September 30, 2011. The Servest Simbithi Lifestyle Show which took place on September 24 and 25, 2011, was reported by local home owners and North Coast resident as being “very impressive”, with high calibre lifestyle exhibitors showcasing top home décor products, appliances, gardening equipment, accessories and clothing from the KZN region. The show was even hailed by experienced exhibitors as “a wonderful concept and truly unique experience”.
In the picture: Gardening guru Tanya Visser with Andrew Donkin of Home Organic
While a stiff breeze made conditions tough for a few exhibitors placed outside, on the whole the exhibition was seen as a success, and a solid foundation on which to build future shows.
The title sponsors of the show were Servest Group and Simbithi Country Club, with eLan Property Group acting as co-sponsor, and Take Note Reputation Management co-ordinating the event.
Janna Strang of Take Note said the show’s success was due in part to Simbithi Country Club’s fantastic conferencing facilities and magnificent setting, in its glass panelled pavilion overlooking the the golf course’s picturesque 18th hole.
Simbithi Country Club and Simbithi Eco-Estate GM, Steve van Greunen, said, “Our exhibitors were carefully selected to remain in keeping with the estate’s reputation of having some of South Africa’s most chic and stylish homes.”
Exhibitors included SMEG SA, Irresistibles Jewellery, Ukhamba Craft, The Body Bar, Mobelli furniture, Italian Lifestyle, Home Organic, Creative Canvas Gallery, Yummi, Yamaha and Richmond in Ballito.
South Africa’s gardening guru, Tanya Visser (of The Gardener fame), made an appearance on the Sunday to educate excited locals about how to take their gardens from drab to fab, sharing tips and gardening ideas for spring and summer. Other show highlights included tips by the principal of Durban Design School, Lindsay Gray, on how to take your garden from good to great, intimate SMEG Cooking demonstrations using fresh herbs and ingredients from their Home Organic herb and veggie garden by Fig Tree Restaurant’s Executive Chef, Karel Jacobs.
Dionne Collett, owner of Take Note Reputation Management, added that with the show being so well received by exhibitors and guests this year, another show will definitely take place at Simbithi Country Club next year. “Servest Group has signed on as the official title sponsor for the next two years and Simbithi Country Club was delighted with the amount of revenue generated by the show.”