Aug 22 - Lowveld

tips for 

Winter skin 

Charmaine 

Mabuza 

Creating 

a legacy 

A splash 

of citrus! 

At home in 

Kaapsehoop 

CELEBRATING 

Wonderful women 

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD 

August 2022

PROMOTION 

Infertility 

Despite the increasing number of people impacted 

by infertility, the subject is still not a topic openly 

discussed. Let’s change that! 

Research shows infertility in women was ranked as the fifth highest and most 

serious global disability, while in this country, as many as one in six couples are 

impacted. It occurs in both men and women with a number of risk factors ... 

occupational and environmental risks, age, smoking and alcohol use. 

One of the most common risk factor for infertility in women is Polycystic Ovary 

Syndrome (PCOS). Eight to 13 per cent of women suffer from this condition - a 

hormonal disorder that involves reproductive, cosmetic and metabolic problems. 

Symptoms commonly associated with PCOS that women should be aware 

of include: • If you are under 35 and have been having regular unprotected 

intercourse for six to twelve months without falling pregnant • Experiencing 

painful periods • Having irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles • Elevated levels 

of the male hormone androgen which results in excess body hair and acne 

The symptoms associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can cause a lot 

of distress and the disorder affects women in so many different ways and to 

different degrees. That’s why it’s best not to assume that you actually have PCOS 

until you’ve been diagnosed by a gynaecologist. 

According to 3Sixty Biomedicine’s CEO Boitumelo Sebambo, in cases where 

infertility can be linked back to the hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS, 

patients who make use of products like Salome Fertility that contain 

Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol, have seen an increase in their ovulation, a 

reduction in their hyperandrogenism and the oxidative stress in follicular fluid. 

The efficacy of the Salome Fertility product lies in it containing the correct ratio 

of Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol, extracted from the pod of the Carob Bean 

Tree. Clinical studies have shown that these natural extracts are instrumental in 

helping manage the regulation of ovarian function in PCOS patients. 

All Salome Fertility products are manufactured locally, and are 

based on herbal extracts which have limited side effects. And 

because they are 

nappi coded, they are recognized and reimbursed by 

certain medical aids. 

The full Salome range of products that helps to manage menstrual 

pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, premenstrual syndrome, 

infertility in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and 

menopause are available from pharmacies nationwide or online 

at Takealot.com and Salome’s website. 

The Salome team is determined to do their bit in creating 

awareness around the topic of infertility. They believe 

#YourJourneyMatters so follow the Salome range on their social 

media pages to hear from Salome experts who are committed to 

educating and normalizing conversations about PCOS and other 

common women’s reproductive health conditions. 

Win 

Stand a chance to win a 

Salome self-care hamper ... an 

exclusive custom-designed Lou Harvey 

cosmetic bag and a discounted voucher 

to purchase a pack of Salome Polycos 

or Salome Infertility. Pop over to 

GetItNationalMagazines on Facebook or 

Instagram, find the Salome post 

and follow the prompts. 

Details: Join the conversation on 3sixtybiomedicine.co.za and Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: SalomeRange

GET IT 

Editorial 

Phone 013 754 1600 

Lowveld Media 

12 Stinkhout Crescent, Mbombela 

Facebook Get It Lowveld 

Instagram Get It Lowveld 

Website getitmagazine.co.za/lowveld/ 

Editor 

Mellissa Bushby 

mellissa@getitlowveld.co.za 084 319 2101 

Photographers 

Tanya Erasmus 083 778 7725 

Belinda Erasmus 082 567 0596 

Layout 

Wessel Cöhrs 

Subeditors 

Jess Steyn • Wahl Lessing 

Sales 

Colletha Noppé Rattray 

colletha@lowvelder.co.za 082 745 2387 

Charledene Kotze 

charledene@lowvelder.co.za 079 403 8049 

GET IT NATIONAL 

National Group Editor and 

National Sales 

Kym Argo 

kyma@caxton.co.za 082 785 9230 

Facebook and Instagram: 

Get It National Magazines 

Distribution 

Get It Lowveld is distributed free of charge. 

For a full list of where to find a copy, 

phone Monya Burger on 083 555 4992 

Published by CTP Limited 

Competition rules 

The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be 

transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions 

are not open to the sponsors or Caxton 

employees or their families. Get It Magazine 

reserves the right to publish the names of 

winners, who will be contacted telephonically 

and need to collect their prizes from Get It 

Lowveld within 10 days or they will be forfeited. 

Prizewinners names are published on our 

Facebook page monthly. 

contents 

Why don’t you ... 

04 Sit back and enjoy murder, mysteries and mayhem with 

a splash of Roodeberg Classic Red Blend 

WISH LIST 

06 Desirable goodies from port-style wine to an oriental, woody 

scent to get us through the last of Winter 

people 

08 Charmaine Mabuza is a force to be reckoned with - business owner, 

grandmother and philanthropist 

12 Reader, writer and Kaapsehoop local Annemarie van der Walt 

talks to us about life in a small village 

14 Office worker turned medical specialist Eurika Mogane 

is an inspiration to many 

BEAUTY 

20 It’s time to say goodbye to Winter skin 

FOOD 

24 Add a splash of sensational 

Lowveld citrus! 

COMMUNITY 

28 BUCO’s Calie Olivier passes the ball to 

successor Pottie Potgieter 

Win 

02 A Salome self-care hamper 

07 A three-bottle carry pack of oh-so yummy 

port-style wines 

32 A luxurious car seat/bed/travel carrier combo for 

man’s best friend. Woof! 

COVER LOOK 

Charmaine Mabuza. 

AUGUST 2022 

August 2022 Get It Lowveld 03

Book club 

Murder, mysteries and mayhem ... and more than One Good Thing! 

A small town. A shocking crime. Our kind of novel. In Robert Gold’s Twelve 

Secrets, two boys murdered their classmate, Nick, an event that changed 

Ben’s life in an instant. It was a crime that shocked the nation, and through Ben 

and his family into the spotlight. Fast forward 20 years, and Ben is a successful 

investigative journalist, living back in his home town and part of its close-knit 

community. But a fresh murder case brings Nick’s murder back into the spotlight, 

and throws suspicion on those closest to him. And it appears that many, in this 

small town, have something to hide. Sphere, available at Exclusive Books 

It’s the club you’d kill to join, and billed to 

be the celebrity event of the decade. The 

opening of Island Home, a forgotten island 

transformed into the height of luxury. But, as 

is reported in the Vanity Fair exclusive, noone 

expected how tragically things were to 

go wrong. From the tense opening chapter, 

The Club by Ellery Lloyd (pseudonym for 

London-based husband and wife team 

Collette Lyons and Paul Vlitos) is taunt, 

exhilarating, and complete unputdownable. 

Mantle, available at Exclusive Books 

Compiled by: KYM ARGO 

We think this new Roodeberg 

gift pack is perfect for Book 

Club. The art of storytelling is 

synonymous with Roodeberg, 

the legendary red blend with a story in every 

bottle. Roodeberg’s own story is the stuff of 

legends. Evolving from the master’s original 

blend first created in 1949, a special panel of 

winemakers has steered the secret blend since 

the 1960s. This beautifully nuanced Roodeberg 

Classic Red Blend has aromatic layers of fresh 

red and dark fruit, cassis and hints of spice and 

dark chocolate. Just the thing to enjoy alongside 

a great book. The gift pack costs R109.99 and 

you’ll find it at leading bottle stores. 

04 Get It Lowveld August 2022

For a warm, feel-good, uplifting 

read, we loved One Good Thing by 

Alexandra Potter, who writes about 

a woman who, when her husband 

leaves her for a younger model, 

moves out to the country to make 

a new start ... and with the help of a 

rescue dog, a lonely old man, a scared 

little boy and an angry teenager, finds 

unexpected happiness. Macmillan 

Wife. Husband. Friend. Detective. Someone knows the truth ... all of them are 

lying. Fiona Cummins’ Into the Dark is just that ... a dark thriller which sees a 

family disappear from their beautiful art deco home in an affluent seaside town. 

Just ... disappear. All that’s left is a note written in blood on a mirror. MAKE THEM 

STOP. Revenge, greed, ambition ... this is a cracker of a thriller. PanMacmillan • 

More secrets, more disappearances in Susan Lewis’ Who’s Lying Now. This one 

sees an award-winning journalist who appears to have it all - high-flying career, 

happy marriage - who’s spending lockdown with her husband until one day ... 

she vanishes. A small town, big secrets, trust no one. The best kind of thriller! 

HarperCollinsPublishers. Both available at Exclusive Books 

Rose Walsh’s The Love of My Life is 

an exceptionally cleverly crafted story 

about a man who finds out his wife, 

and mother of his child, is not who 

she says she is. Even her name is false. 

It’s emotional and gripping and just 

lovely. Mantle 

It sounds a little daunting. 

Images of brain scans and 

explanations of brain types 

and neuroscience. Grief! 

But Dr Daniel Amen (who’s 

fab ... we follow him on IG @ 

doc_amen) walks the reader 

clearly and simply through 

You, Happier, his latest book 

which promises to make 

you 30 per cent happier in 

30 days ... regardless of your 

age, upbringing, genetics or 

current situation. He shows 

you how to protect your 

happiness by distancing 

yourself from the noise in 

your head, and how seven 

decisions and seven daily 

questions will enhance your 

happiness. Yes, there are scans 

and tables and science-based 

strategies. But there’s also 

‘finding happiness in your 

spice cabinet’. Hint: Saffron’s 

up there, so’s cinnamon. 

Tyndale Refresh, R257 from 

Exclusive Books 


Wish list 

Desirables to get us through the last of Winter 

Pack up a picnic 

Winter’s not only about sitting around the fire on 

the sofa, with chocolate cake and a hot toddy 

(not, we rush to point out, that there’s anything 

wrong with that at all!). But when the sun shines, 

and it’s warm outdoors, pack up a picnic blanket 

and a flask of coffee and enjoy an al fresco lunch. 

In Foolproof Picnic, Marina Filippelli has given five 

dozen delicious recipes, many of which are perfect 

for a winter picnic. Let’s be honest, not much beats 

a perfect ploughman’s with a classic scotch egg 

on the side (she’s included those suggestions), but 

there are also options, like Leek and stilton quiche 

with walnut pastry, a blueberry and raspberry loaf 

cake, lovely cheesy courgette scones, and a giant 

couscous salad with saffron-toasted tomatoes and 

beetroot. All very easy, completely delish and loads 

of tips - what to pack, games to play, and so on. 

Hardie Grant Books, R270 

06 Get It Lowveld August 2022 

A stroll through a small market led to us 

discovering the brilliant Earthmade - and 

these wonderful hand-crafted Coco Bowls, 

repurposed from wasted coconut shells. Each 

shell is reclaimed, cut, cleaned, polished and 

packed by hand ... use for smoothies, snacks, or 

decor. And since they’re all about doing good, a 

percentage of the profits is donated to carefully 

selected programmes in SA, from planting 

trees to saving the rhinos to protecting the 

oceans. R150 from earthmade.co.za, and watch 

out for new products in the pipeline ... think 

coco candles, bamboo straws, coconut cups, 

wooden cutlery. Local and unique ... made by 

earth, repurposed by you. Brilliant!

Mattifying and hydrating in one 

step. This new Clarins Skin Illusion 

Velvet foundation is a mattifying 

liquid foundation that gives a bare 

skin effect! It instantly enhances your 

complexion, controls shine and blurs 

imperfections, is lightweight, silky and 

leaves an invisible veil with a barelythere 

feel. What’s more, it’s bursting 

with skincare ingredients and is truly 

a nourishing beauty cocktail for the 

skin. R545 

Embrace the versatility of Port-style wines ... and win! 

We tend to think Port, and Port-style wines, of a drink for mature drinkers, to 

enjoy with a cheese board or dessert. But it really is one of the most versatile 

drinks ... working well with cocktails and with main dish pairings - think soups, 

curries, and read meat dishes like steak. Try these this winter ... 

The De Krans Premium Cape Ruby ... Go ahead and add it generously to your 

potjie or any meat dish in a slow cooker – guaranteed to take your meat dish 

to that next level. The Cape Ruby also pairs well with traditional Cape bobotie, 

waterblommetjie –bredie, rustic pastas and hearty soups. R99. 

The De Krans Cape Vintage pairs beautifully with a baked dessert like 

chocolate fondant or a piece of dark chocolate, and is sublime with well 

matured cheese. You can also serve this excellent value-for-money port-style 

wine with Karoo lamb potjie, venison pie or roasted vegetable lasagna. R129. 

Of all the different options, the De Krans Cape Tawny Limited Release, which 

spends an average of eight years ageing in an oak barrel, is probably the most 

unique and different. It’s an excellent alternative to sherry and best enjoyed 

slightly chilled. It not only pairs well with baked winter puddings like malva 

pudding and Crème Brûlée, as well as baked cheese with drizzled honey, nuts 

and rosemary, but will also elevate dishes like brown onion soup, loin of pork 

stuffed with dried fruit, or prawns prepared in a light Malaysian style. R240. 

The De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve, the flagship at De Krans, is truly 

something special. And to truly experience and appreciate the quality of 

this exceptional wine, it is best enjoyed on its own. Alternatively, it pairs well 

with matured cheese. And if you’re looking for an excellent gift ... it makes 

a jolly thoughtful one as it can be stored and matured for up to 40 years (in 

favourable cool conditions, with the bottles lying down). R375. 

You can order all online on dekrans.co.za. And you can win a pack of Port-style 

wines, too. We’re giving one reader a three-bottle carry pack. Head over to our 

IG page @getitnationalmagazines before August 25. Cheers! 

Giorgio Armani’s new fragrance, 

Stronger With You OUD, has been 

created for men and women and will 

be a hot fave with those who fancy 

oriental woody scents. Powerful oud, 

along with lavender and vanilla ... it’s 

powerful and sensual, all wrapped up 

in a beautiful __show-me-off bottle. 

You’ll find it at Mopani for R1895. 

Compiled by: KYM ARGO 


Charmaine Mabuza

Pushing the 

boundaries 

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY 

Charmaine cuts an impressive figure. 

Regal and elegant, she is also softspoken, 

with a throaty laugh that 

immediately puts you at ease, but 

don’t be fooled, this woman is a force 

to be reckoned with. Born in KwaZulu- 

Natal, she moved to the Lowveld 

after she met and married advocate 

Erick Mabuza. She loves the area and 

considers herself a true Lowvelder 

at heart. “There is so much space,” 

she laughs. “And it’s so beautiful. 

Mine is the proverbial large African 

family. I have three children of my 

own, and jointly Erick and I have 

seven. And believe it or not, I have 

16 grandchildren! Of course, we have 

these huge family get-togethers, 

which I love. I feel like the Lowveld 

really embraces that sort of lifestyle; it 

encourages authentic family contact.” 

Charmaine was reared by her 

single mum, helping to look after 

her siblings to ensure there would 

be funding for their education. 

“My mother was my first and most 

influential role model,” she says. “I am 

extremely family-orientated, and my 

motivation to succeed is a credit to 

my mother’s dedication and hard 

work. She was my inspiration, and 

most importantly instilled in me the 

importance of gender equality from 

an early age.” 

Always a trailblazer, in 2002 Charmaine 

was appointed one of the first black 

female sheriffs in South Africa for 

the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court, 

then Chair of the South African 

Board of Sheriffs, a post she held for 

a number of years. Along with her 

passion for equality and diligence, 

Charmaine’s mum also taught her the 

value of sharp business acumen. Her 

entrepreneurial spirit soon rubbed 

off on a daughter eager to learn, 

which she did through her hands-on 

involvement in the retail-based family 

It’s not every day you meet one of the world’s top 10 

most influential women in the global gaming industry. To 

celebrate Women’s Month, we catch up with Charmaine 

Mabuza, CEO of Ithuba Holdings, philanthropist, and 

doting grandmother, to find out just what makes her tick. 

The Mabuzas: Ben, Khensani, Charmaine, Erick and JR 

business, an excellent springboard 

for her later ventures. One of those 

ventures is Zamani Holdings, which 

Charmaine and Erick launched in 2008 

and of which Ithuba is a subsidiary. 

Charmaine, CEO of Ithuba, believes 

their great success is down to hard 

work and innovation. Her staff 

compliment is also predominantly 

female, in keeping with her passion for 

female empowerment. “The gaming 

industry on a worldwide level is very 

much a male-dominated one,” she 

says. For a black female to have risen 

so far up the ranks is testament to 

her determination and pure grit, also 

evidenced by the numerous awards 

and accolades she has received. 

In 2019 she won the Vision 2030 Top 

Woman in Education Award; in 2020 

Business Leader of the Year Award, and 

the Forbes Women Africa Impact Social 

Award. In 2021 she was awarded the 

Women CEO of the Year at the Africa 

Leadership Awards. On top of this, the 

World Lottery Association officially 

recognised Ithuba as one of the top 

five executed lotteries worldwide; 

this only one year after it became the 

National Lottery operator. 


Charmaine and granddaughter Rito 

Having got this far through hard work 

and hands-on practical experience, 

Charmaine views herself as a selftaught 

individual. “The awards are 

a humbling acknowledgment of 

the work we do, reminding me of 

what we are capable of. The driving 

force in my life is that you should 

never forget your roots. I come from 

humble origins and know first-hand 

what it’s like to lack the resources to 

follow your dreams.” This is one of the 

reasons she and Erick set up the Erick 

and Charmaine Mabuza Scholarship 

Foundation, an organisation very close 

to her heart. “The foundation enables 

well-performing students from 

disadvantaged backgrounds to further 

their studies,” she explains. “I believe 

strongly in the fact that education is 

the key to transformation in Africa.” 

The success rate speaks for itself; many 

of these students have gone on to 

become professionals in their chosen 

fields, from medicine to finance. 

Charmaine’s philosophy is that when 

you decide to do something, you do it 

properly. She is currently studying for 

a qualification at Harvard. “It is never 

too late to follow your dreams or do 

something you have always wanted 

to do,” she smiles. “That is why Ithuba is 

such a success story for me. We work 

to instil optimism and the attitude of 

giving to the least fortunate through 

our corporate social investment and 

scholarship programmes. For me, it’s 

about giving back to our communities 

in a way that will ensure a stable 

income for future generations. The 

entrepreneurial spirit in Africa is a 

largely untapped well of opportunity 

and endless possibility.” 

Charmaine believes the key to tapping 

into this on a personal level is self-love. 

Family is everything 


If you truly love 

and respect yourself 

for who you are, 

you will strive for 

the best for yourself 

Speaking specifically about young 

women, she explains that by nurturing 

and loving yourself, you will always 

make sure to give yourself what you 

deserve. If you truly love and respect 

yourself for who you are, you will strive 

for the best for yourself. “I always want 

to say to young people that the ‘social 

media’ lifestyle so many of them are 

living is a life of instant gratification 

and is really not sustainable. I think it 

is a great pity, because we get lost in 

all the clutter and we have forgotten 

the basics, such as self-love and having 

and working towards sustainable 

goals. And very importantly, spirituality. 

Spirituality gives you guidance; it is 

your higher power.” 

Balancing work and family isn’t always 

easy when you are travelling as much 

as she does, but Charmaine is slowing 

down, spending more time at home. “I 

love to be with my grandchildren, I’m 

a very hands-on granny,” she laughs, 

her face lighting up. “They really spoil 

me. I also spend a lot of time in my 

garden. I love tending the flowers 

and my veggies, they bring me great 

pleasure and joy. I would much rather 

have a garden party and invite friends 

over than go out to a restaurant. I love 

to cook,” she adds. “I experiment with 

everything, from Indian to Moroccan, 

which is my current favourite. Cooking 

is a relaxing and meditative thing 

for me, and mealtimes for us are an 

important part of the family dynamic. 

Sometimes, even if you live together, 

you live past each other, so it’s a 

chance to reconnect.” 

Charmaine also wants to spend more 

time on that which is closest to her 

heart, her community work. Changing 

lives for the better and giving back is 

extremely important to her. A bursary 

fund for young women is a project 

she is passionate about, not only with 

regard to funding, but also mentorship 

and guidance, and unlocking their 

potential. “I don’t ever want to be 

stagnant,” she says. “I love change. 

Change is what keeps us alive; without 

it we become idle. There is always 

potential for growth, no matter your 

age or circumstances. I’m not afraid to 

push boundaries, and my focus is on 

building a legacy.” 

We are a modern Physiotherapy practice that 

recently opened in Sonheuwel. Our aim is to get 

you back to your pain-free lifestyle, focusing on 

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with the latest technology. 

Conditions we treat: 

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Back and neck pain 

Muscle and joint injuries 

Orthopaedic conditions 

Chronic pain 

Sinusitis and TMJ pain 

Paediatric respiratory conditions 

Degenerative conditions/ Arthritis 

Pre/post Operative orthopaedic rehab 

My name is Carien Novais. I am a dynamic and 

passionate individual with a love for what I do. 

Being able to move is essential to your quality of life. 

I believe that we are a team, and that your recovery 

continues at home with supporting guidance and 

self-dedication. 

013 120 4737 Unit G04, 

064 682 0770 

29@Marloth Street, 

Nelspruit, Mbombela, 

admin@re-active.co.za 

1201


Bohemian 

Born in the old Western Transvaal, Annemarie van der 

Walt is a true country girl who has found her slice of 

heaven in a quaint and quirky village just a little off the 

beaten track. 

Annemarie, or An as she is known, 

grew up in the City of Gold and went 

on to graduate in political science 

and anthropology at Tuks. She started 

work at Beeld after graduating, but 

soon after left SA to work in Germany. 

“When I returned, I spent a short stint 

on the editorial staff for the South 

African Yearbook at the Department 

of Communication, then went back 

to Beeld.” An stayed on there until 

2003, when she left full-time employ 

to become a freelance columnist 

for them, which she has been doing 

for the last 17 years. An is also the 

voice behind the word programme 

and press releases of Innibos, a task 

she loves. “The world of books is also 

calling to me again, but all I can say 

now is watch this space!” she adds 

mysteriously. 

An came upon the little hamlet of 

Kaapsehoop purely by chance. “We 

were on a forced detour on the road 

between Pretoria and Marloth Park, 

I think it was sometime in 1999. I fell 

under the spell of the village and 

visited a number of times before I 

decided to purchase property there, 

which I did in December 2000.” The 

one An found was nothing short of 

a gem, the late Queen Mother’s royal 

coach which she had used during the 

1947 Royal Tour of South Africa. “It was 

brought to Kaapsehoop by Richard 

Huggett, who restored it beautifully,” 

she explains. When An first moved to 

Kaapsehoop with her daughters, they 


initially rented a small house, moving 

into the train while their own home 

was being built. “Rikarda (now 27) and 

Anke (now 24), still remember this 

as the best time ever,” she says, “even 

though we had so little in material 

belongings. In December 2007, we 

moved into the newly completed 

house and it has been a haven ever 

since, a place where family and friends 

feel welcome and cared for.” 

An’s girls are on the other side of 

the world now, but to them this will 

Annemarie van der Walt 

always be home. “Rikarda is in Bali at 

the moment, but moves around a lot 

since she and her soulmate, Robin 

Page, work on the super yachts,” says 

An. Anke is in South Korea, but will 

be moving to Washington, USA, next 

year. “She is newly wed to Dave Miguel 

(from the USA, but they met in South 

Korea), so I now officially have a son as 

well,” she says, laughing happily. “Sadly, 

I could not attend the wedding, but I 

am leaving on a jet plane for the first 

time in nine years in September to 

visit the daughters in Bali and South 

Korea … I’m counting the sleeps, I 

promise you! 

An is no stranger to travelling, and 

says she feels a little restless having 

kept still for so long. “That European 

adventure in my youth, when I worked 

in Germany and globetrotted all over, 

set the tone for me.” She has travelled 

extensively since then. “When the 

daughters turned 13, I took each one 

on a ‘Europe 101’ tour - alas, they took 

the bigger world to heart and flew 

the nest far and wide,” she says, a little 

nostalgically. 

Apart from Europe, An has visited most 

of the southern African countries, as 

well as Tanzania a few years ago. “Oh, 

the Ngorongoro Crater! And Masai 

Mara in Kenya,” she muses. “How I loved 

that. And Mozambique will always be a 

firm favourite. I think I was Portuguese 

in a previous life!” she laughs. An’s 

absolute favourite, though, is the Pafuri 

region in the Kruger National Park, on 

the banks of the Levhuvhu River. “Last 

year, I hiked the Nyalaland Trial, and 

next week I am on my way with two of 

my sisters and a few other girlfriends 

to the Makuleke concession area for a 

birding expedition. I can’t wait.” 

Finding solace in nature and stillness is 

something An finds crucial, especially 

in today’s upside-down world. 

“You have to deliberately make the 

choice to cut out the noise,” she says, 

“whether it is politics, the heated and 

opinionated mud-slinging on social 

media, or just people who for the life 

of them cannot let the sun shine over 

others. I am always wary of buzzwords, 

but being ‘mindful’ in your daily living 

is important. Taste the coffee, play with 

the dog, and make time to look at a 

sunrise or sunset. Surround yourself 

with readers - they always are the best

Luna and An 

conversationalists!” she chuckles. 

“I often stand still to think about what 

I allow to have an impact on my 

little life. Can I do something about 

it? Often the answer is no. To know 

about something (the war in Ukraine, 

all the million heavy things and even 

load-shedding!) does not mean I 

must allow it to take away or taint my 

daily happiness. It is an ongoing act 

of choice. Sometimes I am better at it 

than other days, but I always try to look 

for the good. I am inspired by people 

with emotional integrity and honesty, 

and parents, especially mothers with 

young children who keep all the balls 

of daily living in the air. Nature - there 

is so, so much to be in awe of, every 

single day. The quality of light, the 

smell of soil, the birdlife … I can go on 

and on! And of course, I read. That is 

my happy place,” she adds. 

Wanderlust and jet plane trips aside, 

for the time being, An has both 

feet firmly planted in the Lowveld. 

Following on from what she says about 

finding inspiration and appreciating 

the beauty of the world around you, 

she explains why so much of that 

joy is found right on her doorstep, in 

Kaapsehoop. 

‘Taste the coffee, play 

with the dog, and 

make time to look at 

a sunrise or sunset’ 

“What I love most by far is the freedom 

of movement; I need to take a hike 

every day for my own sanity as well 

as for the sake of Luna, my dog and 

soulmate. And since Nunu the cat 

joined us from Pro-Life 18 months ago, 

we are now three ‘ducks in a row’! I 

love the rocky landscape, but am also 

drawn to the Blue Swallow Reserve 

and the grassveld there. Walking 

through the plantations is yet another 

experience, and with Battery Creek 

Waterfall on our doorstep, I really am 

spoilt for choice.” It is this freedom of 

movement that was the exact reason 

why An left the city in the first place. 

That, and also so that Rikarda and Anke 

could experience a place where time is 

still such a luxury. 

The sense of community is also 

important to this inspiring woman, 

who bubbles over with enthusiasm for 

life. Although there are more residents 

now than way back then, An is part of a 

core group of like-minded friends who 

have loads of fun together. 

“I always say that small-town living 

teaches you to get along with people 

from all walks of life. Other than in a 

city where a suburb is maybe more 

homogeneous in terms of class and so 

on, here you have society as a whole in 

a concentrated form: from the village 

magnate to the village idiot, and 

everyone in between!” 


Against all odds 

Well known in the Lowveld for her work with the Cancer Association of South Africa 

and New Creation Embassy Ministries, internationally awarded medical specialist 

Eurika Mogane started out as a humble office worker in the heart of Mbombela. 


Along with a driving ambition to 

succeed, Eurika has a passion for 

people. “In 2010, I started my studies 

at Tuks,” this doctor says, “and in 

2011, I was awarded the Golden Key 

International Honours Society 

Lifetime Membership Award. The 

Golden Key Society is the world’s 

largest collegiate honour society for 

graduate and undergraduate students, 

and has strong ties to more than 

400 universities all around the world.” 

‘It is important to 

inspire, educate and 

encourage those 

with limited or no 

opportunities’ 

She says the Golden Key is built on 

the pillars of leadership, academics 

and service, and you qualify for 

membership when you are in the top 

15% of your class. “All I wanted was 

to work in the medical sector, but I 

couldn’t find part-time employment 

or manage a loan. On many occasions, 

I even had to walk the 30km to reach 

the medical campus because I couldn’t 

afford the fare. Every now and then, I 

was fortunate enough to have Pastor 

Ncedekile Mahlalela help me to travel 

from Mbombela to Pretoria after the 

holidays, something I still appreciate to 

this day.” 

Without the funds to purchase medical 

equipment or all the necessary 


Eurika Mogane 

textbooks, Eurika started braiding 

the other students’ hair to earn extra 

money. “I tried to not just give up 

on my studies. I told myself that if I 

couldn’t learn at university, I could 

learn in the field out there - I just didn’t 

want to quit,” she says. 

Unfortunately, Eurika simply couldn’t 

make ends meet and was forced to 

leave varsity in 2012. “I had to drop out 

of Tuks because my parents could not 

afford the tuition, accommodation, 

meals and transport fees for my 

BSc medical sciences studies. It was 

absolutely awful.” 

Eurika’s father, Lekios Mogane, worked 

as a taxi driver to put food on the table. 

“I was completely broken when I went 

home and told him,” she remembers. 

“But that was when I chose to rather 

walk around town going from one 

office to the next asking for working

Apostle Peter Jones and Eurika 

opportunities. One of the offices in 

Sonpark allowed me to work for a 

whole month doing basic admin. 

When it was month-end, the owner 

told me they didn’t have any money to 

give me and gave me a small bag with 

a bangle and earrings. I still have the 

bangle to this very day as a reminder of 

my humble beginnings,” she says. 

In 2013, she completed a community 

journalism qualification with Unisa, and 

in 2018, she became a merit achiever 

at Unigrad College completing 

her national diploma in business 

management and entrepreneurship, 

graduating top of her class. A few years 

later, Eurika completed her certification 

as a health and wellness practitioner 

and counselling therapist, and was 

nominated as an honorary alumnus 

with the Golden Key International 

Honours Society. Eurika has a passion 

for neuroscience, and in 2020 she 

completed her certification in medical 

neuroscience with Duke University. She 

also holds a number of competency 

diplomas and certificates in sports 

medicine, nutrition and cognitive 

behavioural therapy, proving that hard 

work pays off. 

Eurika says without the support of her 

family, none of it would be possible, 

especially that of her spiritual leader 

and partner, Apostle Peter Jones. “He 

has played a huge role in me being 

where I am today. He was the one who 

encouraged me to pursue my health 

and wellness studies while working. 

He also helped me to understand 

the different learning opportunities 

available online,” she smiles. “The love 

and patience from my father has also 

been such a major push for me to keep 

going no matter what. And my siblings 

remind me to never give up and to set 

a much-needed example, which I strive 

to do whenever I can.” 

Eurika’s journey and thirst for learning 

both in the lecture halls and outside 

has earned her a spot as brand 

ambassador for Alison, one of the 

world’s largest free learning platforms 

for educational and skills training. This 

is important as she knows first-hand 

that sometimes attending classes isn’t 

possible, and you have to do the next 

best thing, always remembering to 

refine your skills and never give up. 

This year, Eurika was nominated in 

Eurika and Morongwa Dlamini 

the health and wellness category of 

the Forty Under 40 Africa Awards, 

a prestigious event that aims to 

celebrate the African continent’s 

leading and most influential young 

business achievers. Eurika’s nomination 

was due to her contribution in the 

compilation and translation of a free 

online Covid-19 course for a UK-based 

online learning institution. She was 

also recognised as one of the Mail 

& Guardian’s Top 200 Young South 

African winners in the Editor’s Choice 

category. 

Eurika was over the moon with the 

news. “Being able to represent South 

Africa on such a remarkable platform 

against 63 contestants from various 

African countries, is a huge honour,” 

she says. “I am so grateful that I am 

able to share my motivational story 

with young people in South Africa, 

of overcoming financial hardship 

and never giving up on your dreams. 

As someone who has experienced 

adversity and come through it, I 

believe it is important to inspire, 

educate and encourage those with 

limited or no opportunities.” 

She is currently representing 

Mbombela in the Fabulous Women 

Awards in the health category, where 

she shares her new journey as CEO and 

co-founder of Tharika M Health and 

Wellness Centre, a space that offers 

holistic mental and physical healthcare 

support for the public. Eurika smiles. 

The future looks promising indeed. 


advertorial 

Shivon Wiggins - General 

Manager SP&P and Riverside 

Park CID Manager 

Shivon graduated from the University 

of the Witwatersrand in 1989 with a 

BSc in town and regional planning. 

“Not once did I ever let my gender hold 

me back,” she smiles. “I never let anyone 

treat me differently just because I was 

the only ‘girl’ in the room. In maledominated 

work environments, I held 

my own by developing a thick skin, a 

strong sense of self, and focused on 

getting the job done just as well, if not 

better, than my male counterparts. 

By simply ignoring nay-sayers and 

showing the haters that my passion 

and skill outweighed their negativity, I 

conquered the obstacles placed in my 

path. By age 28, I was already the chief 

town planner, managing mostly men 

older than myself.” 

Shivon has always dedicated herself to 

using her skills, energy, and zest for life 

to make a difference for others. She has 

a sustained passion for the property 

industry and the developmental 

opportunities that her field of expertise 

offers everyone. “I am very proud to 

lead the amazing (mostly female) team 

at SP&P, and to encourage them to 

shine and be the best they can be!” 

she smiles. 

“The sky is the limit for those who 

believe in themselves and love what 

they do!” 

girl 

power 

Lihandri Maritz - Riverside Industrial CID 

Manager/Minister of Riverside Finances 

Riverside has surrounded Lihandri with women who 

are inspiring from all walks of life. From the gentle ones, 

who bring out the mother hen in you, to the incredibly 

knowledgeable ones who teach you to look at things 

through a microscope. “And then there are the ones 

who are different and make you have to tilt your head to 

understand their point of view,” she laughs. 

“I have been blessed beyond words with an amazing 

team of women (and men) who surround and support us 

in our role. Being the (very proud) mom to a fancy four-year-old, which is my greatest 

achievement, I would like her to grow up looking at her mom as her rock, that nothing 

is out of her reach and her dreams should be big and beautiful … soppy, but true! 

Motherhood changes you, gives you an even thicker skin than before, where your 

purpose outweighs personal comfort.” 

Lihandri smiles as she adds that she isn’t sure everyone appreciates what working 

moms have to juggle, with the utmost grace and style. Don’t forget the smile … 

but on the other hand I don’t have the physical ability to lift a fridge! So here’s to 

everyone out there who is just trying to make things work. 

“Rock bottom will teach you things mountaintops never will.”

Jessica Prim - Riverside Park and Industrial 

CID Marketing Coordinator 

“Many people ask me what it is like to work in an 

all-female team. To which I respond “AMAZING”. How 

lucky am I to be in an environment that promotes 

collaboration over competition? An environment that 

abates drama and promotes cohesion. Rare, right? I 

know!” says Jess. 

The women at the helm of the 

Riverside CID are no slouches when 

it comes to running their respective 

departments efficiently and with a 

smooth elegance that belies the hard 

work that goes into it. We gain a little 

insight into their world. 

Lucia Ngobeni - 

Administration and 

Office Manager 

Lucia completed her 

studies and qualified 

with a diploma in 

business management 

and entrepreneurship. As 

a young and ambitious 

woman, she has found 

that being in the 

workplace has given her a sense of purpose and 

belonging that has contributed considerably to her 

personal development. 

“To date, my professional working experience 

has been rewarding and fulfilling in many ways,” 

she says. “I learn important lessons from all the 

women in our office as they each have different 

qualifications and extensive knowledge relating to 

their portfolio. This has helped broaden my outlook 

as well as fuel my belief that I have the ability to 

achieve anything that I set my mind to. 

“If you believe you can do it, you can!” 

“I am so grateful to be working for a company and 

in an era that acknowledges women’s contribution 

to the economy and encourages them to take up 

space, because I truly believe that equality shouldn’t be an ideal we strive for, but 

something we actively pursue,” she adds. “Changing the narrative starts with us and 

most times, the ones who are daring enough to challenge the status quo are the 

ones who change the world.” 

Jess is inspired and deeply moved by the collective effort made by all women 

who, in spite of life’s challenges, get up, show up and do what they need to for the 

generation following them. 

“You don’t get taken seriously by asking someone to take you seriously. You’ve got 

to show up and own it. If this is a man’s world, who cares? I’m still really glad to be 

a girl in it.”

advertorial 

Annatjie Groenewald - Super 

Steers Biltong 

Annatjie started up the Super Steers 

Biltong Kiosk in 1998, on the very 

same day Riverside Mall opened 

its doors. This woman, a primary 

schoolteacher by trade, was thrown 

into the business head first when 

her husband opened up Super 

Steers Butchery, the biltong kiosk, an 

extension. Annatjie enjoys working 

with people immensely. “My clients 

are my friends,” she smiles. “I was 

fortunate to have had three ladies 

who supported me throughout 

the years. They always provided 

a friendly and helpful service.” 

These women never ducked out of 

a challenge. Annatjie is proud to 

say that her recipe for success was 

and still is to provide high-quality 

biltong, always fresh, and to take 

care of their clients with excellent 

service and a friendly smile. She has 

put together a beautiful scrapbook 

of special memories of clients. In 

one case, she recalls a young woman 

coming over to her to say that her 

first-ever visit to the kiosk was as 

a baby with her mum. Now she is 

20 and still visiting Super Steers! “I 

am so grateful to all my clients for 

supporting me for so many years,” 

she adds, “and Riverside Mall for 

accommodating me. My motto is 

to do my job thoroughly and with 

enjoyment. My 

message to all 

the women 

out there is 

to believe in 

God, believe 

in yourself, 

and make the 

most of every 

opportunity.” 

Bernadine Blackbeard - 3@1 

Bernadine moved to Mbombela with her family last year, 

opening up her 3@1 Business Centre. Her position is diverse. 

She laughs that she is an owner/operator, a marketer, a 

cleaner and the retail staff. Bernadine’s favourite thing 

about her shop is the privilege of opening up the doors 

in the mornings and interacting with her customers. 

“The highlight of being a woman in business is that 

strong trait that enables you to work well with others and 

build long-lasting relationships, thereby including one 

another’s business ventures in future prospects. We often 

underestimate ourselves,” she adds, “we have so much going for us that when one 

day we decide to take a jump, a security net unfolds beneath us.” She reminds us 

that it is important to always stay relevant - take courses, attend workshops, and 

read books, so that when Lady Luck comes calling, we are able to recognise and 

welcome her. “After all,” Bernadine laughs, “if you give a woman a potato, she will 

give you a meal. If you give her a house, she will give you a home. Just imagine 

what will happen if you give her recognition!” 

women 

at work

Felicity Blum - Nevills 

“I am the operations manager, stock controller, buyer, and 

seller. A Jackie of all trades and mistress of none!” laughs 

Felicity, who, with her husband, Duncan, owns Nevills 

Clothing. On July 1, Felicity celebrated 20 years of being 

with Nevills and she has loved every minute of it. She loves 

to make people feel special within their own style. “Every 

day brings new faces and ideas to our store, but to make 

clients fit into something that is unique to their taste is 

so rewarding. We do face challenges sometimes, with fits 

and cuts that don’t quite work, but we always make a plan. 

Customer satisfaction is guaranteed.” Felicity adds that as women we often forget 

just how powerful we are. If we can put on a new shade of lipstick and change the 

world with those lips, just imagine what a new outfit can do, especially when worn 

with confidence as a jacket. “I live by the mottos a smile can change someone’s 

life, and never judge a book by its cover. We think with our hearts, and that alone 

is so powerful that I believe we can move mountains. Oh yes, and kindness is free - 

sprinkle it everywhere!” 

The Lowveld is full of determined, 

strong and successful women, 

from all walks of life. In honour of 

Women’s Month, we chat to a few 

of the Riverside Mall’s leading 

business ladies. 

Ellis Phakathi 

- Detroit Spur 

Ellis, a floor 

manager at 

Detroit Spur, is 

married with 

three beautiful 

kids. She has been 

with the company 

for 10 years and 

loves what she does. She especially 

enjoys the “people” aspect of the job, 

chatting to customers both old and new, 

meeting new people, and providing 

the best service she can for them. For 

her, being a manager means guiding 

people and sharing ideas. Her message 

to women is to keep up the good work, 

to be strong, and to try to be mothers 

to the world. She explains that by doing 

this, she means to fight against genderbased 

violence and crime, and to protect 

kids from drugs. “In the workplace, it’s 

the women who are passionate about 

what they do. They are good listeners, 

the problem-solvers. Women should 

be recognised for all they contribute to 

society,” she says. “Personally, I think a 

female president would do our country 

the world of good!”

Hands, knees, heels and 

Winter means harsh, icy winds, dry indoor heat, and low humidity levels, which lead 

to a lack of moisture in your skin and hair, especially when it comes to areas more 

prone to exposure, such as the hands, face and feet. 


These factors make it harder for 

the skin to maintain its natural 

moisture levels, and the skin’s natural 

protective oils, which act as a barrier 

against exposure to environmental 

onslaughts, are depleted. 

Signs of dry skin: 

• Redness 

• Irritation 

• Cracked heels 

• Chapped lips 

• Flakiness 

• Itchiness or burning sensation 

• Rough texture. 

It’s not all doom and gloom, 

though. By making a few changes 

to your skin and haircare routines, 

you can maintain soft, supple skin 

throughout the cold, dry months. 

It’s all about hydration, both 

inside and out, avoiding a few 

triggering factors, and following 

a few simple steps. 

Note that exceptionally dry, painful 

or flaky skin could mean you have 

a medical condition such as xerosis 

or eczema, in which case, consider 

getting a professional opinion. 

Tips for Winter skincare 

1. Avoid excessively hot baths or 

showers 

Hot water strips the skin of its natural 

oils, leaving it susceptible to drying, 

cracking and flaking. As tempting as it 

is to run a hot bath after a cold day, try 

to maintain a lukewarm temperature 

whenever possible. 


2. Moisturise your skin while still 

damp from a bath or shower 

Washing your body, face or hands 

strips them of their natural oils, 

making it important to lock in extra 

moisture by applying your moisturiser 

while your skin is still damp. 

3. Drink lots of water 

We often forget to drink adequate 

water when the weather is cold, but 

it’s just as important. Because the skin 

can’t retain moisture as well as usual, 

water helps to replenish the shortfall. 

4. Up your skincare’s moisture 

content 

Check the ingredients on your 

regular skincare, and if necessary, 

change it for an ultra-moisturising 

option for the Winter months. 

Hydrating oils such as apricot, 

avocado or jojoba are good 

options. 

5. Moisturise your lips 

Lips don’t have oil glands, and much 

thinner skin, meaning that they 

can get extremely dry in Winter, 

especially being constantly exposed 

to the elements. Keep your lip balm 

on hand and apply whenever they 

start to feel dry or chapped. 

6. Wear gloves 

Constantly 

washing your 

hands strips them 

of their natural 

oils. Keep a travelsize 

hand cream 

with you and 

apply frequently, 

especially after 

washing or using 

sanitiser. Gloves 

also protect your 

hands, so opt 

for a pair when 

exposing them to 

the elements. 

7. Apply sunscreen 

It’s easy to forget sunscreen during 

Winter’s shorter days and longer 

nights, but don’t. UV light can still 

penetrate the skin’s moisture barrier, 

so remember to include it in your 

morning skincare regimen. 

8. Wear non-irritating fabrics 

If your skin feels dry or itchy, avoid 

wearing harsh or abrasive materials 

that will worsen the condition, instead 

opting for comfy, loose, natural fabric. 

Also, consider washing your clothes in 

a sensitive skin detergent.

9. Avoid exfoliants and abrasive 

scrubs 

Exfoliation keeps the skin looking 

smooth and supple by removing 

dead skin cells, and for the most part 

is an important step in your skincare 

routine. However, they can break 

down the moisture barrier, especially 

if you have dry or flaky skin, so 

use your discretion and consider 

avoiding it until your skin feels better. 

10. Fine-tune your skin regimen 

Consider simplifying your skincare 

routine, with a nourishing 

moisturiser, light sunscreen and 

gentle cleanser for daytime, and 

a rich, moisturising overnight 

treatment. 

So, while Jack Frost is in town, 

remember to wrap up warm, 

and take advantage of the cosy 

fireside and hot tea weather. Our 

Winters are not long or especially 

cold and the warm sunshine 

of Summer will be back before 

you know it. You can also opt 

for a luxurious pamper at one 

of our many local spas. A bit of 

spoiling is always in order! In the 

meantime, look after your skin, 

keep hydrated and stay snug.

3 

ENTRY FEE 

YOUR OWN 

ROUTE & Distance 

SEPTEMBER 

2022 

6 AM to 

6 PM 

LIMITED to 

60 000 ENTRIES 

R120,00 

per entry 

This year your entry fee will be used to help SPAR’s Petals Project, in 

partnership with various charities across the country, to donate packs of 

sanitary pads that will help keep girls in school. 

Follow us on Instagram 

@SPARVirtualChallenge

Enter online at 

www.sparvirtualchallenge.co.za 

Online entries close on 13 August 2022 

Your virtual challenge pack will include a beautiful t-shirt, gorgeous matching 

buff, treasured medal and a printed copy of the My Virtual Challenge Magazine.


Dried orange slices 

Dried orange slices are the 

easiest thing in the world to 

make, are full of concentrated 

vitamin C and antioxidants, and 

have a myriad of uses. Choose 

a cold Winter’s day when you’ll 

be spending time indoors, as 

the oven is on for a while and 

makes the house all toasty, with 

an abundance of delicious, 

citrusy aromas. 

Note: You can use any type 

of citrus fruit, including blood 

oranges, grapefruit, lemons and 

limes. 

Ingredients 

• 4 oranges, washed and dried 

Method 

Preheat your oven to 80°C. 

Thinly slice the oranges into 

slices with a sharp knife or 

mandolin. They must be around 

3-4mm thick (the thinner the 

better). Blot dry with kitchen 

paper, removing any seeds. 

Line three baking trays with 

baking paper and place the 

orange slices onto the paper. 

Bake them for 4 to 5 hours, 

depending on the thickness 

of the slices - thinner slices go 

quicker. Turn them every hour. 

They are done when there is 

no moisture left in them, test 

with your fingertips. Provided 

they are completely dry, they 

will keep for up to two years in a 

sealed container. 


sensational 

Citrus 

Citrus lovers in the Lowveld anticipate the colder months 

with glee, as this is the time the orchards come alive, 

trees drooping with bright orange and red fruits, the air 

zinging with a fresh, zesty smell. 

Citrus is renowned for its thick rinds 

and pulpy centres, the flesh separated 

into segments, each of which is 

packed with juice. The aromatics and 

extracts for citrus come from the rind, 

which is rich in citrus oils. 

There are numerous types and 

subtypes of oranges, lemons, limes, 

and grapefruits, all of which have a 

high acid and vitamin C content, and 

all of which fall into three of the five 

main flavour variants - sweet, sour 

and bitter. The degree of sweetness, 

sourness or bitterness depends on the 

type of citrus, for example an orange is 

not as sour as a lemon, and a lemon is 

not as bitter as a grapefruit. 

Delicious on their own, all of the citrus 

family do well in drinks, salads or 

baked goods, think of burnt orange 

tart, grapefruit and walnut salad, 

lemon meringue and key lime pie. 

Freshly squeezed orange or 

grapefruit juice is heavenly, and 

easily obtained at home with the 

help of a citrus juicer. Fresh lemon 

juice makes home-made lemonade 

that is easy, refreshing and packed 

with goodness. Limoncello is also a 

super-easy option to make at home. 

When storing them, out of the 

fridge is best, they yield the most 

juice at room temperature. If you 

want them to keep for a few weeks, 

they should be stored in a veggie 

drawer in the fridge. Keep them 

separate from vegetables like onion 

and broccoli as they will hasten the 

ripening process and cause the 

citrus to go off faster.

What are the health benefits 

of citrus fruit? 

• They are high in antioxidants 

• They are packed full of vitamin C 

• They have a low sugar content 

• They can aid in cancer prevention 

• They can help prevent kidney stones 

• They may help reduce inflammation 

• They are packed full of fibre 

• They’re high in healthy metabolites. 

How to use your orange slices 

• Dip them in chocolate and sprinkle a little coarse sea salt over them. • Make 

chocolate bark by spreading melted chocolate over baking paper, topping with 

orange slices, and then breaking into pieces. • Jazz up your cheeseboards or 

platters with your orange slices as garnish. • They make gorgeous gifts, simply 

pop into a pretty jar with a ribbon. • They add delicious flavour and glorious 

colour to cocktails, and make the most of rooibos or herb tea with a slice of 

orange. • They are the perfect addition to meals, add them to stews, soups, 

tagines, granola or salads. • Grind to a fine powder then add seasoning of your 

choice for a delicious rub. • Delicious (and pretty) on top of cakes, cupcakes and 

tarts. • You can also make decorations for wreaths, gift tags, or add a few dried 

rose petals for potpourri.

advertorial 

Green living 

in the heart of the city 

Life is all about the little things, experiencing the moments in 

time that define and enhance our awareness of who we are and 

our surroundings. This is why it is important to make sure your 

home and living area is suited to your needs. 

Who isn’t tired of the ever-growing fuel 

costs every month and wasting time in 

traffic? Imagine living minutes away from 

the office, essential shops and medical 

and educational facilities, while still 

being in the heart of Mbombela’s fastestgrowing 

precinct, but also surrounded 

by nature? Convenience and comfort all 

in one! 

Green Valley is an amazing investment 

opportunity with lock-up-and-go living. 

Away from the noise outside town, but 

a short distance from the business hub 

and inside an estate - that is the sort of 

lifestyle most people desire these days. 

People want a secure yet eco-friendly 

living environment that will allow them 

the freedom to live and experience life 

while being able to appreciate the calm 

beauty of the outdoors. 

The local developers of the Green Valley 

Estate, within the Riverside precinct just 

on the edge of the Greater Riverside 

Biodiversity Initiative, have done their 

homework, applying mindfulness to the 

design and layout of what will ultimately 

be 590 units. With half of the estate’s

orders meeting indigenous greenbelt reserves, the intention 

is to combine urban convenience with countryside quality of 

life, ensuring the highest standard of excellence. 

Part of the estate will be dedicated to running and educational 

indigenous plant walking trails, secluded braai spots, a fitness 

park, a jungle gym, and a few bird hides near a new irrigation 

dam. Children can chase butterflies and fly their kites, enjoy 

the freedom of the outdoors and generally be carefree. A 

swimming pool, clubhouse and communal braai area will be 

added during phase 2 of the development. Imagine weekends 

spent in the great outdoors, long, lazy picnics, a braai with 

friends, the kids getting fresh air while you do a spot of birding 

or go on a walking trail to experience nature’s magic … all 

virtually in your backyard. 

One of the most established construction companies in the 

Lowveld, Norse Projects, will make use of green building 

techniques in combination with precast elements and 

innovative systems such as bulk gas-on-tap solutions to the 

living units, presenting this development as an attractive 

investment opportunity with building quality at the forefront. 

Add to this energy-efficient lighting, smart metering for gas 

and electricity, eco-friendly waste management, fibre-ready, 

premium Geberit plumbing systems, controlled access and 

electric perimeter fencing, and best of all, a Curro school just 

across the road! 

Green Valley Estate will offer seven unit options, starting 

with one bedroom, one bathroom, to three bedrooms, two 

bathrooms, or 45.5m² to 97.4m² in size. They will fit each unit 

with modern, quality features and fittings, and the options of 

additional extras to customise each unit to suit your dream. 

And here’s an interesting little fact - none of the living units 

will have passages. “The reason for this is simple,” explains 

the developer. “It is because we have optimised the space for 

improved interior design and ergonomics, that the natural 

flow of the interior is given free rein.” 

The local developers of the estate area are a consortium of 

established Lowveld professionals, who formed Greenbelt 

Developments intending to develop this specific area into 

an ideal living, working and living environment. This offers 

integrity for investors as well as for those owners who intend 

to make this their home. 

Green Valley Estate is your working-in-the-city-but-livingoutside-it 

dream come true. 

Visit our sales office on-site today! The choice is yours. 

Details 

Contact Glory Mkhonza on 064 961 2796 today, or visit our 

website at www.greenvalleyestate.co.za to book a viewing

advertorial

the 

perfect 

pass 

Pottie Potgieter and Calie Olivier 

After 42 years as BUCO’s manager for the eastern region, Calie 

Olivier is handing over the game plan to his successor, Pottie 

Potgieter. Among many things, these two men share mutual 

respect, strong leadership and a love of rugby. 

When you ask Calie what he did at 

BUCO for the past 42 years, he responds 

with “Working incredibly hard!”, but 

not without laughing deeply from 

his stomach. Managing 11 BUCO 

branches is indeed hard work, but 

Calie’s management style is what carried 

him through while also garnering him 

respect from his team. 

“I have been working under Oom 

Calie since April 1, 1998. He has been a 

mentor and father figure to us all,” Pottie 

explains. “He has a gentle way of putting 

you in line, especially when reacting too 

quickly in situations, or if you don’t think 

twice before sending that angry email.” 

Pottie says Calie gave their team 

immense creative freedom within the 

business, but also offered guidelines to 

practise this freedom. He allowed his 

employees to make mistakes, and if you 

stepped over the line, he would lead you 

back to the playing field. 

“Managing a business is not that 

different from coaching rugby,” Calie 

smiles. “One of the most important 

factors is the players you select to build 

your team. Even your future players - you 

need to know who your replacement is 

going to be in case someone gets hurt or 

steps down. You can win the game if you 

have the right players.” 

Besides employers, Calie says their 

suppliers and clients also make up the 

other important pillars of the business. 

Pottie has already started filling Calie’s 

big shoes, but he will be taking over 

officially in October. “What I admire and 

learnt from Calie is the way he notices 

the positive qualities in people. I am 

a big fan of the South African rugby 

coach, Rassie Erasmus, because he does 

the same: he sees potential in players 

and builds on that.” 

What Calie admires in Pottie, is that 

even though he is a good listener, 

he isn’t afraid to take control and 

manage with his “own flavour”. “He 

always comes with solutions instead 

of problems - that makes him a great 

leader,” Calie adds. Pottie also likes to 

follow a game plan - whether it’s for 

business strategies or budgets - and it 

is important to know when you should 

pass responsibilities to others. 

Calie won’t disappear from Pottie’s 

playing field completely - they are 

friends and neighbours - but the time to 

pass the ball has arrived. Even though 

the adrenaline rush causes butterflies in 

his stomach, Pottie is ready to run with 

it and score big for BUCO.

GET IT DIRECTORY

GET IT DIRECTORY

Spoil 

August 

Man’s best friend ... woof! 

It’s take your pet to work day. Kidding. But if it 

were, he’d need a snazzy office chair. Or at the 

very least, this luxurious dog car-seat-bed-travelcarrier 

combo which allows your pooch to travel, 

sit and snooze in style and comfort. It’s features 

include fully removable cushions for cleaning 

(no smelly dogs allowed), memory foam for 

extra comfort, a removable internal mat, plush 

high-end upholstery grade washable soft fabric 

and high-end Italian metal trims. There’s also a 

secure seatbelt clip to secure your dog to the seat 

and prevent jumping around, and attachments 

that work in the back seat and the front. It’s one 

of the sensational products we found on the 

petitefrench.com website ... designed locally, 

there are on-the-go collapsable bowls, dog life 

jackets for boating trips and tug toys. We’ve got a 

R5000 voucher to give away for one spoilt pooch 

... walkies over to @getitnationalmagazines on 

IG before August 25 to win.

Aug 22 - Lowveld

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