Neighbourhood PTA - 01 November 2015 by Your Neighbourhood

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Neighbourhood 01 NOVEMBER 2015

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

Lyttelton Discover this charming suburb on page 8

+ Nationally, the largest property marketplace in South Africa

QUIZ NIGHTS

05 WHAT’S ON

SPOTLIGHT: LYTTELTON

What’s ON SHOW in Pretoria this weekend? Get the full list at yourneighbourhood.co.za

RURAL BLISS

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

Editor’s Exclusive CLAIRE BARNARDO

This week we look at interesting areas in each city spotlight... from the burgeoning Midrand and Century City, to the more quaint Lyttelton, Kenton and Westville

Tasty tapas

Belle’s Patisserie in Hazelwood has unveiled its new Belle’s tapas menu WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

apas, Spanish-style appetisers, are becoming popular on the restaurant scene in Pretoria, with more restaurants beginning to add this style of cuisine to their menus. Foodies were delighted with an array of flavours as Belle’s Patisserie in Hazelwood recently introduced its new Belle’s tapas menu at a special launch event.

PTA

Set down roots in the peaceful suburb of Lyttelton.

JHB

Centrally located and secure – no wonder growth in Midrand is exploding.

Gina Mosley, spokesperson for Belle’s Patisserie, says this shared style of eating is a relaxing way to enjoy lunch with friends, have an early evening family dinner or an intimate dinner date. She says tapas has evolved over the years into a sophisticated cuisine, which is as much about the social experience as it is about the food, where individuals share stories, wine and delicious international cuisine.

“Dishes on our new tapas menu include creamy mussel pot with white wine garlic sauce, prawns sautéed in Asian chilli dressing, and pan-fried salmon steak with rosemary sauce. Guests can also enjoy the charcuterie board with Parma ham, chorizo sausage, salami and caper berries in olive oil, with our 7 Layer Dip of cucumber, tomato, hummus, olives, roasted pepper, feta cheese and Greek yoghurt, served with assorted artisan breads,” says Mosley. The new menu also includes a selection of sliders, including a sweet potato falafel burger or grilled chicken burger with Sriracha mayo, each served on a burger bun or mini panini. Round up the meal with a cake, tart or pastry, such as macaroons, red velvet cheese cake or Ferrero Rocher cake.

This shared style of eating is a relaxing way to enjoy lunch with friends, have an early evening family dinner or an intimate dinner date

Kenton-on-Sea is a historic holiday village all about seaside living.

According to Mosley, the man behind the magic of the new menu is Arnold Stuurman, head chef at Belle’s Patisserie, who has cooked for famous faces including Queen Elizabeth II, the late Nelson Mandela and Oprah Winfrey. He began his love affair with food when he helped his grandmother in the family kitchen as a child and his wealth of expertise is a top driving factor behind the success of Belle’s Patisserie.

KZN

“I’ve always had a love for cooking and soon realised I would never be able to survive in this industry if I didn’t have a love for food because it has taken over my life. At Belle’s Patisserie we pride ourselves on attention to detail in taste and presentation of our cuisine, and aim to provide customers with the best quality tapas made from the freshest ingredients,” he says.

Generations of families call the hilly Westville home.

TASTE FOR YOURSELF:

Belle’s Patisserie The Club 012 346 3874 bellespatisserie.co.za

Century City is the ever-thriving city within a city that integrates nature with secure urban living.

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

THE CREATIVE GROUP CEO: Shaun Minnie shaun.minnie@thecreativegroup.info EDITORIAL TEAM Group Editor: Claire Barnardo claire.barnardo@thecreativegroup.info Managing Editor: Charis Le Riche Creative Director: Mark Peddle

Art Director: Leah de Jager Designers: Craig D’Oliveira, Megan Cooper Chief Copy Editor: Yaron Blecher Proofreader: Marana Brand Editorial Intern: Lauren Albertyn Online Editor: Lauren Joubert

ADVERTISING SALES: Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za or call 087 828 0423 Sales & Marketing Manager: Michèle Jones michele.jones@thecreativegroup.info Neighbourhood Manager: Dylan Rothschild dylanr@yourneighbourhood.co.za Production (Editorial & Property Advertising): Lucea Goosen lucea@yourneighbourhood.co.za

co.za

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Test your knowledge Gather your friends for a fun-filled evening at Pretoria’s finest pub quiz venues WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY

IMAGES: ISTOCK

uiz nights have been taking off at bars across the city for the last decade, offering heaps of fun in a lively atmosphere. Head out to test your general knowledge, enjoy great food and drinks, and stand a chance to win exciting prizes at one of Pretoria’s pub quiz evenings.

Ridgeback Centurion

Located on the corner of South Street and Jean Avenue in Centurion, Ridgeback Village Restaurant offers its popular Quiz Night every Tuesday evening at 7.30pm. Escape stressful city life as you enter this little, authentically African-themed village restaurant and grab a drink at one of six bars to enjoy while you put your general knowledge to the test. Teams are made up of a maximum of six people, with an interactive quizmaster from Trivia 51 asking questions in categories ranging from sport and film to politics

and music. While there, make sure you tuck into the tasty meals and snacks, be it a sticky riblet basket with chips or a Surfs Up pizza with bacon, feta and pineapple. With a jukebox catering for all tastes in music, from house to country or classic, you can be sure the party starts well before, and continues well after, the quiz ends.

Brazen Head Moreleta Park

The Brazen Head Moreleta Park, on the corner of Garsfontein and Rubenstein roads, offers Quiz Night in a unique Irish atmosphere every Thursday evening at 7pm. This pub has a loyal following of Quiz Night supporters so if you plan to fill a table with your group of friends, advance booking is essential. Feel as if you’ve been transported to a quaint Irish village and enjoy the camaraderie and high spirits of the quiz-goers at this pub. Taste authentic Irish beverages such as Guinness or Kilkenny, or their

famous Irish whiskeys, while putting your smarts to the test. If you prefer a glass of wine, the wine list includes more than 40 red, white and sparkling wines to choose from. When it comes to meals, try the Paddy’s Slider Platter, which includes mini burgers with beef and mushroom sauce, and chicken and cheese sauce, or the nachos topped with mozzarella, cheddar, sliced jalapenos, salsa, sour cream and avocado.

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Ridgeback Village Restaurant 082 062 8818 ridgebackvillage.co.za Brazen Head Moreleta Park 076 400 4195 / 061 409 6405 brazenhead.co.za

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

The Nutcracker

Don’t miss this all-time favourite ballet production WORDS: BELINDA MOUNTAIN

IMAGE: SUPPLIED

ue Kirkland, director of the Youth Dance Company of Tshwane (YDCT), tells us more about their upcoming production of The Nutcracker at The Pretoria State Theatre from 5 to 8 November. Q: Firstly, tell us a little about YDCT? A: YDCT started in 2002, specialising in performance-based dance training for our young students. My team and I have all been involved in the profession in different ways, so we know what it takes to succeed. We have children starting their dance journey with us from the age of 7 up to 18 – they are a dedicated bunch of kids and we love what we do.

The story is simple: a young girl’s journey in her dreams from the Land of Snow to the Land of Sweets

Q: Why do you think The Nutcracker story is enduringly popular? A: I think there are many reasons. The ballet is choreographed to the wellknown musical score by Tchaikovsky and the story is simple: a young girl’s journey in her dreams from the Land of Snow to the Land of Sweets. What little girl wouldn’t want that journey for herself? There have been many attempts to modernise this tale, but the traditional version still plays to sold-out performances.

well suited to children from the age of three upwards. We’ll host a children’s party at the Saturday morning show, where the kids will get a party and a performance all rolled into one. They can also dress up as a fairy, snowflake, rat, soldier, Snow Queen or Sugar Plum Fairy (we have prizes for the best dressed). After Act 2 is finished, they’ll be able to meet some of the dancers and get their autographs. Q: Any special highlights at this year’s show? A: Kitty Phetla from Joburg Ballet will perform the role of Drosselmeyer. This is the first time she’ll be performing with us and we’re hugely excited. Kitty is very well known, having risen through the ranks of Ballet Theatre Afrikan, then Mzansi Productions and now Joburg. Ballet. Her statuesque beauty and dynamic stage presence will bring a different feel to the production. SEE FOR YOURSELF: The Nutcracker 082 7837 378 goo.gl/aIKa0o

Q: Who is this production aimed at? A: This is a ballet that’s particularly

Do the maths WORDS: CHRIS REID

IMAGES: FERM LIVING & SUPERBALIST

or the past few seasons, we’ve seen faceted design take over our homes. Regular or abstract, monotone or brightly coloured, this mineral-inspired design treatment has been the subject of countless Pinterest boards, hipster tattoos and blog posts recently. Now, however, we’re seeing design move on from this, paring down the style to its bare, geometric essentials, and for those people tired of endless facets, it couldn’t have arrived soon enough. There’s no set definition for this new, geometric design, but it’s easy to spot when you see it. The trend makes use of basic shapes like squares, circles and triangles in different sizes and proportions to create pattern and structure in decor pieces. By stripping design back to these simple forms, designers are able to achieve a minimalist

look with a sense of solidity. At the recent Maison & Objet homeware trade show, this trend was out in full force, with brands like Ferm Living standing out for their fresh use of linear geometrics. Locally, brands such as Superbalist have also tapped into this look in their homeware offering, helping South Africans get their hands onto their own mathematical decor. Their Cubist Wall Display and geometric pendant lights feature a thick black outline on the shapes for extra emphasis. The move back to basic shapes likely comes from a desire for simplicity in our homes. We’ve seen quite a busy aesthetic dominating homeware over the past few seasons, so this shift is timeous. Shapes like these are almost child-like in their expression and help us to create a sense of order when the world feels overwhelming.

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Ferm Living fermliving.com Superbalist superbalist.com

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

+27 Design Café

Since 2008 brothers Riaan and Hardus have lovingly crafted this inspiring space into the ever evolving, thought provoking place it is now. With their love for design they have created a place for guests to not only work but to also take inspiration from the café. +27 Design Café offers expertly made coffee and delicious baked goods to get your creative juices flowing. With its central location you’ll be able to breath in the buzzing excitement of city life.

LOCAL

LOWDOWN Unique offerings in

Pretoria this week WORDS: RITA-MARI LUDIKE IMAGES: SUPPLIED & ISTOCK

Brooklyn Square Antiques and Collectables Fair

Newspaper Ad_PTA.pdf

CMY

2015/10/09

2:52 PM

On Saturday, 7 October, from 9am to 3pm, Brooklyn Mall and Design Square will be hosting their monthly antiques and collectables fair. With more than 15 exhibitors the fair is intimate. This is the perfect lazy Saturday morning outing. Sit down and rest your feet for lunch afterwards at Brooklyn’s various restaurants. Free entry.

Banting Food Market

If you’re trying to embrace a new lifestyle or you’re trying to shed a few kilo’s before the holidays, fret not, we have you covered. The Banting Market takes place at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden on 7 November. This is a market where the sugar temptress has been shunned and you won’t have to face temptation. Avoid fluorescent lit shopping and bring your picnic blanket for a sit down after you’ve shopped to your heart’s content.

Rita-Mari Ludike is a freelance art director, photographer and the blogger behind Rita Hello: ritahello.com

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: T+27 Design Café 012 362 4975 plus27design.com Brooklyn Square Antiques and Collectables Fair ssaf.co.za Banting Food Market 0795274902 bantingmarketpretoria.co.za

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

GET A FREE BLOOD GLUCOSE TEST Get your blood sugar tested from 16 October to 01 November. Take 5 minutes to go for a FREE blood glucose test at any Dis-Chem Clinic nationwide, courtesy of Accu-Chek. You’ll also receive a cool thumb ring to show your awareness and support. Let’s take a stand against the growing diabetes pandemic.

Roche Products (Pty) Ltd Diabetes Care PO Box 1927 Randburg, 2125

Accu-Chek Self Help: *134*76243# Call Toll Free: 080-34-22-38-37 www.accu-chek.co.za AccuChekSubSahara

ACUST 150907

0043 ACCU_Dischem STimes.indd 1

2015/10/21 12:07 PM

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Living the sweet life LIF E I S SO GO OD

WORDS: LAUREN ALBERTYN

IMAGES: ISTOCK

aving diabetes hasn’t stopped the ever-optimistic Bridget McNulty. In fact life is sweeter now.

Considering that November is National Diabetes month we decided to chat with our very own Bridget McNulty about living with diabetes and how her life has been affected; as well as her magazine, Sweet Life, which provides free health information to South Africans and raises awareness about diabetes. Q: Why is National Diabetes month so important? A: National Diabetes Month is the one time of the year where everyone talks about diabetes and raises awareness of the condition. There are two types of diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2 – but there are five common symptoms: extreme hunger, extreme thirst, needing to urinate all the time, exhaustion, and blurry eyes. Knowing the symptoms of diabetes and how easy it is to get tested (a simple fingerprick blood test at any clinic or pharmacy), is the message of National Diabetes Month. Also, that life can be sweet with diabetes! Q: What’s it like living with diabetes every day? A: At first it was really complicated, but now I don’t remember a time before I had to inject before every meal and test my blood sugar numerous times a day. Counting the carbohydrates in my food, balancing exercise with medication, and making sure I always have something sugary on me in case of low blood sugar, is part of my every day. That’s not to say it isn’t challenging and frustrating, just that it’s become normal. Q: Why did you start Sweet Life magazine? A: When I was first diagnosed, all the information I was given was really depressing and negative. Everything I read listed the longterm complications of diabetes and the risks attached to poor blood sugar control, but nobody ever said that if you’re in good control there’s nothing you can’t

do. Sweet Life is about just that: the message that just because you’re diabetic doesn’t mean you can’t live a full and happy life. We send out print copies of Sweet Life magazine four times a year (for free) to Dis-Chem stores, local clinics, pharmacies and support groups, we have an active blog on our website (sweetlifemag.co.za), and a thriving Facebook community (facebook. com/DiabeticSouthAfricans). Sweet Life is a community for all those with diabetes, and their friends and families. Q: How do you keep motivated with a chronic illness? A: The funny thing about diabetes is that if you’re in good control – looking after yourself, eating right, exercising – you feel great, and if you’re in bad control you feel pretty terrible. So that’s a good motivator in itself. I also find that if I do everything in moderation it’s easier to keep motivated. I don’t eat a diabetic diet, for example, I just eat a healthy, balanced diet, which is what we all should be doing, I suppose! Q: What makes your life sweet? A: I have been blessed with such a sweet life – family, friends, health and home – I often think I’m the luckiest girl in the world. Being able to make a difference to so many people’s lives with Sweet Life, is pretty remarkable too – it’s as good as it gets!

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Diabetes South Africa 086 111 3913 / 011 886 3721 national@diabetessa.org.za Sweet Life sweetlifemag.co.za hello@sweetlifemag.co.za Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cdc.gov/globalhealth/countries/ southafrica

SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

Spotlight on

Lyttelton

Set down roots in one of the large properties in the peaceful suburb of Lyttelton WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY

IMAGES: RENE HUGO, ISTOCK, GOOGLE

KAI THAI SPA

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

Lyttelton is a countryside suburb established in 1906 and located south of Pretoria’s city centre, consisting mainly of plots acquired over the years for housing and office developments. The suburb has an interactive community and large stands with big-roomed houses and expansive gardens, and lies between Selborne Street in the north, Limpopo Avenue to the south, Clifton Avenue in the west, and Smuts Avenue to the east. Clive Napier, ward councillor for Lyttelton Manor East for six years and Lyttelton Manor West for nine years, says a process of renewal with a number of infrastructure upgrades has been taking place in the suburb over the past few years. He says major planned developments in the area include an international convention centre, African Union headquarters and United Nations offices, to be built in the near future. “Money has been invested in upgrading several shopping complexes, such as the Lyttelton Shopping Centre and the Botha Avenue shopping precincts, as well as Unitas hospital. The suburb is gradually densifying, with large erven being subdivided and a number of high-density residential complexes and large business and commercial developments being built,” says Napier. He says the suburb offers easy access to the highways to Johannesburg, OR Tambo airport and Polokwane, and four railway stations, including a Gautrain station. He adds that because the suburb is seen as a gateway to the north and south, and new property investments are pouring into Die Hoewes and Centurion

Business District, positively affecting property prices, Lyttelton residents can look forward to a prosperous future. Vickey Bosch, ward councillor and resident of Lyttelton Manor for 20 years, says good working relationships between ward councillors and Centurion municipal officials lead to quick responses to residents’ complaints, such as potholes and streetlights in need of repair. She says power interruptions and blackouts tend to be lower than in neighbouring suburbs because of heavy reliance on power by Unitas hospital and the Gautrain, with fewer exposed areas where electricity cables can be stolen.

It’s a really multicultural environment, cosmopolitan and wellintegrated JASON HELMAN, RESIDENT

Bosch says top schools in the area include Laerskool Louis Leipoldt, Hoërskool Centurion, Lyttelton Manor High School and Fleur Primary, which aim to provide learners with a broadbased education reflecting the values and needs of the community. She says Unitas hospital, one of South Africa’s largest private hospitals, offers world-class healthcare with the latest technology and experienced medical professionals. William Bowker, resident of Lyttelton for 43 years, says a major highlight of the area is the African Aerospace and Defence Show, with air demonstrations and aerobatic displays at the Waterkloof Air Force Base every second year. He says the base, which opened in August 1938 as Waterkloof Air Station, includes aircrafts such as the 208 Caravan, B200 Super King Air and Boeing 737-7ED. “Another interesting feature of the area is the Lyttelton Dolomite Mine, which was opened by Amcor in 1936, to mine metallurgical rock for its furnaces at Meyerton. Production has since extended to include aggregates for building, stone-dust for coal-mining, fertilisers and agricultural lime,” says Bowker. Sheryl Scott, resident of Lyttelton for eight years, says Lyttelton has great restaurants, shopping, activities and entertainment for residents. She says teachers at The Beat Dance Studio provide dance lessons in ballroom, Latin American, line and sokkie, and convenient shopping

ART ASSOSIATION

SPOTLIGHT

facilities such as Shoprite Checkers, provide a range of competitively priced groceries. If you need to relax, spoil yourself for a few hours or a whole day at Thai Petal Massage Spa, with massages to soothe aching muscles. For animal lovers wanting a new pet or to do their bit for community service, SPCA Lyttelton has a variety of animals needing good homes, donations and care. Lourens Botha, chairperson of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and resident of the suburb for 20 years, says the Lyttelton community has a positive attitude and is committed to making the suburb a safe and healthy place to raise a family and grow old. He says residents enjoy supporting one another’s businesses, with many knowing one another by first names and calling one another friends. “Residents of the area have the determination to stamp out crime with several security groupings run by volunteers under the CPF, cooperating with the metro police, SAPS and security companies. The community also assists with medical emergencies and socioeconomic upliftment, and supports one another in daily challenges,” says Botha. With a supportive community, interesting events and convenient educational and entertainment facilities, this suburb seems to offer residents everything they need when it comes to calling an area home. If you’re looking to raise a family in a safe, friendly environment or grow old among friends, Lyttelton may be the place for you.

SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

Things to do in and around Lyttelton •

Watch the African Aerospace and Defence Show at Waterkloof Air Force Base.

•

Take ballroom dancing lessons at The Beat Dance Studio.

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Volunteer to be part of the Neighbourhood Watch, doing community patrols.

•

Spoil yourself with a massage at Thai Petal Massage Spa.

THE BEAT DANCE STUDIO

The Lyttelton community has a positive attitude and is committed to making the suburb a safe and healthy place to raise a family and grow old

THAI PETAL MASSAGE SPA

Buying in Lyttelton The monthly bond repayment to purchase a typical property in Lyttelton, namely a threebedroom apartment, with the median asking price of R1,538m is R14,336 a month over 20 years at prime of 9,5 % with no deposit.

LOURENS BOTHA, CPF CHAIRMAN AND RESIDENT FOR 20 YEARS

SPCA LYTTELTON

Top schools in the area include Laerskool Louis Leipoldt, Hoërskool Centurion, Lyttelton Manor High School and Fleur Primary, which aim to provide learners with a broad-based education reflecting the values and needs of the community VICKEY BOSCH, WARD COUNCILLOR AND RESIDENT OF LYTTELTON MANOR

Property demand for Lyttelton

properties

15%

Properties listed for sale in Lyttelton comprise approximately 1% of the total sale listings in Centurion East.

Approximately 1% of the interest (views) in properties for sale in Centurion East is attributable to properties listed for sale in Lyttelton.

Properties listed for rent in Lyttelton comprise approximately 5% of the total rental listings in Centurion East.

Approximately 8% of the interest (views) in properties for rent in Centurion East is attributable to properties listed for rent in Lyttelton.

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

Median asking prices for Lyttelton properties

R1,538m R980,000 R770,000 For a typical property (three-bedroom house)

For a property in a complex

For a flat

SPOTLIGHT

R1,56m

Property types for sale

24%

64%

Complex

House

For a house

12% Flat

Property types for rent

22%

Complex

House

Median monthly asking prices for Lyttelton rentals

72% Flat

R6,100 For a typical rental property (two-bedroom flat)

R8,290 In a complex

R15,750 For a house

R6,090 For a flat

PROPERTY NEWS

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

Analyse it PATRICK CAIRNS

A worthy Nobel Prize winner W

hen the Nobel Committee announced that this year’s Nobel Prize for economics was awarded to Princeton professor Angus Deaton, fellow academics warmly welcomed the decision. Harvard Kennedy School of Government professor Amitabh Chandra was even moved to tweet that Deaton was the “Obi-Wan Kenobi of Economics”. By all accounts the Scottish social scientist, who has lived in the US since the 1980s and is currently based at Princeton University, is not only a great thinker, but also a terrific gentleman. Perhaps that sounds like a largely irrelevant observation to make when considering why someone had won a Nobel Prize, but it seems important in Deaton’s case. This is because Deaton was recognised for his work on poverty and economic development. It is a field in need of level heads and people willing to engage in rational discussion rather than emotional and dogmatic arguments. Deaton has written that “those of us who were lucky enough to be born in the right countries, have a moral obligation to reduce poverty and ill health in the world”. However, that doesn’t mean he supports simple redistribution of wealth. He is a critic of foreign aid and believes that inequality can actually play an important role in development. His work has great relevance for the questions we are facing in South Africa because it looks at how policy decisions change the way people behave. He also argues that poverty must be seen holistically. It is not just a lack of income, but should also be seen in terms of other measures of well-being like health and access to education. This is an argument that certainly resonates in a country where quality education and healthcare are not evenly distributed. Many South Africans find themselves in a poverty trap they are unable to escape because they have little means or opportunity to do so. That, essentially, is what the recent student protests have been about.

The Nobel Prize in economics is not one of the five awards originally set up in Alfred Nobel’s will. It was created by the Swedish Central Bank in memory of Nobel and was first awarded in 1969.

Deaton has also criticised the kind of economic development that gives a small, ultra-wealthy group undue influence on how an economy is run. This puts them in a position to “write the rules in their favour, and they may work against the public provision of health care or education, for which they pay a large share but have little personal need” . Deaton’s contribution to economics is therefore to make us think more carefully about what an economy is actually for. Ultimately, it is about the efficient allocation of resources. And in South Africa, there’s little doubt that we can do a better job of that.

Buy-to-let market grows The number of South Africans renting properties has increased and with the high demand is expected to continue WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY IMAGE: ISTOCK

he number of South Africans renting properties has increased by 0,5% (0,9 million households) during the past decade and by 152,000 in 2014, according to development indicators by the presidency. With strong demand for rental accommodation on the back of poor economic outlook and high demand expected to continue, owning a property to rent seems to be a lucrative investment. Samuel Seeff, chairman: Seeff, says given economic growth has been adjusted downward to about 1,5%, perhaps 2%, for the next year, he expects high demand for rentals to continue. He says consumers are still battling high household debt levels and poor credit records, unable to secure home loans which will drive buoyancy in the rental market for the next two to four years. “Property is one of the best ways to build personal wealth and South African property values tend to double every 10 years, but in boom times, values have been known to grow at about 20% to 30% in high demand areas. Renting a property to tenants gives the opportunity to earn a return on investment and the longer the property is owned, the higher the returns,” says Seeff. Carol Reynolds, area principal: Pam Golding Properties, says property offers good returns and solid capital appreciation provided it has good tenants and is in a sought-after

area with a high demand for rental properties. She says the property should be kept in excellent condition with about 10% of rental income allocated for maintenance costs. “In upmarket areas a garden cottage can rent for around R5,000 per month, while freestanding homes will be approximately 0,5% of property value, so a R3m home should easily achieve a rental of R15,000 per month. However, each property needs to be assessed on own merits as every suburb is different and condition of the property plays a role determining returns,” says Reynolds. Jason Shaw, manager: Pam Golding Properties, says foreign corporates are creating demand for accommodation close to business centres seeking upmarket accommodation for staff members and signing rental agreements for between one to three years. He says an idea should be gained of returns on a property, areas best to invest in, individuals and companies likely to rent a property, and facilities they want. “There is a demand for furniture, servicing and security to be included in rental and for it to be in close proximity to the central business district. The applicant’s credit scores should be checked and previous landlords contacted for references to ensure creditworthiness. It is in everyone’s best interest for properties in the rental market to move and assets to deliver a sound return,” says Shaw.

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

Mixed-use developments

no longer just a trend New urbanisation leads to a growing need for mixed-use developments WORDS: LEANDI CAMERON

IMAGES: NOVOS GROUP & SUPPLIED

arge-scale mixed-use developments are no longer just an international trend, but have become a fixed reality in South African urbanisation. Due to the unprecedented shift in demographics, the demand for real estate has fundamentally changed. This is leading towards a new mixed-use, urbanism property development change. Thinus Delport, director: Abland Property Developers, says that a mixeduse economy is the future of development and is planned with the best interests of the tenants in mind. There are almost no vacancies in mixed-use parks. “People want to work and live close to a place where they can have a sit-down lunch or dinner, or buy a healthy takeaway. They want to be close to facilities

like grocery stores, dry cleaners and other amenities, including a gym,” he notes. PricewaterhouseCoopers Africa real-estate leader Ilse French says that urbanisation is expected to reach 70% by 2030. An example of a new mixed-use development which is still in the development stage through Abland and Pivotal, is the Loftus Versfeld extension, located in Tshwane next to the rugby stadium. Delport adds that many features, including art works and attractive outdoor seating at restaurants, are all provided for in mixed-use developments. These may also include jogging, walking, hiking and bicycle trails. According to Bryan Groenendaal, CEO: Green Building Africa, “The central theme (around mixed-use developments)

is to build residences close to the place of work, schools, shopping and amenities. Ideally, folk should be able to walk to these destinations.” “The sub-economies must feed off one another so that the plan works. This involves interconnectivity through well-designed pedestrian and cycle schedules, bus and railway routes, plus roads and highways,” he says. John Truter, COO: WSP and Parsons Brinckerhoff, Structures, Africa, adds, “New urbanism promotes the restoration of compact, walkable, mixed-use urban developments, such as Menlyn Maine, which bring back together residential neighbourhoods, retail and commercial parks in a healthy city environment. In South Africa, particularly in Gauteng, there are already several successful examples of mixed-use developments.”

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PROPERTY NEWS

Developments, such as Menlyn Maine, bring back together residential neighbourhoods, retail and commercial parks in a healthy city environment

PROPERTY NEWS

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

Rural bliss near the city Semi-rural life near Joburg offers the best of both worlds WORDS: BELINDA MOUNTAIN

IMAGE: SUPPLIED

s modern life becomes busier and more stressful, many Joburgers are seeking a quieter life away from the big city lights. But complete rural bliss is not always viable when there are bills to be paid and school fees to afford. Enter the trend of “semi-rural living”, which allows people to enjoy the best of both worlds. Roelof Faul, Rustenburg franchisee: Rawson Property Group, says that with a bit of research, country life is surprisingly accessible. “For those looking for a truly rural lifestyle, where there is no high-speed broadband for example,

the foothills of the Magaliesberg is the perfect place to commune with nature and forget the stresses of the city.” The area offers properties from R2,5m upwards and is attracting an increasing number of city dwellers who want a weekend escape or holiday retreat. “These buyers generally don’t make the leap to country life immediately because they have school-going children, but they do want those children to experience the freedom of the great outdoors,” says Roelof. Buyers seeking rural bliss are

increasingly going off the grid, wanting properties with features like boreholes and solar power, and the chance to grow their own vegetables, as well as keep livestock and horses. Another area popular with Joburg residents looking for their slice of rural life is Hartbeespoort. Less than an hour’s drive from the Joburg and Pretoria city centres, the town has a peaceful country feeling, but is ideally situated when it comes to commuting to and from work. Terry Blanckenberg, Seeff agent: Pecanwood Golf & Country Club, says

that the biggest demand for property in Hartbeespoort is in luxury security estates, such as Pecanwood. “Over the past eight years, we’ve seen an increased number of families relocating here and now almost 60% are permanent residents enjoying this lifestyle,” says Terry. Pecanwood resident Emma Mansvelt says she loves living there because they get the best of both worlds. “Wide open spaces, beautiful mountain views, safety for our kids to explore their environment and all the conveniences of a modern city half an hour from our doorstep – Pecanwood has it all,” she concludes.

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01 NOVEMBER 2015

Discover the Cape’s best kept secret Imagine living in an estate that combines the lifestyle of yesteryear with the luxurious conveniences of modern-day living

itari Country Estate, situated in Somerset West in the Western Cape, offers olive groves, orchards, water features and landscaped gardens that are subtly intertwined with an unparalleled security system, a sophisticated clubhouse and local amenities that are second to none. Sitari’s security system features a main gatehouse complex at the entrance to the estate that is 1,849m² in extent and houses the security control room as well as sales, letting and homeowner management offices and office space which will also be available for purchase. On-site security will be manned predominantly through the main gatehouse as all visitors will be

required to enter through either the main or secondary gatehouse, both of which will have biometric readers, number plate recognition and 24/7 manned access control. Boundary walls on the outside of the estate will feature underdig, serrated strips, anti-cutting and anti-climbing with electrics on top, as well as Future Fibre Technology with heat-sensitive triggers. These, when triggered, will activate cameras and this will link back to the main control room. Security roaming vehicles will then be dispatched to the place of disturbance for inspection and action where necessary. Each junction inside the estate will also have 4-way cameras in order

for the control room to always have eyes on the inside of the estate. Sitari’s Clubhouse is also an impressive feature as it will truly be a place for resi dents to relax and enjoy life at Sitari. The Country Clubhouse will feature a café and deli offering lovely eats and drinks, breakaway meeting rooms for those opting to work from home for the day, a kids’ play area, a 23,5m resort-like pool for adults, a splash pool for kids, and a function area. The Country Clubhouse will also sit on a central formal “park spine” which will extend all the way from the R102 and will feature smaller park areas, orchards, seasonal vegetable gardens, herb gardens, pergolas and a windmill.

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MAIN GATEHOUSE

All of these will culminate in the natural lifestyle of indulging in everyday delights while enjoying Mother Nature’s beauty.

First-rate education

An important aspect for any potential resident is that of their children’s education, whether primary or high school. One of South Africa’s premium schooling facilities, Curro School, will be situated within Sitari Estate and is set to open its doors to its first batch of pupils in January 2016. Curro Castle, for ages three months to five years, and Curro School, for primary and high school, will both be accessible for parents to provide a first-rate education for their children. The close proximity and high level of education makes sending your

CURRO SITARI

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child to Curro Sitari an easy choice. The Curro Group have long since built a wide range of branches and strive to create the sustainability needed to ensure an on-going level of excellent education for the children of South Africa.

Property options

Sitari Country Estate offers buyers three property options: country plots, turn-key village homes and luxury apartments. Most recently, Little Blossom with 55 apartments sold out in a mere 14 days and the 92 freestanding country plots that were released in Phase one, sold out within nine months. Sitari has now reached a confirmed sales status of 95 of the 140 plots

in Phase two, almost 75%, sold. This sales status is truly impressive and is testament to the lifestyle, convenience and high level of security Sitari has to offer potential buyers. There are many reasons why buying at Sitari Country Estate makes sense, including its perfect location. Somerset West forms part of the Cape Winelands and residents can enjoy Sundays on a nearby wine farm as well as local markets and events happening in and around Somerset West. Stellenbosch is also a mere 20km away meaning a Saturday will be well spent. With so much on offer in both Sitari Country Estate and Somerset West, potential buyers are in for a truly encompassing lifestyle in the Cape.

Pricing summary:

Country plots from R740,000 Apartments from R795,000 Homes from R2,395m GET IN TOUCH: Sitari Property Sales Martin van Rooyen 083 452 6909 Sales Centre 087 890 0033 sitari.co.za

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MARKETPLACE

Neighbourhood

MARKETPLACE

Area Guide A: Alphen Park

Amberfield Glen Estate

Annlin Ext 36

Arcadia

Arundo Estate

B: Blue Valley GolF Estate

Boardwalk Meader

Boschkop

Brooklyn

28, 44

Brummeria

26, 44

C: Capital Park

Celtisdal

Centurion Golf Estate

Clearwater Estate

Clydesdale

Constantia Park

Copperleaf Estate

Cornwall Hill

D: Die Hoewes

Die Wilgers

28, 35, 36

Donkerhoek

Doornpoort

Doringkloof

E: Eastwood

Elarduspark

Eldoraigne

28, 39

Equestria

26, 38, 44

Erasmus Park

Erasmuskloof

28, 32

F: Faerie Glen

26, 28, 44

The Reeds

33, 39, 43

The Ridge

La Montagne

26, 39

The Wilds

Lynnwood

26, 28

Lynnwood Glen

Lynnwood Manor

26, 39, 44

Lynnwood Ridge

Lyttelton

29, 40, 46

Magalieskruin

Waterkloof Heights

35, 46

Menlo Park

29, 32, 45

Waterkloof Park

Meyerspark

35, 39, 45

Waterkloof Ridge

27, 37, 46

Midfield Estate

Wierdapark

Willow Acres

Midstream Hill

Willow Acres Estate

29, 46

Mnandi AH Monavoni

Willow Park Manor

38, 46

29, 33

Wonderboom South

Monument Park

26, 45

Woodhill

Mooikloof

Woodlands

36, 46

Mooikloof Eq Estate

Mooikloof Gardens

Midlands Estate

Mooikloof Ridge

Zwartkop

Moreleta Park

27, 29, 32, 40, 45

Mountain View

Murrayfield

N: Newlands

Newmark Estate

NKWE

O: Olympus

27, 45

P: Pretoria Central

Pretorius Park

R: 27, 37 37

Rooihuiskraal

26, 44

Rooihuiskraal North

29, 43

Hatfield

Silver Lakes

27, 36

Hazelwood

Silver Lakes Estate

Hennopspark

Silver Lakes Golf Estate

Highveld

Silver Woods Estate

Silverton Ridge

29, 32

Six Fountains Residential Estate

Irene

Soshanguve

Irene Proper

Soutdowns

Irene View Estate

Soutdowns Estate

Irene Woods Estate

T: K:

W: Waterkloof

Rietvlei Heights Garsfontein

39, 45

Wapadrand

Rietvalleirand

V: Val de Grace

Thatch Hill Estate

Knoppieslaagte

Thatchfield Close

Kyalami AH

The Meadows

35, 40

Agency Guide Adrienne Hersch Properties Aida Leapfrog Pam Golding Properties Rawson Properties Seeff Properties Sotheby's International Realty

35 26 - 27 30 - 33 48 36 - 40 42 - 46 28 - 29

yourneighbourhood.co.za | 1 NOVEMBER 2015