Neighbourhood CT - 01 November 2015

RSA

Neighbourhood 01 NOVEMBER 2015

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

The thriving metropolis of

Century City

+ Nationally, the largest property marketplace in South Africa

Find out more on page 10 03

MOURV-EMBER

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ROCKABILLY FESTIVAL

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SPOTLIGHT: CENTURY CITY

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BUY-TO-LET

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

Editor’s Exclusive

Going for gold

CLAIRE BARNARDO

This week we look at interesting areas in each city spotlight... from the burgeoning Midrand and Century City, to the more quaint Lyttelton, Kenton and Westville

With its rich, creamy ice creams in a swirl of seasonal flavours, pure fruit sorbets, and Banting, vegan and dairy–free varieties, Cold Gold is one of Stellenbosch’s hidden gems WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK

PTA

Set down roots in the peaceful suburb of Lyttelton.

JHB

Centrally located and secure – no wonder growth in Midrand is exploding.

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erhaps the last career choice you’d have predicted for Janine van Zyl, intolerant of gluten, nuts, dairy and eggs as a teenager, would have been artisan ice cream maker. But a large part of Cold Gold’s success has been the reputation she has grown for producing delicious ice creams suitable for all sorts of dietary restrictions, combining her chef’s training with the adaptability learned from her own experience.

“A lot of children are being diagnosed as lactose intolerant these days, and parents buy the almond milk-based ice creams, so they don’t miss out on treats. The Banting range is also flying out the door; we use a lot of Jersey cream.” Her long list of ice creams are made of pure, natural ingredients,

IMAGES: SUPPLIED & ISTOCK

mostly organic, and sourced from local farms.

The business started out small when Janine found the pace of working in top kitchens such as those at the Mount Nelson and Twelve Apostles hotels too stressful. She decided that South Africa needed real ice cream, free of chemicals, stabilisers and artificial flavours.

So she resigned her job and bought a big ice cream machine. She worked from her flat, selling at markets and, within a year, demand was such that she needed separate premises. Now, regular clients flock to the small factory at Bosman’s Crossing from as far afield as Simon’s Town, Ceres and Citrusdal to stock up on supplies of guilt-free

delight, while wine farms and restaurants commission customdesigned flavours for special events.

Janine is constantly creating new flavours, according to what’s in season, and comes up with unusual combinations that really hum. “I was in New York in June and they smoke everything there, so that gave me the inspiration for the new smoky flavours. South Africa is so braaiorientated, I thought it would be great to get that smokiness in dessert form – sweet, but not overpowering.” She smokes the cream over wood chips and rooibos tea before making ice creams such as the delectable smoked vanilla cappuccino. “I don’t like food wastage – so, say I have a lot of egg whites left over, then I’ll make up a new flavour involving marshmallow.

People look forward to visiting the shop, as there’s always something new to try.”

Her long list of ice creams are made of pure, natural ingredients, mostly organic, and sourced from local farms PE

Kenton-on-Sea is a historic holiday village all about seaside living.

KZN

Generations of families call the hilly Westville home.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:

CT

Century City is the ever-thriving city within a city that integrates nature with secure urban living.

PUBLISHED BY THE CREATIVE GROUP Unit G04, Old Castle Brewery Bldg 6 Beach Road, Woodstock Cape Town, 087 828 0423

Cold Gold 074 182 5510 coldgold.co.za

THE CREATIVE GROUP CEO: Shaun Minnie shaun.minnie@thecreativegroup.info EDITORIAL TEAM Group Editor: Claire Barnardo claire.barnardo@thecreativegroup.info Managing Editor: Charis Le Riche Creative Director: Mark Peddle

Art Director: Leah de Jager Designers: Craig D’Oliveira, Megan Cooper Chief Copy Editor: Yaron Blecher Proofreader: Marana Brand Editorial Intern: Lauren Albertyn Online Editor: Lauren Joubert

ADVERTISING SALES: Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za or call 087 828 0423 Sales & Marketing Manager: Michèle Jones michele.jones@thecreativegroup.info Neighbourhood Manager: Dylan Rothschild dylanr@yourneighbourhood.co.za Production (Editorial & Property Advertising): Lucea Goosen lucea@yourneighbourhood.co.za

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Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Raise a glass to Mourv-ember Forget the prickly moustaches and celebrate November with a bottle of top-notch Mourvèdre WORDS: RICHARD HOLMES

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red grape varietal synonymous with France’s Rhône Valley, Mourvèdre is most often blended with Shiraz, but bottled on its own, it offers a glass packed full of spice, pepper and firm tannins. Whether you’re sporting a moustache or not this month, you won’t go wrong with these five Mourvèdres.

Beaumont

This family-owned winery in Bot River was the first estate in the country to produce a single-varietal Mourvèdre.

First released in 1999, cellar master Sebastian Beaumont produces extremely limited quantities of Mourvèdre each year, but it’s worth seeking out for its firm tannins and herbaceous, almost meaty, character.

Fairview

Sourced from vineyards in Paarl and Stellenbosch, the 2013 vintage picked up four stars in Platter’s South African Wines, and offers great value if you’re looking for a first taste of Mourvèdre at a pocket-friendly price. A lovely smokiness on the nose, while the palate shows a gentle herbaceous character underpinning plenty of dark red fruit.

A great match for steak and lamb.

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

wine in their cellar (a short drive from Stanford), producing top-notch Shiraz and Bordeaux blends. Their Mourvèdre is also superb, ticking all the right boxes for balancing spiciness, fruit and tannin.

Spice Route

The Swartland terroir lends itself to producing top-drawer Rhône-style wines, and this Mourvèdre from winemaker Charl du Plessis at Spice Route Winery shows some of the best that the region has to offer. Produced from unirrigated bush vines, the 2013 is all black cherry and spiciness on the nose, with well-integrated tannins from maturation in old French oak barrels.

Babylonstoren

Beyond blending it with Shiraz and Grenache, winemakers love using Mourvèdre to make Rosé-style wines, its thick skins and firm tannins giving the wine body, colour and ageing ability.

This latest release from Simondium farm Babylonstoren is a superb summer tipple. Beyond its gorgeous salmon hue, you’ll enjoy fresh acidity and lingering strawberry notes on the palate.

Raka

Piet Dreyer gave up fishing for the vineyards over a decade ago, and the results have been impressive ever since.

Today it’s his son Josef who crafts the

DID YOU KNOW? While the French call it Mourvèdre, the same grape is known as Mataró in Portugal, and Monastrell in its native Spain.

TASTE FOR YOURSELF: Beaumont 028 284 9194 beaumont.co.za Fairview 021 863 2450 fairview.co.za Raka Wines Josef Dreyer, 028 341 0676 rakawine.co.za Spice Route Winery 021 863 5200 spiceroutewines.co.za Babylonstoren 021 863 3852 babylonstoren.com

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

Rolling back

to the 50s Indulge in a little sassy fun with Dusty Rebels & The Bombshells Rockabilly Lifestyle Festival WORDS: LAUREN JOUBERT

IMAGE: ISTOCK

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f there’s one thing worth celebrating, it’s individuality. We all have unique traits, likes, ambitions and ways of life. We look at how uniqueness, self-expression and creativity make the Rockabilly world go round.

What is Rockabilly?

You’ve likely been exposed to the 1950s fashion genre in one way or another – think calf-length, A-line skirts, bright colours, fancy up-style hairdos, and the accentuation of the tiny waist. Today’s Rockabilly lifestyle celebrates this unique culture, with tattoos, rock ’n roll, vintage

fashion, bright hair and immaculate make-up. We’ve seen a few diner-style restaurants popping up around town, offering burgers and milkshakes, with vinyls adding a beat. In the rockabilly arena, classic cars are widely appreciated, tattoos are becoming more mainstream, and colour is everything.

Rockabilly festival fun

Inspired by everything 1950s, Dusty Rebels & The Bombshells Rockabilly Lifestyle Festival is in its third year, and promises a host of events to keep the entire family entertained – from

classic car and bike shows to a dirt track, plus a children’s area. For the young, there’s a fun fair, and for older enthusiasts, a burlesque show – or why not get mum to have a fancy fifties makeover? A Rockabilly pin-up contest will have finalists strutting their stuff in pure ’50s garb to win the Miss Bombshell Betty crown (and a cover on one of SA’s niche magazines).

Don’t miss out on this celebration of clothes, music, fashion and cars, taking you back to a time where sass was the way of life.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: Dusty Rebels & the Bombshells Rockabilly Festival Kate Thompson-Duwe, 072 609 9081 dustyrebelsandthebombshells.co.za

DUSTY REBELS & THE BOMBSHELLS ROCKABILLY FESTIVAL Date: Venue: Time:

14 November 2015 West Coast Ostrich Ranch, N7 (25km from Cape Town) 12pm to 12am

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

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Celebrate the LOCAL summer LOWDOWN in style like this…

The Monis Very Sherry Show Sherry is making a comeback which is clearly evident from the trendy sherry bars that are opening in cosmopolitan cities around the globe. Sherry.org decided to celebrate by hosting the International Sherry Week from 2 to 8 November, and Cape Town will be able to join in on the celebrations with Monis The Very Sherry Show, to be hosted at Tiger’s Milk Restaurant and Bar (Muizenberg and Long Street) and La Parada on Bree Street. Guests will be treated to designer Monis cocktails specifically created for the Monis fortified wine range, as well as receive a few mixology lessons to impress friends with, and let’s not forget the delicious tapas pairing.

WORDS: ANDY MÖLLER IMAGES: SUPPLIED

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Cape Town Movember Waiters’ Race 2015

Creating an interesting spin in the hospitality industry, mainly to promote its professions and recognise the talented, is the Cape Town Movember Waiters’ Race 2015. The event, brought to us by The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa and hosted at the Camps Bay High School on 7 November from 9am to 1pm, will definitely be entertaining to witness. You’ll get to see some of Cape Town’s top hospitality professionals compete in speed as they’re tasked to complete a track while’s balancing a tray stacked with sparkling wine and two full champagne flutes.

Even the managers will be competing with one another in their own Wooden Spoon Race. Attending the event is free, and all team entry proceeds will be donated to Movember SA in support of Cansa and the Movember Foundation.

Eikendal Estate’s Fish Out Feast

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To celebrate the last day of fishing, as the fly fishing seasons comes to an end, Eikendal Estate invites everyone to enjoy its inaugural Fish Out Feast. The event will take place on 8 November at Eikendal Vineyards situated on the R44. Attendees can survey the competing fishermen (and women), or cast their own line to strut their fishing skills. Both experienced and amateur fishers are welcome, and you are even allowed to keep your catch at R110 per kilogram. Guests will also be treated to a relaxing fish braai, Newton & Co music and wine tasting (at the Eikendal Estate tasting centre), and there will even be a jungle gym and jumping castle for the kids. Guests will need to bring their own fishing rods.

Read more about Andy Möller’s Mother City adventures on his blog: iamonline.ninja

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: The Monis Very Sherry Show facebook.com/MonisWines Cape Town Movember Waiters’ Race 2015 021 437 9225 12apostleshotel.com/ movember-waiters-race Eikendal Estate’s Fish Out Feast 021 855 1422 eikendal.com

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

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Do the maths WORDS: CHRIS REID

F

IMAGES: FERM LIVING & SUPERBALIST

or the past few seasons, we’ve seen faceted design take over our homes. Regular or abstract, monotone or brightly coloured, this mineral-inspired design treatment has recently been the subject of countless Pinterest boards, hipster tattoos and blog posts. Now, however, we’re seeing design move on from this, paring down the style to its bare, geometric essentials, and for those people tired of endless facets, it couldn’t have arrived soon enough.

SEE FOR YOURSELF:

Ferm Living fermliving.com Superbalist superbalist.com

There’s no set definition for this new, geometric design, but it’s easy to spot when you see it. The trend makes use of basic shapes like squares, circles and triangles in different sizes and proportions to create pattern and structure in decor pieces. By stripping design back to these simple forms, designers are able to achieve a minimalist look with a sense of solidity.

At the recent Maison & Objet homeware trade show, this trend was out in full force, with brands like Ferm Living standing out for their fresh use of linear geometrics.

Locally, brands such as Superbalist have also tapped into this look in their homeware offering, helping South Africans get their hands onto their own mathematical decor.

Their Cubist Wall Display and geometric pendant lights feature a thick black outline on the shapes for extra emphasis.

The move back to basic shapes likely comes from a desire for simplicity in our homes. We’ve seen quite a busy aesthetic dominating homeware over the past few seasons, so this shift is timeous. Shapes like these are almost child-like in their expression and help us to create a sense of order when the world feels overwhelming.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

GET A FREE BLOOD GLUCOSE TEST Get your blood sugar tested from 16 October to 01 November. Take 5 minutes to go for a FREE blood glucose test at any Dis-Chem Clinic nationwide, courtesy of Accu-Chek. You’ll also receive a cool thumb ring to show yourawareness and support. Let’s take a stand against the growing diabetes pandemic.

Roche Products (Pty) Ltd Diabetes Care PO Box 1927 Randburg, 2125

Accu-Chek Self Help: *134*76243# Call Toll Free: 080-34-22-38-37 www.accu-chek.co.za AccuChekSubSahara

ACUST 150907

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2015/10/12 1:08 PM

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

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Living the sweet life LIF E I S SO GO OD

WORDS: LAUREN ALBERTYN

IMAGES: ISTOCK

H

aving diabetes hasn’t stopped the ever-optimistic Bridget McNulty. In fact life is sweeter now.

!

Considering that November is National Diabetes month we decided to chat with our very own Bridget McNulty about living with diabetes and how her life has been affected; as well as her magazine, Sweet Life, which provides free health information to South Africans and raises awareness about diabetes.

Q: Why is National Diabetes month so important?

A: National Diabetes Month is the one time of the year where everyone talks about diabetes and raises awareness of the condition. There are two types of diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2 – but there are five common symptoms: extreme hunger, extreme thirst, needing to urinate all the time, exhaustion, and blurry eyes.

Knowing the symptoms of diabetes and how easy it is to get tested (a simple fingerprick blood test at any clinic or pharmacy), is the message of National Diabetes Month. Also, that life can be sweet with diabetes!

Q: What’s it like living with diabetes every day?

A: At first it was really complicated, but now I don’t remember a time before I had to inject before every meal and test my blood sugar numerous times a day. Counting the carbohydrates in my food, balancing exercise with medication, and making sure I always have something sugary on me in case of low blood sugar, is part of my every day. That’s not to say it isn’t challenging and frustrating, just that it’s become normal.

Q: Why did you start Sweet Life magazine?

A: When I was first diagnosed, all the information I was given was really depressing and negative.

Everything I read listed the longterm complications of diabetes and the risks attached to poor blood sugar control, but nobody ever said that if you’re in good control there’s nothing you can’t

do. Sweet Life is about just that: the message that just because you’re diabetic doesn’t mean you can’t live a full and happy life. We send out print copies of Sweet Life magazine four times a year (for free) to Dis-Chem stores, local clinics, pharmacies and support groups, we have an active blog on our website (sweetlifemag.co.za), and a thriving Facebook community (facebook. com/DiabeticSouthAfricans).

Sweet Life is a community for all those with diabetes, and their friends and families.

Q: How do you keep motivated with a chronic illness?

A: The funny thing about diabetes is that if you’re in good control – looking after yourself, eating right, exercising – you feel great, and if you’re in bad control you feel pretty terrible. So that’s a good motivator in itself. I also find that if I do everything in moderation it’s easier to keep motivated. I don’t eat a diabetic diet, for example, I just eat a healthy, balanced diet, which is what we all should be doing, I suppose!

Q: What makes your life sweet?

A: I have been blessed with such a sweet life – family, friends, health and home – I often think I’m the luckiest girl in the world. Being able to make a difference to so many people’s lives with Sweet Life, is pretty remarkable too – it’s as good as it gets!

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Diabetes South Africa 086 111 3913 / 011 886 3721 national@diabetessa.org.za Sweet Life sweetlifemag.co.za hello@sweetlifemag.co.za Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cdc.gov/globalhealth/countries/ southafrica

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SPOTLIGHT

01 NOVEMBER 2015

Spotlight on Century City With bird-watching, canoeing, walking to work and school, and retail therapy just a bridge away, this thriving city within a city integrates nature with secure urban living WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK

IMAGES: ANTON SCHOLTZ, PRIVATE PROPERTY, ISTOCK, GOOGLE

Neighbourhood

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

Most Capetonians drive past Century City on the N1 and, on seeing the modern business headquarters, Canal Walk shopping mall and Ratanga Junction theme park, think that’s the whole story. What they don’t see is the variety of secure residential developments, the wetland nature reserve of Intaka Island at its heart, and the network of canals, footpaths and bridges that wind through this growing community, creating a safe, urban living environment that is still close to nature.

One of the prime attractions for many residents is the multi-layered security provided. The security for Century City as a whole is managed by the CCPOA (Century City Property Owners Association), with CCTV covering the public areas and number plate recognition at all entry points. Further to that, each development within the complex has its own internal security.

“To me, of utmost importance is the fact that our children can get on their bicycles and ride around or walk in the streets, with us knowing they are in a safe, secure and clean environment,” comments Fred Grunewald, who has two primary school-age children and has lived in Century City for 14 years.

“I travel a lot, so it gives me great peace of mind to know my family is safe while I’m away,” adds Daniel Silke, who has lived and worked here

for seven years. “There’s easy access to main road arteries, and the airport is only 15 minutes away.”

This accessibility is another key factor: it’s only 15 minutes to Cape Town CBD, and 10 minutes to escape the city altogether and explore the Durbanville wine valley.

But for many residents, the best thing is that everything they need for work, family life and leisure is right there. “I simply cross a bridge to reach the mall,” continues Daniel, “which eliminates the need to drive, and it’s easy to avoid using my vehicle every day.”

Recent developments have made this even easier, bringing GP practices, dentists, an Intercare day hospital and many more essential services into the complex. The integrated, mixed-use philosophy has encouraged a varied selection of small businesses, as well as big business HQs, to make their home here, so that it really is becoming a self-sufficient city within a city.

It’s a really multi-cultural environment, cosmopolitan and well-integrated JASON HELMAN, RESIDENT

A substantial Curro primary school (with a Curro high school in the planning stages), in addition to the Endeavour Educare Centre, Abeille Ruche primary school and Abbotts College, means that families also have a choice of schooling on their doorstep. “The fact that I no longer have to navigate my way in peak-hour traffic and can walk my son to school, has changed my life,” says Sedica Knight, who moved to Century City earlier this year.

SPOTLIGHT

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locomotive at Central Park so he can climb and play, then visiting Intaka Island.

Here, we are much closer to nature, which he enjoys.”

With an annual pass for Intaka Island, residents can use the bird hides, take leisurely nature walks in a pristine natural environment, and watch flamingos on the vlei in winter, along with the many birds that breed here.

The athletics club makes use of the extensive network of well-maintained trails around the island and canals, and the active canoe club enjoys access to the 8,5km stretch of navigable canal. Both are based at the community clubhouse beside the large, grassy circle of Central Park, as are a touch rugby club and adventure boot camp. A natural community focus, Central Park is also home to the monthly Natural Goods market and a series of annual events, as well as casual kids’ sports.

“Very seldom do people move away once they have moved into Century City,” observes Fred. “Sure, they may move between residential complexes as their needs change (from a flat to a house, from a house to a retirement village, or from renting to buying).

But everyone seems to be embracing the principles of new urbanism offered, to live, work and play here.”

Eat like a local

A pair of peregrine falcons nesting on the high-rise luxury apartments of Knightsbridge, red bishops flitting between reeds at the edge of the canals, and coots with families of fluffy chicks are just a few of the delights for urban nature lovers. “I love taking early morning walks and runs along the canal,” continues Sedica, “and taking my little boy down to the

•

Crave – a hidden gem, serving healthy lunches with shady canal views

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Brick Lane Eatery – great breakfasts, burgers and craft beers

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Knife – excellent steakhouse dining

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The Slug & Lettuce – good pub fare and atmosphere

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Ruby Bar at Crystal Towers – glitzy cocktails

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Jacqui O Bistro – a simple and elegant bistro

Watch this space... in February next year six new restaurants will open in the R1bn Century City Square.

BRICK LANE

KNIFE

CRYSTAL TOWERS

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SPOTLIGHT

Nature Century City is built around the natural wetland reserve of Intaka Island, which is sustainably managed as a centre of environmental education for families and schools. The local eco-system includes more than:

125 species of birds

213

species of plants

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types of fish A series of pumps and decorative water features cycle the water of the canals, oxygenating it and naturally filtering it through reed beds to maintain water quality.

The wetland nature reserve of Intaka Island at its heart and the network of canals, footpaths and bridges that wind through this growing community, create a safe, urban living environment that is still close to nature

01 NOVEMBER 2015

Neighbourhood

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SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

Buying in

Coming soon

Century City

A green, state-of-the-art conference centre and hotel are under development, due to open early in 2016. The mixed-use precinct is designed around a public square that will serve as another community hub, with vibey restaurants (including a new branch of Tiger’s Milk), coffee shops, offices and open-air events.

The monthly bond repayment to purchase a typical property in Century City, namely a one-bedroom flat with the median asking price of R1,6m, is R14,914 a month over 20 years at prime of 9,5 % with no deposit.

Property demand for Century City

properties

19%

18%

41%

Properties listed for sale in Century City comprise approximately 19% of the total sale listings in the Milnerton area.

Approximately 18% of the interest (views) in properties for sale in the Milnerton area is attributable to properties listed for sale in Century City.

Properties listed for rent in Century City comprise approximately 41% of the total rental listings in the Milnerton area.

39%

Approximately 39% of the interest (views) in properties for rent in the Milnerton area is attributable to properties listed for rent in Century City.

The C 180 Auto Avantgarde from just R5 888 p/m*.

The best time is now.

It’s no coincidence that the new C-Class C 180 Auto Avantgarde is as light and dynamic as its Agility Finance offer. It comes with smaller payments over a shorter period of time, a guaranteed future value and no balloon payments. But perhaps its most appealing feature is that you can drive one from just R5 888 p/m*.

> Mercedes-Benz Century City 021 528 0406, Claremont 021 674 4150 & Culemborg 021 417 3800.

*Terms and Conditions apply. Offer calculated on a C 180. At a rate of 8.97% linked over 36 months, deposit of 10.10%, Total Retail Price of R483 929 at a Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) of 62.44% based on 20 000 km pa, Total Repayment Price of R514 126. Monthly Service Fee of R57.00 (not included in the Monthly Instalment). Upfront Initiation Fee of R1 140.00 (including VAT). The Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) is unique to the vehicle being advertised, subject to change per vehicle specification. Offer valid until 31 December 2015 subject to availability at participating dealers only.

Agility Finance by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd., an Authorised Financial Services Provider (Licence No. 18 604) and Credit Provider (Licence No. NCRCP80). Vehicle specifications may vary for the South African Market. Standard with the new PremiumDrive Maintenance Plan. Errors and omissions excepted (E & OE)

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

Median asking prices for Century City properties

R1,6m For a typical property (one-bedroom flat)

R3,9m For a property in a complex

R2,86m For a flat

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SPOTLIGHT

R3,61m

Property types for sale

4%

20%

Complex

House

For a house

76% Flat

Property types for rent

11%

11%

Complex

House

Median monthly asking prices for Century City rentals

78% Flat

R15,000 For a typical rental property (two-bedroom flat)

R21,900 In a complex

R15,000 For a house

R13,860 For a flat

FREE

CREDIT

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PROPERTY NEWS

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

Analyse it PATRICK CAIRNS

A worthy Nobel Prize winner W

hen the Nobel Committee announced that this year’s Nobel Prize for economics was awarded to Princeton professor Angus Deaton, fellow academics warmly welcomed the decision. Harvard Kennedy School of Government professor Amitabh Chandra was even moved to tweet that Deaton was the “Obi-Wan Kenobi of Economics”.

By all accounts the Scottish social scientist, who has lived in the US since the 1980s and is currently based at Princeton University, is not only a great thinker, but also a terrific gentleman. Perhaps that sounds like a largely irrelevant observation to make when considering why someone had won a Nobel Prize, but it seems important in Deaton’s case.

This is because Deaton was recognised for his work on poverty and economic development. It is a field in need of level heads and people willing to engage in rational discussion rather than emotional and dogmatic arguments.

Deaton has written that “those of us who were lucky enough to be born in the right countries, have a moral obligation to reduce poverty and ill health in the world”. However, that doesn’t mean he supports simple redistribution of wealth. He is a critic of foreign aid and believes that inequality can actually play an important role in development.

His work has great relevance for the questions we are facing in South Africa because it looks at how policy decisions change the way people behave.

He also argues that poverty must be seen holistically. It is not just a lack of income, but should also be seen in terms of other measures of well-being like health and access to education.

This is an argument that certainly resonates in a country where quality education and healthcare are not evenly distributed. Many South Africans find themselves in a poverty trap they are unable to escape because they have little means or opportunity to do so.

That, essentially, is what the recent student protests have been about.

The Nobel Prize in economics is not one of the five awards originally set up in Alfred Nobel’s will. It was created by the Swedish Central Bank in memory of Nobel and was first awarded in 1969

Deaton has also criticised the kind of economic development that gives a small, ultra-wealthy group undue influence on how an economy is run. This puts them in a position to “write the rules in their favour, and they may work against the public provision of health care or education, for which they pay a large share but have little personal need” .

Deaton’s contribution to economics is therefore to make us think more carefully about what an economy is actually for. Ultimately, it is about the efficient allocation of resources. And in South Africa, there’s little doubt that we can do a better job of that.

Buy-to-let market grows The number of South Africans renting properties has increased and with the high demand is expected to continue WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY IMAGE: ISTOCK

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he number of South Africans renting properties has increased by 0,5% (0,9 million households) during the past decade and by 152,000 in 2014, according to development indicators by the presidency. With strong demand for rental accommodation on the back of poor economic outlook and high demand expected to continue, owning a property to rent seems to be a lucrative investment.

Samuel Seeff, chairman: Seeff, says given economic growth has been adjusted downward to about 1,5%, perhaps 2%, for the next year, he expects high demand for rentals to continue. He says consumers are still battling high household debt levels and poor credit records, unable to secure home loans which will drive buoyancy in the rental market for the next two to four years.

“Property is one of the best ways to build personal wealth and South African property values tend to double every 10 years, but in boom times, values have been known to grow at about 20% to 30% in high demand areas. Renting a property to tenants gives the opportunity to earn a return on investment and the longer the property is owned, the higher the returns,” says Seeff.

Carol Reynolds, area principal: Pam Golding Properties, says property offers good returns and solid capital appreciation provided it has good tenants and is in a sought-after

area with a high demand for rental properties. She says the property should be kept in excellent condition with about 10% of rental income allocated for maintenance costs.

“In upmarket areas a garden cottage can rent for around R5,000 per month, while freestanding homes will be approximately 0,5% of property value, so a R3m home should easily achieve a rental of R15,000 per month. However, each property needs to be assessed on own merits as every suburb is different and condition of the property plays a role determining returns,” says Reynolds.

Jason Shaw, manager: Pam Golding Properties, says foreign corporates are creating demand for accommodation close to business centres seeking upmarket accommodation for staff members and signing rental agreements for between one to three years. He says an idea should be gained of returns on a property, areas best to invest in, individuals and companies likely to rent a property, and facilities they want.

“There is a demand for furniture, servicing and security to be included in rental and for it to be in close proximity to the central business district. The applicant’s credit scores should be checked and previous landlords contacted for references to ensure creditworthiness. It is in everyone’s best interest for properties in the rental market to move and assets to deliver a sound return,” says Shaw.

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Neighbourhood

Forms of the future What are SA’s prospects in terms of architectural design?

Urban designers and architects reveal the design trends that could be here to stay WORDS: RIEKIE HUMAN IMAGE: ISTOCK

01 NOVEMBER 2015

1

In-between spaces

There’s a big move towards a sense of community – in malls, in residential areas and even in office enclaves. As Luke Scott of Luke Scott Architects in Cape Town says, buildings can provide wonderful backdrops to interaction “beyond being merely programmatic, such as providing functional accommodation.”

Scott says the idea is to create meaningful spaces in between buildings for respite, protection from sun, wind or rain, interaction, observation and participation. South Africans are returning to cosmopolitan urban living whereby they engage with people on the street and can safely ride a bicycle or catch a bus or train to work.

Scott’s most recent design, a sports pavilion, alumni centre and a museum/ archive at Bishops Diocesan College in Rondebosch, was intended as a convivial courtyard and primary outdoor meeting space for the many users of the development. “Paths will cross there. If that creates the opportunity for chance interactions between wildly different people, I’d be very pleased.”

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No one-size-fits-all

According to Boets Smuts of Smuts & De Kock Architects in Stellenbosch, future developments will steer away from predictable “one-size-fits-all” design sensibility. Fads such as Spanish, Tuscan or even “Cape architecture” often left very little to the imagination so long as they adhered to the design manual’s “rules”. These types of buildings are bound to become a thing of the past, especially in housing developments, says Smuts.

Examples of unique, customised and future-driven developments include Belvidere Estate near Knysna and Vredenburg Estate in Paarl. “These developments were sensitively controlled and their design manuals provided broader guidelines, allowing owners and designers to put their own special stamp on it,” says Smuts.

3

PROPERTY NEWS

Reinventing suburban sprawl

In the suburban sector, there is a surge in middle-income residential housing developments that feature reasonably sized units, great amenities, easy access, and security, says Peter Fehrsen, director: DHK Architects in Johannesburg. These developments, such as De Velde in Somerset West, echo the public’s growing sense of community. “They’re not simply places to live in and leave in the morning, but offer recreation too,” says Fehrsen.

“There’s a consciousness about street edges and communal responsibility.”

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Carbon zero

Mark Finney envisions a bold new tomorrow when it comes to carbon-zero homes, off-grid designs and on-site power generation. He represents Fabricate Design, a partnership of architects and urban designers in Cape Town. Becoming carbon-zero is a global phenomenon because of people’s growing awareness of sustainable design and their investigations into ways to reduce their energy bills.

“In SA we also have the incentive of load-shedding, which is pushing people to look for alternative ways of keeping the lights on,” says Finney.

As sustainable technology advances and becomes more affordable for everyone, Finney sees this trend taking off in a bigger way, with further aid via government subsidies.

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PROPERTY NEWS

Beautiful, inside out We chatted to interior specialist Craig Parr about suiting design and building needs WORDS: LAUREN ALBERTYN

Neighbourhood

01 NOVEMBER 2015

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

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he interior design world has taken off in recent years. De Waterkant business owner Craig Parr is the founder of Interior Specialists.

He shares his vision, inspiration and the lowdown on Amara, his latest project.

Q: What inspires your designs?

A: I like to be able to create a visual statement that leaves people thinking and wondering.

Q: What is your preferred aesthetic?

A: I prefer clean lines, stylish and uncluttered in order to make a statement with a key piece(s) or feature.

Q: Which local or inter­national designers inspire you?

A: Being in an industry where original thought is key, it’s not another designer who would become inspiration, but rather the client or the space needing to be created.

Q: What can you tell us about Amara, your latest project?

A: The meaning of the word Amara is “eternal”. Here, the client wanted Amara to be used in the context of eternal beauty and paradise. The goal was to create a world-class example of luxury and elegance within the constraints of a tight budget.

The north-west orientation of the site meant that views to the ocean and sunset needed to be maximised, and a complimentary colour palette to that of the sea needed to be chosen.

Interior design decisions needed to combine the functional and practical needs demanded by a family home that would similarly embody the luxury and elegance required by a high-end destination guest house. This was an open canvas where the client allowed us to do what we felt would look best.

Q: What makes Interior Spe­cialists a good choice for a home or business owner?

A: We believe in intelligent design and implementation. And we leave no

stone unturned when assessing your project. Our team will assess the entire space – from dimensions to visions for the future – and go back to the drawing board to develop a solid strategy to bring it to life. We don’t bombard with jargon and will spell it out for you line by line because you want to know where your money’s going and we’re as transparent as they come. We implement the entire process for you – every brick, nail and scatter cushion – and deal with documentation, council, engineers and builders. Working closely together, we guarantee you an inspiring space where beauty meets function.

We believe in intelligent design and imple­ men­tation. We leave no stone unturned when assessing your project

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Interior Specialists 021 418 1952 goo.gl/8jG6xB

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MARKETPLACE

Neighbourhood

MARKETPLACE

Area Guide

Agency Guide

ATLANTIC SEABOARD

Melkbosstrand

27, 34, 36

Bantry Bay

40

Parklands

25, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 39

Camps Bay

40

Royal Ascot

30

Green Point

40

Sunningdale

34, 36, 39

Table View

32

Sea Point

40

Waves Edge

36

West Beach

31, 33

Waves Edge

30

CITY BOWL Tamboerskloof

40

Woodstock

40

WEST COAST Yzerfontein

SOUTHERN SUBURBS Pinelands

Aska Property Group Atlantic Beach Estate Beach Rd Properties Chas Everitt International Property Group ERA Real Estate Jawitz Properties Neo Estate Pam Golding Properties Rawson Properties Re/Max International Property Group Seeff Properties Sotheby's international Realty

25

37 34 40 32 33 24 28 - 30 34 31 36 26 - 27

39

NORTHERN SUBURBS 39

WESTERN SEABOARD Atlantic Beach

37, 39

Big Bay

27, 31, 39

Blouberg

32

Bloubergrand

30, 31, 32, 33, 36

Bloubergsands

33

Bloubergstrand

27, 31, 32, 33, 39

Century City

31

Duynefontein

34, 39

Eden on the Baye

32

Flamingo Vlei

27, 32, 33, 36, 39

Durbanville

28

Loevenstein

28

Plattekloof

29

BOLAND, OVERBERG & HELDERBERG Boschenmeer

28

Franschhoek

28

Hermanus

28

Onrus

28

Somerset West

28

Val de Vie

28

Classifieds: Atlantic Beach Property Sales Beach Rd Properties ERA Real Estate Rawson Properties Re/Max International Property Group Retirement Villages SA Seeff Properties

39 39 39 39 39 39 39

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