Wanted Magazine June 2022 by SundayTimesZA

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TH E MASCULI N ITY ISSUE

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ED’S LETTER

06 / 2022

EDITOR.

Normalising varied masculinities text

Siphiwe Mpye

dynamic, multi-faceted masculinity looks and sounds like: from buff actor/comedian Siv Ngesi (p. 20), Olympic gold medallist (now wine maker and avid polo player) Ryk Neethling (p. 47), and Congolese boxer Emmany Kalombo (p. 25) to the non-binary identifying Sandiso Ngubane (aka rapper Mx Blouse, p. 22) and artist and founder of the Ntethelelo Foundation Thokozani Ndaba (p. 26), a lesbian womyn with a particular connection to her own innate masculinity. We will be publishing her full interview — and those of all the subjects on the fashion pages — on our website (wantedonlinesa.co.za) throughout the month.

hat we have been in a global masculinity crisis for the longest time shouldn’t be in dispute. The only haggle would be how this crisis presents and when one explores this a bit deeper, it is clear we in fact face multiple, diametrically opposed crises. I will deal with just two. “Crisis” number one comes armed with loud laments about the “emasculation” of men — a purported wholesale “feminisation” and subjugation of an otherwise still globally dominant gender. If you weren’t paying close attention to the obvious lie in this narrative of tortured masculinity, you would believe that “wokeness” (I share your eyeroll) had caused a worldwide decline in the ability of “manly men” to watch, in peace, MMA fighters pommelling each other while body shaming the “ring girls” and engaging in online GBV what-about-ism, after watching the latest well-articulated but otherwise absurd rant from Jordan Peterson. This crisis does not exist. The truth is

F O R

A L L

that men can and still do all these things and more — from the mundane to the vile — the only difference being the network of people and organisations providing counternarratives to this version of masculinity. This is the version with zero complexity, one that renders men one-dimensional, unable to morph into the varied incarnations we always could before we got in our own way several generations ago. The real crisis, of course, is behind door number two. As I write this, I can pick among several ongoing tales of horrific acts against women, children, and other men, perpetuated by the kind of toxic masculinity fighting tooth and nail for survival. Its lack of imagination and inability to do the necessary work in tapping into every available avenue are shining through, as it digs in its heels on outdated thoughts and practices. In this issue, while we present our usual menu of luxury and lifestyle, we try to unpack in words and images what

YO U

S E E

H E R E ,

P L U S

P L E N T Y

M O R E , V I S I T

BEHIND-THE-SCENES IMAGE DECLAN GIBBON

“This is the version [of masculinity] with zero complexity, one that renders men one-dimensional, unable to morph into the varied incarnations we always could before we got in our own way several generations ago”

You will notice that Lukanyo Mnyanda’s column is missing. Sadly, Mnyanda resigned as Business Day editor last month and our loss is the esteemed Financial Times’s gain. We wish him all success on his return to the UK. While we search for a worthy permanent replacement, we will present you with some guest columnists, starting with a currently travel-shy Justice Malala (p. 18).

Thokozani Ndaba with photographer Steve Tanchel and fashion director Sharon Ar mstrong

WA N T E D O N L I N E . C O . Z A

w E D I TO R S i p h iwe M pye ( m pye s @ a re n a . a f r i c a ) C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R A n n a L i n eve l d t ( l i n eve l d ta @ a re n a . a f r i c a ) M A N AG I N G E D I TO R S u z y Jo s e p h s o n 0 7 2 5 9 8 9 2 8 2 ( j o s e p h s o n s @ a re n a . a f r i c a ) J U N I O R D E S I G N E R S C a r i k e d e Ja g e r

and Manelisi Dabata S U B E D I TO R I o l a n d i Po o l FA S H I O N D I R E C TO R S h a r o n A r m s t r o n g

Emmany Kalombo wears: Coat, POR, Row-G; bomber jacket, R10 595; trousers, R15 595, both Burberry; Exton sneakers, R4 990, Europa Art Shoes

( a r m s t ro n g s @ a re n a . a f r i c a ) FA S H I O N E D I TO R S a h i l H a r i l a l B E AU T Y E D I TO R No k u b o n g a Th u s i ( t hu s i n @ a re n a . a f r i c a ) FA S H I O N I N T E R N No m b u s o Ku m a l o D É C O R D I R E C TO R L e a n a S ch o e m a n ( l e a n a s @ s u n d a y t i m e s. c o. z a ) G R O U P M OTO R I N G E D I TO R D e n i s D r o p p a ( d ro p p a d @ a re n a . a f r i c a )

FINAL EYE Elizabeth Sleith AC T I N G WA N T E D O N L I N E E D I TO R

Ts h e p o Ts h a b a l a l a E D I TO R I A L I N T E R N D e c l a n G i b b o n AC T I N G BU S I N E S S DAY E D I TO R

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Gina van de Wall 083 500 5325 ( v d ewa l l g @ a re n a . a f r i c a ) Wante d i s ava i l a b l e with B us i n e s s D ay n a t io nwide. S ub s c r ip t i o n e n q u ir ie s: 086 0 5 2 5 2 0 0 PR I N T E D by Pa a r l Me dia for A re n a H o ldin g s, H i l l o n E m p i re , 1 6 E m p i re Roa d ( cn r E m p i re a n d H i l lside road s ) , Pa r k tow n , Joh a n n e s b u rg , 2 1 9 3

20 Donovan Goliath and Siv Ngesi in conversation

22 One journey in moving beyond the confines of gender

24 Seven takes on modern masculinity

Bentley’s dignified speed demon is neither shaken nor stirred

The power lunch is dead, all hail the catch-up meet-up

Cover Courtney Michael wears: Brocade suit jacket, R58 000; shirt, R16 000; brocade suit trousers, R23 000, all Dolce & Gabbana

TAG HEUER BOUTIQUE � � � �� Ŝ ��

WAT C H E S

06 / 2022 text

Gary Cotterell

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King 40mm Oystersteel

Gary Cotterell is Wanted’s Watch Editor

COLUMN.

Quality time

King of the air Rolex built many of its original watches as tools for the early explorers of air, land, and sea, using their various quests as rigorous testing grounds for these pieces. Today, exploration is less about conquering nature and more about understanding how to co-exist with it, yet it is no less demanding on a timepiece. The first Air-King was released in 1958 as a nod to the 1930s’ pioneers of flight. As air travel opens up and new itineraries suggest the traversing of multiple time zones, the new-generation Air-King Ref 126900 is certainly an excellent contender in what is looking like the year of pilots’ and GMT watches. This year’s model preserves the aeronautical heritage of its origins, which go back to the Rolex Oyster, by further evolving the controversial Ref 116900 released in 2016. Refinements have been

Rolex Watch Co SA 011 784 9230

Omega’s Speedmaster ’57, first introduced in 2013,

gets a Master Chronometer upgrade and slimmer 12.99mm profile this year, and among the eight stainlesssteel models is this splendent sun-brushed bottle-green dial. These smaller 40.5mm chronographs feature two sub-dials and are driven by the manually wound Calibre 9906 with column wheel and CoAxial escapement. The new polished-brushed bracelet is inspired by the Apollo 11 tribute launched in 2019. R161 000, omegawatches.com

PANERAI Panerai continues its commitment to sustainable luxury and a circular economy by presenting the “smaller” 44mm Submersible QuarantaQuattro with

its case, case back, Safety Lock crown protector, and ceramic bezel all made of eSteel — a recycled steel alloy with identical qualities to a non-recycled alloy. This means that 52% of the weight of the watch consists of recycled materials. Among the dial options is this misty gradient grey with a matching strap. POA, panerai.com or RLG Africa 011 317 2600

TUDOR Dubbed the Black Bay for adventurers, Tudor’s new Pro is one of the favourites of the year. Inspired by 1950s Arctic explorers, this “technical model” also brings a new aesthetic to the BB collection and is especially appealing in steel-on-steel. Its 39mm case features a 24-hour satin-brushed steel fixed bezel and a more robust winding crown. The manufacture Calibre MT5652 was developed for this GMT model, which features a date window at 3 o’clock. Also available on a range of straps. From R62 350, tudorwatch.com or Rolex Watch Co SA 011 784 9230

OMEGA The green trend established last year just keeps growing.

NEWS

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here were so many spectacular novelties presented at Watches & Wonders 2022 in April that it was difficult to pick just one favourite or just one that captured this moment in time. Even throwing an imaginary vault of cash at the task made it no less challenging. But, in the context of a world placed at what, I hope, is the dawning of a new Renaissance, there is one brand that stands out by putting the arts and sciences and planetary health ahead of profits. While Rolex offers cachet for those in search of social validation, the manufacture’s provenance and patronage of the humanities and earth sciences are far more important to those of us with values that are worth more than the sum of our acquisitions.

made to almost every aspect of its 40mm Oystersteel case, bracelet, and dial. While these updates are subtle at first glance, holding the refs 116900 and 126900 side by side and feeling them on the wrist reveal just how remarkable the improvements are. The Ref 116900 was the first Air-King to feature a glossy black dial and instrument-gauge aesthetic, with large Arabic-numeral hour markers and a prominent minute scale. It was through that model that the case was also increased from earlier 34mm or 36mm options to that of the modern 40mm Milgauss. For balance, this year’s dial changes see the “5” being replaced by a “05” minute marker. The hour markers are more refined, with slim polished-steel rims and Chromalight filling. Overall, the crisper numerals improve legibility. The case also has a cleaner geometry than its predecessor and crown guards have been added — a unique feature for a Rolex model with a polished bezel. The adjusted profile also improves wearability, while its slenderer lugs add to the general elegant sportiness of the Air-King. The new bracelet is also broader at the lugs to accommodate the new design. I do love classic dashboard instruments, so, no matter how subtle, its more eloquent design got my attention while the anoraks in the room pawed the lefthanded GMT-Master II. Inside the Air-King beats the Calibre 3230 with its patented Chronergy escapement. Made from nickel-phosphorus, this automatic movement has enough magnetic resistance for Rolex to remove the shield that was found in its predecessor, and the Paraflex shock absorbers improve its shock resistance. For even more practicality, the power reserve has been extended to 70 hours and the watch is resistant to 100m. The Air-King joins the recently downsized new-gen Explorer 36mm in the Professional collection. R115 300, Rolex.com or

OBJET

06 / 2022

production

Sahil Harilal

photographer

Judd van Rensburg

STOCKIST CHANEL SANDTON CITY 011 709 9067; MENLYN 010 055 7161; V&A WATERFRONT 021 205 9637

Oh boy!

Boy de Chanel Le Baume à Lèvres, R780, Chanel

From flawless skin to a rock ’n roll edge, Chanel creates the ultimate building blocks

in male beauty

L I V E YO U R PA S S I O N HIGHLIFE L ADIES AU TO M AT I C S PA R K L I N G Fo r f u r th e r in f o rm a tion c onta c t Pic ot & Mos s ( 01 1 ) 669 - 0 5 0 0. www. p i c o t a n d m o ss. c o . z a frederiqueconstant.com

JEWELS

06 / 2022

Clean lines, sharp angles, and streamlined curves are giving the latest in jewels simplicity with an edge text

Suzy Josephson

03.

01.

RO BA CK ND S

3. Bulgari It’s interesting to note that the trademark double logo with the original Roman “v” featured on this Bvlgari Bvlgari necklace was initially inspired by the curved inscriptions on ancient coins. Here the onyx medallion, adorned with pavé diamonds, hangs from an 18kt gold chain to form a contemporary and unconventional neckpiece, which gives the subtlest of nods to the pop art of the 1970s and 1980s. Wear with an unbuttoned crisp white shirt for maximum impact. Retails at R79 000, Bulgari Boutique 011 883 1325 or

picotandmoss.co.za

1. Chopard The Chopard Ice Cube collection has a modern aesthetic inspired by the minimalist geometry of tight rows of ice blocks. These elegant yet ultra-modern pieces can be mixed, matched, and stacked, but are just as impactful worn on their own. On our radar are the Ice Cube Pure rings in rose gold and brown ceramic, from R18 000, and the Ice Cube bangle in rose gold and green ceramic, R64 500. BHH Boutique 021 418 1889, 011 325 4119 or bhhboutique.co.za

2. Cartier It requires a close inspection to discover that this is not just the magnificent bracelet that first meets the eye. A better look reveals a small watch face discreetly set into one of the bracelet’s jewel-encrusted links. The Cartier Libre is fully reversible with an elasticated strap that allows it to be turned over and worn as either a watch or a bracelet. Inspired by Hollywood glamour and the jewellery of actress Gloria Swanson, it also features a colour palette reflecting Cartier’s heritage. It’s available in three versions, but we have our eye on the rose gold with black spinels, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds. POR, Cartier Boutique 011 666 2800 or cartier.com

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4. Charles Greig Large green gemstones are not that easy to come by. So says jeweller Christopher Greig, who explains that it was for this reason that they chose to set this rare Namibian antique-cut tourmaline so boldly and simply in yellow gold. The rich bottle-green colour of the cushion-shaped stone against this bright 18kt yellow gold results in a striking dress ring that’s every bit a unisex jewellery piece that would do justice to a well-cut suit on any gender. POR, Charles Greig Store 011 325 4477, 021 418 4515 or charlesgreig.co.za

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IN R E SID E N CE .VILLA S/ P R OP E RT IE S/ B E AU

06 / 2022

C O L L A B O R AT I O N

LANDMARK AUCTION OF WORKS BY IRMA

n the centenary of Irma Stern’s debut solo exhibition in South Africa and the halfcentenary of the opening of the Irma Stern Museum in Cape Town, Strauss & Co is hosting a single-artist auction entirely devoted to this illustrious artist. Titled Irma Stern: Time | Line, Works from the Irma Stern Trust Collection and Other Properties and due to be held on Wednesday 8 June 2022 at Welgemeend Manor House in Cape Town, this landmark sale will feature 140 works encompassing many of the artist’s major themes and interests. Strauss & Co will also present four major oils depicting singular and powerful women. “Ir ma Stern: Time | Line is a continuation of Strauss & Co’s longstanding commitment to support the activities of the Irma Stern Trust in realising the artist’s wish to promote art within and outside South Africa,” says Kirsty Colledge, the house’s Cape Town Art Department HOD. “The auction includes 124 artworks from the Irma Stern Trust Collection, including an important portrait of her close friend and supporter Roza van Gelderen, executed in 1929. Proceeds from the sale of these works will benefit the Irma Stern Trust Collection, housed in the much-loved Irma Stern Museum in Cape Town, an enormously important cultural institution that houses and displays a collection of Irma Stern’s artworks and artefacts.” Irma Stern lived in Cape Town for nearly half a century. Following her death in 1966, and in pursuance of the terms of her will, Stern’s entire collection of artworks and her personal collection of artefacts were placed in trust. The trustees of the Irma Stern Trust, Syfrets Trust (Pty) Ltd now Nedgroup Trust (Pty) Ltd, were further instructed to make a selection from this collection and to arrange for the resulting collection to be permanently or temporarily housed and displayed. Strauss & Co has for many years assisted the Irma Stern Trust with the sale of works from its collection. Irma Stern: Time | Line is an extension of this collaboration. Income derived from the sale will strengthen the Irma Stern Trust Collection for the future by preserving the collection and making it accessible by developing the existing Irma Stern Trust website into an important research resource. A detailed explanation of the Irma Stern Trust’s formation and mandate appears in the print catalogue and e-catalogue for Irma Stern: Time | Line, and is also available on request. Woman in Black Dress, 1936

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The contents of Irma Stern: Time | Line will be presented chronologically and features works made in every decade from 1920 until the artist’s death in 1966. Stern’s consistent focus on women is evident in a number of important oils. They include Psychic: An Old Malay Woman (estimate R7-9 million/ approx. US$437 500-562 500), a 1941 portrait of a Cape Muslim sitter from Stern’s golden period. Stern’s 1929 portrait of Roza van Gelderen (1890-1976) portrays a charismatic educator and cultural figure who was also a life-long friend of

the artist and important model (estimate R4-6 million/ approx. US$250 000375 000). Other important oils in Irma Stern: Time | Line include a 1936 portrait titled Woman in Black Dress that shares striking affinities with works by Paul Cézanne and Pablo Picasso (estimate R2.5-3.5 million/ approx. US$156 250-218 750). Woman with Open Blouse from 1948 is a fine example of Stern’s inventive engagement with the nude, a genre that commanded her attention throughout her career (estimate R1.5-2.5 million/ approx. US$93 750156 250).

IRMA STERN: TIME | LINE WORKS FROM THE IRMA STERN TRUST COLLECTION AND OTHER PROPERTIES AUCTION Wednesday 8 June 2022 at 6pm VENUE Welgemeend Manor House, Gardens, Cape Town Live virtual auction www.straussart.co.za Lots 1-140

PREVIEW Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June 10am-5pm Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June 10am-1pm Monday 6 to Wednesday 8 June 10am-5pm LECTURE Dr Kathy Wheeler (curator, Irma Stern Trust Collection) in conversation with Matthew Partridge (senior art specialist, Strauss & Co), Saturday 4 June at 10am WALKABOUT Walkabout with Strauss & Co specialists, Saturday 4 June at 11am

ENQUIRIES (+27) 21 683 6560

1. Psychic: An Old Malay Woman, 1941 2. Portrait of a Woman in a Sari: Roza, 1929 3. Vase in Female Form, 1951

Irma Stern: Time | Line opens with seven lithographs from the artist’s print portfolio Visionen (Visions), published in 1920 by the Berlinbased Hesperiden Verlag. It is bookended with a number of lively drawings of beach revellers made in 1965. Notable individual lots in this sale include an outstanding terracotta vase in a female form from 1951 (estimate R40 000-60 000/ approx. US$2 500-3 750) from the Shill Collection, a gouache titled Mother and Child, Congo from Stern’s first trip to the then Belgian Congo in 1942 (estimate R200 000300 000/ approx.US$12 500-18 750), as well as a sought-after copy of Stern’s limited-edition artist’s book Congo, published in 1943 (estimate R20 000-30 000/approx. US$1 250-1 875). The sale offers excellent value for starter collectors, with estimates for works on paper beginning at R10 000/ approx. US$625. Stern’s debut South African exhibition at Ashbey’s Art Gallery in Cape Town in 1922 thrust her into the cultural spotlight. Even now, five decades after her death, Stern continues to fascinate and astonish. 1. Artist Athi-Patra Ruga is currently showing his new paintings at the Irma Stern Museum following an extensive residency in Stern’s former home and engagement with the artist’s portrayals of women in particular. 2. Sanlam Art Gallery is presently hosting an exhibition devoted to Irma Stern’s nudes, curated by Prof Michael Godby, who has also authored an outstanding new monograph canvassing this important aspect of Stern’s output. 3. The Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation will shortly be hosting a three-person exhibition featuring Stern in conversation with international artists Frida Kahlo and Amrita Sher-Gil. 4. In May, Dutch theatre-maker Eva Bartels collaborated with South African director Iman Isaacs on a play about Stern, presented at Artscape in Cape Town. 5. Norval Exhibition. 3 Irma Stern: Time | Line is supported by a detailed print catalogue (also available to download at straussart.co.za), exhibition and education programme. The public is invited to view works from Irma Stern: Time | Line at a special preview exhibition at Welgemeend Manor House (2-8 June 2022). Dr Kathy Wheeler, curator of the Irma Stern Trust Collection, will be in conversation with Strauss & Co senior art specialist Matthew Partridge on Saturday, 4 June 2022 at 10am at the exhibition venue. The talk will be followed by a walkabout with Strauss & Co specialists at 11am. The auction starts at 6pm promptly on Wednesday, 8 June 2022 and will be run as a live virtual auction. See straussart.co.za

STERN,SOUTH AFRICA’STOP FEMALE ARTIST

STYLE NOTES

06 / 2022

t’s always a good day to add some statement eyewear pieces to your accessory arsenal. Merging casual and timeless design elements, the Dior 2021 Fall-Winter collection gives contemporary interpretations of the maison’s codes — femininity, glamour, and style — with new signatures and colourways. We love the DiorBlackSuit style, inspired by the tailoring world, with black acetate frames and metal accents, as well as the statement that the CD style makes with its bold rectangular mask-like shape. dior.com

If you need a bit of motivation to keep active during winter, local designer Rich Mnisi has just the thing. After the global success of 02. his first-of-its-kind collaboration with Adidas on the Homeland Collection, Mnisi again joins forces with the sports brand for a second instalment. Still in keeping with the use of recycled materials and the designer’s recognisable aesthetic inspired by his Tsonga heritage, the new Homeland Collection features female-focused streetwear pieces and some of Adidas’s hero pieces such as Her Court, Astir, and the Adilette slides, all dressed up in a bright rose print that celebrates love, romance, and text Nokubonga Thusi beauty. adidas.co.za

SHADY BUSINESS 01.

CITY OF STARS

he latest collaboration in the longstanding partnership between Louis Vuitton’s master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud and acclaimed artist Alex Israel takes us to the City of Angels. This is the fourth scent in the house’s California-inspired fragrance collection, with the bottle’s ombré design bringing to mind a coastal sunset in a twilight sky. The fragrance is a juxtaposition of light and shadow, and a dream for lovers of citrus profiles. Bursting with a quintet opening of blood orange, lemon, red mandarin, bergamot, and lime, this Mediterranean blend gives a zing of freshness before the scent profile gradually settles into the floral, woody musk of Tiare flower and sandalwood. Louis Vuitton City of Stars, R4 400, louisvuitton.com

VIBES OF FREEDOM

Dreaming of a European summer escape? The new scent from Zadig & Voltaire is an invitation to unplug, press pause, and get away from it all. With a clear, light bottle and a pale-blue juice that call to mind the freshness of a cool breeze, the scent’s opening sparkles with notes of mandarin, lavender, citron, and frankincense. The base notes contrast with the initial freshness and bring to mind the wildness of nature’s playground with aromatic notes of patchouli and cardamom. Zadig & Voltaire This Is Him! Vibes of Freedom EDT 5Oml, R1 O45

04.

BEHIND THE BOSS 05.

t seems as though everyone has a podcast these days, but just when you think you’ve heard one, heard them all, fashion brand Boss launches its Behind the Boss series. Hosted by London-based culture writer Raven Smith, this podcast is not your average soapbox and celebrates the dream-chasers who have forged their own paths to success. Featuring extraordinary artists, creators, and athletes, the podcast takes a deep dive into guests’ journeys to uncover the blueprint to their success. Kicking off the first episode is US stylist and TV star Law Roach, metaverse expert and tech futurist Cathy Hackl, and Boss global brand ambassador Anthony Joshua. boss.com

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n Mauritius, so the saying goes, “the west is best”. It’s here where the coastline is perfectly sheltered from the brisk trade winds that blow in from the south-east. Where you’ll find some of the island’s most perfect powdery beaches, gazing out over calm coral lagoons. Where there is the daily delight of watching the sun set beyond the ocean on another unforgettable day in paradise. And it’s here on the west coast of Mauritius, neatly positioned to explore the bustle of Port Louis and centrally located to discover the vibrant north with Grand Baie, as well as the picturesque

southwest, that you’ll find Club Med La Plantation d’Albion Resort & Villas. This resort falls under Club Med’s Exclusive Collection, the pinnacle of this storied brand’s luxury, all-inclusive offerings, and promises premium service, authentic experiences, and the best of memories. With spacious rooms and suites on offer, Club Med La Plantation d’Albion Resort & Villas is one of the larger properties on Mauritius, and with the resort meandering across 21ha of lush, landscaped gardens there is never a shortage of quiet spaces to soak up the

PARADISE, PERFECTED

2022 / 06

tropical splendour. The private villas come with their own pool and butler, and free green fees. It’s a resort with something to offer every style of traveller. Club Med has long been famous for creating magical memories, and Club Med La Plantation d’Albion Resort & Villas is no different. There’s an array of family-friendly activities to discover within the safe confines of the resort, and a spacious kids’ club promising an action-packed programme that offers a rich and fun-filled experience inspired by the principles of Positive Education for children aged 2-17. The Petit Club Med and Mini Club Med even boast their own mini-club pool, with qualified lifeguards and trained staff on hand. At Club Med, the motto is, “Happy kids, happy parents.” So, with the kids happily entertained, adults are free to sample all the resort has to offer. Indulge in some peace and relaxation at the recently refurbished, adults-only Zen pool, or grab a lounger and enjoy the family vibe at the main pool. You can also opt for a little self-care at the luxe Cinq Mondes spa with its indulgent menu of facial and massage treatments.

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Once you’re blissed out, head off in search of a little excitement. The resort is a playground of thrills, whether it’s sailing and paddleboarding on crystalclear seas, or perhaps snorkelling beneath the gentle, warm Indian Ocean waves. Or try your hand at the flying trapeze, where expert acrobats teach Great Members — or GMs, as guests are referred to at Club Med — how to glide through the tropicalscented skies. And, because this is Club Med, most activities are included in the package price, along with all dining and drinks. That means no nasty surprises on the bill when it’s time to check out. The all-inclusive package price also includes sundowners at the festive Beach Bar, as well as the daily champagne service that kicks off at 6pm. From the end of June, look forward to a reimagined dining experience at Le Phare, where GMs can admire stunning sea views while delving into the finest Mauritian gastronomy. It’s true what they say. In Mauritius, the west is best.

Find your bliss at Club Med La Plantation d’Albion Resort & Villas

DOWN TO BUSINESS

06 / 2022 text

Justice Malala

Justice Malala is a journalist and political commentator

GUEST COLUMN.

Not yet time for “revenge travel”

The captain would say a few words in a nice sonorous voice, and we would push back and take off. Then I’d have another gin and tonic. I know this won’t win me many friends, but when it comes to holidays I am firmly of the Smuts Ngonyama persuasion: I didn’t struggle to hang around the Transvaal. Give the people holidays, I say. Take me to Haga Haga or the Maldives, Mpande or Rio, Lusikisiki or Paris. I don’t mind. Just give me the beach, some shade, a book and — don’t push it — the chance to do one or two hikes, and I am in.

“Wait and see” is the name of the flight I’m taking

am not going to lie. I like a holiday. I love the thrum of a massive Boeing as it lifts its nose up into the sky and heads off for faraway lands. Heck, I even love looking out of an airport window and seeing a big beast of an airplane waiting to take off. I get a thrill just looking at them. It makes me start dreaming and scheming and planning my next holiday.

In the “before days” I had a ritual. I don’t have much time for men’s magazines, but, without fail, whenever I went on holiday I would get a huge pile of them, pop into the airline lounge, have a flinty gin and tonic, and head for my seat. After settling in, I would open my first magazine, suffer pangs of envy at the expensive suits in the front section, and fantasise about the watches.

This year, sadly, I’m not rushing to get on that big Boeing — yet. Now, I know that for many of you the skies are open, but I’m still not feeling too footloose and fancy-free. My adventure nose still refuses to lift. I hate to be the Debbie Downer of the family, but I think we’re just going to have to knuckle down for another six months

to a year. We have not turned enough of a corner — yet. Caution, I say. I’m holding back on the big, big travel because we are still in the woods economically and in global health terms. Plus, the global geopolitical outlook is just despicable. Think about it. Locally, we started the year with the burning down of the parliament building. Then Judge Zondo said our politicians are crooked. And every second hour Eskom announces new power cuts. Then Vladimir Putin went and pummelled poor Ukraine. The price of petrol is up and cooking oil has become a luxury. Inflation has got us all hopping, everywhere in the world. The era of globalisation, the political scientists tell us, is over. Covid-19 is back with a bang and China has got the sniffles, so all of us are likely to find ourselves in trouble sooner rather than later. Which, in a roundabout manner, brings me to my word of caution. After more than two years of lockdowns and absolutely insane travel schedules (I’ve cancelled

seven international and two domestic flights in the past two years), we all want to engage in some very serious “revenge travel”, but I’m going to stay local for the next few months. Being who I am, I want to burst out and roam far and wide. Heck, I travelled constantly between continents before the pandemic. Yet, something is shifting in the global political architecture. I am reminded of Antonio Gramsci, who wrote in his Prison Notebooks: “The crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.” We are just emerging from a terrible pandemic. We were looking forward to a great surge forward into a brave, prosperous, postpandemic future. Yet we now find ourselves in this weird interregnum, this in-between place. I remain an optimist, though. I’m not cancelling. I am putting off my “revenge travel” for later this year or early 2023. In the meantime, I might do a road trip or a short flight. My “revenge travel” shall be served cold. Which, I suspect, may be the best way to really enjoy it.

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06 / 2022

P E PE ER ES R ISN I N C OCNOVNEVR ES RAST A IO T INO N

Comedians and long-time friends Donovan Goliath and Siv Ngesi take a little detour to talk about masculinity, hunting deer, fathering girls, vulnerability, and Siya Kolisi

DONOVAN GOLIATH AND

01.

onovan Goliath (DG): So, modern masculinity — I think we’ve both jumped into a lot of these kinds of conversations. I had a great IG live with Siya Kolisi, who showed a side to him that I’ve never seen before. He got really emotional; he spoke about connecting with his dad again, you could hear in his voice that, man, this is something that he needed to do. It was so interesting, because he said that being captain of the Springboks, you’re expected to be this superhero. Once you’re on that field, you’re taking knocks physically, you’re taking verbal abuse, there’s this pressure of millions of people watching you. You have to win, but nobody ever speaks about what happens when that final whistle blows and you walk off and you’ve lost. That’s a lot of weight that you have to carry. Siv Ngesi (SN): I think masculinity in 2022 is multifaceted and diverse. It’s known as this toxic thing, but it’s a positive thing when used correctly. I’m very big in Siya’s life and he has a strong woman by his side, an in-your-face kinda woman. I think Siya understands that vulnerability is a superpower, and I don’t think us men have been brought up talking about that. Currently, if you Google me, the second picture is of me dressed up as a woman, you know what I mean? I think masculinity is evolving [and becoming] about consistency, accountability, vulnerability, and humility. Siya is all of that, moulded into this shape of a man who’s a Black man, who’s big, who’s strong, who’s successful; but he’s also emotional, he’s vulnerable, he’s consistent, he’s a daddy, he has a wife, and when he messes up, he’s accountable for those actions. DG: There are seven people I know, three of them good friends, who’ve all become girl dads. We often try to hang out and just understand this thing, like, how do we prepare them for a world that isn’t designed for them at all? They’re born into a world that is just constantly gonna bash them, they’re always gonna be seen as “lesser than”. So, I go, “Man, what is it that I need to understand?” Do I need to become more of a feminist? Do I need to understand the world a little bit better? This is an interesting fight, because everybody always says, “Oh, you’re gonna have to get a shotgun now because you’ve got a little girl.” So, in your mind you go, “Shucks, am I gonna have to start going to the gym and become a bit more intimidating to young men who wanna take my baby girl out on a date?” And I’m like, no, that’s not the answer, because now I’m just perpetuating that stereotype of what masculinity is supposed to be, that you’re supposed to be this strong, alpha male who goes hunting with a spoon and comes back with an entire deer on his shoulders. In my heart of hearts, that’s not the person I am. I believe in authenticity, I believe in vulnerability, I believe in all of those things. It’s taken me a very long time. This is probably because my mother passed

Donovan Goliath is a South African comedian, actor, TV presenter, and social media star

away at a very young age, and my dad brought us up. There’s an image that makes me very emotional when I think about it, of me watching my dad plait my sister’s hair. My sister must have been about six years old and she’s sitting in between his legs and he’s trying to plait her hair. I walk into the room and I’m like, “Whoa.” I started becoming very protective of my sister because of that moment, because I wanted to take the pressure off of [my dad]. Even at that age, I needed my dad to understand that he wasn’t alone in this. As a result, I developed this kind of armour, this Kevlar that made me impenetrable to emotions. I had to be the strong one.

It’s hurt a lot of relationships along the way, because I never let all of myself out there. Only now, man, am I super comfortable with who I am and what I do. SN: What I have a problem with at the moment is that when you hear the word masculinity, negative connotations come forward. I feel that masculinity is like nuclear power. Nuclear power can do incredible things, but in the wrong hands it can kill hundreds of thousands of people. Masculinity in the right hands is a beautiful thing that can plait a six-year-old daughter’s hair, that can stand up for people and change lives and protect and provide, but in the wrong hands it’s toxic.

02.

SIV NGESI

Siv Ngesi is an actor, comedian, TV presenter, and motivational speaker with a drag-queen alter ego, Sivanna

Masculinity is not the problem, it’s toxic masculinity that’s the problem. I think we don’t realise how many little boys are victimised [by being] fed this toxicity of masculinity. Growing up in Gugulethu, I was brought up in a very female environment. If you look at Xhosa culture, you think to yourself, “Xhosa culture is run by men,” but no, Xhosa culture is run by women. So, for me, the power of a woman is incredible, but then the Westernised world mixed with my Xhosa-ness. I’ve only been able to be who I am in the past three to five years, being able to really learn what it means to me, and trying to reinvent and re-evaluate what masculinity is to me. It’s a process, man. DG: You’ve obviously taken a lot of backlash with your alter ego Sivanna, because the opposite of Sivanna is the cut-from-stone, Greek-god-looking Siv, who is ready to take on anything. When you put the two side by side, it’s almost like people have no idea what to do with this. They just can’t grasp what is happening here. Who are you? Who is Sivanna? SN: Sivanna had nothing to do with anyone else but me. Just after lockdown, I was trying to understand, reinvent, re-evaluate, and reimagine what masculinity meant to me. I was doing predominantly feminine things — ballet, pole dancing. I just fell in love with drag. Being involved in drag has made me a better version of myself. There’s something about drag that is indescribable; wearing a dress and heels. It’s painful, but you have to act like everything is okay. How many times do women, walking around every single day, with their purses tightly clenched, have to act as though everything is fine? Everything is not fine. I’ve travelled the world, and you can judge the safety of a country by how tightly a woman holds her purse. In South Africa, they have it wrapped around and they hold it like this and they have their car keys between their fingers. We have the things to hurt them, we have a penis, we have hands, we have aggression, we have testosterone. We can overpower them, we have weapons to hurt women, so let’s not make it a “them” thing. How many times have we let men do things and kept quiet? How many times have we helped these monsters? We have helped to grow monsters. You asked me what we can do. I think we start with one boy at a time. We hold ourselves accountable and we hold the boys accountable. We have to educate them about what needs to be done and what is right and wrong. DG: It’s not going to go away tomorrow, but we definitely can start moulding and educating and getting people to speak about their feelings; getting people to focus on things like integrity, authenticity… Unpacking what self-care actually means, more than just physical grooming, for example. SN: We’re not looking for perfect men, because if you’re looking for a perfect man, find a perfect woman. We just want you to try and be better. We want to try to be ourselves. Will you make a mistake? Yes, you’ll make a mistake. Will you be held accountable? Yes! You must be held accountable. Will you stand and say, I fu***d up? Yes, you must! Must you learn from your mistake? Yes, you must! Must you be punished? Yes, you must! But you cannot make a mistake and expect not to be held accountable. I’m sick and tired of that bullshit. I just think we need to be consistent. I was with a group of boys the other day, doing a talk, and they asked, “Uncle Siv, can you give us some dating advice?” I said to them, “When you’re with a woman, she must feel as safe as possible in the shortest possible time.” Many women don’t feel safe around men, and that’s a problem.

2022 / 06

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THE READ

text

What my experience in self-discovery as a non-binary person taught me about masculinity

GETTING OVER MY GENDERED MISEDUCATION

Sandiso Ngubane

2022 / 06

around a lot as a kid, and every time I was in a new environment, it was an opportunity to put on a mask and reinvent myself. At the age of 12, when my mom and I moved to Alberton, in what was then Joburg’s East Rand, I was determined to be one of the boys. I would spend time with girls no more. I made friends with a popular bunch of boys who initiated me into the methods of “manhood” — never show weakness, date girls, lots of them, and think of yourself as inherently above females. The stuff you hear from “alpha-male” podcasts was a reality I saw in front of me and, for many years, I understood these things to be true. For example, as a man, you are allowed to date as many girls as you want, but those girls owe loyalty only to you. Many of my friends were not above physically abusing the girls they were with, either. It was normalised. You had to exert your masculinity in every way possible. Often, this meant violence against whoever brought your masculinity into question. It wasn’t until recently, around my mid-twenties, having been out as

a gay man for a while, that I began to realise that a lot of my discomfort with masculinity had zero to do with my sexuality. In fact, I can say without a hint of doubt that a large number of gay men’s views on gender are no different from straight men’s. Hence you find that in gay communities, heteronormativity — where the more feminine among us are expected to take on roles traditionally assigned to women — is par for the course. So, here I was, in a community where I thought it would be safe to discard the toxic behaviours that come with gender, only to find that they were thoroughly entrenched and predominantly inescapable. I was uncomfortable, still. The more I delved into the subject of gender identity, mostly through the internet, and discovered that many other people feel the same way I do, the more I came to understand that I don’t have to pick a side. I can simply exist. The more I grappled with the idea of gender, or at least how we perceive it, the more I came to see that what’s between my legs affords me privileges, yes, but I don’t have to act on them or use them to make others feel small.

have to invent it. You have to start thinking beyond what your biological makeup prescribes and put your humanity above all. This is to say, my desire to be seen and accepted as simply human led me to relearn what it means to empathise with all experiences. I can safely say it has made me a better person. I still feel uncomfortable around other people, because I never know how anyone might react to my stating that, in spite of my physical appearance, I think of myself as beyond gender. Some receive this with surprise and an eagerness to understand where I am coming from; some find it laughable. I can’t control how they receive it, but I can control how I treat people — with respect, no matter what is in between their legs. It’s all thanks to a lifetime of having to step outside of myself in order to gain a better understanding of who I am outside of established social norms. It has led me down a path to finding other ways of defining myself that are not tethered to the historical violence and toxicity that have, for a long time, defined how we relate to each other in a gendered reality. As opposed to fearing that I’m wearing a mask that can be removed, exposing who I truly am, I’m more interested in what lies beneath the veil of gender in my interactions with others. For the most part, everyone is quite simply a human being as vulnerable as I am, often only driven to perform gender as expected of them, hence the toxicity that accompanies the behaviour that arises from a culturally entrenched masculine perception of superiority.

or as long as I can remember, I’ve been uncomfortable around other people. Not uncomfortable in the sense that I can’t be around other humans, but uncomfortable in the sense that, when I am around people, there’s always been this nagging feeling that I’m wearing a mask and someone — anyone — could, at any time, catch me out and expose me as a fraud. I identify as non-binary. Essentially, even though I’m male, I’ve never felt quite at home identifying as a man. Neither do I feel particularly feminine. I’m pretty sure you’ve heard all the talk about “pronouns” and “gender identity” — things most people think of as trivial. If you’ve got a penis, that makes you a man, right? Not quite. Unlike a lot of people who identify as non-binary, gender nonconforming or agender, I don’t particularly take offence at people insisting that I am a man. Frankly, to me, how I identify is more about gaining a deeper understanding of myself. Making sense of who I am, as it were. From as early as primary school, I’ve had trouble fitting in and often divided my time between playing with the boys and, sometimes, going off to play with the girls. I even have a memory of other boys staging an intervention once, where they came to yank me away from the girls because — as one of them put it — “If you keep playing with girls, you will be gay.” He wasn’t wrong about my queerness, but I doubt my queerness has anything to do with the biological makeup of whomever I spent time with. That moment did have a huge impact on me, though. I moved

“In the absence of a fixed gender identity you have no socially acceptable way of being. You have to invent it. You have to start thinking beyond what your biological makeup In the absence of a fixed gender prescribes and put your identity you have no socially humanity above all.” acceptable way of being. You

HU/ MAN FA S H I O N

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production

Sharon Armstrong

photography

Steve Tanchel

text

Declan Gibbon

Emmany Kalombo, boxer, 31 (he/him) “To me, to be a man is to be responsible.

I look after my wife and I put food on the table and if something is missing in the house, I just do my best. My wife and I, we understand each other, and we move forward. It is tough being a good guy, but at the end of the day you’ll be fine and live with peace of mind. If I do something bad to you, it’s gonna come back to me or back to my kids; that is why we have to live a clean life.”

We discuss the idea of masculinity, in all its varied hues and guises, with some men (and a womyn)

2022 / 06

Federico Fernandez, actor & musician, 44 (he/him) “I started meditating seven years ago.

I have seen a drastic, drastic change. I had no patience. I was always regretting the past or fearing the future — such a waste of imagination. 95% of what you fear never happens, and you’re stressing all the time. In this society, everyone is going 100km/h in first gear; you’re going to give up, or your body is going to give up, or your mind is. I think the most masculine thing you can do is to be of service,

in every way that you can.

For some men, not being the breadwinner takes away masculinity,

they feel like less of a man taking care of the house and children. It takes a pair of huge f*****g balls to run a house.”

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Thokozani Ndaba, activist and theatre practitioner, 47 (she/her) “I’m just Thokozani. I like being called Thokozani. I don’t like being put in any

boxes or anything like that; it’s not part of my nature. I’m a human-rights activist and I’m somebody who tries to dismantle all the things that have been boxed and all. So, I don’t conform to any of those, I’m Thokozani. As beings, we are all born with a soul, with some kind of masculinity within us, or masculine energy. In any being,

whatever sex you fall under, there will be that form of masculinity, because we own it. Masculinity is within you as a human being, and all of us have it.”

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Shaldon Kopman, fashion designer, 50 (he/him) “I think simplicity is the right approach to the space of masculinity.

Keep it real, but really just keep it simple. There’s too much fuss going on in the world. We don’t need more fuss. What we need is simplicity and being true to ourselves. The key to masculinity is simplicity. I think the term “gentleman” is often confused in modern times,

and machoism and the aggressive alpha male get perceived as masculine, yet that’s not how I see it, whatsoever. I think masculinity is very much being a gentleman and being able to respect all humans and nature alike, to respect what you put into your body and ultimately know that you are what you consume.”

Shirt, R3 995; T-shirt, R1 75O, both Paul Smith; suit, R17 OOO, Naked Ape; sneakers, model’s own

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George Pailman, model & talent agent, 24 (he/him) “I really try to break the boundaries of what society thinks a masculine figure should look like, and just come from

completely the opposite. That doesn’t necessarily mean looking feminine, but just breaking those boundaries between femininity and masculinity. For me, masculinity just identifies with me being me, being powerful still, but vulnerable as well. It’s about self-love, and I love myself.

I really do. Other people’s projections don’t affect me — if anything, they give me more motivation to keep being myself, so people can see that I am not fazed and for people to be inspired to be themselves and just letting that be.”

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Necklace, model’s own; monogram sweatshirt, R26 8OO, Louis Vuitton; made-to-measure waistcoat and trousers (part of suit), R64 OOO, Row-G Opposite page: Earrings, model’s own; shirt, R2O 4OO, Louis Vuitton; pearl necklace, model’s own; suit, POR, Loxion Kulca

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Kenzo bucket hat, R3 599, Al Capone; shirt, R24 995, Burberry; jacket, POR, Wanda Lephoto Opposite page: Cap, R14 2OO; necklace, R8 3OO, both Louis Vuitton; shirt, R2 15O, Tiger of Sweden; blazer, R3O 795; shorts, 15 195, both Giorgio Armani

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Gregory Maqoma, choreographer & dancer, 48 (he/him) “I was raised by two parents and unfortunately my father passed on, but the dynamic

of that relationship was very strange to me — the power of a male in the house, defining how things are going to be set up. I always wanted to change that, in my own setting, even in my gay relationship. I look at my masculinity as a marriage, in the sense that everything needs to be on an equal basis. I allow my masculinity to defend and not define our relationship.

I think my work, in itself, questions these ideas of tradition and patriarchy that are

only acceptable when they fit within one’s ideology. I always question, using my work itself as the voice that speaks.”

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Courtney Michael, actor & model, 57 (he/him) “Masculinity is something that is in flux,

especially nowadays. We, as human beings, are at a stage in our evolution where we have to keep redefining ourselves just to keep up with the fact that we are becoming more and more informed, not only about ourselves and our world but also our impact on our world. I’ve had many speeches from my 22-yearold daughter. I’ve had to deal with toxic

masculinity — not that I was, but I needed direction and I needed to be called out on certain trains of thought and behaviour that I have been conditioned as a man to believe all my life. Things that I’ve had to unlearn and untangle myself from.”

Trench coat, R28 OOO, Row-G; shirt, R29 OOO; trousers, R23 OOO, both Dolce & Gabbana Opposite page: Cap, POR; scarf, POR; cummerbund; POR, all Ephymol; shirt, R4 8OO, David Tlale

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Stockists

Al Capone alcaponefashions.co.za Alexander McQueen O1O 59O 678O Burberry O11 326 7835 David Tlale davidtlale.com Dolce & Gabbana O11 326 78O8 Ephymol O83 746 6323 Europa Art Shoes europaart.co.za Giorgio Armani O11 326 7853 Gucci O1O 442 5252 Hydraulics Avantgarde hydraulicsstores.co.za Louis Vuitton louisvuitton.com Loxion Kulca loxionkulca.com Naked Ape nakedapeofficial.com Paul Smith O11 883 37O9 Row-G row-g.com Tiger of Sweden O11 883 2158 Versace O11 883 1444 Wanda Lephoto wandalephoto.com

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ROMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE

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Denis Droppa

Bentley Continental GT Speed

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Bentley’s suave muscle car is a dignified speed demon tar without jitters or nervousness. It feels planted to the road, as if pressed down by a gigantic invisible hand. Allwheel steering contributes to missilelike straight-line stability at high speeds, while making the heavy behemoth feel more manoeuvrable at low speeds by effectively shortening the wheelbase. Active anti-roll bars reduce body roll in the corners and the all-wheel drive keeps the power harnessed without any unbecoming wheelspin. An electronically controlled torquevectoring rear differential improves traction when powering out of tight corners. In Sport mode, the all-wheel drive becomes more rear biased, but the actively managed torque distribution constantly shifts drive between the front and rear as needed. Optional carbon-ceramic brakes reduce weight by around 33kg in the nearly 2.3 tonne car and they’re more resistant to fade than standard steel discs in hard usage. The onboard computer graphics are recognisable from the Volkswagen family (shock horror), but the rest is exclusive Bentley opulence with diamond-quilted leather seats and copious chrome, offset by sporty alcantara and carbonfibre trimmings. Celebrities, magnates, and assorted heavyweights will not be unimpressed by the level of interior pomp and ceremony, and the sumptuous

cabin can be personalised with a choice of colours. For two people, trips whisk by in milk-and-honey comfort with massaging seats that are heated and ventilated. Rear seating in the two-door coupé is decidedly tight, however, and more suited to bassets than humans. Bentley is a favoured brand of rap stars, and the test car was appropriately fitted with an optional 2 200W Naim audio system with 18 speakers, including seat-mounted shakers. Very impressive. It’s one of the few systems I’ve heard that handle TiMO ODV’s deep bass without distortion. The Continental GT Speed is a bodybuilder in a tuxedo. The big coupé radiates suave aggression with prominent rear haunches that give the impression of a predator ready to leap. The rangetopping Speed is distinguished by a black grille, dark tint finishes, and unique 22inch wheels. As part of Bentley’s personalisation programme, the test car’s noir ambience was heightened with black trim on the headlamps and tail-lamp bezels, darktint wheels, and a boot-lid spoiler and side sills made of carbon fibre. Many of these features, including the rotating display, are extra-cost options over and above the R5-million starting price, but one doesn’t quibble over such things when speccing a car wearing the wings.

Enough technology to impress a certain fictional secret agent...

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t the touch of a button, the three-sided display on the dashboard rotates from a veneer panel to a modern 12.3-inch touchscreen to a traditional panel with three analogue dials showing outside air temperature, a stopwatch, and a compass. Very James Bond. There are no machine guns or ejector seats, but the Bentley Continental GT Speed does have a debonair charm — and enough technology to impress a certain fictional secret agent. Not to mention that it lives up to its Speed moniker: the big grand tourer romps to 335km/h courtesy of its W12 twin-turbo 6l engine. The most powerful incarnation of Bentley’s 12-cylinder engine delivers 485kW of power and a staggering 900Nm of torque through a quick and responsive eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, allowing the large coupé to cover the 0-100km/h sprint in less time than it takes to close the double-glazed electric windows — or 3.6 seconds, to be precise. Apart from its ability to cover any distance swiftly, it is the most sportsfocused car to emerge from the Bentley factory, with features such as all-wheel steering and active roll bars. A fuel-saving cylinder deactivation system shuts down half of the 12 cylinders if the car senses they are not needed. The result is that this potent British bomber sipped a remarkably frugal 10l/100km on the open road. When whisking along in a red-hot fury more in keeping with its raison d’être, the Bentley averaged over 16l. And red-hot fury is a relative term, for even with the throttle thrust in anger this British car retains a genteel persona. The pace quickens, and there’s a more vocal rumble from the exhaust in the Sports mode, but it never becomes an angry brute. Even as the G-forces press away at you in no uncertain terms, it remains a luxurious grand tourer, not a brash sportscar that intensifies every sensation or jangles your nerves. It casually romps to supercar-like velocities, without noise or histrionics, cocooning the occupants from the external drama behind doubleglazed windows. With its air suspension this grand tourer smoothly whisks over bumpy

Interior and touchscreen

Here are our favourite gadgets for men who play hard, work hard, and just wanna have fun text

THE GOODS

BUDS

2. Sony LinkBuds

BOYS AND THEIR HI-TECH TOYS

Brendon Petersen

DRONE

1.DJI Air 2S When it comes to tech that’s both useful and fun, you’ll be hardpressed to find anything that ticks all the boxes the way a drone does. Coming in at 180×97×77 mm when folded, the Air 2S is smaller than the latest-generation iPad mini, but don’t let its compact size fool you. This 595g drone packs a one-inch CMOS sensor capable of producing 20 megapixel still images or 5.4K video, and boasts four-way directional obstacle sensors, 31 minutes’ flying time, and an upgraded FocusTrack Mode. Perfect for content creators or hobbyists, the Air 2S is agile, fast, and brimming with AI smarts that will help you capture the perfect shot. R18 995, drone-

Sony’s new true wireless buds, the LinkBuds, are different to other buds, boasting a doughnut-shaped design, complete with a hole in the centre. Not just a quirky design choice, this helps let the outside world in. While not great for travelling on a plane or your gym session, the LinkBuds are perfect for running errands, going for a run outdoors, or just generally engaging in any activity where you need to listen to something on your phone while still being aware of your surroundings. The most comfortable pair of wireless buds I’ve worn so far, the LinkBuds merge audio on your connected device with the real world in a natural way. They have an IPX4 rating, Google Fast Pair, 360 Reality Audio, SpeakTo-Chat, and a new Wide Area Tap feature. Available in grey or white, the LinkBuds ship with a range of tips to secure them in your ears, have up to 11 hours’ battery life, are made of recycled plastic, and come in plastic-free packaging. R3 999, Takealot.com

world.co.za

01. 02.

WEARABLE

SMARTGLASSES

4. Oura Ring

3. Ray-Ban Stories Meta and EssilorLuxottica have teamed up to create Ray-Ban Stories, a range of smartglasses sporting some of Ray-Ban’s most iconic designs. Unlike the ill-fated Google Glass, Ray-Ban Stories look less like something out of a sci-fi movie and more like something you’d actually want to wear. Housing dual integrated 5MP cameras, speakers, microphones, a notification LED light, and an image-capture button, these are not your grandad’s sunglasses.

03.

Able to capture up to 60s of video, play audio, accept calls, and offer voice controls via Facebook Assistant, these smartglasses will let you live out your hi-tech James Bond fantasies without needing Q. Compatible with Android and iOS, Ray-Ban Stories require the Facebook View app to function. While they are not water or splash resistant, they can be fitted with transition and prescription lenses. From $299, ray-ban.com

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Having access to your health and fitness metrics is a great thing, but it means having to wear a smartwatch or fitness tracker 24/7, which isn’t great. Oura Ring (third generation) is a new type of wearable that crams many of the sensors found in a smartwatch into a ring. Barely larger than a normal ring, the latest generation Oura Ring has seven temperature sensors, a new green

LED heart-rate sensor, an SpO2 sensor, battery, and accelerometers. Billed as a sleep and recovery tracker, Oura Ring has found fans among celebs, including Prince Harry and Jennifer Aniston, and professional athletes (the NBA bought 2 000 Oura Rings to monitor players). Available in a range of colours and comfortable to wear, the latest Oura Ring is far more adept than its predecessors at identifying when your body needs rest before tackling a strenuous workout. My favourite feature is that it prioritises weekly instead of daily activity, which means no more getting shamed by my wearable for being chained to my desk on a particular day. $299, ouraring.com

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Spoil your dad on the 19th June www.vilafonte.com

NAVIGATOR

06 / 2022

Dispatches on all things cool, covetable, and conversation-wor thy

drinks

the goods

gifted

books

A selection of some of the most interesting new tipples

Hi-tech toys for very deserving boys

Olympic medallist & Va l d e V i e m a r k e t i n g director Ryk Neethling

Michele Magwood on this winter’s riveting reads

THE POWER LU N C H , REINVENTED

The Shortmarket Club, Joburg

Discovering the pleasures of touching base over a salad or two instead of indulging in a boozy carbo-load

2022 / 06

FOOD /

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H OW BAO NOW: CAPE TOWN

Steve Steinfeld

t was the era of corporate spending and big budgets, finance sharks and business lunches. It seemed as though there was every reason to haul out the black card and indulge. Whether it was wooing a client, signing a deal, or celebrating the signing of aforementioned deal, come lunchtime and many a restaurant would be bustling with businesspeople. These restaurants could rely on the lunch trade as a viable part of their business. And then, suddenly, it stopped. While lockdown is to blame for many closures and losses, it was just the proverbial nail in the coffin for the corporate lunch, which had been on life support long before the pandemic. As our economy tanked in the recession of the 2010s, corporates cut back on their spending and revoked those company cards. The way we communicate changed too, and with our ever-growing dependency on technology it just made more sense to eat at one’s desk. Matched with the spike in healthconscious living, it shouldn’t be surprising that the power lunch was on its last legs before Covid could strike that fatal blow. Now, restaurants are seeing a rise in team lunches, where co-workers — many of whom are still working from home — touch base. Breakfast too is on the up, with morning meetings seemingly more convenient than popping out at midday. These mealtimes are now used to forge connections in a way that just isn’t possible online. And rather than long, boozy lunches, it’s now all about shorter time frames, healthier meals, and accessibility.

oodstock’s hole-in the-wall bao bar is not only one of the hottest new places in town but also a great option for a quick, efficient, and delicious lunch. The space, co-owned and run by young chefs Carla Schulze and Matt van den Berg, began as a market stall before opening its doors at The Old Biscuit Mill, where it serves up a small selection of the Taiwanese steamed buns, including pork belly and BBQ jackfruit, in addition to an ever-changing “bun of the day”. Each bun is packed with a choice of main filling together with an assortment of pickles, fresh herbs, sesame emulsion, togarashi spice, crispy onion, and Asian-style dressing. The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

SH OOTS & LEAVES: UMHLANGA RIDGE

his local eatery is all about quick, nourishing dishes and caters for both breakfast and lunch. Pop into the stylish and minimalist space for breakfast bowls, smashed avo, and a host of exciting build-your-own options, together with its signature and muchloved coffee — the blend ethically sourced and roasted by Bluebird Coffee Roastery in Howick. Lunch consists of bountiful

and ever-changing harvest tables that always include a protein option and four vegetarian options — expect the likes of slow-braised beef with cumin roastpumpkin puree, Cajun roasted-butternut salads, couscous bowls, basil baked-pasta salads, and a hearty soup in colder months. Several breakfast and lunch options are also available to go. The Boulevard, 19 Park Lane, Umhlanga Ridge

THE SH ORTMARKE T CLUB: JOBURG ward-winning chef Luke Dale Roberts opened The Shortmarket Club, his first permanent restaurant in Joburg, in September last year. Situated in the bustling foodie-meets-corporate Oxford Parks precinct, the sophisticated eatery, inspired by European brasseries and infused with the chef ’s love of Asian flavours, offers diners the choice of both a tasting menu and à la carte. This means it’s as suitable for a meal to impress a client over the course of an afternoon (the tasting menu runs five courses long and is available with a wine, cocktail, or non-alcoholic pairing) as it is for a quick lunch catching up with a colleague over the famed fillet with café-au-lait sauce and a stellar glass of Bordeaux red. 1 Oxford Parks, 199 Oxford Road, Rosebank

DRINKS

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Wade Bales 01.

KAAPZICHT POT STILL BRANDY 15 YO

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P U R I S T B L AC K 5 7

or a gin that’s unapologetically masculine in design, aesthetics, and taste, imagine the award-winning Purist Art Gin recipe — only amplified. From its striking minimalist design to its equally outstanding taste profile, this gin is smooth, subtle, and surprisingly strong (with an ABV of 57%). From R870 a bottle at select outlets.

ith its deep golden colour and its complex, layered taste, there’s nothing trite about this tipple. Only the finest white grapes (grown and harvested on the Kaapzicht estate) were picked while still green to allow the acid to finesse the brandy during its lengthy distillation process. Expect smoky oak notes alongside cinnamon, prune, and dried fig. The ideal cigar companion. R1 021 a bottle.

COURVOISIER VSOP

SMELLS LIKE MALE SPIRIT From brandy to bourbon, whiskey to red wine — each of these drinks offers an impeccable blend of focus, depth, and artfully restrained strength

A BOURBON FOR THE BOOKS

IT’S RYE, BUT YOU CAN DRINK IT

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efferson’s Reserve Bourbon is a smallbatch blend of mature bourbons, masterfully brought together to produce a flavour that’s at once bold yet nuanced. Honey and nutmeg on the nose give way to toffee and cinnamon on the palate, followed by a long, smoky finish. A truly quintessential bourbon whiskey. From R2 200 a bottle.

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Woodford Reserve’s Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is a mouthful in both name and flavour. Far more than a spirit, it’s a sensory spectacle, with more than 212 detectable flavours. Having taken almost nine years to craft, the rye base has a distinctly spicy aroma and a depth of flavour (led by apple, malt, and clove) that’s hard to forget. Enjoy neat, on ice, or in a Manhattan cocktail. Available at select retailers from R450 a bottle.

aison Courvoisier has recently unveiled a new bottle design that rediscovers elements from the foundation of the brand in a beautifully modernised look and feel, taking into consideration trends that made Courvoisier iconic in the 19th and 20th centuries. A cognac that transcends the category, Courvoisier lends itself to festive, daytime consumption and slowdrinking cocktails such as the Gala. R899 a bottle at select outlets.

RUST EN VREDE ESTATE 2O18

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ake an iconic Cape wine estate, add all three of its prized cultivars (cabernet sauvignon, syrah, merlot), and the tail-end of a four-year-long drought, and blend. The result: a flagship wine that majestically honours its terroir and time in history. Almost two years in French oak have created a rich tobacco and mulberry backbone, with surprisingly fresh red-cherry and black-pepper notes atop another layer of Christmas cake and leather. Drink now, or save a few bottles to enjoy in years to come. This one’s a keeper. R500 a bottle.

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Wade Bales is a wellknown wine négociant and merchant

C O L L A B O R AT I O N

2022 / 06

EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF KRONE, WITH LOVE The Night Nectar Blanc true star power

in the nectar style. Bold yet soft notes of baked apples, orange zest, dessert peaches, and cinnamon give way to a complex bouquet of dulce de leche and salty sea spray. The palate has a gossamer-light creamy mousse and rounded mouthfeel, complemented by a bright, linear acidity that cuts through to balance the elegant richness while allowing its light touch to linger just a while longer. In the latest addition to Krone’s exclusive collection of vintage-only Cap Classiques, the grapes were handharvested under the light of the stars to ensure pristine fruit quality and the coolest harvesting temperatures. Only the free-run juice was then used, naturally fermented in foudres before being bottle-fermented in the cool of Krone’s underground cellar. With the results matured on the lees for 36 months thereafter, every step of the process has been carefully considered to ensure that the same stars this Cap Classique was harvested under are now reflected in every sip.

arvested under the light of the stars and bottle-fermented in the cool of Krone Cap Classique’s legendary underground cellar, the Night Nectar Blanc de Blancs 2018 Cap Classique is the first of its kind in South Africa. The boldest Krone release yet succeeds in bringing together a constellation of innovative highlights, including some star power. Luminary radio personality Luthando Shosha is the face and ambassador of Krone’s latest release, embodying both the luxury and verve of this supremely premium MCC in which Shosha has been intimately involved. “I cannot wait to welcome everyone into a new world of luxury under starlight,” she says. “This is a new beginning with divine timing. To say I’m excited would be an understatement. You’re about to experience the best of Krone, with absolute love.” The first of its kind in the country, Krone’s Night Nectar Blanc de Blancs 2018 is harvested under a night sky and made exclusively from chardonnay

de Blancs 2018 packs

Bold, vivacious, and one of a kind — Krone’s Night Nectar Blanc de Blancs 2018 is available at the Krone Cap Classique website and at select restaurants and retail partners. Visit kronecapclassique.co.za and follow Krone Cap Classique on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more on the Night Nectar Blanc de Blancs journey.

N AV I G A T O R

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Michele Magwood

06.

4. BETTER CHOICES: ENSURING SOUTH AFRICA’S FUTURE

Edited by Greg Mills, Mcebisi Jonas, Haroon Bhorat, and Ray Hartley Some of South Africa’s top thinkers and observers outline sit-up-andthink solutions to overwhelming problems that, if implemented, could halt the country’s downward trajectory. Each chapter ends with three critical actions to fix problematic areas. (Picador Africa)

Michele Magwood is an awardwinning literary critic

READ ALERT.

Six of the best

5. AN UNUSUAL GRIEF

Yewande Omotoso Yewande Omotoso is settling in as one of Africa’s stellar writers. Her third outing takes place in Joburg, where distraught mother Mojisola is trying to find answers to her daughter Yinka’s suicide. As she burrows into Yinka’s life she starts to shed the layers and labels of her own life, to emerge new and resolute. A wise and affecting novel. (Cassava Republic)

6. ELON MUSK: RISKING IT ALL

Michael Vlismas Author and sports broadcaster Michael Vlismas attended the same school as Elon Musk and is well placed to drill into the billionaire’s early life. He then widens the lens to take in Musk’s astounding business ambitions in the US, showing a man “Utterly uncowed by risk who is driven to preserve the optimism he sees in humanity”. ( Jonathan Ball Publishers)

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02. 2. BRAZEN: MY UNORTHODOX JOURNEY FROM LONG SLEEVES TO LINGERIE

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1. VERY BAD PEOPLE: THE INSIDE STORY OF THE FIGHT AGAINST THE WORLD’S NETWORK OF CORRUPTION

Patrick Alley Patrick Alley is the co-founder of Global Witness, one of the world’s leading investigative organisations, which

chases down a dizzying array of arms traffickers, warlords, mega con men, and blood-diamond dealers — the vile and the villainous — and takes on the shadow networks that enable them. More riveting than any fiction. (Octopus)

Julia Haart The subtitle says it all: this is the astonishing story of how a woman left her ultraconservative Jewish community in New York and founded a fashion empire. The basis for the Netflix series My Unorthodox Life, Haart’s story goes way deeper into her experiences. It’s a cry to women everywhere to find their freedom. And their lacy lingerie. (Endeavour)

3. THE CANDY HOUSE

Jennifer Egan Jennifer Egan’s follow-up to her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel A Visit from the Goon Squad has been worth the wait. She brings back some of the characters from that landmark book, but now in a very changed world. Egan is brilliant at examining how the internet and social media have refashioned us. You’ll be thinking about this audacious story long after you put it down. (Scribner)

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Stoke up the fire and wrap up in a blanket... these are some of the most riveting reads on the shelves this winter

C O L L A B O R AT I O N

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TRAILBLAZER,TRENDSETTER 1

Birkenstock Boston clogs provide the ultimate cool-weather style stylish as Milanese catwalks or Ye listening parties. The heavy-duty uppers are built for long-term wear and no tear, resistant to scuffs, snow, and seasonal quirks. The Boston’s focus on design and premium materials makes it highly adaptive to the intricacies of style and season, elevating or grounding any aesthetic — from minimalist to preppy, comfort to formal. The signature Boston of the autumn/ winter collection is no doubt the Boston in Horween leather, which is usually

reserved for professional sports gear. The Boston clogs are coveted “it” pieces worn in exclusive and inclusive circles alike. Support, grip, and comfort come without restriction or constriction. Birkenstock Bostons are available in Horween leather, subtle oiled leather, cosy wool felt, suede shearling lined with lamb’s wool, and a range of bright suede styles, all available at the Bash Africa online store, bashafrica. com, and at official Birkenstock retailers across South Africa.

1. Boston Horween Leather, roast, R4 399 2. Boston Oiled Leather, tobacco brown, R2 999 3. Boston Suede Shearling, mink, R3 699 4. Boston Wooly Home, anthracite, R1 899 5. Boston Wooly Home, cocoa, R1 899

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he Birkenstock Boston has been an icon of comfort and high-end versatility since 1976. This season, the all-weather closedtoe clog is empowered by all aspects of urban living, making style a way of being. Birkenstock has always been a staple of considered comfort, providing form and function with fashionable flair. The unique profile of the Boston, with its asymmetrical and anatomically shaped cork-and-latex footbed, has graced feet at fashion weeks, exclusive soirees, and lazy Sundays alike. Superpremium leather, wool, and suede have made the shoe universal, worn by dads in Fish Hoek, models in Cape Town, and designers in Joburg. Birkenstock — a heritage brand with an ingrained tradition of making essential footwear — traces its history to 1774, and defined the term “footbed” in the early 1900s. The Boston itself has reigned since the 1970s, when Germany was a-clatter with wooden clogs (a trend that apparently didn’t die in the Cape of Good Hopeera of Dutch shipyards). Thankfully, the Boston “cork clog” emerged as a stealthy and flexible alternative, imbued with style rather than woodlice. The Boston collection is as premium as shoes come — an iconic style with a quality footbed made of natural materials that mould to your foot, providing personalised comfort without compromising looks. The adjustable strap allows an individual fit, providing versatility as it unites leisurewear and luxury. It’s no surprise that the brand has sneaked its way into the upper echelons of fashion, as it is notoriously picky with its collaborations and releases, creating impenetrably cool collections of everyday staples. The work-from-home movement of the past two years has brought the Boston back, making the walk from bed to kitchen and bed to grocery store as

HOME(LESS) SWEET HOME? text

Kura Chihota

The pros and (many) cons of a second property

n the recent lockdown past, many of our homes suddenly transformed from a two-bed apartment located somewhere in Bryanston, between work and the school run, into an office, classroom, and movie theatre, all rolled into one. The lockdown nudged us to reconsider our lifestyle choices, and this is in turn affecting the property market. The market has seen a welcome postlockdown bump, with new mortgage applications growing by as much as 49% in 2021, according to Absa. While absolute prices remain flat, the approved mortgage bonds are getting bigger. Home-loan specialist ooba reports that the average approved home-loan value rose 6.9%, to R1.33-million in the first quarter of 2022. So, what are people buying, and where? Home-relocation specialist kandua. com reports that “semigration” (moving within the country, as opposed to moving

out) continues, with the usual pattern of older folks leaving the bustle (and bucks) of Joburg for a more family-centred life in the coastal nodes. Traditionally, popular destinations tend to be Cape Town and Hermanus. Property-data expert Lightstone estimates that 43% of “out-ofprovince” movers are Gautengers shifting to KwaZulu-Natal or the Cape. Many are choosing to give up the GASH (good address, small home) sectional-title property and getting a freestanding house with a garden in smaller towns such as Mbombela and Bela-Bela; even the Vaal and Parys are popping up on the radar. How are families structuring the financial aspects of second-home ownership if they decide to rent out their original homes? Buying a second lifestyle property is a weighty financial decision, where one is taking on a liability that doesn’t produce cashflow in an environment where interest rates are rising. The lifestyle investor also needs to factor in the extra costs associated with running a second home, aside from the additional mortgage repayment, such as maintenance and property management while it’s not occupied. Renting out your former primary residence is a tough sell in the current market, which is characterised by flat rents and high vacancies. Supply has overtaken demand in the rental market, which means that tenants have more options. At the same time, rising interest rates (i.e., climbing mortgage rates) are leaving landlords with flat rental incomes out of pocket. In addition, operating costs such as electricity and municipal rates are increasing faster than rental incomes. In terms of rental vacancies, the national average in the first quarter of 2022 was 10%. Some of the worst affected areas are in KwaZulu-Natal, at 13.26%, and Gauteng, at 8.69%. The Western Cape has the lowest rental vacancies, at 2.91%, according to the TPN Credit Bureau. Some popular nodes such as Fourways can see one in five units going empty for months as landlords chase a small pool of reliable tenants. And while it’s tempting to think that you can put your erstwhile primary residence on Airbnb, upon deeper analysis the numbers often don’t stack up. The bed nights sold and the management effort required to sustain a meaningful cashflow mustn’t be underestimated. Urban Airbnb rentals in areas such as Sandton and Rosebank, which relied on corporate tenants or consultants working for corporates, were severely hit during lockdown, and have seen a significant drop in revenues. So, enjoy your new home, but it might be a good idea not to rely too much on any hoped-for rental incomes just yet. Kura Chihota is a realtor with eXp South Africa and hosted Ask the Property Experts on BusinessDay TV.

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PROPERTY

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GIFTED

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01. What is your personal definition of luxury? I used to consider time the ultimate luxury, but I have to add electricity. I’ve made sure I am pretty much off-grid and not dependent on the vagaries of Eskom. 02. The one indulgence you would never forgo? Physical activity or exercising. It is not only a way for me to keep fit and healthy but also my way of dealing with stress, to recharge and think. I make sure that I always get in some form of physical exercise every day. 03. What are your essential lotions and potions? I really don’t use anything other than soap and shampoo. 04. What tech gadget couldn’t you live without? Apple AirPods Pro — they’re great for a busy schedule on the run, and workouts are better. 05. If you had to choose, what is the single most sentimental object to you? My Olympic gold medal. It symbolises decades of dedication, determination, and incredible support from so many people along the way. Blood, sweat, and tears. It is a reminder to always be grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. It was a true team effort. 06. What is your drink of choice? On special occasions I like to open a bottle of my wine — Val de Vie Ryk Neethling — and, if it gets really festive, a vertical tasting of all the vintages. 07. When you eat out, where do you go? We’ve got some great restaurants at Val de Vie Estate in Paarl, such as Wijn, and the Polo Pavilion by Back’s. I also enjoy Faber at Avondale. 08. What is the single element of your wardrobe that signifies your individual sense of style? I love my

Ryk Neethling 3.

The Olympic gold medallist and marketing director at Val de Vie Estate on velllies and his Aunt Berena’s oxtail 5.

veldskoene. I’ve got a few pairs and they suit my lifestyle. I can comfortably go from the boardroom to the paddocks or vineyards. 09. A watch brand that you love? I own three beautiful JaegerLeCoultre handmade Swiss timepieces inspired by polo. 10. The last place you travelled to that captured your heart? I’ve travelled across Africa quite a bit over the past three years. Madagascar was very special, but the horseback safari I did across Damaraland in Namibia was unforgettable. About 200km in six days on horseback, sleeping under the stars with your horse, and exploring the rugged and desolate terrain. I felt like I was away from civilisation for months. 11. What are you reading at the moment? Churchill: Walking with Destiny, by Andrew Roberts. 12. The last meal that really blew you away? I had three servings of my Aunt Berena’s oxtail tonight on the farm here in Paarl. Pretty special. 13. Which musician really appeals to you at the moment? Gregory Alan Isakov — he is doing really well in the US and I’m looking forward to seeing him live in California soon. 14. What’s next on your list of must-haves? More polo ponies. You can never have too many good horses. 15. What is the first thing you add to your grocery cart and the one thing you’ll always find in your fridge? Always lots of coffee in the cart and cheese in the fridge (for the wine). 16. The best gift you’ve been given recently? A special painting capturing the essence of our horseback safari in the Namibian desert. 17. A gift that you’ve recently bought for someone? A trip to Klein Jan Restaurant at Tswalu for my parents, for my dad’s 70th birthday. 18. What place inspires and rejuvenates you? The Klein Karoo. We recently bought a few farms in the area and will be spending more time there. It is less than three hours from the winelands and the area has so many great little towns and interesting characters. 19. A place that’s recently caught your attention? Karoo Ranching, just outside GraaffReinet. You don’t need to be a great rider for this experience to change your life. Just book it! 20. What was the last item of clothing that you added to your wardrobe? Some custom-made leather polo boots. You used to have to fly to Argentina to get good-quality polo boots, but I found someone making topquality ones here in Cape Town. 21. Your favourite city in the world? The architecture, nightlife, food, people, and beaches of Barcelona are almost as good as Cape Town’s.

1. Gregory Alan Isakov album 2. Neethling at a polo match 3. A Jaeger-LeCoultre watch 4. Val de Vie Ryk Neethling 5. Horseback safari in Damaraland, Namibia 6. Churchill: Walking with Destiny, Andrew Roberts 7. Vellies

Q+A.

N AV I G A T O R

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#MeToo

Sarah Buitendach is contributing editor to the Financial Mail.

ECLECTIBLES.

The percentage of children in South Africa under the age of 17 who are not raised by their parents.

The percentage decline in sperm counts over the past 40 years, often referred to as

“spermageddon”

The percentage of men in the US diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder during their lifetimes, against 4.9% of women.

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ALL BOXED IN

The year that the Chinese government banned “effeminate men” from TV, to “resolutely put an end to sissy men and other abnormal aesthetics”.

text

Declan Gibbon

The percentage of US adults who self-identify as a part of the LGBTQI+ community — double that in 2012 — with over 20% of Gen Z doing so.

A NUMBERS GAME

2021

The percentage of bachelor’s and master’s degrees held by women in the US, up from 26.1% in 1980. More men are out of the labour force today than during the Great Depression.

The number of young men in the US who say they were criticised for not being manly enough while growing up.

destructive relationships. She was sexually abused as a child, her second husband, baseball god Joe DiMaggio, allegedly physically abused her, and her third husband, playwright Arthur Miller, put the emotional screws on the star big time. And then there were the Kennedys. If there was ever an example of powerful men treating women with total disrespect and disdain, it is those from this political dynasty. It’s common knowledge that their father Joe was a womanising bully, but former US president JFK and his brother Robert, who both supposedly had affairs with Monroe, do not come

12.9

4/10

my dreamy delusions about the era have been punctured further. And I’ve got to say, it’s the men who did it. The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes might sound like an intriguing Hardy Boys caper but, truthfully, there is nothing particularly curious about the tale that this Netflix show weaves. Rather, over an hour and 40 minutes, viewers are treated to a deluge of film footage, archival interviews, and hypotheses about the short and depressing life of the iconic actress. Cut through images of the sultry blonde performing and dodging adoring fans are glimpses of Marilyn Monroe’s

The estimated cost in billions of rands to our economy of gender-based violence, every year. Every three hours a woman is killed in South Africa.

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hich historical period would you choose to live in if you had the chance? My answer has always been standard — I’d pick the late 1950s and early 1960s. A swirl of high-rises in the international style, pop art, tulip chairs, and martini-fuelled cocktail parties (yes, I have watched too much Mad Men) is my idea of sexy. And the fashion, well, it’s positively thrilling. Cinched waists, pencil skirts, twotone court shoes, red lips, and pearls — they’re all neatly arranged in my imaginary wardrobe. They’re also all ready to make a turn in a vision that involves Cary Grant, a couple of highballs, and a smoky Manhattan bar. Yes, this is a celluloid-spawned fantasy. I may have been charmed by the glamorous, booming post-war world projected in books and movies, but I know that the reality, which encompassed apartheid, the civil-rights movement, and the freezing fallout of the Cold War, was anything but alluring. Now, thanks to a new documentary,

out of this documentary looking good. They are the spectres present at the end of her 36 years of life. Was she heartbroken because they’d excommunicated her over concerns that she was talking about state secrets they’d shared? Was Robert there the night she died? Monroe had agency in her involvement with the brothers, but she was certainly also collateral damage in their quest to run the US. And the most off-putting message in this show? It’s clear that Monroe was not an outlier in the way she was treated by men. As the documentary kicks off, a former Hollywood agent is heard to say, “In this business, in the golden years, every casting director, every studio used to have a black book, you know what I mean?” He continues, “So, every girl, you know, I’m talking about kids that were breaking in, like Marilyn Monroe, you know, when they get started, all the casting directors, they would write in their black book who could be laid.” It’s sickening stuff and gives my “favourite era” a very grimy tinge. I’m still game to slip on seamed stockings and a slick of scarlet lipstick, but hell am I grateful not to be living in a world where the marginalisation of women is a given. We’re still beleaguered by both gender-based violence and inequality, but we’ve come a long way, and I know that I was raised by and am surrounded by good men. My orbit is dotted with kind, supportive, and smart fellas who value women. They’re also raising fierce and compassionate children. These are the kind of men that Monroe needed more of on her team.

The percentage of JSE-listed companies that have women as executive directors. Women of colour hold less than 1% of these positions. Women earn on average 30% less than their male counterparts.

The percentage of artworks in the world’s top galleries created by women.

IMAGES NATIONAL ARCHIVE/NEWSMAKERS/GETTY IMAGES; EDWARD BERTHELOT / CONTRIBUTOR/GETTY IMAGES; AMY SUSSMAN / STAFF/GETTY IMAGES; INKDROP/ WAHYUFRIDA /123RF AND SUPPLIED

Sarah Buitendach

Photography by Lucien Beaumont

TIGER CANYON

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