March 2026 - Lowveld

Antiques and
Coins …
sharing the value of
old treasures
The timeless allure
of the hamburger
Win!
A case of Statue de
Femme Sauvignon
Blanc
New
Beginnings
SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
march 2026

contents
Editorial
Phone 013 591 4666
Lowveld Media
12 Stinkhout Crescent, Mbombela
Facebook Get It Lowveld
Instagram Get It Lowveld
Website getitmagazine.co.za/lowveld/
Editor
Mellissa Bushby
mellissa@getitlowveld.co.za 084 319 2101
Layout
Wessel Cöhrs 074 801 4477
Graphic
Hannelie J v Rensburg
Izak de Villiers
Subeditors
Annica Fourie
Sales
Colletha Noppé Rattray
colletha@lowvelder.co.za 082 745 2387
GET IT NATIONAL
National Group Editor and
National Sales
Kym Argo
kyma@caxton.co.za 082 785 9230
Facebook and Instagram:
Get It National Magazines
Distribution
Get It Lowveld is distributed free of charge.
For a full list of where to find a copy,
phone Monya Burger on 083 555 4992
Published by CTP Limited
Competition rules
The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be
transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions
are not open to the sponsors or Caxton
employees or their families. Get It Magazine
reserves the right to publish the names of
winners, who will be contacted telephonically
and need to collect their prizes from Get It
Lowveld within 10 days or they will be forfeited.
Prizewinners names are published on our
Facebook page monthly.
Why don’t you
02 Read all about dropping kilos, underwater
adventures, and great thrillers
WISH LIST
04 And ... Breathe. Relax. Indulge.
Socials
06 A night to remember at Christie’s
at 32 on Russell
08 Mad about macs at the 5th Ambermacs
Macadamia Expo
people
10 For the love of treasure
12 Zhané Botha is earning her wings
14 Dirk van Schalkwyk is a man for all seasons
BEAUTY
16 The art of definition with perfectly
smooth and sculpted skin
FOOD
22 Snap, crackle & crunch
24 Take a bite of a burger, the ultimate in
classic comfort food
Travel
28 Swoon-worthy stays, a collection of the very best
getaways to add to your bucket list
WIN
32 A case of Franschoek Cellar Statue de Femme
Sauvignon Blanc
COVER LOOK
1900’s Sterling silver tray with fruit.
march 2026
March 2026 Get It Lowveld 01

Book club
Dropping kilos, underwater adventures and great thrillers ...
Jean Napier Hattingh says ever since
she can remember, she’s been blessed
with a spirit of adventure. Born with a
form of hip dysplasia, and growing up
on a farm in the Western Cape, she was,
she says, extremely curious and quite
wild. She remembers being taught
to swim at four, first in a pool, then
the farm dam, and fishing with her
dad in a fibreglass dinghy, and later in
her uncle’s larger boat on the Cuanza
River in Angola. And then her first time
snorkelling in the Red Sea. Against
the Tide is her story ... an adventurous
one, of the challenges of breaking
barriers in the male-dominated world
of spearfishing, of thrilling underwater
hunts, and of resilience against physical
danger and societal biases. Holder of
many South African and Australian
records, it’s a brilliant read for anyone
who’s interested in adventure, diving
and the sea. Ulwandle Publishers
Compiled by: Kym Argo
We’re going all healthy this March,
so we have ditched the wine and
instead are serving this new Two In
A Bush Sparkling Rooibos Fuel at
book club. It claims to be a clean,
functional hydration partner for active
living, is brewed with organic rooibos
and lightly brightened with fruit juice
concentrate. In three yum flavours
- Raspberry, Citrus, and Peach - they
are low calorie, caffeine-free, have
no added sugar, artificial flavours,
preservatives, or colourants. Buy
online from twoinabush.co.za
02 Get It Lowveld March 2026
40kgs Lighter isn’t about
what you need to stop doing
to lose fat. It’s about what
you need to start doing. This
wonderfully down-to-earth,
humorous, no-nonsense
book has Mandy Meyer - who
after years of yo-yo dieting,
pub crawls, 3am cheesy fries,
starting fresh every Monday -
finally lost 40kg. And kept it off.
She shares the mindset shifts,
powerful lessons, and everyday
strategies that helped her stop
starting over each new week ...
building a healthy lifestyle that
finally stuck. Tips, advice, truth
bombs ... it’s all about the real
science of fat loss, and how
to create a way of eating and
exercising that works for you.
Tracey McDonald Publishers

December 1995. Two young girls
are found abandoned on a train
station platform. Thirty years later, an
investigative journalist is determined
to find out what happened to The
Nowhere Girls. Carmel Harrington’s
emotional thriller is twisty and
unsettling. Headline
Imagine. You have a loving husband
and two adored children. But you’re
having an affair, with a man you
definitely don’t love. And after an
afternoon of passion, you turn on the
TV and see the hotel you’re in under
siege. Drama and reflection in Ellie
Levenson’s Room 706. Headline
Elinor Gilbert - ex FBI - is an Invisible
Woman. A certain age, not ugly,
not beautiful ... personally and
professionally forgettable. Just what
her former FBI boss needs. She’s
disguised as a nanny and placed in
the home of an art dealer suspected
of ties to organised crime. But not
all is as it appears. Humour slightly
forced, but a pleasant read by James
Patterson and Susan DiLallo. Century
Love a Kathy Reichs. In Evil Bones,
Temperance Brennan investigates
a disturbing escalating pattern of
killing ... first a rat, a rabbit, a squirrel,
mutilated and displayed in a bizarre
manner. Then a dog, finally a woman.
Same mutilation, same macabre
display of the body. Brilliant. Simon
and Schuster
All available at Exclusive Books

Wish list
And ... breathe. Relax. Indulge.
Piña colada. But don’t drink it. And don’t unwrap it.
Simply dunk this Coconut and Mullein Bath Bomb
into your bath and then when the fizzing stops, pat
the muslin bag over your skin to make the most of the
hydrating herbaceous benefits. R145 from lush.co.za
Breathe in... the scent
of spiced latte. Small
scented candle in glass
holder, R149 from H&M
at superbalist.com
A chocolate drink that
helps you fall asleep.
Make mine a large mug!
This delicious Noa & Co
Deep Sleep nightcap
has sleep-supporting
herbs, magnesium and
powerful adaptogens
which quiet your mind,
help you fall asleep
faster and stay asleep
longer. R629.95 from
noaandco.com
04 Get It Lowveld March 2026
Say good evening to your new fave sleepwear. Made with silky-soft,
breathable Tencel - a sustainably-sourced fibre made from wood pulp that’s
cool, has a lightweight feel and natural breathability - this relaxing sage-hued
set is perfect for lounging around before bed, and then is comfy all night
through. R1490 from woodstocklaundry.co

Sweet treat. Gianduia is a classic north
Italian chocolate made with a minimum of
30 per cent hazelnuts. Babylonstoren has
upped the delish game by smothering the
entire palette in dark chocolate, and adding
dried rose petals, reminiscent of the wooden
towers in the garden that hang thick with
fragrant antique roses. Handcrafted and
with the highest quality cocoa and roasted
hazelnuts ... it’s a rich, sensual combination.
R290 from shop.babylonstoren.com
In an era where sustainability and
authenticity matter more than ever,
Perdeberg’s Dry Land Collection is
sourced from dry-farmed vineyards that
rely solely on seasonal rainfall - crafted
under demanding conditions, these wines
prove that true quality is often born where
nature tests its limits. Each wine carries a
symbolic name that honours the strength
and perseverance required to thrive
under these conditions ... Courageous Old
Vine Barrel Fermented Chenin, Resolve
Pinotage, Tenacious Syrah, Conqueror
Cabernet Sauvignon, Joseph’s Legacy,
Fortitude Fortified Chenin Blanc and
Longevity Natural Sweet Chenin. Around
R200 a bottle from specialist wine stores or
from perdeberg.co.za
Hours - hell, days - could be spent relaxing on this Syros lounger, part
of a gorgeous undercover outdoor seating range made of solid teak with
weather-resistant cushions. Add on a single sofa and an ottoman for a
complete set that will add a chic, comfy element to undercover outdoor
areas. From R13200 to R32600 from hertexhaus.co.za
Compiled by: Kym Argo
March 2026 Get It Lowveld 05

Yvonne Greeff and Francois Van Zyl
Francois Van Zyl
A night to
remember
On 24 January 2026, Christie’s at 32 on Russell proudly hosted
the very first exclusive whisky tasting of its kind in Mbombela,
an evening where refinement, heritage, and storytelling met in
perfect harmony.
Ehrus Lubbe, Petrus van Zyl and Hentie van der Merwe
McDonald Bambu
06 Get It Lowveld March 2026

Suzanne Van Breda and Deanne Ordway
Adele van Zyl and
Karin van Der Merwe
Toby and Marlene Du Preez
Frengelinah Mamabolo
and Mandisa Makhatini
GEE03RM

Mad about
macs!
The 5th Ambermacs Macadamia Expo was recently held at
Ambermacs Factory in White River. With over 150 exhibitors,
top-tier guests, live entertainment and plenty of prizes, the event
was a huge success.
Bernard Coetzer and Gerhard Malan
Ilouwna Oosthuizen, Veronica Smith and Helena Pieterse
Schalk Nortje, Edrich Coetzee,
Pieter Oosthuizen, Sharon Gray and
Christo Havenga
Jacques Rademeyer and Shaun
Henning
Andries Human and Maryke van
Heerden
Barend Erasmus
08 Get It Lowveld March 2026

Giovanni van Kraayenburg, Pieter prinsloo and Hein De Jager
Ulrich De Beer and Tobie De Beer
Photographer: Loots Productions
Reghardt Wiehman and Jared Gouws
Gavin van Schoor, Koos Nel, Desiree Pretorius and Pierre Mare
ZONA03R

PROMOTION
For the love of treasure
Those antique gems you don’t use … it may be worth exploring their value.
Antiques and Coins can be trusted for expert appraisals and valuations.
Open a drawer. Check the back of that long-unopened
cabinet. Somewhere between old letters and tangled chains,
there may be a treasure you haven’t thought about in years.
Perhaps it’s the Denco pocket watch your grandpa gave you
on your eighteenth birthday or that vintage gold bracelet
that once belonged to Aunt Diane, which you accidentally
broke the last time you wore it. Often, these vintage
objects can open a Pandora’s box of feelings – a mental
album of fond memories, sentimental moments, or even
decade-old resentment.
As much as ‘things’ can be an extension of ourselves, they
can also mean a new beginning for something else. Selling
valuables might be a difficult decision, but perhaps the
greatest worth of something is what it allows you to do
next … financial breathing room. Relief from clutter. A longpostponed
trip. Or simply some peace of mind.
But one thing is certain … parting with valuable pieces is
often a decision that is long-weighed and complex. And
when the day comes that you do decide to sell, you want
expert appraisals and trusted valuations. You want to know –
am I getting a fair price? Can I trust the buyer/dealer?
A reputable buyer-and-seller business understands this
hesitation and respects it. That’s why transparency matters.
Clear testing. Accurate weighing. Real-time pricing and
Devon Alberts next to the Two Bulls by Sydney Kumalo
bronze sculpture.
payments. No games, just honest and straightforward offers.
Meeting these expectations daily are modern-day treasure
hunters, Rivac and Devon Alberts. This sibling duo are
antique fanatics whose hobby turned into a business –
Antiques and Coins. They have been professionally and
efficiently dealing with people’s valued items for more than
a decade.
Rivac started the business in 2010. “Antiques and Coins
was born from a profound love for history,” says Devon
- who is the current director. She and her brother, Rivac,
are both avid collectors of all things old, each with their
own large collection of various SAAND graded coins, war
medals, books, furniture, record players, crystal crockery,
vintage weapons, the list goes on. They’re essentially SA’s
experts of the Antique Roadshow, just without the scripts
and cameras – and, no surprise here, it’s one of Devon’s
best-loved television shows.
Some of her personal prized collection pieces include an
R. Lalique bowl made by a Frenchman in the 1900s. “I also
adore my antique gold diamond ring I bought from a client
years ago and decided to add to my personal collection. It’s
a piece I will never melt down or change. I absolutely love
Victorian pieces. They always tell a story.”
Apart from being surrounded by antiques - their homes
can attest - there is nothing more they love than having
personal interactions with their clients. While their head
offices for both Antiques and Coins as well as We Buy Gold
(of which Rivac is the director) are situated in the same
building in Garsfontein, Pretoria - they travel all over the
country to see clients.
“Over the years we have built a trusted bond with most
retirement homes across South Africa. We arrange an
appointment through the home’s management channels
and evaluate and appraise the resident’s prized pieces in the
comfort of their familiar surroundings. This makes the whole
process safe, simple, and efficient for everyone,” says Devon.
“Building meaningful relationships with our clients is what I
love most about my work. I still have clients from years back
wishing me Merry Christmas each year and bringing me
muffins when I visit their retirement estate.”
Paired with a long, long list of certifications and specialised
experience, they also use top-notch equipment to check
coin authenticity, do currency validations, metal analysis
and measuring of precious stones and metals, among
others. Ensuring that you, and your valued items, are in the
very best hands!
Their business thrives in keeping the present and past
in constant touch. And perhaps most importantly, they
understand the substance of remembering – this is not only
their line of work, but also their life’s quest.
Details: 078-827-9421 or 063-847-9421.
www.antiquesandcoins.co.za

What they buy:
Antique furniture and electronics. Postage
stamps, antique train sets, brass and
copper antiques. Bullion gold and
silver coins and bank notes.
Die-cast vehicles and vintage
toys. Fine art and pottery,
porcelain, historic war
items. Jewellery, antique
glassware, luxury pens,
silverware, wristwatches and
pocket watches. Visit their website
for the full and detailed list.
1900s sterling silver
tray with fruit.
Sterling silver Aztec
Calendar Mayan
Sun Pendant.
1800s coin holders
for tickeys. • Antique
Victorian chair.
Print reproduction of the painting Still Life with Basket by
Robert Douglas Hunter.
Delft porcelain • 1921 René Lalique bowl ondines • Lladro unicorn figurine from England • 1800 antique clock
• Vintage wooden ship wheel barometer.

Zhané Botha speaks
about money,
growth, and
courage with the
kind of confidence
that comes from
experience.
Zhané Botha
12 Get It Lowveld March 2026

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY
hané’s story isn’t one of
overnight success, but of
steady shifts, brave decisions,
and a willingness to start
again when something no
longer fits. “From a young
age, I loved mathematics and problemsolving,”
says Zhané. “But I actually
grew up in the hospitality industry and
studied hotel management through
a bursary. It was a great experience,
but I soon realised that the lifestyle
didn’t match the balance and growth I
wanted for myself.”
Naturally social but protective
of her personal time, she found
the long, unpredictable hours of
hospitality draining. A move into an
administrative position at a financial
advisory firm changed everything.
“Once the bug bites, it bites,” she says
with a laugh. “That’s exactly what
happened to me.”
What began as a simple office role
quickly evolved. Zhané stepped into
underwriting when an opportunity
arose, and then moved into marketing,
absorbing as much knowledge as
she could along the way. Curiosity,
ambition, and a willingness to take on
new challenges eventually led her to
qualify as a financial advisor.
Zhané’s finance journey has been
shaped as much by practical
experience as by formal study. “In
this industry, learning never really
stops,” she explains. She began with
her RE5 qualification, which allows
her to provide financial advice, and
later completed her RE1, enabling
her to serve as a key individual within
a financial services company. She
also holds a certificate in wealth
management and is currently
completing an additional qualification
in the same field. “Each step has
strengthened my knowledge and
sharpened my skills,” she says. “It means
I can give my clients advice that’s
not just well-intentioned, but truly
informed.”
But the path hasn’t always been
smooth. One of her biggest turning
points came when she realised she
had stopped growing. “I thrive on
challenge and self-improvement,”
says Zhané. “When I noticed I was
stagnating, I knew I had a choice: stay
comfortable, or push myself toward
something greater.”
‘I wanted to
create something
lasting, a platform
where women
could grow’
She chose growth, even though it
meant stepping into the unknown.
“There were moments of self-doubt,
of wondering if I was making the right
decisions,” she admits. “And being in
a male-dominated industry added
another layer. I’ve had to prove that
finance isn’t just a man’s world. Women
can thrive here, too.” Through it all,
Zhané credits her husband, Pieter, as
her greatest support. “He’s stood by
me through every big decision. That
encouragement made it possible for
me always to keep moving forward.”
Her passion for helping others
eventually led to the creation of
WINGS, Women Investing in Growth
and Success. The idea took shape after
her reign as Mrs Mpumalanga 2024,
when she realised she wanted her
impact to extend beyond the pageant
stage. “I knew my journey couldn’t end
there,” she says. “I wanted to create
something lasting, a platform where
women could grow, learn, and support
each other.”
At its core, WINGS focuses on financial
education. “Too many women
grow up believing money isn’t their
responsibility,” Zhané explains. “We
want to change that mindset. When
a woman understands her finances,
she gains confidence, independence
and choices. It’s about exposure and
inspiration,” she says. “When you see
what’s possible, you start believing it’s
possible for you too.”
Her time as Mrs Mpumalanga,
and representing South Africa
internationally, also played a profound
role in shaping her confidence. “It
was life-changing,” she says. “Meeting
women from over 30 countries, all
passionate about making a difference,
really expanded my perspective, the
experience taught me the power of
example. True leaders lead by how
they live.”
Zhané admits that balancing her
career, her platform and her family
life requires intention. Sundays are
reserved for planning content and
preparing for the week ahead. Client
meetings are scheduled as efficiently
as possible, and Friday evenings are
sacred family time. “Those moments
are non-negotiable,” she smiles. “Pieter,
family and friends are my strongest
foundation.”
Looking ahead, Zhané dreams
of WINGS becoming a nationally
recognised platform, one that truly
changes lives. And for women who feel
stuck or afraid to take the next step,
her advice is simple. “Take the leap,”
she says. “If you’re not happy, change
won’t come from staying comfortable.
Growth happens when you’re brave
enough to try.”
As for her legacy, the answer comes
without hesitation. “I want to be
remembered as someone who led
with passion and heart,” she says,
smiling. “Someone who uplifted others
and made a real difference.”
March 2026 Get It Lowveld 13

A man of
many seasons
Dirk van Schalkwyk
is no stranger to
responsibility. As the
CEO of water-specialist
company HidroVerse, he
spends his days solving
complex problems
and building systems
designed to hold under
pressure.
Yet nothing compares to the shift he’s
preparing for now. Becoming a father
has a way of reframing everything,
even for someone who thrives on
structure and forward motion. “Excited
is probably the wrong word,” he says
with a smile. “It feels bigger than that.
Becoming a father is a responsibility
I’ve wanted since I was a child, and it’s
something I take seriously.”
It’s a sentiment that echoes through
the way he speaks about life in general:
deliberate, thoughtful and grounded.
While many executives talk about
balance as a formula, Dirk sees it
differently.
“I don’t think balance is something
you measure in hours,” he says. “My
life works in seasons. Some seasons
lean heavily toward work. Others lean
toward family. That’s just reality.” What
makes those seasons work is shared
understanding. Balance only functions
when the people around you, your
family, friends, and colleagues,
understand the rhythm you’re in,
Dirk van Schalkwyk
14 Get It Lowveld March 2026

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY
and when you understand theirs.
“Otherwise, you end up trying to carry
everything alone, and that’s where
things start to break.”
With a baby on the way, change is
inevitable, but Dirk doesn’t see it as a
complete reset. “The same principle
remains,” he says. “Whatever matters
most in that moment deserves your full
attention.” For him, balance isn’t about
rigid routines, but about being present
in the moment, where it counts most.
Even on days off, that mindset doesn’t
disappear. “The truth is, the work hat
never really goes away… Although
sometimes I wear it backwards just
to feel cool,” he laughs. “For me, work
isn’t something to escape from; it’s an
extension of how I see the world.”
‘Understanding
who you are removes
unnecessary pressure
and opens the door
to growth’
For Dirk, relaxation is less about
switching off and more about
changing focus. “Rest is letting your
mind breathe,” he says. “Stepping away
from all the noise.” That usually means
being outdoors, moving his body, and
creating space between himself and
constant decision-making. A day off
isn’t about doing nothing; it’s about
returning to himself long enough to
remember why he does what he does.
Movement plays a central role in Dirk’s
life. Gym sessions, running, squash,
hiking, birding, anything that clears
the mind through motion. Free time is
spent fuelling his body and mind, in his
view, the two function as one.
He also enjoys building things,
designing systems, improving
processes, and turning rough ideas
into something functional. “Some
people relax by switching off,” he
smiles. “I relax by resolving.” It’s why
his hobbies and his work overlap so
naturally. Both satisfy the same instinct:
turning chaos into something that
Dirk with his wife Karli
makes sense. That instinct also shapes
how he approaches motivation.
Rather than waiting for inspiration,
Dirk relies on discipline. “I don’t wait to
feel motivated,” he says. “I decide what
matters, and I move in that direction.”
Over time, those decisions build their
own momentum.
Still, there is one constant source of
personal inspiration in Dirk’s life. “My
wife, Karli,” he says without hesitation.
“Not through pressure, but through
presence. Being around her reminds
me of the kind of man I want to be.”
Looking ahead to fatherhood, there’s
one lesson from his own upbringing
he hopes to pass on: self-awareness.
“If you know who you are, the need
to fit in disappears,” he says. “That
understanding removes unnecessary
pressure and opens the door to
growth.”
When he finds a quiet moment,
Dirk returns to the same essentials:
movement, music, and the outdoors.
“It’s where my body and mind align,”
he says. “It keeps me grounded. It’s
not indulgence, it’s maintenance.” If
time could slow for a day, he wouldn’t
plan how to spend it. In fact, he’s
grown tired of planning altogether.
“In business, planning never really
ends,” he says. “So I’d follow my gut,
a spontaneous road trip, a hike,
exploration without an agenda.”
That philosophy feeds directly into
HidroVerse. Drawn to the complexity
of purification and water systems, Dirk
found satisfaction in solving problems
that matter. “Water is everywhere, yet
so often unusable,” he says. “Turning
something raw into something
usable felt natural, almost instinctive.
Clean, reliable water changes lives.”
Founded in 2016 as a family business
and expanded from 2020 onwards,
HidroVerse has grown through
constant iteration. The biggest lesson?
“Systems matter,” Dirk says.
“Great systems will make you. Poor
systems will break you.” That belief
shapes his leadership style. He cares
deeply about people becoming more
than they think they are, even if that
means outgrowing the company. “A
business should be a place where
people become stronger, not smaller,”
he says.
Asked about life’s everyday joys,
Dirk smiles. “What matters is finding
the thing that keeps you going and
feeding it. For me, that’s movement,
silence, discipline, caring for my body
and mind, and the people I choose
to build life with. It’s simple. And it’s
enough for me.”
March 2026 Get It Lowveld 15

the art of
For years, facial sculpting was
synonymous with extremes, sharp
contour lines, aggressive treatments,
and a pursuit of dramatic
transformation.
Now, the pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction
with the trending art of soft sculpting: a refined, noninvasive
approach to firming, lifting and subtly defining the
face, while preserving natural movement and expression.

Soft sculpting is less about altering
your features and more about
supporting what’s already there.
Think improved skin tone, gentle
firmness, and a rested, quietly
contoured appearance. It’s a look
that makes people think ‘wow, she
looks well!’ and not ‘mmm, she had
work done’.
At its core, soft sculpting refers
to a combination of non-invasive
techniques that stimulate the skin
and underlying structures without
needles, surgery or downtime. These
methods work with the body’s
natural processes, encouraging
collagen production, improving
circulation,
and re-educating facial muscles that
may have slackened or become
tense over time.
Common approaches include
facial massage, lymphatic drainage,
microcurrent therapy, ultrasoundbased
treatments, radiofrequency,
and gentle muscle-stimulating
technologies. While each works
differently, they share a common
goal: to improve firmness and tone
gradually, rather than forcing instant
change.
This slower, cumulative effect is
precisely what appeals to many
people. Results develop over time,
are easier to maintain, and tend to
age more gracefully than abrupt
interventions.
MED03NH

Unlike traditional skincare, soft
sculpting acknowledges that the face
is not just skin, it’s a complex structure
of muscles, fascia, fat pads and
bone. As we age, facial muscles can
shorten, weaken or pull downward,
contributing to sagging, dullness and
loss of definition.
Non-invasive sculpting techniques
aim to address this by either relaxing
overactive muscles (such as those
around the jaw or brows) or gently
activating underused ones, particularly
in the cheeks and neck. Improved
blood flow brings oxygen and
nutrients to the skin, while enhanced
lymphatic drainage reduces puffiness
and congestion.
The result is not a frozen or stretched
look, but a face that appears lighter,
brighter and subtly lifted.
One of the strengths of the soft
sculpting trend is its versatility. It suits
a wide range of ages and skin types,
whether you’re looking to prevent
early loss of firmness, counteract signs
of fatigue, or support mature skin
without invasive measures.
It’s also ideal for those who prefer a
low-intervention beauty philosophy,
people who value consistency, ritual
and long-term skin health over
dramatic short-term fixes or surgical
procedures.
Using make-up as an extension of soft sculpting
The philosophy of soft sculpting doesn’t stop at treatments. Make-up plays
a crucial supporting role, enhancing natural structure without harsh lines or
heavy contrast.
Prep is everything: Well-hydrated, plump skin reflects light more evenly,
which immediately creates a lifted effect. Massage your skincare in using
upward strokes, paying particular attention to the jawline, cheekbones and
temples.
Choose cream and liquid textures: These meld into the skin and move with
the face, avoiding the rigid look that powders can sometimes create. Soft
sculpting thrives on seamless blending.
Contour gently, not sharply: Instead of carving deep hollows, place contour
products slightly higher than you think, under the cheekbones, along the
temples, and lightly at the jaw hinge. Keep the shade close to your natural skin
tone for realism.
Highlight strategically: Skip glitter and opt for satin or skin-like finishes. Apply
to the tops of the cheekbones, the brow bone, and the Cupid ’s bow to draw
light upward.
Blush is your secret weapon: A softly lifted blush placement, higher on the
cheeks and sweeping slightly toward the temples, creates instant freshness and
optical lift.
Define without over-drawing: Feathered brows, softly lined eyes, and diffused
lip edges align with the soft sculpting ethos. Precision is subtle, never stark.
Soft sculpting reflects a broader shift
in beauty, away from perfection and
toward vitality. It prioritises skin that
looks alive, expressive and cared for,
rather than tightly controlled. This
approach also encourages a more
mindful relationship with ageing,
one that focuses on support rather
than resistance.
Consistency is key. Whether through
regular treatments, daily facial
massage, or thoughtful make-up
application, soft sculpting rewards
patience. The changes may be
gradual, but the effects are lasting.
In a beauty landscape often driven
by extremes, soft sculpting offers
something refreshingly balanced;
definition without harshness,
firmness without needles, and
enhancement without the knife. It’s
beauty that
works perceptively over time with
your skin type.
18 Get It Lowveld March 2026

advertorial
In today’s fast-paced world, the right to rest, restore, and renew is not a luxury; it is a
necessity. Our lives are driven by deadlines and targets, often resulting in compromising our
health and well-being, both physically and mentally.
On a physical level we are more aware of
ways to restore and renew. But often we
neglect or overlook the ways in which
we need to restore and renew ourselves
mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Just as the body cannot function
without sleep, the inner being cannot
thrive without moments of stillness
and renewal. When we take time to
consciously breathe and slow the mind,
choosing thoughts that are positive
and calming, we feel mental ease that
extends into the body itself. Sometimes
this relief is immediate, while at other
times it appears gradually, improving our
overall health. The connection between
body and mind is profound. Decades of
research has shown that many illnesses
are psychosomatic and so nurturing
the mind directly improves the physical
well-being.
If we observe our thoughts, we notice
how easily the world floods into our
minds, creating stress. External events are
only triggers; it is our mental response
that produces worry, anxiety and fear.
While it may seem that we have no
control over these reactions, consistently
taking time out, especially at the start of
the day, helps us realign our thoughts
with gratitude and compassion. This shift
changes how we feel and how we engage
with others.
Such thoughts are not only positive
but powerful. They enable us to choose
our responses rather than reacting
impulsively to circumstances. Instead of
being drained by emotions, we cultivate
resilience and calm. Renewal does not
The right to
rest, restore, renew
require waiting for a holiday. Small daily
steps, moments of reflection on peace,
gratitude or compassion can restore
balance and bring us to inner calm.
When we feel relaxed, restored, and
renewed, the benefits ripple outward.
Drawing on the wisdom of Dadi Janki, who said, “There are many external crises.
It is not always possible to do something about them. But the crises you create in
your own mind - at least put a stop to those and claim back your peace,” we are
encouraged to remember that we do not have to be at the mercy of the world
around us. Through small, regular practices of positive thinking, breathing, and
reflection, we can maintain a spirit of calm and feel refreshed.
Durban: 143 Belmont Rd, Durban
083 430 8926 | 0315633502 | durban@za.brahmakumaris.org
Johannesburg: 28 Judith Street, Observatory
066 495 1367 | johannesburg@za.brahmakumaris.org
Cape Town: 7 Dunluce Avenue, Claremont
077 374 1967 | captetown@za.brahmakumaris.org.
nelspruit: 16 Paperback Street, Thorny Creek Complex
072 118 3690 | nelspruit@za.brahmakumaris.org
Families, friends, colleagues, and
communities all experience the harmony
we carry within. Ultimately, caring for
the soul alongside the body brings joy,
strengthens health, and contributes to
peace in the wider world.

It’s the season to get healthy, fill
your jars and snack bowls with
good things: nuts, dried fruit,,
home-made granola, and bars
you can slice and tuck into your
bag or lunchbox. Simple foods
full of flavour and texture, with
enough sweetness to satisfy but
none of the weighty guilt, the
perfect counter to the festive
season’s over-indulgence.
These snacks aren’t fads, they’re
time-tested, whole foods that
satisfy the body and the senses,
they are rich in healthy fats, fibre,
protein and natural sugars.
• Nuts provide energy and
healthy fats, with a good dose of
magnesium and protein. Whether
raw or roasted and lightly salted,
they’re deeply satisfying.
• Chickpeas, when roasted with
spice and lemon, turn into
golden, crispy bites that rival any
chip or cracker.
• Dried fruit such as apricots, figs,
or mango strips offer natural
sweetness and chew, and a little
goes a long way.
• Granola and snack bars can
be home-made with pantry
ingredients to suit your taste.
They make excellent toppings,
lunchbox staples, smoothie bowl
companions, or emergency desk
drawer heroes. They are the ideal
way to help you shed a few
cold-weather kilograms, are
amazingly versatile, and best of
all, they taste fabulous.
New beginnings are an invitation to open the
windows and breathe deeply, taking in that fresh
Lowveld smell. It’s about getting back into the
saddle and feeling alive - making the shift to a
healthy and happy new start.
Ways to use these snacks beyond snacking
Sprinkle granola over stewed fruit or baked apples for a light dessert.
Roasted nuts and dried fruit can be tossed into couscous or grain bowls for
added crunch and sweetness.
Chickpeas can be crushed and stirred through hummus or scattered
onto soup.
Date bars make an excellent base for a layered yoghurt parfait, simply
crumble into glasses and layer with fruit and yoghurt.
Healthy eating doesn’t need to feel punishing or austere. At its heart, it’s
about choosing what makes you feel good, foods that fuel you for walks,
creativity, laughter and life. Spring is a lovely time to make that choice, to
restock the pantry with things that spark pleasure, and to invite a little more
colour, texture, and vitality into the everyday.
Whether it’s a jar of roasted nuts on your kitchen counter or a few chewy
seed bars squirrelled away for the week ahead, these nourishing snacks are
perfect on their own or added to just about anything you fancy.
22 Get It Lowveld March 2026

Roasted chickpeas with paprika &
lemon zest
Crunchy, salty, and oddly addictive, these little
golden orbs are as good warm as they are
cooled and jarred.
Ingredients
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp smoked paprika • ½ tsp
ground cumin • Zest of ½ lemon • Sea salt to
taste
Method
Pat chickpeas dry with a clean cloth, the drier
they are, the crispier the result. Toss with oil
and spices. Spread on a baking tray and roast
at 200°C for 30-40 minutes, shaking once
or twice. Add lemon zest and salt while still
warm.
Tip: They make a brilliant salad topper or
crunch element in wraps.
Vanilla & honey granola
Forget overly sweetened supermarket mixes, they are full of preservatives and
often too much salt and/or sugar. Home-made granola takes just minutes to
make, and fills the kitchen with a deliciously warm, toasty fragrance as it bakes.
Ingredients
• 2 cups rolled oats • 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
• ½ cup coconut flakes or seeds • ½ tsp cinnamon • ¼ cup honey or maple
syrup • 2 tbsp coconut oil or butter • 1 tsp vanilla extract • A pinch of salt
Method
Preheat the oven to 170°C. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Melt honey
and coconut oil together, stir in vanilla, then pour over the oat mixture and
combine. Spread onto a lined baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring
halfway. Let cool completely to crisp up.
Once cooled, add chopped dried fruit such as cranberries, goji berries, apricot,
figs or dates.
Serve with Greek yoghurt and berries, over stewed fruit, or simply with milk
and a drizzle more honey.
AMBA03NH
Date & seed energy bars
Soft, chewy, and endlessly versatile,
these bars feel like a treat but are
packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
• 1 cup soft pitted dates • ½ cup oats
• 2 tbsp nut butter • 1 tbsp honey
(optional) • ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds • 2 tbsp chia or
flax seeds • A pinch of salt
Method
Blend dates in a food processor until
they form a paste. Add the rest of the
ingredients and pulse until the mixture
starts to come together. Press into a
lined tray or container and chill for
1-2 hours. Slice into bars or squares
and store in the fridge.
Optional: Add cocoa powder,
cinnamon, or chopped dark chocolate
to vary the flavour.
The kids love them and they are
perfect for school lunches, after-school
snacks, hiking trails, or a late-afternoon
pick-me-up that won’t send your
energy crashing.

WAG03RM
Monkey gland sauce
Monkey gland is a classic
South African sauce - sweet,
tangy, and slightly smoky,
the perfect accompaniment
to your burger.
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp olive oil • ½ small
onion, very finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1 tsp
Dijon mustard • ½ tsp
smoked paprika • 2 tbsp
water (if needed, to thin)
Method
Heat the olive oil in a small
saucepan over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook for
3 to 4 minutes until soft and
translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cook for
another 30 seconds.
Add the tomato sauce,
Worcestershire sauce, soy
sauce, brown sugar, mustard,
and smoked paprika.
Simmer gently for 5 - 7
minutes, stirring occasionally,
until thick and glossy.
Add a splash of water if the
sauce becomes too thick.
Taste and adjust sweetness
or tang to your preference.

Few foods inspire the kind of universal affection reserved for the humble
burger, and the Lowveld is no different.
From patties done on the braai to a
night out at any one of our fabulous
local burger-serving restaurants, this is
one food type that will never go out
of style.
The burger crosses borders, classes,
ages, and tastes with ease. It can
be fast food or fine dining, a guilty
pleasure or a carefully sourced, slowcrafted
meal. From roadside grills to
linen-draped tables, the burger has
earned its place as one of the world’s
most enduring comfort foods, and one
of its most endlessly reinvented.
At its heart, a burger is simple: a
patty, a bun, and something to bring
it together. But that simplicity is
deceptive. The magic of a good burger
lies in balance, richness and freshness,
softness and bite, indulgence and
restraint.
The modern burger is most often
traced back to the Hamburg steak,
brought to America by German
immigrants in the 19th century.
Ground beef, seasoned and cooked,
was a familiar and affordable option.
Add bread for portability, and the
burger became a perfect fit for a
rapidly industrialising world.
Since then, the burger has evolved far
beyond its beefy origins. Today, burgers
reflect the culinary values of their time:
sustainability, global flavour, dietary
choice, and personal expression.
While beef is often the classic choice
(ideally with enough fat to ensure
juiciness), the burger patty has become
a canvas for innovation. Chicken
burgers offer a lighter, leaner option,
often paired with crisp coatings or
fresh, sharp toppings. Lamb burgers
bring richness and depth, especially
when matched with Mediterranean
or Middle Eastern flavours like mint,
yoghurt or harissa.
FRE03NH

Feast has been
Mpumalanga’s flavour of
home since 1991 – comfort
food with heritage,
shaped by people who
care enough to do it right,
every single day!
MARCH MADNESS
Feast Burger & Fries
R99
every Mon-Fri for the
month of March
Get your daily fuel
between 8 AM and 9PM.
Then there are fish burgers, from
beer-battered cod to fresh salmon
patties, prized for their delicate texture
and clean flavour. And increasingly,
plant-based burgers have stepped
into the spotlight. Whether built from
beans, mushrooms, lentils or modern
meat alternatives, a good vegetarian
or vegan burger is no longer a
compromise; it’s a statement.
The common thread is that texture
matters as much as taste. A successful
patty must hold together, remain juicy,
and offer some resistance to the bite.
A burger is only as good as the bun
that holds it. Too soft and it collapses;
too firm and it overwhelms the filling.
The ideal bun offers structure without
dryness, softness without sogginess.
Classic sesame seed buns remain
popular for their nostalgic appeal,
but brioche has become a modern
favourite, adding subtle sweetness and
richness. Potato buns bring tenderness
and durability, while sourdough rolls
offer chew and character.
Increasingly, burgers are also being
served bunless, between two large
mushrooms, or even wrapped in
lettuce, a nod to dietary preferences,
though purists will argue that the bun
is non-negotiable.
The choice of toppings is where
burgers truly become personal. Cheese
is often the first consideration. Cheddar
melts beautifully and brings sharpness;
Swiss offers nuttiness; blue cheese
adds punch; American cheese delivers
nostalgic creaminess. Meltability, not
just flavour, is key.
Then come the classics: crisp lettuce,
ripe tomato, and sliced onion - raw
for bite or caramelised for sweetness.
Pickles provide acidity, cutting through
richness and keeping each bite lively.
Beyond tradition lies creativity. Fried
eggs, avocado, bacon, sautéed
mushrooms, jalapeños, pineapple,
coleslaw, the list is endless. Global
influences have broadened the field
even further: kimchi, tzatziki, chutneys,
sambals and spiced yoghurts now
regularly find their way onto burger
builds.

Sauces deserve special mention. Tomato
sauce and mustard may be timeless, but
home-made sauces - smoky, tangy, spicy
or creamy - often define a great burger.
There is nothing quite like a delicious
Monkey Gland sauce oozing out of the
side of a deliciously juicy burger. But
remember, a well-crafted sauce doesn’t
drown the burger; it brings everything
together.
Part of the burger’s appeal is emotional.
It’s informal, tactile, and unpretentious.
You eat it with your hands. It drips, it
squashes, it demands that you pay
attention. There’s pleasure in that
immediacy. But burgers also invite
nostalgia, the memories of backyard
braais, childhood treats, late-night meals
shared with friends. At the same time,
they allow for endless reinvention, making
them feel current no matter how old the
concept is.
Perhaps most importantly, burgers are
generous. They don’t ask you to choose
between comfort and excitement,
indulgence and creativity. They offer all of
it in one satisfying package.
While foodie trends will come and go,
such as smashed patties, towering stacks,
minimalist builds, the burger itself isn’t
going anywhere. It adapts effortlessly to
fads and trends, but never loses its soul.
In a world that often feels complicated,
the burger remains reassuringly
straightforward. Honest ingredients,
thoughtfully combined, eaten with
pleasure. And maybe that’s why, no
matter how sophisticated our tastes
become, we keep coming back to it, one
good bite at a time.
Lentil burger patties
Ingredients
• 1 cup cooked brown, black or green lentils (well drained) • ½ small onion,
finely chopped • 1 clove garlic, minced • ½ cup fine breadcrumbs • 1 tbsp
soy sauce or tamari • 1 tbsp tomato paste • 1 tsp smoked paprika • ½ tsp
ground cumin • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1-2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
(optional) • 1-2 tbsp flour or chickpea flour (if mixture is too wet) • Olive oil,
for frying
Method
Place the cooked lentils in a bowl and mash about half of them with a fork
or potato masher. You want a mix of mashed and whole lentils for texture.
Add the onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, tomato paste, paprika,
cumin, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well until the mixture holds together.
If it feels too wet, add a spoonful of flour, if too dry, add a splash of water.
Form into patties and place on a plate. Heat a thin layer of olive oil in
a pan over medium heat. Cook patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side until
golden and firm. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving so they
firm up further.
MEA03NH

Swoonworthy stays
A collection of the very best stays in South Africa to add to your travel bucket list.
Extraordinary places that are super luxurious and heavy on conservation.
This is, without a doubt, the ultimate book for those who love to
travel - actual or armchair - around our country. A collection of the
most extraordinary hotels, lodges and retreats that are not only
super luxurious, but also have a commitment to the environment
and community ... showing how exceptional hospitality can
coexist with conservation efforts. South Africa’s Best Stays -
Featuring a Selection of the Most Spectacular and Sustainable
Stays in South Africa is page after page of glorious images,
Ardmore artworks, and enticing descriptions of destinations from
Mpumalanga and Limpopo to the Western Cape, via Gauteng and
the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and North West, the Northern and
Eastern Cape. Destinations around the corner from your hometown,
and others across the country worth travelling for. Whether your
fancy is to track rhinos on foot, dine on farm-to-table cuisine under
the stars, birdwatch, take a sunrise stroll along the beach, indulge in
luxurious spa treatments ... you’ll find the best options available in
this hefty 400-plus-page coffee table tome, which was put together
in collaboration with Steadfast Africa and Trips To Earth Luxury
Traveller Club. HPH Publishing, R2500 from hphpublishing.co.za
Marvel at ... Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge,
set in the Sabi Sands region of the
Greater Kruger National Park, it has
a hidden entrance passage and is
tucked into a gentle slope of natural
grasslands, blending effortlessly with
the landscape, and remaining hidden
from even the wildlife that often
venture through, or around the lodge.
It’s a living gallery of the senses ... all
graceful curves, interplay of light, and
rich natural textures which create a
soothing harmony that echoes the
beauty of the landscape itself.
Surely the most recognisable destination in the country ... the Oyster Box
Hotel is legendary. Timeless elegance, coastal beauty, it’s a regal gem
that sits on the Indian Ocean coastline, with the iconic red and white
Umhlanga Lighthouse standing sentinel beside it. Breathtaking sea
views, manicured lawns, verdant tropical gardens.
28 Get It Lowveld March 2026

Discover ... deep in the heart of the Greater Kruger
bushveld, The Royal Portfolio’s Africa House is
an exclusive-use safari villa that epitomises both
contemporary luxury and wild African beauty.
Costal treasures ... Birkenhead House sits
spectacularly atop a dramatic cliff on
the outskirts of Hermanus ... it’s all luxury
surrounded by rugged cliffs, rolling waves,
Cape fynbos.
Explore ... Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa
in Morningside Manor in Sandton - once the
private residence of the Oppenheimers - is a
tranquil, urban sanctuary surrounded by lush
landscaped gardens.
March 2026 Get It Lowveld 29

GET IT DIRECTORY
VDW03R
VAL03R
VET02RM WOLF03RM
BOD03RM
DRPA03R

Spoil
March
A case of Franschhoek Cellar
Statue de Femme Sauvignon Blanc
Statue de Femme is a graceful monument built to celebrate the
250th anniversary of the arrival of the French Huguenots in the
Cape. It’s all simplicity and elegance with unmistakable reflections
of historic French influences. Just like this Franschhoek
Cellar Statue de Femme Sauvignon Blanc. The wine
has expressive tropical aromas tinged with capsicum, with
attractive Cape gooseberry, passion fruit and green fig
flavours. Serve this easy-drinking wine well chilled ...
it’s fab without food, but is also really lovely with prawns
on the braai, teriyaki salmon, creamy mussels or zesty
chicken dishes. R100 from franschhoekcellar.co.za.
For a chance to win a case, visit @getitnationalmagazines
on Instagram or Facebook, find the March Spoil
post and follow the promps.
32 Get It Lowveld March 2026