Prime December 2024

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EDI T ORI A L COMMEN TA RY

NEVER STOP

DANCING

PUBLISHED BY

Picasso Headline,

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ictured on our cover is an In our travel section (page 8), we international superstar, recommend three seaside spots to someone who altered the mix sunshine with a different sort course of history for so of safari, and we have vitality many South African inspiration in our health dancers and – through his section (page 11), where – visionary actions – helped naturally – the key piece alter perceptions in this of advice is to “never country about whose stop dancing”. stories get told through the When it comes to finances medium of dance. He is not and investments, we prefer not only a powerful presence, but to muck around – and neither also a kind, warm and loving should you. We have a couple of Editor soul. And a investment tips on page 12, and Keith Bain one-of-a-kind humanitarian. His talk about ways of getting into name is Gregory Maqoma and, at the retirement property game on the ripe young age of 51, he feels he is at the pages 14 and 16. pinnacle of his career – and ready to spread Finally, we recommend how to start his wings wider than ever before. dabbling in art collecting on page 19, While dancing is his lifeblood, keeps him where we also spotlight a new way of vital and connects him in some ethereal experiencing one of Africa’s rarest flavours: way with a force he says is bigger than all of Kalahari truffles. us, he will, this month, give his final public performance. As a teacher, a world-class Enjoy! And remember to keep dancing … choreographer and a multidiscipline artist, however, he is ready to try new things, take on potentially undiscovered passions and perhaps learn to dance to a different beat.

Whether it’s his disciplined mindset or Gregory Maqoma, a quirk of his openhearted personality, dancing to his own Maqoma has a great deal to teach us about beat, page 4 life – and how to live each day well. For someone whose professional life has been spent in the spotlight and on the world stage, he says he’s most grateful for the simple things in life. He extols the virtues of living in a peaceful part of Gauteng (Henley-on-Klip) and taking time to walk in nature with his “beautiful life partner” and his dogs (because, yes, love and animals definitely keep us young) or driving to new places where the newness and wonder of the environment feeds his soul just as much as the many opportunities he gets to travel abroad. Turn the page to get a snapshot of his life and learn what inspires him and how he sees the way forward.

A proud division of Arena Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Hill on Empire, 16 Empire Road (cnr Hillside Road), Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193 PO Box 12500, Mill Street, Cape Town, 8010 www.businessmediamags.co.za EDITORIAL Editor: Keith Bain Content Manager: Raina Julies rainaj@picasso.co.za Contributors: Bianca Coleman, Barto van Der Merwe Copy Editor: Brenda Bryden Content Co-ordinator: Natasha Maneveldt Online Editor: Stacey Visser vissers@businessmediamags.co.za DESIGN Head of Design: Jayne Macé-Ferguson Senior Designer: Mfundo Archie Ndzo Cover Image: Marijke Willems Photography

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F IF T Y & F E A RL ES S “escape” when he was a young boy growing up in Soweto.

“It started in the 1980s,” he said. “Dance was my way of dealing with the trauma of apartheid.” Witnessing mine workers turned him on to the power of dance. “These were men living in the hostels, migrants from across South Africa. Over weekends, I watched them dance, competing among themselves, and I saw their euphoria – the euphoria of escapism.

I wanted to emulate that because it felt like something that could help me escape the trauma of the time, too.”

Fascinated by their bodies and their sweat, Maqoma says he also realised that these men danced as a way of surviving and connecting to cultural traditions.

Gregory Maqoma dances so his soul can soar.

By KEITH BAIN

DEFYING GRAVITY

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nternationally acclaimed South African dancer and choreographer Gregory Maqoma will hang up his dancing shoes on 14 December in Los Angeles, after performing a solo piece, The Land We Carry, in front of an audience for the final time.

“I feel like my days of being on stage have come to an end,” he said recently while in Stellenbosch for the Woordfees arts festival, where he performed Exit/Exist. This solo work reflects on the legacy of his ancestor, a Xhosa chief who died on Robben Island in 1873 after his arrest for defying the English colonisers.

“I always wanted to retire from performing while at my peak,” Maqoma said. “Right now, I feel that’s where I am – at my peak.” If you’d caught his performance in Stellenbosch, you’d have to agree: his energy, the sensuousness

“Being able to take charge and be in control of your life – that’s the most beautiful reward you can give yourself.” – Gregory Maqoma 4

of his movements, the muscularity and intense focus – all evidence of an artist at the pinnacle of his powers.

DANCING TO TELL STORIES While Maqoma has spent much of his career using his body to bring untold histories and personal narratives to light, he has also paved the way for many other black dancers and choreographers. His Vuyani Dance Theatre was the first black dance company in South Africa, founded 25 years ago and still breaking down barriers. “It was a deliberate action to create a space where we’re unafraid of telling our own stories the way we want to,” he said. “And a space where dancers can be trained within their own histories and traditions so they can tell their stories inside that space.”

Even as he retires from performing, there’s a strong sense he’s at the beginning of a new chapter, one as powerful as when he first stepped into a formal dance studio in his late teens. Until then, he’d only danced on dusty pavements and in backyards, a means of

At home, he got plenty of encouragement.

“At family gatherings, my mother would erect a small stage for me and I became the entertainer in the family. I imitated Michael Jackson, Tina Turner and other pop stars, and saw how my dancing put smiles on people’s faces. I thought, ‘Something I’m doing is raising other peoples’ spirits’. Those moments of performing for my family were an affirmation of how dancing can connect us.”

For Maqoma, the impulse goes even deeper, into some sort of spiritual connection.

Dancing is also a way for him to connect to the living, the dead and the unknown. When he moves, he feels himself “connecting with the universe”. And, in this difficult-to-explain connected state, he is able to tell stories.

“I don’t even know what to call it,” he said. “Is it a spirit? Is it a force? I don’t know exactly, but there is something that compels me to say something.”

Maqoma may be retiring as a public performer, but it’s unlikely he’ll ever stop dancing. Nor will he relinquish that deep connection with the universe. “It’s time for me to dive into other things that allow me to grow as an artist,” he said. Those “other” things include filmmaking and working with other media forms, while using “dance as a mechanism to open new doors”.

He will continue to teach, mentor and pass on whatever knowledge he can.

“Turning 50 has allowed me to take control.

Allowed me to choose the things I want to do and to choose life over chasing dreams.

Being able to take charge and be in control of your life – that’s the most beautiful reward you can give yourself. It makes you feel younger because you can think more freely. And not always be running after something unattainable.”

Image: Arthur Dlamini

DANCING TO CREATE CONNECTION

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SAFARIS BY THE SEA At these inimitable beachfront destinations, you can watch whales and dolphins cavorting offshore or dive in for an up-close look at wondrous marine life. By KEITH BAIN

GweGwe on the Wild Coast.

GWEGWE

Witness the Wild Coast brimming with wildlife If you shut your eyes real tight, it’s possible – here on the edge of Africa – to feel the Earth’s pulse. It’s no miracle, no ra-ra magic, no mystical trick. It’s the simple confluence of roaring ocean, waves bashing against the rocks, carving up the shoreline in a place known to be the undoing of countless ships. It’s also where guests at the brand-new GweGwe Beach Lodge can bide their time watching for whales and on most days will wake up to the sight of hundreds of dolphins surfing the waves towards the pretty half-moon beach where the GweGwe River terminates just short of the sea near the Wild Coast’s far north.

Situated within the 7 500-hectare Mkambati Nature Reserve on a bluff overlooking the wild waters of the Indian Ocean, the lodge is a soulful place to find your mojo, whether your holiday of choice involves lounging about or pursuing adventures on land or at sea. Its cushy accommodations comprise freestanding chalets architect-designed to look like fishing cabins on the outside, but inside are marvellously luxurious with beds so comfy you struggle to escape them in the morning.

It’s worth leaving your cocoon, though,

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whether to set off with nature guides for beach walks to discover unusual creatures dwelling in the intertidal zone, or for game drives across the reserve and hikes through its patches of dense indigenous forest. You can picnic at rock pools, visit a waterfall that tumbles directly into the sea, or head out to sea. Its remoteness and distance from the nearest town means the quickest way to arrive is by light aircraft or helicopter.

For our money, though, nothing beats the thrill of the boat transfer from Port Edward; it’s 90 minutes on the high seas with dolphins and whales en route, too. South African residents pay a reduced rate at GweGwe on stays booked directly until 9 January 2025. naturalselection.travel

SET SAIL Sailing to Antarctica with Silversea Expeditions is a luxurious way to explore one of the Earth’s most pristine regions. This unforgettable journey offers breathtaking views of glaciers, icebergs and unique wildlife, all expertly timed to showcase the White Continent’s seasonal transformations.

From November to December, witness towering ice formations and penguins’ courtship rituals. During January and February, the austral summer reveals penguin chicks, active seals and whales.

By March, the season concludes with serene landscapes and whale sightings.

Ashore, enjoy guided zodiac cruises, kayaking or hikes led by expert naturalists. Onboard, Silversea’s intimate ships combine adventure with luxury featuring gourmet dining, relaxing spas, and personalised service.

Book now with promotional fares. Contact Cruise Vacations: www.cruise-vacations.co.za | info@cruise-vacations.co.za | 011 514 0564

Thonga Beach Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal.

MABIBI BEACH Witness an ancient miracle in iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Towards the northernmost part of the KwaZulu-Natal coast within the scuba diving-obsessed town of Sodwana is the pick-up point for 4x4 transfers to Thonga Beach Lodge, a secluded and exclusive beachfront resort sensitively built within a dense milkwood forest. It’s a community co-managed and co-owned retreat with pretty freestanding thatch-roof bush suites, some of which have direct views over the tall dunes and out to sea. Marvellously Crusoe-like (without foregoing such luxuries as a cocktail bar, spa and world-class dining), Thonga’s been carefully constructed to ensure minimal environmental impact and tremendous privacy. Best of all, it has something every great beach holiday should offer: no cellphone coverage and limited contact with the outside world.

Wooden boardwalks take guests through gaps in the vegetation to a sandy beach that stretches forever in either direction. You can snorkel in rock pools, go scuba diving or join a boat trip to observe marine life up close. Apart from sunbathing, snorkelling, kayaking and birding, you can witness one of the rarest wildlife events on Earth: during the November to January turtle season, guided night-time beach safaris allow you to see rare loggerhead and leatherback turtles laying their eggs or you can witness hatchlings emerging from under the sand and making their way to the sea. At Thonga, the nature guides go out of their way to help you see this rare primal drama unfold.

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T HE IN T REPID T R AV EL L ER

The Marine in Hermanus.

WALKER BAY thongabeachlodge.co.za

Images: Supplied

Whales, wine and a world-class hotel Through its deep bay windows are postcard views of Walker Bay bookended by dramatic cliffs, fynbos and vast blue skies; keep watch long enough and there’s bound to be a whale. You might hear one, too.

In season, The Marine hotel in Hermanus is the place to glimpse the giant cetaceans – breaching, lobtailing, fluking, logging, spouting and spyhopping – while they’re in residence to calf and nurse their young in the sheltered waters. World-famous for its shore-based whale-watching, the town even employs a dedicated whale-crier, armed with a kelp vuvuzela to alert you to their presence. It means that, at The Marine, perhaps the town’s best-located hotel, you need merely sink into a sofa and wait for various sea creatures to reveal themselves.

As much as Hermanus is evolving and keeping pace with the times, when you cross the threshold into this grande dame of the South African hospitality scene, there’s that rare sensation of stepping ever so slightly back in time, returning to a more gracious era. There are few finer places

Images: Supplied Image: istock.com/Meeko Media

BE SUN SAVVY*

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he 1970s were wild. We basted ourselves with cooking oil to deliberately achieve second-degree burns that blistered, peeled and then faded to a “suntan” – accompanied by nauseating sunstroke. And our parents allowed this with nary a care for the dangers of skin cancer. A bit odd because the correlation had been established some 50 years earlier.

In those good/bad old days, tanning potions were marketed to promote transforming pale white skins to golden brown; today, mothers helicopter around waving bottles of SPF50, applying it to

to take in the sunset, watch the sky melting into the sea, perhaps holding your breath at the sight of a breaching leviathan adding rapture and drama to a perfectly exquisite scene.

Plus, there’s the ease with which you can step across the hotel’s lawn and onto the town’s 12km-long edge-of-the-world cliff path to imbibe its coastline scenery or venture down a rocky pathway for a bracing dip in a nearby rock pool. Hermanus is Africa’s first Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy, and a food safari with Eat Like a Local will connect you with some of the town’s culinary gems. And, if you’re keen on a wine safari, head for nearby Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, where viticulture and biodiversity co-exist harmoniously. Or, from Hermanus New Harbour, you can join a dedicated whale-finding boat cruise and potentially run into Port and Starboard, the sibling orcas who’ve taken a shine to Walker Bay. themarinehotel.co.za

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the scant exposed areas of their children wearing full bodysuits manufactured with UV-protection technology. The sun is evil. The sun is the enemy. It must be defied at all costs.

And the sooner the better – that teenage roasting and toasting already increased the risk of skin cancer in later life – but it’s never too late to use protection, and plenty of it. Sun protection factors can get complicated with the combination of UVA (associated with ageing of the skin and pigmentation as well as skin cancer) and UVB (causes sunburn and is linked to types of skin cancer) rays from the sun, all of which you would want to avoid. (SPF tells you how much protection your sunscreen provides from UVB radiation.)

Popular theory holds that if you can stay in the sun for 10 minutes unprotected without burning (and all skin colours can burn), SPF15 would give you 15 times that protection, or two-and-a-half hours before you burn, assuming it’s properly applied. This should not be relied upon or tested. The sun is not messing around and it’s unlikely anyone can go without burning at 2pm – the hottest, most brutal time of the day. Best to ramp up that SP factor as high as possible, but also be sure to apply more than you think you need, and more often than you think you need it.

Sunblock is expensive so it can be tempting to use it sparingly, but it goes off so if you have a bottle lurking around from your last holiday, bin it. Replacing it is far preferable to visiting a dermatologist. – Bianca Coleman

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F ORE V ER YOUNG

KEEP DANCING Who better to ask about the secrets to growing old – living to 100 and beyond – than those who’ve done so? BIANCA COLEMAN draws on the wisdom of some remarkable centenarians

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pon turning 108, Ada Daniel said it was having dogs instead of children that kept her young. Although science and doctors tell us diet, exercise and genes play a role in determining how long we’ll live, and to not smoke or drink, Agnes Fenton credited her 110 years to downing three bottles of Miller High Life and a glass of whiskey daily.

Gertrude Weaver attributed her 116 years to simply being kind. She also followed the popular advice and didn’t smoke or drink and got plenty of sleep. Adelina Domingues, who passed away at age 114, never fractured a bone, didn’t take any

medications (religion was her drug of choice) and never needed a hospital. Her secret?

Eschewing both vanity and makeup.

Jessie Gallan never married. Shortly before her 109th birthday and just three months before she passed away, Gallan linked the lack of men in her life to her longevity. “They’re more trouble than they’re worth,” she said.

WE DON’T STOP DANCING BECAUSE WE GET OLD; WE GET OLD BECAUSE WE STOP DANCING.

STRATEGIES FOR HEALTHY AGEING It’s a mixed bag to be sure, but experts agree. Besides supplements, extra vitamins, daily plunges into the icy ocean, facials, Botox, surgery and more, there are three pillars to maintaining youthfulness: physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. While ageing is inevitable, some strategies can boost vitality and promote healthy ageing.

Perhaps the simplest is to follow a balanced diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants (which fight free radicals that contribute to ageing) and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which aid heart health and reduce inflammation.

Add these foods to your daily intake: berries, spinach and nuts for nutrients and antioxidants, and fish, flaxseeds and walnuts for those healthy omegas. Drink lots of water, which not only keeps the skin hydrated and looking good, but also helps to flush toxins from the body. Ditch ultraprocessed foods. This is a buzzword at the moment and refers to things such as frozen pizza, ready-to-eat meals, instant noodles and many store-bought breads. Look for long lists of ingredients and chemical additives on the label before you buy.

Regular exercise is a must for cardio and strength training, flexibility and balance.

Falling is an unpleasant reality in ageing and those brittle bones break far more easily than we’d like to admit. Getting enough sleep is important too; aim for seven to nine hours a night and set a regular sleep schedule. Kick stress to the kerb and try yoga and meditation. Even simple breathing exercises can help bring cortisol levels to heel.

For the mind, cultivate activities and social connections, and extend cognitive abilities with things such as puzzles, games, learning a new skill or taking up a hobby.

By applying this advice, you should be able to easily foster a positive outlook on your longer life – with optimism and a sense of purpose.

Remember, we don’t stop dancing because we get old; we get old because we stop dancing.

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MONE Y M AT T ERS

OWN YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY

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ow’s that retirement nest egg coming along? Some will answer, perhaps with a smug smirk, that it’s coming along jolly nicely thank you, as they move things around between their offshore accounts in tax-free havens. The rest will be reading this with a sick knot deep in the pit of their stomach, wondering why this subject is even being brought up. They have done little or nothing to plan for their financial future, which is beginning to look rather bleak when they realise they’ll be working forever …

“In a perfect world, the ideal time to start investing is the moment we earn our first salary,” says financial advisor Saul Smith from Mindshift Wealth Creation. “But this rarely happens.” The good news he says though, is that there is no bad time to start investing and saving so begin today with as much as you possibly can.

“IT’S ALWAYS ADVISABLE TO HAVE ACCESS TO EMERGENCY FUNDS.” – SAUL SMITH If you’re lucky enough to still have the expectation of a long life stretching out in front of you, Smith recommends investing at least 10–15 per cent of your earnings from your first salary – and stick to the plan.

“You should be able to retire by 65,” he says.

“For new investors, a great place to start would be to connect with a trusted and experienced financial advisor,” says Smith.

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“It’s best to get a referral from a family member or trusted friend. It is not advisable to engage with an advisor who you have not been referred to or who has limited experience. Most importantly, you need an advisor who can give various options.” In other words, someone who can advise on a variety of products and across various investment houses.

YOUR CHOICES So you’ve found your advisor, what now?

There are myriad choices and it will be their job to wrangle you and your money most beneficially. Unit trusts are a great way to start saving as they are flexible, says Smith. For those with more foresight, retirement annuities (RAs) are fantastic, especially “if you start really early and build up over a long period of time”. Smith adds that RAs come with tax benefits, which is always a big bonus.

“It’s always advisable to have access to emergency funds,” he says. “A money market account will help with this.”

For investments as opposed to savings, property is still a popular go-to if you’re looking for long-term growth and a steady income. According to Investec, “owning physical property gives you a tangible asset and the chance to earn rental income, but it also involves dealing with property management and market ups and downs”.

If you’re prepared to do research, and a lot of it, Smith says art is becoming an increasingly exciting investment opportunity (read “Social and Savvy” on page 20) as are watches and automobiles.

GOING OFFSHORE Despite the recent decline in South African households’ net wealth shown by the latest South African Reserve Bank Bulletin, Standard Bank’s data reveals a subset of high-income consumers who continue to save and invest. These clients – generally earning over R1-million annually – have been cushioned by their prior savings and investment habits.

Chiko Manokore, Standard Bank’s head of Personal and Private Banking South Africa, also says that offshore investments have become increasingly popular among these clients in recent decades. There is a significant take-up from high-income earners in South Africa and all across Africa, as they look to broaden their portfolios locally and internationally.

“Investing in foreign real estate is a great way to build your offshore wealth portfolio, which also offers diversification and protection from the volatility of the local property market,” says Grant Smee, MD of Only Realty Property Group.

Offshore real estate investment can be done in several ways, from buying an entire home overseas to purchasing shares in an offshore real estate investment trust to investing in a foreign property development, he explains.

Images: istock.com/Bet_Noire, istock.com/skyNext

Comfortable, well-lined nest egg or no-filling pie in the sky?

It’s up to you, writes BIANCA COLEMAN

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API GLOBAL AND CARRICK INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY ADVERTORIAL

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Images: Supplied

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PROPER T Y W ISE

BEYOND BRICKS AND MORTAR Among the many things no one tells you is that getting old will be expensive. Get into the retirement property market ahead of the curve, writes BIANCA COLEMAN

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s life expectancy generally increases, we should be thinking about where we are going to see out our golden years … and who’s going to pay for it.

Everyone’s circumstances are different, of course, and consideration has to be made for whether you are sprightly and feisty or will need frail care. “Old age home” is a term that can strike fear into the sturdiest of hearts; retirement village sounds so much better. Not only do they offer environments tailored to mature wants and needs, but they also present an excellent investment opportunity. And there’s no need to wait until you’re ready to move in.

“For those with capital and who want to invest in (buy) a property in a retirement village with a view to getting rental income, this a wonderful investment for the future as the purchaser can eventually use the unit in retirement,” says financial advisor Saul Smith of Mindshift Wealth Creation.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE There are various types of retirement villages, and some offer life rights. This is a purchase agreement between the developer and the unit holder that guarantees the right to use the property or unit for the rest of the purchaser’s life – or, in the case of couples, on the death of the second-dying spouse.

“This is perfect for people who have less capital and want to do it efficiently,” says Smith.

“There are also rental options at some retirement villages. A retirement unit is a decent option for the long-term investor and is a wonderful asset to leave to one’s beneficiaries.”

Marilyn Thompson worked from age 16 and, like most people, eventually got fed up with it. She loved her house in Devil’s Peak, Cape Town, but it too was getting on in years and as any homeowner knows, the maintenance never ends. “DIY is not a strength (besides,

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I’m exceptionally lazy),” she says, “so I decided I would look for a retirement village instead of moving into a flat and thereafter moving into a village.” She was 66 and fortunate to get “a really good price for my house”.

Thompson, a widow, used cash to buy in Hout Bay, at a small development (12 flats and 29 two-bedroom cottages) all set in beautiful gardens – no roads, only walkways. She says she looked at a few other places that were “either ugly, small or too expensive”; but The Spinney, where her younger sister had also invested in a house, ticked all the right boxes. “It’s bloody marvellous,” she says.

“The reasonable monthly levies include two gardeners, a maintenance man and a nurse who comes around five days a week to check that everybody’s all right.”

Optional extras include exercise, art and bridge classes and Bible Study in the Social Centre. “They call it the ‘Senior Centre’ but that’s ridiculous as we are all quite aware that we are seniors,” says Thompson, now in her 70s. “We’re definitely a community, all looking out for each other, shopping for the sick, lifting people without cars. We also have a monthly pub quiz. We don’t all love each other but we get along fine.”

Thompson’s advice to anyone considering an investment in a similar vein is to consider that age-old adage “location, location, location”. If you want a nice suburb, be prepared to pay for it, she says. “It’s better if you are near family and friends and it’s important to be near shops.

Investigate the rules and regulations. In our case, we pay for the house (no renting) and then we pay a very reasonable levy. Why? Because if we sell the house (or die and the family sells it) we/they get the full purchase price back, but 50 per cent of any profit is given back to The Spinney; that’s why our levies are so low. It’s a very good system but few others do it.”

Retirement village or not, property remains a most secure investment.

The good news is that interest rates have stabilised and experts predict a further cut at the end of 2024.

Buy-to-let is a good entry into the property investment market. A shortage of affordable housing, combined with high demand for it, means potential tenants are thick on the ground. Properties can be renovated to boost their value, which ties into house flipping – buy it, fix it, sell it, make a profit. If funds are limited, do the kitchen first: it’s a big selling point.

During the pandemic, people began working from home, resulting in semigration to more remote areas, particularly on the coast. Investing in larger properties in remote areas could be a good investment as people seek more comfortable and scenic surroundings for their work-from-home lifestyle, according to ooba Home Loans.

Buying a house as a holiday rental is another option, as is renting out on Airbnb.

Nearly half of Airbnb’s African listings are in South Africa with substantial growth potential in lesser-known destinations.

According to Airbnb data, in 2022, the typical Airbnb host in South Africa earned approximately R125 000 in annual revenue before expenses.

Whichever route you decide to take, the first step is to get educated. Learn the basics of property investment and the different types of property you can invest in. This will provide the foundation on which to build your investment strategy.

Talk to estate agents and property developers and don’t be afraid to start small; everyone has to begin somewhere.

Buying a house as a holiday rental is another option, as is renting out on Airbnb.

Images: Filtergrade via Unspash

SOUND FOUNDATION

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PROPER T Y W ISE

Apartment Living:

Eight Reasons This Trend is on the Up

RENISHAW HILLS When looking for prime apartments in secure estates on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, Renishaw Hills in Scottburgh is a good choice for investors. Renishaw Hills is not a retirement village, instead, it is a mature lifestyle estate for those over 50.

This village forms part of the 1300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct, however, only 20 per cent of Renishaw Coastal Precinct will be developed, with the remaining 80 per cent transformed into a stunning conservation area. This approach creates one of South Africa’s largest and most unique developments, offering a harmonious blend of modern living and nature.

Why more retirees are embracing apartment living – it’s not just about downsizing anymore. By BARTO VAN DER MERWE, managing director of Renishaw Property Developments, a subsidiary of the JSE-listed Crookes Brothers Limited

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ownsizing for retirement doesn’t mean downgrading. These days, more retirees are opting for the convenience and community of apartment living in secure estates. Forget the old concerns about cramped spaces and seclusion – modern apartments are designed to suit the active, independent lifestyles of today’s seniors, and there’s more to love than just less maintenance.

So, what’s behind the surge in popularity?

1. Lock-up-and-go freedom. With family scattered globally, retirees want the freedom to travel without stressing about home security. Apartments offer that “lock-up-and-go” convenience, so they can jet off at a moment’s notice without worrying about maintenance or security.

2. Less maintenance, more leisure.

Forget about endless weekends fixing things around the house.

Modern apartment living eliminates the hassle of maintenance. Exterior upkeep, garden services and even some interior repairs are usually covered by levies – leaving you with more time to enjoy life.

3. Declutter and refresh. Downsizing to an apartment is the perfect opportunity to embrace a fresh, minimalist lifestyle.

Hand down those heavy furniture pieces to younger family members and bask in the freedom of less clutter – both physically and mentally.

4. Top–notch security. Apartment living in gated estates comes with state-of-the-art security, from 24/7 surveillance to biometric access control. Plus, having close neighbours creates an added layer of security with friendly eyes always nearby.

5. Ready-made community. Gone are the days of feeling isolated. Apartment living fosters a close-knit, social atmosphere.

Neighbours look out for one another, and estates often come with clubs, from book groups to archery. It’s easy to find your people and make new friends.

6. Access to facilities galore. Buying an apartment doesn’t mean you miss out on space. Residents enjoy access to estate facilities such as sports centres, pools, restaurants and healthcare services.

Hosting family? There’s plenty of communal space for entertaining the grandkids.

7. Accessibility in style. Modern apartments are designed with wide hallways, single-level living and plenty of natural light.

Gone are the days of endless stairs – these spaces are built to be navigated with ease, making them ideal for ageing gracefully.

8. Cost-effective living. Apartments are often more affordable than houses with lower maintenance costs and energy-efficient designs. Expect fewer monthly expenses without compromising comfort or style.

Images: Supplied

Renishaw Hills apartment units.

KNYSNA LIFESTYLE ESTATE

Images: Supplied

Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s scenic Garden Route, Knysna Lifestyle Estate offers an enjoyable retirement experience. This modern, secure development caters to discerning individuals seeking elegance, style and the luxury of space. With only five homes per hectare, it sets the standard for exclusive retirement living in the region.

The estate features two- and three-bedroom luxury homes, boasting breathtaking views of the Knysna Heads, lagoon, surrounding hills, mountains and dams. Residents can enjoy the benefits of a healthcare centre and a sophisticated clubhouse with a bar, library and billiard room. Facilities include a gym, swimming pool, sauna and tennis court for residents with an active lifestyle.

Knysna Lifestyle Estate Located just 5 minutes from Knysna’s CBD and 40 minutes from George, the estate is perfectly positioned for convenience and tranquillity. For more information, visit www.kle.co.za or call 044 382 2139.

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Art Museum & Sculpture Garden Nestled in the picturesque Tokai region of Cape Town, the Norval Foundation is an art museum and sculpture garden dedicated to showcasing the vibrant world of modern and contemporary African art and its diaspora. Since opening its doors in 2018, the foundation has become a beacon for artistic innovation, cultural exchange and art education, offering a dynamic space for art lovers and visitors of all kinds.

At the heart of the Norval Foundation lies a thoughtfully curated exhibition programme that spans painting, photography and sculpture art. The museum’s galleries feature a compelling blend of both historical and contemporary works, giving visitors an immersive experience that highlights the diverse and evolving landscape of African creativity.

Visit the Norval Foundation to experience a rich tapestry of artistic expression, education and innovation.

0876545900 www.norvalfoundation.org info@norvalfoundation.org

S OCI A L & S AV V Y

THE ART OF COLLECTING ART Put your money on the wall

Images:Karabo Mduli via Unsplash, supplied

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e’ve all seen the headlines. Some work by Van Gogh fetches millions of dollars. An Irma Stern painting raises record-breaking amounts at auction. And then, after digging around a bit, you learn that some unknown painter put one shade of white paint over another shade of white and became an overnight sensation, selling their Modernist “masterpiece” for the price of a small country.

Investing in art is different to most other markets – it is not determined by economic ebb and flow, but by forces almost impossible to know. While more risk-averse than most types of investing, there are no guarantees.

“First decide why you’re collecting,” says Denzo Nyathi, a curatorial associate with Latitudes (latitudes.online), an online platform designed to make art selling and collecting more democratic. “Collect in a meaningful way and grow your collection with works that speak to you very personally.”

Nyathi says the first thing to do is beef up your knowledge and develop a sense of

what you like and what isn’t your cup of tea. Start with art that makes you happy in some way. Or that makes you think and wonder. It’s said that great art is not only aesthetically beautiful, but also possesses some underlying enigma – if you don’t fully understand what you’re seeing, that might be a good thing.

Latitudes enables you to see and compare prices and shift through a large selection of options in “a nonintimidating way” – because it’s all online. Good advice is to start small.

If there’s an artist you like, even their most affordable piece will bring you satisfaction.

Obvious but worth remembering is that it doesn’t matter how expensive an artwork is: if you don’t like it, being expensive won’t make it more likeable. Rather buy beautiful work that you love by up-and-coming artists than fork out for a second-rate piece by someone simply because they’re well-known. Never buy art purely as an investment. Art you own should be art you love.

TASTE AFRICA’S RAREST SPIRIT

Kalahari truffles made for sipping

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ove aside Amarula! Kalahari Truffles is set to be the new flavour of Africa.

Also known by their colloquial name n’xabas, Kalahari truffles are found across arid parts of Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and are a very distant relative of French truffles already familiar to the culinary world.

N’xabas have traditionally been harvested by the San people; rich in nutrients and possessing a subtle umami flavour somewhere between a potato and a mushroom, they’re difficult to locate and only found during a brief mid-winter harvest window. The creators of the eponymous new alcoholic drinks brand wanted to promote this culinary rarity while contributing to a sustainable source of income for the people who’ve traditionally foraged for the fungus for personal use and to sell to the handful of chefs who’ve taken a shine to this rare ingredient.

The liquors, produced using a yellow maize spirit base distilled at Pienaar & Sons at Makers Landing at the V&A Waterfront, have a unique flavour developed by independent spirit-maker, Angie Smith, who approached each of the tipples quite differently to create two distinct drinks. One is a delicious sipping vodka with a gentle, but unmistakeable n’xabas infusion. It’s perfect for an elegant, refined palate looking for a taste that is marvellously left of centre. A mere 1 500 bottles were produced in the first batch.

There is also an ever-so-slightly-sweet aperitif infused with truffles and hand-harvested honey and finished with aloe and African citrus fruit.

It gives a slightly bolder expression of the truffles’ earthy umami characteristics captured in a golden liquid. In its first distillation just 950 bottles were produced, making it as rare as – well – Kalahari truffles in summer. kalaharitruffles.co.za

Not For Persons Under The Age Of 18.

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