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Mango
Groove
south africa’s special star
Destinations with a Difference
The Pezulu Hotel
Plus Nik Rabinowitz, Photographers to look out for, Argus tips, Autumn calendar, where to eat and much more.
18 issue 18 | the airport magazine
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MICHELANGELO TOWERS MALL
issue 18 | the airport magazine
MICHELANGELO TOWERS MALL . +27 . 11 . 245 4000 . OFF NELSON MANDELA SQUARE . SANDTON . BYBLOS + 2711 884 4056
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Editor-in-chief Justin Scott Have you been able to turn the time you’ve spent having cups of coffee, sharing ideas and brainstorming about the next best thing into money? Ha, good question, isn’t it? And for many of you reading this mag while you’re flying, I might have caught you on your way to one of those meetings. The reality is that more and more of us are searching for the next big idea or deal without applying good, old-school logic to what is being presented to us or, sadly, what we are presenting to others. I’m not a business guru (although I wouldn’t mind giving it a stab) but I think that effort should equal reward. Reward isn’t always in the form of money — I understand that — but lately we’re all guilty of coming up with all
sorts of ways to justify putting time and effort into stuff that really has very little chance of succeeding. As the publisher of a stable of free magazines, I understand how selling advertising works to fund a free product — it ain’t easy — yet almost everything is going to be or is given away free. I don’t understand that “free” mind-set and, yes, I’ve read all the books about Freemium and Premium and all other thousands of “ways to get rich” books. “We’ll get a trillion users and then sell advertising and make a packet, buy a yacht and retire to some remote island!” Sound familiar?
make money quickly and easily and, while we all love that idea, the reality is that success comes from hard, hard work — and a bucketful of rejection.
I reckon that every business model that says it’ll scale based on advertising alone needs to be eaten by the person putting it together — unless that person is a seasoned salesperson who bears the scars of doors slamming in his or her face. I’d back that person, but I’m far more sceptical about the others and look forward to seeing them munching away on those plans of theirs.
On that note, have a good trip and we’ll see you again soon.
So remember to keep yourself in check. You paid for the petrol to get you to the airport, you paid for your ticket to fly on the plane and you more than likely bought your lunch. The only people making money off great ideas bounced around over coffee are the coffee shops! Let’s start being good, old-fashioned businesspeeps!
God Bless Justin
I think lots of businesses are in trouble because they focus on schemes and ideas to
win a Tecno Mobile N3 Smartphone The smartphone comes with built in 3G HSDPA, Built in FM Radio, Bluetooth & WiFi as well as a fairly impressive 3.0MP camera. The phone comes pre installed with Android 2.3.5 .as well as a number of apps including Whatsapp, Facebook, Gmail, Office Doc viewer & Twitter amongst others.
winsms
ly r simp You + o n 3 “tec to 3390 ” e Nam
issue 18 | the airport magazine
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issue 18 | the airport magazine
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STAYING IN TOUCH So you picked up the magazine and you’re reading the staying in touch column wondering what exactly it’s all about. Well we know that for many of you, you don’t get to jet set around the country that often, which means you might not get a chance to pick up every edition of the magazine. Don’t worry! All the great articles and competition giveaways are still up for grabs. All you have to do is follow us on Twitter @theairportmag, or get to our facebook page www.facebook. com/theairportmag and like us. It’s really that simple. Once you’ve done that we’ll keep you up to date with our latest edition, breaking stories and awesome interviews.
22 15 Car review Volkswagen Beetle 1.4 TSI Sport
PUBLISHER Lorinda Scott | lorinda@fabmags.co.za EDITOR Justin Scott | justin@fabmags.co.za GRAPHIC DESIGN Kate Ahrens | kate@fabmags.co.za JOURNALIST Storm Catterick PRINTING DNA Print (Pty) Ltd. OFFICE NUMBER +27 32 946 0357 FAX NUMBER 086 605 0098 EMAIL info@fabmags.co.za EDITORIAL ADDRESS Suite 1B Silverstone Way, Douglas Crowe Ave, Ballito, KZN Cover Picture Irma Bosch | www.irmabosch.co.za/ SALES Lucille Nagal | lucille@fabmags.co.za +27 83 747 3694 Robyn Shillaw-Botha | robyn@fabmags.co.za +27 83 629 8818 Pat Franken | pat@fabmags.co.za +27 82 552 3027 Liezel Barnard | liezel@fabmags.co.za +27 81 522 6129
18 Extreme Sporting An interview with SA’s emerging super star 20 Argus Tips Tips for your Argus 22 Interview Mango Groove 26 Extreme Photo 28 Photographers Profile Irma Bosch 32 Where to eat
34
contents gadgets 11 GADGETS For the non techno junkies and junkies alike! What is new gadget wise
34 Interview Dan Patlansky 39 Autumn Calendar What to look out for this Autumn 42 Destinations with a difference The Pezulu Hotel 55 DIY check in Counters 59
Top Gear Durban’s second Top Gear
lifestyle 08 my city Wacky Standup comic - Nik Rabinowitz Facebook facebook.com/theairportmag TWITTER twitter.com/theairportmag
12 STORM’S RANTs
inspiration 52 Jess Basson I’ve Fallen off the Wagon
Don’t Forget Help keep transport clean and tidy for everyone by taking your copy of The Airport magazine away with you when you leave. issue 18 | the airport magazine
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RVV TILE GALLERY KZN
www.rvv.co.za No 1 Adam Park, Garlicke Drive, Ballito Business Park Tel 032 586 3332 info@rvvkzn.co.za National Branches Deco Park Tel 086 111 0095 Hyde Park Tel 011 442 2313 Cape Town Tel 021 555 2597
Meet the brilliant people who contribute to our magazine
Richard Webb is a Cape Town based publisher and motoring journalist who divides his time between the UK and South Africa. He writes on all matters automotive for The Airport Magazine. richard@ovation.co.za
lil Bianchi is an Umhlanga based strength and conditioning coach. With her passion for sport, strength and body science she devotes her time to coaching and communicating her approach to health, exercise and lifestyle through her fitness blog www.grablifebythebells.blogspot.com. She writes on all matters health.
marc forrest often referred to as the iGuy, Marc is a true gadget geek at heart. His love for Gadgets & Apple products is displayed in his blog, MarcForrest.com, which is ranked as the top personal & tech blog in KZN according to Afrigator. com. marc@iguy.co.za | www.marcforrest.com
storm catterick is a born and bred Mtunzini resident. With a love for writing she includes a young, fresh outlook to everything she does. Storm currently writes and adds her flavour to a portfolio of magazines held by FabMags, including the Airport Magazine.
Stan Shaw is a Senior Client Partner at BMGI, and consults to business across a broad spectrum of strategic and operational disciplines. Stan has consulted to large corporations both locally and internationally, helping them solve complex business problems through innovative and out the box thinking. With a passion for his family, life and mental challenges. stan.shaw@bmgi.com PIPPA ROWNEY grew up in KZN and after finishing school in PMB and studied at UCT, graduating with a BA in Media and Writing Studies. A few of her favourite things include writing, photography, travel, dancing and people. Pippa is newly married and loving being back in KZN.
sam bradley is a travel and adventure enthusiast. He’s travelled to four continents, including living in the Peruvian jungle for six months as well as tour-guiding through most of Southern Africa. He’s married to Cristie and is a committed Christian. He is currently living in Durban and completing his article to become a C.A.
issue 18 | the airport magazine
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This fifth leg in the centre of the chassis provides greater stability and
issue 18 | the airport magazine
8 | my city MY CITY Cape Town
Nik Rabinowitz Nik Rabinowitz – Capetonian, whacky standup comic, high profile MC and a doting family man. When Nik is not performing for corporates, government and NGO’s across South Africa he presents “The Week that Wasn’t” for talk radio stations Cape Talk & 702 and has starred in local films and TV commercials. Nik won Stand up comedian of the year award in 2008 and in 2011 he was the ‘Comics Choice Stand up of the year nominee’. Growing up on a farm he has an impressive grasp of multiple languages, and a passion for connecting people and cultures in his comedy. This is Nik’s city and this is what he loves to do in it!
Favourite Place to grab a drink and who would you go with? The Lounge – it’s close and it’s cheap. I go there with my wife after we’ve put the kids to bed. You should see her knock back those whiskies.
Place to relax on the weekend? I have two babies. I’m sorry, what’s that? Relax? How do you pronounce that?
Favourite activity to do in the city you live in? I’m terribly fond of shark-wading, also known as surfing, mostly at Muizenburg – great waves!
Favourite restaurant If I could, I would get sushi from Willoughbys for breakfast, lunch and supper. Maybe I should look into getting my own live-in sushi chef. My wife doesn’t need a car… does she?
Where is a must go to, to see the sun set? Any Clifton mansion that’s R50 million plus. issue 18 | the airport magazine
Best place to gain inspiration for your jokes? The shower. It’s like a magical cube of ideas. The jokes come to me in song. Second best would be my wife’s ante natal class reunions.
Place to go to, to watch the rugby with mates? I like to be at home while my friends are gathered elsewhere – and then I Skype them. It’s all the fun, without the mess.
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Life is all about standing up to the challenge issue 18 | the airport magazine
www.wpst.co.za | info@wpst.co.za | IT 83/2012/PMB | @wps_trust
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“Excellence belongs to the Zealous”
Internationally accredited Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) offer the best of both worlds
Sporting codes include rugby, hockey, soccer, swimming, action netball, indoor hockey, squash, cricket, golf, netball and tennis
Cultural codes include marimba band, orchestra, choir, chess and drama
Action arena, heated swimming pool, Ashtonian Sorts Café, Lifestyle Sports Deck, home of Brazilian Soccer School
Christian based English coeducational College with traditional values
Affordable After-care facility
tel: 032 946 2096 | fax: 032 946 2104 email: admissions@ashtonballito.co.za web: www.ashtonballito.co.za
Cultural codes include marimba band, orchestra, choir, chess and drama
Affordable After-care facility
Grade 00 – Grade 12
Occupational Therapist, Psychologist and Speech Therapist on site
The best of Both Worlds – IEB and Cambridge syllabi
Extra-murals offered on Campus – karate, action ball and ballet
Academic excellence in Mathematics, English and Science
tel: 071 116 4825/6 | fax: 032 946 2104 issue 18 | the airport magazine
email: ashtonco@mweb.co.za web: www.ashtoncollege.co.za
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TECNO MOBILE N3
Android Smartphone – R999 I recently came across a rather interesting “gadget” in the form of the Tecno Mobile N3 Android Smartphone. You may have never heard of Tecno Mobile, but they are currently one of the fastest growing Mobile handset manufacturers in Africa, with Nigeria & Kenya. Tecno Mobile is based in China and has a range of over 30 different devices aimed at the entry level prepaid market. What astounded me about the N3 Android Smartphone, was that it really didn’t feel or perform like an entry level phone. And at a cost of under R1,000 the phone is a steal for an entry level smartphone device. The Smartphone is quite unique in that it has a dual sim tray, which allows you to use 2 different sim cards. You can also select, through the software, which sim card should be used for your data transfer or which sim card should be used for voice calls. This is a great option given the fierce competition from cellular network providers these days. The smartphone comes with built in 3G HSDPA, Built in FM Radio, Bluetooth & WiFi as well as fairly impressive 3.0MP camera. The phone comes pre installed with Android 2.3.5 which albeit a bit of an older version of the operating system, definitely doesn’t disappoint. You have full access to the Google Play store which allows you to download over 500,000 apps. The phone comes pre-installed with a number of apps including Whatsapp, Facebook, Gmail, Office Doc viewer & Twitter amongst others. If you are looking for an entry into the rapidly growing smartphone market, this is the ideal device for you ! The phone is being retailed at R999 and for more information on where to purchase the phone, you can visit http://www.tecnomobile.co.za or email kzn@tecnomobile.co.za
mber Reme win a n a c 3 you bile N o M o Tecn hone p t r Sma k out c e h c n the o s l i deta page s r o t edi
OLLOCLIP iPhone 5
If you haven’t heard of an app called Instagram yet, where have you been?? Instagram is a photography app which can be installed on iPhones & Android devices, which allows you to take photos on the go, edit them & share them instantaneously. The Instagram community is growing rapidly around the world and there are a number of groups being setup where these communities come together and take photos together. One of my favourite gadgets for my iPhone is the Olloclip. The Olloclip is essentially an attachment which you can put on your iPhone and gives you 3 different lens types. The Fish Angle Lens is by far the most popular and adds a whole different dimension to your images, while the Wide Angle works like a charm when taking Panoramic photos. The secret though is the Macro lens, which can often take photos of things you never imagined seeing with the naked eye. The quality of the Olloclip is undeniably the best in the world and images are crystal clear when processed. This is an amazing add on for any iPhone, and at R899 it’s a bargain. For more info & to see some of the great Olloclip images taken in SA or if you would like to purchase the olloclip you can visit http://www.iPhoneographySA.com W
win
ea givin re also g Ollo away an luck clip to a yr the G eader o f Gizm adgets & os c Simpl olumn. “Ollc y SMS Name lip + Your ” to 3 3903
issue 18 | the airport magazine
12 | Profile storm’s rants
4AYOBA STORMS RANT
This page is dedicated to the things people think but don’t say and the things people do that they shouldn’t! Please feel free to email your rants to storm@fabmags.co.za
things that aint
1
Wearing sunglasses at
night!
The only time this is eve r OK is in an Usher mu sic video! I can’t believe all these rap gangster wa nn abees that roll up to clubs, sha des in check, in their pim pedout Gti’s that their dad dies’ have just bought them, music pumping, and window wound down with their arm out — strutting some pathetic arm movement that kind of looks as if they’ve bee n stung by a ferocious bee. They strut into the clu b like they own it and dem and service! Now, firstly, you ’re not famous — we live in S.A so this don’t fly – and, secondly, gangsters are poo r, so unless you wanna arrive in a home-renovated Vol kswagen, you just look like a spoilt rich kid wit h daddy issues. Point is, it’s inc omprehensibly lame!! !
3
“Size”
not for
you!
OK, girls , I know that the unbelie “in” thin vably un g these dersize you star days is d shorts t ‘tastin , but wh g ’ d enim be uncomfo en I see cause th rtably h igh, I sta ey are s world is itting rt to wo coming nder wh to! Ther old girls a t th e e is should no reas be show on why because 16-year ing their they are bits and trying to shorts th pieces squeeze ey were in given w to a pair you rea hen the of ders kn y were s ow wha probably ix. I kno t I’ m talkin one of th w g about! em nea to look There is r you as for: wed we spea gie, glim plumbe k. Signs pse of b rs’ butt are butt — it’s a ask me cheeks, fashion ! malfunc tion, if y ou
issue 18 | the airport magazine
2
ace!
p Personal s
you always ticket line, a in r o nd s p o p of you, a ’s at the sh right on to d n Whether it a st g to in s -smell ne who ha ly, flowery get someo ever a love n ’s it eaty people is sw e r if smelly, what’s wors e d n o w letely u they comp makes yo about how person. It lk ta mey o e S th ? where the bank have a site oor lady at p e rson e m p t so a ” mbed lly give th “sweat-bo t you actua y do a h th W d . a e b u ts so of the que ck a is b times it ge e th to when there on and go rmal, even o n your positi is le is b a th rt g comfo l that doin n you feel people fee al em? How ca th er individu d th in o h n e a b space as not a soul g in ly th st a e re n o you ho e same b g about? D sharing th you tely nothin lu so f someone b o a p w you kno rally on to Not te li ? e g n in li d e n by sta front of th e th to think that r se get any clo are going to ayoba!
us amo f n i e
diet!
ith a ke w ing o c nd eat pie a and t Th daily s a diet a cu r u gonn ess ya g yo f t i ’ n s i n t s i u cla tit exc st a Subs oes not chips ju t” is the tta d i h r t t u go i e u t o wa lad w an by “c o lose! Y — that a s e e e gt a sid at I m o los but say okin d wh u are lo choose t n e a t t a r omes i yo d c the w ” an age bagg he “crap ns keep ide salad , not t a s e p p a i a m , h s scr y all Also ace of c ! ns b the pie. l a p new e m al in y, who k to e e y m b z bye- side of a w — cra o e on th Yes, I kn p. on to
4
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issue 18 | the airport magazine
14 |
New season now available with the MSC Opera and MSC Sinfonia sailing from Durban and Cape Town. Visiting Mozambique, Madagascar, Reunion, Mauritius and Namibia plus our ever popular fun cruises to no where and coastal cruises between Durban and Cape Town.
BOOK EARLY AND SAVE UP TO 40% ON SELECTED DEPARTURES*
MSC OPERA 2 Nights - Cruise To no where
3 Nights - Portuguese Island
4 Nights - Maputo and Portuguese Island
Departing Durban - Sunday 15 Nov ‘13 & 9 March ‘14
Departing Durban - Most Fridays November ‘13 - April ‘14
Departing Durban - Most Mondays November ‘13 - April ‘14
Price from R1
599*
Price from R2
*Based on 15 November departure
933*
Price from R3
*Based on 29 November departure
059*
*Based on 25 November departure
MSC SINFONIA 4 Nights - Coastal Cruise
4 Nights - Walvis Bay
7 Nights - Madagascar Cruise
Departing Durban - Friday 9 Jan ‘14 - 1 Mar ‘14
Departing Cape Town - Monday 13 Jan ‘13
Departing Durban - Saturday 7, 14, 21 Dec ‘13 - 1, 22 Feb ‘14 - 1 Mar ‘14
Price from R1
859*
Price from R2
*Based on 1 March departure
339*
Price from R4
*Based on 13 January departure
979*
*Based on 1 February departure
All rates are per person based on 2 people sharing Cat 3 inside cabin and subject to availablity and subject to MSC Cruises dynamic pricing policy. Rates advertised exclude mandatory port, baggage, insurance and service charges. Early booking offer of up to 40% off is based on selected departures. Kids Sail Free offer subject to a maximum of 2 children under the age of 18 sharing a 4 berth cabin with 2 adults, mandatory charges still apply. Single supplement applies. T&Cs Apply. E&OE.
Contact your ASATA travel agent to book on line visit www.msccruises.co.za or call
issue 18 | the airport magazine
0860 11 44 11 join us on
MSC.Cruises.SouthAfrica
follow us
msccruisessa
car review | 15
There’s no substitute for cubic centimetres, right? images Richard Webb
Engage a ‘car-bore’ about the good old days of motoring and most of them become dewy eyed as they reminisce about brutish V8 engines and the open road, writes Richard Webb. Those decades when Chevrolet marketed its’ 5-litre Constantia and Fords’ 6.4-litre Galaxie spoke to a widely held view that highly tuned, smaller capacity engines couldn’t cut it against the automotive muscle offered by big V-8’s. In that world, where petrol used to cost 8 cents a litre, they may have been right. So, what car did David More’s travel series, Going Nowhere Slowly, choose to amble around the country in? A somewhat frugal, yet, ever so cool split-screen Kombi? Or perhaps, one of those 3-litre Ford Cortina ‘Big Sixes’? Nah! Nothing but the 6.5-litre Chevrolet Impala. Now that’s a car with plenty of muscle for a proper road trip. In this day and age with petrol costing around R12.00 per litre, any road trip needs to have due consideration to fuel economy. As I planned my Christmas road trip last year, I poured over the options. Walk? Take the MyCiTy Bus? No, it just had to be an emotive car, a stylish automotive expression with some residual coolness that reflects my romantic notions of the road less travelled. And then I saw the display advert. A 1960’s VW Beetle in the background with the profile of the new third generation Beetle in the foreground. The tag line read ‘It stole your
heart. Now it’s back for your breath’. “That is it!”, I said, stabbing my finger at the advert, “Right there is my summer road trip car.” And so, almost like magic, the VW Beetle 1.4 Sport TSFI became my companion for the holidays. Beetling along Cape Route 62 through Breede River Valley towns corralled by the majestic mountains and verdant vineyards was joy personified. Blessed with kaleidoscopic mountains, sweeping Thomas Bain engineered passes, sparkling rivers and an eclectic mix of attractions, Cape Route 62 is one of the longest wine routes in the world. Despite recent labour unrest, the mercifully peaceful farming communities of Calitzdorp and Ladismith, mission stations Amalienstein and Zoar and the verdant towns of Barrydale, Montagu, Bonnievale, Robertson, McGregor, Ceres, Tulbagh and Wellington are serotonin for the soul. The twists and turns of the Cape’s Route 62 were all the more rewarding thanks to the sure footedness and the economy of the Beetle, who’s 1.4 litre engine capacity is 78% smaller than that of the Ford Galaxie. Small cubic capacity turbo-charged engines are the new muscle, giving cleaner, powerful and positively parsimonious economy and decent torque. Like a South African road trip steeped in history, the good old days are in the making with this little treasure.
Volkswagen Beetle 1.4 TSI Sport Volkswagen’s original sold over 21 million of the endearing little bugs. The second generation Beetle of 1997 is best forgotten, but this new Beetle is a different proposition all together. More masculine and purposeful, this VW Golf based car is rapid, with sharp responses from the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and sixspeed manual gearbox. Economy of 6.2 L/100km and CO2 emissions of 143 g/km is claimed. Whilst it’s no Golf GTI, top speed is 207km and 0-100km/h takes 8.3 sec. Once the Turbocharger spools up, you can explore its entertaining handling. When going nowhere slowly the ride is compliant and comfortable, even if the steering is a little uncommunicative, but like every other aspect of the car, it’s a mammoth leap forward on the previous Beetle. Me? I’d take Volkswagen’s Sirocco 1.4 at a similar price, but many potential buyers of more conventional cars will be attracted to the new R296,600 Beetle by its new sporty look and appealing driving experience.
issue 18 | the airport magazine
16 |
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issue 18 | the airport magazine
Designed by Coetzee Stydom 082 780 7911
on the move interview | 17
James Rassie & Nokuthula Danisa
ON THE MOVE Catching up with those coming and going at SA’s great airports. From: Cape Town Profession: They both work for Shell Chemicals
Coming or Going
James and Nokuthula flew in to KSIA from Cape Town for business. They were making their way to Havana grill at Suncoast Casino. From my experience of Suncoast I don’t exactly know how much ‘business’ will be done but they certainly look the part.
issue 18 | the airport magazine
18 18||Feature extreme sporting
Sunlight, waterproof cameras, action! My fascination with Interlaken began in 2004. It was my first year out of school and I had been thoroughly enjoying a gap year in England when I decided to finish it off with a 10-day holiday in Switzerland. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. issue 18 | the airport magazine
The beauty of the place bowled me over, while the skiing and snowboarding had me completely hooked from the first day. Not to mention that as a kid from Africa, I was absolutely gobsmacked by how safe, clean and punctual the country was. As I was leaving, I was told that Switzerland was even more stunning in summer, which only strengthened my resolve to get back as soon as possible. It would be seven long years before I returned, arriving on a beautiful summer’s day. Interlaken claims to be the adventure capital of Switzerland, and it certainly lives up to the hype. The town has a different feel to the rest of Switzerland which is instantly
noticeable. As I arrived I could see about 15 paragliders drifting across the sky and landing in the town square. There are more tourists in Interlaken, so it’s the one place where English is more widely spoken than Swiss-German. I only had a short stay planned, so time was of the essence. I quickly dumped my bags at the backpackers and went straight to Outdoor Interlaken (www.outdoor-interlaken.ch), the adventure company that would be showing me around for the duration of my trip. First up was funyaking, similar to white water rafting except in a smaller boat. I had
extreme sporting Feature |19 | 19 I instantly fell in love with it. Tucked away in the side streets away from the city centre lies Restaurant Laterne (www.restaurant-laterne.ch), and I could tell as soon as I entered that I was the only foreigner in the building, which only increased its charm. Luckily my meal had been pre-booked as the language barrier was to prove pretty impenetrable. Before long I had an entire cheese fondue placed in front of me, with endless servings of salads and potato bakes and meat dishes following one after another until I was begging for mercy. The cliché that there’s always room for pudding proved true, as I couldn’t resist a delicious orange sherbet cream dish. The setting was beautiful, the atmosphere relaxed and the food magnificent – the perfect way to end a perfect stay in Interlaken.
visions of peacefully floating down a gentle stream with a cold drink in one hand and birds singing sweetly in the treetops. How wrong I was, I realised, when we stopped next to a river that flowed straight off the mighty Eiger. While it is true that the rapids aren’t as big as others I’ve seen, they are definitely as testing. All it took was a few waves of icy water in our boat and we were wide awake – which was definitely a good thing, as just about every rapid had us hanging on for dear life. It’s just the sort of activity to make you feel exhilarated. Once we’d got through the steeper rapids we came to a gentle part of the river, which floated us serenely through the town and into the lake. As soon as we reached the shore, it was time for lunch and a chance to swop stories and boast about our exploits on the river.
Doing an activity like this requires expert guides, and the team at Outdoor Interlaken are just that. They kept the nervous ones among us relaxed with jokes and stories, and they were completely professional in keeping us all safe and happy throughout the adventure. Best of all, they all wore waterproof cameras throughout the trip so that we could purchase videos of our exploits at the end. Living the Bear Grylls lifestyle is a great way to build up a good appetite. Restaurants are a dime a dozen in this tourist haven, and most of them aren’t memorable enough to write home about. At the risk of spoiling one of the town’s best-kept secrets, there is one little restaurant I have to mention simply because it was so typically Swiss that
If You Go... Flights: Emirates and SAA fly from Joburg to Zurich (with a stopover) for R7 500 to R11 000 a person. Accommodation: Backpackers in Switzerland charge upwards of 25 francs for a dorm bed, while three-star hotels are normally priced at around 110 francs. Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof (www.villa.ch) has single en suite rooms for 69 francs. Restaurants: Typical Swiss restaurants serve most of their meals at between 25 and 35 francs a plate. Fast-food and chain restaurants are cheaper. Currency: 1 Swiss franc = R8.70. Must-pack items: A camera with lots of spare batteries and extra money (our little South African rands come off second best to the Swiss franc by a long way).
One thing that Interlaken does have in common with the rest of the country is its stunning beauty. Nestled between the lakes of Thun and Brienz (which is where the town gets its name), it feels like a village in a magical faraway land with the majestic snow-capped mountains of the Eiger, Moench and Jungfrau towering over the area. Next up on the agenda was canyoning, commonly known as kloofing or gorging in South Africa. Once again we found ourselves at the top of a river, although this time the boat had been swopped for some rope as our method of transport. The basic idea is to get down the river in the most adventurous way possible. This involved jumping, sliding, swimming and even abseiling down a waterfall as we slowly made our way downstream. issue 18 | the airport magazine
20 | feature Argus tips
Cape Argus Tips
For Beginners While the mere thought of cycling 110km might understandably concern any novice to the sport, the point is not the distance, it’s about being able to ride your bicycle around the tip of Africa in one of the biggest road races on our continent! I predominately ride mountain bikes and I never thought that a road race would excite me as much as the thrill of navigating a single track and hurtling down a mountainside … but it did! And I can’t wait to do it again. So here are a few tips for next year that can help to make the experience as enjoyable as possible: Sleep - You want to get as much sleep as you can the night before, so plan a relaxed evening and go to bed early. I can function on six hours’ a night, but feel fantastic on the recommended eight hours. If you battle to get to sleep, don’t stress too much — it’s not the end of the world. Nutrition - It is quite tempting to adopt a whole new diet in the week leading up to the issue 18 | the airport magazine
race, but try not to shock the system with an unusual meal the night before. The last thing you want is an upset stomach on race day. On that note, leave the sports drinks and energy bar experiments to training time. Have a healthy dinner the night before and your usual pre-race breakfast in the morning. The water tables en route are excellent! You will not go hungry or thirsty, but you definitely need to take enough water and maybe one or two snacks just in case. Kit - As with food, you really don’t want to shock the system with brand new items of clothing. Ride in your most comfortable kit and you will be thankful you did. A week or two beforehand, write a list of kit items and test it out on a training ride. I usually start from my feet and work my way up — and don’t forget the sunscreen! You will need to attach your race number to the back of your shirt (or over your hydration pack) and I would advise you do that the night before. Bike - If there is one way to annoy your local bike shop, arrive unscheduled with a dirty, broken bike the day before a race and ask them to service it for you. All bike
shops, in all provinces, will be exceptionally busy for the two weeks before the Argus, so remember to call ahead and book your bike in. Ask advice on what spares you should carry. Remember that even if you don’t know how to change a tyre or repair a puncture, you should always carry the necessary tools with you. I usually carry the following as a minimum: spare tube, Allen key set, puncture repair kit, CO2 bomb and valve. Mostly you just want to avoid any unnecessary issues with your bike on the day, so check everything and “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”! If you need to courier your bike to the Western Cape, some bike shops can also box/pack your bike up for you to be couriered, so when phoning to book your service ask them about this. Starting Line - Make sure you read the race details flier thoroughly. There is lots of good info on it, such as the map of the race village, parking instructions and starting line procedures. If you are planning to meet up with friends, leave plenty of time to do so. Rather have to wait around a bit at the start than miss your batch. You will be guided by one or more marshals into the batch loading chute and once you’re called
Argus tips Feature | 21
to feed in, you can expect a fairly long wait until you actually get to the starting line. Have a last minute snack and enjoy the witty banter amongst your fellow riders.
Misty Cliffs — beautiful, but windy and fastpaced. The temperature does drop quite a bit here so that is definitely something to look forward to on a hot day.
En Route - The race flier and Argus website have some nice descriptions of the route. From memory I can list the following “points of interest” that made an impression on me:
Kommetjie — not as scenic as the rest of the ride and by this point you are rather tired, but what gets you through is the fantastic support from the spectators. Plenty of local residents come out for the day to braai, play music, sing and cheer the riders on. It really is a motivating boost.
Edinburgh Drive — a very steady and fairly gruelling climb so early on in the ride. If you haven’t warmed up properly by then, you are going to find it a hack. This year I plan on spinning my legs a bit more in a lower gear before then and not tire my quads out on the bigger ring. Get into a rhythm and power on because there is a nice downhill and a fast flat coming up. M3 to Muizenburg — crank the gears and pick up the pace. This is where it starts to get fun! Stick with a bunch that are going the same speed, if you can. Simon’s Town — Caution: windy with potholes. Keep your eyes open for riders being blown off-course in front of you and mind the small to “car”-size potholes in the road.
Chapman’s Peak — this was my favourite part of the ride. It sounds daunting but it’s not that bad. Find a gear that you are comfortable in and just keep working at it. Don’t forget to take in the spectacular view and motivate any fellow-riders who look as if they are battling. If you do need to get off and push, remember to keep left so the folk still riding up can pass on your right.
Suikerbossie — be prepared for a short but very sharp climb. It seems as if it is never going to end and many people walk. The support is fantastic, though, with many residents offering their garden hoses to spray you with some refreshing, cold water. Keep reminding yourself that this is the last big climb. The finish line is well-organised and, like the start, there are plenty of marshals around to show you where to go. Once you have made it through to the finish area, you can leave your bike in the bike pound where you will be given a ticket to present when collecting it later. The atmosphere is great in the race village and there will be more than enough food and drink available to revive yourself. Ride at your own pace, take in the scenery and, most of all, just have fun and be safe!!!
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22 22||interview mango groove
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mango groove interview | 23
SOUTH AFRICA’S WORDS Storm Catterick
Special star These days music is so electronically enhanced that you’d be hard pressed to find a music group that is 100% true talent! I mean if Paris Hilton can sell CD’s you know that there’s something fishy going on behind the ‘studio’ scenes!!! But here in S.A we are blessed with such inescapable raw talent that all it takes for them is a guitar or piano to wow the pants off you. One such incredible band is the all too familiar Mango Groove, to call them historical or iconic doesn’t even touch sides as to how amazing these guys are. With over 30 years under their belt they have managed to stay in the game and maintain an immense following which grows each and every year. From young to old, local and international, people are drawn to the eclectic and groovy sounds of a band that has and will always be a big part of our S.A heritage! They really are a very ‘Special Star’. There are no frills and spills – this is raw talent and music from days when technology couldn’t overrun the true voice, it’s magnetic! We speak to Claire Johnston lead singer of Mango Groove.
Being one of the first interracial bands in S.A was it harder to get your music out to the masses and get bigger during that era? Most definitely, and I think I speak for so many SA artists of that era: touring issues, segregation at venues, difficulties with censorship and media access, and so on and so on. Difficult times indeed, but so much great music came out of such adversity. Also, I do believe that all South Africans were starting to wake up to the possibilities of a genuinely non-racial future in South Africa. To the extent that we were even a tiny part of that process, then I feel incredibly fortunate for the experiences we had. South Africans are amazing people, you know, our transformation has been astonishing, and I do believe our possibilities as a country are limitless. Did you ever think in those initial stages that your music would get you to international stardom? What was your goal when starting Mango Groove? Not in a million years. I don’t believe you can set out to do something in too selfconscious a way. Have big dreams, yes, but do what you believe in, follow your instincts, and do what you love. Starting out, I just wanted to sing and perform and make people happy. You’ve been around for many years and you’re still creating great music, how has your music changed to keep up with the times and still resonate your great sound that everyone has come to know and love? Thank you for the kind words I think we are lucky in that (love it or hate it!), nothing
really sounds quite like Mango Groove: our sound is certainly distinctive (for all its influences), and this has given it a certain timelessness, I guess. We always tap into the latest trends and production techniques, and we love a lot of what is happening in SA Music now, but we also remain true to ourselves, and people seem to appreciate this. This is certainly being reflected in our audiences now: yes, lots of our older fans, but at the same time lots of 4 to 20 year olds that (amazingly enough) seem to know all the words! Your sound is definitely not definitive to one genre and many people use their own terms but in your words how would you define it? You are right, it is eclectic in its influences (marabi and kwela influence mixed with other ‘50’s and ‘60’s SA urban styles, along with lots of contemporary pop), but the net result is something fairly distinctive, I guess. Eclecto-Pop? Marabi-Pop? Who knows? Your songs have so much meaning and history behind them, and as hard as it is to answer because you have so many songs, what would you say is your favourite song Again? Given the time we came out of, our songs often and invariably reflected our experiences as South Africans (good and bad). I love ‘’Special Star’’ of course, because it is such an odd yet powerful song, and I also love some of the other favourites (Hometalk, Dance Some More, Moments Away, Another Country and others). I also, however, love some of the less well-known issue 18 | the airport magazine
24 | interview mango groove
tracks. Currently, I am loving ‘’Bang the Drum’’ off our 2010 album of the same title, because it is such a kicker at our live shows. A lot of bands have idols that they draw inspiration for their music from, who would you say Mango Grooves idol/ inspiration were/are? Lots of musical influences, obviously, from the sounds of the great SA artists of the ‘50s through to today, right through to Bob Marley and Blondie’s Debbie Harry. More than music, though, and I really mean this, there is the spirit of all South Africans themselves: our capacity for forgiveness, change, strength and celebration. You’re definitely one of the biggest proudly South African bands, what’s kept you here and do you ever see yourself moving overseas at this stage? Again, you are too kind.There are so many great SA music brands out there, so thank you for putting us in their company. We are very entrenched here, we love this country, and it is so much a part of our own musical and historical identity, that we don’t see ourselves moving. Who were you thinking about when you wrote Special star. Special Star was a collaborative effort with a few writers (Mduduzi as the main writer, with John, Kevin, Sipho and others)…it was
issue 18 | the airport magazine
cobbled together at a rehearsal in which Duzi revealed he played the penny whistle, and it ended up as a tribute of sorts to Spokes Mashiane, the late great SA penny whistle player. Strange how these things come together… Do you know that some dance groups in townships in KZN still mimic the dance moves of Mango Groove – your music literally is enveloped in everyone? Yes, and we absolutely love it! No greater compliment than to see young kids all around SA learning the moves to songs that were recorded long before they were even born. We feel very lucky in this regard. Your music still to this day gives me goosebumps – how do you after all these years still sound so amazing live as the day you started? How have you preserved your voices so well? Thank you I suppose there is so much history embedded in Mango: the times we went through as South Africans, the memories, the associations. Music is always a sound track to one’s life in some way, and it always has that amazing capacity to ‘’take you back’’ or to move you in indescribable ways. Performance-wise, we take our shows very seriously, so it is vital to us that we stay fit and rehearsed. Add to this the fact that we now feel so comfortable with what we do, and I can seriously say that Mango looks and sounds
better today than it ever has done before. On a practical level, it’s very important to stay fit. With over ten albums under your belt and even more singles, can die hard Mango Groove fans expect to see some of that great Mango Groove flavour in a new album soon? Lots more to come, I’m afraid! You are not getting rid of us yet! Definitely some more recordings, lots of touring, and most excitingly, a couple of giant, long-term projects in the pipeline (watch this space!).
Quickies
Favourite Airport? The new ORT (I love the beagles) and possibly JFK. FAVOURITE AIRLINE? South African Airways, of course! Funniest thing you’ve ever seen whilst waiting at an airport? Jackie Chan getting his luggage off a carousel. And having Sting’s manager help me off the carousel with my bag. What a gent! FAVOURITE THING to do to pass the time at an airport? Eat and Drink, read and watch people!
mango groove interview | 25
I don’t believe you can set out to do something in too self-conscious a way. Have big dreams, yes, but do what you believe in, follow your instincts, and do what you love.
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26 | extreme mission impossible
An intelligent person would ask, how does one find themselves in that position, but instead we’ll just see it as one amazing extreme shot and I suppose his arms and biceps don’t hurt the picture either!
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mission impossible extreme | 27
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28 | feature Photographer Profile
PHOTOGRAPHERS to LOOK OUT FOR
WORDS Storm Catterick
Irma
Bosch In the third installment of Photographers to look out for, in which we profile the best of our nation’s photographers — professionals who we think you would do well to use when you want to capture a special moment — we are featuring Irma Bosch, a photographer who is known for her creative, conceptdriven approach to photography. She has a flair for testing the boundaries of what is deemed the norm and a passion for creating unmatchable memories that will be forever frozen in time. Specializing in fashion and lifestyle photography and with a love for weddings, Irma Bosch is this month’s local photographer to look out for!
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Photographer Profile feature | 29
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30 | feature Photographer profile Tell us a little bit about yourself? I am passionate about fashion and lifestyle photography and have shot for numerous publications, including Woman & Home, Essentials and SA Home Owner. I also shoot advertising and corporate campaigns for a range of clients, including Sun International, Discovery Channel and Nokia. What or who got you started in photography? I gained a degree in Visual Communication with the aim of going into advertising and photography was one of the subjects. My lecturer, Anne-Lise van Niekerk, inspired me to push my photography and thus a passion for creating images was born.
I love working in the fashion industry as no shoot is ever the same, plus I get to work with an amazing range of diverse people. Travelling is also a passion of mine and I feel blessed when I am able combine all my passions and earn a living whilst doing it!
What gives you ideas or inspires you to create such amazing imagery? Helmut Newton is one of my great inspirations. I take a lot from the fashion world as I love the fact that the boundaries are always being pushed; the modern age is a time where the unusual can become beautiful. The entertainment industry, especially films and music, also influence my ideas in photography. I also go through phases of trying different styles and methods of photography and I have gone back to black and white with loads of contrast.
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What cameras do you shoot with? Where some women can’t help but buy shoes and clothes, I have a deep-rooted love of collecting cameras and own about 13, ranging from the digital SLRs I shoot with for the industry to the old Rolleiflex and 35ml Olympus which I shoot with for fun. I also have two Polaroid cameras which are great for photographing friends and holidays. The camera I use most for professional photo shoots is my full-frame 5D Mark II, but with an upgrade coming soon. What is your favourite photography accessory? That would definitely be the manual adaptor for my 35ml film camera, making it 100 percent manual — it’s great for keeping me on my toes. . How important is Photoshop in your final images? The main thing I was taught when I started out in the industry was to always work as if you were still shooting with film. Take great care with each shot in regard to composition, light and sharpness and spend as little time as possible in editing in Photoshop. You could say that I still believe that a photograph has to be as good as possible from the start — that’s what will make it a great photograph. What is the best/favourite photo you’ve taken? It’s the photo of a building and a street lamp in Paris, France, taken when I did a bit of travelling. I was on a bus, photographing people in the streets, and passed this building and everything just lined up. Describe the ideal conditions for getting a great photo? To get the best architecture and outdoor lifestyle photographs, early morning or late afternoon is best, or any time that there is a great storm-cloud forming. The texture in the sky gives it a very dramatic feel and acts like a huge softbox.
Photographer Profile feature | 31
Copyright by Irma Bosch www.irmabosch.co.za
issue 18 | the airport magazine
WHERE TO EAT
32 | lifestyle good food
Al Pescatore
Ballito 032 946 3574 One of the oldest and most popular restaurants in Ballito thanks to Owner Trevor Wolf and his innovative menu. What more can one asks for than breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, the finest food and a delightful team that is ready to please. issue 18 | the airport magazine
good food lifestyle | 33
Wodka
Durban, Docklands Hotel 031 332 8190
La Belle Terrasse Johannesburg Hotel, Westcliffe 011 4816264
Exceptional cuisine, an extensive wine list, and a backdrop of the forest by day and the lights of JHB at night, have earned La Belle Terrasse the distinction of being among the city’s most sought after restaurants.
HAVE A SAY
The Three Cities Docklands Hotel’s trendy restaurant “WODKA” is taking Durban by storm. There is nothing quite as sexy as this restaurant in the city and the cuisine prepared by our chefs are legendary. The ambiance is energetic and with its industrial look and feel this vibey venue offers an unforgettable dining experience for everyone.
HEY, WANNA SHARE A HOT SPOT? JUST POP US A MAIL - EASY
We love eating out and we know you do to, especially when you’re travelling. So if you’ve found the perfect place that’s worth sharing just email the restaurants name and town and we’ll do the rest. Send info to editor@fabmags.co.za
issue 18 | the airport magazine
34 | interview dan patlansky
DAN
PATLANSKY A True Blues Prodigy issue 18 | the airport magazine
WORDS Storm Catterick
dan patlansky interview | 35
There are not many 30-yearold musicians that can say they have achieved the status of a legend in their respective genres, but for blues prodigy, Dan Patlansky, this feat came true with a fair amount of ease. At the tender age of 24, he has played in some of the best known and biggest blues venues in the true home of the blues, New Orleans. He has been rated the finest guitar player to come out of South Africa, achieving “Blue Note” status in 2004. This is an accomplishment most musicians only dream about, especially at his age. Dan’s passion for music is evident on stage, which is why his success comes as no surprise to us, but we are excited about what the future holds for this brilliant musician, because we have definitely not seen the best of Patlansky yet! Tell us a little bit about who Dan Patlansky is and what inspired you to become a blues musician? I'm a blues/rock musician; I've been on the road touring for last 10 years or so. Blues and classic rock have been a huge love of mine since I was a kid. I grew up listening to this type of music; my parents were always listening to stuff like this, so it seemed to be the best choice when choosing a style. In a world filled with pop, rock, dance and hip-hop, what was it like entering the music industry as probably the youngest blues musician?
It wasn’t easy at first, but the blues has always been here in South Africa, although maybe not in the forefront. It took some time to get noticed, but I think the blues is a very relevant music form in today's world. And it's all about exposing people to it. You are said to be the only South African to achieve “Blue Note” status. Do you still hold this title and what does this mean for a musician to achieve this? I'm not sure if I'm still the only one, but it was a huge honour. “Blue Note” is a very prestigious label on the world stage, so achieving “Blue Note” status means I was released under their name. Sort of a seal of approval. How did you get your big break in the industry? I believe that if you keep at it long enough, things will finally start turning in your favour. Also, I think it's very important to do and perform what you are passionate about. Don't go into it just to make money; that will get you nowhere. Do you write your own music? I do for the most part, but I'll perform anything I feel passionate about, whether I wrote it or not. A good song is a good song. I normally write the music/melodies first, then write the lyrics at the end. This is the process that seems to work best for me, but everyone's got their own way of doing it. When did you pick up your first guitar and what made you choose that instrument? I picked up my first guitar when I was about
11 years old. The reason I went for the guitar was because of the music I grew up listening to, which was for the most part guitar-driven stuff, so it was my natural choice of instrument. 7. What has been the most rewarding thing since you started playing music professionally and the least rewarding? Any bit of progress I make is the most rewarding playing-wise and profile-wise. In this industry it often feels as if you’re moving backwards and sometimes you are, so when that happens it does feel like the most unrewarding thing on earth. What legendary blues artists have you got to play with so far? My idols are guys like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, BB King and Albert King, but unfortunately most of them have passed on. What has been your biggest compliment so far? Who gave it to you? It was making the Blues Rock Review 9 Upand-Coming Blues Artists to Watch, based in the USA. What has been the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you on tour or on stage? The bass player soiling his pants in the middle of a show! If you were interviewing yourself what would you ask yourself and what would be your answer. What style of music do you think has the best song writers? Country music. issue 18 | the airport magazine
36 |
Gateway 031 566 3208
Broadway 031 564 5486
Ballito 032 946 0457
Flanders Mall 031 539 1114
La Lucia 031 572 6632 The Pavilion 031 265 8409 issue 18 | the airport magazine
www.sorbet.co.za
Granada Square 031 561 2538
business | 37
WORDS Stan Shaw
Learn to love meetings I’ve just been sitting in a meeting for the past hour and wondering what it was all about, having been invited by a senior executive to a meeting where a project he’s involved with was to be discussed. Everyone in attendance was polite and acknowledged the importance of the project, displaying an understanding of business protocol, but no one wanted to be the first to challenge why they were really there.
All the delegates (I was quiet, being there by invitation) made polite noises about the project being discussed, fuelling the importance of the project, and the importance of the senior executive “hosting” the meeting. In reality, I can imagine that most (including me) were working on ways to exit the discussions and wishing that the fire alarm would go off because they knew full well that the project under discussion was doomed to failure! Thinking about it, there is a tremendous amount written about good and bad meeting practice and there are some classic pieces of material available to help understand the difference. John Cleese, apart from being famous as a member of the Monty Python cast, is equally revered for the business classic, Meetings Bloody Meetings. One of the key points to learn from in this clip, is the purpose of a meeting. The dictionary describes a meeting as “an assembly of people
for a particular purpose, especially for formal discussion”. The key word here is purpose and all good meeting discipline starts there.
To my mind, there are basically two types of meetings — decision making and information sharing. If you look at other material around types of meetings, you will read that some people suggest that there are production meetings, planning meetings, work meetings, team meetings, board meetings, etc, but, stripped down to their purpose, they are either decision making, information sharing or a blend of both.
Applying these basic principles correctly will make meetings much more productive and you’ll learn to love them Once you have identified the purpose, align the content to the meeting’s objective. Know who you need in the meeting and the information required to achieve the correct outcome. It’s pointless having people around a table in a meeting when they have no contribution to make, no information to share or to contribute to the decision. Each delegate has to know not only the purpose of the meeting, but also what is expected of them, what contribution they are required to make, what information they need to bring and what decisions they are likely to be involved in. All this is the foundation to being prepared.
Each meeting needs a chairperson or lead. This person is critical for meetings to be effective, not only for achieving the meeting’s purpose, but to ensure that all the delegates are effectively used and also to be respectful of the delegate’s time.
Another key component is an agenda. You would be surprised at how many meetings are run without agendas. An agenda is not just a list of items to be covered, but includes an anticipated duration for each item. It’s designed to keep the meeting focused and on time and should be distributed to the delegates in advance to allow them to prepare effectively. Don’t be overly ambitious either. Having a 20-point agenda for an hour’s meeting where you’re looking for a decision on each point leaves three minutes per point! As important as preparing for a meeting, is closing one. While delegates are still in the room, recap agreements and actions, to whom they are assigned and confirm dates. Finally, whoever is the note taker must make sure that the minutes or actions are captured and distributed after the meeting. There is more that could be written about meetings, but applying these basic principles correctly will make meetings much more productive and you’ll learn to love them — if not, at least enjoy John Cleese and Meetings Bloody Meetings (it’s on You Tube). issue 18 | the airport magazine
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Autumn calendar | 39
Theatre Don Quixote The Johannesburg Theatre Complex Feisty, funny ballet set in sunny Spain 08 - 24 March www.joburgtheatre.com Based on an episode in Cervantes’ epic novel and set in bustling Barcelona, the ballet tells a story of the triumph of young love over parental match-making. The beautiful, audacious Kitri and the dashing but poor Basilio are determined to marry but Kitri’s father has more ambitious plans for his daughter.
2013
Autumn Calendar
Autumn time & Party time in the Mother Cities of SA. Save the dates
Sport
Festivals
Cinema
Two Oceans Marathon
The Call
Western Cape 29 - 30 March. www.twooceansmarathon.org.za
Director: Brad Anderson Thriller 15 March
Known as “the world’s most beautiful marathon”, this year see the 44th consecutive running of the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon. The route takes in two oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic, which meet between Cape Agulhas and Cape Point. Winding along the seaboard, it offers spectacular views.
Based on an original story by Nicole D’Ovidio, Jon Bokencamp and Rich D’Ovidio. Set against the backdrop of a 911 call centre, an emergency operator must face her own fears in order to save a teenage girl from a disturbed killer from her past.
Splashy Fen Splashy Fen Farm 28 March - 01 April www.splashyfen.co.za Established in 1990, Splashy Fen is South Africa’s longest-running annual music festival, which every Easter attracts thousands of people from around the country and abroad to a farm near Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal for what is regarded by many as the ultimate outdoor music experience.
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40 | What’s on
Theatre
Sport
Memorable Melodies and Song The Barnyard Theatre Gateway Hits from the Greats 31 March www.barnyardtheatres.co.za The Barnyard Theatre brings you a once-off show featuring hits made famous by the greats — Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Neil Diamond, Michael Bublé, Louis Armstrong, Edith Piaf and more!
Sport
Cinema
The 2013 Vodacom Cup kicks off on the second weekend of March and this will be the 16th time this annual domestic cup competition is played. Teams will each play seven group matches within their own sections. Thereafter, the top four teams from each section will progress to the quarter-final round, which will be contested across the two sections. Round One see’s the MTN Golden Lions vs. Leopards kick off the tournament.
Director: Andrew Niccol Romance, Sci-Fi 29 March
Vodacom Cup
www.supersport.com
music
2013 Super 15 Rugby: Sharks vs. Rebels
Metallica Live in South Africa
Mr Price Kings Park Stadium Durban 23 March www.sharksrugby.co.za
FNB Soccer City Complex Johannesburg 27 April www.bigconcerts.co.za
Catch the Sharks vs. the Rebels head-to-head in the 2013 Super Rugby Championship at the home of the Sharks, Kings Park Stadium. Game starts at 5:05 p.m, so get your biltong ready and your drinks chilled!
For three decades it’s topped the charts and now US rock band Metallica is coming back to South Africa to bring back the thunder. Metallica Live in South Africa is another Big Concerts Experience presented by 5FM’s Power Nite of Rock and MK.
The Host
From Stephenie Meyer (author of the Twilight Saga) comes The Host, a love story set in the future. The book was #1 on The New York Times Bestseller List for 26 weeks and continues to be an international phenomenon. The Host is a story about the survival of love and the human spirit in a time of war, when humans become host for an unseen enemy.
Theatre
Rocking in a Free World WILLOWBRIDGE Cape Town Music from 12 countries 17 April - 26 May www.barnyardtheatres.co.za Rocking in a Free World once more takes us rocking to 12 musical destinations all over the world with our crazy Barnyard air hostess. Featuring the greatest artists and music from the United Kingdom, the USA, Sweden, Brazil, Greece, Spain, Jamaica, Australia, Italy, Wales, France and the good old RSA, Rocking in a Free World again sets up a party like no other!
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autumn calendar feature | 41
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issue 18 | the airport magazine
42 | feature Travel
DESTINATION WITH A
DIFFERENCE The PEZULU Hotel
issue 18 | the airport magazine
travel feature | 43
issue 18 | the airport magazine
44 | travel feature
Realize your childhood dream‌ sleep in a tree house! If you are looking for bushveld luxury at an affordable rate, then Pezulu Tree House Lodge near Hoedspruit, close to the Kruger National Park, is the perfect destination. This laid-back lodge offers eight unique tree houses sleeping up to 25 guests. Each tree house is unique and built around indigenous trees, with leaves rustling with the local birdlife and huge branches pass right through the bedrooms. The pick of the bunch is the Dream Tree House, built on two massive Marula trees. There’s a beautifully decorated bathroom complete with a jacuzzi, while a separate walkway leads to a double outdoor shower issue 18 | the airport magazine
overlooking the open savannah. The majestic four-poster on wheels can easily be pushed out onto the balcony allowing guests to sleep under a canopy of stars. In the first light of morning wake up to the sound of an inquisitive giraffe eating the leaves outside your tree house, or enjoy your morning coffee on your personal treetoplevel balcony whilst watching the zebras and monkeys slaking their thirst. Pezulu is ideally situated to take advantage of numerous attractions in the area, like the Cheetah Breeding Project, the Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre or a boat trip on the Blyde Dam during which you can enjoy seeing the fascinating Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondavels, hippos,
crocodiles and fish eagles. The fantastic scenery of the Panorama Route can easily be explored on a day trip or you can enjoy the stunning setting and beauty of the African wildlife on our exciting Big Five game drives. A truly delicious, with-an-African-twist, dinner in our outdoor boma will exceed your wildest imagination, always assuming you can be persuaded down from the trees.
www.pezulu.co.za Tel: 015 793 2724 Email: pezlodge@mweb.co.za
travel feature
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issue 18 | the airport magazine
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20 Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa | +27 11 322 5000 | reservations@balalaika.co.za
Business profile | 47
WASP Marketing and Event Management Professional events done by professionals
With more than 20 years’ experience in marketing and the management of corporate conferences and events, as well as public relations, all coupled with the highest level of expertise in hospitality and entertainment management, WASP Marketing and Event Management established in 2012 offers corporate, individual and hospitality clients an array of services that will ensure that their customers’ brands are highly visible. The company specializes in conceptualizing and executing a plethora of functions and events such as corporate conferences, corporate and private functions, corporate team-building events, hotel, lodge and guesthouse accommodation arrangements, hospitality venue marketing, product launches and promotions and much more. WASP Marketing and Event Management is dedicated to providing their clients with result-orientated event management and marketing support. They are committed to providing services and products that benefit all their clients, offering them the best in marketing and event management support and providing the highest standards
of quality and efficiency, where service, creativity, reliability and integrity are the hallmarks of every aspect of their work. They believe that, through creative thinking and strategic planning, they can and will achieve optimal results when organising any event enabling their clients to build and strengthen their brands. Their services include every aspect of hosting the perfect conference, function, team-building exercise or event. Not only do they locate a venue for your next event, they will also manage the entire process from the design of the invitations to organising transport for those who have had “one too many”. Managing Director, Andre-B van WykScott, prides himself on more than 19 years of experience in Public Relations, Event Management and Marketing. He has been involved in a number of large-scale projects such as uShaka Marine World, the Durban Playhouse Company and in recent years has launched and managed various hotels within the hospitality sector. He has also conceptualized and implemented a
number of big events which have become synonymous with the Durban Events Calendar. During this time, Andre-B has secured various awards, such as Managing Director’s Award for 2010 and Social Media Champion 2011. In recent months, Andre-B has successfully hosted the launch events of various residential estates and sectional title products into the real-estate market. “Our business goals and objectives are to conceptualize, create, host and execute marketing strategies and events that enable our clients to build and strengthen their brands,” says Andre. The company represents an array of attractive hotels, lodges and guesthouses that are of the highest standard when it comes to facilities and personal service. A selection of top class and diverse accommodation and event centres forms part of their portfolio — give them a call when you have to host your next event.
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for interest sake | 49
When Technology is
WORDS Pippa Rowney
not your BFF Have you ever had one of those days when ALL of technology just hates you? Well I have, many of them, and I had one today. It actually started last week when my cell phone’s screen decided to turn white and stay that way. Huh? What I thought I should to do was to plug in the charger and that the phone would then reboot as I had assumed that the white screen was caused by my low battery power, but since that day I have realised that this was not the case. The battery can be full and the screen will turn white. It has been termed “The White Screen of Death”. This has been happening once a day, maybe skipping a day here and there, but today it has happened THREE times! But that is not all — I use a laptop at work and my Internet operating system of choice has always been reliable. This week it failed me. Slow page loading, slow page scrolling… it is just too slow. Today I had to “kill” four pages while trying to work on them. Not impressed. Let’s face it; technology is starting to run our lives. We rely on it for communicating, working, watching DVDs, listening to music
and we even manage our social lives with it. When technology fails us, the world seems to come crashing down with it. So let’s look at some ways to calm our nerves when days like today happen and the world of technology just isn’t our BFF. When my computer is just too slow This is a scenario many are familiar with. What do I do? Option one: I can bash my mouse on the mouse pad in the hope that the page will load more quickly. Option two: I can click countless times in the hope that the next click will do the trick. Option three: I can go and make tea and hope that by the time I get back the page will have loaded. Let’s try option three this week. When my phone freezes Oh the joys of cellular telephones! Sometimes I think the old “bricks” were better than today’s smartphones. Often times, in mid SMS, e-mail or call my phone will freeze — how do I react? Option one: throw my phone on the floor, only that will damage it even more. Option two: scream at my phone, hoping that the little minions hard
at work inside it will hear my plea. Option three: take a deep breath, remove the battery and restart the phone. Wow, this is a tough one, but let’s give option three a go next time.
When my apps don’t respond appropriately Let’s set the scene: I have chosen a bunch of images to upload to Facebook via my app and, just as they are about to finish uploading, the screen freezes and the app closes. WHAT! Option one: I cry. Done. Option two: I badmouth Facebook, the make of the tablet, the people in the pictures, the event the pictures were taken at and whoever is around me at this point. Option three: I take a breath, put the tablet down before I break it and think about uploading the pictures at a later stage. Now that is self-control! The joys of technology are endless and I mean that both literally and sarcastically. Nevertheless, in this day and age we always need technology, so let’s embrace the upsets, let’s take loads of deep breaths and let’s be honest… technology will never be our BFF, but that’s OK! issue 18 | the airport magazine
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health | 51
The hills have eyes, WORDS Lil Bianchi
The prowler never lies Whether you’re an athlete, housewife, mother/father or built like a Greek brick house, there are some things that you can’t go without. Conditioning (Cardio). It’s these things that will build the weak, build the professional sportsman and build a model physique. Strength to conditioning is like orgasms to sex. You can’t have one without the other, or you can, but the results are never good. I love this side of training as much as a seven year old loves spinach. However at the same time it’s that physical stimulation of pushing yourself beyond your last session that people like me thrive on. Now when we talk building lung capacity, building endurance, putting the body under stress, increasing your speed and cardiovascular fitness, we talk conditioning.
hips and your legs and leaves you wanting to throw up a body part. There is little room for wear and tear on the knees, shins and ankles and the gains I have experienced surrounding my level of conditioning are irremovable, whether you are a beginner, an athlete or a world class sportsman the prowler should fall in as part of your workout. Walk into any garage style facility and you are going to find some powerhouse out of breath, red in the face and grunting like a troll. It’s not about looking fabulous it’s about getting results. Battling ropes build muscular endurance, increase lung capacity, works your grip and is an invaluable tool for speed and endurance. When does your body start adapting to the stress? Never ever.
Your strength is useless if you run out of gas. If you are training you must be conditioning. If you want to be faster, stronger, more efficient and look hot in spandex, for ultimate conditioning you want to push prowlers, pull sleds, battle ropes, smash the skipping rope, tackle those hill sprints and fight the building stairs. Why? Because these are the shores upon which the weak are made stronger
Hill sprints and stair sprints are probably the most lethal in my books, making your strong, fast and lean while building your mental strength. Another great exercise that only requires the outdoors, that target your legs and your lungs while attacking your mind. As South Africans we have no excuse to be indoors staring into the screen on the treadmill, adjusting to an incline while your personal trainer barks “pick up the pace” from the side lines, this gets you results like a fast food salad gets you nutrition.
The prowler is probably thee most effective training tool, I am no expert but I have spent the last 18 months on the prowl. I have learnt that this simple piece of equipment builds your lungs, your
These tools and this knowledge are not going to just make you hard, but make you hard to beat. You have to make time for conditioning or make time for failing. issue 18 | the airport magazine
52 | inspiration
I’ve Fallen off
The Wagon WORDS Jess Basson
I’ve fallen off the wagon. I haven’t been swimming for two weeks. I haven’t blogged for even longer. I’m eating way more toasted sandwiches than I should. I really WANT to be more disciplined but…
“It’s soooooo hard” I have this very strong pull towards laziness. It’s like a vortex that sucks me in until I give up. I happen to be very good at being lazy. I hide it by walking fast and looking stressed so that people assume that I must be accomplishing a lot, but I’m actually just really, really lazy. I confess to you now the deterioration of my discipline:
at my family with a big not-breathless-ordying smile. Maybe I should set a more challenging goal than Midmar. Fifty laps done! Day 2: Based on my recent accomplishments, this should be a cinch. BAM! I’m in. The plan is 10 warm-up laps, 10 legs, 20 arms, 10 warm-down.
The pool is quiet, the water smooth. BAM! I’m in.
My flippen’ goggles keep steaming up so I’m taking a little longer to get into it today. Also, that nice feeling in my back muscles is gone and they don’t work anymore. With my stroke suffering, and my legs contributing nothing productive I’m not moving quite as fast as last time. But still, I clearly have to push through. This is what discipline is all about. I try to compose a compelling Tweet while I count my laps.
Wow…I’m actually quite fit! This feels soooo good. I can feel my back muscles waking up. My legs are rather useless and I barely move with the kick board, but apparently carrying around a 10kg child gives you kick-ass arms.
What? A stitch? I haven’t had one of those since the inter-house gala back in ’99. Need to drink some water. OK, I’m obviously having an off-day. Who needs to warm-down when you swim as slowly as I do?
I start lapping the old lady next to me and I imagine breaking a record at Midmar. I can see myself crossing the finishing line, walking out of the dam and waving
Forty laps done!
Day 1: I’ve bought a new swimming cap and costume, so I feel very slick and professional. I make babysitting plans for my baby boy, Will. I get to gym, change and stand on the edge of the pool. The sun is shining in through the large glass windows.
issue 18 | the airport magazine
Day 3: My kettle-belling husband has informed me that 30 minutes of exercise
twice a week won’t get me fit. I’m pretty sure that it’s a scientific fact that if you have a stitch while exercising, you’re getting fit. I decide to do half the session with just the kick board, because that will work my legs — a “big muscle” — and so get extra fitness points. Also, I’ll swim 50 laps again instead of 40. Oh Em Gee. There are a least three plasters on the floor of the pool, which is kind of disgusting. I wonder if they’re from the same person. Who swims with so many plasters on? How many laps have I done? Well, using the kick board is obviously like swimming twice as far because it uses twice as much energy so, according to my calculations, I’ve sort of done about 36 laps,
inspiration | 53
so I’m going to round that up to 50 and get in the sauna. Fifty (36ish) laps done! Day 4: It’s raining. The gym air-con is on freezing because of all those annoying fitness-obsessed weight-lifting people upstairs. I slide into the pool and honestly, honestly consider just getting out and getting into the sauna again. I’m pretty sure it’s a scientific fact that if you’re sweating, you’re getting fit. But I remember that my
mom is baby sitting my son so that I can get fit, not to daydream in the sauna and get a peanut butter bomb smoothie from Kauai. Grrrrr. I swim but to reward myself for being so disciplined, I finish early. Thirty laps done! Day 5: I go straight to the sauna and then get a peanut butter bomb smoothie from Kauai...
Can you see the vortex? Did I even stand a chance? How can you possibly overcome steamed-up goggles, coldness, and sheer bloody-minded laziness? I started writing about this discipline journey because I KNEW this would happen. I knew I was going to want to bail, so I’m starting again. I’m getting back on the wagon — back in the pool and not back on the smoothies and in the sauna. issue 18 | the airport magazine
54 |
KZN W inter Air Tour 2013
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issue 18 | the airport magazine
KwaZulu-Natal provincial treasury
WORDS Storm Catterick
ACSA Feature | 55
Just check in and go!
Passenger Nam Seat: Row:
DIY Check- in Kiosks –the convenient future of flying
There’s no one in the world who would opt to stand in a queue. It’s a little bit frustrating, claustrophobic (for those people who don’t know about personal space) and if you tally the amount of time you spend in your life in a cue it adds up to a lot of time simply wasted. So why do we still opt for the traditional norms of checking
in with long queues, babies screaming in your ear and in front of you those types who like to make a fuss about every little thing and end up taking even more time! Maybe, we do it because we just don’t know what other options we have. Yes, there is another option - a seriously cool and easy option! Welcome, if you don’t already know about it, to the self-service
Dept Time: Arrv Time:
check-in kiosks which will turn your 20-minute wait into a mere 5-minutes, at most. The option is there, but what do we really know about these machines? We speak to the all-female team behind these innovative and effective machines at KSIA to find out more.
issue 18 | the airport magazine
56 | Feature ACSA
Why is there a need for this type of service in the airport? King Shaka International Airport has grown phenomenally since it opened and we work according to international standards, which means ensuring convenience and an enhanced and more enjoyable experience for passengers at the airport. The world is becoming more advanced technologically by the minute with people wanting to do things for themselves rather than having to wait for others to do it for them, so if we have the ability, technical support and facilities to offer this type of service, why not? In the end it makes our airport experience better and more advanced. There is often a lot of distrust surrounding this type of electronic service - is it simple, easy and fast to use? There is no doubt about it! The kiosks are so easy to use that you can do it
issue 18 | the airport magazine
yourself, but if you do have a problem or are unsure about it or if it’s your first time and you require help; there is always an agent available to show you what to do. The questions that are asked are also not unique to the machine; they are unique to the airline, so you go through the exact same procedures as normal but it is just a lot quicker. What we want passengers to understand is that the check-in kiosks really cut your check-in time by more than half, so whether you are a lone businessman or a whole family going on holiday they are effective for every scenario. How does the system work? In my basic technical terms, it’s a touch screen machine that prompts you, asking various questions pertaining to your flight. So, much like your normal check-in, you have to have the relevant documents with you. After you have received your ticket there is a designated baggage drop off
counter for people who have luggage that they would like to check-in having used the kiosks, which also makes your life a lot easier. What are the documents you need to have to check in? The usual information and documents you would bring with you to check in, which includes your booking form with your reference number, and your e-ticket number which you just punch in when it prompts you and, Bob’s your uncle, you’ve got your ticket. Where do you produce your ID book if you are working on a machine? That’s actually a very important question which often deters people from using the machines. Some passengers assume that they don’t actually need to bring their ID books. When you go to check in your bags they ask you for your ID book to confirm that you are who you say you are and they ask you for ID when you go through security to get into the Departure Hall.
| 57 Scan the QR code to see how we created this ad using the very tread that inspired it.
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Tread Smartly. When you choose a Bridgestone Potenza tyre, you aren’t just choosing leading technology and innovation that inspires superior performance in moments when you truly need it. You are choosing a philosophy that says: “I made the smart choice”.
Bridgestone South Africa. Visit our website: www.bridgestone.co.za. Available at: www.bridgestone.co.za and other selected Bridgestone dealers.
issue 18 | the airport magazine
58 | Feature ACSA Where can you find them and what do people look for? They are situated right at the beginning of every check- in counter-island. What makes your team different to Johannesburg and Cape Town’s teams? I think it’s the fact that we are an all-girl team with very different personalities and personal dynamics which just happen to work well together. We are also a team that always seeks better results and we are all very creative in the sense that we always try to figure out a better or a different way of tackling our problems. We are all passionate, so we like to tackle challenges with zest and energy. Nothing is too hard for us to accomplish! What is your fav part of the job? Londiwe - seeing the aviation industry grow from strength to strength. It’s always evolving and it amazes me how far we’ve come over the years.
issue 18 | the airport magazine
Lungile - I would have to say watching the use of the self-service check-in kiosks, improving the procedures and systems and checking out what works and what doesn’t. Rethinking things always keeps you on your toes. And, in the end, to know that you have helped someone have a happier, easier journey. Slindile - definitely the fact that I get to deal and communicate with different people on a daily basis. I learn new things everyday which inspires me and keeps me going. Zee - I think we all come back to the same thing about growth in this environment and with growth come definite challenges. I look at a challenge as a good thing because in the end I know I’m going to learn something. Also, I think it’s important to mention that we get to work in such a beautiful green airport - we truly are blessed here and every day feels like a brand new day...
What are the 5 advantages to using the self service check in kiosks as opposed to normal check in procedures? You save on time! • Hassle free = less frustration • You are more in control of your ticket, your seat, luggage etc you the commuter gain power and are able to tailor your own trip. • Puts the airport on par with international standards • It’s also very reliable and convenient for travellers on the move. • No matter what domestic airline you are flying you are able to check in on any 1 of the many kiosks in the airport, they are not airline specific rather environment specific.
Event Feature || 59 59
Get your engines ready for the 2nd
Top Gear Festival is about to hit Durban! Love the thrill of adrenaline-packed car stunts? Then Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium is where you should be from June 15-16, 2013 for the SA powered by Shell V-Power. Top Gear Presenters Jeremy Clarkson and James May along with their infamous tame racing driver The Stig, will once again burn rubber on the tar tracks of Moses Mabhida Stadium, during Durban’s second Top Gear Festival. Having just wrapped up Top Gear Live in Moscow, and with events in Sydney, Amsterdam and Antwerp still to come before they hit the streets of Durban in June, the team is raring to put on yet another world-class Top Gear Festival of explosive motoring entertainment for South African fans. This year, Jeremy, James and The Stig will also be joined by two-time Formula 1 Champion MikaHäkkinen, along with a host of other celebrity guest drivers that will be joining the street circuit festivities in ‘the warmest place to be’. As always, South Africa ranks high on the list of Top Gear’s best territories to visit and Durban’s balmy weather last June has Clarkson and May excited about their impending return – check out what they have to say about this year’s Festival at www.topgearfestival.co.za - link. This year’s Festival will deliver another epic event featuring four sensational live stadium performances. Audiences can rest assured that the renowned Top Gear Live Stunt Driving Team and The Stig are
preparing to take it to the next level of dare-devil driving exhilaration as they thrill and showcase their unique tricks, toys and acts of motoring precision. Also returning is the unique and actionpacked Durban Street Circuit, where Mika Hakkinen will be demonstrating his skills, not to forget the hugely anticipated stunts, motoring challenges and daring manoeuvres from MSA professionals right down to local celebs giving it their all in Star in a Car. Visitors to the show will also be treated to their favourite brands and merchandise at the extensive motoring expo in the People’s Park. Whether it’s by car; train or aeroplane, make your way to Durban this June and enjoy the ultimate mid-year break in S.A’s destination of choice and enjoy the thrills and spills of one of the biggest events to hit Durban. For more information on packages, visit: www.topgearfestival. co.za/tickets/travelpackages or www.edusport.co.za/tgf. For tickets and more information visit www.topgearfestival.co.za or www.iTickets.co.za or call: 086 1000 291
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