Oct 25

JOBURG SOUTH • ALBERTON • BEDFORDVIEW

•

GREENSTONE • MODDERFONTEIN

GIOVANNA

BARBOSA

Never apologise

for who you are

GRAAFF-REINET

A small town worth

more than a stopover

WIN!

A bottle of

Roberto Cavalli

Serpentine

ADD SOME COLOUR

... to your garden and your life!

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

OCTOBER 2025

GIS1010_001_1589842399.indd 1 2025/09/17 07:35:28

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* Illustrative AI-enhanced images. Visit the Toyota website for actual vehicle features.

GIS1010_002_1615350923.indd 2 2025/09/17 07:36:06

GET IT

Editorial

Instagram: @getitjoburgsoutheast

Facebook: @getitjoburgsoutheast

Website: getitmagazine.co.za/joburg-south

Pinterest: Get It

National Group Editor and National Sales

Kym Argo

kyma@caxton.co.za

Facebook and Instagram:

Get It National Magazines

Website: getitmagazine.co.za

Editor Carina van der Walt

albertongetit1@caxton.co.za

083 411 7146

Sub-editor Riaan Engelbrecht

Contributors Alice Coetzee

Workflow & Studio Manager Megan Brett

Layout Artist

Shanet Moodley

Design Studio

Mojalefa Nthutang

Wendell Source

Sales Manager

Roxanne Cooper 072 821 0910

roxannec@caxton.co.za

Distribution

12 000 copies monthly

Get It JHB SouthEast is distributed free

of charge. For a full list contact

charmaine@caxton.co.za

Competition rules

The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be

transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions

are not open to the sponsors or Caxton

employees or their families. Get It Magazine

reserves the right to publish the names of

winners, who will be contacted telephonically

and need to collect their prizes from Caxton

Joburg SouthEast branch within 10 days or

they will be forfeited. Prizewinners names are

published on our Facebook page monthly.

contents

WHY DON’T YOU

4 Get out, enjoy the braai festival, a quick run and wear your shades

for visually impaired people

6 Grab some of the latest reads which are new on the shelves

WISH LIST

8 Host a garden party and celebrate Garden Day with a glass of wine

SOCIALS

10 Tea of Hope brings relief to Hospice

12 Fans get up close and personal with R&B stars

PEOPLE

14 Giovanna Barbosa is proof that true growth happens when you

step out of your comfort zone

16 Louise Agliotti shares her brave moments about how

posing for a tasteful calendar set her free

BEAUTY

18 It is never too late to start collagen banking

FOOD

20 Chef Sonja Koekemoer - There is no turning back once you’ve

found your happy place

22 Delicious and easy to prepare dishes for lunch

24 We’ve got you covered for easy meals to show-off dinner parties

with these cookbooks

GARDENING

26 Brighten up your garden with roses, tangy tomatoes and hibiscus

TRAVEL

30 Discover Graaff-Reinet and enjoy the luxury of the Drostdy Hotel

SPOIL

34 We are giving away a bottle of Roberto Cavalli Serpentine - enter now

COVER

Styling and wardrobe by - Mercedes De Gouveia.

Photographed by - Daniella De Gouveia. Hair by - Legends Hairdresser.

Make-up by - Bee Beautiful Salon.

October 2025

October 2025 Get It Joburg South • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 3

GIS1010_003_1615189498.indd 3 2025/09/18 10:30:52

If you have a date for the Get It diary page, email the info at least one month in advance to albertongetit1@caxton.co.za

A hot date!

Food festivals, theatre and the odd run - join in!

04

Ultimate Braai Festival 2025 turns up

the heat with fire, flavour and famous

faces. Get ready, it’s time to fire up the

grid for the Ultimate Braai Festival 2025,

a two-day celebration of everything

proudly local, deliciously grilled, and

wildly entertaining. Taking place on October

4 and 5 at the Fire & Wine Venue,

this year’s event is set to be the hottest

ticket on the Spring calendar. With

celebrity chefs, comedy kings, musical

legends, live music line-ups and plenty

of chops, cheers and chommies, this

year’s Ultimate Braai Festival is truly bigger,

better, and brisket-er. Event times

for the Saturday is 10am to 10pm and

the Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Bring

camping chairs, picnic blankets, your

festive spirit. Leave pets, cooler boxes,

outside food and drinks. Don’t forget to

prebook your parking. This year there

are some of SA’s hottest music stars

who’ll be heating up the stage. From

explosive bands and soulful singers to

side-splitting comedians, the line-up

is stacked, sizzling, and guaranteed to

deliver the ultimate braai weekend.

Details: ultimatebraaifestival.co.za

04-05

04

4 Get It Joburg South • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein October 2025

Imagine the aromoas and laid back atmosphere of the Cape

Winelands. Who would not want to spend some time there. This

October Idlewild Country Estate will be home to the Wyn & Wildsfees. A festival

which will bring you closest to Stellenbosch in the heart of Gauteng. This is not

only a wine festival. It is a festival of everything that makes South Africa unique.

Discover the top wines from Stellenbosch with farm hospitality at its best. From the

braai to a spitbraai, activities for young and old, boeresport, helicopter flips. There is

also a VIP section to enjoy. Details: diewynenwildsfees.co.za

The Barnyard Theatre proudly presents More Than a Feeling - A Tribute to

05 The Greatest Rock Anthems of all time. You will receive the most genuine

musical experience featuring a ten-piece rock band and singers who pay tribute to

iconic rock bands like Boston, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, The Eagles and

Foreigner as well as 1980s rock bands like Toto, Journey, Heart, Queen and Bon Jovi.

Rock anthems like Juke Box Hero, Hotel California, Thunder Struck and Smoke on

the Water are the mainstays of the show, but the concert also has touching moments

like Janis Joplin’s Me and Bobby McGee, which evokes a nostalgic country

rock vibe. While Chris Stapelton’s Tennessee Whisky is a country moment to cherish,

Have You Ever Seen the Rain, Bad Moon Rising, Proud Mary by Creedence receives

an enthusiastic singalong. Details: www.barnyardtheatre.co.za

South Africa United Against Cancer (SAUAC) is proud to announce its annual Wellness

Walk Against Cancer, in proud partnership with the Gauteng Department of

Health and the City of Johannesburg. The event will take place at Rietvlei Zoo Farm

on Saturday, October 4 at 8am. Registration opens at 7am. This year, participants

can choose between the 5km or 8km family-friendly fun run/walk. The event is

open to all Gauteng residents, offering a chance to take action against cancer while

enjoying a day of fun and fitness. With cancer diagnoses rising in South Africa, currently

one in three South Africans will be affected by the disease by 2030. SAUAC’s

goal is to raise awareness and funds to tackle cancer head-on. The Wellness Walk is

more than just an event; it’s a community-driven initiative designed to unite individuals

and families in the fight against cancer, while promoting healthier lifestyle

choices that can reduce cancer risks. Details: Tshepang Lutshaba, 083 695 7329 or

Khethiwe 078 624 6456 or email: khethiwe.m@sauac.org or tshepang.l@sauac.org.

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There is no better way to

11 celebrate October other than

a proper Octoberfest. Make your

way to the Alberton Retirement

Village’s Octoberfest on October 11

from 11am to 4pm. Bring your family

and friends and treat yourself to a

social day where you will be spoilt for

choice and definitely not go hungry.

Try out the eisbein and salads, pulled

pork burger, quarter chicken and salads

and Bockwurst rolls. Pre-orders of

food for take-aways welcome. A cash

bar will be available and draft beers

will be for sale. There will also be a

jumping castle to keep the little ones

occupied. This promises to be funfilled

day for everyone and a call goes

out to the community to support this

fundraising event at the retirement

village, situated in Kritzinger Road,

Florentia. Booking is essential. Details:

082 896 3125 or 083 452 5055.

It is time to put on those shades for

a worthy cause. Shades Day is a

national campaign by the SA Guide-

Dogs Association for the Blind that

aims to raise support for the visually

impaired and awareness about eye

health. For the visually impaired,

sunglasses can be more than just a

protection feature, wearing sunglasses

can help them feel more integrated

and less conspicuous, making

them blend in more easily. For some it

boosts confidence by allowing them

to present themselves in a way that

feels more secure and self-assured.

Buy your R20 sticker in support of this

worthy cause and wear your shades

with pride on October 17. Details:

www.guidedog.org.za

17

10

CoComelon’s favorite teacher, Ms. Appleberry welcomes JJ, his friends, and YOU to

come along on a Melon Patch Musical field trip! Dance and sing along to some of

your favourite bops, including If You’re Happy and You Know It, Wheels on the Bus,

Animal Dance, Head Shoulders Knees and Toes. It includes a special guest appearance

by Blippi. Coming to Emperors Palace on October 10 to October 12. Tickets

from R299. Details: www.blublood.com.

At 10 years old, Paige Bedworth has faced more medical challenges than

09 most people endure in a lifetime. Despite the odds and with the support of

her family and friends, Paige has shown remarkable strength and determination.

Her family is once again rallying the community through a fundraising golf day,

and this time to help Paige gain greater independence and improve her quality of

life. To help make life easier for Paige and her caregivers, her family is calling on the

community and local businesses to get involved. Support can come in many forms,

from sponsoring a hole at the golf day, donating prizes for the raffle or auction, or

making a monetary donation to support Paige’s medical needs. Paige’s Golf Day

Fundraiser will take place on October 9 at Reading Golf Club, with registration

starting at 9am and a shotgun start at 10am. The cost is R4 000 per four-ball, R3 500

to sponsor a hole, or R4 500 to sponsor both a four-ball and a hole. Details: 072 908

2767 or 071 627 1983.

The Shiva Shakti Mandir and South African Hindu Maha Sabha will be hosting

a Diwali Festival on October 11, at the Linhill Celtic Sports Grounds in

11

Linmeyer, Johannesburg. The festival promises a full day of entertainment, spiritual

upliftment, lights, laughter, and delicious vegetarian treats. The evening will feature

a fabulous Eastern Musical Extravaganza followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

Entry to the event is R20 per person. The festival will take place from 10am to

midnight at 65 Moffat Park, South and East Roads, Linmeyer, Johannesburg. Details:

076 401 4593 or 083 783 6747.

You’ve got it coming, Johannesburg. CHICAGO The Musical will run at

18 Montecasino’s Teatro, throughout October to November 16 - a week longer

than anticipated after an extra week was added due to popular demand! Joburg

audiences who haven’t already high-kicked their way to the box office should be

encouraged by the response of critics and audiences alike to CHICAGO’s Artscape

run. CHICAGO is one of those shows that fully embodies all that makes Broadway

and the West End great. It’s a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one

foot-tapping song after another, plus the sexiest, most sensational dancing and a

sophisticated set that incorporates the live orchestra. This devilishly delicious show

has brought cheering audiences to their feet. Details: www.ticketmaster.co.za.


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Book club

New on the shelves ... books to enjoy with a glass of wine on the side!

Dinner plans were cancelled (and it was promising to be a great dinner). Steve

Cavanagh’s Two Kinds of Stranger is an edge-of-your-seat read, and there was

no chance of putting it down for a dinner date. The story of a woman who has

it all ... dreamy husband, perfect apartment, the ultimate job. She’s an internet

celeb, known for her random acts of kindness. #RAK. But when she’s betrayed, live

on social media, millions of people are watching. She’s already lost everything

... then an apparently chance encounter with a stranger and one of her #RAK

plunges her into a nightmare. Featuring Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn, it’s a nail-biting

thriller. Headline • In Last Chance, Stephen Leather has Spider Shepherd infiltrate

a group of professional killers, known as The Office, who’re carrying out hits for

the Iranian government across the European continent. The targets are wealthy

and privileged, and after a slew of murders in London, MI5 has had enough. The

Office must be destroyed. And obvs Spider - the secret services’ most dangerous

weapon - is the man to do it. Hodder & Stoughton

Compiled by: KYM ARGO

Syrah is one of the most compatible wines to enjoy with food and one of the

most generous wines to enjoy with friends. Launching this month, the 2022 La

Motte Syrah was matured in 300-litre French oak barrels for 15 months ... the

violet red-hued wine has aromas of ripe mulberries, black olive and a subtle hint

of aniseed, while the palate has a fresh and juicy profile with a smooth, mellow

texture, brimming with vibrant cherry fruit. The medium-bodied wine character is

wonderful with rich, flavourful dishes, grilled foods (including grilled vegetables),

game dishes (particularly those incorporating stewed fruit and sweet aromatic

spice components), peppercorn-crusted steaks and barbecued meat in a sticky,

sweet marinade. The wine’s abundant fruit also latches on to the sweetness in

jelly, chutneys and berry sauces. Details: la-motte.com


GIS1010_006_1610927783.indd 6 2025/09/18 10:33:58

Adore Shari Lapena’s books. In She

Didn’t See It Coming, Bryden and

Sam have it all. Thriving careers. A

smart apartment in a luxury condo.

A cherished daughter. The perfect

life for the perfect couple. Until Sam

receives a call at his office. Bryden –

working from home that day - has

failed to collect their daughter from

daycare. After collecting her, he

races home, where he finds Bryden’s

car in the underground garage, her

laptop open on the table in the

apartment, her cell phone nearby, her

keys in their usual place in the hall.

Everything’s normal ... except Bryden

is nowhere to be seen. It’s as if she just

walked out. But how can she have

disappeared from her own home?

And did she even leave the building

at all? Twists and thrills from start to

finish. Penguin Random House

Also ...

Let The Bad Times Roll by

Alice Slater. When her brother

goes missing, his worried sister

Caroline hosts a dinner, hoping

to gain some insight from

those who knew him best.

There’s just one stranger at the

table, a psychic who claims

to have met the missing man

some time before. Before the

dinner’s over, doubt blooms,

tempers fray and secrets spill.

Hodder & Stoughton • Never

Flinch by Stephen King.

The police receive a letter

from someone threatening

to ‘kill 13 innocents and 1

guilty’. A women’s rights

activist’s events are being

disrupted. Two unrelated

events converge in a chilling

and spectacular conclusion.

Hodder & Stoughton

For these and more brilliant reads,

visit exclusivebooks.co.za

Starting at the end, and ending at the

beginning, Kill Your Darlings is the

story of Wendy and Thom Graves. He’s

become a bit of a disappointment

to her - what with his drinking,

flirting, and knowing too many of the

couple’s deadly secrets. So Wendy

thinks it best she get rid of him. That

way she’ll also bury the secrets that

bind them. Peter Swanson’s mystery

will have you speed reading ... anxious

to find out what the secrets are that

make Wendy so desperate to kill

Thom off. Faber

The Woman in Ward 9 is Laura. One who has no idea why she’s lost her

memory, or why she was found covered in someone else’s blood. And Emma

is a psychologist - the only person Laura will talk to. Emma has six days to help

unlock Laura’s memories - and to find out what she’s hiding! Headline • Nightmare

stuff. A bus driver and ten pupils - ranging from first to sixth grade - are hijacked

and kidnapped, then put into a shipping container buried underground. Not

a great day for driver, Jessa, who’s trying to stay under the radar since she

lied on her job application about her past, or for 12-year-old Sage, exhausted

after looking out for her younger sister all afternoon. The kidnappers promise

everyone will be let out once a ransom has been paid. But it’s dark. It’s cramped.

And it’s getting more and more difficult to breathe. Such Quiet Girls by Noelle W

Ihli ... a massively suspenseful read. Pan Books


GIS1010_006_1610927783.indd 7 2025/09/18 10:34:13

Wish list

Celebrate Garden Day ... and all

things blooming!

Floral tablecloth, R379, and porcelain

cup, R149, from H&M at superbalist.com

Compiled by: KYM ARGO

At our garden party we’ll be enjoying

the De Krans Premium Moscato Perlé

range. With delicious fruit flavours of

muscat, litchi, apricots and hints of

honey and exotic spice, as well the

slight fizz and balanced acidity, the De

Krans Premium White Moscato Perlé

is the perfect light white. The De Krans

Premium Red Moscato Perlé has 15

per cent Pinotage added to give it the

red shade, and changes the fruit profile

considerably to flavours of berries,

litchi, soft prunes and muscat, with

strawberries, blackcurrants and exotic

spice on the palate. And the De Krans

Premium Rosé Moscato Perlé dazzles

with a beautiful, pink blush colour – a

result of a touch of Pinotage added

to the Muscadel and Hanepoot. This

natural sweet wine is packed with fresh

tropical fruit, strawberry and candy floss

flavours, with exotic spice and muscat

aromas and a balanced, fresh acidity.

With the fresh new labels launched last

year, this trio is a delightful choice for

your garden party, date night, brunch

with the girls. So well-priced - R89 from

dekrans.co.za - and you’ll also find

them at your local wine stockist. And if

you fancy winning a case, pop over to

@getitnationalmagazines on Facebook

or Instagram, find the post and follow

the prompts.


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This sheer floral applique dress stunner comes

with a nude slip dress ... it’s the perfect dress

for a Summer wedding, a sundowner

cocktail event, a garden party. Glorious!

R1449.50 from meandb.shop

October 12 is Garden Day ... the annual movement

for green fingered folk to take a break from the

planting, watering and weeding and instead

celebrate the fruits of their labour with family and

friends. Whether you have a rolling lawn, volunteer

at a community garden or have a few plant boxes

on your balcony, everyone is invited to participate

... throw a lavish lunch, have a picnic on the lawn,

hide in a green corner with a great book. For

fabulous ideas, step-by-step guides for creating

a flower crown, invite templates visit gardenday.

co.za. And share your Garden Day photos on social

media, using #GardenDaySA or send them via

WhatsApp to 074 288 1487.


GIS1010_008_1589049963.indd 9 2025/09/18 10:35:30

Anne-Mari Bezuidenhout

and Helene Hatlingh

Lizz Meiring

Bets Ellis, Elize Muller and

Marlene van der Nest

Community shows

unity at Tea of Hope

The

hosted by Stepping Stone Palliative Care

Services, was a heart-warming success, bringing together members of the

community in support of Stepping Stone Hospice. Guests were treated

to world-class entertainment by actress Lizz Meiring. Her performance,

filled with stories, poems, and sketches, took the audience on a journey

through the evolution of the Afrikaans language. The talented Harmonia

Girls Choir added to the magic of the afternoon with their angelic voices

and beautiful harmonies. Above all, the Tea of Hope served as a powerful

reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together.

Cathy Nel, Mogie Govender

and Zaytoon Naewa

Anne- Marie van Wyk and

Lynette Scheepers

Harmonia Girls Choir and Tersia Burger


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Lee-anne Jonsson and

Priscilla Mostere

Joma Rheeders, Charmaine Strydom,

Sonnet van Rooyen and Desiree de Vaal

Ida Strydom and Abri Venter

Tessa Aurthur, Kelly Brummer and

Déirdre van Eeden

Guests at the Tea of Hope

fundraiser came together

to support Stepping

Stone Hospice

Mandie van Niekerk, Mimi

Engelbrecht and Rita Beukes

Elsabé van Aswegen, Elsa

and El-Marie Meyer

The Social Upliftment Projects team

Helena van Jaarsveld, Sonja van

Aswegen and Helen Schoeman


GIS1010_010_1589656024.indd 11 2025/09/18 10:37:11

Rally Schachat

and Glenn

Elaine and Daniel

Govender

JR and Precious

Hlatshwayo

Caley and Tenuja

R&B stars dazzle

local audiences

It is not every day that you get to rub shoulders with a famous artist,

and guests jumped at the chance to meet Glenn Jones, an American

R&B superstar. Emperors Palace hosted legendary American R&B singers

Glenn Jones and Kenny Lattimore at the resort and casino’s 5-Star D’oreale

Grande Hotel. Guests were invited to an exclusive meet-and-greet cocktail

party with Jones at Molecule Cocktail Lounge Bar. Jones is best known for

hits like Show Me, I’ve Only Just Begun, I’ve Been Searching, and Here I Go

Again, which reached the top spot on the Billboard R&B charts in 1991/92.

Jones stayed at the Palace of Dreams before joining fellow US R&B star

Kenny Lattimore in a concert in the North West Province.

Tshepo Majatlaldi

and Boity

Kiruben and Shalin Sethurayer

Sipho and

Nokwanda Gogoga

Jewel, Tebogo, Fihliwe and Connie

Dinkey Nkhumishe, Glenn Jones

and Justice Nkhumishe


GIS1010_012_1589419990.indd 12 2025/09/18 10:58:52

Rorisan, Siya and

Lindile Ndube Lerato and Mavusa Bongani and Glenn Jones

Woogan Naidoo

and Glenn Jones

Morak Lekalakala

and Boity

Tshepi and Mavuso

Frans Sithole and Boity

Fihliwe and Glenn Jones

Mandla Streetbaus, Rorisang, Lerato

Sengadi and Don Design

Ntsako Mugimeti and Sindy

Ndlangamadla


GIS1010_012_1589419990.indd 13 2025/09/18 10:59:09

Fearless

&unforgettable

Meet the Joburg-born multi-hyphenate shaking up the global creative scene.


In a world that often rewards playing

it safe, true growth lies in the courage

to take bold risks. It’s in those

moments of uncertainty when we

step beyond comfort zones that real

transformation begins.

Giovanna Barbosa is one such trailblazer,

a creative force who proves

that the risk of being unapologetically

yourself is always worth it.

From the quiet suburb of Meyersdal

in Johannesburg South, to the high

fashion sets of Paris and the creative

studios of London, Giovanna

is redefining what it means to be a

modern creative. At just 23, the South

African-born model, creative director

and former professional footballer is

proving that with vision and fearlessness,

there are no limits.

Kicking off a dream

Giovanna’s journey began on a soccer

field. ‘I started playing when I was

just two years old,’ she shares. ‘Soccer

taught me how to be competitive

and achieve my goals.’

Raised in a close-knit household

with her parents and older brother,

Giovanna’s childhood was filled with

love, but it was also clear early on that

she was determined to make her own

mark.

By the time she reached high school,

Giovanna had already hit her stride

as a footballer. ‘I was very talented in

the sport and I saw a future for myself,’

she says. That vision took her across

the world when she moved to the UK

after matric to study law on a scholarship.

But the journey wasn’t easy. ‘My

parents still had to cover part of my

fees and we went through a financial

challenge,’ she shares honestly.

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It was her relentless drive shaped by years on the pitch that helped her find

a way forward. She earned another scholarship, this time in Ireland and completed

her LLB degree. While others may have been discouraged, Giovanna’s

ambition only grew. ‘Since I was a little girl, I always wanted more for myself,’ she

says with confidence.

From the courtroom to the runway

In early 2025, Giovanna entered the world of fashion. Within months of starting

her modelling career, she was already turning heads, not just for her looks but

for her message. For Giovanna, modelling wasn’t about fitting into a mould, it

was about breaking it.

‘Being a footballer made me a driven person. That drive translated into becoming

a model and a creative director,’ she says. But more than just aesthetic work,

her campaigns carry depth and purpose. ‘Becoming a creative director was

about having a voice and using it to speak for others too. You have to take risks,

otherwise you’ll miss opportunities that could change your life.’

It’s this sense of courage and intention that sets Giovanna apart. Sometimes,

she says, people misunderstand what she does. ‘They focus on my body or appearance,

but forget the message behind my work. Like everything in life, you

need to look deeper, beyond the surface.’

One campaign that’s especially close to her heart is Miss Unforgettable, which

was both planned and shot in Paris and

Never apologise

for who you are.

Just be you because

there is no one else

like you

Johannesburg. The fashion-meets-music

visual was a personal project, created

to help her reconnect with herself.

‘For about four years, I lost who I was.

The campaign was a message to myself

- a reminder to never forget my identity,’

she highlights.

Rooted in South Africa

Despite building her career in Europe,

Giovanna’s South African identity is

something she carries with pride. ‘Being

South African means everything to me.

We have so much talent here. People

used to call me ‘European-branded,’ but

I want the world to know I’m South African.’

Her Portuguese heritage also plays a role in her identity, but it’s her South African

roots that keep her grounded. ‘We can do everything America and Europe

can do,’ she says boldly.

When it comes to inspiration, Giovanna names Zendaya and Tate McRae- two

artists known for their versatility as major influences. ‘Zendaya went from Disney

to music to acting and I really resonate with that diversity,’ she explains. But

perhaps her biggest role model is closer to home, her mother. ‘She is the most

hard-working person I know. She believes 100% in what she does and inspires

me every day.’

Other influential figures in her life include her late grandmother’s best friend,

Aunty Dulce, who encouraged her to dream big.

A rising global presence

Giovanna’s creative vision is deeply emotional. ‘My first step is always how I

want people to feel. I don’t start with a Pinterest board, I start with emotion,’ she

shares. This unique approach has led to standout work like Femme Fatale and

Change: The Art of Power, both of which explore deeper themes of identity and

femininity.

Miss Unforgettable, shot in Paris, marked a turning point. It’s the third chapter

in her cinematic trilogy, a bold visual exploration of self, passion and memory.

The campaign challenges traditional beauty standards, blending dance, fashion

and emotion into one striking piece. ‘It’s about being impossible to forget. She’s

who I am, without apology.’

Her growing international presence has earned her features in top publications

like Seline, Mirror Magazine, Fashion

France, and Elite Luxury Magazine,

which praised her as ‘a total reinvention

of the fashion narrative.’ This year,

she was nominated for the UK Influencer

Rising Star Award and signed

with E1 Models, solidifying her place

as one of the most exciting emerging

talents in fashion.

The next creative frontier and a

legacy of fearlessness

Giovanna isn’t stopping there. Her

next chapter is music. ‘Since the age

of six I’ve played piano and guitar. Between

my studies and football, music

was always my escape,’ she says. Her

team recognised her talent and saw

the build-up from sport, to modelling,

to dance and now, the natural

progression into music. She hopes to

one day perform at the O2 Arena in

London.

When asked about the legacy she

wants to leave, Giovanna answers

without hesitation: ‘I want people to

remember me for being fearless, for

giving people a voice. I want to be

known for creating worlds that felt

like truth.’

In an industry that often moves too

fast, Giovanna stays grounded by

staying true to herself. ‘It’s hard work,

but I stay focused by only taking on

projects that resonate with me.’

As a proud daughter of Joburg South,

Giovanna Barbosa’s story is not just

about chasing dreams, it’s about

showing others how to make theirs a

reality too.

‘Never apologise for who you are. Just

be you because there is no one else

like you,’ she shares.

Off the cuff:

• What’s a risk you’re glad you

took?

Leaving South Africa because

if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t be where I

am now.

• What’s one outfit that makes

you feel unstoppable?

A white suit.

• What’s a piece of advice you’ll

never forget?

Take the risk or lose the chance.

Text: Desnay Peterson. Photo: Daniella De Gouveia. Styling and wardrobe: Mercedes De Gouveia. Hair: Legends Hairdresser. Make-up: Bee Beautiful Salon.


GIS1010_014_1597510553.indd 15 2025/09/18 11:00:15

The naked truth of an

emotional war

It takes eight co-ordinated

steps to complete a

synchronised line dancing

square, 12 women to

become calendar girls and

a shared interest to raise

money for charity. We catch

up with Louise Agliotti, one

of the volunteers involved

in creating a tasteful and

discreet nude calendar as a

fundraiser.

Whether it was the boot-scooting

beats or the merriment of the approaching

festive season, members

of the Dancing Boots line dancing

club in Boksburg surrendered their

Stetsons and tasseled vests to create

a risqué calendar in aid of East Rand

Palliative Care (ERPC), formerly known

as Hospice East Rand.

With ERPC personal care volunteers

in their midst, the dancing damsels

soon learned about the practical challenges

these individuals, who offer

bathing services to those registered

for palliative care, often face.

Having danced together since 2021

and grown close as friends, the group

decided to create a tasteful and

discreet nude calendar as a way to

support the ERPC volunteers.

A life shattered to pieces

In 2013, one of the line dancers,

Louise Agliotti’s life was irrevocably

changed when sudden weight loss

led to a cancer diagnosis.

‘It would never happen to me,’ was

Louise’s mantra whenever the topic

of cancer or any life-threatening diagnosis

came up in conversation.

More than a decade after undergoing

a double mastectomy, 13 rounds

of chemotherapy and divorce, the


GIS1010_016_1589359370.indd 16 2025/09/18 11:01:09

blonde of Bonaero Park conquered

the self-confidence devouring demons

by baring it all in a risqué yet

tasteful calendar, geared at raising

funds for ERPC.

Taking a leisurely sip of her coffee,

Louise lets out a weighted sigh,

recounting how life as she knew it,

shattered to pieces.

‘I had just turned 50, I was at the

height of my career, my three children

were all grown and it felt like I

had the world at my feet. I was losing

weight without diet and felt on top of

the world,’ she said.

‘The weight kept tumbling off those

nagging areas and I was in my

element. How many middle-aged

women can say that?’

But as her waist continued to shrink,

Louise made a startling discovery.

‘In February 2012, I noticed a lump of

4.5cm in my breast. I had undergone

regular mammograms, but neglected

self-examinations. The results have

always been clear, so I was going to

let sleeping dogs lay. The cancer was

aggressive, hormone fed and had

already spread to 13 lymph nodes.’

Going through the motions

With the support of her family, Louise

approached the disease meticulously

and with diligence, an inherent characteristic

of the former legal secretary.

However, little adjustments to her

new found normal, slowly chiselled

away are her vivacious personality.

‘Was my femininity attached to the

size and perk of my breasts? Absolutely!

No one ever tells you about

the grieving process you go through

following a mastectomy.

‘I fought tooth and nail to survive the

dreaded ‘C-word’ but the scars on my

chest were constant reminders of

what I had lost in the battle.’

For 12 years, Louise shrunk into the

background merely going through

the motions of life, deflecting attention.

‘In 2024, I forced myself to take up

aqua aerobics as means of investing

in my health,’ she said with a smirk on

her face as he recounts the elaborate

use of towels in the dressing room.

‘Without knotting myself up too

much, I would discretely change,

insanely conscious of not expose a

single scar.’

Looking around the room, Louise

noticed how her peers were locked in

Your body should be celebrated

and bear testament to the battles

you have faced

conversation, changing without hesitation as syllables tumbled from their lips.

‘I was in awe of these ladies, they stood valiantly, comfortable in their skins,

yet I was shying away twisting and shimmying in shame. I envied them all and

yearned for a sprinkling of ease.’

The rhythm of a new found purpose

As a devout ballerina in her youth, Louise took another bold step to reclaim

who she is and became a member of Boksburg’s Dancing Boots line dancing

club.

‘As my feet fell into sync with the other members’, completing block after block,

I felt my chin rising, my shoulders pulling back, and the rhythm course through

my body.’

During the merriment of their year-end function in December last year, instructor

Debbie Botha pitched an idea that would see willing members ditch their

Stetsons and tasseled vests to create a tasteful, semi-nude 2025 calendar in aid

of charity.

‘With a heightened sense of self-esteem, I put my hand up and subsequently

became Mrs February,’ she said, letting out an infectious laugh.

Clad in angel wings, worn ballet shoes, and pink boxing gloves, Louise unapologetically

disrobed, revealing the scars she had masked for so long.

‘The entire experience was freeing. I had been living in shame, but for the first

time, in the company of trusted friends, I embraced my perfectly imperfect

body,’ she said, emotion welling in her hazel eyes.

Love and support carries you

‘Your body should be celebrated and bear testament to the battles you have

faced. Our line dancing group carried me as I was rebuilding my life, but being

part of the calendar was the greatest celebration of an emotional war I have

overcome.

‘The lack of supple bosoms is not a sign of a body that failed; rather, it is a hardearned

stripe worn by a woman who not only fought for her life, but chose to

live.

‘My journey is not isolated, and women across the country are diagnosed with

breast cancer on a daily basis. As terrifying as it is, it is important to be present

throughout the treatment process. Approaching it with an ostrich mentality

will not make it go away.’

Louise continued, saying that the support of loved ones and the companionship

of friends are invaluable.

‘Take the time to mourn your boobies while embracing your femininity without

them,’ she said.

‘Most importantly, do not neglect self-examinations and yearly check-ups. You

owe it to yourself to actively take responsibility for your health.’

Calendar with purpose

Sales of the calendar raised R5 500. Funds were used to create handy care kits

for the four teams of ERPC personal care volunteers. The kits include inflatable

basins for ease when washing the hair of patients who are confined to their

beds, as well as implements that will assist in comfortably moving them.

Isabella Pretorius, ERPC volunteer co-ordinator, said the well-thought-out kits

will greatly assist volunteers in offering dignified and gentle care, in the comfort

of their patients’ homes.

Text: JANI DE BEER. Photo: JACQUI FERNANDEZ - CAPTIVANTE’ PHOTOGRAPHY


GIS1010_016_1589359370.indd 17 2025/09/18 11:01:22

Collagen o’clock

Collagen banking - saving youth for later use

If you have ever wished you could ‘pause’

your skin’s ageing clock, collagen banking

might be the closest thing you’ll find to

an aesthetic time machine. Think of it

as saving for your skin’s future, building

and preserving your collagen reserves

now so that your complexion remains

firm, smooth, and luminous – combating

natural decline.

‘Collagen banking’ is the latest buzz term

that focuses less on chasing a quick fix

and more on building your skin’s longterm

health and, with it, developing

forward-thinking, positive skin behavioural

traits. It’s a proactive prevention and skin

protection, and the dividends can’t be

ignored. For those juggling everyday

aggressors that accelerate collagen loss

like high UV exposure, stress, lifestyle

choices, and environmental aggressors,

the thinking behind this concept is simple

– the earlier you start, the better the

payoff.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND COLLAGEN

BANKING

Collagen is the protein made by

fibroblasts that gives skin its structure

and bounce. In our twenties, collagen

production starts slowing down by about

1% per year, a rate that accelerates in our

thirties and forties. By the time we notice

fine lines, sagging, or dullness, a significant

portion of our collagen stores are already

depleted.

“Collagen banking means taking a

proactive approach, stimulating the

production of the protein before it declines

early. The more collagen you produce and

preserve now, the better your skin will look

later,” explains Dr Alek Nikolic, renowned

aesthetic medicine specialist and founder

of the Dr Alek Nikolic practice.

“There are nearly 30 different types of

collagens in our skin, but the two types

we should be focusing on are type I and

III, as these two types spearhead tissue

regeneration and are responsible for the

skin looking tighter,” he says.

These are some of the most effective options for collagen banking

1. MICRONEEDLING

Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling uses ultra-fine

needles, which includes Dermapen, to create tiny micro-injuries in the

skin. This triggers your body’s wound-healing response, flooding the

area with growth factors that help produce fresh collagen and elastin.

Over time, this leads to improved texture, reduced fine lines, and a more

youthful glow.

• Best for: Early signs of ageing, uneven skin tone, and acne scars.

• Frequency: Every 4 - 6 weeks for best results.

2. LED LIGHT THERAPY

LED light therapy uses different wavelengths of light to stimulate

cellular repair. Red light penetrates deep into the skin to boost collagen

production and reduce inflammation, all without pain or downtime.

• Best for: Sensitive skin, post-treatment recovery, and ongoing

collagen maintenance.

• How often: Weekly sessions or as a post-treatment booster.

3. CHEMICAL PEELS

Chemical peels remove the outermost layers of dead skin cells, revealing a

smoother, more even complexion beneath. This controlled exfoliation also

signals the skin to produce new collagen, especially when done regularly.

• Best for: Pigmentation, sun damage, dullness, and textural concerns.

• How often: Every 4 - 8 weeks, depending on peel strength.

4. PRP THERAPY

Popularly referred to as the ‘vampire facial’, this uses your own plasma,

which is rich in growth factors, to speed up regeneration. This is then

reintroduced into the skin via microneedling or injection, accelerating

collagen production and skin regeneration.

• Best for: Significant collagen boost, post-acne scarring, and early sagging.

• How often: 2 - 3 sessions a year.

5. BIOSTIMULATOR FILLERS

Injectables like Sculptra, Profhilo, Skinvive, gradually stimulate collagen

formation over months due to the time needed for the body to stimulate

collagen production. This injectable renews the skin by improving the

appearance of wrinkles for up to 25 months after the last treatment.

• Best for: Gradual, reliable volume and firmness boost

• How often: 2-3 sessions a year for maintenance.

When to start

The best time to start collagen banking is before deep wrinkles and sagging

set in, ideally in your mid-to-late twenties or early thirties. But it’s never too

late to begin; even mature skin can benefit from treatments that encourage

collagen renewal.

Collagen banking isn’t about looking ten years younger overnight; it’s about

building a strong and healthy foundation so your skin looks healthy, resilient,

and radiant for the next decade and beyond.

Details: www.dralek.co.za


GIS1010_018_1589914717.indd 18 2025/09/18 11:02:25

QMS Precision Care

Collagen3D Cream

restores skin density,

counteracts skin aging and

intensively strengthens

mature skin in multidimensional

skin layers,

R5500. • QMS Precision

Care Collagen3D Gel

Line Corrector fills deep

wrinkles and visibly smooths

expression lines. R3500.

Both available through

qmsmedicosmetics.co.za

With anti-ageing power, boosted

by double collagen and an AHA

complex + organic blackcurrant

buds, Sothys Noctuelle Renovative

Night Cream renews your skin’s

youth. R1475 from skinmiles.com

Say hello to glowing skin, longer

hair, stronger nails and a happier gut.

Motherkind Paris Glow From Within

Collagen. R560 from motherkindco.co.za

Sh’Zen Natural Pharmacy

Collagen + Vegicaps are a

source of essential amino acids

and antioxidants, with the added

bonus of vitamins and minerals.

It improves skin health, protects

against free radical damage and

supports the formation and

maintenance of collagen.

R399 from shzen.co.za

Strive for a firm and lifted look. Diego dalla

Palma Professional FilLift Remodelling Lifting

Effect Cream. R1985 from cosmetology.co.za

Institut Esthederm Intensive Pro-Collagen +

Serum replenishes the skin’s natural collagen

resources and enhancing overall firmness and

elasticity. Apply in the morning and evening

to clean, dry skin on the face and neck.

R1100 online at Skinmiles, Ederma, Lasermed,

SkinSmart or Cosmetology.

October 2025 Get It Joburg South • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein

19

GIS1010_018_1589914717.indd 19 2025/09/18 11:02:44

No dream is too big


GIS1010_020_1588979882.indd 20 2025/09/18 11:03:43

She is a true hometown girl, with childhood memories of

playing outside and making food items from mud, sticks

and leaves. Yet, she found herself in the world of beauty

before she realised her dream and calling was not in a

salon but in the kitchen.

Like many others, Sonja Koekemoer did not find her happy place in her first career

choice. It took a little bit of trial and error, but once she landed the golden opportunity

to study as a chef, she grabbed it with both hands, and there was no end to

her ambitions and dreams.

‘When I matriculated, there wasn’t the exposure to the food and hospitality industry

as there is now. There wasn’t Master Chef, Chopped or Hell’s Kitchen. Honestly, I

didn’t even know you could make a career from cooking. After school, I completed

a three-year diploma in somatology and only after I began working is when I found

out about culinary schools.’

An advertisement about a hotel school ignited the fire in her, but there was one

problem - finances.

Then Lady Luck shone a bright light on her, and she stumbled upon an advert

and won a bursary to study at Capsicum Culinary Studio in 2009, and there was no

turning back. Sonja had found her happy place.

‘I always find myself busy in the kitchen with food or baking. There is no better

feeling than the satisfaction and often relief when people enjoy your food. Cooking

and baking is so intense and it often feels like you, yourself are on that plate of food

and you as a person are being judged and criticised but once people are happy

then you are happy.’

Master of your craft and time

When asked about challenges and how she overcame these, she said: ‘The kitchen

is a very male-dominated working environment and being a woman in this industry

is not easy. You need to be firm and a true master of your craft to be taken

seriously. The hospitality industry has incredibly long hours and shifts, and we often

miss out on celebrations, birthdays or school events for our kids and family. One

needs to find ways to keep a work-life balance and prevent burnout.’

Being a happily married mum to a seven-year-old boy, she understands that quality

time is an absolute must in her home.

‘My son is the apple of my eye. In our family, we prefer to take part in adventures

or experiences rather than spend money on birthday parties or fancy restaurant

dinners. For example, last year, we took the Gautrain to Sandton, this year we went

ten-pin bowling and next year, we want to do the Harties cable car. Places where

we hang out a family simply have to be child-friendly.’

Drive and ambition

It would seem that there is no time to be wasted in Sonja’s life. If not cooking up a

storm in the kitchen, she is busy with her dessert-inspired bath product range.

‘I package and sell honey and my own unique salad dressing, and I run a support

group called ‘I’m still standing’, creating awareness about mental health concerns

affecting individuals in the hospitality industry.’

She is currently a UNISA student completing her Bachelor’s in Education degree for

the senior and FET phase, with her subjects being hospitality studies and business

studies.

As if that is not enough, her dreams reach even further. ‘My dream is to publish my

own cookbook about how cooking and baking helped me deal with and overcome

depression. Oh, and I would also like to open my own cooking and training

centre, where I can focus on empowering people to generate an income.’

One thing is clear. She is not only driven to fulfil her purpose, but also determined

to help others discover theirs.

‘I am driven by the will to empower others, to inspire young chefs, especially

women, to pursue their dreams. You just have to realise that when you believe in

yourself, no challenge is too tough, no dream too big.’

We’ve asked Sonja to share one of her favourite recipes:

CARROT CAKE WITH COTTAGE

CHEESE FROSTING

You’ll need for the cake:

250g grated carrots, 3 eggs, 200g

brown sugar, 250ml sunflower oil, 240g

self-raising flour, 5ml ground cinnamon,

5ml nutmeg, 100g chopped pecan

nuts, 5ml mixed candied citrus peel

You’ll need for the icing:

500ml icing sugar sifted, 125g smooth

low-fat cottage cheese (plain)

To make:

Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a

suitable baking tin, a loaf tin works well

or line a cupcake tin with 12 cupcake

papers.

In a mixing bowl, beat together the

eggs, oil and sugar until light in colour,

about 2 minutes.

In a separate bowl, sift together the

self-raising flour, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Add the dry ingredients to the egg

mixture and mix well. Lastly, fold in the

carrots, pecan nuts and citrus peel. Mix

well until just combined.

Spoon into the prepared tins, filling no

more than 2/3 of the way.

Bake until golden brown and test that

a cake skewer comes out clean. Large

loaves bake around 45 minutes and

cupcakes around 15 minutes.

Cool on a cooling rack.

Prepare the icing by mixing the cottage

cheese and icing sugar. Spread or pipe

onto cooled cake.

Decorate with dried cranberries, pecan

nuts, small lemon slices or even fresh

herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Text: CARINA VAN DER WALT. Photo: TALANA VAN TONDER. Make-up: MOOISTE MEISIE SPRINGS. Hair: SILVER SCISSORS


GIS1010_020_1588979882.indd 21 2025/09/18 11:03:58

YUM

Delicious. And

healthy. A win

win for lunch

this Summer,

with a trio of

easy-to-prepare

dishes from

Rediscover

Dairy. Tuck in!

Recipes: Rediscover Dairy • rediscoverdairy.co.za

POTATO FRITTERS WITH SMOKED SALMON, WHIPPED FETA CREAM CHEESE, FRIED EGG & PICKLED RED ONIONS

This scrumptious dish is so healthy. The whipped feta cream

cheese spread is high in protein, and the salmon helps you

achieve your omega-3 fatty acid needs.

You’ll need: 3 medium-sized potatoes, 1 small onion finely

chopped, 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1 large clove garlic

minced, 2 whole eggs, 1/4 cup plain flour, 1/2 Tbsp baking

powder, 1 Tbsp fine sea salt, freshly ground pepper, 3 Tbsp

vegetable oil

For the whipped feta cream cheese: 125 g cream cheese at

room temperature, 100 g soft feta, finely grated zest of 1

lemon, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp finely chopped dill

Toppings: 120 g smoked salmon, dill sprigs to garnish, red

pickled onion slices, and a fried or poached egg.

To make: Place the cream cheese, feta, lemon zest, lemon

juice and dill in a small food processor and blitz until

smooth. Pop into a bowl, cover with cling wrap, and then

into the refrigerator.

Preheat the oven to 80ºC. Using the coarse side of a cheese

grater, grate potatoes into a colander over a large bowl. Peel

and finely slice the onion, then add it to the potatoes. Add 1

teaspoon of salt and mix well. Let this sit for 10 minutes for

excess moisture to come out, then rinse well with running

water before transferring the mixture to a tea towel, then

squeeze out as much liquid as you can.

Place the potato and onions into a clean, dry mixing bowl.

Add the cheese, garlic, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt and

pepper. Mix well.

Heat about half the oil in a medium-sized frying pan over

medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before you

begin to cook the fritters - drop a small amount of the

batter into the pan and wait for it to sizzle before you start

to fry them up. Pack three to four tablespoons of batter into

a potato cake, then pop it into the pan, gently pressing it

down to flatten it slightly. Cook for about four minutes until

golden brown, then flip and cook on the other side. You

can cook a few at a time, depending on the size of your

frying pan.

Once done, place the cooked fritters on an ovenproof plate

on a piece of kitchen paper (to soak up any excess oil) and

pop them into the warm oven while you make the rest.

To serve, stack a few fritters on top of one another, add a big

dollop of lemon feta cream cheese, then garnish with dill

and a generous helping of pickled red onion. Add a healthy

helping of fresh smoked salmon to the side. For that extra hit

of protein and goodness, top with a fried or poached egg.

Tip: This whipped lemon feta cream cheese can be used as a

delicious high-protein dip or a spread, and when combined

with yoghurt, it makes a great salad dressing. Nutritional tip:

Cooking the potato and allowing it to cool down before use

will improve the GI load of the potato fritters. Serving the

potato fritters and whipped cream cheese with salmon or

any other lean protein, e.g. chicken breast pieces, lean or fine

biltong, or chopped nuts, will increase the protein content of

the meal, keeping you fuller for longer.


GIS1010_022_1589201385.indd 22 2025/09/18 11:04:59

Cottage cheese waffles

A wonderful lunch dish created by Sam

Linsell for Rediscover Dairy.

You’ll need: 1 cup low-fat cottage

cheese (you can use full- fat or fat-free

smooth cottage cheese too), 4 large

free-range eggs, 10 Tbsp oat flour, 4

Tbsp ground flaxseed/flaxseed flour, 4

Tbsp chopped chives (optional), ¼ tsp

salt, ¼ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp ground

black pepper, 80 g grated mozzarella or

Cheddar (optional) - approximately 10 g

per waffle

To serve: Cream cheese, sliced avo,

smoked salmon, fried eggs

To make: Place all the ingredients

except the cheese into a bowl and

whisk until well combined. Allow to sit

for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly

and for the moisture to be absorbed by

the oat flour.

Heat a non-stick waffle iron until ready

to cook. Lightly spray with cooking spray

or oil if necessary. If the iron is non-stick,

it shouldn’t require any oil.

If you’re using cheese, lightly sprinkle

a pinch of it on the base of the waffle

iron, and then scoop about ¼ cup worth

of batter onto the iron. The quantity

will vary depending on the size of your

waffle maker. Sprinkle another pinch of

cheese over the batter, close and cook

until golden brown on both sides.

Remove and top with a fried egg, cream

cheese, avo and salmon.

Avo halloumi ritz

A new twist on a classic.

You’ll need: 300 g peeled and pre-cooked prawns, 300 g halloumi

(more or less an average-sized block), 4 limes, 3 ripe avos, micro herbs,

paprika, a little butter for frying

For the sauce: 2 Tbsp tomato sauce, 2 tbsp sour cream, 2 Tbsp

mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp finely chopped chives, a squeeze of lime

To make: Heat some butter in a pan, and once hot, add your seasoned

prawns. Cook for a few minutes until browned. Squeeze the juice of a

lime onto the prawns and remove from the heat. Set aside to cool.

Thinly slice the halloumi. In a clean pan, add some butter, once hot

pop it in and fry it on both sides until nice and golden. Set aside.

In a bowl, combine the tomato sauce, sour cream, mayonnaise,

chives, and a small squeeze of lime. Give it a good mix and set aside

until ready to use.

Halve the avos, take the stone out and remove the skin. Thinly and

carefully slice them so that they form pretty fans.

On a wooden or marble board, fan out your avos, then arrange

the prawns and halloumi slices on top. Dollop the avo ritz mayo

on top, and garnish with micro herbs, a sprinkling of paprika and

lime wedges.


GIS1010_022_1589201385.indd 23 2025/09/18 11:05:12

Dinner is served

Sarah Graham’s blog, TV series

and previous books have put

her firmly in the ‘my favourite’

category when it comes to easy

but inspiring dishes. Her seventh

book, Simple Suppers - A Year

of Easy and Delicious Family

Dinners, will rapidly be your

new best friend in the kitchen.

With suggestions for every day of the week, through the

seasons, the dishes are perfect for family suppers - Summer

sausage traybake, easy fish traybake, or friends invited for a

casual dinner - Greek lamb meatballs with whipped feta and

flatbreads, salmon and potato bake. And for pud - her pear

and pecan Biscoff crumble takes the cake! Penguin

From easy

15 minute

family meals

to show-off

dinner party

dishes, these

five cookbooks

have you

covered ...

starter, main,

pud and eat!

Compiled by: Kym Argo

Celebrate with Paul Hollywood - of

the gorgeous blue eyes and host of

GBBO. Mini chocolate logs, strawberry

heart shaped scones, elderflower

cupcakes, panforte keep things

sweet, while for those who prefer

savoury, there are glorious recipes like

savoury Autumn roulade, hand-held

beef pies, garlic and onion focaccia.

You really should make Paul’s iconic

chocolate cake - which may be the

most famous cake in the world! - and

our must-have ... his ultimate rocky

road - crammed with honeycomb

and almonds, pistachios and apricots.

Baking is like a hug, he says. It’s a joy.

It’s a little bit indulgent. “I think we

should all be looking for an excuse

to celebrate as often as we can.” We

agree. Bloomsbury Publishing


GIS1010_024_1588974057.indd 24 2025/09/18 11:06:15

Lightly curried West Coast

black mussels. Durban bean

curry. Bunny chow. Oepsies.

Cape Malay bollas. Local flavour

on every page in Timeless

South African, Ilse van der

Merwe’s celebration of 101

iconic dishes. With lavish

images, there’s everything

from slap pap with butter

and sugar to soetpatats to

jaffles, from Cremora tart, to

chutney chicken (if you were

cooking in the 80s, you’ll

remember this chutney and

mayonnaise chicken dish).

Filled with memories as well as

recipes. Penguin

From the lemon curd to the

beets with walnut dukkah to

the eggplant and zucchini

soup, all 100 of the delish

recipes in 7-Ingredient

Mediterranean have just

that, a handful or less of

easy-to-find ingredients.

There’s a delish spicy

chocolate halvah we can’t

wait to make, a simple but

impressive cucumber, mint

and sumac salad, and lamb

kebabs that’ll work well as

the next braai. Cider Mill Press

Karl Tessendorf’s The Good

Stuff is just that ... a book with 80

kick-ass (as he describes them)

recipes for every occasion.

‘Stick-to-your-ribs food that

makes you weak at the knees,’

he boasts. And he’s not wrong.

Short rib gnocchi al forno.

Vindaloo sweet potato curry.

Braaied chicken, sausage and

leek pie. Tiramisu-ish brownies.

Even the salads are substantial

... there are two potato salads

we’ll make on repeat. The

South African-style French-dip

sarmies are a thing of beauty,

as are the Boxing Day gammon

braaibroodjies. Heaven! Penguin


GIS1010_024_1588974057.indd 25 2025/09/18 11:06:27

Text: ALICE COETZEE

We’re planting ... roses. Because after

all, October is rose month! Here is our

pick of three new deliciously fragrant

roses in shades of lavender, soft pink

and lilac. Lavender Lane is a lush

shrub rose with sumptuous blooms

that exude a sweet, captivating

perfume. The old-fashioned charm

of Fortune Teller combines huge,

quartered blooms with a strong

fragrance and Twice in a Blue Moon

is an updated version of the classic

Blue Moon’ with a perfume that is just

as strong as the original.

Quick tips:

• Plant your rose bush in well-dug,

generously composted soil that drains

well.

• Water deeply once a week, and more

often in the heat of Summer.

• Fertilise once a month with a rose

fertiliser in Spring and Summer.

• Cut off dead flowers to encourage

new buds.

Details: ludwigsroses.co.za

Patio plant of the month

Did you know that hibiscus is one of the most popular commercially grown

plants - along with roses, azaleas, carnations and orchids? Compact pot varieties

are perfect for patios and small gardens. These tropical summer beauties come

in a range of brilliant colours - the firm favourite being the sunny golden-yellow

bloomer with a deep red throat. Their glossy green leaves add to the lush effect,

and as patio plants they like plenty of sun with some afternoon shade. Hibiscus

needs regular watering in summer and monthly fertilising as they are hungry

plants. To keep plants neat and bushy, trim after flowering. Once they have done

duty on the patio or balcony they can be planted out in a sunny position in

fertile soil that drains well. Details: lvgplant.co.za


GIS1010_026_1589174486.indd 26 2025/09/18 11:07:23

SOW

SHADES

of

COLOUR

Brighten up your garden with

deliciously fragrant roses,

sweet and tangy tomatoes and

gorgeous hibiscus

Vegetable of the month

Don’t just think red when you think tomato. Heirloom Rainbow Mix from

RAW seeds includes purple, green, red, pink, yellow, black, orange and

white varieties of beefsteak tomatoes. All in one seed packet! The flavours

range from mild to sweet to tangy.

Sow a few seeds at a time in seed trays or directly into well dug-over and

composted soil. Space plants 60cm apart and keep soil moist during

germination, which takes seven to 14 days. Water regularly and control

whitefly and other pests with an environmentally friendly insecticide like

Ludwig’s Insect Spray Plus. Stake and support plants, especially those

with large fruit. Let fruit ripen on the plant for maximum flavour and

use as soon as possible after picking because the fruit bruises easily.

Details: rawliving.co.za

Garden tasks for October

• Add colour with Summer bedding

plants like dahlias, gazanias, marigolds,

salvia and for sunny beds and begonias,

impatiens, and coleus for partial shade.

• Annuals that grow quickly and easily

from seed are alyssum, cosmos, lavatera,

portulaca, California poppy, and

nasturtium. They all do best in full sun.

• It is also a good time to plant Summerflowering

perennials like coreopsis,

gaillardia, rudbeckia, gaura, pelargoniums,

penstemon, Echinacea, Shasta daisies and

perennial verbena.

• Water regularly and spread a layer of

mulch over beds to conserve water and

keep the roots cool.

• Mow lawns at least once a week, but if it

is very hot and dry, mow less frequently

and set blades higher.

• The following Summer vegetables can

be sown: carrots, beetroot, green beans,

butternut, baby marrows, cucumber,

eggfruit, radishes, Swiss chard, sweet

peppers and chilli peppers, tomatoes,

pumpkin, sweet corn and sweet melons.


GIS1010_026_1589174486.indd 27 2025/09/18 11:07:34

GET IT DIRECTORY

GDS21010_028_1610573668.indd 28 2025/09/18 11:15:42

Easy feasting

Celebrate Spring with this collection of new and exciting ready-made meals

from Frozen For You. Entertaining just got even more effortless!

Crumbed Olives Crispy golden olives with a creamy

gorgonzola centre – the perfect snack or canapé. Easily

enough for four. R165.

Caprese Arancini Golden risotto balls with tomato, basil, and

mozzarella, served with a rich pesto cream. Freezer. Air fryer or oven.

And onto the party platter. (And we’ve never met anyone who doesn’t

love these!) Enough for four, R190.

Lamb Moussaka A hearty

Greek classic layered with tender

lamb, aubergine and creamy

béchamel. Serves one, R215.

Chicken Supreme Succulent

chicken breast with a Mediterraneaninspired

filling, finished with pesto

cream. Serves one, R135

Korean Pulled Beef Tender,

flavour-packed beef with

Korean spices – served in one hearty,

ready-to-enjoy bowl. Serves one. R100.

Malva Milk tart A combo of two South African

favourites – the warm richness of malva pudding meets

the creamy delight of milk tart. Serves one or two (hint ...

we order one each, too delish to share!), R70.

Zesty Orange Cake A nostalgic teatime treat, moist

and full of citrus flavour. Lightly sweet, fresh, and beautifully

moreish. Serves eight to ten, R165

For easy, delicious Spring dishes, visit frozenforyou.co.za. Order

online for deliveries, or pop into your nearest store.


GIS1010_029_1623962053.indd 29 2025/09/18 11:25:50

Step back in time

Graaff-Reinet. Fossils from millions of years ago. The Valley of Desolation.

And the Drostdy Hotel. This historical town is worth exploring.

The fourth oldest town in South Africa

deserves more than a stopover on the drive

down to the Cape.

Established by the Dutch East India Company

in 1786, Graaff-Reinet was originally

established as a trading post, expanding

trading inland from the Cape. This Eastern

Cape Province town was the starting point

for Great Trek groups, and here you’ll find

more national monuments than in any other

town in the country. So there’s history. And

it’s everywhere. And it makes for a fascinating

- and massively enjoyable - destination.

Base yourselves at the grand, gorgeous

Drostdy Hotel, which was built in the early

1800s and turned into a hotel in 1878. A

century or so later, it was bought by Anton

Rupert (who grew up in the town) in

conjunction with Historical Homes of South

Africa. After Rupert’s death 20 years ago, it

was refurbished and donated by the Rupert

family to the SA College of Tourism.

Compiled by: Kym Argo


GIS1010_030_1589187861.indd 30 2025/09/18 11:10:26

The hotel is glorious ... with firm nods to the historical Cape Dutch

influence and traditional Karoo aesthetics. It’s all plush armchairs and

sofas and acres of botanical and bird prints, walls of antelope skulls and

antique writing tables, and carefully curated ornaments. The gardens are

magnificent, landscaped to perfection, with sculptures in the grounds, and

many rooms - once old workers’ cottages - grouped around central, private

pools, with loungers to relax in and quiet little nooks to hide with a book

and a bottle of wine.

Talking wine, there’s an elegant cellar, The Vinoteque, lined with bottle after

bottle of exceptional wine ... this is Rupert country, after all! A lovely option

is a private wine tasting with the resident sommelier ... a tasting of four or

five wines takes about an hour; the charcuterie board served with this gives

added appeal.

Graaff-Reinet appears to have a good restaurant on

every corner, but we wouldn’t bother leaving the hotel.

Breakfasts (don’t hesitate to order the eggs Bennie with

salmon on a potato rosti), lunches (if you finish the

Wagyu beef burger, you’re a hungry bugger) and dinners

(the lamb curry and pearl barley risotto vie for top spot,

while the three-course set menu is fine, fine dining) are

served in De Camdeboo - a proper old-school restaurant

- or out on the pretty verandah if the weather plays nice.

If you’re feeling sociable and festive, there’s a cozy bar (if

it’s chilly, be sure to explore the warm cocktail options ...

hot chocolate with Baileys went down a treat); if you’re

after a little quiet time, there’s a library and lounge, or

head to the hotel’s Africology spa, the inviting Wijnkamer

wine shop, and the Imibala Art Gallery, which showcases

local artists and has regularly updated exhibitions

featuring diverse collections for viewing and for sale.

A private

wine tasting.

A Wagyu

burger. And

an Africology

spa treatment.

Happy days.


GIS1010_030_1589187861.indd 31 2025/09/18 11:10:51

After all that, you’re

exhausted ... and the

bedrooms and suites

hold massive appeal.

Decorated in typical Karoo

style, they’re fabulously

luxurious ... vast comfy

beds, enormous baths

that take forever to fill

(blissfully indulgent), some

smaller bachelor-size

rooms ideal for business

travellers, others more

generously sized with

dedicated relaxing areas ...

all with every amenity you

could wish for, and then

some! And there are a few

pet-friendly rooms, for

those travelling with their

best friends.

Rooms from R2400 per room (low season, two

people sharing) per night, which includes breakfast.

Details: drostdy.co.za, or 049 892 2161

Don’t leave town without ...

A visit to the Valley of Desolation in the Camdeboo

National Park - one of the town’s main tourist attractions

- more than 100 000 people visit annually. All majestic

dolerite cliffs and columns - believed to be a product of

volcanic forces that have taken 200 million years to form

there are breathtaking views over the Karoo, and it’s far

more beautiful than its name suggests. There are a few

hikes - one an easy hour-or-so walk, the road to the top

is tarred, and here are a few viewpoints and a picnic spot

... Ask The Drostdy team to pack you up a picnic basket

and spend a few hours there. Spectacular sunsets! Also

look out for the wildlife ... gemsbok and kudu, buffalo and

Cape Mountain Zebra, and birds for Africa.

Another must to add to your itinerary is a visit to Karoo

Origins - The Fossil Centre. In 1934, Dr Sidney Rubidge, a

Merino farmer in the area, was asked by his 10-year-old

daughter, Peggy, what fossils were and where they were

found. The two went off searching and found a collection

of ‘bony-stones’, one of which revealed recognisable

features ... three parallel bones, which eventually proved

to be the three front teeth of a large carnivorous reptile.


GIS1010_032_1589192698.indd 32 2025/09/18 11:12:08

This discovery was the start of Rubidge’s fossil collection, one

that bought him worldwide recognition. Five months ago his

grandson, Bruce Rubidge, opened The Fossil Centre - just across

the road from The Drostdy, a no-expense-spared research and

exhibition centre with hundreds of fossils - discoveries from

rocks in the area that go back up to 300 million years ago. You

can see fossils that give evidence of a mass extinction that

happened 252 million years ago, with 90 percent of the species

at that time being obliterated within a relatively short space

of time. It’s a mind-boggling experience ... a journey into the

world a million years ago, one filled with incredible creatures

that lived long before the dinosaurs, including the ancestors of

tortoises, lizards, mammals and humans. There’s an animated

video, and visitors can watch a technician exposing fossils from

the surrounding rock. The centre is an NPO, which plans to

provide education outreach, and a walk-around or guided tour

will fascinate visitors of all ages. So worthwhile!

Not much of a weekend away without a little shopping... and

credit cards will burn at the boutiques in the town. Decor, leather

goods, delis, sensational mohair knits and throws - this is prime

a Angora goat farming area and is known for mohair and delis.

Hello You is highly recommended for lunch or a snack, and pop

into the Afrikanis Rum Tasting Room for a bottle to take home.

Details:

Karoo Origins The Fossil

Centre - fossilcentre.co.za

Valley of Desolation -

sanparks.org


GIS1010_032_1589192698.indd 33 2025/09/18 11:12:24

Spoil

October A fragrance masterpiece

from Roberto Cavalli

Inspired by the fashion house’s most iconic

symbol, Roberto Cavalli introduces its latest

fragrance masterpiece - Roberto Cavalli

Serpentine. A luxurious scent, made to be

‘opulent yet sensual as it wraps around

the body’, it’s a mesmerizing Floral Woody

Ambery composition - all Bergamot and

Black Currant, Jasmine Sambac, Magnolia,

Rose Petals and Lavender, Golden Saffron

and Vanilla Madagascar and Tonka Bean.

The bottle’s adorned with a gold snake

wrapping exquisitely around the white

bottle - and on the 100ml bottles, the

snake jewel detaches into a wearable

bracelet, seamlessly blending high fashion

with fragrance allowing you to carry

the symbol of strength and seduction

wherever you go. Available in 100, 50 and

30ml, priced from R1299 to R2399, you’ll

find it at Edgars or bash.com

To win a bottle, pop over to

@getitnationalmagazines on Instagram

or Facebook, find the Spoil post and

follow the prompts.


GIS1010_034_1589179598.indd 34 2025/09/18 11:13:16

31757 GIS1010_035_1611714016.indd FHC Get It Magazine F26 FA.indd 35 1 2025/09/17 2025/09/15 07:36:52 18:34

www.jamclothing.co.za

GIS1010_036_1611710331.indd 36 2025/09/17 07:37:30

Oct 25 - Jhb South East

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Oct 25 - Jhb South East

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