Lowveld - JULY 2020

GET 

LOWVELD 

IT 

TASH COPE 

DANCING 

WITH THE 

SUNRISE 

FOR THE 

LOVE OF 

LOAVES 

Win! 

A spicy, 

non-alcoholic 

spirit 

Practising 

Rethinking 

recycling 

NATURE’S 

APOTHECARY 

A SPOT OF 

LOWVELD 

TWITCHING 

MINDFULNESS 

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD 

JULY 2020

FINE SPARKLING WINE 

This is where we come to life. Stylish and effortless. Raising fine-stemmed glasses up to friendship 

and fashion. Celebrating the balance between style and sophistication. Making the most of every 

moment that makes a celebration. This is a State of Grace. 

@gracefinewine 

Enjoy Responsibly. Liquor not for sale to persons under the age of 18.

GET IT 

Editorial 

Phone 013-754-1600 

Lowveld Media 

12 Stinkhout Crescent, Mbombela 

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Website getitmagazine.co.za/lowveld/ 

Editor 

Mellissa Bushby 

mellissa@getitlowveld.co.za 084-319-2101 

Contributing Writer 

Matthys Ferrerira 083-455-5608 

Photographer 

Tanya Erasmus 083-778-7725 

Layout 

Geraldine Reyneke • Andile Mthethwa 

Subeditor 

Jess Steyn 

Sales 

Yulandi Jansma 081-458-6034 

yulandi@getitlowveld.co.za 

GET IT NATIONAL 

National Group Editor and 

National Sales 

Kym Argo 

kyma@caxton.co.za 082-785-9230 

Facebook and Instagram: 

Get It National Magazines 

Distribution 

Get It Lowveld is distributed free of charge. 

For a full list of where to find a copy, phone 

Monya Burger on 083-555-4992 

Published by CTP Limited 

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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 

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forfeited. Prizewinners names are published on 

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contents 

Why don’t you... 

02 Paint, cook and sing. We might be indoors, 

but we are having fun! 

06 Read yourself mindful with our good-for-you 

book club choices 

WISH LIST 

08 Food, wine, family, friends 

people 

10 Tash Cope talks to us about dancing 

to the Lowveld sunrise 

BEAUTY & LIFESTYLE 

14 Rethinking a sustainable lifestyle 

18 And... relax! Live mindfully 

20 Essential wellness, oils for health and well-being 

FOOD & DRINK 

26 Thoughtful wine options 

28 Books for (healthy) cooks 

30 Beet the midwinter blues 

32 Rise to the occasion 

ART & DEcor 

36 Looking out for Lowveld artists 

Gardening 

40 Get growing... your own veggies 

travel 

44 Take a wellness road trip 

46 A bird’s-eye view with twitching guide Marc Cronje 

Win 

50 A spicy, non-alcoholic spirit is up for grabs! 

COVER LOOK 

Tash Cope. 

Photographed by - Tanya Erasmus 

JULY 2020 

July 2020 Get It Lowveld 01

A hot date! 

We’re still indoors ... but we’re having FUN! 

Paint. Cook. Sing. So much 

fun to be had at home. 

If you’re artistic and a keen traveller, 

why not explore the world with a 

paintbrush? Gather the fam and 

‘Zoom’ in for a virtual paint night. Head 

over to Yaymaker South Africa on 

Facebook and find out how you can 

join in on a colourful journey around 

the world. It’s on every Wednesday 

and Friday from 6pm and on Sundays 

from 2pm. All art supplies needed 

can be ordered and delivered to your 

door. Details: Deon on 083-653-7185 or 

deon@localyaymaker.com 

Remember when tea was just ... well, 

tea? Then, hello rooibos. Supertea! It’s 

not just for sipping ... it’s great to cook 

with and makes wonderful cocktails. 

To show how antioxidant-rich rooibos 

can enhance dishes, as well as how 

versatile it is, celeb foodies Kamini 

Pather (MasterChef SA winner) and 

well known pastry chef Sebastian 

‘Bas’ Newman will be experimenting 

with the tea over the next few weeks 

in a series of videos that will be 

posted on the SA Rooibos Council 

Facebook page. Details: facebook.com/ 

rooiboscouncil 

Sing the blues, rock around the clock, 

take centre stage. It’s karaoke time! 

Simply download the AirConsole App, 

which turns your smartphone into a 

mic – and you’re all set to sing your 

favourite hits. Great, great fun! Details: 

airconsole.com/play/apps/karaoke 

2 Get It Lowveld July 2020 

Just write the book 

‘I’d love to write a book, but I don’t 

have time.’ Well, now we’re spending 

more time at home, that excuse no 

longer works. Whether you’re a rookie 

or experienced writer, a storyteller, 

influencer, company leader, speaker, 

an expert with insight to share, or just 

someone who loves putting words on 

paper, Sarah Bullen, Kate Emmerson 

and Tessa Graham’s Write Your Book in 

100 Days is going to show you how to 

write your story. Its practical, step-bystep 

process includes technical writing 

tasks alongside heart ‘n soul exercises. 

Expect easy-to-follow, practical tips and 

guidance. R340 (includes courier to 

your door). 

Details: thewritingroom.co.za 

Sebastian Newman

Shows we’re watching on Netflix this month 

If you love your murder mystery 

docs, Unsolved Mysteries (S1) will 

be up your (dark and deserted) alley. 

This 12-part docu-series show uses 

re-enactments in a documentary 

format to profile real-life mysteries 

and unsolved crimes, lost love, 

cases involving missing persons and 

unexplained paranormal events. 

The Old Guard follows a group of 

soldiers led by Andy (aka our very own 

Charlize Theron). Pack members are 

immortal mercenaries who’ve seen a 

lot over the centuries, and now they’re 

pretty bored with life in general. But 

things start to get interesting when 

they discover a new immortal is 

serving in the US Marines ... and when 

their undying existence is captured 

on camera by a murky organisation, 

events start to spiral out of control. 

Reunited by their father’s death, 

estranged siblings with extraordinary 

powers uncover shocking family 

secrets – and a looming threat to 

humanity. The White Violin, Spaceboy, 

The Kraken, The Rumor, The Seance 

and The Boy are all coming back for 

the second season of The Umbrella 

Academy. This quirky superhero 

show follows the dysfunctional, 

superpowered Hargreeves children 

who reunite to solve the mystery of 

how their father died. 

Cable Girls is returning for a fifth 

and final season. The series revolves 

around how four young women’s lives 

change when they start working in the 

modern telecommunication company 

in Madrid. Every one of them has 

distinct difficulties but also has a close 

friendship with one of the group. 

Based on real incidents – a woman 

escaping a cult, a refugee fleeing 

with his family, a father trapped in 

a dead-end job and a bureaucrat 

on the verge of a national scandal. 

Inspired by true events, these people 

find their lives intertwined in an 

immigration detention centre. A 

gripping six-part series, Stateless is 

not-to-be-missed. 

Compiled by: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG 


Sensational choices on Showmax 

Our pick of what to watch this month kicks off with the brilliant Little Fires Everywhere. 

Based on Celeste Ng’s bestselling book, it stars the amazing Reese Witherspoon and 

Kerry Washington and follows the intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson 

family and an enigmatic mother and daughter who disrupt their lives. The story explores 

the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, the ferocious pull of motherhood, 

and the danger in believing that following the rules can avert disaster. 

I Know This Much Is True (S1) follows a mentally ill man, Thomas, and his identical 

twin brother, Dominick (both played by Mark Ruffalo), who protects and cares for him 

no matter the sacrifice. As the story feels so real and handles matters like paranoid 

schizophrenia and unconditional, painful love with such nuance, it might make viewers 

think it’s based on a true story, but it’s actually a work of fiction. 

In Little, businesswoman Jordan Sanders has become a bully ... she runs her own tech 

company like a dictator and treats her employees very poorly. Then a child, to whom 

Jordan’s been unspeakably rude, uses a toy magic wand and wishes for Jordan to be a 

kid again to take her down a peg… The wish comes true ¬– and next morning Jordan 

wakes up as her 13-year-old self! 

Everyone is guilty of something. Based on characters created by Erle Stanley Gardner, 

this drama series follows the origins of American fiction’s most legendary criminal 

defence lawyer, Perry Mason (S1). When the case of the decade breaks down his door, 

Mason’s relentless pursuit of the truth reveals a fractured city and, just maybe, a pathway 

to redemption for himself. 

In crowded, expensive London, a couple decides to take in a housemate to help pay the 

bills ... and finds the perfect match they never knew they needed. Trigonometry is an 

unconventional love story about three people who are made for each other. 

Burden of Proof’s (S3) Joanna Chang and Billy Crawford are working together in their 

new boutique law firm, Crawford Chang, when an old friend abruptly re-enters Joanna’s 

life in desperate need of help. After this case, nothing will be the same again. 

In Das Boot (S1), a German TV series, we go back to the autumn of 1942, when the 

U-boat U-612 is ready for its maiden voyage, preparing to head into the increasingly 

brutal warfare with its young crewmen, including the new captain, Klaus Hoffmann, on 

board. As the 40 young men take on their first mission, they struggle with the cramped 

and claustrophobic conditions of life under water. Their personalities are pushed to the 

limit as tensions rise and loyalties begin to shatter. 

Robot Chicken (S10), Adult Swim’s legendary stop motion sketch comedy, is back with 

more black comedy, pop culture parody and surreal humour. 

Based on the real life of WWE superstar wrestler Paige Knight, the British comedy 

Fighting With My Family really is one for everyone. When Paige and her brother Zak are 

invited to try out for WWE, she’s ecstatic – until she’s accepted into the gruelling training 

programme, forced to leave her tight-knit family behind and make her own way in the 

sport and the world. 

4 Get It Lowveld July 2020

In 43 AD, the Roman army – determined 

and terrified in equal measure 

– returns to crush the Celtic heart of 

Britannia, a mysterious land ruled by 

warrior women and powerful druids 

who can channel the powerful forces 

of the underworld. Or so they say. 

Britannia (S1 & S2) may well be 

the new drama Game of Thrones fans 

have been waiting for. 


Book club 

We’re going the ‘good-for-you’ route this July 

All the sparkle ... 

none of the alcohol. 

This mindful month 

we’re drinking the 

just-launched De Krans 

Muscat Nectar Alcohol-Free 

Sparkling. With a slight fizz, tropical 

flavours and a touch of sweetness, 

it’s a lovely choice for those who’re going 

the no-alcohol route. R58. 

Reduce, reuse and reconnect in the zero-waste drive to help our planet survive the 

onslaught of humankind. Erin Rhoads suggests 365 commonsense ways to contribute 

in Waste Not Everyday. Redesign, rethink, refuse (say no), share, repair, compost, 

recycle, are among the other steps you can take to cut down wasteful consumption. 

From making your own pet food to using cloth nappies, this is essential reading for 

anyone serious about the importance of 

‘going green’. Hardie Grant, R190 • Fans of Marie 

Kondo (who’ve decluttered their homes to 

within an inch of their lives) will love this ... an 

enjoyable, quirky graphic novel about Chiaki, 

a young woman who, using Kondo’s advice 

and inspiration, transforms her Tokyo home, 

work and love life. The Life-changing Manga 

of Tidying Up – A Magical Story by Marie 

Kondo is a great, entertaining way of learning 

(give it to your teenage daughter!). Bluebird 

Books For Life, R216 • In today’s frenetic, techdriven 

world, we’ve forgotten how to listen 

– and no one is listening to us. In You’re Not 

Listening, Kate Murphy shows how only by 

listening properly can we truly connect with 

others. It’s about curiosity and patience, asking 

the right questions the right way. Listening 

can transform relationships and working lives, 

increase creativity and happiness. It’s a skill 

that can be learned and perfected. It helps us 

to understand and be understood. Penguin 

Random House, R320. 


Quiet Journal is a guided journal 

companion to Susan Cain’s bestselling 

Quiet, a book that changed the 

way we see introverts and how 

introverts see themselves. This 

companion journal will help you 

harness your secret strengths, improve 

communication at home and at 

work, and nurture your best self. It 

takes you on the Quiet journey to 

becoming a stronger, more confident 

person. You’ll learn more about 

your own temperament through 

a self-assessment quiz, which will 

teach you to make progress towards 

self-awareness, and realise your own 

authentic qualities and worth, then 

learn how to put that knowledge into 

practice. Penguin, Random House, R320. 

In At Home With Cannabis, Kelly 

McQue gives you everything you need 

to know to make and use cannabis 

products safely and effectively at home. 

She shares her experience in helping 

others successfully heal or manage their 

conditions, provides tried-and-tested 

recipes and includes a basic dosage 

guide for treating different health issues. 

Penguin Random House, R200. 

Meet Om the Yoga Dog, your guide 

to all things yoga. With wonderful 

illustrations and brilliantly clear stepby-step 

instructions, this book by Ira 

Trivedi is an enjoyable, simple intro to 

yoga and mindfulness for kids (and 

their grown-ups). Just lovely! Penguin 

Random House, R215. 

Also worth reading ... 

The magnificent Bill Bryson (if you 

haven’t read all his books, you’re missing 

out) has turned his attention away 

from the laugh-out-loud exploration 

of places he’s lived and travelled (our 

favourite is Notes from a Small Island) 

and from achieving the seemingly 

impossible task of making the science 

of our world both understandable 

and entertaining in A Short History of 

Nearly Everything. Now he’s exploring 

the human body – how it functions 

and its remarkable ability to heal 

itself. Full of extraordinary facts and 

astonishing stories, The Body: a Guide 

for Occupants is now out in paperback, 

and is a brilliant, often very funny 

attempt to understand the miracle of 

our physical and neurological make-up. 

Penguin, R180. 

July 2020 Get It Magazine 7

Wish list 

Great food and wine. Close family and friends. 

Let’s keep things real (and tasty) this July. 

Kitchen Queen ... this is me! 

‘This is me. Not just the curry, maize or seven 

colours queen, but the Kitchen Queen.’ 

From teacher to actress, singer and TV 

personality, then on to foodie and social 

media influencer, Lucia Mthiyane has had a 

colourful life. Now she shares her favourite and 

most re-posted recipes – food, she says, that’s 

‘infused with flavour and flair, enthused with 

love and light and grace’. Expect dishes ranging 

from Zulu chicken to spinach with chorizo to 

chocolate brownies with a maize meal twist. 

Human & Rousseau, R375. 

Guilt-free chocolate 

This month we’re indulging with a clear 

conscience. GD Chocolate is made from natural 

ingredients, is free of diary, preservatives, refined 

sugars and high-fructose corn syrup. Sweetened 

with raw, unadulterated honey, it comes in softcentred 

chocolates (called Buttercups) and slabs, 

in flavours like ginger, orange and mint. You’ll 

find them at Wellness Warehouse (including the 

online store), selected Spars and health stores 

and delis, for around R53 for the slabs, 

R20 for the Buttercups. 

Organic Pinot Noir 

Grounded humans and enlightened 

grapes equal honest wines. Which is 

what Elgin Ridge Wines is all about. 

Known for producing outstanding 

certified biodynamic and organic 

wines, the latest release – Elgin 

CRUNCH! Pinot Noir 2019 – 

doesn’t disappoint. It’s young and 

fresh – perfect for all year round 

enjoyment. This winter we’ll be 

drinking it with pasta and rice-based 

dishes ... it also goes well (believe it 

or not) with goats’ cheeses. R125 a 

bottle. Details: elginridge.com 

Compiled by KYM ARGO 


Eco-friendly wine in a can 

There are a few reasons why we’re raving about the new 

Robertson Single Serve wines. Firstly, they’re 200ml, so 

they’re the perfect serve ... exactly what you want if you’re 

just after one glass. Secondly, they’re packaged in a can, 

which makes them very convenient to carry for hiking, 

camping, and alfresco get-togethers. Thirdly ... there’s a red 

and white option. Robertson Winery Sauvignon Blanc 

2019 (fresh and dry with generous notes of green apples 

and melons) and Merlot 2019 (rich and smooth with 

ripe, punchy plum and sweet black cherry flavours and a 

velvet finish). Lastly, they tick the eco-friendly box ... the 

lightweight packaging significantly reduces the carbon 

footprint, they’re 100 per cent recyclable (more recyclable 

than glass) and can be recycled over and over again. You’ll 

find them for around R25 each, and can buy them online 

at shop.robertsonwinery.co.za. 

If you can’t go to the wine 

farm tasting room... 

Let the tasting room come to you. 

How genius is this? A full wine tasting room 

experience in the comfort of your own 

home. Yes, please! The Steenberg @ Home 

experience includes a variety of wines in 

mixed-case selections and to guide you 

through your tasting, brings Cellarmaster 

Elunda Basson into your home through video 

clips ... clips featuring the cellarmaster and 

tasting room ambassadors who’ll captivate 

you with interesting wine stories and guide 

you through the tasting as if you were sitting 

in Steenberg’s plush tasting lounge or on the 

outstretched terrace. Each tasting pack also 

includes a luxurious brochure guiding you 

through the full Steenberg wine experience 

complete with tasting notes, winemaking 

information and food pairing suggestions. 

There are three different tastings selections. 

With a Méthode Cap Classique, a Sauvignon 

Blanc, a Rosé and three red wines, the Classic 

Tasting Selection is ideal for aspiring wine 

enthusiasts and a great snapshot of what 

Steenberg has to offer. If bubbles are your 

thing, then raise your glass to the Bubbly 

Tasting Selection ... this starts with the fresh 

and youthful Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc 

followed by Steenberg’s acclaimed and elegant 

Méthode Cap Classique range, including the 

flagship prestige cuvée, Lady R. And if you’re 

looking to splurge, then try the 

Flagship Tasting Selection with the blueblooded 

Italian Nebbiolo, the Natural Sweet 

Semillon and the iconic and intense Catharina 

Red Blend being some of the signature 

wines representing the best of Steenberg 

in this flight. For details and to order, visit 

steenbergfarm.com and follow 

@SteenbergFarm on Facebook and Instagram. 

Stir it up in your kitchen ... 

with two of our favourite foodies 

If you’re a true foodie like us, then food guru Karen Short of By Word of 

Mouth’s cooking classes will be one of your highlights this month. Karen 

will share delicious (and very easy to follow!) recipes, straight from her 

farm kitchen to your home. If her veggie cooking class was anything 

to go by, then we simply cannot wait for what comes next. Stay tuned 

for info regarding the next class by following By Word of Mouth on 

Facebook. You’ll thank us later! Details: facebook.com/Bywordofmouth.sa 

Do you have basic food knowledge, want to hone your skills, extend 

your repertoire and learn how easy it is to make simple, delicious food? 

Sure you do! So DO NOT miss any of the online cooking courses by 

stylish chef Susan Greig. These Zoom courses are not only hugely 

informative, but Susan is massively entertaining, too. For July you’re 

going to cruise the Greek Islands, escape to exotic Morocco, have a 

Lebanese feast and get a taste of Thailand. Delicious! Pencil July 5, 12, 

19 and 26 into your diary! Details and tickets: susangreig.co.za 


Dancing new 

to the 

normal 

Tash Cope loves to dance, 

so much so that she starts 

every day grooving to 

the sound of music. We 

catch up with this livewire 

for our conscious-living 

edition, to find out about 

her thoughts on awareness 

and why it matters. 

Tash Cope 


Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY. Photographer: TANYA ERASMUS 

Tell us about Tash - where were you 

born, did you study, how long have 

you been in the Lowveld? 

I was born and raised in Pretoria, 

studied at the University of Pretoria - 

achieved an honours in BSc Actuarial 

Mathematics. I moved to White River 

in 2016 after giving up my corporate 

job - this was all thanks to me 

spending weekends in the beautiful 

Lowveld visiting my boyfriend (now 

my husband). 

You are obviously an extremely 

active person, how does this fit into 

your ideal for daily living? Why do 

you think it is important to be so? 

I love being active - I dance, 

mountain bike, teach aerobics and 

body conditioning at the Fitness 

Studio in White River and love a little 

yoga or a run here and there. 

Exercise makes me think straight 

and clears my head. And it is always 

accompanied by the best music to 

have a fun time while doing it so I 

can take on the day with positivity 

and focus. But the secret is to not 

overdo it! 

Secret Sunrise has grown 

phenomenally. Tell us about it. 

I attended my first one in 2017 and 

was hooked right away. After much 

deliberation I made the investment 

and got the Lowveld franchise up 

and running. I love the free-spirit 

element honouring an expression 

of self rather than a routine or 

choreographed thing. 

It celebrates us as humans and nature

as one through a musical journey 

incorporating meditation, a little 

yoga, free crazy dance, imagination 

and stretch. It is really such a unique 

experience, as we do it via wireless 

headphones pumping all sorts of 

funky, vibey tunes. We seek out 

beautiful, special venues that have a 

high energy all over the Lowveld. 

My only wish is that more people 

would come to a session before 

thinking it is not for them and that 

more companies consider this as 

a team-building and employeewellness 

tool. It is wonderful. 

The feeling after a Secret Sunrise 

(although it can be at any time of the 

day!) is unexplainable. 

I really believe this is game changer 

and hope it will grow into the 

magical thing it can be like in many 

other cities. 

What is your philosophy, the 

principle that powers you? 

I have a lot of drive, endurance and 

a positive approach to life and I love 

having fun. 

My motto is very much aligned to 

this saying by Regina Dawn Akers, 

founder of Awakening Together: 

“From within the stillness you are 

aware of the one unifying field. Stand within this awareness as that of which 

you are aware. Be the unifying field itself, and you bring the gift of peace to 

the peacemakers of the world." 

This is our conscious-living issue… Conscious living is a zen philosophy 

that teaches us awareness of ourselves. Some would say most people are 

not very aware, many are simply on autopilot, going through the day, 

getting things done. If you could, how would you change this? 

A Secret Sunrise every morning (haha - my ultimate dream), but yes, a time 

with yourself and the things you love before you start your day, even if it is 

only for 10 minutes. I, too, was stuck in the rat race before moving here in 

2016, taking a three-month sabbatical. After spending time in nature as well 

as getting out of my comfort zone and experiencing new things, I found 

my true passions. We sometimes have to take time off to understand more 

where we want to focus our energies. 

How does being aware of yourself and the world around you translate 

into the food you choose to eat? 

I have a very healthy appetite and am fortunate that I have always been quite 

in love with wholesome food. If I eat something that makes me feel unwell 

I try not eating it again. I am a fond lover of good chocolate - my big cheat 

food! Conscious eating - well if you are aware of what you eat and how it 

makes you feel afterwards (but not obsess about it) you naturally build a 

healthy craving for the good stuff. 

Why should you live consciously? Not only health and fitness related, but 

also mentally and spiritually. 

We are all actually one being dependent on one another for survival - all 

connected in one universe, currently being destroyed by the human race’s 

greed for money and fame. The terrible and evil things in our world are a 

result of doing things for self-benefit, things that are ego-driven and not for 

the greater good - something you can only acknowledge if you are in tune 

with your thoughts and spirit. 

Tash Cope and Louis van der Merwe 


What would you advise when it 

comes to adopting a consciousliving 

lifestyle, how would 

you suggest people go about 

treading lighter and becoming 

more aware of themselves and 

the earth? 

I believe the more aware and 

conscious we live in our every day 

life and choices, the better chance 

we have at creating a longerlasting 

ecosystem so that following 

generations can also enjoy the 

beauty the planet has to offer. I 

believe that balance in everything 

you do is the key to living life 

abundantly. 

Covid-19 has changed the way we 

do things somewhat drastically in 

some ways. What lessons should 

we learn, if any, and how are you 

adapting to the changes? 

We can do a lot via technology 

these days and should use it where 

we can to enable us to have more 

free time to do the things we enjoy 

and to spend time with loved ones. 

Self-reflection has been forced on 

us and hopefully it has spurred 

some drive for consciousness 

and enlightenment - our ultimate 

purpose being on earth. 

I think many have realised that we 

actually don't need all the things 

we thought we did, and that 

appreciating the simple things in 

life and living each day as if it is your 

last is actually what it is all about. 

On the Secret Sunrise front we have 

taken our sessions online to still 

share magic on the screen until we 

can share some good vibrations in 

the physical space together. 

Anything else you want to add? 

Join one of our online Secret 

Sunrises every Saturday! It is a fun 

way to do something for yourself, 

connect with some humans across 

the globe and raise your vibrations - 

a secret to well-being. 

Details 

Visit the Facebook or Instagram pages 

to get all the info you need - Secret 

Sunrise Lowveld or contact Tash 

on 072-530-9795 

Appreciate the simple things in life 


July 2020 Get It Lowveld 13 

Enjoy Responsibly. Liquor not for sale to persons under the age of 18.

Rethinking a sustainable 

LIFESTYLE 

Reduce. Reuse. Recyle. The new Three Rs. But how seriously do 

we really take this? And how can we encourage more people 

to instil these rules as a simple habit, rather than a chore? 

We got some really useful, practical tips for zero waste that are easy to incorporate into our daily lives from Karen Heron, 

founder of Earth Probiotic, who says by thinking about waste before we generate it, we can collectively have a huge impact 

on the war on waste. She adds that being conscious of our environmental impact helps with the choices we make, and 

therefore the consequences of our actions. Easier said than done? Nope. Not if you start off with these basic tips... 


R 


Refuse (say ‘no’) 

This sounds easy but often we’re bombarded with packaging we don’t want or can’t get away from. 

However, if we’re prepared, this is very much easier. For example, choosing loose fruit and veg which 

come almost package-free. Get yourself a mesh bag for this purpose and remember to take it with you 

when you head to the shops. Also, always keep a fabric bag in your car to hold your shopping, then 

refuse the plastic version offered at the store. 

Reduce 

Large bags of food produce seem like a bargain and often are ... but only if all the contents are used. 

Otherwise, you’re throwing away good food and money because there was too much of it. Buy only 

what you need. A planned weekly menu is a great way to help you buy only the items required (and 

makes for a quick shop). This reduces impulse spending which is often wasteful, especially if produce is 

forgotten or goes bad before being used. 

Reuse 

Most food packaging containers can be used many times over. Use the large yoghurt tubs to freeze 

stock, home-made dog food and leftovers. Stick a piece of masking tape on the lid for easy labelling. 

They’re great for storing beads, buttons and for planting seedlings too. 

Repurpose 

Restyle clothes you no longer wear and update them to create new items. A baggy shirt that was 

once fashionable can be taken in to begin new life as a fitted shirt. Long skirts or dresses that were an 

awkward length can be shortened; jeans that mysteriously shrank in length, when lopped off at the hem 

will now be very fashionable with the ends unravelling. And the cut-off fabric? Use it to patch up dog 

cushions or old toys. A chipped salad bowl can be given drainage holes and become a useful pot plant 

holder and old wool or thick string can be knotted, macramé-style, into holding the pot plant. 

Recycle 

Much, but not all, the packaging we face today can be recycled into another life. Paper waste needs be 

kept clean (from food waste), food waste composted, then all the other dry waste (glass, cans and plastic, 

once cleaned,) can be added together. Recyclable waste is either picked out of your kerb side bins by 

informal waste collectors, or separated at a Waste Recycling Facility. Clothes and household items can be 

recycled easily though friends, family and even at the office as there’s always someone who can make 

use of these items. Hospice gladly takes almost anything and there are many centres and charities that 

collect these items, which are sold to raise funds. 

Relax 

You alone are not going to save the world (even though you want to!). But by your actions you’re 

changing the people around you. They see you and your passion and it’s hard not to want to be you, the 

queen of recycling. Share your knowledge, money-saving tips (recycling definitely saves cash) and stay 

brave in your convictions 

Whip up a feast with Karen Short 

Taking recyling seriously 

Earth Probiotic was started by Karen and Gavin Heron in 2010 with the express purpose of diverting food waste from 

landfill. One hundred per cent of their products are sourced and manufactured in South Africa. All their products are 

made from either recycled or upcycled material. Their packaging is recyclable and they’re aiming to make it compostable 

in the near future. They believe diversity is key to thriving systems, whether they’re a business, a garden, a compost heap, 

a farm or even a small pond. Everything they sell in their store they use in their home. Earth Probiotic is officially Proudly 

South African and helps champion the recycling of all organics through different mechanisms in South Africa. 

Details: earthprobiotic.compond. 


Z 

Sam and Dom Moleta, owners of one of SA’s first 

zero waste grocers, The Refillery, spent six years 

working in the yacht industry, and saw first-hand 

the impact plastic waste has on the oceans. Vowing 

to make a difference, they share their tips for a 

zero waste lifestyle. 

First and foremost, be realistic. ‘As the inspiring Bea 

Johnson says, we may never reach the zero in Zero 

Waste but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.’ 

Be a conscious consumer. By simply being aware 

that what you buy adds to the world’s consumerism 

problem, you can have a positive effect. 

Ban single-use. Choose to reuse what you have, 

reinvent it, repurpose it, refill it and recycle it when 

it finally comes to the end of its life. Buy unpackaged 

fruit and veg. Only ever use reusable shopping 

bags. 

Support small businesses that empower people 

and grow our economy. 

zero 

Aiming 

waste 

for a 

lifestyle 

Shop local. Or second-hand. Every single item we 

own has a carbon footprint. Reduce that by not 

adding shipping. It’s even better if it’s been used 

before and is now finding new life instead of going 

to a landfill. Mend things and donate or sell what 

you no longer use. You don’t have to search far to 

find charities looking for donations. Sell stuff on 

Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or at Cash Crusaders 

and give someone the opportunity to buy 

second-hand. Donate old books and textbooks 

to a second-hand bookstore, the library or a local 

school. 

Watch what you eat. The commercial food industry 

is not environmentally friendly so go Flexitarian. 

Take part in Meat-Free Mondays, add one 

vegan day into your week, or simply cut out beef. 

Another eco-tip is to make enough food for leftovers, 

which means you don’t have to cook a new 

meal from scratch every day – hooray to that! 

Zero-tox. Chemicals make things expensive, are 

packaged in plastic and negatively affect our 

health, water supply and the planet. They’re also 

not necessary. Opt for chemical-free cosmetics 

and cleaning products, or make your own out of 

common, non-toxic household ingredients. 

Be water wise. Share baths, take shorter showers, 

invest in a water-saving shower head and flush like 

a Capetonian. Use a dish washer instead of hand 

washing – but only run it when it’s fully packed. 

Rinse vegetables in a bowl of water, then use it to 

water the garden. 

Switch off your lights and unplug all your unused 

appliances. The substantial reduction in your 

monthly electricity bill will be an added bonus. 

Compost. This significantly cuts waste while also 

creating a positive product for your garden. 

For further inspiration, tips and advice in living a 

low-impact life, and to order from the store, click 

on therefillery.co.za 

KURO-Bo (meaning ‘black stick’ in Japanese) is the 

first 100 per cent plastic-free, scientifically-proven, 

natural and biodegradable water filter in Africa. Usable 

in any jug or water dispenser you already have, 

the activated charcoal attracts positively-charged 

toxins and heavy metals, drawing them out of the 

water, and depositing beneficial minerals into the 

water. It also balances the pH of acidic water. A stick 

gives you three-plus months of cleaner, healthier, 

better-tasting water with zero waste! R195 for the 

sticks, R165 for the coins. Details: kuro-bo.com 


Inner-peace. Hurt-less. Energize-me. We love the names 

as much as the product. This Bellabaci Soul Food range 

of aromatherapy creams is wonderful. So’s the Cape Town 

brand ... ‘In our Utopia, we’d want a world that smells divine, 

silky soft skin for those who want it, healthy happy bodies 

for everyone, no exception, and products that simply do 

what they promise to do’. Love! R790 from bellabaci.com 

Mood enhancers? Yes please. 

Biomedcan has three 

products we’re stocking up 

on. MOOD promises to assist 

in improving one’s mood, 

decreasing anxiety, stress, 

depression, mood swings and 

PMS, without having a sedative 

effect. MIND can assist in 

improving memory and 

concentration, increasing brain 

clarity and energy levels and 

gives a feeling of upliftment. 

There’s SLEEP CBD Capsules 

... and who doesn’t need a 

good night’s sleep? R459 each. 

Details: biomedcan.co.za 

Diego dalla Palma Professional, a paraben-free, 

dermo-cosmeceutical skincare brand, is new on our beauty 

radar. This Dandelion Orange Blossom Jelly Scrub, with a soft 

gel-texture, creates a heat sensation when applied to the skin, 

has sugar crystals which gently remove keratinized cells and 

impurities, improving the transport of oxygen to the cells, 

leaving your skin hydrated, radiant and smooth. R520. 

Details: 021-701-2900 for your closest stockist. 

Real treats at reasonable prices ... 

we’re devotees of the Morlage 

& Yorke range and love this 

Lemongrass & Verbena scented 

Hand & Body Lotion and Hand 

Wash, R84.95 each from @Home. 

A long soak in 

a hot tub (not 

to full, though!) 

... bliss. New in 

the Earthsap 

range, Wild 

Rose & 

Lavender Bath 

Salts, R79.95 

from wellness 

warehouse.com 


And ... RELAX 

Live mindfully. Go for a walk. Practise yoga. Meditate. 

And enjoy some me-time with carefully selected products. 

All lychee and bergamot, 

redcurrant and rose, 

freesia and vanilla 

(swooningly lovely 

scents here), I am Sassy 

is a great range for a 

spoil-yourself session at 

home. Priced from R29. 

Details: dealz.co.za 

Aah, spa! This Clarins Relax Body 

Treatment Oil - with 100 per 

cent plant extracts - sooths, 

replenishes and relaxes, relieving 

stress and fatigue. R615 from your 

Clarins stockist. 

TheraNaka has a range of hydrating, 

silky-textured body oils which can be used neat 

on the skin, or added to running water into 

your bath. Local and lovely, there’s this African 

Earth Body Oil (safe to use while pregnant) 

as well as Peace, Recharge, and Vigour 

options. R226 each from theranaka.co.za 

We’re completely enamoured with the William Dabs range at Checkers, and the new Spa range is heavenly. Great 

packaging, brilliant ingredients and products, exceptionally well priced. What’s not to love? A body scrub and butter, foaming 

handwash and dry oil spray, bath oil and soak ... the full home spa treatment. From R44.99 to R69.99, exclusive to Checkers. 

July 2020 Get It Lowveld 19 

Compiled by: KYM ARGO.

Essential 

wellness 

If, like us, you’re a fan of essentials oils, 

you’ll love these must-have oils for 

common ailments. Stay healthy! 


Eucalyptus 

What it’s good for: 

• Anti-inflammatory • Antioxidant • Increased blood flow • Reduced tension headaches • Cold sores • Easing arthritis 

pain • Clearing sinuses 

How to use it: 

• To alleviate a headache simply roll up a damp, clean cloth and sprinkle with a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Apply to 

forehead, focusing on your temples and the back of your neck. 

• Added to warm baths, eucalyptus oil’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties help to rejuvenate stiff and sore 

muscles. 

• Diffuse five drops for an immune system booster. 

• Apply two to three drops to your chest and back of your neck as a cough reliever. 


Soil tea tree organic essential 

oil, R45 • Ceramic burner 

perfect for your favourite 

essential oils or soy wax melts, 

R130. Both from soil.co.za 

Aura Zen Ultrasonic 

Diffuser. R1 249 from 

yuppiechef.com 

Peppermint 


• Headache & migraine relief • Upset stomach 

• Reducing fevers • Flavouring hot drinks 

• Suppressing appetite • Energy boost 

• Get rid of bad breath 


• Dilute and apply to temples, above ears and/ or 

back of the neck for headache or migraine relief 

• Apply topically to the abdomen or place one drop 

under tongue for upset stomach 

• Apply along the spine to bring down a fever 

• Use a drop of peppermint and a drop of lemon in 

water for a mouth rinse 

• Use on the bottom of your feet and on your chest 

to improve breathing and fight flu infections. 

Cinnamon, orange & clove 

These three oils are amazing when diffused 

together. They make your home smell inviting and 

warm and at the same time, they’re invigorating 

and energising. We all know that the longer winter 

lasts, the harder it can be to be positive and upbeat. 


• Energising and uplifting • Baking • Emotional 

balance • Dental discomfort 


• Diffuse them together to uplift the mood 

• Add a few drops, to baking (muffins, cookies, 

frosting, etc) to add flavour 

• Use clove to relieve tooth pain 

Tea tree 


• Itchy skin • Inflammation • Dry skin • 

Sore throat • Cold sores • Congestion • 

Ear infections 


• Breathe easier when you have a cold 

with the help of tea tree oil. Place a few 

drops of tea tree in a carrier oil (olive, 

coconut, almond oil or any other) into 

the tub or shower before you get in to 

release the oils into the steam. 

• Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with 

two teaspoons of raw, organic honey 

and apply to the pimple using 

a cotton pad, then rinse with 

water. 

• Relieves earaches: Mix 1 drop of 

tea tree oil with 1 tsp. 

olive oil, drop mixture 

into the ear, then 

remove by tilting head. 

• Relieves asthma when 

a few drops are added 

to a humidifier. 


Give these oils a try 

Lemon 

Lemon oil is great for helping relieve symptoms of 

menopause and is known to improve clarity, increase 

concentration and boost the immune system. Lemon 

oil is also useful for soothing a sore throat when added 

to hot water. 

Myrrh 

A powerful antioxidant, myrrh is often added to beauty 

products to help maintain healthy skin. It’s also useful 

for preventing infections and is recognised for its antiparasitic, 

antifungal and even anti-cancer benefits. 

Lavender 

A must for the first-aid box! A versatile oil, lavender is 

renowned for its relaxing and calming properties and its 

ability to relieve headaches and insomnia. Excellent for all 

skin types, it’s also very effective in the treatment of burns 

and prevention of scarring. 

Our fave to 

keep the cold away 

Basil 

• Add one or two drops to a 

hot bath when you have a 

cold. The diffuser-like effect 

will help relieve a congested 

nose and chest. 

• Make your very own vapour 

rub at home using this oil. 

Combine a few drops of basil 

essential oil with eucalyptus 

essential oil and mix the oils 

in with a carrier oil, such as 

coconut. You can use the 

combined oil for topical 

application by massaging 

onto your chest. 

Young Living Basil Essential 

Oil (15ml), R470 from 

youngliving.com/en_za 

Take note! Buy pure oils. To test whether oils have been diluted 

with vegetable oil, place a couple of drops on a piece of paper. 

If they leave an oily ring, it’s possible they contain vegetable oil. 

Before purchasing an oil, ask if you can try a small amount on 

your skin and watch for a reaction such as a rash or irritation. 


Thoughtful wine options 

From the organic, biodynamic winery Waterkloof, Circle of Life White 2016 is a blend of mostly Sauvignon Blanc, 

Chenin Blanc and a touch of Sémillon. Beautiful aromatics of lime and gooseberry. From around R160 a bottle. Details: 

waterkloofwines.co.za. • Award-winning Flagstone Free Run Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is all layers of fruit complexity with 

aromas of asparagus, green fig, citrus, passion fruit as well as a hint of guava. It’s full bodied, complex and classy ... and best 

of all, it’s vegan! With a limited release of 2100 bottles, you can get if for R220 a bottle from the flagstonewines.com • For 

an Almost Zero alcohol wine (0.3 per cent, to be exact), we suggest you stock up on this Van Loveren Family Vineyards 

Radiant Red (there’s a Wondeful White and Ravishing Rosé, too.) It’s made using traditional winemaking methods, 

combined with modern de-alcoholisation methods, and you’ll find it at your local stores for around R69. • Two exceptional 

vegan-friendly options from Bouchard Finlayson are the Missionvale Chardonnay 2017 (with flavours of pineapple and 

white pear and a mere hint of toasted hazelnut) and Hannibal 2017, (originally prompted by the classic taste and palate 

of Italian varieties, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. R276 and R331 respectively, from bouchardfinlayson.co.za 


Drinking responsibly is nothing new. Living mindfully means 

you should take a good look at the estates and the wines 

you’re choosing ... with conservation, organic, 

vegan-friendly and low alcohol being 

part of your buying decisions. 

Delheim is an industry leader in its commitment to conservation and responsible production practices. The farm uses 

a bio-natural water management plant that recycles all cellar waste water, takes care to preserve substantial tracts of 

mountain fynbos, and promotes bio-diversity. The Delheim Chenin Blanc Wild Ferment is made in one of the most 

natural processes – by allowing spontaneous fermentation by indigenous yeast. Around R145 a bottle. Details: delheim.com 

• Demonstrating their commitment to a greener, animal-friendly future, Spier was the first winery in the world to receive 

Control Union Vegan Standard certification by the accredited certifying body, Control Union. So an excellent choice for 

vegans are the Spier Creative Block 2 (a Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon blend) and the Seaward Chardonnay, two of the 

four vegan wines from Spier’s vegan range. R110 each from spier.co.za • Mensa winemaker Ben Snyman crafts only veganfriendly 

wines, eschewing the use of any animal products in the cellar. There are two fabulous vegan-friendly wines – 

Sauvignon Blanc 2019 is a beautifully balanced wine brimming with citrus and tropical fruit, and Cabernet Sauvignon 

2018 has all intense flavours of dark chocolate and blackberry. R80 and R90 from mensawines.com 

Compiled by: KYM ARGO. Photographer: MEGAN BRETT. 


Tucking into a delicious meal is one thing, but eating food that’s also good for you is not always a given. One way to cook 

your way to better health is to grab a copy of Mindful Eating. In it, Izelle Hoffman not only lists the ingredients that are 

your best nutritional friends (did you know that mustard helps build strong bones and sweet potato is an anti-inflammatory 

immune booster?), but gets down to the nitty-gritty with 78 recipes. Find yummy rosemary almond bread; honey-mustard 

and rosemary chicken tray bake; farm-style beef and veggie soup, as well as lamb and fig skewers with minty apricot glaze 

among the collection. Chocoholics please note – you’ll definitely want to try the fillet medallions with chilli-chocolate sauce, 

the sweet potato chocolate brownies and the guilt-free chocolate cake (yay!) Struik Lifestyle, R350. 


BOOKS FOR 

HEALTHY COOKS 

Indulgent and show-stopping, Vegan Cakes is the place where traditional 

baking rules are thrown out of the window, proving you don’t need dairy 

and eggs to create baked wonders. In Sarah Hardy’s book, you’ll find recipes 

for a pink vanilla dream cake and sherry berry trifle, a rose and ginger 

cheesecake and black sesame banana bread. Step-by-step recipes, yummy 

photos and tips about vegan icing and decorations, this is one all vegans – 

actual or aspiring – will love. Hardie Grant Books, R340. 

Yes, you’d love to lose weight, but 

where to start? Consulting dietitian 

Regine du Plessis gives all the info 

you need plus recipes for 1000 kJ 

meals, in A Slimmer You Cookbook. 

The introduction includes topics 

such as BMI (body mass index) and 

cholesterol, how to balance daily 

food intake with physical activity as 

well as the role of carbohydrates, 

proteins and fats in our diet. Don’t 

despair ... it’s not all lettuce and 

lemon juice. Yes, you can have fried 

egg and bacon for brekkie, or tuck 

into a burger or yummy savoury beef 

mince. You can even splash out and 

enjoy chicken in red wine or ostrich 

fillet steak with baked potato. Got a 

sweet tooth? Sorry, no luck, as this 

book sticks firmly to breakfasts, salads, 

soups, chicken, meat, fish and pasta. 

Struik Lifestyle, R300. 

Local foodie darling Sarah Graham has just released another of her brilliant 

cookbooks, this one featuring plant-based recipes. Super Natural is, Sarah says, 

‘a celebration of vegetables (and their humble friends ... fruit, whole grains, 

nuts, seeds, legumes and pulses)’. Great, seasonal, plant-based food. We will, this 

month, be making her whole roasted tandoori cauliflower flatbreads and her 

salted peanut butter oak cookies. Then so much more. As you’d expect from 

Sarah – amazing! Penguin Random House, R320. 


A lovely spicy Shiraz is a slam 

dunk for winter beets 

Cooler weather calls for hearty root vegetables 

and succulent meat dishes. And those, in turn, 

call for a spicy Shiraz. Tokara Chef Carolize 

Coetzee has shared the recipe for her flavourful 

salt-baked beetroot, which is perfectly paired 

with the estate’s full-bodied premium Tokara 

Shiraz. 

Salt-baked beetroot 

You’ll need: 

4 medium sized whole beetroot; 800g coarse 

salt; 3 egg whites from extra-large eggs; 500g 

cake flour; 250ml water 

For the garnish: Raspberries, fennel, toasted 

walnuts and celery. 

Method: 

Preheat the oven to 180°C 

Blend the salt and flour together in a food 

processor until fine. In a mixer with a dough 

hook, mix the flour mixture with the egg whites 

and water until a dough is formed. 

Wash and dry the unpeeled beetroot. 

Roll out the dough until 5mm in thickness. Cut 

into big enough pieces and wrap around each 

entire beetroot. 

Bake for 1 hour, then remove from oven and 

cool slightly. Break open the dough and remove 

the beetroot. Discard the baked dough. 

Peel the beetroot, then rinse and dry with 

paper towel. Cool and slice the beetroot thinly. 

Garnish with raspberry, fennel, toasted walnuts 

and celery. 

These 

Babylonstoren 

Beetroot & Garlic 

Salt Flakes add extra 

flavour and a pop of 

colour to even the 

most simple dish. 

The beetroot stains 

the salt a beautiful 

pink colour and 

gives it a delicate, 

earthy flavour, while 

the garlic gives 

the mixture some 

punch. R70 from 

babylonstoren.com 

A glass of red. A 

platter of cheeses – 

including a creamy 

blue. A bottle 

of Woolworths’ 

Beetroot & Fig 

Preserve. Life is 

good. R52.99 from 

Woolies. 

This fullbodied 

Tokara Shiraz 

is available at 

a cellar door 

price of R125, 

for online 

purchase 

and delivery. 

Details: tokara. 

com 



BEET 

THE MID-WINTER BLUES 

Warm beetroot and 

butternut winter salad 

Butternut. Beet. Goat’s cheese. A 

marriage made in foodie heaven. 

This recipe was generously 

shared by a chef at the De Hoop 

Collection in the De Hoop 

Reserve, just east of Cape Agulhas, 

on a visit a year or two ago, and 

we’ve made it again and again 

and again. It’s a method, more 

than a recipe, so we’ve given no 

quantities ... jiggle depending on 

how many you’re feeding. The 

dressing is enough for a salad for 

four to six people. 

Peel butternut and beets, cut 

into large, similar size chunks, toss 

lightly in olive oil and roast until 

cooked. While roasting, make the 

dressing. Into a small bowl, put half 

a cup of Mrs Ball’s chutney, add a 

good shake of chilli flakes, three 

generous tablespoons of honey, a 

handful of chopped spring onions, 

salt and freshly ground black 

pepper and enough olive oil to 

blend (about quarter of a cup). 

Pile some fresh rocket on a plate, 

then scatter the warm, baked 

butternut and beets over the top. 

Pour over the dressing, then top 

with dollops of goat’s cheese. 

Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts. 

Top tip: Ring the changes to suit 

your taste. Feta works as well as 

goat’s cheese, roasted walnuts 

can replace pine nuts, leave off 

the rocket if you want to serve it 

as a vegetable side dish instead 

of a salad. 

Good for you granola. This Raw Goji Berry 

& Beetroot Granola has no preservatives 

or added sugar, is a great source of 

fibre and is made from certified organic 

ingredients. R49.99 from Woolworths. 

Oh my! The range of fabrics from The Whimsical Duchess is just glorious. Custom 

made, printed fabrics in tablecloths, cushion covers, tea towels or sold by the metre 

... brilliant for a statement sofa, a bed throw, a picnic blanket. There’s natural linen and 

cotton canvas, bull denim and mock linen and plush velvet too, with prices per metre 

from around R650. This Roots of Magenta is one of our favourites. 

Details: thewhimsicalduchess.co.za 




RISE 

to the occasion 

There’s something about a slice of freshly baked, 

home-made bread, served with a thick pat of 

butter, that creates a feeling of comfort and 

cosiness. And the very act of making something 

with your hands can improve your mental health! 

So get baking. We’ve found some easy 

recipes to get you started. 



Sarah Graham’s seed bread 

A lovely loaf that’s gluten-free and 

Banting-friendly 


1 cup mixed seeds/ nuts; 1 cup 

almond flour; 1 cup coconut flour; 2 

cups water (start with 1½ cups and 

add more as necessary); 3 Tblsps 

psyllium husks (available at Clicks and 

health stores); 1 tsp bicarb of soda; ½ 

cup coconut oil (warmed until liquid); 

¼ cup natural yoghurt (or coconut 

milk/ extra water); 2 tsp honey (or 

alternative healthy natural sweetener); 

½ tsp salt 

Method: 

Preheat oven to 180°C and grease and 

line a small/medium-sized loaf tin. 

Mix all ingredients together – if it 

seems very dry add another ¼ cup 

water. It will not be like usual bread, it 

will seem quite crumbly and have the 

texture of beach sand, which is fine. 

Transfer mixture to loaf tin, gently 

smooth out the surface using the 

back of a spoon and bake for about 30 

minutes or until golden. 

A great tip is to leave the loaf to cool 

to room temperature, remove from 

the tin, slice, then freeze in slices and 

remove a slice at a time to thaw or 

toast just before eating. It’s a great 

snack with mashed avo or 

scrambled egg. 

Garlic, cheddar, bacon & 

beer bread 

Garlic. Cheddar. Bacon. Beer. What more 

could you possibly want? Great to serve 

at your next braai. 


3 cups self-raising flour; ½ cup sugar; 

340ml beer; 1 cup grated Cheddar 

cheese; ½ cup bacon (chopped); 1 

Tblsp garlic powder; 1 tsp parsley; ¼ 

cup melted butter 

Method: 

Preheat the oven to 190°C. In a large 

bowl, gently stir together the flour, 

sugar and beer until combined. Then 

gently stir in the cheese, bacon, garlic 

powder and parsley. Pour the resulting 

batter into a greased loaf tin, then pour 

the melted butter on top of the batter. 

Cook for 50 minutes to one hour, or 

until a skewer inserted into the bread 

comes out clean. Let the bread cool for 

at least five minutes before serving. 

TIP: If you don’t allow 

your bread enough time 

to rise, it will be dense and 

chewy after you bake it. Just 

be sure to give it plenty of 

time to get the lift it needs. 

You can tell if the bread has 

risen enough when you poke 

a knuckle into the dough 

and the indentation slowly 

springs back. 

No-knead bread 

No muscles? No problem. Here’s a no-knead bread that’s easy and delicious. 


1 ½ tsp honey; 1 ½ tsp active dry yeast; 1 ¾ cups warm water, divided; 3 ½ cups allpurpose 

flour, divided; 1 ½ tsp kosher salt 

Method: 

Combine honey, yeast, and a ½ cup of the water in a small bowl and stir lightly. Let 

stand for 5 minutes. Keep 1½ Tblsps of the flour for later. Place remaining flour in a 

large bowl – add salt, whisk to combine, then form a well in the centre. Add yeast 

mixture and remaining 1¼ cups water into well and stir until combined. Remove 

dough from sides of the bowl and form a ball in the bottom centre of the bowl 

(dough will be very sticky and wet). Sprinkle top with reserved flour. Cover bowl 

with plastic wrap and place in a warm area. Let rise for two hours. 

Preheat oven to 220°C. Remove half the dough and place in a loaf shape on a 

lightly greased baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, and place five to 

seven centimetres apart on the same prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden 

and toasted and a hollow sound is heard when tapped – about 22 to 25 minutes. 

Let stand for five minutes before serving. 

July 2020 Get It Magazine 33

Farmhouse white bread 

(Makes two loaves) 


5 cups bread flour; 10g instant yeast; 2 tsp 

salt; 3 tsp sugar; 1 Tblsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 

cups lukewarm water 

Method: 

Place all the dry ingredients in the bowl of an 

electric mixer fitted with a dough hook and 

begin mixing on low speed. 

Add the oil to the warm water and slowly 

add to the flour mixture until well combined. 

Knead the dough for about 10 minutes on 

low speed until the dough is smooth, elastic 

and not sticky to the touch. Place dough in a 

clean, lightly oiled bowl, loosely covered with 

a kitchen towel and leave in a warm place 

for about an hour or until the dough has 

doubled in size. 

Using your fist, punch down the dough to 

expel the air. Lightly knead by hand for a 

minute or two until the dough is smooth 

again. Divide the dough equally in two. 

Shape each half into a log and place into two 

lightly greased loaf tins. Once again, cover 

with a towel and leave in a warm place for 30 

– 40 minutes until doubled in size. 

Preheat the oven to 180°C. 

Lightly brush loaves with egg wash (one egg 

whisked with a dash of milk and a pinch of 

salt) and place in preheated oven for 40-50 

minutes or until beautifully risen, golden 

and sounds hollow when gently tapped 

underneath. Remove from tin and allow to 

cool on a wire rack. 

A great addition to your kitchen library… 

In 100 Great Breads by Paul Hollywood, you can discover the nostalgic 

smell of milk loaf and rye bread, how to master baguettes and 

croissants, and try your hand at some inspiring bakes, including Pane 

Toscano with Dolcelatte and Cypriot Easter Bread, as well as sweet 

treats such as Honey & Saffron Loaf and Chocolate & Sour Cherry Bread. 

R389, Yuppiechef.com 

Invest in this: 

The Pa Casola has 13 preset 

functions and a 13-hour 

programmable timer. Simply add 

your bread batter before you go to 

bed and tuck into delicious, warm 

home-made bread when you wake 

up. It even allows you to select 

your crust setting from light to 

medium or dark. Taurus Pa Casola 

bread maker, 850W, 

R2 999, @Home. 


Baking tips 

from the pro 

Amori Burger, chef at the Van Der 

Linde restaurant, tells us what to 

watch out for... 

1. Adding too much flour to the bread – 

some bread doughs call for a ‘gloopy’ dough 

but you feel it might be too sticky and add 

more flour. Trust the fermentation magic to 

do what it needs to do. 

2. Using a stand mixer – if you’re just baking 

at home, use your hands. When you touch 

the dough you’ll understand when the 

recipe talks about ‘the feel’ and this is how 

you learn and get better. You’ll know after 

baking what different doughs feel like and 

you can tweak them into getting the desired 

crumb and crust etc. 

3. Too hot or too cold when fermenting 

– the temperature of the fermentation is 

very important. Too hot and it will proof too 

quickly and the gluten will not develop the 

way it’s supposed to. Too cold and you’ll get 

a different kind of loaf. Optimal temperature 

is 25°C to 28°C. 

4. Being impatient – when the recipe asks 

for 12 - 18 hours of fermentation, do 18 

hours. You will be rewarded. 

5. Not baking the bread enough – there’s 

a fine line between baked perfectly and 

burnt. This is a skill that comes with practice 

and there’s no easy way, unfortunately. The 

French call it ‘bien cuit pas trop cuff’ – ‘well 

baked, but not overdone’. When perfectly 

baked, the crust will have layers of flavours 

that are complex and make the difference 

between good bread and great bread. 


When ART comes 

out to play 

Despite living in a quiet little village, artist and director of Nebulae Productions cc - Artz 

Africa Cultural Projects Deanne Kim somehow manages to cram a whole lot of activity 

into her daily routine, filling it with art, artists and books. 

Text: MATTHYS FERREIRA 

Deanne Kim 

incent van Gogh said, "And then, I have 

nature, art and poetry, and if this is not 

enough, what is enough?” This is the perfect 

question for Deanne. After completing her 

schooling, she studied fine art, and then visual 

arts through Unisa. In 1995, while in the Philippines, 

she was invited to be a judge of the country's arts 

festival in Baguio. She also taught fine art to expats 

while living there. 

Back in South Africa in 1998, she opened her first art 

school, teaching students aged between four and 85. 

In 1999 she met the late NE Phaswana - at the time, 

a lecturer at Wits University. They started Kalahari 

Productions and Publishing. Deanne, also called Lerato, then 

went on to design more than more 500 book illustrations. 

"In 2002 I moved to Kaapsehoop and also became a Kalahari 

Productions director," she says. Where she gets her infinite energy 

and zest for what she does, boggles the mind. The flood gates 

then opened - 72 OBE educational textbooks followed. Deanne 

oversaw 25 African writers and also translated her life skills grades 

R to 3 OBE textbooks into nine indigenous languages. These were 

all later approved by the Department of Education. 

"My Nebulae Productions Publishing cc was registered in 

2009 and aims to engage with other JVs to assist and enhance 

education." 

In 2016 two of her books, When Cinderella Gets Divorced and 

The Cracked Slipper, saw the light when she launched them at the 

Casterbridge Book Festival, and now sell on Amazon. 

"I met the talented Bob Mnisi at the Mpumalanga Agricultural 

Show in 2018 where I was exhibiting my socio-political 

contemporary art. This meeting kick-started the birth of Artz 

Africa. With some 100 Mpumalanga artists (most of them 

unemployed) on its database, Artz Africa, intends to upskill and 

enable natural talent to become independent self-employed 

artists and or writers," says Deanne. 

Part of this initiative is also to get artists involved in justifiable 

and sustainable projects within their communities. The latter 

may, in due time, include involvement with local schools so as to 

develop and nurture artistic talent from a young age. 

Aristotle says, “The aim of art is to represent not the outward 

appearance of things, but their inward significance.” This is how 

Deanne describes her own art. "It lends toward a contemporary 

style yet some works are more spiritual. I enjoy doing expressive 

paintings of native Americans, a tribe that I have always been 

drawn to. This is due to their them being so drawn to the earth 

and its elements. 

"The political works I paint are not realistic portraits, yet one 

can visually see exactly who each political hero/icon is. I 

use metaphors and symbolism to extend additional visual 

information to the viewer. My preferred medium - definitively oil. I 

love the smell and the feel of it when I put it on my pallet, it gives 

me emotional and psychological satisfaction even before I have 


actually started to paint with it." 

So let's highlight some of the 

talented Artz Africa artists who 

are part of Nebulae Productions - 

Cultural Creative Projects. They’re 

undergoing visual arts skills training 

funded by the National Arts Council. 

Bob Mnisi 

He’s acknowledged as the father of 

Artz Africa. He hails from KaBokweni. 

After being selected as one of the 10 

beneficiaries of Nebulae Productions 

- Artz Africa Creative/Cultural 

Projects/National Arts Council 

visual arts skills development, 

Bob developed a unique, new, 

visual art style which is bound to 

attract the international galleries. 

This assumption being based on 

the massive interested in his work 

generated on social media. He is 

currently working on a series titled 

"Isolation”. 

In 2017 Bob was the winner of the 

Mpumalanga Agricultural Show. He 

was also selected as one of the top 

100 Standard Bank artists to present 

his works in Johannesburg. His art 

has sold nationally to many five-star 

private game lodges and it has also 

found its way onto the walls in the 

Netherlands and the United 

Kingdom. 

William Mcolisi Mahlase 

William qualified as an architect and 

is one of the latest up-and-coming 

Mpumalanga rural youth visual 

artists. He recently started making 

masks for his KaBokweni Covid-19 

community project. Besides this, he 

has sold many of the artworks he 

created during lockdown. William is a 

perfectionist and totally committed 

to improve his visual art skills. Besides 

producing art, he and his is elderly 

mother deliver vegetables and 

groceries to those in the KaBokweni 

community who are unable to do 

their shopping. 

Pamela Mahalalela 

This multitalented, 28-year-old 

cultural creative artist is the founder 

of another Covid-19 community 

project - the Khumbula Project 

in KaBokweni. Pamela is a fashion 

designer and writes short stories and 

poetry. "In the next five years I see 

Khumbula Project - with the support of Nebulae Productions Artz Africa Projects 

- assisting elderly, disabled persons and orphans," she smiles. 

Sipho (Pina) Hlengetwa 

Sipho is a contemporary visual artist and founder of a Covid-19 community 

project NPO in Matsulu. Prior to the lockdown, his visual artworks were 

exhibited at Bohemian Groove Café in Kaapsehoop. 

"My mission and vision are to grow in the art industry. I learn from and teach 

others about art and one day may open my own gallery or centre that will give 

the youth a platform where they can express themselves." 

Sipho became the breadwinner at a very young age. He is self-taught and art 

became a catalyst for overcoming life's challenges. 

Sikhumbuzo Solomon 

Sikhumbuzo is a 23-year-old KaBokweni artist. His works are created mainly 

on fabric and seem to attract the younger generation. His recent Artz Africa 

community mask-making project became a great success with orders rolling 

in. "So I am happy," he laughs. 

Shane Hlophe 

Shane’s another upcoming KaNyamazane visual artist. He won an award at the 

Mbombela Agricultural Show in 2018. His visual art paintings were exhibited 

at the Mercure Hotel/Nebulae Productions - Artz Africa Cultural Creative Hub 

just a few days before the start of lockdown. 

Shane has continued to produce quality artwork throughout lockdown 

courtesy of the support of many of his Mbombela clients. 

Sipho (Pina) Hlengetwa, Sikhumbuzo Solomon, Shane Hlophe, William 

Mcolisi Mahlase and Pamela Mahalalela 


Now is the time to 

Buy Local! 

The Covid-19 coronavirus and its subsequent impact have had a devastating 

effect on the economy, and local businesses have felt the pinch along with 

everyone else. In light of this, a Buy Local Lowveld campaign has kicked off, 

aiming to promote and stimulate our Lowveld economy by encouraging 

people to support home-grown businesses which are owned and run by 

local people. Now, more than ever, we need to shift our buying power to 

enterprises in the region. 

00 Get It Lowveld June 2020

BUY LOCAL LOWVELD 

Acrisis will either break or unite the people 

who are affected, and in the case of this 

epidemic, we need to make sure we stand 

together and are united, like the pieces 

of a puzzle which fit together when 

teamwork is involved. Should we spend 

our money elsewhere, the rands leave 

our region, which results in shifting what could be 

incoming revenue. This in turn fragments the assets 

and wealth that we could benefit from in our area. 

Buy Local Lowveld showcases how small companies 

provide excellent service, offer support in a 

community role, specifically when it comes to 

organisations such as schools, charities, clubs, 

sporting associations, and communal institutions 

and facilities. International research conducted 

shows that out of every R100 which is spent locally, 

63% stays in circulation locally, while only 43% of 

It is time for us to 

support our own, and 

in doing so grow the 

rich variety of business 

and craftsmen that we 

have on our doorstep 

every R100 spent with national corporates will 

remain in the local economy. 

One of the founders of the initiative, Rob Gibbs, says 

it is critical for everyone to support local, the reality 

is that the alternative means them closing their 

doors. In addition, many of these businesses have 

been in the Lowveld for generations, they started 

out as small family concerns and grew to what they 

are now. It is time for us to support our own, and 

in doing so grow the rich variety of business and 

craftsmen that we have on our doorstep. When 

we shop and buy locally, we are bringing demand 

back into our immediate economy, which has a 

chain reaction. Not only are consumers purchasing 

the final product, but raw materials, labour and 

manufacture can all, as far as possible, be procured 

from surrounding areas. This in itself will boost 

capacity and inspire innovation and growth, and 

encourage confidence in buying local. 

Buy Local Lowveld has started a Facebook page, 

which will be the launchpad of many of the plans, 

including specials, promotions, sign-up initiatives 

and social media campaigns, all based around 

particular local businesses which are now open for 

trade. To find out more, contact Janine at janine@ 

macasa.co.za. 

INTRODUCTION 

This initiative aims to stimulate, strengthen and grow the Lowveld economy 

by encouraging you to buy what you need from businesses which are locally 

owned and run by lowvelders. 

Economic 

Growth 

The money that 

consumers and 

businesses spend gets 

circulated back into the 

local economy and the 

local community. 

Good Business 

Practice 

Customer service, 

competitive pricing and 

quality products will be 

encouraged to improve & 

maintain good business 

practice so that local 

businesses can remain 

relevant and competitive. 

By educating the consumer and business owner on the benefits of spending their money 

at locally owned businesses. 

By creating a network of support for existing local businesses, and to provide a platform 

of support for new businesses to enter the local economy to flourish as valuable 

members of the economy and community alike. 

Support this initiative yourself and spread the word to other local 

business owners, friends and neighbours. In this way, people of 

the Lowveld will grow both in their understanding of what it 

means to support local business, and in their understanding of 

the difference they can make to the local community. 

RADIO LAEVELD 

As the local economy 

starts to grow, new 

business opportunities 

will be identified for 

goods & services to help 

meet the local demand. 

Local companies are 

more likely to support 

local organisations, such 

as schools or charities, 

because they already 

attend or are involved in 

these. 

By buying locally you 

are minimizing your 

own carbon footprint, 

as well as reducing the 

number of goods that 

need to be transported 

to our region. 

HOW ARE WE GOING TO ACHIEVE THIS? 

WHAT CAN I DO? 

Job 

Creation 

A weekly on-air slot has been dedicated 

to Buy Local Lowveld, where a variety of 

topics will be discussed and local 

businesses will be given the chance to 

showcase their products & services. 

Similar to the Black Friday campaign but 

will be held more frequently. 

Once a month businesses will be 

given the opportunity to host 

promotions and sales that the public 

can benefit from. (Frequency TBC) 

As businesses grow, 

more and more people 

from our community can 

be employed as staff. 

New 

Opportunities 

RED FRIDAY 

BENEFITS 

Support for the 

community 

Good for the 

Environment 

UPCOMING CAMPAIGNS 

VIDEO CAMPAIGN 

Local businesses will be given the 

opportunity to participate in videos 

& interviews to showcase their 

products & services. 

BUY LOCAL STICKER 

A “Buy Local Lowveld” sticker will be 

made available for purchase. 

Business owners will be able to “endorse” 

themselves as a credible business in the 

Lowveld and the sticker can be used on 

social media, shop front or products. 

janine@macasa.co.za Janine Venter: 073 217 9679


Compiled by KYM ARGO

GET GROWING... 

GARDEN 

your own veggies 

Growing you own veggies has always been 

a great idea, and now more than ever. 

Covid-19 has given new impetus to growing our own food. Eating fresh 

greens naturally strengthens the immune system and means fewer visits to 

the supermarket (reducing the risk of exposure). Plus, it puts food on the 

table for minimal cost ... you can satisfy a family’s need for vegetables with 

a veggie garden the size of a door (1m wide by 3m long). Starting small 

makes veggie growing more manageable. Grow veggies in pots or plant 

boxes on the balcony, patio or kitchen courtyard. Plant them among flowers 

in the garden or make your own veggie patch in a sunny space. 

What veggies want ... 

• At least six hours of sunshine, 

especially in winter. In summer, 

morning sun and afternoon 

shade is best. 

• Fertile, well composted 

soil that drains well, or good 

quality potting mix with 

added compost and controlled 

release organic fertilizer for 

pot-grown veggies. 

• Shelter from draughts or 

wind, which dry out or chill 

plants. 

• A level site, although a slight 

slope helps with drainage. 

What you need ... 

• Buy-in from the family. Ask them what 

they’d like to eat. That’s what you need 

to grow! 

• Enough time … to give daily attention 

to the food garden, preferably five 

minutes a day rather than 15 minutes 

once a week. There’s a saying: ‘In order 

to live off a garden you practically have 

to live in it’. 

• Money to buy seed or seedlings, 

compost, (if you don’t make your 

own), fertilizer, pesticides (organic or 

chemical), and tools. 

• Basic tools: a spade, fork, rake, 

watering can and hose. 

Text: ALICE COETZEE 


Healthy soil grows healthy veggies 

Most garden soils lack the balance of nutrients 

required for good growth. For a productive 

veggie garden, make healthy soil a priority. 

Regularly enrich it by digging in compost 

and organic fertilizer, grow green manures 

and practice companion planting by pairing 

beneficial herbs and veggies, like basil and 

tomatoes, thyme and cabbage, oregano and 

carrots. 

Seed or seedlings? 

Sowing from seed is the most affordable way 

to garden. A single packet can yield two or 

three successive crops, possibly even for the 

following year. Most seeds germinate within 

seven to 14 days and are ready for thinning 

out and transplanting within another three to 

four weeks. Root veggies are best sown direct 

into the soil, leafy and fruiting veggies into 

seed trays. 

Seedling packs are for gardeners in a hurry 

(like most of us). They’re more expensive but if 

you miss the sowing window, seedlings allow 

you to play catch-up. With seedlings there isn’t 

the hassle of germination failure, thinning out 

or wondering when to transplant. There’s also 

less chance of overplanting. However, there’s 

less variety than you’ll find in seed packets, 

although many heirloom varieties are now 

available as seedlings. 

Patio veggies ... these are compact varieties 

bred for growing in pots, or small spaces, 

allowing more plants to fit into less space. The 

winter range includes Simply Salad mixes of 

leaf lettuce and Asian greens, as well as Kale 

Storm, a compact curly-leaved variety and 

Wonder Wok, a mix of Asian greens. 

For summer there’s a wide range of tomatoes, 

zucchini Easy Pick, butternut Honeynut, 

jalapeno chilli La Bomba, hot and sweet pot 

peppers, eggplant Patio Baby and cucumber 

Patio Snacker, as well as Simply Herbs 

rosemary, oregano and thyme. 

Plants are available in pots from garden 

centres or seed can be ordered online. 

Details: gropak.co.za 


Tips for container veggies 

• Use containers with drainage holes, 

and are also deep and wide enough to 

accommodate the roots and growth of 

the mature vegetable. 

• Use the best possible potting soil, 

enriched with compost and topped 

with mulch. 

• Foliar feed or drench the soil with a 

liquid fertilizer at least once a month 

because vegetables are heavy feeders. 

• Replace the soil every two years. 

• Water pots two to three times a week 

in winter and every day in summer. 

Ready, steady … plant 

Winter veggies that can be planted out 

as seedlings are kale, tatsoi, mizuna, 

pak choi, giant red mustard, Red Frills 

mustard, Green in Snow mustard, 

cabbage, garden peas, rocket, Swiss 

chard and spinach. Protect seedlings 

with frost cloth overnight. 

Sow summer fruiting crops like 

tomatoes, brinjals, sweet peppers, 

squash and beans indoors in seed 

trays or pots, under warm, controlled 

conditions. By the end of September 

seedlings will be ready for planting out. 

Sowing calendar at a glance 

Spring vegetables (August – Sept sowing) 

Bush beans, beetroot, carrots, cabbage, lettuce, garden peas, Swiss chard. 

Summer vegetables (end Sept – Nov sowing) 

Tomatoes, brinjals, bush and runner beans, cucumber, baby marrow, sweet pepper, 

chillies, summer squash, sweet corn, pumpkin. 

Autumn vegetables (Dec/Jan – March sowing) 

Bush and runner beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, 

carrots, beetroot, lettuce, Swiss chard. 

Winter vegetables (end Feb – May sowing) 

Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broad beans, kale, 

lettuce, radish, Swiss chard and spinach. 


Take a 

WELLNESS 

road trip in the Cape 

Watching whales, relaxing beach walks 

and an outdoor massage. Book us in! 


Living mindfully is all about making well thought-out decisions about everything ... 

including – and perhaps most importantly – about your well-being. And after the last 

few months of stress, tension and uncertainty, we think taking some time out to restore 

mind, body and soul is well worth it. 

This Wellness Road Trip with Cape Country Routes, which goes from Paarl up the 

South Coast to the De Hoop Nature Reserve, sounds perfect. 

It starts in Paarl, with its range of cultural and historical attractions, then continues along 

the exceptionally scenic Cape South Coast, where the indigenous Cape fynbos meets 

the cold seas at the southernmost tip of Africa, and on to the De Hoop Nature Reserve. 

This is a natural wonder of unsurpassed beauty and a favourite destination for hikers, 

cyclists, bird watchers, whale watchers and seekers of natural beauty. 

For enhancing wellness, peace of mind, calm and tranquillity, spend one night at the 

Cascade Country Manor in Paarl with its beautiful views of the olive orchards, vineyards 

and mountains and indulge in a variety of treatments at the in-house spa or relax in the 

pool area, or take a walk to the waterfall. Other activities include wine tastings, wine 

tours and hiking. 

The next night is spent at The Arniston Spa Hotel, set in one of the Cape’s most exquisite 

locations next to an old fishing village, surrounded by pristine beaches and nature 

reserves. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of the unspoilt ocean and endless 

beaches, take long, relaxing beach walks, visit local wineries, indulge in soothing inhouse 

spa treatments, and much more. 

Your final two nights will be at the De Hoop Collection. The De Hoop Spa is an oasis of 

calm – one that offers the ultimate escape with a variety of revitalising beauty and body 

treatments ... think a range of relaxing massages to soothe the body and mind, as well 

as a selection of facials, manicures, pedicures and grooming services. Other activities 

include an eco river cruise, walks through herds of eland and bontebok to the ocean, a 

visit the Cape vulture colony and whale-watching (in season). 

The Wellness Road Trip Tour costs R4 390 a person sharing, on a bed and breakfast 

basis. The rate excludes all other meals, entrance fees and activities. Valid until 

September 30, 2020. Booking is essential, and you’ll need to use the reference CCR 6 

Day when booking. Details: CCR Central Reservations on 076-203-8929 (also WhatsApp) or 

bookings@capecountryroutes.com 



Gurney’s sugarbird 


Bird’s eye view 

The magnificent Lowveld and surrounds are the perfect place to spread your legs, 

especially now that day trips into the Kruger National Park are permitted! We chat to 

bird guide and wildlife enthusiast Marc Cronje on the splendours of our heritage. 

Text: MELLISSA BUSBHY 

orn in Johannesburg, Marc’s 

introduction to the natural 

world came from, of all 

places, the Johannesburg 

Zoo, where his dad was the curator 

of primates and small cats. He 

moved to the Lowveld when his 

family came to start up the first 

chimpanzee sanctuary in South 

Africa, Chimp Eden, which is affiliated 

with the Jane Goodall Institute, 

where Marc worked for five years. He 

started up the educational and tour 

programme at the chimp sanctuary, 

and also began getting involved in 

guiding school groups in Kruger. 

“I have been exposed to a wide 

variety of wildlife from an early age,” 

says Marc, “and have been involved 

in wildlife education and the threats 

which face our wildlife for a while 

now. While finishing my degree in 

nature conservation I soon realised 

the only way to protect our wildlife 

is through education, and exposing 

people to it in a positive manner.” 

This led to him deciding to qualify, 

and he is now a THEATA/FGASA 

level 2 guide. Marc is a keen birder, 

and sits on the Birdlife Lowveld 

committee, his world birding list is at 

just over 

2 000. He spends most of his days in 

the wild, leading birding and wildlife 

tours across Africa and abroad. 

‘‘I have been a guide now for just 

over eight years now. I enjoy my 

wildlife and bird photography, and 

love sharing my passion for birding 

and wildlife with all who come to 

marvel at my ‘office’ in nature,” he 

laughs. 

Marc is also actively involved in 

Marc Cronje 


esearch projects including the Southern African 

Bird Atlas project and wild dog monitoring within 

the Kruger. 

His love of birding started when he worked at the 

chimpanzee sanctuary. “I was given the opportunity 

to travel to Central and West Africa to rescue 

chimps, and realising the sheer bird diversity in the 

tropical rainforest was an eye-opener. One day on a 

game drive in Kruger a report of a Pel’s fishing owl 

came in from an area I frequent regularly, and this 

was the turning point for me. It opened my eyes 

to the amazing birdlife on my doorstep, which led 

to me starting a bird list. From there on I began 

travelling Africa and the world to find birds. Ever 

since then I have been hooked.” 

One of the aspects of Marc’s job that he loves, is 

the travelling. Being able to spend time in nature 

while visiting and exploring new places is a dream 

come true. “I get to learn about a new country, 

its culture and wildlife while being able to go 

birding! Teaching people about the birds, showing 

them species they have never seen before is so 

rewarding, their faces light up. Many of these 

people also become friends, which is another plus. 

I wouldn’t change it for the world!” Being such an 

avid traveller, Marc has seen many diverse and 

Purple-crested turaco 

Martial eagle 

Pel’s fishing owl 


eautiful destinations. Costa Rica’s 

sheer amount of wildlife and birds 

took his breath away, while his time 

spent in North India was especially 

memorable to him, one of the 

reasons for this 

being seeing a tiger, a bucket list 

item. Still, Africa is in his blood. “I get 

to spend a lot of time in northern 

Namibia and the Caprivi Strip, and 

the Okavango is one of my favourite 

places to explore,” he muses. “The 

birds in the area are still so wild, and 

there is so much wildlife. I feel I am in 

a David Attenborough documentary! 

Spending time in Uganda and birding 

in the tropical forests is truly amazing, 

and seeing a huge silverback gorilla 

is the ultimate wildlife experience. 

Crooks Corner, Pafuri and northern 

Kruger are also places I absolutely 

love spending time at.” 

Unfortunately, Covid-19 has put a 

damper on Marc’s guiding activities. 

With the reopening of day trips to 

Kruger, he is now offering people his 

services as a hop-on guide, joining 

them on their trips into southern 

Kruger, as well as a few other choice 

spots in the Lowveld. Many people 

are taking this opportunity to learn 

more about the birds in their garden 

and immediate vicinity. “We have 

some incredible local birding and 

are host to some wonderful species,” 

Marc smiles. 

“By acting as a local guide I hope 

to get folks interested in some of 

the local bird and birding spots we 

have in the area. In Kruger we have 

so many birds, and if we take the 

time to notice them we get to see 

so much more than just the Big 5. 

Kaapsehoop, for example, has the 

Malachite sunbirds and Gurney’s 

sugarbirds feeding on the aloes that 

are in flower at the moment.” The 

Lowveld National Botanical Garden 

hosts some great birds, of particular 

interest are the southern bald ibis, 

also endemic to SA, that nest there, 

and are sometimes seen behind Halls 

Farm Stall. Sought-after birds like the 

African finfoot can be seen along 

the Crocodile River at the Grace Hall 

Bridge just before the garden. 

“The Steilties Nature Reserve also 

offers some great birding with the 

likes of trumpter hornbill, green 

A gorilla and baby 

twinspot, striped pipit and crowned eagles breeding there,” Marc continues. 

“Some other special birds seen within the Mbombela/Barberton and White River 

areas include bat hawks, gorgeous bushshrike, narina trogon, African pygmy 

goose, Abdim’s stork (a rare summer visitor) and purple herons, among many 

others. The Lowveld has many different habitats with many different species 

occurring. As you can see, the area has some great birding and many options 

for day trips to go out and enjoy nature and the birds on your doorstep.” The 

importance of appreciating the natural world around us is not lost on us at this 

time, being homebound has caused many people to sit and take notice of their 

surroundings. 

As with all things, education is key. “I truly believe wildlife and birdwatching 

have a crucial role to play in wildlife protection and conservation,” says Marc. 

“Eco-tourism, avi-tourism and wildlife tourism bring in so much money and 

create so many jobs, and we need to realise the importance of our wildlife and 

our national parks. Our parks have a good solid future, as long as people realise 

their importance. I think Covid-19 has shown us how important wildlife is, in 

attracting tourists to our parks and country. Wildlife can benefit people’s lives in 

positive ways, if we protect it.” 

Details 

Contact Marc on 083-705-6436 or visit Nature Travel Birding on Facebook or go to 

www.naturetravelbirding.com 

Malachite sunbird 


Spoil 

July 

A spicy, non-alcoholic spirit 

Fancy a drink? Thinking something spicy? But you’re not wanting 

anything alcoholic. Hello Seedlip Spice 94. This aromatic, 

non-alcoholic drink is all strong spices (think spice berries and 

cardamom) and citrus (lemon and grapefruit peel). Boasting to be 

the world’s first non-alcoholic beverage spirit, it was developed in 

a farm kitchen in the English woods, with a small copper still and 

a copy of The Art of Distillation ... a publication written in 1651 

which documents remedies used by apothecaries. Sister to the 

Seedlip Garden 108 (which captures the essence of the English 

countryside, all handpicked peas and hay, rosemary, spearmint 

and thyme), and the just-released Seedlip Grove 42 (a mouthful 

of citrus deliciousness) here’s another bonus ... the spirit has zero 

calories, is sugar- and sweetener-free and has no artificial flavours 

(perfect for those embracing the spirit of mindful drinking). You’ll 

find Seedlip in your local bottle store for R229. We’re giving away 

a bottle ... to stand in line to win, simply visit our Facebook page 

(@GetItNationalMagazines), like our post and tag a spice-loving 

friend and you’ll be in the draw. Entries close July 31.

Lowveld - JULY 2020

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