UNFOLD DURBAN
ISSUE 1
1ST MAY , 2023
IS DURBS STILL
COOL?
IS DURBS STILL
COOL?
WITH TOP MASTER CHEF
WITH TOP MASTER CHEF
JUDGES
JUDGES
KZN MZANSI
TAVERN CHEF
COOK-OFF
KZN MZANSI
TAVERN CHEF
COOK-OFF
PHILAKADE
CARE HOME
PHILAKADE
CARE HOME
EMBO ISLAND OF HOPE
EMBO ISLAND OF HOPE
UNFOLD DURBAN
MOTHER'S DAY
GIFT GUIDE
MOTHER'S DAY
GIFT GUIDE
MRS SA SEMI-
FINALIST PEARL
HOLDSTOCK
MRS SA SEMI-
FINALIST PEARL
HOLDSTOCK
CONTENTS
Learn about Unfold Durban, what went in
to our very first issue and what to expect
in the next issue. .
02. NOTES FROM THE
EDITOR
What is the KZN Mzansi Tavern Chef Cook
Off? Who were the favourites?
04. KZN MZANSI TAVERN
CHEF COOK-OFF
Why locals and tourists love Durban
9. IS DURBS STILL LEKKER?
"Social class and ethnicity vanish in this
island of hope amid the surrounding sea of
indifference."
13. ISLAND OF HOPE-
PHILAKADE
CARE HOME
Mother of 5,Ambassador of Hope and
Mrs SA Semi-Finalist
16. INTERVIEW WITH
PEARL HOLDSTOCK
1
Publishing Editor
Bronwyn
Marcus
Editor’s
Notes
UNFOLD DURBAN
MAGAZINE
I started Unfold Durban to
represent Durban as a whole
and showcase its beauty! The
name Unfold Durban came
from a hebrew word in
scripture 'petach' meaning
unfolding to give light!That is
what I want to achieve through
this Magazine. To shine Light on
the city!
Good food, wine, and music are
all in the soul and heartbeat of
Durban. It is also my aim to
bring awareness to causes and
NGOs doing good work in the
community in each issue.
I hope you enjoy reading it!
Publishing Editor : Bronwyn Marcus
Consulting Editor : Mark D. Young
Writers: Bronwyn Marcus, Mark Young, Gail
Whitear, Nola Honibal, Alice Zeljgic
Cover Models : Pearl Holdstock and Elza
Shepherd ( Photographs : Mark D. Young
SAPP )
Subscription: FREE at
www.unfolddurban.co.za
Contact : info@unfolddurban.co.za
Call : 0717121622
Unfold Durban Magazine is published every 8
weeks by Unfold Durban
Unfold Durban Advertising Rates
available on our website
GIANT
SOLUTIONS
By Bronwyn Marcus
W H A T A R E S O F T S K I L L S ?
Soft skills are skills needed
in every workplace that
unfortunately, unlike hard
skills, cannot be found on a
CV. This makes it
challenging in the work
place when hiring people
who seem good on paper
but possibly lack the soft
skills such as good
communication, time
management and
teamwork.
Giant Solutions bridges the
gap, to help businesses
thrive by doing soft skills
training to compliment,
enhance and boost the
hard skills employees
already have. Unique in
their approach, Gail Whitear
and Gail Westphal add an
intangible soul element to
their training, humanising
each individual and setting
realistic, attainable goals.
By giving the employees
these tools ,they not only
help each person achieve
self mastery but they also in
turn, ultimately benefit the
company hiring them
because well trained
employees will achieve
better . This will result in
more sales or increased
production. Investing in your
employees' soft skills,
therefore, is investing in the
future of your business.
Let Giant Solutions help
bridge the gap and take your
business to the next level.
Images above of Gail and Gail doing training
at East Coast Radio
Gail and Gail are definitely a
force! A 'Gail force' that
impacts deeply over a short
time.
They give you tools that
equip us not only for the
workplace
but
for
life.
Transformation inwardly to
better serve those around
us
outwardly.
They
challenge you to tap into
your
thought
life
and
limiting belief systems. The
work
they
do
is
immeasurable
and
an
absolute rich deposit left in
hearts, souls and minds.
The Mzansi Tavern Chef Cook-off competition is
a partnership between Distell, Nederburg and
the National Liquor Traders.
Each provincial winner will win prizes to the
value of R30 000 towards food service costs in
their outlet. In addition, they earn the right to
compete in the national grand final. Here the
ultimate prize is a tavern makeover to the tune of
R100 000.
The campaign’s goal is to promote the serving of
food in taverns as a measure to address binge
drinking. Eating food before and during alcohol
consumption has been shown to be a practical
way
to
regulate
consumption
and
avoid
intoxication.
15 tavern chefs turned up the heat in a close
contest in Durban. They all brought their A-game
and the meals represented KZN’s flavourful
heritage. Master chefs Pete Goffe-Wood and
Benny Masekwameng were the judges, along with
Jackie Olivier, Marketing Manager of Premium
Wines.
Bongiwe Zama Shange from Leon’s Tavern in
Inanda was named the winner in the KwaZulu-
Natal provincial Mzansi Tavern Chef competition.
The winning dish was a lovingly prepared mutton
curry with steamed bread and salsa salad.
The judges had mentioned that they were looking
for bold flavours on their trip to Durban, and it
appears that is exactly what they discovered in
Shange’s umngqusho wemvu and spicy salsa.
Anyone up for a trip down to Leon’s Tavern this
weekend?
Food Favourites
By Bronwyn Marcus
Lucky Ntimane, Convenor of the National Liquor Traders,
Chef Benny Maswekwameng, winner Bongiwe Zama
Shange from Leon’s Tavern in Inanda, Chef Pete Goffe-
Wood, and Distell Head of Main Market Seelan Asoka.
EVENTS IN DURBAN
HAVE YOU TRIED
THE PLATINUM
LOUNGE?
MEALS
MUSIC EVENTS
IN DURBAN
MUSIC
The Westville Night Market is back in full swing, with an array
of food, drinks, and crafts for sale. Live music and a craft beer
garden add to the festivities.
Attendees are encouraged to bring friends and family along,
and there are plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.
Plus, being an outdoor event, the market is pet-friendly, so feel
free to bring your furry friends on a leash.
The market will take place on Saturday 13th May and Saturday
27th May at the Jimmy Bellows Sports Grounds, located at 5
Link Road in Westville. The Market usually takes Place Once a
month. For further details about the event, please contact
Taryn :0681572116.
WESTVILLE NIGHT MARKET
MARKETS
W H A T S O N I N D U R B A N A N D S U R O U N D S
Kloof Country Club hosts a ladies
night every Wednesday night with
live Music and half price specials on
selected menu items. Reservations
Whatsapp 083 556-585
Platzz Gastropub hosts live music
every Saturday from 1-4 pm. Shop
20f, Hillcrest Centre, 40 Old Main
Road.Contact 031 110 0575 to book
a table
Bellezar Umhlanga Rocks host the
Freekofest Inferno on the 27 May
2023 18:00 till late. Tickets are R100
www.freekofest.co.za
The Platinum Belt Lounge is
situated in Umhlanga, behind
Gateway Shopping Centre. It is
the epitome of class and luxury.
If you are in the mood for fine
dining and good wine,then this
is the place to visit!
By Gail Whitear
Soul Coaching
Find what works for you
There is a notion in Western society that, if we put
ourselves first, we are being selfish.
I would like to invite you to challenge this belief and
start to reframe aspects of what others may deem to be
selfishness, and rather see that as valuable self-care.
Self-care is when we do something for ourselves that
serves us for our highest good, so that we can become
a better version of ourselves. Energised by this, we can
then be of service to the people around us for their
highest good.
“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take
time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve
others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an
empty vessel.”
— Eleanor Brownn
I perfected the art of the 30 minute powernap
before my children came home from school. This
served me in the form of rest (self-care). In turn this
served my children because I was better able to
face the afternoon rush of school pick up,
homework, cooking dinner and bedtime. So, in
being a fully available mom, I was then the best I
could be for them (their highest good).
Self-care does not have to be an epic event.
We can practice it in many small ways.
It can become one of the best strategies for
self-advocacy. Self-care says “This is what I
need and this is how I can meet that need.”
When we begin to meet our needs better, we
begin the profound journey of what it truly
means to love yourself.
And without that, we cannot truly love as we
will be approaching that task from a place of
inner emptiness and have little to offer others
aside form words and platitudes.
Love youself
SELFISHNESS vs SELF CARE
"Self-care says, this is what
I need and this is how I can
meet that need."
A MESSAGE FROM
HELLO HONI
My salon has been established in
Westville for the last 10 years , I love
doing colour and creating new fresh
looks for people . My passion for
hairdressing was inherited from my
father,the
renowned
stylist,
Curtis
Honiball. His 5 decade career touched
the lives of 'generations' of Durban
clients.
Feeling like a new look or wish to
revamp
your
style
,then
please
contact me. I also offer Micro Keratin
treatments which takes the fizz out of
your hair .
Contact Nola
083 789 4740
PAVILION KIDS
BOARD
BY ALICE ZEJGLIC
Pavilion Shopping Centre has created
an
innovative
experience
to
thank
shoppers for their support which can be
enjoyed by adults and children alike.
The Pav Kids Board provides children
ages
8-13
with
the
chance
to
participate in monthly activities and
decision-making around the Pavilion
brand through an activity board.
As a result of the activities, the children
will be exposed to the corporate world
on an intrinsic and sustainable level. In
addition
to
clean-up
drives
and
environmental
programmes,
children
will have the opportunity to interact
with key stakeholders who they would
otherwise never meet.
Vicky Deppe, General Manager at The
Pavilion, stated that The Pav Kids Board
aims to reposition the way shopping
centres are perceived.
Akhona Nxumalo, Andile Mthethwa and Amanda Dlamini
“Through The Pav Kids Board, we as a
Shopping Centre will be forging new
inroads into arenas that will also serve
to future proof the relevance of a
brand like ours, as well as establish
new partnerships that will amplify our
future intentions."
For more information on The Pav Kids
Board, visit: http://www.thepav.co.za/
Ok. The elephant in the room is the claim that the
Ethekwini Metro cannot keep our sh*t together
and the e-coli levels in the sea are a tad high. Fair
point. That was an issue after the floods.
However, if you are worried about possibly
leaving your holiday hotel with diarrhoea, you
can put tech to work and use the Woz’Olwandle
website for an accurate and up to date report of
just what the risks really are (Minimal in fact…) But
like, y’know, if an app can tell you, like that’s
more cool!
Woz’Olwandle is the fruit of work by KZN’s
leading scientists such as Dr Justin Pringle, Dr
Angus Macdonald, Professor Andy Green, Dr
Dalene Vosloo and Professor Derek Stretch who
developed a computer model for accurate
reporting.
We are still here and kicking. Our water authority,
Umgeni Water, re-built one of the largest raw water
pipelines in the world in under 6 months after the
floods! So, we can get things done down here.
Therefore, don’t write the city off too easily for, as
always, a memorable and unique experience
awaits you in the largest city in the Zulu Kingdom!
So, the media like to thump on about the hassles
we have had but let’s have a look at the stuff they
can’t use as clickbait.
According to IQ Air, the air quality index is good. A
little-known fact is that the Upper Highway areas of
Kloof and Hillcrest have consistently claimed a
spot at the top of surveys of the healthiest climates
in the world. Put that in your pipes Cobbers!
Manly? Melbourne? Pah!
Following the wild ride and hard breaks of the past three years, many tourists and travellers are asking
this very question. As if the pandemic of 2020 was not enough, the city experienced the worst riots and
looting ever seen in South Africa in June 2021. For good measure it then followed this up with the
tragic April 2022 floods.
Google data reveals that tourists and travellers from other provinces and countries are increasingly
asking questions such as “Is Durban safe?”, “Can you Swim at the Durban Beaches?” and “How bad is
the water pollution in Durban?” If you are contemplating a visit to our beautiful part of South Africa, you
should not, in our view, let these questions overshadow your plans.
Breathtaking view from the Beverly Hills Hotel
The promenade along the golden mile is a
great place for a walk or run and is well
patrolled and generally safe during the
day. All major shopping malls and holiday
hotels are similarly safe for a visit.
Having dealt with all that, let’s look at
some other cool stuff about Durban.
Durban is probably the most culturally
diverse city in South Africa, if not the
planet.
The great thing is, everyone here just gets
on with things and whatever floats your
boat (or moves your board), it’s cool.
Those from the Western Cape and Gauteng often
ask if Durban is safe?
Like many major cities in the rest of South Africa
and the world with a huge socio-economical gap,
there is a high crime rate. Unemployment and
desperation are catalysts of petty crime anywhere
on the planet.
So, as you would in other cities, take common
sense precautions such as not flaunting cash or
valuables, lock your car, stay aware of where your
children are and do not walk about on your own
looking obviously like a relaxed tourist.
It is advisable to not travel long distances at night
and to remain in busy shopping malls or tourist
attractions rather than trying to explore the hills,
valleys and back alleys on your own.
10
Point Yacht Club
Durban Beach Promenade
In formal commerce there is also a warm
spirit that is seldom replicated elsewhere.
Learn to saw “Sawubona!” to any shop
assistant and watch the smiles appear! Take
the time to chat to your fuel pump attendant
and you will be amazed at the interest in
your origins and your experience of the city.
Just be prepared for a lot of suggestions as
to activities to do if you ask!
Durban has so many great initiatives and
NGOs that are doing great work to fill the
gaps left in society. There are incredible
places such as The Elder’s Voice, Philakade
Care Home, Denis Hurley Centre and El
Gibbor Kitchen. Volunteers take time out of
their day to help and serve the community
and everyone gets along and works
together.
No matter your creed, culture or faith, we get
you. And we will all enjoy your holidays too
(probably why Durbanites are seen as so
chilled…)
With all the things we have had to deal with,
Durban folk also have a resilience and great
sense of uBuntu. This shows through in every
experience you might have in our city.
Durbs is camaraderie, a club of its own. It’s an
often-repeated adage that Durban is a small
place, and everyone knows everyone else. To a
large degree that is true…someone, somewhere
will know your connection bru!
Go to a smart dinner and no one is wearing a
jacket and tie! Smart in Durban is putting on
jeans and a button up unless it’s a do by larneys
from up country or the Cape.
But then - Hey Uncle! Just check out our gals and
guys! So hot they are when they step out to
impress man! It’s little wonder that entrants from
Durban have won a large majority of the
country’s pageants.
There is a general feeling of supporting one
another and helping each other to shine. There
are many, many, entrepreneurs in Durban. With
so many losing jobs due to the constraints of the
country’s economy, the only way to survive for
many has been to use your own unique skills and
“Make it happen Ek se! No use parking at pawsie
and feeling sorry for yourself.”
This is evident in some of the wonderful local
Markets in Durban. A visit to The Golden Hours
Market in Durban North will reveal that almost all
the artisanal crafters selling their wares has a
story to tell of starting a business due to
unemployment.
11
Forgotten Sunken Gardens (Between the beach
and the Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel).
So? Is Durban still cool?
Well, we seldom go below 12 degrees, even in
winter so, no, we will never have a geometry angle
instead of an ocean temperature or need to wear
nineteen layers of clothing to survive in winter. So,
in that sense, we will never be as cool as other
places.
But, when you add up all our positives, throw in
some common-sense while throwing away your
hang-ups, you will be hard pressed to find a more
integrated, easy-going or culturally diverse city
anywhere on our planet.
There are many, beautiful scenic places in to
visit in Durban besides the beaches. Try
Giba Gorge, New Germany Nature Reserve,
the Durban Botanical Gardens, Japenese
Gardens in Sarnia, and the valley of 1000
Hills.
There are places you probably have
forgotten about such as the Durban
Museum and places you may not know exist
such as The Wushwini Art Centre in Inanda.
(and if you are hungry the Shisa Nyama is to
die for doll!)
Speaking of food, Durban is a foodies’
paradise! Every style, palate and diet is
catered for, from vegan to carnivore, Halaal
to Kosher and Braai! No wonder visitors put
on a few kgs when they spend some time
here.
You can go informal or glamourous. Either
grab a Bunny from The Curry O’s on the
Point Waterfront or scrub up and dazzle at
the Beverly Hills Hotel, The Radisson Blu in
Umhlanga or one of only a few revolving
restaurants in the world, Roma.
There is live music in many pubs and clubs.
Some of the top local talents to look out for
include Gavin Ferguson, Tiaan and Tanner
Wareham, The Reals and Inter-Alia to name
but a few. Take a cruise down Florida Road
or pull-in at Lifestyle Centre in Ballito, and
you will catch good vibes!
12
Beans Bunny Chow from Curry Os
PHILAKADE CARE HOME ISLAND OF HOPE
The Philakade Care Home in Embo, near
Hillcrest, is a remarkable story of community
perseverance and love.
Hillcrest in the Upper Highway region of
Durban, is renowned for multi-million Rand
homes and security estates.
Just to the north of one of the enclave’s most
exclusive areas, perhaps inconveniently tucked
away below the brow of a hill, lies Embo
township. A more striking illustration of the
realities of South Africa’s Gini co-efficient will
be hard to find.
However, just a five-minute drive through
Embo will bring you to the next hill to the north
and a long, white, double story building that
houses the Philakade Care Home. Here, the
outside norms prevalent in most of South
African society, vanish.
Philakade offers care to the most vulnerable in
society. From the physically disabled to the
bedridden, terminally ill or in need palliative
care – from infant to old – Philakade welcomes
all.
It is a shining example of Ubuntu in action and
creed, social class, status and ethnicity melt
away in this island of hope which houses what
is, in effect, one large, happy, family.
13
The Philakade Care Home in Embo, near Hillcrest, is a remarkable
story of community perseverance and love
The centre was built on land donated by a local
pastor. Builders, carpenters, and other skilled
tradespeople were sourced from within Embo to
construct the care home. Fundraising and donations
just about covered costs as the project proceeded.
Carers were also sourced from the local community
and given full training in their duties. Thus, the
centre not only provided much needed work
opportunities
in
its
construction
phase,
but
permanent jobs have been created as well.
The care home was opened in 2019 just before the
Covid pandemic up ended the world in early 2020.
During the pandemic, funding all but dried up as
donors
locally
and
around
the
world,
understandably, had other considerations.
Philakade’s team would love to help even more
people and take on more residential patients.
However, funding restrictions present a two-fold
problem facing the care home.
If it had more funding, it could train more carers and
thus admit more persons in need. However, as the
staff are only funded on a small stipend left after the
residents combined contributions from their social
grants - minus food and running costs - there is very
little to be done unless there is a seismic shift in the
donation pattern.
Ideally individuals or corporates are needed to
adopt a resident to help cover the R3 000 monthly
shortfall in food, medical and running costs per
person.
However, the residents of Philakade have not just
been sitting back and waiting for manna to fall
from the sky. Recent projects brought on stream
include a thrift shop where those who love a
bargain can browse. Additionally, a coffee and
craft cafe is being opened on the 9th May 2023 to
allow the entity to produce a small income stream.
Resident’s art is also on sale.
Cost cutting and self-sufficiency projects include
the use of solar generation for some of the power
running needs, but more panels and equipment
will allow the care home to become even more
self-sufficient in this regard.
While the financial needs may loom large as
inflation does its part in increasing costs, the
intangible needs of the residents are, perhaps, far
more valuable and it is here that anyone who is
moved to do so, is able to assist, at little to no cost.
.Many of the residents have either been abandoned or have no family.
Simply having someone play a game with them, read a book aloud or assist with setting up their mobile
phones can make a huge difference in their day.
The staff can also be assisted in meal preparations and kitchen chores (which are never ending).
So, if you are in the Hillcrest area, and have a moment, why not pop in to Philakade, have a coffee, a
sandwich or slice of cake and be touched by the magic of the care home while you find out more?
The coffee and craft shop offers a cosy
atmosphere with a panoramic view over the
Embo and Inanda Valleys.
ISLAND OF HOPE
"...a coffee and craft cafe is
being opened on the 9th
May 2023 "
14
Philakade Care Home is a
registered NPO (068-551)
philakadecarehome@gmail.com
Telephone: 065 570 3160
Click here to visit their Facebook
Page:
https://www.facebook.com/phila
kadecarehome
Some of the
resident’s
art on
display and
for sale in
the
Philakade
Craft Café.
Philakade Care Home
Bespoke earrings from
Mi Mi Designs
0729396376
mimidesignmd.sa@gmail.com
Mother's Day
local gift guide- Editor's Favourites
15
Crochet creations from
Grace designs
0729695595
graceceations26@gmail.com
Mugs from
YahwehOnline
0674072441
michelle@yahwehonline.co.za
Designer dresses
Glam Sam Clothing
0721013310
samantha.pgov@gmail.com
Tell us why you entered Mrs SA?
The reason I entered this beautiful platform
is
because
it
focuses
on
women
empowerment and I am passionate about
empowerment. I grew up in the township I
want to be a beacon of hope for my fellow
Sisters to see nothing is impossible if you
believe our mindset plays a very important
role in determining our success and failure
in life.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about working in the
community, with women and children who
have been subjected to any form of abuse.
That why I founded an organization 12
years ago The Brave and the Beautiful that
focuses on school outreach campaigns and
old age care facilities.
What hardship have you had to overcome
that can be an inspiration to others?
I was diagnoses with infertility and
struggling with it for 9 years, failed fertility
medication and the day I decided to change
my mindset and eat according to my blood
type I was able to have 2 beautiful children.
PEARL HOLDSTOCK
MRS SOUTH AFRICA
SEMI-FINALIST
AMBASSADOR OF HOPE
16
What is your message to young girls?
You are worth it! Don't ever sleep on your
dreams or allow your present circumstances
to dictate your future. Go for all your dreams
and don't hold back
Pearl is not only one of the beautiful cover models for this Magazine, but also the mother of 5 , a
local influencer and TikTok celebrity. She is the founder of Purposefully influencing, a
community of diverse South African reviewers. She is also doing her part in bringing awareness
to Philakade Care Home in Embo.
17
18
JAMESON SELECT
SUPPER CIRCLE
P L A T I N U M L O U N G E 2 0 2 3
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