Innehållsförteckning för Apr/Jun 2024 från True Love

Let’s face it, some men look great bald. Not only do they have a smooth scalp and nicely shaped head, but they also look younger after taking the plunge and shaving off their hair. Others, however, believe baldness will sink their careers and shatter their standings in the sexy stakes. Hollywood and Mzansi alike have leading men who embrace baldness, including Morris Chestnut, Common, Thapelo Mokoena and Thembinkosi Mthembu – flaunting scalps that are as smooth as a baby’s bottom. Others, however, make you wonder: “But sir? Have you had help in the follicle department?” Are George Clooney and Mzansi’s bae Anthony Anderson naturally that hirsute up there, or are they perhaps getting a little assistance from the Hollywood cosmetic circuit? Cue 2021 when musician Vusi Nova shut down the…

woman of the future PROF THULI MADONSELA The former Public Protector of South Africa and full-time commissioner on the South African Law Reform Commission, Professor Thulisile Madonsela, was one of the 11 technical experts who helped draft the South African Constitution. She has an extensive background in applied constitutional, social justice and administrative law principles, mainly based on her public service years and her investigation of improper conduct in state affairs as Public Protector. A regularly sought-out keynote speaker, Prof Thuli has written, taught, presented papers and published for decades on these matters and on ethical leadership, good governance, and gender mainstreaming. She is currently the director of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) in the Faculty of Law at Stellenbosch University, and a professor of law occupying the Law…

Does this sound like your typical lunch break? Dash downstairs for a sandwich, run back to your desk, and check Facebook while you inhale it? Done and dusted in 10 minutes? Yup, ours, too. And while we may feel that forgoing a proper lunch hour in the middle of the working day makes us a sure thing for employee of the month, in fact, we’re doing ourselves – and employers – a disservice by pushing through until day’s end without any downtime. According to a recent study by a health insurance provider, more than half of us work through lunch every day. Of the 1 000 respondents, 54% said they felt too busy to step outside during the day, while a third said the “presentee” culture of their workplace compelled…

While most people know about menopause, fewer women are aware of what happens during the five or so years leading up to this life stage – the perimenopause. Technically, menopause is the final menstrual period of a woman’s life, and the average South African woman reaches it at 51 (although it can start anytime from the mid-30s to 50s or later). So, for most women, perimenopause usually starts around the age of 47. “Many doctors and specialists refer to perimenopause as the menopause transition,” says Professor Henry Burger, a specialist endocrinologist. “For most women, it’s the time when menstrual cycles start to become irregular until the time when they have no periods. Some women have no symptoms at all, but most women experience some symptoms during this time.” What is…

Last week, I went for a walk with Prince William. I couldn’t help but giggle when he told me about how he used to sing at the top of his voice in the car to Tina Turner with his mother. A day earlier, I had strapped on my walking shoes for a date with Dolly Parton (she does her best thinking while walking), and before that, Goldie Hawn. I’m not the only one who has walked with them of course – anyone with an Apple Watch and a Fitness+ subscription can call on them for company. For me, listening to other people’s stories helps take the tedium out of setting a more strenuous pace. Engrossed in the stories they share, I momentarily lose all sense of self, my bulging to-do…

CHARCUTERIE PLATTER Prep time: 10 mins Cooking time: 20 mins Serves: 10-12 INGREDIENTS: For chicken liver pâté ◻ 500g chicken livers◻ 100g butter◻ 2 shallots, finely chopped◻ 2 cloves garlic, crushed◻ Sprig thyme◻ 2 sage leaves, chopped◻ 3 T brandy◻ ½ cup cream◻ Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For fish paste ◻ 500g snoek, cooked, bones removed and flaked◻ 1 shallot, finely chopped◻ 2 cloves garlic, crushed◻ 100g piquant peppers, chopped◻ 1 red chilli, finely chopped◻ Sprig thyme◻ 3 T whisky◻ 3 T cream cheese◻ ¼ cup cream◻ 4 phyllo pastry, cut into stars◻ Red and green grapes◻ Salami◻ Crackers◻ Camembert, cheddar, gouda, Brie, goat’s cheeses in different shapes◻ Strawberries and blueberries◻ Pomegranate rubies◻ Edible flowers METHOD: 1. For chicken liver pâté: Heat a frying pan, then melt…

motoring If the process of buying your first car is rushed, you might end up buying a faulty one, and that can lead you to spending large amounts of money on constantly repairing it or you can get ripped off and buy a car at a rate that does not complement its quality. Bobby Petkov, CEO of Mit-Mak Motors, and popular social media car reviewer, shares 10 tips on what to look out for when buying your first ride. 1. Research Do in-depth research before buying your first dream car so that your dream does not turn into a nightmare. “Explore different makes and models, consider your budget, and familiarise yourself with reputable dealerships in your area,” says Bobby. 2. Establish your budget Bobby highlights that setting up a realistic…

A luxe touch Cape Town’s must-have fashion essential, Birkenstock, delivers elegance in its latest offering with the luxurious Cannes Collection (R4 899). It is perfectly styled for people who are looking for a combination of refined luxury and functionality. Modelled on the iconic, back-strapped Milano, the Cannes offers premium updates in the form of glossy leather straps, metallic buckles, and luxurious leather. Dream list The Louis Vuitton Autumn/ Winter 24 shows took place earlier this year, and boy did Nicolas Ghesquière flex! Having embarked on a 10-year adventure with Louis Vuitton, Nicolas considers the journey in retrospect, with memory as the guide for imagination, at the very same place where he presented his first collection exactly 10 years ago on 5 March 2014. Take me back Reebok has teamed up…

PROTECT YOUR CROWN AND GLORY Boost the health of your curls and coils with these moisture-boosting hair-care tips. Caring for natural hair in winter requires special attention due to the cold, dry air that can lead to breakage and dryness. Here are tips to take your hair though this season. 1. Moisturise regularly: Hydration is key. Use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner then a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair hydrated. Use heavier moisturisers, like creams or butters, to lock in moisture. 2. Protective styling: Opt for protective styles like braids, twists, or ponytails to minimise exposure to harsh conditions. Not only do these help to retain moisture, but they also protect your ends from breakage. 3. Deep-condition weekly: Deep-conditioning treatments are essential for replenishing moisture and restoring vitality. Use…

If second-hand clothes make you think of musty old shops and the smell of the long gone, it might be time to update your perception. The clothing resale market has exploded in recent years, with analytics company Business of Fashion estimating it to be worth over R300 billion globally annually and rising. The good news is that getting a slice of that pie is easier than ever before. Transactions are taking place via social media (Facebook marketplace and Instagram), and dedicated technology platforms such as Yaga online marketplace. STAY SAFE! Choose platforms that offer protection for buyers and sellers. Tracking numbers, third-party payment systems, a verification process, and guarantees can all help weed out scammers. THE POWER OF PLATFORMS A great example is Poshmark, which launched into the Australian market…

woman on top From the late Shona Ferguson’s all-white, star-studded tombstone unveiling to Zakes Bantwini’s birthday party, the woman behind many of the events that flood some of Mzansi’s favourite celebrities’ Instagram feeds and headlines has built a profile that labels her as one of the crèmes de la crèmes of her field. Maureen “Nono” Skosana is a firm favourite in the events space, the woman behind some TV production scenes viewers enjoy watching, including Mzansi Magic’s second season of Marry Me Now. The East Rand-born businesswoman shares with TRUELOVE how it all began and what makes hers a go-to company that sets the stage for memorable events. What drew you to the legal field and how long were you there before starting your event management company? I had a…

Burnout is a malady that’s usually associated with high-flying professionals, caregivers, and athletes. Unfortunately, being busy seems to have become a national pastime across the board these days, whether you’re a CEO packing in 18-hour days, a stay-at-home mother schlepping your kids to endless activities, or a member of the fast-rising sandwich generation juggling work, family, and ageing parents. Between longer working hours and 24/7 connectivity to the office, kids and extended family, downtime has become a concept many of us can only dream of. “The issue today is that the demands don’t turn off when the sun goes down and it is time to relax,” says clinical psychologist Dr Peta Stapleton. “Our nervous system is firing all the time.” And if you keep pushing too hard, you may be…

CHILLI CHICKEN & FISH STEW Prep time: 5 mins Cooking time: 1 hr Serves: 6-10 INGREDIENTS: ◻ 8 chicken pieces◻ 500g smoked fish◻ 4 T sunflower oil◻ 3 T chilli oil◻ 1 onion, finely chopped◻ 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped◻ 1cm ginger, grated◻ Mixed chillies◻ Green pepper, finely chopped◻ 2 tomatoes, grated◻ 2 cups chicken stock◻ 3 T baobab fruit powder◻ Salt and freshly ground black pepper, for seasoning◻ Handful parsley, finely chopped, for garnishing METHOD: 1. Heat sunflower oil and brown chicken on all sides for 10 minutes on medium heat. Remove and set aside. Add chilli oil, onion, garlic and ginger, and fry for 5 minutes. Add chillies, peppers, and tomatoes, and stir to combine. 2. Pour stock, baobab, fish, and chicken. Season and stir to combine then…

STYLIST’S TIP: WARM PEACH AND COOL GREYS MAKE FOR THE PERFECT PAIRING.…

woman of the future Over the past decade, the Santam Women of the Future Awards has showcased the success, innovation, and resilience of South African women who have dared to dream big. In celebration of a remarkable 10 years, we aim to be even more impactful as we continue to celebrate the brilliance of women in business. So, whether you recently started a new business, or you’ve been running your own enterprise for a while, we want to hear from you! We believe women who run their own businesses can change the economy – and the future – of our country. Winning one of the three Santam Women of the Future Awards is a game-changer: the winners will benefit from cash prize money; mentorship from the judge of their choice;…

Bloomberg believes that 2023 was the year for women to own their financial influence and power. Let’s amplify that this year. Women have a knack for managing money wisely. From budgeting like a boss to making smart financial decisions, you have what it takes to secure your financial future. Start 2024 strong by maximising your savings and investment opportunities with a tax-free savings account (TFSA). This gives you R36 000 totally tax-free*, while earning you compound interest. It’s the perfect way to make your money work harder for you. Embrace your strengths; embrace a TFSA When women invest, they often tend to outperform men due to discipline and a steadfast ability to “stay the course” when the going gets tough. The tax-free savings account, or TFSA, is here to turbocharge…

While your friends are sipping post-work drinks on a Friday afternoon, you’re leaving the office carrying a dried-out succulent (apparently, they can die) and a cardboard box of broken dreams: that’s right, you’ve been made redundant. Sound familiar? Despite what you may think, you’re not a lone ranger in navigating the rocky terrain of retrenchment. This is the exact scenario Boitumelo* (29) found herself in, sans shrivelled cactus. Turning up for work one Monday morning, the former marketing manager was hit with the news that she’d be losing her job later that day. “I waited, bracing myself for the awkward conversation I knew was coming,” she remembers. “Soon after, I was asked to go into my boss’ office, and I was told my position was being made redundant.” Sure, you’ve…

Talk us through your journey to finding yourself in this male-dominated motor industry. My career has highlighted the importance of being more assertive. After gaining a deeper understanding of the meaning and benefits of assertiveness, I realised its necessity. Working in a male-dominated industry necessitated a heightened awareness of how I responded to various situations. I frequently encountered advice to avoid introducing emotion into conversations, and it took time for me to address these remarks until I found the courage to speak out when necessary. What does a day in your life look like? On weekdays, I devote my time to work and when I get home in the evenings, I transition into fulfilling my role as a mother to my two boys. Balancing work commitments with family can be…

Money makes the world go round. This saying is a universal statement that rings true for everyone. In fact, it seems the world, particularly South Africa, which is dealing with the triple challenges of high levels of unemployment, poverty, and inequality, is spinning out of control trying to get rich or just get by. Apart from getting a job, starting a business, or being an influencer, investing is one of the common vehicles many people use to make more money. Investment, defined by Investopedia, which is a source of financial information on the Internet, is a process of acquiring an asset to generate income or appreciation. And appreciation, it elaborates, refers to an increase in the value of an asset over time to create wealth. Investment products have mushroomed the…

You worked late again because your boss asked you to, went out because your friend who is always in relationship drama was sad, pulled an all-nighter to hit your MBA goal (because the brackets wait for no one), hit the gym out of guilt and then dared Gillooly’s interchange at the crack of dawn to drive your partner to the airport because that’s what good partners do. Now, what’s left for you exactly? A cranky, resentful, exhausted b*atch who’s on the verge of a major breakdown? Yeah, we thought so. You give what you have Giving everything we have to other people and saving nothing for ourselves is a particularly female affliction (you can blame our cavegirl ancestors, who were genetically programmed to put others before themselves) and can steer…

So, what exactly is the sandwich generation? Well, it’s not a new trendy diet plan, although it might feel like you’re on a roller coaster ride with all the ups and downs. This is the generation of adults who find themselves “sandwiched” between taking care of their children and elderly parents simultaneously. Think of it as being the meat in a generational sandwich – stuck in the middle and sometimes feeling a little bit squished. Now, before you start feeling like a soggy sandwich, let’s add a bit of humour and wit to this situation. After all, laughter is the best condiment. Picture this: you’re trying to explain to your teenager why they need to clean their room for the umpteenth time, while simultaneously fielding a call from your mom,…

Womandla Africa’s “female firsts” get a KFC shout-out. A total of 53 women who beat the odds feature on a list of role models to inspire others. Each of the 53 achievers on KFC Africa’s list – one for each year the company has been in Africa – overcame educational, political, social, and financial obstacles. Representing Mzansi includes the likes of Charlize Theron and Caster Semenya. TAKE A SHORT LEFT Sun International’s Boardwalk Hotel and Casino is Nelson Mandela Bay’s playground, second in popularity only to the beaches of Nelson Mandela Bay which it overlooks, including the Blue Flagawarded Hobie Beach. The luxurious four-star Boardwalk hotel boasts 140 rooms and suites with sweeping views. There’s entertainment galore from the shopper’s paradise at the adjoined Boardwalk mall, water sports, a golf…

ROOT VEGETABLES & CHICKPEA COCONUT CURRY Prep time: 10 mins Cooking time: 50 mins Serves: 4-5 INGREDIENTS: ◻ 3 T oil◻ 1 onion, chopped◻ 3 cloves garlic, crushed◻ 1 thumb-size fresh ginger, grated◻ 1 tsp ground turmeric◻ 1 T ground cumin◻ 1 T chilli powder◻ 1 T ground coriander◻ 150g carrots, chopped◻ 150g parsnips, chopped◻ 150g sweet potato, chopped◻ 2 cups vegetable stock◻ 410g canned lentils, drained◻ 2 cups coconut cream◻ Handful fresh coriander, finely chopped◻ Salt and freshly ground black pepper, for seasoning METHOD: 1. Heat oil in a large saucepan. Fry onion, garlic, and ginger until translucent. 2. Add spices and cook for 4-5 minutes. 3. Add vegetables and stock. Cover with a lid and cook until soft. Add lentils, cream, and coriander. Season with salt and pepper…