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Ballito Umhlanga - Oct 25

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BALLITO

• UMDLOTI • UMHLANGA

Discover

the North

Coast’s best

coffee spots

3fabulous

events to

attend this

month

COASTAL COOL

Local fashion

you’ll want in

your wardrobe

WIN!

the latest fragrance

from Roberto

Cavalli

Strength & style

Meet Sindisiwe Cele

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

OCTOBER 2025

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GET IT

Editorial

Phone 032 946 0276

Email jennifer@getitnc.co.za

Ballito Business Centre • Ballito Drive

Ballito • KwaZulu-Natal

Like and Follow us

Get It Magazine Ballito.Umdloti.Umhlanga

@GetItMagNC

@getitmagnc

www.getitmagazine.co.za/ballito-umhlanga/

Editor Jennifer Campbell

jennifer@getitnc.co.za

Layout and Design

Jessmica Depalal

Triveshni Poonsamy

ads@northcoastcourier.co.za

Advertising

Natalie Bertram

Natalie@getitnc.co.za | 082 434 3442

Lisa-Marie Beard

lisa-marie@getitnc.co.za | 083 335 8204

Online / Sales Support

Lisa Smith lisa@getitnc.co.za

GET IT NATIONAL

National Group Editor and Sales

Kym Argo

082 785 9230 | kyma@caxton.co.za

Distribution

12 000 copies monthly

Get It Ballito • Umhlanga is distributed

free of charge in Ballito, Salt Rock, Umhlali,

Umdloti, Umhlanga Rocks, Umhlanga

Ridge, Gateway and La Lucia

Published by The North Coast Courier

Competition rules

The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be

transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions

are not open to the sponsors or Caxton

employees or their families. Get It Magazine

reserves the right to publish the names of

winners, who will be contacted telephonically

and need to collect their prizes from Get it Ballito

branch within 10 days or they will be forfeited.

Prize winners’ names are published on our

Facebook page monthly.

CONTENTS

THIS MONTH

3 Dates to diarise this month

4 Our must-read books

6 Beautiful things for the new season

8 See who we’ve spotted out and about

PEOPLE

16 Meet Ballito-based entrepreneur Sindisiwe Cele

18 Amy Pringle shares her unique parenting experience

20 Lunga Ntuli releases his brand-new book

FASHION & BEAUTY

22 Discover Umdloti-based brand, Akiko & Co.

24 Meet the women behind the Fair with Flair

26 Beauty products we love

HEALTH

30 Pippa Simpson tells her breast cancer story

34 How to protect your vision

FOOD

38 Try a healthy recipe at home

HOME & DECOR

42 Gardening tips for summer

TRAVEL

44 Discover the magic of Graaf-Reinet

WIN

48 Our October spoil: a fragrance from Roberto Cavalli

22

Cover details:

Sindisiwe Cele

Shot by: Pagiel Chetty,

info@pagielchetty.co.za;

@pagielchetty

Makeup: @sindisiweuzuri

Hair: @sindisiweuzuri CROWN

Hairstylist: @zazas_hairboutique

Stylist: @marcpercy

OCTOBER 2025

11975 copies distributed

(APRIL TO JUNE 2025)

October 2025 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga 01

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18

YEARS

R 15 750 000

SHEFFIELD BEACH | CREATIVELY PRESENTED

A grand entrance to a world of possibilities on the Dolphin Coast.

Favourable rental income can be generated from this property zoned light

commercial with an FAR of 0.5 and an extent of 700m 2 under roof currently.

6 070m 2 R 2 250 000

PALM LAKES ESTATE - TINLEY MANOR |

FREESTANDING RETIREMENT HOME

Situated in a picturesque hub and within a multi-generational estate on the

ever popular North Coast. No stairs, extra space for mobility and generously

proportioned bedrooms with direct access to a garage and carport.

3 2 1 114m 2

R 8 500 000

ZIMBALI ESTATE - BALLITO | AN OPPORTUNITY OF NOTE

Create a carefree lifestyle in this socially appointed family home. Plenty options

to be considered and viewing will put an end to any other competing possibilities.

4 4 3 600m 2

Invest. Intelligently.

032 946 1439 / 082 551 2607

073 106 6010 - Rental Specialist

www.fionacrago.co.za

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A hot date!

Beach walks, live music and a festive market this October.

4

Up for a challenge? Join the uShaka to Umhlanga

Urban Adventure on Saturday, 4 October from

6.30am to 12.30pm. This 20km one-way hike kicks

off at uShaka Beach and ends at the Forest Cafe

in Umhlanga, taking you along sandy shores and

the iconic Durban and Umhlanga promenades.

With breathtaking ocean views, plenty of photo

opportunities, and transport back to the starting

point included, it’s the perfect mix of fitness and fun.

Details: Tickets cost R349 for adults and R249 for kids

under 13. Contact 066 111 1488 for more information

or to book.

3

Get ready for an unforgettable October

of live music at Simbithi Country Club!

Join René Tshiakanyi for five electrifying Friday

evenings of rhythm, romance, and passion,

blending soulful Portuguese classics with the

vibrant, world-famous hits of the Gypsy Kings.

Savour delicious food while enjoying this one-ofa-kind

performance.

Details: René will perform every Friday in October

from 5.30–8.30pm. Call 032 946 5403 to book.

30

The annual Fair with Flair will take place from

30 October to 1 November at Manor House in

Sheffield. The fair is a curated showcase of creativity and

talent, offering an exclusive platform for artisans, makers,

bakers, artists, craftsmen and women, and small businesses

to share their work and connect with the community.

Details: Visit www.fairwithflair.co.za for more information and

to buy tickets.

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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

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We 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

building. 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

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 event is 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

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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 or 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 @getitmagnc on

Facebook or Instagram, find the post

and follow the prompts.

06 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

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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 and 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.

October 2025 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga 07

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Ivana Chetty, Kareen Paul and Anna Moodley

Kelci Pistorius

Janna Strang

and Lisa-Marie Beard

Chrissy Govender, Lerushka Naidoo

and Pearl Khuzwayo

An afternoon

of connection

Sindisiwe Cele, Natalie Bertram and Yolanda Combrinck

The Get It Ballito.Umdloti.Umhlanga team, together

with the businesses of Innova Haus at Marine Walk

in Umdloti, hosted a vibrant networking event for

the women of Innova Haus. The afternoon featured

engaging workshops with dietician Kelci Pistorius and

the Elite Retreat Beauty and Aesthetics team, along with

an uplifting talk by transformational life coach Yolanda

Combrinck. Guests enjoyed upbeat energy from MC

Sindisiwe Cele, as well as bubbles, delicious bites from

The Sunset Club, and plenty of meaningful conversation.

Divinia Perumal, Annelene Perumal

and Brenda Padayachee

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A swing

for a cause

Seven teams of stylish women teed off at

the Women in Action Golf Day hosted

at Umhlali Country Club. Organised by

The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund,

the event raised an impressive R49 345

for local beneficiaries. Alongside the

golf, inspiring workshops were run for

the NGO ladies, making it a day of both

fundraising and empowerment, with

plenty of opportunities for connection

and support.

Buyile Mpunzana, Rose Zwane and Sunshine Ngwane

Brenda Hill and Duduzile Ngwane

Zodwa Sheila Majozi and Thulile Ngcubo

Janeen Ferguson

and Shelee Payne

Evidence Nyathi

and Zamo Mngadi

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Ilse Wils, Natalie Buck, David Altshuler, Michelle Eager and Grant Fraser

Grant Fraser, Michael Ditz and Dave Altshuler

Gugu Khuzwayo, Njabulo Gumede

and Jamaine Sithole

A stylish celebration

Jam Clothing recently celebrated the relocation of their flagship store to

Crescent Mall in Umhlanga, marking over 21 years since their first store launch

and demonstrating growth and commitment to the community. Enhanced

store layout and design reflect modern retail trends to better showcase their

latest collections and create a more engaging space for shoppers.

Torsten Fehsenfeld and

Wade Weirdson

Linda Mbokazi and

Nobumtu Swaartbooi

Marisa Ribbink and Julia Petersen

10 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

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Smart Chews

Bright Minds

Healthy Eyes

kids’

friendly

Brain

health

Eye

Function

2yr+

Antioxidant

Good Health DHA and Lutein Smart Chews are

a delicious and sugar-free way to support your

child’s growing brain and developing eyes.

Nurturing your child’s growth – one tasty chew at a time.

Packed with scientifically researched nutrients like DHA, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin,

these strawberry and lemon-flavoured soft chews are made with fussy eaters in mind.

Key Indications

• Brain development

& function

• Healthy eye

development

• Blue light protection

• Antioxidant support

Key Features

• Scientifically researched ingredients

(DHA, EPA, Lutein & Zeaxanthin)

• Innovative ConCordix® delivery for better

absorption

• Soft, chewable gel format

• Naturally flavoured (strawberry & lemon)

• No artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners,

or preservatives

Key Benefits

• High nutrient levels in each chew

• Supports focus, learning & memory

• Promotes healthy vision & eye

comfort

• Kid-approved taste & texture

• Safe, gentle, & free from nasties

• Sweetened naturally with Xylitol

& Sorbitol

Contact us: (021) 701 5000 I sales@goodhealthsa.co.za I www.goodhealthsa.co.za

Available at stores: Lifestyle Health – Ballito Lifestyle Centre, Thrive Ballito – Balvista Centre, Dolphin Coast, Wellness Warehouse – Ballito Junction, Lifestyle

Health – Kensington Square, Wellness Warehouse – La Lucia Mall, Zenzi Health – La Lucia Mall, Wellness Warehouse – Gateway Mall, Medisport Pharmacy –

Protea Mall, Health & Herbal – Marine Walk Shopping Centre, Umdloti, Add to your health – Flanders Mall and Azikho Cosmetics – Salt Rock Shopping Centre.

On-line: www.goodhealthsa.co.za I www.faithfultonature.co.za I www.wellnesswarehouse.com

Please note complementary health products do not replace a healthy lifestyle or claim to cure or treat any disease(s). Add these products to your overall healthy lifestyle for optimal benefits

Good

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Health ADVERT kids DHA

1

Ballito:Umhlanga 210 x 275.indd 1

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2025/07/16

12:21:23

16:10

PM


Kershnie Pillay, Tilanie Grote, Hope Manson, Sorisha Naidoo, Zanele Luvuno and Natasha Modi

All about

women

Princess Gugulethu Zulu-Hatshwayo and

Sorisha Naidoo

Oceans Mall recently hosted a Cocktails and Connections

event, bringing together local women in business for an

afternoon of conversation, connection and inspiration.

The programme featured thought-provoking speakers

and insightful panel discussions, shining a light on the

achievements and challenges of women in leadership.

More than R12 000 was raised in support of the Prince

Dabulamanzi Foundation - a testament to the generosity

and commitment of the community.

Ashaana Baijnath and Naledi Njapa

Michell Naik, Zandile Mbambo and Nomvelo Dladla

12 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

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Huli Siobo, Nadine Scholtz and Janine Naiker

Dr Parushinee Naidoo

Maryann Ruthnam and

Nevina Narainsamy

Zanele Luvuno

Denise Rawthee and Nisha Thavar

Kristina Andreas and Natasha Modi

Sinenhlanhla Mkhwane, Raeesa Cassim and Phumi Myeza

October 2025 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga 13

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A proud

milestone

Butcher Boys Grill in

Ballito recently marked

its first birthday in style,

celebrating a year of serving

top-quality steaks, hearty

meals and warm hospitality

to the community. Invited

guests joined the team

for the festivities, enjoying

great food and a touch of

interactive fun from Stella

Artois, who treated everyone

to personalised glasses to

mark the occasion.

Lizzie Mlongo and

Natalie Bertram

Alan, Carol and Tony Lazarus

Jason Powell and Brad Hollis

Brett and Leah Shone

Tom, Roa, Dee and Nash Zifanda

Shannon Airton, Jason Powell, and Dale and Wyatt Airton

14 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

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seen AT SUNCOAST

LEGENDS OF LAUGHTER

Nepal Singh, Tangy Gowthum

& Sumesha Basdeo

LEGENDS OF LAUGHTER

Udhkar Singh & Alka Singh

SUPERSTAR IDOLS

Bimla Mahtura; Fatima Mahtura

DAILY NEWS YOUR CHOICE AWARD WINNER

BEST CASINO FOR 21 YEARS IN A ROW (2004 – 2024)

BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION & BEST HOTEL – TOP 3

Rules available at suncoastcasino.co.za or at the Guest Services Desk

TSOGO SUN PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE NATIONAL RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING PROGRAMME. WINNERS KNOW WHEN TO STOP. ONLY PERSONS

18 YEARS AND OLDER ARE PERMITTED TO GAMBLE. NATIONAL PROBLEM GAMBLING COUNSELLING TOLL-FREE HELPLINE 0800 006 008.

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Text: JENNIFER CAMPBELL Photographs: PAGIEL CHETTY Makeup: @SINDISIWEUZURI Hair: @SINDISIWEUZURI CROWN

Hairstylist: @ZAZAS_HAIRBOUTIQUE Stylist: @MARCPERCY

grace&

Glow,

a whole lot of heart

16 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

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Sindisiwe Cele is the founder

of SU Skincare and SU

Crown. She’s a Ballito-based

entrepreneur redefining

beauty with clean, crueltyfree

products that celebrate

women’s natural glow.

If you ever meet Sindisiwe, you’ll notice

something instantly – she radiates. Not

just in the glowy-skin, flawless-makeup

kind of way (though she’s nailed that, too),

but in the way she moves through the

world with intention, kindness and a quiet

confidence that makes you lean in and want

to hear her story.

Born and raised in Umlazi, Durban, Sindisiwe

grew up in a home where love and discipline

coexisted beautifully. Her father instilled

deep respect and strong values, while her

mother modelled the magic of balancing

strength and softness. It’s this balance that

has carried Sindisiwe through life and now

runs through every drop of her proudly

local skincare brand, SU Skincare, short

for Sindisiwe Uzuri, meaning “beautiful” in

Swahili.

A professional make-up artist for 16 years,

Sindisiwe always had a creative streak and a

deep connection to nature. But SU Skincare

was born from something deeply personal:

her own struggle with adult acne. Frustrated

with products that promised the world

but delivered disappointment, she began

experimenting with natural ingredients in

her own kitchen. The result? Skin that healed

– and a spark that ignited a purpose-driven

business.

“I knew I wasn’t the only woman craving

something honest, natural and effective,”

she says. And she was right. Today, SU is

known for clean, cruelty-free products that

go beyond skin-deep. “We’re skincare with a

soul,” she smiles.

Her latest venture, SU Crown, celebrates

beauty from skin to hair with premium wigs

and extensions designed to enhance, not

mask, a woman’s natural beauty. “The SU

woman is intentional, soft but powerful.

She’s done with unrealistic beauty standards

and wants to glow on her own terms.”

And if you’re wondering what fuels all

this ambition? The answer is simple: her

daughter. Motherhood, Sindisiwe says, has

softened her in the best ways, making her

more present and patient. Her mornings

begin with a kiss for her little one and a quiet

moment of gratitude before the world starts

pulling at her time.

When she’s not running her business, you’ll

find her wrapped in a soft robe, barefoot in

her garden, dancing around the house to

Kizomba and Afrobeats, or sneaking away for

a sunset and deep conversation.

At the heart of it all, Sindisiwe is building

more than a brand. She’s building a

movement – one where women embrace

their natural beauty, honour their healing

and choose themselves daily. “Filling your

own cup,” she says, “isn’t a luxury… it’s a

necessity.”

Details: www.sindisiweuzuri.com;

IG: @sindisiweuzuri

October 2025 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga 17

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Living and learning

Ballito-based mom, Amy Pringle, shares the highs, lows and invaluable

lessons of raising her youngest son, Matthew, who was diagnosed with

autism at the age of four.

Text: JENNIFER CAMPBELL

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Amy Pringle is a stay-at-home

mom. She and her husband,

Richard, who runs his own

engineering business, have two

sons: James and Matthew. Matthew,

their youngest, is autistic. Amy

describes him as a typical little boy

with a wicked sense of humour, a

social nature and a deeply caring

personality. He was diagnosed

by a paediatric neurologist after

experiencing colic, reflux and other

early-life health challenges.

"Once you look past the autism," Amy

says, "you see a sensitive and loving

child who just wants to be included."

Receiving Matthew's diagnosis was,

for Amy, almost a relief. Having grown

up with a brother who has cerebral

palsy, she approached the news

practically, viewing it as a starting

point for planning and supporting

Matthew's needs.

Daily life and challenges

Parenting Matthew comes with

unique challenges. Amy reflects

on the differences between raising

Matthew and her neurotypical older

son, James. "Matthew will never reach

certain milestones that other children

his age do," she says. "Even simple

things like going to a movie or on

holiday can be a struggle."

She explains the social challenges

of autism: "There's no filter. Despite

explaining what's appropriate, we

sometimes find ourselves in very

awkward situations."

Mental resilience is crucial. Amy

says, "Burnout is real. You have

to be strong for your child while

managing their social struggles and

regulation. Learning to anticipate

and navigate triggers is essential, for

both Matthew and the family."

Unexpected rewards

Despite the hardships, Amy

highlights the joy in celebrating small

achievements.

"The little victories - like learning to

blow his nose, completing a spelling

or maths task on his own - are huge

milestones for Matthew."

She also shares pride in James,

who has developed empathy and

resilience through supporting his

brother.

Support and coping

Support has been a game-changer.

Amy credits Matthew's grandparents

for their love and guidance, her faith

in God for strength and a circle of

understanding friends who accept

both her child and his quirks. She

emphasises the importance of the

right school and therapists.

"Teachers and therapists like the team

at Edu360, who are compassionate,

patient and dedicated are your ride

or die. They make an immeasurable

difference."

Joy and growth

The moments that bring Amy the

most joy are often simple: Matthew's

excitement watching a rugby

game, meeting players or achieving

something small for the first time.

Through this journey, Amy has also

observed the best and worst of human

nature - from strangers' judgement to

teachers' unwavering care.

Advice and perspective

To parents starting out with a special

needs child, Amy says:

· Don't fear the diagnosis. Knowledge

is power.

· Find your people - therapists,

teachers, friends and family who

support and understand you.

· Early intervention is key. Trust your

instincts and seek help as soon as

possible.

Amy hopes people will understand

that children with autism are trying

their best: "Be kind. Be patient. Our

children may look 'normal', but they

navigate the world differently. Step

back, try to understand and teach

your children that different does not

mean less."

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Planting seeds of hope

Ballito-based author Lunga Ntuli has just launched his tenth book -

and his first written for children.

Lunga recently launched Nomfundo: The Girl Who Chose to

Rise at the Simbithi Wine Gallery in Salt Rock. But it was

more than just a book launch. Together with partners,

including the Linc Foundation, Siza Water and Inkanyiso

School Shoes, he has set out to place 10 000 donated

copies into the hands of children across under-resourced

schools on the North Coast.

"This book is more than a story; it's a tool to plant seeds of

hope and confidence in the hearts of our children," he says.

"My goal is not just to sell a book, but to make a tangible

impact by ensuring this message reaches those who need

it most."

A life shaped by sport

Lunga grew up on the North Coast, and his early life

revolved around school and sport. After receiving a

cricket scholarship in high school, he had hoped to

play professional cricket but instead found his calling in

coaching girls' cricket.

His first book, Love vs Sports, grew out of a newspaper

column where he explored life lessons through sport.

More titles followed, including his bestseller Why Men Cheat

and Women Do It Better, but with Nomfundo, he’s chosen a

different focus.

Text: JENNIFER CAMPBELL

A story rooted in real life

Nomfundo: The Girl Who Chose to Rise tells the story of a

young girl raised by her grandmother, navigating hardship

through courage, education and faith. It’s a narrative that

Ntuli hopes children will see themselves in. “With this book,

the aim is to get it into the hands of the kids. I want them

to say, because of this book, this is the first story that gave

me hope.”

The book is short and accessible, intended for readers from

Grade One to Grade Four. For Lunga, that simplicity is vital:

“When kids finish this book in an hour, or in 30 minutes, I’m

so happy. Because I know it will be the first book many of

them complete.”

A community mission

Lunga’s dream of distributing 10 000 copies is ambitious,

but already supported by committed partners. The Linc

Foundation have purchased the first batch of books, with

more community partners invited to join.

He sees this project as a continuation of work he has been

quietly doing for years: visiting schools, giving motivational

talks and encouraging pupils to hold on to hope. “Over the

past years, I have gone to so many schools, just sharing my

story. This is not something new - it’s always been in my heart.”

Looking ahead

Lunga plans to translate the book into isiZulu and take it on

a roadshow of schools across the province. He hopes the

story of Nomfundo will travel far beyond Ballito, offering

children not only a book to read, but a reason to believe in

their own strength.

“It only takes one person to believe,” he says. “One yes at a

time and we will get there.”

Details: To purchase the book, get in touch with Lunga on

064 542 6198.

20 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

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The choice is yours

at

Eat Street features an array of fine restaurants in a lively street scene

setting, offering everything from pub fare to fine dining. With exclusive

lunch menus, sundowner specials from 4pm – 6pm daily, DJs on Thursday

to Saturday evenings, live musicians on weekends and a welcoming

atmosphere, Eat Street is the destination of choice for those seeking

exceptional food in a relaxed, stylish environment.

www.ballitolifestylecentre.co.za/eatstreet/

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Fashion with soul

Akiko & Co gives

Japanese heirloom

kimonos a new life,

offering rare pieces made

to be worn and cherished

for their rich history.

Born in Umdloti and rooted in

Japanese tradition, Akiko & Co. is more

than a boutique – it’s a collection

of rare heirlooms, each handpicked

for its unique artistry and history.

The brand offers wearable art that

celebrates legacy over trends, rarity

over mass production, and meaning

over waste. We chatted to owner

Kayla Botha about her business…

What inspired you to start

Akiko & Co?

I’ve always loved what’s rare and

meaningful. While living in Hawaii,

where there is a big Japanese

influence, I discovered the beauty of

Japanese kimonos, which are created

to last generations. In a world of

fast fashion, I wanted to slow things

down and to honour pieces that carry

history rather than trends.

Text: JENNIFER CAMPBELL

What does Akiko mean?

Akiko means ‘bright child’ in Japanese.

It reminds me of my children, Noah

and Lula, and the way seasons

change, but legacy endures. That’s

sustainability too: knowing what we

pass down will outlive us.

What makes you different?

These are authentic Japanese

heirlooms, often with crests or artist

signatures. They’re one-of-a-kind,

never repeated. In a culture of mass

production, Akiko exists for women

who value rarity, heritage, and pieces

that won’t end up in landfill but in

family archives.

How do you source them?

I work with trusted overseas

collectors. Each piece is handpicked

in Japan for its rarity, artistry and soul. I

keep the collection intentionally small,

so the pieces are fewer, better, more

meaningful – this is at the heart of

sustainable fashion.

Do you struggle to let go of

pieces?

Yes, some feel like museum treasures.

But sustainability is also about

circulation. These pieces are meant

to continue their journey, to be loved

and cared for by the women they

truly belong to.

Is Akiko fashion or art?

Both. They’re wearable art, but above

22 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

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all, they’re legacy. In Japan, pieces were never disposable.

They carried story and soul. That ethos is exactly what the

fashion world needs today.

What has been your proudest moment?

When customers (my muses) send me photos or

reels in their heirlooms. Seeing them give new

life to pieces that are decades old — that’s

sustainability in its truest form: extending

life, creating new stories, keeping culture

alive.

What’s next for Akiko & Co.?

In the next two weeks, we’re

launching our own Monoï de

Tahiti oil from Tahiti made with

handpicked Tiaré flowers. It’s

a centuries-old ritual and the

oil feels like liquid silk. Just

like our heirloom pieces, it’s

about ritual, natural origins,

and respect for tradition.

How do you want women

to feel in your pieces?

Rare, radiant, and powerful, like the

most beautiful version of themselves.

And at peace knowing their piece

carries history, not waste.

Details: www.akikoco.co.za; IG: @akikoandco

February 2022 Get It • Ballito Umhlanga 23

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When women gather

Meet the brilliant band of women powering this year’s Fair with Flair –

themed Festive Flair, Salty Air.

Text: JENNIFER CAMPBELL

The Fair with Flair is the annual fundraiser for the

Christmas Fair Fund, where a group of dedicated

women craft beautiful handmade items, with

proceeds supporting a variety of local causes. These

women aren’t just volunteers; they’re friends, confidantes

and a sanctuary for one another.

Many have journeyed through loss and change, finding

laughter, purpose and steadfast companionship along the

way. “It’s a space for real friendship,” says Claire Lewis, head of

the creative committee. “When I lost my husband, this group

was an incredible source of support.”

Handmade coastal magic

This year, the team has channelled their creativity into

coastal–Mediterranean-inspired designs from their base at

Karibu Nursery, meeting twice a week. Expect mussel shell

Christmas trees, oyster shell wreaths, and hand-sewn fabric

napkins and placemats featuring lobsters, sardines and

crabs. Painted in chic neutrals and French navy with pops

of pink, green and yellow, the collection draws on global

trends while keeping a local flair.

Locally made, sustainably minded

The fair champions “loving local,” with artisans from basket

weavers to woodworkers contributing. Sustainability and

upcycling are at the heart of every creation, reflecting

community spirit and environmental care.

Mentorship and friendship

Newcomers are welcomed warmly, with seasoned

volunteers guiding them in both craft and conversation.

“It’s therapy, friendship and fun rolled into one!” says fair

organiser Michelle Blake.

Details: www.fairwithflair.co.za; IG: @thechristmascountryfair

24 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

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flair

WITH

CHRISTMAS FAIR

30 October -

1 November

2025

Manor House,

Sheffield Beach,

Ballito

GETBALL1025pg025.indd 1 2025/09/18 12:17:03


Collagen o’clock

Build and preserve your collagen reserves...

Institut Esthederm Intensive

Pro-Collagen+ Cream is ideal

for people aged 30 and over

combating loss of firmness

and definition of facial

contours. R1535 online at

Skinmiles, Ederma, Lasermed,

SkinSmart or Cosmetology.

Restore youthful skin, hair and nail

health. One heaped teaspoon of

The Laser Beautique Skin Food

Collagen Amino Acids mixed into

your coffee, smoothies, yoghurt, or

water daily stimulates fibroblasts

and boosts collagen.

R495 from thelaserbeautique.co.za

Like a daily vitamin

dose for your skin,

Sh’zen Collagen

Boosting Serum is

a silky, nourishing

serum which

supports and

enhances collagen

production to

visibly restructure,

firm and plump up

the skin. R589 from

shzen.co.za

Nuxe Merveillance Lift Oil

Serum is infused with an

ultra-corrective Micro-Algae

Oil. Just 3 drops and you’ll see

smoother-looking, more supple

and toned skin helping firm your

skin every day by stimulating

collagen production. R1055 from

woolworths.co.za

Revive tired-looking eyes with a

lightweight Gatineau Collagene

Expert Eye Cream. Visibly reduces

under-eye bags, puffiness and dark

circles. R1195 from Dis-Chem.

New Leaf Marine Collagen

Tablets with a blend of Type

1 collagen peptides, enriched

with Vitamin C and hyaluronic

acid, designed to support

your body’s natural beauty

and strength R380 through

faithful-to-nature.co.za

26 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

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Mental Health

Care in Ballito

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to shine a

light on the importance of compassionate, professional

support for those facing life’s toughest battles.

As a private facility based in Ballito, Journey Recovery &

Wellness Centre offers a world-class, trauma-informed

treatment programme for individuals battling addiction,

alcoholism, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

Far from the sterile settings of

traditional rehab, Journey Ballito

blends modern clinical care with

the tranquil comforts of a boutique

hotel: sea views, a rooftop pool,

and thoughtfully designed rooms

that promote rest and reflection.

Because every recovery path is

personal, our minimum 24-day

programme is tailored to each

patient’s individual needs,

combining supervised medical

detox with a wide range of

therapeutic modalities: cognitive

behavioural therapy (CBT), trauma

counselling, art therapy, yoga,

inner-child work, family support

sessions and more.

With access to high-speed

internet and your personal devices,

you can remain connected to

loved ones and business

obligations during your stay

(because we believe that recovery

shouldn’t come at the cost of your

real-world responsibilities).

Begin Your Healing Journey With Us

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or someone you love, there’s

no better time than now, and no better place than Journey Ballito.

Visit journeyballito.co.za or call 079 465 4556 to begin your mental

health recovery journey today.

079 465 4556

admin@journeycentre.co.za

www.journeyballito.co.za

GETBALL1025pg027.indd 1 2025/09/18 12:15:55


ADVERTORIAL

Silver Oaks Dental Clinic –

“Changing Lives, One Tooth at a Time…”

In the heart of Umhlanga, Silver Oaks

Dental Clinic has quietly become one

of South Africa’s most sought-after

destinations for cosmetic and implant

dentistry. With over 280 Five-Star

Google reviews, the clinic is known

not only for creating beautiful smiles

but also for transforming lives. It’s no

wonder that clients fly in from all over

the world—including the USA, UK,

Australia, New Zealand, and Dubai—to

experience the Silver Oaks difference.

Unique Team Approach

At Silver Oaks, patient care isn’t

treated as a solo act—it’s a team

performance. Dr Roy Huson, the founder

and visionary with over 27 years of

advanced Cosmetic and Implant

Dentistry experience, leads a highly

skilled group including Dr Craig Inch, Dr

Amber Johnstone, and hygienist Maggie

Solomons. Together, they sit down to

plan each patient’s treatment journey.

Rather than expecting one dentist to

“do it all,” every aspect of care is handled

by the person best suited to it. This

unique and collaborative approach

ensures that every smile is crafted with

precision, expertise, and artistry. With

facial aesthetics now also offered by Dr

Amber Johnstone, the team continues

to expand the ways they can help

clients look and feel their best.

A New Era of Dentistry

Technology is another hallmark of the

clinic. Silver Oaks is powered by the

latest in Digital and AI-driven Dentistry:

Intra-oral scanners, Digital Smile Design,

3D on-site printing, Digitally Guided

surgery for Implants, Same-day milling,

CBCT scanning, Microscopy, Lasers and

Digital Photography. This investment in

innovation means treatments are faster,

cost effective, more accurate, and more

comfortable than ever before. Using

Digital Smile Design (DSD), patients are

able to see what their smile could look like

even before the work has begun. For many

patients—especially those travelling from

overseas—life-changing work can often

be completed in a single day.

GETBALL1025pg028.indd 1 2025/09/18 14:40:24


Experience Matters

Behind the technology and teamwork is the

extensive experience of Dr Huson himself.

Having trained in London’s prestigious

Harley Street region under celebrity dentist

Dr Joe Oliver of the BBC’s Ten Years Younger

fame, he brings global expertise home to

South Africa. His reputation in cosmetic and

implant dentistry has made Silver Oaks a

trusted name for clients around the world.

Transforming Smiles,

Elevating Lives

Today, Silver Oaks Dental is more than just

a clinic—it’s a place where confidence is

restored, stories are rewritten, and patients

feel genuinely seen and cared for. Their motto,

which is written in bold letters across the

hallway: Changing Lives – “One Tooth at a Time”

is what each member of the team strives to live

by. And live it they do – more than 280 Five-

Star Google reviews each tell that same story.

As one patient recently put it, “Silver Oaks didn’t

just change my smile, they changed my life.”

For the team at Silver Oaks, that’s the ultimate

review.

Visit us in Umhlanga

www.silveroaksdentalclinic.co.za

505 Ridge 7, 27 Vuna Close Umhlanga, 4319

PH: 031 202 6584

WhatsApp number : 064 082 6620

GETBALL1025pg029.indd 1 2025/09/18 14:40:44


Text: JENNIFER CAMPBELL

30 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

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Rewriting life

after cancer

When Ballito business owner and mom Pippa Simpson was diagnosed with breast

cancer at just 34 years old, her world felt overwhelming. She had two little boys to

raise, grief still fresh from losing her aunt to the same disease, and a battle she never

imagined fighting. Now, post-treatment, Pippa shares how cancer reshaped her

outlook – deepening her gratitude, softening her pace and teaching her to embrace

life with more presence.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt

powerless, as if life had been taken out of my hands.

A tough one to fathom for a type A personality. The

scale of it all felt overwhelming. I was a mum to a 15-monthold

and a three-and-a-half-year-old, and I had just lost my

aunt to cancer the year before.

But I listened to my intuition. Even after being given the

"all clear" on an ultrasound, something in me (and my dad)

knew to ask for further testing. That instinct, that small inner

voice, changed everything.

After my diagnosis, the only way I could find a sense of

control, a way to feel empowered again, was by taking a

360° approach to healing.

That meant tending not just to my body, but also

to my mind and spirit. I turned to books on trauma,

like Gabor Maté’s The Myth of Normal. I explored

kinesiology and TRE therapy. I worked with a holistic

doctor, embraced homeopathy and supplements, and

shifted to an organic diet. At the same time, I leaned

into my spirituality – salty ocean swims, slow walks in

nature, horse rides, massages, meditation and church

gatherings at Linc – anything that anchored me back to

my core: the farm-free, small-town child.

I also leaned on my village of family, friends and cancer

thrivers. They carried me when I couldn't carry myself and

reminded me that healing is never meant to be a solitary –

or mess-free – journey. My sister Jess arranged handwritten

notes from close friends and family, so I carried their words

of love alongside my favourite snacks and a green juice into

every chemo session. My parents even moved down the

road for the duration of my treatment. Their quiet presence,

daily check-ins, and constant care anchored me through the

hardest months.

And then, there were my greatest gifts, my sons Gray and

Fynn. Their constant hugs, kisses, and cuddles became my

medicine. Playing with them carried me to colourful and

calm faraway places, distracting me from the hardship of the

now. On chemo days, their goofy "gooooo mama" dance

gave me laughter and light when I needed it most.

There were moments of humour too – like my husband

Stu's "Sandra wig walk," a silly strut that made us all laugh

when laughter was longed for. And the night Stu, my

sister, and I shaved my hair off – leaving a stegosaurus

mohawk. I was keen to name my wig Elsa, but Gray wasn't

sold. He quickly renamed it T-Rex hair, and somehow that

made it all feel a little less scary, a little more ours. True

boy-mum moments.

And I chose a medical team who believed in my bright

future and who spoke hope instead of doom. They made

me feel like anything was possible.

My friends call me a yes girl. I'm always up for adventure – a

skinny dip, a bodyboard, a dance class, an Artist's Way

October 2025 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga 31

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course. I'll embrace life fully, drop my ego (and often

my dignity), and step out of my comfort zone. That

spirit became part of how I approached healing, too –

saying yes to new practices, new ways of thinking and

new ways of being.

I was fortunate enough to receive some of the best

medical care in the world – my treatment team ranked

in the top ten globally. Alongside that, I had the

resources to explore alternative healing methods and

modalities that complemented my treatment. I know

this isn't something everyone has access to, and I carry

deep gratitude for the privilege of being able to walk

that path.

Cancer has changed how I live.

Losing everything society associates with beauty, being

stripped down to my core – it shifted my perspective.

Make-up-free days don't feel as intimidating anymore.

The trauma still lingers. I had to say goodbye to the

former, younger, carefree me, and now I'm slowly

learning to love the new me, who carries a degree of

fear. I am also learning to build trust in my body again.

In those first fragile months post-treatment, every sore

throat, every back ache sent my inner voice screaming

cancer. But slowly, as the years have passed, I'm

beginning to believe once again in the strength and

resilience of my body.

I've become more intentional and protective of my

time, choosing to surround myself with people who

inspire me, who lift me, who share in curiosity and joy.

I've learned to be more empathetic, more present, and

more self-loving through small rituals like bodywork,

breathwork, creativity, movement and writing.

And it has deepened my gratitude for the simple

beauty of a flaming sunrise, for the boys' belly laughs,

for the call from our resident nightjar, for a moment of

real connection, for just being here.

If there's one thing I wish, it's that people could

learn these lessons without having to walk through

cancer, chemo (renamed Unicorn Juice) and radiation

(renamed the Sun-Bed). But if my journey can remind

others to live more fully, more gently, and more

intentionally… and if I can give those diagnosed with

breast cancer an abundance of hope – then some light

has come from the dark.

Smart tips

for breast health

When it comes to breast cancer, small,

consistent steps can make a big difference

in prevention, early detection and peace of

mind. Here are some simple but powerful

tips Pippa believes every woman should keep

in mind:

1. Always get a second opinion. Taking time

to do your research can change everything.

2. Listen to your body and trust your

instincts. If something feels off, follow that

inner nudge.

3. Choose wisely. Go to a reputable

mammogram centre. Accuracy and reliability

matter.

4. If you are ever diagnosed, find a

community of thrivers early on, and

connect often. Just like anything in life,

only those who have personally walked the

same path can truly relate.

5. Give yourself the space and grace to

ugly-cry. Fully express your pain to those

who can empathise and listen without

judgement. Mourn the loss of your health

and the life you once knew. Healing can only

begin once this grief and release is honoured.

32 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

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GREAT FOOD LOCAL MOOD

Designed as a communal space for relaxation and connection, The Market offers

fresh, local produce, a variety of eateries and shared seating areas.

Weekday morning vibes are created by the resident pianist, while live local music

features on weekends throughout the year, enhancing the experience and making

The Market the heartbeat of Lifestyle Centre.

OPENS 8AM DAILY

Scan for live

music & events

February 2022 Get It • Ballito Umhlanga 33

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18-Sep-25 3:03:28 PM

music & events


Protecting your vision,

one step at a time

34 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

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9 October is World Sight Day and this year’s theme is #LoveYourEyes, a reminder of how precious

our eyesight really is. We asked Dr Yavische Reddy, an ophthalmologist based in Ballito, to share

some insights about one of the most common causes of vision loss – cataracts.

Good vision helps us stay

independent, enjoy daily

activities and connect with the

people we love. Unfortunately,

many people still live with poor

eyesight, even though many issues

can be prevented or treated.

WHAT ARE CATARACTS?

A cataract happens when the clear

lens inside your eye becomes cloudy,

making it harder to see. It often

develops slowly, so you may not

notice it at first. Over time, cataracts

can make reading, driving at night, or

even recognising faces more difficult.

Some common signs of

cataracts include:

• Blurry or cloudy vision

• Trouble seeing at night or in bright

sunlight

• Colours looking faded

• Needing stronger glasses more often

THE GOOD NEWS:

CATARACT SURGERY WORKS

The wonderful thing about cataracts

is that they are treatable. Cataract

surgery is a safe and quick procedure

that replaces the cloudy lens with

a clear artificial one. Most patients

notice a big improvement in their

vision within days. In fact, many

people say that they feel like a whole

new world has opened after surgery.

WHY AWARENESS MATTERS

Not everyone knows that cataract

surgery is available, or they may be

worried about the procedure. World

Sight Day is the perfect time to remind

ourselves, and those around us, that

vision loss from cataracts does not

have to be permanent.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR EYES

If you notice changes in your vision,

don’t ignore them. A simple eye exam

can tell us if cataracts, or another

condition, are the cause, and together

we can make a plan to help you see

clearly again.

This World Sight Day, let’s celebrate

the gift of sight. Regular eye checkups

and timely treatment can help

keep your world bright and clear.

5 Ways to Love yoUr eyes

Your eyesight is one of your greatest

gifts. Here’s how to keep it clear and

healthy for years to come:

1. Book regular check-ups

An eye exam can catch problems like

cataracts, glaucoma or diabetic eye

disease early, before they affect your

daily life.

2. Protect against UV

Sunglasses with UV protection aren’t

just stylish. They shield your eyes from

harmful rays that speed up cataract

development.

3. Nourish your vision

A diet rich in leafy greens, colourful

fruit and omega-3 fatty acids helps

support healthy eyes.

4. Manage health conditions

Diabetes, high blood pressure and

smoking can increase your risk of

vision problems. Controlling them

lowers your risk.

5. Don’t ignore changes

Blurry vision, trouble seeing at night or

needing stronger glasses more often?

These are signs to book an eye exam.

Expert eye care for

bright futures

Do you have the

following problems?

• Blurred vision

• Seeing floaters in the eye

• Double vision

• Sudden loss of vision

• Redeyes

• Cataracts

• Hypertension

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Keratoconus

Treatment offered for:

• Age related macular

degeneration

• Cataracts

• Glaucoma

• Diabetic eye disease

• Dry eye

• Watery eye

Suite 3, The Well, Corner Kirsty Close & Albertina Way Ballito

Suite 4, Adams Medical Centre, 106 Hullett Street, Stanger

Netcare Alberlito Hospital

Ribumed Day Hospital

Mediclinic Victoria Hospital

KwaDukuza Private Hospital

032 586 0040 061 434 0191

ballitoeye@gmail.com

February Contracted 2022 Get It to • Ballito most Umhlanga major medical 35 aids

GETBALL1025pg035.indd 1 2025/09/18 12:12:24


PROMOTION

Espresso coffee yourself

Celebrate International

Coffee Day with our pick of

the North Coast’s must-visit

coffee shops. From frothy

cappuccinos to smooth flat

whites (and everything in

between), here’s where to

get your perfect cup.

1. THE WAFFLE

SOCIETY

The Waffle Society has arrived

in Ballito Village, bringing a

fresh twist to the local coffee

scene. By day, it’s your go-to

coffee bar serving expertly

crafted brews, smoothies,

croiffles, and a lineup of waffles

for every craving. By night, it

transforms into a cocktail waffle

bar, reimagining what’s possible

with a waffle. Expect bold

flavours, inventive pairings, and

a vibe as cool and inviting as

the seaside setting.

Details: IG: @thewafflesociety

2. FOREST VIEW

CAFÉ

Surround yourself with

the sound of birds,

coastal trees, and the

ocean at Forest Café.

Situated in the Ezemvelo

Wildlife protected

uMhlanga Lagoon Nature

Reserve, the Forest

Café serves delicious

coffees, milkshakes

and a selection of

mouthwatering filled

paninis.

Details:

viki@bikebeandurban.com;

082 065 7096;

IG: @bikeandbean_durban;

FB: BikeandBeanDurban

3. SEEDLINGS COFFEE SHOP

At Seedlings, owner-baker Elaine pairs perfectly poured

coffee with brownies, cupcakes, and her signature carrot

cake. Every brew and bake is made with love.

Details: Eden Village, Old Fort Road, Salt Rock;

IG: @seedlingscoffeeshop

GETBALL1025pg036.indd 1 2025/09/18 12:11:47


5. BRWD PROPPA COFFEE

At BRWD Proppa Coffee, every cup is crafted with precision

and passion. Their premium coffee is complemented by

a menu of light meals. They are situated in the SMG car

dealership and open to the public

Details: Beacon Rock Building, 21 Lighthouse Rd, Umhlanga;

IG: @brwd.proppa.coffee; FB: BRWD Proppa Coffee;

TikTok: brwd.proppa.coffee

7. PSALMS CAFÉ

Psalm cafe is a place where community, connection and Christ

come together. They’re an intimate Christian coffee shop,

where faith and fellowship blend perfectly with every cup!

Details: Shop 1, 9 Vuna Cl, Ridgeside Residence, Umhlanga Ridge;

WhatsApp number: 084 510 2426; IG: @psalm-cafe-umhlanga

6. LEFIKA

CAFÉ

Step into a new

space where

coffee meets art.

At Lefika Café the

cappuccinos are

scented with love

and espressos

fierce and

flavourful. Every

cup tells a story.

Brewed slowly,

sipped soulfully,

and crafted to

awaken more than

just senses.

Details: 12 North

Point Avenue, North

Point Business Park;

IG: @lefikacafe

4. FOOD FUNDI

Food Fundi is a win if you’re after a

tranquil outdoorsy coffee break, or

a caffeine fix while the kids blow

off steam at Sugar Rush Park. If

you’re hitting the trails for a run,

cycle, or clocking up your Saturday

Park Run miles, Food Fundi is open

from 7am for your post-workout

wind down. FNB clients can access

specials on the Entertainer section

of the eBucks app, like free coffees!

Details: www.foodfundi.co.za

8. SALT ROCK

COFFEE

From sunlit

mornings to lazy

afternoons, the

new team serves

up smiles, laughter

and a perfect pickme-up

for your

day. Drop in, sip

slow, grab a bite

and let Salt Rock

Coffee Co. become

your happy place!

Details:

Salt Rock Centre,

61 Basil Hulett

Drive, Salt Rock;

IG: @saltrockcoffee;

FB: saltrockcoffeeco

GETBALL1025pg037.indd 1 2025/09/18 12:11:17


YUM

Delicious. And

healthy. A winwin

for lunch

this summer,

with an easyto-prepare

dish from

Rediscover

Dairy. Tuck in!

Recipe: 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.

38 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

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60-61_Kids GETBALL1025pg039.indd - Travel with teens.indd 1 2

2025/08/14 2025/09/18 12:29:28 12:09:39 PM


From campus to corporate:

what no one tells you

Stepping out of university and into your first real job is a big

moment. Exciting? Absolutely. Overwhelming? Sometimes.

Natalia Judell, a graduate from Richfield Umhlanga Campus,

shares the honest lessons she’s learnt while finding her feet

in the working world.

At university, your timetable is flexible, feedback is clearcut,

and success is measured in grades. The corporate

world plays by different rules. Your calendar fills up fast,

feedback is shared in conversations rather than red ink,

and success is about progress, growth and contribution – not

just ticking boxes.

Here are Natalia’s top tips for making the transition a

little smoother:

• Master your time. Deadlines impact whole teams, not just

you.

• Bring the right attitude. How you approach challenges

matters as much as your skills.

• It’s okay not to know it all. Curiosity and questions will take

you further than pretending.

• Stretch your comfort zone. The biggest growth happens in

unfamiliar territory.

• Keep learning. Beyond lectures and textbooks,

development is now up to you.

• Lean into AI. Smart tools can save time on repetitive tasks

and free you to focus on the exciting stuff.

Her best advice? “Be open, ask questions, and take the pressure

off yourself to have it all figured out. You’ll learn by doing, and

that’s where the magic happens.”

Details: www.richfield.ac.za; 0861 321 321; info@richfield.ac.za

40 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

GETBALL1025pg040.indd 1 2025/09/18 12:09:19


RICHFIELD UMHLANGA CAMPUS

DISCOVER WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION IN THE HEART

OF UMHLANGA RIDGE

Situated in Park Square, our state-of-the-art campus offers IT and Business

degrees, diplomas and higher certificates designed for today's digital economy.

With free Wi-Fi, modern facilities, and the perfect blend of academic excellence

and lifestyle convenience, Richfield Umhlanga provides the optimal environment

for student success.

Ready to shape your future?

Contact Richfield Umhlanga today.

031 834 7500 | umhlanga@richfield.ac.za

A learning experience of a lifetime

Get started Today

GETBALL1025pg041.indd 1 2025/09/18 12:08:21


SOW

SHADES

of

COLOUR

Brighten up your garden

with summer flowers, tangy

tomatoes and sweet peppers.

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 dahlias, gazanias,

marigolds and 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’s 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. If it’s

very hot and dry, mow less frequently

and set blades higher.

• Sow these vegetables: carrots, beetroot,

green beans, butternut, baby marrows,

cucumber, eggplant, radishes, Swiss

chard, sweet peppers,chilli peppers,

tomatoes, pumpkin, sweet corn and

sweet melons.

42 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

GETBALL1025pg042.indd 1 2025/09/18 12:07:51


TOYOTA

STARLET

MODEL SHOWN: STARLET 1.5 XR AUTOMATIC

THERE’S SPACE FOR EVERY FUN

Meet the future of fun – the Toyota Starlet.

Step inside the Toyota Starlet and enjoy a spacious interior and comfort-boosting features like an infotainment

system with navigation via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes enhanced safety features, as

well as an auto lock system and a reverse camera, to make every trip feel more secure. Add fuel efficiency to the

mix, and the fun never stops. Book your test drive today at toyota.co.za

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

GETBALL1025pg043.indd 1 2025/09/18 12:04:11


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

trade 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

44 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

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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.

October 2025 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga 45

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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. Majestic

dolerite cliffs and columns - believed to be a product

of volcanic forces that have taken 200 million years to

form - breathtaking views over the Karoo that are far

more beautiful than its name suggests. There are also a

few hikes with 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.

46 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

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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 300 million years. 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 that 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

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

October 2025 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga 47

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Spoil

October

The latest 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 mesmerising

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 wrapped 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

@getitmagnc on Instagram or

Facebook, find the Spoil post and

follow the prompts.

48 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga October 2025

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since 1994

Exclusive Finishes +150

Kitchens Installed +50 000

Production & warehousing area

Showroom area

24 380 m2

4250 m2

Staff 420

Service & Delivery Vehicles 75

CAPE TOWN MIDRAND FOURWAYS DURBAN HILLCREST TANZANIA

UMHLANGA (Urban Park)

UMHLANGA (Millennium Boulevard)

0860 788 346 www.kitchenstudio.com info@kitchenstudio.com

GETBALL1025cv003.indd 1 2025/09/17 14:44:25


Ladies

Dresses

FROM

R 95

Mens

Printed Tees

R

70

Mens

Boardshorts

TAKE TWO

R

185

FAMOUS FOR LESS

www.jamclothing.co.za

GETBALL1025cv004.indd 1 2025/09/17 12:30:37

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