JHB North - July 24

JOBURG NORTHERN SUBURBS
Celebrate the
GOLDEN
Front row seats
to fine dining ...
you’re invited to
The Chef’s Table
YEARS
Beauty for over 60s. Gogos.
And a handful of ageing
disgracefully books!
Easy drinking,
& affordable wines
Treats without
the guilt
SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
JULY 24

&
Socks ’stocks
Hey pops. You with the socks and ‘stocks.
You’re trending. The laid back combo of
wearing sandals with socks is all over social
media, worn by celebs and street style icons.
And at the forefront of the trend is none other
than Birkenstock, with the Winter Shearling
range paired with the brand’s
chunky cotton socks. Go granddad!
Find the shearling Birkenstocks
(R3799) and the cotton twist socks
(R399) online at bashafrica.com

CONTENTS
THIS MONTH
04 A tasty line-up of what’s happening in Jozi
06 Book Club ... stories about ageing (sometimes disgracefully)
08 Wish List ... life’s snuggest and most sensational finds
10 Social ... on cloud wine at The Trophy Wine Show Public Tasting
GET IT
Editorial
Caxton House • 368 Jan Smuts Avenue
Craighall, Joburg
Instagram: @get_it_joburg_north
Facebook: Get It Joburg North Magazine
Website: getitmagazine.co.za/
joburg-north
National Group Editor & National Sales
Kym Argo
kyma@caxton.co.za
Facebook and Instagram:
@getitnationalmagazines
Website: getitmagazine.co.za
Workflow & Studio Manager Megan Brett
Contributor: Lisa Witepski
Distribution
Get It Joburg Northern Suburbs is
distributed free of charge. For a full list of
where it is available phone 010-971-3605
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 Caxton
Northern branch within 10 days or they will be
forfeited. Prizewinners’ names are published on
our social media pages monthly.
COVER PHOTO CREDIT
Marlon Waldman
JULY 24
PEOPLE
12 Back to The Bioscope with Russell Grant
14 Jane Simmonds empowers gogos to be great
BEAUTY
16 Keep them guessing your age
FOOD & WINE
18 Rosebank’s finest culinary delights
20 Treat yourself to a handful of guilt-free goodies
22 Cheers to affordable wines
GARDENING
24 Keep your garden fresh and fragrant despite the Winter chill
RETIREMENT
26 Top tips for drawing up your will
TRAVEL
30 Discovering Mount Nelson, a gem in the Mother City
32 Tintswalo Waterberg ... where luxury meets family
WIN
08 A case of Zandvliet Shiraz
34 Two bottles of Tamnavulin’s finest scotch whiskey
19
July 24 Get It Magazine 03

If you have a date for the Get It diary page, email the info at least a month in advance to megan@caxton.co.za
A hot date!
A tasty line-up to a groovy July
03
Hungry for some midweek
entertainment? Join Siya Seya
& Friends for dinner, comedy and
Jazz. Groove to background rhythms
and beats of King Kraal’s live jazz band,
Ntosh Madlingozi hosts the comedy
segment with featuring act Siya Seya in
a fresh stand-up performance, all while
you dine to delicious food. From 7pm
at Kings Kraal, M71 & Porterhouse St,
Bryanston. No entrance fee. Dinner and
drinks will be for your own account. A
service fee of R100 will be charged to
guests who don’t order a meal. Book
your seat through quicket.co.za
06
When you mix hot dance
moves with vibrant Hispanic
flavours and bottomless bubbly you
get The Bubbly Circle Fiesta. Put on
your dancing shoes (no experience
needed) for some instructed salsa
dancing. Dine to a delectable
Hispanic-inspired meal and enjoy a
sparkling tasting session of South
African bubbles. 5pm at La Boqueria,
17A 3rd Ave, Parktown North. Tickets
from R950 through webtickets.co.za
05
Fabulous, hands-on Holiday
Cooking Classes for kids ages
11 and older. Your children will cook a
creamy chicken pasta and make tasty
doughnuts under the expert tuition
of Chef Christine in a fun, informative
class. Skills taught include measuring,
terminology and tips related to baking,
safety in the kitchen, correct use of
equipment and more. The class will
enjoy a social lunch sampling their
culinary creations. All ingredients are
supplied as well as a printed recipe
to recreate your creation back at
home. 8.30am until 12.30pm at Simply
Delectable Cooking School, Randburg
on July 5. R450 per person. Book
through www.quicket.co.za
05
Get a slice of the action at
The Amex Tennis Town, a fan
park that reimagines the traditional
viewing experience by combining
live Wimbledon screenings with
a range of engaging activities.
Challenge friends at tennis gaming
stations or showcase your skills on a
full-size tennis court with interactive
coaching lessons. Tennis SA and
American Express will host up to
1500 people each day. 1pm to 10pm
at Montecasino on July 5 to July 14.
Tickets cost R200 for the general
public with proceeds directed
to support the American Express
Tennis Development Programme.
Book through ticketpros.co.za
12
The glitz, the glam and the sweet sounds of Swingin’ Las Vegas ... it’s a show
paying homage to the music of the stars over the past few decades who have
made Vegas ... well, Vegas. We’re talking Elvis, Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack as
well as modern-day singers Michael Buble, Robbie Williams, Adele and more.
Taking you on this musical journey is the Johannesburg Big Band featuring
Corlea, Timothy Moloi, Craig Urbani and Harry Sideropoulos. Get ready to click
those fingers to Frank’s I’ve Got You Under My Skin and have some fun with Harry
as he croons Sex Bomb. The Teatro, Montecasino from July 12 to July 21. Tickets
cost from R240 to R390 through webtickets.co.za
04 Get It Magazine July 24

20
Promising a four-course
midwinter feast and loads of
festivities is Fairlawns Christmas in
July. Yummy amuse bouche flaked
salmon, glazed ham hock, cranberry
pomme dauphine and peitie mince
pies are just some of the delicious
items mentioned on the menu. Pair
it with de Grendel wines, bespoke
novelties, live entertainment, a
parting gift and you have yourself
the perfect Christmas celebration for
adults. 7pm at Fairlawns Boutique
Hotel on July 19 and 20. No under
18s. R1095 per person. Book
via quicket.co.za
26
If you are seeking a healthy and
more sustainable way of living
and are ready to make conscious
choices, The Good Life Show is a
great place to start. This year, they
bring together four dynamic events
under one roof … The Plant Powered
Show, Natural & Organic Show, The
Free-from Show and SustainEx.
And with Woolworths as a partner
driving sustainable food choices,
guests can experience live cooking
demos, interactive masterclasses
and chefs demos at the Woolworths
Good Life Show Kitchen. 26 July
26 to 28 at Kyalami International
Convention Centre. Tickets cost R220
through quicket.co.za
27
View artist Bambo Sibiya
latest powerful body of
work - Ngemva Kokuqubuka –
After Precarity. A solo exhibition
of work that imagines a restorative
and redemptive world through
representation of Black and femme
subjects captivating a blend of
beauty, dignity and strength. A
unique element of the exhibition is
The Library where visitors will have
the opportunity to engage with a
curated selection of materials related
to his artistic practice including
sketches and accessories from photo
shoots giving you an insight into
his creative process. CIRCA Gallery
is open Monday to Friday from 9am
until 6pm and Saturday from 9am
until 1pm and you can view his
exhibition until July 27.
27
Sharing the rhythm and
art form of Jazz with
Johannesburg is Carnegie Hall’s
National Youth Jazz Orchestra.
Composed of young musicians ages
16 to 19 from across the United
States who train, perform and tour
with some of the world’s greatest
artists. Bandleader Sean Jones will
lead NYO Jazz, joined by vocalist
Alicia Olatuja and local guest soloists.
7pm on July 26, 3pm and 7pm on
July 27 and 3pm on July 28 at The
Market Theatre. Tickets cost R250
via webtickets.co.za
REQUESTED
AN IMAGE
It’s an outdoor affair. It’s a festival of flavour and a get-together of good
taste. Part picnic, part performance. Part concert, part caper. It’s The
Luxurious Marble Circus and it’s coming to town. There will be music
to move you and the finest food and cocktails to sustain you and at
sundown, the circus stage bursts to life with a plethora of astonishing acts
to surprise and delight you, ranging from circus performers to awardwinning
talent. And because tickets are selling out like hot cakes, we are
sharing the news now with you. Ground The Venue in Muldersdrift on
October 26 and 27. Tickets cost R950. Details: luxuriousmarblecircus.com
28
Compete and eat for charity.
Nicarela Charity will host the
annual Potjiekos competition, where
teams will cook and sell bowls of
potjiekos in support of care homes
for abused women and children and
local school bursaries. Join for a fun
family day out in the park with a beer
tent, music, snack stalls and plates of
potjiekos on sale at R100 per serving.
From 9.30am at George Hay Park
in Parkview on July 28. Entrance to
the park is free. For more info, email
nicarelacharity@gmail.com or visit
Nicarela Chairty on Facebook.
July 24 Get It Magazine 05

Book club
Being happy at 100. A murder in a retirement village. And ageing disgracefully.
There’s a load of fun to be had when you’re no longer nine to five-ing!
In Clare Pooley’s How To Age Disgracefully, Daphne knows that age is just
a number, but that society no longer pays her any attention – something
she’s happy to exploit to help her hide a somewhat chequered past. But
finding herself alone on her 70th birthday, with only her plants to talk to and
neighbours to stalk online, she decides she needs some friends. Joining a Senior
Citizen’s Social Club, she’s horrified at the expectation she’ll spend her time
enduring gentle crafting activities. Thankfully, the other members – including
a failed actor addicted to shoplifting and a prolific yarn-bomber – agree. After
a tragic accident, the local council threaten to close the club – but they have
underestimated the wrong group of pensioners! Penguin • If You Live to 100, You
Might As Well Be Happy. Well, exactly! Rhee Kun Hoo was in his 70s and retired
from his psychiatry career when he took up writing. Now in his twilight years,
his lessons for a long and joyful life tells of the often-overlooked value of ageing.
He shares his wisdom and philosophy for finding a life well-lived, exploring
forgiveness, how to persevere (but also know when to quit) and opening yourself
to the simple joys available to you every day. Life, he says, is a story worth reading
until the very last page. Penguin Random House
06 Get It Magazine July 24
All books available at Exclusive Books
Old Man’s Blend. . Because ... requirement issue. And because it’s a
really fine wine ... all ripe red fruit with raspberry and fresh cherry.
And it’s affordable, around R115 from your local bottlestore.

After 30 years of marriage, Louisa is
stunned when her husband asks for
a divorce. He has, apparently, fallen
in love with a young woman who,
horrors, also happens to be the ex
who broke their son’s heart. So off he
goes to start his new life, while she
sells up the family home and begins,
after a while, to make some exciting
life plans. Oh ... and that new life of his.
Living that dream is not all as hunky
as he thought it would be! An Ideal
Husband by Erica James is all family
drama and humour and a wonderfully
satisfying ending! HQ
The Summer of 1919, and following
the end of the First World War,
Constance is without prospects.
While looking for a position as a
bookkeeper or (horrors) a governess,
she’s sent - rather reluctantly - as a
lady’s companion to an old family
friend convalescing at a seaside
hotel. So sets the scene for the
smashingly enjoyable new book by
Helen Simsonson - The Hazelbourne
Ladies Motorcycle and Flying
Club ... all English high society and a
country preparing to celebrate peace
and - obviously - and handsome
fighter pilot to warm things up a
little. Bloomsbury
63-year-old Syliva is furious when
she finds her husband in bed with
another woman. But then it dawns on
her ... she hates living in a retirement
village - it’s for old people, and
she’s certainly not old. She and her
70-year-old, tremendously glamorous
friend head to Manhattan to start a
new life ... which includes reviving
her wedding planning business and
being back in the dating game. Hillary
Yablon’s Sylvia’s Second Act is a
hilarious feel-good read, showing how
growing older may not always mean
growing wiser, but it certainly does
mean having a lot of fun! Orion
There’s been a murder in the Shady
Oaks retirement centre. The victim is
a retired policeman, and his murder is
soon followed by another body being
discovered - that of the home’s head
of security. Add one ace detective and
her partner, throw in a love interest
and two marvellous old biddies and
you’ve a heart-stoppingly exciting
read. Cheater by Karen Rose. Headline
Tired of making and endless supply
of aubergine bhajis, Mrs Sidhu
- caterer and amateur sleuth - is
delighted when she gets offered a
position as chef in a quiet village.
Until she discovers that a murderer is
apparently picking victims through
the fairground raffle. Mrs Sidhu’s
Dead and Scone by Suk Pannu is
delightfully dark. Harper Collins UK
July 24 Get It Magazine 07
Compiled by: KYM ARGO

Wish list
Baby it’s cold outside.
Warm up your decor with one of the muted shades in the collection
of eight earthy tones, selected to celebrate South Africa’s crafts
and culture, in Plascon’s new Origin colour palette. The collection
embodies a sense of authenticity, representing the cultural
heritage and artistry of the African continent with a
warmth and style designed to infuse interiors with
hope. Think glowing, golden Turkish Tart, the richly
saturated earthen Ginger Biscuit and Spanish Gold
which add heat, while the monochromatic duo Light
Reflection and Ewa, a dark charcoal black, are ideal
for kitchens and bathrooms. Details: plascon.co.za
Win ... we’re giving away a
case of Zandvliet Shiraz ...
simply pop over to
@get_it_joburg_north on
Instagram or Facebook
to enter.
July 25 is Shiraz Day. So it would be
rude not to raise a glass in celebration.
Zandvliet Shiraz is all plums,
blackcurrants and pepper with hints
of spice on the nose ... with the deep
flavours following through, along with
a hint of dark chocolate. This wooded
dry red is gorgeous with Boeuf
Bourguignon. Around R160 a bottle.
Details: zandvliet.co.za
08 Get It Magazine July 24

Sunnies aren’t just for Summer. And with specks of amber,
brown, and black, a perfect Winter choice is tortoiseshell -
which has remained one of the most sought-after eyewear
patterns since the 1930s. We’re loving these Swarovski
sunglasses, R4030 from Sunglass Hut • Cold weather rule
number one. Keep your head and feet warm. These
ribbed beanies are woven for a snug fit ... great shades
for him, too. R139 from Woolworths • And for your feet,
faux fur ankle boots with flatform sole and round toe.
Fashionable meets practical. R999 from zara.com
Comfy, one hundred
per cent cotton striped
pyjamas with buttondown
sleep shirt and
matching pants with
elasticated waistband.
R699 from Woolworths.
Nothing like a bit of adrenalin to
warm things up. Tana French delivers,
in spades, in The Hunter. Two men
arrive in a small village in Ireland.
They’re looking for gold. But what
they bring is trouble. An ex Chicago
detective. A half-wild teenager. And
revenge! Penguin Random House, R380
Compiled by: KYM ARGO
July 24 Get It Magazine 09

Wonga Majila, Palesa Mguli
KWV wines on show
On cloud wine
There was a superb showcase of award-winning wines at the The Trophy Wine
Show Public Tasting 2024. More than 640 wines were judged by a panel of
International and South African judges, including Claire Blackler, Narina Cloete
and James Pietersen. Guests made their way around the room topping up their
glass and sipping the victorious trophy, gold and silver medal wines. Investec
Trophy for Most Successful Producer Overall went to KWV, while scooping
four trophy awards was Delaire Graff Estate with Banghoek Chardonnay 2022
winning Best Chardonnay, Best Premium Wine, Best White Wine Overall and
Investec International Judges’ Trophy. Details: trophywineshow.co.za
Mathabo Selemane
Zoe Mountjoy, Itu Mmutle
Simnikiwe Thutha, Zimkita Sidumo, Nomtha Jako
071 146 9151
WhatsApp for more info

Linah Mogale, Lebo Ramakuela
Khanyi Ndlovu from Pongrácz
Lindi Lowry, Karien Goosen, Xanthe Taylor
Lesego Ngobeni, Khane Wessie
Ermin Erasmus, Marilette Swart
Box of naartjies Box of avos Box of organic bananas 1.2 kg
R 44.00 R 49.50 R 33.50

Won’t you take me to
THE BIOSCOPE
Once upon a time, movies were all glamour.
The arch of Marilyn Munro’s eyebrows. Grace Kelly’s icy beauty.
It feels like we’ve lost a little something in the modern age of film.
But as an independent cinema, The Bioscope is bringing it back.
Text: LISA WITEPSKI. • Image: THE BIOSCOPE.
Let’s face it. Cinemas are pretty sterile nowadays. Book your ticket
online. Order your snacks at the same time. And you might find
that you’re right at the door to the screening room before you
actually speak to a human.
That’s one of the things that makes The Bioscope different.
Here, it’s all about the experience. You don’t come just to watch
a film – you come to be immersed in a world of magic ... and
being able to feast on pizza and panini while sipping your
favorite cocktail or craft beer is an added bonus. It’s fun, it’s
social, and it gives you a whole bunch of reasons to switch off
Netflix and get off your couch.
That’s what Russell Grant envisaged when he first dreamed of
setting up an independent cinema, back in 2009. At the time,
he was studying film at Wits, and was inspired by Darryl Els, a
friend and fellow student who wrote his thesis on whether such
a cinema could survive in Johannesburg. The duo hosted a
number of screenings at the university to get a taste of how the
venue could work, but the idea was parked for a while – until
they were introduced to Propertuity, the development group
then seeking to rejuvenate Maboneng.
12 Get It Magazine July 24

The Bioscope’s first iteration as a pop-up in the rapidly growing
Maboneng Precinct proved so successful that it was offered
a permanent space. “It was such an exciting time, but it was
difficult, too. There was no one in South Africa we could ask
for advice, because nothing like this existed. We managed to
track down some guys who had run old cinemas, and their only
comment was ‘Why are you doing this.”
Hardly encouraging – but, as it turned out, the timing was
just right for a venture like The Bioscope. Artisanal markets
were popping up all over Joburg, people were swapping
mass-produced lager for craft beer and big name fashion for
homegrown labels, and there was a growing awareness that
there was something special about the small, the unique, the
non-commercial. The Bioscope was very much a part of this niche
... while mall cinemas might rely on kids and families as audiences,
Russell was more interested in targeting people in their twenties
and thirties who were typically invested in growing their careers,
and so, when they had a few moments to spare, wanted to do
something special. They were open to foreign films, movies
that were a little different – the type of fare you wouldn’t find
in a mall cinema. And The Bioscope’s offerings weren’t limited
to traditional screenings. Movie goers could attend festivals
celebrating a specific genre, like documentaries, for example.
Classic movie Sundays became a feature, along with the annual
screening of True Romance on Valentine’s Day, and other films to
commemorate landmark occasions.
Over time, though, the perfect fit between Maboneng and The
Bioscope began to feel, well, not so perfect. The neighbouring
bars attracting rowdy crowds that were at odds with everything
The Bioscope stood for. “Good cinema is often intimate, intricate
and patient, and our surroundings no longer matched that
tone,” Russell says.
A new space was found at 44 Stanely and, while the move
might not have been big in terms of geography, it’s brought
on a whole new era of evolution. For a start, the new location
attracts a much broader audience. The team also got a chance
to rethink the design of the cinema, keeping everything they
loved but making a few adjustments that took the experience
to the next level - like adding wooden benches in front of the
seats – perfect for balancing your pizza box or resting your feet.
With more space and an atmosphere conducive to browsing,
The Bioscope’s gift shop expanded, making it possibly South
Africa’s only gift shop dedicated to cinema-themed goodies
– buy anything from movie posters to toys inspired by film
characters, books and soundtracks. You might also find cool
itmes to wear among Limited Edish, Russell’s clothing range on
show in the lobby.
One of the most exciting developments is the launch of The
Video Store podcast. Every Tuesday. Russell chats about the
films that have inspired him and what he’s currently watching;
on Thursdays, he’s joined by guests who discuss their all-time
favourites, and Russell makes recommendations for their ‘To be
watched” list – much like the guy behind the counter at your local
video store used to do.
What started as a part of Johannesburg’s regeneration has
become a fixed feature on the city’s list of ‘must-sees’ – an
experience that is at once gloriously nostalgic and utterly in line
with Johannesburg’s current frame of mind.
Details: www.thebioscope.co.za
The movies that made me
Every week, Russell asks guests on The Video Store
podcast to tell him all about the movies that made a
difference in their lives. Here’s his own list.
Amelie: This film came to me in high school, so I
always call it the high school crush.
The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: I
watched this one in university. It’s beautiful, complex
and nuanced – exactly what you’re into at that time
of your life.
Before Sunrise: This is the film you’d ‘settle down
with’ – the one you’d marry if it was a person.
Your Name: This is a simply incredible Japanese
animation.
July 24 Get It Magazine 13

GREAT
GRANNIES
South Africa’s grannies are getting a technological makeover,
thanks to Jane Simmonds and her team at GoGOGOgo.
She’s not just a granny
– she’s a gogo
Jane maintains
that supporting
grandmothers is
crucial. “Gogos are the
core of many South
African households.
Empowerment of
gogos - emotionally,
socially and
economically -
supports the whole
household. That
impacts the entire
community through a
ripple effect – it builds
the whole network.”
14 Get It Magazine July 24
The average granny isn’t an online
aficionado, capable of digging up
details on Google or marketing her
own range of homemade goods on
Facebook Marketplace. Nor does she
wield a pair of boxing gloves and a
mean right hook. But then, there is
nothing average about South Africa’s
grannies. To the contrary, they’re not
mere ‘grannies’: they are gogos, and
they are doing the difficult work of
collectively raising more than four
million of our country’s children.
Make no mistake: raising grandchildren
these days is hard work – as Jane
discovered when she was asked to
host a talk on sexual health issues in
Alexandra back in 2012. After her talk,
which was aimed at grandmothers,
she was stopped by a gogo carrying
a baby on her back. Tearfully, the
woman explained that this was her
great-grandchild; the third generation
of children she was raising after losing
all her sons and daughters to HIV. “She
had been washing nappies for four
decades, and was desperate for some
help,” Jane recalls.
Jane realised although there were a
host of programs targeting just about
every population in society – from
nursery school children to young
adults – there’s nothing that empowers
and upskills grandmothers, despite
of the crucial role they play in our
communities. This got the former
school teacher thinking: Was there
anything she could do to increase
gogos’ knowledge and capacity,
making it easier for them to raise their
grandchildren by equipping them
with the skills to navigate a world that
has changed greatly since they were
children themselves?
Jane’s project gained momentum
when she received a donation of 15
digital devices from Cell C. The timing
could not have been more fortuitous:
With Covid-19 moving us all into
isolation, the need for connection was
enormous – especially for kids sitting
at home with their grannies, cut off
from their schools. The problem, as
Jane found out, was that most gogos
didn’t want to go online, nor did they
want their grandchildren to do so.
The internet is a place of danger, with
threats lurking around every cyber
corner – or so they believed. “They
didn’t see the value of the internet,
and so they wouldn’t let their children
use it. To change their behavior, we
had to change their minds – and then
they could, in turn, become change
agents for their grandchildren and
communities,” Jane says.
That’s the idea that prompted iGOGO,
which saw 13 gogos and two mkhulus
trained in basic internet usage. “We had
to start right at the beginning, with
learning how turn the device on, to
swipe, use Facebook and YouTube, use
email and send WhatsApp messages.
Many of them were so scared of their
devices that they gripped them tightly
enough to turn them off,” she recalls.
Older people might not generally
be thought of as fast adapters, but
soon the gogos had conquered their
misgivings and were even conducting
banking transactions online.
The iGOGO story, which was
published in a newspaper article
2021 attracted the attention of fibre
network operator Vumatel (Vuma),
which was eager to support Jane’s
project. “This has been the most
wonderful collaboration. Vuma’s

involvement has allowed us to
fly,” she enthuses. “GOGOS with
Vuma” has travelled to Soweto,
Atteridgeville, Polokwane, Gqeberha,
KwaMashu and the Western Cape,
training just over 230 gogos – and
now, the project is returning to
Alexandra, with more projects
planned for the rest of the year.
After each training session, participants
receive a tablet, which is shared
among members of the household.
This has had an enormous impact,
Jane reveals: “Not only are children able
to access online learning (goGOGOgo
has partnerships with Subjex, making
it possible for learners in Grade 12 to
watch online matric classes, as well
as Book Dash, an online children’s
library), but many of the gogos are
using their newfound knowledge and
technology to improve their lives”.
There’s the 61-year-old seamstress from
Polokwane who is posting pictures of
her clothing on Facebook Marketplace,
for example, or the 53-year-old in
Atteridgeville whose condiment
business received a boost now that
she is able to take online payments.
The sessions are also providing
employment for trainers, as Vuma
upskills previously unemployed
youngsters to lead each class.
Jane is not about to stop here: She
is working on developing teams of
GOGO Champions who will share
their knowledge in communities. She’s
also looking forward to the launch of
monthly ‘GOGOnars’ (online seminars),
hosted in partnership with Vuma and
covering a multitude of issues, from
mental health to nutrition.
She has also introduced GOGObox,
where gogos attend boxing classes
at Slow Poison Box Fit in Morningside.
Afterwards, they’re treated to coffees
and treats, on the house, at Club
Como, Morningside Shopping Centre.
“Being a gogo is hard. This is a chance
for them to look after their physical
and mental well-being, and to take
time out of the daily grind to just
focus on themselves,” Jane says.
“Old age does not mean the end
of life,” she continues. “Our gogos
have the potential to become key
contributors to our society – we
just need to support them and
find ways for them to contribute.”
Details: jane@go-gogo-go.org.za
Text: LISA WITEPSKI • Image: MEGAN BRETT
July 24 Get It Magazine 15

Your journey to radiant skin starts here with Brightening Vitamin
C Wipes (R39.99) and Brightening Vitamin C Serum (R199). The
wipes cleanse and refresh your skin while the serum is infused with
a blend of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and ferulic acid - reducing dark spots,
hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Both from Clicks.
A day cream with Retinol and Collagen.
Yes mam! Firm up with HADA LABO
Anti-Aging Wrinkle Reducer Day
Cream. R329 from Dis-Chem.
Skin.vest.ment
Age is just a number ... skincare is your secret
SKNLogic Hydrating
Serum is perfect for
dry, dehydrated or
mature skin adding
intense hydration and
anti-ageing support.
R257 from Dis-Chem.
Restore luminosity, comfort and density
with Eau Thermale Avène DermAbsolu
Recontouring Mask (R595). For puffiness
and dark circles, try DermAbsolu Youth Eye
Cream (R485) and to firm up - DermAbsolu
Recontouring Serum (R585) targets
sagging skin. All available from Dis-Chem.
To keep you moving along
swiftly ... Swanson Tart Cherry
500mg for joint health and
strengthening collagen
structures. 120 capsules for
R549 from takealot.com
Reveal your skin’s natural radiance in just 5
nightly drops with Bioderma Pigmentbio
C-Concentrate ... your new secret weapon
for dark spots and protecting your skin from
premature ageing. R590 from Clicks.
16 Get It Magazine July 24

If you want to tackle multiple signs of ageing,
use Filorga Global-repair Advanced Cream
as a daily care product after serum. It aids
with skin density, firmness and elasticity,
deep wrinkles, luminosity and more. R1820
from riekiemedaesthetic.co.za, skinmiles.com,
absoluteskin.co.za and justskinclinic.co.za
Infused with Vitamin C, Nuxe
Nuxuriance Ultra The Dark Spot
Correcting Serum is ultra-milky
in texture with a fresh fragrance
of orange blossom, raspberry and
sandalwood, bringing radiance
to your complexion. R1245 from
orleanscosmetics.co.za
NeoStrata
Pigment
Controller,
an intensive
brightening
night treatment
that targets
pigment
at source,
diminishing the
appearance of
discolouration.
R1182 from
dermastore.co.za
A boosting balm to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Eco Diva Natural
Rejuvenate Canna Balm is 100 per cent natural, plant-based harnessing the
power of cannabis sativa. Targets premature ageing, dryness and provides
multi-nutrient-rich nourishment for the skin. R495 for 30g from ecodiva.co.za
July 24 Get It Magazine 17

Splurge!
Compiled by: MEGAN BRETT
We dive right into Rosebank’s finest culinary delights
Front row seats to fine dining
Love to wine and dine? Well how about this … front
row seats to a bustling kitchen where you, as the dinner
guest, get to capture every bit of a full-service dinner
rush, and have dish after dish after dish make its way to
a decked-out chef’s table in the midst of it all.
Usually an experience only available during Restaurant
Week South Africa, The Chef’s Table is now a
permanent feature at 54 on Bath’s Level Four Restaurant
kitchen. Only a well-orchestrated kitchen would brave
having their dinner guest observe every minute from
preparing to plating … and the team at this splendid
spot are nothing if not brave.
The experience is curated by Executive Chef Donaldson
Madubela and is for a maximum of four people each
night. On the menu are nine courses inspired by his
international culinary career – he’s worked at luxury
destinations from Hermanus and the Seychelles to the
Bazaruto Island, blending a fusion of Mediterranean
and South African cuisine. We were treated to an
evening of wining and dining to Chef Donaldson’s
innovative menu … and were blown away. The visually
vibrant Amuse Bouche of beetroot cannelloni filled
with creamy hummus and topped with juicy orange
pearls paired with a glass of L’Omarins Vintage Brut
Rose 2018 was a beautiful starting course. While the
second course of quail wasn’t our favourite dish of
the day, we did enjoy learning that all of the quail
was utilised in preparing this dish. When the seafood
and corn chowder come around, we could have
easily scooped up another helping and had another
glass of De Grendel Chardonnay 2022 to go with it
… if there weren’t another six courses still to come.
By course eight, we were well fed but one bite of the
slow cooked beef cheek and a forkful of chef’s mash
mixed with caramelised sauce had us wipe our plate
clean. And the wine … well let’s just say the Rupert &
Rothschild Classique 2020 was the best wine tasting
of the evening. Nine dishes later we were ready to
call it a night but were still buzzing after this intimate
fine-dining experience.
Available from 6.30pm every evening with reservations
only accepted online. The exclusivity and tailored
nature of The Chef’s Table necessitate prepayment
of R1250 per person for the nine-course dinner and
optional wine pairing (additional R750 per person).
Details: www.southernsun.com/54-on-bath
18 Get It Magazine July 24

Fancy a cocktail?
There’s a new cocktail bar in town and it is calling your
name. Obscura Cocktail Bar & Eatery boosts a wide range
of cocktails from traditional with a contemporary twist
to a curated list of seasonal signatures. On the menu this
Winter ... Soul Candi, Clarified Pina Colada, Monkey Sour
and the Verbena Collins - with a great selection of Virgin
cocktail favourites like the Mexican Sweetheart and Don’t
Forget Me. Plus the classics of the Negroni, the Paloma, the
Old Fashioned as well as various Martini’s and the famous
strawberry Daiquiri. Dessert cocktails include the White
Russian, the Grasshopper and the Golden Cadillac. Loads of
options to try and you’ll love the lively setting with organic
decor features and simple colourful graffiti and quintessential
art pieces in every corner. Brave the cold for a chilled glass of
something sophisticated, sexy or sweet! Open Tuesdays to
Sundays from midday to midnight. 199 Oxford Rd, Rosebank.
Bookings at hello@obscurabar.co.za or 010-500-7573.
Tasty tails of The Prawnery
Before you open up the menu and are tempted by anything
else, you should start by ordering a bowl of spicy edamame
beans … guilt-free pods of deliciousness to pop into your
month all afternoon. Thank you The Prawnery for this
newly discovered snack and taking our tastebuds to the
coast, Japan, China and Mozambique all in one sitting.
Given the restaurant’s name The Prawnery, we obviously
had to tuck into shellfish. The Mozambican prawns were
tender and covered in a generous helping of house periperi
sauce and a side of egg fried rice which is so good it
is ordered as a dish on its own - one that can be topped
up with a protein of your choice. While the wine list is
extensive, including plenty of bruts, bubbles and blends, the
food menu is simple focusing mainly on tastes of the sea
with flavour twists and a select few meat options. Splurge
on something indulgent like chilli coconut & lemongrass
prawns, butterfly line fish, wagyu beef with crispy leeks,
brown butter oyster Rockefeller or their XO giant prawns
prepared on an open fire, which pairs beautifully with a
bottle of Domaine Des Dieux Reserve Sauvignon Blanc.
Faint sounds of trickling water, walls of greenery, elements
of fire and wooden decor finishes paired with warm earthy
tones throughout the restaurant bring this spacious and
sophisticated dining area to life. We fancy the white table
cloths, comfy chairs and the addition of heaters close by
while dining during Winter months. And a designated area
that can be closed off for privacy for intimate celebrations
and business lunches is another box ticked.
A stunning fire feature is the backdrop of the teppanyaki bar,
situated in the middle of the dining room, which is a fabulous
spot should you fancy dining alone or want to see some live
cooking take place. And because we know Jozi loves a good
cocktail, a popular choice is the Yuzu Sour cocktail - so give
that one a try and let us know what you think.
You’ll find The Prawnery at Keyes Art Mile, Rosebank
amidst the thriving arts and culture scene. Open
Monday to Saturday from noon until 10pm and Sundays
from noon until 6pm. Details: www.prawnery.co.za;
060-528-7958; info@prawnery.co.za
July 24 Get It Magazine 19

Natural Cakes by Giovanna Torrico celebrates a healthy diet,
even for the sweetest things in life. Along with the almost 100
recipes, there are pages and pages of tips ... like using apple
purée or date paste instead of sugar, mashed banana or potato
flour instead of eggs, coconut yogurt or rice milk instead of dairy.
Giovanna talks you through sweet flavour boosts like beet, flower
water, avo, and gives options for natural colourings - pure raspberry
juice and turmeric and activated charcoal powder. And there’s no
holding back on flavour ... from the dark, rich, nutty carrot cake to
the mango and coconut loaf cake to the traditional Italian Caprese
flourless chocolate cake, it’s just one delicious treat after another.
Hardie Grant, R475 from Exclusive Books
TREATS
without the guilt!
Chocolate bars and cheese cakes and coconut
cream and fudge frosting. No remorse!
Compiled by: KYM ARGO
Think indulgent chocolate bars. Zero
guilt. Functional nutrition. Say hello to
Fulfil Chocolate Protein Bars
that have just upped the game for
health-conscious snackers. Low sugar,
high protein, nine essential vitamins,
all wrapped up in an on-the-go
bar. And they are delicious! We tried
(and went back for seconds) all four
flavours ... Salted Caramel, Peanut
and Caramel, Hazelnut Whip, and
Chocolate Brownie. You’ll find them at
Clicks for R55 ... worth stocking up!
20 Get It Magazine July 24

Get your daily cup of calm! We know about the long-term benefits of the
SA-grown Rooibos tea. And lately CBD’s health benefits have been in the
spotlight. Combine the two and you’ve got a tea with the caffeine-free,
antioxidant-boosting benefits of Rooibos, along with the relaxing, calming,
and sleep-enhancing benefits of CBD. There’s a Laager Plus CBD Rooibos
Relax which is perfect for those feeling anxiety and overwhelmed by
the demands of daily life, who are looking to restore balance in their day,
and Laager Plus CBD Rooibos Sleep with added chamomile, for those
looking to shut down after a long day ... a nightcap with a difference!
The tea is THC-free (so no psychoactive or high effect), and each teabag
contains 2mg CBD - the recommended daily limit for CBD intake is 20mg,
making it suitable to enjoy several cups a day. You’ll find it at supermarkets
or on Takealot. Details: joekels.co.za
Easiest, tastiest treat ever ... frozen peanut butter-stuffed, chocolatedipped
dates. Simply pop the pips out of the dates and replace with a
half a spoon or so of crunchy peanut butter - or any nut butter of your
choice. Melt a slab of Beyers Sultry Dark Chocolate - it’s 57 per cent
chocolate with cocoa nibs - in a double boiler, making sure the pan
doesn’t touch the simmering water. Once melted, give a good stir and
then pop in each date to cover. Put onto a baking tin, and put into the
freezer until frozen. They keep in the freezer for ages, not that they’ll
last very long! You’ll find Beyers chocolates at stores including Clicks,
Checkers, Pick n Pay, Spar and Takealot.
We’re loving these new Uju Pure
Honey Gummies ... delish, chewy
treats sweetened naturally with local
honey. With a texture softer than a
normal gummy, they’re free from
cane sugar, gelatine, colourants,
flavourants, preservatives, gluten and
dairy. Full of healthy ingredients like
fresh ginger root, chai spices, liquorice
root, espresso and rose geranium
(our local Fynbos that tastes just
like Turkish Delight) ... ingredients
selected for their health benefits, from
reducing inflammation and aiding
digestion to helping with stress relief
and improving concentration. Perfect
for those who’re lactose-intolerant,
vegetarian, celiac, or just looking to
try something with a little less of the
nasties. R89.95. Find stockists or buy
online from iloveuju.com
July 24 Get It Magazine 21

Fruit-forward and full-bodied,
Four Cousins Directors Reserve Merlot
is a medium sweet red wine ...
all chocolate, plum, red fruit and dark
cherry ... drink it with rich stews,
char-grilled chicken, venison, lamb,
smoked meats and flavourful
cheeses. Around R105.
Wine on a budget
A blend of cabernet sauvignon,
shiraz and pinotage, Zandvliet’s My
Best Friend Cape Red is a smooth,
easy-to-drink wine - with red fruit,
plums and spice, it pairs well with
most Winter meals. R75 from
zandvliet.co.za
Cheers to these
easy-drinking wines ...
affordable enough to
enjoy a glass every night,
pleasing enough to serve
at your next dinner party.
The Theuniskraal Shiraz ruby
red wine is a medium bodied
wine with berries and oak
spices, and is lovely served
with most red meat, game and
pasta dishes. Around R105 a
bottle from getwine.co.za
22 Get It Magazine July 24

Yummy Sunday night pizza. Mild curry.
A hearty stew. This Soft Smooth Red
- from Perderberg Cellar’s Lifestyle
collection, pairs perfectly with them all.
Ripe dark fruit and a touch of oak, the red
blend is easy-drinking and costs R80
from perdeberg.co.za
This Protea Merlot is a seductive,
velvety and plush ... all plum,
mulberry, cherry and blackberry
fruit sprinkled with spice. It’s
packed with appeal, and is just
R85 a bottle.
Spier Signature Cabernet Sauvignon
- which boasts a brand new look - is
a real crowd pleaser ... with luscious
berry flavours it’s an easygoing red
ideal for impromptu braais and
burgers. Pasta more your style? It’s
great with tomato-based sauces like
marinara and Bolognese too! R99 from
you local wine stockist or spier.co.za
The Bruce Jack Wines
Lifestyle range is all about
excellent wine and value for
money. With 10 wines to choose
from - all less than R100 a
bottle, it’s a collection well
worth stocking up on. Since
this month we’re all about red,
red wine (thanks Neil) we’re
drinking Bruce Jack Cabernet
Sauvignon - all mint chocolate
crunch with a twirl of blueberry,
it’s R79.99 a bottle from Tops at
Spar or brucejack.com
Compiled by: KYM ARGO
July 24 Get It Magazine 23

Fresh & fragrant
Snap away the winter blues with fresh, flavoursome garden peas,
bright Bumble Bee flowers and the fragrant aroma of lavender.
Text: ALICE COETZEE
Veggie of the month
Add fresh spring flavour to your food by
growing garden peas as microgreens.
They can be grown all year round,
even in winter, in a warm, bright spot.
The crunchy shoots, small leaves and
tendrils have the same sweetness as
peas, and they are just as nutritious.
All you need is a warm, bright room, a
damp growing medium in a container
and Kirchhoffs bush pea ‘Greenfeast’ or
sugar snap ‘Sugar Charm’. Soak the peas
in water for 12 to 24 hours. Place them
on the growing medium and cover to
keep the peas out of the light for 3 to 5
days. Check daily and spritz the peas to
keep them moist. Once the peas have
sprouted, remove the cover and move
them into bright light. Keep them
moist until ready to harvest when the
seedlings are about 6cm tall. Harvest
the first true leaves or let them grow
on to form shoots and tendrils. Using
scissors, cut the seedlings just above
the ground, rinse and use immediately
or store in the refrigerator. Garden pea
micro greens are a delicious garnish,
good in sandwiches, salads and stir
fries. Details: www.kirchhoffs.co.za
Garden tasks for July
• Prune the roses from 20 July to 3
August and dig fresh compost into
the soil around the roses. • Feed winter
annuals, herbs and vegetables in pots
with a liquid fertiliser. • Water spring
bulbs for 40 minutes once a week. •
Water the veggie garden once a week
and protect frost-tender veggies with
frost cloth. • Turn the compost and
moisten if the heap is dry. • Put food
and water out for the birds. • Service
the lawnmower.
24 Get It Magazine July 24

Indoor plant of the month
Who can resist the fragrance of lavender. Feeling a little
blue? Just rub some lavender leaves through your fingers
and inhale their perfume. Pot lavender ‘Blue Magic’ is one
of the earliest lavenders to flower and it likes a warm room
or patio that receives morning sunlight. Let the soil dry
out slightly before watering and nip off the dead flowers
to encourage more. At the end of its flowering period, cut
back and plant in full sun in the garden or in an outdoor
container. Lavender leaves and flowers have many uses.
Add sprigs to cupboards to freshen them up or sip a cup
of soothing lavender tea before going to bed or put a
sprig or two under your pillow. Details: www.lvgplant.co.za
Calibrachoa ‘Bumble Bee’ for its vibrant, dramatic flowers
that bring spring just a little bit closer. This tough grower
flowers under the lowest of light conditions, brightening
end of winter gardens, containers and hanging baskets. It
also thrives in the heat, making it a long-lasting garden or
patio plant. Plants grow 15 to 30cm high and can spread
up to 60cm. As its name implies, it attracts bees, as well as
butterflies. Grow it in a position that receives plenty of sun.
Water garden plants once a week and containers or hanging
baskets more often. Feed once a month with a liquid fertiliser.
Details: www.ballstraathof.co.za

Where there’s a will ...
Top tips for drawing up your will from attorney and a will specialist Janine Bredenkamp
Text: Janine Bredenkamp, J Bredenkamp Inc Executor Law • www.executorlaw.co.za
Who should draft your will?
No one really wants to think about
their own mortality, but it’s a fact of
life. One day, we all will pass away
and how we plan for what happens
next can have a huge impact on
those we leave behind. For that
reason, we’d argue that your will is
the most important legal document
in your life and should be drafted
by a specialist wills and estates
lawyer or accountant. It is important
that the person drafting your will
understand the estate administration
process so that your will is easy
to administer. This way your heirs
will get personalised, professional,
accountable and compassionate care
when you pass away.
Make sure your will is valid
If you have your will drafted by a
specialist wills and estates lawyer or
accountant then it will be valid and
the professional takes responsibility.
To have a will, you must be at least
16 years old. You must be of sound
mind. And your will must be signed
by you in person with a pen. Our law
does not accept a digital signature for
a will. There are exceptions but these
involve complex applications to the
High court and are very costly. You
must have two witnesses (at least 14
years old, and the witnesses cannot
be your executors, nor can they be
an heir in your will). You must all sign
the will on each page in each other’s
presence. You must sign your will on
each page and at the end, last page.
You must not leave big blank spaces
in your will as this can lead to fraud
by someone filling something into
the blank space. You must date your
will so that it is clear that it is your last
will. If you do not date your will and
no one can find your most recent will
then a previous one may be seen as
your last will and this is potentially a
disaster. A specialist wills and estates
lawyer or accountant should have a
fireproof safe where your will can be
safely stored.
Who will be your executor?
Your executor can be an heir. People
often make a surviving spouse their
executor. Choose a specialist wills and
estates lawyer or accountant alone or
as a co-executor together with your
surviving spouse and or children.
The task of administering an estate is
complex and it can be very frustrating.
Your heirs will be in mourning and
fragile. They do not need to be
fighting with large institutions and
government departments, so if you
appoint them, make sure there is
also a professional to do the actual
administration.
If you have minor children, who will
be the guardians and trustees?
You must consult an expert to draft
your will if you have minor children.
Your will should make provision for
a testamentary trust to take care of
your minor children’s inheritance
should both parents pass away or
should a parent not be capable of
taking care of the funds if one parent
should pass away. If one parent passes
away then the surviving parent will
be the guardian. If both parents
pass away together then you must
appoint a guardian in your will to
avoid potential disputes. Choose
someone who is responsible and
loves your children, and discuss the
guardianship with them, ask whether
they would be willing to take on the
task. You should have at least two
trustees to manage the trust. One of
the people should be an independent
professional and the other should be
someone that knows the children
and what their needs are and how
you would have taken care of them.
A letter of wishes to the trustees is
important.
Don’t let your will be a surprise
Discuss your will with your heirs, if
they are old enough to understand. A
discussion prior to death can prevent
disputes after death. This is especially
true where you have older children
and you feel a need to treat them
differently in your will. Explain your
reasoning to them while you are alive
so that everyone has an opportunity
to discuss and accept. Any differences
in your will may be interpreted as you
loving one more than the other and
you will not be there to explain that
this is not the case. This can destroy
relationships between siblings. An
expert in wills and administration
of estates will be able to advise you
based on previous experiences.
Make a list of all assets & liabilities
This will help your wills specialist draft
your will properly. Let the will drafter
know whether you have overseas
assets or not.
Say how you would want your
mortal remains to be dealt with
Do you want to be buried or
cremated? Do you have any special
requests for your funeral/memorial?
Do you want to be an organ donor?
Keep your will up to date & relevant
Your will should be amended when
you get divorced, an heir passes away
or a child is born. A specialist wills and
estates lawyer or accountant will try
and give your will as much longevity
as possible.
The best time to have your will
drafted and signed is today!
26 Get It Magazine July 24

ADVERTORIAL
Carefree retirement living
Retirement is now about finding a community in which to enjoy
an independent lifestyle in beautiful, safe and secure surroundings.
Rand Aid Association offers
accommodation in a variety of
independent-living retirement
villages and frail care centres. Three
life-right villages, one that offers
rental accommodation and two
frail care centres ... all offer beautiful
grounds, well-maintained buildings,
security, including access control,
and a range of services and amenities
that promote carefree living and the
well-being of residents. Three of the
villages flank the Jukskei River, all are
situated a few minutes’ drive
from Greenstone Shopping Centre,
just off the Modderfontein off-ramp
of the N3.
RENTAL VILLAGE
Tarentaal’s 10ha offers safe walking
and birdwatching opportunities. A
footbridge links Tarentaal Village to
Elphin Lodge, which is situated on
the opposite side of the river bank.
One-bedroom and studio apartments
are available.
LIFE-RIGHT VILLAGES
• Elphin Lodge is set on 13ha of land. It features dams with extensive bird life and
tranquil walks. Two-bedroom cottages and one- and two-bedroom apartments
are available.
• Thornhill Manor has landscaped gardens and beautiful water features. A
conservation area is situated close by, offering the opportunity for nature walks.
Two- and three-bedroom cottages are available.
• Inyoni Creek’s gradual slopes provide beautiful views, while the clubhouse
overlooks large dams. Units range from one-bedroom apartments to threebedroom
cottages and are set in 20ha of land, with an extensive greenbelt.
CARE CENTRES
• Ron Smith Care Centre offers quality, personalised care in single or double rooms,
with or without private bathrooms, in a choice of separate wings, including one
dedicated to dementia care. When space allows, respite and recuperative care
are available.
• Thembalami Care Centre, set in extensive grounds, is an affordable option for
those needing some form of 24-hour nursing care. Double or single rooms are
available. Two single rooms are linked to a shared bathroom and double rooms
are en-suite.
• The Max Ordman Deaf Association, which is on the same premises as
Thembalami, caters for aged deaf and deafblind people. En-suite double rooms for
couples, and single rooms, which share an inter-leading bathroom, are offered.
Details: Visit www.randaid.co.za to discover what each village and care centre offers,
and to find out more about the life-right model.

GET IT DIRECTORY

GET IT DIRECTORY
Thinking of
winter
warmers?
THE ART OF CREATING SMILES!!
Welcome to Designer Smiles Inc, we are one of the leading practices in
Johannesburg doing beautiful Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry. Our focus is on
the latest technology in Smile Design using sophisticated scanning and design
software from Europe, yes you can actually “TEST DRIVE” your new Smile
before you buy it. Whether you need a single implant or a full mouth restoration.
We offer STATE OF ART Guided Surgery for your peace of mind. All of this
is handled by highly skilled and master clinicians at the clinic. Our staff are
trained to make you feel welcome and your best interest is their core focus. Our
technology gets RID of the old “gagging” impressions, which everyone hates!
General/Family and Specialized Dental work is undertaken at our practice
including Periodontal surgery, Crowns, Veneers, Metal Free Dentistry, Zirconia/
Ceramic Implants & Invisalign. Other services including conscious Sedation
undertaken by qualified Anesthetists.
177 Jan Smuts Avenue Lumley House, Rosebank
20A Kloof Road Sarlan Park Cnr The Parade, Bedfordview
011 615 9352 | 011 326 0938
Designersmilesinc @designersmilesinc
www.designersmilesinc.co.za

The Nellie
Mount Nelson dates back to 1899 and is unequivocally the grande dame of Cape Town.
From the Prince of Wales gate, up the palm-lined driveway, to the impressive porticoed
entrance, it’s all old-school glamour and luxury.
Images: Kate Argo, Sean Gibson, Inge Prins
Glam and luxury. Yes. Posh. Absolutely.
Pretentious. Not in the slightest. In
fact, behind those pretty pale pink
walls you’ll find the most charming,
affable, family-friendly welcome.
It’s a romantic destination for
honeymooners, yes, but also with
multi-generational travellers high on
the guest list .... a hotel where local
and international guests return again
and again - little wonder, as they’re
remembered and welcomed with joy,
all their favourites on-hand without
them having to ask.
With it’s prime location, extraordinary
gardens and views of Table Mountain,
the iconic Mount Nelson - A Belmond
Hotel - truly is one of the Mother City’s
most loved destinations. First painted
pink to celebrate the coming of
peace in 1918 - which proved to be so
popular it’s remained so for more than
a century, then, and now, the glorious
hotel is so much more than a place to
stay ... it’s an experience.
Bucket list one ...
the much celebrated high tea
First bucket list experience is the
well-known and much celebrated
Afternoon Tea. Chef Vicky Gurovich
goes OTT with scrumptious
savoury and sweet treats, while
Tea Sommelier Craig Cupido talks
you through the choice of more
than five dozen loose-tea options
- his favourite is the strawberry and
vanilla tea - a fine match for scones
and cream. Insider tip: ask for the
clotted cream, which is only served
by request.
Equally - maybe even more -
desirable is the breakfast - with the
health station, the seafood station,
the crepes and waffle station and
juice and smoothie bar and a bread
station the size of a small bakery!
followed by a dozen or so hot dishes
like eggs bennie and grilled kippers
and brioche French toast. Insider tip:
breakfasts are open for day visitors,
not just residents, so pop in even if
you’re not staying over.
For sundowners, order a Rose and
Rose - a heady mix of Cape Town
Pink Lady Gin, Aperol and Mount
Nelson rose, lemon and spiced
raspberry purée with a touch of
white chocolate - in the Planet Bar
... the achingly cool yet timelessly
classic bar with a fireplace for chilly
nights and a terrace for steamy
evenings. Or choose one of barman
Jono Makonga’s favourites - the Four
Noble Truths with Aqua Zulu Cachaça,
(made in Durban in small batches in
the traditional Brazilian style), mixed
with pineapple and roasted coconut
purée and lime. Just the one, though!
Insiders tip: Make time to stroll through
the mixology garden, where 95 per
cent of the botanicals used in the
signature cocktails are grown.
The Lord Nelson Room is moody ... all
wooden panelling on deep red walls,
where a roaring fire keeps things
cosy and guests play pool and chess
or one of the many board games ...
we can’t think of a more perfect spot
to spend a chilly evening. Insider tip:
The vibe’s smooth, old-time jazz ...
and you’ll find the Jazz Greatest Hits
playlist they love on Spotify.
The moody Lord Nelson Room
It’s a dog’s life at the Pink Lady. Check
into one of the hotel’s five ground
floor, pet-friendly rooms ... where
they’re as spoilt as you are. Think
personalised welcome cards and
treats on arrival, plush velvet beds
and chilled rooibos tea to cool them
down. They can join you for tea, where
there’s a dedicated pet menu, and are
welcome in most areas of the hotel
and gardens. Insider tip: The dress
code is Chommies ... and you can buy
limited-edition Chommies accessories
for Rufus. And ... a percentage of the
30 Get It Magazine July 24

Passenger Posh Pooch!
proceeds from the Mount Nelson
Chommies collection goes to The
Underdog Project, a registered Non-
Profit and Public Benefit Organisation
working with vulnerable children and
dogs in Cape Town.
Take a walking tour of the gardens.
The style and layout can be traced
back 170 years, when Hamilton Ross
bought the estate by auction. His
nephew, John, was a keen landscape
gardener, and turned the farmland
into a park with an orchard, vineyard,
aviary ... with fountains and lion
sculptures that are still in the gardens.
The walking tour takes you past the
driveway of palms - 80 of them were
planted in honour of the royal visit
of HRH Prince of Wales in 1925, and
the Malay Banyan Fig and Australian
Paperbark trees, European Oaks and
the enormous Tree Aloes and so many
more. A fascinating tour for gardeners.
Insider gossip: When President Bill
Clinton visited the Mount Nelson, his
rather over-enthusiastic SWAT team
asked for those palms to be cut down
as a security measure. Obviously the
hotel declined.
For those wanting to explore outside
the grounds, the Nellie is in walking
distance of Kloof Street - all coolest
cocktail bars and chic little cafes.
But staying within the grounds is a
pleasure with all that’s on offer. Daily,
and complimentary, activities include
events such as coffee and chocolate
tastings, a bootcamp with a fitness
coach who’ll put you through your
paces, a history and architecture
tour though the hotel and gardens,
early morning yoga out on the lawn.
Insider gossip: John Lennon stayed at
the hotel under the pseudonym Mr
Greenwood and surprised guests by
meditating in the gardens.
It’s opulent. Extravagant. Lavish. The
attention to detail is extraordinary,
from the welcome notes to the
toiletry bags, monogrammed with
your initials, given on departure. From
the pillow menu with a choice of
half a dozen or so options to the fact
that staff remember exactly where
returning visitors (and there are
many) like their loungers placed next
to the pool, and what cocktail they
enjoy before dinner. Insider gossip:
The staff are obviously tight-lipped
about guests, but The Nellie has seen
everyone from Winston Churchill,
who was stationed there as young
war correspondent, to Sir Arthur
Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock
Holmes and a renowned spiritualist,
who apparently outraged guests by
holding seances in his hotel room, to
the Dalai Lama, who addressed more
than 500 visitors who sat cross-legged
on the floor in the ballroom.
If you’re visiting Cape Town but
staying elsewhere, day visitors are
welcome ... for breakfasts and teas,
cocktails and dinners, a spa treatment
or the popular Sunday At Oasis Jazz
Brunch. Insider tip: Book for the Chef’s
Table ... an intimate spot tucked
away in the kitchen, where you can
watch the chefs at work, enjoy their
creations, and maybe pick up a cheffie
tip or two while you’re there!
Details: 76 Orange Street, Cape Town. belmond.com
July 24 Get It Magazine 31

Safari style
Tintswalo Waterberg ... a multi-generational lodge, where luxury meets family.
A bite-sized, slow-cooked lamb-filled,
short crust pastry tart shouldn’t be the
first thing that comes to mind when
recalling a safari trip. But add to it a
glass of extraordinarily good red wine,
a walkway of glowing lanterns, and
a caracal casually strolling past the
fire, and you have the start of a jolly
memorable first impression.
The lodge, in the Welgevonden
Game Reserve, is intimate ... just five
free-standing units accommodating
up to 16 guests ... all romantic
mosquito nets, en-suite bathrooms
and outdoor showers, fireplaces for
chilly evenings and air-conditioning
and ceiling fans for steamy Summers.
What’s more, it’s one of the relatively
few lodges which welcome - heck,
encourage - children of all ages, and
which has a couple of three-bedroom
units, making it an obvious choice for
multi-generational family trips.
The lodge is set up to be family and
group friendly ... with a communal
lounge, open living areas, an
expansive deck with comfy loungers.
Meals - really delicious wholesome,
slow-cooked, served shared familystyle
- are eaten outdoors on the
deck, or around the fire in the
boma, where you’re bound to be
entertained by the staff, who put on
fun impromptu dances.
Young explorers are well catered
for with a spacious playroom and a
children’s programme of appropriate
educational activities.
With around 36 000 hectares of
bushveld, criss-crossed with streams
and waterways, Welgevonden is
ranked up there amongst South
Africa’s largest private game reserves.
And the game viewing is plentiful.
With an incredibly successful antirhino
poaching unit, there are rhino
at every corner ... and it would be
unusual to not spot hippo, antelope,
dazzle after dazzle after dazzle of
zebra, lion and ellies on one of
the two open vehicle game drives
offered each day. With more than 300
species, great birding, too.
There are options to book a twohour
bush walk with a ranger,
and the newly introduced late
night game drive where you can
search for nocturnal animals like
the elusive pangolin and leopard,
as well as porcupines, aardvarks
and owls ... as well as some truly
spectacular stargazing.
The Tintswalo group is known for
the incredible attention to detail,
and for ensuring every visitor is well
catered for. So lovely, but no surprise,
that the lodge offers a fully Kosher
safari option, with Kosher catering
prepared on site in the dedicated
Beth Din certified Kosher kitchen,
supervised by a licensed Mashgiach.
This kosher option is tailor-made
for small family groups or exclusive
group lodge take-overs.
From first impression (those tarts!) to
last ... the ones at Tintswalo Waterberg
are exceptional ... as a family, it’s a
destination you won’t forget.
Compiled by: KYM ARGO
We never tire
of a romantic,
lantern-lit
safari boma
dinner ...
where the
meals celebrate
local and
are served
shared
family-style.
32 Get It Magazine July 24

Sleeping out under the
stars in the bush is the most
incredibly exciting and romantic
experience. And we can’t rave
enough about the Tintswalo
Waterberg’s Stargazing Sleepout
Deck. You’ll be dropped
off after dinner at this magical
open-air deck for two ... with a
luxurious king size bed draped
in protective insect netting, lit
by the warm glow of lanterns
and the moon, it’s hidden in a
secluded spot overlooking a
waterhole, not scarily far from
the lodge, and you can drift off
listening to the sound of the
nocturnal animals. And it’s within
the electric fencing of the lodge,
so perfectly safe. Bucket list stuff
right here!
Would you book a lodge because of the bathrooms? Probs not ...
but these newly renovated, bush green and gold ones are simply
spectacular! Sublime Africology products add to the luxurious feel.
Many hours spent in the slipper bath!
Lion? Yes. But it’s the rhino that
impress ... thanks to the successful
anti-poaching programme, there’s a
crash on every corner.
Stuff you need to know
The area is malaria free, and the lodge does have WiFi. Rates are from R5920 per person sharing per night, which includes
accommodation, full board, two safari activities per day, house drinks, well-stocked mini bar. It excludes premium branded
alcohol, transfers, conservation fee, and daily reserve entry fee. Kosher kitchen is extra, as are the late night drives. The
Stargazing Sleep-out Deck is comp for honeymooners, but for all other guests has an additional cost. Children of all ages
welcome, those under 16 years must share with an adult. Children between 6 and 15 years are charged 50 per cent, no
charge for younger. Only when exclusive use of the property is booked will children six years and younger be allowed on
game drive. Details: www.tintswalo.com, Instagram @tintswalo_waterberg, Facebook @tintswalowaterberg
July 24 Get It Magazine 33

Spoil
July
Cheers to Winter ... with a glass
of Tamnavulin Scotch Whisky
A sweet, mellow, smooth single malt. Rich, full-bodied,
with a complex palate of sweet, fruity, and spicy notes
... think rich toffee, dried fruits and hints of nutmeg.
Tamnavulin Double Cask is the ideal drink for these
cool Winter months ... perfect for sharing with friends
around the fire. A small group of skilled craftsmen and
women began creating this signature Speyside malt
more than half a century ago in a rural village in
Scotland. Matured in American oak barrels and finished
in sherry casks, it’s glorious neat. Equally as
desirable is the newly released Tamnavulin Sherry
Cask Edition, matured in American White Oak Barrels
and enhanced by a finesse in three different Sherry
casks. You’ll find it at cutlerdrinks.co.za for R529.99 for
the Double Cask, R549.99 for the Sherry Cask.
We’re giving a reader one bottle of each ... such a
brilliant Winter treat. For a chance to win, pop over to
@get_it_joburg_north on Instagram or Facebook
where you’ll find our Tamnavulin Spoil and follow the
prompts. Entries close July 23.
34 Get It Magazine July 24