Travelmagsa_Issue_24

Issue 24 • 1 June 2016

WIN R200 discount on Winelands tours with Explore Sideways & Fern of the Vine 2 tickets to the Winelands Chocolate festival

Destination of the Month – Oudtshoorn

Celebrate the Queen’s Birthday – The British Royale Luxury Gold Tour

Swaziland – Exchange your Vows in Paradise

Travel | Tourism | Industry News | Food & Wine | Entertainment | Books 1

Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 24

EMAIL: info@idube.com WEBSITE: Idube Game Reserve: www.idube.com Tel: +27 11 792 6165

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Fax: +27 11 792 5026

P.O.Box 2617, Northcliff, 2115, South Africa

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Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 24

Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 24

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From the Editor...

Publishers Details: Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA cc, Johannesburg, South Africa

Each issue of TravelmagSA Finding Fabulous excites me more than the last, as we unravel events and destinations both locally and around the world.

Being digital we are small , but we do try to squeeze in as much juicy information as we can, to ensure you do not miss out on some of the ‘fabulous’ delights on offer. This month we take you to the Little Karoo - while this area seems arid on first appraisal, do not be fooled, there is a wealth of fauna and flora, as well as venues, eateries and activities making it the perfect holiday destination. Winter is a great time, to don those jackets and scarves, and get onto a game drive or into the caves, or just snuggle up in a cosy restaurant enjoying the local food and wine. Speaking of Food and Wine ‘Fern of the Vine’ and ‘Explore Sideways’ will entice you to some mouth-watering tours in the winelands that will leave you wanting, offering a special discount voucher for your next tour. If this is not enough, then the Chocolate Festival is offering a lucky reader 2 tickets to enjoy the chocolate experience of a life time.

It is no secret that I love all things wedding, and the Kingdom of Swaziland, provides the perfect backdrop for both weddings and honeymoons, this beautiful destination beckons your inner explorer and romantic. If Southern Africa is does not offer enough Food, Wine, Travel, Theatre and Events for you, then there is much delight around the world, as people prepare in Celebration of the Queen’s Birthday this month. Why not indulge and enjoy a true ‘British Royale Luxury Gold Tour’, where you will enjoy the ‘Trooping the Colour’ pageant, and dine at Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin starred restaurant –Maze. This issue really is all about the finer things in life, food, wine, travel and a little bit of oh so necessary, indulgence!

Love Justine

Every day is worth celebrating!

God is love and whoever abides in love, abides in God, and God abides in him, John 4:16

Contents Idube Game Reserve

Publishing Editor: Justine Engelbrecht justine@findingfabulous.co.za Celll: 074 440 8668 Contact for all Editorial & Advertising enquiries.

Editorial Design Concept, Production & Layout: Eye-4-Design • Eva Govender eva@eye-4-design.co.za 071 059 8301 Contributors in this Issue: Penelope Jolliffe – CT Freelance Writer Fern Ostrowick – Jnb Freelance Writer e-Published 2016 © Monthly by Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA cc.

All rights reserved. Travelmagsa Finding Fabulous is registered by Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA - ISSN 2220 – 413X While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this 24th edition of TravelmagSA, no responsibility can be accepted for quality of goods and services supplied by advertisers and sponsors. The publisher accepts no responsibility for material submitted by any client for reproduction, in regard to all relevant laws and regulations.

Concept, text, covers and title of TravelmagSA is Copyright © and may not be reproduced by any process without the prior written permission of the publisher. The Publisher would like to thank all photographers, contributors, sponsors, advertisers and all parties involved for this exciting 24th edition.

INSIDE FRONT COVER

Fern of the Vine 3 SA Destination of the Month

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Industry News

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International Travel

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Swaziland Travel

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Theatre 18 Interview / Books

On The Cover: Issue 24 • 1 June 2016

Destination of the Month

WIN R200 discount on Winelands tours with Explore Sideways & Fern of the Vine

– Oudtshoorn

Celebrate the Queen’s Birthday

2 tickets to the Winelands Chocolate festival

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– The British Royale Luxury Gold Tour

Swaziland – Exchange your Vows in Paradise

Travel | Tourism | Industry News | Food & Wine | Entertainment | Books

Visit Swaziland

InsidE Back Cover

Iwakwe Isizwe

Back Cover

click here to Book Accommodation on our website

Read our Blog: www.findingfabulous.co.za for Latest Travel & Tourism News, Articles and Posts.

Follow us on

@JustFindFab and Like us on

/Travelmagsa Finding Fabulous

/Justine Engelbrecht Download or Print TravelmagSA: www.issuu.com • Download on Google Play:

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Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 24

fern of the vine

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The first kiss and the first glass of wine are the best!

Marty Rubin

016 marks my 10 year wedding anniversary – so now you understand why I drink. Coincidentally, or rather serendipitously, this year also marks my decade long love affair with wine. I often think fondly of that moment of revelation, when I discovered the pleasure of wine, and realised how its presence had been sorely missing from my life. While we honeymooned in Cape Town (my new husband’s first trip to the mother city and my first as an adult), I, acting as our intrepid tour guide, convinced him that in order to get the full “Cape experience” we needed to get out of town and visit a few wine farms - for the breath-taking scenery and to sample their bottled produce.

Being in my early 20’s, I despised even the thought of drinking wine, as I compared the taste to a hillbilly shotgun wedding of battery acid and vinegar. My other half was in complete agreement, however already understanding the importance of the phrase, “Yes dear”, early on in his married life, he agreed to my recommendation. Thus us two “vino-virgins”, knowing nothing more about wine other than the fact that it’s made from fermented grape juice, set off in our tiny hire car on our first wine tasting adventure. Upon leaving the fourth wine farm, ‘rosé’ cheeked, and feeling well and truly sozzled (we had no idea what the spittoon on the table was, nor its purpose), through our haze, an assured realisation began to dawn.

“Woooh. Tha’ shtuff we jus’ tashted at tha’ plashe wash differentsh to tha’ shtuff at tha’ other plashe. Naaish! We need ta’get suma dat.” Right there and then, the two of us had an epiphany. We knew we were onto something of colossal proportions, something that demanded infinite further investigation. I was astounded that the Syrah and Chardonnay, that were both grown within a 15 minute drive of each other, made from identical grape varieties each had its own distinctive flavour and style. Consequently, because of that one outing, wine has become my passion. It has challenged my nose, taste buds and mind; it’s bankrupted me on occasion when I just “have to have that bottle”; it’s exasperated me with

the realisation of the thousands of other things I still don’t know about it; infuriated me with the fact that I will never get to taste every bottle of every great vintage in my lifetime; but most of all it’s given me pure delight. As I sit here, sipping my evening glass of wine, I know that no matter what happened today or how bad things may be in the world, God blessed us with soil, rain and grapevines and He gave us the ability to craft this glorious potion to appreciate and relish - on our own, in quiet moments of contemplation or sharing it with those we love – celebrating the beauty and wonder of this life.

Take the Wine Route Less Travelled with this fabulous Offer!

Explore Sideways has offered TravelmagSA Finding Fabulous and Fern of the Vine readers, the opportunity to get off the beaten track, and experience the South African winelands like never before, and invite you to enjoy this special discount.

R200 off any full-day private tour booked before November 1st, 2016.

All you have to do when you book is quote the unique voucher code

“fernofthevine”.

Explore Sideways offers a bespoke collection of Sideways tours that are outfitted for discerning and curious travellers seeking unique experiences and unforgettable moments. There is a ‘fabulous’ tour for everyone whether you’re a high-flying wine connoisseur seeking out the best of SA or you’re a family looking

for fun and adventure, they have a spectrum of activities, sights and tastes! All Tours are ‘Sideways Approved’ and what this means is that the Sideways team brings years of experience from both the wine and events industry, allowing guests insider access to exceptional artisan wineries, culinary delights, barrel

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f e r n o f t h e v i n e - f o o d , w i n e , t r av e l tastings, and access to private estates and gardens. They treat every private day tour as a personalised event and consider everything, even down to the perfect seat in each tasting room. Whether you’re a sip-savvy surfer or a discerning wine connoisseur, they have an accredited guide that cannot wait to share in your passion, and show you the incredible sights of South Africa.

From now to November ‘Fern of the Vine’ will be introducing you to a different Sideways Tour each month, and invites you to benefit from this Fabulous Sideways Offer.

My mouth is already watering as I think about the stunning CHEESE LOVERS’ EXPERIENCE IN THE WINELANDS that is definitely destined to set your taste buds a tingling, as you indulge in one of the oldest and most popular food pairings - cheese and wine.

I always say life is too short to eat bad food, and drink cheap wine, and cheese and good wine are definitely high up there on my feel good, everyday awesome things to eat and do, therefore I encourage you to indulge in ‘cheese and wine’ at some of the most legendary wine farms in the South African Winelands.

On this exciting full-day private tour, you will enjoy award winning wine and paired with a variety of superb cheeses. Start the day with a glass of wine and Kasselshoop traditional artisan cheese tasting at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Taste Forest Hill cheeses like flavoured mountain cheese to brie, camembert and marisch, paired with an array of Anura wines. Visit the famous Fairview cheesery and goat tower followed by a wine & cheese tasting, which includes a selection of six to eight of Fairview’s Jersey milk and goat’s milk cheeses. Lunch at the Goatshed restaurant (on own account). Enjoy a self-guided stroll through the gardens at Babylonstoren followed by wine tasting. Visit the Babylonstoren deli and stock up on award-winning wines and cheeses.

Rate includes:

Rate includes: Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in and around Cape Town, private guide/driver, 4 wine tastings and 3 cheese tastings.

Rate excludes: Lunch and gratuity.

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f e r n o f t h e v i n e - f o o d , w i n e , t r av e l Or how about indulging in the ULTIMATE FOODIE TOUR IN FRANSCHOEK, this full day private tour ensures you get to taste excellent food and superb wine from some of the best estates in South Africa’s culinary capital, Franschhoek. Translated from Dutch as the “French corner,” due to being settled by the French Huguenots in 1688, this delightful region emanates with the same food and wine driven lifestyle, but with a uniquely South African twist.

The tour departs at 09h00 and returns at 17h30 and this not to be missed day out, will take you on a beautiful walk through the magnificent gardens at Babylonstoren, followed by a wine tasting. You will enjoy locally raised and cured charcuterie perfectly paired with local wines, experience an award winning wine and canapé pairing seated in the sculpture garden of a Franschhoek estate, and if this is not enough you will end the day with the Premium wine tasting inclusive of truly South African culinary delights, biltong, chocolate and cheese.

Sounds like heaven!

The rate includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in and around Cape Town, private guide/ driver, garden entrance fees, one wine tasting, and three wine and food pairings.

Rate excludes: Lunch and optional visits Email info@exploresideways.com or call +27 (0)21 2016424. Quote “fernofthewine” for your discount of R200 and Enjoy!

www.exploresideways.com

ADDO GATEWAY LODGE / THE SUNDAYS RIVER FERRY/ADDO CRUISES This 3 Star Lodge is only 35km from Port Elizabeth and 4km from The New South entrance to the Addo Elephant National Park, Camp Matyholweni, and only 50m from the edge of the Sundays River across the road from the lodge. There are seven comfortable, fully equipped rooms with one wheelchair accessible double en-suite room, APD approved. Bed and Continental breakfast or self- catering options are available. This is the perfect destination from which to drive through the Addo Elephant park, or Cruise the majestic Sundays River with Sundays River Ferry/Addo Cruises and visit the world renowned Dunes, the largest dune fields in the Southern Hemisphere, where you can enjoy sand sledding down the highest dunes or take a dune walk with wonderful views of the sea and river mouth. Elephant Sanctuary visits, safaris and half and full day Addo tours with designated guides can be arranged.

Tel : +27 (41)-4680140 Fax : +27 (86)6285003 • Cell : 0824180776 or 0824654391 e-mail: maggiemann@addogatewaylodge.co.za / info@addocruises.co.za • www.addogatewaylodge.co.za / www.addocruises.co.za

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D e s t i n at i o n o f t h e M o n t h

Oudtshoorn

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By Penny Jolliffe

n the heart of the semi-arid ‘Klein Karoo’ or Little

in 1772, it has the world’s largest Ostrich population.

contrasts, lies the “Ostrich capital of the world”,

San Bushmen, and their rock paintings can be

Karoo, with its exceptional beauty and natural

Oudtshoorn. Named after Baron Pieter van Rheede van Oudtshoorn, the Governor of the Dutch Cape Colony

Originally the Klein Karoo was inhabited by the found in the caves of the Swartberg Mountains. This breath taking mountain pass has been listed as part

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge is a sprawling game reserve at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains, 6.5km outside Oudtshoorn, en route to the world renowned Cango Caves. Pristine Bushveld, lush vegetation, and a 5ha waterhole, home to 22 different animal species, and more than 217 bird species await you at the lodge, which ensures luxury en-suite tented accommodation, a professional onsite spa, and breath-taking views of the Klein Karoo. Trained guides escort guests on early morning or late afternoon safari’s in open game viewing vehicles, with a welcome refreshment stop at one of the lookout points. They also offer meerkat safaris, elephant excursions, and a star gazing experience.

Po Box 268, Oudtshoorn, 6620 Tel: +27 44 272 0000 Email: info@buffelsdrift.com www.buffelsdrift.com

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Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 24

D e s t i n at i o n o f t h e M o n t h

of the Cape Floral Kingdom World Heritage Site,

If you explore some of the nature reserves in the area;

spot’ for botanicals, where three distinct plant

will leave with a clearer understanding of the unique

and the entire Klein Karoo is described as a ‘hot

biomes coincide; the succulent Karoo, cape thicket and fynbos.

Anysberg, Towerkop, Swartberg and Gamkaberg you nature of the Karoo landscape with its diverse fauna

and flora. You may even find the rare red variety

The Queen’s Hotel is an oasis of colonial elegance, and wired modern convenience in the heart of Oudtshoorn - the capital of the beautiful semi-arid Klein Karoo. Founded in 1880, this grand dame of South African hoteliers has recently been restored to her full original beauty, and continues to offer sumptuous accommodation, service and dining, that is reminiscent of a bygone era, while being driven by dynamic modern hotel management.

5 Baron van Reede Street, Oudtshoorn

Tel: +27 44 272 2101

E-mail: reservations@queenshotel.co.za www.queenshotel.co.za

Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 24

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Destination of the Month

of Protea the ‘Aristata Protea’, which grows in the

one of Oudtshoorn’s main attractions is also one of

are the main sources of revenue in Oudtshoorn. The

stalagmites and stalactites, and its naturally coloured

Seweweekspoort Valley. Ostrich farming and tourism ‘Blue Bird’ Ostrich meat is known as the healthiest meat that money can buy, as it is the closest to venison, and

contains almost no fat. You cannot leave Oudtshoorn

the world’s great natural wonders with its magnificent limestone formations and various caverns, is a memorable treat for any visitor.

without trying this unique South African cuisine, and

Visiting an Ostrich farm is a must, and it is great fun to

offer delicious dishes of Ostrich neck, fillet and steak.

you will leave with a feather or two in your hat! There is

there are many restaurants and establishments that

Oudtshoorn attracts many visitors and holds numerous festivals and events throughout the year, as well as

being host to many sporting events. The Cango Caves,

take a ride on an ostrich or go on a guided tour, where no shortage of things to do and see in Oudtshoorn, and there many establishments that will ensure that you have

an unforgettable ’Klein Karoo’ experience. Buffelsdrift

Situated at the foot of the majestic Swartberg Mountain range, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and the Schoemanshoek Valley, Surval Boutique Olive Estate, is a luxurious and exclusive retreat where time stands still. Surval offers accommodation fit for a king (and his family), with 23 stylish, and luxurious rooms, in a serene olive farm setting, and an exquisite restaurant, that is a member of Confrêrie de la Chaîne des Rotisseurs, an international gastronomic society. This tranquil destination will ensure that the bustle of your everyday life subsides, as soon as you drive through the ornate gates of Surval Boutique Olive Estate.

Tel: 087 350 1950

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Cell: 076 256 3519

Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 24

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Email: reservations@surval.co.za

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www.surval.co.za

D e s t i n at i o n o f t h e M o n t h

Game Lodge, offers luxury tented accommodation with breathtaking views and an onsite spa. Guests

can enjoy meeting a Meerkat on their Meerkat Safaris, or enjoy Elephant Walking, Feeding and Brushing,

and enjoy sunrise and sundowner game drives in this spectacular game reserve.

Other activities in the area include caving, riding a quad bike, taking a hike into the Swartberg, diving

with crocodiles, or going on safari and experiencing the Big 5. If you are looking for accommodation then House Martin in De Rust, on the foothills of the

Swartberg, with its well-known Blue Swallow restaurant,

will ensure you enjoy the best of Klein Karoo hospitality.

Surval Boutique Olive Estate offers panoramic views

of the Schoemanshoek valley, and this exclusive retreat

has an exquisite restaurant that is a member of the

Confrêrie de la Chaîne des Rotisseurs. You can enjoy colonial elegance at the Queens Hotel in the heart

of Oudtshoorn, and reminisce of a bygone era.

This colourful destination beckons the adventurer, the explorer, the culinary fan and the artist and will ensure their return.

H O U S E M A R T I N G U E S T L O D G E & B L U E S WA L L O W R E S TA U R A N T DE RUST • KLEIN KAROO • WESTERN CAPE Welcome to Housemartin De Rust Accommodation, in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains in the little Karoo, lies the small village of De Rust, where you will find Housemartin Guest Lodge conveniently situated in the main street. On arrival our friendly staff will welcome you and usher you to one of our luxury en suite rooms that will lure you to a gentle relaxation after a day’s travel.

All rooms have their own private veranda leading into the garden and swimming pool. In the rooms, you will find either a queen size bed or twin beds luxuriously fitted with white percale linen and comfortable inners and electric under blankets for our cold winter months. We also offer tea, coffee, homemade rusks and port in the rooms. Rooms are also equipped with air-conditioning, panel heaters and under floor heating in the bathrooms. We also offer fine dining at our on-site restaurant, the Blue Swallow.

16 Schoeman St. De Rust, 6650 • Cell: 082 786 8491 • Email: info@housemartinsa.co.za • www.housemartinsa.co.za Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 24 9

I ND U ST R Y NEWS

Enjoy a great overseas holiday without stressing about the Rand!

I

f you’ve always fancied a bit of romance under the Eiffel Tower, or a sun-drenched two-week break in Bali, you may be a little frustrated at the current rate of exchange for the SA Rand. There’s no denying that it has – to some degree, at least – curtailed any international travel plans the SA traveller may have. Danny Bryer, the Director of Sales, Marketing and Revenue Management for Protea Hotels, a member of global hotel company, Marriott International, elaborates: “Over the past few years, there has been a significant decline in the Rand’s value against developed market currencies, such as the US Dollar, the Euro and the British Pound. What it boils down to is that, when you convert your Rands to one of these currencies, you can buy a lot less for the money than you could when the Rand was stronger.”

So, does this mean that travel outside our borders will have to remain a dream?

Danny explains that there are ways of getting round the problem: “One solution is to build up loyalty points that can be used for travel. If you earn eBucks from your bank, for instance, you can buy certain flights and holiday packages with your rewards. And there are various airline loyalty programmes that spring to mind.”

As regards hotel loyalty programmes, Marriott Rewards offers a great deal. Recently announced as the winner for the 9th year running of the Freddie Awards for the Hotel Programme of the Year – America, it has also been rated tops in the J.D. Power’s 2016 Hotel Loyalty/Rewards Programme Satisfaction Report. “The Freddie Award is based on input from frequent travellers, so it’s quite meaningful that actual end users have consistently identified Marriott Rewards as the top programme,” says Mark Satterfield, Chief Operating Officer for Middle East & Africa of Marriott International.

“Awareness in South Africa is currently low about the Marriott Rewards programme because it only recently became available across the Protea Hotels portfolio for travellers to earn points for their local travel. But it’s the leading global program – so popular, in fact, that it’s by far the biggest loyalty programme of any type in the world - over 56 million members.”

South Africans can now enrol as members of the programme and they can begin earning points for later towards stays anywhere in the world where there are hotels that form part of Marriott’s global portfolio. “This equates to over 4 000 locations in 80 countries,” says Satterfield. “You’re bound to find a hotel where you want to stay over and redeem your Marriott Rewards – no matter where you travel to.”

For regular travellers in South Africa, it’s easy to earn points on the programme for every night you stay over in a Protea Hotel anywhere in South Africa or in the other countries in Africa where there are Protea Hotels.

Joining the programme is simple.

Visit http://www.marriott.com/rewards/rewardsprogram.mi and complete the online form.

Then stay at a Protea Hotel and you’ll be on your way!

Danny Bryer, Director of Sales, Marketing & Revenue Management for Protea Hotels

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Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 24

I ND U ST R Y NEWS

15 Years of Thebe Tourism Group: Past, Present, Future

By Jerry Mabena

W

hen Thebe Tourism Group was founded in 2001, we set ourselves an ambitious goal. We wanted to start and acquire tourism businesses that would operate in many, if not all parts of the tourism value chain. It was a big idea in one sense, but at the heart of it was a simple objective.

Tourism – as an industry – was clearly on the up. But it remained largely untransformed up to that point – most of the sector lay in the hands of foreign or old capital, which was a situation that needed to change.

We saw potential in the sector to provide real, meaningful benefit not only to black economic empowerment and ownership, but also to communities who had been disadvantaged. So from the very start, our commitment has been to the people. And for us it remains imperative that communities are uplifted and that they benefit economically where most needed.

TTG also positions itself as a tourism business that understands South African and African heritage. We package aspects of this heritage into tourism products for distribution to the international and especially domestic tourism markets. One of my proudest moments was during the recording of the hugely popular Holiday Swap TV show we launched in 2015. One of our contestants stood on the Durban beachfront and took a deep breath as she reflected “I did not know the sea was so big and so loud – it looks smaller on television.”

Moments like that remind you that there are many South Africans who have not experienced so much of their own country. We as a tourism sector – as TTG - have a role to play in changing that. That lady on our show now treasures a new memory, and possibly a new perspective of her own country, maybe her whole world. These are memories that I want us to create for the ordinary South African. We have a bigger role to play than to simply provide tourism services. We are committed to making the current non-traveller consider travel as an inclusive opportunity for all South Africans from all backgrounds. A big part of this drive is research and developing a deeper understanding of this market.

We are determined to thoroughly appreciate and explore the potential domestic market, a further commitment from TTG to recognise the challenges and barriers to travel in this market and what we can do to address the issues. Sometimes we will actually have to create services where they do not exist. Which brings us to future endeavours. We have been very successful at managing attractions – look to the success of the Cape Point Concession as one example – so it makes sense for us to expand our interests in this arena.

At this point in time, we are in the final stages of concluding agreements with a number of rural communities and partners to develop and manage a few key and strategic iconic attractions in Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and exploring other opportunities in areas such as Kwa Zulu Natal and the Western Cape. I hinted at Indaba this year that we will also at some point look to hospitality as an area to expand. If and when we do so, it will be with the same objective and commitment to real transformation and upliftment of our communities. Thebe and its companies believe that the work has just begun.

Jerry Mabena

Chief Executive Officer – Thebe Services Thebe Services CEO, Jerry Mabena has vast experience in the marketing and property management sectors. Jerry is a proficient senior business executive with exceptional strategic thinking skills with a passion for developing individuals and working as a team.

Recognised for his integrated approach to business, Jerry has achieved success in various senior executive positions. Jerry has a degree in industrial psychology and economics from Rhodes University. He also holds a diploma in project management from Damelin and a certificate program in accounting and finance from Wits Business School.

His career thus far includes several senior leadership positions with a strong preference towards marketing and property management.

Jerry’s previous appointments include: Sales, marketing and brand management for Unilever’s graduate programme (19921995); Project Manager for RDP Culture of Learning (1995 -1997); Senior manager of Advertising and promotions for Telkom at J Walter Thompson (1997 - 2000); Managing Director at Ucingo Marketing (2000 – 2001); Global Business Unit Director for J Walter Thompson (2001 - 2003); CEO at Kagiso Exhibitions and Events (2004 - 2007); CEO at Kagiso Property Holding (2007 – 2010); CEO at Thebe Property Management (2011 – 2012); CEO at Thebe Services (current).

In his current capacity of CEO as Thebe Services Jerry looks after Thebe Investment Corporation’s stake in the following subsidiaries and companies: Thebe Tourism Group (including Club Travel; Thebe Reed Exhibitions; Compass Group SA; Cape Point Concession; Tour D’Afrique); Thebe Stockbroking; Thebe Health; Thebe Property Asset management; Thebe Connect; Thebe Mohebi; Sparks and Ellis; Combined Motor Holdings (including First Car Rental); Jardine Lloyd Thompson; Efficient Financial Holdings; Nasou via Africa; Kaya FM; Altech Netchstar Group; Vodacom South Africa; Phindana Housing and MDV Developments.

Besides his dynamic career, Jerry is very passionate about youth development and involved in various programmes enriching and inspiring the young South African. Jerry unwinds in the outdoors, you will often find him doing extreme sports, hiking or jogging. One of his loves is cooking up a feast for his loved ones - his family, who he describes as his foundation and pride.

Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 24

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Events

Winelands Chocolate Festival The second Winelands Chocolate Festival takes place at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate in Stellenbosch 20th and 21st August 2016. This year the festival offers a bigger and better line-up, activities for the whole family and, even more chocolate.

One Lucky TravelmagSA Finding Fabulous reader can

WIN 2 tickets to the value of R240.

To Win email your name and address to justine@findingfabulous.co.za

V

T&C’s: Tickets are not transferable and are not redeemable for cash.

isitors can not only taste and enjoy good quality chocolate, but also learn more about its history and production. With the many new artisanal chocolatiers on board this year, the festival promises a complete chocolate experience.

CHOCOLATE THEATRE - The chocolate theatre will host a series of chocolate demonstrations from master chocolatiers and food artists. There will be a live performance by sculptor Harry Johnson who will attempt to transform 300kg of chocolate into a life size statue of a human form.

LINDT AFTERNOON TEA - This exclusive event on the Manor House verandah, will give guests a complimentary, welcome glass of MCC and a generous selection of Lindt’s finest chocolate truffles and patisseries at 10am and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Early booking is essential.

THE CHOCOLATE ROOMS All seven rooms in the main building will be filled with the heady aromas of chocolate from the chocolatiers and confectioners, and will also include an exact replica of a Victorian Kitchen where visitors will be given a glimpse of how Victorians prepared chocolate. Walk

through a life-like Cacao Plantation and enjoy brandy and chocolate tastings in the Spirit Room.

METHODE CAP CLASSIQUE (MCC) COURTYARD – Relish in some of the best MCCs, oysters and snacks and be entertained by the Lindt “Pop up shop” where a chef will create delicious Lindor balls in front of the crowd.

PRALINE AND PATISSERIE GARDEN - Dedicated to South Africa’s finest patisserie and confectionery stands, this decadent area will offer ample seating space and classical music as well as a screening of the movie, Chocolat.

THE FOOD FORECOURT UNDER THE OAKS - Food trucks and stands selling gourmet eats, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be on sale; kiddies play area with a jumping castle (weather permitting) and organised games.

THE GRANDE MARQUEE - Live music, food stands, seating and daily fashion shows at 11am and 3pm. Items will be on sale after the show.

Buy tickets online at Webtickets or at the door.

I NTE R NAT I ONAL T R AVEL LUX* Resorts and Hotels helps people celebrate life by delivering consistently on the promise of a different kind of luxury; hospitality that is Lighter Brighter. Star ratings are all very well but we do more than tick boxes in the way conventional resorts and hotels do.

Traditional classifications may hint at excellent service and first-rate facilities but it’s the surprises, together with the spontaneity and sincerity of our team members that inspires so many of our guests to keep coming back. Since luxury means different things from person to person, we focus on perfecting the priorities.

So share in our experiences with our Reasons to Go: Start the day with our special blend of coffee, connect mind, body and soul with the LUX* Me approach to wellbeing, indulge in the bursting flavours of our home-made ice cream or explore the grounds and find our message in a bottle, holding a surprise just for you.

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Island Light Holidays • 011 770 7821 info@islandlightholidays.co.za www.Luxresorts.com Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 24

T R AVEL U K

Celebrate the

Queen’s Birthday T

he world is going giddy for all things British right now as the Queen prepares to celebrate her ‘official’ birthday on the 11th of June this year. She’s turning 90, and as the longest reigning British monarch it will be a time of pomp and celebration at this year’s Trooping the Colour.

The custom of Trooping the Colour dates back to the 17th century as a way to get soldiers to recognize the colours of their own regiments.This impressive display of pageantry is now held on the occasion of the Queen’s Official Birthday and is carried out by her personal troops, the Household Division, on Horse Guards Parade, with the Queen herself attending and taking the salute.

in summer to take advantage of the (hopefully) glorious weather. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York and she spent much of her early years enjoying a quiet family life with her parents and Sister Princess Margaret. She was only third in line to the throne, as her uncle, King Edward, abdicated paving the way for her father, King George to ascend to the throne.

When King George died in 1952, Princess Elizabeth was crowned.

Her Majesty The Queen was born on 21 April 1926 so she has already turned 90, but the official birthday is held

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T R AVEL U K

Luxury Gold Tour The British Royale

I

nsight Vacations will take travellers up close and personal with all things regal in 2016. The British Royale is a ten day once in a lifetime special event trip that begins 12 August and is limited to only 40 guests. Take an elegant foray into British high society when you dine at a private members club, mingle with aristocracy, explore the stately home of Highclere Castle where Downtown Abbey was filmed, and visit the Royal Yacht Brittannia.

This trip also includes a private viewing of the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, a tour of Alnwick Gardens hosted in person by Her Grace, Jane Percy, The Duchess of Northumberland and tickets to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo for the spectacular display of drums, dance and display.

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On the dining front guests on The British Royale will enjoy a welcome dinner in the contemporary setting of Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Maze whilst in London and dinner at the decadent, stylish and very glamorous Rhubarb in Edinburgh. Guests will stay in the luxurious 5-star Milestone Hotel overlooking Kensington Palace in London, the refined country house-style hotel of the Lakeside Hotel & Spa in Lake Windemere and the Waldorf Astoria in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.

Priced from R89 999 per person twin share, this 10 day trip, includes luxury accommodation with breakfast daily, six additional meals including epicurean dining, exclusive insights and the inclusive Luxury Gold services of airport transfers, seamless baggage handling and more.

Michelin D

T R AVEL U K

-starred dining

ining at Michelin-starred restaurants is just one part of the epicurean delights designed to delight the palate on Luxury Gold Europe journeys that also include true farm-to-table fare and stops at family wineries, all of which highlight the finest regional cuisines.

Michelin starred restaurants symbolise the epitome of gastronomic excellence, and this is exactly what our guests will enjoy on Insight Vacations Luxury Gold Journeys. The first edition of the Michelin Guide was issued in 1900 and covered France. It would list things that would be useful for motorists such as the location of petrol stations, mechanics and hotels.

André and Edouard Michelin’s guide was produced to offer motorists “a small guide to improve mobility”, to facilitate their travels. It would, of course, encourage

the development of the automobile industry in France, and increase the demand for Michelin tires and other products.

Initially handed out free, in 1922 the Guide began to be charged for, and it was in 1926 that the first stars were awarded to restaurants, with the system being extended in 1933 to a system of one, two or three stars, which has remained to this day. The Guide steadily extended coverage beyond France throughout much of Europe.

For a restaurant to earn a Michelin star is no easy feat.

The Michelin Guide rates restaurants for comfort, and also for food via the coveted Michelin Stars. A one star Michelin restaurant is likely to be very fine indeed, while three stars (the best) is an accolade handed out only to a few dozen restaurants in the world each year.

www.insightvacations.com / Facebook and Twitter: #InsightMoments and #InsightMomentsLG. Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 24

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Tr av e l S wa z i l a n d

Exchange your Vows

Summer brings with it warmer weather and the lush bush which makes the perfect setting as you walk down the aisle to say “I do”. Autumn and its many colours provide the most beautiful backdrop to any photograph. And Winter?

How can you resist a honeymoon snuggled alongside the fireplace, while roasting marshmallows with your love?

There are an abundance of game lodges and guesthouses to choose from plus an array of exciting activities.

D

o you ever wonder what it would be like to walk down the aisle with the sounds of lions roaring in the distance, or to see wildlife roam in the bush as you exchange your vows, or watch the African sunset as you relax and sip cocktails on your honeymoon. All of this can be yours when you get married in the beautiful and breathtaking Kingdom of Swaziland.

Only about four and a half hours drive from Johannesburg, plus a stamp in your passport, Swaziland is the perfect destination to “get hitched” and enjoy a truly relaxing honeymoon. This small nation exudes romance throughout the year.

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Go horseback riding and explore the countryside on one of these magnificent animals, or go quad biking and experience some exhilarating fun! What better way to explore Swaziland’s many and varied highlands, forests, and reserves than on foot or enjoy a 4x4 game drive.

Another way to explore Swaziland’s landscapes is by mountain bike on one of the many dedicated trails.

Climbing, abseiling, canopy tours, white water rafting and caving will give you the adrenalin rush you might need after all the relaxing. But if you have not had enough, bird watching, or hiking will invite you to unwind.

Tr av e l S wa z i l a n d

in Swazi Paradise

Swaziland’s accommodation options will leave you spoilt for choice from game lodges, guesthouses, resorts and log cabins. Each one will invite you in and make you feel as though you are home whilst on your honeymoon. There is nothing more romantic that enjoying a sundowner with the sounds of the bush just outside or falling asleep under the stars. While The Kingdom of Swaziland may not be your first thought for your wedding and honeymoon destination, it really should be your only one.

According to the Home Affairs of the Kingdom of Swaziland, all persons getting married in Swaziland are subject to the legislation of the Marriage Act, 1964 which does not differentiate between Swazi citizens and visitors with regard to the solemnization of a marriage in the

kingdom of Swaziland. Intending bridal couples should in all cases consult the marriage officer in Swaziland who is to perform the ceremony to ensure compliance with the prescribed formalities.

Tel: 011 702 9602 Email: lizzy@swazilandtourism.co.za /MySwazilandSA •

#IloveSwaziland

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T h e at r e

NICKELODEON’S “DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE! DORA’S PIRATE ADVENTURE” INTERACTIVE MUSICAL STAGE SHOW TAKES KIDS & FAMILIES ON A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY!

To view the promo for Dora’s Pirate Adventure, please click here

Nickelodeon has teamed up with Life Like Touring and Blu Blood to bring Dora the Explorer and her friends to South Africa this winter.

Dora the Explorer Live! Dora’s Pirate Adventure will take place at the ICC, Durban (1-3 July), Emperors Palace, Johannesburg (7-12 July), and at the Grand Arena, GrandWest Casino, in Cape Town (15-17 July).

TV series following Dora and her best friend, Boots as they explore their world. Since its launch on Nickelodeon in 2000, Dora the Explorer has emerged as a global phenomenon, seen around the world and translated into more than 30 languages, and the show has received numerous international industry awards.

Families are invited to join Dora and her pals Boots and Diego, on a voyage of discovery as they embark on an exciting trip to Treasure Island in search of the ultimate pirate party. Help them navigate over the Dancing Mountain and through the Silly Singing Bridge in pursuit of the Pirate Piggies. Along the way, Dora the Explorer fans will use their map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully help Dora reach Treasure Island and avoid that pesky fox, Swiper! Dora the Explorer is a play-along, animated adventure

Tickets for Dora’s Pirate Adventure are on sale at Computicket www. computicket.com or 0861 915 8000 and at Checkers and Shoprite stores nationwide. Tickets are also available at the Emperor’s Palace Box Office and the Box Office at GrandWest Casino. www.nickelodeonafrica.com, follow us on @NickAfrica, on Instagram @Nickelodeon_Africa, or like us on /Nickelodeon.

To join the conversation about the show, please use the hashtag #DoraLiveSA.

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disneyonice.co.za Disney On Ice Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 24

Au t h o r I n t e r v i e w What inspired you to write the book Wholesome Nutrition?

Wholesome Nutrition was inspired by the recognition that many South Africans were bouncing from one diet to another, trying to seek the elusive long-term health and better weight management. However, interaction of nutrition with the human body is much more complicated than what can be represented by a simplistic dietary approach. Wholesome Nutrition therefore has a focal point of education, trying to empower South Africans towards a better understanding of their own body, their genetic individuality, ultimately culminating in much more informed eating behaviours that improve their health and long-term well-being. We also want to encourage people to become more aware or conscious of the foods they are purchasing. Farmed or fresh produce does not require labelling so we want to inform individuals that when they pick up an apple from their local fruit and veg shop that it has been heavily sprayed with herbicides and pesticides and these are negatively affecting their health in the long term – so an accumulative effect. We want people to realise the hormones, additives, and growth promoters in their meat, chicken, eggs and dairy. We want them to know that eating chemically tainted foods does not lead to health and vitality so we offer options like purchasing naturally grown foods or concentrate on thoroughly washing fresh produce. We also encourage taking a small lead in growing your own foods which could be anything from sprouting in your kitchen to having hanging baskets of strawberries or fresh herbs on your balcony or actually creating dedicated beds for growing foods. Growing your own increases the nutrient density because the transport time or the time the vegetables are in the shop has been eliminated. The minute you remove a vegetable from its original source it begins to lose nutrients.

Taking charge of your foods equates to taking charge of your health!

So dedicating some time to knowing the farmers and butchers that are selling you produce. We also go back to traditional cooking methods, so fermenting vegetables, reintroducing stocks and cooking from scratch.

How is your book different to what other books and diets are offering?

It is not a diet. Unfortunately, most nutrition books, whether they mean to or not, seem to extend their key messages (whether that is low-carb, low-fat, low GI etc.), to every person who takes time to read the book. We educate our readers about base nutrition principles, and provide them with plenty of good dietary and lifestyle recommendations, without trying to squeeze them into another one-size-fits-all box. It is not restrictive in anyway. You don’t have to count calories or glycemic indices. So if you still want to eat your chocolate, we suggest you go for the cleanest (least amount of sugar) and consume only small amounts. So we encourage paying a bit more, which results in eating a bit less. Good quality chocolate is fairly bitter with a strong cacao presence, it’s hard to eat an entire slab. You are not coerced into eating copious amounts of fats, proteins or carbohydrates. We have a strong focus on quality over quantity. We’re asking people to go back to what their granny was cooking.

Considering that there is a lot of information in the book, where is the best place to start, to make the necessary changes to one’s lifestyle and weight management?

It is a book that is intended to be read cover to cover or for the reader to be able to dip into separate chapters, according to their interests.

To fully contextualise the information shared, it is

Ian Craig & Rachel Jesson obviously better to read the whole book, but each chapter is separated out into bite-size chunks. For example, if the reader is confused about the current high-fat recommendations, they can easily dip into chapter 4 on fats, which will help provide them with a much more rounded education on the subject of good, bad and ugly fats.

How easy is it to acquire organic and sustainable foods locally?

If you live in the middle of the veld, in a small dorp, ironically I believe that it may be quite difficult to obtain locally sourced organic food. However, as shown in the resources section at the end of the book, there are more and more small, but passionate retailers sourcing top quality local, sustainable and organic food for city folk.

In today’s economic climate, how does the average person make the right choices that also suit the needs of the family, and the ever tightening budget?

It is a question of priorities. Nowhere else in the world have I ever seen quite so many modern 4x4 vehicles in one location as when I drive along William Nicol Drive or through Sandton. Many South Africans actually spend considerably more on their car than they do on their food, and it is the same for medical aid, money going to a large corporation, which at best is only partially refunded. One of our favourite quotes from the book is “have you seen the cost of cancer lately?” Without your health, your material wealth means absolutely nothing. We need to spend a little bit more money on food to support the hard-working ethical farmers in our country, as opposed to supporting large authoritative World organisations such as Monsanto, as one example. Ultimately we need to help the health of our own bodies and of the environment around us.

In your book, you have ‘12 weeks to a vibrant life’, ‘Aims of a healthy life’ and ‘Individualising Nutritional Intake’ with the advice of selfeducation and self-empowerment, while these are fantastic in retrospect, without daily self-discipline, they may seem unmanageable to the average person, as while ones intentions are good, the reality of everyday life does have a tendency to get in the way. Can you offer advice to overcome these hurdles?

We are careful to not over strategise the information that we give to our readers. It is so common to find individuals who have successfully gone through a three month

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Au t h o r I n t e r v i e w dietary programme, only to then lapse back into their old ways. A great phrase is “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, and we find that people who are successfully moving towards long-term health, are doing so through slow and progressive changes in their lifestyle and dietary patterns.

Do you offer advice for individuals?

So we suggest that people make one change in their nutrition habits at a time. For example; they can trade-in their packaged breakfast cereals for one of Rachel’s scrummy breakfast options - remember, it is important to eat breakfast like a king. If every week a person makes only one change in the way that they are eating and living their life, within 3 to 6 months they should see massive changes in their health and day-to-day practice. So, although we run a programme called ‘12 weeks to vibrant health’, we only introduce one new element every week, plus focus very much on education.

Successfully implemented, the person is much more empowered towards their future health decisions.

Is there anything specific you would like to share with TravelmagSA Finding Fabulous readers?

Yes, I (Ian) have been a Nutritional Therapist for more than a decade and run a very busy practice in the Morningside Chiropractic and Sports Injury Clinic.

Don’t be in a hurry to discover the perfect diet because there is none…

Instead, focus firstly on the quality of the food that you are sourcing for you and your family and secondly on the balances within your diet for your own individual health - for example, your balance between carbs and fats, the animal sources and plant sources of foods, and ‘healthy’ food and treat food.

Slowly move yourself towards the 80:20 principle where 80% of the time your choices are ultimately healthy ‘for you’ and even when you eat treat food, the quality will improve more and more, slowly putting the junk food industries out of business.

book reviews MY CAPE MALAY KITCHEN CARIEMA ISAACS

My Cape Malay Kitchen is Cariema Isaacs’s heartfelt and poignant account of the extraordinary relationship between herself and her father, and how that was reflected in their shared passion for food and cooking.

She recollects all of the dishes they cooked and ate together, and shares her childhood memories of growing up in Bo-Kaap (the Cape Malay Quarter in Cape Town), lending insight into the culture, religious ceremonies and family events that have shaped the Cape Malay community into what it is today.

My Cape Malay Kitchen is also a book about flavourful food, richly spiced curries, indulgent cakes and decadent desserts. Cariema’s refreshing approach to food showcases many of the much-loved Cape Malay vintage recipes as well as a selection of modern dishes, and is ideal for anyone who needs a little inspiration in the kitchen. Cariema Isaacs was born in Scotchekloof in Bo-Kaap. She has a natural flair in the kitchen, and from an early age was familiar with ingredients that her grandmother would transform into the most scrumptious dishes. Cariema lived in Cape Town for most of her life, before moving to Johannesburg and thereafter Dubai, where she and her husband raise their two teenage sons. My Cape Malay Kitchen is her first book.

ISBN: 978-1-4323-0565-9 Price R295.00

JHP GOURMET GUIDE ™

- top restaurants, their chefs and their recipes Discover 100 diverse restaurants from haute cuisine to hot-and-happening. The guide navigates readers from major cities through country escapes en route, highlighting gourmet getaways, refined dining and fabulous food. A map, directions and GPS co-ordinates will get the reader there and a QR code links them directly to the restaurant’s website.

This beautiful hard cover keepsake guide will also be used as a memento of these ‘travels’ in the recipes supplied by featured chefs.

Jenny Handley is a brand performance specialist, owner of JHP and author of best-selling business books. Her career started with her food studies, and led her through marketing and PR to brand management. She has her own weekly brand column in the Cape Times and is a feature writer and reviewer for Food & Home Entertaining, and other lifestyle publications. Jenny tops up her formal food qualifications regularly with cookery courses globally and is a member of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Her blog, Jen’s Journeys of Flavour, reflect her reviews and views, home and away, from markets to Michelin-star restaurants. Jenny is well exposed to the restaurant industry, regularly running her ‘Master Class in Brand and Service Excellence’ workshops. MapStudio is the leading publisher of maps, travel and lifestyle publications in South Africa.

ISBN 978-1-77026-848-7 PRICE R299.00

THE ‘PLATING’ RATING A panel of professional gourmets anonymously evaluated these establishments, taking into account innovation, consistency and service in addition to a wide spectrum of gourmet and sensory criteria. The top 21 restaurants will receive one or two plates in a unique ‘plating’ evaluation system. A one-plate award is for excellent cuisine, a top-quality eating experience. Two plates are awarded for exceptional destination dining - extraordinary cuisine that warrants a special trip. As consistency is such an integral part of performance in the restaurant industry, three plates will be awarded to some or all of these restaurants for upholding and elevating their standards, in the future.

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Visit Swaziland!

A unique Kingdom in Southern Africa boasting beautiful scenery, wildlife and culture.

Tel: 011 702 9602 Email: lizzy@swazilandtourism.co.za /MySwazilandSA •

#IloveSwaziland

www.thekingdomofswaziland.com Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 24

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Make a difference and donate to change lives

‘BUILDING THE NATION’

PBO

Working into various developmental issues such as community development, education, orphans, and nutrition.

Ukwakha Isizwe functions as an umbrella organization for several initiatives, covering a broad range of

BEE

NPO

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developmental issues. Currently there are 9 initiatives, ranging from a place of safety for abandoned babies, funding for high school and tertiary education, nursery schools, feeding scheme, homework centre, entrepreneurship program and more. View the www.uifoundation.co.za for more information on all the initiatives.

Banking Details: Ukwakha Isiziwe Association, Nedbank (Current Account), Eastgate (192405), Acc # 1002758351

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