The Ridge 139

DREAM BIG

Everything starts with a dream … a vision … a goal to achieve something new and exciting, something that often is beyond our comfort zone. And whether it be a goal to further yourself in the workplace, a personal dream for your family, or a vision to uplift your community, they all start somewhere.

uMhlanga Rocks – also known today as uMhlanga Village – is the oldest part of uMhlanga along our beautiful coastline. Some may remember it as a quiet holiday village back in the day, but over the past 60-odd years, uMhlanga has mushroomed into a thriving holiday resort and business hub. And it all started with a dream … a vision … a goal. Take a trip down memory lane on page 8.

Many of our stories in this issue are centred around personal dreams which have become a reality.

Property expert Carlos

Correia knows all too well what it’s like to have a vision, and to eventually watch all the pieces fall into place. Since the dawn of democracy in South Africa, Carlos was aware that there would be many development opportunities, and today his plans for Westown are taking shape. “Westown will be a thriving urban hub with thousands of new residents, workers and visitors enjoying a rich and diverse range of activities and amenities. It will be a benchmark destination – clean, safe and sustainable, inclusive and offering opportunities to all.” How amazing to have a vision and to see it being fulfilled. Read more on page 28.

After years of talking, planning and more talking, Sharon Paterson from Salt Rock, together with three of her daughters, have at last found their “happy place” where they all work individually – but also together – doing what they

love to do. Feel inspired on page 10.

For artist Devika Pillay, after years in the corporate world, the time came for her to eventually break free and follow her passion – to paint. Today her paintings are on display at the Radisson Blu Hotel in uMhlanga and bought by many international visitors. Read more on page 14.

Also on the creative front, Durban fashion designer and creative artist, Mpilonhle Gumede, is turning heads with his bright, bold and colourful clothes on page 22.

Read more about the challenges facing sectional title homeowners wanting to install solar panels; try out our six fun things to do with the family this weekend; and meet Dumi, a young lady who skateboards to work and back each day.

With the cooler weather on the way why not try out Ant Ellis’ peri-peri sauce for a bit of heat – then drop him a line and

PUBLISHER

Jacques Breytenbach EDITOR

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ONLINE EDITOR

Sarah Mackintosh

CONTRIBUTORS

Gareth Bailey, Craig Brigg, Darrel BristowBovey, Lee Currie, Brian Downie, Ant Ellis, Christy Herselman, Nelfrie Kemp, Shirley le Guern, Linda Mzamane, Dawn Rouse, Anne Schauffer, Maggie Wittstock

Copyright: All material in this issue is subject to copyright and 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.

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 uMhlanga, La Lucia, Zimbali, Mount Edgecombe, Ballito, Gateway, La Lucia Mall, the Crescent, the office parks, the residential estates and, of course, all our advertisers, thank you for your continued support

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*ON THE COVER: The uMhlanga coastline. Picture: Brian Downie

DISCOVER THE ELIXIR OF

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KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

TRENDY NEW EYEWEAR CONCEPT KIOSK

FrontierCo – the home of top international retail brands – has launched The Sun Boutique, The Lifestyle Capsule, at Ballito Junction. This trendy kiosk is a one-stop shop for leading fashion global brands like Guess, Pringle of Scotland, MaxMara, Max&Co, Swarovski, Ted Baker, Scotch & Soda, Revo and Polo, to name a few.

FOR MORE INFO: The Sun Boutique, Ballito Junction, Level 6

CREATE CERAMICS

Brand new in the heart of uMhlanga in Granada Square, Create Ceramics aims to provide nothing less than a trendy one-of-a-kind experience. Stretch your creative muscle by designing and painting unique ceramics while enjoying soft rhythmic music, delicious food, and tasty drinks.

We provide an extensive range of ceramic art pieces such as teapots, bunnies,

ART IN THE COUNTRY

Sixty of the country’s top artists will descend on Harrington House in Hilton for the second edition of Harcourts Hiltonsponsored Art in the Country from May 25-28. The success of last year’s event attracted more than 3 000 visitors, said founder and artist Kathy Jacob, adding that art worth R900 000 was sold, much to the delight of the artists.

Last year’s top seller, Simon Addy, is among the bevy of returning artists, and will be joined by artists from the KZN South Coast and North Coast and their peers from

skulls, plates and loads more. Whether you’re a coffee person or a wine connoisseur, Create Ceramics offers a creative, authentic, therapeutic atmosphere for all to come and enjoy!

We host special occasions, corporate team building, kitchen teas, baby showers, birthday parties, date nights, book clubs, family outings and much more. Reservations are essential.

FOR MORE INFO: www.createumhlanga.co.za

the Western Cape, Limpopo, Gauteng and Mozambique.

The magical ambience will be complemented by a bistro menu courtesy of celebrity chef Jackie Cameron and her crew from the Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine. A full bar service will provide the liquid sustenance, while Congolese-born singer and songwriter René Tshiakanyi will bring pleasure to the ear. Visitors also have the option of picnicking in the sumptuous Harrington House gardens with views over the Midlands.

FOR MORE INFO: Entry is R25 per person (pensioners R15, children under 18 free); open from 10am-8pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from 9am2pm. W @harcourtsartinthecountry and @artinthecountry

LEFT: Ezequiel Mabote and Kathy Jacob.

SEEING AUSCHWITZ EXHIBITION

The exhibition, created by the Spanish company Musealia with the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland and in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) and UNESCO, invites you to reflect on the true dimension of the horrors committed by Nazi Germany. The

contents have been developed in a way that allows each visitor to get the most out of their visit and understand the facts presented in the exhibition regardless of their prior historical knowledge.

Opens April 24 at the Durban Holocaust & Genocide Centre (DHGC), 44 KE Masinga Rd, Durban. Entry is free.

FOR MORE INFO: dbnholocaust.co.za

CHAMPAGNE & WINE FESTIVAL

Head for Rain Farm Game Lodge & Spa on April 22 to join in on what’s going to be the most delectable sensory experience the farm has had to offer – with over 10 wine and champagne stations. Includes a Harvest Table, and you get to take your glass home. Limited seats available. Booking is essential, 12-4pm, R350pp.

FOR MORE INFO: 032 815 1050; WhatsApp: 083 352 6830; info@rainfarm.co.za

CHANGE IN ACTION FAIR

Gateway Theatre of Shopping recently hosted the Change in Action NPO Fair in partnership with We Are Durban and the Hollywood Foundation. The objectives of the initiative were to provide a platform for Durban NPOs to increase awareness of the services they offer and to connect with citizens interested in supporting them.

ABOVE: Andile Kleinboooi, Tammy Jordaan, Wendy Ntselani, and Charlene Steytler.

ABOVE: Shabnum Salod, Faith Gumede, Dr Farida Patel, and Nthabiseng Hlatswayo.

ABOVE: Pictured cutting the ribbon at the opening of the Change In Action Fair are from left: Linda Morrison, Meaghan Hourquebie, Josh Redman, Nishtha Sanichur, and Michelle Shelley.

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

NEW JEHZ SOFAS STORE

Comfort goes further than just a soft couch. It’s a wholesome service and a product that will suit your unique lifestyle. Jehz Sofas recently opened their flagship store in uMhlanga, which they are proud to say is the product of their vision and passion for blending local and international creativity.

Made in South Africa for your home, Jehz was founded in 2021 as a way to expand on an already successful family-run furniture manufacturing business. They wanted to bring their knowledge, expertise, and culture of excellence to the world.

Jehz Sofas seeks to revive an appreciation and a love for handmade furniture where quality and attention to detail rank high on the list of values held by the founders and siblings, Tamara and David Manicum.

FOR MORE INFO: Visit their showroom at Unit 7, 39 Meridian Drive, uMhlanga New Town Centre

RIGHT: The Manicum family – David, Michelle, Devan, Tamara and Jared.

Shoreline Sibaya is ideally located on the North Coast of KZN, five minutes from uMhlanga, and within the prestigious Sibaya Coastal Precinct. As you walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens of Shoreline, you would be forgiven for thinking you are in an exclusive resort.

A secure environment for the over 50s, Shoreline offers everything you could want from a friendly, active community, giving you the opportunity to connect with like-minded people. Purposefully designed apartments ensure ease of living, ease of movement and uncluttered open spaces.

• Studio apartments R1 550 000

• 2-bedroom apartments from R2 550 000

• 3-bedroom apartments from R4 800 000

To find out more information, please contact our Sales Manager Natalie Bradfield

Onsite Sales Office – Shoreline, 46 Heleza Boulevard, Sibaya Precinct

Email: natalie@shorelinesibaya.co.za

Cell: 082 466 6506

@shoreline_sibaya W @ShorelineSibaya

i www.shorelinesibaya.co.za

remembering YESTERDAY

PROGRESS, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT ARE GOOD, AND IS WHAT KEEPS OUR PROVINCE ALIVE. AND SOMETIMES A SIMPLE PICTURE IS ALL THAT IS NEEDED TO SHOW HOW FAR WE’VE COME. BRIAN DOWNIE CAPTURED OUR BEAUTIFUL COASTLINE AS WE KNOW IT TODAY. ENJOY!

In 1964, the Beverly Hills Hotel joined the Oyster Box Hotel as two premier destinations in uMhlanga Rocks – which, back in the day, was a day’s outing from Durban. The Oyster Box Hotel had been converted from the Oyster Lodge in 1954 – enjoying the stunning companionship of the lighthouse which had been completed two years earlier.

Today, uMhlanga is a very different picture. It has witnessed explosive growth, making it not just the economic hub of KwaZulu-Natal, but also an all-year round popular holiday destination for locals and international tourists, as well as home to the many thousands who live here for the lifestyle offered along our east coast.

The catalyst for this new development was the decision by Old Mutual to launch the construction of Gateway Theatre of Shopping at uMhlanga Ridge in 1998. The rest, as they say, is history! *

FOR MORE INFO

Brian Downie, a retired engineer living in Mount Edgecombe, has a library of uMhlanga videos worth watching. Scan the QR code and enjoy!

Re-freshed is not only the brainchild of a Salt Rock family, but the happy place where four women of the Paterson family work together – mother, and three daughters. They may work in the same space, but in different spheres – with each being creative in their own way, plying their trade, craft or skill in harmony.

Harmony? Not a common word used among family members working together, but mom, Sharon Paterson laughs, “Everyone asks how we manage – the scenario often spells a battleground, but not for us. We’re all so busy with our own endeavours here, that there’s no time for that. Anyway, we wouldn’t have it any other way. We want to be together.”

For Sharon and her daughters, Refreshed is a relatively new venture in a new centre, and they’re always a work in progress. As creatives, they’re constantly evolving, always will, as they continually re-examine their store, stock, clientele and the services they offer.

It all began when Sharon finally succumbed to the pleas from four daughters who wanted their parents to

ahappy PLACE

THERE’S A REAL BUZZ IN THIS BUSY, INDUSTRIOUS, OFTEN QUIRKY, ALWAYS ENERGISED MULTI-SKILLED SPACE CALLED RE-FRESHED AT THE NEW SALT ROCK CENTRE. PUT IT DOWN TO THE TIGHT-KNIT, HANDSON FAMILY BEHIND THE BRAND, WITH THEIR SLEEVES FIRMLY ROLLED UP, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER

leave Mpumalanga and join them – and eight, nearly nine grandchildren – on the North Coast: “We kept saying tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow, then we said today,” laughs Sharon. But she didn’t leave behind her skills or plans for another business –she’d had a restaurant and pottery shop in Pilgrim’s Rest, with staff she’d trained to perfection, and she’d stocked her own distinctive brand of ceramics and stainedglass work.

Oldest daughter, Kate Armitage, is a well-known, accomplished hairdresser –one of five L’Oreal selected hairdressers – with an established clientele and her own brand, Kate Style @ Re-freshed. Youngest daughter Megan Marsh is Re-freshed Soul, offering a range of beauty treatments –she’s also currently studying hairdressing. Tracy Joubert – together with architect husband Jason – is an interior designer, with a string of existing clients.

The family had this vision for a large communal retail space which would accommodate all their skills, and simultaneously showcase Sharon’s wares. “Sharing made perfect sense, and I always thought it would be amazing to collaborate,” says Tracy. “Not only do we share costs and facilities like a kitchen and reception, but importantly, each ‘business’ feeds off the other. Everyone who comes in to have their nails done, sees a new hairstyle they’d like or some exceptional decor items in the space.”

When the family signed on the dotted line for the space, they were presented with four walls, an electric plug in each, a basin and a tap. Room for improvement. Enter daughter Tracy and husband Jason: “We all talked through the space extensively, and knowing what everyone’s needs were, came up with the layout and design.

“It was important to get the flow right, so

we created a little sanctuary over there for the hair wash, a view of the shop for those spending hours having their nails done. In the end, everyone got what they needed and wanted, and everyone has their own place. I can be here an entire day and not see Kate – yet we all know we’re all here, and we have each other’s backs.”

Tracy and Jason have their own private, but connected studio space within Refreshed, where they can deal with their interior and architecture clients, “Everything you see in the shop is for sale, except us –or something mom decides she no longer wants to sell,” she grins. “I designed some of the furniture, and that’s for sale. »

We’re all giving people beautiful things. All our careers are rewarding, and we’re fortunate, we always see the end product

LEFT: Sharing, collaborating and having fun –the mum and daughter team at Re-freshed. Mum Sharon Paterson, with, from left, Tracy Joubert, Megan Marsh, and Kate Armitage.

The nice thing for me is for the decorating side of my business – I can, and do, commission mom to make stained glass doors, customised light fittings, even basins…”

Tracy says she and her mom always wanted to “do something together”, and Re-freshed is the realisation of that dream: “We even opened a shop in Graskop so the two skilled staff who had worked with mom in Mpumalanga, could run it and be employed.”

Re-freshed isn’t like other decorating stores: “We don’t want to be,” says Tracy. “We visit trade shows, and have a range of wholesalers across the country. We don’t do ordinary.”

Sharon spends most mornings in

her pottery studio, either producing her ceramics, running regular classes, or creating workshops for groups who request it – she has trained up a production team to assist her with her own ceramics and stained glass work. She’s in Re-freshed in the afternoons. Sharon is self-taught, and attributes it to her own mother: “She was an amazing woman – there’s nothing she couldn’t turn her hand to. Carpentry and oil painting to building.”

For Sharon, working with your hands is important. The girls say, “Mom told us which careers to go into,” to which Sharon replied, “I didn’t exactly. I just said you need to work with your hands, and to be self-employed.” So they did. Sharon likes to see it as ‘being givers’. “We’re all giving people beautiful things. All our careers are rewarding, and we’re fortunate, we always see the end product.”

As the hairdresser, Kate not only sees the end product, but she’s often the end product herself: “I’m very much about change,” she laughs. “I was blonde two weeks ago…now all my clients want to get this new colour and look.”

The family all live close to one another too…two sisters are next-door neighbours, while the others are a stone’s throw away. Everyone is married with children, and they share lift clubs, socialise on weekends, and have an away family holiday at least twice a year. Dad does the books and running around. Fourth daughter, Jennilee Greene, recently moved to Underberg with her little family – and has clearly left a real gap.

Aside from just loving to be together and feeding off each other’s energy, there’s another wonderful advantage for the four to work together. There’s no excuse not to be well groomed. From the tips of their nails to the hair on their heads, everyone looks superb. And why wouldn’t they be? *

Everyone who comes in to have their nails done, sees a new hairstyle they’d like or some exceptional decor items in the space

RIGHT: Sharon Paterson loves spending time in her pottery studio producing ceramics.

NEW SHOES - again and again

WITH A PASSION FOR CLEANING SHOES, TAKKIE WASH SA OFFER PROFESSIONAL CARE TO MAKE YOUR SHOES LAST LONGER

In 2016 when entrepreneurial dynamo Ntokozo “Melo”

Ntleko started Takkie Wash SA, she was looking for a way to supplement her income. Juggling studying with waitressing, she had taken on the financial responsibility of a car – and she wasn’t coping. She started scrubbing and rubbing shoes in her apartment – and it wasn’t long before the word got around and

her Instagram gathered an enthusiastic following.

Melodious has been running her slick operation from the current Musgrave premises since July 2018. “I’ve taken a few giant leaps of faith along the way, my latest one was opening the second branch in uMhlanga exactly four years after the Musgrave store opened,” she says.

Her strategy of investing

back into the business and following a long-term plan is paying off. Melodious employs 11 staff who specialise in different aspects of the business.

“Shoes have a personality. They carry that memory of where and when you bought them, where you wear them, and how you walk in them. We feel all that when we clean those shoes. Through research

LEFT:

Melodious Ntleko.

and experimentation, I have developed my own specific method for cleaning shoes,” Melodious says.

“We want customers to get that ‘new shoe’ feeling when they collect their shoes from us. There’s nothing better than seeing that chuffed look on a customer’s face when re-united with their spotlessly clean shoes.”

The business’s bread-andbutter is the deep cleanse service which ranges from R110 to R160. For shoes that need more attention, there’s the refurbishment option which ranges from R295 for sneakers to R385 for suede. Refurbishment can include colour restoration and rewhitening rubber that has yellowed over time.

The company’s services have expanded – they now sell laces, fix shoes with stitches and patches, and also do heel repairs.

Takkie Wash SA is open seven days a week for drop-off and pick-up. Turnaround time is generally two to three days, but customers receive an SMS when their shoes are ready which can be sooner.

UNLEASHING yourpotential

AFTER YEARS IN THE HEALTHCARE, CONSTRUCTION AND HOSPITALITY SECTORS, LOCAL ARTIST DEVIKA PILLAY HAS BROKEN FREE AND IS FOLLOWING HER DREAM, WRITES SHIRLEY LE GUERN

Radisson Blu, uMhlanga’s newest hotel, is keeping up the tradition of supporting local art – this time, portrait and abstract painter, Devika Pillay. It began with a visit by Durban businessman and property developer,

Vivian Reddy, to her pop-up gallery at the Pearls in October last year. Then when the gallery closed over the festive season, she moved some of her distinctive artworks across the road where they are displayed in one of the hotel foyers and at the entrance to the upstairs restaurant.

For the most part, Devika’s career has been in the corporate world. A qualified nurse and interior designer, she has worked in the healthcare, construction and hospitality sectors, project managing extensions and running facilities in both Durban and Cape Town.

But it was the long hours as CEO of Eurocape Holdings in Cape Town –together with the heartbreak of having to retrench staff during the Covid lockdown – that led her to re-evaluate her life and return to her hometown of Durban to pursue a career as a professional artist.

Her talent and love for art was evident from the age of five. Unable to pursue art as a career, she instead opted for nursing. “But art has always been a constant throughout, an absolute passion,” she explains.

Her childhood on the KZN North Coast was a humble one. “My dad was a waiter and he eventually owned his own restaurant. My mom was a dressmaker and designed all our clothes. So, we wore haute couture and ate like kings and queens, but grew up having very little and making something out of it,” she smiles.

She was also close to her grandfather, who headed up the family construction business. He taught Devika to mix cement and lay bricks at a very young age.

She went on to do everything from painting murals in hospitals to working on building sites.

But, she admits that, while in Cape Town, she was just too stressed to paint. A few

months after her return to Durban, she set up a studio at Community ZA in Umgeni Road and held her first exhibition, entitled Catharsis On Canvas, in May 2021.

This, she says, was about conquering fear and reclaiming power. “Part of that exhibition was about breaking free. So, in one painting, you have the birds that break free. The other theme added as a sub-title was Unleashing Your Potential. As women, we have to do that,” she says.

sign writing.

Now, both online and at the Radisson Blu, one can see her diverse talents in everything from water colours to oils and acrylics. Her work can be divided into two – her deeply evocative portraits and her vibrant abstract pieces – although, occasionally, they merge.

Devika believes that art is unique to each person and comes from within, reflecting their life’s journeys.

Her strongly narrative pieces sell mostly to the international market, especially when it comes to works depicting the likes of Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu and Mahatma Gandhi.

“My earlier works have a political undertone because I lived through apartheid and have to be true to myself as an artist and where I come from,” she explains.

Devika went on to open her online Define Art Gallery and then moved to uMhlanga and a pop-up gallery in July 2021. With her trademark grit and determination, she fitted out the large empty space at the Pearls shopping mall herself, making the partitioning, easels and doing all the

She says her nursing career introduced her to many women who had endured abuse or rape and she often addresses issues like women’s empowerment, mother and child nurturing and poverty in her art.

However, as much as she wishes to probe important subjects, she admits that, to survive as an artist, one has to produce commercial pieces too. These are largely abstract and favoured by local interior designers.

“In hotels, people want something to look at. They want to see new art. It adds to and uplifts the space. I visited the hotel to see its aesthetic and realised that my more modern contemporary pieces were a good fit,” she explains.

Although trying to establish herself as an artist post-Covid has been difficult, Devika remains confident that her future will continue to align with her deep passion for art and is looking to set up an arts cafe in the near future.*

FOR MORE INFO

Contact Devika Pillay on 082 653 3396.

Devika believes that art is unique to each person and comes from within, reflecting their life’s journeys

LEFT: For Devika Pillay, art has been a passion throughout her life.

It’s rife globally, with new scams popping up regularly. In South Africa, the skills and creativity run high. For those who haven’t fallen prey, they’re often aghast at the ease with which others have done so … until it happens to them. Those who have been scammed, are usually ashamed to talk about it. Why? Because the human factor plays a role, and victims are aware they’ve played a part in their own demise – it’s simply embarrassing.

Good scammers are extremely skilled at what they do, and manipulating emotions is one of them. Most scams have tiny red flags through the process, but somehow, our eye on the goal, we quash that little feeling of unease. As they say, “Hindsight is always 20/20.”

The online culture has made it far easier for fraudsters. Many people are unskilled and anxious around technology, which makes them ripe for the picking – with the older generation being perfect prey. When it comes to buying (and selling) on platforms such as Marketplace, Bid or Buy, Gumtree or indeed, even professionallooking, but little-known sales sites, the motto around pricing is: If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Days or weeks like Black Friday are every scammer’s dream, because as a shopper, your interaction is underpinned by the belief the price will be far cheaper than usual. Your guard is down, and hey, it’s Black Friday. An amazing price is suddenly believable.

I bought a camera on Black Friday. My dream camera, at half the retail price – red flag for sure, but I was too happy to be savvy. Woosh, R14 000 out my account, a tiny sense of unease when I pressed Go, followed soon by a broken heart and bruised ego – I was a statistic. Ironically, the company I dealt with … Digital Statistics. The price, the overly familiar WhatsApp messages, the “Sorry, the courier broke down”, stringing me along for five days … come on. There were even flags before I paid, but still, Black Friday, what a deal! My bank said the money had been removed from their bank account almost immediately I had paid – nothing they could do.

Kaamini Reddy laughed bitterly: “I was so naive,” she says. “We just don’t

haveyoubeen SCAMMED?

IF YOU HAVEN’T ACTUALLY BEEN A DIRECT VICTIM OF A SCAM, YOU’VE EITHER JUST ESCAPED OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO DIDN’T. I FALL INTO ALL THREE CATEGORIES, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER

think it’ll happen to us. I was downsizing, and put up a Nintendo Wii on Facebook Marketplace. One of many respondents was so persistent – he worked in Pretoria, absolutely wanted it, but couldn’t get to me instantly so he’d make payment now, send through proof of payment (which I received), and dispatch an Uber within an hour. The Uber was there before we’d finished cleaning the machine! Proof of payment (POP) was bogus, money never deposited.”

The bogus POP is a common scam,

as North Coast resident Helen Smith discovered. She refused to be caught. She followed most of the guidelines suggested by sites like Gumtree:

• When you find an item you’d like to buy/sell, ask to meet in person to see the item and exchange money in a safe public place.

• Learn more about the seller that you’re transacting with – how long has the seller been active on the site?

• If a local transaction is not possible, never send your item before receiving the money and make sure it’s reflected in your bank account.

• Do not accept or pay using any form of anonymous payment services such as: Skrill, Bidpay, eWallet, Western Union, PayPal or Money Gram.

• Never provide your personal or banking information to others over the internet.

Armed with her camera lens, Helen met the gent at a busy, well-known shopping centre. She photographed him and his ID, he transferred the money to her on his phone while she stood there, and sent the POP instantly via SMS. Helen was happy. He walked away with the lens, and the POP was fraudulent.

Bank scams are tougher. The irony is that the scams are largely successful because of our fear about being scammed: the latest is the remote access scam, used to gain access to online banking accounts. Fraudsters under the guise of your bank, call you and offer to help you block a fraudulent transaction – they ask you to download and install protective software on your PC. Once you’ve done that, they’ll ask you to enter your details and log into your banking profile. If you do it, your screen goes black, and you’ll start receiving OTPs to confirm transactions you didn’t do. The scammer then asks for the OTPs so they can block the transactions immediately. This is used to defraud you.

Marilyn Smith was caught similarly: “I’m not an idiot, but I feel like such a fool.” Her bank’s fraud division called to ask if she’d just made a R30 000 transaction. She was horrified: “No. The woman said we needed to hurry to stop this, and – yes, I responded to the OTP request – and she said consolingly, ‘Don’t worry, I’ve stopped

WHAT IT MEANS

• Phishing – when fraudsters send emails that appear to be from reputable businesses, and often promise a reward (such as a Black Friday refund) to get your personal information.

• Smishing – when criminals try to get your information by making you click a link in an SMS to a fake webpage.

• Qishing – a type of phishing that uses QR codes to scam victims. If you click a QR code, always check the website URL you’re directed to.

• MFA fatigue – Multifactor authentication (MFA) fatigue is a method criminals use to flood your authentication app with push notifications in the hope you’ll accept their false authentication, allowing them access to an account or device. Always check that you are authenticating the right push notification.

the transaction’.” Marilyn can’t bear thinking about her own gushing gratitude to the scammer: “I couldn’t stop thanking her!”

Twenty minutes later, a second call came through from her bank asking if she’d just done internet banking for R30 000, R25 000 and R60 000? Marilyn said, “But I’ve just spoken to you.” So, this time it was her “real” bank – the previous caller wasn’t. The nightmare began. The scammer had withdrawn those three amounts. After four agonising months, Marilyn recouped the R60 000 paid into one bank, but not the other two paid into another – her bank gave her R4 500 “as a goodwill gesture”. The police to whom she had reported it, although kind and efficient, said, “We’ll never catch them. Never do. They open an account and close it immediately.”

Bottom line: Steer clear of interacting with unknown links and downloading unknown software, say the banks. »

If you’re contacted by so-called bank representatives asking you to download or follow links, end the call and contact customer services. Banks will never ask you to forward OTPs, or to download software and enter banking details. Never disclose to anyone (including bank officials) sensitive information, such as your username, password, card and PIN details.

Never think it’s not possible. You may have an IQ that’s the envy of MENSA members, but scammers are very clever in areas you aren’t: “We narrowly escaped being caught for more than R20 000 when someone hacked into our Mweb email account and falsified the banking details on a legitimate handwritten invoice,” says Christi Naude.

“I’ve just been caught for R10 000,” says Jaco Wolmarans. “I bought a lens from a photographer who is, or was, a member of a Facebook closed group for Nikon photographers.” On the face of it, reputable, but still, Jaco checked him out. He had a profile on Instagram, Twitter, and his Facebook account went back several years: “I asked him a technical question about the lens – it checked out, so I paid the money, and he went off to Postnet to send it.

I checked in with him several hours later, asking for the tracking number – no response. Phoned him, but he didn’t pick up. Next morning, I received a message from him saying he had been T-boned by a taxi on the way to Postnet and was off to the doctor to have himself checked out. Later that afternoon, he messaged me that he thought the lens had been damaged in the crash, and he was not happy sending it. He would rather return my money.

“A week later, nothing. He stopped accessing his Facebook Messenger account, WhatsApp messages went undelivered – the whole ‘ghosting’ thing.

“A forensic investigator friend secured some extra telephone numbers and a home address from the seller’s multiple applications for credit. He was in deep financial trouble, had been for a while. I discovered later, it seems he was also

mentioned in dubious tones on a Canon buy/sell group.

“I warned the seller I would press charges, and I did – charge of theft under false pretences and fraud laid.” Watch this space.

Dear Customer, Your package is waiting for delivery. In order to complete the delivery, of your package, please confirm the payment. Online confirmation must be made within the next two business days,

happen to others. Report it to the bank’s fraud division as soon as you can, and/ or to the platform on which you bought or sold – they’re constantly trying to improve their security. The scammer is very likely to have deleted his profile, but will possibly pop up elsewhere under a different name.

From job interviews which require a payment first … to online dating where, once you’re enamoured, he’s going to need a loan to visit you … to the 50 percent

to avoid the return of your package. Follow etmy tpackage

I receive one of these a day, either via email, or an SMS. I delete them instantly. The red flags are poor grammar, punctuation, spelling, strange email addresses, and amateur layout. Scammers cut and paste legitimate logos on to a document, or produce one so similar, you won’t notice the difference.

When you are scammed, depending on the circumstances, you may not recoup your loss, but do try to ensure it doesn’t

deposit you pay the vanishing fencing man, the scamming list is deep and long. Be very alert. Make your passwords complex, and reset them regularly – the pain of remembering new ones isn’t close to the agony you feel when scammed.

Of course, today, like Marilyn’s experience, she wasn’t even asked for any personal details – just the OTP – so the level of sophistication is ramping up significantly. Be on your guard – if you feel uneasy, walk away, put down the phone, don’t press that button. *

Marilyn can’t bear thinking about her own gushing gratitude to the scammer:

“I couldn’t stop thanking her!”

treats for MOM

A BEAUTIFUL TREAT

"A mother is your first friend, best friend and forever friend" – unknown

Share the treat with mom this Mother's Day and book her in for an experience at Sorbet La Lucia Mall. We offer manicures, pedicures, facials and lots more – and all in time for a beautiful Mother’s Day!

FOR MORE INFO: To book: 031 572 6632 or 081 805 2919; @sorbetlalucia

BAG IT

The perfect gift every mom wants – a Works of Heart all-purpose carry-all bag. It’s a beach bag, picnic bag, overnight bag, whatever you want it to be.

FOR MORE INFO: Contact Iona on 073 303 9936; W Works of Heart South Africa

SMILE!

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift for your mom that will literally put a smile on her face? Teeth whitening at The Smile Bar is a gift that will last a long time – and is quick and pain-free. When booking this gift, you’ll also receive a foot massage from Sorbet La Lucia Mall worth R250. Offer valid from May 1-31, 2023.

FOR MORE INFO: To book phone or WhatsApp 072 893 3276; @thesmilebar_sa

3 Treatments

R550 Per Person

2 HRs

Planning a spa day for your group of friends or family? Look no further than this perfect spa package!

• Full Body Massage with Hot Stones on your back And Choose 2 Treatments Each from the List below:

• Vhi Brightening Spa Facial: 30mins

• Extending Body Massage on a Targeted Area: 30mins

• Pampering Pedicure: 30mins

• Blissful Manicure: 30mins

• Relaxing Foot Massage: 30mins

• Foot or Hand Lightening Treatment: 30mins

• Indian Head, Neck & Shoulder Massage: 30mins

• Back Treatment – Scrub, Steam, Mask & Extraction: 30mins

For Only R550 Per Person OR Book for 2 or More People & Pay Only R395 Per Person!

Terms & Conditions Apply:

Couples/Groups to attend on the same day and at the same time.

Couples/2ppl to be treated in a couples room

DON’T FORGET TO TREAT YOUR MOM TO SOMETHING SPECIAL ON MOTHER’S DAY ON MAY 14. HERE ARE THREE IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED

6 FUN thingstodo

THE BALLITO FARMERS MARKET

With something to delight the young and the old, the Ballito Farmers Market will be offering a unique and entertaining experience with over 250 traders. Opening in May, the weekend market will be family and pet friendly, boasting a dedicated Little Peoples Paddock, including two jungle gyms for the kids, and a separately dedicated Teens Coop for the Gen-Z. You’ll also find a wide range of food stalls, each offering delicious and unique cuisine, curated from locally-sourced ingredients.

Open on Saturdays and Sundays, and public holidays, from 7am2pm at Lower Oaklands Farm, uMhlali.

FOR MORE INFO: www.ballitofarmersmarket.co.za; info@ballitofarmersmarket.co.za

BURNEDALE FARM

Burnedale Farm is a beautiful venue located on a working farm with a rich history dating back to the 1800s. Set in tranquil lush gardens, it is a natural oasis and provides a relaxing escape from the bustle of everyday life.

Family is at the heart of Burnedale which is reflected in what the farm has to offer. Enjoy a delicious meal, delight in unique shopping, pamper and creative experiences while the kids have endless fun with arts and crafts, jungle gyms or at the farmyard.

FOR MORE INFO: 032 947 0133; W @burnedalefarm

MONKEYLAND-KZN

A visit to Monkeyland-KZN is a truly unique and unforgettable day out and the perfect way to spend time in nature with friends and family. Take a guided walking tour through this stunning 23-hectare forest sanctuary in search of the free-roaming lemurs, monkeys and gibbon. Open every day, including weekends and public holidays.

FOR MORE INFO: 032 004 0178; www.monkeylandkzn.co.za

Until April 30, present this advert and the code RIDGE20 to get 20% discount

LOOKING FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO TO ENTERTAIN THE FAMILY THIS WEEKEND? HERE ARE SIX IDEAS THAT ARE SURE TO BECOME FIRM FAVOURITES WITH YOUNG FAMILIES

RAIN FARM GAME LODGE & SPA

Just 15 minutes inland from Ballito, experience the splendour and beauty of South Africa like never before. The luxurious Rain Farm Game Lodge & Spa has grown to include 10 self-catering units and six luxury tree-top units as well as an extravagant plains view restaurant where you can see giraffe, impala and wildebeest roaming around freely. Set in natural surroundings, the Aloe Spa is the perfect opportunity to create your own wellness morning, afternoon or day! And for the kids there’s a pool, archery, paintball, putt-putt, abseiling, wall climbing and much more.

FOR MORE INFO: Call or WhatsApp 083 352 6830; www.rainfarm.co.za; info@rainfarm.co.za

THE PLAY HIVE

The Play Hive is a mobile sensory and process art studio for children of all ages and abilities. We host sensory and art play workshops, birthday parties, boutique events, school events and offer school and parent training. We focus on children being absorbed in the process, experimenting and doing, rather than the end product, hence our moto, “It’s the doing, and the loving of the doing that brings happiness”.

FOR MORE INFO: 079 691 6980; www.theplayhive.co.za; @theplayhive

TACTICAL ACTION GAMES

For an adrenaline-filled and action-packed airsoft or lasertag experience, look no further than Tactical Action Games. Whether it’s for a birthday party, corporate team-building or just a group of friends wanting fun, our 10 000m² Khe Sanh Vietnam village or American army base arenas provide an immersive combat experience. The indoor/undercover facility has been purposefully designed by owners Jason and Bryan who have over 40 years’ combined experience in paintball, lasertag and airsoft facilities.

FOR MORE INFO: 082 836 7419; www.tacticalactiongames.co.za; Gateway Theatre of shopping, Parking level 5, Parkade G

pictures dawn rouse

The roots of our talents and innate abilities can be traced back to our youngest years. Whether it’s a mathematician’s fascination with numbers as a toddler, a world-renowned singer’s early dabble with childhood sing-a-longs or a gymnast’s love for splits and summersaults as a child. After all, we become who we are meant to be.

For Durban fashion designer, artist and creative extraordinaire Mpilonhle Gumede, the same is true. “My earliest fashion memory is around the age of six or seven. I remember being very picky with what I wore and liking bright colours, following trends and having an opinion on every outfit I saw around me!”

Years later, the same sharp eye for trends and fashion would lead to the establishment of a fashion label and accolades like his recent selection for the Durban Fashion Fair Class of 2022, showcasing his designs at 2019’s South Coast Bike Festival, and the South Coast Fashion Parade in 2018.

He’s the principal designer of Gog Geni Fashion House, which is available at retailers such as Victoria & Co at the new Oceans Mall in uMhlanga, The Pavilion Social Gallery, Decor Art Interiors, and at the KwaZulu-Natal Society of the Arts Gallery, among other locations. He is also an artist and curator at the Create Art Gallery inside the Mazisi Kunene Museum.

Born in Eshowe in a small village called Mtunzini, Mpilonhle grew up under the

whenartandfashion COLLIDE

FASHION DESIGNER AND CREATIVE ARTIST MPILONHLE GUMEDE MOVES EFFORTLESSLY BETWEEN THE WORLDS OF ART AND FASHION, WRITES LINDA MZAMANE

staunchly Christian values of his grandfather, a pastor. They lived a modest life, which was filled with love and care from neighbours in a community that genuinely lived the values of collectively raising a child. His design trademark is mixing prints from different parts of Africa to create a garment that’s altogether unique and immediately

stands out. “I am proudly African and appreciate African culture and heritage. We have so many similarities on the continent so I’m easily inspired by everything around me,” says Mpilonhle.

WHAT’S IN, WHAT’S OUT?

Trend forecasting is a big component to staying ahead of the game, and Mpilonhle

keeps his finger on the pulse: “A lot of designers are currently focused on establishing new fabric choices. I believe that is the direction to take in fashion if you want to distinguish your brand. Architecturally inspired patterns are also coming through more frequently in designs,” he muses.

And what about the fashion choices we need to leave »

ABOVE: Mpilonhle Gumede.

behind this year? “Definitely leave dark colours,” he vehemently says. “I believe they bring bad luck and are a fashion cop-out. If you want to clear your paths and stand out, add some colour to your fashion choices.”

SA’S FASHION FUTURE

Feeling optimistic about the future of fashion in the country, Mpilonhle believes there is still much to achieve. “We’ve done very well so far. A few local designers have put us on the map internationally. Our fashion speaks life, has rich historical roots and stands out from the rest.”

In Mpilonhle’s world, art and fashion are inextricably linked and he’s got plans for both disciplines in his future. “I want to open a fashion and arts gallery that will be recognised internationally. I see more retail stores selling our clothes around the world. In five years I’m aiming to showcase on platforms such as the Paris Fashion Week.”

ART IN MOTION

Mpilonhle’s next fashion showcase will be at an exhibition Umcebo Namagugu (Our Treasures and Values) running from April 1 until May 26, 2023, and will feature more than 30 local artists showcasing their arts, crafts and designs. * FOR

Visit www.mazisikunenecreative innovationcentre.com; @goggenifashionhouse95

If you want to clear your paths and stand out, add some colour to your fashion choices

The wildness

of one of Africa’s oldest game reserves is as far away as the door of your chalet. Comfortable living with the Big Five comes naturally here ...

Hilltop Resort

Hilltop Resort is the pride of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. The Resort is situated on the edge of a forested hill and offers fine views of the surrounding countryside. It is a three-hour drive north from Durban via the N2. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is a premier, “Big Five” park; home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Its rich plant-life, grasslands and forests support a wide variety of other game animal.

Activities: Bush braai, game drives, picnics/sundowners, Santa Lucia boat cruise ( hippos and crocs), game capture museum, outdoor brunch-kwa maphumulo, bush walks, pool.

Santa Lucia boat cruise

Hilltop Chalet

Mthwazi Lodge

atimeto CELEBRATE

After a month of discipline, prayer and sacrifice, Eid-ul-Fitr is a feast for the eyes, soul and body. Celebrated in full colour with family, friends and neighbours, it’s a time for giving and sharing.

Gateway Theatre of Shopping Campaign Manager, Ayesha Sewbaran, pictured left, gives us a sneak peek at a few of her choices to pamper herself, her home, or to give to the special people in her life.

 PERFECT SPOILS

It’s tough to choose, but Ayesha selected these stylish home and fashion accessories to share as beautiful gifts. Two-tier glass trinket box in sage, R249; rust and shades of olive 100% viscose scarf, R279; sage and brushed copper-colour earrings, R129, Poetry.

 ALL NATURAL

These natural tones are perfect for the change of season and are on-trend for a busy social calendar. From left: Sebenzisana by Naledi lightweight scarf, R299; small crossbody leather-feel handbag in natural, R399; embellished knit turban, R249; modern frame sunnies (also in green), R179; lace-up chunky platform wedge boots, R859, Woolworths.

 SMALL TREASURES

This beautiful gingko leaf box is perfect for storing little bits and pieces on the coffee table while being a striking decorative element. Trinket box, R449, @home.

 CHOC TREATS

Every day is a small treat with Lindt’s new Ramadan Kareem treat box. With 30 little Lindt choc-filled boxes behind each flap, the difficult part is choosing which flavours to stash. Lindt’s new Ramadan Kareem treat box includes 30 Lindt chocolates, R395. Or choose a designer bag and pick and mix chocolates to match – designer paper bag, R20; chocolates, R70/100g. Lindt.

 ANYONE FOR TEA?

For those special guests and special moments, you can’t beat a delightful bright tea set to mix and match. Maxwell Williams Teas & c’s Silk Road: Tea mug, R79; cake plate, R89; tea pot, R399; pack of four cake forks, R95, Home etc.

 CHARMING

Choosing from bespoke designs in the Momenti range, you are invited to curate a charm bracelet, necklace, or earrings to encapsulate your own story. Charms are available in silver, 9ct and 18ct gold and priced from R395; a necklace with nine charms costs about R45 995, and the bracelet R7 990, Bellagio Jewellers.

 BEST FOOT FORWARD

For yourself, or someone else, these kicks will hold their style and impress when out and about. From left: Unreal metal heel trim retro trainer, R439,95; Kangol Retro Leopard trainer, R559,95; Pierre Cardin glitter detail sneaker, R399,95, Shoe City.

apassionfor PROPERTY

CARLOS CORREIA, CEO OF THE FUNDAMENTUM PROPERTY GROUP WITH ITS HEAD OFFICE IN UMHLANGA, CHATS TO THE RIDGE ABOUT HIS PAST, PROPERTY, AND SHARES HIS VISION FOR WESTOWN – A NEW DEVELOPMENT THAT PROMISES TO CHANGE THE FACE OF DURBAN

QYou have 23 years’ experience in the development of residential, retail, and commercial property. How did you get involved in that?

AI started the property company in 1995 with founding partner Mlungisi Hlongwane. We realised that with the arrival of a new democracy, there would be many development opportunities in disadvantaged areas. At the time I was still doing my own private developments in Vereeniging on the Vaal River, including purchasing the Riviera International Hotel on the Vaal in 1998.

QWhat has been the most distinct lesson you have learnt about property over the years?

ALike everything else in life, property is cyclical, has its ups and downs and is influenced by many factors, many of which are not in your control (the property owner or developer). However, if you’re patient, property in the medium- to long-term remains a good investment. South Africans love the shopping experience and bricks and mortar will still be an important part of shopping in SA.

QYou and your partners in the Fundamentum Group – Sean Bergsma, Brendon Penn and Donovan Bergsma – have created a sizeable property portfolio. What is your secret sauce?

AMost importantly, I think we all have a similar vision in what we want to achieve. It is sad that Brendon has emigrated and is no longer part of Fundamentum, as he brought a wealth of experience from his banking days. As for Sean and Don, they have an amazing ability to quickly grasp and understand whatever they get involved in. They are very driven and so determined to succeed – and that brings out the best in me. We work together almost on a daily basis and complement each other, as they have strengths I definitely don’t have, and I have experience that they are still developing.

QThe Westown development promises to change the face of Durban. If you will, describe walking through that neighbourhood 10 years from now.

AWestown will be a thriving urban hub with thousands of new residents, workers and visitors enjoying a rich and diverse range of activities and amenities. It will be a benchmark destination – clean, safe and sustainable, inclusive and offering opportunities to all.

I was always an admirer of the Tongaat Hulett (TH) approach to development in terms of how they conceptualised and developed their nodes/precincts. We started talking to TH about a development west of Durban in 2016 when some land in Shongweni became available. This presented an amazing development opportunity. There was a lot of interest already, but the land still needed to be zoned and infrastructure was a major challenge. The City believed in the vison we presented, as we had always delivered on other developments in the City that not many development companies would invest in. The City committed to putting in part of the infrastructure and the financial model we offered TH also worked well for them.

When Covid came along, we realised that “traditional malls” were not the future. We needed a new approach and

spent many months talking to retailers/ consultants and financial institutions, what they saw as the new approach to offering something different.

Westown – the new city of the west –has given us an amazing opportunity to do things differently for the future by virtue of its location, environmental attributes and character. It will:

* Be connected, vibrant, mixeduse, people-centric, environmentally sustainable, safe and secure.

* Make the most of the open spaces and ecological assets synonymous with the region – wetland rehabilitation and environmental stewardship, horseriding, trail running, mountain biking, walking, birding and other outdoor activities.

* Be a smart, mixed-use urban landscape, developing organically, putting people first and responding to their needs whether they are visiting, living or working there.

* Be inclusive, making it possible for all the people of the area to be part of the city and not a-part-from-it, as well as bringing socio-economic value to all the

people in the area thus encouraging social integration, participation and ownership of this place.

* Be well managed through a place management structure (Management Association) delivering optimised functionality in terms of cleanliness, safety, greening and maintenance, as well as the provision of water, waste, and energy.

* Be designed as a high street environment where indoor meets outdoor, and an integral part of the overall precinct. Westown Square will set the trend in retail shopping experiences.

QPlease tell us what work your parents did, where you grew up and if these formative experiences shaped your approach to business today?

AMy dad was a mechanic and an immigrant from Portugal. He moved to Vereeniging in 1963 and that’s where I was born and raised. He was a hard worker and always went the extra mile for the family. This culture was inculcated in me. My parents always supported me and my entrepreneurial pursuits, and even

at school I was always “hustling” with something going on.

I saw a gap in the market in my hometown for restaurants, bars, and nightclubs – and that’s where it all started. After school I got a part soccer scholarship to Wits to study Building Science, but got side-tracked into too much of a good student life and experienced a political awareness that would change the way I would look at the future of a new SA. Neither of these helped my academic efforts, but Wits is where I first met Mlungisi and the way he looked at a new SA that was all inclusive. That was the start of our thinking of how we could change little things like shopping in areas that had been previously neglected in SA.

QWhat do you do when you’re not working?

AI read biographies, enjoy travelling and experiencing other cultures and destinations, and watch live sport all over the world. Generally, I am most relaxed spending time with my family and close friends. *

Many Durbanites will remember Gaby Fernandes from his deli and Agruta days in Morningside, and later Gaby’z Tasca in Durban North. Several years after their move to Durban North, Gaby and his wife Lorella were asked by Olive and Oil to join their flagship, Quintessential Foods. “We were with them for four years,” recalls Lorella. “We then sold the Tasca and focused on consulting as well as perfecting and marketing Gaby’z BrazzaKu

Peri-Peri

whereGaby GOES…

YOU KNOW THE NAME. YOU KNOW THE FOOD. LEE CURRIE CAUGHT UP WITH GABY AND LORELLA FERNANDES –NAMES SYNONYMOUS WITH THE FOOD SCENE IN DURBAN

Sauce, a recipe passed down from Gaby’s father.”

But, it seems you can’t keep a passionate restaurateur away from the kitchen for very long. Right now, you’ll find the couple at Shoreside Terrace Cafe situated in Shoreline Sibaya, a retirement village within the upmarket Sibaya Coastal Precinct. Early in 2021 the pair were offered premises to be run as a cafe and given carte blanche to design and fit it out themselves. They opted for plenty of light and space, which fitted in perfectly with the attractive surrounds and sea in the distance.

Working in a somewhat different environment to what they were used to, it’s clear the couple have adapted well, given a few important adjustments, such as the fare. “We initially intended to run Shoreside as a simple cafe serving our local residents,” recalls Lorella. “Later we felt we needed to attract more residents and introduced some of our classic dishes, such as peri-peri chicken, prawns, calamari, as well as catering for the larger community.” This went down very well indeed. The cafe/restaurant proved to be a drawcard for residents

in the village as well as the rest of the estate. And once word spread that Gaby was back in the business, fans ventured out to find him – from Durban North, Morningside, uMhlanga, Mount Edgecombe and beyond.

Still, being tucked away they felt they needed more foot traffic. To this end, Lorella has started to run private functions with stunning platters of food on offer.

While we were chatting customers drifted in and out touching Gaby or Lorella on their shoulder in greeting; an older couple, a group of women; they know them all. There’s no sitting back for Gaby – not for a moment. He’s full of future plans, ideas, all relating to revolutionising the food industry in one way or another – his enthusiasm is contagious.

As busy as he is, he somehow finds the time to play golf and keeps fit in the gym twice a week.

In this often brutally competitive food industry we had to ask this dynamic couple what the secret of their success is? “Just hard work, people skills, and of course our famous BrazzaKu Sauce,” smiles Lorella.

And their five most popular dishes? Calamari, Chicken Peri-Peri (of course!) Prawn Alio Olio Pasta, Pizzas and Salads. *

FOR MORE INFO

Call or WhatsApp 083 799 4229; info@brazzaku.co.za; www.brazzaku.com/products. Gaby’z BrazzaKu Peri-Peri Sauce is now available at Checkers and Spars in KZN, online at Yuppie Chef, many smaller outlets, and at Shoreside Terrace Cafe.

SNAKES rule!

FOR BALLITO SNAKE CATCHER SAMANTHA CUMMING, HER FEAR OF SNAKES HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A PASSION SHE SHARES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN, WRITES LEE CURRIE

atching Ballito snake catcher Samantha Cumming calmly handling a threemetre long python or a venomous forest cobra, it’s hard to imagine that she once admitted to having an immense fear of snakes. That was until she paid a visit to Ndlondlo Reptile Park at Sugar Rush Park near Ballito.

“By educating myself about

Wsnakes, and with the help of Neville and Helen Wolmarans who run the park, I learnt to understand their purpose and behaviour. Snakes are truly misunderstood – yet they play a vital role in keeping the balance in our eco systems and subsequently our health.”

Under the umbrella of Ndlondlo, Samantha – a pre-school teacher – works as a snake catcher in the afternoons and at the weekends, covering the

Dolphin Coast from uMdloti to the Tugela River mouth.

“Non-venomous snakes are so underrated,” comments Samantha. “I’ve found that many people really enjoy handling them once they get over their fear. My favourite is the spotted bush snake; beautiful bright green with small black markings, and blends in well in its natural environment. It’s a very agile snake that hunts its prey –usually small geckos and lizards – and is often found in gardens or homes looking for a meal or a cool place to rest.”

What about close shaves or scary moments? “Oh yes,” she nods. “I responded to a call with two of my team members for a black mamba stuck in a hill crevice. We had to break down some of the rock to release it. On closer inspection we found there were two mambas. My team member secured one while I climbed up the hill to secure the other one. Coming down the hill while necking the mamba, I lost my footing and landed on my bottom. It was both terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. Both snakes were safely secured,” she adds with a grin.

WHEN

A SNAKE VISITS

“Snakes do not normally hang around waiting for us to arrive, but if you are stressed, then find out as much as possible about the type of snake. Keep children and pets out of the way and try to keep an eye on the snake as it could easily move to hard-to-find places. Close any windows or doors. If the snake is in the garden, ensure pets are out of the way as you don’t want them bitten, and nor does the snake catcher want to be bitten

by your over-excited dog!”

Snakes are most active between November and April/ May, and just before winter as they hunt for food to fill their bellies for the colder months.

“As a pre-school teacher I like to incorporate my passion for reptiles and other animals into my teaching as I believe it’s vital to educate the younger generation if we want to continue to have flourishing wildlife and eco systems. I would really love to see people not reaching for a spade when they see a snake. Rather reach for a book.”*

FOR MORE INFO

Samantha: 072 316 8178; W NdlondloReptilePark

For a comprehensive list of emergency contact numbers and snake catchers go to: https://pethealthcare.co.za/ PetFriendly/Articles/reptile-rescuerslist-south-africa

Snake Antivenom Shortage At Crisis Level

Snake experts are concerned about a shortage of SA-produced antivenom because of a production backlog causing waiting times of six to eight months.

“It’s a major disaster that doctors and vets can’t get hold of the polyvalent antivenom, not only in SA, but also Africa,” comments Johan Marias, CEO of The African Snake Bite Institute. “Dogs are dying everywhere as it’s mostly dogs that are being bitten and treated.”

A monovalent antivenom is specific for one toxin or species while a polyvalent one is effective against multiple toxins or species.

The polyvalent antivenom treats bites of at least 10 venomous snakes.

LEFT: Ballito snake catcher Samantha Cumming.

Auria Senior Living’s latest development, Coral Cove, is a 21-hectare continuing-care retirement community, situated on the magnificent KZN North Coast within the safety, security and serenity of Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate.

2 & 3 BEDROOM GARDEN VILLAS FROM R3,6m

1 & 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS FROM R1,69m

SALES ENQUIRIES: 087 537 0539 | coralcove@auria.co.za | www.auria.co.za

opinion piece*

newlearner LANDSCAPE

LOLETTE SMITH, VISUAL ARTS AND CULTURE EDUCATOR AT OUR LADY OF FATIMA DOMINICAN CONVENT SCHOOL, SHARES HER VISION OF YOUNG PEOPLE NOT JUST THRIVING IN THE FUTURE WORLD OF WORK –BUT HAVING FUN DOING IT

Parents expect schools to be competent providers – not just for helping their children accumulate knowledge, but to prepare them for a profitable and fulfilling career. But, that is no longer as simple as it used to be. We are, without a doubt, living in a time of disruption –from geopolitics, climate change, issues caused by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and notwithstanding, the tail end of Covid. There is no more one-size-fits-all in the field of education – and not if we want the next generation to be exceptional, to thrive rather than just survive.

We need to anticipate disruptive change and prepare for it. We need adaptive intelligence if we are going to keep up with and become innovators in education. As Darwin said, It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change. The fact is that today’s students need adaptive intelligence if they are to become tomorrow’s innovators.

Career choices are not what they used to be. Across all industries, the global workforce will need to provide new, innovative solutions to ongoing, old problems. Cate Swinburn, a guest author for GettingSmart, makes a salient point: The growth of automation and artificial intelligence will continue to reorient our economy as millions navigate the job market.

But what if our current learning institutions are not that up to date? What if they are not ahead of the curve enough to help learners to successfully navigate in

the ever-changing landscape that defines the new world of work? What if, in reality, they are making our children less intelligent and adaptable?

Are education curricula re-imagining the classroom not simply by moving chairs and tables, but by utilising a variety of both physical and virtual spaces both within and outside the school? There is an urgent need for preparedness via a more robust educational experience.

As careers adapt to the future freelance economy, students need an education paradigm shift if they want to be relevant.

increasingly taking ownership of what and how they learn. Are our schools adapting to this? Do educators know how to create a personalised learning environment in which each student can seize every opportunity that comes their way and show their individual solution to the problem?

They need to learn how to rapidly apply their skills to a variety of situations using creative intelligence rather than academic intelligence.

Schools have become increasingly aware of the power of technology as a teaching tool. But for the students, technology is not just a tool, it is a “limb”, an extension of their very being. With so many advances in technology, it will soon be possible to live and experience life in 3D augmented reality. As a result of this easy access to knowledge, students are

Schools need to be intentional about how they teach creativity; it’s about the capacity to think creatively and make new connections, generate diverse ideas, and be comfortable with ambiguity. There is a need to refine a set of core capabilities that equip children to navigate the evolving learning landscape. The current learning system needs to be repackaged into a new coherence of curated innovation and design. As we leverage these capabilities, new learning pathways are developed.

Education that encourages transdisciplinary research which serves curiosity is on the starting block of advocating a higher form of intelligence – creative intelligence. Students in these future-oriented education facilities will emerge prepared for challenges, equipped to innovate solutions, and most importantly, enjoy and have fun doing so.*

With so many advances in technology, it will soon be possible to live and experience life in 3D augmented reality

ABOVE: Lolette Smith.

just whizzing BY

lot. I leave home at six in the morning, and use the time skateboarding to worship and reflect. In a way it became a win-win for me, and although it can be very exhausting, I love it!”

Dumi is 27 years old, has a five-year-old daughter, and is employed as a warehouse admin assistant for an air-conditioning company.

“Skating in uMhlanga has been the least of my concerns as everyone moves out of the way and people are friendly and often greet me. The kids also get excited when they see a female skateboarding.

“The danger, however, is as I approach the area where I work. I just have to be brave and know when and where to skate and stop! It’s quite a nice road to skate, but I cannot lie, I was scared the first time I did this, but I’ve become more used to it.”

If you’re in La Lucia or uMhlanga Village early in the morning you may see an attractive young woman on a skateboard doing some expert twists and turns – certainly not an everyday

sight. We caught up with a bubbly Dumi Dlamini who travels to work on her skateboard every morning, who was happy to share details of her challenging and certainly precarious daily route.

“I skateboard from my home in Ridge Road in La Lucia to uMhlanga Village, then I jump on to a taxi that takes me on the M41 to Palm View robots. I then jump off and skate along the bridge going towards the business park within Cornubia Industrial Estate where I work.”

Dumi’s three brothers are professional skateboarders, with the eldest brother, Dlamini Dlamini, currently skateboarding internationally, so it’s not surprising that Dumi learnt the sport at a very young age.

“I originally worked about 10 minutes away from home so I thought why not skate to work as it would save me time and effort. I did this – and I really enjoyed it. I then started a job a lot further away, and decided to carry on skateboarding as it refreshes me and helps me process quite a

Unfortunately for Dumi, it was in this area where she hit a rock and went flying under a truck. Apart from the shock and being very badly grazed, there were miraculously no broken bones. While she still negotiates the same road, she does so with a lot more respect. “I still get really anxious whenever I think about it,” she confesses.

skateboarding to worship and reflect

Dumi is able to drive and is working towards buying a car, but at this stage she’s undecided whether she will drive or continue to skateboard to work.

Where to next? Is competitive skateboarding an option? “I’ve never skated competitively or really thought much about it,” she says with her engaging smile. “I really do this for enjoyment. But if the opportunity arises, well, I love adventure and fun times!” *

FOR LA LUCIA RESIDENT

DUMI DLAMINI, FUN AND ADVENTURE ARE PART OF HER DAILY ROUTINE, WRITES LEE CURRIE

I leave home at six in the morning, and use the time

Iset off to explore the new craze of padel recently after the increase in lower limb injuries I saw in my practice obtained on the padel court. Just have to add that all the good stories, fun and laughter with old and new friends far outweighs the injuries. So why the injuries? One of the biggest causes is the shoes. Padel requires sudden swift rotations with turning, stopping, moving and jumping. It’s played on an artificial turf which is additionally covered with a fine quartz/silicone sand, and this sand allows for greater grip and more effective control of the ball along with prevention of injuries and slips. It is for these reasons that proper padel shoes are highly recommended.

Why can’t you use your running shoes? Running shoes have either too little or too much grip (trail shoes) which can damage the court or cause you to slide too much. The sole is also too flexible and the midsole too thick and soft, while the upper is not supportive enough, thus it will allow too much movement of the foot inside the shoe which will lead to instability and can result in twisting your foot, ankle or knee.

Can I use a squash shoe or tennis shoe? Squash and tennis are played on a completely different surface to padel –which is the main reason why you should use shoes specific for padel. The grooves on a tennis shoe are not deep enough. Clay court tennis shoes – with the herringbone pattern on the sole – work well, but if you have to buy a shoe rather opt for a padel shoe.

Your running, tennis or squash shoes won’t last too long on a padel court.

So what features should I look for in a padel shoe? Padel shoes have a stiffer sole to allow for rotation and a softer upper to provide increased flexibility. They also have more cushioning on the heel and toecap, and protection around the heel due to the abrasive nature of the turf and sand.

Your padel shoes should be flexible over the ball of the foot, although still have a stiffer outersole and provide ankle support.

Find a shoe that takes on the shape of your feet, and make sure it is one size

anyonefor agameof PADEL?

EVERYONE’S DOING IT – BUT BEWARE! THE WRONG SHOES CAN BRING A WHOLE LOT OF PAIN, SAYS NELFRIE KEMP

bigger than your normal shoe size. It is best to take the innersoles out of the shoes when trying them on, and stand with both feet on the innersoles, heels aligned at the back. The innersoles should take on the shape of your feet and there should be

off – the laces will secure your feet in the shoes and prevent them from slipping and sliding inside the shoes.

Common padel injuries I have seen include: Damaged toenails, especially the big toe; heel pain; Achilles tendonitis; ankle sprains; and knee injuries. *

FOR MORE INFO

Nelfrie Kemp: www.nelfriekemp.co.za; @nelfriekemp W @nelfriekemp

a thumbs width between the tip of your longest toe and the front of the sole.

Padel shoes need to be replaced every 120 to 160 hours of playtime. It’s also very important to tie and untie your laces every time you put your shoes on and take them

Padel shoes need to be replaced every 120 to 160 hours of playtime

Everyone is talking about it, and yet very few of us know the true depth of this new artificial intelligence that has even made the founders of Google very nervous. So, in the true essence of what ChatGPT is supposed to provide, we asked the ChatBot to write a short article on ChatGPT, and this is what it responded with:

ChatGPT is a new artificial intelligence-based chatbot created by OpenAI. It is a conversational AI platform that enables users to communicate with computers in natural language. ChatGPT is based on a deep learning algorithm called GPT-3, which has been developed to enable computers to

ChatGPT... what is it?

CRAIG BRIGG TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT A NEW TECHNOLOGY LIKELY TO CHANGE THE WORLD

understand and respond to questions and commands in a human-like manner. The chatbot was designed to be a platform for businesses to use to automate customer service, providing instant responses to user queries. It can be used to answer common questions, respond to customer complaints, and even provide personalised recommendations to customers. ChatGPT is powered by OpenAI’s GPT-3 language model, which has been trained on over 45TB of data from websites, books, and other sources. This data has been used to create a deep learning neural network that can understand and respond to natural language

queries. In addition to its conversational capabilities, ChatGPT also offers a number of tools to help businesses automate customer service. It can be used to create FAQs, provide personalised recommendations, and even respond to customer complaints. Overall, ChatGPT is an exciting new AI-based chatbot that can help businesses automate customer service and provide better customer experiences. So in short, you can provide the chatbot with a question or request, which will prompt it to generate a reply or response for you.

Although this was a rather technical and detailed response from ChatGPT, the beauty of the chatbot is that one can request the simplification of the output to provide an article for easier, simplified reading merely by asking for it. Does

this ultimately mean that our children will have the opportunity to have projects and articles researched and written for them? Will it lead to a dumbing down of the human race and lazy children?

The mind boggles at the impact of such AI on the future of our universe. Kevin Roose of The New York Times labelled it “the best artificial intelligence chatbot ever released to the general public”, and yet it may change our mind about how we work, how we think, and what human creativity really is. That’s a frightening concept, and there is considerable negativity around ChatGPT. Some suggest it can “hallucinate” and provide incorrect information for many of its answers. When it has been tested it often produced factually ambiguous responses. It’s not perfect, but it’s still early in its development and already amassed over

100-million users in January 2023 alone.

There are some exciting benefits to this new age technology, and one in particular that applies to education is that it allows students and journalists to quickly research articles, projects or reports as baseline information – although we still require critical and higher order thinking to finalise those articles, projects or research papers as intellectual humans. It’s also a wonderful tool for planning, because it allows a quick and easy way to explore your subject material.

Currently ChatGPT is a free service in South Africa, but paying options will exist in the near future for more advanced features. This technology is likely to change the world in which we live. *

FOR MORE INFO

craig@upperhighwayinfo.co.za

Will it lead to a dumbing down of the human race?

Ionce heard psychologist Lisa Damour describe the role of a parent of tweens as “a swimming pool wall”. The function of a swimming pool wall is to put boundaries around the water, and provide a place for swimmers to hold on when they are tired or afraid and need a safe place to catch their breath.

Picture your tween in a pool; the middle of the pool is her life independent of you, and you are the swimming pool walls. When she was little, she hung on to you because she didn’t know how to swim, and you were her constant safe place. But as she has matured, she has grown in confidence and competence, needing more space and freedom to live independent of you. But during this very complex time of rapid physical, social, emotional, and cognitive changes, tweens need our presence more than ever.

How can we provide the safe place for them to come back to while at the same time letting go just enough for them to grow strong, able and confident in the waters of life?

Here are a few things that your tween really needs to know:

• You like them (not just love them). Their minds are full of self-doubt, questions, and insecurities. Knowing you think they are competent, cool, and fun will give them confidence to venture into the water.

• There is nothing you won’t talk about, no question you won’t answer. They are

parentingtricky TWEENS

WE ARE THEIR SWIMMING POOL WALLS, WRITES CHRISTY HERSELMAN

much more likely to come and talk to you in times of worry and confusion if they know you are not only an accurate source of information, but a shame-free zone.

• Home is where they belong. Tweens who feel unconditionally loved, supported, and deeply connected to their parents and siblings are much less likely to flounder in the turbulent waters of identity confusion which come with this stage of life.

• Where the boundaries are. A friend once told me, “I give my kids lots of freedom, but at the edge of that freedom is an electric fence.” Tweens without boundaries can become egotistical and narcissistic. Those with healthy boundaries are usually much more secure and have a healthy sense of their place in the world.

• You are close by. With tweens increasingly living so much of their lives online, they need to know you are aware and paying attention to what is happening, both online and off. Our kids don’t always need us to advise them, fix things or offer

solutions. Sometimes they just need a little empathy, a sounding board or someone to talk things through with.

• You will never let them drown. Our tweens are going to mess up and do dumb stuff. They are going to make big mistakes; it is part of their journey into adulthood. But most of all our tweens need to know that we are with them no matter what. Sure, they will need to walk through some consequences and clean up their mess, but you will be with them all the way.

So as our tweens navigate this strange in-between phase of life, let’s be their swimming pool walls: there for them to cling to when they’re feeling weak and vulnerable, boundaries for them to pump against when they push too far, and springboards for them to dive off into the wild adventure that is life. *

QDante is relocating. Why the move?

AThe increase in our educational activities and in the number of students studying with us from all over South Africa and beyond, has meant we require bigger premises. Our language school teaches foreign languages – in person and online – to more than 6 000 students in KZN. In addition, we are currently preparing 51 students for IEB and Cambridge (both IGCSE and AS level) exams in Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Mandarin and Arabic.

QOn your website, dantedurban.com, prominence is given to collaborations with foreign institutional partners and scholarship offers. Tell us more?

AWe have several partnerships, including those with European diplomatic institutions such as the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Spanish and Portuguese governments. We also have a synergy with the Japanese Foundation, the main Japanese body for promoting their language around the world. Because of these collaborations, we can

LOOKING

offer our students – who have passed their Cambridge or IEB exams – scholarships to cover the annual tuition fee of the first year of enrolment in a foreign university of their choice.

QDoes Dante teach at schools?

AYes, we are working with several educational institutions in KZN. Collaborations are not only limited to teaching the main foreign languages, but also include exchange programmes of students and team members as well as a system of profit sharing with schools. We offer a package of free classes for one term taught by our nativespeaking teachers.

QWhat do you attribute your remarkable growth to?

AThere are many factors. Multilingualism is becoming key to a much brighter future for the youth; our brilliant teachers are all native speakers; we design and tailor language courses according to the needs of our students, and our experience helps us identify how to best respond to those needs.

QHow long does it take to learn a new language?

APerhaps you’re going on holiday and want to master a few phrases, or perhaps there’s an exam on the horizon that you need to study for. While it may take an average of 22 hours to learn the basics in any language, the truth is many factors determine exactly how long it

takes to learn a new language. Knowing what these factors are, Dante can help you understand how long it should take to reach the level of fluency you’re after. After all, if you’re looking for ways to master a language in record time, trust Dante, it’s our mission!

ABOVE: Giulia De Lorenzi.

playing with FIRE

SOME LIKE IT HOT … AND SOME LIKE IT EVEN HOTTER – BUT IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TASTE, WRITES ANT ELLIS

e can thank a certain Mr Scoville, whose heat scale has given us all an instant frame of reference for our heat tolerance levels. In case you don’t know, the Scoville scale is the universal measure of the concentration of capsaicinoids in peppers and chillies, ranging from the everyday (red bell peppers) to the ones that will ruin your life (the ghost pepper and higher) and all known varieties in between.

Those of us who like a clip of heat in our food can probably handle between 50 000 and 100 000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), around where our everyday bird’s eye chillies sit. These are way higher than jalapeños, which sit at around 2 500 SHU, but nowhere close (and so you know exactly how stupid this gets) to the hottest chilli in all creation, the Carolina Reaper – an American hybrid breed that delivers around 1,6-million SHU. Do not ever try this unless you enjoy instant regret,

Wand bleeding from your eyes. So why are we fascinated with the irresistible kick found in curries and peri-peri chicken? Why do we drown our eggs in Tabasco sauce and add chilli to everything at our local Italian joint? Science seems to suggest this interesting idea: The body can apparently not tell the difference between spiciness and pain, and pain is a thrill. When we eat spicy food, our brain releases endorphins – our natural feel-good chemicals – and great news, these are the very same endorphins that are released when we exercise. So first things first, cancel your gym contract and tuck in.

If any of y’all out there are like me and need a bottle of hot sauce on standby 24/7, the best and most cost-effective way to be prepared is to make your own. This is easier than you think, properly delicious and easily rivals what you’ll get from all those Chicken O’s out there. Once you’ve made it for the first time, experiment at will.

AntoÕs Peri-peri Sauce

You’ll need a blender for this recipe, but a stick or immersion blender will work – just take the time to blend as smooth as possible. Makes about 850ml.

• 2 large red bell peppers, chargrilled

• 1 large onion, peeled and chargrilled

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup lemon juice

• zest of a lemon, finely grated

• ¼ cup red or white wine vinegar

• 10 red bird’s eye chillies, roughly chopped (this is to taste, go lighter or heavier to suit)

• 1½ tsp paprika, sweet or smoked

• 1½ tsp dried oregano

• 1½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 2 bay leaves

To finish:

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

zest of one lemon, finely grated

• ¼ cup red or white wine vinegar

• ½ cup olive oil

• 100ml fresh cream (optional)

Roast red peppers and quartered onions directly over your gas burner, on the braai, under the grill on full whack, or in a cast iron skillet. You’re looking for prominent char marks on the outside, not to cook them.

Roughly chop and add to a food processor or blender. Add garlic, lemon juice and zest, vinegar, chillies, paprika, oregano, salt and pepper, then purée until smooth.

Transfer to a medium saucepan, add bay leaves and simmer slowly for 20-30 minutes, then allow to cool until lukewarm. Remove bay leaves then return sauce to the food processor.

Add additional lemon juice, vinegar and lemon zest. Purée again, until super smooth. Slowly add in olive oil in a thin stream until you’re happy with the consistency (I like it a bit thicker), and finish with cream.

What would a delicious peri-peri sauce be without a chicken? Here’s how to quickly make your own flattie: Set the chicken breast-side down on a board, with the neck facing you. Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, cut alongside the length of each side of the backbone and remove. Turn it over, breast-side up and flatten with your hands.

Marinade in the sauce for at least 3 hours or overnight, and

remember my golden rule: Never put a raw chicken straight on to the braai! Cook in a 170ºC oven for about an hour and finish over hot coals, basting constantly in both sessions. Serve with charred hand-cut fries, sweetcorn, spicy rice and/or a green salad – and don‘t forget the ice-cold beers.

Until next time: There’s much more to spicy food across the world than sweating and sniffing, so there’ll be a part two of this conversation in the future. Hot, medium or mild, add some spice to your table. Drop me a line with your ideas:

ant@rockthekitchen.co.za *

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

acarfor EVERYONE

SAFETY, EFFICIENCY, AND AFFORDABILITY – WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR IN THE NEW PROTON SAGA. TEST DRIVE IT TODAY AND JUDGE FOR YOURSELF

Proton South Africa is thrilled to announce the recent launch of the Proton Saga into the country. Designed to meet the needs of the entry-level South African market, the Proton Saga has a strong focus on fuel efficiency, safety and affordability, with prices starting at under R200 000. The car is powered by a 1,3-litre engine, making it a practical choice for city driving as well as longer journeys.

“The Proton Saga has evolved over the years as times have changed, and as buyer needs have changed; the Proton Saga is always ‘Evolving with you’. We are confident it will quickly become a favourite among South Africans.

“With its stylish design, smart features, and affordable price, the Proton Saga offers exceptional value for money, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for

a reliable and affordable vehicle,” explains Marius Smal, Managing Director of Proton South Africa.

The Proton Saga has a sleek and stylish design, and features a sculpted body that

to our customers and look forward to continuing to provide them with the best possible service and support,” says Trevor Morey, Head of Sales and Marketing in South Africa.

The Proton Saga is a budget-friendly car that has been well-received in various markets around the world for the past 37 years, as well as having been a top-selling car in Malaysia for nearly four decades.

is both aerodynamic and eye-catching. The interior is also designed with comfort in mind, with spacious fabric seating.

“We are excited to offer the Proton Saga

The Proton Saga is available in three models: the Standard MT, Standard AT and Premium AT. With prices starting from R199 900, this new addition to the Proton family is also backed by a comprehensive five-year/150 000km warranty, giving buyers peace of mind. * FOR MORE

INFO

Visit https://proton.cars/model/proton-saga/ for more information or to book your test drive.

The Proton Saga has a strong focus on fuel efficiency, safety and affordability, with prices starting at under R200 000

SOLAR power

WITH LOAD SHEDDING NOW A DAILY OCCURRENCE, GARETH BAILEY CONSIDERS THE CHALLENGES FACING SECTIONAL TITLE HOMEOWNERS WANTING TO INSTALL SOLAR PANELS

Given the increased prevalence of load shedding and the expectation that it will at least continue for the next few years, many homeowners are implementing or seriously considering implementing solar-powered inverter systems. Over and above resolving the inconvenience of load shedding by providing uninterrupted power for lighting and essential appliances, solar-powered inverter systems are becoming more popular due to the following factors.

Rising electricity costs: Electricity prices have been rising steadily over the past few years, including an expected increase of 18,65% this year and a further 12,74% next year.

Government incentives:

On March 1, 2023, the government introduced a range of incentives and policies to encourage the adoption of solar power. For private households, individuals who install rooftop solar panels between March 1, 2023 and February 29, 2024 will be able to claim a rebate of 25% of the cost of the panels, up to a maximum of R15 000, which can be used to reduce the tax

liabilities of homeowners. The rebate is only available for solar PV panels, and not inverters or batteries as the focus is on the promotion of additional generation.

According to the minister, businesses will be able to reduce their taxable income by 125% of the cost of an investment in renewables for investments brought into first use for the first time between March 1, 2023 and February 28, 2025. “For a business with positive taxable income, the deduction will reduce its

technology has been declining rapidly over the past few years, making it more affordable and accessible for homeowners and businesses. In addition, advances in energy storage technology have made it easier to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use at night or during periods of low sunlight.

Environmental awareness: There is a global drive around the need to transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy system, in order to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Solar power is seen as a key part of this transition, as it generates

electricity from a clean, renewable source of energy. While owners of freehold properties outside of estates can make their own decisions regarding such investments, owners in sectional title schemes and within estates will need to obtain permission from their body corporate or homeowners association and comply with any rules or conditions of such approval.

From a sectional title point of view, section 24 of the Act states that owners may alter or improve their sections, as long as they obtain the necessary approvals and do not interfere with the common property or the rights of other owners.

Over and above obtaining consent from the managing body, a few other challenges which may arise when installing solar-powered inverter systems within sectional title schemes or estates include:

Limited roof space: Many sectional title schemes have limited roof space available

tax liability. For example, a renewable energy investment of R1-million would qualify for a deduction of R1,25-million. Using the current corporate tax rate, this deduction could reduce the corporate income tax liability of a company by R337 500 in the first year of operation,” Treasury said.

Technological advancements: The cost of solar power

The rebate is only available for solar PV panels, and not inverters or batteries

for solar panels, particularly in older buildings that were not designed with solar energy in mind. This can make it difficult to install enough panels to generate sufficient energy.

Cost: Installing solar panels can be expensive – anywhere between R100 000 and R200 000 – for sufficient inverter power, battery storage and solar panels to provide a large degree of grid-independence for an average home. Economies of scale can be enjoyed among all the owners in a sectional title scheme, but it may be challenging to get buy-in from everyone, particularly if they are concerned about the cost and don’t see the benefits of solar energy.

Aesthetics: Some owners may be concerned about the visual impact of solar panels on the building’s exterior. This may be particularly challenging in heritage buildings or in areas with strict architectural guidelines

In conclusion, while solar-

powered inverter systems are becoming increasingly attractive, they require a significant investment and come with additional potential challenges within sectional title schemes and estates. However, given that load shedding is expected to remain for the foreseeable future, managing entities need to evolve and develop regulations to enable their residents to implement these solutions within their communities.

Over and above the benefits to homeowners, at selling time, green solutions like solar are becoming an increasingly

Umhlanga Rocks / R16.995 million

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Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 4 / Garages 2 / Luxurious, modern home within Hawaan Estate. This stunning contemporary residence boasts an exceptional location nestled amidst lush trees, offering breathtaking sea views.

Drea Densham 071 107 4664 / Ellmarie Spencer 083 256 4381

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107 Parking Bays & 76 Tandem Parking Bays / Stunning 3 700m² commercial property complex. First time on the market, 5 standalone double storey office blocks in excellent condition with well-maintained landscaped gardens.

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Glenashley/ R6.25 million

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Bedrooms 6 / Bathrooms 4.5 / Garages 4 / Fabulous Tuscan home with sea views and flatlet. With its spacious design, it is perfect for a large family and guests, featuring a private flatlet for added convenience.

Trevor Leonard 082 463 7103 / Les Lynch 073 355 6382

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Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Parking Bays 1 / Step into the world of seaside luxury in the coveted Edge of the Sea complex. Enjoy an expansive patio, perfect for sundowners or entertaining guests. A magical atmosphere. With 2 swimming pools, squash court and gym.

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ABOVE: Gareth Bailey, Pam Golding Properties.

HAPPILY everafter

DARREL BRISTOW-BOVEY – AKA EBENEZER SCROOGE – HAS A RANT ABOUT THE COST AND EXPECTATIONS OF WEDDING PRESENTS

Iam so glad the wedding season is coming to an end. I am the Ebenezer Scrooge of weddings. It’s not that I especially disapprove of them – except in the very general sense that they are unnatural pagan rituals marking the end of youthful joy and leading sexlessly unto the grave – no, I just don’t like what they cost.

It’s not the cost of the band or the floral arrangements I mind – that’s someone else’s problem. What I object to is how much it costs to be a guest.

I don’t know if you know this about me, but I’m something of a miser. I part with spare cash with all the enthusiasm of a stone being cold-called by the blood donation services.

Unnecessary expenditure hurts me like a piano falling on my head – that someone will expect me to pay for.

I don’t like giving birthday gifts either, but you can usually finesse that. You can pretend you left it in the car and will fetch it later, or maybe you can get away with an inexpensive in-joke item. But, weddings are different.

The sustaining fiction propping up most weddings –like the boning in a white bridal bustier – is that this is the final one these villains are going to inflict on us, and therefore our gift should sum up our best and most lavish wishes for the life ahead. Give the happy couple a commemorative beer mug, or a set of golf tees, or that bottle of Turkish raki you

bought in duty-free to get rid of the last of your lira, and you may expect frosty social interaction for the next 40 years.

And as for the gift registry! Not even Roman emperors exacting tributes from their vanquished foes had the nerve to specify precisely where the Gauls or the Pannonians should go shopping. But even worse – I was recently invited to a wedding where, I was informed, instead of a gift I should donate cash.

I reeled. No longer even the touching pretence that your gift will form part of the household of your dear friends, that every time they lift a slice of lemon meringue with that weird cake ladle, they’ll think of you.

“Cash?” I gasped.

“Or you could make an EFT,” my friend’s wife-to-be clarified helpfully. “It’s to buy a house.”

“Where will my name appear?”

“Huh?”

“In this house I’m helping you buy. Will there be a plaque on the lounge wall? Will there be a commemorative BristowBovey Breakfast Nook?”

“If you feel that way about it,” she said coldly, “you can

just give a normal gift.”

“Oh, hooray.”

“We need a coffee maker.”

“Why?”

“Because ours broke.”

“No, I mean why should I be giving a gift at all? What service am I rewarding? What grievous loss am I compensating? What am I buying a ticket for, other than a so-so dinner, some secondrate speeches, watching you two dance – which, frankly, I’ve seen before and it’s not such a spectacle – and then afterwards seeing considerably less of my buddy? If you ask me, you should be paying me.”

Silence followed.

“I think,” said my friend heavily, “you should probably leave now.”

At the door I looked back, and he was consoling her with a husbandly hug, and to tell you the truth they did look a lovely couple, and my heart did swell with sunny thoughts of love and their future.

“I tell you what,” I said. “What about if I’m best man? If I can be best man, then I don’t mind paying.”

I think they’re still thinking about it. *

Unnecessary expenditure hurts me like a piano falling on my head – that someone will expect me to pay for