Neighbourhood PTA - 20 September 2015 by Your Neighbourhood

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Neighbourhood 20 SEPTEMBER 2015

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

Green-focused Exploring environmentally friendly Groenkloof Turn to page 08 for more

SUNDOWNERS

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SPOTLIGHT: GROENKLOOF

PET-FRIENDLY DEVELOPMENTS

TREND REPORT

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Editor’s Exclusive CLAIRE BARNARDO

Exotic vegan dishes on the rise Local restaurants are expanding their vegan selections to include mouthwatering meals made with exotic herbs and spices WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

Out on the town A

t’s a rare occasion for me to go out for an evening with my bestie. We’re both busy women, leading lives that have us running in circles 24/7. Having had one of “those” years though, we suddenly realised that a couple of months had passed since we last got to really connect. So I decided to make a reservation. Besides, there’s no better excuse to dress up than for dinner in the city. I selected my latest little blue number for the occasion. Both of us then grabbed our clutches and headed for Cape Grace. I love the feeling of walking into a place where a smartly dressed gentleman whips open the door for me and greets me in a way that makes me feel like a princess. We started at the bar with a special wine-journey tasting. The ever-sofriendly assistant sommelier, Marlvin Gwese, took our basic understanding of wine to the next level. Learning more about what’s happening in our wine industry made me feel proud about what the Cape produces.

Then it was time for dinner at Signal. Cape Grace’s tasting menus are extraordinary. Each dish is a mini masterpiece and is paired with the perfect glass and matched with impeccable service. We sat back and indulged. The fact that there was a tasting menu designed especially for vegetarians made my day: think mushroom tortellini, garlic purée and gremolata… My favourite of the evening was the melanzane, tomato risotto arancini and balsamicinfused vegetables paired with the Chamonix Cab Franc 2012. Superb! With bubbling conversation and clinking glasses, we savoured each plate and moment. The experience was truly something special. I don’t think we’ll wait that long again before heading out to celebrate Cape cuisine.

n increasing number of people sporting specific dietary requirements and gravitating towards different food types means that restaurants in Pretoria are rising to the occasion with an ever-expanding range of delicious vegan options appearing on menus across the city. Restaurantgoers are being treated to Earth-friendly dishes created with exotic herbs and spices that tantalise the taste buds.

A warm welcome at Namaskar Restaurant

With its plush red, orange and yellow interior, Namaskar Restaurant, off Pretoria’s Stanza Bopape Street, offers a wide selection of diverse vegan meals in a warm, hospitable atmosphere. This lively, upmarket restaurant – its name means “greetings” – has been pleasing patrons since 2008. With options ranging from mild to extraspicy, its vegan menu of North Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine embraces tandoori dishes, biryanis, rotis and rice. Enjoy the veg jalfrezi, made with mixed vegetables cooked in thick gravy and special royal spices, or the channa pindi, made of chickpeas cooked in an exotic blend of imported North Indian spices.

The five chefs of Indian origin use authentic cooking techniques to prepare vegan dishes made with fresh ingredients. The two private dining rooms and function room make this venue well suited to conferences, engagements and parties.

Sophisticated celebrations at Geet Indian Restaurant

Dress up and head out to Geet Indian Restaurant in Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn, to enjoy a Bollywood-style celebration of vegan dishes prepared with novel ingredients and a blend of spices that will transport you directly to exotic India. Gita Jivan, a nationally celebrated chef, created this family-run restaurant 15 years ago, having learnt family cuisine traditions from her mother and having graduated from culinary school. The team of chefs creates flavourful vegan dishes using organic, sustainable products that are healthy and have no preservatives. Taste the arbi and beetroot ki tikki-geet – panfried rounds of beetroot, sweet potato and corn served with raita. The rajma sircot tikka-uttarakhand is another delight, consisting of paneer-stuffed mashed potato croquettes, deep fried and served with red mint chutney. Enjoy zesty flavours and an inventive approach to vegan dishes, created using traditional techniques. Geet also delivers an elegant atmosphere and lively instrumental Indian music.

TASTE FOR YOURSELF: Namaskar Restaurant 012 342 9081 namaskar.co.za Geet Indian Restaurant 012 460 3199/64 geetindianrestaurant.com

PUT THIS IN YOUR DIARY…* Signal Restaurant’s tasting menu line-up: • •

•

Until 19 October – Rall, Bizoe & Migliarina: Three Garagistes 20 October — 14 December – De Trafford, Keermont & Kleinood: Upper Blaauwklippen Valley from Top to Bottom 15 December — 13 February 2016 – Graham Beck & Steenberg Vineyards: Exceptional Quality Located Worlds Apart *Dates subject to change

PUBLISHED BY THE CREATIVE GROUP 9 6th Street, Parkhurst, 2193 011 476 6293 thecreativegroup.info

TASTE FOR YOURSELF: Signal Restaurant 021 410 7080 signal@capegrace.com

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

Editorial Consultant: Bridget McNulty Chief Copy Editor: Yaron Blecher Copy Editor: Charis Le Riche Art Director: Leah de Jager Designer: Megan Cooper 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 dylan.rothschild@thecreativegroup.info Production (Editorial Section Advertising): Lucea Goosen lucea@yourneighbourhood.co.za Production (Property Advertising): Cheryl Leaner cheryll@yourneighbourhood.co.za

Neighbourhood

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Sundowners Enjoy your tipple of choice while taking in views of golf courses, beautiful estates or historic monuments as you watch the Pretoria sunset WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

f you’re searching for eateries with great outdoor views where you can also enjoy a sundowner after a hard day’s work or over the weekend, Pretoria has some fantastic options.

Heat Grill Room, a watering hole and restaurant in one

Overlooking the hills of Woodhill Golf Estate, the upper balcony of Heat Grill Room at the Woodlands Boulevard mall is a wonderful, tranquil spot for a sundowner. Taste the vanilla and apple daiquiri with rum and Mozambican vanilla extracts, blended with apple juice and a squeeze of lime. The rose petal cocktail with fresh litchi juice, rose petal extracts and vodka will delight those who enjoy the sweeter side of sundowners. Established in 2005, this restaurant prides itself on professional service with personalised attention.

Surround yourself with greenery at Downtown

The large wooden deck at Downtown restaurant – located at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Meiring Naudé Street – is the perfect spot to enjoy the surrounding greenery while having a sundowner. This restaurant has international flair but a down-to-earth feel and has been operating for more than 15 years, offering entertaining shows such as Tribute to Rock Legends, as well as regular wine tastings. Try the Legless cocktail with vodka, white rum, Butlers Rose, crushed ice and lemonade, while watching the sun go down.

A glimpse of Voortrekker Monument at De Kloof

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Heat Grill Room 012 997 3959 heatgrillroom.co.za Downtown 012 341 4130 downtownrestaurant.co.za De Kloof 012 771 8655 dekloofrestaurant.co.za

De Kloof restaurant, an upmarket European-style establishment at Waterkloof Golf Club, has breathtaking views of the golf course and of the Voortrekker Monument in the distance. Sip The Sundowner – an elegant glass of Amarula over crushed ice – on the peaceful balcony during the late afternoon, while enjoying the warm evening weather. This fine-dining restaurant is an ideal location to enjoy sundowners and snacks with friends or family. The great service in a picturesque setting makes this restaurant a sundowner destination of choice.

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Neighbourhood

Taste sensation Join in the celebration of the best Gauteng chefs, restaurants, breweries and local producers WORDS: BELINDA MOUNTAIN

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

aste of Joburg will once again delight local foodies this year from 24 to 27 September at Montecasino, the same venue as in previous years. The Taste festivals began in 2004 with the first Taste of London and have since expanded worldwide to countries such as Italy, Dubai, New Zealand, Australia and, of course, South Africa. Chris Verrijdt, head: public relations, Havas Worldwide South Africa, says that the biggest differentiator when compared with other food-related events is that Taste of Joburg is all about highlighting local food heroes. “We celebrate local, Gautengbased chefs and restaurants, and complementary wineries, breweries and small producers,” he says. “There are other shows that promote international celebrity chefs, but we are one of the few that keep it local.”

Chris mentions the Castle Milk Stout Lounge as another of this year’s highlights, where you can enjoy a full tasting experience of the drink, learn how to pair it with delicious dishes and listen to a resident DJ on the decks. You can also hear celebrity butcher Caroline McCann as she shows you the versatility of the Big Green Egg, a cooking device that combines a pizza oven, grill, smoker and slow cooker in one.

how to prepare them to perfection pair them with Two Oceans wines. Taste festivals attract groups of friends, couples, families, workmates and anyone who loves good food and a good time. “Gone are the days when Jozi was the poor culinary cousin to Cape Town,” Chris says. “Thanks to events like these and shows such as MasterChef, consumers are more educated and therefore demanding an experience of higher quality.”

Next, head to the Two Oceans Butcher’s Block to learn all about the different cuts of meat, which to choose, and

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: Taste of Joburg tasteofjoburg.com Book via iTickets: goo.gl/JU2Nds

Gone are the days when Jozi was the poor culinary cousin to Cape Town. Thanks to events like these, consumers are more educated and therefore demanding an experience of higher quality CHRIS VERRIJDT, HEAD: PUBLIC RELATIONS, HAVAS WORLDWIDE SOUTH AFRICAIS VERRIJDT, HEAD OF PUBLIC RELATIONS: HAVAS WORLDWIDE SOUTH AFRICA REDWORKS 85412/E

Using only the freshest seasonal produce, 12 of Joburg’s top restaurants will be creating special tasting dishes to delight the crowds and showcase their various food philosophies.

Munch on some brightly coloured macaroons, sip some bubbly and then head off to learn how to make a tasty burger with Robertsons Spices.

IT IS OFFICIAL, THE NEW

IS NOW OPEN AT THE CAROUSEL. COME AND ENJOY GRILLED MAGIC!

PHONE 012 718 7375/7613 - FOR BOOKINGS

suninternational.com

Neighbourhood

LOCAL

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

This week, don’t miss out on these

The Finery Fair

Born from the Finery Makers initiative, The Finery Fair promises to showcase some of our country’s finest artists and artisans. Take a drive to Rosemary Hill on Heritage Day, 24 September, to enjoy a fun day out with family and friends. With a variety of over 60 exhibitors, wine, craft beer, live theatre and sounds by Georgetown Band and Gerald Clark, it promises to be a day to remember. Gates open at 10am sharp.

hot things to do LOWDOWN

in the capital city

WORDS: RITA HELLO

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

IMAGES: SUPPLIED & BERNARD BRAND

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: The Finery Fair thefinery.co.za Book via Webtickets: goo.gl/WdH6Xz Lentedag 2015 facebook.com/ events/392360250971282/ Book via Plankton.mobi: goo.gl/rlqWWx

Lentedag 2015

Time to roll down your socks and dance ’em off in celebration of spring! On 23 September at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden there will be a 100m-long bar and music from two stages featuring acts such as Jack Parow, Shortstraw, Al Bairre and many more. Free bus shuttle services are available for eventgoers. Gates open at 10.30am. No under-18s will be allowed.

Fijnwyn Innie Lente Food and Wine Festival

With more than 25 wine farms, the sixth Fijnwyn Food and Wine Festival will be bigger and better. The festival is now hosted over two days, 24 and 26 September, and is sure to be a treat for your taste buds. There is a limited number of tickets available. Food is on offer at various stalls, or you can book a picnic basket online.

Fijnwyn Innie Lente Food and Wine Festival 086 1000 291 fijnwyn.co.za Book via iTickets: goo.gl/AiGIdY

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Pop-up nation The Bi(h)ome or similar dwellings could well be the solution to South Africa’s urban overcrowding problem WORDS: CHRIS REID

rchitects hold an ongoing interest in finding innovative ways to create quick-response housing for people in need, whether this need is due to some kind of disaster or just the greater influx of people into urban spaces. These often take the form of pop-up structures that offer speedy set-up when the need arises.

A recent example is the Bi(h)ome (also a play on the word ‘biome’) project, a collaboration between an architecture firm and UCLA’s City Lab. It was developed as a low-cost, low-impact unit to serve as housing for households that have had to take in additional inhabitants, be they children coming to live there temporarily or older family members who have had to downscale their homes. The designers wanted to develop a structure that could be sustainably produced and would be adaptable and easy to install, and the result meets all of these criteria. The Bi(h)omes are also aesthetically

pleasing, often a rare consideration in this kind of structure.

members and other occupants within a limited space.

In South Africa, the local implications for this sort of design are clear: emergency relief aside, pop-up housing solutions could help to alleviate the pressure on households that are seeking to accommodate multiple family

Well-designed, responsive dwellings like these could fill a niche that people are already, often inexpertly, filling themselves. Whether suburban South Africans are ready for the pop-up lifestyle, however, remains to be seen.

SEE FOR YOURSELF: City Lab, UCLA bihome.ucla.edu

REDWORKS 85459/E

While pop-ups were historically fairly rudimentary, more like tents than homes, they’re becoming increasingly sophisticated as technology and the development of materials catch up with designers’ visions.

IMAGE: NICO MARQUES/PHOTEKT

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Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Sunday Drive

Magical Magaliesberg

Only 70 or so kilometres outside frantic Joburg, the Magaliesberg is an old favourite for city dwellers looking to get away from it all WORDS: BRIDGET MCNULTY

IMAGES: GOOGLE & ISTOCK

here are a handful of places in South Africa that seem imbued with a special quality, and whether it’s a trick of the sunlight piercing the clouds or a product of the surrounding natural beauty, the Magaliesberg is one of these places… Of course, I’m slightly biased. My most recent experience of the Magaliesberg was a dream come true. I had always wanted to ride in a hot-air balloon, and I found myself lifted out of the everyday and into a fairy-tale world above the mountains as we floated from the Cradle of Humankind towards Hartbeespoort Dam, across ancient valleys and

dams, through the early-morning air in the almost noiseless balloon. Back on Earth, there’s more than enough to keep the magic alive. If you’re driving from nearby Pretoria, you’ll find the scenery just gets prettier and prettier. The area is home to more than 130 species of tree, along with an abundance of indigenous plants and flowers, including the striking giant mountain aloe. Game and nature reserves in the area boast sable and roan antelope, gemsbok, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra, as well as vervet monkeys, porcupines and

five different species of mongoose. It’s a bird-watcher’s paradise, too, with more than 300 bird species calling the area home. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the beautiful paradise flycatcher when it arrives to breed in October. And, of course, the Magaliesberg boasts the incredible 47,000ha Cradle of Humankind, proclaimed a World Heritage Site in 1999. There’s nothing quite like contemplating the origin of humankind to give you perspective as you sit back, relax and watch the sun set below the mountains. As I said: this is one magical place.

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SPOTLIGHT

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Neighbourhood

Spotlight on

Groenkloof

The well-established, environmentally focused suburb of Groenkloof offers open spaces, wildlife, historical sites and world-class medical and tertiary educational facilities, making it the perfect destination to call home WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY

IMAGES: ANTON SCHOLTZ, RIVATE PROPERTY & GOOGLE

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

The breathtaking scenery surrounding Groenkloof would have some feeling as though they’re living in the bushveld. This well-etablished area – located between George Storrar Avenue to the north, Fort Klapperkop to the south, Christina De Wit Avenue to the west and Florence Ribeiro Avenue to the east – offers those opting for an active outdoor lifestyle plenty of green spaces, wildlife, unique historical sites and a family friendly community. Maggie Erasmus, ward councillor: Groenkloof, says the suburb is a quiet, family area with welcoming residents who care for one another and the environment. She says families can be seen enjoying picnics in the park, walking or riding bicycles along the streets, and many residents know and chat to one another. “The community and Friends of the Groenkloof Nature Reserve are involved in the conservation of the parks in the suburb and work hard to keep the area clean and a joy to live in. The Groenkloof Residents Association and Groenkloof Safety Initiative (GSI) look after property owners’ interests, focusing on matters such as zoning applications, maintaining reserves and parks, and combating illegal activities that may affect the value of properties and the suburb,” says Maggie. Martin Ryan, spokesman on environment: Groenkloof Residents Association, and a resident of the area for 42 years, says Groenkloof is a suburb with a wealth of greenery, parks and conservation areas. He says these areas are filled with indigenous vegetation, game, birds and water features, making them ideal retreats to enjoy picnics, game viewing, bird-watching,

mountain biking or hiking. “Jan Celliers Park, Eugene Marais Park, Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Klapperkop Nature Reserve, Voortrekker Monument Nature Reserve and Fountains Valley Resort are popular areas where families and friends gather to enjoy the outdoors. Some of these areas are inhabited by wildlife such as sable, giraffe, blue wildebeest and zebra, and others provide facilities for braaiing, camping and even music festivals,” says Martin. When it comes to safety in Groenkloof, Charles Barwise, spokesman: GSI, and a resident of Groenkloof for 19 years, says the GSI has made an application to the municipality to implement monitored access to Groenkloof to further secure the area. He says the group, founded in 2007, has dramatically reduced crime in the suburb since the initiative began.

The GSI continuously engages with stakeholders to implement plans to displace crime CHARLES BARWISE, RESIDENT

“The GSI continuously engages with stakeholders to implement plans to displace crime. This involves consulting with security companies and the SAPS to understand crime trends and inform residents so they can secure their properties and plan their movements,” says Charles. Groenkloof also offers great tertiary education opportunities in the form of the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria’s Groenkloof Campus, which is one of the largest facilities in South Africa for the training of education professionals. Students can pursue advanced studies in education law and policy, alternative and augmentative education, computer-integrated education, and curriculum and assessment design. Health facilities in Groenkloof are top class. Chené Murphy, marketing manager: Life Little Company of Mary Hospital, says the hospital is undergoing a major upgrade and will be changing its name in October to Life Groenkloof Hospital. She says the hospital recently completed a 14-

SPOTLIGHT

bed intensive care unit, a 10-station renal dialysis unit, a paediatric ward and a 22-bed orthopaedic unit, while the outer hospital building had a face-lift. “This hospital’s convenient location, close to major routes, makes access to a world-class treatment facility easy. Delivery of top health care is achieved through quality and clinical excellence with a focus on the personal needs of the patients and their families,” says Chené. Groenkloof is rich in heritage. Geraldine Paulsen, spokesperson: Voortrekker Monument, says the monument situated in the area is the only declared Grade 1 National Heritage Site and monument in the country. She says it draws the interest of residents and tourists with activities including antiques fairs, military fairs, horse riding and the Park Acoustics concert, as well as amenities such as conference facilities and restaurants. Groenkloof is also home to Fort Klapperkop, a military museum and a provincial heritage site located on Klapperkop Hill. In May 1979, the SADF Memorial was unveiled at the fort in honour of members of the SADF who lost their lives serving their country. When it comes to a leisurely family lifestyle in a well-established area with exciting outdoor activities and an opportunity to be close to nature, Groenkloof is the perfect area to set down roots. This suburb allows residents to escape the rat race and slow the pace, unwinding in a green sanctuary filled with birdlife and animals.

SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Property prices in Groenkloof

A typical property for sale in Groenkloof is a four-bedroom house at an average asking price of

R4,95m

R2,28m

R4,5m

R52,000

15% of properties for sale are in complexes, at an average asking price of

Demand

is the average asking price for apartments/flats, which make up 9% of properties for sale in the area

is the monthly rent on a typical property for rent in Groenkloof, namely a four-bedroom house

Properties for sale in Groenkloof comprise of 1% of the total saleslistings in the Pretoria Central and Old East area

Total rental listings for the area:

Interest (views) in properties for sale in the area

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

SPOTLIGHT

THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND GROENKLOOF Have a picnic in Jan Celliers Park Attend the Park Acoustics concert at the Voortrekker Monument View wildlife in Groenkloof Nature Reserve Visit the Fort Klapperkop military museum Go horse riding in the Voortrekker Monument Nature Reserve

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Neighbourhood

PROPERTY NEWS

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Keep pets in check at

pet-friendly

developments

Pet lovers are often willing to pay more to live in pet-friendly complexes, helping to boost the value of such sectional-title properties. But finding a residential complex that is willing to tolerate pets is becoming more of a challenge of late WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY

IMAGES: ISTOCK

t is becoming increasingly difficult for owners and occupants to keep pets in sectional-title developments, owing to space limitations as well as concerns over nuisance pets. Carl Smit, managing director: SandakLewin Property Trust, says many new residential developments are smaller than older ones, with units being built closer together and with little or no common gardens, so they are not ideal for keeping pets. He says the reasons for the absence of petfriendly sectional-title developments include the unwillingness of people who do not own pets to put up with “noise pollution” caused by pets, as well as pet-related disputes, such as pets disturbing neighbours, damaging property, and the odours caused by pets. “If trustees allow pets in complexes, conditions are usually set, and should they not be adhered to, then the owner or occupant will be sent a written notification stating the breach of rules and be requested to remove the pet within a specified timeframe. In terms of the Management Rules of the Sectional Title Act, trustees may refer the matter to arbitration, and not only will the pet have to be removed but the pet owner will be responsible the for costs of arbitration,” says Smit. Michael Bauer, general manager: IHFM, a property management company, says the ownership of pets in sectionaltitle schemes is a contentious issue that comes up regularly. He says trustees must consider all applications for the pet to stay, and the trustees can’t say no unless they’ve accepted and perused the application. “Prescribed conduct rule 1, which deals with the keeping of pets in a sectionaltitle scheme, is in place because animals can be a nuisance to others in a sectional-title scheme, and trustees may amend it to reflect the needs of the body corporate. The questions are whether the pet will interfere with others’ enjoyment of living, and what conditions can be imposed on the owner to ensure that the pet doesn’t become a nuisance to others,” he says. Bauer adds that if the pet becomes a nuisance then trustees may withdraw permission; however, they usually give the owner a chance to remedy the situation. He says the owner must be given a fair chance at a hearing and that if the trustees revoke permission, then the owner must be given enough time to find the pet another home or suitable alternative accommodation for themselves.

PROPERTY NEWS

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Analyse it PATRICK CAIRNS

Shared responsibility T

hree years ago the National Development Plan (NDP) was launched on a wave of optimism. Here, at last, was the strategy for economic growth and development that would put South Africa on the path to prosperity. As yet, however, we have, unfortunately, little to show for it. And almost without exception, people are placing the blame for that at the feet of the government. The feeling is that it has not done enough and that there neither the will nor the leadership to implement key aspects of the NDP. There is, undoubtedly, some truth to this. However, it also obscures one of the most critical aspects of the NDP, which is that it was never meant as a policy for the government to implement alone. There is a key line in the plan’s executive summary that reads, “This is a plan for the entire country, and all sections of society need to take responsibility for making it a reality.” Without saying it in so many words, the NDP recognises that the future of this country is too important to be left up to the government. Yes, the government does have to improve its performance, and the plan does say as much, but leadership should not be left only to those with political power. The simple truth is that South Africa is strongest when leadership comes not just from the Union Buildings but when it is shown by business, labour and civil society too. And a key aspect of that leadership will always be the recognition that none of these parties can succeed on their own. It is only through working collectively that real progress is made. This is exactly what is happening now in the steel industry, and it is starting to happen in mining too. Things have had to reach near-crisis levels, but that has been the catalyst for forcing parties together.

The NDP requires that South Africa’s economy grow at

5,4% 2030 up to the year

Faced with the genuine prospect of these key sectors being decimated, the government, business and labour are talking solutions. There are disagreements, of course, but there is a shared understanding that unless something is done, everyone will end up losing. Hopefully, it won’t take other economic sectors coming close to disaster before similar moves are made; but at the same time, perhaps our current economic troubles are just the thing we need to realise not only our individual limitations but also our combined capabilities. The NDP is already there to guide us. Will we take shared responsibility for it because – truth be told – “business as usual” is no longer an option?

Play

for Property Houzz-It and St John’s Village are giving you the opportunity to win the grand prize of a home in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands WORDS: LAUREN JOUBERT

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

our chance to win your dream country home in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is just a few simple steps away. St John’s Village, in conjunction with the innovative property-gaming app Houzz-It, is awarding the grand prize of a home to the winner of the current Houzz-It Play for Property competition in December 2015.

How to enter

There are four alternative, easy ways to enter the Play for Property competition: 1. If you’re more hands-on, simply download the Houzz-It app from either the App Store or Google Play and register for the Play for Property challenge. Set your high score on the leader board and you could become a finalist. 2. SMS your name and email address to 33282 (SMS costs R1,50). 3. Complete the online form at

yourneighbourhood.co.za/ competitions. 4. Visit the St John’s Village site in the Midlands and enter your name and email address into the logbook.

The finalists

Four finalists a month will be chosen until November 2015 (the competition kicked off in August 2015) for a total of 16 finalists. This means that even if you were not selected as a finalist in the previous months, you still have another shot at entering the competition in the current month via any of the entry methods listed above. All finalists will be invited to take part in the grand giveaway ceremony on site at St John’s Village, where the final draw will take place.

The house

The grand prize is a house within the Vineyards section of St John’s Village.

Close to all amenities, St John’s Village is truly a home and neighbourhood to all. The house is valued at a staggering R2m and includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, scullery and living room, as well as a veranda and covered yard for a total of 201,8m2. Prepare to have all your dreams come true in your new home. Visit yourneighburhood.co.za and the Houzz-It Facebook page (facebook.com/houzzit) for tips and tricks for maximising your opportunity to become a finalist, as well as for news on the Play for Property challenge.

COMPETITION T’s & C’s To view the competition’s terms and conditions, visit yourneighbourhood.co.za/ competitions/play-for-property

Top Tip SIMON BRAY, CEO: PRIVATE PROPERTY

privateproperty.co.za

With more people becoming environmentally conscious and looking to save money, homes that consume fewer resources are becoming increasingly popular. Adding green features such as solar geysers, water-saving measures and energy-efficient appliances will reduce the cost of home ownership and make your home more appealing to buyers when you’re ready to sell

o.za

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

PROPERTY NEWS

Copperleaf turns area into gold Expansion brings new life to Centurion with beautiful estates and developments to be built over the next 10 years WORDS: LEANDI CAMERON

IMAGE: SUPPLIED

nce no-man’s land, now everyman’s dreamland, the area west of Centurion is starting to hail new developments. This is part of the great Pretoria expansion, which is seeing growth past Centurion towards Krugersdorp. At Copperleaf Golf and Country Estate, golfers can tee off close to home and within a stone’s throw of their jobs. This sought-after estate is a small part of the comprehensive plan that will transform the area between Centurion and Krugersdorp into a leafy city. Buyers are flagging this area as a must-see when planning their new homes, and more and more people consider it an ideal central location among the region’s major centres, 20 minutes’ drive from Lanseria airport, 10 minutes’ from the Centurion CBD, 20 minutes’ from Menlyn in Pretoria and 30 minutes’ from Sandton.

Jan van der Merwe, principal: RealNet Centurion Core Properties, says the area was once regarded too remote and somewhat dangerous, but now the derelict area will house some of the most beautiful developments within the next 10 years. Soon “affordable Centurion” will undergo a face-lift, with many new developments in the upper price brackets. “Affluent buyers are streaming into the area to build their own luxury homes or find their dream home among all the newly constructed mansions in several estates, including Copperleaf, which will eventually resemble Dainfern (in Johannesburg) when fully developed,” he says. The upmarket homes in Copperleaf are built on large properties, with the added benefit of staff quarters and separate guest suites. The estate also has a spa and gym, a café, conference facilities, tennis courts, the Els Club golf course, a cricket pavilion and a pool.

“Copperleaf is ideal for families and extended families as the trend towards multigenerational living grows,” says Van der Merwe. The closest hospital in the area is Netcare Unitas. However, there are plans for the construction of a private hospital in Raslouw on the R55. The 72,000m2 Forest Hill Shopping Centre serve the area, but another shopping centre and a filling station are being planned for a site closer to Copperleaf.

The area was once regarded as too remote and somewhat dangerous, but now the derelict area will house some of the most beautiful developments JAN VAN DER MERWE, PRINCIPAL: REALNET CENTURION CORE PROPERTIES

The Trinity School is also under development on a property adjacent to Copperleaf and is due to open its doors early next year. More than half the 1,800 stands in Copperleaf have already been developed. Buyers looking for an upmarket retreat that is both central and secure are snapping up the remaining stands, which are priced at between R900,000 and R1,4m. It’s easy to see why – it is an ideal location.

PROPERTY NEWS

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Homeowner trends:

green living, fibrehoods and more A New research from Absa finds that high-density developments, fibrehoods and green living are growing in popularity WORDS: BELINDA MOUNTAIN

IMAGE: ISTOCK

People are seeking properties where they can “live, work and play” without moving too far from their own “villages”

bsa’s latest ‘Homeowner Insights’ report looks at consumer behaviour relating to the various phases of home ownership and features the results of research conducted in collaboration with digital research agency Columinate. The research was conducted in July 2015 and the results indicate fascinating trends on urban living.

South Africa’s urbanised population grew from 46,6% in 1960 to 64,3% in 2014. According to the report, as more people are heading into the city, the demand for property is increasing and the supply simply cannot keep up. Of greater interest is an international study called ‘The Business of Cities’, which shows that many people are moving out of the suburbs back into the cities to be closer to work in order to have a better work/life balance and shorten their commutes. Absa predicts that if this trend continues, “full-title properties will become more attractive to convert to high-density developments, while freestanding homes are expected to become more expensive.” The report also found that respondents often underestimate the cost of running a full-title property, with rates and taxes being higher, as well as electricity and

water. Absa’s latest findings indicate that South Africans are steadily embracing more affordable, higher density living, and that demand for these properties currently outstrips supply. Other trends noted in the report are a growing demand for ‘fibrehoods’ with high-speed internet access, and green innovations such as solar geysers. Respondents placed more importance on these two factors when compared with things such as swimming pools or staff accommodation. The report even indicates that new fibrehood initiatives in areas such as Parkhurst are showing “a marked impact on the marketability and price of such properties”. Another noticeable trend in the report is that people are seeking properties where they can “live, work and play” without moving too far from their own “villages”. They are less inclined to want to drive everywhere, and the idea of walking or cycling to work or the shops is becoming more and more appealing. Although this was a national study, Ewald Kellerman, head of customer interaction: Absa Home Loans, confirmed that Gauteng trends closely mirror the national findings, so they’re applicable regionally as well.

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

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Area Guide A:

Laezonia

Waterkloof

35, 42, 47

Alphen Park

Lombardy Estate

Waterkloof Glen

39, 42

Amberfield

Lynnwood

38, 46

Waterkloof Heights

47, 48

Amberfield Crest

Lynnwood Glen

36, 38, 40

Waterkloof Park

Amberfield Valley

Lynnwood Manor

Waterkloof Ridge

25, 39, 42, 48

Arcadia

Lynnwood Park

Wierdapark

Lynnwood Ridge

Willow Acres

Willow Acres Estate

B: Baileys Muckleneuk

42, 46

Willow Park Manor

Blue Valley Creek Estate

Menlo Park

34, 42, 46

Wonderboom

Blue Valley Golf Estate

43, 44

Menlyn

Woodhill

Boardwalk Meader

34, 46

Meyerspark

31, 40

Woodhill Estate

Boshkop

Midfield Estate

Woodlands Estate

Brooklyn

34, 42

Midlands Estate

Brummeria

Midrand

Midstream Midstream Estate

37, 43

Zambesi Estate

Clearwater Estate

Midstream Ridge

Zwartkop

Clubview

37, 44

Monavoni

Clydesdale

Monument Park

34, 39, 47

Cornwall Hill

Mooikloof

Cornwall Hill Estate

43, 44

Mooikloof Gardens

Country View Estate

Mooikloof Ridge

39, 47

Moreleta Park

32, 34, 35, 36, 39, 47

Muckleneuk

D: Die Hoewes

40, 43, 44

Die Wilgers

Doringkloof

Newmark Estate

39, 47

Noordwyk

E: Eco Park Estate

Elarduspark

Olicea Crescent Aftree Oord

Elarduspark

Eldoraigne

Equestria

29, 38

Pierre Van Ryneveld

Erasmuskloof

36, 38

Pretorius Park

32, 34, 38, 42, 46

Rietvalleirand

25, 26

Rooihuiskraal

Rooihuiskraal North

F: Faerie Glen

G: Garsfontein

36, 38, 42, 46

Gezina

H: Heuweloord Highveld

40 36, 37, 40

I: Irene

37, 44

Irene Proper

Irene View Estate

Irene Village View

K: Kameeldrift East

Karenpark

Kloofsig

Knoppieslaagte

S: Silver Lakes

27, 28, 35, 39

Silver Lakes Golf Estate

35, 36, 40

Silverton Ridge

Soutdowns

Stone Ridge Estate

35, 45

Summerfield Estate

T: Thatchfield Estate

Thatchfield Glen Estate

The Reeds

The Wilds

V: Val de Grace

Villieria

L: La Montagne

36, 39

Wapadrand

Agency Guide Adrienne Hersch Properties Aïda Ditholo Wildlife Estate Leapfrog Nedbank Pam Golding Properties Rawson Properties Sable Homes Seeff Properties Sotheby’s International Realty

40 38 - 39 20 36 - 37 19, 22 41 - 43 24 - 33 21 44 - 48 34 - 35

yourneighbourhood.co.za | 20 SEPTEMBER 2015