the south african, issue 538, 29 october 2013

16
29 October - 4 November 2013 Issue 538 www.thesouthafrican.com p7 | SA film ‘Of Good Report’ opens top festival INSIDE: p14 | Travel: Eternal Egypt - still safe, but now your ZAR buys more memories 41433 0808 141 2315 www.1stcontact.com/mast1 TAX, FINANCIAL AND MIGRATION EXPERTS: Money Transfers, Tax Refunds, Visas, Limited Companies & Accounting, UK Bank Accounts, CV & Job Assistance, Travel Clinic, Shipping, Legal and Umbrella Services CLAIM YOUR TAX REFUND TODAY! p3 | SA named ‘African Country of the Future’ for foreign direct investment |APARTHEID’S REVENGE: Prominent businessman and noted philanthropist Tokyo Sexwale has racked up many achievements in his time in office, but none melted the resolve of New York border security officials to detain the senior politician on 1990s-era ‘terrorism’ grounds. The arrest is another blunder for the embattled TSA, whose rigour has long angered visitors to the USA TOKYO SEXWALE ARRESTED IN US FOR APARTHEID ‘TERRORISM’ By STAFF REPORTER A MAJOR embarrassment for South Africa as well as for the USA unfolded at the weekend as former Cabinet member and struggle icon Tokyo Sexwale was arrested at John F Kennedy Airport in New York - all because his name has never been removed from an Apartheid-era ‘terrorist’ watch list. According to ANC spokesperson Keith Khoza, the ANC had not been aware that Apartheid-era security lists were still maintained by the American government. Khoza nonetheless announced the party’s intention to see that the matter was taken up urgently at the highest levels. The paranoia of American transport officials since the events of September 11, 2011 has become legendary. For most travelers, this official skittishness takes human form in the officials of the notorious Transportation Security Administration, created by the Bush administration at the same time as the Department of Homeland Security. The zeal the TSA applies in keeping terrorism from American soil has been a steady source of controvery since the agency’s inception. Regular complaints of frisking and racial profiling have been interspersed with more serious passenger complaints against full-body scanners, luggage searches and thefts, as well as various No-Fly Lists. It is the latter that likely inconvenienced Sexwale. The situation is perceived to be deeply embarrassing for the US, which has faced mounting internal and external pressure over its security and privacy policies. This pressure has peaked in the wake of the Wikileaks scandal, when huge volumes of data about US intelligence activities were released to the media. The detainment of Sexwale, a respected businessman and longtime senior government minister who was once also Premier of Gauteng Province, reveals a worrying level of incomptence on the part of the American authorities. The appearance of Sexwale’s name is also a difficult reminder of the late conversion of some parts of the US political community to the ANC cause - the major liberation party was listed as a terrorist organisation until the Apartheid regime unbanned it in 1990, whereas many other first-world nations had long considered a more legitimate expresison of South African aspirations than the Nationalist government then in power. Details of the specific US no-fly list that bore Sexwale’s name and triggered the arrest remain murky, but Sexwale was released within a matter of hours once the mistake had become clear, according to Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Co- operation. Sexwale has reportedly instructed his lawyer, Lesley Mkhabela, to take further steps against the US Government. Sexwale’s name appears to have been left out of George W Bush’s efforts to clear all ANC members’ names - including that of Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki - from the terror lists in the last decade. | ANC fumes as leading SA businessman, anti-Apartheid stalwart and former Housing Minister detained at New York’s JFK due to outdated US ‘terror list’ that still included the names of many senior ANC leaders - including Nelson Mandela - until recently

Upload: the-south-african

Post on 23-Mar-2016

222 views

Category:

Documents


2 download

DESCRIPTION

Tokyo Sexwale arrested in US for Apartheid 'terrorism' | SA is 'Country of the Future' for FDI

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: The South African, Issue 538, 29 October 2013

29 October - 4 November 2013 Issue 538

www.thesouthafrican.com

Ref No. F201000144

Third Floor, Cutlers Court,115 Houndsditch, London,

EC3A 7BR

0845 074 [email protected]

The Leading Name in UK Immigration

UK Immigration• UK Visas• Permits• EEA visas• Residency• Citizenship •• Appeals• Sponsorship Licences South African Immigration

p7 | SA film ‘Of Good Report’ opens top festival

INSIDE:

p14 | Travel: Eternal Egypt - still safe, but now your ZAR buys more memories

41433

0808 141 2315www.1stcontact.com/mast1

TAX, FINANCIAL AND MIGRATION EXPERTS: Money Transfers, Tax Refunds, Visas, Limited Companies & Accounting, UK Bank Accounts, CV & Job Assistance, Travel Clinic, Shipping, Legal and Umbrella Services

CLAIM YOUR TAX REFUND TODAY!

p3 | SA named ‘African Country of the Future’ for foreign direct investment

|APARTHEID’S REVENGE: Prominent businessman and noted philanthropist Tokyo Sexwale has racked up many achievements in his time in office, but none melted the resolve of New York border security officials to detain the senior politician on 1990s-era ‘terrorism’ grounds. The arrest is another blunder for the embattled TSA, whose rigour has long angered visitors to the USA

TOKYO SEXWALE ARRESTED IN US FOR APARTHEID ‘TERRORISM’

By STAFF REPORTER

A MAJOR embarrassment for South Africa as well as for the USA unfolded at the weekend as former Cabinet member and struggle icon Tokyo Sexwale was arrested at John F Kennedy Airport in New York - all because his name has never been removed from an Apartheid-era ‘terrorist’ watch list.

According to ANC spokesperson Keith Khoza, the ANC had not been aware that Apartheid-era security lists were still maintained by the American government. Khoza nonetheless announced the party’s intention to see that the matter was taken up urgently at the highest levels.

The paranoia of American transport officials since the events of September 11, 2011 has become legendary.

For most travelers, this official skittishness takes human form in the officials of the notorious Transportation Security Administration, created by the Bush administration at the same time as the Department of Homeland Security.

The zeal the TSA applies in keeping terrorism from American soil has been a steady source of controvery since the agency’s inception. Regular complaints of frisking and racial profiling have been interspersed with more serious passenger complaints against full-body scanners, luggage searches and thefts, as well as various No-Fly Lists. It is the latter that likely

inconvenienced Sexwale. The situation is perceived to

be deeply embarrassing for the US, which has faced mounting internal and external pressure over its security and privacy policies. This pressure has peaked in the wake of the Wikileaks scandal, when huge volumes of data about US intelligence activities were released to the media.

The detainment of Sexwale, a respected businessman and longtime senior government minister who was once also Premier of Gauteng Province, reveals a worrying level of

incomptence on the part of the American authorities. The appearance of Sexwale’s name is also a difficult reminder of the late conversion of some parts of the US political community to the ANC cause - the major liberation party was listed as a terrorist organisation until the Apartheid regime unbanned it in 1990, whereas many other first-world nations had long considered a more legitimate expresison of South African aspirations than the Nationalist government then in power. Details of the specific US no-fly list that bore Sexwale’s

name and triggered the arrest remain murky, but Sexwale was released within a matter of hours once the mistake had become clear, according to Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Co-operation. Sexwale has reportedly instructed his lawyer, Lesley Mkhabela, to take further steps against the US Government.

Sexwale’s name appears to have been left out of George W Bush’s efforts to clear all ANC members’ names - including that of Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki - from the terror lists in the last decade.

| ANC fumes as leading SA businessman, anti-Apartheid stalwart and former Housing Minister detained at New York’s JFK due to outdated US ‘terror list’ that still included the names of many senior ANC leaders - including Nelson Mandela - until recently

Page 2: The South African, Issue 538, 29 October 2013

2 | 29 October - 4 November 2013 | thesouthafrican.com

News Follow us on Twitter:@TheSAnews

Blue Sky publishes the following titles:

The paper used to print this publication has been sourced from sustainable forests (farmed trees). Please reduce waste by recycling your copy or passing it on to others.The printed opinions of advertisers and writers are theirs and not necessarily shared by Blue Sky Publications Ltd. Unless otherwise stated, copyright of all original materials is held by Blue Sky Publishing Ltd.

Official media sponsors of the following organisations:

Editor: Heather WalkerProduction: Brett Petzer & Nicol GroblerRegistered office: Unit C7, Commodore House, Battersea Reach, London SW18 1TW.Tel: 0845 456 4910Email: [email protected]: www.thesouthafrican.comDirectors: P Atherton, A Laird, J Durrant, N Durrant and R PhillipsPrinted by: Mortons of Horncastle Ltd

NB INFO...

Our Team

Rand rate £1 = R15.89

Each week we profile one of the many writers who contribute to The South African.

Michael Goldstein

Michael manages the Insolvency & Corporate Recovery team at Myers Clark where he also acts as an appointment-taking Insolvency Practitioner assisting with both Corporate and Personal Insolvency. He writes a column in The South African and the Jewish News and is a frequent guest on radio, commenting on debt and insolvency. He grew up in Johannesburg and holds a BCom (Hons) from Wits University. He holds a 5th Dan in JiuJitsu.

SA Legion UK Veterans to march past the Queen for first time on Remembrance Day

by DAVID MANNALL

ON 10 November 2013, as we pause once more to remember the countless brave men and women who, over so many generations, have sacrificed everything for comrade and country, a small contingent of veterans from SA Legion UK (SALUK) will march past the Cenotaph on Whitehall as part of the Main Parade for the very first time.

Chairman Peter Dickens said, “It goes without saying that this invitation to participate in Main Parade is a massive honour for South African veterans. By inviting us in, British authorities have afforded SALUK a unique opportunity to acknowledge the intertwined, sometimes complex, military histories of two proud nations.”

In addition to this news, SALUK was eager to stress that the annual SALUK Remembrance Day Parade, held at Commonwealth Gates, Constitutional Hill (behind Buckingham Palace), was still on – starting 10am.

SALUK President Norman Sander extended an invitation to fellow South Africans to “come out and support SALUK at Commonwealth Gates, there’s less congestion at our parade than on

the streets around Whitehall.” He said, “Watching our vets, on

TV, marching past the Cenotaph, will be an incredibly proud moment for South Africa, but should not deter friends and family from setting the TV to record, wrapping up warmly and getting out in support of our

veterans.” Legion members will be attending a number of other parades outside London.

Notably, SALUK-Scotland have been afforded the unique honour of heading up Glasgow’s Main Parade and are scheduled to march just behind the Colour Party. The rise in recognition is

part of a trend in Britain towards fuller acknowledgement of the role played by then-colonial troops in the Empire and the Commonwealth’s military engagements

Find out more by visiting the Legion online at www. salegion.org.uk

New ‘fourth angle’ video footage contradicts official police version of Marikana events

by AMRIT MATHARU

FILM-MAKER Rehad Desai has uncovered evidence that disputes the South African authorities’ version of events when the Marikana mining strikers were shot dead on 16 August 2012.

Desai is part of The Marikana Miner’s Support group, which has called for the South African police to be prosecuted for shooting at strikers when they had shown no sign of aggression.

Sky News Special Correspondent Alex Crawford reports that in Desai’s video, “The strikers appear calm and don’t seem aggressive or threatening” during the initial encounter with the police.

The miners appear to be moving slowly and passively but the original police report claims the miners were aggressive and attacking.

Doubt is thrown upon the

original police claim as Desai’s footage shows the miners walking in what he describes as a “peaceful and disciplined fashion”.

The police said they opened fire on the large group of mineworkers walking threateningly in their direction. Of these, 34 were killed while 80 were wounded; in total, 270 people were arrested and charged with murder, although these charges were later dropped.

However Desai’s footage, shot from what he called an unexamined ‘fourth’ angle that was mostly unseen and unexamined, reveals a different version from police accounts.

While the miners advance peacefully, several police members are shown with their guns already drawn.

The video then shows that the miners seem to be led towards the waiting armed police officers as they are cut off by barbed wire.

A policeman is also seen firing bird shot at close range on the gathered miners who then fire back.

The police continue to state that they fired at the miners in self-defence.

A policeman who spoke to Sky News and asked to be unnamed said, “What we did was not wrong. We were protecting our lives and we were trying to effect arrest because those people were

| For the very first time, a small contingent of veterans from SA Legion UK will march past the Cenotaph on Whitehall as part of the Main Parade on Sunday 10 November

| Video evidence that contracts police authorities’ version of the Marikana Massacre is uncovered by South African campaign group film-maker

| SA Legion UK members at last year’s Remembrance Day commemoration in London. Image: Theo Fernandes

illegally gathered and they were instructed to get away, these people were dangerous to our lives.”

Desai uncovered the evidence while doing research for a documentary on last year’s incident at Lonmin platinum mine. The footage has been submitted to the Farlam Commission of Inquiry which is continuing into just what went wrong at Marikana.

Page 3: The South African, Issue 538, 29 October 2013

3thesouthafrican.com | 29 October - 4 November 2013 |

NewsLike us on Facebook:facebook.com/thesouthafrican

SA is ‘African Country of the Future’ for foreign direct investment

by LUCILLE DAVIE

SOUTH Africa has been named African Country of the Future 2013/14 by fDi Magazine, a London Financial Times publication.

“A worthy winner, South Africa has consistently outperformed its African neighbours in FDI [foreign direct investment] attraction since fDi Markets records began in 2003,” says the magazine in its August/September edition. South Africa has the continent’s biggest economy, with gross domestic product (GDP) at $5,8-billion or R3-trillion.

Morocco is ranked second for FDI, with Mauritius in third position, followed by Egypt, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Botswana, Tunisia and Namibia. South Africa also took the top prize in two other categories: best economic potential, and best business friendliness. “The South African economy has grown since 1994 almost exactly at the average for middle-income economies excluding China – and three times as fast as in the 1980s,” writes Neva Makgetla, the deputy director-general in the Department of Economic Development, in the Sunday Times of 20 October.

Kenya has done particularly well, climbing from 10th position in 2011/12 to fifth position this year. It is an innovative country that strives to diversify its economy. Its use of M-Pesa mobile phone payments, for example, have encouraged new investment opportunities.

The magazine indicates that South Africa attracts about a fifth of all FDI into Africa, more than double the second biggest FDI destination, Morocco. In 2012, that amounted to $4.6-billion, with almost 14 000 jobs created. Johannesburg, the commercial heart of the country, in Gauteng, was the top FDI destination on the continent in 2012.

According to fDi Markets, this means that South Africa now ranks as the 16th top FDI destination country in the world. Since the global economic crisis of 2008, FDI globally has dropped 20%. In 2012, the figure improved

slightly, settling around 14.3%. Seen against this background, Africa has fared better than other world regions, with FDI on the continent only down 7.9% in 2012. However, in the first five months of 2013, FDI in Africa fell, levelling out at about the same as global averages, down 27%, compared to 28% for the rest of the world.

“Unrest, corruption and severe income disparities persist in Africa, though an emerging middle class with increased disposable income, a marked improvement in governance and the availability of natural resources present an attractive opportunity for investors,” indicates the report. “Despite a slight decline of 3.9% in 2012, South Africa increased its market share of global FDI, which further increased in the first five months of 2013 as the country attracted 1.37% of global greenfield investment projects.”

In addition, South Africa has attracted more research and development investment than any other African country, the magazine points out, and it accounts for the largest number of patents registered on the continent.

According to a recent report by the African Development Bank, Africa’s economy is growing faster than that of any other continent. Of the 54 African countries, almost half, or 26, have now achieved middle-income status, with countries like South Africa, Morocco and Mauritius leading

the pack. Gauteng province contributes 40% of the country’s GDP, with Joburg at its heart. The city is the top destination for FDI in Africa, and in the first five months of 2013, was one of five African cities that attracted more investment compared to the same period of 2012. “South Africa has sustained democracy for close to 20 years and with it higher growth rates, solid employment creation and improvement in social and economic services for most people,” says Makgetla. She stresses that with democracy comes a commitment to real, if gradual, change. And it is only if the country lives up to that commitment, that it will establish a “positive investment climate or a cohesive and peaceful society”.

In 2012, FDI in South Africa fell just 3.9% compared to its Brics partners of Brazil, Russia, India and China, which experienced an average 20.7% decline.

In its submission for fDi Magazine’s report, Trade and Investment South Africa stressed the importance of the country’s attachments to its Brics partners. “South Africa’s participation in the Brics grouping is significant… as it provides important opportunities to build South Africa’s domestic manufacturing base, enhance value-added exports, promote technology sharing, support small business development and expand trade and investment opportunities.”

www.mediaclubsouthafrica.com

31 Oct 2013 12.15pmSouth African food evening

at Cape Grand Cafe and Restaurant Cape Grand Cafe and

Restaurant in Beaconsfield will hold a South African food evening on the last Thursday of the month during October and November 2013 from 7pm. RSVP: The Cape Grand Cafe, 6a Burkes Parade, Station Rd, HP9 1NN - Book on 01494681137

3 November 2013, 7pmSaracens vs Newcastle Falcons.

Saracens take on Newcastle Falcons in Round 7 of the Aviva Premiership

| South Africa, which attracts about a fifth of all foreign direct investment into Africa, has been named Country of the Future 2013/14 by London publication fDi Magazine

at Allianz Park on Sunday 3rd November. Tickets on www.saracens.com

7 November 2013, 8pmDan Patlansky The Half Moon in

Putney welcomes SA blues musician Dan following his recent London appearances with guister maestro Nibs van der Spuy. Tickets at www.thehalfmoon.musicglue.com

For more events:www.thesouthafrican.com/events

Do you have a will?

A will for your South African estate?

A will for your offshore estate?

We can assist you at no charge!

“What we do in life echoes in eternity.” - Maximus

We have offices in London, Hong Kong, Mauritius and all major cities in South Africa.

Victoria Creer [email protected] +44 (207) 099 8328Alan Fairleigh [email protected] +44 (207) 228 2551

www.skyboundcapital.com

WILLS & ESTATESLondoners / South African Ex-Pats

Page 4: The South African, Issue 538, 29 October 2013

4 | 29 October - 4 November 2013 | thesouthafrican.com

Community Follow us on Twitter:@TheSAnews

Win a £20 Spur meal voucherVisit www.ukspur.co.uk to locate your nearest Spur

If you have been spotted in the circle on this page please email your address to [email protected] and your voucher will be posted to you.

by HEATHER WALKER

ABOUT 80 Rhodes University alumni gathered on Wednesday at Soho Basement Bar in London for the Purple Legacy Reunion. Vice Chancellor Dr Saleem Badat shared some of the institution’s recent successes, such as a number of prestigious research grants, and about new developments like the library, life sciences and new residences. Caroline Rowland, a trustee of the Rhodes University Trust UK, said education was vital in solving the challenges facing residents of the Eastern Cape and mentioned the difference scholarships have made to the lives of talented youngsters. She encouraged those present to join a new initiative called the 1904 Club, in which they pledge to donate a small monthly amount towards a Rhodes bursary. Details: www.rhodesalumni.co.uk

Rhodes Purple Legacy Reunion

Page 5: The South African, Issue 538, 29 October 2013

5thesouthafrican.com | 29 October - 4 November 2013 |

CommunityLike us on Facebook:facebook.com/thesouthafrican

Care To Taste: Join Starfish for an evening of stellar wines| Join Starfish and legendary South African wine writer Dave Hughes for wine tasting and canapés in aid of a very good causeby STAFF REPORTER

IN THE run up to World AIDS Day, Starfish is hosting a Wine Tasting on Thursday 14 November.

Following an introduction from legendary South African wine writer Dave Hughes, you will be able to enjoy canapés and taste your way through wines of the world.

The evening will feature a senses-based wine tasting equipping you with wine and food matching expertise. There will also be a fun quiz and raffle with exciting prizes to be won.

For just £25 you will be able to learn about and taste some of South Africa’s finest wines while raising vital funds to support Starfish projects in South Africa.

Starfish Greathearts Foundation is an international development charity that brings life, hope and opportunity to children who have been orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS.

In partnership with local communities they provide

holistic care to vulnerable children. Central to their work is the roll out of a range of educational services, from crèches to after school care and community wide teacher training programmes.

The Starfish wine tasting will

commence at 6pm at Investec, 2 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7QP. To reserve your place contact [email protected] or visit: www.starfishcharity.org/get-involved-uk/events/wine-tasting.

| Gavin Hood

When parents do social networking| QUEEN AND KAYA | Parents’ online relationships with their offspring seem to follow a similar pattern: being so far away, your mom or dad likes to feel closer to you by liking and commenting on everything you ever post, usually along the lines of ‘You look so lovely darling. I miss you.’by HEATHER WALKER

THOSE of us whose parents (or even grandparents) are on Facebook will understand the strange breed of virtual interaction that comes of living in different cities (or continents).

From what I’ve observed, parents’ online relationships with their offspring seem to follow a similar pattern: being so far away, your mom or dad likes to feel closer to you by liking and commenting on everything you ever post, usually along the lines of ‘You look so lovely darling. I miss you.’

Luckily I don’t yet have to deal with that – my father is something of a digital novice while my mother steadfastly refuses to go on Facebook. It’s not that she’s a technophobe, she says it will just waste too much time. She does have a point – most of us probably spend far too much time on social networking sites.

This means that as well as putting pics on social media, every couple of months I have to e-mail my parents photos of what I’ve been up to. It would be so much easier if they could see them on Facebook like everyone else. But then, they are my parents and worth the effort

I suppose.Then there’s LinkedIn, a whole

other level of connectedness. For a start, what exactly is the purpose of endorsements? It’s like one big popularity contest: people you don’t really know endorsing you for skills you may or may not possess. A bit like politics I suppose.

I was recently doing a perfunctory browse through that section on LinkedIn called ‘People you may know’. I scrolled down staring blankly at unrecognisable names and faces… don’t know her, don’t know him… don’t know… wait, hang on, I do know her! That’s my mother!

Yes, it was evident my Facebook-shunning parent had decided to enter the world of virtual networking via LinkedIn. Thus far, she had only two connections, so I sent her a ‘friend request’. Next step: (choose option) How do you know Carol? Colleague / Classmate / We’ve done business together / Friend / Other / I don’t know Carol.

Well this was inconvenient. Can’t imagine why LinkedIn has no option for family. It’s not as if nepotism could dent your business credibility in any way. (In the background I can hear my colleague grumbling, ‘Wish my dad would stop endorsing me on LinkedIn’). I narrowed it down to

‘We’ve done business together’ (do pocket money transactions count?), ‘Friend’ or ‘Other’ but in the end I opted for ‘Other’ (the Facebook equivalent of ‘It’s complicated’?)

A few days later while chatting to my mom on Skype she excitedly mentioned that she’d joined LinkedIn.

‘I know’, I said. ‘Didn’t you get my request to connect?’

‘Er no, I didn’t… ooh, but it’s lots of fun, I’ve already found two of my friends –’

‘But mom, that’s not what LinkedIn is for, that’s what Facebook is for.’

‘Yes, yes, I get that’, she replied, ‘But it’s really a wonderful way to network’. What’s the bet she’ll be on Facebook before the year is out?

CLASSIC TRAVELwww.goclassic.co.uk

BOOK & CONFIRM *£75 only* (deposit)

INSURANCE & CAR HIRE

PRICES INCLUDE ALL TAXES (gauranteed)

Tel: 0207 586 1234

Cape Town 530 Accra 480 Bue.Aires 645 Auckland 865Durban 620 Cairo 305 Chicago 509 Bangkok 449Gaborone 750 Dakar 519 LA/SFO 610 Bejing 529Harare 485 Douala 440 Manila 545 Dubai 329 Jo’burg 488 Entebbe 465 New York 399 India 459Mauritius 719 Lagos 488 Rio 529 KUL/SING 475Maputo 709 Lusaka 545 Toronto 485 Pakistan 430Windhoek 745 Nairobi 440 Vancouver 525 Sydney 699

Page 6: The South African, Issue 538, 29 October 2013

6 | 29 October - 4 November 2013 | thesouthafrican.com

Community Follow us on Twitter:@TheSAnews

Putney/Roehampton shop 1 Rockingham ClosePriory LaneRoehamptonLondonSW15 5RW020 8878 1898

BILTONG

SALE

Red hill Shop21c Holmethrope AveHolmethorpe Ind EstateRed hillSurreyRH1 2NB020 8878 1898

Putney/Roehampton shop 1 Rockingham ClosePriory LaneRoehamptonLondonSW15 5RW020 8878 1898

www.biltongstmarcus.co.uk

facebook.com/stmarcusbiltong@StMarcusltd

All Flavours of Beef Biltong: NOW £2.99 per 100g £29.95 per kgWAS £3.40 per 100g £34.00 per kg

Online promotion:Free Delivery when you spend £50 or more online.

*Terms and Conditions: To Qualify for free delivery:

Orders must be £50 or more. Offers valid while stocks last.

For October ONLY

Open 7 days a week

9am – 6pm and online 24/7, including Bank Holidays. Ample free

parking at Both Branches.

KAREN DE VILLIERS

The OPTIMIST

Life without wine?

FORGET ‘the purple hat when I am old one day’ ditty – I do not plan to subject my loved ones to eccentric behaviour when I forget my address. I am eccentric already. My biggest fear however is life without wine.

There is this man living in a care facility. Harmless, with an unnatural fetish for locks, yet obsessed with his wine. He is restricted to one glass in the evening. He thinks of nothing else, making more than a dozen trips to the fridge at all hours, just to check his wine is there. All consuming and I watch him, half saddened that his life has been so reduced, and half terrified that it will one day be me.

I am the women in all those jokes about women and wine. The ones with the lady from bygone days with witty comments like ‘my doctor told me to watch my drinking so I’m off to find a bar with a mirror’ and the like. All my female peers suffer from the same affliction. There is something about women of a certain age and a need for the nectar. Which presents two

very distinct problems.Firstly. Am I an alcoholic? Will

I be able to get through the week without wine? Why do I say I have two units a week on the NHS questionnaire with my fingers crossed? Why is it that after a long day I sometimes look forward to a glass of wine more than I do to my loved ones? Is there something wrong with me? I pride myself on being a discerning wine imbiber, yet would I in an emergency resort to box wine with suspect origins? Do I blow most of my budget on this fancy of Bacchus? Oooh, not sure I want to answer these…

More importantly. I have reached an age where metabolism has disappeared along with my ability to climb Mount Everest. Gone, capish, over. So every glass of wine I drink adds a billion calories to the hips, and tummy and just about everywhere else. I am a

barrel of sucrose and yeast. Fasting does not help; it’s all down to the white and red gods in the bottle that is making me look like a bottle of vintage export. So I have to face this ugly fact: wine is making me fat.

So here I am thinking about that man and how life will be reduced to the obsession of a glass of wine and possibly becoming one of those people who has to have a crane lift them to hospital.

Am I to face a world without Monsieur vino?

But I bloody deserve it! I need to keep the South African wines in business. It is my duty to my frazzled brain and manic lifestyle to have that ‘Ahhh ‘ moment at the end of the day. Perhaps the carers will relent and give me a bottle to help me forget I have forgotten everything else…

Till then, where’s the wine?

Nelson Mandela’s Living Legacy

| Am I to face a world without Monsieur vino?

Peace before talks - Codesa IITHE BLOODY violence of 1992 between different anti-Apartheid parties caused Mandela to realise that there was a “third force” within the state intelligence services fuelling the “slaughter of the people” and openly blamed de Klerk – whom he increasingly distrusted – for the Sebokeng massacre. In September 1991 a national peace conference was held in Johannesburg in which Mandela, Buthelezi and de Klerk signed a peace accord, though the violence continued.

The Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) began in December 1991 at the Johannesburg World Trade Center, attended by

228 delegates from 19 political parties. Although Cyril Ramaphosa led the ANC’s delegation, Mandela remained a key figure, and after de Klerk used the closing speech to condemn the ANC’s violence, he took to the stage to denounce him as “head of an illegitimate, discredited minority regime”. Dominated by the National Party and ANC, little negotiation was achieved.CODESA 2 was held in May 1992, in which de Klerk insisted that post-apartheid South Africa must use a federal system with a rotating presidency to ensure the protection of ethnic minorities; Mandela opposed this, demanding a unitary system governed by majority rule.Following the Boipatong massacre of ANC activists by government-aided Inkatha militants, Mandela called off the negotiations, before attending a meeting of the Organisation of African Unity in Senegal, at which he called for a special session of the UN Security Council and proposed that a UN peacekeeping force be stationed in South Africa to prevent “state terrorism”. The UN subsequently sent special envoy Cyrus Vance to the country to aid negotiations. Calling for domestic mass action, in August the ANC organised the largest-ever strike in South African history, while

| Frederik de Klerk and Nelson Man-dela shake hands at the Annual Meet-ing of the World Economic Forum held in Davos in January 1992

supporters marched on Pretoria. Following the Bisho massacre, in which 28 ANC supporters and one soldier were shot dead by the Ciskei Defence Force during a protest march, Mandela realised that mass action was leading to further violence and resumed negotiations in September. He agreed to do so on the conditions that all political prisoners be released, that Zulu traditional weapons be banned, and that Zulu hostels would be fenced off, the latter two measures to prevent further Inkatha attacks; under increasing pressure, de Klerk reluctantly agreed.

Hand made in South Africa, comfortable, lightweight & extremely tough. Original South African Vellies, the perfect Christmas gift.

• The Original• Weatherproof• Non-marking crepe soles• Hand-crafted in South Africa• High quality suede• 3-month workmanship guarantee• Comfortable & durable• Bush tested

Handmade SA Vellies now available in the UK

[email protected] 376 6367www.sable-safariwear.co.uk

Page 7: The South African, Issue 538, 29 October 2013

7thesouthafrican.com | 29 October - 4 November 2013 |

CommunityLike us on Facebook:facebook.com/thesouthafrican

SUPER DESTINATIONSACCRA £430

BULAWAYO £910

NAIROBI £400

CAPE TOWN £440

DUBAI £310

KUALA LUMPUR £610

ENTEBBE £425

Call us on 0203 445 5554visit www.super-destinations.co.ukemail us on [email protected] House, 1st Floor, 9 Cranbrook Road, Ilford Essex, IG1 4DU

HARARE £419

JO’BURG £430

KINSHASA £500

LAGOS £499

BANGKOK £440

NEW YORK £325

TORONTO £405

IATA 91-28561 ATOL 10713

CHRISTMAS PACKAGE SPECIALS

Hotels and flights

JO' BURG 7NIGHTS £1,030.00

HARARE 7NIGHTS £1,160.00

All taxes included

and prices guaranteed

A small deposit will secure your booking; there is no need to pay in full upfront.

South African thriller Of Good Report opens Film Africa festival

by STAFF REPORTER

FILM Africa, London’s annual celebration of African cinema, returns for a third year with a line-up of more than 60 films from across the continent, in six venues across London from 1 to 10 November.

Film Africa 2013 launches with controversial film Of Good Report from South African director Jahmil XT Qubeka. Briefly banned from showing at the Durban International Film Festival on account of its provocative, Lolita-inspired subject matter, Of Good Report is a thrilling, devilishly comic and supremely assured work from one of Africa’s most exciting up-and-coming filmmakers.

The festival will also see the UK premiere of 2013 South African/ Canadian production Jeppe on a Friday, directed and written by Arya Lalloo and Shannon Walsh. Filmed over a single afternoon by eight women filmmakers in Johannesburg’s downtown east side, this fascinating documentary reveals disparate worlds that co-exist side by side. It follows the routines of five residents of Jeppe, one of South Africa’s oldest suburbs, as they go about their day. At times, the juxtaposition of privilege and power with poverty and powerlessness makes for gruelling viewing but ultimately this is a profound and poignant snapshot of the lives and desires of a community. It will be screened at 6.30pm on Monday 4 November at Hackney Picturehouse.

On 5 November, Film Africa presents Bonfires and Revolutions: an evening of politics and protest in African cinema. Films exploring the legacy of revolutions and social change across the continent include the astonishing documentary Babylon by a trio of first-time directors from Tunisia, and which follows the refugee crisis in Libya. This special programme also includes Something Necessary, Kenyan director Judy Kibinge’s powerful and sensitively observed film about the post-election violence in Kenya in 2007. Film Africa 2013 also includes a new strand, 3 x 3, featuring three films from major

names in African cinema. We will profile the work of Chadian director Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, who has cemented his reputation as one of the most respected auteurs in world cinema in the last two decades.

His latest film, the charming and surprising Grisgris (closing night film), will be screened alongside two of his other major works, Dry Season and A Screaming Man.

Other directors featured in the 3 x 3 strand are award-winning Franco-Senegalese visionary Alain Gomis, who will present all three of his feature films in person; and experimental filmmaker and actor Mati Diop, niece of legendary Senegalese director Djibril Diop Mambety, whose film Touki Bouki, we are also screening in celebration of its 40 year anniversary.

Film Africa 2013 also celebrates Nigeria’s vibrant film industry with Coming of age: Celebrating 21 years of Nollywood, featuring special full length screenings of classics Living in Bondage and Osuofia in London.

Other highlights include a programme of innovative short

films in competition for the Baobab Award. Organised by the Royal African Society (RAS), the UK’s prime Africa organisation, Film Africa 2013 will also feature a vibrant programme of live events including music performances, directorial masterclasses and intimate Q&As with directors and other free special events for families and young people.

“The films in this year’s festival continue to reveal new images of Africa – wealthy, global and dynamic; still full of challenges, but brimming with confidence.

These films go beneath the surface of the headlines to tell stories of ordinary and extraordinary life in Africa,” said RAS director Richard Dowden.

Participating venues in Film Africa 2013 are Hackney Picturehouse, Rich Mix, Ritzy Brixton, South London Gallery, BFI Southbank, and Cine Lumiere, South Kensington.

Tickets for all screenings and events are available from participating venues and www.filmafrica.org.uk

| Film Africa 2013 launches on Friday 1 November with controversial film Of Good Report from South African director Jahmil XT Qubeka

| Jeppe on a Friday

| Of Good Report

Page 8: The South African, Issue 538, 29 October 2013

8 | 29 October - 4 November 2013 | thesouthafrican.com

Community Follow us on Twitter:@TheSAnews

South African-themed tattoos from around the world…by HEATHER WALKER

DO you have a South African themed tattoo? Send us a pic and the story behind it and we’ll add it to our gallery!

Pieter Carroll, London, UKAs I am half South African

and half English but born in South Africa I went for ‘Made in South Africa’ with this flag.

Ronny Fischer, Hannover, Germany

One of my tattoos is a South African themed tattoo. It’s on my upper arm. But there’s no spectacular story. It’s just because I love the country. I’ve been there several times for holidays and some round trips. It’s my own design so it’s unique.

Basically there is ornate lettering called “Spes Bona”, which means ‘good hope’ in Latin. It is also used in the coat of arms of the Western Cape province. And around it there are several South African signs

| We asked our readers to send us pics of their South African themed tattoos: which is your favourite?

like the protea, the springbok, grapevine leaves, bushman paintings, sunrise and sunset, the ocean waves, the Drakensberg mountains, a Kokerboom and the Table Mountain brand logo. On the top is a secretary bird, the national bird in the South African coat of arms. Alex ‘Bokkie’ Ferguson,

Bristol, UKI got this tattoo on the first day

of the World Cup in 2007 when France played Argentina, to prove my determination for the Bokke to win!

Charlene Jennings, Nottingham UK

My very first tattoo on my 18th birthday, while on holiday back home in South Africa.

Calvin WhittleBasically its just a tat of Africa

in tribal style! If you look carefully you will see a dolphin and a sting ray in the pattern! Just a reminder of were I come from!

23

4

5

12

3 4 5

1

| Even if you just can’t make it home to see your loved ones this year, use your photos to make a beautiful photo-book printed and delivered in SA - a cost effective and fabulous gift

Send your memories home as beautiful, durable photobooks

by STEVEN HOOK

IN recent years the photo book phenomenon has taken the western world by storm. It’s a new way of preserving and sharing our precious photomemories that is perfect for ourdigital age, when some of ourmost precious memories arevulnerable to deletion throughcomputer malfunction or cameratheft. However, a beautiful anddurable physical alternativeexists.

South Africans are only now beginning to see that they can use an online SA company and save not only a lot of money but have quicker delivery times.

As the market expands and competition increases, so service delivery and customer support become an essential component of the new industry which is rapidly growing.

The leader in the market of this photo-revolution in SA is RapidStudio, a spinoff brand of a well-established digital print company with three decades of experience in the industry, owned operated by South

African brothers, their products all subscribe to a “made in South Africa by South Africans” slogan.

RapidStudio is a service-driven company, and pride themselves on their ability to provide best-in-class customer service, support and transparency.

With a dedicated multichannel team of support agents available at extended hours, their customer testimonials are always glowing and appreciative.

RapidStudio’s director Shaun Bowen describes with pride how each product produced is deeply personal:

“These are someone’s memories, someone’s happy moments.

“Customers entrust RapidStudio with very intimate work, and its “paramount that we fulfill on our

guarantees”.Now providing free delivery

for orders over R190 throughout South Africa

“We pride ourselves on our exceptional service delivery; the service level we’ve managed to attain is one of the biggest keys

We pride ourselves on our exceptional service delivery; the service level we’ve managed to attain is one of the biggest keys to our success in this industry.

to our success in this industry.“The idea of having something

so personal, something you have poured a labour of love into, delivered as a physical keepsake to the family and friends back home is a very powerful one”.

To check out the service, go to

the website at:www.rapidstudio.co.zaEmail: [email protected] Call: +27112250300skype: rapidstudio.support

Or find Rapid Studio on Youtube for informative vidoes of our unique process.

Page 9: The South African, Issue 538, 29 October 2013

9thesouthafrican.com | 29 October - 4 November 2013 |

CommunityLike us on Facebook:facebook.com/thesouthafrican

by HEATHER WALKER

THE deadliest killers in the Southern African animal kingdom may have nothing on Australia’s snakes and jumping spiders, but they are pretty fearsome in comparison with anything UK and European expatriates have to worry about finding at the bottom of the garden...1. MosquitoMalaria is only spread by the female Anopheles mosquito. They are most active around dawn and dusk.

It is believed that between 600,000 and one million people die from malaria in each year. 90% of these deaths are in sub-Saharan Africa. Most of these are children under the age of five.

2. Puff adderDue to its wide distribution, potent venom, and highly cryptic coloration which makes it prone to being stepped on inadvertently, the puff adder is thought to kill more people than any other African snake, accounting for nearly 32,000 deaths per year and many more disabilities, according to Wikipedia.

3. HippoHippos are said to kill 2,900 people annually in Africa. Male hippos actively defend their territories along the banks of rivers and lakes. Females have also been known to get extremely aggressive if they sense anyone coming in between their babies, who stay in the water while she feeds on the shore.

Hippos can run at over 20 miles an hour and they have enormous jaws with up to 20 inch canines.

South Africa’s top 10 deadliest killers of the wild

4. CrocodileStatistics show that crocodiles kill roughly 3,000 people a year with hundreds of fatal attacks attributed to the Nile crocodile in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Crocodiles have very strong and powerful jaws that they use to bite their prey with extreme force.

Its said that the force of a crocodile bite is in excess of 5,000 pounds per square inch which is considered the strongest bite of any animal.

Compare that to an 800 per square inch bite by a hyena.

4. ElephantZoologists estimate elephants kill 500 people a year worldwide.

African elephants, especially older bulls and young males, can be aggressive even when they’re not provoked.

Most deaths occur by the elephant trampling their victims to death.

In places where poaching is rife and/or the elephants’ habitats are threatened, elephants are more aggressive.

6. BuffaloKnown in Africa as one of the big five, ‘The Black Death’ or ‘widowmaker’, the African buffalo is widely regarded as a very dangerous animal as it gores and kills over 200 people every year.

Buffaloes are sometimes reported to kill more people in Africa than any other animal, although the same claim is also made of hippos and crocodiles.

Buffaloes are notorious among big game hunters as very dangerous animals, with wounded animals reported to ambush and attack pursuers.

7. Black mambaThe Black Mamba is the largest venomous snake in Africa with adults reaching an average of 2.5m in length. Black Mambas are not black at all, but brown or olive skinned. They are aggressive when

cornered and will not hesitate to strike. They can reach speeds of up to 12 mph (20 km/ph).

From 1957 to 1963 over 900 venomous snakebites were recorded, but only seven of these were confirmed black mamba bites.

From the 900 bites, only 21 ended in fatalities, including all seven black mamba bites – a

100% mortality rate.Although black mamba

antivenom is now widely available and bite victims can rapidly access adequate treatment in most of Africa’s medium to large cities and nearby areas, some severely impoverished African nations do not always have antivenom in stock, as it is very expensive, even by Western standards.

One example is Swaziland, where the black mamba mortality

rate is still close to 100% because of the lack of antivenom and proper care methods.

8. LionMozambican refugees regularly crossing Kruger National Park at night in South Africa are attacked and eaten by lions.

Park officials have conceded that man-eating is a problem there. Lions are said to kill 10 at

| While it is difficult to obtain precise numbers of fatalities, here is a list of ten animals and insects that cause the most human deaths in South Africa. And you may be surprised to hear that sharks are nowhere near the most deadly…

least people a year in the Kruger.

9. Great white sharkEvery year around 100 shark attacks are reported worldwide.

Seventeen fatalities were recorded as having being caused by shark attacks in 2011, out of 118 recorded attacks.

According to the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board, South African shark attack records over the last four decades confirm that attacks are rare, with an average of only six incidents per year.

From 1990 until 2011 there have been a total of 139 unprovoked great white shark attacks. Since 1990 only 26% of attacks have resulted in serious injury and only 15% were fatal.

This equates to an average of one serious shark-inflicted injury every year along some 2000 km of coastline from the Mozambique border to Table Bay (Cape Town).

10. RhinoWhile the African rhino is fighting to survive and their numbers are dropping at alarming rates due to poaching, it’s still important to keep your guard if you get the chance to see one in the wild. A recent report about a young woman being gored by a rhino in South Africa illustrates how unpredictable and deadly the animal can be.NOTE: This list excludes humans, who are probably responsible for more deaths than any other African animal, except perhaps the mosquito.

Page 10: The South African, Issue 538, 29 October 2013

10 | 29 October - 4 November 2013 | thesouthafrican.com

Community Follow us on Twitter:@TheSAnews

by STAFF REPORTER

SOUTH Africans must note that if they want to apply for British citizenship, they have to apply for the Retention of South African citizenship before they acquire British citizenship, in order to safeguard their SA citizenship.

This way their SA citizenship is protected and they are able to hold dual citizenship.

If you fail to formally apply for dual citizenship permission before becoming a British Citizen through naturalisation, you will automatically lose your South African citizenship.

It is possible to re-instate one’s

Retaining your South African nationalitySouth African citizenship once it has been lost, but may cause quite an administrative hassle.

The process to retain your South African nationality has two stages. The first is to apply for a Certificate of Non-Acquisition from the UK Home Office.

This is a letter confirming that you have not yet acquired British nationality.

Once this letter is received one will be able to submit the second stage of the application to the South African High Commission.

This is when you will be applying for your Certificate of Retention, which will mean that, when you become a UK national, you will still retain your South

The return of the Veldskoenby STAFF REPORTER

GIVEN the rise and rise of the Wellington boot from rural staple to Glastonbury Festival must-have, it should come as no surprise that beautiful, comfortable yet hard-wearing frontier footwear should be available today in colours like purple and red.

Yet that is exactly what Sable SafariWear are now importing into the UK from the factory where they have been manufactured for decades: the classic veldskoen, to shoes what the LandRover is to cars in that part of the world.

South Africans swear by them. Durable, hard wearing, sensible, fun. What every shoe should be. And Sable SafariWear owners Graham and Alison know you soon will too.

Hence their decision to come to the UK and set up shop, so that you can also experience the joy of a pair of well-fitting ‘vellies’ for yourselves.

Sable SafariWear’s range at the moment is quite simply the original suede veldskoen,

in a variety of seven or eight colours including navy blue and chocolate. It’s what it should be: a design that has evolved over many hundreds of years.

The uppers are of thick suede, weatherproof and very hardy, with non-marking crepe soles.

Every pair of Sable SafariWear ‘vellies’ is hand-crafted and carries a 3-month workmanship guarantee.

The veldskoen’s (‘field shoe’) robust yet superbly slip-on-able design – Graham calls them ‘outdoor slippers’ – features soft leather uppers sewn into the traditional manner onto a leather foot bed and crepe sole, without the use of tacks of nails.

Sable SafariWear delivers wherever the Royal Mail delivers, and you can find out more at www.sable-safariwear.co.uk.

Brought to you by

Call 0808 168 2055

:: Note: The above exchange rates are based on “interbank” rates. Make use of a Rate Notifier to send you alerts when the South African exchange rate reaches levels you are looking for. For expert financial advice on tax, foreign exchange and more, make ‘first contact with us at 1stcontact.com

by COURTNEY HUMPHRISS

The South African Rand firmed against the Pound but softened slightly against the US Dollar after Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan vowed to stick to spending cuts and revealed that the nation’s budget deficit will be narrower than expected next year. Gordhan’s comments strengthened the Rand as investors saw the South African Government taking firm action to stave off economic troubles the nation has had.

Weaker House Price and Import Price data, than what was expected, emerged from the US and this helped the Rand stay firmer against the US Dollar. Key US data being released on Tuesday such as

Gordhan’s budget soothes Rand jittersthe USD Advance Retails Sales will give insight into consumer demand and confidence and the USD Consumer Confidence data which will follow data formerly mentioned. These could be major market movers for the USD/ZAR relationship.

Although SA annulled its bilateral investment treaty with Germany last week, we will see German key data released on Wednesday and German Consumer Price Index data released on Thursday which will determine the strength of the Euro which in turn will affect the Rand as the Euro zone is one of South Africa’s major trading partners.

This will be a big week for major currency data from the US, Germany, the Euro Zone and China;

| The former Mod and colonial favourite is back to conquer the UK through superior quality, comfort and bold new styling

African nationality, and will thus be a dual citizen of both South Africa and the UK.

This application can be done in person or post.

For more information on retaining your South African citizenship or for assistance in this regard, please contact our offices.

JP BreytenbachDirector of BIC, Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Limited.www.bic-immigration.com or [email protected]

this should keep investors on their toes.

GBP / ZAR: 15.88EUR / ZAR: 13.54USD / ZAR: 9.81NZD / ZAR: 8.14Exchange rates as of 8:59 (GMT),

28 October 2013.

Page 11: The South African, Issue 538, 29 October 2013

11thesouthafrican.com | 29 October - 4 November 2013 |

BusinessLike us on Facebook:facebook.com/thesouthafrican

by STAFF REPORTER

THE Savanna is pleased to announce the launch of its new mobile-optimised website, built to support the company’s growing online business.

The digital platform runs double the speed of the previous site and makes shopping online easier than ever.

The revamped site, which goes live this week, combines a fresh look and feel with improved recommendation features as well as social media integration.

The site’s navigation capabilities have also been greatly improved with better search functionality, product information and a streamlined cart and checkout feature. Gardshol said, “with customers accessing our site 40% of the time via mobile phones

The Savanna launches brand new mobile optimised website

and tablets, we wanted something that was more Android and Apple friendly.

“Our online team are planning a number of new initiatives that we can leverage off this and we’re really pleased with the new look and feel”.

This is the fourth major overhaul to the site in ten years, and this investment makes shopping online effortless.

To take advantage of the new site, Savanna encourages customers to sign up to its weekly newsletters, where there will be a series of special offers and discounted deals. Visit TheSavanna.co.uk now for everything from Creme Soda to fine Stellenbosch wines.

by STAFF REPORTER

OUR range at the moment is quite simply the original veldskoen. In a variety of seven or eight colours. It’s what it should be: a design that has evolved over many hundreds of years. Thick suede, very hardy.

Very much counter to modern trends in footwear - low-tech not high-tech,

In South Africa, picture of Prince Harry.

Colours are more likely to bring

it into fashion. There’s a purple, a black, a navy blue, a chocolate.

Vegetable dye.

The leather is mainly from Botswana.

We buy from a factory in Cape Town.

Last.

Glastonbury.

| One of the SA expat community’s most trusted retailers is bringing the full Savanna experience to your smartphone

Gordhan delivers more discipline, few frills in pre-Election budget

by BRETT PETZER

FINANCE Minister Pravin Gordhan on Wednesday delivered the medium-term budget policy statement (MTBPS) that many South Africans long for: a definitive move towards a leaner, more disciplined civil service and government.

In many an expatriate forum, the chief concerns about the state of the Beloved Country are – after safety and security – the almost baroque extravagance of senior government officials and the culture of corruption which is seen to go hand in hand with it, percolating all the way down to the pettiest Home Affairs official and traffic policeman.

Many of the most distasteful excesses of the past few years – for example, Northern Cape Premier Sylvia Lucas’s R50,000 KFC bill – will no longer be possible after the Treasury cancels the many, many Government credit cards so beloved of high-end hoteliers and restaurateurs.

Yet opposition parties were mostly critical of the bill, refusing to praise the government for simply trying to institute a new culture of dignity and probity in public service: this, they insist, should already be the status quo.

The pro-business aspect of Gordhan’s budget should go some way towards reassuring investors and the private sector that their funds and talents remain welcome in South Africa.

In this sense, the budget is a brave move for the ruling party at a time when new political forces such as the EFF are seizing up political real estate to the ANC’s left and Cosatu is growing increasingly restive within the tripartite alliance.

In what is the Treasury’s last major event before the 2014 elections, Gordhan delivered little that was new where the big-ticket items of growth, jobs, natural resources and the National Development Plan (NDP) are concerned.

In this area, the budget’s general feeling is a little tightening here and a little finessing there rather than any radical departure from expectations.

Gordhan restated the Treasury’s faith in the NDP as the over-arching blueprint for equitable growth, maintained funding on South Africa’s growing list of major infrastructure projects, and in maintaining and bolstering the current regime of social grants and health and education spending.

But Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Mulder was not taken in, declaring that the government discipline measures flowed more from a lack of funds than from civic virtue, saying of the new financial rectitude that it “really…should have been done 20 years ago.”

The DA’s Shadow Finance Minister, Tim Harris, concurred, calling the MTBPS mostly a smokescreen for the lack of real intervention against the greatest

threats of South Africa’s future prosperity.

“Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s budget is full of reassuring rhetoric, but not nearly bold enough in tackling South Africa’s serious economic problems” said Harris in a statement yesterday, noting that South Africa continued to be outpaced by similarly-sized middle-income economies.

He noted that Gordhan had identified what need to be done – the resolution of labour disputes, electricity shortages and other supply-side disruptions – but had failed to make any concrete plan to get there.

Parties to the left of the ANC broadly praised the budget policy statement, although some felt that it did not go far enough to advance the social justice and economic transformation agenda.

| South Africans are united in their approval for the cutting of ministerial perks, government luxury travel and accommodation, and State credit cards for higher-ups. But this budget’s appetite to tackle the major constraints on growth have proven to be a matter of tense debate

Praise for the new austerity expected of senior civil servants, however, was nearly universal – a sign that South Africans across the political spectrum have had enough of the culture of excess-with-impunity at the top.

Spending for the 2014 Budget will amount to R1.24 trillion in

financial 2014/5, against a revenue projection of R1.086 trillion for the same period.

Overall GDP growth forecasts for the coming year have been revised downward from 3.8 per cent to 3 per cent while the budget deficit is expected to fall by 0.4 percentage points to 4.2 per cent.

Perks cut for civil servants include:• No more State

credit cards• No business-class

travel within SA except for ministers

• Flats instead of hotels for officials

• No claiming back for use of private vehicles

• Standardised cars, bought in bulk

| The new theSavanna.co.uk mobile site promises to make shopping for your essential South African treats easier, faster and better - now you can order koeksisters while on the Tube!

Email: [email protected] are including taxes & subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply.

FR £489FR £280FR £520FR £263FR £575FR £510FR £467FR £677FR £490FR £429FR £689FR £330

Worldwide TravelDevonshire House

582 Honeypot Lane Stanmore HA7 1JS

Call us for more destinations!

0208 7325486

BANGKOKCAIROCAPE TOWN DUBAIDURBANHONG KONGJOHANNESBURGMELBOURNENEW YORKSINGAPORESYDNEYTORONTO

Page 12: The South African, Issue 538, 29 October 2013

12 | 29 October - 4 November 2013 | thesouthafrican.com

Follow us on Twitter:@TheSAnewsBusiness: Classifieds

FOOD & DRINK

CAMBRIDGE & VIL-LAGESToft Shop – Village Shop & Post Office

SUSMAN’S BEST BEEF BILTONG CO LTDIf you’re missing home give us a call, supplying you with all your favourite South African products and more. Phone: 01273 516160 Fax: 01273 51665 Web:www.biltong.co.uk Email:[email protected]

NO1 SOUTH AFRICAN SHOPLots of lekker stuff for a taste of home. Including fantastic biltong, droewors and boerewors. 5 Marlow Drive, St Catherines Hill, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 2RR. The shop is about 2 miles north-west of Christchurch town centre and 6 miles north-east of Bournemouth town centre. There’s loads of free parking and the shop is easy to get to from the A338. Tel: 01202 49604110’ish to 6pm 7 days a week.www.no1southafricanshop.co.uk

IMMIGRATION

SERVICES

THE CHICHESTER BILTONG COMPANYwww.biltongcompany.co.ukThe best of British from a friendly bunch of South Africans who made Sussex our home. But there was one thing we couldnt live without from our native land..Biltong! So we made our own using traditional recipes handed down through generations. We only use the finest prime British beef!Get our “readers 10% EXTRA FREE” offer by using the VOUCHER CODE ‘SA10’

CRUGAHome of CRUGA biltong. Cruga’s factory shop offers a full range of South African and Zimbabwean groceries plus boerewors, droewors and of course biltong. Tel: 01908 565 432 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cruga.com Address: Tilers Rd Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes, MK11 3LH

KALAHARI MOONThe Southern African Shop in Bristol.Wide range of stock including excellent boerewors and biltong. Centrally situated, friendly service. Connecting South Africans. Tel: 0117 929 9879 Address: 88 - 91 The Covered Market. st Nicholas Market, Corn Street, Bristol, BS1 1JQ Email: [email protected] Website: www.kalaharimoon.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Call Exceed UK now for a no obligation discussion on +44 (0) 870 060 0996.

www.exceeduk.co.uk

Company formations and Secretarial ServicesBusiness planning & development • Management support • Team training & development • CFO/FD

Services • pay only for time required by your business • Compliance Services • Accounting Services •

Profit improvement programs • Taxation planning • Personal and Corporate • Contracting solutions

Use accountants that do more than ‘crunch’ the numbers... let us help grow your business

SERVICES

SEASONAL

BILTONG DIRECTBiltong Direct, in the business of making superior South African meat products since 2004. Online or from our shop (directions on website – www.biltongdirect.co.uk). Retail and wholesale sales.We manufacture Biltong, Droewors, Snap Sticks, Boerewors & Gluten and MSG free products, offer quick dispatch and a 100% Satisfaction guarantee. Call 01268-685728

SA SHOP DIRECTORY

LIMPOPO BUTCHERSWe believe in small, well run family businesses, where quality is the number one priority. Come and try our delicious traditional recipe biltong, drywors, and boerewors, as well as aged beef steaks, chicken flatties, and succulent lamb.9 Horn Lane, Acton, W3 9NJTel: 020 8993 8823 www.thesaffashop.com

SAVANNAGood friendly customer service is Savanna’s core principle. Our standards are high, and our rapidly-expanding network of shops are clean and bright and well-laid out, with friendly first-rate staff. Find us at: 20-22 Worple Road, Wimbledon London SW19 4DH Call us at: 0208 971 9177 Online: [email protected]

ST MARCUSOne of the most amazing emporia the capital offers to the carnivorous gourmet. People have been flocking to St. Marcus for their amazing range of Biltong & BoereworsVisit us at: 1-3 Rockingham Close, Priory Lane, off Upper Richmond Road West, Roehampton, London SW15 5RWCall us at: 0208 878 1898Online: [email protected]

Design B Photography Portrait, Lifestyle and Wedding Pho-tographerCapture your moment and frame it to keep forever. I am a London-based mobile photographer who will come to a location of your choice, allowing you to enjoy your photo shoot in the comfort of your home.Contact Leanne on 07522554093 or [email protected]

THE AFRICAN CORNER Three miles off Junction 26 of the M5 in the centre of Wellington, Somerset, TA21 8LS.A family run business for your Padkos. Biltong, Boerewors, Droewors, Rusks and other Nik Naks. Pull in if you’re in the West Country or find us online at www.theafricancorner.co.uk and we’ll come to you.Email: [email protected]: 01823 619184

LIFESTYLE

1-3 Rockingham Close Priory Lane, RoehamptonLondon SW15 5RW

21c Holmethorpe AvenueHolmethorpe Industrial Estate, Redhill, Surrey RH1 2NB

Tel: 0208 878 1898www.biltongstmarcus.co.ukEmail [email protected]

Gold Medal Winners for Beef Biltong and Boerewors 1998.

Triple Crown Winners 2010Ostrich * Kudu * Springbok * The

South African

CHICHESTER BILTONG COMPANYBILTONG doesn’t get any better than this ! Arguably the best and most authentic South African biltong in the UK. WE ONLY USE ORGANIC SPICES. Our FINEST range has no e’S , gluten, sugar or preservatives. Use promo code SAFFA10 for 10% EXTRA FREE. www.biltongcompany.co.uk / 01243 699 722

1st Contact Visas are regulated and authorised to provide immigration advice/services by the Immigration Services Commissioner number F200100004.

0808 141 1620www.1stcontactvisas.com/[email protected]

Contact us to discuss your eligibility and all your options!Have all the visas changes left you confused? 1st Contact Visas have the skills, knowledge and experience to take all the hassle away. We have helped thousands of people move around the world, be it to immigrate, travel or work.

We offer a full suite of visa and immigration services:

1st Contact Visas

4405

2

> Indefinite Leave to Remain

> Tier 1 Extensions

> Tier 2/Work Permits

> Ancestry Visa and Extensions

> Student/Tier 4 Visa Extensions

> Spousal/Partner/Fiancé Visas

> EU Registration and Residency

> Naturalisation and Registrations

> British Citizenship Status Traces

44052_Visas_South_African.indd 1 29/03/2012 14:14

SNOGGY’SOur staff pride themselves on the level of personal service they offer. We have the best matured steaks top class cuts at very affordable prices. We season your meat for free and even offer cooking advice and ‘take home’ cooking instructions. We look forward to seeing you [email protected]

A World Wide Tax Solution Company is the answer to all your tax problems

and needs.

WORLDWIDE TAX SOLUTIONS

Contact: Teresa Tel: 07789952025

Email: [email protected]: www.worldwidetax.co.uk

Administer and enforce laws of taxation within the UK and Internationally Advice and consult on all matters of taxation Accountancy Services and Formation of companies 20 years South African tax experience

WWTS CAN OFFER:

Allow WWTS to clean up for you!

Is your tax situation a mess?

Page 13: The South African, Issue 538, 29 October 2013

13thesouthafrican.com | 29 October - 4 November 2013 |

Like us on Facebook:facebook.com/thesouthafrican Zimbabwe Community

Chinese man found with 100kg of ivory in Zim

by AMRIT MATHARU

ON Monday 21 October a Chinese national was arrested in Zimbabwe with 100kg of raw and processed ivory in his possession.

It has been reported that Zimbabwean police found 17 elephant tusks on the 34-year-old, who is currently in custody awating a trial date.

According to The Telegraph Zimbabwean villagers sell elephant tusks for approximately £300 each

Zimbabwe’s Mr Ugly returns to defend his title in December pageant finale

by STAFF REPORTER

IT is almost that time of the year again: when Zimbabwe holds the “beauty pageant with a difference” – the fourth edition of the annual Mr Ugly competition.

Last year the pageant was cancelled because the idea was allegedly “hijacked” by people who decided to host their own Mr Ugly contests.

In order to prevent this from happening again Lovemore Chonzi, the main organiser, has issued a warning to “those running our pageant illegally” that “tables will be turned this time around” if they dare try such dirty tactics again.

In previous shows there have been around 30 contestants battling it out for the crown of Zimbabwe’s ugliest face.

This year Chonzi said that the organisers have “cast their net wider and have contestants from across the country participating”.

William Masvinu won the 2012 Mr Ugly competition (allegedly organised by one of Chonzi’s rivals) and became an instant celebrity in Zimbabwe.

He won US$100 and an overnight stay in a Harare hotel for him and his wife.

He was disappointed that the pageant did not do much to change his life.

He still works as a porter and has not been offered any television, music or entertainment contracts. Masvinu was named Mr Ugly Harare on 18 October 2013, setting

to people involved in cross-border trading. Some tusks resell for up to £10,000 in spite of a CITES ban on all ivory trading.

Caroline Washaya-Moyo from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority commented, “The current seizure and arrest should send the proper message to would-be-offenders”.

It is not clear whether this arrest is connected to the massacre of 300 Zimbabwean elephants as a result of a poisoned watering hole.

the stage to defend his title at the national final in December.

His prizes so far include US$1, 500, a work uniform of overalls and safety shoes and a year’s school fees for one child. He told The Herald that winning Mr Ugly was a blessing and that he was not ashamed of his “God-given gift”. He feels that being ugly makes him “special in some kind of way.”

Last year Masvinu’s wife Alice Chabhanga told New Zimbabwe, “I know that my husband is very ugly, that’s the reason I supported his participation in this contest. We came here for glory and we got it. She added that on the plus side she was confident she could keep him

to herself because ‘other women would shun him.’Besides US$1 500 for the winner, corporate sponsors had come on board with packages for runners-up and their families, including work clothes, groceries and school fee payments. Mr Chakanyudze, a representative of corporate sponsor Lifel, said, “We believe that ‘beauty’ comes in different forms. In support of its cause, we have decided to give all participants a complete work suit that includes safety shoes and rain coats. We will also pay school fees for three terms for the winner and one term for the first runner up,” he said.

| William Masvinu (right) with a fellow competitor

| Zimbabwe’s reigning ‘Mr Ugly’, William Masvinu, has made it to the national final of this year’s pageant that celebrates ‘the other side of beauty’

| Zimbabwean police found 17 elephant tusks on the 34-year-old Chinese national on Monday

Page 14: The South African, Issue 538, 29 October 2013

14 | 29 October - 4 November 2013 | thesouthafrican.com

Travel Follow us on Twitter:@TheSAnews

Eternal Egypt - now more accessible than ever

|The magnificent Temple at Luxor (Image: Flickr/David Berkowitz)

by BRETT PETZER

EGYPT should be everyone’s first serious overseas trip, our group agreed over breakfast. From the chaos of the airports to the assertiveness of the touts, hawkers and assorted fortune-tellers, incense consultants and pose-with-a-Pharaoh impresarios, the country offers a masterclass in the art of contemporary travel.

But beyond the reality of a country in which 80 million people are trying to make a living any way they can, and the cheerful Faux-gyptian pomp (a salt cellar in the form of the sky-goddess Nut), Egypt’s wide and deep ancient and mediaeval history shimmers like the golden cap on the Great Pyramid.

This was the banter and these were the dogmas as we landed in Cairo, emerging into a great and glorious heat and then immediately into a tourist taxi whose air-conditioning was so high-octane that our exhalation frosted the windows.

That is a second constant of travel in what Herotodus called ‘the Gift of the Nile’ - there are still two Egypts.

They are no longer Upper and Lower Egypt, the former stern and perpetually at war with the Nubians, the latter, half-decadent cosmopolitans adept at trade and naval warfare (everyone gets very good at Ancient History for Dummies very quickly because of Egypt’s long distances).

Rather, the two Egypts of today is the air-conditioned world of the tourist and the rather difficult

country in which the largest nation in the Arab world is trying to survive year by year.

What gives travel in Egypt its especial flavour is watching these two worlds intersect and then separate, over and over: for example, travel to the Pyramids has been slow during the time of Egypt’s great people-power upheavals, but they are substantially less crowded when you get there.

For once, the greatest work achieved by humankind up to that point glistens mutely in the sun and, for a moment, you have access to their gravitas and sheer magnetism - something like looking at Everest (I hear) or Mont Blanc - without a constant imprecation to buy, to move on, to haggle or to sidestep the hagglers.

This matters because Egypt is littered with great works from the world’s first advanced state outside China - an African superpower that engineered its way into eternity when Rome was still an unfashionable village in a wolf-infested part of the barbarous Etruscan empire.

The sublimity of temples that greeted our sedate Nile cruiser as we made our way from Cairo to the ancient cities I only knew from Asterix books slowly rose as we left the very bustling cities behind.

At Luxor, for example, the temples are large and lonely. What Napoleon called ‘forty centuries’ of sunlight has bleached them, so that, like the Greek temples, they present an austere and highly photogenic

vision to the world when really, in their prime, they were vividly and exuberantly coloured like fairly inexpensive costume jewellery.

The shock of turning a corner in one of the temple complexes and spotting, somewhere up high under an eave, a small patch of the original colour glistening like a gem in the half-darkness finally helps one understand how long forty centuries is. I am convinced that another part of training your eye to understand the colossal time scale Egypt offers, however, is the entirely appropriate pace of the Nile cruisers.

These sizeable (but never very large, because of the river depth) boats have all the conviviality built-in, because groups are small, meals are communal and attractions are staggered day by day. The freedom of these cruises is two-fold: firstly, there are few truly high-end options, but the standard is generous and comfortable rather than fashionable. This makes a South African feel instantly at home, and helps your chances of making meaningful friendships on board that no one else is there for the quintessential cruise ship experience. They have all come to see a civilisation that sits at the dawn of the Mediterranean’s emergence as a cradle of world power, and, when you’ve seen your thousandth hieroglyph, there are easeful days of bronzing on the deck, fresh and indulgent cuisine and slow travel to look forward to.

As fellow Africans travelling in a land in turmoil, we did sometimes have a pang of conscience: were we doing right by enjoying ourselves in a country in turmoil? The answer we established years ago in Zimbabwe still held: this country needs tourist money more than ever. It’s no hardship if all the best attraction happen to be less crowded. There were specials on everything, so we spent all the money we had planned to, but it went further.

After forty centuries of splendour and about five decades of dictatorship, it’s quite something to know that Egypt may, for a change, have a future as well as a past.

| It takes a special kind of courage for the budget traveller to go anywhere that has recently been on CNN. But Egypt in 2013 warmly rewards that kind of courage: yes, the recent political upheaval is very visible, but the country’s greatest attractions are still serene, timeless - plus, for once, uncrowded and affordable.

| ABOVE | Elephantine Island in the cataracts of the Nile still has a decadent colonial languor to it. The island is extensively irrigated and feluccas ply their trade up- and downriver all day, ensuring easy passage across the Nile (Image: Flickr/David Berkowitz (cc) David Berkowitz www.marketersstudio.com)

|The Nile Cruiser (Image: Flickr/David Berkowitz)

|The very Agatha Christie deck of the grande dame of Nile hotels, the Old Cataract Hotel

Page 15: The South African, Issue 538, 29 October 2013

15thesouthafrican.com | 29 October - 4 November 2013 |

SportLike us on Facebook:facebook.com/thesouthafrican

by JEREMY BORTZ

AS I said last week, a great team doesn’t become bad overnight and the Proteas confirmed this in emphatic fashion as they won the second Test by an innings and 92 runs to draw the series.

The win extended the unbeaten away run to 12 series, the Proteas last lost an away series in 2006 against Sri Lanka, and captain Graeme Smith said it is a record the team are particularly proud of: “It’s an immense record and we are very proud of it. We want to go on and win more series, dominate, we want to play good cricket set a standard and we are on the right path.”

South Africa were beaten badly in the first Test but they learnt quickly and adapted. The bowlers were already hitting better lengths by the second innings in Abu Dhabi, and by the time Dubai came, they were at their best. Dale Steyn passed a late fitness test and bowled beautifully on the first morning while recalled leg-spinner Imran Tahir, brought in to provide more penetration and an attacking option, also delivered, picking up five wickets and the first inning and a further three in the second.

Having being dropped in Australia after recording the most expensive wicket-less figures in

Proteas return to winning aways with Dubai victory

Test cricket, Smith was obviously delighted with Tahir’s return. “It was great to see him bowl so well,” Smith said. The batsmen displayed far better shot selection, patience and resilience to occupy the crease and post a huge total. Smith played one of his finer innings and he and AB de Villiers took the game away from the opposition with a South African record 338 run fifth wicket partnership.

In scoring his fifth double-hundred, and his fourth as captain, only Brian Lara of the West Indies has more as captain with five, Smith joined an elite list of only 11 others players who have scored more than 9000 runs in Test cricket.

Perhaps more impressive, Smith sits behind only Sunil Gavaskar for the most runs as an opener while more than 90% of his runs have come as captain.

De Villers provided fine support and his 17th Test century was also one of his best.

He certainly rode his luck but great players take their opportunities and his 164 saw him swap spots with Hashim Amla at the top of the ICC standings. Attention now turns to the shorter formats with the first of five one-day internationals on Wednesday before the tour wraps up with two T20 internationals.

by TRACY ANDREW

IT has been a fantastic 8 week season of Active Touch at all our London venues, with new teams and complete beginners to teams that have been playing since Active Touch started 2 years ago in London. However it doesn’t matter how many times you have played Active Touch, everyone who plays it loves this fa paced, intense indoor sport! Due to popular demand last season we decided to open up a new Active Touch venue at Play on Sports in Canary Wharf, which was an amazing success.

We had four teams enter into the league: Canary Dwarfs, Razzle Dazzle, Look Don’t Touch and Individually Active. Some of

Final week of Active Touch late summer action in Londonthe individual teams had played Active Touch in the Wandsworth competition, so they knew the rules and structure of the game. This made them the team to beat and although there were some close games, they are still unbeaten.

For the Tuesdays League at Wandsworth we had 4 teams competing for the top prize; Galaxy, Hot Custard, Ralph Wiggums Wingmen and Hot Custard Jagermaestros.

When the time came for the league final, a club clash meant that Hot Custard has both their teams in the final: Hot Custard played Hot Custard Jagermaestros for the top prize. In the end the Hot Custard team won the game 8 -6. We have had the strongest

| The new Canary Wharf Action Touch venue is already a huge success, proving that this fast-paced sport has unrivalled ability to bring Londoners together league since starting Active

Touch in London on Thursday evenings at Wandsworth. The teams consisted of Hot Custard, Tumeke, BBR London and Hot Custard Jagermaestros, all with the ability to win the title. The playoffs were a fun, fast paced game with Hot Custard vs Hot Custard Jagermaestros playing for the 3rd position. The players were having

so much fun while still trying their best to guarantee the win for their team. John Boyes and Laurie Young were in fine form for Hot Custard Jagermaestros producing some amazing touchdowns. Their team did all they could but Hot Custard were also on top form with Angela Verniquet and “Alan/Steve” scoring some great touchdowns putting Hot Custard into the lead. The final

score was 16 – 12 to Hot Custard. There are new leagues starting from the 4th November in both venues on Mondays at Canary Wharf and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Wandsworth. To enter a team or as an individual into any of these leagues, you can register on our website at www.in2touch.com or you can send an email to [email protected]

Page 16: The South African, Issue 538, 29 October 2013

4134

6

> Kickstart & UK Bank Accounts 0808 141 2305

> Money Transfers 0808 141 1688

> Tax Refunds 0808 141 2325

> Accounting & Limited Companies 0808 141 2271

> Visas, Migration & Immigration 0808 141 2252

> Travel Clinic 0808 141 2322

> Umbrella Payroll 0808 141 1698

www.1stcontact.com/group

All the services you need for living and working in London from the Financial, Migration and Tax Experts

Your essential contacts list

41346_Grp_SAfrican_BkBanner_2012.indd 1 29/03/2012 14:00

SPORT29 October - 4 November 2013 NEWS FOR GLOBAL SOUTH AFRICANS www.thesouthafrican.com

PROTEAS SMASH PAKISTAN IN DUBAI ONE-DAY WIN P15 BRAND NEW ACTION TOUCH VENUE POWERS AHEAD P15

By STAFF REPORTER

THE SHARKS on Saturday deservedly earned the title of Absa Currie Cup champions as they produced a fine performance against DHL Western Province in front of a passionate crowd in Cape Town for a 33-19 victory and the R1,8m winners cheque.

The Durban team led from start to end as they took advantage of several penalties conceded by the hosts throughout the clash, while nippy scrumhalf Charl McLeod scored two tries to nudge the team into a comfortable lead.

The defeat for Western Province brought a disappointing end to their first home final in 12 years and dashed their hopes of a fairy-tale end to the season after advancing to the final unbeaten.

DHL Western Province’s play-makers Gio Aplon and Cheslin Kolbe tried hard to create try-scoring chances throughout the match, but the hosts were forced to settle for a single try by inside centre Damian de Allende to show for their efforts as the Sharks’ defence held under pressure.

In stark contrast the visitors created a handful of chances, but were denied on two occasions due to infringements in the lead-up to these attempts.

McLeod’s efforts aside, Springbok flyhalf Pat Lambie’s influence was also instrumental in what was a fantastic team effort,

SHARKS SNATCH CURRIE CUPas he kept the scoreboard ticking with penalty kicks and drop goals at crucial times, which proved invaluable for their confidence and to keep the side ahead on the scoreboard.

Apart from The Sharks’ impressive defence, they were also superior in the lineouts, and they contested the breakdowns fiercely, which put them on the front foot.

Lambie opened up the scoring with a penalty in the third minute, which McLeod backed up with a stunning try in the fifth minute for a 10-0 lead.

Western Province hit back with a try by De Allende four minutes later who opted to bash his way through the defence for their first and only try of the match. Two more penalties and a drop goal for Lambie to only two penalties by Western Province flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis before half time earned the hosts a narrow 19-13 half-time lead. Catrakilis managed to close the gap to 19-16 early in the second half, but Lambie continued to do damage with the boot despite the home team’s efforts as he added two more penalty kicks and a drop goal to his personal tally.

McLeod added his second try of the match 17 minutes in following a good run of play sparked by Lambie, which handed the visitors a morale-boosting 30-19 lead.

The Sharks had a chance to inflate their lead even more with fullback SP Marais dotting down the ball

over the tryline, but the attempt was denied as the pass was forward and his foot was in touch.

With time running out Western Province kicked for touch twice with 10 minutes left on the clock in an attempt to stage a late comeback, but both their efforts were countered by the tenacious Sharks’ defence.

With the hosts’ hopes of a victory dashed, Lambie slotted over his second penalty of the half two minutes from the final whistle to secure their first title since 2010.

There was some respite for

Western Province, however, as they earned a handsome R1,2m reward for finishing the competition as the runners up.

In the Absa Junior Provincial Championships, DHL Western Province were crowned the Under-21 champions following their 30-23 victory against the Vodacom Blue Bulls in the curtain-raiser to the Absa Currie Cup final, and the Vodacom Blue Bulls took the title in the Absa Under-19 competition following their 35-23 win against the MTN Golden Lions. In the Absa Currie Cup promotion-

relegation clash between the Steval Pumas and GWK Griquas in Nelspruit on Friday, meanwhile, the Pumas earned their promotion into the Premier Division next season thanks to their 33-15 victory.Scorers:DHL Western Province 19 (13) – Tries: Damian de Allende. Conversion: Demetri Catrakilis. Penalties: Catrakilis (3), Kurt Coleman.The Sharks 33 (19) - Tries: Charl McLeod (2). Conversions: Pat Lambie. Penalties: Pat Lambie (5). Drop Goals: Lambie (2).

| Willem Alberts of The Sharks on the run during the Absa Currie Cup final match between DHL Western Province and The Sharks at DHL Newlands on October 26, 2013 in Cape Town (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

| The Sharks surged to Currie Cup victory at Newlands in spite of high hopes for Province in their first home final in 12 years and an unbeaten advance. A strong KZN defence held against repeated incursions from the home side while Pat Lambie’s superb work helped his side to a 33-15 victory