insight for executives on the move

July 2024

Earthbox • Golf in the Kalahari • Running across Antarctica • Mark Lottering • Hair loss • Hiring new talent • Saving AI •
Earthbox • Golf in the Kalahari • Running across Antarctica • Mark Lottering • Hair loss • Hiring new talent • Saving AI •

Table of Contents

Interact

Journey to the centre of the solution

On page 24 of this issue, we have a feature on how attractive it is to head down a hole into an underground chamber and turn off from the world for a while. Now, while turning off and avoiding the rat race is often part of the advice given to individuals struggling with stress, it’s amusing and intriguing that there is now the opportunity to go this far to avoid whatever it is that’s causing anxiety.

It’s worth taking the hint, though. With July being a school holiday month for many and the middle of the South African winter for all of us, perhaps it’s a good time to prioritise some rest and recharging as we head into the second half of the year. And if you get the fire crackling loudly and pull your blankets up to cover your ears, you may also be able to ignore the notifications about the electricity increases and your tax being due for submission…

Stay calm and enjoy your travels!

Bruce Dennill
Editor

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PUBLISHER: Urs Honegger
EDITOR: Bruce Dennill
SENIOR SUB-EDITOR: Claire Rencken
SUB-EDITOR: Gina Hartoog
OPERATIONS AND PRODUCTION MANAGER: Paul Kotze
SENIOR DESIGNER: Annie Fraser
DESIGNER: Perpetua Chigumira
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NATIONAL SALES MANAGER: Gillian Johnston, +27 83 455 2397, gill@panorama.co.za
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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.

forecast

The future is now

Get the grannies going

Most people think of their grandmothers as sweet, unassuming ladies who bake, knit, and spoil kids with too much pocket money. The reality, however, is that they are the unsung heroes of South Africa, putting in the work to empower future generations and contributing to the economic upliftment of the country.

Approximately four million children in South Africa are being raised by grandmothers, also known as gogos. This means that a considerable number of households are surviving on a single SASSA older person’s or childcare grant, which at just over R2,000 per month respectively, cannot realistically meet the needs of a household. This, according to Jane Simmonds, executive director and founder of the goGOGOgo initiative, places these matriarchs in a uniquely important position.

“Gogos have become the breadwinners in households. They have also become the decision-makers of how this grant is spent on essential and social needs. These decisions have an impact not only on the family but also on communities and the economy at large,” she says.

Digital update
goGOGOgo was founded in 2020 to support gogos across the country in building capacity, skills, and knowledge, with the ultimate goal of empowering these third-generation women to mentor the next generation of adults. One of the organisation’s many projects includes the iGOGO initiative, established to equip caregivers with digital literacy skills and improve internet access in more households across the country. Through its partnership with fibre provider Vuma, GOGOs with Vuma was launched, enabling gogos to receive interactive training and digital devices. This initiative enhances educational outcomes for both the gogos and the children they care for and includes a graduation ceremony to honor their participation in the training.

With these women being the primary caregivers in many children’s lives, the onus falls on them to ensure their dependents have access to appropriate educational opportunities, particularly those that will prepare them for the future world of work. Many gogos are either ill-equipped to provide access to online educational platforms or are worried about the risks associated with internet access, limiting their learning as a result. Without the right interventions, this lack of access and misinformation around the necessity of digital skills can lead to economic disparities. As a result, both gogos and the children they care for may struggle to access learning resources, job opportunities, or services that could improve their household’s financial well-being.

Text | Supplied
Photography | Lucian Coman

For further information, go to vumatel.co.za

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take | off

TRAVEL

Still rising

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) marked the 14th anniversary of King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) on 1 May. KSIA has been central to the movement of people and goods in KwaZulu-Natal since its inception, acting as a major catalyst for investment and development for the province and the country as a whole.

Nkosinathi Myataza, Regional General Manager at KSIA, commented, “Over the past 14 years, KSIA has grown from a newly constructed facility to a key player in our economic landscape, facilitating extensive connections within and beyond South Africa. Our completion of this R6.8 billion project within 36 months set a precedent for efficient project execution.”

King Shaka International Airport processed more than 4.9 million passengers in the financial year 2023-2024, compared to 6.09 million in 2019/2020. King Shaka has currently recovered to 82% of its pre-pandemic passenger levels compared to 2019/20, with a 72.1% international recovery and an 82.5% domestic recovery.

Source: airports.co.za

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Customer Feedback

We flew in from Cape Town International to OR Tambo International in May. What a pleasant experience. We are also fond of the Serengeti (your cover feature)! Here is our Yorkie, called Milo, reading your Skyways magazine!

Plessis van der Merwe
Western Cape
NATURE

Fish fascination

When the ‘Greatest Shoal on Earth’ arrives on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast shores, it’s one of the most incredible ocean spectacles imaginable. The Sardine Run traditionally takes place in the winter months, but as with any natural phenomenon, there are a number of factors that can influence the start and end dates. It’s a global migration whereby millions of southern African pilchards – also known as sardines – move along the coastline in massive shoals that stretch on for miles. The movement is impressive in itself, but it also attracts hungry marine predators, including dolphins, sharks, whales, seabirds, and game fish, which make this a spectacular event.

It’s believed the Sardine Run happens because of the sardines’ reproductive cycle. The sardines originate from South Africa’s cool-temperate Atlantic coast, moving along the coastline to the temporary cold-water upwelling off the southeast coast.

Source: visitkznsouthcoast.co.za

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TRAVEL

Connecting to culture

The South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) is making the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast more accessible with the establishment of a new rural tourism route. The Emalangeni Experience was officially launched in May, extending the region’s rural tourism footprint.

“Emalangeni is a scenic rural area near Pennington in Umdoni that is home to beautiful accommodation sites and exquisite views,” commented Deborah Ludick, Acting CEO of SCTIE. “By establishing this route, we’re connecting the popular tourist town of Pennington with this rural setting, opening up Emalangeni to a new market. The route gives visitors a more authentic experience of the region through cultural engagements while supporting entrepreneurs and local job creations.”

Source: visitkznsouthcoast.co.za

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CULTURE

Beyond the beat

Experts have gained deeper insight into why people spontaneously dance to music. New research suggests the impulse to bop to the beat – what some scientists call the “groove experience” – depends on the music’s degree of syncopation, a feature that affects how predictable the rhythm is. The work reveals “why we cannot resist moving in sync with the beat when we listen to music with an optimal level of syncopation,” says Benoît Bardy, a movement-science researcher at the University of Montpellier in France. Bardy, who was not involved in the new study, describes it as “a very innovative piece of science.”

Syncopations are rhythmic patterns in which accented or unaccented beats in a melody appear in surprising places relative to the standard beat. The more syncopation a piece of music contains, the less accurately you can guess the rhythm of the next few bars as you listen. As Morillon and his colleagues report in Science Advances, a medium degree of syncopation triggered a strong desire to move to the music. In contrast, neither very high nor low degrees of syncopation had that same result. In other words, people didn’t particularly want to dance to an entirely predictable rhythm or a highly surprising one.

Source: scientificamerican.com

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SPORT

All the way to the line

Young South African athlete James Miller has his eyes firmly set on achieving international trail-running success after coming seventh in a six-day, 252km trail run billed as the ‘toughest footrace on Earth’. The 26-year-old, who grew up in Johannesburg and studied at Stellenbosch University, competed in the gruelling Marathon Des Sables, crossing Morocco’s Sahara Desert in April and beating more than 600 other men to earn his top-10 spot.

 

 

“Knowing it was one of the hardest stage races in the world appealed to my competitive nature, and made me want to do it,” Miller says. Battling heat of up to 50°C, sandstorms and dunes, while carrying his food, was a test of fortitude.

In the years to come, the young athlete aspires to compete at the prestigious UTMB, which traverses 171km with 10,000m elevation through Italy, Switzerland, and France. Qualifying for the race itself is a challenge, but Miller hopes to one day place top 15 at the event, which is viewed as the pinnacle of ultra-trail running and be counted among the world’s best runners.

Source: utmb.world

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Environment

Honest communication

Two Sides, a global non-profit organisation, has challenged more than 2,650 organisations found to be communicating greenwashed messages to their customers when switching to digital communication. To date, around 1,180 organisations have removed misleading anti-paper statements.

According to the 2023 Two Sides Trend Tracker report, 57% of South African consumers believe environmental arguments from companies to switch to digital communications are misleading and are really about reducing costs. Furthermore, 86% of people surveyed want the choice and do not want to be forced into digital communications.

PAMSA estimates that unsubstantiated claims can also threaten a sector that employs some 150,000 people in South Africa, while the financial impact of greenwashing is also of global concern.

Source: twosides.info

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BIRD OF THE MONTH

Cape rockjumper

Sometimes when I am entertaining friends from overseas, I do not have much time to go birding. After all, not many people enjoy spending hours hiking in remote places searching for hard-to-find endemic birds. My wife and friends gave me a few minutes while travelling through Rooi-Els to look for some rockjumpers, so I took advantage. I jogged a 2km section of a nature trail. About 10 minutes in, I heard their unmistakable calls coming from the mountains. Within seconds, I saw a pair of them perching on the rocks next to the trail. I captured a few images, including this pic of the male. The experience was brief but rewarding.

Nearest Airlink airport: Cape Town.

Source: sacrp.org
Text and photography: Dr Bob Graham

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YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

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

DOES AIRLINK ACCEPT DIGITAL COPIES OF IDENTITY DOCUMENTS OR PASSPORTS FOR CHECK-IN?

Digital copies of any form of identification will not be accepted, as per South African Civil Aviation Authority regulations.

WHAT ARE THE ACCEPTED FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION WHEN TRAVELLING ON AIRLINK REGIONAL FLIGHTS?

A valid passport is required for all customers (regardless of age) for travel to, from and via all countries in the region.

WHAT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS?

South African immigration regulations require anyone travelling with children under 18 years – whether parents of the child, relatives, family friends or school teachers – to or from South Africa to travel with certain documents. Before travelling, all passengers should consult the South African embassy in their home countries or the South African Department of Home Affairs to ensure that they meet all relevant criteria.

  • Department of Home Affairs website: dha.gov.za
  • Department of Home Affairs contact centre: 0800 601 190
DOWNLOAD THE APP!

Use the FlyAirlink app, which gives you a convenient platform to plan, book and manage flights on your smartphone. Available in Apple App or Google Play stores.

Magic mushrooms

How’s this for a spooky scene? The eerily glowing fungi you see here is officially known as Omphalotus nidiformis, although it has a rather more apt nickname: the ghost mushroom. Commonly found growing on dead or dying trees in Australia, the mushrooms are funnel-shaped with gills on the outside. When seen during the day, they’re cream coloured with brown and black shading. When night falls, however, they take on a wholly different hue thanks to their bioluminescent properties. They glow green in the dark and while the glow is visible to the naked eye, it’s better seen through a camera, as in this image, taken by Callie Chee, which won first place in the plants and fungi category of the 2022 Nature Conservancy Photo Contest.

travel | leisure | lifestyle
SKUKUZA

Pet project

Big cats hog the spotlight at a lodge named after a famous dog

Leopard!” fellow Jock Safari Lodge guest Jesse exclaims excitedly. Jesse and his lovely wife Julia are sitting in the second row of the Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4, and the newlywed honeymooners from Colorado can barely contain their delight.

On their first visit to the African continent, this is their first leopard sighting. I almost give myself whiplash to see where he has spotted this elusive creature. After leaving the lodge on our afternoon game drive not even five minutes earlier, guide Ike requested that, in the absence of a tracker, if anybody spots anything he might have missed, to tell him to stop.

Feline groove

Ike had hardly started traversing the dry riverbed, which seems to be a favourite place for him to spot animals and birds, when he gently brings the vehicle to a stop. He turns off the engine, and we sit in wonderment and take in the beauty of the female leopard, affectionately known as Mahogany, glaring at us through slanted eyes. She has secured a comfortably shady spot along the edge of the riverbed, with overhanging greenery to protect her from the heat of the sun.

All of a sudden, UK-based couple Nick and Holly (also on honeymoon), who are sitting in the back row of the game drive vehicle, alert Ike to the fact that there are elephants further up the riverbed. Ike thinks for a moment. “That will not do – the elephants will disturb her and she will run away,” he tells us. He engages the 4WD and puts the vehicle in reverse. We are now heading backwards towards the culprit that might flush the leopard out, a young bull elephant. He sees us approaching and stands his ground, albeit on soft sand. Eventually, he realises that walking around the vehicle is the longer way to go, and he heads up the riverbank.

We now have to get back to the leopard to see if she is still there. We all breathe a sigh of relief as she’s exactly where we left her, but she’s sitting upright, in tune with a rustle coming from beyond her vantage point. The elephant is moving through the bushes, causing enough commotion to make the cat vacate her indentation in the sand and head up the riverbed to ascertain where the noise is coming from.

Following a leopard on the move is exhilarating, and sharing the experience with first-time safari-goers adds to the element of excitement – we all realise what a rarity and privilege it is to be in her company. She moves through the tall grass, pausing on a termite mound while inspecting her surroundings. Stopping by a tree, the question beckons – will she scale it, keeping herself safe for the night? Mahogany looks up, and then, as elegantly as only a leopard can do, she leaps up the trunk of the tree and positions herself on a branch, where she enjoys a well-deserved catnap.

Sitting a few metres away from her, Ike tells us that her name was derived from where she was found as a cub.

Lie in wait

Situated in a private concession spanning 6,000ha, Jock Safari Lodge offers a luxurious and authentic stay. With only 12 tented suites perched with views overlooking the seasonal Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers, it’s not uncommon to observe a variety of passing wildlife from the comfort of your daybed.

The Sabie Suite has all the creature comforts guests could possibly want at a safari lodge and a few more thrown in for good measure. Think a spacious bedroom, a lounge area, a large bathroom, a dressing area, an outside deck with an outside bath and a plunge pool.

Lunch beckons and meals are enjoyed in the main restaurant next to the sparkling pool. The cuisine is delicious and menus are crafted with special consideration for guest preferences. A highlight is dining in the dry riverbed, where tables are beautifully set up and decorated with lanterns and silver service.

Pride of place

On one of our morning game drives, Ike sees what he thinks is the outline of an animal. It is far in the distance and as we get closer, we all appreciate just how eagle-eyed Ike is. Sitting on top of a rock, the most majestic lion comes into view. As a young male, he knows not to draw too much attention to himself and faintly starts vocalising to the shy and skittish female that has now disappeared into the tall grass.

He looks around to see if there is any reaction, but she is doing a great job of staying out of sight. He gets up from the rock, stretches cat-like and starts walking. We are now in hot pursuit of him, wondering where he might lead us. Is he perhaps part of a bigger pride? He veers off to the right, and we all hold our collective breaths as what we witness is a scene straight out of The Lion King. He approaches a rocky outcrop, stops momentarily and looks straight at us. Then he starts his ascent, cat-footing it to the very top, where he sits overlooking the valley below. This is definitely Mufasa, we all agree, the King of Jock Safari Lodge.

Text and photography | Heléne Ramackers
For more information or to book a stay, go to jocksafarilodge.com.

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Come on in

Africa’s first voco hotel – voco The Bank Johannesburg Rosebank – can be found in the heart of the leafy Northern Suburbs in a striking architectural masterpiece that has won multiple awards for its innovative mixed-use space.

Here, you can expect the warmest of welcomes and personal touches throughout the guest journey, which combine all the familiar comforts and indulgences of your favourite hotel with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand – IHG® Hotels & Resorts.

Stylish rooms with double-volume ceilings, chic modern bathrooms with luxury Antipodes bath products, a fully-equipped gym, and valet parking complete this distinctive experience. Business travellers will appreciate thoughtful features, such as the in-room hand-held clothes steamers and large workspaces.

Guests can get a taste for ‘voco life’ with the hotel’s unique combination of luxurious accommodations and innovative amenities, all within the hotel grounds, that meet their varied needs. Appetites are satisfied at the Art Deco all-day eatery – Proud Mary – on the ground floor, and premium coworking space – Workshop17 – just one floor up, is ideal for remote working, meetings, and events.

travel | leisure | lifestyle
CAPE TOWN

The hole story

In Somerset West, Earthbox is a global first in the realm of art-adjacent immersive experiences

I was somewhere below the Earth’s surface, just 6m below the strutted ceiling of the chamber, and as I inhaled the healthy humus scent of the clean, moist soil, I found myself enthralled by what was, quite frankly, simply a dark, dank chamber. And yet there was something more, something difficult to describe. A connection, perhaps. A surge of emotions.

At the intersection of geology and architecture, engineering and magic, Earthbox is a first-of-its-kind immersive experience. An underground chamber with nothing to guide your eyes other than a choreographed arrangement of lights that first illuminate the walls and then switch off, leaving the space in total darkness for several moments.

It’s a silent space, no cellphones permitted, and there are no signs or people tasked with helping you figure out what you’re meant to be figuring out. As I discovered, you can’t imagine in advance what being inside it will do to you. And then, once you are there, inside the belly of the Earth, you begin to realize that being there does unexpected things to you, causes feelings to rise, emotions to stir. If you give it a chance, you start to feel a connection with something beyond the physical.

There’s something beautiful about it, too. There you are, underground, and you start to notice the near-imperceptible trickles of water slowly seeping through the exposed surface. You notice the texture of the sand and sediment, the small pebbles embedded in the chamber’s walls. You realize that what you’re glimpsing is a cross-section of the ground beneath our feet, the inside of the planet that sustains us. It can all get very touchy-feely.

Sacred Space

There might be a moment of connection with the raw earth where you contemplate the planet and nature and all the intricate systems that are in place. It might be why some folks who have experienced Earthbox emerge at the other end claiming they feel ‘reborn’ – that they’ve undergone a kind of purification. It can feel somehow sacred – a kind of hallowed space ideal for deep reflection, turning reality inside out.

Earthbox is, on paper at least, terribly simple. A rectangular empty space 24m long by about 7.5m wide, its walls angled outwards as they rise. You don’t take an elevator to reach it; there aren’t even stairs. Instead, there’s a curved, sloping pathway so that you approach with a full-on view of the Helderberg Mountains in the distance and a low, dome-like mound directly in front of you

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And then, quicker than expected, you’re inside, underground, with no daylight and a permanent coolness that heightens the slight shock of being somewhere surreal.

“It’s like going back in time,” says Marina Busse, who conceived Earthbox, the inaugural project of Dream Commission, which Busse started together with fellow dreamer Brad Baard. Their aim is to create completely unique, once-off art-adjacent experiences that can “help reawaken our sense of childlike wonder that we tend to lose when we become adults.”

With Earthbox, Busse says they wanted to create an immersive experience underground. She says that while humans explore the oceans and are increasingly venturing into space, it’s rare that we explore what’s right below our feet. “Inside Earthbox, the earth you’re standing on is 500 million years old. That’s as old as when Africa and South America were still connected and called Gondwana. That pebble layer on the walls is an ancient riverbed from two-and-a-half million years ago.”

Creating this seemingly simple structure was far more complicated than anticipated. “The structure required these clay-like, completely dense Malmesbury residual soils,” says Busse. “It’s these specific soils that allowed us to have raw-earth walls, unmitigated, that didn’t require retention of any sort.”

Underground Architecture

A location scout proposed Lourensford, a wine farm in Somerset West that had a large empty field and owners willing to rent it out. During excavation of the site, water became the biggest obstacle. “We’re situated literally between the mountains and the river, which was extremely challenging, especially since we were excavating throughout the wettest winter in 200-odd years,” Busse says. “Initially, we were going to do the bulk of the excavation in the summer, but it started raining in March, so we ended up having to work through the winter. In June it rained every day.”

To allow for the constant presence of water, the geoengineers who worked on Earthbox have installed an intricate drainage system around the chamber. There are manholes in the ground, with sumps and pumps down below so that if the groundwater rises, it gets pumped out.

The project is globally unique; Busse says it’s been created as a physical, real environment to foster a human connection with the Earth. And she says, “It wants to slow you down so that you can connect with what is viscerally, physiologically happening in your body.”

That connection can be experienced with or without one of the audio guides available during your visit. There is a soothing, wholesome 25-minute guided meditation that makes you feel invigorated and refreshed. Another audio tour, perhaps for visitors keen on a bit of science and history, talks you through the geology of the space. There’s also a guide for children. Busse says the blank-canvas offering of the chamber can be daunting and “difficult to grasp,” especially in an age of perpetual stimulation – the audio guides provide a way of making sense of what you’re experiencing. A good idea is to first visit with an audio guide and then re-enter the chamber without it.

You can also visit for one of the early-morning yoga classes held daily before Earthbox opens to the public. And there are occasional once-off events scheduled, including music sessions and chef demonstrations.

“It’s a blank canvas,” Busse says. “There’s no agenda, no narrative around it. It’s just a neutral, agnostic space that can just be whatever you need it to be. Some people go inside and have profound moments and are moved to tears. Some can’t wait to get back to their screens.”

Text and photography | Keith Bain

Earthbox is situated at Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West. For more information, go to earthbox.co.za.

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How to get there
Airlink connects Cape Town with destinations across southern Africa. Click to see flight schedules

Shear brilliance

travel | leisure | lifestyle
ST HELENA

Shear brilliance

Landing on South Atlantic island is the first of many highlights for first-time visitors

Arriving in St. Helena is spectacular. After endless miles of profoundly blue ocean, a dense bank of cloud appears out of nowhere, undefined as anything more than that until you get close enough to see a fringe of white waves breaking against grey-brown stone cliffs. You don’t need to be a film buff to feel that there is only one simile that fits: it’s like arriving at Jurassic Park. And the thrill only intensifies as the aircraft pierces the clouds, revealing mountain peaks quickly rising up to meet the flightpath before the flat, straight strip of the runway appears atop the rocky moonscape of the island’s eastern coastline.

New Friends

The airport is, having opened in 2016, in pristine condition, compact and easy to navigate. You can’t miss whoever you were hoping to meet – family, friends, the driver taking you to your hotel – and you’ll also very likely meet a number of other people you’ll see again over the course of your stay. With only weekly flights coming in for most of the year, the arrivals and departures halls are venues for both introductions and reunions. You’ll meet fellow tourists, but you’re just as likely to share a taxi with a visiting doctor arriving to do a rotation at the hospital in Jamestown; the governor’s wife, home after visiting family abroad; the new meteorologist, who will spend the following week getting a full handover from his colleague before the latter heads back to England; or the manager of the hotel you’ll be staying at, who can then fill you in on all the informal arrangements for interesting activities you can schedule during your stay.

The airport is the first introduction for travelers to what turns out to be one of St. Helena’s most memorable facets – the near-universal friendliness of all her citizens and the good-natured bonhomie that soon rubs off on visitors.

Set Up for Safety

For all its remoteness, St. Helena Airport is incredibly well equipped. There are three hugely high-specced fire engines because the law requires that there is always at least one backup available, and if either the first-choice engine or the backup is being serviced, there needs to still be a spare available. The high-tech control tower hosts both the air-traffic control center for the island and the meteorological office, which is occupied from 4 am every Saturday when the meteorologist arrives to check, double-check, and triple-check (among much else) the current and predicted wind speeds for the day. The Johannesburg-bound flight only leaves in the afternoon, but if the speed and direction of the wind is likely to require extra planning on the incoming flight, the expert pilots need to know much earlier on.

As a start to an adventure goes, this unique facility is a portal to a fascinating landscape and culture that is as thrilling as the first impression visitors receive on landing.

Text and photography | Bruce Dennill

For more information, go to sthelenatourism.com.

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How to get there
Airlink connects Cape Town with destinations across southern Africa. Click to see flight schedules

Healing in the rift

travel | leisure | lifestyle
MALAWI

Healing

Exploring the area around Lake Malawi allows for adventure and relaxation

From Mbeya in southwestern Tanzania, the B345 road winds its way past fields of potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, and coffee and tea plantations, before descending gently along the edges of the Great Rift Valley and into Malawi. We drove alongside the lake for a while before the ride got wild.

The car’s satellite navigation screen looked like spaghetti. We were clambering our way up a dirt track to the small town of Livingstonia, an ascent of 900m featuring more than 20 hairpin bends and astonishing dongas and boulders. The road was designed by Dr. Robert Laws, a Scottish missionary and disciple of explorer Dr. Livingstone, a fine feat of engineering for a medical doctor, as they say around here.

It was a real sports bra of a road. We climbed up and up the mountainside, jiggling, jostling, bumping, grinding, scraping, and after a long, hot Malawian hour or two, we arrived at our destination – the charming eco-lodge called The Mushroom Farm. We are on a cliff, said the welcome sign, so please take care.

Livingstonia La Vida Loca

We were indeed on the edge of the world. The Mushroom Farm perched perilously on the mountaintop, a collection of rustic chalets and tents with hopelessly romantic views of the forests and rivers below and the distant Lake Malawi. Livingstone dubbed it ‘the lake of stars’ and it’s also known as the calendar lake because it is 365 miles from north to south, one mile for each day of the year. It’s so huge you could spend years exploring it or just briefly gaze adoringly from high above.

The Mushroom Farm is a comfortable and affordable space for travelers to rest and recharge high in the mountains. Their ethos is based on responsible tourism, and it’s all permaculture, solar power, compost toilets, and yoga flow – exactly what two weary old travelers like us needed. We met a lovely mix of young people from Mexico, the USA, England, and Australia, many involved in NGOs and volunteering in Malawi, which is one of the world’s poorest countries, and it lent us hope.

The Mushroom Farm had solar panels that kept the music playing, the fridges working, the lights shining, and the charging station going. They had pigs and chickens and showers with views and a convivial bar with interesting coffee and cocktails. We had great fun. We went on a guided walk to see the incredible Manchewe Falls – at 1,007m the highest waterfall in Malawi. We drank the local Kuche Kuche beer at a little bar called CK Love Nest Restaurant and made a fabulous lunch on a grassy cliff overlooking the lake, with tomatoes and onions we’d bought at a roadside market en route.

We visited the little town of Livingstonia, founded in 1894 by missionaries from the Free Church of Scotland. The Scottish missionaries built a school, technical training center, hospital, church, and university. Livingstonia made an immeasurable contribution to education in Malawi and was one of the first places in the country to have electricity, as early as 1905.

A few days later, we headed back down the spaghetti road. It was no less bumpy, but we were much more relaxed. We continued, traveling picturesque roads with baobabs and enormous grassy golden boulders. We passed cyclists and goats, men walking their cows, markets and buses, and ancient mosques. So far so good, said the sign on the outskirts of Nkhata Bay, a busy little town on the edge of the lake. “God bless my enemy,” said another sign on a village shop.

By midafternoon, we were lounging on the lake’s edge at a fabulous Boho backpacker’s spot called Butterfly Space, listening to reggae and the sounds of happy young stoners playing pool. Butterfly Space is a non-profit eco-lodge that supports community initiatives, and it had great vibes, pleasant chalets overlooking the lake, and a festive little restaurant called the Mkana Café, which served wholesome meals and excellent vodka cocktails starring basil and lemongrass.

Around the Edge

Lake Malawi was at its highest in years and waves crashed on the deck in front of the café and much of the beach was underwater. But guests were still partying, kayaking, diving, and swimming, especially after the long walk to town and back. It’s a busy little town with old buildings and crowded markets, friendly hagglers, and colorful spaza shops.

From Nkhata Bay, we headed south towards Salima, a bustling junction where the M5 lakeshore highway and the M5 to Lilongwe meet. By afternoon, we had found a fabulous camping spot right on the edge of the lake near Senga Bay. The Sunbird Waterfront is a blingy new hotel next door, but the campsite itself was shaded by huge trees with plenty of space. In fact, we were the only people here. The full moon was rising, and moonlight glanced gently off the baobab trees that stood guard at the campsite. Ironically, it would be the noisiest of our camping nights as the moon churned up the lake and the waters chopped and slapped the beach. It didn’t matter. We had the lake of stars all to ourselves.

Text and photography | Bridget Hilton-Barber

For more information or to book a stay, go to themushroomfarmmalawi.com, visitmalawi.mw, and butterflyspacemalawi.com.

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How to get there
Airlink connects Johannesburg with Blantyre and Lilongwe. Click to see flight schedules.
travel | leisure | lifestyle
SPORTS

Casting a spell

South Africa’s east coast hooks tourists hoping to make a big catch

With its mild weather, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) offers world-class fishing all year round, with the greatest diversity of fishing opportunities in the country. Recreational fishing is largely seasonal and often linked to holiday peak times. Various types of fishing are available on almost all of the tourism routes across KZN.

Bass fishing is popular across the province, but Albert Falls Dam is widely regarded as the best bass fishing spot in the country. It’s ideal for beginners, as the water is teeming with so many fish that it is almost impossible not to catch one.

Underberg (and the surrounding Drakensberg) is the center of trout fishing in KZN. The Drakensberg and KZN Midlands have many trout and fly-fishing lodges, and fishing equipment is available for hire. Most lodges also have chefs who are more than willing to prepare your freshly caught trout for dinner.

Tiger fish are known for explosive hits and powerful runs. Jozini Dam is the spot to hook tigers, with easy access, professional guiding, great accommodation, stunning views, and houseboats from which to fish. Tiger fish can dent lures, bite through leaders, and empty spools at an incredible pace. On top of that, they’re unpredictable – spooky one minute, headstrong and aggressive the next.

Natural Phenomenon

KZN doesn’t get as much rain as in summer, so the sea is generally cleaner because there is less silt from the rivers. This means you are more likely to catch fish like shad and garrick, and with the Sardine Run, lots of game fish come close inshore. Carp fishing has also become popular in the rivers and dams in southern KZN.

The Sardine Run in June or July, which extends from Port Edward to Umkomaas, feeds the fishing frenzy, with many coming to see this spectacle and locals netting sardines to use as bait.

Fishing charters are popular amongst international tourists, with many small businesses launching their boats at Shelly Beach. Ski boats launch from Ramsgate and Hibberdene. Fishing from the beach is particularly popular amongst domestic visitors, especially those from Gauteng.

Thanks to the warm Indian Ocean, KZN has long been regarded as a prime game fishing destination, and kayak fishing is also becoming extremely popular. Kayaks are small and maneuverable. They get to places where deep-sea boats cannot go, are easier to launch, and they don’t need fuel. One can only kayak fish in the ocean, though. Inland, there are far too many crocodiles and hippos.

KwaZulu-Natal has a long coastline with many marine protected areas that are strictly policed by wildlife authorities. Visitors are urged to check seasonal fishing restrictions, bag limits, or protected waters and to ensure that they have the necessary fishing permits. Most fishing in the province is done on a tag-and-release basis in keeping with global best practices.

Text | Supplied Photography | MintImagese

For more information, go to kznwildlife.com.

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SISHEN

Remote chances

Sishen Golf Club recently entered the Top 10 of the Golf Digest South Africa rankings for the first time in the club’s 45-year history. The Bob Grimsdell course, renowned as one of the most unique golfing experiences in the southern hemisphere, features 18 holes routed through an ancient kameeldoring forest in the arid Northern Cape and was ranked number nine in the 2024 rankings.

Sishen is the remotest course in the Golf Digest South Africa Top 100 – more than 1,000 km by road from Cape Town and Durban, and 570 km from Johannesburg. The nearest 18-hole course to it is in Upington, 214 km away, while the nearest other Top 100 courses are Schoeman Park and Bloemfontein Golf Club, 460 km away.

Remarkably, for its remoteness and the extreme temperatures in the region, Sishen is regarded as one of the best-conditioned courses in South Africa, ranked at number seven nationally with a score of 16 out of 20.

Candour and quality

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BOOKS

Candour and

Author Margie Orford takes readers to a challenging, vulnerable, beautiful place in her memoir, Love And Fury

Your fiction writing reflects many of your views about society’s treatment of women, but this book opens up everything about you at a vastly more vulnerable level. How liberating or revelatory was it to dig that deep?

Margie Orford: It was really difficult, but liberating in all sorts of interesting ways. There was a ’60s term, ‘women’s liberation’, but it wasn’t always about freedom and liberty in the sense of being able to be a true person or the person you wanted to be. This book was revelatory to me. I started writing it in 2018, as I couldn’t sell the manuscript for a book I’d finished, called Eye Of The Beholder. My publisher said a memoir would be a good idea, as that kind of thing was popular at the time. I realised I’d kind of split off from myself in the serial writing of violence against women.

Some autobiographies are unsatisfactory, dealing only in the greatest hits of someone’s life. For me, it was difficult determining what to write. I did an archaeological study of myself and winnowed out what kept coming up for me. That part included family history, which was not relevant. My editors were helpful, showing where the story came alive. Working through it, I realised – which I hadn’t before – that my novels might reflect my own experiences. I wrote to know, to make it come alive by being absolutely specific about what happened.

It didn’t feel like a brave thing to do. It was more about putting together the motorbike of my life that had been taken apart and left all over a workbench. But what I understood about violence based on dominance and submission was that it becomes the victim’s responsibility to keep the secret of what happened. The abuser is shameless – you carry it. We’re conditioned to not tell tales, but kids must rather be taught to not keep such secrets. The shame must be given back to the perpetrator: it’s not about courage; it’s just sensible.

In the book, you deal with a number of institutions in terms of how they failed or did not help you as a woman, as a wife and mother, and as a writer.

Margie Orford: You have no idea when you’re young about how to be yourself. The roles and ideals of wife, mother, and so on are split apart from you – it’s a mad feeling. A lot of my maturing was undoing that. I sought psychological help when I was 19. I was depressed. A student psychologist didn’t help. If I’d been helped properly then, it would have made my life completely different. Today, we seek immediate help for mental health, as if it was a cold. We know it’s important.

Political changes also matter. South Africa under apartheid drove people insane. It was gaslighting at a macro level; both public and private madness. The backlash against feminism in the USA at the moment is a marker of how powerful changes have been and how much they were needed.

Ultimately, you battled your way to a space where you are highly respected for being you – an intellectual, activist, and more. How satisfying is that? Is there more to come?

Margie Orford: I’m busy writing another novel. I don’t know if there’ll be more memoirs. You can’t tell different truths in different ways. But one of the amazing things about the memoir was having the joy of my marriage returned to me. After the break-up, I only remembered loss. Memoir involves dealing with people you profoundly care about, so there is a moral responsibility to not beat the reader over the head with your trauma, but rather to take them through that and what they identify with in it to a place where the subject – me, in this case – makes it to a better place. I tell myself to look at myself in the same empathetic way as I looked at the victims in my fiction books.

Speaking or writing about the sexual abuse you suffered: what is the importance of doing so in the context of your personal activism as well as in the context of the whole gender-based violence crisis in South Africa and elsewhere?

Margie Orford: Anything we can do to reduce the long-term psychological damage to people is immensely valuable. If you are a sexual assault survivor, it takes up an enormous amount of energy and time in your life. Had I figured that out earlier, it would have saved me a lot of time and pain. Multiply yourself by all the people stuff like this has happened to and you start to understand the difference that knowledge makes. I think if I know something, I must share or use it. Patriarchy – or anything dictatorial, for that matter – is a huge waste of time. It outraged me, what happened to me. I want more space for my daughters in this area, as well as for liberated men who have fewer heart attacks because they see that they don’t need to be macho.

Text | Bruce Dennill Photography | Supplied

Love And Fury by Margie Orford, published by Jonathan Ball, is available now. For more information, go to jonathanball.co.za.

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Out in the cold

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SPORT

Out in the
cold

Completing arguably the world’s
toughest marathon might deserve
celebrating with a drink – on ice

Recently, my midlife crisis took me on a voyage to Antarctica to run the Antarctica Marathon. It was hilly, it was cold, the terrain was muddy with icy cold waters, and it was misty with some strong winds now and again. The voyage is organized by US-based Marathon Tours & Travel, and it began with participants checking into the posh Alvear Icon hotel in Buenos Aires for a three-night stay.

The stay in Buenos Aires helps one acclimatize and shake off jet lag, given the different time zones participants had come from. While the party of 187 (140 of them being marathon runners) was largely made up of Americans, there were 20 nationalities represented in total. Time in Buenos Aires included an organized tour of the tango city itself, shake-out runs in the parks, and some delicious Argentinian steak and wine.

Departing Buenos Aires on a chartered four-hour flight, we traveled to Ushuaia, the southernmost town in Argentina, which serves as the gateway to Antarctica by ship. We landed in Ushuaia at about lunchtime and boarded the voyage ship, the Ocean Victory, which started sailing just after 6 pm. The Ocean Victory is a comfortable ship with a touch of luxury. The overnight sailing took us across the dreaded Drake Passage, infamous for its choppy waters. Waking up to some sea sickness was not fun, with a good fraction of passengers not coping well.

We finally reached Maxwell Bay in King George Island in the Antarctica Peninsula by the following day, after which the expedition party and marathon organizers went onshore to set up the marathon course, while the rest of the passengers took Zodiac (rubber boat) cruises to explore the local waters.

Monday was D-Day. We were up for an early breakfast at 5:20 am, followed by Zodiac cruises onshore to the Russian research station Bellingshausen, which was the base and start for the marathon. The marathon course was a 14 km triple loop, which first took us just over 3.5 km past the Chilean research station, Base Eduardo Frei, to the Chinese research station (Great Wall) and back to Bellingshausen, then proceeding to Artigas, the Uruguayan station, for another 3.5 km and then back to Bellingshausen to complete the loop. The course was brutal, with an elevation of 840 m.

In addition to treacherous conditions, the Antarctica Marathon is a very lonely marathon in which you are on your own in the true sense of the word. As the number of participants is small, the field quickly spreads out, so for most of the course, you are running on your own. There are no spectators on the course, except for the odd penguin minding its own business and wondering about these idiots invading its space. You have to organize your own water and hydration stations. You have at least three water bottles with your race number clearly marked on them. When the marathon starts, you take one bottle of water with you that you drop at the turning point at Great Wall, and on passing through Bellingshausen on your return, you pick up the second water bottle, which you drop at the second turning point at Artigas. The third bottle is left at the starting point, and in so doing, you have created your own three water stations that you make use of as you loop the course.

From a time perspective, it will take you at least 20% more time to complete the Antarctica Marathon than your average marathon – that is, if you do complete it. Completing the marathon represents a great achievement and it was a proud moment, receiving the medal from the Marathon Tours team. A bucket list item had been ticked off.

Polar Exploration

After leaving Maxwell Bay on the evening of marathon day, the following five days saw the ship sail further south, anchoring at various points – Mikkelsen Harbour, Cierva Cove, Portal Point, Danco Island, Damoy Point, Flandres Bay, Cuverville Island, and Fournier Bay – in the Antarctica Peninsula. At each station, we embarked on Zodiac excursions and went kayaking to explore the icebergs and historical sites and watch whales, seals, and penguins. The highlight was the polar plunge (barely dressed) in icy cold water at Danco Island. In addition, there were some very informative lectures on sea life and about Antarctica and its history on board the Ocean Victory.

There was also a celebratory award ceremony for those runners who had completed the Seven Continents Series – completing a marathon on each of the seven continents (Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania). The ceremony was held on the top deck of the Ocean Victory as it began its sail back to Ushuaia. Runners posed for photos with their national flags (waving national flags had been discouraged at the marathon site for geopolitical reasons) amid loud cheers and toasting with good champagne.

This was by far the toughest marathon I have run. I have two more continents to go before being admitted to the Seven Continents Club, though, so there will be more.

Text | Shakes Matiwaza
Photography | Alexey Seafarer

For more information, go to facebook.com/AntarcticaMarathon.

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ENTERTAINMENT

High on hope

Short film The Suspended Man tells a tale of a journey towards something better. Directors Bruce Crosse and Shane Comley-White discuss their passion for the project.

Was there a single moment when you first realized you wanted to make films – a specific movie or show in a particular context? What was it that caught your attention?

The two of us have been working as a creative team with the aim of breathing life into new and exciting stories for several years now. However, the genesis of The Suspended Man, and indeed our company HSD Productions, came about when we were working together on the set of another project during the lockdown.

As a writer, Bruce has always been inspired by the challenge of completing a complex narrative arc inside the confines of short stories and poetry and is mesmerized by scenes in films that can stand alone as their own narrative feat – the opening scenes of Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds or the Coen Brothers’ ‘Coin Toss’ scene in No Country For Old Men being two standout examples. Shane has a decorated history in martial arts and has an eye for the creation of strong visual sequences through dramatic fight choreography, with his strongest influences lying in the extensive action and physically dynamic filmography catalog.

Do you prefer doing as few takes as possible or as many as are necessary? Both choices have their pros and cons…

While we try to minimize the number of required takes, particularly when dealing with low and no-budget projects, we also try to make the entire shooting process as organic as possible by acknowledging that certain shots and sequences naturally require several prolonged takes. This presents many challenges. However, we find that by having a small, dedicated team and allowing our actors creative freedom early on in each scene, we more often than not achieve the shot we are after in no more than five takes.

While everyone is looking to you for guidance, how aware are you of needing to limit what you say or do in order to let the combination of everything in the frame (the location, the lighting, the costumes, your cast) be as effective as possible?

With the emphasis that we place on organic filmmaking, this is something of which we remain acutely aware, particularly during the time spent shooting. We want to inspire creativity on set and get the most out of our cast and crew. The unfortunate reality is that, often, once the director speaks, this is taken as gospel for how the scene needs to be run. If this is the case, you run the risk of stifling any fresh inspiration that may have been brought to the screen by someone with their own interpretation of the script. We find that it is better to let the camera roll for the first take or two before guiding the performance in the direction that best suits the overall vision for the production. You never know what innovation you may have inadvertently stifled by speaking too soon!

How important is the budget of a film, in your experience? Good work can be done at any level of investment, but obviously, the challenges are very different…

If there have been any lessons that the filmmaking industry has learned over the last few years, it would be that a large budget for a production does not necessarily equate to on-screen success. Thus far, our team has been working solely on passion projects with limited-to-zero budget. Working in this environment, you are forced to find ways to adhere to the confines within which you are working, and this is where some of your best work can flourish, as you are pushed to your creative limits to overcome any production challenges. Having both independently worked on larger budget projects in the past, we have found it incredibly refreshing to go back to a more classical form of filmmaking where your skills are pushed to the limit to make sure that you achieve everything that you want on camera, on the day, and with the resources at hand.

Please unpack your current project.

Bruce first wrote The Suspended Man as a poem outlining the metaphysical journey of hope taken by those facing hardship in their lives, after which he developed it into a screenplay. Upon meeting on the set of another project, we clicked creatively and decided that adapting the poem into an experimental short film would be ideal for the launch of Shane’s brainchild, HSD Productions. Throughout the process of bringing this story to life, we were fortunate enough to put together a passionate team with a shared vision. Our lead, Enacio Mathavela, took on his first acting role with a quiet intensity that translated perfectly into our vision for his character, and he was ably supported by our lead actress, Michelle van der Nest.

We are proud that this project was created with an entirely local cast and crew, and that we were able to shoot everything on location in Thembisa and Alexandra townships, as well as in Braamfontein and in Sandton, to showcase the socio-economic juxtaposition required for the film. Most satisfying, however, has been the international attention we have received throughout production. Securing Oscar and Golden Globe nominee Eric Roberts to take on the role as our story’s narrator was an incredible honor and privilege.

Text | Bruce Dennill
Photography | Kathy Hutchins and Supplied

For more information, go to imdb.com.

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PARENTING

Provision over perfection

Social media can paint a false picture of what it means to be a good mother

When we think of motherhood, it is synonymous with love, nurturing, happiness, faith, and boundless sacrifice. However, we find ourselves in an era of curated personas, where perfection is toted and flaunted at us on a permanent basis.

Motherhood has fallen prey to this too. It’s become entangled with pressure. Pressure to be perfect. Social media has created an unrealistic portrayal of motherhood that can leave moms feeling inadequate and overwhelmed. Mothers can often fall into the ‘comparison trap’.

We see highlight reels of moms with perfectly behaved children baking Pinterest-worthy cupcakes in spotless kitchens. We see meticulously planned family outings and homes. The desire to present oneself as a competent and capable parent is nothing new, but the rise of social media has intensified this pressure to extraordinary levels. For many mothers, the pressure to live up to these unrealistic standards can lead to feelings of inadequacy and guilt.

Seek Balance

The pressure to be a perfect mom in the age of social media can have tangible consequences on women’s mental health. Research has shown a correlation between heavy social media use and increased feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. The pressure to maintain a perfect image online can also take a toll on mothers’ relationships with their children. Focused on capturing the perfect moment for social media, some mothers may prioritize the appearance of a happy family over genuine connection and quality time with their children. This can lead to feelings of disconnect and resentment, both for the mother and her children as they struggle to live up to unrealistic expectations.

The antidote to the comparison trap lies in embracing authenticity. Moms need to reclaim the narrative and showcase the beauty of real, messy motherhood. Sharing the challenges along with the triumphs and sleepless nights next to the heartwarming cuddles. This doesn’t mean oversharing every detail of your child’s life or your journey as a mother and a family – seek balance, sharing moments that resonate with other mothers and reminding them they’re not alone in the trenches.

One of the best ways to counteract all the pressure moms feel from social media is doing a digital detox. Look at who you follow and what comes into your feed. Does it add value to your life? Does it make you feel good as a mom? Is it informative? Does it give you confidence? If it doesn’t do any of those things, then hit the unfollow button. It is crucial to curate your own online space, filled with positivity and encouragement, not perfection.

Keep your focus on striking a balance. Schedule breaks from your phone and computer. Set a limit to the amount of time a day you’re online. This helps keep the pressure at bay and forces you to focus on the realness of your own life.

Text | Supplied 

Photography | Dragon Images.

For more information, go to vitalbabyshop.co.za.

https://vitalbabyshop.co.za/



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First line of defence

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HEALTH

First line of defence

Our skin’s microbiome plays an important part in protecting our immune system

Looking after your skin’s microbiome can help you achieve glowing skin. To do it right, you need to analyze whether your microbiome is healthy. The skin microbiome is the name given to the diverse community of microorganisms (including bacteria, fungi, and viruses) that live on and in the layers of our skin. It’s a similar concept to the gut microbiome.

While many of us are familiar with the gut microbiome – the bacteria that live in your digestive system – it’s also important to remember that you have microbiomes all over, and there is another important microbiome that exists on your skin. Beyond your appearance, your skin is your body’s first line of defense. Primarily, it helps prevent harmful microorganisms from entering your body, making it hugely important when protecting your immune system.

Dermatologists agree that the skin microbiome is as unique as a fingerprint – meaning it might work slightly differently from person to person – and remains in constant communication with its surrounding environment as well as the skin itself. The skin’s microbiome operates as a line of defense against external factors (like pathogens) that could compromise our health while also helping control skin immunity. It also plays a vital role in nutrient absorption and supporting the skin barrier.

Different Roles

When speaking of the skin barrier, we refer to the body’s outermost surface, the stratum corneum, a layer of dead skin cells, which acts as a protective shield against environmental factors. In comparison, when we refer to the skin microbiome, this refers to the term given to the microorganisms that reside on the skin’s surface that protect the body on a physical, chemical, and immunological level. The skin microbiome helps to support skin barrier health.

If your skin microbiome is unhealthy – usually as a result of some kind of imbalance – it will tell you in the form of flaring skin conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and sensitivity, as well as accelerated signs of aging such as loss of elasticity, uneven tone, and wrinkles. Some additional signs and symptoms may include:

  • Itchy skin or rashes
  • Dry, dehydrated, or flaky skin
  • Slow wound healing
  • Redness
  • Uneven skin texture

Some things you may want to consider paying attention to are your general lifestyle, being cognizant of your diet, your activity levels as well as your stress and hormonal levels. These all play a part in your skin health. In addition to that, using gentle ingredients on your skin, simplifying your skincare, using nourishing ingredients, and ensuring you are moisturizing and hydrating daily are all important.

Text | Kevin Khosa 

Photography | Piotr Krzeslak

Kevin Khosa is Customer Service Manager at SKIN Functional. For more information, go to skinfunctional.com

https://skinfunctional.com/

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EXECUTIVE BRIEF

The great
South African
wine export

Top sommelier is flying our country’s flag in London

The list of South Africans lighting up the world stage is an impressive one. Add to them a Johannesburg sommelier who may have replaced Hugh Grant as Notting Hill’s leading man: Gareth Ferreira, star attraction at one of London’s hottest restaurants.

South African wine is no stranger to international adulation. Wine rivals sport for flying the South African flag proudly worldwide. But the bottles appearing on Michelin-starred wine lists and the winemakers with proper celebrity status are now being supplemented by South African sommeliers popping up around the world – with Ferreira the shining example.

Set in a quiet street in Notting Hill, Core has a full house of Michelin stars, with Northern Ireland-born chef Clare Smyth’s exceptional menu the headline act in a beautifully appointed space. But the celebrated chef – who previously ran the kitchen at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, cooked at Napa’s famed French Laundry and Alain Ducasse’s Le Louis VX in Monte Carlo, and catered Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding – will be the first to acknowledge the role that her head sommelier has played in Core’s success, as one of the two key South African men in her life. (The other is her husband, Grant, from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape).

Ferreira’s own journey is an impressive one: having worked at The Saxon in Johannesburg for David Higgs (where he was voted South African Sommelier of the Year), as well as The Ritz Carlton in Naples, Florida, and Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab, he’s now a star attraction at Core. Two years ago, he received the title of Master Sommelier (the first South African to achieve the qualification) and in last year’s inaugural ratings of the UK’s top 100 sommeliers, Ferreira was ranked number one, confirming his credentials as a proper rock star of the global wine community.

If you’re lucky enough to snare a table at Core, you’ll have a chance to see him in action, vintage Dom Perignon in hand to welcome new arrivals, or working through a series of pairings once the food has started arriving from the kitchen. It’s those pairings that show the art form that Ferreira has made his own: finding an eight-year-old Australian semillon to perfectly balance scallop ceviche, or delivering the unexpected joy of a 20-year-old xinomavro from northern Greece. And on the day that I indulged in a four-hour feast, a quiet but emphatic illustration of the world that South Africa’s top sommelier now caters to: pouring me the rest of a bottle of ’88 Cheval Blanc that had been opened for an earlier guest – some bloke called David Beckham…

Ferreira has added winemaking to his portfolio, his Oniv Collectible range including collaborations with top estates like Restless River, Storm, and Newton Johnson. But that speaks mostly to his love of wine, which continues to shine through in his role at Core, taking some of the best food in Britain and adding the richly rewarding dimension that perfectly chosen fine wine provides.

Text | Dan Nicholl 

Photography | Supplied

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

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EDUCATION

Virtually safe

The internet is the greatest tool available to learners, but also one of the greatest dangers.

Today’s educators face a troubling digital dilemma: how to harness the power of technology for learning while safeguarding students from online dangers. Technology is enhancing learning by providing immediate access to information for homework, research, and interactive learning experiences, but it also exposes children to significant risks, including cyberbullying and the potential for them to be exposed to harmful content.

Even though teachers can use certain tools and strategies to provide some protection for children in the classroom, it’s much harder to police their use of social media outside of school hours. More than 95% of children in South Africa have regular access to the internet, but their risky online behavior can expose them to online violence, exploitation, and abuse, according to the 2021 SA Kids Online Study.

Without adult supervision, children may experience or even contribute to cyberbullying, come across content that’s not suitable for their age, encounter strangers with bad intentions, or expose their personal information. Misinformation is another risk; making sure that children have access to reliable information helps them to have a balanced view of the world around them, and staying informed protects them from scams and hoaxes.

SA Kids Online found that:

  • 70% of children surveyed use the internet without parental consent.
  • 25% confirmed that they have added people whom they have never met face-to-face to their friends or contacts list.
  • 18% have sent a photo or video of themselves to a person they have never met face-to-face.
  • 67% of child participants who have seen sexual images were exposed to them on an online device.

Be Sensible

The SMART rules can be adopted by all learners:

  • S for safe: Keep personal details away from strangers.
  • M for meet: Don’t meet people that you know online unless you’re with a trusted adult.
  • A for accept: Don’t click any links that you’re unsure about.
  • R for reliable: Question the reliability of information. Not everything you see on the internet is true. Check facts with a trusted adult.
  • T for tell: Tell your parent, carer, or trusted adult if something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried.

Online schools support platforms that offer courses for teachers to improve their understanding of digital safety, which can then be integrated into school curricula and policies. Educators from various countries grapple with similar challenges. By working together, schools, parents, and students can create a more secure online learning environment for everyone.

Safeguarding in education goes beyond mean or harmful text messages to include physical, emotional, and even psychological threats. Awareness of these issues is essential. Equally important is knowing the steps to take if there are concerns about a child’s safety.

Text | Amy Newsome

Photography | Prostock-studio

Amy Newsome is Account Relationship Manager: South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique at the British Council. For more info, go to britishcouncil.org.

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BOOKS

Endangered investigators

Hunting With The Hawks takes readers into some perilous parts of the South African criminal underworld

There are many ways for organized crime syndicates to make money. Unfortunately, South Africa, with its wealth of biodiversity, has an abundance of another commodity in high demand by criminal networks – its fauna and flora.

From the illegal trade in rhino horn or lion bones to the smuggling of succulents unique to the Karoo (a relatively new crime, fueled by illicit international markets, which is having a devastating effect on that beautiful part of the country), it is a sad state of affairs.

I investigated my first, and certainly one of my most memorable, wildlife stories many years ago. It started when I was contacted by a source who told me that he had in turn been approached by a group of poachers who had live pangolins for sale.

“Pangolins?” I’d asked. “Why would anyone want pangolins?”

It turned out that the little scaly anteaters are some of the most trafficked mammals in the world. It’s estimated that they account for about 20% of all illegal wildlife trade globally. In South Africa, a live specimen is worth upwards of R150,000 on the black market.

Why, you might ask? Because of an almost insatiable international demand for their scales. In many Asian countries, pangolin scales are highly valued for their supposed healing properties, which – just like rhino horn, by the way – have been scientifically proven to be absolute nonsense. In some countries, pangolin meat is also seen as a delicacy. During my research at that time, I was shocked to discover that, in 2017 alone, 34.7 tonnes of pangolin scales had left African shores. That means between 30,000 and 60,000 pangolins would have been killed.

Intrigued, I pitched the story to my editorial team. The plan was to raise awareness about the plight of these creatures that many people seemed to have never heard of and to expose the smugglers who wanted to sell them. What had initially seemed a straightforward story ended up being quite an adventure.

I’d asked the source to tell the smugglers he had a buyer, a businessman from Johannesburg. They agreed, and we set off towards Phalaborwa, where I would pretend to be the businessman. I would be carrying a hidden camera to record everything that transpired. The poachers had told us they had two live pangolins, and to protect the animals, we told them that I would only buy them if they were still alive when we got there.

It was a race against time. Unfortunately, pangolins don’t do well in captivity. In most cases, they simply don’t survive, which is why you won’t often get to see them outside of the wild. On the way down, we contacted the Endangered Species Foreign Delicacies unit of the local SAPS and asked them for their assistance on the case.

They agreed, even though it was a tricky situation for them legally, and in the end, they offered to help us by making my source a 252A agent. When we arrived at the Hoedspruit Police Station, the gravity of what we were trying to do sank in. The captain who would be in charge of the SAPS side of the operation warned us that the syndicates in the area were notoriously dangerous. And most likely armed. But I was determined to get both the footage and the story.

The poachers were holed up at a safe house in a township near Phalaborwa called Lulekani. But they were nervous and didn’t want to give us the address before we arrived. That, in turn, made the police nervous. They’d wanted us to lure the poachers out into the open by setting up the meeting on an open piece of road somewhere. It’s safer to make arrests out in the open than to have to enter a residential address, not knowing how many people are inside. Or whether they are armed.

What followed was a wild goose chase, as the woman representing the poachers, known only to us as Leah, had us driving around in circles in Lulekani. We later found out that the poachers had been watching us. We’d driven past the safe house several times.

Eventually, Leah met us along the road, climbed into our vehicle, and directed us to the safe house. It was just me, our source, and a cameraman who was pretending to be my henchman in the car. The police were waiting at a nearby shopping center. On arrival at the rather dilapidated-looking house, we were told that we weren’t allowed to speak to anyone or use our phones. We would only be allowed to see the pangolins.

It was a tense situation. Several young men were lounging in and around the back of the house, keeping a close eye on us. We’d been nervous that the poachers could be setting a trap in the hopes of robbing us of the R200,000 in cash they’d demanded for the animals. So, we’d made very sure that they understood we wouldn’t have the cash during this first meeting. This had the dual purpose of hopefully keeping us safe and giving us a reason to leave without having to pay for the animals.

The poor creatures were being kept in empty steel cages in a shed at the back of the premises. They had no food or water. And they seemed stressed. We managed to get this all recorded on a hidden camera.

Text | Graham Coetzer

Photography | Supplied, Lisa Hagan, Yuphin Sengbunleng

Hunting With The Hawks by Graham Coetzer, published by NB Publishers, is available now. For more information, go to nb.co.za. This excerpt is published by permission.

https://www.nb.co.za

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GARDENING

Patience pays off

Versatile vegetable requires some commitment leading up to harvest, but it’s worth it

Onions are a staple of innumerable delicious dishes. Growing them is straightforward, although they are one of the ‘longest’ crops, taking between four and seven months from sowing to harvesting. This represents quite an investment in time, space, and resources, but it means that you can grow varieties that are not always available in the supermarket.

You can grow them in seed trays and plant out in four to six weeks. Sow the seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed – best at soil temperatures between 8°C and 30°C.

Onions can also be bought as young plants (sets or seedlings) from nurseries to plant straight into garden beds. Onion bulbs should sit on the surface of the soil. Space plants 5-10 cm apart, and do not cover.

Onions are generally disease- and pest-resistant and need regular watering, especially during the first few months of growth and fertilizing. Success depends on one thing: planting the right onion for the right area.

Onions need a certain number of daylight hours and particular temperatures before they will begin to form bulbs. There are ‘short day’ cultivars, others that are classified as ‘intermediate’, and still others as ‘long day’. ‘Short day’ cultivars such as ‘Texas Grano’, ‘Hanna’, ‘San’, ‘Shahar’, and ‘Red Creole’ are best planted in the area from Musina in the north down as far as Bloemfontein. The best sowing time is from February to the end of March.

‘Intermediate’ cultivars, such as ‘Australian Brown Skin’, are best sown from Kimberley downwards, including the Western Cape. The best sowing time is from April to the end of May. ‘Red Creole’ (short day) and ‘Hanna’ (hybrid) can also be grown in the areas suitable for intermediate cultivars – from Kimberley downwards, and again from April to the end of May.

Fresh Start

Onion seed tends to deteriorate as soon as a seed packet is opened, so it is necessary to buy fresh onion seed each year. If you have any seed left over from last year, rather use it for spring onions so that a lower germination rate is not so disappointing. Spring onions are simply the seedling stage of bulb onions.

Onions like soil that drains well. Heavy or clay soils should be avoided or made more friable with the addition of compost. Because onions are such a long crop, include an organic fertilizer (3:1:5) in the soil preparation. Once the bed has been tilled, rake it to remove any stones or clods of soil so that the texture is very fine. Don’t plant onions in a bed where other alliums have been grown in the past three years.

Water regularly and feed monthly during the warm autumn months, and keep beds weed-free so that the onions don’t have to compete for sunlight and nutrition. From August, as the weather starts to warm up, feed with a potassium-rich fertilizer like 3:1:5 or a liquid fertilizer.

Text | Sean Granger  

Photography | Supplied

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

https://grannymouse.co.za/

 

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BOOKS

Let's get physical

Paper books remain valuable resources, particularly for younger audiences

According to the National Reading Survey, more than half of South African adults still live in households without literature – and this is not improving over time. It also reports that some 65% of children turn 10 without having a single picture book in their homes. The same survey found that 77% of adults who live with children believe that it is important for children to read in print and not on cell phones or digital devices.

While digital reading is widespread, especially among people under 35, and offers opportunities for free reading material distribution, there is still a place for the printed word. Reading on paper and print should not be seen as a competitor to reading on screen, but digital books should not be a replacement for the accessibility of printed reading materials.

There are several reasons why paper books are good for us, and this extends beyond mere text or images on a page.

Strong Responses

There is an unmatched physical response to holding a book, turning its pages, and feeling its weight. This can create a deeper connection with the content, especially when children engage with picture books. In turn, this enhances the reading experience, making it fun and appealing.

Reading for meaning is a critical development milestone. According to the National Reading Survey, less than 20% of Grade 4 learners can read for meaning. Research suggests that reading from paper encourages better focus and comprehension compared to reading from screens. Without digital distractions, flipping through paper pages can help readers maintain concentration and retain information more effectively, as they create a visual map of what they have read or where on the page they read it.

In an era dominated by screens, opting for paper books can help readers ‘unplug’ from digital devices. Reading from a printed page reduces eye strain and exposure to blue light, promoting better sleep and overall wellbeing, especially when reading before bedtime.

There is an incomparable sentimentality to paper books. Whether it’s a cherished childhood story, a gift from a loved one, or a well-worn favourite, books are memories. For avid readers and collectors, there’s a special pleasure in building a physical library – a display of tangible reminders of literary journeys and personal milestones. Printed books can also be shared among family and friends.

Text | Jane Molony 

Photography | George Rudy

Jane Molony is Executive Director of the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA). For more information, go to thepaperstory.co.za.

http://thepaperstory.co.za/

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ENTERTAINMENT

Hair we go again!

Marc Lottering has had audiences in stitches for more than two decades

When did you first realize you were funny?

Marc Lottering: I sometimes still have doubts as to whether I’m really funny. Those doubts typically creep in around 30 minutes prior to every show. I do have high school memories of always wanting to get rid of any tension that was hanging in the air, and I would usually try to do that by telling a funny story or acting silly.

I suppose there has to be a serious side to you – is that persona out of the public eye?

I sadly have no hidden personas. I’m generally the same person on stage as I am when I’m out hanging with friends. Sure, there’s a bit of manic madness on stage, but that’s just thrown in to keep the audience entertained and focused for 90 minutes. And to keep me awake.

“I sometimes still have doubts as to whether I’m really funny. Those doubts typically creep in around 30 minutes prior to every show.”

What are you like at home?

I read way too little although I like reading at home. I just finished a fascinating book called Coloured by Tessa Dooms and Lynsey Ebony Chutel. I enjoy cooking anything that has something to do with chicken and pasta. I love watching movies and can quickly get stuck into a great series. I live with my husband, Anwar, and our dog, Hamilton. Anwar and I have been together for 26 years. Hamilton was adopted about three years ago through an important organisation called Sidewalk Specials. He keeps us on our toes with daily trots and the usual dog stuff, and we cannot imagine life before the dog. Between Anwar, Hamilton, my friends, culinary experiments, TV, the occasional book, and scriptwriting for stage, I find that the days are ridiculously too short!

Your show was a huge hit, so much so that it was filmed at the Baxter Theatre last year and premiered on television in March 2024. What goes into writing a musical?

Writing a musical is a completely different ball game to writing a solo stand-up show. The musicals that I have written generally have featured around 10 actors and eight musicians. That’s 18 humans who need to be paid weekly. That’s aside from the creative team. I tend to lie awake at night and pray for bums in seats. Anwar and I produce the musicals ourselves – with zero sponsorship – so it often, even after sold-out seasons, really is a labor of love, once you deduct salaries, venue hire, technical expenses, and of course SARS. The real reward is seeing audiences leap to their feet night after night. I totally immerse myself in the writing process when it comes to the musicals, writing the dialogue, all the lyrics, and composing the music, and it is absolutely never a chore.

How do you get into Aunty Merle’s and Colleen The Cashier’s characters?

Aunty Merle is largely based on my mom, so that’s easy. I know my mom’s every nuance, how she would say something, and what movement her hand and leg would make when saying those things. She’s churchgoing and decent. All of those things just drop into my spirit the moment I put on the Merle turban. Colleen the cashier is loud and outrageous. ‘Over the top’ does not even begin to describe her. She’s downright crazy, so in a way, that’s easy for me too. She allows me to say things about people that I would publicly love to scream about at the top of my lungs daily, but cannot, for fear of losing my standing in society. Colleen gives me that license.

You have taken your funny side to many countries and have toured London, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Auckland, and Dubai. What is it like performing overseas?

When I’m abroad, I essentially perform to ex-pats. It’s always somewhat of an emotional experience for a large part of the audience and it’s often a bit of a South African reunion too. I’m mindful of the fact that most of the audience would not have been home for years, so I don’t tell too many stories related to current SA topics. When I do, I carefully contextualize so that no one is lost. Here and there, I throw in a teeny weeny bit of Cape Flats lingo because I know that there are always several people in the Leicester Square Theatre audience who are just dying to scream, “Aweh, my bru!”

Do you actually enjoy exercising or do you feel you have to look the part?

I’m 56, so the decision to exercise is no longer optional – I actually have to do it. When I’m on stage with the musicals, I’m one of the senior cast members surrounded by agile young things, and I have to keep up, in stilettos! The choreographer, Grant van Ster, looks like a nice, normal human being, but I believe that he’s actually possessed by many demons. So yes, I need to be super fit for that. When I’m doing my solo stand-up shows, it’s me on the stage alone for 90 minutes. Unfortunately, the nerves won’t let me stand still. I hop about quite a bit. Once again, the fitness sessions come in handy. Then, yes, of course, I would like to imagine that I still look reasonably good while 600 people are staring at me…

Text | Heléne Ramackers 

Photography | Rizqua Barnes

For more information, visit marclottering.com

https://marclottering.com/

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MANAGEMENT

Moving the message

Knowing how to clearly make your business requirements known is an important skill

Effective communication – especially when asking for feedback or action – is a crucial skill that can significantly affect productivity and relationships in the workplace. When we spend time and effort ensuring that our questions are geared to get the desired results, we minimize the risk of misunderstandings, reduce the need for redoing work, and foster stronger professional relationships.

While the skill of an effective ‘ask’ is quite complex and takes many years to master, one quick tip for busy leaders is to always consider the ‘Ts & Cs’ of a demand before sending – or saying – it: Tone, Time, Context, and Clarity. And yes, these apply to instructions or mandatory required activities as well. It’s always better when people participate by choice rather than on demand.

Tone

The tone of the message has a massive impact on the outcome of it. We always need to be aware of underlying emotions – frustration, anger, irritation, indifference – when we create messages, especially when we’re having conversations with other people. The speed of exchanging messages during a conversation usually doesn’t allow us much time to formulate and check what we want to say, so those emotions can quickly become apparent in our tone of voice and other non-verbal cues.

Even when we’re communicating via text, our emotions might not be as hidden as we think. A few simple changes to the length and structure of a message, the grammar and punctuation used, and editing something that could be read as demanding, rude, or manipulative, can make a dramatic difference in how our words are received. After all, that should be our focus when we decide what – and how and to whom – to say: the action the message is intended to inspire.

Time

The effectiveness of our communication is also influenced by when someone receives our message. It’s best to assume that their attention is divided when they read or hear our brief and that they will appreciate elements in the message that can help them to prioritize their response or actions. It can be as simple as including when we expect feedback or action from their side, why that specific time is important, and any knock-on effect a late response or delivery might have.

Time and timing also affect the choice of communication platform. When an immediate response to a quick question is needed, an instant messaging platform like WhatsApp or iMessage is appropriate during working hours. After agreed working hours, these platforms should only be used for emergencies. Remember: a lack of planning on our part does not constitute an emergency on their part.

Longer or more complex messages are best saved for email. These options often require deeper consideration, and we should therefore not expect an immediate answer. The reduced immediacy of email also allows for the editing of messages towards the greater goal of effective communication, especially when we’re managing misunderstandings, conflicts, or sensitive topics.

Context

If the ‘ask’ is instructional or requesting an action, give context. Explain what led to the request, why they are receiving it, and which other tasks, projects, or people are interlinked. If the message is part of an ongoing conversation and it is intended to clarify a misunderstanding, don’t be afraid to state that you need to identify and clear up an evident misunderstanding before continuing with the task at hand.

Clarity

When we’re in a hurry, details that might be helpful to the person receiving our request are often left out of our messages. Even if it is reasonable to expect that the other person will know the relevant requirements, assuming that the other person already knows these things is a big communication mistake.

When we have no specific requirements for the response or action to our message, we should include that detail and emphasize that what we require is for them to take the initiative on the format and structure of their response or action. Otherwise, the first response we may get will most probably be a time-wasting ‘more information required’ message.

In a situation where the person we are communicating with is seemingly not understanding us in the desired way, simply restating our question in a similar way to the original message almost guarantees that confusion and frustration will continue.

The responsibility of effective communication is shared between everyone involved in the communication, but the only control we have over getting better answers is how we ask our questions.

Text | Juanita Vorster 

Photography | GaudiLab

Juanita Vorster is an independent business advisor. For more information, go to juanitavorster.com

https://www.juanitavorster.com/

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HEALTH

Feelings and follicles

Stress has an impact on hair growth and condition

Stress wreaks havoc on more than just our peace of mind. It also takes its toll on our tresses, sparking a rise in hair loss and balding among both men and women. Hair loss can be brought on by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune disorders. That said, environmental and emotional stressors resulting from modern-day lifestyles do seem to be having an increasing impact. Poor diets, mounting levels of work pressure, and even rises in relationship conflicts – like so many people experienced during the pandemic years – can exacerbate hair loss.

Stress triggers a range of physiological responses that can directly impact the hair growth cycle. For example, stress hormones such as cortisol can cause inflammation and constrict blood flow to hair follicles, disrupting hair growth cycles and resulting in abnormal shedding and thinning. Likewise, stress can lead to a condition called trichotillomania, which involves the irresistible urge to pull out one’s own hair from various parts of the body. Then, there’s alopecia areata: when the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles. Although the exact cause of alopecia areata is not yet fully understood, both emotional stress and illness may raise a person’s risk. Females can also experience significant hair loss post-partum, as the hormonal changes and stresses of having a new child significantly impact the hair growth cycle, leading to excessive hair shedding and hair loss.

It also appears that sleep, stress, and hair loss may be connected. Stress can result in poor sleep and poor sleeping patterns disrupt your circadian rhythm. This, in turn, affects follicular stem cell activity, leading to a disruption in hair growth, in turn worsening your stress – in a vicious cycle.

Fortunately, managing stress can help to manage hair loss. Simple things like exercise, meditation, and a balanced diet can make a big difference. And there are many treatments available that can help your hair get back on track.

Growth Industry

Lifestyle changes are not necessarily a silver bullet for hair loss in all cases. If the hair loss is more severe or permanent, sufferers could do well to seek advice from a medical professional to find a long-term solution and even consider a hair transplant procedure. While some patients find that hair loss treatments or other medications like finasteride and minoxidil help with symptoms, hair transplantation is the most long-term solution to gain back hair. Modern techniques like follicular unit extraction (FUE) have become more refined, meaning that hair transplants have become a viable option for a much wider demographic and not just celebrities or the ultra-wealthy.

Advancements in the field have further translated into fewer hours in the operating room, limited discomfort, and faster recovery times. As a result, hair transplants are rapidly gaining popularity as more people turn to them to restore their locks, reducing the stigma around the procedure and even seeing people openly share and celebrate their transplant journeys on social media.

Text | Kashmal Kalan 

Photography | Aquarius Studio

Dr Kashmal Kalan is Medical Director at the Alvi Armani hair transplant clinic. For more information, go to alviarmani.co.za.

http://alviarmani.co.za/

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HEALTH

From sustenance to slumber

Knowing what effect what you consume has on your body can help with guaranteeing better rest

Nutrition is important to overall health; yet, many people overlook the significant role that diet plays in sleep quality. But what we eat and drink, and when, can profoundly influence our ability to get a good night’s sleep. This is because certain foods and beverages contain compounds that affect neurotransmitters and hormones involved in regulating sleep-wake cycles. Getting enough sleep isn’t just about being rested and able to function the next day.

The role that sleep plays in our long-term health and wellbeing is absolutely key, so understanding the link between what we eat and drink and our sleep is important.

Foods that contain the amino acid tryptophan can aid sleep. Tryptophan, which is a precursor to the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin that promote relaxation and sleep, can be found in foods like turkey, milk and bananas. Another example is chamomile, which contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

Food focus

When we eat and drink can also influence our sleep patterns. Consuming large, heavy meals close to bedtime can cause discomfort and indigestion, making it difficult to fall asleep. Instead of having a big dinner right before bed, aim to eat at least two to three hours before bedtime. Then opt for lighter, easily digestible snacks if you’re hungry later in the evening.

When we’re tired, we can often end up bingeing on snacks without really feeling hungry. This can be exacerbated if we’re distracted – for example, snacking while watching TV or scrolling through social media. Choosing snacks mindfully is even more important before bed, as what we snack on can impact sleep and also undo the benefits of healthy eating during the day. Sugary snacks are the worst option, as eating foods high in added sugar close to bedtime may promote insomnia or difficulty staying asleep. Rather opt for melatonin-rich snacks like a handful of walnuts or almonds, or some sliced-up kiwi fruit or banana.

Neither up nor down

Caffeine is a stimulant that can disrupt sleep by increasing alertness and delaying the onset of sleep. It’s important to be mindful of your caffeine consumption, especially in the afternoon and evening. Rather opt for a decaffeinated or herbal tea. Something like chamomile tea as part of a bedtime routine may aid in improving sleep quality, as it calms the central nervous system and facilitates the initiation of sleep.

Having a drink to unwind in the evening is a common go-to for individuals with busy or stressful daily routines. However, regularly drinking alcohol at night can disturb your sleep cycle and affect sleep quality, leading to feelings of general fatigue and lethargy. While a glass or two of alcohol may help one fall asleep, this is negated by the adverse impact that drinking alcohol has on sleep quality during the night.

Have enough

Dehydration can lead to discomfort and disrupt sleep, but drinking large amounts of fluids close to bedtime can increase the likelihood of waking up to use the bathroom during the night. Stay hydrated throughout the day. However, try to taper off fluid intake in the hours leading up to bedtime and sip slowly if you do drink before bedtime to minimise disruptions to sleep.

Getting better quality sleep can drastically impact overall health and mood. It can be easy after a long, stressful day to fall into negative habits and patterns in the evenings. But being mindful about taking steps towards better sleep will reap noticeable rewards and should be a priority for all individuals craving more balance in their lives.

Text | Mbali Mapholi 

Photography | Oleksandra Naumenko

Mbali Mapholi is a Tetley partner dietitian. For more information, go to joekels.co.za

https://www.joekels.co.za/

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EDUCATION

Retention for results

Establishing good study habits during high school lays the groundwork for good management of challenges later in life

One of the most important skills to develop in high school is learning how to study effectively, with future higher education success in mind. For many high school students, the focus is almost exclusively on doing well in their next exam by trying to master their work in whichever way possible.

While it is important to try and perform optimally during exams, the more fundamental skill to master during your high school years is the ability to study effectively while the workload is still relatively contained.

High school is a phase filled with advanced subjects, increased independence and personal accountability. This is the time to establish strong study habits as a foundation for future academic endeavours, especially in university. This phase should be viewed as a stepping stone preparing students for the challenges of higher education and a successful career.

Understanding one’s learning preferences and needs is the cornerstone of effective study habits. Students should self-assess or seek support to identify their learning style, whether auditory, visual or kinaesthetic. Tailoring study methods to these personal inclinations can significantly boost comprehension and retention. It is also worth attending a good study methods workshop.

Effective time management is pivotal in high school and beyond. It involves prioritising academic tasks, setting achievable goals and crafting a balanced schedule accommodating studies and personal time.

Active engagement with study material through summarisation, questioning and peer teaching enhances understanding and memory. High school students should be encouraged to explore beyond passive reading and engage in interactive and dynamic study practices.

Work together

Recognising the value of seeking assistance and engaging in group study can greatly enrich learning. Collaboration with peers introduces multiple perspectives and problem-solving approaches, enriching the educational experience.

Consistent, daily revision and practice reinforce learning and prevent the need for last-minute cramming. Establishing a habit of regular review in high school aids in the long-term retention of information, a practice that proves invaluable in university studies.

Implementing effective study habits involves a commitment to gradual change and flexibility. Students might start by setting specific goals for each study session or experimenting with various learning strategies to discover what works best. Continuous self-reflection on the effectiveness of these strategies is critical to ongoing improvement.

Good study habits equip students with skills applicable to various aspects of life, including professional and personal challenges. These habits foster a mindset of lifelong learning and adaptability, which are essential for success in a world where the future is unpredictable.

Text | Linda Meyer 

Photography | Chay_Tee

Dr Linda Meyer is MD of IIE Rosebank College. For more information, go to rosebankcollege.co.za.

https://www.rosebankcollege.co.za/

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INVESTMENT

Add to the venture

To attract financing for a new business, consider a few important building blocks

In an era where reality TV inundates screens with portrayals of high-stakes entrepreneurship and dramatic pitches to venture capitalists (VCs), the public’s understanding of venture capital can be somewhat misinformed, even sensationalised. The process of securing venture capital is far from the scripted drama depicted on television. A solid framework can lay a good foundation, though.

Team

A successful start-up needs the right team, but what does that look like? First, it’s important to differentiate between a founder and an entrepreneur. Not every founder is an entrepreneur – if you’re a carpenter who starts a carpentry business, you don’t necessarily have the business skills required to build and grow a carpentry business.

VCs prefer more than one founder, because it’s difficult to build a business by yourself. Ideally, in the founding team, there needs to be someone with strong commercial skills, the hustler, who can sell the stuff, and someone with the engineering skills, the hacker; someone who can build the technology and understand it.

Technology

The technology must be innovative to the extent that it is disrupting an industry. There’s not much point investing in something that is only slightly better than other products in the marketplace – VCs are looking for tech that is 10 times better than anything else and that is sustainable over the long haul.

Total addressable market

Businesses that get funding don’t address the needs of niche markets. It’s better to start out with a ‘beachhead market’ – which could be a smaller segment with the possibility of growing into adjacent segments and geographies, resulting in a large target addressable market. Once the company dominates their beachhead market and achieves product-market fit, the business can be scaled to new customer segments.

Traction

VCs want to see that you have customers already; that clients absolutely love the product and are prepared to pay a fair market price for it. They also want to see double-digit growth, month on month, and know that there’s a path to profitability.

Trenches

Let’s assume you have a technology that’s 18 months ahead of the competition: you need a ‘moat around the castle’. This could be a feature of your technology; it could be the entire technology stack; or it could also be some strategic or distribution partnerships, even certain customers whose cost to switch would be very high… In other words, it’s defensible against the competition.

But you have to recognise that the competitors will also be innovating to catch up and the start-up must be able to keep innovating and stay 18 months ahead of the competition.

Tenacity

Entrepreneurs who just do not stop are attractive to VCs. They are coachable. They are curious. They are good communicators. They have charisma. They’ve got conviction. They’ve got courage – no matter how hard it gets. They will continue going. It’s important that people have gone through hard times – and have persisted anyway. It’s a vital part of the secret sauce of start-up success.

Text | Clive Butkow 

Photography | fizkes

Clive Butkow is co-founder and Managing Partner of Conducive Capital. For more information, go to conducive.capital

https://conducive.capital/

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Decisions that go the distance

business trade | industry
INVESTMENT
business | trade | industry
RETIREMENT

Decisions that go the distance

Planning for life after a career means adjusting behaviours early on

As retirement concerns loom over South Africa, the recent 10X Investments Retirement Reality Report 2023 paints a grim picture, indicating that only 6% of South Africans are on track to retire comfortably. With inflationary pressures and economic uncertainties casting shadows over financial futures, many wonder if a secure retirement is possible.

The multifaceted challenges plaguing retirement savings point to global market conditions and shifting societal norms. Traditionally, home ownership served as the cornerstone of retirement planning, yet increasing housing costs have rendered this dream unattainable for many. Pervasive credit card culture and delayed marriages have exacerbated the issue, diverting funds from savings into high-interest debt.

Many people choose to live on credit cards, living beyond their means, spending on clothes or travel, and then paying up to 30% on credit card fees to do so. Credit card fees are extremely high, and money should otherwise be used for savings. As Warren Buffett once said, “Paying off credit card debt is going to be way better than any investment idea I’ve got.”

People are also getting married a lot later than they used to. Being married gives you two incomes and a more significant percentage of income that can be invested in savings or even buying a home. By getting married later, there are fewer years of that combined advantage.

Lifestyle choices play a pivotal role. The allure of instant gratification often leads individuals to overspend, fueling a cycle of debt accumulation.

Refresh your plans

There needs to be a paradigm shift in financial habits to tackle the retirement conundrum. To navigate the path to retirement security, people must liberate themselves from the shackles of debt. Establishing a realistic budget and adhering to it religiously is paramount. Furthermore, adopting the ‘pay yourself first’ principle, allocating a significant portion of income towards investments yielding favorable returns is instrumental in fostering financial discipline.

For those in their mid-40s grappling with retirement anxiety, all is not lost. Engaging the expertise of financial advisors or budgeting managers can provide invaluable guidance. With about 25 work years ahead, strategic planning and disciplined saving can yield substantial gains, mitigating the urgency of retirement preparedness.

Technology plays a pivotal role in shaping future investment landscapes. In the quest for long-term retirement security, artificial intelligence (AI) investments emerge as a cornerstone. The inexorable integration of AI into various industries promises sustained growth and profitability over the decades to come. As AI permeates every facet of our lives, astute investors stand to reap substantial rewards.

Individuals can confidently navigate retirement planning by cultivating sound financial habits, leveraging expert guidance, and embracing tech-driven investment opportunities. With strategic foresight and disciplined execution, a secure retirement remains within reach.

Text | Fred Razak 

Photography | Rido

Fred Razak is Chief Trading Strategist for CMTrading. For more information, go to cmtrading.com

https://www.cmtrading.com/

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Bring in balance

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CODING

Bring in balance

Gender equilibrium in the software development space will require long-time commitment

Problem solving, which is at the heart of coding, can only flourish with a more diverse workforce that brings new ideas to the table. The demand for software developers is increasing worldwide, particularly in the technology industry. The scarcity of skilled workers has reached critical levels. The US Bureau of Labour Statistics projects that, by 2030, the shortage of developers worldwide could reach a staggering 85.2 million job vacancies, posing a significant risk to companies internationally and potentially leading to revenue losses exceeding R160 trillion.

Given the high stakes, companies must expand their search for talent and be open to investing in and supporting newcomers. This would mean that capable individuals who are not necessarily trained in software development but show strong potential in creative problem solving should be given a chance to gain skills and be guided into coding roles through mentorship.

The tech industry remains predominantly male. Given this imbalance, it should be a no-brainer for companies to actively seek out female candidates in their next hiring cycle. By increasing the representation of women, tech companies can address the skills shortage and work towards fostering a more inclusive environment. There are obstacles for aspiring female developers, though.

First steps

When casting the recruitment net far and wide to include women from all backgrounds, the first thing to consider is accessibility. In South Africa, many women either grew up in environments with little access to computers or, even if they had access, perhaps their parents steered them down a path that was more aligned with their gender roles.

Computer literacy courses as a first step to learning to code and TikTok-style videos can help attract young women into the space. Most young women without access to a computer have access to a mobile phone. Once they watch such videos and show an interest in learning to code, they can make a plan to borrow a laptop from someone until they have the funds to purchase one for themselves.

More representation

It’s possible to boost recruitment of female talent by incorporating more inclusive imagery in marketing campaigns. Partnering with influential women in the tech industry helps inspire and create role models for young women, fostering a more inclusive and diverse tech community.

Women could play a pivotal role in addressing the developer skills shortage, but this would require tech companies to adapt their recruitment strategies and invest in mentoring aspiring developers to help them upskill and thrive in their new coding roles.

Stay and grow

Staff retention remains one of the biggest obstacles tech companies face when incorporating more women into the workforce. Despite attempts to tackle the disparity in gender representation, the reality is that women continue to leave the technology sector at an alarming rate.

It’s important to remember that the goal is not just to recruit female talent but to retain them. After successfully onboarding and integrating employees into the company, it’s crucial for employers to continue fostering long-lasting relationships with them.

This means tech companies have to cultivate an environment that supports women’s success by removing barriers to career advancement, addressing pay gaps, promoting work-life balance, and eliminating gender bias and harassment.

Text | Mvelo Hlophe 

Photography | metamorwork

Mvelo Hlophe is CEO at Zaio. For more information, go to zaio.io

https://www.zaio.io/

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MANAGEMENT

Age-appropriate angles

Multi-generational workplaces create opportunities for bespoke policies

Managing expectations in the workplace is challenging, especially when faced with the career aspirations of four different generations in one organisation or even one team.

Employees are living longer and wanting to retire later, which means more and more organisations find themselves with a generation mix from Baby Boomers to Gen Z. Each, depending on their life stage, will have different needs, wants, views and expectations about remuneration, benefits and their career.

It is key to understand the generational composition of your team. Generational theory can be quite broad, and one must guard against stereotyping as each generation brings with it further diversification, whether it is marital status, culture, religion or job level.

It is important to structure the different elements of reward to ensure flexibility in the system to cater for diverse aspirations and needs.

Baby Boomers, employees between the ages of 59 and 65, currently make up around 13% of the workforce in South Africa. Gen X, between the ages of 45 and 59, represents 32%; Gen Y (millennials), between 29 and 45, also represents 32%; and Gen Z, between 18 and 29, could be up to 23% of the workforce already.

Different strategies

A reward programme should be flexible without being administratively onerous, especially when it comes to benefits such as medical cover and retirement funds.

It’s crucial to understand the trends and play to the strengths of each generation. Baby Boomers, for example, may be motivated by prestige and position; these employees are passionate about participation in the workplace and can be invaluable mentors. Gen X employees want to work to live, not live to work. They are entrepreneurial, sometimes sceptical of corporations and dislike close supervision. Millennials prefer a more transparent work relationship and are less loyal to organisations, enjoying collaboration and teamwork and being less willing to sacrifice personal time for their careers. Gen Z is not always motivated by status or money. They are far less willing to sacrifice personal time for their career. Gen Z is the least loyal to organisations compared to previous generations. They thrive on diversity, change and making the world a better place. These newest entrants to the workforce are tech-savvy and understand and navigate social media with great comfort. They want to be in control and will not hesitate to challenge the status quo.

The strategic reward framework needs to include a flexible remuneration and benefit structure, opportunity for work-life balance, growth opportunities and career development for all employees of each generation.

Talent retention becomes far easier when a manager understands that a Gen Z employee may not be motivated by the same things as previous generations and will not tolerate a workplace that is not technologically advanced, whereas a Millennial employee wants to have a career plan and thrives on being challenged and mentored.

Regular ‘stay interviews’ offer opportunities for managers to enhance their remuneration, benefits and reward programmes to create greater retention of key skills and talent.

Text | Deon Smit 

Photography | Tint Media

Deon Smit is Master Reward Specialist and Executive Committee Member at the South African Reward Association (SARA). For more information, go to sara.co.za.

https://sara.co.za/



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MANAGEMENT

A warmer welcome

Making customers feel more valued improves all aspects of a business

The concept of hospitality is multifaceted and is increasingly extending beyond its traditional association with the travel and tourism industry. While hospitality is a crucial aspect of the service sector, it now extends to encompass a wide range of industries and businesses and can be observed in various contexts, including healthcare, banking and finance, and beyond.

Hospitality in the business environment refers to the practice of providing a warm, welcoming, friendly and professional atmosphere, with a focus on providing high levels of service to customers, clients, employees and other stakeholders.

Hospitality in business encompasses creating a positive experience for individuals who interact with the business, whether as customers purchasing goods and services, employees working within the organisation or partners and suppliers involved in business relationships. Business success is often attributed not only to the quality of products or services but also to the intangible elements and levels of service that enhance customer experience. Businesses today must be prepared to go the extra mile to understand and meet the unique needs and preferences of individuals.

In a brutally competitive marketplace where customers have abundant options, hospitality helps a business go beyond the transactional exchange of goods or services. By treating customers with exceptional professionalism, businesses can establish strong relationships that extend beyond one-time transactions.

This relationship-building aspect is particularly significant in industries where customer loyalty plays a pivotal role in long-term success. For the most part, EQ and soft skill training were, in the past, relied upon to close the gap between the transactional and the experiential. However, as customer expectations increase, hospitality training is becoming a more reliable pathway to ensuring consistency at scale.

Improved offering

Customers today not only seek quality products but also demand a positive and memorable experience. Hospitality is a key factor in shaping these experiences. Satisfied customers are more likely to become repeat customers and brand advocates, driving positive word-of-mouth and contributing to business growth.

In a crowded marketplace where products and services may be similar, this practice becomes a powerful differentiator. A business that consistently provides excellent customer service and a welcoming atmosphere stands out from its competitors. This unique selling proposition can be a crucial factor in attracting and retaining customers, helping the business secure a competitive edge.

When considering their skills development programmes, companies would do well to consider adding hospitality-based components to their programmes, rather than only focusing on developing technical skills of employees. Skills development training based on hospitality and service management principles enhances resilience, as employees learn to adapt, innovate and maintain high standards, even during uncertain times. And by incorporating hospitality principles, businesses can foster a customer-centric culture.

Training also emphasises teamwork, effective communication and collaboration. Students and graduates would do well to consider a hospitality or service management course or qualification to complement their first qualification. A qualification augmented by a customer-focused qualification adds a highly in-demand quality to an applicant’s candidacy.

Text | Erika Zeelie 

Photography | Yaroslav Astakhov

Dr Erika Zeelie is Deputy Head of Faculty: Commerce at The Independent Institute of Education. For more information, go to iie.ac.za.

https://www.iie.ac.za/

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EDUCATION

Streamlining schooling

Increased technology integration is now a necessity to make universities and other institutions run more effectively

With the types of technology available to automate and streamline processes, the integration of technology into higher educational institutions should no longer be viewed as a choice, but a necessity. The perceived cost might be what is hindering its uptake, but it is important to note that, with the right technology and implementation partner, the benefits often far outweigh the costs in the long run.

There are a multitude of touch points where a single technology solution can impact any kind of tertiary establishment. For many institutions, the registration process can be tedious and long-winded, with reams of paperwork and room for error. Simplifying student registration using the right solution can decrease this duration from a matter of weeks to one that takes only a few hours. Streamlining this process also reduces the need to employ temporary staff, an added resource often needed to manually process the annual influx of applications and registrations every year.

In terms of communication between departments, a unified technology platform can enable real-time insights across finance, students, academics, human resources, campus access, accommodation and faculties to improve operational efficiency. In fact, a lack of integration between departments is often the primary motivator for institutions and organisations to begin their digital transformation.

Simplifying matters

All finance processes and expense management can be integrated into a single solution. This enables reconciliation across multiple systems, ensuring consistency and accuracy from all departments, with robust reporting and analytics capabilities able to track key performance indicators, monitor budgets and identify trends and anomalies.

Cost reduction is a welcome benefit of integrating digital tools. Reducing time and resources leads to cost savings on labour and operational expenses, with the costs associated with printing, storage and distribution of documents also decreasing.

Data integration for students not only enables real-time access to their statements and financial records, but also access to their required course materials and academic resources, student support, schedules, campus facilities and services.

Educational institutions face a multitude of security challenges, both internally and externally. From a physical access point of view, student profiles can be linked to biometric data for quick and convenient authentication to improve campus security. Given the enhanced security capabilities when shifting from a traditional on-premises IT model to a cloud solution, an institution can also significantly improve its security score, better protecting sensitive financial data, ensure regulatory compliance and more effectively mitigate risks and safeguard against security breaches and data loss.

Something of particular relevance within the South African context is the ability of digital integration to provide more students with access to tertiary education. The ability to offer online courses and degree programmes allows students access from anywhere with an internet connection. This type of online learning facility also often means lower tuition fees and a reduction in costs associated with commuting, housing and campus amenities.

Text | Carl Dahms 

Photography | Gorodenkoff

Carl Dahms is Product Owner at F&O at Braintree. For more information, go to braintree.co.za

https://braintree.co.za/

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PSYCHOLOGY

The meaning of value

New book helps readers gain perspective on life at work

Meaning and values

In an ideal world, we would all be doing work that feels rewarding and worthwhile (meaning) while giving expression to the beliefs and principles we hold dear (our values).

The Great Resignation that took place in 2021 and 2022 has been attributed, in large part, to people seeking out jobs that felt like a better alignment with their personal values and meaning and were therefore more personally rewarding.

Unfortunately, in many countries there’s widespread job scarcity, which makes work, for those who are lucky enough to have it, a means to an end rather than a meaningful expression of self.

In some cases, the money is the meaning.

Money versus meaning

In their 1959 book, The Motivation To Work, psychologists Frederik Herzberg, Bernard Mausner and Barbara Snyderman famously identified our motivations for working as being both ‘extrinsic’ and ‘intrinsic’. The extrinsic motivations are the tangible, measurable rewards that we get in exchange for doing our jobs – our salaries, the places where we do the work and the conditions under which we work.

Intrinsic motivations are, as the name suggests, more internal to the individual and relate more directly to the character of each person. These include things like a sense of recognition, a feeling of fulfillment, and being able to showcase our creativity and strengths and learn and grow and advance.

Extrinsic motivations have traditionally garnered most of the attention and emphasis given to understanding and (hopefully) improving working conditions. But over the past few decades, and no doubt due largely to the work of Herzberg, Mausner and Snyderman, more and more attention is being paid to the experience of the work itself, not just the environment in which it’s conducted or the pay received for doing it. Now, there’s much greater recognition of the importance and impact of both the culture and climate of the organization and the values and microclimate of the individual. Work is no longer just a means to a monetary end but is also an expression of what is important to us.

The meaning that we attach to our work is the manifestation of the deeper purpose of why we do what we do, and it’s different for everyone. For some, the reason they work is to earn money to support their family, while for others making a contribution to science or the arts is what makes their work matter to them. For still others, the meaning their work provides for them is an opportunity for self-expression.

When we look at meaning in this way, it’s easy to see how important a role our values play in making work meaningful. Whatever it looks like and feels like for you, being able to attach some meaning to your work is important not only for your job satisfaction but also for your contentment and general fulfillment. It’s difficult to feel motivated and absorbed in your work when it doesn’t feel meaningful and rewarding, and doing work that isn’t absorbing or motivating is very alienating, and this can leave us feeling miserable and uninspired. And, of course, doing too much of the wrong thing – or spending too much time on work that does not feel personally important – is one of the biggest contributors to burnout.

In recent years, increasing emphasis has been placed on the importance of nonmonetary reward and recognition in job satisfaction. As we have discussed, there are many aspects of work and the work environment that contribute to the experience and enjoyment of work. At its best, work is an expression of who we are and provides opportunities for us to grow and learn and, most importantly, make meaningful contributions.

As much as it may feel like an indulgence for some who are working only to put food on the table, there’s no doubt that being able to do meaningful work – work that feels worthwhile and impactful – is an important contributor to our health and well-being.

The COVID-19 pandemic created an existential crisis that then became an existential opportunity. Because of the worldwide lockdowns, individuals and institutions started to think differently about work and how it gets done; working from home, remote working and hybrid working were all put on the agenda. But, perhaps more interestingly, people began to question the role and purpose of their work – and to look for more meaning in it. There’s nothing like a global health emergency to put things into perspective!

In a world where economies are groaning and money is scarce, I’m now seeing in my clients a move away from intrinsic rewards being the biggest factor in taking or remaining in a job. There’s a renewed emphasis on money and salary as major points of meaning, with the accompanying values of empathy, being supportive and being able to provide. There appears to be a growing balance of extrinsic and intrinsic motivators in many people’s sense of values and meaning.

Text | Judy Klipin 

Photography | fizkes and supplied

Make Work Work for You: Life Lessons For The World Of Work by Judy Klipin is published by Bookstorm and is available now. This excerpt is published by permission.

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MANAGEMENT

Being in the now

The new world of work has brought with it both positive and negative outcomes

The South African workplace, like many others across the globe, has experienced significant changes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes, while transformative and in some cases beneficial, have also brought about challenges, impacting stakeholders including employees, management, shareholders, communities, governments, tax authorities, suppliers, and families.

Employees have benefited from greater flexibility, with the adoption of hybrid and remote working models. This has allowed for better work-life balance, potentially improving mental and physical wellness. However, the blurred boundaries between work and home life can also lead to burnout and stress, and remote work can also result in feelings of isolation and disconnection.

Management has had to adapt to leading teams in a virtual environment, which has brought about challenges in communication and ensuring employee engagement. While technology has facilitated this transition, it has also required managers to develop new skills and approaches to leadership. From a wellness perspective, this can be both beneficial, in terms of personal and professional growth, and detrimental, due to added stress and pressure.

The pandemic has had mixed impacts on shareholders. Companies that have successfully adapted have seen positive returns, benefitting shareholders. But sectors that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic have seen a decline in profits.

Communities have faced both positive and negative impacts. The adoption of remote work has led to a reduction in traffic and pollution, which can improve overall community wellness. However, the decline of certain industries has had a negative economic impact, potentially harming social and economic wellness. Inequality in earnings and wealth has also increased post-COVID.

Less to go around?

Governments and tax authorities have faced challenges in adapting to the new way of work, particularly in terms of regulating remote work and ensuring tax compliance. Remote work has also impacted government revenues, with a reduction in taxes from sectors that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. This can have long-term implications for public services and societal wellness.

Suppliers have had to adapt to changes in demand and disruptions in the supply chain, which has been both beneficial and detrimental. They have had the opportunity to diversify their product offerings, become more innovative, and expand their customer base. But disruptions in the supply chain can result in financial losses and stress.

Families have experienced both positive and negative impacts from the new way of work. The increased flexibility and reduction in commute times can lead to more quality time spent with family, potentially improving relational wellness. However, the blurred boundaries between work and home life can also result in stress and tension within families.

Clients, too, have been affected, as businesses grapple with the transition to digital platforms and virtual service delivery. While this has provided clients with greater accessibility and convenience, it has also introduced challenges in terms of maintaining the quality and personalization of service. The shift to online platforms can sometimes result in a diminished sense of personal connection.

Text | Chris Blair 

Photography | Inside Creative House

Dr Chris Blair is CEO of 21st Century. For more information, go to 21century.co.za

https://www.21century.co.za/

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TECH

Filling the toolbox

Artificial intelligence can be a great benefit, but corporate users need to have effective measures in place to get the most out of the technology

As businesses start using artificial intelligence (AI) to boost their output, it’s like opening a box of magic tricks – it can do wonders. But just as with any powerful tool, there’s a flip side. It’s crucial to keep an eye on how these new tools might expose your business to risks. These technologies offer opportunities for innovation and improvement in your business.

However, they also introduce security vulnerabilities, especially when it comes to protecting sensitive business data or private information. AI loves data. It needs lots of it to work well, which means it can access tonnes of sensitive info and you need to make sure this data is locked up tight. Many AI tools use third-party platforms to store or analyse your data and they may not always have stringent security protocols, leaving sensitive information vulnerable.

Sometimes, the biggest slip-ups come from your own team. Simple mistakes, like setting up privacy settings incorrectly, losing devices or unwittingly granting permissions to malicious apps can invite trouble.

Keeping your business safe and sound when using AI tools requires some sensible strategies. Make clear rules about how to use AI safely. By establishing house rules for your technology, you’ll help protect your business from risks and make sure everyone knows how to use AI tools responsibly and effectively. And remember, it’s perfectly okay if you’re not sure how to set all this up on your own. It’s smart to bring in an IT professional to ensure everything is set up correctly and securely.

It’s important to make sure everyone on your team knows about the risks and the right ways to use AI technologies. Having regular training sessions isn’t just about following rules – it’s about helping everyone spot security risks before they turn into real problems. Plus, when everyone’s clued in on the best ways to handle these tools, it’s one of the best shields you can have against data breaches.

Block all unwanted AI tools on your firewall and disallow non-approved users from making these decisions without the proper due process or knowledge. Some AI tools also take notes of meetings, often where teams discuss strategic activities related to the business – these too need to be controlled through policies and using approved vendors.

Steer clear of free AI tools – most of them can share your sensitive data, making it pretty much public. It’s like leaving your diary open on a park bench; anyone can peek. If privacy is a big deal for you, it might be worth it to invest in a paid service that promises better security.

Choose good systems

When you bring in third-party AI tech, you need to be really picky about who you team up with. Make sure they’re good with security. Going with partners who’ve got a solid rep for protecting data can really cut down the risks that come with handling and storing your info on their platforms.

It’s smart to do regular check-ups on your AI tech. These security assessments help you spot any weaknesses, whether it’s with the devices themselves, how data is sent back and forth, or how it’s stored. Catching these issues early means you can fix them before they turn into bigger problems, helping you steer clear of security headaches.

Use tools like encryption, which is like a secret code for your data. When you send or store info through your AI tools, encryption scrambles it up so that only the right people can read it. And don’t forget about beefing up your access controls, too – things like multi-factor authentication and strict permissions make sure only the folks who really need to can get into your sensitive stuff.

Using AI is exciting and it’s all about learning as you go. Staying informed about security and putting these simple steps into action will help you enjoy the benefits of AI without the worry. It’s not about fearing the new but rather about being smart about it.

Text | Warren Bonheim 

Photography | NicoElNino

Warren Bonheim is Managing Director at Zinia. For more information, go to zinia.co.za

https://www.zinia.co.za/

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SECURITY

Safe and smart

Keeping data and operations protected is an ever-developing field

The 2024 State of Security Report delves into the underlying concerns driving upcoming innovations and the technologies that underpin them, helping security leaders to be proactive in adapting to evolving challenges.

Given the widespread use of mobile devices, momentum continues to build around their use in support of identity. Within the next five years, surveyed end users state that nearly 80% of organisations will deploy mobile IDs. Industry partners are even more optimistic in their outlook, stating that 94% of their customers will have deployed mobile IDs.

More than 83% of end-user respondents said their organisation currently uses multi-factor authentication (MFA), mainly due to the vulnerabilities of passwords. For many, this represents the first step on the longer journey towards Zero Trust, an approach to security that calls for organisations to maintain strict access controls and to never trust but always verify anyone – internal or external – by default. Zero Trust has been implemented in 16% of organisations with over 100,000 employees and 14% in those with up to 10,000 employees, according to the survey.

With MFA being widespread, the eventual end of passwords is imminent. The creation of new standards such as FIDO (Fast Identity Online), which uses “standard public key cryptography techniques to provide phishing-resistant authentication,” will pave the path to new and more secure authentication options that will be part of a more robust Zero Trust architecture.

Long-term solutions

Sustainability continues to rank high as a business priority, with both end users and partners rating its importance at a ‘4’ on a 1-to-5 scale. Additionally, 74% of end users indicate the importance of sustainability has grown over the past year, and 80% of partners reported the trend growing in importance among their customers.

As such, there will likely be a continued emphasis on solutions that minimise energy use, reduce waste and optimise resource usage. A shift to cloud-based solutions and increased use of mobile devices are two clear strategies to reach these sustainability goals.

Some 39% of installers and integrators said their customers are using fingerprints or palm prints and 30% said they’re using facial recognition. The momentum continues to build as 8% plan to test or implement some form of biometrics in the next year and 12% plan to do so in the next three to five years.

Conversations about AI have come to dominate the business landscape and many security professionals see AI’s analytic capabilities as the low-hanging fruit to enhance identity management. Rather than looking to AI to inform the entirety of the security system, it’s possible to leverage data analytics as a way to operationalise AI in support of immediate outcomes. In this scenario, 35% of end users reported they will be testing or implementing some AI capability in the next three to five years, with 15% already using AI-enabled biometrics.

 

Text | Supplied 

Photography | Tero Vesalainen

HID, a worldwide leader in trusted identity solutions, recently published its 2024 State of Security Report. For more information, go to hidglobal.com

https://www.hidglobal.com/

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LAW

Corporate vulnerability

The law does not protect employers from unfair acts of employees

Section 9(1) of the Bill of Rights contained in the Constitution of South Africa provides that “Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.” Section 9(2) provides that “Equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms. Section 23(1) of the Constitution provides that “Everyone has the right to fair labour practices.”

A basic question arising from the above is, “What does the Constitution mean by the word ‘everyone’? Does it refer only to human persons or does it refer also to juristic persons such as businesses and other employers? While the Constitution does not define the meaning, section 8(4) provides an answer. It says that “A juristic person is entitled to the rights in the Bill of Rights to the extent required by the nature of the rights and the nature of that juristic person.” This would mean that employers should have the right to fair labour practices by employees and should be able to sue employees at the CCMA for breaching such rights. However, the Supreme Court of Appeal appears to disagree.

Strong statement

In the case of NEWU vs CCMA (2007, Vol 16 No 11 CLL page 111) both the CCMA and the Labour Court found that the CCMA does not have jurisdiction to hear a case brought by an employer for unfair treatment by an employee. The Court said: “… It is not thought that employers need any protection against unfair resignations by employees. … The majority of workers in this country are still ununionised and remain extremely vulnerable.” The Court added that: “In my view, the employer remains very economically strong compared to an individual worker, and the fact that this protection is afforded the employee but no similar protection is afforded the employer does not come anywhere near to diminishing the power that the employer has.” The Court concluded that legislation that would give the employer protection “… would be a step backwards in the field of labour relations and employment law in our country.”

In my view, the finding of the Court in this case is based on broad generalisations and ignores the provisions of the Constitution, which clearly affords employers the right to fair labour practice. It is a broad generalisation to say that every employer is more powerful than its employees. Many employers are in a situation where they are struggling to survive. And indeed, many employers are forced by economic weakness to close down.

Be that as it may, it is clear that the courts are not prepared to uphold the employer’s constitutional right to fair labour practice. It is also clear that labour legislation is there to protect employees. Whether this is fair or not is academic. The fact is that, if employers cannot rely on the law for protection, they must protect themselves. This involves implementing systems, strategies and mechanisms for protecting the employer’s interests. Employers are warned, however, that these self-protection mechanisms must themselves comply with the labour law in order to avoid infringing on the myriad of employee rights contained in eight labour law acts, countless labour regulations and codes, and a plethora of case law decisions.

Looking after number one

How can employers walk the perilous labour law tightrope effectively? That is, how can employers protect themselves in a way that conforms with the law but also allows for an effective workplace? Such employer protections include:

  • Developing a thorough, comprehensive and in-depth understanding of all aspects of labour law.
  • Ensuring that all managers and supervisors who hire, manage and fire employees have a clear understanding of what they may and may not do in carrying out their duties.
  • Ensuring that all managers and supervisors are trained in the knowledge and skill required to manage employees in line with the law and, at the same time, in line with the principles of effective management.
  • Developing human resources policies, procedures and rules that guide management in controlling employees both effectively and in compliance with the law.
  • Ensuring that they have, within easy reach, reputable experts in employee relations and labour law who are able to guide employers in developing systems and to advise the employer in cases of employee misconduct, discipline, retrenchment, takeovers, mergers, trade union recognition, wage negotiations and CCMA disputes.

The above protection mechanisms, if they are properly implemented, can assist in levelling the playing field on which employers and employees operate. They can enable employers to operate profitably while treating employees fairly.

Text | Ivan Israelstam 

Photography | fizkes

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

labourlawadvice.co.za

mailto:ivan@labourlawadvice.co.za?subject=

https://www.labourlawadvice.co.za/

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ADVERTORIAL

New tower light range from Pilot Crushtree

Crushing and screening operations frequently run on a 24/7 basis to meet demand and optimize productivity, so crushing specialist Pilot Crushtec is the ideal partner to introduce its own brand of mobile lighting towers for these and other applications.

According to Pilot Crushtec Sales and Marketing Executive, Francois Marais, the company has supplied lighting products before, but this step will see the new range under its own brand – Mobi Light.

“Our own brand gives us the flexibility to source the right products internationally and provide the high level of local support that customers have come to expect from us,” says Marais. “Owners of sites that operate after dark will benefit from this range, and we will also supply to plant hire companies who rent this equipment to mainly the construction and mining sectors.”

The range covers mobile lighting solutions from entry level right up to premium applications, he explains. On the smaller end, a unit with four 320 LED floodlights will achieve a lighting area of up to 5000m². At the other end of the scale, a mining unit with six 320 WLED floodlights will light up 7800m².

Ben Armitage, Sales Engineer at Pilot Crushtec, explains that safety is a key consideration in the way the company has positioned its offering. “Not only do you need sufficient lighting for the stationary crushing and screening equipment on a site, but there are typically several pieces of yellow metal equipment such as excavators, trucks and loaders moving around,” says Armitage. “Good lighting is therefore a critical element of the industry’s quest for ‘zero harm’.”

More light, better results

He notes that insufficient lighting also affects productivity. Where there is limited visual capacity, operators tend to reduce feed rates to plants – to avoid the risk of blockages and spillage. This can have a substantial effect on production and the resultant cost of operating the site.

“Another factor that the Mobi Light tower range considers is the height of our masts,” he continues. “With our high masts at 8.5m, this ensures an increased lighting area while reducing operator fatigue, as the light is high enough to never shine in the operators’ eyes.”

The range takes advantage of developments in lighting technology – away from metal halide and toward light-emitting diode (LED) technology. LED lights offer a much longer lifespan, operate at low voltages and produce less heat.

“This has significant benefits for outdoor site operators,” he says. “LED lights light up the work area instantly and don’t require a cool-down period before the lighting plant can be relocated. These lights also consume less power, saving money, especially when on-site power is diesel generated.”

Designed for demanding site conditions, the lighting units have a robust steel canopy to house the generating unit and start-up panel. This strong structure prevents battery and diesel theft. Maintenance and inspection are also easier, as the steel doors on each side of the lighting plant can be opened for access to the large engine bay.

Text & Photography | Supplied

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business | trade | industry
MINING

Lighting up locally

Solar plant development is increasing and supporting allied home-grown industries could have a substantial economic impact

Many mines in South Africa are currently in the early stages of planning and obtaining approval for independent solar power ventures, with the country’s ongoing energy crisis largely driving this transition to renewables.

Underground mines typically own large areas of land on the surface that cannot be developed but are ideal for housing solar plants. Recent legislative changes have enabled businesses to develop up to one hundred-megawatt energy plants with little red tape.

As a result, some mining houses have already initiated construction, while others are still in the process of specifying their plant or engaging engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies to go out to tender on their behalf. In this journey towards sustainable energy solutions, the significance of local procurement cannot be overstated. Yet, projects of this nature are often outsourced to and managed by an EPC company that must work within a specified budget, with the delivery of a functioning solar plant being their main directive.

Unless the directive from a mine specifies local procurement and aftersales backup, EPC companies might purely focus on delivering the solar plant at the lowest cost and look at short-term criteria rather than the long-term needs of the mine for the plant to remain at full capability.

Building capacity

While certain components might not be locally available, infrastructure such as transformers, switchgear, and substation equipment can be sourced locally. There are multiple suppliers that can supply this at competitive prices and offer after-sales backup.

However, short-term cost savings are often prioritized, and products from foreign suppliers are sourced at lower prices. While the equipment might be functional, mines should consider whether they are serviceable and if the equipment has the desired longevity to deliver the expected return on investment (ROI).

The advantages of proximity to local suppliers and service providers for mine-owned solar plants in terms of operational efficiency and reliability are numerous. For example, transformers often sustain damage during transit or fail prematurely due to transport-related movement of internal components. Additionally, foreign suppliers sometimes deliver ‘throwaway’ products that are not designed to last or to be repaired.

This frequently occurs when products are insufficiently specified in the tender process, and there is a lack of effective quality control, often exacerbated by the supplier’s distant location and language barriers. With many international suppliers lacking local after-sales support, equipment owners face limited options for recourse in the event of equipment failure. So, while the choice to import products is largely driven by cost, this cost is often not explored in terms of a well-defined specification. Mines can thus end up with substandard equipment that costs more in the long run.

Choosing local suppliers and labor for a solar plant project also fosters economic growth and job creation in the vicinity of the mines. This direct engagement with the community enhances the overall wellbeing of residents and solidifies mines’ position as responsible corporate citizens. If industry is seen to have a desire to involve and upskill local communities, thus creating sustainable employment, it will go a long way towards forging better bonds between industry and labor.

Local procurement also supports the Just Energy Transition (JET) initiative, which places a strong emphasis on a smooth and sustainable transition to renewable energy sources. Local procurement aligns with this vision, as it actively contributes to the objectives of reducing carbon emissions and fostering a sense of social and environmental responsibility. Additionally, as mines become more mechanized and shafts reach their end of life, specifying skills transfer to employees during solar plant projects could enable these workers to seek alternative sources of income.

Text | David Sullivan 

Photography | Mark Agnor

David Sullivan is Divisional CEO at LH Marthinusen. For more information, go to lhm.co.za

https://www.lhm.co.za/

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business | trade | industry
RECRUITMENT

Right people, right jobs

When personal and professional values are aligned, top employees will be more likely to stick around

Business leaders across the globe worry about attracting and retaining top talent, especially as remote and hybrid workforces are becoming the norm. In their responses to surveys, they often list it as a main inhibitor of profitable growth into the future.

Despite this, most business leaders and managers prioritise other tasks over recruitment and talent selection, rather than seeing it as a vital part of their jobs. In addition, many business leaders and managers do not have the skills required to ensure that the right people are found and placed in the right jobs.

Statistically, using traditional recruitment methods has a 60% failure rate, resulting in an enormous waste of time and money. Getting recruiting right is therefore something that can’t be left to an HR department or line manager alone: business leaders have to get personally involved.

Ask for what you want

Before advertising a vacancy, business leaders must be crystal clear about the job specification as well as the attitudes and behaviors of the person needed for the job. This needs to align with the purpose, vision, and values of the company. The best talent has a choice these days and will simply not work for an organization whose values they don’t share; another reason why leadership needs to be actively involved in recruitment.

These specifications should be written down and be clear enough for anyone to understand. This will help to prevent two common recruitment mistakes: deciding what the job specifications are based on the available talent or hiring based on chemistry rather than true fit.

The popular saying ‘hire for attitude, train for skill’ is noble in its intent, but business owners and leaders adhering strictly to this sentiment might run the risk of not achieving the optimal mix of behavioral competencies needed for peak performance.

Aim for the top

Owners and leaders of smaller organizations often fall into the trap of thinking that they won’t be able to attract top talent, so they approach the vacancy listing process with a timid attitude. Top talent isn’t, however, always the most expensive people or the most qualified. Instead, they are the people who are the absolute best fit for a specific role in a specific organization.

It is therefore of the utmost importance that a vacancy listing is not just a list of required skills and experience. To attract the appropriate talent, the vacancy listing must reflect the true culture and values of the business and what it’s like to be part of the team.

To access the top talent pool, business leaders must involve those who are experts in selling the benefits of the company in creating the vacancy listing. Marketing people are often a better choice for this task than an HR department or even recruitment agencies. That is the best way for a business to attract top talent – that might be currently employed – rather than limit itself to a talent pool of despondent job seekers.

During the interview process of shortlisted candidates, top talent will most likely ask questions to help them determine whether the values of the business align with their own values. If they can’t get a clear idea of what the values are or how the business practically lives those values, or if they feel that their values do not align with those of the business, they’ll look for employment somewhere else.

Assess before deciding

It is astonishing that many companies around the world still rely on an impressive CV with one or two interviews as the only activities to recruit talent. Even references can’t be guaranteed as a mark of quality, as they can be influenced by litigation around labor disputes.

True top talent will be able to prove that they are the best during an assessment that should form part of the recruitment process. The difficulty of the assessment will of course differ depending on the job level recruited for, and businesses should never abuse the assessment process to gain free insights or labor.

Assessments may appear to be time-consuming and costly, but the cost of getting recruitment wrong has been estimated as about four or even five times the employee’s annual salary! It’s therefore much less expensive to use assessments than to recruit and train an employee who was never right for the job or whose aspirations conflicted with those of the business.

Get on the same page

The final stage in the recruitment process should be a discussion and negotiation between the selected candidate and their potential direct manager about the exact details of the role and the remuneration package.

People can truly make or break a business – irrespective of its size or shape. With economic pressure rising and an increase in leadership burnout, no business leader can afford to stand back and allow mediocre talent to come on board.

Text | Juanita Vorster 

Photography | olesia_g

For more information, go to juanitavorster.com

https://www.juanitavorster.com/

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business | trade | industry
WATER

Furthering the flow

Changing weather patterns require planning changes if water resilience is going to be a viable option

Climate change policymakers should be addressing droughts and floods as two sides of the same coin, rather than separate phenomena. As changes to weather patterns become increasingly visible, the interplay between the two – and how their impacts feed off and intensify each other – must be critical in how we develop climate resilience.

Cape Town’s narrow avoidance of Day Zero in 2017 should have been a once-in-a-century event. Instead, climate change has made it three times more likely. Similar patterns apply to the 2022 floods in Durban, the most catastrophic natural disaster ever recorded in KwaZulu-Natal. Studies have found that climate change has doubled the likelihood of extreme rainfall occurring – from once every 40 years to once every 20 years.

Climate change is leading to prolonged periods of drought and more frequent high-intensity rainfall. The periods of drought are affecting agricultural yield, interrupting business operations and impacting natural environments. They’re also leading to a deficit in soil moisture and to extensive vegetation loss, which leaves soil vulnerable to erosion when the rains return. When this happens, the soil ends up in dams and rivers as sedimentation. This, in turn, decreases the storage capacity of the dams, so that when the next drought hits, there is less stored water available to mitigate against its effects.

As the cycle repeats itself, the impacts get worse, decimating large areas and severely affecting the communities living in them.

Real danger

The risks this poses for water management are significant. Too little water for human consumption and sanitation leads to disease and insufficient water to support agriculture threatens food security. Changes in the nature of flooding events also decrease the flood immunity of infrastructure, increase the budget required for repair costs, and exacerbate erosion, which diminishes arable land.

Rural areas are particularly vulnerable, as subsistence crops fail and inadequate infrastructure sustains damage. This destabilises communities, triggering social unrest and intensifying migration to urban and peri-urban areas, which then adds further pressure on urban infrastructure.

Maintaining and re-evaluating existing water infrastructure – such as desilting dams and clearing stormwater drainage systems – is critical to ensuring our resilience to these drought and flood cycles. Infrastructure that is designed for a once-in-a-century or a once-in-50-year event will fail as these events occur more frequently.

Push for policies

In late 2023, South Africa’s National Assembly passed the long-awaited Climate Change Bill, which seeks to enable an effective response to climate change and ensure a just transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient society. As government continues to enact policies, more detailed attention to drought and flood policies is required.

There are some unique challenges that policymakers must consider. First, South Africa is a semi-arid country, one that has already lost a third of its farms to water scarcity since the 1990s. Second, South Africa is the most unequal society in the world, and new policies must account for the most vulnerable members of society, who are typically affected by disasters the most. Lastly, in addition to developing world-class policies, we need to implement them effectively, too.

Updating some of our policies and frameworks to enable climate resilience should incorporate two key concepts: creating enabling environments and encouraging water stewardship.

Creating an enabling environment through policies is one key way to facilitate effective implementation. We’ve seen how lifting the private energy generation cap and offering tax incentives for private solar installations has increased the uptake of solar installations in South Africa. Effective drought and flood management policies would do well to enable private businesses and individuals to be part of the solution.

Encouraging water stewardship through policies is key because it acknowledges that human behavior lies at the heart of effectively implementing climate policies. If we don’t change the way we use, manage and care for water resources, we’re unlikely to see an impact. Insights from behavioral science should inform new and updated policies as a means of helping South Africans play a role in facilitating the country’s climate change transition.

As we examine, amend and execute our policies, it’s critical that we view droughts and floods as interrelated issues. This holistic perspective can help to ensure that the changes we make are sustainable, inclusive and impactful despite the unpredictable future we face.

Text | Karen King and Pepijn van Ravesteyn 

Photography | Riccardo Mayer

Karen King is Climate Resilience Director and Pepijn van Ravesteyn is Climate Resilience Specialist at Royal HaskoningDHV. For more information, go to royalhaskoningDHV.com

https://www.royalhaskoningdhv.com/

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business | trade | industry
RECYCLING

The plastic puzzle

Reducing waste and investing in circular economies must happen to make the materials we use less problematic to get rid of

By 2050, global cities could produce 3.88 billion tonnes of waste every single year. Plastic is a significant contributor to this number. Humanity produces around 460 million tonnes of plastic every year, a figure that is forecast to triple by 2060. Just under half goes to landfill, 17% is incinerated and 15% is collected for recycling, although less than 9% is actually recycled. The remaining 22% ends up in the environment, much of it in the ocean. It’s a problem that can only hinder the global transition towards net zero – unless we do something about it.

As an idea, the circular economy is rapidly gaining traction. Whether at company, city or national level, there is a growing recognition that resources are finite, waste is costly and to deposit ever greater quantities of stuff in the ground is unsustainable. While plastic is an extremely useful invention that has played a large role in human advancement, the dark side of this invention is disposability. The convenience of single-use plastic needs to be rethought to ensure it has a longer, more useful lifespan.

Eliminating single-use plastics – such as disposable straws, utensils, beverage and food packaging, plastic bags, disposable pens and even wet wipes – is a good place to start reducing waste. Reducing the use of single-use plastic requires a shift towards a more circular and sustainable economy, starting in our homes. We all know the three Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle – and this is still the most accessible way for us as individuals and households to combat plastic waste. We can maintain our awareness of how single-use plastic impacts on the environment. We can refuse to use single-use plastics in our homes and offices wherever possible by choosing products that don’t have plastic packaging or, if this isn’t possible, choosing reusable plastics or bulk items instead of single servings and avoiding products with non-recyclable content. We can seek out recycled and reusable alternatives and separate plastics from our waste for recycling.

Large-scale impact, however, demands that governments implement policies that support a circular economy and that organizations throughout the production value chain move away from the traditional, linear process of resource extraction, manufacture, use and disposal towards an approach in which things are instead reused or recycled repeatedly to maximize the lifespan of materials almost indefinitely. This could apply to anything from plastic bags to clothes to entire buildings. To make this more achievable, clearer labeling of plastics to make it easier to sort in the recycling sphere is necessary, as is avoiding composite plastics and plastics that are mixed with other components (such as those used to package potato chips), as these types of plastics are less recyclable.

Building better

Engineering, sustainability and environmental professionals are needed in every industry to monitor initiatives that are designed with circularity in mind and determine their viability for local application.

In infrastructure construction, South African engineers can lead the way, where local engineers have developed customized road design and construction technologies that are viewed as innovative globally. Recycling existing road materials and the use of so-called deeply balanced pavement structures have contributed to the development of an extensive road network at a fraction of what it would cost in most developed countries. Currently, the asphalt used for the surfacing of roads locally comprises 20-25% recycled materials. But more can be done. Innovative materials can replace traditional carbon-intense materials. Asphalt can often be replaced with recycled plastics or rubber from recycled tyres. Replacing carbon-intensive construction materials in buildings with low-carbon alternatives can also play a key role in reducing the construction industry’s overall carbon emissions and waste contributions. Steel can be replaced with fibre-reinforced plastic or polymers or even carbon fibre and graphene under the right circumstances. But not all plastic is equally easy to recycle and converting it for reuse in a more sustainable form isn’t an all-encompassing solution.

Hot topic

There is another way of dealing with plastic: burning it. In Scandinavia, waste-to-energy (WtE) plants incinerate high-energy residual waste, including non-recyclable plastic along with other high-energy wastes such as timber and wood products. The heat is used to generate electricity and to warm water for local district heating systems, reducing the need to burn virgin fossil fuel for power and preventing a wide range of plastics from going to landfills. They do not end up in the environment and the volume of waste is vastly reduced. The exhaust from these plants is well treated, so most of what exits the chimney is water vapour. The residual slag is nasty stuff, though, and the waste from the scrubbing also contains high concentrations of hazardous substances. Unpleasant though these residues are, they are at least relatively small in volume and there is some value in concentrating them so that they can be disposed of appropriately in specialized landfills. New technologies are also putting some of these wastes to use, for example, in new types of concrete where the toxic chemicals can be fixed and rendered harmless.

Could WtE be considered as part of the solution to meet South Africa’s energy requirements as it moves away from coal-fired power stations? According to the latest available statistics, South Africa generates approximately 122 million tonnes of waste per year, of which only 10% is recycled or recovered for other uses. This leaves at least 90% of the country’s waste entering landfills or worse – being dumped illegally.

Text | Alison Groves and John Rammutla 

Photography | Kanittha Boon

Alison Groves is Director: Discipline Lead: Built Ecology and John Rammutla is Principal Associate: Highways at WSP in Africa. For more information, go to wsp.com.

https://www.wsp.com/en-za

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Sky café

Duty | free

Exclusive gifts for you

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

SEKONDA

Series 27 Smartwatch
ZAR 1,995

It’s a power match! The men’s watch fastens with a two-tone gold- and silver-coloured stainless-steel bracelet and features a round two-tone alloy case with a black sunray dial. The ladies’ watch has an elegant, silver-coloured sunray dial with a black outer minute track and gold-coloured UPMR batons at all positions.Both watches feature a date display and are water-resistant to 50m.

Two-year guarantee.

DISNEY 
Marvel Spiderman LED Watch
ZAR 295

Add some special magic to telling the time… A LED watch with a silver plastic casing, a red digital light-up display, a date feature, and a fun printed strap design with traditional buckle fastening. Official branded packaging. One-year guarantee.

ARMANI
Sì Passione
ZAR 2,195
Eau de Parfum 50mℓ

Sì Passione by Giorgio Armani is a heart-beating vision of modern femininity. Presented in the most elegant bottle, Sì Passione brings a captivating, sensual floral juice in which warm base notes are faceted with fresh and floral accords. Arousing passionately the senses, it’s the expression of absolute femininity.

MONTBLANC
Explorer
ZAR 1,595
Eau de Parfum 100mℓ

Montblanc EXPLORER is an invitation to a fantastic journey, an irresistible call for adventure. The bottle echoes the earth’s two hemispheres, recalling the multiple destinations explored during this olfactory expedition. At the bottom lies Montblanc’s emblem, the iconic star representing the six glaciers of the highest mountain in Europe. This unconventional wood-aromatic-leather eau de parfum reveals an Italian bergamot with green fresh notes, contrasted by a rich vetiver from Haiti and an exclusive patchouli from Sulawesi.

GROUNDED EGYPTIAN
White Gold Serum
ZAR 595
50mℓ

Glycolic acid anti-ageing serum 10% with vitamin E. A super anti-ageing cocktail made with a premium mix of breakthrough ingredients such as glycolic acid 10%, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and marine collagen. Apply a few drops of the silky serum to your hands and massage all over your face at night. Hydrates tired skin, targeting wrinkles, fine lines, redness, dark circles, tired eyes, and all the unwanted effects of ageing! Noticeable results after one use!

travel leisure | lifestyle
RECIPES

Coconut fish curry and rice

One of nature’s most versatile products adds a new dimension to a popular dish

The coconut plant is not only a wonderful ingredient used in many food and drink recipes, but it is also high in iron, magnesium, fibre and protein and plays a prominent role in gluten-free, soya-free and vegan diets.

Method

  1. Place the fish pieces into a large bowl and add half a teaspoon of salt and ground black pepper, half the lime juice and half the turmeric. Stir gently to combine. Set aside.
  2. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the onion until softened – about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Add the ginger, garlic, half a teaspoon of salt, the spices and remaining turmeric and cook for two minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for a further minute.
  4. Place the butternut squash into a heatproof bowl with a little water, cover and microwave for three minutes until tender. Tip into the pan with the onion and spices and stir to combine.
  5. Add the coconut milk, 180mL water, tamarind paste and simmer over a medium heat for 10-12 minutes, until thickened and fragrant. Add the marinated fish to the pan and cook for 4-6 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Remove from the heat, stir in the remaining lime juice, scatter with the fresh coriander and serve immediately over cooked rice.

Ingredients

  • 250g white fish, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp chilli flakes
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 250g butternut, diced
  • 200mL coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp tamarind paste (optional)
  • Small bunch of coriander, roughly chopped
  • Cooked rice, to serve

Text and photography | Capsicum Culinary Studio   

For more information, go to capsicumcooking.com

http://www.capsicumcooking.com/

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travel | leisure | lifestyle
REVIEWS

Reviews

Media

This issue: Adoption, brands, concerts and deceit

Ordinarily, unless the author is hugely famous, autobiographies are tedious. Anthony Akerman, who has published his own story, makes a fine exception to this rule.

As the play on words in the title suggests, the author was born out of wedlock. He was ‘put up’ for adoption, a fact that is cardinal to his life. Was he or was he not fortunate that his adoptive parents were well-to-do white Natalians typical of that ilk in the 1950s?

An accomplished playwright and author, Akerman writes a commanding and richly rewarding story. Its power is that it is much more than an autobiographical account. It contributes hugely to one’s quest to better understand the question of identity: how it shapes so much of what we ourselves and others both become and do.

Akerman was anonymously adopted, as was standard at the time. Once the fact was discovered, the challenges of his having been adopted were intense and demanding. In ways that are especially profound, there are big questions and elusive answers. Akerman compels us to think about these issues in illuminating ways.

Akerman went into political exile, spending much of his adult life in the Netherlands and acquiring citizenship there. His artistic accomplishments have been considerable, both here and abroad. How much of the success was the result of luck or fate?

The story of how Akerman came to discover and later meet his biological parents is gripping, having the quality of a detective novel. All parents disappoint their children in some ways. Akerman confronts this issue insightfully, with frustration and compassion.

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Welcome To South Africa: Jou Ma Se Boek by Katlego Thulare

This large-format hardcover book is a creative and very different product compared to most memoirs. Although it tells, in some detail, the story of Thulare’s upbringing in Johannesburg townships and then in various suburban locations, it also delves into the identity of the country he lives in, South Africa.

Thulare is, among other things, a brand analyst and copywriter. His inclusion in this narrative of many famous SA brands, from Oros to Sasol, plus his interesting and creative insights on their impact on the country’s culture, paint a picture of our society most readers might not have considered in any detail before

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Love And Fury by Margie Orford

Margie Orford is best known as the author of often dark thriller novels. In this memoir, she unpacks her own story and does it with a combination of elegance (in terms of her writing skill) and extraordinary vulnerability. The book is a spectacular example of how an autobiography can move and compel its readers, regardless of how familiar they are with the person at the center of the story.

She deals, through her personal filter, with the shifting of expectations – identity, family, vocation, and more – that make each of our lives complex and weighty. Reading her story is a rich, valuable experience.

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Queen Rock Montreal (PG)

This concert film of a 1981 concert by Queen was recently released in remastered form for IMAX screens. In streaming form on Disney+, whatever device you watch it on, it retains most of its power (there’s no arguing that multistorey images and massive surround sound add something), thanks to the musicianship and stagecraft of the band.

Queen’s music remains relevant and popular – the musical We Will Rock You recently enjoyed a successful South African tour – but seeing them play, with the insouciance of supreme talent and long experience as a collective, is as thrilling now as it would have been then.

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A Man In Full (18LPS)

A return to the screen for Jeff Daniels, this Netflix drama deals with a disgraced real estate mogul (Daniels) trying to keep his empire and lifestyle going while investigators, who are every bit as nasty and corrupt in their own ways, are trying to shut him down.

As political satire, it’s right on the nose, but it’s no less effective for that. Daniels commits completely to his character. Diane Lane plays somewhat against type with a little deviousness of her own, and the angular Tom Pelphrey steals most of the scenes he’s in as the desperately ambitious and wonderfully named Raymond Peepgrass.

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talespin

In a car, with an axe?

Mixed metaphors show the way to a more  effective mindset

It might sound like the start of a joke, but it’s not. What do red cars, front-row seats, and lumberjacks have in common? The answer is pretty much nothing. Other than they are the subject of three stories I heard over the past few weeks that had an impact on me.

If you arrive at the office – or anywhere – and I asked you how many red cars you saw on the way in, you probably wouldn’t be able to say. But if I told you that I would give you R200 for every red car that you saw, you would know exactly how many you had encountered. Opportunities, luck, and positive experiences are like this as well. If we don’t look out for them, we won’t see them. But if we recognize the great value they hold, we might appreciate each experience.

South Africans often forget to spot the red cars.

Then there’s the story of the lumberjacks. Two lumberjacks started and ended work at the same time every day. The only difference was that while one of them worked pretty much non-stop, one went home for an hour for lunch. At the end of the month, when the product was tallied, it became clear that the lumberjack who went home each day had produced more.

“How is this possible?” asked the lumberjack who had produced less. “The only difference between us is that you go home every day for an hour. What do you do in that time?”

“Simple,” was the answer, “I go home to sharpen my axe.”

How we do that will probably be different for each of us. Which is why it’s important to consider what that might be. Especially in the stressful times we’re living through.

And finally, there’s the idea of front-row seats. In the theatre of life, there’s limited space in the front row. This means that we need to choose carefully who we give the space to. Do we want someone who watches us on stage with criticism and negativity? Or should our front row be populated with those who want us to succeed? The theatre has other places, and it might be a good idea to seat those whom we might have to allow into the auditorium for social, family, or work reasons in the nose-bleed section where we won’t be impacted by their negativity and criticism.

Sharpening our axes will be different for each of us. But contribution and commitment to causes is the best way to keep the metal productive. And finally, in terms of who we invite into the front row of our lives, it’s important to note that just because someone makes a lot of noise, it doesn’t mean that they are deserving.

Text | Howard Feldman 

Photography | Mariya Surmacheva

Follow Howard Feldman on X: @HowardFeldman.

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