Neighbourhood CT - 25 October 2015 by Your Neighbourhood

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Neighbourhood 25 OCTOBER 2015

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

Editor’s Exclusive CLAIRE BARNARDO

City exploration IMAGES: GRANT PAYNE, LISA BURNELL, & SUPPLIED

ith the glorious weather now, I’ve vowed to spend more time outdoors and there’s just so much to do! For starters, be a tourist in your own city. Here in the Mother City, The Cape Town Partnership has developed the City Walk – following on from the Fan Walk success during the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. The route starts in the Company’s Gardens, continues down St George’s Mall to Waterkant Street, and progresses up the Fan Walk to St Andrew’s Square. It connects significant places in the urban heart of Cape Town through storytelling, public art, walking tours and retail offerings. By extending daytime foot traffic into the evenings and over weekends, it aims to activate the CBD as a 24-hour city. The City Walk also now forms part of the revised Big 6 most visited attractions – the Big 7: the Robben Island Museum, the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Groot Constantia, Table Mountain Cableway, and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. This is truly impactful work around public-space activation, as well as encouraging trade in the city. Why not look out for what’s happening in your city too?

ED’S CHOICE…

Boo!

Looking for something spooky this Halloween? We’ve got the list of haunting hallow events in the Cape

Having breakfast at Company’s Garden restaurant with my family.

WORDS: LAUREN JOUBERT

IMAGES: SUPPLIED & ISTOCK

he end of October means letting your imagination run wild with ghoulish gatherings! We have the list of what’s going on this haunting Halloween.

MTB Night ride on Table Mountain

For the fitness fundis, there is a Halloween event right up your alley. Fancy seeing the hallowed moon while perched on a Momsen mountain bike? Join adventure enthusiasts on AWOL Tours’ special mountain bike ride up Table Mountain, running throughout October. Cycle beneath the stars through the deserted mountain in the cool, crisp

night air. Cyclists meet at the Kloof Nek parking lot and begin the ride at 7pm.

Deadly Disco at Caprice

If you’re looking for a Halloween party like no other, put on your daring dancing shoes and hit Cape Towns’ best beach bar on 30 October for a night not soon to be forgotten! Don’t be shy to dress up in your best ghoulish gear and enjoy a night out on the Camps Bay strip.

Creepy Kirstenbosch Screening

Galileo Open Air Theatre is back! This time around, they are making sure all movie-goers are adequately terrified

with one of the classic scary movies of all time – Psycho. Prepare yourself for a night full of screams after dark at the Marquee Lawn at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Don’t be afraid to dress up and scare a few fellows on your way in!

Zombie Walk Cape Town

If you’ve ever been in the City centre during Halloween, it is most likely you’ve encountered a few “walkers” dragging their feet in classic zombie fashion. Now is your chance to be a part of the fun! Get your scariest nurse or doctor’s coat out, and lather up the tomato paste for gore-extraordinaire when you join this walk at 11:30am – for free! EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: MTB Night ride on Table Mountain 021 4183803 awoltours.co.za

DID YOU KNOW?

Deadly Disco at Caprice 021 438 8315 cafecaprice.co.za

With its natural geographic design, Cape Town’s CBD is seen as the safest and cleanest inner city in South Africa and is an asset for how the city is positioned in terms of liveability and tourism desirability.

PUBLISHED BY THE CREATIVE GROUP Unit G04, Old Castle Brewery Bldg 6 Beach Road, Woodstock Cape Town, 087 828 0423

Creepy Kirstenbosch Screening 071 471 8728 thegalileo.co.za Zombie Walk Cape Town zombiewalksouthafrica.co.za

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Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Your cup of tea If you’re looking for a tea party straight out of a storybook, look no further WORDS: BRIDGET MCNULTY IMAGE: SUPPLIED

hen I was a young child, I read Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree, a story about the magical land of birthdays. Here, children sat down at a table and every kind of delicious treat they could imagine appeared before them. They could eat as many cakes, cookies, sweets and treats as they liked. It sounded like heaven!

I’m pleased to report I have finally located this heavenly spot at the One&Only hotel’s Vista Bar & Lounge in Cape Town. Head patissier Kyle Hickman is the mastermind behind this cornucopia of delights, recently promoted and obviously taking great joy in his work. The pastry team is all about wowing their guests, as you’ll see from the groaning tables of multicoloured macaroons (the lemon poppy seed variety were outstanding); delicate cheesecakes; chocolate mousse cakes with intricate icing; and the most delicious éclairs decorated with gold leaf. There’s an impressive spread of South African treats (including koeksisters and milk tart cupcakes), a rainbow of sweet treats like fresh, yellow marshmallow twists and bright pink meringues, and home-made versions of things I thought were bought only in stores… Fresh nougat and caramels, anyone? And the biscuits! Oh, the biscuits. Peanut butter cookies, signature One&Only chocolate sandwich biscuits, almond and cranberry biscotti, and homemade amaretti biscuits. Perfect accompaniments to the wide choice of loose leaf teas, coffees or hot chocolate. The joy of afternoon tea at the One&Only is that you can pile your plate as high as you like while savouring the beautiful surrounds: comfortable tables and lounge chairs in front of a floor-to-ceiling window, with the most breathtaking view of Table Mountain. It’s a storybook tea party in one of the prettiest spots in the Mother City. What more could you ask for?

TASTE FOR YOURSELF: One&Only Cape Town 021 431 5888 capetown.oneandonlyresorts.com

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

Psst.

Over here! The Spier Secret Festival combines an inspiring food conference with the launch of a new organic market WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK

IMAGES:

SUPPLIED

ustainability, urban farming and artisan foods are far more than current buzzwords: there’s a genuine shift towards becoming more connected to where our food comes from. With 300ha devoted to ethically produced meat and vegetables, Stellenbosch wine estate Spier has long been a supporter of biodynamic farming. Its annual Secret Festival on 29 to 30 October, brings prominent food fundis together for an inspiring conference with interactive talks and workshops.

House Café and Bakery in the restored Jonkershuis at Spier. In the lead-up to the festival, a series of secret dinners brought foodies together in unusual settings for journeys of taste discovery.

According to festival organiser Hannerie Visser the Spier Secret festival is a platform to celebrate craftsmanship, artisanal methods, knowledge sharing, co-creation and a creative approach to food and wine making. “This year, there is a strong focus on natural food and sustainable practices.”

While most of us don’t have the resources or space to grow food for ourselves, buying from small producers that we trust is a way forward. Saturday 31 October sees the launch of Spier Werf Market. “We’ve curated a selection of ethical producers who offer everything from organic seasonal vegetables to grassfed beef, sulphite-free bacon and the freshest outdoor eggs,” says Hannerie of the market, which runs every Saturday morning from the launch onwards. “This is a family-friendly gathering where ugly fruit is beautiful, worms stay in hotels and people earnestly swap seeds and share food. That said, if you’re more into sipping wine on a grass bank under a tree, that works too.”

As well as international speakers and chefs sharing their expertise, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including a cheese-making workshop and sensory tastings that explore links between sound and taste. The day’s food explorations round off with a zero-waste lunch, prepared by chef PJ Vadas, who has just opened his Hog

An edible perfume dinner with Tammy Frazier was memorable in its encouragement of guests to experiment by adding flavoured and perfumed oils to the various dishes, interacting dynamically through the palate, rather than simply consuming their food.

TASTE FOR YOURSELF: Spier Secret Festival spiersecret.co.za email hannerie@spiersecretfestival.co.za

A O N E - DAY CONFERENCE 30 OCTOBER Interactive talks, workshops and t a s t i n g s w i t h f o o d a n d w i n e ’s most exciting minds. T i c k e t s : R 11 0 0 , We b t i c k e t s . c o . z a w w w. s p i e r s e c r e t . c o . z a #spiersecret

31 OCTOBER Enjoy great Spier wine, craft gin cocktails and fresh vegetables and food from the region's best producers and chefs. F R E E E N T R Y. #spierwerfmarket

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

LOCAL LOWDOWN

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

If you need a constant dose of Cape Town lifestyle inspiration,

follow these local Instagram legends! WORDS: ANDY MÖLLER

See the best with…@thelawry If you want to see Cape Town as the supermodel she really is, then you will enjoy @thelawry’s photos. Most of @thelawry’s (also known as Cape Town based photographer and film maker, Mike Eloff ) photos boast scenic shots of local landscapes, with pristine quality and mainly warm tones. Expect to see daring outings, stunning panoramas, mesmerising time lapses and a lot of nature. If you ever wanted to temp your friends abroad to come for a Mother City holiday, send them @thelawry’s Instagram link. You should also check out his partner’s Instagram account, @superficialgirl, if you crave some fashion motivation.

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

Read more about Andy Möller’s Mother City adventures on his blog: iamonline.ninja

Experience the best with…@capetowninsider

Taste the best with… @thecapetownglutton

Looking to live a more luscious lifestyle? Follow @capetowninsider for a selection of photos that will definitely leave you either jealous or inspired. Photos range from Cape Town events, product promotions, launches, decor, pop-up shopping, scenic shots of Cape Town, and (naturally) a few adorable feline pics in between. What makes @capetowninsider worthy enough to follow, is the realness to their photos – no over-Photoshopped images that seem more like a magazine advert than an actual true Cape Town experience. This month they’re punting Breast Cancer Awareness, Cape Town-style!

If you’re a foodie that loves the occasional mouthwatering “foodporn” pic, then get a bucket, because @thecapetownglutton will have you drooling. Enjoy shots of decadent chocolate fondant, creamy milkshakes, the perfect sushi platter, the most delicious displays of burgers, and let’s not even speak of the variety of yummy breakfast foods. Be sure to follow @thecapetownglutton to see stunning photos of what many of Cape Town’s best eateries have to serve, angled so perfectly you can practically taste it through Instagram.

30 Oct -1 Nov

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

ven though it has been a feature for only a few decades, the TV lounge is often the defining social space in most homes. When TVs were large, boxy appliances, it was easy to make them the focal point of the room, and they dictated the layout of the furniture accordingly.

New media

With shifts in technology first slimming down TV sets and then diverting viewers to the additional screens of laptops and tablets, however, the old order is no more. Media consumption has become increasingly fragmented and, as a result, designers are rethinking the traditional TV room entirely to provide solutions more in line with how we live today.

A designer take on media consumption at home WORDS: CHRIS REID

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

IMAGES: CASSINA & STUDIO BOUROULLEC

There are two main responses designers have taken towards changing media habits. The first accepts the new viewing habits and designs new pieces of furniture as a result. These can take the form of personal pods and modular designs, but the more mainstream pieces simply integrate additional features into existing silhouettes. The MyWorld sofa by Philippe Starck for Cassina, for example, hides tech accessories and charging cables in the arm of the piece for easy access when you want to move from one screen to another. The more reactionary approach, however, has been to reimagine what media technology can be. Here designers seek

to bring TVs back into the centre of focus rather than relegating them to the wall or corner. The new Serif concept TV, by the Bouroullec Brothers for Samsung, does exactly that. By giving the device weight and sculptural presence, the designers compensate for the slimming down of technology and justify the setâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prominent placement in a room. As the media landscape continues to evolve, these two approaches to spatial design will become more prominent in the coming years. The one individual homeowners choose to align themselves with is a matter of personal preference, but the space is evolving and the challenge is for designers to keep up.

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Cassina South Africa afritaly.com 021 418 5382, 011 447 7062 Samsung Serif samsung.com/global/seriftv

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(cut

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VALID UNTIL CHRISTMAS 2015 at The Palms Market - Woodstock Saturdays from 9am to 3pm

Also at Robin Hood tasting room in Grabouw

10am until 1pm, and 2pm until 3pm (weekdays) 10am until 3pm (weekends) CALL 021 359 3430

Robin Hood Legendary Wines .00 Come Voucher value: ON PURCHASE ONLY!

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taste!

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

ADVERTORIAL

Summer highlights at The Palms Whether you’re planning your special day, searching for a unique Cape Town market, or a creative looking to be inspired, don’t miss these events

he Palms in Woodstock is renowned for being a decor and design go-to with a variety of shops offering antiques, contemporary decor and furniture, fabrics and special art pieces.

wedding rings and jewellery, invitations, flowers and of course a selection of wedding dresses, to honeymoon venues. Best of all – entry is free and parking at The Palms is ample and covered.

It houses more than 30 decor, art and lifestyle stores as well as a phenomenal restaurant and cosy coffee shops.

Explore a world where art and music come alive at the next edition of ArtMode at The Palms on Friday 11 December and Saturday 12 December.

This summer The Palms will be bringing you all you need for your upcoming big day, as well as a great weekly market, and the best in local art and music.

Bridal fever at The Palms in Woodstock!

This is the time of year when romance flourishes and in many instances lovers seriously contemplate tying the knot. Pulling off the perfect event can be quite a challenge and sometimes intimidating. So head down to The Palms in 145 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock – the ideal backdrop for the Bridal Indaba – on Friday 30 October (9am to 5pm) and Saturday 31 October (9am to 3pm), where love is celebrated in style. Experience everything first-hand at The Palms Bridal Indaba to ensure a dream-come-true wedding. All you’ll ever need and envisioned will be on display under one roof – from

Coming up…

ArtMode is known as a platform for both up and coming and established creatives to find and lose themselves in a space where nothing else but artistic expression matters. It is also a treasure chest for art collectors to discover new artists.

Palms Market

Head down to Palms Market on Saturdays for fresh food, fabulous farm-style produce, funky objets d’art and famous faces with a village piazza-like atmosphere. Once you’ve been, we know you’ll be back for more. Palms Market takes place every Saturday from 9am to 2pm. SEE FOR YOURSELF: The Palms palms.co.za

win

Everyone visiting the Bridal Indaba at The Palms is invited to enter a competition to win one of the many fantastic prizes on offer. It could be a luxury weekend break, to-die-for jewellery, or a personal pampering session. All you need to do is enter by downloading the competition form from The Palms website (palms.co.za) or collect on the day of your visit to the Bridal Indaba, complete the form and drop it into the entry box at the event.

How will YOU play a role in shaping Africa’s future? WWW.AFR IC A N LE A DER S H I PACA DE MY.ORG

African Leadership Academy is a pre-eminent educational institution that seeks to transform Africa by identifying, developing and connecting its future leaders. We select 100 top young leaders from across Africa for a two-year pre-university program in Entrepreneurial Leadership, African Studies and Cambridge A’levels. At ALA, young leaders build a powerful intellectual foundation and develop their leadership capacity through our unique curriculum and stimulating learning environment.

So, what role will YOU play in shaping Africa’s future?

Apply Now! Apply TODAY for our two-year pre-university programme. Applications are open to young leaders aged 1619 who demonstrate great leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to service and passion for Africa. Tel 011 699 3000 www.africanleadershipacademy.org/apply admissions@africanleadershipacademy.org

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

School, school Whether it’s public, private, or home-schooling, here’s the gist of each WORDS: SUPPLIED

IMAGES: ISTOCK

hoosing the type of school system that best suits your child’s needs as well as yours, is no easy feat. It probably ranks high on parents’ stress lists. But looking into options will help you understand which pathway to choose.

Home-schooling

Legal in South Africa since 1996, home-schooling is growing in popularity. Curriculum providers like Clonard Distance Education have noticed a marked increase in the number of parents choosing to homeschool their children. Why home-schooling? Many parents feel that their children are falling through the gaps at state schools as the teachers do not have the capacity to provide the valuable attention that their children require due to the ever increasing size of the classes; or the child doesn’t fit into the class, has a learning difficulty and needs more attention with tasks.

socialisation for the learner, and no peer competition.

Public schooling

Public schooling is the most popular form of schooling in South Africa and comprises approximately 97% of the schools in the country. Public schools depend entirely on the government for funding and supplies. Each province is responsible for ensuring its schools are equipped and have enough money to run properly. As a result, standards vary immensely, depending on the efficiency and wealth of the province. Why public schooling? For many middle to lower earning parents this is the cheaper option, although there are public schools that are more expensive than most. The enrolment process is a lot simpler than private schooling and students may be offered a fairly good to excellent education.

The pros: affordable, good oneon-one attention, quality control, a safe environment, and available to everyone.

The pros: belonging to a normal system, integration of students into a relatively normal social environment, and there are usually many public schools in one given area, so travelling could be easier.

The cons: requires parental commitment and time, less

The challenges: schools are full, classes are large ratios to teacher,

less student to teacher interaction, and students often don’t receive the attention they require to achieve well.

Private schooling

South Africa is home to a number of world-class private schools. These schools are run separately from the government and are funded, maintained and conducted by a private group. Because it is privately funded, school fees at these institutions are high. Why private schooling? Though often associated with only the most elite South Africans, private schooling seems to address parents’ concerns for both home-schooling and public schooling. Private schools tend to have much smaller classes, and your child gets the benefit of being able to socialise with other children their age. The pros: smaller classes and individual attention, wider range of school subjects, strong parental involvement, less bureaucracy, and private schools often have a higher standard of education. Challenges: very expensive and out of reach for many, and they often have more prerequisites than public schools in order to attend.

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Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Tips for harmonious S studying

tudying is hard – this is what any student will tell you from primary school all the way to university. We could all use a little help to minimise the stress of it all. What better way than with a few helpful tips from someone who’s been through it?

Studying made easy with a few simple tips WORDS: LAUREN ALBERTYN

IMAGE: ISTOCK

Quick tips to get you started:

• Colour code your material. • Make frequent contact with teachers/ tutors/lecturers. • Set regular study schedules. • If you’re able to concentrate with background music, check out Olafur Arnalds on YouTube.

•

Let’s get going!

• Develop organisational systems that will work for you. Remember that learning to be organised takes time and practice, so don’t give up. You may just need more time to become accustomed to it. • Avoid distractions in your study space. If your study space includes any media, it’s probably not the best place for you to study. Choose a space that doesn’t have a lot of tempting distractions available. • Keep all of your books/notebooks for each class together on a labelled shelf. When you then need to grab the materials, they’re all in one place, making it less likely for you to forget something. • Reward yourself! Positive reinforcement is an amazing thing. When you have completed tasks, reward yourself in small ways. This can be anything from allowing yourself to take a 10 minute break to treating yourself to a movie. This will help to avoid procrastinating! • Schedule time to complete your assignments based on anticipated

1510_1359_VAN_SCHAIK_BRAND_AD_265mmWx190mmH_WC_FA.indd 1

•

time on task and urgency. Once you know all the assignments that you need to complete, determine their deadlines and estimate how long it will take to finish each one. You can then prioritise your tasks and set a clear schedule for completing them. Use an academic planner to keep track of your assignments, deadlines, and appointments. By having all this information in one place, you’ll know exactly where to look to find out what you need to do. Use shorter, less grammatically correct sentences, since you are the only one who will be reviewing your notes. This will enable you to take notes faster and will reduce the risk of falling behind. Divide your study time into blocks separated by quick breaks. It is most effective to study in 30 to 45 minute blocks of time, allowing yourself quick 3 to 5 minute breaks in between. This approach gives you time to focus while also allowing time to relax and re-energise. Create and save study guides and aids. Students often wait until the night before big tests to start creating study aids. Instead, you should create study aids for each test that you have in a class. Once the tests are completed, you should save your study aids for upcoming exams. Learn how to effectively communicate with your teachers/lecturers/tutors. They’re there to provide guidance and support. You’ll find that most are more than happy to provide additional instruction and extra help. This also shows that you care about your academic performance. By effectively communicating with them, you can help maintain and increase your class grades.

2015/10/21 12:20 PM

SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

RSA

NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT Shining a light on SA’s featured neighbourhood

Spotlight on Soweto

History, accessibility and a unique energy are just a few reasons why Soweto’s people are proud to call it home WORDS: BELINDA MOUNTAIN

IMAGES: PRIVATE PROPERTY, GOOGLE & ISTOCK

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

Soweto is a place in South Africa like no other. Packed with history, the area was directly linked to the discovery of gold and, although it once may have been a dusty township, the development has been staggering − today it has 37 suburbs. According to Shawn Mackrell, master licensee for Seeff: Johannesburg South, Alberton and Soweto, increased house prices in Soweto are due to an influx of middle class residents, with affordable property prices and easy access to the city centre adding to the appeal. Resident Fortune Ringane agrees, citing Soweto’s accessibility as a key reason for living there. “There are so many transport options and it’s a very convenient area to stay in,” she says. The upgraded road infrastructure and Rea Vaya, the City of Johannesburg’s new bus rapid transport system, are two such examples. Home to about 40% of the total Johannesburg population, Soweto has a unique energy not found in many other places. “It’s very vibey and friendly,” says Fortune, “and there are so many entertainment options that you really don’t need to go anywhere else”. She cites the iconic FNB stadium – built for the 2010 Soccer World Cup and shaped like a calabash – as her favourite place to spend time, and she regularly goes to watch Orlando Pirates play.

Khotso Motau grew up in Soweto and mentions Sakhumzi Restaurant and Bar as being one of the best known in the area. Opened in 2001, Sakhumzi is situated on the famous Vilakazi Street, the original home of both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. It has grown from humble beginnings to one of the hottest spots on the tourist trail. But it’s not just for tourists. On weekends you’ll find it packed with middle class Sowetans, all enjoying the signature buffet featuring mogodu (tripe), stews, pap, samp and other tasty dishes.

I live in Weltevreden Park and I have friends who live in Illovo, but on weekends we all head back to Soweto because it feels like home KHOTSO MOTAU, FORMER RESIDENT

Khotso says that many former Soweto residents who now live elsewhere often return to the area on weekends. “I live in Weltevreden Park and I have friends who live in Illovo, but on weekends we all head back to Soweto because it feels like home,” he says. Dichaba Meat Lounge and Beer Garden in Orlando West is another of Khotso’s favourite places to hang out, while resident Mlungisi Taleng mentions Nambitha as being his favourite restaurant, with its soul food that includes traditional African dishes. Looking for a bit of retail therapy? You’ve come to the right place. Fortune names the world-class Maponya and Jabulani malls as an indication of how much the area has developed, with their extensive lists of top retailers and eating establishments.

SPOTLIGHT

says that young, upwardly mobile people who wanted to get on the property ladder would previously have moved out of Soweto, but now that there are so many great property investment options in Soweto itself, they are choosing to stay. Seeff ’s Shawn Mackrell says the same thing is happening to middle-aged buyers who originally moved out of Soweto and bought property elsewhere. “Many of them are returning and trying to get back into the property market here,” he says. “Younger buyers especially are favouring upmarket suburbs like Diepkloof extension 1 and Orlando West, where property can cost upwards of R1m.” Kena Kekana, owner of the Rawson Property Group franchise in Soweto, says that there is now a serious shortage of homes for sale in the older parts of Soweto, such as Orlando and Dube. “Many of the existing residents in these areas don’t want to move as they’re established and have convenient access to transport and other facilities,” she says. Whatever your budget or the area you choose to live in, it’s clear that Soweto is loved for its rich history, its accessibility to the rest of Joburg, its extensive amenities and a unique energy – all thanks to the interesting people who call it home.

The growth of Soweto has been rapid indeed. “Soweto no longer looks like a township – it looks more like the suburbs north of the city,” says Fortune. Development has, however, been achieved in a unique way and Khotso says Soweto has “become Westernised, but in a township way”. Mlungisi

WATCH THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD COME TO LIFE AT

privateproperty.co.za/soweto

SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

EAT LIKE A LOCAL • Sakhumzi for traditional buffets • N exdor for chicken livers and butternut soup • N ambitha for sticky wings or rump steak • W andie’s Place for dumplings and umqushu (samp)

Sakhumzi Restaurant and Bar has grown from humble beginnings to one of the hottest spots on the tourist trail

• T hrive Café for sophisticated dishes and great coffee

SAKHUMZI

KHOTSO MOTAU, FORMER RESIDENT

The iconic FNB stadium – built for the 2010 Soccer World Cup and shaped like a calabash – is my favourite place to spend time, and I regularly go to watch Orlando Pirates play FORTUNE RINGANE, RESIDENT

FNB STADIUM

ORLANDO STADIUM

Neighbourhood

SPAZA SHOP IN ORLANDO

It’s very vibey and friendly, and there are so many entertainment options that you really don’t need to go anywhere else FORTUNE RINGANE, RESIDENT

25 OCTOBER 2015

MAPONYA MALL

SPOTLIGHT

The world-class Maponya and Jabulani malls with their extensive lists of top retailers and eating establishments, is an indication of how much the area has developed FORTUNE RINGANE, RESIDENT

SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

Property demand in Soweto

Properties listed for sale in the Soweto region comprise approximately 3% of the total sales listings in the Johannesburg region.

BUYING IN SOWETO

Approximately 3% of the interest (views) in properties for sale in the Johannesburg region is attributable to properties listed for sale in Soweto.

The monthly bond repayment to purchase a typical property in Soweto, namely a three-bedroom house, with the median asking price of R595,000, is R5,546 a month over 20 years at prime of 9,5% with no deposit

Whatever your budget or the area you choose to live in, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear that Soweto is loved for its rich history, its accessibility to the rest of Joburg, its extensive amenities and a unique energy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all thanks to the interesting people who call it home

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

Median asking prices for Soweto properties

R595,000 R470,000

R410,000

R540,000

Property types for sale

Complex For a typical property (three-bedroom house)

For a property in a complex

For a flat or apartment

SPOTLIGHT

2% Flat

For a house

95% House

Property types for rent

55%

Complex

House

Median monthly asking prices for Soweto rentals

40% Flat

R3,800 For a typical rental property (two-bedroom house)

R3,500

R3,700

R3,900

In a complex

For a house

For a flat

2 bed, 1 bath AVAILABLE NOW.

Not ready to buy? Find a rental now. A home for everyone www.privateproperty.co.za

PROPERTY NEWS

Buying brand new

A recent Residential Building Statistics report indicates that buyers have been choosing to buy newly built rather than pre-owned homes this year WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY

IMAGES: ISTOCK

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

n increasing number of buyers are choosing to buy newly built rather than pre-owned homes due to advantages such as no transfer duty payable, possible easier financing and minimal maintenance for the first five years after purchase. A recent Residential Building Statistics report by Absa indicates growth in the number of new housing units constructed in the first seven months of 2015 at 6,3% year on year totalling almost 22,000 units built. Maggie Rowley, communications manager: Rabie Property Group, says a major benefit of newly built homes is that the buyer is able to secure a property at today’s market price and make payment only about 18 months later. This means that by the time of payment there would’ve been an average capital growth of around 15% in value. She says sales in new developments also include Vat and no transfer duty is payable by the buyer. “Other benefits of newly built homes are features such as high speed fibre optic connectivity, central hot water heating systems and up-to-date finishes. With everything new, there should be minimal maintenance for the first five years. However, with pre-owned homes,

the buyer may need to accommodate upgrade expenses,” says Rowley. Shaun Rademeyer, CEO: BetterLife Home Loans, says new developments by established companies are often preapproved by a lender, making it easier for prospective buyers to obtain home loans. He says developers often give buyers the opportunity to choose fittings and finishes, and sometimes the chance to customise the layout of their new homes. “New homes come with certain structural guarantees and comply with green design and building principles

If you’re willing to buy something that doesn’t yet exist and do research, there’s a good chance you’ll gain a rapidly appreciating asset for minimal investment TONY CLARKE, MANAGING DIRECTOR, RAWSON PROPERTY GROUP

making them more eco-friendly and energy-efficient, which means less maintenance and long-term savings for owners. However, there are some pitfalls to avoid with newly built homes, including deposit scams, too many extras and upgrades, no completion date and no provision to rectify problems on the property,” says Rademeyer. Tony Clarke, managing director: Rawson Property Group, says buying off-plan can be a great investment under the right circumstances, especially for people who want something new and customisable. He says many developments significantly appreciate in value over the building period raising the unit price two or three times before completion and, if bought early, buyers often make a significant profit. “Do research before buying into a development to clearly understand the process, neighbourhood and value of similar properties sold nearby. Investigating the developer’s track record, financial standing, workmanship and reliability is paramount. If you’re willing to buy something that doesn’t yet exist and do research, there’s a good chance you’ll gain a rapidly appreciating asset for minimal investment,” says Clarke.

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Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

Analyse it PATRICK CAIRNS

Lessons from Raymond Ackerman I

PROPERTY NEWS

19 RSA

NATIONAL NEWS STORY Opening the door to different neighbourhoods in SA

t is almost impossible to have a conversation about Pick n Pay these days without discussing Stickeez. The tiny plastic toys assumed something of a cult status in the short time that their invasion lasted.

ng under

However, ten years ago a mention of Pick n Pay would not immediately have conjured up an image of puffy plastic wrapper. The first thing to come to mind would more likely have been the name of the founder of the business: Raymond Ackerman.

iate aising efore yers

He has been out of the public eye for some time, but for many decades Ackerman was one of the most recognisable and respected businessmen in the country. He built Pick n Pay from four small shops in Cape Town in 1967 into what was, at its peak, easily the biggest supermarket chain in the country.

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d do u’ll r

New to the Neighbourhood:

Protea Glen, Soweto There’s nothing more exciting than moving into a new neighbourhood. Here’s what Mbali Nzimande loves about her new home in Soweto WORDS: ANDREA KIRK

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

s the mother of two children under six, Mbali Nzimande was looking for a three-bedroom home in an area that was safe and secure – and had a friendly neighbourhood feel. She finally found what she was looking for. Here, she tells us why she loves her new home and area.

There is no question that Ackerman was a visionary. He developed the idea of self-service retail in South Africa, essentially bringing the supermarket culture to this country. This was however more than just a business idea. It was the essential starting point of Ackerman’s belief in customer sovereignty – that serving the customer rather than trying to make more money should be the mission of the business.

Q: How did you find your property? A: After two years of househunting, and many disappointments along the way, I met Mike Mangena at Harcourts Real Estate. He showed me the perfect three-bedroom house and now it’s my home.

As Pick n Pay’s success has proven, this is not a sentimental ideal. Putting your customers’ needs ahead of everything else makes seriously good business sense. “If you fight for the consumer, she will look after you,” is how Ackerman puts it. And long before Smart Shopper cards and Stickeez promotions, the customer loyalty enjoyed by Pick n Pay proved his point. It is a pity then that Ackerman remains something of an outlier in the business world on this point. For most, profits come first.

My neighbours have been very friendly and welcoming, and it just feels like a great area to raise my kids

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with this as it is a key motivation for any company to exist in the first place. However, it is problematic when it leads to the sort of corporate behaviour that has been in spotlight recently: Volkswagen cheating on emissions tests, Lewis levying unemployment insurance on credit given to pensioners, or Banks manipulating foreign exchange trades.

Pick n Pay now has a market capitalisation of around

R31 billion

Q: What do you love about your new home? A: It was perfect when we moved in – and nothing needed to be fixed up. I was heavily pregnant at the time, so it was a big relief not to have any hidden surprises to deal with. The previous owners had done a wonderful job with the garden and it’s one of my favourite features of the property. Q: Did you know exactly which area you wanted to be in? A: I was flexible on the area, as long as it felt safe and secure.

In this environment, it is difficult for anyone to trust any business that says it always acts in its customer’s best interests. Some will even argue that Pick n Pay itself got too big to really honour Ackerman’s philosophy. Companies, however, have to realise that they can’t exist outside of the society that gives them life in the first place. There is nothing wrong with making money, but when it comes at the expense of your own customers, you must ask if you aren’t jeopardising your own survival.

Q: What do you wish you’d known before you started looking? A: There are some dodgy sellers out there! I had previously made successful offers on two other properties, only to have things fall apart right before transfer. Working with an agent who is honest – and from a reputable agency – has made all the difference. I wish I had done that from the start.

Q: What’s your favourite thing about the area? A: The houses are all well looked after, and the streets are clean and safe. My neighbours have been very friendly and welcoming, and it just feels like a great area to raise my kids. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Visit Private Property at privateproperty.co.za.

Q: Where’s your favourite local coffee spot? A: I have my hands full with a new baby, so for now, my favourite coffee spot is at home, enjoying my garden!

PROPERTY NEWS

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

Home loan questions: Answered WORDS: BRIDGET MCNULTY

IMAGE: ISTOCK

Q: HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY CREDIT SCORE? A: Your credit health is important, as it will inform banks of your borrowing and repayment behaviour with credit providers over time. • Your credit score is an important indication of your credit health. Banks use this score to determine whether you have met previous repayment obligations and whether you are able to repay your home loan. • The credit bureaux provide easy access to your credit records through their websites. You are entitled to one free credit report per annum and could perform a self-assessment to gauge your creditworthiness. • The report contains information about your loans, credit cards and retail accounts, and displays how much credit you are using, as well as the credit available to you. Banks look carefully at borrowers before they lend money. What the bank looks out for can be summarised in the four Cs of credit:

1. Character

From your credit history the bank will determine whether you possess the honesty and reliability to repay your debts. Considerations may include: • whether you have used credit before • how long you have lived at your present address • whether you pay your bills on time • how long you have been at your present job.

Nedbank Home Loans has compiled a free Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide, not only to empower first-time homebuyers, but also anyone who is considering the purchase of a new home. For more information, visit nedbank.co.za/homeloans.

There are mixed opinions on the viability of investing in the local holiday home market, but finding the right homes in the right areas can secure a solid nest egg for retirement WORDS: DAVID A STEYNBERG

The bank will want to know if you have valuable assets such as property, investments, or savings with which to repay debt if income is unavailable.

3. Capacity

Where to buy

This refers to your ability to repay the debt. The bank will look to see if you have been working regularly in an occupation that is likely to provide enough income to support your credit use.

4. Collateral

Collateral is an additional source of security that you can use to assure the bank that you have other loan repayment sources. In the case of a home loan the bank will require the property that you are buying as security for the loan.

IMAGE: ISTOCK

ing Dobson, area principal in Pam Golding Properties in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, believes that second-home owners are not merely planning a lifetime of holidays, but making smart investments. “Holiday homes in secure estates offer an asset yield over the years while the property is used for holidays, and often the holiday house becomes the owner’s future retirement destination,” she says. “Holiday towns ‘grow’ and accommodation becomes a premium – so it also becomes a rental opportunity.” Richard Arderne, area principal for Pam Golding Properties in St Francis Bay, feels that status and convenience are some of the top reasons affluent individuals enter the holiday home market. At the same time, property in the right area has the potential to earn significant rentals over peak seasons, with some monthly rentals exceeding R250,000 over the festive season.

2. Capital

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?

When is a holiday home a good investment?

Lew Geffen, chairman of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, reiterates that if the right location is chosen, the property could prove a wonderful nest egg for retirement. According him, popular locations are the North Coast of KwaZuluNatal and the coastal and winelands regions of the Western Cape, with smaller coastal towns such as Plettenberg Bay and Wilderness also fairing well. If buying purely for investment purposes, Seeff recommends saving for

a property in an area that will always be in high demand, such as Clifton on the Atlantic Seaboard. However, Seeff does admit that there is potential and possibilities for those looking to enjoy the investment in their favourite South African spot while earning returns on an investment that is generally less volatile than the stock market.

Holiday home 101

Seeff Properties chairman Samuel Seeff explain factors to consider before entering the holiday home market: • Do your homework, buy well within your means and spread your assets. • Budget carefully, know the costs involved and do not bet on holiday rentals. Tourism is susceptible to economic volatility – domestic and international. • Understand that bricks and mortar is an asset that requires hands-on management or the services of a very credible estate agent, and security. • While property is an investment, it is not delivering stellar returns right now. Values have increased but holiday areas are especially susceptible to economic volatility. When the 2007/8 economic crisis hit, many holiday and secondhome owners desperately tried to offload their properties and soon the market was flooded. Combined with almost no demand, this led to a tough downturn for the property market. Most areas have still not recovered to pre-2007/8 sales levels.

If buying purely for investment purposes, Seeff recommends saving for a property in an area that will always be in high demand, such as Clifton on the Atlantic Seaboard

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

PROPERTY NEWS

Parklands North is on the rise Selective buyers are choosing to invest in this upmarket area of the Western Seaboard WORDS: LEA JACOBS

IMAGE: ISTOCK

arklands North is situated just above Parklands (north of Sandown Road) and is coming into its own as a desirable suburb. It’s also a prime example of what happens when a suburb’s statistics are lumped together. In isolation the property statistics don’t always give a completely accurate picture of what is happening in a particular suburb. Deon Lessing, principal of Chas Everitt Western Seaboard, says although Lightstone stats indicate that around 545 properties in Parklands have been transferred so far this year, this figure incorporates all the property in the area. He estimates that between 10 and 15 properties in Parklands North are sold on a monthly basis. “In essence Parklands North has become ‘upper’ Parklands,” he says. The reason for this is that the price range of properties is narrow, and thus of similar status. Lower-end homes are priced just under the R2m mark while highend homes fetch prices in the upper R2m. A three- to four-bedroom, two-bathroom home measuring approximately 245m2 in this area is currently selling for R2,4m, unlike the typical Parklands mix which generally

sell from between R550,000 and R2m. Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty area specialist Lydia Johnstone says Parklands North is regarded as more upmarket than its neighbours as it features generally larger, more modern homes and more freestanding properties. There are more sectional title and cluster homes in neighbouring suburbs such as Sunningdale. Parklands North is also perceived to be a safer neighbourhood. She says property in this area is usually snapped up within weeks of being released onto the market, partly because the properties are very realistically priced and investors get a lot more house for their money. According to Lessing, buyers shouldn’t paint Parklands North with the same brush as some of the highdensity areas situated within Parklands. “Although Parklands still offers very good pockets around the R1,5m mark, these homes are older and often access to these pockets are via the high-density areas”.

In essence Parklands North has become ‘upper’ Parklands DEON LESSING, CHAS EVERITT

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

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To see more on the

DEVELOPMENTS featured here

visit yourneighbourhood.co.za/developments

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25 OCTOBER 2015

Neighbourhood

Find your freedom at

Buh-Rein Estate Another award-winning estate brought to you by MSP Developments

ew developments are attractive to first-time buyers as all costs are included and, in most cases, no deposit is required. There are also many buyers who simply wish to scale down. Regardless of their motivation, security remains a primary driver of consumer demand and this pushed MSP Developments to reinvent their approach to new housing developments. Population growth is by far the strongest driver when it comes to the demand for housing because everyone needs a place to live. In the Western Cape, the geography of the Peninsula dictates that current and future expansion of the urban edge will take place in the Northern Suburbs. That is why the Cape Metroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spatial Development Plan provides for up to 40,000 new homes to be developed in this area over the next two decades. 40% of MSP

Combining the best aspects of estate living with award-winning advances in estate design, Buh-Rein Estate not only raises the benchmark, but redefines it

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

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Bartoli Villas Double story townhouses starting from

R1,569,900

For more information:

BOOK A VIEWING with one of our agents Developments’ buyers are investors who see the opportunity that strong rental demand holds for them, and the other 60% are owner-occupiers. Young families from the Southern Suburbs are buying because there is little affordable stock, whereas Northern Suburbs’ buyers want to escape the rental trap by securing their own home. The strong demand from “semigrants” – those relocating to the Western Cape from up north – play a huge part. Combining the best aspects of estate living with award-winning advances in estate design, Buh-Rein Estate not only raises the benchmark, but redefines it. MSP Developments strive to create a secure estate environment that binds the community through the establishment of a homeowners’ association that looks after common interests, such as security

and the overall upkeep of the area. Buh-Rein Estate offers more than just perimeter walls. High resolution CCTV cameras, linked to a central security control room, monitor all public areas discreetly so that you can move around freely and safely within the estate. MSP Developments make it easy for you to own a home. With more than 1,250 satisfied owners, they offer a hassle-free bond facilitation and promises the best deal at the best rate. A typical buyer profile is someone who is permanently employed, earns R50,000 per month ( joint income) and has a clear credit history. MSP Developments offers advice and alternative financial education to assit you in being able to own your dream home. Buh-Rein Estate is more than just a beautiful place, it is simply exquisite.

MSP Multi Spectrum Property (MSP) Developments is a leading multidisciplinary residential developer in the Western Cape, who operates from Tyger Valley in Cape Town’s northern suburbs. MSP Developments won the Govan Mbkei Housing Award, the Home Builder of the Year Award and the South African Planning Institute (SAPI) award for the most innovatively designed lifestyle estate. Since 2001 they have provided homes to thousands of families. MSP Developments has built over 4,000 homes and is one of the largest private developers in Cape Town, as well as one of the biggest affordable housing developers.

The sales office at Buh-Rein Estate is open every day from 8am to 5pm Onsite estate agents will gladly assist potential buyers

021 801 5400 sales@mspd.co.za mspd.co.za

MARKETPLACE

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

MARKETPLACE Area Guide

Agency Guide

ATLANTIC SEABOARD

WEST COAST

Camps Bay

Green Point

Sea Point

Three Anchor Bay

Yzerfontein

NORTHERN SUBURBS Plattekloof

30, 31

Vierlanden

Welgemoed

Atlantic Beach Estate Chas Everitt International Property Group ERA Real Estate Leapfrog Properties Pam Golding Properties Re/Max International Property Group Seeff Properties Sotheby's international Realty

27 38 28 29 - 33 37 36 34 - 35

CITY BOWL Woodstock

BOLAND, OVERBERG & HELDERBERG

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Boschenmeer

Constantia

37, 39

Franschhoek

Constantia Berg

Hermanus

37, 39

Onrus

Somerset West

Voelklip

Pinelands Wynberg

WESTERN SEABOARD Atlantic Beach

28, 39, 40

Big Bay

35, 36, 39

Blouberg

Bloubergrand

36, 38

Bloubergsands

Bloubergstrand

35, 36, 38, 39

Duynefontein

28, 39

Eden on the Bay

38, 39

Melkbosstrand

28, 35

Parklands

33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39

Royal Ascot

Sunningdale

33, 36

Sunset Beach

Table View

Van Riebeeckstrand

28, 39

Waves Edge

Classifieds: Atlantic Beach Property Sales ERA Real Estate Leapfrog Properties Rawson Properties Re/Max International Property Group Seeff Properties

39 39 39 39 39 39

yourneighbourhood.co.za | 25 OCTOBER 2015