JUNE 2015
Pairing MERLOTS ERGONOMIC sense Drug BUSTER Jabi Relinquish CONTROL SALDANHA sojourn
Photograph: Markus Hanetseder
DIARY
June events 18 A final performance from one of the top 10 best-selling male artists of all time KENNY ROGERS FA R E W E L L T O U R , Grand Arena, 20h00. Cost R395 – R620
21 ONE REPUBLIC NATIVE is this top group’s latest world tour – Grand Arena, 19h00. Cost R395 – R590
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It’s that time again - the WACKY WINE WEEKEND at wineries around Robertson, tel 023 6263167. Cost R120
25 Flautist Liesl Stoltz is live at KLATZOW’S 70TH CELEBRATION, City Hall, 20h00. Cost R90 – R230
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The inaugural CLEMENGOLD & ZANDVLIET FESTIVAL includes performances from Luna Paige, Khan Morbee of the Parlotones, Albert Frost, Simon Orange, Chris Chameleon, as well as children’s theatre and wine tasting - Zandvliet Estate, Ashton, 18h00. Cost R120
19 A series of seven themed four-course dinners kicks off with VIVA ITALIA AT THE GOATSHED, Fairview, Suid-Agter Paarl Rd, 19h00. Cost R285
19 The best young talent is on at the YOUTH JAZZ FESTIVAL, Artscape Theatre, 19h30. Cost R80
7 Animals in need will again benefit from DANCERS LOVE DOGS, Artscape Theatre, 18h30. Cost R250
20 12 Taste the top award-winning wines of the year at the OLD MUTUAL TROPHY WINE SHOW, CTICC, 18h00. Cost R150 – R175
about Atlantic Gull A monthly West Coast lifestyle publication. Distribution to the following estates: Atlantic Beach, Dune Ridge, La Paloma, Sunset Links and Waters Edge. Also homes along many Blouberg, West Beach, Flamingo Vlei and Wave’s Edge roads; as well as batches to Starke Ayres Nursery, Sandown Nursery,
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Starting at the Wale St museum and ending with a traditional Cape Malay dinner, BO-KAAP: FAITH AND HOMES is an event led by Imam Mohammed Groenewald in the Bo-Kaap – ph 072 3778014 or kate@cultureconnectsa.com. Cost of R350 before 16/6 includes dinner.
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A Rock with Santa party, Christmas activities and the real deal Christmas food at CHRISTMAS IN WINTER in Tulbagh, tulbaghinfo@lando.co.za. Cost R40
28 The Wicomb Jazz Trio plays while cheese fondue is paired with Glühwein and award-winning estate wines at the DELHEIM CHEESE FONDUE & JAZZ, Delheim Estate, Knorhoek Rd, 12h30. Ph 021 8884607. Cost R200
Carlucci’s, Melissa’s, all Pick n Pay, Spar and Checkers outlets, Virgin Active, Sportsman’s Warehouse, coffee shops and hairdressers from Milnerton to Duynefontein.
FRONT COVER PHOTO: BYGONES - West Coast National Park, by Markus Hanetseder
Deadline for July 2015 edition advert booking: 28 May. For advertising rates, phone Mariette Greyling or send an email.
View the magazine online: www.atlanticgull.com
PUBLISHER & EDITOR: Mariette Greyling, Tomar Communications, tel 021 5540442, 082 5667816; mariette@tomar.co.za; www.tomar.co.za. LAYOUT: Annène van Eeden, Zone One PRINTING: Fineline Print Solutions
All material published has copyright and may not be reproduced in part or whole.
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The social media IMPERATIVE by Will Scott Anyone who runs a business will know that doing business has changed drastically over the last 20 years. The behaviour of consumers has been altered forever by the internet age and, with the resulting explosion of choice on offer, competition for market share has increased exponentially. Brands have had to rethink their marketing, recognising that with the advent of social media, their customers and clients are merely a tweet or post away. However, while this access to consumers is welcome, the emergent open forum has presented businesses with a whole new set of pitfalls and challenges. This has birthed a new kind of marketer, the social media manager. Social media has changed business structures in some instances. In the past, businesses would have had an entire market research department: determining target demographics, doing competitor analysis and obtaining consumer feedback on new products or services. Often, these were costly exercises and it was time-consuming to carry out, analyse and implement the results. Social media has changed all that.
With a minimal budget it’s now possible to have one’s finger on the pulse of an industry, its market leaders, as well as its consumer base. Positioning one’s brand accordingly has never been easier. It must be noted that social media was never meant to replace standard print, radio, or television advertising. Traditional marketing still prevails, but social media has emerged as the ultimate value-adding complement to marketing and brand building in the 21st century. It has refined strategic targeted marketing to a point previously thought to be out of reach to all but those with multimillion rand marketing budgets. The playing field has been levelled to include SMEs alongside multi-national corporations when it comes to accessing worldwide statistics and trends. Social media isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Many start-ups ask the question: “Is social media for us?” The answer is both yes and no. Each brand employs different operating models and strategies to reach clients. Diverse products and services will be bought, used or utilised by people or organisations with individual needs and requirements.
Therefore, each social media platform will appeal to different brands according to the nature of the content, as well as the social make-up of persons who frequent them. There may have been a time when a presence on every single platform was desirable, but the demands for return on investment now dictate that a social media strategy be drawn up to identify a brand’s unique identity, isolate what format works best for it and then short-list only those platforms with the desired synchronicity between function and the persons who frequent them. Because word of mouth is regarded as the most effective marketing resource, one ultimately wants the right people to see your products or services, sharing them with their friends and family. While virality doesn’t guarantee success, success is usually borne out of virality. When used correctly, social media fulfils an array of functions which previously required individual departments within businesses. Take customer relations management for example. There was a time when a fully manned switchboard was needed to deal with customer queries. It was time consuming, both for the customer as well as the business and it was expensive. Social media now presents a business with the tools to speak to customers in real time without having to put the customer on hold for what seems like an eternity. When consumers have complaints, these can be driven to e-mail or, if need be, a call can be made to the customer from the business to resolve any disputes. The experience becomes more pleasant for the customer and, with some tact, the business can avoid damaging negative exposure. All relationships have their ups and downs and social media is all about building relationships between a brand and the public. Your brand speaks for your business even when you don’t. Whether you want to generate leads, increase web traffic to your website, or simply share content at the speed of thought, there’s a social media solution for your business. It will ultimately be cheaper, put your product or service in front of the right people and provide you with real time data. The question you should be asking yourself isn’t ‘can I afford to use social media?’ but rather, ‘can I afford not to?’ Will Scott is a social media marketer and can be contacted on 021 5567873
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Matching merlot
to MENUS
South African merlots tend to be rather tough in tannin and racy in style when compared to their French counterparts. Many merlots contain a portion of cabernet sauvignon and most South Africans happily drink a merlot with anything they might eat with a good cabernet sauvignon. Therefore, the best advice for matching merlots and food may be to think of them as cabernets. Differences in structure and mouth-feel separate merlot from cabernet more than flavours do. W ine writer Jabulani Ntshangase commented, “As a broad generalisation, merlot doesn’t have the stiff backbone, tannin, concentration and acidity of cabernet. Most experienced wine drinkers think of merlot as a softer red wine, somewhere between cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir on the power scale.” In South Africa, the fruit of merlot’s flavour profi le tends to focus around blackcurrant, berries and sometimes cherries. Herbal, vegetal, or minty overtones can take over. Cedary, earthy fl avours aren’t uncommon. Also, ageing in oak barrels provides the same spice and vanilla components you might find in a good cab. To prove that merlot matches fur, feathers and scales, the Cape Independent Winemakers Guild compiled this menu a while ago. First course: smoked black marlin complemented by Delheim Merlot. Main course: spiced duck confit with glass noodles and baby vegetables with Overgaauw Merlot. Dessert: cheese board with Thelema Merlot.
FIND your
comfort zone
Ergonomics involves every human activity – work systems, sports and leisure – and if you want to achieve optimum results in all you do, plus stay healthy and safe, you’d be well advised to consider ergonomic principles.
SITTING
Apart from the physical size and shape of different people, ergonomics take strength, compatibility of controls, vision, sound, thermal comfort, motion, vibration and workloads into account.
Rather than working in a single posture, find your comfort zone. Increase your zones to include both sitting and standing. When sitting or standing, change your posture often throughout the day. And when standing, wear flat shoes – preferably trainers. Change your shoes every two hours. Take regular short breaks: stretch, or walk around.
SEEING Vision is usually the primary channel for information, yet systems are often so poorly designed that the user is unable to see the work area clearly. Many computer users can’t see the screen because of glare or refl ections. Others, doing precise assembly tasks, have insufficient lighting, suffering from eyestrain and reduced output as a result. Ensure that your screen or work surface has adequate lighting, without reflection and without causing neck strain. When typing, use readable fonts and sizes. Furthermore, keep something visually stimulating on your desk as respite for your eyes – a bright picture, a Zen garden, flowers or a plant. HEARING Care must be taken not to overload this sensory channel. The sound of trickling water or soft background music is conducive to high productivity.
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Confirmed medical statistics show that almost 70% of people sit incorrectly due to bad posture, or badly designed office chairs, leading to reduced productivity.
Frequently switch to tasks that require movement. And if your desk chair offers a range of adjustments, switch back and forth between sitting positions. Always ensure that your back is supported. WARNINGS Studies have suggested that long periods of sitting, improper workstation layouts, incorrect work habits, stressful work conditions and relationships, or problems in your personal health may be linked to injuries. These injuries could include carpal tunnel syndrome, fibrositis in the shoulder joints, inflammation of tendons and other musculoskeletal disorders. Warning signs include one or more of the following: numbness, burning, tingling, aching, tenderness, pain, throbbing, swelling, stiffness, weakness or coldness in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or back.
WHO’S HOT
Sniffing SENSATION Jabi Perfect of Sunningdale is set to become a narcotics sniffer dog of note With his laid-back demeanour and responsiveness to training, Labrador Jabi (short for Jabiru) has been selected as one of the few successful adolescent candidates to join Dogs against Drugs SA. Established by grand dogmaster Werner Fichtner of Edu-Dog Training School in 2009, the organisation is a community service to all Western Cape schools and organisations. The team visits schools to lecture children about the dangers of drugs, followed by a demonstration in which the sniffer dogs show their drug-detecting prowess. Jabi is being trained to fi nd and identify six types of drugs, namely dagga, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstacy and mandrax. He’ll even be able to pin-point drug combinations. No matter what comes his way, Jabi is as cool as a cucumber. Owner/mom Shelagh Perfect described him as ‘bomb-proof’. “I can creep up on him and go ‘boo’ loudly, but he simply yawns and looks at me with an ever-so-bored expression.” She continued, “The challenge for me was in learning to be a handler who can synchronise hand and voice commands. This is harder than one imagines and I constantly struggle to keep up with his intelligence and not hinder him in his training. Beyond this it has been incredibly interesting and an absolute joy to see how extraordinary dogs are. It’s also been quite a lesson learning the ways in which they improve our lives. Jabi definitely mended me in so many ways.” Now 15 months old, this loveable Lab travels everywhere with his mom: visiting
restaurants, shopping and of course long walks on the beach. At home, he sunbathes or keeps Shelagh motivated while she’s busy with her bookkeeping work. Being a canine of few words, Jabi hardly ever barks. But when he does, it’s definitely an alarm. Typically Labrador, he’ll find any excuse to get into water. Having grown up with ducks, cats, horses, guinea fowl and chickens on a farm in Mooi River as a pup, he’s friendly towards all fellow creatures big and small, in addition to tolerating
small children with great patience. What you would call a well-adjusted dog in all respects. And eager to please to boot. With his soon-to-be status as a sniffer dog, Jabi will earn a handy little salary. But, being a guy who likes to pay his way, he prudently will invest his income in a savings account for unforeseen veterinary expenses and of course the occasional delicious treat. In true celebrity style, even his meals will be provided by ardent fan, Eukanuba. As his gastronomic preference has been another brand until now, it will require adaptation. But, true to form, Jabi is quite comfortable switching allegiance when required. FAST FACTS I veg out by catching a nap My pet place on the West Coast is Big Bay beach Best restaurant is Eden Café, Big Bay I love eating chicken fillets My signature drink is water My sport of choice is swimming On TV I enjoy Animal Planet My hobbies are car rides and socialising with mates on the beach For a free educational talk on drugs and a sniffer dog demonstration, contact Werner on 082 2223950.
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LIGHTEN UP! LEARN TO CURB YOUR INNER CONTROL FREAK
an inherent lack of respect for the opinions and ways of others. In business, a meeting of minds is often necessary. However, you need to sell yourself and your ideas to those working with you. In certain instances, you have to exert your opinions, influence or power to get something done. Or you have to use creative tactics to change the opinion of others. That’s simply part of business and shouldn’t be confused with controlling behaviour. To become less controlling, stop depending on other people being, thinking or behaving in a certain way. Make allowances for the fact that each person sees life differently. As you become less controlling, people will find it easier to be around you. When people feel accepted for who they are, their respect for you will increase greatly. If you were born with the ability to quickly envision the most efficient way through a task, problem, or challenge, you’re useful to many people, especially in the workplace. But it can make people crazy, too. Remember, it doesn’t always have to be about being efficient. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. Right? Yes and no. Sometimes you can take it too far. Let it go. Be a passenger and enjoy the journey without pre-planning. 1. LET GO OF YOUR EGO Take yourself down a notch. You’re great, but so are others. 2. DELEGATE Start small. Train people how to do things. See what it feels like to rely on others to do the work. Just like an alcoholic yearns for one more drink, many people crave control in any situation: jumping in, taking charge, directing the traffic fl ow. It’s cringe-worthy at times. And yet, they continue to do it. Being a control freak is a big deal. Here’s why. It can seriously damage relationships. When you try to control every situation, others worry that you don’t trust them. They also get sick of following your lead. You may notice friends and family starting to avoid you, getting irritated or exasperated. Or perhaps they’ve simply given up and accepted you’re the one who gets control. Ultimately, they could end up resenting you for it.
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It can cause you emotional, mental and physical stress. When feeling like you have to be in control of the world around every second of every day, you’re adding a tremendous amount of pressure to your life. It’s just not healthy. These unhealthy attempts to manipulate the behaviour of others, controlling your environment and insisting on having things done in a certain way to feel secure, can immobilise you, or make you defensive and anxious when people don’t behave to your specifications. A controlling person carries a great deal of stress, because not only does he, or she, have to be concerned with his own choices and behaviour, but also with the behaviour of others. Within the need to control, there’s
3. ACKNOWLEDGE YOU CAN’T CONTROL EVERYTHING Learn to go with the flow now and again. Once you see everything works out just fine without your intervention, you’ll become more comfortable with the idea. 4. GIVE UP CONTROL IN ONE AREA OF YOUR LIFE Make a conscious decision to give up control in one area of your life. Maybe you’ll let others decide what’s for dinner. Maybe you’ll go on vacation without planning a single excursion. Bite your tongue, sit back and relax. You’re there for the ride. Finally, ‘Being right is highly overrated. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.’ ~ Unknown
WHERE TO GO
Time-out IN SALDANHA With lawns rolling onto the beach, the gabled, three-star Blue Bay Lodge at Henry Wicht Avenue, Saldanha ticks all the boxes for a sit-back-and-relax break. The big plusfactor is, not having to encumber your break by worrying about meals and household chores. You also have the opportunity of exploring the upper part of the West Coast. Choose from rooms, suites or units with kitchenettes – all equipped with the necessary conveniences – both conventional and modern. If you have your heart set on a self-catering cottage, those are on offer too – all on the beachfront.
Less than 500 meters from the beach, the lodge boasts glorious views, two swimming pools, braai facilities, a tennis court, biokinetics gym, children’s playground and trampoline. You can even add a daily massage to your weekend itinerary. But that’s not all: spoil your four-legged brood with a genuine hotel holiday, because this family-friendly lodge considers pets part of the family. After a day of exploring Saldanha, visiting the Fossil Park, beach hiking, cycling on one of the many trails, boating, surfing or horse riding at Olifantskop, arrive hungry at the Blue Bay Café. Start with crispy fish fritters, salad or Patagonian squid, followed by a ‘Weskus is bes kus’ mains of mussels in ginger and chilli, locally farmed baby cob, West Coast lamb chops or a flaming chicken peri-peri.
Apartments are R1 100 to R1 280 pn for up to 5 or 6 people. Rooms, with breakfast included, are from R980 to R1 800 pn for a luxury suite. To book, phone 022 7141177/8/9 or mail reservations@ bluebaylodge.co.za.
WHAT TO PLANT
EYE-CATCHING Garden Asset Known as tree fuchsia, the indigenous Halleria lucida is found throughout South Africa and is increasingly grown as an ornamental tree. From the snapdragon family, it’s also one of the best bird-attracting trees. Willowy in appearance, it has lush, glossy, bright green foliage on arching and drooping branches. It’s often multistemmed and stocky or shrubby, reaching a height of 2 - 5 m, but in well-watered, protected situations it can reach more than 12 m. Halleria lucida is unusual in that its flowers and fruit aren’t produced from branch tips like most flowering trees, but from its trunk, exhibiting what’s known in botany as caulifl ory. The tubular orange, yellow or brick-red bisexual flowers are nectar-rich and loved by especially sunbirds. In full fl ower from May to December/January, it’s an eye-catching display, although the fl owers are somewhat hidden among the leaves and inside the canopy.
The Zulu nation uses Halleria lucida for skin and ear complaints in traditional medicine. This tree is also considered to be a charm against evil. Once valued for wagon poles, tools and spear shafts, the wood, which can be used to start a fire by friction, is well-suited to carpentry.
Following the flowers, clusters of 10 mm diameter spherical green berries turn juicy and black when ripe. They’re not particularly tasty – their sickly sweet taste tends to dry the mouth. The seeds are small black flakes in the jelly-like fruit flesh.
Easily propagated by seed and cuttings, Halleria lucida is tough, as well as fast and easy to grow. Thriving under many different conditions, it performs best in well-drained nutrient-rich loam with water all year round. Because it can tolerate moderate drought, it’s particularly suitable for growing in mildly arid areas. It can be used to provide shade, or even in shade as an under-storey tree. Also, it can be used in a fynbos garden, is suitable as an informal hedge, or a large container plant. Ref: plantzafrica.com/wikipedia
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