Lowveld - Nov 21

Cassandra
Jacobs
... on the power
of redefining
yourself
Girls just
wanna have
SUN!
pedal
to the
metal
the art of
mindfulness
We look into the importance of
mood food, intuitive eating and self-care
KEEP YOURSELF & YOUR NEIGHBOURS SAFE
VACCINATE
NOVEMBER 2021

Scan to explore
Collection Two | 2021
Living by Design
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT 5 WEIR STREET, NELSPRUIT, MPUMALANGA, 1200 | NADINE.DUTOIT@WEYLANDTSHOME.CO.ZA

GET IT
Editorial
Phone 013-754-1600
Lowveld Media
12 Stinkhout Crescent, Mbombela
Facebook Get It Lowveld
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Website getitmagazine.co.za/lowveld/
Editor
Mellissa Bushby
mellissa@getitlowveld.co.za 084-319-2101
Photographers
Tanya Erasmus 083-778-7725
Belinda Erasmus 082-567-0596
Layout
Wessel Cöhrs • Geraldine Reyneke
Subeditors
Jess Steyn • Wahl Lessing
Sales
Yulandi Jansma
yulandi@getitlowveld.co.za 081-458-6034
GET IT NATIONAL
National Group Editor and
National Sales
Kym Argo
kyma@caxton.co.za 082-785-9230
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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 ...
02 Indulge in murder, mysteries and red-hot reads
with a glass (or two) of crisp and zesty white
WISH LIST
04 Say hello to summer!
people
06 Cassandra Jacobs struts her stuff
10 Catching up with Pretty Mhlongo, songbird
and tourism ambassador
BEAUTY
12 Summertime, all bronzed legs and a healthy glow
Eat yourself healthy
14 From beating the harmful effects of inflammation
to boosting your post-Covid reserves, we take a look at
dietary lifestyle choices that will revitalise your energy levels
and leave you feeling healthier than ever
COMMUNITY
26 Building an empire
TRAVEL
30 Greased lightning
Win
32 An Exilis Ultra 360 skin treatment
COVER LOOK
Cassandra Jacobs.
Make-up: Elsabé Steyn - Elsabé Steyn Styling Studio.
Photographer: Tanya Erasmus - Something Timeless Photography.
Shot on location at Orange Restaurant, Mbombela.
November 2021
November 2021 Get It Lowveld 01

Book club
Murders and mysteries and red-hot reads
Blizzards. Strikes. Bodies. Power cuts. Terrorist threats. And Showaddywaddy’s
Greatest Hits topping the album charts. 1979 started off badly, and it got worse. But,
for journalist Allie Burns, someone else’s bad news was the sound of opportunity
knocking. So it may well be the winter of discontent, but she’s one of the few women
in the newsroom, and she’s chasing her big scoop. In 1979, the first of Val McDermid’s
Allie Burns series, the journalist and a colleague are exposing the criminal underbelly
of respectable Scotland, risking, obviously, making powerful enemies. Things hot
up when she uncovers a home-grown terrorist threat, and comes up with a plan to
infiltrate the group ... a move where putting a foot wrong could be fatal. Val’s upped
her already sky-high thriller level in this one ... it’s not only the icy weather that makes it
chilling. Little Brown • It’s Karen Rose. And there’s a cult. Do you need to know anything
more before you rush out and buy this one? FBI Agent Tom Hunter is chasing leads to
find the cult that damaged some of his closest friends. They managed to escape, but
one of the cult’s leaders is hunting them down. He’s out of control; the only person
who he may listen to is cult leader Pastor, a person no outsider has ever seen. When
serious injury has Pastor having to venture outside the cult compound, it’s Tom’s
chance to act, and bring the cult down. You had us a cult ... you know Say Goodbye
is going to be gripping, thrilling, and keep you up all night. It’s the third in the
Sacramento series – read Say You’re Sorry and Say No More first, if you can, but this does
also read well as a stand-alone. Headline
02 Get It Lowveld November 2021
We’ve recently discovered Nalu wines ... a small selection of excellent wines, each of
which stand for something the Nalu team are passionate about. This month we’re
loving the Nalu Sauvignon Blanc 2020, a pale straw-coloured wine with light green
hue ... fresh with the tanginess of green figs and a zesty citrus twist. Lovely, and even
more enjoyable knowing by drinking this, we’re supporting the Two Oceans Aquarium
Education Foundation. Nalu (with a Hawaiian origin, means surging surf or what we
call wave) is inspired by the nature of SA, including its coastline and sea life, and a
percentage of every bottle is donated to the foundation. R68 from naluwines.com

There isn’t a book by Nora Roberts that we haven’t loved - be it those under her
own name or when she’s writing at JD Robb. Forgotten In Death, the latest
in the Eve Dallas (sexy, tough homicide cop) series, kicks off with Eve called to
a murder before she’s even got to work. A side-walk sleeper has been found
stuffed in a construction site dumpster. Within hours, two more victims are
found close by, a young mother and her baby. These bodies, however, have
been buried for more than 40 years. Two crimes. Same location. Coincidence?
As regular fans know, Eve doesn’t believe in coincidences. Soon she, sidekick
Peabody, and gorg husband and richest man in the universe Roarke, are knee
deep in shady dealings and Russian mobsters. This is the 54th (good grief ) in the
In Death series ... and they’ve all hit the best-selling charts lists worldwide. They
read as stand-alones, so you haven’t yet read one, now’s a great time to start.
Piatkus • Nicci French’s called the master of psychological suspense for good
reason. And she certainly earns the title in The Unheard, which revolves around
a mum whose top priority has always been her daughter, Poppy. But splitting up
with Poppy’s father means she can’t always be there to keep her daughter safe,
and when she finds a disturbing drawing, dark and menacing, with the threeyear-old’s
otherwise brightly coloured paintings, she’s convinced that the child
has witnessed something terrible. Twist after twist means she doesn’t know who
to trust, and the reader has no idea what’s coming next. Simon and Schuster.
Wow. How fabulous is this month’s
line up of thrilling authors! Joanne
Harris is up there with the best of
them ... and A Narrow Door is a dark
and sinister as you can get. The first
headmistress of a once only boys’
school has spilled blood to get to the
position, and the remains of a body
are discovered in the school grounds
aren’t going to get in the way of her
rise to the top. She’ll bury the past so
deep even she won’t remember it, just
like she’s done before. Joanne’s hard
hitting from the first page ... a clever,
twisted, atmospheric read you just
won’t be able to put down. Orion
White trash - a memoir
Terry Angelos was born in Rhodesia - a place that raised her to be strong-willed,
fearless, curious. The daughter of two devoted, respectable, middle-class
teachers, she was, she says, destined for success in a white-picket-fence,
2.5-children family. Instead, at 19 she drops our of her fine art degree, leaves
South Africa and heads to London, and by the time she turned 20, she was
a call girl, embroiled in the underworld of Chinese Mafia, depraved clients
and blackmail. Now in her early 50s, she’s a visual artist in Durban, with
three children and a pug. White Trash is her story ... the heroic quest to
reinvent herself. Honest, descriptive, beautifully written, heartbreaking,
uplifting ... it’s a story that took more than 30 years for her to feel ready to
write. Now it’s written. Now she can shut the door. Melinda Ferguson Books
November 2021 Get It Lowveld 03

Wish list
Hello, summer. We’ve been waiting for you.
Coffee - any size you like it
When it comes to coffee, we don’t
stop drinking it when the sun’s out.
Nope ... we just go for the iced
version. Another thing about coffee:
one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Which
is why the arrival of the Vertuo Next
range of coffee brewing systems from
Nespresso is so exciting. With the
touch of a button, you can change
from the generous carafe pourover
style and tall mug, to a short
gran lungo, a double espresso or
an espresso. What’s more, there are
also 30 exceptional coffee blends,
too, with different size capsules for
great versatility. Clever Centrifusion
technology automatically recognises
the coffee variety being brewed
and adjusts extraction parameters
to create a quality dark full-bodied
coffee, with a silky and generous
crema. There are three systems in
the range - Nespresso Vertuo Next,
Vertuo Next Premium and Vertuo
Next Deluxe (from R3 499), which
you’ll find, along with the coffees and
accessories, at Nespresso stores, or
online at za.buynespresso.com.
Rejecting crusty old tradition in
favour of flavours new, Dead Man’s
Fingers is a spiced rum that’s not
only delicious when sipped neat,
but also plays well with others, the
subtle orange back-note making
it a better mixer for a more diverse
range of cocktails. The local Dead
Man’s Fingers range includes a dark
rum in addition to spiced, coconut,
pineapple and coffee flavoured spirit
aperitifs as well as three delectable
premixes which includes a Cuba
libre and a rum and raspberry. R189
- R199, from Rooikat.
This gold double
pebble necklace is
a wear-all-summer-long
accessory. Wear it alone, but
it’s also the perfect addition to
the current layered necklace look.
There’s a single version with just the
gold-plated brass pebble (R380)
but we fancy this one, which has a
labradorite stone, too. R490 from
themakerycollection.com.
We’re completely
besotted with these coral
scalloped vases and bowls.
Empty, they’re eye-catching
sculptured pieces of art to
show off. But you can also
fill the vase with blooms or
the scalloped bowl with a
delicate salad. They’re top
of our decor wish list this
summer. R529 and R495, from
woodkainteriors.com.
04 Get It Lowveld November 2021

Can you feel how the energy in the air is changing?
A new season, a new attitude, new alternative options
to old favourites. One of these is the continuing shift to
exploring alternative beverage options ... we’re talking
lower alcohol and less sugar. So if the trendsetters are
to be believed, and we have no reason to doubt them,
Symmetry Botanical Tonics are certainly going to be
the popular choice this season. Not only is the range
alcohol-free, but the tonics also contain a quarter less
sugar compared to regular versions ... so bye-bye secretly
counting calories! The range includes citrus, spice and
floral tonics - each the perfect balance of savoury, tart and
bitter. Simply mix 50ml of the tonic with between 150 and
200ml carbonated water and enjoy as is or use as a mixer.
R200 a bottle from geometricdrinks.co.za.
If island is your style, you’ll love
these coconut palm and tropical
pineapple hooks. A decent size
(18cm high), they’re handmade,
so they’ll have those lovely
variations and imperfections that
make them so special. R385 from
pilgrimagespaces.co.za.

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY. Photographers: Jason Logan and TANYA ERASMUS
oday’s lifestyle requires
of us to constantly
reinvent and challenge
ourselves, something
Cassandra is rather adept at
doing. “Keeping up with
change and going with the
flow is so important,” she says. “There
is nothing worse than stagnating.
You must have a purpose to get up
every day, and often that requires the
capacity to adapt.” And adapt she has.
Born in Pretoria, Cassandra moved to
Mbombela when she was two. “After
I finished school, I left straightaway
to go to Johannesburg,” she says. “I
couldn’t wait to explore the hustle and
the bustle of the big city. I decided
to study business management and
marketing, with the idea of climbing
the corporate ladder to the very
top. My dream was to run my own
company. I saw myself in pencil skirts,
high heels, beautifully manicured nails
… the corporate look to go with the
high-flying, big-shot boss, the head of
an empire!” She laughs, thinking back.
All dreams begin somewhere,
and after completing her studies,
Cassandra started doing make-up for
MAC, Chanel and Estée Lauder before
deciding to move back to Mbombela
and start a business with her bestie,
Tanya Pretorius. Called QueenB, it
kept them on their toes. “QueenB
kept us busy, but we loved it,” recalls
Cassandra. “We did make-up and hair,
and in between I was working for
Truworths. I later resigned and got
involved with the Pumas, all whilst still
doing QueenB. My time at the Pumas
was only meant to be for a short while,”
she smiles, “I started off as a PA, but the
previous CEO always said the most
PA thing I ever did was get coffee
once in a while!” Cassandra laughs at
the memory. “But I was much more
than just a PA; I did a bit of everything,
including marketing and PR. What was
meant to be a short-term thing ended
up being eight years - they became
like family to me.”
Cassandra and Tanya eventually
decided it was time to call it a day
with QueenB, and they did their last
wedding in December 2020. “We were
doing around 42 weddings a year,
and if you think that there are only
52 weeks in a year … well, we didn’t
The minute Cassandra Jacobs walks into a room, the
energy levels change. This vivacious young woman
fizzes with a vitality that fills the space around her
with a definite get-up-and-go vibe.
Cassandra and Landon Jacobs
have much time off and could never
really go anywhere on weekends,”
she explains. “But we absolutely loved
every single minute of it! Exploring
different venues and long road trips
with your bestie - what more could
you ask for?”
Cassandra’s path took a new turn when
a deal the Pumas were negotiating
with BMW fell through due to Covid.
“I received a call from BMW one
day, asking if I would be interested
in moving over. I dithered a bit; the
Pumas were my comfort zone. The
CEO, Marius van Rensburg, is like my
wingman. It was hard to contemplate
leaving. Soon after, I went away to
Cape Town with a few friends, and
while there, did a bit of soul-searching
and gave some thought to the future.
I knew the time was right to make the
change,” she said, and she decided to
take BMW up on their offer. She hasn’t
looked back.
“As the customer experience manager,
my job is to create the ultimate
experience,” she explains. “I ensure that
every client or potential one has the
best possible experience when dealing
with BMW Mbombela. Marketing
plays a big role in this, especially when
creating brand awareness. It’s a big
challenge, but I love it!”
Cassandra is very close to her family.
Her elder sister, Gisela, is a solid pillar
in her life, and she also spends a lot
of time with her parents, Gerald and
Loret. Cassandra’s little boy, Landon, is
four years old and is the apple of his
mum’s eye. While she loves spending
time with friends, everyone knows
that if Landon can’t go, Cassandra
won’t. “My boy is always with me,” she
adds. “Wherever I go, he goes - that
is just how it is.” She is quick to add
that Landon has exactly the same
temperament as she does. “We both
feed off being busy,” she smiles. “We
cannot sit still and need to be on the
go all the time.”
It comes as absolutely no surprise that
Cassandra loves to run, and intends
to start training for the 2022 Iron Man
competition. “I try to train five times a
week; it’s my sanity, my time to myself,”
she says, adding that she has recently
also decided to take up golf, as it is
something she and Landon can do
together as he gets older. Another one
of Cassandra’s short-term goals is to
learn to scuba dive. “I love the sea and
the sun,” she explains, “Landon and I are
total water babies. Ballito is my happy
place. I could totally be a beach bum
surfer babe,” she smiles mischievously.
You would think that with all these
plans in the pipeline, there isn’t much
time for anything else, but Cassandra
hopes to continue her studies
next year, going further into digital
marketing and brand management,
as well as public relations. “After all,
that is the way the world is moving
now,” she says. “I cannot wait to see
what the future has in store. I couldn’t
be happier with my decision to join
BMW Mbombela. BMW is a prestigious
brand, and I am super proud to be a
part of such a dynamic team. I can’t
wait to see what we can achieve in the
coming years.”
November 2021 Get It Lowveld 07

picture
AS PRETTY AS A
Pretty Mhlongo knows just how to multitask. Wife, mother of three, child of
God, and well-known Mpumalanga gospel singing sensation, she is also the
provincial tourism ambassador.
Pretty Mhlongo
Pretty has loved music from an early
age. Not a day went by that she didn’t
crack a song while doing dishes or
cleaning the house with her siblings.
She sang in the school and church
choirs, and later on did backing
vocals for various artists, but it was
her husband, Selby, who recognised
Pretty’s special talent and nurtured it.
“I come from a musical background,
and I always knew I had a good voice,”
says Pretty. “But I never thought I’d ever
do it for a living. Selby groomed the
gift, and that’s when I realised that I
could make it my career. I also believed
that God would never give me a gift
for no reason. I want my music to
heal people, to bring about hope and
peace, and to help people experience
the love of God through my music.”
While it is tough to make it in the
music industry, Pretty knows that
nothing beats hard work. “The end
goal should never be I want to be
famous, but rather I want my work
to speak for me,” she explains. “My
mother once told me that respect and
humbleness always go a long
way, and that is one thing that I
have applied in my own life,
something which I know can
also help aspiring artists.”
It is important to always maintain a
balance, and keep your feet on the
ground. Pretty emphasises that first
and foremost, she is a mother and
wife. “Nothing will ever change that,”
she says. “I am a family woman, and in
the midst of all the busyness I always
make sure I make time for my family.
Unfortunately, sometimes there’s
very little time as I’m always on the
road, either to perform or with the
provincial Department of Tourism
team or the Mpumalanga Tourism
and Parks Agency. But I believe that
women were created to multitask, so
it comes naturally to me to be a wife,
a mother, an artist, a businesswoman
and an ambassador.”
As part of her role as ambassador,
Pretty promotes products in the local
tourism sector, and she encourages
people to visit the area. “Because
‘The end goal should never be I want to
be famous, but rather I want my work to
speak for me’
08 Get It Lowveld November 2021

As Mpumalanga’s tourism ambassador,
Pretty loves to extol the
virtues of our beautiful province
honestly,” she smiles, “in every respect,
Mpumalanga is breathtaking and there
are so many things to do. We truly
are a world in one province; there is
nothing that we don’t have, from our
beautiful scenery to our safaris. There
is nowhere in Mpumalanga that I don’t
like, although the Kruger Park takes the
lead when it comes to my favourite
places. International visitors must fall
in love with Mpumalanga through
us; they must see it through our eyes.
Part of my job also entails motivating
people to visit our rural areas, where
they will get to experience the real
culture of the province.”
Pretty makes use of a variety of ways
to help her spread the word, and with
recent restrictions on gatherings and
social events, social media is proving
to be an especially effective method.
“Social networking is taking the lead
at the moment,” she admits. “I make use
of my personal channels to encourage
people by sharing information and
images of the beautiful places we
have in the province. Currently, that
is where the most interaction is, and
whatever route works best is the one
we will follow.
“We must always remember that
when we are talking tourism, we
are talking money - not just rand
value, but money in all currencies.
Having international tourists visit our
province and our country as a whole,
strengthens our economy. And there is
nothing more important than that.”
While her singing career and tourism
endeavours keep Pretty on her toes,
she always manages to find time to
relax, which for her means baking.
“That’s my me time,” she laughs. “I think
people often look at me as someone
who won’t even do chores, but I can
cook up a storm, and most people
don’t know that about me. I have a
baking business called ‘Pretty’s Home
Bakes’, and the slogan is ‘Every family
deserves a tasty home bake’, which I
think sums it up.”
Apart from her dream to be recognised
worldwide as an artist, with a
foundation whereby she can help
mentor upcoming artists, Pretty
would love to one day own her own
restaurant with a mini bakery on the
side. It certainly seems that there is no
slowing down in sight for this bubbly
young woman.
RM-THE1145M

Just add water
Summer. Bronze legs and a healthy glow. Get all the benefits
of a tan while protecting against the harmful damage of the sun ...
The renowned Elizabeth
Arden 8-hour cream has been
enhanced with intense UVA/UVB
protection to prevent premature
ageing and damage to skin cells
in a light, oil-free formula. R360
from Mopani.
Broad spectrum SPF50 sun care
spray with a light, solar water formula
that hydrates and protects while
leaving the skin feeling supple and
comfortable. R365 from Mopani.
The Malibu SPF 50 Lotion Spray with
aloe vera extract is vitamin enriched,
water-resistant and contains UVA/UVB
sunscreen to keep your skin supple
and smooth. R172,90 from Mopani.
Wrap your skin
in a radiant
glow with
CF Shimmer
Cream.
Moisturising as
it shimmers, CF
Shimmer Cream
wraps your skin
in a radiant
summer glow.
R165,90 from
Mopani.
Lymphatic drainage massages do you the world of good, stimulating the
lymphatic system to help clear the body of toxins and waste. This perfectly
shaped Energy Flows lymphatic drainage tool by Bella Ciao allows you to
reach the areas to fuel the lymph circulation throughout your body. Not only
will this help to naturally remove toxins, but it’s also excellent for preventing
swelling after injury or surgery, provides a major boost in the immune system,
helps reduce the appearance of cellulite, and improves blood circulation. The
wooden accessory technique originated in Europe; this tool is made in SA from
100 per cent pine wood, and can be used with either Bella Ciao Energy Flows
massage oil (a gorgeously scented oil with fractionated coconut oil, grapefruit
peel, lemon peel, peppermint plant, ginger root, and cinnamon bark essential
oils), but you can use with your own oil or cream, too. The Energy Flows tool
costs R595 from bellaciao.co.za
10 Get It Lowveld November 2021

Glow-getters get ready ...
tanning season is officially on!
Finally - do we hear a whoop whoop - the warm
weather’s here. We talking sun frocks and high sandals
and bikinis and pool parties. All of which need a tan.
If you love the confidence-boosting glow of a tan but
you don’t want to risk damaging your skin in the sun,
then a faux tan is the obvious answer. The experts from
St Moriz - one of our favourite self-tan products - share
their top tips on achieving a perfect faux tan.
Prep is key: First things first, get your scrub on and
exfoliate and shave at least 24 hours before you plan on
applying your tanning mousse. This gives your skin time
to settle and your pores a chance to close. Exfoliation
helps remove dead skin cells and even out the skin’s
surface to help your tan last for longer!
Circular motions: Before applying your self-tan, grab
your applicator mitt. This will help you achieve a streakfree,
flawless application and ensure that your hands
don’t get stained (nothing like stained hands to give
away your self-tan secret). Apply mousse to your body
in small circular motions, always starting with your legs.
Areas like your knees, elbows and hands can be some
of the trickiest to tan. To avoid streaks, bend your knees
and elbows when applying and form a claw shape with
your hands. You may feel a bit silly, but it’ll all be worth it
when you become a glowing goddess!
Put your feet up: You may be done tanning but it’s
not over! Before getting dressed make sure your tan is
fully dry so you don’t end up with a blotchy finish. The
St Moriz self-tan gurus recommend
wearing loose, dark clothing to avoid
any transfer. Once you’ve dressed
take it easy and put your feet up,
whilst your tan develops. On average,
a self-tan takes between four and six
hours to be completely dry. Avoid
any soaps, shower gels or shampoo
and you’re good to go ... strut your
sun-kissed-stuff in style!
St Moriz
applicator mitt,
R99,95 from
Clicks
St Moriz Professional Tanning
Mousse, R149,95 from Clicks
MOP1145NC

PROMOTION
Inspired by the Scandinavian inclination towards fresh,
clean and natural, the makers of Wally and Whiz
winegums wanted to create an unforgettable sweet
that could be eaten by anyone and everyone. Bursting
with real fruit flavour, these are a must for any sweet
tooth! R149 from @home
Create a stir with these
elegant black hoop
earrings with a leaf motif.
R365 from Jola
Look effortlessly
cool in this stylish
sunhat. R285
from Jola
Pop in at Salsa Nelspruit to
celebrate summer with the new,
fun-filled Cherry Pop (shaken) jug!
Cherry syrup, Captain Morgan Spice
Gold and fresh lime juice topped up
with Crème Soda and garnished with
Fizz Pop Cherry popsicles. It’s a fiesta
in a jug! Jug: R215. Small: R69
When Elizabeth Nyamayaro’s village
in southern Africa was hit by a
terrible drought, the eight-yearold
could not foresee the impact
this devastating event would
have on her future. Rendered
immobile by malnourishment
and hunger, the act of a
stranger - a United Nations
aid worker who gave her a
bowl of warm porridge - quite
literally saved her life and set
her life’s purpose in motion.
I Am a Girl from Africa. R302
from Exclusive Books
Ilze van der Merwe’s Simply
Seasonal is a visual feast
showcasing local produce and
nature’s glorious bounty. R409 from
Exclusive Books
Plump up your Saturday afternoons on the
couch with an African-inspired cushion by
Bonny Fair handmade. Vibrant and jazzy, it will
liven up any room. R249 from Lemonade
2021 sees the 50th anniversary of Simonsig’s
iconic MCC, Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut.
This milestone includes the beginning
of the very first Cap Classique in South
Africa. To commemorate this fab 50-year
landmark, Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar
and Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar Rose
received a glam new look. Bubbly,
anyone? R169,99 from Woolworths

Perfect for summery
days, this Ayla vegan
leather pouch is the
ideal accompaniment.
Swing it over your
wrist for a fun day
on safari or use as
a clutch for early
evening cocktails.
R199 from Old Khaki
Indulge in pure bliss with
the spicy fragrance of the
turmeric and vanilla scented
bath soak and body wash,
both R80 from Mr Price home
Escape to magical
lands of lush and
shadowy aromas
with the luxurious
Botanique diffuser
in geranium, violet
and jasmine. R499
from @home
Transport yourself to a genteel
era of powder puffs and parasols
with the pretty Botanics range
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RM-MOP1145M

Eat yourself
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet can mean the
difference between living a normal, healthy life and a life
plagued by discomfort brought on by chronic conditions.
The relationship between
diet and health is a complex
one. Research shows distinct
links between what we
eat and how we feel, both
physically and mentally. A
healthy diet can improve
symptoms of anxiety and
depression, while the
converse has been linked
to an increased risk of
a stroke or dementia. A
Mediterranean-style diet, for
example, has been shown
to reduce the symptoms of
depression, and is chockfull
of fresh herbs and veggies,
fruit, cereals, grains and
legumes, fish, garlic and
healthy fat, such as olive oil.
The food types that
negatively affect the brain
are those that prevent the
conversion from food to
nutrient, such as saturated
fat (for example butter and
lard), and those that fool the
brain into thinking it needs
to release certain chemicals
that our bodies need, such
as chocolate and caffeine,
resulting in mood swings
and erratic behaviour.
When it comes to our
physical health, there are a
few basic guidelines to follow
to remain in tip-top shape.
Poor nutrition affects our
ability to perform everyday
tasks, is a contributing factor
of fatigue, stress and anxiety,
and is in many cases the
underlying cause behind
illness and health issues such
as inflammation, diabetes,
obesity, high blood pressure
and cancer.
We’ve put together a list of
common health issues and
how developing the correct
eating habits can help keep
you in optimum shape and
ward off depression, illness
and exhaustion. Remember
that a nutritious and
wholesome eating plan is
not a quick fix, but rather a
lifestyle choice.
November 2021 Get It Lowveld 15

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY
Lactose and gluten
intolerance
When it comes to food sensitivity,
dairy and gluten are two of the
biggest culprits, and finding out that
you are gluten or lactose intolerant
(or both) can be quite overwhelming.
Fortunately, there are plenty of
alternatives to dairy - and gluten-free
options - available in supermarkets
these days. If you suffer from bloating,
heartburn, stomach cramps,
diarrhoea, skin problems such as
acne or eczema, or frequent nausea,
chances are you are intolerant to
gluten or dairy, and recognising the
signs can help you make informed
decisions about your diet.
The symptoms for both lactose and
gluten intolerance are fairly similar.
Lactose intolerance occurs when
the body no longer produces the
enzyme responsible for breaking
down the natural sugars found in
dairy (known as lactase) in sufficient
quantities. Gluten intolerance is the
body’s inability to digest or break
down the gluten protein found
in wheat and certain other grains.
Because the symptoms are so hard to
distinguish from each other, it is easy
to confuse the two, and in serious
cases can led to anxiety, depression
and hormonal imbalances. (Gluten
sensitivity is not to be confused
with celiac disease, an autoimmune
disease in which the gluten causes
the immune system to attack the
cells lining the intestine).
Learning to live without dairy isn’t
as overwhelming as it may sound.
There are so many alternatives on
the shelves these days, from nutbased
milks like almond, hazelnut
and cashew, to soya, oat, hemp
and coconut. There are also plenty
of dairy-free cheese varieties, as
well as yogurt, ice cream and plant
butters. Foods such as rice, polenta,
buckwheat, quinoa, millet and oats
are all gluten-free, and with a bit
of effort and innovation, will soon
become second nature. Pay special
attention to any packaged and
processed foods’ labels to guarantee
that there aren’t any hidden gluten
or dairy ingredients, and educate
yourself on which ingredients you
need to steer clear of, for example
caseinate, whey, malt and brewer’s
yeast.
A balanced and healthy diet is the
most important step. Ensure you have
a good range of alternatives in your
grocery cupboard. Being prepared
is a good step in ensuring that you
will not slip up and eat something
you are trying to avoid. After living a
dairy or gluten-free lifestyle for a while,
your body will start to heal and your
health will improve, leaving you feeling
mentally and physically better. Fresh
fruits and vegetables, wholegrains,
beans and legumes, seeds, nuts,
plant-based oils and spices (some
spice mixes contain dairy and/or
wheat, be sure to check the labels).
Remember that calcium is an
important part of your daily
nutritional requirements, and is often
taken in through dairy products.
Make sure you eat enough calciumrich
foods to compensate, such as
oranges, broccoli and kale. Most
plant-based milks are calciumenriched,
and did you know that
there is more calcium in a glass of
freshly squeezed orange juice than in
a glass of dairy milk?
• Did you know? Quinoa is rich in antioxidants, minerals and fibre, and
contains all nine essential amino acids. Thought of as one of the most
nutritious foods on the planet, quinoa is a superfood which also improves
blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
16 Get It Lowveld November 2021

Inflammation
Inflammation is part of the body’s
natural healing process. When you
catch a cold or tear a muscle, the
immune system responds by sending
white blood cells to fight the invading
bacteria, virus or infection, which
increases blood flow to the area,
causing redness and a sensation of
warmth. Inflammation is not limited
to the joints and muscles, it can occur
anywhere in the body.
It can sometimes continue after the
initial threat of infection has passed,
and can not only result in constant
discomfort, but can also eventually
lead to life-threatening illnesses
such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer,
heart disease and Alzheimer’s, all of
which have been linked to chronic
inflammation. Symptoms to look out
for are chronic depression, digestive
problems, fatigue, ongoing sinus
issues, headaches and migraines.
It’s not all doom and gloom. The
good news is that in most cases
a healthy and appropriate eating
plan can prevent the acceleration of
inflammatory disease, reducing the
risk of illness. Recent studies have
shown that certain foods can trigger
an inflammatory response, causing
the immune system to turn on itself,
attacking healthy tissue, while certain
components of food and drink have
anti-inflammatory effects. The reason
for this is that foods with a high acidic
content or pH can cause chronic
inflammation, drawing minerals such
as potassium, calcium and magnesium
from the bones as it tries to normalise
the acidic environment and restore the
body to its ideal alkaline state.
So, instead of reaching into the medicine cupboard, increase your intake of
the correct foods. Cultures that enjoy a diet largely based on fresh vegetables,
legumes, fish, grains and nuts are shown to have a low incidence of arthritis
and diabetes, while countries where diets are high in processed foods such as
refined carbs, sugar, dairy, meat, and saturated fat, have a high rate of these -
and other - inflammation-related diseases. Green leafy veggies, like spinach, kale
and chard, turmeric and apple cider vinegar, olive oil, tomatoes, nuts, peppers,
broccoli, avocado, green tea, mushrooms, fruits such as cherries, strawberries,
oranges and blueberries, dark chocolate and oily fish are all known to have
an anti-inflammatory effect. Try to avoid or keep your consumption of refined
carbohydrates such as white bread and baked pastries, sugary drinks, deep-fried
and fast food, red and processed meat, shortening, margarine, lard, processed
snacks such as microwave popcorn and crisps, and full-fat dairy foods to a
minimum.

Mood food
The brain never switches off; it is
permanently on, regulating our
breathing and heartbeat, overseeing
our thought processes and actions.
Even while you are asleep, your brain
is active. Because of this, it needs a
constant supply of fuel to keep it
going; fuel in the form of the food
you eat. And just as your body needs
premium fuel to run effectively, so
does your brain. In a nutshell, what
you eat will affect the structure and
performance of your brain, and
inevitably, your mood.
To protect and nourish the brain, we
need as many nutritious foods, jampacked
with vitamins, minerals and
antioxidants as possible. “Bad” food
stops the brain from performing at its
peak and can in fact damage it. This
includes processed and refined foods,
and diets that are high in refined sugar,
which is particularly harmful to the
brain, as it feeds bad gut bacteria and
causes inflammation. Studies have
found a link between a diet which is
high in refined sugars and impaired
brain function, along with an increased
deterioration in the symptoms of
mood disorders such as anxiety
and depression. Refined sugar also
causes oxidative stress, the potentially
cell-damaging “waste” (free radicals)
which is produced when the body
uses oxygen. It also interferes with the
body’s management of insulin.
The gastrointestinal tract houses
billions of bacteria that have a direct
influence on the chemical transmitters
that convey messages from the gut to
the brain. Also known as the “second
brain”, the gastrointestinal tract has
a very close relationship with the
brain, which helps to explain this
connection between diet and the
role it plays with our emotions. The
good bacterium that is the result of
eating healthy food has a positive
effect on neurotransmitter production;
consequently the brain receives
positive messages - your emotions
reflect this. A diet of junk food can
cause inflammation, which means
the messages don’t come through
loud and clear, causing a downward
mood swing.
Unhealthy diets have been linked
to an increased risk of heart disease,
stroke and dementia, while studies
have shown that a healthy and
nutritious diet helps to set you up
for fewer mood swings, a more
positive attitude and heightened
ability to focus on what is important,
even alleviating the symptoms of
fatigue, anxiety and depression. So,
what’s the moral of the story? Eat
those greens!
Healthy heart, healthy body
Cholesterol has been a buzzword for
longer than we care to think, but despite
the fear inspired by the words “high
cholesterol”, there is no need to rush to
the pharmacy or doctor for medicine.
In most cases, cholesterol is easily
managed by making these few simple
lifestyle changes.
• Keep an eye on your fat intake.
There are good and bad fats; learn
the difference between the two and
limit your consumption of the bad.
Good fats - monounsaturated and
polyunsaturated fats - include nuts,
fish, seeds and vegetable oils such as
sunflower, olive and canola. Bad fats are
trans and saturated fats which increase
the cholesterol levels in your blood, thus
increasing your risk of heart disease.
• Limit your intake of refined grains
such as white flour. Opt for wholewheat
couscous, quinoa, polenta, millet and
wild rice.
• Concentrate on veggies, fruit,
wholegrains and legumes. Foods that
are naturally high in fibre will keep your
heart performing at its peak.
• Adding foods that reduce levels of
low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad
cholesterol) is the most effective way
of reducing cholesterol levels. Several
of these foods contain plant sterols
and stanols, which inhibit the body’s
absorption of cholesterol, while some
provide soluble fibre which binds
cholesterol. Certain others provide
polyunsaturated fats, which immediately
lower LDL.
• Eat more plant protein. Animal proteins
• Did you know? Your risk of a heart attack decreases by between 20 and 30
per cent for every 10 per cent drop in cholesterol levels.
18 Get It Lowveld November 2021

• Did you know? Brazil
nuts are a nutritional
powerhouse of
antioxidants, vitamins
and minerals and
healthy fats. They are
also particularly high in
selenium, a trace element
which has been shown
to have an enhanced
effect on mood disorders.
Selenium is also crucial
for the healthy function
of the thyroid, has a
direct influence on the
immune system and is
vital for cell growth and
the proper functioning of
the body.
raise blood cholesterol levels, while
plant sources lower it. Examples are
tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, lentils, beans,
almonds, peanuts, spirulina, quinoa,
seitan, chia seeds, beans and rice,
potatoes and protein-rich vegetables
such as dark-coloured, leafy greens.
• Last, but definitely not least, exercise.
Find an exercise regime that best suits
your lifestyle.
Following the above protocols is just
as important for a healthy heart as it
is for cholesterol management. There
are several other ways of reducing
your risk of coronary heart disease,
which include not smoking, keeping
your blood pressure in check and
reducing your alcohol consumption.
Remember that a healthy diet, low
in saturated fat and high in healthy
fats and protein, along with regular,
moderate exercise, is the most
effective way of keeping cholesterol
at bay and maintaining a healthy
heart, body and mind.
Boosting your
post-Covid reserves
Fatigue is a common malady
these days, made even worse
by the stresses and strife the
world is currently going through.
Sometimes not even a good
night’s sleep can shake the deepboned
exhaustion that can occur
after doing the simplest thing,
especially if you are recovering
from a viral infection such as Covid.
In many cases, it takes three to four
weeks for Covid-related fatigue to
pass, but in some cases it lingers
for months.
There are a number of things that
can aggravate post-Covid fatigue,
such as a disruption to the daily
routine, stressful workload, anxiety
and depression, stress, disturbed
sleeping patterns, the after-effects
of another illness such as flu or
pneumonia.
To combat the tiredness which
Covid leaves in its wake, it is
important to recognise the signs
and respond accordingly. Make
sure you get enough sleep, try
relaxation techniques such as
meditation or yoga if necessary,
if you find you don’t have a good
few solid hours (at least eight) of
undisturbed sleep. Keep active,
but don’t overdo it. Staying active
helps to restore and maintain
energy levels; unfit people tire
more easily. Slowly build up your
activity levels when you feel your
energy has stabilised. Getting
plenty of vitamin D is a must,
so go outside and bask in the
sunshine. Follow a routine, and
remember to stay hydrated.
A healthy diet is crucial when
trying to build up strength and
vitality, especially after a period
of illness. Include easy-to-digest,
light but nutritious food, and a
handful of nuts every day is an
excellent way to get a quick fix
of core fatigue-fighting vitamins
and minerals such as zinc, protein,
potassium, magnesium, copper,
calcium, iron and vitamins A, C, E,
K and B6.
Prevent a dip in energy levels and
build up strength by making the
correct foods a regular part of
your post-Covid diet. This includes
eating more plant-based foods
such as fruit, vegetables, seeds
and nuts, beans, wholegrains and
pulses. Studies show that eating
a variety of colour each day - for
example green, yellow and red -
helps regulate the trillions of gut
bacteria in the microbiome. Try to
eat smaller, regular meals.
November 2021 Get It Lowveld 19

Finding your feet after
cancer treatment
After having been through cancer
treatment, there is nothing more
important than getting back to and
maintaining optimum long-term
health. The usual advice that would
be given to anyone wanting to
improve their health applies. A healthy,
nutritious diet, regular exercise, good
sleep, as little stress as possible (not
always easy in today’s world), not
smoking, and overindulging in alcohol
are important recommendations.
Diet is one of the most crucial factors
in starting the body on the road to
healing and recovery. Make plenty of
fresh fruit and vegetables - in an array
of colours - part of your daily intake,
and choose to eat proteins that are
low in saturated fat such as fish, nuts,
seeds and legumes, and healthy fats.
Limit your intake of dairy, especially
full-fat, add healthy fats such as olive
oil and nut butter, avocado, nuts
and seeds, and drink plenty of water.
When it comes to carbohydrates,
opt for legumes and wholegrains.
Avoid refined sugars, processed and
packaged food, white carbohydrates,
red and processed meat, trans fats and
alcohol.
• Did you know? Turmeric
has been used as a pain
reliever and healing agent
for thousands of years. It has
powerful antibacterial, antiinflammatory
and digestive
benefits, improves liver
function and is said to reduce
the risk of certain cancers.
Life after prostate
cancer
It is a known fact that the diet
and lifestyle habits in various
countries have a direct result
on their cancer statistics. In
South Africa, 5 men on average
die from prostate cancer every
day, while 1 in 23 men develop
prostate cancer in their lifetime,
and it is estimated that a third
of all cancer mortalities in the
United States can be attributed
to diet.
Your nutritional choices
can help reduce the risk of
developing prostate cancer or
slow its development, which
is why maintaining a healthy
weight, taking in sufficient
amounts of the correct essential
nutrients such as fibre, vitamins
and minerals, carbohydrates,
phytonutrients such as
carotenoids (the richly coloured
molecules that are the source
of red, yellow and orange in
many fruit and vegetables) is
important. Keep sugary drinks
to a minimum, drink plenty
of water and eat organic wherever
possible. It is important to stay active. A
daily walk or light exercise should make
sure you do not lose muscle mass.
Diet guidelines for prostate health
• Plenty of fruits and vegetables - cruciferous veggies (cauliflower, broccoli,
kale, cabbage and Brussel sprouts), carrots, tomatoes, pomegranates,
grapes, citrus fruit, including grapefruit, avos, peppers, including chillies,
apples, berries and mushrooms
• Limited intake of animal protein - red meat especially is related to
aggressive prostate cancer
• Green tea - jam-packed with potent antioxidants, studies have shown
that green tea can slow the development of prostate cancer
• Wholegrains such as corn, oats, rice, barley, millet, quinoa and wholewheat
bread are all excellent sources of magnesium and fibre, and also
deliver protein.
20 Get It Lowveld November 2021

A wholesome eating plan gives your body the nutrients it needs to help improve
mental awareness and ward off disease. Make sure your pantry is well-stocked with
the foods necessary to ensure you keep in tip-top mental and physical shape.
Shopping list
Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Fresh seasonal fruits - berries,
oranges, apples, pears, bananas,
papaya, figs, mandarins, grapefruit,
plantains, pineapple, apricots,
mangoes, grapes and tomatoes.
• Dried unsweetened fruits - raisins,
cranberries, dates, figs, berries,
bananas, mango, papaya, apples
and apricots.
• Fresh seasonal vegetables - yellow,
green, and red bell peppers,
butternut, cucumbers, broccoli,
kale, cauliflower, dark leafy greens,
celery, eggplant, zucchini, pumpkin
and sweet potato.
• Not a fruit or vegetable, but
highly beneficial nonetheless,
mushrooms are high in fibre,
protein, antioxidants, and are
an excellent source of selenium.
Studies show that they may also
alleviate the risk of developing
chronic diseases such as
diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart
disease and cancer.
Nuts and seeds
Assorted nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pistachios,
Brazil nuts, cashews, sunflower, pumpkin, poppy or sesame seeds.
Oil and vinegar
Olive oil and vegetable oil such as
canola or sunflower.
Apple cider vinegar.
Herbs and spices
Several spices have numerous health
benefits such as cognitive boosters,
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
benefits, and cancer-fighting
properties. Among them are turmeric,
ginger, cumin, cinnamon and cayenne.
Pantry essentials
Lentils, barley and split peas, assorted
canned beans, oats, brown rice,
wild rice, grains such as couscous,
polenta, millet, bulgur or quinoa, and
wholegrain breads.
• Did you know? Combining equal amounts of beans and rice constitutes a
complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.

Chickpeas
The top food trend for 2021/22, chickpeas are packed with key
vitamins and minerals, and like all legumes, are high in protein
and fibre and an excellent source of zinc. Research shows that
the health benefits of the humble garbanzo bean include
lowering the risk of cancer, diabetes and cholesterol, improving
mental health, promoting weight loss, regulating blood
pressure as well as blood sugar, building muscle and boosting
the immune system. Chickpeas are delicious in soups, stews,
curries, burger patties and falafels, as dried snacks, and of course,
hummus.
Hummus recipe
Packed with fibre, folate, vitamin C and antioxidants that help lower blood
pressure, fight inflammation and improve overall well-being, this delicious
beetroot hummus is the real deal. With its gorgeous red colour and slightly
sweet, earthy flavour, it’s everything you need to keep in optimum health
while still enjoying the food of the gods.
Ingredients
• 1 medium roasted beetroot,
cubed • 1x 410g can of chickpeas
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice • 1 garlic
clove, minced • 2 tbsp olive oil • A
pinch of ground cumin • A good
handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp dried chilli flakes (to taste
and optional) • Salt (to taste) •
2 tbsp water • ½ tsp paprika • Extra
olive oil to garnish
Method
Add all ingredients except the paprika
and extra olive oil to a blender. Blitz
them until smooth and creamy.
Scrape the hummus out into a bowl
and then sprinkle the paprika all
over the top. Drizzle the olive oil
over the paprika and leave to stand
for 10 minutes, until the paprika has
absorbed the oil. Serve with crisp pita
breads or crudités.
• Did you know? Beetroots are rich in nitrates, which the body changes into
nitric oxide, which is an important free radical. They are also high in folate
(vitamin B9), which helps with cell growth and function, and plays a key role
in controlling damage to blood vessels, which in turn helps reduce the risk of
heart disease and stroke.
22 Get It Lowveld November 2021

MEN1145NC

prostate
health
The good and the bad
Men over the age of 40:
What you need to know about
prostate health
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland
located between the bladder and the
penis. It is just in front of the rectum. The
urethra runs through the centre of the
prostate, from the bladder to the penis,
letting urine flow out of the body.
The prostate secretes fluid that nourishes
and protects sperm. During ejaculation,
it squeezes this fluid into the urethra, and
it’s expelled with sperm as semen.
Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH,
an enlarged prostate) and prostate
cancer - know the difference!
All men will at some stage in their life
encounter symptoms associated with an
enlarged prostate. This is a fact. The issue
is, however, that symptoms of prostate
cancer and BPH often have the same basic
symptoms, which include a weak urine
flow, straining when urinating, frequent
urination, especially at night, and lowered
libido levels. Here is the difference:
24 Get It Lowveld November 2021
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
BPH occurs when the prostate and
surrounding tissue expand. The prostate
grows through two main growth periods
as a man ages. The first is during early
puberty when the prostate doubles in
size. The second begins around age 25
and continues during most of a man’s life.
As you age, your prostate may get larger.
BPH is when it enlarges so much that it
starts to cause problems when the urinary
tract becomes obstructed.
The most common symptoms of BPH
include urinary symptoms such as
lowered libido levels, frequency of
urination hesitancy, dribbling, and
frequent nighttime urination.
Did you know?
• BPH symptoms can occur as early as
age 35, but affect 50 per cent of all men
between the ages of 51 and 60 and up
to 90 per cent of men older than 80.
• Men are more likely to develop BPH
symptoms if they have medical condition
such as obesity, heart and circulatory
disease and type 2 diabetes.
• Physical exercise is critical!
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer begins when cells in the
prostate gland start to grow out of control.
It often grows very slowly and may not
cause significant harm, but some types are
more aggressive and can spread quickly
without treatment. In the early stages, men
may have no symptoms. Later, symptoms
can include frequent passing of urine,
especially at night, difficulty starting or
stopping urination, weak or interrupted
urinary stream, painful or burning
sensation during urination or ejaculation,
and blood in the urine or semen. Blood in
the urine is always a red flag. Advanced
cancer can cause deep pain in the lower
back, hips or upper thighs.
Did you know?
• Sixty per cent of prostate cancers are
diagnosed in men over the age of 50.
Men are more prone to prostate cancer as
they age.
• Black men are statistically more prone to
prostate cancer than white.
• Prostate cancer that runs in the family
(familial prostate cancer) makes up about
20 per cent of all prostate cancers.
• In South Africa, 1 in 16 men will develop
prostate cancer in their lifetime.
The good news? Early detection saves
lives.
How to test
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
test
Prostate cancer deaths have decreased
significantly after the development
of the PSA test. This is a simple blood
test done in clinics or at home, which
detects PSA levels in your blood. PSA
is a protein that is only produced in
the prostate and elevated levels
indicate a high likelihood of prostate
cancer.
Digital rectal examination (DRE)
A DRE is a test in which the doctor
inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into
the rectum and feels the surface of the
prostate through the bowel wall for any
irregularities.
The simple truth? Prostate cancer is
curable when detected early and BPH
symptoms are treatable.
Visit your nearest Mopani Pharmacy this
November for a free PSA screening test
and if you are suffering from symptoms
associated with an enlarged prostate.
Ask your pharmacist for Prostavor, South
Africa’s bestselling prostate supplement
since 2006!

PRO1145NC

advertorial
Building
an empire
Philip van Eeden

Philip van Eeden is a name synonymous with perseverance and courage. At a young age he was
already earning his living as dad Philip Sr’s right-hand man in his carpentry, cabinetmaking and
joinery business. Thus, starting on a path that would lead to great things.
In 1994 he left the fair Cape where he
grew up, and joined his family in the
beautiful Lowveld. The move may not
have been permanent to start with, but
after meeting his wife, Janine, he never
returned to the Cape. After spending
some time working for a maintenance
and construction company, he was
referred to Mike Bentley as a young
and willing manager by the late Joe
Hoogerheide, “Oom Joe” as Philip fondly
refers to him. Mike appointed him as a
project manager.
During Philip’s employment with him,
he was involved and responsible for
many new builds, alterations and
renovations on The Edge, Uitsig Estate,
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Eden and
The Rest Country Estate, to name a
few. He gained a wealth of experience
and is eternally grateful for lessons
well learned.
In 2013 Philip was approached by a
close friend, Theo van Rij, to build their
new family home at Elawini Estate.
This gave him the means to start
his own company. Still working for
Willem Roets and Philip van Eeden
Mike, but with his blessing, he worked
as an independent contractor while
commissioning his own projects. Theo
sadly passed away from malaria during
the project. Philip completed it in the
time planned for his surviving spouse,
Angela van Rij. PhilCon lives on as Theo’s
legacy for being the catalyst that led to
its new beginnings.
Today, Philip is the sole director of
PhilCon Construction, a company
with many successful projects under
its belt. PhilCon is registered with the
National Home Builders Council. After
having completed the customisation
and additions of the Oasis Water plant
in Rocky Drift earlier this year, owner
Wynand Nel said, “Thanks to the quality
workmanship and the timely manner
in which the scope of works was
completed, we were able to move into
the new site on time. If this is a typical
example of the way your company
handles a project, then any company will
be pleased to have PhilCon on board.”
PhilCon believes in giving back to the
members of the community who serve
it and one very integral partner in the
success of its business is BUCO Nelspruit.
As the company’s preferred supplier of
building material, BUCO is always there
to help and will stop at nothing to source
any product at the right price. PhilCon
describes the service as fast and friendly,
the products of excellent quality and
well priced, their delivery extremely
efficient. It has immense gratitude for the
BUCO Nelspruit team, especially Willem
Roets, Magda du Plessis, Sanet Nel and
manager Pottie Potgieter.
Together with its loyal staff, locally
sourced labour and subcontractors, there
is a bright future ahead for the team of
PhilCon. Determination to see to clients’
needs and turning clients into friends are
an added bonus. The company is set to
become a recognised building contractor
in the Lowveld and surrounds. Philip’s
pragmatic approach to every project,
along with patience and understanding,
is set to pave the way to a great future.
And in the company of great supporters
like BUCO, there is no option but to
succeed.
The company is set to
become a recognised
building contractor in the
Lowveld and surrounds
with Philip’s pragmatic
approach
Past and current projects
Church Unlimited Mbombela
(alterations and additions),
Sias and Yvonne Willemse
(residential), Adriaan Buitenweg
(residential), Johan and Jonette
D’Assonville (residential), Ralph
Tracey and Jo-Ann Vosloo
(residential), Oppenheimer Trust
(refurbishment, residential),
RO3 Oasis Lowveld (factory
customisation), Hi-Q (upgrade)
and Autozone Hoedspruit (new).

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advertorial
GREASED
LIGHTNING
This month the quaint and friendly town of Dullstroom will once again play host to the TRACN4
Rally of South Africa. For the second consecutive year, the high-velocity, adrenaline-pumping
motorsport event will take place in the picturesque Emakhazeni region. Last year’s rally proved the
most successful of the 2020 South African National Rally Championship (NRC) series.
This is the third year that TRAC is
sponsoring an SA NRC round, with
2021’s final two rounds also serving as
the grand finale of the championships.
The event forms part of the prestigious
FIA African Rally Championship (ARC),
which is now in its 40th season.
Photographer: Tylor-Mason James
Featuring legendary gravel events
across spectacular African landscapes,
the experience gives professional and
amateur drivers the means to live out
their dream. This year’s TRAC rally theme
is “Africa All the Way”, which is in line
with both the rally fraternity and TRAC’s
Proudly African sentiment, and the
primary beneficiary will once again be
the Dullstroom Epilepsy Centre. This NGO
plays a crucial part in the lives of people
living with epilepsy in the rural areas
of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and has
been hit hard by the pandemic.
This year’s rally will take place on
November 26 and 27, with action-packed
stages set up in and around the scenic
little town, including the Safcol-owned
forest area surrounding it. Bringing
the event to Emakhazeni goes hand
in hand with the commitment TRAC
has towards the communities along
the Maputo Corridor. “Not only will it
boost tourism and visitors to the area,
but racing in the Safcol forests is also
guaranteed to make the final stages of
the series truly memorable. Some of the
SA Rally Championship’s top drivers will
be back in action this year, and all are
ready and eager to put one another and

Photographer: Dries Beetge
their cars to the test,” says Adri Fourie,
TRAC’s corporate social investment
executive manager. The South African
representative challenger in the ARC,
Guy Botterill, and navigator Simon Vacy-
Lyle are among those who cannot wait to
put pedal to the metal in their imported
Toyota Etios R4.
The race for the NRC 1 class on national
level is between Theuns Joubert and
navigator Schalk van Heerden, and Chris
Coertse and navigator Greg Godrich. In
the NRC 2 class, George Smalberger and
Anriko Opperman, in their VW Polo, will
also be in action, and the NRC 2 class
will see Gerald Klopper and navigator
Mari Ducasse in their Toyota Auris, and
Benjamin Habig and navigator Barry
White in their VW Polo. The Swazi-
Cowboy team of Jono van Wyk, and the
husband-and-wife team of JJ and Magriet
Potgieter (also known as the Boertjies),
will also be taking on the forests and
roads of Emakhazeni. The race to the
top of this class will be between Jayden
Els, JJ Potgieter and AC Potgieter, and
proficiency and speed will determine
the champion. Current NRC 4 champion
Jonathan Simms in his famous 2-litre
turbo-charged Tazz will also be entering
Photographer: Tylor-Mason James
the event. Based in Secunda, it is his
life-long dream to go up against national
and international teams. “The TRAC N4
event is one of the best organised, most
scenic, and most technically challenging
in terms of driver and navigator skillsets,”
says Jonathan.
Making a comeback are father-anddaughter
duo Edward and Larine
Strydom in their fast NRC 1/NRC 2 Tazz
1600 20V. It will be challenged by the
talented Henry Mostert and his navigator
Willem Morgen in the highly reliable
NRC 1 12V Toyota Conquest. Further
adding to the theme, the much-loved
classic Ford Escort MK1 driven by the
experienced Natie Booysen with codriver
Johan Smith will compete against
the Datsun 160U of equally qualified
husband-and-wife team Sarel and
Barbara Coetzer. However, these teams
will have to work hard to ensure they stay
ahead of the Malan pair in a Datsun GX,
their biggest challengers.
The low-flying Anton Raaths and Louis
Menge in the Mazda Rotary will compete
against the father-and-daughter team of
Johann and Natasha Fourie in a Castrol
Celica ST185 GT-4 as well as Rocco
Huzak and Marcel Dangoumou driving a
Repsol Celica ST185 GT-4. Both these cars
compete under the Toyota Team Fourie
banner. Arguably the most exciting and
successful rally car Toyota ever built, the
Celica AWD Turbo won the WRC Drivers’
Championship in 1992 and the WRC
Manufacturers’ accolade.
Both Johann and Rocco intend on
challenging some of the newer
generation rally cars for overall honours.
Andrea Raaths and her mom Isabel in
their 1600 Golf are the only all-female
team and are expected to raise eyebrows.
Also expected to make a statement is
the spectacular, former-factory Toyota
Corolla RWD of the Lukas van der
Merwe Jr/Tommie Coetzee pairing.
Should the current lockdown conditions
remain, it is hoped that spectators will
be allowed to attend the event this year.
This will be confirmed by TRAC and on
all NRC and Motorsport SA social media
platforms. Those not able to attend the
race in person can catch the exhilarating
action on all the SARallying social media
pages and on RaceDay TV, which will
share the action on various social media
platforms. For more information on
the 2021 TRACN4 Rally of South Africa,
follow @TRACN4 or @SARallychamps
on Facebook and Instagram, or visit
our website, www.tracn4.co.za. The
race secretary may be contacted at
samrallies@mweb.co.za.
Photographer: Dries Beetge

Spoil
November
Want to win?
Of course you do! To enter, send
an email to competitions@
getitlowveld.co.za with “Skin
Creations” in the subject line to
reach us by noon on November 30.
Ts & Cs apply. Good luck!
Confidence comes from having smooth,
supple skin, and understanding the particular
needs of yours is the secret to achieving this.
Skin Creations in Mbombela recognises that
your skin is an investment, and its aesthetic,
scientific and medical treatments range from
intense renewal treatment to correcting
problem skin. Protecting yours from the daily
rigours and stresses of modern-day life will
bring back a youthful vibrant glow and give
you the confidence you deserve. This month’s
indulgent Spoil is an Exilis Ultra 360 faceand-neck
treatment for all skin types, to the
value of R2 500.
32 Get It Lowveld November 2021
Exilis Ultra 360 is a monopolar radiofrequency
device offering a non-invasive
treatment of different skin conditions such
as wrinkles, skin laxity, and excessive fat. The
Exilis Ultra 360 system operates by using a
combination of technologies: radiofrequency,
ultrasound and advanced cooling. It assists
with treating fine lines and wrinkles and
tightening the skin through collagen
remodelling. Exilis Ultra 360 is everything
you need in one device.

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