.

He said he has no choice but to make a loan by his fellow citizens until he is able to provide for himself again.

“I’m going to restart but I have to make a loan, said Elebajo. “I will restart by any means.”

His brothers fell victim to xenophobic attacks in 2008 and found refuge in Joburg CBD. “We

are not safe, foreigners are not safe here,” Elebajo said. He says discrimination is the reason for the recent looting incidents in Soweto.

Elebajo vows to never return to Ethiopia. “I’m not going back to Ethiopia but if I get the chance to, I will move to another country,” he said. Elebajo has temporarily moved to a neighbouring community until he is able to set up his shop again.

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Chaos erupts in Soweto, as the xenophobic violence is dismissed as random criminality | A week of lootings and violence targeting foreign nationals has been dismissed by government as criminality. SA Human Rights Commission and The African Diaspora Forum deplore government to recognise attacks as xenobhobic

By Katy Scott Violence and looting flooded areas of Soweto last week after 14-year-old Siphiwe Mahori was shot dead in Snake Park near Dobsonville. The boy had reportedly been in a group that set upon a Somalian-owned shop on 19 January. He was shot dead when owner Senosi Yusuf allegedly shot at the group.

Residents retaliated and began looting shops belonging to foreigners. The violence sparked across Soweto and into Kagiso, Sebokeng and Alexandra, resulting in five further deaths.

A 19-year-old bystander was reportedly killed when police fired into a crowd surrounding a Pakistani-owned shop in Naledi on 21 January. The boy, Nhlanhla Monareng who was believed to be friends with the Pakistanis, was declared dead on arrival at hospital.

Dan Mokwena, a 74-year-old Malawian shopkeeper was attacked and murdered early in the morning on 21 January. According to The Star, Mokwena was sleeping in his shop when he was killed. Reports said Mokwena was found with his intestines hanging out and his penis had been doused with paraffin and set alight.

An 18-month-old baby, Nqobile Majozi, was trampled to death by a crowd fleeing a Pakistani spaza shop in Kagiso on 23 January. He had been strapped to his mother’s chest. There are conflicting reports as to whether his mother, Zanele Majozi was part of those who were looting or not, reported Times Live.

Early in the morning of 26 January, spaza shops were set alight in Alexandra and two looters were shot dead in Langlaagte, confirmed Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant General Solomon Makgale.

In Kagiso, 54 police vehicles were deployed with 120 additional police and in Soweto, 51 vehicles and 113 additional police.

According to Police spokesperson Lieutenant-General Solomon Makgale, 178 suspects have been arrested on charges of public violence and being in possession of suspected stolen property. 83 have appeared in the Protea Magistrate’s Court and their cases have been postponed to 28 and 29 January. The remaining 95 include six juveniles (who were released into the custody of their parents), who appeared in the Kagiso and Protea Magistrate’s Courts on 26 January.

Even though only foreign nationals were targeted in the attacks, Gauteng police commissioner Lesetja Mothiba has denied that the attacks were xenophobic.

Gauteng community safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malubane further claimed that the attacks were not an outbreak of xenophobia and rather

Another Capetonian drops the K-bomb | 15 reported cases of racism have been heard in the last year, and this just in the Wynberg Magistrates court.

Every reported case involved either a domestic worker or someone of colour being verbally and in some cases physically assaulted

By Gerhard Jacobs

| A general view of a looted grocery shop is seen in Kagiso, a township west of Johannesburg on January 23, 2015. Photo by: Stefan Heunis/AFP/Getty Images

just “criminality”, reported Daily Maverick.

Deputy minister in the presidency, Buti Manamela described the lootings as criminal activity by young people.

“Everybody says what happened in the past few days at this township was xenophobic attacks, … I do not think it was that… it is what it is… it is young people who decided to commit crime in their own communities,” he said.

However, Manamela did warn that there would be an outbreak of tribalism in the country if illegal attacks on people from other countries did not stop soon.

“Once we turn on other Africans, because they are not from within our borders, when we’ve chased them away, the next thing to happen is that you will be looking at your neighbour and saying this one is a Muvenda, he must go back to Venda, this one is a Xhosa, he must go back to Pondoland, this one is a Sotho, he must go back to Lesotho.

“We must stand up against those who see others as sub-humans, because those who commit such crimes will be coming for you and me,” he said.

The government took too long to intervene during the last mass outbreak of xenophobic violence in 2008, which resulted in the death of 62 people and the displacement of thousands of migrants. The government initially denied that the attacks were xenophobic then too.

The SA Human Rights Commission has said that the attacks should not be considered criminality as foreign nationals have been targeted.

“The fact that they target only foreign-owned shops has a

xenophobic undertone which is concerning … It seems like we have not learned from 2008 [when xenophobic riots spread across Johannesburg] … we have missed an opportunity,” said commission spokesman Isaac Mangena.

In an open letter to President Zuma, Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba and Minister of Police, Nkosinathi Nhleko, The African Diaspora Forum (ADF) begged for government to recognise the recent attacks on foreign nationals as xenophobic.

“The government has denied that there is xenophobia in South Africa, always questioning the nature of this violence and attributing it to ‘crime’, instead of recognising it for what it is – xenophobic violence – i.e. crime targeting foreigners.

We are still to hear top members of government condemning the current xenophobic violence. This attitude, from our perspective, has condoned the violence and allowed it to reach institutional heights,” wrote ADF Chairperson, Marc Gbaffou.

A photograph captured by The Times shows three police officers walking away from a looting in White City Soweto on 22 January In a separate incident, another policeman was caught on camera allegedly taking part in the looting, according to The South African Press Association.

Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesman Edna Mamonyane said that the police photographed and their commander would be traced to provide an explanation. She continued to explain that officers were outnumbered by the crowds in Soweto.

What do you get when you add a 23 year old, self-entitled girl from Hout Bay, a Mini Cooper and a woman of colour who saw the parking spot first and was indicating to park. Well, the K word apparently.

Talana-Jo Huysamer, a ex-parttime tennis coach at Reddam, allegedly also assaulted the woman, Chantlé Hoffmann with a taser… because we all know how dangerous a 42 year old woman who’s minding her own business can be.

Talana who lives in the republic of Hout Bay, also allegedly used the K word at least five times and also tried to stun her natural enemy, the person of colour, in the face after shouting at her to ‘go back to where she belongs’.

It is unclear as yet where she believes Hoffmann belongs, but it’s obviously not in her own car, moving into a parking spot in Harfield Village.

Perhaps what Talana meant was,

let’s get out of Harfield village before we get addicted to twominute-noodles and watch pirated movies all day long.

The bigger issue here is that this is one of just 15 such incidents in the last year. Among the most famous we have the famous swimming coach Tim Osrin assaulting a domestic worker he thought was a prostitute… perhaps he would have felt more comfortable with the domestic worker wearing an apron in public.

Then of course we have Delia Adonis, who was assaulted

by Chad de Matos, 19, Aaron Mack, 20, and Mitchell Turner, 20 in front of her own son, on Claremont Main road.

These are just some of the horror-incidents that take place throughout SA on a regular basis, but it is interesting to note how so many of them are very localised.

The state has indicated that it will start opposing bail in incidents relating to race.

Thoughts?

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| 27 January - 3 February 2015 | thesouthafrican.com

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Beat the winter blues by walking your way to better mental health | Sometimes the last thing you feel like doing is going for a brisk walk, especially when you feel depressed and fatigued. But walking briskly is a natural energiser, it boosts the circulation and increases the oxygen supply to each and every cell in your body, helping you to feel more alert and alive

by Moira rowan Even though I immigrated to the UK twenty years ago, I found it extremely hard to get used to the weather, especially in the winter months. The long dreary days, going to and from work in the dark, soon took their toll.

I felt lethargic and tired all the time; I found it hard to keep awake during the day and then could not sleep at night. Overtime I felt irritable, exhausted and very depressed.

A friend suggested that I was suffering from a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the ‘winter blues’.

After conducting some research, I learnt that SAD is caused (in part) by reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter days of the year. Sunlight can affect our chemical processes and hormones. The theory is that light stimulates the hypothalamus in the brain, which controls mood, appetite and sleep, thus affecting how we feel.

I read an article on exercise and depression, and gleaned that exercise helps the body release feel-good brain chemicals which ease symptoms of depression. At the time, I thought about joining a gym, but my fitness levels weren’t great, and I had a very transient lifestyle, working shifts and travelling all over the UK for work.

Walking seemed like the perfect solution. In the summer months, when I felt stressed, I went outside and got some fresh air and came back feeling better –so why not do this in winter instead of hibernating indoors?

Walking is a low impact exercise, and it’s easy, free, and suitable for all ages and fitness abilities.

There have been various studies on the benefits of exercise to reduce anxiety and improve mood, and it has been found that walking may be just as effective at decreasing depression and enhancing feelings of wellbeing.

A friend and I have been regularly walking in the local parks over the weekend: I wanted to build up my fitness levels; he was feeling depressed and suffering from a degree of anxiety which found him pacing his house at night, unable to sleep.

Initially our rambles in the park where more as a distraction, and

to encourage social interaction, so that my friend could take his mind off his problems, which we achieved quite quickly. The parks were full of people despite the weather being cold and miserable, but we always seemed to encounter friendly people that would give us a cheery greeting, or a friendly dog who would bound up to us with a wagging tail demanding to be patted.

My friend was pleased that at least someone or something had acknowledged his existence as a person.

It doesn’t really matter how fast you walk, the activity of walking will release feel-good endorphins which reduce stress and anxiety, and studies have shown that brisk walking is as effective as an antidepressant in the case of mild to moderate depression.

There are other health

benefits, according to the Stroke Association, walking briskly for 30 minutes helps prevent and control high blood pressure that can cause strokes – reducing your risk by up to 27%.

Walking can reduce your risk of heart disease, the development of type 2 diabetes, asthma and some cancers (people that are more active have around 20% lower risk of developing cancer of the colon, breast and womb than those less active).

This reminds me of the time I was in Cape Town, doing a course in Community Nursing.

We visited an elderly centre on the Cape Flats. The manager in charge told us that she wanted to lose weight and felt that some of the inhabitants of the home needed to join her on her weight loss program, she did not have much money so she approached

this well- known sports science physician to create a program for them. He took one look at everyone and said ideally they should all start walking for half an hour every morning, which they started to do. One elderly lady, after a few months, had a heart attack; she survived the attack and went on to make a full recovery. The treating physician told the manager that this lady was destined to have the heart attack and, had she not been so fit, she would have died.

There is an added bonus: walking will increase muscle mass and tone and the more muscle mass you have, the faster your metabolism.

I met a very charming elderly lady on one of my walks who, at the age of 92, was in the twilight of her life. Edith is a regular walker; she walks every

day before breakfast, is a keen birdwatcher and loves gardening.

When I met her she was recovering from a chest infection but she told me that once she was better she was heading back to her native Scotland and would start walking again. I asked her what she liked about walking and she smiled and said that she loved the clear air, the feeling that every day for her was a day of discovery, and no two mornings were the same.

Instinctively, Edith has, over her lifetime, developed a lifestyle that incorporates the positive activity of walking, which has benefited her greatly. She had a very positive outlook on life, she feels contented, and has very few medical conditions. Her chronological age maybe 92, but she has the attitude and physical health of a person much younger.

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Think grocery shopping in the UK is always more expensive than in SA? Think again

Make Christmas wishes come true

| We compared the prices of groceries at Waitrose (UK) and Woolworths and made a pretty little picture for you to see just how expensive South African food can be South Africans often grumble about absurd grocery prices, which seem high in comparison to other living costs. We did a quick comparison with the UK by looking at the cost of a handful of goods at Woolworths versus

their prices at Waitrose (arguably the Woolworths equivalent in the UK). The results may surprise you.

Please note: This is just a small sample of goods and the trend is not generalisable for all products at Waitrose and Woolworths.

Prices were taken from the Waitrose and Woolworths websites and identical quantities were compared. Currencies were converted on 22 January using www.xe.com.

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| 27 January - 3 February 2015 | thesouthafrican.com

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"Margaret Thatcher was no friend of apartheid" – Lord Robin Renwick | Read startling revelations about the end of apartheid, in Lord Renwick's new book, The End of Apartheid ; Diary of a Revolution. Out this week

by Lyndsey Duff Wilbur Smith has described ‘The End of Apartheid: Diary of a Revolution as “one of the most important books written on the modern history of South Africa”.

Since the dismantling of apartheid in the early 1990s, numerous accounts by external observers have attempted to offer insights into the turbulence and volatility of the National Party’s final years in power. Robin Renwick’s book The End of Apartheid: Diary of a Revolution presents a uniquely personal view of the period from the perspective of a prominent diplomatic post.

British Ambassador to South Africa during the late 80s and early 90s, Renwick chronicles the British Government’s attempts to persuade PW Botha’s regime to release Nelson Mandela and open the door to a negotiated settlement.

Referencing Downing Street’s recently opened records from the time, Renwick reveals that

Margaret Thatcher, long accused of tacitly supporting the regime, was in fact a persistent critic and sought to expedite the drafting of a new constitution.

Particularly fascinating are Renwick’s insights into the key personalities of the day, including the juxtaposition of PW Botha’s pugnacious refusal to implement reform with FW De Klerk’s willingness to engage the ANC. Renwick’s position of influence as the UK’s diplomatic envoy allowed him to develop personal relationships with the major stakeholders of the settlement process, including De Klerk, Desmond Tutu and Mandela himself.

Eminently readable, and packed with personal anecdotes that enrich the narrative for the reader’s benefit, Renwick’s book deepens our understanding of those tumultuous final days. Ultimately, the book is a testament to the power of individuals as facilitators of peace and the crucial role

relationships can play in the birth of a new nation.

The End of Apartheid: Diary of a Revolution is available at www.bitebackpublishing.com

Say Yeah! Mann Friday's new single will get them to Glastonbury

£14 (+P&P) ∙ 9781849547925 ∙ 192pp ∙ Hardback ∙ £16.99 www.bitebackpublishing.com / 020 7091 1260

| To coin a phrase like Alternative Afro-Folk-Rock is pretty difficult – and quite a mouthful, but it seems Mann Friday might have done so

by Staff Reporter

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Hailing from South Africa, Italy and, wait for it... Zimbabwe, and bound together by a decade on the London rock scene, Mann Friday have forged a triumphant alloy of Brit grit and African optimism.

The self-propelled rockers boast a litany of achievements including five studio albums, near sell-out performances at premiere venues such as The O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, The Forum and Islington Academy – all supported by an army of loyalist fans.

One scalp they haven’t taken though, is a lifelong dream to play at the hallowed Glastonbury Festival.

Their new single "Say Yeah!", out 15 January is a stirring call to action and the accompanying video an explosive appeal to Glastonbury organizer Emily Eavis to book the band at this year’s festival.

"Say Yeah!" is the perfect combination of rock and folk that is full of energy. It’s a blinder, combining percussion and guitar riffs into a richly layered mid-tempo melody that features a folk friendly drumbeat and rock undertones. The

key is the vocal line, and not just melodicall.

Let’s hope Emily Eavis jumps on board too, expect to see, hear and read a lot of buzz around Mann Friday in the coming weeks from NME to Uncut Magazine, amongst others. C’mon, there’s nothing

wrong with being ambitious.

See you at Glasto then.

See more at http://mannfriday.com Facebook – https://www.facebook. com/MannFriday Twitter – https://twitter.com/ mannfriday @mannfriday

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thesouthafrican.com | 27 January - 3 February 2015 |

Arts & Entertainment

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Arno Carstens brings Lightning Prevails to London | Arno Carstens, back in London for a series of gigs, talks about his new album, a Nude Girls reunion, and The X Factor

by Nils van der Linden London in January is cold, dark, and miserable. Yet Arno Carstens is excited to be back in the city he called home while making his third solo album.

“My memories of recording Wonderful Wild are that there was a lot of serious thinking and kind of hard work but among the angst was just great fun and partying,” he says, thinking back to 2009. “Most memorable was all the good friends I made.

“Visiting again feels like going home away from home so it’s all about seeing friends, playing some intimate shows, and maybe recording some stuff.”

This return trip has been a long time coming — the Springbok Nude Girls frontman reckons he was last here about three or four years ago when the band performed at the Isle of Wight Festival.

“After that I had a child and since that moment I became naturally obsessed with spending as much as possible time with him,” explains the singer of his time away. “This year is a bit of a new dawn. I realise I need to work again.”

That makes it sound like he’d taken early retirement — but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

In the past 12 months alone, he’s released another album, acted in a film, toured South Africa (solo, with Francois van Coke, alongside Albert Frost, and backed by an orchestra), played Oppikoppi with the Nude Girls, and turned reality TV star as a judge on The X Factor.

Frankly, he sounds like a workaholic.

“No, I’m lazy,” he counters. “I only work if I have to, but I can’t classify my occupation as work. So, yes, maybe I’m busy but it’s fun.”

That sense of fun infuses his latest album, Lightning Prevails, which blends a stripped-down sound with brass and background singers, and mixes electro, real drums, and almost no electric guitars.

“We did things I’ve only dreamt of,” says Carstens. “Doing it felt real fresh,” he adds of the album that’s yet another musical evolution for him – a very conscious decision on his part.

“I’m a big fan of artists who stick to their guns — I buy all their albums. I believe I also stick to my guns by doing different attacks to keep it fresh for me and people who are interested in my stuff.”

Also keeping it fresh is his continued willingness to collaborate with other musicians — be it songwriting with Genesis and Mike + The Mechanics veteran Mike Rutherford (“Mike is a real musical legend and I’m always a bit in awe when I’m around him”), performing with a big band (“its a different musical steroid”), sharing a stage with Francois van Coke (“He’s got a powerful voice and rocks harder than f**k; that’s the kind of stuff I like and respect”), or reviving The Springbok Nude Girls.

“It was great,” he says of the band’s recent live reunion. “We did some stuff we haven’t done for years, which made it more exciting for us.”

The excitement has continued far beyond the dust bowl of Oppikoppi.

“We’re finding our way forward, in a way.We’re busy with some recording soon, but there are no plans for playing much,” reveals Carstens, whose year is already filling up with commitments.

“I have to do an art exhibition and start writing a potential new album for late 2016,” he shares.

And then there’s a possible return to The X Factor. “It was a great experience — my first real job and I learned a lot — and, yeah, I’ll do it again if I’m asked.”

First up, though, is his longawaited return to London’s live music scene with gigs that will feature “new and old songs, very unplugged but spirited”. Just the ticket, then, to keep the London weather at bay for a moment.

8

| 27 January - 3 February 2015 | thesouthafrican.com

Food

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Chef Petrus visits Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant | Last week I was fortunate to dine at one of the hottest tickets in London: Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. What a treat!

by Petrus madutlela There are only two restaurants in the UK which are in such high demand, the other being Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester. It was a special treat that I could only dream of while I was growing up in the township of Mothotlung near Brits.

The restaurant’s chef patron, Clare Smyth MBE, is the first woman to have gained three stars in the UK. She became head chef in 2007, and Ramsay rewarded her with a partnership in the restaurant a couple of years ago.

She has kept a low profile in the media, focusing on the restaurant without those distractions, and it shows in the food.

The classical menu was flavourful and beautifully presented. The service was amazing. There was a different waiter for the water and each course. The sommelier personally tasted the wine. I enjoyed the friendliness of the front of house team. Their down to earth approach made the evening very relaxed. If questioned about any aspect of the menu, they really knew their stuff.

So, I can highly recommend the Restaurant Gordon Ramsay experience. It comes at a cost, but you do get what you pay for in this case. Look out for Chef Clare in months to come. With all her success, she really deserves a bigger slice of media limelight!

Celebrating South African culinary roots | When I cook, I always have in mind the flavourful meals that my mum used to prepare for us at home. In this column, I share my thoughts on S.A culinary heritage

by Petrus Madutlela Regular diners at the Hengist Restaurant have often asked when I will serve food from home. At last, I’m pleased to say that on Saturday 7 February, we are serving a six course South African feast.

I’m giving our traditional South African food a modern twist, with dishes that are very close to my heart. The exclusive lunch event is almost sold out, so I think we’ll be promoting food from our vibrant nation again in the near future.

I’m very happy that the owners of the restaurant are giving me the opportunity to bring a taste of home to Kent.

When I cook, I always have in mind the meals that my mum used

to cook. Simple dishes like chicken and pap with an onion gravy, and morogo (wild spinach). On Sundays we’d often have a braai, starring succulent charred lamb choppies.

On the side there would be beetroot salad, made using Mrs Balls chutney, chakalaka and creamy pap — the South African equivalent of a Sunday roast. I learnt about freshness, flavour and simplicity, a very good grounding for my life as a chef.

I do believe that the South African culinary scene is really on trend now in the UK. Our European friends, Italians, French, Greeks and Spanish are rightly proud of their culinary heritage. Why shouldn’t we South Africans feel the same?

9

thesouthafrican.com | 27 January - 3 February 2015 |

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Two recipes from Mrs Tollman’s A Life in Food | President and Founder of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Mrs Beatrice Tollman, has a long standing passion for good food and traditional cooking by staff reporter At the start of her career as a hotelier, Mrs Tollman worked in hotel kitchens for 15 years, teaching herself how to cook and refining recipes that have now become staple fixtures and favourites on the restaurant menus across the award-winning collection of hotels in South Africa, the UK, Geneva, Florida, Guernsey and Ireland. Mrs Tollman has even devised her very own recipe book, A Life in Food, featuring timeless recipes that reflect her love of fine dining and good, freshly made, homestyle cooking. The proceeds of the recipe book go to charities close to Mrs Tollman’s heart.

Here are two recipes to try at home from Mrs Tollman’s A Life in Food recipe book.

Chicken Burgers This recipe dates back to when Mrs Tollman ran the kitchen at The Colony restaurant at Hyde Park Hotel in Johannesburg.

At the time, the film Zulu with Michael Caine and Stanley Baker was being filmed in South Africa.

The actors would often dine at The Colony on their days off and loved these burgers so much that they would take batches back to the set with them Ingredients 1 large chicken, about 1kg 1 litre chicken stock-homemade or store bough 1 organic chicken bouillon cube 25g butter 2 teaspoons chopped parsley 2 tablespoons chopped onion, browned Fresh ground pepper to taste Vegetable oil Method Poach the chicken in chicken stock mixed with a little water for about 30 minutes until half cooked. Reserve the stock.

Remove all the skin and bones and roughly chop up the meat in the food processor, or by hand.

Sauté the onion in a little vegetable oil until golden brown and most of the moisture is gone.

Set aside.

Melt the butter. Crumble and mix the chicken bouillon cube with a tablespoon of the reserved chicken stock. Combine with the melted butter.

Mix together some of the butter

mixture with the parsley, onion, chopped chicken and pepper.

Add more butter if needed-the mixture should not be too moist.

Shape into burgers about the same size of your favourite hamburger.

In a pre-heated non-stick pan over medium-high heat, add two tablespoons of oil, then cook the burgers (but not too close together) until golden brown and crispy, then turn once and cook the same again. Do not press down while cooking, as this removes the moisture and makes the burgers too dry.

Serve with a little mango chutney on the side.

Honeycomb Ice Cream This has become somewhat of a Red Carnation Institution and Mrs Tollman’s children, as well as many regular guests, regard this delicious ice cream as her signature dessert.

Ingredients 250ml corn or glucose syrup 250g granulated sugar 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 tablespoon baking soda, sieved 1 litre vanilla ice cream Method Dissolve the syrup, sugar and vinegar over a medium heat. Turn the heat up high and boil until the syrup turns to a light caramel.

Take the pan off the heat and quickly stir in the baking soda, then pour the mix into a highsided baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper and greased with butter. Leave to cool and harden: do not refrigerate!

Once hardened, this brittle, crunchy slab becomes your honeycomb base.

Slightly soften the vanilla ice cream in a chilled ceramic bowl.

Carefully break the honeycomb slab into various sizes, none more than 2cm square, and quickly fold half into the ice cream.

Pour the ice cream into a desired ice cream mould or back into the original ice cream container and freeze again.

Keep the remaining honeycomb in an air tight container for topping when serving.

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| 27 January - 3 February 2015 | thesouthafrican.com

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| Boela Gerber, winemaker at Groot Constantia

What makes a good wine?

Let the experts guide you | There is plenty to consider when it comes to dabbling in wines

by staff reporter If you’re a budding connoisseur you have to be willing to learn about all things vino..If you’re an avid connoisseur you have to be willing to learn about all things vino. Like what to expect when coming across a bottle of wine that’s described as having an angular, austere, (here’s one that’s never used anymore) barnyard, buttery, charcoal, complex, creamy, earthy, elegant, fat, flabby,

fleshy, food friendly, with a hint of intellectually satisfying, jammy, juicy, minerally, oaked, refined, silky, steely, tight or rather toasty.

Familiarising yourself with the tricks of the trade could go a long way when it comes to selecting the most suitable varietal to serve at an office function, an engagement party or a wedding, where it’s almost impossible to predict what would be a palateble pleaser on such a large scale. So next time you’re dining out, try honing in on the sence of

the house, and sip a mouthful to get a sense of the mouthfeel and weight of the wine. You won’t be disappointed, and naturally you will improve on your ability to use your nous of smell and taste to draw out the flavours. If nothing else, you’ll be enjoying your meal a whole lot more if it’s paired with a good wine.

What makes a good wine?

There are often subtle and complex differences between two wines made in the same way, from the same grapes, harvested from neighbouring vineyards. When it comes to navigating the nuances, it’s best to trust the experts. Starting with tastings at South Africa’s oldest and internationally-revered vineyards, you’ll begin to get a feel for the classics.

How is wine viewed globally?

Boela Gerber, Winemaker at Groot Constantia can certainly shed some light as to what’s filling up the glasses of so many sommeliers across the globe. Gerber, returned to South Africa from touring Europe and the USA, where he attended a jubilee celebration hosted by the Sift Klosterneuburg Wine Estate (the oldest in Austria). Here, Gerber discovered just what happens when you fill a room with the most paramount winemakers, and that’s not without mentioning that South Africa is right at the top with the rest of the supreme.

“It’s interesting to see new world and old world wine regions in the same room,” says Gerber. He suggests that, universally, there’s a refreshing shift headed for emerging regions and new world style wines, such as South African Pinotage. He says that consumers are keen to interact directly with

the wine estates, time and again selecting smaller family-owned estates to engage with -- and that the Bordeaux state’s wine sales are slowing down. However, in China, there’s a collective demand for exceptional, modern market champagne.

Gerber says in North America consumers are choosing Chilean or Argentinean wines over Australian producers. Wines with simple, familiar names are doing well, such as Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. We do see a rise in overall demand for South African Pinotage wines, and the more sophisticated wine connoisseurs enjoy Groot Constantia Grande Constance which Gerber says are selling as strongly as ever.

With the slowing global economy, Gerber explains, the global market is price-conscious and pursues value for money. South Africa’s weakening currency combined with our quality wines gave us a boost in trades, with further stamp of approval from Wine Spectator this year. Several South African wines scored more than 90 points in exacting tastings by prestigious US wine publications.

“It was a great experience and an honour to represent South Africa and the Groot Constantia Wine Estate at the Stift Klosterneuburg celebration,” says Gerber. “Top sommeliers, journalists and gastronomes came together, we learned from each other and I caught up with many winemakers from historic estates around the world.”

Whether you’re deciphering the elements that personify the

progression of a dark robust barbeque-friendly Pinotage, or sipping on an award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, perfectly paired with a white fish or summer salad, the one thing that’s certain is that you don’t have to have your head in the books to know if you’re enjoying classic if you stock Groot Constantia.

More about Groot Constantia Wine Estate Groot Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine producing farm with an uninterrupted record of wine production since its inception in 1685, boasting a proud heritage of 330 years. This is an achievement that cannot be claimed by any other wine farm in South Africa – nor in the Southern Hemisphere. The Groot Constantia trademark is also one of the oldest surviving trademarks in the world today.

Groot Constantia combines old world grandeur, exquisite perspectives and a culinary journey that is shared by all.

A fitting member of the Cape Town Big 6 tourist destinations in South Africa, this grand dame of wine estates is a place of reflection from under the wise old oak trees, a synthesis of special occasions at the estate’s two prime restaurants, a journey through time at the Iziko Museum and tour of the cellar and the beginning of a lifelong friendship from that first sip of award winning wines.

Connect via facebook and twitter @GrootConstantia and tag us with #330GrootConstantia For more information on Groot Constantia visit www.grootconstantia.co.za

11

thesouthafrican.com | 27 January - 3 February 2015 |

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The Cape West Coast, the green jewel of South Africa | South Africa is known as a country of great natural beauty and, with its contrasting landscapes and climate, it offers everything from stark desert terrain and savanna grasslands to palm-lined tropical beaches and majestic mountain ranges

by Tracy Bartlett As the city with the most diverse natural splendour, Cape Town has in recent years rightfully claimed its place as an awardwinning international destination, consistently being ranked in the top five places to visit by the likes of Condé Nast and The Lonely Planet. The city was most recently ranked as the top holiday destination for 2014 by British newspaper The Guardian as well as The New York Times.

This is hardly surprising given that Cape Town offers everything a visitor could want; from stunning natural beauty and world-class beaches to an extensive wine route, top-class restaurants and a host of activities from nightlife to adventure sport.

But what many don’t know is that Cape Town is also the gateway to one of South Africa’s best kept tourism secrets. Only a short 25 minute drive north along the scenic coastal Route 27 is the West Coast Biodiversity Corridor, an area so special that it is one of only 35 such corridors recognised in the world. Home to a rich diversity of marine species, wildlife and endemic flora, it is part of the vibrant Cape West Coast which stretches all the way to Namibia.

Biodiversity Dotted with quaint fishing villages and steeped in history, this is a region of wild beauty and natural splendour, unspoiled beaches

and an unpretentious way of life, giving visitors a unique experience of South African culture. As part of the Cape Floristic Region, and falling inside the Fynbos biome, it is quite literally a natural wonderland, and UNESCO has named the Cape Floristic Region Protected Areas a World Heritage Site and proclaimed a section of the Cape West Coast a Biosphere Reserve. Moreover, Birdlife International has identified four Important Birding Areas (IBAs) on the West Coast, including the Langebaan Lagoon, now a registered RAMSAR wetland site.

There are several ways to explore the wonders of the Cape West Coast, including self-drive tours, hiking and mountain biking.

However, one of the best ways to experience the natural and cultural wealth of the region is to visit one of the game parks or nature reserves in the area.

Nature Reserves The Blaauwberg Nature Reserve is only 25 minutes from the city and not only boasts nature at its pristine best, but also includes historical points of interest dating back centuries, and a wonderful day resort where visitors can swim in the ocean, relax with a picnic and indulge in South Africa’s favourite pastime – the ubiquitous braai.

The Koeberg Nature Reserve is very popular with day trippers and there are two spectacular walking trails where visitors are treated to a range of fauna and flora, including

grysbok, steenbok and springbok. A great way to see the reserve is on a mountain bike and there are several spectacular routes to follow. There is also a bird hide where you can stop for a picnic and a spot of birdwatching.

The West Coast National Park, which stretches all the way along the coastline from Yzerfontein to Langebaan and includes the islands of Saldanha Bay, has become a legendary birding site and offers several hiking and biking trails as well as accommodation and the renowned restaurant, Geelbek.

Further north is the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve which lies on a peninsula and covers 2.6 km of gorgeous wild, rocky coastline. The reserve surrounds Cape Columbine Lighthouse and on the southern side of the lighthouse is a beautiful secluded bay called Tietiesbaai which is popular with campers.

However, if you prefer your tours to be guided and your accommodation a little more luxurious, then the way to go is definitely a visit to one of the private game reserves.

Game Parks Thali Thali Game Lodge is a pristine, privately owned 14.6 km² game and fynbos reserve which is home to abundant bird-and-wildlife.

Situated just off the R27 near Langebaan and bordering the West Coast National Park, it’s ideally

located for a longer visit as there is much to do and in the area.

The reserve is home to a wide variety of antelope as well as many other species. Kudu, oryx, giraffe, red hartebeest, eland, zebra, springbok, black wildebeest, duiker, bontebok and steenbok are all easy to spot and, as there are no predators in the park, guests are free to explore on foot to view the birds and animals. Daily game drives are available as well as many other activities including archery and a 3D bow hunting track.

A choice of accommodation includes the spacious farmhouse, self-catering chalets and luxury tents which have en-suite bathrooms and kitchen facilities. Known for their Sunday buffets, the beautifully appointed restaurant has a roaring fireplace and spacious deck for al fresco dining with a view.

Buffelsfontein Game and Nature Reserve offers spectacular game drives twice daily as well as day trip safaris and, in addition to a variety of buck, you can also expect to see lion, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, ostrich, blue wildebeest and red hartebeest.

The reserve offers luxurious accommodation units overlooking the waterholes, where guests can relax as the sun sets and watch wild animals quench their thirst.

Also on site is a shooting range for target shooting and clay pigeon shooting. The restaurant serves up

traditional dishes like babotie and game pie and the rustic bar leads out to a sparkling pool and outdoor entertainment area. All facilities are available for day trippers as well as guests staying over.

The road less travelled For those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, there is no place quite like the Cape West Coast. Year-round good weather, unspoiled natural beauty, warm hospitality, the freshest of seafood served up overlooking the ocean and myriad outdoor activities are what make this the jewel of South Africa.

Situated close enough to Cape Town for a day trip yet offering enough to keep you entertained for weeks, the Cape West Coast is the ultimate destination for those wanting to enjoy an authentic South African experience.

For instant access to more information about all these places, and loads more exciting West Coast destinations, a fun, informative and free app is also available for download from Google Play store, Windows Phone store and the Apple iTunes store.

West Coast Way's app is available as part of an internationally recognised travel app called Tourism Radio City Guides, and showcases over 101 fantastic things to see and do on the West Coast.

For more information on West Coast Way visit www.westcoastway. co.za or call West Coast Way on +27 21 551 1022. Connect on Facebook and Twitter at WestCoastWaySA.

12

| 27 January - 3 February 2015 | thesouthafrican.com

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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

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21/10/2014 11:49

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OISC Immigration Consultant and Personal Assistant * LONDON EC Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Ltd, based in London (EC), is looking for an OISC registered candidate, qualified to level 1, as well as a Personal Assistant with UK immigration experience.

OISC Immigration Consultant

Candidates have to be professional individuals, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, have the ability to multi-task and take the necessary initiative to provide our clients with a world class service. The ability to handle your own caseload is essential.

At least two years’ experience of UK immigration is required or at least one year’s experience working as an OISC consultant.

Personal Assistant

You will be a highly organised individual with excellent typing and IT skills. You need to be client focused and have the ability to deal pleasantly with people at all levels.

Working within a team, responsibilities will include administrative support to an immigration consultant, typing, client liaison and general office duties.

Previous experience of UK immigration will be recommended, but not essential.

If you believe you possess the necessary skills and experience to fulfil the requirements of these positions, please forward your CV to jacinda@bic-immigration.com with a cover letter stating why you believe you are the ideal candidate.

SAlArY IS hIghlY negOTIAble ACCOrdIng TO exPerIenCe. AS We Are lOOKIng TO mAKe ImmedIATe APPOInTmenTS, We reCOmmend ThAT YOU APPlY AS SOOn AS POSSIble.

| At Livewell Suites, they offer person-centred care. Loneliness, boredom and helplessness are the three evils of old age. Their therapy team provides daily mental and physical stimulus as part of a substantial lifestyle filled with activities, therapies and excursions, companionship and rewarding friendships

by Staff reporter We all want to retain our independence for as long as humanly possible. For most, growing older is a hard pill to swallow. If changes in physical appearance — thinning of hair, age-spots, rapidly deteriorating eye-site, bodily ailments –- aren’t enough, the limitations and effects of living with a condition such as Alzheimer’s Disease are often devastating.

What is important to remember is that every person affected by memory loss is still a citizen like you and I, regardless of any misconceptions you may have.

We could also say that the many families or individuals that have become responsible for taking care of a grandparent or parent whose been diagnosed with a type of Dementia are just as overwhelmed as the one who has to accept their condition. Neither party is ever fully prepared for the changes and what’s expected of them. For the diagnosed, there is the challenge of having to give up all independence and control over their lives, and for the caregiver it’s the responsibility of being fully available to assist with daily norms such as providing meals, administering medication, sanitary and hygiene care, facilitation of physical motion to keep the body responsive, and on the whole ensuring good health and mental stimulation.

Looking at the circumstances of those families affected by mental health problems, it’s critical to be forthright about the requirements of both guardian and elderly. By no means should anyone feel riddled with guilt because they’ve relocated abroad and are unable to tend to the wellbeing of their loved one.

For no matter the reason they’re unable to provide the care and support, they can insure that the best possible attention can be arranged by calling in professionals like the Livewell Group, a world leader in memory care. This facility was established in an answer to the severe shortage of quality nursing facilities for people living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, where typically one-in-five people are diagnosed with Dementia.

“Unfortunately, the norm is such that people with memory loss are often isolated in contaminated and institutionalised care homes, with little or no freedom to enjoy the outdoors or a leisurely walk,” says Livewell Suites CEO and founder, Jimmy Hanekom.

Yes Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of Dementia, but it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom for those affected.

“By combining freedom,

companionship, meaningful activities, gracious suites and picturesque gardens with the compassion and understanding of our specialised staff, we significantly improve our resident’s quality of life”, says Mr Hanekom.

There are numerous characteristics that set Livewell Suites apart.

They have three luxury suites: Couple Suites, Companion Suites and Exclusive/ Single Suites to choose from. A homely, pet-friendly and welcoming atmosphere with crackling fireplaces and bespoke interiors, sets the standard where residents can be peaceful and content.

“Quality of life demands so much more than just good clinical nursing care. Their multi-disciplinary quality of life team has a holistic approach to providing care. Our residents’ lives have purpose and we truly give them … a life worth living,” says Madré Fraenkel, MD Livewell Suites, Somerset West.

One-on-one nursing care is enjoyed in the privacy of your own suite, which means you’ll never need to move to a clinical frail care facility. An on-site professional grooming team and fully equipped beauty salon, ensures your loved one is always immaculately groomed, guaranteeing happiness from within.

A qualified nutritionist supports their chef to make certain that our catering meets our residents’ nutritional needs, safeguarding a healthy and balanced life.

Margi Eksteen, their Family Relationship Manager keeps

families informed, integrated and intimately involved with their loved one’s health and accomplishments, ensuring peace of mind, while living far away. With a comprehensive network of leading memory and healthcare physicians, their residents’ medical needs are seen to, with access to a private consulting room on-site.

Livewell Suites believes in the wellbeing of the whole family. They offer peace of mind in securing a suite for emergency situations or while your parents still want to remain at home. Bouquets of services include Care@Home, Companions@Home and Weekend Care to name but a few.

Details The annual Memory Care Conference kicks off 12, 13 or 14 February 2015 in Somerset West and 20 and 21 March 2015 in Bryanston, Gauteng.

Book at computicket. Be Inspired. Be informed – A morning conference, talking to experts in the field.

Support group meetings take place at midday on the first Wednesday of every month, with the next event scheduled for the fourth of February 2015.

Livewell Suites is supported by Dementia SA (tel: +27 (0)860 636 679) and Alzheimer’s SA (tel: +27 (0)860 102 681).

Contact Pamela Bourne on pamela@livewellsa.co.za or call 07910 998 746 for more information or visit our website www.livewellsa.co.za

13

thesouthafrican.com | 27 January - 3 February 2015 |

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Five reasons to be optimistic about Africa | It is impossible not to have strong views when it comes to the debate on Africa’s rise: despite solid economic growth and progress in poverty alleviation, people’s views on the region’s outlook remain stubbornly polarised

by Elsie Kanza Let me state up front that I am cautiously optimistic that Africa is taking off. This year the World Economic Forum (WEF) is marking 25 years of change in Africa. Looking back, there is no denying that Africa has made remarkable progress over the past two decades. Here are five reasons why I am optimistic.

One, the regional economy has grown steadily since 2001 and continues to do so at a rate of about 5% a year. Its macroeconomic environment is sound with low government debt, rising domestic resource mobilisation and reduced inflation rates.

By 2013, more than 23 countries in sub-Saharan Africa had per capita gross domestic product (GDP) greater than $1 000 (R11 524).

Infant and maternal mortality has reduced significantly and access to primary education has increased.

According to the UN human development index, 15 countries have attained medium to very high human development.

Two, the consumer market is rising in tandem with its growing population. In 2008, McKinsey estimated that African consumers spent $860-billion on goods and services, which was 35% more

than the $635-billion that Indian consumers spent, and just over the $821-billion spent in Russia.

Three, the environment for doing business is improving. According to the World Bank, between 2013 and 2014, sub-Saharan Africa realised the largest number of business regulatory reforms, and five of the top 10 countries that improved the most were from sub-Saharan Africa.

Four, access to financial services is rising, thanks to the adoption of technology and innovation. For example, Equity Bank in Kenya reaches more than 8-million customers through its combination of an extensive network of physical bank branches and mobile financial services.

Five, Africa is closing its gender gap. According to the WEF’s global gender gap index 2014, Rwanda now ranks among the top 10 most gender equal societies in the world in terms of economic and political participation. Burundi and South Africa rank 17th and 18th respectively.

Caution Now for the note of caution. Africa is made up of 54 countries and, while on average they have done well, individually some have fared better than others.

Even within countries there are

to get the process started, as there are only two and a half months left to apply.

The criteria to extend in the Tier 1 General category are as follows: If you are at the end of your initial two or three-year period, and were last granted leave as a Highly Skilled Migrant, Writer, Composer or Artist, Self-Employed Lawyer or as a Tier 1 (General) Migrant under the rules in place before 19 July 2010, and you have not been granted leave in any other category under the rules in place since 19 July 2010, you must score at least 75 points for attributes (age, qualifications, previous earnings, UK experience).

If you do not fall into the group above, you must score at least

FOR A

BRITISH

PASSPORT?

| Get expert advice from Breytenbachs Holders of the current Tier 1 General visa must take note of the fact that the UK Government will not accept extension applications in this category after 6 April 2015.

Current holders of this visa must also take note of the fact that the UK Government will be closing settlement applications in this category on 6 April 2018 The UK Government said in 2014 that this should give applicants enough time to apply for extension and settlement, provided that they meet the qualifying criteria.

Current Tier 1 General visa holders who need to extend their visa in order to qualify for settlement, should get in touch with their BIC consultant without delay

ELIGIBLE

differences in the performances across rural and urban areas, sectors and populations. In the global context, the continent is subject to Philip Gamble & Partners are an authority on forces beyond its direct control, UK Immigration and British Nationality, and have helped such as the recent plunge in global oil prices that has been a blessing thousands navigate the complex path to a British Passport. for majority oil-importing countries Check your eligibility NOW. and a curse to minority oil-exporting countries.

The past six months have also demonstrated unequivocally that the continent is vulnerable to shocks and, more disturbing, that a crisis in a single country can adversely affect the investment climate for the whole e: info@philipgamble.co.uk | t: 0207 759 7581 | www.philipgamble.co.uk of Africa.

If you are cautious, the array of opportunities is mind-boggling. For instance, should Africa’s leaders invest more in “flying donkeys” 573560 PG Blue Sky Advert 101 x 127.indd 1 10/31/2014 building on the drone technology, in underground subways, in high-speed trains, in modernising maritime services, in rural roads or in virtual technology?

Let me end with the tale of the hyena that started off the day hunting for an antelope, on the way stumbled upon a warthog and chased after it, then got distracted by a rabbit and ended the day staring at a rabbit hole.

Elsie Kanza is the senior director and the head of Africa at the World Economic Forum. Read the full article on southafrica.info

Two and a half months left to extend for Tier 1 General Visa holders

by Breytenbachs

ARE YOU

80 points for attributes (age, qualifications, previous earnings, UK experience).

In addition you must fulfill the English Language and Maintenance (Funds) requirement respectively.

For more information or advice in your unique circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us. www.bic-immigration.com or info@ bic-immigration.com

5:34:45 PM

14

| 27 January - 3 February 2015 | thesouthafrican.com

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SERVICES

SA SHOP DIRECTORY

BREYTENBACHS BIC specialise in entry clearance applications as well as applications submitted in the UK, so please contact us without further delay at info@bic-immigration.com or visit our website for the contact details of our offices.

23 Austin Friars London, EC2N 2QP, United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0) 207 442 2160 www.bic-immigration.com or info@ bic-immigration.com

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

SA SHOP DIRECTORY

WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Sales Assistants Assistant Managers Part-time & Weekend Assistants

Use accountants that do more than ‘crunch’ the numbers... let us help grow your business Company formations and Secretarial Services Business planning and development • Management support • Team training and development • CFO/FD Services • pay only for time required by your business • Compliance Services • Accounting Services • Profit improvement programs • Taxation planning • Personal and Corporate • Contracting solutions

Call Exceed UK now for a no obligation discussion on +44 (0) 870 060 0996. www.exceeduk.co.uk

South African managed and owned We are looking for the right blend of skills to come and join our wonderful, growing and hardworking team. We invest in, train and develop our staff at The Savanna.

Please email your C.V. to us at natalieg@thesavanna.co.uk or call 07921 823 427 for an application form.

Susman’s Best Beef Biltong Co Ltd If you’re missing home give us a call, supplying you with all your favourite South African products and more. Phone: 01273 516160 Fax: 01273 51665 Web:www.biltong.co.uk Email:sales@biltong.co.uk Cambridge and Villages Toft Shop – Village Shop and Post Office With a South African section selling all your favourite tastes from home! Pop in and pick up your treats – Biltong; Boerewors; Koeksisters; Rusks; Sweets; Chips; Groceries etc. Web: www.

ToftShop.co.uk Tel: 01223 262 204. CB23 2RL

The Springbok Café The Springbok Café offers traditional South African food, wine and beers served with a smile in a friendly atmosphere. All this plus the option to grab your favourite S.A. groceries before you leave after relaxing and kuierring with us for a while.

The Springbok Café` Ltd, 1 East Reach, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3EN, 01823 254966,thespringbokcafe.co.uk 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

15

thesouthafrican.com | 27 January - 3 February 2015 |

Sport

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The In2Touch Ladies team takes no prisoners | Canary Wharf is host to some Active Touch action this season By in2touch An all Ladies team are the ones to beat in the Canary Wharf Active Touch Winter Season.

Active Touch is an indoor spinoff of Touch in the UK for the offseason/winter period. It is a fantastic way of keeping fit, socialising and staying dry on those glorious rainy days. The game is a mixed sport so it is played with four players, two girls and two guys and games are 30 minutes long.

This Active Touch Winter season has just begun and already there was an upset as the team who won last season played the new all Ladies team. The Ladies team made a fantastic effort in defense to keep out as many touchdowns as possible and took advantage of quick turnovers which helped in many of their touchdowns. They showed great skills, communication and even defending the guys seemed easy.

However it was only the first week of the league with six more to come, so we will see how they do throughout the season.

One of the Ladies team players,

Claire Risk, had this to say on how she enjoys Active Touch I love the fact that I get to meet new people and play indoors every Monday especially during the winter period. I am a very active person and I personally get a different kind of workout each time I play this sport. Playing Active Touch is awesome and great for fitness but it also allows us all to go to the bar afterwards and get to know so many different people!� Claire plays Active Touch on Mondays at Canary Wharf.

If you would like to join any of these Active Touch Leagues we do have space for a few more players at Canary Wharf on Mondays and Wandsworth on Tuesdays in the individual teams. There are also new touch leagues starting on the 15 February, the Sunday Winter League at Clapham Common which has Mens, Ladies and Mixed Divisions and runs for eight weeks.

Please contact us on tracy@ in2touch.com to see how to join in with the fun or you can have a look on our website, www. in2touch.com/uk

SAT 31 JAN | KO 15H15 BOOK NOW 0844 847 1876 | WWW.SARACENS.COM/BLUEBULLS

Sport 27 JANUARY – 3 FEBRUARY 2015

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the In2Touch ladies team takes no prisoners

NEWS FOR GLOBAL SOUTH AFRICANS www.thesouthafrican.com

AB de Villiers: the finest batsmen in world cricket | AB de Villier’s remarkable 149 off just 44 balls will go down as one of the greatest ODI knocks, while the stature of this incredible talent continues to grow

By Jeremy Bortz The roughly 34 000 people who headed to the Wanderers on an overcast Saturday morning for the third one-day international (ODI) between the Proteas and the West Indies could have never envisaged what lay in store when the visitors won the toss and chose to field.

The Proteas started well enough, scoring 51 off the first powerplay, before bringing up three figures in just under 20 overs. The scoring started to escalate thereafter with the third 50 coming in 6.4 overs and the fourth in 7.4.

When captain AB de Villiers came to the wicket in the 39th over, after Rilee Rossouw had departed for his maiden ODI ton (he scored 128 in 115 balls with 11 fours and two sixes), the scoreboard read 247 – a South African record for the first wicket.

No one could quite have predicted what was to follow, however.

Just 18 balls later, the total read 300 and De Villiers had gone to the fastest ever ODI half century in just 16 balls (beating the previous record by a single delivery). The carnage was just beginning though and less than 16 balls later, De Villiers brought up his nineteenth century.

His 31-ball hundred beat the previous record by five deliveries and when he was finally dismissed late in the final over, he had stormed to an incredible 149 off just 44 balls. His once-in-a-lifetime knock contained ‘just’ nine fours and a staggering 16 sixes.

De Villiers and Hashim Amla’s second wicket stand of 192 had lasted just 67 deliveries, with runs

| A LEGEND AMONG MORTALS: AB de Villiers celebrates smashing the fastest ever one-day century off just 31 balls during the 2nd Momentum ODI between South Africa and West Indies at Wanderers Stadium on 18 January in Johannesburg. Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images

scored at 17.12 to the over. To highlight De Villiers’ dominance is to note that Amla faced only 30 balls and contributed 33.

A look at the litany of records broken that day: it was the first time there have been three centuries in an innings, South Africa’s score of 439 for two was their highest ever while De Villiers’s 16 sixes equaled the number hit by Rohit Sharma when he scored a magnificent 209 (off just 158 deliveries) against Australia in Bangalore in late 2013.

The Wanderers is traditionally a high-scoring ground, due not only to the fine pitch and the short boundaries but also its elevation.

At 1800 m, it is the highest international cricket ground and sportsmen from golfers to rugby players will attest to the fact that the ball travels further at altitude.

The average ODI score in the past four years is 363 while it is also the scene of our greatest ever ODI victory when we scored 438 for nine to beat Australia by one

wicket. (Australia made 434 that day and the story goes that to lift the spirits and break the tension in the dressing, Jacques Kallis joked it was a 450 pitch during the interval!)

The tendency of the Wanderers to produce high scoring matches takes absolutely nothing away from what will be remembered as one of the finest knocks of all time. De Villiers is without doubt the best batsmen in world

cricket at the moment and that dominance extends to all three formats of the game. This innings proved once more that on his day he is simply unstoppable and can single-handedly win matches.

In my opinion he is a once-ina-generation talent and when the dust finally settles on his career, which I hope will not be for many, many years to come, there is no doubt he will go down in the annals as one of the greatest ever to play this fine game.

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