Travelstart South Africa Blog

18/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: Lower LSM growth potential

2010-03-19T08:41:53+01:00

It has recently hit tech-savvy news pages that South Africa is ranked fourth only in terms of internet usage on the African continent. This means more than just what it says. It means that more and more people are making the effort to be computer literate. It means that more and more people are accessing the volumes of news, facts and fancy that are available on the “www” highway. This may be obvious to Travelstart Blog readers… but think about those who aren’t Travelstart Blog readers – yet. Think about your mid to lower LSMs. Then think about the potential we are talking about, and you can’t deny the growth we are witnessing daily in our beautiful country. Tourism, business, education, retail, motoring, finance… these and more are all available on the screen you are reading this from – and more and more people are learning that.

On the back of this fact is service provider MWEBs announcement that it will soon be offering an uncapped option in its product range. This means that all of the above may be accessed – and sooner rather than later – at an affordable rate to more people. I know people who still go into banks or the post office on a Saturday morning to conduct their admin, but – more often than not – it is because of a fear of the unknown. That is set to diminish as more lights are being “switched on upstairs”. Knowledge truly is power! Watch us grow. Another brilliant reason to be in South Africa right now.

Muzi Mohale

17/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: The Garden Route

2010-03-18T13:03:35+01:00

Photo: Ian Wilson

The stretch of road between Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay is known as the Garden Route, and is one of the most scenic drives South Africa has to offer (if not THE most scenic drive South Africa has to offer).

With the ocean and coastline dropping off to one side, and indigenous forest on the other, it’s the kind of drive that could end up taking hours and hours, because you’ll want to stop at every turn to take photographs. At the heart of the Garden Route is the town of Knysna, rather touristy but still pretty, and famous for its Oyster Festival every year in July. Staying in Knysna itself can be pretty pricey, but there are some lovely spots a short drive out of the town, including tree houses perched in indigenous forests, where you might be lucky enough to spot a Knysna Loerie – large bright green birds that swoop in and out of the canopy of trees.

Before you set out for your Garden Route drive, make sure you’ve stocked up on padkos (literally ‘road food’ in Afrikaans), snacks and drinks to nibble on while you take in the scenery.

16/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: England, Pilanesberg is calling

2010-03-17T10:20:55+01:00

Fact file: Bad tempers are synonymous with football. The most bad-tempered World Cup game was between the Netherlands and Portugal in 2006; each side got two red cards.

With or without David Beckham, it is (now) known news that the England team has chosen Rustenburg as their hub while here for the football tournament. Learning this information is cool to me because – like most South Africans – I have seen a fair bit of our country, so I can’t help but wonder what they will get up to in some of the hubs, and others in further flung regions.

We can only hope that the England team and their entourage make time to take in the splendour of the Pilanesberg – and hopefully catch site of the big five (and more). We hope they will breathe in the crisp smell of an African winter’s afternoon and appreciate it the way we do. We hope they will sample some ‘exotic’ tastes that we ourselves may be starting to take for granted; maybe a trip to Carnivore for lunch followed by a hot air balloon sunset trip? They could land at Sun City and marvel at the draw card of another lucrative sport… or they could simply sit back and sip on a sundowner – met eish. Most of all, we hope that they leave with a lot to tell the people they left behind back-home, about the beauty and splendour we have available to us daily. And whether they win or lose, maybe our good nature and heavenly countryside will offer some silver-lining respite from their temper-related professions.

Muzi Mohale

15/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: The Owl House

2010-03-16T11:15:33+01:00

Photo: andy_carter

In the heart of the Karoo desert lies a small village called Nieu Bethesda. It’s a quiet little place, with a couple (literally, two) places to stay, no ATM, and a long and tricky dirt road to get to it.

So why is it so famous among South Africans?
Because Nieu Bethesda is also home to the Owl House, a simply magical place unlike any other you’ve ever been to (and that’s a guarantee). Helen Martins was a typical Karoo wife until her husband died and left her a widow (at fifty). For the next fifteen to seventeen years, Miss Helen created a garden full of concrete statues of people, animals and owls (many many owls, hence the name), all pointing towards Mecca – her own personal Mecca. The inside of her house is no less extraordinary, filled with specially cut mirrors, crushed glass glittering the walls, the ceilings painted with bright suns.

These days you can go and visit the Owl House, and wander around Miss Helen’s world (virtually untouched since she left it, except for some reconstruction work). But while she was still alive she was shunned by her conservative neighbours. Athol Fugard, one of South Africa’s most loved playwrights, wrote a powerful play about Miss Helen and the Owl House, called ‘The Road to Mecca’.

14/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: Rand set to rally 10%

2010-03-15T09:32:47+01:00

Fact file: Out of the 19 World Cups so far, 6 have been won by the host country.

It is quite ironic that the Trojan myth of Achilles rings true for us now in 2010 in such similar drama. David Beckham has torn the Achilles tendon that connects the muscles of the calf of the leg with the heel bone and, they say, has dashed all hopes of playing on local soil in June and July. No mans misery should necessarily be made our joy, but it is all about the game after all, and, I guess you could argue that this default for them is a credit to every other team that is hopeful of taking home the trophy. And with 6 out of 19 wins going to the host country, we have every reason to believe in ourselves with every iota of our beings.

More good news all-round is the upswing of our currency and what this could mean for us over the long term. The rand is set to rally 10% in the next three months – a sign of World Cup interest as well as a faster recovery from the past year than was previously suspected. This means so much for the balance of our economy internally as well as how tourists and foreigners will get to see and enjoy their time here. The recent celebrity-laden attendance at the Pick n Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour has no doubt also done wonders for awareness and trust as far as our country’s reputation goes. Things are definitely looking up and – with only 87 days to go – you’d have a hard time finding a South African not getting into the spirit of things yet.

Muzi Mohale

13/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: Kirstenbosch Gardens

2010-03-14T13:09:05+01:00

Photo: Randy OHC

There are few places to while away an afternoon as serene and peaceful as the Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town.

It may be true that every city has a botanical gardens, but there’s something very special about this one. The Kirstenbosch Gardens are vast, for starters, with different areas for succulents, flowers, trees, forest and open lawns. In fact, they’re so vast that you might well get lost the first time you go there. There’s a lovely tea garden / restaurant where you can have a bite to eat or a pot of tea while you look out over the sweeping lawns. There are hundreds and thousands of interesting plants and birds and perfect spots to lie down in the shade and read till you fall asleep.

But most of all, there are the Summer Sunset Concerts. Every summer, from November to April, the gardens are opened up at sunset on Sunday afternoons to hordes of music lovers who descend on the stretch of lawn facing the stage to picnic, drink wine, catch up with friends and generally lounge around in the warm evening air while listening to music. Rock, pop, classical, fusion – you name it, you’ll find it at the Summer Sunset Concerts. Probably one of the top 5 best things about Cape Town (and a great excuse to stick around until November!)

12/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: There is no colour in a smile.

2010-03-13T13:09:36+01:00

Fact file: “South Africans think with their hearts.” – Carlos Alberto Parreira, 11 March, 2010

Football fans will make the month of hedonist activity a joyous occasion for themselves and each other – no matter how the actual event goes down. But it is still soothing to know that FIFA President, Sepp Blatter is behind us – and by us I mean this nation – 100 percent. His recent silencing of those obsessed with doom and gloom is both reassuring and invigorating.

And, as we draw even closer to the day the curtain will go up and the first pitch will be christened, we learn that Bafana Bafana have found a home for the duration of the tournament. Sandown High School business politics and final decisions aside, it is great to know that our team who will play together, will focus and reside together. Just another reason to point our faces to the sun as we welcome supporting teams and nations from all over the world; people who speak differently to us, but who are no doubt all here for the same reasons: Sport. And a unifying one at that.

We are renowned as a perky nation generally, we like to celebrate good news with each other – and yes – we absolutely think with our hearts! Just look at how people have celebrated our great histories in the past. There is no colour in a smile. Something we know a lot about – and look forward to seeing more of!

Muzi Mohale

11/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: Table Mountain

2010-03-12T14:15:20+01:00

Photo: Andrew Deacon

Yes, yes, I know, I know – Table Mountain is all anyone ever talks about when they mention Cape Town.

But it’s for good reason. There are numerous jokes about the power of the mountain over the city, “Hey, shoowaa, man, I’m just soaking up the viiiibes of the mountain today,” and they are largely just that – jokes.

There is, however, something extremely cool about being able to see a giant mountain from pretty much anywhere in the city. It’s a great reference point if you’re bad at directions (which I am), and it makes the city feel less like a city. It also brings nature right to your doorstep (as long as you live somewhere near the mountain). Walking on Table Mountain in summer or winter is an ideal way to spend an afternoon, and the roads ringing the mountain are always full of joggers and cyclists, soaking up some natural beauty while they exercise.

And then of course there’s the cable car, which is not only a real treat to ride, but results in the best view of Cape Town you could wish for (this is one trip all visitors to Cape Town for the World Cup should take).

If you need any final convincing, how about the tablecloth of cloud that blows in from behind the mountain and sweeps down as if a giant is laying the table for a dinner party?

That’s pretty damn cool.

10/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: Noise = support = coverage = noise = Vuvuzela.

2010-03-11T10:10:09+01:00

Fact file: The Vuvuzela – part of the indigenous culture of South African soccer – has been given the blessing by FIFA. The Vuvuzela is allowed to stay and will be blown in all the stadiums and fan parks.

Making a noise with regards to football varies from continent to continent. If you have seen ‘Green Street Hooligans’ then you will know that the British take their support of the sport to a whole new level. So it comes with great relief to learn that security is being bumped up considerably now – from the very start of the process to presence at the actual games. South Africa has signed a memorandum with the United Kingdom which involves sharing intelligence. This will start at boarding ports overseas and will prevent deranged fans from even getting on a plane, which is great. Fans we like. Deranged ones we can do without.

Other great ways of making a noise would be coverage. It will have come as music to many ears to learn that the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is headed to iPhone with an April 30 release date to the App Store. There are very definitely new features and ways to stretch this event as far as possible. And if you don’t have an iPhone, don’t worry, just make sure you have a Vuvuzela – readily available in South Africa. Another great reason to be here!

Muzi Mohale

9/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: The Best Scones in Town

2010-03-10T07:49:13+01:00

There are many coffee shops and eateries that will claim they make the best tea and scones in town – but don’t believe them.

The hands-down best scones to be found in Durban (and, dare I say it, South Africa) are at the Durban Botanic Gardens Tea Garden. The place might not look like much – concrete tables topped with mosaic, thatched umbrellas for shade, a couple of monkeys lurking on the outskirts – but the scones are so wonderfully buttery, so deliciously soft, so slathered in strawberry jam and whipped cream, that you’ll feel as if you’re sitting down for high tea with the queen (if South Africa had a queen).

That’s not to say the surroundings aren’t charming – they are. Delightfully so. The gardens are full to overflowing with lush green vegetation and subtropical plants, there are kids playing and brides posing for photos at every turn, and the tea garden is manned by old ladies who pile your goodies up on a plastic tray for you.

If by some strange chance you’re not a scone fan, try the crumpets with syrup and ice cream. They are just as heavenly, and just as worthy of as many adjectives as you can think of.

Photo: Dplanet

Off the Beat Island

2010-03-09T14:10:42+01:00

Most travellers enjoy little off-the-beaten path experiences from time to time. If you are planning a trip Mexico, you may want to visit nearby Belize, a somewhat off-the-beaten path country. And to get off the beaten-path further in Belize, check out Tobacco Caye Island!

This island is tiny, only about 75 metres wide by 150 metres in length. But don't let its limited stature fool you - it's an idyllic place to escape from the world. It can be so relaxing that once you get on the island, you can kick off your shoes or sandals and explore the entire thing barefoot.

Most people visit here to get away from it all, sit in a hammock on a sunny beach with a book in hand, and go snorkelling whenever the ocean tempts you.

The island has six difference guest accommodations available, as well as multiple restaurants and a local bar.

Access to the island is only via ferry, from the nearby town of Dangriga. Despite its limited stature, the island is still filled with amenities to make your experience an unforgettable one.

During long travels, I love to break up my schedule with the occasional retreat to a quiet, unique off-the-beaten path experience. Tobacco Caye island is just such a place.

(photo from Tobacco Caye Island courtesy of Martijn Munneke)

8/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: Future South African stars

2010-03-09T08:23:21+01:00

Fact file: The satellite, teleport and telecommunications system for the World Cup will support transmission capacity of 40 gigabytes per second and will be used after 2010 to provide broadband services.

All has been seen and done with the little gold men statues, and I can now be a little more blunt about it without having to first announce a *spoiler alert*. So, South Africa wasn’t awarded any of the respected statues in either of the direct or indirect chances we had. Invictus, the story of our claim to fame from the 1995 Rugby World Cup – and the role our revered Madiba played in it – or the similarly politically awakening District 9, weren’t able to crack enough nods to bring any Oscars home. But, the attention is enough to fuel the curiosity filmmakers have for both stories to be told, and the opportunities available on our soil to both local and foreign creatives alike.

And so what if films like “Precious” grabbed more attention? Is that story not born from our own South African realities? A teenage girl’s confrontation with violence and then having to find a way to push herself to get out of it? With the infrastructure being set with the upcoming world cup, we will be respected as a broadcaster of international proportions, thereby going a long way to push the talent our future stars are nurturing. When the possibilities are closer to home, it will be easier to grab hold of them. Just another good reason why the aftermath of what is about to come illuminates the greatness for being in South Africa right now.

Photograph By - Bill Schrier

- Muzi Mohale

7/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: More inbound tourists focused

2010-03-08T08:57:09+01:00

Fact file: Scotland holds the record for the most consecutive World Cup first-round eliminations: 1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1998.

While our focus on why it is good to be in South Africa might not align itself with Oscar nods or media attention on our president and his junior, the 2010 World Cup is enough to keep our spirits up – proving that the dream is indeed, still alive. They say that we can expect over 10 million tourists to South Africa this year – outside of the 450 000 for the World Cup alone. That is a lot of interest, money and exposure and we can work to leverage that to the long-term benefit of our country. For an industry that shrank 4 percent last year, this is no doubt great news! We have the countryside, we have the vibe, and we even have the moves.

We also have the weather – which puts more smiles on more faces for tourism on the whole. We see the sun almost all year round, we are not at major risk of a tsunami or devastating earthquakes, and despite Bafana Bafana’s draw against Namibia, we can argue that we have a better track record than Scotland. We can confidently say that we are ticking more and more boxes, with every day we get closer to why it is we are in the spotlight – and why it is we should be chuffed as a nation – period.

- Muzi Mohale

6/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: Television audiences ayoba

2010-03-07T12:11:02+01:00

Fact file: The 2006 World Cup in Germany was the most extensively viewed event in television history. The FIFA World Cup™ is the biggest single-code sporting event in terms of television audience – even bigger than the Olympic Games.

It is not surprising that the concentrate of one sport, at one time, makes the televised stats of the World Cup a wider watched event than the Olympics. And when you think about the fervor and passion that our own continent invests in the sport – you can understand. Then think about the football culture in the UK, America’s investment in the sport over the last years, and how South America and the rest of Europe view the sport – let alone the Far East. So it must come as somewhat of a shock to the people in Hong Kong to hear that three broadcasters are currently in a dispute of World Cup TV rights – which could mean that fans are without free coverage for the month-long contest altogether.

That could be seriously bad news if you are a big fan, and even if you are not. No matter how far removed you are from the sport, you’d be hard pressed to avoid a good game, or a final. So aside from the obvious gains we have, we can be extra chuffed that major games are being played in each of the provinces. Whether you hang out in – or just outside – the stadium, or watch it somewhere on television, the atmosphere will be palpable. And, unlike the Hong Kong lot, we can respect and enjoy MTNs sponsorship and commitment and their assurance to their subscribers – and those who are not in a position to attend the matches live – that all World Cup action will be available to them on their cellphones through the MTN Loaded portal. So warm your SMSing fingers up – you might need them.

Just another good reason to be in South Africa now.

Muzi Mohale

5/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: Schools adopt a nation

2010-03-06T09:54:11+01:00

Fact file: FIFA’s World Cup™ ethos of fair play will be carried out through the Schools Programme, where the ethos of healthy lifestyles and multiculturalism through sports, arts and culture will be brought to 12 million schoolchildren.

Forty thousand is a big number by any standards. Rands, toothpicks, loaves of bread… but prostitutes? Forty thousand prostitutes destined for South Africa for the World Cup?! I wonder if there were similar tabloid stories for previous World Cup hosting nations – and to be honest – I have to say I am not sincerely interested or inspired to research it. I am just gobsmacked that this stat has been released – and wonder how they got to that number. Did they go to some kind of prostitute convention and ask all those who were planning on coming to South Africa to kindly raise their hand?

Photograph by: Mark Wessels www.markwesselsphoto.com

It is interesting that while South Africans are embracing football Friday’s by dressing for the part, cars are branding their mirrors with the national flag and companies are doing their bit to fly the flag for their clients and our country, the media (both locally and overseas) seems determined to highlight negativity. It’s getting boring. And do the future minds and leaders of our country need to be confused with all the cross messaging of ‘yay’ versus ‘nay’ of the opportunities that are looking back at us? They don’t, which is why it is heart warming to hear that schools across the country have embraced the ‘Adopt a Nation’ drive, within their provinces. This initiative – in conjunction with the Department of Sports and Recreation – means that each school chooses a nation to ‘adopt’ and then learns its culture, their anthem and some of the language. The culmination of this venture is a mini World Cup tournament between over 8 500 schools that ends in May. No doubt a great way to teach, live and share acceptance while adding to a vibrant global village. So these kids are having a good time, while no doubt role playing the roles (albeit as juniors) of their favourite football stars.

Come to think of it, I suppose that when all is said and done, their adult contemporaries are not not having a good time. Ergo, you could argue that forty thousand prostitutes is the antithesis of negativity.

- Muzi Mohale

4/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: Ready infrastructure

2010-03-05T10:44:06+01:00

Fact file: The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban has a steel arch 105m above the middle of the pitch, and by using a cable car, spectators can enjoy a formidable view of the Indian Ocean.

Third of March, twenty ten saw the Gautrain run from 06h00 to 02h00. Oh happy day! The gridlock melee of exhaust fumes looks set to cease – and I don’t mean normal traffic – I mean the frustration that surrounds the blasting points and building sites. Then again, can we be frustrated? Good humour (yesterday) aside, our slight is that we – too often – complain about process, because all we really want is the result. We asked for better public transport, and we got it. We wanted a better infrastructure so we could drive less – or imbibe more – and we (are getting) it. So, all in all – and put it down to the World Cup because we should – South Africa is changing gears. And quickly.

R11.7 billion has been invested into the smooth movement of fans and their football-fanatic requirements. This was never going to be a dangling carrot and then snatched from us the minute the last visitor boarded their exit flight, so best we stop being the cynics we have been. These elements are either going to be here to stay, or are going to teach blue and white collar professionals priceless hands-on experience on how things can – and should – be run, on a day to day basis. So that everyone gets to work on time; gets a potentially heaving economy overflowing with wealth; benefiting you, me, and Sibongile’s spaza shop on the corner, and, we all come out with less month at the end of our money – rather than the other way round. So hell yes! It’s damn good to be in South Africa right now. We have more opportunity on a silver platter than we could ever imagine, and what we really have to get into our heads is that, it might never come around again. So pick up your feet while you still can! Whether you are in the tourism industry – or if your name is Sibongile – this is your year as much as it is mine.

Get moving! Ke nako.

Snow closes airports in NY

2010-03-05T08:43:40+01:00

It doesn't snow every week in winter in New York, but when it does it comes down hard. In February there were two instances when it snowed so heavily that all the cities three airports just closed down for a day. I was lucky that it missed my flights to and from Spain with just a few days.

Three days before I left New York, the city basically shut down and again three days before I was coming back it was the same thing. The second time it effected me more as I had guests staying in my apartment that couldn't leave and other guests arriving that never came.

I'm always impressed that flying works so well even in a snowstorm. I've heard of delays back home in Sweden but never of airports closing. It makes me wonder why a metropolitan city like New York where it snows like this at least once every winter, is not better prepared. It's a mystery!

Ring Around Iceland

2010-03-04T14:28:42+01:00

Contrary to the name, there is far more in Iceland than just ice.

Sure, Reykjavik is the world's most northern capital, and the world's second most northern country. It's cold and dark there in the winter months. Yet once the little island nation comes out of winter hibernation, there is much to see and experience in this unique and beautiful little country.

The country's ring road, or Route 1, is a circular highway that takes you around most of the country. You could say it is the only major road in Iceland, traversing close to 1,400 kms. It literally is shaped like an oval ring, a circular highway that takes you around the entire country.

Iceland has a unique landscape, and looks different than much of the rest of the world. The country is filled with magnificent hot springs, where you can sit and enjoy a mineral bath while staring off at the snowy landscapes.

In the summer, beautiful grasslands extend as far as the eye can see, amidst lava fields that fare some resemblance to what I believe the moon must look like.

The capital city Reykjavik is vibrant and welcoming. You will be amazed at the friendly nature of the local people there. You may be equally amazed at how the nightlife kicks into full gear in the evenings. You may be even more amazed that in the summer months, it never gets dark here - it is light outside 24 hours a day.

Iceland is a unique and interesting place. It's one of those destination that every traveller must see in their lifetime. There is nowhere else quite like it...........on this planet anyways.

3/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: Bottles of bud on the wall

2010-03-04T08:13:32+01:00

While our president impresses at lunches with the Queen, and reports are coming in about Soccer City being $133m over budget, it seems South Africa is perpetually straddling celebration and condemnation. The British media has a lot to say about how ridiculously “unready” we are, yet the green light seems to have proved otherwise. But, through all of the drama, the fuss and the crises, we emerge because of something we seem to be unwilling to compromise on; our proudly South African sense of humour.

Fact file: The South African Gold Coin Exchange have released a limited edition World Cup coin collection.

South Africans are brilliant about laughing at ourselves. We’ve come to appreciate what makes Madam & Eve resonate with us, we made Vernon Koekemoer an overnight money mint, and we’re allowed to enjoy a good laugh at the goings-on in parliament where people are either being barred for swearing, or swearing because they’ve been barred. We spend almost as much on our cars as we do on our houses, our car guards have cellphones, and we park 6 seater SUVs at cheap (and greasy) burger bars built on bridges over highways.

We will never tire of teaching people about braai’s, explaining the vuvuzela, succumbing to the sentiment of Madiba’s appearance at sporting events and wondering if the low flying South African Airways will ever make another appearance. When you think about it, these unusual talking-point qualities make us a pretty hot host nation for the mix of visitors already finalizing their online bookings, no doubt. We have much to celebrate because of who we are, where we’ve come from and where we are going. Hell, we’ll even “cheers” each other with a beer we might not even like – just because it’s a great thing to do. So crack open a Bud, cheers to your buddies, and cheers to all of us. What a great time to be South African – and then some. Local really is lekker!

- Muzi Mohale

2/100 reasons to be in South Africa in 2010: Big business!

2010-03-03T07:58:44+01:00

Fact file: Did you know that the stadium for the final has 94 700 seats? Are you going to be one of them?

Yesterday was Fly the Flag Tuesday, where South Africans came out and showed their support with red, green, blue, black, yellow and white. Now we are officially warmed up and there is no turning back. And because yesterday marked the start of one hundred days, and ultimately one hundred opportunities for great memories, what was your first moment of World Cup magic?

We are into day two of the big countdown. I believe the tourism industry couldnít be more excited about anything else right now. Could we be in a better destination? Not a chance! We can be excited right now, just for being South African. And all of us especially, in this arena, for working in the tourism industry in South Africa. Not just as a money-making business, but also to see South Africa and South Africans spoiled with cultures and personalities from all corners of the globe. Insight into what they are hoping to see will leverage how we market tourism in South Africa in the future. We will earn as much in experience as we will in revenue. Demanding foreigners, with money to spend and expectations to meet? What better way to test ourselves on how we handle a hot potato?

We have the guts, we want the glory, and as professionals committed to a robust tourism trade, the focus should now be on earning return-business from close on half a million visitors. Imagine if each of them brought a friend or two back? That's why I say get excited about it! Make this time work for you because, as a South African, you have worked for it.

Muzi Mohale