Neighbourhood 18 FEBRUARY 2018
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Bulwer Comrades Marathon winner Bongmusa Mthembu runs through the points that make his hometown special, page 2
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SUBURB FOCUS: BULWER
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BUSINESS Q&A
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BEDROOM MAKEOVER
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PROPERTY NEWS
18 FEBRUARY 2018
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
Bulwer Two-time Comrades Marathon winner, Bongmusa Mthembu, tells us about his neighbourhood WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER IMAGES: COMRADES MARATHON, MONIQUE VAN DER WALT, N3 GATEWAY, WILD SKY PARAGLIDING & GOOGLE MAPS
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here are a number of faces to the little village of Bulwer, but for 34-year-old Comrades Marathon success story, Bongmusa Mthembu, it’s the beautiful rural area where he grew up and still lives. “We are a family of nine children. My father passed away, so it’s my mother who holds the family together.” *Map not to scale
Bulwer is part of the Boston Bulwer Beat, a tourism association which promotes the areas around the towns of Boston, Bulwer and nearby Underberg and Himeville. Bulwer is set in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains and the landscape is a glorious mix of rolling hills, forests, lakes and dams. It’s idyllic for those seeking peace. Bulwer is on the R617, one of the main routes into the Southern Drakensberg and, in some ways, is considered the fuel and food stop gateway to the Berg. The Amahaqwa Mountain, in the Berg foothills, is the backdrop to the town and is popular for paragliding, hang-gliding and other fun flying experiences. The town is the centre of a large forestry industry, with tourism a close second. Towards Underberg, there are dairy and other agricultural
farms. The village was named after Sir Henry Bulwer, who was the lieutenant governor of Natal from 1875 to 1880.
Home sweet home
Bongmusa is the fifth child sandwiched between eight siblings. “We all live in this large home. Altogether, when everybody is home, it’s 23 people. This has always been our family home. No matter who comes and goes, we all always return here,” Bongmusa says. “Being raised in a rural area such as this, the lifestyle makes you stronger. You’re living in this clean environment, heading out into the mountains, playing and fighting with other boys – it gives
you strength to face life’s challenges. With the bright sun, clear skies, beautiful mountains and even snow, you can open yourself up and feel freer.”
Neighbourhood gems
Bulwer is perfect for those who love the outdoors. The Marutswa Forest Trail and Boardwalk is situated in the nearby indigenous mistbelt forest. The trail is sponsored by Sappi as part of its Tree Routes Project and is managed by the Bulwer Biosphere, the Wildlands Conservation Trust and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, incorporating the local community. There are three forest trails with varying degrees of difficulty (the Contour, the Tanglewood Detour and the Terrance Traverse) all beginning at the visitors’ centre. The trail network has magnificent ancient trees including yellowwoods and is home to endemic birds popular with birders. Birding is also popular at the nearby Impendle Nature Reserve with its deep gorges, waterfalls, rock pools and forest. Various species of lilies, irises and orchids can be seen on the rocky hills and grasslands, as well as along the banks of the stream. There are also nine small earth dams and a number of springs. There are more than 100 listed bird species in Bulwer, three of which – the wattled crane, the blue swallow and the cape parrot – are endangered species. The slopes of the Magwaqa Mountain are rated as one of the best paragliding sites in South Africa. Local and international pilots visit Bulwer all year round. And the Old Yellowwood Church, built in 1885, is worth exploring.
WILD SKY PARAGLIDING
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18 FEBRUARY 2018
Neighbourhood
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PROPERTY NEWS
I’m happier here in Bulwer, in the rural area, than I am in the city – I can’t ever see myself moving there permanently
DO: • Explore the Marutswa Forest hiking trails. • Enjoy trout and bass fishing. • Experience the many mountain bike tracks and trails. • Explore the trails by motorbike. • Get your adrenaline pumping with Wild Sky Paragliding.
BONGMUSA MTHEMBU
STAY: • • • • •
Wild Sky Lodge Square Cottage Studio Square Cottage Ashtonvale Guest Farm Bulwer Mountain Park Hotel
Perfect Sunday
EAT: • Nip Inn Pub and Grub: for great views and refreshments • Pucketty Farm, Underberg: for the ever-popular Sunday roast • Lemon Tree Bistro, Underberg: for homely country meals with a modern twist • The Grind Cafe, Underberg: for pizza, pasta and burgers
During the busy training season leading up to the Comrades Marathon, Bongmusa spends time at a camp in Pietermaritzburg, about 80km away. He owns a car, so he heads home to Bulwer whenever he can. “When I come home, I’m not on holiday. I am a son – I’m not a celebrity or a father. I do what’s needed, what my mom asks of me, like looking after the sheep and goats.” But when he gets some free time, he goes to the mountains. “Bulwer is close to Lesotho, so going into the mountains is what I always did. I’ve
always been an adventurous person and it’s a wonderful place to walk and run. These rural areas are where most of us learned to run in those early years and it’s still where most youngsters become interested in running.” In the off season, he takes one or two young village boys with him to walk through the mountains. When he’s not walking in the mountains, he reads. “Reading wasn’t always my favourite thing to do, but now I really like it. I mainly read about running. Otherwise, if we’re not having a huge Sunday meal at home for everybody, I’m off visiting friends or our extended family.”
For sale in Underberg and surrounds
MARUTSWA FOREST TRAIL AND BOARDWALK
For rent in Underberg and surrounds
Median asking price:
Median asking price:
R1,35m
R6,500
Monthly bond repayments
For a typical property (three-bedroom house)
For a typical property in this area
R1,47m
R600,000
R1,2m
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
You’ll pay
R13,252
For a typical property (three-bedroom house)
R6,500
R7,000
R6,500
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
per month
Property Type:
85%
Property Type:
house
Based on
3%
apartment
12% complex
69% House
R1,35m
11%
median asking price
over a period of 20 years at 10,25% prime
apartment
20% complex
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PROPERTY NEWS
18 FEBRUARY 2018
Neighbourhood
My business neighbourhood Silhouette Slimming Spa in Phoenix helps clients lose weight through noninvasive liposuction WORDS: TIVANIA MOODLEY
Slimming Spa, provides noninvasive ultrasonic liposuction which has immediate results. She tells us more about her business.
Q: What are the shop rental/ sales prices like in this area? A: Rental prices in the area range from R4,000 to R6,000 per month.
Q: How did your business start? A: I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them regain their self-confidence. I also have a passion for aesthetics and wanted to open my own business. In this way, I get to have the best of both worlds.
Q: How many people visit your business each day? A: I work via appointment, so I see between five and eight clients per day. I try to accommodate every client, so I often operate outside of normal business hours.
IMAGES: SUPPLIED
Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop? A: It’s close to my home and I wanted to introduce something different to my community. Q: How did you find your premises? A: I was initially renting a small room, but always wanted to have my own shop. After doing some research on the internet, I found a space that was ideal for my business.
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onventional liposuction is renowned for having extensive recovery periods following invasive surgery. But with the advent of technology, new liposuction techniques can now dissolve fatty deposits without the hassle of surgery. Amy Naidoo, owner, Silhouette
Q: Why are the premises ideally suited to your business? A: T he premises are spacious and well suited to what I do. There’s enough parking and the location is convenient for my clients. Q: Who are your neighbours? A: A hair salon and a convenience store.
Q: Do you have any expansion plans? A: I would love to open another slimming spa in Umhlanga. I’m also looking into offering more treatments at my current place. Q: Do you operate online as well? A: Yes, I have an active Facebook page. Q: What’s your most popular service? A: I would have to say the noninvasive ultrasonic liposuction, due to the instant results.
SEE FOR YOURSELF: Silhouette Slimming Spa 083 784 0151 goo.gl/e1WWFv
Contact: Ria or Hans Fokkens 082 748 8637 Email address : info@wildsky.co.za
Website : www.wildsky.co.za
Experience the fun and excitement of paragliding. Professional paragliding training. Spectacular tandem flights. Bulwer, Southern Drakensberg.
18 FEBRUARY 2018
Neighbourhood
BLACK BOOK
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Neighbourhood
BLACK BOOK
School open days
OPEN DAY
Hillcrest High School
21 February
GUIDED TOURS
Where Good Results Hillcrest High School has achieved over 40 years of excellence in serving our local community, providing exceptional physical and social environments in which all learners have the opportunity to become the best they can be academically, culturally, socially and in sport. We are committed to exploring alternatives and innovations, improving how we do what we do continuously, all the while maintaining our focus on the success of our learners. We aim to be at the leading edge of integrating technology into teaching and learning, as well as into leading, managing and operating our school. We are the only school in KZN to be nominated as a Microsoft Showcase School. We invest in Honour (developing character and leadership) and Hard work(academically, culturally and in sport), so we can Serve and influence (our communities) positively. This is captured succinctly in our school slogan: Where Good Results. Our five pillars of Academics, Sport, Culture, Community Service and Leadership are aimed at giving students opportunities, to develop and excel holistically. We had another outstanding Matric pass-rate in 2017 with
Time: 9, 10, 11 am & 7 pm
031 - 765 1215
passrate of 99,47%. and 80.42% Bachelor passes, with our top student achieving no less than 9 distinctions, including 100% in History! Our curriculum and educational policies reflect our efforts to keep abreast of the changing needs and attitudes of society and are aimed at affording students the opportunity to become well-adjusted and well-equipped young adults, who are able to meet and cope with the challenges of our dynamic society. Our balanced and co-educational approach helps students to be well adjusted to the real world, developing their skills and character – life is, after all, co-educational. Our theme for 2018 is ‘If it is to be, It is up to me’. Not everyone can come first, but everyone can aim to do their very best and achieve their best results in everything that they do. We hope our students will rise to this challenge during 2018 and decide to make the most of the resources and opportunities that are at their disposal. We wish all members of the school community a happy and successful year. “Our Open Day takes place on Wednesday, 21 February 2018 - we’d love to see you there!”
The Secretary 031 765 1215 / admin@hhs.co.za /www.hhs.co.za
OPEN DAY 2018
At St Mary’s, we love that girls learn and think differently which is why an all-girls’ environment is so important for her. Right from the Foundation Phase we know that the compound effect that this has sets her apart as a remarkable woman. Once she reaches High School, we focus even more on our girls’ Emotional Intelligence and offer her the kind of environment in which she can reach her ‘personal best’. Our 2017 matriculants achieved an average of 3.34 As per student, and we couldn’t be prouder. Along with our 112 years of education, world-class facilities, Christian values and experienced teachers, we instil a love of learning right from the beginning, and equip our girls with the tools they need for success in life. For us, there’s nothing our girls can’t achieve.
Inspired Girls Remarkable Women GRADES R - 7 GRADES 8 - 11
2 MARCH 3 MARCH
09H00 08H30
Grade 8 placement process and Boarder sleepover on 20 March. Contact us to book your spot. Boarding available from Grades 8-12. Bus services from Hillcrest/Westville and aftercare are available. Lisa 031 764 9855
openday@stmarysdsg.co.za
stmarysdsg.co.za
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HOMEOWNERS
18 FEBRUARY 2018
Neighbourhood
MORE ONLINE: yourneighbourhood.co.za/advice/design-and-decor
Bedroom makeover Create your ideal sanctuary on a small budget with these handy tips from a decorating expert WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER
IMAGE: ISTOCK
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ccording to sisters Lisa and Alix Walker of Walker Girls Interiors, “When we decorate our own bedrooms, we have this great opportunity to create a personal space, but it’s important to get the basics specific to the space.” Alix gives us a few expert ideas on achieving the right mood and look on a small budget.
The walls
Alix says you should choose your colour palette. “I recommend neutral walls, so consider colours such as Landing, Light Stone and Dusted Moss. Add colour and personality with scatters, throws, wall art and wallpaper. Newly painted walls and ceilings are the best starting point and make a dramatic difference. Keep the ceiling white.” Another easy option is wallpapering a feature wall or focal point. As Alix says, “Wallpaper is a great feature, and with a growing range of affordable papers, this is worth considering. Paper the wall behind the bed, the cupboard doors or even the wall around the bedroom door. Strong geometrics, big botanic prints and metallic textured papers are trending.” Accessorising your wall can also make all the difference. “Mirrors are functional and an attractive way to dress walls. On a tight budget, scour second-hand dealers for great mirror options or buy an
Polk Sunday Times Neighbourhood Ad 15 February 2018 curves.indd 1
attractive picture frame and get a mirror cut to fit,” Alix says.
The bed
White linen is suggested for the bed as it’s fresh and washes well. An upholstered headboard is an inexpensive piece that you can use to add a block of colour and soften a bed. Alix says, “I try to incorporate a bench or narrow ottoman at the bed end, using the same fabric as the headboard. Use a plain, soft-touch fabric as these are well priced and durable. When it comes to scatters, I recommend two large 60cm X 60cm feather cushions. Current fabric trends are foliage, geometrics and floral, gold and dusty pinks – they introduce warmth to any space.”
Alix likes having different sidetables in a bedroom. She suggests painting an old pedestal and replacing all the handles as a way to stretch your spend. “Use soft colours such as Decide or Bleached Meadow. If you have bedside lamps, get new shades made – an oval-shaped shade is great for small pedestals. Lamp bases don’t have to match – I try to look for taller lamps, as they’re better for reading.”
Accessories
For summer, keep your throw light – cotton or linen are great options.
Alix suggests investing in attractive wall hooks. “Use them to hang up pretty scarves, bags, hats and coats – it’s a great way to add colour and interest to the room. On your dressing table, get some baskets and ceramic bowls to hold hair ties, costume jewellery and so on. For a feminine touch, stand your toiletries on a vintage tray.”
Furniture
Floors and windows
“A small bedroom chair is on my musthave list,” says Alix. “You can pick these up at auctions and vintage shops, revive and recover them on a budget. A dresser, chest of drawers, or even a narrow server make great additions to any bedroom. Hang a large mirror above them to create a dressing table look. If space is limited, replace one bedside pedestal with a small desk or console table. This has multiple functions if you hang a mirror above, use it as a dressing table and still have your bedside lamp.”
Adding carpets to your floor is an attractive way to add colour and soften the room. Alix says she often finds great used carpets at reasonable prices. “The 180cm X 230cm size is ideal for smaller bedrooms. Windows can be costly to curtain. If you have small windows, Roman blinds are a good option. I enjoy curtains as they soften a room. The recent influx of beautiful, affordable sheer fabrics has meant you can afford to replace old curtains.”
2018/02/15 1:59:53 PM
Award winning Brettenwood Coastal Estate, located just 10 minutes from King Shaka Airport, is situated along one of the most exquisite stretches of coastline in KwaZulu-Natal. It offers its residents security, luxury, tranquility, exclusivity and an extensive range of world class amenities to suit both the young and young at heart.
6 time winner of the African Property Awards
ONLY 3 PIECES OF LAND LEFT DIRECT FROM THE DEVELOPER - FROM R1 375 000
PERFECT HOME WITH ROOM TO GROW Separate study Staff quarters Sea views
4 Bedrooms (2 en-suite) 3 Bathrooms Kitchen with separate scullery & laundry Covered patio with built-in braai Lounge and kids TV lounge
This home offers a spacious covered patio with built in braai and large level garden.
OFFERED AT
R6 450 000
The living areas boast an abundance of space and are well configured for family living, including a separate TV room for the kids.
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26 OF 35 HOMES SOLD
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Forest Apartments from R2 790 000 Land Freehold homes Luxurious apartments Retirement homes
Buy directly from the developer. Land from R1 375 000
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Forest Villas from R3 350 000 Brettenwood Coastal Estate Sheffield Beach KZN North Coast
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Freestanding houses with sea views from R4 200 000 072 194 8672 084 515 7464
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
T 032 525 4581 E info@brettenwood.co.za W www.brettenwood.co.za
Neighbourhood
18 FEBRUARY 2018
PROPERTY NEWS
11
Bridging finance Helping to bridge the financial gap between the sale and transfer of a property WORDS: CANDICE BOTHA
IMAGE: ISTOCK
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t normally takes eight to 12 weeks to register the transfer of a property in the deeds office and for the seller to receive the proceeds of the sale. Many people are concerned about how they will cover the costs of a property transaction, such as the entomologist and electrical compliance certificates, moving fees and outstanding rates, or may need to put down a deposit on their new home – all costs which need to be paid before the property is registered. Bridging finance can provide the solution. “Bridging finance allows one access to funds that are typically locked in a property deal. Repayment is made in full on registration of transfer,” says Sam Daykin, PR manager, Rodel Bridging Finance. Although it may sound like a personal loan, bridging finance is quite different. “Firstly, you don’t have the burden of servicing debt monthly,” says Daykin. “Secondly, it relates to a onceoff property transaction, so it’s settled in full by the attorney on conclusion of the property transaction. Thirdly, it’s normally over a much shorter time – on average only 45 days.” Bridging finance also differs from a traditional loan in terms of the interest. Instead
of interest being compounded monthly, a fixed daily rate is charged. The process of applying for bridging finance is simple. “A Rodel application form is completed by the transferring attorney and signed by the seller,” says Daykin. “Rodel’s credit department will then assess the transaction and depending on the complexity of the transaction, may request further information or documentation. Once the application is approved, payment can be made. Payment can be made within 24 hours of receipt of required documents and, in fact, 80% of our deals are done in this timeframe.” Bridging finance is flexible, no amount is too big or too small and time periods can vary. The funds you take from your bridging finance company don’t have to relate to your property transaction and could be utilised to pay for outstanding debts, medical expenses, school fees or even a holiday, a car or furnishings for a new home.
Check that your bridging finance firm is registered with the Bridging Finance Association of South Africa on bfasa.org.za.
18823
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OFFICES – FOR SALE - WESTVILLE
OFFICES – FOR SALE - WESTVILLE
Stunning offices set on level land with easy access to the M13 and offering great advertising exposure. These offices are beautifully decorated with fitted shutter blinds and consists of boardroom, open plan and private offices, lovely outdoor area, separate male/female ablutions with shower. There is ample secure on site parking.
DAWN HUTTON
074 322 2012
WEB REF: CL693
WAREHOUSE – SECURE COMPLEX - TO LET - NEW GERMANY
These offices are located in a sought after road in prime Westville with easy access to the M13 and N3. Great advertising exposure in this busy traffic area. The office area is approximately of 460sqm with an additional 119sqm self-contained cottage downstairs with gorgeous views overlooking the nature reserve. Ample secure on site parking available.
DAWN HUTTON
074 322 2012
WEB REF: CL664
TRUCK WORKSHOP / WAREHOUSING - TO LET - WESTMEAD
This 4300sqm warehouse is available immediately within a gated complex. It has a private yard of 680sqm and multiple roller doors for collection and distribution. This property also has good height for pallet and racking storage.
These 2260sqm premises are situated in Westmead with close access to Richmond Road and main highways. The property is perfectly suited for a truck workshop type operation or similar. Multiple roller doors with a fantastic yard would support a warehousing or distribution operation. There is ample parking and offices (297sqm in total).
WAYNE ASHFORD
WAYNE ASHFORD
083 456 8518
WEB REF: CL690
PRIME LOCATION WAREHOUSE - TO LET - PINETOWN
083 456 8518
WEB REF: CL657
BRAND NEW AAA GRADE WAREHOUSE - TO LET - MAXMEAD
This 2300sqm property is perfectly situated in the heart of Pinetown with easy access to main roads. These premises have great height, ample power and wonderful road frontage. This property also lends itself for wholesale use.
This newly developed 2168sqm state of the art warehouse comprises a large secure yard, dock loading and forklift access. Modern designed offices with a fantastic outlook onto eco-belt and landscaped gardens plus a glass façade showroom all set in a secure complex monitored by electronic surveillance. This property is available for immediate occupation.
WAYNE ASHFORD
WAYNE ASHFORD
083 456 8518
WEB REF: CL514
083 456 8518
WEB REF: CL411
Adri Muller Corporate Executive Cell: Email:
082 852 4983 adri@prestigesignage.co.za
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