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TM
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Give the
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Figuring out the complexities
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Lesser-known Cape Town SA’s best bowlers Tech predictions 2020 Mesmerising Madagascar Event planning
1991 In 1991 the dismantling of Apartheid began.
Russia emerged from communism.
The world protected Antarctica.
The internet went public.
And Generation X arrived.
‘91 was a year of unbelievable change.
And it was the year that
Investec Asset Management was born.
Change is in our blood.
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Investec Asset Management has a new name.
In celebration of our beginning
And whatever changes come next.
The times that made us, named us.
Investec Asset Management
is now called Ninety One
Ninety One is an authorised Financial Service Provider.
The times
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Investing for a
world of change
insight for executives on the move
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Your free take-home copy - exclusive to Airlink passengers
Business as unusual PUBLISHER Urs Honegger
TM
There are so many clichés designed to optimally showcase how we get
ever more narrow-minded as we get older. And sure, walking nine miles EDITOR Bruce Dennill
Save the number +27 78 093 4990 insight for executives on the move
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uphill in the snow to school every day must’ve made older generations SENIOR SUB-EDITOR Vanessa Koekemoer
tougher and more difficult to break down, after they survived not SUB-EDITOR Claire Rencken
Give the
people what wearing seatbelts until they were 40, and stuffed carbs into their faces
they want!
OPERATIONS AND PRODUCTION MANAGER Paul Kotze
willy-nilly for decades.
Figuring out the complexities
of employee wellbeing
DESIGNER Perpetua Chigumira-Wenda
The thing is, though – that is no longer how the world works, and
TRAFFIC AND PRODUCTION Juanita Pattenden
Lesser-known Cape Town SA’s best bowlers Tech predictions 2020 Mesmerising Madagascar Event planning
everyone needs to move on. That’s no simple matter, of course, but
Retaining staff tweaking the plans companies have for steering through economic
ADVERTISING sales@panorama.co.za +27 11 468 2090
requires a thoughtful, mazes is an increasingly interesting space. SALES MANAGER Gillian Johnston
creative mindset. Flexibility and mental health are now as important as good salaries MEDIA SALES EXECUTIVES
to employees (page 32); simplicity can sometimes be much more Arlene Sanford +27 83 473 5002 arlene@panorama.co.za
effective than intricacy (page 34); technology is constantly requiring the Ben Banda +27 73 112 4820 ben@panorama.co.za
changing of strategies (page 36); and working with your family doesn’t Rowena Singh +27 79 568 6025 rowena@panorama.co.za
necessarily make anything simpler (page 40). Mind you, perhaps that Mosadi Teffo +27 83 584 6673 mosadi@panorama.co.za
last one was obvious already… Francois Jensen van Rensburg +27 82 653 8580 francois@panorama.co.za
Let’s keep talking, figuring it out. Maybe we can get it done together
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contents
contents
ANTANANARIVO BEIRA BLOEMFONTEIN BULAWAYO CAPETOWN DURBAN EAST LONDON GABARONE GEORGE HARARE JOHANNESBU
KASANE KIMBERLEY LIVINGSTONE LUSAKA MABUTO MASERU MAUN MTHATHA NAMPULA NDOLA NELSPRUIT NOSY BE PEM
PHALABORWA PIETERMARITZBURG POLOKWANE PRETORIA SIKHUPE SISHEN SKUKUZA TETE UPINGTON VILANKULOS WINDHO
If you'd like the digital version of
40 the magazine, please scan here
before or after landing.
32
36
38 A changeable feast
BUSINESS, TRADE AND INDUSTRY How is unfair dismissal compensation
32 Give the people what they want calculated?
TAKE-OFF A competitive salary alone is no longer 40 Avoiding organisational incest
10 News in brief enough to attract and retain top staff Family-owned businesses have to deal
Bite-size bulletin 34 Back to basics with some unique challenges
14 Forecast Business models don’t need to be complex to 42 Time to catch the re-train
The future is now be effective New skills need to be learnt if jobs are
63 Sky Café 36 What know-how will be normal? to survive
Accommodation and services directory Tech trends are likely to change the way 44 Don’t let it rain on your parade
75 Flight schedules business is done and money is spent this Well-run conferences and other events
Airlink lodge-hopping and regional timetables year require thoughtful planning
6
04 20
AQUARACER CALIBRE 5
Chris Hemsworth works hard and chooses his roles carefully. He handles pressure
by taming it, and turning it to his advantage. #DontCrackUnderPressure was coined
with him in mind.
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Also at selected fine jewellers nationwide
For further information please call 011 669 0500. www.picotandmoss.co.za
contents
contents
ANTANANARIVO BEIRA BLOEMFONTEIN BULAWAYO CAPETOWN DURBAN EAST LONDON GABARONE GEORGE HARARE JOHANNESBU
KASANE KIMBERLEY LIVINGSTONE LUSAKA MABUTO MASERU MAUN MTHATHA NAMPULA NDOLA NELSPRUIT NOSY BE PEM
PHALABORWA PIETERMARITZBURG POLOKWANE PRETORIA SIKHUPE SISHEN SKUKUZA TETE UPINGTON VILANKULOS WINDHO
If you'd like the digital version of
the magazine, please scan here
before or after landing.
92
16
46
54 The scientific guide to: The Hajj
The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to
Mecca in Saudia Arabia
30 It’s the little things 56 Say cheese!
Lesser-known gems in the Mother City Why do we enjoy this multi-faceted food
TRAVEL, LEISURE AND LIFESTYLE 46 Line and length type so much?
16 Wildlife theatre Cricket doyen Ali Bacher considers the best 58 Madame Mimic
All-singing, all-dancing attractions in unique bowlers South Africa has produced in new book ‘Woman of a Thousand Voices’ Christina
island habitats 48 Reef nots Bianco brings her divas and delights to
20 Small town, big agenda Being aware and careful while diving is South Africa
Mossel Bay punches well above its weight in important for marine conservation 90 Media
terms of the range of activities on offer 50 Recycle or replace? This month: gangsters, soldiers,
24 Branch management Biodegradable plastic will change the leftovers and popes
Locals help to restore ancient natural balance industry – but how much remains to be seen 92 Recipes
26 A secret garden 52 Vacations in vogue Pear, blue cheese and walnut salad
KZN Sanctuary encourages communing Travel trends are shifting as we enter a new 96 Talespin
with nature decade Confessions of a virgin bundu-basher
8
04 20Prepare for the Unexpected with
Woodford's Waivers
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4Z
The flight code under which all Airlink
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INNOVATION channel also allows Digit to
Get your digits ask for help if something
Agility Robotics is launching unexpected is encountered.
Digit, a robot with arms and legs
Source: agilityrobotics.com
to work with humans and in
human spaces, for commercial
sale. Ford Motor Company is ART The Lives of the Artists, Giorgio experimented with the medium,
the first customer, receiving the Altaring the course Vasari, wrote in swooning terms altering its chemical balance
first two robots off the line. The of history that Van Eyck was the inventor to achieve faster drying times,
team expects that, as Digit will Even during his lifetime, Belgian of oil painting. True or not, what allowing him to build up layers
be part of a package delivery painter Jan Van Eyck was he achieved with the medium of translucent paint in order to
service, this communication venerated for his astonishing – the extreme exactitude of achieve delicate and nuanced
channel will also provide innovations, so much so that his execution; the fine, three- effects. An exhibition detailing
delivery-specific information, his masterpiece, the Ghent dimensional modelling; the subtle his work, Van Eyck: An Optical
such as where a customer Altarpiece, can be seen in terms depiction of light and shadow; Revolution runs at the Museum
prefers packages to be left, or of a series of firsts. A century and the extreme realism of of Fine Arts, Ghent, until 30 April.
other individual package delivery after the artist’s death, the textures – set him apart from all
Source: bbc.com
needs. This communication Florentine painter and author of his predecessors. He tirelessly
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The number of egg whites used in the construction
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TO-DO LIST
April at Grand Arena, GrandWest in over the past 25 years. The group
Cape Town; Thursday, 30 April at – Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban; and Wanya Morris – who last visited
and Friday, 1 May and Saturday, South Africa in 2015, redefined
2 May at Ticketpro Dome, popular R&B. The group’s ballads
Johannesburg. Fans attending include End of The Road, I’ll Make
will see their favourite Superstars Love to You and Motownphilly and
including Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, the trio are the best-selling R&B
Charlotte Flair, Bobby Lashley, The group of all time, with 64 million
O.C., Ricochet, and Aleister Black. albums sold worldwide. The concerts
• The Rand Show experience and a search for Easter computicket.com will take place at the Sun Arena
The Rand Show runs from 8 to eggs in the giant Beacon maze. in Pretoria on 9 April and at Cape
13 April and takes place at the randshow.co.za Town’s Grand Arena on 13 April.
Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. ticketpros.co.za
Tickets cost between R70 and
R150 for day passes. Discover • Splashy Fen
new, on-trend content, a greater SA’s oldest music festival returns
variety of experiences, activations from 9 to 13 April. This year, it
and shows distinctive to the event, celebrates its 29th festival and
including the Festival of Gaming and offers several new developments.
the Jacaranda Clash of Kitchens • Boyz II Men SA Tour Tickets are available at Computicket
– South Africa’s newest reality • WWE Live The Boyz II Men SA Tour features and include camping for the entire
cooking challenge. Kids’ experiences WWE LIVE returns to South Africa the iconic R&B and hip-hop group four-night, five-day festival.
include the Disney Frozen 2 with events on Wednesday, 29 performing timeless hits produced splashyfen.co.za
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5,600
The number of flights
operated per month by Airlink.
direct control, is extremely rarely. Even by the middle of the
distressing to our customers 19th Century, only 10% of adults
because of the disruption it knew how to write, and there
causes to their travel plans. are only about 140 scripts in use
today. There are between 6,000
Source: flyairlink.com
and 7,000 languages in the
world. Yet, 96% are spoken by
TRAVEL CULTURE just 3% of the global population January, ceasing all scientific
On the clock A world of few words and 85% are endangered. operations. The telescope, which
Last year, Airlink consistently Unesco has often warned of the focused on capturing infrared
Source: bbc.com
ranked as one of the two top need to “preserve, revitalise and images, launched in 2003 and
airlines for on-time operation promote indigenous languages was operational for 16-and-a-
in South Africa’s skies. For the around the world”. But, while SPACE half years, despite only being
period from January to August many have focused on the So long, Spitzer planned to serve for five. The
2019, more than 92% of Airlink’s spoken word, how different NASA has said a final goodbye spacecraft’s most memorable
flights departed on time (an cultures write is often ignored. to its Spitzer Space Telescope, achievements include the
independent measure applied by This might have something which has been decommissioned discovery of Saturn’s largest ring
ACSA – the Airports Company to do with the artificiality of after more than 16 years of and four TRAPPIST-1 exoplanets,
of South Africa). Airlink also alphabets. Language is innate service. NASA mission control as well as mapping the extensive
knows that to cancel a flight to all humans, but scripts have downloaded the last Spitzer data portraits of the Milky Way.
without there being very sound to be invented and actively and sent through a command
Source: dailymail.co.uk
reasons, outside of the airline’s learned. This has happened to enter safe mode on 30153
The number of emeralds included in the design of the
10 million
The number of bricks in the
Gem of the Orient knife – the world’s most expensive. Empire State Building.
EGG CATERPILLAR PUPA EMERGING BUTTERFLY ADULT BUTTERFLY
This article first appeared in
What actually happens when a
Very Interesting Issue 51.
Go to coolmags.co.za to
subscribe or magzter.com for
the digital edition.
caterpillar becomes a butterfly?
Leah Harding, Clarens
I t’s more of a messy, horror movie
transformation than a tidy, romantic one.
When a caterpillar starts to change into a pupa
central nervous system. Also resistant to the
transformation process are clumps of cells
called ‘imaginal discs’, which are contained
overwhelm the dwindling caterpillar cells and
begin to use the raw materials around them to
assemble new butterfly structures, such as
(or chrysalis), its own digestive enzymes begin to within the caterpillar’s body for its entire life. wings, legs, eyes and antennae. These structures
break down most of its cells into a chemical During metamorphosis, the imaginal cells divide eventually connect up with the remaining
soup. Some of the caterpillar’s structures do rapidly. At first, these are treated as invaders caterpillar parts, and the newly assembled
remain intact, however, such as the gut, the and attacked by the caterpillar’s immune butterfly emerges. The whole process can take
tracheal tubes (for breathing), and some of the system. But, eventually, the imaginal cells just two weeks in some species.
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The number of individuals making up
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forecast The future is now
Enter electricity
A lodge in the Timbavati common sense. However,
Game Reserve has until now, there have been
introduced a silent, concerns about durability
environmentally- and and length of charge when it
wildlife-friendly, electric comes to the new technology.
safari vehicle. Makanyi Electric Safari Vehicles’
Lodge partnered with technology allows vehicles to
Electric Safari Vehicles be fully recharged using solar
on a conversion on one panels and is both water- and
of their Land Rovers, and dust-proof, with the capacity
hopes to have their full to run four-wheel drive electric vehicles include: • Less shaking, making
fleet converted soon. vehicles with more power • Lowering dependency for better videography
With the increasing price and torque than normal diesel on fossil fuels. and photography.
of fossil fuel seriously game viewers. One six-hour • Lowering carbon footprints. • Helping anti-poaching
impacting lodges, and a charge can see a vehicle run • Less impact on units, by enabling anti-
growing awareness of the for anything between 150 flora and fauna. poaching teams to track
detriment of their continued and 200km depending on • Giving guests a more and catch poachers
use to the sensitive terrain – more than needed, up-close-and-personal without being detected as
environment, the conversion with most game drives being wildlife experience. a result of engine noise.
of traditional vehicles into between 30 and 40km. • Reduction of noise
Source: makanyilodge.com
fully electric vehicles is Further benefits of a move to pollution.
deep learning applications onto a winter clothing range when
the camera, to minimise the he heard of a homeless man
amount of server processing who had died of hypothermia
power that’s required for them while waiting for a shelter to
to be stored on the server side. open. He vowed to come up
More factories, mines, and with a solution to protect the
manufacturing companies are homeless from extreme cold,
In camera going to look towards artificial and the ‘Sheltersuit’ was born.
The shift by a number of intelligence as a means to assist Timmer made sure it could
organisations towards with thermal temperatures in accommodate the real needs of
integrating the Internet Of rollers to ensure they don’t those trying to survive on the
Things, embedding security exceed a certain temperature. street. Created from upcycled
into devices themselves as Video surveillance as a and recycled materials, the
well as placing devices on the service will enable businesses durable product is a waterproof In 2014, Timmer founded
edge, securing vital business to better collaborate on the and windproof bodysuit, with the Sheltersuit Foundation to
assets – such as data, analysis of footage and data an easily attachable sleeping extend and scale the project.
applications, access control and collected by cameras. bag. If the wearer needs to Sheltersuit products are
surveillance – will be a big focus move away from a location made by volunteers, formerly
Source: axis.com
in 2020 and years to come. quickly, there’s an opening homeless people, refugees
More companies are at the bottom of the suit to or the unemployed (some
embedding security in devices Gimme shelter facilitate this. And the garment workers receive payment).
and cameras. There are going Dutch fashion designer Bas can be stored in a matching
Source: designindaba.com
to be more efforts to move Timmer had been working on backpack during the day.
14
04 20travel leisure | lifestyle
MADAGASCAR
Wildlife
theatre
All-singing, all-dancing attractions
in unique island habitats
In Madagascar, everything is unusual, from the reason to visit Berenty in southern Madagascar; more
quirky customs to the bizarre wildlife. However, even in than enough reason to visit Madagascar at all.
Sifakas are a type of lemur. They are strangely human
that extreme context, trekking for singing indris and seeing
and very quirky. Their black faces and creamy white
dancing sifakas are simply unforgettable experiences. bodies make them look like animated fluffy toys with
For more information, “Wake up, they’re dancing. Five of them together,” calls serious faces. They are intriguing to watch. We stand
go to madagascar- our guide Dodi from outside our room. Through bleary in the early morning sunshine transfixed, not wanting
tourisme.com/en/. eyes we see the creatures sidestepping in the red dust. to blink lest we miss some action. These sifakas are
They turn to face the opposite direction and carry on unable to walk normally, as their feet are designed to
their sideways dance, arms held high and legs criss- grasp tree trunks. They jump great distances between
crossing in mid-air with each strange leap. They all have trees, but whenever the distance is too great and they
fixed stares and look like startled teddy bears in a trance. need to cross open ground, they have to skip or dance
Seeing these dancing sifakas is more than enough to make their way. Their offspring, with equally startled
16
04 20we want to see next. Finding them requires trekking in Sifakas (above) skip
the montane forest of Andasibe-Mantadia reserve, an across open ground
hour or two’s drive from the capital Antananarivo. between trees.
We overnight on the edge of the montane forest and are
woken before dawn by the bizarre sound of shrill sirens The indri (above
interspersed with whale song. We listen for a minute left) is the jungle's
before realising it’s indris marking their territories – they favourite vocalist.
do it with song instead of scent, as their territories are
huge. So, while sifakas dance, indris sing and provide a
expressions, cling like Velcro to their backs as their haunting start to the day.
parents dance and jump from one tree to the next to We are up and dressed at breakneck speed. Our guide
continue foraging for leaves. Maurice is waiting for us and we head into the adjacent
forest to trek the lemurs. Since indris live in trees all
Follow the sound their lives, even giving birth there, we will be tracking
The huge island of Madagascar has about 111 known them by sound, not spoor. We walk and listen, then
species of lemur, and at least 17 species have already walk and listen some more through the cool forest. The
gone extinct since man arrived there, with 95% of arboreal indris only descend from the trees to lick soil
the remainder threatened with extinction because of for minerals, so our chances of seeing them at eye level
deforestation, hunting and the illegal pet trade. Lemurs are almost zero.
range in size from the pygmy mouse lemur, which can As we go, Maurice tells us that indris share the forest
recline comfortably in an egg cup, to the piebald, teddy with a whole gamut of bizarre creatures, from the giant
bear-like indri – weighing in at around 7kg. It’s the indri Parson’s chameleon that can grow up to 61cm long, to
17
04 20travel leisure | lifestyle
MADAGASCAR
A Parson's chameleon brightly coloured frogs and birds, carnivorous plants and The trees above are rustling, and the indri starts
poses for a portrait. boa constrictors. jumping to adjacent trees. “He’s on the move; are
We walk on through the forest, with Maurice leading you keen to follow?” asks Maurice. Of course we are!
the way. It’s easy walking over the undulating terrain; no We’ll follow until we’re worn out. But quickly, the indri
real clambering is involved. Slowly, the indri calls grow outsmarts us and is jumping fast in different directions.
louder and more shrill, and we follow the sound. Twenty Maurice laughs: “I think he is tired of us and is shaking
minutes later, Maurice stops, raises his hand for us to us off.” We all sit under a tree to gather our breath and
remain quiet, and points up into a skyscraper-tall tree. listen as he jumps and sings in the treetops, his call
“You see the black blob right at the top? It’s an indri,” growing fainter.
he whispers. “Don’t stand directly underneath him in “Our local people have an interesting legend about
case he needs the bathroom.”Suddenly, all is completely the indri,” explains Maurice. “They believe that the
How to get there quiet, but for the rustle of leaves and our own breath. indri is the father of mankind or the ancestor of man.
It comes from the story of a young boy who climbed a
Creature in control tree to collect honey, but then couldn’t get down again.
As we look up, the indri with tufty ears looks down at us. An indri came to his rescue.” This story may have been
His black face is surprised, but that’s a permanent look. the indri’s saving grace for a long time, but this beautiful
He seems amused and constantly looks up and down lemur remains critically endangered.
at us again. Then he breaks the silence and lets out an With renewed energy, we tighten our boots and head
ear-splitting shrill call. Now we are the startled ones, but homewards and out of the forest. It’s a leisurely walk
we compose ourselves, lean back against a tree and wait now, and we stop en route to see a master of disguise.
for further action. He is in no rush, and neither are we. It takes a while to identify the leaf-tailed gecko on a
Maurice tells us that in Madagascar it’s fady (or taboo) tree trunk. Only when he opens and closes his eyes
Airlink connects to kill or eat a lemur, which is why there are still a handful can we spot this incredible creature. It’s quite likely we
Johannesburg and of lemurs left in protected areas. He adds that it’s also missed dozens of critters as we walked, but we saw the
Antananarivo and fady to harm or degrade many natural areas on the indris, and they sang to us. And that made everything
Nosy Be. Go to page island, which helps with conservation. These customs, worthwhile.
75 for flight schedules. however, are being transgressed more and more, which
www.flyairlink.com doesn’t bode well for beautiful Madagascar. Text | Keri Harvey Photography | Fred Johnson
18
04 20In the Pilanesberg National Park Villas
Less than two hours’ drive from JHB, you could have your very own private
luxury lodge within Bakubung Bush Lodge, which is known as one of South
Africa’s iconic bushveld resorts and is situated in the stunning, Big 5,
malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park.
The Bakubung Villas project is a very unique property investment opportunity
which rarely presents itself, allowing investors to acquire their very own piece of
this prestigious resort for themselves, with only 22 private stands.
Investors can now enjoy the best of both worlds, by owning your very own
private lodge with the Big 5 roaming within meters of your patio, yet still enjoy
all the incredible services and facilities offered by the resort and its hotel. Some
of which include a luxurious new day spa, a variety of dining experiences and
bars, wildlife centre, game drives and bush walks into the park, direct daily
shuttles into Sun City.
Investors will also have the option of incorporating their lodge into Legacy’s
commercial rental program, providing owners with an immediate financial
return. In terms of ownership, accessibility, as well as the broad array of services
and facilities both onsite and neighbouring the resort, you will struggle to find a
similar property opportunity which offers you what the Bakubung Villas do.
TURNKEY VILLAS & FRACTIONAL
Developed and Managed by
OWNERSHIP OPTIONS NOW SELLING
EWAN DYKES | +27 (0) 83 755 8944 | EDYKES@MAGICB.CO.ZA
TERTIUS VAN ASWEGEN | +27 (0) 84 799 3160 | TERTIUSV@MAGICB.CO.ZA
WWW.BAKUBUNGVILLAS.CO.ZAtravel leisure | lifestyle
MOSSEL BAY
Small town,
big agenda
Mossel Bay punches well above its weight
in terms of the range of activities on offer
Spend a weekend in Mossel Bay and you’ll discover the town has a split personality. On the
one side, it oozes small-town charm, with sandy beaches where you can still buy soft-serve ice
creams, but flip the coin and you’ll find an adventure hub that will keep your adrenaline pumping
long after you’ve returned to work.
For more information, This sleepy town starts buzzing at the beginning of size replica of the caravel in which Bartolomeu Dias
go to visitmosselbay. each holiday, with visitors flocking towards the five first rounded the Cape. There is a Cultural Museum,
co.za. blue flag beaches for sun, surfing and sports. Mossel a Shell Museum and an aquarium, as well as the
Bay has enough to keep you busy for weeks on end but famous Post Office Tree in which Dias hid a letter
is also small enough to explore in a weekend. to his compatriot Joao da Silva. A giant red post box
serves as a reminder of the rich history of the original
Participate with the past Old Post Tree and is still used today with the original
Start your visit by discovering how southern Africans franking. You can send letters to loved ones around the
first met European explorers more than 500 years world, but it might be best to write and post the letter
ago. This meeting is celebrated at the Dias Museum at the end of your stay, to capture all the memories
Complex, where the Maritime Museum houses a life- you made.
20
04 20The complex is an interesting mix of then and now
and a great way to start a holiday. History buffs can also
download a map on the Mossel Bay Tourism website
to explore historical Mossel Bay on foot. Another great
outing is taking the ‘Point of Human Origins’ tour to
the world-renowned archaeological site where early
evidence for modern human behaviour can be found.
When everyone has had their fill of history, book Trail mix
a fancy dinner at Route 57, situated in one of Mossel If you have extra days to explore the area, add these to your to-do list.
Bay’s historic stone buildings. The restaurant is named • The St Blaize Hiking Trail is a popular 13.5km, six-hour hike that follows the 30m
to acknowledge the achievement of South African golfer contour along the cliffs westwards from the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse. It begins at the
cave below the lighthouse and ends in Dana Bay. Look out for the signs depicting an
Louis Oosthuizen, who played his lowest round of golf at
oystercatcher.
Mossel Bay Golf Club in 2002, scoring 57 (15 under par). • The Oystercatcher Trail is a love affair with nature. The hike spans four nights and five
Here you’ll find fine dining, Mossel Bay style. Order the days, walking from Cape St Blaize to the Gourits River Mouth. If you’re lucky, you’ll see
creamy mussels with the Route 57 signature white wine dolphins and whales and all sorts of birdlife. You only have to carry a day pack, as your
and garlic cream sauce – you won’t be disappointed. luggage is transported for you.
21
04 20travel leisure | lifestyle
MOSSEL BAY
Try out the longest Saturday mornings are perfect for lazing about on the speed boat. Buckle up and let the expert pilot show you
over-ocean zipline beach or taking a half-day trip to Jakkalsvlei Wine Farm the thrill and excitement of one of Mossel Bay’s best-
in the world. for pizza and wine, or a scenic drive in the Ruiterbos kept adrenaline secrets.
area between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn. You’ll find Less adventurous? Opt to take a class at the Inverroche
quaint little shops, farm stalls, hiking trails and 4x4 Gin school at Café Gannet. Here you’ll craft your unique
routes. This area is brilliant for bird lovers, and anyone bottle of gin, sample gins and learn more about local
interested in the proteas and ericas of the region’s fynbos. Café Gannet is also one of the most popular
mountain fynbos. spots to grab a bite during your stay, and you’ll feel as if
How to get there you’re somewhere in the Mediterranean when sitting in
Speed and spirits their sun-kissed courtyard.
Back in Mossel Bay, head down to Kaai 4 Braai for If you have youngsters, they’ll enjoy Diaz Water Park at
roosterkoek on the quays. Here you can sit and watch the Diaz Hotel. Families can relax around the braai and
the waves crash against the harbour while your meal – picnic areas for as long as the water keeps the kids busy.
everything from potjiekos, braaivleis and whole fish on You can end off the day with a meal at everyone’s
the grid – is made on open fires. favourite Mossel Bay hangout, Sea Gypsy. The seafood
A sunny afternoon in the area calls for adventure, and at Sea Gypsy is fresh and moreish, the views are
with the longest over-ocean zipline in the world opening unbeatable, and the vibe will make you order an extra
this year, you’ll be off to a good start! It is 1,100m long and round or three… Mossel Bay can keep you busy 24
you can reach speeds of up to 80km/h while you take in hours a day, and you’ll still feel as if there is one more
Airlink connects Cape unparalleled views of the cliffs, ocean and sea life. sight to see, a dish to taste and adventure to be had.
Town and Durban with If heights are not your thing, but speed is, you You’ll just have to come back!
George. Go to page can try a ride on the Freaking Fast Waverider, based
75 for flight schedules. at the harbour waterfront jetty. They provide a fun Text | Mart-Marié du Toit Photography | Mossel Bay
www.flyairlink.com introduction to the exhilarating art of wave-riding by Tourism, Jessica Pote from SA Forest Adventures
22
04 20travel leisure | lifestyle
ST HELENA
Branch management
Locals help to restore ancient natural balance
The sub-tropical island of St Helena is a jewel in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, a
biodiversity hotspot for an array of plant and animal species. Around 14 million years ago, the island
erupted from the ocean floor along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in a dazzling display of fire and steam. No one
stepped foot onto her fertile soil until her discovery on 21 May 1502 by Portuguese admiral Joao da Nova.
To get involved with the Today, one can only imagine the magnificent sights In 2000, everyone on St Helena was encouraged
#MillenniumForest2020 those first sailors beheld, the grandeur of the landscape to plant an endemic gumwood tree (Commidendrum
initiative (make a with its sheer, guano-cloaked cliffs and deep green robustum) in the Forest. Every school pupil planted
donation; plant a valleys, coastlines teeming with life and never-before- a tree – 4,000 of them. A competition to design the
tree yourself), get seen terrestrial creatures. The unique ecosystem that gateway to the Forest was won by Gina Henry. A hut
in touch with the developed because of the island’s isolation allowed the was built as a shelter for three day-workers providing
St Helena National preservation and transformation of species that had support in the preparation for planting and care of the
Trust via trust.org.sh. established themselves to co-evolve, giving rise to the trees. It was later extended to create a small nursery
island’s exceptional endemic flora and fauna. Decline for seedlings, using materials salvaged from the waste
came when humans intervened. Today, the hold these disposal site. Funding to set up the Forest was provided
endemic flora and fauna have on the island has weakened by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, supported
and continues to regress. in kind by the St Helena Government. As the years
moved on, the Millennium Forest was awarded funding
Joint effort from the UK Government (DEFRA Darwin initiative),
How to get there Conservation efforts over the years have worked towards local island organisations and the European Union
protecting and preserving the island’s highly threatened (BEST 2.0).
flora and fauna. One of the most significant interventions
is the Millennium Forest project, designed to restore part Lasting value
of the former Great Wood ancient forest of gumwoods. Now, 20 years on, the Forest has grown considerably.
Taking on the vision of turning barren, eroded wasteland It covers approximately 35ha with dryland endemic
into a forest of endemics, the Millennium Forest has been species, mainly comprising gumwood but also ebony
planted by the community, for the community. (Trochetiopsis ebenus) and rosemary (Phylica polifolia),
Restoration work started at Horse Point in the 1980s, among others. Many of the plantings of rare endemics
with the planting of endemics by former forestry officer represent valuable genetic stocks for conservation.
Norman Williams and conservation officer George In celebration of the Millennium Forests’ 20th
Airlink connects Benjamin. This early success provided the foundation anniversary, the Trust will be organising events
Johannesburg with St and inspiration for the Millennium Forest project, throughout 2020, hoping to match the 4,000 gumwood
Helena. Go to page 75 conceptualised and initiated by Rebecca Cairns-Wicks trees planted two decades ago.
for flight schedules. and officially launched in 2000. It’s been managed by the
www.flyairlink.com St Helena National Trust since 2002. Text | Martina Peters Photography | Supplied
24
04 20THE CALL OF THE BERG…
R T H E B E A CH
…O
FUN AND RELAXATION IS WITHIN YOUR
REACH AT THE BERG OR THE BEACH!
This is your personal invitation to experience the excitement and
rejuvenation of Champagne Sports Resort and Pumula Beach Hotel.
Get away from it all and discover paradise!
Where friends and family meet
www.champagnesportsresort.com www.pumulabeachhotel.com
reservations@champagnesportsresort.com reservations@pumulabeachhotel.co.za
+27 (0)36 468 8000 +27 (0)39 684 6717travel leisure | lifestyle
RICHARDS BAY
A secret
garden Compact KwaZulu-Natal
sanctuary encourages rest
and communing with nature
26
04 20Northern KwaZulu-Natal is one
of South Africa’s bush hotspots,
littered with famous reserves where
conservation world firsts have become
almost de rigueur, and blessed with
verdant green bush to go with the
scenic bodies of water in the area – the
Pongolapoort Dam and the beautiful
Lake St Lucia.
The place feels wild. Richards Bay, the biggest town in
the region, is left behind quickly, heading up the N2
from the airport and shedding the signs of commerce
around the huge port and the mines, replacing those
with hills, trees and grassland, and a narrow swathe
Cats, curiosity and complexity animals’, unable to be re-introduced
of Eswatini on the horizon, just beyond the nearby Also on the property is the Zululand Cat to the wild because of injuries or
international border. Conservation Project. Such a facility is, being hand-raised as pets and thus
Along the way, there are any number of road signs in a cultural and environmental climate not developing the necessary skills
pointing the way to various avenues to adventure, as well where canned lion hunting and other to hunt and survive. New arrivals
such practices are a reality, always worth and animals being prepared for
as to local communities with memorable, lyrical names
investigating in terms of how the animals ‘re-wilding’ are kept in a separate
such as Dukuduku. And then, just off the highway – in housed there are treated, and what those area with no visitors.
fact, bewilderingly close to the thoroughfare, given the animals’ future prospects are. • Noting how careful the staff are to
absence of noise and the lushness of the foliage – is a A guide on what is and what is not discourage touching of the animals,
hotel property a fraction of the size of the competition appropriate in this regard is available on the and to enforce this rule. Regardless,
South African Tourism Services Association’s any visitor is expected to wash their
up and down that strip of road, but at least their equal
website (satsa.com/animal-interaction- hands with a special disinfectant (on
in every other way. research-home), and it is worth perusing entry and exit) to stop the introduction
before visiting Emdoneni if you are planning or spread of any harmful germs.
First impressions to take a tour of the Conservation Project. • Learning a great deal from
The approach to the lodge may involve a bit of traffic knowledgeable guides.
What is wonderful here:
– a dozen impala here; a pair of dainty nyala there; a
• Being able to observe a small A point of concern:
handful of delicate butterflies that’ll fly around you selection of wild cat species – • Though there is no touching and
in the slipstream of your car. Then, on the right, the cheetah, serval, caracal and African the camps in which the cats are
property’s cat rehabilitation project, and on the left, the wildcat – many of them rescued from kept are large, allowing for plenty of
monolithic reception, first impressions that don’t give a roads, farms and homes where people room between animal and human,
had ill-advisedly been keeping them photographs with the cats in the
true sense of what you see and feel once you get inside
as pets. fore- or background are still allowed.
(though the warmth and humour of the staff begins at • Getting a sense of the importance There’s a valid argument for phasing
the gate and continues throughout). of breeding endangered species and that practice out and delivering the
There’s a wall around the parking area, with a re-introducing them to their natural information on the cats with everyone
pedestrian-plus-luggage-sized gap that is an opening habitats (including in some of the outside the fence, as allowing even
large reserves in the area). The cats this limited opportunity for habituation
– particularly in spring or summer – to a kind of secret
you see on the tour are ‘ambassador with humans remains controversial.
kingdom. The sub-tropical trees and shrubs that fringe
the buildings and act as centrepieces between walkways
drip with flowers in astonishing shades of red, orange, Joining the team For more
yellow and purple. The creatures that flit between them That sense of being in nature and enjoying being part information, go to
are equally striking: glittering beetles, pollen-laden of it (without needing to head out in a safari vehicle or emdonenilodge.com.
bees and more of those butterflies; more species than going on a hike or climbing in a… hot air balloon) is
most people might have ever seen before. On a bright, continued in, of all places, the swimming pool. That’s
cloudless day, the sun filters through a dozen kinds of not to say that the water is dark and there are strange
leaves, giving the air a soft emerald tinge and the paths things with tentacles brushing up against your legs. It’s
a gently dappled pattern that makes not stepping on the a normal, blue pool, like you’d find in suburbia, and it’s
heavily camouflaged local lizards a worthy challenge. a cool, soothing haven against the heavy, humid heat.
27
04 20travel leisure | lifestyle
RICHARDS BAY
Watch wildlife from And there are frogs – tiny little suckers, no larger Spread out around a large garden area, you have
a shady patio. than a fingernail – who also think those qualities are plenty of privacy, but also, if you’re visiting as a family,
attractive. So you may find yourself unintentionally the means to have kids close by but also enjoying their
competing in a breast-stroke race with one of the own sense of freedom. And returning to a quiet room
creatures whose species invented the style and, like all for some downtime after a hard morning or afternoon’s
the best hosts, they’ll let you win. Well, it’s either their walking, swimming or eating (schedules are tough) to
good nature or the 450:1 body size ratio, but whatever step into an environment so pristine and so deliciously
– enjoy your victory. chilled makes you feel like a pharaoh or an empress.
How to get there Nobody is standing there popping grapes into your
Cool customers mouth, but it could possibly be arranged.
Emdoneni doesn’t feel like a traditional hotel. The The spa is just as welcoming, but in a slightly different
main building looks like an old farmhouse, and you way. The windows on one wall are so large that you
feel almost like a guest in a family’s home – a family briefly understand how a goldfish in a tank must feel.
with a large dining room, mind – when you’re seated Instead of feeling neurotic about the possibility of
in the restaurant. Meals have a home-cooked taste someone wandering past and watching you trying to
with restaurant plating and portion sizes that suggest do that thing where you hold the towel behind you
wanting to provide value for a full-board rate. (There is a as you position yourself with your face in the padded
bar fridge in your room – sneak some leftovers back for hole thingy, there’s a sense of loving the idea of being
between-meal snacks). surrounded by nature as you have the treatment. For the
Airlink connects The rooms – chalets and rondavels – are modern, record, would-be spies would need to hobble through
Johannesburg with spotless (permanently, somehow; which is impressive a dense thicket of trees just outside the giant windows,
Richard's Bay. Go in a climate that’s always hot and sticky and where so good luck to them; such commitment should be
to page 75 for the rooms are surrounded by a nature reserve packed rewarded.
flight schedules. to the tree canopy with delightful critters) and,
www.flyairlink.com importantly, cool. Text and photography | Bruce Dennill
28
04 2047921 Travel effortlessly between Johannesburg and East London. Airlink, the largest privately-owned regional feeder airline in southern Africa, will operate flights between Johannesburg and East London from 16 March. The daily flight offers exemplary business class service and keeps you connected to one of South Africa’s favourite cities. The flight has been timed to maximise connections for international travellers off their early morning long-haul arrivals at OR Tambo, minimising time spent in airport transfers. Choose Airlink - offering you endless opportunities. flyairlink.com @fly_airlink Fly Airlink
travel leisure | lifestyle
CAPE TOWN
It’s the
There are big, obvious things to little
things
do in the Mother City, but there
are also some lesser-known
gems to add to your itinerary
Yusuf Jinoo is the • Explore the seas offers 18 holes, each with separate tees, together with
concierge at the Enjoy a kayaking experience with Atlantic Outlook 14 world-class greens that share nine beautiful fairways.
Radisson Blu Hotel Kayaking that takes you directly past the Waterfront
Waterfront. For more and along the Atlantic Seaboard. This adventure makes • Bang on
information, go to for picture-perfect photographs. Visitors can learn the story behind Cape Town’s
radissonhotels.com. Noon Gun. Arrive from 11h30, so that you have the
• A different perspective opportunity to appreciate the beautiful scenery and the
Bike and Saddle offers an outing starting at the Radisson armoury located at the Battery. There’s a brief history
Blu Hotel Waterfront and takes riders all along the coast presentation by the SA Navy that usually commences
out towards Blouberg – all with Table Mountain as the at 11h45.
backdrop.
• Oranjezicht City Farm Market
• Take in some art This farm market is open every weekend. It is a
Situated in Portswood Road, the Everard Read Gallery is community farmers-style market where visitors can
easily overlooked by out-of-towners who don’t know the support independent local farmers and artisanal food
How to get there area. Visitors to the gallery can see a mix of contemporary producers.
paintings and sculptures by a variety of artists.
• Adrenalin ride
• Park it Experience the majestic city and ocean views from a
The Green Point Urban Park includes a fitness park for bird’s perspective. Tandem paragliding is available off
cycling, outdoor training and a play park for the kids. Lion’s Head or Signal Hill (depending on the weather).
With a clear focus on biodiversity, the heritage park It’s a truly breathtaking way to take in the views.
offers additional facilities including a tea garden, a
biodiversity nursery and short walks dedicated to the • Family fun
local flora and fauna. Enjoy a coastal game of putt-putt at The Three Anchor
Bay course on the beachfront promenade in Sea Point.
Cape Town is a major • Enjoy a round of golf It’s open seven days a week, weather permitting, and
Airlink hub. Go to page Cape Town is home to some amazing golf courses, has two courses of 18 holes each.
75 for flight schedules. including the Metropolitan Golf Course in Green Point.
www.flyairlink.com It is one of South Africa’s premiere golf courses and Text | Yusuf Jinoo Photography | Quality Master
30
04 20business trade | industry
HR
Give the
people what
they want
A competitive salary alone is no longer
enough to attract and retain top staff
According to the Workplace Culture Trends report In South Africa, a study conducted by the South African
for 2018, 86% of millennials said they would consider Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) found that more
taking a pay-cut in order to work at a company that offers than 40% of all work-related illness is due to work-related
stress, major depression, burnout and anxiety disorders.
packages that suit their values and lifestyle. Such perks
Another study further found that depression alone cost
include access to healthcare, gym memberships and SA more than R232 billion in lost productivity, due to
parental leave. And companies are listening. absence from work and attending work while feeling ill.
For more information The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans A study by Britain’s Chartered Institute of Personnel
go to iwgplc.com. reports that more than nine in 10 companies around the and Development found that 80% of employees with
world offer staff at least one form of wellness benefit, mental ill-health in the UK struggle to concentrate, 50%
and more than three in five have an allocated ‘wellness are potentially less likely to be patient with clients or
budget’. What’s more, these budgets are expected to customers and 37% are more likely to get into conflict
increase by 7.8% in the coming years and, according to with colleagues. It’s also estimated that in the UK alone,
Deloitte, the corporate wellbeing market as a whole will mental ill-health costs employers between R600 billion
be worth R169.5 billion in 2021. and R750 billion per year, so it’s clear why businesses will
The term ‘wellbeing’ is a broad one and can cover just continue to address these issues.
about any aspect of an employee’s life. So, which specific
areas are companies focussing on in 2020? Financial support
Employers are also set to offer more financial wellness
Stress and mental health support in 2020. An Alexander Forbes Member Watch
Already a hot topic, the mental health of employees will Survey found that SA employees are spending an average
continue to dominate wellbeing agendas. Stress and lack of 13 hours a month (in some cases, even more than 20
of work/life balance support cost the EU, Australia, Canada hours) worrying about their finances. What’s more, the
and US billions every year through reduced productivity. PWC Employee Fit and Wellness Survey also revealed that
32
04 20address in recent years, with figures from Bank of America’s
2019 Workplace Benefits Report showing that twice as many
companies offer financial wellbeing support today (53%)
compared to four years ago (24%). However, according
to research done by Thomsons Online Benefits, there
are still a number of barriers preventing businesses from
offering financial wellbeing programmes to employees.
For example, almost one in four companies is concerned
about the risk of getting too involved in their employees’
financial lives, 20% think that it’s not their role to do so
and 24% worry about the costs of offering such support.
Despite these concerns, there’s a clear need for
businesses offering financial wellbeing packages to their
employees, as they continue to recognise the impact
financial worry has on their wellbeing.
Flexible working
As employees look to achieve greater work/life balance, Employers are also
they are increasingly seeking work with businesses set to offer more
that offer flexibility. This has become so important to financial wellness
employees that the latest IWG Global Workspace Survey support in 2020.
found 83% of workers around the world would turn down
a job that didn’t offer flexible working, with 54% saying
that having a choice of work location is more important to
them than working for a prestigious company.
As a result of this demand, in the past 10 years, 85% of
businesses have introduced a flexible workspace policy,
or are planning to adopt one. However, a number of
companies still have reservations about flexible working,
with 60% saying that changing the organisational culture
is the main barrier to implementing a flexible workspace
UK employees who are stressed about their finances are policy and over a third (41%) say that fear of how flexible
absent from work for twice as many days as those who working may impact the overall company culture is the
were not stressed, again impacting productivity and a biggest obstacle.
company’s ability to operate at full capacity.
This is an issue that businesses overseas have begun to Text | Supplied Photography | fizkesYou can also read
