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Designer lifestyles in Johannesburg

204 views April 8th, 2013 By Kenneth Davison

By Kenneth Davison

Johannesburg is such a diverse city when it comes to cultures and the people that live in the area. Travelling only a few kilometres can take you from informal, relaxed society to the sophisticated, artistic and flamboyant. There is one area that is aiming to become the number one hotspot for these sophisticated people, Fourways.

Fourways already has a number of attractions which root it firmly in the eye of all people that enjoy sleek surroundings, and in some cases a bit of opulence. The shopping centres and malls in Fourways set it apart from rivals, with centres such as Cedar Square, Montecasino, Fourways Crossing and Fourways mall to name a few. However, there is one place that I have spent a little time at recently which manages to concentrate some of the best features of those centres and provides a stellar atmosphere and it is Design Quarter. …

Durban’s top three market areas

1,768 views April 5th, 2013 By administrator

An apprentice sangoma, or diviner, training to become one of KwaZulu-Natal’s experts in traditional medicinal plant use. The Durban Muthi Market is where you will see traditional medicine, or muthi, being made and prepared for sale. (Image: South African Tourism)

Three market areas ‘ one a matter of a few city blocks, one a suburb, one an entire region ‘ capture three different faces of KwaZulu-Natal. From the mysticism of the Muthi Market to the New Age happenings in the Davenport district, and the old-world feel of the Midland Meander, this is where the Rainbow Nation does its shopping.

Muthi Market

For a glimpse into African traditional healing, take a stroll through this ramshackle marketplace that extends from around the Victoria Street Indian market, over the footbridges to the taxi ranks at Warwick Triangle.

This is Durban’s “witches’ market” and here you will see traditional medicine, or muthi, being made and prepared for sale. Then you will understand why this billion-rand industry attracts international pharmaceutical companies who are converging on the country to mine its rich botanical wealth and the knowledge of medicinal plant use that is the heritage of the sangomas (diviner) and inyangas (plant/medicine men and women) of Zulu culture.

Stalls are covered with organic ingredients that range from snakeskins to crocodile teeth and birds claws, plants as well as mysterious bright pink powders. To the thumping sound of bark and roots being pulverised in deep wooden dug-out containers, you can shop for car-tyre sandals, decorated walking sticks, magical talismans and African incense (impepho or wild sage).

Or you can consult a sangoma who will take you aside and ‘throw the bones’ ‘ a collection of bones, shells and maybe even a domino or two that are scattered on a reed mat ‘ to commune with the ancestors and spirit guides. Based on the outcome, he/she will prescribe the relevant treatment, which can range from ablutions to ointments to oral medicine or protection rituals. …

Yoghurt marinated grilled chicken with corn salsa

268 views March 26th, 2013 By Dianne Bayley

You too can make a fresh, healthy meal that looks like you’re competing on Masterchef! This yoghurt marinated grilled chicken takes about 20 minutes to make and is an excellent meal for the last few weekends of summer. Remember to cook the chicken through, though - while you don’t want it tough, you also don’t want it underdone.

Ingredients

For the marinated grilled chicken:
1 cup low-fat or non-fat plain yogurt
Zest and juice of one lime
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup minced red onion
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 4 to 6 ounces each …

Johannesburg: More than just a business hub

2,058 views March 25th, 2013 By Dianne Bayley

By Dianne Bayley

It’s the city those who don’t live here thinks is “bland and boring” - but Egoli, the City of Gold, is far more than just a business hub. Johannesburg is a vibrant and bustling city, with a melting pot of cultures that offer both locals and visitors a kaleidoscope of entertainment and learning. Here are some facts you may find interesting about the city called Johannesburg . . . …

Drinking and driving - seriously?

347 views March 19th, 2013 By Dianne Bayley

By Dianne Bayley

In January 2013 it was estimated that the festive season death toll was around 1 465, according to Minister of Transport Ben Martins who said that between December 1 2012 and January 8 2013, 1 221 fatal accidents were recorded on South Africa’s roads.

Before every long weekend and major holiday, road safety agencies warn South Africans to get their vehicles checked for safety and to obey the rules of the road, be courteous, drive within the speed limits at all times - and don’t drink and drive. …

Water canals, dancing statues and dust

1,771 views March 18th, 2013 By Jacqui Thompson

By Jacqui Thompson

It was only lack of time that stopped us from waffling home via Karoo towns with intriguing names like Hondefontein, Tontelbos, Commissioner’s Pan, Pampoenpoort and Vlieëkraal. We were en route, or rather off route, from Cape Town to Johannesburg on our two motorbikes, and avoiding the madness of the N1.

We left tiny Fraserburg and set off into the vast space of the Great Karoo. Massive farms demarcated only by skinny barbed-wire fences and the occasional plaas name boards were home to dusty sheep nibbling on the sweet-scented Karoo bushes.

Again the semi desert vistas were spectacular and traveling the slow winding 181kms between Fraserburg and Loxton to the north east we passed only two vehicles. Both bakkies of course. The Karoo is not for sissies, but for real cars and real people. …

Mpumalanga and the tradition of the Ndebele

3,822 views March 12th, 2013 By admin

Home of the world-famous Ndebele artistic tradition, this province glories in creativity and feasts on its mysterious and glamorous past. …

South African food: A feast of colours and choices

4,345 views March 8th, 2013 By Dianne Bayley

A delicious feast

It’s a feast of colours and flavours: Ask any South African what his or her favourite food is, and you’ll be blown away by the diversity of local choices: A braai (barbeque) is a big favourite, with meats like lamb, beef, wors (a type of sausage) being piled high on plates. Koeksusters (a sweet treat made of deep fried dough and syrup) rank high, as does melktert, another desert made with a delicate milk custard.

Travels around the country will offer you indigenous delicacies like pap and gravy, bobotie, biltong (a dried and cured meat treat), curry and rice in various temperatures, roasted mielies (corn on the cob) and even peri-peri chicken livers.

Because South Africa has so many diverse nations making up its colourful culture, there’s little in the way of food that can’t be found here. If your delight is African, Portuguese, Indian, Italian, Asian, French or any other, you will find a meal that caters to you tastes. …

Fitness: Making your health a priority

808 views March 3rd, 2013 By Dianne Bayley

Being physically fit enhances the quality and the length of our lives - but most of us believe that we just can’t seem to find the time to exercise. Strangely, there’s always time to lie in a hospital when low fitness levels and undiagnosed health issues cause major issues like heart attack or stroke! …

Savouring the flavours of South Africa

1,152 views March 2nd, 2013 By Dianne Bayley

By Dianne Bayley

South Africans love to eat. Not only that, we’re more than adequate cooks. From the lady on the street corner braaiing mielies (read “barbequeing corn on the cob” if you’re American), to the construction worker frying eggs on a clean shovel atop a fire, to the gent firing up his Weber on a Saturday afternoon, we’re all fairly inventive when it comes to filling up. …

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