insight for executives on the move
january 2026
Take in South Africa’s tourism treasures in a single trip in 2026
Table of Contents
Connect the dots
One of the many, many things you can do as an Airlink customer is book a single ticket with multiple legs to the journey, and given South Africa’s rich, varied tourism offering, just one of the mesmerising options in that space is planning a holiday that takes in both bush (page 22) and beach (page 26).
Such a trip would likely be a fantastic vacation, but it’s also an excellent metaphor for a new year and what might be possible in that timeframe. Even if it’s only because of cultural conditioning – the ‘because we’ve always done it like that’ stuff – this is the part of the year when most people map out what they’re doing for the following 12 months.
Do you have places you want to be, figuratively and literally, in 2026? In the latter case, keep in mind that airline tickets are cheaper if you book far ahead, and you’re really not short of places to visit (see the route map on page 129). In the former case, taking your time is probably the better advice.
A change in circumstances might not be avoidable – if nothing else, we’re all getting a year older – but perhaps there’s no need to update a philosophy or perspective. Seeing a leopard in the Kruger Park or an African penguin at Boulders inspires a similar smile, and putting family first (page 44) and other people before commerce and other concerns (page 76, page 96) will always remain laudable goals.
Wishing you good luck and good choices.
Happy New Year!
Bruce Dennill
Editor
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
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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.
When words take flight
Honouring Don Mattera’s living legacy
When words become bridges between generations, they create legacies that last forever. In a powerful gesture, Airlink recently sponsored the Don Mattera Legacy Foundation (DMLF) to honour one of South Africa’s most cherished poets, activists and humanitarians, Dr Donato Francesco ‘Bra Don’ Mattera, whose poetry and activism gave voice to South Africa’s struggle for dignity, equality and belonging. The Don Mattera Legacy Foundation is a registered non-profit company and public benefit organisation (PBO), which was established to preserve South Africa’s artistic, literary and social heritage. The foundation is guided by the values of ubuntu and inclusivity. The foundation works to empower communities, inspire youth and use art as a force of transformation.
Airlink’s support has strengthened the foundation’s capacity to share Mattera’s story on national and international cultural platforms. The foundation took part in the Zeitz MOCAA exhibition, A Protea Is Not A Flower, which was held in Cape Town in October 2025. This event celebrated art, memory and identity. This exhibition featured Mattera’s poetry alongside works inspired by Gerard Sekoto and Bessie Head, Global Ambassador of DMLF, and Lerato Shadi, who brought Mattera’s words to life through visual presentation. Beyond the exhibition, the foundation extends deep into empowering communities, running a youth and literacy development programme where it engages with schools and libraries to promote reading, writing and poetry among young people. Through its community empowerment and collaborations, the foundation promotes and facilitates storytelling documentaries, empowering communities to tell their own stories.
The foundation also leads heritage initiatives in partnership with museums such as Zeitz MOCAA to advocate for the renaming of heritage sites and support initiatives that restore dignity to communities.
Mobile memorial
The organisation is currently developing a mobile exhibition documenting Mattera’s life and influence. This exhibition will trace his family roots, activism and enduring influence on South African society.
In addition, another project the foundation is working on is the development of an animated version of Mattera’s work, Memory Is Weapon, which is specifically for children. These animations aim to introduce children to Mattera’s life story and the moral lessons it embodies, which are courage, compassion and humanity. The board of the Don Mattera Legacy Foundation expressed its deep appreciation to Airlink for its generous support and belief in the foundation’s work. “Your support made it possible for us to be present where art, memory and identity intersect, allowing the words of Don Mattera to continue inspiring audiences around the world.”
Through this sponsorship, Airlink has helped give flight to a legacy grounded in compassion, humanity and hope, ensuring that Mattera’s words remain alive, reminding us that when art and purpose unite, South Africa’s stories truly reach new audiences.
Text | Keamogetswe Masango
Photography | Supplied
For more information, go to flyairlink.com and gibs.co.za.
SuperSport Schools: A global stage for tomorrow’s sporting stars
Since its inception in 2021, SuperSport Schools has transformed the way South Africans and the world experience school sport. What began as an ambitious vision has rapidly evolved into a thriving ecosystem where future stars shine and fans unite.
The platform’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. Today, the SuperSport Schools app boasts over 1.3 million registered users, underscoring the appetite for authentic youth and school sport.
The numbers tell a powerful story: in just the first two quarters of 2025, audiences consumed 1.6 billion minutes of content. To put that into perspective, if one individual attempted to watch it all, it would take them over one million days without sleep or 3,044 years.
This appetite extends well beyond digital. The SuperSport Schools Channel 216 has become a household destination, attracting a unique audience of 7.3 million viewers.
On 27 March 2025, history was made during the ASA Age Group Championships – broadcast live – when audiences consumed 16 million minutes, making it the second most-watched broadcast ever on Channel 216.
The reach is truly global. Already in 2025, fans from 161 countries have tuned in to watch South African schools compete, proving that local talent resonates on the world stage. For every single hour of school sport produced, fans invested a staggering 768 hours of viewership across the app and television – a testament to the passion for youth sport.
Beyond broadcasting, SuperSport Schools has built an engaged digital community. Across platforms, the network has amassed nearly two million cumulative social media followers (1,993,816), generating almost 68 million views. The bi-weekly newsletter, trusted by fans for highlights and updates, reaches 951,937 active subscribers.
Complementing the live broadcasts is SuperSport Schools Plus, a dynamic news hub dedicated to results, stories and updates across the core sporting codes. Powered by a team of 15 full-time journalists nationwide, the platform attracted 736,390 unique visitors and generated over seven million page views in the first half of 2025 alone.
The content ecosystem also includes a suite of magazine shows that deepen the storytelling and analysis across key sports: Rugby on 216, Athletics on 216, Football on 216, Swimming on 216, Hockey on 216, the Gameplay Show, and the popular Spur SuperSport Schools Podcast, hosted by Alex White and Tim Muthama.
SuperSport Schools is more than a platform; it is a movement. By celebrating the passion, talent and stories of young athletes, it has become the definitive home of school sport in South Africa and beyond. For the millions watching, reading, and sharing, one thing is clear: it is truly #TimeToShine.
Text and Photography | Supplied
Heading out east
TRAVEL
In February 2026, Nacala joins Airlink’s Mozambican network as its seventh destination in that country. Situated on Mozambique’s north-eastern coastline, this new route connects business and leisure travellers to one of the region’s most dynamic areas. With calm beaches, a growing economy and rich maritime heritage, the city and its surrounds offer the perfect mix of opportunity and escape. Flights will operate twice weekly between Johannesburg and Nacala.
Further north, Zanzibar will soon welcome Airlink flights from Johannesburg, offering a new way to experience the island’s spice markets, coral reefs and historic charm. Beyond its tropical appeal, Zanzibar’s warm hospitality and growing economy make it a destination that inspires both travellers and investors. The new service will operate twice weekly from June 2026.
Source: flyairlink.com
Partner progress
TRAVEL
Airlink has partnered with Air Austral to create seamless connections between southern Africa and several Indian Ocean islands. The agreement gives travellers access to approximately 50 destinations across both networks, including Réunion and Mauritius, Mayotte, the Comoros Islands, the Seychelles and more, all on a single ticket with through check-in and baggage transfer.
Airlink partner airline Cathay Pacific has been named as the first full-service airline to achieve the 7-Star PLUS safety rating by AirlineRatings – the highest accolade in its internationally respected safety ranking system. On top of already being a 7-Star airline for maintaining the highest operational and regulatory safety standards at all times, the new initiative introduces a comprehensive 70 point onboard safety audit that brings safety directly into the cabin where passengers experience it most.
Airlink partner airline Qantas has reached a major Project Sunrise milestone, with its first A350-1000ULR (ultra long range) now on the Airbus assembly line in Toulouse. The aircraft will move to a new hangar this week for engine installation and flight test instrumentation, in preparation for an extensive test flight programme commencing this year. These specially configured aircraft will operate the world’s longest commercial services, linking Australia’s east coast directly with London and New York for the first time. Flights of up to 22 hours are enabled by an additional 20,000l rear centre fuel tank and enhanced systems, and the direct routing will cut up to four hours from today’s one-stop journeys.
Source: flyairlink.com
Endangered entertainment
CULTURE
Nature, Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF), in a co-production with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and supported by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, have produced Wild Hope: Rhino Ops, a gripping film showcasing the park’s largest rhino horn programme to date.
The film was written, directed and edited by South African filmmaker Nathan Rice with veteran South African conservation and environmental storyteller and National Geographic Explorer Ntokozo Mbuli as assistant producer on the project. The film came about when Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife invited NEWF to document their rhino dehorning programme. The project then evolved into a Wild Hope episode, after NEWF pitched the project to Tangled Bank Studios.
The story follows the courageous efforts of conservationists and rangers at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, one of Africa’s oldest game reserves, as they work to protect the continent’s iconic rhinos from poaching and extinction. The film offers an intimate look at the daily challenges, innovative strategies and deep commitment of those on the frontlines of conservation.
Source: newf.co.za
Planning possibilities to St Helena
TRAVEL
St Helena Tourism has welcomed, in partnership with our airline partner Airlink, the release of an 18-month forward flight schedule to St Helena Island. This schedule provides visitors and residents with enhanced visibility of planned flight operations, offering greater confidence and flexibility when planning travel to one of the world’s most unique and remote destinations.
Under the schedule, Airlink will continue to operate its regular weekly Saturday service between Johannesburg (JNB) and St Helena (HLE), maintaining consistent connectivity between the island and mainland Africa. In addition, from mid-December 2026 to mid-March 2027, Airlink will introduce a seasonal Tuesday return service between Cape Town and St Helena, catering to increased travel demand during the southern summer months.
“This 18-month schedule demonstrates our continued collaboration with Airlink and our shared commitment to making St Helena more accessible to travellers from across the globe,” said Minister Karl Thrower, Minister for Economic Development for St Helena. “It reflects the island’s steady growth as a distinctive, authentic travel destination offering a unique blend of history, culture, marine, hiking, conservation and adventure activities.”
Katherine Whelan, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlink, added: “We are proud to continue connecting St Helena to the world through our Johannesburg and seasonal Cape Town services. The release of this extended schedule gives travellers the confidence to plan well in advance and supports the island’s ongoing tourism and economic development. St Helena is a remarkable destination and Airlink is delighted to play a role in opening it up to more visitors.”
Source: sthelenatourism.com
Held in reserve
ENVIRONMENT
CapeNature welcomes another addition to the Western Cape’s growing Protected Area Estate with the formal declaration of Lettas Kraal Nature Reserve. Lettas Kraal is situated 30km south-east of Touws River and encompasses 7,050ha of natural rangeland in the Little Karoo, within the Succulent Karoo biome, an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot.
Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, welcomed the latest declaration. “Lettas Kraal’s inclusion in our protected area network is another positive stride towards achieving the province’s conservation goals,” he said. “Each new reserve declared not only protects species and habitats but also strengthens the ecological networks that sustain local communities and the provincial economy. Every hectare protected ensures that our children will inherit a healthier and more resilient environment.”
The Nature Reserve was declared on 7 November 2025.
Source: capenature.co.za
From bush...
When taking in world-famous wild spaces and matchless coastlines, staying in a space of striking inimitability starts things off on a high
Landing at Skukuza’s compact, attractive airport means you get an instant game drive on the way to wherever you’re staying. If you’re heading to Shiviko Kruger, a short drive outside the Kruger National Park in the luxury Elephant Point development, that means driving to the Paul Kruger Gate – initially along the Sabie River and then across grassland populated by buffalo, elephants and a selection of raptors, including a majestic martial eagle. Guide Piet won’t be sidelined, though: “These are unofficial sightings; for now, we focus on getting to the lodge and settled in.”
Elephant Point is a small reserve with no fences on the Kruger Park side and is one of a number of private lodges – almost all of them designed using the traditional thatched roof, wooden trim template – built in secure fenced areas. At the end of a row of such lodges, Shiviko Kruger immediately stands out for its shape – flat roofs on rooms built down and along contours – and its modern style, in which glass and concrete are combined to make the buildings feel like they fit the landscape just as much as the more common designs.
Beyond the slick façade are a number of unexpected features, including a huge statue that is the symbol of the lodge, a whole wall of bright Ndebele geometric art, a sauna (in the Lowveld!) and huge waterpark slides ending in a long, rectangular pool. The first impression? Fun is a focus here. This notion is backed up when being shown the fully equipped cinema in the lodge’s common area (called the ‘Clubhouse’), the PS5 inside it and the popcorn and slush machines installed along its outside wall!
The accommodation here is in the form of a number of large villas and these, along with the central area and all its attractions, suggest that there may be plenty of support for a petition to stay put at the lodge, regardless of one of the world’s premier wilderness areas being literally down the road and the gorgeous, multi-faceted Panorama Route close by in the other direction.
Luxury living
The villas are extraordinary, packed with technology that gels convenience and comfort, making for a level of opulence that most visitors will likely only have experienced while watching Downton Abbey. Each villa comes with a dedicated butler and chef. Fridges (plural) are packed with drinks you can help yourself to and coffee (from a shiny, high-spec Nespresso machine) and tea are in plentiful supply. Downstairs, there’s as much relaxing and dining space inside as there is outside.
Each villa is also themed, with the collective options celebrating different aspects of South African culture. The Ekasi Villa features at its entrance a giant hanging artwork of the Soweto Towers, while in the dining area, portraits of Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela take pride of place. Upstairs, in the Music Room, there are framed vinyl sleeves of albums by the likes of Stimela and Jonas Gwangwa.
Somewhat rarely for a safari lodge, where it is common practice to charge high rates while limiting access to technology, here, there is strong WiFi, TV screens up- and downstairs and surround sound you can connect your own music streaming app to. Guests don’t have the decision to be off-grid made for them.
Spectacular sightings
An afternoon game drive – the first official one – involves re-entering the Kruger Park and meandering in the direction of the Phabeni Gate. Isolated game holds interest until, down a sandy secondary road, there is first one leopard, obscured by leaves, guarding its kill in a tree, and then a second one, lying in the grass near a tree in which its own part-eaten meal lies draped over a branch. Its siesta is disturbed, though, by a group of hyenas that begin to mob the cat, forcing it to shimmy up the tree in a panic. Piet reckons their strategy is to encourage the leopard to resume eating the impala on the branch, hoping that pieces of the antelope will fall to the ground, making for easy pickings for them. The incident is brief but thrilling, the very essence of what ‘wild’ means.
For Shiviko guests, getting a good meal is substantially easier. Back at the villa, Chef Zakhe has almost completed creating curry poetry, with a glass of excellent red wine around a bonfire below the patio being the perfect aperitif. Day one ends having offered almost more experiences than time to process them.
Home comforts
Making the most of the lodge facilities is a blast, with comfortable, cushioned sunbeds next to the refreshingly cool pool. The huge slides are irresistible – the twisty one is slower if you’re nervous, while the other is steep and swift, dumping you into the water in a flurry of giggles. Warm up afterwards in the sauna (luxury/health crossover!), then shower and enjoy sundowners – or midday cocktails; you’re on holiday – at the upstairs bar, which offers a wide variety of excellent wines, beers and spirits.
Stackable glass doors mean you can have an entire wall open towards a river in the middle distance. There might be an arrangement between lodge management and local wildlife as, literally on cue as the first drink is set down on the counter, a family of elephants appears, adding their own low grumbles to a soundtrack of barking geckos, grunting hippos and evocative fish eagle calls.
Valleys and views
It takes around an hour to get to some of the major attractions on the Panorama Route, but it’s easy driving in a luxury vehicle and there are many astonishingly beautiful views – all without leaving the road. At Lisbon Falls, there is a small, no-hassling curio market to navigate on the way to a viewing area, fenced to prevent the possibility of slipping and falling into the gorge. Even at an average flow level, the main waterfall is still spectacular, a shimmering veil against black rock. The landscape below is no hardship to look at either – rolling green hills with high cliffs on the horizon.
At the Three Rondavels viewpoint, the scale of the Blyde River Canyon slowly becomes clear as you approach the edge, with the famous trio of rock formations revealed bit by bit. Well-maintained pathways lead to a variety of lookout spots – one directly over the aquamarine, lake-like stretch of the river where boats can be seen ferrying visitors about; one over a rock that has appeared in a million influencer Instagram posts; all of them offering 180° magnificence.
Bourke’s Luck Potholes is more popular, while occupying a smaller area. Tourists mill around a big yellow frame designed to encourage selfies. Travellers skip it and head straight down to the elegant arcing bridges over the deep gorge and the distinctive hollows that give the site part of its name. Looking down inspires a thrilling touch of vertigo as you consider the courage and drive of the prospectors of the past – it’s a compellingly unique spot.
At God’s Window, a change in the weather suggests that the climb to the famous viewing spot might be rained out but, while it’s chilly and breezy, the steep walk is glorious. The moss-lined rainforest section up top recalls The Lord Of The Rings, but the vista at the top is even more spectacular – even in low cloud, it’s a breathtaking spectacle.
Graskop Gorge has been transformed from years past and is now an outdoor wonderland of adventure sports and nature walks. The infrastructure is excellent and easy to enjoy, while the forest walk at the bottom of the glass-sided elevator is magnificent and educational, with caves and multi-textured vegetation in a thousand shades of green.
We return in time for the biggest football match of the weekend in the cinema, enjoyed with slush and popcorn, then a plate of snacks (the chef cannot bear you not eating) and then whisky when it becomes clear that my team is going to lose. In these surroundings, it really doesn’t seem so bad…
Text and photography | Bruce Dennill
For more information or to book a stay, go to shiviko.com.
... To beach!
Having experienced the wild majesty of the Kruger Park and surrounds, travellers can enjoy exquisite beauty on both sides of the Peninsula, just outside Cape Town
The entrance to Tintswalo Atlantic is easy to miss if you’re distracted by the beauty of Hout Bay below the lower reaches of Chapman’s Peak Drive. The luxury hotel has almost no footprint, built along a short, rocky stretch of coastline reached by a shuttle from the small parking lot near the gate.
It’s a mineshaft of a driveway leading to one of the world’s most scenic reception areas, with a glass wall behind the desk featuring a view across the bay to the Sentinel (also known as Hangberg), which will almost certainly become the central focus of the next 300 pictures on each guest’s phone.
The narrow property is brilliantly utilised and realised. A welcoming bar area and large restaurant (with seating in- and outside) offer sea views from every seat. At high tide, the waves lick the rocks directly below the windows. A single line of luxury villas, all named after islands (Robben, Elba, plus a number of others that haven’t famously housed criminals!) provides a private paradise for visitors. A giant bed, an extravagant chandelier and bright, joyful decor including seashells as decorative borders and a bath beneath a picture window that frames the mountain opposite like a painting await guests in their rooms.
Creatures and cuisine
The pool area will be a focus for holidaymakers. The water is heated, an important deal in Cape Town, where sane people – sorry, non-locals – never venture into the freezing ocean and there’s a daybed more luxurious than most people’s master bedroom fixtures. If that’s occupied, cushioned sunbeds and a couple of sections of netting (with more cushions) extending out over the pebble beach offer enough space for everyone to enjoy a tanning session.
A trio of agamas – lizards the length of a handspan with rough scales and graded colouring (including a deep blue around their heads and shoulders) – are so intent on their territory dispute that they don’t pay any attention to rapt spectators; swimmers trying to keep their toes out of the way.
Late-afternoon canapés and cocktails are part of the package, adding to the luxury of the experience and providing an opportunity to hang out with warm, friendly staff – raconteurs all, and all of whom remember each guest’s name, sans notes.
At dinnertime, a tasting menu offers either piscine or plant-based pabulum promiscuity, combining ingredients many diners may never have imagined together, but which form matches that are now apparently perfect partnerships. The only thing that’ll pry you away from your table during the extended meal is a desire to get a different angle on the sunset behind the Sentinel as the turquoise and indigo water changes to a uniform inky black.
During breakfast the following morning, a small pod of dolphins enjoys the shelter of the small bay in front of the hotel, frolicking and flirting as they catch waves. Further out, gannets and gulls compete for sardines close to the surface, diving and piercing the surface like ravenous arrows.
Departing guests are presented with a rock from the beach and encouraged to make a wish before placing it back there. There’s every suspicion that the bulk of those wishes involve guaranteeing a return to this magical location.
Above the beach
Over (or around, depending on your chosen route) the Peninsula, within a literal stone’s throw of Boulders Beach, Tintswalo Boulders has views (from the upper floor) of the rocks at one end of the beach, with huddles of African penguins dotting their surfaces. Beyond that is the profound expanse of False Bay and, down the coast a little, Simon’s Town all the way around to Kalk Bay.
The hotel was originally a private home, meaning that there are some architectural quirks like a bathroom, in the Mayflower suite, that measures 11m from the doorway to the shower’s back wall. The dining area on the patio on the first floor could hardly be more picturesque – and it’s comfortable too, sheltered from the wind but open to the sea views. The kitchen is open plan, meaning that Dustin, the world’s most cheerful chef, is always chirping and bustling about for the duration of his shift, his creative energy almost palpable.
On the top floor, in an open area between two private suites, a small outdoor pool and sunbeds provide a compelling reason to relax outside, unbothered by the crowds below.
For the birds!
There is a compelling reason for those crowds, though: the endangered African penguin colony at Boulders is an extraordinary meeting of urban and wild spaces, and the people and creatures that occupy them. For guests, the boardwalk behind the beach can be accessed by an exterior staircase running down one side of the hotel and a door to which each guest gets a key.
Behind a low fence – there for visitor protection; penguins defending their guests or young can deliver a nasty nip – adult and juvenile birds mumble, bray and bark, easy to frame well for photographic purposes without ever getting in their way.
At one end of the boardwalk is a visitor’s centre. Going through there (which requires paying conservation fees) allows closer access to the birds’ breeding area. The other end – keep an eye out for the dassies that share the space – has a booth for the fee payment, right alongside a compact beach where the giant boulders create a transcendent view and a scene in which it just about feels worth it to brave the bracing cold of the water just for the chance to be part of the milieu.
Clambering skills and agility are needed to progress a little further down the beach to where the penguins do their swimming, lolling about in the waves, perfectly adapted to be balletically elegant in the water. That is much less the case on land, where they spend an inordinate amount of time preening and cleaning, openly dismissive of visitors’ needs to take a focused photograph.
Back in the hotel, the structure of the common area means there are several dining options, with two separate patios, an intimate lounge with a fireplace and a large dining table next to the kitchen, allowing for a romantic atmosphere or social engagement, depending on your mood.
If you’re sitting in a private corner, you can quietly judge other guests based on the ships their rooms are named for. Endeavour? It sank. Bounty? A famous mutiny. Mayflower? Well, it made it to its destination, though there’s room to question if the outcome was a success…
Text | Bruce Dennill
Photography | Bruce Dennill and Supplied
For more information or to book a stay, visit tintswalo.com.
Land and sea
Beach resort offers brilliant base to explore northern Nosy Be
In the north-western coast of Nosy Be, Madagascar’s ‘Perfume Island’, the terrain reveals its most authentic charm: lush tropical parks, crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and sacred, uninhabited islets. Here, nature reigns supreme, offering the perfect escape for those seeking peace, discovery or simple beauty.
At the heart of this wild serenity lies the VOI Amarina Resort, situated beside the Ambohiday Lagoon, surrounded by forest and facing the white sands of Amporaha beach. The resort combines elegance and simplicity and offers tailor-made experiences – from snorkelling and diving to unforgettable encounters with turtles, humpback whales and whale sharks.
Visitors’ journeys begin the moment they touch down at Fascène Airport. The resort lies approximately 17km from the airport and the scenic transfer allows new arrivals to take in the island’s lush landscapes and coastal panoramas, rather than struggling through traffic in the busier urban areas.
A day may start with a relaxed breakfast on the terrace overlooking the lagoon or jungle canopy. It’s a 10-minute boat ride to pristine snorkelling sites in shallow seabeds 3-4m deep, where coral formations and kaleidoscopic tropical fish await. Spend a half-day dedicated to sea splendour by visiting the sacred and uninhabited islet of Nosy Fanihy, which features a coral and shell-strewn beach, absolute silence, the immensity of the ocean and primary vegetation guarded by sea-eagles. Diving enthusiasts can also enjoy the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)/Scuba Schools International (SSI) centre and an invitation to explore deeper waters where turtles glide and – in season – whale sharks and whales appear.
Extra exploration
Excursions beyond the resort reveal more of the island’s enchanting nature. A highlight for many is a visit to Nosy Antsoha – a small, private islet accessible as an add-on to a day trip to Nosy Iranja, where two smaller islets are joined by a pristine white sandbar at low tide. On Antsoha, there are shaded trails for hiking, a tiny beach and lemurs – that might come and investigate visitors – living in their natural habitat.
Local culture on Nosy Be blends Malagasy traditions with warm hospitality and island charm. Nearby villages still follow the rhythms of fishing and spice markets and the heavenly scent of ylang-ylang drifts through garden paths while vendors display fresh tropical produce.
Cuisine becomes a way to engage with the culture. The main restaurant at VOI Amarina serves fresh Malagasy dishes alongside Italian-inspired flair and international touches. A generous buffet is on offer each morning, with themed evenings such as ‘Malagasy night’ bringing folk dance and island-style dishes under the stars.
Coming to Nosy Be means you’re in for more than a beach holiday. It’s an immersion in nature, comfort and culture. Whether snorkelling among turtles, exploring hidden corners of the island or savouring sunset cocktails and the tastes of the region, every moment invites discovery.
Text and photography | Supplied
For more information or to book a stay, go to voihotels.co.za.
Picture perfect
Photographic safaris bring wildlife enthusiasts closer to the creatures of the Chobe River
Between the fluid borders of Namibia and Botswana, the Chobe River splits into two tributaries, revealing a wildlife destination that is hard to rival. Moored on the Namibian side of the river, the solar-powered Pangolin Voyager is an engineering and architectural marvel. With only five cabins, it’s a wonderful departure point for setting sight on the regular parade of elephants from the upstairs viewing deck or while out on a boating safari with Pangolin Photo host Pusetso Nteta and skipper and guide Ray.
Two large bull elephants are coming down for a drink and an aquatic splash-about. They suddenly face off and audibly connect trunks, dunking one another into the water. With temperatures in the high thirties, even the wildlife know the cooling effects that the Chobe River has to offer. Observing them for a while, the smaller one is sloshing in the front while the larger elephant is pushing him along from the back. With trunks in the air, they clamber onto the shore, albeit rather unceremoniously, to join the rest of the herd.
Gazing up towards the riverbank, the evidence of gentle giants making their way en route to liquid refreshment is clear – there are snaking paths trundled in different sections of Chobe National Park. It’s a rather entertaining display of power and playfulness when families of elephants swim across from the Botswana side to the Namibian islands, especially when there are calves involved. One such instance tugs at the heartstrings – a clumsy baby can’t quite get out of the water and onto the bank; it’s literally a slippery slope for the youngster. Mom comes to the rescue by guiding the little tyke to safety, and relief is palpable, as no one would want this cutie to end up in the crocodile-infested river.
Ray has eagle eyes and constantly finds once-in-a-lifetime sightings while on a boat safari, which are incredible to witness. Spending time adjacent to a colony of endangered African skimmers is a rarity, especially when it’s a family with small chicks.
Hovering 2m above the glassy surface of the Chobe River, a pied kingfisher has his eyes locked on something worth putting so much effort into. Flapping his wings at an exhausting 10-14 beats per second, will this stunning medium-sized bird with his distinctive black-and-white plumage and crest be successful? He hovers some more, then dives downwards vertically with the precision of an Olympic medallist. He returns with an empty bill. A second attempt looks even more impressive – watching him hold position in mid-air before folding his wings, plummeting head-first and brandishing a small shiny fish, which he swallows in flight.
Terra firma
Departing the houseboat, we move over to the Pangolin Hotel. The building is shaped like the eponymous animal, with lots of paraphernalia in and around the property. From here, game drives are conducted in the Chobe National Park, where birds and other wildlife are the stars of the show. Guide Tshidi is taking charge of the safari vehicle, and since we’re on a photographic safari, she stops for interesting subjects. Under a tree, the remains of a young elephant has become a battleground for vultures and marabou storks. A white-backed vulture is under the misguided impression that the carcass belongs to him. He is making his displeasure known by opening up his entire wingspan and vocalising with a shrill ‘squel’, as if to indicate, “Back off, it’s all mine!” Feathers are ruffled as he chases the ‘clean-up crew’ away from his meal.
Big cats are always a highlight, and finding a pride of 10 lions on the afternoon game drive feeding on a giraffe carcass is a great end to the day. What makes it even more special is the playful interaction between different members of the pride, greeting one another by means of head rubbing.
The morning game drive doesn’t disappoint. Mating lions? Check. Leopard under the dense undergrowth of a woolly caper bush? Check. An African fish eagle at the top of a bare-branched leadwood tree overlooking the river? Check.
Local knowledge
Born in the Botswana mining town of Orapa, Pangolin Photo photographic safari host Pusetso studied tourism management in Gaborone. Following an internship at Pangolin Photo Safaris in 2019, she was appointed as a full-time photographic safari host in 2022. She credits renowned wildlife photographer Janine Krayer as her mentor, who took a chance on Pusetso and invited her to try her hand at being a photographic safari host.
“Even though I thought I’d end up somewhere in the tourism industry, I never dreamt it would be this,” Pusetso says, gesturing to the surrounding wilderness and the river. “It’s unbelievable. I honestly didn’t know I would do this as a job or that it even existed in Botswana. I didn’t realise I’d be passionate about anything, let alone doing what I do.”
A mother of two young children, Pusetso speaks enthusiastically about doing what she loves and also imparting her wisdom and skills as she grows in expertise. Her favourite animal is ‘baby everything’ and anything in good light. She shows great patience in assisting with things like shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation, with her team catering to wildlife photographers of all levels of experience and supplying cameras and lenses to guests travelling without.
Text and photography | Heléne Ramackers
For more information or to book a stay, go to pangolinphoto.com.
Company in the wilderness
Crossing the Kruger Park on foot is constantly exciting – and sometimes for worrying reasons
Poacher tracks
On the third day, we started with a walk up the dry, rocky bed of the Mashikhiri River, a spectacular gorge feathered with ferns and brave trees clinging to rocky ledges. Plentiful, rotund dassies, or rock hyrax, with thick brown fur, looked down on us from cliff tops. I was amazed at how fast they hurried up steep inclines. Their padded feet, moist from sweat glands, are manipulated for suction, allowing them to climb vertical rock faces.
The two types of dassies in the area have long, tactile whiskers to enable navigation around rock crevices and tunnels. They spend their mornings basking on rock faces as, like reptiles, they have poor thermoregulation and need to warm in the sun before becoming active.
Bjinse pointed out a track in mud close to rock pools strewn with fresh buffalo droppings. The finely patterned track looked unnatural. “Poacher tracks?” I offered uncertainly. Bjinse said it was a crocodile track left as it moved upward to an almost dry pool of water some way ahead.
I felt stupid at my impulsive suggestion but soon learnt I was not too far off the mark. Bjinse pointed to an arrangement of branches and tree logs positioned in an unnatural way. A previous hiking group noticed the unusual structure, and when the guides investigated, they discovered a poachers’ camp.
Further along, we stopped for a welcome mid-morning break. Much of the hike had been uphill along the sandy riverbed. I took out a pen and notebook in the top compartment of my backpack to make notes. A zebra walked briskly past on the ridge above us. As we snacked, I asked the group, “On which side does a zebra have the most stripes?” “Is it black with white stripes or white with black stripes?” Bjinse asked, as it seemed nobody had the answer. “On the outside,” I said to a mix of laughter and eye-rolling.
Encouraged, I asked another question, generally reserved for children on a game drive, “Why does a giraffe have such a long neck?” The group was caught out again. “Because its head is so far from its body,” I said. That was the cue for the group to rise and get ready to move on, saving everyone from more silly animal jokes.
The terrain began changing, and the clusters of baobab trees looked darker because the soil was red with iron. Impala droppings were seen more often, which suggested water was near. Impala are adaptable in habitat and feeding. They switch between browsing and grazing according to where the nutrients are. I stepped on a clump of their oval dry pellets on hard ground, and I almost fell. It was as if I had stepped on ball bearings on a tiled floor.
We agreed to make a detour to visit a cave with Bushmen paintings, the location of which Bjinse had entered on his GPS. It was about a kilometre off route, so we dropped the backpacks beneath a tree without trying to conceal them. On the way to the cave, we stopped at a baobab tree with smashed pods lying on the ground. We suspected baboons had opened them. I tasted the nutrient-rich fruit inside the pod – tangy with a hint of citrus. A fan of the colourful feathers of a lilac-breasted roller lay beneath the tree. It must have met its demise there, but there were no clues as to which creature made a meal of it.
Bjinse’s GPS guided us to a hill that stood out with its combination of rock, trees and thick bush. We went around it, looking for an opening to a cave that could have displayed ancient artwork, but without success. I was concerned about leaving our backpacks unprotected and was relieved when we returned to find them untouched.
The top of my backpack was unzipped, and the pen was missing while the notebook was still there. I guessed I had failed to zip up properly after the breakfast break, and it must have fallen out when I hauled on the backpack.
“Did anyone find a pen when we packed up after breakfast?” I asked. Pilot looked at me with a mock frown. “So, you littered,” he said, a smile on his face. Lourens offered me a pencil as a replacement.
We stopped for a brief lunch break beneath a baobab to make up time for the detour to find the Bushman paintings. I had my first toilet foray into the bush, aluminium spade and lighter in hand. Doing ablutions in the bush does not come naturally to me.
As we prepared to leave, I watched an eagle fly over a distant cliff. The Verreaux’s eagle is always close to the high rocky promontories they use for nesting and their preferred meal: dassies. We set off and were barely 100m away when Bjinse stopped and told us to put down our backpacks again. He pointed to two sets of shoe tracks. The vivid, damp imprints in the soil could only be from poachers. We suspected they had been on their way to the same baobab tree we stopped at for the lunch break. They must have noticed us as the tracks led away in a different direction to a nearby hill. Bjinse used the satellite phone to radio in the coordinates.
Text | José A Neves
Photography | Supplied
An all-time high
The new Kathmandu sees an ancient civilisation meet an edgy new vibe
Long romanticised as the gateway to the Himalayas, Kathmandu is more than a stopover for trekkers and mountaineers. It is one of Asia’s great cultural capitals, a city where 1,000 years of history breathe through every stupa (dome-shaped Buddhist monument), shrine and courtyard.
With more than 3,000 temples scattered across its valley, this is a place where Hinduism and Buddhism – two philosophies that have helped shape the world – have been entwined for centuries. Their union is etched into Kathmandu’s art, its architecture and the rhythms of its daily life.
Unlike many cities where heritage is preserved in static museums, Kathmandu’s 1,000-year-old civilisation remains alive. Stupas are encircled by pilgrims spinning prayer wheels, temples resound with morning bells, and bahals (the Newari – original inhabitants of the valley – courtyards) still host communal life. Every brick alley and intricately carved wooden window speaks of dynasties and artisans whose legacy continues, unbroken.
A striking example is Dwarika’s Hotel, where salvaged carved pillars and windows from old Newari houses have been restored and brought to life. The hotel’s courtyards feel less like a resort and more like a living museum – except here, history is not sealed behind glass but woven into the fabric of the lifestyle and meals. It is a reminder that in Kathmandu, the past is not a relic; it is a companion.
Fresh energy
Alongside this 1,000-year rhythm, a new beat is rising. Kathmandu is experiencing a creative renaissance. Ancient bahals, once home to monastic life, now pulse with art exhibitions and concept stores. Third-wave cafés buzz with young writers, while rooftop bars such as Barc serve Himalayan botanical cocktails overlooking the city.
This new generation of creators doesn’t reject tradition – they remix it. Bronze-casting techniques inspire contemporary sculptures of Ana Tersing Sherpa, a Nepali artist famous globally. Weaving patterns reappear in couture fashion of Jijivisha, a regenerative fashion brand. Recipes that once fuelled farmers – lentils, millet, wild greens – are being reimagined into fine dining worthy of global stages at Tusa. The effect is intoxicating: a city that feels raw, unpolished and utterly alive, carrying the bold, underground spirit of Berlin while remaining firmly rooted in the Himalayas.
Kathmandu wears its dual identity most vividly during its festivals. Indra Jatra, the city’s most dramatic street celebration, transforms Durbar Square into a theatre of gods and mortals, with masked dancers, towering chariots and hypnotic drums. It is centuries-old devotion that somehow feels modern in its energy, drawing locals and travellers alike into its whirlwind.
But even in the quiet weeks between festivals, the city hums with possibility. In one corner, an indie band plays inside a 17th-century courtyard. In another, young designers sketch in co-working lofts while incense drifts from a nearby shrine. Kathmandu embraces its imperfections – the crumbling walls, the chaotic streets – and somehow turns them into part of its creative charm.
Text and Photography | Supplied
For more information, go to dwarikas.com.
Wildly aware
Teaching children how to appreciate nature has benefits for both the kids and the environment
Long before we teach our children the word ‘wildlife’, they know the hadeda. It’s not something we plan – it just happens. That raucous, unmistakable call at dawn becomes part of their world before they even understand what a bird is. Here in South Africa, nature is not a novelty. It’s not a curated, boxed-in activity. It’s the backdrop to our everyday lives.
That’s why the idea of a ‘safari’ can feel strangely foreign when spoken about in international terms, as though it’s something you have to fly halfway across the continent to experience. For many of us, it’s simply the way we grew up. Dirt roads, cooler boxes, the dusty smell of summer storms and the thrill of spotting something moving in the bushes before anyone else sees it. It’s memory, it’s rhythm, it’s home.
When you become a parent, the world reshapes itself. Suddenly, you’re not just looking at wildlife – you’re watching your child look at wildlife. You’re seeing, through their small and curious eyes, what it means to encounter wonder for the first time. And while it might seem daunting to take a toddler into a game reserve or national park, the rewards are immeasurable.
These early years are where the roots of connection to the earth are planted. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. In fact, it shouldn’t be. A slow drive through a quiet reserve, a pause to watch a dung beetle roll its treasure across the path, a moment of stillness as impala flick their ears in the long grass – this is where the magic lives.
Adjusting attitudes
There are places across South Africa that truly understand what it means to travel with small children. They’re not trying to make the bush fancy or fast-paced. They allow for naps, for early dinners, for flexibility. In the Eastern Cape, the Waterberg, the vast quiet of the Kalahari – there are malaria-free areas where toddlers are welcome, not just tolerated. Some lodges even offer little explorer programmes with soft-footed rangers who speak gently and know that wonder can live in a feather, not just in a lion’s roar.
But perhaps the most beautiful thing is that you don’t need luxury to create lasting memories. Some of the most heartfelt moments happen in self-drive parks, with picnic eggs and flasks of coffee, where the kids fall asleep in the backseat and you just sit, watching the bush breathe.
It’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about watching your child learn to be patient. It’s about showing them how to be quiet – not because they must, but because something is approaching and you want to honour its space. It’s about pointing out the difference between a hornbill and a hoopoe. It’s about waiting for the giraffe to step fully into view and seeing the quiet awe on your child’s face when it does.
And yes, sometimes they’ll fall asleep just before the elephants cross the road. Sometimes, they’ll cry because they’re hot or hungry. But they’ll also laugh when a monkey steals a roll off the table and squeal with joy when they spot zebra for the first time. And you’ll laugh too because, for them, it’s all new.
Simple connections
We raise children not by shielding them from the wild, but by guiding them gently through it, by letting them experience both its power and its peace. And while the brochures might talk about game drives and lodges, what you’re really doing is giving your child the chance to fall in love with something greater than themselves.
A safari doesn’t have to be far or fancy. Sometimes it’s just a long weekend away with sticky fingers, binoculars and a shared sense of adventure. It’s a small hand reaching for yours as a bird of prey circles overhead. It’s watching your child squat down to look at a track in the sand and whisper, “What made this?” It’s something sacred.
Because long after they’ve forgotten the names of the reserves or which lodge had the best pudding, they’ll remember how it felt to be outside with you. To listen for sounds that didn’t come from a screen. To be still enough that a butterfly landed on their sleeve.
And they’ll always remember the hadeda. The bird that welcomed them to the world of the wild from right outside their bedroom window.
Text | Kelly Eyre
Photography | Travel Photo Blogger
Kelly Eyre is Quality and Pedagogy Lead at Dibber South Africa.
For more information, go to dibber.co.za.
Following family
Seeing where important events happened to relatives and others adds richness to holidays
According to Marriott Bonvoy’s 2025 Ticket to Travel research, 75% of South Africans have either taken – or plan to take – a trip to explore their family’s history. There are many South African destinations where the country’s layered history comes alive.
Cape Town is a city of contrasts, where colonial architecture meets liberation landmarks. Visitors can explore the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa and the Bo-Kaap, where brightly painted homes tell stories of resilience and cultural pride. A ferry to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, offers a sobering yet inspiring experience. And there are hotels housed in a former 19th-Century prison and a restored Cape Dutch manor that immerses guests in the elegance of the 1880s.
Johannesburg’s heritage is forged in gold and struggle. The Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill offer powerful insights into South Africa’s journey to democracy, while the Workers’ Museum honours the migrant labourers who built the city’s foundations. One hotel was originally an outspan stop on the wagon route between Johannesburg and Pretoria, later becoming a cultural hub linked to the 1939 film Balalaika.
In the late 1800s, Kimberley was the epicentre of the world’s most famous diamond rush. Today, visitors can tour the Big Hole, a hand-dug mine that once drew thousands of fortune seekers, a hotel that recreates the town’s boom-era streetscape and another, located near the Big Hole, that offers a comfortable base with views that echo the town’s glittering past.
Nature and tradition
The south coast of KwaZulu-Natal is steeped in Zulu heritage. Illovo Beach, named by King Shaka for its ‘sweet waters’, is a place where oral history and natural beauty converge. Nearby, visitors can explore battlefields, cultural villages and sacred sites that honour Zulu traditions. Hotels offer serene coastal retreats, where guests can reflect on the region’s royal legacy while enjoying warm Indian Ocean breezes.
Mahikeng (formerly Mafikeng) is a town where colonial conflict and indigenous culture intersect. The Mafikeng Museum traces the town’s role in the Anglo-Boer War, while the Lotlamoreng Cultural Village showcases Setswana traditions through dance, storytelling and craft. A nearby hotel provides a gateway to these experiences, offering modern comfort with easy access to the town’s historical and cultural landmarks.
Nestled in the Cape Winelands, Somerset West is a treasure trove of history. The Vergelegen Wine Estate, founded in 1700, has hosted governors and revolutionaries alike. The Old Bridge, the third oldest in South Africa, and Sir Lowry’s Pass, marked by wagon wheel tracks from the Great Trek, offer tangible links to the country’s pioneering past. Stay in accommodation that blends old-world charm with contemporary design, drawing inspiration from Lord Charles Henry Somerset, the town’s namesake and founder of South Africa’s first public library.
Text | Dorcas Dlamini Mbele
Photography | Kiev.Victor
Dorcas Dlamini Mbele is Senior Commercial Director, Marriott International – Sub-Saharan Africa.
For more information, go to marriott.com
Top of the Range
Deluxe SUV makes you want to be part of its story
A Range Rover Evoque looks like a fairly chunky machine next to the average sedan, but next to the nearly top-of-the-range Range Rover Autobiography, it has the presence of a Citi Golf. For all of its hulking presence, though, the latter does have some minimalist elements.
The centre panel between driver and passenger seats comprises three simple panels, two of which retract to reveal cupholders and a recharging socket – but only if you have an iPhone, which is not the most helpful brand connection or partnership if your Android-friendly cable doesn’t fit.
Behind the wheel, you’re seated high, a bonus when driving in Cape Town, when you can choose Chapman’s Peak or a circumnavigation of the Peninsula as a perfectly reasonable route to take between hotels or appointments. The interior layout and functionality feels extraordinarily luxurious without ever being finicky or poncey, with none of the sort of ‘look at me’ features that just require extra time to navigate, rather than being helpful. For instance, seat adjustment controls are on the door panel near the seat, which makes a kind of sense that’s more common than you can generally hope for on a vehicle as high-end as this one.
The infotainment screen is easy enough to use, mostly intuitive, though it sometimes requires an extra step to get to where you want, function-wise – particularly when you’re just becoming accustomed to the car.
Restrained authority
The response to putting your foot down is gratifyingly quick, though the silenced cabin means there is no smile-inducing roar of a muscle car. The brakes are also superb, stopping what is a huge vehicle (the Autobiography is 5m long and 2m wide) in an urgent moment without any jerkiness or uncertainty.
This all adds to this being a wonderful cruising car, with brilliant road-holding, comfort and sound system. If you’re not in a rush, you may find yourself picking the longer route to your destination or even offering lifts to friends simply so you can have some extra time in this safe, restful space.
The exterior styling is sleek but plain, eschewing the show-off curves of some of the other statement SUVs. It makes sense that this is a car the late Queen Elizabeth II so appreciated: big, powerful and able to get around anything that might get in its way … and yet discreet.
The car’s finer features are often rather low-key. The indicators, wing mirrors, even the fan slots on the dashboard – nothing is chunky or flashy or wide. Exterior door handles sink into the door handle as you lock and leave and rise out of the surface as you approach again, making it feel like the car is sad to see you go and happy to see you return, like a high-pedigree hound.
Getting under the skin
A high number of features go unused until you head offroad, including raising the already robust ground clearance even further, engaging slope control or – if you can find a reasonably big stream – seeing what happens when you test the defined ‘wading depth’, which is stated as a not insignificant 900mm.
There are also features, however, that make everyday situations much more comfortable. One example? Generally, when you come back to a car with indulgent leather seats after it’s spent some time in the sun while you were shopping or having a meal, getting in and sitting down is a recipe for sadness. Here, though, you can activate a seat cooling feature and almost immediately feel the difference (the opposite is true, too, if you need to heat the seats on a cold day).
As you spend more time behind the wheel, the control centre becomes easier to use – holding a button down might make it into a slider, for instance, meaning changing temperatures or other settings is much easier than it would be if you had to press said button a dozen times instead of merely shifting a finger. When you aren’t enjoying what’s inside the Autobiography, it’s enjoyably easy to see what’s outside of it, with an extensive camera system making figuring out where the corners of the behemoth are and getting out of tight spots surprisingly easy.
And once you’re out of anywhere where the vehicle’s power needs to be constrained, it’s very tempting to see what it can do beyond the good behaviour expected in the suburbs. If you can, safely and legally, do put your foot down: it feels as if the car somehow stands up, leaping forward toward whatever the speed limit is, G-force pushing you back into your cushioned seat. The Autobiography is a machine that epitomises civilised, sumptuous sophistication, but give it a chance and it’s happy to show just how gritty it can be.
Text and photography | Bruce Dennill
For more information, go to landrover.co.za.
Journey into culture
Exploring your heritage is exciting and satisfying, but it can require some investment
Heritage travel involves taking a trip that’s connected to your culture or family roots. With so many diverse histories in South Africa, the occasions could range from marking the end of Ramadan, attending an initiation ceremony or celebrating Diwali to gathering for a wedding or travelling to a family home over Christmas. It’s more than sightseeing – it’s about honouring where you come from and spending time with loved ones.
While these trips strengthen family ties and keep traditions alive, they can put pressure on your budget. Paying for long-distance travel, accommodation, gifts, beverages and additional groceries, if unplanned, can set you back financially. Fortunately, with some forward thinking, you can take part in these important occasions without breaking the bank.
Research your roots before you go. Delve into family records and photographs and explore sites such as South African History Online and the online hub of the Genealogical Society of South Africa to maximise the heritage component.
Start saving early. Open a savings account or pocket. Even modest monthly contributions grow over time, making it easier to cover travel and cultural activities. Lock in your spot. Festive and religious holidays are peak travel times, when costs rise. Book transport and accommodation well in advance to access early-bird discounts. If you can, plan your trip during quieter periods, such as just before or after public holidays, when prices are lower.
Use travel discounts and deals. Look out for specials from airlines and bus companies and loyalty rewards from financial services groups, fuel stations and retailers. Download travel apps and sign up for newsletters to keep updated. Share the load. Carpooling with family or friends and splitting petrol costs and toll fees makes a long journey more affordable and fun. Shopping and cooking together during a family gathering also saves money.
Relative spending
Budget for family responsibilities. For many families, heritage travel involves visiting ancestral land and homesteads. This comes with responsibilities such as contributing to property maintenance, groceries for extended family and ceremonies. Factor these expenses into your travel budget.
Put safety first. Ensure that your car is roadworthy and your insurance is adequate before embarking on a long trip. Check your vehicle insurance, roadside assistance details and medical aid. If using public transport, keep valuables secure and avoid carrying large sums of cash. Travel insurance is also worth considering if you are flying, in case of delays, cancellations or lost baggage.
Embrace family. The heart of heritage travel is togetherness and respect for culture, not overspending. Simple activities such as cooking traditional meals and sharing family history create lasting memories.
Look for free cultural activities. Many towns and cities offer free museum days, local festivals and community events tied to heritage. These are perfect for teaching children without overspending.
And capture memories digitally. Take photos and videos for lasting memories instead of buying expensive souvenirs.
Text | Sarah Nicholson
Photography | Ross Helen
Sarah Nicholson is customer experience and platform manager of JustMoney.co.za.
Going around again
Understanding recycling better can help make sure paper products get reused effectively
While most South Africans understand what can be recycled, there’s still a significant gap between good intentions and action when it comes to paper recycling. A recent survey by the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) found that 20% of people admit they don’t recycle but would like to – highlighting the need to close the gap between intention and action.
The survey did reveal encouraging signs: 81% of respondents clearly understand what types of products can be recycled (up from 78% in 2023), and 74% of people said they recycle paper and cardboard either consistently or occasionally. Some 69% responded that they recycle their paper-based packaging, such as delivery boxes, food packaging and drinking cartons. Only 5% said they never recycle their paper and cardboard products.
According to PAMSA, the paper recycling industry collects around 1.2 million tonnes of paper and paper packaging every year, diverting this volume from the country’s landfills and converting it into new packaging and tissue products. The way to close that gap is by raising awareness on the ins and outs of recycling and encouraging consumers to dispose of products responsibly.
Most paper products can be recycled, but there are a few exceptions – mainly due to the type of finishing or coating, material composition and contamination from the likes of food contact.
Sort it out
As far as possible, remove any non-paper elements from your recyclable paper. This includes sticky tape, plastic liners, metal or plastic binding, staples and paper clips. While significant research and development is underway to improve the handling of a wider range of paper-based packaging, the repulping technology currently used cannot process large amounts of non-paper elements, as these can damage the machinery.
Have a simple separation system with bins for your rubbish and bins for your recycling. This ensures that your recyclable paper and cardboard will not get wet or dirty and will stay in good condition until it gets to the recycling mill. These can be placed around the house too, not just in the kitchen.
Text | Samantha Choles
Photography | Wichayada Suwanachun
Samantha Choles is the communication manager at PAMSA.
For more information, go to thepaperstory.co.za.
Can this be recycled?
Yes
- Office/copy paper
- Brown cardboard boxes
- Grocery and takeaway bags
- Cereal boxes, medicine boxes and the like
- Pizza boxes
- Magazines and newspapers
- Egg boxes and moulded fibre cup holders
- Centre cores from toilet rolls, kitchen towels, gift wrap, cling wrap and tinfoil
- Milk and juice cartons – remove the plastic closures, rinse lightly and flatten
- Paper cups
No
- Tissue products (tissues, paper towels, napkins, toilet paper)
- Contaminated or dirty paper
- Paper plates and cups with food residue
- Waxy fast-food wrappers
- Wet paper or cardboard
- Cement bags (due to the cement residue)
- Paper with mixed materials, plastic coatings and lamination, laminated office paper
- Photographs
- Wax-coated paper (like some fruit or meat wrappers)
- Foil- or plastic-lined paper or gift wrap
- Envelopes with plastic windows (some facilities can handle them)
- Paper envelopes with bubble-wrap inners
- Paper with glitter, metallic ink or embellishments
Better when you’re healthy
Media personality – and doctor – Michael Mol knows the value of a good story and of quality of life
Did you have an influence in your youth that shaped your career path?
Michael Mol: Some of my earliest memories are of sitting in a pew listening to my dad preach the gospel and watching people hanging on his words. He was more of a teacher than a preacher – and told lots of stories that resonated with his listeners and, to this day, when I speak to audiences around the world – it’s always with stories. And then there’s my mom – who also taught the gospel, but with pictures and flannel graphs and visual objects that captured children’s imaginations with the kind of creativity that made it unforgettable. Try as I may to emulate that, I’m not convinced that PowerPoint can quite do the same. As for becoming a doctor, that was born out of parents who loved people, cared for them, counselled them and always opened their door to them… which is a great description of what a doctor is – or at least, should be!
You kicked off your presenting career with the lifestyle show Top Billing in 1999 and worked there for over a decade. What are your fondest memories?
Favourite interview of all time? Elton John! The secret to a great interview with big stars is the first question – it has to be intriguing, insightful and never asked before. We’d flown all the way to Vienna to attend an AIDS benefit concert Elton was hosting and had 15 minutes max – no pressure! We crushed it – spent almost 45 minutes with him in a soul-searching interview that ended with a big kiss and a personal invitation to his legendary White Tie & Tiara Ball.
Please explain your motto: ‘life is better when you’re healthy’.
Health isn’t just the absence of illness: it’s the ability to live with energy and enthusiasm and to fully show up for the people you love and the passions that matter to you. When your body is strong, your mind is clear and your energy is charged. You’re more creative, more present and more alive. That’s why life doesn’t just feel better when you’re healthy – it is way better!
Did things change for you when you turned 50?
Yes, profoundly. Aside from my eyesight going blurry, I started thinking less about how many years I had left and more about what kind of life I wanted to live in those years. I became obsessed, in a good way, with healthspan – not just living longer but living better for longer.
You, together with your family, regularly exercise and intermittently fast. How has that improved your lifestyle?
It’s been a game-changer. Intermittent fasting helps regulate my metabolism, it burns fat, reduces inflammation, slows down my pace of ageing and promotes a process called autophagy – our bodies’ natural detox and repair system. Time-restricted eating isn’t about starving. It’s about syncing your biology with your meals, about letting your body do what it was designed to do: eat well, store wisely and burn beautifully.
As for exercise, if exercise were a pill, it would be the most powerful drug ever created. But better than a pill, it’s free and doesn’t need a prescription. You just have to take it consistently. And unlike most other drugs, it comes with side effects like joy, confidence and energy.
Talk to us about healthy ageing.
Healthy ageing is about staying functional and vibrant as the years go by. It’s not about looking younger – it’s about feeling younger. We want to preserve strength, sharpness and purpose well into our seventies, eighties and beyond. That means making intentional choices now to support the version of yourself you want to be decades from today.
What is the best way to achieve longevity?
Imagine you’re building a house. A beautiful, strong, long-lasting one. The foundation, walls and roof are nutrition, sleep, exercise and connection. They’re the essential structure. Without them, the house collapses. It doesn’t matter how fancy the interior is. Here’s the truth: the boring stuff works, and it works stupidly well. Prioritising whole foods, lifting heavy things, holding hands and getting 7-9 hours of sleep? That’s the cheat code. The rest? Might give you an ever-so-slight edge. But the big wins? They’re free. They’re simple. They’re just not sexy.
Can people reverse the age clock?
Yes, but it’s nuanced. The number on your driver’s license – that’s your chronological age. It tells us how many times you’ve orbited the sun. Useful, sure, but not the whole story.
There’s another number and it might matter even more. It’s called biological age. That’s how old your body actually is – your cells, your tissues, your brain, your cardiovascular system. And here’s the exciting part: biological age isn’t fixed. It can go up or down. It can even be reversed.
Think of it this way: two people can both be 60, but one is running marathons and the other can barely walk up the stairs. Chronologically the same. Biologically, worlds apart.
I hear people say that living to 100 means giving up everything that makes life worth living, but the belief that health and longevity demand joyless self-denial is a myth. Science increasingly shows that pleasure, purpose and play are essential ingredients in a long, healthy life.
Exciting projects on the horizon?
We’re in the process of upgrading corporate wellness in South Africa and abroad with an offering that moves beyond outdated checkboxes and annual assessments.
This new screening programme will focus on metrics that actually matter for your healthspan, from early markers of chronic disease to biological age testing and metabolic resilience.
Text | Heléne Ramackers
Photography | Karin Schermbrucker
Follow Michael Mol at linkedin.com/in/michaelmol and instagram.com/dr.michaelmol.
Sweet struggle
Hidden sugars can make controlling your intake tricky
There is clear evidence that excessive sugar intake results in various health issues, from obesity, heart disease and diabetes to tooth cavities. According to a study by Wits University, South Africans consume significantly more sugar than recommended, with an estimated 12-24 teaspoons daily, of which 4-8 teaspoons come from sugar-sweetened beverages. This exceeds the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended daily limit of six teaspoons.
Natural sugars come in the form of lactose, fructose and sucrose and can be found in fruit, vegetables, dairy and grains. Hidden sugars are sugars that are added to foods or drinks during processing, which aren’t immediately obvious from the taste: cane sugar, corn syrup, agave nectar, maple syrup, molasses, honey and fruit juice concentrates.
A person’s daily sugar intake can quickly escalate when considering the hidden sugar found in many popular snacks and drinks. The daily recommended sugar limit for children is 3-6 teaspoons (12-25g), six teaspoons (25g) for women and nine teaspoons (38g) for men.
Due diligence
Check food labels for ‘total sugars’ and ‘added sugars’. Total sugars include natural and added sugars, while added sugars are the sugars added during processing. The daily value (DV) is the daily recommended intake of added sugars. When analysing different foods and beverages, aim for 5% DV of added sugars or less when reading labels.
Convert grams to teaspoons: one teaspoon of sugar is roughly 4-5g. This often makes it easier to visualise how much sugar you’re really consuming.
In most popular soft drinks (39g per 330ml can), all the sugar is added, not naturally occurring in the product, and sugary drinks can contribute significantly to a person’s daily sugar intake. Remember that even 100% natural fruit juice (24g per 250ml glass) contains fructose. While this is a naturally occurring sugar, it still forms part of a person’s daily sugar contribution. Marketed as beneficial for active individuals, it’s important to note that there’s still a significant amount of sugar in sports drinks (20g per 330ml bottle) to enhance the flavour.
While yoghurt has beneficial calcium and probiotics, it’s worth noting the type of yoghurt, as many yoghurts (in particular the flavoured ones – 17g per 150g) have added sugar for taste. They’re often marketed as a healthy snack, but many granola or cereal bars (12g per 40g bar) contain added sugar for flavour. Store-bought smoothies (35g per 450ml bottle) are another snack that is marketed as healthy, but they can also contain high amounts of both naturally occurring and added sugar.
Fruit roll-ups (13g per 20g piece) contain a lot of added sugar to preserve the flavour. Even tomato sauce (4g per 17g tablespoon) needs care when consuming.
Text | Mbali Mapholi
Photography | Ground Picture
Mbali Mapholi is a Laager Rooibos partner dietitian.
For more information, go to joekels.co.za.
Take it easy
‘Slow travel’ is about embracing a more intentional approach to exploring a new place
Travellers are no longer rushing to see it all. Instead, they’re choosing to stay longer, move at a slower pace and connect more deeply with the places they visit. This approach allows for a more authentic experience. It fosters a deeper understanding of local customs, traditions and ways of life. By slowing down, they can uncover the unique character of a destination, from its vibrant markets to its serene landscapes.
Slow travel is not just about the destination; it’s about the journey, the people you meet and the experiences you have along the way. It’s a more mindful way of travelling and one that can lead to truly transformative experiences.
The rise of ‘slow travel’ can be attributed to travellers seeking more meaningful experiences and a deeper connection with the places they visit. With the increasing awareness of the environmental impact of fast-paced tourism, many are turning to slow travel as a more sustainable and responsible way to explore the world.
This mode of travel offers numerous benefits, including the opportunity to build a deeper connection with destinations, avoid travel burnout and foster personal growth and enrichment. By staying longer in one place, travellers can experience the daily rhythm of a destination, creating vivid and lasting memories.
All in one place
Family travel has seen a significant increase, with guests opting for more quality time together. Families are being more purposeful with their time together, enjoying activities and dinners as a unit, rather than rushing between outings and off-site restaurants.
Destinations that are in the heart of cities – like many across Cape Town – offer a blend of comfort, style and local charm, while also remaining easily accessible for those looking for the best of a specific city or region.
The city offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, a thriving food scene and diverse landscapes, all within easy reach. Travellers can explore the vibrant streets of Bo-Kaap, savour the city’s renowned cuisine and soak up the atmosphere. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history and warm hospitality, Cape Town is an ideal destination for those seeking a more meaningful travel experience.
Its compact size, mild climate and diverse attractions make it easy for travellers to navigate and explore at their own pace. Whether visitors are interested in history, culture, nature or cuisine, Cape Town offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to all interests.
Guests are seeking authentic local experiences, asking guest relations teams more frequently for advice on local experiences and genuine encounters. Guests want to hear local stories and discover bespoke experiences. There is a trend of guests extending their stays, choosing to have one central base to explore from rather than constantly moving to new destinations.
Text | Leonie Andereya and Michelle Cyster
Photography | Ulza
Leonie Andereya is General Manager and Michelle Cyster is Front Office Manager of The Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town.
For more information, go to radissonhotels.com.
Explore Africa with Africa Golf Club
A new era of golf, travel and business across the continent
In 2026, Africa Golf Club will embark on one of the most ambitious golf tourism and business networking journeys on the continent, strategically expanding to cities and countries connected by Airlink, the airline that continues to open African skies.
South Africa’s Top 100 Golf Courses Tour
South Africa ranks among the world’s top 20 golf destinations, home to some of the most breathtaking and technically brilliant courses anywhere on the planet. In recognition of this, Africa Golf Club is launching a digital Top 100 Tour – a storytelling and discovery series designed to showcase not just the fairways, but the full ecosystem that surrounds them: hotels, resorts, manufacturers, real estate, tourism operators and business opportunities.
This continental initiative will be led by Africa Golf Club founders Chad Chawanda, Africa’s most followed business golfer, and Bruce Woest, who will travel across South Africa documenting each course and its surrounding economic landscape. Their mission is simple: to promote intra-Africa travel, connect business leaders and highlight the power of golf as a gateway to opportunity.
Pearl Valley: the starting point
The tour begins at Pearl Valley, one of Africa’s elite golf courses and the Western Cape’s number-one layout. From there, the journey expands to major golfing cities across the country before moving into other parts of the continent.
Taking Africa Golf Club across the continent
With Airlink’s extensive network, Africa Golf Club will launch in 11 new African countries in 2026, creating a platform where golfers, entrepreneurs, investors and professionals can connect, play and unlock opportunities across borders.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to do business in destinations such as the DRC, Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe or Zambia, Africa Golf Club is building those bridges, one fairway and one city at a time.
Africa Golf Club is connecting the continent through the game we love.
Text and Photography | Supplied
To join: email join@golfclub.africa
To view the 2026 tour calendar: visit www.golfclub.africa
Call/WhatsApp: +27 83 488 2600
Email: hello@golfclub.africa
Key concerns
Knowing how to administer first aid is always useful and occasionally crucial
The most powerful tool for safety isn’t a policy, but knowledge. The first few minutes of an emergency are the most critical. Every year, thousands of preventable deaths and injuries occur simply because people don’t know what to do in these moments.
A calm, competent response can literally mean the difference between life and death. This is the power of preparedness and the ultimate form of proactive protection.
No matter the situation, the ABCs of first aid provide a simple framework, helping you to stay focused through any emergency. This simple acronym is the starting point for any critical intervention:
A – Airway: Check if the person’s airway is clear. Is anything obstructing their breathing?
B – Breathing: Check if the person is breathing. Listen for breath sounds and watch for chest movement.
C – Circulation (or CPR): If they aren’t breathing, start CPR. Knowing how to perform chest compressions correctly is vital. Quickly starting CPR can significantly improve outcomes in cardiac emergencies.
Severe bleeding can be life-threatening and requires immediate action. Use a clean cloth, bandage or even your hand to apply firm, steady pressure directly on the wound. If possible, raise the injured part of the body above the heart to help slow the blood flow.
Do not remove the bandage to check the wound; if blood soaks through, add another layer and continue applying pressure until professional help arrives.
Take action
Burn injuries are common and can range from a kitchen mishap to a more serious accident. For minor burns, immediately run the affected area under cool (not cold) running water for at least 10-20 minutes. This will help reduce swelling and pain. For severe burns, do not apply anything to the burn, and do not remove clothing that is stuck to the skin. Instead, cover the area with a clean, non-stick dressing and get professional medical help immediately.
Choking can happen to anyone, at any time. The Heimlich manoeuvre is a simple yet powerful skill that can save a life in seconds. For adults and older children, stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above their navel. Grasp the fist with your other hand and perform quick, upward thrusts into their abdomen. For babies and younger children, use back blows and chest thrusts. Always ensure you’ve called for help first or asked someone else to.
A well-stocked first aid kit is an essential component of being prepared. It’s your personal safety toolkit, ready for any minor emergency. Your kit should include basic supplies such as plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, burn gel and medical tape; pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen; and specialised items such as tweezers, scissors and a thermometer. Keep a kit at home, in your car, and even a smaller one in your bag.
Text | Dipesh Radia
Photography | People Images
Dipesh Radia is Chief Commercial Officer at Momentum Insure.
For more information, go to momentum.co.za.
Conceit in the C-suite
Bosses may be narcissists, though in business terms, that’s not necessarily a bad thing…
A growing body of evidence highlights a concerning trend: an elevated prevalence of narcissistic and psychopathic traits among top leaders, with dire consequences for the mental health of employees.
Dark leadership – a leadership style characterised by behaviours that are harmful to individuals and organisations – is consistently linked to an increase in stress, anxiety, depression, reduced job satisfaction and high employee turnover rates. Toxic leadership can create environments characterised by fear, mistrust, reduced psychological safety and diminished employee engagement and productivity. Many of the personality traits characteristic of psychopaths are also traits that help people get ahead in business, such as charm, fearless dominance, boldness and a grandiose sense of self.
It’s estimated that up to 1% of the general population meets the criteria for antisocial personality disorder, yet almost 4% of business leaders may be psychopaths. The CEO level is the career with the highest proportion of psychopaths, second only to the prevalence of antisocial personality disorder among prison inmates (with a 15% prevalence).
And the impact on employees has severe consequences: In SA, a third of employees quit due to toxic leadership; nationwide studies reveal that work-related stress accounts for over 40% of workplace illnesses, and one in four South African employees has been diagnosed with depression.
Psychopathic characteristics
Although the research paints a bleak picture, it does not mean all leaders are psychopaths or narcissists. It’s common for people to use these terms loosely, but this is not about challenging bosses.
Narcissists and psychopaths have distinct, clinically identifiable traits. Recognising these traits accurately is crucial, as misunderstanding can lead to wrongful labelling and conflict.
Signs include:
- Narcissism: Grandiosity, entitlement, constant need for admiration, lack of empathy, arrogance and hypersensitivity to criticism.
- Psychopathy: Superficial charm, manipulative behaviours, lack of remorse or empathy, impulsivity and shallow affect.
These traits, although counterintuitive, are the very characteristics that can be advantageous for leaders and fit many conventional ideas of how ‘leaders’ behave, especially in high-stakes corporate environments. Narcissists and psychopaths can easily rise to the top. They have charm, and they are fearless and risk-takers – all perceived to be strong leadership traits.
Narcissists can be brilliant strategists and have the courage (and even audacity) to push through massive change and transition, despite the risks, and their compelling visions and skill in using their charisma to inspire, attract followers.
These ‘rising stars’ are masters of self-image, who will take the credit but deflect blame. Narcissistic leaders favour indirect strategies such as withholding information impacting individual performance or isolating staff, while psychopaths rely on direct manipulation and bullying.
The corporate narcissist will gather a group of codependent people around him or her to support and reinforce his or her behaviour. Although narcissists profess to be loyal to the organisation, they are often only committed to their own agenda – not company loyalty. They expect great dedication and may overwork others without any regard for the impact on their lives.
Psychopathic characteristics on the other spectrum show towards aggressive behaviour, where dominance and strategic conquest triumph. Despite their deceit, pathological lying, manipulativeness, indifference to the consequences of their behaviour, lack of empathy, callousness, cynicism, impulsivity, irresponsibility, inflated self-appraisal, superficial charm and lack of remorse, some individuals with psychopathy are highly successful.
Scary skills?
What separates psychopaths who become criminals from psychopaths who succeed in business is that they differ in their level of conscientiousness. Successful psychopaths are less impulsive, negligent and irresponsible than the psychopaths who live a life of crime. However, this does not imply that successful psychopaths are always law-abiding citizens – they may just be better at avoiding being caught. Successful psychopaths tend to have more privileged backgrounds, higher IQs and little risk of legal penalties when compared to their unsuccessful (criminal) counterparts.
They are extremely efficient in using and manipulating communication networks to enhance their own reputation while discrediting others and creating and maintaining conflicts and rivalries amongst colleagues. They are excellent at spreading disinformation while covering up their own association with this false information, leading others to be ‘blind’ to their involvement. In effect, they are therefore innocent of manipulation.
As inspiring as these leaders can be at first, they do create a damaging effect within an organisation. Their successes mask the long-term costs: suppressed innovation, low morale, high attrition, reputational damage and eventually financial decline. Organisations need to be vigilant of these traits as they move among the corridors. By educating staff and ensuring clear HR strategies to manage incidents and support victims, we can rid companies of the toxic environments these leaders cause.
Take action
If you suspect a leader exhibits these traits, there are practical steps employees can take. Maintain professional distance and document interactions clearly. Engage HR or utilise employee assistance programmes. Prioritise self-care through emotional and social support networks. And evaluate performance clearly, focusing on facts rather than emotions.
Leaders need to reflect and react. Self-awareness is powerful. Psychological support can offer strategies for mitigating harmful traits. Solicit authentic feedback – engage a trusted colleague or mentor to give honest input. Commit to leadership training that emphasises emotional intelligence and ethical leadership and create organisational checks and balances to mitigate risks associated with these traits.
What organisations can do:
- Detect dark traits early with specific psychometric screening for senior roles that measure psychological behaviour.
- Encourage feedback with anonymous tiplines and exit interviews to help uncover toxic behaviours before they escalate.
- Emphasise fairness, transparency and open-door policies, diluting power to subtle manipulators.
- Support employee wellbeing by investing in wellness programmes, flexible work, mental healthcare access and relevant HR safeguards.
- Hold leaders accountable with clear consequences for abusive behaviour, with clear protocols and HR and legal interventions.
Personality disorders in leadership aren’t just clinical curiosities. They have tangible and destructive impacts on organisational culture and employee wellbeing. Recognising, intervening and realigning are not optional – they’re crucial for sustainable, mentally healthy workplaces.
Text | Renata Schoeman
Photography | Elnur
Prof Renata Schoeman is Head of Healthcare Leadership at Stellenbosch Business School.
For more information, go to stellenboschbusiness.ac.za.
Out of control
Regulating rent might be a short-term advantage in some markets, but giving landlords more power may help in the long run
Two Cape Town apartments recently went viral for their overpriced monthly rent. A modest apartment in Green Point was going for R22,000, while another small unit in Durbanville was advertised at R16,000, despite needing repairs and having an ‘ugly kitchen’ with broken appliances. Social media users criticised the price-quality mismatch, noting that similar or better homes in Joburg cost far less.
Affordability concerns like these are a key reason why tenants are relocating from the Western Cape, according to nearly 80% of rental agents in PayProp’s 2025 State of the Rental Industry report. Even more concerning, the vast majority of South African households (80%) are priced out of the formal housing market because their monthly income is under R26,000.
Living in Cape Town is particularly pricey, with average property sale prices increasing from R1.6 million in 2020 to R2.1 million in 2025.
In contrast, Johannesburg’s prices have remained relatively flat over this period, staying on average between R1 million and R1.5 million, according to property analytics firm Lightstone.
Obviously, the higher capital values mean that people who buy for investment require a higher nominal return, which means the rents go up. This has been happening in the Western Cape, where the PayProp Rental Index shows 9.6% year-on-year rental growth and average monthly rents reaching R11,285 in Q1/2025 – significantly higher than Gauteng (R9,201), KwaZulu-Natal (R9,170) and the Eastern Cape (R7,330).
System change needed
Calls for rent control in Cape Town are getting louder. The idea is to cap rent increases to make housing more affordable. However, this may win populist votes and provide short-term relief for tenants, but it won’t fix the housing shortfall. While rent control impacts the entire property market, it ironically hits hardest in the low-income band – those who should benefit the most.
Rent control leads to underinvestment and poorly maintained units, as landlords have limited incentives to maintain or expand their rental stocks because their profits are capped. Another problem is misallocation, where some tenants will stay in rent-controlled units even when these no longer match their needs. By blocking the units for people who genuinely need them, they create an inefficient housing distribution that worsens the undersupply further.
There’s ample private sector money available to invest in rental housing, but government needs to change the market design that makes this segment unprofitable. Small units are more expensive per square metre to build – and sell – than larger ones.
In addition, tenants in affordable units (sub-R7,000 rent/month) are more frequently in rent arrears than higher-income tenants, as they feel economic pressure harder.
The balance of power is unduly tipped against landlords and needs to be levelled. The law that governs evictions, the Prevention of Illegal Eviction and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (PAI), isn’t fit for purpose. It was designed to evict land squatters, but due to poor drafting, it also applies to the eviction of tenants who don’t pay their rent or refuse to move out when legally required. This makes the process unnecessarily expensive, time-consuming and open to exploitation.
Text | Renier Kriek
Photography | Gaudi Lab
Renier Kriek is MD of Sentinel Homes. For more information, go to sentinelhomes.co.za.
Fit for purpose
Local knowledge is a huge help when running operations on African mines
International companies expanding into Africa’s emerging markets often arrive with best-in-class contractor management systems, only to discover their systems do not work. This is because success in these markets depends on more than just technology. It requires a deep understanding of local infrastructure, cultural context and operational realities.
Contractor management platforms developed in North America or Europe often assume universal digital literacy, smartphone access and shared workplace norms around compliance and safety. These assumptions rarely hold up in remote regions of Africa. The reality is that many mines – even in South Africa – still experience poor connectivity, high data costs and frequent power disruptions. Concepts like ‘compliance’ or ‘risk mitigation’ may not exist in local languages, making training and communication more difficult.
Manual processes are also still widespread. Contractor onboarding often involves physical paperwork, long queues and siloed approval processes. Contractors may spend days completing forms, attending medicals and repeating training due to poor record-keeping. These inefficiencies waste time, cost money and frustrate everyone involved.
One channel
A centralised contractor management system addresses these pain points by unifying all onboarding elements, such as document collection, safety training, medicals and approvals, into a single streamlined workflow. But for this approach to succeed in Africa, it must be fit for purpose. That means it needs to be easy to use, flexible and capable of working offline. When implemented correctly, centralised systems can dramatically cut costs and improve efficiency.
These outcomes are not driven by digital tools alone, and technology must be paired with people. That is where the hybrid model comes in – combining robust, fit-for-purpose systems with on-the-ground expertise to ensure adoption, alignment and real-world impact.
Digital tools provide structure, but people make them work. Without local facilitators to support adoption and guide users through the process, even the most sophisticated system is likely to fail. A hybrid model places skilled professionals on site to bridge the gap between the system and the workforce. These facilitators help contractors and supervisors through each stage of onboarding and build confidence in the new way of working. Over time, as familiarity grows, operations can become more automated, but in the early stages, hands-on support is essential.
This approach also recognises the realities of the workforce, many of whom come from rural areas with limited exposure to technology. A human-centred rollout builds trust, promotes inclusivity and drives behaviour change on the ground.
Solid foundation
For international companies unfamiliar with African markets, working with specialist service providers is a smart move. Outsourcing contractor management to experienced specialists enables multinational companies to implement processes suited to local conditions. These providers bring regional expertise, fit-for-purpose systems and trained personnel to manage onboarding, safety and compliance effectively.
Effective contractor management is, practically speaking, the foundation for a culture of safety and accountability. The Three Cs framework of compliance, competence and commitment provides a practical way to measure this.
Digital systems make compliance visible, allowing mines to track safety certifications and onboarding progress in real time. Competence is ensured through structured onboarding that verifies practical skills. Commitment is shown by leadership, who set the tone from the top.
Text | Claudene Ahnoop and Roscoe Bremer
Photography | Parilov
Claudene Ahnoop is Chief Operating Officer and Roscoe Bremer is a Business Development Executive at KBC Health and Safety.
For more information, go to kbcsafety.com.
Making the most of prime time
Employers need to assist women in making the most of a complex stage of life
One in four women considers leaving her job due to menopausal symptoms – and one in 10 actually does. With 70% of women experiencing symptoms during the transition out of their reproductive years, the impact on the workforce is both widespread and underestimated.
From sleep disturbances and anxiety to brain fog, joint pain and mood changes, these symptoms can quietly, yet profoundly, impair performance and productivity. Forward-thinking employers are starting to recognise that supporting women through menopause isn’t just an act of empathy – it’s a strategic investment.
This stage of life should represent a pinnacle in a woman’s career – a time when she brings decades of experience, emotional intelligence and leadership maturity to the table. With children often more independent, many women are finally positioned to take on larger roles, lead teams or pursue long-held ambitions. But instead of flourishing, many are grappling with a cocktail of brain fog, insomnia, anxiety and physical discomfort that makes the daily grind feel insurmountable. The result? Businesses risk losing some of their most seasoned and capable professionals just as they reach their prime. It’s a quiet but costly talent drain that no competitive organisation can afford to overlook.
Change is necessary
With over 60% of today’s workforce made up of women, it’s clear that the traditional design of work – often built around outdated assumptions – needs to evolve. We must begin to craft environments that acknowledge and support the biological transitions that come with age, for both women and men. While menopause has its own set of challenges, men, too, experience hormonal changes. Testosterone levels decline gradually – typically around 1% per year after age 30 – and more rapidly in those under chronic stress. Between 30% and 70% of men report symptoms ranging from low energy and mood shifts to muscle loss and poor sleep and libido. These changes, if unsupported, can quietly erode performance, relationships and wellbeing.
While some individuals breeze through these life stages, most experience changes in vitality just as their careers demand the most from them. In a competitive job market, this misalignment can cause significant loss. Not long ago, postpartum women were expected to express milk in toilet cubicles.
Today, we’ve made progress in supporting working mothers – and now, it’s time to extend that same consideration to midlife transitions. Employers and employees alike need the language, education and tools to identify symptoms and access appropriate support.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has often been misunderstood. A widely publicised 1990s study from the Women’s Health Initiative cast a long shadow over HRT, linking it with breast cancer. Thirty years later, we now know that the associated risks – particularly for certain types of HRT – were overstated and that the benefits for many far outweigh the risks. When appropriately prescribed, HRT can reduce all-cause mortality and improve quality of life by supporting cardiovascular, bone and brain health – not to mention alleviating symptoms often misattributed to burnout or mental health decline.
Text | Skye Scott and Melinda Whitfield
Photography | Andrey Popov
Dr Skye Scott and Dr Melinda Whitfield are family GPs and owners of Health with Heart.
For more information, go to healthwithheart.co.za.
A time for newness as we begin the year
The start of a new year offers a meaningful opportunity for reflection, renewal and intentional goal setting
Effective goals keep us focused and motivated, creating space for growth and new experiences. Just as only 10% of an iceberg is visible while 90% remains hidden, our lives are shaped largely by the unseen subconscious. When we align our conscious goals with our deeper attitudes, thoughts and inner awareness, meaningful change becomes possible.
Be purposeful
Begin by understanding the contribution you want to make in alignment with your deeper purpose. Each person has a unique offering to add value to life’s journey. Life is not random – it unfolds as part of the soul’s greater purpose. Aligning with this purpose brings fulfilment and clarity as you set your goals.
Hold an intention
Intention stems from knowing what you want to achieve and why. When the ‘why’ is strong, motivation and enthusiasm arise naturally. Many people struggle to sustain goals because their motivation is unclear. A strong intention becomes the internal fuel that keeps you moving forward.
Have a vision
Clarity of vision allows you to bring your goals into reality. Visualise where you want to be, how you want to feel and the people you want around you. Tools such as vision boards, journaling or voice recordings help make your vision real in your mind. Research shows that visualisation activates the same brain regions as performing a task, strengthening neural pathways and increasing readiness.
Be SMART
Specific: Clearly define your goals.
Measurable: Set criteria to track progress and recognise growth.
Achievable: Be realistic yet bold – dream big while staying practical.
Relevant: Ensure that goals align with your purpose and values.
Time-bound: Set deadlines to guide your efforts.
Break it down
Large goals become manageable when divided into smaller, practical steps. This reduces overwhelm and helps you track progress. Even if you stumble along the way, keep moving forward.
Stay flexible
Remain determined but adaptable. Life changes, and goals may need adjustment. Stay compassionate with yourself and maintain focus on your broader vision, even when circumstances shift.
Celebrate milestones
Acknowledging achievements along the way builds motivation and reinforces positive behaviour.
Stay accountable
Share your goals with someone you trust or seek a mentor. Accountability keeps you consistent and committed.
Stay positive
A positive mindset sustains your energy and resilience. Focus on progress rather than perfection, and nurture yourself with patience and love.
Meditation and mindful practice
Meditation allows you to connect deeply with yourself, aligning your purpose, values and vision. This inner alignment strengthens your ability to maintain clarity and focus while nurturing your intentions.
Text and photography | Supplied
For more information on all centres, personal development and meditation as a practice, visit www.brahmakumaris.org.za
THE BRAHMA KUMARIS CENTRES IN SOUTH AFRICA:
DURBAN
143 Belmont Rd, Durban
083 430 8926 / 031 563 3502
JOHANNESBURG
28 Judith Street, Observatory
066 495 1367
johannesburg@za.brahmakumaris.org
CAPE TOWN
7 Dunluce Avenue, Claremont
077 374 1967
NELSPRUIT
7 Paperbark Street, Thornycreek Complex, Nelspruit, Mpumalanga
072 118 3690
Eyes on the outside
Green funding can be an option for SMEs, provided there is a focus on the wider world in their planning
In South Africa’s up-and-down economic terrain, one conversation is quickly becoming unavoidable: green funding. Once the domain of large corporates, Environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles are now filtering into the mainstream of SME discourse. Access to finance, customer trust and long-term sustainability are increasingly tied to a business’s ability to demonstrate its positive environmental and social impact.
Green funding, including green loans and ESG-linked credit facilities, is no longer a niche trend. Globally, the value of ESG-aligned investments surpassed R600 trillion in 2023, and local appetite is catching up fast. South Africa’s circular economy alone is estimated to be worth more than R50 billion, revealing a significant growth opportunity for SMEs that embrace sustainability not just as a practice, but as part of their value proposition.
Green funding is capital made available to businesses that can show alignment with ESG principles, such as reducing carbon emissions, promoting fair labour practices or running businesses transparently and ethically. Whether through loans with preferential rates, impact investor capital or ESG-linked procurement opportunities, this form of funding rewards responsible business conduct with financial benefits.
For too long, ESG has been seen as a buzzword exclusive to the boardrooms of multinational companies. But that perception is fading. Today’s consumers are scrutinising brands not just for what they offer, but what they stand for. And younger buyers who dominate future markets are even more values-driven.
Intelligent inclusion
South African SMEs, especially in sectors like logistics, agriculture, retail, construction and energy, stand to gain a competitive edge by integrating ESG into their operations. Lenders, investors and procurement bodies are already shifting toward ESG-based scoring models. A small business with sound governance practices, for instance, is far more likely to be trusted with a public sector contract or DFI-backed capital injection.
From a cost perspective, ESG practices can also enhance profitability. Something as simple as switching to LED lighting, going paperless or leveraging virtual meetings can cut costs significantly while enhancing a business’s ESG credentials. Of the three ESG pillars, governance is emerging as the non-negotiable one, especially where funding is concerned. Governance isn’t about bureaucracy. It’s about sound decision-making, transparency and systems that ensure accountability.
Funders now routinely ask SMEs for clear financial records, internal controls and documented ESG strategies. These are essential criteria that determine who gets access to the next round of funding and who gets left behind. This shift is ushering in a new era of compliance-driven competitiveness, where small businesses that take governance seriously are more likely to survive and scale.
For SMEs wondering where to start, the answer is to start small but start smart. Firstly, look at monitoring energy and water consumption and set goals to reduce them. Secondly, engage within your community, whether through mentorship, school partnerships or local sourcing. Community engagement strengthens both brand and purpose. Finally, build a basic ESG strategy. Even a one-page document that outlines your environmental efforts, social contributions and governance practices can go a long way.
Text | Luncedo Mtwentwe
Photography | DC Studio
Luncedo Mtwentwe is Managing Director of Vantage Advisory and host of the SAICABiz Impact Podcast. For more information, go to vantageadvisory.co.za.
From like to love
Encouraging deeper engagement between your customer and your brand is crucial
Customer loyalty is a figurative holy grail of business. Long-term customers have a higher lifetime value to companies, while acquiring a new customer can be between five and 25 times more expensive than retaining an existing one.
This is why businesses invest heavily in customer loyalty programmes. Unfortunately, many loyalty programmes don’t really work, and while they may get customers back a few times, those customers need little persuading to switch to a competitor. No loyalty programme is going to help if your pricing is out of kilter, if your staff are unhelpful or rude, or if your return policy is unfair. Assuming no other impediments, a poorly designed loyalty programme will still not engender long-term loyalty.
It may succeed in eliciting fleeting but unsustainable feelings of goodwill in a customer, akin to a ‘like’ on social media. These transitory ‘likes’ are soon forgotten and disposable – the epitome of short-term attention and the antithesis of long-term affinity. This is true not just on social media, but in real life, as illustrated by the ‘hedonic adaptation’ theory – that positive experiences may temporarily boost our feelings of happiness, but we will return to a baseline level of wellbeing. We may be pleased with the new television we bought but, in time, will want a bigger or newer one. The feeling of ‘liking’ ultimately does pass.
Reinforcing behaviour
Long-term good feelings all start with ‘liking’. Sometimes, that grows into love. The difference between poor and excellent loyalty programmes is in how they fail or succeed to grow liking into loving.
It’s easy to make a start and to achieve the most basic level of liking in a customer. A customer changes their behaviour to buy from or support your business. So, you give them some points, a small discount or a free item in return.
Now, if your motive is simply to drive a sale – a transaction – you can use a transactional reward. This is the bulk of the industry, and it comes from behaviouralism. You design a specific consequence (good or bad) for a specific behaviour, and you are reinforcing or discouraging that behaviour – that’s fine. But what if you want more than just a sale?
According to research by the Incentive Research Foundation “from there, you can go up the spectrum – from trying to drive a behaviour to developing a long-lasting relationship”. To go beyond transactional and into relational, you need to make the exchange emotional, building positive emotions repeatedly, consistently and over time.
In Thinking, Fast and Slow, Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman posited that we have two ways or ‘systems’ of thinking: ‘fast’, which is instinctive and emotional, and ‘slow’, which is deliberative and logical. Perhaps the most impactful takeout of the book was not that we have two ways of thinking, but that the fast, emotional system is much more powerful and influential in our decision making. This upended previous assumptions that humans are primarily rational creatures.
Building relationships
A company-customer relationship can begin transactionally. Think about the ubiquitous ‘buy 10 and get the next one free’, favoured by many coffee shops. Customers are driven by something outside of themselves – the free 11th cup of coffee. But somewhere between the first and 10th cups of coffee, a customer’s motivation might start to become more internal and emotional. Perhaps the barista remembers her by name. Or perhaps the coffee shop uses only organic ingredients and cups made from recycled materials and offers a discount if you bring your own thermos.
By the 11th cup, the customer is already feeling a degree of emotion and affinity to the shop. She is choosing to support it not just because of the promise of a free cup of coffee, but because she likes the coffee shop’s ethos and feels good when she goes there.
What about businesses that don’t get visited every day, like a tyre company? There are ways to build relationships between those visits. A coalition loyalty programme, involving other non-competitor brands in different categories, might keep David engaged because he likes the programme partners, some of which he is already a loyal customer of. Or he might have expressed a strong interest in mechanics or cars and get free subscriptions to relevant sites. Albeit more slowly than with the coffee shop, David is building positive feelings for, and a relationship with, the tyre brand.
Emotional currency
In both examples, we see evidence of things like relevance, personalisation, alignment with values and a sense of mutual appreciation. In these and other ways, good feelings are nurtured; emotion-based, intrinsic motivation is strengthened; and relationships are formed. This is the kind of long-term loyalty that keeps customers coming back.
In both examples, it’s more than just a freebie or discount. It’s a sense of feeling valued, appreciated and rewarded emotionally for my business. There is a mutual reciprocity that isn’t seen on a bank statement but is felt on a human level.
There’s a difference between a standard-issue loyalty programme and one that actually pays dividends for years. The former operates exclusively at a transactional and superficial level: do this, get that. The latter works at an emotional level: do this, feel that. This is what turns an introduction into a relationship.
Text | Riaz Galant
Photography | Lina Images
Riaz Galant is Commercial Director at Achievement Awards Group. For more information, go to awards.co.za.
Food for thought
Many of the basics of the education system should be focused on in greater detail
We often ask: Why are schools failing? But perhaps it’s time to ask a better question: What do schools need to succeed?
In the global pursuit of educational reform, there is generally a focus on curriculum, infrastructure or testing outcomes. Rarely do we pause to consider something far more basic – whether a child has eaten that day. And yet, no syllabus, however well crafted, can compensate for a child trying to concentrate on an empty stomach.
Hunger is a silent saboteur in the classroom. It dulls concentration, lowers motivation and impairs memory. Conversely, when children receive consistent, nutritious meals, they not only perform better academically but are also more emotionally regulated, socially engaged and cognitively resilient.
Emerging science reveals something even more profound: the link between gut health and brain function. The gut, often called the ‘second brain’, hosts trillions of bacteria that produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are key chemicals that affect mood, focus and memory. When a child has a healthy gut microbiome, they are biologically better equipped to absorb information, retain it and engage meaningfully with their environment. Nutritionally dense and healthy whole foods – a varied and complete meal – are needed.
Essential building blocks
In short, food is not separate from education. It is the foundation of it. But nutrition is just one side of the educational coin. The other? Teachers. It’s time to begin to reverence teachers, not just respect them. They are not merely professionals following a curriculum; they are guardians of our collective future. Each lesson they teach, each moment they invest, ripples across generations. A teacher can inspire and empower a child to achieve so much more than they ever thought possible.
And yet teachers are often overworked, underpaid and overlooked. They are asked to be educators, caregivers, counsellors and administrators, frequently without adequate support or recognition. When there is a failure to invest in teachers’ personal wellbeing, their pedagogical tools and their professional growth, there is more at risk than staff turnover. It could result in a systemic collapse, which, some may argue, we are currently seeing. This jeopardises the potential of the very children supposedly being prioritised.
Imagine if education were viewed as reciprocal, a partnership between student and teacher, family and community and the environment? The classroom, policy and practice thereof, a holding space for deep learning to shape the learning experience. What if feeding a child was seen not as charity but as strategy? What if teacher development wasn’t a line item in the budget but the foundation of it?
The path forward is clear: both the body and the mind must be nourished. Teachers must be honoured and empowered. Stop looking for quick fixes and start building lasting foundations.
Text | Nadia Lubowski
Photography | Seventy Four
Nadia Lubowski is Managing Trustee of the Anton Lubowski Educational Trust. For more information, go to alet.org.za.
DEAR FUTURE STUDENT
Let me tell you about my first day of school.
First things first, welcome to the Aga Khan Academy Maputo. “Breathe, this is your moment!” I showed up on my first day bright-eyed and ready to conquer the world, or at least ready to ask questions.
Mr Roy, our Head of Academy, opened the event, setting the tone for an inspiring day. One by one, new faces took the stage, leaving us all with that same unmistakable rush of adrenaline in our chests. With my feet bringing me closer to class, in my grey-and-white uniform, I had a sudden knot in my chest. With my imagined ‘new kid’ energy, I told myself, “I got this!” I was nervous about my class and wanted a time machine to fast forward to when I would have a table to sit at with my friends.
I thought the day would stay calm; speeches, smiles and syllabus talk, until I was suddenly led into a new classroom. My first thought was, “Run!” But it turned out to be just a group activity. The room split like a movie scene: girls on one side, boys on the other. We were told to form groups, which forced me into my first awkward interaction.
I paired up with a girl whose laugh filled the air, and we clicked instantly. More people joined, and by lunchtime, I didn’t need that time machine anymore. By lunchtime, I was grateful.
But here’s the plot twist: it gets better. After a week, school felt more familiar than foreign. One thing that’s for sure is that the IB is no joke, but “Hey, free university credits, am I right?” You’ll find yourself in a canvas where the world’s softer and your teacher’s voice becomes more lullaby than instruction. You might find yourself in numbers, when there’s more than one correct answer and you’re on the hunt for them all. But hey, new student, you’ll find yourself in a class that knows when you’re down and teachers who wish you a happy birthday. You’ll find yourself a home.
One day, you’ll take a deep breath and realise you’re actually okay. Maybe even more than okay. Maybe even happy.
So, dear future student, it’s weird at first, it’s messy in between, but you’ll find your people, your groove and your own corner of peace.
Welcome to the Aga Khan Academy Maputo!
You’ve got this, and we’ve got you.
Written by Zuri, a Grade 9 day student at the Aga Khan Academy Maputo.
Double or nothing
Building redundancy into important connectivity infrastructure is a must
In May 2025, a brief yet wide-reaching internet outage in South Africa, caused by a single point of failure in a core internet exchange, revealed just how exposed even mature digital ecosystems can be.
The interruption only lasted a few minutes, but with South Africa’s internet penetration rate standing at almost 79%, it significantly impacted thousands of businesses and millions of users. The ripple effect lasted well beyond, disrupting online classes, interrupting meetings and even online streaming of the country’s national budget speech.
This event served as a timely reminder that in digital economies, redundancy – including backup network connectivity, power supply or data storage – is no longer a technical afterthought but a strategic imperative that ensures that operations are seamless and services continue uninterrupted.
Internet exchange points (IXPs) form the backbone of regional internet performance. They act as central hubs where networks meet and exchange traffic efficiently. A key takeaway is that even the most robust and resilient systems are vulnerable to failure for various reasons. All of these can be mitigated if the appropriate backups are in place.
This wasn’t a failure of design or engineering. Instead, it served as a reminder of the risks associated with relying on a single IXP to carry the bulk of national traffic.
Just in case…
Many South African internet service providers (ISPs), enterprises and digital platforms are heavily reliant on a single IXP for their traffic flows. While this offers simplicity and perception of cost benefits, it also introduces risk, particularly when redundancy paths aren’t well defined or contingency scenarios aren’t robustly tested. This is why multi-path connectivity and diversified peering strategies should be an integral part of every enterprise’s risk management playbook.
This is about designing infrastructure that enables systems to perform acceptably even when part of the network experiences stress. It’s also about allowing ISPs, cloud providers, fintech platforms and enterprises to route traffic dynamically, with the intelligence to adapt to congestion or failure.
Multiple data centre sites enable seamless workload transfer across geographic locations. Electricity supply issues need to be addressed with solutions such as various power feeds, on-site backup generation and battery support. Network resilience should be ensured through connections to various terrestrial and subsea cable systems, as well as cloud and carrier diversity, which provide clients with access to a variety of service providers and interconnection points.
The recent incident was resolved swiftly and transparently, and South Africa was soon back online. However, it should prompt every CIO, network architect and digital strategist to reflect on their redundancy strategy. Are connections diverse enough? Is the business dependent on a single peering point?
The difference between disruption and resilience lies in foresight, powered by infrastructure that prioritises resilience over centralisation. The goal isn’t just avoiding the next outage. It’s about incorporating redundancy into every stage of the digital transformation journey.
Text | Adil El Youssefi
Photography | Awstoys
Adil El Youssefi is Chief Executive Officer at Africa Data Centres. For more information, go to africadatacentres.com.
Uncorking possibilities
Wine tourism is a South African strength that could become even more rewarding
What South African wine tourism has to offer is nothing short of remarkable. With 522 wine cellars stretched across 23 wine routes in the Western Cape, Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, the country offers a rich and easily accessible wine experience. Local wineries serve up world-class wines, paired with mouthwatering cuisine, captivating stories and a warm, heartfelt South African welcome – all without requiring deep pockets by international standards.
The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recognises South Africa as one of only two principal wine tourism locations, alongside the celebrated Napa Valley in the USA. According to the UNWTO, these locations offer an exceptional experience that connects travellers with the destination’s history and tradition, enhances their gastronomy offerings and provides abundant information for tourists to appreciate their surroundings. High-calibre service, a strong narrative and a range of activities also enable wineries to appeal even to non-wine lovers, creating a truly well-rounded experience.
The opportunity comes with a significant financial upside. According to research done by South Africa Wine in 2022, wine tourism contributed R9.3 billion to South Africa’s GDP, formed 17.3% of total winery turnover and generated employment for up to 40,000 people, depending on the season. Wine tourism provides much-needed income and superior profitability to businesses that are built on notably low margins. In 2022, micro wine cellars (which generate total turnover of less than R10 million per year) benefited the most from wine tourism, with 36% of their total turnover derived from wine tourism activities, followed closely by small cellars (R10 million to R50 million) at 35%. Wine tourism generated 22% of large wineries’ total income (between R170 million and R300 million) in 2022 and 19% of medium cellars’ total income (R50 million to R170 million).
Growth area
Importantly, all these contributions have increased considerably since 2019 when the first wine tourism study was done. Prosperous wine tourism requires smart investment in experiences that create unique and lasting memories. To craft these memorable moments, wineries must first understand their visitors – who they are, why they come and what captivates them – to develop and deliver tailored offerings that truly resonate and exceed expectations.
One of the most powerful consumer insights from the Great Big Wine report conducted in 2021 by Vintelligence was that farm visits and in-person attendance of wine tastings and food-and-wine-pairing events were the most impactful engagement methods to drive up the average price paid for a bottle of wine, as well as the number of bottles purchased in a month. The report also revealed that special promotions were the most effective motivator for wine farm visits, influencing 72% of consumers.
Far too many wineries are missing a golden opportunity by letting a captive audience simply walk out the door. Visitors arrive for a tasting, perhaps make a purchase and then leave, often without the winery capturing any of their details.
This kind of insight is crucial for driving repeat visits and boosting future sales. Tools like WiFi analytics and customer relationship management systems can help wineries track visitor behaviour and convert one-time guests into loyal patrons.
Text | Daneel Rossouw
Photography | People Images
Daneel Rossouw is Head of Sales for Agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking. For more information, go to nedbank.co.za.
Keep things hospitable at your accommodation establishment with Auto&General Hospitality Insurance
If you’re setting up any kind of accommodation establishment, you’ve likely considered expert advice on everything from decor to fittings and kitchen necessities to booking systems – and been required to secure permits and licences. So why wouldn’t you seek out expert insurance advice to make sure that you, your employees, your investment – and your guests – are protected?
Know the rules
There are specific laws and regulations that you need to follow if you wish to convert homes into guest and boarding houses, bed and breakfasts and student accommodation, hotels and lodges, which are separate from residential by-laws. These often require you to apply for permits, for which you and your establishment need to meet specific requirements. You may even have to apply to have the property rezoned.
‘Standard’ insurance may not meet hospitality standards
Converting a home or building a new property for hospitality purposes means complying with these new sets of rules – and you’ll also need to change your insurance policy to ensure that you’re covered. That means you’ll need to take out a hospitality insurance policy – not rely on homeowners’ insurance, neither of which covers elements specific to the hospitality industry.
Businesses in the hospitality industry require specialised cover because they need to deal with liabilities and emergencies involving guests, lodging and entertainment. Hospitality insurance covers elements like property damage for buildings, furnishings and decor; liability cover for claims from guests who are injured or have their property damaged, factoring in increased foot traffic during special events; and stock and inventory cover, which covers the loss of food, wine and other perishables if they’re spoilt by power cuts, equipment faults or contamination.
You’ll also need business interruption cover to help maintain your income during forced closures that could not be anticipated or prevented; employers’ liability to support staff who may be injured in the workplace; and customisable cover that is tailored to suit the scale, location, activities and risks of your hospitality business.
Experts to think for you
Auto&General Hospitality Insurance includes cover for things you may not even have thought of – like ‘loss of attraction’, which is a loss of business income or interference with the business as a consequence of murder, suicide or sexual assault at the business premises, as well as animal attacks. You can also insure yourself against air travel delays or strikes that cause loss of income; fidelity cover for theft or dishonesty of an employee; ‘bilking’ – where guests leave without paying; fatal injury to any employee, guest or visitor; and movement of visitor or guest vehicles. That’s aside from the ‘obvious’ things, like building and contents coverage for your valuable guest facilities, and office essentials and furnishings cover for your operational needs.
Auto&General’s Hospitality Insurance offering includes BizAssist Benefits like office emergencies (think plumbing and electricity in the hospitality space), marketing and digital presence support and financial advice support.
Get an Auto&General Hospitality Insurance quote
Protect your hotel’s individuality and its future. Get a Hospitality Insurance quote from Auto&General Insurance online at www.autogen.co.za or call 011 710 0999 to connect with a team who will guide you through the options and help you find the perfect cover for your needs.
Text and photography | Supplied
Auto&General Insurance Company Limited is a licensed non-life insurer and financial services provider. Ts & Cs online.
Now versus then
What people think about brands and how they react to them could differ based on experience
In a competitive business environment where trends shift rapidly and customer loyalty is hard-won, understanding the distinction between brand perception and brand reputation is the difference between building a brand that resonates or merely echoes. Mistake these two and your strategies are likely to be misaligned, leaving the growth of your business on the table.
Brand perception is about how your audience views and understands your brand based on their experiences, interactions and the messages they receive from marketing, PR or word of mouth.
Consider consumers’ strong connections with brands such as Dettol’s sanitising power, Apple’s sleek, ‘must-have’ aura, or Jeep’s all-terrain capabilities. Various elements of your brand, including visual identity, product experience, advertising and more, shape perception. How is your brand putting its best foot forward to positively shape the way consumers think and feel towards your brand?
What are your potential consumers’ immediate thoughts and feelings towards your brand?
All that remains
Reputation is your brand’s legacy. It is the years your brand has spent delivering on promises, the ethical compass that guides every decision. It is the cornerstone of trust between you and loyal consumers, built on consistent quality, genuine customer care and weathering the storms of controversy.
Take Mr Price’s consistent affordability or Nike’s inspiring athlete partnerships. That is reputation in action. Unlike perception, which can be more fleeting, reputation is often harder to shift quickly and relies on both perception and actual performance.
Understanding the difference between brand perception and brand reputation is crucial for any business looking to build lasting connections with its audience. While perception can be influenced more quickly through strategic campaigns, reputation is built over time through consistent actions and integrity. While brand perception and brand reputation are closely related, they are distinct concepts that require different management approaches. Brand perception is about how people currently view your brand, while brand reputation is the overall judgement of your brand’s value, reliability and character over time.
By understanding and addressing both, businesses can better navigate the complex landscape of brand management and build lasting relationships with their audience.
Text | Nadia Hearn
Photography | Prostock Studio
Nadia Hearn is the founder of Get Published. For more information, go to get-published.co.za.
Operating in private
Small companies need to be careful with client information
As South African SMEs increasingly collect personal data, protecting that information has become a key concern. The implementation of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) means that businesses must understand their legal obligations to ensure compliance, avoid penalties and build customer trust.
POPIA regulates how businesses collect, store and process personal data, including anything that can identify an individual: names, contact details, financial records or online identifiers. If your business handles personal data, POPIA applies to you. The law requires businesses to obtain explicit consent before collecting data to ensure that data is used only for its intended purpose. Additionally, businesses must take steps to keep data accurate and secure from unauthorised access or loss.
Do what is needed
To comply with POPIA, SMEs need to develop a policy outlining how personal data is collected, stored, used and protected. This policy ensures transparency and trust with customers and employees.
They should also identify the personal data the business collects and assess whether it is necessary. This will help ensure alignment with POPIA’s principles of purpose limitation and data minimisation.
Ensure data security by implementing security measures like encryption, password protection and secure storage. Regularly update these measures to safeguard data.
Always obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting their data. This can be done through forms, contracts or checkboxes on websites.
Many SMEs rely on third-party providers for services like cloud storage or payment processing. POPIA holds businesses responsible for personal data protection, even when it’s handled by third parties.
Ensure that third-party providers are POPIA-compliant by establishing a Data Processing Agreement (DPA). This agreement outlines both parties’ responsibilities in handling personal data and ensures your business is not left exposed in case of a breach.
Own up if necessary
Despite best efforts, data breaches can happen. POPIA mandates that businesses report any breaches to the Information Regulator and affected individuals within a reasonable time period. Failing to do so can lead to penalties. SMEs should have a Data Breach Response Plan in place, outlining how to detect, assess and respond quickly to breaches, minimising damage and maintaining trust.
Non-compliance with POPIA can result in fines of up to R10 million or imprisonment. Beyond legal penalties, failing to protect data can damage your reputation and customer trust.
Data protection is no longer optional for South African SMEs. By understanding and implementing the requirements of POPIA, businesses can mitigate risks, avoid penalties and foster stronger customer relationships. Protecting personal data is a legal obligation and a crucial step toward long-term success in the digital age.
Text | Molisa Cheda
Photography | Vectorfusionar
Molisa Cheda is founder and Managing Director at Vanguard Legal, a legal expert for SMEs. For more information, go to vanguardlegal.co.za.
Bring in the bots
Changing trends reveal new ways in which children are spending their time online
Research into children’s digital interests reveals a growing fascination with AI-powered chatbots, the viral rise of brainrot memes and growing attention to Sprunki – a rhythm-based game combining music and motion. YouTube remains the most popular app among children globally, while WhatsApp overtook TikTok for second place.
Children are engaging with digital technology more than ever before. Recent studies indicate that 8-10-year-old children spend an average of six hours daily on screens, while preteens (ages 11-14) average about nine hours per day. With such a significant portion of their lives unfolding online, it becomes especially important for parents to understand what captures their children’s attention in the digital space – what they search for, what platforms they use and which trends influence their interests and behaviour.
Every year, new digital trends shape the way children explore the world. This year, there is a surge of interest in AI tools. While no AI apps appeared in the Top 20 most-used applications in the 2023-2024 time period, ‘Character.AI’ has now entered the list, showing that children are not only curious about AI but are actively integrating it into their digital lives. More than 7.5% of all search queries were about AI chatbots, led by well-known names like ChatGPT, Gemini and especially Character.AI – a platform that lets users create or interact with bots mimicking fictional or real characters. This marks a sharp rise from last year: in the 2023-2024 report, AI-related queries made up just 3.19% of all searches, increasing more than twice this year.
Changing tastes
However, not all chatbot interactions are risk-free. Some bots may expose children to emotionally intense content, misinformation or age-inappropriate themes, especially when created or customised by other users. Since these platforms often rely on user-generated content and may lack strict moderation, it’s crucial to talk openly with children about how they use AI tools – and to set up apps for digital parenting that help families stay aware, involved and protected.
In Kenya, the top five most popular Android apps were YouTube (35.02% – the amount of time spent on the platform), WhatsApp (12.14%), YT Kids (8.67%), Roblox (8.12%) and Instagram (7.76%), while Character.AI was 20th in the rating – used 0.71% of the time.
While memes made up a small portion of searches in 2025, they still reveal another layer of children’s digital culture. Many of the most popular memes fell into what’s called ‘brainrot’ – a kind of absurd, deliberately chaotic humour that spreads through short videos.
Among the newcomers that caught analysts’ attention was Sprunki – a rhythm-based browser game that blends music and visual interaction. Players must hit beats in sync with fast-paced audio, making the experience both immersive and physically engaging. Its bright, cartoonish design and addictive gameplay have made it increasingly popular with younger audiences. This is reflected not only in Google searches but also on YouTube, where Sprunki entered the top five most searched gaming topics.
At the same time, more familiar habits remain strong. The most common online activity among children was searching on Google for streaming platforms – almost 18% of all queries were related to watching videos. Unsurprisingly, YouTube remains the clear favourite Android app, growing from 28.13 – 29.77% over the past year. WhatsApp rose to second place with 14.72%, overtaking TikTok (12.76%), while Snapchat and Facebook continued to decline. This shift may reflect evolving communication habits – children are using chat apps more frequently to share links, memes and short videos with friends.
Video content and games also remained popular topics in children’s search behaviour. Platforms like Netflix, Twitch and Disney+ held strong – a trend that also echoed findings from Kaspersky’s recent streaming report, which highlighted how entertainment platforms often become targets for cyber criminals. At the same time, in the gaming world, children continued to favour Roblox, Minecraft and, increasingly, the browser-based portal Poki – a portal offering hundreds of free games, often simple, fast-paced and instantly accessible in a browser.
Keep talking
Behind every trend is a chance for connection. When parents take time to understand what their children are watching, playing or searching for, it opens the door to meaningful conversations – and helps build safer, more trusting digital habits. Apps for digital parenting can be a helpful tool in this journey – not only to protect but also to stay involved. To keep children safe from online threats, it’s important to maintain open communication with children about potential online risks and establish clear guidelines to ensure their safety. Secure gaming experiences by installing a trusted security solution to prevent malicious file downloads. Stay informed about emerging threats and actively monitor children’s online activities in order to create a safer digital environment.
Introduce children to cyber security basics using educational tools. Use digital parenting apps to protect children both online and offline, manage screen time, block inappropriate content and track their location for greater peace of mind.
Text | Anna Larkina
Photography | Prostock-studio
Anna Larkina is a privacy expert at Kaspersky. For more information, go to kaspersky.co.za.
Don’t bank on it
New regulations about portable chargers need to be taken into account when flying
Portable chargers and power banks have become a carry-on essential to keep devices charged up for work or entertainment while travelling. But with airlines changing on-board battery policies, travellers are being urged to be aware of new requirements and to rely on other measures to keep connected while in the air.
As an example, Singapore Airlines, China Airlines, Thai Airways, Korean Airlines and Asiana Airlines (among others) have all changed their requirements this year. Virgin Australia has confirmed that its battery policy is currently under review, and, notably for South African travellers, Emirates has confirmed that using any kind of power bank is now prohibited on board Emirates flights. Emirates customers are still allowed to carry one power bank onboard (if they meet the specific conditions listed below), but the power banks may not be used in the aircraft cabin – either to charge devices from the power bank or to be charged themselves using the aircraft’s power source.
Ultimately, it’s a safety measure. As power banks become more popular, airlines have had to review their rules and regulations and are now taking proactive measures to ensure the highest safety standards for all travellers.
According to Emirates, their new regulations stipulate that:
- Emirates customers may only carry one power bank that is under 100Wh.
- Power banks may not be used to charge any personal devices while on board.
- Charging a power bank using the aircraft’s power supply is not permitted.
- All power banks accepted for transport must have capacity rating information available.
- Power banks may not be placed in the overhead stowage bin onboard the aircraft and must now be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you.
- Power banks are not permitted in checked luggage (existing rule).
Know the roles
Familiarise yourself with your airline’s latest policies before you travel – these are available on each carrier’s website and vary across airlines (and are subject to change).
Get on the flight with a fully charged device. And if you are using your phone, laptop or tablet while you’re at the airport waiting to board, try to find a charging port to keep the battery full. Pack a charging cord in your carry-on that has a USB connection. Most planes, particularly on long-haul routes, will have USB plugs that you can plug into directly to charge while you fly.
Think about the device you are taking on board with you – sometimes a laptop is not the most effective way to stay connected, continue working or keep entertained in the sky. You can’t charge a laptop via the USB plugs onboard. A tablet tends to be the best way to go for a bigger screen, full functionality and easy charging capability.
Make use of the in-flight infotainment systems when they are available. Rather than draining your battery watching a movie on your own device, use the built-in systems where possible.
Be aware of where you are plugging in. Public USB ports can be compromised by cyber criminals. Purchase certified power banks from reputable manufacturers, and pack permissible portable chargers in your carry-on bag. By aviation requirements globally, they must always be carried in the cabin with you.
Text | Herman Heunes
Photography | Skrypnykov Dmytro
Herman Heunes is GM of Corporate Traveller South Africa.
For more information, go to corporatetraveller.co.za.
a woman’s touch
The hospitality sector is benefitting greatly from the influence of female leaders
South Africa’s food and hospitality sector is a dynamic and integral component of its economy, contributing significantly to employment and tourism. Within this industry, women have played a transformative role, driving innovation, nurturing customer experiences and leading enterprises with unwavering determination.
Despite systemic challenges, they have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and leadership, championing change while fostering mentorship, advocating for work-life balance and promoting diversity and inclusion to pave the way for future generations.
Leadership roles in this sector have, until recently, been dominated by men, but South African women have increasingly shattered glass ceilings, asserting themselves in executive and managerial positions. Their resilience stems from navigating a range of socio-economic barriers, including gender biases, wage disparities and limited access to capital or career advancement opportunities. Many have overcome these obstacles through perseverance, innovative thinking and community-driven leadership models that align well with the service-orientated nature of hospitality.
Women-owned and managed restaurants, boutique hotels, guest houses and tourism ventures across the country are symbols of empowerment and excellence. Women often exhibit a unique management style rooted in empathy, collaboration and community engagement, enabling them to build strong teams and customer loyalty.
Working together
Mentorship too has emerged as a powerful tool for sustaining and growing female leadership. Experienced women leaders serve as role models and guides for younger professionals entering the field. Structured mentorship programmes and informal networks have become essential in building confidence and competence among women aspiring to climb the leadership ladder.
Mentorship encourages the sharing of institutional knowledge and nurtures a culture of empowerment. Women helping women, whether through formal training, networking events, or grassroots support, has significantly contributed to improving representation and retention of female professionals in the industry.
Achieving work-life balance remains one of the most pressing challenges for women in food and hospitality, an industry known for its long hours and high-pressure environments. For many women, especially those with caregiving responsibilities, balancing the demands of leadership roles with personal and family life requires both institutional support and personal resilience, and while progressive employers are beginning to implement policies that support flexible work arrangements to support women, female leaders themselves are redefining work culture by promoting practices that value mental health, inclusivity and employee wellbeing.
Greater diversity
The inclusion of women, particularly from diverse backgrounds, enriches the sector with new perspectives, cultural awareness and customer insight. Women leaders have been at the forefront of promoting inclusive practices, whether by hiring and mentoring from under-represented groups or by creating culturally sensitive and welcoming spaces for both staff and guests.
In South Africa, where issues of race, gender and socio-economic inequality intersect, embracing diversity in hospitality leadership is crucial. Female leaders who advocate for inclusion not only contribute to social justice but also drive innovation and competitiveness. Empowering women from varied backgrounds ensures that leadership reflects the rich tapestry of our society, making the sector more dynamic and responsive.
The impact of women in South Africa’s hospitality sector cannot be overstated. Their determination in leadership roles has broken long-standing barriers and redefined success in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Text | Renee Hill
Photography | People Videos
Renee Hill is MD of Capsicum Culinary Studio. For more information, go to capsicumcooking.com.
Shell out wisely
Partially completed properties may be a better investment than vacant land
When it comes to property investment, one of the key decisions buyers face is whether to purchase vacant land or invest in a partially completed property, such as a shell home. While both options have their merits, buying a shell property offers buyers flexibility and cost control, making it an increasingly popular choice, particularly for those looking to build in secure, well-established estates.
A shell property is a partially constructed home where the basic structure is complete, but the interior has not yet been finished. This typically includes the external walls, roof, windows and doors, but excludes internal finishes such as flooring, cabinetry, tiling, fixtures and final paintwork.
One major benefit of purchasing a shell home is the buyer’s ability to physically walk through the space and envision how it will look once completed. Unlike raw land, where investors have to imagine the layout and views based on plans, a shell property gives buyers the option of real-time spatial planning and visualisation of the finished design.
Shell properties give buyers the freedom to select their own finishes and personalise their home where it matters most. All the major structural work is already done, which reduces the wait and construction inconvenience associated with new builds. Shell structures limit the presence of heavy construction vehicles and the associated noise, dust and inconvenience that come with large-scale building projects.
Potential complications
While buying vacant land may seem like a cost-effective option up front, it often comes with unforeseen expenses. These can include high rates and taxes to be paid on the vacant land, security fencing, ongoing vegetation management and the risk of illegal dumping or occupation.
There’s also the need for studies, like geotechnical investigations to assess soil conditions – vital information that determines if the land requires costly engineering solutions. Shell properties don’t require this, as it’s the developer’s responsibility.
Zoning complications are another common issue with raw land. Many buyers are unaware that the intended use of the land may not align with its current zoning regulations – and relying solely on an estate agent’s word can lead to disappointment. Additionally, restricted site access from main roads, other planned developments on the perimeter or the presence of protected vegetation can delay or even prevent development. Investors should always consult the municipality for official scheme clauses and environmental assessments and buy from reputable developers.
Investing in raw land, especially at the early stages of a new development, carries risks related to the developer’s financial stability and the future of the area. Without reliable infrastructure or assurances that the development will be completed, buyers could be left with depreciating, unserviced land. Banks are generally hesitant to grant loans using vacant land as security, limiting the financial flexibility.
A developed or semi-developed property in an estate that has existing utilities such as reliable electricity, water and sanitation services will protect the buyer from risks and costly oversights. A property investment in a developed estate can also be rented out immediately, offering a revenue stream that may offset bond repayments.
Text | Barto van der Merwe
Photography | Grand Warszawski
Barto van der Merwe is Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments. For more information, go to renishawhills.co.za.
Investing in people
Understanding what employees require psychologically will make your company a better place to work
In a country where economic uncertainty, inequality and unemployment are daily realities, it is assumed that it is primarily money that keeps South Africans in their jobs. But this is no longer the full picture.
As the workplace evolves, so do employee expectations. For many South African employees today, pay is not just a number on a payslip – it is a symbol of value, recognition and trust. Non-monetary benefits such as the flexibility to work from home have become increasingly valuable. Not only is it an additional means for employees to increase their cash flow with regard to savings on transportation costs and so on, but it also provides them with a means of achieving work-life balance. Understanding the psychological side of remuneration and reward is now a critical part of any organisation’s talent retention strategy.
In the past, remuneration has been viewed in singular terms: pay employees well and they will stay; pay them poorly and they will leave. In South Africa, this perspective has been reinforced by high unemployment rates (hovering around 32% in 2025), significant income inequality and rising living costs.
While salary remains important, it is no longer the only factor. For the growing knowledge workforce and younger professionals, emotional factors now weigh equally, if not more. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs provides a valuable lens here. At the foundational level, competitive salaries help meet employees’ physiological needs – food, shelter and basic living expenses. When these are unmet, employees are primarily motivated to leave for survival reasons.
Meet needs
Given the high unemployment rate and economic instability in South Africa, job security is a major psychological benefit. Employees want reassurance that they are safe from retrenchments or business closures. This directly satisfies Maslow’s safety needs. A stable job, along with structured benefits (retirement and medical benefits), offers emotional peace of mind. It is not always the size of the pay cheque that matters, but the certainty of it.
South Africans are acutely aware of fairness and equity. In a country still grappling with structural inequality and pay gaps, whether along racial, gender or role-based lines, these issues are emotionally charged.
Maslow’s social belonging and esteem levels are relevant here. Employees who feel underpaid in comparison to peers (internal equity) or the market (external equity) often feel excluded or disrespected. This perceived injustice, even if inaccurate, erodes trust and team cohesion and eventually leads to disengagement or turnover.
Recognition, or the lack thereof, is one of the most underappreciated drivers of turnover. In South Africa’s largely collectivist culture, employees want to feel part of something greater. Regular praise, career conversations and symbolic rewards often hold more emotional weight than a small bonus.
This aligns with Maslow’s esteem needs. When pay structures include performance bonuses or visible acknowledgement, employees feel their contributions matter, a key component in boosting self-worth and loyalty.
For younger generations in South Africa, work must align with their values. Many employees want to contribute to social good, support transformation efforts or work for organisations that care about uplifting communities.
This speaks directly to Maslow’s highest level: self-actualisation. Purpose-driven workplaces provide opportunities for employees to fulfil their potential and contribute meaningfully, making them more likely to stay even in the face of modest compensation.
Support matters
People do not just want a job; they want a future. In competitive industries like finance, technology and engineering, the promise of career growth, upskilling and mentorship plays a huge role in retention. When organisations support employees’ career ambitions, they help satisfy esteem and self-actualisation needs. Initiatives like bursaries or promotion pathways show belief in an employee’s potential, fostering loyalty and motivation.
When organisations ignore the emotional dimensions of pay, the costs pile up:
- Higher turnover and recruitment costs
- Increased absenteeism
- Quiet quitting, where employees disengage but remain in their role
- Reduced productivity and lack of discretionary effort
- Reputational risk, as negative word-of-mouth spreads on social media platforms
Maslow’s model highlights how unmet needs at any level can create friction. An employee stuck at the safety level due to inconsistent pay will struggle to engage at higher levels like growth or purpose.
Communicate clearly
To create emotionally intelligent reward strategies, organisations should run regular pay perception and engagement surveys. Use the results to track whether employees feel fairly remunerated, not just if they are. This supports social and esteem needs. Provide flexibility within your total reward framework, both from a monetary and non-monetary perspective. Ensure you have defined and communicated job descriptions and competency frameworks in place. This documented information forms the basis for all reward- and pay-related decisions, including job sizing, performance management, career path and succession planning.
Communicate total rewards clearly. Explain benefits, bonuses, incentives and non-monetary perks in a way that connects emotionally. Transparency enhances belonging. Invest in career development. Create visible pathways for promotion and continuous learning. This nurtures esteem and self-actualisation.
Train managers to have empathetic pay conversations. Managers are often the make-or-break point in how remuneration is perceived. Conduct regular pay equity and gap audits. These audits should not be just for compliance but to build internal trust in the fairness of the processes, strengthening both safety and belonging.
In South Africa’s evolving work environment, organisations must reframe how they think about pay. It is not just a line item on a spreadsheet; it is a deeply personal and emotional part of the employment relationship.
Text | Deon Smit and Emily Zuccarini
Photography | Thicha Satapitanon
Deon Smit is a Master Reward Specialist and SARA Exco member and Emily Zuccarini a Reward Specialist. For more information, go to sara.co.za.
Personal publishing
Blogging is an attractive career option for youngsters, but it comes with certain challenges
Children today are surrounded by digital devices from birth, and many can’t imagine life without them. Kaspersky research findings show that 40% of children surveyed from South Africa would like to become bloggers in the future. The seriousness of their intentions is evidenced by the fact that 23% of them are already developing their own blog or working on content for the future.
A dream of becoming popular is appealing for young people – 38% of children surveyed locally named it when explaining their wish to become a blogger. Some 46% of young respondents said that they simply enjoy creating video content. Interestingly, 37% stick to the view that blogging is a way to make money without much effort, while 34% are prone to choosing blogging because it’s trendy and cool.
Only 6% of parents surveyed locally expressed a clear desire for their children to pursue a career as a blogger. For 41%, this is acceptable only when the child grows up. And a quarter (25%) express unwillingness to have a blogging future for their children. Despite this, 57% support their children in their blogging endeavours or at least do not mind it.
Regardless of parents’ opinions on blogging, creating, maintaining and promoting a blog is a difficult task, which requires a wide range of skills that could be useful for a child’s future career. It can help young people to discover their creativity and ways to express themselves.
Blogging also provides mom and dad with valuable insights into their children’s lives, bringing families closer together. Parents’ support helps young people take the first step to realising their ambition with confidence and, what’s important – with cyber security in mind.
Protect private space
A social media account is a blogger’s main tool, so protecting it should be the first priority. Be sure to set up two-factor authentication – it’s a reliable feature that can help to keep a profile protected from compromise and hijacking. Creating a strong password is essential and not as difficult as it seems. Importantly, it must be unique – it’s not recommended to reuse a password from an email or social media or any other account.
Ensure the young blogger understands privacy issues – which information can be shared and what should be kept private. For example, public sharing of IDs, tickets and other documents is not a good idea. It’s also advisable to keep geotags private and not share information about current location and travel plans.
As a blogger, a child will come across a lot of different people. Discuss at the beginning what topics can be communicated with strangers and what information they should never share online. Not all followers are friendly or legitimate users, so a young blogger should be prepared for undesirable users contacting them. The best solution would be to stop responding to messages or block any suspicious users.
With the right security tools, parents can also effectively safeguard their children against cyber threats.
Text | Seifallah Jedidi
Photography | Dragon Images
Seifallah Jedidi is Regional Head of Consumer Channel for the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa at Kaspersky. For more information, go to kaspersky.co.za.
Maintaining flow
AI may be able to help keep water in our taps in a challenging future
South Africa is facing a growing water crisis. Climate change, ageing infrastructure, pollution and unequal access are putting intense pressure on the country’s water systems. As dams run low, taps run dry and communities struggle, a powerful question arises: can artificial intelligence (AI) help us change course?
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Massive poverty and obscene inequality… rank alongside slavery and apartheid as social evils.”
These words echo louder today as millions of South Africans still live without reliable access to clean drinking water – despite rapid global advances in technology. The country loses nearly half its treated water to leaks, theft and poor management. Meanwhile, the tools to fix these problems may already be within reach.
AI isn’t just about robots and smart devices – it’s about using data and machine learning to make smarter decisions faster. In the water sector, this means identifying leaks before pipes burst, forecasting droughts more accurately, preventing water pollution and even improving how farmers irrigate their crops. Across Africa, where similar water challenges persist, AI could be a game-changer if deployed ethically and inclusively.
Doing the sums
AI’s real strength lies in its ability to process massive amounts of data. For water utilities, this can transform how systems are monitored and maintained.
Early warning systems: AI can analyse satellite imagery and weather data to predict floods and droughts. In disaster-prone areas like KwaZulu-Natal, this helps officials act before a crisis hits.
Leak detection and smart maintenance: AI tools can identify pressure drops or hidden leaks, saving precious water. South Africa loses up to 47% of its treated water – AI could drastically cut these losses.
Digital twins: These are virtual replicas of water systems. Utilities can use them to simulate different scenarios, plan upgrades and reduce maintenance costs.
Farming uses over 60% of South Africa’s water. With AI-powered irrigation, farmers can water only when needed, based on real-time data about soil moisture, weather and crop type. These smart systems can cut water use by 20-60%, boost crop yields by 20-30% and reduce reliance on chemical inputs and manual labour.
AI can also protect water quality. By analysing pollution patterns, machine learning models can detect contaminants from industries, mines or agriculture. In rural and under-resourced areas, where data is scarce, AI can still predict pollution risks, helping prevent health hazards before they reach communities.
Accurate records
Corruption and vandalism are major drains on the water sector. AI can help shine a light on financial misconduct by scanning procurement data for red flags such as ghost suppliers or suspicious contracts.
Video surveillance and AI-powered drones can also monitor vulnerable infrastructure and detect theft in real time. Predictive models can map high-risk areas, helping municipalities focus resources where they’re needed most.
There’s a severe shortage of technical expertise in South Africa’s water sector. AI can fill that gap – not by replacing people but by supporting them. Tools like chatbots, remote dashboards and automated alerts can help less-experienced staff operate complex systems with confidence.
AI also preserves institutional knowledge, digitising manuals and past case data to support decision-making, even when experienced technicians leave.
Technology can also empower the public. AI-powered chatbots and multilingual apps can teach water-saving tips, notify users of local outages and help people report leaks or vandalism. Communities become partners in managing water, not just passive recipients.
While the promise of AI is enormous, it must be used responsibly. That means:
- Ensuring access for rural and marginalised communities
- Protecting privacy and sensitive data
- Designing systems that minimise bias
- Creating safeguards against job losses in vulnerable communities
Technology is never neutral – it reflects the values of its designers. To truly serve people, AI in the water sector must be guided by ethics, equity and sustainability. To unlock AI’s full potential, South Africa needs to start with practical, high-impact projects like leak detection and predictive maintenance. But technology alone isn’t enough. Investing in digital infrastructure, skills and cross-sector partnerships is key.
If done right, AI can help deliver universal access to clean, safe water and make the sector more resilient for the future. As AI researcher Timnit Gebru said, “Technology is not neutral; it reflects the values of its creators.”
Text | Lester Goldman and Ashton Busani Mpofu
Photography | lucas.n.silva
Dr Lester Goldman is CEO and Dr Ashton Busani Mpofu is Non-Executive Director at The Water Institute of Southern Africa. For more information, go to wisa.org.za.
Stay in line
What is permissible may not be beneficial when following the exact letter of employment law
The new Code of Good Practice on Dismissal that was gazetted on 4 September 2025 helps to clarify some thorny issues relating to dismissal for misconduct, poor performance, probation, incapacity and retrenchments. The introductory section of the code states that employers and employees should treat each other with respect.
It prioritises employment justice, satisfactory conduct and work performance, as well as efficient operation of the business.
Employers may, in appropriate circumstances, depart from aspects of the code. Smaller employers, in particular, are given more leeway as regards the implementation of required procedures.
The code states that certain departures from its norms may be justified. However, employers are encouraged to avoid departure from the code where at all possible because the code reminds us that it is the employer who has the full onus of proof of fairness. This is an immovable and unignorable requirement. And departing from the code renders very difficult the satisfaction of this heavy onus.
In addition, the code, in some places, refers to its contents as a “guideline”. However, in other places, it refers to “these rules”. This makes it unclear how hard and fast the code’s provisions are. And it suggests that employers should consider erring on the side of caution.
Judgment calls
The code newly provides clarification that employers may use suspensions as part of their graduated disciplinary measures and that collective agreements take precedence over the code’s provisions. Also, in assessing whether dismissal is appropriate, arbiters should consider not only actual damage caused by misconduct, but also the potential damage.
As regards the substantive fairness of dismissals for unlawful industrial action, this will depend on:
- The seriousness of the effect of the strike
- Attempts made to comply with the Act
- Whether the strike was in response to an unlawful, unreasonable or unfair act of the employer
- The actions of the parties and other actors involved
- The legitimacy of the strikers’ demands
- The duration and timing of the strike
If striking employees reject the employer’s ultimatum, the employer may dismiss them, but only after considering the employees’ representations as to why they should not be dismissed. The purpose of probation is for the employer to evaluate the employee’s performance or suitability for the job. This appears to imply that ‘suitability’ may not be confined purely to the probationer’s standard of work performance.
The code newly provides that, where employees are incapacitated due to substance abuse, treatment and rehabilitation may be appropriate. Also, imprisonment and incompatibility may constitute incapacity but will not merit dismissal in every case. While the code provides the above clarity, employers need to ensure that they have clear policies and processes that reflect the code’s requirements and that their managers know how to implement these.
Text | Ivan Israelstam
Photography | Andrey Popov
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.
Threats through trends
Gen Z often respond to the same digital prompts, which cyber criminals are now manipulating to their profit
Born and raised in a world of fast-evolving technology, Gen Z is the most internet-savvy generation yet, known for their digital fluency and trendsetting influence. From their earliest years, they have been shaping and redefining the digital landscape, leaving footprints online long before they fully grasp its risks. But as they navigate a world of hyperconnectivity, social media and online shopping, cyber threats are evolving just as rapidly.
For Gen Z, sharing life moments online is second nature. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat are filled with geotagged selfies, daily updates and personal stories. However, this constant sharing creates an extensive digital footprint that cyber criminals can exploit for identity theft or social engineering attacks.
Oversharing can inadvertently reveal sensitive details, from home addresses in the background of photos to routines that make users predictable. Even seemingly harmless content, like a photo of their partner or pet, can provide clues for password recovery questions.
Fear of missing out (FOMO) refers to the anxiety or unease that arises from a fear of being left out or not being part of the latest updates or connections if they don’t follow what other people are doing on social media. FOMO is a powerful driver for Gen Z, fuelled by social media updates about product launches, concerts and events.
Seeing peers attend events, acquire new products or achieve milestones can lead to feelings of inadequacy or exclusion. Cyber criminals exploit this urgency by creating clickbait phishing schemes, leading users to malicious sites that steal login credentials or distribute malware. Fake event tickets, pre-order scams and ‘leaked’ insider information are just some of the tactics used to manipulate this fear.
Image-focused
For Gen Z, who were born around or after this era, Y2K fashion represents a blend of nostalgia for a simpler, pre-digital time and a desire to reinvent those styles with a modern twist. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have amplified Y2K’s resurgence, with influencers recreating vintage looks and sharing thrifted finds. Hashtags like #Y2Kfashion and #Y2Kaesthetic have garnered billions of views.
Gen Z’s fascination with early 2000s culture, from Y2K aesthetics to childhood games, has revived interest in retro titles like The Sims 2, Barbie Fashion Designer and Bratz Rock Angelz. While these games evoke nostalgia, searching for unofficial downloads often leads users to malware-infested sites. Cyber criminals target this niche interest by embedding malicious software into counterfeit game files. What seems like a trip down memory lane could result in compromised devices or stolen data.
Gen Z loves expressive clothes, wants to stand out rather than fit in and has an ever-changing style – what was in a month ago might already be out. Their trend-chasing habits are supported by fast-fashion retailers supplying accessible ways to switch it up.
For Gen Z, fast fashion is more than just a shopping preference – it’s a lifestyle. Fast-fashion brands like Shein, ASOS and Fashion Nova deliver affordability and instant gratification, making them staples for this generation. However, the allure of these brands comes with a dark side. Fake shopping websites, hoax promo codes and phishing ads capitalise on their popularity, using convincing imitations to lure users into entering their sensitive details. The higher the engagement in online shopping, the higher the risk of encountering fake websites and phishing scams designed to steal personal and financial information.
Tools to help
Gen Z face a phenomenon called iDisorder, a condition where the brain’s ability to process information changes because of overexposure to technology. This obsession with technology can result in psychological, physical and social disorders, including depression and anxiety. This is proven by public research: one in three 18-24-year-olds now report symptoms indicating they have experienced such mental health problems.
That is why they are extensively turning to digital tools like teletherapy platforms and mental health trackers to alleviate stress. However, these platforms store highly sensitive personal information, including emotional states, therapy notes and user routines. If breached, this data could be exploited for blackmail or phishing.
Start by taking control: verify links and websites before engaging, use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. Be mindful of what you share online – and most importantly, remember that staying informed is your best defence. Cyber security isn’t just about responding to threats – it’s about empowering yourself to navigate the digital world confidently and safely.
Text | Anna Larkina
Photography | Chay_Tee
Anna Larkina is a privacy expert at Kaspersky. For more information, go to kaspersky.co.za.
Stay safe
- Think before you post: don’t share photos revealing your home, routine or personal details that could be used in password recovery.
- Don’t fall for urgent offers: verify discounts, pre-orders or ticket links through official websites only.
- Always check website URLs carefully before entering personal info. Scammers often mimic brand names or use fake domains.
- Use trusted payment methods when shopping online and avoid deals that look too good to be true.
- Mental health apps store sensitive data: choose services with strong privacy policies and don’t overshare personal information.
- Be cautious of file extensions: videos or games should not come in .exe or .msi formats – that’s a red flag.
- Use a reliable security solution to detect malicious attachments that could compromise your data.
- Ensure secure browsing and safe messaging with a VPN, protecting your IP address and preventing data leaks.
Self-service support
Employees being able to sort out their own system issues while waiting for the professionals helps increase productivity
Everyone will understand through the pain of experience that things can, and do, go wrong with technology. As efficient as devices and software make our lives, downtime can have a significant impact on personal productivity and business outputs.
Where there is technology, there needs to be IT support. However, the world is not the same as it was 15 years ago, and as such, there is a need for faster, more agile support.
The IT landscape is almost unrecognisable from just a few short years ago. People have become increasingly tech-savvy – perhaps not to the level of an IT engineer, but certainly to a point of being able to navigate their way around devices and new software. In other words, in the workplace, there has been a definite generational shift towards a degree of digital self-sufficiency.
However, IT desks are busier than they’ve ever been. Raising a ticket and waiting for it to be resolved is often just too long in the modern world. It could be eight hours or a day, versus immediate self-service.
Imagine for a moment that your manager asks you to prepare an important report for an even more important presentation. You have a clear deadline. Everything goes well, you are making final tweaks to the report you have saved to your hard drive, and just before you are about to send it, your screen display flips upside down – it happens!
You look at the clock and realise your deadline is 10 minutes away. Raising a ticket will not solve your immediate problem. When you move your mouse down, the cursor goes up; when you want to navigate to the bottom left, the cursor goes to the top right. Waiting for a ticket to be resolved will definitely see you miss your important deadline.
On the other hand, imagine using your smartphone to navigate a user-friendly self-service application. You type in a quick search and get comprehensive step-by-step instructions on how to fix the screen’s orientation. You do so, and the problem is solved in less than five minutes. You send off the report, and the boss and stakeholders are happy. Crisis averted.
Sensible first steps
This is an age in which comprehensive knowledge articles can be leveraged by IT support professionals to build a digital support ecosystem – a digital engineer on call 24/7, so to speak. Knowledge articles are digital, self-service resources providing step-by-step technical guidance to solve technology problems. The best ones, run by expert IT support companies, are living platforms, with continuously updated databases as technology evolves and as more potential problems and their resolutions are discovered. They are designed to empower end users with immediate solutions to their IT issues.
Knowledge articles built into user-friendly interfaces can take on a two-tier approach. There can be a technical tier with detailed guides for IT professionals. These would include in-depth troubleshooting protocols and advanced technical configurations. The purpose of this tier would be to facilitate complex problem-solving for technicians.
An end-use tier would comprise simplified, step-by-step instructions to solve simpler issues. In other words, this tier would be tailored for non-technical users and comprise practical, easy-to-follow instructions with accessible language and clear formatting.
When managed correctly and deployed properly, knowledge articles enable independent technical problem-solving, providing comprehensive software application understanding that increases productivity (for example, almost everyone uses Microsoft Word, but almost no one understands the depths of features they are missing out on using). This input also reduces IT support team dependency and preserves institutional knowledge. It’s accessible across various devices 24/7, and there are no geographical or time constraints on using the service.
Good for the books
This represents significant cost savings for organisations. Despite these savings, they can still ensure their staff have access to IT support when they need it in order to stay productive. On the topic of productivity, take Microsoft 365, for example. The use of self-service functionality radically reduces technology learning curves and unlocks a deeper understanding of the unused tools at employees’ disposal.
It’s also worth considering that a good knowledge article strategy ensures that IT support businesses derisk themselves from IP loss when a staff member transitions to another department or leaves the organisation. This ensures continuity and uninterrupted service. In addition to that, knowledge articles mitigate mentor dependency challenges and facilitate smoother onboarding processes.
The whole point behind the living ecosystem is to create dynamic, evolving knowledge repositories.
Technology is evolving at a lightning pace, and new trends and technologies keep both businesses and their support teams on their toes.
Text | Manqoba Masina
Photography | DC Studio
Manqoba Masina is Operations Manager at Nkgwete IT Solutions. For more information, go to nkgwete.co.za.
Assimilating the artificial
As new technology plays an ever greater role, institutions need to be ready to use it safely
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming the engine room of South Africa’s economic future. Across sectors, from banking and insurance to healthcare and retail, AI systems are transforming how decisions are made, how services are delivered and how organisations compete. Yet, alongside its potential, AI introduces new security risks that we can no longer afford to underestimate.
As AI systems become more autonomous, the risks tied to their operation, governance and resilience multiply exponentially. A future powered by AI will be only as strong as the security foundations we lay today.
The urgency is clear. South Africa must act now to ensure that as we embrace AI, we also embed security into every layer of its design, deployment and operation. Security cannot be treated as an afterthought, a compliance checkbox or a last-minute technical fix. It must be integral to how we innovate. Policymakers, technology leaders and businesses need to work together to create governance frameworks that address AI-specific risks, invest in secure-by-design technologies and build local cyber-security capabilities at scale. Our future economic growth depends not just on the brilliance of our AI innovations but on our ability to defend them against rapidly evolving threats.
Global trends show that attacks targeting AI systems are already growing. Malicious actors can exploit vulnerabilities in data inputs, manipulate model behaviour and disrupt autonomous operations.
In a South African context, this could mean AI-driven financial algorithms being manipulated to cause market instability, AI-based healthcare diagnostics being compromised with fatal consequences or autonomous vehicles being hijacked remotely. These scenarios are not science fiction; they are very real risks that demand proactive planning and investment today.
Use available skills
Embedding robust cyber security into AI is complex. It requires a shift in mindset, not just a shift in tools. It means designing AI systems that are explainable, auditable and resilient. It means putting in place continuous monitoring, threat detection and rapid response mechanisms that are AI-aware. It means recognising that as AI systems learn and evolve, so too must the security measures protecting them. Static controls will fail in a dynamic environment. Adaptive, intelligent security must become the norm.
One of South Africa’s greatest assets in this journey is its people. Our country has a vibrant, growing cyber-security community, as well as world-class research institutions. However, we need to scale our skills development efforts significantly. A thriving AI economy will require a deep pool of cyber-security specialists who understand AI systems in all their complexity. This means expanding cyber-security education, incentivising young talent to enter the field and creating career pathways that keep our brightest minds at home, working to secure our digital future.
Private sector organisations also have a pivotal role to play. It is no longer sufficient for chief information security officers (CISOs) to focus solely on traditional IT infrastructure. Boards and executive teams must ensure that AI security is embedded into their enterprise risk management strategies. Technology vendors must prioritise the development of security-first AI products. And cross-sector collaborations must be fostered to share threat intelligence, best practices and incident response frameworks that address AI-specific challenges.
Proactive choices
Securing AI is not just a technical necessity – it is a trust imperative. Public trust in AI systems will be fragile unless organisations can demonstrate that these systems are safe, fair and accountable. In a country like South Africa, where social inequalities are pronounced, ensuring that AI technologies are secure, ethical and inclusive is critical to their long-term acceptance and success. Cyber security must be seen not just as a defensive shield but as an enabler of innovation that earns and retains public trust.
The stakes are high. Failure to secure AI could result in catastrophic breaches, reputational damage, regulatory penalties and, worst of all, erosion of the public confidence that the AI economy depends on. Conversely, getting security right could position South Africa as a global leader in ethical and resilient AI innovation, opening new markets, attracting investment and creating jobs.
The good news is that we still have a choice. We can either approach AI security reactively, waiting for crises to force our hand, or we can be proactive, deliberate and bold in building the secure AI future we all need. It is a choice between short-term convenience and long-term resilience. South Africa must choose wisely.
The future belongs to those who build it securely. By embedding cyber security at the heart of our AI journey today, we can unlock the full potential of autonomous systems tomorrow, ensuring that technology serves society safely, inclusively and sustainably. Security is not a barrier to progress – it is the foundation of it.
Text | Boland Lithebe
Photography | DC Studio
Boland Lithebe is Security Lead for Accenture, Africa. For more information, go to accenture.com.
Summer soups
Although soup is synonymous with winter, it’s time to rethink it and try delicious variations for summer lunches
Chilled Greek yoghurt soup
Ingredients
- 2 cups (500ml) Greek yoghurt
- 1 cup (250ml) chilled vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of one lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup (250ml) finely chopped cucumber
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yoghurt, chilled vegetable or chicken stock, minced garlic, lemon juice and olive oil until smooth.
- Stir in the finely chopped cucumber and fresh dill or mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavours to blend and the soup to chill.
- Ladle the chilled soup into bowls and serve alongside lightly turmeric-spiced tortilla crisps or garnish with sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes and olives.
Chilled smoked aubergine soup
Ingredients
- 2 large aubergines
- 4 roasted garlic cloves (see method)
- 20 ml pure olive oil
- 5g ground coriander
- 5g sumac spice
- 500ml chicken stock (chilled)
- 10g paprika
Method
- Grill the aubergines on the braai or griddled pan until soft and charred. Once cooked, peel off the skin and set aside to cool.
- Place the garlic cloves in the oven with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Roast until very soft, then peel off the skins.
- In a blender, combine the cooled roasted aubergines, roasted garlic, ground coriander, sumac spice and chicken stock and blend until smooth.
- Transfer the blended soup to a bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour to chill and allow the flavours to blend.
- Ladle the chilled soup into bowls and sprinkle paprika over the top before serving. Combine with grilled peach slices with crumbled goat’s cheese on top for an unexpected, delightful pairing.
Text | Johandré Grobler
Photography | Ezume Images
Johandré Grobler is Executive Chef at ANEW Hotels & Resorts. For more information, go to anewhotels.com.
Gin cocktails
Botanical Arrangement
Ingredients
- 50ml Musgrave botanical gin
- 12.5ml blue curacao liquor
- 12.5ml Socks hibiscus syrup
- 25ml whey (emulsifier)
- 25ml lime juice
Method
- Wet shake and then dry shake all ingredients, then double strain into a chilled coupe glass and top with soda water.
- Garnish with three sprigs of fresh lavender placed on top of the cocktail with a lemon zest.
The Golden Pear
Ingredients
- 50ml Musgrave botanical gin
- 37.5ml Socks pear syrup
- 25ml lemon juice
- Dash of cardamon powder
Method
- Wet shake all ingredients with a pinch of gold dust, double strain into a glass and top with soda water.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of gold glitter on top with a slice of fresh green pear.
Text and photography | Supplied
For more information, go to musgravespirits.com.
travel | leisure | lifestyle
REVIEWS
Media
This issue: Cartoons, cardinals, art and actors
This Is Wild
by Carlos Amato
Political cartoons in South African media have long been the domain of Zapiro and Madam & Eve, with Dov Fedler leading the pack before that. Carlos Amato is a relatively new addition to the scene, with the Mail & Guardian and News24 as the main outlets for his editorial cartoons.
This Is Wild is the first collection of Amato’s work, not an annual, but rather a compendium of his best work to date. This alone mitigates the scenario where a year’s worth of satirised headlines, all clumped together, can sometimes activate PTSD rather than inspire knowing giggles. Here, while there is plenty of contemporary commentary, Amato groups his cartoons by theme – political party conflict, understanding South Africa, state capture, Donald Trump and more – which helps readers to view, through Amato’s intelligent, focused filter, courses of action and groups of people who have altered the course of the country and the world (mostly for the worse) over the last few years.
Amato also, notably, writes introductions to each of these sections, with unapologetic perspectives and philosophical stances expressed in wonderfully eloquent and often hilarious paragraphs that further add quality and interest to a presentation that already stands out from the genre crowd.
Now that he has published this first collection, Amato may move forward in a more conventional way, but here’s hoping that his fresh approach will continue in future books. Certainly, this one will amplify a satirical voice that continues to gain authority while adding welcome variety to the niche it occupies.
My Friends
Being Bill
by Peter Terry
Actor, playwright and arts administrator Peter Terry brings decades of experience in all sorts of artistic landscapes to his debut novel. He employs a first-person-plus-third-person mechanism in which a character (an author who has previously worked in theatre) meets a man who he finds interesting enough to write a ‘sort of’ biography about. ‘Sort of’ because the writer character mixes in his own experiences with his subject’s, and Terry’s own life is echoed in both his inventions. Once you get your head around all of that, Being Bill is an authentic and sometimes uncomfortably relatable examination of the complexities of ageing, including rethinking identity-defining decisions made long ago.
Limitless: Live Better Now (PG)
This Disney+ documentary series places movie star Chris Hemsworth at the centre of a number of difficult challenges that the actor has signed up for in order to bolster his mental and physical health as he heads into his forties. Hemsworth’s natural charm, along with his toned physique, are unsurprising drawcards for viewers, but this is more than just a celebrity vanity project. While the science isn’t entirely convincing, it’s true that pushing yourself beyond personal limits can lead to growth, and this big-budget argument for not stagnating (including drumming for Ed Sheeran, climbing massive dam walls and much more) is reliably entertaining to watch.
Conclave (PG)
Available on Showmax, this lauded film from director Edward Berger, based on the equally popular novel by Robert Harris, translates its layered intrigue superbly from page to screen. Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Lawrence, tasked with managing Vatican politics and the egos and agendas of powerful church leaders when the Pope unexpectedly passes away. The story gives a sense of the power, pomp and pettiness of the whole process, never giving away the whole picture and giving viewers numerous reasons to jump to conclusions that may later be proved false. Great writing and powerful performances complete a compelling package.
Wild waters
There you are, lounging poolside at a safari lodge, cocktail in hand, when your sun-drenched serenity is interrupted by a thunderous sloshing and an unmistakable low rumble. No, it’s not another guest doing cannonballs into the water – it’s an elephant! A very large one. And it’s just dunked its trunk in your lodge’s sparkling swimming pool.
The question is, why? There’s a perfectly accessible waterhole a few paces away. It’s even tastefully decorated with mud, reeds and the occasional terrapin. So why does the elephant ignore nature’s offering and head straight for the chlorine?
For a start, elephants aren’t just massive. They’re also remarkably discerning drinkers. The average African elephant can consume up to 200l of water in a single day, and just like your health-conscious neighbour with her reverse osmosis tap, they prefer the good stuff. Lodge pools, filtered and free of silt and mud, offer a cleaner, cooler alternative to muddy waterholes. Sure, they’ve got a whiff of chlorine, but elephants seem not to mind.
Also, much like your Aunt Maureen, elephants enjoy a drink with a view. Many lodge pools are placed on raised decks with excellent sightlines across the bush – perfect for spotting predators or admiring the sunset. Conveniently placed and often in shaded, protected areas, pools are a more comfortable option than standing under the scorching sun in the open veld.
The easy way
Elephants never forget, especially when it comes to the good stuff. Once a matriarch has sussed out a top-notch pool situation, she’ll return with the herd like clockwork. Some herds even pass these locations down – like heirloom recipes.
Elephants are highly intelligent and naturally inquisitive. That’s part of the reason they’re known to open taps, unzip tents or taste-test Land Rover antennae. A pool is an unfamiliar water source, so, of course, it must be investigated – thoroughly and repeatedly.
Wild waterholes aren’t always ideal. In the dry season, they can shrink into muddy soup. Add a few wallowing buffalo, a grumpy hippo or the occasional lurking croc, and you’ve got quite the unappetising mix. Pools, on the other hand, are safe, clear and mostly free of floating warthog. Who wouldn’t prefer that?
Elephants also seem to have suspiciously perfect timing: just after the pool guy’s cleaned the leaves or when guests are gingerly dipping their toes in. Is it a power move? A cheeky reminder of who really owns the bush? Or just excellent comedic timing?
Of course, not all lodges love sharing their plunge pools with a six-tonne visitor. Some have resorted to clever barriers, submerged wire grids, or even motion sensors, with varying degrees of success.
Still, for those lucky enough to witness it, the sight of an elephant gently slurping from a swimming pool while the guests look on in awe (or scramble for their phones) is a uniquely African spectacle.
It’s a gentle, if slightly soggy, reminder that in the bush, the rules of civility are trumped by trunks, and five-star service often includes a complimentary elephant visit.
Text | David Batzofin
Photography | Huang Jenhung
For more information, go to travelandthings.co.za.
