Jun 25 - Jhb South East

JOBURG SOUTH • ALBERTON • BEDFORDVIEW

•

GREENSTONE • MODDERFONTEIN

JONATHAN VILACA

In the fast lane to success

Chicken & wine

perfectly paired

for Winter dinners

June’s a party

with our

three wins

FOR THE MEN

Inspiration, tips for groomed gents

& goodies for dad’s wish list

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

JUNE 2025

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GET IT

Editorial

Instagram: @getitjoburgsoutheast

Facebook: @getitjoburgsoutheast

Website: getitmagazine.co.za/joburg-south

Pinterest: Get It

National Group Editor and National Sales

Kym Argo

kyma@caxton.co.za

Facebook and Instagram:

Get It National Magazines

Website: getitmagazine.co.za

Editor Carina van der Walt

albertongetit1@caxton.co.za

083 411 7146

Sub-editor Riaan Engelbrecht

Contributors Alice Coetzee

Workflow & Studio Manager Megan Brett

Layout Artist

Shanet Moodley

Design Studio

Mojalefa Nthutang

JP Du Preez

Sales Manager

Roxanne Cooper 072 821 0910

roxannec@caxton.co.za

Distribution

12 000 copies monthly

Get It JHB SouthEast is distributed free

of charge. For a full list contact

charmaine@caxton.co.za

Competition rules

The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be

transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions

are not open to the sponsors or Caxton

employees or their families. Get It Magazine

reserves the right to publish the names of

winners, who will be contacted telephonically

and need to collect their prizes from Caxton

Joburg SouthEast branch within 10 days or

they will be forfeited. Prizewinners names are

published on our Facebook page monthly.

contents

WHY DON’T YOU

4 Turn up the heat with these sizzling activities

6 Beat the winter blues with brilliant reads and a glass of wine

WISH LIST

8 The perfect gift for dad – from the braai to a soothing drink

SOCIALS

10 Shining the light on exceptional women at Woman of Stature Awards

12 There is a buzz about bees

PEOPLE

14 Meet Jonathan Vilaca – if you can keep up with his fast paced life

16 Derek Harwood chats about turning setbacks into purpose

BEAUTY

16 It is easy for the gents to charm their way into hearts with these grooming

tips

FOOD

18 Meet Thulani Mlambo who stirred up an award winning

achaar pâté in his kitchen

20 Warm up winter afternoons with a glass of wine or a coffee date

22 Avocados will take your sports nutrition to the next level

23 Make brunch better with mushrooms

24 Roasted or cooked over the coals, nothing beats chicken and wine dishes

DECOR

26 Natural materials and subtle shades for all seasons

GARDENING

28 It is time to tidy up and protect for winter

FITNESS

30 Some beginner friendly tips for newbies at padel

TRAVEL

32 Discover the magic of the Drakensberg at Three Tree Hill and a visit to

The Cavern

SPOIL

34 A bottle of Conte Camillo Negroni could be yours

COVER

Photographed by - Desnay Peterson

June 2025

June 2025 Get It Joburg South • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 3

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If you have a date for the Get It diary page, email the info at least one month in advance to albertongetit1@caxton.co.za

A hot date!

Turn up the heat with this month’s events!

Glenvista Gold Day Club presents a golf day fundraiser for Reece Geldenhuys

and Nwabo Miles Gxumisa to represent South Africa in touch rugby

05

in Ireland. The fundraiser will be on June 5. A four-ball is R2 500. Packages include

holes 1 and 10 for R3 000; holes 4, 8, 13 and 15 for R2 500; the rest of the holes for

R2 000 and putting green for R2 500. This includes a halfway meal and dinner. Join

them on the day in support of Reece Geldenhuys, deputy head boy of Alberton

High, with an impressive sports resume participating in athletics, swimming, cross

country, rugby and touch rugby, and Nwabo Miles Gxumisa, a versatile athlete

playing multiple sports including chess, tennis, rugby, and touch rugby. Details:

Francois 068 572 5187.

South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) continues its commitment

to supporting mental health by reaching out to communities. SADAG

05

has launched an in-person support group for those affected by the emotional

challenges of post-breakup, divorce and separation. Join them on the first and third

Thursday of every month at the Synergy Centre, 81 Jackson Street, Brackenhurst,

Alberton. Meetings for June will be hosted on June 5 and 18 from 6pm to 7.30pm.

This group provides a safe and confidential space where members can share their

experiences, connect with others, and receive support at a pace that each individual

is comfortable with. The aim is to provide people with a safe space to heal, find

peace, share experiences, and grow. This service is free of charge and is available

to all community members. The group will be facilitated by a registered counsellor.

Details: Michael 072 688 3531.

4 Get It Joburg South • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein June 2025

16

Share some warm Winter love with the Alberton SPCA and help them with their

Winter blanket drive. With the onset of winter, the Alberton SPCA is in dire need

of blankets for their kennel dogs. Their blanket storeroom is almost empty, and they

are appealing to the community to please donate unwanted and clean blankets.

Drop-offs can be made at the SPCA, Monday to Friday, between 8am and 4.30pm,

and on Saturdays between 8am and 12 noon, at the Lincoln Road, General Alberts

Park. Details: 011 907 1568.

14

With last year’s competition drawing

1 500 entries, this year’s Legends Are

Made Season Three sure is not to

be missed. Founded by professional

dancers Duerell Delano de Pontes

of Benoni and Chanel Jacobs of

Boksburg, the competition is back

on June 14, 15 and 22 at Woodlands

International College. International

adjudicator Angelik Meyer will attend.

Last year, the competition saw entries

from as far as Cape Town, Limpopo

and North West to vie for the titles in

categories from as young as four to

masters. Angelik will adjudicate on

June 15 and will also host an international

workshop on June 16. She

boasts an impressive resume, including

being a 13-time French amateur

and professional Latin champion, a

two-time German professional Latin

champion, the European showdance

Latin champion and a finalist in the

Blackpool professional Latin competition.

Tickets for spectators are

available at R200 per person, pensioners

R100, children under 11 R100, and

children under the age of three get

free entry. Details: Duerell 071 475 6576

or follow Legends Are Made on Facebook

and Instagram.

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For the first time on their stage, Peoples Theatre is delighted to announce

they will be producing Matilda The Musical Jr, based on the

10

beloved book by Roald Dahl. The multi-award-winning musical will be on stage

at the Peoples Theatre from June 10 to July 27, the best way to chase away the

winter blues. Matilda is the tale of a brilliant little girl with telekinetic powers.

She has an unhappy life with her parents. Matilda’s parents believe she is a

nuisance, while she thinks they are only interested in watching television. Life at

school isn’t much better thanks to the monstrous headmistress Miss Trunchbull.

Then she decides it’s time to teach the grown-ups a lesson. This is an enchanting

tale that delves deeper into Roald Dahl’s themes of self-empowerment and

finding one’s true self. Matilda features the spectacular combination of Dahl’s

plucky heroine, a moving script by writer Dennis Kelly and hilarious words

and music by Australian comedian Tim Minchin, which makes this a treat your

children will remember forever. Adults will also enjoy and appreciate the show’s

clever humour and word-play just as much as the children. With catchy original

songs, it’s pure magic from scene to scene. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Details: 011 877 6841 or email info@peoplestheatre.co.za or book online at www.

joburgtheatre.com

06

One thing is sure, a feast awaits at the

celebration of International Cognac

Day with a flavour-packed cooking

adventure. Discover bold pairings,

stir up delicious dishes, and toast to

good times with a splash of something

special. Salut! Ready to turn up the

heat? Welcome to the Cognac-infused

Food Jam at Feastivity in Johannesburg,

where rich flavours, spirited sips,

and culinary creativity collide. Dive

into a deliciously indulgent evening of

cooking, tasting, and pairing featuring

Cognac in all its golden glory. This food

jam is all about unforgettable flavour.

Details: www.foodjams.co.za

14

Monthly events at Melville Koppies are a great drawcard for the community.

The second Sunday of the month (June 14) is storytelling, and the last Sunday

of the month (June 28) is an 8km guided hike. These events continue to attract

visitors to Melville Koppies, leaving lots of smiling, happy faces. Once you’ve

visited, the Koppies will weasel its way into your heart and you’ll be back again to

explore on your own. Melville Koppies opens every Sunday morning from 8am

to 11.30am. Book a personalised guided tour to learn more about the grasslands,

heritage and more, on a day that suits you. Self-guide yourself on a hike from

500m to 5km. Charge is R100per person, R50 for U18s and those under the age

of five enter for free. Safe parking opposite the entrance to Melville Koppies at

Marks Park Sports Club in Judith Road, Emmarentia. All income is used for the

conservation of the Koppies. Details: 079 532 0083 or email: wendavid@mweb.co.za

or visit www.mk.org.za #melvillekoppies

Master the art of sushi-making with perfectly crafted sushi rolls, and

18 snack on addictive edamame beans sprinkled with sea salt to get your

taste buds ready. For the main, you’ll experience the magic of creating this iconic

ramen with a rich broth and tender noodles. Then indulge in Mochi ice cream.

Your Food Jams chef host will guide you through each step, you’ll discover the

harmony and precision that make Japanese cuisine so special at Feastivity in

Emperors Palace. Tie your aprons and prepare to dive deep into the heart of Japanese

cuisine. It’s going to be an evening of discovery, flavour, and fun. Details:

www.foodjams.co.za

14

The SA Wildlife & Rehabilitation Centre

will be hosting a fundraiser at the Barnyard

Theatre at Emperors Palace on Saturday,

June 14.The centre is permitted

by the Department of Nature Conservation

to rehabilitate sick, injured and

orphaned indigenous wildlife to return

them to their natural habitat in a safe

environment. The centre handles about

6000 cases annually, and they rely solely

on the generosity of the public to cover

expenses. Support this worthy cause

and make sure to book your tickets

for More than a Feeling - Greatest

Rock Anthems. Cost: R235 per person.

Shows starts at 19:00. Details: Jenette

082 886 6838.


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Book club

Beat the Winter blues with a brilliant read and a glass of Bordeaux-style white.

Renowned for doing things differently, Fairview’s Regional

Revival Range is a collection that reimagines the great wines of

the Old World - Italy, Spain, and France - with an unmistakable

Cape twist. And their first white wine in the range - the

Fairview Altesse 2024, is a classic Bordeaux-style white blend

of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, with a Darling maritime zest.

Straw coloured with a touch of green in the glass, it’s a vibrant

mix of white peach, orange blossom, green figs, herbs, zesty lime

notes, and a touch of sea spray, and is an exceptional wine to serve

with grilled West Coast fish and a zesty salsa verde, prawns with

lemon butter, a creamy seafood risotto, slow-roasted chicken,

or even a simple, well-aged cheese. R190 from

fairviewmarketplace.co.za

Compiled by: KYM ARGO

How well do you know your son?

It’s a question the parents of three

teenage high-school football stars

don’t want to face after a teen party

sees the school outcast in hospital,

and the three boys suspended for

the rest of the season. With their

futures uncertain, the families get

together to assess the damage to

their boys’ prospects, the reputations,

their futures ... and to their own

relationships. Set in Southern

California, Our Beautiful Boys by

Sameer Pandya centres around

Vikram, an Indian American, Diego,

of a Latin American descent, and the

white and wealthy MJ ... and is a story

of class, race, gender, parenthood.

Bloomsbury Publishing • Being in limbo,

30,000 feet in the air, offers time to

reflect and take stock, and for Aaron,

it’s an opportunity to connect with

his 14-year-old son as they travel

halfway across the world. Unsettled

by his past, and anxious for his future,

Aaron is at a crossroads in life. The

damage inflicted upon him during

his youth threatens to widen the

growing fissures between him and

his only child. This trip could bind them

closer together, or tear them further

apart. Action and consequence, fault and

attribution, acceptance and resolution,

John Boyne’s Air is a redemptive story of

a father and a son on a moving journey to

mend their troubled lives. Penguin


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Wife. Writer. Murderer? Denise

Morrow’s a famous true crime author,

who knows how killers operate and

how they get away with murder, is

found standing over the body of her

husband, a bloody knife between

them. With all her knowledge, you’d

think she’d have done better. But it’s

an open and shut case according to

Detective Declan Shaw. And then he

discovers the subject of the author’s

next book - the violent murder of

a girl called Maggie Marshall ... a

case that Declan worked on and

one that’s haunted him for years.

James Patterson and J.D Barker’s The

Imperfect Murder ... the perfect wife,

the perfect motive. Century

In Sophie Stava’s Count My Lies,

the liar is Sloane Caraway. Harmless

lies, she tells herself, to make her

life a little more interesting. One

afternoon she sees a crying child

who’s been stung by a bee and

tells Jay, the girl’s father she’s a

nurse, helping him pull out the

sting. A small lie ... one that sees

her becoming the nanny for Jay

and his wife, Violet. The couple

appear to have everything, and

Sloane wants their lives. And she’s

prepared to lie about almost

anything to get it. But ... small twist

... she might not be the only one

who’s lying! Century

The Martini Club - a group of retired

spies living in a quiet seaside town

- are back in Tess Gerritsen’s The

Summer Guests. This time Maggie

Bird and her ex-spy pals get involved

when a young teenager goes

missing, the daughter of a woman

who’s just married into one of the

town’s most powerful families. It’s

down with the Martinis and books,

and out with the binocs as they offer

(unasked for and unwanted) help out

to the local acting police chief. Loads

of twists, red-herrings and mystery

... a terrific read. As is the bonus Lee

Child and Tess Gerritsen short story...

Over Easy is a fabulous ten minute

read with Maggie Bird meeting Jack

Reacher. Penguin

Alice Feeney’s Beautiful Ugly is a

dark and disturbing thriller about

marriage, and revenge. The story

opens with an author phoning his

wife to ask when she’ll be home ...

he’s excitedly waiting for a call from

his editor to tell him whether he’s

made the New York Times Best Seller

list. But as he talks to her, he hears her

slam on her brakes, get out the car,

and then ... nothing. A year later, he’s

still grieving, and takes up an offer

of a remote cabin on a tiny Scottish

island where he hopes to break out

his writer’s block. But he keeps seeing

a woman who looks just like his wife.

Something’s just not adding up. A

little far-fetched, but that makes it no

less of an enjoyable read. Macmillan

More new releases to look out for ...

The World According To Merle

by Merle Levin ... the memoir of a

deliciously daring granny, born in

Vereeniging in the 50s, she’s a vibrant

force of nature who’s lived a full,

rich, fun-filled life on her own terms.

Melinda Ferguson Books

A hidden love. An impossible dream ...

The Midnight Secret is the fourth in

Karen Swan’s The Wild Isle series ... this

one about a woman who’s discovered

that every blessing comes with a

curse. Her handsome husband’s a

bully. Her second sight inherited from

her mother only allows her to see

death. All secrets and passion and

violence. Macmillan


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Wish list

Hot fires and smooth whiskey ...

Winter’s looking exceedingly fine

Great glassware sets the tone ... and these crystal, textured Allure

tumblers from the Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen range set the

standard high. Lead-free, break-resistant, sophisticated ... Father’s Day

gift sorted! R279 for a set of four from janonline.com


Weekend braai vibes sorted ... chop-chop!

Light the fire. Clickety-click the tongs. It’s time to get this braai party started. The hottest brand on the local market is Die

Braai ... with two sizzling products that’ll head straight to the top of your must-have list. Die Braai Tray is the ultimate braai

companion ... a clever, detachable tray that transforms your braai setup. Crafted in durable stainless steel or mild steel, it

mounts effortlessly onto your wall or fireplace, making it a versatile extension of your braai ... giving you an instant side table,

marinade station, serving tray and so much more. Then there are the Braai Blaai sheets, an essential for anyone serious

about their flame-kissed foods. Much more than just a prep sheet ... these are the go-to tool for every stage of the braai

journey, from seasoning to serving. There are tips on spices, recipes, and meat prep, and each pack comes with six sheets -

one each for fish, pork, venison, lamb, beef and chicken. Plus ... the Braai Blaai disposable sheets fit perfectly within the Die

Braai Tray, minimising mess and ensuring easy cleanup. Less fuss, more braai! R79 for a pack of six Braai Blaai, and from R1150

for Die Braai Tray. Details: diebraaiblaai.com and Instagram @braaiblaai.


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Yes. We all know the

Stanley flask. But ... the

Stanley Classic Travel

French Press? Now we’re

talking. Picnic. Hike. Car

trip. You can enjoy the

taste of French-pressed

coffee anytime, anywhere.

With an integrated coffee

press and two stage lids,

you can drink from it

(or decant into a coffee

mug), and the doublewall

vacuum insulation

ensures your coffee stays

hot for four hours. Plus ...

leak-proof lid and versatile

carry handle. R999 from

yuppiechef.com

This small elegant Kitchen Craft Bar

Craft hip flask

captures the spirit

of the roaring 1920s, when

patrons of jazz bars and

speakeasys would drink

their favourite tipples

from little hip flasks.

Perfect for parties or

picnics, it comes

with a handy

funnel so you can

decant your fave

tipple straight

from the bottle.

Stainless steel,

and finished with

a soft touch, matte

black coating, R499

from yuppiechef.com

Try a Siren Serenade ... the perfect

drink to reflect on the day’s

adventures, the journey travelled

and the legends created. Pour 40ml

Finvara Irish Whiskey and 20ml Bitter

Aperitif into a highball glass over ice

and top up with 120ml ginger ale. Stir

gently and garnish with a sprig of mint

and a dehydrated orange slice. And for

a chance to win a bottle, pop over to

@getitnationalmagazines on

Instagram or Facebook, find The King’s

Gambit post and follow the prompts.

Steeped in legend, inspired by a

mythical king whose stories have been

passed down through generations,

rooted in Irish folklore, the exceptional

Finvara Irish Wiskey embodies the spirit

of adventure, mystery, and mastery. Its

inaugural release, The King’s Gambit,

pays tribute to the ancient game of

chess - symbolising the brand’s bold

strategy to challenge traditional

whiskey-making conventions. Finvara

offers a rich, full-bodied flavour

profile that’s smooth, aromatic, and

exceptionally well-balanced. With every

sip, it transports drinkers into a world

of Celtic tales, blending heritage with

a bold new taste that’s perfect for both

whiskey connoisseurs and newcomers

alike. Introduced into the local market

by Mack Brands - who boast they are

on a mission to make every moment

memorable, you’ll find it for R499

at selected liquor outlets or online

at Norman Goodfellows, Port2Port,

Takealot and Bar Keeper. Follow on

Instagram @kingfinvara.


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Joani Jacbos and

Clinton van Breda

Remarkable women

shine at gala awards

The 10th Annual Woman of Stature Awards South Africa dazzled

guests at a glittering gala at the Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre.

They celebrated remarkable women for their leadership, excellence, and

community impact across 14 industry categories. The crowning of Tara

Penny as the overall winner was the highlight of the evening. Penny is

head of news at HOT 102.7 FM, leading a dynamic team producing awardwinning

human-interest stories. She is also a driving force behind Hot

Cares, the station’s community outreach platform that impacts lives daily

through authentic, meaningful interventions. With over 700 nominations,

this year’s awards marked a record high. They shortlisted 98 finalists

through a rigorous adjudication process audited by MGI RAS, ensuring

fairness and transparency. The awards continue to spotlight brilliance and

community impact of women across South Africa. As the curtain closed on

this milestone 10th season, it was clear South African women are not just

shaping the future - they are leading it.

Tara Penny

Hunadi and Tumelo

Makgoara-Shimbambu

Charlotte du Plessis, Lesley-Rae

Coetzer and Tandi Potgieter

Noni Khumalo, Nicole

Capper and Lloyd Cele

El Gosling, Tandi Potgieter

and Talitha Oosthuizen

Cindy Brits, Dr Susheila

Moodley and Bianca Alberts


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Alma Boucher Chisomo, Soka and Grace Phiri Rose and Alex Lake

Pete Beart

The buzzword is

locally sourced

There are a few things as tasty as a dash of honey to your midday tea

or to spread over your morning toast. Let’s not forget the dollop added

to a fresh scone with cream to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. And

then there are all the add-on benefits of honey to celebrate, and other

by-products of these buzzing little working bees added to a variety of

natural products. You can’t deny the goodness that bees bring to the

world. The Eastern Highveld Beekeepers Association’s Bee and Honey

show was about learning more about bees, generating more support

for locally sourced raw honey and raising awareness about beekeeping

and bee-related products. Those visiting the show could choose from

several products, and those who were a bit uninformed gained valuable

knowledge about bees, honey and other related products.

Gavin Roberts

Johan Ferreira

Eugene de Clercq, Arpil Dick and Tamara Letcher


GIS0606_011_1071306341.indd 11 2025/05/15 10:43:04

Gearhead

fires on all cylinders

Text and photo: DESNAY PETERSON

He was racing before he

could reach the pedals,

now Jonathan Vilaca is

steering South Africa’s

premier Time Attack series.

Here’s how one lad turned

childhood dreams into

motorsport reality.

At just six years old, Jonathan ‘Jono’

Vilaca was gifted his first motorbike.

A year later, he was on the track in a

go-kart, unknowingly laying the foundations

for a future that would blend

speed, science, and serious ambition.

Today, Jono is the owner and founder

of Vilaca Racing, South Africa’s leading

Time Attack series and one of the most

exciting platforms in the local motorsport

scene.

But his story isn’t just about horsepower

- it’s about a deep-rooted love for

motorsport that started in the most

humble of ways.

A childhood fueled by petrol and

passion

Growing up in a motorsport-obsessed

household, Jono didn’t have to look far

for inspiration.

‘My dad has always been a lover of

motorsport,’ he says. ‘He got me my first

go-kart when I was seven. It came from

a run-down workshop. We went to

check if I’d even fit in it.’

Though the kart was ready, the rules

weren’t. At the time, Jono was too

young to officially compete in the class

for his kart. So instead, he and his dad

spent a year practising at Vereeniging

Kart Circuit, refining his skills and bonding

as father and son.

‘We’d load the go-kart and fuel into my

dad’s station wagon and head to the


GIS0606_012_1070380057.indd 12 2025/05/15 10:44:06

track,’ he recalls. ‘Getting picked up from school on a Friday with my kart on the trailer,

knowing we were off to race-that was the best feeling.’

It’s clear that for Jono, motorsport was never just a hobby. It was a way of life.

The early wins and big break

By the age of eight, Jono was racing competitively and winning. His raw talent

quickly earned him multiple South African karting championships and full MSA

Motorsport colours, placing him among the country’s top young talents. Then

came the call every young racer dreams of; Red Bull was interested.

‘At 11, I became a Red Bull athlete,’ he says, still sounding slightly amazed. With his

record of wins and national recognition, Jono was exactly what Red Bull was looking

for. By 15, he was offered the chance to move to the USA and race full-time. But

reality and responsibility stepped in.

‘It was a tough decision, but we chose for me to stay and finish school,’ he says. ‘Had

I left and things didn’t work out, I would’ve had no matric. It was a risk we weren’t

willing to take.’

Engineering a new path

While Jono had always chased the dream of Formula 1, life had other plans. As he

progressed through high school at Marais Viljoen, it became clear he had a technical

touch. ‘I was always good with my hands. I did subjects like technical drawing

and fitting-and-turning. It sort of came naturally.’

After matric, Jono pursued a degree in mechanical engineering. ‘I think racing

changed the way I approached engineering,’ he says. ‘Both require you to make

crucial decisions quickly. There are no shortcuts - just hard work.’

And that blend of hands-on experience and academic knowledge would soon

prove powerful through the birth of Vilaca Racing.

The birth of Vilaca Racing

Back in 2018, Jono took a leap and launched Vilaca Racing. What began as a smallscale

passion project to support his own time on the track soon grew into something

much more impactful.

‘I wasn’t trying to build a business,’ he reflects. ‘But I started noticing flaws in the

market-parts that weren’t up to standard. So, I began designing high-performance

components that simply didn’t exist locally.’

It wasn’t long before fellow racers caught on. With noticeable improvements in

performance, word about Vilaca Racing spread quickly. The brand started gaining

traction, known for its practical innovation and quality engineering. Still, it wasn’t

until the post-Covid period that the company’s direction shifted in an exciting new

way.

Once lockdown restrictions eased, Jono decided to organise a small Time Attack

event-an experiment that quickly turned into a phenomenon. ‘We were blown

away,’ he recalls. ‘The buzz, the turnout, the enthusiasm-it was clear people were

hungry for this kind of motorsport.’

Time Attack, for those unfamiliar, is a format that pits drivers against the clock rather

For Jonathan Vilaca it is about beating the clock and precision

driving. Photo - Chris Wall (Official Vilaca Racing photographer)

than each other. It demands sharp

focus, precise driving, and mechanical

reliability.

‘It’s exhilarating. It all comes down to

one lap and fans love the tension.’

But for Jono, it wasn’t just about competitive

driving. He envisioned something

broader - an experience that

would bring the entire car community

together. ‘We didn’t want it to feel exclusive

or intimidating,’ he explains. ‘So

we made it a whole event-music, food,

entertainment, even kids’ zones. There’s

something for everyone. It’s not just a

race day-it’s a vibe.’

Motorsport, family, and legacy

Through it all, Jono remains grounded.

He often reflects on the support of his

parents, who stood by him through the

financial and emotional challenges of

competitive sport.

‘Motorsport is very much a family thing,’

he says. ‘I know being an athlete put a

lot of strain on my parents, but I’m so

grateful for their unwavering support.’

That gratitude fuels his drive to give

back-through mentorship, innovation,

and by creating a platform where the

next generation of enthusiasts and

engineers can thrive.

While many dream of becoming the

next Lewis Hamilton, Jono has carved

his own unique lane. One that merges

his childhood dreams with adult expertise.

One that creates community, not

just competition.

From racing in a go-kart to organising

national Time Attack events, Jonathan

Vilaca is proof that with passion and

perseverance you can turn your “boyhood

toys” into a legacy.

Off the cuff:

· Jet ski or dirt bike?

Definitely jet ski

· Supercar or classic muscle?

Supercar

· Cape Town coast or Drakensberg

mountains?

Cape Town coast

· Manual or paddle shift?

Manual

· Luxury watch or limited- edition

sneakers?

Luxury watch

· Build if yourself or buy it perfect?

Build it myself 10 times.

· If you could swap lives with one

racing legend for a day, who would

it be?

Former Formula 1 legend, Ayrton Senna.

“He’s my hero, second to my dad.”


GIS0606_012_1070380057.indd 13 2025/05/15 10:44:15

Turning dreams into

goals

This Father’s Day, we share the inspiring story of a man

who turned setbacks into a purpose and became a hero

not just for his kids, but to many others around him.

Derek Harwood was born on March

10, 1988, in the quiet town of Kareedou

in the Eastern Cape.

The middle child between two sisters,

Derek’s early years were marked by a

deep-rooted sense of family - even if

he didn’t get to spend as much time at

home as he would’ve liked.

‘Some of my fondest memories

growing up are just those moments

I got to be home,’ he says. ‘I was in res

from a young age, so the times I got

to be with my parents and sisters were

really special. That family time is what I

remember most.’

Those values - family, perseverance,

and grit - would serve him well, especially

when life threw unexpected

curveballs.

A rugby dream cut short

After school, Derek entered the world

of professional rugby. He signed with

the Lions and quickly made a name for

himself in the junior teams.

By 2009, he was playing in the prestigious

Currie Cup and preparing for

a breakthrough into Super Rugby in

2010.

Then everything changed.

A back injury during training brought

his rugby career to an abrupt halt.

What was supposed to be a bright

future in professional sports was suddenly

uncertain.

‘There was no warning, no gradual

phase-out. One day, everything just

stopped. I had to start from scratch,’

he says.

Suddenly sidelined, Derek was thrust

into unfamiliar territory. The world that

had defined his identity was no longer

an option.

He took a job selling cars, earning just

R2 000 a month, before eventually

moving into the printing industry.

But the injury lingered. Doctors recommended

surgery, but with only a

50-50 chance of success, Derek chose

a different path - one of resilience and

self-discovery.

Discovering a new passion

During the lowest phase of his life, he

stumbled upon a video online that

made him fall in love with CrossFit.

‘CrossFit was still pretty new in South

Africa back then. I was intrigued. I tried

a few places, but eventually found

someone in Glenvista who really

helped me. That guy was a huge part

of my journey,’ Harwood explains.

Through CrossFit, he discovered a way


GIS0606_014_1045333924.indd 14 2025/05/15 10:45:11

to rebuild his body without risking his already fragile back.

More importantly, he began to rebuild his spirit.

‘CrossFit allowed me to train without putting too much strain on my back. It

helped me regain control. I think I’m even stronger now than before the injury.’

His competitive spirit drove him hard, but another injury in 2016 forced him to

pause once again. This time, however, he had a different response.

By 2019, Harwood began training from his garage - not to compete, but to simply

be himself and help others.

That was the beginning of H5 Fitness.

Building strength for others

‘I never set out to open my place,’ he admits. ‘I just wanted to help people. But

over time, I realised how much I love doing it.’

That humble garage gym gradually grew into a thriving space for others seeking

transformation.

In February 2023, he moved H5 Fitness to Hoërskool Dinamika.

He began working with their rugby teams, eventually taking on strength and

conditioning for Laerskool Orion’s rugby club as well.

When Shane Kirkwood became director of rugby at Alberton Rugby Club, he

approached Derek to join the team.

‘I was asked if I wanted to get involved, and I said ‘yes’. It was a great opportunity,’

says Derek.

He currently oversees the conditioning of Dinamika’s rugby teams and continues

to build a space where people grow physically and mentally stronger, just as he

did.

But his most important role isn’t found on the field or in the gym.

The heart of a father

Derek lives in Brackenhurst with his wife and three children aged 11, nine and

four.

He met his wife, Colette, at university. ‘She was a second-year student and the

head girl of her res. I was a first-year,’ he laughs. ‘People teased me about dating a

‘harpie,’ but we’ve been together ever since.’

They dated for five years before getting engaged and married in 2011.

Derek always wanted to be a young dad.

‘I always wanted to have kids young so I could play with them, do everything

with them. Then, when they’re out of the house, I can do the fun things other

people do in their 20s. I just did things the other way around,’ he chuckles.

Being a father changed Derek’s life - but not in the way many expect.

‘I always said, my kids must fit into our

lives and not the other way around.

I want them to grow up knowing

how to adapt, how to deal with life.

With each of our children, we fetched

my wife from the hospital and went

straight to a braai or to fetch the other

kids from school. That’s how we live.’

His voice softens when asked what

being a dad means to him.

‘I want to be someone they can be

proud of. Everyone says you must be

proud of your kids, but I think we, as

parents, should live in a way that our

kids are proud of us.’

A busy life and big challenges

‘My alarm goes off at 04:00. I get ready

and head to the gym,’ he says.

‘By 04:15 I’m there, setting up the

coffee shop and preparing for the first

class that starts at 04:45. Then I’m busy

with people all day.’

His biggest challenge when it comes

to his busy work schedule is time

management.

‘I work from early in the morning to

late at night. That’s when the kids are

at home, and it’s tough not being able

to spend as much time with them.”

Still, Derek always tries to make time

for his family.

‘I love being with my wife and kids.

We like to go to Dullstroom or to the

South Coast where my father-in-law

has a place in Port Edward. Just being

together is what I enjoy most.’

Life lessons and staying positive

Derek says the biggest lesson he’s

learned came from his high school

English teacher.

‘We didn’t get along, but she taught

me something I’ll never forget. She

said, ‘Life isn’t fair. Get used to it.’ I’ve

faced lots of challenges, injuries and

setbacks but I’ve learned that it’s not

about what happens to you. It’s about

how you respond.’

A simple life, a strong spirit

When he gets a break, Derek enjoys

playing golf and relaxing on the

couch, watching sports.

He says he’s an open book, with nothing

much to hide.

But those who know him say his

strength and honesty are what make

him special.

This Father’s Day, Derek’s story reminds

us that being strong isn’t about lifting

weights or winning trophies. It’s about

showing up every day for your family,

your community, and yourself.

Text: AZUSAKHE LIMBA. Photos: CHARMAINE VAN DER MERWE PHOTOGRAPHY


GIS0606_014_1045333924.indd 15 2025/05/15 10:45:23

GROOMED GENT

Charm your way into hearts with some self care, smooth skin and a boost in confidence

1. Groom with style

We know it might not be your usual vibe, but taking the time for some proper

grooming is essential before your big night out. Start with a clean and fresh

shave, paying attention to details like sideburns and neckline. If you prefer a

beard, shape and trim it neatly for a well-groomed look. Don’t forget to tidy up

your eyebrows too – a subtle touch that can make a big difference. Finish off by

styling your hair to compliment your features and personal style. Remember, a

little grooming goes a long way in making a strong first impression.

Playboy

Body

Lotion

Amazon,

R54.99 from

Pick n Pay.

2. Hydrate your skin

It’s that time of year when your skin might

be dry and ashy. Take away that dull,

lackluster appearance with a lotion that

suits your skin type and has hydrating

ingredients. After showering, gently

massage the lotion all over your body,

paying attention to areas that tend to

be drier, such as elbows, knees, and

ankles. This will leave your skin feeling

smooth, supple, and irresistibly touchable.

Hydrated skin not only looks healthier but

also boosts your confidence, making you

feel your best on your date. Try a scented

lotion like Amazon by Playboy which

not just moisturises the skin but leaves it

smelling bold and masculine.

Playboy Black

Gold Cleansing

Face Scrub,

R37.99 from

pnp.co.za

3. Dress to impress

Choose an outfit that suits the

occasion and makes you feel suave

and confident. Opt for well-fitted

clothing that flatters your physique.

Whether it’s a stylish suit, a sharp

blazer with jeans, or a smart-casual

ensemble, make sure it reflects

your personal style. Pay attention

to the details like coordinating

colours and accessorising tastefully

with a stylish watch or a classic

belt. Remember, dressing well

not only shows respect for your

date but also boosts your own

self-assurance.

4. Boost your confidence

Confidence is key! Before stepping

out, take a moment to engage in

activities that boost your confidence.

It could be listening to your favourite

empowering music, practicing

positive affirmations, or engaging

in a quick workout or meditation

session. Remind yourself of your

unique qualities and what makes

you an incredible catch. Embrace

your individuality, smile, and let your

genuine personality shine. When you

exude confidence, you'll make your

date feel at ease and be more likely to

create a connection.


Playboy VIP Cologne Spray Ibiza

is a scent inspired by the heavenly

nights of the Ibiza island with accords

of fresh herbs, fruit and mineral water.

A vibrant cologne spray that will

complement your go-getter attitude.

R259 from Clicks.

GIS0606_016_1066721126.indd 16 2025/05/15 10:46:10

You can now keep your Tabac

shaving soap in this sleek-looking

Tabac original shaving refill soap

bowl, R245 from edgars.co.za

Cool, sophisticated, and undeniably

masculine, Curve Black Eau De

Cologne ... a bold blend of aromatic

and woody notes making this

fragrance leave a lasting impression.

R725 from edgars.co.za

Dove Men+

Care 72 hour

protection

lime and sage

roll on, R34.99

from dischem.

co.za

Go clean or stubble up. Longmarket

Barber has a shaving cream that

soothes with aloe vera and a beard oil

that conditions and detangles. Both

with a woody aromatic finish. R99 and

R139 from Woolworths.

Clere For Men Smooth

Body Lotion (R35.99) and

Clere For Men Smooth

Body Creme (R48.99), both

with glycerine, marula and

vitamin B hydrating and

nourishing the skin for

up to 48 hours. Available

from Clicks.


GIS0606_016_1066721126.indd 17 2025/05/15 10:46:23

Recipe for success

What started as an experiment turned into a double gold-winning brand for local

innovator Thulani Mlambo’s achaar pâté, which is now stocked in top local stores and

showcased on global stages.

Ridgeway resident Thulani Mlambo has carved out a name

for himself in the business world as an entrepreneur and an

internationally recognised food innovator.

With a 15-year background in IT, Thulani’s career took an

unexpected turn into the food industry when he discovered

his passion for making achaar.

Today, he is the founder of Local to Global Foods, the

company behind Nayi Le Achaar Pâté, an award-winning

product that has taken both local and international markets

by storm.

Something unique

His goal was never to sell the traditional achaar found in

stores. He wanted to create something unique. That’s how

Nayi Le Achaar Pâté was born - a spreadable, gourmet version

of achaar to use as a cooking ingredient, marinade, or

with a snack.

‘The funny thing is, I was trying to make a sauce out of

achaar, and then the blender broke right at the point where

it became a pâté. I shared it with my colleagues, and they

loved it, so I just ran with it,’ Thulani laughed.


GIS0606_018_1071716509.indd 18 2025/05/15 10:47:26

From local kitchens to international recognition

What started as a personal food experiment turned into

a booming business. Thulani initially launched his achaar

business in 2019 but had to close in 2020 because of the

Covid-19 pandemic.

Determined to succeed, he restarted in 2021, refining his

product, expanding his reach and focusing on quality.

It paid off. Last July, he competed in the sixth Aurora International

Taste Challenge and won a double-gold award for

his jalapeño flavour.

‘Our jalapeño flavour received the double gold for its exceptional

taste, balance of heat and versatility. This recognition

validated our commitment to quality and helped build credibility

in local and international markets,’ he said.

Before this, Thulani was selected to showcase his products

in the US at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York, an

event for food entrepreneurs.

‘This was a FoodBev SETA programme, which looks after the

South African food and beverages industry. Being part of

this event gave me and my business credibility and created

a lot of interest. People started wanting to know more about

what my achaar business was about.’

A fusion of cultures

Nayi Le Achaar Pâté is not just another spicy condiment. It’s

a fusion of cultures, combining the bold and spicy elements

of Indian and African achaar with the smooth texture and

gourmet appeal of French pâté.

The product has since grown into many gourmet flavours,

blending African, Indian and French culinary influences.

Some standout varieties include jalapeño, piquanté, feta,

lemon and black pepper, garlic and ginger, rosemary and

olive and an extra-hot version for spice lovers.

‘This blend of heritage and innovation makes our products

unique in the market,’ he said.

But bringing Nayi Le Achaar Pâté to market was no easy feat.

Thulani explained it required extensive research, development,

and refinement.

Expanding the brand: Local to Global Foods

Thulani’s business operates under the umbrella of Local to

Global Foods, a brand reflecting his mission of introducing

local African flavours to global markets.

‘Our name represents exactly what we’re trying to do - bring

African flavours to the world in a way that resonates with

contemporary food lovers.’

Today, Nayi Le Achaar Pâté is in 16 South African boutique

stores, including high-end retailers like The Pantry by Marble,

SOKO District Rosebank, Makro Marketplace, and selected

SPARs. You will also find it in well-known restaurants like

Trumps Grill & Butchery and Mozzafiato at the Serengeti Golf

Estate.

The flavour that set fire to the palates

‘At Local to Global Foods, flavour innovation is at the heart of

everything we do. Nothing captures that spirit quite like our

Jalapeño Nayi Le Achaar Pâté, a bold re-imagination of South

African achaar tradition.

‘This award-winning flavour was born from a desire to bridge

generations, honouring the spicy mango achaar many of us

grew up with, while introducing a smooth, versatile format

that today’s home cooks and gourmet lovers can use as a

spread, dip, or marinade,’ said Thulani.

‘We selected green mangoes, a tart, traditional base, and

paired them with the spicy heat of jalapeño peppers, a nod

to global spice cultures. The result? A layered, umami-rich

pâté that wowed judges at the 2024 Aurora International

Taste Challenge, earning us a prestigious double gold award.

‘It is not just an achaar. It’s a pantry essential, handcrafted for

bold palates and proudly made in South Africa.’

Jalapeño achaar pâté creamy pasta with

charred corn and coriander

You’ll need:

• 2-3 tablespoons Nayi Le Achaar Pâté - Jalapeño

• 200g penne or rigatoni pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ onion, finely chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ cup cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)

• 1 ear of sweetcorn (or ½ cup corn kernels), lightly charred

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

• Optional: Grated parmesan or vegan alternative

To make:

Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and

set aside.

In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and

garlic until soft and golden.

Add the Nayi Le Achaar Pâté and stir for 30 seconds to release

its aroma.

Pour in the cream, reduce the heat, and stir until a smooth,

spicy sauce forms.

Fold in the charred corn and cooked pasta. Mix to coat well.

Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh coriander

and cheese if desired.

Serving Tip:

Enjoy warm with crusty bread and a chilled glass of Chenin

Blanc. It is comfort food with a spicy South African soul.

Text: AZUSAKHE LIMBA. Photo: SUPPLIED


GIS0606_018_1071716509.indd 19 2025/05/15 10:47:38

EAT,

& DRINK

&BE MERRY

&

On a sunny Winter afternoon, not much beats a glass of wine,

a coffee date, making merry with a gathering with friends

Chenin Blanc. Distinctive ... and said to be the

bona fide OG (Original Grape) of the South

African wine industry. A newcomer on the

shelves is this G.O.A.T - Greatest Of All Time

Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2023. With white pear,

quince and ripe tropical flavours on the nose,

and a rich palate with fresh acidity and hints of

lemon and citrus, it’s lovely served as an aperitif,

or paired with seafood paella, creamy pasta or a

pizza. You’ll find it in selected liquor outlets and

online at perdeberg.co.za for R130.


WIN

We’ve a case

to give away .... for

a chance to win, visit

@getitnationalmagazines

on Instagram or

Facebook, find our

G.O.A.T post and follow

the prompts.


Tavola’s range of

biodegradable napkins

and table runners as well

as placemats made from

recycled materials are

faves ... so many designs

to choose from ... like this

gold Suzanie. R145 for 25

from tavola.co.za

Posh up your table setting

with this six-piece Laguiole

steak knife block set in ivory.

R899 from Woolworths.

GIS0606_020_1041015384.indd 20 2025/05/15 10:48:35

We’d plan a picnic simply

so we could buy a set

of these stainless steel,

enamel coated Villa

plates, bowls and mugs.

Vanilla with gold rim, hard

wearing, glossy ... love! From R129

each from Woolworths.

Coffee parties ...

the next big trend

It doesn’t matter if we’re out on a hike,

throwing a picnic in the garden or at a

concert-in-the-park. Coffee is essential.

And we’re becoming more discerning

about the quality and taste of our coffee.

Add to this the increasing number of

people opting for sober-curious lifestyles

and it’s no wonder social gatherings

centred around coffee are becoming so

popular. So instead of a cocktail party,

invite a group of friends for coffee and a

chat. You could add to the fun by having

a coffee tasting, with guests sampling

different coffee varieties and perhaps

finding a new favourite, or throw a

coffee and dessert pairing party ... serve

a selection of sweet treats - chocolates,

pastries and cakes.

Another growing trend is ready-to-drink

beverages ... so the Douwe Egberts

introduction of their Cappuccino

Break and Ice Mocha Latte Break

is jolly well timed. It’s a cool, energising

drink without the need for brewing, so

fabulous for a grab-and-go caffeine fix

when you’re running around town, and

an essential addition to the coolerbox

when you’re on a road trip. You’ll find

them at stores including Checkers, Pick n

Pay, Makro and on Takealot.


GIS0606_020_1041015384.indd 21 2025/05/15 10:48:49

Fuel. Recover. Perform

Slow and steady wins the race. And having an Avocado

on hand will take your sports nutrition to the next level.

Text: South African Avocado Growers’ Association

Avocados are rich in heart-healthy

monounsaturated fats, which

can provide slow-release energy.

These good fats help keep you

fuelled for endurance sports like

running and cycling. Plus, they

help with the absorption of some

vitamins and protect your heart,

so you get the most out of your

diet when adding an avo.

Cramp less, recover more

Every athlete knows that postworkout

recovery is just as

important as the training itself.

Avocados contain potassium

(double than what is in bananas),

which helps prevent cramps and

supports muscle recovery. The

anti-inflammatory properties of

the avo also help reduce postexercise

soreness, getting you

back on the road or trail faster.

Happy gut

A happy gut means a happy

athlete. Avocados contain

fibre and prebiotics to support

digestive health, keeping your

gut microbiome in tip top shape.

A well-balanced gut can improve

nutrient absorption and even

support immune function, key for

avoiding those pesky winter colds

and niggles that disrupt training.

So, whether you're making a

green smoothie pre-training,

spreading avo on toast, or adding

it to a post-ride salad, this green

food is a must-have for runners

and cyclists. Fuel smarter, recover

faster, and keep your gut in

the game with the power of

avocados. So go on, just add

an avo!

Details: avocado.co.za ,

@iloveavocadoSA on Facebook and

@iloveavossa on Instagram

Vegan friendly dairy-free avo smoothie

Serves one.

Ingredients:

1 avocado, chopped; 1 banana, sliced; 125ml

(half a cup) chopped pineapple; handful baby

spinach; 180ml (three-quarters of a cup) orange

juice + extra; squeeze of lemon juice, to taste

Method:

Freeze the avo, banana and pineapple overnight

in an airtight container. Blitz together all the

ingredients until creamy. Thin out with extra

orange juice, if preferred. Serve immediately.

Tip: If you don’t have time to freeze the fruit, blitz

them fresh with a handful of ice cubes.

Avocado, kiwi & mint smoothie

Serves two.

You’ll need:

1 to 2 ripe avocados, peeled, stoned and quartered; 2 to 3 kiwis, peeled and halved;

1 handful baby spinach leaves, rinsed; half a cup crushed ice; half a cup water;

quarter of a cup fresh mint

Method:

In a blender combine all ingredients and purée until smooth.

Divide into two glasses and serve with mint leaves to garnish.


GIS0606_022_1041021964.indd 22 2025/05/15 10:49:42

Mushrooms

Make brunch better by serving

up earthy, delish delights

MUSHROOM, ASPARAGUS AND BROCCOLI QUICHE

You’ll need:

2 Tbsp butter, plus extra for greasing; 400g mixed cultivated

mushrooms, sliced (button, portabellini or portabello); 50g

asparagus, sliced; 50g tender stem broccoli, sliced; 12 XL

free-range eggs; 1 cup Greek style plain yoghurt; 1 ½ cups

grated hard cheese (mature cheddar, havarti & boerenkaas

work well); 4 spring onions, sliced; 1 tsp mixed dried herbs;

salt and pepper, to taste

To make:

Preheat oven to 165˚C. Butter and line a 22cm springform

pan or tart tin.

Heat the butter in a large pan over medium-high heat.

When melted and foamy, add the mushrooms and cook

until golden brown. Season.

In a large mixing bowl whisk the eggs and yoghurt together.

Add in the cheese, spring onions, herbs and season well.

Place cooked mushrooms, asparagus and broccoli into your

prepared tin. Pour over the egg mixture and make sure

everything is evenly distributed.

Bake in the oven for about an hour until the egg is set. Allow

to cool slightly before slicing . Serve with a crisp green salad

on the side.

FULLY LOADED BREKKIE TACOS

You’ll need:

1 cup baby button mushrooms, sliced in half;

1 cup white button mushrooms, sliced; 1 tsp

Mexican/ Taco spice; ½ cup black beans, rinsed

and drained; ½ cup corn, fresh or frozen; 4 eggs;

1 Tbsp butter; ½ avocado, sliced; ½ red onion,

finely sliced; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered;

1 small fresh chilli, finely sliced; 2 large flour

tortillas; extra virgin olive oil; salt and pepper, to

taste; fresh lime wedges, for serving

To make:

Fry mushrooms in a drizzle of olive oil until

golden brown. Season with salt, pepper and

taco spice. Add black beans and corn and stir

together until hot and flavours have mixed. Set

aside and keep warm.

Scramble eggs in simmering butter until done

to your liking. Season. Keep warm.

Prep the rest of your taco toppings.

Toast your flour tortillas over a gas burner using

tongs until charred on the edges and warm

throughout. If you do not have a gas hob, toast

the tortillas in a dry pan until warm.

Mushrooms

contain

robust amounts of

antioxidants, selenium,

riboflavin, Vitamin D and

other healthful substances

that protect the

immune system.

Recipes: SOUTH AFRICAN MUSHROOM FARMERS’ ASSOCIATION


GIS0606_023_1071711063.indd 23 2025/05/15 10:50:39

Compiled by: KYM ARGO and MEGAN BRETT

Coq au Vin with Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Pinot Noir

The classic French Coq au vin is a

hearty stew of chicken braised in

wine. Typically a red Burgundy wine

is used and the dish therefore works

exceptionally well with Leopard’s

Leap Burgundy-inspired Culinaria

Pinot Noir!

You’ll need: Red wine marinade - 750ml

Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Pinot Noir, 3

sprigs of thyme, 1 bay leaf, 5 parsley

stalks, 1 celery stick, chopped, 1 carrot,

peeled and chopped, 1 onion, peeled

and chopped, 3 garlic cloves, peeled

and crushed.

1,5kg free-range chicken, salt and

black pepper, olive oil, 100g thickcut

bacon, cut into lardons, 10 small

shallots, peeled or 3 red onions,

peeled and halved), butter, 250g

button mushrooms, 2 cloves of garlic,

peeled, 60ml Cognac (Brandy), 300ml

brown chicken stock, flour

Garnish: 50g crispy bacon, 100g

forest mushrooms, parsley leaves,

roughly chopped

To make: Pour the wine into a heavybased

saucepot. Add the thyme, bay

leaf, parsley, celery, carrot, onion, garlic

and cook over medium heat until it

has reduced by half. Remove from the

heat and allow to cool.

Joint the chicken into 8 portions,

place in a large bowl. Pour the

red wine marinade over and take

care to evenly coat the chicken.


Cover and place in the fridge to

marinate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 180 °C.

Strain the wine and reserve for later

use, set the chicken aside. Discard the

vegetables and herbs. Dry the chicken

on kitchen paper and season with salt

and black pepper.

Heat olive oil in a cast-iron casserole,

seal the chicken pieces on both

sides until golden brown, remove

and set aside. Sauté the bacon until

crispy and golden brown, drain on

kitchen paper.

Sauté the shallots in butter and olive

oil, add the mushrooms and garlic

and cook until golden. Drain any

excess fat and deglaze the casserole

with Cognac. Add the chicken pieces,

bacon, red wine marinade, stock and

thyme. Cover and place in the oven,

and cook for an hour or until tender.

If the sauce is not thick enough, drain

off into a saucepot. Thicken with a

paste made of a small amount of

flour and some of the red wine sauce.

Return the sauce to the casserole.

Garnish with crispy bacon, sautéed

forest mushrooms and parsley.

Serve with the 2023 Leopard’s Leap

Culinaria Pinot Noir - a delicate wine

with an interesting combination of

old world burgundy-style Pinot Noir

and new world fruit-driven Pinot Noir.

R175 from leopardsleap.co.za

Chicken

& wine

A match made in heaven

Red wine. White wine. Roasted in

the oven or cooked over the coals ...

chicken and wine dishes make for

the perfect Winter dinner.

White wine (so not-trad)

Coq au Vin

Made with white wine, this is a fresh,

lighter, but no less delicious take on a

trad coq au vin. Serves four.

You’ll need: 8 chicken thighs (or

pieces of your choice), 100g thick-cut

bacon, 2 cups sliced mushrooms, 8

-12 French shallots, 2 large cloves

garlic, crushed, one-and-a-half cups

dry white wine, leaves from two

sprigs fresh thyme, olive oil, two

tablespoon butter, salt and freshly

ground black pepper, chopped

Italian parsley to serve

To make: Preheat oven to 220°C.

Place chicken pieces (skin side

up) in a roasting pan. Chop bacon

and sprinkle over chicken. Sprinkle

thyme leaves and season with salt

and pepper. Generously drizzle olive

oil over the chicken, place in oven

and roast for 20 minutes. Remove,

carefully add the wine to the roasting

pan, and roast for further 30 to 35

minutes, or until chicken is cooked.

While chicken is cooking, melt butter

in a pan and add crushed garlic.

Cook gently over medium heat for

a minute or so, and then add the

sliced mushrooms. Cook until lovely

and browned.

Once chicken is cooked, stir in

mushrooms, sprinkle with parsley and

serve with brown rice or a fresh, crusty

Ciabatta to soak up the juices.

GIS0606_024_1041010684.indd 24 2025/05/15 10:51:37

Chicken quarters in a red wine marinade with Nederburg Baronne

When you combine chicken with the rather noble Nederburg

Baronne, you end up with a dish that’s worthy of the best

dinner party. This Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend includes a

good dollop of spicy Shiraz ... making it the hero of the sauce

that’s also spiced with tomato and chipotle. The chicken can

be cooked in the oven, or over the coals ... both ways equally

delicious. Serve with Cajun-roasted potatoes, along with a glass

of the same wine. Serves four.

Full of easy charm with rich,

dark berry fruit and spice,

the Nederberg Baronne

2023 is Cabernet Sauvignon

and Shiraz blend ... a great,

enjoyable everyday red. R95

from nederburg.com

You’ll need:

4 chicken quarters, 4 medium potatoes or sweet

potatoes, cut into 8 wedges each, 3 Tbsp olive oil,

6 whole cloves garlic, 2 tsp Cajun spice mix, salt

and pepper.

For the marinade: 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 finely chopped

onion, 2 crushed garlic cloves, 1/2 cup tomato sauce,

1 cup Nederburg Baronne, 1 tsp chipotle chilli spice

(or smoked paprika), 2 sprigs rosemary, salt and pepper

To make:

For the marinade, cook the finely chopped onion in the

oil over a medium to low heat for about 8 minutes or

until soft. Add the crushed garlic and cook for another

minute. Then add the rest of the ingredients and leave

to simmer for 10 minutes. Blend the sauce until smooth

and leave to cool. This sauce can last in the fridge for

about a week.

You can marinade the chicken in the sauce overnight,

which will deliver the best results, as the flavour from

the marinade really permeates the chicken. Or, if you’re

really strapped for time, just baste the chicken with the

sauce as it cooks. You can also either roast the chicken

in the oven, or cook it over medium coals on an

open fire.

Preheat oven to 200°C.

Parboil the potatoes by starting them covered in cold

water. As soon as the water comes to the boil, set

a timer for 10 minutes. Check the potatoes after 10

minutes by pricking them with a knife – if you can stick

the knife through the potatoes without resistance, they

are ready to be carefully drained and set aside. If not,

cook the potatoes for another 5 minutes or so. Keep a

close eye on them, as to avoid them from falling apart.

After draining the potatoes, leave them to steam dry

in a colander for a couple of minutes. Carefully toss

the parboiled wedges in olive oil, garlic, cayenne spice

mix, and salt and pepper. Next, line a large baking

sheet with foil and spread the wedges out in a single

layer. Roast alongside the chicken for 30 minutes – or

until crispy and golden – and toss them at the 15

minute mark.

For the chicken, line a baking tray with foil, add the

chicken and the marinade and roast for 40 minutes (or

until the chicken is cooked). Baste the chicken every

10 minutes. If the marinade hasn’t charred enough you

can pop the grill on for the last 5 to 10 minutes (just

keep an eye on it).

When cooking the chicken on a fire, make sure you

have low to medium coals that will last for 40 minutes.

The marinade burns easily so keep the chicken over a

medium heat and not too close to the coals.

Serve the chicken and potato wedges with a salad and

a creamy dipping sauce for the wedges. Serve with a

glass of Nederburg Baronne.


GIS0606_024_1041010684.indd 25 2025/05/15 10:51:50

NEUTRALS

Soft, subtle shades and

natural materials make

for a restful, immensely

appealing look, no

matter the season.

Blending bold, enduring tones with soft, subtle hues, Plascon’s annual colour

forecast for 2025 includes the simply named Neutral ... a family of colours poised

to bring pared-back flair to your space. The Neutral family draws inspiration

from three key design trends that each bring a different perspective on modern

minimalism - Japandi, Agender and Soft Industrial. Japandi blends Eastern

and Western aesthetics, celebrating natural materials, timeless craftsmanship

and refined simplicity. Agender challenges traditional colour conventions

with inclusive, neutral tones. Soft Industrial embraces post-brutalist principles,

featuring powder-coated hues and honest materials such as concrete, glass and

metal. Together, these influences offer a fresh take on contemporary design,

prioritising functionality and aesthetic appeal. The 2025 Plascon collection is

one of neutral-on-neutral tones and barely tinted colours. Calming sophisticated

Evening Mist adds an ethereal touch of beach sand, Meadow Yellow has a

gentle warmth, while the earthy beige Cream of Mushroom exudes modest

elegance, with hues you might find in a forest (or your fridge). River Clay

is a warm, earthy, tone which brings an organic richness, and Spiced

Cider, a milky, golden brown with barely-there undertones of deep

red, subtly evokes the richness of autumnal hues. The last two shades

in the collection are White Night, a lush shade of pale grey blended

with mauve, which will create a serene accent or a feminine trim,

and Salt Pebble, an even gentler version, perfect for minimalist

spaces and modern features. Combined, the collection feels up-todate

and enduring, providing a sophisticated backdrop for a new

wave of interior design. Details: plasconcolour.co.za

Gorgeous scalloped bowls in

three sizes, from R1090 to R1490

from pezulainteriors.co.za • Large

laundry basket, R2299 from

superbalist.com


GIS0606_026_1041027623.indd 26 2025/05/15 10:53:05

Block and Chisel’s Cape Cane collection is a

timeless classic ... it’s generously proportioned,

elegant, and made from Kubu which makes

it durable too. This Cape Cane chair sits

comfortably alone, but also works well with

matching two and three seaters. R14 995

from blockandchisel.co.za

The classic Malawi chair sits happily anywhere

in the home ... from bedroom to sitting room to

bathroom. R1350 from malawichair.co.za

Rattan placemats pair beautifully with crisp white

linen. Double up and use as a trivet for your hot

dishes. R195 each from bespokehome.co.za

The Umtsala hand woven tables with a

lightweight recycled metal frame inside are made

in Swaziland - three sizes which you can use

individually as side tables or group together as a

coffee table. From R2500 from pezulainteriors.co.za



GIS0606_026_1041027623.indd 27 2025/05/15 10:53:14

Uplift your

garden

Time to tidy up, protect and plant out Winter flowering annuals

Indoor plant of the month

Dracaena marginata is also known as the Dragon Tree and originates from

Madagascar. With its spiky sword like leaves and slender stems, it will stand out

on its own or among a collection of indoor plants. It grows slowly when indoors

and can be pruned to keep it to the desired height. Just cut down to the required

height and new branches will sprout underneath the cuts. It likes a warm, bright

room, with some filtered sun but no direct sun on its leaves. Water moderately so

that the soil doesn’t dry out completely or become waterlogged. Plants don’t need

fertilising in Winter but it can be given a boost of liquid fertiliser at the beginning of

Spring. Details: lgvplant.co.za

Garden tasks for June

• Plant out Winter flowering

annuals like pansies, violas,

petunias, alyssum, and fairy

primulas. • Water once a week,

especially daffodils and other

spring flowering bulbs.

• Cut down cannas and dahlias.

• Tidy up other perennials

and trim shrubs and trees to

let in more sun. • This is the

best month to move or plant

summer-flowering shrubs, rose

bushes, perennials and even

small trees.• Protect tender or

semi-tender plants from frost

with frost guard cloth.

Text: ALICE COETZEE


GIS0606_028_1066652741.indd 28 2025/05/15 10:54:07

WE’RE PLANTING ...

Petchoa BeautiCal Sunset

Orange for its brilliant autumn

coloured flowers. This cross

between a petunia and

calibrachoa has the flower

power of a calibrachoa but

large flowers like the petunia.

Plants are also more tolerant

of wet weather. The mounded

compact growth of Sunset

Orange suits containers and

hanging baskets and it will also

perform well in the garden,

keeping its neat shape. It needs

plenty of sun and regular

watering but be careful of over

watering. Fertilise once a month

to encourage new flowers.

Details: ballstraathof.co.za

VEGGIE OF THE MONTH Micro Greens Oriental Mix is a tasty assortment

of spicy and peppery mustard microgreens that can be grown in a tray on a

sunny windowsill or patio table. The mix of rocket and red mustard, coriander,

Mizuna, Hon Tsai Tai and Asian cabbage will provide a zesty garnish for salads

and sandwiches, meat dishes and stir fries - in fact any dish that needs a lift. Sow

thickly in a seed tray and keep moist. Enclosing the

seed tray in a plastic bag will create the ideal

moist microclimate. Germination

should be within 7

to 14 days and you

can start harvesting

within 15 days.

Snip off the

greens with

sharp scissors

and sow a

new tray every

two weeks for a

continuous supply.

Details: rawliving.co.za

June 2025 Get It Joburg South • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein

29

GIS0606_028_1066652741.indd 29 2025/05/15 10:54:20

Padel newbie

Padel newbie? Here are some beginner-friendly tips to get you started

Text: SUPPLIED. Details: hi-tec.co.za

Warm-up is crucial

Before you swing into the action of

the high-energy world of padel, it’s

crucial to lay the groundwork with a

thorough warm-up. A proper warmup

primes your muscles and joints

for the bursts of speed and sudden

changes in direction inherent to

padel. Next, move into dynamic

stretching exercises like lunges, leg

swings, and torso rotations. These

movements enhance flexibility,

reduce injury risks, and prepare your

body for the intensity of play. Just

as importantly, focus on mental

readiness - take a few moments to

visualise your game plan, anticipate

different plays, and centre your

attention for an empowered start

on the court.

Invest in the right gear

Once you’ve warmed up, having

the right gear can make or break

your experience. Your padle racket

choice should reflect your skill level

- beginners benefit from a softer

core and a larger sweet spot, offering

greater control and reduced vibration.

Selecting the right footwear is equally

critical; unlike tennis or squash, the

surface of a padel court requires a

shoe specifically designed to handle

its unique conditions.

Padel courts are covered with

sand, making traction and stability

essential for quick, multidirectional

movements. Hi-Tec’s first-ever padel

shoe, the Padel-AC, incorporates a

herringbone tread pattern, inspired

by the brand’s classic tennis shoes,

to deliver exceptional grip on sand

while enabling controlled sliding

when required. The sport also

demands enhanced midsole stability

to support the constant lateral and

forward-backward motions, ensuring

players can move with confidence

without sacrificing control

or support.

Master strategy over power

As you step onto the court, remember that padel isn’t just about power; it’s a

strategic game where precision and clever positioning often triumph. Focus

on controlling the ball, placing it thoughtfully, and using angles to outwit your

opponents. The unique use of walls in padel adds a layer of strategy that sets it

apart from other racket sports. Mastering wall rebounds can give you an edge,

allowing you to surprise your opponents with unexpected bounces and shots.

Practising control, soft touches, and building a repertoire of angled shots makes

your gameplay more unpredictable - and satisfying when executed well.

Teamwork makes the dream work

Another key aspect of padel is

teamwork, as it’s predominantly

played in doubles. Effective

communication with your partner

is essential for success. Develop

verbal cues, hand signals, and a

rhythm of working together so that

you can seamlessly cover the court.

Strong partnerships are built on

trust, adaptability, and the ability to

anticipate each other’s movements.

Celebrate small victories, encourage

one another, and maintain a positive

attitude, regardless of the outcome of

the match.

Keep learning and improving

But don’t stop there - every match is

a chance to learn and grow. Reflect

on your performance, identify areas

for improvement, and embrace

challenges as opportunities. Whether

it’s mastering a tricky shot, perfecting

your serves, or enhancing your agility,

the journey of progress is one of the

most rewarding aspects of padel.

Take time to appreciate your growth,

and don’t be afraid to seek advice

from experienced players or coaches.

Their insights can accelerate your

improvement and deepen your love

for the game.

Embrace the padel community

Padel is more than just a sport; it’s a community and lifestyle. Embrace the

social side by connecting with other players, participating in tournaments,

and celebrating every rally, win or lose.


GIS0606_030_1071290022.indd 30 2025/05/15 10:55:12

GET IT DIRECTORY

Follow us on:

GDS20606_031_1071613823.indd 31 2025/05/15 11:10:36

Nature, nostalgia

and family moments

From charming cottage life at Three Tree Hill near Bergville, to full-on family

fun at The Cavern, we discovered the magic of the Drakensberg - one walk,

one delicious meal, and one simple pleasure at a time.

Compiled by: Melissa Bushby


GIS0606_032_1066680222.indd 32 2025/05/15 10:56:02

There's no denying that the Drakensberg is

ideal for family travel. Open space, fresh air

and the kind of setting that encourages you

to slow down and simply be together. We

stepped away from the usual routine and

found a slower pace, where the days felt fuller

and the distractions fewer.

First stop: Three Tree Hill

Perched on a ridge overlooking the historic

Spioenkop battlefield, Three Tree Hill is more

than a lodge - it’s a love letter to heritage,

history and nature. The area is rich in stories of

the South African War, and battlefield tours can

be arranged for those interested in exploring

this significant chapter of our past. Our cottage

- the original farmhouse - was all charm and

comfort, with wooden floors, cosy decor and

stunning bushveld views from a wide veranda.

But what truly set this place apart was the

attention to detail - bedtime storybooks and

teddies waiting for the kids, freshly baked rusks

at the tea station, and little baskets to collect

eggs each morning.

We spent our days walking, exploring the

beautifully-curated library and looking for

animals from our veranda. In the evenings, we

sipped wine while the children ran around

outside. It was slow living at its finest. Each

meal was lovingly prepared - think charcuterie

boards with homemade pickles and preserves,

and fresh bread baked daily.

Family-friendly gold

The Cavern is perfectly equipped for families and offers:

Dedicated kids’ playroom and activity programme

Trained child minders who adore children

Early dinners for the little ones

Guided walks and pony rides

Kid-friendly

highlight

The Magic Faraway Tree walk

is a gentle, self-guided stroll to a

beautiful old Acacia tree on the farm,

complete with a giant swing and

plenty of space for a picnic.

Then, to The Cavern

Just an hour away, The Cavern welcomed us with

its signature blend of warm hospitality and oldschool

holiday magic. The setting is just beautiful

- the thatched hotel (which dates back to 1941) is

surrounded by mountains, and the atmosphere is

utterly relaxed. There’s a rhythm to life here - breakfast,

walk, tea, lunch, kids’ activities, sundowners, dinner -

that makes it so easy to just be. From the get-go, the

kids were swept into a world of pony rides, painting,

scavenger hunts and games with the fabulous

childminders, giving us a blissful break.

The rooms were spacious and bright, with views straight

onto the gardens. We fell asleep to the sound of frogs

and woke to the chatter of birds. No alarms. No to-do

lists. Just simple, beautiful days.

It must be said, the food alone makes the trip

worthwhile. And yes, we went back for seconds. Every

time. Breakfasts are relaxed and leisurely, lunches feature

a wholesome harvest table, and dinners are a threecourse

affair. A personal favourite? Creamy mushroom

risotto with herb and parmesan shavings, followed by

maple and sesame-roasted duck with blueberry port

sauce, and a sweet finish of crème caramel with fresh

fruit, brandy snap and ice cream.

Details: www.threetreehill.co.za; www.cavern.co.za


GIS0606_032_1066680222.indd 33 2025/05/15 10:56:20

Spoil

June

Conte Camillo Negroni ... a

modern twist on a timeless classic!

Conte Camillo Negroni captures the spirit of the iconic drink

first created in 1919 in Florence by Count Camillo Negroni.

Handcrafted in the Italian Alps by the world renowned master

distiller Alessandro Francoli, Conte Camillo offers a smooth,

balanced taste that combines the bitterness of gin, the richness

of vermouth, and the aromatic complexity of bitters. This

modern twist on a timeless classic blends historical charm

with today’s ready-to-drink cocktail trends. Launched

earlier this year, and introduced to the local market

by Mack Brands, a dynamic new player in the global

beverage market, it’s easy to serve ... all you need is

ice, a generous pour of Conte Camillo, and a twist

of fresh orange peel. Or try a Burnt Negroni ... pour

Conte Camillo into a tumbler, top up with tonic

water, and garnish with some burnt herbs of your

choice - thyme and rosemary work well. And for

a sophisticated take, pour Conte Camillo into an

elegant stemmed glass, add ice and a dash of

Prosecco and garnish with an orange slice.

Cheers indeed! You’ll find it in its striking

packaging for R449 online on Norman

Goodfellows and Takealot and in selected

Checkers stores throughout South Africa.

For a chance to win a bottle, pop over

to @getitnationalmagazines on

Instagram or Facebook, find our

Spoil post and follow the prompts.


GIS0606_034_1041024807.indd 34 2025/05/15 10:57:12

De

Hoop

GIS0606_035_1071215230.indd 35 2025/05/14 10:01:48

GIS0606_036_1070845316.indd 36 2025/05/14 10:02:36

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Jun 25 - Jhb South East

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