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Oct 24 - Ballito Umhlanga

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BALLITO • Umdloti • UMHLANGA<br />

WORTH<br />

THE HYPE<br />

Discover a new<br />

restaurant in<br />

<strong>Ballito</strong><br />

EXPLORE A<br />

private GAME<br />

RESERVE IN<br />

ZULULAND<br />

WIN!<br />

A fragrance<br />

from Lacoste<br />

THINK PINK<br />

Our favourite<br />

beauty treats<br />

Dr Portia Mazabane talks about<br />

mental health<br />

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD<br />

october 20<strong>24</strong>


GET IT<br />

Editorial<br />

Phone 032 946 0276<br />

Email jennifer@getitnc.co.za<br />

<strong>Ballito</strong> Business Centre • <strong>Ballito</strong> Drive<br />

<strong>Ballito</strong> • KwaZulu-Natal<br />

Like and Follow us<br />

Get It Magazine <strong>Ballito</strong>.Umdloti.<strong>Umhlanga</strong><br />

@GetItMagNC<br />

@getitmagnc<br />

www.getitmagazine.co.za/ballito-umhlanga/<br />

Editor Jennifer Campbell<br />

jennifer@getitnc.co.za<br />

Layout and Design<br />

Jessmica Depalal<br />

Triveshni Poonsamy<br />

ads@northcoastcourier.co.za<br />

Advertising<br />

Natalie Bertram<br />

Natalie@getitnc.co.za | 082 434 3442<br />

Janine Nyce<br />

janine@getitnc.co.za | 072 709 6673<br />

Online Co-ordinator /<br />

Sales & Admin Support<br />

Lisa Smith | lisa@getitnc.co.za<br />

GET IT NATIONAL<br />

National Group Editor and Sales<br />

Kym Argo<br />

082 785 9230 | kyma@caxton.co.za<br />

Distribution<br />

12 000 copies monthly<br />

Get It <strong>Ballito</strong> • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> is distributed<br />

free of charge in <strong>Ballito</strong>, Salt Rock, Umhlali,<br />

Umdloti, <strong>Umhlanga</strong> Rocks, <strong>Umhlanga</strong><br />

Ridge, Gateway and La Lucia<br />

Published by The North Coast Courier<br />

Competition rules<br />

The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be<br />

transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions<br />

are not open to the sponsors or Caxton<br />

employees or their families. Get It Magazine<br />

reserves the right to publish the names of<br />

winners, who will be contacted telephonically<br />

and need to collect their prizes from Get it <strong>Ballito</strong><br />

branch within 10 days or they will be forfeited.<br />

Prize winners’ names are published on our<br />

Facebook page monthly.<br />

contents<br />

THIS MONTH<br />

3 Dates to diarise this month<br />

4 Our must-read books<br />

6 Books, beauty treats and wine<br />

8 See who we’ve spotted out and about<br />

people<br />

14 Dr Portia Mazabane talks about mental health<br />

16 Bruce Renken reflects on the last 21 years<br />

20 Discover a hidden gem in <strong>Ballito</strong><br />

22 Workshops you won’t want to miss at The Fair with Flair<br />

26 Tarryn Futter keeps her family’s love for floristy alive<br />

HEALTH & FITNESS<br />

28 Zakithi Nene shares his Olympics experience<br />

30 Rochelle van Staden gets ready for the Masters Hockey World Cup<br />

36 Ella Coppola tells us how she navigated breast cancer<br />

Food & DRINKS<br />

40 Butcher Boys <strong>Ballito</strong> is all about the steak<br />

44 Where to get the best coffee in town<br />

KIDs<br />

48 Mangaliso Mthembu shines in a Showmax series<br />

50 Understanding different learning styles<br />

52 A mentorship programme with a difference<br />

54 Take care of young eyes<br />

56 How to raise avid readers<br />

home & decor<br />

58 Country living near <strong>Ballito</strong><br />

62 Garden tasks for <strong>Oct</strong>ober<br />

travel<br />

66 Visit a luxury bush lodge in Zululand<br />

win<br />

68 Our <strong>Oct</strong>ober spoil: a fragrance from Lacoste<br />

Cover details:<br />

Dr Portia Mazabane<br />

Shot by: Shren Media, shren.ramlal@gmail.com;<br />

@shrenmedia<br />

Makeup: Michelle Haywood, 061 492 2321,<br />

@brush_makeupbymich<br />

Location: Weylandts, <strong>Ballito</strong> Lifestyle Centre;<br />

www.weylandts.co.za<br />

OCT 20<strong>24</strong><br />

40<br />

11975 copies distributed (April to June 20<strong>24</strong>)<br />

<strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong> Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> 01


17<br />

YEARS<br />

DUAL MANDATE<br />

R 2 950 000<br />

BALLITO | FAMILY HOME IN A GATED ESTATE<br />

Private with views over Simbithi. Double garage at entrance to this level<br />

property. Pet friendly.<br />

3<br />

2<br />

2<br />

170m 2<br />

SHEFFIELD BEACH | VACANT LAND<br />

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME<br />

Build your own lock up and go in this beautifully manicured and sought<br />

after country estate in a quiet and progressive part of the Dolphin Coast.<br />

Stunning communal areas and facilities. No transfer duty payable.<br />

396m 2<br />

EXCLUSIVE MANDATE<br />

R 800 000<br />

R 15 900 000<br />

BALLITO | EXTRAORDINARY LIVING<br />

Ideally positioned family home almost on the beach. Could be utilised as a<br />

guest house. Solar, ample garaging and more…<br />

6<br />

6<br />

4<br />

550m 2<br />

Invest. Intelligently.<br />

032 946 1439 / 082 551 2607<br />

073 106 6010 - Rental Specialist<br />

www.fionacrago.co.za


A hot date!<br />

Padel, shopping and birthday celebrations this <strong>Oct</strong>ober.<br />

Join the Get It team for a tropical<br />

paradise-themed, ladies’ padel<br />

tournament! Dress in your best floral<br />

prints and bright colours for a fun-filled<br />

morning on the court. The tournament<br />

will be split into two sessions: join the<br />

8am-10:30am slot if you’re a newbie,<br />

beginner or intermediate; or sign up<br />

for the 10:30am-1pm session if you’re<br />

feeling a little more competitive. Each<br />

lady will receive a drink and light snack,<br />

and will leave with a fabulous goodie<br />

bag. There are also wonderful prizes<br />

up for grabs. A portion of the proceeds<br />

will go to The North Coast Courier<br />

Orphan Fund, which raises funds for<br />

food parcels for NGOs, child-headed<br />

households and grandmothers who<br />

care for orphaned and vulnerable<br />

people, as well as subsistence bursaries<br />

for deserving students who qualify<br />

for financial aid but cannot support<br />

themselves. Details: The tournament<br />

will take place on 12 <strong>Oct</strong>ober at Karibu<br />

Padel in Umhlali; and tickets cost R280 per<br />

person. To book, contact Lisa on<br />

lisa@getitnc.co.za or 032 946 0276.<br />

The Beverly Hills Hotel is hosting an<br />

17 31<br />

elegant luncheon to inspire, empower<br />

and raise awareness about breast cancer. Enjoy<br />

a sublime culinary experience while gaining<br />

valuable insights that can make a difference in<br />

the fight against breast cancer. Guests can expect<br />

a three-course lunch, a gift from Estee Lauder<br />

and the opportunity to hear keynote speaker<br />

Rabia Bibi Cozjin, a breast cancer survivor and the<br />

founder of Anixi Health, a community-driven app<br />

for supporters, warriors and survivors.<br />

Details: The event starts at 12pm and costs R990 per<br />

person. Tickets are available on www.quicket.co.za<br />

12<br />

The annual Fair with Flair<br />

will take place from 31<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober to 2 November at Manor<br />

House in Sheffield. The event<br />

promises fabulous shopping and<br />

delicious food, as well as a number<br />

of workshops, including wreathmaking<br />

and silk screening your<br />

own wrapping paper. The fair is the<br />

biggest annual fundraising event<br />

of the Christmas Fair Fund, and<br />

proceeds are channelled to various<br />

ongoing community projects on<br />

the North Coast.<br />

Details: www.fairwithflair.co.za<br />

<strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong> Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> 03


Book club<br />

A handful of the best books on the shelves this <strong>Oct</strong>ober<br />

Set in the 1970s in a summer camp<br />

in the Adirondack mountains, The<br />

God of the Woods is part mystery,<br />

part family drama. When a girl goes<br />

missing from the camp, it’s tragic. But<br />

the fact that she’s gone missing in the<br />

same woods as her young brother<br />

did 14 years ago makes it somewhat<br />

suspicious. The boy was never found,<br />

the locals didn’t all agree with the<br />

person finally found guilty, stories are<br />

murky and characters not all terribly<br />

likeable. Liz Moore’s book is brilliantly<br />

thrilling, couldn’t put it down! The<br />

Borough Press • An all-female boarding<br />

house. A new glam and mysterious<br />

arrival. Unlikely friendships. Add one<br />

deadly secret and an unexpected<br />

shocking act of violence and you’ve<br />

a thrilling read ... The Briar Club<br />

by Kate Quinn - queen of historical<br />

fiction. Harper Collins<br />

‘The exact number of German women raped during the dying days of<br />

world war two is unknown, but it is possibly as high as 2 million (and<br />

many were raped multiple times).’ So writes Josie Ferguson, whose<br />

incredible debut novel The Silence In Between is dedicated to ‘those<br />

whose stories deserved to be heard’. A heart-breaking historical fiction<br />

story of family, fear, hope and the atrocities of war. The story opens on<br />

August 12, 1961. Lisette’s baby is ill, and she’s left him overnight in a<br />

hospital in the West, going back to her home in the East to get clean<br />

clothes and some rest. When she wakes, early on August 13, everything’s<br />

changed. Overnight, the border between East and West Berlin has been<br />

closed and there’s no way she can get to her child. From this shattering<br />

start, the tale jumps to and from 1961, with Lisette’s teenage daughter,<br />

Elly, desperately trying to find a way to get her baby brother back and<br />

hopefully receive the love she longs for from her mother, and 1938, and<br />

what Lisette and her family endured through the war. It’s fiction based on<br />

fact … and the most far-fetched events which are seemingly unrealistic<br />

are all horribly true. As the author points out, the East West border was<br />

closed overnight. Rape victims offered themselves to a single officer so<br />

as to escape multiple rapes. Hitler Youth members really did hand out<br />

cyanide pills, and husbands were separated from wives, mothers from<br />

babies. It’s not an easy read, but it’s beautifully written, compelling, and<br />

will stay with you long, long after you turn the last page. Penguin<br />

04 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


Home interiors influencer Elle’s<br />

life is the envy of thousands. And<br />

when her producers tell her about<br />

a dilapidated chateau in the French<br />

countryside, she’s delighted. Social<br />

media content of sprawling vineyards<br />

and tasteful interiors will surely take<br />

attention away from the cracks that<br />

are beginning to show in her life,<br />

and the risk of past secrets being<br />

revealed. After all, it’s what’s in front of<br />

the cameras that’s important. As she<br />

well knows, dark and dirty behindthe-scenes<br />

flaws can be filtered out.<br />

Amanda Cassidy’s The Perfect Place ...<br />

a first-class thriller. Canelo<br />

From John Boyne - author of The Boy<br />

in the Striped Pyjamas, the second in<br />

his four interlinked novels named<br />

after the elements. The first, Water,<br />

looked at a wife’s complicity in her<br />

husband’s sexual abuse of minors.<br />

This second book, Earth, is about two<br />

football players on trial. One accused<br />

of rape. The other an accessory ... who,<br />

as the trial unfolds, reflects on the<br />

events in his life that have led him to<br />

this moment. A beautifully written,<br />

haunting read. Penguin<br />

The Paris Muse is the story of Dora<br />

Maar and Pablo Picasso’s love affair<br />

... dubbed the greatest love affair in<br />

art history. It’s the story about Dora<br />

- artist, creative genius and muse<br />

- who inspired some of Picasso’s<br />

greatest work. And their love affair<br />

that destroyed her. Author Louisa<br />

Treger says the book is based on the<br />

biographical facts of Dora’s life, but is a<br />

work of fiction ... she’s taken liberty with<br />

facts, characterisations and particularly<br />

chronologies. Bloomsbury Publishing<br />

All books available at<br />

Exclusive Books<br />

The recently released 2023 La Motte<br />

Chardonnay’s nectarine and citrus<br />

fruit flavours are complemented<br />

by hints of cashew nut and freshly<br />

baked bread. A polished, medium-full<br />

wine with exceptional freshness and<br />

a lively length. Really food-friendly<br />

... superb with creamy cheese and<br />

egg dishes (think quiche and soufflé),<br />

subtle spice and curry dishes and<br />

for those splashing out, with caviar,<br />

snails, crayfish and mussels. R170<br />

from la-motte.com<br />

<strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong> Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> 05<br />

Compiled by: Kym Argo


Wish list<br />

Life’s a (garden) party this <strong>Oct</strong>ober<br />

Great recipes and a good cause. It’s<br />

all win win with the launch of Love<br />

Lives Here - Vegan Food from a Farm<br />

Sanctuary. Compiled by Rima Geffen, it’s<br />

a collection of recipes from volunteers at<br />

Greyton Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit<br />

farm animal rescue centre, which provides<br />

a home for more than 250 animals.<br />

Volunteers from around the world - from<br />

Azerbaijan to Zambia - spend time at the<br />

sanctuary to help with the animals’ care.<br />

Every evening, the visiting and resident<br />

caregivers take turns to cook a shared meal<br />

... and so this carefully curated selection of<br />

volunteers’ favourite recipes was born. R350,<br />

with a percentage of the profits going to<br />

the sanctuary. Rockhopper Books<br />

From seed to celebration!<br />

Garden Day is an annual day of<br />

celebration by South Africans in<br />

honour of our gardens and green<br />

spaces. It’s a day to show off our<br />

hard work and relish the joy gardens<br />

bring to our communities and lives.<br />

On Sunday 20 <strong>Oct</strong>ober join in the<br />

green fun. Plant something. Wear a<br />

flower crown. Throw a garden party.<br />

It could be a lavish lunch on the lawn,<br />

platters on the patio, or tea for two<br />

under your fave tree. The Garden<br />

Day crew have plenty of materials to<br />

help you prepare for the day ... from<br />

posters to customisable invitations<br />

and guidelines to make your own<br />

flower crown ... visit the Toolkit tab<br />

on gardenday.co.za. On the day, share<br />

your garden party pics on social media<br />

#GardenDaySA.<br />

Key lime and Tuberose<br />

and Gardenia. A gorgeous<br />

floral collection from<br />

Sh’Zen. Cleansing gel with<br />

vanilla and ginger (R259),<br />

luxury soy massage candle<br />

(R349) and Sparkling Mist<br />

with neroli and Mandarin<br />

(R239), from shzen.co.za<br />

06 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


Farmer Angus organic wine<br />

Farmer Angus is Spier Wine<br />

Farm’s new flagship organic<br />

wine range. The collection is<br />

the fruit of a shared journey<br />

between the farm’s awardwinning<br />

winemaking team<br />

and Angus McIntosh, a<br />

passionate champion of<br />

regenerative agriculture who not only calls Spier his home<br />

but is also renowned for his commitment to ethically farmed<br />

meat, chicken and pork. At the heart of these wines lies a<br />

profound respect for the soil and its role in nurturing healthy<br />

vines and exceptional grapes. Regenerative agriculture is his<br />

life’s work, Angus says, adding he believes all health stems from<br />

the soil. The range, made with grapes grown without synthetic<br />

herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, or fertilisers, has three limitedrelease<br />

wines. Farmer Angus Chenin Blanc - all butterscotch<br />

and apricots, followed by a palate of citrus and caramel, it<br />

pairs perfectly with prosciutto (R595); a vibrant, freshing rosé<br />

showcasing strawberry and vanilla on the nose, with strawberry<br />

and coriander on the palate (R495), and Farmer Angus Red<br />

Blend - a classic Stellenbosch Red Blend boasting a nose of<br />

blackberry and chocolate, complemented by a palate of vanilla<br />

and blackcurrant, brilliant with a grass-fed beef steak (R695). We<br />

love the labels, too. Angus used the vine leaves he collected<br />

from the very vines that make these wines in the label design.<br />

His mother taught him this leaf-rubbing art form as a boy, he<br />

shares, saying it connects the wines right back to their origins<br />

among the vines. Buy online from spier.co.za<br />

Let’s keep things real. Sustainable sandals for<br />

summer. Made from recycled materials, these<br />

sandals are vegan, colourfast and designed<br />

to last. As they would be, since at the heart of<br />

Nomadic State of Mind is a commitment to<br />

preserving both the planet and the people who<br />

call it home. The company’s journey began in<br />

a 1969 VW van, which embodied the nomadic<br />

lifestyle, a concept that still resonates today<br />

– whether you’re walking, driving, exploring<br />

the web, or venturing into new territories. Get<br />

these original six strap lightweight, adjustable,<br />

super comfortable JC rope sandals for R1865 on<br />

nomadicstateofmind.za.com<br />

Compiled by: Kym Argo<br />

<strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong> Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> 07


A feel-good<br />

showcase<br />

The Change in Action NPO Fair took place at<br />

Gateway Theatre of Shopping in <strong>Umhlanga</strong>.<br />

The fair, supported by The Hollywood<br />

Foundation (HWF) and We Are Durban, an<br />

NPO that aims to empower social dignity<br />

organisations in eThekwini to excel in their<br />

mandate, featured 20 local NPOs. The NPOs<br />

were given the opportunity to showcase their<br />

work and share more information about their<br />

causes with the public. Change in Action is a<br />

platform for non-profit organisations in Durban<br />

and surrounds to strengthen their capacity and<br />

reach out to the public, bringing community<br />

needs and resources together.<br />

Nqobile Mahlaba, Nontobeko Ntaka,<br />

Thandi Mahlaba and Ndalo Majola<br />

Jo and Tatum Teunissen<br />

Charles and Wandile Khumalo<br />

Trinisha Bachoo and<br />

Nonjabulo Ngcobo<br />

Thobeka Memela and<br />

Zanele Mtshali<br />

08 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


A wholesome feast<br />

Invited guests had the pleasure of<br />

trying the old-fashioned farm house<br />

harvest table at Yoli’s Bakery at<br />

<strong>Ballito</strong> Lifestyle Centre…and what<br />

a treat it was! The new menu is all<br />

about wholesome, scrumptious<br />

dishes made with seasonal<br />

ingredients, all available on a weigh<br />

and pay basis – think fresh salads,<br />

savoury pies and roast veggies.<br />

Xoliswa Ntombifuthi<br />

Sityata and Kuda Muzarini<br />

Keziah Panagiotopoulos, Justine Douglas, Yoli’s Bakery owner and<br />

chef Nicky Cooper, and Tamsin Coertzen<br />

Priyanka Chanderdeo<br />

and Samantha Subban


Mel and Cole Peters<br />

Charl and Vasti McLeod, Tash and Andre Barnard<br />

New<br />

foodie<br />

gem<br />

Jennifer Campbell, Andrew Thomas, James Anderson<br />

and Katherine Gardiner<br />

North Coast locals gathered to<br />

celebrate the much-anticipated<br />

launch of Butcher Boys in <strong>Ballito</strong>.<br />

Guests enjoyed a memorable<br />

evening of great food, drinks and<br />

company, marking the beginning<br />

of what promises to be a vibrant<br />

addition to <strong>Ballito</strong>’s dining scene.<br />

Keketso Motsoene, Melanie Powell<br />

and Lesego Motsoene<br />

Natalie Bertram, Jason Powell and Lizzie Mlongo<br />

10 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


Kritush, Aarav and<br />

Pam Boola<br />

Jack van Schalkwyk<br />

and Sienna Falconer<br />

Anna, Kian, Calum and Teshan Moodley<br />

Family fun<br />

The Gold Coast Estate Clubhouse, set<br />

within the Sibaya coastal precinct, was<br />

buzzing with excitement at the first Gold<br />

Coast Estate Family Fun Day. From the<br />

morning run to the kids’ activities and<br />

live music, it was a day full of energy,<br />

laughter and community spirit.<br />

Brad, Jessica, Hayley and Ashton Winstanley


Classic cars<br />

and fashion<br />

Bianca Warren and<br />

Michelle Davidson<br />

L’Atelier Paris Concours d’Élégance was held in<br />

Chris Saunders Park in <strong>Umhlanga</strong>. The event was a<br />

celebration of classic cars, haute couture and diverse<br />

culinary delights. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to<br />

view an impressive collection of classic cars, as well<br />

as a fashion show and live art performances.<br />

Jean Philippe Avenel<br />

and Siphiwe Mpye<br />

Tracey Ferguson<br />

and John Aritho<br />

Menzi Mbonambi and Simone Carolissen<br />

Casual<br />

Day fun<br />

Nurture iLembe, a rehabilitation facility in<br />

<strong>Ballito</strong>, hosted their annual sports day in<br />

support of Casual Day. The Nurture iLembe<br />

team, along with their patients, friends and<br />

family, gathered for a day of fun and games.<br />

Casual Day takes place on the first Friday of<br />

September each year and is an opportunity<br />

to show support for people with disabilities.<br />

Sthe Shiyezana, <strong>Oct</strong>avia<br />

Mthimkhulu, Phakamani<br />

Nguse, Nonsikelelo Hadebe<br />

and Nontokozo Sibaya<br />

Thashmil Ooka and<br />

Londiwe Masikane<br />

Wanita Peko and<br />

Nomusa Dlamini<br />

Simone Moodley,<br />

Saishna Bakool and<br />

Samashnie Naiker


A voice for<br />

mental health<br />

Text: Jennifer Campbell Photograph: Shren Media Makeup: Michelle Haywood Location: Weylandts <strong>Ballito</strong><br />

Clinical psychologist, Dr Portia Mazabane, dedicates her days to helping others<br />

navigate life’s challenges while breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and<br />

encouraging open conversations on the topic.<br />

Dr Mazabane is a well-known and respected clinical<br />

psychologist who works in private practice in <strong>Umhlanga</strong>.<br />

Originally from Johannesburg, she now calls <strong>Ballito</strong> home,<br />

where she loves spending time outdoors. Alongside her<br />

work, she is passionate about mentoring young professionals<br />

who aspire to become psychologists, and is also committed<br />

to raising awareness surrounding mental health.<br />

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN<br />

PSYCHOLOGY?<br />

My desire to pursue a career in mental health originated<br />

from my childhood experiences. Losing my mother early<br />

on exposed me to the deep effects of grief and trauma<br />

on my family, especially on my only uncle, who faced<br />

significant emotional challenges. His struggles ignited a<br />

curiosity in me about the human mind and the various<br />

ways it copes with adversities.<br />

I was also inspired by a compassionate teacher during my<br />

formative years who provided me with unwavering support<br />

and encouragement. This guidance helped me recognise<br />

the profound impact that empathy and understanding<br />

can have on someone's mental and emotional well-being.<br />

The resilience I witnessed in those around me, combined<br />

with my journey of healing, motivated me to delve into<br />

psychology. I wanted to help others in navigating their<br />

mental health challenges, providing them with the tools<br />

and support needed to thrive. This sense of purpose and<br />

the desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives<br />

ultimately led me to become a psychologist.<br />

HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH<br />

WHILE SUPPORTING OTHERS?<br />

As a mental health professional, it’s essential to manage your<br />

own mental health and well-being to effectively support<br />

others. I believe that strength comes from within and, as<br />

a Christian, I rely on my spirituality to stay grounded, gain<br />

hope and feel confident in helping others.<br />

I also depend on regular supervision and peer support,<br />

which provide a safe space to discuss challenging cases and<br />

receive feedback and emotional support from colleagues.<br />

I prioritise self-care activities as they rejuvenate me. I strive<br />

to exercise five or six times a week, engage in hobbies,<br />

meditate and spend time with loved ones. These activities<br />

help reduce stress and prevent burnout.<br />

WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR<br />

WORK?<br />

My primary motivation stems from the belief that healing<br />

is achievable and that, with adequate support, humans can<br />

demonstrate remarkable resilience. Witnessing my clients'<br />

journeys from a place of struggle to a place of hope and<br />

progress is incredibly rewarding.<br />

One of the most inspiring aspects of my work is observing<br />

clients regain their sense of self and empowerment. Their<br />

determination to overcome obstacles and their courage to<br />

face deep-seated issues head-on is profoundly moving. It’s<br />

a powerful reminder that, even in the darkest times, there is<br />

always a possibility for renewal and growth.<br />

I have come to understand that a person’s identity<br />

should not be defined or limited by their challenges.<br />

This perspective shift enriches my approach to therapy,<br />

allowing me to see and celebrate the individual beyond<br />

their struggles. I find immense inspiration in the stories of<br />

triumph that emerge from the therapeutic process. Clients<br />

often share moments of breakthrough that not only validate<br />

their efforts but also underscore the collective human<br />

capacity for change. These narratives of resilience and<br />

recovery motivate me to continue refining my skills and to<br />

approach each session with a renewed sense of vigour and<br />

compassion. It is a privilege to walk alongside my clients as<br />

they rediscover their strengths and build a fulfilling life.<br />

Details: www.pmm-clinicalpsychologist.co.za; 031 562 1570 /<br />

063 993 6265; info@pmm-clinicalpsychologist.co.za;<br />

IG: @drportia_mm<br />

14 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


<strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong> Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> 15


Building<br />

community<br />

If there’s one thing Bruce Rencken knows,<br />

it’s that a little perseverance, a lot of<br />

passion and a dash of boldness can go<br />

a long way. 21 years ago, he took a leap<br />

of faith and opened the <strong>Ballito</strong> Lifestyle<br />

Centre – changing the landscape of the<br />

<strong>Ballito</strong> community in the process - and<br />

it’s been a wild ride.<br />

16 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


Born and bred on the North<br />

Coast, Bruce is a true local. A<br />

dedicated husband and dad to<br />

three grown kids, he loves the<br />

KZN outdoors, spending much<br />

of his free time on the beach<br />

or in the bush. A qualified chartered<br />

accountant, he began his career as<br />

a shopkeeper when he joined the<br />

family’s retail business, following in<br />

his dad’s footsteps. Together with his<br />

brother and business partner, Paul,<br />

they decided to expand their retail<br />

footprint, with SPAR stores in Stanger,<br />

Wartburg and another in the old <strong>Ballito</strong><br />

village. That was just the beginning of<br />

their entrepreneurial adventure.<br />

A BOLD MOVE<br />

Running those stores for nearly a<br />

decade was no small feat, but Bruce<br />

and Paul had bigger dreams. Dreams<br />

of creating a local shopping hub to<br />

service the <strong>Ballito</strong> community. When<br />

they bought a piece of land that was<br />

nothing more than a sugar cane field,<br />

they had no idea what the future<br />

held. “We were optimistic—and a little<br />

ignorant,” Bruce laughs. But that mix of<br />

confidence and curiosity set them on<br />

a path to create what would become<br />

the <strong>Ballito</strong> Lifestyle Centre, and the<br />

core of the <strong>Ballito</strong> district.<br />

AN EVOLVING SPACE<br />

“I’ve always loved building things,”<br />

Bruce reflects. “Even as a kid, playing<br />

with Lego was my favourite thing to<br />

do. Building the Lifestyle Centre felt<br />

like a grown-up version of that.” What<br />

started as a modest 8,500-squaremetre<br />

neighbourhood shopping spot<br />

<strong>Ballito</strong> Lifestyle Centre under construction.<br />

21 years later, <strong>Ballito</strong> Lifestyle Centre remains<br />

a space that feels distinctly North Coast.<br />

has transformed over the years, now<br />

sprawling across 30,000 square metres.<br />

But for Bruce, it’s never been just<br />

about the size. It’s about the feeling –<br />

the vibe. The centre isn’t just a place<br />

to shop; it’s an experience. In the early<br />

days, its distinctive ‘sail’ dominated<br />

the landscape, welcoming people to<br />

<strong>Ballito</strong>. With its unique architecture<br />

and design, the open-air centre feels<br />

more like a lively street scene. Bruce<br />

wanted to blend international trends<br />

with local flair, and in doing so, he’s<br />

created a space that’s become a<br />

cornerstone for the <strong>Ballito</strong> community<br />

– a place where both locals and<br />

visitors can meet, connect and feel<br />

at home.<br />

UPS AND DOWNS<br />

Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth<br />

sailing. As <strong>Ballito</strong> has grown, so has<br />

the competition. In 2017, with the<br />

evolution of The <strong>Ballito</strong> Junction into<br />

a regional shopping mall, Bruce and<br />

his team faced a tough reality: a 60%<br />

vacancy rate. “That was a wake-up call,”<br />

Bruce admits. But instead of giving<br />

up, they saw it as a chance to reinvent<br />

themselves.<br />

“We had to rethink everything,”<br />

Bruce shares. “The retail world was<br />

changing, and we needed to change<br />

with it. We focused on what makes<br />

us special—our personal touch, our<br />

deep connection to this community<br />

and our knack for offering something<br />

a little different. Many of our bespoke<br />

stores and restaurants are now owned<br />

and managed by local entrepreneurs,<br />

talented local musicians create a<br />

fantastic atmosphere over weekends,<br />

and the centre’s incredible support<br />

staff are driven by providing an<br />

exceptional customer experience.”<br />

Now, the centre is thriving once<br />

again. Bruce admits that this journey<br />

has been a rollercoaster—full of<br />

ups and downs, and a whole lot of<br />

learning along the way. But if there’s<br />

one thing that’s stayed the same,<br />

it’s his commitment to bringing<br />

people together in a space that feels<br />

distinctly North Coast. Celebrating 21<br />

years of Lifestyle Centre, he is grateful<br />

that this intentionality has resulted in<br />

a place that reflects everything that<br />

is good about what he terms “life the<br />

<strong>Ballito</strong> way”.<br />

Details: www.ballitolifestylecentre.co.za<br />

<strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong> Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> 17


Rosy hues<br />

Summer’s looking<br />

jolly pretty!<br />

Bramley Pink<br />

Blossom Tissue Oil,<br />

R29.99 from Clicks,<br />

Dis-Chem, Checkers,<br />

SPAR and PEP<br />

Morlage and Yorke<br />

Apothecary Wild Rose &<br />

Sandalwood nourishing<br />

hand and nail cream, R69.95<br />

from morlageandyorke.<br />

co.za<br />

Diego dalla Palma Professional Body Cracker,<br />

R495 from orleanscosmetics.co.za<br />

New Summer<br />

Birkenstocks ... Arizona<br />

Birko-Flor Embossed<br />

Purple Fog. R2399,<br />

available from<br />

early November.<br />

Details: bashafrica.com<br />

Compiled by: Kym Argo<br />

Ruched midi dress with slim<br />

silhouette, fully lined with<br />

internal corset detailing, R2999<br />

from Witchery at Woolworths.<br />

18 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


February 2022 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> <strong>Umhlanga</strong> 19


A treasure trove for<br />

book lovers<br />

Nestled in the The Studios at <strong>Ballito</strong><br />

Lifestyle Centre is a hidden gem,<br />

a pre-loved bookshop run by<br />

Sbusiso Mnguni.<br />

lthough he now describes himself as a passionate<br />

bibliophile, books were not always a part of<br />

Sbusiso’s life. Growing up in an environment<br />

where reading was uncommon, his love for<br />

literature only blossomed after high school.<br />

Seeking purpose and solace, he found himself<br />

spending countless hours in the library,<br />

exploring the vast world of books. “I have<br />

anxiety, and books became a way to cope<br />

with life,” he reflects.<br />

Text: and photograph: Jennifer Campbell<br />

SEEKING CHANGE<br />

Sbusiso started studying journalism and media<br />

studies, but his life took several unexpected turns.<br />

After experiencing some personal setbacks, including<br />

a difficult relationship with his abusive stepfather and<br />

a struggle with substance abuse, he found himself at<br />

a crossroads. “I made a lot of bad decisions and<br />

ended up not having money to pay rent,” he says.<br />

However, with the support of his sister and a newfound<br />

determination to change his life, he began<br />

searching for a new direction.<br />

FINDING PURPOSE<br />

During this period of self-reflection and search for<br />

stability, Sbusiso discovered Street Lit, an award-winning<br />

initiative by the Denis Hurley Centre, one of<br />

Durban’s leading NGOs focused on assisting the<br />

homeless. Street Lit provides individuals who have<br />

experienced homelessness, or those on the verge<br />

20 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


of it, with an opportunity to rebuild their lives through<br />

books. The project trains participants to run their own<br />

micro book businesses, fostering financial independence<br />

and a renewed sense of purpose.<br />

Inspired by Street Lit’s mission, Sbusiso reached out<br />

to the organisation last year and soon became part of<br />

their community. He began by selling books at various<br />

locations, including taxi ranks, often facing challenges<br />

such as low sales and the competitive nature of book<br />

dealing. But his determination never wavered. “I was<br />

willing to find a way. I was determined just to make it<br />

work,” he says.<br />

I was willing to find a way.<br />

I was determined just to<br />

make it work.<br />

A NEW BEGINNING<br />

Together with Street Lit co-ordinator Illa Thompson, he<br />

spent months looking for a better location to sell his<br />

books. Illa helped him promote his business on social<br />

media, and a few months ago, he was offered a<br />

permanent space at The Studios at <strong>Ballito</strong> Lifestyle Centre.<br />

“I was very surprised that they would want to work with<br />

me. It felt too good to be true,” he shares, still in awe of the<br />

opportunity. Since opening his bookshop, the response<br />

from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.<br />

“The people around here are very supportive,” he says. The<br />

shop caters to a diverse clientele, with a focus on classic<br />

literature, historical biographies and collectables.<br />

WRITING THE NEXT CHAPTER<br />

Beyond running his bookshop, Sbusiso is also an aspiring<br />

writer. He has published several short stories in online<br />

journals and is currently working on a novel. Being surrounded<br />

by artists and creative individuals at The Studios<br />

has provided him with a nurturing environment to develop<br />

his craft. “It’s very stimulating, being around artists. I<br />

consider myself an artist, so it’s inspiring,” he says.<br />

Details: Street Lit, The Studios, <strong>Ballito</strong> Lifestyle Centre.


4<br />

WORKSHOPS YOU<br />

DON’T WANT TO MISS<br />

Get ready for the annual Fair with Flair set to take place from<br />

31 <strong>Oct</strong>ober to 2 November at Manor House in Sheffield.<br />

This year, the event promises more than just fabulous shopping,<br />

delicious food, and refreshing drinks. It also offers a variety of<br />

hands-on workshops on Friday, 1 November that will inspire<br />

your creativity and help you prepare for the holiday season.<br />

WIN!<br />

We have 10 VIP tickets,<br />

2 workshop tickets and 10<br />

regular tickets to give away.<br />

To enter, go to @getitmagnc<br />

on Facebook or<br />

Instagram<br />

1. LEARN TO MAKE A WREATH<br />

Kickstart the festive spirit by crafting your own holiday<br />

wreath. This workshop will guide you through the steps<br />

of creating a beautiful decoration that will welcome your<br />

guests with style.<br />

2. SILK SCREEN YOUR OWN WRAPPING PAPER<br />

Unleash your inner artist by making your very own<br />

wrapping paper. This session hosted by Gail of Pop n<br />

Jay, allows you to design your own prints, which can be<br />

transferred to paper. Take your stencil home to make more<br />

wrapping paper!<br />

3. CREATE A CHRISTMAS MENU<br />

Join a culinary workshop focused on crafting a delicious<br />

and festive Christmas menu. Learn new recipes and<br />

cooking techniques that will impress your guests.<br />

4. DECORATE A FESTIVE TABLE<br />

This workshop will be hosted by the fair’s creative team<br />

who are currently creating products at the Karibu Nursery<br />

Workshop. If you would like to join the creative team in<br />

preparation for the event, get in touch to join in every<br />

Tuesday from 9am to 1pm.<br />

Details: www.fairwithflair.co.za;IG: @thechristmascountryfair<br />

22 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


ADVERTORIAL<br />

Unscripted conversation<br />

with<br />

Candice<br />

PRACTICAL FINANCE ADVICE FOR<br />

BUSINESS OWNERS<br />

Candice Davis is a finalist in the Mrs.<br />

South Africa pageant, as well as the<br />

owner of Perfect Ledger Strategic<br />

Finance, an accounting firm she’s<br />

been running for the last six years.<br />

She answered some frequently asked<br />

questions from our readers…<br />

HOW CAN I MANAGE MY BUSINESS<br />

CASHFLOW BETTER?<br />

To manage your business cash flow<br />

better, start by creating and regularly<br />

updating a cash flow forecast to<br />

plan for future inflows and outflows.<br />

Tighten credit control with clear<br />

payment terms, follow up on overdue<br />

invoices and offer discounts for early<br />

payments. Negotiate better payment<br />

terms with suppliers and manage<br />

inventory efficiently to avoid excess<br />

stock. Regularly review expenses<br />

and cut non-essential costs, speed<br />

up the sales cycle, and consider a<br />

line of credit for emergencies. Use<br />

accounting software to monitor cash<br />

flow, review your pricing strategy, and<br />

explore options like invoice factoring<br />

or instalment plans. Build cash<br />

reserves during peak seasons if your<br />

business is seasonal.<br />

HOW DO I CUT COSTS WITHOUT<br />

SACRIFICING QUALITY?<br />

To cut costs without sacrificing<br />

quality, optimise operations<br />

by streamlining processes and<br />

automating tasks. Negotiate better<br />

supplier terms, use technology for<br />

efficiency, and focus marketing on<br />

high-return channels. Evaluate and<br />

prioritise profitable products or<br />

services, monitor inventory to reduce<br />

waste, and consider cross-training<br />

employees. Use data and customer<br />

feedback to maintain quality, and<br />

explore partnerships or outsourcing<br />

for non-core activities. These<br />

strategies can help reduce costs while<br />

maintaining high standards.<br />

HOW DO I DRAFT A BUSINESS<br />

BUDGET, AND WHAT TIPS DO YOU<br />

HAVE FOR ESTIMATING BUSINESS<br />

VARIABLE EXPENSES?<br />

To draft a business budget,<br />

identify revenue streams,<br />

estimate income, and<br />

categorise fixed costs<br />

(e.g., rent, salaries). Estimate<br />

variable expenses based<br />

on historical data or sales<br />

projections, include onetime<br />

expenses, and build a<br />

contingency fund. Regularly<br />

review and adjust your<br />

budget. For variable<br />

expenses, use historical<br />

data, benchmark against<br />

industry standards,<br />

consider seasonality, and<br />

consult suppliers about<br />

price changes. Create bestcase<br />

and worst-case scenarios<br />

to stay flexible.<br />

Details:<br />

www.empowermentvogue.com;<br />

candice@davisdbn.com;<br />

IG: @candice_davisdbn;<br />

FB: Candice Davis Mrs<br />

South Africa Finalist 20<strong>24</strong><br />

Next month,<br />

Candice will talk<br />

about how to prepare for<br />

a pageant. She would love<br />

to hear from you!<br />

Email your question to<br />

candice@davisdbn.com


Blooming<br />

through<br />

generations<br />

Fifty years ago, Elizabeth Porteous opened a florist at<br />

La Lucia Mall. Today, her granddaughter, Tarryn Futter<br />

runs the shop, carrying on the family’s love for floristry<br />

and preserving her grandmother’s vibrant vision for<br />

future generations.<br />

Over half a century ago, Tarryn’s<br />

grandmother, Elizabeth,<br />

managed a thriving florist in<br />

Durban North. As La Lucia<br />

Mall was being developed,<br />

she was approached to open a store<br />

in the new upmarket centre. Seeing<br />

the potential of this opportunity,<br />

Tarryn’s dad, John, eagerly joined<br />

the family business and took on the<br />

challenge of establishing a second<br />

store. After two years of meticulous<br />

planning and selecting the perfect<br />

location, Elizabeth’s Florist at La Lucia<br />

Mall was born. The store was founded<br />

on a simple yet powerful vision: to<br />

offer customers the best service and<br />

experience using only the highestquality<br />

flowers.<br />

“My dad recently shared with me that<br />

he and my mom often wondered<br />

about the future of the store,” Tarryn<br />

recalls. “Both my sister, Lauren, and I<br />

pursued our own careers after school.<br />

Lauren is an audiologist in Canada,<br />

and I completed a BCom degree<br />

before starting my own career. But<br />

after a few years in the corporate<br />

world, I realised my heart and passion<br />

were always with Elizabeth’s Florist.<br />

26 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong><br />

Growing up around flowers, it was<br />

just in my blood.” Returning to her<br />

roots, Tarryn decided to join the family<br />

business, much to her dad’s relief. “He<br />

was happy to have family continuing<br />

the legacy,” she says.<br />

While working with beautiful blooms<br />

may seem idyllic, the life of a florist<br />

is not without its challenges. Tarryn<br />

recalls some of the more memorable<br />

moments. “One time, a client ordered<br />

a huge arrangement with a stunning<br />

piece of driftwood as the centrepiece.<br />

We were so proud of it, but the driver<br />

couldn’t fit it into the van. So, he broke<br />

the driftwood in half and placed it back<br />

in the arrangement!” She adds, “Another<br />

time, we delivered a live Christmas tree<br />

to a customer. After decorating it, she<br />

discovered a thin green snake slithering<br />

up through the branches. Who says a<br />

florist’s life is dull?”<br />

Reflecting on the longevity of<br />

Elizabeth’s Florist, Tarryn attributes<br />

much of it to her dad’s unwavering<br />

dedication to his craft. “Dad loved<br />

what he did so much that we had to<br />

beg him to take a day off,” she shares.<br />

Just before he passed away in June,<br />

Tarryn’s dad left her with some final<br />

words of wisdom. “He jokingly called<br />

me a ‘rottweiler’ and said, ‘You know<br />

what to do. Listen to the customer<br />

and give them what they want.’” Tarryn<br />

is committed to fulfilling her father’s<br />

legacy, while enjoying her own flower<br />

crafting journey. “I get to chat to so<br />

many people daily, and some have<br />

even become great friends,” she shares.<br />

Details: Elizabeth’s Florist; Shop <strong>24</strong>,<br />

La Lucia Mall; 031 572 4310;<br />

IG: @elizabethsfloristkzn


Additional<br />

prizes from


Chasing dreams<br />

on the global stage<br />

Text: Jennifer Campbell<br />

28 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


Professional runner Zakithi Nene recently returned from the Olympics in Paris where he<br />

competed in the 400-metre sprint. We chatted to him about life as an athlete…<br />

Zakithi’s love for running was<br />

sparked when his mom<br />

bought him his first pair of<br />

spikes (shoes designed for<br />

track running) at the age<br />

of eight. He attended Monument<br />

Primary School in Ladysmith, where<br />

he played various sports, but it was on<br />

the athletics track that he truly shined.<br />

At age 15 he bettered the KwaZulu-<br />

Natal 400-metre record, a milestone<br />

that marked the beginning of his<br />

serious commitment to the sport.<br />

A PROFESSIONAL COMMITMENT<br />

Zakithi moved to Durban as a teenager<br />

and attended Glenwood High School<br />

where he refined his athletic skills<br />

and decided to pursue running<br />

professionally. Now based in <strong>Umhlanga</strong>,<br />

he trains rigorously, with a schedule that<br />

includes six days of training each week,<br />

often with multiple sessions per day.<br />

“It’s a nine-to-five job,” he explains. “But<br />

every day I get to wake up and do what<br />

I love. It’s a full-on blessing.” When the<br />

domestic season is over, he travels to<br />

Europe where he trains and competes<br />

for three months at a time each year.<br />

MEMORABLE MOMENTS<br />

Recently, Zakithi competed in his<br />

second Olympics. Reflecting on the<br />

experience, he mentions that it felt<br />

different compared to his first Olympic<br />

experience in Tokyo. “Tokyo had an<br />

amazing Olympic village vibe,” he says.<br />

In contrast, the atmosphere in Paris<br />

was less intense, yet still exhilarating<br />

thanks to the presence of spectators.<br />

“Having a crowd there and seeing<br />

South African flags in the stands<br />

was amazing,” he says. Despite the<br />

excitement, he admits that he didn’t<br />

experience the usual nerves or thrills.<br />

“I was just focused on making it to the<br />

finals and fighting for a podium finish.”<br />

NAVIGATING THE FIELD<br />

Zakithi’s journey hasn’t been without its<br />

challenges. He points out the difficulties<br />

faced by track and field athletes in<br />

South Africa, where the sport is often<br />

seen as amateur. Many athletes juggle<br />

their careers with jobs or studies, unlike<br />

their international counterparts who are<br />

often full-time professionals. “Only about<br />

30% of the track and field athletes at the<br />

Olympics are actually professionals with<br />

sponsorship deals and funding,” he says.<br />

Despite these obstacles, Zakithi<br />

remains steadfast in his pursuit of<br />

excellence. His goals for the future are<br />

clear: to become a regular contender<br />

in international finals and to secure<br />

podium finishes. “I’m settled into the<br />

circuit now,” he says. “But it’s time to<br />

start challenging for podiums.”<br />

LOVE AND SUPPORT<br />

A key part of Zakithi’s success is<br />

his strong support system, which<br />

includes his family who have been<br />

with him every step of the way.<br />

“They’re the ones that pick me up<br />

when I’m at my lowest,” he shares. His<br />

team of professionals, including his<br />

coach, physiotherapist and strength<br />

and conditioning specialist, also plays<br />

a crucial role in keeping him in peak<br />

physical and mental condition.<br />

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE<br />

Looking back on his journey, Zakithi<br />

reflects on how far he has come. As a<br />

self-described “late bloomer,” he didn’t<br />

make a national team until he was a<br />

senior athlete, a fact that has fuelled<br />

his drive to succeed. “I was never the<br />

fastest growing up, but I think that<br />

pushed me to work harder,” he admits.<br />

Now, he is focused on closing the gap<br />

and making his mark on the global<br />

stage.<br />

Although he has travelled the world,<br />

his heart remains on our shores. “I love<br />

travelling, but when I’m abroad, I miss<br />

the chaos of home,” he laughs. “It’s the<br />

little things. We have so much life in<br />

this country.”<br />

Details: IG: @zakithi_nene


Set to defend<br />

This month, Cape Town will host the Masters Hockey World Cup. <strong>Ballito</strong><br />

businesswoman Rochelle van Staden will proudly represent South Africa as the<br />

goalkeeper for the women’s 35A team.<br />

Text: Jennifer Campbell<br />

espite a lifelong love for<br />

sport, Rochelle never<br />

imagined she would<br />

one day wear the South<br />

African colours in hockey.<br />

“To me, this was not even<br />

a possibility,” she reflects.<br />

Though she played hockey<br />

in her youth and dabbled in several<br />

sports, including action cricket<br />

and javelin, life took over, and she<br />

stepped away from competitive play,<br />

opting instead for social club hockey<br />

just for fun.<br />

In <strong>Oct</strong>ober 2022, Rochelle received a<br />

phone call that changed everything.<br />

“I was asked if I’d be interested in<br />

playing for SA Masters. I didn’t even<br />

know it existed!” Masters hockey<br />

is split into five-year age groups<br />

from the age of 35 upwards, and<br />

Rochelle seized the opportunity. She<br />

began by playing in a tournament<br />

in Johannesburg where the national<br />

teams were drafted. After showing<br />

her mettle playing as a goalkeeper<br />

for both the A and B teams, Rochelle<br />

was selected as the keeper for the SA<br />

Masters 35A side.<br />

“It was surreal,” she says, recalling<br />

the moment she was called up to<br />

the A team. But the real work had<br />

only begun. Balancing a demanding<br />

training schedule with coaching junior<br />

hockey players, her job, and family life<br />

proved to be a challenge. Yet, Rochelle<br />

embraced the grind, crediting her love<br />

for coaching and the joy of working<br />

30 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


with eager young players as one of the things that kept her<br />

going. “They’re so willing to learn, and it’s amazing to see their<br />

excitement when they achieve something.”<br />

With just weeks to go before the tournament, Rochelle has<br />

been honing her skills with personal coaching sessions to<br />

ensure she’s in top form. “It’s a big responsibility,” she admits. “As<br />

a goalkeeper, there’s always pressure, but I’ve learned not to let<br />

it get to me. It’s a team effort, and I know we’re ready.”<br />

The SA Women’s Masters team boasts a roster filled with talent,<br />

including several former national players with hundreds of caps<br />

between them. But despite the experience and high stakes,<br />

the team remains grounded and supportive of one another.<br />

Rochelle laughs as she describes the dynamic between the<br />

players. “We spend so much time together, and the team is full<br />

of characters! At the end of the day, we’re all here to achieve<br />

one goal.”<br />

The opening ceremony is set for 11 <strong>Oct</strong>ober at Cape Town’s<br />

V&A Waterfront, and Rochelle and her team will play their first<br />

game the following day. It’s been a whirlwind, but her passion<br />

for hockey and determination to succeed are stronger than<br />

ever. “It’s never too late to wear your colours,” she says.<br />

As she prepares for the World Cup, Rochelle’s focus is clear:<br />

“We’ve put in the preparation, and now it’s time to enjoy<br />

the moment.”<br />

Details: Catch Rochelle and the South African Women’s Masters<br />

team live streamed in action from 12 <strong>Oct</strong>ober on<br />

www.samastershockey.co.za<br />

Above: Team members Genevieve Chisholm, Shelley<br />

Jones, Lauren Glossop, Rochelle van Staden, Danielle<br />

Robert-Hardman, Joanne Le Roux and<br />

Jaclyn Capazario<br />

As a goalkeeper, there’s<br />

always pressure, but I’ve<br />

learned not to let it get<br />

to me. It’s a team effort,<br />

and I know we’re ready.<br />

<strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong> Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> 31


ADVERTORIAL<br />

Meet the Cardiologist<br />

Dr Connel Barnabas<br />

Dr Connel Barnabas is a partner at<br />

the practice of Drs Y T Singh, Connel<br />

Barnabas, Aveen Mahabal & Deya<br />

Ramachandran, based at Netcare’s<br />

<strong>Umhlanga</strong> Hospital.<br />

He joined the practice in 2009 and has been<br />

in private practice for over 15 years with Dr<br />

YT Singh and partners. “I was fortunate to<br />

join a well-established and highly respected<br />

practice. Over the years I have had numerous<br />

opportunities to further my skills and attend<br />

many international conferences.”<br />

From the outset, Dr Barnabas knew his chosen field of<br />

medicine would be cardiology.<br />

He attended Michaelhouse where he matriculated as a top<br />

achiever. After obtaining his MB ChB from the University of<br />

Natal, he completed his internship, community service and<br />

physician training in various provincial hospitals in Kwazulu-<br />

Natal. He subsequently practised in the United Kingdom<br />

and is still registered with the British Medical Council. He<br />

returned home to Durban to complete his cardiology<br />

training at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital.<br />

Cardiology was a discipline which always made perfect<br />

sense to him. The logic of it appealed strongly, and the<br />

numerous advances in cardiology made it a very exciting<br />

and challenging field which is constantly changing. In<br />

particular, it is the practical aspects of cardiology which<br />

he finds especially rewarding. “As a cardiologist, I not<br />

only treat patients medically, but have the opportunity<br />

to perform invasive surgical procedures as well. I enjoy<br />

complex angioplasty, inserting stents, pacemakers, and<br />

structural heart interventions. It’s very gratifying spending<br />

time in the cardiac catheterisation lab performing<br />

advanced procedures.”<br />

Dr Barnabas is experienced in complex angioplasty, a more<br />

advanced form of traditional cardiac stenting. This is made<br />

possible by new technology combined with high technical<br />

skill. He has trained with various local and international<br />

experts: “Today, there are new non-invasive ways to treat<br />

high-risk patients which previously would have been<br />

impossible,” he says.<br />

“In a practice such as ours with four partners,” says<br />

Dr Barnabas, “patients are always assured of continuity<br />

of care. It is very important that there is always a partner<br />

on call who can access the patient’s records and ensure<br />

the best, most appropriate medical care for that specific<br />

patient. We are a strong team.”<br />

For Dr Barnabas, it is crucial to have a solid family support<br />

system. He is married to Nishani, a medical doctor, and<br />

has two children, with whom he loves spending time,<br />

particularly in the outdoors.<br />

Details: www.cardiologists.co.za; 031 566 1600;<br />

reception@cardiologists.co.za


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ADVERTORIAL<br />

Leading the way in<br />

advanced cancer care<br />

Located in the heart of <strong>Umhlanga</strong>, Busamed Gateway Oncology Centre is<br />

revolutionising cancer treatment by offering cutting-edge technology. The highly<br />

skilled team bring their expertise and experience together to deliver the highest<br />

standard of care to every patient.<br />

STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY<br />

The Hypersight technology at<br />

Busamed Gateway Oncology Centre<br />

is a game-changer in Radiotherapy.<br />

This high-resolution imaging system<br />

provides detailed, real-time views<br />

of cancerous tissues, enabling early<br />

detection and precise treatment<br />

planning, as well as adaptive<br />

treatment that can be customised<br />

throughout a patient’s treatment<br />

journey. The Hypersight centre is<br />

the first of its kind in Africa, placing<br />

Busamed at the forefront of cancer<br />

care innovation.<br />

COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR ALL<br />

TYPES OF CANCER<br />

Busamed Gateway Oncology Centre<br />

is equipped to treat a wide array of<br />

cancers, including but not limited<br />

to breast cancer, lung cancer,<br />

prostate cancer, colorectal cancer<br />

and head and neck cancers. With a<br />

multidisciplinary team of specialists,<br />

the centre offers personalised<br />

treatment plans that incorporate the<br />

latest treatments and technologies,<br />

ensuring the best possible outcomes<br />

for patients.<br />

Akshay Budhram, the Group<br />

Radiotherapy Manager, emphasises the<br />

centre’s dedication to providing toptier<br />

care, supported by a highly skilled<br />

team and state-of-the-art treatments.<br />

The facility offers advanced techniques<br />

such as Deep Inspiration Breath Hold<br />

(DIBH) for cardiac sparing during breast<br />

cancer treatments, Surface Guided<br />

Radiotherapy that supports tattooand<br />

mark-free treatments, as well as<br />

advanced IMRT and VMAT treatments<br />

that provides targeted treatment<br />

whilst sparing surrounding healthy<br />

tissue. With the integration of


Hypersight technology, the centre also delivers<br />

offline adaptive radiotherapy, further improving<br />

treatment precision and patient outcomes<br />

WHY CHOOSE BUSAMED GATEWAY<br />

ONCOLOGY CENTRE?<br />

Busamed Gateway Oncology Centre is<br />

the preferred choice for cancer treatment<br />

in <strong>Umhlanga</strong> and beyond because of its<br />

commitment to excellence. By combining<br />

the latest technology, with a patient-focused<br />

approach, the team offers a comprehensive and<br />

cutting-edge treatment experience.<br />

Dr Diana Pillay, one of the centre’s specialised<br />

oncologists says:<br />

“The discipline of oncology has always been<br />

regarded as an art and a science. The application<br />

of science to eradicate cancer, or reduce the<br />

symptoms of the disease, in the most humane<br />

way has always been desired by healthcare<br />

professionals. In the past, the biggest challenge<br />

in oncology has been to improve patient<br />

outcomes whilst reducing toxicity of cancer<br />

treatments. This balance has been successfully<br />

achieved with the new radiotherapy machine at<br />

Busamed Gateway hospital.<br />

The Hypersight technology at Busamed Gateway<br />

Oncology Centre offers my patients state-of-theart<br />

technology to treat their cancer. Scientific<br />

advances such as the Deep inspiration breath<br />

holding technique, surface guided radiotherapy<br />

and adaptive real-time treatment, complements<br />

the precision of intensity modulated<br />

radiotherapy and volumetric modulated arc<br />

therapy to accurately target the malignancy<br />

whilst minimising dose to normal tissues. I am<br />

reassured that improved survival with meaningful<br />

quality of life outcomes is guaranteed in my<br />

patients through the use of such technology.<br />

I have been present when my patients were<br />

treated and have seen their satisfaction in the<br />

treatment process, professionalism of the staff<br />

and the aesthetically pleasing environment.<br />

Overall, the Busamed Gateway radiotherapy<br />

machine affirms that I am bringing science to<br />

the bedside by always using evidence-based<br />

medicine to promote the best interest and<br />

wellbeing of my patients.”<br />

Details: Busamed Gateway Private Hospital;<br />

Medical Suites 36-38; Aurora Drive; <strong>Umhlanga</strong> Rocks;<br />

www.hopelands.co.za; 031 492 4411


Text: Ella Coppola<br />

36 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


Loss, hope and<br />

healing<br />

Seven years ago, <strong>Umhlanga</strong>-based wife, mom and life coach Ella Coppola<br />

received a shocking diagnosis – she had breast cancer. In an effort to give others<br />

hope, she shares her story…<br />

During my journey with cancer, I felt<br />

a profound shift within myself—a<br />

need to do more. I wanted to share,<br />

teach, assist and guide, but most<br />

importantly, offer support and<br />

understanding to others, not just<br />

related to cancer or illness. After a few<br />

years of being a stay-at-home-mom, I<br />

decided to study again and become<br />

a life coach. Now, I work with a variety<br />

of clients and closely collaborate<br />

with Reach 4 Recovery, a non-profit<br />

organisation and international<br />

breast cancer support group. This<br />

programme is designed to support<br />

and encourage patients with breast<br />

cancer, as well as their families.<br />

THE DIAGNOSIS<br />

One morning in January 2017, while<br />

showering, I discovered a lump in<br />

my left breast. Despite my tendency<br />

not to overreact, I monitored the<br />

lump daily for four months, believing<br />

it to be nothing but a harmless<br />

calcium deposit. In April, a friend<br />

suggested I get it checked, leading<br />

me to reluctantly schedule my first<br />

mammogram at Parklands Women’s<br />

Hospital. Following the mammogram,<br />

an ultrasound was performed,<br />

and a biopsy was scheduled for<br />

a few days later. It was only the<br />

evening before the biopsy that<br />

I told my family and sister about the<br />

situation. Two days after the biopsy,<br />

my gynaecologist called with the<br />

results: I had breast cancer.<br />

I felt confused<br />

and overwhelmed,<br />

knowing very little<br />

about my diagnosis<br />

or breast cancer.<br />

THE TREATMENT<br />

The following week, I met with the<br />

surgeon, who was ready to perform<br />

a lumpectomy or a unilateral<br />

mastectomy within days. I felt<br />

confused and overwhelmed, knowing<br />

very little about my diagnosis or<br />

breast cancer. I didn’t know what<br />

questions to ask or what options I<br />

had; I felt like I had no control over<br />

my body. Sensing my discomfort, the<br />

surgeon arranged an appointment<br />

with an oncologist the next morning,<br />

and thankfully so.<br />

My oncologist instructed, “No surgery<br />

until we know what is going on inside<br />

your entire body.” This led to a barrage<br />

of tests and scans. The shocking result<br />

was that the cancer was on both<br />

sides, and both breasts needed to<br />

be removed. A mammogram hadn't<br />

detected cancer in my right breast,<br />

so if I had undergone the initial<br />

surgery, I wouldn’t have known about<br />

the cancer on the right side. This<br />

experience taught me the importance<br />

of listening to my instincts, taking<br />

time to absorb the information, and<br />

always consulting an oncologist when<br />

dealing with cancer.<br />

I had my double mastectomy three<br />

months later, believing that would be<br />

the end of it. However, my oncologist<br />

insisted on a Mammoprint test,<br />

which showed I had an 85% chance<br />

of the cancer reoccurring. I received<br />

this news on a Monday and started<br />

chemotherapy that Thursday,<br />

enduring treatment every week for<br />

three months. It was a very dark and<br />

challenging time, followed by another<br />

two years of a different treatment.<br />

Two years after my mastectomy, I<br />

began the reconstruction process.<br />

My plastic surgeon warned that it<br />

would be a long and difficult journey,<br />

and he was right. Two years and six<br />

surgeries later, I faced complications,<br />

pain and numerous hospital visits. At<br />

one point, I wanted to give up, but<br />

with the honesty and encouragement<br />

of my plastic surgeon and oncologist,<br />

I made it to the end.<br />

When people ask about the most<br />

challenging moments, I always say,<br />

“All of it.” There was a constant stream<br />

of bad news, and just when I thought<br />

it was over, I was told it wasn’t quite<br />

finished.<br />

<strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong> Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> 37


HOW CANCER CHANGED ME<br />

Those first weeks after my diagnosis<br />

were incredibly overwhelming, but<br />

I kept telling myself and others that<br />

cancer wouldn’t change me. I had<br />

always been health-conscious, eating<br />

well and working out five days a week,<br />

and I maintained these habits even<br />

after my diagnosis. However, following<br />

my oncologist's advice, I saw a<br />

dietician to ensure my nutrition was<br />

appropriate for my cancer journey,<br />

and I underwent genetic testing.<br />

When faced with cancer, you have<br />

two options: to fight or not to fight.<br />

What I’ve learned is that cancer does<br />

change you—how could it not? As a<br />

woman, I lost a fundamental part of<br />

myself: not only my breasts but also<br />

my hair, eyelashes and eyebrows. I<br />

was thrust into early menopause,<br />

and each of these losses made me<br />

feel like I was losing parts of what<br />

made me a woman. This is a real grief,<br />

and it's important to allow time to<br />

mourn. While we may not change<br />

fundamentally, we must at the very<br />

least, learn to accept our physically<br />

changed selves, which requires a<br />

complete shift in mindset.<br />

I’ve always been a deep person,<br />

but cancer pushed me to crave<br />

more genuine, honest and deeper<br />

relationships. I no longer had the<br />

emotional or physical capacity for<br />

anything superficial, which a lifethreatening<br />

illness tends to do.<br />

Some people close to me couldn’t<br />

understand how the experience<br />

changed me, bringing mood swings,<br />

grief, chemo-related aggression,<br />

exhaustion and a newfound<br />

intolerance for trivial matters.<br />

However, those who stayed with me<br />

through it all became closer and more<br />

meaningful in my life.<br />

One of the toughest parts of<br />

my journey was dealing with<br />

relationships. I found that some of<br />

the people I expected to support<br />

me weren’t strong enough to handle<br />

the changes I was going through,<br />

and I ended up losing those close<br />

connections. I initially believed that<br />

nothing would change in my life, but<br />

I came to realise that when things<br />

change inside you, they also change<br />

around you.<br />

MY SUPPORT SYSTEM<br />

As someone who works in an<br />

emotional support environment, I<br />

am quick to recognise those who<br />

supported me throughout my<br />

cancer journey. My family, friends, my<br />

daughters' school, their teachers, my<br />

kids' friends and their moms, plus my<br />

doctors, all played vital roles.<br />

From family who cooked meals,<br />

friends who picked up my kids from<br />

school, teachers who reassured<br />

me they were looking after my<br />

girls, my husband who held my<br />

hand during difficult doctor<br />

consultations, to those who sat with<br />

me through chemo sessions, and<br />

to my daughters who were very<br />

patient with me after treatments, I<br />

am grateful for this support when I<br />

couldn’t be at my best.<br />

Often, I didn’t know what I felt or<br />

needed, with each surgery, chemo<br />

round, treatment, and my healing;<br />

I just focused on showing up each<br />

day. While healing requires a lot of<br />

introspection, it’s not something<br />

you can always do alone. Three years<br />

after my diagnosis, I started therapy<br />

to find a safe space to process my<br />

experience. As lonely as the cancer<br />

journey can be, I was never truly alone.<br />

INSPIRED TO FIGHT<br />

My greatest inspirations throughout my<br />

fight against cancer were my two girls.<br />

Having lost my own mother four years<br />

before my diagnosis, I knew the pain of<br />

missing a mom, especially during tough<br />

times. My daughters were young and<br />

feared the worst, so no matter how I felt,<br />

I kept going to reassure them that they<br />

would not lose me.<br />

Cancer is a unique journey for each<br />

person, with no one-size-fits-all<br />

experience. Our treatments, emotions<br />

and healing are all personal. As a<br />

cancer survivor and someone who<br />

works with cancer patients, my advice<br />

to those on this journey is to embrace<br />

your strength and bravery. Allow<br />

yourself to be vulnerable, express your<br />

needs and prioritise your healing.<br />

Details: www.reach4recovery.org.za;<br />

IG: @reach_for_recovery_rsa;<br />

FB: Reach4RecoverySA<br />

HOW TO CHECK YOUR<br />

BREASTS FOR SIGNS OF<br />

BREAST CANCER<br />

Regular self-exams can help you<br />

detect changes in your breasts<br />

early on, which can be crucial for<br />

effective treatment. Follow these<br />

five tips to check your breasts for<br />

signs of breast cancer.<br />

1. KNOW YOUR NORMAL<br />

Take note of how your breasts<br />

usually look and feel. This helps<br />

you identify any unusual changes,<br />

such as swelling, dimpling, or<br />

changes in the skin texture.<br />

2. USE A MIRROR<br />

Stand in front of a mirror with<br />

your arms by your sides and then<br />

raised. Look for visual changes<br />

such as differences in size, shape<br />

or skin appearance like redness or<br />

puckering.<br />

3. FEEL FOR LUMPS<br />

Use the pads of your fingers to<br />

check each breast, moving in a<br />

circular motion from the outside<br />

in. Be thorough by examining all<br />

areas, including the armpits, where<br />

breast tissue extends.<br />

4. CHECK IN DIFFERENT<br />

POSITIONS<br />

Perform your self-exam while lying<br />

down, standing, and even in the<br />

shower, where soapy hands can<br />

help you feel for subtle lumps or<br />

thickened areas.<br />

5. MONITOR DISCHARGE<br />

Any nipple discharge, particularly<br />

if it's clear or bloody, could be a<br />

warning sign. Contact your doctor<br />

if you notice any unusual leakage.<br />

Early detection saves lives, so<br />

make breast self-exams a regular<br />

part of your health routine!<br />

38 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


Flavour<br />

& style<br />

Text: Jennifer Campbell Photographs: alexis diack & @Stories_by_Goya_weddings<br />

The North Coast has a new<br />

contender on the culinary<br />

scene and we were excited<br />

to try it for ourselves.<br />

Butcher Boys <strong>Ballito</strong> is<br />

all about the steak – but<br />

there’s plenty more to try<br />

on their menu.<br />

40 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


THE STARTERS<br />

We couldn’t resist starting with a few dishes<br />

from the table tasters’ menu – the pickled<br />

jalapeños, generously stuffed with cream<br />

cheese, cheddar and spices, were crumbed<br />

and baked to perfection and paired with<br />

fresh lime and sour cream.<br />

Next up was the duck prosciutto, a<br />

sophisticated starter of salt and orange<br />

cured duck breast, thinly sliced and served<br />

with cream cheese, fresh rocket, pickle salsa<br />

and crostini. The brie and wild mushroom<br />

cigars were a standout – think crispy phyllo<br />

pastry and flavourful herb pesto.<br />

THE MAIN EVENT<br />

Butcher Boys is all about great steaks,<br />

and there’s an impressive choice of<br />

cuts available. We tried the wet-aged<br />

fillet with a wild mushroom and red<br />

wine sauce, served with chips tossed<br />

in truffle oil, parmesan and parsley.<br />

Another highlight was the sirloin<br />

with chimichurri butter, with a side<br />

of fresh vegetables. The chimichurri<br />

butter, which is torched at the<br />

table, added a layer of richness that<br />

elevated the perfectly grilled sirloin.<br />

Although meat takes centre stage<br />

on the menu, there are loads<br />

of other options available. The<br />

deboned flame-grilled chicken,<br />

infused with lemon and herb, was<br />

a juicy and flavourful offering, while<br />

the Mozam-style prawns and fresh<br />

fish of the day were just delicious.<br />

<strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong> Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> 41


FINE WINES<br />

Besides the delicious food, there’s also an<br />

impressive wine selection, perfect for pairing<br />

with their hearty meals. We tried the Anthonij<br />

Rupert Cape of Good Hope Riebeeksrivier Syrah<br />

2020, a captivating blend of fynbos, prunes and<br />

berries with hints of liquorice and cocoa. Its<br />

velvety, smooth texture was the perfect addition<br />

to our meal.<br />

A SWEET FINALE<br />

No meal at Butcher Boys<br />

would be complete<br />

without indulging in<br />

their unique desserts. The<br />

layered key lime pie with<br />

tequila cream was the<br />

perfect end to the meal.<br />

Equally tempting was the<br />

apple crumble topped<br />

baked cheesecake—a<br />

delicious blend of sweet,<br />

tart and cream that left us<br />

wanting more.<br />

42 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


COASTAL ELEGANCE<br />

It’s not just the menu that’s been beautifully<br />

curated – the restaurant interior, designed<br />

by Rupert Spence and Chelsey Hillier of<br />

Sphere Design and Architecture, also makes<br />

an impact.<br />

The design brief was clear: blend New York<br />

upmarket steakhouse sophistication with the<br />

laid-back elegance of <strong>Ballito</strong>. The result is a<br />

space that feels both welcoming and refined.<br />

Textures and finishes like corroded steel, raw<br />

and polished concrete, terracotta, timber and<br />

coloured glass converge into a toned-down,<br />

appealing aesthetic. The attention to detail<br />

is evident, with bespoke furniture, stitched<br />

leather, and plants rounding out the design.<br />

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the<br />

mood, shifting from casual during the<br />

day to a more sophisticated ambiance in<br />

the evening. The oversized, custom-made<br />

pendants are a striking feature, visible<br />

from both inside and the street below.<br />

The integration of the open-style kitchen,<br />

signature aged meat locker and glass wine<br />

cellar adds interest to the space. The bar,<br />

with its corroded panelling and pressed tile<br />

bulkhead, serves as a stunning focal point.<br />

Details: <strong>Ballito</strong> Steps, Jack Powell Road, <strong>Ballito</strong>;<br />

087 711 0973; IG: @butcherboysgrill<br />

031 312 5133<br />

www.spheredesign.co.za


Promotion<br />

Sip and<br />

Savour<br />

Raise your cup to International Coffee Day<br />

with our round-up of the best coffee shops<br />

on the North Coast. Whether you’re a latte<br />

lover or a cappuccino connoisseur, enjoy your<br />

next caffeine fix at one of these lovely spots.<br />

1<br />

THE ORANGE TREE<br />

If you haven’t had coffee at<br />

The Orange Tree in Umhlali, you’re<br />

missing out! Just 10 minutes from<br />

<strong>Ballito</strong>, this charming café offers<br />

Colombo coffee, a beautiful deck<br />

and a small play area. Enjoy all-day<br />

breakfasts, wraps, burgers and<br />

more. Also located at Africa Padel<br />

<strong>Ballito</strong> and <strong>Ballito</strong> Farmers Market.<br />

Mention Get It Magazine for a<br />

regular coffee at R25 until the end<br />

of <strong>Oct</strong>ober (Ts & Cs apply).<br />

Details: 084 074 9880;<br />

@theorangetree_sa; @makersyard_sa<br />

TOAST<br />

Toast is loved for its freshly roasted coffees, homestyle breakfasts<br />

and delicious lunches. Enjoy coffee and cake for only R60 from<br />

2–5pm daily. Visit Toast at Lifestyle Centre, <strong>Ballito</strong>, open from<br />

7:30am. Here’s to life, good food, and great company!<br />

Details: Lifestyle Centre, <strong>Ballito</strong>; www.toastballito.co.za;<br />

032 648 0030; info@toastballito.co.za<br />

2<br />

B.L.A.C.K OCEANS MALL 3<br />

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee, breakfast,<br />

signature dishes and exotic cocktails in a beautiful setting.<br />

Details: Shop 1; Oceans Mall, 7 Lagoon Drive, <strong>Umhlanga</strong>;<br />

082 7367721; IG: @blackoceansmall; FB: @BLACK


FOOD FUNDI CAFÉ<br />

Everyone loves the “out-of-town” farm<br />

vibe at Food Fundi Café, just 5kms<br />

from <strong>Ballito</strong>. They no longer charge for<br />

alternative milks, so enjoy your almond<br />

latté without breaking the bank. Their<br />

new neighbour and long-standing coffee<br />

supplier, BruStar Coffee, features Africa’s<br />

only wood-fired cast-iron roasting oven.<br />

Visit Food Fundi Café at Sugar Rush<br />

Park, Esenembe Road.<br />

Details: www.foodfundi.co.za;<br />

IG:@food.fundi<br />

4<br />

FÁBRICA<br />

Find Fábrica in Sunningdale, Glen Ashley and Salt Rock. With an<br />

extensive food and drinks menu, there’s something for everyone.<br />

Enjoy a daily special of a regular cappuccino from 6:30-8am. Join<br />

monthly wine and whisky tastings at the Sunningdale location.<br />

Details: www.fabricacoffee.com; IG: @fabricacoffeesa;<br />

FB: Fabrica<br />

6<br />

SALT ROCK COFFEE COMPANY 5<br />

Salt Rock Coffee Co is a comfy spot where<br />

the coffee is fa-brew-lous and the locals are lekker! A place<br />

to meet for friendly catch-ups and of course – the much<br />

needed caffeine fix. #COFFEE – BECAUSE ADULTING IS HARD!<br />

Details: Salt Rock Centre, 61 Basil Hulett Drive, Salt Rock,<br />

Mon – Sat 6:30am to 4:00pm, Sun: 6:30am to 2:00pm,<br />

IG: @saltrockcoffee; FB: @Salt Rock Coffee Company;<br />

www.facebook.com/saltrockcoffeeco<br />

8<br />

7 THE FOREST CAFÉ<br />

Get your caffeine fix this month at The Forest Café powered<br />

by Bike & Bean, nestled in the tranquil uMhlanga Lagoon Nature<br />

Reserve. Look out for exciting developments coming for Summer!<br />

Details: www.bikebeandurban.com; IG: @bikeandbean_durban;<br />

FB @BikeandBeanDurban<br />

AMICI<br />

CAFÉ<br />

Amici Café offers<br />

hearty breakfasts<br />

and light<br />

lunches. Enjoy<br />

the best coffee<br />

at this familyowned<br />

favourite.<br />

Details: Shop 8,<br />

La Lucia Mall;<br />

031 572 2695;<br />

IG: @amici_cafe_;<br />

FB: Amici Café


Kids<br />

Understand learning styles,<br />

protect young eyes and encourage<br />

reading in little ones.<br />

<strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong> Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> 47


Stars in<br />

her eyes<br />

Mangaliso Mthembu is a<br />

bright, bubbly girl<br />

with big dreams.<br />

Text: Jennifer Campbell Photograph: @ZIYANA_MEDIA<br />

“When I was five, I used to watch a soap opera called<br />

Isibaya and dream of seeing myself on TV,” smiles<br />

Mangaliso. That dream became a reality in 2022 when<br />

her mom, Zama, told her about a casting call for a<br />

child actor in One Weeks, a family comedy series. After<br />

a video audition, she anxiously awaited the outcome,<br />

praying daily for the role. Her perseverance paid off<br />

when she received the life-changing news – she got<br />

the part.<br />

MAKING MEMORIES<br />

The young actress, who is now in Grade 6 at Reddam<br />

House <strong>Ballito</strong>, was bursting with excitement as she<br />

prepared for her first role. “I was so happy! My mom<br />

gave me the script, and I practiced all day,” she says.<br />

Her first taste of professional acting took her to<br />

Johannesburg, where she filmed for two months. The<br />

experience was beyond anything she had imagined.<br />

“I expected strict people on set, but everyone was<br />

so fun and supportive,” she says. Among her many<br />

memorable moments on set, one stands out: filming<br />

a wedding scene in Soweto. “We were flower girls<br />

in big dresses, dancing and singing despite the<br />

thunderstorm outside. It was unforgettable,”<br />

she beams.<br />

48 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


EMBRACING THE ROLE<br />

Mangaliso plays Angie, a sharp-witted, sarcastic, yet<br />

kind-hearted ten-year-old girl. Preparing for the role<br />

was a mix of practice and instinct. "I’d practice my<br />

lines every day and stay in character between takes,"<br />

she says. The guidance from the show’s writer, Chris<br />

Q Radebe, who also took on the role of producer and<br />

director, was invaluable. “He was the one who loved<br />

me the most on set,” she adds with a laugh.<br />

STRIKING A BALANCE<br />

Despite the demands of filming, Mangaliso managed<br />

to balance her schoolwork with her budding acting<br />

career. Filming wrapped just in time for her to focus<br />

on her studies, though she admits it was a busy<br />

period. Yet, she wouldn’t have it any other way.<br />

"It’s a dream come true," she says. Looking ahead,<br />

Mangaliso dreams of continuing her acting career,<br />

possibly venturing into singing and rapping, and<br />

even writing.<br />

Mangaliso’s parents have been supportive<br />

throughout the experience, but encourage her to<br />

stay humble. "My mum and dad always tell me not<br />

to let the fame get to my head," she says. Zama is<br />

extremely proud of her daughter’s accomplishments<br />

and overall approach to life. “She’s teaching me to<br />

manifest my dreams and put them out into the<br />

universe,” she says.<br />

Details: One Weeks is streaming on Showmax:<br />

www.showmax.com; IG: @mthembu_princess;<br />

Tiktok: @mthembuprincess<br />

We were flower girls in<br />

big dresses, dancing<br />

and singing despite the<br />

thunderstorm outside.<br />

It was unforgettable.<br />

WATCH THE SHOW<br />

One Weeks is a family comedy about Fana, a<br />

charming high-school dropout from Soweto.<br />

He can’t believe his luck when he finds himself<br />

dating Lihle, a very successful lawyer.<br />

He has to rely on the help of Lihle’s 10-year-old<br />

daughter, Angie, to avoid losing her to rich men.<br />

New episodes are released every Monday<br />

on Showmax.


Understanding different learning styles<br />

Children, like adults, have unique ways of processing and understanding information.<br />

Recognising these diverse learning styles can help educators and parents tailor their<br />

approaches to meet each child’s needs. We chatted to Justin Paynter, the principal<br />

at Crawford International North Coast Preparatory, to find out more.<br />

Some of the most common learning styles include:<br />

1. VISUAL LEARNERS<br />

These children grasp information best through visual aids.<br />

They benefit from diagrams, charts and images that help<br />

them visualise concepts. Incorporating colourful materials,<br />

videos and interactive whiteboards can enhance their<br />

understanding and retention.<br />

2. AUDITORY LEARNERS<br />

For auditory learners, hearing information is key. They excel<br />

with discussions, lectures and audio recordings. Engaging<br />

them in storytelling, verbal instructions and read-aloud<br />

sessions can boost their comprehension and recall.<br />

3. KINESTHETIC LEARNERS<br />

These learners thrive on movement and hands-on activities.<br />

They absorb information through physical activity,<br />

experiments and manipulation of materials. Incorporating<br />

games, role-play and physical activities into lessons can be<br />

particularly effective for them.<br />

4. READING/WRITING LEARNERS<br />

This style involves a preference for reading and writing<br />

as primary means of learning. These children excel<br />

with written instructions, notes and written exercises.<br />

Encouraging journaling, reading assignments and written<br />

reflections can support their learning.<br />

5. INTERPERSONAL LEARNERS<br />

These children learn best through interaction with others.<br />

They thrive in group work, discussions and collaborative<br />

projects. Creating opportunities for teamwork, peer<br />

feedback and social learning can help them engage more<br />

deeply with the material.<br />

6. INTRAPERSONAL LEARNERS<br />

Intrapersonal learners are more self-reflective and independent.<br />

They benefit from personal reflection, self-paced tasks and<br />

activities that allow them to connect learning to their own<br />

experiences. Providing options for individual projects and<br />

personal goal setting can support their learning style.<br />

At our school, diversity<br />

is viewed as a resource<br />

that enriches the<br />

learning experience.<br />

“As educators, our role is to dedicate ourselves<br />

to preparing young people for the challenges<br />

of the future, through forward-thinking and<br />

inclusive educational practices,” explains Justin.<br />

“Our philosophy is rooted in a set of core<br />

beliefs that guide our approach to learning,<br />

namely that every student has the ability to<br />

learn, and that students learn at different rates<br />

and in different ways.”<br />

Understanding and accommodating these<br />

learning styles can help create a more inclusive<br />

and supportive educational environment. By<br />

tailoring teaching strategies to match each<br />

child’s preferred style, educators and parents<br />

can enhance learning outcomes and foster a<br />

lifelong love of learning.<br />

“A dynamic learning environment embraces<br />

multiple perspectives and approaches to<br />

knowledge,” says Justin. “<br />

Details: www.crawfordinternational.co.za/<br />

north-coast; IG: @crawford_northcoast<br />

50 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


Empowering education leaders<br />

Leaders for Education is a programme run by Citizen Leader Lab (CLL), a non-profit<br />

organisation that aims to strengthen leadership capability by pairing business leaders<br />

with their counterparts in the public sector. The programme aims to transform school<br />

leadership and make a positive impact in schools and communities. We chatted to<br />

Jeanne Hayley, facilitator for CLL, about the programme.<br />

THE LEARNING JOURNEY<br />

Jeanne explains that the Leaders<br />

for Education programme offers<br />

a 12-month journey designed to<br />

equip school principals with essential<br />

leadership skills. The programme<br />

stands out for its unique approach<br />

to bridging the gap between<br />

business and education by fostering<br />

a collaborative relationship. The<br />

journey begins with the “Time to<br />

Think” workshop, a pivotal first step<br />

in this year-long process where a<br />

business leader is partnered with a<br />

school principal.<br />

THE “TIME TO THINK” WORKSHOP<br />

The “Time to Think” workshop, based<br />

on Nancy Kline’s influential book of<br />

the same name, is a one-day event<br />

where principals and their business<br />

leader partners come together to<br />

start building their relationship.<br />

Nancy Kline’s research emphasises<br />

the importance of creating the<br />

right thinking environment to foster<br />

independent thinking and help<br />

people perform at their best. Through<br />

her work, she has identified ten<br />

components essential for creating this<br />

environment, which the workshop<br />

participants are introduced to.<br />

EMPOWERING PRINCIPALS<br />

THROUGH INDEPENDENT<br />

THINKING<br />

These components are particularly<br />

accessible and beneficial for school<br />

principals, many of whom come<br />

from a teaching background with<br />

limited exposure to the rigours of<br />

formal management and leadership.<br />

The workshop empowers them to<br />

52 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong><br />

think independently and create<br />

a conducive environment for<br />

their stakeholders, whether it be<br />

their school management team,<br />

governing body, or educators.<br />

The emphasis is on collaboration,<br />

allowing multiple voices to tackle<br />

complex challenges and come up<br />

with creative solutions together.<br />

INTRODUCING THE “THINKING<br />

COUNCIL”<br />

Beyond the initial workshop, the<br />

programme introduces various<br />

formats for meetings, such as the<br />

“Thinking Council.” In this setting,<br />

principals bring challenges they face,<br />

such as budget cuts, to their learning<br />

community. This community is made<br />

up of eight to ten partnerships,<br />

each consisting of a principal and a<br />

business leader. Instead of offering<br />

direct advice, which can stifle<br />

creativity, the partners share their<br />

lived experiences, which can provide<br />

new perspectives and insights. This<br />

format fosters co-learning, where both<br />

principals and business leaders gain<br />

valuable skills and insights.<br />

SHIFTING THE MINDSET OF<br />

SCHOOL PRINCIPALS<br />

The programme also encourages<br />

principals to shift their mindset from<br />

relying solely on external help to<br />

utilising their available resources.<br />

By working with their community,<br />

including parents and local<br />

businesses, they learn to start with<br />

what they have and build from there.<br />

This approach not only empowers the<br />

principals but also strengthens the<br />

entire school community.<br />

Jeanne Hayley<br />

THREE PHASES OF THE<br />

PROGRAMME<br />

The 12-month journey is divided<br />

into three phases: relationship<br />

building, visioning and planning, and<br />

community building. The second<br />

phase, which involves defining a vision<br />

for the school, is supported by the “The<br />

Awakened Leader” workshop, focusing<br />

on conscious leadership. The final and<br />

longest phase, community building,<br />

is where the principals and business<br />

leaders put their plans into action,<br />

implementing changes and projects<br />

that directly impact the school.<br />

THE ROLE OF THE BUSINESS LEADER<br />

Throughout the programme, the role<br />

of the business leader is crucial. They<br />

bring a wealth of knowledge, resources<br />

and networks that can help the<br />

school in various ways. However, the<br />

programme also emphasises that real<br />

change starts from within the school<br />

itself, with the principal and their<br />

team taking the lead in addressing<br />

challenges and finding solutions.


FACILITATOR’S PERSPECTIVE<br />

For facilitators like Jeanne, who<br />

has been involved in<br />

the programme for<br />

over two years and is<br />

currently facilitating<br />

her third learning<br />

circle, the experience<br />

is incredibly<br />

rewarding. The<br />

programme<br />

not only helps<br />

to develop<br />

leadership<br />

skills in school<br />

principals but<br />

also fosters<br />

a sense of<br />

community<br />

and shared<br />

purpose<br />

among all<br />

participants.<br />

Whether it’s<br />

seeing the<br />

transformation in a<br />

principal’s approach<br />

to leadership or the<br />

positive changes in a<br />

school’s environment,<br />

she believes the<br />

impact of the Leaders<br />

for Education<br />

programme is<br />

profound and<br />

lasting.<br />

Sbu Nkolothi and Sipho Ncengwa<br />

A LOCAL COLLABORATION<br />

Sbu Nkolothi, owner of Coffee Lab at <strong>Ballito</strong> Lifestyle Centre, has been involved in the<br />

Leaders for Education programme for the last seven months. He is partnered with<br />

Sipho Ncengwa, a principal at Kearsney Primary, a farm school near Stanger.<br />

During this time, Coffee Lab has become a hub of CLL activity.<br />

Sbu is committed to making a lasting impact through the<br />

programme. He believes that education should be treated<br />

like a business, where the goal is to uplift and drive results<br />

through consistent motivation and leadership. "We need<br />

to inspire the educators so they can inspire those they<br />

educate," he says. “The first thing you want to do is to<br />

understand people. When you understand them, then<br />

you know how to treat them."<br />

Sbu is particularly passionate about instilling leadership<br />

skills and values in the school’s staff, but his ultimate goal<br />

is to introduce basic business skills in schools, recognising<br />

the importance of practical skills like plumbing and bricklaying,<br />

which are often overlooked in favour of more academic pursuits.<br />

Over the last few months, he has learnt the importance<br />

of building people on a personal level. “We need to pay<br />

attention to educators’ mental state,” he says. “Everyone needs<br />

motivation; we can’t treat people like machines.”<br />

Details: www.citizenleaderlab.org;<br />

kate@citizenleaderlab.org.za / audrey@citizenleaderlab.org.za<br />

STCW ‘10<br />

& DSD<br />

Junior<br />

STCW Deckhand ‘10<br />

Courses<br />

GUEST<br />

Junior<br />

Stew<br />

Course<br />

Work on a<br />

Superyacht<br />

www.trilogyluxtraining.co.za<br />

Food<br />

Hygiene<br />

Level 2


Protecting<br />

young eyes<br />

54 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


On 10 <strong>Oct</strong>ober, World Sight Day will shine<br />

a spotlight on the importance of eye care<br />

in young people, encouraging children<br />

worldwide to love their eyes. Dr Yavische<br />

Reddy, an ophthalmologist based in<br />

<strong>Ballito</strong>, shares essential tips to help<br />

prevent eye-related issues in children and<br />

ensure a future of healthy vision.<br />

1. EAT WELL<br />

Good eye health starts with good nutrition. A diet rich<br />

in omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C and E supports<br />

overall well-being, reduces the risk of obesity and<br />

prevents associated conditions like type-2 diabetes,<br />

which can affect vision.<br />

2. PROTECT LITTLE EYES<br />

Children should wear sunglasses to shield their eyes<br />

from harmful UV rays. Additionally, protective eyewear<br />

is vital during sports to prevent accidental injuries that<br />

could lead to permanent vision loss.<br />

3. REDUCE SCREEN TIME<br />

Extended exposure to screens can cause eye strain,<br />

blurry vision, dry eyes and refractive errors. It’s essential<br />

to limit screen time to protect developing eyes.<br />

4. GO FOR REGULAR EYE CHECKS<br />

Untreated refractive errors in children may result in<br />

amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” a condition where the pathways<br />

between the eyes and brain fail to fully develop. Early<br />

detection through regular eye tests can prevent this,<br />

ensuring that corrective measures like glasses are<br />

introduced at the right time.<br />

5. KNOW YOUR FAMILY HISTORY<br />

Certain eye conditions, such as keratoconus, can be<br />

hereditary. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent<br />

vision loss and reduce the need for more serious<br />

interventions.<br />

6. DISCOURAGE EYE RUBBING<br />

Frequent eye rubbing, often due to allergies or digital<br />

eye strain, can damage the cornea and lead to refractive<br />

errors. Encourage the use of eye drops for allergies and<br />

discourage this harmful habit.<br />

7. WATCH FOR WARNING SIGNS<br />

Symptoms like red or watery eyes, squinting and<br />

difficulty reading school boards or completing closeup<br />

tasks should never be ignored. These could indicate<br />

vision problems that need immediate attention.<br />

Expert eye care for<br />

bright futures<br />

Do you have the<br />

following problems?<br />

• Blurred vision<br />

• Seeing floaters in the eye<br />

• Double vision<br />

• Sudden loss of vision<br />

• Redeyes<br />

• Cataracts<br />

• Hypertension<br />

• Heart disease<br />

• Diabetes<br />

• Keratoconus<br />

Treatment offered for:<br />

• Age related macular<br />

degeneration<br />

• Cataracts<br />

• Glaucoma<br />

• Diabetic eye disease<br />

• Dry eye<br />

• Watery eye<br />

Suite 3, The Well, Corner Kirsty Close & Albertina Way <strong>Ballito</strong><br />

Suite 4, Adams Medical Centre, 106 Hullett Street, Stanger<br />

Netcare Alberlito Hospital<br />

Ribumed Day Hospital<br />

Mediclinic Victoria Hospital<br />

KwaDukuza Private Hospital<br />

032 586 0040 061 434 0191<br />

ballitoeye@gmail.com<br />

Contracted to most major medical aids


Raising<br />

avid readers<br />

Raj M. Isaac, a retired senior education specialist based in Umdloti, shares his tips for<br />

encouraging meaningful reading among children.<br />

ith the explosion of<br />

knowledge in the 21st<br />

century, it is imperative<br />

that we keep ourselves<br />

informed, whether it is for<br />

social interaction or study purposes. And<br />

because a large volume of knowledge is<br />

in written form, it’s important to be able to<br />

understand what we are reading.<br />

Writers sometimes try to persuade readers<br />

to accept a point of view; therefore, we<br />

cannot accept everything we read at face<br />

value. What is important is that we read<br />

for meaning, while critically interrogating<br />

what we read. Of course, all this does not<br />

prevent reading for enjoyment, when we<br />

immerse ourselves in the written word while<br />

marvelling at the creative use of language.<br />

Parents play a significant role in instilling<br />

a love of reading in our children. Here<br />

are some ideas of what you can do to<br />

encourage your child not only to love<br />

reading, but to read meaningfully and<br />

critically from an early age.<br />

1. Let them see you read<br />

Children are great imitators. Therefore, if<br />

they see you read, whether it a newspaper,<br />

magazine, or book, they will imitate you.<br />

It is not uncommon to see very young<br />

children pretending to read, even if they<br />

are holding the book upside down!<br />

Text: Raj M. Isaac<br />

2. Create a reading-friendly<br />

environment at home<br />

Reading material should be an integral part<br />

of the home environment. Whether children<br />

see a study or a reading shelf full of books,<br />

they will begin to understand that reading is<br />

an important part of their parents’ lives and<br />

should therefore be a part of theirs.<br />

56 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


3. Create a cozy reading space<br />

Many children like their parents to read to them at<br />

bedtime. The bed is a particularly comforting space for<br />

them. It is also a good idea to create other cozy reading<br />

spaces. Make these spaces inviting – with comfortable<br />

seating, pillows, blankets and good lighting –<br />

somewhere both of you can relax and get lost in a book.<br />

4. Choose engaging books<br />

If your child is old enough to show preferences, choose<br />

books with characters (real or make-believe, animal<br />

or human) and themes which are familiar to them.<br />

Choose interactive books when you can, e.g. books with<br />

pop-up characters and pictures, books with lift-the-flap<br />

reveals and touch-and-feel activities. In short, choose<br />

books which provoke wonder, surprise and excitement.<br />

Children like a sense of ownership, so buy books for your<br />

child and let them see you write their names in them,<br />

even if they are not yet able to read on their own.<br />

5. Establish a reading routine<br />

While anytime is a good time to read to your child, it is<br />

also a good idea to establish a regular routine, like at<br />

bedtime or after dinner. Children will soon get used to<br />

the idea and will specifically ask that you read to them at<br />

a particular time.<br />

6. Visit the library with your child<br />

If you borrow books for your children from a library, take<br />

them with you. Get them their own personal membership<br />

card as soon as they are allowed to. Most public libraries<br />

have a section set aside for children. Let them browse<br />

through books on the shelves or while seated at the<br />

tables and chairs set aside for them. Let them see you go<br />

through the routine of borrowing books.<br />

7. Read actively<br />

When reading aloud to your child, make sure that<br />

you engage actively with them. By doing this, you<br />

are training them to engage actively with the text,<br />

even when they read silently. While reading, point to<br />

words and pictures, identify them, ask questions and<br />

encourage discussion.<br />

Raj M. Isaac is<br />

a retired senior<br />

education specialist<br />

who has researched<br />

the teaching of<br />

reading for his<br />

Master’s degree in<br />

Education.<br />

February 2022 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> <strong>Umhlanga</strong> 57


COUNTRY LIVING<br />

This beautiful home near <strong>Ballito</strong> was inspired by a classic barn, with a modern twist.<br />

We chatted to Jarryd Murray and Julian Mentz of MAP Architects about the design and<br />

what it was like working on the project.<br />

Text: Jennifer Campbell Photographs: CHRIS ALLAN PHOTO & @Stories_by_Goya_weddings<br />

58 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


With a blend of classic and<br />

contemporary design, this home is<br />

perfectly suited to its stunning setting<br />

on an estate just outside <strong>Ballito</strong>,<br />

surrounded by nature. Designed as a<br />

luxury lock-up-and-go holiday house,<br />

the space balances comfort with<br />

functionality without losing its farm<br />

style charm.<br />

FORM MEETS FUNCTION<br />

In coming up with a design concept,<br />

Jarryd and Julian wanted to create a<br />

home with plenty of storage space,<br />

while maintaining the aesthetic of<br />

a farm house. The homeowners are<br />

outdoorsy and active, and needed<br />

ample space for their bikes and ATVs,<br />

so half the home is a workshop and<br />

storage area. The other half serves as a<br />

living space with an open-plan lounge<br />

and kitchen, as well as two bedrooms<br />

and ensuite bathrooms upstairs. The<br />

architects describe the overall look as<br />

sleek and modern and agree the home<br />

fits in well with the estate’s boutique<br />

agricultural setting.<br />

<strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong> Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> 59


BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN<br />

In choosing materials, Julian wanted<br />

to emphasise the modern barn<br />

aesthetic. The main structure consists<br />

of steel A-frames set on a rectangular<br />

floor plan and clad in corrugated steel<br />

sheets. For the living space, large fullheight<br />

glass curtain walls and sliding<br />

doors were used to bring the natural<br />

beauty of the surroundings indoors.<br />

The sliding doors can be opened<br />

on all sides to seamlessly blend the<br />

indoor and outdoor spaces.<br />

WORKING WITH THE ENVIRONMENT<br />

The chosen site for the barn<br />

presented a challenge: the best views<br />

faced west, offering stunning sunsets<br />

over the estate’s green hills but also<br />

exposing the glass-fronted home<br />

to direct sunlight. In a sub-tropical<br />

climate, this could turn the house<br />

into a hothouse. To address this, the<br />

team added a veranda with dropdown<br />

blinds on the western side,<br />

connecting to the open-plan living<br />

room and kitchen. This allows the<br />

homeowners to enjoy the valley<br />

views without the sun becoming<br />

too intrusive.<br />

A SENSE OF CONNECTION<br />

On the side of the barn that serves as the home, the team used glass to fill the<br />

entire A-frame structure. This created a spacious area with double volumes in<br />

the open-plan living and kitchen spaces. The bedroom lofts are connected to<br />

this space, providing a sense of connection between the upper and lower levels.<br />

Additionally, the bedrooms open onto a balcony on the northern side, which<br />

simultaneously acts as a sunshade for the lower level and a viewing platform for<br />

the upper level.<br />

Jarryd Murray of MAP Architects<br />

Details: MAP Architects; Shop 21, <strong>Ballito</strong><br />

Centre, 25 Sandra Road, <strong>Ballito</strong>; www.<br />

mapgroup.co.za; jarryd@mapgroup.<br />

co.za; IG: @map_architects_<br />

60 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


SUNNY DAYS<br />

Colourful blooms, fiery capsicums and a fresh lick of paint<br />

Text: ALICE COETZEE and KYM ARGO<br />

We’re planting …<br />

Zinnia Zesty because it<br />

displays huge, vibrantly coloured<br />

flowers throughout summer into<br />

autumn. The fully double blooms are<br />

reminiscent of traditional zinnias. These sunloving<br />

plants are neat and upright, growing<br />

up to 60cm tall, and will brighten borders<br />

and mixed plantings as well as looking good<br />

in containers. Pollinators love their flowers.<br />

Plant in soil that drains well, water regularly<br />

but don’t over-water and fertilise<br />

once a month during summer.<br />

Details: ballstraathof.co.za<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober garden tasks<br />

• Plant new roses, summer annuals<br />

and perennials this month. Annuals<br />

that grow quickly from seed are<br />

alyssum, cosmos, lavatera, portulaca,<br />

California poppy, and nasturtium.<br />

They all do best in full sun. • Fertilise<br />

perennials with a granular fertiliser<br />

like Vigorosa 5:1:5 or 3:1:5, and<br />

annuals with a liquid fertiliser. Use<br />

either pink or blue hydrangea food<br />

for hydrangeas. • Mow lawns at least<br />

once a week, but if it is very hot and<br />

dry mow less frequently and set<br />

blades higher • Water regularly and<br />

spread a layer of mulch over beds to<br />

conserve water and keep the roots<br />

cool. • Keep flowering roses neat<br />

by cutting off dead blooms, fertilise<br />

with a rose fertiliser by the middle<br />

of <strong>Oct</strong>ober and water deeply during<br />

hot, dry weather. Control pests with<br />

an organic insecticide like Ludwig’s<br />

Insect Spray or Margaret Roberts<br />

Organic Insecticide.<br />

There is something so summery<br />

about Peperomia Watermelon . Its<br />

rounded leaves look as crisp and<br />

cool as mini-watermelons and plants<br />

stay rounded and compact, perfect<br />

for table tops, counters and office<br />

desks. Bright, indirect light is perfect<br />

for these plants. Water when the<br />

surface of the soil feels dry but don’t<br />

let the pots stand in water. Feed with<br />

a liquid fertiliser once a month in<br />

summer to encourage new leaves.<br />

Details: lvgplant.co.za<br />

This is the month for chilli-heads<br />

to sow some heat. Capsicums<br />

germinate best in warm soil<br />

(minimum temperature 20C) and the<br />

varieties available from seed are mind<br />

boggling. For newbies in the chilli<br />

stakes, a good variety to start with<br />

is Hungarian Hot Wax - they won’t<br />

burn your mouth to smithereens, or<br />

the mild to hot Cubanelle, Chinese 5<br />

Colour or Shishito green chilli pepper.<br />

Only the very daring should opt for<br />

Trinidad Scorpion or Carolina Reaper.<br />

The names are a warning!<br />

To grow: Sow seed into small 10cm<br />

pots to allow seedlings to grow<br />

into sturdy plants before being<br />

transplanted into a bigger pot or<br />

into the ground. Sow two to three<br />

plants per pot. Seeds will germinate<br />

within seven to 20 days (depending<br />

on variety) and the soil must be kept<br />

moist during germination. When the<br />

first true leaves appear and are big<br />

enough to handle, transplant the<br />

seedlings into bigger pots or into the<br />

soil spaced 40cm apart.<br />

Chillies need full sun, well-drained soil<br />

and regular watering, especially when<br />

flowering so that they don’t drop<br />

their flowers (which means no fruit).<br />

Most chillies grow 50 to 60cm tall and<br />

the fruit should be ready for harvest<br />

within 120 to 160 days.<br />

Details: kirchoffs.co.za or rawliving.co.za<br />

62 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


WIN<br />

Give your home a paint-over!<br />

This month we’re getting ready for summer. And since<br />

summer in South Africa is all about being outdoors,<br />

we’re going to get our home’s exterior in ship shape. We’ve<br />

discovered the new and incredible Neuklad Range from<br />

Prominent Paints. Specifically crafted to endure our harsh<br />

climate, this professional-grade paint offers exceptional quality and<br />

durability, making it the perfect choice for everyone from seasoned contractors to<br />

meticulous homeowners. Available in white, pastel tint base and clear tint base,<br />

this weather-resistant range includes Neuklad Alkali-Resistant Sealer, Cool Roof,<br />

Ultra Shield, and Earth. Details: prominentpaints.co.za<br />

To celebrate the launch, we’re giving one reader a fab prize,<br />

worth R8 000 ... a chance to choose their favourite paint<br />

colours from any of the Prominent Paint ranges. Imagine<br />

the possibilities for your home! Entering is a breeze. Just<br />

head over to @getitmagnc on Instagram or Facebook, find<br />

our <strong>Oct</strong>ober Spoil post, and follow the prompts. Entries<br />

close 25 <strong>Oct</strong>ober, and the winner will be selected from<br />

entries across all Get It platforms.<br />

<strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong> Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> 63


GET IT DIRECTORY<br />

LASER CUTTING<br />

FORMING<br />

TUBE CUTTING<br />

CUSTOM CUTTING<br />

CONTACT DETAILS:<br />

Contact Number: 082 338 5719 (Rob)<br />

E-mail: info@laserform.co.za<br />

Website: www.laserform.co.za


Thanda Safari<br />

Luxury safaris. Big Five.<br />

Brilliant birding.<br />

With the added attraction<br />

of supporting a lodge<br />

with exceptional<br />

conservation practices.<br />

Out in the middle of nowhere, where there’s nothing as<br />

far as the eye can see bar bushes, trees, gently rolling<br />

hills and watering holes ... this is where you’ll find<br />

Thanda Safari. A private game reserve in the northern<br />

reaches of Zululand, where the Great Rift Valley meets<br />

the Lebombo Mountains, it’s home to an abundance<br />

of wildlife, including Africa’s Big 5 and more than 400<br />

different bird species.<br />

It’s a destination which offers an authentic South African<br />

wildlife experience. There’s exceptional game-viewing<br />

all year, it’s a brilliant option for families, honeymooners,<br />

groups of friends, and perfect for those who’re wanting<br />

something extra over and above the game drives ...<br />

think specialised bush walks, photographic safaris, and<br />

Zulu cultural tours in the rural community.<br />

The term room with a view is particularly apt here ...<br />

it’s been said that there are no bad rooms at Thanda –<br />

and we couldn’t agree more. Guests are offered a few<br />

options ... each as magnificent as the other.<br />

The Thanda Safari Lodge is a circular structure<br />

reminiscent of a traditional Zulu rondavel, with nine<br />

suites, each with a spacious lounge area, a plunge pool,<br />

a private boma and a game-viewing deck offering<br />

panoramic views of the surrounding game reserve.<br />

There’s also a spa, open for all Thanda guests, housed in<br />

the heart of the lodge.<br />

Or, for those who want to go for the ultimate in bush<br />

opulence, there’s the splendid Villa iZulu – a stunning<br />

safari hide-away for families, groups, even wedding<br />

parties, wanting privacy with their luxury. With five<br />

gloriously appointed suites and its own heli-pad, this<br />

extravagantly-sized villa, which has a fenced garden and<br />

lush green lawns, is available on an exclusive-use basis.<br />

A third, super luxurious hospitality option, is The Royal<br />

Thanda Club by Thanda Safari ... where you’ll find the<br />

exclusive-use Royal Residences. Enclosed within a high<br />

security, access-controlled, estate in the central part of<br />

the reserve, these massively spacious Royal Residences<br />

sleep between eight and ten guests.<br />

66 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>


Since the opening of Thanda Safari some 20 years ago, it has embraced<br />

various aspects of responsible and sustainable tourism practices. Everything<br />

the team does is centred around responsible environmental development<br />

and management.<br />

The many conservation programmes have included protection programmes<br />

for the endangered cheetah and, most importantly, the endangered black<br />

rhino protection programme and elephant breeding programmes. Other<br />

conservation initiatives include ...<br />

The identification and tracking of elephants at Thanda Safari, and the tracking<br />

and monitoring of cheetah using telemetry equipment.<br />

The identification of hyena and leopard via the use of camera traps, as well as<br />

rhino monitoring - due to rampant poaching in South Africa it is imperative<br />

that a close watch be kept on Thanda’s rhinos.<br />

Bird Atlasing - a hotspot of birdlife diversity Thanda Safari, as a member of<br />

Birdlife South Africa and an acknowledged landowner within the Zululand<br />

Important Bird and Biodiversity area, keeps detailed records of all bird species<br />

using Bird Atlasing.<br />

Rehabilitation - Thanda Safari has been at the forefront of land rehabilitation<br />

in KwaZulu-Natal, transforming overgrazed cattle farms into pristine game<br />

viewing land and re-introducing species that used to freely roam the area,<br />

including the Big Five.<br />

Vegetation monitoring - a thorough assessment is conducted annually as<br />

to the carrying capacity of the reserve, taking into account the rainfall, veld<br />

condition, grass cover and herbaceous biomass. Also habitat management -<br />

which includes a controlled burning programme, road maintenance, erosion<br />

control and alien plant control.<br />

Under the auspices of Thanda Foundation Trust, established to focus attention<br />

on the socio-economic needs of the three tribal communities surrounding<br />

Thanda, there’s also a flagship Star for Life Educational programme that<br />

functions under its own NGO, the Inkanyiso and Masisambisane crèche<br />

projects, and Football for Life through the amateur football club, Thanda Lions,<br />

that uplifts local unemployed youth in sport and empowers young girls to<br />

play football.<br />

Thanda Safari has its own dedicated anti-poaching unit, wildlife team and<br />

rhino monitors and it is a founding member of Project Rhino KZN - an antipoaching<br />

collaboration with local conservation agencies and game reserves.<br />

Details: www.thanda.com<br />

<strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong> Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> 67


Spoil<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober<br />

A rosy fragrance from Lacoste<br />

Unbound. Radiant. Confident. The Lacoste woman is<br />

all three. In her world, every detail is intentional, and<br />

this includes the fragrance she selects. This month<br />

we’re celebrating the L.12.12 For Women range ...<br />

inspired by the iconic Lacoste polo shirt, and boasting,<br />

obviously, that crocodile! Three timeless classics,<br />

each with French finesse and within in the framework<br />

of Fashion Sport aesthetic. The range includes an<br />

ambery fruity Rose Sparkling, a floral woody<br />

Rose eau Intense, and Rose eau de Parfum ...<br />

an elegant, fruity floral fragrance - all green mandarin<br />

and mint, musk and rose, cedarwood and ambrox.<br />

Delicate but empowering ... like the woman who<br />

wears it! From R999.<br />

To stand in line to win our lovely <strong>Oct</strong>ober Spoil, pop<br />

over to @getitmagnc on Instagram and Facebook,<br />

look for the Spoil post and follow the prompts.<br />

68 Get It • <strong>Ballito</strong> • Umdloti • <strong>Umhlanga</strong> <strong>Oct</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>

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