The SA issue 07

South AfricanThe FreeCONNECTING SOUTH AFRICA AND NEW ZEALAND

Issue number 007

Goodbye Miriam Makebasee page 12

Great SA Sportsmen - Hansie Cronjesee page 16

Inside

February 2009

The SA issue7.indd 1 11/2/09 11:42:29 AM

Mission Statement “The South African Magazine shall provide current, high quality, relevant editorial on subjects relating to the links between South

Africa and New Zealand.

It shall also be a platform for South African immigrants living in New Zealand to advertise their products and services.”

Happy New Year, everybody. I sincerely hope that you have an incredible 2009

and that all of your dreams, hopes and aspirations for this year come true.

Already the doom & gloom merchants of this world are predicting a difficult time in 2009 with the potential for huge job losses and a continuation of the downturn in the economy which began last year. I believe that this will be a challenging time, but we need to be positive about our individual situations. There is no point in getting enveloped in the world’s problems when you are the single most important person in the influencing of your own personal situation. Hold on to your job, look for opportunities, take on extra part time work, and work harder. Remember the saying:” When the going gets tough, the tough get going”. Adhere to this philosophy and you will make it through 2009 and beyond.

I would like to say a big “thank you” once again to our regular advertisers ….. you make this magazine! We have gleaned a few and lost a few over the past issues but you must remember that irrespective of the market you cannot stop advertising. Continual advertising is the heartbeat of your organisation. Do not take down your signs and posters and hope for the best, keep advertising. Cut down on non-essential expenses, be frugal and reduce waste. Look at all your costs with a critical eye. I am a great believer in networking with your fellow business operators. Look around and meet with your suppliers, colleagues, business friends, tighten your business relationships and pass business their way. When you give you will receive. Take time to mentor with those who are in need. Everyone is waiting for Key and Obama to change the world, don’t wait, go out and do something yourself.

Every first Friday of the month SANZ hosts a South African social get together at The Browns Bay Bowling Club. If you want this function to have a little light entertainment and food provided, please let me know so that we can organize it. These evenings have been very well supported in the past when we have organized proper entertainment, but poorly supported if nothing is arranged. For the first Friday in March we have booked a music band, however, if there are any budding caterers out there that can offer their services and provide food for the evening that would be great. Give me a call, and let’s get something put together that will be good fun for everyone!

Come on, SAFFERS! Let’s kick off 2009 with a bang.

Regards, Peter Woodberg

editorFrom the

South AfricanThe

All rights reserved. “The South African” is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without the consent of the Editor. Opinions expressed in the magazine are those of its contributors and not necessarily those of the Editor. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the Editor assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences of reliance on this publication.

EDITORSPeter Woodberg

(e-mail: [email protected])

Ted Woodberg (e-mail: [email protected])

mob: 021 791 284

ADVERTISING Peter Woodberg

(e-mail: [email protected])

GENERAL ENQUIRIESTelephone: 09-520 4107Facsimile: 09-520 4127

POSTAL ADDRESSThe South African

P.O. Box 300 155, Albany, AUCKLAND 0752

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONSSANZ Chairman - Brian Casey

ph. (09) 476 1996 email. [email protected]

SANZ Business Group - Lesley Langer ph. (09) 970 3837 email. [email protected]

Die Afrikaanse Klub - Phillip Langenhoven email. [email protected]

Front cover: We present the last of the big five: the African Leopard!

Chicken SteakGrande Meal $15.90

Nando’s – Takapuna Beach162-168 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland

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Classic Chicken Breast Burger Grande Meal $13.90

1/4 ChickenGrande Meal $12.90

BBQ RibsGrande Meal $15.50

Chicken Breast PitaGrande Meal $14.90

Chicken WrapGrande Meal $13.90

TenderloinsGrande Meal $15.50

Veggie StripsGrande Meal $14.90

Chicken Mediterranean Salad $13.90

Chicken EspetadaGrande Meal $15.90

Grande Meals includeregular side and 600ml drink

Oral Satisfaction

THE SOUTH AFRICAN MAGAZINE

• Fred’s Fine Foods, Torbay• The South African

Shop, Browns Bay• The South African Shop,

Whangaparaoa• The South African

Shop, Howick

• Janssens Butchery, Browns Bay• Inside Africa, Albany• Inside Africa, Botany• George Deeb, Takapuna• Penguinos, Browns Bay• Nandos, Albany• All other SA related outlets

LIST OF OUTLETS

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South African

Chicken SteakGrande Meal $15.90

Nando’s – Takapuna Beach162-168 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland

(09) 489 3004Open 11.00am – 9.00pm 7 days

Nando’s Glenfield – New Zealand’s First31B Link Drive, Wairau Park, Glenfield (09) 443 3589

Open Sunday – Thursday 11.00am 9.30pm,Friday & Saturday 11.00am – 10.00pm

www.nandos.co.nzFlame-grilled Peri-Peri Chicken Restaurants

Supremo Chicken Burger Grande Meal from: $16.90

Classic Chicken Breast Burger Grande Meal $13.90

1/4 ChickenGrande Meal $12.90

BBQ RibsGrande Meal $15.50

Chicken Breast PitaGrande Meal $14.90

Chicken WrapGrande Meal $13.90

TenderloinsGrande Meal $15.50

Veggie StripsGrande Meal $14.90

Chicken Mediterranean Salad $13.90

Chicken EspetadaGrande Meal $15.90

Grande Meals includeregular side and 600ml drink

Oral Satisfaction


WE pRESENT pART THREE OF A FASCINATING SERIES WRITTEN by HEATHER DOUGlAS.

You’ve got a great idea for a business, a service or product you’ve decided to launch - but how do you go about setting a price? On the one hand, you risk pricing yourself out of the market and losing valuable sales by going in too high, however, on the other, you don’t want to sell your product or service for less than its real value.

Pricing is not an exact science, but there are several accepted methods of arriving at a figure which can be useful, either on their own or in combination.

It’s worth spending some time arriving at a price which suits your and your market’s needs.

The methodsThe most common methods for

determining price are the cost-plus model and the competitor-model. The latter is based on what your competitors charge for theirs similar product in the same market. Finding out what they are charging is often a matter of making a few calls, or getting someone to make them on your behalf. You will want to be sure you are comparing apples with apples though, as there may be many variables which influence the price.

The other common method is to add all the costs involved - material or products, labour, postage, overheads and anything else - and then add a percentage mark-up to reach a final price.

Both these methods are valid and have their uses - and it’s a good idea to price your goods and services both ways to help you arrive at a ballpark figure. However, don’t just blindly apply the formula - some of your competitors may be about to

Running a home business in New Zealand

go out of business because they can’t sustain enough orders to maintain their low margins, and you don’t want to repeat their mistake!

So, what is it really worth? The most common way to gather this kind of market intelligence is to hold

formal or informal focus groups. This could simply involve taking half a dozen customers or potential customers out to morning tea and discussing your ideas, and asking what they would be prepared to pay for your product or service. It’s important that you outline the product or service carefully, and that the sample you choose is representative. Investigate different options too - you could easily find that by adding one or two small additional services or features, or for instance the ability to pay monthly, that you can lift the product or service into a different category with a higher margin.

In determining your price you will want to define, and bear in mind, the market you are targeting and the quantity you can sell. For instance, a water bottle aimed at school kids may sell in greater volume, but at a lower margin, than a similar product aimed at hikers. The latter would no doubt be all aluminium, have a sipper nozzle, a belt clip and perhaps even a cover, while the school model would be indestructible and made of brightly coloured plastic.

Add value to increase priceUsing the above example, mothers who have replaced a multitude of drink

bottles because the cap has gone missing may be prepared to pay more for a model which has a tie holding the cap to the bottle, while hikers may pay a premium for an insulated model which keeps drinks cool when they are sweltering in the sun. The premium paid for these additional features is usually much more than the minor additional cost of manufacturing them and you should take highly desirable features such as these into account in pricing. You can also add perceived value by packaging your product differently, or bundling a service and presenting it in a great, glossy brochure.

It’s never easy to determine your price, but it is fundamental to the profitability of your business so it’s important to get it right.

Article supplied by Home Business New Zealand. Visit www.homebizbuzz.co.nz today for heaps of free information, advice, resources and tools to help make running your business fun, easy and successful - including a free directory listing and monthly newsletter..

Heather Douglas

pricing your product Or Service

G E O R G E D E E B

B a r r i s t e r s ~ S o l i c i t o r s ~ N o t a r i e s P u b l i c

G E O R G E D E E BA S S O C I AT E S

94 Anzac Street Takapuna AucklandTel: 09 486 1415 | [email protected] | www.georgedeeb.co.nz

For expert legal advice, from a team with 30 years combined experience in New Zealand and South African law, call us.

We’ll help you sort out your affairs and make sure your new life in New Zealand is successful.

Property - Trusts and Estate Planning - Company and Commercial Business Law - Immigration - Matrimonial

ENSURING YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR PRACTICE

Are you SorTed?

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1066 NBA Migrant Sth Africa press_2aj.indd 1 30/9/08 4:08:01 PM

A HElpING HAND FOR NEW bUSINESSESNATIONAl bANK OF NZ IS CURRENTly lOOKING AT ASSISTING THE MIGRANT MARKET, ESpECIAlly Ex-SOUTH AFRICANS. HERE ARE THEIR pROpOSAlS:-

Setting up a new business can be hard enough at any time, without the extra challenges of setting one up in a

new country. But a unique approach from The National Bank is making it easier for new migrants to establish – and grow – their own business in New Zealand.

“Our whole philosophy is that if our customers succeed, we succeed,” says Will Groenewald, Senior Manager of The National Bank’s Migrant Business Banking team. “That means going beyond normal banking services, and proactively working with our customers to help their business succeed.

“For example, one of the biggest issues South African businesspeople face when they arrive here is that they don’t have the networks they had back home. We help our customers overcome that by introducing them to our own business networks, putting them in contact with people who can help.

The Bank’s ‘helping hand’ approach goes much further.

A key component is the unique online Business Resource Centre that provides business customers with access to an extensive library of business information, tools and resources. They also offer practical, hands-on workshops on key aspects of business in New Zealand. It’s all designed to help their customers succeed – and it’s completely free.

“The Business Resource Centre is a fantastic asset for businesses,” says Will. “Migrant customers tell us there is nothing remotely like it in their home country. It’s a great example of the way we support our customers to succeed with their business.”

The National Bank has a dedicated migrant banking team, which gives migrant customers a dedicated point of contact for all their banking needs. They can help migrants with information about products and services offered by The National Bank before they leave and help them settle in when they arrive. Like Will, they are all migrants themselves (many from South Africa and Namibia), which means they have first hand understanding of the issues involved in settling in to a new country.

“We’re also in the process of creating some additional resources designed specifically for migrants,” says Will. “We’re developing a workshop and Solution Guide with important things new migrants need to know about setting up a business here.”

To find out more about The National Bank’s unique approach to helping migrants succeed in business, contact Will Groenewald by email ([email protected]) or phone him on (09) 3569131 or 027 2577689.

The National bank part of ANZ National bank limited

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CONGRATULATIONS!

The OR Tambo Airport came to a standstill on Saturday morning, 20th September 2008, when South Africans

came in their numbers to welcome back the country’s Paralympic stars from the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Between them they had netted 21 gold medals, 3 silver and 6 bronze. The hero of the day was swimmer Natalie Du Toit, who has lost her left leg below the knee. She ALONE had bagged 5 gold medals. Following hard on her footsteps was Oscar Pistorius, affectionately known as “blade runner”

South African paralympic Starsbecause he has lost BOTH legs below the knee and runs on two prosthetic legs and feet. He brought home 3 gold medals. Hilton Langenhoven also brought back three golds for his performance in the field events.

Philippa Johnson (on Benedict) attained 2 golds for her equestrian performances. Other gold medalists were Fanie Lombard (discus throw), Fanie van der Merwe (track events),

Ernst van Dyck (road race hand cycling), Ilsa Hayes (long jump), and Charl Bouwer, Shireen Sapiro and Kevin Paul (for swimming).

Well done, all of you! You have made your country extremely proud!

Hilton langenhoven

Ernst Van DykFanie lombardphilippa Johnson

Natalie Du Toit

Oscar pistorius

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South African paralympic Stars

Richard Pearce | Mobile 027 535 7535 | After Hours 09 479 2621 [email protected] | Albany | Phone 09 415 8460 | www.barfoot.co.nz

1063

6ALB

Richard, Marianne and Michael Pearce emigrated to New Zealand in mid 2005. “We stayed with friends in Murrays Bay for a few days when we arrived, and quickly rea-lised that the East Coast Bays were a great area to live in. Top schools, the fantastic beaches, quiet suburbs with convenience and easy access to the motorway were an unbeatable combination. We have been in Rothesay Bay ever since…..”

Marianne and Richard both studied at Rhodes University, and have been married for 29 years. During that time, they lived in most cities in South Africa. Their last SA move was to Cape Town in 1994 when Michael was born. Richard owned and managed the Paint Warehouses in Montague Gardens and Tableview before making the move to Real Estate. Marianne secured a job as a teacher aide within one month of arriving in New Zealand, and is still in the teaching fi eld. The latest addition to the family is a small catamaran. “This puts a whole new perspective on the East Coast Bays. With multiple beaches to choose from, water sports could not be simpler…Hook up the trailer, within two minutes you drive onto a beach, off-load and hoist sails, and head out into a huge bay. A quick sail between 5 and 7pm is an amazing end to a day!!!”

Two countries, two real estate companies with amazing histories…In Cape Town, Richard worked for Acutts Real Estate, South Africa’s oldest Real Estate company established way back in 1850 in Durban by Robert Acutt.

Acutts focused on Kwazulu Natal and specifi cally the wider Durban area until the late 1990’s, when the group expanded nationally. Richard was one of the fi rst agents in the newly established Tableview offi ce, which grew signifi cantly in the three years that he was with them. On a personal basis, Richard sold over 60 properties during this period, and motivated and organised the opening of new sales offi ces in Blouberg and Parklands.

Richard is now with Barfoot & Thompson, New Zealand's largest privately owned real estate company, with over 900 salespeople in over 60 branches throughout Auckland and Northland. Barfoot & Thompson is still run by the Barfoot and Thompson families after more than 80 years. Barfoot & Thompson consistently sell around one in three houses in the Auckland area . Richard says “Being with the market leader is fantastic, and a huge advantage, giving buyers a wider selection and sellers more exposure.” His area of focus is residential properties in Albany and on the East Coast Bays and lifestyle proper-ties in the surrounding areas.

Richard’s specialty is working with buyers to fi nd the property that is right for them. “The North Shore offers a huge range and choice. A good understand-ing of the market and your requirements is essential. Finding the right property in

a new and strange environment can be a daunting task. I am always happy to commit the time and effort to make this an easy process for new arrivals and established residents alike. So please give me a call if you are considering purchasing or selling.”

“The recent market adjustments and interest rate reductions make this a great time to be buying property, either as a home or as an investment. Contrary to much of the bad press, well presented and well priced properties are selling really quickly. My advice to buyers is to take advantage of this short win-dow of opportunity, and get into the market when it is most affordable.”

Cape Town to Auckland

Residential or Lifestyle Your Choice

Two countries, two real estate companies with amazing histories…

Acutts focused on Kwazulu Natal and specifi cally the wider Durban area until the late 1990’s, when the group expanded nationally. Richard was one of the fi rst agents in the newly established Tableview offi ce, which grew signifi cantly in the three years that he was with them. On a personal basis, Richard sold over 60 properties during this period, and motivated and organised the opening of new sales offi ces in Blouberg and Parklands.

Richard is now with Barfoot & Thompson, New Zealand's largest privately owned real estate company, with over 900 salespeople in over 60 branches throughout Auckland and Northland. Barfoot & Thompson is still run by the Barfoot and Thompson families after more than 80 years. Barfoot & Thompson consistently sell around one in three houses in the Auckland area . Richard says a huge advantage, giving buyers a wider selection and sellers more exposure.”focus is residential properties in Albany and on the East Coast Bays and lifestyle proper-ties in the surrounding areas.

Richard’s specialty is working with buyers to fi nd the property that is right for them.ing of the market and your requirements is essential. Finding the right property in

We cover the full Property & Price ranges across North Shore and Rodney.

Please contact me if you are considering buying or selling property.


Emergency Immigrationand Insurance Medical Services

Excellent rates.During and after hour service.Free follow up consultation.Family discount rates.Best X-ray price and service.

IMMIGRATION MEDICALS0800 4 MEDICAL 0800 463 342

Call Christel for all yourImmigration Medicals.

IMMIGRATION INFORMATION FOR NEW KIWIS

Specialists and private health servicesShould you require specialist medical care, you will need a ‘referral’ from

your GP. If you prefer a private specialist you (or your insurer) will be required to pay all fees.

The public specialist health system is free, but you may be put on a waiting list depending on the status of your condition relative to other patients.

Hospitals New Zealand has 85 public hospitals, including some with specialised

facilities for the elderly and people with disabilities.Free comprehensive serviceWith minor exceptions, such as some kinds of cosmetic surgery, hospital

treatment is provided free of charge. Nobody can be refused emergency care because they cannot pay. If they are not a New Zealand resident, they may have to pay for some services. Waiting times for surgery vary from hospital to hospital. If your case is urgent, you will be put on an urgent waiting list.

Interpreting servicesMost of the bigger public hospitals have an interpreter service for patients

whose first language is not English, but patients can use family members or friends as interpreters if they wish. Some areas offer an interpreter service free of charge.

Ambulance servicesAmbulances are provided by non-profit, community-based services in

most parts of the country. They may make a part-charge of up to $70 to help with running costs.

Maternity Care and Child Health

This issue: New Zealand’s public health system

MATERNITy CAREThe care needed during pregnancy and childbirth is free. This covers

everything from the diagnosis of pregnancy to pre- and post-natal care for mother and baby. You can choose to have your baby at home, although most babies are born in hospital. There is no charge for hospital stays, which generally last from two to five days. Women who have miscarriages are also cared for without charge. Approved abortions are free.

MidwivesMost women are cared for throughout their pregnancy and at the birth

by an independent midwife, though some women choose a local maternity hospital, or a GP who provides maternity care. If women need specialist care they can choose to be referred to a free hospital clinic or to a private specialist.

Specialist careShould your family doctor, or a midwife, refer you to specialist services

within the public system, these will be provided free of charge.If you choose a private specialist for your maternity care, you will have

to pay all fees.Further information is available from any GP or Midwifery Centre in The

White Pages. A Maternity Helpline is also available, freephone: 0800 686 223 (0800 MUM2BE) or visit www.everybody.co.nz/pregnancy

Continuing with part six of this series produced by North Shore Immigration Services to assist new immigrants to NZ

We continue with this topic that began last issue:-

The Government partly subsidises the cost of GP care for some patients, while others pay the full cost of

$45 to $55 a visit. Visits to a GP on the weekend or at night usually cost $10 to $15 extra. The Government pays $35 of the fee for children under six; many doctors do not charge a fee on top of this, which means the visit costs you nothing. The subsidy for children aged 6-17 years is $15. If you are a beneficiary, on a pension, a student, or on a low income, you may be eligible for a Community Services Card. This entitles adults to a $15 and children over six to a $20 subsidy on GP visits. Similar subsidies are available with a High Use Health Card for people with conditions requiring frequent medical care.

Age Group Cost

Adults $45-$55

6-17 year olds $20

Children under 6 Free

General practitioner visits

Weekend and evening appointments may cost $10-$15 extra.

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This issue: New Zealand’s public health system

In identifying the problems Neil was able to come up with solutions that would appeal to ‘small to medium’ sized companies. The idea was to develop a voluntary group scheme concept that (a) incorporated the appeal of group benefits; (b) removed the administrative ‘hassle factor’ that created hurdles and burdens for companies; (c) enabled small to medium companie s to provide benefits to their staff; and (d) qualified individual employees to group benefit rates.

H e a l t h W e a l t h Preservation Ltd (HWP) was registered and Neil and his business partner set about creating the insurance, medical, mortgages and investment modules that would suit the brokerage; the insurer (major insurance providers); the employer (small to medium companies) and their employees (the insured). It was essential to Neil that all the mutual parties maintain a ‘win-win’ situation.

This win-for-all situation was achieved with a view to build a sustainable client base for HWP by providing a negotiated preferential rate to the small to medium companies (the client); while simultaneously increasing the quality and stability of clients to the respective insurers. One of the biggest problems insurance providers face, is the high degree of ‘switching’ that occurs within the industry.

This occurs when brokers move their clients from one insurer to another insurer simply to generate repeated commission. On a sliding scale, the main benefit is to the broker and the least benefit is to the insurer, while the client can be found somewhere in between.

The HWP business model means that, as the broker, we receive less commission by offering the reduced premium rate to the small to medium companies (the client). The small to medium company, in turn, passes this reduced premium rate on to their employees. The premiums available are typically 10 to 25% less than an individual person would pay outside of the HWP scheme.

The insurance and medical providers with whom HWP are affiliated, were approached and selected based on their status in the New Zealand market. All these relationships are facilitated by HWP and there is no underlying agreement or interest with, or from, any insurer. Occasionally, brokers may have another agenda, or are subject to constraints from their insurance providers to reach targeted levels of business in order to qualify for additional commission rates. In some cases the insurer will reserve the right to review the levels of business placed with a competing insurer, and in so doing, may veto a client’s opportunities to the best possible rates on offer.

HWP offers voluntary group insurance and medical schemes which are subject to application and acceptance by the insurer, and our service is to

assist with the completion, submission and processing of the paperwork so that there is a minimum hassle to the client.

The success of HWP over the la s t 6 year s i s c o n f i r m at i o n t h a t voluntary group schemes are working well for small to medium companie s and their employees, and HWP concept is worthy of consideration. The retention of clients and the significant growth of HWP are indicative of a sustainable model and provides proof that all

parties benefit accordingly. When and where necessary, we pride ourselves on being able to negotiate favourable terms and conditions for our clients.

It should be noted that while voluntary group schemes provide flexible solutions to the discerning business owner, in certain circumstances compulsory group insurance and medical schemes will provide substantial benefits as well. In a compulsory scheme, automatic acceptance levels are provided, meaning that an amount of insurance cover can become available without ‘underwriting’ and pre-existing medical conditions can be covered under a subsidized medical group scheme.

Companies or groups - from a few staff members to larger groups - can contact Neil Clarke at HWP on 09 915 0100 or [email protected] for a free evaluation, assessment and needs analysis to determine whether the facilities offered by HWP would be of benefit to your company and your staff.

THE BENEFITS OF GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEMESNeil Clarke is an ex-SA insurance broker who has made it big in the local market by identifying problems and providing solutions that are meaningful to both employer and employee…

After arriving in New Zealand almost 10 years ago and securing employment with an insurance brokerage, Neil Clarke soon identified that group insurance schemes in New Zealand were not popular with a significant number

of employers. This attitude towards group schemes did not exist because New Zealand employers were reluctant to provide benefits to their staff, instead, group schemes were unattractive due to the fringe benefit tax (FBT) imposed, as well as the administrative burden of paperwork that needed to be completed. Another factor that did little to promote the popularity of group schemes, resulted from ‘small to medium’ size companies being unable to qualify for optimum group benefits due to their smaller staff numbers.

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When I left South Africa in 1992, I had no idea that

I would wind up in New Zealand. The son of a South African mother and a French father, I was born in Canada, but the family moved to South Africa when I was six.

I trained as a marine biologist and switched to medicine after completing my master’s degree; the sea remains a major interest and I am still a keen recreational diver.

I studied medicine at UCT going on to complete my training as a Plastic

Surgeon at Groote Schuur Hospital. It was in Cape Town that I met my wife, Lauren. With my formal studies

completed, as I fondly imagined, and the arrival of our daughter, Catherine, we decided that it was time to take a deep breath and hit the immigrant trail.

In 1984 I had spent a few months working in the U.K. which experience was enough to convince me I did not want to return. So, we set our sights on USA and our first stop was in Atlanta, Georgia.

We found the Americans we met and worked with, the salt of the earth

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and despite believing we were fully prepared, still suffered enormous culture shock. As anyone who has been there will tell you, in America, you’ll see the best and the worst, and we did all that and more. We spent two and a half years there whilst I worked on expanding my skill base in advanced techniques of reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, training under some of the world’s leading experts.

During this time, our second child, Matt was born, and with him, a desire to return to the land of my birth. We left in a U-Haul truck, loaded with all our worldly goods and some very fond memories.

Our next stop was in Toronto, Canada, where I worked for two years in the Hospital for Sick Children, training specifically in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery.

While there, I sat the Canadian Specialist Plastic Surgery Fellowship exams.

By the end of this training block, I had done 13 years of advanced surgical training, after completing medical schooling and felt I was ready to find a “real” job.

The children were approaching school-going ages and my wife, burdened with repeated house-moves and living like medical gypsies, was becoming increasingly mutinous. I had to face the fact that my life as a professional student was no longer tenable.

Application letters resulted in several offers, including jobs in London, Rhode island and Nova Scotia, but the most interesting, and most unexpected, as it was completely unsolicited, came from Middlemore Hospital in New Zealand.

To cut a long story short, after a flying “look-see” visit, I brought the family out in July 1997. Our six years of drifting about, like mussel sprats on the tide, had finally seen us settle on a most delightful, if completely unexpected, shoreline.

For ten years I worked at Middlemore Hospital, paying my dues and using my skills in craniofacial and cleft surgery to good effect. I also took the local Specialist Fellowship exams in Plastic Surgery, deciding that I would never write another exam again. Whoever said that exams get easier with time, was fibbing!

During this period I gradually built up my private practice and in 2008 when the ever-increasing bureaucracy and constraints in the public system had become intolerable, I went into private practice full-time.

I maintain my interest in cleft lip and palate surgery, traveling overseas every year to operate on patients in third-world countries under the auspices of various charitable organisations.

I offer the full spectrum of non-surgical treatments, such as all dermal fillers and skin care modalities, as well as the more advanced surgical interventions.

My major interest and area of greatest expertise is facial rejuvenation, reconstruction, and restorative interventions for people who have suffered facial trauma (including birth defects, accidents and adverse consequences of other surgery). I do a lot of work in ear and nose reshaping and reconstruction.

Plastic surgeons operate on every part of the body and every age of patient: because of the breadth of my training I am also able to offer a full palette of other procedures, from skin cancer resection and reconstruction to scar revision; liposuction to dermabrasion; lower body lifting and tummy tucking, to breast lifting, reduction and augmentation.

Our family are now fully integrated Kiwis. The kids talk with a strange local accent and see the world from a uniquely South Pacific perspective. We regard this place as home and are glad that the ocean currents of fate carried us here. It’s really not a bad old rock to have settled on.

We present the story of a South African plastic surgeon who travelled the world and finally settled in new Zealand…..and why not?!

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Proposed new Medical centre in Northland regional shopping centre, adjacent to The Warehouse and other national tenants.

Great opportunity for a Doctor wishing to establish a new practice and have a great lifestyle.

For more information please contact:Richard Parkinson- 021 374427 or John Baker – 09 3583246

[email protected]

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NSIS Christmas party - Mathew and Michelle Fineburg, Anne and Malcolm McDonald

browns bay beach on New years Day


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Dr Bernie BrennerMB BCh (Wits), FRCOG, FRANZCOG, MBA, M Phil, BA (UNISA)

Gynaecologist and Uro GynaecologistSpecialising in:•Female Urinary Incontinence and Urodynamic

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THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC SCENE

Goodbye, Mama Africa!MIRIAM MAKEbA

Passed away on Monday, 10th November 2008 in Italy after experiencing a heart attack while leaving the stage

from a notable concert that was performed in support of another activist, Robert Saviano.

Miriam was always known as a South African anti-apartheid activist, so her death so soon after the performance has been seen as her final sacrifice to the worldwide cause of freedom in the face of dire dictatorship.

She fell ill from osteoarthritis after performing at a concert that was aimed at removing organized crime from Italy in the small southern Italian town of Baia Verde. She died after being rushed to a clinic in the town of Castel Volturno, Southern Italy.

Her death reverberated around the world because she was truly recognized as South Africa’s most successful “musical activist” and a lot of her songs that became famous around the world were aimed at the unfair “separatist” system that was being practiced in South Africa at the time.

At her funeral, Nelson Mandela said:-“The death of our beloved Miriam has saddened

us and our nation. Her haunting melodies gave voice to the pain of exile and dislocation which she felt for 31 long years.

At the same time, her music inspired a powerful sense of hope in all of us. She was South Africa’s first lady of song and so richly deserved the title of “Mama Africa.” She was a mother to our struggle and to the young people who are now our future.”

Miriam was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 4th March 1932. As a child she sang at the Kilmerton Training Institute in Pretoria, which she attended for eight years.

Her professional career began in the 1950’s when she formed her own group, The Skylarks, interpreting American jazz into South African melody and tradition.

In 1959 she performed in the musical “King Kong” alongside Hugh Masakela, her future husband. Hugh has gone on to become another South African icon jazz trumpeter after a rather stormy relationship with Miriam during the sixties.

Her most important breakthrough into show business emerged when she

appeared as the star of an anti-apartheid documentary Come Back, Africa in 1959. She attended the premiere of the film at the Venice Film Festival and immediately her bonds with the European community began.

In the early sixties her SA passport was revoked due to her radical beliefs about apartheid so she ran away to London where she met Harry Belafonte, international impresario. He was instrumental in getting her into the United States where she released most of her famous songs including “Pata Pata,” “The Click Song” and “Malaika.”

She liaised with Belafonte to produce an album entitled “An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba” which dealt specifically with the plight of black South

Africans under apartheid.Automatically she won attention on the

international stage as lead singer of the band “The Manhattan Brothers.”

She was present at the “Rumble in the Jungle” boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in 1974 held in Zaire, singing her way into the top billing of the curtain raiser to this famous boxing encounter.

After much encouragement from Nelson Mandela in 1990 she returned to South Africa in 1990 and soon after her tumultuous arrival she starred in the film “Sarafina!” about the 1976 Soweto youth uprisings as the title character’s mother “Angelina.”

In January 2000, her latest album, Homeland, produced by Cedric Samson and Michael Levinsohn was nominated for a Grammy Award in the “Best World Music” category.

In 2004 Miriam Makeba was voted 38th in the Top 100 Great South Africans.

Unfortunately her private life was strewn with a number of serious tragedies. She was often beaten by her first husband and her only daughter Bongi died in 1985 as a result of Aids. Her subsequent three marriages all ended in failure and she passed away a lonely woman.

Miriam Makeba will always be remembered as the “peace soldier” in the fight for democracy in South Africa.

We love you, Miriam, and we, as free-thinking South Africans commiserate with your family in their time of grief.

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pOlITICAl INSIGHTS:

The legacy of Thabo MbekiWe present an honest account of the flawed legacy of South Africa’s ex-President, Thabo Mbeki, as written by Marian L Tupy of the Wall Street Journal, Europe.

President Thabo Mbeki, who has led South Africa since 1999, agreed

on Saturday 20th September 2008 to go quietly after the ruling ANC asked him to resign. Mr. Mbeki leaves behind a largely incompetent government fraught with nepotism and corruption, and a despondent country with weakened institutions, declining education and health standards, out-of-control violent crime and an HIV/AIDS pandemic. Troublingly, Jacob Zuma, the man who is likely to replace Mr. Mbeki, inspires even less confidence for the future of South Africa.

To understand the disappointment of the last decade in South Africa, it is important to contrast Mr. Mbeki with his predecessor. When Nelson Mandela emerged from his 27-year incarceration, he preached forgiveness and compassion and set about to forge a nation in which the whites – his former jailers – had an important role to play. Mr. Mbeki, on the other hand, remained a Marxist ideologue who never overcame the pain and prejudices of his life in exile.

In Mr. Mbeki’s view the West oppressed the rest of mankind. Obsessed with race and colonialism, Mr. Mbeki undermined the response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa. To him, orthodox science “portrayed black people…. (as) victims of a slave mentality.” Rejection of the HIV/AIDS orthodoxy was necessary to confront “centuries-old white racist beliefs and concepts about Africans.” Hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, of South Africans died needlessly while Mr. Mbeki defended scientists who claimed AIDS was not caused by HIV.

Similarly, it was Mr. Mbeki’s warped ideology that led him to support Zimbabwe’s dictator.

Robert Mugabe couched his devastating economic policies in revolutionary terms -- as a just fight against alleged British plots and other delusions. For eight years Mbeki begged for more time for his “quiet diplomacy” to work while Zimbabwe burned. If the recent power-sharing deal between Mr. Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai works, it will not do so because of Mr. Mbeki’s diplomacy, but because of his departure. Mr. Mugabe may yet find it more advantageous to compromise with Mr. Tsvangirai than to deal with Jacob Zuma who has criticized Mugabe in the past.

Mr. Mbeki’s foreign policies have seen him cozy up to Cuba, Iran and Libya. South Africa’s intelligence minister visited Iran last year where he praised Hezbollah and Hamas. In sum, Mr. Mbeki never encountered an anti-Western tyrant he did not like.

At home, he exhibited the authoritarian tendencies he had learned during his stint in the Soviet Union. He transformed the state-owned South African Broadcasting Corporation into a personal propaganda machine that banned some of his critics from appearing on it. He banished some of his competitors in the ANC by accusing them of trying to assassinate him.

Mr. Mbeki was rightly praised for following good macro-economic policies that saw the budget deficit and public debt fall, and growth increase. But being tight with the public purse did not make Mr. Mbeki “business-friendly” ….SA business entities are heavily taxed (35%) and highly regulated. They

also have to follow onerous race guidelines in employment and promotion that are highly prejudiced against white employees. Micro-economic over-regulation has kept growth low (expected to come in at 2% this year) and contributed to a 26% unemployment rate. The number of people living in absolute poverty has doubled since the ANC came to power in 1994.

Mr. Mbeki’s breathless drive to monopolize power has led him to attack the independence of the judiciary. According to a High Court judge, he tried to influence the judicial proceedings

against his nemesis, former Deputy President Jacob Zuma. It was that apparent abuse of state power that finally gave the ANC leadership an excuse to ask Mr. Mbeki to resign.

What South Africa is crying out for at this stage is a man or woman who has a “Mandela spirit” i.e. one that can put the past behind them and move ahead in co-operation with all of the diverse races and creeds that make up the country.

Somehow the thought of Jacob Zuma brandishing a machine gun in his hand does not inspire the vision that we are looking for!

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By Joe De Sousa

be Safe

SAFE is New Zealand’s first South African “ethnic” financial and trustee services institution, with offices in Auckland and Johannesburg, and with representation in Sydney, Brisbane, Durban and Cape Town. The executive team of SAFE consists of private bankers, lawyers and accountants, all with a keen understanding of the requirements of South Africans, whether in South Africa, in transit or long since settled in New Zealand (or Australia).

Through its Johannesburg office and Durban and Cape Town representation, SAFE is able to advise new migrants in face to face consultation, and well prior to their departure from South Africa. SAFE obviously also looks after South Africans long since settled in New Zealand, in the realisation of their aspirations.

For the thousands of South Africans already settled in New Zealand (or Australia), SAFE services focus on issues such as: • Unlocking blocked funds from South Africa, and expatriating the funds

to New Zealand (or Australia); • Assisting with inheritances or other South African receipts, and

expatriating the funds; • Assisting with the encashment and/or management of South African

retirement annuities, endowments and other investments; • Syndicated borrowing and structured property and/or business

acquisitions; • Residential mortgages; • Risk and other insurance requirements.

For the ever growing number of South Africans preparing to leave South Africa, SAFE services focus on issues such as: • Reserve Bank approval for expatriating funds; • Managing South African investments; • Foreign exchange;• Pre-migration structuring and tax issues; • New Zealand home and business loans; • Acquiring a business in New Zealand; • New Zealand life and other risk insurance; • New Zealand business introductions.

SAFE provides a seamless service, from the very commencement of the migration process through to the financing and realisation of private and commercial dreams in New Zealand.

SAFE has a growing number of members, all attracted to its service offerings and primarily impressed by the level of care SAFE provides to all its members.

Whether you are at the commencement of your exit from South Africa, remaining in South Africa but seeking assistance with the structuring of investments off-shore, or long settled in New Zealand ,we welcome you to contact us should you need any assistance whatsoever with the realisation of your own SAFE aspirations.

Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or call 0800 SAFE NZ.

Hello, my name is Joe De Sousa, and I’m the Manager of SAFE (South African Financial Empowerment Ltd). I look after the day to day running of SAFE New Zealand and I’m also the mortgage and insurance advisor.

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GREAT SOUTH AFRICAN SpORTSMEN

Hansie had a magical way of handling his bat and ball ; his medium bowling and right hand striking abilities were top drawer commodities,

breaking records and propelling him into the enviable position of being SA’s most successful all-round cricketer ever.

But Hansie’s best skills were not found amidst the clamour of the crowds’ applause when 100’s and 50’s were scored or when wickets were blasted out of the ground. Hansie was a genius of the outfield.

To me, one of the highlights of watching the play of the Springbok cricket team of the nineties was the skillful way in which Hansie would direct his team of fielders. It would take him one or two overs to establish the style of play of the two batsmen at the crease, and then he would wave at his men

to get them into the correct fielding positions. He was like the conductor of an orchestra. Little wonder he became the second youngest SA captain in the history of the game.

Hansie was born on September 25th 1969 in Bloemfontein, Free State, and attended the prestigious Grey College until 1987 when he moved on to the University of the OFS where he graduated later with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He came from a cricketing family, his father Ewie and his older brother Frans both representing the Orange Free State in first class cricket.

Hansie was the typical all-round sportsman at high school, so stepping into provincial cricket was so easy for him. And he was so young. He played his first game for Orange Free State against Transvaal (now Gauteng) at Johannesburg in January 1988 at the tender age of 18. When he turned 21 he became captain of OFS for the 1990/91 season. Thus began an illustrious career that took him to the farthest corners of the globe. In 1995 he played for Leicestershire in England and ended the season as the county’s leading runs scorer. In 1997 he played for Ireland and took them to their first ever win against an English county opposition.

Hansie became part of the SA cricket squad at the point in SA’s sporting history where it was now accepted by the world community due to the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990. His international debut took place during the 1992 Cricket World Cup, where he averaged 34 with the bat.

He made his debut as captain when Kepler Wessels sustained an injury during a test series against Australia in 1993 and he stepped in from the vice-captaincy position to square the series.

From this point Hansie’s career took off like a rocket. In his short spell as SA captain he scored over 5 500 runs in ODI’s and his best bowling in ODI’s was 5 wickets in 32 balls.

In test matches Hansie scored 6 centuiries and 23 50’s.Under Hansie’s captaincy SA won 27 tests out of 38 and 99 ODI’s out of

138 , making him the most successful captain in SA cricket history. He ranks as the third most successful captain in the world, behind Ricky Ponting and Allan Border.

On 7th April 2000, Delhi police revealed that they had a recording of a conversation between Hansie and Sanjay Chawla, a representative of an Indian betting syndicate, over match-fixing allegations. Later Hansie confessed that he had accepted bribes from bookmakers to influence the outcome of matches and he was thus plunged into the worst scandal ever experienced in sporting circles in SA.

On the 7 June 2000 the King Commission began, drawing into its investigative net the likes of Herschel Gibbs, Nicky Boje and Henry Wiliams, who were all implicated along with Hansie in the betting scandal.

On 11 October 2000 Hansie was banned by the United Cricket Board of South Africa from playing or coaching cricket for life, as a result of the King Commission findings.

Despite his shame, the SA press did not come down hard on Hansie during his hearings and the SA sporting community stood behind him over this difficult period.

Hansie had good university qualifications and although he was banned from cricket, he could still continue life in a different direction, which he did, by getting involved in financial management. During one of his business

Hansie Cronje By Ted Woodberg

The short life of Hansie Cronje played itself out like a greek tragedy. He was a sporting icon and a legendary figure in the hearts and minds of all South Africans,

who have long since forgiven him for his hour of shame. The pace of his life was racy and although his flame died too soon, it still burns in our memories.

Offer ends 31 Aug 08

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trips in 2002 he had to make a choice that, unknown to him, became a life or death decision.

On 1 June he was scheduled to fly home from Bloemfontein to George after a business trip, but his plane was grounded due to technical problems. Hansie was keen to get home to his beautiful wife, Bertha and their young family, so he decided to hitch a ride on a cargo flight in a Hawker Siddeley HS 748 turboprop aircraft.

The two pilots in charge were highly experienced and the flight to George was just routine for them. As they approached George airport, the pilots lost visibility in a cloud and were unable to rely on their on-board navigational equipment, because it was totally unreliable. Frequent attempts to get proper landing vectors from the airport traffic controllers proved fruitless. The plane circled around in the mist totally directionless until it smashed into the Outeniqua mountains north east of the airport.

All three on board, including Hansie, were killed instantly. Shock waves reverberated around the sporting community of South

Africa as they took in the news of the death of their hero. Total disbelief accompanied by a suspicious “conspiracy” theory that perhaps the betting syndicates had a hand in poor Hansie’s death, circulated during the investigation after the unfortunate plane crash.

More than 1,000 people attended his funeral that was broadcast live on SA television on the 5th June 2002.

The national cricket team were present , clad in blazers, standing behind Sean Pollock as he spoke about his beloved lost captain.

“Hansie should be remembered as the good natured spirit that he was, an endearing prankster, full of fun and love for all of his team. He was an incredible leader and we will miss him terribly.”

We still miss you, Hansie. Hey, you would have been good at the last World Cup!

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“Sober Reflections On Emigration”An ex-SA teacher migrant to NZ exposes the physical and emotional trauma involved in the whole process of re-locating your life to a different country and its culture

It takes time to make an unbiased judgment about the impact that moving country makes on one’s life. And

one needs to take cognisance of the fact that one uses one’s homeland as a yardstick, which contaminates one’s data, as one is comparing something new and alien, sans family and infrastructure, with all that is old and familiar.

My friends back home want to know how it truly feels. They want the snot en trane embellishments; not only the euphoric delights.

I’ve been in New Zealand for five months now, and I’m trying to have this omnipotent overview of the experience for the benefit of the curious, sanguine and Eeyore “I told you so’s.”

Moving country is understandably one of the top stressors in life, preceded only by the death of a loved one, or an acrimonious separation. In the process one loses one’s identity; one’s deeply entrenched roots and happy home life; and one is severed from family, friends, work environment, colleagues and hometown.

Everything on the other side of the grass is new. We start by adjusting our watches when we arrive which becomes symbolic of every conceivable adjustment that follows. Unfamiliar roads to drive on, with different rules, a new city, new places to shop, new brand names, a new work environment, new colleagues, rules and protocols….different accents, different rituals and celebrations….different politics….. It’s hard!

Beyond the initial raw pain of those searingly traumatic airport farewells, the side effects of several flights in transit, and the adrenaline-charged reactions to all that is new and strange, is a less visible response. One is in immense shock.

Sleep patterns disintegrate for several weeks.A few months later the initial shock subsides and then a really new

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Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (formerly of Durban)

Consulting RoomsArtemis Womens Health, 1st floor, 212 Wairau Road Glenfield.

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emotion kicks in. Only then do we feel an indescribable heartache and the “melt-downs” start, due to only then internalizing the deep grief and sense of bereavement of all that one has lost.

We lose pets that must be put down because of their age or the fact that they have to endure six months of quarantine without you before they can be inducted into New Zealand. How do your pets adjust to six months of imprisonment without you? And do you have a guarantee that the rental place that you are going to while you settle into the new country will accept a huge Doberman pinscher or Rottweiller unconditionally? The only alternative available for your pet is that you leave him/her behind with a friend or relative after you have gone who really doesn’t want them because they are so expensive to feed and wash. No way! So you put them down, and cry yourself to sleep for weeks thereafter, questioning the validity of the legal murder of your best friend.

Coming to New Zealand, I decided to play a game with myself as a way of mustering up the strength and courage to pursue this choice. I pretended that I had metaphorically died and arrived into a new life! I’d say out loud to myself:

“Hmm, so they have flowers, birds and mountains in this new life too.”Texting, skype and e-mails have bridged the gap between this metaphorical

“afterlife” and my former life. But that is painful in itself. Hearing beloved grand- children’s voices is sometimes the last straw.

I often ponder on why it all happened anyway and what a crystal ball would reveal about the future. Some of our family had spoken of a move for better career opportunities, combined with the added security of a new place where crime is not so prevalent.

That idea appealed to me because I was nearly killed by carjackers who decided that they wanted my car after I had returned from an early evening meeting. I screamed my head off, resisted their attack and got away with my life and my car intact!

Here in New Zealand we come across ex-Saffers wherever we go. I’ve met one disgruntled lady who used to be headmistress of an elite SA school and she is now back in the classroom doing her thing as a common teacher. Ouch!

Other South Africans return home, maybe broken by grief or due to the global recession.

But sacrifice is part of the deal. One balances the scale with the positives - sleeping with the bedroom door open to the elements, no burglar guards or electronic fences: no paranoia if one breaks down on the road. And if I decide to drive home alone on a rural road at midnight it won’t be deemed bloody foolish.

It certainly is an exhilarating start to another life, but it is also VERY “EINA” and NOT FOR SISSIES!

Written by Eve Hemming for the Natal Witness, Pietermaritzburg,Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa, December 22, 2008.

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The SA issue7.indd 18 10/2/09 3:52:31 PM

Mike Hackner Architectse [email protected] m (021) 459 110

p (09) 580 1914 f (09) 579 3276

A Marina Complex designed by Mike Hackner.

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The SA issue7.indd 19 10/2/09 3:54:58 PM

TOTARA – A TOTAl DElIGHT!By Peter Woodberg

Once again our intrepid editor takes us through the doors of another epicurean destination…… the “TOTARA” restaurant, nestled in the back woods of Albany

Tucked away behind the trees on a lonely country road you would need to know Albany pretty well to find Totara.

The owner has converted a beautiful old country house with its original charm and old architecture into a restaurant that is both quaint and full of warmth and character. You will find this quality restaurant on the main road to Orewa, at 249 State Highway 17, Albany Vilaage.

Totara is one of the few fine dining restaurants on the Shore and it is always busy. It is a pricey restaurant but you get what you pay for. The food is top class and there are always seasonal specials. My favourite is scallops and fresh oysters.

It is not a place you go to every day because of the prices, but for special occasions you cannot beat the service, the quality of the food and the convivial owners who are always ready with a joke to get the evening going.

Hosts Rod Feve and Adrie Haveman have had this restaurant for ever and they personally preside over the dining room, always ready to suggest a wine or a special starter. I love it when you can go to an establishment and the person taking the order understands what they are selling and can suggest an alternative if, for example, the veggies are not to your liking. The menu is small but adequate and everything they do, they do with pride. I certainly cannot complain about the food and I can quite honestly say that I have never heard of a complaint from anyone.

We had our Christmas party there and the place was rocking. The tables are quite close together and with all the chatter so close at hand, attempting to communicate with the person at the other end of the table was often quite difficult.

On normal evenings it is quiet and has an air of opulence. The restaurant has held the lamb & beef hallmark awards since it opened. All of the lamb or beef dishes are done to perfection. If you do not have a reason to go to Totara the lamb and beef dishes will certainly convince you. Spoil yourself and enjoy.

The wine choice is good and they carry older vintages which encourage the wine connoisseurs to come and dine and quaff down a couple of bottles of red, swishing their glasses around and enjoying the bouquet and looking at the residue as is sticks to the side of the glass. One night I saw two wine buffs smelling, swishing, gurgling, sucking and swallowing their wine slowly as though it was the main course, and the rest of the food was simply an added extra!

If this is your scene then you will not be disappointed. The desserts are to die for and when eating out with 4 people there is no reason why you should not try everyone else’s dessert. Once bitten twice shy, you will be back even if it is only for the dessert.

I give Totara 4 stars and it is as good as it gets on the shore.Give them a ring right now on 09-415 6286. You will not regret it.

Dr Peter NeumannDENTIST• B.Ch.D. (PRET)

Formerly of Pretoria and Durban.

For friendly service and a highlevel of professional care.

Consulting rooms:18 Morrow Street

Newmarket AucklandTelephone: 09 524-8399

All enquiries welcome

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yummy Cape Malay Curry

SOUTH AFRICAN RECIPE REVUEWe present the first in a series of mouth watering SA recipes and their stories:

yield4 servings (serving size: 1 1/4 cups)Ingredients 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons canola oil 2 cups chopped onion 1 1/2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger 2 bay leaves 1 garlic clove, minced 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 1/4 cups less-sodium beef broth 1 cup water 1 cup chopped green bell pepper (about 1 medium) 1/3 cup chopped dried apricots 1/3 cup apricot spread (such as Polaner All Fruit)

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar 1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk

preparationCombine turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, cinnamon, and salt in a

small bowl, stirring well.Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add spice mixture; cook

15 seconds, stirring constantly. Add onion; sauté 2 minutes. Add ginger, bay leaves, and garlic; sauté 15 seconds. Add beef; sauté 3 minutes. Add broth and next 5 ingredients (through vinegar); bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Uncover; discard bay leaves. Simmer 30 minutes or until beef is very tender. Remove from heat; stir in buttermilk.

JIM PRETORIUSB.Ch.D M.Ch.D (Pret)

Suite 3 • North Shore Medical Centre326 Sunset Road • Mairangi Bay

Auckland 10 • New ZealandTelephone: Surgery 09 479-7963 • Home 09 410-8768

Fax: 09 479-7941

ORTHODONTIST

Beginning in the 17th century, slaves from Indonesia and India were brought to work the farms of Cape Town, South Africa. They came to be known as Cape Malays, and as a result of their influence, curry dishes are widespread in South Africa.

Cape Malay curry is known for combining sweet and savory flavors--using sweet spices like cinnamon and ginger, dried fruit (especially dried apricots), and savory seasonings like garlic and onions. Though usually served with rice, this beef stew is also great over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

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Once upon a time, there was a good man, who had worked hard all his life. He disliked his work. It was not

rewarding. His boss was never happy. But he worked hard. Until, one day, this man decided he had had enough, and he quit.

He just walked out. He went home and told his wife. She cried. How are we going to send our boy to college”, she asked? The man thought

for a minute and then said, “I will think of something”. After a while, he decided to do something he has always wanted to do. He would sell hot dogs on the street corner from a little hot dog cart on wheels.

He took his savings and bought a hot dog cart. The hot dog man started selling hot dogs on the street corner, in his hometown. They were good hot dogs. Best quality. Not cheap, but he charged enough to pay for them. Things went pretty well right from the beginning

People liked his hot dogs. He always made sure to have plenty of fresh ketchup and mustard and onions. Every customer got a smile with their hot dog.

He did very well, and soon more people wanted his hot dogs. More than he could serve. So he bought another hot dog cart. His son pushed the new cart. And every one of the Son’s customers got a smile and a thank you to go with their hot dog. The hot dog man made sure to teach his son about this. The two did well, and saved the money they made, until it was time for the boy to go to college. There was enough money to send him off even if the hot dog man paid another young man to push the second cart.

“Give them a smile with every hot dog,” he told his first employee. It worked fine.

Every year the city grew and every year he added a few more carts. The hot dog man’s company did very well. He was glad the son decided to study business in college. It would be great when he returned home with all that college education to help him manage it.

The big day finally arrived. The son came home from college. Dad was excited. Mom too. There was a BIG Party. Everybody came.

Then it was time to get to work. But the son was not interested in working in the hot dog company. He wanted to do something more grand. The hot dog man was sad.

But then he asked, “Can you just look over our books and give me some advice?”

“Sure”, said the son, while looking at his watch.“Things are going pretty good”, said the hot dog man. He got the books

and paperwork out to proudly show the son what they had become while he was gone.

The son looked things over and thought for a minute. Then he said, “Gee, Dad, you have an awful lot of hot dog carts. And expenses.”

Then he asked, “Don’t you know a Recession is coming?”. The hot dog man did not know what a Recession was, so he asked.

The son explained what he had learned in college about Recessions. The hot dog man shook his head in amazement. He had worked a lot of hours to pay for that college education. He thought surely the college people knew more about business than he did, so he listened.

The son said, maybe you should mothball a few carts this season, cut down on advertising , start buying cheaper buns and reduce your wages by laying off staff..

So that is what the hot dog man did. After a month or so, sales were down. The Son said profits were being squeezed by the Recession. Things were

gloomy until the hot dog man had a great idea. He called all his employees together. Even the ones that had been let go. He told them something like this. “Sometimes things are easy and sometimes things are hard. It’s easy to lose your way when things are hard.” He admitted that he had been scared by this recession.

Then he went on. “Things have been hard lately. BUT, we are going to go back to doing what worked before. We will buy a better hot dog. We will run a few ads. We will get all the carts out of storage. And everybody will have a job. I don’t care what it costs.” Only one thing”, he added, “Ya gotta give every customer a smile with their hot dog”. They promised they would. And so they did.

Sure enough... sales went up. And they keep going up to this very day. Copyright © 2006 Network for Growth Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Hot Dog Man, and the Recession

Nando’s – Takapuna 162-168 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland (09) 489 3004Open 11.00am – 9.00pm 7 days

Nando’s Glenfield 31B Link Drive, Wairau Park, Glenfield (09) 443 3589Open Sunday – Thursday 11.00am 9.30pm, Friday & Saturday 11.00am – 10.00pm

No need to say anything else.

Nando’s, simply the best chicken anywhere.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm

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Nando’s – Takapuna 162-168 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland (09) 489 3004Open 11.00am – 9.00pm 7 days

Nando’s Glenfield 31B Link Drive, Wairau Park, Glenfield (09) 443 3589Open Sunday – Thursday 11.00am 9.30pm, Friday & Saturday 11.00am – 10.00pm

No need to say anything else.

Nando’s, simply the best chicken anywhere.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm


We deal with all the unknown fac-tors........

“North Shore Immi-gration have been more helpful than we could have imagined, going through the immigration process. There are many as-pects of immigration, such as details on your paperwork, that the websites will never tell you about - things that will delay your immigration! It was definitely worth get-ting help from North Shore Immigration, because they were able to help get us through dealing with all the unknown fac-tors of immigration. If you want to lessen the sleepless nights, we recommend going with North Shore Im-migration - they keep to their code of eth-ics and will treat you with care and fair-ness.”

Tem Schultz - one of many satisfied NSIS clients

Member of

LIVE AND WORK IN NEW ZEALAND !Do you want to live, work or study in New Zealand?Do you want to gain permanent residence in New Zealand?

…if the answer is yes, then you will probably need professional help to achieve your goal.

We can help take the stress and strain out of dealing with the Immigration Department. We will assist you with all your immigration requirements. North Shore Immigration Services provide highly personalised assistance in all aspects of immigrating and relocating to New Zealand. We are a professional team of consultants, established for more than 15 years ago on the North Shore. Whether you are a professional considering relocating to New Zealand or you have a trade qualification or experience and are interested in temporary work opportunities available in New Zealand, you can benefit from our wealth of expertise.

What’s in it for you?

The benefit of a reputable “one stop service” including assistance with the processing of your residence or work permit application, obtaining nursing registration, electrical license, official recognition of qualifications and trades, job search, business migration and help with settlement services for those migrants recently arrived.

We can help with your immigration process, including:

• Permanent Residence • Work Permit or Visa • Business Entrepreneur Visa Student Permit or Visa Introduction to Job Search Services

Contact us for a FREE consultation !Our free and confidential consultation will give you an opportunity to assess your chances of gaining Permanent Residence in New Zealand

Call us at 09-415 3392 or

e-mail: [email protected]

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Documents

The SA issue 07