March 24 - Lowveld

Helene van
der Merwe
Larger than life
An egg-celent
start to the day!
Taking care
of your
pearly whites
Win!
A bottle of Oscar de la
Renta Bella Tropicale
is up for grabs
Stronger
together
Spoil yourself
SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
MARCH 2024

BERRY
LOVELY
EGGS
Page 24

contents
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
Photographers
Tanya Erasmus 083 778 7725
Belinda Erasmus 082 567 0596
Layout
Wessel Cöhrs 074 801 4477
Subeditors
Wahl Lessing
Ida de Wet
Sales
Colletha Noppé Rattray
colletha@lowvelder.co.za 082 745 2387
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 Get It
Lowveld within 10 days or they will be forfeited.
Prizewinners names are published on our
Facebook page monthly.
Why don’t you ...
02 Attend a night market, go for a run,
or rock to some great SA music
04 Enjoy fabulous Easter reads and a sublime wine
WISH LIST
06 Gorgeous pastel gingham to inspire
SOcial
08 The fun-fuelled annual Sabie Tube Race was a blast
08 Great food, live music and fun at the Maroela Makiti
09 An excellent turnout for the Sonpark Market
09 The start of Pediatric Care Africa’s 7 000km journey
people
10 We catch up with live wire mum and all-round
go-getter Helene van der Merwe
BEAUTY
14 Sweetly alluring
HEALTH
16 Mountain biking for the sheer joy of it ... and charity
18 The importance of taking care of your pearly whites
FOOD
22 Sublime recipes to kick the day off the right way
COMMUNITY
26 We chat to the CEO of GRIP in the Lowveld and
find out why we are stronger together
TRAVEL
30 Pack your gear and embrace the simplicity of outdoor living
Win
32 A gorgeous floral, fruity fragrance
COVER LOOK
Helene van der Merwe.
Photographer: Belinda Erasmus - Belle Grace Photography.
Make-up: Zuandri Jonker - Edge Beauty.
Venue: Mediterranean Restaurant, Mbombela.
march 2024
March 2024 Get It Lowveld 01

A hot date!
Pencil these events into your March diary
2Rock on with CrashCarBurn at
Blue Moon. Cash bar and food
stalls available (no ‘bring your own’).
The gates open at 4 pm, tickets
cost R150. Details: Monique on
071 890 2020 (WhatsApp) or
bluemoonlive2@gmail.com
right now
Meander around the
2-3Dullstroom Village Market
and shop the many arts and crafts
while enjoying wine, gin, coffee and
food stalls from 9 to 3 on Saturday and
9 to 2 on Sunday. Even better, fur kids
are welcome! Details: 082 075 4060
2
Don your running shoes and get ready for stunning scenery at the
TRAC N4 Elands Marathon. Choose from the 42.2km (R400), 21.1km
(R250) and 10km ( R100). Details: 078 208 5183
If you have a date for our diary, email the info at least a month in advance to mellissa@getitlowveld.co.za

2-3
Indulge in the splendour of magnificent orchids at the Afri Orchards
Open House. The event is from 8 to 4 on Saturday and 10 to 3 on
Sunday, with a potting demo on Sunday at 2 pm. Entry is free, no
booking required. Details: afriorchids@me.com
It’s time for the annual
7-9three-day Mieliepop music
festival! Like no other experience,
Mieliepop is all about glorious
swimming pools, magnificent lakes,
a rave cave and forest stage and
sweeping lawns. With an incredible
music line-up, this is an event not
to miss! Mieliepop takes place at
the Tolderia Resort in Lothair,
Mpumalanga, and tickets cost R899.
Details: www.mieliepopfestival.co.za
8Enjoy the Lowveld by moonnight
at the Elmswood Evening Market,
as you shop the many gorgeous crafts
and delicious food stalls. There will be
a cash bar, live music and a fantastic
vibe! Details: 082 331 0712
Get ready for the annual
23NMC Fast Race 3-in-1 at the
Mbombela Stadium. Options are the
42km, 21km or 10km, from 5 am to
11:30 am. Details: 083 951 0380
RM-AVI0308NC

Book club
From young love to growing old disgracefully ...
we’ve rounded up some fabulous reads for the Easter weekend
Heather Winterbottom has worked
alongside her husband in their rural
GP practise for 40 years. They’ve
just hung up their stethoscopes ...
but their retirement isn’t all they
thought it would be. She wants to
travel to a Greek island. He wants
to grow a veggie garden. Neither
will compromise ... so he stays with
his spinach, parsnips and pumpkin,
and she heads off for a gap year... all
sun, sea, sand and squid on Ithaca.
Madly funny, hugely enjoyable ... Mrs
Winterbottom Takes a Gap Year
is Joanna Nell’s latest book centred
around growing old disgracefully.
Hodder and Stoughton
04 Get It Lowveld March 2024
The Williamson sisters, Josephine and
Penny, are Britain's most treasured World
War II veterans. Now in their nineties, they’re
still in great form, and are in hot demand,
appearing at commemorative events all
over the country. The latest excitement is a
trip to Paris to receive the Légion d'honneur,
accompanied by their devoted greatnephew,
who believes the pair had minor
roles in the Women's Royal Navy and the
First Aid Nursing Yeomanry. But that's only
half the story. There's a reason sweet Auntie
Penny can dispatch a would-be mugger
with a brolly. This trip to Paris is not what it
seems either. Scandal and crime have trailed
the sisters since the war. Now armed with
new information about an old adversary,
these much decorated (but admittedly
ancient) veterans intend to settle scores,
avenge lost friends, and pull off one last
heist. All hidden official secrets and double
lives, CJ Wray’s The Excitements is a funny,
charming, thrilling adventure read. Orion
There are 18 plants and
animals named after him.
When asked by a reporter
how many degrees he
had*, he said it would be
‘rude to count’. The single
thing that would improve
his quality of life would
be ‘good, workable knees’.
In The Wit and Wisdom
of David Attenborough,
which he has not endorsed
and is not affiliated with,
Chas Newkey-Burden has
put together a fascinating
collection of facts, tributes,
quotes and anecdotes.
Running chronologically,
this book begins with his
early days, to his first job
at the BBC, to eventually
becoming the most
esteemed naturalist on
the planet, as he is today.
*More than 30! Gaia
All books available at
Exclusive Books and
exclusivebooks.co.za

Set against the backdrop
of modern Harlem and
Renaissance glamour, A
Love Song for Ricki Wilde
by Tia Williams (Seven
Days in June) is a steamy,
swoon-worthy love story ...
a florist who leaves behind
family wealth to realise her
dream of opening a flower
shop, and an enigmatic
musician ... two artists who
are drawn to the magic of
New York. Quercus
A near-death experience.
A collection of false
memories. A perfect love
story ... albeit one that
didn’t exist. Two sisters, a
vet and a mystery to solve.
Throw in another love
story and you’ve
The Memory of Us by Dani
Atkins ... light and
frivolous for the
long weekend.
Head of Zeus
For YA ...
Set against the backdrop
of Tehran and Los Angeles,
Only This Beautiful
Moment by Abdi Nazemian
is a tale of intergenerational
trauma and love - an ode to
the fragile bonds of family,
the hidden secrets
of history and all the
beautiful moments that
make us who we are today.
Harper Collins
In Kate Thompson’s The
Wartime Book Club, an
island's only librarian is
ordered to destroy books
which threaten the new
regime. Instead, she hides
the stories, and with her best
friend forms the wartime book
club. But as the occupation
drags on, the women's quiet
acts of bravery become more
perilous and they are forced
to face the terrible cost of
resistance. Hodder & Stoughton
In Sophie Kinsella’s The
Burnout, Sasha is well and
truly over it all. Work (allconsuming).
Friendships
(on the back burner).
Sex-life (non-existent).
Armed with good
intentions to drink kale
smoothies and try yoga,
she heads to a seaside
resort. But how can she
commune with nature
when there’s a stressed
out guy sitting on a rock
watching her? A guy who
scoffs at her burnout
cures - manifesting,
wild swimming, secret
Mars bars, preferring
his cure - drinking
whisky. Penguin
All nectarine,
melon, rose petal
and Turkish delight,
the 2023 La
Motte Vin de
Joie Rosé is what
we’ll be drinking
at book club this
month. Pair it with
a leafy salad, some
delicate salmon
or trout, and a
charcuterie board.
R110 from your
local wine store.
Compiled by: Kym Argo
March 2024 Get It Lowveld 05

Wish list
Softly softly ... pastel gingham for Easter
Palest peach
scrunchie, R170 for a
pack of three from
lovisajewellery.co.za
Gingham notebook,
R115 from takealot.com
A3 disposable paper
placemat set, R220
from Print On Demand
at takealot.com
Easter lunch table sorted ... Linen House
Oxford check light blue and white
tablecloth in six, eight and ten seater.
From R999 from yuppiechef.com
The Fuchsia is Pink sailor bow tie for
beautiful bitches and handsome
hounds, R150 from lafurmilia.co.za
06 Get It Lowveld March 2024

Mini babydoll dress in fresh
apple green gingham,
R799 from Glamorous
at superbalist.com
• Country Road organically
grown cotton gingham
pyjama set, available
in sizes from 1-2 to 12.
R599 from Country Road
at Woolworths.
Pink gingham 100 per cent washed
cotton duvet cover. R899 from
Phlo Studio at takealot.com
Compiled by: Kym Argo
March 2024 Get It Lowveld 07

At the starting point of the Sabie Tube Race
Fun-fuelled
weekend
Danie du Toit, lead
singer of Spoegwolf
The annual Sabie Tube Race was the usual
action-packed weekend with great tubing, fab
local music and a massive charity success!
Marula magic
Held at the Mbombela Stadium, the 2024 Maroela Makiti
was a blast, with great food, live music and two road races.
Ndazalama Myambo, Isiah Mnisi and
Naledi Mashego
Barno Venter performed at the
Maroela Makiti
Nicholas Mbatha and Edwin Mashigo

Sonpark success
The first Sonpark Market in two years was a huge success, with an
excellent turnout and record number of stalls.
Nokthula Mnguni, Banele Mhlongo and
Dimpho Nkosi
Bianka Joubert with her
daughters Hanah and Abigail
Biking for
charity
February saw the start of Pediatric Care
Africa’s 7 000-kilometre journey around the
country to raise funds for children.
Dr André Hattingh of
Pediatric Care Africa
Bikers get ready to leave the White River Square

A glass half full
Helene van der Merwe

The bubbly and vivacious Helene van der Merwe is living her very best life,
and it is jam-packed with sparkling, effervescent colour and laughter.
Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY. Photographer: Belinda Erasmus
go-getter by nature, Helene loves
saying that instead of one, she has
three jobs.
“In a nutshell,” she smiles, “I run
PrettyBelle, which went from
a fun hobby to a full-time
job. I’m the owner of Pienkvoet-Pret
Nelspruit (weekly mummy-and-me
classes from three months to 3+ years
old), and I’ve recently launched my
very own exclusive fashion channel
called Pocket Fashion, where I share
weekly style and beauty tips in the
form of vlogs, videos and shopping
links via WhatsApp with subscribers.
Enjoying the beach
Basically, it’s like having your own
personal shopper in your pocket!”
Helene started PrettyBelle eight
years ago when her daughter, Minki,
was born. “I was sitting on the bed,
breastfeeding, my boobs hanging out,
gauze panties on, and crying. I asked
my mum, is this it? Is this really going
to be my life from now on? My mum
looked at me and said, you can choose
to sit here and feel sorry for yourself,
because yes, motherhood is hard. Or
you can choose to get up, wash your
hair, put on a nice dress and some
red lipstick and get on with life (while
looking fabulous).”
Needless to say Helene decided to
follow her mum’s advice. “I got up,
put on a nice rokkie, took a mirror
selfie and posted it on Facebook (that
was before Instagram was a thing).
People loved it; I think they related
to the realness. Fast-forward eight
years and I have a combined social
media following of 40k+ (on Insta and
Facebook).”
Helene describes Minki as being very
special right from the get-go. She’s
quick to add that she knows all parents
think their kids are special, but Minki
has some kind of X-factor. “She just
lights up a room and draws people to
her with her energy. I love that she’s my
little mini me, she also loves wearing
red lipstick! And her application is
faultless.”
‘You can choose
to get up, wash
your hair, put on a
nice dress and some
red lipstick’
Before he was born, Helene wondered
how on earth this little dude was going
to live up to his fabulous sister. “She’s
just got a huge personality, but then
Joshie came along and he’s just such
a cool little dude. I can honestly say I
enjoy my kids so much. I laugh with
them, I play with them, sometimes I
get mad at them, but I cannot imagine
a life without Minki and Joshie.”
Helene studied journalism and
photography at Tukkies, which is
where she met hubby Joseph. “After
my degree, I did my postgrad in
teaching, and ended up working as a
Grade R and RR teacher, I absolutely
adore kids and I have a passion for
March 2024 Get It Lowveld 11

Joseph, Minki, Helene and Joshie
learning through play. Fun fact, at the
tender age of 28, I was the principal of
a private nursery school in Centurion!
From headmaster to influencer,” she
laughs. “But jokes aside, the dream was
to work at a magazine, which is why I
studied journalism and photography in
the first place. Ultimately I saw myself
as a fashion editor at Cosmo or Elle.
Also, I have absolutely adored fashion
since I can remember. To me it’s like
having a superpower - you can dress
according to your mood/personality,
swipe on your favourite lipstick and the
day will just get better from there.”
She explains that while it may sound
a bit crazy, somehow it all fits her
personality like a glove. “I’ve always
said all roads lead to PrettyBelle, it’s
everything I love rolled into one,
writing, fashion, styling, being creative
and of course being a mum!” A few
years after she started PrettyBelle,
Helene told Joseph that although
she loves being an influencer,
sometimes it gets lonely. “I’m totally
a people’s person, and it’s not always
as glamorous as it seems, especially
behind the scenes. And then the
Pienkvoet-Pret Nelspruit franchise
became available and I thought this
is perfect, because I get to do it from
home, three days a week. The rest of
12 Get It Lowveld March 2024
the week I can do my social media.”
Helene adds that when she became
a mum, she realised how important
having ‘mum’ friends was. With
Pienkvoet she wanted to create a
Helene and Joseph
safe haven for mummies, a place
where they can walk in, breathe and
just be - no judgement. “Just quality
time spent with baby, enjoying
warm coffee. Because gosh, while
motherhood is beautiful, let me tell
you it’s also damn hard work,” adds
Helene. Balancing three businesses,
two kids and a husband can’t be easy,
but in true Helene style, she laughs as
she says that she wouldn’t have it any
other way. “I thrive on being busy. Of
course, sometimes I also just want to
go to the gym, pick up the kids and
watch a show, but there’s always work.
Mum-guilt is real! But I try to remind
myself that I am a good mum, and I’m
showing my kids that you can achieve
anything if you work hard and dream
big. Joseph and I also try to have a
date night at least once a month. I
have to say I have the most amazing
husband (he cooks!) and he keeps
me calm.”
The family love to spend time
together at Sabie Park next door
to the Kruger, enjoying the peace
and quiet of the bush, and Sundays
are for playing tennis, a favourite
pastime. Both Helene and Joseph
were serious players in their heyday
and still love the sport. The family are
also big homebodies, and Helene
loves to rearrange rooms and sort
and pack closets (something she finds
calming and therapeutic). If given
the opportunity to go anywhere, her
first choice would be Paris (obviously,
she says laughingly), but on a more
practical level, she would love to
spend a weekend in a five-star room,
complete with white linen, room
service, free Wi-Fi and no kids. “But
only for two days,” she stresses. “After
that I’ll miss the kids too much!”
Helene’s big personality has stood
her in good stead, and no doubt
will continue to fuel this outgoing
and livewire mum. Every day brings
something new that she delights
in - random compliments from shop
assistants, a takeaway coffee that has
The world is your oyster inscribed
on it, or hearing the nation sing the
national anthem. “I absolutely love
living in such an amazing place in
such an amazing country,” she smiles.
“For the most part, people are kind
and friendly, and what you give out is
what you get back. And I think that’s
pretty cool.” As do we!

CONNECT TO THE BEST
2 Alpha Street, Orchard View, Mbombela
info@crafthomes.co.za 3 Bedrooms from R 1 675 000
08600 CRAFT (27238)
4 Bedrooms from R 2 050 000
RM-CRA0308NC

sweet
life!
Saturday nights are for
parties ... and Catrice
has you covered. Colour
Blast Eyeshadow Palette,
R159.95 • CURL IT
Volume & Curl
Mascara, R125,95
• Dream In Jelly
Sparkle Nail Polish
R75,95 • Neon Blast
Nail Polish Strips,
R88,95. Find Catrice
at DisChem,
Takealot and Clicks.
Compiled by : KYM ARGO and MEGAN BRETT
Made to set the mood ...
Maybelline New York’s
SuperStay Matte Ink
liquid lipstick in Energize,
R219.95 from Edgars
14 Get It Lowveld March 2024
Don’t throw shade, blend it! Scarlet
Hill soft sponge strawberry beauty
blender with 11 pieces, R29.99 from
mrp.com/en_za/beauty

Life is one big party when you’re young.
You might as well live it looking your best.
Stay hydrated. Lavender
SummitCo Mini 350ml
insulated bottle, R299
from cloudandco.co.za
Teaology Peach Tea
Face Mist with real
antioxidant blue tea
infusion. You can use
several times a day,
leaving your skin softer
and brighter. R395
from Dis-Chem.
Purple ombre
Gummy Bear Huggie
Earrings, R110 from
lovisajewellery.co.za
Beauty sleep ... yes please.
Off The Grid eyemask (with
manners!), R99.99 from Typo.
Taking a shower never felt this good.
Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Foaming
Gel Wash lathers luxuriously, nourishes
your skin and leaves a long lasting
scent. R395 from Clicks and Takealot.
Essence Conceal
Like a Pro Colour Correcting
Palette, R95 from www.takealot.com
March 2024 Get It Lowveld 15

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY
Roger Taylor, Brenda Rebro and Jayson Stanley
TO THE TOP
16 Get It Lowveld March 2024
After a bout of Covid in 2020, dad, husband and business owner
Jayson Stanley decided it was time to get fit.
Looking for something that would
suit an individual with a young family,
Jayson went out and bought himself
a mountain bike - and has never
looked back. “After I bought my bike
and started on a few training rides,
I was hooked … especially in the
cross-country format of mountain
biking. I really enjoy the endurance
training for long distances,” he
explains. “This will be my fourth year of
cycling, so I don’t have all that much
experience behind me, but what I lack
there I make up for with plenty of will!
I’m still learning, but I love it, especially
when I’m out training and riding with
mates.” To date, Jayson has competed
in about 15 races, but this year he
is upping the bar considerably. He
and a friend from high school, Roger
Taylor, have decided to enter the
ultimate mountain bike stage race in
the world, the Cape Epic. “To compete
in the Cape Epic, two people have to
partner up, and when I decided to
enter, Roger was the first guy I called.
We go way back,” Jayson says, “since
our school days. Riding the Epic was
on Roger’s bucket list, so I was hoping
he would jump at the opportunity,

which he did. We’ve done quite a few
races together over the last year or so,
and we train together regularly.
To be honest, I don’t think we would
be here if he hadn’t joined me as my
partner. We have been training for the
Epic for most of 2023, and with over
two months to go, we are starting to
see the benefits of early preparation
and consistency in training.”
‘We knew this would
be a once-in-a-lifetime
ride and a definitive
bucket list moment’
Apart from being the most televised
mountain bike race in the world,
the Epic is also the only eight-day
mountain bike stage race classed as
hors catégorie by the Union Cycliste
Internationale (a French term used to
label a climb in stage bicycle races as
‘beyond categorisation’). Six hundred
and eighty teams from all over the
Riding hard
Jayson and Roger
world compete over eight days,
negotiating a gruelling 700km
of untamed terrain and up to a total
16 000m of uphill climbing in the
Western Cape. Every year a different
route is followed. “It’s a tough race to
enter and a tough race to compete
in,” says Jayson. “2024 will be the 20th
edition of the Epic, which is one of
the reasons why we wanted to do it
this year. We knew this would be a
once-in-a-lifetime ride and a definitive
bucket list moment for any mountain
biker.”
The duo decided that they will not
be the only ones to benefit from this
year’s Epic. Once registered and set
for the race, Jayson got to thinking
and decided that it seemed like the
ideal opportunity to benefit those in
need and put the publicity generated
around the Epic to good use. He
approached Sinani.org, a local charity
that works with local children and
helps provide for local communities,
and they have been on board with
support ever since.
While an undertaking like this isn’t
easy, Jayson is quick to add that they
are lucky to have a great support team
backing them. “It’s tough going, and
with a race like this you give up your
weekends - and a lot more besides - to
train. We have a good crew. My wife
Angela and my kids Gabriella, Travis
and Ross are behind me all the way.”
What’s next for the fighting-fit
mountain biker? After the Epic, Jayson
says that he will be riding the Sabie
Experience, a three-day stage race, his
third in a row. “It’s a lovely local stage
race, right here close to home,” he
smiles. “And then I think a lekker break
is needed before the next big ride …
Whatever or wherever that may be.”
Details:
Jayson at jaystanlley@gmail.com
March 2024 Get It Lowveld 17

PROMOTION
A healthy smile is a stunning smile
Protect your oral health by practising good hygiene habits and the odds are in your favour
that you may very well keep your teeth for the duration of your life. We chatted to a few of
Mbombela’s well-known dentists to find out a little more.
Dr Zoli Grimbeek
Van der Walt Dental Practice
Dr Zoli Grimbeek
Van der Walt Dental Practice opened its doors seven years ago with
the motto to provide quality dental treatment at affordable medical
aid prices in a child-friendly modern environment to the Lowveld
community. We are happy to say that this is still our motto today!
We are a family practice offering a full range of services and
believe a dentist visit should be a fun and positive experience. We
understand that treating a family can be costly, and provide the
option of claiming directly from our patients’ medical aid. Patients
without medical aid will still be charged at rates similar to affordable
medical aid fees. Please refer to our website, www.vdwdental.co.za,
under the section “fees” for an estimation of prices.
Visit our friendly team; you might just be pleasantly surprise!
Details: 013 744 3520 / info@vdwdental.co.za
Haidey Meya, Dr Karen Kromhout, Brezette Venter,
Dederé Nolan and Gisela Erichsen
Transform your smile with Dr Zoli Grimbeek, your trusted family dentist.
Dr Zoli has recently joined forces with her dad, Dr Johann Grimbeek,
and expanded the practice into orthodontics.
Dr Grimbeek’s family practice is based in Mbombela and Hoedspruit.
With over 55 years of combined experience, they value precision with
a gentle touch to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages.
Experience a warm and welcoming atmosphere in which your family’s
dental needs are met with the highest standards of professionalism,
from routine check-ups to advanced orthodontic treatments and facial
aesthetics.
Experience the confidence that comes with an aligned smile. Your
journey to optimal oral health and a beautiful smile begins here..
Details: 013 752 4048 / info@healthandaesthetics.co.za
Van der Walt Dental team
MySmile Dental Studio
This month we celebrate 11 years at Casterbridge! We thank all
our old patients for their ongoing support.
Husband-and-wife team, Dr Auke van der Meulen and Dr Karen
Kromhout, are the dentists. Practise makes perfect and with
years of experience between us, we are equipped to give you the
best dental care. We stay at the forefront of new developments
by regularly attending dental courses and congresses.
Gisela Erichsen is our experienced oral hygienist. She uses EMS
cleaning technology to give you the gentlest, most thorough
dental cleaning. Dederé Nolan is our friendly receptionist.
Brezette Venter assists the dentists and Haidey Meya cleans and
sterilises our instruments.
Details: 013 751 3144 or WhatsApp on 072 311 9863

advertorial
Take pride in
your smile
Dr Suliman Patel is a well-known figure in the Lowveld’s dental
circles. His flagship practice at the Promenade Centre in central
Mbombela has been open for over 20 years, while the new kid on
the block, Riverside Dental, is one and a half years old.
For those seeking aesthetic
enhancements, cosmetic dentistry
services are available, offering solutions
such as teeth whitening to brighten
smiles. Additionally, Riverside Dental also
offers restorative dentistry, including the
creation of crowns, bridges and implants
to restore function and appearance.
“Whether it’s enhancing the cosmetic
appeal or addressing structural concerns,
Riverside Dental is committed to
providing quality and personalised care.
Our emphasis lies mainly in cosmetic and
family dentistry, ensuring that patients of
all ages depart with smiles they’re proud
to showcase confidently.”
While a dental visit might be the last
thing on many people’s list of important
things to do, Suliman stresses that it is
in fact imperative to schedule dental
appointments twice a year for a general
check-up, and scale and polish (cleaning).
This ensures that your dentist can detect
if there are any problems or if your teeth
are beginning to decay, and it allows
for treatment to be carried out before it
turns into a bigger issue.
This also prevents future trauma in the
dental chair, since the treatments carried
out are less invasive. The good old saying
‘Prevention is better than cure’ definitely
holds strong in dentistry. When it comes
to what you can do at home to protect
and care for your teeth, Suliman says
adults and kids should be brushing their
teeth twice daily, flossing and making
use of mouthwash.
Spend at least two minutes brushing
your teeth to ensure that they are
thoroughly clean, as the adage goes:
‘Only brush the teeth you want to keep’.
“Remember that brushing hard does not
necessarily mean your teeth are cleaner,”
he smiles. “Technique is important. Use a
medium/soft toothbrush and brush in a
circular motion. This prevents toothbrush
damage to the gums and teeth, as
brushing too hard can cause your teeth
to become sensitive long-term.”
Children should be supervised while
brushing, as hand and eye co-ordination
is only fully developed by the age of
The Riverside Dental team
eight, which means that the little ones
may be missing important areas when
brushing, thereby resulting in cavities
forming.
Flossing is an essential part of daily
oral health care, as brushing alone
does not allow for trapped food
particles and bacteria to be removed,
especially between the teeth. This is
one of the most common areas where
decay begins, due to the collection of
unremoved debris. Flossing also helps
keep the gums healthy, preventing
bleeding gums.
It is also important to brush your
tongue and palate, as the tongue can
trap bacteria, which are a leading cause
of bad breath. Following these basic
oral healthcare steps will help you keep
your mouth clean and healthy.

The morning
power boost
Do you rush out the door with nothing more than a cup
of coffee in hand, thinking that by skipping breakfast you
are saving time?
Hit the pause button on that habit,
because breakfast is not just a meal,
it’s a powerhouse of benefits that set
the tone for your day. Here are just a
few of the advantages to making a
healthy start to the day.
Gut health: Fuelling the microbial
symphony
Picture your gut as a bustling city
where trillions of microbes reside,
working tirelessly to maintain
balance. Breakfast kick-starts your
digestive system, promoting a
diverse microbial community. A
well-balanced breakfast, rich in
fibre, pre- and probiotics, can keep
those gut inhabitants content,
ensuring a smooth operation
throughout the day.
Concentration: Breakfast is the
brain’s best friend
Do you ever find yourself zoning
out or struggling to focus on tasks?
Your brain needs fuel, and breakfast
provides the essential nutrients for
cognitive function. A combination of
complex carbohydrates, proteins and
healthy fats provides a steady release
of glucose, the brain’s preferred
energy source.
By giving your brain the boost it
craves, breakfast becomes the secret
weapon to enhancing concentration,
memory and overall mental
performance.
Weight loss: Start your day with a
slimmer you
Contrary to the belief that skipping
meals leads to weight loss, breakfast
plays a pivotal role in a successful
weight management journey. Eating
a nutrient-dense breakfast revs up
your metabolism, signalling to your
body that it’s time to burn calories
efficiently. Moreover, a satisfying
morning meal can help curb midmorning
snack cravings, preventing
you from reaching for those
unhealthy options that may sabotage
your weight loss goals.

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY
Heart health: A hearty breakfast for a
healthy heart
A morning feast that includes
wholegrains, fruits and nuts can
contribute to lower cholesterol levels
and better cardiovascular health. The
fibre content aids in reducing blood
pressure and maintaining optimal
cholesterol levels, protecting your
heart from potential risks later on
down the road.
Mood boost: Rise and shine with a
smile
Ever noticed how your mood can be
directly influenced by what’s on your
plate? Breakfast is like a mood-boosting
potion, influencing the production
of neurotransmitters like serotonin. A
well-balanced morning meal can help
regulate mood, reducing the likelihood
of irritability and stress.
From supporting gut-health to
enhancing concentration,
promoting heart health, aiding in
weight loss and even influencing
your mood, breakfast is the key to
unlocking a healthier, happier you.
Next time you think of giving it a skip,
remind yourself that your body and
mind will thank you for a nourishing
start to the day.
Powerhouse bowl
Think of this yummy bowl
of nutritional marvels as the
cornerstone of your day.
Ingredients
• ½ cup prepared granola • ¾ cup
yogurt or milk • 2 tbsp each of
mixed nuts, shaved coconut
and pomegranate seeds • A light
drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Method
Place the granola, yogurt or milk
in a bowl. Top with honey or
syrup and scatter the remaining
ingredients on top. You can
also add ½ cup of fruit such as
blueberries, strawberries, bananas
or sliced peaches, or ¼ cup of
dried fruit such as dates, raisins,
prunes and/or apricots.
5-ingredient all day bars
Ingredients
• 1 cup pitted dates • ¼ cup
maple syrup or agave nectar
• ¼ cup salted peanut butter
• 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds,
pistachios, pecans, cashews,
peanuts - whichever you fancy)
• 1½ cups rolled oats • A handful of
dried cranberries
Method
Pulse the dates in a food
processer for about a minute or
until they come together (the
consistency of bread dough).
Place into a mixing bowl
along with the nuts, oats and
cranberries. Set aside. Over a low
heat, warm the peanut butter
and honey or syrup in a small
saucepan. Pour this over the oat
mixture and mix well, breaking
up the dates. Transfer the mixture
to a baking tray or dish that has
been lined with baking paper
to prevent them from sticking.
Press down firmly until equally
flattened; you can use a spatula or
the bottom of a wide glass. Cover
with parchment paper and leave
in the fridge to firm up, about 20
to 30 minutes. Remove from pan
or tray and chop into 10 equalsized
bars. Store in an airtight
container.

Berry lovely eggs
It’s Easter this month. And the Easter weekend calls for long, leisurely,
sweet breakfasts. Nothing wrong with that ... particularly since this trio of treats
are made with eggs ... full of protein and so good for you.
Sunday Morning Pancakes
We’re making these for breakfast on Easter Sunday,
but there’s nothing stopping you from adding a
scoop of ice-cream or some thick cream and serving
as pud. Makes 12.
You’ll need: 100g flour; 2 eggs, beaten; 300ml milk;
1 Tbsp sunflower oil, plus a little extra for cooking;
pinch of salt; selection of mixed berries; honey or
syrup to taste
To make: Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl, make
a well in the centre and then add the beaten eggs.
Use a whisk to beat the eggs into the flour and
gradually whisk in the milk until just smooth.
Brush a non-stick medium frying pan with the oil
and when very hot pour in about 3 Tbsp of the
batter. Quickly tilt the pan from side to side to form
a thick, even layer of batter and cook for one minute.
Flip the pancake over with a spatula and cook until
the underside is slightly golden. Continue with
the rest of the batter, re-coating the pan with oil
when required.
Serve with fresh berries and honey or syrup.
24 Get It Lowveld March 2024
Berry French Toast
French toast is always a hit ... top with berries for a
sweet treat. Serves four.
You’ll need: 4 large eggs; ½ cup milk; 2 tsp
cinnamon; 1 tsp vanilla essence; a pinch of salt
to taste; 8 thick slices 2-day-old bread – it’s better
if slightly stale; butter for cooking; 60ml honey;
strawberries or seasonal berries
To make: In a medium bowl whisk eggs, milk,
cinnamon, vanilla essence and salt until well
blended. Transfer into a shallow dish that is
suitable for dipping the bread into the egg
mixture. Dip the bread, on both sides.
Melt a little butter in a large skillet over medium
high heat. Shake off the excess egg mixture from
the bread and place the bread slices onto the hot
pan. Fry the French toast until browned on one
side, then flip and brown the other side.
Serve the French toast hot with butter, honey,
and fresh berries.

Fluffy Pancakes with Fresh Berries
This is a brilliant recipe since you can make a batch of these pancakes and freeze the ones you don’t use, making next
Sunday’s breakfast so easy. Serves 8.
You’ll need: 2 cups milk; 2 extra large eggs; 4 Tbsp melted butter or neutral oil; 2 cups flour; 4 Tbsp sugar; 1 Tbsp baking
powder; ½ tsp salt; Maple syrup or honey and fresh berries for serving
To make: In a large bowl- whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter. Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk
well to combine. Set the batter aside and allow to rest for 15 minutes.
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat Wipe the pan with a piece of paper towel dipped in neutral oil or the
butter. Scoop ¼ cup batter per pancake into the hot pan. Cook on the first side until bubbles appear on the surface, then
flip and cook for another two to three minutes until both sides are golden brown. Transfer to a plate in a warm oven. Repeat
using the remaining batter.
Stack pancakes and top with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
To freeze: Stack pancakes between wax paper or baking paper, and place in a Ziplock / resealable bag to freeze.
To reheat: Microwave - Place frozen pancakes on a microwave-safe plate, and microwave for 20 seconds intervals checking
until warm and soft. Oven - Preheat oven to 180ºC. Place the frozen pancakes in a flat layer on a baking tray and cover the
pan tightly with foil. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the pancakes are warm and soft.
Complied by: KYM ARGO Recipes and images: The South African Poultry Association
March 2024 Get It Lowveld 25

Stronger
Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY
Tarryn Lokotsch is one tough cookie. The survivor of a vicious attack, she
not only overcame the odds, she also became a fighter for others who had
experienced similar gender-based trauma.
Now the CEO of GRIP (Greater Rape
Intervention Programme), Tarryn
is faced with the helplessness of
survivors who, unfortunately, easily
become just another number,
swallowed up by crime statistics.
The sad reality is that people often
aren’t given the care and support
they need to overcome the trauma
caused by gender-based violence.
Tarryn explains that this isn’t always
necessarily because the police or
nurses and other rights bearers
don’t care; sometimes it could be a
shortage of staff and resources, or a
lack of the specific training required
to handle situations like this.
It also boils down to the fact that
sometimes survivors don’t know
what to do. “For example, how many
people know that if you are raped,
you need to go to a public hospital
such as Rob Ferreira Hospital, as
Mediclinic doesn’t have forensicmedico
services available?” she asks.
“How many people know that you
need to report within 72 hours to
ensure that you are initiated on
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)
medication to prevent you from
contracting HIV? People tend
to have an incredibly negative
outlook towards public hospitals,
but the forensic-medico facilities
at Rob Ferreira are first-rate. It has a
dedicated Thuthuzela Care Centre
(TCC), which is one of the many
one-stop facilities introduced as a
critical part of South Africa’s anti-rape
strategy. Everything is monitored by
the National Prosecuting Authority
in their role as site co-ordinators, all
26 Get It Lowveld March 2024
together
Tarryn with programme manager Nomshado Ndlovu
equipment is in good working order
and the unit is always clean. Our
GRIP first responders at the TCC are
available 24 hours a day and provide
comprehensive trauma containment
- from the time of entry into the TCC,
they explain exactly what will happen
step by step, from statement taking
with the SAPS (if they have not come
from the police station already) to the
forensic examination and introduction
to our GRIP social worker for longer
term support.”
The truth is that none of us really
know what to expect, and the last
thing you are thinking about in the
case of sexual violence is protocol.
People don’t always know where
to go first - the police station or the
hospital. We tend to think that it won’t
happen to me, but the reality is that
it could happen to anyone. “Rape
doesn’t discriminate, not in any way,”
Tarryn says.
“I work with amazing people who
have come from all walks of life, and
many are also survivors. It is important
to know that you are not alone,

The GRIP office team
and that at every stage of the ordeal,
someone from GRIP will be there to
ease the background noise. We have
SAPS care rooms, hospital care rooms
and court care rooms throughout
Mpumalanga. We try to add a personal
touch to what is an almost robotic
procedure. And we don’t stop there;
after a few days, we phone to check
that the survivor is managing OK, that
they are taking their medication (to
prevent HIV/Aids), that sort of thing. We
do this on a weekly basis. We even do
home visits. We provide a full circle of
care - so that each survivor knows they
are not alone.”
Since starting at GRIP, Tarryn and her
team have done a lot of awareness
and advocacy work, making sure
that conditions have improved for
survivors; that the stigma around GBV
is addressed and to make sure that the
police, for example, are more sensitive
to survivors’ needs.
“We try to fill in the gaps in the system.
When someone has been through a
traumatic event like rape, the last thing
you want are indifferent strangers
asking questions or poking and
prodding at you, so a lot of what we
do is to prepare survivors for what is
ahead. Our staff are specially trained
to support survivors with as much
empathy as possible. When you have
experienced something like this, you
feel helpless, and on top of that you
have to go through the requisite
motions of reporting. We are there to
explain what is happening throughout
a survivor’s journey to recovery. We
also provide care packs, which contain
soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste,
deodorant, a facecloth, shampoo,
cream, panties that are your size (we
keep all sizes), and even clothing if
necessary. This goes a long way to
upholding survivors’ dignity and make
them feel human again.”
Small-scale vegetable farming
GRIP also runs prevention programmes
in the community to educate people
about gender-based violence, for
example, ‘No Means No’, as well
as empowerment programmes
on financial literacy, sexual and
reproductive health and mentorship.
Further, GRIP runs two fully fledged
shelters for vulnerable women and
children who can stay for up to six
months. Here they have 24-hour
access to social and social auxiliary
workers, healthy, regular meals and
childcare assistance. “We have various
skills development programmes
to empower these residents to be
more independent - such as sewing,
beading, computer literacy and baking.
Not only does this give them a sense
of achievement and purpose, but also
serves as a possible source of future
income. And we teach them smallscale
vegetable farming in an effort
to enable them to become more selfsustainable.”
Sometimes life deals us a bad hand,
and it may seem like getting through a
tough time is an insurmountable task.
But not letting fear win and learning
to overcome trauma is the first step
towards getting control of your life
back, and just knowing that there is
someone there to help you through it
can make all the difference.
Details:
Call line: +27 82 776 1130, Facebook: GRIP
NPO, website: grip.org.za
March 2024 Get It Lowveld 27

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Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY
Some things to
remember
Water management
• Carry enough water for your
entire trip.
• Bring a water purification system
for emergencies.
• Conserve water by using it
efficiently for cooking and cleaning.
Connect with nature
• Leave the phones at home,
only bring along one in case
of emergencies. It’s time to
disconnect from electronic devices
and enjoy the serenity.
• Engage in outdoor activities like
hiking, fishing or stargazing.
• Capture memories with a camera,
but remember to be present in the
moment.
Community and courtesy
• Respect quiet hours in
campgrounds.
• Be mindful of fellow campers and
keep noise levels low.
• Offer assistance if anyone needs
help. Remember that it could be
you with a flat tyre or missing tent
pegs next time.
Be prepared for emergencies
• Share your travel itinerary with a
friend or family member.
• Carry a charged phone and
emergency contacts.
• Familiarise yourself with the
nearest medical facilities and
emergency services.
The school holidays are almost upon us (gasp!) and it’s
time to let your hair down and do what Lowvelders love
most - spending time outdoors with friends and family.
Heading into the
Embarking on a camping adventure
brings you closer to nature, offering
an escape from the hustle and
bustle of everyday life. And with the
economic crunch, it’s the perfect
way to get back in touch with nature
while not breaking the bank.
Whether you’re pitching a tent,
towing a caravan or setting up camp
in your vehicle, campers love to be
done and dusted, beer in hand and
feet up before the rest of the world
has turned down their four-poster
bed in their exclusive B & B.
But, keep in mind that to get the
benefits of a well-deserved break,
you need to tick off a few crucial
boxes. Take it from us, there is
nothing worse than arriving at your
destination unprepared.
Firstly, plan ahead. Ensure everything
is in good working order before you
set off, and check your tent or caravan
for wear and tear. It’s a good idea to
practise pitching your tent before your
trip to save time, this way you’ll be able
to set it up easily, and be forewarned if
anything needs attention.
Carry essential tools for basic repairs,
check tyre pressure and make sure
your spare is fine. Research your
destination and understand local
regulations, and check the weather
forecasts. It might also be a good idea
to book ahead, especially in popular
camping areas.
Invest in top-quality gear, including
a durable tent, sleeping bag and
camping stove. Pack a first aid kit (and
know how to use it), insect repellent
30 Get It Lowveld March 2024

lue yonder
and a general multipurpose tool. Take
layers of clothing to anticipate all
weather conditions, and plan meals in
advance to avoid taking excess food.
Pack non-perishable items as well as
a cooler for fresh food and use ecofriendly
utensils and dishes to reduce
waste. Use designated braai areas and
never leave a fire unattended.
When choosing your campsite, look
for level ground. Remember to respect
nature and follow ‘leave no trace’
principles. Put safety first, familiarise
yourself with local wildlife and potential
hazards, and keep a safe distance from
wild animals.
Always follow food storage guidelines.
Not only will you lose your food or
possibly a hand if you get too close
or feed them, but animals become
reliant on people for food and end
up getting destroyed due to human
thoughtlessness.
Minimise the impact on nature by
staying on paths and always observe
wildlife from a distance. When you
leave, take all traces of yourself
with you; and throw away rubbish -
including food scraps - in designated
bins. If there aren’t any, take your
refuse with you and dispose of it
when you do get to a dustbin.
A memorable camping, caravanning
or tenting experience recharges
the soul and quitens the mind, so
why not make the most of what our
beautiful country has to offer? Get
the kids involved, you are never too
young to embrace the simplicity of
outdoor living.

Spoil
March
A bottle of
Oscar de la Renta
Bella Tropicale
For a chance to win
our Spoil, pop over to
our Facebook or
Instagram pages and
follow the prompts.
Entries close March 25.
We’d buy this just to have the bottle front and centre on our dressing table.
Too gorgeous for words. Luckily Bella Tropicale by Oscar de la Renta lives up to its
looks ... a glorious floral fruity fragrance with notes of pineapple and coral reef, followed
by ylang-ylang, orange blossom and coconut water, finishing with sea notes, musk,
sandal and tonka bean. R1425 from DisChem.
32 Get It Lowveld March 2024