Average read time: 5 minutes.
Must read
If you want to see what all the fuss is about, then you must get a copy, or download it on your kindle of South African author, Damon Galgut’s The Promise. His most directly political story yet, it took home the prestigious Booker Prize this year. Described as “the downfall of a bigoted family during apartheid”, it’s well deserving of all the accolades heaped upon it. Yes, it’s a bit bleak, but the writing is agile and Galgut captures the complexity of our nation with masterstrokes. If you’re thinking about brushing up on your local lit, then start with this one. You’ll keep turning the pages to see what happens…
Nic Mhlongo’s Hauntings is another local book for your bedside pile: A thrilling array of African writers, including Fred Khumalo, Sibongile Fisher, Lucas Ledwaba, Vonani Bila, Lynn Joffe and Christopher Mlalazi, tell surprising and unnerving tales in this collection of commissioned stories from the master of narrative writing, Mhlongo. These stories give answers to the question: what does being haunted and hauntings mean in our southern African world, in the past, the present and the future? Shivers!
Must watch
Showmax (my new favourite channel) released The Wife, the first Showmax original telenovela, in 2021. Inspired by Dudu Busani-Dube’s bestselling novel, Hlomu The Wife, Mbalenhle Mavimbela (Skeem Saam, Isipho) plays Hlomu, the journalist who falls in love with a taxi driver, not realising that when you marry a man, you marry his secrets. Mqhele is played by Bonko Khoza, who burst onto the acting scene as Jabz in the multi-award-winning film, Necktie Youth, and has since appeared in the likes of Professionals and the Emmy-nominated, Roots. The chemistry between them is everything. Plus, the production values, acting, script and directing is top class—no wonder it’s been such a huge hit. you can binge it. What are you waiting for?
WeCrashed on AppleTV is the story of the rise and fall of Adam Neumann’s company WeWork. A fascinating look into what happens when a true unicorn is born and can’t sustain its own hype. Being run by a madman doesn’t help—Jared Leto is brilliant and unrecognisable. Anne Hathaway stars as his wife Rebekah in her least annoying role in years. New episodes each Monday.
Must visit
A real cultural gem, the Irma Stern Museum celebrates its 50th year in 2022 with a schedule of star-studded exhibitions, events, and talks. If it’s not yet on your bucket list, add this Cape Town destination to your must-see line-up of things to do this year. For its 50th anniversary, the museum is welcoming its diverse local audiences to enjoy all that the property has to offer. From its lush, secluded garden, to one of the world’s most impressive collections of South African expressionist art, the Irma Stern Museum is nothing short of a national treasure. Experience a verdant wonderland of lawns, hidden fountains and courtyards that has come to be known as “The Secret Garden”.
Website: https://irmasternmuseum.co.za/
Instagram: @irmasternmuseum
Must eat
The newly launched Botany Café at The President Hotel in Bantry Bay is a burst of freshness and innovation in the deli scene and is popular not only with guests but also with growing numbers of Capetonians who are quickly discovering its culinary pleasures. The menu focuses at the Botany Café Cape Town is on all things fresh out of the garden and farm: organic, artisanal and bursting with flavour, select from mouth-watering wraps, salads (with a build-your-own option), smoothies and freshly squeezed juices that roll with the season.
Stock up on fresh, organic and seasonal ingredients, catch up with friends or family and appreciate the finer arts and local craftsmanship. If you are an early bird, make sure to stop by the Blaauwklippen Family Market on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Must stay
Wine lovers, this is the perfect getaway for you. Spier, the beautiful and historic Stellenbosch wine farm, will celebrate the harvest season with a weekend full of fun activities, farm-fresh food and plenty of wine. The family-friendly event from the 22nd until the 24th of April 2022 offers Spier Hotel guests the opportunity to meet the farm’s winemakers to learn more about the winemaking process.
Lovers of organic wines will be able to see where the magic happens with a complete organic vineyards immersion. Guests will taste acclaimed organic wines while learning about their origins. For the more creative spirits, Spier’s winemakers are leading an interactive wine-blending experience. The kids also get to test their taste buds at the grape juice station. Enjoy a delicious Harvest Celebration Dinner with live music, intriguing Spier wines, and succulent spit roasts. Do you need any more motivation to make a booking?
Website: https://www.spier.org
Instagram: @spierwinefarm
For another unique red wine tasting experience, look no further than De Toren Private Cellar, located on the Polkadraai Hills. With a global reputation for excellence, De Toren is home to award-winning red blends, magnificent ocean-facing views and stunning estate experiences. There’s an array of exclusive offerings to choose from, including private, guided vineyard and cellar tours, and tastings.
Website: https://www.detoren.net
Instagram: @detorenprivatecellar
Must download
We are all much more adept at shopping online since Covid forced us indoors. Now, shopping for all your favourite South African brands has just become so much easier. Simply download The Local Edit app and browse to your heart’s content. You can shop across more than 130 of the best local brands in one place. They include artisanal goods, homeware, fashion, jewellery, kids’ products, skincare and more… Better set a few hours aside…
Website: https://www.thelocaledit.com
Instagram: @TheLocalEdit
Must listen
Capt.Dyse is a South-African-based Nigerian rapper, singer/songwriter & record producer.
The Hip Hop artist has just released his debut album Global Status. The talented musician started gaining public recognition in 2019 after featuring the award-winning Emtee on the single 100 Summers which he released shortly before his much-anticipated debut EP Suppa Trappa. Capt.Dyse has made a name for himself through his dynamic artistry and love for music, making him one of the most booked artists in the Cape Town club scene. Now he’s back with some more super sounds.
Listen here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w414rGG4cIOeX6kyviO1vY0jC7aQynpn/view
Instagram: @captdyse
Also give a listen and uplift yourself to the Eastern Cape songstress Seer’s latest single, Frozen. Her music has a spiritual soul inspired by Cece Winans, Kirk Franklin and Hillsong. Over and above just sounding beautiful, She wants her music to make a difference, touch the lives of its listeners and help people navigate this crazy world.
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKRGD8-p5Kc
Stream or download here: https://unitedmasters.com/m/61e71ae16ac7de63dec39fae
Instagram: @officialseermusic
CONTRIBUTORS
Words | Nikki Temkin @NikkiTemkin
Editor | Nikki Temkin @NikkiTemkin
Images | The Promise courtesy Penguin Random House
The Wife courtesy of Showmax
Spier courtesy of Spier
Seer courtesy of Seer Music
Noq Mhlongo by Alet Pretorius
Other images courtesy of the venues
