MESMERISING, QUIRKY & BEAUTIFUL
The magical 20-acre Ammazulu Garden and Sculpture Precinct is a gem to discover for people from all walks of life, both young and old. “The idea was to create an urban ecological zone that has certain cultural dimensions attached to it, a place where you can come and locate yourself and appreciate the value of the space,” says renowned sculptor, Andries Botha. He joined forces with fellow sculptor Peter Amm – who owns the property and is also the man behind the spectacular Ammazulu Africa Palace – creating a place of fantasy and wonder.
Peter believes that even junk has beauty and presence, so be prepared to be surprised and amazed when you explore the gardens by following a 1km marked path. This incredible forest walk, where you’ll discover 120 unique sculptures from all over the world, leaves you in awe and allows your imagination to run wild. Peter’s lush property has been in his family for 70 years, and was originally a cattle farm. “This is a legacy to preserve what has taken a lifetime to create,” he says with a smile.
Hein Lottering, a chef and previously involved in theatre, came onboard to kickstart the business. He is the general manager, and also owns the coffee shop – where you can indulge in fabulous toasties, cakes and wood-fired pizza after exploring the gardens.
A permanent gallery home for Andries, you’ll find his personal collection of sculptures in a magnificent three-storey high 600 square meter space just behind the coffee shop. “A document of South African history, this space holds memories,” says Andries – adding that the exhibit explores and helps one understand the complex, yet inspiring, human journey that we as South Africans have lived through over the past 40 years
Set aside a good few hours when you visit, as here you can expect a truly unique experience that’s both educational and fun – and the perfect outdoor activity during current Covid times.
FOR MORE INFO: 84 – 88 Kloof Falls Road, Kloof. Open Thurs – Sun, 10am-4pm. Entrance fee is R50pp, kids under 10 free. Call Hein on 083 244 7565 for more info.
THE ULTIMATE HIIT TRAINING EXPERIENCE
Neil du Plessis has over two decades of experience in the fitness industry – starting out at Virgin Active as a personal trainer before six years later co-starting the renowned Get Fit brand. “I have successfully been running 12–week challenges for 12 years, my specialty and passion is without doubt designing custom original group training workouts,” says Neil – who due to Covid and lockdown was forced to close his doors and train clients from his private studio at home last year. “The last nine months has given me time to work on a new brand and concept, and I have decided to join forces with my wife Denya – who has also been in the industry for over 20 years.”
As a dynamic powerhouse team, the couple’s thrilled to announce and launch their new brand and venue, Dynamic Hitt Studios. “This evolved fitness concept will be offering month–to month training (Kickstart) as well as eight-week programs, which will include dietary guidelines and before and after photos – ensuring accountability,” explains Neil.
Neil and Denya will be offering continuous guidance and motivation, expect a bigger studio and high-end cardio airbikes, ski ergs, air rowers, curve treadmills plus lots of free weights to enhance that maximum metabolic burn. “This will guarantee the ultimate HIIT training experience, while burning maximum calories and creating an extreme endorphin rush,” says Neil – adding that he can’t wait to open the doors on 1 Feb at Watercrest Mall, next to Ster-Kinekor. For your safety, strict Covid social distancing protocols will be adhered to.
FOR MORE INFO: Call Neil on 084 444 8015, or email admin@dynamicstudios.co.za
WIN! Stand a chance to win 1 of 2 four-week Kickstart Challenges – click here to enter, and don’t forget to follow @dynamicHITTstudios on Facebook and Instagram.
WATERFALL PRE-PRIMARY
Waterfall Pre-Primary just celebrated five years on the iThemba Campus – home of Waterfall Schools. Founded in 1974, Waterfall Pre-Primary was previously known as Crossroads Pre-Primary and originally based in the leafy suburb of Waterfall. This much-loved school, under the leadership of Dawn Crookes for over 20 years, had a strong reputation in our Upper Highway community of providing an excellent foundation for young boys and girls.
The current principal, Paula Mason, took the reins in 2012, and in 2015 the school was purchased by a local businessman. The team were delighted to relocate to a brand new modern, bright school building based on the picturesque 41–acre iThemba Campus in Hillcrest.
The first little feet ran into the school gates in January 2016 with 40 boys and girls enrolled.
Today Waterfall Pre-Primary is thriving with over 150 children – including a passionate team of eight teachers, seven teacher assistants, six interns and three aftercare teachers. Early Childhood Development expert, Sharron Lane, was appointed as director in 2018, and through the combined knowledge of Sharron and Paula the curriculum has been enhanced to ensure joyful learning through play for little ones.
The school serves as the first step for children as they begin an educational journey on the campus up to Waterfall Preparatory and Waterfall College, as their feeder school.
FOR MORE INFO: www.waterfallpreprimary.co.za
NIICE FOODS: DELICIOUS MACADAMIA NUT BASED PRODUCTS
A fledging start-up was proudly launched in February 2020 – just before the Covid shutdown. “We had been working on products and developing recipes prior to the launch, and knew that we wanted to create a vertically integrated manufacturing company that produced value-added macadamia nut based products,” says Taryn and Stef van der Westhuizen.
“Being foodies and loving a good cook up with wine in hand, we began experimenting with recipes to make with macadamia nuts,” says Taryn. “Stef’s family has been farming macs on their Nelsruit farm for about 14 years, and the farm has over 10 000 mac trees. Like many macs produced in South Africa, they are exported to China, Europe, the UK and the USA as a ” raw” nut in-shell product. We wanted to change this and create special, artisanal and unique South African food so that one day we can export finished products instead of raw materials.”
Their new range, cold pressed macadamia nut oil, macadamia dukkahs (or rather makkahs) in three flavours – Durban Curry, North African and Chipotle Chilli – and mac-parma cheez, is 100% vegan and locally made. “We have been overwhelmed by the response to the range and are working hard to produce new innovative macadamia products,” says Taryn. “We offer a great reseller deal for anyone who wishes to distribute the range to their customers – a great job creation opportunity.”
“You can find us at the Shongweni Market every Saturday,” says Taryn, “and our range is also available at HomeGrown Ballito Lifestyle Centre, Hope Meats – Mackeurtan Drive, Durban North, Off the Shelf (Umhloti), Delicious Deli – Windermere Centre, Nouriti Cafe – La Lucia Mall.”
FOR MORE INFO: FB and Instagram @niicefoods, www.niicefoods.com, niicefoods@gmail.com
WIN! Stand a chance to win a Niice Foods hamper – click here to enter, and don’t forget to like Niice Foods on Facebook and Instagram!
THE MAGIC SCHOOLBOX
“My teacher bestieBrigette Watson and I started The Magic Schoolbox just as our lockdown was lifted last year,” says Seanne Meaker. “Our love for creative crafts, fun art activities and glitter made it easy to brainstorm some arty ideas, and package it up as craft activity boxes for parents to keep their children busy during these uncertain times.”
Everything your child will need to do the activities are provided, so it’s super convenient for the parent. “Each box has had much thought put into it to try make it as special as possible. So far we have done themed Winter, Spring and Christmas activity boxes for children aged three to eight years,” says Seanne.
Next came their love of reading and books, and so a kiddies book club was created. “Both of our families are avid readers and, being teachers, we believe that reading to your children is so important,” says Seanne. “Besides the obvious vocab that they are learning, the time spent together sharing a good book will be something your child will love.” Book club children get two brand new books a month to enjoy.
“We also offer our Magic Boxes, which is where our name originally comes from. This is a hands–on and fun approach to preschool learning,” explains Seanne. “There are two themes per month and it comes with everything your child will need for all the art and crafts activities.” In these monthly packs your child will learn about colours, shapes, numbers and letters. Other activities include developing fine motor skills, cutting and sticking, learning their name and body image activities.
As most of the activity boxes are aimed towards children aged three to eight, Seanne and Brigette are planning to do some for the older age group this year. “We are also thinking about starting an online school,” adds Seanne. “When you put two experienced preschool teachers together, with some paint, glue and fun… we are totally just living our creative dreams at The Magic Schoolbox.”
FOR MORE INFO: 084 406 3205, info@magicschoolbox.co.za
POP-UP LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE
Vittoria and Co, a lifestyle pop up boutique based at Watercrest Mall, currently stock 27 brands – all local makers and creators. Products include bath and body goods, home decor, bags, shoes and clothing for all ages.
“Our clothing range includes noteworthy designers that have been featured at Durban Fashion Fair and Vodacom Durban July,” says Roxy Geldenhuys. “All of our suppliers, whether big or small, might be recognised from local markets and events. For some of these makers, whom rely solely on markets for income, Vittoria & Co has been a small lifeline during the pandemic.”
Roxy owns local knitwear business Vittoria Designs, and when lockdown hit in March 2020 her business came to a grinding halt. “Our national events had all been cancelled, all markets closed, all our stockists closed doors and my own retail shop was forced to close under lockdown,” she says. And this is when Vittoria and Co. was born. “A colab of my expertise and that of Debbie Viviers, owner of The Festive Market, we wanted to create an upmarket pop–up, supporting local businesses,” says Roxy. “With thanks to Watercrest Mall, we were able to open a space in July 2020, and have since upgraded to a bigger shop thanks to the amazing support of our community.”
As we’re heading into 2021 with tighter restrictions, we’ve seen many closures of local markets again. “Under strict retail protocol, we are fortunate to remain open and continue to promote local makers and designers,” says Roxy.
FOR MORE INFO: 073 337 8819, www.vittoria-designs.co.za, FB: Vittoria & Co
