the property mag-march 2011-kwazulu natal issue

977

1811

7000

07

110

03

Propertydecor, trends, luxury, design & real estateMARCH 2011 Winner of 9 publishing awards

kWAzulu-nAtAlEst. 2004, Issue 219

Guest editor real estate

BERRy EvERItt, CEO CHAs EvERItt

IntERnAtIOnAl

Dream honeymoon destinations • Midrand: Where corporate and country collide

ParaGon architectstAkE On tHE WORld

HAs tHE 2010 WORld Cup HElpEd FOREIgn InvEstMEnt In sA?

Eclectic living in Sea Point

stylish APARTMENT

RS

A R

34

.95 (

incl V

at)

O

ther

co

untr

ies

R21.9

0 (

excl T

ax)\

info@royalpalmestates. www.royalpalmestates.netSales & Letting Team: 086 123 PALM

Sectional TitleApartments

95% sold out!

Land fromR 327 000

Finished Homes and Homes off plan from

R 999 999

A luxury lifestyle is awaiting you…

Royal Palm family Estates is situated 13 kilometers North of Ballito and 23 kilometers North of the new King Shaka International Airport and Dube Trade Port and is a short distance from the beach.

Family Estate

March 2011 | 1

DECOR

08 HOT PROPERTY – HOT SPACE Retro design, green heart –

Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel &

Conference Centre.

.

14 SIXTH SENSE Eclectic style and spectacular

views combine in this fabulous

Sea Point apartment.

TRENDS

09 HOT PROPERTY– HOT PLATE

Insight from winemaker

Estelle Lourens, great eats

from Mr Mozzie’s, Bartho’s Fish

Co. and Litchi Orchard’s market

and café, and simple, fresh

fl avours at Bamboo Lounge at

Ocean Reef Hotel.

10 HOT PROPERTY – HOT SHOP

The most covetable items on

the shelf right now

21 THE MIDWAY MARK A little bit city, a little bit country,

Midrand, Gauteng, is forging

ahead as an area to watch. We

tell you why.

24 BIG MONEY OR ‘FEEL GOOD’ SENTIMENT?

Has the 2010 Fifa World Cup

lived up to our expectations?

We look at the impact it’s had on

foreign investment over the past

nine months.

52 SOCIETY Out and about with the beautiful

people in KwaZulu-Natal.

56 SOUTH AFRICAN ART TO WATCH

Five up-and-coming young

artists whose work you should

be buying.

LUXURY

32 HONEYMOON BLISS Honeymoon getaways to

suit everyone’s taste – from

glamorous and luxurious to

rustic and secluded.

DESIGN

11 HOT PROPERTY– HOT DESIGN

Furniture designer James Mudge,

aesthetically friendly security,

the colours you’ll need for winter,

a new range of Afro-chic fabrics,

and Tamarillo Ceramics come

to KZN.

28 PASSIONATE BY DESIGN

Anthony Orelowitz and Henning

Rasmuss of Paragon Architects

are making their mark both

locally and internationally.

REAL ESTATE

13 RISING AND SHINING Liezel van der Westhuizen,

presenter on SABC3’s Expresso,

reminisces about her fi rst home in

Centurion, Gauteng.

38 GROUND CONTROL We speak to the legal top guns

on the benefi ts and pitfalls facing

non-resident property investors.

41 THE YEAR OF THE CONSUMER

Real Estate Guest Editor,

Chas Everitt International

CEO Berry Everitt, believes two

key pieces of legislation will

impact the industry in 2011.

42 RESIDENTIAL Upmarket apartments on the

coast, property predictions,

and the health of the

buy-to-let market.

44 COMMERCIAL Zenprop continues its growth in

Riverhorse Valley, a new Tysons

Properties franchise opens,

and the North Coast hospitality

industry hots up.

46 PROPERTY FUND Where to place your bets,

a brighter outlook for

offi ce-focused funds, and listed

property fi rms are ranked among

SA’s top 100 companies.

48 OFFSHORE

Luxury villas in Eden Island, a

magnifi cent lifestyle estate in

Mauritius, UK opportunities, and

help buying in France.

50 AUCTION A stylish Sandton penthouse,

goes under the hammer, the

commercial and industrial auction

industry turns the corner, and a

fundraising auction is planned to

rename a new species of iris.

51 GREEN BUILDING Nestlé offi ces get Green Star

rating, Robben Island gets

eco- friendly and Villiera Wine

Estate makes solar progress.

14

MARCHContents 28 32

ON THE COVERPrime property in Sea Point

marries old with new. See page

14 for details.

Retro design, green heart –

14 Eclectic style and spectacular

56

La GrangeINTERIORS69

K

ram

er

Rd

, K

ram

ervi

lle,

JOH

AN

NES

BU

RG

Tel

: 01

1 44

4 53

79

•

32

5 U

mhl

anga

R

ock

s D

rive

, U

MH

LAN

GA

R

IDG

E Te

l: 03

1 56

6 11

37

•

w

ww

.lagr

ange

inte

rio

rs.c

o.z

a

On this mOnth’s cOvers Western Cape: Langezandt Fishermen’s Village. Johan Roodt, +27 (0)82 483 9496, langezandt.co.za

Gauteng: Park Inn by Radisson, Sandton. +27 (0)11 303 1000, parkinn-sandton.comKwaZulu-Natal: Stylish apartment – Eclectic living in Sea Point

Why MozaMbique property is on the up

has the 2010 World Cup helped Foreign investMent in sa?

Guest editor real estateberry everitt, Ceo Chas everitt international


PropertyWestern Cape

Langezandt Fishermen’s VillageoVerBerG Bliss

ParaGon architectstake on the World

PropertyGAUTENG

Guest editor real estateBERRy EvERITT, CEO CHAs EvERITT INTERNATIONAl

Dream honeymoon destinations • Midrand: Where corporate and country collideWhy Mozambique property is on the up

ParaGon architectsTAkE ON THE WORld

HAs THE 2010 WORld CUp HElpEd FOREIGN INvEsTMENT IN sA?

Sandton’s firstPark inn by radisson

PropertykWAzulu-nAtAl

Guest editor real estate

BERRy EvERItt, CEO CHAs EvERItt

IntERnAtIOnAl

Dream honeymoon destinations • Midrand: Where corporate and country collide• Why Mozambique property is on the up

ParaGon architectstAkE On tHE WORld

HAs tHE 2010 WORld Cup HElpEd FOREIgn InvEstMEnt In sA?


stylish APARTMENT

Property

nedbank Property Association Awards 2010: Winner – Mover & Shaker Award (Tony Vaughan) PicA Awards 2009: Winner – Special Award, Overall Publishing Excellence PicA Awards 2008: Winner – Consumer Magazines, Largely Free Distribution, and Highly Commended: Editorial Excellence, Public Interest Writer of the Year (Ed Suter) 20th sAB environmentalist of the Year & environmental Journalists of the Year Awards 2008: Winner – Merit Award, Print & Internet sAPOA Property Journalism Awards 2008: Winner – Best Property Publication, and Special Mention – Property Feature Journalist (Ed Suter) PicA Awards 2007: B2B – Publishing Excellence, Leisure mondi magazine Awards 2005: Winner – Foresight sAPPi PicA Awards 2005: Winner – Philip Tyler Trophy for Innovation in Magazine Publishing Brandhouse media Owners challenge Awards 2005:Winner – Innovation in Publishing sAPPi PicA Awards 2005: B2B – Highly Commended

mondi magazine Awards 2004: Industry – Finalist Launch Edition: April 2004

Western cAPe 3rd Floor, 33 Bree Street, Cape Town 8001 PO Box 50601, The Waterfront, Cape Town 8002; Phone 0861 765 833 Fax +27 (0)21 421 7891

GAUtenG 8th Floor, Fredman Towers, 13 Fredman Drive, Sandown, 2196PO Box 785828, Sandton, 2146; Phone 0861 765 833 Fax +27 (0)11 884 2830

KWAzUlU-nAtAl Ground Floor, 55 Gladys Mazibuko Road, Berea 4001Postnet Suite 329, Private Bag X10, Musgrave 4062; Phone 0861 765 833 Fax +27 (0)31 208 5278

nAmiBiA Phone +264 (0)61 248 161 Fax +264 (0)61 245 942

sUBscriPtiOn enQUiries Email [email protected] Online magsathome.co.za Local Phone 0860 100 203 Fax 086 670 4101

International Phone +27 (0)21 530 3255 Fax +27 (0)21 531 7303SMS 41871 with reference ‘Property Magazine’ (R2/SMS) for subscription enquiries

eDitOriAl enQUiries General [email protected] Socials Western Cape [email protected] Socials Gauteng [email protected]

Socials KwaZulu-Natal [email protected] Hot Property [email protected]

Published monthly in three regional issues: Western cape, Gauteng and Kwazulu-natalCurrent ABC Audited Circulation (Q3 2010, July–September)

Western Cape – 27 789, Gauteng – 28 068, KwaZulu-Natal – 17 829, Total Nationally – 73 686Web Stats: Unique Page Impressions – 37 589; Property Club Members – 24 884

Amps Audited National Readership (2010A) 370 000

P. LE GRANGE & SEUNS/SONS

CTPprintersCAPE TOWN

Disclaimer The publisher and editor of this magazine give no warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services

advertised within this edition. Copyright Media Nova (Pty) Limited. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior

written consent from Media Nova (Pty) Limited. The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material.

thepropertymag.co.za

medianova.co.za

eDitOriAlEditor sandy Welch [email protected] Bureau ChiefJackie Gray [email protected] Bureau ChiefAnne schauffer [email protected] Subeditor Yaron BlecherSubeditormariola FouchéFeatures WritersGenevieve Fisher, Andrea Firth (Western Cape)André Fiore (KwaZulu-Natal)

ArtArt Director Warren Uytenbogaardt [email protected] Designertrudine scannellSenior Retouchertim lake

cOntriBUtOrsBerry Everitt, Jackie Gray, Carol Johnson, Joan Muller, Gareth Stokes, Lisa Witepski

PhOtOGrAPhersVal Adamson, Sally Chance, Jacques de Villiers, Danie Nel, Karl Rodgers, Paul Shiakallis, Brenda Veldtman

PrintinG CTP Printers Cape Town

ADvertisinG [email protected] Sales Directorshanee smartWestern Cape Sales michel Jones, Justin lyons, tharien nelGauteng Salesrui Barbosa, Anine ehlers, marc lahoud

Kwazulu-Natal Salescharles roets, Jenni mccallumNamibia Salesmynard slabbertDirectory Salesmavashini naidoo, Obed sealetsaProduction Managerelly hammersleyTraffic Controllerliesl Dodgen

mArKetinGCirculation Directorvanessa marksSenior Marketing Coordinator Amanda AfricaMarketing Internlucinda Piet

PUBlisheD BY meDiA nOvA (PtY) ltDManaging Directortony vaughan [email protected] To Managing Directorcheréés O’reilly [email protected] Publisher (Namibia) mynard slabbert [email protected] Manager laetitia Bothma [email protected] Bookkeepershafeeqah DavidsCredit Controllerlizel DeaneOnline ManagerAndrea FirthOnline Assistant catherine rileyTechnology CoordinatorJean-Paul siljeurReceptionist Kim AfricaDriversWillem september (Western Cape)Joseph Khoza (Gauteng)

4 | March 2011

Sandy Welch, Editor

In the eye of the beholder

If you haven’t yet, you really should …

One of my favourite fairytales of all time is The Emperor’s New Clothes. I love it because you can apply it to so many everyday situations. (If you’ve lost touch with your childhood roots and can’t remember the story, go to emperorsnewsuit.com.) My interpretation is that it’s about people forcing themselves to believe something because everybody else believes it, which in turn guarantees they are cool. Until one day someone points out that actually it’s not cool … The latest case in point is those power bracelets that claimed to balance your body’s natural energy � eld. With absolutely no concrete studies, the producers convinced people through clever marketing and the endorsement of various celebrities that their product was the answer to becoming a super-human. Consumers snapped them up faster than you can say ‘passing fad’. Then some savvy Australian decided to ask for proof … and it emerged that there wasn’t any.

But back to my favourite fairytale. I suppose you could say the child in the story was what we’d call a ‘whistleblower’, someone who’s not afraid to tell the truth as they see it. That’s pretty much how the case of Wendy Machanik Properties was brought to light. At the time of going to press, the company had been prohibited from trading for misappropriating trust funds. It’s not the policy of

this magazine to judge anyone, particularly as the case is still under review. What was most disturbing to me, however, was the public backlash on various internet news sites against the real-estate industry as a whole, something I think is unwarranted. As a homebuyer, though, do you have cause for concern? The main thing is to safeguard yourself – never hand over money without being given proof of where it will be deposited, and only deal with agents who have a Fidelity Fund certi� cate or a membership card for the IEASA. You can also request to view, by means of a password, the trust account in which your deposit is being held, and insist that the trust fund is audited twice a year.

It’s hard to believe that this time last year we were cautiously anticipating the 2010 Fifa World Cup. I remember pessimism still outweighing optimism, hotel beds not yet � lled, and people who’d been promised buckets of money through renting out their homes suddenly realising it wasn’t going to happen. And then we had that incredible month when we got to polish our rainbow. So, now, almost nine months after the event, what’s actually happened? We went ahead and built it – but have they come? Find out in our Insight story on page 24. And for just a few minutes, relive the glory.

Visit the Imbizo Art Gallery at the

Ballito Lifestyle Centre to see the

Carl Smyth Collection of Richard

Scott’s Gold Tree paintings. (And

maybe even buy one!) I love the

principle behind these artworks, in

which Richard is saying that if you

plant your own golden seeds, one

day your gold tree will grow. He has

already proven to be an artist with

huge investment potential – a work

called ‘Jacaranda Tree’ he sold in

2002 is today worth R54 720.

+27 (0)32 946 1937

imbizogallery.co.za

Visit La Grange’s new showroom

in Umhlanga. I’m crazy about this

gorgeous range, which combines

an eclectic mix of 100% natural

woven kubu furniture with pieces

made from reclaimed wood,

industrial metals, brass, iron and

glass. With smart upholstery and

bold, patterned cushions, it is a

perfect addition to any space.

You will fi nd the showroom on

Umhlanga Rocks Drive.

+27 (0)31 566 1137

lagrangeinteriors.co.za

Learn more about Cape Town’s

bid to become the World Design

Capital for 2014. The theme of the

bid, which will be submitted in March,

is ‘Re-connection’, and it will cover a

variety of different aspects of the city,

from the Integrated Rapid Transport

system through to the recently

named area, The Fringe: Cape Town’s

Innovation District. If it wins, the city

will get the opportunity to present its

perspective on design to the rest of

the world for the whole year through

a series of events. World Cup fever all

over again.

+27 (0)21 419 1881,

capetown2014.co.za

THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE

ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE Turn to page 20 for our

special offer.

VISIT Browse thepropertymag.co.za

for the latest features.

FOLLOW US on Facebook

and Twitter:

facebook.com/thepropertymagazine

twitter.com/thepropertymag

0861 765 833

ED’S LETTER

Pho

tog

rap

h R

uvan B

osh

off

DStv IPONE INTEGRATED NETWORK.

MANY ADVANTAGES.

Now you can get a complete TV & data content solution for your institution – be it a stadium, hotel, corporate, office park, mall or residential estate.

This smart solution can seamlessly integrate television, telephony, internet, and even security – making it centrally manageable, customisable and

cost effective. Our team has created custom solutions for some of SA’s leading venues and institutions.

Call one of the accredited DStv IP system integrators.

Smart Village: (012) 679 3400,

Space Television: (021) 462 5103,

Ellies: (011) 490 3890 and Sammeg: (011) 474 2666.

For more information, visit www.dstv.comWILD COAST SUN

SUN INTERNATIONAL FNB STADIUM XANADU ESTATE ILLOVO EDGE

JHB

28

64

4A

s se

en o

n D

Stv

TIME OUTThis is just a short note to compliment you and your team on a fascinating edition of your regular magazine. During my busy year I don’t � nd time to digest all of the articles, but having spent three fantastic weeks at our holiday home in Hermanus, I found plenty time between cricket matches on the TV to read the interesting articles you put together in your December/January issue. Well done! Normally I scan the magazine to see prices of homes in those exotic places, and also look with interest at the movement of prices that are more in our price range. From now on I will be reading everything, including some of the unusual adverts, such as the one for the solar sheet. Getting to see those items for homes and where to � nd them is a big attraction, so be assured I am looking forward to your next issue.Bob Cork, Westlake, Cape Town

Property involves us all. What’s your view? Email [email protected].

You tell us

Quietly Tiling Africa

CONTRACTS DIVISION

Malls Tiles is the largest independent tile distributor in South Africa and carries the largest range of tiles.

We are pleased to announce the launch of our Contracts Division which has been initiated to best serve the tile requirements of Developers, Architects, Construction and Interior Design companies.

FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:

KwaZulu-Natal• Cindy 083 381 1097 Shaun 083 794 8285

email: [email protected]

Gauteng & Mpumalanga:• Andy 083 588 2481 Brian 082 327 3057

• Chris 083 603 3978 Imraan 083 786 7554

Western Cape:• Hamied 082 968 6445 Archie 082 458 8303

email: [email protected]

Rest of South Africa and Countries surrounding South Africa• Hassan 083 456 8703 email: [email protected]

• Raoof 084 525 5058 email: [email protected]

SOLD!I have just read the February issue of The Property Magazine, and it’s truly a great read. Well done on the new look and feel. Most importantly, thank you for allowing me to be your � rst guest editor. I truly appreciate it. Wishing you and your team health, happiness and success for 2011.Rael Levitt, CEO, Auction Alliance, Cape Town

PEER REVIEWI picked up the February issue of The Property Magazine, and 45 minutes later I had read every page. Enthralling! I honestly don’t remember when I last lay down with a publication and read it from cover to cover. I guess when you’ve been in PR for 18 years, you’re inundated with publications to browse through to � nd angles, columns and opportunities, and it’s often di� cult to just switch o� and see a magazine for what it is. Compliments on an enjoyable read, fascinating articles, spacious layout and fresh look. Wishing you lots of luck in the future with your publication. Here’s to a rewarding 2011!Nicole Chamberlin, via email

LETTERof the Month

facebook.com/thepropertymagazine twitter.com/thepropertymag

Loved your Dec./Jan. bumper issue! It was more than informative for all the property consultants I know. Keep it bumping! Dave Kekana

WINNING LETTERWrite to us and you could

win a Bugatti Glamour Range

kitchenware hamper valued

at R1 500!

Thanks to a team of specialist

designers, the comprehensive

range of products is all about

quality, beauty and practicality.

italianlifestyle.co.za

8 | March 2011

Coastlands Umhlanga

Hotel & Conference

Centre is perfectly poised

on Umhlanga Rocks

Drive, each room breathing in the

restorative, 180° vistas from Ballito to

the Bluff. The second four-star hotel

in as many years to be developed

by the Saantha Naidu Group, this

luxurious, 30 000m2 development

not only has seven hotel floors, but

three commercial and retail floors

with restaurants, a convention centre

with seven conference rooms, and an

extensive pool deck too. The fine mix

of hotel, retail and business services

will soon be joined by a health and

beauty spa.

PGA Architects was tasked with

creating ‘an iconic building unlike

anything else on the Ridge’. They did

so ‘by expressing the building’s form

through bands of colour which define

the edges and functional zones of the

lift lobby, the fourth-floor hotel lobby,

and the commercial wings.’

They continue, ‘Our design

philosophy is always focused on

sustainability: we combine technology

and energy-efficient systems with

the traditional, passive principles

appropriate to the South African

lifestyle. For Coastlands Umhlanga, we

incorporated a 90% green Resocrete

cladding system, a triple-glazed

facade and ventilated double skin of

Solarshield glass to increase natural

daylight and ventilation in the internal

spaces. All landscaping is indigenous.’

Fahrenheit Design managed the

interior design and decor of the first

Coastlands (on the Ridge), says Design

Director Grant Webster, ‘so this new

hotel was effectively “Big Brother”. He

adds, ‘The design was only determined

by the client in terms of functionality,

which freed us up to be very creative.

Everything was customised. We even

designed a carpet specifically for

the group, and another for a 1m2 tile

format.’ The practice prides itself on

its trademark edgy, often sensual look,

and on this project, set finishes such as

retro, high-gloss stained kiaat against

contemporary stainless steel, and

geometric prints against antique-style

furniture. ‘The combination of straight

lines with circles and segments of

curves adds interest to a hotel design,’

says Grant, ‘and in this case, gives a

slightly ’70s, retro feel.’

The core of the hotel – the 5th

to 10th floors – is a lofty five-storey

atrium edged with walkways, with the

guest lobby at the base. To mirror

this sense of space, all rooms have

been standardised with carpeting,

paint and furniture shaping. But, rising

floor by floor, the wallpapers, fabrics

and colours become lighter in colour

and texture. The fifth floor contrasts

quite sharply with the freshness of the

upper floors, so guests enjoy different

leisure experiences.

Coastlands Umhlanga leans

towards the executive traveller

seeking a large dose of luxury, but the

numerous on- and off-site features

make it ideal for the leisure traveller.

This hospitality newcomer straddles

both worlds. Much like Umhlanga New

Town Centre, where work and play are

happy bedfellows.

+27 (0)31 514 6500, coastlands.co.za;

+27 (0)31 312 3335,

fahrenheitdesign.co.za;

+27 (0)31 563 0848,

pgaarchitects.co.za

HOT space

HOT pROpeRTY

1Strong lines and diffused light welcome guests to the hotel lobby. 2‘Plush’ is the signature feel in every

room. 3A gracious sense of space at the hotel’s core 4Detail is everything. 5Fine dining at Saffron restaurant.

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more fabulous

getaway destinations. Wo

rds

Anne S

chauff

er

Pho

tog

rap

hs

Sally

Chance

Glamour on the rocksOn the surface, the glam new Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel & Conference Centre may appear charcoal with accents of red, but underneath, it’s all green.

1 3 4 5

2

March 2011 | 9

HOT PROPERTY

HOT PLATE

Host the perfect dinner party with fresh fi ne food, or head out to a couple of family-friendly eateries.

For fans of Mr Mozzie’s, some tasty new

titbits! New ranges include smoked ostrich

fi llet cold cuts prepared according to

gourmet recipes – ideal for guilt-free,

low-cholesterol lunches and snacks. For

bigger appetites, Mozzie’s home- smoked

bokwurst footlong is proving to be a

popular fi ller for those on the move.

Healeys’ multi- award-winning Farmhouse

Cheddar is now available in KwaZulu-Natal

exclusively from Mozzie’s. Rib- eye steak

is now a regular too. Still situated on the

corner of Argyle and Stamford Hill Roads

and in La Lucia Mall, Mozzie’s is now also

in the Hillcrest Centre at 38 Old Main

Road. +27 (0)31 309 1499

Surrounded by indigenous dune-lands and milkwoods, and with its own boardwalk providing direct

access to the beach and natural rock pool, the refurbished Ocean Reef Hotel at Zinkwazi is a little

piece of lagoon-side paradise. In addition to the superb two-bedroom penthouse suite, the hotel offers

38 rooms, and has been designed using a fresh Afro-Indonesian palette of neutral colours and rustic

tones that blend in with the natural setting of beach and indigenous bush. The hotel’s Bamboo Lounge

restaurant offers simple, freshly prepared foods with a mix of fl avours inspired by diverse cultures. Key

dishes include a succulent Brazilian espetada, the signature pizza topped with prosciutto, beetroot

and Gorgonzola, and seafood delights, including Spanish prawns with mussel and clam paella and local

linefi sh baked whole in wood-fi red ovens then served wrapped in banana leaves. There’s also a kid’s

menu that includes many favourites. Enjoy indoor dining in the air-conditioned restaurant or al fresco

beside the pool. +27 (0)31 312 6250, signaturelifehotels.com

Beach treat

Meaty off ering

ESTELLE LOURENS,winemaker at Uitkyk, talks to us about the

recent release of the estate’s 2007 Carlonet

to mark the wine’s 50th anniversary, as well as

what it is like being a woman in the ‘boys’ club’

of winemaking.

Q What is your most memorable wine experience?It was in 2003 when I took a bottle of the

2001 Carlonet – my fi rst vintage at Uitkyk –

home for my father to taste. It was the fi rst

wine he actually liked. Until that point, no wine,

whether made by me or anyone else, had

impressed him. It was a very special moment.

Q What would you pair the 2007 Uitkyk Carlonet with?Nurturing, sustaining foods, such as lamb

shank or oxtail.

Q What wines do you currently enjoy drinking?At the moment it would be chilled whites,

particularly the 2010 Uitkyk Sauvignon

Blanc, as it is crisp and refreshing, and the

2009 Uitkyk Chardonnay, for its elegance

and citrus tang.

Q As one of the few female winemakers at an established estate, what has working in a male-dominated industry been like for you?I have always found my fellow winemakers

to be very enabling and supportive, ready to

give advice and also to give me the chance

to do things my way. In my earlier days there

were some colleagues who tried to make

things easier for me, but more out of a sense of

gentlemanliness than paternalism.

+27 (0)21 884 4416, uitkyk.co.za

10 | March 2011

Field to forkOffering a good dose of fresh air, the certainty of baskets full of

home- grown goodies and some time out in a relaxed environment, the

Litchi Orchard Market runs on the fi rst and third Saturday of each month,

from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Set on The Litchi Orchard farm in Salt Rock, the

market is a wholly family-owned-and-run venture offering foods and related

products that are fresh, local and sustainably produced. Sample and select

goods ranging from coffee and wines to meats, cheeses, pickles, preserves,

dressings and bakes, or snack on the spot at the tables and picnic facilities

provided. For those interested in gardening, the market backs onto the

Orchard Nursery. It is being developed into a food plant nursery with a wide

range of vegetable and herb seedlings and fruit and nut trees, and is well

known for its bougainvilleas and palms. Worm-farm kits and composting

units are also available. litchiorchard.co.za

Country caféThe new Orchard Café at The Litchi Orchard in Salt Rock offers fresh

locally produced food in a laid-back country setting. Many ingredients are

sourced from The Litchi Orchard’s market stallholders and the café aims for

a simple, sustainably produced menu and local fl avours. With space for kids

to spread out and good coffee tailor-made by the neighbouring Beanstruk

Coffee Roasters, breakfast or lunch under the trees promises to be a

relaxing occasion. litchiorchard.co.za

Exotic fashion, smooth cocktails and the freshest of fi sh.

HOT SHOP

HOT PROPERTY

A PERFECT TENMaintaining a tradition of excellence that

reaches back to 1830, Tanqueray No. Ten is

the only gin in the world to be distilled from

whole fresh citrus fruits and botanicals.

Its distinct fl avour creates exceptionally

fresh-tasting cocktails, such as this martini:

70ml Tanqueray No. Ten

5ml vermouth

Stir the ingredients and serve in a frozen

martini glass with grapefruit peel to garnish.

+27 (0)21 442 7374, brandhouse.co.za

JEAN-EALOGYSouth African fashionistas can

now indulge in the whimsical

women’s clothing brand, Lily

Jean. Inspired by the beat of

the Brazilian samba, the exotic,

tropical fl ora of Bali and the

wild Australian outback, the

range is now available at all

Alexandra Del Lago stores.

+27 (0)21 418 0625,

alexandradellago.com

BIG CATCHFoodies in the Nottingham Road area are delighted by the opening

of Bartho’s Fish Co. in Meander Square. It’s the brand-new sister

shop to the highly popular Bartho’s Fish Co. in Durban North. In just

under a year, Bartho brothers Daryl and Brett have created waves

with their ultra-fresh selection of local seasonal fi sh, squeaky clean

trading premises and passion for sharing

their years of fi shing experience

and recipes. Pop in for specialities,

including sushi-grade fresh tuna and

Scottish salmon, smoked marlin,

’cuda, dorado, swordfi sh, various

whole linefi sh, and prime hake and

kingklip fl own in weekly

from Cape Town.

+27 (0)31 563 7534

March 2011 | 11

Making your home beautiful is as important as keeping it safe for you and your family.

HOT PROPERTY

HOT DESIGN

JAMES MUDGEis a Cape

Town- based

furniture designer

and manufacturer

whose products

are appearing

everywhere,

including at the

upmarket wine-farm

restaurants Pierneef à La Motte and the Olive

Shed at Tokara. He talks to us about his love of

antiques, building his mother’s house and his

must-have furniture item for 2011.

Q What is the most memorable project you’ve worked on to date, and why?I built a house at the sea for my mother a

few years ago. It is made of wood, and it was

like building a giant piece of furniture. I have

just returned from a family holiday there, and

it certainly is special – a giant fi shing shack

surrounded by natural bush. Looking back,

it was a mammoth task – I’m not quite sure

how I managed it. My team and I used a lot of

second-hand material, which added enormous

character to the home, and it seems to be

getting better and better with age and use.

Q What is the one home interior item you are lusting after?I am after a big antique leather sofa with a

horse-hair-and-goose-feather stuffi ng – the

type that goes ‘pfhhh’ when you sit on it. It’s

defi nitely on my ‘most wanted’ list.

Q Where do you fi nd inspiration for the work you do?I fi nd antiques very inspiring, as they often

come from a time when things were done

properly by people who spent a lifetime

acquiring their skills. There is a lot more

to making solid wood furniture than most

people think. I also fi nd my raw materials very

inspiring, as well as fl ea markets. I love seeing

the junk that people collect as well as how

they have adapted everyday items to suit

their needs.

Q What project are you currently working on?Apart from my usual trade, I’m working on a

proposal for another wine farm and have a few

more pieces to make for Mavromac’s fl agship

showroom in Cape Town, which I completed at

the end of last year.

+27 (0)79 171 8240, jamesmudge.com

New linesInspired by nature and brought to life by ceramic

stylist Lorrae Mehmel, Tamarillo Ceramics are

now in KZN and available exclusively at Teremok.

The Tamarillo range features bold images of

indigenous fl ora and fauna that are striking in their

modernity yet retain an organic feel. The range

includes tea sets – jugs, teapots and sugar bowls

– that bring a spark to a classic pastime, water

jugs suitable for any occasion and chic enough to

hold a fl oral arrangement and fun, ‘silly’ vases that,

needing only a single stem, make a simple, stylish

and cost- effective statement. Also included in the

range are ink-on-canvas artworks that complement

the ceramics or can be mixed and matched for a

personalised collection of contemporary art.

+27 (0)31 561 5848, teremok.co.za

Sophisticated securityIf you’re tired of your home’s security

arrangements impacting on the aesthetics,

then the new Trellidor Clear Guard is defi nitely

worth investigating. The product consists of an

aluminium frame and a high-tensile steel mesh

insert that keeps intruders out but allows your

views to remain unobstructed.

0861 873 55 43 67, trellidor.co.za

Winter woolliesYou may not be thinking about

winter yet, but it pays to plan

ahead. Woolworths’s winter

range steers away from the usual

greys and monochrome winter

shades this season and instead

employ vibrant colours, such

as deep purples, bright

fuchsias and rich blues.

0860 100 987,

woolworths.co.za

12 | March 2011

HOT STUFF

Party animalTo get the party going and keep it that way, Leopard

Productions together with DJ Tracer specialises in a fab

selection of music – all genres available – as well as scanners,

lasers, fl ower lighting, smoke effects and karaoke. Reasonable

rates and specialist service guaranteed. +27 (0)76 052 5395

A smartpen gives you the best of both worlds.

Out and about in March

01 For those who prefer taking

notes the old-school way, with good

old pen and paper, the Livescribe

Echo Smartpen will ease you into

the digital realm. You will need a

special Livescribe Notebook in which

to write your notes, which the pen

records accurately.

WHAT’S ON

+27 (0)11 684 1545, circuitcity.co.za

02 There is also an audio function

that enables you to record audio notes. To

convert the handwritten and audio notes into

digital documents, all you have to do is plug

the smartpen into your computer and let

the special Livescribe desktop software do

the rest. Taking minutes in your weekly staff

meetings just got a whole lot easier!

TAKE NOTE

RAMfest Durban, 11 MarchIn Durban for the fi rst time and hosted by John Vlismas at Wave House, RAMfest offers a

celebration of some of SA’s top rock bands, including Die Antwoord, Zebra & Giraffe (pictured

above), Van Coke Kartel and Not My Dog. Bookings via ticketbreak.co.za.

Time of the Writer Festival, 14–19 MarchTwenty writers from 12 different countries are participating in the 14th Time of the Writer

International Writers Festival. The week-long programme includes readings, presentations,

panel discussions, music and book launches at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in the evenings.

seminars, workshops and school programmes take place across Durban during the day.

+27 (0)31 260 2506, cca.ukzn.ac.za

Trends & Tastes, 18–21 MarchLaunched by Decorex SA in collaboration with the KSA Kitchen and Bathroom Faire, Trends

& Tastes features a fusion of decor, design, food and lifestyle trends. The show takes place at

the Durban Exhibition Centre, and includes an organic-food market and picnic area. Tickets at

the door. +27 (0)11 549 8300, thebeexhibitions.co.za

André Rieu Arena Tour, 23 MarchWell known as the creator of the Johann Strauss Orchestra, Dutch violinist, conductor and

composer André Rieu and his orchestra are performing at the ICC Durban for one magical

evening. computicket.com

ENTERTAINMENT

HOT PROPERTY

March 2011 | 13

Liezel van der Westhuizen has always had a fondness for nature and has subsequently watched her fingers turn a tinge of green over the years. ‘I’ve always loved being outdoors

and come from a family of keen gardeners. My gran, my aunt and my mom would always bring shrubs and spend time on weekends teaching me about plants and how to grow a beautiful garden, especially when I lived in the first house I bought in Centurion, Pretoria,’ she says.

Liezel loved that Centurion was abundant in trees, as it didn’t feel as if she was living amid the hustle and bustle of a metropolis.

And, of course, there were her neighbours and the other residents of the area. ‘There is something special about the inhabitants of Pretoria. They are very friendly. Whenever I’d run or cycle around my neighbourhood, everyone would greet me and chat to me, even if they didn’t know me,’ she says.

And what of her home in Centurion? ‘When I first bought it I remember showing it to my family and their reaction to it: they loved it! The house was designed around an open-air entertainment area, where my family and I spent many lazy days braaiing and entertaining each other. I loved that although you were technically in the house, there was this sense of being outdoors.’

‘The lounge had an unbelievable view of the garden and pool,’ she continues. ‘The garden was a haven for birds, especially females wanting to nest, which was something that I had hoped for. When I was growing up, my mom

Words Genevieve Fisher

What the agents say

Willie van den Berg of RE/MAX Jowic says, ‘Centurion lies between Pretoria and Johannesburg and is within easy reach of both cities, which makes it a good area

to invest in. There is also a Gautrain station in Centurion so that anyone can get to Sandton or to the airport in 20 minutes. We believe that properties around

the station will increase in price by 20% in the near future. RE/MAX Jowic sells between 70 and 90 properties a month in the Centurion area. Centurion is mostly

sectional title, and the ratio between sectional title and full title is 70% to 30% respectively. The average house price in Centurion is R1,2-million and the average

sectional-title price is R650 000. Property rentals in Centurion are excellent: for a house of R1,25-million you will receive a rental of between R9 500/month and

R10 000/month – that’s an 8% return on investment. If you buy a two-bedroom sectional-title property for about R650 000, you will get rent of approximately

R5 000/month – an ROI of almost 8% as well. And for a three-bedroom sectional-title unit costing approximately R800 000 you achieve a rental of about

R6 000/month, which represents a 7,5% return on investment.’

+27 (0)12 653 8920, remax.co.za

MY FIRST HOME

taught me the value of biodiversity, particularly with regards to birds – how they could aid the growth of a garden, which plants and shrubs would attract them, and how the addition of a birdbath and feeder would ensure their return. I landed up with the loveliest, liveliest indigenous green garden.’

Today, Liezel is happily settled in Kenilworth, Cape Town, an equally verdant suburb (although she does miss the jacarandas). She says, ‘Living in Kenilworth is very similar to living in Centurion, as there are big trees lining the streets, and it’s a lovely, safe neighbourhood to live in. The difference is that now I hardly use my car, and cycle to work every day. I have come to realise why Cape Town is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.’

She is reminded of this beauty whenever she arrives fresh off her bicycle at the Expresso studio at 5.30 a.m. every morning. ‘We broadcast live every morning from a penthouse apartment in Sea Point, which has panoramic views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. It really makes me feel like I’m living the dream. A green and Expresso-filled dream!’

Rising andshiningExpresso’s Liezel van der Westhuizen reminisces about the jacarandas of Centurion.

PRIME PROPERTY

This tasteful Sea Point apartment tantalises with its expansive sea views, elegant use of bright colours, and effortless style.

Words Sandy Welch Photographs Jacques de Villiers

Sixth

SenSe

PRIME PROPERTYPRIME PROPERTY

Opposite The passageway has been dramatically shortened and an accent

wall painted turquoise – the perfect backdrop for the family’s photo gallery.

Antique oriental panelling has been converted into a door. This page Eclectic

design features in the wallpaper in the guest bathroom, while splashes of

turquoise and mustard fulfil the homeowner’s desire for bright colours.

March 2011 | 15

16 | March 2011

PRIME PROPERTY

‘… I love that wherever you

look, your vision is stopped by

beautiful things.’

March 2011 | 17

PRIME PROPERTY

Opposite In the brightly lit open-plan kitchen, the splashback has been sandblasted to pick up on the design of the antique wooden cupboard doors. This page, above The large open-plan living

area is complemented by oversized furniture in the lounge, including a 4m couch; the 12-seater dining room table can be seen in the background. Below The main en-suite bathroom with its oval

freestanding bath and raised shower and toilet is separated from the bedroom by lightly sandblasted glass doors, ensuring there is an even flow of light between the rooms.

18 | March 2011

The sea. That’s the first thing you notice when you walk into this spacious sixth-floor apartment. It stretches out in front of you,

around you, below you, from almost every angle. It’s a sight so overpowering it would be a challenge for any interior designer’s work to compete with it – but then, after more than 20 years in the business, Sharon Sager and her team are always up for a challenge.

Their solution was not to fight with the incredible vistas, but to make them the key component of the apartment and to allow everything else to work around them. ‘We wanted to make sure that every angle in each room is directed towards the sea view,’ Sharon explains.

This became the responsibility of the senior designer at Sager and Associates, Mikha Notwala, and it was no small task. The apartment required major renovations, such as enclosing the balcony, knocking down various internal walls to rid the home of its old-fashioned, elongated passageway and poky rooms, and installing bulkheads to give form and depth. The result is a clever flow of home that allows light in everywhere, from the entrance through to the open-plan living spaces, the kitchen and the bedrooms.

An important element of the brief was that there needed to be ample room for entertaining. ‘The couple have people over a lot, and we had to make sure this was accommodated,’ says Sharon. To this end, the living area flows from a sizeable dining area

housing a 12-seater dining table through to a large lounge with a library, flat-screen TV and home theatre area to one side, and a small dining area, where the couple have breakfast, to the front. Two beautiful white leather loungers are strategically placed in front of a window in the corner so that its occupants have totally unobstructed vistas of the ocean. Each zone can operate as a separate individual space or work together with the rest to form a communal area – ideal if there are lots of visitors.

To complement the vast canvas of the living space, Sharon has chosen bulky, oversized furniture. ‘I needed to ensure all the proportions are exaggerated because of the size of the room,’ she explains. ‘To me, lighting and proportion are the be-all and end-all.’ A 4m-long couch, large wingback chairs and a jumbo ottoman make up the lounge, while a large and dark built-in wooden cabinet dominates the wall in the TV area.

The homeowners, who frequently travel to India, Dubai and central Africa, wanted intense, jewel-like colours to reflect prominently, and to this end Sharon abandoned her usual leaning towards a neutral palette. Instead, she’s introduced bright splashes at surprising intervals. One of the walls in the passage is teal blue, for example, and this flows through to the glass splashback in the guest shower. A rainbow- streaked carpet runs down the passage, and the massive couch in the lounge is cerulean blue.

In the guest bedrooms, bright throws and headboards dominate. The master bedroom features a fuchsia headboard, and bright floral and striped fabrics are to be seen throughout the home.

Apartment living demands smart usage of space, and Sharon has considered this carefully, while ensuring that the storage solutions are never obtrusive. In most cases, cupboards have been built into walls to look like wood panelling, and feature opening mechanisms that don’t require handles. The cupboards in the bedrooms all slide open, to maximise space. The washing machine and dryer have been conveniently placed in cupboards in the spare bathroom.

But it’s in the detail that Sharon really comes into her own. Antique oriental doors sourced from Gilles Botbyl have been converted into cupboard doors in the kitchen, and another has been made into a sliding door for the guest bathroom. Glass kitchen splashbacks have been sandblasted to reflect the design on these doors. Textured wallpaper in the entertaining area resembles Issey Miyake fabric and has been mirrored in the glass at the entrance to the apartment. A huge marble slab next to the dining area has been adapted to contain cleverly hidden Salton hot trays. ‘I wanted the design to be not only contemporary, but also eclectic,’ Sharon explains,

One of the focuses was on creating a contrast to allow more light in, so ample recessed lighting was used to ensure light

flows easily from one room to the next. Nowhere is this more evident than in the main en-suite bathroom. To best utilise the natural light, glass doors have been installed to separate the bathroom from the main bedroom, and these have been sandblasted with the same design as that used in the fabric of the headboard. The freestanding oval bath as well as the interleading raised shower and toilet are all brightly lit by a rose-shaped chandelier and perfectly complemented by the warm marble walls and floor.

When it comes to high-tech home comfort, nothing has been overlooked, from underfloor heating and air conditioning through to a sophisticated security system that videos all visitors to the home, and the latest in home entertainment systems with recessed speakers.

No challenge was too small for Sager and Associates – including having to get the huge marble slab and various items of furniture lifted up to the residence by crane.

What’s Sharon’s favourite aspect of the apartment? ‘I think the living spaces look so beautiful, and the kitchen works so exquisitely with them. I love that wherever you look, your vision is stopped by beautiful things,’ she says.

It’s an apartment that delights every one of your senses, from the delicious aroma of the sea breeze and the sounds of the crashing waves through to the tactile fabrics, vibrant colours, attention-grabbing artworks, and of course, that awe-inspiring view.

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for a look at other

extraordinary homes across the country.

With thanks to …

Sager and Associates, Sharon Sager, +27 (0)21 465 4095, sager-associates.com

The incredible sea views can be taken in from every room in the apartment – even when you are lying in bed.

PRIME PROPERTY

From temples of glass and steel, to palaces made from prssed

earth and recycled blue jeans, World’s Greenest Homes 2 tours

the most amazing properties on the planet - and proves that

luxury and ecology can exist under the same roof.

World’s Greenest HomesHigh style - low impact

DécorFunctions for Africa prides itself on its professionalism, service excellence and creative and unique décor. We have coordinated many successful themed functions, creating the draping, floral arrangements, plant features, backdrops, furniture and lighting.

Catering and Bar FacilitiesWe work with a number of reputable catering companies that offer a wide selection of catering options to suit your specific budget and needs.

HiringWe have negotiated competitive rates for marquees and all equipment needed.

Service Staff, Hostesses and Bar StaffFunctions for Africa can supply friendly, efficient service staff suitably dressed for the occasion. Menus are created for corporate as well as individual tastes, and range from boardroom lunches, cocktails and exquisite buffets to three-course plated menus and themed menus.

EntertainersWe can recommend a number of entertainment options to compliment your function or event.

Venue SourcingLet us find the most suitable venue for your function.

We are your one-stop shop!

• Top-quality draping• Exclusive designer linen• Modern furniture• Creative and unique floral arrangements and centrepieces• Stunning lighting features

Functions for Africa

Tel (031) 205 2211 | Fax (031) 205 4301 | Mobile number 071 680 5787 | Email [email protected] | www.functionsforafrica.co.za

0860 100 203

OR Please renew my subscription automatically at the end of the period.

SUBSCRIPTION FORM

Subscription is R195 for six months. Offer ends 31 March 2011. Terms and conditions apply.

I would like a six-month subscription to: Western Cape Gauteng KwaZulu-Natal (please tick)

Please send me my: Six issues of Sandton free OR Five issues of The Property Magazine free (please tick)

Personal Subscription: Title: ________ First Name: __________________________ Surname: _________________________________

Postal Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________ Postal Code: ____________________

Phone: (w) ______________________________ (h) ______________________________ (c) _______________________________

Email Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Method of Payment: (Payment for subscription is by one of three methods given below.)

1. Debit Order: Please debit my bank

account on the: (please tick)

01st 15th 25th day of the month

Bank: ______________________________

Branch Code or Name: _______________

Account Number: ___________________

Signature: ____________ Date: _______

3. Electronic Transfer:

Name: RamsayMedia

Bank: Nedbank

Branch: Business Southern Peninsula

Code: 12 32 09 00

Cheque Acc. No.: 123 207 3059

Fax proof of payment to: 086 670 4101

2. Credit Card: Please debit my: (please tick)

American Express MasterCard Visa

Card number:

Expiry date: / CVC No.:

Signature: ____________ Date: ___________

* O

ffer

end

s o

n 3

1 M

arc

h 2

011

. Term

s and

co

nd

itio

ns

ap

ply

. **

Co

mp

eti

tio

n n

ot

op

en t

o D

isco

very

Vit

alit

y m

em

bers

.

Call today and quote ‘Free Issues’

If you’re a regular reader of The Property Magazine, you already know that we’re about so much

more than real estate – we also bring you the latest in decor, trends, luxury and design, as well as

in-depth articles about issues that matter and profi les on celebrities in the property and lifestyle

sectors. With our fresh new look and bold, outsize format, we continue to showcase the fi nest

products and properties in South Africa like no other lifestyle publication can. And Sandton

magazine, our sister publication, keeps you up to date with what’s happening on the social and

fashion scenes in SA’s most vibrant business, arts and entertainment hub.

Subscribe now for six months and make sure you never miss an issue of Sandton or

The Property Magazine, South Africa’s favourite reads, featuring all things desired to make your

lifestyle complete.

SUBSCRIPTION

(Foreign subs call +27 21 530 3143)THERE’S MORETHAN ONE WAYTO SUBSCRIBE!

1 Complete the

coupon and post

to: Subscription

Department, The Property Magazine, RamsayMedia,

PO Box 596,

Howard Place, 7450

2 Visit the website

magsathome.co.zaor send an email to

[email protected]

3 SMS the word

‘Property’ to 34419

and we’ll call you right

back! (R2 an SMS)

LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PROPERTY IN THE REST OF THE COUNTRY? OUR GAUTENG AND WESTERN CAPE EDITIONS CARRY REGION-SPECIFIC STORIES, SO SUBSCRIBE TO THEM AS WELL!

977

1810

4691

031100

3

Propertydecor, trends, lu

xury, design & re

al estate

MARCH 2011

Winner o

f 9 publish

ing awards

GAUTENGEst.

2004, Issue 218

GUEST EDITOR

REAL ESTATE

BERRY EVERITT,

CEO CHAS EVERITT

INTERNATIONAL

Dream honeymoon destinatio

ns • M

idrand: Where corporate and country

collide

Why Mozambique property

is on th

e up

PARAGON ARCHITECTS

TAKE ON THE W

ORLD

HAS THE 2010 WORLD

CUP HELPED FOREIGN

INVESTMENT IN SA?

Sandton’s first

PARK INN

BY RADISSON

RSA

R34

.95

(inc

l Vat

)

Oth

er c

oun

trie

s R

21.9

0 (

excl

Tax

)

Par

k In

n H

ote

l San

dto

n

+27

(0)1

1 30

3 10

00

,

par

kinn

.com

/hote

l-sa

ndto

n

If you are a Discovery Vitality member you can save as much as 50% off the cover price

(R210 for 12 months). Visit Vitality Mall at vitalitymall.co.za to take advantage of this offer.**

WHY MOZAMBIQUE

PROPERTY IS ON THE UP

HAS THE 2010 WORLD

CUP HELPED FOREIGN

INVESTMENT IN SA?

GUEST EDITOR REAL ESTATE

BERRY EVERITT, CEO CHAS

EVERITT INTERNATIONAL


977

1810

4690

04

1100

3

Propertydecor, trends, luxury, design & real estate

MARCH 2011

Winner of 9 publishing awards

WESTERN CAPEEst. 2004, Issue 217

Langezandt Fishermen’s VillageOVERBERG BLISS

RS

A R

34

.95 (

incl

Vat)

Oth

er

countr

ies

R21.9

0 (

excl

Tax)\

Lang

eza

nd

t F

isherm

en’s

Vill

ag

e:

Johan R

oo

dt, +

27 (

0)8

2 4

83 9

49

6,

lang

eza

nd

t.co

.za

PARAGON ARCHITECTS

TAKE ON THE WORLD

977

1811

7000

07

1 10 0

3

Propertydecor, trends, luxury, design & real estate

MARCH 2011

Winner of 9 publishing awardsKWAZULU-NATAL

Est. 2004, Issue 219

GUEST EDITOR REAL ESTATEBERRY EVERITT, CEO CHAS EVERITT INTERNATIONAL


PARAGON ARCHITECTSTAKE ON THE WORLD

HAS THE 2010 WORLD CUP HELPED FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN SA?


STYLISH APARTMENT

RS

A R

34

.95 (

incl V

at)

O

ther

co

untr

ies

R21.9

0 (

excl T

ax)\


STYLISH APARTMENT

STYLISH APARTMENT

(Foreign subs call +27 21 530 3143)

9977

181

7718

11170

0007

7000

07

1 10 0

3

RS

A R

34

.95 (

incl V

at)

O

ther

co

untr

ies

R21.9

0 (

excl T

ax)\



RS

A R

34

.95 (

incl V

at)

O

ther

co

untr

ies

R21.9

0 (

excl T

ax)\

RS

A R

34

.95 (

incl V

at)

O

ther

co

untr

ies

R21.9

0 (

excl T

ax)\

Dream honeymoon destinations • Midrand: Where corporate and cou


SUBSCRIBE TO THE PROPERTY MAGAZINE for six months and pay ONLY

R195!9

7719

9775

0605

11

00

3

32

MAR

CH

2011TH

E HO

T TOPIC

S ISSUE

MARCH 2011established 2008

22

Ap

ril 2010The Sporting Issue

23

May 2010

The Sporting Issue

24

June 2010The Sporting Issue

25

July 2010The Sporting Issue

26

Aug

ust 2010The Sporting Issue

27

Septem

ber 2010

The Sporting Issue

28

Octob

er 2010The Sporting Issue

29

Novem

ber 2010

The Sporting Issue

30

Decem

ber 2010

The Sporting Issue

31

January 2011The Sporting Issue

32

February 2011

The Sporting IssueM

arch 2011The Sporting Issue

May 2011

The Sporting Issue

36

June 2011The Sporting Issue

37

July 2011The Sporting Issue

38

Aug

ust 2011The Sporting Issue

39

Septem

ber 2011

The Sporting Issue

40

Octob

er 2011The Sporting Issue

41

Novem

ber 2011

The Sporting Issue

42

Decem

ber 2011

The Sporting Issue

43

January 2012The Sporting Issue

44

February 2012

The Sporting Issue

45

March 2012

The Sporting Issue

46

Ap


48

The Sporting Issue

49

The Sporting Issue

50

The Sporting Issue

51

The Sporting Issue

52

The Sporting Issue

53

The Sporting Issue

54

The Sporting Issue

55

The Sporting Issue

56

The Sporting Issue

57

The Sporting Issue

58

The Sporting IssueThe Sporting Issue

The Sporting Issue

62

The Sporting Issue

63

The Sporting Issue

64

The Sporting Issue

65

The Sporting Issue

66

The Sporting Issue

67

The Sporting Issue

68

The Sporting Issue

69

The Sporting Issue

70

The Sporting Issue

71


The Sporting Issue

75

The Sporting Issue

76

The Sporting Issue

77

The Sporting Issue

78

The Sporting Issue

79

The Sporting Issue

80

The Sporting Issue

81

The Sporting Issue

82

The Sporting Issue

83

The Sporting Issue

84


87

The Sporting Issue

88

The Sporting Issue

89

The Sporting Issue

90

The Sporting Issue

91

The Sporting Issue

92

The Sporting Issue

93

The Sporting Issue

94

The Sporting Issue

95

The Sporting Issue

96

The Sporting Issue

97

The Sporting Issue

98

The Sporting Issue

33 3534

Ap


47

The Sporting Issue

59 6160

The Sporting Issue

72 7473

The Sporting Issue

85 86

The Sporting Issue

99

The Sporting Issue

May 2012

June 2012July 2012

Aug

ust 2012Sep

temb

er 2012O

ctober 2012

Novem

ber 2012

Decem

ber 2012

January 2013Feb

ruary 2013M

arch 2013A

pril 2013

May 2013

June 2013July 2013

Aug

ust 2013Sep

temb

er 2013O

ctober 2013

Novem

ber 2013

Decem

ber 2013

January 2014Feb

ruary 2014M

arch 2014A

pril 2014

May 2014

June 2014

July 2014A

ugust 2014

Septem

ber 2014

Octob

er 2014N

ovemb

er 2014D

ecemb

er 2014January 2015

February 2015

March 2015

Ap

ril 2015M

ay 2015June 2015July 2015

Aug

ust 2015Sep

temb

er 2015O

ctober 2015

Novem

ber 2015

Decem

ber 2015

January 2016Feb

ruary 2016M

arch 2016A

pril 2016

May 2016

June 2016July 2016

Aug

ust 2016Sep

temb

er 2016

100

The Sporting IssueO

ctober 2016

Clarkson for president

SURROGACY

AL FRESCODINING

GET ACTIVE

ROOM SERVICE

tips to keep you on trend

A fab idea or a passing fad?

Enjoy the last days of summer at our top spots

glam looksto keepyou moving

Are beheadings and executions fitting punishments for traffic offences? PLUS! The Top Gear Festival powered by BP Ultimate comes to Kyalami

THE hotel hotlist

R29.95 incl vat

J o ’ b u r g s t y l e | t r e n d s | l i v i n g | d e b a t e | d e c o r

TICKETS TOTHE TOP GEAR FESTIVAL

TICKETS TOWIN!

FREE!

GUEST EDITOR

REAL ESTATE

ERRY EVERITT

CEO CHAS EVERITT

INTERNATIONA


ns • M

idrand: Where corporate and cou


Langezandt Fishermen’s Village

PARAGON

TAKE ON THE


APARTMENT


ns • M



is on th

e up

Dream honeymoon destinations • Midrand: Where corporate and couDream honeymoon destinations • Midrand: Where corporate and cou


ns • M



TAKE ON THE Dream honeymoon destinations • Midrand: Where corporate and cou


is on th

e up

Dream honeymoon destinations • Midrand: Where corporate and couDream honeymoon destinations • Midrand: Where corporate and cou

Eclectic living in Sea PointDream honeymoon destinations • Midrand: Where corporate and cou

SUBSCRIBE Dream honeymoon destinations • Midrand: Where corporate and cou

SUBSCRIBE Dream honeymoon destinations • Midrand: Where corporate and couTO TO TO THE THE PROPERTY PROPERTY MAGAZINE

BERR

CEO C

INTERNATIONA


ns • M


AL FRESCOAL FRESCOAL FRESCODININGDININGDININGDININGDININGDININGDININGDININGDININGDININGDININGDININGDININGDINING

ROOM SERVICE

tips to keep tips to keep you on trendtips to keep

you on trendtips to keep

Enjoy the last days of Enjoy the last days of

THE hotel hotlist

Enjoy the last days of

✚

SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION OFFERTake out a six-month subscription to � e Property Magazine in March and receive six issues of Sandton FREE or a further fi ve issues of � e Property Magazine FREE!

20 | March 2011

March2011 | 21

Bucolic countryside on the one hand, bustling corporate hub on the other, Midrand is as diverse as it is sprawling. And with a number of new developments planned for the near future, its multifaceted character is set to expand further still.

This page The Castle Kyalami boutique hotel, one of Johannesburg’s more eccentric landmarks, is a fine-dining, conferencing and wedding venue.

The Midway Mark

words Lisa Witepski Photographs Paul Shiakallis

The NeIGhBOURhOOD

22 | March 2011

the NeIGhBOURhOOD

The first inhabitants of the area that would later become Midrand were iron smelters attracted to the region by the Jukskei River, according to Nadia Hurter, Midrand Manager for Seeff

Sandton. Much later it became a midway point for travellers between Johannesburg and Pretoria and became known as Halfway House. It was only in 1981, when Halfway House was merged with Olifantsfontein, that the area officially became a town and was renamed Midrand. ‘Midrand has since been incorporated into the Johannesburg City Council, but maintains its name and status as a separate city,’ Nadia says.

It also retains a unique atmosphere. Drive past the New Road or Allandale turn-offs on the N1, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that this is a centre dedicated to commerce and money-making. After all, clustered around the spaghetti-like intersections that distinguish this area as an important highway landmark are the offices of such prestigious multinationals as Siemens, Neotel, BMW and Vodacom.

However, it would be entirely incorrect to conclude from this single slice of real estate that Midrand is a mini city. It is, as Brian Hickson of Jawitz Properties points out, a ‘largely undefined and amorphous hub’, starfishing between Centurion, Sandton, Kempton Park and Kyalami. So large an area inevitably encompasses a significant number of suburbs: to the east there’s Glen Austin and President Park, southwards there’s Kyalami Glen, Waterfall Estate and Waterfall Equestrian Estate, to the north you’ll find Samrand, Blue Valley Golf and Country Estate, Beaulieu and Randjesfontein, and to the west, Glenferness and others. Naturally enough, each of these suburbs has its own character.

‘The area that was first known as Midrand – Halfway House and Halfway Gardens – is fairly high density. Although these have residential parts, they also started to attract corporate and commercial entities when Jo’burg’s CBD lost

its lustre. Besides offering a convenient location, the area provided a more affordable option than the Sandton CBD,’ says Brian. But much of Midrand swings to the other side of the spectrum: areas like Beaulieu, Kyalami and Glenferness remain zoned for agriculture, and could easily serve as the setting for a Jilly Cooper novel.

Nadia says, ‘Part of Midrand’s appeal is that it has a calm, rural atmosphere while still offering proximity to the business hubs of Gauteng. Moreover, the newer properties provide sleek, modern living, often in complexes that have the added benefits of security in an enclosed community. The older residential settings of Vorna Valley and Noordwyk have a sedate, relaxed feel to them, while the apartment blocks closer

to the business hub are vibrant and eclectic.’ Nadia’s assertion that the city ‘has something for everyone’ is borne out by its diverse buyers and investors. ‘Many of those who work in the multinationals based in Midrand choose to live here, too. The upmarket gated communities have attracted well-to-do, young, up-and-coming professionals who enjoy the lock-up-and-go lifestyle,’ Nadia says.

‘A large Indian community has settled in the area – mostly young couples purchasing in the middle of the market – and there’s a shopping mall dedicated to Indian culture and culinary tastes,’ Nadia adds. ‘There has also been an influx of black buyers and young people looking at properties across all price ranges, eager to be close to work opportunities.

March2011 | 23

With thanks to …

Jawitz Properties, Brian Hickson, +27 (0)11 466 0966, jawitz.co.za

Seeff Sandton, Nadia Hurter and Alisha Paterson, +27 (0)11 784 1222, seeff.com

The NeIGhBOURhOOD

Midrand’s diverse properties have made for a very dense, varied population.’

If the properties aren’t homogeneous, neither are their prices. Nadia reveals that it’s possible to buy a one-bedroom or bachelor apartment for as little as R350 000, while some townhouse complexes start from R550 000. Brian maintains that larger apartments, measuring around 100m², in suburbs like Carlswald and Halfway Gardens, are a little more expensive because of their proximity to shopping centres and other conveniences, so you can expect to pay around R1- million. Freestanding homes are also modestly priced, from R850 000. Prices are a little higher for cluster developments: although some start at R750 000, a three-bedroom, two- bathroom property in a secure, gated development could cost anything between R1,2-million and R2,5-million. The next step up is estate living, encapsulated by the ever- popular Kyalami Estate. Here, prices range from R2,5- million to R8-million, says Brian, adding that the higher end of the market includes large family homes with big gardens. ‘Security is, of course, the major attraction at Kyalami Estate,’ he observes. ‘Such is the demand for its safe environment that what started out as an affordable development has become very upmarket, and many of the homes have been upgraded, while others still are currently undergoing refurbishment.’

Then, for the jodhpur and vegetable garden set, there are the agricultural estates, such as Saddlebrook and Blue Hills, as well as the plots of Beaulieu, where a 1ha property may set you back anything from R4-million to R20-million.

What about rentals? ‘Midrand remains a lower- to upper- middle-class rental area, and is popular with tenants who work in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Midrand itself,’ answers Seeff ’s Alisha Paterson. ‘Apartments can be leased from R3 500/month, while townhouses can be found in the R6 000 to R9 000 bracket. Houses in the suburbs fetch between R8 000 and R15 000, and then there are the security estates, presenting beautiful family homes priced from R15 000 to R25 000.’ These prices have remained fairly steady, even during

the recession and have contributed to Midrand’s reputation for offering consistent value for money, Nadia reports. ‘Since buyers have such a large range of properties and price brackets to choose from, sellers who overprice their homes cannot expect to sell,’ she notes. ‘As a result, prices have remained realistic and, in our experience, serious sellers are pricing right.’

Value for money isn’t the only advantage of settling in Midrand, she continues. For the corporate investor, there are the obvious factors that have driven growth in the past, including visibility, space and easy access. These very characteristics have made Midrand a favourite among function planners, conference and exhibition organisers, and it includes some of the country’s premium meeting facilities. Chief among these is, of course, Gallagher Estate, the erstwhile home of the Pan African Parliament, which continues to draw such prestigious events as Decorex.

Midrand’s centrality is a major plus for residents, too, especially given the area’s situation smack-bang between Johannesburg and Pretoria, with efficient access granted by the N1 Highway and main roads through Kyalami and Sunninghill. Lifestyle needs are catered for with shopping centres at Carlswald, Crowthorne, San Ridge and The Boulders, while religious services for many dominations are provided for in the nearby Russian Church, the Midrand Islamic Society and St Saviour’s Anglican Church, which, Nadia relates, was moved in 1983, brick by brick, from its location in KwaZulu-Natal, where it was built in the 1860s.

From a recreation point of view, Midrand’s semi-rural setting makes for some interesting, natural excursions: key destinations include the Lory Park Zoo, home to one of the largest collections of exotic birds in South Africa, as well as the Glen Austin Bird Park Sanctuary. Moreover, if your garden is looking sparse or you’re searching for a rare orchid, this is the place to go shopping: the proliferation of nurseries in the area makes it a haven for Keith Kirsten wannabes. There’s also unusual family entertainment on offer, in the

form of the dancing Lipizzaner horses, as well as Richard Loring’s Theatre on the Track. But, if these pursuits are all too sedate and you need a change of pace, head to the Kyalami Racetrack.

In spite of this range of amenities, Brian believes that Kyalami would benefit significantly from improved infrastructure. ‘The reality is that just 15 years ago this was the fastest-growing area in the country – yet development did not keep pace. Crime became an issue, the roads weren’t able to cope with volumes, and although there are some good private schools in the area, there aren’t enough public institutions – or shopping centres and hospitals, for that matter – to feed the number of people who live here.’ Consider that residents in the mood to watch a blockbuster on the big screen or experience fine dining need to visit Fourways or Sunninghill. But, he’s quick to add, this is about to change. With Midrand pinpointed as a major station on the Gautrain service route, Brian predicts that the area is poised to experience a rebirth. ‘It will become easier than ever to commute to the major centres, and doubtless many potential buyers will hasten to take advantage of properties that will remain more affordable than anything that Sandton or Rosebank has to offer.’ A second spin-off is that, with Midrand well on its way to becoming a significant centre in its own right, the municipality will be inspired to address challenges such as cleaning up the CBD, he adds. In fact, says Nadia, since 1983, several billions have been invested with this end in sight.

There are other developments that will add to the future desirability of the area, Brian continues: Waterfall City, which will feature its own hospital, pre-primary, primary and secondary schools, along with a hotel, retail and office precincts, conference centre, gym and several lifestyle estates, is well on its way to becoming a sought-after address. The planned Zonk’Izizwe development, comprising entertainment, official and residential space, and it is rumoured to become one of the biggest nodes within the southern hemisphere.

Visit thepropertymag.co.za for more information

on the top neighbourhoods in South Africa.

Left to right The Russian Orthodox Church – people of several religions feel at home in multicultural Midrand; a balance

still exists between urban development and countryside tracts in the Midrand area.

‘Midrand is well on its way to becoming a significant centre in its own right.’

24 | March 2011

INSIGHT

or ‘feel good’ sentiMent?Big Money

The 2010 Fifa World Cup cost at least R30-billion to stage. Have foreign investors flocked to our shores since?

Words Gareth Stokes

Cala-bashing – the fnB stadium within the soccer City Complex in Johannesburg. it was renamed soccer City stadium for the

duration of the 2010 fifa World Cup. the stadium was designed to resemble a giant calabash and cost r3,3-billion to build.

March 2011 | 25

INSIGHT

South Africa was in rapture when Fifa President Sepp Blatter announced on 15 May 2004 that we would be hosting Africa’s first-ever Soccer World Cup. The decision triggered an unprecedented countrywide infrastructure overhaul as

we geared up to welcome 32 national teams and thousands of football supporters from across the globe.

The government poured billions of rand into football stadiums, airport upgrades and road and rail infrastructure, to make sure the event went off without a hitch. And they deployed thousands of additional law enforcement officers to ensure an incident-free tournament. The event proceeded smoothly, prompting the usually fickle Sepp to award South Africa 9 out of 10 points for its hosting efforts.

Nine months on, with the event largely forgotten, economists are trying to work out whether the R30-billion ‘bill’ represented money well spent. Nobody disputes the ongoing benefit to the country from the Bus Rapid Transport system, the Gautrain and other public transport solutions. And tourists and visiting businessmen will marvel at the country’s world-class airport terminals for decades to come. So the only infrastructure white elephant we have to deal with is the handful of one-event-only stadiums now littering our post-2010 landscape.

Those who narrowly focus on the pluses and minuses linked to specific infrastructure projects are missing the point. The World Cup was about much more than rands and cents. It lifted South Africa onto the international stage and helped to destroy the many preconceptions educated Westerners held about the African continent. They’ve finally adjusted their ‘just bush’ assessment of our country to ‘high tech with high-tech capabilities’. Hosting the event was akin to lighting a massive billboard exclaiming, ‘Hello! Take a look down here. We’re South Africa, and we’re open for business!’ In the months following the tournament, both South Africa and Africa emerged as central themes at numerous global events and conferences. The continent featured at the Fortune Global Forum in New York City in June 2010 and at the World Affairs Council conference held in Atlanta in July.

By hosting an event of this magnitude, South Africa has helped Africa to come of age. Maria Ramos, group chief executive of ABSA Group Banks, sums it up: ‘We need to get away from this idea that Africa is about aid and health. Europeans and Americans need to start changing their minds [and assist us in] unlocking economic value and entrepreneurship on the continent.’

We’ve already enjoyed the short-term benefits of the event. The tournament added 0,5% to our GDP number through 2010 as tourists spent on retail, food, entertainment and accommodation before, during and after the event. A survey conducted jointly by the National Department of Tourism and South African Tourism concludes there were 309 000 event-specific tourists who spent in the region of R3,6-billion during their stay here. Overall visitor numbers swelled nicely too. From January to September 2010, South Africa welcomed 5 944 568 tourists, up from 5 087 634 in the first nine months of 2009. ‘The tournament has positioned South Africa as a viable investment market and the spin-offs of improved perceptions abroad could have a long-lasting impact not only on South Africa and its development, but on the continent as a whole,’ says Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk.

He’s talking about the long-term dream for massive and sustainable foreign direct investment (FDI) to South Africa. Danny Jordaan, chief executive officer of the country’s World Cup Organising Committee shares this sentiment: ‘It is exciting to see that business leaders around the world wish to leverage off the tournament.’ Although the ‘Gateway to Africa’ tag preceded the World Cup by many years, there’s no doubt the event generated additional interest in the continent. Suddenly, the likes of US retail giant, Walmart, and global banking brand, HSBC, were on the hunt in our territory, ready to put their shareholders’ money to work.

Has the event led to the avalanche of FDI we’d hoped for? A superficial look at the latest South African Reserve Bank quarterly bulletin suggests things are looking up. Capital flows topped R98,7-billion to 30 September 2010 – in addition to the R113,9-billion through 2009. But closer scrutiny proves these numbers disappointing. The bulk of these flows are

Pho

tog

rap

hs

123rf

.co

m

26 | March 2011

INSIGHT

Clockwise from top left Inside FNB Stadium; Cape Town Stadium, Green Point – construction cost: R4,4-billion; Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban – construction cost:

R3,4-billion; Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth – construction cost: R2,05-billion; predictions are clouded as to whether South Africa will see a good return

on its investment in building the stadiums for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

‘The tournament has positioned South Africa as a viable investment

market and the spin-offs of improved

perceptions abroad could have a

long-lasting impact.’

Pho

tog

rap

hs

123rf

.co

m

March 2011 | 27

INSIGHT

portfolio inflows: yield-seeking money channelled directly to the country’s equity and bond markets. Walmart’s decision is similarly guided. The Investec Asset Management equity research team says the recent bid for Massmart highlights Walmart’s search for yield and growth by developed-market investors starved of returns and pessimistic about growth prospects in their home jurisdictions.

The World Cup was never going to have a noticeable impact on FDI, which has actually declined in the quarters since. The Reserve Bank says capital inflows for direct- investment purposes dropped from R2,9-billion in the second quarter of 2010 to just R1,1-billion in the third quarter. Why?

Dawie Roodt, chief economist at the Efficient Group, says South Africa’s FDI is inherently low relative to other sub-Saharan economies. He ascribes this phenomenon to the country’s sophisticated financial markets. Let’s say international investors want exposure to the property industry in both Mozambique and South Africa. Their options in Mozambique are limited to investing in physical assets – they’d have to buy an office block in Maputo, for example – whereas their easiest option in South Africa would be to simply purchase shares in one or more of the country’s world-class listed-property companies.

It takes many years for an international company to bite the bullet and move into a new market. Chris Hart, an economist at Investment Solutions, reckons Walmart was most likely thinking about investing in Africa even before South Africa was chosen to host the event. ‘It seems to me as if South Africa is showing signs of developed-market maturity, which means potential FDI is being diverted to stock market acquisitions,’ says Chris. He would prefer the likes of Walmart to arrive on South African soil and build up their business from scratch, because brownfield developments offer multiple benefits to emerging economies.

There were hopes in the run-up to the tournament that renewed international investor interest would breathe some life into the lacklustre residential real-estate sector. Real-estate professionals wanted to get as much mileage from the ‘free’ marketing as possible. Although difficult to back up statistically, it seems international buyers have remained on the fence since June/July last year. ‘So far all the World Cup did for us was to increase our international exposure,’ says Laurie Wener, MD Western Cape for Pam Golding Properties. ‘There’s been a massive increase in international traffic on our website, which supports this viewpoint. But this interest hasn’t translated into additional sales.’ Why not? Laurie says we shouldn’t ignore the combined impact of a strong rand and a weak global economy on international real-estate investors and speculators. Developed-world investors simply don’t have the stomach for ‘expensive’ offshore property investments right now.

The majority of international visitors to our shores before, during and after the World Cup enjoyed the country’s infrastructure and hospitality. And their experiences could easily guide future offshore property decisions. That said, any decision by a foreigner to purchase in South Africa would only reflect six to eight months later. Potential investors would have to scout their properties, offer on the properties, arrange finance and then wait for the deeds office to do its stuff. We may yet see some activity in the first quarter of this year.

It’s unfortunate that the tournament coincided with an extremely depressed global economy. International real-estate companies are more concerned with staying afloat in their respective markets than exploring new opportunities. You can cover the World Cup’s impact on real estate and other direct investment with a blanket comment, provided here by Dawie Roodt: ‘The event definitely turned more eyes towards South Africa. But rather than encourage new investment, the World Cup acted as a catalyst for foreigners who already had their eyes on our markets. The shift to emerging markets got under way well before the RSA-versus-Mexico game on 11 June 2010.’ This change in focus saw an unprecedented US$68- billion (approximately R472-billion) flowing into Africa during 2009. The bulk of this cash came from the United States, with China hot on their heels. And going forward, most analysts expect emerging economies, such as China and India, to dominate the African FDI landscape. South African companies are doing their bit too – almost all of the top 40 listed firms have expanded their African footprint over the past decade.

If South Africa wants a larger share of this FDI – the money that contributes to physical assets rather than sheltering temporarily in local financial markets – then we’ve got plenty of work to do. The government has to roll up its sleeves and begin pruning some of its less attractive policies, particularly those centred on labour and taxation. The positive glow from the World Cup soon grows cold when potential investors are faced with rigid business structures, racial quotas, poverty, crime, militant trade unions and repeated wage strikes. ‘The investment we’re attracting at the moment is despite government policy rather than because of it,’ observes Dawie.

Property professionals have their work cut out for them too. ‘A year ago at this time, we were all looking forward to the World Cup and its impact with great excitement,’ says Seeff Properties Chairman Samuel Seeff, ‘but there won’t be any underpin from this event through 2011.’ His sentiment is shared by Rael Levitt, chief executive at Auction Alliance, who sums the matter up: ‘The bottom line is that this year we don’t have the World Cup to boost infrastructural spend, tourism, mid-year retail and, most importantly, investor sentiment.’

Words Jackie Gray Photographs Brenda Veldtman

Passionate By

DESIGN

Far left Anthony Orelowitz and Henning Rasmuss with a model of Sandton’s paradigm- busting

Deneys Reitz Towers. Left and below The unmistakable AFGRI Head Office building

in Centurion.

March 2011 | 29

Passion, innovation and excellence are the three fundamentals driving Anthony Orelowitz and Henning Rasmuss, the directors and shareholders of Paragon Architects.

Paragon Architects has established itself as a serious force locally and internationally. Its footprint includes South Africa, Angola,

Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda and Brazil. Included under the Paragon banner are several independently owned and managed businesses: Paragon Interface, Hub Architects and Aspire Architects, through which the group covers all aspects of architecture and design within the commercial, sports, leisure, education and retail sectors.

Paragon’s owners, Anthony Orelowitz and Henning Rasmuss, both caught the architectural bug early.

Anthony recalls how, when he was seven years old, he watched the house his parents had commissioned ‘grow’ out of the ground. ‘The architect who designed the house was Mike Challis, who at the time was an up- and-coming director at RFB Consulting Architects. It was a magical experience to see this structure taking shape. Suffice to say I was hooked on architecture from then on. ‘When I was older, Mike gave me vacation jobs throughout my high-school years. I don’t think I added a day’s value to RFB, but Mike recognised my passion for the craft and took me under his wing. In those days there was definitely a greater sense of mentorship.’

As a young boy, Henning would accompany his father on his Saturday morning run into downtown Johannesburg. At the time, a number of tower blocks were being constructed. Corrugated sheet fences encircled these buildings and it was through holes in these fences that Henning would stare, entranced by the busy worksite, while his father carried out his errands.

‘My father used to say that an architect was the only person who knew what everyone on a building site was doing,’ explains Henning. ‘I liked the thought of that, even though I know that’s not actually the case now. It was this concept that planted the seed of my architectural passion.’

Upon graduating from architecture school, Anthony worked for Stauch Vorster

for a year. He received a good grounding in commercial architecture during this time as well as a wake-up call. ‘The year 1991 was tough for the company,’ Anthony says. ‘One Friday I returned from site to find all the partners had left early, and out of a staff of over 30, only four employees, myself included, had not been retrenched. This event made me realise how tough architecture could be and that if I wanted to mitigate the risks, I needed an additional skill set. The following Monday I applied for an MBA course at the Wits Business School.’ Anthony went on to work for Standard Bank Properties for the better part of three years, where he put his newly gained knowledge into practice. ‘At Standard Bank, I learned about structured finance, how to analyse client and project risk and the drivers which would enable successful property developments. I always intended to go back to architecture, though, so in 1996 I started the architectural practice that was to become Paragon Architects.’

At university, Henning served as an intern at Tasso Hatzifotiadis, an architect who was passionate about architecture and life in general. ‘My days with Tasso began with coffee and prayer,’ he remembers. ‘Tasso’s passion permeated everything he did and it taught me that even the smallest things could bring joy and should be appreciated. He also taught me that architecture was messy and sweaty, and that long nights weren’t restricted to university.’ Henning also worked in Düsseldorf and Berlin for two years during the time of rapid social change and development that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall.

In late 1997, after a year of working in Hong Kong, Henning began working with Anthony part-time on some of his projects. They took to each other, and what began as a temporary arrangement became permanent in early 1999, when the pair won a commission in the first phase of Melrose Arch. This triggered the founding of Paragon Architects. Paragon’s rise from that point on has been nothing short of meteoric. Since

30 | March 2011

DESIGN

2000, the company has completed projects for Boeing, Routledge Modise Evergreens Attorneys, General Motors, Oracle, Motorola, Nashua Kopano, Sun International, Discovery Health, ABSA Capital, T-Systems, Standard Chartered Bank and TBWH, to name a few.

Of their past projects, the Deneys Reitz Towers, the Green Point Stadium, the Cli� e Dekker Hofmeyr building and the unmissable AFGRI Head O� ce in Centurion stand out. In respect of the Deneys Reitz Towers, Paragon was asked to produce an iconic building that would break the mould. Situated in Alice Lane in Sandton, this project proved challenging, as the site was small and came with an 18-storey height limit. Anthony explains, ‘The � rst thing we did was notionally split the building into two towers. This accentuated the structure’s verticality. Making the southern tower taller further

enhanced this aspect. On the north and south facades, three glass types were utilised. The way in which the glass was used made it di� cult to distinguish between spandrel and vision areas. On the east and west facades, long, deep, vertical and horizontal glazing strips were used to cut through the aluminium gables. The use of these devices deconstructed the rhythm and scale of the facade and in turn enhanced the iconic nature of the building. All of this had to be achieved while still meeting the building’s very exacting functional requirements and tight budget constraints.’

According to Anthony, one of the building’s greatest design challenges was the integration of the cores and vertical transportation into the shell of the building’s organic form. Introducing a ‘gasket’ into the core allowed the inner facade to move

inwards and outwards without a� ecting the building’s functionality. The Deneys Reitz project has proved highly successful and has transformed Sandton’s skyline.

Although perhaps not the most enjoyable project from a process perspective, Henning and Anthony concur that the R4,2-billion Green Point Stadium was technically exhilarating. ‘The Green Point Stadium project was a baptism of � re,’ remarks Henning. ‘We were directly involved through a joint venture with the design of the roof and facade of this structure, but it was � rst and foremost an extended exercise in project politics and was conducted in an atmosphere of poisonous public opinion and relentless resistance. It seemed as if nobody wanted the stadium, yet the clock was ticking. Although thoroughly unpleasant in many ways, the stadium presented a huge learning

opportunity, which we grasped with both hands. The site and setting in� uenced the design to a large extent and forced a certain clarity into the product that is unique among the World Cup stadiums.’

Paragon has more than enough work on its plate to keep the sta� there busy for some time. The largest project the company is currently involved with is the new head o� ce for Alexander Forbes. Located opposite the Gautrain station in Sandton, this building covers an area measuring approximately 36 000m2. Other projects include the interior design of their Paragon Interface company, a new call centre for Cell C, private-school projects, a new head o� ce for BBDO Spencer Stuart, a 5 000m2 o� ce and retail node for a below-the-line advertising company, a motor showroom conversion on Katherine Avenue and the refurbishment of the old

Top left to right Views of Cape Town Stadium. Bottom left to right Sleek, modern lines defi ne the ABSA Capital building in Sandton. Opposite, top left to right Protea Place; the

Tiber Rosebank building on the corner of Jellicoe Avenue and Oxford Road. Bottom The Deneys Reitz Towers gleam in the sunlight. Inset Detail of the glass panels that clad the

Deneys Reitz Towers.

March 2011 | 31

DESIGN

Nestlé building for the Innovation Group in Randburg. Before the year is out, Paragon would have tackled an 18 000m2 corporate o� ce project in Sandown, a 36 000m2 o� ce block in Mpumalanga and a 34 000m2 precinct redevelopment in Sandton’s CBD.

And that’s just Paragon Architects’ primary business projects. The company’s other divisions are also working � at out on their own assignments. The company is also involved with the design of one of the Brazilian World Cup stadiums and is working on a sculptural tower at Brazil’s airport. According to Henning, Paragon doesn’t ascribe to any particular signature style; rather the company tends to view each new project as an opportunity to improve on the last.

Anthony says, ‘Embedded in our design culture is a conscientious e� ort to push the boundaries of design, knowledge,

sustainability, materials, buildability and e� ciency. Importantly, this has to be achieved in the context of yields, rental rates and a very competitive market.

‘In terms of our design style, we try to avoid falling into a speci� c or de� nable “signature style”. I hope that when people look at the ABSA Capital building, Oxford Corner, Deneys Reitz and AFGRI that they appreciate the building for its beauty and functionality, but won’t necessarily be able to link any of them to Paragon based on their design.’

Although Paragon shies away from being pigeonholed, Henning and Anthony aren’t averse to listing a few choice elements that characterise their creations. ‘Our buildings are generously proportioned and � lled with light. They feature dramatic spaces that surprise and leave their mark on your memory. They are

well proportioned and thoroughly detailed. They feature a strong formal presence, are distinctive and not always subtle.’

Paragon wouldn’t be where it is today without having an ear to the ground for SA’s architectural trends and needs. ‘For instance, we are currently investing heavily in software systems and studying green building techniques,’ says Henning ‘This will put us one step ahead of our client’s needs. We are working with our clients and consultants to produce buildings that are better for the environment and healthier to build and use.’

Henning and Anthony are of the opinion that an architectural institutional culture is lacking in South Africa to some extent, with the ‘o� cial’ de� nition of the country’s architectural needs being driven by a people who, ‘quite frankly, have never practiced beyond incredibly narrow con� nes’.

Anthony and Henning love what they do, and it shows. ‘Passion is something you discover you either have or you don’t as you go along, and architecture gives you back more than you put into it. At least most of the time,’ says Henning. ‘So you begin to love it and it allows you to unlock the visible world and a whole new world of meaning in turn.’

Anthony has similar sentiments. ‘I have never had to question what I wanted to do with my life,’ he says. ‘Every day of my professional life I grow and learn. I think that architecture is one of the few professions that, if you are conscious about your processes, will enable you to improve incrementally, day by day, week by week. Over the period of a working life, that’s a very powerful process and can lead to a very ful� lling existence.’ +27 (0)11 482 378, paragon.co.za

HENNING:

Where do you live? ‘I live in Parktown North

in a house that was completed in the same

month I was born. It has hardly been touched,

apart from some refurbishment on our part.’

Hobbies/sports? ‘Photography used to be

a hobby of mine. I have never been of the

sporty persuasion.’

Family? ‘I am married to an architect, Philippa

Rodseth. We have two children, Natascha

and Alexander. They are welcome to become

architects when they grow up, so long as they

don’t become merchant bankers, as that line

of work has fallen into disrepute after the

whole Lehman Brothers fi asco.’

Favourite restaurant? ‘Doppio Zero in

Greenside, because it’s kid friendly.’ Anatoli’s

in Cape Town is another favourite. Their

Turkish delight is unbeatable.’

Favourite getaway? ‘Brazil. Just about any

part of it.’

You’re currently reading? ‘The Language

of Passion.’

Favourite website? The Cool Hunter

[thecoolhunter.net].

ANTHONY:

Where do you live? ‘I currently live in an

old house in Craighall Park, which I think

was partially renovated by Ian Gandini at

some stage.

Hobbies/sports? ‘I like waterskiing and

mountain biking. However my favourite

pastime is cooking and eating.’

Family? ‘I’m married to a psychologist,

Zahava Aarons. We have two boys, Saul and

Joshua. Unlike Henning, I won’t object to their

becoming merchant bankers!’

Favourite restaurant? ‘Nobu.’

Favourite getaway? ‘Churchaven.’

Currently reading? ‘The Big Short; and

The Shock of the New.’

Favourite website? ‘YouTube. It allows you

to virtually walk through any building on the

planet; that’s a wonderful thing.’

� e most romantic getaways in South Africa

Wo

rds

And

rea F

irth

, Genevie

ve F

isher

and

Sand

y W

elc

h

32 | March 2011

Pod

LUXE LIVING

Honeymoon Bliss

DESIGNER’S DREAM

When Wallpaper magazine lists your establishment as a favourite designer hotel a mere six months after its opening, you know you’re doing something right. This was the case withPod, Camps Bay’s newest luxury boutique hotel. Conceptualised and designed by Greg Wright Architects, and set a stone’s throw away from the famous Camps Bay Strip,Pod is minimalist chic at its most luxurious.

Making use of wood, granite and slate, and with a colour palette re� ecting the surrounding sea, sand and mountains, this 15-room hotel prides itself on being cool in the most sophisticated way. The notion of ‘cocooning’ is evident everywhere at Pod, where private nooks and interesting enclaves make you feel as if you’re staying in your own private villa, even when the hotel is brimming with guests.

Special honeymoon touches include:

• a 70m² Deluxe Suite with sea views, open-plan shower, champagne on tap and slick fi nishes• beach service, with staff attending to you and your other half ’s every whim.

WHY WE CHOSE IT:

It is possibly Cape Town’s best-kept secret. +27 (0)21 438 8550, pod.co.za

GET THERE

fromCape Town

March 2011 | 33

luxe living

1. THE ROYAL TREATMENTLa Residence The scene at La Residence, high up on a slope in the Franschhoek Valley, is like a fairy-tale – glass chandeliers from India and glittering gold finishes twinkle at you in the reception area of this Royal Portfolio property. This luxury boutique hotel is opulence at its most eclectic, with artwork, furniture and decor items sourced from every corner of the globe and expertly curated with an undeniably Afro-chic slant by co-owner Liz Biden.

So sumptuous are the 11 suites that every one of them could serve as a honeymoon hideaway. The suites are individually themed, from the Armani Suite’s monochrome aesthetic to the colourful and vibrant Nomatemba Suite. Each suite is a treasure chest of glamour, with attention to detail overflowing from every corner: Charlotte Rhys body products, boxes of Twinings tea, bookshelves lined with classics, not to mention the sparkling wine and fruit platters on arrival. The views from the balconies are of sweeping valleys and vineyards. A few of the rooms also look out onto a pond, where a family of ethereal black swans live.

The focus is on customised honeymoon experiences, something that Ivanka Trump took advantage of when she chose to honeymoon at La Residence. Upon booking your stay, it is suggested that you let management know about the occasion, as they have various options available.


• rose-petal and candle turn-down with bubble bath

• for the more adventurous, a return trip by helicopter to the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town for high tea, followed by a ride up the cable car for sunset

• dual massage and reflexology treatments in the spa

• horse-drawn carriage tours of the town and surrounding vineyards

• (by prior arrangement) private dining in the sunken lounge or out among the vineyards.

WHY WE cHOSE iT:

You will most probably never see anything like it again, unless you are a celebrity, rock star or of royal ilk. The Roving Ambassador, +27 (0)21 426 0991, therovingambassador.co.za

2. SupREME SOLiTudEBushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness RetreatIf silence and solitude is your thing, there couldn’t be a better honeymoon choice than this. Set in the rugged foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, it offers just the right doses of romance, luxury and seclusion, in an incredibly beautiful setting. The Riverside

Honeymoon Suite is set in a standalone cottage at the end of the property, providing complete privacy. With a separate lounge, two outdoor patios in front and your own private plunge pool complete with pool loungers at the back of the property, it’s elegant decadence at its very best. Two flat-screen TVs, a bronze bath perfectly positioned next to a door that opens out onto the wilds, an outdoor shower and a massive four-poster king-size bed all add to the opulence.

Dine at Makana, the gorgeous outdoor restaurant featuring chef Floris Smith’s amazingly inventive dishes, or have your meals served privately on your suite’s patio.Be sure to take a gentle stroll to view the Bushman art against a spectacular mountain backdrop. You’ll find the opportunity for romance everywhere.


• rose petals strewn over the bed• complimentary sparkling wine• his and hers massage at the spa gazebo• a picnic for two by the dam

• WHY WE cHOSE iT:

It’s the ultimate solution for a secluded honeymoon where romance reigns and luxury prevails. +27 (0)21 481 1860, bushmanskloof.co.za

3. TREETOp SEcLuSiONThe Phantom Forest Eco ReserveSet deep in the forest overlooking the Knysna estuary, the Phantom Forest Eco Reserve is one of the most picture-perfect honeymoon retreats on the Garden Route. The special experience starts the moment you park your car at the bottom of a steep hill and are transported to the top by bush vehicle.

Chattering monkeys greet you from the trees at reception, and it is sometimes hard to work out where the forest ends and the hotel begins, so cleverly have the buildings been designed to blend in with their setting.

The Upper Tree Camp suites are perfect for honeymooners. They’re spaced a fair distance apart from each other for the utmost privacy. Floor-to-ceiling glass abounds, maximising the views and bringing the forest inside, and the bathroom has expansive views across the valley. There are two double-ended baths – one outside, so you can enjoy an outdoor soak under the stars, and the other perfectly positioned right by the window. There’s also a daybed where honeymooners can cuddle and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine.

Spend your days sun-worshipping at the stylish Moroccan-style Chutzpah pool area, chilling out with a spa treatment, or book the Bubble Barrel and sauna area for a totally private outdoor bath in, yes, a barrel. There are two different dining areas offering al fresco and indoor dining, and the cuisine is exceptional.


• a honeymoon gift with sparkling wine, chocolates and card.

WHY WE cHOSE iT:

It’s breathtakingly beautiful, wild and spontaneous. A unique experience.+27 (0)44 386 0046, phantomforest.com

4. BEAcH BLiSSThe Last Word Long BeachThe Last Word Long Beach deserves the final say in intimate honeymoon hotels. Tucked away in quaint Kommetjie, this five-star slice of heaven was the winner in the 2010 and 2009 World Travel Awards for SA’s Leading Luxury Beach Hotel.

The six-bedroom hotel has unrivalled seafront positioning, providing views that

stretch across white beach sands and azure ocean to the lights and mountains of Hout Bay. There’s an in-house chauffeur service to lift guests to restaurants and take them on tailor-made tours of Cape Town.


• romantic turn-down with rose petals and surprise dessert

• truffles and bespoke bubbly on arrival• complimentary picnic hamper• breakfast in bed or on your private patio

or balcony.

WHY WE cHOSE iT?

Its intimate personal service makes you feel instantly at ease, and the views will take your breath away. +27 (0)21 794 6561, thelastword.co.za

43

1

2

The mammoth Catharina Suite is usually the designated honeymoon suite, and with its plush French-style furniture, king-size bed, separate dressing room, o� ce and balcony, it’s � t for royalty.

The pièce de résistance is the bathroom. With its vintage lion’s paw bathtub, chandelier lamps, incense and candles, it’s hard not to feel like a pampered Shakespearean queen.It’s those little extras that make this boutique hotel so special – the white-gloved butlers that tip-toe around, seeing to your every need, the rose petals in the bath and the candlelit dinners

on the balcony, savoured to the strains of classical piano drifting over you.


• sparkling wine and homemade biscuits on arrival• breakfast in bed.

WHY WE CHOSE IT

If there’s a more romantic boutique hotel in the province, we certainly couldn’t � nd it. +27 (0)12 344 6035, illyria.co.za

The mammoth Catharina Suite is usually the designated honeymoon suite, and with its plush French-style furniture, king-size bed, separate dressing room, o� ce and balcony, it’s � t for royalty.

The pièce de résistance is the bathroom. With its vintage lion’s paw bathtub, chandelier lamps, incense and candles, it’s hard not to feel like a pampered Shakespearean queen.It’s those little extras that make this boutique hotel so special – the white-gloved butlers that tip-toe around, seeing to your every need, the rose petals in the bath and the candlelit dinners

on the balcony, savoured to the strains of classical piano drifting over you.


• sparkling wine and homemade biscuits on arrival• breakfast in bed.

WHY WE CHOSE IT

If there’s a more romantic boutique hotel in the province, we certainly couldn’t � nd it. +27 (0)12 344 6035, illyria.co.za

Wo

rds

Jackie

Gra

y a

nd

Sand

y W

elc

h

34 | March 2011

FABULOUSLY QUIRKY

Located within the Cradle of Humankind, Forum Homini is de� nitely out of the ordinary. The rooms take the form of 12 luxury caves carved into the landscape. The honeymoon suite is nestled away from the main suites, and has a king-size canopy bed, double outdoor shower and sumptuous bath for two, overlooking the bushveld. A � replace, stalactite-shaped lights, a Bubble Chair and a love couch add to the appeal. Award-winning restaurant, Roots, is located on the premises, so be sure to enjoy at least one delicious meal here.


• bed canopy ‘let-down’ and rose petal dusting• champagne, fl owers and bride’s gift• in-suite spa treatments.

WHY WE CHOSE IT:

Forum Homini is great for honeymoon couples looking for something o� the beaten track. +27 (0)11 668 7000, forumhomini.com

Forum Homini

GET THEREfrom Jo’burg

LUXE LIVING

March 2011 | 35

luxe living

1. DecaDence in the cityMelrose Arch HotelIf contemporary urban funk is your thing, look no further than Melrose Arch Hotel in what is arguably Johannesburg’s hippest lifestyle development.

Innovative architecture and outstanding design characterise this hotel at every turn. And, in keeping with this, the penthouse suite offers a honeymoon opportunity that is replete with real style.

The suite’s facilities include a walk-in dresser, lounge area, fireplace, patio, outdoor shower, garden, separate guest bathroom, office and kitchenette.

It’s decorated in an opulent blend of warm, natural tones, and the luxurious personal touches, including mood- enhancing lighting and luxury baths with candles, make the experience that much more special.

Admittedly, having life’s luxuries served up on a silver platter like this makes it difficult to leave. But if you do somehow manage to drag your self away from the suite, be sure to make the hotel’s famous pool area your destination of choice.

There you can hang out at the hotel’s extraordinary Pool Bar. The tables and chairs are half submerged in the water, and

3. OLD-WORLD LUXURyCybele Forest Lodge and Health SpaCheck in and tune out. That’s exactly what you can do as honeymooners at Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa, and it couldn’t be easier.

Set on some 120ha of forestland, this charming country farmhouse epitomises old- school courtesy and service.

The honeymoon suite offers the utmost privacy, and you get to enjoy your own climate-controlled pool, separate lounge area and a bathroom to die for, complete with freestanding bath, fireplace and candles.

On request, special honeymoon

touches can include:

• chocolate hydrotherapy spa bath on the night of your arrival, private dinner for two and romantic turn-down with sparkling wine, strawberries and gift

• couple’s massage treatment• private picnic lunch at the waterfall.

Why We chOse it:

It’s the setting that makes this such a desirable venue. And with so many opportunities for intimate moments, it will linger in your memory for years to come. +27 (0)13 764 9500,cybele.co.za

4. WiLD anD fRee Tshukudu Bush Lodge For couples who share a love of the bush, sitting in a sunken bath high up on a hill with sweeping views of the savannah plains of the Pilanesberg National Park around you must sound like a dream honeymoon.

And that’s exactly what Tshukudu Bush Lodge has to offer.

The lodge consists of no more than six individual, custom-designed chalets built into the rocks, providing you with the ultimate in privacy and luxury. Plush leather sofas, double beds, cascading crystal chandeliers and soft, vibrantly coloured furnishings typify the interiors, and each chalet has its own fireplace and balcony, so they’re perfect for romance in all seasons.

Tshukudu is famous for its service and African-inspired cuisine, so come prepared to be spoilt – especially as newly-weds, the staff here always go the extra mile to make sure honeymooners’ stay here is the experience of a lifetime.

special honeymoon touches include:

• champagne on check-in• post-game drive candlelit bubble bath and

dinner on private deck.

Why We chOse it:

Intimacy, luxury and bushveld. Need we say more?+27 (0)14 552 6255, tshukudu.co.za

1

3

2

4

oversized metal buckets planted with fully grown trees line the seating area. Sip on your favourite drink and even enjoy a meal here as music filters up as if by magic from beneath the surface of the water.

special honeymoon touches include:

• VIP snack tray• romantic candlelit turndown with rose petals scattered on the bed and in

the bathroom.

Why We chOse it:

In a nutshell, Melrose Arch is perfect for the cosmopolitan, city-loving couple.+27 (0)11 214 6666, africanpridehotels.com

2. ULtimate ROmance Illyria HouseRomance and opulence combine at this magnificent Pretoria guesthouse. Set among beautiful gardens overlooking the Jacaranda City, Illyria House is classy, elegant and extravagant – exactly what honeymooners need to make them feel special.

Wo

rds

And

ré F

iore

and

Anne S

chauff

er

36 | March 2011

CITY SENSATION

The Oyster Box as urban? Why not? It’s this � ve-star Red Carnation hotel’s extraordinary good fortune to be right in the heart of Umhlanga – KZN’s residential and commercial hotspot – as well as on the prestigious north coastline … complete with landmark lighthouse. The setting is sensational, with sweeping views north and south, direct beach access, and it’s just down the road from all the urban action.

On honeymoon at the Oyster Box, there’s little reason to leave the hotel precinct. It’s all on tap, from the award-winning, out-of-this world spa with sensational treatments for two, to a deluxe suite with private plunge pool and six � ne-dining venues. Anyone for fresh oysters and champagne on the Ocean Terrace as the sun goes down, or dinner at the chef ’s table in the sunken wine cellar? And then there’s the opportunity for popcorn and a cuddle in the back row at the movies – the Oyster box has a 24-seat theatre screening romantic classics.

Honeymoon couples will enjoy:

• rose-petal turn-down• chocolate-dipped strawberries and champagne in your room• couple’s spa treatment in the spa or in their rooms• romantic picnic on the beach• personalised package to make your honeymoon simply unforgettable.

WHY WE CHOSE IT:

It’s sheer luxury at every turn, with the indulgence swaying between complete solitude and sublime sociability.+27 (0)31 514 5000, oysterboxhotel.com

The Oyster Box as urban? Why not? It’s this � ve-star Red Carnation hotel’s extraordinary good fortune to be right in the heart of Umhlanga – KZN’s residential and commercial hotspot – as well as on the prestigious north coastline … complete with landmark lighthouse. The setting is sensational, with sweeping views north and south, direct beach access, and it’s just down the road from all the urban action.

� e Oyster Box

GET THERE

from Durban

LUXE LIVING

March 2011 | 37

luxe living

1. Delightfully DifferentCleopatra Mountain FarmhouseTucked away in the beautiful Kamberg Valley, close to Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve in the Drakensberg, Mouse and Richard Poynton’s five-star lodge has a well-deserved reputation for being a romantic gourmet getaway … with a delightful difference.

With only 11 rooms – each lovingly and thematically decorated by Mouse – there’s a great sense of quiet and beauty here.

Life comes down to roaring log fires, long strolls in the mountains, and sensational seven-course gourmet dinners prepared and shared by passionate, highly entertaining chef … Richard himself. For food lovers, this is gourmet heaven.


• tranquillity, beauty, candlelight and a romantic, soothing setting.

Why We choSe it:

It’s extraordinarily different. Surrounded by the majesty of the Drakensberg, there are glorious walks, birdlife, serenity and fine, fine food with the most entertaining commentary. You’ll love it. +27 (0)33 267 7243/9900, cleomountain.com

2. country charmHartford HouseHartford considers luxury to be the journey, not the destination. Spend time with them, and it’s inarguable.

Hartford didn’t start out as a boutique hotel – it was a grand homestead alongside a magnificent, world-class stud farm, and evolved into the five-star establishment it is today.

Hartford offers loads of colonial history and architecture, an extraordinary new spa, a select range of eternally stylish accommodation to suit every taste, and a gourmet kitchen watched over by the young, exciting executive chef, Jackie Cameron,

who’s garnered so many awards for her culinary prowess at Hartford that most have lost count.


• a honeymoon off the beaten track in a charming lakeside suite

• sumptuous dining by candlelight at the Chaîne de Rôtisseurs restaurant in the historic dining room or on the rambling colonial veranda.

Why We choSe it:

It’s luxuriant horse country, picture-postcard stuff, glorious accommodation with your own deck hanging over the lake – and gourmet food fit for kings and queens. The spa, too, is quite exceptional.+27 (0)33 263 2713, hartford.co.za

3. caSually intimateThonga Beach LodgeIf you love your beach clean and uncluttered, Thonga’s your remote, unadorned honeymoon ideal … with a little rejuvenation centre for spoiling, of course.

Set above a secluded bay, Thonga Beach Lodge is nestled in beautiful coastal dune forest in a World Heritage site, with sweeping views of the beach below. It’s renowned as a great dive site.

All 12 spacious, air-conditioned, thatched suites are raised on wooden stilts to ensure no harm comes to the dune soils, while the use of bleached wood, glass and natural materials creates a wonderfully airy feel.

Thonga’s intimacy and remoteness entice you to indulge in long leisurely walks on the beach or to enjoy a sundowner cruise on Lake Sibaya. They’ve captured that perfect balance between peace and quiet and things to do. If you’re desperate to call Mum, climb a sand dune – that’s your only chance of cellphone reception.

The dining area consists of a large thatched ‘rondavel’ that opens out onto an expansive wooden deck, and most meals are served al fresco.


• deep, deep bubble bath against the backdrop of the sea.

• dining by candlelight on the beach.

Why We choSe it:

It’s simple. No formality. It’s all about shorts, tees, costumes and sarongs (or scuba diving, great food and like-minded company if you so choose). Thonga is for those comfortable not taking along that little black number.+27 (0)35 474 1473,isibindiafrica.co.za

4. luxuriouSly WilD&Beyond Phinda Vlei LodgeWithin this prime 23 000ha Big Five reserve, Phinda has six exclusive, glorious lodges, each with its own charm and character.

The intimate Vlei Lodge fringes the reserve’s wetland system along the edge of the rare sand forest, and the six air-conditioned thatched suites – each with private plunge pool, luxurious en-suite facilities, dressing room and perfectly positioned game-viewing deck overlooking the vlei – are cleverly, carefully embedded into those environs.

Intimacy and exclusivity form the cornerstone of a stay at Phinda Vlei. Delectable, innovative pan-African cuisine is served on the vast game-viewing decks or in exquisite, remote bush settings (private dining in your suite can be arranged.)

You may choose from a vast array of activities on site or off, or simply ignore the world and relax in your private plunge pool and watch the wild world go by.

In addition to the twice-daily game drives, Phinda conducts bush walks, canoe trips, boat cruises, horse riding and even night turtle drives (seasonal).


• the most civilised and romantic bush experience imaginable – so small and so intimate that they can truly tailor the experience to the honeymooner’s needs.

Why We choSe it:

&Beyond Phinda has justifiably won a slew of accolades for its lodges, and it’s entirely true that on your visit to Phinda, you will feel like royalty.

No pomp and ceremony though; it’s all sophistication and sensitivity to your needs and those of the environment. Chances are you’ll fall head over heels in love with this kind of Africa.+27 (0)11 809 4447,andBeyond.com

2

3 4

1

Foreign property investors are in good hands with these legal top guns.

38 | March 2011

ground control

ASK THE EXPERTS

Photographs Val Adamson

Hair and make-up Chelsea Hill

March 2011 | 39

ASK THE EXPERTS

+27 (0)31 502 6902 | dacostaattorneys.co.za

How does your company assist

foreigners looking to invest in SA?

More often than not, our overseas

clients approach us once they

have made the decision to invest

in property in SA. They would have

already approached a local estate

agent to assist them in fi nding a

suitable investment opportunity,

and understanding the ins and

outs associated therewith. We

assist them in vetting the Offer

to Purchase (which may be very

different to anything they have

encountered in their own country)

to ensure that their rights are

protected. Once appointed as the

conveyancers, we then handle

the registration of transfer on

their behalf.

In your experience, what types of

people/businesses are looking to

invest in the country?

The majority of the overseas

clients we deal with are purchasing

property as a holiday home;

alternatively as a place to retire to.

What elements work in favour of

foreigners looking to invest here

and what works against them?

Elements that work against foreign

investors are: (a) high fi nancing

costs; (b) banks not offering

bond fi nance of more than 50%;

(c) the high cost of ownership;

(d) the taxes payable when you

dispose of the asset. Elements that

work in foreign investors’ favour

include: (a) favourable exchange

rates; (b) secure ownership; (c) a

wonderful climate all year round.

DA COSTA INC.

Annabelle da Costa, Director

40 | March 2011

+27 (0)31 583 8060 | [email protected]+27 (0)31 309 5483 | amchunter.co.za



We provide a comprehensive, expert

legal service pertaining to all aspects

of property acquisition within SA,

as well as guidance through all the

legal requirements.




We deal with clients from all

continents – and not only high- end

investors, but also with ordinary

folk seeking holiday or investment

homes. In addition, there are many

expats and returning residents with

forex at their disposal who know the

good value of property here.




Our property still offers good value

for money. This, coupled with the

rate of exchange, one of the best

property registration systems in

the world, and a brilliant climate

and favourable lifestyle, makes SA

very attractive for foreign investors.

There are a few downsides to

investing here. Some examples

might be that the banks will only

lend 50% of the purchase price to

non-resident buyers. Also, upon

resale, capital gains tax (ranging

from 10% of the profi t for individuals

to 20% for corporates) and

withholding tax (between 5% and

10%, depending on the selling entity,

for a purchase price over R2-million)

is payable. Furthermore, the rate of

exchange may diminish the profi t.



Over and above the changes to the

Companies Act, South Africa has

implemented the Broad-based Black

Economic Empowerment (BBBEE)

Act, which has direct bearing on

foreign entities looking to enter

the South African economy. As a

commercial attorney at Macgregor

Erasmus, I deal with both pieces

of legislation, amongst others, to

provide compliance advice and

assistance in the preparation of

agreements between commercial

entities, and advice and assistance

in dealing with contractual disputes

and civil claims.




International companies specialising

in information technology and

industrial/specialised equipment.




Often, those entering the local

market bring with them skills and

technology not readily available in

SA. This gives them considerable

buying power and access to largely

untapped markets, not only within

SA, but in the whole sub-Saharan

region. There are challenges to

entry in terms of compliance with

the BBBEE Act. What is required

is a coherent company structure

and compliance policies to enable

foreigners to take advantage of the

investment opportunities in SA.



As the primary business of our fi rm

is conveyancing, a large percentage

of our dealings with foreign

investors in SA is related to property

acquisition. In this regard, we

assist these investors in becoming

familiar with and understanding

the various laws applicable to their

transaction, so as to ensure that the

differences between their domestic

laws, procedures and processes,

and those of South Africa, can be

highlighted. We also assist foreign

investors in understanding and

applying the relevant exchange

control policies and procedures,

and refer them to experts in the

fi eld, including our many banking

partners. This assists in ensuring

that, in the event of the investment

being disposed of at any stage

and the client wishes to transfer

the proceeds out of SA, they are

able to do so. We advise as to the

tax implications of the purchase

and sale of property, as well as

the best-suited legal entity within

which to make a purchase. We also

warn foreign investors about the

limitations that South African banks

impose on mortgage grants.


people/business are looking to

invest in this country?

Foreigners who have visited

the country on holiday or have

increasing business ties within

SA are making moves towards

purchasing property in South Africa.

+27 (0)31 201 8955 | [email protected]

ASK THE EXPERTS

SMITH TABATA BUCHANAN BOYES

MACGREGOR ERASMUS ATTORNEYS AMC HUNTER INC.

Stavros Anthias, PartnerBhauna Hansjee,

Associate (Attorney)Siobhan Tamlyn Perrigo, Attorney



We have several years of experience

in attending to property transactions

on behalf of foreign nationals. A

sound knowledge of exchange

control regulations and an expert

banking support system ensure that

transactions are competently dealt

with. Electronic links with Sars, local

authorities and fi nancial institutions

facilitate transactions.


people/business are looking to


Given property values and the

sublime climate in KZN in particular,

traditionally upper-income investors

or retiree foreign investors seek

prime property with a view to

either spending half the year in

South Africa or visiting regularly

throughout the year. Investors

are assertive and have long- term

investment motivation and

the fi nancial power to support

their choices.




Foreign buyers can only mortgage

up to 50% of their investment,

though the government has taken

steps to encourage investment

by not putting restrictions on

ownership. We enjoy strongly

regulated systems and a highly

sophisticated deeds registry. There’s

a shortage of property, creating

long-term growth potential backed

by the strongest economy in Africa.

CJ COGAN ATTORNEYS

Jo-Anne Cogan, Owner

+27 (0)32 947 0865 | [email protected]

March 2011 | 41

Real estate

There has been talk for years about the empowerment of real-estate consumers through technology, with the wealth of information

and ‘for sale’ listings on the internet making for much better informed – and demanding – property buyers and sellers.

However, I think the real-estate industry in SA ain’t seen nothin’ yet when it comes to consumer power, and that a couple of pieces of legislation will mark 2011 as a watershed year in this regard.

First up is the new Consumer Protection Act (CPA), which comes into effect in April and has already prompted many real-estate companies to make changes to their sales documentation.

The guiding principle of the CPA is that consumers have a right to get what they think they are paying for – whether it’s a hamburger, a haircut or a house – and it basically makes the suppliers of goods and services responsible for ensuring that buyers

understand fully any contract they enter into, and that they have not been subject to any false representation or nondisclosure.

There is still some doubt in real-estate and legal circles about how this will affect the use of the voetstoots – or ‘as is’ – clause traditionally inserted into most home sale agreements – and about whether estate agents will be regarded as suppliers or facilitators in terms of the new law. But I don’t think the industry is going to wait for answers to emerge from test court cases.

My belief is that the CPA is very quickly going to bring about huge changes in the way properties are bought and sold – including ‘ordinary language’ sales agreements that are easier for consumers to understand, as well as a rapid rise in the use of certified inspectors to provide independent home appraisals, such as those that are a prerequisite for all home purchases in the US and the UK.

The other biggie for property consumers this year is the legislation dealing with the

new compulsory qualifications for estate agents. In 2011 we will see the start of a process that ensures that all estate agents have a proper NQF Level 4 or Level 5 qualification by the end of 2013.

All those who joined the industry after July 2008 will need such a qualification by the end of this year in order to register with the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) and obtain a Fidelity Fund Certificate.

In SA, this certificate is effectively an agent’s licence to operate and the customer’s guarantee that any money entrusted to the agent is either safe or will be refunded by the EAAB if it is misappropriated.

The new estate agent qualifications will hold even greater benefits for consumers, not the least being the right to expect a much higher level of knowledge and a much more professional service from agents.

And this, combined with the power conferred by the CPA, will no doubt bring about renewed awareness that the real drivers

of the property market are not inventory levels, interest rates or smart marketing, but homebuyers and sellers themselves.

Main

pho

tog

rap

h 1

23rf

.co

m P

rofile

pho

tog

rap

h Z

oo

m P

ho

tog

rap

hy

Berry Everitt, CEO, Chas Everitt International

GUEST EDITOR Berry Everitt

The year 2011 sees the introduction of two pieces of legislation that will mark a turning point in South Africa’s real-estate industry, as the power shifts back to property buyers and sellers.

residential, commercial, property fund, offshore, auction, green building

The Year of the Consumer

42 | March 2011

Residential Real Estate

Co

mp

iled

by A

nd

ré F

iore

and

Genevie

ve F

isher

Beachfront BallitoScheduled for completion around Easter of 2012, the newly launched @88 on the Ballito beachfront is a development of

12 exclusive apartments offering an executive lifestyle and direct beach access. Selling off plan, these three-bedroom,

three-bathroom, sea-facing units offer superb finishes, open-plan living spaces, generously sized

patios and air conditioning throughout. Apartments are approximately 165m2 and include

two basement parking spaces and the option of purchasing a storeroom.

The complex will have a pool and clubhouse as well as remote- controlled

access. ‘With apartments priced from R3,95-million to R4,5-million, this is an

opportunity to own an ideally situated piece

of upmarket North Coast property,’

says Lloyd Rees of Tyson Properties Ballito.

+27 (0)82 449 3299, tysonprop.co.za

Steve Corbett Architects designed @88for seaside living.

Buy-to-let looking healthierAfter a weak performance for most of 2010, it seems as if the buy-to-let market

is becoming more attractive, particularly in areas where homes are valued at

under R1-million, and in the apartments rental market. FNB Home Loans Strategist

John Loos says there is a shortage of supply in the apartment rentals market,

which will ultimately result in landlords’ being able to ask for higher rentals.

According to figures released by Stats SA, residential rentals grew by an average

of 5,6% year-on-year in November. For the first time in five years, estate agents

surveyed are also expecting an increase in demand in this segment, and they

believe investors will once again start considering this market.

Property predictionsLast month we featured six of the country’s real-estate leaders – Peter

Gilmour, Samuel Seeff, Andrew Golding, Berry Everitt, Lew Geffen and Keith

Wakefield – to get their views on the state of the industry. Here, two more

industry heavyweights share their opinions.

Tony Clarke, MD, Rawson Properties: ‘All the evidence today indicates that

the big firms that took their branding and ongoing promotion further by

every possible means – including modern technology, such as the internet

and social media, cellphones and direct mail – are achieving increasing

dominance. There will always be room for the small area specialist, but the

big brands will increase market share and become even more respected.

It’s likely that sales will steadily increase because of low interest rates, strong

demand at the lower levels and the banks’ gradual easing of credit restrictions.’

Herschel Jawitz, CE, Jawitz Properties: ‘There is no doubt that the

industry is far more professional than it was previously. Factors that have

driven this improvement are education, greater consumer awareness and

increased competition. The most obvious improvement has been the use

of technology, as it enables estate agencies to be more efficient in terms of

communicating with more clients, and marketing more properties to a wider

audience – a win-win situation for everyone.’

‘Prices in many coastal areas are really competitive at the moment, and the long- term prospects for value growth are sound.’ – Berry Everitt, CEO, Chas Everitt International

March 2011 | 43

Residential Real Estate

Like hotcakesJust launched, Phase 2 of Point Bastille is a five-storey, canal-side development at

Durban Point Waterfront. It offers a mix of studio apartments, double-volume one-

bedroom loft apartments and two-bedroom, one-bathroom simplexes. Situated

on the prime canal site at the Waterfront, the apartments have an upmarket,

minimalist, industrial finish – all in white, with floors of white-pigmented plaster,

kitchen and bedroom cupboards in dark mahogany and white stone kitchen

countertops. This is the only development site within the precinct that allows for

construction right up against the canal. Designed by Paton Taylor Architects, the

building maximises the site’s unique position by encouraging public interaction

in the piazza and the open-air restaurants below. The piazza itself has enormous

potential as an outdoor meeting place that will buzz with buskers, retail facilities

and waterside cafés; it can become a space where locals and tourists will be able

to mingle in a vibrant café-society setting. ‘Priced from R682 000, 32 out of the

44 available units have already been sold,’ says Craig Murphy of PWR Properties.

+27 (0)79 871 3838, pwr.co.za

Ridge residentialLaunched in January this year, Season’s Court in Meridian Drive, Umhlanga Ridge

Town Centre, offers one-, two- and three-bedroom units in an inviting garden

setting. Situated diagonally opposite the Porsche Centre, the development

comprises 230 apartments, including 83 in Phase 1. With lush landscaping, a

swimming pool and spacious leisure areas, Season’s Court is ideally suited to

young families, first-time buyers and buy-to-let investors. Nearby amenities include

Gateway Theatre of Shopping, the retail and leisure offerings of Umhlanga, the new

airport and the surrounding business precinct. ‘Units are priced from R650 000 to

just under R1,4-million,’ says Jenny Aitken of Wakefields Estate Agents.

+27 (0)31 561 1286, wakefields.co.za

Wild Coast winRecently launched onto the market as a sectional-title development, Tortuga

is a completed 30-unit complex within the Caribbean Estates private

resort. Bordered by the Indian Ocean and the Umtamvuna River, and just

five minutes away from the Wild Coast Sun, this estate offers two- and

three- bedroom apartments on the water’s edge. Units range from 115m2 to

137m2, are fully furnished to a high standard and include television, a fully

fitted kitchen and laundry, cooking utensils and cutlery. Facilities on the

estate include a swimming pool complex, an all-weather floodlit tennis court,

a playground and direct access to both beach and river. Boats are welcome.

‘Starting at less than R1-million, and with no transfer fees payable, this is an

ideal investment as a permanent residence or holiday home,’ says Stephanie

Harries of Wakefields Shelly Beach.

+27 (0)79 770 4742, wakefields.co.za

Uvongo opportunityPhase 2 of the spacious, modern Kenmuir Gardens in Uvongo has recently

been launched, with 17 new apartments on offer. Comprising two- bedroom,

two-bathroom, and three-bedroom, two-bathroom seaside studio

apartments (double-storey and private garden options included) the

development has cathedral ceilings, open-plan living spaces, granite kitchen

counters and stylish wooden flooring. ‘Situated in the Uvongo residential

area, close to the beach and shops, this secure complex is pet-friendly, has

low levies and is one of the nicest on the South Coast,’ says Pieter van der

Merwe of Pam Golding Properties Margate. +27 (0)39 317 3003,

pamgoldingproperties.co.za

44 | March 2011

COMMERCIAL Real Estate

Co

mp

iled

by A

nd

ré F

iore

and

And

rea F

irth

The January launch of the

6 000m2 Adcock Ingram

Healthcare regional distribution

centre and offi ces marks yet

another Zenprop Property

Holdings investment in the

Riverhorse Valley Business

Estate. The new high-tech

premises, custom designed to

Adcock Ingram’s operational

requirements by Jonathan

Leibowitz of Empowered

Spaces Architects, are fully air

conditioned, are compliant with

ASIB fi re protection regulations,

stand 13m high to eaves, and

have an FM II fl oor specifi cation.

Zenprop has invested a total

of approximately R650-million

in Riverhorse Valley in the last

fi ve years, including Mr Price

Group’s national distribution

centre (27 000m2), City Couriers’

distribution centre and offi ces

(12 000m2), AGI’s factory and

offi ces (10 000m2), Schenker’s distribution centre and offi ces (5 000m2), Parmalat’s distribution centre and offi ces (5 000m2),

Fuel Logistics’ distribution centre (18 000m2), UTi Pharma’s distribution centre (9 000m2), the Midas Group’s distribution centre

(11 000m2), the offi ces of The Witness (3 500m2), Discovery Health’s call centre and offi ces (6 000m2) and Kevro’s distribution centre

and offi ces (5 000m2). ‘There is a vacant warehouse of approximately 3 700m2 immediately adjacent to the Adcock Ingram premises

that is available to let. It has its own dedicated yard and marshalling area and is very competitively priced,’ says Dave Kopp of Tysons.

+27 (0)11 883 8380, espaces.co.za; +27 (0)31 312 9500, tysonprop.co.za; +27 (0)31 566 4840, zenprop.co.za

‘A warehouse of approximately 3 700m2 is availableto let.’

Mine innovation

A R2,5-billion mine dump processing plant is set to be in operation by

2013 in the North West and Mpumalanga provinces. The new plant is

predicted to generate in excess of 400 jobs for the area, will process

approximately 1,1-million tons of material from the mine dumps and produce

500 000 tons per year of ‘pig iron’, which is consumed in steel production.

State-of-the-art technology will be used to recover residual iron ore from

mine dumps that would otherwise have been unprocessable. Donovan

Chimhandamba, head of the Strategic Projects Fund at the National

Empowerment Fund (NEF), believes that a project of this magnitude

is ‘ground-breaking’ and offers an opportunity to be at the forefront of

cutting-edge mining innovation, with strong BB-BEE participation at an early

stage. ‘We are very excited by this project not only because of its strong

commercial merit, but also its high developmental impact and environmental

cleaning aspect,’ says Donovan. 086 184 3633, nefcorp.co.za BRIC work

South Africa has been invited to join the BRIC nations, a group of the world’s

most promising emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India and China. Chinese

President Hu Jintao has invited President Jacob Zuma to the BRIC’s third

heads- of- state meeting in Beijing in April 2011 for a formal induction. According to

the International Monetary Fund, the BRIC nations will account for 61% of global

growth in three years’ time. Miller Matola, CEO of the International Marketing

Council of SA, says the move is expected to ‘boost investment and trade

opportunities for the country, as it has done for the other four states’. Last year

both local and foreign investment in South Africa increased, with median property

prices reportedly growing by 7,3% and 8,3% in July and August respectively.

Investor confi dence is predicted to rise by 6% in 2011. Incentives to invest in South

Africa include its affordability, attractive climate and beautiful landscape, as well as

its strong and growing market +27 (0)11 483 0122, imc.org.za

Zen zeal

March 2011 | 45

CommerCial Real Estate

‘SA is just brimming with new ideas, new projects and new opportunities.’ – Berry Everitt, CEO, Chas Everitt International

Hospitality hike

The KZN North Coast guest house market has reported record growth in

demand in both the corporate and leisure markets over the last nine months, say

consultants Corinne Lategan and Ian Bannerman of Pam Golding Lodges & Guest

Houses. ‘The bedding down of the new airport, coupled with the development of

La Lucia and Umhlanga Ridge office parks, has had an extremely positive impact

on hospitality businesses in the areas of Durban North, Umhlanga, Ballito, Salt

Rock and Blythdale – all within 15 minutes of King Shaka International Airport,’ says

Corinne. A steady influx of corporate travellers in Ballito, Umdloti and Salt Rock is

specifically benefitting four- and five-star guest houses. Once the Dube TradePort

is fully operational, the business hub is expected to have a domino effect on all

subsidiary service-related businesses, including the hospitality industry. ‘The

demand for accommodation close to a hub of this size and with such diverse

business interests, many of which will have global reach, will create a very good

return on investment for hospitality business owners,’ says Ian.

+27 (0)31 765 2557, goldinghotels.co.za

Another franchise for Tysons

Times are busy at Tyson Property Group as yet another franchise opens in

Phoenix. Praveen Hariparsaad, the newest franchisee to come on board, says

he is already busy processing valuations and referrals, and is looking forward to

making his mark in the area. ‘I will be marketing the Tyson Properties brand to a

community where it is virtually unknown, and I believe we will be doing a great

deal of business in this area.’ The residential areas under the new franchise include

Phoenix, Verulam, Tongaat, La Mercy, Mount Edgecombe, Broadlands, Avoca Hills,

Newlands East and West, Effingham/Avoca and Parlock. All are close to strategic

business, commercial and industrial growth nodes that have evolved along with

the new King Shaka International

Airport. Phoenix Industrial Park,

Riverhorse Valley and the Dube

TradePort are important sources

of investment and employment,

making this a perfect market for

first-time buyers as well as for

those ready to upgrade from the

one- or two-bedroom houses that

were provided by government.

Key retail developments, such

as the Phoenix Plaza, Bridge

City and Gateway Theatre of

Shopping, as well as improved

infrastructure, schools, sports

and religious facilities, provide

for other aspects of family life in

the area. +27 (0)32 533 5459,

tysonprop.co.za

Green piece

Things are looking up on the green side of the R250-million Edendale

Mega City development, where work on the restoration of the adjacent

1,3ha natural wetland has begun. Susan Carter-Brown of Afzelia

Environmental Consultants, who undertook the environmental impact

assessment for the developers, says the wetland will form ‘an aesthetically

pleasing component of the new mall, where a palette of indigenous fauna

and flora will feature in the wetlands alongside patches of reeds, small

rock piles and shallow ponds.’ The wetland will also serve as a buffer zone

that will reduce storm-water flows from the centre, assist in the filtration

of the rainwater and feed naturally into the Msunduzi River. Another

important conservation element of the project was the safe relocation of

the threatened indigenous plants that grow on the site. The plants, including

the African potato, were carefully lifted prior to the earthworks starting.

‘These plants are being tended in a temporary nursery and will be replanted

at the mall when the construction work is completed,’ says Susan. Edendale

Mega City will provide 26 000m2 of retail space, and is being developed by

Ducatus Properties and Tebfin Developments. It is due for completion in the

fourth quarter of 2011. +27 (0)12 687 4000, tebfin.co.za

Modern talking

Set just above the eThekwini Hospital in Riverhorse Valley, the purpose-built

Reid Raetzer House opened in January as the insurance brokerage’s new

head offices. ‘Our logo, “Since 1969”, speaks volumes for the longevity of

relationships we have with our clients, and as these have now been extended

to their children and grandchildren, we wanted a building that offered open,

welcoming spaces, wide passageways, gathering points where clients and

staff can interact, and open-deck entertainment verandas capitalising on

the magnificent views of the freeway and Riverhorse Valley East,’ says

Michael Grossi of Reid Raetzer. The striking design by Vageli Zervogiannis of

Zervogiannis Associate Architects includes all this, as well as an abundance

of glass, contemporary steel cladding and highly polished cement floors.

‘While the top two floors are occupied by Reid Raetzer, the beautifully

appointed ground floor of 600m2 is available to let at R95/m2,’ says Dave

Kopp of Tyson Property Group. +27 (0)31 312 9500, tysonprop.co.za

Left to right: Chris Tyson, Praveen Hariparsaad

46 | March 2011

ProPerty Fund Real Estate

Co

mp

iled

by J

oan M

ulle

r, F

INW

EE

K P

rop

ert

y E

dit

or

Where to place your betsEveryone knows that past performance is no guarantee of future

performance. So while Fortress Income Fund B (65,7%) Vukile

Property Fund (47,39%) and Growthpoint Properties (41,77%)

were the top performers in terms of total return last year,

fund managers don’t necessarily believe that these counters

will again top the property pops in 2011. Ian Anderson, chief

investment officer of Grindrod Asset Management, is placing his

bets on the A units of both Fortress and Hospitality Property

Fund. ‘Both appear to be offering value at current prices. Their

yields are among the highest in the sector and the guaranteed

distribution growth rates should not be underestimated in the

current economic climate.’ Ian also believes Redefine Properties

presents a buying opportunity at current share price levels, after

a disappointing performance last year. Ian says SA Corporate

Real Estate Fund may finally be able to put its chequered past

behind it in 2011 and deliver above-average returns for investors.

‘It offers the highest yield in the sector at 9,25% and is likely to show positive distribution growth during

the year.’ Evan Jankelowitz, director of property equity specialists Sesfikile Capital, likes Resilient Property

Income Fund. ‘From a fundamental perspective, Resilient is positioned nicely, with non-metropolitan retail

still showing strong trading densities, despite the recent global crisis. There’s also growth potential in what

appears to be an accretive development pipeline. However, the price does reflect the opportunity.’ Keillen

Ndlovu, head of property funds at Stanlib, believes that Capital Property Fund and Emira Property Fund,

among others, will outperform in 2011. ‘Capital is trading at a yield similar to the market, yet it offers better

growth prospects driven by a superior portfolio and great management. A merger with Pangbourne is

another positive – size, liquidity and, hopefully, a better rating.’ Keillen notes that Emira is well priced at a

forward yield of 8,75% against the market’s 8,3%, with similar growth prospects. The stock has vacancies of

15% in the office portfolio, creating an upside if the market turns.

Although property stocks remain a great bet for income-chasers,

the impressive 30% total return notched up by the sector last year is

unlikely to be repeated. Evan Robins, head of listed property at Old

Mutual Investment Group SA (OMIGSA), expects a ‘below-average’

year for the sector. He notes operating conditions will remain tough

for much of 2011 and market expectations may therefore be too

positive. Evan says, ‘Listed property is not a bargain, and we expect

that 2011 will be one of below-average returns, with total returns

likely to be in the lower double digits.’ While listed-property prices

have increased substantially, Evan points out that direct commercial

property prices have not risen to the same extent. This is reflected in

muted growth in property companies’ portfolio valuations. As a result,

listed property companies are now trading at a historically high premium

of around 10% to their direct property valuations. And while property

company results held up relatively well for most of 2010, final quarter

earnings disappointed. Evan says that while further interest rate cuts

remain conceivable, there is a greater chance that bond yields will end

2011 at higher levels, which poses a significant risk to capital growth.

Listed- property yields usually rise in tandem with bond yields, and higher

yields mean lower prices. If inflation remains low, this will be beneficial

in real terms for property owners, as contractual rental escalations are

in nominal terms, so property owners benefit when inflation surprises on

the downside. This is one reason why Evan expects distribution growth

to exceed inflation this year, despite challenging operating conditions.

‘With an 8% forward-yield and medium-term, above-inflation distribution

growth, we believe listed-property investors are most likely to achieve

lower double-digit returns this year if the bond market is stable. This

remains a decent return from a high-yield asset, considering the current

low-return, low-inflation environment. It warrants particular consideration

from income-dependent investors with some risk tolerance that also

require capital growth. But investors should temper their expectations.’

Historic Performance for 2010

Individual Stock Performance

Total return YTD (Jan.–Dec. 2010)

REIT Index 10,46%

PUT Index 25,50%

PLS Index 30,95%

SA Listed Property Index (SAPY) 29,62%

Capped Property Index (PCAP) 24,81%

FORTRESS-B 65,70%

VUKILE 47,39%

GROWTHPOINT 41,77%

OCTODEC 39,11%

PREMIUM 35,05%

RESILIENT 34,25%

SA CORPORATE 33,30%

HYPROP 32,91%

EMIRA 31,67%

CAPITAL PROPERTY 23,87%

PANPROP 23,85%

REDEFINE 22,08%

ACUCAP 22,08%

HOSPITALITY-A 22,03%

FORTRESS-A 21,85%

FOUNTAINHEAD 20,67%

SYCOM 16,27%

HOSPITALITY-B -4,73%

Information Source and Methodology

Data I-Net Bridge unless stated otherwise

Calculations and forecast estimates Catalyst Fund Managers

Stellar performance won’t be repeated

‘Listed property is not a bargain … ’– OMIGSA

Ian Anderson, Chief Investment Officer, Grindrod Asset Management

PROPERTY FUND Real Estate

Bricks and mortar spin best profitsListed property has beaten all other major asset classes over both the short and longer term, latest fi gures from Catalyst

Fund Managers show. Over the past 12 months until the end of 2010, listed property delivered a total return of 29,62%,

followed by equities as measured by the All-Share Index (18,98%), bonds (14,96%) and cash (6,93%). Looking at a longer

investment horizon of fi ve years, listed property again recorded the highest annualised return of the four traditional asset

classes (18,07%), followed by equities (15,24%), cash (9,14%) and bonds (7,92%). Whether listed property will continue to

outperform equities is anyone’s guess. However, Catalyst Investment Manager Paul Duncan says listed property remains

an attractive alternative to cash and bonds for investors dependent on an income. The key differentiating factor between

listed property, and bonds and cash, is that the income paid out on a quarterly or biannual basis by property companies

usually grows every year, while the income earned on bonds and cash remains static. Paul notes that property stocks

currently offer an average forward yield of just more than 8%, which compares favourably with the 5,34% on overnight

cash deposits and the 7,31% yield to maturity on R157 government bonds.

Property shines in top 100 surveyIn addition to being the best-performing asset class in 2010, listed

property also features prominently among South Africa’s top

100 companies. The latter ranks the best-performing companies

across all sectors of the JSE. Norbert Sasse, chairman of the

Property Loan Stock Association (PLSA) and CEO of Growthpoint

Properties, says 15 of the top 50 best-performing companies in

terms of ‘profi t after tax’, as well as ‘growth over 10 years’ are

listed-property companies. Moreover, property stocks represent

13 of the top 100 companies in terms of overall performance over

fi ve years, despite the R127,5-billion listed-property sector still

representing less than 4% of the JSE’s total market capitalisation.

He says that, given last year’s total return performance of close to

30% and the sector’s strong representation among SA’s best listed

investments, any serious investor, retail or institutional, should

regard meaningful exposure to listed property as an asset class as

being fundamental.

Asset Class 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Annualised

SA Listed Property 28,4% 26,5% -4,5% 14,1% 29,6% 18,07%

Equities** 41,2% 19,2% -23,2% 32,1% 19,0% 15,24%

Cash*** 7,5% 9,3% 11,7% 10,3% 6,9% 9,14%

Bonds* 5,5% 4,2% 17,0% -1,0% 14,96% 7,92%

Source: I-Net Bridge, *BESA All Bond Index, **All-Share Index, ***STEFI 12-Month Cash Index

Norbert Sasse, Chairman, Property Loan Stock Association, and CEO, Growthpoint Properties

Outlook improves for off ice-focused fundsIt appears that the offi ce market is taking a turn for the better, with signs

of increased demand for space in some prime nodes, which bodes well

for property counters with a large exposure to the sector. A number of

property funds, including the likes of Redefi ne Properties, Growthpoint

Properties, Emira Property Fund, Pangbourne Properties and Octodec

Investments, have offi ce vacancies approaching or exceeding 10%. Izak

Petersen of Mergence Africa Property Fund notes that higher take-up and

measured rental growth is starting to come through in select offi ce nodes

as the economic recovery gains momentum, slowly but surely. Izak notes

the Sapoa/IPD Offi ce Vacancy Survey for fourth quarter 2010 indicates

that prime offi ce properties in areas such as Sandton, Cresta and the

Johannesburg CBD in Gauteng, and Bellville, the Waterfront and the CBD

in Cape Town, are either fully let or have minimal vacancies of around 1%.

However, Izak warns there are still risks in the system, such as corporate

downsizing and liquidations, which can potentially drive down rentals.

‘Lower vacancies in offi ce and industrial properties mean more jobs, which is always the best news for the market.’ – Berry Everitt, CEO, Chas Everitt International

48 | March 2011

Co

mp

iled

by G

enevie

ve F

isher

OffshOre Real Estate

Pound pounceThe strength of the rand combined with the relaxation of exchange controls

makes this an opportune time for South Africans to invest in UK direct commercial

property, says Broll Investment Broker David Adams. He adds that commercial

property capital values in the UK have recovered by 20% to 30% from their trough

in the current cycle. Broll highlights two appealing investment prospects. The

first is a £7,7-million (about R87-million) A-grade office property requiring around

R30- million purchase equity and representing an initial yield of 6,2%. The second is

a freehold supermarket in South West London with seven years remaining on lease

for £1,3-million (about R14,8-million). It requires R5,5- million purchase equity with

an initial yield of 6,62%. +27 (0)21 446 2507, broll.co.za

Black River magicSituated in the popular Black River district, on the west coast of Mauritius, Matala

Lifestyle Estate is only three minutes from the beach. Nestling in the Black River

Gorge National Park on 18ha of tropical beauty, the 71 luxury villas come in three

different designs, ranging from a three-bedroom, 250m2 villa to a four-bedroom,

489m2 villa situated on a half hectare of land. All the villas rest on large landscaped

freehold stands, each with private swimming pool. They have designer finishings

and are air conditioned in each bedroom with bathroom en- suite. Matala Lifestyle

Estate is an Integrated Resort Scheme, meaning that owners and their direct

family get residency on the island. Plots range in size from 0,2ha to 0,45ha and are

priced from $590 000 (about R4,2-million) to $840 000 (about R6-million). Villas

are priced from $945 000 (about R6,7-million) to around $2,098-million (around

R15- million). Phase 1 of the development is currently under way and is scheduled

for completion by January 2012. +230 261 2233, seeff.mu

A French vintageHeritage Properties of Europe specialises in sourcing prime properties and

wine estates in the south of France for South African investors. They have on

their books a restored 19th-century château with two towers and 730m2 of

habitable space. The property is set in the Bordeaux countryside within a beautiful,

23ha park. Priced at ¤2,899-million (R27,5-million), the main house includes grand

reception rooms, eight en-suite bedrooms, two dressing rooms, a home cinema

and a games room. Original parquet flooring, a stone staircase and fireplaces are

among the significant features together with light, elegant and spacious rooms.

Separate from the house is a caretaker’s cottage, a dedicated wood- panelled

office suite and library, garaging and stables, an infinity swimming pool and a

hard court for tennis or basketball. This château is surrounded by vines, and

is a stone’s throw away from St Emilion and Bordeaux. +27 (0)11 482 1876,

heritagepropertiesofeurope.com

Dip your toesThe powder-sand beaches, tropical sunshine, lush greenery and temperate

climate of Seychelles are all within your reach at the luxurious, 56ha

marina development, Eden Island. The developers are now offering two

free-flowing, four-bedroom, ocean-front villas with occupation available in

August 2011. Each priced at $2,495-million (R17,6- million), including notary

and residency fees, the homes come fully furnished to designer standards,

from deluxe four-poster beds to well- appointed living areas with all the

creature comforts, such as luxury Miele appliances in the kitchens. Each

home has a veranda that opens out onto the pool, as well as a private

outdoor staircase leading into the turquoise ocean below. There is air

conditioning throughout the homes, as well as private moorings

with water and electrical points for residents’ boats. Eden

Island offers homeowners exclusive facilities, including

the use of the fitness centre, a delicatessen, clubhouse,

kids’ play area, communal pools, and tennis and

volleyball courts. +27 (0)82 882 8996, edenisland.sc

Eden Island has four beaches and 16ha of private waterways.

‘Property investors have an increasingly global view and are scouring the world markets now for good growth prospects.’ – Berry Everitt, CEO, Chas Everitt International

Suppliers of Outdoor Furniture

www.canetime.com | [email protected]

12 Kramer Road Kramerville Johannesburg | Tel: 011 2622752

Cell (Durban): 0824104969

• commercial and residential landscape design and plans

• landscape installation• irrigation• paving• decking• rose pruning• tree pruning and minor tree felling• specialised garden maintenance• alien plant eradication• instant lawn• trellis and screening installation• once-off garden clean-ups• garden refuse removal.

Accredited installer and supplier of Decor Lattice products

Synergy Scapes are landscaping specialists in:

SUNDAY TRIBUNE GARDEN SHOW 2010- AWARD AS BEST NEW COMER - SHOW GARDENS

SUNDAY TRIBUNE GARDEN SHOW 2010 - SILVER MEDAL - SHOW GARDENS

For further information, please contact Byron Gordon Beukes on 079 939 9228, or email [email protected],

or view www.synergyscapes.co.za.

Discover a new world of opportunity. Offshore banking.

security and opportunity.

We have over 40 years’ experience in helping individuals protect and grow their wealth in the

Africa who can provide specialist help and advice.

Discover how to protect and grow your wealth offshore

Call +27 11 676 4347Visit www.offshore.hsbc.com

*Source: GT Financial Stability Forum (www.jerseyfsc.com) Issued by HSBC Bank International, a trading name of HSBC Bank International Limited, HSBC House, Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey JE1 1HS. HSBC Bank International is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission for Banking, General Insurance Mediation, Investment and Fund Services Businesses.

HSBC Bank International Limited is a member of the Depositors Compensation Scheme as set out in the Banking (Depositors Compensation) (Jersey) Regulations 2009. For further information on this scheme, please visit the Important Information section on our website www.offshore.hsbc.com/1/2/important-information. Your tax situation will depend on

advertisement is based on our understanding of current and proposed legislation and practice. The legislation and practice

To help us to continually improve our service and, in the interest of security, we may monitor and/or record your MC8460/SJ/2206546/CG

50 | March 2011

Auction Real Estate

Co

mp

iled

by G

enevie

ve F

isher

Rich pickingsThe commercial and industrial auction property market has reached a turning

point, and there are some excellent opportunities to be had by investors and

owner-occupiers in 2011, says Roy Lazarus of Park Village Auctions. Towards the

end of last year, such properties on auction found a ready market at good prices

– subject to important provisos. ‘Those provisos have much to do with whether

the property is well tenanted, has a stable power supply, is in reasonably good

condition, is well positioned relative to transport routes and markets, and has a

good rental income producing a steady return on investment, with potential for

further growth,’ he says. Manufacturing, retailing, distribution, warehousing and

office accommodation are in strong demand among savvy buyers, and auctions

will satisfy these market needs. +27 (0)11 789 4375, parkvillageauctions.co.za

A head startJust as 2010 was drawing

to a close, Rawson Auctions

achieved R10-million in sales

in one week, an achievement

that group MD Tony Clarke

describes as ‘remarkable’

for a new auctions division.

Rawson Auctions CEO Tanya

Jovanovski says the group’s

relationship with Standard

Bank, ABSA and FNB is what

enabled them to play a full part

in the distressed sales market,

and she says it’s likely that

this market will continue to

be a major income- earner for

another half year. ‘Properties in

possession are going for bargain

prices, and are particularly well

suited to investors who are prepared to renovate them – on a modest scale – and

rent them out,’ Tanya says. A few of the sales that contributed to the success of

the young division (Rawson Auctions has been operating for a little over a year)

included a penthouse in the eight-storey Intaba residential project in Claremont, a

four- bedroom home in Rondebosch and other, smaller repossessed properties that

Rawson Auctions sold on behalf of the banks. +27 (0)21 658 7100, rawson.co.za

A home in the skyThe magnificent Sandhurst Towers penthouse will be going under the Auction

Alliance hammer this month. The 1 000m2, three-storey property has a high-tech

home automation system and consists of four bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen, an air

purification system, designer bar, private lobby, basement parking, exquisite pool,

large entertainment area, as well as butler accommodation. ‘We are expecting an

exciting auction, as this property is attracting interest not only from local buyers, but

also from individuals abroad. The views are breathtaking and the features are all

state-of-the-art,’ says Michele Antelme of Auction Alliance. The auction takes place at the

Hilton Sandton hotel at 138 Rivonia Road on 17 March. +27 (0)11 430 5555, auction.co.za

Tony Clarke, Tanya Jovanovski

Immortalised in an irisIn collaboration with the WWF Table Mountain

Fund, Strauss & Co. fine art auctioneers are

involved in an innovative fundraising bid for

the naming rights to a new species of iris, as

rare and endangered as it is beautiful. The iris,

recently discovered near Saldanha Bay on

the West Coast, flowers briefly in the spring

and puts on a show of exquisite pale blue

flowers. Sadly, even though it’s only just been

discovered, the species is already on the brink

of extinction. The money raised from the

auction will support the WWF Table Mountain

Fund to protect and restore the fauna and

flora of Table Mountain and the Cape, both of

which are part of the most biologically rich, yet

threatened, places on earth. The auction runs

online until the end of March, and the highest

bidder will win an original botanical illustration

of the iris and the right to name it.

+27 (0)78 044 8185, straussart.co.za

The auction takes place on 17 March at The Hilton Sandton hotel.

March 2011 | 51

Green BuildinG Real EstateC

om

pile

d b

y A

nd

rea F

irth

Raise the roofThere’s now another reason to venture into the

beautiful Cape Winelands and sample some of Villiera

Wine Estate’s sparkling offerings – solar energy.

In the largest roof-mounted solar project in South

Africa, 539 modules were installed by enerGworx

across three of Villiera’s cellar roofs. The energy

capacity produced by these panels equates to

around 726kW/day, enough to power the wineries

(outside harvest time), staff housing, offices, kitchens,

processing and bottling facilities, cellars and even

cooling and irrigation systems. Villiera expects to see

the project pay for itself within the next six years,

thanks to savings realised. ‘The project represents

a commitment to even greener operations,’ says

Villiera Director Simon Grier. A forward-thinking

winery, Villiera has made aggressive eco-adaptations

throughout the farm, including biodiversity

initiatives, natural pest control, recycling and water

management. With a life expectancy of 50 years, the

newly installed solar panels will provide a sustainable

and renewable source of power for years to come.

0871 510 510, energworx.co.za

Brain foodNestlé South Africa has applied for a Green Star Rating for its new head office in

Bryanston. It took four years and cutting-edge technology to complete the

10 480m2 environmentally sustainable space. Included in the building’s green features

are intelligent lighting systems featuring motion detectors and electronic dimmable

ballasts. The building is also fitted with special glass that reduces glare, and there are atriums

that allow natural light into the building. The air conditioners consume 40% less energy by utilising

ammonia chillers, and traditional geysers have been replaced with heat exchange water heaters.

‘Over and above the social responsibility,’ says Nestlé Corporate Affairs Director Ravi Pillay ‘the economic

reality of a green workplace is improved productivity and happier, healthier staff who perform better.’

The indoor gardens as well as the indigenous landscaped gardens surrounding the building also

contribute towards an appealing office environment. +27 (0)11 514 6000, nestle.co.za

Making history all over againRobben Island will soon be powered by green

energy. In a joint pilot project called Greening

Robben Island, the South African National

Energy Research Institute (Saneri) and the

Department of Energy are investigating the

development of micro-hydroelectric, biomass,

wind, solar and (possibly) wave technologies.

A smart grid currently in development at

the University of Cape Town will be used

to coordinate the energy generated by the

various sources and manage its distribution.

Saneri CEO Kadri Nassiep says they hope to

have some of the technology ready in time for

the 2013 UN Framework Convention on Climate

Change, which will be held in Cape Town. The

installation of the green infrastructure will

begin in 2011, and you will be able to track the

project’s progress online from April.

+27 (0)21 409 5100, robben-island.org.za

Impressive EmpireOne of New York City’s most

recognisable landmarks, the Empire

State Building, has gone green.

Malkin Holdings, the owner of the

building, has undertaken a green

retrofitting programme that will

see it using renewable energy to

power the 270 000m2, 102-storey

icon. The group says it has signed

a two- year contract with Green

Mountain Energy Co. to purchase

55-million kWh of renewable energy

a year. ‘It was a natural fit for us to

combine 100% clean energy with our

nearly completed, ground-breaking

energy- efficiency retrofit work,’ says

Anthony E. Malkin, the president

of Malkin Holdings. The retrofitting

programme involves a $20-million

(around R140-million) investment

aimed at cutting energy use by up

to 38%. The upgrades will include air

handler replacements, a chiller plant

retrofit and the retrofitting of 6 500

windows. As a result of the retrofit,

the Empire State Building is expected

to rank 18th on the Environmental

Protection Agency’s 100% Green

Power Purchaser list.

The riGhT sTuffFind an eco-friendly solution at the Green Buildings World Africa 2011 expo at the Sandton Convention Centre on 30–31 March.+27 (0)11 516 4000,terrapinn.com

‘The green movement is rapidly gathering steam around the world and we all need to be part of it - soon.’ - Berry Everitt, CEO, Chas Everitt International

h2OkayCelebrate International World Water Day on 22 March. This year’s theme is ‘Water for Cities’.worldwaterday.org

52 | March 2011

networking

Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel & Conference Centre launch party: 1Fahim Jamadar, Zakhiya Rajab 2Miller Matola, Roshini and Saantha Naidu 3Colin and Kirsty Mackrory,

Julie Naidoo, Grant Webster. International psychic medium John Edward live at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom: 4Sagree and Ravi Pillay, Nelline and Sandru

Pillay 5Esme Rubin, Joy Springer, Damon Beard, Leanne Smith. Cell C’s new network launch at Moses Mabhida Stadium: 6Bharti Patel, Trevor Noah, Sue Kennedy 7Jan Greeff, Alpheus Mseleku 8Tony Banahan, Bernice Joshua, Donne Henry, Salma Patel. Launch of the eLan Property Group’s Hollywood Circle concept at Protea

Hotel Umhlanga Ridge: 9Rachel and Linda Bam 10Darryl Moodie, Annamarie Labuschagne, Hilton Riddle 11Patricia Lewis, Mark Whitfield and their son Max Lewis.

To see who else we’ve featured in our Society pages, visit thepropertymag.co.za.

Email social photographs for consideration to [email protected].

Living the high life in KwaZulu-NatalSociety

Co

mp

iled

by D

eb

bie

Reyno

lds

1

2 3

4 5

6 7

8

9 10 11

To

ad

vert

ise in

this

sp

ace, p

lease

co

nta

ct

Mavash

ini N

aid

oo

on 0

86

1 76

5 8

33 o

r em

ail

mavash

ini@

med

iano

va.c

o.z

a.

DIRECTORY

The Wish Collection - Exclusive StockistsShop 1 Lower Level, Illovo SquareShopping Centre, SandtonTel: 011 447 4495 / Fax: 011 447 4844Cell: 082 850 5439

The Marine Building22 Gardiner Street, Durban

Tel: (031) 374 8100Fax: (031) 374 8135www.nhbrc.org.za

The Marine Building22 Gardiner Street, Durban

Tel: (031) 374 8100Fax: (031) 374 8135www.nhbrc.org.za

www.sandtonexclusive.com

A COLLECTION OF EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION

IN THE HEART OF JOZI

Timeless classical furniture & trendy, contemporary signature pieces have been carefully selected & imported from Europe. The grace of

old-world charm, French romanticism and glamour.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 900 Umgeni Road, DurbanTel +27 (0)31 312 7250/2 fax +27 (0)31 312 7253

mobile 083 940 0563email [email protected] www.redrosedesign.co.za

RR007-S console(w)120 x (d)45 x (h)85

RRKRS 18 wingback chair(w)70 x (d)65 x (h)110

RR101 carved headboardking & queen sizes available

Situated in the business hub of Sandton | 330 en-suite rooms with bath and shower | Two swimming pools | In-house fitness centre | Eight conference rooms | Secure undercover parking | Adjacent to the Village Walk Shopping Centre | 200m from Sandton City and Sandton Convention Centre | CCTV throughout the hotel | The Colony Breakfast Restaurant | The Bull Run Restaurant | Wireless Internet throughout the hotel | Wi-Fi centre

Tel +27 (0)11 322 5000 | Fax +27 (0)11 322 5023E-mail [email protected] | Web www.balalaika.co.za

“A little bit of country in the heart of Sandton”EST. 1949

Contact Nip on 083 301 5426Offi ce number, tel. and fax: 031 – 764 4654

E-mail: [email protected]

M a d e f o r C h a m p i o n s

Tenecon has the experience and expertise to advise clients on the most suitable playing surface. We offer Tennis,

Basketball, Netball and Volleyball in both hard court and synthetic format. We also offer design and construction of

synthetic cricket pitches and practice nets.

S p o r t s S u r f a c e s

w w w . t e n e c o n . c o . z a

art Directory

ELIZABETH GORDON GALLERY 120 Florida Road, Durban

Established nearly 30 years ago, the Elizabeth Gordon Gallery, located in a gracious Edwardian house on vibrant

Florida Road, is one of KZN’s leading commercial art galleries. The gallery is well stocked with original works by

eminent and emerging SA artists and hosts exhibitions of new works on a regular basis. A well-established framing

department is on hand to offer advice – all work is done on the premises – and a restoration service is available

on site.

IMBIZO ART GALLERY Shop 7A, Ballito Lifestyle Centre, Ballito

The Carl Smyth Collection has opened at Imbizo Art Gallery at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre. The gallery has a

selection of exclusive Richard Scott artworks. Characterised by pure simplicity that incorporates splashes of

colour, Richard’s work awakens the senses and allows viewers to indulge in the mysterious white subjects outlined

by black lines. These artworks have more than just aesthetic value – they are investments that will appreciate

greatly over time.

THE CROUSE ART GALLERY KZN 254 Lilian Ngoyi Road, Morningside, Durban

The gallery for the discerning art lover, Crouse Art KZN facilitates an entirely new experience in the acquisition

of fine works of art and bronzes. It deals exclusively in original South African art, specifically investment art. The

Crouse Art KZN offers works by renowned artists, but will also enquire after any artist’s work of interest to you. All

paintings are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity as proof of its value. Framing is the gallery’s speciality.

Visit the gallery in Morningside, where owner/manager Michelle Dodds will assist you with all your art queries.

BRON STOFBERG

Durban-based artist Bron Stofberg uses a unique, oil-based paint formula to create a reaction that flows, pulls,

blends, speckles and merges, and produces an amazing sheen that draws one in to inspect, nose to canvas. She

has worked with Stephen Falcke, Carol Cornwall of Cornwall International, Grant Webster of Fahrenheit Design,

Horak Venter and André Kleynhans, on national and international projects that include hotels, offices and private

homes. Clients include Madonna, the DaVinci hotel in Sandton (with the Legacy Group) and Shaun Pollock.

AFRICAN ART CENTRE 94 Florida Road, Morningside, Durban

The African Art Centre is a Section 21, non-profit organisation that has provided over 3 000 local artists and

crafters with opportunities for self-employment and the realisation of their talents, for more than 50 years. The

centre has a well-established reputation, both in South Africa and internationally. Visit our shop and gallery to

view a variety of high-quality fine art, Zulu beadwork, ceramics and baskets.

+27 (0)31 303 8133 | [email protected] | elizabethgordon.co.za

+27 (0)32 946 1937 | [email protected] | imbizogallery.co.za

+27 (0)31 312 2315 | [email protected] | crouseartkzn.co.za

+27 (0)82 462 6168 | [email protected]. | bronstofberg.co.za

+27 (0)31 312 3804/5 | [email protected] | afriart.org.zaArtist Sfiso Ka Mkame

Artist Richard Scott

Artist Scott Bredin

TREND WATCH

Our country’s art scene is sprouting with fresh talent. Here we speak to six gallery representatives on who they think are the local artists to note at the moment.

South African art to watch

Wo

rds

Genevie

ve F

isher

56 | March 2011

STUART BIRD With his work comprising a poignant combination of satire that

critiques the hegemonic structures in politics and broader society,

Stuart provides a refl ection of a complex, contemporary South Africa.

It is his seamless combination of technical and conceptual skill that

distinguishes him as an artist. His most recent accolades include being

nominated as a fi nalist in the MTN New Contemporaries Arts Awards,

as well as his inclusion in two of South Africa’s most respected

collections. Currently exhibiting in Milan as part of a selection of some

of Africa’s best contemporary work, he is defi nitely one to watch.

– Ashleigh McLean, Curator, Whatiftheworld Gallery

+27 (0)21 448 1438, whatiftheworld.com

GRACE KOTZEThis KwaZulu-Natal artist specialises in oil painting. Her works

investigate not just her past and present, but also the evolving and

changing urban landscapes, from abandoned petrol stations to new

industrial constructions. You can sense from her work that she loves

and lives to paint and ensures that her output is always of the highest

quality, and the quantity is very measured. This gives her work great

investment potential. When it comes to investing in art, you should

always purchase what you want to live with in your work and home

environments. – Karen Bradtke, Director, ArtSPACE Durban

+27 (0)31 312 0793, artspace-durban.com

Wo

rds

Genevie

ve F

isher

LOUIS OLIVIER Under the guidance of Wilma Cruise, Louis

participated in Artspace’s Mentorship

Programme in 2009. He is a self-taught,

sculptural artist whose work has sound

conceptual underpinnings, while remaining

seductive in the use of materials. His fi rst solo

exhibition, at Artspace Gallery in 2009, was a

huge success. Louis approaches his career with

integrity and has a clear idea of where he wants

to be. Although he has not been on the market

for long, he has been well received. His second

solo show will be at Artspace Gallery in 2011

and we are excited to see how his artist’s voice

has matured. – Teresa Lizamore, Director and

Curator, Artspace Gallery

+27 (0)11 880 8802, artspace-jhb.co.za

MIKHAEL SUBOTZKY This young, award-winning South African

photographer has documented some of the darkest and most surprising facets of

post- apartheid South Africa by exploring the insides of prisons and ex- convicts’ homes,

rubbish dumps and slums. Despite his often sobering subject matter, his work retains a

haunting beauty. Barely 30 years old, Subotzky has exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in

New York. While art lovers often underestimate the investment potential of photography, it’s

gaining prominence in the global arena. His work is sure to grow in value. – Wendy McDonald,

Curator, The Goodman Gallery, +27 (0)21 462 7573, goodman-gallery.com

MARY SIBANDE In the past three years, this artist’s profi le has grown

exponentially. Last year, in the Jo’burg Art City World

Premiere, Long Live the Dead Queen, 19 artworks

of Mary’s alter ego, ‘Sophie’, graced the skylines in

the Johannesburg CBD. Some of the key factors

that add to the increasing value of her work are her

creative depth, her intellectual capacity and her

ability to bring a fresh perspective. Editions of her

prints are almost all sold and international museums

and private collectors purchase her photographs

and sculpture/ installations. – Karen Brusch, Gallery

Manager, and Ijeoma Loren Uche-Okeke, Projects

Manager, Gallery MOMO, +27 (0)11 327 3247,

gallerymomo.com

MIKHAEL SUBOTZKY This young, award-winning South African

photographer has documented some of the darkest and most surprising facets of

and private collectors purchase her photographs

and sculpture/ installations. – Karen Brusch, Gallery

Manager, and Ijeoma Loren Uche-Okeke, Projects

Manager, Gallery MOMO, +27 (0)11 327 3247,

gallerymomo.com

STUDIO APARTMENTS from R529000

1 BEDROOM UNITS from R569000



EVER DREAMT OF WORLD CLASS

AT A FRACTION OF THE PRICE?

AMENITIES

Not only is Sheffield Manor racking up accolades like being the fastest selling

development in South Africa and being the most affordable development on

the seaside of the N2 on the Natal North Coast – but the developers at Sheffield

have also stretched themselves to deliver world class recreational gardens,

green lands, walkways and water features to create a breath taking landscape

on the estate.

Your children will be able to spend their time enjoying facilities like kiddies

pools, bass dam, skateboard pipe and sports oval in a safe and secure

environment. To top it all off – Sheffield Manor is just 2km from the premier

Salt Rock and Sheffield beaches and a mere 10min to the King Shaka

International Airport. Follow sign boards from the salt rock turnoff off the N2.

If it’s world - class facilities at a fraction of the price, that you’ve been dreaming

of, then your dreams may have just come true.

Sm a n o rB A L L I T O

On Show everyday from 9:30am - 4.30pm

Another PrestigeDevelopment by

N O R T H G L O B A L G R O U P

NGG www.sheffieldmanor.co.za

Peter on 083 796 9999 | Devon on 082 674 2999To secure your investment call

SU

GA

R S

M00

05

FP CORPORATE SHEFFIELD MANOR.indd 1 2011/02/04 1:11 PM

STUDIO APARTMENTS from R529000




EVER DREAMT OF WORLD CLASS

AT A FRACTION OF THE PRICE?

AMENITIES

Not only is Sheffield Manor racking up accolades like being the fastest selling

development in South Africa and being the most affordable development on

the seaside of the N2 on the Natal North Coast – but the developers at Sheffield

have also stretched themselves to deliver world class recreational gardens,

green lands, walkways and water features to create a breath taking landscape

on the estate.

Your children will be able to spend their time enjoying facilities like kiddies

pools, bass dam, skateboard pipe and sports oval in a safe and secure

environment. To top it all off – Sheffield Manor is just 2km from the premier

Salt Rock and Sheffield beaches and a mere 10min to the King Shaka

International Airport. Follow sign boards from the salt rock turnoff off the N2.

If it’s world - class facilities at a fraction of the price, that you’ve been dreaming

of, then your dreams may have just come true.

Sm a n o rB A L L I T O

On Show everyday from 9:30am - 4.30pm

Another PrestigeDevelopment by

N O R T H G L O B A L G R O U PNGG www.sheffieldmanor.co.za

Peter on 083 796 9999 | Devon on 082 674 2999To secure your investment call

SUGAR SM0005

FP CORPORATE SHEFFIELD MANOR.indd 1 2011/02/04 1:11 PM

Let us minimise your operational costsOne phone call is all it takes

At Eskom, we understand the importance of energy effi ciency and the impact it can have on your business.

The challenge of minimising your operational costs and reducing electricity consumption is now a focus.

As a result we have a wealth of information we would like to share with you.

These include: Using effi cient lighting, climate control and hot water solutions. Eskom’s technical advice could save

your business a fortune - and it’s absolutely free. To tap into our wealth of information, just call our Contact

Centre: 08600 Eskom (08600 37566).

www.eskom.co.za/dsm

EA

ST

13

18

91

/E

131891EAST 350x290.indd 1 2010/11/11 3:02 PM

the property mag-march 2011-kwazulu natal issue

Documents

hot property hot shop

property predictions

property fund

design real estatemarch

listed property rms

design anthony orelowitz

family estatemarch

luxury lifestyle