THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE NORTH WEST PROVINCE Issue 10: R29.00 (VAT incl.) From go-carting to hot new salons it’s all HOT AND HAPPENING, business NEWS, Subscription special OFFER MISS SOUTH AFRICA FINALISTS preparing for the big day Rock ‘n roll beauty KARLIEN VAN JAARSVELD 7 7 AMAZING ADRENALIN packed activities for you to do! AMAZING ADRENALIN packed activities for you to do! 10th ISSUE! GET OUT AND DO IT! Communing with nature TAU GAME LODGE People and their unusual passions ISSUE 10 PLATINUM living
Transcript
THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE NORTH WEST PROVINCEIs
su
e 1
0:
R2
9.0
0 (
VA
T in
cl.)
From go-carting to hot new salons it’s all HOT AND HAPPENING,business NEWS, Subscription special OFFER
MISS SOUTH AFRICA FINALISTSpreparing for the big day
Rock ‘n roll beauty
KARLIEN VANJAARSVELD
77AMAZING ADRENALINpacked activities foryou to do!
AMAZING ADRENALINpacked activities foryou to do!
10thISSUE!
GET OUTAND DO IT!
Communing with natureTAU GAME LODGE
People and theirunusual passions
ISSUE 10
PLATINUMliving
2 PLATINUM LIVING
Rich in Culture and beauty the North West Province
invites you to stay for another day and experience...
• Our battlefields and museums
• Our game parks and reserves
• Our art and music
• Our mountains and lakes
• Our people...
www.nwpg.gov.za
Stay for another day!
PLATINUM LIVING 3
Cont
ents
6 PLATINUM LIVING
feature24 Queen of Afrikaans pop – Karlien van
Jaarsveld
31 Kgosi Nyalala Pilane of the Bakgatla-
Ba-Kgafela
24 Miss South Africa finalists – top 20
80 People and their passions – meet four
interesting North Westers
focus on business30 Business news
33 The future is here – Rustenburg Rapid
Transport
35 Celebrating excellence – Professor
Susan Visser
39 Investment opportunities in the
manufacturing sector – Invest North
West
42 People’s radio
44 The Premier talks about farming
46 Entrepreneurs go on a marketing
workshop
art and design48 Bojanala film week
50 Artist Rudolph Tshie - a sense of place
52 La Leen is inspired by mosaic
54 Kobus van Wyk – continental flair in
Potchefstroom
focus on travel56 New website and information kiosk in
DistributionEzweni DistributionOn sale at selected Woolworths, Pick ‘n Pay, PNA, SPAR, major hotels, guest lodges and other leading outlets.Tel: 014 592 6681
The Visitor Infomation Centre is a partnership betweenXtrata Mines and the Rustenburg Local Municipality.Here you will find all the information you need while
UPCOMING SUPERBOWL EVENTS29 OCTOBER 2011Lira Concert
26 & 27 NOVEMBER 2011 Josh Groban in Concert
10 DECEMBER 2011Miss SA Teen
11 DECEMBER 2011Miss SA Pagaent
16 DECEMBER 2011Boney M in ConcertBookings done at Computicket
SUN CITY HOTEL THEATREMONDAYS - SATURDAYSGirls Wanna Rock – until 7 Jan. 2012)Show Time: 20h00Bookings done at Computicket
TRADER’SMondays – Saturdays, Performing @ 10h30White Rabbit Band
CLUB SILHOUETTEFridays and SaturdaysDJ Dhekstir
HARLEQUINS CASINOSinger: Schinè
1-4 DECEMBER 2011Nedbank Golf Challenge Event
SUN CITY EVENTS
PLATINUM LIVING 23
PLATINUM UPCOMING EVENTS
EVENTS IN THE NORTH WEST
RUSTENBURG AND SURROUNDS18-24 OCTOBER 2011Automoto - "Full Throttle" - all terrain, quads & bikes,Waterfall Mall26 & 27 NOVEMBER 2011 Josh Groban in Concert
25-31 OCTOBER 2011Home X- "Home Classics", Waterfall Mall
28 OCTOBER 2011Hiprom 10 km Nite Run - Bergsig High School Haleen Olwagen: 082 851 7421
13-15 NOVEMBER 2011Christmas Decoration activation, Waterfall Mall
24 NOV TO 3RD DEC 2011Platinum Christmas market
26 NOVEMBER 2011Kloof View Primary 5th year Anniversary Celebration,KVP School Sportsground
29 NOV – 4TH DEC 2011Christmas Gift Fair, Waterfall Mall
Above: KgosiKgolo Kgafela Kgafela II (left) pictured with KgosiNyalala Pilane during Heritage week celebrations.
32 PLATINUM LIVING
PLATINUM BUSINESS
The environment is also important to Kgosi Pilane, who is
passionate about sustainability. The BBKTA recently acquired an
80% interest in Bioflame, a company that manufactures a
compressed biomass log for braais and fireplaces. Its best-known
product is ‘Eco Log’, made of recycled green materials like
branches, leaves and vegetation waste.
Cultural values
Kgosi Pilane feels that urban living isn’t the healthiest of
environments, which is why he encourages the Bakgatla to
develop and uplift their own communities. “It is good to have
children growing up with their parents and grandparents around
them, and settling here, and also developing their own
communities – paving roads, for example, because the BBKTA
has partnered with the North West Department of Public Works,
Road and Transport to teach brick-making and brick-laying,” says
Kgosi Pilane. “Traditional values are important, even if you are all
for progress and development.”
Cultural values are similarly vital, which is why there are plans
afoot to renovate and upgrade the two BBK museums –
Mphebatho Museum in Moruleng and the Phutadikobo Museum
in Mochudi, Botswana. Pride in the heritage of the Bakgatla is
crucial. “We need to know who we are, where we come from,” says
Kgosi Pilane. “Yes, we should be humble in life, but that doesn’t
mean we should stand back. We need to develop our confidence
to grow intellectually and spiritually.”
Kgosi Pilane believes that the uniqueness of the Bagkatla
community should also make it easier to promote tourism in the
region. “We would like to develop hotels and lodges here, within
the next three to five years. These should be community-run so
we can create jobs. We will set up our own Big Five reserve, which
will eventually link Pilanesberg to Madikwe. But first, we will
extract minerals from our land. As we conclude this extraction, so
we’ll make the land productive for tourism.”
Website: www.bbkta.co.za For any queries, please contact:Lorraine Masipa, Director: Corporate Affairs Office of KgosiPilane, Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela Traditional Administration,
At home, Kgosi Pilane enjoys spending time with his family and
watching soccer. “Having the World Cup on our doorstep was
wonderful,” he says. “Especially when you grow up loving football,
watching whenever you can. It was really special to host such a
great sporting event.” Even though he spends a lot of time
travelling he says nothing beats being at home. His favourite dish?
Home-style pap and marogo. Kgosi Pilane’s down-to-earth nature
belies his idealism, his visionary capabilities. “The idea is to get
other people to buy into our vision of the future and come and
invest,” he says, with a smile. “But we want investment that will
benefit our people. Everyone must benefit from the deal – not just
one party. This is the kind of investment that we’re looking for.
Something sustainable that will make it possible for our people to
thrive here.” Kgosi Pilane’s view, which is one that I happen to
share, is that we have everything we could possibly want right here
in South Africa.
“I’ve travelled a lot, but this is the best place in the world,” he says.
“I just wish I could spend more time with my children. But they’re
used to my job now – they know I have to for business. I try to
spend as much time with them as I can when I’m home.” As a
director of numerous companies – with the recent appointment as
a director to Platmin Limited board – he has his hands full. But
what drives him is the future of the Bakgatla: a better future that
will make its communities self-sufficient and successful on their
own terms. Surely a vision worth investing in. �
An aerial view, of Pilanesburg Platinum mine which is one of Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela's business partners.
PLATINUM LIVING 33
PLATINUM BUSINESS
The Rustenburg Rapid Transport (RRT) Project is a R3 billion
flagship national public transport initiative being
implemented by the Rustenburg Municipality. The
feasibility for the RRT project has been completed, and the project
is now entering the final planning and design phase. Construction is
due to commence during 2012 and first services to be delivered in
2015 for the more than half a million residents and is expected to
cater for some 200,000 passengers per day, including a predominant
mining workforce and a thriving inner city. Unlike other cities, the
RRT will include three integrated services – BRT trunk corridors;
direct public transport routes and feeder routes to service the fastest
growing region in South Africa. Rustenburg is a unique case study
with 24 hour mobility needs due the predominant economic activity
of mining in the region.
Speaking at the launch Executive Mayor of Rustenburg, Councillor
Khunou stated that the Municipality, District and Province have
given their full support to the project, “Rustenburg is no stranger to
growth, and as one of the fastest growing areas of South Africa, we
are committed to ensuring our citizens and visitors access to efficient,
affordable and safe public transport in the future,” he said.
Throughout the process, the RRT project approach will be to ensure
that all stakeholders and businesses are kept informed of the
progress, opportunities and issues facing the project. “In delivering a
transformed public transport service, our primary partners will be
the taxi and bus operators who are currently providing services in the
municipality,” said the Mayor. “Like other public transport
transformation projects, the municipality will negotiate operating
contracts for the RRT services to start in 2015.”
Industry engagement began at the end of 2010 and taxi associations
are both positive and committed to negotiating a transition of the
current operations to provide a world class, safe and affordable
service to their customers in future. Mr Huma, Chairman of the
North West Northern Region Taxi Forum (NWNRTF) says, “We
know that transforming public transport is unstoppable, and we are
willing and ready to participate meaningfully in the planning for the
project. We obviously have some issues and challenges to address
with government on the way forward, and look forward to resolving
these in the negotiation process.”
Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr
Jeremy Cronin was keynote speaker at
the launch and gave his full
endorsement, stating that the project
was essential for the development of
South Africa on a social, economic and
environmental level. He said,
“Rustenburg is poised to lead the way
as a medium sized city in integrated
transport. In four to five years, if we
get it right and are able to overcome
some of the challenges we are bound
to face, the city will be ahead of
Johannesburg or Cape
Town in being able to
provide a reliable, safe and
affordable public trans-
port system for its
citizens.”
Comment from local
businesses agreed that the
Rustenburg Rapid Trans-
port system will go a long
way to not only improving
the quality of life for
commuters, but will
increase investment in the
area and grow the SMME
business sector too.
The future is upon us and
it looks bright. �
Executive Mayor of Rustenburg,Councillor Mpho Khunou.
l-r: Acting Municipal Manager, VictorMakona, North West MEC of PublicWorks and Transport, MahlakengMahlakeng, Deputy Minister ofTransport, Jeremy Cronin, ExecutiveMayor of Rustenburg, Councillor MphoKhunou and Rustenburg Rapid TransportProject Director, Pauline Froschauer
THE fUTURE IS HERE
PLATINUM LIVING 35
PLATINUM EDUCATION
She has spent many years dedicating herself to
education and the latest recognition for her
efforts has come from CEO (Celebrating
Excellence in Organisations) magazine. Professor Susan
Visser, the director of the School of Accounting
Sciences in the Faculty of Economic and Management
Sciences of North West University was recently
recognized as one of South Africa’s most influential
women in the field of Academic Education and Training.
The wall of her airy office at the Potchefstroom campus
of NWU is dotted with awards previously won by this
charming and warm academic – and all of them attest to
the fact that she has a genuine passion and talent for
education. Some of the awards she has won are the
Deloitte’s award for the National Educator of the year
and another from KPMG and the National Accounting
Association for her outstanding contribution to
accounting research.
Susan Visser has dedicated 36 years to this calling at
North West University’s Potchefstroom campus and
remains an active mentor in the field, today.
An influential womanWritten and photographed by: Karin Petersen
36 PLATINUM LIVING
PLATINUM EDUCATION
Her father insisted that his three daughters obtain a teaching
diploma after they had finished their degrees, before pursuing
further studies. It took the then young Susan (she started
university at the age of 17) only three months as a high school
teacher to realize that it was nigh impossible to complete her
honours degree and be an effective teacher at the same time, so
she made the choice to pursue academia. Having completed her
honours degree, she was appointed as a lecturer.
“They told me they appointed me because they believed I would
be committed” she says and 36 years later, they have been proved
totally right.
Susan finished her Masters in an (unheard of) year, found herself
lecturing Masters students immediately afterwards and in 1983
had her doctorate in her pocket and later, an additional
educational qualification – in tertiary education.
Like most women, Susan Visser is a multi-tasker – she arranges
refreshments while she chats intermittently about her School, her
award, her plans for her School and the drive which they are
putting into social responsibility initiatives.
For someone who claims that accountants can only speak in
figures, not words, Susan does remarkably well at outlining her
career path and conveying the genuine passion she feels for both
her primary subject interest of management accounting and
education in general.
“I believe it is a huge task for me to make sure that all the young
lecturers appointed in our school become efficient, excellent
lecturers and researchers. The throughput of the students , as well
as their results, is dependent on good lecturing and the pass mark
of our students is the benchmark of our progress. It is a huge
indicator of the success of our school of accounting.”
The School of Accounting turns out world class chartered
accountants, financial and management accountants and forensic
accountants and offers research programmes in Accounting
Sciences.
North West University is the only university in South Africa to
offer under- and post graduate degrees in forensic accountancy
which addresses issues such as money laundering. Other topics
addressed by the School include topics such as the philosophy of
accounting, social responsibility and green reporting.
Under Susan Visser – and her very committed team’s - guiding
hands, the university’s accounting graduates have achieved a 78-
87% pass rate for first time board exams and are currently rated
second in management accounting in the country.
Susan explains the intimidating process of being judged for the
CEO award, which included unexpected video recordings and
some tough questions. “That interview went really badly and I
didn’t think I had a chance” she says. “For example, they asked me
what is the biggest mistake I have made in my life, how I reacted
to it and what I learned out of it.”
“I couldn’t tell them I had never really made a big mistake” she
laughs heartily. “So I told them about a time when I had an
opportunity and didn’t take it and that was the mistake: you
should take every opportunity that comes your way. But I have a
genuine passion for education and training – it is my life”.
What drives her and keeps her dedicated to her work?
“The fact that I can teach students something that they know
nothing about and afterwards, I can assess them and measure the
growth. That is very satisfying. In the position I am nowadays, I
get satisfaction from mentoring my young staff” she says.
What does the award entail?
“They didn’t give me a Jaguar, unfortunately” she laughs, “But it is
a reward for a life spent in the academia, mentoring students to
become excellent accountants”.
The chairperson of the judging panel, Yvonne Finch, said that
Susan Visser stood out from the six semi-finalists for this award,
for “the overall influence she has on her sector and her dedication
to delivering to those that cross her path.”
And those who cross her path are fortunate enough to enjoy
national and international recognition, as national organisations
and foreign countries continue to actively seek out NWU
accountancy graduates.
Her future plans include further expansion in the School, more
social responsibility programmes and further accreditation for her
School’s academic offerings. Based on her track record, there is no
doubt that Susan Visser will be achieving this and a whole lot
more. �
Prof Elsabé Loots, Dean of the Faculty of EconomicSciences, Prof Cara Jonker, Prof Susan Visser andMs Phumzile Mmope, Executive Director:Corporate Affairs of the NWU, at the awardsceremony.
Authorised financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP15)The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (Reg. No. 1962/000738/06). SBSA 92203-07/11
Moving Forward is a trademark of The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
By partnering with local government we provide world-class solutions and expertise, enabling service delivery for the good
of our country. Being the chosen bankers to many metropolitan and local municipalities is a testament to our formula.
Moving ForwardTM
Let’s be theLet’s be the
that helps
PLATINUM LIVING 37
PLATINUM BUSINESS
38 PLATINUM LIVING
PLATINUM HOT AND HAPPENING
If you have said “yes” to one or more of the questions above, you
SHOULD contact Invest North West immediately.
The strategic intent of Invest North West (INW), the official trade and investment
promotion agency for the North West Province, is to provide vision and direction
to key growth sectors within the North West Province. As such, opportunities in
the agricultural sector, a key focus sector, are being promoted. Learn more about
� Do you have a problem transporting your produce to markets?
� Do you have a problem due to low produce quantities?
� Do you doubt your knowledge about quality required?
� Do you want to negotiate a contract of fresh produce supply?
� Are you a farmer/producer?
� Are you a logistic company owner?
� Have you been wondering when will be the right time to start producing?
� Have you been wondering what is it that the market is looking for?
� Are you operating in the North West Province?
PLATINUM BUSINESS
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNTIES IN THEMANUFACTURING SECTOR OF THENORTH WEST PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA
INVESTNORTH WEST
Invest North West of South Africa is the provincial
trade and investment promotion agency for the North
West Provincial Government, with a mandate to create
employment for its citizens by attracting Foreign Direct
Investment and facilitating export driven trade. INW has
taken a strategic position to focus on the Manufacturing
Sector as a key driver of industry and employment for the
province in relation to the New Growth Path and Industrial
Policy Action Plan 2. The North West Province offers
opportunities in the sector for new investments, expansions,
trade and various sector related business.
Photo courtesy of invest North West
PLATINUM LIVING 39
40 PLATINUM LIVING
PLATINUM BUSINESS
Given the close proximity to suppliers and lucrative markets in
neighbouring Gauteng, manufacturing activity in the Province is
heavily concentrated in the Eastern district of the province i.e.
Madibeng (Brits) and Rustenburg. Major industries in this district
include metal fabrication, machinery, household appliances, fuel
and petroleum, rubber products, transport equipment, automotive
components and dimension stone beneficiation. Tlokwe
(Potchefstroom), Matlosana (Klerksdorp), Lichtenburg and
Mahikeng remain smaller but equally important manufacturing
centre’s within the Province. In the Tlokwe and Matlosana areas,
light manufacturing operations in a range of industries primarily
related to the mining and agricultural sectors include concrete
piping, steel cabling, food processing, beverages, metal fabrication,
fertilizer production and petroleum blending and distribution.
Due to the abundant supply of limestone, cement manufacturing is
heavily concentrated in the Mahikeng and Lichtenburg area.
Although the manufacturing sector in the North West Province
(NWP) has not yet reached its pre recession output levels, it
remains fairly well diversified accounting for 5% of the
Province’s Gross Domestic Product – Regional (GDP-R) and
5.3% of all employment opportunities in 2010. Averaging an
annual growth rate of 5.9% (2010), the sector is very dependent
on the performance of a few sectors in which the Province
enjoys a competitive advantage.
The figure above provides a snapshot of the manufacturing industryconcentration in the NWP and allows for the easy identification of keyindustries in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA)
FilmFestivalShort skirts, Armani suits, tattoos and showstopping style were the order
of the day at the first annual Bojanala Film Week
The aim of the Bojanala Film Week is to give young people
from communities all around the Bojanala Platinum
District Municipality an opportunity to develop into
commendable film practitioners.
Kea Malao the festival director of the event thanked the Bojanala
Platinum District Municipality and acknowledged the NFVF,
Spectrum, Reagile Projects and the North West Department of
Sports, Arts and Culture as partners who made this event happen.
“Initiatives like this will certainly bring about change in the
community,” said Malao.
With a week full of activities and screenings of some of SA’s leading
films as well as Q&A sessions with some of the most renowned
actors and directors in the industry, the film week kicked off with
the screening of Retribution, a film about a former Judge who made
an error that nearly cost him more than he could afford to lose.
Television veteran Joe Mafela plays the leading role (Judge
Khumbulani Maphosa) and was present for the first Q&A session of
the film week.
The stylish, versatile actor Rantebeng Makapan AKA Thomas
Mashaba from Generations was the M.C for the night, accompanied
by fellow Generations co-stars Peter Moruakgomo (Ace), Samukelo
Ndlovu (DJ Lulu), and model/actress Kagiso Rakosa (Sharon).
For more information contact Kea Malao on 014 590 4640 or email: [email protected]
l-r: Acting Executive Mayor of BojanalaPlatinum District Municipality, Clr PhillyKhunou and Bojanala Platinum DistrictMunicipality Municipal Manager InnocentShirovha Comedian actors: Mofokeng and Chiwali
“You have forgotten who you are and so haveforgotten me. Look inside yourself, Simba. You aremore than what you have become. You must takeyour place in the Circle of Life”. The Lion King
60 PLATINUM LIVING60 PLATINUM LIVING
Dinner in the boma
Lovely long days on the upper deck Overlooking the waterhole from the pool area
PLATINUM LIVING 61
TRAVEL TAU GAME LODGE
PLATINUM LIVING 61
As the late winter sun bows out gracefully, a stillness settles
over the Madikwe Game Reserve. We’re enjoying the
quiet and mystery that dusk brings when three young
male lions came to drink from the stream in front of our chalet.
Unaware of the excited chaos they caused – whispered urgency of
“where’s the camera”, “quick hurry, did you get the shot” and “look
there’s another one” – they knelt, with bloated bellies (must have
just had a good feed) and quenched their thirst – it was magical.
We’ve visited Madikwe Game Reserve on various occasions and
being one of our favorite reserves in the North West were excited
to receive the invitation to visit Tau Game Lodge which falls on
the Northern side of the park, right on the Botswana border.
Owned by Australians, Robert and Fay Gerrard Tau is one of the
largest lodges in the Reserve, making it popular for conferences
and weddings. This does not mean you can’t spend an intimate
romantic weekend here. The chalets are perfectly positioned, each
one overlooking the large watering hole and sunburnt plains of the
Madikwe reserve, welcoming stressed and weary travellers into its
comfortable and elegant fold.
The whole complex has a rustic look and feel, yet has all the
modern comforts you could want. Our room was superb – outdoor
and indoor showers, luxurious tub bath, spacious sitting area with
an outdoor patio and huge glass doors opening to views of the
lodge's waterhole and all the animals it attracts. As it was the end
of winter when we visited, the staff put on an electric blanket
before we went to bed which made for a great night's sleep.
Having missed the evening game drive but feeling vindicated with
the sightings of the three young lions, we explored the main lodge.
Different accents wafted by as we made our way to the main
lounge and bar area where a huge fire cast a warm glow over the
assembled group.
During the day and on summer evenings the lounge and bar opens
onto the upper deck veranda, overlooking the large waterhole
where a multitude of animals come down to drink.
At Tau you are offered a choice of dining with your ranger or on
your own. We opted to dine together. Our group included a couple
from Johannesburg and a couple from Botswana who were
spending quality time with their son who was studying in the
USA. Ernest our guide is a quiet, off-beat sort of character, a
demeanor that completely appealed to my son (although I think
this adoration only developed when he saw the rifle placed
protectively at the font of the vehicle). His guiding was different
but our bush drives were always adventurous.
Because our visit fell over the end of the winter, our early morning
game drive was not so early. “We decided to change things around
a bit during winter,” says General Manager Markus Kleinhans.
“Your wake-up call is at six and only after a hearty breakfast you
head out into the bush. The animals also take it easy in the winter,
preferring to move when the sun warms up there bodies” he adds.
Marcel has been with Tau for many years and with over 60 rooms
This male rhino was stopped in his tracks after charging the vehicle. Delicious lunch and watching the animalscome down to the waterhole.
A battle-torn spotted hyena eating the leg of an elephant carcass.
TRAVEL TAU GAME LODGE
filled with guests and a staff compliment of 73, there is never a dull
moment.
“What do you want to see,” says Ernest. I’m sure he hears this all
the time, but yes it was leopard that we wanted to see. We didn’t,
but something we hadn’t encountered before was both a brown and
spotted hyena both feeding on an elephant carcass, the spotted
hyena rather mangled and battle torn with a missing ear and heavy
scarring.
A huge herd of buffalo migrating to the other side of the park also
drew lots of attention along with a mighty elephant, gnarled and
wise, who sauntered passed us.
Steenbok up close were a real treat. These shy and difficult to spot
creatures hopped gallantly across the rocks and peered inquisitively
at us.
Back at the lodge a relaxing and lazy day stretched out before us,
we ate a delicious lunch and dipped in and out of different
conversations. After a short rest we were well prepared for the
evening game drive.
Game drives, even those with few animal sightings, are such a
wonderful way to relax. The breeze in your hair on a balmy day then
warm and snug under a blanket as the sun dips over the horizon,
the smell of the African bush and its animals - nothing beats it.
Our afternoon drive had been fairly uneventful until we happened
upon a very amorous male rhino who was intent on having his way
with a completely disinterested female who in turn was only
interested in caring for her young calf.
The sun was setting and we were contentedly watching the scene
play out in front of us, when without warning the rhino charged us.
Within seconds the rhino was upon us, his huge horn lowered and
coming at us with blinding speed. There was no time to react and
to make matters worse, we were on a dam wall, and couldn’t drive
out of the way even if we had had the time. At what seemed the last
moment, Ernest stood up and banged the side of the vehicle so
loudly that the charging rhino stopped in his tracks. Thank
goodness! Unsure now of this threatening potential suitor he
turned away and went back to his woman.
Well that certainly woke us all up. Everyone was white faced, quiet
for some moments then talked about the incident all the way back
to the lodge. Never underestimate wild animals, safety is the first
rule of observing them.
Dinner was in the boma that evening and while it was quite cool
the fires, blankets and very delicious food warmed everyone up and
we stayed talking late into the night.
Chef John Carelse is passionate about his food, he inspires his team
to be creative and you’ll enjoy delicacies like roast duck on the
buffet which is a real treat. John also sources most of his meat and
vegetables locally which is the type of sustainable tourism to look
out for.
Because of the perfect combination of quality and style mixed with
a relaxed and warm atmosphere Tau is definitely a place I could
Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela cultural site where the Rock of Rain is laid -The Bakgatla prayed for rain on this rock
This tree being 100 years old is a cultural gathering place for thecommunity meetings with the elders.
The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of PilanesbergGame Reserve. It is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kindin the world and it’s rare rock types and structure make it a uniquegeological feature.
This is a rock which the Bahumagadi Ba Kgosing would sweepduring dry seasons to ask for rain.
PLATINUM LIVING 63
64 PLATINUM LIVING
ORIGINATING IN PRETORIA AND STRETCHING PAST RUSTENBURG TO THE SOUTH OFTHE PILANESBERG, THE MAGALIESBERG IS ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S BEST-KNOWNMOUNTAIN RANGES. CHRISTO VALENTYN TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AND, IN THE
PROCESS, DISCOVERS A MULTITUDE OF THINGS TO SEE AND DO. Text & Photos by: Christo Valentyn
MEANDERING AROUND THE
Magaliesberg
If you reside in the eastern half of our magnificent province,
or even in the northern parts of Gauteng, odds are that
you’d be familiar with the Magaliesberg Mountains. With
several well-known towns located in its vicinity, it’s become much
like Table Mountain in the Western Cape – something you see
almost every day but which doesn’t necessarily register in your
thoughts as anything significant. Yet the Magaliesberg, like Table
Mountain, has a significant history and has become the centre of
a thriving tourism industry.
Unique in many ways
Geologically, the Magaliesberg Mountain has a very long history.
According to Wikipedia, the mountain range’s quartzites, shales,
chert and dolomite were deposited as sediments in an inland
basin on top of the 3 billion year old Archaean Basement
Complex, a process that lasted for about 300 million years. About
two billion years ago, a massive upwelling of molten magma
resulted in what is now known as the Bushveld Igneous Complex.
The enormous weight of this intrusion depressed the sediments
that lay beneath and tilted the sediments along the edges so that
Mountain Sanctuary Park
Askari Lodge
PLATINUM LIVING 65
Motoring: a grand time with jeepPLATINUM DRIVE OUT
the broken scarps faced outward and upward,
while the gentler dip slopes inwards, hence the
range’s unique appearance. During the same
period these sediments were fractured and
igneous intrusions of dolerite filled the cracks.
With the passage of time these intrusions
eroded, especially on the dip slopes, forming
deep kloofs or ravines providing excellent
rock-climbing potential to modern man.
Interestingly, the Magaliesberg forms a natural
barrier between the lower lying Bushveld to
the north and the cooler Highveld to the
south.
Historically prominent
With the Cradle of Humankind lying in the
Magaliesberg’s shadows, it should come as no
surprise that the surrounding areas has seen
human occupation dating back at least two
million years (to the earliest hominid species,
such as the well-known Mrs. Ples, in and
around the Sterkfontein Caves). Initially
known as the Kashan Mountains, named after
one of the area’s well-known chiefs, it was
renamed to its current name in the mid-1800s
after another well-known tribe leader, Mogale.
The name is therefore a Dutch version of
“Mogale’s Mountain”. The same naming logic
applies to the Pilanesberg, incidentally, which
is literally translated as “Pilane’s Mountain”,
Pilane being a prominent Bakgatla chief.
Whether Mogale and Pilane were friends or
foes is debatable, but both were undoubtedly
not impressed when famed Zulu-leader,
Shaka, sent his most trusted commander,
Mzilikazi, to conquer the Sotho tribes.
Mzilikazi was ultimately successful in his task,
but then broke away from Shaka to establish
his own nation, the Matabele. Fearing
retaliation from Shaka, Mzilikazi settled the
Matabele in the Magaliesberg-region outside
Hartbeespoort and Brits, from where his
impis fearlessly attacked the Voortrekkers and
generally wreaked havoc.
The Voortrekkers, under the leadership of
Hendrik Potgieter and Gerrit Maritz, and
with the help of the local Sotho-Tswana
chiefdoms fought back, however and drove
the Matabeles north across the Limpopo
River. These friendly relations remained for
several decades (the town of Rustenburg was
formed in this period), with the Boers and the
Tswana-tribes working together in many
instances. With such intimate knowledge of
Buffelspoort Dam
Olifantsnek
66 PLATINUM LIVING
PLATINUM DRIVE OUT
the mountain, it was to the Boers’ advantage during the Second
Anglo-Boer War, with much of the fighting being about control
of the mountain and the two main routes from Rustenburg to
Pretoria, which crossed the mountain at Zilkaatsnek and
Kommandonek. Many of the British blockhouses can still be
found in the area thanks to the heavy battles fought at
Buffelspoort, Nooitgedacht and Olifantsnek.
Back to the future
Travelling from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Silkaatsnek and
Kommandonek remain two of the main routes connecting these
cities to Rustenburg and the ever-popular Pilanesberg-area. It’s
at these points where you’ll also find the Hartbeespoort Dam,
which is probably one of the Magaliesberg Mountain’s biggest
tourist draw cards. With a permanent population figure that’s
growing in leaps and bounds, Hartbeespoort remains one of the
North West Province’s largest tourist attractions, popular
amongst weekend visitors and outdoor-enthusiasts alike.
From Harties, exploring the multitude of activities, eateries and
accommodation options on both sides of the mountain is easy.
I took the R560, which leads from Harties to Magaliesburg in a
northwesterly direction on the southern side of the
Magaliesberg via Skeerpoort and Hekpoort, two towns that
have in recent years blossomed with must-see places. These
include the Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij, a popular spot for families
and mountain biking enthusiasts alike. Hollybrooke Farms, just
a stone’s throw away, offer quad bike rides and horse trails along
with mouthwatering meals by chef, Betsie Malan. For a more
upmarket experience, lunch at Die Ou Pastorie, with beautifully
tranquil gardens, is a must.
Accommodation options in Hekpoort, Skeerpoort and
Magaliesburg abound, with the secluded Kashan Country
House, located in the Magaliesberg Nature Reserve against the
southern slope of the mountain, offering peace and quiet along
with gourmet meals and fantastic wines. For a romantic getaway,
Mount Grace in Magaliesburg remains popular, while family fun
is to be had at the Askari Game Lodge, the only place in
Gauteng where you’ll find the Big Five. It was on a game drive
at Askari that our knowledgeable guide noted that research has
found the Magaliesberg to be older than the Alps!
The R560 takes you to the R24, which connects Magaliesburg
with Rustenburg. Take a detour to the Mountain Sanctuary
Park, whose twisty gravel roads are popular among hikers and
Die Ou Pastorie
Askari Visitors Centre
Kashan Country House
Van Gaalen’s Cheese FarmMagaliesberg Canopy Tours
PLATINUM LIVING 67
PLATINUM DRIVE OUT
mountain bikers. You’re also privy to spectacular 360-degree
views of the Magaliesberg. Follow the road and you’ll end up
at the Buffelspoort Dam. Head back to the R24, however, and
you’ll reach to Rustenburg, where more outdoor activities
await.
The Olifantsnek Dam is blossoming as a residential
alternative, with a large private brewery being built on its
shore. The dam is popular for angling and offers great views of
the mountain. Hiking or camping at the Kgaswane Mountain
Reserve also comes highly recommended, with the reserve
occupying more than 4 000 hectares of the Magaliesberg.
From Rustenburg, travel in a south-easterly direction along
the R104, back towards Hartbeespoort on the northern side
of the mountain, on the way taking in the Buffelspoort Dam
(popular for camping, angling and water sports) and the
Magaliesberg Canopy Tour, a unique cable-gliding tour of the
Magaliesberg down the spectacular Ysterhout Kloof gorge,
based at the Sparkling Waters Hotel & Spa, another family-
friendly accommodation option.
For up-close and personal interactions with animals,
Hartbeespoort offers several options, including the Bush
Babies Monkey Sanctuary, the Elephant Sanctuary, reptile
park at Chameleon Village, Hartbeespoort Snake and Animal
Park and the Inyoni Crocodile Farm. Within close range as
well is the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre in De Wildt.
With so much to see and do on either side of the
Magaliesberg, it’s well worth the time and effort to explore its
history and its wonders. �
OUT AND ABOUT WITH THESUBARU FORESTER 2.0D
PREMIUM Subaru has long been a leader of all-wheel drive vehicles, and
since the release of the Forester SUV in 2002 in South Africa,
the car has developed an almost cult-like following. With good
reason too, as the Forester offers a great balance between
power, ruggedness, comfort and versatility. As such it should
come as no surprise that the Forester was also one of the first
Subaru models to be offered with a Boxer diesel engine,
something Subaru is famous for. The wait was worth it!
Powered by a 2.0-litre, horizontally opposed turbodiesel
engine, the Forester has 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque
on tap – more than enough for even the roughest dirt road.
With all the benefits of diesel-power (high torque low in the
rev band and low consumption), the Forester is equally at
home on and off the beaten track. With a high quality interior
and excellent creature comforts to boot, the Forester 2.0D
Premium is the perfect companion on any road trip. It retails
for R399 000, including a 3-year/100 000km warranty and
3-year/60 000km maintenance plan.
Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary The Elephant Sanctuary
Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa
68 PLATINUM LIVING PLATINUM LIVING 68
PLATINUM LIVING 69
PLATINUM INTO THE WILD
INTO THE WILDAdventure, adrenalin, hiking, biking, diving. It’s all here in the North West so get out and do it!
Snakes get a bad rap and a lot of us are quite irrationally
scared of them. As with any creature in the wild, it pays to
have a healthy respect for them. But when you know
something about them, you find your fear giving way to
fascination.
This is really the primary aim of the Hartbeespoort Dam’s Snake
and Animal Park’s popular snake courses. “Snakes have an
ecological purpose – they are actually around for a reason,” says
course convenor Jason Seale. “Yes, they can cause harm, even
death, to humans. But if you know how to treat them and you
respect them there’s no need to feel threatened by them.”
The beginner snake course, which is useful for everyone from
paramedics, game-park field officers, the police and mining
company workers to Joe or Jane Average – gives you a good
grounding in basic information. You’ll learn what types of snakes
there are, which are venomous, and how to apply the correct First
Aid to snake bite. You also get to learn how and what they eat,
how they defend themselves and much more.
The three hours allocated to the course go by in a flash, because
aside from coursework, you can examine some models of jaws, as
well as live snakes in their enclosures. The study period is far from
dull – you get to ask questions, compare anecdotes and you’re
served tea and biscuits by the helpful staff. But you need to take
the work seriously, because you finish off with a multiple choice
written test and you need 80% to pass.
The course, which is FGASA-endorsed (Field Guides Association
of Southern Africa), is strict for a good reason – those who pass
will have sufficient knowledge to attend the advanced course,
where you get to learn how to catch a snake. For that, you need to
demonstrate an ability to remember what you’ve learnt, retain
knowledge and stay calm around a live snake, be it an adder or a
cobra.
After you’ve written your test, you’re free to roam around the
Park, which is home to a really large number of snakes as well as
seals, chimps, big cats … you name it. You probably won’t want to
leave. I know I didn’t.
GREAT SNAKES!EVERYONE WHO LIVES IN SOUTH AFRICA HAS A SNAKE STORY. SNAKES AREJUST A PART OF OUR LIVES AND, SHY AS THEY ARE, THEY TURN UP IN OURHOUSES AND GARDENS FROM TIME TO TIME – EVEN IN URBAN AREAS.
70 PLATINUM LIVING
GETTINGout
The North West is the perfect place for those seeking adventure.It is here that you can zip slide, mountain climb, river raft and cave dive. You can ride
horses, sail in hot air balloons, hike the most amazing trails or go on a cave adventure.
The sun is shining and it’s time to have a bit of fun.
PLATINUM LIVING 71
PLATINUM OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
out AND HAVING FUN
Recreational opportunities in the North West Province
are many and varied. There are activities that many
people enjoy year round. Whether you are involved in
river rafting on the thrilling Vaal River or just bird watching from
one of our many parks, this magnificent region can provide
wonderful pastimes.
We offer attractions and facilities equal to the best in South
Africa. In this section we bring you white water rafting, cave
diving, hot air ballooning, hiking, fishing, rock climbing and horse
riding,
WHITE WATER RAFTINGIt comes as a surprise to many to hear that the lazy old Vaal
River has some of the best rapids in South Africa. Riverman
Graeme Addison, pioneer of whitewater rafting in this country,
has been running the Vaal river rapids for many years.
There’s nothing that focuses attention like a rapid, and no better
way to build relationships with family, friends and colleagues all
pulling together as a team. The river in the Parys area is raftable
all year long but tends to be best between December and February
when good rains fill up the channels bank to bank. Every weekday
and every weekend, scores of totally inexperienced rafters run the
72 PLATINUM LIVING
PLATINUM WHITE RIVER RAFTING
Vaal. They come from all walks of life. The whitewater extends
from above the town of Parys down to where the Vaal cuts into
the mountainland or Bergland of the Vredefort Dome World
Heritage Site. This allows for half-day, full-day and even two-day
trips through some of the most beautiful river scenery in South
Africa.
The Vaal is in fact unique in being the only major river on earth
to cross an asteroid crater. It is literally the River of the Crater,
flowing across the world’s oldest and largest impact site. The core
of the crater, where the asteroid hit, is known as the Vredefort
Dome and is recognised by Unesco for its scientific and scenic
value.
This then is the playground of whitewater rafters and kayakers.
All along the river are lodges for overnight stays, with a
picturesque Dome museum at the little hamlet of Venterskroon on
the North West Province side of the Vaal.
The towns of Parys and nearby Potchefstroom are replete with
coffee bars, antique shops and info centres to tell you all about the
river and its surroundings. On the Vaal itself you have several
options for river tripping:
• Wilderness canoeing on the flat water among some of the
islands (no rapids but the chance of spotting fish eagles, otters
and leguaans to name but a few of the species that have found
refuge in the dense foliage).
• Paddling your own 2-seater inflatable raft or croc on rapids
Class from 1-3 in normal flows (1 is easy, 3 moderate, 6 is the
limit and regarded as deadly – not on the Vaal!)
• Guided 4-8 seater rafting with a raftmaster who takes charge of
your fate and tells you how to paddle. Many families choose this
option. Children over 12 can run the whitewater sections in
guided rafts.
• Float-a-long trips in guided rafts through milder rapids for
kiddies aged 6 and over. This is an ideal introduction to life on
spirited grey is my mount for the afternoon and Lani
Shepherd, owner and manager of Shepherds Bush
riding centre, makes sure the girth is tightened, my
stirrups are level and I’m completely comfortable
before we head off into the bushveld.
Shepherds Bush is ideally placed for outrides.
Situated on the Sun City property, the stables are at
a slight remove from the hotels but are very easy to
get to. Well maintained and lovingly cared for, the
stables are a good advertisement for what you can
expect: attention to detail and comfort, a safety-first
approach and well-schooled horses.
A standard outride takes you up into the hills, then
down towards the top of the dam. Looking down on
the Lost City, shimmering like some ancient temple
across the water, it’s clear that part of what you’re
paying for is the unique view. Lani leads the way on
Cinnamon and I follow on Comfort – as we walk, we
hear the bark of a baboon and sure enough, there
above us, on some high-up rock, are several agile
baboons. That feral bark is quite loud but the horses
don’t mind – they’re probably quite used to it. We
also spot some wriggling bush-pigs and, also high up
on a rock, a fish eagle, probably nesting up there.
Lani explains that beginners will be on a lead-rein,
partly to make them feel more secure, and partly so
if a horse is spooked by a hurtling bush-pig, for
example, nothing untoward will happen. Beginners
need not worry that they’ll be unattended on the
outride. An intermediate rider (like me) is generally
one who’s ridden before (I used to show-jump as a
child) but hasn’t been riding all that frequently, so
may need a bit of a refresher course.
While I’m not on a lead-rein, Lani does tell me
when to hold Comfort in (because she likes to
canter over certain stretches of terrain) and when to
look out for bush-pigs. She’s vigilant at all times and
she explains that this is because some riders claim to
know how to ride but come unstuck half-way along
the route – so be sure to be very honest about your
level of experience! Advanced riders will be able to
experience the sheer joy of 7km and 14km rides (the
14km ride includes breakfast). Lani says that these
outrides extend into an area of the bush that boasts
some ‘real’ wildlife – elephants and buck, for
example – so riders need to be able to handle some
potentially interesting scenarios.
One also rides next to the Pilanesberg fence at some
point, so there’s the distinct possibility one could
come across a lion or other cat. Not that they can
get to the horses, but the horses may not know that!
I, for one, can’t wait to get my riding up to scratch so I can go on one of these
‘hard’ rides, which also take you up and down steep and challenging terrain. As we
trot on a nice, flat expanse next to the dam, Lani says that they also offer special
events like proposals. There are some tables up on the hillside (with great views),
so a suitor can bring his would-be fiancée here and have some bubbly and snacks
laid on for a romantic proposal. This kind of function can be arranged, so contact
Lani if you’d like to organise something special. She also offers combo tours and
pony rides and children are very welcome.
For more information, contact Shepherds Bush on 014 557-5140 or ext. 514. Thestables are open daily from 9am – 12pm and 2pm – 5pm. Rides leave the stables onthe hour at 9am, 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Riders need to be at the stables15 minutes prior to riding. Bookings are essential.
74 PLATINUM LIVING
PLATINUM MAGALIES CANOPY TOUR
Magalies Canopy ToursOur journey started at 9h30 in the morning when guides
Raymond and Hennie gave us a brief history of how Magalies Canopy tours
came about. Canopy tours originated in the lush rainforests of Costa Rica,
where adventurous biologists erected a system of cables through the canopy
layer of the forest in order to observe the fauna and flora in that previously
inaccessible region. This soon caught on as an eco-adventure and
Magaliesberg Canopy tour was number three to be constructed under the
Canopy Tour banner with a total of six Canopy Tours in all. After being kitted
out in our harnesses and hard hats, and signing indemnity forms we were on
our way. The short drive up to the first platform was bumpy but we were
entertained by our very knowledgeable and entertaining guides. Raymond has
been with Magalies Canopy Tours for nearly five years and his easy manner
and self assuredness is catching. Hennie is in his second year and in his first
year training as a field guide. He’s the comedian and has a humorous and
witty way of educating us. Every plant or animal has a funny story attached
to it and it’s incredible how much knowledge we all retained this way.
Our group consisted of a nine year old (who had always
wanted to fly) and a couple who were celebrating a 30th
birthday (she’d made a list of things she wanted to do in
her 30th year and this was one on them).
With our harnesses checked and double-checked, and
armed with clear instructions on what not to do, we
prepared for our first flight above the gorge. By the
third platform we were experienced and fear gave way to
utter joy and the thrill of flying above the canopy. The
nine year old was in his element, the thirty year old –
flushed with excitement. The magalies canopy tours
practices responsible tourism. They are very aware of
protecting and caring for the environment and are eager
to impart this knowledge to all that fly with them.
Including the briefing session, tours last approximately
2,5 hours. Once you are back at the Magaliesberg
Canopy Tour offices you can place your meal order at
the Hadeda Restaurant and Bar adjacent to the office
before freshening up. The whole experience costs
R450.00 p.p. and it’s certainly one of the best things I’ve
Approximately 60km from Lichtenburg and30km form Mafikeng in the North West Province at an
altitude of approximately 1440m above sea level, one will find an
unbelievable natural dolomite sinkhole called Wondergat.
Wondergat is the deepest natural hole in the interior of South
Africa, and is used for advanced scuba diving as well as a training
ground for instructors and technical divers. It is a very popular dive
site in South Africa and there is a saying that you haven’t dived until
you’ve dived at Wondergat…
Thousands of years ago, Wondergat was a water-filled cavern until
the roof caved in and left a magnificent hole filled with water. In
the early 70’s the deepest point at this dive site was more than 70
meters and today it’s only 58 meters. This is the only place in South
Africa where Stromatolites are found underwater and in very good
condition. The other place where similar Stromatolites are found is
in Sharkbay, Australia. The Banded Tilapia (Tilapia sparrmanii) is
endemic to Wondergat and won’t be found at any other fresh water
hole in the world.
Walking down the 35 irregular steps fully kitted up is no joke and
balance is of utmost importance, but remember the walking down
is forgotten when you have finished your dive and have to make
your way back up the 35 steep stairs! So remember that being fit is
a great advantage! This is a location for the advanced and higher
qualified divers because the bottom of this hole is approximately 36
meters (first stop). There are two buoy lines, a north and south grid
from where one can descend. The north grid is approximately
38meters deep and the south grid 36meters deep. There is also a
white bell chamber at the bottom that has an interesting slogan on
it – try to remember the whole slogan when you reach the surface…
When venturing into the cave to the Memorial stones and to the
Taskforce board, it is better to descend from the South grid as it is
the closest – to save bottom time. Torches are always
recommended, as the bottom can be very dark when you reach the
grid. The entrance to the cave is approximately 5 meters from the
south grid and guide ropes connect the different areas of the hole
for safety reasons. The water temperature ranges between 14-21ºC
so it is best to wear enough protection as the bottom of the hole
can become really cold and heighten the effect of nitrogen
narcosis. If you are diving here for the first time, it is best to do it
with someone who has dived here before and knows the hole quite
well, as the depth and darkness can be unnerving for a first time
visitor. This tranquil hole must never be under estimated – check
your air, check your bottom time, and check your buddy!!
Accommodation at Wondergat includes ablution facilities (hot &
cold water) and electricity is available to campsites. Bring along
own light sources as well as extension cords. Some tented
accommodation can be provided on request. Camping takes place
in a small area fenced off from the stock farm fields. There is a
braai area at every camp site but do bring along tables, chairs,
umbrellas and everything else that you might need. It is essential to
pack insect repellent, sun block and hats as it can become
scorching during the summer and icy cold during winter.
We dive Wondergat because we can!
It’s pretty dark down here.
From Lichtenburg, on the Mafikeng road (R503); shortest road fromJohannesburg, Klerksdorp, Vereeniging, Freestate etc.
+-47 km past Lichtenburg, turn right at the roadsign ‘Buhrmansdrift’,at the almost empty shop on the lefthand side just before you enter‘Rooigrond’. After +-7km turn right at the ‘Molopo-oog’ turnoff andafter another +- 7km turn right at the TDA Wondergat sign
Rock Solid Adventures inthe Magaliesberg
Local adventurer and intrepidmountain man Paul Pretorius and his company
Rock Solid Adventures offer a variety of outdoor
adventures operating from two destinations in the
Magaliesberg area. Shelter Rock is situated within
the Magaliesberg Nature Area on the main range
and many of the activities take you to the highest
point of the range. Hornbill Lodge is close to the
village of Magaliesburg situated on the banks of the
Magalies River, and that area of the Witwatersberg
is richly steeped in history.
Activities available with Rock Solid Adventures
include:
SHELTER ROCK: Knobkierie Golf – A truly
unique variation of golf played with a knobkierie
and a slazball on a 9 hole course of challenging
terrain that changes with the seasons. The final hole
is half way down the kloof and with a 36 handicap
you are deemed a pro. R120 per person.
Double Pitch Abseil and Via Ferrata Climb –
This adventure involves a 100m climb to the
summit of the Magaliesberg up the iron stairway
and a return either via their 100m double pitch
abseil or a leisurely walk on the mountain trail back
to base camp. R400 per person. Or you can do a
50m single pitch abseil and half Via Ferrata Climb -
R280 per person. Other activities at Shelter Rock
also include clay pigeon shooting (R140 per person),
catty paintball (R120 per person), or the option of
hiking alone in the mountains (R50 per person).
HORNBILL LODGE Mountain Walk,
Historical Talk and 25m abseil into Bushman
Cave. – Local historian Robin Walton will recount
the local history still evident among the rocks, and
Paul Pretorius and his team will conduct an
abseiling clinic down into Bushman Cave. R245
per person.
Hiking and Historical Talk – Robin and Paul will
take you on a trail to the top of the Witwatersberg
where you will learn much about the history, flora
and fauna of the area along the way. R120 per
person.
Abseil 25m – A short walk to the top of the cliff
from which you will descend into the valley below.
R165 per person.
What you need: Comfortable, loose fitting clothing
and walking shoes or hiking boots with non-slip
tread. Bring your own refreshments, sunblock and
hat. Hair must be secured. What is supplied: All
abseiling equipment. Moderate fitness levels are
required for the climbing activities, and there is a
qualified medic present on all mountain activities.
When my son came home from school and told me his friend had
wolves and tigers at home, I seriously doubted it. But I have
subsequently learned that in the North West, alias the Wild West,
anything is possible. Soon after my son had mentioned it to me, I met the boy’s
mum, Shinon Zahos, who informed me that it was perfectly true, they did have
tigers and wolves and not only these predators but cheetahs and lions as well!
Shinon has always adored animals. Even as a child growing up in Johannesburg
she would take care of birds with broken wings, build small houses for frogs and
there was even a pet tortoise. So it’s no surprise that when a customer one day
walked into her quad bike shop and mentioned that he bred certain species of
animals, many of which were predators, she plied him with questions and took
his number.
Three years ago Shinon and her husband Jimmy, bought their first tiger cub from
this same man. They named the cute three-week-old bundle of stripes, Kendra.
Shinon bottle-fed her and Kendra happily played with the dogs and children and
became the baby of the home. After Kendra, there came two more tigers, lion
cubs and two cheetah cubs.
The wolves were Jimmy’s initiative, and the couple purchased them from a wolf
sanctuary in Port Elizabeth. “People think it’s cool to have one of these non-
indigenous wolves as a pet but they gradually come to realise that they never
bond with humans like a dog will,” says Shinon. “The wolf sanctuary in Port
Elizabeth takes in these abandoned creatures and this is where we found ours.”
Shinon has a deep love and respect for these wild creatures and her aim is to
breed the very best. “ It’s all about breeding and the gene pool,” says Shinon. “We
acquire very good specimens and breed even better animals - stronger, bigger
animals. We did not want to breed quantity but rather quality.” Shinon has
successfully bred with white lions but would really like to breed with white tigers
too. “Because we are still so young, we haven’t sold any of our animals yet. Our
lions and tigers just reached maturity now and we’ve had our first litter of three
beautiful white lion cubs,” she says.
It took Shinon a few years and cost her a small fortune to get a license for all
these predators. Regulations regarding the enclosures and the animal’s well being
are extremely strict. Nature Conservation visit the farm regularly for inspections
and work closely with Shinon to ensure the animals are kept safe and have the
right amount of food, shelter and water.
Once the animals are old enough they will be sold to modern zoos with
appropriate climates and enough space, non-hunting game reserves and other
breeding farms.
Being a breeder of wild animals means that Shinon’s life will never be described
as mundane. Not too long ago, while she was acclimatising a three-month-old,
hand-reared lion cub to its’ new enclosure, the cub inadvertently touched the
electric fence. It immediately shot up the nearest tree in the enclosure. This tree
also has an electric fence two meters up, but the cub pushed through this fence
and ended up at the very top of an eighteen-metre tree, swaying in the wind. The
vet was called in with a helicopter and the lion cub was darted, while the staff
waited with a make-shift trampoline (which included the vet’s pool net!). The
young cub managed to make it two metres back down the tree where it fell
asleep on one of the branches. The vet gave a signal to a professional rock
climber who had also been brought in and he scaled the tree, heroically lowering
the lion cub to the ground with harnesses and pulley’s.
Shinon is the first to admit that owning these predators requires extreme
caution. Caution and a willingness to spend the time, effort and money that
these animals require underpin her passion for her wildlife – the recent rescue
effort being a perfect example.
Above: the three month old cub up in thetree and below – his rescue team.
The passions of Michael Tellinger are diverse and have
long evoked the passions of people in South Africa and
around the world since the early 1980’s. And though this
acclaimed musician, actor, author, explorer, researcher and
scientist needs little introduction in the international arenas of
music, archaeology, science and consciousness, few people are
aware that he grew up in small mining towns across the North
West and matriculated from Hoerskool Rustenburg.
Born in Czechoslovakia, Michael’s parents moved to South
Africa when he was nine. His father worked on the platinum and
gold mines and in later years farmed oranges, and his mother, an
opera singer and well known ‘voice doctor’, still teaches singing
today. It is uncanny that Michael’s passion for music and his
understanding of sound frequency, harmonic resonance and wave
formation in scientific terms, has allowed him to make the
astounding breakthrough in decoding the mystery of the ancient
Written and Photographed by Louise Clarke
ruins and lost civilisations of southern Africa. When it comes to
our human origins things are not as they seem and most of what
we have been taught is a lie.
In 2005 Tellinger wrote his first book Slave Species of god, the
culmination of a 30 year obsession with the origins of humankind
and the genetic anomalies of our species. This work into the
existential mysteries presents detailed evidence in support of the
information found in the Sumerian clay tablets. When Johan
Heine exposed the mystery of the stone ruins of South Africa to
Michael in 2007, they began an irreversible process of research
that led Michael to some startling scientific conclusions and the
completion of two more books, Adam’s Calendar and Temples of
the African Gods.
Scholars have told us that the first civilization on Earth emerged
in a land called Sumer 6000 years ago but Tellinger’s research has
revealed that more than 200,000 years ago early humans built a
84 PLATINUM LIVING
PLATINUM PEOPLE
Michael Tellinger is DECODINGthe mystery of lost civilisations
stone calendar that predates all other man-made structures
found to date. Adam’s Calendar is the flagship among these
ruins because it can be dated with relative certainty to a time
before the ‘flood event’ some 13,000 years ago, and to at least
160,000 years of age based on a number of scientific
evaluations.
The millions of stone ruins connected by channels and
surrounded by agricultural terraces cover an area of 450 000
square kilometres and clearly point to a vast vanished
civilisation that lived and mined gold in this part of the world
for many thousands of years, and is consistent with the
Sumerian translations that tell us exactly that. “With so many
ruins everywhere, it was discovering a new but much older
Eqypt in South Africa.,” says Michael.
Perhaps the most surprising discovery made to date is that the
stone circles were not dwellings at all but energy devices, and
that the generation of energy through these circular structures
using the natural sound harmonic frequencies that emanate
from the surface of the Earth was in fact the technology used to
mine the gold. “When I accidentally heard the stones ring like
bells, I realised that we were dealing with the power of sound as
a source of energy. The sound frequencies and energies that we
measured in the ruins cannot be explained by our current
scientific knowledge today,” says Michael.
Michael’s discoveries relating to the ruins of this ancient
civilization are said by Zulu High Sanusi Credo Mutwa to be the
most important discovery ever made by mankind and needs to
be shared around the world as quickly as possible.
To this end Michael has tirelessly and with much zeal
conducted annual presentations all around the USA, Canada
and in the UK for the past 2 years, shared information in over
200 international radio interviews and while in South Africa
continues to spread the word during his local author tours and
visits to the ruins.
He also hosted the international event Megalithomania in
South Africa in March earlier this year where top thinkers from
around the world explored the theories and findings around the
origins and functions of our megalithic sites. In November
Michael will host the first ever UFO, Science and
Consciousness Conference, bringing in published experts in
their fields to share their incredible knowledge on an array of
interesting topics such as alien intervention, human genetic
manipulation, mono-atomic gold, conspiracies and bio-mimicry.
In spite of the controversy surrounding his focus Michael
Tellinger is certainly a pioneer for change, and has founded the
Contributionism-Ubuntu movement where he outlines a future
moneyless society where each citizen contributes their natural
talents or acquired skills to the greater benefit of all in the
community.
For more information on his books, research, conferences,tours and new political party check out the followingwebsites: www.michaeltellinger.com,www.slavespecies.com, www.adamscalendar.comwww.contributionism.org
PLATINUM LIVING 85
PLATINUM PEOPLE
Michael Tellinger – telling it like it is.
86 PLATINUM LIVING
PLATINUM PEOPLE
He loves to hunt, he loves his jet ski, he loves his family
but what Chris Seabelo is passionate about is karate. As
the only 6th Dan black belt holder in the North West
Province, Chris is also a committed and focussed businessman and
leader.
In August this year Chris went with the South African karate team
to Thailand for the 12th World karate championships in Pattaya to
attempt his 6th Dan black belt grading. Being the youngest of 18
other candidates, Chris and an instructor from Norway were the
only two candidates awarded their sixth Dan by the strict
Japanese panel. “I have been training for six years for this,” says
Chris. “I had to fight seven opponents and demonstrate what I
have learnt over the years. Four hours later my name was called, I
was deeply humbled.” Chris is the first African to attain 6th Dan
black belt before the age of 50.
Chris has played a significant role in promoting karate in
Rustenburg and Bafokeng. In 1992 he invited the first South
African world karate champion to conduct development clinics in
the rural areas of Rustenburg and Stan Schmidt (an
Internationally recognised martial arts expert) also conducted
development clinics in Rustenburg. Thanks to Chris, Phokeng was
the first place, other than Gauteng, to host the biggest national
karate championships in 2009.
As the owner of two successful fitness gyms, Chris is also mentor
and teacher to many young karate enthusiasts who want to follow
in his footsteps. He also keeps it in the family as his eldest
daughter is a South African karate champion and is currently
preparing for her 2nd Dan black belt at the age of 14.
His other passions? Hunting and jet-skiing – one wonders where
he finds the time.
6TH DAN CHRIS SEABELO ISPASSIONATE ABOUT KARATE
Practicing with his daughter
Chris in Japan and outside his Fitness Quest gymThis is the life...
Chris in Japan executing his favourite side kick (yoko geri)
Bafokeng represented in theKarate National team
Three Karatekas (karate practitioners)
from Bafokeng represented South Africa in
the 12th Funakoshi Gichin Cup World
Karate-Do Championship oganised by the
Japan Karte Association (JKA) World
Federation in Pattaya, Thailand.
Kelebogile Pooe; Keketso Miya and
Olebogeng Kgwebane competed well even
though they didn’t make it to the finals.
Karate is a fast growing and popular sport
and provides participants with skills in self
defence, confidence, physical and mental
fitness flexibility and co-ordination.
However the greatest things these young
karatekas have gained from training with
Chris Seabelo – a 6th dan black belt, is
discipline and humility.
PLATINUM LIVING 87
PLATINUM SPORT
SPORTS SCENECompiled by: Platinum Living team
The BLM Foundation – putting sport backinto the community
The development of sports, arts and recreation in rural
communities is the inspiration behind the BLM Foundation,
an initiative of Bashi L Makgale who is determined to get
kids off the streets and onto the sports field.
Founded in July 2010 the BLM Foundation is a Trust focusing
on sports development within the rural Bafokeng and
surrounding areas of Rustenburg. The foundation targets
mainly school children of ages ranging from 8 to 18 years.
“Children with no parents at home after school and during
school holidays are our target market,” says BLM
spokesperson, Verity Phiri. “We just want to keep these
young minds busy at all times, keep them physically healthy
and hopefully produce super stars some day. However, it is
not our strategy to commercialise any of the sporting codes
or the participants,” she says.
The foundation works closely with Royal Bafokeng Sports
and the Royal Bafokeng Institute. They have also established
firm relationships with Golf Associations, Golf clubs and
commercial entities, Cricket South Africa and the South
African Rugby Union. “We’ve identified three focus sporting
codes namely cricket, rugby and golf and plan to introduce
tennis too. We do not discourage the current dominant codes
but we’re just introducing other options which we believe
should be made available,” says Phiri.
Follow us them on facebook: Bashi L Makgale Foundation oremail us on: [email protected] for furtherinformation contact Verity Phiri on 084 413 1818
For more information please call Tel: 014 537 8300
Hunters Rest Mountain Resort“Now under New Management”
Hunters Rest Mountain Resort is a picturesque country resort nestled between the Magalies mountains just 11/2 hours from Johannesburg or Pretoria. With the resort’s rich history and visits from generations of families for decades, we now embrace a new era ofcontemporary elegance. Now under new management, a fresh visionary approach has been brought to the resort with exciting weekend entertainment !
Your Exquisite “Getaway” in the Magalies Mountains !
Facilities 91 Rooms with luxurious bathrooms Executive golf course Club house Pool & heated childrens pool 4 Tennis courts & squash court Fully equipped gym & sauna Wellness center & steam rooms Childrens game room Supervised creche Farm yard & pony rides Hiking trails & bird watching Game drives to nature reserve
We are renowned for our fine table.
Fine Dining & Catering
Luxurious AccommodationOur accommodation cater for the needs of our discerning guests. All the rooms are air-conditioned with; DSTV, private bathrooms, telephone & in-room dining is also available. Wi-Fi connect through out the resort and in most of the rooms.
Conference & EventsDelegates can enjoy our comprehensive conference facilities in any of the 5 air-conditioned rooms that can seat 12 to 200 guests. We will cater to your individual needs and have a wide range of different conference options available.
Hi-tea, Champagne breakfast or a buffetpool braai – it’s all happening at HuntersRest Mountain ResortWith a dynamic new management team, Hunters Rest is the
place to be every weekend. There’s hi-tea on select Saturday’s
from 14h00 to 17h00 – a sweet and savoury extravaganza
where you can enjoy different teas, coffee and a selection of
sweet or savoury treats while listening to soothing live music.
Take your husband or father along and they can enjoy the
executive 9-hole golf course at a discounted rate.
Also on a Saturday is the buffet pool braai, where the kids
can swim while you enjoy a delicious buffet braai.
The resort has introduced champagne breakfasts on Sunday
mornings. With a welcome glass of champagne and an english
breakfast buffet served from 07h00, it definitely sets the
tone for the rest of the day. You can either continue on your
journey or stay for the popular ‘smorgasbord’ buffet. Sunday
lunch doesn’t get better than this, with a choice of 14 starters
and nine main courses, plus live soothing sounds of piano or
violin. You won’t want to leave!
For more information call 014 537 8300
www.huntersresthotel.co.za
PLATINUM LIVING 89
PLATINUM CHEF OF TAU
Executive ChefJOHN CARELSE
Queitly spoken Executive Chef John Carelse has been
with Tau for two years. Originally from Cape Town,
John has worked at the King Edward in Port Elizabeth
and the La Maison de Chamonix in Franschoek amongst others.
John grew up in Steenberg on the Cape Flats, started working for
I&J Fisheries (because he needed a job) and landed up cooking on
the fishing trawlers. “We did a very basic professional cooking
course at the RSA which is a training institute for sea-going
personnel,” says John. But he soon realised that he could do much
better than just cook for fishermen whose needs were very
limited.
“I come from a family of cooks,” says John, “my mother is a great
cook and some of my relatives are either chef ’s or work in the
hotel industry.” His first job after the fisheries was at a country
house called Die Oude Werf in Stellenbosch. This is where John’s
real training started and through different chefs and bigger and
better opportunities he’s worked his way up to Executive Chef at
Tau Game Lodge.
“I enjoy fine dining and although we do a lot of buffet we also do
plated food which gets my creative juices flowing. I enjoy the
French style of cooking but with a South African twist,” he says.
John admits that one can get complacent when it comes to a
buffet but he encourages his staff to be creative which is why for
example you will find duck on his buffet table. “I love seeing my
guest’s eyes light up and seeing my food appreciated,” says John.
“I try and keep everything fresh and seasonal,” he says. John even
sources his meat from a local butchery in Syferfontein and his
herbs come from his own herb garden.
Enjoy some of John’s recipe’s overleaf, for a true taste sensation.
90 PLATINUM LIVING
PLATINUM RECIPE
Rare Roast duck
Rare Roast duck with warm lentil saladServes 4
• 4 x 180-200g portions duck breast
• 100ml Soya sauce
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 50ml olive oil
• Salt & ground black pepper
Method
Season the duck with the salt and pepper, marinade in the Soya
sauce, lemon juice and olive oil for 1 hour. Fry for 5 minutes a side
until golden brown, place on a baking sheet and bake in the oven
at 180 degree Celsius for a further 5 minutes.
Warm Lentil Salad
• 250 ml cooked lentils
• 1 large baby marrow (small diced)
• 1 large carrot (small diced)
• 1 medium potato (small diced)
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp chopped parsley
• 1 clove garlic chopped
• Salt to taste
Method
Cook the potatoes until soft but still crunchy, grill the rest of the
vegetables, add the garlic, parsley and season to taste and mix
with the lentils.
Citrus Reduction
• 250 ml orange juice
• 110g tin of passion fruit pulp
• 5 ml lemon juice
• 2 ml ground cinnamon
• 50 ml coinstreau
PLATINUM LIVING 91
PLATINUM RECIPE
Chicken liver paté
Method
Reduce the orange juice and cointreau by 1/3, add the cinnamon
passion fruit and lemon juice reduce for a further 5 minutes until
it’s of a sticky consistency.
Assemble
Chicken Liver PateServes 4
• 250g Chicken Liver
• 100 ml Cream
• 120g Butter
• 1tsp Thyme
• 1 tsp Mixed Herbs
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 25 ml Brandy
• Half Medium Onion (diced)
• Salt For Seasoning
Method
Sauté the onion in 100g of the butter, add the livers, bay leaf,
brandy, mixed herbs and thyme, cook on medium heat for
approximately 20 minutes until livers are cooked, place the
mixture in a blender and blend until smooth, add the cream and
complete, place in a bowl to set.
Chef ’s note
The paté can be shaped and served on it’s own or with a berry or
strawberry coulis. Add watercress to your dish for colour and
taste. Serve with fresh bread or crackers.
92 PLATINUM LIVING
PLATINUM EVENTS THAT HAVE HAPPENED IN THE PROVINCE
Rustenburg Municipality celebrated the donation of 50
indigenous trees to Boikagong School with learners and
educators at a tree planting ceremony. In partnership
with Food and Trees for Africa, Rustenburg Municipality has
donated the Combretum and Celtis African trees to the school as
part of a carbon offsetting exercise that supports the
environmental values inherent in the Rustenburg Rapid Transport
(RRT) project.
Attended by the Executive Mayor of Rustenburg, Councillor
Mpho Khunou, the tree-planting ceremony represented the
carbon offsetting of the RRT launch event held on 21 July at the
Civic Centre in Rustenburg. Research went into assessing the
environmental impact of the launch, and thereafter a local school
was selected to benefit from the trees bought by the Rustenburg
Municipality to offset the carbon generated.
Councillor Mpho Khunou, speaking at the event said, “All of the
country’s new public transport systems are designed to ensure
that they contribute towards achieving South Africa’s aim to
reduce carbon emissions growth by 34% by the year 2020. Every
city, including ours, has an important part to play in this.
Throughout the implementation of this public transport project,
we will not only be boosting the economic growth of our city, but
ensuring that careful consideration goes into offsetting the
project through greening initiatives like this one that directly
benefit the Rustenburg community.”
Acting Municipal Manager, Victor Makona added, “This event is
the start of our commitment to provide the people of Rustenburg
with a safe, reliable and environmental sustainable public
transport system that will go a long way in reducing air pollution
in the area.”
During the ceremony, learners performed a traditional dance and
song that entertained guests while Principal, Mr Moses
Motsilenyane thanked the Mayor and the Rustenburg
Municipality for their support.
RUSTENBURG RAPID TRANSPORT PROJECT‘GREENS’ LOCAL SCHOOL
ABOUT THE RRT PROJECT
The RRT will provide Rustenburg with a comprehensive,
integrated public transport system with BRT trunk corridors;
direct public transport routes and feeder routes to serve the
fastest growing region in South Africa. There will also be
attention paid to walkways and bicycle paths to promote safe
movement of people throughout the municipal district.
This project is a key focus area for the next five years and is
a catalyst for bigger 2025 Rustenburg City Development
Strategy. Construction is due to commence during 2012, with
the first services delivered in 2015 for more than half a million
residents and is expected to cater for some 200,000
passengers per day, including the predominant mining
workforce, scholars, students and a thriving inner city.
Executive Mayor of Rustenburg, CouncillorMpho Khunou shares a joke while ActingMunicipal Manager, Victor Makona does allthe hard work.
PLATINUM LIVING 93
Kloof View Primary presentsthe 5th element
In celebration of their fifth anniversay, Kloof View
Primary presented the 5th element – a spectacular
musical production staged at the Civic Centre in
Rustenburg.
The four known elements are earth, water, air and fire and
Kloof View Primary introduced a fifth element – music.
The students from Grade R to Grade 7 demonstrated that
through discipline, loads of fun and hours of practice they
can produce a colourful and contemporary piece of visual
and auditory entertainment.
Kloof View Primary opened its doors for the first time on
1 June 2006 with 12 educators and 380 learners. The school
has grown steadily and is fast gaining the reputation of
producing outstanding learners – giving them a solid
foundation for further education.
Their mission is to provide each learner with balanced
education based on Christian values, while incorporating
their cultural background and individuality.
By raising the bar and showing learners what excellent
performers they can be, the 5th element proved to be a
resounding success.
Kloof View Primary
014 592 1740
PLATINUM EVENTS THAT HAVE HAPPENED IN THE PROVINCE
94 PLATINUM LIVING
PLATINUM EVENTS THAT HAVE HAPPENED IN THE PROVINCE
Sedibelo Festival 2011
From Botswana to Moruleng in the North West
Province the Bagatla nation through poetry, music,
the graduation of more than seven hundred
initiates, soccer, art and couture celebrated the month long
Sedibelo Festival.
The celebration affords all Bakgatla Ba Kgafela an
opportunity to take part in the promotion, protection and
preservation of their cultural identity and also goes a long
way to boosting cultural heritage tourism between South
Africa and Botswana.
The royal family’s, Kgosi Kgafela, Kgosi Pilane and other
dikgosi, were star guests. Opening the festival in Botswana
was the famous traditional music band Dikakapa and the
festival closed with an incredible youth and gospel music
festival.
Mphebatho Museum in Moruleng and Phuthadikobo
Museum in Mochudi hosted most of the events. The two
museums showcase the culture and history of the Bakgatla
Ba Kgafela nation.
96 PLATINUM LIVING
PLATINUM EVENTS THAT HAVE HAPPENED IN THE PROVINCE
Remembering the Anglo Boer War
On Heritage Day, the Recreation Africa group unveiled a
monument dedicated to those who fought in the Anglo-Boer War.
Dignitaries from the major countries that participated in the war,
such as Great Britain, Ireland, India, Canada, Australia, New
Zealand, France, the United States and Germany, were invited to
the unveiling at Kedar Country Hotel on Boekenhoutfontein (the
historic farm of President Paul Kruger).
The monument, which was designed by architect Nico Wessels,
features four figures sculpted in bronze by renowned sculptor,
Adam Madebe, representing a British soldier, an Indian soldier, a
Boer fighter and a black African combatant.
Robert Forsyth, Executive Chairman of Recreation Africa, and
custodian of the Paul Kruger Country House Museum at Kedar
Country Hotel, said that remembering the Anglo-Boer War
matters because the stories we tell about what happened in the
war will colour the history our descendants receive and pass along.
The Anglo-Boer War had participants from all over the world –
some 10 foreign and seven colonial countries – and it brought
about a metamorphosis from one type of warfare to another. Out
of it came guerilla warfare, trench warfare, concentration camps,
barbed wire – and the end of the use of lances.
Memorials play a part in shaping public memories. They help to
bring the tales of heroism and tragedy to the public that has
moved on. Memorials help breach the challenge to get the stories
out there, so that future generations get to hear them and
remember how we got here.
Even though it was an extremely cold day, the bronze statues,
delicious food and captivating storytelling by renowned speaker
Ray Heron, warmed everyone up and made for a stimulating and
interesting day.
Kedar Country House: +27 11 950 6000
www.kedar.co.za
PLATINUM LIVING 97
PLATINUM GOING DIGITAL
PRINT - ONLINE - DIGITAL
What is exciting about this
format is that it is
interactive. Some stories will
have video attached to it and
some will have links to
different websites. Pages can
also be updated and changed
immediately. This will make
Platinum Living current and
a lot more appealing to the
visitor who will be able, for
example, to watch video
footage of a lodge they’re
about to visit.
From January 2012Platinum Living will
embrace the digital andonline world.
Making the switch from print publishing to
digital publishing is a big step. But as costs for
everything from paper to distribution increase,
making the jump to digital is becoming more
appealing to readers and publishers.
Platinum Living will appear as a digital flip-book-
style magazine, in various formats. It will be
available in tablet format, laptop and cell phone
formats too. This means that information in the
magazine is transportable and a lot more
appealing to advertisers, who can track exactly
who has read and seen their advert.
Distribution
Distribution of this type of magazine is done via
emailed links to our subscribers, as well as links
from our website and from online
advertisements.
We are also in the process of developing a PL
app that you can load onto your phone. Through
the app you will not only recieve the magazine,
but have at your fingertips, contacts in the area,
events happening at the time of your visit and
much, much more.
We hope this app will be a great resource to you,
making your visit to the North West a pleasure.
Rate CardA new rate card will be distributed highlighting
the various advertising options.
SubscriptionsIf you are interested in subscribing to the new
