On The Insider SA this week, our theme is old and new as we take a look at an array of incredible locations and designers who have kept their authentic flair while offering a unique experience. This week, we unearth some incredible locations, artists and offerings and game-changing brands as we continue to celebrate incredible South African stories.
The Marabi Club
Visible from the street only by the discreet black canopy above a small metal door in Doornfontein, downtown Johannesburg, The Marabi Club is the home of food and drink accompanied by fine live jazz performances that brings 1920s South African history into the modern-day. Today, the Marabi Club brings this heritage to life with a décor, ambience, menu, and dazzling performances that aim to whisk visitors away to the musical scene of yesteryear. We discover what makes this local gem so iconic.
Ndabuko Ntuli
Ndabuko Ntuli, an artist hailing from Kwa-Zulu Natal and today based in Alexandra, is a formidable name in artistic circles; having turned his hand both to intricate sculpture work with unorthodox materials and creating his own music, Ndabuko is well-recognised as an artistic talent. Ndabuko is also a practising sangoma, and has performed as both a poet, director, and playwright and opens up about his incredible journey in this week’s episode.
Naturalis
For Sandalene Dale-Roberts and her business Naturalis, an illustrious career producing sought-after furniture happened on a whim. Naturalis now produces furniture for restaurants, offices, schools and universities – and has designed a contingent of chairs with varied designs intended to suit a variety of spaces. Instead of simply selecting a design or style for print, Naturalis customers can customise their chair as they like; and can select the style of furniture they require, choose their own fabric print and colours, select a choice of leather or hide, and lastly tailor the colour of the metal powder coating to their desire.
Buffelsdrift Farm
Located west of Ladysmith in the arid Klein Karoo region, Buffelsdrift Farm sits as a cluster of Cape buildings in a valley beneath the Swartberg mountain range. SAOTA director Greg Truen, who acquired the farm in 2016, took the neglected property and turned it into a functional olive farm. Architect Jaco Booyens brought his experience to bear on the project, highlighting his experience and insight into clay construction and working to retain the original history and heritage surrounding the site.
Capitec clients benefit with an affordable Hello Doctor discount
Capitec’s innovative Live Better benefits empower clients to have access to a range of great discounts and features just for being a customer – and with Hello Doctor, the bank now offers clients the ability to contact a doctor to discuss their medical symptoms with just the tap of a button.
Catch The Insider SA every Tuesday at 19h30 and the repeat every Saturday at 20h00 on SABC 3.
