Val de Vie Magazine
A BEAUTIFUL MIND
Life worth living
Lindiwe Mazibuko thrives at Harvard, but her heart remains in SA
PRINCE HARRY AT VAL DE VIE ESTATE The Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup for the first time on African soil
ON A PLATTER John Platter returns to the winelands and rates the Revolution
WILBUR SMITH Summer 2016 Cover summer2016 SUBBED.indd 15
One of the world’s greatest storytellers on his next chapter
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V - contents Val de Vie Magazine
A BEAUTIFUL MIND
Life worth living
Lindiwe Mazibuko thrives at Harvard, but her heart remains in SA
PRINCE HARRY AT VAL DE VIE ESTATE The Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup for the first time on African soil
CONTENTS
ON A PLATTER John Platter returns to the winelands and rates the Revolution
8 Dreaming big WILBUR SMITH Summer 2016
One of the world’s greatest storytellers on his next chapter
Cover summer2016 SUBBED.indd 15
2015/12/08 12:52 PM
On the cover Prince Harry at the 2016 Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup hosted by Val de Vie Estate Photography André van Niekerk, Vivid Blue Photography Editorial Ryk Neethling, Janette Griesel Fashion Janette Griesel, Bronwyn Day Photography Kope | Figgins Hair and makeup Sian Moss Model Rose from Vision Models Horse Spanish Emblem owned by Jason Drew Contributors Norman McFarlane Heléne Ramackers Joanne Gibson Samantha Page Grant Schreiber Yasemen Kaner-White Ockie Fourie Sarah Whitelaw Gerda Viljoen Laura Jones Val de Vie marketing director Ryk Neethling PR and Advertising sales Janette Griesel Janette.Griesel@valdevie.co.za Design and production Mark Pettipher MPDPS (PTY) Ltd mark@mpdps.com Production manager Dalene van Niekerk Designer Wade Hunkin Copy editor Brenda van Rensburg
VAL DE VIE IDENTITY AND STYLE GUIDE
10 Next level 14 Through the lens 24 Fit for a Prince 30 What legends are made of 34 Home is where the heart is 38 A storyworth telling 42 Paradise found 50 The sky is no limit 54 Running free 64 Lesson learned 68 Passionate outsider 73 Across the board 82 Polo for Africa 86 Going offshore
Val de Vie Magazine is published for Val de Vie Estate Elements Management (PTY) Ltd
88 Cintron Pink Polo 2015
Val de Vie Estate R301/Jan Van Riebeeck Drive Paarl 7647, South Africa
94 Forget me not 99 Property ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an electronic system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, digital or mechanical, including scanning, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher and copyright owners as featured.
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78 Lord of the flies
Printing RSA Litho
Contact Tel +27 (0)21 863 6100 Fax +27 (0)21 863 2741 Email pr@valdevie.co.za Web Valdevie.co.za
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DE VELOPMENT
SAFE HOME AWARD SOUTH AFRICA Val de Vie Estate by Val de Vie Estate
24 “We are extremely honoured to host the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup at Val de Vie. It is likewise a privilege to welcome the founders
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of Sentebale – Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso – to our estate. Like Sentebale, we are passionate about helping those in need, and are pleased to be able to play a supporting role in the excellent work that this charity is doing in a
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country so close to ours.” Ryk Neethling
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V - welcome
Aerial view of the Val de Vie Phase 2 expansion and newly acquired Pearl Valley
Dreaming big I have been dreaming big my whole life and realised that I am drawn to those that share this trait. This is one of the reasons why I am so proud to be associated with Val de Vie and its people. As a team, we are able to realise those dreams and achieve common goals. Looking back, 2015 has been one of the greatest years so far!
T
here are two specific goals, which we have been working towards the last six years, and it’s such a joy to know that now we have finally achieved them. The first was hosting HRH Prince Harry of Wales for
the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, a major honour for the estate. Second was success in purchasing Pearl Valley Golf and Country Estate in a landmark property transaction that will have wonderful effect on the
“We look forward to
Paarl-Franschhoek Valley. At times these goals seemed impossible but with teamwork, commitment and consistent hard work we
welcoming Prince Harry
achieved what some said was impossible. This edition of our magazine again features other big dreaming individuals, who inspire us such as Lindiwe Mazibuko, blazing her way through Harvard, entrepreneur and
back again soon, whether it be on a polo pony or not”
8
futurist Jason Drew and Wilbur Smith, arguably Africa’s most successful author. Hope you enjoy the read and never lose track of those dreams!
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Next level We look at five of the most exceptional mountain biking stage-races across the world worth travelling for. These races are unique, challenging and could be seen as “destination riding”, a must add to any avid cyclist’s bucket list. Words provided
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ABSA Cape Epic South Africa 700km | 8 Days | 13 - 20 March 2016
Classified as “hors catégorie” by the Union Cycliste
Western Cape region in South Africa with unspoilt
Internationale (UCI), the Cape Epic is the biggest
scenery and some of the most magnificent mountain
stage race in the world in terms of TV coverage and
passes in South Africa. It is a full-service race, meaning
prestige. A highlight on the mountain biking calendar,
that everything is taken care of from the start - all
the race keeps riders guessing with a new route every
riders need to think about is riding.
year. The demanding eight-day adventure through the
Web: cape-epic.com
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V - trophy list Nedbank Tour de Tuli Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa 300km | 4 Days | 11 – 14 August 2016 Imagine a four day cycling safari with a unique course that takes you through true African landscapes and big five territory. The race supports Children in the Wilderness, a charity that not only educates the youth in the rural areas of the Limpopo Valley but also encourages them to protect their environment, teaching anti-poaching and conservation. With feats such as crossing the Limpopo River from Botswana, riding along elephants through the Shashi Wilderness Park in Zimbabwe and finally crossing the boarder, passing through local villages and communities, to finish the race in Mapungubwe Confluence Camp in South Africa. Web: tourdetuli.com
Craft BIKE Transalp powered by Sigma Germany, Austria and Italy 624.23km | 7 Days | 17 - 23 July 2016 The 19th of July marks the beginning of the Craft BIKE Transalp powered by Sigma cycle race. This race covers a distance of 624.23 kilometres and crosses three different countries, namely Germany, Austria and Italy. This year new stages were introduced to the race and this includes longer technical stages as well as steeper climbs. The 18th edition encompassed a new route starting in Ruhpolding, Germany and travelling along Saalfelden Leogang, Mitterstill and Sillan in Austria, Levico Terme in Italy and ending with a final stretch to Lake Garda. Web: bike-transalp.de
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V - trophy list Crocodile Trophy Australia 700km | 9 Days | 15 – 23 October The Crocodile Trophy is one of the world’s longest running and toughest mountain bike races. Putting riders’ endurance and strength to the test, the race draws travellers from around the world to brave the outback, rainforests and coffee plantations of Tropical North Queensland, Australia. The race finishes on a 6km stretch of white beach at Port Douglas, a popular jumping-off point for tours to the Great Barrier Reef. Web: crocodile-trophy.com
La Ruta los Conquistadores Costa Rica 256km | 3 Days | 3 - 5 November 2016 Inspired by the twenty year journey of the early Spanish Explorers’, the now three day trek of La Ruta takes riders through and around Costa Rica’s lavish rainforests, majestic volcanoes, spectacular mountain ranges and roaring rivers. The race includes rafting in the Pacuare River and is not considered a race for novice mountain bikers. In the heart of Central America, the island is known for its awesome surf spots, beautiful beaches and rainforests with a unique and very rich biodiversity. Web: adventurerace.com
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Through the lens From a small app released in 2010, Instagram has over 300 million users, 75 million of whom make use of the app on a daily basis. It has provided people to not only share their morning latte art, but has paved the way for aspiring and professional photographers alike to share their images with the world. Words by Ockie Fourie @theworldsyoungestman
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Instagram has done wonders for Cape Town’s tourism and showing off the city’s beauty, being rated as one of the most photogenic cities around the world.
L
ocally, the community has grown to small crowds of people shooting mobile pictures of puddles
have stepped up to bigger and better cameras, lenses and accessories.
in the centre of Woodstock, to photographers
Along with this leap comes opportunity. It has
venturing into abandoned buildings, rooftops,
opened doors for photographers to make a name for
deserted streets and mountain tops, equipped with
themselves, documenting their surroundings and
digital cameras and tripods, chasing that next shot.
grabbing the attention of small businesses and large
It’s also a simple yet effective way of documenting
corporations to promote their products through the
your daily life by using the camera that’s always
eye of the Instagrammer. Some people have turned
with you, your phone. Having said that, in the last
these opportunities into full-time careers, partnering
two years, the focus has changed from the mobile
with brands and making a living from it. Along with
camera to the digital camera. Some people have
many digital jobs in the advertising and social media
become more serious about capturing images and
circles, this career option did not exist five years ago. val de vie
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V - photography Catherine Drowley @cat_drowley | 834 posts 31.1k followers | 555 following Currently specialising in social media advertising, which means creating content on a daily basis. Having majored in photography at Michaelis School of Fine Art, Cat has an artistic approach to her work, but saw photography as just that, work. Discovering Instagram re-awakened her passion for photography and even improved it. What ‘s more was the opportunity to connect with so many talented and like-minded individuals.
“Cape Town is my back garden - too often I forget how beautiful it is in this city. Every chance I get I’m outside trying to capture those moments we often overlook.” - Catherine Drowley
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David East @daveast | 1 815 posts
“Instagram is a great platform for people to express their work but it is also a platform
119k followers | 499 following David creates visual art through film
that builds a community of photographers. I can literally go to any city and there will
and photography, portraying the city
be someone to take me around the local life. Instagram is great that way.”
Film direction being his forte, he
– David East
with all its curves and angles. captures the movement and emotions of the concrete jungle.
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“I felt that too many photographers and instagrammers were focused on showing off Cape Town’s sunsets and mountains and not enough about the streets. There’s so much realness that comes from this city that people don’t even acknowledge and I take it upon myself as a photographer to get that across.” - Wayne Hipe
Wayne Hipe @hipebeast | 606 posts 26.8k followers | 257 following Best recognised for his original take on street style and urban photography, Wayne is a Cape Town born photographer. His documentation showcases the parts that are raw and real about the Mother City. While being a big part of the local Instagram community, Wayne Lee Robertson is also well respected for his photography as an art.
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*Vodacom covers more than 99% of SA population with 2G, 3G and LTE Data services. de vie 35 Vodacom Shop Paarl Mall, Shop 13 and 14, Paarl Mall, Tel: 021 863 4247/8, Fax: 021val863 4249
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V - photography Mike Eloff @thelawry | 3 724 posts 57.1k followers | 731 following The extraordinary photos of this Cape Town photographer, has a way of calling to the adventurer in all of us. Mike will do anything it takes to get the shot, including spending the entire night on Lion’s Head for single image, made up of over a thousand photos processed into one. In 2012, Mike took a photo of the sunset everyday for the whole year. In 2013, he did the same to capture every sunrise for 365 days without fail. Photography has become part of him and how he communicates, Instagram merely provided the microphone.
“Never stop exploring and taking photos, it’s food for the soul and the eyes.” – Mike Eloff 20
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My inspiration is the beauty around me. The endless landscapes that change as you drive around the city, from the coast to the city bowl and Table Mountain, to the vast rolling hills and dramatic skylines of the Wine-lands.� – Gavin Pickford
Gavin Pickford @gavman18 | 1 572 posts 55.6k followers | 270 following Based on a beautiful stud farm in Franschhoek, breeding thoroughbred racehorses,Gavin is surrounded by exquisite scenery everyday. Though he has a love for photography, he only pursues it part-time. His love for nature and horses is evident in the breathtaking moments he captures when the evening colours change, which he is best known for.
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V - photography Gareth Pon @garethpon | 2196 posts 259k followers | 595 following Apart from his passion for film-making and photography, Gareth has spent the last few years pursuing the potential of Mobile Photography and developing the South African Instagramers community, the only South African Instagram community with an international relationship and recognition. As a result of his activity and unique approach to creativity, he has been featured by various platforms including CNN, MTV, Huffington Post, Mail & Guardian, and Instagram’s official blog, as well as partnering with tech giant Samsung South Africa in becoming their Official Digital Imaging Ambassador in 2015.
“If one can find a perfect balance between purity and perversion in reality, then that’s where you’ll find a good story.” – Gareth Pon 22
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“We have what it takes to do what’s right… while we’re here, we can fight.” – George the Poet
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Fit for a Prince An enraptured audience watched as the two gallant teams marched out onto the polo field. Prince Harry’s muchanticipated South African visit included his participation in the sixth Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, held at Val de Vie Estate on 28 November. This event – the largest one-day charity polo event in the world – has made its sixth appearance this year and is a first ever on African soil. Words by Laura Jones
T
here is a long and proud history of polo in
The Sentebale Polo Cup was first launched at
South Africa, with the first recorded game
Apes Hill Polo Club in Barbados in 2010 where a
taking place in October 1874 at the Parade Ground
crowd of over 2000 gathered to watch the match.
in Cape Town, between the Gordon Highlanders and
Since then, the event toured across the world from
the Cape Mounted Rifles.
the UK to Brazil, Connecticut, USA and Abu Dhabi.
Val de Vie, meaning the “Valley of Life”, was
Polo had become a successful vehicle to create
established in 2004 and polo was first played here in
worldwide awareness of Sentebale and its vision, to
2008. This year, the estate had the honour of
work in partnership to positively transform the lives
hosting the sixth annual Sentebale Polo Cup,
of the world’s most vulnerable children. “It’s an
welcoming Prince Harry himself to play polo in
honour to be part of this event where polo can be
South Africa. Alongside him is one of England’s
used as a platform to do good,” says Sentebale
own professional polo players, Malcolm Borwick
ambassador, polo pro Nacho Figueras.
“It’s an honour to be part of this event where polo can be used as a platform to do good,” -Sentebale ambassador and polo pro Nacho Figueras
and renowned polo player Nacho Figueras, an
The real heart of Sentebale began in 2004 when
ambassador for Sentebale. The two teams battled for
Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso took Prince Harry to stay
BELOW Prince Harry with Sentebale
a victory, which was finally won by eight goals to the
overnight at one of the cattle-posts in the
Chairman and Val de Vie Resident,
Royal Salute Team, led by Figueras.
mountains of Lesotho; this was where they made
Philip Green
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Although it was a close match, keeping the suspense heightened, it was ultimately the Royal Salute team that won the game eight to seven, after Bill Ballhaus scored the winning goal seconds before the end of the final chukker was signalled. This skilful
their commitment to support children in Lesotho,
death of their parents – they were so vulnerable and
move earned Ballhaus the
many whom had been affected by HIV/AIDS.
in need of care and attention.”
title of ‘Most Valuable Player’
Both Prince Seeiso and Prince Harry agree that
Sentebale was registered as a charity in 2006 and
their charity is a way to remember their mothers,
opened an office in Lesotho in 2007, initially
who both worked with vulnerable children and
providing grants and management advice to
people affected by HIV/AIDS. Says Prince Harry,
grassroots organisations caring for disadvantaged
“I really feel that by doing this I can follow in my
children in Lesotho. Today, the charity has
mother’s footsteps and keep her legacy alive.”
maintained partnership with these locally run
In a discussion detailed on the Sentebale website
organisations, whilst extending its network to
Prince Harry recounts, “I was 19 and went travelling
work
in my gap year. I had a fantastic time in Australia,
foundations
Argentina and Botswana, but, in the end, the thing
providers and government.
directly and
with
major
corporations,
international local
service
that had the greatest impact on me was the two
Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso says, “Lesotho is a small,
months I spent working in Lesotho. I met so many
impoverished country. Its problems have been made
children whose lives had been shattered following the
infinitely worse since I grew up because of the
Guests in attendance included businessmen, Patrice Motsepe, Tokyo Sexwale and Sir Martin Sorrell; Olympic gold medallist, Cameron van der Burgh; former Proteas cricket captain, Graeme Smith; TV personality, Minnie Dlamini and UK actress, Laura Main 26
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HIV/AIDS pandemic. It has been said that we, as a
Royal Salute Polo Cup has raised in the region of
nation, are facing annihilation.”
£3 million for the charity.
According to Lesotho’s Ministry of Health and
Cathy Ferrier of Sentebale comments: “Sentebale’s
Social Welfare, more than 37,000 children under
annual polo fundraising event has gone from strength
fourteen live with HIV. What follows from that are
to strength over six consecutive years. We are delighted
prevalent psychosocial problems in communities
to bring the Sentebale Polo Cup home to Africa this
that are associated with anti-retroviral therapy,
year, and would like to thank Martin Venter and the
such as a fear of being stigmatised, isolated
wonderful team at Val de Vie Estate for all their hard
or rejected by others.
work and support. The funds raised from this year’s
Safe accommodation, hot meals and psychosocial
event will allow us to deliver care and education to
support to those children coming to terms with
many more children in Lesotho and in the near
living with HIV, are just some of the services that are
future across other Southern African countries.”
offered by various extensive Sentebale projects
Evidence of Prince Harry’s heartfelt work came
making a huge difference to children’s ability to
full circle on this trip to Lesotho and South Africa,
lead a more rewarding life. To date, the Sentebale
when he was reunited with fifteen year-old
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V - royalty Mutsu Potsane more than a decade after they first met. Mutsu was just four years old when he first met the Prince at the Mants’ase Children’s Home for orphans, outside Maseru in Lesotho. They remained in touch sharing letters and meeting up during the majority of Prince Harry’s visits to Lesotho. Student Motseliso Morahanye, twenty, talked about how Sentebale’s support had allowed her to finish school and study law at university, as well as how the charity had altered the course of her life. Every life changed and every smile gives meaning and purpose to the efforts of Sentebale and of those Prince Harry with Prince Seeiso with Sentebale Ambassador Nacho Figueras
who offer their time and efforts to do the very necessary good work. In the words of Prince Seeiso’s father, His Majesty King Letsie III, “The reward of good work is more work.”
A Royal Match Prince Harry teamed up with founder and CEO of Val de Vie, Martin Venter; Royal Salute ambassador, Malcolm Borwick – who scored the first goal of the match – and businessman, Adamu Atta on the ISPS Handa Sentebale team. They were up against polo enthusiast, Hannes Pickard; one of the world’s top 100 polo players and Sentebale ambassador, Nacho Figueras;
commercial
property
developer
and
investor, Rupert Hackwill and trained aerospace A proud Val de Vie Events Team with Prince Harry
engineer, Bill Ballhaus on the Royal Salute team.
Royal Salute Polo Cup took place two days after the opening ceremony of Sentebale’s Mamohato Children’s Centre in Lesotho. Both events were conceptualised, coordinated and executed by Val de Vie Events. www.valdevie.co.za
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“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.” – Nelson Mandela
FROM LEFT Sir Ian Botham, Borris Becker and Nelson Mandela making his iconic speech at the Laureus Awards in May, 2000.
What legends are made of A unique collaboration between luxury brands and the world’s greatest sporting legends has helped young people around the world overcome challenging social issues such as poverty, homelessness, war, violence, drug abuse, discrimination and AIDS. Words by Grant Schreiber
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A
s Michael Johnson settled into the starting
The Laureus Academy, that embraces the
twenty two local ambassadors that include
blocks at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996
principle of using sport to help bring positive
Ryk Neethling, Natalie du Toit, Bryan Habana
to set a new world record for the 200 metres,
change to dis-empowered communities. They
and Lucas Radebe.
he could never have imagined jogging playfully
offer their time to support the work of the
This grassroots, life-changing work, is offset
alongside kids in Kenya a few years later,
Laureus Foundation, by visiting over 140
by a glittering sports awards ceremony, held
helping raise self-esteem among young people
projects around the world, all utilizing sport
each year in a different city, that sees the
in one of Africa’s largest slums.
to turn kids away from the negative
Academy members mingle with top sports
When Nawal El Moutawakel crossed the
influences in society, and helping them realise
people, presidents and royalty, to recognize
finish line at the 1984 Los Angeles Games and
their true potential. Other sporting greats
sporting excellence. Commonly referred to as
became the first Moroccan, African and
who have aligned themselves with the
the “Oscars of sport,” the award ceremony was
Muslim woman to win an Olympic gold
Laureus include, Boris Becker, Jack Nicklaus,
conceived as a way of bringing together the
medal, she had no idea that she’d one day be
Hugo Porta, Kapil Dev, Sebastian Coe,
biggest names in sport and raising awareness
leading 30,000 Muslim girls on an annual 10km
Monica Seles, Tony Hawk and Dan Marino.
around sport as a catalyst for change.
fun run around Casablanca, and pioneering
Closer to home, ex Springbok rugby captain,
The Laureus story is a heady mix of
sport among women in Moroccan society.
Morné du Plessis, chairs the Laureus Sport
corporate sponsorship, celebrity sport and the
Johnson and El Moutawakel form part of
For Good Foundation South Africa, that
will to succeed in some of the most devastated
a unique association of forty-six of the
presides over the work of thirteen sport
and impoverished parts of the planet. Projects
world’s greatest living sporting legends,
projects across the country, inspired by
have saved kids from gangs in Sao Paulo, val de vie
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V - significance reformed child soldiers in Sierra Leone, given hope to special needs kids in Shanghai and helped clear mines in Cambodia. It embodies something every sports person who has ever achieved greatness can attest to – that winning comes through a combination of self discipline and teamwork – mirroring the same qualities needed to win in life. It was the lack of a formal platform to honour this greatness that sparked the idea for Laureus in the first place. The idea for Laureus was planted a few years
before
the
new
millennium,
by
Johann Rupert, Executive Chairman of luxury goods company Richemont. A noted sports enthusiast, Rupert was at a dinner with friends one evening and mused over the fact that there was no Nobel Prize or Oscars-style awards for sport. Rupert’s views on the power of sport were fundamentally influenced by
the Laureus World Sports Academy was
but it is fair to say that the biggest name was a
the crucial role that the 1995 Rugby World
created, with thirty of the greatest living sports
huge surprise all round, as the door to the
Cup played in the reconciliation of the
legends named as founder members.
Academy meeting room opened and in walked
different communities in South Africa. In 1998
he
in
Academy members gathered in Monaco for the
that Mandela, who was to become the Patron
very first Laureus World Sports Awards. It was
of Laureus, made the visionary speech, which
automotive giant Daimler and two years later,
an impressive collection of sporting legends,
has become the philosophy of Laureus and the
Zetsche,
a
kindred
Chairman
of
spirit
President Nelson Mandela. It was in Monaco
German
Dieter
found
On May 25, 2000, the majority of the
driving force that has shaped its work for the last thirteen years. His speech has become the dictum not only for Laureus, but also for the whole sport for good movement. He said: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.” Perhaps the power of sport can best be illustrated by an encounter Rupert once had with a friend of his. “Some thirty years ago, while living in New York City, I had a black friend who was a true sports superstar,” says Rupert. “He was constantly mobbed for autographs. I noticed that he took extra care giving signed posters to white kids. I asked him about the apparent favouritism. His answer: “Johann, if a white kid has my poster in his bedroom, he can hardly discriminate against the black kid in his class.” 32
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Each office independantly owned and operated
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V - inspiration
Home is where the heart is Recent Harvard graduate Lindiwe Mazibuko talks about her year away from South African politics, and the most important lesson she has learnt away from home. Words by Samantha Page
L
indiwe Mazibuko’s dimpled smile comes into
frustrated by the extent to which being in leadership
focus via Skype when we chat one recent
meant she spent more time worrying about internal
evening in October. I can just see Harvard University’s
politics and machinations than her personal
autumn foliage through the blinds behind her and
political mission, which was to be a voice to the
while she’s clearly a million miles from her beloved
marginalized, shift policy, fight for women’s rights
South Africa, she looks buoyant and strangely at
and empower the youth.
home in her new surroundings.
“I was hugely supported and encouraged by my
“The idea of taking a sabbatical after the general
friends at the World Economic Forum Young
election in May 2014 to devote some time to
Global Leadership, who were going through
self-reflection, self-improvement and recommitting
similar inflection points in their careers, to think
myself to my political goals had been percolating in
about what it would be like to take time out from
my head for a while,” she says recalling the thought
politics. I was talking them into following their
process that informed her decision. “I felt
convictions but constantly talking myself out of it,
increasingly compelled to take a fresh look at
but I knew that if I didn’t apply, I’d never have a
whether or not politics was the way to achieve the
real choice ahead of me.”
things I wanted for my country or if there were
Her application was successful but there was an
other ways to change the world, but I didn’t want
election looming – an important one – and
to jeopardise the DA’s electoral prospects, so I only
Lindiwe was resolute that the DA needed to be
announced my resignation after the election.”
protected from her decision until the time was
At the time of her resignation, she had been the
right. She didn’t want the media to read the
parliamentary leader of the Democratic Alliance for
election result and the DA’s incredible success
almost three years and despite the DA’s many
through the lens of her resignation, so she made
significant political gains during that time, and its
sure she fulfilled all her duties while Harvard put
hugely successful electoral campaign, growing its
the necessary plans in place so that when the
share of the national vote from 16% in 2009 to
moment came, Lindiwe could focus on her next
22% in 2014, on a personal level Lindiwe was
chapter, which didn’t include the DA.
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“When you live your life in public, people tell your story for you, so I had to reacquaint myself with my story and tell it as Lindiwe Mazibuko, a woman who came to reinvent herself, not as the parliamentary leader of the opposition. I discovered that I could be more playful with knowledge and more honest about what I did and didn’t know. There’s no pressure to have all the answers, which is liberating.”
“I didn’t even tell my family. The announcement
In June 2015, joined by her mum, June,
was made via an op-ed in the Sunday Times. Of
Lindiwe graduated from Harvard University with
course, my family forgave my subterfuge, but I knew
a master’s degree in Public Administration, but she
all hell would break loose once the news had sunk in
wasn’t quite ready to come home and return to
and it did, but I refused to do interviews because I
politics in South Africa.
knew the media wanted to make it about two
“My year as a student was just about me, so when
powerful women who couldn’t agree, so I decided to
the opportunity presented to take up a position as
focus instead on the opportunity for growth and
resident fellow at the Harvard Institute of Politics, I
renewal that the Harvard experience would bring.”
saw it as a chance to give back to the institution and
Despite being widely travelled, this was only the third
time
the
career in politics. I teach a seminar every Tuesday called
United States. She attended her brother’s wedding in
‘How to Build a Democracy’; I also mentor undergrads,
2013 and then the following year she went to Yale in
expose them to great speakers (already Wilmot James,
New Haven, Connecticut, for the World Economic
President Joyce Banda and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngucka,
Forum Education Module, but she had never been to
among others, have spoken here) and encourage them
Boston
to join campaigns and take those first tentative steps
and
Lindiwe
what
had
she
ever
knew
been
of
to
to the undergraduate students who were aspiring to a
Cambridge,
Massachusetts, was what she had seen in movies like ‘Good Will Hunting’ and ‘A Beautiful Mind’.
towards establishing a career in public service.” Her time has been highly occupied and Lindiwe
“It was idyllic, quiet and beautiful – all a little surreal
admits that her good intentions of auditioning for
for a girl who grew up in Umlazi – but it was exactly the
the choir were quickly derailed in favour of setting up
respite I needed and the transition wasn’t as traumatic
a study group, but it has been a season of renewal for
as one would imagine because the university is hugely
her and although the Harvard graduate has no
supportive. Several American universities, Harvard
immediate plans to re-enter politics until she has fully
included, have courses for mid-career professionals
explored other ways to affect change and build a life
during which you can complete a two-year master’s
that stretches beyond the confines of politics, she is
programme in one year and in exchange for that you
certain of one thing and it’s the beacon that sustains
bring your perspectives and knowledge. The idea of
her and will continue to inform her future decisions:
self-improvement and taking time out to think and
“Being away from home has reinforced that I love my
acquaint yourself with new ideas isn’t seen as ‘going
country so completely and I’ll do anything in my
back to university’; it’s part of your career trajectory.”
power to make it a success.”
There were many generative moments during those fledgling days, but the sheer delight of anonymity is one Lindiwe clearly relished. In a class of 220 students, from seventy different countries, she was just one of the cohorts who had to introduce herself and tell people who she believed herself to be. “When you live your life in public, people tell your story for you, so I had to reacquaint myself with my story and tell it as Lindiwe Mazibuko, a woman who came to reinvent herself, not as the parliamentary leader of the opposition. I discovered that I could be more playful with knowledge and more honest about what I did and didn’t know. There’s no pressure to have all the answers, which is liberating.” Playing to her strengths and inherent curiosity, Lindiwe took classes in economics, energy policy, international development, oil, mining and gas and infrastructure, among others, delighting in the opportunity to explore a diversity of ideas and fill in some of her own knowledge and skills gaps.
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V - profile
A story worth telling Words by Heléne Ramackers
Prolific best-selling author Wilbur Smith’s writing career has spanned over five decades and 38 books, selling in excess of 132 million novels throughout the world. An iconic wordsmith, he shows no signs of slowing down and at the age of 82, produces at least one book per year. Heléne Ramackers spoke to him about books, life and longevity. How much time do you spend in South Africa these days?
Does Niso share the same passion for Africa that you do?
wanting to fight. Thank goodness their
We spend between four and five months a
Yes, she is definitely developing a passion
they run right past you and attack a tree. The
year in South Africa. For the majority of the
for Africa. She only came here after she met
small animals interest me very much – the
time
in
me, but her first preference was always
duiker, the nyala and the rare antelope. I like
Bishopscourt, which I’ve had for forty odd
London, where we have a home in South
the old buffalo; he’s also a cheeky guy.
years. It looks onto Table Mountain and
Kensington. But we have been spending more
Sir Ernest Hemingway said about the buffalo
Kirstenbosch Gardens, so it’s lovely. Its got a
time here lately and two days ago she said to
‘they give you the thousand yard stare’ and
lovely lawn where we can sit, and a swimming
me, ‘I really love it here’.
they look at you like a machine gun over the
we
are
here
at
our
home
pool. We love it.
eyesight isn’t that great, because sometimes
sight of your weapon. It’s true.
Do you ever use the swimming pool?
What do you and Niso enjoy most about South Africa?
we travelled up to Namibia to see the
Yes, I do, especially when the weather is very
We like going to game reserves. Africa’s
red dunes and all the way to the Etosha
hot and sticky, like it can get during the
wildlife deeply inspires me and I’m sure this
pans. We had a pilot with a small aircraft
Cape Town summers. But part of the fun is
shows in my books. I prefer the black rhino
who flew us all over the place. We stayed
watching my wife Niso take to the pool in
to the white rhino, because they are really
with very nice people in beautiful places,
her little bikini.
feisty guys. They come out, immediately
and it was an absolute treat.
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On
our
last
trip
to
South
Africa,
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Have you ever been back to your birthplace in Zambia?
thinking ‘wow, what am I going to do today’?
Yes, we went back in February 2015. I still think
what you have to do. If you work very hard when
of it as Northern Rhodesia. We went along the
you are young, it makes things much better when
You keep very young – you’ve got a lot going for you – lots of success, a beautiful wife. How do you keep yourself young and spirited?
Zambezi river and visited the old place where my
you get older. Not working for a boss in over fifty
Perhaps it’s a cliché but, age really is just a
Dad used to farm. Of course it’s all under sugar
years means you can choose and make the call - ‘I
number. You are as young as you feel. I enjoy
now so we couldn’t really find our old homestead.
say, I do’. I am the master of my own destiny.
life. Life has been good to me. But I’ve had
Was it sad to go back?
heart, and I had polio when I was sixteen, but
There is a time and a place for everything. It
Do you ever visit the Wine-lands at all?
lives on in my heart and memories. It wasn’t
(Laughs) I like a little red wine in the
Everything that is valuable to me has been
sad, in fact it was a joy to be back there. I think
evening with my dinner. I’ve given up
given to me in full measure.
the secret is that you have to enjoy every year
drinking spirits. Niso and I limit ourselves to
of your life, every period of your life, and it
one bottle shared between us. Guess who gets
How do you take care of your health?
changes all the time. People think that when you
the most of it? Because I’m older than her, I
I have a diet that suits me and I don’t do
are something-plus, you should be a sad old man,
should get more! One of our favourite
carbohydrates. I eat mostly meat and fish with
I’m not. I still have fun waking up in the morning
vineyards is Oak Valley Wines.
red and green vegetables.
My father used to say ‘life is for living’ and that’s
problems; I’ve had a new valve put in my that’s nothing compared to the fun I’ve had.
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“I don’t want to think too carefully You and Niso like going on fishing trips. about how it’s done or what the process is; that would interfere with it. For me, it’s just a natural process. My life is storytelling.”
Where do you like going ?
Have you liked any of your movies made from your books?
I still do a lot of fishing, mostly fly-fishing. We go
No, I haven’t liked any of them. I like the idea
to Norway, Iceland, Canada, Alaska in the US and
of movies. My idea of a movie is that I write
Russia. It’s very strange what fishermen do, we
the book, they come and pay me a lot of money
fish like mad and then we throw them back. I take
for it and then they don’t ever make the movie.
a fish occasionally, because I really like a fresh fish
A year or two later, someone else comes and
on the coals. It’s marvellous. The salmon and trout
pays me a lot of money to make the movie,
that I fish more of in the North, are delicious.
which they don’t do either. Some of my movies, I’ve sold about five or six times over.
What do you think is the solution to the rhino crisis?
That, for me, is a very good arrangement.
I think that all animals should be treated with
Tell us about your latest book, Golden Lion.
respect. I don’t follow the day-to-day controversy
Golden Lion is a continuation of Birds of
and arguments about the various animals.
Prey where Hal Courtney’s story continues. It takes him into the deep African savannah and
Are you hopeful for South Africa?
desert and there he encounters gravely threats.
As a country? Oh yes. It has been here for
It is a usual drama and epic novel out of my
millions of years and I’m sure it will be here for
pen, full of adventure, unconditional love and
many millions more. Africa is a land on its
life threatening adventures.
own; it’s different from Europe, America and Asia, but it has its problems and it has its joys.
Will you be continuing with co-authors? So far, we are considering quite a number
Golden Lion is book number 36. Are you thinking of slowing down?
of potential projects.
No (Laughs). I think about it but I’m not allowed to. My wife, my publishers and my
How many books would you like to be producing?
conscience keep me going.
Well, you tell me how long I have to live and I’ll tell you how long I can carry on writing.
What inspires you to get into the writing process?
Sorry, my crystal ball is in for a polish (laughter all round).
It’s something that I had a dream about when
You must give it a good polish. The future
I was at Junior School. I thought it would be
will take care of itself. I just live from one year
the best possible life. And you know what? I
to the next. I will write as many books with as
was right! It is the best possible life. I have
many authors as suits my fancy. It’s nice to still
called no man ‘boss’ for 55 years. It’s given me
be working at a reasonable age.
everything – joy, satisfaction and to do what I want to with my life. It’s given me the respect We are giving away three copies of the Golden Lion! Send us a photo of you with
of other people. It’s just wonderful.
You launched the Wilbur-Niso-Smith Foundation in 2015. Tell us more about it? We decided that we know how tough it is to
Talk us through the thought process of writing a new book?
break into writing, having first-hand experience. I
I don’t want to think too carefully about how it’s
their salt, who are good writers, how hard it is to
done or what the process is; that would interfere
get accepted and to get published. Through
with it. For me, it’s just a natural process. My life
the Foundation, we would like to help them.
is storytelling. I look up to the old storytellers in
We are going to ask for young writers to send
the time when we lived in caves; they were
in their manuscripts and then we will pick one
For more on the prolific best-selling author:
respected people. In the evening, they would
and give them a push by publishing their work.
www.wilbursmithbooks.com
gather around the campfire where they had the
It is not a hurried process. We want to get good
www.wilbur-niso-smithfoundation.org
attention of the whole tribe. It’s a good feeling.
writers who deserve it. I have high hopes for it.
a copy of this edition of the Val de Vie Magazine and stand a chance to win! Email: pr@valdevie.co.za Twitter: @valdevieestate Instagram: @valdevieestate
40
know how difficult it is for people who are worth
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V- -travel V travel
Paradise found When Ryk Neethling and his fiancĂŠe, Sahar Biniaz, received an invitation to visit Fregate Island Private in the Seychelles, they could hardly contain their excitement. He recalls their journey to paradise. Words by Ryk Neethling
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S
ituated four degrees south of the Equator and
Africa that the Seychelles is much further away than
55 kilometres off Seychelles’ Mahé coast,
Mauritius. It is very accessible, especially Mahé, and
Fregate Island Private is a haven of luxury and
quite affordable to South Africans.
tranquillity. Exclusivity is evident when landing on
The following morning, we boarded a helicopter
this 2,19 square kilometre piece of pristine paradise.
and fifteen minutes later, we stepped out at
A first trip to the Seychelles for both Sahar and
Fregate Island Private. Seeing this idyllic place
myself, we were surprised at the island’s relative close
from the air, reminded me of a vision of something
proximity to South Africa. A quick four-hour flight
between the Truman show, Robinson Crusoe and
took us from Johannesburg to Mahé, where we spent
Jurassic Park. On approach to the island, it looks
our first night at the Eden Island Hotel. There is a
really wild and untouched. Evidence that the
perception and a definite misconception in South
island has taken the environmental conservation
Named after the wealth of frigate birds on the island, Fregate Island Private is also home to the second largest population of Aldabra Giant Tortoises in the world, with around 2,200 roaming the island. 44
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VV-- travel route to reintroduce the island and to make it a haven for nature. Named after the wealth of frigate birds on the island, Fregate Island Private is also home to the second largest population of Aldabra Giant Tortoises in the world, with around 2,200 roaming the island. I was privileged to stand beside one of these ancient giants. Being a relatively tall person, I was astounded when the crest of the shell reached the height of my waist. The oldest one on the island is about 175 years old. Managed by the German luxury-hotel group, The Oetker Collection, Fregate Island Private comprises 16 luxuriously appointed villas, each with its own private infinity pool that appears to blend into the azure blue of the Indian Ocean. The Villas are extremely generous in size while no expense has been spared in ensuring the comfort and luxury of the guests. Another first for us was having our own butler at our disposal. He was able to assess very quickly that we were private, easy-going and independent people. It took some getting used to. The butlers are very professional and experienced. They are not intrusive at all and you don’t even know that they are there – if we needed something, our butler would just appear. We wanted to maximise on our four nights in paradise, so we would turn in early to make the most of the next day. But not before we had experienced our fair share of amazing sunsets, one of which has been my most memorable moment of this trip. Sahar and I were on the beach at sunset, sipping cocktails as one does when sitting on “The World’s Best Beach”, when I turned to her and said, “This is absolutely perfect; the only thing that
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We wanted to maximise on our four nights in paradise, so we would turn in early to make the most of the next day. But not before we had experienced our fair share of amazing sunsets, one of which has been my most memorable moment of this trip
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V- travel would put it over the edge, is if there were some dolphins swimming.” I had barely finished my sentence when suddenly four dolphins appeared a couple of metres away, jumping out of the water. It was so surreal. It felt almost orchestrated. The food at Fregate Island Private is unbelievable; we ate fish for breakfast, lunch and dinner, just because it was so irresistibly fresh. We even got to eat my ‘catch of the day’ after we went deep-sea fishing. The cuisine is meticulously sourced and the majority is fresh produce that is of the utmost quality, courtesy of the island’s own plantations and marine resources. The variety was just incredible. The food was an assault on the senses in the best possible way. The service was second to none. They really cater to your needs; they ask you some questions in the beginning and stick to them. Do you want to be private; your dietary requirements; are there certain things that you want to do? They take your needs into account and then share their passion for the island with you. You never eat in the same place twice - you can have breakfast in a tree house with these incredible Banyan trees where the roots extend out of the ground. We had the iconic dinner on the beach of course – there are seven beaches – with torches in the sand lighting the way. What made it even more special and romantic was that it was full moon and I got to share it with Sahar. A wide variety of activities ensure that boredom never sets in. You can practice your skills on the tennis courts, you can run, windsurf, kayak, swim in the ocean, go fishing, relax by the pool, work out in the gym or enjoy a revitalising spa treatment at the Rock Spa. Fregate Island Private really made a lasting impression on me. Sahar and I were very excited to get there. They make you feel so special, almost like you are the first guests to ever arrive on the island. You feel this exclusive experience right from the beginning and will never forget it. Contact: Fregate Island Private Tel: +248 4 670 100 Fax: +248 4 670 900 Email: info@fregate.com Web: www.fregate.com Eden Bleu Hotel Web: www.edenbleu.com Seychelles Tourism Web: www.seychelles.travel 48
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V - luxury
The sky is no limit Flying privately is probably the ultimate aspiration and luxury and there are clear attractions to the leisure traveller. But the private aviation industry also plays a crucial role in supporting business travellers and international companies. All frills aside, one of the key benefits of this method of flying is efficiency. Ettore Poggi, vice president of ExecuJet Africa, talks to us about the benefits of flying privately. Words provided
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“Africa’s businesses need the efficiency of private air travel to facilitate the expansion of many industry sectors.” – Ettore Poggi
Imagine an effortless travel experience that runs like a Swiss watch with the added advantage of speed, efficiency and luxury
A
Effortless travel: ExecuJet a
Aviation
Group,
global
business
leading
aviation organisation, provides management services for aircraft owners and charter services to companies
and
individuals
worldwide. As part of the Luxaviation Group, the second largest
corporate
aircraft
t a time when vibrant growth is taking place in
in a single day, in comparison to two or three days
African countries such as Nigeria, private
using a conventional commercial airline. Further
aviation companies like ExecuJet are gearing
time-saving is the elimination of unnecessary waiting
themselves towards meeting the increasing demand
while you are still on the ground – no lines at
for executive travel. Ettore Poggi, Managing Director
immigration or security, no waiting for passengers
of ExecuJet Africa, comments, “Africa is experiencing
to board, and finally, no waiting for luggage
robust growth and needs modern, safety-regulated
at the other end.
aviation services to facilitate the expansion of many
When you fly privately, the aircraft is at your
industry sectors. With a significant presence in Africa,
disposal, so you are in complete control of your own
ExecuJet makes an important contribution by
schedule. This means you can arrange an aircraft at
providing executive travel options to the African
short notice or submit a last-minute flight change
economy. For rapid growth to become sustainable
using your mobile phone. Even if you wish to
and inclusive in the future, Africa’s businesses need
change your plans and land at a different airport
the efficiency of private air travel.”
half way through your flight, it is usually no
Generally, there is an exaggerated perception
problem. And, of course, if you are running late,
about the cost of private aviation and it is often seen
the aircraft waits for you. For a business traveller
as a ‘luxury’ choice rather than a practical one. In fact,
stuck in an important meeting longer than
the opportunity cost of relying on scheduled airlines
expected, re-booking a new flight with a commercial
can greatly outweigh the apparently greater cost of
airline can be extremely costly. Additionally, private
flying privately. Many companies purchase private
jets can land at many more airports compared to
jets to fly their C-level executives and senior
commercial aircraft, allowing travellers to land closer
management to business meetings worldwide.
to where they need to be.
For the business traveller, private air travel can
Owning a business jet can therefore make very good
boost corporate and individual effectiveness and also
business sense, especially with the benefit of chartering
reduce some conventional travel expenses. Efficient
the aircraft to third parties when it is not in use by the
time travel means fewer accommodation, meals and
owner, which offsets some of the ownership costs.
travel costs on the ground. Meetings and strategy
In a world where airport terminals and global
discussions can be held en-route, in a secure and
airspace are inevitably going to get more congested,
confidential environment. The impeccable standard
private air travel is increasing in popularity as
than 250 aircraft.
of service ensures maximum comfort, so you arrive at
business travellers and corporates become more
your destination relaxed and refreshed. The other
aware of the financial and practical benefits. The
Web: www.execujet.com
major plus-factor to chartering flights, is that it
need for efficient air travel points to a bright
becomes possible for multiple visits to be completed
future for private aircraft.
operator in the world, ExecuJet offers customers access to a combined
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V - fashion
Running free Inspired by the equestrian masters of South America, we spend the day exploring Val de Vie Estate. From the stables, we ride out to the open fields along the Berg River.
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Dress by Kl没k/CGDT Earrings by Vikson Boots by Mimco
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“Horses see humans naturally as predators, you have to understand their language. It’s gestural. By watching them I’ve learned that you have to be strong, but full of love. Then you become their protector, and in return they offer you the honour to ride them.” Jean-François Pignon, horse whisperer val de vie
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V - fashion Dress by Mango Necklace by Forever New Belt by Missibaba Boots by Mimco
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Hat by Mimco Scarf by Country Road Top by Witchery Necklace by Mr Price Cuff by Second Time Around Skirt by Witchery Bag by Missibaba
Creative Direction Janette Griesel Fashion Styling Bronwyn Day Hair and Make-up Sian Moss Photography Kope | Figgins Model Rose from Vision Models Horse Spanish Emblem owned by Jason Drew 62
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Val de Vie Resident Real Estate Agent
Life worth living maureen.dw@harcourts.co.za - 082 449 0900 www.maureen.harcourts.co.za legacy edit.indd 35
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V - style
Jenni’s Philosophy After being knocked down and nearly losing everything, Jenni Button has gotten back up and reinvented herself. Her philosophy is the sum of all the ideas, creativity and positive energy that she possesses. The South African designer talks about life after Jenni Button. Words by Gerda Viljoen
J
The Hout Bay house is an mix of everything I’ve collected over the past 10 years - I find it impossible to be tied down by one style.
enni greets me at her home in Hout Bay late one
There still is a public misconception as to Jenni’s
summer’s afternoon. Her petite frame dwarfed by
association with Jenni Button (Pty) Ltd, which is
the incredible studio-like space she discovered and
owned by the Platinum group. About eighteen
made her home, which she shares with her partner
months after her amalgamation with the Platinum
Richard Hebblethwaite. The enormous, simple silhouette
group, she realised that it was not going to work, so
of her home with its reclaimed factory windowed structure
she resigned and started her new brand, Philosophy.
sits high on a mountain slope in Hout Bay, Cape Town.
After a very traumatic and destructive legal battle
Trees surround the home; every window offers a
over her name and her shareholding at Jenni Button
different glimpse of nature and the changing light
(Pty) Ltd, she walked out with nothing. Ironically, seven
throughout the day. It is apparent that this house has
years later, applications have been made by several
unlocked her creative juices - the large double volume
institutions to liquidate the Platinum group. They
wall in the lounge area is filled with portraits and paintings
are currently going through the liquidation process.
she’s painted and collected over the years. While Jenni
Over the past fifteen years, Jenni has built her
wishes she could spend her days painting here, her
desirable brand, Philosophy for the South African
fashion business takes her back into the city almost daily.
and International market of discerning clientele. “I’m
Jenni is the creative force and owner of her
designing for an international woman who demands
successful and desirable label Philosophy. Her two
a modern system of dressing. Philosophy’s concept is
retail stores are situated in Claremont, Cape Town and
based on a few key pieces, where a handful of
Main Road, Plettenberg Bay. She also has showrooms
interchangeable items work together to create an
in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Durban, where she
entire wardrobe that goes from day to evening,
hosts monthly Collection Showings with her agents. Pop ups and Trunk shows, clearly have become a successful form of selling. As she points out, “Retail has changed dramatically over the past five years and it is going to change even more over the next few. Thankfully, there still is a market that demands exclusivity and personalised attention, hence my monthly shows. I am fortunate enough to have a following of clients who ‘get me’ and appreciate what I create for them”. Jenni was one of the first designers in South Africa to pioneer Designer showings with her Durban agents thirty years ago. Unfortunately these trunk shows or pop ups as they are commonly known through out the industry, are fast becoming a fad with wannabe designers and bored housewives, sourcing designer fakes from China, wanting to make an extra buck. 64
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V - style weekday to weekend. Hence, the fabrication of jersey knit with a Lycra content for comfort, wear ability and fit.” Her designs are mainly dresses for the body conscious, encouraging self-confidence, as she believes woman should be feminine and alluring, but powerful. She designs and produces a brilliant collection of kaftans for resorts and game lodges locally and abroad. Philosophy also stock imported labels from Australia and Barcelona. These collections are all available at her two stores or online. Jenni designed the interiors for the houseboat, the Zambezi Queen of the Mantis Collection as well as several private homes and apartments in Cape Town. The interior for her ‘tree house’ home in Hout Bay and beach apartment in Plettenberg Bay shows her eclectic style and unique touch. “The Hout Bay house is a mixture of everything I’ve collected over the past ten years W- French mirrors and Indonesian carved tables, antique carved doors from India, Eames and Le Corbusier originals. I find it impossible to be tied down by one style,” she muses, “I’m looking forward to renovating this house. Its silhouette is severe, earthy and masculine. I actually love building. I find the design process with an architect you can trust, totally exhilarating.” When asked what the future holds for this creative dynamo, she replies, “My aim is to allow myself more time to paint and design. I will eventually become a full time artist once I’ve sold my company Philosophy. I see this happening over the next two to three years, as there will be the “hand holding” process. I’m excited about 2016, as I’ve had several painting commissions,” she says smiling, “I’ve always known I would save the best for last.” Web: www.jenni@jennibutton.com www.philosophyonline.co.za
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V - wine
Passionate outsider With the launch of his new book, ‘My Kind of Wine’, just in time for Christmas, wine guru John Platter is back with a bang. Though some might think he never really went away, thanks to the annual South African wine guide that he founded and will always bear his name. But he and wife Erica, latterly of ‘Durban Curry’ cookbook fame, “retired” to KwaZulu-Natal sixteen years ago. “Erica’s family is from there,” reveals John. “To be honest I was also a bit ‘gatvol’ with wine…” Words by Joanne Gibson
Over time, John found himself tasting more than 7,000 wines a year: “I would rest for two or three months, then calibrate my palate a bit, and then it would be about six months of active tasting.”
P
erhaps that’s understandable. Born in Hungary
instead it went straight onto SA’s non-fiction best-sellers’
and raised on a cattle farm in Kenya, the former
lists (where it has stayed). John believes this because they
foreign correspondent had spent a few years covering
approached the wines “as reporters rather than judges,
hard news in Europe and the Middle East, before
recording as many of the why, where, when and how
ending up in Johannesburg as Bureau Chief for
specifics as possible. And we’d feature thumbnail
Union Press International. “I loved wars, and there
sketches of the winemakers to bring their wines to life.”
were a lot of good wars going on. Mozambique, Angola, Rhodesia…” Eventually he’d seen enough action and decided
still is) the fiercest editor you can imagine,” says John. “I
to return to his farming roots. He and Erica, also a
sometimes get carried away with all the technical stuff,
print journalist, bought a farm in Franschhoek in
talking about pH and phenolic ripeness and malolactic
1978, growing chenin blanc for the local co-op.
fermentation, and the manuscript invariably comes back
As John recalls on the Platter’s website: “To
with ‘BB’ marked everywhere for ‘bloody boring’!”
help ward off penury, Erica and I continued to
Over time, John found himself tasting more than
write: she TV reviews, and I a weekly column for
7,000 wines a year: “I would rest for two or three
the Rand Daily Mail, interviewing wine characters,
months, then calibrate my palate a bit, and then it
profiling their wines. And then Hugh Johnson
would be about six months of active tasting.”
produced his ‘Pocket Wine Book’. And we read it admiringly
and
thought:
let’s
try
to
do
something like this!” Many (including their own printing company) thought the guide would be “boring”, sure to fail, but 68
For many years the guide was a one-man show, at least as far as the tasting was concerned. “Erica was (and
Inevitably the team had to expand, with veteran wine writer Angela Lloyd the first to come on board as “second palate and scribe” (and still going strong after thirty years, in a team currently comprising sixteen tasters).
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V - wine In the meantime, the Platters’ had purchased
The initial idea was to visit as many producers as
Delaire (today Delaire Graff) and then Clos du Ciel,
possible (“the best stories are human stories”), then
where they planted vineyards and made their own
feature about 100 wines. “But after tasting over
wine. John also helped to plant the first seeds of what
1,000 wines, I realised 100 was too few,” says John.
is today celebrated as the Swartland Revolution, as a
“Instead of including one or two good cabernet
founding partner in Charles Back’s pioneering Spice
francs, for example, I found at least ten good ones!
Route venture (it was Erica who came up with the
There is so much excitement in the industry, so
name). “But I always tried to remain a dispassionate
many things happening, that this book was a delight
outsider when it came to the guide,” insists John.
to do, and very easy to write.”
In ‘My Kind of Wine’, however, he doesn’t
It’s
very
easy
to
read,
too,
and
highly
even pretend to be dispassionate. “It’s a totally
recommended for any lover of SA wine. But John
subjective book. But when it comes to wine, I
and Erica quip that its recent Cape launches (in
think [famous American war correspondent]
Riebeek Kasteel, Stellenbosch and Cape Town)
Martha Gellhorn was right in condemning – in
were really just an excuse to visit granddaughters
her words – “all that objectivity shit”. There’s a
Lily-Rose and Samuela. The book is dedicated to
place for blind tasting in competitions, but in
them, which leads me to ask John about the SA
theatre, restaurant, sport and literary criticism,
wine industry’s challenges going forward.
there’s an unwritten understanding that reviews
He’d rather not comment on transformation,
are based on personal opinion. It should be the
or the lack thereof, except that it bothers him
same for wine.”
immensely. Regarding climate change, he says:
Why launch a book now, after all this time? (That
“What is the industry’s Plan B or Plan C if we
is, apart from the Platters’ wild romp off the beaten
dry up? Why aren’t more people planting better
track in ‘Africa Uncorked: Travels in Extreme Wine
dry-land varieties, or establishing more vineyards
Territory’, published in 2002…).
in our maritime extremities?”
“We spent last Christmas in the Cape, and
I suspect the former foreign correspondent
suddenly realised how much things had changed. We
turned modern South African wine pioneer will
immediately decided it was time for another book.”
soon have a response.
John and Erica Platter attended the recent Swartland Revolution, where
John
presented
a
seminar and tasting of seven wines featured in his new book – and clearly he has been swept up in the revolutionary fervour: “There’s something so evocative about the imagery,” he says. “There’s Adi Badenhorst, a dead ringer for Karl Marx, never a conformist. Then there’s Porseleinberg’s Callie Louw, the strong silent type, admonishing me for asking “too many questions” in a classic Bolshevik put-down. Eben Sadie makes Lenin look like a stuttering idiot,
and
the
Mullineux’s
– how do they fit in? – as undercover agents!”
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2015/12/08 3:16 PM
V - equestrian
Across the board Throughout the world, the thrill of horses speeding down the home straight has inspired investors, filmmakers and royalty alike. Horseracing, known by many as the Sport of Kings, has a long and deep history in South Africa. Racing first took place in this country around about the turn of the 19th century when the British first arrived at the Cape and it has since steadily evolved into an established part of the sporting calendar. Words by Sarah Whitelaw
S
ince then, South African thoroughbreds have
few, South African bred thoroughbreds have
ABOVE Cape Town horse Power King
slowly but surely made their appearance on the
consistently made a name for themselves as tough,
takes a win at the Vodacom Durban
durable competitors at the highest level.
July‚ Africa’s richest horse race with a
global stage. From breeding such international champions as Hawaii and Colorado King, to local
In comparison to other major markets, the
total of R3.5 million in prize money. The
high-flyers as The Apache, Crimson Palace,
South African bred thoroughbred is still a cheap
winner takes home R2.094 million‚ with
Gypsy’s Warning, Iridescence, Variety Club,
commodity. The average price of the 2015 National
the runner-up earning R670‚000 and
Soft Falling Rain and Victory Moon to name but a
Yearling Sale was R358 060 (or US$24,809). In
the horse in third position R335‚000.
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V - equestrian
the
successfully campaigned in both Dubai and Hong
Variety Club left South Africa having
world’s largest yearling sale, averaged at US$331,574
Kong, returned home having banked more than
earned R3,748,185 and after having
this year while Tattersalls October Yearling Sale
R20 million in prize money. A handsome return on
successfully campaigned in both
(Book 1), the top sale in the UK, averaged at
his yearling purchase price of R425 000!
Dubai and Hong Kong, returned
224,431 guineas (or US$355,104).
ABOVE Dual Horse Of The Year,
74
contrast,
Keeneland’s
September
Yearling,
An average handicap in Dubai ‘s International
home having banked more than
Clearly, these prices underline what great value
Festival, where champion South African trainer Mike
R20 million in prize money.
the South African breeding industry represents in
de Kock has been so successful with local
the world’s market terms. However, the South
thoroughbreds, carried prize money ranging from
African racing and breeding industry regularly
$60 000 to $175 000 in 2015. In contrast, an average
face an uphill battle in exporting their horses
handicap in South Africa carries stake money ranging
overseas due to a number of stringent protocols
from R65 000 – R92 000 ($6,374).
regarding African Horse Sickness. While it may be a
Bloodstock agent Jehan Malherbe, who works
struggle to get horses out of the country, owners
closely with Mike de Kock, believes in the value
clearly
so.
that South Africa offers. Malherbe commented,
Dual Horse Of The Year, Variety Club left South
“Pound for pound, the South African sales ring
Africa having earned R3,748,185 and after having
offers tremendous value for overseas buyers, with
have
plenty
of
incentive
to
do
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V - equestrian the chance to acquire horses competing at the top level the world over.” This year, the Val De Vie Yearling Sale offers a choice catalogue of 118 lots, consigned by the country’s top breeders. Among the sires represented are such leading stallions as Captain Al (Al Mufti), Fort Wood (Sadler’s Wells), Judpot (A.P. Indy), Tiger Ridge (Storm Cat), Trippi (End Sweep) and Var (Forest Wildcat). There are also some yearlings by exciting first crop sires such as Canadian champion Marchfield (A.P. Indy),
European
superstar Twice Over (Observatory) and multiple sprint champ from the local Drakenstein Stud, What A Winter (Western Winter). Kevin Woolward, CEO of the Thoroughbred
“Pound for pound, the South African sales ring offers tremendous value for overseas buyers, with the chance to acquire horses competing at the top level the world over.” - Jehan Malherbe
Breeders Association, is positive about thoroughbred breeding in South Africa, as he looks forward to 2016’s yearling sales. He notes that 2015 has certainly been a buyer’s market in terms of thoroughbred sales auctions in South Africa. There have been bargains for the top buyer’s who have been able to buy horses at better prices than previous years. The middle market however, which has always
BELOW A total of a 109 lots were
been the strength in solid auction sales, was not
catalogued for the Val de Vie Yearling
evident at all this year.
Sale, of which 75% were sold at an
“Globally, there has been an improvement in
aggregate value of over R17 million.
the market recently, and we hope that this will
The well-known Varsfontein Stud
filter through to South Africa in 2016. South
claimed the top sale for the day as
African horses that have been exported overseas
the hammer fell on R1.2 million for
continue to perform well in various overseas
“Playboy Prince” sired by Dynasty,
racing centres. At the current exchange rates there
an iconic winner that was selected as
is no doubt that South African horses are the best
Outstanding Sire of the Year by the
value for money in the world.”
Equus panel in both 2010 and 2014.
Val de Vie Yearling Sale Bloodstock SA look forward to welcoming international visitors to both the Val de Vie Yearling Sale on 14 February 2016, as well as the 2016 National
Yearling
Sale
in
April, the premier yearling sale on the African continent. 2016
will
be
the
40th
National Yearling Sale at the TBA complex, and the 110th National Yearling Sale, which was first held in 1907.
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V - equestrian
Star studded
his friend and riding adversary Hennie de Jager
Beautiful studs worth visiting…
became the manager. The farm still sends grapes to the nearby Perdeberg Winery but horses are
Drakenstein Stud
the primary concern.
Drakenstein Stud is situated on the wine farm L’Ormarins on the bottom slopes of the Groot
Famous stallions at Varsfontein include Judpot, Gimmethegreenlight, and Master Of My Fate.
Drakenstein mountain range. Huguenot Jean Roi, who was born in the town of Lourmarin, Provence, fled France in 1688 and settled in the Franschhoek
valley
where
he
established
the
wine farm L’Ormarins.
Web: www.varsfontein.co.za
Backworth Stud Backworth Stud is a subliminally beautiful property.
Today this is the home of Drakenstein Stud where
Standing proud at 1,100m above sea level, the estate
paddocks and vines stand side by side, the vines
boasts 360° of uninterrupted views across the
occupying the upper slopes of the farm and the
breathtaking Southern KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
horses the lower. The first foal born on the farm was
Backworth takes it name from the original Leftwich
named Jean Roi in honour of the first owner.
family farm in Northumberland, and has been under
Drakenstein Stud stands four of the most exciting
committed custodianship since 1902 when Colonel
sires at stud in South Africa - Philanthropist, Trippi,
Fawcus purchased the land upon his arrival in Natal.
What a Winter and Duke of Marmalade.
On his death, Colonel Fawcus willed his treasured piece of Africa to his sister Mrs Charles Leftwich, who
Web: www.drakensteinstud.com
Varsfontein Stud
subsequently passed it on to her son, Peter Leftwich, from whose estate Backworth was purchased in 1993. In so doing, a very special piece of history was
Anthony Kalmanson founded Varsfontein Stud in
secured and three generations of the Leftwich family’s
1974. An enthusiastic owner and amateur rider,
commitment to the establishment and beautifying of
Tony rode in races in England, South Africa and
this magnificent farm. In 1999 the development of
Rhodesia, and he won the first South African
an infrastructure began that was aimed at enhancing
Steeplechase on Thunder Peel in 1969. A leading
this environment for the holistic breeding and
buyer at the National Yearling Sales his top
raising of quality Thoroughbreds.
racehorses included Attila, Top Brass and the
Backworth is a fine property, and shares its soul
fillies Indira (Paddock Stakes), Kendal Green
with all who visit to appreciate this remarkable
(Fillies Guineas) and Singing Winds (Clairwood Free
boutique Thoroughbred breeding stud.
Handicap). With his top fillies retiring to stud, Tony bought Varsfontein – a wine farm near Paarl, and 76
Web: www.backworth.co.za
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legacy edit.indd 35
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to view the latest fund fact sheets on these funds please visit our website, www.optimumgroup.co.za or contact our offices for more... Optimum Group 5 (Pty) Ltd t/a Optimum Financial Services Group
Is an authorised financial services provider - FSP - 43488 Registration Number: 2009/001832/07
DISCLAIMER: Collective Investment Schemes in securities are generally medium to long term investments. The value of participatory interests may go down as well as up and past performance is not necessarily a guide to the future. The Manager does not guarantee the capital or the return of a portfolio. Collective Investments are traded at ruling prices and can engage in borrowing and scrip lending. A schedule of fees and charges and maximum commissions is available on request from the manager.
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2015/12/08 3:17 PM
V - innovation
Lord of the flies “I see things differently,” says Jason Drew with his trademark smile. We’re sitting on the patio at the Val de Vie Polo Club, as the last chukka of the morning is played, and I’ve just spent an hour and a half in fascinated conversation with the man who is perhaps best known as “Lord of the Flies”, but not because he has anything to do with William Golding’s classic novel of the same name. Rather, he earned the sobriquet precisely because he does see things differently. Words by Norman McFarlane
”As a business person, you’re in business to make capital, not just to make a salary. We need to be honest about what it is we do. I found a whole series of ways in which we can get busy repairing the future, which is broken from where I stand.”
H
ow else does one turn the creature most likely
”As a business person, you’re in business to make
to cause revulsion when it alights on you, into
capital, not just to make a salary. We need to be
a multi-billion Rand business? It all started when Jason settled in Tulbagh,
of ways in which we can get busy repairing the future,
after visiting Cape Town fourteen years ago, fresh
which is broken from where I stand,” he says. “We
from a hugely successful business venture in
put nine billion people on the planet and all our food
Europe where he started France’s first Internet
comes from our water, land and seas.”
bank, which he subsequently sold to Prudential, presumably for a tidy sum.
Turning to water as an example, he notes that water is the single most traded commodity on the
“I saw a photograph of Tulbagh in an in-flight
planet. “There is an immense trade in water, it’s just
magazine, and I liked it so much, I settled there and
that we don’t see it.” But as he talks, it becomes clear.
became a farmer,” says Jason, adding that he farmed
For example it takes between 12,000 to 25,000 litres
a few cattle and sheep for the next seven years.
of water to make a kilogram of beef in the American
Jason styles himself as an environmental capitalist,
Midwest, which is then exported to the Middle East.
which he believes will be the saving grace of our rapidly
“You’re not just exporting beef, you’re exporting
dwindling resources - specifically water, land and the
condensed or value added water.”
seas, which humanity is plundering at an alarming rate.
During his travels he discovered that one
After travelling the world for three years – “I had
million chickens a week are exported from the
some time on my hands” – looking at the world’s
Western Cape to Saudi Arabia. While visiting a
ecosystems, particularly water, land and seas, he
chicken farm in the Western Cape he discovered that
realised that globally we are in much worse
one million chickens produce 25,000 litres of
trouble than anybody would admit, that we
blood
face enormous challenges.
into the ground in a waste pit, which was
“I was in a difficult position, because I was an
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honest about what it is we do. I found a whole series
when
slaughtered,
which
was
poured
surrounded by flies.”
environmentalist and a business person,” he says.
I remembered, as a boy, fishing at my
“That’s when I decided we need to be a bit more
grandparents house in the North of England.
honest about what we are. That’s why I call myself an
There were only two ways to catch a fish: one was
environmental capitalist. You have to be both. If
with a fly on the end of the line, and the other a
you’re an environmentalist who doesn’t understand
maggot on a hook.”
the market, you will never get your cause dealt with.
Making that connection, seeing things differently
If you’re a business person who doesn’t understand
as he does, he conceptualised the world’s first
that your business is subservient to the environment,
sustainable fish farm, feeding them on flies, or the
your business will fail.”
larvae of flies, which they eat naturally.
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“That’s when I decided we need to be a bit more honest about what we are. That’s why I call myself an environmental capitalist. You have to be both. If you’re an environmentalist who doesn’t understand the market, you will never get your cause dealt with. If you’re a business person who doesn’t understand that your business is subservient to the environment, your business will fail.”
After four years of failing endlessly as he puts it,
which breeds sterile male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes,
he cracked some of the problems about growing flies,
which when they mate with female mosquitoes,
in cooperation with Stellenbosch University. “We’ve
cause them to lay eggs which do not hatch, thus
spent two and a half thousand years killing flies, now
successfully controlling the spread of Dengue fever,
we had to figure out how to breed them successfully.”
in places like Brazil and Pakistan.
The larvae are grown on recycled organic waste,
A prolific author, Jason has written two books in
then dried, after which they are used for chicken
the last few years, with the third - The Environmentalist
feed, and feedstock in fish farming operations. “It
Capitalist - to follow just after Christmas. He believes
is vastly more sustainable than the fish meal
the only way to save the world, is to be both
industry which is depleting the fish stocks in our
environmentalist
oceans at a frightening rate,” he says.
pursuing sustainability and profitability. And he’s
He started his first fly farm in Philippi, 9500m² in
and
capitalist
simultaneously,
proved it can be done.
extent, which houses about 8.5 billion flies. At full
As the final polo chukka comes to an end – he
production 100 tonnes of waste, which would
plays three times a week in season – he speaks fondly
otherwise go to a landfill will be used to grow
of Val de Vie, where he and his family settled two
24 tonnes of larvae a day, which when dried yield
years ago to be closer to the polo field.
seven and a half tonnes of protein, three and a
“Val de Vie and South Africa are my home.
half tonnes of oil and 15 tonnes of compost.
It’s just a wonderful place to live and be. I can’t
“We’ve solved the problem of organic waste
think of anywhere better on the planet,” he
going into landfills.”
concludes with a smile.
Three more plants will be built in South Africa, and six in other parts of the world in the Far East, North and South America and Europe. “I think that within fifteen years it will be considered as normal to recycle your waste nutrients as it is to recycle your plastic, paper and glass.” But Jason is not just the Lord of the Flies. He recently sold an enormously successful business 80
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V - polo
“The original plan was to hold small regional tournaments, but our first tournament was such a success that it made us realise the potential.� - Adamu Atta 82
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Polo for Africa If Nigeria is the gateway to business in Africa, then you will do well to come riding in on a polo pony. Major events such as the African Masters Patrons Cup and the Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield are among the premier high-goal tournaments in West Africa and the place to be seen when it comes to networking in Nigeria. Businessman Adamu Atta, founder of Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club, shares his passion with us and the potential for polo in Africa. Words by Yasemen Kaner-White
F
ounded in 2001, Fifth Chukker Polo & Country
Club
internationally
is
Nigeria’s
lifestyle
success that it made us realise the potential,” says Atta. Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club, has
representing both the new and the old world of polo
received international recognition and attracts many
in Nigeria, the estate boasts four professional polo
well-known polo pro’s. An avid polo player himself
fields
stabling
for
polo
over
and
tournaments, but our first tournament was such a
development. A private public partnership, proudly
and
renowned
“The original plan was to hold small regional
supreme,
hundred
with a 2-goal handicap, Adamu was one of the
thoroughbred polo ponies. Setting a benchmark of
three
patrons to play in the Sentebale Polo Cup alongside
excellence, whilst attracting ambassadors, businessmen
Prince Harry at Val de Vie Estate.
and influential locals alike, it also maintains a relaxed family orientated atmosphere.
Owning substantial equestrian assets across four continents, he plays polo in the United Kingdom,
Fifth Chukker caters for anyone who thrives on the great outdoors but appreciates luxury.
UAE, South Africa, Argentina and of course Nigeria. Apart from the African Masters Patrons Cup, the
BELOW The estate boasts four professional polo fields and stabling
“Fifth Chukker was created out of a need for
Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield is one of the
over three hundred thoroughbred
harmony with nature, with all beings of creation. I
favourite events held at Fifth Chukker. Synonymous
polo ponies.
strongly believe that if we lose our relationship with nature, we lose inevitably our relationship with ourselves. Once you understand this, you will understand the vision behind Fifth Chukker”, explains the founder, Adamu Atta. Set in the superb savanna woodland indicative of the Sahel region of northern Nigeria, Fifth Chukker offers a refreshing alternative to the usual business environment.
Perfect
conferences,
meetings,
for
executive
product
retreats,
launches,
staff
incentives and weddings, or even a meal out – the chefs offer both local and international cuisine, as expected, of an excellent standard. Fifth Chukker is the focal point of Kangimi Resorts, a 3,000-hectare lifestyle development, which will also incorporate a signature golf course, horse racing track, spa hotel, business plazas and entertainment parks. val de vie
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V - polo RIGHT Adamu and his team at the Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield held at Fifth Chukker.
with altruism, the polo club has a long-standing
investment when he sees one! The Polo House was
partnership with UNICEF, supporting and educating
chosen as a top-scoring regional winner in its
disadvantaged youth in northern Nigeria and is also
category at the International Property Awards that
Nigeria’s biggest coalition promoting breast cancer
takes place in Dubai each year.
awareness to encourage early detection and treatment.
“I see great potential for increased business
The Pink Polo tournament, which took place last
co-operation between South Africa and Nigeria,”
October,
cancer
says Atta referring to his second home in Africa.
screenings to the many ladies who attended, which
provided
free
crucial
breast
“Within my portfolio of business interests, I am
Fifth Chukker intends to offer much more regularly.
involved with several leading organisations with
2-goal handicap, Adamu was one of
In 2012, Atta became the new owner of the iconic
Cape-based offices, so Val de Vie is conveniently
the patrons to play in the Sentebale
Polo House, a masterpiece and jewel in the crown of
located for me to be able to interact with my business
Polo Cup alongside Prince Harry
Val de Vie Estate. A businessman with diverse
interests and maintain my involvement with my
BELOW FROM LEFT Playing off a
at Val de Vie Estate.
interests in finance, banking, insurance, oil and gas,
passion for polo. It is a fantastic estate and offers
The Access Bank Fifth Chukker Polo
cement, textiles, transport, aviation and property
everything that I need for my South African base.”
Day at Guards Polo Cup in
development in Africa and being amongst the biggest
Windsor, London.
private employers in Nigeria, he knows a great
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10-goal players in Pretoria | Johannesburg | Cape Town | Durban Angola | Botswana | Burundi | Cameroon (OAPI) | Egypt (North Africa) Ghana | Kenya | Lesotho | Mozambique (ARIPO) | Namibia | Nigeria Swaziland | Tanzania (including Zanzibar)
www.adamsadams.com
ATTORNEYS
Patent | Trade Mark | Copyright | Design | Commercial | Property | Litigation
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V - expertise
Going offshore Julius Baer’s origins date back to 1890 and for the last 125 years the renowned Swiss private banking group has dedicated itself to serving and advising sophisticated private clients and family offices from around the world. Words provided
Our clients are given the opportunity to globally diversify their investments and at the same time protect their family and business interests.
B
y building relationships on partnership, community
management models including a back and forward
and mutual trust, Julius Baer has established itself
testing feature consolidating multiple investment
as the leading Swiss private banking group. The principal
portfolios for risk evaluation.
operating company, Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd., is duly
Our clients are given the opportunity to globally
licensed in Switzerland and supervised by the Swiss
diversify their investments and at the same time
independent financial-markets regulator FINMA.
protect their family and business interests. Julius
Today, Julius Baer is present in all major
Baer is a pure wealth manager with state-of-the-art
financial centres with its headquarters in Zurich
wealth management service provisions that are
and offices in key locations including Dubai,
entirely based on an open architecture approach,
Frankfurt,
London,
offering incentives beyond regular private banking
Moscow,
services models available in the market.
Lugano,
Geneva,
Hong
Monaco,
Kong,
Montevideo,
Singapore and Tokyo.
Our clients have unlimited access to local fund
By positioning itself as a niche player with a highly
client
centric
business
model
providers managing offshore unit trusts. Beneficial
and
fee arrangements between our preferred fund
outperforming competitors through innovation,
providers and us allow our clients to invest cost
Julius Baer has established one of the largest wealth
efficiently while profiting from our sophisticated
management offshore platforms in Europe. The
research and selection process. For a comprehensive
promise given to clients is an unbiased multiple
and tax efficient wealth structuring, we are working
service offering combining wealth management, tax
with a range of specially approved service providers
planning and research that provides clients with the
from locations such as Mauritius.
opportunity of a lifetime investment.
Despite the fact that we are not yet an authorised
Additionally, Julius Baer offers multiple currency accounts
as
well
as
sophisticated
portfolio
financial service provider in South Africa, Julius Baer considers that the African continent in general and South Africa in particular shows a significant potential for future growth. As a consequence, we are actively working on increasing brand awareness in the region through events such as the Polo at Val de Vie Polo Estate as well as other social gatherings in and around Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. Web: www.juliusbaer.com
Julius Baer is a proud sub-sponsor at Cintron Pink Polo and Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo. Join us for the Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo on 5 March 2016. 86
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CAPE TOWN’S PREMIER LIFESTYLE VENUE
R E S TA U R A N T • P R I VAT E B E A C H • C L U B Perfect for romantic meals and beach dining, tailor made conferences, glamorous events and Ibiza-style pool parties. “Summer Calling” parties feature top local and international DJs on a poolside stage throughout summer. Open Mondays to Sundays 11am to 4am. Kitchen closes at 11pm. www.shimmybeachclub.com SOUTH ARM ROAD, V&A WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN • 021 200 7778 SHIMMYBEACHCLUB
SHIMMYBEACHCLUBDownload SHIMMYBEACH SHIMMYBEACH the Shimmy app today
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V - events
Cintron Pink Polo 2015 Polo with a purpose. Thousands unite in aid of breast cancer awareness and support at the sixth annual Cintron Pink Polo event. Some of SA’s most famous faces were amongst esteemed guests. From Tanya van Graan to Liezel van der Westhuizen and Jen Su, these A-list celebs joined in to support this worthy cause. Words provided
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G
uests from near and far swanned to the
“Six years ago the event was
Val de Vie Estate’s polo grounds for what was a
unique blend of elegance, entertainment and exquisite
launched to act as a vocal
scenery, all in support of the fight against breast cancer.
platform and to raise
non-profit organisation Reach for Recovery and
awareness about breast
Funds generated through the event will go to its Ditto project, which will assist women with their practical needs in their fight and recovery
cancer in our country, and
from the disease.
world-wide. The day was a
fashion show, hosted by international fashion
celebration of stories of miraculous healing, as well as an opportunity for those who have lost loved ones to honour the lives they lived.” – Simone de Wet, MD at Val de Vie Events. 90
The day’s proceedings included a luxurious brands, Vicomte A. & IKKS, a live performance by celebrity vocalist, Tamara Dey, and of course an exciting polo match, which saw sponsors, Cintron and Julius Baer competing head-to-head. Food was a talking point as guests were presented with an indulgent spread of skilfully crafted,
never
before
seen
“food-ventions”.
This year also saw the launch of the Pink Food Truck Fair, which offered guests a picnic style laid-back to
enjoy
experience tantalising
where food
they
were
straight
able from
innovative food trucks.
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Photo by Denzil Jacobs
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The day’s proceedings included a luxurious fashion show, hosted by international fashion brands, Vicomte A. & IKKS, a live performance by celebrity vocalist, Tamara Dey, and of course an exciting polo match, which saw sponsors, Cintron and Julius Baer competing head-to-head.
No polo event is complete without the traditional act of divot stomping, and this was no exception – guests put their best foot forward and took to the field with luxury car brand, Crossley and Webb to pat down the torn up turf. After four chukkas, the nail-biting match ended on a score of 5-6 to team Julius Baer. Team Cintron fought hard to make a come back, but South African polo captain Tom de Bruin’s superb distribution and management of the Julius Bar team made sure that the white team never looked like they were going to lose! Tom’s pony, Chilli, was named Best Playing Pony of the day, while Johan du Plooy was awarded Most Valued Player, scoring several goals for the Julius Baer team bringing the crowd to their feet with his fast long runs down the field. Jossi Spilsbury’s speed and aggression surprised everyone and she will clearly move to a 1 Handicap very soon. Having two female polo players such as Sally and Jossi playing to such a high standard will only encourage more ladies to take up the exciting sport of polo!
Save the date! 5 November 2016 Cintron Pink Polo Watch the official video on the Pink Polo SA facebook page Enquiries: events@valdevie.co.za www.valdevie.co.za
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SAVE THE DATE
With a tastefully designed hospitality lounge, HNWI’s and captains of industry are able to network and socialise with like-minded individuals. With a dedicated butler and a luxurious viewing lounge overlooking the polo pitch, guests will not only delight in the nail-biting polo finale but also the lavish food, dÊcor and fine champagne. Serving as a perfect backdrop to a convenient deal-making environment, the hospitality suite is designed to meet your exact requirements and specifications.
TICKET SALES OPEN MID DEC 2015 Available on Computicket val de vie
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V - making xxxxxx a difference
Forget me not ABOVE His Majesty King Letsie III at the opening of the ‘Mamohato Children’s Centre, with Sentebale’s Founding Patrons, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso.
Eleven years ago, after spending nine weeks at an orphanage in Lesotho, a young Prince Harry would leave Southern Africa and, touched by what he saw, be changed forever. Still grieving for the loss of his own mother, Prince Harry could deeply relate with children he had come to know and admire. Their bravery and hope planted a seed, one that would grow into his beloved Sentebale, meaning “forget-me-not” in Sesotho. Words provided Photographs by André van Niekerk
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V - making Va -difference xxxxxxx
“
N
ever forget your humble beginnings.” Such is
the world. With the second highest prevalence
the belief of Simone de Wet, the vibrant
rate of HIV, one in three children are orphaned
Managing Director of Val de Vie Events, who knows
and there are around twenty one thousand,
better than anyone that in order to lead, one
10-19-year-olds living with HIV; it’s no surprise
must know how to serve. Once approached by
only 30% of them are accessing treatment. With
Sentebale to co-ordinate the opening of the
many forced to fend for themselves, leaving school
‘Mamohato Children’s Centre in Lesotho alongside her
at a young age to find work or care for their younger
enthusiastic team, Simone knew that this opportunity
siblings, and with little or no knowledge of
embodied the essence of Val de Vie Events corporate
HIV/AIDS, life is a challenge.
culture; to serve selflessly and to hone hope.
The ‘Mamohato Children’s Centre will be the
Putting together an event fit for royalty in a
flagship facility that supports all of Sentebale’s work
remote and mountainous area was by no means easy.
with vulnerable children in Lesotho. Named after
However, being optimistic and ready for any
His Majesty King Letsie III and Prince Seeiso’s
challenge, the Val de Vie Events Team, together
mother, the late Queen ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso,
with the helping hands of Secret Diary, Supa Sign,
who was known as the Mother of the Nation, the
Vivid Blue, and N Concepts and Designs, set to
centre will be used to hold a range of events and
work to create an experience worthy of its cause.
workshops to benefit vulnerable children. These will
Small and completely landlocked by South Africa,
include hearing assessments for children with hearing
Lesotho is one of the least developed countries in
disabilities, training workshops for organisations
“We came up with the name Sentebale and the idea seemed perfect,” says Prince Harry. It’s a name that captures the spirit of an organisation founded in memory of the two princes’ late mothers, and which continues the great work of their mothers
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caring for vulnerable children, peer educator workshops and forums and more specifically, it will host camps delivering psychosocial support to children living with HIV. The aim of Sentebale’s camps is to ensure all 10-19-year-olds living with HIV access and adheres to their anti-retroviral treatment, feels supported in school, at home and in the community, and are able to lead healthy and productive lives. In addition,
the
camp
inspires
child-to-child
communication encouraging children and young people to teach each other about the disease, breaking down stigma that prevents many knowing their We are very proud that our Val de Vie Events Team had been selected to co-ordinate the opening of the ‘Mamohato Children’s Centre at Thaba Bosiu in Lesotho. From left; Soritha van Dyk, Simone de Wet, Elsje Human, Andri Pletzen, Heleen Human, Anneke van der Merwe and Erik van Papendorp
status and accessing treatment. The opening of the ‘Mamohato Children’s Centre has been a key milestone for Sentebale. It marks the progress made in the last ten years in supporting vulnerable children in Lesotho and highlights Sentebale’s plans for expansion, both in Lesotho, and in other Southern African countries. Guests who attended the opening include donors that Sentebale has worked with in the past ten years and those who have funded the building of the centre, ambassadors such as Nacho Figueras, community-run partners and government ministers to name a few. They had the opportunity to experience a camp at the centre with a number of workshops and activities taking place with the children Sentebale supports. The official opening ceremony was followed by
A vision comes to life Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso founded Sentebale in 2006 – a charity aiming to rewrite the future for the impoverished population of Lesotho, providing the thousands of children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS with vital access to accommodation, care, education and critical psychosocial support. If children with HIV are educated about the virus, they not only learn about their condition but can also educate their peers about the disease, enlightening a generation about this potential killer. In Prince Seeiso’s words, they wanted to “give the less privileged and often forgotten vulnerable children a chance of some schooling, and thus a ray of hope for a better future.” www.sentebale.org 96
an abundance of singing and dancing in true Basotho spirit, with a special performance by soul singer Joss Stone. And of course, no momentous celebration is complete without fireworks! A memorable event, serving the purpose of a better tomorrow. Tel: +27 (0)21 863 6191 Email: events@valdevie.co.za Web: www.valdevie.co.za
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Val de Vie, Paarl / R5.4 million Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 3 / Garages 2 / Ref# TK1241503 Lock-up-and-go 3-bedroom home on an idyllic polo estate. The north-facing patio frames picturesque sunsets and views of the Paarl mountains. The open-plan living spaces are designed around a central, immaculately finished kitchen while concertina doors fold away, leading to the undercover braai area and swimming pool. Igna 082 884 8492 / Ronel 082 556 2433 Jordan 083 298 1481 / Hayley 082 926 8587
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Magazine Strip banner.pdf 1 16/11/2015 11:30:11
V - property
VAL DE VIE ESTATE PROPERTY | FROM R1.425 M
NEW PLOTS AVAILABLE
Erf sizes from 675m2 - 2000m2 | Brand new developer plots now available Situated across the premium Gentleman’s Estates, expect sweeping views of the Simonsberg, Paarl and Franschhoek mountains and beautiful tree lined avenues. The new Phase 2 plots are in close proximity to the iconic Polo Pavilion and the new sports centre, The Yard, which will include a multi-purpose 1000m2 gym, a 50m outdoor pool, additional tennis, soccer court and youth recreational areas. The plots are unique and larger in size than other plots on the estate, mostly north facing, situated across the premium Gentleman’s Estates and bordering the protected 35ha fynbos reserve.
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V - property
VAL DE VIE THE OAKS | FROM R5.661 M
NEW OPTIONAL FLOOR PLANS
Floor size options include 320m2, 335m2, 378m2 and 500m2 The home of your dreams awaits your selection from a portfolio of four tastefully designed floor plans, collectively known as The Oaks. This unique property eliminates the need to start the design process from scratch; saving you both time and money in the development of your home on one of Val de Vie’s newly launched plots. These designs also allow room for customisation, to ensure that your requirements are met and that the end product is perfectly in line with your expectations. Your hopes can soon become a reality in the Valley of Life – and it all begins with a choice.
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V - property
VAL DE VIE THE VINES | FROM R2.946 M
BURGUNDY
Erf sizes from 330m2 - 560m2 | House sizes from 172m2 - 188m2 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Single / Double garage
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VAL DE VIE THE VINES | FROM R4.41 M
SONOMA
Erf sizes from 330m2 - 560m2 | House sizes from 290m2 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | Double garage
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HOUSE 560
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Erf 800m2 | Floor 374m2 | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms A beautiful family home with a large backyard and sunny garden. The open plan kitchen and dining room leads onto a separate cosy lounge
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VAL DE VIE ESTATE PROPERTY | R9.1 M
HOUSE 535
Erf 800m2 | Floor 471m2 | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms A dream home on the paddocks with a wonderful open plan interior executed to the highest standard, as well as spectacular views of the mountains and peacefully grazing horses.
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HOUSE 482
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Erf 940m2 | Floor 572m2 | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms A well located corner plot surrounded by water giving you the feeling that you are living on an island boasting all round sweeping mountain views and exquisite sunrises.
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V - property
VAL DE VIE GENTLEMAN’S ESTATES | FROM R7.5 M
PREMIUM PLOTS
Erf sizes range from 2.5 hectares to 5.8 hectares 13 Incredible Gentleman’s Estates, of which only four are still available, ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 hectares for those who yearn for the open and to live closer to nature. Here you can plant your favourite grape varietals, fruit orchard or vegetable garden all organically grown to your desire. Live out your passion whether it be to keep your horses or other livestock, keep up to 10 animals all within the safest estate in Africa according to the International Property Awards. 4 River Reserves with breathtaking views of the iconic Simonsberg, ranging from 2 – 5 hectares gives you the opportunity to build your dream home surrounded by nature and a 30-hectare conservation camp stocked with indigenous wildlife in conjunction with Cape Nature. These reserves border the pristine Berg River and will have entertainment areas with access to the river. Both Gentleman’s Estates and River Reserves will pay one Val de Vie levy and get an allotment of water from the Berg River water rights. Don’t miss this unique opportunity.
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2015/12/08 3:24 PM
34
val de vie
legacy VC Masters edit.indd Polo 34 OBC-revised.indd 1
2015/12/08 2015/12/04 3:25 2:32 PM PM