Mar 26

JOBURG SOUTH • ALBERTON • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein

MO HWANDE

Fitness is a

celebration

of your body

WIN

A case of Franschhoek

Cellar Statue de Femme

Sauvignon Blanc

Antiques

and Coins …

sharing the value

of old treasures

TIME TO RESET

Recharge at luxury stays & reconnect

with friends over crowd-pleasing dishes

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

MARCH 2026

GIS0306_001_600583963.indd 1 2026/02/11 08:22:42

www.jamclothing.co.za

www.jamclothing.co.za

GIS0306_002_596642473.indd 2 2026/02/11 08:24:06

GET IT

Editorial

Instagram: @getitjoburgsoutheast

Facebook: @getitjoburgsoutheast

Website: getitmagazine.co.za/joburg-south

Pinterest: Get It

National Group Editor and National Sales

Kym Argo

kyma@caxton.co.za

Facebook and Instagram:

Get It National Magazines

Website: getitmagazine.co.za

Editor Carina van der Walt

albertongetit1@caxton.co.za

083 411 7146

Sub-editor Riaan Engelbrecht

Contributors Alice Coetzee

Workflow & Studio Manager Megan Brett

Layout Artist

Shanet Moodley

Design Studio

Mojalefa Nthutang

Wendell Source

Sales Manager

Roxanne Cooper 072 821 0910

roxannec@caxton.co.za

Distribution

12 000 copies monthly

Get It JHB SouthEast is distributed free

of charge. For a full list contact

tinyr@caxton.co.za or nataliem@caxton.co.za

Competition rules

The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be

transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions

are not open to the sponsors or Caxton

employees or their families. Get It Magazine

reserves the right to publish the names of

winners, who will be contacted telephonically

and need to collect their prizes from Caxton

Joburg SouthEast branch within 10 days or

they will be forfeited. Prizewinners names are

published on our Facebook page monthly.

contents

WHY DON’T YOU

4 Rock to the best music, reset with a soulful morning of yoga or simply try

something not for the faint-hearted

6 Find out how to drop those kilos, or enjoy the latest thrillers on the shelves

WISH LIST

8 It is time to breathe, relax and of course, indulge a little

SOCIALS

11 This is where you want to restore balance to your everyday life

12 Tune into your market and get your business growing

PEOPLE

14 We chat to Mo Hwande about her journey to understand that fitness is a

celebration and not punishment

18 Shanice Peens finds clarity, balance and strength in running

PROMOTION

16 Antiques and Coins … forgotten vintage finds could be worth more

than only memories

BEAUTY

20 Be the most beautiful you with a little help and self-care

FOOD

22 Nothing beats the good old classic chocolate cake with a

tasty twist or two

24 For the health conscious - try these delish dairy dishes

DECOR

36 When decor gets personal, homes feel real

GARDENING

28 It is time to plant and prep for Autumn

TRAVEL

32 Luxury awaits at these top stays - a must for your travel bucket list

SPOIL

34 A case of Franschhoek Cellar Statue de Femme Sauvignon

Blanc could be yours

COVER

Photographed by - Antiques & Coins

March 2026

March 2026 Get It Joburg South • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 3

GIS0306_003_601336340.indd 3 2026/02/12 10:32:37

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

A hot date!

Are you ready? Because we are rocking March!

Get ready to flash back to the totally tubular 80s. The Barnyard Theatre

07 at Emperors Palace is cranking up the volume with Absolute 80’s, a

high-energy musical journey through an iconic decade. From the sophisticated

sounds of Dire Straits to the innovative vibes of The Talking Heads and

the synth-pop magic of Depeche Mode, Aha and The Eurythmics, prepare

for anything. Relive the girl-power anthems of The Bangles and the infectious

energy of Billy Ocean, plus the unforgettable movie themes from Footloose to

Ghostbusters, and the unifying power of We Built This City on Rock and Roll. Absolute

80’s is a non-stop party where we’ll stay Forever Young and you’re always

welcome to party till you Just Can’t get Enough. Don’t forget our own South

African legends like Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Hotline, and E-Void. This is the

ultimate 80s celebration you won’t want to miss! Tickets from R225 per person.

Evening shows start at 9pm with Sunday afternoon shows at 2pm. Details: www.

barnyardtheatre.co.za

The Ogre is back! Peoples Theatre

announces the return of Shrek the

Musical JR so get ready to journey

back to the swamp. Following a highly

successful previous run, Peoples

Theatre is thrilled to announce that

everyone’s favourite green ogre is

returning to the stage from March10

to April 19. This beloved production

has been completely refreshed to

give audiences a “big, bright, beautiful”

theatrical experience like never

before. While the heart of the story

remains the same, this production

introduces exciting updates designed

to dazzle returning fans and first-time

guests alike with a fresh cast, re-imagined

choreography and enhanced

design elements. The production is

masterfully adapted for the stage,

while still ensuring that even the

littlest theatre-goers stay captivated

by the song, dance, and laughter.

Show times for schools are Tuesday to

Friday at 9am and 11am. Show times

for public are 10.30am and 14.30pm

Saturdays and Sundays and during

school holidays with ticket prices at

R180 per person or members of the

public. Kids club members pay R145

and R155 for public accompanying

members. Details: 011 877 6841 or

email info@peoplestheatre.co.za or

book online at www.joburgtheatre.com

10

You are invited to an afternoon

14 tea hosted by the Alberton Lions

Club featuring inspirational speakers.

Join them on March 14 at 2.30pm for

3pm at the Reading Country Club, 40

Fore Street, Alberton. The function will

be hosted in the Hadeda Room and

those interested in being a host at a

table are most welcome. Tables are

available at R800 for a table of 8. Make

it a special morning for your guests and

invite them to a beautifully decorated

table. Prizes for the table with the best

decor are up for grabs. The function is

in aid of the Diabetes Fund. Details: Lion

Hannetjie on 081 863 9113.

Touring with the Legend is

14 the ultimate Rodriguez tribute

show. Get to know the man behind the

legend, as the show celebrates the music

of Rodriguez, with personal stories

from the road during his tours in South

Africa and the USA. Featuring a live

band with song list including: I wonder,

Sugarman, Crucify your mind, Streetboy,

Only good for conversation, You’d

like to admit it, Climb up on my music,

Halfway up the stairs, Forget it, Jane S

Piddy, Like Janis, Hate Street, Establishment

Blues, Inner City Blues, Cant get

away, To whom this may concern, Rick

folks and more. The show is presented

by Graham Gillot, who personally

toured several times with Rodriguez,

from 2004 in SA, to his very last US tour

in February 2020, just before the Covid

pandemic hit, cancelling the rest of his

US tours. Sadly, due to this, Rodriguez

never toured again. From big arena

concerts, to small intimate theatre

venues, beyond the hype of the shows,

Graham shared many special moments

and precious memories with Rodriguez.

Book now for the show at 1pm at

Emperors Palace’s Barnyard theatre on

March 14. Details: www.barnyardtheatre.

co.za

4 Get It Joburg South • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein March 2026

GIS0306_004_600901011.indd 4 2026/02/12 10:33:50

14

Cotlands is inviting corporates, individuals and running communities to take

part in a fun race on March 14 at the Johannesburg Zoo. The run is in support

of early childhood development for thousands of young, vulnerable children

who don’t have access to any early learning programme and need a strong

start to their learning journeys. The race will bring people together with a

shared purpose: to invest in the early years of a child’s life, where the foundation

for future learning, confidence and success is built. With the support

of avid walkers and runners and purpose-driven partners, Cotlands aims to

change the lives of vulnerable children by giving them access to quality, playbased

early learning and a brighter future through education. Funds raised

through the race will support Cotlands’ Early Childhood Care and Education

(ECCE) hubs. Cotlands is calling on all corporates seeking meaningful CSI partnerships

and running clubs eager to run with purpose to enter the race. Details:

cotlands.org or email marketing@cotlands.org

29

Members of the East Rand Woodworkers

Association (ERWA) are rolling

up their sleeves and preparing the

lacquer varnish to kick off another year

of creation. The club’s next meeting will

take place on March 21 (and every third

Saturday of the month) at Leroy Merlin

Greenstone (first floor boardroom)

from 9.30am to 12 noon. Whether you

consider yourself a pro or are only just

learning ropes, everyone is welcome.

Topics and tutorials will be offered

including carpentry, cabinetry, turning,

laser, CNC, 3D printing, carving, furniture

and more. A monthly membership

fee of R230 is payable and guests are

welcome to attend meetings free of

charge. Details: Zieg Erasmus on 071 897

4769.

19

Make your way to the Field & Feast -

Farm-to-Table Wellness Experience.

You can expect a guided yoga session

surrounded by nature, a hands-on

workshop rooted in mindful living

and creativity, wine tasting featuring

local, carefully selected wines, and

a seasonal three-course farm meal,

freshly prepared from the land. Come

and slow down. Breathe deeply. Feast

intentionally. Be sure not to miss this

event at The Farmhouse Deli, Henley

on Klip on March 28 from 9am to 5pm.

Limited spaces available and booking

is essential. Come reconnect with the

earth, your body and your community.

Details: Field & Feast Ticket at wa.

me/25272928318997295/227728048615.

Ready for some real action and not one of the faint-hearted? Then you may

want to try out roller derby. The Golden City Rollers are recruiting skaters,

referees, and non-skating officials, offering training and coaching for beginners.

Anyone aged 18 or older can join, with training on Wednesday evenings and

Sunday afternoons. Roller derby is a full-contact sport played on quad roller

skates, where two teams of five skaters compete in jams, with the jammer scoring

points by lapping opposing blockers. The sport requires speed, strength,

endurance, and tactical awareness. Details: Visit Golden City Rollers on social

media or email info@goldencityrollers.com

28


GIS0306_004_600901011.indd 5 2026/02/12 10:34:08

Book club

Dropping kilos, underwater adventures and half a dozen thrillers ...

Dropping kilos, underwater adventures and half a dozen 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

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


GIS0306_006_597812728.indd 6 2026/02/12 10:35:39

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

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

A text from an unknown

number. A husband and father

who hasn’t been seen in five

years. An escape from Los

Angeles and a flight to Paris,

and hopefully safety. And

maybe a second chance. But

enemies there are plotting

revenge. Laura Dave’s The

First Time I Saw Him is a

moving novel about the

power of forgiveness, and

brilliant sequel to The Last

Thing He Told Me. Penguin

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

It’s the latest reality TV

show ... Tag, You’re It. A

sprawling, isolated mansion

in the countryside. Twenty

contestants. The rules seem

simple ... each day one

contestant is ‘it’ ... and must

complete a secret task to

tag someone else. Whoever

ends the day as ‘it’, is out,

and loses the chance to

win millions. The tagline

... Don’t trust anybody. It’s

just a game. Until one of

the players is found dead.

Kerry Wilkinson’s thriller

is suspenseful, with loads

of unexpected twists.

Bookouture


GIS0306_006_597812728.indd 7 2026/02/12 13:43:31

Wish list

And ... breathe. Relax. Indulge.

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

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


GIS0306_008_570792740.indd 8 2026/02/12 10:46:20

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


GIS0306_008_570792740.indd 9 2026/02/12 10:46:34

GIS0306_010_596628720.indd 10 2026/02/12 10:47:50

Sinead O’Halloran, Irmgard and Eddie Bekker

Anina Myburgh, Lousia Retief

and Chantelle du Toit

Relax, unwind and

restore balance

Mulbarton has welcomed a new addition with the opening of the Villa Lugano

Spa at Villa Lugano Guesthouse. While the guesthouse itself has been part of the

community for over 23 years, this new spa marks a significant step forward. The spa

aims to provide a serene environment for relaxation and self-care. Guests can enjoy

a range of treatments, including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, all

designed to help ease stress and restore balance to everyday life.

Sinead O’Halloran and

Gerhard van Wyk

Bianca Goncalves, Cheryl Yang

and Mickey Goncalves

Noandri Strydom, Reanne

Coetzee and Marquariete Keevy

Sinead O’Halloran, Sam

Higgins and Nicky van Wyk

Ronel Andresen, Suzan Ness

and Irmgard Bekker


GIS0306_011_570825370.indd 11 2026/02/12 10:48:49

Shine a light on

spending habits

Belinda Skorpen and Owen Eales

Running a business is not for the faint-hearted and often comes with endless

challenges before profit margins show any kind of growth. One of the constant

headaches is marketing, particularly attempting to tune in to your target market’s

spending power, interests, and habits. Caxton Local Media helped take the

guesswork out of marketing by inviting local businesses to be part of its Roots

8.1 2025 market research presentation at the Barnyard Theatre, Emperors

Palace. Presented by the company’s head of research, Lynne Krog, the research

offers specialised and area-specific insights into how, when and where residents

of cities on both the East and South Rand spend their hard-earned money.

Affirming the findings, Keagan Malyon, head of marketing for Meat World in the

East and South Rand and surrounding areas, said the influence of print media is

not dead. Caxton Local Media East Rand advertising manager Norman Dawe said

that the company’s ROOTS market research makes it possible for businesses to

better steer their marketing strategies to their local target market.

Klaus Potgieter and

Nodine Steyn

Marinella Sousa and

Irene Vermaak

James van As and

Charles Matthews

Amos Madousela

Mike and Estelle Nell

Nuzeel Moses

Camilla and

Charmaine Stockdale

Winners of the Roots 8.1 2025 pop quiz are

back: Nodumo Giwa and Yasser Mia. Middle:

Amos Madousela and Adnaan Timol. Front:

Ben Radebe and Claudia Shehab

Trudy Sibande and

Rachel Mokgotla


GIS0306_012_584485698.indd 12 2026/02/12 10:49:59

Nathan Naidoo

and Alec Haliwell

Hennie and Lara

Oelofse

Tshepiso Kgowana

Teekay Baloyi and

Adnaan Timol

Keagan Malyon

Delta Bellagurda

Seipati Senoamadi and

Fisokuhle Mbatha

Olwethu Mtikitiki Yasser Mia Kevin Draper


GIS0306_012_584485698.indd 13 2026/02/12 10:50:12

Movement is life

Mo Hwande learned early how to keep going. Today, she teaches women that

fitness is not punishment or pressure - it is a celebration of what the

body can do, at every stage of motherhood.


Motshidisi “Mo” Hwande is many things

at once: a fit mom of two, a career consultant,

a public speaker, a model and

an author, but more than titles, she is a

woman who lives with intention. Her

life story blends motherhood, movement,

faith and voice into one steady

rhythm, one that reminds women they

are allowed to take up space, care for

their bodies and choose joy.

Roots that built resilience

Mo was born and raised in Vredefort, a

small town in the Free State. She grew

up with a strong, hardworking single

mother and is the firstborn of two children.

Life in Vredefort shaped her early.

‘Most of my passions were birthed in

the dusty streets of that town,’ she says.

Later, she moved to the East Rand in

Gauteng to complete high school and

begin her tertiary education. Today, she

is building her own family life there.

Mo is a proud mom of two toddlers

and speaks openly about how much

motherhood means to her. ‘I love being

a mom and watching my children grow

and experience joy in their own way,’

she says.

She describes herself as both an introvert

and an extrovert. She enjoys solo

dates, spa days, and outdoor adventures.

She is intentional with her time

and makes room for her own happiness.

And one thing she never hides is

her love for food.

Finding her voice early

Mo’s journey into public speaking

began in primary school in Vredefort.

At the time, there were limited sports

options, and because she was not

good at netball, she was introduced to

public speaking competitions. Her first

competition changed everything.

One adjudicator, Maki Maloyi, became

a mentor, while a teacher, Dikeledi

Masike, introduced her to cassette

recordings by Dr John Tibane. Mo

travelled across the Free State, from

GIS0306_014_600815828.indd 14 2026/02/12 10:51:03

Parys to Kroonstad, competing and learning. Slowly, she discovered the power of

her voice.

There was a deeper layer to this journey. Mo was teased for having a deep voice

and once did not like how she sounded. Public speaking became healing. ‘It

helped me fall in love with what I could do with my voice,’ she explains. She carried

this passion throughout school, paused during university, and later returned as a

Toastmasters International speaker.

A fitness journey that evolved with life

Mo highlights that she is always tempted to laugh when she talks about how her

fitness journey began. As a child, she believed exercise was for rich people. ‘I followed

SABC 2 morning fitness shows, back then there used to be a lady exercising

in her lounge and I used to follow along to ‘prepare’ for my future life.’

In high school, fitness became about being skinny and having the flattest tummy.

At university, it became a stress reliever and mood lifter. ‘My first pregnancy is what

really deepened my passion for fitness and the reason I decided to study and get

a qualification in it,’ she shares. ‘Contrary to folklore advice to slow down or stop

exercising because of pregnancy, I wanted to continue moving because I was still

able to, and for me pregnancy became evidence of how capable our bodies are as

women not a disability we experience.’

This belief pushed her to study fitness formally. Today, she believes deeply that

movement is life and that exercise is a way to honour the body, not punish it.

Education, expectations and reality

Mo holds a BA Degree in Corporate Communications and a Diploma in Fitness

Training. She studied communications believing it would allow her to speak on

behalf of companies and change perspectives. While working at a PR and communications

agency, she realised the work focused more on administration and brand

management than speaking.

Fitness education, however, was deeply personal. Pregnancy motivated her to

gain formal knowledge to support her lived experience. She wanted to challenge

harmful beliefs and show women that, unless medically high-risk, pregnancy is not

a disability.

Toastmasters International played a key role in Mo’s growth. She learned that public

speaking is not just about words, but also body language, vocal variety, audience

connection, and belief. ‘That understanding is a game-changer,’ she highlights.

Modeling and speaking have shaped how she carries herself. They have grounded

her in who she is and who she is becoming, without skipping the lessons along the

way.

Professionally, Mo works as a career consultant at a private tertiary institution. She

guides students and parents through study choices, conducts presentations, and

manages data. What she enjoys most is helping people make one of the biggest

decisions of their lives.

Her days are full and flexible. They begin with Bible study, running, and strength

training, followed by work, school runs, family time, and evening walks. After bedtime,

she plans content, prepares for events like Mrs Bold and public races, reads,

prays and rests.

Mo does not dwell on challenges. She sees her roles as aligned and feeding into

each other. Fitness supports motherhood, speaking supports her career, and planning

keeps balance.

She believes she owes herself the life she dreams of and honours God by using her

gifts.

Fitness through a mother’s lens

Today, fitness is no longer about looks. It is about energy, longevity, mental clarity,

and emotional balance. Mo is aware that her children are watching. She wants

them to see movement and healthy eating as acts of love. ‘I want them to know

that we move out of love for bodies, we eat well to nurture and nourish our bodies

because they are our number one home not because we hate them.

‘Fitness is more than being skinny, having a flat tummy, round buttocks or even

pumped muscles. It is a way to honour my body for all the different lifetimes it

carries me through, it is appreciating and celebrating what it is capable of.

‘It is literally life. It is buying energy to do things we love with the people we love, it

is buying longevity to live longer and healthier.’

Fitness and wellness journal

Mo’s fitness and wellness journal for

pregnant women was inspired by her

own first pregnancy. She struggled

to find a journal that focused on the

woman, not just the baby. She noticed

how pregnant women often become

invisible.

Her journal is intentionally different. It

includes prenatal education, affirmations,

poetry, scripture, humour,

and 40 weeks of guided journaling

focused on the woman’s emotional,

mental, and physical experience. ‘I

wanted women to feel seen,’ she says.

Her message is: ‘You matter. You do

not cease to exist because you are

pregnant.’

Advice for women and mothers

Mo encourages mothers to start

small and keep fitness simple. Consistency

does not mean perfection.

‘Sometimes it’s 15 minutes, and that’s

enough,’ she shares.

Her most rewarding moment? ‘I am

living it now,’ she says. Being grounded,

giving herself grace, and allowing her

children to witness an intentional life.

Looking ahead, Mo is building her

fitness and wellness brand, Carry-

Fit, with hopes of more books and

projects. She wants to use fitness as

a tool to fight period poverty and

empower young girls.

Text: DESNAY PETERSON. Photo: Susan Fourie of Susan Fourie Photography and Adrie Labuschagne of Serendipity Photography


GIS0306_014_600815828.indd 15 2026/02/12 10:51:16


GIS0306_016_600871245.indd 16 2026/02/12 10:52:25


GIS0306_016_600871245.indd 17 2026/02/12 10:57:25

More than the finish line

In a world that often feels rushed and demanding,

running has given Shanice balance, clarity and strength

- both physically and mentally. Her journey as a runner,

club athlete and working professional shows just

how powerful fitness can be when it becomes part

of everyday life.

For Shanice Peens, running is far more

than a form of exercise. It is a constant

companion, a coping tool, a source of

discipline and joy and a space where

she feels most herself.

Roots, work and everyday life

Shanice Peens was born in Edenvale

and considers it her true home.

Professionally, Shanice works for BCX as

a logistics and warehousing manager.

She has been in the industry for almost

10 years, a milestone she reflects on

with pride. ‘We’re literally going on 10

years now that I’ve been in my professional

career,’ she shares. Her job is

demanding, but it has allowed her to

support the one thing she loves most.

As Shanice puts it simply, ‘My job pays

for my running. My job pays for my

passion.’

At home, Shanice is married and has no

children, although she laughs that she

does have kids with four legs. She and

her husband share their lives with two

dogs, who mean the world to her.

Despite her busy work life, Shanice has

always made space for movement,

especially running.

A lifelong love for running

Running has been part of Shanice’s life

for as long as she can remember. As a

child, she took part in cross-country at

primary school and athletics in high

school. ‘It was always just my favourite

form of exercise,’ she says. Even then,

she felt drawn to the simplicity and

freedom of running.

Like many young adults, Shanice lost a

bit of focus on exercise when she went

to varsity. ‘Your mind is everywhere else

but exercise,’ she explains. But it did not

take long for running to call her back.

Over the past two years, running has

become even more important, especially

since she started racing competitively

for Nedbank. Running now

shapes her daily routine, her goals and

her outlook on life.

For Shanice, running is not only about

fitness or competition. It has been her

emotional anchor. ‘It’s always been

there when everything and anyone

isn’t,’ she says. Whether she is going

through good times or bad, running

has remained constant.

She speaks openly about her struggles

with anxiety, especially in her mid-twenties.

Running helped her manage it

in a way nothing else could. ‘I can say

now with confidence that my anxiety is

nowhere close to where it used to be. I

really do have running to thank for that.’

While she credits her family, friends and

husband for their support, Shanice believes

running has been the one steady

presence.

A home at Nedbank Running Club

Shanice joined the Nedbank Running

Club in 2023, although her first introduction

to the club came without her

even realising it. After returning from a

holiday in the United States, her brother

told her about the weekly Tuesday time

trials at Flamingo Shopping Centre in

Linbro Park. At the time, Shanice was

focused on shorter distances, so the

5km suited her perfectly.

‘I thought, let me add this to part of

my training,’ she says. Only later did she

realise the sessions were organised by

the Nedbank Running Club. From the

start, she felt welcomed. ‘It was just

friendliness throughout,’ she recalls. ‘It

wasn’t, ‘Can you run or can’t you run?’ It


GIS0306_018_601084099.indd 18 2026/02/12 10:58:38

was, ‘Come join us, come have fun.’

Soon, Shanice became more involved,

joining Thursday hill and speed sessions

and Saturday club runs, which often

ended with coffee and conversation. ‘It

really just invited people to come out

of their shells and socialise,’ she says. For

Shanice, it did exactly that.

Her decision to officially join Nedbank

came after running her first 10km race

in 2022 at the Nedbank race hosted at

Modderfontein. She surprised herself

with her performance and began to

consider competitive road running

again.

A club for everyone

Shanice speaks passionately about

the inclusive nature of the Nedbank

Running Club. Whether someone is

an elite athlete, a beginner, a walker or

someone who has never run before,

she believes there is a place for them.

‘It’s not really only about your elites,’ she

explains. ‘I want to say 80% of it is more

for the fun side of running.’

The club celebrates progress at every

level. ‘Whether you’ve personal best (PB)

by one second or ten seconds, we celebrate

each other,’ Shanice says. ‘I’ve not

once felt unwelcome with Nedbank.’

Founded in 2008, the Nedbank Running

Club has grown into one of the largest

road-running communities in South Africa,

with branches across the country.

The Nedbank Running Club Central

Gauteng branch offers a well-structured

yet welcoming training environment,

with weekly runs taking place

at locations such as Modderfontein

and Sandton, allowing members the

flexibility to train together across different

areas. Members also benefit from

practical extras such as gazebo support

at races, refreshments, and discounted

licence arrangements. Weekly sessions

include Tuesday time trials at Flamingo

at 5.15pm, Wednesday time trials at

Poplar Park at 5.20pm, Thursday hill and

speed sessions at Flamingo at 5.15pm

and Saturday morning club runs at

6am, hosted at various locations around

Edenvale, Modderfontein and Bedfordview.

For more information, runners can

contact the club at info@nedbankrunningclubcg.co.za

Her coach, Marco, has played a key role

in her development. Through him and

the club, she learned that not every run

should be hard. ‘There is such a thing

as slow runs,’ she says. She also gained

knowledge about nutrition, recovery,

stretching and injury prevention.

‘There were a lot of things I didn’t

know until I joined Nedbank,’ Shanice

highlights. Today, stretching and foam

rolling are non-negotiable. ‘I actually

panic if I forget to stretch,’ she says.

Race-day support is another powerful

part of the club experience. “There

is nothing better than hearing your

friends screaming your name.” Even in

her darkest race moments, that support

has pushed her forward.

Facing setbacks and doubt

Like every runner, Shanice has faced

challenges. One of her toughest moments

came during the Drakensberg

Half Marathon two years ago. Carrying

a niggle behind her knee, she ignored

the warning signs. ‘It was my fault,’ she

admits.

During the race, the pain forced her

into a walk-run finish, and the disappointment

hit hard. ‘There are photos

of me crying, but with help from my

coach and sports therapist, I learned

the importance of listening to my

body.’

Her first marathon also brought emotional

highs and lows. After missing

the Cape Town Marathon, she leaned

on her club for support. Later, during

another marathon attempt, she hit a

wall at 27 km. ‘I remember feeling so

deflated,’ she says.

Fitness at every age

Shanice believes fitness is important

at any stage of life. ‘If you want to

live a long life, health and fitness will

prolong it,’ she says. But for her, quality

of life matters most. Being able to

move, travel, play with children and

stay independent are all reasons she

values fitness.

She also highlights the mental

benefits. ‘It helps with your mental

health at the end of the day,’ she says.

For Shanice, that impact has been

life-changing.

For those who want to get fit but feel

unsure, Shanice’s advice is: ‘Start easy,

nothing extreme,’ she says. Knowledge,

discipline and consistency matter

more than quick fixes. ‘It’s about

lifestyle,’ she explains, not strict diets

or short-term plans.

Support also makes a difference. ‘Have

a support system because it does

help at the end of the day,’ she says.

‘I wouldn’t be where I am today as

a runner if it were not for Nedbank,

my family and my husband, who has

been my rock throughout.’

Looking to the future, Shanice hopes

to take on another marathon one day.

For now, her main focus is getting

stronger over shorter distances. The

half-marathon remains her favourite,

and she has a clear goal in mind. She

is determined to achieve it.

Text: DESNAY PETERSON. Photo: LOUISE GROENEWALD


GIS0306_018_601084099.indd 19 2026/02/12 10:59:01

Boost

The most beautiful and

healthy version of you starts

with self-love ... and a little

help from supplements,

serums, soothing creams

and skin and hair care

Shield your skin against UV rays and pollution with Bioderma Photoderm Xdefense Ultra-Fluid SPF50+, R365 from

Clicks. • No more dull skin with Sknlogic Boost brightening and rejuvenating cream, R300 from sknlogic.com • Filorga

Global-Repair Advanced Eyes & Lips restores nutrition and smooths out expression lines, R1790 from

riekiemedaesthetic.co.za • The Laser Beautique Micellar Elixir gently removes makeup while hydrating and strengthening

the skin, R480 from thelaserbeautique.co.za • Enhance joint health by reducing stiffness and swelling. Osteoeze Gold

Powder helps you maintain an active lifestyle, R323 from Clicks. • Velobiotics His-Biotics Probiotics multivitamin capsules

... your daily boost for gut health and energy while supporting your immune system defence, R490 from velobiotics.co.za

• Mineral-rich pink clay Elizabeth Arden HydraPlay 2-in-1 Daily Cleanser purifies the skin, R425 from woolworths.co.za •

Leave-in Nu-Hair Placenta with biotin treatment to strengthen limp, dry and damaged hair, R139 from takealot.com


GIS0306_020_600802357.indd 20 2026/02/12 11:00:19

Lamelle Matricoll ECM

multiplex skin

anti-ageing

supplement

reduces

inflammation

and promotes

plump skin, R790 from

cosmetology.co.za

The Beauty Worx Face

Serum Collagen Boost

increases skin elasticity, R109.95

from dischem.co.za • Bodylab

Science Camphor Complex body cream

provides a refreshing cooling sensation to

soothe and comfort dry and irritated skin,

R79.99 from bodylabscience.co.za

Leave your skin clean, conditioned and naturally

balanced with Endocil Foaming Face Gel, R142.99

from Dis-Chem • SOiL Organic Skincare Vitamin E

Serum ... nourishing antioxidant care for skin and hair,

R299 from soil.co.za • Bioharmony Bio-Agnus Castus

is a natural supplement crafted to support women’s

hormonal balance and overall well-being. R226.99

from Dis-Chem.

Novexpert Collagène+

food supplement

stimulates the natural

production of collagen

for firmer skin. 100%

natural lemon flavour

and hints of ginger. No

sugars or sweeteners.

R950 for 21 sachets

from novexpert.co.za

March 2026 Get It Joburg South • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein

21

GIS0306_020_600802357.indd 21 2026/02/12 11:01:23

Chocolate cakes

that refuse to play by the rules!

Wayne Blake, group food and beverage manager of ANEW Hotels & Resorts shares

playful alternatives using the classic chocolate cake recipe.


Being a self-confessed sweet tooth,

Wayne shares his ultimate classic

chocolate cake recipe that is rich,

moist, and gloriously chocolatey. To

that he adds a playful and creative

twist to the classic recipe and voila,

you have some inventive variations

for those who like to break the mould.

The best classic chocolate cake

For the cake:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C and

grease a 23cm round cake tin. In a

large bowl, sift together 250g plain

flour, 250g sugar, 65g cocoa powder,

8g baking powder, 5ml bicarbonate

of soda, 1 teaspoon espresso powder

and a pinch of salt.

• In another bowl, whisk 125ml

sunflower oil, 250ml milk, 10ml vanilla

essence and 2 large eggs until

smooth. Slowly add 125ml boiling water,

whisking gently to form a smooth

batter. Pour into the tin and bake

for 35-40 minutes or until a skewer

comes out clean. Allow the cake to

cool completely.

For the chocolate icing:

• Whip 250g butter, then stir in 400g

icing sugar, 15ml cocoa powder and

50ml cream until smooth and spreadable.

Spread over the cooled cake.

Tip for two layers:

Double the recipe and divide the

batter evenly between two 23cm tins.

Bake both layers separately and once

cooled, sandwich with icing or a filling

of your choice. Finish simply with

chocolate icing, or add raspberries,

pistachios, luxury chocolates, or biscuits.

For a gluten-free option, replace

the flour with gluten-free flour.

GIS0306_022_576086570.indd 22 2026/02/12 11:02:40

Playful alternatives:

Matcha chocolate cake

Sift 2 teaspoons matcha powder into the dry ingredients

with the flour and cocoa, then fold into the classic chocolate

batter. You may add 50g white chocolate chunks for sweet

contrast. Bake as usual in a 23cm round tin or use a small square

tin.

For icing, melt 150g dark chocolate and swirl in 1 teaspoon

matcha powder until smooth. Dust the top lightly with matcha

and add a few chocolate sweets or chocolate balls for a striking finish.

The cake is rich, slightly bitter and subtly earthy.

Miso chocolate cake

Add 5ml white miso paste to the

wet ingredients and gently fold

in 50g roasted almonds and 50g

dark chocolate chunks.

For the icing, melt 150g dark chocolate

and stir in 5ml white miso paste

before spreading over the cooled

cake.

Scatter 20-25g chopped pistachios

on top for crunch and contrast or add

a tiny pinch of finely chopped wild

rosemary for a subtle herbal note,

using lightly so it does not dominate

the chocolate.

Stout, dark chocolate and

almond bunt cake

Replace 125ml of the milk

in the classic cake with 125ml

dark stout. Fold in 50g 85%

dark chocolate chunks and

5ml instant coffee dissolved

in a little hot water. Grease a

23cm bundt tin, pour in the batter and

smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes

or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool

in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out

onto a plate to cool.

For icing, melt 150g dark chocolate

with 10ml stout and stir until smooth.

Dip and drip over the cooled cake,

then sprinkle 20-25g shaved almonds

over the top.

Milk tart chocolate cake

Prepare the classic chocolate cake recipe and bake two 23cm layers for

35-40 minutes and allow to cool.

For the filling, whisk 500ml milk, 1 egg, 75ml sugar, 30ml flour, 30ml cornflour,

15ml butter, 5ml vanilla and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Heat gently

on the stove, stirring until the mixture thickens into a smooth custard. Allow to

cool slightly, then spread half over the first cake layer and place the second layer

on top.

For the icing, melt 150g white chocolate and spread over the top. Finish with

20-25g crushed Oreos or Tennis biscuits for a nostalgic touch.

Text and photo: ANEW HOTELS & RESORTS


GIS0306_022_576086570.indd 23 2026/02/12 11:03:01

Healthy dairy treats

A trio of delish dairy crowd-pleasing dishes.

Yoghurt & Strawberry Bundt cake

Locally grown strawberries and double-cream yoghurt

infuse this elegant, fluted ring cake. It’s a showstopper

on a celebration table, but equally good at picnics or as a

Summer afternoon tea treat.

You’ll need: 3 eggs, 180ml yoghurt, 200g castor sugar,

180ml oil, 1 Tbsp vanilla paste, 180g flour, 80g cornflour,

½ cup strawberries diced glaze, 250ml yoghurt, 1 lemon

juiced, 125ml icing sugar sifted.

To make: Preheat oven to 160C and grease a 22cm bundt

cake tin. Separate the eggs into two bowls: one for yolks

and one for whites.

Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Add yoghurt,

and sugar to the egg yolks and whisk until the mixture is

light and fluffy. While whisking slowly pour the oil into the

yolk mixture. Gradually add the flour to the yolk mixture,

whisking until just combined. Fold the whisked egg

whites into the batter. Dust the strawberries in a little flour,

then gently fold them into the batter. Pour the batter into

a greased Bundt tin.

Bake for 50 minutes, test whether the cake is done by

inserting a skewer, if it comes out clean the cake is done.

Once cooled, glaze the cake with icing and decorate with

fresh strawberries. For the glaze, whisk together yoghurt,

lemon juice and icing sugar in a bowl. Refrigerate for 30

minutes before glazing.


GIS0306_024_570542442.indd 24 2026/02/12 11:04:08

BUTTERMILK CHICKEN WINGS

These crispy and tender wings get their succulence from a

flavour-packed buttermilk marinade before being roasted to

perfection. Served with a citrus maas dip and creamy blue

cheese dip.

You’ll need: Buttermilk chicken: 375ml buttermilk, 10ml onion

powder, 5ml fine salt, freshly ground black pepper, 10ml

smoked paprika, 1kg chicken wings tips removed and cut in

half, 200g panko bread crumbs, 20ml garlic flakes, olive oil to

drizzle. Citrus maas dip: 250ml maas, 1½ Tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves

garlic crushed, good pinch of fresh thyme, juice zest of 1

lemon, pinch of chilli flakes optional, salt and freshly ground

black pepper. Blue cheese dip: 250ml sour cream, 100g blue

cheese, 15ml creamy mayonnaise, 5ml fresh lime juice, salt

and freshly ground pepper

To make Buttermilk chicken wings: Combine the buttermilk,

onion powder, salt, pepper and smoked paprika in a bowl.

Add the chicken wings and toss together. Cover and leave to

marinate in the fridge for 4 hours.

Line a baking tray with baking paper. In a shallow bowl, mix

the bread crumbs and garlic flakes. Take a piece of chicken,

shake off any excess buttermilk and coat well in the crumbs.

Place on the tray and repeat with the remaining chicken.

Refrigerate for 20 minutes, then preheat the oven to 200°C.

Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes.

Turn each wing over and bake for a further 20 minutes, or

until cooked through. Serve hot with citrus maas dip and blue

cheese dip.

To make the citrus maas dip: Place all of the ingredients in a

small bowl and mix well. Set aside in the fridge.

To make the blue cheese dip: Place the sour cream in a small

saucepan. Crumble in the blue cheese. Heat gently while

stirring, until the cheese has melted. Remove from the heat

and whisk in the mayonnaise and lime juice. Season to taste,

then transfer to a bowl and refrigerate.

Cheese Corn & Mielie Meal Bread

A fresh take on a traditional South African favourite.

You’ll need: 250g flour, 150g mielie meal, 1 Tbsp

baking soda, 1 Tbsp salt, 1 Tbsp chives, 3 sweetcorn

off the cob, 200g cheddar cheese, 300g buttermilk,

2 eggs, 115g butter melted, atchar butter, 1 Tbsp

mango atchar, 80g butter softened

To make: Preheat the oven to 180°C, grease and

line a loaf pan. Mix flour, mielie meal, baking

powder, salt, chives, corn and cheese in a bowl

until combined.

Add buttermilk, eggs and butter in a separate bowl

and whisk until smooth. Make a well in the centre

of the flour mix and pour in buttermilk mixture and

stir to combine, do not overmix. Pour into your loaf

tin and smooth out.

Bake for 50 minutes. While the bread is baking,

prepare your atchar butter by whipping butter for

about 2 minutes, then stirring in your atchar. Serve

with atchar butter & extra cheese.

Details: For more dairy ideas and recipes, join the

Rediscover Dairy Facebook page.


Recipes: Rediscover Dairy

GIS0306_024_570542442.indd 25 2026/02/12 11:04:28

Perfection is out

Homes need to be real. Layered. Personal.

Interior design is moving away from

perfection and polish ... toward

homes that feel real, layered and

emotionally resonant.

Across global and local design

conversations, a clear mood is

emerging ... in a world increasingly

shaped by AI, automation and

digital speed, people are craving

interiors that feel human. Spaces that

comfort, cocoon and inspire. Spaces

shaped by texture, craft, warmth and

personal expression.

The Plascon teams have been

closely tracking these shifts ... not

to dictate how homes should look,

but to help homeowners translate

emerging interior design trends into

lived-in, meaningful spaces through

colour, noting that this year sees a

move toward homes that feel more

intentional, more tactile and more

human. Spaces designed around

how people actually live, not just

how they look. They’ve shared some

defining interior design trends.


Lived-in luxury ... Homes with heart, history and

humanity. Perfection is out. In 2026, interiors celebrate

imperfection, layering and personality. Rooms are

designed to feel collected over time by blending

vintage finds, handcrafted pieces, tactile fabrics and

personal objects that tell a story. This shift marks the

evolution of quiet luxury into something warmer and

more expressive ... still considered and curated, but

never sterile. Texture becomes the new status symbol,

from slubbed linen and bouclé upholstery to aged

woods and hand-thrown ceramics. Colour plays a

grounding role here, supporting the atmosphere rather

than dominating it. Soft neutrals, warm browns, muted

blues and earthy tones help unify eclectic spaces while

allowing materials and objects to shine.

Texture as luxury. Craft, tactility and the handmade

mindset. From textile wall hangings and decorative

trims to sculptural furniture and artisanal tiles, texture

is central to 2026 interiors. This renewed focus on

craftsmanship reflects a broader cultural shift toward

authenticity and the handmade. It’s all about creating

rooms that feel real, expressive and lived in.

GIS0306_026_570547782.indd 26 2026/02/12 11:05:37

Kitchens and living spaces get gentler and

more expressive. Once purely functional,

kitchens and living areas are now treated with

the same care as lounges and bedrooms.

Freestanding furniture, natural wood

cabinetry, tactile surfaces and layered lighting

replace rigid, fitted perfection. Paint plays

a key role in softening these hardworking

spaces ... through colour-drenched cabinetry,

painted ceilings or subtle tonal contrasts that

add warmth and depth. Rather than stark

contrasts, this year favours combinations that

feel inviting and lived-in.

Warm minimalism ... softer spaces

that soothe and cocoon. Minimalism

hasn’t disappeared. It’s softened.

Stark whites and cool greys give way

to warm, tonal palettes layered with

natural materials. Think limewashed

walls, warm timber, woven textiles

and gently curved forms. Bedrooms,

reading corners and small retreat

spaces become sanctuaries, designed

around comfort and emotional

wellbeing. Paint is used to wrap a

room rather than highlight a single

feature, creating calm, immersive

environments that encourage rest

and reflection. This trend reflects a

growing desire for homes that slow us

down and spaces that feel restorative,

not performative.

Colour as a tool not a rule. Rather than

dictating trends, colour in 2026 acts as

a flexible tool that helps homeowners

express mood, memory and intention.

Whether layered subtly or used boldly,

paint allows spaces to evolve with

the people who live in them. From

calm, nature-led palettes to expressive,

personality-driven hues, colour helps

bring each of these interior trends to life

making them accessible, adaptable and

uniquely personal.

Inspired? Plascon

makes these trends

easy to apply with

the 2026 Colour

Forecast. Four

colour worlds, each

featuring a curated

range of tintable

colours with colour

codes, designed to

support and simplify

the application of

2026 interior design

trends. Details:

plasconcolour.co.za


GIS0306_026_570547782.indd 27 2026/02/12 11:05:49

Herb of the month

Is celery a herb or a veggie? Officially it is a herb Apium graveolens but it

is so popular in home cuisine, that you could be excused for thinking it is

a veggie. It adds crunch to salads, flavours stews and soups , and is often

sautéed with onions and carrots as a base for mince and other meaty

dishes. Celery has the reputation of being finicky to grow, but that is if you

want to ‘blanch’ the stems by planting in a trench and slowly topping up

the soil so that the stems stay white. A simpler way is to simply plant it in a

garden bed and harvest stems when needed. The secret is to keep the

soil consistently moist so that the stems are always crunchy and

full of flavour.

To grow: Sow the fine seed in seed trays and keep moist

during germination. When the first two true leaves develop transplant

into small pots. This allows the celery to develop a good root system

and leafy top growth. When ready, transplant from pot into fertile

soil that drains well and lightly close the soil around the stem but

don’t press down hard or tramp it down. Space plants about

15 cm apart. Keep the soil consistently moist throughout its

growing season because it doesn’t tolerate drought. Feed with

a liquid fertiliser once a month and harvest the outer stems. Kirchhoffs

celery Tall Utah has thick, crisp medium green stalks. It grows up to 15cm

and takes 80 to 90 days to harvest. The leaves are also edible and fresh

harvested seeds can be used as a spice. Details: kirchhoffs.co.za or buy

seed online from gropak.co.za

Text: ALICE COETZEE

Indoor plant of the month

… The Money Tree

(Pachira aquatica) is

grown as a small, slenderstemmed

indoor tree, that

earned its name from the

Feng Shui belief that it

brings luck to its owner. It

thrives in bright, indirect

light and should not be

overwatered. Water until

the water runs out of the

drainage holes and let

the soil dry out between

watering. Feed with a

diluted liquid fertiliser

once or twice a month;

once it is happy in a

position, try not to

move it because plants

dislike being moved

and can drop their

leaves. It is a

lovely tree

for a small

space and its

plaited stem

makes it a

feature. The

only pruning

it needs is the

removal of

dead leaves or

stems. Details:

lvgplant.co.za


GIS0306_028_570552825.indd 28 2026/02/12 11:06:52

PLANT & PREP

Plant luck, pretty petals and flavour-packed stems

We’re planting … Crazytunias

for their wow factor, their crazy multi-colour blooms

featuring stars, stripes, and contrasting petal edges, and their fuss-free nature. These

neat and tidy petunias are fast growing, heat tolerant, and the flowers drop off cleanly

so there is no need to deadhead. Plant in full sun, in ordinary garden soil that drains

well or in containers and hanging baskets for brightening outdoor living areas. Popular

types include Cosmic Violet and Cosmic Pink, Moonstruck and Black and White.

Details: ballstraathof.co.za

Garden tasks for March

• Encourage good autumn

blooms by feeding with

a granular fertiliser and

water well afterwards.

• Fertilise shrubs

with 5:1:5 or 8:1:5

to strengthen them

for winter. Water

camellias and azaleas

regularly to encourage

the development of

spring buds.

• Start planning and

preparing beds for winter

and spring annuals

and bulbs.

• Keep your lawn

green during winter

by fertilising now with

Ludwig’s Vigorosa and

water regularly.

• Sow cool-season

veggies like lettuce, Swiss

chard, baby cabbage

and broccoli.


GIS0306_028_570552825.indd 29 2026/02/12 11:07:04

GIS0306_030_601165153.indd 30 2026/02/12 11:11:52

GET IT DIRECTORY

GDS20306_031_605211188.indd 31 2026/02/12 13:42:21

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.


GIS0306_032_570559095.indd 32 2026/02/12 11:08:18

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.


GIS0306_032_570559095.indd 33 2026/02/12 11:08:30

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.


GIS0306_034_570565381.indd 34 2026/02/12 11:09:31

KLIPRIVIER

GAUTENG

GIS0306_035_605778421.indd 35 2026/02/11 12:11:30

GIS0306_036_601066462.indd 36 2026/02/11 08:24:55

Mar 26 - Jhb South East

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Mar 26 - Jhb South East

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?