Sanlam Reality - Autumn 2021

SA PUBLICATION FORUM AWARDS

sanlamreality.co.za Autumn 2021

2020

Best Corporate Publication Best External Magazine

How to

sell yourself debate

Social media fact-checking: a new era of censorship?

wealth

6 Tips to achieve early retirement

travel

Local passes for your road-trip bucket list

wellness

How to break up with toxic friends

Get a guaranteed R1 cash back for every 1ℓ you fill up at Total No hoops, no tricks, no false promises.

It’s guaranteed for everyone.

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SANLAM REALITY PROGRAMME Head of digital, marketing and communications Francois Uys Communications manager Lucille Moore Communications coordinator Hasina Khan SANLAM REALITY CALL CENTRE Telephone 0860 732 548/9 Email info@sanlamreality.co.za Website www.sanlamreality.co.za REAL FUTURES (PTY) LTD Real Futures is a wholly-owned Sanlam Ltd company managing the Sanlam Reality Programme for the Sanlam Group.

Chairman Jan Steenkamp Directors Gary Allen, André Larisma, Theesan Moodley, Jean Lombard Deputy company secretary Zuko Mgawuli

PUBLISHED BY NARRATIVE FOR SANLAM REALITY EDITORIAL Editor Sarah Browning-de Villiers Email mag@sanlamreality.co.za Content editor Dominique Bowen Contributors Katelyn Allegra, Elsabé Brits, Tracy Lynn Chemaly, Jade Taylor Cooke, Isabel Crause, Christine van Deemter, Justin Fox, Tori Hoffmann, Sanelisiwe Maliza, Laura du Preez, Angelique Ruzicka, Stealthy Wealth PRODUCTION Head of production Nicky Scheepers Campaign manager Kelly Hendricks CREATIVE Creative group head Juan Geel Art director Marisa Steyn NARRATIVE, A DIVISION OF MACHINE_ Managing director Robyn Campbell Business lead Lauren Brabant Chief content officer Sarah Browning-de Villiers Account manager Roxanne Lopez-Maggott

editor's letter “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” The words of boxer Mike Tyson seem especially poignant right now.

Perhaps your punch in the face was losing your job. It’s a hard blow to recover from, but recover you will – start on p.46 for reminders on how to sell yourself, set up your CV and job-hunt in a digital era.

Maybe life’s punches have made you question yourself, your relationships or your career. Hit reset by crafting a personal mission statement for yourself, your family and your job on p.22.

There’s rolling with the punches and then there’s planning for the punches.

Financial freedom is all about planning for the unexpected. The best way to approach any boxing ring is with plenty of training; the fitter you are, the better you can cope with whatever’s thrown at you. The same is true when it comes to money. Spend the next few months getting your finances into shape with

CAPE TOWN HEAD OFFICE Tel: 021 487 9100 Email: mag@sanlamreality.co.za 50 Harrington Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town, 7925 PO Box 16258, Vlaeberg, Cape Town, 8001

an expert. Turn to p.52 for how to find a financial planner who suits your personal values; then turn to p.55 for a game of financial ‘Should you rather…?’, where our experts answer real-world questions about saving and investing in an economy where often, you can’t do all the things you wish you could do at once, and it’s about picking your battles.

I hope that for you there are no hard knocks that throw off your 2021 plans.

But knowing that you’re as prepared as you can be offers peace of mind – a rewarding place from which to tackle the rest of 2021.

SARAH BROWNING-DE VILLIERS, editor

Solutions for puzzles on p.61

THE SUM IS 65

All content and pricing correct at time of print.

Printed by

A division of Novus Holdings

Published by Narrative. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, photocopying or otherwise – without the prior written permission of the copyright owners, Narrative Media Group, Harrington Street, Cape Town, 7925. Printed by Novus Print. While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers, the editor, proprietors (Real Futures (Pty) Ltd) and publishers cannot accept responsibility for any damages or inconvenience that may arise from incorrect information.

Printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests.

THE SUM IS 195

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Photography: Kirsten Mackrill, Shutterstock, supplied

Sanlam Reality is the loyalty programme of the Sanlam Group and its strategic partners. The programme helps members to make the most of their money in a way that’s honest, meaningful and real. Sanlam Reality empowers its members to make responsible financial choices and enables them to live their best financial lives possible. All because Sanlam Reality believes that taking care of your money should be rewarding.

autumn 2021 8

Wellness

On the cover 6 SOCIAL MEDIA 20 38 46 50

58

FACT-CHECKING: A new era of censorship?

How to break up with TOXIC FRIENDS LOCAL PASSES for your road-trip bucket list How to SELL YOURSELF 6 Tips to achieve EARLY RETIREMENT

Entertainment

28

40

Travel

Wealth

68

REAL WORLD Start saving like these members…

AUTUMN 2021 SANLAMREALITY.CO.ZA

3

Skip the trailers, not the snacks

R50

3D movie ticket

R30

2D movie ticket

R35

Medium popcorn + beverage Use in your Sanlam Reality App

Visit sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/nu-metro-movies. T&Cs apply.

Pricing correct at time of print and subject to change.

meet the members

USE YOUR BENEFITS

Meet the members YOU TELL US WHY SANLAM REALITY IS REWARDING.

Save yourself time and money by chatting with your free Personal Assistant benefit, available 24/7 on the Sanlam Reality App. Visit sanlamreality.co. za/benefit/personalassistant to find out more.

Download the Sanlam Reality App

Jolandi Loots, 50 from Pretoria, Gauteng

Reality Plus

Yolisa Ndzuta, 31 from Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Photography: Shutterstock, supplied. Pricing correct at time of print.

“Satisfaction guaranteed” “I’ve been enjoying Sanlam Reality for more than two years and I’ve been advocating for more of my colleagues, family and friends to join.

“The tiering activities encourage me to work harder to gain better discounts.”

Get wheels from as little as R240/day, including unlimited mileage and Tempest’s Super Cover using your Tempest Car Hire benefit. Visit sanlamreality.co.za/ benefit/tempestcar-hire to book.

“The Personal Assistant gets me the best deals” “My work keeps me on the road at the most inconvenient times. The agents work tirelessly to ensure I get the most affordable prices relating to my travels, from car hire to flight tickets and even accommodation.”

“I love the free access to Bidvest Premier Lounges” “Being a father of two, I enjoy how this programme offers discounts that assist in saving money.”

Reality Core

Take to the skies for less! Save up to 30% on local flights using your Mango benefit. Go to sanlamreality.co.za/ benefit/mango-flights to book now.

T&Cs apply.

“We’ve saved thousands” “My husband’s kids stay in KwaZulu-Natal, and my eldest is in Cape Town, so we visit them on a regular basis.

“The Mango benefit has saved us thousands of rands over the past few years when travelling between Durban and Cape Town.”

“I just love the Personal Assistant” “The agents are always there to help, doing their utmost to get the best deal for me, and keeping me up to date. I save time and money in the long run.”

“The Tempest Car Hire benefit is exceptional” “At first, I thought I would only join the programme for my children to be able to go to the movies for less, but in the end, I use the flights and car hire much more.

“Where else in the world can you get an entry-level car at such discounted prices?”

AUTUMN 2021 SANLAMREALITY.CO.ZA

5

get real

fact-checking debate

Social media fact-checking:

a new era of censorship?

Social media fact-checking is a hot topic thanks to the two pandemics of 2020: fake news and COVID-19; and the banning of Trump by Twitter and Facebook in 2021. Is it ethical community management or censorship in disguise? By JADE TAYLOR COOKE

What is content moderation?

Also known as fact-checking, content moderation is the system whereby Facebook and Twitter analyse the billions of pieces of content regularly posted to their networks by all users (including you), and flag potentially misleading or fraudulent claims to prevent the spread of misinformation.

What you’ve got in common with Donald Trump It’s a solution that, on the surface, appears logical. Newspapers and other publications have, after all, always employed fact-checking policies and rigorous rounds of editing to ensure that their content lands in the public domain error-free. But here’s the big difference: at newspapers, the people creating the content do so in a professional capacity.

On social media, the content creators are... you and me. And Donald Trump.

What’s it like in SOUTH AFRICA? In the US, conservative political activist Candace Owens is suing Facebook for censorship (Facebook demonetised her account for sharing content it deemed misinformation). In South Africa though, you may find it difficult to seek recourse.

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“It’s very difficult to hold these platforms accountable in South Africa, even though they’re providing the mechanism for content to be published,” says attorney Sarah Hoffman, co-founder of Klikd, a company that provides parents and teens

with tools to use social media safely and responsibly.

Content moderation in South Africa often plays out offline. “In South Africa we have a range of laws that can be applied to any kind of misconduct that takes place on social media, whether it’s

hate speech, defamation, or criminal offences relating to infringement of dignity,” says Hoffman. “The law treats content on social media the same way it would treat content in a newspaper or magazine, on a website or on any other platform.”

How does CONTENT MODERATION work?

Each platform performs its task differently, and updates and upgrades are implemented continually. Let’s use Facebook (which also owns Instagram) as an example.

In 2016 Facebook enlisted the help of third-party news organisations to help curb the rising tide of misinformation on its platforms. Each of these organisations is vetted by the International FactChecking Network, which falls under the auspices of the Poynter Institute for journalism and research.

Critics argue this network holds a left-leaning political bias. (Twitter, on the other hand, has an internal team of factcheckers and moderators.)

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/ THE IDENTIFYING STAGE

Facebook says it identifies “potential misinformation using a variety of signals”. According to Full Fact (one of its fact-checking partners), these signals are ‘a combination of Facebook users flagging the content as suspicious, and Facebook’s algorithms identifying other signals that may suggest it is false (such as comments underneath saying “this is fake”).’

2

/ THE REVIEW AND RATING STAGE

Potentially false posts are put into a queue for an independent fact-checker to review through “original reporting, including interviewing primary sources, consulting public data and conducting analyses of media,” says Facebook. Posts are categorised as False, Altered, Partly False, Missing Context, Satire, or True.

3

/ THE ACTION STAGE

If a piece of content gets any rating other than True or Satire, Facebook claims to take action in one of a number of ways: It may reduce the distribution of the post (placing it lower in newsfeeds, for example).

It may hit you with a pop-up warning that something you’re about to share has been deemed misinformation by a fact-checker, so you can reassess your decision.

The marketplace of ideas

Photography: Shutterstock, Freepik/redgreystock, Freepik/macrovector

Newspapers and news stations are self-policing publications, whereas social media fact-checking involves the policing of the expression of ordinary citizens by private (and very powerful) entities like Facebook.

The worry is that, should they choose it, moderation by these tech giants could fast become manipulation and insidious agenda-setting.

When the internet was first built, it was conceived of as a neutral ground for the free exchange of information and opinion. In its most idealistic form, the internet is a manifestation of the ‘marketplace of ideas’, a concept popularised by John Stuart Mill in his 1859 essay, On Liberty.

In the free competition of ideas, Mill argued, the truth would necessarily rise to the top.

It’s evident that this marketplace is now subject to interference, only this time by private monopolies – Facebook, Twitter – who rate, review and impose regulations on content shared.

It may apply what it calls a ‘misinformation label’ to the post, greying out the original content and providing links to additional articles for context.

Facebook may remove incentives for repeat offenders: “When Pages or websites repeatedly share content that’s been debunked by fact-checking partners, they will see their overall distribution reduced, and will lose the ability to advertise or monetise within a given time period.”

If a post constitutes hate speech, comes from a fake account, or includes terrorist content, Facebook will remove the post and/or the user, without progressing to the fact-checking stage.

Who watches the watchers?

That’s the problem, say those opposed to the system.

‘Rate’ and ‘review’ (Facebook’s own terms) smack of bias and partisanship. Fact-checking used to mean dealing in cold, hard facts. Those in favour of content moderation would like to believe this is still the case. Those opposed to it are asking: who decides what is fact? There have been multiple instances in which the social platforms have disregarded or superseded their factcheckers (give ‘Lila Rose abortion fact-checking’ a quick search).

So the inherent problem is the same one Juvenal grappled with in the early 2nd century: Quis custodiet ipsos ? Who watches the watchers? custodes?

Be your own fact-checker Take a ‘fake until proven otherwise’ approach.

ASSESS THE SOURCE Check whether the story is carried on mainstream news publications. If not, it could be fake news. If there is an ostensible source, google it and check their official social media pages for corroboration.

COMPARE AGAINST TRUSTED SOURCES Compare information you want to share against sources you know and trust.

What to do when your manager doesn’t respect your after-hours time Showing that you’re committed at work while protecting your down time is a tricky balance to achieve. Use these tips to help.

MANAGE EXPECTATIONS Have a frank conversation about your limitations due to family duties.

Set up a meeting where you can create boundaries, and “try to get your boss to meet you halfway,” says Ella F Washington, a professor at Georgetown University. To calm any reservations that your manager may have, she recommends that you make it clear that you are still committed to the team and the work. Start positively with what you can do (“I’m online and ready to help between 8.30am and 5.00pm”) and what you can’t (“In the evenings I have to take care of my kids/care for my grandparents, so I’m not monitoring my phone closely after 6pm”).

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AUTUMN 2021 SANLAMREALITY.CO.ZA

COMMUNICATE “Your objective is to make your manager feel comfortable that the work is getting done,” says Washington. This can be achieved by sending a weekly or daily status update of what you’re working on. Set up time to have a call with your manager to make sure that they have sight of your work, and so that you’re abreast of any changes or updates you may have missed. Visibility and showing the work you’re doing is a key part of helping your boss trust that you’re committed and focused, even if you’re not always available at the ping of a WhatsApp.

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Read this if you hate fitness

Raising resilient kids

Flu season & COVID-19

How to break up with toxic friends

Define your mission statement

Risk cover, decoded

The truth about supplements

your wellness benefits

As much as 80% monthly discount at Planet Fitness As much as 80% monthly discount at JustGym As much as 60% off monthly fees at independent gyms & studios Go to sanlamreality.co.za/ benefits/health to view your specific benefits, tier status and discount percentage.

T&Cs apply.

bites

Can’t see your colleagues?

WHAT BLIND PEOPLE CAN TEACH US ABOUT REMOTE COMMUNICATION.

3

Health checks to do this season

BE MORE DESCRIPTIVE

“As a blind person, we’re unable to see the presentation, so it’s important to be more descriptive.

When speaking, use narrative examples,” says Sandra Dreyer of the Cape Town Society for the Blind. When you’re presenting remotely, don’t assume others on the call are watching their screen or paying attention. Rely less on your slides and more on your storytelling to keep people engaged.

SET GROUND RULES

“It’s difficult to follow conversations if people speak over one another – even worse when this is done remotely, over microphones,” says Adrian Davids, also from the Cape Town Society for the Blind. When sound is all you’ve got, it’s critical that it’s clear who is talking. It’s also important to give everyone a chance to talk. To manage remote meetings better, always appoint a chair. They should open each meeting with rules of participation, explain key functions like the chat feature or how to virtually raise a hand, and ask for feedback from participants who are quieter in the ‘room’.

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AUTUMN 2021 SANLAMREALITY.CO.ZA

Do a skin check South Africa has one of the highest skin cancer rates globally, according to CANSA. Every month, check your skin for moles or new growths. Pay close attention to see if your moles have changed or started to bleed, itch, burn or crust over. For the areas you can’t see, ask a family member or friend to examine your back and the top of your head.

Speak to a doctor if you find moles or growths that have colour variations and inconsistency, that are larger than 6mm, are asymmetrical, scalloped or have poorly defined edges. Have your skin checked annually by a doctor.

Check your heart rate Your heart rate can point to underlying health concerns.

You can check your heart rate manually by taking your pulse: place two fingers between the bone and the tendon over your radial artery, located on the thumb side of your wrist. When you feel your pulse, count the number of beats in 15 seconds. Multiply this number by four to calculate your beats per minute.

Your normal heart rate depends on your age and fitness; to understand your ‘usual’ heart rate, check your heart rate over a week. According to Mayo Clinic, a ‘normal’ resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60-100 beats per minute. Worried? Speak to your GP for accurate testing and diagnosis.

EARN UP TO 10 000 TIER POINTS Do your Basic Medical Test annually at Clicks and you’ll earn tier points, and get a better understanding of your overall wellbeing. You can also earn

3 000

tier points by completing our Wellness Check online. Visit sanlamreality. co.za/earn-points for more.

T&Cs apply.

Measure your waist Extra fat around your waist can make you more susceptible to Type 2 diabetes and heart conditions.

Healthy eating and regular exercise are key to managing your weight and health.

To measure your waist: Find the lower part of your ribs and the top of your hips.

Wrap the tape measure around your waist, in the middle of these points.

Breathe out before measuring.

According to Nurses’ Health Study (1989-2009), you’re at a high risk of serious health conditions if your waist is 102cm+ for men and 88cm+ for women. See your doctor if you’re concerned.

Text: Sanelisiwe Maliza; Photography: Shutterstock, supplied

wellness

Need a little motivation?

Save up to

80%

on monthly fees at Planet Fitness.

For more info, go to sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/planet-fitness-gym.

wellness

fitness alternatives

Hate exercise?

Try this These unconventional fitness options will have you breaking a sweat more suited to your style.

Plus, you get discounts on fees at these and more than 200 other independent gym and studio locations around the country.

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AUTUMN 2021 SANLAMREALITY.CO.ZA

RUN/WALK FOR LIFE

Through a three-times-weekly training plan, you set your own fitness and weight-loss goals in this customised programme.

Run/Walk For Life is approved by the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa.

Fitness is assessed upon joining so that you are placed in the most suitable group for your level.

Together, you’ll exercise along demarcated routes, under the supervision of road leaders. Members receive monthly progress reports and special rewards as they reach specific milestones, and you can also track your progress on the Run/Walk For Life app.

Best suited to: people starting out on a fitness journey, who hate treadmills and exercising indoors.

FITBOX

FitBox uses functional movements done at a high intensity. It incorporates kettlebells, dumb-bells, weightlifting, gymnastics, plyometrics (jump training) and cardio. The training is designed to improve your functioning in other parts of life, too – encouraging an attitude of reaching beyond your perceived barriers.

“Your sessions are a grind, but knowing you have someone next to you, pushing just as hard, makes it even better to push your limits, all while having an awesome coach to guide you and make sure you are achieving your goals safely,” says FitBox Founder Garth High. “Community, motivation and coaching – you need all three to sustain a consistent training regimen.” Take advantage of the free trial class.

Best suited to: those who need a trainer to motivate them on their fitness journey but prefer to do it in a group rather than one-on-one.

Community, motivation and coaching – you need all three to sustain a consistent training regimen.

SWEAT 1000

Specialised Weight Endurance Athletic Training (SWEAT) that burns 1 000 calories in a 45- to 60-minute workout is what SWEAT 1000 is all about. It’s a fun, high-intensity interval training workout with treadmill work, functional training, core stability, athletic training and agility training, packing the highest level of physical exercise into pumped-up classes that are different every single time.

Exhilarating and motivational, this full-body workout comes with specially curated playlists and disco lights so you’ll feel extra energised by the music accompanying your reps. Try it out with a first-timer’s complimentary class for SA residents.

“Just start,” encourages founder Andrew Rothschild. “Today you look for inspiration; tomorrow you are the inspiration.”

Best suited to: loud-music lovers who enjoy party lights and are encouraged by shouts and cheers.

AUTUMN 2021 SANLAMREALITY.CO.ZA

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wellness

fitness alternatives

LIFE RETREAT

Think yoga, Nia dancing, barre conditioning, Pilates, tai chi and meditation – in a winelands setting (currently only at Lourensford Wine Estate in the Cape Winelands).

Classes at Life Retreat are suitable for beginners – whether via live-streaming or in person. Activities include things such as realigning your spine, vinyasa flow, healing meditative yin, outdoor Zumba and family yoga adjacent to the vineyards.

Even your dog can join. There are also self-defence classes for children and adults.

Best suited to: Capetonians who prefer variety over having to do the same exercise over and over.

CARTEL FIT BY IDEAS CARTEL

Cartel Fit’s FitPods are private (and sanitised!) workout pods that can accommodate two people at a time, so you can invite your personal trainer or exercise buddy to join you. Because

Get up to 60% off your monthly fees at independent gyms and studios, including these classes. You can also get 25% off 10-class studio packs. Visit sanlamreality.co.za/ benefit/independentgyms-and-studios or find your nearest independent gyms and studios in our free Sanlam Reality App. T&Cs apply.

each pod is equipped with a Bluetooth speaker and Smart TV, you can stream your own workout, including spinning sessions, or listen to your favourite music while using the cardio, strength and functional equipment available. A Cartel Fit membership allows you to book the FitPod by the hour.

“More than a gym, it’s a space where you can work, workout, eat, drink and stay,” says Ideas Cartel

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marketing coordinator Léa Debbah.

“Because we always encourage productivity and creativity, the Cartel Fit Premium membership gives you access to a co-working space and parking, too.”

Best suited to: fitness junkies who don’t like having to share equipment, wait in queues and have others watch them sweat.

Download the Sanlam Reality App

Text: Tracy Lynn Chemaly; Photography: Francois Viljoen, supplied.

GET UP TO 60% OFF!

Of course dancing counts as exercise!

Save up to

60%

on monthly fees at independent gyms and studios + enjoy discounted online classes.

Use in your Sanlam Reality App

Visit sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/independent-gyms-and-studios to find out more. T&Cs apply.

wellness

parenting

How to raise resilient children If there ever was a time to raise a resilient child, it’s now. In a time of constant change and disruption, where the job market is tougher than ever, nothing is guaranteed. By TORI HOFFMANN

CHILDREN WHO CAN:

Cope with change, chaos and disruption The traditional three-phase life is over; in order to raise children who are ready for this kind of disruption to their education, career and retirement, we need to stop giving in to them, says Jo’burg human-potential and parenting expert Nikki Bush.

Bush, an award-winning speaker and co-author of Future-proof Your Child for the 2020s and Beyond, insists that parents need to raise their children with the long game in mind. “For example, avoid giving in to your children, providing few boundaries, giving them what they ask for instantly (a large part of resilience is understanding you can’t have what you want as soon as you want it), fighting their battles for them, or smoothing the path for them to avoid confrontation.

SAVING FOR YOUR CHILDREN’S FUTURE? Speak to an expert financial planner to ensure you’ve got the plans in place that you need. Visit sanlamreality.co.za/ contact-an-adviser to book an appointment.

“You don’t want to be to be the nice parent and to make life easier for them – which parents often do due to feelings of guilt or time pressure.”

Bush explains that expediency and convenience come at a price – children will not be prepared for the uncertain future that they’re facing. “COVID-19 is just a taste of what’s to come: there are many more revolutions, and environmental, social and technological disruptions still to come.”

We’re raising children in a world of no guarantees, so it’s vital that you teach them how to problem-solve (what works, what doesn’t?) and how to have a flexible mindset to accept that things don’t always stay the same.

CHILDREN WHO CAN:

Navigate job insecurity The Fourth Industrial Revolution is disrupting traditional skill sets.

Companies are increasingly hiring

5

X-factors for success

1 CREATIVITY/ INNOVATION

Kids need to think outside the box because the world needs original ideas. They also need to try and fail, and learn that failure is part of success. Too many people have been taught that failure is wrong.

LEARNING FOR 2 LOVE YOUR WHOLE LIFE

To keep up and to stay relevant, your children are going to have to keep on unlearning and relearning forever. They need to study broadly and they need to read.

3 BUILD RESILIENCE

Teach your children how to bounce back, how to make a plan,

Photography: Shutterstock, Freepik/macrovector

Who you are is going to be more important than what you do or what you sell, because that is going to keep changing. The ‘who’ is what you take with you wherever you go. for attitude and training for skills, with some dropping the degree requirement entirely. Your child’s future boss will want to know if they’re resourceful, resilient, adaptable, innovative and committed to their own learning journey.

“We need to teach our children to understand the essence of who they are, because the mantra in the world of work is going to be this: who you are is going to be more important than what you do or what you sell, because that is going to keep changing,” explains Bush. “The ‘who’ is what you take with you wherever you go.”

We also need to prepare them for a world in which they will have guaranteed periods of unemployment and voluntary ‘retirement’.

“Kids in the future may choose to take periods of voluntary ‘retirement’ for six or 12 months to reskill, study, repurpose, and reinvent themselves for the changing market.

They will have a portfolio of multiple careers, and are likely to have had 10-14 jobs by the time they are 40.”

Your children will also likely be part of the ‘gig economy’, the on-demand workforce in which temporary positions are common and organisations hire independent workers for contracts or project work. “Even before COVID-19 hit, head offices had been shrinking, with fewer people being employed on a full-time basis; COVID-19 has simply accelerated this trend. While work from anywhere was happening on a small scale, it’s now happening on a mass scale,” adds Bush.

how to get out of a sticky situation, and how to rise again.

YOURSELF 4 KNOW REALLY WELL

The ‘who they are’ is what they’ll take everywhere, and show their future employer whether or not they’re fit for the job.

5 BE A TEAM PLAYER Make sure your child can add value to a team, be it online or in the real world. Being part of a sports team or any kind of team will teach them how to be inclusive and open to differences.

CHILDREN WHO CAN:

Embrace diversity and inclusion Our communities are more diverse than ever before, and we need to raise kids who are inclusive, accepting of difference and change, and open to new ideas. The best place to start?

Ourselves. You need to be a role model. You need to be accepting, teach compassion and explain differences rather than ignore them.

“You need to show your children right from the start how to be open to difference and new ideas,” explains Bush, adding that it starts with the basics.

“Everyone has a different learning and communication style. Children need to understand their own differences and be understanding and appreciative of others and their differences.”

HELP YOUR KIDS EXCEL ONLINE Your new benefit, coming soon! Access a free online education platform, based on the CAPS curriculum, for Grades 8-12. Visit sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/ivy-online for more. T&Cs apply.

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wellness

covid-19 & flu season

What happens when

COVID-19 collides with flu season?

As we approach colder weather and traditional flu season, here’s what you need to know about managing ‘normal’ flu alongside the risk of COVID-19.

By SANELISIWE MALIZA

C

onstant coughing, fever and fatigue... to the untrained eye, COVID-19 looks a lot like ordinary flu. In fact, many people can be forgiven for dismissing COVID-19 as just a bout of flu. As we approach flu season, it’s important to know the difference between the two respiratory viruses.

What’s the difference between COVID-19 and influenza (flu)?

SIMILARITIES According to WHO, both viruses present similarly, as respiratory diseases with a range of symptoms.

They’re also both “transmitted by contact, droplets and fomites”, which makes good hand hygiene and covering your mouth when you cough critical to prevent the spread of both.

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DIFFERENCES Flu appears to spread faster than COVID-19, with the World Health Organization pegging its incubation period at three days, compared to COVID-19’s five to six days.

While research is still underway, preliminary findings suggest children are responsible for transmitting a lot of normal flu among us, but appear less affected than adults by COVID-19.

COVID-19 data to date does suggest that it triggers more severe and critical infections than normal flu, making it more dangerous for high-risk people.

The mortality rate associated with COVID-19 also appears to be higher than for flu, especially seasonal flu.

CHECK YOUR WELLNESS AT HOME Earn tier points and do a wellness check at home, online. Visit sanlamreality.co.za/ wealth-sense/ sanlam-realitywellness-check to get started.

she says. You can call the national COVID-19 emergency hotline (0800 029 999); be sure to self-isolate to avoid transmission to others.

Can you get a co-infection of flu and COVID-19?

While there is little information available on the severity of COVID-19 and other viral co-infections, there are reports that it aggravates the condition. “Recent reports suggest that influenza and COVID-19 co-infections may result in more severe disease in high-risk patients, and complicate the diagnosis. This further emphasises the importance of getting the influenza (‘normal’ flu) vaccine. The vaccine can reduce the number of bacterial secondary infections that can compound disease, especially in children and the elderly,” says Prof Venter.

What can we expect when flu season and COVID-19 coincide?

Photography: Shutterstock, supplied

How can you tell flu symptoms apart from COVID-19?

“They share many similar symptoms like fever, fatigue and body aches, so it’s not easy to differentiate,” says UCT senior lecturer and consultant virologist Dr Nei-yuan Hsiao. He suggests seeking medical help if you present these symptoms.

While a proper test is advised if your condition worsens, Prof Marietjie Venter from the University of Pretoria’s Department of Medical Virology cautions against unnecessary visits to the doctor. “Avoid visits to doctors if possible during the pandemic. This will reduce the stress on the healthcare system and help patients avoid exposure to COVID-19-infected patients, to avoid the risk of having influenza and COVID-19 co-infections,”

Dr Hsiao believes that how the flu season plays out in South Africa is dependent on how well we follow COVID-19 guidelines.

“If everyone wears masks, adheres to social-distancing recommendations, avoids large gatherings in poorly ventilated indoor spaces, and practises hand hygiene, we may have a minimal or no flu season.

If these infection-control measures are being ignored, then we may have a bad flu season,” he concludes.

3

Ways to protect yourself from a flu and COVID-19 co-infection GET A FLU VACCINE TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM INFLUENZA While the flu vaccine will not protect you from COVID-19, it could help prevent unnecessary doctor’s visits and protect vulnerable groups from potentially more severe illness.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE COVID-19 ALERT APP The app uses Bluetooth contact-tracing technology to let you know if you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 and gives you the info you need to understand your exposure to the virus.

FOLLOW COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS Try to stay home; if you have to go out, socialdistance from other people, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask and avoid touching your face.

NEED COUNSELLING OR TRAUMA SUPPORT? Use your Trauma, Assault & HIV Assist benefit to get 24-hour medical assistance and counselling telephonically by calling 0860 732 548/9. Visit sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/traumaassault-hiv-assist for more. T&Cs apply.

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wellness

toxic friends

c i x o t s d n frie ng r a lifelo Whethe one e or som frenemy ou’ve got oy new wh out, eling ab a bad fe c iend an a toxic fr age ore dam cause m ink. Here’s th than you l with one. ea how to d

Text: Dominique Bowen; Photography: Shutterstock, Freepik/macrovector

o t w Ho break h t i w up

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D

o you have a friend whose behaviour leads you to second-guess yourself, feel drained and cause more stress than you feel the friendship is worth? According to registered counsellor Monique Schneigansz, you could be dealing with a toxic friend. “This friendship can also influence relationships with your other friends,” she says. What’s also concerning is the overall health issues a toxic friend can contribute to.

Is it worth your health?

According to a UCLA study, daily negative or competitive social interactions are linked to a higher risk of proinflammatory cytokine activity. An increase in this can play a role in the development of conditions such as depression, diabetes, some cancers, hypertension… the list goes on.

Finetuning your friend circle is not only good for your mental health – it can improve your overall wellbeing.

How do I spot a toxic friend?

The qualities we often seek in a friend are dependability, consistency, supportiveness, encouragement, acceptance and fairness, and someone who helps you grow. A toxic friend is the antithesis to this, says Schneigansz. “Here, the relationship requires effort, and you are mostly the one investing more, and it ends up not being reciprocated,” she says. To add, you could find that they’re the focus most of the time, and you feel drained by interactions with them. Sound familiar? Your friendship may have run its course.

To split or to work things out?

First ask: how much of an impact is this friend having on

my other relationships, my wellbeing, and my daily life? But before cutting ties, consider whether there could be an opportunity to salvage the friendship. “If you confront your friend, and they show a willingness to listen and change, it may be worth it to give them time to prove that they are willing to do things differently,” says Schneigansz. This will also require patience from you; after all, they would need to make some drastic changes in a short period of time. “If there are no signs of change, then ending the friendship will be the best decision for your wellbeing,” says Schneigansz.

It’s not me, it’s you Communication is key, especially so in a scenario where the emotional stakes are high.

Schneigansz says the first step is to share your concerns and feelings with your friend, but prepare for defensiveness on their part.

“If this is the case, at least the effort to accomplish a compromise and a mutual understanding was made,” she says. “If your friend refuses to change their toxic behaviour, the next step would be to break contact seeing that there is no possibility for resolution,” she concludes.

Are YOU the toxic friend?

IT’S UNCOMFORTABLE TO ADMIT OUR OWN SHORTCOMINGS – ESPECIALLY IN THE FRIENDSHIP DEPARTMENT. HERE ARE SCHNEIGANSZ’S THREE SIGNS THAT YOU COULD BE A TOXIC FRIEND.

1 MANIPULATIVE Do you show signs of being passive-aggressive, and whenever your actions are addressed, you get defensive and end up diverting the blame?

2 CRITICAL Do you find it easier to identify the shortcomings of others and constantly criticise them based on this, rather than focusing on their positive traits?

3 COMPETITIVE & JEALOUS Do you lack the ability to share your friends’ success and happiness in any situation?

Do you rather try to compete, or show signs of jealousy?

IMPROVE YOURSELF

YOU HAVE 24/7 COUNSELLING HELP Get expert trauma and counselling support with your free Trauma, Assault & HIV Assist benefit, 24/7. Call 0860 732 548/9 or visit sanlamreality. co.za/benefit/trauma-assault-hiv-assist.

If you’re the toxic friend and want to improve yourself, Schneigansz suggests these tips: “Be open to understanding, take ownership of your toxic behaviour and have a willingness to change.”

T&Cs apply.

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wellness

mission statement

What’s your

mission

statement?

Businesses have mission statements to help drive their purpose, focus their goals and align their people to a common vision. But mission statements aren’t just for organisations – you can have one, too. By TORI HOFFMAN

WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT? A personal mission statement can:

Help you make decisions.

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Help you avoid making the same mistakes over and over.

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Enable you to focus on your long-term goals.

Define who you are and how you intend to live, and identify your purpose, whether that’s at work or in life.

Explain how you aim to pursue that purpose, why it matters so much to you, and what it is that you want to achieve.

How to write a mission statement for life, love and more NEED A CHANGE? If writing a mission statement has triggered a shift in your life or career, why not use your Personal Assistant benefit to help you find courses and training to help you make this change?

Talk to your PA directly in the free Sanlam Reality App, and track your tasks there, too.

T&Cs apply.

Photography: Shutterstock, Freepik/stories, Freepik.

Download the Sanlam Reality App

How often should you update your mission statement?

“Whenever you feel like you’ve broken it. And the moment you find yourself not following your bliss,” says Munitz. “By bliss, I don’t mean pleasure.

I mean not following that inner sense of, ‘Am I growing each moment of every day?’”

It’s also okay to make changes to your mission statement as you grow and continue learning, he says. “Put your mission statement in your calendar and ‘schedule it in’ until you don’t need to remember to implement it into your daily life/routine anymore.”

Not only should a mission statement motivate you to be a better person and create greater life satisfaction, but it should wrap all of your values into a few clear sentences and give you a dependable framework on which to base your actions.

FOR ALL MISSION STATEMENTS Write one sentence that captures your reason for doing or being.

For example, in your relationship it may be: ‘We believe in partnering with one another to pursue happiness, honesty and mutual success in everything we do.’

Outline your key values – these may be a few words like ‘justice’ or ‘curiosity’; for each word, write a one-line explainer of what this means to you.

Outline your goals – make these long-term and big-picture.

YOUR RELATIONSHIP When couples create mission statements together, they explicitly share their expectations and desires with each other. They’re able to confide in each other and build trust and open communication. What is it that you want to achieve together? Sit individually and write this out, then sit together to co-create your goals and dreams into one shared statement.

YOUR FAMILY Write down, with your family, what’s most important to you all.

For example, “The mission of our family is to create a nurturing place of faith, fun, order, truth, love, happiness, relaxation and mediation, and to provide opportunities for each individual to become responsibly independent, and effectively interdependent, in order to serve worthy purposes in society”.

YOUR CAREER Keep it short. The purpose is to focus only on what matters the most. To help you identify that one thing, try writing down five words that describe you and your purpose. Using that list of five words, try writing down two words that describe you and your purpose. Then think of one word and write that down. Use these words as inspiration.

Mission statements are based on purpose and value.

It’s easy to forget while living through such stressful times that every moment is an opportunity.

We forget to use life as a tapestry for evolution, and it’s important that you force yourself to pivot your perspective so that you can deal with what’s happening internally and in the world now and in the future.

– Warren Munitz, executive coach and integration therapist

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wellness

risk cover

Personal risk cover, decoded What is personal risk cover, what’s the difference between the types of cover available, and have you got the cover you need? By ANGELIQUE RUZICKA

P

ersonal risk cover can pay out a lump sum in the event that the worst happens i.e. if you get diagnosed with a dread disease or pass away. It also ensures that you have money to live off of if you can no longer work due to illness, injury or disability, and can pay for home-care costs.

Here are the main types of personal risk cover, how they protect you and the differences between them.

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MEDICAL AID

This helps to pay for your day-to-day medical costs and hospitalisation. Jeremy Yatt of Fedhealth explains: “Medical schemes offer access to health cover provided by the Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) for 270 life-threatening conditions and 26 chronic conditions that medical aids are required to cover by law.”

Schemes will vary on cost, and levels of cover will also differ between available options.

It’s important to understand the benefit options and the rules of the scheme. If you break cover for more than 90 days or if you’ve never been covered, the scheme may impose waiting periods, which means benefits are excluded for a certain amount of time.

GAP COVER

This pays the deficit between your medical aid scheme’s tariff and the rates charged by private healthcare professionals. Payouts are limited to R165 000 a year for every insured individual. You can’t have gap cover without belonging to a medical scheme.

Yatt says: “In most cases medical aid members on lower or more affordable options with lower benefit levels will add gap cover to ensure that they are fully covered for medical treatment without any shortfalls or co-payments.”

He adds: “Some gap cover products, like Sanlam Gap Cover, are already fully integrated in the Fedhealth claims process, which means

SPEAK TO AN EXPERT Earn

DISABILITY COVER

If you become disabled and can’t work, this insurance will give you a lump sum payout. The money can be used for therapy, day-to-day expenses and any home alterations required. Find out if your cover protects you in the event of a shortand long-term disability.

There may be some exclusions

8 000

SEVERE ILLNESS COVER

tier points and get personalised advice when you book an appointment with a Sanlam financial planner. Book at sanlamreality.co.za/ contact-an-adviser.

This type of cover protects you in the event of a severe illness that could cripple you financially. Sanlam’s Comprehensive Severe Illness benefit will cover you for more than 300 severe illnesses, such as motor neurone disease, lupus and Parkinson’s disease. It will also

Many will offer cover for the ‘big four’, which are cancer, coronary artery bypass, heart attack and stroke.

– some providers don’t pay out for injuries sustained from doing dangerous activities or criminal acts.

Photography: Shutterstock, Freepik/iBrandify, Freepik/rawpixel

that once a shortfall is noted when a claim is processed, the shortfall will automatically be claimed from the gap cover without member intervention.”

LIFE COVER

Life insurance pays out a lump sum if you pass away to help your family cover expenses like funeral costs and other day-to-day living expenses. There’s no set amount that insurers offer, as cover depends on your specific needs and whether you have outstanding debt like a home bond. Find out if any exclusions apply to your life cover. You may, for example, not be covered if you partake in extreme sports like off-piste skiing.

INCOME PROTECTION COVER

If you are unable to work due to an injury or illness, income protection could provide help by paying out between 50-75% of your income (depending on the cover you choose). There are various options, such as temporary disability cover, which covers you for an injury you’ll likely recover from fairly rapidly; extended disability cover (which gives you an income till you retire); and overhead expenses protector cover, which is ideal for people who own their own businesses.

Ask about when cover will kick in, as there may be waiting periods of a couple of days or months that apply.

cover you for impairments, injuries and infections like hip replacements, gunshot wounds and bacterial meningitis.

Many will offer cover for the ‘big four’, which are cancer, coronary artery bypass, heart attack and stroke; it’s important to find out if any diseases are excluded and if waiting periods apply.

CANCER COVER

You’ll get a lump sum payout for medical costs and other associated expenses (such as

home care) in the event you are diagnosed with cancer.

There are many different types of cancers. Sanlam’s cancer benefit, for example, pays 100% for all stages of cancers, as well as tumours, leukaemia and lymphomas.

You can choose between cancer-only cover and severe illness (which will cover you for other illnesses including cancer).

Taking out both is also an option. This may be good to do particularly if you have a history of cancer in the family.

Sanlam is a Licensed Financial Services Provider.

GET UP TO 30% OFF RISK PRODUCTS As a Reality Health or Plus member, you enjoy up to 30% off Sanlam risk products, including life insurance, disability cover and more. Learn more at sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/sanlam-life-cover.

T&Cs apply.

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wellness

supplements

SUPPLEMENTS: medical marvel or marketing scam?

A dietary supplement is just that: a manufactured product intended to supplement your diet. It’s not medicine. Here’s what you need to know. By ELSABÉ BRITS

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NEED A HEALTH CHECK? Take your annual Basic Medical Test at Clicks and stay on top of your health. Plus, you’ll earn up to

T

here is little argument that a deficiency in nutrients can have a bad impact on your health – and that some of this can be reversed by nutrient repletion. But thinking that expensive dietary supplements are the best way to do this can be misguided. Start with reassessing your diet.

What’s an ‘ideal’ diet?

According to Irene Labuschagne, principal dietician at the Nutrition Information Centre at Stellenbosch University:

Eat more vegetables and fruit (a minimum of 400g per day), and wholegrains.

Drink 400500ml of milk (or its equivalent) per day.

Get two to three servings of fish and about four eggs per week.

Avoid eating more than 560g of meat per week.

Supplement use is most common in healthy people who do not need to supplement their diets. Consuming a variety of foods is enough to reach the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for essential nutrients.

– Roslynn van Schoor, dietician

Photography: Shutterstock, supplied

Still feel like you need supplements? Start here Labuschagne shares her tips: Discuss supplements with your doctor. There may be some supplements that could interfere with existing medication you’re taking, or existing conditions you may have. You also don’t want supplements to mask underlying symptoms you may have.

Some foods in South Africa are already fortified with micronutrients – for example, bread can have iron added to it; look on the packaging to check.

Rather choose a complete supplement (multivitamin and mineral supplement) to avoid masking deficiencies of other micronutrients. For example, taking extra folic acid can mask an underlying vitamin B12 deficiency, which can be very dangerous.

Be cautious about dosage – it is possible to overdose on supplements.

Avoid supplements with improbable multi-claims. You’ll find supplements that claim to treat serious medical conditions – depression, diabetes, cancer – without substantiating the claims with human clinical trials and publishing the results in peer reviews. If you’re worried about preventing medical conditions like these, seek advice from a medical doctor first.

Avoid single-nutrient supplements.

It’s especially easy to take too many of these, especially if you are taking multivitamins on top of this.

Avoid supplements containing botanicals or herbs other than essential vitamins and minerals. Read the box alongside for why.

10 000 tier points.

Visit sanlamreality. co.za/earn-points to learn more.

T&Cs apply.

What’s the problem with botanicals and herbs?

Simply put: it’s hard to know what’s really in them. For example, to understand if a herb could cause liver damage, you need detailed, clear definitions of the complete plant. But this kind of information is rarely provided on the bottle or packaging of botanical and herb supplements. On top of that, batches differ from product run to product run, and between producers.

It is unclear what is actually in them, how much you can safely take, what the risks are for liver damage, and which medicines can be safely used with them.

Who may need supplements?

Those who follow restricted diets such as veganism, or who cannot eat many foods due to allergies, intolerances or malabsorption diseases may need supplements.

People living in poverty (particularly children), pregnant or lactating women, adolescent females and the elderly may need them too.

The type of supplement or nutrient required is case-specific. For example, vegans may benefit from iron. Pregnant women, or those who want to conceive, may take folic acid and iron supplements – but get advice on the amount, says van Schoor.

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How to keep the entire family happy on holiday When you’ve got multiple generations travelling together, balancing everyone’s needs can be tricky.

Recognise that everyone is different Clinical psychologist Vikki Botes says it’s important to respect individuals’ different interests. “You can do activities that don’t apply to everyone if there is a balanced variety of activities suitable to the different family members’ interests. That way, everyone gets to have fun at different times.”

Choose a destination where you don’t need to entertain the kids 24/7 A fabulous kids’ club helps, but so does a range of activities and dining options that the family can share together.

Try somewhere with a mix of nature trails, bike paths, pools and restaurants aimed at multigenerational groups travelling together.

Make sure there’s privacy Try to book a place where people across generations aren’t forced to share rooms. Botes explains: “While being together is special, you should have spaces to retreat to for some privacy, to take a break.”

Plan ahead for the commute “Take into account things like body breaks,” suggests Botes. “Make sure there’s sufficient entertainment and snacks for the kids. The more comfortable the journey, the better.”

Keep your cool “Arguments are going to happen,” says Botes.

“It’s important that they’re handled respectfully. It’s useful to implement a cool-off period, allowing members of the family to calm down so that an argument doesn’t get too serious. Once people are calm, discussions can continue.”

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travel 32

36

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Step into the screen

Travel trends to inspire you

Scenic drives for your next road trip

your travel benefits

Get up to 30% off Mango flights Up to 25% off Emirates flights (Reality Health & Reality Plus)

Save up to 30% on Protea Hotels by Marriott®

Pay from R240/day for Tempest Car Hire, including unlimited mileage and Tempest’s Super Cover

Save up to 30% on Uber trips

Access Bidvest Premier Lounges at airports for free (Reality Health & Reality Plus)

Go to sanlamreality.co.za/ benefits/travel to view your specific benefits and discount percentage.

T&Cs apply.

travel

bites

Why HIRING a car on holiday can be cheaper than taking your own EXTRA COMFORT If you’re taking more family members on holiday, your car may be too cramped to take everyone in, plus all the luggage. Car hire companies offer a wide selection of vehicles, from people carriers to 4x4s, which may be more suitable for the trip.

YOU WON’T BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE If you take your own insured car, you may still need to pay an excess if your car is damaged

by going off-road, for example.

However, if you take excess car insurance with a car hire company, you won’t be asked to pay more in the event of an accident, as there are typically no deductibles.

YOUR CAR MAY NOT BE SAFE Your car may be great for your local commute, but perhaps less suited to long distances. Hiring a fully checked vehicle with breakdown cover could provide you with peace of mind.

YOU CAN IMPROVE FUEL EFFICIENCY Hiring a fuel-efficient car can help you save on petrol costs.

Plus, car-hire companies have a variety of eco-friendly options you can choose from, too.

YOU SAVE ON TIME Driving your own car all the way to your destination can plough through your leave.

Instead, fly to the closest airport and hire a car from there.

Plus, with Tempest Car Hire you also get unlimited mileage and Tempest’s Super Cover, at no extra cost! Visit sanlamreality.co.za/ benefit/tempest-carhire for more.

T&Cs apply.

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Text: Angelique Ruzicka; Photography: Shutterstock, supplied

HIRE A CAR FROM JUST R240/DAY

Start an adventure today

Hire a car from just R240/day, including unlimited mileage and Tempest’s Super Cover.

T&Cs apply. Pricing subject to change.

Go to sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/tempest-car-hire or call 0860 732 548/9 for more information. T&Cs apply.

travel

iconic sets

Step into the

screen When it’s safe to travel overseas again, make yourself the star of the show with a trip to some of the most iconic locations from your favourite films and TV shows.

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Petra // JORDAN Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

The otherworldly desert beauty of Petra must be seen to be believed – as you meander through a long, narrow gorge, suddenly, rounding a corner, you are confronted with the spectacular Treasury, made famous by Indiana Jones. You can easily spend a day or two exploring the other ancient archaeological landmarks of Petra and surrounds, or travel the 120km to Wadi Rum, which has also doubled as alien landscapes in blockbuster movies like The Martian (2015) and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016).

HOW TO GET THERE: There are daily flights to Amman, the capital of Jordan, via Dubai on Emirates. From Amman you can take a daily tourist bus, private transfer or rent a car for the easy 230km drive to Petra.

WHERE TO STAY: You can stay in a number of hotels or Airbnbs in Amman, or check out Rocky Mountain Hotel (therockymountainhotel.com) close to Petra, a homely hotel with a free shuttle service to the entrance gate.

VISA: On arrival, but it is recommended to get it ahead.

HEALTH CHECKS: A tetanus shot is recommended if you’re travelling to remote areas.

COST: Budget around R16 000 for flights and

R1 900 for a day ticket to Petra.

DON’T MISS: The Petra Night Show, a magical way to experience the rock city by candlelight.

BEST TIME TO GO: During spring (MarchMay) and autumn (September-October), when temperatures are cooler and crowds smaller.

FAMILY FRIENDLY? Yes, although small kids may not appreciate the finer archaeological points of a millenniaold civilisation.

SAFE FOR SOLOS? Yes. Amman is a small, safe city with ride-sharing apps Uber and Careem.

Women should stay in the main tourist areas where it is busier. visitpetra.jo

Silwerstroom Beach // WESTERN CAPE Outlander S3, Black Sails

Luckily you don’t have to survive an 18th-century shipwreck, but you can still theatrically fall into the arms of your beloved like Claire does into Jamie’s in Outlander on this Blue Flag beach in the Western Cape. Standing in for the coast of Georgia in the US in the S3 season finale, this West Coast gem, just north of Melkbosstrand, has a long, secluded beach and ample camping and caravanning spots.

HOW TO GET THERE: Just off the R27, 53km from Cape Town.

COST: Budget around R2 000 per person for flights on Mango from Jo’burg to Cape Town. A two-sleeper chalet starts at R750, depending on season.

DON’T MISS: A visit to the Koeberg Nature Reserve, which neighbours Silwerstroom.

BEST TIME TO GO? Summertime. High season runs from 15 December to 15 January.

FAMILY FRIENDLY? Yes, with various picnic sites and braai areas making it an excellent day trip from the city. westcoastway.co.za

UP TO 30% OFF UBER TRIPS TO THE AIRPORT Enjoy up to 30% off your airport trips to South African airports; visit sanlamreality.co.za/ benefit/uber for more. T&Cs apply.

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travel

iconic sets

Angkor Wat

// CAMBODIA

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) Deep in the Cambodian jungle rises an ancient temple complex so strange and ethereal, you cannot help but approach it in revered silence. While Angkor Wat is the most famous one, you can easily get lost for a day exploring the 1 000 temples that the jungle is slowly reclaiming, with roots and vines creeping through doorways and windows worn away by time. precautions against malaria and dengue fever.

COST: Flights to Cambodia are around R14 000. A one-day pass to Angkor Wat is US $37 (R600).

DON’T MISS: Catching the sunrise over Angkor Wat – just buy your ticket the day before so you don’t get stuck in a queue while the sun rises.

BEST TIME TO GO: During the dry season (December to March).

FAMILY FRIENDLY? Yes – Siem Reap is a bustling city with lots to see and do when the kiddos are tired of traipsing around jungles.

SAFE FOR SOLOS? Yes, but keep vigilant and stay in busy areas.

Tourismcambodia.com

Ireland and Northern Ireland Game of Thrones, Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) The ‘home of Thrones’ for all eight seasons, Ireland’s lush green lands, snow-covered mountains, streams and waterfalls will be a familiar sight to fans, from Tollymore Forest Park in County Down (where the White Walkers started their march south) to the Dark Hedges in County Antrim (better known as the Kingsroad). Skellig Michael, off the west coast, is where Luke Skywalker hid away, while Loop Head in County Clare is where Rey discovered her Force. Rent a car and drive around the tiny Emerald Isle or, if your thighs are feeling up to it, rent a bike and cycle around.

HOW TO GET THERE: Emirates flies to Dublin from Cape Town four times a week.

WHERE TO STAY: Snag a night of eco-camping in a pre-pitched, furnished tent on the Loop Head Peninsula from Pure Camping, from €60 (about R1 100) per night (Purecamping.ie).

VISA: South Africans need a UK visa to visit Northern Ireland, but you can nip across to Ireland without one.

COST: You can fly to Dublin on Emirates for around R9 000. A UK visa costs around R2 000.

DON’T MISS: A visit to The Butter Museum in Cork to check out a cask of 1 000-year-old butter.

BEST TIME TO GO: Springtime (March-May) and autumn (September-November) is not as crowded, with mild weather.

FAMILY FRIENDLY? Yes – tiny Star Wars fans will love re-enacting their favourite scenes.

SAFE FOR SOLOS? Yes. Ireland.com

Text: Christine van Deemter; Photography: Shutterstock, supplied

HOW TO GET THERE: Angkor Wat is six kilometres from Siem Reap, with transport easily arranged by your hotel or local tour guide. Emirates flies to Siem Reap via Dubai, but a cheaper option is to fly to the capital, Phnom Penh, or a major tourist hub like Bangkok, and take a local airline, train or private transfer from there.

WHERE TO STAY: Siem Reap is a tourist city with loads of accommodation options for all budgets – try La Niche D’Angkor Boutique for a small, family-friendly stay, with rooms starting at US $65 (around R1 000). Lanichedangkor.com VISA: On arrival, if arriving by airport or overland.

HEALTH CHECK: Take

Ischia // ITALY The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), My Brilliant Friend S1 Over the Amalfi Coast? Tired of picturesque Positano? Then head down the coast of Italy to the charming island of Ischia, just off Naples, and put on your best Gwyneth Paltrow or Jude Law swimsuit – it’s on these beaches that Matt Damon’s Tom Ripley so insidiously insinuated himself into their lives. It’s also where Elena and Lila holiday in the HBO adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels, and is one of Italy’s best-kept hidden gems, beloved by locals.

BOOK DISCOUNTED FLIGHTS Reality Plus and Health members enjoy up to 25% off Emirates flights; visit sanlamreality.co.za/ benefit/emirates for more.

T&Cs apply.

HOW TO GET THERE: Emirates flies to Rome from Jo’burg. From there you can make your way down to Naples by train or car and take the ferry to Ischia. Emirates’ low-cost airline, Flydubai, flies direct from Dubai to Naples, but you will need a Dubai transit visa to change terminals.

WHERE TO STAY: The island has more affordable options than its flashy cousin Capri – look out for a half-board stay, where a meal is included.

VISAS: South Africans need Schengen visas to enter Italy.

COST: Flights to Rome cost around R12 000, with a visa clocking in at €80 (about R1 500).

DON’T MISS: The island also offers a wealth of wellness, with local beauty products, thermal parks and spas, or head to the vineyards for a taste of Ischia wine.

BEST TIME TO GO: The shoulder season months of May and September, when the weather – and the crowds – are mild.

FAMILY FRIENDLY? Yes. SAFE FOR SOLOS? Naples can be a bit dodgy, but the island is safe and lovely for solos. Ischia.it/en

RELAX IN THE AIRPORT FOR FREE Reality Plus and Health members enjoy free visits to Bidvest Premier Lounges; visit sanlamreality.co.za/ benefit/bidvest for more.

T&Cs apply.

AUTUMN 2021 SANLAMREALITY.CO.ZA

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travel

travel trends

7 wander Travel in

2021

Trends to rreignite eignite your sense of

T

ravel trends come and go. Each year brings fresh innovations, new technologies and different destinations that promise to take our experiences to the next level.

But with the pandemic changing life as we know it, what can travellers look forward to in 2021?

The future of travel Predictions in Booking.com’s The Future of Travel global study put safety first, with accelerated use of tech at self-service touch points and richer online experiences using virtual reality. We’ll see a rise in eco-conscious travel, more meaningful and purpose-driven trips, off-season packages avoiding overcrowding, digital nomads taking extended work-vacations, and a demand for more value for money.

Airbnb expects travel in 2021 to focus more on living, working and connecting safely away from home. Though travel restrictions remain, top trending destinations

by Google search for trips in 2021 show that travellers are still inspired by a future, once-in-a-lifetime trip.

7 Trends shaping travel in 2021: holiday through an eco-conscious travel ECO-TRAVEL

The past year made us reflect on the impact of our travel decisions – what we care about, how we behave, and the way we spend money.

Travel is great for us, but it’s not always good for our planet. The transport alone leaves a massive carbon footprint.

With climate change top of mind in 2021, you can do your part to travel more responsibly – like booking a sustainable

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partner such as responsibletravel.com.

WORKCATIONS The gig economy is growing, and so is the infrastructure that supports it. As more professionals choose to travel and work at the same time, the typical nine-to-five office job is making way for remote- and co-working spaces in scenic locations. Think

The world of travel has changed. But just because 2020 derailed your plans doesn’t mean you can’t start dreaming and preparing for your next adventure.

One look at the latest travel trends is all it takes to see why.

By ISABEL CRAUSE

long-term accommodation at discounted weekly and monthly rates, already available on airbnb.com.

DNA-MAPPED TRAVEL There’s truth in travelling to ‘find ourselves’. Heritage or ancestry travel lets you retrace your roots with journeys based on genealogy tests. Airbnb has tapped into this re-emerging travel trend, partnering with DNA-testing company 23andMe to offer ancestral packages. These trips into our own past could give us a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Start at ancestry.com.

These trips into our own past could give us a deeper understanding of ourselves.

GET UP TO 25% OFF EMIRATES FLIGHTS

HYPERPERSONALISED EXPERIENCES Love it or hate it – data shapes our daily lives, including how we travel.

Your every click, swipe and tap says a lot about you. The positive is that it allows companies to serve you in a more connected way with experiences designed around your personal tastes and needs. Google Travel, for example, uses data to offer you hyper-personalised recommendations by grouping flights, hotels, vacation packages and trip planning on one platform.

Photography: Shutterstock, supplied

TRYING BEFORE BUYING Imagine scouting a destination or accommodation before booking your trip. Now it’s possible.

With virtual reality and augmented reality technology becoming more mainstream, you will be able to get a taste of the experience beforehand – including virtual walk-throughs of airports, transport, hotels and tours.

Visit booking.com to explore different virtual reality tours.

LIFESTYLE FLIGHTS Long-haul flights can be a pain. The good news is

that a number of forward-thinking global airlines, including Emirates, are finding new ways to create comfortable longer lifestyle flights to help travellers relax and enjoy themselves while on board. Think fully furnished pods, rest zones with bunk beds, yoga areas, dining rooms and chill lounges.

NOMADIC HOTELS Wandering hotels offer truly nomadic encounters – popping up in different locations around the world every six months, transforming luxury private homes, employing staff and over 100 trunks that open out into bars, benches and sinks. 700000heures.com is pioneering the trend, promising a new way to travel and uplift communities.

While life-changing, it’s pricey, and you’ll have to join a private community of members to access the experience.

Reality Plus and Health members enjoy up to 25% off Emirate flights. So when you’re ready to travel overseas again, visit sanlamreality. co.za/benefit/ emirates for more.

T&Cs apply.

COMPARE TRAVEL QUOTES Ask your Personal Assistant in the Sanlam Reality App to source quotes for you – plus, keep track of your to-dos in the App, too.

T&Cs apply.

Download the Sanlam Reality App

AUTUMN 2021 SANLAMREALITY.CO.ZA

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travel

road trips

Drive by!

South Africa is blessed with many spectacular and challenging passes.

JUSTIN FOX hits the high road to sample some of the nation’s finest.

H

umans are naturally drawn to mountains. Perhaps it’s because they lift our spirits or because they remain some of our last unspoilt wilderness areas. Passes offer easy access and comfortable traversing of these rugged heights. Often the roads themselves are things of great beauty, especially those crafted by master-engineer Thomas Bain in the 19th century.

When next on a driving holiday, consider including a famous pass or two to spice up your route.

Long Tom Pass

MPUMALANGA This is the classic pass of the northern Drakensberg and one of SA’s most scenic routes. Every bend offers sweeping views of green foothills and hazy, blue Lowveld far below. The top of the pass begins in highland meadows, then follows the old Voortrekker and Jock of the Bushveld route down the escarpment.

Its name derives from battles fought here during the Anglo-Boer War, and the replica of a Long Tom artillery piece still holds a commanding position on the pass.

WHAT KIND OF CAR: Sedan LENGTH: 56km WHAT TO DO IN THE AREA: Hiking, mountain biking, river tubing, trout fishing WHERE TO STAY: Misty Mountain, mistymountain.co.za; Merry Pebbles holiday resort, merrypebbles.co.za GOOD TO KNOW: Visit Lydenburg Museum to learn about Long Tom field guns and local Anglo-Boer War battles.

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Sani Pass

KWAZULU-NATAL This is the most sought-after item on the bucket list of pass enthusiasts. With its nervewracking switchbacks, awesome drop-offs and soaring basaltic ramparts, this is 4×4-only territory. Winding up a narrow kloof in the uKhahlambaDrakensberg Park, Sani Pass rises almost 1 300 metres from the foothills below.

WHAT KIND OF CAR: 4×4 LENGTH: 19km WHAT TO DO IN THE AREA: Hiking, pony trekking, mountain biking, fly fishing WHERE TO STAY: Sani Lodge Backpackers, sanilodge. co.za; Sani Mountain Lodge, sanimountainlodge.co.za GOOD TO KNOW: Pack a passport if you want to cross into Lesotho when you reach the top.

HIRE A CAR FROM JUST R240/DAY You enjoy Tempest Car Hire from just R240/day, plus free unlimited mileage and Tempest’s Super Cover. Visit sanlamreality.co.za/ benefit/tempest-carhire for more.

T&Cs apply.

Baviaanskloof Passes

Photography: Justin Fox, Shutterstock

EASTERN CAPE This magnificent route through the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve traverses four mountain passes (Nuwekloof, Grasnek, Holgat and Combrink’s), as well as a number of water crossings.

It’s a region of pristine natural beauty and dramatic geological formations.

The route runs from Willowmore to Patensie and can be completed in a day, but we recommend that you take your time and spend a night or two on a farm in the heart of the kloof.

WHAT KIND OF CAR: Sedan for

the western section; 4×4 for the eastern section LENGTH: 203km WHAT TO DO IN THE AREA: Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, birding, game viewing WHERE TO STAY: Cedar Farmhouse, gobaviaans.co.za; Zandvlakte Guest Farm, baviaanskloof.com; Doringkloof, doringkloof4x4.co.za GOOD TO KNOW: Stop at Vero’s Restaurant for authentic moerkoffie and roosterkoek.

Vanrhyns Pass

NORTHERN CAPE This majestic Thomas Bain pass links the Western Cape to the Northern Cape, ascending the rugged Bokkeveld escarpment. Long, looping bends lead you to the summit, which offers splendid views of the West Coast plains below. This tarred route has become a popular alternative to the N1 for those travelling between Cape Town and Jo’burg.

WHAT KIND OF CAR: Sedan LENGTH: 9km WHAT TO DO IN THE AREA: Spring-flower viewing, hiking, mountain biking, 4×4ing, rock art BUDGET WHERE TO STAY: Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm, papkuilsfontein.com; Van Zijl FRIENDLY! Guesthouses, nieuwoudtville.co.za GOOD TO KNOW: In flower season, visit Hantam National Botanical Garden, Matjiesfontein Guest Farm and Nieuwoudtville Wild Flower Reserve.

Swartberg Pass

WESTERN CAPE There’s an alluring mystique about this old Cape pass. Declared a national monument, this is Thomas Bain’s last and finest piece of road building. It’s blessed with colourful, contorted sandstone formations and its glorious fynbos is at its best in winter and spring, with proteas, ericas and restios in rich profusion.

WHAT KIND OF CAR: High-

clearance vehicle recommended LENGTH: 24km WHAT TO DO IN THE AREA: Hiking, mountain biking, 4×4ing, birding WHERE TO STAY: Plenty of excellent accommodation in nearby Prince Albert, princealbert.org.za GOOD TO KNOW: Do the spectacular four-hour detour to the legendary hamlet of Die Hel. AUTUMN 2021 SANLAMREALITY.CO.ZA

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Could an email save you thousands?

Firing off emails to ensure that you’re still getting a good deal could save you a lot of money.

Negotiate with your home-loan lender Email your lender to renegotiate your bond interest rate. Or shop around to see what others are offering. According to bond originator Ooba, a 0.25% cut on a R1 million home loan can save you almost R40 000 over 20 years.

Find a financial planner They could help to advise you on where to cut back.

Nicki Blignaut, senior financial planner and principal at 2one2 BlueStar, explains: “I saved one client over R600 a month on debit orders she did not even know were going off. I found another client over R200 000 in old investments she didn’t know she had.”

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Negotiate with your planner Riaan Crowther, senior financial planner at Sleewijk BlueStar, says: “Clients tend to forget to negotiate the commission fee that the adviser takes home.”

wealth 44

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52

55

The new workplace convo, decoded

How to sell yourself

Could you retire early?

Interview your financial planner

Financial ‘Should you rather...?’

your wealth benefits

Up to 30% off Sanlam Premier risk products Up to 20% cash back reward with Sanlam Personal Loans

Free online tax help and easy returns with TaxTim

Be financially fit with Wealth Sense Go to sanlamreality.co.za/ benefits/wealth to view your specific benefits, tier status and discount percentage.

T&Cs apply.

4 wealth

bites

Steps to take straight away if you’ve been made redundant GET REFERENCES NOW

Asking for a reference at a later stage – especially after redundancy – may prove more difficult.

Anne Grunow, a chief human resources officer, says: “While still employed, request employment references from managers, and obtain all documentation, like payslips and qualifications, to support your CV.”

START THE JOB HUNT

Don’t wait for the final outcome if you’re in a retrenchment consultation process;

considering other options can’t hurt.

“Use your network, search job portals, get in touch with recruiters and be proactive in your pursuit of employment opportunities,” says Grunow.

MAKE THE PAYOUT WORK FOR YOU

Don’t spend your retrenchment lump sum on a holiday – speak to your financial planner first. This will help with immediate debt obligations and planning for the short-term until alternative employment is secured.

PRESERVE YOUR PENSION AND SAVE ON TAX

Many South Africans retire with insufficient savings. To avoid this, ask your employer to transfer your pension tax-free into a preservation fund if you are made redundant. Nicki Blignaut, a financial planner at 2one2 BlueStar, explains: “Everyone gets R500 000 tax relief on their retirement lump sum withdrawal if they’re made redundant, but you pay between 18-36% tax on the rest, depending on your withdrawal.

That tax relief is a once-off benefit, so you won’t get it again when you retire.”

Borrowing what you NEED vs what you can AFFORD

I

nstead, consider the philosophy of minimalism. This means stripping back your desire for more and only borrowing money for things that are necessary.

For example, don’t overstretch your bond if you don’t need to.

Taking out a R1 million bond instead of R1.5 million, paid back over 30 years at the prime lending rate (7%), means you could pay R1 227 602 less overall.

Borrowing below your maximum affordability can allow for inflation and interest rate increases in the future.

42

CALCULATE WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD

Home loan example IF YOU TOOK A BOND IF YOU TOOK OUT A VS OUT FOR R1 MILLION BOND FOR R1.5 MILLION Total monthly repayment: Total monthly repayment: R6 653.00 R9 980.00 Total amount repayable: Total amount repayable: R2 395 089.00 R3 592 633.00 Total bond and transfer cost: Total bond and transfer cost: R49 782.00 R79 840.00

AUTUMN 2021 SANLAMREALITY.CO.ZA

PAY R1 227 602 LESS Based on paying back over 30 years at a standard interest rate (7%).

Figures correct as at 2 November 2020.

Use our free savings, retirement and loan calculators to better understand your finances, plus you’ll earn tier points!

Visit sanlamreality. co.za/calculatorstools/.

T&Cs apply.

Text: Angelique Ruzicka; Photography: Shutterstock, pch.vector/Freepik, supplied

FEW OF US CAN PAY CASH FOR THINGS LIKE HOUSES AND CARS. BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU NEED TO BORROW UP TO THE MAXIMUM THAT A LENDER IS WILLING TO GIVE YOU.

Save today, protect your tomorrow

Sanlam Reality members enjoy up to

30%

off Sanlam risk products, meaning you save big today while making wise decisions for tomorrow.

For more information, Visit sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/ go to sanlamreality.co.za/ benefit/sanlam-life-cover. trauma-assault-hiv-assist.

T&Cs apply.

T&Cs apply.

wealth

career

Decoding cross-generational conversations in the workplace

With employees ranging in age from 18 to 70, there’s a growing need to understand how different generations can engage more meaningfully. By TRACY LYNN CHEMALY

G

enerational diversity is often overlooked in the workplace – but as more people stay in organisations past the traditional retirement age, we’re finding four distinct generations working side by side, each with their own characteristics and preferential modes of communication.

Local layers

A report presented at the 2018 Actuarial Society of South Africa Convention indicated that ‘understanding the background, attitudes, work styles and preferences of each generation can be useful in creating a peaceful work environment’, and points to the local context within which these generational cohorts have grown up in South Africa, showing how societal and political environments play a role. Keep these in mind when managing communication. + Apartheid Generation (traditionalists born before 1946) + Struggle Generation (Baby Boomers) + Transition Generation (Gen X) + Born-Free Generation (born after 1994)

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Which generation are you?

BABY BOOMERS (BORN 1946-1964)

HOW THEY CONNECT

40% in person

35% by email

13%

by phone

STEREOTYPE Workaholics who define themselves by their career or profession

CHARACTERISTICS Good team players and excellent mentors Like structure and discipline Less inclined to welcome change and collaboration Competitive and productive Value recognition and rewards

COMMUNICATION

The least tech-savvy generation

Value face-to-face contact and phone calls

Can feel threatened when treated as equals by younger employees

Provide them with data to earn their trust

Whatever your age, good communication is founded on these universal principles

GENERATION X (BORN 1965-1980)

Some things remain important across generations when it comes to communication. Start with these three age-defiant truths:

HOW THEY CONNECT

34% in person

34% by email

13%

by phone Understand that each cohort communicates differently, accept it and teach each generation how to communicate with the other.

STEREOTYPE Like doing things quickly rather than perfectly

CHARACTERISTICS Favour more of a work/life balance than previous generations Less inclined to say something if they disagree with management than their successive generations

COMMUNICATION

Independent, flexible and willing to try new things

Prefer praise to be delivered in a low-key way such as email or private conversation

Great managerial and executive skills

Sources: Forbes, Liveperson: The digital lives of millennials and Gen Z (2017), Barna: Is Gen Z the Most SuccessOriented Generation? (2018), Lindseypollak.com, Raconteur: How Different Generations Approach Work (2018); Photography: Shutterstock, supplied

Revenue-driven problem solvers

Value relationshipbuilding communications and check-ins

GENERATION Y/MILLENNIALS (BORN 1981-1996)

HOW THEY CONNECT

33% by email

31%

in person

12% by chat

STEREOTYPE Lazy, unproductive and self-obsessed

COMMUNICATION Value transparency and regular feedback rather than bi-annual reviews

CHARACTERISTICS Tech-savvy multi-taskers who are easily distracted The most independent workers in a workforce Less interested in teamwork than the generations before them Concerned with ethics, social responsibility, having a purpose and making a difference Source information to create own processes rather than being told what to do

Seek flexibility (emails checked on phones and client engagement done on social media after hours) More texting; less talking – on email, WhatsApp and social media channels Like receiving praise publicly

Being valued. When you’re heard, you feel valued. Give others the space to have an opinion, but also know when to rein it in so that one person isn’t always dominating the conversation.

Trust is the cornerstone of all relationships, so showing others that you’re willing to learn their ‘language’ will earn their trust, opening the door for better communication.

How to ease friction with a colleague Lindsey Pollak, author of The Remix: How to Lead and Succeed in the Multigenerational Workplace, points out ways to ease tension that can result from a multigenerational workforce.

FLEX ON ALL SIDES Combine the best of each generation’s practices – the classic and the new – to create a more successful and inclusive workplace for all.

EMPATHISE Have a cup of coffee with a member of a generation that is different to yours and see what you learn about each other.

ASSUME THE BEST INTENTIONS We’re more alike than different.

People are still individuals.

Being born in a certain age demographic doesn’t guarantee anything.

GENERATION Z

(BORN 1997-CURRENT) HOW THEY CONNECT

31% by chat

26%

in person

16% by email

STEREOTYPE Great multi-taskers who can use up to five screens at once

COMMUNICATION Prefer brief communication on digital platforms, with abbreviations and emojis Need to touch base often and enjoy face-to-face contact for this as an antidote to all the screen time Difficult conversations are best handled online first before moving to in-person contact

CHARACTERISTICS Cannot conceive of a world without technology Natural entrepreneurs with great ambition Strong political and social views

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wealth

sell yourself job-hunting

How to

The job market is more volatile than ever, and it’s changed a lot over the years…. It’s time to refresh your digital profile to help put you at the top of recruiters’ lists.

By CHRISTINE VAN DEEMTER

Build your digital business card These are undoubtedly scary, volatile times we are all living through – but with change comes opportunity, and you may find yourself on the lookout for a new job or fresh challenges.

But how do you stand out from the pack? The answer could lie in your digital profile, and how you present yourself to the world, through the internet. But don’t fret! This does not have to be as daunting as it sounds, and can give you the leg-up against competitors.

“To digitally sell yourself, you need to focus on building your personal brand online. This involves more than your normal social media channels,” says digital marketing expert and entrepreneur Anton Koekemoer. Thought you could only give your Facebook a quick clean and update your LinkedIn? Think again, says Koekemoer. “Even though having a social media presence on all the popular channels is good, Google is still your number-one source of information online, and so you should start building your profile on Google.

“The easiest way to do this is to get your own website. You can call this your digital business card, which outlines who you are, your achievements, your interests and even some blog posts that you have written. This digital business card should also have links to your social media profiles, which will direct interested visitors to learn more about you.”

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Become a thought leader by publishing articles regularly – weekly is ideal.

Create a personal website to showcase your brand Free web-building platforms like Wix, WordPress and Squarespace offer step-by-step templates and guides that are easy to use.

You can also upgrade to affordable paid options to buy your own domain name and unlock other professional functionalities.

Keep it simple: all you need is an ‘About’ page, a page showcasing your portfolio, career highlights, samples of your work or client portfolio, and your contact information.

Be careful to avoid putting anything on your website that is confidential or might create conflict with existing clients or contracts that you have.

5 Ways to be a LinkedIn pro LinkedIn is the most professional social network to build your personal brand name, says Koekemoer. He shares tips to make it work for you.

Make sure your profile is 100% complete with a description of who you are, as well as your past employment details, interests and education.

Research: Dominique Bowen; Photography: Shutterstock, supplied

Connect with people you are interested in connecting with, including past employees and colleagues. Ask them for a LinkedIn recommendation, and offer one in return.

Start engaging by searching for relevant topics people are posting, and commenting on them. Join groups that are relevant to your work and interests, and become part of the community. You don’t want your profile to look like a ghost town – engagement is key.

Publish articles using your skills as topics or questions relevant to your industry. These can then be shared with the groups you are part of. Include links to the sources you mention, and you can also include a link to your website.

Become a thought leader by publishing regulary – weekly is ideal.

Mark yourself as ‘Open for work’ and as looking for jobs/open to new opportunities (part of your profile settings), so that recruiters can see this.

Look for vacancies on LinkedIn by clicking on the ‘Jobs’ tab.

How to clean up your online profile

Today’s recruiters will put your name into Google before they’ve met you – here’s how to make sure they see your best side.

GOOGLE YOURSELF – AND CLICK PAST THE FIRST PAGE Do a deep dive on your name to see what’s on the web. Don’t just check the first few results; make sure you check your entire digital history. Also google your email address (the current and old ones) and any online aliases you may have used throughout the years.

CHECK YOUR PHOTOS You don’t just want to go blanket-private on all your social media accounts, which could raise a red flag, but you should give it a scrub. Untag yourself, archive or delete photos that don’t show you at your best self. Yes, that includes the watermelon hat you sported at the 2012 T20 final.

CHECK YOUR LIKES AND RETWEETS Veer towards the conservative and make sure you unlike or delete any memes or jokes that you’ve shared or liked that might be deemed inappropriate or offensive.

CLEAN UP YOUR TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM FEEDS Unfollow any inappropriate or distasteful accounts and delete any tweets that could be construed as ignorant, mean or offensive. Make sure you only follow accounts you want to be associated with.

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wealth

job-hunting

Include a link to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio instead of including all that information on your CV.

5 Tips for making sure your CV stands out from the pack CUSTOMISE IT Never send a generic cover letter, and keep your skills and experience relevant to the job posting.

INCLUDE A SHORT PROFILE Start with one to two sentences to give the recruiter a clear idea of who you are and what you are looking for.

INCLUDE KEYWORDS FROM THE JOB POSTING This shows that you’ve customised your CV for the job and understand the role – and how your skills relate to it.

BE CONCISE AND CLEAN

How to look professional on a video-call interview

No one is going to read a six-page CV – keep it to two pages. Use a standard font, and format it correctly, with bold job titles that catch the eye.

Include a link to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio instead of including all that information on your CV. Free design websites like Canva can help you make your CV visual instead of a boring Word document.

FOCUS ON LIGHTING Front-facing natural light is best, so ensure the light from a window hits your face head-on. Bad lighting from the side or behind will cause your face to be in shadow and will make you look tired and washed out.

CHECK THE COMPANY CULTURE Go onto the prospective employer’s website to see if you can find a link between their values and your skill set – maybe they have a strong corporate social investment arm, and you have a lot of volunteering experience.

KEEP THE CAMERA AT EYE LEVEL Prop up your laptop on a few books so the camera is at least at eye level or a bit higher, thereby avoiding double chins and nostril shots. Move back a bit so you’re more than a floating head on a screen.

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SKIN AND HAIR Oily skin or chapped lips will look even worse on a computer screen. Pat on some tinted moisturiser to even out your skin tone, and brush your hair.

DON’T FORGET YOU’RE ON CAMERA The webcam is not your mirror. Act as if you are in an actual meeting – don’t gaze off into the distance, start fidgeting or look at your phone.

DOUBLE-CHECK THE SETTINGS Check whether you are on video and if the sound is muted or not, and mute yourself when you’re not speaking.

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PICK THE RIGHT BACKGROUND

DON’T SIT IN AN EMPTY ROOM

Make sure your background is clean, organised and not too distracting.

This will cause the sound to echo.

WEAR SOLID COLOURS AND SLEEVES

Check the quality of your internet connection in advance. If need be, use a hotspot, or plan to be in a space – like a rented workspace – where your internet connection won’t drop. Be honest if you’re struggling to hear or if your connection is shaky, rather than pretending that nothing is wrong.

Cover those shoulders so you don’t look naked – and iron your shirt.

SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE CAMERA Don’t look at a person’s face while talking to them; maintain eye contact with your camera while speaking.

STAY CONNECTED

Get cash back when you borrow

Sanlam Reality members get up to

20%

cash back on Sanlam Personal Loans if they keep their loan account up to date, making loan payments consecutively over 12 months.

For more information, go to sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/ sanlam-personal-loans. T&Cs apply.

wealth

retirement

How to

RETIRE EARLY

By STEALTHY WEALTH (@stealthy_wealth; stealthywealth.co.za), an anonymous Jo’burger who blogs about his journey to achieve retirement by the age of 45, in 2030.

E

arly retirement is a trend that originated in the US and has since gained traction in South Africa. Many people have decided that the traditional nine-to-five for 40 years – and then hoping you have enough to call it quits and enjoy your retirement – is not the path they want to take.

The FIRE (Financial Independence/ Retire Early) community is filled with people who have ‘retired’ from their day jobs at 40, 35 or even 30 years old to focus on their passions and hobbies, and fill their days doing the things they truly enjoy.

For these people, retirement doesn’t mean they stop working; instead, it means they work when they want to, where they want to, and only if they want to.

HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED TO RETIRE? Use our free retirement calculator at sanlamreality. co.za/wealth-sense/ retirement-calculator to work out your figure, plus you’ll earn 1 000 tier points!

T&Cs apply.

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AUTUMN 2021 SANLAMREALITY.CO.ZA

GET EXPERT HELP

Tips for those who want to FIRE up their retirement

Speak to a Sanlam financial planner to help map out your retirement plan and get you on track with your goals. Book an appointment at sanlamreality.co.za/ contact-an-adviser and you’ll earn

8 000 tier points.

T&Cs apply.

Spend less than you earn In theory it’s dead simple – the only way to get your finances ahead and grow the wealth needed to retire early is to spend less than what you earn.

Of course, implementing this can be more difficult.

Think of the difference between your income and your expenses as your wealth gap. The bigger the gap, the faster you can make progress. Grow your wealth gap by either reducing your expenses or by growing your income, and then use the wealth gap to squash debt, grow your savings and increase your investments.

Cut costs where it matters A lot of cost-cutting advice centres around not buying takeaway coffees and trying to get a better deal on your car insurance. Make no mistake: reducing these types of expenses helps. But to really take the big strides needed to achieve early retirement, reducing your big expenses is what will get you to where you want to go.

Even a small saving on your housing expense (for example, by buying a house priced at 10% less than what you can afford) can put tens or even hundreds of thousands of rands into your pocket over the long term.

Focus on reducing the big expenses if you want to make the big savings.

Consider TFSAs Traditional retirement savings products (like retirement annuities, pension funds and provident funds) are designed to only be accessed after the age of 55.

There are either tax penalties, or it is simply not possible to get the money out before you are 55 years old.

If you are planning on retiring before age 55, then you are going to need an approach that includes having money in accounts that allow access to the money when you need it. A TFSA (tax-free savings account) offers some great tax benefits and allows access to your money whenever you like.

Research: Dominique Bowen; Photography: Shutterstock, supplied

Attack short-term debt Compound interest is extremely powerful, but it goes both ways.

If used the right way, it can grow your wealth; but if it is used against you, it destroys wealth.

Short-term debt (or consumer debt) is when compound interest works against you.

Think of short-term debt as robbing your future self (both in the form of the interest you pay, and in the form of the opportunity cost that you pay for not being able to put those monthly instalments to better use).

If you are serious about retiring early, make getting out of debt a priority, and once you are debt-free, stay debt-free by saving up for the things you really want.

Prioritise early retirement If you want to retire early, you need to make it a priority.

The bottom line is that you have a finite amount of income every month. Unfortunately, this means that you can’t have it all.

If early retirement is important enough to you, make sure your spending reflects that.

Sacrifices will need to be made in order to make sure you are putting enough money towards your early retirement goal.

Calculate your number Knowing how much you need in order to be financially free is an important starting point when putting together an early retirement plan.

Now, you may think that the calculation is complex and full of formulas and equations. Fortunately the FIRE community has a great rule of thumb for determining how much you need to be financially free. It’s called the rule of 300 – to work out your freedom number, take your monthly expenses and multiply that figure by 300. That is how much you will need to save to be financially free.

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wealth

financial planner

How to find a financial planner who aligns to your values There are thousands of financial planners in South Africa, and finding one you trust may seem daunting. These questions can help you find someone suited to you. By LAURA DU PREEZ

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I

t’s possible to manage your own finances, but it takes discipline, a lot of ongoing research, the willingness to do the admin, and level-headedness when markets boom or bust.

Most of us will do better with a financial goto person. Find one who suits you by asking these questions.

ARE YOU LICENSED?

Your financial planner or their firm must be licensed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. Ideally use a planner who belongs to a professional body like the Financial Planning Institute, which disciplines members who breach its code of ethics.

ARE YOU INDEPENDENT OR TIED TO A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION?

Big life cover companies and banks employ tied agents; while they may offer a full financial plan, any products recommended will be from that company or those approved by it.

Independent advisers aren’t bound to certain products. Ask which companies a financial planner works with and why.

Many independent financial planners use a discretionary investment manager to select and blend investment managers.

Some manage their own investments.

You have the right to know that they are competent to do so, what it costs and that this doesn’t conflict with their advice.

EARN 8 000 TIER POINTS

HOW ARE YOU QUALIFIED TO DEAL WITH MY SITUATION?

If your financial affairs are complicated, look for a planner with expertise in, for example, business ownership, offshore investments or tax. Some planners have specialised in tax, estate planning or investments; others outsource to experts including specialist short-term insurance or medical-scheme brokers.

T&Cs apply.

Some financial planners will only take you on when you have built up some savings.

Some give initial advice and recommend you set up your own investments.

Ask if your planner will do a full financial plan. Think about the goals you want to reach and ask how these can be included. If you’re not good at managing money, ask if they’ll help with a budget.

Check how often you’ll meet, how often your investments will be reviewed, whether you can call at any time if you have a life event, and what services you can expect.

Ask where you’ll meet, as you may not wish to share private information in a coffee shop if they don’t have an office.

See if the financial planner would be comfortable including your loved ones in financial discussions, if necessary.

Photography: Shutterstock, supplied

You can ask for references, read their articles or listen to their interviews, but your best bet is often a free initial consultation with the planner: a free ‘chemistry check’.

Look for a sense of comfort that you can work with the financial planner, that they have a philosophy and repeatable process that won’t lose you money, says independent adviser Barry O’Mahony.

See if the financial planner would be comfortable including your loved ones in financial decisions, if necessary.

DO I NEED TO HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT INVESTED?

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?

Book an appointment with a Sanlam financial planner to find an expert who suits you, plus you’ll earn tier points. Visit sanlamreality.co.za/ contact-an-adviser.

HOW DO YOU CHARGE?

Tied financial planners typically earn commission from life policies and investments. Independent financial planners typically charge a fee for an initial plan and an ongoing fee on your investments. A few financial planners charge a professional fee per hour, but check how much work your financial plan and its ongoing maintenance will entail.

CAN I TRUST YOU?

Beyond this, you also need to know if you can trust your financial planner enough to share much about your personal life: family problems and your financial dreams or fears.

DO WE SPEAK THE SAME LANGUAGE?

Check if the financial planner speaks your language (not literally, but if how they talk resonates with you), and either shares or has empathy with your circumstances and your community.

If you have special needs such as for sharia-compliant investments or those with an environmental focus, check that your financial planner can accommodate these.

Some people struggle to trust a financial planner enough to delegate control to them, but if you can see that a planner has your best interests at heart and allow them to explore your financial situation, they can play a powerful role in your life.

Why advice makes sense 1

Research by one of the world’s largest index providers, Vanguard, in 2019 showed that advised investors achieve returns that are on average 3% a year more than those who don’t take advice.

The three main reasons for this were: Financial planners Morningstar’s research coach their clients not suggests financial to make bad decisions like planners can add value leaving investment markets by identifying the right when they are down; allocation to different They help them investment asset classes, spend wisely; tax efficiency and choosing They rebalance appropriate annuity investments to ensure products and withdrawal they are always in a rates for those who need well-diversified strategy. an income in retirement.

2 3

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Ready to test your family’s

financial know-how?

She’s a speaker, author, influencer… now Nicolette Mashile is hosting the Sanlam Moola-Money Family Game Show on eTV, kicking off on 3 April. She explains why the show is about more than great entertainment.

CATCH THE SHOW!

“One of the reasons why I wrote my book, What’s Your Move? A Collection of Ordinary Financial Lessons, was to share financial education with as many South Africans as possible. You can’t do that better than via TV. As families, we gather around the TV, which is why the Sanlam MoolaMoney Family Game Show could have an enormous impact on the financial literacy of many.”

‘boring’ and ‘inaccessible’.

Now we’re trying to show people that there’s some fun to be had in finances.

“The show is about balancing entertainment with education. We’re compiling quiz questions that are fun and approachable, but also unpack important topics.

When putting together the content for the show, we asked ourselves, ‘What are the small things that, if people just knew, could put them on the course to change their financial confidence?’”

“It’s about changing the face of financial education”

“Creating confidence, capability, comfort around money”

“Through the show, we’re changing the perception of financial education in South Africa. Traditionally we associate financial education with being

“In a country like ours where unemployment is high, we need to learn how to use our money to make more money.

Understanding things like

compound interest, different kinds of assets and how to make investment choices – that will unlock financial confidence. This is a big reason for hosting the Sanlam Moola-Money Family Game Show.

“I always talk about the three Cs: confidence, capability and comfort. If you have these things when you make a financial decision, then you know you’ve done the best you could in your situation. We have to drive education in

order to deliver these three Cs to people.”

“It’s time to have meaningful conversations with our families” “If the show achieves one thing, I hope it’s to open up conversations about financial education in families. I hope it will spark meaningful conversations, and that these conversations will break any taboos around talking about money with the people we love.”

Photography: pch.vector/Freepik, supplied

“TV offers a chance to reach so many South Africans”

24 families, 13 episodes and a grand prize of R500 000! Watch as families go head-to-head on the Sanlam Moola-Money Family Game Show on eTV, starting at 6pm on Saturday 3 April. Learn more at sanlammoolamoney.co.za.

tough financial choices

wealth

Should you

rather…?

The experts weigh in on how to tackle common tough financial choices. By DOMINIQUE BOWEN … pay off your debt OR save for an emergency fund?

Bad debt can be a trap, while savings and good debt can be your key to freedom.

“Bad debt – the type used to fund a lifestyle beyond your means – should be paid off as quickly as possible if you have some disposable income,” says André Wentzel, solutions manager for Recurring Savings at Sanlam. If you only have responsible debt i.e. used to fund investments in property or education, Wentzel says having an emergency fund can help you avoid getting into trouble with your debt by covering your expenses

including instalments for a period, and avoid forfeiting your assets.

… save for your child’s education OR save for retirement?

Delaying saving for retirement can be a recipe for disaster – not something you’d want to burden your children with. “You can’t borrow for retirement; however, you can borrow for your children’s education, normally at very good rates,” says Danelle van Heerde, head of advice solutions at SanlamConnect. Besides AUTUMN 2021 SANLAMREALITY.CO.ZA

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wealth

tough financial choices

SIGN UP TO SECURE SERVICES Earn 1 500 tier points when you sign up to Sanlam Secure Services, where you can access your combined Sanlam products portfolio.

Visit https://cp. sanlam.co.za/ to sign up.

T&Cs apply.

benefiting from the power of compound interest, opting to save for retirement sets a good example of healthy financial behaviour for your own children’s retirement planning.

“To dip into your retirement savings is never advisable,” says Conrad Koorts, Certified Financial Planner® and investment specialist at Firebird BlueStar, underwritten by Sanlam. Both Wentzel and Koorts suggest downscaling your living expenses to make ends meet. If you can afford to keep the house, rent a more affordable property and lease out your house to cover bond costs, suggests Koorts.

… take out a personal loan OR load debt onto credit cards or overdraft facilities Consider the interest rate, term and your budget, suggests Koorts. “Credit cards and overdraft facilities tend to be easier, but have a higher rate and shorter repayment term,” he explains.

“If it is a medium- to long-term expense, like for studies, I would rather opt for a personal loan.”

… cash in my retirement savings OR preserve them if retrenched?

Preserve, if you can, say both Wentzel and Koorts. “Beside the tax advantages, you may never be able to catch up on your retirement savings,” says Wentzel. To add, you would also lose out on the benefit of compound interest if you cash in, and it could impact the fees you have to pay, too.

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Preserve as much as possible, especially if you are getting a severance package together with the retrenchment.

“Preserve as much as possible, especially if you are getting a severance package together with the retrenchment,” says Koorts.

… retire at age 65 OR work for a few more years?

“The longer you work, the shorter the term you need to provide yourself with retirement income, the more likely you will be able to have enough capital to provide you with an income for the rest of your life,” says Koorts. If you can manage to work longer, then do.

This article is not intended to replace the advice of an expert, a professional financial planner or a debt counsellor.

GET EXPERT ADVICE Don’t make tough financial decisions alone. A qualified financial planner can help ensure you make the right choices suited to your specific needs. Visit sanlamreality.co.za/ contact-an-adviser to book a meeting.

T&Cs apply.

Photography: Shutterstock, supplied

… sell your house OR dip into your own retirement savings?

You’ve got two NEW benefits!

FILTHY RICH

THE RIVER

COMING SOON

Enjoy up to 5 months’ entertainment streaming on us with Showmax + Access Ivy Online, a free supplementary online-education platform for Grades 8-12, plus enjoy discounted tutoring rates.

Visit sanlamreality.co.za/benefits to learn more.

T&Cs apply.

Why your brain (and body) need entertainment Researchers at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health have observed links between happiness and good health by studying children at play. What they’ve found is that immersing ourselves in activities with no other purpose but to have fun can be a powerful antidote to the stress we carry daily as adults. “Generally, having more fun in our lives can benefit our mental health in lots of different ways,” says Jacki Short, principal psychologist at the Sydney Centre for Creative Change. “And if you have good mental health, you’re far more likely to have good physical health, as they flow into one another.”

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entertainment 60

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Catch these on the big & small screens

1 Sheet pan, 4 recipes

5 Minutes with Ilse Klink

your

entertainment

benefits

Pay R30 for a 2D movie ticket (R50 for 3D; Reality Plus & Health only) and R35 for a refreshment combo at Nu Metro

Stream or download series, movies, Showmax Originals and kids’ shows, for up to 5 months, on us.

1GB free data monthly with AlwaysOn (Reality Plus & Health only) Go to sanlamreality.co.za/ benefits/entertainment to view your specific benefits, tier status and discount percentage.

Content correct at time of print.

T&Cs apply.

what to watch

See

entertainment

The 17 most anticipated films of 2021 KIDS 1 / PETER RABBIT 2: THE RUNAWAY

DRAMA 16 / FATHERHOOD

and the broken relationships she left behind before she became an Avenger.

2 / MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU

7 / THE SUICIDE SQUAD

12 / BLITHE SPIRIT

Go back in time to Gru’s life as a fanboy of a supervillain supergroup.

Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena and Viola Davis are just some of the big names behind this DC sequel.

Isla Fisher and Judi Dench team up with other famous faces in this theatrical release based on the classic comedy play by Noël Coward.

ACTION 3 / F9: THE FAST SAGA Dom Toretto takes on the most skilled assassin he’s ever faced. It’s a battle close to home.

4 / TOP GUN

8 / THE MATRIX The trilogy has been wrapped up, so what’s in store for this fourth instalment? You’ll have to watch to find out.

9 / INFINITE

Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell faces ghosts from his past in this hotly awaited sequel.

Evan McCauley (Mark Wahlberg) realises his hallucinations are actually memories from his past lives.

5 / NO TIME TO DIE

10 / MORBIUS

Your favourite British spy is back at it again in this year’s instalment of the Bond franchise.

Jared Leto brings life to Morbius, one of Marvel’s most compelling characters, in this thriller.

SCI-FI 6 / BLACK WIDOW Natasha Romanova is forced to face her KGB past

ROMANCE

11 / SHERLOCK HOLMES 3 What is the eponymous investigator and his sidekick Watson up to now? Watch to find out.

Kevin Hart takes the lead in this touching story about a father left to raise his daughter alone when his wife dies unexpectedly soon after her birth.

17 / RESPECT It’s been three years since the passing of R&B legend Aretha Franklin, to whom this film pays tribute.

COMEDY 13 / BOB’S BURGERS: THE MOVIE Fans of the Belcher family are in for a treat! Catch them on the big screen in their first film appearance.

14 / CRUELLA Ever wondered what Cruella de Vil was like as a young woman? Watch this live-action Disney flick to find out.

15 / BOSS BABY: FAMILY BUSINESS ‘Playtime is over’ in this sequel, with a voice cast including Jeff Goldblum, Eva Longoria, Lisa Kudrow and Alec Baldwin.

GET R30 MOVIE TICKETS! Save big at the movies with R30 2D tickets and R35 refreshment combos. Reality Health and Reality Plus members also enjoy 3D tickets for only R50. Book your discounted tickets directly via the free Sanlam Reality App. T&Cs apply.

Download the Sanlam Reality App

Text: Dominique Bowen; photography: Shutterstock, supplied; https://www.puzzles-to-print.com/ number-puzzles/

Everyone’s favourite bunny faces an adventure – and a life-changing decision.

Watch USE YOUR WI-FI BENEFIT As a Reality Plus or Health member, you can download these e-books using your free 1GB AlwaysOn Wi-Fi. Learn more at sanlamreality.co.za/ benefit/wi-fi.

T&Cs apply.

Read

SKEMERDANS This 13-part Showmax Original series, set in Cape Town, centres around the murder of Glenn Fortune, owner of The Oasis jazz club. The story of a deadly power struggle plays out in a neo noir style, with a nostalgic Cape jazz soundtrack.

We chat to star of the show Ilse Klink on p.66

TALI’S BABY DIARY The long-awaited sequel to the award-winning Showmax Original is here!

Following on from Tali’s Wedding Diary, the mockumentary sees Tali and her hubby Darren facing an unexpected pregnancy.

How will the Instagram influencer cope with the change to ‘wholesome momfluencer’?

Escapism

Kids

HOW MANY WAYS CAN YOU SAY GOODBYE?

BY REFILOE MOAHLOLI In the sequel to 2017’s How Many Ways Can You Say Hello?, Sara and her friends return to South Africa to see more sights and bid farewell to each other in the 11 official languages as they go home, one by one.

PROJECT HAIL MARY

BY ANDY WEIR From the bestselling author of The Martian comes this thriller about a lone astronaut who must save Earth from disaster.

Self-improvement

CONNECT BY DAVID BRADFORD & CAROLE ROBIN

Local fiction

THE SCANDALOUS TIMES OF A BOOK LOUSE

BY ROBERT MUPONDE Guramatunhu and his family of storytellers live in Zimbabwe’s rural Gushare Village, and though they don’t have much, Ronald’s future is bright.

But what happens when he’s faced with an unexpected fork in the road?

Do

NEW BENEFIT, COMING SOON! Get up to 5 months’ Showmax streaming as one of your entertainment benefits, on us.

Learn more at sanlamreality.co.za/ benefit/showmax. T&Cs apply.

Want to build more satisfying relationships with colleagues, friends and even your partner? Start with this book. The authors distil their teachings from Stanford’s most popular MBA elective, ‘Interpersonal Dynamics’, into this must-read.

Magic squares FILL IN GRIDS SO THAT EACH COLUMN, ROW AND DIAGONAL ADD UP TO THE GIVEN SUM.

THE SUM IS 65 11

10

18

12

25

THE SUM IS 195 17

6 13

51

72

3

24

24 42

7

18

21

14

30

3

16

33

57

60

66

63

9

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See solutions on p.2.

Catch these Showmax streams in 2021 ORIGINALS

The best e-books to get stuck into in 2021

entertainment

easy mid-week meals

One-pan wonders!

Banish complex recipes and piles of washing-up by saying ‘hello’ to recipes that require only one pan – but are still packed with flavour.

Recipes and styling: KATELYN ALLEGRA Photography: KIRSTEN MACKRILL

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Oven-roasted meatballs with mozzarella and basil SERVES: 4 PREP TIME: 15 MIN COOK TIME: 1 HOUR 20 MIN • 1 onion, finely chopped • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped • 1 stick celery, finely chopped • 1 aubergine, chopped • Handful of fresh basil, plus extra for serving • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling • 2 x 400g tinned tomatoes • 800g boerewors • 200g mozzarella, torn into chunks

Preheat oven to 180°C. Place the onion, garlic, carrot, celery, aubergine and half the basil in a roasting pan.

Season well with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil to coat.

Roast for 10-15 minutes or until softened and starting to caramelise.

Add the tinned tomatoes and stir to combine. Season well.

Remove the boerewors from its casing. Pinch off walnut-sized pieces of meat and roll them into balls. Place them in the tomato sauce.

Return the tray to the oven and roast for 30 minutes.

Scatter mozzarella chunks over the dish and roast for a further 10 minutes or until the mozzarella is golden and bubbling. Serve the meatballs with the extra basil leaves.

Baked cauliflower and sage risotto

SERVES: 4 | PREP TIME: 10 MIN | COOK TIME: 1 HOUR 20 MIN • 800g cauliflower, chopped into small pieces • 1 onion or leek, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 12 sage leaves • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • Sea salt and cracked black pepper • 2 cups (400g) Arborio rice • 1.25 L (5 cups) hot chicken or vegetable stock • 30g butter • ½ cup (40g) finely grated Parmesan • Extra shaved Parmesan and fried sage leaves, to serve

Preheat oven to 200°C. In a large, deep roasting dish, place the cauliflower, onion or leek, garlic and sage.

Drizzle with olive oil and season well.

Roast for 20 minutes or until golden and caramelised.

Add the rice and hot stock, and cover with foil. Roast for 1 hour or until the rice is al dente.

The risotto will be quite liquid. Stir through extra salt, pepper, butter and Parmesan, and allow to stand for 2 minutes with the foil on until the risotto thickens slightly.

Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fried sage leaves before serving.

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easy mid-week meals

Oven-tray spicy potato curry

SERVES: 4 | PREP TIME: 10 MIN | COOK TIME: 1 HOUR 20 MIN • 100g raw cashew nuts • 1kg potatoes, peeled and halved lengthways • 1 onion, finely chopped • 5 tsp ground turmeric • 2 tsp ground cumin • 2 tsp mustard seeds • ¾ cup (180ml) coconut oil or vegetable oil • Salt and pepper • 5cm piece (25g) ginger, finely grated

64

• 6 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 tbsp garam masala • 1 bunch coriander, stalks chopped, leaves picked • 6 long green chillies, seeds removed, finely chopped • Toasted cashews, cooked brown rice and mango atchar, to serve.

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Place cashews and 1 cup boiling water in a heatproof bowl and soak for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 200°C. Put the potato and onion in a roasting pan. Sprinkle with turmeric, cumin and mustard seeds, and drizzle with the coconut or vegetable oil. Season well. Roast for 10 minutes.

Drain the cashews, add 2 cups of fresh water and place in a food processor or blender with the ginger, garlic, garam masala, coriander stalks and chillies.

Pulse until smooth. Pour over the potatoes and return the pan to the oven to roast for 40 minutes or until golden and caramelised.

Serve sprinkled with coriander leaves and toasted cashews, with brown rice and mango atchar on the side.

Creative direction: Marisa Steyn; food stylist’s assistant: Cassandra Upton

entertainment

Harissa chicken and risoni tray bake SERVES: 4 PREP TIME: 10 MIN COOK TIME: 1 HOUR 20 MIN

• 6–8 chicken pieces, bone-in • 250g cherry tomatoes, halved • 1 bulb of garlic, halved • 4–5 sprigs thyme • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 100g black olives • 2 cups risoni (pasta rice) • 90ml tomato paste • 4 tbsp harissa paste • 900ml water • 1 cup plain yoghurt • Zest of 1 lemon • 2 tbsp chopped parsley • 1 tbsp chopped mint

Preheat oven to 200°C. Place the chicken pieces in a casserole or baking dish with the tomatoes, garlic and thyme. Drizzle with olive oil and season well. Roast for 20 minutes or until the chicken is golden and the tomatoes caramelised.

Remove the pan from the oven, add the olives and sprinkle the risoni over.

Whisk the tomato and harissa pastes and water together.

Pour over the chicken and risoni.

Cover tightly with a lid or foil and place in the oven for 30 minutes.

Remove the lid/foil and roast for a further 30 minutes, until golden and sticky.

For the yoghurt, combine the rest of the ingredients and season well.

Serve the chicken with the minted yoghurt.

SAVE ON YOUR GROCERIES! Use your Sanlam Money Saver credit card – the only credit card that gives you guaranteed 5% cash back with every swipe when you choose the co-save option! Learn more at www.moneysaver.cards.

T&Cs apply.

entertainment

5 minutes with

Q&A Born: Cape Town Acting icon: “Viola Davis.

She’s taken ownership of her career and the characters that she plays. For me, she’s really a spearhead for black actresses throughout the world.”

Favourite Showmax series: “Legacy!

Showmax is doing amazing things for South Africans to be able to see and enjoy our own work.”

Interview: Dominique Bowen; Images: Lindsay Appolis

Best money tip: “As soon as you start working, start working on that retirement plan too.”

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Class 5 Minutes with actor Ilse Klink

act

No stranger to the big and small screens, Ilse Klink is one of the stars fans can look forward to seeing in the Showmax Original series Skemerdans. The award-winning actor shares her experiences of filming, teaching and being part of local TV’s transformation.

“It’s something that chose me” “When I was four years old, I used to imitate people who came to the door to sell stuff or look for something. At primary school, I participated in a competition, and I had a

YOUR SHOWMAX BENEFIT IS COMING SOON! Skemerdans is scheduled to launch on Showmax in April 2021. Get up to 5 months’ Showmax streaming, on us, as one of your NEW entertainment benefits. To learn more, visit sanlamreality.co.za/ benefit/showmax.

T&Cs apply.

crown and people cheering for me. That was the beginning of everything for me. I don’t think it’s something that I chose.”

“I’ve got all this knowledge after 27 years of experience; I should just give it to the people who need it.”

“Forgiveness is the biggest thing you can do for yourself”

“Skemerdans was one of the better filming experiences of my life”

“In every production, there’s something embarrassing that happens. But you take it in your stride and you remember that it’s a job like any other, and you’re allowed to make mistakes. You have to forgive yourself immediately.

If you don’t, you carry that mistake through the rest of the show, which is unfair to the audience.”

“I’ve always been passionate about teaching” “If you can’t change the world around you, make a change where you are. And for me that is what my [Class Act with Ilse Klink] YouTube channel is, especially for young people who don’t have the money to go and study drama or film.

“It was one of the first times that I’ve ever worked in Cape Town with the local talent.

It was a wonderful exchange of talent, and exchange of work that went on between actors.

“I got to work with people like Brendon Daniels, who I’ve longed to work with for many years, and Carmen Maarman, Vinette Ebrahim – people who I’d never worked with before.”

“The story of Skemerdans was really amazing” “It explores the underbelly of Cape Town, the club scene, and what happens after dark. It was an excellent story to tell! And it was really beautifully shot.”

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In 2020 48%

Of South Africans said their financial confidence was worse than it had been a year ago.

60%

61%

Of us have been concerned about meeting our financial obligations.

Of us have been working hard to adopt habits to save money.

Planning for tomorrow, today.

Building up a pot for the unexpected.

Making financial tools work for you, like your credit card.

Putting aside a % of your spend as savings and seeing this grow over time.

Working with your financial planner to structure a portfolio of products that build wealth and reward you for your financially responsible choices.

Sanlam’s Money Saver credit card helps you save as you spend.

Turn the page for more

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Source: Boston Consulting Group Center for Customer Insight (2020), McKinsey Survey: South African consumer sentiment during the coronavirus crisis (Nov 2020), Old Mutual Savings & Investment Monitor: COVID-19 Special Report

IN 2021, IT’S TIME TO TAKE BACK YOUR FINANCIAL CONFIDENCE, WHICH MEANS:

real world 70

72

Save every time you swipe, plus get cash back on your fuel

See all of your benefits

inside sanlam reality

You can earn tier points... from home! Visit sanlamreality.co.za/ earn-points to learn how.

Many of your benefits, like your Personal Assistant, are available on the Sanlam Reality App. Go to sanlamreality.co.za/ benefits to view your specific benefits, tier status and discount percentage.

real world

money saver credit card

Ready for guaranteed cash back...

no hoops, no tricks, no false promises?

EARN 5% CASH BACK IN THE FORM OF WEALTH BONUS, WHEN YOU CHOOSE THE CO-SAVE OPTION ON THE SANLAM MONEY SAVER CREDIT CARD.

GIVING YOU EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT

51%

32%

73%

Of you say that you belong to loyalty programmes to save money.

Of you love to receive exclusive member benefits.

Of you prefer cash back as a benefit.

Source: Truth Loyalty Landscape Research Insurance Sector, 2018/2019

It’s why we’ve partnered exclusively with Total to give you a guaranteed R1 in cash back for every 1ℓ of fuel you put in, using your Sanlam Money Saver credit card.

That’s it – no hoops, no points you need to achieve... nothing. Just use your Sanlam Money Saver credit card to pay for your fuel at Total, and you’ll earn cash back guaranteed, every single time.

How swiping your Sanlam Money Saver credit card could help pay your child’s school fees... and more!

• Sipho moved his total monthly spend of R15 000 on his debit card to his Sanlam Money Saver credit card.

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• This means he adds an additional 2.5% of everything he spends (except fuel) towards earning Wealth Bonus, and Sanlam matches this.

• For every litre of fuel he puts in at Total using his card, he gets R1 cash back.

Photography: Shutterstock, supplied

%

Here’s how Sipho gets R9 500 Wealth Bonus annually, which he puts towards his son’s school fees: SIPHO’S ANNUALISED CO-SAVING

REWARD PARTNERS

SANLAM’S ANNUALISED CONTRIBUTION

80% Of Sipho’s transactions with his card weren’t with Reward Partners, so he contributed 2.5% of these spend amounts to his Wealth Bonus = R3 600

20% Of transactions were at Reward Partners, who added 2.5% to Sipho’s Wealth Bonus = R900

Sanlam matches Sipho’s 2.5% co-saving and the 2.5% earned from Reward Partners = R4 500

+ Sipho got R1 cash back for every litre he put in at Total monthly = R500 saving for the year

TOTAL ANNUALISED WEALTH BONUS

APPLY TODAY Learn more about the Sanlam Money Saver credit card and apply online at www.moneysaver. cards.

R9 500

Names are illustrative, but figures are real.

Terms and conditions apply. Managed by Sanlam Reality, the loyalty programme of the Sanlam Group. Facilitated by RCS, as the Registered Credit and Authorised Financial Services Provider NCRCP 38. FSP 44481. The Wealth Bonus is administered by EasyEquities, an Authorised Financial Services Provider. FSP 22588.

AUTUMN 2021 SANLAMREALITY.CO.ZA

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real world

benefits

Sanlam Reality

benefits table All you need to know about your benefits and discounts as a Sanlam Reality member.

Reality Health

Reality Plus

Reality Core

Sanlam Life Cover

Up to 30% off

Up to 30% off

n/a

Sanlam Personal Loans

Cash back reward of up to 20%

Cash back reward of up to 20%

Cash back reward of up to 20%

Wealth Sense

Online financial platform

Online financial platform

Online financial platform

TaxTim

Complimentary tax assistance

Complimentary tax assistance

Complimentary tax assistance

Virgin Active

As much as 60% off

n/a

n/a

Planet Fitness Gym

As much as 80% off

As much as 80% off

As much as 60% off

JustGym

As much as 80% off

As much as 80% off

As much as 60% off

Independent Gyms & Studios

As much as 60% off

As much as 60% off

As much as 40% off

Mango flights

As much as 30% off

As much as 30% off

As much as 20% off

Emirates flights

As much as 25% off

As much as 25% off

n/a

Protea Hotels by Marriott®

As much as 30% off

As much as 30% off

As much as 20% off

Tempest Car Hire

Pay as little as R240 per day

Pay as little as R240 per day

Pay as little as R240 per day

Uber trips

As much as 30% off

As much as 30% off

As much as 30% off

Bidvest Premier Lounges

Up to 20 visits/year

Up to 20 visits/year

n/a

Nu Metro movies & refreshments

R30 for 2D or R50 for 3D; R35 for refreshment combo

R30 for 2D or R50 for 3D; R35 for refreshment combo

R30 for 2D; R35 for refreshment combo

AlwaysOn Wi-Fi

1GB data/month

1GB data/month

n/a

Reality magazine

Three times a year

Three times a year

Three times a year

NEW! Showmax subscription

Five months on us

Five months on us

Four months on us

Personal Assistant

24/7, 365 days a year

24/7, 365 days a year

24/7, 365 days a year

Dial-A-Teacher

Educational help and call-back service

Educational help and call-back service

Educational help and call-back service

Legal Assist

Legal helpline (24/7)

Legal helpline (24/7)

Legal helpline (24/7)

Trauma, Assault & HIV Assist

Expert assistance helpline (24/7)

Expert assistance helpline (24/7)

Expert assistance helpline (24/7)

NEW! Ivy Online education platform

Free online education platform for Grades 8-12

Free online education platform for Grades 8-12

Free online education platform for Grades 8-12

Earn up to 5% cash back and R1 per litre on fuel

Earn up to 5% cash back and R1 per litre on fuel

Earn up to 5% cash back and R1 per litre on fuel

Wealth

Health

Travel

Entertainment

Day-to-Day Sanlam Money Saver credit card

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Pricing correct at time of print.

Personal Services

You don’t need to fly overseas to go on an adventure

Enjoy up to

30%

off Mango flights.

To book, go to sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/mango-flights or call 0860 732 548/9 for more information. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.

Save as much as 30% on Uber!

Download the Uber app and register with the same contact info that Sanlam Reality has on record for you.

Accept the email invitation from Uber to enjoy your benefit.

Save on trips between 10pm-4am.

Save on anytime airport transfers to and from the major airports in Cape Town, Durban, Jo’burg and Port Elizabeth.

Call 0860 732 548/9 if your Uber app contact info doesn’t match that of your Sanlam Reality membership. For more, go to sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/uber. T&Cs apply.