Lowveld - Feb 2020

GET 

LOWVELD 

IT 

DELISH 

Doughnuts 

with whimsy 

Nude! 

Dare to 

go bare 

FROM 

RUSSIA, 

WITH LOVE 

THE UTTER 

JOY OF 

LIVING A 

FULL LIFE 

10 

VALENTINE’S 

SPOILS 

A SWEET DEAL 

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD 

FEBRUARY 2020

TBWA\ Hunt \ Lascaris \ Durban \84854

TBWA\ Hunt \ Lascaris \ Durban \84854

Stop and sip the rosé 

We’re having a little love affair with rosé wines at the moment, and have 

fallen head over heels with these... each perfect for a summer romance. 

Who doesn’t love an Italian? We’re besotted with VOGA Rosa... a dry-but-fruity rosé with touches of redcurrant and strawberry, 

pomegranate and melon (lovely with soft cheeses, seafood and salads). We’re in love too, with the chic, reusable bottle. Simply 

remove the label and use the cylinder glass bottle for juices or water. R169 from TOPS and Makro. Details: bottegasa.co.za. 

• One of our favourite pink bubblies is the Krone Vintage Night Nectar Demi-Sec Rosé - a lustrous pink-copper bubbly, it’s 

refreshing and fruit-forward, and is delicious with prawns grilled on the coals, with a strawberry cream cake, with rose water 

macarons (there’s a Valentine’s meal for you!). Around R150 at your local bottle store. Details: kronemcc.com. • It’s new, it’s already 

scooped a double gold award, it’s chic and captivating. We’re drinking the just launched Zandvliet Shiraz Rosé, made in the 

famed Robertson Valley of Roses. All gold-pink, rose petals, melon, strawberries and raspberry coulis, it’s perfect with seafood, 

fish and light pasta dishes. Around R85 from good bottle stores. Details: zandvliet.co.za. • This “little darling” charms with notes 

of watermelon, papaya and strawberry. Gabriëlskloof Rosebud Rosé is a dry, light and deliciously moreish Provençal-style 

rosé, with equal amounts of Syrah and Viognier. It’s described as the “little darling” of Gabriëlskloof’s Estate Range, and is lovely 

to drink by itself, but also pairs well with light dishes. Buy it online for around R80 a bottle. Details: gabrielskloof.co.za. 

02 Get It Lowveld February 2020

GET IT 

Editorial 

Phone 013-754-1600 

Lowveld Media 

12 Stinkhout Crescent, Mbombela 

Facebook Get It Lowveld 

Instagram Get It Lowveld 

Website getitmagazine.co.za/lowveld/ 

Editor 

Mellissa Bushby 

mellissa@getitlowveld.co.za 084-319-2101 

Contributing Writers 

Alita Steenkamp 083-695-5308 

Liezel Lüneburg 083-287-2225 

Lindi Botha 082-494-8005 

Mia Louw 073-389-9761 

Photographers 

Belinda Erasmus 082-567-0596 

Mia Louw 073-389-9761 

Tanya Erasmus 083-778-7725 

Layout 

Geraldine Reyneke • Andile Mthethwa 

Subeditors 

Jess Steyn • May Nel • Matthew Booth 

Sales 

Shannon Visagie 

shannon@getitlowveld.co.za 079-350-8280 

GET IT NATIONAL 

National Group Editor and 

National Sales 

Kym Argo 

kyma@caxton.co.za 082-785-9230 

Facebook and Instagram: 

Get It National Magazines 

Distribution 

Get It Lowveld is distributed free of charge. 

For a full list of where to find a copy, phone 

Monya Burger on 083-555-4992 

Published by CTP Limited 

Competition rules 

The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be 

transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions 

are not open to the sponsors or Caxton 

employees or their families. Get It Magazine 

reserves the right to publish the names of 

winners, who will be contacted telephonically 

and need to collect their prizes from Caxton 

Northern branch within 10 days or they will be 

forfeited. Prizewinners names are published on 

our Facebook page monthly. 

CONTENTS 

WHY DON’T YOU... 

04 Participate in a Secret Sunrise, indulge in 

Albert Frost or give a furry friend a furever home 

05 Chillax with a few lovely Feb reads 

WISH LIST 

06 Light up your life, follow a food truck or 

add a dash of sparkle with a ruby grapefruit aperitif 

SOCIAL 

08 A perfect pairing of bites and bubbly 

PEOPLE 

10 Nelia Venter on living a full life 

12 Never a dull moment with adventurous couple 

Paul and Michelle Coetzee 

BEAUTY 

15 Dare to go bare 

FOOD 

16 Sweet dreams are made of these 

ART 

18 The art of quilting with Riëtte Dolezal 

TRAVEL 

20 Oh, those Russians! 

VALENTINE’S FEATURE 

24 - 26 Spoil your loved one - or yourself - with our list of 

hand-picked Valentine’s indulgences 

WIN 

25 A bottle of non-boozy bubbly and a summery scarf 

32 A custom portrait of you and a loved one 

COVER LOOK 

Paul and Michelle Coetzee. 

Make-up by - Isabel Franken. 

Hair by - Elaine van Putten. 

Photographed by - Belinda Erasmus. 

FEBRUARY 2020 

February 2020 Get It Lowveld 03

A hot date! 

Pencil in these events into your February diary right now! 

If you have a date for our diary, email the info at least a month in advance to jess@lowvelder.co.za 

01 

Join us for the Pediatric 

Care Africa Secret Sunrise 

at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre in 

White River. This fundraiser begins 

at 7:30am. Bring the whole family 

and join in this musical journey with 

wireless headsets while you connect 

with humanity, nature and yourself. 

Dress in blue and orange and get 

creative. Tickets cost R120 for adults 

and R60 for kids under 13 and are 

available via Quicket. Details: 

072-530-9795. 

08 

Take a ride on the wild side. 

Cycle Tribe Nelspruit hosts 

a Kruger fence MTB ride. Cyclists 

will leave from Numbi Gate at 7am 

sharp. It is a fairly easy 60-kilometre 

route; 45 kilometres are flat and 

downhill, but the last 15 are more 

challenging. You're responsible for 

getting to Numbi Gate - carpooling 

is suggested. There will be a braai 

afterwards, everyone is welcome. 

If you're game, send an email to 

mitch@cycletribe.co.za. 

14 

We just love Albert Frost! This 

blues singer/rock guitarist 

performs at The Pub in Mbombela. 

The show starts at 7pm and tickets 

cost R120 per person. There are 

loads of specials up for grabs. Details: 

Ettienne on 013-755-4861. 

15 

Keen to make a difference in 

your community? Nelspruit 

Hospice hosts an awareness 

day at The Grove SUPERSPAR in 

Mbombela from 9:30am to 1:30pm. 

Find out more about the cause 

and how you can support this local 

non-profit. Donations welcome. The 

organisation's well-known delicious 

hospice honey will also be available 

to purchase. 

15 

Get ready for live music 

with Gerald Clark at Ronnie 

Holmes Club in Barberton. The 

shows begins at 6pm and there's an 

after-party till late. Tickets are R150 per 

person and include camping. Bring 

your own cooler box. Details: Andrea 

on 079-180-1488. 

29 

The Madness Comedy 

Festival is a laugh a 

minute. Held at Emnotweni in 

Mbombela, the event is from 8pm 

to 11pm. Trevor Gumbi, Sista H aka 

Emelda, Felix Hlophe, Liyabona 

aka Liyanqaba, Chik Aljoy, Luphelo 

Kodwa, Simphiwe Shembe and 

Madala will have you screaming 

with laughter. Tickets are available 

through Computicket at R180 

per person. 

14-15 

Love has four paws... Come meet 

the love of your life at the SPCA 

Nelspruit Blind Date-athon. 

It starts on Friday at 10am and 

ends on Saturday at 12pm. 

Give a furry friend a furever 

home! 

29 

The Gereformeerde Kerk in 

Mbombela hosts a fete from 

7am to 2pm. This family affair has 

everything from delicious food and 

drink to odds and ends. A tea garden 

and jumping castle will be available. 

So make sure you don't miss out! 


Book club 

Half a dozen lovely reads, 

and one delicious rosé 

Fiona Walker is right up there at 

the top of our list of favourite chic-lit 

authors. Big, fat reads crammed with 

farmhouses and horses and hankypanky. 

Country Lovers is 595 pages of 

sheer joy. The perfect Valentine’s read. 

Head Zeus, R315. 

Old lies. New loves. Double lives. 

All set on a island in the Caribbean. 

Elin Hilderbrand’s What Happens 

in Paradise is just the thing for a 

lazy summer afternoon read 

on the lounger. Hodder & 

Stoughton, R325. 

Cathy Kelly’s another fave... 

her books are warm and 

witty and just wonderful. The 

Family Gift is the story of a 

big, messy, and wonderful 

family, a glamorous and 

manipulative ex-wife, a new 

house in the country (with 

a name, not a number!)... 

and of Mildred (that 

nagging inner critic 

who tells us we’re 

not good enough). 

Orion, R285. 

A movie goddess with two Oscars, 

four husbands, a whole string of 

lovers, and a story to tell. Add a loving 

stepson, a beautiful and talented 

ghost writer and a few dangerous 

secrets and you’ve got Nora Roberts 

at her best. Genuine Lies is a reprint 

of her thriller-cum-love-story... and it’s 

fab. Little Brown, R195. 

In Bruce Holsinger’s The Gifted 

School, a group of close friends and 

their children are living harmoniously 

in a peaceful, privileged community. 

But when a gifted school, with just 

a few prestigious places, opens, 

there’s suddenly fierce competition... 

and things quickly turn sour. 

Headline, R325. 

Lies Lies Lies. Adele Parks’ latest 

novel is all happy families and perfect 

marriages. On the surface. But add 

alcohol, secrets and lies, and you’ve 

got a disaster just waiting to happen. 

Dark and moody and a fabulous twist. 

HQ / Harper Collins, R318. 

RM-VI190607NH 

RM-VI190607NH 

jewellery 

M AAN NU UF FA AC CT TU UR RE ER RS 

S 

jewellery 

C U SST TO M 

The prettiest, pinkest, most delish rosé is what we’re wanting this 

Valentine’s Day... and we found it. The 2019 vintage of Perlé de 

Jean is all ripe, fresh berries, citrus zest and melon, and a froth of 

tiny bubbles. It’s magnificent with prawns (our meal of choice on 

the 14th), but lovely, too, with chicken and summer salads. You’ll 

find it for around R69,99 at Checkers, Makro, Food Lover’s Market 

and selected SPAR and TOPS at SPAR stores. 

Shop 69UG I’langa Mall Mall 

Shop 73A 73A Crossing Centre 

013 013742 742267 

admin@violetrose.co.za

Wish list 

Brighten up your desk or follow a food truck! 

Pops of colour to inspire 

Nobody wants a dull, grey space to work in, so why not liven up your work 

area and increase your productivity by adding a pop of colour? The Monty 

range of desk lamps (R399) is the perfect accompaniment, and will 

give your desk that added joie de vivre we all need. Available from 

The Lighting Warehouse, they retail from R399 and come in Black, Ivory, 

Red, Duck Egg and Blue. Details: www.lightingwarehouse.co.za. 

Add a dash of sparkle 

Spoil your valentine with Pampelle, a delicious aperitif 

from the French island Corsica, now available in South 

Africa. The hero of this complex aperitif is the star ruby 

grapefruit that gives it its bitter-sweet taste. Pampelle 

and tonic is delicious, and no special tonic is needed, 

as the fresh burst of grapefruit really comes though. 

Alternatively, you could have it as a spritz. This artisanal 

contradiction of bitter-sweet citrus and natural 

botanicals is also delicious in a signature cocktail, 

topped with champagne and a little soda water. 

Available in 750ml for R399 at all premium bottle 

stores nationwide. Details: www.pampelle.com. 

Full steam ahead! 

Brad Innes is a passionate 

foodie with over a decade of 

experience as a chef in the 

retail and hospitality industry. 

In 2019 a small idea became 

a big dream overnight, and 

Steam Street Cafe was born. 

Now a full catering service 

with an event tuk-tuk to boot, 

this is a must-see and sample 

in the Lowveld. Follow Brad on 

his foodie adventures on 

@steamstreetcafe, steam_ 

street_cafe, or contact him on 

072-261-5543. 

New kid 

on the 

(sun) block 

CF SPF25 Mist is 

a refreshing setting 

mist that allows you 

to reapply SPF over 

your make-up. Infused with 

antioxidant-rich cucumber 

and aloe, this weightless spray 

locks in your morning makeup, 

controls natural oils, and 

evens the complexion while 

the calming active ingredients 

reduce redness. R230 per 100ml. 

Available from CF Suncare 

on 012-804-0980. 


Roodeberg Rosé - your seductive valentine 

Woo your beloved this Valentine’s Day with the delightful 

Roodeberg Classic Rosé 2019 - it’s the ultimate summer 

sip and will work its magic over an intimate dinner. This vivacious 

wine shows subtle aromas of strawberry, candy floss and raspberry 

intertwined with hints of rose petals and Turkish delight making for 

pure indulgence. With a gold medal from the 2019 Michelangelo 

International Wine & Spirit Awards, the captivating Cabernet 

Sauvignon driven wine is best enjoyed in good company. 

The Roodeberg Classic Rosé 2019 is available at leading stores 

countrywide, selling at R89 to R95 a bottle. Catch all the action 

by joining the Roodeberg community on Facebook or follow 

@Roodeberg_Wine on Instagram and Twitter. 

KR283507NN

Celeste Gebhard, Denise Greyling-Coetzer 

and Lezel van Niekerk 

Ryan McCarthy and Claudia Harris 

The perfect match 

Out on the Sabie Road lies a restaurant with an exceptional 

view, and with extraordinary food. The first-ever sparkling 

wine tasting held at Zest consisted of a six-course gourmet 

meal, each course paired with a specially chosen sparkling 

wine provided by Meridian Wine Merchants. Each meal 

was plated and eloquently paired with a sparkling wine. 

The atmosphere was warm and charming, and the evening 

could not have gone better. 

Each of the six sparkling wines was paired with a course 

Caeden Bartosch, GT Lundie and Paul Spies 

WJ Coetser, Werner Pakendorf and Harry Wiltshire 

Hot smoked Norwegian salmon, 

prawn, mango and black rice salad 

with a coriander peanut salsa 


The welcome drink for the evening was Leopard’s 

Leap Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir 

Monique van der Walt and Tiffany Hulley-Miller 

Life Ndlovu, Fanie Sithole, Doubt Mpofu, 

Winter Ndlovu and Jabulani Mashabane 

Beetroot and spring onion risotto topped 

with heirloom tomatoes and goat’s cheese 

Zani Bence and Adriaan Duvenage 

Lonny and John Larsen 


Nelia’s friends gifted her with a hat which displays a pin with specific meaning to each of them. 

Since her hair started falling out, the hat has become her crown of strength. 

Living a full life 

With friends and family offering endless support, Mbombelan Nelia Venter has 

triumphed in the face of hardship. Living life to the full, there is no stopping this 

young-at-heart granny of six. 

Text: LINDI BOTHA 

Nelia’s struggle with cancer began 

in 2008 when she was diagnosed 

with breast cancer. The tumour 

was removed and she underwent 

radiation therapy, only to be 

diagnosed with mesothelioma two 

years later. Although they removed 

her lung lining, this kind of cancer 

can’t be treated. “The doctor gave 

me two years, but God has given 

me seven - and counting!” she 

smiles. “I’ve been able to watch my 

grandchildren grow and spend time 

with them riding bikes and having 

plenty of fun.” 

But shortly after the mesothelioma 

diagnosis, it was discovered that 

Nelia had a tumour on the T5 

vertebrae of her spine. Before they 

10 Get It Lowveld February 2020 

could even get the results from the 

biopsy to determine what kind of 

cancer it was, the whole vertebrae 

collapsed, as it had been eaten away 

by the disease. Mercifully the bone 

marrow was not affected, or Nelia 

would have been paralysed. The T5 

vertebrae was then replaced with a 

titanium version. 

“After that operation the cancer 

just started spreading all over my 

body and, despite a few very good 

years after the first diagnosis, the last 

while has been difficult. Before that 

everything was manageable and I 

could carry on normally with my life, 

even though I was never in remission,” 

Nelia explains. 

But illness has not stopped her and 

she continues to work and enjoy 

life to the fullest. “I enjoy working 

with people and keeping my brain 

busy. Being at home all day can 

be extremely unstimulating and 

eventually you don’t even have 

anything to offer in a conversation. So 

I have continued to work, although I 

will be retiring at the end of this year 

due to my health.” 

Sitting still is not on the cards, as 

Nelia points out that while she does 

not have any hobbies, she has six 

grandchildren. “They keep me busy! 

There are five boys and one girl, 

so I have been richly blessed. It is 

the most wonderful privilege and 

blessing to be a grandmother. I try 

to be a young gran, doing as much

as I can with them and enjoy every 

moment with my grandkids.” 

Nelia’s lust for life has seen her 

take on many adventures with her 

husband, Charles. As members of the 

Mavericks Motorcyle Club, breakfast 

runs on a Sunday morning after 

church are the norm and an annual 

trek of over 1 000km. “The last trip 

was from Mbombela to Van Reenen, 

then up to Kimberly, and back. But 

I have started driving the backup 

motor vehicle, because it’s far more 

comfortable than being on the back 

of a bike!” 

A more recent trip, sailing in Croatia 

last September, saw Nelia and her 

husband board a boat where the 

age group ranged between 19 and 

33. “And there we came along, in 

our mid-60s and joined the group of 

partygoers. The captain looked really 

surprised when we arrived, but we 

had so much fun!” 

Nelia’s circle of friends has been 

instrumental in keeping her spirits 

up. She motions to the hat she is 

wearing, adorned with different types 

of brooches. “This is the first time my 

hair has fallen out from the cancer. So 

a group of my friends got together 

to buy the hat and each brought a 

brooch with a specific meaning that 

they pinned onto it. So it’s a very 

special, encouraging hat to wear. 

“I have a friend who has taken me to 

my chemotherapy treatments every 

single session since 2008. It’s not as 

if you need someone to drive you, 

but she does it out of support and 

sits with me for the whole five hours. 

Sometimes it can be a bit grim sitting 

there receiving treatment, so we sit 

and talk and laugh and eventually 

everyone in the room laughs along. 

“And if it’s not friends who are 

showering you with love, then it’s 

family. Through all the prayer groups 

and all the people who have carried 

me emotionally, I have been very 

blessed. God has been with me all 

the way.” 

In 2019 Nelia and Charles celebrated 

their 44th wedding anniversary. 

She notes that to achieve so many 

years together takes compromise 

and a willingness to change for the 

better. “At some point you also realise 

how many things are just not worth 

fighting over. I’ve always been a very 

independent person and I’m used to 

doing my own thing. But the illness has 

also brought changes in our marriage 

and I lean a lot more on my husband for 

help now. He, in turn, has started faffing 

more around me, which is actually quite 

nice,” she laughs. 

Although Nelia retains her vibrance, she 

admits that she can feel she is getting 

weaker by the week. “We all need to 

walk this road sooner or later. I have at 

least been given an extra seven years. 

One of my grandsons was only a week 

old when I was first diagnosed with 

cancer. Now, I have had seven years 

with him. It’s not easy, but you need to 

think positively and not focus on being 

ill, or you end up feeling worse than you 

actually are.” 

Reflecting on life’s lessons, Nelia says 

above all, she believes that giving love 

is of utmost importance. “Love can fix 

so many things that are wrong in this 

world - even more so than money. 

Positivity is also crucial and has been 

what has kept me going. When things 

are going well it is easy to stay positive, 

but when it’s going bad it can be hard. 

But that is when you need friends who 

can pick you up and offer words of 

encouragement. 

“Walk a path with God - He is 

responsible for everything and has 

carried me through so much. When 

there was no hope and nothing left, 

He carried me. So I live surrounded 

by His love and that of friends and 

family, relishing every day that is being 

granted.” 

Nelia with her grandchildren: Charli, 

Karli, Schalk, HC, Dian and Werner 

Charles and Nelia Venter 

In her younger days 


Never a 

dull moment 


Watching Mbombela’s Paul 

and Michelle Coetzee together 

is a delight. This beautiful 

couple look at each other as if 

they met yesterday, and their 

playful banter shows just how 

strong their bond truly is. 

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY. Photography: BELINDA ERASMUS 

M 

ichelle was 

studying 

speech 

therapy and 

audiology, 

and Paul was 

a medical 

student at Tygerberg Hospital in 

when they first met. Paul, a musical 

maestro who plays guitar, piano, 

trumpet and ukelele, was performing 

at a newcomer’s concert. “That was 

the first time I saw him. He played ‘N1- 

roete’ by Lucas Maree. And he gave 

me butterflies!” says Michelle, herself 

an adept clarinet and piano player. 

The couple started dating a few 

months later and have never 

looked back. “Just after that I did my 

community service in Port Elizabeth 

in 2003, and then went to work in the 

UK in 2004. We got engaged in Paul’s 

final year, and then tied the knot 

at the end of 2005.” The Coetzees 

recently celebrated their 14th 

anniversary in Mauritius, and after a 

whirlwind holiday are ready to settle 

back into daily life. 

Paul, an anaesthetist, is quite the 

romantic, according to Michelle. “It is 

not unusual for him to arrive home 

with a bunch of flowers, a bottle 

of wine and distinctive ingredients 

and prepare a gourmet dinner. He 

makes an event of every occasion 

and makes me feel very special. 

He is a brilliant cook, and does the 

majority of cooking at home. He loves 

experimenting with new flavours, 

and I love tasting the dishes and 

learning from him.” The couple’s sons, 

Paul and Louis, also love these foodie 

experiments, and Paul, the elder of 

the two, has inherited his dad’s taste 

for adventurous food while Louis has 

a somewhat more conservative taste. 

“A lot of our time together is spent 

Jens and Paul Jr 

‘We believe the more we release 

each other to do what we love, 

the stronger we are when 

we are together’ 

The Coetzees 

in the kitchen, and the boys also get 

involved with the cooking process,” 

says Paul. “I end up playing the guitar 

and singing on most evenings and 

we often eat by candlelight. We 

always eat as a family around the 

dinner table; it is a precious time 

together for us. And when we do 

go out for dinner, the kids always 

go with. us” 

In fact, the family are inclined to do 

most things together, and a typical 

weekend means spending quality 

time relaxing at home. Paul and Louis 

are the best of friends and get along 

famously, obviously joined by Jens, 

the family’s gorgeous black Labrador. 

Paul’s work between hospitals means 

he tends to have a busy schedule, 

so they plan weekends around 

it. Michelle handles most of the 

household and everyday issues that 

arise, and there is a strict no-work 

policy (including no homework for 

the boys) in the evenings. If Paul 

comes home early he’ll often take 

the kids cycling in the area, which 

is something all of the Coetzees 

have a bit of a passion for. Saturday 

mornings start bright and early, with 

Paul cycling and either parkrun for 

Michelle and the boys, or a mountain 

biking event for the family. It is her 

dream to complete her first MTB race 

with her husband, the K2C in July. 

These go-getters are also firm 


elievers that weekends are for 

resting, so the afternoons are 

downtime for everyone. If the 

weather allows it, Paul and the kids 

love to fish at the dams on The Edge 

Estate, where the Coetzees reside, or 

take a long walk together before the 

evening’s cooking commences. The 

family love the Lowveld. The weather 

is perfect for their active, outdoorsy 

lifestyle, and Michelle especially loves 

to spend time in her beautiful garden. 

“The fact that the weather allows for 

the boys to play outside almost every 

day, not having to raise them in a city 

or spend a lot of time in the mall is a 

blessing,” the couple agree. 

On Sundays the family attend church 

in the morning and often spend 

the afternoon at Mankele Bike Park, 

their favourite place in the Lowveld. 

“It’s our special place, my happy 

place,” she says. “Camping is our 

favourite activity as a family and we 

try to camp at least once a month at 

various camp sites in the Lowveld, 

especially when there are trails to 

explore by foot or MTB. We do it old 

school with a tent and a gazebo and 

everyone has a specific job to do. 

During the winter holidays we usually 

plan a longer trip, and recently had a 

fantastic two-week camping holiday 

in the Richtersveld.” 

This marriage works because both 

parties understand the importance 

of giving each other space, and the 

freedom to pursue their individual 

dreams. Paul’s idea of the perfect 

getaway would be to cycle, hike 

and eat at a great restaurant, while 

Michelle would love to spend the 

day at a quiet, secluded beach. 

They both love to travel and explore 

nature. This stay-at-home mom is also 

passionate about parent-and-child 

interaction from a young age and 

how it can influence most aspects 

of their lives. “All your kid needs is 

you,” she says, and dreams of one day 

creating a platform to expand on the 

importance of a solid foundation and 

upbringing. 

While being together is an important 

part of the picture, the couple 

also believe in the importance of 

individuality. “It is crucial to not lose 

sight of your own identity, but to 

always remain true to who you are,” 

they agree. “We believe the more we 


Celebrating in Mauritius 

Michelle and Paul at Mankele 

release each other to do what we 

love, the stronger we are when we 

are together. And to always see the 

humour in a situation and never stop 

laughing together.” Michelle adds 

that Paul is her rock. “He maintains 

perspective when my emotional 

side wreaks havoc. Oh yes, and I am 

definitely the biggest fan of his dry 

sense of humour,” she adds with a 

smile. 

Today’s lifestyle has become so fastpaced 

that we often lose sight of 

ourselves and our significant others, 

Louis loves to cycle 

and making time for each other is 

something that has to specifically 

concentrated on. “Sometimes life just 

gets too busy and days pass without 

you having a decent conversation,” 

says Michelle. “You start to lose touch 

with each other and that is not a 

safe place to be.” The Coetzees firmly 

believe that good communication 

over a cup of tea, and with lots of 

chocolate, is an important part of 

a happy marriage. Looking at their 

relaxed warmth and easy intimacy, 

you can certainly see that whatever 

they are doing, it works.

GO NUDE 

on Valentine’s Day 

We dare you to go bare this February 

If you’ve a few flaws you 

simply have to cover up, 

we suggest Elizabeth 

Arden Flawless Finish 

Sponge-On Cream 

Makeup, R495 from 

Mopani. 

Dr Pawpaw Rich Mocha 

Multipurpose Soothing 

Balm for lips, cheeks, R99 

from Dis-Chem. • WOW 

Dual Eyeliner Cream 

in Black and Nude, R83, 

WOW Matt Lipstick in 

shade 54, R48 and WOW 

Cosmetic pencils, R21. 

Available from Mopani. 

Catrice The Fresh Nude Collection 

Eyeshadow Palette, R99,95 • WOW 

make-up brushes, from R21, available 

from Mopani. 


Sweet dreams 

are made of these 

Light fluffy doughnuts drenched in 

Belgian chocolate, rose-flavoured ice 

cream, toasted marshmallow coffee 

and French macarons. If your sweet 

tooth is aching with desire then head 

over to Ella&Karl to step into a world 

of sweet fantasies. 

Odette and her mom, Tia Goldschagg, 

who assists with the business 

O 

dette van Aswegen, creator of 

Ella&Karl Whimsical Donuts, could 

be on a sugar rush. Surrounded by 

sweet decadence at her dessert 

stand in i’langa Mall, one can’t 

blame her if she spends her day 

working her way through the 

doughnut pops and chocolatecovered 

rings that adorn the 

glass cabinets. 

But it’s not a spike in blood sugar that has this 

Mbombelan giddy with excitement - it’s the world 

of possibilities that has opened up as a result of the 

runaway success of her gourmet doughnuts. 

Treat your valentine with custom-made gourmet 

doughnuts from Ella&Karl 


Text: LINDI BOTHA 

“The idea is to create something that you don’t get 

in Mbombela – not a mass-produced product, but 

something novel and gourmet, using only the finest 

ingredients. Our Belgian chocolate doughnuts are by 

far the most popular, but then we thought, why should 

you choose between that and ice cream? So we came 

up with a loaded doughnut that combines doughnuts 

with ice cream, chocolate sauce and Whispers sprinkled 

on top!” smiles Odette. 

And while the focus for now is mostly on doughnuts, 

she has a myriad of plans and ideas to implement. “We

started with black ice cream on Black 

Friday last year and will do a unicorn 

ice cream one week and rose or 

nougat the next, changing flavours 

weekly.” 

The i’langa Mall stand opened in 

October last year and Odette shares 

that many of her customers are 

Gautengers who stop for dessert on 

their way to the Kruger National Park, 

after seeing her posts on Instagram. 

“Social media has played a major role 

in our marketing and popularity. We 

don’t do paid posts, because we get 

so much organic marketing. We have 

a lot of people who come and take 

photos that they post on Facebook 

and Instagram and that has really 

helped spread the word.” 

Odette’s foray into the dessert world 

started in less happier circumstances, 

when her three-year-old son was 

diagnosed with epilepsy in 2018. “I 

was so scared to leave him alone, I 

just sat by his side the whole time. At 

night I started making sugar cookies 

just to keep busy and then decided 

to start selling them at a market. But I 

only sold two cookies! 

“Then my father died suddenly in 

February last year and my mom and 

I just had to stay busy. So we started 

doing more markets, but this time 

with a dessert table with brownies, 

doughnuts and the cookies. We 

decided on the name Ella&Karl 

because they were our grandparents. 

The cookies and the ouma and oupa 

concept worked well together, so we 

stuck with that as an ode to them. 

“The doughnuts sold out at our 

first market, and then the next. So I 

decided to focus on the doughnuts 

and see if I could get a retail premises. 

But no one wanted to give me space, 

because they said I wouldn’t make 

money. I then went another route 

and got a food truck with which I 

could do corporate events, weddings, 

markets and birthday parties. That 

became really popular and soon the 

shopping centres were phoning me 

to offer me retail space!” 

In addition to the sweet treats, 

Ella&Karl offers flavoured coffees with 

imported syrups from France. Odette 

believes in quality above everything. “I 

A world of possibilities has opened 

up as a result of the runaway success 

of her gourmet doughnuts 

don’t want chemical-tasting, scented 

flavours... so I believe in using the best 

ingredients I can find. 

“Our doughnuts are priced higher 

than what you would get in a 

supermarket, but we sell gourmet, 

high-end products. Our macarons 

are imported from France and we 

only use Callebaut chocolate on our 

doughnuts, which also needs to be 

imported. If we use cheaper, local 

ingredients it defeats the idea of why 

we opened. 

“When we started, we purposely 

decided not to go the massproduced 

route of cheaper 

doughnuts that sell for R10 each. We 

are not in competition with Krispy 

Kreme or anyone else. Our mission 

is not to be average. Many people 

said this concept won’t work here, 

because it’s not Joburg or New 

York. But why must we tone done 

everything because it’s the Lowveld?!” 

She enthuses that the retail 

environment gives you a platform 

to go with the seasons and the 

trends. “It’s Christmas, then Valentine’s 

then Easter - there is always some 

campaign running that prompts 

us to change and innovate. I am an 

interior designer by profession so I 

am creative by nature. I scaled down 

when I had children, but still needed 

a creative outlet and now Ella&Karl 

fulfils that. 

“For the most part I have free 

range, so I can really let go with my 

creativity. I don’t copy what I see 

online, so I stay away from Pinterest 

and looking at ideas online. I want to 

come up with completely different 

ideas on my own. When someone 

says they need pink doughnuts, do 

what you like - that’s the best. Then I 

am not confined by anything other 

than colour.” 

The Ella&Karl Whimsical Donuts stand 

is just the beginning and Odette 

is waiting for a store to go open in 

the mall to launch her dessert bar. 

“Then we can really go all out! We 

want to focus on mini desserts, like 

mini birthday cakes and individual 

portions. There are so many amazing 

things that a person can play around 

with. The possibilities are endless. It’s 

also a quick turnaround, so whatever 

you dream up today you can put into 

action tomorrow.” 

Details 

076-892-8690, or follow the team on 

Facebook and Instagram 


THE ART 

OF QUILTING 

Riëtte Dolezal has a passion for quilting, and her artworks are really something 

to behold. Get It visits her at her home in White River to find out more about 

this fascinating pastime. 

Text: LIEZEL LÜNEBURG. Photographer: TANYA ERASMUS 

Riëtte retired a while ago, and has since taken 

up quilting. “Quilters must be mad,” she jokes. 

“They buy pieces of expensive fabrics, cut it 

into small pieces and sew it back together 

again.” Well, that is certainly one way to look 

at it! Her quilts are exquisite works of art and 

the skill she has developed in such a short 

time is astonishing. 

“This is what I enjoy most about it: the fact 

that every quilt, every single block, is an 

artwork,” she says. “The art does not only lie 

in choosing a pattern or ‘picture’, but also in 

selecting the right fabric and even the colour 

of the thread.” 

Most of Riëtte’s quilts feature vibrant coloured 

blocks and patterns set against a white 

background and extremely fine quilting. It 

is evident that every single piece of cloth is 

chosen with a specific end product in mind, 

much like an artist choosing and mixing 

paint colours. It is not only about piecing 

together fabric blocks, and many quilts also 

feature appliqué work. But the greatest skill 

probably lies in the quilting itself and Riëtte 

certainly knows what she is doing: she literally 

utilises the needle as a fine artist would use a 

paintbrush. 

Her studio is any quilter’s dream and boasts 

a selection of hundreds of pieces of material 

in different colours and patterns. It is exciting 

to envisage the endless possibilities to mix 

and match and it is acutely evident that she 

really is passionate about colour. She has 

also treated herself to a sturdy quilting frame, 

which is a large structure that holds and pulls 

together the back, batting and top parts to 

ease the whole process. 

Although South Africa boasts a huge quilters’ 

community and the competition is quite 

Riette Dolezal 


extreme, one of Riëtte’s beautiful pieces has won an award at the 2019 South 

African National Quilt Festival. This led to her being named a master quilter by 

the South African Quilters’ Guild. According to the guild’s website, the award 

is a “reflection of the outstanding workmanship that the quilter has produced” 

and this is certainly no insignificant feat. But nothing comes without hard work 

and one could well imagine the enormous amount of time going into just one 

piece. According to Riëtte, she starts at about 4am and quilts through the day. 

However, it is not all work and no play for her. She loves the Kruger National Park 

and regularly packs her trusted camper to go camping for a few days! Now we 

wonder whether she takes some time off from quilting to rather enjoy what the 

park has to offer. 

“Quilting is a passion and I really cannot help but pack something to keep my 

hands busy,” she says. “I sometimes take handwork and other times I load my 

Bernina machine to sew a few blocks after a long game drive.” 

Riëtte also loves playing golf and this is one of the reasons she moved to White 

River Country Estate six years ago. “Golfing really is fun, especially when it is 

played with good friends and on a lovely course. It is also good to spend some 

time in the sun and the picturesque Lowveld surrounds.” 

Details: Riëtte at riettedolezal@gmail.com 

Members of the Lowveld Quilters’ Guild get together once 

a month at Macadamia Village in White River. Quilters from 

all over the Lowveld join in the fun and the gathering boasts 

demonstrations and vendors selling all things quilt. It is 

an opportunity to engage with like-minded people and 

members can also indulge in an extensive library featuring 

quilting books. Anyone interested in joining the guild is 

more than welcome to contact the chairman, Cathie Kotzé, 

on 083-626-4431. 

RM-027707NH

Oh, those 

Russians! 

The Peterhof fountains 


Being the largest country in the world, a phenomenal 

17,1 million km², Russia occupies one-tenth of all 

land on earth. To experience a true Russian adventure 

requires a lot of research, as the country has so much 

to offer in the way of art, history, architecture, nature, 

music and culture. One lifetime would never be 

enough to encounter all of that. 

Danie and Cecilia Ciliers on Kizhi Island 

Catherine Palace 

Text: ALITA STEENKAMP 

Danie and Cecilia 

Cilliers, owners 

of the Talisman 

franchise in 

Mbombela, 

are keen 

travellers. 

“It’s an illness,” 

Danie laughs, 

as he jokingly 

explains the urge to go on yet 

another adventure. Last September 

the couple had the opportunity to 

travel the Russian waterways from 

St Petersburg to Moscow on a 

luxury four-deck vessel, a distance 

of 1 321 kilometres. 

Cecilia explains that Russia has 

always been one of the places they 

planned to visit as there are so many 

things to see and do. After doing a 

lot of research, she found a Londonbased 

company that specialises in 

all-inclusive Russian river cruises. 

Danie wanted to experience another 

Oktoberfest in Munich, and a trip to 

Russia in the middle of September 

gave them the opportunity to stop 

over in Munich on their way back 

home. But first the Russian adventure 

awaited them! 

Their trip started in St Petersburg, 

situated on the Neva River just off the 

coast of the Baltic Sea. It was founded 

by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703. Just 

outside St Petersburg is the Peterhof 

Palace that was built to serve as the 

Tsar’s country home, but had to be 

no less spectacular than the Palace of 

Versailles of Louis XIV of France. A visit 

to Peterhof stands out as one of the 

highlights of their tour, says Cecilia. 

What makes this palace so impressive 

are the numerous fountains in the 

gardens that draw millions of visitors 

every year. The Grand Cascade on 

the northern façade is formed by 

64 different fountains and over 

200 bronze statues. The Joke 

Fountains were specially designed to 

catch unwary passers-by with a spurt 

of water, and is quite fun! 

The Hermitage Museum took their 

breath away. This is the secondlargest 

art museum in the world. 

Empress Catherine the Great 

established it in 1764, a mere 

112 years after Jan van Riebeeck 

stepped onto Cape soil. This museum 


has a magnificent collection of art 

from various eras worldwide, and 

collections from a variety of old 

masters. 

One of the most interesting things 

about travelling from St Petersburg 

at sea level to Moscow at 161,75m 

above sea level, is the various locks 

that are used to make the journey 

possible. A lock is used to lower 

or raise boats and ships travelling 

on the rivers or canal waterways. 

Entering the lock, with the water 

streaming in to raise or let out to 

lower their vessel, was so exciting. 

They also crossed Lake Ladoga, the 

largest freshwater lake in Europe, 

and with the waves reaching a 

swell of more than 3m it was an 

unforgettable experience. 

‘When you 

walk on the 

Red Square, 

it is as if you 

walk back in 

time’ 

Peterhof Palace 

On the way to Moscow they stopped 

at various small towns and places 

of interest. Danie explains that the 

countryfolk are still extremely poor as 

a result of the communistic regime 

that only came to an end in 1991 

with the collapse of the Soviet Union. 

“Some of the towns were just 

incredibly beautiful. We really had 

the chance to see the Russian 

countryside, with small towns 

similar to our own Pilgrim’s Rest, but 

beautifully preserved. The country 

is full of the most magnificent 

churches and it was very interesting 

to visit places like Uglich, a town that 

originated back in 937, and the island 

Kizhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 

where you find the most fabulous 

examples of Russian architecture,” 

says Cecilia. For Danie, a visit to the 

Kremlin in Moscow was a personal 


Saint Basil’s Cathedral on the Red Square in Moscow 

Riverboats

highlight. This is the fortified complex in the centre of the city 

and includes five palaces, four cathedrals, Kremlin Wall, Kremlin 

Towers and the Red Square. 

“When you walk on the Red Square, it is as if you walk back 

in time; the history of Russia and its people engulfs you. In 

Moscow we also had the opportunity to travel on the Moscow 

Metro, the underground railway system with 12 lines and 

223 stations. It almost feels as if you walk into an art museum 

when you enter these stations, as they have the most beautiful 

chandeliers and works of art on display,” says Danie. 

For this couple this cruise was one of the most interesting 

and impressive holidays they had ever had. A whole new 

world opened up. The boat had wonderful meals, luxury 

accommodation, entertainment and cultural activities. All the 

excursions were an adventure on their own, and gave them 

the opportunity to experience this country’s culture at its 

best. “We have travelled to many places and this was our first 

Russian experience,” says Cecilia. 

“When we departed on the trip, we knew nothing about 

Russia, but our minds were blown away. They preserved their 

buildings, their history and their art in such a magnificent way. 

My best advice for anyone is to go to this magnificent country, 

to experience a tiny portion of its magnitude. This certainly 

will be a trip to treasure; one we will remember for the rest 

of our lives.” 

The Hermitage Museum is full 

of the most beautiful art 

SOAK UP THE SEASON 

New outdoor furniture for relaxed living 

NELSPRUIT | 010 900 4551 | N.DEBRUIN@WEYLANDTSHOME.CO.ZA 

RM-WE151307NH

LO VE 


Indulge 

Treat yourself and 

(or) your valentine 

to a wonderful spa 

day at the brandnew 

eBundu Spa, 

all treatments 25% 

less as part of its 

opening special. 

Details: 

072-465-8519 

or email 

spa@ebundu.co.za. 

SPOIL YOUR 

LOVED ONE 

It’s February, which means it’s time to spoil that 

special someone who ignites a spark in your life, 

even if that person is you! We have rounded up a 

few fabulous goodies which will put a smile on 

your face and a lilt in your step, from 

yummy dinners and drinks, to prized 

perfumes and exquisite 

embellishments. 

Win!! 

To stand in line to win a 

bottle, along with a 

summery scarf, send your 

details to competitions@ 

getitlowveld.co.za 

to reach us by 

March 2, 2020. 

Good Luck! 

All the bubbles with none of the alcohol 

There’s a massive trend globally towards a healthier lifestyle and “mindful 

drinking” - choosing low or no alcohol drinks for health and social reasons. 

Today it’s all about having a choice and it has become socially acceptable 

and increasingly trendy to opt for a non-alcoholic drink in any situation. 

So this month we’re celebrating love with a bottle of Robertson 

Winery Dry Non-Alcoholic Sparkling White... a refreshing bubbly that’s not 

too sweet, and is alcohol-free. It tastes sensational... delightfully dry with 

gorgeous notes of pear and mandarin, orange blossom and honeysuckle. 

You’ll find it for around R50 to R55 at your local bottle store. 

Details: robertsonwinery.co.za. 

Scent of a woman... or man 

No one says no to perfume... spoil your 

beloved with a heavenly scent from Mopani. 

Tom Ford Black Orchid 100ml EDP, R2 695. 

Tom Ford Velvet Orchid 100ml EDP, 

R2 695. Details: 013-755-5500. 


While away the hours 

Spend a relaxed weekend at Greenway Woods exploring 

the scenic beauty of the stunning Lowveld, or simply 

indulge in time away. Details: 013-751-1094. 

Sublime sip 

Spoil yourself with a 

jam jar from GumTreez! 

A variety of flavours 

is available. Details: 

013-750-0334. 

Timeless 

Never be late with a 

gorgeous his or 

hers timepiece 

from Nelspruit 

Watchmakers. 

Details: 

013-752-6539. 

Revel in luxury 

Face to the Wind is 

offering a Valentine’s special 

of a 30-minute back-and-neck 

massage as well as a pedicure, 

for two, for R800. 

Details: 072-480-6688. 

Two for Tuesday! 

For the month of February, Bodycure is 

offering 15% off select treatments for you 

and a friend (same treatment only). Enjoy a 

pedicure, massage, facial or facial peel (among 

others) while chatting with your bestie. 

Details: 013-752-3739. 

Bedazzled 

Surprise your 

valentine with a 

stunning piece of 

crafted jewellery 

from Violet & Rose. 

Detals: 013-742-2267. 

Say it with flowers 

Nothing says I love you quite like an 

exquisite bunch of blooms. Spoil her 

with a stunning arrangement of her 

favourites. Details: Flower 

Market on 073-802-5576. 

Scrumptious! 

Spoil your loved one with a delicious Valentine’s dinner 

on February 14 or 15 at Orange Restaurant. Details: 013-744-9507. 


BOOK NOW 

for 

TUESDAY 

Massages • Waxes • Facials 

Lash-Lift • Nails • Pedicures 

Microneedling • Facial Peels 

LYMPHDRAIN 

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February 2020 Get It Lowveld 27 

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GET IT DIRECTORY 

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• Speech Therapy • Feeding Therapy 

STEPMED CENTRE 

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2019 

MIDDYEAR 

REGISTRATIONS 

OPEN! 

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SATURDAY OR MONDAY & 

WEDNESDAY EVENING CLASSES 

The following part-time courses start in July: 

• Bookkeeping | Accounting 

• Business Management 

• Computer Skills 

• Graphic Design 

• Human Resource Management 

• Office Administration 

• Public Administration 

• Pastel 

076 069 1993


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COMING 

UP IN MARCH... 

• The art of wall climbing • For the love of animals 

• Baking up a storm • Greens galore • Be water-wise! 

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DR021807N 

Eliminating biofilm on teeth, 

implants and soft tissue. 

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Advertise with the 

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from 

from 

Happy 

Valentine’s 

Day! 

Whether you decide to spend your 

Valentine’s Day pampering yourself with 

an indulgent massage or glass of bubbly; 

or surprising your beloved with a lavish 

flower arrangement and decadent Irish 

whiskey and dark chocolate fondant, we 

hope you have a wonderful February! 

Soak up the sun... 


available 

RM-GU012807NT 

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20 

20 

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W E L C O M E 

CONFERENCE 

VENUE PACKAGE 

W E L C O M E T O T H E N E W Y E A R 

B O O K Y O U R C O N F E R E N C E 

W I T H G R E E N W A Y W O O D S . 

R275 

FULL DAY 

p/p 

R235 

HALF DAY 

p/p 

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ZO008607R.indd 1 2020/01/13 15:06:25

February 

SpoilA portrait of you 

with the one you love 

A love-ly spoil... 

Instead of the snap-we’ve-seen-it-before 

photo, we’re loving these custom pen and 

acrylic portrait paintings. Paintings 

of families, friends and pets... 

not drawn realistically, but perfectly 

capturing the unique and 

quintessential essence of 

each person. It’s so easy... 

Kaatjie Produkte works off 

your favourite photo, which 

you send via WhatsApp or 

email, then wait for your 

artwork to arrive. It can 

take up to two months, 

but it’s well worth the wait. 

They make amazing gifts... 

so if you know of anyone 

with a special birthday 

or anniversary coming 

up, this would be lovely! 

Sizes from A5 to A2, from 

around R600 to R1 200. 

Details: WhatsApp on 083-532-5483 or 

email kaatjieprodukte@gmail.com 

One reader can win a 

portrait... with either your 

pet or someone you love. 

Simply like our Get It 

National Magazines page 

on Facebook, tag a friend 

and you’ll be in the draw. 

Entries close on 

February 20. 


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Lowveld - Feb 2020

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