Indwe december 2016

Indwe DECEMBER 2016 YOUR FREE COPY

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B LO E M F O N T E I N

CAPE

GEORGE

TOW N

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KIMBERLEY

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LO N D O N

LUBUMBASHI

LUSAKA

The Gift of

Travel

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PO RT E L I ZA B E T H

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Contents 26/ Lust Haves and Must Haves

Fabulous Presents this Festive Season

Features 38/

47/

SA Engineering in the Spotlight with SKA

The Roar of the Dark Lioness

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Captivating Colour

Game Changer

Zanele Muholi

Namaqua Engineering

67/ Dare to Show you Care Send a Christmas Card

Browns The Diamond Store

91/

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Super Sunnies!

Blaze Your Own Trail

Is Your Head in the Clouds?

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129/

Super Skills!

Secrets to Successfully Selling Your Home

You Get What you Pay for

113/ End of Year Cheers Tipple to Toast With

Timberland

Qualifications to Kick-Start Your Career

137/ Raise the Drawbridge!

Are You Ready for a Ransomware Attack?

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Regina Kgatle

101/ Become a Citizen Earth Scientist

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Contents / Regulars

/ Travel

14/

Need to Know

32/

The Ultimate Eco Escape – Kosi Forest Lodge

20/

Bits & Pieces

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The Gift That Keeps on Giving – Port Alfred

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Dinner & A Movie

The Fynbos Whisperer

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Turn it Up!

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150/

Books

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Nature at its Best – The De Hoop Nature Reserve

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Gadgets

96/

All-In-One Summer Fun – George

South Africa’s Unusual Attractions

104/ Botswana Two Ways

/ Airline Info 10/

CEO Letter

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Cargo Is Now Part of SA Express’ Profit Strategy

154/ Airline Information 156/ Flight Schedule 159/ Passenger Letters

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Luxury Enclave – Franschhoek 108/ ACountry House & Villas

/ Motoring 123/ A Tale of Two Bakkies 132/ Honda Civic 1.5 SPORT

Ceo SA EXPRESS Head of Department: Communications Refilwe Masemola Tel: +27 11 978 2540 Email: rmasemola@flyexpress.aero Customer Care Department Tel: 0861 729 227 Email: customercare@flyexpress.aero Twitter: @flySAexpress Facebook: SA Express Airways Reservations Support Tel: +27 11 978 9905 Email: groupsales@flyexpress.aero Group Reservations Tel: +27 11 978 5578 Email: reservationslist@flyexpress.aero Sales Office Email: sales@flyexpress.aero INDWE

Dear passengers, A festive SA Express welcomes aboard your flight today. It is our pleasure to fly you to your chosen destination, and I sincerely hope that my great team is taking the very best care of you.

I am sure many of you would agree that this year went by in a flash, and what a ride it was! While we have experienced our share of turbulence during 2016, I believe we can look back at a year of progress.

Since the low point of our grounding for 42 hours, we’ve worked around the clock to resolve our problems. I thank you all for continuing to support us, and can assure you that my team and I are doing everything possible to rebuild the service promise for which we are known: reliability, friendly service, and punctual departures.

Our re-building strategy includes developing new routes that support and contribute to our envisioned regional expansion, and during October we announced our newest destination – Cape Town to Mthatha.

We have also managed to retain three routes, albeit on a smaller scale – Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg to East London, and Durban to Cape Town – when the harsh glare of cold business sense might have called for their closure. This came thanks to an overwhelming level of public and trade support for these connections. Given the current economic constraints, reducing the frequency of flights as opposed to cancelling the routes all together, is a win-win solution for all.

The route optimisation programme is but one of many initiatives under way to ensure that the airline maintains profitability. Another is the introduction of Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft early next year. These new jets will ensure that SA Express’ schedule credibility is restored and that we can deliver on our service promise of on-time performance at a level of 88 % and above on all of our flights.

SA Express’ 2015-’16 financial results were

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a definite highlight of the year for us, as we surmounted challenging local and global economic conditions and an ageing fleet to deliver a gratifying performance. I can confirm that SA Express posted a profit.

This is a direct outcome of the 2013 SA Express turnaround strategy that I have discussed in this column in past months. It is internally known as the SA Express 20/20 Vision Strategy, and is aligned to South African Airways’ long term turnaround strategy and the Austerity Measures Plan.

I am pleased with the company’s performance, and acknowledge that the airline’s financial position will remain a priority over the medium term. Our improved financial performance may make it seem as though success was easy but, make no mistake, we achieved this in what was an especially challenging year.

In conclusion, we have been through a tough 2016, as indeed has most of the country.

However, we have learned a great deal and made significant strides towards our longterm objectives. We have a profitable airline, a new route to Mthatha and soon, new aircraft.

As we look forward to 2017, a new year promising a fresh start and a new opportunity to do things right, we have set an objective of considerably improving on our on-time performance. We know that this is what passengers want more than anything. This is more than a New Year’s resolution, it is our promise to you. Our passengers who remain our most valued investors.

I wish to personally thank you for your continued support this year. It has been a pleasure flying you to your various destinations.

From everyone at SA Express, we wish you a prosperous and happy New Year.

Yours in aviation Inati Ntshanga CEO of SA Express

Cover Image © iStockphoto.com Images © iStockphoto.com & Quickpic Publisher Bernard Hellberg | bernard@tcbmedia.co.za Marketing and Communications Manager Pam Komani | pam@junecommunications.co.za Editor Nicky Furniss | nicky@tcbmedia.co.za Layout and Design Renier Keyter | renier@tcbmedia.co.za Features Writers Julie Graham | julie@tcbmedia.co.za DIRECTORS Bernard Hellberg l bernard@tcbmedia.co.za Pam Komani | pam@junecommunications.co.za ADVERTISING SALES Tel: +27 12 425 5800 National Sales Manager (Regional & SADC) Bryan Kayavhu | bryan@tcbmedia.co.za +27 83 785 6691 Manager: National Sales & Business Development Chantal Barton | chantal@tcbmedia.co.za +27 79 626 0782 Senior Account Managers Nikki de Lange | nikki@tcbmedia.co.za +27 83 415 0339 Calvin van Vuuren | calvin@tcbmedia.co.za +27 82 5826873 Gertjie Meintjes | gertjie@tcbmedia.co.za +27 82 757 2622 DISCLAIMER: All material is strictly copyrighted. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in Indwe Magazine are not necessarily those of SA Express. Information has been included in good faith by the publisher and is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. No responsibility can be accepted for errors and omissions.

When business meets class:

From Lubumbashi to Johannesburg

Fly SA Express business class from Johannesburg to Lubumbashi and enjoy premium service and high safety standards.

SA Express is a proud member of the SAA Voyager programme. www.flyexpress.aero

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Lock, Stock and

Barrel

Cargo Is Now Part of SA Express’ Profit Strategy According to a recent IATA cargo report, in 2014 airlines transported 51.3 million metric tons of goods – representing more than 35 % of global trade by value, though less than 1 % by volume. This points to high-value trade which is equivalent to $6.8 trillion worth of goods annually, or $18.6 billion worth of goods each day.

Text: SA Express Image © iStockphoto.com

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At SA Express, cargo represented just 0.59 % of our turnover in 2015-’16 (0.61 % in 2014-’15), but we have recognised the potential value proposition of cargo services, having introduced a cargo division into the business over the past year.

Maisaka Netshivambe, Cargo Specialist: Sales and Operations, says that SA Express aims to bridge that gap between its current level of 0.59 % and the international norm (according to IATA) of just under 10 %.

Air cargo is big business, and its strongest growth is in the emerging markets of Africa and the Middle East. Globally, air cargo represents a relatively small percentage by volume of world trade (less than 10 %), but its significance leaps by value, where it accounts for more than 30 % of international trade.

In other words, air cargo is oriented towards high-value or time-sensitive products. For example, the express industry has enabled the widespread adoption of just-in-time practices by many businesses, which saves countless costs in inventory and logistics.

SAA performs a number of functions on behalf of SA Express in a supporting role. SAA provides the ground handling for SA Express Cargo, and shares its cargo space when SA Express does not have the capacity or the destination. “Our core business is flying passengers, and the potential for cargo is therefore limited to using up available space. This also limits us to flying high volume cargo like vulnerable cargo (mobile phones shipments), huge courier bags, live animals and bigger shipments of AOGs. However, we have plans to grow this business given the contribution it makes globally to the profitability of many international airlines. With the available capacity, Valuable cargo and Airmail are the commodities we would like to grow in our cargo business. We aim to become an independent cargo carrier and in the future to charter larger freighter aircraft,” says Netshivambe.

The cargo division is currently limited by the aircraft size, which typically fly between 50 and 74 passengers, and can carry just 300 kg of cargo. Its largest aircraft is a Boeing 737 which it flies to Lubumbashi (DRC). It is capable of flying 113 passengers and carrying two tonnes (2,000 kg) of cargo.

Internationally SA Express Cargo flies to Walvis Bay (Namibia) In addition to Lubumbashi, and is in the process of signing handling agreements to include Gaborone (Botswana).

“We are also on the lookout for new domestic and regional destinations,” she says.

Training for cargo staff differs from that of passenger services department and flight crews in that they have greater emphasis on Aviation Security courses, Cargo courses, Perishable cargo, Live Animal Regulations and Dangerous Goods Regulations training.

Looking five years ahead, Netshivambe says that she anticipates a day when cargo delivers a bigger proportion of SA Express’ total turnover. “This is why special commodities like valuable goods and live animals are so important – they deliver a bigger bang for your buck.”

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Need to Know

Ring in the Year in Style 31st December New Year’s Eve Celebrations, The Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town

New Year’s Eve at The Table Bay promises a festive showcase of South African culture and cuisine. In the hotel’s ballroom, The Table Bay will recreate the vibrant magic of the electrifying Cape Town Carnival which is held annually in celebration of South Africa’s diverse people and cultures. The Table Bay’s Cape Town Carnival New Year’s Eve event promises a parade of colour and flavour, with lively musicians and gourmet street food reflecting the diversity of Cape Town’s communities, cultures and cuisine. Children are welcome at this family-styled event.

The African Odyssey Dinner at The Atlantic will take guests on a journey of indigenous flavours and authentic South African dishes in a lavish setting. Taste explorers will begin their adventure with pre-drinks in the Camissa Lounge, followed by a sumptuous six-course meal and entertainment in The Atlantic.

The New Year’s Eve celebrations are crowned with an after party on the Pavilion. For reservations, email TableBayDining@suninternational.com.

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Turtle Power Until March Turtle Season, Rocktail Bay, Maputaland

Another spectacular Turtle Season at Rocktail Camp in KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park has begun, offering guests front-row seats to one of the world’s most fascinating experiences – the nesting and hatching of Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles.

The turtle breeding season occurs from October to March when these magnificent creatures come ashore at night to lay their eggs along Rocktail’s 30 km stretch of beach every year. Guests visiting the camp can enjoy a turtle drive led by an experienced Wilderness Safaris guide, during which they may have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing this ancient ritual or, later on in the season, catching sight of the tiny hatchlings as they scramble down to the safety of the ocean. Visitors to Rocktail Camp can also dive the untouched coral reefs of the Maputaland Marine Reserve, snorkel at Lala Nek, and join guided forest walks. Visit www.wilderness-safaris.com for more information.

A Lounging Lunch During Summer Hartenberg Picnics, Stellenbosch Winelands

Warm sunny days are the perfect excuse to venture to Hartenberg Wine Estate to indulge in a delicious picnic, whilst sipping on superb wine. Choose a table under the trees or lounge on plump cushions on the lawn with a beautifully packed picnic basket. This season, the picnic basket includes Eleanor’s snoek pâté, as well as a selection of local cheeses and charcuterie.

Pre-order a gourmet sandwich, delicious quiche and freshly prepared salad to complete your picnic experience. The sandwich selection includes pastrami, cheese and caramelized onion, or chicken Caesar with garlic aioli. You can choose between fig and blue cheese, bacon and caramelized onion, or smoked salmon and caper quiches. End on a sweet note with either a strawberry cheesecake in a jar or peanut butter and chocolate dessert in a jar. The picnic costs R195 per person and includes a bottle of estate wine to share. There is also a children’s picnic selection for R80 per child.

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Need to Know

A Wild Christmas

Swartland Art

December Christmas at Morukuru Madikwe, North West Province

Until February 2017 Summertide Exhibition, The Gallery, Riebeek Kasteel

Christmas at Morukuru Madikwe is a big deal. No detail is spared – from an exquisitely decorated Christmas tree to baking Christmas-themed cookies. The most important element is that it’s a Christmas exactly how guests want to experience it – whether it’s eggnog and a full roast with all the trimmings for Christmas lunch, or an outdoor spitbraai under the African sun.

Comprising three luxury private houses in the incredible Madikwe Game Reserve, Morukuru Madikwe offers accommodation for those who enjoy the finer things in life.

The Farm House’s five extremely spacious en suite bedrooms make it perfect for large families or groups of friends. Tucked away in the Morukuru trees for ultimate privacy and seclusion, the Owner’s House is ideal for honeymooners, couples or small families, while River House has four large en suite bedrooms and incredible views of the surrounding bush. All three houses have their own private butler, chef, host, housekeepers, guide and game drive vehicle, making it the perfect festive season escape. Email reservations@morukuru.com for more information.

Every year, The Summertide Exhibition in Riebeek Kasteel provides a local platform for renowned Swartland artists to showcase their work “in their own backyard”. The event has become highly anticipated on the events calendar for art enthusiasts and collectors alike. This year’s event, which kicks off on 4th December with an official opening by South African author, columnist and documentary film-maker Max du Preez, and runs until the end of February 2017, sees an impressive line-up of artists. Highlight exhibitors include renowned names such as Andre van Vuuren, Philip Barlow, Jenny Parsons, Solly Smook, Pippa Lea Pennington, JP Meyer, Claire Menck, Andre du Toit and acclaimed South African ceramist Ann Marais. Visitors to the Summertide exhibition will be treated to an extraordinary mix of fresh and contemporary artworks in a variety of mediums.

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// www.galleryriebeek.co.za

Coastal Christmas Shopping 8th December 2016 to 8th January 2017 Witsand Christmas Market, Breedezicht Estate, Western Cape

This year’s Witsand Christmas Market – an annual highlight in this little coastal town – will boast nearly 150 exhibitors all under one roof. Here you will find a wide variety of hand-crafted items, decor, home-baked goods, glassware, books, accessories, clothing, jewellery, and plenty to fill your pantry and gifts closet. The fire will be burning from early in the morning at Die Dam, offering “roosterkoeke” and freshly baked bread daily. While you are here, why not also pop in at Koffie ’n Kletz for some delicious cappuccino, fruit smoothies and desserts where you will be surrounded by unique hand-crafted decor items? For more information email bruwer@breedezicht.co.za

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Need to Know

It’s Pantomime Time Again!

2nd December to 8th January Sleeping Beauty, Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, Durban

Inspired by the film Frozen, KickstArt’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty, unfolds in a magical Scandinavian country – wreathed in snow, crystal and ice – and promises a romantic, enchanting adventure for all ages. It stars Haylea Hounsom as Princess Rose, with Lyle Buxton as her handsome prince, Robin. Darren King and Graeme Wicks provide masses of humour as Nurse Nora Knickersnagger and Hucleby Hopscotch the court jester, and Bryan Hiles reaches new levels of charming silliness as the cowardly knight, Sir Ninnyliver. Sleeping Beauty is guaranteed to put you in the festive spirit and elicit a few laughs along the way too. Tickets are available from www.computicket.co.za.

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Hit the Trail 10th December Ultra Trail Cape Town, Western Cape

This December, Cape Town’s majestic Table Mountain will once again be the setting for Ultra Trail Cape Town (UTCT), one of Africa’s premier ultra-trail 100 km races. In an effort to open the race to an even larger audience, the race also features two “shorter” distances of 65 km and 35 km which will traverse the picturesque mountain ranges of the Cape Peninsula. The race encompasses Table Mountain, Lions Head, Signal Hill, Orangekloof, Llandudno, Hout Bay, the Constantia Winelands, the upper slopes of Kirstenbosch Nature Reserve as well as Devil’s Peak, which all form part of the iconic Natural World Heritage sites and the New Natural Seven Wonders of the World. For more information, as well as race entries and the best places to watch the runners, visit www.ultratrailcaptown.com.

Artisinal Goodies 16th, 17 th & 18th December Gabriëlskloof’s Favourite Things Market, Bot River

For everything handmade, homemade, delicious, fresh and beautiful, Gabriëlskloof is set for another finely curated array in the Overberg. A hugely popular event, festivities at the renowned olive and wine estate’s seventh annual Favourite Things Market take place just in time for that last minute Christmas shopping. This popular “shop ’n social” is where indie craft and design meets fabulous local food and excellent wines. Among the foodie delights, enjoy: oysters and bubbly; wine and cheese; fresh bakes and burgers; and maybe a handmade chocolate or three.

You can also shop for luxurious items made of alpaca wool, fine local designer jewellery, bespoke local and imported clothing, and handmade children’s toys.

For more information, like Gabriëlskloof on Facebook.

Bits & Pieces

For Added Pregnancy Glow

It’s All About the Men at MENlyn Park

The Mama Mio pregnancy product range works by improving skin tone and increasing skin elasticity throughout pregnancy. This is thanks to the very high level of essential fatty acids contained in their products. Essential fatty acids are crucial to every cell membrane in our bodies, including your skin. Mama Mio products – such as the Tummy Rub Butter, the Pregnancy Boob Tube and Lucky Legs for the body, and the Gorgeous Glow for the face – take care of your skin and keep it looking great, especially after the baby arrives. Poise Brands also offers the unisex Mio range for everyday fit skin and is cruelty free. For more information about Mama Mio and its sister brands, visit

Menlyn Park Shopping Centre has recently added some fantastic international and local menswear stores, including Fabiani, Bagozza, Tread+Miller, Carducci and Markham, to cater for the fashion-conscious man – and make Christmas shopping for him that much easier this year. We particularly love Cape Town sock specialist Nic Harry, who will be bringing to Pretoria its limited-edition bold and daring socks, made with soft and luxurious bamboo fibres. The shopping centre, in the capital city of Tshwane, is undergoing a R2-billion redevelopment that will make it the largest in Africa, with over 500 retail outlets, a food and entertainment court, and parking for 8,250 cars. Another great feature will be Central Park, an open air piazza with a host of restaurants. Shoppers can also take advantage of extended shopping hours during the festive season and beyond.

www.poisebrands.co.za.

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Beauty On the Go The Cape Town Beauty Bar, an all-new New York style express beauty bar, based in Cape Town’s Cosmopolitan CBD, recently opened its doors to the public.

The niche beauty boutique includes: a blow-dry bar for a range of blowouts and hair styling which includes a lavish “African Queen” menu boasting one of the top ethnic stylists in the country.

The nail bar is the place for mani’s and pedi’s, the tanning lounge uses Vita Liberata Luxury Tan, and there is even a makeup station. With a glass of bubbly in hand, this girl-on-the-go concept caters ideally for the fast paced lives of the inner city executive. It is all-youneed beautification under one roof with an affordable “no fuss, no frills” approach. The Cape Town Beauty Bar is also ideal for hen’s parties, pre-birthday girls’ gatherings and ladies nights out.

Look for Cape Town Beauty Bar on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or email info@capetownbeautybar.co.za for more information.

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Dinner & A Movie

A Touch of Ginja Situated at Cape Town’s famous V&A Waterfront, chick new restaurant Ginja has an inviting and contemporary interior, and offers fabulous food, a wonderful atmosphere and superb views across the Waterfront harbour to Table Mountain. The comprehensive and well-priced menu has been lovingly created

by Executive Chef, Stefan Muller, and includes salads, charcuterie, risottos, sandwiches, vegetarian options, wraps, pasta, seafood and grills, plus an extensive list of dishes especially for children. Wholesome and

banting-friendly options are also available.

Native Coffee Roasters, which is located within the restaurant, will add something extra for coffee lovers. Created by Murray Lloyd, who roasts his own carefully selected coffee beans, Native Coffee Roasters offers the quintessential experience in coffee appreciation. The coffee bar at Ginja will also serve a small artisanal takeaway food menu.

The restaurant is open every day from 06h30 to 23h00.

// www.ginjarestaurant.co.za

Robinson Crusoe On a tiny exotic island, Tuesday, an outgoing parrot lives with his quirky animal friends in paradise. However, Tuesday can’t stop dreaming about discovering the world. After a violent storm, Tuesday and his friends wake up to find a strange creature on the beach: Robinson Crusoe. Tuesday immediately views

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Crusoe as his ticket off the island to explore new lands. Likewise, Crusoe soon realizes that the only way he can survive on the island is with the help of Tuesday and the other animals. Soon, though, their comfortable life is overturned by two savage cats, who wish to take control of the island.

A Marriage of Scotland & the Caribbean Glenfiddich have recently presented a rejuvenated look for their 21 Year Old Gran Reserva with a bold, vibrant design which expresses its unique flavours. The pioneering family created their very own rum, and used the casks to complete the maturing process, awakening the Scotch whisky with rousing exotic notes of ginger, fig, lime, banana and spicy toffee warmth, elevating it from something great to something extraordinary. Now the luxurious 21 Year Old’s new look reflects the exceptional taste and provenance of the special liquid inside with its deep burgundy theme and intricately designed filigree pattern on the bottle label and packaging. The rejuvenated 21 Year Old expression is available in leading liquor stores for R2,999 a bottle.

// www.williamgrant.com

Turn it Up!

ASH

Multi-talented singer, songwriter & dancer, ASH recently released his debut album with Warner Music, aptly titled ASH Muzik.

2016 has already seen ASH release the single “Ain’t Looking for Love”, featuring Buffalo Souljah, as well as a new single, “Been Waiting”, both of which feature on the album.

ASH wrote and arranged all the material, with production crew, Deceptikonz, whose beats have added to projects by AKA & Da Les. “It’s all real, it’s all me. The album says a lot about my ups and downs, I know everyone goes through these things in life, and I’m excited to share my story with the world and hopefully inspire my fans at the same time,” ASH says.

Born Ashley Michael Beyers in 1990 to a humble one-parent home, in KwaZuluNatal, ASH danced his way through early life. At just two years old, he won his first dance competition, busting his moves to Michael Jackson, and by 16 he was on

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TV, dancing in various TV commercials, before moving on to the reality show So You Think You Can Dance, where he placed in the top five. Now on the cusp of releasing his debut album, ASH is living his dream.

“At some point, I realised I wanted to be the whole package – up until then singing had been my hobby, but after touring the world for three years as a dancer and back-up vocalist in a Michael Jackson tribute tour, I found I had something to say, I found my voice.”

From playing drums in church and dancing on TV, to performing with a variety of local and international artists including Jamali, HHP and Ludacris while touring the world, he is now ready to shine. “I just want to get on stage as ASH now,” he says.

Follow ASH on www.twitter.com/ ASHmuzik, www.facebook.com/ AshMuzikSA, and https://instagram.com/ ash_muzik/.

d n a s e v a H t s u L s e v a H Must lous abu F r o f e d i u G Our Gift eason S e v i t s e F s i h Presents t 1

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7 1 - The Love Milo snack bowl set is the perfect tapas-style serving solution and features three porcelain bowls and a 30 cm long wooden serving platter. R422, Wearels.co.za 2 - Available in three festively fragranced limited edition scents – Rose Pineapple, Spiced Earl Grey, and Festive Fig – Crabtree & Evelyn’s Hand Therapy makes a wonderful stocking filler. R150, www.crabtree-evelyn.co.za 3 - The unique signature taste and versatile cooking style and applications of the Kamado Jan will revolutionise the way you braai. The secret is in the ceramic dome! R4,500 to R22,500, www.metelerkamps.co.za

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4 - Lust Bistro’s Festive Fruitcake is loaded with luxury ingredients such as cranberries, dates, figs, pecans, and loads of brandy. R260, Lust Bistro and Bakery

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5 - Garmin Elevate wrist-based heart rate technology gives fēnix 3 HR users the freedom to train whenever and wherever they want, with performance control through heart rate monitoring. R9,499, Garmin 6 - Make the office or classroom quirky and fun come January with these whimsical tape dispensers (R299,95), mini staplers (R119.95) and scissors (R299.95). www.pylones.co.za 7 - The luxurious and sporty Maserati Boston Bag is made from 100 % Italian embossed deerskin leather. R28,950, www.maseratistore.com

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8 - The FreeBoard boasts a powerful motor to do battle with punishing hills, allowing you to coast the streets with ease. With adjustable speed, high-performance braking and a simple, super-responsive remote control – get ready for the ride of your life. R13,999, www.Houdt.co.za 9 - Label.m Diamond Dust Body Lotion is free from parabens and contains champagne and white rose petal oil for wonderfully soft skin.

R250, www.retailbox.co.za 10 - Be cool at the pool with swimming trunks from international fashion house Vilebrequin.

R2,450 to R3,450, www.vilebrequin.com 11 - The brand new Míele CM7 coffee machines can prepare up to 20 different beverages, including various types of tea. The top-of-the-line model, the CM7500, even descales automatically. R34,990 to R39,990, www.miele.co.za

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12 - My First South Africa Atlas is a detailed child-friendly atlas filled with wonderful maps and content boxes on everything from natural landmarks to climate zones. R250, www.mapstudio.co.za 13 - For dreamy evenings soaking in the tub, indulge in heavenly scented Madagascan Vanilla Bath Milk. R80, Poetry

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14 - Walk on sunshine in these quirky Mexican Espadrilles with leather backs. R700, www.espadril.co.za 15 - The Bluebeards Revenge Deluxe Kit consists of a pre-shave oil, beard-reducing shaving cream, post shave balm, “Doubloon” shaving brush and silver technology anti-perspirant deodorant. R1,234, www.retailbox.co.za 16 - Morlage & Yorke Apothecary Wild Rose & Sandalwood Hand & Nail Cream is enriched with vitamin E, soothing rose petals, and relaxing sandalwood. R65, www.morlageandyorke.co.za

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17 - Busy Bob crazy gel is a wet look gel specially designed for busy little boys! R59.95, Clicks 18 - This hand-painted Portuguese planter will add some style to your veranda. R170, Poetry 19 - Georgini’s delicate and dainty bracelets, featuring rose gold and cubic zirconias, add something special to every occasion. R1,699, www.georgini.co.za

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20 - QMS Medicosmetics Revitalising Lift-oFirm Body contouring cream helps to sculpt your body and firm problem areas. Bitter orange is used to help stimulate the burning of fat, whilst natural oils leave the skin smooth and full of vitality. R1,020, www.futurethis.co.za 21 - The new Mavic Pro is DJI’s most sophisticated flying camera ever created. It has a range of 7 km and is also the first drone that can be folded up to the size of a sub sandwich and be easily stored in a backpack. R20,000, www.weFix.co.za 22 - The Shimansky My Girl 0.53 tcw Diamond Microset Halo Ring set in white gold is sure to be every girl’s best friend this Christmas. Price on request, Shimansky

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23 - These three-tier golden sunglass straps from Laska are this season’s hottest accessory.

From R220, www.laskaluxe.com

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27 24 - The Spiegelau Loop Decanter allows for wine to aerate in style. R995, www.metelerkamps.co.za 25 - The Tangle Teezer is the ultimate detangling hair brush, and is now available in a cute, compact version for your handbag.

R290, Clicks 26 - For perfect, radiant skin look no further than Illuminating Skin Finish with a BB bronzing cream finish that adds colour, creating or enhancing tanned skin. R975, www.vitaliberata.co.za 27 - Proudly South African, Tic Tac Toe has a beautiful range of baby clothes and shoes, like these adorable blue check Kimono shoes. R180, www.tictactoekids.com

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28 - Beautifully stylish and easy to use, the NutriBullet Pro now boasts a powerful 900 watt motor enabling even quicker and smoother juicing. R2,999, www.nutribullet.co.za

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29 - Add some glam to your handbag this season with a handcrafted Via La Moda ostrich skin wallet. R4,384, www.vialamoda.co.za 30 - Poetry’s beautiful Spring/Summer collection is inspired by the architectural lines and vibrant colours of tropical plants. Savannah printed dress, R799, Poetry

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31 - Frutto e Fiori Rose Flavoured Panettone is enriched with sultana raisins, rose syrup and a rose-flavoured cream. R395, www.metelerkamps.co.za

Funded by: RFINDDO2015

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Sa express connects you to richards bay

The Ultimate Eco

Escape Kosi Forest Lodge

KwaZulu-Natal’s Kosi Bay Nature Reserve – a pristine watery wonderland of lakes, channels and estuaries, ringed by sand forests and giant Raffia palms – is one of our country’s best eco tourism destinations.

Text: Dei Gratia Images © Isibindi Africa

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Straddling the border between South Africa and Mozambique, this unique lake system – part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is home to a staggering array of indigenous plants, birds and wildlife. And Kosi Forest Lodge, set into the natural surroundings of a tranquil sand forest, is an ideal base from which to explore this distinctive ecosystem.

Getting Back to Nature Kosi Forest Lodge, the only private lodge in the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, blends seamlessly with the surrounding bush as opposed to stamping its mark on it.

White beach sand paths lead guests beneath canopies of giant Albizia and Podberry trees to eight neatly tucked away thatched bush suites. These tread softly on the earth with raised wooden platforms and canvas tent sides. The blinds are rolled

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up during the day to let the animated sounds of the bush in, and every effort is made to encourage guests to interact with the great outdoors.

The lodge’s pool overlooks the shores of Lake Shengeza with its grunting pods of hippos, and the romantic open-air en suite bathrooms are the ultimate “Out of Africa” indulgence. Enclosed by reeds, you can hang your towel on a nearby branch as you shower, or wallow under the stars in the large sunken bath tub, with the light of a single paraffin lamp casting a cosy glow.

Flaming torches bordering the pathways light your way to dinner.

Exquisite three-course meals are eaten by candlelight in the lodge’s boma, or next to a flickering fire on its main deck. The effect is one of going back in time to the early days of colonial safaris – when time spent in the wild truly meant immersing oneself completely in the bush.

Getting Out & About While the creature comforts of the suites are tempting, the highlight of any visit to the lodge is the chance to explore the great diversity of the surrounding area.

Towering Raffia palms shade lush swamp forests, their fascinating flora and fauna best explored on an early morning walk. The rare palm-nut vulture feeds exclusively on the palms’ fruit, occasionally giving visitors the thrill of spotting their white-and-black wings in the overhead canopy.

The forest opens onto a quiet channel, where guided canoes glide silently through the freshness of the early morning, introducing guests to the untouched vegetation on either side – quiet except for the rustle of a Samango monkey in the trees, the call of a Kingfisher overhead, or the splash of a crocodile entering the water.

The lakes themselves are best explored

Getting Here A five-hour drive from Durban or an eight-hour drive from Johannesburg brings guests to Kosi Forest Lodge. While seemingly remote, its location has ensured that the area’s superb natural attractions have remained virtually untouched, and both the lakes and the intimate Kosi Forest Lodge are worth the trip for visitors in search of one of South Africa’s most beautiful and unique eco tourist destinations. For more information, contact +27 35 474 1473, visit www.isibindi.co.za or email res@isibindi.co.za.

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by boat, with a highlight being a visit to the famous Kosi Bay fish traps. Made from rows of cleverly placed tree branches, the indigenous Tsonga fishermen have used these traps for generations to fish the lakes – and like the lodge itself, have strived to do so in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Beach lovers can sign up for a day trip to the Kosi Mouth, where they can snorkel or swim accompanied by schools of tropical fish, or just sit on the beach and enjoy the view. Between November and January, giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles lay their eggs on the beach. The lodge’s nightly turtle tours allow guests to witness this moving, centuries-old ritual first hand.

SA Engineering in the Spotlight with

SKA

The biggest science project Africa has ever seen begins with the assembly of a tiny node of steel. Intricately bound together, it weighs about as much as a light dumbbell, and is the basis of the back-up structure to the most advanced dish antenna system the continent has ever seen.

Text: Namaqua Engineering Images Š SKA SA

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These back-up structures form the building blocks of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), a battalion of enormous dish antennas being installed near Carnarvon, in the Northern Cape. The entire array will eventually represent one million square metres of a radio frequency collecting area and will capture data from outer space alongside eight other sites across Africa as well as Western Australia.

Collectively, these dish antennas will make up the largest telescope ever to probe into outer space. Upon completion in 2032, the project will stand as the biggest scientific endeavour in the world, capable of detecting airport radar on a planet tens of light years away. Together, the dish antennas dotted around the globe will deliver images of space that outstrip the Hubble Telescope by a factor of 50.

The project was established in December 2011 with 11 member countries: Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK. Unofficial members have also lent their expertise to the project, and it is estimated that over 100 organisations from 20 nations have been involved in the project at some stage.

This is a truly global effort. Designs for the dish antennas hail from Germany, while American firm General Dynamics has been contracted to execute the project.

The first dish antennas have been manufactured in South Africa under the moniker MeerKAT, and 16 have been erected to date. MeerKAT is a test case for the much larger SKA project and will comprise 64 dish antennas in total, the remainder to be constructed throughout 2016 and 2017.

The initial MeerKAT array took its first images on July 16th 2016. The snapshot produced astounding results: An image of space revealing 1,300 galaxies in an area where only 70 were visible before. The images display a snapshot seeded with galaxies and massive black holes yet still only accounts for a mere 0.01 % of the sky.

When you consider the depths that MeerKAT is already reaching, the vastness of space is truly mind-blowing.

If the SKA project proves anything, it’s that our fascination with space is unquenchable.

Amazingly, the team helping to build these monocles into the great unknown is part of a South African engineering firm, Namaqua Engineering, situated in the small town of Vredendal, some 430 km from the Carnarvon SKA site. Every day, founder Stokkies van Zyl and his team arrive at work at 06h00 to change the world. Van Zyl has

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a touch of Elon Musk about him. He’s a man of slight build but indomitable character who wears his nickname like a badge of pride: “Stokkies” means “sticks” in Afrikaans, but Van Zyl is made of iron.

Stokkies van Zyl and his team have been at work on the project since September 2015 and have been given a quota of 32 dish antenna back-up structures to manufacture for the MeerKAT project. By phase two, they’ll need to have produced 196, and by phase 3, with SKA well

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underway, 2500. Stokkies is pragmatic.

“By that stage, I’ll need another 1,000 employees.” Is it achievable? “Of course!” he says with a knowing smile. It seems the wheels of progress are already turning.

Most entrepreneurs would be daunted by this expansion, but to Van Zyl, no obstacle is too big. As one of his employees says: “Stokkies will challenge you and push you. You’ll think it’s impossible, but once you get there, you’ll look back and realize it was possible all along.” His desire for a challenge

is one of the reasons he has transformed his business into the biggest employer in the Matzikama region and a provider of jobs for hundreds of families.

51 members of Van Zyl’s 162 staff work on the project full time. Machines cut and robots whir, while welders weld by hand.

Everywhere you look, sparks are flying. It is a veritable beehive of activity as structures and nodes are produced, one after the other.

Every team member is entrusted with the duty to ensure that the next person down

the line meets his deadline. Time is precious, and no one idles.

Namaqua Engineering currently has the capacity to produce two completed MeerKAT back-up structures per month.

It will eventually be necessary to double this output. However, with the kind of painstaking attention to detail and high quality standards required for the project, it’ll take time, but Van Zyl is more than convinced that it is possible. Every part of the structure is carefully analysed and verified, and once assembled, the entire structure is put through a rigorous verification procedure to ensure that it conforms to the original design.

Five years ago, MeerKAT wouldn’t have been possible for Namaqua Engineering, since its skilled artisans still worked mostly by hand. But today, because of his vision and unbreakable will, Van Zyl has invested millions into the latest 2D and 3D laser cutter technology, robotic welding systems, physical verification instrumentation, software and accurate line boring equipment.

The SKA project is committed to finding life in space, and with Namaqua Engineering at the reins, that reality is closer than we think.

Opposite Page Top: The Carnarvon site is a test case for the SKA project and plays host to a group of dish antennas affectionately entitled “MeerKAT.” Opposite Page Bottom Left: A dish antenna stands tall.

Opposite Page Bottom Right: The Namaqua Engineering plant in Vredendal, Western Cape is working around the clock to meet its quota.

This Page: The backbone of a dish antenna up close.

MAXIMIZE AERO ADVANTAGE AND CONTROL

The Gift That Keeps on

Giving Port Alfred

Kick-start your December holiday with a trip to Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape, where rugged coastal beauty meets fishing village charm. The laid-back town lies at the mouth of the Kowie River, on Route 72 between Port Elizabeth and East London.

Text: Sarah-Claire Picton Images © Nicky Furniss

Sa express connects you to port elizabeth

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Port Alfred’s characteristic sub-tropical climate makes for an idyllic holiday retreat.

The town is gaining popularity for being a Big Eight destination (the traditional Big Five plus dolphins, whales, and sharks), seeing as its diverse landscape includes the attractions of nearby game reserves and a spectacular “ocean portfolio”. And, come the season of flip-flop tans, sandwiches with gammon and Hot English Mustard (’tis the season!), and holiday road trips, Port Alfred turns into a tourist hot-spot.

The Kowie River is the town’s organic division, with a few bridges linking its banks.

Explore the river region with a walk around this scenic area, or, for the water enthusiasts, it is all about canoeing or boat-cruising up the Kowie. You can also hop on board for a river cruise that steers you away from the town’s December hustle and bustle.

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Outdoor Focus’ river and braai cruises leave from the small boat harbour, located next to Port Alfred’s renowned Royal Alfred Marina, for a leisurely and scenic journey up the Kowie River.

December goings-on in Port Alfred unravel a sundry of coastal musts. Don your sunnies and sunblock to cruise down sand dunes, explore epic dive spots, go surfing, kite-sailing, whale-watching, and fishing.

Separated by the Port Alfred’s East and West piers are the two most popular surfing beaches: East Beach, with its legendary right-break (best in autumn and winter); and West Beach, a bulging left-hander with decent waves most of the year. Bretton Beach offers seaside seclusion and good for surfing at times, and also for seashellseeking. With approximately 1,800 different types of seashells, the coastline makes for

some brilliant longevity when playing “I spy with my little eye”. Other local breaks to check out include Kei Mouth, Kelly’s Beach, and Riet River – the latter, about 15 km outside of Port Alfred, is home to the legendary Three Sisters Horse Trails (threesistershorsetrails.co.za).

Port Alfred is loved for its authentic English fishing village charm. The yacht harbour and residential marina are symbolic of its commercial and economic growth since its inception in the early 1800s. The historic Wharf Street is now a firm local favourite and includes a fishery, fruit market, pub, theatre, restaurant, and antique store.

Just outside Port Alfred awaits the seaside paradise of Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve (www.oceanareserve.com) – an elegant lodge for the discerning traveller seeking refined luxury. The opulent accommodation

inspired by arctic beauty

IDEA T F I G HER FO R

includess a select group of unique guest suites in the Ocean Lodge and Private Ocean House, as well as individual private chalets. With Wi-Fi available in the suites, this prized Port Alfred coastal reserve allows for corporate vacationers to touch base with business back home, while still relishing the best of both ocean and bush.

Once your holiday is sadly over, and you are heading back to East London Airport, make sure not to forget the padkos before flying out, by making a R27 pit-stop at Nanaga Farmstall.

Located 50 km from Port Elizabeth, the farm stall continues to gain culinary fame from its delicious homemade roosterkoek and freshly baked pies. For more information, visit www.nanaga.co.za.

Whether you warm to all things related to the ocean and river, roaming on foot, or cantering along the shoreline and seeing the world from between a pair of mahogany ears – a trip to Port Alfred is the definitive gift destination this Christmas. Journey to the scenic nucleus of the Sunshine Coast for a December getaway and enjoy friendly locals, wilderness, aquatic splendour, and super-fresh seafood, as well as returning with memories from a voyage of novel discoveries – this, folks, is the gift that keeps on giving.

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The Roar of the Dark

Lioness Johannesburg-based visual activist Zanele Muholi has blazed a trail around the world with photographs that shine a light on the humanity of some of our nation’s most marginalised citizens.

Text: Keith Bain Images © All photographs by Zanele Muholi, courtesy of the artist and Stevenson

When it comes to artists who have had a significant impact on the visibility of the queer community, Zanele Muholi is cited alongside 20th Century icons Keith Haring and Robert Mapplethorpe. If Haring was known for the playful activism of his graffitiinspired Pop Art paintings, and Mapplethorpe for the sensuality of his sexually charged male nudes and delicate flower still lifes, Muholi’s associations are primarily with the human stories underlying her austere black-andwhite portraiture. Muholi, in fact, refers to herself as a “visual activist” rather than an

artist or photographer – with her work she is drawing attention to some of the most marginalised and overlooked people in Africa.

Muholi, who was born in the Durban township of Umlazi and grew up surrounded by the chaos of apartheid’s dying decades, has become globally renowned for photographs that give visibility to the black lesbian and transgender communities in (South) Africa. Muholi has been documenting the people of this community since 2006. Her Faces and Phases series is an ever-expanding body of work that she

calls an “insider’s perspective that both commemorates and celebrates the lives of the black queers I have met in my journeys”.

The portraits include dozens of lesbians from South Africa, Uganda, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Her mission, she has stated, is “to re-write a black queer and trans visual history of South Africa [and] for the world to know of our resistance and existence at the height of hate crimes”.

Many of the women photographed in this ambitious series have been survivors of some form of violence, notably so-

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called corrective rape, a crime of hate that Muholi’s activism speaks out against. Her approach has not been to document the violence or the brutality itself, however, but rather to show its survivors in a strong and positive light. Her intention? To reveal their humanity in an intimate gesture – gazing into the camera’s lens, showing the world that they want to be seen. “If I didn’t show them this way, no one would,” she says. “I take my camera everywhere, and I work all the time. There is a lot of work to be done.”

Muholi is adamant that the people in her photographs are collaborators rather than “subjects”. “I don’t call the people in my photos subjects, I call them participants, because they are partaking in history-making. When they’re called subjects, it means there’s a distance between the photographer and those being photographed. I try to stay connected, establishing a relationship between myself and those who are in my photographs.

It’s important for me to know who I am shooting, to know their names, because I care about the people I photograph – because they define me as a photographer.

“When I photograph other people – unless it’s a documentary situation such as at a funeral – I always request them to look good,” she says. “I ask people to look their best, and to love themselves, so that they will also love what they see when they look at those images in the future.”

Muholi believes that, since no-one else bothers to show these women in this light, she is duty bound to do so. “I just want to invite the viewer to stay connected and look at the human being and start questioning why the life of the person in the photograph matters. Why is this person in the photograph in the first place? It’s an invitation, encouraging the viewer to be curious and inquisitive and also to start looking at people actively – to ask what sort of contribution they’re making to history.

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And to question why these people’s lives are perceived by some as transgressive. My photographs are an invitation for people to look and to question in a responsive way.”

Faces and Phases has been exhibited widely in various editions across the globe, and has earned Muholi significant accolades, including being named one of FP magazine’s “Leading Global Thinkers of 2013” alongside the likes of Pope Francis, Edward Snowden, and Elon Musk – Muholi earned her spot “for photographing hidden lives”.

Born in the early ’70s, Muholi says her earliest recollections of photographic representation were often violent ones. “My early visual training came from the images in the media. In the ’80s, there was a lot of violence, the State of Emergency, and also a lot of protest movements – a lot of those images were of people running, people being chased away. There were just too many images of violence in the media of the 1980s, and those were the images we consumed as youngsters. I guess those are the images that shaped my life in many ways.”

Her professional life began as a reporter and photographer working for an online lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) magazine. Her activist photography grew out of what she saw as an urgent need to document the lives of people being ignored by mainstream media.

“I didn’t see any images that spoke to me as a black lesbian,” she says. “At the height of the country’s transformation I needed to see myself, I needed to be counted, I needed to visualise how many of us look. I needed people to understand the ongoing challenges that we [faced] as a community.”

Muholi trained at the Market Photo Workshop in Newtown, Johannesburg, and cites David Goldblatt as the mentor without whom her career would not have taken off – he and his wife sponsored her further education at Toronto’s Ryerson University, where she completed an MFA in Documentary Media in 2009. She has been racking up awards ever since, including the prestigious Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression art award in 2013, and earlier this year received the ICP Infinity Award for Documentary and Photojournalism as well as Africa’sOut! Courage and Creativity Award.

In more recent years, Muholi has begun increasingly turning the camera on herself, practicing a form of self-portraiture that integrates performance with socio-political commentary around issues affecting black people in Africa and the diaspora.

Her first exhibition of self-portraits is entitled Somnyama Ngonyama (“Hail, the Dark Lioness”) and debuted at New

York’s Yancey Richardson Gallery last year.

Shot in high-process black-and-white in various locations around the world, Muholi captures herself in enormous headdresses, in masks of soot, in turbans and wigs. Often she appears to be engaged in a tantalising staring contest with the viewer – gazing back into her eyes is guaranteed.

This year alone, Muholi has exhibited in Mauritius, Massachusetts, Rotterdam, at the Berlin Biennale, in Oslo, Amsterdam, Arles in France, Chicago, London, New York, Seoul and Busan in South Korea, as well as in Atlanta, in the US. She is also currently exhibiting in both the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, and at the FotoFocus Biennial in Cincinnati.

To say she’s in high demand is an understatement. And yet, Muholi says that here in Africa she’s encountered resistance and opposition to her work – proof of its importance. Her exhibitions have been slandered, and there have been attempts to silence her. In 2012, someone broke into her home and stole a cache of hard drives containing unpublished images, a large part of her life’s work. And getting her photos exhibited in other parts of Africa, where there is often very fierce homophobic sentiment, is virtually impossible. She had a showing of her early work in Nigeria, but that was in the context of an art show about the body, not the queer body, she says. She also picked up an award at the Bamako biennial of African photography in 2009, but the irony is that since her reputation as a queer activist has grown internationally, resistance to her work on this continent has deepened.

“I never imagined that my work could be censored,” Muholi says. “And I never allow the possibility of censorship to delay me, because if you focus on that, you begin to doubt if you are doing something right or wrong. I am simply doing my job. I am just a messenger.”

Zanele Muholi is represented by Stevenson, a gallery with spaces in Cape Town and Johannesburg (www.stevenson.info). Muholi also runs Inkanyiso (“the one who illuminates”), an online archive of images and stories about LGBTI issues (www.inkanyiso.org).

First Page: Zanele Muholi self-portrait, 2014 Second Page Top: View of part of Zanele Muholi’s recent Faces and Phases 10 exhibition.

Second Page Bottom: Muholi’s Miss Lesbian I, Amsterdam, 2009.

Last Page: Portraits from Muholi’s Faces and Phases 10 exhibition. Top: Lerato Dumse, Syracuse, New York Upstate, 2015; Bottom: portrait of Sebenzile Nkosi.

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The Big Five Right on Your

Doorstep Elephant Point Estate

The call of the fish eagle as it soars across the mighty Sabie River, the sight of trumpeting elephants as they wend their way through the African bush – it is an Out of Africa experience that many can only dream of. For property owners at the exclusive Elephant Point Estate, however, this is an integral part of the lifestyle on offer now that the estate’s shared boundary with the Kruger National Park allows the Big Five to roam within metres of one’s patio.

Text & Images © Supplied

Just five hours’ drive from Johannesburg (and 20 km from the new Skukuza Airport), situated on a verdant 290 ha private reserve, this residential project offers a rare investment opportunity, says project spokesperson Ewan Dykes.

“The property takes its name from the large number of elephants resident in the region that are often seen drinking on the banks of the Sabie River, while the surrounding area is renowned for its natural diversity and concentration of wildlife.”

Now a limited edition collection of just 46 private bush veld lodges will be built along 5 km of the river banks, with the first phase of 25 stands almost sold out already.

The second phase has just been released and is already 50 % sold out. These spacious luxury lodges, with their rich African tone

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textures and stone-clad external walls, blend unobtrusively into the environment. Buyers, explains Dykes, have the option of self-build or a turnkey managed construction through the developer. A selection of designs enables owners to express their personal taste and style while ensuring all essential amenities are incorporated. Adds Dykes: “Legacy Hotels will also be operating the rental pool, enabling owners to generate an income when their home is not in personal use.”

The focal point of the estate’s amenity mix – a planned five-star 60-room hotel – will also be managed by the group, along with a luxury spa, gym, floodlit tennis courts, fine dining restaurant and pool, as well as dedicated nature trails, game drives, and mountain biking opportunities, to name just a few.

Beyond the nature reserve, the estate

is also the perfect launch pad for exploring the wider Lowveld and its many home-spun attractions, including the gold panning town of Pilgrim’s Rest, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and the Blyde River Canyon, not to mention a coterie of top notch golf courses in and around the area.

“Catching a glimpse of the Big Five here is a magical moment. Better still, owners at Elephant Point get a front row seat from the comfort of their very own bush lodge,” says Dykes.

The launch of Elephant Point Estate heralds a new dawn in residential tourism in Mpumalanga. Whole ownership and fractional ownership opportunities are available.

For further information, please visit www.elephantpoint.co.za or call Ewan Dykes on +27 83 755 8944.

The Fynbos

Whisperer Stand aside, Bear Grylls! Where we’re going, there’s no wild fruit, not a nut to nibble, and – dassies aside – barely a rat to roast over the camp fire. The Cape’s fynbos can seem scrawny and secretive, offering up its magic only to those who take the time to look really carefully…

Text: Keith Bain Images © Keith Bain, Abu Shawka & South African Tourism

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Aside from a few bulbs to forage, and maybe something mildly euphoria-inducing to boil into a tea, the windswept mountains of the Cape Peninsula offer scant nutrition. This explains why the Strandlopers who lived here for centuries before European settlement harvested most of what they needed from the shore, feasting on washed-up whale carcases and trapping fish in the rocks.

It’s also why my intrepid guide, Dominic Chadbon, has packed chocolate croissants and a flask of coffee to tide us over as we explore the fynbos-smothered Silvermine section of Table Mountain National Park.

Dominic’s knowledge of the Cape Floristic Region biomes is staggering, but he’s also entertaining and his grasp of history considerably deepens the hiking experience as he provides a complete overview of the Cape mountain ecology – climate, geology, fauna and flora, human history, and strong opinions on human impact, both good and bad. Set off with him, and you’ll be fynbos whispering in no time at all.

It’s soon after sunrise, in fact, and this schooled historian, hiking guide, former rugby player, reformed dinosaur enthusiast, and self-confessed fynbos geek, is firing off astonishing statistics. Visitors to South Africa are often baffled to hear that it’s the world’s third most biodiverse country – after Brazil and Indonesia. They’re equally surprised to learn that 10 % of the world’s plants are found here. Touch down in Cape Town, and you’re also in the heart of the world’s smallest and most diverse plant kingdom, Capensis. Other floral kingdoms – of which there are only six – occupy vast regions, such as the entire island of Australia, or are ranged across most of the Northern Hemisphere. By contrast, Capensis inhabits just a tiny smidgen of the Earth’s land.

The chief component of this astonishing kingdom is fynbos, which literally means “fine bush” and is endemic to the Cape. To most first-time observers, it can look extremely unexceptional – except when then there’s a seasonal eruption of beautiful blooms. But for most of the time, what’s visible consists of patches of green and lots of scraggly, wiry tufts covering surfaces between granite rocks and slivers of beach sand. There’s virtually nothing resembling a tree, and a whole lot that would probably be ignored by the untrained eye, often with meagre floral displays distinguishing one clump from the next. Charles Darwin himself, when he first travelled across the peninsula, likened the fynbos world to a desert, disparagingly describing the region as a dull heath.

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“It looks so insignificant, scrubby, stunted, and boring,” agrees Dominic. “But it’s a paradox. From a distance it doesn’t look like much at all – very ordinary, and difficult to fathom what precisely makes it special. But when you’re in the midst of it, you’re overwhelmed, because there’s so much of it. And people also underestimate it, because it isn’t sexy – it’s not in the same league as a tropical rainforest, where everything seems exotic.”

Yet, botanically, its diversity is unparalleled.

Table Mountain, which measures just 57 km², shelters the same number of plant species as are found in the UK, Canada, or New Zealand. And, apart from the extraordinary number of species living here, there are also incredible examples of extreme endemism, meaning that you won’t find the same plant anywhere else on earth. Many of the plants here are adapted to very specific conditions and locations. In fact, there are some species that confined to a single square kilometre.

“Some fynbos plants,” says Dominic, “grow exclusively along 200 m stretches of very specific rocky outcrops facing the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Point.”

This is all the result of the fact that for tens of millions of years, the Cape Peninsula was

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an island. Remoteness helps explain why, of the roughly 2,256 plant species on the 470 km² Cape Peninsula, 150 occur nowhere else on Earth. The downside is that this is also an extinction hotspot. The vast Cape Flats area sprawling out of the city has the world’s highest concentration of Red Data Book plant species – 15 per square kilometre are in danger of extinction. And in the centre of Kenilworth Racecourse, there’s a tiny nature reserve that’s said to shelter the highest diversity of plant life of any small urban park on the planet. The reserve even has its own endemic frog.

Most people recognise the proteas, ericas (or heathers), and reed-like restios that are the signature fynbos plants, but many families are virtually unknown because they’re so unique, endemic, and highly specialised – the kinds of plants that botanists travel from across the globe to see. Proteas were named after Proteus, the Greek god known as the Shapechanger. They come in so many shapes and forms that it’s difficult to believe they’re all part of the same family. The same can be said for members of the daisy family, with over a thousand species within the fynbos family.

Fynbos gets even more interesting when you consider the abundance of medicinal and

other uses that the area’s indigenous people, the Khoisan, discovered many centuries ago.

There are plants that have roots that when crushed and thrown into slow-moving streams or ponds, cause fish to be poisoned, floating belly-up to the surface. But the fish can be eaten because the plant’s toxin isn’t dangerous to humans. The roots of the spotted aloe can be used as a dye, and there are plants on Table Mountain that have been used to treat epilepsy and warts. Others are used in ceremonies to summon ancestors and there is even a traditional form of Viagra growing here. Fynbos plants have been used in brandies, to make teas, tobacco and rope.

And the sap of the sugar bush protea was used by European colonists as a sweetener.

Most fascinating of all, perhaps, is the incredible sex life of many fynbos plants. To survive in areas where the soil is virtually barren and climatic conditions quite extreme, these plants have developed myriad adaptations to ensure pollination.

As we hike, Dominic constantly has me sniffing various blooms. One has incredibly beautiful flowers but smells like nothing.

“Come back at dusk,” he says, “and it’ll smell overpoweringly like fabric softener.” Why? Because the plant is moth-pollinated, so

NorthernCapeTourism

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First Page: Also known as ‘The Fynbos Guy’, Dominic Chadbon explores the Silvermine section of Table Mountain National Park.

Third Page: Commonly referred to as the king protea, Protea cynaroides has the largest flower head of all the proteas.

This Page Top: Hikers survey the fynbos-covered plateaus and slopes of Table Mountain.

This Page Bottom: One of the fynbos gladioli flowers regularly seen during spring.

Plant-spotting in the Littlest Kingdom Dominic Chadbon (aka The Fynbos Guy) specialises in half-day, full-day, and multi-day fynbos-spotting hikes, predominantly in and around Cape Town (mostly Table Mountain, Cape Point, and Silvermine). He also covers the Green Mountain Trail, a slackpacking route in the Overberg with incredible fynbos, Jonkershoek, Hottentots-Holland, and occasionally the Cederberg. The Kogelberg, he says, is the fynbos epicentre. For more information, visit www.thefynbosguy.com.

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– like someone dousing themselves with perfume before hitting the town – it doesn’t bother using its scent until after dark. Certain ground orchids he shows me smell like baking bread – their yeasty aroma attracts mice and elephant shrews which do the pollinating as they move around.

Of course, there are also colourful blooms that emerge in spring and summer as part of more obvious pollination strategies. Some have incredibly nuanced habits, though. The Red disa – an elegant orchid that’s the symbol of the Western Cape province – is pollinated exclusively by the Table Mountain beauty butterfly. The butterfly, explains Dominic, “is mad for red”, so the disa waits until February, the hottest month of the year, to produce its big, bright red flower – because that’s the time when the butterfly is around.

Fynbos also has an astonishing relationship with fire. Some plants are incredibly fire-resistant – fire heath, for example, can resist the flame from a blowtorch. Many fynbos seeds can remain underground, dormant for over 30 or 40 years, often waiting for specific fire-related conditions to trigger germination. Dominic points out varieties of protea whose fruit won’t open until there’s a fire. Some of these are coated with a kind of waterproof insulating agent – only when there’s a fire will the fruit crack open and the seed be nudged out. King Proteas have dormant buds beneath their bark that are triggered by the chemicals in smoke – when there’s a fire, the new bush grows from the old one’s burnt stumps. It seems counterintuitive, but it’s an incredibly evolved survival strategy, ensuring that new generations germinate mostly where older plants have been burned away, so there’s less competition.

Restios, meanwhile, drop seeds coated in something that’s highly tasty and nutritious to ants. The ants store these seeds underground, feed off the tasty coating, and when there’s a fire, the chemicals in the smoke trigger germination, so the seeds start to grow just as the ground is getting fresh nutrients.

You needn’t wait for a big burn to witness the miracle of fynbos, though.

Beneath the ground are billions of fynbos bulbs waiting for the winter rains so that they can emerge and flower in spring. Every year this seemingly barren earth reveals a treasure trove – orchids, hyacinths, gladioli, irises, watsonias, freesias…a myriad of little miracles. Look carefully, though, because there’s always the possibility of spotting something so rare you could be the last person ever to set eyes on it.

L’homme qui parle au

fynbos Le fynbos du Cap peut paraître chétif et mystérieux, ne révélant sa magie qu’à ceux qui prennent le temps de l’examiner très soigneusement Texte : Keith Bain Images © Keith Bain

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À part quelques bulbes à déterrer et quelque feuilles à infuser on trouve peu à manger sur les montagnes de la péninsule du Cap bafouées par le vent. Ceci explique la raison pour laquelle mon guide Dominic Chadbon a emporté des croissants au chocolat que nous mangerons tandis que nous explorerons la section Silvermine du Parc national de la Montagne de la Table. Le savoir époustouflant et les connaissances de Dominic sur les biomes floristiques de la région du Cap, ainsi que sur l’histoire et l’écologie sont aussi époustouflants que divertissants.

L’Afrique du Sud est le troisième pays au monde à posséder la plus grande biodiversité - derrière le Brésil et l’Indonésie - et compte 10 % des plantes de la planète.

Le Cap est aussi au cœur du règne végétal le plus petit et le plus varié au monde qui porte le nom de Capensis. D’autres royaumes floraux – et il n’en n’existent que six – occupent de vastes territoires comme par exemple la totalité de du continent insulaire de l’Australie alors que Capensis ne couvre qu’une infime portion des terres de la planète.

La composante principale de cet extraordinaire royaume est le fynbos, qui signifie littéralement « délicat buisson » et qui est endémique à la région du Cap. « Il peut sembler insignifiant, rabougri, malingre et inintéressant » dit Dominic. « Mais c’est un paradoxe. » Et ceci parce sa diversité est inégalée sur le plan botanique. La Montagne de la Table, qui ne mesure que 57 km², compte le même nombre d’espèces de plantes que celles trouvées dans la totalité du Royaume-Uni, au Canada, ou bien en Nouvelle Zélande, et un bon nombre de ces plantes sont adaptées aux conditions et aux sites uniques et spécifiques de la région.

Ceci est dû au fait que pendant des dizaines de millions d’années la péninsule du Cap était une île. L’éloignement de la péninsule du Cap explique pourquoi, sur les quelques 2 256 espèces de plantes que l’on trouve sur sa surface de 470 km², 150 n’existent nulle part ailleurs sur terre. Le revers de la médaille s’avère être que c’est aussi une zone très à risque d’extinction. La vaste zone urbaine tentaculaire des Cape Flats comprend la plus grande concentration au monde d’espèces de plantes se trouvant dans le Livre rouge des espèces menacées – 15 de ces espèces étant actuellement en danger d’extinction au kilomètre carré. Au centre de l’Hippodrome de Kenilworth se trouve une minuscule réserve naturelle qui abrite vraisemblablement la plus grande diversité d’espèces de plantes de la planète que l’on puisse trouver dans un parc urbain

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de petite taille. La réserve compte même sa propre grenouille endémique.

La plupart des gens sont capables de reconnaître les protéas, les éricas (un type de bruyère) et une sorte de roseau du nom de restio qui sont des plantes typique de la végétation du type fynbos, mais de nombreuses familles de plantes sont si uniques ou spécialisées qu’elles sont quasiment inconnues du grand public – le genre de plantes que les botanistes viennent

observer du bout du monde.

Le fynbos devient encore plus intéressant quand on prend en considération l’abondance d’utilisations médicinales et autres usages découverts il y a des centaines d’années par les Khoisan, population indigène de la région.

Les racines de l’aloe vera tacheté peuvent être utilisées comme teinture, et l’on trouve sur la Montagne de la Table des plantes qui peuvent être utilisées pour traiter l’épilepsie et les verrues. Certaines espèces de fynbos

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sont aussi utilisées pour aromatiser le brandy ainsi que pour faire des tisanes, du tabac et des cordes.

L’information la plus fascinante est sans doute le fait que de nombreuses espèces de fynbos ont une incroyable vie sexuelle.

Pour pouvoir survivre dans des régions aux conditions climatiques extrêmes ces plantes se sont adaptées pour pouvoir garantir une bonne pollinisation. Une certaine plante est munie de magnifiques fleurs qui ne sentent absolument rien. « Revenez au coucher du soleil, » me dit Dominic, « et son parfum sera aussi entêtant que celui d’un assouplissant pour le linge. » La raison ? La pollinisation se fait au biais de papillons de nuit et la plante ne prend de ce fait pas la peine d’utiliser son parfum jusqu’à ce qu’il fasse nuit. Certaines orchidées trouvées au sol répandent une odeur de pain qui cuit –cette dernière attire les souris et les musaraignes qui pollinisent en se déplaçant s’une fleur à l’autre. La pollinisation de la fleur du nom de Disa uniflora ne se fait qu’au biais d’un papillon spécifique, l’Aeropetes tulbaghia (Table Mountain beauty). Dominic explique que le papillon « adore le rouge » et que de ce fait la Disa attend le mois de février pour produire sa grosse fleur rouge vif parce que c’est l’époque à laquelle on trouve le papillon.

Le fynbos entretient une relation étonnante avec le feu. Certaines plantes résistent incroyablement bien au feu, certaines bruyères pouvant par exemple résister à la flamme d’une lampe à souder.

De nombreuses graines de fynbos peuvent rester latentes sous terre pendant 30 ou 40 ans, attendant que certaines conditions spécifiques liées au feu déclenchent la germination. Les King Proteas sont munies sous leur écorce de bourgeons dormants qui sont activés par les composantes chimiques se trouvant dans la fumée, et lorsqu’il y a un incendie, de nouveaux

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arbustes poussent à partir de la souche brulée de l’ancienne plante. Cette stratégie de survie particulièrement élaborée veille à ce que les nouvelles générations de plantes germinent à l’endroit même où les anciennes plantes ont brûlé tout en évitant trop de concurrence.

Il n’est cependant pas nécessaire d’attendre qu’un feu se déclenche pour être témoin du miracle qu’est le fynbos. Sous la surface du sol se trouvent des milliards de

bulbes de fynbos qui attendent les pluies hivernales pour pouvoir émerger et fleurir au printemps. Chaque année cette terre apparemment stérile révèle ses trésors orchidées, jacinthes, glaïeuls, iris, watsonias et freesias. Regardez attentivement parce qu’il toujours possible de repérer une plante si rare que vous pourriez être la dernière personne à l’apercevoir.

Pour plus d’informations, visitez www.thefynbosguy.com.

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w o h S o t e r a D e r a C You

e demise of th ber. The sad em ec D ds in ki ss or robins d colourle hats. No rosy dly empty an ty sa un ok ja lo ng ch ri ge ach, whi is my loun men wea The walls in aai on the be ntas or snow br Sa a al of vi e jo ur no ct en a pi rd means sleds. Not ev Christmas ca mbling out of tu es um st in Victorian co ones at 30 °C. Text: Lesley St for Christmas g in ep ke in com o. more ot ph dies & iStock Images © Car

I haven’t had a physical card plop through the rusted-up letterbox for at least three years. Blame the Post Office. Blame social media. Blame the email generation that has no idea how to write a letter and lick a stamp.

You can argue that social media makes sending a greeting card unnecessary, since we’re all in touch every day via Facebook, WhatsApp and email. Some people have switched to creating electronic cards, where animated Santas sled across snowy roofs to the tinny sound of an electronic mangling of Silent Night. Then they add a “personal” greeting and send it to everyone they’re ever met. Yes, they’re awful, and no, they’re not in the least bit personal.

At least they arrive, unharmed by the South African Post Office whose endless strikes have helped to snuff out the Christmas spirit. Yet even in New Zealand where they still have a decent postal service, New Zealand Post reports that the number of cards it handles has declined by 10 % a year for the last five years.

In 2014, the UK’s Guardian newspaper reported that a charity called Card Aid had only opened ten temporary shops across the country to sell Christmas cards benefiting a wide range of charities. The previous year it opened three times as many. The charity blamed its dramatic fall in sales on the cost of stamps, changing social habits among the young, and the fact

that anyone with a computer can create a card featuring their own mewling kids, cats or dogs. What a dreadful thought.

Many companies have also jumped on the easy e-card option, sometimes making a donation to charity in lieu of the cost of the real thing. But they’re so impersonal that I rarely waste any bandwidth to even open mine. Charities are losing out big time, unfortunately, because many of us used to buy cards that supported a good cause. I’ll never forget the “painted by disabled artists using their feet” cards my mother used to send.

The young generation may be lazy, but they’re not devoid of selfish sentiment. The UK supermarket chain Asda found that

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47 % of young professionals would just send a Christmas text to their friends and family, while 38 % would use Facebook or Twitter.

Yet strangely, 58 % still expected to receive a card in the post, with one in four admitting they’d feel “unloved” and “offended” if they didn’t receive one. Er, did nobody point out that obvious paradox to them?

Locally, greeting card company Cardies still hankers for a world where we want to share emotions, give thanks and show we care. Cardies executive Lynne Patterson agrees that the days when people hung up strings of Christmas cards are over, mostly due to the explosive growth of social media.

The fact that people don’t have time to care for one another in such a personal way anymore doesn’t help either, she says.

However, everyone knows that e-cards and Xmas emails come from a computer, not from the heart, and Cardies is witnessing a

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gentle upturn. “Christmas card sales have gained renewed popularity as the millennials embrace real sentiment,” Patterson says.

“Consumers are treating Christmas with a traditional feel and wanting the messages they extend to others to be more personal.

From little ones buying their mother a cute Christmas card to the teenager wishing her boyfriend a merry Christmas with a card that expresses who she is, we see all races and ages walking into our stores.”

While the taciturn Brits prefer a short and simple greeting, South Africans choose more effusive messages, buying cards with a longer verse that expresses a sentiment they struggle to put into words themselves. “Most South Africans want a long verse indicative of the relationship they have with the person they are giving the card to,” Patterson explains. “The vast majority of South Africans who receive a

card from a loved one keep them – they don’t get tossed in the trash. It’s impossible to remember who wished you Merry Christmas via electronic media. Those who really care will buy a card.”

That’s the nub of it, really. It’s lovely to receive and admire a real card, and know that the person who sent it is thinking of you. To keep it when they’re gone as an eternal memory.

Now I’m feeling so emotionally stirred that I’m off to buy some Christmas cards and pop them in the post… Although they might only arrive in June, of course.

The first Christmas card was invented in 1843 by civil servant Sir Henry Cole, who worked for the British Royal Mail. Only 1,000 cards were printed that first year, which sold for a shilling each.

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The Odd and the

Amazing South Africa’s Unusual Attractions

South Africa has no shortage of beautiful natural attractions, and the country’s mountains, beaches, rivers and plains draw thousands of visitors each year. But what about those unusual spots that are off the major tourist routes and truly unique but under visited? Take the time to explore them, and in some cases the stories behind them, and they’re just as rewarding as that major landmark – plus your holiday photos will be way more interesting than everyone else’s.

Text: Will Edgcumbe Images © Will Edgcumbe, Bevan Langley and Sunland Big Baobab

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First Page: The Xolobeni Sands are said to be the world’s smallest desert.

This Page: Uphill or down? Illusion Hill near Weenen is South Africa’s only ‘gravity hill’.

Last Page Left: The Xolobeni Sands are sandwiched between rolling grassland and the Indian Ocean – one of the weirdest sights to behold.

Last Page Bottom Left: The Sunland Baobab is so big there’s a pub inside the trunk.

Last Page Bottom Right: The Tugela Falls is officially the second highest waterfall in the world at 948 m high.

The Red Sands of Xolobeni, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape Perhaps the smallest desert in the world, this series of sand dunes south of the Mnyameni River on the Wild Coast is utterly otherworldly – it looks like the images we see beamed back from Mars, yet it’s surrounded by the bright green rolling grassland so typical of the Wild Coast and is perched not 500 m from the Indian Ocean. The sandscape has various shades, from fawn to burgundy, and is strewn with disintegrating rocks of varying colours.

The main stretch of desert is about 2 km long and 400 m across at its widest point, with high dunes running in rows perpendicular to the sea. It’s hard to miss it, even at a distance, though reaching it is tricky, with the various tracks overgrown and some leading to dead ends. It requires some fairly tough driving – a 4x4 is required – but once you’re on the desert proper, it’s worth the effort for the

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sheer beauty and strangeness of it all.

The geology that makes this such an interesting place to visit has also made it highly desirable for a mining company which is trying to secure the rights to mine the desert’s sands for its millions of tons of ilmenite and rutile, from which titanium is extracted. The mood isn’t great in the area, with tensions running high between mining representatives and the community. So if you do go, check media reports and be respectful to the locals.

Wood’s Cycad, Durban Botanical Gardens, KwaZulu-Natal “The loneliest tree in the world” is a rather sad honorific to have, but it’s also the perfect title for the Wood’s Cycad at Durban Botanical Gardens. A cluster of four stems belonging to one plant was discovered in the wild at oNgoye Forest in Zululand in 1895 by the gardens’ curator,

John Medley Wood, and a basal offset was collected in 1903 and planted in the gardens. All four stems were removed in subsequent expeditions, and since then no other examples of the plant have been found in the wild. Down the years cuttings have resulted in successful clones, which have been sent to botanical institutions around the world, but the cycad can’t actually reproduce naturally as it’s a male plant. As such, it’s considered extinct in the wild.

One of the original stems can be found growing happily near the old reservoir in Durban Botanical Gardens, with two other large stems growing nearby. At about 6 m tall, the cycad resembles a palm, with a thick trunk topped by a crown of leaves – looking at it, it’s difficult to reconcile that such a massive plant’s existence hangs by such a tenuous thread, and is in effect one of the rarest plants in the world.

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Illusion Hill, Weenen, KwaZulu-Natal Likely South Africa’s only so-called gravity or magnetic hill, Illusion Hill on the R74 between Weenen and Greytown is a very trippy stretch of road to drive on. The lie of the land creates an optical illusion where it looks like you’re going uphill, but you’re really going downhill. The road is a long straight at this point, so if there are no other cars approaching, it’s worth taking a minute to stop your car, put it in neutral, drop the handbrake, and slowly roll “up” the hill. If only it made a difference to one’s petrol bill.

The

Baobab, Modjadjiskloof, Limpopo The second tree on this list is unique not for its rarity, but for its sheer girth – it’s certainly the widest tree in South Africa, if not the world, with a trunk circumference of 47 m. Regardless, the Sunland Baobab

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is massive by any standards and ancient to boot, estimated to be in the region of 1,700 years old. Over the years, the trunk has hollowed enough that the enterprising owners of the tree were able to create a bar inside – giving new meaning to “tree house”. Not a bad spot to enjoy a cold one, just bring that wide-angle lens so that you can capture the moment properly!

Tugela Falls, uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal The Tugela Falls are by no means unknown, but what is relatively unknown is that the falls are the second highest in the world, after Angel Falls in Venezuela.

Pretty impressive considering that one can hike to the top and glance over the edge to take in the 948 m drop below.

There are two trails to Tugela Falls. The most spectacular is to the top of MontAux-Sources, which starts at The Sentinel

car park (reached through Phuthaditjhaba on the R57). The climb is pretty easy and takes four to eight hours, depending on fitness levels. Access to the summit is via two chain ladders, so if you’re scared of heights, take note. Another trail leads to the foot of the falls and starts at Royal Natal National Park, and includes some boulder-hopping and another chain ladder, but it’s worth the effort for a view of the falls rushing down the amphitheatre in a series of five cascades.

These cascades are important, because they technically disqualify it from being the highest waterfall in the world, as the falls are divided into five smaller tiers rather than the single uninterrupted drop at Angel Falls. Regardless, the falls are terrifyingly high, and after a good rain they are spectacular to appreciate from both the top and the bottom.

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‘the difference starts here’

e m a G r e g n Cha Regina Kgatle

is using

define wha gaming to re

t it means to

be South Afri

can.

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Regina Kgatle talks with passion and conviction about the opportunities technology is making available to us. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find that her first love is not, in fact, the sophisticated world of machines and coding. It’s something far more basic: community.

Perhaps that’s not surprising, as Regina’s childhood married technology and community in a way that both have become permanently intertwined in her mind: Her parents owned the games arcade in her home town of Hammanskraal, Gauteng, which means they were at the heart of the town’s social life.

As the oldest of three siblings, Regina was always the first to test out the new games – which is where her love of gaming started. Probably because of the omnipresence of games, it was a small step from tinkering around an arcade to creating

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her own games, which may also be why Regina says that she hasn’t experienced many of the pressures that seem to dog women trying to make their mark in the male-dominated IT space. “IT has always been part of my life,” she comments. “This is what I was born to do.”

“This” is turning gaming into a tool for education through her company, Educade.

Educade is also her vehicle for seeing those twin loves – technology and community – joined in a fruitful union. “Whenever I encounter new tech, the first thing I ask myself is: How can I bring this back to my community in a way that is accessible and empowers them?” she says. Educade does this by turning traditional arcade games into learning channels.

Sure, that’s impressive, but more impressive still is how Regina turned this venture into a means of addressing social

ills through Educade’s spin-off, 67Games.

She explains that the project was inspired by the call for South Africans to invest 67 minutes in service. As an active member of the local gaming community, she put her own spin on this, inviting gaming developers to create their own games for schools.

To ensure that the games had maximum impact, she first spoke with teachers and community leaders to find out what kind of challenges they were facing. The result?

Games which help children deal with issues like gangsterism and bullying, and teaching them empathy. Regina and her crew also took the games to St Joseph’s Home for Chronically Ill Children on Women’s Day, helping children with physical handicaps get in on the learning action.

Witnessing these children interact with technology within the confines of their disabilities was an eye-opening

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experience for Regina, as she is fighting a constant battle against exclusionary practices. It’s one of the reasons why she is so determined to make tech accessible in South Africa. “Things like cellphones and Facebook weren’t developed with Africans in mind, yet we’ve gained so much from them. What would happen if we put our African experience at the centre of technology?” she asks.

One way of doing this is by creating a local context for her games. She calls it “decolonisation”, and it’s about embedding local references in games to make them more relevant for African kids.

This is also where the games’ power as a learning tool comes from, she believes.

“There’s so much children have to learn, but equally, they have to ‘unlearn’ a lot, too. This means we have to pay attention not only to what they learn, but to how

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they learn it – the actual process. This is where games can help. They show us how children learn things, and we can control their content.”

In a country still trying to settle on an education system which will adequately prepare our children for the future – a future where the jobs that uphold society are unknown to us today – gaming has a key role to play. But Regina insists that it may also provide an answer to another challenge facing South Africa: that of youth unemployment. She regularly hosts workshops to show youngsters just how easy it is to develop a game, and to push them to develop their own knowledge in this area. “In the United States, new games are released all the time, some selling for just a dollar,” she points out. She’s working with the Department of Arts and Culture to push the message that technology and

gaming isn’t for an elite cluster of people who are endlessly intrigued by a world of bits and bytes – and, she believes, people are starting to take heed.

It also helps that games like Pokémon Go have made the mainstream, bringing attention to the potential of gaming.

Regina’s games are also gaining a broader audience. At first, portable arcades would be deployed to sites like spaza shops in rural areas. Now they’re becoming commonplace at kids’ parties, where people are hiring them as they would a jumping castle or face painter. Exposure at international technology fairs has also helped to spread her message.

If it hadn’t been for her parents’ arcades, Regina’s technological genius may have remained dormant. Who knows – maybe Educade will make sure another generation of Reginas is ready to take us forward.

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t a e r u Nat t s e B s it

eserve ghtings of R e r u t a N p imal si ethora of an oThe De Hine,ofyo trails, and a pl ed ck de e ideal back-t be or nbos to find a m essed e coastl ld be hard pr With a pristin . riety, you wou va r ai d ature Reserve N an p e’s De Hoo the sea, land ap C rn te es t than the W nature retrea rniss icky Furniss Text: Nicky Fu ollection & N C p oo H e D e Images © Th

A Modern Take on History For a trip back in time, make a point of staying in one of the new, exquisitely renovated Cloete Suites – Two charming thatched roof cottages, built in the same materials as used long ago, each with two bedrooms and an en suite bathroom, with a common entrance hall and doors opening out onto a view of the old Fig tree and Opstal courtyard. The Cloete Suites offer luxury accommodation with beautifully appointed bedrooms with king-sized beds and spacious bathrooms. Close by, on the Opstal courtyard, is the new Fig Tree Suite 2, also with a bedroom and en suite bathroom. Emerging from what was an old disused storeroom is the new Pool Suite overlooking the new pool and the Vlei.

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I had four spiny sea urchins curled up on the palm of my hand. The two smaller red ones were belly down and trying to make a dash for freedom – albeit painfully slowly – with infinitesimal wiggling motions. The other two, painted in pretty shades of lilac and mauve, were upended on their backs, so that Esmeralda, our guide, could point out their round mouths and explain how they feed.

There were no 4x4 game drive vehicles and no sightings of lion kills or herds of elephant, but this morning’s clamber along the rocky shore, pausing every so often to peer into tidal pools, was easily one of the best “safaris” I have ever been on.

De Hoop Nature Reserve, about three hours drive from Cape Town, boasts some of the most pristine and untouched coastline in the country. Bordered by aquamarine seas on the one side and towering sand dunes on the other, this strip of beach with its rocky outcrops, is home to an astonishing variety of marine life. The reserve is famous for its sightings of whales during the winter months – including Southern Right whales that use the area as an important calving ground – and dolphins can be seen frolicking among the waves year round. But it is the fascinating mini inhabitants of the intertidal zone that you’ll discover more about on one of the reserve’s interpretive marine walks.

Watched over by Black Oystercatchers with their distinctive orange beaks, Esmeralda led the way, stopping to point our periwinkles, barnacles, mussels and even elusive abalone. We tickled anemones, felt the sucker action of starfish on our palms, and watched armour plated chictons curl up into balls at the touch of a finger. We even learnt how seemingly inactive limpets (at least when exposed at low tide) are actually extremely busy and astute gardeners, tending to their own little patches of algae when covered by water.

De Hoop has the largest biodiversity of intertidal creatures anywhere in the world, including 11 of Southern Africa’s 18 limpet species – and it certainly shows.

The biodiversity continues on the other side of the sand dunes, where the reserve

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stretches out for over 300 km² and boasts one of the highest diversities of plant species in the Cape Floral Kingdom, many of which are endemic. The best way to see these species firsthand is on a guided nature walk around the reserve. While there are a variety of trails to choose from, we opted for a 20 km path that wound around part of the reserve’s vlei – a 16 km long expanse of water that is listed as a Ramsar site of international importance. It supports a huge number of bird species, including

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the threatened Blue crane, making it a twitcher’s paradise.

Along the way, our guide pointed out various types of fynbos, and told us more about the history of the area, while we breathed in the fresh air and drank in the beauty of the natural surroundings. We were watched on our stroll by some of the reserve’s many animal residents, including rock scampering dassies, stamping ostriches, bontebok, Cape Mountain zebra and baboons, the latter of which would

have been mighty jealous of the delicious lunch spread that was provided for us by our personal chef, Philip. There’s nothing like a little pudding and champers to recharge weary legs for the remainder of your hike (or mountain bike ride, as bikes are also available to rent).

Speaking of weary legs, visitors to the reserve can also opt for a guided eco-quad bike trail. These two to three hour trails are not only exhilarating, but also offer the chance for great animal sightings – we

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were extremely lucky to spot a reclusive Cape Clawless otter when we hopped off our quads to take a look at the vlei below us.

While the reserve is a popular spot for day trippers, spending a few nights is the ultimate “getting back to nature” treat, and there are a variety of different accommodation options to suit most budgets, from rondavels with shared ablutions, to two and three bedroom self catering cottages (perfect for family holidays) and the beautifully decorated and more upmarket Opstal houses. In fact, there is such a plethora of accommodation available that the reserve makes an ideal weekend away wedding venue, with plenty of beds to host guests. A restaurant serves up delicious food for those not wanting the schlep of catering for themselves, and there is also a pool and a tennis court if you have energy left to burn off after exploring the reserve.

For something truly special, you can opt to stay at one of the two sandstone buildings – called Die Melkkamer – on the other side of the vlei, which were the original heart of the farm that originally occupied this land. The smaller of the two houses was built in 1872, and now serves as an idyllic private getaway for honeymoon couples or other guests looking for quiet seclusion. The main house was built in 1907 in a Neo Cape Dutch style and with its four en suite bedrooms, and large, yet cosy fire-warmed lounge, it is ideal for larger groups. It comes with the added luxury of a personal chef to cater to your culinary needs, and has a certain romance to it, thanks to its charming creaking wooden floors, ball and claw bathtubs, four poster beds and oil lanterns that light your way to bed once the generator’s hum has been silenced for the evening.

The best way to cap off an evening of lip-smacking food, fine wine and good conversation, is to wrap up snugly and venture outside for a little stargazing. With the absence of any light pollution, the stars above De Hoop feel close enough to touch, and the guides are expert at pointing out constellations, and regaling you with fascinating facts about the night sky.

Sitting wrapped up in my blanket gazing into the cosmos above, my legs pleasantly tired from all the exercise I had had in the past three days, and my mind refreshed from silence and fresh air, I couldn’t help thinking that the stars aren’t the only things that make De Hoop sparkle.

Visit www.dehoopcollection.com for more information.

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The Ultimate Indulgence De Hoop recently opened its new spa, SPA @ De Hoop, an oasis of calm overlooking the vlei, which offers the ultimate escape with a variety of revitalising beauty and body treatments in partnership with Africology. The Treatment menu includes an array of traditional massages, body treatments such as the Inkomfi Full Body Exfoliation (where carefully selected Marula and Walnut micro particles, enveloped by hydrating Shea butter from Ghana ensure even exfoliation), and facials as well as manicures, pedicures, waxing and tinting. For true indulgence there are the fabulous package deals – try the 280-minute De Hoop Indulge package which includes a full body massage, an African Goddess Facial, a manicure, a pedicure and lunch. Email spa@dehoopcollection.co.za or phone +27 28 542 1253 for bookings.

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Luxury 4 Star Palm Continental Hotel awaits to welcome you close to all business amenities and tourist attractions. Palm Continental Hotel extends a warm welcome to you.

Whether you’re here on business, or need a break within the city, we have you covered.

Attractions: Walking distant to more than 10 finest malls. | 2.5 miles from Museum Africa and Gold Reef city 5 miles to the world famous Soccer City & Nasrec Expo centre | 19 miles from OR Tambo International Airport 11 miles to Sandton City Hotel Features: 70 tastefully decorated room, DSTV, Tea & coffee makers, Hair dryer, safe, cooling /heating system, wardrobe, Indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna , fitness center and gym, conference rooms, banqueting hall, open gardens, 300 –bay secured car parking, 24-hours armed security Palm continental hotel host the world famous Lal Qila Themed authentic Mughlai specialty cuisine restaurant with sumptuous selection of IndoPak and Chinese dishes with live tandoori braai and live cooking demonstration. All fully halal.

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Super

Sunnies!

Whether it’s aviators or cat-eyes, tortoise shell or cool black, the choices we have in sunglass styles are nearly limitless. So too is the price range. From cheap convenient store specials all the way up to designer frames costing more than your first car, there is a pair of sunglasses to suit any budget. So that begs the question: If sunglasses can be had cheap, why spend good money on a pair? In other words, what makes a premium pair of shades, well, premium? Plenty, actually.

Text: Maui Jim Images © Maui Jim

First, let’s talk about what those sunglasses are made to protect: the human eye. While you may not always think of them this way, your eyes are incredibly complex machines with some useful builtin mechanisms to keep them healthy and safe. One such mechanism is a natural reaction we use almost daily: squinting.

As conditions around us get brighter, our irises start closing. Once they can’t get any smaller, or if the conditions brighten too quickly for our eyes to adjust, our natural reaction is to squint, further limiting the amount of light allowed into our eyes.

Enter sunglasses into the mix. By passing through a tinted lens, the amount of light reaching our eyes is obviously limited. We

then stop squinting, our irises open and we allow more light in. The problem is, if your sunglasses don’t also include adequate UVA and UVB protection, your eyes are actually then exposed to harmful UV rays. This type of exposure can lead to all sorts of harmful effects – everything from retinal damage to skin cancer.

With that in mind, what should you look for when buying a good quality pair of sunglasses? Stick with higher-quality lenses that block out 100 % of harmful UV rays. Then make sure that the sunglasses use high-quality frame materials and are comfortable to wear. After all, even premium sunglasses can only protect your eyes when they are being worn. Select Maui

Jim sunglasses, for example, use PureAir frames, built from a special thermo-plastic known for its durability and light weight.

This not only makes the sunglasses more flexible, it makes them much more comfortable to wear.

Quality polarisation is also essential as it helps to reduce glare, so that you’ll be able to see more clearly and suffer less eye fatigue. But what is polarisation? As light is transmitted, its waves shoot off in all different directions. When those light waves happen to align in one particular direction, that light is considered polarised.

For example, when light reflects off a shiny, horizontal surface, it becomes horizontally polarised and creates glare. By adding a

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polarised filter to sunglasses, they will allow in more of the clear, vertically polarised light, while reducing all of that pesky horizontal glare.

No doubt, polarisation is definitely a good thing when it comes to sunglasses.

But what makes some polarised sunglasses better, not to mention more expensive, than others? It’s all about the quality of the polarised filter and technology used in its application. Some cheaper sunglasses claim to offer polarisation, but may only block out 10 % of reflected glare. This is because their polarisation filter simply allows too much horizontal light to pass through the lens.

Think of it like a pair of blinds on a window that just aren’t closed enough.

On the other hand, a high-end pair of sunglasses with a quality polarisation filter can block out nearly all glare. Maui Jim, for example, touts their PolarizedPlus2Æ lens technology, which not only eliminate 99.9 % of glare, but also features a patented blend of three rare Earth elements infused onto the lens itself. By enhancing red, green and blue light waves, this not only results in increased clarity and detail, but actually increases and balances the saturation of colours we see (while filtering out colours

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we can’t see that may cause interference).

So while they may cost a bit more, a premium pair of sunglasses can not only provide a better, clearer view of the world, they could also save your eyes from more than just annoying glare. They could save

your eyes, full stop. And after all, unlike sunglasses, your eyes are somewhat difficult to replace.

For more information, visit MauiJim.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at @OfficialMauiJim.

Things You Didn’t Know About Sunglasses • Sunglasses are not just for bright sunny days. Over time, the exposure of walking to and from the car, driving to work or just going for short walk can damage your eyes.

So it’s best to wear a pair of quality polarized sunglasses whenever you are outside.

• Leaving eyes exposed can cause you to age more quickly. Potential damage from UV rays includes sunburn on the eye’s surface, cataracts, macular degeneration and even cancer of the eye and surrounding skin. In addition, this delicate skin is the first place we form wrinkles. Protecting the eye area keeps us younger for longer.

• The right sunglasses help prevent skin cancer. Where’s the one place you can’t apply sunscreen? Around your eyes! This leaves the thin, delicate skin around your eyes, as well as your eyes themselves, unprotected. In fact, 5 % to 10 % of all skin cancer occurs around the eyes. Look for the Skin Cancer Foundation seal the next time you shop for sunglasses. Wrap around styles are even better, as they offer even more coverage and protection. All Maui Jim sunglasses have been recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective UV filter for the eyes and surrounding skin. They’re the only premium sunglasses brand with the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of approval.

• Sunglasses allow you to see better in the dark. No, not by wearing your sunglasses at night. It’s about the time it takes your eyes to adjust from light to dark. Bright sunlight bleaches the photoreceptors and lengthens the time it takes your eyes to adjust to the dark. Normally, your eyes should adapt fully to the dark within 30 minutes. Being in bright sunlight for two to three hours can delay the adaptation by hours, though.

By protecting our eyes, we keep that adaptation period short, making us better night drivers, skiers and dog walkers!

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Discovering new pathways, travelling unknown trails or just exploring in and around your city, life is constantly on the move with Timberland’s Modern Trail.

Make memories with friends when you venture out during a storm, star-gaze on a balmy summer night, or get lost on a rugged adventure taking turns not previously discovered, allowing yourself to explore your own ‘modern trail’.

Embracing the new modern trail, the Brattleboro timepiece offers effortless style from city to countryside. With its finger on the pulse of nature, the Brattleboro offers a versatile timepiece made to adapt to any adventure. A bold face with beige dial and brown leather strap, Brattleboro is enough to take you from day to night, work to play.

Its ion-plated casing, large indexes and numeral details offer an easy read, while added features include 10 ATM

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water resistance as well as compass-like multifunction features.

For more information about Timberland contact +27 11 257 6000 or visit www.timerblandwatches.co.za.

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All-In-One Summer

FUN

If your idea of the perfect summer seaside holiday is getting spoilt with delicious food, spa treatments, luxury accommodation, world-class golfing, and a range of activities tailor-made for your enjoyment, Fancourt in George is made for you.

Text: Julie Graham Images Š Fancourt

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Sa express connects you to george

Ideally located at the centre of the Garden Route at the foot of the staggering Outeniqua Mountains, George has so much to offer. The perfect base for exploring the Southern Cape and Klein Karoo, George has a sophisticated infrastructure that includes a great road network as well as an airport, making it easily accessible. With its warm Indian Ocean, inland lakes and wooded hills, it is a region of incomparable beauty and perfect for those who love nature and adventure.

Fancourt – a world-class hotel and golfing venue – prides itself on offering guests the perfect place from which to explore the Garden Route.

Fancourt has a rich history dating all the way back to the late 1880s when Henry White, responsible for developing the commercial infrastructure around the Montagu Pass, established his family home, Blanco House, here. The magnificent Manor House still stands on the grounds of Fancourt today. After his passing, the home was left to his son, Ernest Montagu White, who made huge improvements to the estate. After he died, however, the property fell into a state of disrepair. In 1960, an established property mogul, Dr Krynauw, took it over and initiated a huge renovation process to recapture the original splendour of the estate. The process was such a success that the estate now stands as a national monument and has since been expanded into a hotel and premiere golfing destination. Now under the ownership of Dr Hasso and Sabine Plattner, Fancourt, whilst still retaining its old-world charm and rich history, boasts a contemporary outlook.

Guests are spoilt for choice when opting for accommodation at Fancourt and can choose between the Fancourt Hotel, Manor House, or self-catering cottages.

The Fancourt Hotel comprises 115 luxury rooms and suites with outstanding views of the golf courses, mountains and immaculately manicured gardens. The rooms are spacious, tastefully decorated in keeping with the air of sophistication that Fancourt is known for, and fully equipped with five-star amenities.

Situated amongst the privately owned lodges at Fancourt, guests can enjoy the self-catering cottages which offer utmost privacy and a taste of living the Fancourt life. Opt for either a two-bedroom or threebedroom cottage complete with lounge, kitchen, dining area, en-suite bathroom and a private veranda and outdoor area that is ideal for entertaining.

For those wanting to up the ante even further, the renovated Manor House with

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its rich, interesting history represents the epitome of romance. In fact, it was voted the winner of Africa’s Best Romantic Boutique Hotel in the 2015 World Boutique Hotel Awards – which says it all really. The Manor house is considered to be the “crown of the Fancourt estate” and seamlessly fuses old-world charm and new-world, contemporary elegance. Guests staying at the Manor House have access to their own exclusive pool, library, lounge and bar.

Each room and suite has been designed with its own unique character, all with sophisticated metallic finishes that give them a refreshing, modern feel. This is world-class luxury at its finest and ideal for couples looking for a romantic escape.

Guests at Fancourt have access to all of the estate’s facilities – and there are enough to keep one busy for days, if not weeks. The most obvious choice is a round of golf on one of the three world-class golf courses – The Links, Montagu and Outeniqua – designed by golfing legend, Gary Player, and the estate’s owner, Dr Hasso Plattner. The Links is currently rated No1 in South Africa (Golf Digest Rankings 2014/15) and was ranked 34th in the world in 2014 by Golf Digest USA. The Montagu and Outeniqua golf courses are both ranked in the Top 20 in South Africa. And if you’re not an avid golfer but want to give it a shot, the Golf Academy offers lessons with professional teachers who are more than willing to show you the ropes.

Apart from golf, there are four swimming pools, a leisure centre with gym, Teen Lounge and Kidz Club (with adult supervision), walking and running trails, and a world-class spa. There is also the option of exploring the estate on a guided ecorider tour (highly recommended), trying your hand at a game of tennis, fishing, mountain-biking or enjoying a leisurely picnic. For those wanting to explore George, the region has an abundance of offerings which include wine estates, polo estates, sailing, mountain-biking, hiking the world-famous Otter Trail, as well as food markets, craft villages, safari experiences, and an array of ocean and forest adventure activities. The staff at Fancourt will gladly assist you in making your stay not only at the estate, but in George, an action-packed and memorable occasion.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Dining at Fancourt is an experience of its own. La Cantina with its extensive menu and awardwinning wine list offers authentic Italian cuisine, and is best known for its woodfire oven pizzas. For a bistro-style affair,

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guests can dine at Monet’s, which serves up seasonal artisanal cuisine in a deli-type atmosphere. The Club Lounge overlooks the 18th hole of the Montagu course and serves a range of snacks, club house steaks and burgers. For more discerning foodies, Henry White’s, situated in the Manor House, is truly top-class. Known to be the “gastronomic flagship” of Fancourt,

Henry White’s offers classic dining with an extensive tasting menu of signature dishes paired with award-winning wines.

There really is something for everyone at Fancourt, making it the ultimate destination for a memorable summer holiday.

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I s Your H ea d in t h e

Clouds?

Become a Citizen Earth Scientist Clouds are more than just water. They play an important role in regulating the temperature of the planet. Now NASA’s new GLOBE Observer app makes it easy for us all to be guardians of the planet.

Text: Medicaclubsouthafrica.co.za Images © iStockphoto.com

Did you spot a dramatic and surfable Morning Glory this morning? Has your day been filled with cumulus, nimbostratus or stratocumulus? These are just a few of the ten basic types of clouds.

No matter whether they are clumps, layers or streaks, low, mid-level or high, they are all made simply of tiny droplets of water or ice, and yet, they have captured the imagination of artists and been the muse to poets. They have helped adults while away the day and inspired children to emulate them with their crayons.

They also play an important role in controlling the temperature of the planet and its climate by reflecting sunlight back into space or trapping heat coming from

the surface in the atmosphere. “Clouds are one of the most important factors in understanding how the climate is changing now and how it’s going to change in the future,” says Holli Rieneek Kohl, an education and outreach officer at NASA. She is also the NASA lead in its GLOBE Observer programme. NASA’s Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) programme is a two-decade-old science and education programme made up of schools and students in 110 countries who participate through observation of their local environments. Global data is then collated and their observations are used to give a clearer view of the global environment.

The App And now it is even easier to join thousands of other global citizen scientists. All you need is a smartphone, the great outdoors and NASA’s new GLOBE Observer app (available from the Google Play Store). South African citizen scientists who download the app will join a global community building a cache of scientific data about local environmental conditions. The GLOBE Observer app ties in with the South African National Space Agency’s (SANSA) mandate to promote awareness and an interest in science, engineering and technology. The app also allows the programme to grow beyond the classroom so that anyone, anywhere can become a planetary guardian.

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For now the app allows users to collect photographs of clouds, which are sent to NASA to form a web of global climate data. A secondary benefit is, NASA hopes, for the public to become more aware of the world outside their homes. The information collected is added to satellitegenerated information to create a more holistic data archive.

Kohl explains: “NASA studies clouds from satellites that provide either a top view or a vertical slice of the clouds. The ground-up view from citizen scientists is valuable in validating and understanding the satellite observations. It also provides a more complete picture of clouds around the world.”

For scientists, data is everything, but collecting that data is rarely cheap or easy, especially when the whole world is your laboratory. For NASA’s climate scientists, ground measurements are critical to confirm their measurements taken from space.

Erika Podest, a NASA Earth scientist based at its world famous Jet Propulsion Laboratory, explains: “There are some places in the world where we have no ground data, so citizen scientists can greatly contribute to advancing our knowledge of this important part of the Earth system.”

Collected data is automatically sent to the GLOBE data and information centre, where it is available to scientists and students studying the planet. But NASA, and Kohl, want to encourage app users to also interact with other users around the globe.

Download the app, create an account, follow the tutorial and you are ready to start making observations. Use the drop-down menu to record atmospheric conditions – whether the sky is clear, cloudy or obscured by things such as rain, fog or dust – then classify the clouds. The app auto-fills local time, date and co-ordinates.

The app will help users to align their camera along compass points and show them how to best tilt their phones to capture more of the sky. You need a smartphone, but an internet connection is not necessary while taking pictures of clouds – you can submit your data once you have a connection.

South Africa has felt the effects of climate change recently with the current drought and unseasonal temperatures, and thus there is much we can do to help NASA track these global climate changes by sharing our data with a global audience.

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Tell: +267 315 9976 Email: info@masasquarehotel.com Facebook: Masa Square Hotel Twitter: @MasaSqHotel Instagram: @MasaSqHotel http://aha.co.za/masasquare

Botswana

Two Ways While getting to Botswana’s wilder side is not for the faint of heart – flying in tiny six-seater planes is not for everyone – once you arrive, the majesty of the landscape and the wildlife that calls it home wraps guests in a wonderful sense of peace.

Text: Paula Rabeling Images © Sun Destinations, Shannon Benson & Kevin MacLaughlin

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Botswana has long been one of the destinations for safari adventures, as it is home to many natural wonders – including the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert, and the Chobe National Park. I was thus thrilled to be able to experience Botswana’s magic for myself with a stay at John Chase Safaris and Ghoha Hills.

John Chase Safaris sets up camp in a number of locations around Botswana. What is fantastic about this camping experience is that the expeditions are completely customisable to the guests – you can choose to camp throughout Botswana before ending your trip at Victoria Falls in Zambia. It is African adventure at its finest.

The tents at John Chase Safaris come complete with comfortable beds and plush linens. Chef Frank cooks up delicious, homely breakfasts, lunches, and three-course dinners. So, while it is camping (bucket showers included), it is most certainly a form of camping that takes care of comfort. At full capacity, the camp is able to accommodate up to 12 people, with two people in each tent.

My first game drive began as soon as I was picked up at the landing strip by Frank, our guide. We passed the Okavango, which twists and turns throughout the country and feeds a number of smaller rivers while attracting many animal species, including an array of birds. Frank explained that the Okavango and its surrounding wetlands make for a birders paradise. At one of these smaller children of the mighty Okavango, the Sable Alley River, we saw a pod of about 30 hippos and their babies wading in the water, some with just their ears and eyes keeping a watch on us from the depths.

Botswana is well known for its elephant populations. Thanks to stringent laws against poaching, the elephants here thrive, so when visiting the country, expect to see many herds of these gentle giants. Frank and I made our way to a nearby river as the sun began to set. With gin and tonic in hand, I witnessed herds upon herds of elephants, silently come out of the thickets towards the river for their nightly drink and, for some, mud bath. It was a magical experience.

Four sightings of leopards later, and my two nights at John Chase Safaris came to an end and it was time for me to take to the hills – Ghoha Hills.

The landscape that makes up Botswana’s wilderness is flat in most parts. So Ghoha Hills, atop a hill in the Chobe National Park, is a unique destination here. While enclosed by canvas, Ghoha Hills’ tented suites are spacious and each includes a balcony from which to appreciate the surrounding beauty

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of the national park. Large, comfortable beds (the ideal place to watch the sunrise from), tea- and coffee-making facilities, as well as well-appointed bathrooms round off the excellent accommodation at Ghoha Hills.

The main area of the lodge consists of a lounge area which is open to the outside wilderness, as well as a dining room where guests can enjoy a range of delicious meals.

Below the lodge is a water hole. Like much of African south of the Sahara, Botswana is currently in the grip of a serious drought, which makes it a turbulent time for the wildlife residents of the area. To ease the animals’ plight, Ghoha Hills pumps water to two watering holes in the area, including this one.

During my afternoon game drive, I accompanied four of the other guests along with our guide, Zambo, to the second watering hole to have a drink with the patrons

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there. We did not join them in the actual water, but we did have a round of gin and tonics on the deck next to the watering hole, while marvelling at the herds of elephants that came through for their evening drink.

Back on the hill after the sundowner game drive, it was time for dinner. Three courses of delicious, homely meals with a touch of understated finery make up dinner at Ghoha Hills, along with a glass of one of South Africa’s finest wines. Dinner is taken to the next level when dining outdoors under a tapestry of stars.

The next morning started with a delicious breakfast of muffins, fruit, yoghurt, and pastries before we left for our game drive.

This drive was certainly one that I will remember forever. We went searching for lions in the Savuti Marsh, and we got a lot more lion time than I thought we would,

as Zambo found the pride relaxing in the shade beneath some trees.

Suddenly, two of the females of the pride got up and started coming towards us.

They moved past the vehicles and towards the savannah where they took up different positions from which to scan the plain before them. We drove in the direction that the lionesses were looking, and found a herd of impala and wildebeest. The lions had found a possible lunch spot, and had we had more time, we may have been witness to this incredible event.

If you are looking to be submerged in the beauty of the African wilderness, then Botswana is clearly an ideal destination.

For more information on John Chase Safaris, visit www.johnchasesafaris.com.

For more information on Ghoha Hills, visit www.ghohahills.com.

Lilongwe 2780 km 5-6 days Lusaka 2067 km 4-5 days Johannesburg 1772 km 2 days Livingstone 1565 km 2 days Gaborone 1498 km 2 days

The Port of Walvis Bay is Namibia’s largest commercial Port. It stands as a natural gateway for international trade and is strategically situated along the central coastal region of Namibia, offering direct access to principal shipping routes. The Port receives approximately 4,000 vessel calls per year, handling over

Upington 1204 km 1 day

road distance from port of Walvis bay

Harare 2297 km 4 days

Lumbumbashi 2388 km 4-5 days

Two decades of Port Excellence

6 million tonnes of cargo. The container terminal accommodates ground slots for 3,875 containers with provision for 424 reefer container plug points, and a capacity to host 355,000 containers per annum.

www.namport.com

A Luxury

Enclave

Franschhoek Country House & Villas While luxury accommodation may be aplenty in the Cape Winelands village of Franschhoek, few offer as much space and range of accommodation options – as luxury travel writer, Brian Berkman, discovered at The Franschhoek Country House & Villas.

Text: Brian Berkman Images © Franschhoek Country House & Villas

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You might think yourself in Provence, yet Table Mountain is just an hour’s drive away.

Their heated swimming pool immediately puts Franschhoek Country House & Villas in a league of its own, even among other five-star properties. But, as Franschhoek gets blisteringly hot in summer (as the surrounding mountains concentrate the heat onto the rows of vineyards that produce some of the country’s best wines), they have a cold-water pool too. This, perhaps, best describes the kind of hotel it is – offering much more than one expects.

There is an excellent home theatre set up in the lounge of the 100 m2 villa suites. You can also control the sound in the equally large bathroom, so if you wish to listen to Bach while in your bath, overlooking the mountain and vineyards, what’s stopping you?

Think of a stay at Franschhoek Country House & Villas as stepping into an enchanted world where, instead of being a weary traveller, you are from that great Florentine family that produces the finest limoncello, and people walk past your tall gates just to get a whiff of the lemon-scented air. Or, as easily, you might be the scion of a French wine-making family tending the vineyard, just under your bedroom window, that produces the very best pinot noir. Neither of these is a great stretch of the imagination. Certainly the staff here will make you feel as royal, relaxed or renowned as you wish to be, and you simply need to look around to feel as if you’re in the Tuscan hills or in Provence. The air here does smell heady with lemons, as the trees in the orchards are heavy with them and so great is their bounty that huge vases of them are dotted throughout the hotel.

In winter, when the mountains are dusted in snow, lighting the gas fireplace in your private sitting room is as easy as flicking a switch. There is, of course, under-floor heating and the suites are individually air-conditioned, but staff will still bring cosy hot water bottles to place in your bed – among the most comfortable that I have slept in. If the tworoomed villas with their huge bedrooms and four-poster beds seem too lavish, there is more intimate accommodation in the original 1890 Country House, as well as Garden Cottages which perfectly suit families with younger children.

Monneaux Restaurant was among the vanguard of eateries that put Franschhoek on the global culinary map, and has rightly

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received all the most important restaurant awards. Staying in the Country House places you within sensory reach of this finedining restaurant – I can only imagine how delicious it must be having smells of crisping duck or lamb being roasted to perfection wafting upstairs.

Breakfast is not served in Monneaux but rather in a purpose-designed space that offers 360-degree views of the valley.

There are filter coffee- and tea-making facilities in your suite, but having a freshly made cappuccino while you look over the morning papers and decide what next to eat from the lavish breakfast buffet is a special treat. Jugs of juices, with just-squeezed pulp, along with cereals and generous tureens of all forms of fruit (whole, sliced, crystallised and dried) are available. There are also as many variants of breads, pastries, sliced charcuterie and platters of cheeses as can be imagined – and that’s before you’ve even order à la carte!

There is a spa on site but therapists are only available by appointment, so be sure to book a pampering massage after a long day out. The spa has tailored treatments for men too. Their Chocolate Fanatics treatment is the one to choose – especially if you’ve given Franschhoek’s famous Huguenot Chocolates a skip earlier in the day. Happily there is also good Wi-Fi coverage in the villas as well as in the surrounding gardens, so you can remain connected throughout your stay.

For more information, visit www.FCH.co.za.

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End of Year

C h eer s Tipple to Toast With

With December finally here, there is much to celebrate, and whatever your drink of choice, there are plenty of delicious tipples to toast with this festive season. Here are just a few of our favourites.

Text: Nicky Furniss Images Š Supplied Altydgedacht Blanc de Blanc MÊthode Cap Classique 2014 Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, this MCC is zesty and fruity. Aromas of green apple combine with biscuity flavours to create a wine that is complex and refreshing. R170

Barista Chardonnay A splash of citrus and ripe peach aromas greet you, followed by hints of gooseberries and tangy tangerine with a subtle vanilla oak finish. R72

Belvedere Pink Grapefruit Belvedere Pink Grapefruit is flavoured with grapefruit, Spanish spring lemons and fresh ginger, while the base spirit is quadruple distilled for a delicate and delicious drink. R359

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Bollinger Rosé With its intimate and unusual flavours, the Bollinger Rosé is perfect for a picnic on a summer afternoon, as a pre-dinner drink or served with crayfish, salmon, Japanese cuisine or fruit-based desserts. R1,150

Carrol Boyes Gold Label Méthode Cap Classique 2012 A blend of 70 % Chardonnay and 30 % Pinot Noir, this MCC is the ideal partner to accompany oysters, grilled white fish, smoked salmon and sushi or fresh strawberries. R200

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Herradura Reposado Casa Herradura, one of Mexico’s most renowned tequila producers has recently launched a world first with a 100 % agave ultra-premium Reposado tequila variant. Reposado is aged in American white oak barrels for 11 months and has hints of anise, fruit and spices on the nose, followed by sweet notes of cooked agave, vanilla, butter and dried fruit. R499.95

Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve The latest expression in The Glenlivet’s stable of premium whiskies can be drunk straight up, on the rocks or as a great mixer in cocktails. R400

Cointreau Festive Gift Pack This elegant Festive Pack consists of a bottle of Cointreau as well as a classic goblet. R359

Gabriëlskloof Landscape Series The dramatic new Landscape Series takes flight with a maiden Chenin Blanc, Elodie 2015, and a fresh take on an existing blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, Magdalena 2015. The series will eventually encompass five wines. R234

Krone Borealis Vintage Cuvée Brut 2015 Produced in Krone’s historic underground cellar, this blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, handpicked in the cool of the night, is pleasing with every sip. R110

Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d’Or Brut Vintage 2004 Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d’Or Brut Vintage is one of the most recognised bottles of wine in the world. Only made in exceptional years, the Palmes d’Or Champagne Brut is aged for a minimum of nine years in the cellar. R1,690

Lanzerac Blanc de Blancs Brut Delicate, dry and crisp, this nonvintage MCC is the perfect wine to enjoy on its own but will also complement festive foods such as duck liver parfait, smoked salmon or caviar. R220

L’Ormarins Blanc de Blancs 2012 This limited release maiden vintage radiates elegance and sophistication in its striking packaging, which is guaranteed to be the centre of attention at any social gathering. R220

Oude Meester Reserve This double distilled 12-year-old potstill brandy offers exceptional purity and smoothness and comes complete with an ice bucket. R440

Scottish Leader 12 Year Old This singular, award-winning whisky is crafted using a bespoke blend of the finest unpeated Highland and Speyside malts, combined with Scottish grains for a smooth, approachable style. R320

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Hoedspruit

Go wild in Hoedspruit.

It’s a flight away.

SA Express flies you direct to Hoedspruit from Johannesburg and Cape Town every day, seven days a week.

You can now go on all day safari, when it suits you. Because we fly for you.

SA Express is a proud member of the SAA Voyager programme.

Visit www.flyexpress.aero for domestic flights to Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, East London, Kimberley, Hoedspruit, George, Johannesburg, Mahikeng, Pilanesberg, Richards Bay, Cape Town, Durban and regional flights to Lubumbashi, Gaborone, Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Lusaka and Harare.

Super

Skills!

Qualifications to Kick-Start Your Career

There are a number of skills and qualifications that are currently in demand. Here’s how you can get a piece of the action.

Text: Finweek Image © iStockphoto.com

At some point in almost every career, an inevitable question will start looming large: What can I study to get me away from these people and out of this hellhole? Of course, getting another qualification is not a cure-all – particularly if you don’t do your homework properly and pursue something that ultimately won’t bolster your career.

A postgraduate qualification should usually do one of two things, says founder and CEO of Jack Hammer, Debbie Goodman-Bhyat. “It should either build on your existing degree and deepen your specialisation, or balance out your current qualifications.”

For people with degrees in social sciences (humanities and law), the latter typically involves addressing a perceived deficiency in technical and financial skills. Traditionally, this meant an MBA. However, an MBA is not a ticket to glory, says Goodman-Bhyat. It will help you stay in the game if you don’t have a background in commerce or finance, and it is useful for someone without a financial background to get a managerial position. But if you don’t have the experience and domain knowledge in a

particular sector, it will not catapult you into the C suite. “Especially for younger people, an MBA won’t necessarily enhance your marketability,” says Niteske Marshall, managing director of Network Recruitment.

Another option would be to supplement your existing qualifications with IT skills.

Software developers are crazily in demand, says Marshall. As long as you can do the work and have learned the language (particularly Java, C++ and PHP), you don’t necessarily need a computer science degree. Companies often will just assess you on your coding skills.

There are hundreds of jobs available for front-end and back-end developers, particularly in mobile and software applications, says Heidi Duvenage, head of Sage Talent Solutions, the recruitment division of the global payroll and integrated accounting group Sage.

A specific focus on coding in C# or .NET languages is required. Duvenage expects the opportunities in app development to expand in coming years, particularly in consumerfocused apps that will, for example, allow

you to submit insurance or medical scheme claims through your phone.

For managerial positions in IT, a tertiary education is required, but as long as you have the necessary technological skills, your degrees don’t have to be in computer science, adds Goodman-Bhyat. “We are seeing a shortage of well-rounded candidates for managerial positions in IT – people who have the tech skills, but also have a tertiary degree and wider experience.”

If you are tired of the corporate rat race, one option that is often completely disregarded is trade industries (electricians, plumbers, toolmakers, fitter and turners, etc.), Duvenage says. South Africa’s shortage of artisans is at a critical level, with the average age of an artisan above 50.

“There also continues to be a huge shortage of sales people,” Duvenage adds.

You don’t need a specific qualification, but will be tested on your aptitude and personality. Few people have the ability to sell any kind of product or service, and those who can, are generally rewarded quite handsomely, she adds.

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INVESTMENT

FOLLOW BUFFETT AND PICK DIVIDEND STOCKS

SPOTLIGHT

BEE SHARES

GOOGLE’S MCKEND THE PROS AND ON GETTING AFRICA CONS OF MTN CONNECTED ZAKHELE FUTHI FIND US AT: fin24.com/finweek

ENGLISH EDITION

Data Science: The existing discipline of market research – doing surveys among consumers – is quickly becoming outdated, Goodman-Bhyat says. It is fast being replaced by data analytics: The collection and analysis of all kinds of information (particularly from digital sources such as online transactions or mobile usage) that can help companies make decisions about their products and services. A number of new postgraduate courses are on offer in the field (from Wits and UCT among others).

Robotics and artificial intelligence are also currently gaining traction in the tech sector.

CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants): Yes, chartered accountants still rule South African commerce. A quarter of the CEOs of the country’s biggest firms are CAs, and 90 % of the financial directors.

But the CIMA qualification has gained a lot of ground in recent years, Marshall says. It is seen as more practical and strategy-focused than the CA qualification, which is regarded as purely financial.

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Postgraduate Qualification in Tax: There continues to be a strong demand for people who have a specialisation in tax.

Risk Compliance: IT and financial skills in managing risk are in extremely high demand at the moment, Marshall says.

Many of South Africa’s large companies are currently looking for people with computer science qualifications in particular who can protect them against cyber-attacks and data hacking. There are a number of postgraduate programmes in risk management on offer from UNISA and other institutions.

6 October 2016

THE BULL MARKET

IS BACK

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If you already have a qualification in the sought-after fields of finance, engineering and science, a number of specialisation areas are currently in demand:

BALWIN PROPERTIES CHOPPIES HULISANI AFRIMAT

HOT QUALIFICATIONS TO KICK-START YOUR CAREER

Copy courtesy of ‘Finweek’.

Call 0860 103 911 to subscribe.

What Not to Study When you do decide to pursue a new qualification, do your homework and know exactly where you want to end up.

• Don’t just do a BCom degree, but add a speciality like financial management or accountancy. “This will give you an assured career path,” Marshall says. Recent research shows that the jobs that are most advertised in South Africa are for accountants or financial managers. “Every company needs one.”

• Talk to people with influence in your chosen industry to understand which qualifications they value. This is particularly important in fields that are currently relatively saturated (such as graphic design and marketing). It won’t help just doing any online course in graphic design or social media management. Instead, talk to agencies and other employees to find out which qualifications are well-regarded.

• While the IT sector remains hot, not all skills are in demand anymore. There seems to be an oversupply of people who did short courses in desktop and helpdesk support, says one recruiter.

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A Tale of Two

Bakkies Unless you are an Italian tourist doing your game viewing in the Kruger from the nether regions of a low-slung white rental sedan, there’s really only one way of properly seeing animals in their natural surroundings.

Text: Bernard K Hellberg Images Š Quickpic

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Ford Ranger Use an SUV or a double cab bakkie and, better still, get a vehicle with an automatic gearbox which will enable you to cruise along at the low speeds so essential for game viewing.

With these specifications in mind, it was only logical that I would take up Ford on their claim that their latest 2.2 turbodiesel with its six-speed automatic ’box was the perfect vehicle for such a trip.

Our journey started in Pretoria, and with the obligatory cappuccino stop at Alzu on the N4 – which serves weak coffee, incidentally – the Ford certainly lived up to the company’s claims.

Although fairly modest in engine size (2.2 l) there was more than enough power (118 kW) to play with, while the torque output of 385 Nm was instrumental in recording fuel

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consumption figures of 8.4 l/100 km on the open road at a constant (Garmin-registered) 116 km/h – which displayed as 121 km/h on the vehicle’s own odometer. Admittedly, this was on flat sections of the N4 with Dullstroom (2,050 m) the only really hilly section.

Once inside the Kruger – and travelling within indicated speed limits of 50 km/h on tar and 40 km/h on gravel – fuel consumption improved even further, to an impressive 7.35 l/100 km. This I ascribe to well-chosen gear ratios linking up seamlessly with the 2.2-litre engine which permits one to travel on the open road at 120 km/h, the engine ticking over at under 2,000 rpm.

But apart from the excellent combination of engine and gearbox, the total package did not disappoint. Getting in and out for short people can be tricky, but once on board,

the seats are comfortable and adjustment for that optimum position was easy to attain.

The large expanse of the dashboard was also the perfect place for binoculars, bird books and cameras with long lenses.

There were a few glitches, however, in that the corrugations on most of Kruger’s gravel roads tended to be transmitted to the steering – unless one (illegally) speeded up – while the headlights provided adequate, if average spread and reach.

Overall, “our” 2.2 TDCi XLS double cab 4x4 auto, at R517,900, turned out to be a surprisingly good choice for a trip of this nature. This, then, may explain why Ford claims to sell more double cabs than any other manufacturer in South Africa.

At the price, one gets a four-year/120,000 km warranty, five-year/100,000 km service plan and class-leading service intervals of 20,000 km.

Business meeting Hotel rooms from R1100 per night

Business restructuring Apartments from R9000 per week

Choose to stay or live with us.

Whether you’re doing the sales-pitch-shuffle or a staff reshuffle, we’ve got the perfect space for you.

At The Capital Hotel Group we approach things a little differently, offering you a unique choice of short, medium and long-term accommodation in a variety of contemporary rooms and spacious, fully-serviced apartments.

By removing unnecessary extras we provide you with cost-effective options that don’t compromise on luxury and the things you really need - like worldclass meeting rooms and conference facilities. In fact, instead of moving back to the office you may be tempted to move your office to The Capital.

Stay where you count.

Menlyn Hotel Maine Group Book online at thecapital.co.za or call +27 (0)11 290 9700 Email reservations@thecapital.co.za Subject to availability, prices are correct at date of publication. The Capital Hotel Group reserves the right to withdraw this offer without notice. Terms and Conditions of Sales and Services apply and are available on request.

E&OE

Isuzu KB And now to the West, where Isuzu recently launched a facelifted version of the ever-popular Isuzu KB in the dunes near Swakopmund in Namibia.

Changes included a redesigned bonnet, radiator grille and fog lamps, as well as new headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights.

Because of the nature of the launch – mostly off-roading under controlled conditions, it was not possible to get an accurate reading on fuel consumption, but GM claim 7.9 l/100 km for the 3-litre turbodiesel, which produces 130 kW and 380 Nm of torque. These figures certainly came in very handy on the red dunes of the Namib which were all easily conquered in

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4H. Switching from 2H (rear wheel drive) was a piece of cake, thanks to electronic selection, using a selector knob behind the gear lever.

Although the seating position is not as high as in the Ford mentioned earlier, the Isuzu KB nevertheless offers car-like levels of comfort and a comprehensive list of luxury features such as touchscreen infotainment with satellite navigation, internet, Wi-Fi and smartphone integration. All LX double cab models have a rear park assist reverse camera on the rear tailgate.

As with most Isuzu models, ride comfort was probably best-in-class, with the possible exception of Volkswagen’s Amarok. In order to achieve this outcome, Isuzu engineers

have covered more than 100,000 km to refine the suspension for a smoother ride on all surfaces.

Going one better than Ford, Isuzu’s warranty covers five years/120,000 km, while Ford takes the honours when it comes to service plans. Isuzu’s service plan covers five years/90,000 km, and its 15,000 km service interval is also not as good as that offered by Ford.

Overall, both vehicles are excellent and should quickly build up a loyal following.

The only Isuzu which can be compared to Ford’s automatic gearbox offering, the 300D LX auto, retails in the order of R501,400 – which gives you a bigger engine, but shorter service intervals and a five-speed gearbox, against the Ford’s six-speed version.

Secrets to Successfully Selling Your

Home

Thinking of buying your next home can be exciting, until you realise that you have to first go through the process of selling your current one – and there are a lot of things to consider when doing so. Property24 has put together some points that most homeowners wish they’d consider before selling.

Text: Property24 Images © iStockphoto.com

How Much is My Home Really Worth?

A Property24 reader said: “I thought my home was worth the value I had in mind. If only I had known about the property market trends and figures in my area.”

Most homeowners get excited about selling their homes and establishing a selling price for their precious property, especially if that total will be put into their new home purchase. However, the worst thing homeowners can do is to have an unrealistic view of the value of their house, putting them in a very awkward position which could later leave them disappointed.

Instead of waiting for months – or even years – before an offer is made on your house, brush up on market statistics and start researching the property trends in your area. Property24 has an online tool called Suburb Trends that can help you understand the average value of properties in your area,

as well as the average sold prices of recently sold apartments and houses.

How Well Do You Know Your Listing Agent?

“My friend suggested that I use an agency who assisted her with her property sale. I wish I had done my research first, considered other agencies and interviewed a range of estate agents before settling on my friend’s suggestion.”

One of the biggest decisions you need to make, besides establishing a selling price, is deciding on an agency and estate agent who you can work with closely. If you haven’t done so before, it can become tricky if you don’t know what to look out for. When you have a roundup of agencies, have a casual chat and an informal interview with a number of estate agents before you list your property for sale. This will give you enough time to sit and make a rational decision as

to who you feel most comfortable with to handle your property sale. Be sure to base your decision on the estate agent’s savvy area and property knowledge, their enthusiasm to sell your property, marketing expertise and their experience.

Are Property Descriptions Even Important?

A Property24 reader said: “I would have preferred writing my own property description instead of leaving it in the hands of my estate agent. I was let down by the fact that the description did not fully relay the amazing features of the property.”

Your estate agent may be a professional in their field, but only you know your property best. You know how much went into making it so beautiful, how it makes you feel and what you appreciate most about your home.

Why not provide your estate agent with a summary of your property, highlighting

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its best features and what possibly makes it stand out above the rest? Slip in a few high quality, professional pictures as well. If you’re a bit unsure of what the end result will be, request to see the final description before your property listing is advertised.

What’s the Best Way to Stage My Home?

A Property24 reader said: “I wish I had known to declutter and neutralise the areas in my home to help potential buyers imagine what it would be like if they lived here, instead of clouding their judgement with my baby cot, bicycles and laundry baskets in awkward places.”

As the open days for your property draw closer, make sure that your home is neat and tidy. Buy a fresh bunch of flowers and

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set them in a vase, make sure your curtains are neatly drawn or that your blinds are clean, and ensure that there’s a fresh scent in the air. When potential buyers view your home, they’ll look at things such as your cupboard space, bathrooms, garage, and the backyard, for example. Make sure your kitchen surfaces are clean, your bedrooms are tidy, and your bathrooms spotless. If it’s too much work, you might want to have a cleaning service’s number on hand.

Will My Pets Be a Problem on Show Days?

A Property24 reader said: “When I sold my last property, I had a cat and two dogs.

Whenever potential buyers came around to view the property, I had to bundle my pets in my car and keep them occupied while the

buyers viewed the property.

No matter how neat, clean and tidy your home may be, your furry kids will always find a way of undoing your hard work. A smelly litter box is not a pretty sight or smell, and what if your little pup nips at the potential buyer’s pants, or worse, your potential buyers are allergic to pets? Your best option is to find a place for your pets while your property is on the market and a number of show days are lined up. If that’s out of the question, make sure you have a strategic plan to gather your pets, their toys and other goods in one quick sweep and leave your home as quickly as possible.

For more selling advice and tips, visit our Advice section on www.property24.com.

Gaborone, Botswana

T&C’s apply

A Veritable Head

Turner Honda Civic 1.5 SPORT

Working as motoring journalist means that a stream of hot-off-the-manufacturing-line cars regularly shows up at our offices. In fact, just the other day a certain German sports car arrived, to much fanfare, drooling and photo-taking by the male members of staff – and even some whistles and cat calls from a few spectators across the street. You would think that I, too, often get my head turned by the latest nippy roadster or million-rand sedan, but by now my colleagues know that there’s one brand, more than any other, that has me fighting for the car keys – Honda.

Text: Nicky Furniss Images © Honda SA

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Yes, Honda. When I first started out in the industry, I knew very little about motoring. As a result, I listened to the veteran motoring journos I met on launches and I often peppered them with questions.

I soon learned that many did not own their own cars, as there seemed little point when they were driving a different test car each week. And so, for me, what seemed to be the most interesting question was: Should these motoring experts one day need to buy a car, which brand would they go for? I was expecting the answers to focus on the German powerhouses, the top-of-the-line Jags and Volvos or the flashiest of Porsches and Ferraris. Surprisingly, the name that came up more often than any other was – you guessed it – Honda.

“Why?” I would ask. And always the same answer: The manufacturer’s incredible build quality and the unparalleled reliability of its

cars, as well as mythic stories of Honda engines with hundreds of thousands of kilometres on the clock and still going strong. This stuck with me, and when it was time for my own car to be replaced, I heeded their advice and bought a Honda Jazz. That was six years ago, and I am still as thrilled with my purchase today as I was the day I bought it. I simply cannot find anything to fault about it – except perhaps the price of the latest model, which I often have dreams of owning.

I guess you could say that I am a little biased – and I’ll admit that my eyes lit up a little more than normal when the latest generation Honda Civic pulled into the driveway. But I also like to think that I approach every car with the same critical eye. And trust me, I looked hard to find something I disliked about the new Civic, but Honda just make it so darn difficult!

If my Jazz is the somewhat conservative girl in jeans and a T-Shirt, then the Civic is her sophisticated older sister in killer heels, who knows all about styling and just how to accessorise. While it is still a spacious fourdoor sedan, its sleek silhouette and athletic lines make it look more like a snazzy sports coupé, meshing fashion with functionality.

It’s also had a bit of a nip and tuck compared to the previous model, and thanks to its reduced height, and aerodynamic profile, it really grips the road, corners like it’s on rails and offers a very responsive, almost sports car-like ride.

This is also thanks to its all new 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine that produces an impressive 127 kW of power and 220 Nm of torque, making it comparable to a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engine – but with far lower emissions and a much less hefty bill at the pumps. This is assisted

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by the car’s ECON mode which optimises the engine and transmission (CVT gearboxes are standard) for better fuel economy, while the Eco Assist function reminds the driver – via changing colours on the instrument cluster – to ease up on the wild boy driving when necessary.

The Civic also comes with the option of a 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine.

The Civic’s sleek new look continues inside the cabin, which boasts premium finishes (including heated leather front seats for all, bar the entry-level model) for a very sophisticated, expensive feel.

The instrument panel is uncluttered and intuitively designed, in line with Honda’s

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“Daring ACE Design” concept – although I would suggest spending some time playing around with the digital audio system’s fancy new 7” WVGA LCD display before you hit the road. It is child’s play once you are familiar with it, but it’s probably best not to try to get to grips with it in the middle of traffic!

As well as audio options, it also boasts smartphone functions and GPS navigation, and is compatible with various media formats, which can all be controlled from the multifunction steering wheel.

The Civic certainly knows how to accessorise, and the all new version comes with an impressive array of bells and whistles (both standard on some models and

optional on others), including Walk Away Auto Lock, lane watch with side-sensing camera, collision-mitigation braking system (CMBS), forward collision warning (FCW) and lane departure warning (LDW) – which as well as upping the tech ante, also ensure a safer ride.

The new Honda Civic oozes sophistication both inside and out, and merges both comfort and power for a truly exceptional ride, while still maintaining the brand’s hallmarks of excellent build quality and reliability. Yes, I’ll admit, it was always destined to turn my head, but I can guarantee you that I will not be the only one – not by a long way!

T

R

S

Raise the

Drawbridge!

Ransomware attacks are on the rise, costing organisations billions of dollars in paid ransoms and cleanup costs, and crippling employee productivity and customer service during the down times. The FBI reports that ransomware attacks cost victims $209 million in the first three months of 2016, which works out at about $330,000 an incident. And almost 40 % of enterprises have been hit by ransomware in the last year.

Text: Mimecast Image © iStockphoto.com

So, what is ransomware? It’s a strain of malware (malicious software) that cybercriminals upload onto organisations’ computers, servers or user devices in order to lock them down, before demanding payment of a ransom – usually in the form of Bitcoin or some other non-traceable currency – in exchange for decrypting and releasing their data. In a ransomware attack, the hacker is

literally holding your users’ workday hostage, cutting off access to vital productivity tools like email, calendars and contact lists, or back-end systems such as databases, file servers, email servers and other systems. What’s worse, 99 % of ransomware attacks start with an email message, often enabled via phishing.

Unfortunately there isn’t much information about the threat landscape

across Africa but according to the US government, ransomware attacks in America have increased in frequency by 300 % year-on-year in 2016, with 4,000 incidents a day now being reported – and that is just in the US. Ransomware is also not exclusive to big businesses. In fact, many smaller organisations are being targeted because

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NEVER BE A they are “easy targets” who may not have deployed the latest security technology or have a dedicated person managing their malicious inbound emails.

The Reality • Ransomware cybercrime kits are readily accessible (for as little as $39) on the black market, and thus non-technical cybercriminals can easily license them and deploy them. All you need is an email address and an attack is born.

• There is no single “ransomware security product”. Since no single product can provide adequate protection because of the multifaceted nature of ransomware and the creativity of the attackers who wield it, protection from ransomware must also be multi-faceted.

• Once a ransomware attack happens: • Organizations suffer from crippled productivity.

• Employees are locked out of vital productivity tools like email, calendars and contact lists, as well as other applications and files on affected systems.

• Customers are often impacted because customer-facing operations that are highly dependent on IT are not functional.

• Organisations often succumb to the pressure to pay the ransom to regain access to their applications and data, motivating and financing attackers to expand their ransomware campaigns.

• Recovery can be difficult and time-consuming.

• Data can be lost, damaged or corrupted after an attack, as not all ransomware is bug- free. And in some cases the attackers, if not paid in a timely manner, will destroy the decryption keys in retribution.

A service like Mimecast can tackle ransomware with a layered solution. By bringing together security, continuity and data replication capabilities in a single cloud solution, customers can: • Prevent an email-borne ransomware attack.

• Ensure that employees can continue to work with email during an attack.

• Store your data in a third-party archive so it’s not lost forever after an attack.

“Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly more sophisticated and insidious. They are constantly revising, updating and reinventing their tactics and technologies to launch attacks,” says Brandon Bekker, MD of Mimecast Middle East and Africa. As a result, preventive systems such as antivirus and intrusion prevention systems are no longer sufficient. “It’s time for organisations to implement a total cyber resilience strategy that includes security, continuity and data replication,” Bekker says.

The ideal approach is to layer state-of-the-art preventive systems, point-in-time recovery measures, and a means to maintain business continuity during a ransomware attack. “And don’t forget about the human defence: Employees need to be educated and aware of the different (and evolving) strains of cyber attacks so they can be an effective line of defence,” Bekker concludes.

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HOSTAGE Fight back with the only cloud solution that keeps your email running. ansomware can creep into your organization via email, drain productivity and cost you millions.

And, cybercriminals are constantly

No one is safe. According to the FBI, this year ransomware infected

100,000 computers a day

distributing new forms of ransomware and re-inventing existing ones.

How’s a business supposed to cope?

Start with email. Mimecast is the only cloud solution that combines security, business continuity and data replication for email.

of all malware blocked by Mimecast in the last three months was ransomware.

Mimecast packs a powerful punch against ransomware, and helps you to:

Prevent a ransomware attack.

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Store your data in an encrypted third-party archive so it’s not lost forever after an attack.

Protect your email from ransomware.

LEARN MORE

www.mimecast.com | © 2016

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We have a ‘Friends of Mokolodi’ membership programme, which allows members free access into the Reserve for self drives and cycling, as well as other benefits and various discounts. bookings@mokolodi.com

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rhino tracking

Located 15 km outside Botswana’s Capital City, Gaborone, Mokolodi Nature Reserve has a variety of tourism activities, such as game drives, giraffe and rhino tracking, camping, chalets, and cheetah interactions. In addition, we also have environmental education programmes, which in the last 25 years have brought in over 250 000 Batswana school children. Mokolodi also boasts excellent conference and wedding facilities with a magnificent view.

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Each of our 16 suites are designed to provide a uniquely memorablestay. Enjoy breakfast at one of the quaint surrounding coffee shops, or fuel your adrenalin addiction at the nearby sky diving school, dune or ocean adventure locations. Whatever your visit, our contemporaryluxury suites look forward to welcoming you.

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WARTFREEZE For common warts on hands and feet What is Wart Freeze?

Wart Freeze freezes warts! The aerosol freezes the wart by means of cryotherapy. The wart is frozen to the core in just 10 seconds.

After 10 to 14 days the wart falls of the skin and the new healthy skin is visible.

Home removing device What is Skintag?

Skin tags are very common but harmless small, soft skin growths.

It tends to occur on the eyelids, neck, armpits, groin folds, and under breasts.

The Skintag remover removes skin tags by means of a reliable freezing method (cryotherapy), the same method used by dermatologists. This can now be done in the comfort of your home.

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Business Hub

The facts are that almost 60% of people suffering heart disease have low cholesterol levels and that most of them are given cholesterol lowering medication as a first line treatment.

There are other causes which are mostly ignored!

Several clinical studies indicate that the nutrients in CholesterolEase may assist with: • lowering and regulating cholesterol levels; • preventing plaque formation in our blood vessels; and • building collagen to prevent and repair injury • removing existing plaque in our blood vessel walls; already present.

CholesterolEase is available without prescription from most pharmacies.

Ask your pharmacist or healthcare practitioner about CholesterolEase.

For more information go to www.cholesterolease.com or call us on 082 678 3737 during business hours.

My coronary arteries were occluded and I had a heart attack at the age of 32.

The prescribed cholesterol medication didn’t work for me and I was afraid that I was going to die early. I have been using Cholesterolease for the past 10 years and my veins and arteries have remained healthy and plaque free.

Why don’t you try it for yourself Johan Wilken ( 50 ) Owner of Cholesterolease

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One of my coronary arteries was 95% blocked. My cardiologist wanted to do a heart bypass. I started using Cholosterolease and within 4 days my chest pains were gone. It’s now been more than 5 years and I still haven’t had the bypass surgery. I feel wonderful.

Cholesterolease saved my life Claude Fischbach ( 75 ) Port Elizabeth

I received good news. My doctor says the plaque in my arteries have regressed substantially.

And that from only using Cholesterolease Loy van Sittert (67) Cape Town

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EAGLE ENCOUNTERS The Ultimate Wildlife Experience!

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• Personal EAGLE Encounters with Wahlberg’s & Verreaux’s Eagles the birds TO YOU) at 11, • 4 Interactive Flying Shows daily (we 2, 3 & 4 o’clock • Wrap a giant Boa Constrictor around your shoulders – if you’re brave enough!

• Come party with our amazing Dancing Barn Owls!

• Hands-on fun with Owls, Bearded Dragons, Lizards, Tortoises, Dwarf Rabbits, Goats & Pigs • Kids’ Playground • Hold a Bearded Dragon on your arm slide • Kids’ jungle-gym & • Award-winning Spier wines with food or chocolate pairing for the adults, while the kids enjoy a ‘kiddies’ wine tasting’.

• Either pre-order your picnic basket, or visit the Eight to Go Deli for delectable picnic options (phone 021-809-1100 for picnics)

SPECIAL OFFER: TELL US WHERE YOU SAW THIS AD TO RECEIVE A FREE PERSONAL ENCOUNTER WITH WALLY, THE ADORABLE WAHLBERG’S EAGLE. Spier Wine Farm, Baden Powell Drive (R310), Stellenbosch Visit www.eagle-encounters.co.za or phone +27 21 858-1826 for more info.

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Books Must Read

King Solomon & the Showman

By Adam Cruise Southern Africa’s legendary lost city and its untold riches has through the ages fascinated the Romans, European explorers and writers such as Rider Haggard, Alan Paton, Wilbur Smith, and Lawrence Green. Even the apartheid government searched for it in vain. Adam Cruise sets out on a quest into history and across the Kalahari to find the mythical city that inspired King Solomon’s Mines, and “The Great Farini”, the daredevil showman of the Victorian age at the heart of the legend. On the way, Cruise runs into lions and snakes, battles savage desert conditions, and ends up somewhere more extraordinary than the fabled lost city.

The Printmaker

By Bronwyn Law-Viljoen When a reclusive printmaker dies, his friend inherits the thousands of etchings and drawings he has stored in his house over the years. Overwhelmed by the task of sorting and exhibiting this work, she seeks the advice of a curator.

What compulsion drove the printmaker to make art for four decades, and why did he so seldom show his prints? When the curator discovers a single, sealed box addressed to a man in Zimbabwe, she feels compelled to go in search of him to present him with the package, hoping to find an answer to the enigma of the printmaker’s solitary life. Bronwyn Law-Viljoen’s subtle and sophisticated novel reflects on one man’s obsessive need to create meaning through images and to find, in art, the traces of love and friendship.

More Braai the Beloved Country

By Jean Nel Following on the success of Braai the Beloved Country, which sold over 10,000 copies, Jean Nel, well-known outdoor cooking coach, shares his braai secrets in More Braai the Beloved Country. Full of mouth-watering recipes such as coffee-rubbed rib-eye steaks and classic South African chicken and apricot sosaties, this book is also filled with stunning photographs. With a keen enthusiasm for wood and charcoal braaiing, Jean Nel is undoubtedly a braai fanatic. Give him a piece of meat and he will magic it into one of his classic, effortless masterpieces of smoky delight. If you have ever been uncertain about the difference between direct and indirect cooking, or any aspect of braaiing, spend an afternoon engrossed in this book and you will soon be an expert too.

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Gadgets

Be a Hero on Your Hero5 GoPro recently unveiled its all-new HERO5 line of cameras which auto-upload photos and videos to GoPro Plus, a cloud-based subscription service that makes it easy to access, edit and share GoPro content anytime, anywhere using a phone or computer. The HERO5 Black is the most powerful, easy-to-use GoPro ever. Its exciting features include: 2” touch display and simplified controls; video resolutions up to 4K at 30 frames per second; professional quality 12MP photos; voice control with support for seven languages; stereo audio recording and advanced wind noise reduction; and professional-grade electronic video stabilization. It is also waterproof without a housing up to 10 m. The HERO5 Black is already available in selected stores nationwide and retails for a recommended price of R7,999.

For Untainted Air Dyson’s new purifier fan technology removes 99.95 % of potentially harmful ultrafine particles from household air. Air purifiers can help capture pollution, bacteria and viruses, as well as pollen, allergens and odours. But some existing purifiers are inefficient, forcing air through their filters, allowing potentially harmful, ultrafine particles to escape back into the room. The Dyson Pure Cool purifier fan uses Dyson’s 360° Glass HEPA filter. This technology captures 99.95 % of particles as small as PM0.1 (roughly 100 times smaller than a human hair) – trapping them in the filter, and projecting cleaner, purified air around the room evenly and quietly.

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The All-In-One Oven Just in time for that Christmas roast, the new Samsung HotBlast Convection Microwave Oven quickly produces food that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside – as if you had spent hours perfecting it in a traditional oven. The New Hot Blast technology reduces cooking times significantly by blowing powerful hot air through multiple air holes directly onto food. The new wider grill lets you brown food more evenly, while the oven’s large turntable accommodates bigger plates and even pizzas.

You can choose from pre-set Cook with Ease menus to prepare perfectly cooked and delicious homemade dishes – from brown rice to salmon fillets. The oven’s Slim Fry technology combines a grill with warm air circulation, so food is cooked to be crispy on the outside, using only a touch of oil, preventing greasy pans or splatters. The oven is available at select Samsung stores and leading retailers for a recommended price of R5,999.

Airline information SA Express fleet

Safety Information Health regulations Health regulations at certain airports require that the aircraft cabin be sprayed. The spray is harmless, but if you think it might affect you, please cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief.

Canadair Regional Jet 200 BER Manufacturer: Bombardier Maximum cruising speed: 474 knots/545mph/879kmph Engines: Two General Electric CF34-3B1 Range: 1,662miles/3,080km Maximum altitude: 41,000ft/12,496m Seating capacity: 50

Crew: Two pilots, two cabin crew Wing span: 69ft 7in/21.21m Overall length: 87ft 10in/26.77m Overall height: 20ft 5in/6.22m Maximum take-off weight: 51,000lb/23,134kg Minimum runway length: 6,295ft/1,919m

De Havilland Dash 8 Series Q400 Turboprop Manufacturer: Bombardier Maximum cruising speed: 360knots/414mph/667kmph Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A Range: 1,565 miles/2,519km Maximum altitude: 25,000ft/7,620m Seating capacity: 74

Crew: Two pilots, two cabin crew Wing span: 93ft 3in/28.42m Overall length: 107ft 9in/32.83m Overall height: 27ft 5in/8.34m Maximum take-off weight: 64,500lb/29,257kg Minimum runway length: 4,580ft/1,396m

Remain seated As a safety precaution, passengers are requested to remain seated with seatbelts fastened after the aircraft has landed, until the seatbelt sign has been switched off by the captain.

Portable electronic equipment The use of personal electronic devices domestic and regional flights on the Q400.

Passengers will be permitted cell phones, e-readers and electronic

(PED’s) will apply to all CRJ700/200 and DH8 to use PED’s such as tablets in flight-mode.

Cellular telephones Cellular telephones may be used on the ground while passenger doors are open. Cellular telephones, smartphones or any device with flight mode must be switched off as soon as the cabin doors are closed and when the senior cabin-crew member makes an announcement on the publicaddress system.

Laptop computers Laptops with CD ROM and DVD drive, handheld calculators, electric shavers and portable personal listening devices may not be used on the ground during taxi but may be used during the flight when the seatbelt signs are switched off and with permission from the captain. Should circumstances dictate otherwise, a public-address announcement cancelling this concession will be made by a crew member.

Prohibited equipment Portable printers, laser pointers, video equipment, CB/AM/FM/FHF/satellite receivers, two-way radios, compact disc and mini-disc players, scanners, remote-controlled toys and power converters are prohibited for use at any time.

Safety pamphlet Read the safety pamphlet in the seat pocket in front of you and take note of your nearest emergency exit.

Smoking In accordance with international trends, smoking is not permitted on board any SA Express flights.

Seat belts Please fasten your seat belt whenever the seat belt signs are illuminated. For your own safety we suggest that you keep it fastened throughout the flight.

Canadair Regional Jet 700 Manufacturer: Bombardier Maximum cruising speed: 473 knots/544mph/875kmph Engines: Two General Electric CF34-8C5B Range: 1,477m/2,794km Maximum altitude: 41,000ft/12,496m Seating capacity: 70

Crew: Two pilots, two cabin crew Wing span: 76ft 3in/23.2m Overall length: 106ft 8in/32.51m Overall height: 24ft 10in/7.57m Maximum take-off weight: 72,750lb/32,999kg Minimum runway length: 4,580ft/1,396m

SA Express’ aircraft are made by Bombardier Aerospace

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Important When in doubt, please consult our cabin crew.

For your comfort and security, please comply with the above safety regulations at all times while on board

Special services Special Meals Passengers with special dietary requirements are provided for through the following special meals: kosher, halal, Muslim, Hindu, low-fat and vegetarian meals. Orders for special meals should be placed at the time of making flight reservations. The airline requires a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to departure in order to assist with confirmation of requests. Only available on selected flights.

Passengers requiring special attention Requirements for unaccompanied minors (passengers under the age of 12 years) or passengers requiring wheelchairs should be stated at the time of making the reservation. Owing to the size of the cabins on our aircraft types, the airline is not in a position to carry stretcher passengers or incubators.

Cabin baggage SA Express will accept one piece of cabin baggage not exceeding a total dimension of 115cm and 7kg in weight. For safety reasons, cabin baggage must fit into approved stowage spaces: either the overhead luggage bin or under the seat. Owing to limited storage space in the aircraft cabin, cabin baggage may be placed in the Skycheck at the aircraft for hold stowage.

Skycheck This is the airline’s special hand-luggage facility that assists with in-flight comfort, speedy boarding and disembarking. When boarding one of our flights, simply place any hand luggage that will not be required during the flight on to the Skycheck

cart at the boarding steps of the aircraft. Your hand luggage will be waiting for you as you disembark from the aircraft at your destination.

Baggage liability Valuable items such as cameras and accessories, computers – including laptops and notebooks – mobile telephones, perfumes, aftershaves, colognes, legal and company documents and legal tender – including cash, credit cards and cheques – bullion, leather jackets, all types of jewellery and any other items with a value in excess of R400 must be removed from either checked-in or Skycheck baggage as the airline is not liable for loss or damage to these items.

Verified baggage claims are settled on the basis adopted by IATA (International Airlines Transport Association): payment of US$20 per 1kg of checkedin luggage, to a maximum of 20kg ($400) We Fly For You SA Express Airways prides itself on aiming to offer incomparable service standards. In addition to building on our motto to express excellence and consistently striving to provide the best service, we know that “you” is the most important word in our airline. SA Express proudly launched its new brand on 2 December 2009 at OR Tambo International Airport. The new brand is set to ensure that it’s distinctive and positioned to build awareness and affinity in the domestic and regional markets.

The new proposition “We Fly for You” is set to position SA Express as a premier intra-regional African brand. The main objective of the re-brand is to ensure that SA Express is distinctive yet still aligned to the country’s mainline carrier.

SA Express’s unique positioning as an airline that

provides a bespoke, personalised travel experience was the rationale behind the proposition “We Fly for You”. The new brand mark is in line with the symbol and colours of the national flag, encouraging national pride. The new brand will be applied to all brand touch-points throughout the operation as well as the staff uniform.

Awards SA Express has won the AFRAA Regional Airline of the Year Award at the end of 2009, and the Allied and Aviation Business Corporate Award.

Our airline was also the recipient of the Annual Airline Reliability Award from Bombardier at the end of 2007. Other previous awards include the International Star Quality Award, which indicates our commitment to service excellence, while our prominence as one of the top 500 best managed companies is proof of our success as a business.

Onboard service The airline’s onboard service is unique and offers passengers a variety of meals or snacks. The airline pioneered its unique meal-box concept, and meal choices are frequently updated and designed using balanced food criteria: appearance, taste and nutritional value. Passengers can also enjoy a wine and malt service on specified flights as well as refreshments on all flights. Light snacks will be served on selected flights.

Our customers can expect a safe, comfortable, quality air-travel experience, with the added benefits of frequency, reliability, on-time departures and unmatched value for money.

We fly for you About us SA Express is a domestic and regional, passenger and cargo carrier which was established on 24th April 1994. The airline has since become one of the fastest growing regional airlines in Africa with route networks covering major local and regional cities.

SA Express plays a significant role in the country’s hospitality, travel and tourism industry and is a vital contributor to the country’s socioeconomic development.

SA Express prides itself in aiming to offer incomparable service standards. In addition to building on our motto to express excellence and consistently striving to provide the best service, we know that “you” is the most important word in our airline. With our consistent and seamless service, our customers can be assured of stellar customer service that will exceed their expectations.

Vision To be a sustainable world-class regional airline with an extensive footprint in Africa.

Purpose A sustainable, integrated regional airline connecting secondary and main airports.

Indwe /155

Flight schedule Johannesburg - Pilanesberg Flt No SA 1131

Dep 12:30

Arr 13:05

A/C CR2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

T

F

S

S

Johannesburg - Bloemfontein Flt sa SA SA SA SA SA SA SA

No 1001 1003 1005 1011 1013 1017 1021 1023

Dep 06:10 08:00 11:20 13:50 15:30 16:45 17:55 18:45

Arr 07:10 09:05 12:25 14:55 16:30 17:45 19:00 19:45

A/C cr8 DH4 DH4 DH4 dh4 dh4 cr2 DH4

M

T

W

Johannesburg - East London Flt No SA 1409

Dep 17:30

Arr 19:00

A/C CR2

M

Johannesburg - George Flt SA sa SA SA

No 1501 1503 1505 1509

Dep 06:40 08:20 11:25 15:50

Arr 08:35 10:15 13:20 17:40

A/C dh4 dh4 cr2 CR8

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

T

W

T

F

S

S

Dep 10:15 12:15

Arr 11:20 13:20

A/C DH4 DH4

M

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

T

Johannesburg - Kimberley Flt SA SA SA SA sa SA

No 1101 1103 1105 1107 1111 1113

Dep 06:20 09:20 13:10 14:35 16:45 17:30

Arr 07:30 10:25 14:15 15:45 17:50 18:40

A/C dh4 DH4 CR2 DH4 cr2 dh4

M

T

Johannesburg - Port Elizabeth Flt SA SA SA

No 1459 1457 1457

Dep 17:30 17:30 17:50

Arr 19:15 19:30 19:50

A/C cr8 DH4 dh4

M

T

Johannesburg - mahikeng Flt No SA 1123 sa 1125

Dep 07:10 14:55

Arr 07:55 15:40

A/C cr2 cr2

M

Flt sa

No 1132

Dep 13:40

A/C cr2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

T

W

Bloemfontein - Johannesburg Flt SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA

No 1024 1002 1004 1006 1012 1014 1018 1022

Dep 06:20 07:40 09:35 12:55 15:25 17:20 18:20 19:30

Arr 07:25 08:40 10:40 14:00 16:30 18:20 19:20 20:30

A/C DH4 cr8 dh4 DH4 DH4 dh4 dh4 cr2

M

T

W

East London - Johannesburg Flt sa SA

No 1410 1410

Dep 19:20 19:40

Flt SA SA sa SA

No 1502 1504 1506 1510

Dep 09:20 10:50 13:45 18:10

Arr 21:00 21:10

A/C dh4 CR2

M

Arr 11:10 12:40 15:35 19:50

A/C cr8 CR2 cr2 CR8

M

Flt SA SA

No 1226 1228

Dep 12:00 13:55

Arr 13:00 14:55

A/C DH4 DH4

M

No 1102 1104 1106 1108 1112 1114

Dep 08:00 10:55 15:05 16:15 18:15 19:05

Arr 09:10 12:00 16:10 17:25 19:20 20:10

A/C dh4 DH4 CR2 DH4 cr2 CR7

M

F

S

S

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

T

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

T

Kimberley - Johannesburg Flt SA SA SA SA sa SA

T

T

Hoedspruit - Johannesburg

T

Port Elizabeth - Johannesburg Flt SA SA

No 1460 1458

Dep 06:10 20:00

Arr 08:00 21:40

A/C DH4 cr2

M

T

mahikeng - Johannesburg Flt sa sa

No 1124 1126

Dep 08:20 16:10

*Please note that SA Express may deviate from the published schedule over the holiday period and will operate reduced schedules in December and January

SA EXPRESS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE, SUSPEND OR AMEND THIS PUBLISHED SCHEDULE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION. EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO OPERATE AS PER THE PLANNED SCHEDULE

156/ Indwe

Arr 14:15

George - Johannesburg

Johannesburg - Hoedspruit Flt No SA 1225 SA 1227

pilanesberg - Johannesburg

Arr 09:05 16:50

A/C cr2 cr2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

Johannesburg - Richards bay Flt SA SA SA SA

No 1201 1203 1207 1213

Dep 06:10 08:30 13:15 16:55

Arr 07:25 09:45 14:30 18:10

A/C DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

T

W

T

F

S

S

T

W

T

F

S

S

T

W

T

F

S

S

Johannesburg - walvis bay Flt No SA 1701

Dep 11:55

Arr 14:10

A/C CR8

M

T

Johannesburg - Gaborone Flt SA SA SA sa SA SA SA SA SA sa

No 1761 1763 1765 1767 1767 1775 1775 1783 1779 1779

Dep 06:55 07:55 09:55 11:30 11:55 12:40 14:30 15:45 18:10 18:45

Arr 07:50 08:50 10:50 12:20 12:45 13:35 15:25 16:40 19:05 19:40

A/C cr2 DH4 DH4 dh4 DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4 dh4

M

T

Johannesburg - Lubumbashi Flt No SA 1797

Dep 09:20

Arr 11:45

A/C CR8

M

T

CAPE TOWN - bloemfontein Flt SA SA sa SA SA SA

No 1081 1083 1087 1087 1091 1091

Dep 06:00 08:00 12:00 13:20 16:55 16:55

Arr 07:30 09:30 13:45 14:50 18:20 18:40

A/C CR2 CR2 cr2 cr2 cr2 dh4

M

CAPE TOWN - east london Flt sa SA SA sa SA SA SA sa

No 1361 1363 1363 1371 1371 1373 1375 1375

Dep 06:00 07:00 08:00 12:25 13:05 16:25 17:20 17:20

Arr 07:25 08:25 09:25 13:50 14:30 17:55 18:45 19:05

A/C CR2 CR2 CR2 cr2 CR2 cr2 CR2 dh4

M

Cape Town - Pilanesberg Flt No SA 1255

Dep 11:30

Arr 13:40

A/C CR2

M

Richards bay - Johannesburg Flt SA SA SA SA

No 1202 1204 1208 1214

Dep 08:05 10:30 15:05 18:40

Arr 09:20 11:45 16:20 20:00

A/C DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

T

W

T

F

S

S

T

W

T

F

S

S

T

W

T

F

S

S

walvis bay - Johannesburg Flt sa

No 1702

Dep 14:45

Arr 16:55

A/C cr8

M

T

Gaborone - Johannesburg Flt SA SA SA sa SA SA SA SA SA sa

No 1762 1764 1766 1768 1768 1776 1776 1784 1780 1780

Dep 08:30 09:20 11:25 12:55 13:20 14:15 16:05 17:15 19:45 20:10

Arr 09:25 10:15 12:20 13:50 14:15 15:10 17:00 18:10 20:40 21:05

A/C cr2 DH4 DH4 dh4 dh4 DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4 dh4

M

T

Lubumbashi - Johannesburg Flt SA

No 1798

Dep 12:30

Arr 15:00

A/C CR8

M

T

bloemfontein - CAPE TOWN Flt SA SA SA SA SA SA

No 1082 1084 1088 1088 1092 1092

Dep 08:15 10:30 14:15 15:30 19:00 19:25

Arr 10:00 12:15 16:00 17:15 20:45 21:25

A/C CR2 CR2 cr2 DH4 CR2 CR2

M

east london - CAPE TOWN Flt SA SA SA sa SA SA sa SA

No 1362 1364 1364 1372 1372 1374 1376 1376

Dep 08:00 09:00 10:00 14:20 15:10 18:30 19:40 19:50

Arr 09:40 10:40 11:40 16:00 16:50 20:10 21:40 21:30

A/C CR2 CR2 CR2 cr2 CR2 CR2 dh4 CR2

M

Pilanesberg - cape town Flt SA

No 1254

Dep 14:10

Arr 16:30

A/C CR2

M

*Please note that SA Express may deviate from the published schedule over the holiday period and will operate reduced schedules in December and January

SA EXPRESS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE, SUSPEND OR AMEND THIS PUBLISHED SCHEDULE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION. EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO OPERATE AS PER THE PLANNED SCHEDULE

Indwe /157

Flight schedule Cape Town - Hoedspruit Flt No sa 1241

Dep 09:10

Arr 12:30

A/C dh4

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

T

W

T

F

S

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

A/C CR2 CR2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

A/C CR2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

A/C CR2 CR2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

CAPE TOWN - port elizabeth Flt SA sa sa SA SA sa SA SA SA SA

No 1801 1803 1803 1807 1813 1813 1819 1821 1827 1823

Dep 06:00 07:00 07:30 10:10 10:40 14:20 15:00 16:30 17:20 18:30

Arr 07:30 08:15 08:40 11:40 12:10 15:50 16:30 17:40 18:30 20:00

A/C dh4 dh4 cr2 dh4 DH4 dh4 DH4 cr2 CR2 DH4

M

Cape Town - Walvis Bay Flt No SA 1721

Dep 11:15

Arr 13:25

A/C CR2

durban - East London Flt SA sa SA SA sa

No 1301 1305 1305 1309 1309

Dep 06:00 11:30 12:00 16:50 17:35

Arr 07:05 12:45 13:05 17:55 18:50

A/C CR2 dh4 CR2 CR2 dh4

durban - Port Elizabeth Flt SA SA sa SA SA sa SA

No 1330 1334 1334 1336 1340 1340 1348

Dep 06:00 08:25 09:15 09:50 13:35 13:35 17:40

Arr 07:20 09:45 10:35 11:10 14:55 15:05 19:00

A/C CR2 CR2 cr2 CR2 CR2 dh4 CR2

durban - CAPE TOWN Flt No SA 1850 SA 1858

Dep 06:10 15:35

Arr 08:25 17:50

durban - lusaka Flt No SA 1601

Dep 09:10

Arr 13:10

durban - Harare Flt No SA 1603 SA 1611

Dep 09:10 10:20

Arr 11:35 12:45

Hoedspruit - Cape Town Flt sa

No 1242

Dep 13:10

A/C dh4

M

T

port elizabeth - CAPE TOWN Flt SA SA sa sa SA SA sa sa SA SA SA

No 1826 1802 1804 1804 1808 1814 1814 1820 1822 1828 1824

Dep 07:00 08:00 08:40 09:20 12:10 12:40 16:20 17:00 18:10 19:00 20:30

Arr 08:40 09:40 10:10 10:40 13:50 14:20 18:00 18:40 19:30 20:20 22:10

A/C DH4 DH4 cr2 cr2 DH4 dh4 dh4 dh4 cr2 CR2 DH4

Flt SA

No 1722

Dep 14:00

Arr 16:00

No 1302 1306 1306 1310 1310

Dep 07:35 13:20 13:35 18:25 19:30

Arr 08:35 14:35 14:35 19:25 20:30

No 1331 1335 1335 1337 1341 1341 1349 1349

Dep 07:50 10:15 11:05 11:45 15:35 15:35 19:55 20:30

Arr 09:05 11:30 12:20 13:00 16:50 17:05 21:10 22:00

No 1851 1859

Dep 09:05 18:15

Arr 11:05 20:15

lusaka - durban Flt SA

No 1604

Dep 13:40

Arr 17:40

Harare - durban Flt SA SA

No 1612 1604

Dep 13:25 15:15

SA EXPRESS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE, SUSPEND OR AMEND THIS PUBLISHED SCHEDULE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION. EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO OPERATE AS PER THE PLANNED SCHEDULE

Arr 15:50 17:40

S

S

T

F

S

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

A/C CR2 CR2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

A/C CR2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

A/C CR2 CR2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

A/C CR2

A/C CR2 dh4 CR2 CR2 cr2

A/C CR2 CR2 cr2 cr2 CR2 dh4 CR2 dh4

CAPE TOWN - DURBAN Flt SA SA

F

W

Port Elizabeth - DURBAN Flt SA SA sa sa SA sa SA sa

T

T

East London - DURBAN Flt SA sa SA SA sa

W

M

walvis Bay - Cape Town

*Please note that SA Express may deviate from the published schedule over the holiday period and will operate reduced schedules in December and January

158/ Indwe

Arr 16:20

Passenger Letters Dear SA Express So often we read awful things about SA Express in the media and on social media platforms that one tends to believe these things to be true. Our minds are then pre-programmed to expect the worst and we’re often not willing to give the airline a chance.

I was on a flight from Richards Bay to Johannesburg last week (for the first time) and I was so pleasantly surprised.

The aircraft was neat, clean and more comfortable than I expected it to be (being a small plane). The crew was pleasant and the snacks served on such a short flight were quite impressive. It was certainly not the experience I was expecting.

There were a couple of tourists from the USA on the same flight. I overheard their conversations and the level of service and comfort was not what they expected either. They were quite impressed.

To the SA Express crew, well done! This is exactly what our country needs in these turbulent times: To show the world that South Africa is not all about violence, crime and corruption.

We have stunning natural landscapes, some of the mightiest and most magnificent creatures created on God’s great Earth, and people like the SA Express crew who genuinely enjoy what they do, making the South African experience warm, welcoming and comfortable for weary travellers.

Well done, SA Express Richards Bay crew. You’re doing your bit to move our country forward.

As a seasoned traveller I salute you!

Kind Regards Kaamini Reddy Congratulations to Kaamini Reddy, who wrote our winning letter this month, and walks away with a Samsonite Octolite 55 cm spinner valued at R3,495.

Dear Tebogo Moeng, I feel it is very important that you should know about the quality of staff that you have in your team.

I travelled with your airline earlier this year from Botswana to Johannesburg. Because I am a plus size person and the chairs are quite cramped, I requested that if possible, I could have the seat next to me left vacant.

Lerato Serumula really went out of her way and was able to accommodate this request even though the aircraft was full at the time. With my previous flights, the other flight attendants always made a fuss and showed a general lack of interest to assist me, even if seats were available.

I normally fly with Air Botswana because they are friendly, accommodating and have great service. However, this particular flight will make me consider flying on SA Express in future.

The flight was pleasant and I really wish that all flight attendants could show the same kind of dedication and willingness to be of assistance.

Regards, Gabriella Manzella

Do You Have Something to Say? Let us know what is on your mind by sending an email to customercare@flyexpress.aero.

Letters may be edited, shortened or translated from their original language.

The writer of the winning letter in the January edition of Indwe will receive a American Tourister Lightrax 55 cm spinner valued at R1,999.

Get ready to travel in style with the sporty-looking American Tourister Lightrax range. Loaded with functional features, this lightweight luggage of spinners (from 2,6 kg for the 55 cm bag) incorporates a new kind of luggage lock to prevent any movement of the zippers by locking them securely into the body of the bag with a combination-code lock. This prevents anyone breaking into your luggage through the zipper while in airport transit. The hard-shell case features an interior hanging pocket and the double wheel trolley makes for easier and more comfortable pulling. The range is available in black, turquoise, and raspberry, with prices ranging from R1,999 to R2,499. For more information, visit www.houseofsamsonite.co.za.

Indwe /159

Afric a ’ s Ta l e n t R e v e al e d Sunrise and foot prints, Aston Bay, Eastern Cape Karen Beyer

ters Research Centre, m the Dolphin Encoun fro en tak , ale Wh k bac Hump Dallas Cremildo bique Ponta do Ouro, Mozam

Part of an exhibition entitled “ephemeral” Matthew Green If you think you have what it takes, send your photos (1MB each), details of where they were taken and your contact details to nicky@tcbmedia.co.za, with the words “Indwe Photo” in the subject line.

We c a n’t wa it to s how t hem off !

160/ Indwe

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