The Crest 112

NEW BEGINNINGS Cultivating young minds

Art can be anything that stirs emotion in you. Art can beautifully showcase your thoughts, and art can speak where words are simply unable to explain.

In a space where we can be creative and use our imagination to truly express ourselves and how we feel, art is a valuable tool that deserves more attention – especially within the education sphere. As it increases our sense of self and improves our mental wellbeing, how can art then, be used as therapy? Read Jessica Ivanovic’s feature on page 22 to find out more.

THE VALUE OF ART

studies – on page 16.

Our first issue of the year is as always centred around education. Along with unpacking anxiety in children and teens with psychologist Gina Laurie, we have chosen to take a look at the foreverchanging landscape of education and our ability to adapt. How do we equip our children with relevant and appropriate skills, life skills and values? Anne Schauffer digs deeper on page 8, and also sheds light on the wonderful benefits of taking a gap year before embarking on further

While making promises to ourselves about eating healthier, we’re all part of the never-ending search for the perfect lunchbox. I think every parent is tired of half-eaten fruit and soggy sandwiches finding their way back home. Try Rock The Kitchen’s pasta salad on page 26 – or create your own version – and get a decent measure of veggies, protein and carbs in one delicious bowl of goodness. It’s sure to be a hit with the most fussy eaters, and will also up energy levels for after-school extramurals. As for breakfast, you can’t go wrong with a school

run smoothie-on-the-go. Customise it using your kids’ favourite fruits or berries, and you’ll be able to hide spinach and other healthy greens in there too.

We all know that exercising more is never a bad thing. Listen to physiotherapist JuliAnn Riley’s advice on page 31, and get cracking. Literally. Although summer has decided to turn the heat up a notch too high, the feeling of new beginnings and a sense of hope is definitely in the air. What’s your word for 2023? Mine is growth, while my daughter has chosen dedication. One word can mean

and represent so much, but whichever word you choose –make it count for you and your year ahead in as many ways as you possibly can.

Let’s do this!

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”

– Thomas Merton

Copyright: All material in this issue is subject to copyright

belongs to Famous Publishing unless otherwise indicated. No part of the material may be quoted, photocopied, reproduced or stored by an electronic system without prior written permission from Famous Publishing.

Disclaimer: While every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this publication, neither the authors nor the publisher will bear any responsibility for the consequences of any actions based on information contained herein. Neither do they endorse any products/services advertised herein. Material which appears under ‘Advertorial’ is paid for.

*To the people of Everton, Gillitts, Hillcrest, Kloof, St Helier and Winston Park, the office parks, the residential estates and, of course, all our advertisers, thank you for your continued support.

Published by Famous Publishing www.famousdurban.co.za

Printed by Novus

Managed distribution by Vibrant Direct

The ABC logo is a valued seal of trust, providing measurement, compliance and auditing services which protects the way advertising is traded. The Crest is ABC audited and certified.

In compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4, if you do not want to receive The Crest magazine for free, please email sarah.mackintosh@famouspublishing.co.za For more information visit: www.famousdurban.co.za

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

PRIVATE WALDORFINSPIRED EDUCATION

Treow welcomes children in classes 1 - 7 in the Upper Highway area and has low teacher-to-pupil ratios, enabling individual attention.

The school’s approach offers an age-appropriate, experiential and academically-rigorous methodology to education. Arts are integrated into all academic disciplines to enhance and enrich learning. The intent is to inspire lifelong learning in children and enable them to develop their unique capacities fully. The children interact and play across the classes.

Treow prepares children for the future by developing the whole child physically, emotionally, spiritually and academically. Instilling a love for learning while developing confidence and individuality, Treow builds a resilience to overcome the challenges of our modern age with clarity, confidence and originality.

Treow and the parents agree to policies on cellphones and the consumption of inappropriate media to allow the children to collectively enjoy their childhood.

FOR MORE INFO: admin@treow.org.za; www.treow.org.za; 064 112 5863

FABULOUS AND FUN TRAIL PARK ON LINK ROAD

“It was extremely frustrating during lockdown, that when we had set times to go walk or do something as a community, we had nowhere to enjoy the outdoors,” says Waterfall resident Shaun Emslie. “I saw kids trying to make fun jumps and places to ride along the verges of roads, which is extremely dangerous. So I took it upon myself to start clearing trails for walking, running and mountain biking – and this became Cumec Park on Link.”

The land is owned by provincial government, but permission to use it was granted in due course. “The department eventually put up a fence, which helps hugely,” says Shaun. “And we were given keys to open the park at

07h00 and close by 18h00.”

There are three kilometres of fun, pet-friendly trails to enjoy for hikers, bikers and runners, as well as a picnic area and kids swings. And entrance is free!

Shaun keeps things under control with his brush cutter and is trying to build new, fun obstacles on the trails. “We are also putting up a basketball hoop on the old squash court soon, and clearing more areas for picnics,” he says. If you can help with upkeep or donations, please get in touch.

Waterfall Community Projects held successful events in the park for Halloween and Christmas, and the K9 Search and Resue use the park on some evenings for key training.

FOR MORE INFO: Shaun on 082 569 3133 (trail/maintenance); Chantal on 081 063 3087 (events); cumec_park

UPPER HIGHWAY TRAIL MARATHON

“It all started months ago, when three local trail runners and our founding members decided to plan a trail event to showcase our Upper Highway Trails – and raise essential funds for our local conservancies,” says Craig Brigg.

As the temperature reached an extraordinary 42°C on the 10th of December 2022, 400 runners toe’d the line at Camp Orchards in Hillcrest. “Our inaugural 42km and 15km trail runs were underway, traversing fields of grassland, dropping into deep valleys of indigenous forests,

and crossing a multitude of valley streams before climbing out of the valleys and returning to the greenery of Camp Orchards,” says Craig.

“Following the sell-out of the event and the support of our sponsors and trailrunning fraternity, we very happily shared funds of over R80 000 with the participating conservancies.”

Craig is thrilled to announce that 2023 will be bigger and better, with new routes and exciting changes.

FOR MORE INFO: www.uhtm.co.za

• Home visits offered in the Upper Highway area

• Consulting room at Clifton Hill Estate (across the road from Le Domaine)

• Medical aid rates

Tel: 083 779 3103

Email: rommersphysiotherapy@gmail.com

EPIC AND EXHILARATING GO-KART RACING

Meandering through the Midlands near Nottingham Road, you’ll come across CheckPoint 103, and this little activity hub is definitely worth a visit. Kids (and parents!) will love the well-constructed outdoor karting track, which can race up to 10 karts at a

time. There’s also a unique two-seater kart for adults wanting to go together with younger children.

CheckPoint103 is also home to AirSoft and Nerf target shooting, mini putt putt, sand art and other crafts, and there’s a small gift shop and cafe.

FOR MORE INFO: hello@checkpoint103.co.za; 079 320 1770

OPTION

BUDGETING for profit

IN THIS ARTICLE MELISSA JACOBS EXPLORES THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR ANNUAL BUSINESS BUDGET

With most businesses approaching their financial year-end at the end of February, it’s a great time to start thinking about and preparing your annual business budget for the forthcoming financial year. From experience, we have seen that very few businesses, especially those in the SMME sector, prepare a business budget. We believe this is essential for the following reasons:

• Your budget becomes your financial target. If you aim for nothing, you are likely to get nothing.

• Your budget becomes

your yardstick to measure yourself against throughout the year, so at any time you can determine if you are ahead, in line or behind budget, and take the necessary remedial action if you are behind.

• A budget is a great tool to restrict spending that is not part of the plan; i.e. when you prepare your budget, you plan the expenditure you expect to incur. When additional discretionary expenses pop up along the way, you can rely on your budget to guide you in this regard.

• A budget is a great tool to link to staff incentives and bonuses.

• It helps to ensure that money is being allocated to resources that support the strategic objectives of the company.

The above highlights the importance of the budget, which brings us to the next question; how to go about preparing the budget? We would offer the following advice in this regard:

• Start by deciding how much bottom-line profit you want to make for the year.

• Then start at the top with your sales/revenue and budget for each month, taking into account your growth assumptions.

• Next you budget for your cost of sales, which would

FOR MORE INFO melissa@mjacc.co.za | 087 821 7110 | www.mjacc.co.za

normally be a fixed or average percentage of your sales.

• Finally would be your fixed expenses; go through each expense line by line and budget accordingly. Certain expenses can be budgeted with a high degree of accuracy, and others would need to be an estimate.

• Your now need to compare your profit as per the budget to the profit your decided on up front. If there is a big discrepancy, you need to go back and tweak and adjust the various line items until you get closer to your desired profit. We call this the “top down, bottom up” approach

It’s very important that you compare your monthly actuals (as prepared by your accountant) to your budget. Any variances must then be investigated and corrective action taken.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

A complimentary tax assessment to ensure you are not overpaying on your business or personal taxes. Email melissa@mjacc.co.za to schedule a discussion.

ABOVE: Suné Alexander and Melissa Jacobs.

Considering the world has always been in a constant state of flux, relevancy in terms of skills, life skills and values taught at schools should always have been a factor, shouldn’t it? For a long time though, education and schooling felt inflexible and distant from the reality of what the world beyond school demanded of its “new recruits”.

“Hericlitus said it over 2000 years ago – change is the only constant in life,” says Waterfall College Principal Bryony Green. “But what impacts education today is that the rate of change has picked up significantly.” She feels that in some respects, this means educators need to go back to basics – to focus on the “soft skills” that will arm schoolleavers with the foundation they need to adapt to an ever-changing world.

CONSTANT CHANGE

Ongoing conversations around this constant change, and exploring ways to arm children for the future, are alive and well in the schools we spoke to.

“The world in which these pupils will live as adults will look vastly different to our current reality,” says Claire Keyworth, Senior Primary teacher at Durban Girls’ College (DGC). “Advancements in technology will drastically change the face of the workplace, and we have to identify what our students will need in order to be successful in their lifetimes. This is where 21st century skills are so important – collaboration, creativity, problem solving, independence, critical thinking. These skills are developed in our school through the Thinking Schools pedagogy, to which we prescribe.”

The Thinking Schools concept is attributed to the late Professor Burden of the University of Exeter. For him, “A great deal of evidence would appear to indicate that a significant proportion of pupils pass through their 15 000

THE NEW FACE ofeducation

WE LIVE IN A VASTLY DIFFERENT WORLD, ONE WHICH DEMANDS OF SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS A CONSTANT RETHINK ON HOW TO EQUIP OUR CHILDREN WITH RELEVANT AND APPROPRIATE SKILLS, LIFE SKILLS AND VALUES. SO, IS IT HAPPENING? ANNE SCHAUFFER REPORTS

hours of schooling without being required to do much real thinking at all.” Accreditation as a Thinking School was given to DGC’s Junior Primary, an acknowledgement underpinned by the requirement that the school is “an educational community in which all members share a common commitment to giving regular careful thought to everything that takes place. This will involve both students and staff learning how to think reflectively, critically and creatively, and to employ these skills and techniques in the coconstruction of a meaningful curriculum and associated activities. Benefits will be shown in ways in which all members of the community interact with and show consideration for each other and in the positive psychological well-being

of both students and staff”.

Kate Collins is head of Academics at DGC’s Junior Primary: “As a member of the Thinking Schools SA network team, we’re involved in termly network meetings where content is shared, and this allows our Drive Team to frequently review current practices and reflect on where improvements may be needed. A culture of thinking and learning filters into all areas of the school curriculum, and the curriculum has become more rich, relevant and meaningful. Students are making better connections between their learning and real-world issues.”

This learning real-world connection is at the heart of what Northwood School aims to achieve. For Headmaster Paul Viljoen, “The analogy of a box is a powerful one for me – if we continue to educate and teach within the confines of the traditional box, we will negatively impact our children and, perhaps even more dangerously, we are not equipping them with the skills they will need to be successful, value-adding adults in a rapidly changing global world.

FUTUREPROOFING

“The curriculum and expectations as set by the Department of Education and the assessment body, that is the IEB, are still valuable, but as schools we surely have to be brave enough and innovative enough to think and teach outside of the traditional ‘box’.

“At Northwood we teach a variety of skills we believe will futureproof our boys.”

Futureproofing requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond subjects taught: “The past three years have seen us implement coding and robotics as compulsory subjects,” continues Paul Viljoen. “These speak specifically to the skills of programming, engineering, innovation and problem solving. These boys are developing skills that already make them employable, but also »

entrepreneurial and, as such, they have a better chance of meeting the expectations of a technologically advanced society.”

Bryony Green described how Waterfall College’s ongoing conversation around change evolved and continues to do so: “Covid meant we began to use online teaching strategies out of necessity. Many of the good aspects of blending the use of ‘chromebooks’ and traditional teaching have remained, and this conversation continues. How we integrate technology into our classrooms, how we teach students to discern fake news from reality, how we perceive our world based on what we are viewing online. These ‘soft’ skills are part of our everyday teaching. It is even more important now that we focus on developing those skills that can’t be (easily) automated, like collaboration, creativity, critical thinking.”

Life skills underpin it all. Bryony says “There’s a greater emphasis on the ability

to focus, as teens are faced with an abundance of distractions. Those who are able to work independently and are intrinsically motivated are the ones who are going to make it.” She adds, “PostCovid, there’s a real sense of apathy among teens. We need to encourage a curiosity for learning and an understanding of why it is relevant.”

CHANGING MINDSETS

“Mindset needs to precede skillset,” stressed Brad Cooper, Headmaster of Waterfall Prep: “In a world where we are bombarded by information, it is vital that children are able to discern what is true, whether in terms of comments aimed at them or about the world we live in. This places the focus on developing a strong sense of identity in children and respect for others, so that they can work together to achieve what is required of them in the future, making good choices and decisions.”

It’s impossible to ignore the curriculum and final examination requirements in all this. Brad noted that “One of our teachers coined the phrase ‘the why

necessity of creating an environment for 24 children to meet the needs of the curriculum. To some extent, all schools are constrained by what is expected by the final examination authority and by parents. We have looked at areas where we can be flexible and work to take away unnecessary pressure and fear; things that can reduce a child’s ability to learn and grow.”

way’ because, since the establishment of Waterfall Prep in 2017, we have had the opportunity to question every aspect of the way we manage the school. Much of how we do school has come about by

The previous drive to achieve over all else, has shifted significantly. Today’s education stresses progress, rather than excelling; about the child’s ability to think for themselves, rather than memorising information; about having the skills to adapt to change. “The emphasis on marks and results, and the mindset that high marks equal success, is a narrative that is damaging the young people of today,” says Claire Keyworth, teacher at DGC Senior Primary.

are faced with so many pupils struggling with anxiety because of

“We

The emphasis on marks and results, and the mindset that high marks equal success, is a narrative that is damaging the young people of today

this way of thinking. We are working towards changing this mindset by showing our students that it is progress over perfection that we value; that each one of them is on their own unique journey; that memorisation of content is no longer necessary (thanks Google!) but rather developing those incredibly important 21st century skills. This approach should be adopted throughout the education sector in South Africa.”

The new approach to education has also involved a significant shift in the traditional relationship between teacher and student. DGC’s Claire says, “In order to develop critical thinking and inquiry skills, the students require a greater degree of independence to discover things themselves. So, the teacher now fulfils the role more of facilitator in many instances, particularly in inquiry-based tasks.” »

BUY-IN OF PARENTS

A key piece of this new puzzle is the buy-in of parents. Waterfall College’s Brad Cooper feels strongly: “Never before have children so badly needed structure and guidance at home and at school. It is vital that parents choose a school that reflects the values they espouse at home or aspire to, and that they partner with their children’s teachers to achieve the best outcome for their children. The responsibility cannot lie solely with the school. We work to share resources and thinking with parents to strengthen our partnership.”

Bryony Green concurs: “Parents must encourage students to become involved

in school life, and to move out of their comfort zones a little. We work closely with parents, as we believe education is a team effort – child, parent and teacher.”

So, too, Paul Viljoen: “We have also worked hard in engaging with our parents around the topics of working with us to ensure they enforce the same principles that we focus on as a school. To work in partnerships with our parents, in service of our boys, is viewed as critical to our success.”

For Claire Keyworth, “Without buyin from the parents, all the work staff are putting in to change mindsets and teaching practices will lose its emphasis and value. Parents need to see the importance of progress over perfection, de-emphasise being marks and results driven, and support independence, problem solving and critical thinking in their children. We endeavour to involve parents in this process and provide

them with many opportunities to engage with us on this matter.” Dale Charter, DGC’s Junior Primary Head of Academics continues, “The link between all stakeholders – parents, pupils and teachers – is vital in building and maintaining these core values. DGC realised the need to upskill both parents and teachers, and it’s done through termly muffin mornings, keynote speakers, focus group meetings and professional development.”

Listening to the heads and teachers

about equipping children for that new world out there, one thing is certain: the school’s role has shifted. It’s far more about building and nurturing a strong individual sense of self than it is about packing in information. It’s also about nurturing compassion, respect and concern for others, and – although strongly led by the school – there’s an interesting sense of collaborative exploration between teachers, parents and children, as everyone navigates the new world together. *

At Northwood we teach a variety of skills we believe will futureproof our boys

Westville Boys’ High is an internationally recognized school which focuses on an all -round approach to education, with equal emphasis on Academics, Sport, the Arts, Service and Leadership, giving our boys a balanced environment in which they are able to find a space to fulfil their purpose and reach the limits of their potential.

We believe and put into practice our Griffin Values: Character, Discipline, Respect, Resilience, Humility and Integrity.

Our core mission is to unlock the full potential of each and every one of our boys, providing an environment where they are supported, encouraged and challenged, creating confident men, who add value and know their purpose.

As your daughter begins her school journey in Grade R and Junior Primary, it is so important to invest in these years:

• Foundations – We know the early years are the foundation for all learning and character development which follows.

• Individuality – Every individual matters, and through developing personal connections and regular communication, we form a wonderful partnership between parents and teachers.

• 21st Century Environment – Our school facilities have been designed with young girls in mind and there is a specialist team in place to develop the whole child and their individual needs.

• Cognitive Development – The essence of education is to enable children to think for themselves, to be able to read with understanding and nurture a love of learning.

• Thinking Critically – Our approach is to develop problem-solving and thinking skills, which creates a compounding effect in their cognitive development.

In Senior Primary we focus on equipping our girls to build character and curiosity:

• Dream Big – This allows them to achieve their personal best as they have

anurturing,holistic EDUCATION

IMAGINE WHERE TALENT WILL TAKE YOUR DAUGHTER ONE DAY, IF SHE IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE TODAY!

developed their values and can confidently pursue their dreams.

• Innovation – Technology is important in a holistic education and is part of the rich environment we offer which develops their head, heart and hands.

• Cross-curricular – To make the most of a holistic approach, there are numerous opportunities for cross-curricular work, particularly in our world-class Creativity Centre.

• Forward-looking – We follow the research emerging from leading schools around the globe and adapt our programme each year.

In High School, girls need to have authentic challenges and be inspired in

a nurturing, supportive environment. Your daughter will have the opportunity to thrive through:

• Holistic Education – With innovative, experienced teachers.

• Values – Instilling life-long Christian values.

• Character Development – Focusing on her strengths and developing her personal best.

• History – A heritage steeped in success with Old Girls who have inspirational stories and are dynamic role models.

• Track record – Our excellent Matric Results, year on year, are testament to St Mary’s ensuring that each girl will achieve her best results.

Open Days

Join us for our Open Days and meet our wonderful staff and pupils. The mornings start with presentations and include a tour of our beautiful facilities and campus. Come and see what we can offer your daughter; RSVP online www.stmarysdsg.co.za

Primary School, Grade R - 7: Friday 3 March, 08h30 - 11h00. High School, Grade 8 - 11, and Boarding: Saturday 4 March, 08h30 - 11h30.

• Individuality – Each girl develops as an individual, giving them a sense of selfworth and respect.

The St Mary’s Boarding Houses have a wonderful homely atmosphere where independence and community are fostered.

• Flexibility – The boarding programme from Grade 8 to Matric is flexible with girls being able to stay for four nights of the week, and then returning home for the weekend or staying in to enjoy the weekend programme.

• Weekend programme – This includes excursions, gym classes, cooking and baking, skills classes, prep and games.

• Sisterhood – Our boarders often tell us that they have made friends for life whilst in boarding.

• Confident Independence – The transition to university is much easier as a result of boarding.

If you – or your young adult – is either undecided about their career path or desperate to step away from the treadmill of the past decade or so, a gap year is a wonderful opportunity to explore, mature, make a positive impact on others and/ or breathe in a safe space where big decisions can land gently rather than be forced. The opportunities both here in South Africa and abroad are endless. Clearly, passport issues may limit choices, and many of the gap year opportunities cost, but that still leaves so many possibilities.

The gap year concept has always been considered a mix of positives and negatives, but realistically, if your son or daughter needs that space and time, giving them that opportunity pays dividends.

A gap year doesn’t need to be a year. It’s a concept, the length of which is largely determined by enrolment in a course the following year. One of the perceived negatives was always the ‘missed’ year of education, the idea you’d be out of the studying groove and be left behind in the gallop for the career finish line. You might not even want to reintegrate into formal education. But that line of thinking is now far less prevalent. There’s a greater concern about mental health, ultimate happiness in a career, and recognition that a year can go a long way in clarifying decisions, cultivating life skills such a financial management and improved organisational skills, developing heightened sensitivity to cultural issues, and cultivating independence

and increasing confidence. It’s also possible to learn a foreign language, and discover an entirely new career path.

A gap year is not an aimless ‘time out’ period – it’s planned mindfully.

For some youngsters, a structured year-long course works well. These can offer a combination of life skills, experiences and, sometimes, qualifications. For others, it’s more about experiencing life out there, travelling and even earning some money. Au pairing, working in international ski resorts or hotels in entertainment or hospitality, or working on yachts, are popular options, often involving the acquisition of short-course skills like first aid, and some, like sailing or perhaps au

takingthe GAP

BEING GIVEN THE SPACE AND TIME OF A YEAR OFF AFTER MATRIC IS A GREAT GIFT TO THE UNCERTAIN OR UNDECIDED MATRICULANT. IT’S NOT THE SOFT OR PRIVILEGED OPTION, BUT OFTEN THE RIGHT OPTION FOR CERTAIN

pairing, often morph into related careers.

Organisations specifically designed for gap year students usually have a curriculum covering a number of subjects

designed to upskill or equip young people for life. The Academy for Environmental Leadership SA (AEL), based in Upington, is one such organisation. Their prospectus

YOUNGSTERS, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER

describes the AEL experience as: a combination of academic learning, outdoor adventure and personal development in one transformative year. They go on to say, The NQF Level 5 National Higher Certificate in Conservation Ecology academic programme is designed to serve as a bridging year between school and the next phase of life.

But studying Conservation Ecology doesn’t mean that’s your future career. Retired CEO now responsible for student liaison at AEL, Gys Botha says, “When they leave here to start their further tertiary studies, the majority do not pursue careers in nature conservation. Being in, and learning about, nature is the catalyst.” Botha added that the most telling

aspect of the efficacy of their course is that nearly 100% of their alumni pass the first year of their chosen course of study, as opposed to the national average.”

He also pointed to the thoughts of Johannesburgbased career advisor Professor Zak Nel on a gap year. Nel has been providing career counselling for over 40 years and advises matriculants to think of their first year after school as a key building block to help establish their career path: “The gap between school and tertiary education is huge, causing thousands of students each year to fall by the wayside. Many first-year

students experience problems adapting to the university workload and tempo,” he said. “As a result, one in every two first-year students fail their initial year, and half of all students reportedly leave the higher education sector after five years of study without a qualification.”

Durbanite Kayla Hinchliffe is an AEL 2020 alumni. “Towards the end of my matric year, I felt very unsettled as to what field of study I wanted to pursue.

“I knew I wanted to explore different options before »

I had the opportunity to visit the most incredible places that are ‘bucket-list experiences’ for most

‘locking’ into a university degree. Naturally, the internet tracked my search history and an advert for AEL popped up on Facebook. One year later, and I can happily say that AEL offered me so much more than I had ever imagined.

“I arrived at AEL as the only student from Durban (and KZN). Looking back, this was the best thing to have happened as I have now made life-long friendships and memories that will never be forgotten.

“I knew very little about Upington. At AEL, I had the opportunity to visit the most incredible places that are ‘bucket-list experiences’ for most, from sleeping under the stars on a three-day Orange River paddling trip, to visiting the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and travelling to Namibia.

“The highlight of my experience was definitely the memories made as a small group, such as our braai evenings or watching the sun set over the Orange River that was right on our doorstep.

“The academic aspect of AEL allowed us the opportunity to gain knowledge from some of South Africa’s top academics in the field of environmental conservation. We had the opportunity to further engage in this knowledge doing practicals almost every day in the beautiful Kalahari surroundings.

“My year at AEL offered me the perfect balance of academic structure, outdoor adventures, friendship building and growth as an individual.”

Kayla is now studying a

Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase teaching at Stellenbosch.

Directed by Jim and Sheila Musto, Quest Africa is a well-respected gap year organisation based in the Eastern Cape and Zimbabwe. “It’s a life skills programme that will challenge you, test your limits and inspire you to become the person you are supposed to be,” they say. “Quest is all about growth through dealing with challenges – the daily physical routine is challenging, the skills learning is challenging, the discipline is challenging, the frequent physical ‘epics’ are challenging, but ultimately young people are re-wired to embrace challenge, and this seems to engender an excitement for life and confidence to take on the challenges that lie ahead. ExQuestors frequently confess that although Quest was extremely challenging at times, it was also great fun, with lifelong friendships being formed. Many also say that it was the best year of their lives.”

As far as possible, training is focused on experiential as opposed to academic learning. There is a balance between life-coaching, practical skills learning and a demanding physical training programme, that has an adventure sport component and is outdoors based. Quest Eastern Cape is located on an exceptionally beautiful coastal beef and game farm, which provides an ideal location for Quest activities. There are three course options: seven-month Core course, 10-month Core plus, and the three-month Spring programme.

The response from parents to the son who arrives home, compared to the one who left, is strikingly positive, peppered with words like matured, confident, responsible, motivated. Testimonials from the boys themselves are solid testament to their choice of Quest for their gap year: “My time at Quest showed me that anything is possible if you do it properly and put your mind to it; if you believe you can do it, and I mean truly believe, it will

get done!” says Kevin Horwitz, Quest Core Course 2011.

Wildlife and conservation is a popular gap year choice, not only for those who feel they might pursue a career in that field, but also because it’s the ultimate escape combined with the feel-good aspect of volunteering. The word ‘escape’ is used guardedly, but the reality is that many young people choose a gap year to

clear their heads, move away from the noise of social media, and live simply without any peer or other pressure.

Today, volunteering is used as a crucial fundraising initiative for conservation bodies, so you pay for the privilege of being part of the team making a difference. With reputable organisations like Wildlife ACT in KwaZuluNatal and the Seychelles, the time spent there is invaluable on so many levels. Numerous game reserves within South Africa cannot afford to fund a dedicated monitoring team within their boundaries, so Wildlife ACT provides a free priority species monitoring service in order to ensure the safety of these endangered species. Volunteers live in simple quarters, work extremely hard, are part of an international team of all ages, and can submerge themselves in this wholly worthwhile experience.

Often, there’s a local community aspect to these, too, so there’s the advantage of learning first-hand how other South Africans

communities. The Academy provides a hands-on learning experience for the volunteers, and provides work experience in wildlife conservation, reserve management and environmental studies.

Giving back and contributing has so many built-in life lessons, not least of all building self-esteem and empathy.

night, soon taught me how to let go of issues very quickly, you can’t hold on to them, and I learnt how to be patient.”

She laughs, “I can clean toilets and wash dishes superbly.” On the flipside, “The money earned was insane, the boat takes you to places you’d never see on your own, and you meet people who can remain friends for life.”

live, cultural differences, and challenges they face. Inevitably, empathy grows. The Thula Thula Volunteers Academy on the KZN North Coast runs courses from one week to three weeks, programmes that are designed to not only cover the needs of the reserve, but those of the surrounding

Working on yachts has, over the years, been a very popular choice. It’s lucrative (foreign currency) and offers travel and a unique lifestyle. Kimberly Muller initially set off to do a nine-month season, but was still on a luxury yacht four years later. She says quite candidly that it was amazing, but very different from what she’d expected: “I had no idea. How difficult can cleaning be? Very. The captain would pick up a smudge that couldn’t be seen with the naked eye. It’s hard, and it’s not for everyone. Living and working on board with 15 to 20 people, day and

Don McKee is a partner of YOA, an international crew agency that specialises in placing crew on board the world’s premier yachts. He’s cautious when responding to the gap-year question: “There is an opportunity to do this as a ‘gap year’, but most often I find that the priorities of someone on a gap year aren’t always aligned with those of an employer looking for a reliable crew member whose work schedule will often involve 12-14 hour days, seven days a week for months on end without the option to go ashore. More often than not, there is a conflict if these two priorities aren’t aligned.”

A gap year can make a major difference to a young person’s life. Matured is the most commonly used word by parents describing their post-gap-year children. No, it’s definitely not the soft option. Some courses will cost, but other opportunities don’t –some will even allow you to earn – and many are on your doorstep. *

FOR MORE INFO

AEL: www.ael.co.za

Quest Africa: www.quest-africa.co.za

Wildlife ACT: www.wildlifeact.com Thula Thula Academy: www.volunteer.academy YOA: www.yoaagency.com

Living and working on board with 15 to 20 people, day and night, soon taught me how to let go of issues very quickly

FAITH AND IDENTITY at Waterfall Schools

Since its establishment in 2016, Waterfall Schools has blossomed, providing quality independent education with a focus on healthy relationships, offering a nurturing space for children from 12 months of age to Grade 12.

“Never before have children so badly needed structure and guidance at home and at school,” says Waterfall Preparatory Headmaster Brad Cooper. “Our focus is on establishing a moral compass, providing healthy boundaries and guidance so that children can develop discernment, respect and personal identity.”

Systems and structures have been established to serve each phase in an age-appropriate way, allowing children to be children for as long as possible, without unnecessary fear and pressure that can limit their ability to learn. Teachers guide and support students to achieve their personal best, encouraging creativity, collaboration and innovation.

Waterfall Pre-Primary is a home away from home for children from 12 months of age to Grade 00, and has established a strong following in the Upper Highway area. The team is driven by the vision Hand-in-hand as we play, learn and grow together. “Our teaching team are equipped to develop each little person’s confidence, concentration and age-appropriate life skills,” says Waterfall Pre-Primary Principal Paula Mason. “Our emphasis is placed on nurturing each child, from the 12 months age group up to Grade 00.” The Tadpoles app provides daily updates on each child’s activities, so that parents are fully informed.

Waterfall Pre-Primary children are given first option on the 48 places in Grade R at Waterfall Preparatory. Prep staff are encouraged to constantly evaluate the way they do things to ensure that activities are age-appropriate and that they meet the needs of the children in their care. Continuous assessment is used to guide teachers in the way they work through the CAPS Curriculum, but marks are not used to compare one child with another.

“We are excited to expand our learning

WATERFALL SCHOOLS IS A SMALL SCHOOL ON A BEAUTIFUL, BIG CAMPUS, WITH STAFF WHOSE PRIMARY GOAL IS TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE CHILDREN CAN LEARN AND THRIVE, BECOMING POSITIVE CHANGE-MAKERS IN OUR WORLD

OPEN DAYS:

Pre-Primary 19 May; Preparatory (Grade R to 7) 2 March; College (Grade 8 to 12) 9 March

experience in 2023 with the completion of our new language, technology and art centre, overlooking the Valley of 1000 Hills,” says Mr Cooper. “This facility will further enhance opportunities for creativity, collaboration and discovery.”

Prep pupils enjoy a range of sports, including cross country, hockey, soccer, netball and cricket, with inter-school fixtures including galas. They also take part in music and drama, and have access to a number of other extra-murals.

The Prep has 24 children per class, with a maximum of 48 per grade. This gives staff the time to unearth the treasure in each child.

Waterfall Prep and College are Google Schools, with IT skills (Including the Google suite, Coding and Robotics) being taught from Grade 4 to 9 and all students from Grade 7 to Matric using personal Chromebooks each day.

From Grade 8, Waterfall College has three classes of 20 students, with a total of 60 students per grade. This means that students are really known and have the opportunity to develop friendships across the grades. Students are provided with a range of platforms to practice service and leadership, from SCA and HOPE Committees to sports houses and school prefects.

Waterfall College offers 17 Matric

subjects, including the Sciences, EGD, Visual Art, Dramatic Arts, Consumer Studies and Accounting. “We work within the requirements of the IEB curriculum, but continuously seek to grow and develop new skills,” says College Principal Bryony Green. “Looking at education trends, like nano learning, allows us to use new methods within the traditional assessment context.” The school has had a 100% IEB Matric pass rate since 2004. College students enjoy a range of sports and cultural extra-murals.

Waterfall Online provides extra lessons and holiday catch-up sessions in a wide range of subjects to students within Waterfall Schools and beyond, from

Grade 1 to Matric.

Facilities on campus include spacious classrooms, modern science labs and art studios, as well as two sports fields and a 4km cross-country/mountain bike trail. These developments are thanks to a symbiotic partnership with Focus on iThemba, a non-profit that facilitates quality early childhood development in the Valley of 1000 Hills. 14 students attend Waterfall School as part of the donorfunded iThemba Scholars programme.

As Waterfall Schools enters its sixth year as a complete educational pathway from 12 months to Grade 12, the question is: “Is Waterfall Schools the right fit for your child?”

Psychologists and psychiatrists use active conversation as their main form of intervention to help clients process their mental health problems. Verbal psychotherapy is usually combined with medication in order to gain results. I’d like to introduce you to the arts therapies — representing the four main disciplines of art, music, drama and dance movement therapy.

The act of creating art, music or drama, or dancing, is a way of externalising our internal world without using logic, words or too much analytical thinking. It puts the deeper parts of ourselves that that may be harder to explain or express using words to paper, melody or movement. In such a space, you are invited to make art of your situation, which will inevitably

discoveringarts THERAPIES

MUSIC THERAPIST JESSICA IVANOVIC SHEDS SOME LIGHT ON THE OLDEST FORM OF THERAPY

leave you with an experience of it, or a different perspective on it. This can help shift mood states and help create new ways of handling and dealing with issues. The arts can help you express yourself, view your internal material/struggles and work through, rearrange and reframe some of the ideas, emotions, images and narratives of your life and mental space.

Arts therapies are helpful for people of all ages, with all different abilities and

backgrounds. Humans are innately creative, and there is no expectation that you need to be artistically or musically inclined to be part of or involved with these therapies.

All arts therapists must have a minimum of a Master’s degree in psychology in order to practice, and are highly

trained to engage you and facilitate your experience.

I would argue that the arts are the oldest form of therapy practiced in every culture throughout every age in our human civilisation and history. Only over the last 70 years has arts therapies become an academic field of inquiry with tests and data that support its immense ability to help and support people’s mental as well as physical wellbeing. *

FOR MORE INFO sanata.org; 076 246 1206; artstherapycentre@gmail.com

Please Note

• Ensure that your arts therapist is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

• Arts therapists can work with mental health problems (from schizophrenia to dementia) or special needs (such as cerebral palsy, autism,and developmental delays) and support those going through any challenging life situations (such as trauma or marriage problems), as well as work in multidisciplinary teams (with occupational therapists and speech therapists) to achieve clinical goals.

• Arts therapies are registered with medical aids, and depending on your plan you may be able to claim back for sessions.

RIGHT: Jessica Ivanovic.

BENEFITS OF ARTS THERAPIES FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

1. Emotional Expression

Music, art, drama and movement therapy can help explore and express emotions. Most of the time our children will only know if they are happy or sad, but arts therapies can help them to explore the entire spectrum of emotions in abstract and creative ways that defy language and instantly affect their mood.

2. Group Therapy

This can help children and adolescents to improve their empathy, relationship development and social skills. They learn this through turntaking, improvised play and understanding the give and take needed to work towards group goals to complete therapeutic tasks.

3. Improve Development

Through musical interaction with others, children develop an increased understanding of themselves and others, which raises their self-esteem and helps to develop resilience. Shared music, art, drama and movement-making has shown to stimulate language skills and strengthen family and peer relationships.

4. Finding a Voice

In music therapy particularly, children and adolescents get to use their voice in abstract ways, not just singing songs. Gaining a sense of ownership over your voice, how it sounds and how to control it can psychologically develop your voice. Voice in terms of your inner power and the effect you have in the world. Being heard in the therapeutic space leads to a sense of mastery, autonomy, control and choice

in spaces where children or adolescents may not have a lot of choice or autonomy.

5. Physiological Improvements

The playing of instruments and engaging in movement improves strength and stamina, and hand-eye coordination promotes bilateral body movements, reinforces directional and spatial concepts, improves body awareness and motor planning, and teaches strategies to modulate arousal levels.

6. Cognitive Development

Arts therapies increases attention spans, improves executive functioning, teaches academic concepts, teaches life skills and develops pre-academic skills such as commitment to a process, cause-and-effect, and following instructions.

Fear and anxiety are adaptive and developmentally appropriate emotional responses to actual and perceived threats, and are vital for our survival. Children and adolescents may experience fear and anxiety in response to certain situations, objects, and/or events. Many of these fears are developmentally or age appropriate, e.g. children aged four to six may be fearful of the dark or adolescents may be fearful of social exclusion and fitting in.

However, anxiety, which is an emotional response to thoughts of perceived or impending danger or threats, can result in excessive or irrational fears, and can lead to the development of an anxiety disorder –which can significantly impair one’s daily functioning. Early identification and intervention is imperative for children and adolescents who experience overwhelming anxiety. Most, if not all, mental health challenges begin with anxiety.

Anxiety presents differently for each individual, but there are some similarities or common red flags to be aware of. Firstly, anxiety may make one avoidant of places, objects, people, and/or situations, as these can act as triggers. Secondly, if a child or adolescent is anxious, they may frequently complain about physical, usually mid-line, ailments such as sore stomachs, headaches, back aches, jaw clenching, and/or neck pain. This is usually accompanied by excessive worry and/or future-focused thinking that is catastrophic in nature (the worst possible outcome). Lastly, anxiety may also drive recurrent panic attacks, safetyseeking behaviours (like excessive hand washing, ordering, seeking reassurance etc.), and/or making decisions based on fear and/or avoidance.

As anxiety is necessary for our survival, we cannot and do not want to get rid of it. Anxiety makes sure we

unpacking ANXIETY

GINA LAURIE HELPS US UNDERSTAND ANXIETY FROM OUR CHILD’S OR TEEN’S PERSPECTIVE

are fearful of potential threats that may cause us harm – like being scared when we see a lion. It is important to note that the part of our brain that is responsible for our emotions cannot decipher between perceived and actual threats (for example, stress in response to an examination and to seeing a lion are perceived as the same threat in the mind). The body then responds in a fight, flight or freeze mode in attempting to protect the individual. The rational brain is dominated by the emotional brain and therefore rational thinking is paused in times of heightened anxiety. The rational

brain does kick back in after the anxiety has subsided, but if the emotional brain is not regulated (given time to calm down), the emotional brain becomes the dominate response mechanism in a person’s life.

Children’s and adolescents’ rational brains are not yet fully developed, and as such they have a dominant emotional brain in response to daily life. As a parent, this is where you can help your child or adolescent process their anxieties up until the developmental point that they are able to do so for themselves.

Here are some practical tips that may

Most, if not all, mental health challenges begin with anxiety

help you when your child or adolescent is anxious:

1. Try your best to not get sucked into the panic that anxiety can create. Remain calm, sit with your child, reassure them that the anxiety will subside and remind them to focus on deep breathing. Refrain from telling your child to calm down – trust me, they have most likely already tried to do that.

2. Validate and label their emotions, such as, “I wonder if you are feeling overwhelmed by upcoming exams and if this is making you feel anxious”. By labeling and validating the emotion, it normalises the emotion and takes the power and intensity away from that emotion.

3. As anxiety creates future-focused thinking, it is important to help your child be more present in the moment. The 333 technique may help bring awareness to the present. Ask your child to name three things that they can see around them, three things that they can hear, and

move three parts of their body.

4. Gently remind your child that they can only control the things that they have control over and that there are, and will always be, things that are out of their control.

5. Gently remind your child that it is alright to make mistakes and to learn from these. Excessive pressure on children to be perfect (which is completely unattainable and unrealistic) can result in heightened anxiety and a deep fear of making mistakes.

6. Try not to give into your child’s avoidance tactics. It may provide shortterm relief to give into them, but it will only increase your child’s anxiety in the long-term.

The above-mentioned techniques are not treatments for anxiety, but may assist in the management of it in a way that is gentle and useful for parents who have anxious children. Please seek professional help if you feel your child needs some additional support.

ABOVE:

Remember that health is not health without mental health, and there is no shame in reaching out for some extra support if you or your family need it. *

FOR MORE INFO gclauriepsychology@outlook.com; @gc.psychology

Counselling psychologist Gina Laurie.

VIVA LA resolution

NEW YEAR, FOOD RESOLUTIONS AND SIMPLE IDEAS TO INSPIRE SUCCESS, WRITES

ANT ELLIS

e’ve said it pretty much at the start of every year, but this time we really mean it: we’ve changed. To kick off the new(ish) year, we’re gonna eat less crap, cut down on the booze and exercise more –and this time it’ll stick. I’m absolutely not here to impart nutritional wisdom, nor preach on any diet or system (I’m a sucker for comfort food), but I do know that a few basic habits could help to sustain your food resolution, and anything’s worth a try, ya dig?

So let’s talk about the two areas that suck the most to try and stay healthy in – breakfast and weekday lunches. Enough with the sugar-coated cereal, garage pies and drivethroughs. A bit of planning followed by some conscious shopping, and you could be making this one last. Let’s start with a super simple rule: five fruit or vegetables a day. Decent portions, not that soggy slice of tomato on your triple cheeseburger, OK?

Breakfast – and the easiest way to jam flavour and goodness into an on-the-go win. Smoothies are so versatile, you never need to have the same one twice, and if you avoid the bland, gluey variety, you’ll look forward to ’em too.

WBasic rules:

1. Slice, core, hull, and freeze your fruit, then use frozen for an ice-cold wake-up call.

2. Don’t throw the kitchen sink in – that’s when they become a boring tick-box exercise instead of an opportunity to create a menu of great ideas. Instead, pick three, maybe four, key ingredients.

3. Keep them cold, runny and drinkable.

4. Fruit can contribute excess sugar to your daily intake, so mix it up.

Blueberry PeanutButter Smoothie

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter

• ½ cup blueberries, frozen

• 1 banana, frozen

• 4 pitted dates, frozen

• 1 cup milk of your choice

• honey, to taste

• 1 cup ice-cubes

Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Add liquid if too thick, add fruit if too runny. You should be able to drink it through a straw.

Optional: Top with chia seeds.

Now, how about them lunchboxes? Endless sarmies will eventually bore you to death, salads are great but can be unsatisfying, and left-over pizza is unfortunately not

a food group. Humph. Also, prepping for a week at a time is weird – can you really eat the same thing five days in a row?

Again, the greatest tip is planning – both for the kiddos and their extra-murals, and for yourself around your work sessions and being a parent. Write up your menu for the week and prep for each day the night before with a variety of textures. Always include a snack like nuts, biltong, grapes, cheese blocks or crackers.

A versatile winner that can pretty much include anything in the fridge and sustain you for an afternoon is a pasta salad. From simple Greek-style (tomato, cucumber, olives and a drizzle of olive oil, pictured) to the more sophisticated (see recipe below), a pasta salad is an easy fix for the family, goes a long way, and can include any protein from tuna to chicken to plant-based, or none at all.

Chicken Curry

Pasta Salad

4 portions – scale according to requirements.

• 1kg cooked short pasta such as penne, fusilli, farfalle, rigatoni or macaroni

• 1 cup mayonnaise, divided in half

• ½ cup Greek yogurt

• 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped

• 1½ tablespoons mild curry powder

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 red or green pepper, diced

• 2 tablespoons fruit chutney

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• 2 tablespoons dried apricots, finely diced

• 1 stick celery, chopped small

• salt and pepper to taste

• chopped coriander to taste

Mix all ingredients in a bowl starting with half a cup of mayo. Add the other half

EDEN DURBAN

Pre-Primary | Preparatory | High School

once all ingredients are mixed, until you reach the desired consistency

Until next time: As tough as it seems, it’s doable – I may even take my own advice this time. See you around springtime when the spandex comes out, and if all else fails, remember, round is also a shape. Talk to me at ant@rockthekitchen.co.za *

den Schools Durban offers the best quality co-educational private schooling in KZN from Sunshine Group (grade 0000) to grade 12.

Matric Results

Eden has ranked as one of the top five schools in South Africa for our NSC matric results for the past 5 years. In 2021 Eden was ranked Number 1 in SA with 3,76 A’s per candidate.

The Secret to Eden’s Success The secret to our success is our small classes, warm, friendly, family atmosphere and experienced, caring teachers who are prepared to go the extra mile.

Extension at Eden We extend our children by developing out-the-box thinking and problem solving skills by entering various Olympiads.

Eden’s Philosophy: Holistic Education Eden Schools are committed to provide a balanced, holistic education to produce well-rounded confident young people. We offer a wide range of learning areas and extra-mural activities and have a strong programme of arts and culture.

PRE-PRIMARY (Sunshine Group - 0000 to Grade 00)

Love and laughter; work and play

PREPARATORY (Grade R to Grade 7)

Growing happy children

COLLEGE (Grade 8 to Grade 12)

The genesis of genius

ABOVE: Durban lover of good food, wine and company, Ant Ellis.

turningbillboards INTO BAGS

CREATING FUNKY AND FUNCTIONAL PRODUCTS

FROM

WASTE MATERIAL IS SECOND NATURE FOR THIS HILLCREST-BASED COMPANY, WRITES JESS SMIT

If there’s a fresh new billboard on your daily commute, we can only hope that the previous one has found its way into the talented hands of Carey Moran and her team. “Billboards are our gold,” says the social entrepreneur and owner of E’Yako Green, a unique local brand that upcycles end-ofcampaign billboards destined for landfill into signature bags for events and conferences, as well as other green promotional items.

Strong relationships with outdoor and branding companies mean huge swathes of PVC are frequently donated to Carey and her team once a billboard is dismantled. It’s a challenging material to work with, very heavy and often dirty, but E’Yako Green are skilled at transforming it into customised corporate bags, such

as backpacks, laptop bags, pencil cases, conference bags and shoppers.

Carey heads up product design and is assisted by a team of artisans in Hillcrest, along with a Johannesburg-based production partner, Justin Mukadi. The material is cleaned, cut and sewn, with as many as 1 000 items made from a single billboard.

A (very) Proudly South African brand, its clients include Nandos, Adcock Ingram, Old Mutual, Discovery Health, Unilever, Microsoft and Ramaphosa’s Investment Summits. And while E’Yako Green’s products inherently meet a corporate’s carbon footprint targets, it’s their social impact that is especially rewarding.

Having joined E’Yako Green in its early days in 2012, Carey has directed her passions into building the eco

business into a brand that is making a difference way beyond its environmental sustainability credentials. Her love for African design, together with her desire to uplift those less fortunate through community initiatives and skills development, shines through.

“Our passion is to do business and do good at the same time,” says Carey about her journey with E’Yako Green. “Merging commercialism with kindness is the best way forward.”

In fact, each and every E’Yako Green bag made from a component of waste material carries an EKO tag, representing the Eko Earth Range trademark and the brand’s commitment to local job creation, creativity, innovation and quality.

E’Yako Green works closely with Embocraft Training Trust in Botha’s Hill, with their team of crafters sewing orders for lanyards, shweshwe bags and blankets. Such projects assist the trust in giving their trainees experience and income.

Carey’s first business venture – Rootz Creationz – has also been incorporated under the E’Yako Green umbrella. Started in 1995, the local craft business produces beautiful handcrafted and

TOP: Children receiving backpacks courtesy of the Mazda Foundation School Bag Project

RIGHT: Production partner, Justin Mukadi, and E’Yako Green owner Carey Moran

LEFT: Billboards are the raw material for E’Yako Green’s product portfolio.

The Mazda Foundation School Bag Project

Since 2019, E’Yako Green has partnered with Mazda Southern Africa to produce school supplies for children across South Africa from old Mazda billboards that would otherwise have reached the end of their useful life – with over 1 700 backpacks, 700 pencil cases and 650 book covers made thus far! In 2021 the worthy project was honoured for its social contribution at the International Mazda Awards.

beaded products for the retail and export market from a small workshop in Hillcrest. With Prudence Mbanjwa at the helm, it is focused on empowering women in the communities surrounding Hillcrest. * FOR MORE INFO www.eyakogreen.co.za

Tarryn Lea has named her first published poetry collection An Ocean of Wine

“I called it that because it’s about life. When you become an adult, you must develop a taste for it, like wine. It’s for young adults and for those dealing with relationships, grief, breakups, mental health and trauma,” she says.

The third-year psychology and criminology student has written poetry since she was 12.

“After I was bullied, someone told me to write down my feelings. They said that it didn’t

matter what they were, but that I should just write it all down. Over time, I realised this could be something. I started with simple poetry, nothing like what I write today,” says Tarryn. “I would love to write more books in the future, and to build on the momentum of the publication of my first collection.”

The poet shared her work on Instagram early in 2022. She found an American publisher, called Squirrel House, asking for submissions. She sent the company 15 of her best poems.

“I got a reply saying they’d like to see more, so I sent 200

OCEANS ofwine

SANDY WOODS MEETS A YOUNG WESTVILLE STUDENT WHO HAS JUST PUBLISHED HER FIRST BOOK

poems written over a six-year period and got a response confirming they’d like to publish my work. I looked at my phone four times before it sank in. Now, the book is available to purchase on Amazon. The feeling is just unreal,” says Tarryn.

Reviews have been positive, with readers commending her on the honesty of her work. A poem dealing with grief is one of Tarryn’s favourites, one she wrote following her cousin’s death. “The poem talks about feeling an overpowering sense of anger until you realise the anger’s real name is grief, and that washes over you. It is one of my most profound ones as it still resonates with me today,” she says.

Following the launch of her poetry collection, connecting with fans on social media, has given Tarryn great joy. “I get a hello from Nepal or from Hawaii, and places I’ve never even heard of before. It’s incredible, I just never thought

I could connect with people from so far away, so easily,” she says.

Tarryn believes that her experience of bullying ultimately made her a better person. “It made me grow up quite a bit, and even though it was unpleasant, it made me a more empathetic person –which even now I apply to my psychology studies.”

Describing herself as an extrovert, Tarryn thrives in the Pretoria student environment. “It’s the more the merrier when it comes to me, so when we go to the sports bar to play pool, we’ll invite everyone we know. It’s like an army charging in there to play a tournament. I’m extroverted and like to have a lot of people around. I love it there, but I miss Durban. I get excited when I’m landing at the airport and I can see the sea in the distance,” she smiles. *

FOR MORE INFO 072 445 6029; @thehumblewordsmith

startlow, GO SLOW

MAKE EXERCISE FUN AND SET REALISTIC GOALS, BUT DON’T GO FROM ZERO TO HERO, ADVISES JULI-ANN RILEY OF RILEY PHYSIOS

At the beginning of a new year we set goals. Exercising more is on top of the list for most of us, and this is wonderful; exercise is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. It has a multitude of benefits, including improving mental health and mood, memory and brain function, sleep and physical health. It can also assist in weight management and decrease the risk of many chronic diseases – such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Exercise also improves muscle strength and balance, and reduces stiffness, pain and fatigue.

But here is a tip; don’t go from zero to hero! A lot of injuries happen when you do too much too soon. I often repeat the phrase: “Start low. Go slow.” Allow your body time to adjust to the new challenges it is facing, and adapt accordingly. This is how you can make the changes you want to see and feel.

The general guideline is to increase exercise no more than 10% per week. Only increase one thing at a time, whether it be the frequency of work-outs, distance, speed or degree of difficulty. This is a very rough guideline, and a lot of people need to take things even slower –especially if they have recurrent/chronic musculoskeletal conditions, are older or have chronic health conditions.

Be sure to warm up, hydrate sufficiently, use the correct shoes and equipment, correct your training techniques and give your body enough time to rest and recover. Cross training (doing various different exercise) is very useful as it works different parts of the body in different

ways, leading to a more balanced athlete –and one who is less bored and prone to injury.

Everyone is different, so an individualised program is best. Physiotherapists are movement experts and can assist you if you are needing a specialised program due to health or musculoskeletal conditions. They can also identify and address underlying risk factors for injury, and assist with enhancing performance.

I wish you all the best with your exercise and sporting goals this year. My final advice is to make exercise more fun, include friends or family, and keep track of your progress.

Disclaimer: This is for information purposes and does not constitute medical advice; please contact your healthcare professional.

Juli-Ann Riley is a local physiotherapist with a special interest in the treatment of sports injuries. She enjoys being active through swimming, hiking, trail running, bodyboarding, scuba diving, snorkelling and paddling.

Juli-Ann has completed two single Dusis and loves exercise that is fun and takes her out into nature.

natural movementand PERSONAL GROWTH

MAYA JAGJIVAN KALICHARAN DELVES DEEP INTO THE BEAUTIFUL PRACTICE OF JINENKAN

Birds chirp gently overhead and the early morning drizzle glistens on the greenery with the peeping sun as I meet Lance Horsman and his students for a Jinenkan class, or dojo, in Gillitts.

The natural ambience is in sync with the beautiful journey they take me on –of envisioning difficult terrain in ancient Japan, manipulating and manoeuvring the human body to learn how to fight, but becoming more peaceful in the process.

“Jissen Kobudo Jinenkan means the hall of natural movement to deal with real-life situations. Every culture has developed ways to deal with conflict – this is the traditional Japanese way,” Lance explains, beaming with pride.

And he has reason to. He is the first South African to qualify as a Jinenkan instructor, and holds the second highest Dan. He travels to Belgium every year for instruction from Mario De Mol, currently the highest graded member in the Jinenkan, behind the Grandmaster Manaka Fumio, who founded the federation in 1996.

Lance recalls, “In 1993/94, I met the

only instructor of ninpo in Durban at that stage. Ninpo is martial traditions developed in Japan. Ever since then, I fell in love.”

He trained for 15 years, staying away from practicing for some years due to injury, and in 2010, he joined Jinenkan.

Lance says, “I’ve used Jinenkan against armed attackers – no weapons, just me.”

It extends beyond self-defence. He narrates a moving story, “An elderly lady who came with her children in their 20s, later developed lung cancer and she died three times on the operating table. Doctors said she had an unbelievable will to live. She said, ‘That’s because my Sensei Lance told me to never give up’. I feel proud – that’s part of my legacy.”

Lance, a single dad to a teenage daughter, works in the insurance industry and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Leadership. He admits, “I have learnt more in life and business on the mat, than from my degrees.”

In his class, you will learn Junen taiso (body strengthening and flexibility), Ukemi (falling and rolling), Kihon (basic technique revision), Kumite (partnered training)

ABOVE: Clockwise, from back left: Henri Roux, Lance Horsman, Brandon Herselman and Robyn Roux.

and Kata (practice of traditional martial techniques). There’s a similar pattern of training for weapons and unarmed training, where the intensity ranges from Keiko Gata (basic training) to Shinken Gata (true case scenarios).

He elaborates, “If you’re interested in personal growth, then it’s an incredible place, but just a caution – it’s physically painful.”

Lance jokes, “Guys with samurai shoulders and watermelons under their arms don’t last long. They think they’re tough, but then a small woman pokes them in their throat with her thumb.”

As I observe the class, his words come to life.

Robyn Roux glides through the air with swift movements. She’s been training with Lance since 2012 and says it’s helped her with “self-confidence, fitness and flexibility.” She is a screenwriter who found her real-life love story in the dojo.

It was here that she met her husband, Henri Roux, a professional mechanical engineer. In 2015, he accompanied Lance to Belgium for training and grading. He credits Jinenkan for his improved physical awareness. “In the office, the street and walking to my car, the awareness is clicked on. Outside of this environment, I don’t

know where I would have obtained this knowledge and experience from,” says Henri.

Training in Jinenkan is a dream come true for Brandon Herselman, a software architect. “As a little boy, I always wanted to be a real ninja,” he smiles. He started training in 2014 and describes Jinenkan as a spiritual journey. “Here I have learnt how to read and feel situations. It’s a lifestyle now. It gets under your skin and doesn’t let go.”

Lance shares a delightful rapport with his students and is open to new members. He says they must be over 16, eager to learn, and must love animals – he has five rescue dogs who are very comfortable on the mat too. *

FOR MORE INFO jinenkansa.co.za

THEY CAN dohard things

e have just returned from an incredible surf trip to a beautiful little town in the Eastern Cape. While we were there, one of my 13-yearold twins, Ryan, had to work through a tough but characterbuilding experience.

One morning we had taken all the surfboards and wetsuits down to a friend’s house,

Wwhich was close to the beach, so the kids could grab their stuff whenever they wanted to hit the water. The boys went off to a nearby town for a bit while I went down to the sand with a friend.

A few hours later, when they kids wanted to surf, Ryan discovered that his board wasn’t with the others. It had been forgotten back at our chalet. He left his brand-new wetsuit with a friend near the

surf spot and decided to skate the kilometre and a half back to our chalet to get his board. When he got there the house was locked, so he had to climb through a window. On his way back, skating with his board, he fell twice. When he got back to the rocks, everyone (and his wetsuit) was gone. He started to search for them and it was at this point that I bumped into him as I came off the beach. I could tell that he was on the brink of tears.

I joined the search and after a while we found that his wetsuit had been left with some other friends who were sitting, hidden from plain sight, further down the beach. Ryan breathed a huge sigh of relief, suited up and paddled out to backline.

When Ryan told me the whole story later, I knew he had been through something hard, navigated a range of emotions, got a little banged up and had to dig deep, but he had done it, and I was immensely proud of his courage, initiative and problem-solving.

At this point you may be questioning my parenting but I have been very intentional in developing these skills in my kids from a young age. And school provides a great opportunity for our kids to do this, but we are going to have to play our part. Mostly that involves stepping back. This year there will be teachers your child doesn’t like, tests they might not do well in, sports teams they might not make, lunches and PE kits they are going to forget at home. To develop initiative, grit and problem-solving skills in your

child, here are a few things you can do:

• Don’t come to their rescue too quickly. A forgotten PE kit provides a great opportunity for your child to have a tough conversation with a coach, to think of how to solve the problem (borrow from lost property?) or to feel the pain of sitting out while his friends have fun on the field.

• Make home a safe place to talk about mistakes and navigate “failure”. Let them talk without jumping in with solutions. When things go wrong, allow your child to process what happened, how they could have perhaps dealt with the situation better and figure out a way forward.

• Don’t try to fix everything. You don’t have to email the teacher every time your child has a bad day or intervene every time there is a friendship spat. These are invaluable opportunities to develop important conflict-resolution skills your child needs for adulthood.

• Treat your children like they are competent and you believe in them. Wrapping them in cotton wool will breed anxiety and stunt emotional growth. Giving them freedom to try, fail, pick themselves up and keep going is not easy – but it is an incredible gift to your child.

And I can pretty much guarantee that, like I did that day at the beach, you will realise that your child can do hard things. And that when life throws him a curveball, he has creative ideas and capacity to remove whatever obstacles standing between him and the perfect tube. *

Scan this QR code to find out more about Christy Herselman and her culture-shaping movement The Chat!

Maritzburg Orthopaedic

Maritzburg Orthopardic Centre

Optimum Mobility | Live YOUR Best Life

Maritzburg Orthopaedic Centre has a tradition of excellence in orthopaedic care, and the fine reputation of its surgeons is known throughout KwaZulu-Natal. Each surgeon in the group is board certified and many have additional sub-speciality training.

Maritzburg Orthopaedic Centre has a tradition of excellence in orthopaedic care, and the fine reputation of its member physicians is known throughout KwaZulu-Natal. Each surgeon in the group is board certified and many have additional sub-specialty training.

Dr Paul Hatfield returned to his hometown of Pietermaritzburg after completing his medical studies at the University of Cape Town. He continued his studies at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine in Durban, where he qualified as an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

Dr Nitesh Bhagwan is an Orthopaedic Surgeon with a special interest in shoulder replacements, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, and shoulder reconstructions.

He was awarded the South African Shoulder Society Fellowship in 2007 and continues to maintain a strong interest in orthopaedic research and teaching.

He treats patients at both community level as well as high performance athletes, and has performed more than 3 500 shoulder arthroscopies and 600 shoulder replacements.

Dr Bhagwan combines clinical knowledge and experience with scientific evidence to provide the best advice and management possible to patients from Pietermaritzburg, the Midlands and the Upper Highway areas.

MEET THE TEAM

Back in Pietermaritzburg, he gained valuable experience at Edendale Hospital before completing a Hand Fellowship with Prof Mike Solomons at the University of Cape Town. Paul is married, has two daughters and enjoys competing in Maritzburg’s iconic sports of paddling, running and cycling. Dr Andre Morrish

Dr Paul Hatfield Hand and Wrist Specialist

Dr Ruvyn Frank Foot and Ankle Specialist

Dr Jacques De Wet Tumour, Reconstruction and Deformity Specialist

CONTACT US

PMB ROOMS: Suite D, Block 2 Mediclinic Payn Street. Tel: 033 342 0416 reception@pmborth.co.za

HOWICK ROOMS: 50 Fraser Street. Tel: 033 330 7809 howickreception@pmborth.co.za

HILTON ROOMS: Suite G3, Hilton Life Hospital, Monzali Drive. Tel: 033 329 5712 hiltonreception@pmborth.co.za WWW.PMBORTH.CO.ZA

Degenerative wear of the articular cartilage of the carpo-metacarpal joint of the thumb is a common condition in people over the age of 50 years. This joint, with its wide range of movement, is held in position by several strong ligaments. When these ligaments stretch with increasing age, significant irreversible wear of the joint surface occurs. Women are three times more likely than men to develop thumb arthritis due to hormone associated increased joint laxity.

SYMPTOMS

Pain, stiffness and weakened grip strength are the principle presenting complaints. The pain is described as a constant dull ache in the palmar aspect at the base of the thumb. A severe sharp activity-related pain is also common, and can restrict day-to-day activities such as opening jars and gripping objects. With time, a prominent bony lump is seen and felt as the joint slowly begins to dislocate. A contracture forms making it difficult to move the thumb away from the palm, and potentially limiting hand function and grip strength. Further deformities of the thumb may develop.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis is made after taking a history as well as carrying out a thorough clinical examination. An X-ray will confirm the diagnosis, but decisions of the type of management depend on whether the thumb arthritis is restricting daily activities or if regular pain killers and anti-inflammatory meds are required to control the pain.

TREATMENT

Treatment aims to relieve pain, restore function and prevent deformity.

Non-surgical treatment begins with the occasional use of anti-inflammatory medications (Voltaren and Celebrex), reducing aggravating activities if possible and wearing a supportive thumb brace to stabilise the degenerative joint will decrease pain and slow progression of the arthritis. A hand therapist can help with the splint as well as with a stretching and strengthening programme. A cortisone injection into the joint can help to relieve pain but this usually only lasts for a period of weeks or months.

THUMB Osteoarthritis

DR

PAUL HATFIELD

OF

MARITZBURG

ORTHOPAEDIC CENTRE EXPLAINS OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE BASE OF THE THUMB – INCLUDING SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Surgery is indicated when regular medication is required to control the pain and daily activities are significantly curtailed.

As with all osteoarthritic joints, surgical options include joint fusion (the result is a strong joint but restricted motion), artificial joint replacement (potentially very effective but high complication rates) or resection/ excision arthroplasty.

Excision arthroplasty is the gold standard, most reliable and effective method to reduce pain and restore function. It involves excising the trapezium bone which makes up one half of the arthritic joint surface. The thumb is then stabilised reconstructing a ligament as well as a tendon sling and placing a bunched up tendon into the gap to act as a buffer (tendon interposition).

Rehabilitation following this surgery involves the use of a slab and splint for

a period of eight weeks post-operatively to stabilise the joint. A hand therapist will make and fit the splint and will supervise an exercise programme focusing on regaining mobility, pinch strength and dexterity in order to regain hand function.

As much a dog’s best friend as a dog owner’s, Emmanuel recounts how he grew up with a single mom on a small farm surrounded by animals. When his grandmother disciplined him for being naughty, he escaped to the nearby Mazarat Kennels. There he not only fell in love with the residents, but also got to watch how handlers trained the police dogs that lived there. He tried out what they did, and has been working with dogs ever since.

Emmanuel worked for various kennels over the years, but in 2015 decided that it was time to open his own business. He says he has never looked back.

A natural entrepreneur, Emmanuel started out by handing out pamphlets offering a free half-hour consultation to potential clients. He now has clients extending from the Upper Highway area to uMhlanga. Although he is active on social media, the adage of success breeding success applies, and he constantly adds to his customer base through word-of-mouth.

He is often called in to deal with problem dogs and says that, just as every situation is different, so is every dog. Even a group of pups that share a single owner will learn differently. They can each have different problems, he explains.

meetthedog WHISPERER

EMMANUEL GWABENI BELIEVES HE HAS HIS CANINE COMPANIONS TO THANK FOR ALL THAT HE HAS ACHIEVED, WRITES SHIRLEY LE GUERN

important things are to never use fear and to work with each unique animal, one step at a time. Hitting dogs is out. Dogs disciplined in this way end up conflicted because they fear their owners but still feel called to protect them.

He also doesn’t believe that dogs should be smothered with love. Avoid spoiling a puppy and put in place the boundaries that will make for a well-behaved and healthy adult dog from the outset, he advises.

As soon as I take the lead, I get this feeling that the dog understands that I am not a threat, that I am there to help,” he explains.

He says that post Covid he is dealing with a great deal of anxiety and aggression. Dogs that have been confined at home with their owners fear being left alone, and many struggle to socialise with strangers and other dogs.

When meeting a problem pooch, he needs to assess the dog and then work at that dog’s level. Then it is a case of also working closely with the owner to change the mindsets of both.

Emmanuel believes that his system of doing house calls and training dogs at home is particularly important. “Dogs are not the problem, the owners are,” he smiles. Home is where the bad habits are and owners usually stop doing the things they have been taught during training just as soon as they arrive home.

As a trainer, he says the two most

Emmanuel uses his voice to communicate with and reward a dog for the right behaviour, and prefers not to resort to treats.

Along the way, he admits that he also gets to hear about pet owners’ problems and often adds some advice here, too. “Believe it or not, owners’ insecurities and personal problems often manifest in their dogs’ problems,” he points out.

“During phone calls, owners tell me about their problems. The minute I meet the dog, I realise the situation is completely different. I feel that this is a gift from God.

In addition to helping suburban dogs, Emmanuel has a passion for educating owners in poorer communities to properly care for and appreciate their dogs. He has worked with a demonstration dog to take his message to learners, and has helped the Department of Agriculture to vaccinate dogs against rabies.

His focus is now on improving his business skills so that he can train and employ others as his operation grows. He is also keen to provide therapy dogs to help the disadvantaged. *

FOR MORE INFO 072 774 7092

Just as every situation is different, so is every dog

ALL SUMMER long

THE SUN’S OUT! HAVE SOME FUN WITH OUR GUIDE TO A FEW FABULOUS SUMMER ESSENTIALS



SMOOTH AND SILKY SUMMER LEGS

Millions of women the world over struggle with cellulite – even women with a slim figure may experience ‘orange-peel’ skin. You can combat it in several ways, such as with physical exercise, proper diet, drinking lots of water, and anti-cellulite massages. Get your legs looking smooth and silky for summer with a cellulite massage package from Deli. Deli: 079 765 7404; R1 000 for eight 30-minute sessions.



MAC VIVA GLAM LIPSTICK

Celebrate 27 years of giving back 100% to support healthy futures and equal rights for all with three special-edition lipsticks in Keith Haring’s signature primary colour palette. In case you didn’t know, 100% of the sale earnings from any Viva Glam product goes to fund HIV/AIDS related charities, including those affected by Covid-19. Have a little fun with your summer look and get yourself a Viva Glam Lipstick. R216, Edgars.

 PALMER’S NATURAL BRONZE BODY LOTION



SUMMER COCKTAIL

The Moscow Mule is simple, easy and totally delicious. Combine vodka, ginger beer and lime juice with plenty of crushed ice and serve in an attractive copper mug. So refreshing. Mugs, R220, takealot.com.

Enriched with pure cocoa butter, vitamin E and a touch of selftanner, this is the best way to avoid sun damage to your skin, while still looking sun-kissed all summer long. Apply this lotion weekly to create a beautiful natural glow. R108, Clicks.

 SUMMER NAILS

If you try one nail art and manicure trend this summer, make sure it is chrome. Silver, bronze, or any metallic at all, done in both opaque and sheer formulas, chrome nails have been seen on so many runways this season, making it a must-have look for summer street style.

 BRAZILIAN

CRUSH, CHEIROSA

62

Scent your entire world with this perfume mist. Spray it on hair, clothes, and in your space for a delicious pistachio, salted caramel and vanilla scent. Inspired by the year 1962, when the world fell in love with The Girl from Ipanema and the beach culture of Brazil, it’s the scent people can’t get enough of – it’s everyone’s summer crush. Shop the Sol De Janeiro range on takealot.com.

 POOL FLOAT

Summer is all about having fun – but why should long lazy days in the pool be limited to just the kids? This funky Moscow Mule Float will make you feel like you’re relaxing on a tropical island … sipping cocktails all summer long! R385, leroymerlin.co.za.

 BEACH PICNICS

No summer is complete without a beach picnic. Make your picnic not only practical, but totally aesthetically pleasing and absolutely instagrammable with the following items.

There was a time when outdoor adventure was done with style, using products that were elegant, durable and portable. The Fieldbar Co. are nostalgic for this era. Using modern materials to build outdoor products they would have made 60 years ago, they have combined functional technicality with stylish craftsmanship, resulting in an uber-attractive drinks box. R1 799, fieldbar.co.za.

Invest in a sophisticated oak wood picnic table to enjoy a picnic anytime, anywhere. The foldable, portable and easy-to-carry design keeps your food sand free and your glasses

HELP, IÕvebeen hacked!

PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN CURE. BUT IF YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA IS HACKED, HERE ARE A COUPLE OF SIMPLE WAYS TO GET SOCIAL AGAIN, WRITES CRAIG BRIGG

The most popular method of cyber attack is the social media hack, and the popular platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. Hackers are constantly looking for new ways to access your personal information and steal your passwords, and one out of five users have been hacked.

Here are some of the important signs of being hacked:

• You receive an email that you have changed your login details, but you haven’t.

• You have difficulty logging into your accounts.

• You suddenly receive a flood of spam.

• Your account is creating new posts and content — and it’s not you.

• You see or hear of another account that is using your name and/or your photos.

If you’ve been targeted, here are some ideas to get back on your social media feet:

your account. Often an added phone number or email will be used to change your account’s password, and you will lose complete access and control.

Facebook: In the security and login section, review Where You’re Logged In and log out of any sessions you do not recognise. If you cannot access your Facebook account, try sending yourself a password reset email, and recover your account through your registered email address. If you still have trouble, report your account and follow the steps as directed to regain access.

Instagram: If you’ve already tried a password reset to no avail, contact Instagram directly and work with them to recover your account.

2. IMPROVE YOUR PASSWORD AND ENABLE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION

The main reason that hackers access your account so easily is that people use simple passwords, and reuse passwords for multiple accounts. Make your password strong and unique. It is suggested that you also enable two-factor authentication, an extra layer of security. This might involve a PIN code that is sent to your phone, a security question that only you know the answer to, or even something about you.

to log in to another site or app, you often end up sharing a lot of information, which creates a potential vulnerability. If that app gets hacked, the hackers now have the info to get into your other accounts as well, and gain even more information about you. If you see any apps that you no longer use or that do not belong to you, revoke their permissions.

4. TAKE YOUR SYSTEM SECURITY TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH AN ANTIVIRUS

Robust AV software stops malware before it can download on to your system. It also flags malicious websites that could lead to your social accounts falling prey to cybercriminals.

5. TAKE HEED OF SITE-SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FROM YOUR SOCIAL PLATFORMS

Social media sites have their own recommendations on how to keep your profiles secure. Check out these links to make sure you’re following the best practices to protect your account on each platform.

• Facebook: www.facebook. com/help/hacked

• Instagram: help.instagram. com/368191326593075

1.

LOG INTO YOUR ACCOUNT AND CHECK ACCESS

If you are concerned that your media channel has been compromised, check that only your email and phone number is associated with

3. RESTRICT ACCESS TO EXTERNAL APPS, AND REVIEW YOUR ACCOUNT PERMISSIONS

During the process of updating your account information, you should check the list of apps that you are using through your social media accounts. When you use your social media account

As social media continues to evolve, it will continue to be a playground for cybercriminals looking to steal your personal information. Following these five simple tips will help to keep your personal accounts secure. *

FOR MORE INFO craig@upperhighwayinfo.co.za

whata TREAT

FORDOUN IS ALL ABOUT THE SPOILS AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL, WRITES KATRINE ANKER-NILSSEN

Driving down the tree-lined road to Fordoun creates an instant sense of peace, and sets the tone for a lovely weekend getaway. Here nothing is spared in order to make you feel pampered, relaxed and completely at home.

7 THINGS THAT MAKE FORDOUN UNIQUE:

1. Fordoun is a working farm. Along with its free-range chickens, there are the 120 head of Angus cross Hereford cattle that need to be fed and looked after, bee hives that need maintaining, vegetable gardens that need tendering, and lands that need to be worked.

2. The five-star accommodation in the hotel is complemented by a fine dining restaurant, world-class spa, and conference and wedding venue together with the selfcatering accommodation at the Farm Village.

3. One of the directors at the spa is a traditional African healer, a herbalist, an ethnobotanist and an inyanga

4. Wine connoisseurs will be left in awe by the wine collection of over 63 local estate wines, sparkling wines and French champagnes, all personally selected by owner Jon Bates.

5. Local is lekker… At Skye Bistro, fresh, mostly local produce is sourced and used by chef Jono Kalika and his team, who take great pride in preparing all meals with care and attention to detail.

6. Golfing, mountain biking, horse riding, hot air ballooning and exploring the renowned Midlands Meander tourist route are some – but not all – of the outdoor activities available in the area.

7. The trout dam in front of the hotel is constantly stocked and is reserved for the exclusive use of hotel guests – on request.*

FOR MORE INFO www.fordoun.com

THE PERFECT HOLIDAY right on your doorstep

With just 15 cruise departures out of Durban left in the current cruise season, don’t miss out on the chance of a relaxing holiday at sea. Whether you’re a solo traveller, travelling with your partner or a group of friends or kids and family, MSC Cruises has something exciting for everyone – with a range of activities that will make sure that your next quick break provides all that you need and more. From as little as R6 066 per person,

you can book a three-night or fournight cruise on MSC Orchestra from Durban to Portuguese Island or Pomene in Mozambique. Your cruise holiday starts the minute you board the ship. MSC Orchestra offers a little bit of everything for everyone, from fine dining experiences for the foodies to a fully equipped sports centre and jogging track for the fitness fanatics, and the jungle adventure playroom to keep the little ones entertained. The daily programmes

FOR MORE INFO www.msccruises.co.za

ensure that you never get bored, with exciting dance classes and sports tournaments. You can end your day with a spin on the dance floor, trying your luck on the blackjack tables at the casino or enjoying an entertaining show at the theatre.

And that’s not all – for more entertainment you can also choose from MSC Cruises’ great selection of themed cruises from now until the end of the season, which include:

• Krone Cruise; 3 – 6 February

• #Netgirls Bootreis; 3 – 6 March

• The Love Boat; 13 – 17 February

• Supper Sokkie; 17 – 20 March

• The Kids Cruise; 27 – 31 March

• Oppiwater Kunstefees; 11 – 15 April

With the KwaZulu-Natal Cruise Terminal right on your doorstep, there is no reason to wait. The newly built terminal, with the latest technology and excellent service from friendly staff, ensures that your MSC Cruises journey is smooth and stress-free – from booking to embarkation.

You don’t want to miss out!

Ithink my neighbour is in a witness protection programme. My partner rolls her eyes at this, but I’ve been watching him, and I’m convinced he’s a police informant with a new identity, far away where none of the old mob can find him.

“No he’s not,” said my partner. “He’s just a normal man, minding his own business. He’s probably quite lonely.”

He’s a strange fish, is John. He keeps his curtains closed all day. When he ventures out for a walk, he wears sunglasses and a floppy hat pulled low.

“So do you,” pointed out my partner.

Maybe, but I don’t check left and right before walking up the road, to make sure no one’s watching me. Why does he think people are watching him?

“Maybe because you’re

NEW beginnings

IT’S THE START OF A NEW YEAR, AND AS GOOD A TIME AS ANY TO CHANGE MY WAYS, ADMITS DARREL BRISTOW-BOVEY

always watching him,” my partner said.

He never has visitors. Once I knocked on his door and asked if I could use his bathroom. He frowned a frown that meant, ‘What’s wrong with your bathroom?’ but I’d already sidled past and was scoping out the joint.

“And?” said my partner. She disapproved – but she also wanted the deets.

“No photographs!” I declared triumphantly. “Not a single piece of family memorabilia!”

She looked meaningfully around our photo-free lounge. I should explain: it’s not that I don’t like my family, I just don’t find them particularly photogenic.

“I wish he would trust me,” I sighed. “I’d keep his secret.”

“No, you wouldn’t. You’d write about it in a column,” said my partner.

I suppose she’s right, but

I really am fascinated by the idea of a witness relocation programme. Imagine the opportunity to start again, a whole new person with a whole new life, knowing all you know now but without being burdened with the consequences of how you learnt it? Imagine if every day could be a new beginning, like the start of a new year. If it were me I’d choose a snappy new name – Seymour Coyote, or Hercules Strongbow, or Dave Skywalker – and

“I wasn’t upset, I was just disoriented. I had to sit in the other chair and look at the screen from left to right, and I’m used to it from right to left.”

But I brooded on that. Am I really such a creature of patterns and habits, so stuck in my ways? It’s dreadful to think that even if I had the chance to start again, I would probably just end up being me. Surely not. How could I put it to the test?

“Well,” said my partner, “instead of doing what you normally do, which is skulk around spying on poor John who’s just very shy, why not knock on his door and invite him round for tea? With no ulterior motive?”

What? Tea? Socialise? A friendly gesture with no ulterior motive? That’s crazy! I’m just not that kind of guy.

redesign my entire life purely to delight me.

“You couldn’t start a whole new life,” said my partner. “You’re a creature of habit. You’d just end up doing exactly the same thing, wherever you are.”

“That’s not true.”

“Yes, it is. Remember how upset you were when my Dad came to watch the rugby and sat in your chair?”

She nodded and smiled sadly at that, and I sat there for a bit, wondering why I’m so keen to change things that don’t matter, and so content to do nothing about the things that do. It’s the start of a new year: maybe I can do something differently.

“Where are you going?” she said.

“Just popping next door,” I said. “Will you put the kettle on?” *

You couldn’t start a whole new life,” said my partner. “You’re a creature of habit”