April 2024

insight for executives on the move

Adventures on the frozen continent

Back to the moon Wine trends Digital hygiene Sad clown syndrome Social commerce Birder’s paradise in Zimbabwe
Back to the moon Wine trends Digital hygiene Sad clown syndrome Social commerce Birder’s paradise in Zimbabwe

Contents

Enjoy the Journey Together

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Skybucks Club Family Pooling enables a group of up to eight members, one beneficiary and seven contributors, to earn and share Skybucks every time they fly. Pool and redeem your Skybucks rewards for your next flight or towards flights for that special family vacation.

Earn more rewards and create unforgettable family experiences. Join Skybucks Club Family Pooling today and discover endless possibilities with Airlink.

Editors note

 

 Bravely go…

 On page 22 of this issue, we have a story about a trip to Antarctica – all mod cons, mind you; Shackleton this is not – that leaves from Cape Town. It’s an expensively effective metaphor for the value of leaving your comfort zone, which is a lesson many people are loathe to learn. That’s understandable, as dry and warm and awash in Wi-Fi is a very easy place to be. But in personal growth terms, a comfort zone is also, at best, standing still. Without venturing out from where you are (which may involve risk, though that’s a separate conversation), you cannot discover or experience what is elsewhere and what it can offer you. Keep your money to yourself, and you may not lose any, but there’ll be no gains. Ignore technological advancement, and you’ll know exactly how everything works – until you don’t. Be satisfied watching wildlife on TV instead of visiting their habitats, and you’ll know that lions roar, but you won’t feel that noise in your gut.

A wonderfully easy way to engage with places, people and cultures you don’t know is to get on a plane and go to where they are. If that’s what you’re doing as you read this, may you – and they – benefit from your decision! Happy travels!

Bruce Dennill
Editor

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PUBLISHER: Urs Honegger
EDITOR: Bruce Dennill
SENIOR SUB-EDITOR: Claire Rencken
SUB-EDITOR: Gina Hartoog
OPERATIONS AND PRODUCTION MANAGER: Paul Kotze
SENIOR DESIGNER: Annie Fraser
DESIGNER: Perpetua Chigumira
ADVERTISING: sales@panorama.co.za, +27 11 468 2090
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER: Gillian Johnston, +27 83 455 2397, gill@panorama.co.za
SUBSCRIPTIONS: subscriptions@panorama.co.za, Tel: 011 468 2090, Fax: 011 468 2091
Digital ezine available from skywaysmagazine.co.za
COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS: skyways@panorama.co.za
We value reader feedback. Please get in touch.
FINANCE: accounts@panorama.co.za
ISSN 1025-2657

Skyways magazine is published monthly and distributed via Airlink. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission of Panorama Media Corp (Pty) Ltd. Copyright © 1994-2024 Panorama Media Corp (Pty) Ltd. The views expressed in Skyways magazine are not necessarily those of Panorama Media Corp or Airlink, and the acceptance and publication of editorial and advertising material in Skyways magazine does not imply any endorsement or warranty in respect of goods or services therein described, whether by Skyways magazine or the publishers. Skyways magazine will not be held responsible for the safe return of unsolicited editorial contributions. The Editor reserves the right to edit material submitted and in appropriate cases to translate into another language. Skyways magazine reserves the right to reject any advertising or editorial material, which may not suit the standard of the publication, without reason given. Editorial material accepted for publication in Skyways becomes the property of Panorama Media Corp. Executive Briefs, Corporate Briefs, and Knowledge Profiles™ are solicited and paid for advertorial features in this magazine. Skyways magazine is published by Panorama Media Corp on behalf of Airlink.

1988 The year in which Stephen Hawking published his groundbreaking A Brief History Of Time. 8 million guilders The price (around R61 million) paid to Holland for Brazil by Portugal in 1661.
1988 The year in which Stephen Hawking published his groundbreaking A Brief History Of Time. 8 million guilders The price (around R61 million) paid to Holland for Brazil by Portugal in 1661.

forecast

The future is now

Constellation of connectivity

The low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite market, according to Mordor Intelligence, is estimated at R5.15 trillion as of 2023 with an anticipated increase to R5.7 trillion by 2029. The demand for LEO satellites is being driven by the increased demand for high-speed, secure, low-latency connectivity capable of handling significant data transfer volumes, particularly by the mining, logistics, manufacturing, emergency services, and military sectors.

As LEO satellites are still in an early adoption phase, it is anticipated that the terminal and data costs will come down as adoption grows over time, complementing terrestrial services. These satellites, often called a constellation, sit approximately 500 to 1,200 km from the Earth’s orbit, offering a latency of less than 100 milliseconds with a throughput of 250 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. Higher speeds can be obtained with specialized terminals designed to suit a specific requirement.

These satellite constellations provide higher data throughput than the traditional GEO satellites, and their proximity to Earth allows them to function optimally, regardless of geographic conditions, delivering smooth global coverage to remote and geographically challenging areas. The latency and bandwidth delivered by LEO are rarely compromised by deserts, snow, mountains, or remote conditions, which makes it an ideal solution for the mining and logistics sectors.

When it comes to shipping, for example, LEO allows for vessels in the deep sea to communicate clearly with land, allowing for rapid response times and visibility into shipping status and location. In the mining sector, the rapid rise of automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) means that facilities are highly reliant on connectivity to ensure that systems remain online and safety paramount.

Connectivity is also critical across facilities, both in remote and urban areas, to ensure cameras and other automated solutions remain connected to control rooms for security and worker safety. Automation is particularly important. This is a growing area of reliance for many companies wanting to minimize downtime and improve productivity, yet its efficiency rests firmly in the hands of the connectivity solutions implemented by the company.

This, along with IoT, is a technology reshaping how the industry operates, so redundancy, accessibility, and speed are key, as well as the ability for any communication system to handle demanding data needs. Organizations within these sectors rely on connectivity to ensure that operations run smoothly, productivity remains on track, and workers and systems co-exist within an ecosystem that operates optimally.

This is particularly relevant when it comes to worker safety, as more companies are investing in smart devices and wearables to provide real-time visibility into events and situations. Worker tracking and real-time alerts are invaluable when it comes to injury prevention, while sensors and data allow for teams to proactively maintain equipment based on predictive data and intelligence that mitigates the risks of downtime or system failure.

Text | Theo Van Zyl Photography | aappp Theo Van Zyl is Head of Wireless at Vox. For more information, go to vox.co.za.

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356,334km The shortest distance to the moon from Earth. 95.83m The world record distance for throwing a mobile phone. 4.6 billion years The age of the oldest meteorite found on Earth. 19m The height of the biggest wave ever recorded.
356,334km The shortest distance to the moon from Earth. 95.83m The world record distance for throwing a mobile phone. 4.6 billion years The age of the oldest meteorite found on Earth. 19m The height of the biggest wave ever recorded.
ENVIRONMENT

Conservation capacity

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has entered into a strategic partnership with The Aspinall Foundation and its South African subsidiary, WeWild Africa. The strategic partnership will unlock the conservation and ecotourism potential of the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve and the surrounding areas known as the Loskop Cluster, with a vision of creating one of the largest Big Five Game Reserves in South Africa.

This will be the first agreement of its kind in the country where a Provincial Conservation Agency has facilitated a 25-year agreement to unlock investment into a provincial protected area. The partnership will upgrade reserve infrastructure such as roads, fences, staff accommodation, and field ranger compounds. Additional strategic staff and anti-poaching units will be deployed with a key objective of providing additional capacity for the reserve.

Source: wewildafrica.com

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NATURE

 Unpaving the way

From Australia to Ontario, cities are taking up unnecessary stretches of concrete and asphalt, allowing nature to take hold in their place. The idea of depaving, sometimes known as desealing, is a simple one – replace as much concrete, asphalt, and other forms of hard landscaping as possible with plants and soil. It’s been around since at least 2008 when the Depave group in Portland was founded. Proponents say depaving allows water to soak into the ground, which reduces flooding in times of heavy rain – aiding the “sponginess” of cities. Native plants help wildlife cling on in urban spaces, and by planting trees, you can increase shade, protecting residents from heatwaves. Injecting city streets with greenery may even improve people’s mental health, too.

Source: bbc.com

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4.6 billion years The age of the oldest meteorite found on Earth. 19m The height of the biggest wave ever recorded.
4.6 billion years The age of the oldest meteorite found on Earth. 19m The height of the biggest wave ever recorded.
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

On a recent trip to the Chobe River, I flew Airlink from Cape Town to Victoria and was impressed. I took this picture of a dancer in Victoria Falls. Thank you!
Paolo Liberti

Photography: Paolo Liberti

INNOVATION

Waste not

The residents of False Creek, a recently redeveloped neighbourhood of Vancouver on the west coast of Canada, get their energy from a rather unusual renewable source – their sewage wastewater. Increasingly, municipalities around the globe are harnessing this underground form of excess heat as they decarbonise their energy networks.

Tucked under a Vancouver bridge, an energy centre sits on top of the existing sewage pumping station so heat can be captured before sewage reaches the treatment plant. Heat pumps cool down warm sewage that’s around 20°C in temperature and concentrate that heat to produce scalding hot water, which can be as high as 80°C, Pope explains.

“What’s really exciting is that our heat recovery system operates at efficiencies of over 300%, so for every unit of electricity that we put in to run the heat pump, we get over three units of thermal energy or heat out of it.” Sewage is also consistently warm, so heat pumps continue to operate efficiently even on cold wintry days when heat demand is highest – providing a constant source of renewable energy.

Source: bbc.com

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CULTURE

 Cues for conversation

A Harvard graduate has revealed a 10-second hack that helps anyone become a ‘super communicator’ – with new people or lifelong friends or partners. Charles Duhigg suggested that taking a brief moment to come up with three conversation topics or ideas before engaging in every conversation is key.

For one, it reduces the chance of an awkward silence, but it also allows you to come across assertive and confident during the interaction. If you use this technique with loved ones, it can help you push past surface-level conversations and strike a more meaningful and engaging relationship over time.

Other tips include understanding what the person needs out of the conversation and paying attention to their non-verbal cues. Whether it’s at an event, the first time meeting someone on a date, or striking up a casual conversation with a stranger at the shops, people who are prepared with conversation topics have better face-to-face interactions.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

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BIRD OF THE MONTH

Common waxbill

Some of the world’s most breathtaking botanical gardens are located in southern Africa. These are places people visit to relax, enjoy a picnic, or even a leisurely stroll in and around the plant life. Bird enthusiasts enjoy these places because they can offer some close encounters with birdlife. Some, like Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, even have bird hides, which allow people to get up close and personal with the birds without disturbing them, as was the case when I captured this common waxbill, enjoying the sunrise at the park’s dam.

Nearest Airlink airport: Johannesburg
Source: sacrp.org
Text and photography: Dr. Bob Graham

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business | trade | industry
EXECUTIVE BRIEF

Apartment living that offers the best of both worlds

In a city known for its grit and bustle, isn’t it refreshing to learn that there’s a destination where you can enjoy a slower pace – without giving up any of the vibe or convenience? That place is Steyn City, an address that has fast become known for its magnificent setting among 2,000 acres of serene indigenous planted parkland. Within this unique locale, the estate’s flagship apartment development, City Centre, has garnered attention both locally and beyond South Africa’s borders for its exciting take on urban living.

What makes City Centre so special? For a start, it reimagines the apartment lifestyle, making it an experience in sheer luxury – and space, too. This is possible because of the design of the development, which sees apartment homes clustered in intimate, treed piazzas. This makes for a stark contrast against the giant monoliths blocking out the skyline that we have become accustomed to.

High-end amenities

The upper piazza itself is a humming buzz of activity: lined with exclusive retailers (think Le Creuset and The Gallery at Steyn City) and services such as Pack Life Gym and The Laundry @ Steyn City. Residents are tempted to wander down from their homes to enjoy these and more – a languid lunch, quick coffee or decadent treat. With some of South Africa’s best-loved restaurant names – including authentic Italian flavours at Café del Sol, Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream, and Seattle Coffee Company – there’s so much to choose from, all against the backdrop of a square that calls to mind a sun-kissed Mediterranean ambiance.

The apartments boast spacious interiors and high-end amenities without compromising on design.

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Each residence offers generously proportioned rooms, complemented by lofty ceilings and expansive passages, creating an overall feeling of openness. Standard features include double glazing and climate control, along with upscale blu_line kitchens featuring Gaggenau appliances. Additionally, select apartments feature separate TV lounges, private studies, entertainer’s patios, and exclusive access to private elevators, enhancing the luxurious living experience.

What truly sets City Centre apart, however, are the facilities that would be rare among many homeowners, let alone those who dwell in apartments. Take the parkland, for starters: essentially, it means that City Centre residents have one of the largest back gardens in South Africa, complete with children’s play nodes, a skate park, and even outdoor exercise stations – all to be enjoyed without any maintenance.

The same applies to Steyn City’s magnificent 300m lagoon. Of course, other estates have swimming pools – but do these facilities offer water slides, water sports, SUP boards and kayaking or pedalos? If that’s not impressive in itself, the lagoon precinct has padel courts with changerooms and a range of stunning eating options: choose from tapas, sharing plates, burgers, and other family favorites at The Family Table, or do it yourself at the braai pods. Simply order your favorite protein and sides, and get ready to braai – everything else, from the supply of implements like tongs to clean-up, will be taken care of for you. Don’t forget to visit the Family Pantry for those favorite poolside treats.

World-class facilities

Steyn City offers a host of additional world-class facilities, all of which can be enjoyed by City Centre residents: there’s the 18-hole Nicklaus-design championship golf course and award-winning clubhouse, a world-class equestrian center, the indoor aquatic center with 25m heated training pool, 45km floodlit promenade, fully equipped gym, 50km MTB track, several resort pools, and floodlit tennis courts. Steyn City also offers a range of restaurants in addition to those located at City Centre – try out 19 by Michael’s bistro-style fare while enjoying the views over the golf course or satisfy your pizza cravings at The Pizzeria.

In a quest to remove the hassle of the commute, Steyn City’s developers have ensured every facility you could possibly need is on your doorstep: the AAA-grade offices at Capital Park and the forward-thinking campus at Steyn City School are prime examples. And for those amenities that require a little travel time, you can charter a flight at the Ultimate Helistop.

All of this can be enjoyed with complete peace of mind, thanks to stringent security measures. Steyn City’s perimeters are patrolled around the clock and monitored at a central security hub, while biometric access control is in place. At City Centre itself, these measures are further enhanced with triple biometric access control and a 24-hour concierge desk.

With the last units in City Centre’s Phase 1 available, this is your chance to start living a lifestyle like no other. Apartments are priced from R2.7 million.

Text and Photography | Supplied

Contact sales@steyncity.co.za for more information or visit www.steyncity.co.za.

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3,463m The length of the longest scarf ever knitted. 500,000 The number of people living in Cordoba, Spain, in the year AD 1000.
3,463m The length of the longest scarf ever knitted. 500,000 The number of people living in Cordoba, Spain, in the year AD 1000.
YOUR QUESTIONS
ANSWERED

Have questions around your booking or travelling experience? Here are some solutions to pressing queries

WHAT IS A FAMILY POOL? A family pool allows family members to join together, comprising a beneficiary and up to seven additional members.

WHO IS ALLOWED TO JOIN THE FAMILY POOL? A domestic partner, a spouse, a parent or parents, or a child (the child needs to be 12-17 years old) are eligible to join the family pool.

WILL I GET THE SAME BENEFITS AS THE BENEFICIARY IF HE OR SHE HAS A HIGHER STATUS? No. Each member remains within their respective status and benefits as per their tiers.

For more information, visit flyairlink.com.

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travel leisure | lifestyle
HOEDSPRUIT

High profile

Tented luxury lodge seems to float above the landscape

Sharing an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is the ultimate place to spot a variety of wildlife, from the most beautiful birds to the Big Five. A sojourn at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge offers that and much more.

Perched on a hillside, the spectacular lodge overlooks the Mbali Dam and the Nhlaralumi River, where the sound of African fish eagles calling and the intermittent snorting of hippos form the soundtrack to a stay. It takes a skilled driver to navigate the steep incline to the lodge and not stall the vehicle, and both safari guides in their respective modes of transport – Rudolf in the Toyota Land Cruiser and André in the Land Rover – are excellent at manoeuvring us safely to the reception area.

Camp manager Brett offers guests a warm welcome, and a butler is always at hand to show arriving guests where to go next. First up is the main deck, where there is a sparkling pool to the left, a lounge and bar area at the front and a dining area to the right. After a hearty lunch consisting of freshly baked rolls, beef wraps and salad for the main course and sorbet for dessert, assistant camp manager Bongi shows me to an impressive tented suite. Brett says, “The views from your suite make the walk to it so worth it. You’ll see.” As we make our way to the end of the wooden walkway, the path snakes to the left. “Here we are!” Bongi exclaims. Brett was right – the panorama is breathtaking!

The pavilion-style tented suite is raised off the ground on a wooden platform with two separate rooms – one houses a stunning bedroom, and one contains a bathroom with a bath so cleverly placed that you can take in the sunset while enjoying some bubbles. Divided by a passage, the outdoor shower, with showerheads for two, sits pretty in the middle. If you enjoy a pre- or post-meal snooze, the sala, with its double daybed on the private deck, is the perfect place for it.

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Who’s the boss?
After high tea, the afternoon game drive leaves from reception. The most requested sighting is the elusive leopard. Our first sighting, though, is just outside the lodge, beyond the dam wall: a breeding herd of elephants. Wading through the tall grass in the river, they amble our way. It’s a substantial herd, with loads of little ones shyly hiding behind the adults, some looking like they’re wearing long socks, having just come out of the water.
Rudolf is listening intently to what someone is saying in his earpiece. He picks up the two-way radio and enquires if there’s a lineup. Clicking the radio back into place on the dashboard, he speeds up the vehicle, which means it has to be something exciting. Tracker Thabo is shining the spotlight as we’re in hot pursuit of not one, not two, but three leopards! The exhilaration of ‘bundu bashing’ (driving off-road through the bush, with permission) has everyone in high spirits, especially if it means casting eyes on a female leopard and her two 18-month-old cubs.
The following morning, our guide and tracker duo find a large herd of Cape buffalo. “They sleep facing different directions,” Rudolf tells us. “This is so that they have a 360° view of their surroundings and can’t be ambushed by a predator. You see the horns on their heads? The male’s horn is called a boss, and it curves, forming a shield to protect their brain when they fight.”

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Blind faith
Simbavati Mvubu Cottage is located a stone’s throw from Hilltop Lodge. This quaint, exclusive-use two-bedroomed cottage has a pool as well as an upstairs sleepout and viewing deck. It’s the ideal place for a family of four or two couples travelling together. For travellers in search of privacy and versatility, this special option is well worth considering.
Meals can be enjoyed at the cottage, or if guests prefer, their private guide can drive them to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge should they want to dine there. Sitting out on the deck, my lunch is delivered to the cottage, arriving at 1pm sharp. Reclining next to the pool with dessert in hand and gazing out over the dam, I see a lone waterbuck looking straight at me.
Embarking on the afternoon game drive with Andre, who has been guiding for 10 years, we encounter a large bull elephant and can smell that he is clearly in musth (in heat). He is standing in our way, but André knows we need to wait it out since bull elephants’ heightened levels of testosterone can make them rather aggressive. The elephant approaches, shakes his ears and trunk and then calms down, apparently falling asleep while standing. Noticing he is collared, André suggests we reach out to Elephants Alive, as they might be able to tell us his name. From the photograph and video, they identify him as Spencer. Spencer eventually walks away, leaving a pungent aroma in his wake.
André’s favourite animal is the African wild dog, and he is eager for us to check out a den site. I’d seen the pups the previous day, all 13 of them, playing in and around the termite mound under the watchful supervision of the alpha female. Wild dog pups are born blind and unable to walk and are easy prey for predators. We find the alpha female resting in the shade, with the pups nowhere to be seen. They are probably inside the den, giving their tired mom a well-deserved break.
Text and photography | Heléne Ramackers
For more information or to book a stay, go to simbavati.com.

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travel leisure | lifestyle
ANTARCTICA

From Africa to Antarctica

Visiting the frozen continent is the trip of a lifetime and adventures can begin and end in Cape Town

The view is breathtaking. Almost as far as the eye can see is white. A few dark shapes poke out from what otherwise looks like a glistening carpet. These, as guide Philippe Barthez explains, are nunataks, the tops of mountains rising above an ice field or glacier.

I blink to be sure the strange scene is real. Just a few hours earlier we were in warm, sunny Cape Town. But now, we’re deep in the little-explored interior of Antarctica, so far inland there is almost no life except for the occasional Adélie penguins wandering by.

Thousands of people visit the world’s coldest and driest continent every year, but “about 99%” take a cruise, according to White Desert co-founder Patrick Woodhead. His company flies people down – a trip which takes about 5.5 hours from Cape Town – in an Airbus A340 or business jet between mid-November and early February (summer in Antarctica) to Queen Maud Land. It’s possible to stay a day, a week or longer at one of the three camps they operate in the huge, eternally snow-covered area.

Learning the landscape
Antarctica is not as cold as expected. It’s still a few degrees below zero, but the bright sun reflecting off the dazzling white landscape – which really does seem like vanilla icing on a cake – makes visitors glad of their skiing goggles. At this time of summer, the sun is also always up.

It’s so warm, I’m actually sweating slightly while following guide Philippe across the snow to a nunatak aptly called ‘Cheesegrater’ because its exposed rock is pockmarked with holes. These holes, he says, are formed by small pieces of sand and pebbles being blown in circles by the wind against the rock, drilling into it over thousands upon thousands of years.

We descend into the ‘scoop’ around it, basically a huge dip in the snow created by the sun shining on the rock and melting the snow and ice at the base. The melting has moulded the ice into incredible abstract shapes even Picasso couldn’t come up with.

“Step with purpose!” Philippe calls out, showing how to walk across slippery ice that glows from within the same blue colour as sapphires. Even with metal, spikey crampons attached to the bottom of our boots – boots bought before the trip, along with polar gear like thermal pants and tops, though some equipment like a thick jacket and warm Baffin boots has been provided – it’s a challenge to remain upright without falling over.

Small, moss-like lichen grows on some of the rocks. It’s amazing that anything can grow here, and we take care not to step on it so as not to disturb the delicate ecosystem. It’s also incredible to see so many brown polar skua seabirds flying overhead. They soar, swoop and dive, making us envious about how spectacular the scenery must look from their high vantage point.

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Walking up to Shark Fin nunatak after drive.

Incredible experiences
Hiking is one of many activities to choose from. There’s also cross-country skiing, riding orange ‘fat’ bikes with studded tyres and much more.

Among the most thrilling moments comes during the first full day of what’s supposed to be a week-long visit. We trek past skyscraper-sized ice walls to climb another nunatak called ‘Snowbird’. The air is so crisp and dry it feels like I can bite into it like an apple.

We reach a ledge and I’m attached to a thick rope connected to the rock and held by Fred, another guide whose preternatural strength reminds me of a rugby player or gorilla. I’m then told to jump off the ledge. Abseiling down is perfectly safe, Fred says, adding that he’ll be holding the rope the whole time. But the ground is dozens of metres below. What if the rope breaks or something else happens? “Not possible,” he says.

Heart pounding, I approach the edge. The wind seems to have picked up as I look down. I feel dizzy too, and nauseous. I say a prayer – and step off the ledge.

I scream almost the entire way down. But Fred’s right – nothing happens as I’m gently lowered to the ground. It’s so much fun, so scrambling up the nunatak to do it again is the next move.

Safely ensconced
The camp is called ‘Echo’. Because this isn’t a cruise, there’s no sleeping anywhere but on the ice. But the solar-powered camp is composed of six igloo-like pods with heating, electricity and soft beds, and they even have their own toilets. ‘Roughing it’ this is not, not when you can look out the huge, curved windows while in your pyjamas and not feel cold in the slightest.

The pods are next to a central complex. Inside are showers, which have blissfully hot water. There’s a dining pod, kitchen, bar/lounge area and even a library filled with curios like fossilised shells.

The camp is also proudly South African. Jenna and Sarah, the Capetonian chefs, whip up meals for guests and staff – everything from succulent roast beef and aubergine wraps to fried calamari. They even let me make cheese rolls one morning for everyone – an important part of cultural identity for me as a Kiwi, far from home.

Richard, who makes sure everything stays running by doing things like looking after the solar panels that power the camp and shovelling snow to be melted for water, is from Zimbabwe. Camp manager Caitlin, Samantha the front of house, Brittney and James the camp assistants and Luke the Antarctic operations manager are also South African.

As the days go on, chatting with these people is as rewarding as any of the activities, which is saying something, given that one day I find myself exploring a natural snow cave that seems to go on for several kilometres.

It also becomes easier to see why many guests return from trips as advocates for looking after Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem. As Woodhead says at one point, “There’s adventure out there, and it’s important to foster it.”

After a week here, I am more than ready to do that. I also want to stay.
Text and photography | Ben Mack
For more information, visit white-desert.com.

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travel leisure | lifestyle
CAPE TOWN

Get Goghing!

Country retreat reconnects visitors with nature

In the middle of the COVID lockdown, François and JD arrived at their new home in the mountains. While the pandemic had forced the world to push pause, the concept of slowing down, living a life more removed and just being able to breathe fresh air was something that the couple had been yearning for.

While perhaps in the back of their minds as a retirement project, COVID forced the pair, then working in the world of travel and living in a cramped apartment in Cape Town, to take stock of their lives. They made the bold decision to pack up their lifetime of possessions, their daughter and their dog and embark on a new adventure – a life in the mountains.

Three years on, it’s a life shared with others at Starry Starry Night, their unique country retreat. No one puts it better than François himself: “We believe in a life where we tread gently and live in equilibrium with nature. That we are merely custodians of this land – is our obligation to help heal the planet.”

With this ethos in mind, Starry Starry Night is completely off-grid, sustainably powered through green energy with an environmental focus, from the garden compost bins where guests can collect scraps for the chickens to the vegetable garden where anyone can go and choose spinach, lettuce or beans for their evening salad.

Natural beauty
Located on Route 62, between Montagu and Barrydale, close enough to these towns for convenience yet far away for that middle-of-nowhere feeling, this eco mountain retreat is a place to properly switch off. There are beautiful rivers, natural rock pools and waterfalls to explore; fabulous views to enjoy while indulging in yoga on the deck or sitting in the hot tub; and amazing night skies with minimal light pollution. A stay here can be as action-packed or relaxed as you want it to be.

When it comes to accommodation, there are three options to choose from – the two-bedroom Nova StarDome with its striking geodesic bedroom and spectacular view – and two semi-detached studio-style mountain cottages.

The next time the need to escape and rejuvenate beckons, let the mountains be your haven. This is the perfect place to get away from it all, reconnect with nature and discover real tranquillity.

Text and photography | Janine Avery
To book a stay or for more information, go to starrystarrynight.co.za.

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travel leisure | lifestyle
NAMIBIA

Above and beyond

In a conservation area almost double the size of the UK is a raised sanctuary for mind, body and soul

The day started with a bang – and not in a good way. It was more like a wallop, really, followed by a series of screeches and then whooshing; something falling through the branches. An awful sound, however you describe it, but who’d have imagined murder?

Each morning at Nambwa Tented Lodge, during a first cup of coffee, a shifty-eyed vervet monkey would visit, snooping along the wooden deck, peering into my room to assess its chances of sneaking in undetected. Each morning, though, I’d be watching this reconnaissance manoeuvre from my bed, with a direct view over the tips of my toes, through the open doorway and into the wilderness beyond. I’d hiss and clap my hands and the duly chastened monkey would scarper away, presumably to pester a neighbour.

On that fateful morning, there was no visiting monkey but, instead, a commotion in the high branches – the piercing shrieks of creatures fighting. Then, that terrible whoosh, a plop and a thunk as the small grey monkey hit the deck and bounced over the edge, its lifeless body landing on the ground, metres below.

It was the troop’s alpha male, apparently, and he’d been attacked, whether for food or a female or as part of some other show of dominance or an ancient spat. In the fight, he’d been sent plummeting, his tiny corpse eventually taken in the night by a leopard.

Murderous monkeys aside, Nambwa could not have been more blissful. Even if it was not the silent kind of bliss. All through the night, there were ceaseless noises – lions roaring in the distance, the mad laughter of hyenas that came into camp at night and hippos padding about down below in search of grass to feed on.

The night air perpetually alive with the primordial chorusing of frogs, insects and hooting owls. And, before the sun became a glimmer behind the line of trees and low-rise hills at the far edge of the floodplain, raucous birds demanded that the day begin.

Each morning, I’d listen to this cacophony and then watch as antelopes and warthogs traipsed towards the waterhole in front of Nambwa’s boma, positioned so that you feel as though you’re floating above the plains below.

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High expectations
The lodge is like a safari rendition of something out of Avatar, almost entirely raised on stilts, like a high-rise village with interconnecting boardwalks meandering between its turreted tented suites that sprawl between the branches of majestic trees that loom like leafy sentinels along the edge of the floodplain.
The elevated design is primarily to accommodate the wildlife – elephants in huge numbers frequent the lodge and the height of the platforms means they can move through unimpeded. For guests, it means you can be tucking into breakfast or sundowners while elephant herds bustle underfoot.
“We can have up to 300, sometimes 400 elephants inside camp from July through to the beginning of November, when the first raindrops fall,” says Tinolla Rodgers, who created the camp with her late husband, Dusty Rodgers, who was something of a local legend with close ties to the local community, which owns the Mayuni Conservancy on which the lodge stands.
The conservancy is part of Bwabwata National Park, its 6,274km2 bounded by the Okavango and Kwando rivers, Angola to the north and Botswana just south. It stretches 40km north to south and 190km west to east along what was formerly known as the Caprivi Strip, now the Zambezi Region.
As you drive through this far-flung, wedge-shaped part of Namibia – along the main road between Rundu and Katima Mulilo – you’re aware of a place lost in time. Through the car window, you’ll see homesteads enfolded by grass fences, cows and goats ambling roadside and occasional signs warning of elephants that might, one presumes, cross the highway at any moment. Tinolla calls it Namibia’s “forgotten region” – almost tragically overlooked, perhaps because there are so few humans. “People still walk with buckets on their heads to fetch water,” she said. “They still live in mud huts and it’s very poor.”
But the land is rich with life. Cut through with rivers and floodplains, the Bwabwata savannah is visually similar to the Okavango Delta, with abundant game and astonishing birding and, yet, it remains comparatively unknown – its accommodation price tags significantly lower.

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Voyage venture
It is known among more adventurous travellers – the sort who explore in overland trucks; who carry their own tents and supplies and water in hardy 4x4s. For such travellers, Tinolla also operates Nambwa Campsite, a collection of slick group-size camping grounds with designer shower stalls and solar-generated electricity.
Instead of opulence and ostentatiousness, Nambwa’s brimming with laid-back luxury and warm service. The home-from-home atmosphere combines with a healthy respect for the environment. The whole place feels as though it’s landed lightly upon the earth, its interior design echoing this connection, too, with its neutral palette and homey arrangements of sofas and rugs and chandeliers, locally carved elephant sculptures, mokoros cut in half as display pieces, maps up on the wall and everywhere the knobbly, reptilian bark-skin of ancient trees and pendulous sausage-fruit pods dangling from the boughs of gigantic Kigelias. No wonder the elephants love it.
Few things could be more relaxing than a slow, meandering cruise on Nambwa’s double-decker boat. From the lodge, it is a short walk to the edge of the river, one of the Kwando’s tributaries, which snakes and weaves through a vast wetland labyrinth.
All around us, this watery oasis pulses with life. Red lechwes bounce through the reeds like African reindeer, crocodiles lounge on sandy banks, openbill storks resembling miniature pterodactyls skim the skyline overhead. Cormorants swoop down, hippos surface between the water lilies and dozens of weavers’ nests dangle from the branches slouching along the water’s edge.
There is no agenda other than to find a suitable sundowner spot, which is ultimately chosen for us by a pod of 70-or-so hippos that we find sprawled across the waterway, bringing the cruise to a halt. We sip our G&Ts and watch in awe as these enormous water babies wallow and cavort and yawn as they spread their dung around with their tiny, propeller-like tails. Occasionally, a voluptuous male will bare its gigantic jaws at another or mock charge a rival in a display of territorial bravado.
Then, without warning, the entire pod starts up a chorus of hysterical guffaws, a big hippo-language symphony that means something, but who knows what? To us, it is vintage African bush, the pure sound of miracle and wonder. A more blissful noise I could not imagine…
Text and photography | Keith Bain
For more information or to book a stay, go to africanmonarchlodges.com.

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travel leisure | lifestyle
TRAVEL

Conservation conductors

Taking a guided safari tour can enrich the experience of visiting a wilderness area

Euromonitor International, a leading provider of global business intelligence, market research data and analysis, lists guided tours as one of the fastest-growing travel categories in the world. Guided tours are one of the best ways to learn about places and things from experts who are committed to sharing their intimate knowledge of a topic. It’s a fast and cost-effective way to embrace a new experience.

Exploring the Kruger National Park with a knowledgeable safari guide guarantees an enhanced, more intimate experience. Safari guides are passionate, informed and understand the Kruger and all its nuances. A guide is a connection between the visitor and the wonders of the park. They’re there to bring the magnificence of the landscape, the animals, the birds and the flora to life.

Interesting questions to ask a safari guide are around the daily routines of the animals, what one is likely to see on a night safari versus a day safari and in what way seasonal changes impact the movement of the animals. Many safari guides will also have insightful views on topics like conservation and changing weather patterns and almost all of them have fascinating stories about close encounters with the animals.

Community concern

The safari industry in South Africa is an important economic enabler that creates employment opportunities for hundreds of people from the local communities surrounding the Kruger National Park. As with any economic opportunity, employment in the industry has a knock-on effect, supporting not only those directly engaged but also the livelihoods of their families.

Opting to experience the Kruger National Park with a safari guide is a way of contributing to conservation efforts and research undertakings that are crucial to maintaining the status of the Kruger as a world-class wildlife destination.

Personalisation is always possible, with seasoned safari guides able to curate an experience to match a client’s interests and preferences. Whether it’s nature photography or birdwatching you’re into, or if you’re keen to learn more about trees, a guide can help ensure a more intimate encounter.

What’s more, for those keen to do self-drive safaris, a guided version is a great way to ‘acclimate’ to the park before taking on the thrill of doing it yourself at your own pace. One can view a guided safari as a ‘short course’ on how to best go about your safari, taking the lead from those who do it every day.

Text | Anton Gillis Photography | TUX85
Anton Gillis is the CEO of Kruger Gate Hotel. For more information, got to krugergatehotel.com.

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CULTURE

Scroll Reversal

Losing days by endlessly scrolling on your smartphone? You’re not alone. Perhaps neuroscience can help us beat the urge

According to Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, the average person checks their phone every 12 minutes. For many of us, it’s the first thing we do in the morning and the last thing we do at night. It’s a nagging, persistent compulsion, driven by molecules in our brains. One molecule in particular is usually blamed for this kind of behaviour: dopamine. The neurotransmitter has been nicknamed the ‘feel-good’ molecule due to its role in the brain’s reward system. But it’s not just about pleasure – dopamine receptors in the brain also get a hit with the anticipation of something pleasurable. And that’s what keeps us checking our phones. Mobile games and social media apps are designed to maintain that compulsion.

Anna Lembke is a professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences at Stanford University. She believes that the smartphone is akin to a hypodermic needle, delivering an endless supply of ‘digital dopamine’ to billions of users. “Digital media activates the same part of our brains as drugs and alcohol, releasing dopamine,” says Lembke. “With repeated use, our brains adapt by downregulating dopamine transmission.” Which they can do by shrinking their dopamine receptors. “With enough ongoing exposure, our brains enter a dopamine deficit state, characterised by depression, anxiety, insomnia, irritability and craving. Once that happens, we’re reaching for digital media not as a tool to accomplish a specific task, but to get out of the dopamine deficit state and stop feeling bad.”

Behavioural addictions like compulsive social media use are the subject of much debate. There are some who don’t believe they should be discussed on a par with substance abuse because, while using digital media does increase the release of dopamine, it does so by far lower amounts than cocaine or methamphetamines. Nevertheless, 2023 research from Brown University found that among adolescent girls on TikTok, around half felt addicted to it.

Addicted or not, we spend, on average, four hours a day on our phones. Most of us would probably like to claw some of that time back. So, can we use our knowledge of the brain’s reward system to loosen the smartphone’s grip on us? Possibly…

One idea you may have heard about (on Instagram or TikTok, ironically) is dopamine fasting. It’s a form of meditation or cognitive behavioural therapy, a practice by which you try to limit compulsive urges and change behaviours. The idea is that you consciously cut yourself off from the things you’re overstimulated by – social media, for example – for a short time. Proponents claim that a brief period of abstinence allows them to better engage with the things they actually like while developing a healthier relationship with technology. Critics, however, warn that there’s little evidence to support the claims. Even so, researchers whose work looks at excessive social media use often agree that some kind of digital detox may be a good thing.

“I’m a strong advocate of social media fasting,” says Daria Kuss, a psychiatrist and professor of psychology at Nottingham Trent University. “A weekend of it may help reset behaviours in such a way that the habitual use of social media may be broken.”

“My research shows that spending time with friends and family outside of social media, in the offline world, creates positive emotions, strengthens bonding experiences and feelings of connection,” Kuss says. “Meeting a friend for coffee may therefore be a more positive experience than chatting with them on Messenger.”

VI@panorama.co.za

Ian Taylor is a freelance science writer and the former deputy editor of BBC Science Focus.

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Takeaway advice Start small. If you can’t face deleting the apps you spend too much time on, try hiding your phone in a drawer at certain times of the day.

Savour the crop

Planting herbs improves both your garden and your cooking

Herbs create beauty and aromas in a garden, and you can add those fragrances and flavours to your meals.

Sweet basil does best with morning sun and afternoon shade. Grow it in fertile, well-composted soil that drains well. For lush leaves, water regularly and feed with a liquid feed once a month. Pinch off the white flower heads to prevent plants going to seed. Purple basil and cinnamon basil are also delicious in salads.

Dill grows 1m high and needs full sun and well-composted soil. Don’t plant it with fennel or tomatoes. The fresh leaves are more flavourful than when they’re dried, and dill attracts beneficial insects.

Parsley grows best in fertile soil in sun or semi-shade. It requires consistently moist (but not waterlogged) soil and should be fertilised once a month, as it is a heavy feeder. The tastiest leaves are produced in the first growing season, so regard it as an annual and replace every season.

Mint is available in a number of flavourful varieties. Plants spread quickly and grow in sun or semi-shade. They like plenty of water, but well-drained soil. For bushy, healthy plants, cut back regularly. Check their spread, as they can be invasive.

Origanum is a low-growing, frost-hardy evergreen herb. It does well in full sun, in well-composted soil that drains well. For variety, plant spreading or upright golden origanum and cream-and-green ‘Country Cream’. All varieties are equally flavourful.

Thyme or lemon thyme is a hardy, bushy little perennial that grows in full sun, in ordinary garden soil. Regular picking keeps plants bushy and prevents them from getting woody. Also grow French thyme for culinary use.

Rosemary is one of the best heat-tolerant herbs and thrives in hot, dry conditions. It has needle-like leaves and a woody stem. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, and it can grow quite tall if left to its own devices.

Chives are clump-forming perennials that grow to a height of 50cm, with deep green, onion-like leaves and heads of mauve-pink flowers in summer. Chives grow easily in any soil, in full sun or partial shade, and need regular watering.

Rocket is probably the easiest herb to grow from seed. Both wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) and garden rocket (Eruca sativa) like rich, well-composted, friable soil and plenty of water. Sow directly or into containers, in full sun or semi-shade. Wild rocket, with edible yellow flowers, has a stronger flavour than normal rocket. It can be sown all year round in mild climates and is slower growing than garden rocket, with a garden height of 20cm. Garden rocket can grow up to 60cm. It does better as a cool-season crop because the flavour of the leaves gets stronger as summer progresses and if it flowers.

Rather remove flowering stems. For a longer harvest, sow a small quantity at a time and then succession sow every two to three weeks. Water regularly and feed weekly. Harvest constantly and cut down two to three times during the season.

Lemongrass, an evergreen, is easy to grow, needing rich, well-draining soil and a moderate amount of water. Plant in full sun or morning sun with afternoon shade, and feed at the beginning of spring for optimal growth. This grass comes from the tropics and is not cut out for frost. It will most likely die back over winter but should sprout again in spring. Plants should be cut back in spring to encourage new growth.

The best news? It’s almost impossible to kill in the garden! Lemongrass is seldom affected by pests or diseases, but fungal diseases can be a problem during long rainy spells. The easiest cure for this is to cut the leaves right back and dispose of the affected matter. In the garden, you can use the cut leaves as an insect-repelling mulch around your ornamentals or other veg.

It can be planted with other herbs, especially lemon balm and thyme or mint, and also does well when grown alongside lucerne. If you have a steep bank that needs stabilising, lemongrass could be the answer – it is used for this exact purpose in Asia.

Text | Sean Granger Photography | kay fochtmann

Sean Granger is the General Manager of Granny Mouse Country House & Spa. For more information, go to grannymouse.co.za.

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116-164 The average range of words we use in a conversation. 460°C The average temperature on Venus. 1153 The year in which the oldest restaurant in the world opened in China.
116-164 The average range of words we use in a conversation. 460°C The average temperature on Venus. 1153 The year in which the oldest restaurant in the world opened in China.
travel leisure | lifestyle
FOOD & DRINK

Cocktail safari

Fresh flavours evoke different parts of South Africa
There’s more than one way to travel Cocktail fans can take a journey from bush to beach with recipes that will bring the spirit of adventure into your home.

Sala Beach House: The Sala Genius
Introduce a blend of elderflower, rose syrup and triple sec to elevate a gin and tonic experience.

  • Gin Sala: 45mℓ
  • Triple sec: 20mℓ
  • Lemon juice: 15mℓ
  • Elderflower syrup: 10mℓ
  • Rose syrup: 10mℓ
  • Pink tonic: 200mℓ

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve: My Dear Erica and Bees Knees
The flashes of pink seen flowering on Grootbos in the winter months belong to a truly unique plant – the Erica irregularis. This heath-like plant is local endemic and found nowhere else in the world.

My Dear Erica

  • 2 tots of Grootbos gin
  • 1 tot Tranquility syrup (made from the Grootbos tea)
  • 1 tot lemon juice
  • Teaspoon strawberry liqueur and top up with soda water
  • Garnish with Erica sprig

Bees Knees
Honey is sourced from hives located on the Grootbos Reserve. Its distinctive bitter-sweet fynbos flavour adds an interesting dynamic to this cocktail.

  • 2 tots Grootbos gin
  • 1 ½ tots of honey-infused water
  • 1 tot lemon juice
  • ½ tot orange juice
  • 4 drops Foamee (vegan cocktail foam)

Shake all ingredients together in a shaker and fine strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with dehydrated oranges.

Kruger Shalati: The Kruger Station
Kruger Shalati recently celebrated 100 years since the first tourists visited Kruger using the Selati Bridge.

Buffalo Rum

  • Base: white rum
  • Flavours: Appletiser, cranberry juice and lime juice

Steps:

  1. In a shaker, combine dark rum, Appletiser, cranberry juice and lime juice with ice.
  2. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass over ice.
  3. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a sprig of mint.

Rainbow Rhino

  • Base: vodka
  • Flavours: blue curacao, lemonade and cranberry juice

Steps:

  1. Shake vodka, blue curacao, lemonade and cranberry juice in a shaker with ice and muddle the cherry.
  2. Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
  3. Garnish with a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry.

Lion’s Mane

  • Base: Scotch whisky
  • Flavours: apple liqueur, ginger beer and lemon juice

Steps:

  1. Combine Scotch whisky, apple liqueur and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass over ice.
  3. Top with ginger beer and gently stir.
  4. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

Station Sunset

  • Base: tequila
  • Flavours: orange juice, passion fruit and lime juice

Steps:

  1. In a shaker, combine tequila, orange juice, passion fruit and lime juice with ice.
  2. Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass.
  3. Garnish by placing an orange slice and an edible flower on the rim of the glass.

Full Steam Ahead

  • Base: cranberry
  • Flavours: vodka, gin, triple sec, white rum, strawberry liqueur and lemon juice

Steps:

  1. In a cocktail glass combine vodka, gin, triple sec, white rum, strawberry liqueur and lemon juice.
  2. Garnish with one strawberry.

Text and photography | Supplied
For more information, go to phoenixcollective.world.

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NATURE

Water and wings

Being in the right place for enough time helps photographers capture brilliant images of Africa’s birds
Above: Saddle-bill pool: In the backwaters of Zimbabwe's Mana Pools, a saddle-billed stork trawls up and down a pool, hunting for fish.

Water is life. Wildlife photographer Greg du Toit knows this better than most. The longest he has staked out a waterhole was 16 months, and his recently published memoir Wilderness Dreaming even has him sitting inside a waterhole on the cover.

Africa’s interior is blessed with a wide array of water bodies, ranging from fresh springs to vast freshwater lakes, soda lakes, rivers and wetlands. These places act as magnets for birds. This collection of waterbirds was created by employing a variety of methods, including underground hides, helicopters, boats and old-fashioned stealth.

Text and photography | Greg du Toit

See more of Greg du Toit’s photographs at GDPrints.com and join him on a photo safari at gregdutoit.com.

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Spoonbill dawn: A spoonbill lifts its head while foraging in the warm glow of dawn. My camera records the moment when beads of falling water spill out of its beak (Kafue, Zambia).
Beautiful sunbird: This little female beautiful sunbird hopped down a fallen branch to quench its thirst (South Rift Valley, Kenya).
The early bird: The ubiquitous three-banded plover is synonymous with waterholes in Africa, and in this case, the early bird truly did get the worm (Tuli Block, Botswana).
Pelican in motion: I was standing on the shore of Kenya’s Lake Nakuru when this pelican flew past. The slow shutter speed rendered the blue hues of twilight as the pelican flapped its way through the frame.

“Hitting the gym may yield greater metabolic dividends than cycling or running.”

travel leisure | lifestyle
HEALTH

Up your strength training

In general, the more muscular you are, the higher your resting metabolic rate. That’s why hitting the gym may yield greater metabolic dividends than swimming, cycling or running.

“To a degree, all types of exercise will build muscle,” says Collins. “But clearly you’ll build greater muscle mass if you strength train.”

Lifting weights damages muscle, prompting it to repair and rebuild. Do this consistently and you’ll add muscle mass, which burns through calories during the workout and keeps them smouldering afterwards.

“This is known as the ‘afterburn effect’,” says Collins. “The more technical description is excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). As you recover from high-intensity exercise, you go from creating energy anaerobically [without oxygen present] to aerobically. This ‘aerobic recovery’ involves tapping into swathes of oxygen to facilitate fat burning. Basically, that energy debt you’ve built up through bench presses needs to be paid back and you do that by metabolising fats.” Essentially, your muscles become a metabolic sink, so you slice through the fatty stuff rather than storing it.

MAXIMISE MUSCLE

Strength work becomes even more important as you age. A classic 1977 study revealed that resting metabolic rate gradually declines alongside the loss of muscle mass that begins in your 30s. Since then, further research has corroborated those findings.

A 2007 study showed for men aged between 50 and 80, the number of fibres in the large thigh muscle, the vastus lateralis, decreased by 50%, from 600,000 fibres to 323,000. A key cause is dwindling testosterone levels.

Thankfully, pumping iron is an anabolic activity, generating higher levels of testosterone and, thus, muscle. As for what exercises you should focus on, engaging the major muscle groups elicits the greatest testosterone release for a bigger metabolic hit.

So you should target the gluteus maximus (aka your major buttock muscle) – the largest muscle in your body – which is engaged by exercises such as squats. Remember: it’s always best to start at rock bottom.

VI@panorama.co.za

James Witts is a science writer specialising in health and fitness. His latest book is Riding with the Rocketmen.

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EXECUTIVE BRIEF

A blanc slate

Ken Forrester’s legacy in the South African wine industry is worth celebrating in a milestone year

Historically, the home of chenin blanc is the Loire Valley, a sweeping stretch of medieval castles, enchanting vineyards and a rich sense of history. But the spiritual home of the grape has moved south in recent years to South Africa, and producers across the Cape who’ve taken a once blue-collar grape and spun it into a premium offering.

And much of the inspiration for the dramatic transformation of chenin blanc came from a Johannesburg restaurateur who decided he wanted to make wine.

Ken Forrester arrived in the Cape just as South Africa was undergoing its own dramatic transformation: the apartheid era giving way to democracy and with it much uncertainty as to what the country’s future might hold. But while most people were cautiously eyeing the horizon, Forrester charged cheerfully into the unknown and in his own words “convinced a bank to lend me the money for the most expensive farm I couldn’t afford”.

Few people had any faith in the newest kid on the Winelands block; none at all believed in his grand vision for chenin blanc. Known locally for years as steen – from the Afrikaans word meaning ‘a four-day hangover’ – chenin blanc sat firmly at the bottom end of the quality scale, a rough and ready offering that hadn’t dared to venture beyond its station. Ken thought differently, however, and with trademark understatement, set out to make “the greatest white wine in the world”. Chenin blanc was his grape of choice, and the first version of the wine was made…

And it was awful. Staggeringly, eye-catchingly, teargas-on-the-palate dreadful. But the initial setback only spurred Ken on, and with the guiding hand of acclaimed winemaker Martin Meinert – today looking like a tanned, carefree Michael Douglas – round two struck gold. A London wine writer loved the wine but refused to believe the common chenin blanc grape could have produced something so striking; word quickly spread, and so began the legend of the FMC.

Officially, FMC is Forrester Meinert Chenin; unofficially, it’s Marvellous Chenin, with the ‘F’ a colourful adjective of your choice. Whatever name you lean towards, the wine remains the same: a rich, textured triumph that amplifies both the magnificent fruit and offers a majestic headline act to the seven chenin blancs the Ken Forrester team produce. One of those is chenin as bubbles: Sparklehorse, South Africa’s answer to the crémant of the Loire, an effervescent affirmation of Ken’s obsession with the grape.

This year, 2024, is a special year for Ken Forrester Vineyards, with the 30th vintage of FMC having been harvested on the Stellenbosch estate. In the three decades since, we’ve learnt all manner of lessons, from chenin’s ability to age (the 2003 vintage is still drinking beautifully, 21 years on), to its potential as fine wine, as evidenced by the increasing number of South African examples on top restaurant wine lists around the world. For both Ken and his favourite grape, it’s been quite a journey; happy birthday, Mr Forrester and thank you.

Text | Dan Nicholl
Photography | Ken Forrester Wines

Dan Nicholl is the founder and host of Dan Really Likes Wine. He is a former PICA Magazine Columnist of the Year and has worked on television and radio and in print and online journalism.

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Sweetheart or scammer?

Online dating requires a level of cynicism and awareness at odds with romance and feelings of attraction

Technology has disrupted many aspects of traditional life. When you are sitting at dinner and watching a couple out on a ‘first date’, consider that this may be their first in-person date and that they have been interacting (dating) online for months. According to global data and business intelligence platform Statista, the number of online dating users in South Africa is expected to reach 6.7 million users by 2028.

This is good news for nervous daters. However, people must be aware of a darker side to online dating. There are many romance scams targeting potential victims. According to Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) statistics, the value of romance and business email compromise scams in 2022 was R125 million.

Romance scams originate with the victim being romantically manipulated via online dating websites or apps. Additionally, victims can also be targeted by scammers who are introduced to victims by people the victims believe are friends. Such scams increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic when South Africans felt the impact of being isolated.

However, opening up over internet dating platforms does create a comfort zone where people don’t always do the necessary security checks around who they are interacting with.

Beware of false connections

The modus operandi that scammers use is simple. They become interested in your life and interests while being vague about theirs. Once the trust has been established and romantic emotions have started to develop, scammers typically present their victims with a sad tale intended to pull on the heartstrings. This story is followed by a request for money to help pay for a sick relative’s care or school fees.

It is important to note that romance scams are not the only way people are being swindled out of their money. They are also increasingly used as a gateway to run other scams. Additionally, scammers are running investment scams and business scams using their victims to target their family, friends or co-workers.

How can this be combatted?

Increased vigilance is paramount in online dating. Conduct full background checks, including criminal (police clearance) and identity verification on anyone you are dating to see if their online presence matches the information they gave you. Additionally, suggest an in-person meeting; if they are reluctant or evasive, this should be a major red flag.

These scams are being run by well-funded syndicates that are well trained in the scams they run, so it can be challenging to identify a scam without additional tools.

Text | Nazia Karrim
Photography | Pla2na

Nazia Karrim is Head of Product Development at the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS). Use their Yima scams vulnerability scanner, which is available at yima.org.za.

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travel leisure | lifestyle
HEALTH

Eat to focus

A well-planned diet can have a positive effect on ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly occurring disorders affecting South African children and adolescents, and while it is treated with medication and other interventions, studies show that diet can also influence ADHD symptoms. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Managing the diet of a child with ADHD involves making thoughtful and strategic choices to support overall wellbeing. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, practical improvements can be considered. Ensure your child receives a diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Treats should not replace snacks. Limit processed foods, sugary snacks and carbonated drinks, as these can contribute to rapid energy spikes and crashes if consumed as treats.

Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish like pilchards and smoked salmon, seeds like flaxseeds and chia seeds, and nuts like walnuts. Try delicious, quick smoothie recipes that the child will love, incorporating seeds. Alternatively, cook pilchards pasta, a kid-friendly meal that boosts omega-3 intake. Also include protein in each meal from sources like lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes and nuts. Add chicken strips or nuggets, boiled eggs, yoghurts, nuts and nut butter into their diet in small manageable quantities throughout the day.

Teatime

Limit caffeine intake, as excessive caffeine can contribute to restlessness and affect sleep. There are no clear caffeine recommendations for children and teenagers, so it is recommended that they should not consume caffeine. Ensure your child stays hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day, as dehydration can affect cognitive function. Rooibos tea is caffeine-free. You can add fruits and herbs to it.

Include iron-rich foods like lean meats, beans, lentils and fortified cereals, as iron is important for cognitive function. Incorporate canned red kidney beans in wraps, start the day with a bowl of fortified cereal with milk and a side of fruit, or add lentils to pasta dishes like bolognese. Children with ADHD may struggle to get through large quantities of food, so aim for regular meals and snacks to keep blood sugar levels stable, preventing energy crashes that may affect attention and mood. During mealtimes, offer food before a drink. For example, during breakfast, offer breakfast first, and then, when the child is satisfied, encourage them to have tea.

Text | Mbali Mapholi
Photography | Dragon Images

Mbali Mapholi (@Urbandietitian) is a Laager Tea4Kidz partner dietitian.
For more information, go to joekels.co.za.

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BOOKS

Try and reset

New Zealand Rugby World Cup winner John Kirwan is one of the sporting champions giving input about mental health in new book Champion Thinking.

“Most people in the shower think about the past or the future, and I was no different. So, I decided to spend those three minutes or four minutes in the shower enjoying it for what it is,” Kirwan explained. “I felt the water for the first time and I enjoyed the sensations. That was the first time I had had enjoyment in years.”

By enjoying the feeling of the water on his skin, Kirwan was withdrawing attention from his mind. Anytime you turn your focus to your bodily sensations, you are experiencing reality directly rather than through the conceptual filter of thought. And so that shower gave Kirwan a break from the incessant stream of thinking for a few minutes. Soon after, he began looking for a variety of ways to give his brain a rest. He tried mantra meditation but found that rather than relaxing him, his mind revved up even more. Kirwan felt like a failure as a result, but his psychiatrist, Dr Louise Armstrong, who had been fundamental in helping Kirwan to “accept his illness rather than fighting it”, explained that he had a “ruminating mind”.

In other words, repetitive thinking patterns would loop in his mind, a not unusual phenomenon for most of us, causing him distress. And so, with Armstrong’s encouragement, he sought other ways to allow his mind to disengage and the incessant stream of thoughts to slow. When we spoke, Kirwan explained that he had come to recognise that he was an ‘active relaxer’. Rather than finding peace by sitting in the lotus position, Kirwan found other ways to unwind. Cooking, Kirwan explained, was one of those activities that helped get his mind off the treadmill. He had a plethora of other ways to ‘actively relax’ that he made sure he peppered throughout his days – swimming, going for a walk, surfing, stretching, reading and diaphragmatic breathing, to name just a few. Kirwan also told me that he had taken up playing the guitar during lockdown and sounded “like I was strangling a cat”.

When I interjected to try and reassure him that I was sure he wasn’t that bad, Kirwan quickly replied that it didn’t matter. It wasn’t about judgement – it was simply about finding something you enjoy, that helps you switch off. He shared an analogy to illustrate his point. Imagine you are at work when your computer freezes. You ring the IT department and ask them what to do. What is invariably the first thing they will tell you to do? Turn it off and turn it on again. And the vast majority of times, that one simple act does the trick. The same is true of our brains.

“What’s happened is we get more inputs today than we had in a lifetime one hundred years ago. This whole barrage that our brains have not been taught to cope with,” Kirwan explained. “We’ve got to unplug our computer five or six times a day to make sure we stay balanced because our brains are getting tired.” We live in a world where hustling and ‘the grind’ have become increasingly glorified.

I remember reading one newspaper article at the end of 2022 in which psychiatrists and other experts were asked to share their one daily hack they would recommend to readers to thrive. Every suggestion was about doing something – standing on one leg was one tip that stuck in my mind – rather than simply being. This widespread habit of continually doing, coupled with the propensity people have to reach for their smartphones and start scrolling whenever a quiet moment presents itself – when waiting in a queue, for a train or even while sat on the loo – means our brains are continually ‘on’. And people are not good at recognising the signs that they need to take a step back.

“Stress and anxiety have become the new norm,” Kirwan told me. He pointed out that while we know the symptoms of the common cold – a runny nose and a sore throat for example – people are less adept at recognising the signs of mounting stress. “You take yourself to work and by the time you get home, you want to kill a cat. Or you’re in the car and you end up abusing the person next to you at the lights,” Kirwan said. “And what do we do about that? Nothing. We might have a few drinks on Friday night. And the way our modern world is, it’s not going to slow down. We need to get some tools to get back to thriving rather than just surviving.”

Text | Simon Mundie
Photography | Prostock-studio

Champion Thinking: How To Find Success Without Losing Yourself by Simon Mundie is published by Jonathan Ball and available now. For more information, go to jonathanball.co.za. This excerpt is published by permission.

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136 The number of dance moves used by male flamingoes to woo females. 2m The average length of a Velociraptor, made famous by the Jurassic Park films.
136 The number of dance moves used by male flamingoes to woo females. 2m The average length of a Velociraptor, made famous by the Jurassic Park films.
travel leisure | lifestyle
HEALTH

In touch with troubled teens

Mental health challenges for young people are an ever-mounting concern

The pressures facing today’s generation of adolescents and young adults are taking a toll on their mental health, increasing the risk of drug addiction and suicide. Even in the best of circumstances, adolescence and the transition from childhood to adulthood is a vulnerable phase of development.

For any young person, it can be difficult to adjust to the rapid physical and emotional changes during this time – even without a mental health disorder. Parents, teachers, and caregivers should therefore be alert to signs that could suggest adolescents or teenagers are struggling.

Many older people may remember the challenges faced at school and how shifts in understanding of individual identity impacted their emotional state. On top of this, the current generation of young people still bears the mental health scars of the COVID-19 lockdown.

In the past five years, data suggests that adolescent mental health has been deteriorating worldwide, with high rates of depression, anxiety and trauma-related outcomes, including substance abuse. The prolonged period of social isolation and social distancing during the pandemic could have disrupted aspects of the critical development that takes place during adolescence.

Temptation to experiment with drugs in the context of this mental health pandemic is more likely to be amplified, potentially leading to full-blown substance use disorders, as there is known to be a relationship between addiction and other types of mental health disorders. Many families prefer not to think about teenagers or adolescents taking their own lives and may not realize the full implications of changes in behavior that could indicate mental health concerns.

This is significant, as adolescent suicide is most frequently due to mental illness, and suicide has been documented as the second largest contributor to adolescent mortality.

Keep in touch Young people experiencing anxiety, depression or other ‘unseen’ emotional or psychiatric issues may find it difficult to put what they are going through into words or might feel a sense of shame about speaking up about it to their parents, other adults or their peers.

There is still sometimes, unfortunately, a stigma attached to mental health, and this can result in young people feeling distressed and not seeking help. Families are urged to check in with the younger generation and ask them about how they are coping in a supportive, sensitive way.

In the fast pace of day-to-day life, it is all too easy to lose touch with young people, even if they are living under the same roof. Early detection is key to preventing suicide. Parents need to talk to their children and take notice of them – no matter how busy their schedules are.

Social withdrawal, changes in eating or sleeping patterns and acting out in ways that seem out of character can indicate potential causes for concern. These warning signs suggest the need to seek professional help. A young person talking about death or suicide is even more urgent and should never be ignored, dismissed or punished.

While there are not always noticeable signs of a young person’s suicidal intention, more awareness and less stigma are needed to help adolescents and teenagers find mental health support.

Text | Kavendren Odayar
Photography | TZIDO SUN

Dr Kavendren Odayar is a psychiatrist practicing at Netcare Akeso Gqeberha. For more information, go to akeso.co.za or call the 24-hour crisis line on 0861 435 787.

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Bridging the gap

Affordable and comprehensive occupational health services on offer around the country

Kriel Occupational & Wellness Centre is a 100% black female-owned business that was established in 2008 and is an independent service provider, specializing in medical surveillance and wellness of employees. The company was formed to bridge the gap that existed within the occupational health sector and positions itself within the mining and construction industries.

Vision To render quality, affordable and comprehensive occupational health services to our clients and be the best occupational health service provider in southern Africa.

Mission Kriel Occupational & Wellness Centre sets a benchmark in occupational health services through excellence and quality, ensuring legal compliance for our clients by offering medicals according to clients’ specific legal requirements for medical fitness to work.

Our values Kriel Occupational Health Centre (KOHC) is your solution to being legally compliant with regards to medical screening for fitness to work, travel health and employee wellness. The head of the team is a qualified occupational medical doctor, registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

We are among the few companies countrywide certified and compliant with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015. We are well positioned to provide occupational health services to businesses and mines through our mobile service, which allows us to reach outlying rural communities and businesses throughout southern Africa. What sets us apart from our competitors is that we can tailor a solution to meet specific requirements in occupational health services. KOHC uses technologically advanced medical equipment suitable for accurate testing, results and reporting.

KOHC is compliant in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and mine-related legislation. In addition to dedicated offices in Mpumalanga and Gauteng, we have two mobile clinics that are deployed wherever there is a need.

Our services Our medical surveillance is a planned programme of periodic medical screening for fitness to work, which may include the following: audio, lung function, medical questionnaires, urinalysis, vision screening, physical examinations, chest x-rays and drug abuse tests. The medical screening is risk-based to assist companies in controlling health risks and preventing, detecting and treating occupational diseases.

The types of medical surveillance include: Initial (pre-employment), Periodic (during employment) and Exit (when leaving employment). Digital x-rays (chest and limbs) are available to help with TB/occupational lung disease screening and injury on duty.

Also on offer are wellness campaigns, including screening for HIV, blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and cholesterol; weight management – body mass index (BMI) and health education; travel medicine (yellow fever vaccinations, hepatitis and malaria prevention and travel health consultations); benefit medical examinations (ex-miners and medical examinations for occupational lung diseases and submissions to the Medical Bureau for Occupational Disease and Compensation Commissioner for Occupational Diseases). Additionally, clients can request injury on duty management and assistance with sports medicine – our sports medical team can help with athletes’ medical assessments, treatment of sports injuries and injury rehabilitation.

Management and ownership Director and head of the team, Dr Lindi Mokwena, is a qualified medical doctor. This ensures that KOHC is compliant in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Mine Health and Safety Act and other related legislation.

Social responsibility The Dr Lindi Foundation was launched in 2018 and assists with basic needs for disadvantaged school children and tertiary students, as well as offering benefit medical examinations for ex-miners and practical skills training for graduates.

Text and Photography | Supplied For more information, go to krielhealthcentre.co.za.

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Contact details
Mpumalanga branch:
8 Springbok Single, Kriel (Emalahleni)
National footprint:
Fully equipped mobile clinics with digital x-rays
Telephone: 017 648 3894
Mobile: 082 862 7892
Email: doctor@krielhealthcentre.co.za /
drlindi@drlindifoundation.org.za
Website: krielhealthcentre.co.za

Taste buds, coloured pink in this micrograph of a tongue, send conflicting signals to your brain.
travel leisure | lifestyle
INNOVATION

Your taste buds could be encouraging you to binge eat

New insights into the drivers of appetite could lead to better weight-loss treatments

It’s one of life’s great struggles: resisting the temptation to eat the entire box of doughnuts all at once. Well, it turns out that the secret to appetite control could lie in your sense of taste. That’s according to scientists at the University of California San Francisco, who have discovered that brain cells linked to our taste buds, not our guts, are the first line of defence against binge eating.

This finding could be used to develop weight-loss treatments that work better than semaglutide (a drug marketed as Ozempic or Wegovy).

It’s true that activity in your gut plays a key role in suppressing appetite. Experiments with mice suggest that the stomach and intestines send signals to cerebellar granule cells (CGC) in the brain, which can curb your appetite, but only after tens of minutes.

Another group of brain cells – known as prolactin-releasing hormone (PRLH) cells – linked to your taste buds, can act in just seconds, however.

Stimulated when you sense flavour in your mouth, these cells send two conflicting messages around the brain. One says: “This is good food! Eat more!” while the other says: “Slow down or you’re going to be sick!” It’s the balance between these messages that determines how strong your munchies are.

It’s now hoped that a deeper understanding of this balance and the interaction between PRLH and CGC cells could lead to the development of new weight-loss treatments and drugs.

“This discovery gives us a new framework to understand how we control our eating,” said Dr Zachary Knight, who led the research team. “It was a total surprise that [PRLH] cells were activated by the perception of taste,” added Dr Truong Ly, the study’s lead author. “It shows that there are other components of the appetite-control system that we should be thinking about.”

The new imaging technology developed for this research could also be used to better understand well-known weight suppressors such as semaglutide.

“Now we have a way of teasing apart what’s happening in the brain that makes these drugs work,” Knight said.

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92% The percentage of suicide victims who suffer from mental illness. 4kg The amount of weight gained by students during their time at university, due to poor diets.
92% The percentage of suicide victims who suffer from mental illness. 4kg The amount of weight gained by students during their time at university, due to poor diets.
travel leisure | lifestyle
ENTERTAINMENT

A life worth living

Writer, producer, author and speaker Frank Rautenbach knows what it takes to grab an audience’s attention

Why did you become an actor?

Frank Rautenbach I think it’s more a case of acting finding me. It was not an option as a career choice where I grew up, so I auditioned for TV commercials while studying for my B Com degree in economics and psychology. I needed to pay for my course and modelling and commercials would help with that. I quickly realized that what used to get me into trouble at school was now being looked at like something of an asset – I had the personality and the enthusiasm.

You are also a writer, producer, author and speaker. Tell us a bit more about those different disciplines.

I’ve written a memoir called The Vagabond – Is Your Life Worth Living? Writing a book was interesting because you need to explain everything. You need to create a picture, like a movie in people’s minds, and you require a lot of words for that. Writing a screenplay is the opposite. You want to use fewer words, so the more blank the page, the more space you create for the audience to occupy your story.

The best line I ever heard from a Disney producer was “The world is falling apart, and it’s your job to keep it together”. That’s such an apt description, as producing is a tough and thankless job. Everyone thinks it’s your fault that everything’s gone wrong, but meanwhile, you’re just trying to keep the world together. As a producer, you need to be good at managing relationships and getting people to fly in formation and achieve the one goal you’re all trying to do, which is to make the show happen.

Being a speaker comes naturally to me. I’ve always felt comfortable in front of an audience. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve understood more about the dynamics of speaking and what makes a person good to listen to and what doesn’t. The key factor is that the audience is the hero, and you’re just the guide.

What makes you decide whether to say yes to a role or decline it?

The number one component is believability. Can I play this character? Do I believe this character? Do I believe the story they’re trying to tell? For me, believability is so important. Here’s the key – you lose your audience if they don’t believe the story, and then the project’s a waste of time. If I’m playing a dark character like Jason Hugo in Lioness, I’ll ask myself: does he get his comeuppance? Another important factor is do I agree with it morally. I love exciting roles, action, comedy and drama.

What has been your most challenging role?

Jason in Lioness was challenging because he’s very much against the type of role I would portray. Jason’s calculated and strategic. He’s a dark horse and withholds information, and in his view, he’s not lying, he’s just not telling you the whole truth, only a portion of it. It was quite a stretch to get into that mindset and channel that into the character. He doesn’t get excited or angry – he’s very measured.

And the most joyous character?

Angus Buchan in Faith Like Potatoes. The real Angus has so much heart and a deep love for people.

How do you prepare for the different roles you portray?

By doing some of the things the character will be doing and also doing research. I go through personality structures in psychology, how a character like that thinks and what the behavioral psychology behind the character and his behavior is. I read a lot about why people think what they think. As an actor, you need to find your voice – your own distinctive signature voice.

You and your wife Leigh emigrated to America in 2005 and lived there for more than a decade. What lessons did that experience teach you?

We returned in 2018 as American and South African citizens. What America taught me as a devoted Christian – I had my identity, work and achievements. When your reason for being is in something other than God, it will eat you alive; you’ll become a slave to it. I involuntarily ended up being a cab driver for three years and a janitor for two years, both because I had to put food on the table. This made me take stock of what the purpose of my life is and who was I living for. And when that switch came, it really changed everything, and that’s when I found my voice as an actor. It gave me the freedom to be an actor and do it fearlessly, as opposed to someone who’s a slave to other people’s opinions.

You and Leigh moved to Cape Town in 2018. What do you enjoy most about the lifestyle there?

We live in Cape Town’s northern suburbs and within a small radius of where we live, there are wineries, restaurants, hiking trails and incredible kilometers of beaches. I love the ocean.

Exciting projects on the horizon?

A series called Summertide on M-Net, which is being broadcast for 52 weeks. I host a talk show called Hier Sit Die Manne on Via. And Leigh and I are in talks with Netflix about a new series. Watch this space!

Text | Heléne Ramackers Photography | Courtesy of M-Net For more information, go to instagram.com/frank_rautenbach/.

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travel leisure | lifestyle
ENTERTAINMENT

Balancing
Body Biomes

While we go about our daily lives, our various systems need support to operate at full efficiency

In the labyrinth of our bodies, a bustling ecosystem thrives, composed of intricate biomes that influence not just our physical health but also our mental wellbeing. From the bustling metropolis of the gut microbiome to the protective shield of our skin and the enigmatic realm of our mental biome, each plays a vital role in overall wellness.

Microbial melting pot The gut, often referred to as the ‘second brain’, is home to trillions of microorganisms orchestrating a symphony of processes crucial for digestion, immune function, and even mood regulation. However, modern lifestyles often disrupt this delicate balance, leading to digestive woes, weakened immunity, and mental health issues.

Tip 1: Embrace probiotic powerhouses Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi into your diet. These fermented delights replenish beneficial bacteria in your gut, promoting digestion and bolstering your immune system.

Tip 2: Feed your flora with fibre A diet abundant in fibre acts as fuel for your gut microbiota, encouraging the growth of diverse bacterial species. Load up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to keep gut flora flourishing.

Tip 3: Mindful eating for gut serenity Practice mindful eating to reduce stress on the digestive system. Slow down, savor each bite, and tune into your body’s hunger and fullness cues. By fostering a calm environment, you support optimal digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Guard the glow Our skin, the largest organ in the body, serves as a formidable barrier against external aggressors while harboring a bustling community of microbes known as the skin microbiome. Disruptions in this delicate ecosystem can lead to a myriad of dermatological issues, from acne to eczema.

Tip 1: Cleanse gently, preserve microbial harmony Avoid harsh cleansers that strip away beneficial oils and disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance. Opt for gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers that respect the skin’s microbiome while effectively removing impurities.

Tip 2: Nourish with natural oils Harness the power of botanical oils like jojoba, argan, and rosehip to hydrate and replenish your skin barrier. These natural elixirs lock in moisture without clogging pores, fostering a healthy environment for the skin microbiome to thrive.

Tip 3: Cultivate inner radiance with antioxidants Fuel your skin from within by indulging in antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and nuts. These nutritional powerhouses combat oxidative stress, supporting skin health and vitality from the inside out.

Nurture the mind’s garden Beyond the realms of flesh and bone lies the ethereal landscape of the mental biome, where thoughts bloom and emotions sway. Just as the gut and skin biomes require nurturing, so too does mental wellbeing demand attention and care.

Tip 1: Cultivate mindfulness through meditation Engage in regular meditation to cultivate mindfulness and quiet the cacophony of thoughts. By observing your thoughts without judgment, you foster mental clarity and resilience in the face of stressors.

Tip 2: Prioritize restorative sleep Prioritize quality sleep to rejuvenate your mind and body. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and create a restful sleep environment to ensure deep, restorative slumber.

Tip 3: Cultivate connections, foster joy Nurture meaningful connections with loved ones and engage in activities that bring you joy. Laughter, shared experiences, and acts of kindness bolster your mental resilience and fortify your inner landscape against adversity.

Achieving balance across the different biomes of the body is not merely a pursuit of health but a celebration of vitality in its purest form. By embracing these natural and healthy tips, we make the most of the symbiotic relationship between ourselves and the microbial worlds inside us, nurturing a harmonious equilibrium.

Text | Nicole Sherwin Photography | Yuri A Nicole Sherwin is the founder of Eco Diva Natural superfood skincare. For more information, go to ecodiva.co.za.

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travel leisure | lifestyle
TRAVEL

Prepare to enjoy

Being ready to hit the road makes journeys more satisfying

However exciting it is to explore South Africa, it’s crucial to travel wisely. Prioritising responsible travel practices helps ensure both your safety and the preservation of our natural wonders. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities, relaxing on pristine beaches, or trekking through breathtaking wilderness, there are some useful tips worth keeping in mind.

Before setting off, make sure to update the GPS app on your mobile device. Accurate navigation will help ease your journey, ensuring that you reach your destinations smoothly and efficiently.

Be ready for the weather. South Africa’s climate can be both beautiful and challenging. With hot and dry conditions prevalent in many regions, it’s crucial to take precautions. Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Dress appropriately for outdoor activities, opting for light, breathable clothing and footwear. And most importantly, drink plenty of water! Remember to carry enough water to stay hydrated, especially during outdoor excursions – and avoid drinking water from rivers and streams to prevent the risk of getting sick from contaminated supplies.

Stay safe

South Africa’s coastal areas boast some of the world’s most stunning beaches, many of which proudly hold Blue Flag status. To enjoy these beaches safely, only swim in designated areas patrolled by lifeguards who are trained to ensure your safety. Pay attention to signage and heed warnings about potential hazards such as rip currents. Always exercise caution when swimming, as rip currents can swiftly pull even experienced swimmers out to sea.

Make your safety your top priority. Always keep a close eye on your personal possessions, especially in crowded or ‘touristy’ areas. Store important documents and identification in a secure location at your accommodation. Never share sensitive information such as banking details or PIN codes with strangers or unfamiliar acquaintances. Inform your accommodation provider or a trusted contact of your whereabouts before embarking on any solo excursions. Follow these guidelines to safeguard yourself and your belongings throughout your travels.

Don’t leave finding good accommodation to chance. Book a quality-assured establishment with the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa ahead of time and contribute towards enhancing the tourism industry. Also remember that feedback about such venues helps to keep standards high.

Text | Supplied Photography | ModernNomad For more information, go to shotleft.co.za. Send feedback about Tourism Grading Council of South Africa establishments to feedback@tourismgrading.co.za.

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Flight paths

Here, life is leaving the bare branches of a tree in a wintry Spanish landscape. But it isn’t the last leaves of autumn being dramatically shed; instead, what you’re seeing are starlings taking flight from its boughs.

This isn’t a single photo, but a series of images that have been combined to track the otherwise invisible paths taken by hundreds, if not thousands, of starlings leaving their roosts and clustering in murmurations.

“The resolution allows you to see individual wingbeats in a manner that wouldn’t be possible from more static, traditional photographs,” says ecophysiologist Dr Steve Portugal.

This innovative glimpse into the lives of starlings is the work of Spanish photographer Xavi Bou. He has tried to capture this scene many times, sometimes going years without getting an image. “The sound is really impressive because the birds are very noisy when in the branches,” Bou says. “But just before flying away, they’re in complete silence – after that, it’s just the sound of their wings.”

Photography | Xavi Bou

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20,000 The number of diseases that affect the human body. 2.38 The number of solar eclipses each year.
20,000 The number of diseases that affect the human body. 2.38 The number of solar eclipses each year.
travel leisure | lifestyle
LAW

How to keep secrets

While we go about our daily lives, our various systems need support to operate at full efficiency

South Africa’s Constitution gives every person the right to privacy and requires that legislation be promulgated to implement this right. As a result, the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act of 2013 was drawn up, but it did not come into effect for seven years after its enactment. The primary sections of POPI became law on 1 July 2020. Although POPI is not a labour law per se, it affects employers substantially because employers process a great deal of information of employees and others associated with the employer. The legislators brought this legislation into effect in July 2020 to give employers and other persons time to make their information-processing systems legally compliant. The deadline for compliance was 1 July 2021.

The reason that employers must take time out for POPI is that non-compliance can result in imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to R10 million.

All bases covered For the purposes of POPI, ‘personal information’ is information relating to a living natural person and an existing juristic (subject to legal rights) person that relates to the person’s personal characteristics; views; identity; education; medical, financial, criminal, and employment history; ID number; address; location phone number; online identifier; biometrics; private correspondence; and opinions about the person.

POPI effectively designates every organization as a ‘Responsible Person’ and holds everyone who determines the purpose or means of processing personal information responsible for the legal implementation thereof.

‘Processing of information’ covers a multitude of sins because it means the collection, receipt, recording, storage, updating, use, accessing, dissemination, making available, merging, restriction, and destruction of information.

While the processing of the information available to an employer is still legal in many cases, POPI places extremely heavy restrictions on such processing. The phrase ‘processing of information’ applies to both automated and non-automated record systems and covers everything from collecting, retaining, and provision of information. Every aspect of the employer’s entire information system, policy, procedure, and practice is subject to POPI.

Check the list In summary, the primary conditions for the lawful processing of information include:

  • The entity processing the information must hold itself accountable for legal compliance and must have an information officer.
  • The processing itself must be lawful.
  • The information must be adequate, relevant, and not excessive.
  • If the information relates to a child, consent must have been given.
  • The processing must be necessary and for a specified purpose.
  • The information must be accurate, complete, and not misleading.
  • The records must not be kept longer than necessary.
  • The information must be subject to the requirements of the Promotion of Access to Information (PAI) Act.
  • The records must be kept securely, so that they are not vulnerable to access by unauthorized persons.
  • In addition, the sending of unsolicited marketing communications to persons is heavily restricted.

Text | Ivan Israelstam Photography | Elena Abrazhevich Ivan Israelstam is Chief Executive of Labour Law Management Consulting. Contact him on 011 888 7944 or 082 852 2973, or at ivan@labourlawadvice.co.za. For more information, go to labourlawadvice.co.za.

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business | trade | industry
MANAGEMENT

Culture in company

Working together to keep each other safe lowers overall risk in the workplace

The roar of heavy earthmoving machinery, the shouts of workers at height, the flash of welding arcs, the vast expanse of an open mine – these are the hallmarks of high-risk industries. In these dynamic environments, where even the most mundane task can carry hidden dangers, creating a culture of safety is paramount. How do we move beyond checklists and procedures to effectively embed safety in the hearts and minds of workers?

The answer lies in cultural assessments – powerful tools for understanding risk propensities and driving behavioral change, at every level of the organization. Health and safety are not just about following the rules – they are meant to be a culture that is woven into the fabric of an organization. How can we truly gauge if ‘safety first’ resonates at every level? Through cultural assessments that reveal the unspoken values, beliefs, and attitudes that shape employees’ approach to safety. These assessments move beyond measuring compliance at a surface level to answering critical questions: Are safety policies just boxes to tick or are they actively applied, and do employees feel empowered to speak up about concerns or is silence the norm?

Work through the layers Cultural assessments dig deeper than surveys, utilizing a multi-pronged approach:

  • Employee surveys: Surveys gauge risk propensities at all levels of work, providing insights into individual and collective perceptions of safety.
  • Legal compliance audits: These audits ensure that legal compliance is not just a paper exercise, verifying that policies and procedures translate into concrete actions and behaviors.
  • Safety audits: These assess the overall fiber of the safety climate through on-site visits to observe everyday practices and identify potential hazards and risks.
  • Strategic guideline development: Based on all gathered data, customized action plans are crafted to address specific gaps or weaknesses to cultivate a stronger safety culture.

This comprehensive approach does not just identify; it offers solutions. By identifying areas of strength and weakness, cultural assessments provide the data against which a roadmap for improvement can be defined. Tailored interventions can transform a reactive culture into a proactive, excellent one.

A culture of safety is evidenced by reduced injuries and accidents, as proactive risk identification and behavior change directly translate to fewer incidents, protecting employees and saving lives. When fear of injury is replaced by confidence in a safe environment, employees feel empowered and engaged, which leads to increased productivity and overall well-being – a huge benefit to companies.

Cultural assessments are not just a one-time fix; they are a commitment to continuous improvement. By regularly monitoring and adapting, organizations can ensure that their safety culture remains vibrant and responsive, evolving alongside the ever-changing demands of their industry.

Text | Louise Woodburn Photography | Gorodenkoff Louise Woodburn is GM Risk Solutions at KBC Health & Safety. For more information, go to kbcsafety.com.

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business | trade | industry
MANAGEMENT

Order and objectives

Setting goals in an effective way helps in both professional and personal growth

In today’s world, keeping afloat daily is just about the only thing many people can manage, and mapping a life and career strategy may seem pointless, given all the uncertainty. However, even under the current volatile global and local economic circumstances, there is an argument to be made in favor of crafting goals and sticking to the plan.

Goal setting focuses your mind and provides a clear roadmap. It’s like plotting coordinates on a map before embarking on a journey. In contrast, winging it lacks structure. It’s often haphazard and inefficient. At its core, goal setting is about identifying what truly matters, envisioning a future that excites and motivates and laying down a roadmap to turn that vision into reality.

Whether aspiring to leadership roles in your organization or seeking personal growth through learning a new skill, the essence of goal setting remains the same – it’s about creating a life by design, not by default.

One of the most effective strategies for setting goals is the S.M.A.R.T framework, which ensures that goals are:

  • Specific: Define goals clearly, considering economic constraints and local job markets.
  • Measurable: Quantify progress – whether it’s mastering a new skill or securing a promotion.
  • Achievable: Be realistic. Set goals that fit within the economic fabric of South Africa.
  • Relevant: Align goals with broader life objectives.
  • Time-bound: Deadlines matter.

This approach provides clarity and focus and facilitates tracking progress and adjustments along the way.

Enjoy the journey For goals to be impactful, they must align with a person’s or institution’s core values and long-term vision. This alignment ensures that pursuing goals feels meaningful and fulfilling, unlike a hollow chase for external validation. Professionally, this means setting career goals that resonate with passions and strengths, while personally, it involves pursuing aspirations that enhance well-being and sense of purpose.

The path to achieving goals is seldom linear. Resilience becomes a critical component of successful goal setting. It’s about developing the mental and emotional fortitude to face challenges head-on, learn from failures, and persist in the face of adversity. Cultivating a growth mindset, where challenges are viewed as opportunities for learning, can be incredibly empowering.

Setting up support systems and celebrating small wins are two of the most important components of goal setting. Building a supportive network of mentors, peers, and loved ones can provide the encouragement, advice, and accountability needed to stay on track, not to mention open the door to opportunities. In professional settings, seeking mentors who have navigated similar paths can offer invaluable insights, while in personal endeavors, friends and family can offer the emotional support and motivation needed to persevere.

The journey is as important as the destination itself. Celebrating milestones not only serves as a recognition of effort and progress but also boosts morale and motivation.

Text | Linda Meyer Photography | GaudiLab

Dr. Linda Meyer is Managing Director at IIE Rosebank College. For more information, go to rosebankcollege.co.za.

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Cloud cover forecast

Avoid the potential shocks that come with moving a business onto a remote system

The move to the cloud can be of immense value to an organization, but it requires meticulous planning to avoid shocks while gaining benefits. The cost of cloud can often come as a surprise. Bill shock, says the latest Ofcom report, is a common complaint stemming from limited pricing visibility and cost transparency.

As far back as 2021, Gartner found that 60% of companies through to 2024 would underestimate the infrastructure, services, and consumption rates required for their organizations, resulting in increased costs and reduced return on investment. Companies have been told that their move to the cloud and their total cost of ownership are significantly cheaper than their on-premises solutions of the past. No more load shedding stress, access is ‘always on,’ and solutions are up to date and relevant. However, there are other costs. Ingress and egress charges, for example, add up quickly as data is moved across platforms or out of the cloud. The cost of running applications in the cloud can also be high.

The cloud delivers almost unparalleled flexibility and agility, but with multiple models, approaches, tools, and capabilities, it will only deliver cost benefits if it’s designed properly.

Check the boxes

Ditching bill shock means embracing a slower and meticulous approach to cloud investment and architecture. Is the server the right size? Is the service the right fit? Think, for example, of a house. The business has always been a four-bedroom house using only one of the bedrooms. Now, it’s moving to a more expensive area and wants to keep the four bedrooms in the new house while still only using one. Taking the analogy back to the cloud – this equates to a server running one application on premises while the business only pays for electricity. Move this to the cloud and the costs are higher with a big server the business doesn’t need eating into budgets.

Another box to tick is due diligence. What problem is the business trying to solve with the cloud, and why? The cloud can fundamentally deliver on these expectations, but it needs to be the right size. To further refine any cloud approach, companies should also unpack how they want to use the cloud to benefit their customers. A cloud architecture capable of optimizing for the customer is one that delivers a measurable return on investment.

What about the business units?

Enterprise units have different goals, so understanding how cloud optimizes achieving these goals is key. For example, increased performance costs a business an additional R50,000 a month, but if this increase balances out against the impact felt by the business, then the cost is worth it. It must come down to understanding an organization’s goals and building the best solution for achieving them.

Text | Ashley Bruyns and Stephen Bottger Photography | Sergey Nivens

Ashley Bruyns is Head of Engineering and Stephen Bottger is Executive: Operations at Altron Systems Integration. For more information, go to altronsystemsintegration.co.za.

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RECRUITMENT

Caught out of position

Job seekers need to beware of online scams when seeking work

Many South Africans are seeking a fulfilling career. The task of finding a match can be challenging as scammers find new and sophisticated ways of taking advantage of job seekers. The digital era has revolutionized job hunting, as more people turn to career portals and social media platforms like LinkedIn. While the online job market offers unprecedented access to opportunities, it also opens up avenues for cybercriminals to exploit applicants.

Being vigilant about potential red flags and having a strong grasp of digital security best practices are crucial at the outset of the job search process. Securing your online presence is as important as perfecting your CV. Ensuring a LinkedIn profile and other job-seeking platforms are fortified with strong privacy settings is the first line of defense against potential scams. This includes using strong, unique passwords and being mindful of the personal information that is displayed publicly.

See the signs

A key aspect of a safe job hunt is recognizing warning signs. According to the Skills Development Act, charging a job seeker a fee to be placed in a job is prohibited. Any upfront fee to be represented by a recruiter is also unlawful. There is an increase in the sophistication of scams where deceptive tactics involve replicating job descriptions from legitimate companies, utilizing authentic company logos, and posing as company recruiters. In more elaborate schemes, scammers might create counterfeit websites and profiles, meticulously designed to mimic official company pages.

Offers that promise high rewards for minimal effort, vague job descriptions, or requests for payment to secure an interview are red flags. If an offer or recruiter seems to evade direct questions or pressures you for personal information prematurely, it’s a sign to proceed with caution.

Online job platforms and professional networking sites are not immune to fraudulent activities, as scammers create counterfeit profiles or impersonate legitimate companies. It’s important to scrutinize the profiles of recruiters – check their connections, endorsements, and the consistency of their online presence. In addition, cross-referencing job offers with official company websites can help verify authenticity.

Regardless of an organization’s size, its contact information should be readily available online to allow potential candidates to reach out to a company representative for details about the available position. Conduct research on potential employers and verify job offers through multiple sources. Use LinkedIn’s privacy and security settings effectively to control the visibility of your profile.

Be cautious with the amount and nature of personal information shared during the initial phases of your search. Leave your ID number off your digital CV. Legitimate companies will not ask for financial details for the purposes of a credit check. Never provide your banking login details to anyone or respond to SMS messages that request a one-time pin.

Report suspicious activities or profiles to platform administrators for investigation. Trust your instincts – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Text | Carey van Vlaanderen
Photography | Minerva Studio

Carey van Vlaanderen is CEO of ESET Southern Africa. For more information, go to eset.com.

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TECHNOLOGY

Office transformers

Our digital present is heading towards a considerably more complex future

The roar of heavy earthmoving machinery, the shouts of workers at height, the flash of welding arcs, the vast expanse of an open mine – these are the hallmarks of high-risk industries. In these dynamic environments, where even the most mundane task can carry hidden dangers, creating a culture of safety is paramount. How do we move beyond checklists and procedures to effectively embed safety in the hearts and minds of workers?

The answer lies in cultural assessments – powerful tools for understanding risk propensities and driving behavioral change, at every level of the organization. Health and safety are not just about following the rules – they are meant to be a culture that is woven into the fabric of an organization. How can we truly gauge if ‘safety first’ resonates at every level? Through cultural assessments that reveal the unspoken values, beliefs, and attitudes that shape employees’ approach to safety. These assessments move beyond measuring compliance at a surface level to answering critical questions: Are safety policies just boxes to tick or are they actively applied, and do employees feel empowered to speak up about concerns or is silence the norm?

Work through the layers Cultural assessments dig deeper than surveys, utilizing a multi-pronged approach:

  • Employee surveys: Surveys gauge risk propensities at all levels of work, providing insights into individual and collective perceptions of safety.
  • Legal compliance audits: These audits ensure that legal compliance is not just a paper exercise, verifying that policies and procedures translate into concrete actions and behaviors.
  • Safety audits: These assess the overall fiber of the safety climate through on-site visits to observe everyday practices and identify potential hazards and risks.
  • Strategic guideline development: Based on all gathered data, customized action plans are crafted to address specific gaps or weaknesses to cultivate a stronger safety culture.

This comprehensive approach does not just identify; it offers solutions. By identifying areas of strength and weakness, cultural assessments provide the data against which a roadmap for improvement can be defined. Tailored interventions can transform a reactive culture into a proactive, excellent one.

A culture of safety is evidenced by reduced injuries and accidents, as proactive risk identification and behavior change directly translate to fewer incidents, protecting employees and saving lives. When fear of injury is replaced by confidence in a safe environment, employees feel empowered and engaged, which leads to increased productivity and overall well-being – a huge benefit to companies.

Cultural assessments are not just a one-time fix; they are a commitment to continuous improvement. By regularly monitoring and adapting, organizations can ensure that their safety culture remains vibrant and responsive, evolving alongside the ever-changing demands of their industry.

Text | Louise Woodburn Photography | Gorodenkoff Louise Woodburn is GM Risk Solutions at KBC Health & Safety. For more information, go to kbcsafety.com.

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EDUCATION

Beyond equipping

Children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, need more than just teaching to get the most out of school

From violence and safety concerns to a severe lack of physical resources, such as school libraries and computer labs, the South African education system is faced with several challenges to overcome. There is, however, a deeper issue that needs to be addressed.

“Learners do not exist in a vacuum. As social beings, their attitudes, behaviours, abilities, and success all depend on their social environments and the social contexts they are exposed to. These things cannot be ignored if learners are to truly succeed. The needs of the whole child must be considered, with a holistic approach to education,” says Mahlatse Mabaso of Rays of Hope, an NGO that provides educational support to learners in Alexandra Township.

The modern education system has not evolved much since the early 1900s, from its roots in the US, based on principles introduced by American business magnate John D Rockefeller. According to his approach, the goal of education was to be ‘vocationalism’ – to teach young people the skills necessary to enter the workforce as employees.

“The world is a vastly different place now, compared to when the initial ideas and approaches to education were formed,” says Kerryn Allagappen, writer in the Content, Development and Production Division of Regenesys Business School.

“The issue with the education system at present is that kids are taught that there’s only one way to be successful, and that’s through academia. We need to be able to assess whether you have the knowledge and skills, as well as the capability to use these for your own good and the good of others,” Allagappen continues. “Our understanding now is that education is meant to assist the individual to flourish, which is why there needs to be a focus on emotional, physical and spiritual intelligence.”

The whole picture

For children in Alex, learning isn’t a linear experience. Poverty plays a major role in their lives and impacts their schooling careers. Crime and violence at home or within their communities also influence how they navigate the learning journey. All these social issues combine to create volatile classroom environments that are not conducive to learning.

“We often see worrying instances of violence in children, bringing weapons into school. The problem of gangsterism and the environment in which these children grow up normalise carrying a knife around, even at such a young age. We then see children, at the slightest provocation, pulling knives on their peers or teachers,” says Dr Sibongiseni Kumalo, Academic Dean at Regenesys Business School.

The frustration that learners feel at the circumstances they face in life in general, not just in academia, and their inability to express these feelings in appropriate or healthy ways is what exacerbates many challenges currently faced in schools.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) emerges as an important tool to advance the goal of a more holistic educational environment for learners. SEL teaches learners to find constructive ways to deal with their emotions and frustrations with one another in a respectful manner. Learners gain self-awareness, becoming able to better understand and unpack their thoughts and emotions and develop a higher level of empathy for others.

“Humans are social beings. To be social is to consider the self in the context of others. We all have a purpose, different values and different ways of learning and understanding the world. All these complexities need to be taken into consideration when building educational frameworks for today’s learners. We can’t focus solely on learning when the environment, for instance, is not conducive for this to take place successfully,” says Dr Kumalo.

Integrating SEL into the fabric of South African school curriculums is a better approach to addressing the challenges the education sector faces.

Text | Supplied
Photography | mangpor2004

For more information about Rays of Hope, go to raysofhope.co.za.

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80km The depth at which most earthquakes take place.
80km The depth at which most earthquakes take place.
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SECURITY

Stay out of the breach

Cyber attacks are an ever-shifting field that businesses need to navigate

According to the UN, there are more than two million small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa, representing more than 98% of formal business. The Brenthurst Foundation reports that these SMMEs employ 50-60% of the national labour force and contribute 34% towards GDP. Yet globally, 60% of small businesses close their doors within six months of a cyber attack.

IBM reports that South Africa has the highest global probability of a repeat breach, with 83% of organisations having experienced more than one breach in the 12 months preceding the 2022 study. South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) adds an extra layer of complexity. POPIA has fundamentally changed the way that businesses deal with consumers’ personal information. If a business is hacked and the correct procedures and safeguards aren’t in place, you could get fined by the Information Regulator in addition to the other costs involved with rectifying a cyber-security breach.

This is where many smaller businesses fall foul. Thinking that they don’t store much personal information, they often don’t invest in the best firewalls and protections. SMMEs often don’t have in-house experts to manage these aspects. But their biggest risk lies in a larger organisation with which they have links (such as a bank or a credit bureau) being hacked, which then endangers company info down the line.

Put up fences

Cyber risks for companies have shifted from the lockdown stage when employees were compromising company IT and cyber security while working from home and on unsecured networks. Right now, what’s keeping people up at night is how to defend against AI-driven cyber attacks, which are increasingly sophisticated and have fundamentally changed the game.

There’s no doubt AI is opening up entirely new worlds of efficiency, productivity and creativity. Generative AI tools are automating manual processes, improving customer services through micro-personalisation, and, in some cases, reducing security risks like money laundering and fraud.

The problem is that AI isn’t only available to the good guys. Criminals are manipulating AI for use in ever-smarter cyber attacks. They’re using techniques like data poisoning, where fraudsters manipulate the data that’s used to train a company’s AI to sabotage the company. With adversarial attacks, criminals manipulate an AI system’s input data to force a system to make incorrect decisions. Model theft and tampering involve copying a model, modifying it or inserting malicious code, and then redeploying it back into the company. There are also security risks associated with voice impersonation attacks, where cyber criminals use deepfakes to compromise vulnerable individuals.

It’s not a question of ‘if’ an attack will happen, but ‘when’. And still, Interpol estimates that nine out of 10 African businesses are operating without the necessary cyber-security protocols in place.

Cyber risk – and cyber insurance – are relatively new in the broker world, but both should be taken under urgent consideration.

Text | George Parrott Photography | kirill_makarov

George Parrott is a commercial partner at King Price Insurance. For more information, go to kingprice.co.za.

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EDUCATION

More kindness for kids

Combatting online bullying requires an inclusive approach

Growing audience

Dean McCoubrey, founder of digital skills education company, MySocialLife, and Digital Parenting Club, says the biggest problem is that children on social media are getting younger and younger, while the content they are exposed to is getting harder to control. It’s estimated that a third of children aged seven to nine and half of tweens aged 10 to 12 use social media, despite the 13+ age restrictions on most social media platforms.

Several studies conducted in recent years revealed that South Africa is rated in the top five globally for cyberbullying. McCoubrey says the behaviour is peaking at the age of 13, 14 and 15. “Driving the increase in bullying are power dynamics, fear, insecurity, anxiety or personal exposure to aggressive and dominant behaviours that result in harassment and the invisible erosion of self-esteem.”

Cyberbullying, he adds, is an invisible tormenter, hiding behind screens and evading parents and teachers. “Even friends can miss the signs. Low self-esteem can make children assume they deserve to be bullied or inhibit their ability to recognise it. Tweens and teens also fear retaliation and worry that speaking up will only make things worse.”

McCoubrey says it’s important to understand the root causes of bullying and, in the case of cyberbullying, it’s not so much the devices that are to blame but rather invisible family trauma and deep-seated anxiety and anger that exist within our society and which have been aggravated by socio-economic challenges and a surge of ever-younger online users.

Education, he maintains, needs to address critical life skills like empathy, but in a relatable way, and help children to understand feelings and how to process them. “The best way to address bullying is showing learners the long-term wins of being sharper than the rest online, how to communicate in conflict, how to manage cyberbullying and how to self-regulate.” Esterhuizen agrees, adding that, “Every school day in a learner’s life needs to be impactful and positive. The more tools we can provide our children with to ensure happy and emotionally healthy educational journeys, the better.”

Text | Supplied Photography | SynthEx

For more information, go to schooldays.co.za and mysociallife.com.

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7 seconds The average time it takes food to travel from the mouth to the stomach 2038 & 2094 The years in which seven eclipses will occur.
7 seconds The average time it takes food to travel from the mouth to the stomach 2038 & 2094 The years in which seven eclipses will occur.
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SECURITY

Private eyes

New AI technology will blur the line between what is seen and what is experienced, and consumer privacy may be more at risk than ever

AI-enabled wearables could spark debates about privacy, and the anticipated proliferation of AR and VR is likely to set new standards regarding privacy this year. At the same time, the significance of data breaches containing passwords is expected to diminish as two-factor authentication becomes more prevalent and users enhance privacy with assistant bots.

The privacy field is undergoing a transformative moment due to the emergence of new technologies and evolving regulatory practices. Major events in 2023 in the social, economic and political spheres, as well as new technological trends, were the main factors influencing the privacy landscape in 2024.

While people have embraced devices like smartphones and smart assistants in their homes, wearables, especially those with cameras like smart glasses or AI pins, tend to evoke more suspicion. The overt nature of these devices could genuinely cause privacy-conscious individuals concern, assuming they gain popularity.

Apple’s product launches typically draw public attention, sparking discussions regarding privacy, especially when it comes to technologies that have not been regulated properly yet. With the introduction of Apple Vision Pro and the increasing integration of AR/VR into daily life, privacy concerns are likely to take center stage.

Safe, with support

The growing prevalence of assistant bots utilizing natural language processing (NLP), offers a compelling opportunity to enhance user privacy across diverse sectors. Envision a future where bot assistants play a crucial role in safeguarding personal data, particularly during calls. A sophisticated bot assistant could seamlessly handle user calls, ensuring sensitive information, such as the user’s voice, is protected.

The primary reason for the decline in fears of leaked passwords is the rising prevalence of two-factor authentication where an additional code to confirm your login is sent via SMS or generated in a special authenticator application. Additionally, some services, like Google, already feature “passwordless” authentication via passkeys, while others favor biometric authentication over traditional passwords.

In the era of evolving technologies, the notion of private data must extend beyond traditional boundaries. As the above and other innovations become integral to daily life, the concept of personal data must encompass not only what is willingly shared but also the nuanced interactions and insights these technologies inherently possess.

Text | Supplied Photography | metamorworks For more information, go to kaspersky.co.za.

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MANAGEMENT

Open up about objectives

Bringing a vision down from the C-suite is likely to improve company culture and productivity

The culture of yesteryear was to keep a business’s management team and the rest of the operation’s employees separate. Important information like communicating company performance and future objectives were often kept hidden in boardrooms and not shared with the worker base.

But things have changed, with business leaders feeling more comfortable in sharing their goals and visions, largely because they now see the value in full business alignment. Sharing your business objectives with your team is a crucial aspect of success. Whether you’re running a multinational brand or a small design studio, it’s paramount that a team knows what the business is working towards because, ultimately, this will help them better understand their role in contributing to this success.

Motivate through sharing

Understanding their place in the bigger picture is also highly motivating for employees. There is great power in uniting a team behind a shared vision. This level of empowerment helps employees feel more invested in their work, which in turn leads to increased job satisfaction and engagement. Driven, connected, and collaborative employees are the best recipe for boosting productivity and achieving those all-important business goals.

Motivation by instilling a sense of unity is a powerful tool, helping to align employees with a set of values that they can hold each other to. These are things like doing what they say they’re going to do, prioritizing differing opinions, and finding new ways to learn and grow.

But this can quickly fall flat if a team is not trusted with the overall vision and given the correct tools to make it happen. Collaboration and ownership are the cornerstones to a thriving team culture – and this is something that needs to be worked on consistently. Great, unified teams aren’t created overnight, nor do they stay unified forever without everyone involved putting in the work.

Just like great teams aren’t built in weeks, full business alignment doesn’t happen with the click of a button either. When it comes to communicating goals with employees, the process needs to begin when they enter the business and continue throughout their stay on the team.

Clarity around business goals and objectives isn’t something that should be said once as a box-ticking exercise. Communication of this kind should be built into a company’s culture, so that team members can use these goals to help guide them when making big or hard decisions, particularly in times of uncertainty and ambiguity. Having a clear purpose can improve a team member’s ability to execute and to bravely change direction, and to truly learn to love what they do.

Stay on point

As with anything in life, though, no business, no strategy, and no team is perfect. So, it isn’t uncommon for misalignment to happen. Whether this is as a result of a misunderstanding of business objectives, goals that shift too quickly or don’t make sense, or as a result of an employee simply checking out, misalignment can create a variety of issues for a business.

Particularly in a small business, there can be a noticeable negative impact. From disruption in projects to lack of accountability, low morale, and a negative impact on performance, not being on the same page as a team can be disastrous.

Misalignment is something that a business should seek to nip in the bud as soon as possible. A refresh and reanalysis of the business’s shared vision is recommended, with everyone working to ensure that the common purpose is strong, that the culture is properly collaborative, and that everyone on the team feels involved in setting and reviewing goals.

But it’s not enough to just focus on goals: it’s important for businesses to explain and review their expectations of their teams together with the members of those teams. And, even more importantly, it’s critical that the business creates a provision for regular and constructive feedback, so that if someone isn’t feeling connected, they know they have the opportunity to be coached, mentored, and supported.

Text | Rogan Jansen Photography | Studio Romantic

Rogan Jansen is Creative Director of DashDigital. For more information, go to dashdigital.studio.

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16% The percentage of drownings in which boats and other watercraft were used. 70% The percentage of the body’s glucose burned up by the brain.
16% The percentage of drownings in which boats and other watercraft were used. 70% The percentage of the body’s glucose burned up by the brain.
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EXECUTIVE BRIEF

Armscor – your strategic partner of choice for defence and security solutions

The Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (Armscor) is an acquisition agency for the South African Department of Defence (DOD) and other organs of state and entities. Armscor’s mandate is to provide the armed forces with state-of-the-art defence matériel, delivering innovative defence solutions efficiently and effectively. The organisation manages the strategic capabilities of the DOD, producing research and vanguard technological solutions required to provide safety and security for South Africa, its citizens and the continent.

Armscor’s core businesses

  1. Acquisition

One of Armscor’s core businesses is acquisition. Its key functions include requirements analysis, technology development, the design and development of products and product systems, and the industrialisation and manufacturing of mature products and product systems that fully meet user requirements. It also entails the procurement of existing and qualified products, as well as the acquisition of product system support for user systems during their operational lifetime.

  1. Research and Development

Armscor, through its Research and Development business unit, is able to conduct defence research and scientific research and offers test and evaluation services, technology management, analysis and industrialisation, and intellectual property management services. The organisation has the capability to perform an independent, centralised coordination and management role for technology acquisition and technology commercialisation.

  1. Naval Dockyard

Dockyard provides repair and maintenance services to the SA Navy on various product systems, from tugs and small craft to frigates and submarines. Maintenance and repair services cover both planned and ad-hoc projects. It is one of South Africa’s strategic national capabilities, where the country’s naval defence maintenance, repair and overall capabilities are housed.

For more information, contact:

Corporate Communication Division 370 Nossob Street, Erasmuskloof X4, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa Tel: +27(0)12 428 1911 Email: info@armscor.co.za www.armscor.co.za

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INVESTMENT

Move (cash) with the times

In a year of great economic uncertainty, making the most of what resources you have is more important than ever

Even if South Africa wasn’t going to the polls next month for what are widely expected to be the most closely contested elections in the country’s post-democratic history, 2024 would be a landmark year for the country.

In part, that’s because so many other countries, including some of South Africa’s biggest trade partners, are also holding elections this year. The outcomes of those elections could have a dramatic impact on how these countries view trade with South Africa and could also have a significant impact on the economy.

But there are many other factors at play. Domestically, 2023 was a record year for loadshedding hours, and unless significantly more power is brought onto the grid, power outages will continue to weigh down on the economy. Transnet, meanwhile, continues to be an albatross around the economy’s neck with its neglect of the country’s rail network and ports hampering both imports and exports.

Internationally, South Africa has a delicate diplomatic dance to play. The country has, after all, taken what could be viewed as a controversial stance on two major wars, both times attracting global attention. First, it didn’t side with the West in actively condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Secondly, and probably more notably, it was front and center in accusing Israel of genocide against Gaza in front of the International Court of Justice. In both cases, this involved the country’s leaders clearly expressing their views and publicly demonstrating where their allegiances lie.

These decisions have polarized opinions across the world, and South Africa will be hoping that it wins more fans than critics, increasing investment in the country from those that side with their opinion on these divisive issues. There is, however, a high probability that this could result in a reduction of investment in South Africa. Many countries in the West, with strong economies, directly oppose the views taken by South Africa in these wars and if not handled carefully, the level of investment in South Africa could drop drastically.

All of these factors and more won’t just have a macroeconomic effect either. They’ll also directly impact personal investments and finances. While you can’t change the effects any local or domestic issues have, you can be prepared and mitigate against them.

Even if you’re extremely optimistic about South Africa’s future, it’s important to note that investing at least some money offshore is a sensible financial decision. Just look at the fact that, over the past decade or so, the S&P 500 has outperformed the JSE All-Share Index by a significant margin to see how important having an offshore portfolio is.

Investing offshore also acts as a hedge against a weak rand. Should you choose to stay in South Africa, you’ll likely end up with more money than you would even if local investments were doing well. On the other hand, if you’re thinking of moving overseas at some point, your money can start working for you long before you actually move.

Either way, you’ll want to ensure that you get maximum value from your offshore investments. That means knowing how much you can invest annually and understanding any fees involved.

Plan for the Worst But Expect Better

Understand the value of an exit plan. Even if you’re naturally optimistic and always hope for the best, there’s nothing wrong with planning for the worst. If you need to move countries in a hurry, you want to be able to move as much of your wealth offshore as possible, and you want to be able to do so quickly, with the help of a good international money transfer provider.

None of this is to say that South Africa won’t make it through this difficult time. The country has many robust systems and institutions, particularly in the financial sector. It has also undergone several peaceful changes of government at the municipal and provincial levels. The country’s people have also shown remarkable resilience and innovation in addressing some of its most pressing problems.

Nonetheless, it pays to be prepared. Just as safety experts advise having a change of clothes, toiletries, and a basic first-aid kit in your car in case you get stuck somewhere overnight or injured on the road, it pays to have a plan for your money in any worst-case scenario.

If the past few years have taught the world anything, it’s how quickly things that once seemed certain can evaporate. But those years have also taught us a lot about resilience and focusing on the things we can control.

Text | Harry Scherzer Photography | nullplus Harry Scherzer is CEO of Future Forex. For more information, go to futureforex.co.za.

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6% The percentage of electricity generated from liquid petroleum plants. 4,900 The number of emergency-room pool- and spa-related injuries treated annually.
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SECURITY

Accept less in the short term

Reacting calmly to app limitations can help users keep their data safe

Data fears about limited access imposed on various popular apps remain prevalent, causing users to circumvent the new rules by getting creative. In an era where a vast amount of data is constantly being collected and analyzed, the risks of data breaches, identity theft, and invasions of privacy are more pronounced than ever. So, there is a critical need for users to be proactive about their data security.

In 2023, debates were sparked in several countries, including Brazil, Ireland, and Japan, regarding the restriction of certain popular apps. In the USA, deliberations on restricting access to TikTok resulted in limitations of the Chinese app on government-issued devices in more than half of the states. But customers are not always willing to give up their favorite apps when it comes to popular services. Facing prohibitions, users often resort to alternative means of accessing content, such as installing replacement apps or bootlegged copies.

The imitation downloads used in these scenarios are often poorly developed with nebulous privacy policies, or they violate users’ rights altogether. Additionally, many of these applications tend to disappear after a while for various reasons, including insufficient numbers of users, which means sensitive data might end up in the hands of third parties.

Take your time.

There are a number of facets to consider here. For one thing, there is no need to rush when it comes to installing anything on your devices. Discussions regarding any limitations on an app do not necessarily lead to its prohibition in the long run. Rushing to find an alternative may mean you are putting your information at risk, as these types of apps or pirated copies of services may not care enough about the safety of users’ personal data. Before installing anything unverified on any devices, it’s always worthwhile to weigh up the pros and cons. Official app stores always remain the best and safest option.

Always remember to learn about your privacy rights. A good place to start is to learn more about your country’s legislation governing customer rights and the processing of personal data. For instance, in Great Britain, it’s called The Data Protection Act, which can also be found as a summary for quick familiarization. In South Africa, there is the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act. Then, when reading the privacy policy of the app, it’s important to check if they are respecting users’ rights and whether they are collecting only the data that they are entitled to. Also make sure it’s possible to contact customer services and ask them to delete your personal information.

Data oversharing is never a safe option. It’s always better to minimize the amount of data an app collects about you, as there’s a risk of inadvertent disclosure or misuse of personal data due to insufficient data security measures. Moreover, once personal data is shared, it’s often difficult to control its distribution and use, potentially leading to long-term privacy issues. To prevent such issues, consider limiting access to the photo feed, contacts, and location to the apps that can function without it. This also applies to the microphone: limited access will ensure applications don’t collect personal data while overhearing what you say.

It’s also true that modern security solutions can block apps from accessing personal information, alert users if their phone numbers and other data have been leaked, and warn them if a malicious file has been downloaded. There are also services that help to improve the security of personal data by following simple instructions.

Text | Supplied Photography | iDEAR Replay For information, go to kaspersky.co.za.

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PSST…!

Have a look at the passenger across the aisle, two rows up… Yes, her. Just the person you would like to promote your product or services to, not so? Or him, three rows back?

Contact us for a free,
tailor-made proposal.

Contact – Gill Johnston
gill@panorama.co.za

business | trade | industry
EMPLOYMENT

Unsettling solutions

Youth unemployment and its allied issues can be solved, but some mindset changes are required

If South Africa is going to regain its economic foothold, investment in the youth is necessary. And the primary mechanism for this is skills development. This approach starts with confronting – and acting on – five uncomfortable truths.

Education needs an overhaul

The state of South Africa’s education system, and the ways in which it is succeeding and failing, is a large and complex topic. Many different areas need to be reviewed and some need to be overhauled entirely. The education system isn’t equipping young people with the practical skills they need to succeed once they matriculate. Trades aren’t properly integrated into curriculums, nor are learners provided with the business skills they need to start their own companies. In its current format, educational content often fails learners down the line.

Degrees aren’t essential

Society grants undue status to universities. A university degree, it’s said, is critical for professional success – over and above diplomas or any other kind of qualification. This isn’t the case. And, in the current educational and economic environment, it isn’t viable either. This can’t be a country that depends wholly on university education. Not every learner is ideally suited for university instruction and, even if they were, institutions don’t have the capacity. Instead, learners must be encouraged to pursue alternative tertiary routes. Skills development programmes, learnerships and internships can help young people gain the skills they need to find gainful employment or to start their own businesses.

Entrepreneurship must come first

Most of the world’s most progressive economies are succeeding off the backbone of small and medium enterprises. These businesses are built by entrepreneurs and small business owners who are identifying challenges, developing solutions and employing others as they evolve and grow. The knock-on effect is enormous. Entrepreneurs help to promote economic growth, improve the standard of living and lift individuals, families and communities out of poverty. A culture of entrepreneurship, especially among the youth, needs to be prioritised. And this involves giving them the training necessary to build successful and sustainable companies.

Communities must be prioritised

Skills development is a line item on the BEE scorecard. As a result, it’s often treated as a mere box-ticking exercise. But companies that take skills development seriously and invest in it wisely and consciously see tangible benefits, not only for their businesses, but in terms of their standing within their communities too. By upskilling community members, companies gain access to a skilled and competent workforce with all the relevant training. They also help local residents to become entrepreneurs and establish businesses from which they can then procure services. These activities also help to alleviate communities’ dependence on certain companies or sectors. Skilled employees or entrepreneurs can offer their services more widely and help to grow local economies.

Teamwork is essential

Our future economic success depends on everyone – individuals, the private sector and the government – working together to prioritise skills development. It can’t be seen as a lesser priority, or a nice-to-have item. It needs to be intentional, deliberate and a constant focus. What happens if we acknowledge these truths and act upon them? Firstly, individuals become more self-sustaining. They’re less likely to depend on a system that is battling to serve them and become capable of taking control of their own destinies instead. For companies, it boosts their talent and procurement pools, as well as their social licence to operate. And for a government facing a shrinking tax base and nearly half the population requiring social grants, it offers some relief at last. With more skilled youths and more entrepreneurs in the market, we may finally see the economic needle shift.

Text | Aunyana Moloisane
Photography | marvent

Aunyana Moloisane is the Managing Director of Optimi Workplace. For more information, go to optimiworkplace.co.za.

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business | trade | industry
MINING

The new canaries

Modern technology, properly used, will help keep workers safer underground

Mechanical and technology-based equipment is essential in early detection of hazards, many of which may not be immediately visible or detectable by employees in those workplaces. The history of technology use in mining demonstrates the value of investing in it for such purposes, particularly when seeking to marry increased safety with deeper and more advanced mining methods.

South African mining safety legislation has made strides towards incorporating the use of and reliance on technology – but this does not come without pitfalls. Systems for the identification and warning about pedestrians near trackless mobile machinery or speed limiters on moving machinery are well used and understood, for example.

Practical achievability is an important consideration in ensuring the buy-in of industry and enthusiasm for these changes more generally. The reason for technological advancement and the benefits it may be expected to reap cannot be a justification for the premature promulgation of legislation that renders the law impossible to reasonably comply with.

This is not to say that those laws should be discouraged, but rather that careful consideration be given to the ability of the industry at large to comply with them. There are important and encouraging legal developments that are contemplated, and which should be encouraged, such as the April 2023 draft amendments to regulation Chapter 16 of the regulations to the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA), which contemplate that missing person locator systems be implemented at mines with a significant risk of slope, requiring those mine operators to incorporate this technology into safety and emergency response. This can only be a positive development, assuming industry, including suppliers and manufacturers of the systems, are prepared ahead of any effective date.

Practical and digital

Central to the safe and effective use of technology and AI in safety is the identification of appropriate checks and balances or safeguards. Over-reliance on technology can yield its own risks and present different dangers, which must be factored into risk management. Technology can, and does, fail. The safe use of technology in safety management then requires that the potential failure of that technology be planned for.

One of the greatest impact areas that we see for AI and technology in mine safety is its use and application in training. Virtual reality training can provide employees with realistic training, allow for practical and safe assessment of employees in virtual workspaces and allow for safe crossover between theoretical training and on-the-job application.

With regard to the environment and waste reduction, new technologies are required to improve efficiency of mining by improving ratios of products being mined versus waste being generated and disposed of. Such technologies focus on mechanical cutting, sensor-based ore sorting, diversion of waste at source and so on. Further technological developments could see the introduction of improved extraction technologies to re-mine old waste and dispose of remaining waste on newer and safer waste facilities with a net positive to the environment. This would enhance the role of technology in protecting the environment and sustainable mining.

Innovative progress

As a forecast into the future, AI will significantly alter the way mines approach risk assessments, environmental monitoring, impact predictions and training initiatives. By using digital twins, virtual environments and simulated scenarios, designated officers can identify potential hazards and conduct training exercises without exposing personnel to real-life risks. In addition, to minimize operational downtime and identify unanticipated risks to human lives, maintenance teams may assess and inspect a virtual 3D environment before carrying out physical maintenance. 3D environments will also be valuable in emergency response and rescue situations to enhance environmental and employee safety.

However, the integration of AI and other automated solutions also presents challenges, particularly regarding data integrity. The effectiveness of such technology often lies in the quality, quantity and frequency of the data it relies on. Whether data is collected from manual input or data gained from other technology such as sensors, videos, tracking devices or pressure monitors, there are risks inherent in both methods of data collection that must be catered for.

Text | Kate Collier and Garyn Rapson

Photography | Elizaveta Galitckaia

Kate Collier and Garyn Rapson are Partners at Webber Wentzel. For more information, go to webberwentzel.com.

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sky | café

Flight Schedule

4Z528DurbanGqeberha16:1017:45
4Z521GqeberhaDurban08:1509:40
4Z529GqeberhaDurban18:2519:50
Durban – Mbombela (Nelspruit) – Durban
4Z505DurbanMbombela10:3011:40
4Z506MbombelaDurban14:0015:10
Johannesburg – Bloemfontein – Johannesburg
4Z701JohannesburgBloemfontein06:1507:15
4Z707JohannesburgBloemfontein08:3009:30
4Z703JohannesburgBloemfontein09:1510:15
4Z711JohannesburgBloemfontein12:2513:25
4Z709JohannesburgBloemfontein14:0015:00
4Z705JohannesburgBloemfontein17:1018:10
4Z702BloemfonteinJohannesburg07:4508:45
4Z708BloemfonteinJohannesburg10:0011:00
4Z704BloemfonteinJohannesburg10:4511:45
4Z712BloemfonteinJohannesburg13:5514:55
4Z710BloemfonteinJohannesburg15:2516:25
4Z706BloemfonteinJohannesburg18:4019:40
Johannesburg – Cape Town – Johannesburg
4Z921JohannesburgCape Town06:1508:30
4Z927JohannesburgCape Town10:2512:40
4Z923JohannesburgCape Town12:1514:30
4Z931JohannesburgCape Town15:0517:20
4Z929JohannesburgCape Town17:5520:05
4Z925JohannesburgCape Town18:4020:50
4Z937JohannesburgCape Town20:2522:40
4Z926Cape TownJohannesburg06:0508:10
4Z920Cape TownJohannesburg06:5008:55
4Z922Cape TownJohannesburg09:2011:25
4Z928Cape TownJohannesburg14:0016:05
4Z924Cape TownJohannesburg15:2017:25
4Z932Cape TownJohannesburg18:0520:10
4Z930Cape TownJohannesburg18:4020:45
Johannesburg – Durban – Johannesburg
4Z553JohannesburgDurban09:3510:40
4Z569JohannesburgDurban17:3518:45
4Z552DurbanJohannesburg06:3007:40
4Z554DurbanJohannesburg11:1512:25
Johannesburg – East London – Johannesburg
4Z913JohannesburgEast London06:2007:50
4Z915JohannesburgEast London10:3012:00
4Z917JohannesburgEast London16:1517:45
4Z914East LondonJohannesburg08:2009:55
4Z916East LondonJohannesburg12:3514:10
4Z918East LondonJohannesburg18:1519:50
Johannesburg – George – Johannesburg
4Z693JohannesburgGeorge11:4513:45
4Z695JohannesburgGeorge16:3018:30
4Z694GeorgeJohannesburg14:2016:05
4Z696GeorgeJohannesburg19:0520:50
Johannesburg – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) – Johannesburg
4Z793JohannesburgGqeberha06:0007:45
4Z797JohannesburgGqeberha10:1011:55
4Z789JohannesburgGqeberha13:2015:05
4Z785JohannesburgGqeberha15:5517:40
4Z795JohannesburgGqeberha17:1519:00
4Z799JohannesburgGqeberha18:1520:00
4Z792GqeberhaJohannesburg06:3508:10
4Z794GqeberhaJohannesburg08:2009:55
4Z798GqeberhaJohannesburg12:4014:15
4Z790GqeberhaJohannesburg15:4517:20
4Z786GqeberhaJohannesburg18:2019:55
4Z796GqeberhaJohannesburg19:4021:15
Johannesburg – Hoedspruit- Johannesburg
4Z871JohannesburgHoedspruit10:3011:25
4Z873JohannesburgHoedspruit12:5013:45
4Z872HoedspruitJohannesburg12:0513:10
4Z874HoedspruitJohannesburg14:2015:25
Johannesburg – Kimberley – Johannesburg
4Z721JohannesburgKimberley07:0008:10
4Z723JohannesburgKimberley09:1510:25
4Z727JohannesburgKimberley16:1517:15
4Z722KimberleyJohannesburg08:4009:35
4Z724KimberleyJohannesburg10:5511:50
4Z728KimberleyJohannesburg17:5518:50
Johannesburg – Mbombela (Nelspruit) – Johannesburg
4Z823JohannesburgMbombela07:0007:55
4Z829JohannesburgMbombela10:0511:00
4Z827JohannesburgMbombela10:2511:20
4Z841JohannesburgMbombela11:0512:00
4Z839JohannesburgMbombela15:4016:35
4Z845JohannesburgMbombela16:1017:05
4Z847JohannesburgMbombela17:1518:10
4Z837JohannesburgMbombela18:1019:05
4Z838MbombelaJohannesburg06:5507:50
4Z824MbombelaJohannesburg08:2009:15
4Z840MbombelaJohannesburg10:4511:40
4Z828MbombelaJohannesburg11:5012:45
4Z842MbombelaJohannesburg12:4513:40
4Z822MbombelaJohannesburg16:1517:10
4Z846MbombelaJohannesburg17:3018:25
4Z848MbombelaJohannesburg18:3519:30
Johannesburg – Mthatha- Johannesburg
4Z751JohannesburgMthatha06:1507:35
4Z757JohannesburgMthatha12:3013:50
4Z755JohannesburgMthatha16:1517:35
4Z752MthathaJohannesburg08:0009:20
4Z758MthathaJohannesburg14:1515:35
4Z756MthathaJohannesburg18:0019:20
Johannesburg – Pietermaritzburg- Johannesburg
4Z733JohannesburgPietermaritzburg06:5007:55
4Z735JohannesburgPietermaritzburg12:3513:40
4Z743JohannesburgPietermaritzburg16:3517:40
4Z739JohannesburgPietermaritzburg18:3019:35
4Z730PietermaritzburgJohannesburg06:4507:45
4Z732PietermaritzburgJohannesburg07:0008:05
4Z734PietermaritzburgJohannesburg08:3009:35
4Z736PietermaritzburgJohannesburg14:0515:10
4Z744PietermaritzburgJohannesburg18:1019:15
Johannesburg – Polokwane – Johannesburg
4Z801JohannesburgPolokwane06:2007:15
4Z803JohannesburgPolokwane09:2010:15
4Z813JohannesburgPolokwane13:0514:00
4Z815JohannesburgPolokwane16:2017:15
4Z802PolokwaneJohannesburg07:4008:35
4Z804PolokwaneJohannesburg10:4511:40
4Z814PolokwaneJohannesburg14:2515:20
4Z816PolokwaneJohannesburg17:4518:40
Johannesburg – Richards Bay – Johannesburg
4Z881JohannesburgRichards Bay06:1507:25
4Z883JohannesburgRichards Bay10:3511:45
4Z885JohannesburgRichards Bay16:0017:10
4Z882Richards BayJohannesburg08:0509:15
4Z884Richards BayJohannesburg12:2513:55
4Z886Richards BayJohannesburg17:5019:00
Johannesburg – Sishen – Johannesburg
4Z771JohannesburgSishen06:3007:45
4Z779JohannesburgSishen15:3016:45
4Z772SishenJohannesburg08:1509:30
4Z780SishenJohannesburg17:1518:30
Johannesburg – Skukuza- Johannesburg
4Z861JohannesburgSkukuza10:0511:05
4Z865JohannesburgSkukuza13:0514:05
4Z862SkukuzaJohannesburg13:3514:40
4Z866SkukuzaJohannesburg14:3515:40
Johannesburg – Upington- Johannesburg
4Z761JohannesburgUpington07:0508:40
4Z763JohannesburgUpington10:3512:10
4Z769JohannesburgUpington15:4517:15
4Z762UpingtonJohannesburg09:1010:30
4Z764UpingtonJohannesburg12:4014:00
4Z770UpingtonJohannesburg17:4519:05
Cape Town – Harare – Cape Town
4Z382Cape TownHarare10:3013:40
4Z383HarareCape Town14:3017:50
Cape Town – Maputo – Cape Townn
4Z489Cape TownMaputo17:1019:40
4Z490MaputoCape Town06:1009:00
Cape Town – Maun – Cape Town
4Z314Cape TownMaun10:3513:10
4Z315MaunCape Town13:4016:20
Cape Town – Victoria Falls – Cape Town
4Z390Cape TownVictoria Falls09:4512:40
4Z391Victoria FallsCape Town13:1516:30
Cape Town – Walvisbay – Cape Town
4Z341Cape TownWalvisbay09:5512:10
4Z348Cape TownWalvisbay12:5015:05
4Z343Cape TownWalvisbay14:0016:15
4Z342WalvisbayCape Town12:5515:00
4Z349WalvisbayCape Town15:4517:50
4Z344WalvisbayCape Town16:5519:00
Cape Town – Windhoek – Cape Town
4Z320Cape TownWindhoek07:0009:10
4Z326Cape TownWindhoek10:4512:55
4Z328Cape TownWindhoek18:1520:25
4Z329WindhoekCape Town07:0509:10
4Z321WindhoekCape Town09:5011:55
4Z327WindhoekCape Town13:4515:50
Durban – Harare – Durban
4Z410DurbanHarare10:3012:40
4Z411HarareDurban13:2015:35
Johannesburg – Antananarivo – Johannesburg
4Z252JohannesburgAntananarivo10:0014:00
4Z253AntananarivoJohannesburg15:0017:20
Johannesburg – Beira – Johannesburg
4Z214JohannesburgBeira10:4512:25
4Z215BeiraJohannesburg12:5514:55
Johannesburg – Blantyre – Johannesburg
4Z450JohannesburgBlantyre11:2013:25
4Z451BlantyreJohannesburg14:1016:35
Johannesburg – Bulawayo – Johannesburg
4Z110JohannesburgBulawayo10:3011:50
4Z114JohannesburgBulawayo14:2515:45
4Z111BulawayoJohannesburg12:3513:55
4Z115BulawayoJohannesburg16:2017:45
Johannesburg – Dar es Salaam – Johannesburg
4Z032JohannesburgDar es Salaam08:3513:05
4Z036JohannesburgDar es Salaam22:0002:30
4Z037Dar es SalaamJohannesburg03:2506:10
4Z033Dar es SalaamJohannesburg13:4516:30
Johannesburg – Gaborone – Johannesburg
4Z172JohannesburgGaborone06:2007:15
4Z174JohannesburgGaborone09:1510:10
4Z176JohannesburgGaborone11:0011:55
4Z180JohannesburgGaborone15:2516:20
4Z178JohannesburgGaborone17:0017:55
4Z173GaboroneJohannesburg07:4508:40
4Z175GaboroneJohannesburg10:4011:35
4Z177GaboroneJohannesburg12:2513:20
4Z181GaboroneJohannesburg16:5017:45
4Z179GaboroneJohannesburg18:2519:20
Johannesburg – Harare – Johannesburg
4Z100JohannesburgHarare06:2008:05
4Z098JohannesburgHarare08:4510:30
4Z104JohannesburgHarare10:5512:40
4Z106JohannesburgHarare14:4016:25
4Z102JohannesburgHarare16:1017:55
4Z108JohannesburgHarare18:4520:30
4Z109HarareJohannesburg07:1008:55
4Z101HarareJohannesburg08:5010:35
4Z099HarareJohannesburg11:2513:10
4Z105HarareJohannesburg13:3015:15
4Z107HarareJohannesburg17:0518:50
4Z103HarareJohannesburg18:4020:25
Johannesburg – Kasane – Johannesburg
4Z306JohannesburgKasane11:5013:35
4Z307KasaneJohannesburg14:0515:55
Johannesburg – Lilongwe – Johannesburg
4Z460JohannesburgLilongwe10:5013:10
4Z461LilongweJohannesburg13:5016:20
Johannesburg – Livingstone – Johannesburg
4Z482JohannesburgLivingstone11:0012:45
4Z483LivingstoneJohannesburg13:2515:10
Johannesburg – Luanda- Johannesburg
4Z44JohannesburgLuanda09:4012:30
4Z45LuandaJohannesburg13:2517:50
Johannesburg – Lubumbashi – Johannesburg
4Z021JohannesburgLubumbashi10:2512:55
4Z022LubumbashiJohannesburg13:5516:25
Johannesburg – Lusaka – Johannesburg
4Z160JohannesburgLusaka06:1508:15
4Z162JohannesburgLusaka11:3013:30
4Z164JohannesburgLusaka16:3518:35
4Z161LusakaJohannesburg08:5011:05
4Z163LusakaJohannesburg14:1516:30
4Z165LusakaJohannesburg19:0521:20
Johannesburg – Maputo – Johannesburg
4Z270JohannesburgMaputo06:1507:15
4Z272JohannesburgMaputo13:5514:55
4Z274JohannesburgMaputo17:1018:10
4Z271MaputoJohannesburg07:5509:10
4Z273MaputoJohannesburg15:3516:50
4Z275MaputoJohannesburg18:5020:05
Johannesburg – Maseru – Johannesburg
4Z050JohannesburgMaseru06:4007:40
4Z052JohannesburgMaseru09:5010:50
4Z062JohannesburgMaseru15:0016:00
4Z051MaseruJohannesburg08:1009:15
4Z053MaseruJohannesburg11:1512:20
4Z063MaseruJohannesburg16:2517:30
Johannesburg – Maun – Johannesburg
4Z300JohannesburgMaun12:0513:45
4Z301MaunJohannesburg14:3016:10
Johannesburg – Nairobi – Johannesburg
4Z070JohannesburgNairobi09:4014:40
4Z071NairobiJohannesburg15:3018:40
Johannesburg – Nampula – Johannesburg
4Z230JohannesburgNampula10:3013:00
4Z231NampulaJohannesburg13:3516:30
Johannesburg – Nosy Be – Johannesburg
4Z246JohannesburgNosy Be09:1013:40
4Z247Nosy BeJohannesburg14:2517:10
Johannesburg – Ndola – Johannesburg
4Z150JohannesburgNdola10:1512:35
4Z151NdolaJohannesburg13:2015:45
Johannesburg – Pemba – Johannesburg
4Z204JohannesburgPemba11:3014:20
4Z205PembaJohannesburg14:5018:10
Johannesburg – St Helena – Johannesburg
4Z131JohannesburgSt Helena09:0013:25
4Z132St HelenaJohannesburg14:3021:15
Johannesburg – Sikhuphe – Johannesburg
4Z080JohannesburgSikhuphe06:5007:40
4Z082JohannesburgSikhuphe10:0010:50
4Z084JohannesburgSikhuphe13:1014:00
4Z086JohannesburgSikhuphe16:2017:10
4Z081SikhupheJohannesburg08:1009:15
4Z083SikhupheJohannesburg11:2012:25
4Z085SikhupheJohannesburg14:3015:35
4Z087SikhupheJohannesburg17:4018:45
Johannesburg – Tete – Johannesburg
4Z220JohannesburgTete10:3512:35
4Z221TeteJohannesburg13:1515:25
Johannesburg – Victoria Falls – Johannesburg
4Z494JohannesburgVictoria Falls11:3513:20
4Z495Victoria FallsJohannesburg14:0015:45
Johannesburg – Vilanculos – Johannesburg
4Z260JohannesburgVilanculos11:1512:50
4Z262JohannesburgVilanculos14:1515:45
4Z261VilanculosJohannesburg13:3015:15
4Z263VilanculosJohannesburg16:1518:00
Johannesburg – Walvis bay – Johannesburg
4Z141JohannesburgWalvis bay10:2012:55
4Z142Walvis bayJohannesburg13:4015:45
Johannesburg – Windhoek – Johannesburg
4Z120JohannesburgWindhoek06:3008:40
4Z124JohannesburgWindhoek10:4012:50
4Z126JohannesburgWindhoek15:1517:25
4Z128JohannesburgWindhoek17:3519:45
4Z129WindhoekJohannesburg07:1009:00
4Z121WindhoekJohannesburg09:2011:10
4Z125WindhoekJohannesburg13:3515:25
4Z127WindhoekJohannesburg18:1020:00
Mbombela (Nelspruit) – Livingstone – Mbombela (Nelspruit)
4Z470MbombelaLivingstone11:3513:30
4Z471LivingstoneMbombela14:0015:40
Mbombela (Nelspruit) – Victoria Falls – Mbombela (Nelspruit)
4Z476MbombelaVictoria Falls11:3513:25
4Z477Victoria FallsMbombela14:0015:40
Eros – Ondangwa – Eros
WV*4Z8505ErosOndangwa07:3008:30
WV*4Z8595ErosOndangwa16:0017:00
WV*4Z8506OndangwaEros09:1010:10
WV*4Z8596OndangwaEros17:4018:40
Eros – Oranjemund – Eros
WV*4Z8507ErosOranjemund07:0008:15
WV*4Z8508OranjemundEros13:1514:30
Eros – Katima Mulilo – Eros
WV*4Z8537ErosKatima Mulilo11:0012:30
WV*4Z8538Katima MuliloEros13:1014:40
Eros – Luderitz – Eros
WV*4Z8542ErosLuderitz07:1508:15
WV*4Z8541LuderitzEros13:3014:30
Windhoek – Maun – Windhoek (eff 03 Jul)
WV*4Z8137WindhoekMuan10:1511:15
WV*4Z8138MaunWindhoek12:1513:15
Windhoek – Victoria Falls – Windhoek (eff 04 April 2024)
WV*4Z8135WindhoekVictoria Falls10:1511:45
WV*4Z8136Victoria FallsWindhoek12:4514:15

Previous and new livery

For now, Airlink can be recognized by both its previous and its new livery as all their 60 aircraft in the fleet are repainted over the upcoming months. When you spot the new Airlink tail, share your image and tag #FlyAirlink.

Duty | free

Exclusive gifts for you

Affordable luxury shopping from the comfort of your seat. In addition to offering our passengers a warm, friendly in-flight experience, we aim to provide a range of duty free products at competitive prices, Airlink Skyshoppe connects you to a world of international brands. Now available inflight on selected international routes. Spoil yourself or a loved this month. Ask your cabin crew for more details and purchase on board.

HARRY LIME

Interchangeable Dial Smartwatch
ZAR 1,975
WM372

Meet Harry Lime, the smartwatch putting a twist on time. Stand out with this heritage-inspired aluminium bezel, framing a generous touch-screen display offering an incredible range of signature dials. Or, if you prefer, personalise yourwatch with a photo from your smartphone album. Soft silicone strap. Charger. Gift-boxed. Two-year guarantee.

FEATURES INCLUDE: • Call alerts • Read messages • E-mails and social alerts straight to your wrist • A range of health benefits– heart rate monitor, step-counter and multiple sports activity-tracking • Free downloadable Harry Lime app to set your goals and keep motivated

MONTBLANC

Explorer
Eau de Parfum 100mℓ
ZAR 1,595
FOR HIM
FG016 T WOODY – AROMATIC
Explorer takes you on an unforgettable journey to virgin territories with an unconventional woody, aromatic leather fragrance. Get ready to discover new horizons!

GIORGIO ARMANI

My Way
Eau de Parfum 50mℓ
ZAR 1,850
FOR HER
FF379
CITRUS – FLORAL
Discover My Way, the new feminine fragrance by Giorgio Armani. My Way is an invitation to broaden your horizons and have meaningful encounters around the world. A bright white floral bouquet is encapsulated in a talisman bottle, a metaphor for the world.

AMARULA Cream

ZAR 200
TRAVEL EXCLUSIVE
LR356

Amarula is authentically African, made from the uncultivated, sunripened, hand-harvested organic fruit of the sacred marula tree. This is blended with exotic ingredients to create distinctive and unique tastes for all to enjoy on any occasion. The original cream liqueur, made from the delicious marula fruit of sub-Equatorial Africa, the marula spirit is distilled and aged in French oak for two years. It’s then blended with our velvety cream to create the smooth taste of Amarula – best savoured over ice, preferably with a view! TASTING NOTES: Fresh, smooth and well-rounded. Full, creamy taste with hints of exotic marula fruit, both in the mouth and in the delicious after-taste.

travel leisure | lifestyle
RECIPES

Gourmet pancakes with brandied berries

Dress up an old breakfast favourite with a touch of creativity

The pancake has a long history, featured in cookbooks as far back as 1439. Their beauty is their versatility. For those whose penchant is for something sweet, they can be sprinkled with a mix of caster sugar and powdered cinnamon or filled with fruit or ice cream. Others with a savory palate prefer their pancakes stuffed with cheese, savory mince, bacon, chicken, or veggies.

Method:

1. Mix together the eggs, milk, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, oil, and vanilla essence.
2. Sieve all the dry ingredients and blend with the wet mixture in a mixing bowl with a whisk until a smooth, thick batter is achieved.
3. Pour a ladle full of batter into a non-stick frying pan and cook until golden brown, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side. Stack the pancakes and allow to cool.

Method: Pastry cream filling

1. Cream the egg yolks, sugar, and flour together till smooth.
2. Heat the milk in a saucepan to a simmer and temper by adding a steady stream of the heated milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly until combined.
3. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until thick and the flour has been cooked out. Whisk in the vanilla essence. Allow the filling to cool before spreading onto the pancakes.

Method: Brandied berries

1. Place all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil, reduce the heat and allow the mixture to thicken slightly. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Assembly:

Place a sheet of plastic wrap on a work surface large enough to form a rectangle. Place the cooled pancakes down, slightly overlapping on the sides to form a rectangle. Spread a thin layer of the pastry cream filling over the pancakes. Roll up the pancakes, making use of the plastic wrap to form a cylinder. Once rolled, wrap it tightly with the plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Sprinkle caster sugar on top of the roulade and brûlée with a blow torch before cutting it into 2cm-thick slices. Serve two slices per person with a heaped tablespoon of the brandied berries.

Ingredients:

– 2 eggs
– 250mℓ milk
– 250mℓ water
– 5mℓ lemon juice
– Grated lemon zest of 1 lemon
– 60mℓ vegetable oil
– 5mℓ vanilla essence
– 375mℓ cake flour
– 10mℓ baking powder

Pastry cream filling:

– 4 egg yolks
– 150g caster sugar
– 70g cake flour
– 500mℓ full cream milk
– 5mℓ vanilla essence

Brandied berries:

– 250g mixed frozen berries
– 45mℓ caster sugar
– 60mℓ brandy

Text | Bernice Warner

Photography | Supplied

Chef Bernice Warner teaches at Capsicum Culinary Studio’s Nelson Mandela Bay campus. For more information, go to capsicumcooking.com.

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1.3 million The acres of land paved annually. 6.7% The percentage of adults who live with major depression.
1.3 million The acres of land paved annually. 6.7% The percentage of adults who live with major depression.
travel leisure | lifestyle
REVIEWS

Reviews

Media

This issue: Strangers, stars, books and boundaries

To Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell has become a household name for his positioning of social science and trends in associated areas in the middle of the literary mainstream. He does that by identifying a moment or event and analyzing it in terms of the possible drivers behind whatever behaviors played out in that moment. “Talking To Strangers” begins with a description of the needless interrogation and arrest of a young black woman by a white American traffic officer. The roles that trust – of other people, of roles themselves, of authority – played in that incident and how they might apply to readers of this text set the foundation for a much wider-ranging examination of human interactions at all levels of familiarity.

Gladwell considers the counter-intuitive necessity of being gullible – to generally expect the best of people – in order to make it through the bulk of what it takes to be in a relationship with others at any level. And he looks at the unavoidable dangers of doing so, highlighting some of the sad results of such decisions. It’s a fascinating, thoroughly readable narrative that provides insight into everyday psychology. And just as interestingly, it probably won’t change the way you choose to react to many people, as social mores are so deeply ingrained and going against them requires so much more than choosing to pay attention to newly gained knowledge.

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Maggie Moore(s) (16VSL)

This strange little film, available on Showmax, stars big comic names Tina Fey and Jon Hamm as individuals getting mixed up in a scenario where two women with the same name are victims of separate crimes. It feels like a quirky crime drama that then becomes a (very) dark comedy and, overall, refuses to buy into any set tropes. Initially, that makes it a little uncomfortable to watch, but it soon becomes a strength of the story, as all the predictability of similar projects is absent. Fey and Hamm have wonderful chemistry and the weird realness of the strange plot (based on truth, allegedly) makes you wonder at the state of the world.

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Archie (PG13S)

Jason Isaacs stars as Cary Grant in this biographical Britbox drama. Grant was the biggest film star in the world in the ’50s, but his road to that pinnacle had been a tough one and being hugely famous came with its own challenges. This series picks up Grant’s story in the ’60s, with his relationship with actress Dyan Cannon (Laura Aikman) being one of the narrative’s central threads. The show is an interesting look into a remarkable era in the film industry, including unpacking how even a genial sort like Grant could use their star power to get what they wanted – and how, at a deeper level, success of any kind was never guaranteed.

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Shots From The Edge by Greg Marinovich

Photojournalist Greg Marinovich has been to some of the world’s most terrifying situations – war zones, political revolutions, pandemics, and more – and come back to tell stories that most other people don’t want to tell. How many people want to meet with the survivors of some sort of slaughter and unpack their grief in eloquent prose? How many people want to expose themselves to suffering on a daily basis, and put themselves at risk of lethal harm while doing so? It’s a mindset that most won’t be able to identify with, but readers gain insight into the human heart of conflict around the world, from Bosnia and Somalia to Uganda and a number of locations around South Africa.

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The Booker Prize Podcast

For fans of both literature and podcasts, this show is both a wonderful way to pass the time and an excellent resource for gaining further insight into great or important novels. As with any prize, the Booker and who it gets awarded to are highly subjective. But even if you didn’t particularly care for the book under examination, hosts Jo Hamya and James Walton provide entertaining conversation and commentary, not least because neither is shy about speaking their mind or contradicting the other’s point of view. There are also themed series within the overall episode sequence, including looking at Oscar-winning films based on Booker Prize-winning novels.

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Take | off

100 billion The number of neurons in the brain. 25.8 million The number of US citizens who’ve been diagnosed with diabetes.
100 billion The number of neurons in the brain. 25.8 million The number of US citizens who’ve been diagnosed with diabetes.

Did You Know?

Test your general knowledge with this month’s quiz

1. The World Cup qualifying matches between El Salvador and Honduras in 1969 coincided with what regional event: independence; earthquake; drought; or war?

2. The first ever £100,000 (or above) football transfer, in 1961, was for: Bobby Moore; Pele; Dennis Law; or Eusebio?

3. take | off between 1990 and 2002: European Cup; World Cup; Golden Boot; or European Footballer of the Year?

6. The first, second and third placed teams at the 2014 World Cup receive how many medals: 20; 30; 40 or 50?

7. Soccer has been an Olympic event since: 1900; 1964; 1992; or 2002?

8. What does the workplace flexi-hours acronym TOIL stand for?

9. Waterloo, the location of Napoleon’s 1815 defeat, is in modern-day: France; Belgium; Spain; or Russia?

10. G-BOAG, G-BOAC, F-BVFC and the tragic F-BTSC designated what iconic 20th-Century invention?

11. The famous guitar company founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1902 is: Gibson; Fender; Rickenbacker; or Gretsch?

12. Calabria, flanked by the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, is the southern peninsular of which country?

13. In the 1920s, Japanese and Austrian physicians Kyusaku Ogino and Hermann Knaus devised the contraceptive method called popularly: coil; rhythm; pill; or condom?

14. What boom caused gross exploitation of native people of Brazil and adjacent nations by European industrialists c.1879-1912: rubber; cotton; gold; or silk?

15. What popular Spanish word has various meanings including ‘go’, ‘hurry up’, ‘come on’, ‘let’s go’, ‘up’, ‘upstairs’, and ‘above’?

16. What punning word is an animal’s mother, a barrier and a biblical expletive?

17. The artists Monet, Manet, Degas and Cezanne are mainly noted for what style of art?

18. Comprising 100 centavos, what is the currency of Brazil?

19. What word, derived from Latin meaning to ‘pay against the evil of something’, refers to expressing disapproval?

20. Ogilvy & Mather, WWP and James Walter Thompson famously operate in: law; advertising; auditing; or architectural design?

21. What mathematical term originated from Arabic awar, meaning ‘damage to goods’, evolving through French terminology for an apportionment of shipping liabilities between owners of vessel and cargo?

22. What herb is traditionally associated, besides garlic, with the pickling of a gherkin?

23. Avian refers to: birds; bees; apes; or Vikings?

24. Derived from Latin for ‘place’, what anglicised French word commonly means ‘instead’ in formal communications?

25. Which inspirational genius created the landmark film Modern Times and its theme song, Smile, released in 1936?

1. War
2. Dennis Law
3. 1950
4. Penalty shoot-outs
5. European Footballer of the Year
6. 50
7. 1900
8. Time Off In Lieu
9. Belgium
10. Concorde
11. Gibson
12. Italy
13. Rhythm
14. Rubber
15. Arriba
16. Dam/Damn
17. Impressionism
18. Real
19. Deprecate
20. Advertising
21. Average
22. Dill
23. Birds
24. Lieu
25. Charlie Chaplin

talespine

No pooches While percolating

There is a time to interact with others’ pets – and it’s not while meeting someone for a coffee

I don’t want to brag, but I do consider myself ‘gutsy’. Gutsy as in brave, not as in flabby in the region of the stomach. I have dangerously little fear of conflict, and I’m not generally concerned about the reaction to an article, statement or social media post.

And yet, this column has me worried. So much so that I’m tempted to write under a pseudonym. And whereas I mostly feel that my family can handle what negative attention I invite into their world, I’m concerned about the impact this might have on them. But needs must. Because what we need is for dog owners to accept that not everyone loves their ‘furry friends’ like they do. What I need is for pet owners to consider that not everyone wants to have a coffee with their pooch when out, and that some of us meet friends at coffee shops to get away from domestic squabbles. They need to know that competing hounds reminds us of children squabbling. Which, if we wanted it in the background, we could have stayed home for.

It’s worth remembering that we aren’t Capetonian. Well, the ones of us who live in Johannesburg aren’t. The same applies to pets. And so, where pets being sandy, wet and enthusiastic after a walk or game of fetch on the beach is perfectly appropriate in Sea Point or Bantry Bay, the same doesn’t apply in the City of Gold. Johannesburg dogs don’t have the live and let live, free-spirited, chilled vibe of Capetonian dogs, who prefer to make love, not war. No. Johannesburg dogs are the sour, rough, tattooed, potential mugger types who would rather be home nursing their hangovers on a Sunday morning than sipping a flat white with other irritable hounds.

The bottom line is that having other people’s dogs at a coffee shop isn’t nearly as much fun as pet owners might think it is. Patrons might coo and smile and even ask you what the animal’s name is and how old it is. They might even ask what breed it is. But they mean none of it. Deep down, they are resentful and angry and see no good reason why anyone should be licking the table on which they’ve just placed their cortado.

I was complaining to a friend about the dog situation one Sunday morning when he told me that he had just experienced the same thing, saying, “We had coffee at a great place just after our run. But there was a dog fight and the one owner refused to put her dog on a leash. Insane!”

I’m not suggesting that we leave our pets in the car with the windows up or tied to a pole with a metal chain just long enough to taunt them. I’m not suggesting that we rely on the kindness of strangers to hydrate them. I’m just floating the idea that dogs are best left on Instagram.

Text | Howard Feldman
Photography | Jaromir Chalabala
Follow Howard Feldman on X: @HowardFeldman

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For all advertising Inquiries, contact Gill Johnston
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