Sawubona November/December 2024 by mikatekomedia

African Natural Treasures

Africa’s diamond and Tanzanite treasures captivate globally with beauty, rarity, and immense value. Diamonds shaped history and economy, while Tanzanite’s unique blue hues enchant as a sought-after gemstone found solely in Tanzania. Symbolizing luxury and elegance, these precious stones mesmerize admirers worldwide.

Discover ethically sourced diamonds and Tanzanite jewelry at Shimansky in Cape Town. With international certification and a commitment to sustainability, their exquisite pieces embody both beauty and ethical integrity. Enjoy guilt-free shopping and support responsible practices while indulging in the allure of their precious gems.

“Your African legacy for generations to come “

NATURAL FANCY YELLOW

Diamonds from the West Coast of South Africa

Extraordinarily rare and mesmerising, Fancy Yellow Diamonds are beautifully transformed into exclusive Shimansky creations, allowing you to savour the South African sun wherever you go.

Keep them guessing with the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class V300d.

Step into a world where your vehicle matches your ambition.

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class V300d is designed for leaders, innovators and game changers just like you.

visit www.mercedes-benz.co.za/vans

LIVE BEYOND THE ORDINARY

Steyn City is one of South Africa’s most coveted addresses, a legacy project without rival, a place where the only thing better than today is the thought of tomorrow.

WELCOME HOME TO EXTRAORDINARY

Set in 2,000 acres of indigenous parkland, this award-winning residential development has transformed Johannesburg’s ‘New North’.With exquisite homes for everyone from young executives to families and empty nesters, Steyn City is more than just a home, it’s a meticously designed lifestyle where you can live your best life. Discover luxurious living in beautifully landscaped surrounds with world-class facilities.

Cont ts

CONGRATS ON 90 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

provide the ultimate sense of escape.

34 The signature touch

Desmond Mabuza’s ne dining restaurants have stood the test of time for 15 years, thanks to a sense of family and an ever-evolving outlook

38 The weaving art of Al Sadu

12 Akwaba!

Discover Côte d’Ivoire’s pulse in Abidjan and beyond

20 Let’s go, São Paulo!

Try some of the most popular things to see and do when visiting São Paulo, even on a layover

26 Find your mojo

North of Durban beyond St Lucia, the lush coastal dune forests, estuaries, coral reefs, and empty beaches of iSimangaliso Wetland Park

The craft of Al Sadu with its attention-grabbing designs, patterns, colours is engrained in the history in Arabian nomadic lifestyles... These days we see it in home décor, fashion, and design

42 Kinshasa with Kabeya

Congolese artist Thonton Kabeya draws on Kinshasa’s rumba music as his muses

44 Breaking barriers

The journey of female aviators in a maledominated industry

46 Sawubona wins at Prisms

This magazine was awarded silver at PR industry award ceremony

CONTRIBUTORS

KEITH BAIN

Akwaba! 12

Find your mojo 26

“Movie nut, food fundi, freelance typist with a writing problem, I’m actually just waiting for my dancing career to take o .”

WELCOME TO OUR WORLD

49 The latest news from SAA, plus ight information, routes and travel tips

TOUCHDOWN

70 Navigating independence Olwethu Leshabane shares her children’s solo journey with SAA, while being fullysupervised and supported

MIKATEKO MEDIA

Executive Director/Managing Director

Desireé Johnson | desiree.johnson@mikatekomedia.co.za

Executive Director/Content Director Ingrid Jones

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief Ingrid Jones

Commissioning Editor Leanne Feris

Designer Hanri Gerischer

Copy Editor Candice Landie

Proofreader Tamlyn Cramer

Digital Editor Liesl Frankson

Contributors Na sa Akabor, Keith Bain, Sarah Bruce, Olwethu Leshabane, Sibongile Mafu, Rabi’ah Mian, Sbu Mkwanazi, Kulani Nkuna and Steve Smith

ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION

Sales Director Desireé Johnson

Commercial & Sales Manager Nick Armstrong

+27 (0) 83 412 4904 nick.armstrong@mikatekomedia.co.za

Sales Team

Merle Philander

+27 (0) 83 700 2700

merle.philander@mikatekomedia.co.za

Siphesihle Magubane

+27 (0) 72 152 5842 siphesihle.magubane@mikatekomedia.co.za

Tafadzwa Shayawabaya

+27 (0) 78 480 5713 tafadzwa.shayawabaya@mikatekomedia.co.za

Glenda Kulp

+27 (0) 73 917 2247

72 Better and better

Find out about the improvements made to make your experience with SAA even better

77 A very civil war Two good-looking new Chinese SUVs prepare to do battle in SA

81 Gift ideas

Find even more gift ideas for everyone 88 Column: Sibongile Mafu Our diversity, our strength

RABI’AH MIAN

The weaving art of Al Sadu 38

“A seasoned features journalist who loves exploring, travelling, and going out of her comfort zone to search for new stories. Loves island life, food, and photography.”

SIBONGILE MAFU

Travel light 88

“A breakfast radio host who works three hours a day and spends the rest of her free time nding a new adventure.”

glenda.kulp@mikatekomedia.co.za

Billy Masemola +27 (0) 71 562 8564 masemolabmw@gmail.com

Sally Young +27 (0) 82 490 6961 sally.young@mikatekomedia.co.za

Production Co-Ordinator Neilton Adams

PUBLISHED BY MIKATEKO MEDIA ON BEHALF OF SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS (SAA)

www.mikatekomedia.co.za | info@mikatekomedia.co.za

SAA EDITORIAL

Vimla Maistry

Head: Group Corporate A airs, South African Airways (SAA)

SAA CONTACTS

Customer Service:

Email: saacustomerservice@ ysaa.com Mon-Fri 08:00-16:30 (GMT), excluding South African public holidays Twitter: @ ysaa_care

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Website queries: webhelp@ ysaa.com

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The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Board and Management of South African Airways and Mikateko Media (Pty) Ltd, nor do we take responsibility for third-party advertising and pricing supplied. All correspondence regarding the publication should be directed to Mikateko Media.

“Once upon a time. . .“

is always a starting line for a good story. Similarly, the question of ‘what is time?’ is one of the most intriguing philosophical questions. We are at that time of the year, which, according to the Gregorian calendar, marks the end of the year. This is the time for the inhabitants of the southern hemisphere to take time off to rest, reflect on the year that passed, and create memories to be cherished in the new year. Time for a holiday.

As an international premium airline, SAA’s sole purpose is to ensure that we provide you with an experience that will ensure the good time you are aiming for begins with your journey on this flight and eventuate into pleasing memories at the destinations we have so carefully chosen to fly you to.

In recognition of its global standing as an airline obsessed with customer service, SAA was awarded an APEX Four-Star Rating at the recent International Flight Services (IFS) annual ceremony in Long Beach, California. The coveted APEX Awards are based on customer feedback, which is used to grade and honour airlines for superior customer experience. As a Top 100 airline in the world, SAA was included in a survey to be anonymously rated by passengers on over one million flights spanning over 600 airlines from around the world. Thank you to our passengers who participated in this survey, with an appreciation for the fact that the airline has been back in the air for only three years.

As SAA continues its triumphant rise, we are inspired by the engaging customer feedback we continually receive. This drives us to elevate our customer experience offering. Our employees constantly renew their pledge to make SAA the world’s leading African airline.

SAA started 2024 on an epic note, celebrating an incredible 90 years of existence and resilience. This milestone made us not only the oldest commercial airline on the African continent, but also the most Skytrax-awarded airline in Africa. Skytrax World Airline Awards is the global airline service benchmark for excellence, where SAA scooped the Cleanest Airline in Africa award in 2023.

Our strident contribution to seamless travel across the African continent continues. SAA now flies to Lubumbashi, DRC, and bookings for flights to Dar es Salaam, launching in January 2025, are now open.

We have increased the frequency of our flights to Harare, Windhoek, Lusaka, and scenic Mauritius. The new year will see further implementation of our strategy of adding more flights to all the destinations we currently serve and adding more sought-after destinations to our current intercontinental routes.

We aim to provide our passengers and trade partners utilising our cargo services with more choices and convenience. The breadth of our destination network is far beyond what meets the eye. Through our Star Alliance membership — an alliance of 25 airlines worldwide — SAA’s reach stretches from Nairobi to Dubai, Singapore to Munich.

South Africa just celebrated October as Transport Month. During this period, we reflected on the value of the air transportation sector in connecting people, facilitating trade and stimulating tourism. SAA used this opportunity to quantify its contribution in all these respects. An independent study by Oxford Economics found that SAA’s gross value-add (GVA) to the South African economy during 2023/24 amounted to R12 billion.

The foregoing tells a story about how, despite the challenges of the past and current times, good things can happen. As we thank you for your partnership with SAA, we wish you a wonderful holiday time.

M JOHN LAMOLA Interim CEO

CONGRATS ON 90 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

I wentfinally to Paris,

which sounds impossible seeing that I’ve been a lifestyle and travel editor for what feels like an eternity. I guess armchair travel and deskbound journalists must nowadays look at Instagram and TikTok and drool over the places people travel to at the drop of a hat. But, I am envious no more. I’ve been to Paris, darling.

I love travelling. I hate the admin. I also hate taking trains, trams, or bicycles. The confusion of which one to take and where to get o and what if I get lost and if my data is working… it’s all too much for me. Once I’m o the plane and settled into my accommodation, I start relaxing and am ready to hit the pavements. Let me also add that I’m not a fan of walking; I’m an e-hailing kinda woman.

I had things on my bucket list that were non-negotiables. The Dior Museum, the Monet Gardens, and the rooftop of Galleries Lafayette. On the rst day, we had to do the must-sees: the Arc de Triomphe and the Ei el Tower. We started our rst walkabout of the city via the Champs Elysée. It’s a scintillating feeling standing next to the Arc de Triomphe, seeing the Ei el Tower for the rst time, and taking elevator after elevator to the top of the Galleries Lafayette to stare in complete awe of Paris shimmering in a 360-degree view. There were many more jaw-dropping experiences and many glasses of champagne sipped at a Mont Marte sidewalk café while watching thousands of tourists thronging past.

The following question was posed in a recent New Yorker article: “Travel gets branded as an achievement: see interesting places, have interesting experiences, become interesting people. Is that what it really is?”.The answers are varied, from condescending negativity to the possibility of people being changed by it and seeing their own lives di erently. I nd that travel is not an achievement, nor does it make me more interesting. I travel to expand my narrow existence, to see the rest of the world other than my own myopic corner, and to sip overpriced champagne in a currency I can’t even calculate, and then come home and be greeted by my annual tax assessment. That’s life.

Make memories while travelling.

UNTIL NEXT TIME, Ingrid Jones & the team

Premier Resort Cutty Sark , Scottburgh, KZN

Premier Resort The Moorings , Knysna, WC

Mpongo Private Game Reserve , East London, EC

Premier Resort Sani Pass , Drakensberg, KZN

Premier Hotel The Winkler , White River, MP

WORDS KEITH BAIN

ocals affectionately call it Babi,

and they have a saying in French that translates directly to mean, “Abidjan is the sweetest in the world”. They truly believe it. Their city –Côte d’Ivoire’s prosperous commercial centre, and the world’s third-largest Francophone metro after Paris and Kinshasa – has long been West Africa’s cultural crossroads, its boom years and inimitable style earning it the nickname “Paris of Africa”.

Straddling the Ébrié Lagoon, separated from the Gulf of Guinea by a sandbar, and speckled with islands, Abidjan’s various quartiers are connected by bridges and defined by tropical heat and endless exuberance.

Within this sprawling urban expanse, Cocody, a 10-minute drive from Abidjan’s centre, is a hub of fashionable city life. Here, a gorgeous place to take the city’s pulse is at the bar of La Maison Palmier, a handsome boutique hotel brimming with Ivorian confidence and aesthetic flair.

Outside, where the year-round humidity could knock you off your feet, you can escape to the emerald-hued marble pool flanking its Parisian-style terrace, or find respite under one of the 200 different species of palm tree, planted to shade the hotel’s nine buildings linked by garden pathways. Inside, it’s a trove of refined African materials and chic design, a perfect cocoon after days spent exploring and shopping, and gawking at treasures in Cocody’s art galleries.

The hotel is such a dreamy sanctuary that it can be a chore to step off the premises, but it’s worth the effort to discover Abidjan's considerable charms. Nearby is Galerie Cécile Fakhoury, a veritable temple of contemporary African art on Boulevard Latrille, and you won’t want to miss the colour and vibrancy of Marché de Cocody, a labyrinth of stalls selling every type of souvenir, from wooden sculptures to antiques and jewellery.

Another lively shopping destination is the buzzing, full-colour Market Treichville from which you will emerge with a good idea of the pizazz, humour, and intoxicating energy that makes Babi’s people tick.

That energy is compounded after dark, especially in the presence of music and dancing. Abidjan’s legendary nightlife is intoxicating, said by some to be the best on the continent, with nightclubs and discothèques, maquis (open-air restaurants), jazz clubs, and go-go bars galore. Abidjan throbs with the sound of zouglou, a dance music developed from a mashup of zouk, ragga and soca, infused with various Ivorian languages and spiced with street slang.

Culture nerds can brush up their knowledge at the Museum of Civilisations, with its displays of traditional Ivorian arts and crafts, carved doors, statues, masks and musical instruments. Its collection of around 20 000 tribal artefacts is unrivalled in Africa.

Iconic, too, is Cathédral St Paul, a slightly mind-altering modern architectural icon designed by Italian architect Aldo Spirito. Built in 1985, a quarter-century after the country’s independence from France, it’s become a symbol of the city, its swooping shape bearing an uncanny resemblance to a human figure, arms outstretched, robe trailing behind.

If religious monuments are your thing, a trip to the country’s administrative capital, Yamoussoukro, might blow your mind. It’s home to the Guinness World Records’ world’s largest church, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, aka the “basilica in the bush”. Built –purportedly – to the tune of $300 million, the project was masterminded by the first postindependence president, Félix HouphouëtBoigny, who commissioned architect Pierre Fakhoury to create a church rivalling the Vatican’s St Peter’s.

Instructed to complete it within three years,

IMAGES: Yann Deret; Unsplash; supplied.

PREVIOUS SPREAD: The restaurant at La Maison Palmier, the first West African member of Design Hotels (left); the beach in front of the Grand-Bassam hotel, La Fourchette de Roze. THIS PAGE: The world’s largest church, situated in Côte d’Ivoire’s capital, Yamoussoukro (above); La Pyramide, in Abidjan’s commercial centre, is a ziggurat-like early-1970s building comprising a concrete pyramid striped by balconies (below left); Abidjan’s markets are charged with colour (below right).

An artist’s impression of Abidjan’s future skyscraper, F Tower, which will, once completed, purportedly be Africa’s tallest building (above); Roze Traore, the celebrity chef and model with Ivorian roots who opened a hotel in Grand-Bassam (below left); entrance to the bar at La Maison Palmier in Abidjan (below right).

Fakhoury cleared 72 hectares of coconut grove and covered the area with 13 football fields worth of European marble. With seating for 7 000 worshippers and standing room for another 11 000, its weekly services now attract piecemeal congregations.

In Abidjan, though, more future-forward projects are underway, including an enterprising pro-environment programme. Since 2014, plastic bags have been banned and now the city’s Banco National Park, a lush green lung ten times bigger than New York’s Central Park, is being touted as the poster child for the nation’s broader eco-ambitions. At almost 3 500 hectares, the reserve is one of the world’s last primary rainforests to survive within a major city –authorities hope to make it an ecotourism destination.

Having lost around 85% of its forests to farming, Côte d’Ivoire is striving to reforest and protect its green belts, many of which are held sacred by traditional communities. In the meantime, there are some incredible national parks worth visiting. Aside from over a million protected hectares at Comoé, there’s Taï, a dense rainforest full of rare creatures such as pygmy hippos, zebra duikers and blue monkeys. Plus, chimpanzees that have developed a dozen distinct tools used in everyday activities.

North of Taï, the town of Man is surrounded by cacao and rubber plantations and plantain farms, its skyline dominated by the soaring peaks of Tonkoui and Toura, the country’s highest mountains.Visitors can trek to Les Cascades de Man, a multi-drop waterfall, and Dent de Man is a tooth-shaped mountain popular with hikers and rock climbers.

Near Man, visits can be arranged to the traditional homesteads of the Yacouba (or Dan) people, whose villages

are famous for their bridges. Constructed of living liana vines, the bouncy, treacherous-looking bridges tend to get washed away during seasonal floods and legend has it that they’re miraculously rebuilt within a single night by magical spirit beings akin to genies.

Also here are the We peoples who put on performances of gymnastic ceremonial dancing to lively calabash drumming: young girls in fur masks perform flic-flacks and get spun and swung in the air by their feet by men adorned in spectacular shell headgear.

A different kind of culture is found at the coastal town of Grand-Bassam, not too far east of Abidjan. Tours of the colonial French Quarter where grand European landmarks are highlighted and followed by a canoe ride to visit a traditional N’zima fishing village where you might join in as fish are smoked for a delectable meal accompanied by beers in a maquis.

You could save yourself for a meal at Grand-Bassam’s latest beachfront hotel, La Fourchette de Roze, opened by American-born celebrity chef and model, Roze Traore.With Ivorian roots and a few childhood years spent in Abidjan, Roze crafts upmarket versions of traditional flavours using local ingredients.

If your urge is to surrender to pure seaside bliss, head further east, to Assinie-Mafia. The holiday town at the edge of Îles Ehotilé National Park comprises a vast lagoon with islands and water channels separated from the sea.With white sandy beaches, palm trees and calm, sheltered swimming areas, Assinie draws comparisons with the Caribbean and is popular with newbie surfers, snorkellers, and sunbathers. It’s perhaps the perfect place to unwind after time spent in one of Africa’s most intoxicating cities.

Côte d'Ivoire essentials

Online eVisa applications are the quickest way to obtain the necessary 90-day visa South Africans require for entry.

A year-round tropical climate prevails, with milder weather from November to April when it’s mostly dry. May through October is the rainy season, although rains recede in August (also the coolest month). Humidity averages over 80% year-round.

Used in eight countries, the West African CFA franc is worth R0.03; R1 is worth 34 CFA francs. Hotel prices and sightseeing tours are usually quoted in dollars or euros.

ABIDJAN ACCOMMODATIONS

Among the city’s many cushy luxury hotels, La Maison Palmier is West Africa’s first Design Hotels member and something truly special in the heart of Cocody. lamaisonpalmier.com

If you prefer more traditional large-scale anonymity with everything-at-your-fingertips convenience, Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire has for decades been a veritable United Nations within Cocody, offering every imaginable amenity alongside the Ebrié Lagoon. sofitel.accor.com

A slick, affordable option right near the airport is Onomo Hotel Abidjan Airport, while in the heart of the business district is pricier, more premium Onomo Allure Abidjan Baobab, full of home-grown style. onomohotels.com

@ The Medical Hub in Harare, Zimbabwe

Patients travel from afar to be treated at Dr Vivek Solanki’s world-class Medical Centre.

Situated in the safe haven of Borrowdale, Harare, the facility’s experienced professionals offer essential medical care, healthcare and wellness programmes, as well as aesthetic treatments, in a comfortable and pleasant environment.

Stroke clinic | Vaccinations | Vitamin drips | Weight loss | Neurocalvarial paediatric neurosurgery

NEW FACILITIES! Ambulance service | Airport clinic | Dialysis clinic | Training institute

With over 37 years experience, Dr Vivek Solanki (MBChB: SDAME) has special interests in Aesthetics and Regenerative Health.

258 Herbert Chitepo, Harare, Zimbabwe office@258hotel.co.zw www.258hotel.com

Landline: +263 867 701 0300

DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History

Cell: +263 776 791 007

The Museum has the largest representation of South Africa’s birds and herpetology in the world. Explore the bird diversity of South Africa with over 800 species of birds in the Bird Hall at DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History. We have our national bird the Blue Crane, sea birds, birds of prey such as eagles and vultures and many more.

SÃO PAULO! Let’s go,

GETTING THERE

SAA flies between São Paulo and Johannesburg, and Cape Town twice a week. In addition, SAA’s codeshare partner Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes flies to 20 Brazilian destinations, such as Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte, and Florianópolis. Visit flysaa.com

Try some of the most popular things to see and do when visiting São Paulo, even on a layover.

Your visit to São Paulo wouldn’t be complete without spending some time in one of the city’s most charming places, Vila Madalena. Called Vila Mada by the locals, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants, bars, pubs and nightclubs, all surrounded by art, music and graffiti.

The liveliest streets are Aspicuelta, Fidalga, Fradique Coutinho, Inácio Pereira da Rocha, Harmonia, Girassol, dos Pinheiros, Mourato Coelho, and Wisard. Take a load off and fill up on people-watching, food, and shopping. The neighbourhood has a variety of shops, including women’s and men’s fashion, bookstores, craft studios and art galleries, all with a more alternative vibe.

Dozens of art galleries and open ateliers are concentrated in Fradique Coutinho and Joaquim Antunes streets. Visit renowned art galleries such as the Choque Cultural (for contemporary, urban art), Ímã Foto (specialising in photographs), and Millan (fine art). Beco do Batman (Batman Alley), a well-known landmark covered in graffiti, can also be found in this neighbourhood, and the Museu A Casa do Objeto Brasileiro dedicated to preserving the memory of the country’s design and craftsmanship is worth a visit. acasa.org.br

To explore more artist studios and art galleries, make use of the free guided tour (some stops may require entry fees). The tour is available every Thursday between 11am and 3pm. Meet at Fradique Coutinho Metro Station (yellow line). sympla.com/turismoprefsp

Wind down at Praça do Pôr do Sol (Sunset Square), about two kilometres from the Vila

Madalena train station. There, you will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful vantage points for watching the sunset among the skyscrapers of São Paulo. The square is a popular place for picnics.

If winding down is the last thing on your mind, stay in Vila Madalena for the nightlife where you can also find a large concentration of bars and nightclubs. There’s something for everyone, from live music lovers to the LGBTQ+ community to football fans, most of which can be found in the streets of Mourato Coelho, Fradique Coutinho, Aspicuelta, Wisard, Harmonia, Fidalga, Delfina, and Girassol.

However, if you’re looking for a change of scenery, head to the neighbourhoods of Itaim Bibi, Vila Olímpia, and Jardins. Rua Augusta, which connects Jardins to the city centre, is another nightlife hotspot.

Next to Vila Madalena is Pinheiros, a neighbourhood with good restaurants and interesting stores. If you’re in the area on a Saturday, don’t miss the Benedito Calixto Square Fair, a big fair with arts, antiques, food, and lively chorinho music. On Sundays, artisans at the Handicraft Fair at Praça dos Omaguás bring their products where the public can buy handmade creations directly from the creators.

Tasting your way through Sao Paolo’s huge food market, the Mercado Municipal near Rua 25 de Março is a no-brainer. Before getting lost among the stalls selling all types of meat, cheeses, wines, olive oils, seasonings, fruit, and seafood, take a moment to appreciate the architecture of the building. The beautiful neoclassical style building with Gothic touches and striking stained glass windows was considered for demolition in the

mercadomunicipalsp.coms

Sources: cidadedesaopaulo.com, mam.org.br, acasa.org.br,

IMAGES: istock. COMPILED BY Leanne Feris.

PREVIOUS PAGE: São Paulo’s iconic Octávio Frias de Oliveira cable-stayed bridge has two curved tracks that intersect in the middle, creating a unique ‘X’ shape.

THIS PAGE: don’t miss out on the mortadella sandwich and the codfish “pastel” (fritter) as you taste your way through the sprawling Municipal Market of São Paulo (above); São Paulo is a very cycle-friendly city, as seen here on a typical Sunday on Paulista Avenue with MASP Museum of Art in the background (below).

1960s. Luckily, thanks to the stall owners, stallholders, and supporters who fought for its preservation and registered it with a cultural heritage council, it was renovated instead. First tasting stop: a mortadella sandwich. Next, a codfish “pastel” (fritter). Try the Bar do Mané, Hocca Bar, Bar Mortadela Brasil, or for artisanal cheeses, Queijos Roni. The market is open every day until 6pm, except on Sundays, when it closes at 4pm. A free guided tour of the market takes place on Thursdays at 10am, 11:30am, and 2pm and the meeting point is at Gate 1. sympla.com/turismoprefsp

If you have more time during your layover in São Paulo, make your way to see “38th Panorama of Brazilian Art: A Thousand Degrees” curated by the Museum of Modern Art São Paolo (MAM). The Panorama of Brazilian Art is held every two years, and the exhibition is representative of contemporary art from all regions of Brazil. This year’s exhibition is guided by an interest in experimentation, intense risk, radical situations, and extreme conditions marked by heat and the states that affect us. The museum is currently closed for renovations, but the exhibition will be hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art at the University of São Paulo (MAC USP) in Pedro Alvares Cabral Avenuein Vila Mariana until 26 January 2025. Entry is free, open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm.

SEE MORE OF BRAZIL

With SAA’s codeshare agreement with Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, you can now fly to 20 Brazilian destinations. The agreement includes flights between Cape Town International, OR Tambo International, and Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport in Rio. It extends to domestic routes, connecting Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha, giving Brazilian visitors seamless access to the four major economic hubs of South Africa. The agreement also makes it possible for SAA to add its designated code on more than 20 connecting Gol-operated flights in Brazil, including (but not limited to) Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte, and Florianópolis.

More to see and do

SP GASTRONOMIA

1-3 and 8-10 November, Villa-Lobos Park

Don’t miss the tastiest event in São Paulo. At SP Gastronomia you can taste your way through some of the dishes of the city’s most famous restaurants as well as from small regional producers; learn from great chefs, enjoy music shows and much more.

COMIC CON EXPERIENCE 2024 (CCXP24)

5-8 December, São Paulo Expo

This multi-genre pop culture convention is based on San Diego Comic Con and focuses on comics, television series, movies, video games, literature, and the people who create them. ccxp.com.br

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

December, various parts of São Paulo

The official Christmas celebration takes place throughout the city in December. Take a night-time stroll through streets lit up with festive lights, visit Santa’s house, the food fair, as well as the craft fair, or any of the many cultural attractions around the city. cidadedesaopaulo.com

GETTING AROUND

It is possible to get to and from the airport using taxi services or ehailing apps. Specifically for taxis, there are counters that have accredited drivers. For assistance, look for the CIT (Tourist Information Centre), open daily from 7am to 10pm at Guarulhos International Airport Terminal 2. Download a map of the city (English available) before you leave from cidadedesaopaulo.com

saasawubona.com

MOJO FIND

Among the many laid-back distractions within easy reach of your room at Thonga Beach Lodge: witnessing turtle hatchlings scarpering towards the sea; poolside hammocks to laze on; scuba diving; and the lodge's boma-style firepit.

SAA flies between Durban and Johannesburg several times a day. Visit flysaa.com

North of Durban and beyond St Lucia, the lush coastal dune forests, estuaries, coral reefs, and empty beaches of iSimangaliso Wetland Park provide the ultimate sense of escape. Apart from impeccable sunbathing, diving, snorkelling and birding, it’s also where you can witness one of the rarest wildlife events on Earth.

WORDS KEITH BAIN

In the reachesnorthernmost of the KwaZulu-Natal coast,

there exists a vast marine reserve protecting coral reefs bustling with aquatic life. It’s a place steeped in lore, with sublime beaches sheltered by coastal forests and 25,000-year-old dunes guarding shimmering shores like tall sentinels staring out to sea.

This beautiful, farflung region forms part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the country’s first Unesco World Heritage Site, which stretches along the Indian Ocean coastline from the Msunduzi River in the south all the way to Mozambique, some 280 kilometres away. Aside from its mosaic patchwork of coral reefs and unblemished sandy beaches, there are within its 332 000 hectares also interconnected lakes, wetlands webbed with reed and papyrus, Africa’s largest estuarine system, and most of South Africa’s remaining swamp forests.

The most accessible part of iSimangaliso is Lake St Lucia, just 78 kilometres from Richards Bay. A 38 882-hectare expanse of water dotted with islands, it is at the centre of a habitat for Nile crocodiles, hippos, rhinos, elephants, leopard, buffaloes, and giraffes, as well as a host of waterbirds, including large breeding colonies of pelicans, and flamingos, storks, herons, and terns are among the 530-odd bird species known to occur here.

Farther north is Sodwana Bay, South Africa’s diving mecca where coral-covered reefs are inundated with tropical fish; virtually every shark species has been spotted here, and there have been photographed sightings of coelacanths, which occur 115-metres below the surface.

Sodwana is also the pick-up point for 4x4 transfers to Thonga Beach Lodge, a small, secluded beachfront resort set within a dense milkwood forest. Marvellously Crusoe-like (without foregoing luxuries such as a cocktail bar, spa, and world-class dining), Thonga’s big, thatch-roof bush-suites have been carefully constructed to ensure minimal environmental impact and tremendous privacy. Best of all, it has something every great beach holiday should offer: No cellphone coverage and limited contact with the outside world.

While you can elude phone calls and news updates, something you can’t escape is the persistent, roaring lullaby of the ocean. It’s such a calming, reassuring force, an ever-present part of being somewhere that manages to resist time, holding the bustle of modernity at bay.

Step through the gaps in the lush foliage, though, and you’re transported by the sight of a seemingly unending strip of pristine beach, Mabibi, which is 40-kilometres long, and

from Thonga might as well continue towards eternity.

While there’s no shame in curling up in a hammock for the day or succumbing to one of the loungers on the deck poised above the beach, you can also make this an adventure holiday, even earning your scuba licence while you’re here. There’s a fully-rigged PADI dive centre, and the lodge’s team takes card-carrying divers out to explore some of the most bountiful reefs in the country.

From potato fish and moray eels to devil rays and leopard sharks, the variety of marine life is ceaseless – you will likely see turtles and bottlenose dolphins, too. Around 1,250 fish species occur on these reefs (compared with the Great Barrier Reef’s 1,500), but even if you don’t dive, there’s opportunity for adventure. Boat trips get you within range of whales and pods of dolphins that migrate up and down the coast. More relaxed still is snorkelling in the rock pools near the lodge, full of tropical fish that will keep you riveted for hours.

It needn’t all be idle lounging and cavorting in the sea. You can set off with members of the community to visit the local school and meet people whose lives benefit directly from your stay. Since the community is a major shareholder in the lodge, a percentage of your accommodation fees are

Clockwise, from above: The deck of an ocean-view suite at Thonga; snorkelling in a rock pool at Mabibi; fat-bike cycling along the shore; and Thonga Beach Lodge seen from above.

ploughed back into projects like new classrooms and clinics.

You can also take a guided forest walk to listen and watch for birds, or start your morning with a brisk kayaking session on freshwater Lake Sibaya, or grab a fat bike for a pedal along the beach. Each day’s activities are usually determined more by the vagaries of weather than anything else. It’s intimate enough for you to feel almost as if you have the whole place to yourself.

Aside from its abundant sunshine, summer’s real reward here is the chance to join an after-dark beach “safari” and watch as one of nature’s most curious miracles unfolds right before your eyes.

Although their preciousness will probably only be fully understood once they’re extinct, two turtle species – loggerheads and leatherbacks – lay their eggs along parts of this protected northern coastline, including directly in front of Thonga. November through February, the lodge o ers turtletracking excursions when guests can watch female turtles emerge from the surf, head up the beach and, using their hind ippers, dig holes up to 80cm deep, into which they deposit 100–120 soft white-shelled eggs before re lling the hole, and then camou aging the nesting area by tossing sand around.

Once ready to come out, the hatchlings must run the gauntlet to reach the water and avoid predation by honey badgers, birds and crabs. In the water, they are under further threat from sh and squid; only two from each nest have much hope of reaching adulthood.

While seeing this feat of nature is never guaranteed, the opportunity to try is but one great reason to venture this far o the beaten track. Nesting turtles or not, you will be living it up in a veritable paradise, somewhere that remains one of the best places on Earth to recharge your batteries, rewire your circuits, and absolutely nd your mojo.

GETTING THERE

Thonga is about four hours north of Durban. You will get detailed directions to the lodge’s pick-up point at Sodwana where you can order light meals at the café before the 90-minute transfer to the lodge. Book an ocean-view suite and be sure to stay for at least three nights. thongabeachlodge.co.za

EN ROUTE: TRAVELLING FROM DURBAN?

Vervet monkeys, tumbling surf, strapping lifeguards, surfers eyeing the backline… uMhlanga (aka Umhlanga Rocks) has long been known for its laid-back swagger. A beachfront playground where the warm Indian Ocean kisses a golden shore, it’s where city life segues from Durban’s urban jungle into the jungly fringes of KwaZulu-Natal’s wilder north coast. Smart hotels, fancy mansions and slick apartment blocks aside, there is some sense of encroaching wilderness here. It was once part of a vast coastal dune forest, and retains that close connection with nature. From the red-and-white lighthouse directly in front of the Oyster Box Hotel, uMhlanga’s O'Connor Promenade runs parallel to the beach connecting all the way to a forest remnant at the northern end of the strip. It’s a great place to walk – the uMhlanga Lagoon Nature Trail comprises boardwalks through a protected reserve and crosses the Ohlanga River towards the lagoon; besides voluble birdlife, there are monkeys, blue and red duiker, and raptors soaring overhead. For a gearshift, consider driving into Durban city, 15 minutes south, people-watching along the Golden Mile, the non-stop pedestrian back-and-forth balanced by the melting-pot atmosphere of bronzed surfers rubbing shoulders with shermen, tourists gawking at mindbending sand sculptures, and daredevils riding concrete waves at the gra ti-covered skate-park. Children in tow? Let them drag you to uShaka Marine World, Durban’s world-class aquarium, then let them queue for the slides at the adjacent Wet ’n Wild water park. For a good time after dark, head to the Point, a docklands area that is now more-or-less gentri ed. The go-to spot is The Chairman, a jazz lounge carefully put together with mismatched furniture scattered through a maze of beautiful rooms where the city’s nest hang out. Or, back in uMhlanga, some say you haven’t lived until you’ve sampled the fruity drinks at Lucky Shaker, Durban’s favourite cocktail bar.

Many South Africans are choosing local gems over international escapes. Whether you’re avoiding peak-season crowds or stretching your budget, we have unbeatable options to make the most of your next family holiday.

OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS

Imagine immersing yourself in the tranquillity of an ancient indigenous forest, surrounded by towering trees such as the mountain waxberry and the flowering Cape chestnut. Whether you’re hiking, trail running, or mountain biking, the forests near Knysna offer a slice of serenity that is hard to match. But Knysna is not just about forests. Experience the Knysna Lagoon like never before and stay in a houseboat. For a land-based adventure, Premier Resort The Moorings is the perfect home base for exploring the Eden District. Situated right on the lagoon, it offers a family-friendly environment.

URBAN EXPLORERS

Cape Town has so much more than beaches to offer for families seeking urban adventures. Grab a Cape Town City Pass for access to over 80 top attractions, try a Tunnel Tour to explore the city’s hidden underground canals, or take on Table Mountain with Scootours and experience the iconic landmark in an entirely new way. Stay close to the action at the Premier Hotel Cape Town, nestled at the base of Signal Hill. With easy access to the Promenade in Sea Point, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring the Mother City. For a leisurely experience, stay in Franschhoek to savour the best of the Cape Winelands.

FASHION AND FOOD LOVERS

If you’re craving a high-end shopping experience, Sandton City is South Africa’s answer to the world’s most prestigious retail hubs. From exclusive brands along Diamond Walk to the family-friendly Fun District, there’s something for everyone. Foodies will love the eco-friendly Food District, while shopaholics can indulge in over 300 stores.

For a peaceful retreat after a busy day, the Premier Hotel Quatermain in Sandton is a perfect blend of boutique charm and modern luxury. Recently renovated, it offers a serene escape just moments from the city’s hustle and bustle. If self-catering is more your style, Max Executive Suites in Illovo offers chic apartments with all the comforts of home, just minutes from Sandton’s best attractions.

SAFARI LOVERS

The Eastern Cape has quickly become one of South Africa’s top safari destinations. While Addo Elephant Park remains a favourite for self-drive safaris, those seeking a more luxurious experience will love Premier Resort Mpongo Private Game Reserve. Located near East London, this stunning reserve offers guided game drives, where you can spot four of the Big Five as well as over 225 bird species. Day visitors can enjoy a game drive paired with a meal at the on-site Huberta Restaurant, while hotel guests can opt for exciting night drives for an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

A CLASSIC SOUTH COAST BEACH EXPERIENCE

Head to KwaZulu-Natal’s Scottburgh, a beloved destination for its warm Indian Ocean waters, stunning beaches, and year-round great weather. From Crocodile World to the nearby Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained.

Stay at Premier Resort Cutty Sark, which offers everything you need for a perfect beach holiday without even leaving the property. With two swimming pools, a kids’ play area, and an on-site dive centre for trips to the renowned Aliwal Shoal, your holiday fun is guaranteed. For something truly special, book an ocean safari via the resort for a chance to see marine life up close.

THE PERFECT BASE FOR YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY

The right base can transform your trip from travel to holiday. Whether you’re exploring ancient forests, indulging in luxury shopping, or spotting wildlife on a game drive, Premier Hotels & Resorts offers the ideal spot to rest, recharge, and enjoy every moment of your vacation.

The Community Schemes Ombud Service, CSOS, is calling on all managers of body corporates, home-owners associations, retirement villages, estates and sectional titles in general, who are yet to register their community schemes with CSOS to do so immediately.

Comply with the law and register your community scheme with CSOS now. Avoid being penalised. To register, visit our website: www.csos.org.za, or call us on our toll-free number: 0800-000-653.

THE SIGNATURE TOUCH

Desmond Mabuza’s fine dining restaurants have stood the test of time for 15 years, thanks to a sense of family and an everevolving outlook.

rom Tokyo and New York to Paris and Melbourne, the world’s most iconic eateries all share a single standard that makes frequenting them a memorable experience: an inimitable signature. For successful restaurateur Desmond Mabuza, his signature is providing a masterclass in the art of hospitality.

Mabuza’s first venture onto the hospitality scene was when he started Back of The Moon in 2000, located at the Gold Reef City precinct, where he showcased South Africa’s culinary offerings to Joburgers and the rest of the world. This was followed by his flagship Sandton Signature restaurant in 2009, which would end up being one of the most sought-after spots in the City of Gold.

Originally trained as a civil engineer in the United States, Mabuza’s journey

from Mncube Drive in Soweto to establishing the high-end Signature Restaurant Group is nothing short of inspirational. Since last year, the group boasts a second outlet at the foodie forward seaside city of Umhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Signature’s success can be attributed to several key factors. I have always

offer lunch and dinner services that highlight the importance for patrons to spend quality time with their chosen circles of influence, from family and friends to business acquaintances.

The fine dining menus offer culinary standards such as sushi, sultry starters, and a variety of seafood, such as prawns, sea bass, and scallops. Some

ensured it operates as an owner-run business that maintains a personal touch and dedication that sets it apart. We combine exceptional food, impeccable service and an unforgettable experience, and our consistency in these areas has built trust and loyalty among our patrons,” he says.

As a family man who spent the first few years of his life between both his paternal and maternal homes in Soweto, he has a deep appreciation for creating families out of the staff who service the group.

Chef Petros Madisha has served for 15 years and is headed into retirement after many happy years. Welcome Sibanda has worked with Mabuza for 25 years, starting at Mabuza’s first restaurant. Another long-service recipient, Kaizer Lifa, has also been a part of Mabuza’s team for 15 years.

“I’m not hard on people; I am hard on standards, which have been kept exceptionally high over the last 15 years. Another key point in retaining our customers is making sure we source our ingredients from great products. You can’t create a great dish from a low-end product. Chefs are not magicians,” quips Mabuza.

The Signature restaurants both

of their signature dishes are the prawn and scallop risotto, sushi, as well as the duck leg confit.

EVER-EVOLVING

As an ambitious entrepreneur, and perhaps a trait of being an engineer, Mabuza regularly surveys his luxurious empire and looks for ways to not only improve, but to also evolve.

In August this year, he unveiled his group’s exclusive fine wine collection, adding yet another signature trait to his already impressive portfolio. The debut of the Signature White Blend 2020 and Signature Reserve Red Blend 2020 was a significant step in the brand’s evolution, merging culinary artistry with the craft of winemaking.

“Our wines reflect what makes us unique, much like a signature. The Swartland region of the Western Cape is known for its acclaimed Syrah and Chenin Blanc, so this was the obvious choice for us. The new range embodies our ‘Celebrate Life’ mantra, bringing together fine dining and elegant winemaking,” he notes.

Mabuza has never forgotten his roots and at every turn, he uses his resources and influence to assist individuals who

are passionate about the hospitality business. One of these is the group’s sommelier, Mxolisi Mahatshi. He joined the restaurant in Sandton in 2013 as a waiter, graduated as a wine steward in 2017, and progressed to attain his sommelier qualification in 2018. Mabuza ensured that he had the freedom to play an integral part in the process of making the wine, which is now exclusively available at the restaurants.

“We’ve come a long way since the days when people couldn’t believe that restaurants such as Signature were black-owned. I am glad to have paved the way for many youngsters, particularly those of colour, demonstrating that it is possible,” he says, reflecting on the unparalleled success he has enjoyed.

It is no wonder that the restaurants have hosted notable personalities over the years, including Bono, Richard Branson, Black Coffee, Nomzamo Mbatha, Trevor Noah, King Misuzulu of the Zulu nation, and many more. The restaurants have become places where the art of hospitality is of the utmost importance.

THE LITTLE THINGS

Regular patrons at Signature restaurants are treated to personalised cutlery, complete with their names, which is used each time they dine at the restaurant. This experience has resulted in the Signature Restaurant Group receiving a number of accolades, including Diners Club International Wine Awards and Best of Joburg Readers’ Choice awards. For more information, visit signaturerestaurant. co.za.

THE WEAVING ART OF AL SADU

Al Sadu dates back thousands of years to the Arabian Desert and has its origins in the Bedouin culture. Distinctive patterns of geometric patterns display social identity and the surrounding environment.

WORDS RABI’AH MIAN

The craft of Al Sadu, with its attention-grabbing designs, patterns, and colours, is engrained in the history of Arabian nomadic lifestyles. These days, we see it in home décor, fashion, and design.

s a country,

the UAE is blessed with various art forms that are deeply embedded in its history and culture. One such art form, Al Sadu, is a traditional method of weaving camel fur, sheep wool or goat hair into material for tents, carpets, blankets, pillows, and camel belts and saddles.

Abdulla Al Nazari is an Emirati volunteer who has a rich history and background in promoting the UAE culture, and volunteers as a tour guide and works at the Dubai Municipality. He shares that Al Sadu dates back thousands of years to the Arabian Desert and has its origins in the Bedouin culture (nomadic Arab people) where the textile was made by women. Within the context of the UAE, Al Sadu is traditionally practised by Bedouin women living in rural communities. “They produce soft furnishings and decorative accessories for camels and horses,” he elaborates. When it comes to the process, the Bedouin men would shear the sheep, camels and goats. Next, comes the wool cleaning process and the women then prepare the wool for spinning, which they do on a drop spindle. The spun yarn is then dyed using local plant extracts, such as henna or saffron. Finally, the yarn is woven on a floor loom using a warp-faced plain weave. It is worth noting that Al Sadu weaving is done in a horizontal style.

Traditional colours used are black, white, brown, red, and beige with

distinctive patterns in the form of narrow bands of geometric patterns displaying social identity along with the surrounding environment. The choice of these colours is symbolic of the desert landscape and displays the materials used, namely goat hair and camel. There are designs of shapes featuring triangles, zigzags and diamonds. These designs are influenced by the natural environment – dunes, animals and stars.

Al Sadu not only holds cultural significance, it also brings people together. As Al Nazari describes: “Weavers usually gather in small groups to spin and weave, exchanging family news and occasionally chanting and reciting poetry. Such gatherings are the traditional means of transferring skills; girls learn by watching and are gradually assigned tasks like sorting the wool before learning the advanced techniques.”

The woven fabric created was to make the Bedouin bait al shaar (tent), with diverse Sadu designs used for decorating interior tent dividers. Camels were usually decorated with ataad (camel accessories) made of Sadu, with woven designs adding vibrancy and colour to straps and saddles.

Al Sadu represents a way of life, which is a significant part of UAE’s cultural heritage. “Such an art form symbolises the history, identity, and expertise passed down from one generation to the next. The patterns carry stories of the region’s nomadic lifestyle, tribal affiliations, and the resourceful use of locally available materials,” Al Nazari explains.

As the society, economy and technology have transformed and evolved, the advent of oil in the UAE witnessed a sharp decline in the Emirates in practising Al Sadu.

“The pastoral Bedouin communities dispersed among urban settlements

and young women increasingly worked outside the home. It would not be wrong to say that the bearers of Al Sadu are at present predominantly older women whose numbers are decreasing,” Al Nazari says.

Even though its popularity has decreased over the years, the UAE government has taken notable measures to preserve and promote the tradition. Establishments such as Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre in Dubai followed by various cultural festivals place the spotlight on Al Sadu through workshops, educational programmes, and exhibitions. Other efforts, such as its inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, help to raise awareness internationally. Even contemporary designers and artists are reinterpreting Al Sadu in a modern manner, making sure it is relevant in a rapidly evolving society, and the craft is seen more and more in contemporary design in home décor and fashion.

Since Al Sadu is practised in neighbouring Gulf Arab countries, one questions whether they differ from each other, Al Nazari explains: “The essence of Al Sadu is fundamentally the same across the Arabian Peninsula, however, each country has their exceptional variations. For instance, in the UAE, the colours and patterns are distinct from the local Bedouin tribes.”

There is no doubt that Al Sadu stands out as a unique cultural art form, which is deeply ingrained in the history of Bedouin Arabs. But it is more than a weaving technique –it is a way to build and strengthen community bonds and incorporates coming together to share stories. The continuous interest in preserving Al Sadu not only honours the past but even fosters a sense of national pride and identity among younger generations in the UAE.

Congolese artist THONTON KABEYA draws on Kinshasa’s rumba music and culture as his muses.

WORDS KULANI NKUNA

courtesy of Thonton Kabeya.

GETTING THERE

SAA flies between Kinshasa and Johannesburg and Lubumbashi and Johannesburg several times a week. Visit flysaa.com

tepping into Kinshasa feels like entering a living, breathing artwork alive with sound, colour, and movement. The city’s creative energy is everywhere, from its cinematic street scenes to the ritualistic hustle for survival. It sings with sartorial flair. According to Johannesburg-based artist Thonton Kabeya who draws inspiration from his home country, Congo, Kinshasa is “like walking into a bar, a theatre, a movie - full of colour and life”.

For Kabeya, Kinshasa is more than the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo; it’s an artistic epicentre.

Kabeya’s art goes beyond visual representation – it celebrates Congolese culture and the power of art to provoke thought and inspire. He invites viewers to experience the joy, resilience, and spirit of the Congo. He has also incorporated South African Amapiano and Nigerian Afrobeat into his work, enriching his creative range. For lovers of music, drama, and art, Kinshasa is a must-visit. “There’s no place like it,” Kabeya insists.

On any given day, the streets become an open-air gallery, with murals, graffiti, and public art installations dotting the urban landscape. The city’s sartorialists, known as “sapeurs”, are particularly striking.These impeccably dressed men, part of the Society of AmbianceMakers and Elegant People (SAPE), embody a sense of defiance and elegance, challenging economic realities with their flamboyant attire. Kabeya,

with KINSHASA KABEYA

From the moment you land, the sound of rumba, a musical genre deeply tied to Congolese life, fills the air. “From when you arrive at the airport, it’s nothing but rumba,” Kabeya shares with a smile. “You don’t have to look for it. It’s just there in your face, like football in Brazil.”

Originating in Cuba, rumba became immensely popular in the Congo during the 1960s and 70s. Today, it’s more than just music; it’s a way of life, bringing people together in celebration. “It’s a culture,” Kabeya explains. “From how we dress to how we interact. You dance with your partner, your sister, your mother. It’s all about connection.”

Kabeya’s art reflects the layered essence of Kinshasa. He challenges the traditional canvas, experimenting with texture by glueing, cutting, carving, and sculpting fabric before painting over it. Inspired by architecture and design, his works aim to balance composition, colour, and form. He adds walnut powder to stain skin tones and transfers newspaper prints to create three-dimensional effects, bringing his portraits to life.

Lately, his work has focused on capturing the joy and movement of rumba dancers. “When people leave my exhibitions, they feel uplifted,” he says. “I want to show the joy and positivity of my culture, of Africa.”

Even his monochrome works evoke the exuberance of bodies in motion, highlighting expressive hip movements and gestures. Kinshasa mirrors this energy. The city hums with creativity, from the bustling streets to the vivid scenes of daily life. Yellow taxis cut through traffic and the heat amplifies the day’s rhythm.

“It’s a sandwich of noise,” Kabeya laughs, “artistic noise. You don’t need to seek out music. It’s in the air you breathe.”

too, finds inspiration in this culture. “The sapeurs are not just about clothing. This is an art form, a performance. They turn the streets into their own fashion runway,” he explains.

Kinshasa’s artistic explosion is a reflection of its complex history. Decades of political instability and conflict have shaped the city’s resilience and creativity. Kabeya believes this history has cultivated a culture of resourcefulness, which is evident in the innovative ways artists and performers navigate their environment.

“There’s a rawness and honesty to the art that comes from hardship,” he says. “You make do with what you have, and that creates something authentic.That’s why Kinshasa is such a powerful place for artists. It forces you to push boundaries.”

In recent years, the city has also become a hub for contemporary art, attracting attention from international galleries and collectors. Kabeya, who has exhibited his work in Europe and South Africa, sees this as an important moment for Congolese artists.

“There’s a growing recognition of the talent here,” he says. “Kinshasa is becoming part of the global art conversation, but it still maintains its unique voice. That’s the magic of this place – it doesn’t lose itself in trends. It sets them.”

Whether you’re a theatre enthusiast, musician, or simply looking for a place where life and art converge, Kinshasa beckons.The entire city is a stage with rumba as its heartbeat.

Breaking barriers

he aviation industry, a cornerstone of global connectivity, has long been seen as a maledominated eld. However, the winds of change are blowing as more women take to the skies, challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers. While progress has been made, female aviators still face signi cant challenges in a eld where they represent only a small fraction of the workforce.

Globally, women make up a mere 5.6% of commercial pilots, with countries like India leading the way at 12.4%. South Africa has also made notable strides, with nearly 10% of its pilots being female. These statistics, while encouraging, highlight the vast underrepresentation of women in the industry. The numbers are even lower in technical roles such as aviation engineering and air tra c control, where women are often a minority. Several barriers contribute to the low representation of women in aviation. Cultural and societal norms often dictate traditional career paths for women, steering them away from elds like aviation. The lack of female role models further exacerbates this issue, limiting inspiration for aspiring young women. Additionally, women often face microaggressions, exclusion, and unequal opportunities.

Access to mentorship is another critical issue.With fewer female mentors available, aspiring female aviators often nd it challenging to navigate the male-centric networking spaces in the industry. Moreover, aviation is

not commonly promoted as a viable career option for young women, with limited access to aviation-related career counselling.

Addressing these barriers requires a multi-faceted approach. A cultural shift is necessary to encourage and support young women in pursuing aviation careers. This includes challenging societal norms and promoting aviation as a viable and exciting career option. Policy changes within aviation companies are also crucial to support work-life balance and career advancement for women.

Mentorship programmes are essential for connecting women with industry mentors and creating inclusive networking opportunities. Building a sustainable pipeline for female talent in aviation through scholarships and sponsorships, such as the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) bursary, designed for students wishing to pursue a career in aviation, is another crucial step. Collaboration with aviation schools, airlines, and industry partners is necessary to develop targeted

SARAH BRUCE, Project Manager of the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa,

unpacks the journey of female aviators in a traditionally maledominated industry.

scholarship programmes speci cally designed for women interested in aviation careers.

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education is vital in preparing young women for careers in aviation. Beyond just empowering students, STEM is also about educators teaching contextualised problem-solving skills. By focusing on these subjects, STEM fosters critical thinking and analytical and technical skills critical for aviation and other technical elds. Encouraging girls to pursue STEM subjects in school is essential in building a future generation of female aviators.

Through its corporate social responsibility programme, the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA) actively supports initiatives such as Girls Flying Africa. This organisation focuses on nurturing young female aviators, particularly from rural areas in Africa, by incorporating STEM into their training. Their e orts are aimed at inspiring and empowering young women to pursue careers in aviation, ultimately contributing to a more gender-balanced industry.

As Amelia Earhart once said, “The most e ective way to do it is to do it.”

The journey of female aviators is one of perseverance, courage, and breaking barriers. Every woman who takes to the skies contributes to a future where gender is no longer a de ning factor in this industry. The sky is not the limit, it’s only the beginning.

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Sawubona ns at Prisms Awards

Sawubona magazine awarded silver at PR industry award ceremony.

awubona, SAA’s in- ight magazine, won Silver in the B2B Publishing Custom Title category at the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa’s 2024 Prisms Awards recently. The awards celebrate excellence in public relations and communication management across various industries. This recognition is a testament to Sawubona’s success in staying at the forefront of custom communication and re ects its commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging content that captures the essence of South Africa and the world beyond, inspiring SAA customers on every journey and SAA lounge guests.

Vimla Maistry, Head of SAA Corporate A airs said, “Winning this award is not only a vote of con dence in Sawubona as a quality in- ight magazine but also on our overall in- ight customer satisfaction, with our latest survey receiving a score of 87.46%. SAA continues to improve in leaps and bounds since returning to the skies three years ago.” Sawubona, meaning Hello in isiZulu, is also

a showcase of our rich cultural heritage and a celebration of the beauty and magic of our destination cities, providing travel inspiration and highlighting SAA’s dedication to connecting people with the best of Africa and the world.

“Working on Sawubona is an honour. It’s the link to share the DNA of South Africa and SAA with world travellers. Not only does it showcase South Africa to the world, but also introduces passengers to SAA destinations. It’s a job we undertake based on years of understanding our client and country. We do it with pride,” says Ingrid Jones, Editor of Sawubona Desireé Johnson, Managing Director of Mikateko Media, publishers of Sawubona, adds, “Sawubona was grounded during the pandemic, and to take o again winning Silver at the Prisms, feels incredible. Thank you to our esteemed client, South African Airways, our dedicated content and design teams, and the advertising sales team and advertisers who partner with us to make Sawubona y high in the skies.”

Discover even more exciting travel content on our Sawubona digital platforms, and download the digital version. Visit saasawubona.com

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With the SAA Voyager Premium or Gold Credit Card, your everyday spend earns you Miles at the fastest rate. You will also enjoy the following beneﬁts:

• Get 1 or more complimentary companion tickets every year to use or donate.

• Enjoy premium check-in and unlimited access to SAA-operated airport lounges. (Premium and supplementary cardholders).

• Earn Voyager Miles on eligible spend*, with multiple opportunities to earn Voyager Bonus Miles.

• Get exclusive 24-hour early bird access to promotional seat sales.

• 1 additional piece of luggage free of charge.

For more information on how to apply for your SAA Voyager Card go to nedbank.co.za/saa or ﬂysaa.com.

FINE WINE ONLY

Meet two of the wine judges who took part in the recent blind judging process to select the best wines for SAA’s premium lounges and in-ﬂight menus during 2025. The wines that were selected during this fascinating process will be revealed in the next issue of Sawubona.

After an extensive procurement process, 132 South African wines were put through a blind-tasting judging process to select wine for SAA’s 2024/2025 selection. A panel of five wine connoisseurs from the Wine-ofthe-Month Club (WOTMC) were responsible for judging, using the internationally recognised 100-point scale judging system.

Founded by Colin Collard in 1986, WOTMC has a solid reputation for selecting excellent wines for various budgets. WOTMC judges know their stuff: the panel blind tastes and scores wines every week. Blind tasting means judges don’t see the bottle or its label. This ensures they are not influenced by the reputations of the wine estate or winemaker, or even how good previous vintages of the wine may have been. All they are concerned with is what they taste in the glass. The only details the judges are given are vintage and variety, the composition in the case of a blend, and the residual sugar and alcohol volume. From there, it’s over to what their palates tell them.

Only the wines that scored top points were selected for SAA’s premium lounges and in-flight menus. The selection will be revealed in the next issue of Sawubona magazine.

•• COLIN COLLARD

FOUNDER: WINE-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB, AND JUDGE

What do you get asked most as a wine connoisseur?

Which are the best wines, which wines should I start with if I want to learn about wines, and how do I go about learning about wine? My response… join the Wine-of-the-Month Club. You get introduced to the best of many different types of wines, all chosen by a panel of wine judges in blind tastings. When judging, what sets a wine apart from the rest?

There are many aspects one takes into consideration when judging a wine.The colour, the clarity, what you sniff on the nose, and then, of course, the taste. You look for character, flavour, complexity, depth, and how true the wine is to the variety of grapes from which it is made. One of the most significant things we discovered when we started the Wine-of-the-Month Club was that the most expensive wines are not necessarily the best ones.

Does drinking wine on board an airplane make any difference to how it tastes on the ground?

Some people have said so, but I really don’t think it matters. If I enjoy a wine on the ground, then I am going to enjoy it in the air. Drinking wine on a plane may be a different experience than when you’re drinking it at home, but if it was a good one at home, it’s going to be a good one on the plane.

What new varietal would you recommend people try?

My new personal favourite white wine is Viognier. It used to be Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, and then Viognier came along and I thought, “well, this is interesting!” And it has become my new preference. A new red that I particularly like is Malbec, but it hasn’t yet toppled Cabernet, which is still the king of reds. Things are always changing in the wine industry. It’s what makes wine drinking such fun.

Your thoughts on the traditional pairing suggestion of white wines with chicken or fish, and reds with meat?

Drink any wine you like with whatever food you like, but you probably wouldn’t want a really heavy red with some chicken. Wine is basically a fun thing – it’s not serious, just enjoy it.

•• MARGARET FUNDIRA WINE-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB JUDGE

What do you get asked most as a wine connoisseur?

Which wine is the best wine, or is this wine good? My response is that I don’t have a specific favourite wine; we are spoilt for choice in South Africa, I have many favourites depending on the occasion. Each person should explore and find what they prefer, just like we do with food.

When judging, what sets a wine apart from the rest?

It should tick all the boxes. It has to score high on all aspects: the colour, the nose, the mouthfeel, the flavour, and the aftertaste. It has to be authentic from a varietal character point of view and should be well balanced and complex.

Does drinking wine on board an airplane make any difference to how it tastes on the ground?

I honestly do not know. I personally haven’t come across such a scientific study but have heard of people who say it does. I would say that a lot has an impact on how we perceive food and beverages: the mood we are in, and the environment and the company can impact how we experience the beverage. What is a common misconception about wine judging that you would like to debunk?

That I know and have tasted every wine there is. Is there a wine trend or fad that you think will soon disappear?

The use of heavy bottles.

What new varietal would you recommend people try?

The industry has a lot to offer, and we are spoilt for choice in South Africa. People should try something new all the time. What matters is for them to enjoy it.

Your thoughts on the pairing suggestion of white wines with chicken or fish, and reds with meat?

I think it’s more complex than that. There is a place for it and there are people who work hard to offer this experience. Not all reds will go well with every meat dish, for example. There is also still a lot of food that is excluded, as historically those foods have not been enjoyed with wine, so people should explore more with traditional food.

VIDEO SELECTION

SAA offers in-flight entertainment on all domestic and regional flights on overhead screens. The A340 and A330 aircraft are equipped with personal TV screens and offer an audio-video-on-demand entertainment selection. Please refer to the content on your personal screen for the latest updated entertainment choices.

MOVIES

THE WATCHERS • English; French; Spanish A young artist gets stranded in a forest in western Ireland, where, after finding shelter, she becomes trapped alongside three strangers, stalked by mysterious creatures each night.

AM I OK? • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Lucy and Jane have been best friends their entire lives. Only when Lucy embarks on a personal journey, will she face a test of her friendship, and her sense of self, on a path she may not be entirely ready to take.

JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS

PART THREE • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Trapped in a pocket universe, surviving Earths face annihilation by the AntiMonitor.Time shatters, bringing past heroes to aid Justice League against the epitome of evil.Their sacrifice may lead to victory.

TWISTERS • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A retired tornado chaser and meteorologist is persuaded to return to Oklahoma to work with a new team and new technologies.

TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN • English; Portuguese;

French; Spanish A teenager with OCD tries to solve a mystery surrounding a fugitive billionaire.

FURIOSA: A MAD MAX

SAGA • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus.

JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS

PART TWO • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish The Anti-Monitor is released into the DC Multiverse and begins to destroy the different Earths that compose it.The Monitor attempts to recruit heroes from across the Multiverse to fight back.

DUNE: PART TWO • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family.

CRAIG BEFORE THE CREEK • English; Portuguese; Spanish Craig Williams is the shy new kid in town. He’ll soon set off on the biggest adventure he could ever dream of: treasure maps, pirate ships, and a villain who wants to destroy the creek.

GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Two ancient titans, Godzilla and Kong, clash in an epic battle as humans unravel their intertwined origins and connection to Skull Island’s mysteries.

AQUAMAN AND THE LOST

KINGDOM • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take

Aquaman down once and for all.

CRY MACHO• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder takes a job to bring a man’s young son home and away from his alcoholic mom.

ELF • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity.

THE MULE• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A ninety-year-old horticulturist and Korean War veteran turns drug mule for a Mexican cartel.

TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A daughter tries to remedy her dysfunctional relationship with her ailing father, a decorated baseball scout, by helping him in a recruiting trip which could be his last.

BLADE RUNNER 2049 • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos.

PACIFIC RIM • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish

As a war between humankind and monstrous sea creatures wages on, a former pilot and a trainee are paired up to drive a seemingly obsolete special weapon in a desperate effort to save the world from the apocalypse.

JUPITER ASCENDING • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A young woman discovers her destiny as an heiress of intergalactic nobility and must fight to protect the inhabitants of Earth from an ancient and destructive industry.

ME BEFORE YOU • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A girl in a small town forms an unlikely bond with a recently paralysed man she’s taking care of.

TIM BURTON'S CORPSE BRIDE • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish

When a shy groom practises his wedding vows in the inadvertent presence of a deceased young woman, she rises from the grave assuming he has married her.

ELVIS • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish

From his childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi to his rise to stardom starting in Memphis,Tennessee and his conquering of Las Vegas, Nevada, Elvis Presley becomes the first rock ’n roll star and changes the world with his music.

FRACTURE • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish

An attorney intending on climbing the career ladder towards success finds an unlikely opponent in a manipulative criminal he is trying to prosecute.

GANGSTER SQUAD • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish It’s 1949 Los Angeles, the city is run by gangsters and a mobster, Mickey Cohen. Determined to end the corruption, John O’Mara assembles a team of cops, ready to take down the ruthless leader and restore peace to the city.

INTERSTELLAR • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish

A team of explorers travels through a wormhole in space in an attempt to ensure humanity’s survival.

HOT PURSUIT • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish An uptight and by-the-book cop tries to protect the outgoing widow of a drug boss as they race through Texas pursued by crooked cops and murderous gunmen.

IT (2017)• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A group of bullied kids band together when a shapeshifting demon, taking the appearance of a clown, begins hunting children.

A CHRISTMAS STORY CHRISTMAS • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Follows the now-adult Ralphie as he returns to the house on Cleveland Street to give his kids a magical Christmas like the one he had as a child.

8-BIT CHRISTMAS • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish In 1980s Chicago, a 10 year old sets out on a quest to get the Christmas gift of his generation: the latest and greatest videogame system.

THE MATRIX

RESURRECTIONS • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish To find out if his reality is a physical or mental construct, to truly know himself, Mr. Anderson will have to choose to follow the white rabbit once more.

BATMAN: THE DOOM THAT CAME TO GOTHAM • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish An ancient evil awakens and only Bruce Wayne can save 1920s Gotham City.

THE BATMAN • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish

The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson in the dual role of

coming to grips with his daughter’s upcoming wedding through the prism of multiple relationships within a big, sprawling Cuban-American clan.

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE

• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Professor Albus

YOUR ENTERTAINMENT ABOVE

THE CLOUDS!

Entertaining you and your family with a wide selection of movies, TV programmes, games, and music, streamed directly to your own mobile device or tablet. USB and PC powerports are available below your seat to keep your devices charged. Now available on select A320 aircraft. Simply scan the QR code below to enjoy entertainment above the clouds.

AIRSCAPE

Stream movies and more to your device

will inspire the world, King Richard follows the uplifting journey of a family whose unwavering resolve and unconditional belief ultimately delivers two of the world’s greatest sports legends.

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES

• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Devastated by the loss of her mother and home planet of Krypton, Supergirl, AKA Kara Zor-El, struggles to adjust to her new life on Earth despite being mentored by her cousin Superman.

WESTERN STARS

• English Live concert performance of Bruce Springsteen singing songs from his album “Western Stars”.

WONDER WOMAN 1984

• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Diana must contend with a colleague, and with a businessman whose desire for extreme wealth sends the world down a path of destruction, after an ancient artefact that grants wishes goes missing.

Switch to airplane mode and turn on Wi-Fi

Gotham City’s vigilante detective and his alter ego, reclusive billionaire Bruce Wayne.

FATHER OF THE BRIDE

(2022) • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A father’s

Dumbledore knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald is moving to seize control of the wizarding world.

KING RICHARD • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Based on the true story that

BATMAN AND SUPERMAN: BATTLE OF THE SUPER SONS • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish When 11-yearold Jonathan Kent discovers he has super powers, the halfKryptonian is thrust into the world of heroes and villains now under attack by a malevolent alien force known as Starro!

SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Continuing the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word “Shazam!”, is transformed into his adult superhero alter ego, Shazam.

DUNE • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Feature adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel about the son of a noble family entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy.

READY PLAYER ONE

• English; Portuguese; French;

Spanish When the creator of a virtual reality world called the OASIS dies, he releases a video in which he challenges all OASIS users to find his Easter egg, which will give the finder his fortune.

MUMMIES • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Three mummies end up in present-day London and embark on a journey in search of an old ring belonging to the Royal Family, stolen by the ambitious archaeologist Lord Carnaby.

DC LEAGUE OF SUPER-PETS

• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime side-by-side in Metropolis.

HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN

• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish It’s Harry’s third year at Hogwarts; not only does he have a new “Defense Against the Dark Arts” teacher, but there is also trouble brewing. Convicted murderer Sirius Black has escaped the Wizards’ Prison and is coming after Harry.

POKÉMON DETECTIVE

PIKACHU • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish

In a world where people collect Pokémon to do battle, a boy comes across an intelligent talking Pikachu who seeks to be a detective.

CATS & DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY

GALORE • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish In the eternal battle between cats and dogs, one crazed feline has just taken things a paw too far.

SMALLFOOT • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A bright young yeti finds something he thought didn’t exist - a human. News of this “smallfoot” throws the simple yeti community into an uproar over what else might be out there in the big world beyond their snowy village.

SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY

• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A rogue artificial intelligence kidnaps the son of famed basketball player LeBron James, who then has to work with Bugs Bunny to win a basketball game.

CATS & DOGS 3: PAWS

UNITE! • English; Spanish A villain has destroyed the 10-year truce between cats and dogs. Now, a team of high-tech agents will have to use their animal instincts to restore peace between the species.

THE POLAR EXPRESS • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE

• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish An orphaned boy enrols in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world.

HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS

• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Harry Potter lives his second year at Hogwarts with Ron and Hermione when a message on the wall announces that the legendary Chamber of Secrets has been opened.The trio soon realise that, to save the school, it will take a lot of courage.

TAZ: QUEST FOR BURGER

• English After an outlaw abducts her father and steals her town’s food supply, a feisty adolescent bandicoot named Quinn recruits the Tasmanian Devil to help her find the thief.

OSMOSIS JONES • English;

Portuguese; French; Spanish A policeman white blood cell, with the help of a cold pill, must stop a deadly virus from destroying the human they live in, Frank.

FOUR CHRISTMASES

• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish One happy couple; four dysfunctional, divorced parents who all insist on celebrating with their kids; a single, wellplanned, happy day quickly spins out of control.

CATS & DOGS• English; Portuguese; French A look at the top-secret, high-tech espionage war going on between cats and dogs, of which their human owners are blissfully unaware.

THE LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE

• English; Portuguese; French; Spanish Shunned by everyone for being the son of an evil warlord, a teenager seeks to defeat him with the help of his fellow ninjas.

THE MATRIX • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish When a beautiful stranger leads computer hacker Neo to a forbidding underworld, he discovers the shocking truththe life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence..

TAG • English; Portuguese; Spanish One month every year, five highly competitive friends hit the ground running in a noholds-barred game of tag they’ve been playing since the first grade.

FIST FIGHT • English; Portuguese; Spanish When one school teacher unwittingly causes another teacher’s

dismissal, he is challenged to an after-school fight..

DAVE • English; Portuguese; Spanish To avoid a potentially explosive scandal when the U.S. President goes into a coma, an affable temp agency owner with an uncanny resemblance is put in his place.

LIFE OF THE PARTY • English; Portuguese; Spanish After her husband abruptly asks for a divorce, a middle-aged mother returns to college in order to complete her degree.

THE HOUSE • English; Portuguese; Spanish After the town takes away their daughter’s college scholarship, a couple start an illegal casino in their friend’s house to make back the money.

ISN'T IT ROMANTIC • English; Portuguese; Spanish A young woman disenchanted with love mysteriously finds herself trapped inside a romantic comedy.

CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE • English; Portuguese; French; Spanish A middle-aged husband’s life changes dramatically when his wife asks him for a divorce. He seeks to rediscover his manhood with the help of a newfound friend, Jacob, learning to pick up girls at bars.

BLENDED • English; Portuguese; Spanish After a bad blind date, a man and woman find themselves stuck together at a resort for families, where their attraction grows as their respective kids benefit from the burgeoning relationship.

A CINDERELLA STORY

• English; Portuguese; Spanish Routinely exploited by her wicked stepmother, the downtrodden Samantha Montgomery is excited about the prospect of meeting her internet beau at the school’s Halloween dance.

A CINDERELLA STORY: ONCE UPON A SONG

• English; Portuguese; French Overworked, harried and terrified of being put back in foster care, 17-year-old Katie Gibbs does her stepmother and step-siblings’ bidding without complaint.

ENROLMENT BONUS

Voyager rewards you with 2 500 Enrolment Bonus Miles on registration after your first activity.

SAA EXCLUSIVE EARNING

Earn 1 mile for every R1.60 spent on base fare and carrierimposed fees.

SAA

EXCLUSIVE

SPENDING

Spend miles on any available seat on a SAA-operated flight for the base fare and carrierimposed fees.

EARNING OF MILES

>> Earn SAAVoyager miles at an accelerated rate when flying on SAA operated flights. Voyager members earn 1 mile for every R1.60 spent exclusively on South African Airways. Miles are also earned by flying with

VOYAGER PARTNERS

SAA LOYALTY PROGRAMME

airline partners, including the Star Alliance global network, and by using the services of our non-airline partners, ranging from travel-related to lifestyle, retail and financial services.

SPENDING MILES

>> Spend your SAA Voyager Miles on global flights (more

than 30 airline partnerships, including the Star Alliance global network) or non-airline Awards, such as car rental, retail, and more.

>> If you do not have enough Miles for your desired Award, you can transfer Miles in denominations of 1000 miles for R120, or buy Miles for R100 (SAA flight Awards) and R250 (other airline Awards).

Voyager Miles can be earned and/or spent when using the following Voyager partners:

>> Awards available on SAA, other partner airlines and nonairline partners are listed below.

DYNAMIC AWARDS

>> SAA Voyager members are guaranteed at least 5% return on your SAA spend when requesting an SAA exclusive Dynamic Award for an SAA-operated flight. You may spend your miles on any available airfare, inclusive of carrier-imposed fees for your desired SAA operating flight, thus confirming your redemption seat request immediately.

Non-Air Awards

SAA Voyager members can spend miles on non-airline Awards including car rental, retail, and more.

You can spend your miles online; simply login to your account (go to voyager.flysaa. com and click on “My Voyager”) or contact our call centres. To use your miles for products on NetFlorist or Wine-ofthe-Month Club, log onto their respective websites and choose Voyager miles as a payment option. Your miles are valid for three years from the date they were earned, and you can nominate any person of your choice to utilise your Awards.

>> You can spend your miles on car rental or Uber SA.

>> You can spend your miles on any of the lifestyle partners listed on the left.

Book a ticket by miles, apply for a Voyager Credit Card, or find out more on voyager.flysaa.com

UNPARALLELED LOYALTY RECOGNITION

Enrolling as a member of any Star Alliance member airline frequent-flyer programme is your gateway to exceptional rewards and benefits. By accumulating miles and points from all your flights across the network into a unified account, you gain the significant advantage of quicker redemption opportunities and exciting benefits.

Star Alliance offers online redemption of miles and points for award flights and upgrade awards across the 25-member airline network, making it convenient and hassle-free for travellers. Redeeming miles and points is easy with three simple steps:

STEPS TO REDEEM MILES

Go to your airline’s frequent-flyer programme website and log in.

CHECK

Check the miles and points you have collected and see which award flights are available across the network.

>> For more information, visit staralliance.com

BOOK

Book a flight online on any of the 25 member airlines by redeeming your frequent-flyer miles or points.

SAA LOUNGES OPERATING TIMES

•• JOHANNESBURG Domestic Mon-Sun 04:30-20:30

•• JOHANNESBURG International Business/ Premium Class Lounge Mon-Sun 06:00-00:30 •• JOHANNESBURG International Platinum/ 1st ClassLounge Mon-Sun 06:00-21:30

•• JOHANNESBURG InternationalArrivals Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat 04:3012:30 Wed, Fri, Sun 04:00-12:30

•• CAPE TOWN Mon-Fri 04:30-20:00 Weekends 05:30-20:00

•• DURBAN Mon-Sat 04:30-20:00 Sunday 05:30-20:00 •• GQEBERHA (PORT ELIZABETH) Mon-Friday 06:00-20:00 Saturday 06:00-19:00 Sunday 07:00- 20:00

30 NOVEMBER | TURFFONTEIN RACECOURSE

NOROUTEDEPARR MTWTFSS

Between Johannesburg and Accra

**SA 052 JNB - ACC 18:2522:30 x

**SA 053 ACC - JNB 23:5507:45 x

*SA 056 JNB - ACC 10:5515:00 xxx

*SA 057ACC - JNB 20:1504:10 xxx

Between Accra and Abidjan

*SA 056 ACC - ABJ 16:0017:00 xxx

*SA 057 ABJ - ACC 18:0019:05 xxx

Between Johannesburg and Abidjan

*SA 056 JNB - ABJ 10:5517:00 xxx

*SA 057 ABJ - JNB 18:0004:10 xxx

Between Johannesburg and Cape Town

SA 303JNB - CPT 06:0508:15 xxxxx

**SA 307 JNB - CPT 07:1009:20 xxxxxxx

SA 313JNB - CPT 08:1010:20 xxxxx

SA 317JNB - CPT 09:0011:10 xx

*SA 319JNB - CPT 09:2511:35 xxxxxxx

SA 323JNB - CPT 09:5512:05 xx

**SA 327 JNB - CPT 11:4013:50 xxxxxxx

SA 337JNB - CPT 13:0015:10 xx

SA 343JNB - CPT 14:3016:40 xxxxx

**SA 347 JNB - CPT 15:1517:25 xxxxxxx

SA 355JNB - CPT 16:4018:50 xxxxxxx

SA 357 JNB - CPT 17:0019:10 xxxxxxx

SA 359 JNB - CPT 17:3019:40 xxxxxxx

*SA 363 JNB - CPT 18:3020:40 xxxxxx

SA 369JNB - CPT 21:0023:10 xxxxxxx

SA 302CPT - JNB 06:0008:00 xxxxx

**SA 304 CPT - JNB 06:4008:40 xxxxxx

SA 308CPT - JNB 07:2509:25 xx

SA 314CPT - JNB 08:1010:10 x

SA 316CPT - JNB 08:5510:55 xxxxx

**SA 322 CPT - JNB 10:0012:00 xxxxxxx

SA 326 CPT - JNB 11:0013:00 xxxxx

**SA 332 CPT - JNB 12:1514:15 xxxxxxx

SA 334CPT - JNB 12:4514:45 x

SA 334CPT - JNB 13:0515:05 x

SA 336CPT - JNB 14:1016:10 x

**SA 342 CPT - JNB 14:4016:40 xxxxxxx

SA 352 CPT - JNB 15:5017:50 xx

SA 354CPT - JNB 17:2019:20 xxxxx

SA 362CPT - JNB 18:0520:05 xxxxxxx

SA 366CPT - JNB 19:3021:30 xxxxxxx

**SA 368 CPT - JNB 20:0022:00 xxxxxxx

SA 372 CPT - JNB 20:2022:20 xxxxxxx

Between Johannesburg and Durban

SA 527 JNB - DUR 06:3007:35 xxxxx

**SA 531 JNB - DUR 07:3008:35 xxxxxxx

SA 539 JNB - DUR 09:2010:25 xx

NOROUTEDEPARR MTWTFSS

*SA551 JNB - DUR 12:4513:55 xxxxxxx

SA 555 JNB - DUR 13:4014:50 xxxxx

SA 571 JNB - DUR 16:5518:05 xxxxxxx

SA 581 JNB - DUR 20:5522:05 xxx

SA 530 DUR - JNB 07:0008:05 xxx

SA 534 DUR - JNB 08:0509:10 xxxxx

**SA 538 DUR - JNB 09:0510:10 xxxxxxx

SA 546 DUR - JNB 11:0012:00

**SA558 DUR - JNB 14:4015:50 xxxxxxx

SA 562 DUR - JNB 15:2016:30 xxxxx

SA 578 DUR - JNB 18:4019:50 xxxxxxx Between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)

OUR FLEET

AIRBUS A320-200

• Number of aircraft: 11 • Maximum passengers: between 138 to 186 • Maximum fuel capacity: 23 860L • Typical cruising speed: 820km/h

BOEING B737-800 (DAMP LEASE)

• Number of aircraft: 4 • Maximum passengers: 175

• Maximum fuel capacity: 23 860L • Typical cruising speed: 820km/h

AIRBUS A330-300

• Number of aircraft: 2 • Maximum passengers: 249 • Maximum fuel capacity: 97 530L • Typical cruising speed: 871km/h

CUSTOMS INFO

Everything you need to know to ensure your entry to South Africa is hassle-free

>> CUSTOMS DUTY

Customs duty is levied on imported goods and is usually calculated on the value of the goods.

>> PERSONS ENTERING SOUTH

AFRICA

People may enter South Africa at any appointed place of entry. All the goods in their possession must be declared to a customs official at the port of entry. When dutiable goods are in their possession, the relevant duties and VAT must be paid.

>> GOODS THAT MAY BE IMPORTED WITHOUT THE PAYMENT OF CUSTOMS DUTY AND VAT

(A) Visitors: Personal effects and sporting and recreational equipment, new or used, imported either as accompanied or unaccompanied baggage for their own use during their stay in South Africa.

AIRBUS A340-300E

• Number of aircraft: 2 • Maximum passengers: 253 • Maximum fuel capacity: 141 500L • Typical cruising speed: 860km/h

CONTACT US

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Weekdays 08:00-16:30, excluding South African public holidays saacustomerservice@ ﬂysaa.com

• +27 11 978 2888

RESERVATIONS 24 hours reservationsjnb@ﬂysaa.com

• +27 11 978 1111

BAGGAGE SERVICE (lost/ damaged) Daily 07:00-19:00 baggageservices@ﬂysaa.com

• +27 11 978 2888

REFUNDS Weekdays 08:0016:30, excluding South African public holidays. New refund

saasawubona.com

request: +27 11 978 1786

ﬂysaa.com/refund-application

CARGO Weekdays 06:00-21:00, excluding South African public holidays, Saturdays and Sundays, 08:00-16:00 saacargoreservations@ﬂysaa. com • +27 11 978 1119/3366

WEBSITE QUERIES

webhelp@ﬂysaa.com

VOYAGER Weekdays 07:0021:00, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 08:00-14:00 voyagerservicerecovery@ﬂysaa. com • +27 11 978 1234

(B) Residents: Personal effects and sporting and recreational equipment, new or used, exported by residents of South Africa for their own use while abroad and subsequently re-imported either as accompanied or unaccompanied baggage.

(C) Limits in respect of certain goods: The following goods may be included in passengers’ baggage either by residents or non-residents, but not exceeding the following limits:

• Wine: 2 litres per person.

• Spirits and other alcoholic beverages: 1 litre per person.

• Cigarettes: 200 cigarettes per person.

• Cigars: 20 cigars per person.

• Cigarette or pipe tobacco: 250g per person.

• Perfume: 50ml per person.

• Eau de toilette: 250ml per person.

• Other new or used goods to a total value not exceeding R5 000 per person, excluding consumables. The limit for crew members is R700.

• Allowances may not be pooled or transferred to other persons.

PLEASE NOTE: Visitors may be required to pay a cash deposit to cover duties and tax on expensive articles such as video cameras. The deposit on the goods is refunded on departure from South Africa.

CHILDREN UNDER 18 YEARS

• Children under 18 may claim duty-free allowances on goods used by them.

• Children under 18 may not claim allowances for tobacco and alcohol.

• Parents may make a customs declaration on behalf of their children.

Customs clearance procedures for passengers:

• Passengers may select either the red or green channel upon arr ival in South Africa.

• By selecting the red channel, a passenger indicates that he/she has goods to declare.

• The customs officer in the red channel must ascertain the value of the goods declared and the duties payable by the passenger’s duty-free allowances.

• By selecting the green channel, a passenger indicates that he/she has no goods to declare

• Random searches of passengers and baggage in the green channel are conducted.

The following goods are prohibited from import: Vegetables, groundnuts, firewood, honey, used pneumatic tyres, raw animal wool and hair, electric blankets, coins, video recorders and reproducers, revolvers and pistols.

The following goods are prohibited from export unless special permits are obtained from the relevant government department: Human bodies or body parts; meat and edible portions from cattle, sheep, goats or pigs; meat and edible animal offal salted, in brine, dried or smoked; edible flours and meals of meat or offal; cane or beet sugar and chemicals; pure sucrose in solid form; raw hides and skins of bovine or equine animals (fresh or salted, dried, limed, pickled or otherwise preserved, but not tanned, parchmentdressed or further prepared), whether or not dehaired or split; bank notes, securities or foreign currency.

>> PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED

IMPORTS AND EXPORTS

Apart from the requirements of the Export Control Regulations, the exportation and importation of a wide variety of goods is either totally prohibited or is subject to inspection by other authorities and/or production of special permits/licences, issued by certain authorities only. A

comprehensive list of prohibited and restricted imports and exports is available on the South African Revenue Service website (sars.gov.za).

PLEASE NOTE: Baggage is cleared at the first point of entry in South Africa. In case of connecting on a domestic flight, baggage must be collected, customs cleared and rechecked.

CUSTOMER BAGGAGE

Help us make sure your baggage gets there with you

At SAA, our goal is to deliver your baggage to you at your destination safely and timeously. However, due to circumstances beyond our control, baggage may be delayed, lost or damaged. In that case, our representatives at all SAA destinations will do their best to retrieve it or compensate you and minimise any inconvenience to you. Kindly note the following guidelines:

>> LABELLING YOUR LUGGAGE

• Unique identification: ensure your bag’s easy to recognise by tagging the outside with a colourful ribbon, and using a name tag with your correct name, address, telephone number, email address and destination address.

• The following items should NOT be packed in your check-in bags, but rather carried in your hand luggage: money, passports or visas, computer equipment, laptops, electronic devices, mobile phones, fragile items, business documents, keys, jewellery, lithium-ion batteries and e-cigarettes.

• Always ensure that your bags are locked prior to check-in, as this acts as a deterrent.

• Take advantage of the wrapping services provided at the airpor t as an additional preventative measure against damage and pilferage.

PLEASE NOTE: SAA does not take responsibility for the loss of valuable items in checked baggage, including money, passports or visas, computer equipment, electronic devices, mobile phones, fragile items, business documents, keys, and jewellery.

>> SECURITY AND HAND LUGGAGE

• Due to limited space in the overhead compartments, your hand luggage may be placed in the cargo hold.

• Remove all valuables, powerbanks, lithium-ion batteries and e-cigarettes from your hand luggage before it’s taken for stowage in the cargo hold.

• Ask for an airline tag with your name and flight details.

• For international travel, liquids, aerosols and gels measuring more than 100ml aren’t permitted in hand luggage. If they measure less than 100ml, they must be secured in a Ziploc bag.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE (ROUTE-SPECIFIC)

• Economy Class: One to two pieces at a maximum of 23kg each.

• Business Class: One to two pieces at a maximum of 32kg each.

• Infants not entitled to a seat shall only be permitted one piece of luggage up to 23kg and one collapsible pram, car seat or collapsible buggy.

>> REPORTING MISHANDLED LUGGAGE

Report your mishandled baggage to the Baggage Services office at the airport.

• A file will be created for tracing purposes.

• Your personal and travel information will be key.

>> LOST BAGGAGE

If your baggage has been lost, report the incident immediately or within seven calendar days to the office of SAA’s Baggage Services, where you’ll receive a unique reporting number. We’ll initiate the tracing of the baggage and will continue for up to 120 hours, although most misdirected baggage is located sooner. You’ll be informed as soon as your baggage is traced and (where local customs regulations permit), it will be delivered to the address you have provided.

>> TRACKING AND TRACING

During the tracing period, you may contact our office for information on progress made at the telephone number below or via WorldTracer, a computerised tracking system that can be found at flysaa.com under “Essential Information”.

>> DAMAGED BAGS

If your baggage is damaged, we’ll carry out all repairs and replacements (where necessary) according to the Carrier’s Baggage Liability Limitations. This excludes normal wear and tear, and manufacturers’ defects. The incident must be reported immediately or within 7 (seven) days of receipt of the baggage for international travel and within 24 (twenty-four) hours for domestic travel to the office of SAA’s Baggage Services, where you’ll receive a unique reporting number.

>> CLAIMS PROCEDURE

The next step is to submit a completed claim form to the Passenger Claims office. The finalisation of claims takes up to 21 working days. Please complete the form as thoroughly as possible, and attach all required documentation, including proof of bank account, to expedite the process.

ENQUIRIES:

Customer Services: +27 11 978 2888 Baggage Enquiries: baggageservices@flysaa.com

>> SEATS

OUR CABIN GUIDE

In order to make your journey a pleasant one, please note the information on the following pages

• Time to relax! The backrest of your seat can be adjusted. For extra comfort during the flight, you may wish to lean back. Press the button in the armrest of your seat for the backrest to tilt slightly. Note that on the narrow-bodied aircraft, seats forward of the emergency exit rows have limited tilt or do not recline.

• When seated in Economy Class, for the comfort of the person behind you, kindly ensure that your seat is in the upright position whenever meals or refreshments are served.

IN-SEAT POWER SUPPLY

In-seat power is available at every seat in Premium Class on board the Airbus A330-300 and in Business Class on the A320. The sockets are designed for:

• Two-pin European plugs, as illustrated.

• Two- or three-pin US plugs. Other types of plugs will require an adaptor.

• Power supply is intended for the charging of portable electronic devices only. 110-240Vac, 50-60Hz, max 75-100W per seat, subject to aircraft type.

• With laptop use, when the battery is very low or completely flat, it is advisable to remove the battery before connecting the laptop to the power supply. This will allow for optimal laptop usage and power supply.

• The A333 and A320 aircraft have a shared USB and laptop-charging point in Economy Class.

• The in-seat power supply is not sufficient to power medical assistive devices such as oxygen concentrators and CPAPs, because the wattage required by the devices exceeds the in-seat power capability.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES OR NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK ONE OF OUR CABIN CREW MEMBERS

>> DRINKING WATER

Bottled water is available on request from our cabin crew members.

>> IN-FLIGHT SERVICE

The cabin crew members are always at your service. Should you require attendance, please ring the service bell, which is situated either in your armrest or in the passenger service unit above your seat.

READING LIGHT

Each seat has an individual reading light that enables you to read when the cabin lights are set to dim without disturbing your fellow passengers. You’ll find the switch in the armrest of your seat or in the service unit above you.

>> DISINSECTION SPRAY

Health regulations in some countries require that the aircraft cabin be sprayed with disinsectant. The spray is harmless, but if you think it might affect you, please cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief.

MOTHERS AND CHILDREN

• For the convenience of mothers with babies, diaper boards are available in certain toilets on all our aircraft.

• Toys and games to keep little ones occupied during international flights are available on request from the cabin crew.

>> ACHES AND PAINS

Medical supplies for minor ailments are available on board. Ask a cabin crew member for assistance.

FOR YOUR COMFORT

• Blankets and pillows are available.

• Please lower your window shutter at night to ensure that you and your fellow passengers do not wake up a few hours later with the sun shining

in your eyes. This is also applicable on daylight flights for passengers who want to get some rest.

>> IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Once cruising altitude has been reached, the cabin crew will switch on the entertainment system. If you are travelling on board the Airbus A330-300, kindly refer to the AudioVideo on Demand system for the entertainment line-up.

>> DUTY-FREE SALES

Duty-free articles are for sale on international flights. Please consult the Extraordinair catalogue for details.

>> ADMISSION TO THE FLIGHT DECK

Admission to the flight deck is no longer allowed for security reasons.

>> INTERFERENCE WITH CABIN CREW DUTIES

It is an offence to interfere with the duties of the cabin crew members on board.

>> CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL

Only alcohol served by a cabin crew member can be consumed on board SAA aircraft.

>> USE OF LAVATORIES

Kindly make use of the lavatories in your respective class of travel. Please do not throw foreign objects into the toilets, as this may cause them to become blocked.

>> HEALTHY FLYING TIPS

To make your flight more comfortable, we have included several healthy flying tips at the back of this section.

>> COMFORT DEVICES

The use of in-flight travel accessories and non-certified comfort devices, e.g. CoziGo, Flyaway Kids Bed, Fly Tot, Fly LegsUp, Foot Hammock, JetBed, etc, which attach to aircraft seats, are inserted between seats, or otherwise block access to seat rows or aisles, are prohibited.

UNRULY/DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR ON BOARD

In terms of the Civil Aviation Act (No. 13 of 2009), any person who on board any aeroplane:

• By force or threat of force or by any other form of intimidation and without lawful reason seizes, or exercises control of, that aeroplane;

• Commits an act of violence, including an assault or threat, whether of a physical or verbal nature, against any person, including a crew member, which is likely to endanger the safety of that aeroplane;

• Wilfully interferes with any member of the crew of that aeroplane in the performance of his or her duties;

• Commits any nuisance or disorderly or indecent act;

• Is in a state of intoxication;

• Behaves in a violent manner towards any person, including a crew member, which is likely to endanger the safety or security of the aeroplane or of any person on board such aeroplane;

• Smokes in a toilet or any other place on the aeroplane where smoking is prohibited;

• Tampers with a smoke detector or any other safety-related device on board the aeroplane;

• Operates a portable electronic device when the operation of such a device is prohibited;

• Refuses to obey a lawful instruction given by or on behalf of the pilot-in-command for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the aeroplane or of any person or property on board, or for the purpose of maintaining good order and discipline on board the aeroplane; or

• Conveys any conventional arms, drugs or animal product in an aeroplane; is guilty of an offence and, on conviction, liable to a fine and/or imprisonment.

FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS CHAPTER:

1. “Animal Product” means any part or portion of, or product derived from, any animal, including any such part, portion or product in any processed form which is possessed contrary to the provisions of any other Act of Parliament or regulation promulgated in terms of such Act; 2. “Drugs” means any drug as defined in Chapter 1 of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, 1992 (Act No. 140 of 1992), that has not been acquired, bought or possessed lawfully as contemplated in Chapter 4 of that Act; 3. “Conventional Arms” bears the meaning assigned thereto in Chapter 1 of the National Conventional Arms Control Act, 2002 (Act No. 41 of 2002), some exceptions exist.

PLEASE NOTE: In terms of International Civil Aviation legislation, the Commander (Captain) of the aircraft is authorised/empowered to take any action deemed necessary, including restraint of any persons or property on board. In terms of this authority, the Commander may request and/or authorise any member of the crew to render assistance in terms of restraint of, or action against such offenders. In terms of SAA’s right of refusal of carriage, SAA reserves the right to refuse boarding to any person who is intoxicated or who, under reasonable grounds, is believed to pose a potential danger to safety and/or good order and discipline on board its aircraft.

OUR SAFETY GUIDE

SAA has your safety at heart. Please read these pages carefully

SAFETY PAMPHLET

A safety pamphlet is provided at your seat. Please familiarise yourself with its important information and note the location of your nearest emergency exit.

SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR IS PROHIBITED

For your own safety, sleeping on the floor is prohibited. In the event of an irregular occurrence and/or emergency, passengers sleeping on the floor would not have access to seat belts and oxygen masks.

SEAT BELTS

Seat belt signs are visible throughout the cabin. Whenever the signs are illuminated, fasten your seat belt. Keep it fastened throughout the flight. If sleeping under a blanket or duvet, fasten the seat belt over it so the cabin crew does not need to wake you in the event of turbulence. On the Airbus 330-300, if you are seated in Premium Class, ensure your shoulder belt is fastened for take-off and landing. Passengers less than 1.3m in height are not required to make use of the shoulder belt.

LIQUIDS, AEROSOLS AND GELS (LAGS)

REMAIN SEATED

After landing, remain seated until the aircraft has come to a complete stop and the Commander has switched off the seat belt signs.

PRIOR TO TAKE-OFF AND LANDING

In preparation for take-off or landing, ensure flight mode is selected on your PED and it is switched off, your baggage is stowed, your tray table, footrest, armrest and TV screen are stowed, your window shutter is open, your seat is in the upright position and your seat belt is fastened.

SMOKING

As per South African Civil Aviation Authority regulations, smoking on board is prohibited. This includes the smoking of any artificial device or e-cigarettes.

BASSINETS

The use of the bassinet is restricted by infant size and weight. The bassinet can comfortably accommodate an infant of 75cm in length. The bassinet is designed to carry a maximum load of 11kg. In the interest of safety and to prevent exceeding the weight limitation of the bassinet, it is recommended that the weight limitation of the infant not exceed 10kg. The size and weight limitation of the bassinet must not be exceeded. The infant must fit into the bassinet. Note: An infant aged 9 to 12 months has an average length of 74cm and a weight between 9,2kg and 11,4kg.

When travelling on international flights from South Africa, passengers are restricted from carrying certain LAGs in the aircraft cabin. These rules are aligned to International Civil Aviation Authority standards. Passengers wishing to carry essential liquids with them on board the aircraft must place them in a resealable, clear plastic bag with a maximum capacity of one litre and a total diameter of 80cm. No item containing liquid may exceed 100ml and it must fit comfortably inside the sealed bag. If these limitations are not adhered to, items will be confiscated by airport security, and SAA will not be in a position to recover them for passengers. When proceeding through airport security checkpoints, the bag holding these items must be separated from other cabin baggage. Items that are exempt from LAG restrictions and that may be carried on board, without being placed in a clear plastic bag, are:

• Baby formula/milk and baby food in small containers, provided the child is travelling with the person carrying these.

• Essential and other nonprescription medicines not exceeding 100ml per container, including saline solution and products such as eye drops and contact lens solution.

• Liquids, gels and juice for diabetic passengers who require them for medical reasons.

• Solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items such as lipsticks in tubes, solid deodorants and lip balms.

Any duty-free LAG products purchased after security checkpoints should be placed in special security bags at the store, and passengers connecting to further destinations are advised to keep these sealed throughout their journey.

CARRY-ON BAGGAGE

Storage for your cabin baggage is provided either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead stowage compartment. For your own safety and that of the passengers around you, please do not exceed the weight limitations of these compartments and ensure that items placed in them are securely positioned. Be careful when opening the overhead stowage compartments as some luggage may have shifted during the flight.

BUSINESS CLASS

SAA will accept two pieces of cabin baggage, neither of which may exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm in dimension and 8kg in weight.

ECONOMY

CLASS

SAA will accept one piece of cabin baggage not exceeding 56cm x 36cm x 23cm in dimension and 8kg in weight. These baggage limitations apply to all passengers travelling in Economy Class, regardless of their Voyager or other status.

PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDS)

In accordance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, each passenger may carry a maximum of 15 PEDs on board.

The use of PEDs is restricted due to the possibility of electromagnetic interference (EMI) with aircraft frequencies that may adversely affect the performance of aircraft systems and/or equipment.

PEDs are categorised into nontransmitting and transmitting electronic devices.

Non-transmitting devices (PEDs) are not designed to transmit or receive data, but can still emit EMI at low levels; Transmitting devices (T-PEDs) are designed to transmit or receive data through various technologies, including cellular, wireless (Wi-Fi) and other radio frequencies (i.e. Bluetooth and infrared).

Many T-PEDs allow the user to disable the transmitting function (e.g. flight mode, flight-safe mode, airplane mode, Wi-Fi disabled, Bluetooth disabled). When disabled, the T-PED becomes a non-transmitting device.

To manage the safe use of PEDs in the passenger cabin, PEDs are divided into four categories: unrestricted, limited, restricted and prohibited. Each category provides restrictions governing the use of the PEDs during each phase of flight. The following table provides a summary pertaining to the restrictions governing each category.

UNRESTRICTED

• Electronic watches;

• Cameras;

• Hearing aids;

• Heart pacemakers;

• Approved medical portable electronic devices (MPEDs). Can be used any time.

RESTRICTED

• Electronic games with Wi-Fi disabled/not installed;

• Digital media players;

• Virtual reality headsets.

Prohibited during taxi, take-off, initial climb, approach and landing. May be used in-flight once the seat belt/ PED sign has been switched off. Transmitting function must be disabled on aircraft door closing.

LIMITED

• Mobile phones and smartphones;

• Laptops, tablets, PDAs;

• eReaders.

Transmitting function may be used before doors close and after landing once the aircraft has left the active runway. Lightweight/small handheld devices may be used during taxi, take-off, initial climb, approach, landing with flight mode, flight-safe mode, airplane mode activated and/or Wi-Fi and Bluetooth disabled. Transmitting function must be disabled on aircraft door closing.

PROHIBITED

The items below are prohibited at all times:

• Mobile phones without flight mode, flight-safe mode, airplane mode;

• AM/FM transmitters & receivers (including televisions, radios);

• Remote-controlled devices (passenger owned);

• VHF scanners/receivers;

• Two-way transmitters such as walkie-talkies, amateur radios.

NOTE: Lightweight/small handheld PEDs are devices that can be held firmly in one hand or in the user’s pockets, allowing one hand free to release the restraint belt. Larger PEDs, such as laptops, must be placed in an approved stowage location during taxi, take-off, initial climb, approach and landing. Seat pockets might not be approved to hold the weight of a laptop. CCMs should ensure that the stowage location used is appropriate to accommodate the size and weight of the device.

Trailing cables from devices (and/or headsets/headphones) must be secured to prevent trip/entanglement hazards via the following means: To be placed on the seat, in the seat pocket, or in an approved stowage location; or to be kept on one’s person, or placed in one’s cabin baggage. Due to the risks involved with overheating lithium batteries and ensuring effective crew response, charging of devices is prohibited during taxi, take-off, initial climb, approach and landing.

SPECIAL TRAVEL NEEDS

Because your health, comfort and safety are very important to us, SAA offers services for travellers who require special assistance or have special medical needs.

>> SPECIAL ASSISTANCE

Travelling should always be a pleasure, and we go out of our way to make sure that anybody with special needs feels particularly cared for. That can be a disability, a medical condition, a dietary requirement, or the fact that you are travelling with young babies or children.

Many of these services need to be booked in advance, so please read the information below.

For further information, details of services offered, or any other queries, contact: SAA Special Bookings • specialhandling@flysaa.com

>> TRAVELLING WITH SPECIAL TRAVEL NEEDS

If you have special travel needs, we recommend that you make your travel plans as early as possible, so that we can serve you better. Should you require any medical assistance, please request it when making your reservation, or at least 48 hours prior to the departure of your flight through your local SAA office. It is important that you provide SAA with detailed information at the time of booking. Please let us know:

• The type of mobility aids you are travelling with

• Whether they are collapsible, electric or non-electric

• The dimensions, in adjusted or disassembled state, and weight of the mobility aids

• If you require access to a wheelchair at the airport and/or on the aircraft

• If you require transfer from wheelchair to aircraft seat and vice versa

saasawubona.com

• If you have a service dog (e.g. emotional-support dogs) that needs amenities. For conditions pertaining to the transportation of such animals, please visit gov.za/ services/import/import-animalsand-animal-products

• If you need elderly care

• If you need on-board facilities for the use of medical equipment, e.g. a batter y-operated C-PAP machine

• If you need an adjacent seat for your carer

>> BEFORE THE DAY OF DEPARTURE

Please ensure the assistance you requested has been confirmed and authorised by SAA before you arrive at the airport. Ensure that you have all the relevant documentation, including a Frequent Traveller’s Medical Card (FREMEC) and medical clearance, if applicable.

>> FREMEC

In order to make travelling easier for passengers with a disability, stable medical conditions or special needs, we offer the FREMEC card. This card’s validity is dependent on passenger condition; it varies from one to two years. The card helps you to avoid the hassle of obtaining medical clearance for each journey, and automatically determines your special requirements. Such cards are usually honoured by other airlines. For card renewal, your doctor needs to complete the application on your behalf.

Fax the completed form to SAA Special Bookings: +27 11 978 1111 or visit your local SAA reservations office.

>> ON THE DAY OF DEPARTURE

It is advisable that you check in early so that we will have enough time to assist you.

• Flights within South Africa: Arrive at least 90 minutes before flight departure.

• International flights: Arrive three hours before departure time.

INTERNATIONAL COMPLIANCE

SAA is covered by the United States rule for non-discrimination on the basis of disability. A full copy of the rule is available on request.

GUIDANCE FOR PHYSICIANS AND PASSENGERS

>> SICK PASSENGERS MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE FOLLOWING:

• Reduced atmospheric pressure. (Cabin air pressure changes greatly 15-30 minutes after take-off and before landing, and gas expansion and contraction can cause pain and pressure.)

• Reduced oxygen tension. (The cabin is at a pressure equivalent to an altitude of 6 000-8 000 feet, and partial oxygen pressure is ± 20% less than on the ground.)

>> THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS/CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRE MEDICAL CLEARANCE FROM SAA:

The following is not exhaustive, and if you are in any doubt as to whether your condition may require clearance, we urge you to contact SAA Special Bookings before flying:

Passengers who require us to provide in-flight oxygen

• Oxygen equipment used will be subject to aircraft type and medical condition.

Please visit faa.gov for the approved list of portable oxygen concentrators (POCs).

• SAA can provide a POC that supplies oxygen on demand at a flow rate of 1 – 5LPM. The POC may only be used after take-off and shall be stowed in preparation for the landing.

(NOTE: The cost to the passenger for this service is US$150 per flight segment.)

• SAA can provide an oxygen cylinder for regional flights and domestic flights that supply continuous oxygen at a flow rate of 2LPM and 4LPM.

(NOTE: The cost to the passenger for this service is US$150.)

• A passenger may elect to use their personal battery-powered POC

approved by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This device may be used to supply continuous oxygen. The POC may not be used with a mask. The passenger must provide a nasal cannula.

(NOTE: No additional cost will apply when passengers provide their own FAA-approved battery-powered POC.)

• The passenger must supply the extra batteries. The spare batteries must be carried in the passenger’s hand baggage and declared to the cabin crew. The spare batteries must be fully charged.

• The spare batteries must be individually protected in order to prevent short circuits – by placement, and in the original retail packaging, or by otherwise insulating the terminals (e.g. taping over the exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate bag or pouch).

• The spare batteries must be carried in the passenger’s cabin hand baggage.

• Only three batteries are allowed on board: one inside the machine and two spares. The power of each battery must not exceed 160Wh.

• The permissible watt-hour rating is 160Wh. Because the 24-cell battery packs of the Inogen One G2 consist of two 12-cell battery packs delivering 195,4Wh, exceeding the permissible rating, this battery pack is not permissible on board. The Inogen One G2 must be powered with an alternate acceptable battery pack.

• A passenger who requires continuous-flow oxygen must book an oxygen cylinder (for regional and domestic flights only), and not a concentrator, subject to operational requirements. However, passengers may bring their own batteryoperated continuous-flow oxygen concentrators.

• Some oxygen concentrators work on demand; therefore, passengers are advised that they will receive oxygen flow only on inhalation.

• Medical portable electronic devices provided by passengers must be battery-operated.

• Because aircraft power is not the same as other electrical power, equipment plugged into an electrical power outlet in an aircraft could cause damage to both the aircraft and the equipment.

• The safety of the aircraft may be compromised due to electro-magnetic interference (EMI), especially during the critical phases of take-off and landing, and on the ground during alignment of the instrumentation and software loading.

>> THE FOLLOWING PASSENGERS ARE REQUIRED TO BOOK VIA THE CALL CENTRE OR TRAVEL AGENT:

• Travellers who require a medical escort or in-flight medical treatment

• Travellers who have a communicable disease or infection

• Your doctor must state whether the condition poses a direct threat to the safety or health of others, and advise about precautions necessary to prevent transmission.

• Travellers who have been operated on or admitted to hospital in the two weeks before the flight

• Your doctor must state whether you have recovered sufficiently, and whether your condition has stabilised enough to travel by commercial air transport.

• Travellers suffering from an acute or chronic medical condition for which they might need to take medication dur ing the flight

• Travellers who suffer from any acute or severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, high fever, severe pain, etc.

• Travellers who recently suffered a major medical incident (heart attack, heart f ailure, stroke, and respiratory failure or recent pneumothorax)

• Travellers who had thrombophlebitis

• Travellers who might develop any symptoms or behaviour that could have an adverse effect on the welfare of other passengers on board

• Travellers whose medical condition might be aggravated dur ing or because of the flight

• Travellers who are travelling with a premature infant or an infant with a medical condition

• An unaccompanied minor with a medical condition

• Travellers with an unstable mental illness or impairment

SPECIFIC CASES

SERVICE DOGS

• A service dog accompanying its owner is accepted on most flights in the passenger cabin of any class, free of charge.

• The dog may, however, not occupy a seat, and must not be kept in a location that would block escape routes in the event of an emergency.

• The service dog must be properly harnessed, and remain with the traveller at all times.

• Travellers with service dogs are required to contact their local South African Airways office prior to booking for further information, flight eligibility, and to be allocated a suitable seat.

• Ask our staff at O.R. Tambo Inter national Airport where the local animal relief area is situated. For service dog transportation, please visit gov.za/services/import/importanimals-and-animal-products

>> WHEELCHAIRS AND MOBILITY AIDS

For travellers with limited mobility, we offer the following assistance:

• Wheelchairs at the airport: We can arrange for wheelchair transport from check-in to the boarding gate, and from the aircraft to the arrivals hall at your destination.

• Travelling with your own wheelchair:You are welcome to check in one wheelchair as baggage, free of charge.

• Each traveller is entitled to one mobility aid, e.g. wheelchair, crane or crutches, free of charge, in addition to their standard baggage allowance. These items must be small enough to be stowed without obstruction, and must meet SAA baggage policy requirements.

• Travellers requiring the use of wheelchairs or mobility aids are advised to make their travel arrangements in advance.

>> TRAVELLING WITH MEDICATION

Passengers should ensure that they keep their medication in their hand luggage, and have a medical letter on hand outlining their condition and medication in case they encounter difficulties while travelling.

• Medicines required on board must be carried in cabin baggage, and passengers must carry a letter from their treating physician. All excess medicines and liquids are to be carried in checked baggage. When taking liquids through security control, passengers should please ensure that they comply with the airport’s restrictions.

• All prescription medicine, syringes and needles used by diabetics must be sealed and properly labelled.

• The quantity of syringes and needles is limited to the amount required for the flight.

• They must be disposed of in a safe manner.

• For medication requiring refrigeration, passenger s should make sure that they bring a cooler box with ice packs, and keep the medication with them for the duration of the flight.

>> EXPECTANT MOTHERS AND PARENTS WITH BABIES

• Medical clearance to fly is only necessary if you are having complications with your pregnancy.

• Domestic travel is permitted up to 36 weeks for a routine pregnancy.

• International travel is permitted up to 35 weeks for a routine pregnancy

All pregnant women beyond 28 weeks of gestation must provide a letter from their obstetrician, general practitioner or midwife stating the following:

• Term of pregnancy

• Fitness to travel

• Whether it is a single, multiple or high-risk pregnancy

• Any possible complications, including hypertensive passengers, history of premature labour, etc.

Infants are allowed to travel from seven days of age. Passengers are allowed to fly 10 days after major abdominal surgery. The special-bookings process must be followed.

>> COLOSTOMY BAGS

Travellers dependent on colostomy bags must ensure that they have an empty bag at the start of the journey. Passengers are responsible for carrying enough bags for the duration of the flight, and disposing of them in a responsible manner upon arrival at destination.

>> NUT AND OTHER ALLERGIES

Passengers who have serious allergies must bring it to the attention of our reservations department. Passengers are required to bring their own emergency medication, e.g. injectable epinephrine, such as an EpiPen.

South African Airways does not take responsibility for any allergens that may arise from food, medications, pets, rodents, dust mites, or nut and other allergens.

>> STOWAGE OF CARRY-ON ITEMS

Our cabin crew will assist with loading and retrieval of carry-on items, and small assistive devices stowed on board the aircraft.

These items must be small enough to be stowed without obstruction, and must meet SAA baggage policy requirements.

>> ON-BOARD WHEELCHAIR

All our aircrafts are equipped with an on-board wheelchair, allowing passengers to be escorted to and from the toilets. We also have seats with movable armrests that facilitate the transfer of a passenger from the on-board wheelchair to the seat and vice versa.

SAA'S FIRST

Remembering the history of the delivery of the Junkers JU52 Aircraft, November 1934.

ooking back over South African Airways’ illustrious 90-year history, one is struck by how signi cant the month of November appeared to be.

November saw: the introduction of SAA’s rst intercontinental service linking South Africa with London (1945); a new route, operated with Douglas DC-7B aircraft between Johannesburg and Perth, Australia, started (1957); the modern Vickers Viscount aircraft revolutionised domestic air travel (1958); Argentina came online (1972) followed by Taipei in 1980; the Boeing 747-200 Super B “Lebombo” arrived (1971); the suspension of ying rights to the United States (1986), and the Helderberg disaster during 1987.

With everything the month of November has delivered for SAA, none was as signi cant as the arrival of its rst “brand new” aircraft 90 years ago; three gigantic Junkers JU52-3m airliners at Rand Airport, Germiston on Monday, 5 November 1934.

Their arrival enabled SAA to o er the South African travelling public some of the most up-to-date commercial aviation equipment in the world. At the time of their arrival, 60 Junkers JU52 commercial aircraft were in daily service with Lufthansa and airlines in Sweden, Finland, South America and Japan, all following the trend that for passenger work, multi-engine aircraft o ered greater immunity against forced landings, “owing to the fact that the failure of one engine does not make it necessary for the pilot to come down”.

A new level of passenger comfort and safety was being

introduced with the body of the machine comprising the pilot’s cockpit, followed by the wireless and pantry compartment and nally the passenger cabin which was further divided into a forward non-smoking and rear smoking sections.

The interior design ensured maximum comfort and even sporting adjustable seat backs. Special consideration with the seat spacing was given to providing passengers with an uninterrupted view of the countryside over which they were ying. The cabins on the Junkers JU52s were well lit for night ying or for ights during overcast weather.

Probably the most fascinating part of these new ‘modernday ying machines’ was a peek into the pilot’s cockpit. Nothing could inspire greater con dence in the safety of these aircraft, or a ord one a better realisation of the great advances being made in aviation. The wide range of instruments and gauges testi ed to the care taken by the manufacturers to prepare for every contingency. There were the familiar altimeters, the speedometer and compass as well as distance indicators, oil and pressure gauges monitoring each of the three engines. Climb and turn indicators, a large wireless set complemented the addition of an automatic (robot) pilot which is proving to be popular on long distance ights.

With the JU52, South African Airways was able to operate the most popular passenger and freight carrying aircraft available, and one with that essential safety factor – a large reserve of power.

WRITTEN BY Peter Bosho , Chairperson of the SAA Museum

GETTING THERE

Fly between Durban and Johannesburg several times a day. Visit flysaa.com

Navigating independence

BY Olwethu Leshabane

As a parent, one of the most fulfilling – and sometimes nerve-wracking – experiences is watching your children grow into independent individuals. Recently, I found myself at one of these milestones when my eldest child graduated from being an ‘unaccompanied minor’ to an

‘assisted passenger’ when flying. It was a bittersweet moment that signalled a new phase of growth. I have a teenager! It’s still hard to believe how quickly time has flown.

Our journey with SAA’s unaccompanied minor programme has been wonderful. This service allowed my children to travel solo while being

My children’s solo journey with SAA, while being fully supervised and supported.

fully supervised and supported. It’s the perfect balance: they experience the independence of flying alone, and I know they are in safe hands throughout the trip. Now, as my younger child prepares for the same journey, I find myself reflecting on how these experiences nurture their confidence and autonomy. Hopefully,

they will treasure these moments as they grow and one day when they travel the world, they will recall their first steps toward independence.

One of the most exciting aspects of this journey has been the participation of my children in camps, particularly at Sugar Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. Nestled along the scenic coastline of South Africa, Sugar Bay offers kids more than just a holiday retreat – it’s a place where they learn, grow, and make lasting connections with other children from diverse backgrounds. My older kids

have attended several camps and the positive changes I’ve witnessed in them after each visit has been remarkable.

As a parent, it’s incredibly rewarding to see my children thrive in these environments. Sugar Bay gives them the freedom to take responsibility for their actions, make decisions, and push the boundaries of their comfort zones. This self-reliance is further encouraged by SAA’s unaccompanied minor programme, which has become an integral part of their journey to and from camp.

SAA has been an invaluable partner

in fostering my children’s growing sense of independence. The airline’s unaccompanied minor service allows children to travel alone, all while under the careful supervision of their trained staff. Not really a drop and go at departures but a game-changer for parents who want to nurture responsibility in their kids without sacrificing safety. I always feel reassured knowing that SAA’s programme keeps my children protected and comfortable throughout the journey.

The unaccompanied minor service is thoughtfully designed. From the moment my child checks in at the airport to the point they are handed over to a designated guardian at the destination, every detail is taken care of. SAA’s attentive staff guide the children at every step, making the process stressfree for both parents and children.

One of the standout features of SAA’s service is their unaccompanied minors’ lounge. These lounges are comfortable and secure, offering a supervised environment for children who are waiting for their flights. I love that my child can relax in a protected space, and I don’t have to worry about them navigating the airport alone. The staff ensures that children are safe, entertained, and well looked after

while they wait for their flight.

Even during the flight, SAA’s crew checks in regularly with the children to ensure their comfort and provide anything they may need. Once the flight lands, the smooth handover to the guardian is seamless, removing any chance of confusion or stress. This level of care and attention gives me a sense of control, even when my children are flying solo.

I believe in raising children who are confident and capable of navigating the world on their own. Services like these make that goal achievable and they offer parents the assurance that their children are in capable hands. As my younger child gears up for their first solo flight to Sugar Bay, I can rest

easy knowing that they are about to embark on a journey that will not only be fun, but also an essential part of their personal growth.

Watching my children grow through these experiences has been one of the most rewarding parts of my parenting journey. I can’t wait to see where their newfound independence will take them next.

Better & better

Find

out about the many improvements we have made to make your experience with SAA even better.

ver the past months, SAA has made several improvements to enhance our customer experience. These include a new mobile app with enhanced booking features, Siri integration on the app, and an innovative in-flight entertainment platform, AIRSCAPE, to enjoy a selection of movies, games and many others. SAA also recently launched world-class airport lounges at SA’s international airports, OR Tambo, Cape Town, Durban, and Gqeberha, where qualifying members can relax in luxury and enjoy complimentary amenities, gourmet snacks, premium beverages, meeting suites, Wi-Fi, shower suites, and quiet zones.

SAAMOBILEAPP

The new SAA mobile app has an enhanced booking feature. Key features of the app include: booking flights, managing your bookings, digital boarding passes, check-in, instant notifications, Siri integration, and smartwatch sync.

AIRSCAPE

A first for South African skies, our innovative in-flight entertainment platform, AIRSCAPE, is now accessible on your mobile device on selected flights. Enjoy a wide selection of movies, TV shows, games, moving maps, as well as our exclusive digital Sawubona magazine.

LOUNGES

•• ORT INTERNATIONAL PREMIUM

Qualifying members can relax in luxury and enjoy complimentary amenities, from gourmet snacks, premium beverages and meeting suites, to Wi-Fi, shower suites, and quiet zones in our exclusive Premium Lounge at OR Tambo International Departures.

•• ORT INTERNATIONAL PLATINUM

SAA Voyager Lifetime Platinum & Platinum Elect, Discovery Bank Purple, and Investec Enigma cardholders can indulge in premium amenities. A world of luxury and relaxation awaits at our brand-new Platinum Lounge at OR Tambo International Departures.

•• GQEBERHA

Our new PREMIUM Lounge at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha is now open. Indulge in premium coffee, fine wines, and a luxurious space to relax.

GOURMETDISHESBY CHEFWANDILEMABASO

With nearly two decades of expertise and inter national achievements in the culinary arts, Chef Wandile brings a flavourful fusion of traditional African flavours and classical French techniques to our flights and lounges. Chef Wandile’s creations are prepared exclusively for our passengers on our regional long-sector flights and in the first- and business-class lounges.

FLIGHTUPDATES

To receive timely flight updates, including boarding times and gate numbers with our newly implemented flight status notification system, ensure that your contact details are accurate and correctly entered on your booking. Visit flysaa.com/stay-connected-withsaa for more details or to update your information.

VOYAGERDIGITALCARDS

Voyager members can now print or save their digital cards from their profile. To do so, sign in with your Voyager number and pin, select the digital card, and choose the print or save option. voyager.flysaa.com/login

DUTY-FREESHOPPING

Get ready for an exhilarating shopping experience right from your onboard seat. From luxurious fragrances to delectable gourmet treats and exclusive accessories, we have curated an irresistible selection. Available on all SAA regional and international routes, the duty-free in-flight shopping experience is showcased in the EXTRAORDINAIR duty-free shopping magazine.

South

Airways

Johannesburg to Lubumbashi connects you to unparalleled opportunities and the region’s rich mineral wealth. Fly with SAA and experience seamless travel, exceptional service, and strategic connections that

South African Airways, Connecting Africa to the world, One flight at a time.

It’s hard to ignore the Chinese. Whether it’s a new pair of pants or a new car, the pricing and, increasingly, the quality of their products make a compelling argument to send your hard-earned cash eastwards. The fact that China is now officially the world’s largest exporter of motor vehicles is testament to the strength of that argument. With the ever-growing popularity of SUVs in all sizes, it’s been Haval that has led the Chinese charge since 2017, with the Jolion model its top seller since it launched here in 2021. This small SUV has ticked a lot of boxes in a South African market looking for bang-for-buck kerb appeal, and Haval are looking to cement that position with the launch of a facelifted Jolion and a wider and taller Jolion Pro that shares the same platform.

•• HAVAL JOLION PRO

Along with quality, one of the things that has come on in leaps and bounds with Chinese vehicles is the design and styling. Design cues have become simpler and more sophisticated to reflect the aesthetic tastes of buyers who usually gravitate to traditional European brands. Building on the previous model’s appealing looks, the Jolion Pro features the bold, contemporary

Two good-looking new Chinese SUVs prepare to do battle in SA. Meet the HAVAL JOLION PRO and the GAC GS3 EMZOOM.

A civilvery war

hexagonal grille that’s become the go-to design for many a modern SUV, flanked with a pair of narrow headlamps that feature LED illumination in the Luxury models. Following a coupé-like roof-line, the rear also incorporates the equally popular slim uni-brow rear light cluster – another trait you would expect from a sporty premium coupé SUV.

Together with the Jolion Pro’s sportier look is an interior that features a more spacious and very well bolted together cabin, boasting an impressive level of standard specification, from leatherette upholstery and power-adjustable seats in Luxury models to heated and ventilated front seats in Ultra Luxury variants. A 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard in Premium models, while Luxury models feature a 12.3-inch screen and a 6-speaker audio system.

Under that svelte clam-shaped bonnet is a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine carried over from the previous model. It produces 105kW/210Nm or 130kW/270Nm in the 1.5T S Ultra Luxury model, while the range-topping petrol-electric hybrid offers 140kW/375Nm thanks to its battery pack. All Pro models come with a 7-speed dualclutch transmission.

WORDS Steve Smith

The Jolion Pro comes standard with dual front, and front side SRS airbags, while Luxury models add side curtain airbags.

The GS3 Emzoom offers keyless entry, push-button start, ambient cabin lighting, numerous charging ports, and dual-zone automatic air conditioning.

•• GAC GS3 EMZOOM

The GAC brand is a newcomer to the SA market and they’ve made quite a splash with their sharp-lined Emzoom. Not only are they taking on the Jolion with an equally joyous name, but this 5th-largest automaker in China aims to divert your gaze with some very arresting and even sportier looks.

Taking a leaf from the Lexus book of faceted design, the GS3 Emzoom’s “flying mecha front face design” is a bit of a head turner. It boasts a more angular version of the statement hexagonal grille and also features squinty headlamps (LED standard across all models), with rear LED tail lights pinched in profile straight from the Lexus NX.

Two digital displays dominate a futuristic interior that appears as impressively solid as its Haval rival. The central console is a 10.25-inch multi-functional touchscreen that controls most of the vehicle’s amenities, while a 7-inch LCD instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel. Interior passenger space is particularly impressive in the legroom department, though as always, that configuration does mean a little less luggage space.

Under its clam hood, the GS3 Emzoom squares up with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol, matching the Jolion S Ultra Luxury’s 130kW and 270Nm of torque. Like the Jolion Pro, the Emzoom also comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

As you can see, there really isn’t much in it between the two. Spec for spec they are evenly matched price-wise, and

from a driving experience, there is little to separate them. Despite their sporty looks, neither is going to blow your hair back in the performance stakes, but that’s not a dealbreaker in a target market more interested in value. Yes, the Haval brand is better established here in SA, but with more models scheduled to arrive, the GAC brand is looking to create its own foothold. As is often the case, it’s going to come down to personal preference: the handsome Jolion or the edgier Emzoom?

PRICING

GS3 EMZOOM

1.5L T Comfort R469 900

1.5L T Executive R499 900

1.5L T R-Style R549 900

5-year/150 000km warranty and 5-year/60 000km service plan

HAVAL JOLION PRO

1.5T Premium R391 150

1.5T Super Luxury R425 950

1.5T Ultra Luxury R462 950

1.5T S Ultra Luxury R495 950

1.5 HEV Ultra Luxury R516 950

7-year/200 000km warranty and 5-year/75 000km service plan

Southern Cross diamond and tanzanite drop earrings (left). R23 400 My Girl® diamond pendant (above). R36 250 shimansky.co.za

Nicci Boutiques Local Love CollectionMirabell Zennia tiered ﬂoral dress (available in stores and online. Sizes: S – XL). R1 899

Nicci Boutiques - black Terri bead embroidered ﬂoral bag. R1 350

Diego dalla Palma Professional Radiance, R1 995. Supreme Uniforming And Illuminating Cream SPF50 50ml & Pure Glow Elixir 30ml ProWHITE+.

Diamond Collections ‘Where Timeless Beauty Comes Alive’ Elevate your style with lasting opulence. Exquisite craftmanship, eﬀortless glamour. Contact: 011 9281000 / 073 565 7937 diamondcollections.co.za

Majestic sapphire earrings from Diamond Collections, an exclusive diamond jewellery line, with truly exquisite pieces. Elevate your style with lasting opulence. Exquisite craftmanship, eﬀortless glamour.

‘ Where Timeless Beauty Comes Alive’ Contact: 011 9281000 / 073 565 7937 diamondcollections.co.za

Thule Crossover 2 30L Backpack. This laptop backpack has clever compartments that organize your gadgets.

R6 999

Thule Crossover 2 Travel Organizer multi-purpose, 2-in-1 pouch can be separated into a travel wallet and an electronics organizer. R1 499

brand, is dedicated to sustainable and eco-conscious fashion. Shop our Spring/ Summer collection for the perfect investment piece to curate the ideal capsule wardrobe. Each garment is handmade with 100% Hemp Linen fabric, intended to last you a lifetime as well as reduce the carbon footprint. katesaraboutique. co.za

small local fashion

RVBLAB The Makeup Lip Care Kit, R675. Moisturising and smoothing lip serum with active Volulip (™); plumping lip oil with Maxilip (™).

These square Ermenegildo Zegna pair of sunglasses comes in a shiny gunmetal frame with smoked lenses. R6 485

Sunglasses available at Freckle Eyewear Tel: 011 390 2992

Music, beautifully framed this Christmas! With the festive season fast approaching, transform your home into a joyful sanctuary where every song brings a smile and every picture tells a story with the Samsung Music Frame. Visit samsung.com/za

Diamond Works Institue Essence of Africa royal tanzanite ring. A 21.16 carat natural-certiﬁed emerald-cut tanzanite ring set in 18 carat white gold with a total of 1.39 carat natural diamonds. Price: POA

Last lap with a legend. Get your Mercedes-Benz Lewis Hamilton merch before it’s gone. Visit an authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer to get yours today. mercedes-benz.co.za

Diamond Works Institue Queen in Bloom diamond drop earring. Natural-certiﬁed premium diamond earrings (3.55 carat total) set in 18 carat white gold. Price: POA

Simonsig Cuvée Royale (left): a prestige Blanc de Blancs crafted from exceptional Chardonnay, oﬀering unrivalled elegance and longevity. Available online for R500.

Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar Rosé (centre): A vivacious and refreshing demi-sec rosé, perfect for pairing with desserts or enjoying on its own. Available online for R 205.

Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé (right), the ideal Cap Classique for any special occasion. Available online for R 205.

Gatineau Age Beneﬁt Collection (left) R2 995. This premium collection showcases Age Beneﬁt icons to deliver dramatic results. Gatineau Collagene Expert Collection (right) R2295. This collection contains three Gatineau powerhouses to plump, smooth and hydrate the skin.

BY Na sa Akabor

The Connected Travell

Even more gift ideas that will make any trip a little more convenient.

LIFESTRAW GO 2.0

The LifeStraw Go 2.0 stainless steel 710ml water bottle is suited for travellers to re ll anywhere, such as airports or on the road. Its two-stage lter removes contaminants and improves taste, while keeping water cool. Price: R1 699.

THULE COMPRESSION CUBES

Thule’s popular compression packing cubes are essential to maximise luggage space. The two-piece set with a semi-transparent fabric can compress clothes by a third. It’s available in new colours: olive and grey. Price: R999.

HUAWEI WATCH GT 5

The Huawei Watch GT 5 is your companion on-the-go with its 14-day battery life. Made for Android and iPhone, it tracks health, tness, sleep and wellness, plus you can take calls on your wrist.

Price: R4 999.

APPLE AIRPODS 4

Apple’s newest AirPods 4 nally brings active noise cancellation to its base model. It is a must for any traveller, which promises up to 30 hours of listening time. It is dust-, sweat-, and waterresistant. Price: R3 999.

SAMSONITE NEOPOD

The Samsonite NeoPod expandable cabin spinner is aimed at o ering easy tech access with its dedicated front slot for laptops, tablets, cables and power banks. It has a TSA combination lock, an integrated ID tag and personalisation stickers. Price: R5 999.

SANDISK EXTREME PORTABLE SSD

ECOFLOW POWER HAT

EcoFlow’s solar panel brimmed hat is perfect for hiking, picnics, the beach, or sightseeing. Its USB-A and C ports simultaneously charge devices in the sun. Available in two sizes, it is water- and dustproof. Price: R1 499.

The SanDisk range of ultraportable solid-state drives are perfect travel companions at 55g. Copy content at speed from Android, iPhone, Windows, or Mac, plus it has password protection. Available in 500GB upwards. Price: R2 400.

MOPHIE SPEEDPORT 120W

The Mophie Speedport 120W two-pin adaptor lets you charge up to four devices when travelling. Using GaN technology, it ensures up to 100W charging without overheating from its 3x USB-C and 1x USB-A ports. Price: R2 299.

NOTEWORTHY NIGERIA

Lagos, Nigeria is a vibrant city all year round and hub for technology, the arts, business, fashion, and entertainment. SAA ﬂies to Lagos four times a week and there’s plenty of things to do. Get connected with an eSIM before your trip, and use e-hailing apps like Uber, Holla, or Pickmeup. Visit the Balogun Market, the largest in Lagos, or Terra Kulture for books, crafts, and art while sampling local cuisine. Grab an authentic smoky jollof rice from Firewood Jollof or Chef Tolu, or go on a food tour to sample a bit of everything. Historical sites like Freedom Park, the Badagry Slave Museum, and Black History Museum are worth checking out, with nightlife experiences in Victoria Island and Ikoyi. Lastly, make a stop at the Tarkwa Bay Beach, accessible via boat to enjoy swimming, quad biking, or horse riding. South African citizens can obtain an eVisa online ahead of their visit.

Recently, I took a two-week Euro trip and I travelled carry-on only. I did not check in a bag. Carry-on only travel is an art form that can be taught, and even the most chronic and chaotic of overpackers can transform into nimble and light travellers in no time.

I’ve spent the last few years perfecting how I travel without checking in a bag for a few reasons, but mainly to save money on the ight ticket. Often checking in a bag (whether you’re travelling internationally or domestically) means you will be incurring extra baggage costs. Secondly, I didn’t like the idea of possibly losing my luggage while travelling, so having everything with me cancels that possibility. The nal reason is that I simply do not like waiting for my bag at baggage claim. I want to move from the plane straight to the taxi so my trip can begin. In Europe, with the cobbled streets and many stairs, having less luggage also made moving around that much easier.

You can be the carry-on only traveller of your dreams, says media personality SIBONGILE MAFU

Once I committed to always travelling light, I never looked back and have become an advocate for carry-on only travel. Welcome to the rst day of the rest of your life where baggage claim no longer becomes part of your reality. From weekend getaways to month-long backpacking expeditions, no trip is too big or small.

The key to being a successful carry-on traveller, particularly internationally, is knowing the power of planning and editing.

1. Pick a quality carry-on suitcase. It needs to be durable, smart, and can handle being your main suitcase. Look for quality hardware, ample pockets, and storage compartments. When you travel light, every bit of space counts.

2. How you fold your clothes is crucial. I roll mine tightly because it works best for the suitcase I have. Others prefer

CONGRATS

ON 90 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

the Marie Kondo style of folding clothes into rectangles so tight they can stand up on their own in the suitcase. Compression cubes are also an excellent resource as this not only allows you to do more with less, but they are also a great way to organise your suitcase so things are easier to nd.

3. Maximise your “personal item” – the smaller bag that can t under the seat in front of you. There are large totes and backpacks that comfortably t under the seat (check the airline you’re travelling with to make sure you’re within the limits). Don’t waste your personal item on a small fanny pack or handbag. If you use a larger bag, you’re able to t a lot more, sometimes even extra clothes and shoes that weren’t able to t in your carry-on suitcase.

4. Pack fewer shoes. Shoes take up the most space in your luggage and this is what people struggle with the most.You don’t need more than three pairs when travelling, including the ones you wear on the plane. You need one comfortable walking shoe, a casual sandal/ sneaker, and a smart sandal (this con guration can change based on your needs or personal style). Use dust bags for your shoes to keep the rest of the items in your suitcase clean.

5. Minimise your make-up and toiletries. These items are heavy, and they take up valuable weight and space. Decant your toiletries and makeup if you can. You don’t need your entire big bottle of shampoo and conditioner – buy smaller travel size bottles and decant it. If you are trying to take less liquids, you can opt for things like soap bars or deodorants that come in powder form, or versatile products that can be used in di erent ways.

6. Wear your bulkiest items on the plane. If you need to take big boots and a heavy coat, do not pack them in the suitcase – wear them on the plane. You will be surprised at the amount of space you save by wearing your heavier jackets and jerseys on the plane.

Visit Land Rover Zimbabwe, Premier Auto, BB House, 125 Leopold Takawira Street, Harare, Zimbabwe