Indholdsfortegnelse for August 2024 i BONA Magazine

Last month, I had an encounter with a man who insisted on telling me how to drive and which car brand to buy. As I listened to his condescending tone, assuming the role of an expert, I asked if he had a car, a driver’s licence, and how long he had been driving. To my surprise, he had only driven two models, started driving three years ago, and had been a legal driver for just a year and a half. I looked at him in disbelief as he tried to educate me, despite my 14 years of legal driving experience, numerous car reviews, and familiarity with various car brands. His defence? He claimed women should know more about cars than men. Seriously? I paused and decided not to argue about…

As we enter protection-style season, it’s time to give our hair a break by tucking it away in braids, plaits, weaves or wigs to reduce daily manipulation. While these styles offer numerous benefits and versatile looks, excessive styling and handling can strain your delicate baby hairs, causing them to thin and break over time. Here’s how to protect your hairline and keep your tresses healthy. 1 Miracle Oils Rosemary oil is renowned for promoting hair regrowth thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Try the Mielle Growth Oil Rose & Mint (R275, Dis-Chem) to nourish your hair follicles, smooth split ends and alleviate dry scalp. For those experiencing moderate to heavy hair loss from extensions and braids, the Mizani Miracle Length Serum (R710, Dis-Chem) is an effective hairline and root…

THE BOOT STYLE TIP Pair your boots with a baggy jeans and shirt. Add a denim jacket for extra style. STYLE TIP Flattering on all body types, a midi skirt is a versatile length that can be dressed up or down. THE JUMPSUIT STYLE TIP Day to night: Transition a daytime look to evening by adding a few extra layers to your outfit and some great accessories. STYLE TIP Change up the styling of your dungaree by adding a cute crop jacket and some gold jewellery. Or if you want a more causal look, then keep it waist length with a long-sleeved top and some striking silver boots! THE COAT STYLE TIP Pairing your winter coat with a chunky knit scarf can add colour, texture and a sophisticated touch. STYLE…

Appearing relaxed and in love, Hendrick Matlou and Daphne Montgomery beam at the camera in our virtual interview. They’re sitting on their balcony. She has a sun-kissed glow while he looks cool and calm as a cucumber. To thousands of their followers, they’re better known as Gogo & Mo. I first came across the content creator duo when BONA's editor-in-chief asked me to do a feature piece before their big wedding(s). By the time you read this, they’ll probably be back from their honeymoon and in the throws of newly-wed life. There’s something very wholesome and endearing about their content. It’s probably the biggest reason they have 93. IK followers on Instagram. Their success has been phenomenal, especially since joining TikTok. The platform has opened a whole new level of…

The financial year end signifies a critical period of financial assessment, strategic planning, and employees’ performance evaluations for most companies. For employees, the company’s financial wellbeing impacts job security, promotions, and development opportunities. This period is essential for reflecting on past achievements, setting new goals, and understanding the company’s direction. It is also the time to consider how your role and contributions align with the company’s success and future. In this article, our financial experts address the importance of a financial year end and what this period means for both employees and employers. GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES DURING A FINANCIAL YEAR END The founders of financial services platform Money Magnet, Alexandra Seiler and Anna Reyneke believe there is room for growth for you, as an employee when a business reaches its financial…

When the Covid pandemic and hard lockdown hit in 2020, South Africans were forced to stay indoors and look for creative ways to occupy their time. Some read books and did online courses while others felt inspired to rustle up a few dishes. And then something extraordinary happened. Our timelines were inundated with photos and videos of deliciously scrumptious meals. Cakes, scones and other sweet delicacies drew us closer to our screens and made our mouths water. Home bakers became entrepreneurs and social media influencers. Local chefs transformed into rock stars. We welcomed them into our homes and lives, eating up every morsel they served. They made us believe Yes you can!' if you were passionate enough about something and wanted to turn it into a full-time career. Their success…

DR FARAH SEEDAT General & Paediatric Dentist Don't underestimate the power of flossing! Flossing reaches areas that our toothbrushes can't, and flossing regularly is an easy and cost-effective way of preventing a multitude of dental problems including tooth decay and gum disease. DR NURAAN MAMMON General Practitioner Have regular routine screening tests, including pap smears and mammograms. Your family practitioner can advise which tests are appropriate for your age and risk profile. And don't hesitate to seek early professional help for any mental health concerns. AZIWE BOOI Registered Dietitian If you are in your healthy-eating era, snack on nuts and seeds. Healthy fats are high in energy and are needed for immune health, antioxidants and make meals tasty and more satisfying.…

The first few weeks with a newborn can be full of joy, or filled with anxiety and a sense of feeling overwhelmed. Many parents feel like emotional wrecks during this time. Dr Prishani Ramsunder, an experienced Cape Town-based Paediatrician practising at Rondebosch Medical Centre says the first few weeks are ‘hormone full’ weeks. ‘You will be healing from the delivery (whether it was through a C-section or vaginal) and learning to fully look after another human being. All your happy hormones that made your skin glow and hair shine during pregnancy dip post-partum. And so does your mood. You may feel overwhelmed’. WHAT ELSE CAN YOU EXPECT IN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS WITH A NEWBORN BABY? Newborns sleep around 20 of the 24 hours in a day. However, looking after…

DECOR I have a confession. When you were sipping your tea and watching the catfights and drama on The Kardashians, I was in awe of Kris Jenner’s enviable Calabasas mansion. Well, back then it was called Keeping Up the Kardashians. That double bannister staircase leading to the main foyer and onto those black and white chequered tiled floors is what got me excited. I imagined little old ladies in Italy hand-carving those tiles under the scorching sun, their skin leathery and wrinkly. Hopefully, no elderly people were harmed during the making of these exquisite, expensive tiles. And don’t get me started on her en suite bathroom, continuing with the black and white theme, with the gigantic shower. It could fit two of my bedrooms in there. Greedy and envious, I…

Baking at home is a delightful experience, especially with easy and delicious recipes. Our collection includes a variety of treats for every taste. Start with a comforting favourite - Banana Bread, a timeless treat that everyone loves. Rustic Scones offer a traditional touch, perfect with tea. The Lemon & Blueberry Loaf combines zesty citrus with sweet berries for a refreshing treat. Indulge in Red Velvet Swir Brownies, a decadent twist on a classic, Blueberry and Raspberry Muffins are bursting with fruity goodness, ideal for breakfast or a snack. Shortcrust Pastry Biscuits are crisp and buttery, while an Easy Home-made Bread is perfect for beginners and a staple for any meal. Imagine cosy winter days with your home smelling like a bakery, creating memories with loved ones. These recipes are perfect…

It was the 128th edition of Africa’s most prestigious horse-racing event last month. With the theme of ‘Riding the Wave’, attendees arrived in stunning blues, layers, and flowy materials, showcasing their unique style and creativity. Celebrities such as actress Jessica Nkosi, TV personality Maps Maponyana, former Bafana Bafana captain Teko Modise and many more turned heads with their dress code.…

Being in the last stretch of winter, these are the products you need to keep you glowing through the last of the colder days into the new season. A new and improved fave When make-up meets skincare, you've got a winning combo in my book! Lancôme's new Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation (R770, ARC store) delivers medium coverage with a glow-boosting punch. This gem is packed with 82% skincare serum, featuring hydrating hyaluronic acid and smoothing mandelic acid. Talk about a glow-up! Age-defying magic in a bottle If you haven’t added retinol to your skincare routine, there’s no time like the present. It’s a definite in my routine because it tackles all my antiageing woes. So, you can imagine my excitement when I got my hands on…

History is more than a recorded account of past events; history tells us how those events shaped our future. The rights and freedoms we enjoy now, we owe to those who fought for them. Sadly, comfort breeds complacency - the beneficiaries of that freedom may have little idea of the intensity of the struggle. Take the Womens March of 1956 - for young people it’s an event relegated to a page in a history textbook. We sing or quote ‘Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo' to the point of triteness. Yet many women still live in poverty, inequality, and unrealised potential. But every now and then, a woman rises up to be a real-life reminder of what those brave ones at the Union Building envisioned. One such woman is Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng…

WHAT’S HOT POSITIVELY ME BY NOZIBELE MAYABA AND SUE NYATHI Hailing from the city of Qgeberha in the 1990s, Nozibele Mayaba emerges as a guiding light through the shadows of self-doubt and negativity in her latest work, Positively Me. In this poignant narrative, Mayaba shares her own journey from overcoming a challenging upbringing to becoming a source of inspiration for personal development. Positively Me is structured to cater to readers at every stage of their personal growth, transcending mere literature to become a gospel of empowerment. With Mayaba's authentic voice as a guiding force, readers are inspired to embrace their unique life journey. What distinguishes Positively Me is its profound exploration of resilience, selfcompassion, and the power of community. Mayaba’s own journey, from a difficult upbringing to living with HIV,…

Entrepreneurship in the 21st century has evolved from what it looked like ten years ago. Modern entrepreneurship seeks to address a variety of socioeconomic issues, including boosting competition, spurring economic growth, lowering unemployment, making efficient use of resources while being sustainable, creating new markets, especially online, and enhancing general well-being. We chat to two modern-day entrepreneurs about how they run their businesses. MEET THE EXPERTS Asanda In The Kitchen specialises in nostalgic confectionaries that remind you of home or your favourite auntie’s home-made treats. She caters for private and corporate functions, and supplies stores and food establishments in need of baked goods. Semone is a renowned social media influencer and content creator, with a diverse portfolio spanning lifestyle, beauty and fashion. She is celebrated for her vibrant personality and captivating…

A multi-strained liquid probiotic for the whole family. Assists with bloating, inflammation and IBS. Supports the immune system. Improves digestion and daily vitality. Rawbiotics helps to restore the natural balance of good bacteria keeping every member of the family healthy. Discover the Rawbiotics range and prioritise wellness today for the whole family. Available in 500 ml, 1 L and convenient travel-size 200 ml bottles. Find it online or at your nearest stockist! www.rawbiotics.co.za…

Our homes, workplaces and neighbourhoods should be our safe spaces. Yet they are where, too often, women and children are ill-treated, disrespected and fell victim to acts of violence. It is estimated that a staggering one in three women and one in five men will experience some form of abuse in their lifetime in South Africa. According to police, rape statistics for 2023/2024, reveal that more than 10 000 cases were reported each quarter. However, it’s believed that due to various reasons such as fear, shame and stigmatisation, some cases are not reported to the police. In 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa also described violence against girls and women in South Africa as a second pandemic.'While there has been growth and development in terms of efforts to tackle Gender-Based Violence and…

As a homeowner, you need to take care of your appliances so they can take care of you for longer. Appliances aren’t cheap, and doing your own maintenance will increase their lifespan and save you money in the long run by avoiding expensive replacements or repairs. Don’t know where to start? We’ve created a basic guide to get you started with your major home appliances. THE FRIDGE To keep your fridge in top condition, it’s best to clean it weekly. An easy wipe-down and promptly taking care of any spills should be a weekly norm. Maintenance, on the other hand, should be done at least once a quarter. Switch it off, defrost it, and get acquainted with what’s happening at the back. Vacuum the condenser coils at the bottom behind…

Happy Women's Month! Now ladies, let us UNDERSTAND the assignment, please. I say again: Happy Women's Month, with emphasis on happy. Let us tap into that. Be happy, by fire by force! No more stock-standard mbokodo ramblings. Yes there are issues, yes there are plights to highlight, but how about we also focus inward? Let us be intentional with that happiness. Please, no judging other women for what makes them happy and what doesn't. I challenge you to create a gift registry labelled 'Women's Month Gift Wish List' and share it with your people. What would mine be, you ask? Well, it would contain just three things: 1. Someone else's money to blow. It is difficult to squander my own money, so let me live my best slay queen life…

STYLE TIPS • Invest in a timeless pair of durable shades that remains stylish for years. • Look for a pair of sunglasses that has UV protection to protect your eyes from harmful rays. • Try a few different frames out first to make sure you have the one best suited for your face shape. STYLE TIPS • A tote bag is your best friend - you can use this when going shopping to cut down on the use of plastic shopping bags. • One of the latest bag trends is the camera bag. This is a great choice to make a style statement as well as for practicality. • Always have a go-to little black bag. It's super-versatile and will work with any outfit. ‘ALWAYS HAVE A GOTO LITTLE…

FAVOURITE BOOK OR NOVEL? Malcolm Gladwell's David and Goliath THREE BUCKET LIST ITEMS? 1. Doing volunteer work in Somalia (NOT Somaliland, which is a breakaway autonomous region in northern Somalia) 2. Spending time in a shark tank 3. Bungee jumping at the Victoria Falls PET PEEVE? I hate jealous and judgemental people, the ones who hate, gossip, and find fault with people who are better than them either in deeds, achievements or looks. DREAM DESTINATION? I have travelled all over the world for work and for pleasure, but there are two countries that I dream of and hope to visit soon: I’d like to visit Burkina Faso and meet with Ibrahim Traoré. I'd also like to visit South Sudan and hopefully meet with Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior, wife of the late former…

Now that the dust has settled after the general and provincial elections, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that SA’s young democracy remains fuelled by the youth. It’s been a busy year for South African politicians and all the voices who analyse the numbers and the political movers and shakers. But it’s also been a milestone year for our fledgling democracy as the country marked 30 years of democratic rule. The young people born in 1994 and those after - the Born Frees - continue to play a critical role in society and the political landscape. With 2024 being so symbolic for South Africa’s democracy, all eyes were on the youth even before the voting stations opened. The Independent Electoral Commission confirmed earlier this year that South Africa’s…

These days the importance of financial stability has become significant due to the not-so-great economic conditions we find ourselves in. This is also evident with the mushrooming of small businesses during this period as employment chances decline. Ultimately, the difficulties that accompany one's desire to attain financial freedom become harder. Many people have chosen to go the traditional employment route while concurrently running successful side businesses, doing philanthropic work and pursuing educational prospects. While achieving financial freedom is a goal for many people in this modern day, it is not possible for them to successfully take on several professional roles. The increasing unemployment rate is not helping either. According to the Quarterly Employment Statistics (March 2024) published by Statistics SA, total employment decreased by 1.8% quarter-on-quarter between September and December…

If you're looking for a sign to take charge of your overall well-being - this is it! Although these time-saving health tests can be performed at home, these tests are not substitutes for professional medical advice. If you have any health worries, it is important that you consult a medical practitioner as soon as you're able to. Without further ado, here are ten quick assessments to explore when you have a minute or two to spare. 1 BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION (BSE) Feeling for lumps, thickening, knots or any other abnormalities a few days after your menstrual cycle (your breast tissue is less tender then) every month will help identify any changes early on. With your left hand, gently glide your three middle fingers across your right breast and into the armpit while…

Feeling stuck in your fitness routine and craving a sense of community? It might be time to lace up your running shoes and join a social running club. Social running is shaking up the fitness scene, offering health benefits and a sense of camaraderie. Running is a simple yet incredibly beneficial activity that can bridge the gap between staying healthy and making new friends. When you turn running into a social activity, it becomes a fun way to stay accountable and grow stronger together. Here we’ll explore running dubs and how becoming a social runner can transform your fitness journey, making each run more enjoyable and meaningful. WHAT IS A SOCIAL RUNNER? Social runners find joy in the connections and camaraderie that running brings. Picture this: you’re meeting up with…