Indwe July Issue 2014

B LO E M F O N T E I N LUBUMBASHI

CA P E TOW N DURBAN E A S T LO N D O N GABORONE LUSAKA WINDHOEK NELSPRUIT P O RT E L I Z A B E T H

GEORGE HOEDSPRUIT JOHANNESBURG KIMBERLEY PIETERMARITZBURG RICHARDSBAY W A LV I S B A Y HARARE

Indwe JULY 2014 YOUR FREE COPY

Game, Set, Race

Eye on the Durban July 2014

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contents

Features 78

Tea Time!

See What Goes Into Your Favourite Cuppa

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The Meaning of Life 67 Minutes

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July 2014

His Legacy Lives On

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July Fever Time Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event

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Cover Image: © 123RF

On the Cover Thousands of people get caught up in the celebration of the country’s best horses in “Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event”, the R3,5 million, Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July.

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A Freedom Timeline Looking Back at 20 Years of Democracy

Airline Content 14

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CEO Letter

SA Express Fleet

We Fly For You: Our Visions and Values

Safety and Route Map

Flight Schedule

Passenger Letters

contents

Regulars

Travel 62 22

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Live it Up in Limpopo Going Off the Beaten Path

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The Place of Timeless Natural Wonders Nkomazi Game Reserve

Events North, South, and In Between

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Real Time with Rhinos Rhino Tracking in Namibia

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Business

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Travel

Motoring

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Bits & Pieces Travel Tips & Gorgeous Goodies

Bites Restaurants & Taste Experiences

Gadgets Must Haves for Technophiles

Books New releases and Must Reads

Hooked on Hoedspruit Back to the Bush

Designer Durban The 2014 World Architecture Congress

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Putting Safety First Ben Baxter

Going Solo The Rise of the Freelance Economy

Work Anywhere Ditch the Traffic Jam, Improve Productivity

Maximising Mini The New MINI

Moving on Over to the Other Side Peugeot 2008 Crossover

ceo LEADERS IN THE AVIATION industry gathered in Doha, Qatar, last month to discuss the state of the aviation industry. As a way of ensuring that all passengers have a pleasant travel experience, members of IATA (International Air Transport Association) reached a resolution that encourages governments and the aviation industry to collaborate in finding sustainable solutions for unruly passengers. “Each incident of unruly behaviour marks an unacceptable inconvenience to passengers and crew. A united and balanced approach to the prevention and management of unruly passengers by governments and industry is vital,” remarked Tony Tyler, IATA Director General and CEO. Furthermore, the disappearance of flight MH370 in March highlighted global concerns about aircraft tracking, and prompted IATA to set up the Aircraft Tracking Task Force (ATTF).

IATA confirmed that the ATTF experts, deployed to explore and recommend improved global flight tracking, will share their draft findings in September. As aviation stakeholders, we welcome the work of this task team and look forward to their recommendations, which will hopefully provide us with enhanced measures of tracking our aircraft.

As we celebrated Youth Month in June, we were honoured to have the Minister of Sports, Mr Fikile Mbalula, and the Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Bulelani Magwanishe, attend the send-off event which saw nine young South Africans realize their dreams. These Born Frees were given the opportunity to attend the World Cup match between Nigeria and Iran in Curitiba, Brazil.

Our task as an airline is to create opportunities for young people, and to bolster international learning and exposure to the world of aviation. As remarked by Minister Mbalula: “A person is not made up of classroom learning only, you must experience life. And your lives will never be the same after this trip.”

SA Express further collaborated with Mango and SAA in the inaugural Maverick Awards, South Africa’s First Youth Entrepreneurship Awards, which

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SA EXPRESS Divisional Manager Communications and PR Keitumetse Masike Tel: +27 11 978 2540 Email: kmasike@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 Indwe is published by TjT Media (Pty) Ltd Tel: +27 12 425 5800 cover image © 123RF

took place at Emperor’s Palace on 26th June 2014. Young people are critical to South Africa’s socio-economic growth and it was a worthy sponsorship that will hopefully encourage more young people to explore the entrepreneurial route. Congratulations to all of the winners.

During this month, South Africans and the global community will be commemorating Nelson Mandela International Day. This will be a bitter sweet engagement, as it will be the first time we celebrate this day without our beloved Tata. However, he left us with a magnificent legacy that will soar for generations to come. I am proud of the SA Express staff members who will be partaking in the Kaya FM 67 km Relay for Mandela Day. They have been training for months to be part of this wonderful day, and I wish them all the best.

Please also look out for our Mandela Day Activities at the following airports: Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and East London. We will be erecting display walls where passengers from any airline can come and write their pledge for their 67 minutes.

I do hope that you will be taking time out on 18th July to do something that will keep the spirit of Tata alive.

Inati Ntshanga

General Manager and Associate Publisher Letlhogonolo Sealetsa | nolo@tjtmedia.co.za Publisher Bernard Hellberg | bernard@tjtmedia.co.za Marketing and Communications Manager Pam Komani | pam@tjtmedia.co.za Editor Nicky Furniss | editor@tjtmedia.co.za Senior Designer Lindsey Steenkamp | design@tjtmedia.co.za DIRECTORS Bernard Hellberg l bernard@tjtmedia.co.za Obed Sealetsa | nolo@tjtmedia.co.za Pam Komani | pam@tjtmedia.co.za ADVERTISING SALES Tel: +27 12 425 5800 National Sales Manager Bryan Kayavhu | bryan@tcbmedia.co.za +27 83 785 6691 Manager: National Sales & Business Development Chantal Barton | chantal@tcbmedia.co.za +27 83 459 3086 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 André Scharneck | andre@tcbmedia.co.za +27 72 739 8855 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.

Events North July

11th – 20th

Ice, Ice Baby Disney on Ice, Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends from Disney’s Mulan, The Lion King and Pinocchio, and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Toy Story take to the ice for a grand celebration in Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Magic.This fanfare production features more than 60 unforgettable Disney stars that span the decades, a sing-along score of award-winning Disney music, stunning choreography, elaborate sets, and beautiful costumes. Tickets are available from Computicket. www.disneyonice.com

But First, Let Me Take a Selfie!

25th June to 6th September 2014

300 Years of South African Portraits, Standard Bank Gallery, Johannesburg From Sitting to Selfie: 300 Years of South African Portraits maps the long tradition of portraiture and its changing use and function in society. From 19th century oil paintings to 21st century video installations, this exhibition raises many interesting questions about how and why people make portraits of themselves and others, and how the reasons for this have changed over time. It’s a visual feast, a richly textured walk through South African art and social history, and an opportunity to come face-to-face with those who peopled our past and share our world.Admission is free. www.standardbankarts.co.za

July

Miss Wong Returns 14th to 24th August 2014

Tretchikoff Exhibition, Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg Vladimir Tretchikoff was one of the most commercially successful artists of all time.

Browns the Diamond Store now has one of the largest privately owned collections of Tretchikoffs in the world; among these are the prized,“Miss Wong” and the famous “The Dying Swan”. During his lifetime Tretchikoff insisted that his paintings were exhibited at accessible venues, favouring large department stores, earning him the nick name “The People’s Painter”. This makes it particularly fitting that Browns will be exhibiting their Tretchikoff collection at Hyde Park Corner this August, to tie in with the opening of their newest store. Visit the Tretchikoff exhibition and witness the magnificent Miss Wong together with their new Hyde Park showroom. www.brownsjewellers.com

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Events South

Red, White and Blue 12th & 13th July 2014

Franschhoek Bastille Festival, Franschhoek This year marks a major milestone as the Franschhoek Bastille Festival turns 21. To celebrate this, there will be a performance by a troupe of ten dancers and musicians from the Seychelles who will take part in the street parade, and perform in the Food and Wine Marquee on both days. They will also be judging the Best Seychelles Dance as performed by keen festival goers, with a grand prize of a six night holiday in the Seychelles for the winner. Festival goers can also look forward to fabulous wine and food, created by some of the Valley’s celebrated winemakers and chefs, as well as fun activities such as the Franschhoek Boules Tournament, the SolmsDelta Parade and the Barrel-Rolling Competition. Tickets are available from www.webtickets.co.za. www.franschhoekbastille.co.za

A Culinary Collaboration Reuben Invites, One&Only Cape Town July

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Popular chef Reuben Riffel is set to collaborate with multi award winning chef Richard Carstens for one appearance only on Thursday, 31st July. Part of the 2014 Reuben Invites series, the Carstens collaboration is set to be a cracker! One of South Africa’s most thoughtful, imaginative and creative chefs, Carstens has cooked in restaurants as far afield as Asia and Australia, and now serves up his outstanding fusion food at the dramatic and beautiful Tokara restaurant on the Tokara Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.

Diners can expect appetising combinations of flavour and texture, matched with Tokara’s star studded wines.The evening begins with a tasting of Tokara’s wines in One&Only Cape Town’s Vista Bar & Lounge, before guests move through to Reuben’s restaurant to feast on the superb four-course menu.

Email restaurant.reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com for reservations.

Fondue Fun Sunday Afternoons in July and August

Cheese Fondue & Jazz Sundays, Delheim Estate, Stellenbosch For a taste of nostalgia and feel good vibes, find your cosy spot at Delheim when this Stellenbosch wine farm lifts the lid on its popular Cheese Fondue & Jazz indulgences, every Sunday afternoon during the months of July and August. Delheim’s cheese fondue – made to an authentic Swiss recipe – is served with an oven fresh baguette and crisp vegetable crudités, and is the perfect treat to ward off the winter chills. Along with a warming glass of Glühwein on arrival, lashings of piping hot cheese fondue, and award-winning estate wines, the Wicomb Jazz Trio will also turn up the heat with their soulful music from 12h30 until 15h30. Bookings are essential. Email restaurant@delheim.com to secure your table.

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Events In Between July

Making a House a Home

24th – 27th

Port Elizabeth Algoa FM Homemakers Expo The Boardwalk Exhibition Centre, PE The 2014 Port Elizabeth Algoa FM Homemakers Expo will afford visitors the opportunity to experience the very latest home improvement, décor, furniture, and home lifestyle trends and products. Visitors can also look forward to the popular Eastern Cape Barista Championships and Coffee Lovers Theatre, as well as a great selection of food and deli goodies in the popular Gourmet Garage, and the opportunity to enter the Homemakers Prize competition where you could win a techno makeover for your home. www.homemakersonline.co.za

The Greatest Shoal on Earth June – July

The Annual Sardine Run, South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal Each year an unbelievable feeding frenzy takes place between July and August when over 700,000,000 sardines migrate up the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, creating a unique and exhilarating experience for divers, birders, whale-watchers, and anglers. The sardines are followed by large numbers of Common and Bottlenose dolphins; Copper, Dusky and Black Tip sharks; and a wide range of game fish.Thousands of sea birds create a spectacular air show as Cape gannets, terns, skuas, petrels, seagulls, and Albatrosses also follow and feed on the sardines. Humpback whales are a familiar sight during the Sardine Run, and create much excitement when they breach their massive bodies out of the ocean swells. In celebration of this annual marine phenomenon, the South Coast offers a host of activities and events to keep you busy as you anticipate the first sightings of the sardines. www.tourismsouthcoast.co.za

In the Name of Art

July

3rd – 13th

The Grahamstown National Arts Festival, Grahamstown The Grahamstown’s National Arts Festival is determined to prove that life begins at 40, as it celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The event will feature some of the Festival’s most accomplished alumni, as well as strong new artistic voices from across the country and from more than 20 other countries. A highlight of a power-packed theatre programme this year is a line-up of eight productions written, directed, or adapted by previous Standard Bank Young Artist winners. The festival also promises probably the strongest component of new compositions and music from Africa ever to be presented on the Festival’s main music programme.This year, there will also be a free public art performance every day of the Festival as a birthday gift to everyone who wants to take part in the festivities, but who cannot afford to buy a ticket. www.nationalartsfestival.co.za

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Bits & Pieces ter n i l W way a e Id ka a e Br

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Must Stay

Online Art Orms Photo Art is a new online platform that connects you with up-and-coming South African photographers, and takes care of the whole process of ordering, printing, and framing photographic artwork. Orms Photo Art is an online exhibition space, with a hand-picked collection of fine art photography and an easy ordering process. Collectors can select their preferred printing method and choose a custom frame to suit their space. The finished product will then be delivered, ready to hang on their wall. The website also gives South African photographers the opportunity to showcase their work outside of the traditional gallery setting, and photographers are encouraged to submit their work for consideration. The extensive collection also means that there is something for everyone – from architecture and portraits to landscapes and cityscapes. www.ormsphotoart.co.za

Pedal High The BikePlus Altitude Centre is pioneering the concept of simulated altitude training in South Africa. Also known as hypoxic training, this is a non-invasive, drug-free technique to improve sporting performance, fitness and sustained wellbeing by acclimatising the body to reduced oxygen levels. Training sessions consist of interval-based cycling workouts in a specialised low-oxygen performance chamber.

The BikePlus Altitude Centre is equipped with British Cycling endorsed Wattbikes that monitor and track your progress as your stamina and strength improve over time. For nonathletes, simulated altitude training has also been known to improve general health, and to treat lack of sleep and fatigue.

The BikePlus Altitude Centre is located in the BikePlus Cycling Lifestyle Shop in Constantia, Cape Town. www.bikeplus.co.za

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Bright Bags Whether you’re simply going away for a weekend or heading overseas, the luggage you choose says a lot about you. Boring black be gone. Instead, enter Lou Harvey with her beautiful bags that will change the way you look at luggage forever. They include a handy overnight bag and a pack bag which has a comfortable carry handle and a snug strap, so it’s great for hand luggage. Sadly, these days, no trip is taken without a laptop. And, thanks to Ms Harvey, you don’t have to sacrifice functionality for beauty when it comes to the case. There are also iPad covers that you can slip in among your clothes, as well as passport and ID covers that have been added to the collection. The kids can also feel included and will love Lou’s range of backpacks. As with everything Lou Harvey, you can pick the colour and pattern that expresses you best. Choose from favourites such as Candy Stripe, bold Honeycomb, China Rose in Turquoise, plus you can order everything online and have it delivered straight to your door. www.louharvey.co.za

A New Type of Business Hotel

indwe Loves..

The world over, business travel is the same. You forget what city you are in after a while and the whole experience is carpeted in the same colour: nondescript beige. Life is too short to stay in the wrong hotel. Don’t settle for a second-rate duplicate. Instead, step up to Urban Hotels. Urban Hotels offers a new take on hospitality for the business traveller. They provide a unique three-star experience that is both stylish and affordable. Central locations, comfortable rooms, exceptional service, and luxurious finishes come standard with their specialised approach and customer focus. Because they believe that their guests are not just business travellers; they are travellers for business. The distinction is subtle, but the difference is worlds apart. www.urbanhotels.co.za

A Walk to Remember The Vineyard Hotel, located in Newlands, Cape Town, will once again host its popular garden walks for visitors who are keen to explore the venue’s appealing two-and-a-half hectare property. The 90-minute tours will be hosted by seasoned horticulturist and environmentalist Chris Van Zyl and his assistant Dewet Bezuidenhout, who will provide guests with interesting botanical and historical facts while they soak up the tranquillity of the setting. Van Zyl explains that each season brings with it an array of different sights and sounds. In Winter the camellias and coral trees come into bloom, as well as bulbs like the cyrtanthus. These lush grounds were designed in the early 1980s by landscape architect Anne Sutton, and feature a number of relaxing water features. Walks start at 09h30, and are followed by a morning tea consisting of sandwiches, scones and blueberry cheesecake. www.vineyard.co.za

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bites Culinary Escapes The award-winning Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is known as the home of authentic Cape cuisine. It is here that renowned Executive Chef Floris Smith incorporates the natural flavours of the surrounding landscape to capture the essence of the Cape Floral Kingdom with his inspired culinary creations. This winter, Chef Smith will be hosting a series of exclusive Food and Wine Weekends, during which he will team up with some of South Africa’s most revered winemakers and wineries to present the perfect pairing of the finest local cuisine with outstanding wines. Foodies can look forward to a weekend with Cederberg Private Cellar from 25th to 27th July; and another with Steenberg Vineyards from 22nd to 24th August. The Food and Wine Weekends cost from R2,270 per person, per night, sharing and include all meals and lodge activities. www.bushmanskloof.co.za

Dining Deluxe Flames and View, two brand new restaurants at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg, are set to shake up the culinary scene in the City of Gold. Both will be helmed by the hotel’s new executive chef, Dirk Gieselmann, who has served as Chef de Cuisine at the famed Michelin three-star Auberge de l’ill restaurant in France’s Alsace region for the past seven years. Flames brings Gieselmann’s “savoir faire” to informal eating, and is “a relaxed, cosy spot” with a large terrace perfect for leisurely sunset drinks and snacks overlooking the city’s treetops. An outdoor braai area, where meat and fish are cooked to perfection, is at the restaurant’s heart. “At View, the food – and not the chef – is the star,” Gieselmann says of his signature restaurant.

Gieselmann’s French-accented menu offers refined, yet honest contemporary cuisine at this beautiful fine dining restaurant, with delicacies like crayfish and foie gras adding to its decadence. www.fourseasons.com/johannesburg

En Route to Great Food If the sound of a cooking course combined with a relaxing breakaway makes your senses sizzle, then Food Routes – an online expressway to an array of “wine, dine and recline” adventures across South Africa – is your ticket to unleashing your inner master chef, thanks to a cavalcade of culinary holidays to indulge in this winter. On a Food Routes Culinary Holiday, food lovers can experience hands-on cooking lessons in glorious settings, while learning how to make regional specialties from traditional staples unique to the area. The luscious line-up of cooking classes – on offer until the end of August – varies from gastronomic encounters in the Karoo and a Winelands whip-up, to a culinary safari at one of the most renowned gourmet destinations in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as a stay at a working sheep farm in the Cape. www.foodroutes.co.za 26 Indwe

The Meaning of Life: 67 Minutes Text: Bronwyn Wainwright Images © iStockphoto.com & Shutterstock

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outh Africa’s father has left a legacy that is sweeping across the globe: The call for 67 minutes of goodwill and charity on Mandela Day to remember and celebrate the 67 years he fought for democracy and social justice. It is becoming an international do-good movement and the only question is: What are you going to do to celebrate it this year?

THE ANSWER TO LIFE, the universe and everything else, I would like to suggest, is 67 minutes. Perhaps Douglas Adams would agree if he were writing his famed book The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy now. Instead, it’s the 10th anniversary of Adams’ death, and not yet the first anniversary of Madiba’s. No matter, this year’s Mandela Day will undoubtedly be a commemorative one.

It all started with Madiba’s three simple, powerful principles: free yourself, free others, and serve every day. These ideals are at the heart of the Mandela Day campaign, along with the message to use 67 minutes “to bring together people around the world to fight poverty and to promote peace and reconciliation”. The campaign began on 18th July 2009, Mandela’s 91st birthday, and was officially recognised that same year by

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the United Nations’ 165 member states as Nelson Mandela International Day. Yup, it’s not just a day we South Africans get amped about, it has become a global movement and testimony that each individual has the ability to impact the world in ways great or small.

In 2010, Morgan Freeman, Jeremy Mansfield and a group of 40 motorcycle riders and support team members travelled from Johannesburg to Cape Town on a six-day road trip to spread the Mandela Day campaign. The group worked on community projects, from painting walls and planting trees, to providing soup kitchens for the homeless, in various towns en route, as their contribution to Mandela Day. Since then dozens of initiatives have been launched. Breadline Africa, together with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, initiated the

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Mandela Day Libraries Project in 2011 to provide primary schools in need across the country with container box libraries. Last year, Kaya FM started the annual Kaya FM 67 km Relay for Mandela Day, bringing over 12,000 people from all walks of life together at Waterfall Estate to celebrate diversity and to run for various charities of choice. This year it will be held on 13th July 2014. In Port Elizabeth, a 67-minute walk to draw attention to muscle diseases is being hosted by the We MiND Foundation on 19th July 2014.

This year, another new movement called 67 Blankets for Mandela Day encourages people to knit, crochet or donate blankets to the poor. It was founded by actress and Radio Today host Carolyn Steyn. The first official hand-over of blankets was held last month – cold fronts and plummeting winter temperatures made Steyn decide to start distributing the blankets immediately, rather than waiting until 18th July.

“Stitch by stitch we will be keeping thousands of people warm this winter in the name of our beloved Madiba!” said Steyn at the event. Hundreds of blankets were displayed at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton before being donated to children at the Thusong Youth Centre and the elderly at the Itlhokomeleng Old Age Home, both in Alexandra.

While there’s a host of big events to choose from, the joy of the 67 minutes initiative is that the sky’s the limit when it comes to ideas. The Mandela Day website (www.mandeladay.com) lists 67 ways to make a difference – from taking a bag of toys to a children’s hospital ward to organising a clean-up day, or fixing potholes in your area.

It really isn’t hard to think of something you feel strongly about. Being an animal lover and a clutter hater, I decided to collect 67 items in my home to donate to the SAINTs Animal Charity Shop in Johannesburg. I had heard of SAINTs (Supporting Animals In Needy Times) through my favourite animal shelter. It’s a shop that sells pet food and accessories, bestselling books and nearly new second-hand clothing and shoes, handbags, linen, bric-a-brac, and appliances.

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It’s a bit of an out-there concept – donating goods which are sold to donate money to animal welfare organisations – so I got in touch with the owner, Vivienne Elliot, to learn more.

“SAINTs supports 17 animal welfare and rescue organisations as beneficiaries of the shop,” she explains.

“We rely on donations of second-hand items, and the funds generated by the sale of those goods are paid over to all the participating beneficiaries. The goods you donate are marked with the code of the beneficiary you choose. As the goods sell, the money is allocated to that beneficiary. At the end of each month, all the beneficiaries receive their portion of the funds collected.”

Of course, I ended up collecting far more than 67 items by the time I had filled a couple of boxes and several black bags. As a bonus, it feels just as good to have neat and tidy cupboards and a lot more space as it does to know that the things I had horded away will instead benefit my favourite charity.

Whether it’s 67 kilometres, blankets, or minutes, if you’re supporting a charity (or two), just make sure it is legit. It doesn’t help if your donations are being pocketed rather than passed on. SAINTs, for example, is registered with all the relevant authorities and is fully compliant with SARS and the SAPS (which is required for all second-hand dealers).

In all truth, I don’t know the answer to life, and I don’t think Douglas Adams did either (although there’s a new book that attempts to prove he did).

What I do know is that 67 minutes is an easy start to making a real difference in life. So let’s grow the Mandela Day movement 67 minutes at a time, any day of the year, any way you want to.

His Legacy Lives On

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Text: Lesley Stones Images © iStockphoto.com & 123RF

Few countries can boast an annual day when every citizen tries to do something good for others.

WE HAVE ACHIEVED that in South Africa thanks to Nelson Mandela, who inspired the annual campaign in his honour that encourages people to devote 67 minutes of their time to charity on 18th July, the date of his birthday.

Mandela is best remembered for his calm leadership that steered the peaceful transition from Apartheid to democracy. His spirit of reconciliation was matched by his dedication to helping others, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation was created to keep that spirit alive and to help it grow.

There is no shortage of charities and philanthropic organisations that help people in a world where so many still need help. But only the Nelson Mandela Foundation and its “67 minutes for Mandela” campaign manages to unite a whole country into doing what they can to maintain Madiba’s legacy. The target of 67 minutes honours the fact that Mandela (officially) spent 67 years serving his country.

The day is a call for individuals everywhere to take responsibility for changing the world for the better, one small step at a time. “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it,” as the great man said.

The Foundation was established as a base for

Mandela’s charitable work soon after he became South Africa’s first democratically elected President on 9th May 1994. Its projects are wide-ranging, and include building schools, conducting HIV/AIDS work, and initiating peace and reconciliation interventions.

Many great things are achieved each year in recognition of Mandela’s commitment to a life spent serving others.

On an individual scale, millions of people do something big or small that makes a positive difference to others. On a larger scale, one campaign strives to deliver more Mandela Day container libraries to rural schools each year. The libraries contain 15 tablet computers loaded with e-books and Internet access for use by the pupils and their teachers. It also serves adults in the community who come to the school for after-hours adult education to increase their chances of becoming economically active.

This year, Stop Hunger South Africa will stage Meals in Memory events in Johannesburg and Cape Town on Nelson Mandela Day. It hopes to rally about 4,000 volunteers to pack 670,000 meals for pre-school children by working in shifts of 67 minutes each throughout the day.

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Habitat for Humanity South Africa will aim to build 67 houses in Pelican Park in the Western Cape during the week leading up to Mandela Day. On 18th July the volunteers will work with community members around the clock in a 24-hour “blitz build” in an effort to exceed the target. The houses will be handed over to the beneficiaries at a closing ceremony, where the volunteers will see what a significant difference they have made to people’s lives.

“The day is about South Africans coming together, taking action, and in the process bringing to life Nelson Mandela’s legacy in his values, vision and leadership and responding to his call to work together to build the country of our dreams,” says Adrienne Burke, Habitat for Humanity’s Marketing Manager.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation says that to ensure their actions have a lasting effect, people should strive to leave behind not just physical changes, but also a sense of empowerment by helping to build pride among communities, so that they can take charge of their own destinies and change their circumstances.

Caring for the Kids

Nelson Mandela has given his name to two organisations that work to improve the lives of the youth. The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation.

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation offers bursaries to young Africans who display academic prowess and leadership potential. The scheme funds their chosen post-graduate degree and gives them access to leadership development programmes. About 200 scholarships have been awarded since it was launched in 2005.

The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund strives to change the way society treats its children and youth, based on the belief that all children should be free from hunger, abuse, exploitation and homelessness, and that all children should have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Mandela established the fund in 1995 and it initially operated as a grant-making body. But they soon realised that this handout approach was unsustainable, as it did not encourage community involvement. It is now a development agency that works to change how society treats its children and youth in order to improve their lives.

One ambitious project is to build a 200-bed Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Johannesburg to achieve the goal that Mandela expressed at its launch: to be a “credible demonstration of the commitment of African leaders to place the rights of children at the forefront”.

The organisation has raised R570 million towards the hospital, with the ground-breaking ceremony held in March this year and the facilities due to open in early 2016.

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It’s July Fever Time!

Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event

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Text & Images © Vodacom Durban July

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ou don’t feel sick, there is no headache and no pain, but your temperature is rising and you’re feeling anxious. You try to concentrate on work or everyday activities, but names like Futura, S’Manga Khumala and Sean Tarry keep popping into your head with a feeling of excitement.

IF YOU ARE A WOMAN you might just have the urge to splash out on a new outfit and you begin to roam the dress shops or visit your favourite designer.

You don’t really know why, but you just have that sense of expectancy, and the desire to dazzle.

Don’t worry, you are not the only one, and you can rest assured that those feelings will intensify over the coming weeks.

There is a remedy, and it comes in buckets with excitement, fashion and fun as thousands of people get caught up in the celebration of the country’s best horses in “Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event”, the R3,5 million, Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July, which will be taking place on 5th July 2014.

The cure is instantaneous, whether you are among the 55,000 people who cram the confines of the Greyville Racecourse, or the millions of others who will watch the annual spectacle on television.

For maximum effect, however, there is nothing better than to be at the heart of the excitement, among the crowds who line the track, who relax in the many restaurant facilities, or enjoy the day as guests in the corporate suites and the numerous venues in Greyville’s legendary Marquee Village.

Most facilities are booked out months in advance, but the “Sold Out” signs should not deter those who have failed to secure reservations. There will always be the casual restaurants, including Greyville’s popular al fresco area, “The Paddock”, in the main grandstand concourse and the popular Shorthead Restaurant on the first floor.

A variety of packages are also available in hospitality areas and these should be secured in advance.

The excitement of Vodacom Durban July Day surpasses that of any other event on the African continent. With 55,000 people expected on course

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and millions of others around the country taking serious bets or having their annual flutter, the totes and bookmakers will be under tremendous pressure dealing with the estimated betting splurge of over R200 million!

To ensure that your cure is complete, get your bets in early and avoid the risk of continually feeling ill because you missed the cure.

Watching your fancy pass the winning post first in the country’s greatest race is the only remedy.

For more information visit www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za.

Hooked on Hoedspruit

Back to the Bush Text: Adam Cruise Images © Adam Cruise

Hoedspruit is one of those places everyone knows about, but rarely stays in. The main reason for this is that this central Bushveld town forms a gateway to the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon. It is also the central hub of one of the world’s largest conglomerations of private wildlife conservancies, which includes Timbavati, Thornybush, and the Klaserie Reserves. In short, one generally passes through Hoedspruit in order to reach these world-renowned destinations. Yet, it may be worth lingering a little here.

FOR STARTERS, Hoedspruit is the capital of the giant baobab tree. Sometimes called the “upsidedown tree” because its stout branches resemble roots, the giant baobabs that dot the skyline of Hoedspruit have an interesting folklore. According to African legend the baobab was the first tree created by the gods. The second tree, much to the baobab’s consternation, was taller. The baobab vociferously objected that as the first tree it should be the tallest, so the gods acquiesced. When the third tree was created, it had a wider girth. Again the baobab objected and again the gods acquiesced.

When the fourth tree was formed, the baobab was about to object once more, but the gods’ patience had run out by that stage and they promptly uprooted the baobab and plunged it headfirst into the ground to cease its objections forever.

One particular baobab, affectionately named the Hoedspruit Giant, has a girth of 16 m, making it the second largest tree in the country. The tree, which could be several thousands of years old, has split in two and its giant branches have drooped to the ground like the tentacles of a giant octopus.

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There is a nearby restaurant called the Upside Down, which is the perfect place to sit and marvel at this natural wonder while enjoying local Bushveld fare.

Baobabs are not the only things peculiar to Hoedspruit. One can take a one or two week art course specialising in wildlife here. Effectively, this is a safari with a twist, because instead of photographing wild animals, one learns to draw or paint them. The establishment, fittingly called Off-Beat Safaris, has a lodge just on the outskirts of the town and the artist-owner takes guests into the bush armed with an array of brushes and easels. Off-Beat also operates horseback safaris, for all levels of experience. This is another novel and extremely rewarding way to view game in the wild, as the horses can get much closer to the action than motor vehicles can.

Surprisingly, Hoedspruit also hosts not just one, but four annual festivals, which are each quite different from the other. The Blyde X Fest is held annually in March/April and is a festival of extreme excitement when kayakers from all over gather to test their skills in the white waters of the Blyde River.

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s e e f l i g h t s c h e d u l e f o r m o r e i n f o r m at i o n .

Day on 22nd September and Heritage Day on 24th September each year, which is fitting, seeing that rhinos are one of South Africa’s iconic species, but have sadly been facing an unprecedented crisis in recent years. The aim of the festival is to raise funds by fusing conservation and great entertainment in order to help save the rhinos from extinction.

Finally, if the adventure of riding a horse, kayaking down the Blyde River or rocking under the Bushveld stars becomes a tad too much, one can always retreat into the tranquil sanctuary of a spa. There are an extraordinarily high number of spas in the region, both within the town itself and at the various surrounding game lodges. So if you are in the mood for a steam bath, a manicure or a massage, Hoedspruit is sure not to let you down.

The name “Hoedspruit” is instantly recognisable to most South Africans, but as a town is fairly unknown. So the next time you fly into Hoedspruit destined for a safari in the surrounding Bushveld, try spending a night or two here first, as the town is sure to dish up a few more undiscovered gems.

Sa e x p r e s s c o n n e c t s y o u t o h o e d s p r u i t

Every July one of the oldest Bushveld festivals, the Hoedspruit Wildfees, is held on the outskirts of the town. It originated as an aside to a game auction, however, the event is now a festival in itself with a host of events and activities ranging from aerial displays by the nearby air force base, to hot-air balloon rides, motorcycle speed tests, 4x4 courses, a visit to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, and even the annual crowning of Miss Limpopo.

And then for something completely different: The Hlokomela Herb Banquet. This is held every year at the beginning of September, and involves support and participation from various lodges in the region who prepare and present a range of foods made using herbs produced by the Hlokomela Community Herb Garden. The garden produces a wide range of herbs and vegetables, and is run as an initiative to help sustain local communities through sales to the surrounding lodges and major retail outlets.

From community upliftment to saving a species, the highlight of the four festivals is Hoedspruit’s Rocking for Rhinos Festival.

The festival spans across World Rhino

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Designer

Durban

The 2014 World A

rchitecture Cong

ress

Text: Keith Bain in, Prakash & Kierr an Allen

Images Š Keith Ba

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“Architecture Otherwhere” is the title of this year’s World Architecture Congress, a tri-annual gathering happening early next month in South Africa’s warmest city, Durban. Here, some of the world’s foremost architects and urban planners will be applying their minds and imaginations to the future of our built environment.

WHAT WILL CITIES look like in the future?

What does Africa have to teach the world about how human settlements can evolve more sustainably?

And how can building design help ensure more harmonious interconnectivity between the people who inhabit them?

These are some of the questions that will be addressed at next month’s World Architecture Congress, a global event instituted by the International Union of Architects (UIA) in 1948.

The congress will draw architects and a host of experts in related fields to deliberate over a range of issues connected to buildings, building technology, and built environments. This year, it’ll be staged in Durban. This is a first for Sub-Saharan Africa, and an opportunity to bring the continent squarely into the debate around the future of architecture, and how the world’s cities are expected to evolve.

While the continent boasts some of the great architectural wonders of the ancient world, many believe it’s time to consider contemporary African design solutions to problems faced by a fastchanging, rapidly urbanising world. This notion of looking for alternative strategies is embedded in this year’s congress title, “Otherwhere”, which is a reference to the idea of looking elsewhere, outside the box, for answers.

Durban, perhaps more than any other South African city, epitomises this notion of “Otherwhere”.

After all, it is considered the “out there” sibling to Cape Town and Johannesburg, a condition frequently associated with Durban’s reputation as a breeding ground for great creativity. Graphic designer Garth Walker, who has lived in Durban for 40 years, says that the city has retained its edge

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Sa e x p r e s s c o n n e c t s y o u t o d u r b a n da i l y

precisely because it refuses to bend to external will and expectation. It’s a city where creativity thrives, he says, largely because it avoids compartmentalisation, eschewing labels like “sophisticated” and “worldclass” in favour of dancing to its own tune.

Many creative people working in Durban claim it embraces heterogeneity in ways that other South African cities don’t. Not only is it a truly African city and a socio-cultural melting pot, but it’s also vibrant and chaotic, percolating with inventiveness, and a culture that excels at originating unique solutions to pressing problems.

This makes Durban a vital think tank, where fresh ideas can take root. Organisers say Durban’s congress will look at reimagining not only what architecture means, but also how architectural innovation can help better connect people with one another. Many local architects consider this a vital component of urban design in post-apartheid South Africa, where there’s a need to shape cities so that people from different backgrounds connect with one another.

Where better to do this than Durban, says Cape Town-based architect Mokena Makeka, who cites the city’s beachfront – upgraded for the 2010 FIFA World Cup – as a successful locus of social integration. Cities of the future, he says, need to solve the problem of how to bring together disparate worlds, including modern and traditional realities. This is a problem the beachfront has addressed through architectural ideas that promote democratic inclusiveness, enhancing what he terms “the social economy”.

Congress emissary, Karen Eicker, says Architecture Otherwhere will similarly celebrate diversity by inviting and involving a wide range of “others” (new players and outsiders) into the

Around Durban with Local Architect, Joy Brasler

STAY at The Oyster Box, in Umhlanga, for a take on the colonial heyday of Durban. There’s an amazing art collection, and a seriously heady experience in the Lighthouse Bar, with its fire-engine red décor and moody view onto Umhlanga’s lighthouse. Otherwise, The Concierge, an urban hotel with snazzy interiors by Egg Design and an incredible menu at its Freedom Café, which occupies a cleverly transformed shipping container poised on a gravel plinth.

EAT at Market on Gladys Mazibuko Road. Great food is served in a charming courtyard, and there’s jazz on Fridays. Glenwood Bakery does excellent breakfasts with artisanal breads and croissants, and on Monday nights they have wood-fired pizza.

WALK from the Moses Mabhida Stadium, under the bridge onto the beachfront, along to Battery Beach. Any time after 06h00, there will be ample opportunity for people-watching as Durbanites descend for surfing and walking and drinking coffee. The architecture is also worth noting, particularly the Brutalist “beach amenities” from the 1970s, and the “beachfront fantasia” constructions of the 1980s.

Pop into the Blue Waters Hotel for a peek at the fabulous foyer and internal pool, and stop at Café Jiran for a coffee.

HANG OUT

on Florida Road, which has just about everything, starting with the African Arts Centre at one end, Spiga d’Ora for reliable Italian food and a sociable buzz any time of day, and right at the top, Chuck & Bobs (on Innes Road), across from Mitchell Park. Love Coffee on Windermere Road is a fun daytime spot, while The Chairman, a secret bar at The Point, is the after-dark hangout of choice.

LOOK OUT for the Milne Street pedestrian project, dubbed “Rivertown”, happening under the auspices of the Congress. There will be all kinds of “pop-ups” happening there during the Congress, with cultural initiatives and exhibitions showcasing ways that the area can be brought back to life sustainably.

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architectural arena. One major headspace shift is a push to rethink the relationship between architects and the communities for whom they design.

Understanding that people, rather than buildings, are the most essential element in any design strategy may be the key to reimagining what human settlements will look like in the future.

If the architects responsible for designing and implementing our built environments are able to better understand their role in facilitating human behaviour and social interaction, there’s hope for the evolution of more human-friendly cities in the future. This means that the Durban congress might impact not just those in attendance, but architecture everywhere.

UIA 2014 Durban will be held at the International Convention Centre from 3rd to 7th August. Some 5,000 delegates are expected to attend. Visit www.uia2014durban.org for more information.

Durban la créatrice

Congrès mondial d’architecture 2014

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Texte : Keith Bain Images © Keith Bain, Prakash Bhika & Kierran Allen

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L’architecture autrement et ailleurs » est l’intitulé du Congrès mondial d’architecture, évènement triennal qui prend place au début du mois prochain à Durban, la ville la plus chaleureuse d’Afrique du Sud. On y trouvera les architectes et les urbanistes les plus en vue au monde qui s’efforceront d’imaginer ce à quoi ressemblera le futur de notre environnement bâti.

Text & Images: Adam Cruise

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sœur « flamboyante » du Cap et de Johannesbourg, état fréquemment associé à sa réputation de nid de créativité. Garth Walker, un concepteur graphique qui vit à Durban depuis 40 ans, dit que la ville a conservé son originalité justement parce qu’elle refuse de se plier aux pressions et aux attentes extérieures.

C’est une ville ultra-créative dit-il, en majeur partie parce qu’elle arrive à éviter la compartimentation en rejetant les étiquettes telles que « sophistiquée » et « de classe mondiale » pour n’en faire qu’à sa tête.

Nombre de gens créatifs travaillant à Durban décrivent la ville comme étant la plus hétérogène d’Afrique du Sud. C’est non-seulement une ville africaine à part entière et un vrai melting-pot socio-culturel, mais c’est aussi une ville dynamique et chaotique qui déborde d’imagination et qui sait trouver des solutions uniques à ses problèmes les plus pressants.

Cela fait de Durban une ville d’avant-garde où les idées nouvelles peuvent se développer. Les organisateurs expliquent que le congrès de Durban a pour but de donner un sens nouveau à l’architecture mais aussi à la façon dont les innovations architecturales peuvent aider les gens à mieux se connecter.

De nombreux architectes locaux voient cela comme une composante vitale du design urbain post apartheid en Afrique du Sud, où il est nécessaire de façonner les villes de façon à ce que les différents milieux culturels puissent se rapprocher.

Mokena Makeka, architecte du Cap, pense que Durban est l’endroit idéal pour ça et donne comme exemple le front de mer - modernisé pour la coupe du monde de football 2010- qui est un modèle d’intégration sociale. Il dit que les villes du futur doivent pouvoir résoudre les problèmes d’intégration entre des

Sa e x p r e s s c o n n e c t s y o u t o d u r b a n da i l y

A quoi vont ressembler les villes du futur ? L’Afrique peutelle enseigner quoi-que-ce soit au monde sur l’évolution durable des établissements humains ? Comment la conception des bâtiments peut-elle contribuer à la cohabitation harmonieuse entre habitants ?

Ce sont certaines des questions qui seront posées au Congrès mondial d’architecture du mois prochain, évènement global institué par l’Union internationale des architectes (UIA) en 1948. Le congrès attirera des architectes et de nombreux expert dans des domaines associés pour discuter de des problèmes liés aux bâtiments, à la technologie du bâtiment et aux environnements bâtis. C’est à Durban que cet évènement prendra place cette année. C’est une première pour l’Afrique subsaharienne et c’est aussi une opportunité pour que le continent prenne part au débat qui existe autour du l’avenir de l’architecture et de l’évolution future des villes du monde entier.

Bien que le continent africain puisse se vanter d’avoir en son sein de nombreuses merveilles architecturales venant de l’ancien monde, nombreux sont ceux qui pensent qu’il est temps d’envisager des solutions de design africaines modernes pour faire face aux problèmes causés par une urbanisation galopante et un monde qui n’a de cesse de changer. L’idée d’aller à la recherche de stratégies alternatives est fortement intégrée à l’intitulé du congrès de cette année « Autrement et ailleurs », ce nom faisant référence au fait de chercher des réponses aux questions que l’on se pose en regardant ailleurs et en sortant des sentiers battus.

Durban symbolise probablement plus qu’aucune autre ville sud-africaine la notion d’« autrement et ailleurs ».

Après-tout, Durban est perçue comme étant la petite

mondes disparates, en n’oubliant pas d’incorporer le moderne et le traditionnel. Pour ce qui est du front de mer, le problème fut traité en utilisant des idées architecturales qui encouragent l’inclusion démocratique et qui valorisent ce que qu’il qualifie d’ « économie sociale ».

Karen Eicker, une émissaire du congrès explique que « L’architecture autrement et ailleurs » célèbrera aussi la diversité en faisant participer d’« autres gens », c’est à dire de nouveaux venus sur la scène architecturale aussi bien que des étrangers au secteur. Les mentalités doivent changer pour s’assurer que les architectes fassent l’effort de concevoir leurs projets en tenant compte des communautés auxquelles ils sont destinés. Ce sont les gens, et non pas les bâtiments, qui sont l’élément le plus important de la stratégie conceptuelle, et je pense qu’accepter cela permettra de réinventer les établissements humains du futur.

Si les architectes responsables du design et de la construction de nos environnements bâtis arrivent à accepter qu’ils ont effectivement une influence sur le comportement humain et les interactions sociales, on peut alors espérer voir se développer des villes conviviales dans l’avenir. Cela veut donc dire que le congrès de Durban pourrait avoir un impact non seulement sur ses visiteurs, mais aussi sur l’architecture universelle.

L’UIA 2014 Durban aura lieu au centre de convention international du 3 au 7 août. On attend la visite d’environ 5 000 délégués. Pour plus d’informations visitez www.uia2014durban.org.

Live it Up in Limpopo Going Off the Beaten Path Text: Stuart Wainwright Images Š iStockphoto.com & 123RF

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henever I travel, I always take some time to head off the beaten track. Away from the city crowds, the museums and the galleries, I often find places of calm and tranquillity.

And most often these places are filled with the wonders of nature, expanses of space or sweeping landscapes. Of all the trips I’ve taken so far, it is those times that I remember most fondly. Limpopo is all of this and more.

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LIMPOPO IS AN ENTIRE province set off the beaten track. In a country that has roughly eight million tourists each year, the usual sightseeing destinations of our beautiful land are bound to be accompanied by the soundtrack of cameras clicking away for those treasured holiday snaps, bustling cafes, and kids’ shrieks on the beaches. In Limpopo, this is simply not the case.

Maybe because Limpopo is at the northernmost point of South Africa, bordering Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and it just seems too far away, or maybe it is because it can be sweltering in summer. Yet few realise that the province is a mere 40 minute drive outside of Pretoria, and that in winter it is warm enough during the day for game drives and cool enough in the evenings for crackling fires under the stars.

Whatever the reason, it simply means that most of us are missing out, as much of the Limpopo province is practically an untouched wonderland of flora and fauna with only 5% of the country’s tourism numbers reaching its beauty. (It is probably for these very reasons that my then fiancé and I picked Limpopo for our own winter wedding amid the dry African bush and with the Waterberg Mountains as a majestic backdrop.)

But there are other reasons I love taking a

weekend getaway to this side of the country. To the north, the Limpopo River forms the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and to the west lie the Drakensberg escarpment and the Kruger National Park. Following the original route of the Voortrekkers, the N1 acts as the main route into the rest of Africa. Follow it north from the provincial capital of Polokwane, over the Soutpansberg Mountains, and you head straight into the arid plains that are home to some of the best displays of baobab trees in the world.

No tree embodies the spirit of Africa more than the ancient baobab. Its lifespan is almost unrivalled in nature, with some baobabs in the province estimated to be over 3,000 years old, including one near Sagole in the northeast that has a 43 m wide base. On average, most of Limpopo’s baobabs are between 300 and 500 years old. The largest baobab tree in the world can be found in Modjadjiskloof in Limpopo.

Known as the Sunland’s Baobab, it is around 6,000 years old and, as ancient baobabs naturally become hollow, it has wonderful caverns and caves where the Baobab Tree Bar now welcomes visitors to explore the tree from the inside. The tree is one of Limpopo’s greatest attractions and is best viewed during the first bloom of spring.

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s e e f l i g h t s c h e d u l e f o r m o r e i n f o r m at i o n .

Sa e x p r e s s c o n n e c t s y o u t o j o h a n n e s b u r g .

Clearly size is something that distinguishes this magnificent province. Covering roughly a sixth of the land in Limpopo, the world famous Kruger National Park, which it shares with Mpumalanga, is of course the province’s main tourist attraction.

All of the Big Five, along with hundreds of other species, both great and small, can be spotted in our most famed national park. And there is plenty of space to get away from the crowds in a reserve that is the size of Wales!

Outside of the 116-year-old Kruger lies the origin of the province’s name: The second largest river in the country, which the Sepedi aptly described as “diphororo tsa meetse”, meaning strong gushing waterfalls. From this, the name Limpopo was given to the river and later to the province under the new South Africa. Within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Waterberg mountain range, waterfalls gush and babble over the mountain cliffs that feed the massive Limpopo River as it flows towards the Indian Ocean.

Limpopo also boasts dozens of private game reserves that each have their own appeal, from five star luxury to rustic tree house accommodation.

Cumulatively, these parks boast the highest number of rhino in the world, a statistic that is quickly becoming hugely significant as their endangered status grows. The Waterberg region has been dedicated to conservation and provides excellent opportunities to view the Big Five outside of a malaria risk area. Kapama Private Game Reserve and Royal Malewane also have their own airstrips, so any frustrations of road travel can be left behind.

For those who really do enjoy crowds and fun filled family adventure, the natural hot springs in Bela Bela are great for families. Kids can enjoy a variety of watersports, mini golf or horse rides, while mum can spend some time getting pampered in the spa, and dad has several 18-hole golf courses to choose from. Just about every warm weather outdoor activity imaginable is available in Limpopo, from hiking and abseiling to fishing and skiing. And at the end of the day, traditional South African cuisine will refuel you for the next bout of fun.

For a nature lover like myself, the best of Limpopo is its ancient wonders, Bushveld hikes, game viewing experiences, and lazy mornings spent overlooking the banks of the river.

A Freedom Timeline Looking Back at 20 Years of Democracy Text: mediaclubsouthafrica.com Images © iStockphoto.com & Shutterstock

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he past 20 years have transformed South Africa. Once under sanction, vilified and on the brink of civil war, the country is now a stable democracy and a respected player on the global stage. We explore the major milestones in our democratic journey.

27th April 1994 The first democratic elections

are held, with nearly 20 million South Africans forming now legendary queues outside voting stations to cast their ballots. For the first time in history, all South Africans over the age of 18, irrespective of race, had the right to vote. Freedom Day, 27th April, becomes a national holiday.

10th May 1994 Nelson Mandela is sworn in as South Africa’s first democratically elected president.

24th June 1995 The Rugby World Cup is hosted in South Africa and won by the Springboks. In an epic battle held at Ellis Park against the All Blacks of New Zealand, Nelson Mandela provided the players and the crowd with incredible encouragement. Rugby was previously seen as a whites-only sport. However Mandela presented the trophy to Captain Francois Pienaar, an Afrikaner, wearing a Springbok shirt with Pienaar’s own number 6 on the back. This was widely seen as a major step towards the reconciliation of white and black South Africans.

3rd February 1996 The Africa Cup of Nations, hosted in South Africa, is won by national soccer side Bafana Bafana, who defeat Tunisia 2-0 in the final at the FNB Stadium.

15th April 1996 The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is launched by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The commission was set up to hear the

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truth about apartheid-era crimes, with amnesty from prosecution granted to those who came clean.

July and August 1996 South African swimmer Penny Heyns shines at the Atlanta Olympic Games in the US, winning gold in both the 100 m and 200 m breaststroke.

4th February 1997 South Africa’s new Constitution takes effect, after being promulgated by President Nelson Mandela on 10th December 1996. It replaced the interim Constitution drawn up at multiparty talks in 1993 to govern the transition to democracy.

The highest law in the land, the Constitution and its Bill of Rights sought to guarantee an open, transformative society in which human rights would be entrenched.

18th July 1998 On his 80th birthday Nelson Mandela marries Graça Machel (née Simbine), widow of Samora Machel, president of Mozambique until his death in 1986.

2nd June 1999 South Africa’s second national democratic elections are held. The African National Congress wins with 66.4 % of the vote.

14th June 1999 Thabo Mbeki is sworn in as democratic South Africa’s second president. He had served as Nelson Mandela’s deputy president and had taken over the running of the day-to-day affairs of Government well before the former president retired.

25th April 2002 South African IT billionaire Mark Shuttleworth gains worldwide fame as the world’s

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second self-funded space tourist and the first African in space. He launched aboard the Russian Soyuz TM-34 mission, paying some $20 million for the voyage.

9th July 2002 US President George W Bush awards Nelson Mandela the Presidential Medal of Freedom, that country’s highest civilian award, in Washington.

26th May 2003 South African adventurer Sibusiso Vilane makes history when he becomes the first black African to summit Mount Everest, a climb he would repeat two years later.

29th February 2004 Charlize Theron wins the best actress Oscar at the Academy Awards for her role in the film Monster. Receiving the award, she said: “I’m going to thank everyone in my home country, South Africa.”

14th April 2004 South Africa’s third democratic national elections are held. The African National Congress wins with 69.7 % of the vote, and Thabo Mbeki assumes his second term as president.

5th March 2006 Tsotsi wins the best foreign language film Oscar at the Academy Awards. Directed

by South African Gavin Hood, the film was an adaptation of an Athol Fugard novel set in Alexandra in Johannesburg, and starred Presley Chweneyagae.

22nd May 2006 New Statesman places Nelson Mandela at number two on its list of 50 heroes of our time. At number one was Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese pro-democracy campaigner.

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18th July 2007 On Nelson Mandela’s 89th

birthday, he, Graça Machel and Desmond Tutu convene The Elders, a grouping of world leaders set up to contribute their wisdom and independent leadership to solving the world’s toughest problems. Other members include Kofi Annan, Ela Bhatt, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Jimmy Carter, Li Zhaoxing, Mary Robinson and Muhammad Yunus.

20th October 2007 The Springboks defeat England at the Stade de France in Paris to win the Rugby World Cup trophy for the second time.

20th September 2008 With nine months left in his second term, President Thabo Mbeki announces his resignation after being recalled by the African National Congress’ National Executive Committee.

25th September 2008 Kgalema Motlanthe is sworn in as South Africa’s third president of the democratic era.

22nd April 2009 South Africa’s fourth democratic national elections are held. The African National Congress wins with 65.9 % of the vote.

9th May 2009 Jacob Zuma is sworn in as democratic South Africa’s fourth president.

11th June to 11th July 2010 South Africa hosts the FIFA Soccer World Cup, a successful, incident-free tournament held in ten brand new or rebuilt stadiums. Despite national side Bafana Bafana being eliminated in the first round, support for all teams was phenomenal. Spain eventually defeated Netherlands

in the final held at FNB Stadium.

July and August 2012 South African swimmers and rowers win gold at the London Olympic Games. Chad le Clos beat 18-time gold medallist Michael Phelps in the 200 m butterfly, while Cameron van der Burgh won gold in the 100 m breaststroke. The rowing team of Sizwe Ndlovu, Matthew Brittain, John Smith and James Thompson won gold in the lightweight four race.

May 2012 South Africa and Australia are named joint hosts of the massive Square Kilometre Array radio telescope. Once complete, the telescope will be 50 times more sensitive than other radio instruments, and will provide never-before-seen detail of the universe.

5th December 2013 Nelson Mandela dies at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, and the world grieves. Thousands of South Africans placed flowers outside his house, and many more filled FNB Stadium for his memorial service. International leaders joined them, including US President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Chinese VicePresident Li Yuanchao.

15th December 2013 Nelson Mandela is buried at his home village of Qunu in the Eastern Cape.

27th April 2014 On Freedom Day, South Africa celebrates two decades of democracy.

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The Place of Timeless Natural Wonders Nkomazi Game Reserve Text & Images © Nkomazi Game Reserve

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he malaria-free Nkomazi Game Reserve, part of the Shamwari Group, is situated in the magnificent Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, and is a mere 3.5 hours from Johannesburg.

Known as the place of “timeless natural wonders”, it is a destination of outstanding scenic beauty.

NKOMAZI IS AN ECOLOGICAL Aladdin’s cave of natural science, from its ancient mountains to its broad river valleys and impressive grasslands, which are home to countless animals, as well as rare flora such as the Barberton Daisy. This area is often referred to as the holy grail of geology, and offers a

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treasured haven to all.

Guests at Nkomazi – which stretches over 15,000 hectares – can exist in peace and harmony with nature, witness the free-roaming wildlife, and admire the area’s breathtaking landscapes. The reserve represents a kaleidoscope of Africa’s habitats,

as it is able to support both Highveld game species (on its high-lying grassland areas) and Lowveld game species (on the low-lying Bushveld areas), which adds to the game viewing experience here.

Nkomazi boasts ten luxury tents at Komati Tented Lodge. These tents have been specially positioned to blend into the landscape and are linked by walkways and paths through the bush. All of the tents are furnished with luxury campaign-style furniture, which creates a traditional Out of Africa feel, with all the added comforts and luxuries one would expect from five-star accommodation.

Situated on the banks of the Komati River, and surrounded by towering mountains, broad river valleys and impressive grasslands, Nkomazi offers a host of safari based activities to allow for a complete tailor-made experience.

Guests can enjoy twice daily game drives accompanied by seasoned game rangers who can provide insightful and valuable information about the area’s wildlife, fauna and flora. A highlight of these drives is watching the sun rise over the North Eastern boundaries of the reserve in the early mornings, or taking in spectacular sunset views from lookout points among the rocky granite sentinels of the highlands. The reserve also boasts 15 km of river frontage and rock pools, while rolling grasslands

support large herds of freeroaming wildlife, making Nkomazi a game viewing haven.

Other activities include guided walks, bird watching, fly fishing, guided mountain biking, star gazing under the magnificent African sky, and various treatments at the Relaxation Retreat. Guests can also just choose to relax, read a book, sunbathe or swim and, of course, indulge in wholesome cuisine.

Nkomazi forms part of the Barberton Greenstone Belt, which includes the Makonjwa Mountains. This area is home to some of the world’s oldest fossils at approximately 3,500 million years old, and preserves vast tracts of grassland, the biome that is recognised today as the most threatened in the world. This in turn plays host to many rare and endangered species of plants and animals, making this a truly special wildlife experience.

Nkomazi’s sister properties include Shamwari Game Reserve, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and Jock Safari Lodge in South Africa, as well as Nyungwe Forest Lodge and Gorilla’s Nest Lodge in Rwanda.

Each is doing their utmost to conserve a vanishing way of life.

Visit www.nkomazi.com for more information

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Tea Time!

See What Goes Into Your Favourite Cuppa Text: Will Edgcumbe Images © Elandsberg Eco Tourism & The Heights Tea Estate

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outh Africa has a long history of tea production. In fact, rooibos and honeybush tea aren’t grown anywhere else in the world (technically, rooibos and honeybush aren’t teas, but tisanes or herbal infusions). Many of the large tea estates that dot the country can be visited. Here, the finer points of tea farming and production are explained, after which, of course, a refreshing cuppa can be enjoyed.

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A Proudly South African Tea Rooibos has been popular in South Africa for centuries, with Dutch settlers developing it as an alternative to black tea (which was an expensive commodity at the time) after observing how the local people harvested and prepared it. The rooibos plant is endemic to the west coast of the Western Cape, and forms part of the fynbos biome, making it a truly South African product.

The Cedarberg area is the centre of rooibos production, with large rooibos plantations lining the roads. It is here that Elandsberg Eco Tourism leads guests on a fascinating one-hour rooibos safari tour that is limited to ten guests. The first stop is a local rooibos plantation, where your guide will explain just about everything about the plant, its peculiarities and its cultivation, before moving on to a processing plant, where guests can experience all the processes the tea goes through, including

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South Africa’s Tea Producers

being bruised, fermented, and dried. Guests can also taste the tea produced on the estate and browse in their shop, where a wide variety of rooibos-based products can be purchased. As an optional extra, Elandsberg Eco Tourism (www.elandsberg.co.za) offers a fascinating supplementary fynbos tour, which provides a great rundown on this unique biome.

The Sweet and Rare Honeybush Honeybush tea is, in a sense, rooibos’s rare, less well known and more beautiful cousin. Possibly South Africa’s most promising herbal medicinal plant, honeybush is a member of the legume family, and is so named because of its honey-like aftertaste and the fact that when in flower, its bright yellow flowers smell like honey.

While there are 25 species of Cyclopia (honeybush), only five are suitable to be infused into a herbal drink.

Of these, one of the most traditionally popular for

All tea (and we’re talking the pukka stuff: white, green, oolong, and black) comes from the same plant, Camellia sinensis.

It’s generally assumed that South Africa imports all of its tea, but the country is, in fact, home to two large estates that produce high quality tea.

Tshivhase Tea Estates (www.ventecofoods.co.za) own two farms in Limpopo, one at Tshivhase and one at Mukumbani. Though the estates aren’t open for tours, just a drive past is worthwhile to see the ordered rows of tea trees that look like something out of a tourism brochure for rural China.

Deep in the wooded hills of Zululand, in the Nkandla District, is Ntingwe Tea Estate (www.ntingwetea.com). This large estate employs hundreds of people, and the tea they produce is exported all over the world – it’s even stocked by Taylors of Harrogate, one of the UK’s leading tea and coffee merchants. The estate can be visited, but it is in an extremely rural area – think dirt roads and mountain passes – so contact them beforehand if you plan on visiting.

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processing into a tea is a species commonly known as “Mountain Tea”.

Mountain Tea grows high up on the slopes of the Kouga mountain range in the Eastern Cape, and it’s here, outside the town of Kareedouw, where Melmont Honeybush Tea (www.melmont.co.za) can be found.

This remote farm, surrounded by the Baviaans Mega Reserve, is committed to producing tea that is organic and responsibly produced. After harvesting, honeybush tea needs three years to regenerate, which means that only one third of the estate’s crop is available for harvesting each year. Only mature plants are harvested, to ensure that the younger plants have time to flower and produce seeds.

Melmont offers free tours of their facilities by appointment only. Although you won’t be able to go onto the mountain itself where the honeybush is harvested, the Melmont team will show you their factory and explain the processes the

harvested tea undergoes before becoming the final product.

You can also taste and purchase their honeybush products.

On the slopes of the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range, deep in the Langkloof Valley, The Heights Tea Estate (www.heightsteaestate.co.za) conducts a comprehensive programme of environmental and conservation practices in an effort to ensure the survival and sustainability of honeybush – protecting the plant and ensuring the sustainability of the industry. Their tea is truly organic, and is propagated, cultivated and processed according to strict conservation practices.

Although the estate isn’t open to visitors just yet, they offer limited tours by appointment only during the flowering season (August to October). This allows for visitors to view the plantations when they are in flower – and at their most beautiful – as the flowers are a spectacle of vivid yellow, with a lovely aroma of honey. In addition, visitors will be able to view and experience the sight of hundreds of carpenter bees as they go about their business

of pollinating the plants.

In addition, tours will soon include a look into their operations and practices, including their nursery and plantations, as well as giving people a chance to see a remote and pristine fynbos region, since 90 % of the 2,500acre farm is wild fynbos in its natural state. There is also a trail up to a 45 m high waterfall, the headwaters of the Krom River.

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Fast Facts

Rooibos has no kilojoules.

South Africa is the only country where rooibos is grown successfully.

The Khoisan used honeybush tea to encourage lactation in nursing mothers, and to relieve colic in babies.

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Real Time with Rhinos

Rhino Tracking in Namibia Text & Images © Keri Harvey

Tracking highly endangered black rhino in Namibia is both a unique and thoughtprovoking experience. Being mere metres from a prehistoric animal that has survived millions of years on earth and now faces extinction, is pretty sobering too.

THE EARLY MORNING sun illuminates the table-top mountains of Damaraland, but the boulderstrewn valley floor, where we are driving, is still dark.

It will take a while before the sun reaches us, but the two rhino trackers, Nicholas Naobeb and Lazarus Mbahee, are already scanning the ground for signs of disturbance. This area – favoured by rhino – is vast and rugged and rocky, so tracking in the normal way is not possible.

In the Land Cruiser we hobble over red basalt boulders while the trackers keep their eyes glued to the ground. Then Lazarus mumbles from the rear of the vehicle and driver Mesag Saal stops the Land Cruiser to listen to him. “He thinks he knows the direction the rhino have gone,” says Mesag, pointing in a completely different direction from the one we were headed in.

It’s now 09h30 and we have been driving over the valley floor for three hours. The sun is high

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and hot, and the air is still as we make slow progress over the boulders. Both of the trackers believe they are on the trail of a black rhino – though we can see no signs of any tracks. They’ve done this many times before, though, so we are confident they are on track, though it does appear they are looking for a toothpick in a chopstick factory.

Another two hours pass before the trackers tell Mesag to drive just a few metres further and stop. They have spotted a black rhino, though nobody else can see it. From here on, we will go on foot, being careful to keep downwind from the rhino so that he doesn’t smell us coming. “Rhinos, as big as they are, can disappear into thin air if they hear or smell you coming,” says Mesag. “They may not see well, but their other senses are finely tuned.” Then he adds: “Always remember that if a rhino charges you, simply stand still and throw a rock in the opposite direction, and the rhino will follow the sound to where the rock landed.” It’s good advice, I’m sure, if your nerves don’t fail you!

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Rhino Tracking in Namibia

Namibia Tourism Board (Cape Town): Contact +27 21 422 3298, email namibia@ saol.com or visit www.namibiatourism.com.na.

Namibia Tracks & Trails: Contact +264 64 416821, email Jockel@namibia-tracks-and-trails.com or visit www.namibia-tracks-and-trails.com.

Grootberg Lodge (for black rhino tracking): Contact +264 61 228104, email marketing@journeysnamibia.com or visit www.journeysnamibia.com.

s e e f l i g h t s c h e d u l e f o r m o r e i n f o r m at i o n .

smell the air, but since we’re downwind he can’t detect us. We stand on the periphery of his comfort zone and ponder the majestic creation that he is: so ancient, so powerful – yet teetering on the edge of extinction. It’s inconceivable that one of the Big Five may no longer exist in just a few years’ time.

Walking back to the vehicle, nobody talks. We are all savouring the experience, which is both rare and awe inspiring. Only on the slow drive back to the lodge does chatter begin again, and it’s all about rhinos. It took nine hours to cover just 74 km to find one black rhino and spend 20 minutes in his world. The experience, though, is unforgettable. A bucket list wildlife encounter – checked.

Sa e x p r e s s c o n n e c t s y o u t o w i n d h o e k .

Slowly we start walking. Lazarus and Mesag lead up front and Nicholas is at the rear of us three rhino watchers. We clamber across more boulder rocks up a low hill and down the other side, and there he is. Standing on the hillside opposite us, we see a black rhino in the shade of a Mopani tree.

He’s perfectly relaxed and doesn’t seem to know we are there.

We continue walking in single file, treading softly and silently so as not to alert the rhino that we are approaching. Beads of sweat drip down our faces in the heat of the day, even though we have only walked about a kilometre in total. We stop about 40 metres from the male black rhino, though it feels much closer somehow. It’s a completely different and very personal experience seeing a rhino from ground level than from the safety of a vehicle.

Everyone watches silently, their eyes fixed on the magnificent animal. His forefathers have walked the earth for 50 million years, yet if the poaching of rhinos continues unabated, they will be extinct within the next ten years. Our generation would be responsible for wiping rhinos off the face of the earth, which is no claim to fame.

We watch mesmerised for another 20 minutes.

Every few minutes the rhino lifts his head to

intiem

Putting Safety First Ben Baxter

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Text & Images © Richards Bay Minerals

en Baxter, the General Manager of Mining at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), is a man on a mission. He is spearheading the Adaptive Change work-stream that forms part of the company’s crucial Fatality Prevention Programme (FPP).

BAXTER EXPLAINS: “Safety is an inherent trait that extends beyond the workplace. Every day, we make choices and decisions that affect our safety and that of our loved ones. Safety is paramount whether we are at work or at home.

“Whatever we do, the wellbeing of those we interact with should always be a priority. The thought of human suffering or loss of life should be motivation enough to instil and share the importance of safety with those we come into contact with.

“At RBM our commitment is to ensure that every single employee and contractor leaves safely at the end of each shift, as a prerequisite to production. We have a Fatality Prevention Programme in place which deals with different elements to ensure that our goal of reaching and maintaining ‘Zero Harm’ is achieved,” he emphasises.

Leading the adaptive change team is no mean feat. It certainly needs an individual who epitomises “walking the talk” when it comes to implementing change across the organisation; the kind of changes that are necessary to prevent fatality or injury and essential to achieving a culture of zero harm.

Ben’s passion, coupled with his easy-going persona and understanding attitude, has endeared him to many.

He is often described as a generous listener who is authentic in his approach.

“Our drive to zero harm is to ensure that every employee takes responsibility for their own safety, which in turn will lead to the safety of that specific team. The idea of accountability is geared more towards someone embracing the culture of zero harm because they want to do it, and not because the organisation expects them to be compliant. It’s not just about ticking a box,” he explains.

“Adaptive change is critical and all about how you treat and engage your team. It’s about

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instilling a sense of pride that the way we work makes a contribution to and is aligned to our overarching goal of putting safety ahead of production,” he adds. He emphasises the point that, ultimately, RBM’s drive is to entrench safety as a value.

Born and educated in the UK, Ben came to South Africa in 1996 to complete his MSc thesis fieldwork at RBM. Having attained his MSc in Mining Geology at Camborne School of Mines, Ben was appointed as a geologist in the Mine Planning and Exploration Departments.

Following various senior positions in the company, Ben was appointed Plant Superintendent at Mining Pond Echo (MPE) in 2004. “My first experience of line management was determining how to manoeuvre the MPE plant around a sunken crane in the centre of the mining pond! I didn’t know how we’d do it, but with my shift supervisors we brainstormed, planned and then safely executed – it was a major learning curve for me as I moved from technical specialist to line manager!”

From 2005 to 2010 Ben was appointed in various management roles. “This period allowed me to develop my leadership skills, learn much about the RBM business process, as well as build and develop relationships, both at the mine and the smelter site.”

In 2010 Ben was seconded from RBM to Rio Tinto’s new ilmenite mine in Madagascar as General Manager of Operations. Ben says that this experience provided him with much insight into the global Rio Tinto business, and has prepared him well for the task of implementing globally accepted safety standards at RBM. For more information, contact Gaynor Kast on 035 901 3449 or 035 901 3111, or visit www.rbm.co.za

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Maximising Mini The New MINI

Text: Bernard Hellberg Images © MINI South Africa

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rguably the only successful revival of any of the last century’s iconic small cars, MINI has spent the last 13 of its total 55 years perfecting what was already a very popular concept. The latest version of the car is a stunner that can proudly carry the MINI name.

FROM A BARE BONES concept penned by Sir Alec Issigonis more than half a century ago, to the mega popular urban hatch that it is today, MINI has been a global success story.

In the last 13 years alone, since the BMW Group – the parent company of MINI – decided to revive the MINI, over 2 million of these little cars have been produced at Plant Oxford in the United Kingdom. Over 1.8 million of these have been shipped all over the world, including to South Africa, where in 2013 alone the brand sold nearly 3,000 cars. This is an admirable feat for MINI’s local marketing team, considering that the most popular version of MINI, the hatch, is destined for replacement in the second quarter of

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this year.

As size is central to the brand’s DNA, the new, BMW-shared, UKL platform presented designers with quite a challenge to keep MINI 3.0 the smallest in its class. Although a slight increase in size was unavoidable, the new car has not grown by much.

Its wheelbase has seen an increase of 28 mm, with its overall length and width increased by 114 mm and 43 mm respectively, making the new MINI still shorter than a Honda Jazz, albeit a little wider.

With MINI, there is only one issue more important than keeping size increases to a minimum, and that is sticking to its heritage.

Although it is a completely redesigned car, even the most seasoned petrolhead will have trouble

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picking out the changes. The styling is now set further back, with the nose and elliptical headlights looking more windswept than the previous car. It is an incremental modernisation without seriously tampering with the MINI look.

The MINI has not only grown in size, it has also grown out of its first car fashion accessory image with some grown-up gains and innovations to the interior. Overall, there are more soft touch panels on the insides of the doors and on the dash, which cancel out some complaints from the previous version. Importantly (and in line with stricter safety regulations), the centre-mounted speedometer and gauges have moved to a much more normal position behind the steering wheel.

In its stead is a multi-colour TFT screen with colour LED surround, operated by a centre console-mounted control knob.

Perhaps the most notable interior feature is the marked reduction in road noise. By redesigning aspects of the front struts (the new car uses the same configuration of Macpherson struts up front and multilinks at the rear), less impact shock makes it into the body, which decreases interior noise. By stiffening the rear links, there is also less suspension flex, which means that the steering response is even sharper than before.

Under the bonnet MINI has added two brand new engines that are a part of a modular family of BMW-designed and assembled inline powerplants.

These range from the 1.5-litre turbo 3-cylinder in the base Cooper, to the 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder in the Cooper S. If the displacement increments seem odd, it’s because both cast aluminium engines are iterations of a standardised 500 cc cylinder and combustion chamber combo

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developed by BMW. It is a just a matter of time before a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder will appear for use in new generation BMWs. That South Africans love their MINIs is indisputable, and with the new car the brand has yet again lived up to most of the high expectations set for it. At the launch, the entry-level Cooper with its 100 kW mill really impressed. With the standard 6-speed manual it enters the market at R287,500 (the manual S version turns over at R352,500), and comes standard with just the right amount of kit to keep it a serious contender in the segment.

John Cooper Works Concept

Hallmark MINI style and racetrack technology come together to mould the inimitable character of a John Cooper Works model. The new John Cooper Works Concept, which was shown at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2014 recently, is set to bring the promise of maximum driving fun to the small car segment. The MINI John Cooper Works Concept offers a look ahead to the next generation of the elite sports hatch with its innovative sportiness and time-honoured John Cooper Works style. Although MINI South Africa has yet to reveal when the JCW version of the new MINI will be available locally, some exclusive features to look forward to include JCW-specific body paintwork in Bright Highways Grey with red accents, bespoke aerodynamic features, and 18� John Cooper Works alloy.

Going Solo The Rise of the Freelance Economy

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Text: Jessica Hubbard/Finweek Images © iStockphoto.com & 123RF

f you nip into any trendy and/or centrally located coffee shop these days, you’re most likely to see at least a handful of patrons scowling with concentration in front of laptop screens. Don’t expect a friendly smile or even a glimmer of acknowledgment from these types. More often than not, they are freelance professionals hard at work in their adopted mobile “office”.

SOME OF THEM MAY be engrossed in the painstaking design of an elaborate corporate logo, while others may be putting the finishing touches on a feature article for a glossy lifestyle magazine…

But what most have in common, is their decision to go solo.

Often seen sporting sleek gadgetry and skinny jeans, these lone wolves have ditched corporate life in favour of running their own “micro-businesses” as freelance or contract workers. They take on piecemeal projects, and either work from home, the aforementioned coffee shops, clients’ offices,

or a combination of these.

The Freelance Economy While freelancers and contract workers are still a rare breed in South Africa, the local “freelance economy” is undoubtedly starting to take shape.

There are a number of factors fuelling the move towards working independently. Technology, for one, and the ability to work remotely with relative ease, is making it far easier to work for oneself. Another major factor, although a rather

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Duxbury’s Top Three Tips for Freelance Success • Realise that you are a business owner, not just a writer, designer, or whatever. Go freelance and you have to do sales, marketing, finance, admin and maybe some HR, too. If you’re not prepared to do all these, and to learn how to do them properly, you’ll be better off being a fulltime employee.

• Be professional. Have proper branding done (do a trade exchange with another freelancer if you can’t afford to pay for it), set up templates and processes for all your operational documents (quote templates, estimates, invoices, a job bag system, etc.). Know what it is that you have to offer.

• Never stop learning. Sign up for business courses (several business incubators offer these for free, such as the Bandwidth Barn in Cape Town), watch or participate in online courses (we love CreativeLIVE), and read books on freelancing, creativity and business.

sobering one, is the fact that many companies are downsizing and “trimming the fat”, and are therefore less inclined to provide the perks (comprehensive medical insurance, large bonuses, maternity leave, etc.) that used to make full-time employment appear to be the “safest” and most profitable option.

Closely related to the fact that companies are being squeezed from all sides, is the growing trend of hiring part-time or freelance professionals to fulfil certain roles. For many organisations, it simply makes sense to hire a freelancer or contractor for a piecemeal job, rather than taking on the “burden” of a full-time employee.

As a result, those in possession of the requisite skills, the access to technology, and the determination to work for themselves as freelancers, are finding that companies of all sizes are becoming increasingly willing to use them.

Sadly, there are few dependable statistics or reports that can give an indication as to how many South Africans are currently making a living from working independently. It also gets very complicated when trying to separate parttime workers from contractors, contractors from freelancers, and freelancers from “temporary employees”. Some people also flit in and out of full-time employment, and fill the gaps by taking on small freelance jobs. Yet if

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international trends are anything to go by, there is definitely a global movement towards going solo – and one that we are very much a part of.

According to the Huffington Post’s website, there are currently 17 million independent workers in the US – a number that is projected to grow to 24 million by 2020 (at which point, 50 % of the American labour force will have done freelance work at some point in their careers).

The Good, the Bad and the Lonely For those who are considering taking the leap and giving it a go as a lone ranger, the good news is that there are a growing number of resources to help you along the way. From professional freelance associations to “matchmaking” websites such as Elance (a popular online staffing platform that enables companies to post jobs for registered contractors/freelancers to browse and pitch for), independent workers have plenty of useful information at their fingertips. The bad news, however, is that you will find yourself competing with an increasingly global, crowded, and competent freelance workforce.

Locally, Freelancentral.co.za was among the first to provide freelancers with some sort of support. Since its launch in 2006, the service has grown to well over 7,000 registered members.

Jo Duxbury, the founder and director of Freelancentral, says that she has noticed a significant change in professionals’ attitudes towards work and lifestyle over the past several years.

“I started Freelancentral in early 2006 because even back then I was seeing a shift: people wanting more flexibility and freedom in their careers,” Duxbury explains. “Life stage changes trigger this, like having kids, for example. But I also think that the advertising industry in particular is fun and crazy when you’re in your twenties, but for a certain type of person that ‘work hard, play hard’ thing wears off in their thirties.”

She adds: “I do think that freelancing and the outsourcing of marketing, communications, and creative work, in particular, will continue to grow. A good indicator of this is all the coworking spaces that have sprung up. These spaces give freelancers a social, structured place to work in – isolation being something that can really get a freelancer down!”

Helen Ueckermann, Chair of the Southern African Freelancers’ Association, which provides support for independent professionals in the media and communications industry, says that she has definitely noticed an uptake in freelance work in her industry.

Ueckermann’s Top Three Tips for Freelance Success • Do not underestimate your talent and skills, and do not accept payment for less than you’re worth.

• Run yourself and your finances as a microbusiness – be business-like in every way. It will change your approach towards yourself and your clients. Believe in yourself and what you can contribute to the business success of others.

• Be reliable and deliver top-of-the-range work as per the clients’ briefs, and word of mouth will open many doors for you.

“More media workers have turned to freelancing because the big media companies have been reducing their personnel due to difficult economic circumstances and the changing media environment,” Ueckermann explains. “There are also a great many freelancers who simply prefer to be independent agents and are running their own micro-businesses by choice.”

While both Ueckermann and Duxbury are staunch advocates of going solo – if one is prepared for the hard slog – they are frank about the many downsides.

“Successful freelancing requires the proper management of your work and personal life,” cautions Ueckermann.

A fluctuating income, no official retirement or pension scheme, and isolation are just some of the perils that often drive many people back into the perceived safety of full-time employment.

For those who can tolerate and even thrive under these uncertain circumstances, however, settling down to work on your own over a

steaming hot latte in a cosy coffee shop ain’t all that bad.

Copy courtesy of ‘Finweek’. Call 0860 103 911 to subscribe.

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Moving on Ove

r to the Other Side Peugeot 2008 C ro

ssover

Text: Bernard K He

llberg The recent launch of Images © Quickpic the stunning and su per-comfy new Peu urban crossover mar geot 2008 compact ks the French mar que’s entry into on fastest growing segm e of the industry’s ents.

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WITHOUT DEVIATING from two Peugeot fundamentals – stunning good looks and supreme seating comfort – the 2008 is based on the highly successful platform of the 208. It combines the nippy character of the 208 with added space, versatility, and lifestyle appeal.

Modern design aspects include a vehicle mass of only 1,080 kg (without sacrificing structural integrity), and a free-revving 1.6-litre petrol engine which develops an adequate 88 kW and 160 Nm of torque. The top speed is a claimed 196 km/h and, thanks to its low mass and superb engine efficiency, fuel consumption is claimed to be in the region of a

mere 5.9 l/100 km. The 50-litre fuel tank, therefore, should see a range of over 800 km when driven sensibly, which is the equivalent of driving from Pretoria to Port Shepstone.

The 2008 has a sleek and aggressive appearance – especially when viewed from the front – with short overhangs, a streamlined shape, smooth surfaces and generous glass areas all combining to create an attractive, athletic vehicle with dimensions that belie the interior roominess and practicality on offer.

The twisty back roads surrounding Port Alfred served as the perfect backdrop to demonstrate the 2008’s excellent roadholding capabilities, minimal

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body roll under hard cornering, and confidenceinspiring braking provided by its all-disc feature.

Drive is to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. Peugeot’s Grip Control system, which optimises the 2008’s traction control settings for a variety of conditions, is standard.

A raised ride height further adds to the versatility of the 2008, allowing it to confidently cope with anything from smooth highways and urban routes to indifferent country roads and even gravel, while retaining the platform’s inherent agility and response.

Those already familiar with the 208 will feel instantly at home in the cockpit, which reiterates Peugeot’s uniquely intuitive ergonomic approach. A smaller steering wheel highlights the crisp road manners of the 2008, while the instrumentation is arranged to optimise the interface between car and driver.

A generously dimensioned, full-colour touchscreen display is a further ergonomic boon, and allows intuitive access to the extensive infotainment offering, which includes integrated satellite navigation, Bluetoothpowered telephony and audio streaming, USB and auxiliary audio inputs, a trip computer, and an FM/AM receiver with multiple loudspeakers.

Given its compact form, the 2008’s roomy interior will come as a surprise. Rear accommodation is spacious, while the wideopening tailgate provides convenient access to a generous 360 litres of boot space.

The 2008 is a real outdoorsy activity vehicle for the young and healthy generation, which explains why

it is fully capable of swallowing mountain bikes and hiking gear with consummate ease. Of course, the split rear bench seat folds away completely, leaving a flat-floored cargo area that easily accommodates large, unwieldy objects.

For all its practicality and versatility, the 2008 continues Peugeot’s resolute march into more upmarket territory, thanks to smart finishes and materials, and a pervasive aura of quality. Dedicated build quality has created a sturdy vehicle without any rattles, while the trim and equipment levels are comprehensive, with a mix of genuine leather and comfortable cloth ensuring both comfort and visual appeal.

As Peugeot’s customers have come to expect, the new 2008 also counts top-class safety among its many attributes. In passive terms, the safety measures include front, side and curtain airbags, while active measures include latest generation electronic stability control, as well as ABS brakes with emergency braking assistance and brake force distribution.

According to Francis Harnie, Managing Director of Peugeot SA, the new 2008 is a key addition to the Peugeot passenger car line-up in South Africa. “The 2008 represents Peugeot’s commitment to a new generation of cars which combine efficiency and a greener environmental footprint with an engaging drive experience,” he says.

The new Peugeot 2008 retails for R269,900, which includes a three-year/100,000 km warranty, and a five-year/60,000 km maintenance plan.

Work Anywhere Ditch the Traffic Jam, Improve Productivity Text: Brian Timperley, MD Cloudware Images Š iStockphoto.com & 123RF

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s increasing numbers of commuters move into cities, the resultant congestion has caused a decline in productivity. The result is that the workplace of the future has had to adapt to this problem while meeting the demands of its employees.

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ALTHOUGH the “work from anywhere” phrase has been thrown around ad nauseum, the truth is that it has never truly become a reality. However, corporates, specifically some of the big financial institutions in Sandton, are now realising that they have to offer flexible working time and flexible commuting in order to attract and retain the best talent, while ensuring optimum productivity from every employee.

To answer the question of how companies go about retaining staff, and lessening the impact of unproductive time in traffic, the simple answer is to allow them the flexibility and accessibility to get the job done. There is no real need to ensure employees ALTHOUGH the “work from anywhere” phrase has been thrown around ad nauseum, the truth is that it has never truly become a reality. However, corporates, specifically some of the big financial institutions in Sandton, are now realising that they have to offer flexible working time and flexible commuting in order to attract and retain the best talent, while ensuring optimum productivity from every employee.

To answer the question of how companies go about retaining staff, and lessening the impact of unproductive time in traffic, the simple answer is to allow them the flexibility and accessibility to get the job done. There is no real need to ensure employees are sitting in physical office space any longer, since people can now collaborate and meet virtually.

Talented individuals are inevitably moving to companies that afford them the work flexibility they demand, while saving hours every day in productive and personal time.

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This raises another question about what the future working world will look like, and what technology will be used to streamline the process of working from any location and on any device.

Forget about referring to the office or workplace of the future. The reality exists now!

The fact is, access to data and applications is more important than historical concerns over available connectivity. Connectivity has become a commodity in recent years, and its cost is dropping almost as fast as its access is improving.

Our current levels of access in metropolitan and outlying areas provide real freedom to access data from anywhere.

We need to redefine the way we work, and rather focus on being more collaborative with coworkers, and sharing and accessing applications, documents and data when needed. The ability to access documents from anywhere means that you are achieving two things: You’re avoiding sitting in unproductive traffic congestion, and you’re getting more done in the time available to you.

Cloud-based collaboration, which is available through a number of operators locally and internationally, delivers far higher levels of efficiency because you are collaborating on the same master document, avoiding the need to send copies of documents back and forth multiple times. True cloud-based collaboration means that you can track changes back and forth, for as long as needed, and never fear the potential loss of critical data.

There are more than enough options available to businesses of varying sizes to ensure that

their employees remain productive, are able to work remotely and from any device. We are no longer constrained by the desktop PC or laptop computer. Modern tablets, smart phones and other handheld devices offer the same functionality, processing power, and a more intuitive interface than antiquated desktop PCs ever have.

The key criteria to attracting and retaining talent is to allow them flexibility in their work.

Make it clear that the location from which they work is irrelevant, and provide access to data and applications to get the job done.

Once we have convinced people to avoid sitting in unproductive traffic jams, we will have made some real progress. Always bear in mind that happy staff are more productive. If morning traffic is a nightmare, pull over, enjoy a coffee, and plough through your emails, update your financials, or write that urgent sales report – all from your iPad, if you like.

If traffic is always bad, many companies now allow their employees to work from home in the morning to avoid rush hour. Those who get in very early to avoid sitting in traffic, are then entitled to leave early. The question is whether or not companies can embrace mixing the two, which is the very definition of flexibility. One thing is certain: Today’s ability to work remotely enables any level of flexibility a business chooses.

There’s a new way of working, and companies need to start embracing it or risk being left behind.

gadgets

Catwalk Colours Inspired by catwalks across the globe and labels such as Versace and Christian Dior, the ghd pastel collection (R1,820) features the ghd IV professional styler in three soft shades: periwinkle, jade, and lavender. Ensuring a salon finish at home, each ghd pastel styler features ceramic heat technology to straighten and smooth hair, while its rounded body creates perfect curls and waves, promising a good hair day every day. For that added professional touch, the ghd pastel styler also features a 2.7 m power cable, and its sleep mode safety feature ensures that the styler will automatically switch off if it is not used for 30 minutes. For a list of stockists, visit www.ghdhair.com/za.

For Sleek Sound Delivery The new Solo2 headphones from Beats by Dr. Dre have a more dynamic, wider range of sound, with a clarity that will bring you closer to what the artist intended, whether you’re into hip-hop, heavy metal, jazz, electronic, or country. The Solo2 headphones maintain the same sleek, streamlined aesthetic as the iconic Beats Studio, with fast flowing curves and no visible screws. Starting at the centre of the flexible headband, the frame of the headphones has been curved like never before, giving the Solo2 a custom-fit feeling. The ear-cups have been ergonomically angled to complete this natural fit, with pivots for optimal comfort and sound delivery. Finally, the earcups’ premium material helps dissipate heat and minimise sound leakage. Available in black, white, red, blue, gray, and pink, the Beats Solo2 headphones are available at Musica stores nationwide for a retail price of R2,999.

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Must Have

Just Juice To get the most out of life, you need to get the most out of your food, which is why the new NutriBullet extractor is taking the healthy eating revolution by storm. Unlike everyday juicers and blenders that remove all the fibrous pulp from fruits and trap the best vegetable chunks in their blades, the NutriBullet completely breaks down raw ingredients into their most nutritious, most absorptive state – in just 30 seconds. The NutriBullet also offers a striking design, stainless steel blades, and a unique cyclonic blending action, which shreds, cracks, grinds and breaks down tough seeds, stems and skins from unprocessed food. The end result is a raw, smooth, health-packed superdrink that offers you the vitamins and nutrients the way nature intended. The NutriBullet is available online from www.NutriBullet.co.za with free delivery.

books The Secret Club That Runs the World: Inside the Fraternity of Commodities Traders

By Kate Kelly

Must Read

Nestled deep in the towers of banking and finance are the commodities traders, who spend their days gambling with oil, gold, and corn contracts. They’re highly educated world travellers with a penchant for risk, and they are here to bet big on the future of the raw materials that make our economies hum.They are very wealthy, barely regulated, and can be a force for tremendous good – or ill. Now Kate Kelly, the bestselling author of Street Fighters, shines light not just on the commodities market, but also on some of its key figures. Kelly paints a dramatic narrative of immense power in the hands of a few, and the thus far hapless efforts by the Obama Administration to rein in the cowboys.

Africa’s Third Liberation

By Greg Mills and Jeffrey Herbst

Em and the Big Hoom

By Jerry Pinto Brilliantly comic and almost unbearably moving, Em and the Big Hoom is one of the most powerful and original fiction debuts of recent years. In a tiny flat in Bombay, Imelda Mendes – Em to her children – holds her family in thrall with her flamboyance, her manic affection, and her cruel candour.

Her husband – to whom she was once “Buttercup” – and her two children must bear her “microweathers”, her swings from laugh-out-loud joy to dark malevolence. In Em and the Big Hoom, the son begins to unravel the story of his parents: the mother he loves and hates in the same moment, and the unusual man who courted, married and protected her, as much from herself as from the world.

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Africa has experienced two liberations: the first from colonial and racist regimes, and the second from the autocrats who often followed foreign rule. At the end of the 1970s, just three African countries regularly held multiparty elections.

Today, more than 40 do. Africa’s political evolution points to a third liberation: from political economies characterised by graft, crony capitalism, and social inequality. This liberation will open up the economic space in which business can compete – a necessary condition for expanding employment. This book asks how Africa’s political leaders and interest groups can promote economic growth, and examines what means are best to match political liberalisation with growth.

MC100102

Win a trip of a lifetime to celebrate our 20th birthday

Celebrating 20 years This year is a double celebration for us at SA Express.

Not only are we celebrating our 20 years of freedom as a nation, we’re also raising our glasses to our own 20 years of freedom of the skies.

And to help celebrate both of these milestones, we’re giving away prizes to be treasured every month between February and June. You stand a chance to win return flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town and a two-night stay at the exclusive, luxurious Thornybush Game Lodge for two.

So you get to enjoy a world-class safari experience matched by world-class service from SA Express.

Entering the draw couldn’t be simpler. Just hand your business card to any SA Express cabin crew when you are on board any SA Express flight.

It’s our way of celebrating many happy returns over the last 20 years.

May winner: Anita Samaad from Pretoria SA Express is a proud member of the SAA Voyager programme.

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

Terms & Conditions apply.

Airline information SA Express fleet 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

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: 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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We fly for you About us SA Express is a fast-growing airline business operating primary and secondary hubs between domestic and regional destinations within Southern Africa.

Our objective of improving intra-Africa travel is in line with South Africa’s mandate to increase aviation’s contribution towards sustainable economic growth and job creation.

The flexibility and reliability presented by the airline’s FACT principle (Frequency, Availability, Competitive rate and Timing of flights) affords both consumers and service providers a unique and convenient service. The FACT principle is important to us as it enhances the country’s prospect as a preferred air travel destination and major trade and tourism capital.

Our vision is supported by the airline’s aspirations and strategy. Also underpinning this vision is our set of core values and unique selling propositions that drive profitability.

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.

Core values Safety first We never compromise on safety, no matter what.

Customers Our customers are our most important investors.

Partners We partner with people across all operations.

Speed & Quality We deliver with speed without compromising on quality.

Improvement We strive for continuous improvement.

Simplify We keep it simple.

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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.

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.

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 intraregional 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.

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 checked-in luggage, to a maximum of 20kg ($400).

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.

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.

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.

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 (PED’s) will apply to all domestic and regional flights on the CRJ700/200 and DH8 Q400.

Passengers will be permitted to use PED’s such as cell phones, e-readers and electronic 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 cabincrew member makes an announcement on the public-address 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.

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

Route map SA Express: Johannesburg Bloemfontein Cape Town Durban East London Gaborone George Hoedspruit Kimberley

Lubumbashi Lusaka Harare Port Elizabeth Richards Bay Walvis Bay Windhoek Pietermaritzburg Nelspruit

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Flight schedule Johannesburg - Bloemfontein Flt SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA

No 1001 1003 1005 1011 1013 1017 1021 1023

Dep 05:55 08:00 11:20 13:50 14:55 16:35 17:55 18:30

Arr 07:00 09:05 12:25 14:55 16:00 17:35 18:55 19:35

A/C DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4 CR7 DH4 DH4

M

T

W

Johannesburg - East London Flt SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA

No 1403 1403 1403 1405 1407 1413 1409 1411

Dep 07:15 08:30 08:30 09:10 13:15 15:40 17:30 18:45

Arr 08:45 10:00 10:15 10:40 14:45 17:10 19:00 20:15

A/C CR8 CR7 DH4 CR2 CR2 CR7 CR2 CR7

M

Johannesburg - George Flt SA SA SA SA SA

No 1501 1503 1503 1505 1509

Dep 06:50 08:55 08:55 11:25 15:25

Arr 08:40 10:45 10:50 13:15 17:15

A/C CR7 CR7 CR2 CR7 CR7

M

Dep 10:15 12:15

Arr 11:20 13:20

A/C DH4 DH4

M

Johannesburg - durban Flt No SA 1285 SA 1287

Dep 12:20 14:35

Arr 13:30 15:50

A/C CR2 CR2

M

No 1101 1103 1105 1107 1113 1113

Dep 05:45 09:20 13:10 14:25 17:10 17:10

Arr 07:00 10:35 14:25 15:40 18:15 18:25

A/C dh4 DH4 DH4 DH4 cr7 DH4

M

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

T

W

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F

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W

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S

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F

S

S

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F

S

S

W

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F

S

S

W

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F

S

S

Johannesburg - Kimberley Flt SA SA SA SA SA SA

F

T

Johannesburg - Hoedspruit Flt No SA 1225 SA 1227

T

T

Johannesburg - Port Elizabeth Flt SA SA SA SA SA SA

No 1453 1455 1457 1457 1459 1459

Dep 07:10 10:00 17:50 18:05 19:35 19:55

Arr 08:45 11:35 19:45 20:00 21:15 21:30

A/C CR8 CR8 DH4 DH4 cr8 CR7

M

T

W

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

johannesburg - cape town Flt No SA 1587 SA 1585

Dep 13:45 13:50

Arr 16:00 16:05

A/C CR2 CR2

M

T

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

No 1024 1002 1004 1006 1012 1014 1018 1022

Dep 06:20 07:25 09:35 12:55 15:25 16:30 18:20 19:40

A/C DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4 CR7 DH4

M

T

W

T

East London - Johannesburg Flt SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA

No 1412 1404 1404 1404 1404 1406 1408 1414 1410

Dep 06:40 09:15 09:50 10:50 10:30 11:10 15:30 17:40 19:40

Arr 08:20 10:45 11:30 12:30 12:10 12:40 17:00 19:10 21:10

A/C CR7 CR8 DH4 DH4 Cr7 CR2 CR2 CR7 CR8

M

George - Johannesburg Flt SA SA SA SA SA

No 1502 1504 1504 1506 1510

Dep 09:10 11:25 11:25 14:10 17:50

Arr 10:50 13:05 13:15 15:50 19:30

A/C CR7 CR7 CR2 CR7 CR7

M

Flt SA SA

No 1226 1228

Dep 12:00 13:55

Arr 13:00 14:55

A/C DH4 DH4

M

durban - Johannesburg Flt SA

No 1286

Dep 17:15

Arr 18:25

A/C CR2

M

No 1102 1104 1106 1106 1108 1114

Dep 07:30 11:10 14:55 15:00 16:10 18:55

Arr 08:45 12:25 16:10 16:10 17:25 20:10

A/C dh4 DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4

M

No 1460 1454 1456 1458 1458

Dep 06:10 09:20 12:45 20:40 20:45

Arr 07:45 10:55 14:20 22:35 22:40

A/C cr7 CR8 DH4 DH4 DH4

M

F

S

S

T

W

T

F

S

S

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F

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F

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T

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Richards bay - Johannesburg Flt SA SA SA SA SA

No 1202 1204 1208 1214 1214

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

Arr 09:20 11:45 16:20 20:00 20:10

A/C DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4

M

T

cape town - johannesburg Flt SA SA

No 1586 1588

Dep 18:20 18:50

Arr 20:30 21:00

A/C CR2 CR2

M

S

T

Port Elizabeth - Johannesburg Flt SA SA SA SA SA

S

W

Kimberley - Johannesburg Flt SA SA SA SA SA SA

F

T

Hoedspruit - Johannesburg

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

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Arr 07:25 08:25 10:40 14:00 16:30 17:35 19:20 20:40

T

Flight schedule Johannesburg - kruger Flt SA SA SA SA

No 1231 1231 1237 1237

Dep 07:10 07:20 15:55 15:55

Arr 08:10 08:20 16:50 16:55

A/C CR2 CR2 CR2 DH4

M

T

W

T

F

johannesburg - pietermaritzburg Flt SA SA SA

No 1271 1273 1277

Dep 07:20 11:20 16:45

Arr 08:30 12:25 17:50

A/C DH4 dh4 DH4

M

T

Dep 11:55

Arr 13:10

A/C CR8

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

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W

T

F

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S

M

T

W

T

F

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S

M

T

W

T

F

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S

M

T

Johannesburg - windhoek Flt No SA 1733 SA 1731

Dep 06:10 06:15

Arr 07:15 07:15

A/C CR2 CR2

M

T

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

No 1761 1763 1765 1767 1767 1767 1775 1775 1783 1779

Dep 05:55 07:55 09:55 11:05 11:40 11:55 13:30 14:30 15:15 18:10

Arr 06:50 08:50 10:50 12:00 12:35 12:45 14:25 15:25 16:05 19:05

A/C DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4 CR2 DH4 DH4 CR2 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

No 1081 1083 1087 1089 1091

Dep 06:00 08:00 13:15 14:20 17:15

Arr 07:45 09:30 15:00 16:05 19:00

A/C DH4 CR2 DH4 DH4 DH4

M

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

No 1361 1363 1363 1371 1371 1371 1375

Dep 06:00 08:00 08:00 13:30 13:30 13:30 17:20

Arr 07:55 09:25 09:55 14:55 15:10 15:25 19:00

A/C DH4 CR2 DH4 CR2 CR2 DH4 CR2

CAPE TOWN - george Flt No SA 1531 SA 1533

Dep 06:20 13:00

Arr 07:20 13:50

A/C CR2 CR2

S

W

Johannesburg - walvis bay Flt No SA 1701

S

kruger - Johannesburg Flt SA SA SA

No 1232 1238 1238

Dep 08:40 17:35 17:35

Arr 09:40 18:30 18:35

A/C CR2 CR8 DH4

M

T

W

T

F

pietermaritzburg - johannesburg Flt SA SA SA

No 1272 1274 1278

Dep 09:00 13:00 18:25

Arr 10:15 14:15 19:40

A/C DH4 DH4 DH4

M

T

No 1702

Dep 13:45

Arr 16:55

A/C CR8

M

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

W

T

F

S

S

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W

T

F

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S

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T

F

S

S

T

windhoek - Johannesburg Flt SA

No 1734

Dep 08:15

Arr 11:15

A/C CR2

M

T

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

No 1762 1764 1766 1768 1768 1768 1776 1776 1784 1780

Dep 07:45 09:25 11:25 12:35 13:10 13:10 14:50 16:05 16:40 19:45

Arr 08:40 10:20 12:20 13:30 14:00 14:05 15:45 17:00 17:30 20:40

A/C DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4 CR2 DH4 DH4 DH4 CR2 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

No 1082 1084 1088 1090 1092

Dep 08:15 10:30 15:40 16:35 19:40

Arr 10:15 12:15 17:40 18:35 21:40

A/C DH4 CR2 DH4 DH4 DH4

M

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

No 1362 1364 1364 1372 1372 1376

Dep 08:25 10:25 10:45 16:00 16:20 20:05

Arr 10:25 12:25 12:25 18:00 18:00 21:45

A/C DH4 DH4 CR2 DH4 CR2 CR2

george - cape town Flt No SA 1532 SA 1534

Dep 07:50 14:30

Arr 08:55 15:35

A/C CR2 CR2

M

M

S

W

walvis bay - Johannesburg Flt SA

S

T

W

T

F

S

S

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

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Flight schedule Cape Town - Hoedspruit Flt No SA 1241 SA 1241

Dep 09:30 09:40

Arr 12:10 12:20

A/C CR2 CR2

CAPE TOWN - kimberley Flt SA SA SA SA

No 1151 1157 1155 1155

Dep 05:50 12:50 14:00 15:55

Arr 07:20 14:20 15:30 17:25

A/C CR2 CR2 CR2 CR2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

T

W

T

F

S

S

T

W

T

F

S

S

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

No 1801 1805 1807 1809 1813 1813 1819 1821 1821 1821 1823

Dep 06:00 09:00 10:10 10:45 13:00 13:45 15:00 16:00 16:00 16:30 18:30

Arr 07:30 10:30 11:40 12:15 14:30 14:55 16:30 17:10 17:30 17:40 20:00

A/C dh4 dh4 DH4 DH4 DH4 dh4 DH4 CR2 Dh4 CR2 DH4

M

Cape Town - Walvis Bay Flt No SA 1721 SA 1721

Dep 08:00 11:15

Arr 09:10 12:25

A/C CR2 CR2

durban - East London Flt SA SA SA SA

No 1301 1303 1305 1309

Dep 06:00 08:30 12:00 16:50

Arr 07:05 09:35 13:05 17:55

A/C CR2 CR2 CR2 CR2

M

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

A/C CR2 CR2 CR2 CR2 CR2 CR2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

A/C CR2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

A/C CR2 CR2 CR2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

durban - Port Elizabeth Flt SA SA SA SA SA

No 1330 1334 1336 1340 1348

Dep 06:00 09:15 11:55 13:35 17:40

Arr 07:20 10:35 13:15 14:55 19:00

A/C CR2 CR2 CR2 CR2 CR2

durban - CAPE TOWN Flt SA SA SA SA SA SA

No 1850 1852 1854 1858 1854 1862

Dep 06:10 08:00 13:40 15:35 16:30 18:50

Arr 08:25 10:15 15:55 17:50 18:45 21:05

durban - lusaka Flt No SA 1601

Dep 10:10

Arr 13:00

durban - Harare Flt SA SA SA

No 1611 1613 1611

Dep 10:20 13:55 14:00

Arr 12:45 16:20 16:25

Hoedspruit - Cape Town Flt SA

No 1242

Dep 12:45

A/C CR2

kimberley - CAPE TOWN Flt SA SA SA SA

No 1152 1158 1156 1156

Dep 08:10 15:10 16:00 17:55

Arr 09:50 16:50 17:40 19:35

A/C CR2 CR2 CR2 CR2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

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

No 1802 1806 1808 1810 1814 1814 1820 1822 1822 1822 1824

Dep 08:00 11:00 12:10 12:45 15:00 15:25 17:00 18:00 18:00 18:10 20:30

Arr 09:40 12:40 13:50 14:25 16:40 16:45 18:40 19:20 19:40 19:30 22:10

A/C DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4 DH4 CR2 DH4 CR2 DH4 CR2 DH4

M

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 CR2 CR2 CR2 CR2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

A/C CR2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

A/C CR2 CR2 CR2

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

walvis Bay - Cape Town Flt SA SA

No 1722 1722

Dep 09:30 13:00

Arr 12:30 16:00

A/C CR2 CR2

East London - DURBAN Flt SA SA SA SA

No 1302 1304 1306 1310

Dep 07:35 10:05 13:35 18:25

Arr 08:35 11:05 14:35 19:25

A/C CR2 CR2 CR2 CR2

Port Elizabeth - DURBAN Flt SA SA SA SA SA

No 1331 1335 1337 1341 1349

Dep 07:50 11:05 13:40 15:35 19:55

Arr 09:05 12:20 14:55 16:50 21:10

A/C CR2 CR2 CR2 CR2 CR2

CAPE TOWN - DURBAN Flt SA SA SA SA SA SA

No 1851 1853 1861 1855 1859 1855

Dep 09:05 10:45 16:15 16:30 18:15 19:15

Arr 11:05 12:45 18:15 18:30 20:15 21:15

lusaka - durban Flt SA

No 1602

Dep 13:40

Arr 16:30

Harare - durban Flt SA SA SA

No 1612 1612 1614

Dep 13:25 17:00 17:00

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

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Arr 15:20

Arr 15:50 19:25 19:25

Passenger Letters Good evening I live in Bloemfontein and my job involves travelling to many different provinces. Recently I was in East London, waiting to board a flight, when it was significantly delayed. As I boarded the plane, one of the air hostesses welcomed me on board and commented on how beautiful I looked. I thanked her, but mentioned how frustrated I was as it was likely that I would now miss my connecting flight to Bloemfontein.

Once I was seated, she asked for my boarding card to show it to the captain, and then returned to say that he was trying to sort something out for me. I was so overwhelmed by this special attention and customer centricity. As we were about to land, the other air hostess asked me to move to the front so as to be the first to exit the plane, and then they immediately routed me to the Bloemfontein flight, which was waiting for me. I had to hold back my tears of gratitude.

These three beautiful SA Express ambassadors were amazing, and their commitment to serve customers with the slogan “We Fly for You” was visible in all of them. Their values were so vivid that I will not soon forget them: integrity, mutual respect, courtesy, commitment, and professionalism.

I pray that God protects them, and gives them wisdom and courage now and forever. Nyakaloo, Keitumetse and their Captain exceeded my expectations that day. I am now back with my grandchildren in Bloemfontein and no words can explain my joy and our appreciation to the three of you, except to say thank you.

Tozie Mazitshana

Congratulations to Tozie, who wrote our winning letter this month. She has won a Samsonite CityVibe Tablet Crossover Bag valued at R995.

Hi there I would like to share a recent service encounter I had on a flight to Port Elizabeth with you.

It started off with one of the ground staff smiling and actually looking at me when he checked me in. He then mentioned that, due to the rain, I should not rush out of the bus, as I would end up standing in the rain waiting to board the plane (which is not always common sense when you are just eager to get on board).

When I boarded the plane, the stewardess used some sense by not checking our tickets immediately. She then checked our tickets when we were seated, which allowed for quicker boarding and less standing in the rain. The rest of the flight I spent comfortably enjoying the crew’s hospitality and the overall experience of the flight itself.

We tend to always complain about the worst cases, however, I feel I need to share the best (in my opinion), as your staff took a lot of time and effort to make my journey a good one.

Regards Aman Karbary

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 August edition of Indwe will receive a Samsonite Pop-Fresh Overnight Duffle Bag, valued at R1,295.

Combining lightness and strength, the new Samsonite Pop-Fresh luggage collection adds a dash of colour and refined detailing. Integrated wide, padded handles increase carrying comfort, especially when using public transport. Made from polyamide on the outside and polyester on the inside, Samsonite’s Pop-Fresh collection is available in black, aqua blue, red, grey/green, and imperial blue and is available from leading luggage retailers nationwide. To find your nearest stockist, visit www.samsonite.co.za, call +27 31 266 0620 or follow @Samsonite_ZA on twitter.

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Africa’s Talent Revealed “A Fleeting Moment”

taken near East London Airport by Gillian Morris

“Satiety” taken of a cheetah after a kill at Zulu Nyala Game Reserve in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal,

by Sonia Rebeles

Canola Fields near Riviersonderend by Derek Niehaus

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 can’t wait to show them off!

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