Pulse web version may 2014

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Vijay Shah Collection

Kabelo Mabane

graham the survivor in SA winner of kzn fashion council

Sabelo Prince Shongwe

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Exclusive interview

the future of SA football

Pulse ... Editorial...

Hi ALL, Meet Graham Jenneker, South Africa’s very own SURVIVOR winner. Pulse Mag finds out what makes him tick and just how much it has changed his life and his views on life itself.

For all your Social, Private and Corporate events, contact Whispering Dreams where a Lifetime of Memories begins.

Whispering Dreams will cater for your every need as Customer Service and Quality is what makes us your choice of preference. Walk in like a princess and walk out as a queen. See more on pages 2 & 3.

While conquering the world of kwaito by releasing nine acclaimed albums, he realised that he needed to invest in his own health, a move that would see him reinventing himself yet again. Kabelo Mabalane shares his journey with Pulse Mag and you the reader.

Is your child eating kid-friendly foods that support overall health and wellness? Find out more about…What’s a loving parent to do? In our Health feature.

Our Entertainment section features the amazing talent of Bollywood Live. This unique group not only specialises in Bolly music, but one can also be treated to Western and Spanish music at their shows.

This month in our Fashion Special Feature, we introduce the KZNFC March Street Cred winner and showcase Akshar Choudrey’s fine jewellery designs as well as the Anglo Platinum award winner Vijay Shah’s magnificent collection.

It’s time to put foot care on your immediate to-do list so your feet will be up to the task of showing off your newest pair of sandals with pride the second temperatures creep into the warm zone. Don’t forget to start these simple foot-care tips now, giving your feet a beautiful new look come spring.

It is said that Italian food nourishes the body and soul by celebrating fresh ingredients prepared with love. Using care when selecting ingredients for your next Italian meal can be the difference between heavier fare and something family members can feel good about, especially at a time when many are striving to eat more nutritious foods. Read more in our Health section.

Page 4

EDITOR ASHLEY PETERS JOURNALIST Sibusiso Kkwanazi PRODUCTION RAJESH DEVJEE MARKETING TBA DISTRIBUTION ALLIED PUBLISHING SPECIALISED DISTRIBUTION INHOUSE HEAD OFFICE 202 ESTCOURT STREET PRETORIA WEST TSHWANE TEL: 012 771 4597 011 051 5159 EMAIL: ceo@pulsemag.co.za editor@pulsemag.co.za sales@pulsemag.co.za B=BBEE Contibutor: Level 3 B-BBEE PROCUREMENT LEVEL 110%

Going back to work for new moms can be challenging. Learning to balance work and family while facing many new stresses can be overwhelming. In our Lifestyle section we share tips and tricks on how new moms can acclimate back into to the working world.

Winter weather can notoriously wreak havoc on skin and hair. While waiting for spring to arrive, a few easy adjustments to your beauty routine can help you look fabulous on even the dreariest of days and ensure that you are looking your best when the weather warms up. Our beauty experts offer some interesting tips for our female readers.

CEO ASHLEY PETERS

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For our travelling enthusiasts, we explore The Garden Route Cluster and the Kruger National Park.

We trust you will enjoy this our third issue and look forward to bringing you the reader, fabulous up to date and exciting articles each and every month.

Until next month…..

Enjoy!

Ashley Peters

editor@pulsemag.co.za SMS SA: 072 907 2894 International: +27 72 907 2894

Whilst every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein regarding articles & advertisements or any consequence arising from it.

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publication or the publisher.

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Contents

08 COVER FEATURE 08 Graham Jenneker

12 pulse interview 12 Kabelo Mabalane

14 Lifestyle 14 New Moms guide to going back to work

20 Special feature

14 Pulse beauty

20 KZN Fashion Council Winners

14 Beauty tips to beat the cold 14 Pamper your feetnow in preparation for Sandal season

22 pulse showcase

16 health

22 Akshar Choudree 26 PlatAfrica 2011 Awards - Vijay Shah

16 Is your child eating friendly foods that support overall health and wellness 17 A meal with a nutritional twist

30 sport feature

18 entertainment the pulse way

32 travel with pulse

18 Bollywood goes live!

32 SA’s National Parks Explored

www.pulsemagsa.wix.com/pulsemagsa

30 Promising future for SA football

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GFOE ASTS UIPR E CO HVO ETR Page 8

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South African multi-award winning novelist Bryce Courtnay once poignantly remarked that “sometimes the slightest things change the directions of our lives, the merest breath of a circumstance, a random moment that connects like a meteorite striking the earth. Lives have swivelled and changed direction on the strength of a chance remark.” This is exactly how Graham Jenneker feels after he outwitted, outplayed and outlasted his adversaries on the television series Survivor South Africa.

GrahamJenneker

“It is definitely a platform and springboard for many things to some for me,” said Graham.

“Since winning, I have found that people now respect my strategic abilities and also they respected the way I remained calm under pressure and I believe that this will help me in the corporate world. I’ve also learned to appreciate everything I have and to live in the moment more often and to have a greater respect for people who live in much tougher conditions that I have ever been exposed to.”

It is not often that someone who walks away from an island with R1 million as prize money will take time to pause and reflect on the situations of others, but this exactly the type of person Graham is. To some, reality TV shows such as Survivor might just be a replay of people willing to be starved for about a month, layers of lies and blindsiding, but to the individuals like him, it is about believing in themselves and knowing that they have a chance of winning.

“The question why I wanted to enter was relatively simple: why not?” he explained.

As a recently promoted Financial Manager, he calculated his odds of winning and with the success of two degrees behind him and third one almost in the bag; he decided to take a calculated leap of faith. But as any seasoned reality show enthusiast will let you know, it takes more than just being intelligent to be crowned a champ. Physical ability ranks very high when it comes to exactly where you fit on the food chain.

“At school I used to play provincial hockey and basketball and that is why I consider myself a sportsman and I also loved being on stage as well, which also requires physical stamina. When I look at the likes of Mark Fish and Cone Krige (who led the two competing tribes on the island), I cannot help but think to the days when my dream was to be a professional sportsman, but unfortunately that ship has sailed. I took away from them that we do not necessarily have to be the same to be effective in whatever we do. For instance, they are both

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great sportsman and hard workers but Corne is a born leader and motivator and leads from the front, while Mark is very inspirational,” he said.

For the lack of a better term, Graham can be seen to be a late bloomer, as was evident on the show as well. At first, he was not considered to be a threat but when he deemed it fit, he gradually showed signs of being a champion. The transition happened when his competitive side broke through during the Waterworld challenge where he assisted his tribe to generate a significant lead, coupled with analytical moves.

“I think I spoke less than a lot of contestants and always came across as always being in thought. I was always the one trying to calculate the numbers and how to split the votes and this must have sometimes made me seem like I was paranoid. I always ensured that before challenges I would think of the best strategy to do whatever challenge was laid to me.”

It might be billed as reality TV, but it does not take a genius to realise that if you stick a camera and a microphone in front of someone and let them know that R1 million is up for grabs, they will pretty much act in any way that ensures they come out a victor.

How much of the real Graham did viewers get a glimpse of?

“I would say that there is not much about me that was too far off my normal character. Obviously I don’t blindside people on a daily basis, but I’m always thinking about the future and my plans.”

This is confirmed by just how long he has taken to wed his long-time girlfriend of 10 years, something that is surely going to be fast-tracked, thanks to the prize money.

closer. Another delay was that I had always wanted to be employed before settling down, and that took another three years to accomplish. But I am happy to say that we have bought an apartment which I believed was more important as I would rather be broke as a result of buying a house and planning a wedding, as opposed to the opposite way around.”

One trait that was constantly visible throughout the season was just how determined he was to make the best out of any situation, no matter how impossible it seemed.

When life throws a curve ball, what keeps him going?

“Never throughout the game did I want to give up, while there were a couple of people around me who wanted to give up,” he recalled.

“During tough times I like to break things down and instead of looking at the big challenge, I break it down into small battles. This helps me to always stay calm and never to panic. I always ask myself what the worst that could happen and even if that does happen, I can always try again.

“Such experiences are great because the lessons that I learnt on the island are applicable in real life as well. For example, I now know that I am able to survive in physically tough conditions. But more importantly, I now appreciate the strength of mind power, as everything all starts and ends there. By harnessing this, you decide if you will win or lose.”

After the press conferences have been wrapped up, gained back a few kilograms after losing more than 12 while on the island and having the cheque in his hand; Is there anything that he regrets doing, or not doing?

“We started dating while we were both in Matric and we then both took a gap year when I went to London and Erin went to the USA,” he said.

“Not really. But I can say that in hindsight I was wrong about not being able to trust a bit more. Then again if that was not the case I may not have won if the situation had been different.”

“While we were studying, which took about six years, we got to know each other and grew even

Spoken like a true champion.

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iv e Ex clu s ie w rv

In te Page 12

Kabelo Mabalane on mastering the skill of adapting and adopting

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here’s a good reason why Kabelo Mabalane is as relevant today as he was in the early Nineties when he was part of the ground-breaking TKZee kwaito outfit. He has an incredible ability to sniff out what is current and uses that not only to bolster his profile, but always to the benefit of the others.

there is no time like the present to bring about much needed change to one’s life,” he noted.

While conquering the world of kwaito by releasing nine acclaimed albums, he realised that he needed to invest in his own health, a move that would see him reinventing himself yet again.

“I was fortunate enough to have had parents who trained when I was young and I had been very active in primary and high school. I played soccer, rugby, tennis, squash and rowing, to name but a few. So later in my life carrying excess weight was a foreign concept as exercise was a firmly established habit in me.

Getting started again was far from easy but I’m glad I started when I did.”

“I simply just got tired of being sick and tired.

I didn’t hit rock bottom neither did anything catastrophic happen. I just remember thinking that how my life was turning out at that time wasn’t what I signed up for. I believed and still believe that I was created for much more,” he said to Pulse.

Better known as Bouga Luv, he clearly has an insatiable appetite for more, as co-owning Faith Records (an independent music company), being a judge on SA’s Got Talent for two seasons and winning a number of South African Music Awards was not enough. He now hosts Kabelo’s Bootcamp on Mzansi Magic where contestants compete against each other in physical and psychological duels, presents SABC’s Sportnite, a multi-sport and lifestyle talk show that saw him winning the Best Newcomer Overall and Best Newcomer Television Presenter at the 30th SAB Sports Journalist of the Year Awards in 2010. All these accolades were simply paving the way to him earning a phrase he has come to embrace: “fitness freak”.

“People can’t wait for that moment when they hit rock bottom. All of us need to assess where we are and whether we are content with our current situation. If not, we need to purposefully do something about it and not procrastinate. The real issue is that we all think we have time, but

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Although Kabelo’s past is tinted with a battle against drugs and a hard life thanks to him being exposed to money at a young age, he chose to go back to a time in his life when he was physically active.

In true Kabelo style, in 2005 he went all in by training for one of the toughest road-running races in South Africa: the Comrades Marathon.

Could he not have found an easier way to reintroduce himself to the world of exercise?

“I would not say easy but there are definitely other ways to stay fit. Nothing worth having ever comes easy. I enjoy running the Comrades Marathon for the mental and physical challenge it poses. The preparation for it teaches me about discipline and perseverance, two principles one cannot do without in everyday life. I do recommend that every South African should run the Comrades Marathon at least once in their life,” he said.

As with all of life’s activities, there will always be those who possess an endless list of excuses why they cannot make exercise a part of their lives, ranging from being too busy with work, raising kids and even being too old.

“There are a myriad of other ways besides running that people can reach their health and fitness goals. The onus is on individuals to get out there and to try different methods and

see what works for them. Whenever I used to make excuses about not having had time to do a certain chore, my late father always used to say: ‘There is no such thing as you don’t have time, you make time!’” he advises.

His father surely would have been proud of him as he has definitely mastered the art of making time to be part of initiatives that truly make a difference in other South Africans’ lives.

“I’m currently shooting a new TV series called “Play Your Part” which is about going around the country and taking an extensive look at ordinary South Africans doing extraordinary things to help propel our country forward. One of these South Africans is Sibongile Mkhabela who heads up the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and has now been seconded to head up the fundraising for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.

“You need only spend five minutes with this woman and you’ll be inspired. The idea to run the Comrades in aid of the fundraising efforts was borne from my time with her and it is also an opportunity for me to help further entrench Madiba’s legacy of active citizenship.”

Along with his long-time friend and fellow musician Danny K, Kabelo also established Shout SA, a movement committed to building a safer South Africa and pleading with all citizens to accept their role in this.

“Shout SA has just built three libraries at primary schools in Mithchell’s Plain, Freedom Park in Soweto and Phalaborwa in Limpopo.

We’re passionate about seeing literacy improve amongst our young ones and are of the conviction that when we educate our youth it will make a dent in curbing the crime pandemic in our country.”

At this rate, Kabelo will never get to a point where he is an irrelevant celebrity.

Running in front of the pack

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LE TY LI FE S

New moms guide to going back to work

Going back to work for new moms can be challenging. Learning to balance work and family while facing many new stressors can be overwhelming.

We share tips and tricks on how new moms can acclimate back into to the working world. * Plan ahead: After working a full day and driving to day-care to pick up your baby, the last thing you’re going to feel like doing is cooking dinner. My advice is to embrace the wonder of the crockpot by letting the machine fill your home with the scent of a freshly cooked meal while you’re miles away at work.

Another time-saving tip is to lay out all your clothes for the week on Sunday to avoid that moment of tearing apart your closet when you should already be in the car. Also, always charge your cellphone overnight.

Another important plan to have in place is your new baby’s feeding plan. According to a survey conducted online, 42 percent of moms returning to work are stressed about how they will feed their baby. Some moms find that substituting or supplementing breast milk with infant formula can make the transition into a working mom much easier.

it is. * Reacquaint yourself with adult conversation before you head back to work:

If you decide to choose that route, be smart about it. In the case of baby formula, skimping on price does not mean skimping on quality

After months alone with a newborn, it’s natural to forget how to interact with adults on a daily basis. Practice conversing with adults other than your spouse a few weeks prior to your return to work. Keep in mind not everyone can read your mind or understand that irrational screaming simply means you’re craving a hug.

* Celebrate the benefits:

* Go shopping:

No, not the dental and vision plans, silly - the benefits you’ve been missing the last few months.

Having a conversation that doesn’t revolve around the consistency or colour of poop, being able to go to an actual restaurant over your lunch break, writing TGIF as your Facebook status update and appreciating that you know what day

Chances are you won’t be fitting perfectly into your pre-pregnancy wardrobe by the time you head back to work, leaving you with two choices: 1. Rock the maternity outfits your co-workers saw you in all those months ago or 2. Wear your mom

uniform of stained, black yoga pants and an oversized shirt to the office. However, there is a third choice and that is to go shopping.

Getting new clothes that actually fit will do wonders for your selfesteem. Just be sure to check your shoulders before you leave the house, as spit up can be more prominent on a black business suit than a ratty old T-shirt. * Give yourself a break: Whether you’re missing your baby, not missing your baby or missing one of your baby’s milestones, allow yourself to have an outburst every now and then.

Just remember to pick yourself up and get back to work. Feeling guilty is a useless emotion that isn’t going to help you focus on your job or get you home sooner to cuddle that baby of yours.

Best of luck, new mom. You can do it.

BE TY AU

Beauty tips to beat the cold and refresh for spring Winter weather can notoriously wreak havoc on skin and hair. While waiting for spring to arrive, a few easy adjustments to your beauty routine can help you look fabulous on even the dreariest of days, and ensure that you are looking your best when the weather warms up.

moisturized longer. * Upgrade your body wash – Overly fragrant soaps can further dry your skin.

Opt for a super-rich, moisturizing body wash and lather up using a silky-soft body sponge.

Our beauty experts offer some tips:

* Break away from breakouts –

* Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize –

Dirt and oil can clog pores and lead to blackheads, as can dry, flaky skin. To prevent blackheads and whiteheads from surfacing, make sure to clean deep into pores regularly and gently exfoliate to keep skin glowing. A good exfoliating sponge can make the process easier.

The cold and dry air can strip skin of much-needed moisture and it’s essential to replace what winter steals. Choose a quality lotion and use it daily. To get extra mileage out of your moisturizer, exfoliate first with a gentle body buff before applying lotion as it will absorb and keep skin

* Help out hair –

While summer often gets the rap as being hard on hair with the sun and chlorinated pools, winter doesn’t go easy on the follicles either. The cold temperatures can leave strands dry and fragile. Indulge in a nourishing hair treatment once a week to combat dryness. Regularly use deep conditioner, or apply hair oil to damp hair.

Try washing hair every other day as to not strip away hair’s natural oils using a shower cap to protect hair in between lathers. * Step up your foot care regimen – Pretty pedicures need not be relegated to summer-only status. Winter can be hard on feet as you trudge through the cold winter in sweatinducing footwear. The cold can promote chapping and cracking, so it’s important to care for feet daily to make sure they are ready for their debut when the weather becomes warm. Treat yourself to an at-home pedicure with a few easy steps. Soak feet in warm water for at least five minutes to soften calluses. Use a pumice or foot stone to gently exfoliate. Trim nails and then smooth with an emery board to achieve round nail edges. Pick a pretty polish to finish.

Pamper your feet, now, in preparation for sandal season est fashion in sandals. Cracked and scaly feet are also a health concern, putting you at risk for an infection. Use a good moisturizing lotion frequently, concentrating on the heels, balls and toes of your feet , areas where the biggest problems build up. * Massage away the stresses of winter –

It’s time to put foot care on your immediate to-do list so your feet will be up to the task of showing off your newest pair of sandals with pride the second temperatures creep into the warm zone. Don’t forget to start these simple foot-care tips now, giving your feet a beautiful new look come spring: * Spring showers bring softer feet – The dry winter air not only creates deep dry crevasses in the soil, it can leave feet cracked and scaly, which isn’t pretty for men or women.

White and flaky feet don’t go well with the latwww.pulsemagsa.wix.com/pulsemagsa

Foot care isn’t just about how your feet look, it’s also about how they feel. Massage and moisturizing go together like peaches and cream. Massage the lotion into your feet and toes, helping to improve your blood circulation and easing the aches and stresses caused by long days wearing socks and heavy shoes.

Massage also will refresh the skin on your feet, giving them the soft appearance needed to look great once the socks are removed. * Scrub off the cold – When bathing, soak your feet and exfoliate areas where calluses caused by the friction of socks rubbing against the insides of your shoes build up. This often happens on the heels and balls of the feet, those same areas that need the extra lotion. Use a pumice stone to help keep those calluses in check, leaving you with soft feet ready for the beach and play-

ing in the sunshine. * Cabin fever? Give your feet a breath of fresh air – You wouldn’t think you’d have to worry about sweaty feet in the winter months, but when confined to socks and shoes, moisture can build up. Wear sweat-wicking socks to help prevent blisters when walking long distances.

And take off your shoes and socks every once in a while to let your feet breathe. * Surprise your feet with a spa package – This tip is for both men and women. Establishing a pedicure schedule will keep your feet exfoliated and moisturized on a consistent basis, and your toenails will be trimmed to a suitable length, helping to prevent any ingrown nails. And if you are planning a tropical spring break trip, be sure to schedule a pedicure just before you leave, so you’ll be ready to show off your feet at their finest.

It takes time to pamper your feet to be ready for sandal season, so be sure to get started moisturizing and treating any infections immediately. Your feet will thank you.

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FE AT UR E LT H HE A

Is your child eating kid-friendly foods that support overall health and wellness?

I

s your child eating kid-friendly foods that support overall health and wellness?

It’s 3 in the morning and your child is awake complaining of aches and pains. You take his temperature, give him some water and sit with him to encourage rest. Parents commonly experience long nights like these, and it can be tormenting when you can’t make your ill child feel better. What’s a loving parent to do?

While every child gets sick now and then, the key to limiting illness and keeping kids as healthy as possible is taking a proactive approach. Dr. Heather Manley, a naturopathic doctor who focuses on preventative health for families and is author of the “Human Body Detectives” series of children’s books, recommends that parents first look at their kids’ diets in order to boost overall health and wellness.

“The digestive system is the gateway to optimally fuelling the body plus the first line of immune defense,” says Manley. “If the digestive system is not working well, germs can get into the body and foods will not be broken down and absorbed into the body’s cells. If nutrients are not absorbed, the body does not get the energy it needs to be healthy - physically and mentally.” * Fruits and vegetables: The fresh facts “Encouraging kids to try an array of fruits and vegetables is really the key,” says Manley. She notes that some kids may have a preference for veggies over fruit, or vice-versa. Try including a mix in their diets. Vegetables typically have more fibre and less sugar, and should be incorporated at every meal. Fruit can serve as a great hydrating snack, especially during the summer months as they help to prevent dehydration or heat exhaustion. Manley suggests munching on Page 16

blueberries, watermelon, plums, and cherries.

What are some smart ways to add more vegetables to your child’s diet? “Broccoli and carrots are the usual kid favourites, but adding local and seasonal vegetables is a clever way to entice a variety of produce into your child’s diet,” says Manley. She suggests starting a garden or visiting a weekly farmers market so children can be more hands on about choosing their vegetables.

She says that asparagus, green beans, peas, tomatoes, beets, lettuce varieties, cucumbers, zucchini and peppers are all vitamin-packed vegetables that are great for preventing illness and boosting health. * Supplements: The key to filling in nutritional gaps It’s no secret that kids don’t always eat what they should. Manley suggests that everyone take three daily supplements: a good multivitamin, probiotics, and omega-3 fish oil.

“With children and teens, the omega-3s found in fish and fish oil are essential for neural (brain) development, skin health, balanced glucose levels, a healthy immune response, a healthy heart, and long-term overall health,” stresses Manley. “Nordic Naturals has always been the number-one choice for omega-3 fish oil products. Their standards and quality testing top the competition, ensuring safe and effective products. They now carry a probiotic which supports the digestive and immune systems with the added bonus of not needing refrigeration - perfect for summer travel.” Visit www.nordicnaturals. com to learn more. * Picky eater? No problem with tasty tips and tricks.

Not all children are going to pick up a fresh beet and munch away immediately. To encourage healthy eating of a variety of foods, Manley offers these expert tips for parents of picky eaters: No labelling: Even if you feel your child is a difficult eater, labelling him or her as one will not remedy the situation, nor will it make your child feel good if they overhear you say it.

Be a role model: Always put the same foods that you eat on your child’s plate too. If this is done consistently, over time your child will eventually adapt.

“Green Eggs and Ham”: This Dr. Seuss classic is a handy book to read regularly. It’s a playful approach that encourages kids to try new foods - even just one bite.

Proactive kids: The more kids are involved in grocery shopping, gardening, chopping, and serving food, the more likely they will want to try the foods.

Food history: Kids love a good story and trivia. Ask your kids what country broccoli came from, or how yogurt is made.

Be patient: Changes do not happen overnight, but patient persistence will ultimately lead to healthier eating and fewer arguments. www.pulsemagsa.wix.com/pulsemagsa

Feed body and soul by giving your next Italian meal a nutritious twist

It is said that Italian food nourishes the body and soul by celebrating fresh ingredients prepared with love. Using care when selecting ingredients for your next Italian meal can be the difference between heavier fare and something family members can feel good about, especially at a time when many are striving to eat more nutritious foods. With some simple adjustments, such as switching to lean ground turkey in recipes that call for ground beef, it’s easy to eat well without sacrificing taste.

A delicious and versatile protein, ground turkey is an easy substitute in recipes that typically call for ground beef.

Lean ground turkey lends itself to a wide range of meals, from mouth-watering pasta dishes to spicy meatball dinners. Here are some simple tips for giving your recipes a satisfying and nutritious twist using lean ground turkey.

Tasty tips for easy Italian meals with lean ground turkey Baked turkey rigatoni: If you’re looking for a quick and tasty weeknight meal that is sure to please your family, try baked turkey rigatoni. Fill your house with the tantalizing aroma of baked rigatoni pasta made with prepared spaghetti sauce, provolone and mozzarella cheeses, browned lean ground turkey and fat free sour cream. Delizioso.

tenderness that your family will love.

Make your next Italian meal a masterpiece by making these simple more nutritious choices.

And remember, Italian dishes are best enjoyed when surrounded by family and friends.

Baked Turkey Rigatoni Makes: 8 servings Prep time: Less than 30 minutes Total time: Less than 1 hour

Mini turkey meatballs: Instead of making meatballs out of sausage, substitute lean ground turkey and combine with your favourite seasonings. Shape into 1-1/4 inch balls and bake until well done, add to spaghetti sauce and serve atop steaming pasta. Or make a hearty and satisfying Italian Meatball Sub: split a submarine roll and top with four piping hot turkey meatballs, spaghetti sauce and shredded Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Savory turkey Tuscan bean and tomato soup: Food is love when it comes to family, and there’s nothing that delivers comfort more than a bowl of delicious homemade soup. Give your next batch of soup a Tuscan twist using Lean Italian Seasoned Ground Turkey. Cook turkey as specified on the package, add canned Great Northern beans, a can of diced tomatoes and reduced sodium chicken broth for a spicy, steamy treat that you’ll feel good about feeding your family.

Directions

Turkey tips: Always remember to cook turkey to 165 C. as measured by a meat thermometer.

Cooking turkey to the right temperature not only ensures a safe meal, but it also achieves the most delicious taste and the perfect, never-dry

1 (16-ounce) package rigatoni pasta 1 (20-ounce) package Turkey 1 cup diced onion 2 (26-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce 6 slices cheese 1 cup fat-free sour cream 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 350 F. Bring large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook 12 minutes or until al dente; drain. Return to same pan. In large skillet, cook turkey as specified on the package. Always cook to well-done, 165 F. Add onion and sauce; simmer 15 minutes or until sauce is thickened and onion is soft. Mist a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Add turkey mixture to pasta. Stir to combine. Layer half of turkey mixture in dish. Top with Provolone cheese. Spread with sour cream. Top with remaining turkey mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

EN T NM RT AI EN TE

BOLLYWOOD LIVE GOES LIVE!

B

ollywood Live was born from the phenomenal success left in the wake of Karma Live - a musical production group that took stages by storm! Audiences still rave about the technical and musical prowess, as well as the creative aspects that far surpassed anything before it! With a backing like that, Bollywood Live is set to claim the rest of its success – and they’re off to an exceptional start!

WHAT IS BOLLYWOOD LIVE? So what is Bollywood Live you ask? I interviewed the “face” of BL to discover the answer to this question, and walking into a quaint and elegant restaurant to meet this livewire, I was quite taken aback to find him casually dressed, extremely approachable and totally immersed in the passion of his work! As the interview progressed, I came to understand that this was just THE BOLLYWOOD LIVE way – with all their members sharing these qualities! Bollywood Live, established in 2012, is the hottest new band, the brainchild of a few innovative and ingenious Capetonians who hail from the legends of yesterday, with the exuberance of young talent to keep their productions fresh, energetic and electrifying!

While they specialise in Bolly music, one can also be treated to western and Spanish music at their productions! Their concerts typically include unexpected elements like flame projectors, intelligent lighting, innovative stage design Page 18

and big screens lowered onto the stage to enchance their opening sequence! Audiences also get bonuses when they distribute branded merchandise at performances, with crowds unable to contain their excited when band members go into the crowd and are tugged at from all directions, with more people adding to the crowd with each passing second!

these awesome BL members, read on!

MAHMOOD “MAGZ” PARKER - THE ROMANTIC CROONER

With the exception of their own families, the members also credit Mr Yaseen Hanware, owner of the Amandla Group of companies, as well as his sister, Mrs YasmenHanware for their copious support in grooming BL to what it has become, and has accomplished to date.

WHO IS BOLLYWOOD LIVE? Well, BL comprises 5 artists, each magnificently talented and equally committed to their art. We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse into each of their lives, and asked each of them the following questions, in addition to gaining insights into their spunky personalities: 1. Favourite Perfume?

2. Devastating phobias?

3. Favourite Past-time?

4. What would you do if you woke up as DeepikaPadukone (ShaahidKapoorfor Zerina)?

5. If you were stuck in the Big Brother house, which 3 items would you take with you?

So, for a sneak peek into the life of each of

While his energy and passion for music is clearly evident when he performs, it’s his uncanny ability to make one succumb to his effortless romantic swoon, that makes him so popular. Inspired to sing for the first time after hearing Sonu Nigam’s rendition of “Sun Zara” from “Lucky”, Mahmood decided to explore his new-found ability to sing, and discovered that he thrived on stage, feeding off the adoration of the crowd, evidenced by the roar of applause, whistling and screaming for encores typical at the end of his stage-presence. In answer to our questions, his responses were: 1. Dunhill Desire Red, 2. Heights, 3. Late night drives, He’d promote Bollywood Live to the ends of the Earth! 5. Ipod, box full of medication and orbitrek. Awesome Guy with a silky, soothing voice, an infectious sense of humour and the ability to launch into song on demand! www.pulsemagsa.wix.com/pulsemagsa

of him!

RAEEZ ALLIE - THE DYNAMIC DYNAMO

ZERINA SABLAY – THE VOICE OF VERSATILITY! Zerina was encouraged to cultivate and pursue an interest in music, by her grandfather, the legendary Dada Parker, of the famed “Talent Search” of yesteryear, which was instrumental in launching many of today’s successful local artists. She is a picture of poised, polished performance, with a vocal talent able to switch from a ShreyaGhosal song, and then immediately to one by SunidhiChauhan – opposite ends of the current music industry. In response to our questions, she said: 1. Bvlgari rose, 2. Snakes, 3. Irritating my husband, 4. Difficult to answer… but I guess I’d have to hide myself away from all the crazy girls and gay guys ; 5. My Ipod, Mommy’s food and Arshaads chicken tikka and laptop(Zumba + Series)

2. Big Black Council Bins and Frogs; 3. Extreme sports such as Quadbiking and , white water rafting; 4. I would open a restaurant/entertainment venue, employing under-privileged, aspiring artists, thereby creating a platform using my resources to attract patrons, so that artists have the opportunity to make a name for themselves; 5. Guitar, salticrax with cottage cheese, a parrot and teach it to sing – So Mahmood can know what it feels like to have someone singing in your ear all day and night !

WHAT YOU WON’T READ ABOUT THEM ANYWHERE ELSE !

Raeez, a modest but proficient singer, has a dynamic stage personality, and this coupled with his ability to do an genre of music justice, makes him a treat to watch! His unbridled love for music is clearly visible whether he shimmies and shakes to his favourite vibey songs, or whether he belts out those ballads with aplomb!

He replies to our questions with the following: 1. Isseymiake; 2. Snakes; 3. Soccer, chilling with friends; 4. I would go to Italy and buy a Ferrari; 5. Soccer ball, Xbox (Fifa), Ipad.

TAARIQ PARKER –THE SHOWMAN…

Having missed a flight from O.R.Tambo Airport, BL immediately turned to music, strumming their guitars and singing, for solace! Within 5 minutes, a crowd was assembling, with many dancing and a few handing them cash!

A heated debate resulted in them missing two turn-offs on the way to an event at which they were to perform, and arrived at the venue with just 30 seconds to spare!

The closeness shared between BL members, allows them to have a conversation in public, using riddles with nobody else being able to understand what they’re discussing!

BL are often integrated into the events they perform at...including being smeared, caked and creamed at pre-wedding celebrations when the wedding families are creaming each other!

Taariq Performed with the SA Navy for the Indian Navy at CTICC! All BL artists have been opening acts for international artists!

BL performed at a fund raiser for the March Ladies which raised R??? (will find out amount) for the Red Cross Childrens Hospital.

UZAIR PARKER – THE DARK HORSE. Uzair’s affinity for all things musical started at the tender age of 7 with the full encouragement of his musically-inclined family. He is fully responsible for percussion at BL performances, and has formal musical training, making him exceptionally well-versed with reading music and all technical aspects of productions. He also has a natural flair for ensuring optimal lighting at any venue, and the fact that he commands respect from the rest of the band, all his seniors, alludes to his extensive knowledge and professional value. His responses to our questions: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Diesel tattoo; Snakes; Xbox; I’ll find me in the world; Coke, Xbox, Speakers(music).

This shy, witty and super-talented drummer is an awesome inspiration to other youth, and we’re certain he has a promising future ahead

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Taariq, the band leader, was introduced to the music industry while spending many of his earliest days watching the Chicktay brothers rehearsing for their well-attended national concert tour, as his father, Babu Parker (with over 30years of experience in the music industry) is a huge influence in his life. His own musical affair started with the saxophone at the young age of 11, and he was the opening act for the Sonu Nigam Concert, and a year later, the Sa’ud Khan Concert, with solo performances! A grand feat indeed! Shortly thereafter, at the age of 13, he followed it up with drumming, after which he progressed to learning the guitar at 17 years of age. .He also participated in the famed “Karma Live” production for a period of 2 years, until it developed into the current BOLLYWOOD LIVE. His responses to our questions: 1. Azzaro Chrome;

At one of the events they performed at, Raeez missed his cue and ended up walking onto stage at the exact moment when two flame projectors were set to flare. Apparently, Raeez now has a slightly darker tan...

The audience was treated to a laugh, when BL performed at a concert, and , Taariq grabbed a bottle of water from a stage hand and in the rush of things handed his guitar to the stage hand, walks back to the microphone to do the Spanish songs and then realises he doesn’t have his guitar with him!

With an entire array of events in the pipeline for BL, we’re certain you’re going to hear about them again, and we hope you have the great fortune of experiencing their concerts!

We thank them for granting SA India this exclusive interview, and wish them prosperity and success in all their endeavours!

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FE AT UR E L SP EC IA

MARCH STREET CRED WINNER ANNOUNCED

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ashion enthusiast Sabelo Prince Shongwe is the March winner of the KZN Fashion Council competition, street cred which aims to promote KwaZulu-Natal designers and encourage people to buy local designer labels.

The KwaZulu-Natal Fashion Council (KZNFC) is a non- profit organization established to support the fashion design sector. The organization is founded and funded by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism (KZNDEDT) and the eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Investment “I always want to look different. I keep abreast with what is trending Promotions Unit. The KZNFC supports local designers through a and stylish, but I don’t necessarily always follow trends but rather try number of strategic programmes such as Mentorship, Learning & to incorporate what is trending, with my individual style. This look Networking and Market Access. was inspired by Nollywood (Nigerian Film Industry). Bold tribal prints define Nollywood fashion and tribal prints are trending at the moment, Entries can be forwarded to admin@kznfc.co.za so incorporated that with my taste. I am big fan of David Tlale, and I love his hi/low hem shirts and bling, so incorporated all of that into my The KZNFC can be contacted on www.kznfc.co.za / Facebook and twitter. outfit”, says the ecstatic Shongwe.

The competition considered the Facebook “likes” on our official page Contact person: Nomonde Masoka - Operations Manager as well as the judge’s ratings to establish the winner. A total of 11 outfits which complied with the terms and conditions of the competition Cell: +27 76 803 4660 / Tel: +27 31 825 8569 / Email: nomonde@ kznfc.co.za were entered to the final draw, and were all posted on Facebook.

The competition is open until November 2014. A winner is selected Shavera Sayed, Acting Programme Director, Cell: +27 84 593 2804, each month, and stands a chance of winning a R1000 voucher to shop Email: shavera@kznfc.co.za at a local designer shop / boutique.

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A

KSHAR CHOUDREE-FINE JEWELLERY was an inevitable consequence of the energy, zest, passion and enthusiasm which lay nascent in the young Gemologist from the age of 15.

Success in a high-end, luxury market demands meticulous and exquisite designs matched by quality materials, a mantra religiously adhered to at AKSHAR CHOUDREE-FINE JEWELLERY. Style and sleek design intrigued Akshar from a young age which prompted him to design, craft and fashion his first piece at the age of 15, his first foray into the world of jewellery design. Whether it’s a ray of sheer golden light or a sumptuous dazzle of pure, white brilliance, the incandescence of his pieces will mesmerize you.

Collaborative endeavours with renowned and celebrated couturiers enabled him to showcase highly anticipated bespoke collections on runways covered by the international press & media. This exposed and allowed him to cater for a niche market- fashionable clientele with a taste for opulence and extra-ordinary extravagance. His notable achievements include exhibiting his high diamond bespoke collection at the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup amongst other esteemed designers.

July 2011 saw Akshar Choudree collaborating with renowned Fashion Guru Gavin Rajah for Cape Town Fashion Week to re-create opulent jewels reminiscent of the Maharaja of Patiala’s obsession with fine jewellery. SAIFTA(South Africa India Film & Television Awards) 2013’s March Curtain Raiser event saw AK-

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SHAR CHOUDREE-FINE JEWELLERY collaborating with Mumbai based couturiers “Alpa-Reena” as a main feature of the show & decked out several Bollywood stars with his high diamond jewellery, including Dia Mirza, Farah Khan, Rakshanda Khan, Raveena Tandon, Richa Chadda & Shilpa Shirodkar.

Complementing inspired pallets of different collections reflecting heritage, irreverent use of colour, pattern and unique silhouettequality gemstones, fully faceted diamonds and precious metals such as white gold and platinum meet exceptional craftsmanship to create collections that abound in luxurious detail and absolute perfection.

Bold coloured gemstones such as ruby, emerald, sapphire, tourmaline and tanzanite, unusual metal textures, intricate setting techniques such as micro pave and the more traditional milligrain and a heady sensuality come together to bind both classic & contemporary styles in a manner rarely seen.

Not only does Akshar Choudree oversee the smelting process of his team, but also has in house designers and craftsman, with whom he works to create his seasonal collections. Their expertise in setting diamonds with precision and experimenting with both modern and classic designs has resulted in pieces which are the epitome of exquisite splendour, evident of an era of beauty and innocence. The eclectic nature of his interests and experience as a Gemmologist and Jewellery Designer, who graduated from the prestigious Gemmological

Institute of America (GIA) as a Gemmologist and an Accredited Jewellery Professional and obtaining further qualifications of a Graduate Pearls Diploma and a Jewellery Design Diploma. He also won the GIA Jewellery Design Award at GIA in New York, a city which is home to some of the most elite jewellery houses in the world.

His attendance at international jewellery and diamond exhibitions exposed him to the latest in design trends, cutting-edge equipment and machinery as well as obtaining exclusive inside knowledge of the selective and preferential demands of different countries and markets.

He trained with the largest diamond processing company in the world, Rosy Blue, where he learnt from some of the most highly skilled Diamond Graders in the industry. Rosy Blue employs some 10,000 people around the globe and has a presence in over 14 countries. He was involved in the task of trading, sorting and valuing thousands of carats of diamonds on a daily basis at the company which is usually the exclusive domain of generations of diamond dealers and is preserved for their progeny and required a rigorous training regime encompassing a six-day week schedule in Mumbai.

He was also involved in cutting and polishing semi-precious and precious stones in exotic Jaipur, his ancestral home, a city renowned for its palaces, exuberance and tradition of royalty, where he learned the finer art of the properties of different stones as well as the intricacies of www.pulsemagsa.wix.com/pulsemagsa

OW SH SE

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cutting and polishing.

Akshar was privileged to have undergone his training in rough diamonds with DTC Sightholder KARP group, Surat, one of the most well respected diamond manufacturing companies in India and globally, which received the most prestigious awards by the Indian Diamond Council and Government of India for its export achievements.

AK

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mentary aspects of fashion which proves beneficial for both elements of interrelated design. This allows the opportunity of showcasing a collection with the movement and fluidity of jewellery as wearable icons, interacting with both outfits and models in a real-time environment. One can never err with the combination of haute couture, refined craftsmanship, sophisticated glamour and undisputed femininity!

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AKSHAR CHOUDREE-FINE JEWELLERY was established with the intention of being showcased on runways internationally in conjunction with leading couturiers in a symbiotic relationship between elegant apparel matched with the sophistication of eye-catching accessories encrusted with precious and semi-precious gemstones. AKSHAR CHOUDREE-FINE JEWELLERY achieves this synthesis of two such comple-

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EL LE RY W JE

DUT Wins Third Place at PlatAfrica 2011 Awards

A team of Jewellery Design students from Durban University of Technology have been awarded third place in the PlatAfrica 2011 design competition. This year’s competition themed Platinum Romance, was sponsored

by Anglo Platinum Limited in conjunction Metal Concentrators and Johnson Matthey.

The prestigious awards ceremony was held at Arena Royale in Fourways, Johannesburg at the weekend.

of ideas for different design concepts. Together we created five unique pieces as part of our range, For Richer or Poorer. My professional input assisted students with their design concepts and technical construction of their pieces.”

Jewellery Design Lecturer, Samantha Vincent said: “We are extremely proud of our student’s performance. They have exhibited great skill and exceptional talent in their design and craftsmanship. Students worked on this competition for five weeks from conception to finished product. This year’s theme focused on marriage, a lifetime’s promise which can be best delivered by the most enduring and pure of precious metals, platinum. It is not only remarkably rare but also exceptionally durable. These unique qualities continue to make platinum jewellery the perfect choice for bridal jewellery across the globe.”

Sphelele Mbhatha

Shah said: “After winning the professional category twice, I discovered I had a greater hunger to learn and share my knowledge. I have a long standing relationship with the Department of Jewellery Design and I opted to mentor students and the outcome has been quite remarkable. It began with brainstorming

Songezo Baleni

Jewellery Design Lecturer Office: 031 373 6675 Mobile: E-mail: samanthav@dut.ac.za Designer Vijay Shah

Shah holds degree in Fine art from University Vijay Shah Jewellers Durban Westville and 20 years of experience Mobile: 0827896062 as an established designer. Over the years he E-mail: vijayshah@telkomsa.net has spent hours perfecting his work, creating The annual competition was open to universities masterpieces for local celebrities and members across South Africa, private design studios of the general public. and individual designers. The Department of Jewellery Design has participated in the He said: “I am passionate about my work and annual competition since 2006 and in 2009 it design is my specialty. Over the years I have was included as part of the third-year Work created an eclectic range of jewellery, many Integrated Learning curriculum. In 2009 third- with South African influence. My work is year students worked in groups with designers, based on the local context, I believe in giving Vernon White and Vijay Shah. White’s group back to society and local development. My went on to win first place in the Group category inspiration however is drawn from many and Shah took the first prize in the Designer elements and influences.” category.

Shah enjoys creating unique individual Having won the Anglo Platinum Professional pieces, for people who have an appreciation Design category for two consecutive years, for art, craftsmanship and design. He said: Shah opted to work with DUT students this “Jewellery design is an evolving industry year. Students also worked closely with design that has introduced many different techniques professional, Tommy Dannhauser to put over the years. There is always room for together a unique range of jewellery to be worn improvement in the trade. I have enjoyed working with the students and they possess by the members of the bridal party. great talent and the skills to further develop The third place group’s theme, For Richer, for and establish themselves. The key to being a Poorer, envisaged a union of a man from a successful designer is to treat each client as a middle class family and woman from an upper celebrity, create items that are unique, versatile class family and used chrysanthemum flowers and reflective of their own personal style and as a starting point for their design conception. identity. Opportunities are endless. You can be Shah’s versatile hair ornament design, titled successful and enjoy what you do.”

Fascinator was complemented by the designs

by Jongani Mzukwa, Sphelele Mbhatha, Collin For more information, please contact: Ngiba and Lungelo Dlamini. The group was awarded a cash prize of R8000. BTech student, Jongani Mzukwa Songezo Baleni received a Merit Award for his wedding ring design in submission for the Mobile: 079 053 2525 E-mail: jmzukwa@gmail.com Individual Student category.

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Mobile: 074 349 9698 E-mail: mbhatha.sphelele013@gmail.com Collin Ngiba Mobile: 079 867 8509 E-mail: collinngiba@gmail.com Lungelo Dlamini Mobile: 0721191210 E-mail: flipzyd069@gmail.com

Mobile: 083 239 5052 E-mail: songezobaleni@webmail.co.za Samantha Vincent

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Vijay Shah Vijay Shah, two-time winner of the Anglo Platinum Award, is Durban’s go-to guy for a show-stopping wedding trousseau.

Bubbly, engaging and deeply inspired by his craft, his success in designing bespoke pieces is no overnight sensation. After his studies, he learnt the trade during his 11 years at the benches with his father in the family business before establishing his own studio in 2002.

My favourite things are a neckpiece made from black polyurethane with a pendant of Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles, and my metallic silver 1997 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC. It’s iconic – it speaks of the age of elegance and is the most beautiful car I’ve ever seen.

Favourite book? Eagle In The Sky by Wilbur Smith Gold or silver? Gold Local jeweller you admire? Without a doubt, my father Kishore Shah for his passion for jewellery.

Manual or automatic? Manual Awards or strong sales? Awards ‘It was tough love, but my father taught me everything I know and put me through the paces as an apprentice with no preferential treatment. By 2002, I needed to break away; I was bursting to design again.’

CONTACT Web: www.vijayshah.co.za Tel: 031 564 2948

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SH AH VI JA Y Page 28

THE COLLECTION

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FE AT UR E SP OR T

Promising future for South African football

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he recent South African Football Association Under-17 Inter-Provincial Tournament was part of president Danny Jordaan’s plan to develop youth football. Judging from the talent displayed, the future of the local game looks promising.

Kaizer Chiefs’ under-17 right-winger, Katlego Mashego, looks nothing like a footballer. He is short, has small shoulders, a narrow chest and skinny legs that seem as if they can barely kick a ball. But when he puts on the club’s gold jersey, he transforms into a potent attacker, beating defenders with clever feints and speed. Labelled the team’s star player by his coach, the former Bafana Bafana midfielder Arthur Zwane, Mashego represents everything that is right with development football at the moment.

The 16-year-old was chosen for the provisional South African under-17 squad out of 240 promising footballers who featured at the South African Football Association (Safa) under-17 InterProvincial Tournament held at the Nike Training Centre in Soweto between 1 and 5 April. All nine provinces, including the academies of Wits University, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, were part of the spectacle. And the talent on show will give South African football administrators and fans something to look forward to in the future.

The tournament forms part of Safa president Danny Jordaan’s drive to overhaul youth football in a country where the game at development level has been neglected in recent years.

This is evident in that the last time Safa hosted this very same tournament was in 2010.

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Maqsood Chenia, one of three South African under-17 selectors who were scouting players in Soweto, said the tournament presented him a base from which to judge players who might have the talent not only to enter his team but also to become regulars for Bafana Bafana.

“The senior team is forced to choose from a limited bunch. That’s why tournaments like this will be very forthcoming for selection.”

Provinces disrupted by poor reparation Chenia was pleased with the talent seen at the tournament, especially that of the academy sides. However, he was concerned about a few provinces that did not perform too well, including Eastern Cape and Northern Cape. “As Safa, we should be concerned that we are not doing enough in those rural areas.”

He explained that the selectors felt a South African under-17 B-team should be put together so that talented individuals from the weaker provinces could be selected. “We would give provinces like the Eastern Cape an indication that two or three of their players are selected so they can work on those players. We have to pick 20 players from about 240. That’s less than 10%. So the overflow must be taken into consideration.”

Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal claimed to have talented teams, but their performances were lacklustre because of poor preparation.

Gauteng had problems assembling their squad a day before the tournament began. KwaZuluNatal coach Doctor Mkhonza said his team did not have enough time to train, having only as-

sembled a day before departing for Johannesburg. “We didn’t have a single day to prepare.

We just drove up here and played.”

His team’s left-winger, Ncebo Nala, said the players did not know each other before leaving for the tournament, which affected their performance. “We all met each other for the first time on Monday [two days before the tournament]. We were picked up in Pietermaritzburg and came [to Johannesburg] on Tuesday. We drew the first match against the Eastern Cape because we didn’t know each other.”

Nala, who has been picked for the provisional South African under-17 side, said the problem could come from the difficulty in bringing together players who lived far from one another.

“It’s a problem because some of us are from Mtubatuba and ‘Maritzburg and others are from Newcastle and Durban.”

Despite being an academy team, Kaizer Chiefs also had to deal with administrative problems just before the tournament began. Zwane said they were going to register players born in 1997, but Safa enforced a rule stating that only boys born after 1998 could participate. They did not have much time to quickly scout for players. “We could only look for players in Gauteng because it wasn’t going to be easy for us to go out and scout nationally. So we had to look for players who were doing well for their respective teams.”

But Chenia said the teams had no excuse for their poor preparation as they were informed about the tournament months before it started. www.pulsemagsa.wix.com/pulsemagsa

“When the tournament was well advertised, why weren’t the teams prepared on time? What are their excuses? If there are administrative problems they need to be sorted out.”

Academies have the advantage Provincial coaches argued that having academies participate in the tournament did not give their teams a competitive advantage nor did it give their players an opportunity to be considered for the South African team.

Mkhonza said that his team did not stand a chance at winning the tournament against the likes of Chiefs, to whom they lost the semi-final 3-0. The difference, he said, was that academy players had been training every day for a number of years and they knew each other really well, whereas the provincial sides lacked training, competitive match experience and rapport among players.

When the tournament was drawn up, Chenia said, the idea of including academies was a concern. However, their inclusion would allow provinces to gauge where they were in terms of their development. “Teams like the Eastern Cape, which lost 5-0, would go back and realise they needed to do a lot to improve their game. If the tournament only had the provinces, they’d never get to know where they were.”

Academies had a great support structure that could help players ease their way into the professional setup, Zwane pointed out. Those who came out of the Kaizer Chiefs academy would have been honed to such a point that they would be able to sign professional or development contracts with the club by the time they turned 17.

Being in an academy, Mashego said he and his teammates developed quicker than most players. His team trained every day and experienced coaches were on hand to refine their technique and mental abilities.

meiros Academy three years later. He joined Chiefs nine months ago, and will be one of the youngest players in their under-19 squad when they travel to Cape Town for the Metropolitan Under-19 Premier Cup later this month. “I don’t think it is good for a player just to start when he’s 13 because at that age you’re expected to have some of the basics as a player.”

Mashego is eager to work hard for his success, an attitude he expresses clearly on the field. “At the moment I would say that I have the ability [to succeed] because at Kaizer Chiefs we train at a high intensity every day so that when we go into a game we don’t struggle. And I think that helps me as a player to go anywhere in the world to compete,” he said.

Centre for South Africa’s future football stars There are currently 56 promising players enrolled at the NWU Soccer Institute.

Simphiwe Mafene hopes to turn pro after completing the scholarship.

Students at the institute have access to state-of-the-art training equipment.

South African youngster Andile “Ace” Khumalo recently became a professional footballer for local premier league team Amazulu – a move that’s inspired more than 50 other young footballers to follow in his footsteps.

Mashego said that with the top-class training they received, he and his teammates believed they would be capable of playing in Europe someday. “We all want to play for Kaizer Chiefs but we see the club as a stepping stone to Europe.”

It’s Khumalo’s former playmates and classmates who want to be just like him. The 56 youngsters are all part of the institute, where they are being primed to become top footballers. They are in their first, second or third year of tertiary study.

Football education starts at a very young age

“I want to become a professional soccer player,” said 21-year-old Simphiwe Mafene during an interview. “We are all here with the same purpose of becoming professional players.

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If students don’t join top-flight league teams after graduating, other possibilities are to become a coach or an administrator. A total of 10 students from the 2007 class graduated in 2009, and one of them – Machesa Kgomo – is already employed as the institute’s liaison officer.

All 56 scholarships are funded by the English Premier League, which in 2007 pumped £300 000 (now about R3.3-million or US$463 350) into the institute. Dave Richardson, the league’s chairperson, visited the institute when it opened three years ago.

Vodacom League

Before turning pro Khumalo was part of a scholarship programme at the North West University’s (NWU) Soccer Institute, but Amazulu snapped up the midfielder during this season’s recess after he impressed at trials. He is now based with the team in KwaZulu-Natal province.

He is proof that playing from a very young age will bring out the best in a footballer, he believes – he started when he was just three years old. At the age of eight, he joined Wits University’s academy before heading off to Pal-

Turning out well-educated footballers is part of the programme’s aim. “Gone are the when days when football players were not educated.

We are creating something that our students will be able to fall back on when their football is finished,” said Khulu Nsibanyoni, the institute’s manager.

“Richardson is the man who made it possible for us to secure funding for the scholarships,” Nsibanyoni said.

At under-17 level, coaches are trying their best to prepare the boys for the reserve team. “All of us want to get to that reserve side at an early age so that you don’t struggle going into the first team,” said Mashego. “Current Premier Soccer League (PSL) players, the young boys, they get signed by clubs and when they go to the first team they struggle.”

On the football pitch, Mashego plays with the confidence of a professional in his prime. His passing is crisp, his first touch is effective and he dribbles with purpose. What is extraordinary, and rare for a young footballer, is that he transfers this confidence to his life off the field.

His side may have lost the tournament final 3-0 to a well-oiled Wits University, but the result has not diminished the faith Mashego has in himself. He still believes he will sign his first professional contract with Kaizer Chiefs within the next two years.

Beautiful Game, potential students need to attain a university-entrance pass at the end of matric. Promising players are recruited from all over South Africa.

“We look forward to stepping into Andile’s shoes,” Mafene added.

Midfielder Angelo Kerspuy is another former NWU player who recently secured a place with a top premier league team, Bloemfontein Celtics.

Combining sport and academics The growing football institute was set up in 2007 at NWU’s Mafikeng campus. It offers a three-year programme combining football training and academic studies.

Besides possessing a natural talent for the

The 56 students are part of the NWU team that plays in the Vodacom Promotional League, where they compete with other 15 teams from North West province. Teams in the league vie for promotion to the national first-division league, where they then battle it out for a spot in the Premier Soccer League.

North West University FC, as the Mafikeng team is known, finished third in the 2009/10 Vodacom League, and is the current champion of the South African universities’ league.

Jan “Malombo” Lechaba, former Kaizer Chiefs dribbling wizard, mentors the team. Lechaba said he wants to create more top-quality players. “My fulfilment would be to have produced more than 10 players playing for the national team by 2014,” he said.

The players on scholarship have access to state-of-the-art training facilities, unlike most of their Vodacom League competitors. “You can see that our gymnasium is one of the best,” Lechaba said.

Starting at grassroots’ level The institute works closely with the South African Football Association (Safa), which has endorsed NWU’s development model. It is hoped the model will be used for developing other young South African footballers as well.

“We work within Safa’s strategies,” said Johan Govea, the institute’s director.

The plan is that NWU will turn out quality players to take Bafana Bafana, the national football squad, to the 2022 Fifa World Cup. A number of the institute’s players have already represented the country, albeit at a junior level.

NWU footballers selected for the under-20 and under-23 national teams in the recent past include Sipho Nyafoza and Boalefa Pule.

“We want to create a global centre of excellence on African soil. We want to compete with the best in the world,” Govea said.

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EX PL OR E

South Africa’s National Parks The Garden Route Cluster

& Kruger National Park

T

he Garden Route cluster lies in the picturesque Garden Route on South Africa’s Southern coast and features a range of habitats including rocky shorelines, temperate forests, lakes, rivers, estuaries and fynbos. Tsitsikamma and Wilderness fall into this cluster, as well as the Knysna Marine Protected Area.

The Knysna Lagoon Knysna nestles on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route, in the Cape. It is surrounded by a natural paradise of lush indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches.

The exceptionally beautiful Knysna National Lake Area is home to the endangered Knysna seahorse and a large diversity of marine life.

Sandbanks and salt marshes teem with life and in turn provide food to an immeasurable number of organisms.

Dominated by the craggy bastions of the twin Knysna Heads, the lagoon has borne witness to centuries of trade in timber, ivory and gold.

The Knysna Lagoon

As a result of a relaxed lifestyle, Knysna has over the years, attracted a wide variety of art and crafters, creating an artists’ paradise. One of the last single gauge operational steam trains in the world travels between Knysna and George, called the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe.

A speciality of the area is oysters. They are cultivated in the Knysna Lagoon and served in most of the local restaurants. The Knysna Oyster Company, established in 1949, is situated on Thesen Islands and offers daily educational tours, accompanied by fine cuisine.

Year proclaimed: 1985 Current size: 150 square kilometres Province: Western Cape

Tsitsikamma National Park The Tsitsikamma National Park, “the place of much water”, consists of forest, fynbos, rivers and a five-kilometre stretch into the sea, on the eastern border of the Western Cape.

It protects inter-tidal life, reef and deep-sea animal life, which include dolphins, porpoises and the African black oystercatcher, a red data species of bird. The Cape clawless otter resides along the park’s coastline and rivers.

The dense indigenous forest of the Tsitsikamma National Park.

TISITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK Early morning in Wilderness National Park.

Wilderness National Park

The Knysna loerie and the miniature blue duiker can be seen in the forest.

Year proclaimed: 1964 Current size: 639.4 square kilometres Province: Western Cape In the heart of South Africa’s famous Garden Route, a captivating world of lakes, rivers, estuaries and beaches unfolds against a backdrop of lush forest and lofty mountains - all elements that characterise the Wilderness National Park.

Wilderness National Park stretches from the Touw River mouth to the Page 32

WILDERNESS NATIONAL PARK www.pulsemagsa.wix.com/pulsemagsa

The sun sets behind an acacia tree in the Kruger National Park.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Swartvlei estuary and beyond, where it links with the Goukamma Nature Reserve.

Nature trails wind through densely wooded forest and along tranquil rivers, affording you the opportunity to encounter the brilliantly coloured Knysna loerie, or one of the five kingfisher species that occur here. During spring, a carpet of flowers further enhances the verdant beauty of this national park.

Whales and dolphins can be spotted from Dolphin Point. Or, look out for the Knysna seahorse, the pansy shell, the pied kingfisher, the grey heron and the little egret.

Year proclaimed: 1985 Current size: 1 060 square kilometres Province: Western Cape The Kruger National Park is characterised by combinations of savannah, thornveld and woodland eco-zones.

Kruger National Park The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to

protect the wildlife of the Lowveld, this national park of nearly 2 million hectares is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.

Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals.

Man’s interaction with the Lowveld environment over many centuries - from bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela - is very evident in the Kruger National Park. These treasures represent the cultures, persons and events that played a role in the history of the park and are conserved along with the park’s natural assets.

The park has 13 rest camps, 11 bushveld camps, and 11 lodges.

Year proclaimed: 1898 (officially proclaimed in 1926) Current size: 19 623.6 square kilometres (slightly smaller than Israel) Provinces: Mpumalanga and Limpopo

One of the famous gold rhinos found in the ancient city of Mapungubwe.