South Africa: The Art of Braaiyng

Crouch, Bind, Set … and Braai

Spring came and left; the cold should be officially gone now.

I promise if any hints towards the cold dare return somehow, I will protest. The heat we cried for is back. The annoying burning sun we always work hard to run away from, is back.

When it gets cold we cry for warmth, when it gets warm, we now crave the cool air that left us frosty on some nights.

Are we ever happy with how the weather pans out in this land of ours?

While the Rugby World Cup roars on, I find myself drawn not just to the game but to braaiing almost every weekend a big game is on. With the big knockout stages around, I feel I need to better prepare myself for more hosting, more outdoor cooking and a few more trips to the butcher.

So I decided to draw up a few tips on open fire cooking for the novice that might be nervous to host a session at their house.

It almost seems like it is our birthright to know how to cook outside and if you don’t know how to start a fire for a braai to grill up some chops or to set a potjiekos for the family, then we will have to revisit your cooking skills in general. But, never fear! Help is here.

Tips for a Successful Open-Fire Braai

Choose Your Grill Wisely

Selecting the right grill is like selecting a trusty team. Whether it’s a charcoal grill, a gas-powered one, or the traditional wood-fired grill, each has its unique merits. Consider your space, preferences and the flavours you want to infuse into your dishes.

When it comes to an open fire, traditional charcoal grills or wood-fired grills are ideal. They are also the most common. The natural smokiness from the wood adds an unmatched flavour to your culinary creations. It screams “braai”!

Prepare and Marinate with Care

Before the big game begins, the marinade is the coach and preparation is the practice.

Take time to marinate your meats and vegetables in flavours that complement the fire-kissed essence of outdoor cooking. Experiment with different combinations, from zesty citrus marinades to smoky barbecue rubs, to find your winning formula.

The supermarket is your best friend. Mix and match stuff. Allow the marinated delights to rest in the fridge, absorbing the flavours and becoming tender. This patience in preparation will reward you with the most succulent grilled dishes.

Optimal Heat Management

Maintaining the right temperature is the game-changer. Start with high heat to sear and lock in juices, then adjust to moderate heat for even cooking. Remember, patience is key; rushing through this step can leave you with undercooked or over-charred dishes.

By mastering the heat, you’re on your way to achieving the perfect sear on your meats, ensuring they are juicy and infused with that coveted grilled flavor.

Mind the Timing

Every cut of meat has its ideal cooking time. Be it impala steaks or succulent pork ribs, understanding the timing is crucial for achieving that perfect tenderness and flavour.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meats are grilled to perfection, or just trust your ancestors and vibe with what you see. A slight probe with your finger can tell you all you need to know. Just don’t burn yourself.

Let it Rest

Your star player doesn’t hit 80 minutes full-time without feeling the effects of the game. After the grilling showdown, allow your meats a moment to rest. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavoursome bite with each mouthful. Patience pays off even after the grill. So, let the meat chill. Have a beer, before just shoving it all in.

Open-fire cooking in the great outdoors opens a world of culinary adventures. It’s not an archaic form of cooking left for the stone age, it is a different style of how you can bring extra skills into your kitchen. Be like my buddy Serge, braai at least twice a week!

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Mozambique: ruins of Chonguene Hotel, Xai Xai

Ruins of Chonguene Hotel

Xai Xai, Mozambique

This Hotel was probably abandoned before or during the Mozambique Civil War (1977-1992).

GPS: -25.097966, 33.787237

Old building is located between ocean and sand dunes. There is an empty Olympic sized swimming pool with the old diving platform still in place.

The hotel was built during the time when the Portuguese ruled in Mozambique and a person named D’Oliveira was its owner. It was abandoned when the independence war ended in 1975 after infamous 20/24 decree in which the Portuguese were forced to leave Mozambique with 20 kg of luggage within 24 hours.

Up till now Mozambican people refuse to live in houses occupied by Portuguese before, and therefore this hotel hasn’t been occupied by squatters. There have been some rumours about a South African company wanting to invest and restore this building but so far nothing has happened.

It was a luxury resort with an Olympic size pool, servant’s quarters, lounges and dining rooms, ball rooms and huge patios. Each room had an en-suite bathroom. The carport shows signs that it had a workshop for repairs to cars and then there is of course the view to the beach. The hotel has 110 units and sits on 12000 ha of land with 5 km of private beach. It is said that it was surrounded 23000 ha game reserve when Mr. D’Oliveira owned the place in the 1960’s. Previous guests to the hotel still talks about the fish prepared for them and delivered on silver platters. The attention to detail in the magnificent place was astonishing.

History of this place is not so fortunate. It is said that after this decree mentioned above some of the Portuguese civilians failed to leave the country before the deadline that had been set by the government. They hid in the vast property of the Chongoene Hotel. They were tracked by soldiers and finally executed. We don’t know how many people were there and how long they were held hostage there. Now, it is believed they are sometimes wandering along empty corridors. If you are in this area it is worth to visit this abandoned and maybe even haunted place.

There is a book written by PJH Petter-Bowyer mentioning a meeting held at Chongoene Hotel in 1973. The book is called “Winds of Destruction” - the autobiography of a Rhodesian-born pilot covering the Rhodesian bush war of 1967-1982.

“On 22 June 1979 Maputo sent this message to Xai Xai:- “Do all the preparations in Chongoene Hotel in order to receive the participants to the conference of the five Patriotic Front and representatives of ZANU foreseen for next July”.

The meeting a Chongoene Hotel was likely to commence on Saturday 30 June or 1 July but because ZANU and ZAPU seldom saw eye to eye, there was always the possibility that one part would walk out on the other.

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South Africa: October 10 in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

October 10:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1846: Galatea, this wooden sailing brig’s cables parted in a south easterly gale and it wrecked by being smashed on rocks in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape. Four lives were lost during the wrecking. 

1857: Cape Lassie, this vessel wrecked on North End Beach in Port Elizabeth in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape. Very little is known about this vessel. 

1905: A storm struck East London in the Eastern Cape, claiming at least three vessels: 

• Caledonian, a steam-powered tug was swept down the Buffalo River by floodwaters along with its caretaker. Neither was ever heard from or seen again;

• Helene, an iron coal hulk was driven ashore and wrecked on the west bank of the Buffalo River;

• New Blessing, a wooden sailing vessel was driven ashore at the Rowing Club on the Buffalo River. It may have been refloated;

• Triton, a small vessel wrecked on the Buffalo River. 

1942: Orcades, this British troop steam-powered transport ship was torpedoed and sunk by U-172 on this day. There were 290 crew, 36 gunners, and 741 passengers who were all returning to the United Kingdom. They were travelling slower than usual to conserve fuel and rain had reduced visibility. At 10:28 two torpedoes struck the port side about 350 km southwest of Cape Town. The Port engine and steering gear were destroyed, and distress signal were sent and lifeboats started being launched. The abandoning took longer than expected because of the heavy seas, but 20 lifeboats were successfully launched and most of those on board had abandoned ship. At 10:45, a third torpedo struck.

The Orcades (1942), date and location unknown

One of the lifeboats capsized, but all were successfully picked up by one of the motorboats and another boat was seen drifting away, waterlogged, which accounted for most of those lost as it was assumed to have swamped having never found. A skeleton crew had remained on board, which included passengers, who would man the guns and attempt to save the ship. At 10:54 a fourth torpedo was fired, but missed, with the Orcades running in circles. The engineers managed to use the screws to steer the ship and started heading for the coast whilst U-172 had to reload. The U-boat eventually overtook the ship but dived back down after the guns were fired near them. Three further torpedoes battered the starboard side of the ship at 12:49, 12:50, and 12:54. These broke the ship’s back, and it sank within 6 minutes. The remaining crew of 55 abandoned ship in the last four lifeboats after the first of those three torpedoes struck. The chief engineer however failed to abandon ship and went down with it. An aircraft fired at U-172 and it had to leave the area without questioning the survivors. The lifeboats remained together and were picked up by the Polish steam merchant, Narwik, which had tended to the calls of the aircraft. The crew worked tirelessly to rescue more than 1000 people and remained in the area looking for survivors despite the danger of being torpedoed itself and being in rough seas. The destroyers, HMAS Nizam and HMS Foxhound were pursuing U-159 which had been spotted nearby, but they arrived and escorted the Narwik to Cape Town where the survivors were landed on the 12th of October. Forty-five lives were lost, which consisted of seven army personnel, 27 crew, two gunners, seven naval personnel, and two passengers. 

1974: Tekton, this super tanker collided with the Obo Queen outside of Port Elilzabeth in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape on this day.

The damage sustained by the Tekton (1974).

An explosion and fire broke out on board and the tanker was abandoned.

The Dutch tug Friesland eventually started towing the tanker, to be broken up in Durban, but on the 9th of November, the Tekton broke in two and a few days later both parts sank, somewhere along the coast between Port St Johns and Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape.

1978: Shin Tung Yong 18, this fishing vessel foundered about 40 km west of Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape.

1982: Jung Tai No. 2, this motor-powered fishing trawler wrecked at Suiderstand, near Agulhas in the Western Cape. Within 10 years the trawler had broken up and was no longer visible above the water.

The Jung Tai No. 2 (1982) supposedly lay where it wrecked for 10 days, listed, and sank beneath the waves with very little pieces of the wreck ever being seen again.

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Namibia: Art Lovers Say Farewell to Windhoek Café Prestige

Art Lovers Say Farewell to Café Prestige

The local arts scene is suffering a major loss with the well-loved Café Prestige in Windhoek closing its doors.

After five years in operation and countless exhibitions and live performances, the little eatery has chosen to bid us all adieu.

Some frequenters of the establishment expressed sorrow over the news. Many flooded their social media pages to share in their collective grief and look back at the times they had.

Lisa Ossenbrick, a Namibia-based journalist and creative, told us she would miss the atmosphere Café Prestige curated.

“Losing Café Prestige means losing one of the biggest institutions and communities for creatives of all kinds in Windhoek. It will be missed tremendously!” she remarked.

From the time it opened, the café has played host to many art-centred gatherings, acting as a headquarters of sorts for writers, poets and visual artists alike.

Few places in Windhoek feel like home for lovers of the arts, and this was one of them.

In a statement announcing their closure, owners Hanan Paikin and Johnathan Fong reflected on the years they were open, describing themselves as a second home for many and a platform for creative collaboration and cultural exchange.

They also expressed gratitude to those who supported them: “We are profoundly grateful to the Windhoek community for embracing and supporting our vision. We extend heartfelt appreciation to the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) for being more than just landlords.

They have been co-creators in a unique partnership that has enriched the socio-cultural fabric of Namibia.”

Now with its discontinuation, many are mourning what once was.

Hildegard Titus, comedian, activist and photography curator, has been partnering with the owners since the 2020 inception of her pop-up photo exhibition ‘Efano Efano’, which the café hosted regularly.

She considers its closure a great loss.

“They’ve really supported the queer community and been like a safe space for us, whether it was in their old or new location,” she says, adding that the café would be sorely missed.

Through Café Prestige, Titus hosted several other events, like quiz nights for her Power Pad Girls non-profit, the ‘Stop Cramping My Style’ comedy show, and the ‘Trans Remembrance Week’ event.

She considers the venue a safe space for many communities.

Make-up artist and creative entrepreneur Jayn Aeron lauded Café Prestige.

“It was such a gorgeous establishment – it was really one of the few safe spaces we had as queer folk! Now that it’s closed, I don’t know where we’re gonna gather,” Aeron said.

Lize Ehlers, vocalist, shares these sentiments.

As someone who has been a big part of the evolution of the arts and entertainment scene, she recognises that many will feel the loss.

“Café Prestige is such a huge, monumental building, service provider and of course safe space for the queer community and allies,” Ehlers says, adding that Café Prestige was not only the birthplace of the regularly held, cabaret-style performance show, but that it helped catapult the careers of many Namibian performers.

“They welcomed us with open arms, and for that we will eternally be grateful. We’re truly sad to see the doors close to a space that we called home.

“And we wish the team all the best of luck and hope whoever takes over that space at the FNCC does it justice and does it with the same verve and nerve as the Café Prestige team.”

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Grow Namibia launches online tickets

Grow Namibia launches online tickets

The Grow Namibia Foundation, a trailblazing initiative dedicated to conservation, sustainability, and community empowerment, announced the launch of a groundbreaking ticketing and permit booking system. This innovative platform, a first-of-its-kind in the country, is set to transform the way tourists experience the country’s iconic destinations, starting with Etosha and Sossusvlei national parks’ permits.

According to the foundation, the tickets and permits booking system represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of responsible and sustainable tourism practices. It said by providing tourists with the opportunity to book park permits or tickets in advance, the aim is to enhance smooth visitor experiences, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to the preservation of Namibia’s pristine treasures, and provide support to the national authorities, such as Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Heritage Council or museums association.

“Our goal is to offer tourists a seamless and convenient way to explore Namibia’s stunning national treasures while upholding our commitment to conservation and community empowerment,” said Heiko Dörgeloh, founder of The Grow Namibia Foundation.

“Through this pioneering system, we aim to strike a harmonious balance between promoting tourism, protecting our natural heritage, providing a convenience service to travellers, operators or agents, and fostering economic opportunities for local conservancies and communities.”

The launch of the tickets and permits booking system is an extension of The Grow Namibia Foundation’s broader mission. With a focus on conservation, sustainability, and community development, the foundation aims to consistently push the boundaries of innovation to create positive change in the Namibian tourism landscape.

He said by enabling tourists to secure their park permits and tickets in advance, the system seeks to reduce congestion and save time at entrances, minimise the ecological footprint of tourism activities, and provide park authorities with valuable data to manage visitor flows effectively. Additionally, the platform empowers tourists or agents and operators to plan visits with ease, contributing to a more enjoyable and stress-free travel experience.

“We believe that sustainable tourism goes hand in hand with innovative solutions that enhance both visitor satisfaction and environmental protection, along with positive supporting alliances with authorities,” added Heiko.

“The tickets and permit booking system is a first step and testament to our commitment to driving positive change through technology and collaboration.”

The launch of the new system commences with Etosha and Sossusvlei parks’ permits, representing two of the country’s most iconic and sought-after destinations. As part of The Grow Namibia Foundation’s holistic approach, a portion of the proceeds from each ticket or permit sold shall be reinvested into conservation efforts and community development initiatives, such as the Namibian Tourism Fund, creating a positive cycle of support for both the environment and the people of Namibia.

For travellers seeking to embark on a journey of discovery while making a meaningful impact, The Grow Namibia Foundation’s booking system presents a unique opportunity. As the platform expands to include more parks and destinations, projects and initiatives, tourists can look forward to an enhanced, sustainable, and unforgettable exploration of Namibia’s wonder destinations.

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South Africa: Sun Destinations' Sausage Tree Safari Camp

Sun Destinations

NEW Property Launch: Sausage Tree Safari Camp

NEWS FLASH! NEW CAMP!

Sausage Tree Safari Camp: A Soulful Kruger Tented Camp 

Rates from R5 995 per person per night sharing

We are proud to announce that yet another camp has joined our growing portfolio of properties in Southern Africa: Sausage Tree Safari Camp! 

Soulful Sausage Tree is a unique tented camp located in the Big 5 Olifants West Nature Reserve. Known for its fine attention to detail and warm hospitality, this sought-after camp truly embraces the essence of nature.

INTRO

The classic Sausage Tree Safari Camp is an idyllic destination for guests seeking an understated “Kruger under canvas” style camp. Located in a game rich area comprising 3000 ha of traverse, including 4 km of riverfront, Sausage Tree is a sanctuary for all things wild.

The entire camp sprawls across terrain dotted with Marula, Acacia thorn and Sausage Trees; and has commanding views of the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains. There’s no mistaking it—Sausage Tree is a captivating place.

NEED TO KNOW FACTS

° Owner-run and managed camp situated in the Big 5 Olifants West Nature Reserve

° 5 beautifully appointed tents with outdoor shower and spa baths

° Passionate on-site chef who can tailor-make meals according to dietary requirements

° Private spa area

° Tents are built on raised wooden viewing decks with wilderness views

° Owners James and Sonja are committed to community and conservation

° There’s a waterhole in front of camp frequented by a wealth of wildlife

° 3,500 ha of traversing rights across bushveld and 4 km of river frontage

° Small pool complete with sun loungers, seating, and pool bar

° Dinner is always served under the stars in the boma area

° A modern bar stocked with craft gins and beers, and premium drinks

Choose Sausage Tree if you're looking for a Kruger safari experience that offers an iconic under canvas feel with hints of luxury throughout. 

Contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Sun Destinations
Rotsvy Road
Rock Fig Centre, Shop 6
Hoedspruit, Lp 1380
South Africa

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Namibia: Miss World national costume

Namibia's Miss World representative, Leonè Van Jaarsveld, has revealed her national costume for the upcoming Miss World 2023 pageant. The dress, inspired by the pangolin, was designed by Petrus Laubscher.

The highly anticipated Miss World 2023 competition is scheduled for November and will take place at the India International Convention and Expo Centre in New Delhi, India.

Крупнейшие в мире страны-добытчики алмазов

Крупнейшие в мире страны-добытчики алмазов по каратам и стоимости:

1. Россия — 41 923 910 карат

2. Ботсвана — 24 752 967

3. Канада — 16 249 218

4. Конго — 9 908 998

5. Южная Африка — 9 660 233

6. Ангола — 8 763 309

7. Зимбабве — 4 461 450

8. Намибия — 2 054 227

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South Africa: The Gumtree Mill and station - the tallest sandstone building

The Gumtree Mill and station

Reportedly the tallest sandstone building in the southern hemisphere. On a small 5 ha plot at Ficksburg. Interesting that it is no longer in use.

Every year, 1000’s of tourists flock to the Eastern Free State to appreciate and admire the beautiful mountains with its shades of autumn coloured sandstone cliffs. Clarens is home to the well known Titanic Sandstone cliff resembling the bow of the iconic Titanic steamship. Sandstone was and is still a very popular building material in the Eastern Free State and in almost every small town you will find examples of the sandstone architecture. These sandstone houses and magnificent churches all have a rich history. An interesting fact is that the Union Buildings in Pretoria were built from sandstone blocks originating from the Ficksburg area.

The Gumtree Mill and station is situated halfway between Ficskburg and Cloclan and about 6 km from Imla’s main homestead. Few people know that this majestic building is the highest sandstone building in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the tallest sandstone buildings in the world.

Guests are welcome to visit this spectacular one of a kind attraction when visiting Imla. One of the local farmer’s wives did research on this famous landmark and wrote the following article:

THE GUMTREE MILL AND STATION compiled by June Berend

How many people, I wonder, know that in the Ficksburg district is the highest sandstone building in the country? This 5-storeyed building is in the little community of Gumtree and was once a very productive grain mill of the S.A. Milling Company. How did it all start?

In 1875, a young Englishman arrived off a ship in Port Elizabeth. He was Charles Stevens and he was hoping to make his fortune in the then, Basutoland (Lesotho). He had 50 pounds in his pocket. Twenty-five years later he did indeed have several trading stores in Lesotho but had also acquired eight farms across the border in the Orange Free State. These farms started with Schuttesdraai on the Caledon River at the Peka border post and ended at the farm Braamhoek; a distance of about 13.5 km.

In 1907, the railway-line from Bloemfontein reached Ficksburg and the Railways bought a piece of land from Charles Stevens for a station. It is rumored that the Railways offered to name this station, Stevenage, but that Charles refused the honour, and it became Gumtree, one assumes for the Eucalyptus trees already growing around the proposed station. On a piece of land adjoining the station, Charles built a very large, 5-storeyed, sandstone grain mill which traded as the Schuttesdraai Milling Co. The mill was very well situated alongside the railway lines with its own loading platforms useful not only for the transport of products from the mill but also for the off-loading of coal for the steam-powered machinery. The Eastern Free State was becoming a big grain-producing area and milling at this time was necessary and profitable.

With the development of the station and the mill, the people working there needed a school. In January 1908 a government school at the farm, de Hoop, moved to Gumtree where it opened with 31 pupils. By March, however, there were 77 children. Housing for mill staff was built and the charming sandstone house for the mill-manager is still in use today. A small shop also supplied the needs of the growing community.

In 1916, Schuttesdraai milling Co. amalgamated with the Bloemfontein Mill of the S.A Milling Co. to form the Orange Free State Milling Co. When Charles Stevens died in June 1919, the S.A. Milling Co. bought out his share in this company and remained the owners over the next 40 years. The mill which ran night and day, was literally, the heartbeat of Gumtree. A sandstone post office with an attached house for the postmaster was built; a second shop started a business, a blacksmith set up his forge; a transport company established a forwarding agency for the transporting of goods from the trains to trading stores in Lesotho. The mill built two tennis-courts for social tennis on Saturday afternoons. The earlier school was replaced with a new sandstone building of 2 classrooms and house, also in sandstone for the school principal.

The station also had its share of the “action”. It was here that the two passenger trains which traveled between Cape Town and Durban, crossed each day at 2 pm. This created quite a social bustle as people waited for the post, with the precious daily newspapers from Bloemfontein, to be sorted, they caught up with local chat. My father firmly maintained that he saw two waiting farmers, nip into the dining-car of the waiting train for a quick “dop”. Their wives did not approve of alcohol – or so my father said! There were always some passengers getting on or off; particularly at school holidays when children came from or went off to their various boarding schools. With what nostalgia do I now recall my ‘; hellos’ and ‘good-byes’ at the small Gumtree Station as I traveled during the 1950’s, to high school in Bloemfontein and then to university in Pietermaritzburg. Then, in the 1960’s I frequently traveled by train to Johannesburg where I was teaching. On a more momentous occasion, I even waved my family and friends good-buy at Gumtree, on my way to Durban to board a Lloyd Triestino liner for Europe!

And so for 50 years, this little community led it’s little, contented life, until 1st December 1958 when the machinery at the mill was switched off. According to Mrs. De Villiers, wife of the last mill manager, it was a tearful staff who bid farewell to a “Grand Old Lady” on that day. S.A. Milling had built a large, modern mill at Isando, near Kempton Park. The mill property was sold to 3 local businessmen, Messrs. George Casalis, Lesley Hyland and Douglas Dare (of Kolonyama, Lesotho) Machinery from the mill was sold, ending up in a mill in Salisbury (Harare) and the property was bought by the Ficksburg Farmers Co-operative who ran it as a country branch. It is now the private property of Mr. T. D. Smith of Clocolan who does not mind passers-by popping in to look at the mill. Very sadly, but inevitably, the building has become derelict and home only to a colony of rock pigeons and to barn owls. It is, however, worth the while to turn off the R26 between Ficksburg and Clocolan on to the S306 gravel road for only 4 km. Here you will find Gumtree and the mill where in spite of its sorrowful state it still dominates the skyline. Go inside, and perhaps you will hear the throb of machinery once more and in your imagination be transported back.

Acknowledgments:

'S.African Who's Who - social and Business"

"Seanamarena" by A.E. Stevens.

Nouveau Magazine. Spring 2005

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Namibia: The world’s highest and biggest sand dunes

Africa - Namibia

Some of the world’s highest and biggest sand dunes are the centerpiece of western Namibia’s Namib Naukluft National Park, Africa’s largest at 49,768 square kilometers.

The dunes – some of them more than 200 meters high – were created by millennia of waves and onshore winds depositing sand on the world’s oldest desert.

Easy to explore with your own vehicle, the main park road leads to the vibrant Sossusvlei dunes and photogenic Dead Vlei with its ghostly forest. Hot-air balloon flights offer a bird’s-eye-view of the awesome desertscape.

In addition to its legendary dunes, Namib Naukluft is renowned for its desert canyons, shipwrecked spangled seacoast, as well as flora and fauna that have adapted to one of the Earth’s most arid places.

Although it’s not a national park per se, Africa’s largest protected zone is the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (520,000 square kilometers) formed in 2012 to safeguard adjoining parts of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola and Namibia.

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