South Africa Archives - Living Our Sunshine with Susann Deysel

June 15, 2021 3 Mins Read

Show me you haul…

Shein is fast fashion.
Fast fashion is a big contributor to landfill problems.
Add to that the carbon emissions that goes with shipping from China.
The country of origin… China (don’t get me started). Do they give a #### about the environment or pay fair wages to the workers? I still doubt that.

For me it also doesn’t stop at Shein. It extends to Alibaba, Wish…

It’s too expensive to buy MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA!

Yes, it’s a little more expensive to buy locally made. There are reasons for that: price of materials, fair wages, time spent… On the other hand, you will get Africa quality (and that beats China quality every single time).

I don’t buy as much or as often and sometimes you may even find a little something imported in my basket (wink, wink about that Cherry Cola or Burt’s Bees that I so like). However, my basket now has more made in SA than ever before – from the cereal I eat to my handbag and jeans.

Not even online shops are safe from my bias. If you don’t stock SA made, I won’t buy from you. If I don’t know a brand I will Google it’s country of origin. I will hunt down the South African equivalent… I am that person.

If you look hard enough, you will find it here!

If you look around in South Africa, you will find what you are looking for. I love shopping at Pick n Pay clothing, Foschini and even Mr Price (and a lot of other stores) because the clothing labels have started to be dominated by that wonderful MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA label. This goes for beauty products too – because have you tried the stuff made here? I will literally always choose products from Placecol and Optiphi above anything you can buy from overseas.

I know that sometimes what you want doesn’t have that SA made label – and it’s OK to buy it. It’s even better if you buy it at a store in South Africa – for 2 reasons: bulk imports vs 10,000 individually shipped packages; that whole local economy thing where it matters that people walk through shop doors (especially now) so people can earn a living.

It’s a conscious decision

I have weighed the pros and cons of having everything cheaper or buying local quality. The pros of buying local far outweigh the pros of buying cheap imports. I consciously choose to contribute to this economy, supporting local entrepreneurs, makers and employees.

It’s a good feeling to have – because I truly believe in Africa for Africa.

October 25, 2020 2 Mins Read

Farm Murders & Attacks: Know their names

This article will be updated on a regular basis. I want the victims of farm murders and farm attacks in South Africa to be remembered. They were someone’s son, daughter, sister, mother, father, grandparent or friend.

Brendin Horner was tied to a pole and stabbed in 2020, he was 21.
Glen & Vida Rafferty were 63 and 60 respectively. They were shot in their house along with their dog in 2020.
Raymond Papapavlou was 28 in 2020 when his bullet-riddled body was found in a room.
Gerrit Stander was 38 years old in 2020 when he was shot and killed. They broke into the family’s house on a farm.
Chantel Kershaw was 44 in 2020 when she was strangled to death in front of her mother. She was also sexually assaulted.
Waldi (64) and Cynthia (53) van Zyl were tortured on their smallholding in 2020. The men used a grinder to cut Waldi’s leg, snapping some of his arteries. Cynthia’s nose was pinched in a vice grip and twisted.
Joubert Conradie was shot and killed on his farm. He was taken from his 2 children and wife at the age of 47 in 2017.

There are lists of names all over the internet of victims

July 20, 2020 5 Mins Read

Eish, this Joburg! 20 Cool Facts about Johannesburg

Johannesburg is everything you think it is but also so much more. It is a city of riches and struggles, people on the run and knowing who your neighbours are. It is filled with South Africans, Africans from so far as the Ivory Coast and Ghana and of course people from ‘overseas’ that fell in love with the city’s energy.

I thought I’d share 20 cool facts about my city:

Eish, this Joburg! This is a phrase I have heard a million times. It could be thrown in to express that you share in the misery of being stuck in traffic or that you were a victim of crime. It can be applied to just about anything that can go wrong in the city.
Johannesburg is known as the City of Gold, eGoli, Jozi or Joburg. If you see references of 011 or 010 it is the landline area code for the city.
It is not the only Johannesburg in the world. When some of the gold miners that worked the gold fields here made their way to California in the US they named their new town Johannesburg too. Our US counterpart is of course not nearly as big as my beloved Joburg.
The Hillbrow Tower has been the tallest structure and tower in Africa for 45 years. It stretches 269m into the sky. Before I was born you could visit a floor 197m up… my mom told me about it.
The Carlton Centre is the tallest office building in Africa. You can take a ride up to the viewing floor for a great view of the city. Back in the eighties this was also a destination for school groups from towns far-far-away. I was scared breathless my first time that high in the sky.
Johannesburg is one of the youngest big cities in the world. The first tent-town iteration sprung up in 1886 during the gold rush. The official date is 4 October 1886!
Johannesburg is also Africa’s second biggest city. Egypt’s Cairo is the biggest… but then again, they have a couple of centuries on us!
An estimated 4.5 million people call the city home. I’ve been here since 1999. You will be able to find a person from almost every African country in the city.
Don’t fret if you feel a little dizzy while visiting, the city lies 1753m above sea level. It takes a little longer to boil an egg here than in Durbs or Cape Town.
On the upside, Johannesburg has a fairly mild climate with lots of sunshine. Summer months stretch from September-ish to late March. Our seasons are better than Cape Town’s but Durbs always takes the cake with warmer weather.
Vilakazi street in Soweto is where two of South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize Winners used to live. Locals will proudly point out former South African president Nelson Mandela and former Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s houses.
The city also boasts one of the largest man-made forests in the world. There are between 5 to 10 million trees depending on who tells the story.
The Johannesburg Zoo was founded in 1904 and is sprawled over 55 hectares. Just imagine the exercise you’ll get by visiting!
OR Tambo International Airport, the busiest airport in Africa, was opened in 1952. It was first known as Jan Smuts Airport, then as Johannesburg International Airport in 1994 and since 2006 as OR Tambo. It’s a good thing we have such a big airport as we’ve hosted the finals for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, 2003 Cricket World Cup and 1995 IRB Rugby World Cup.
First National Bank Stadium or simply FNB Stadium is the largest sports stadium in Africa with a capacity of almost 100,000 spectators. It has hosted everything from sporting events to international musical acts. It is an must-snap spot.
Sandton is known as the richest square mile in Africa . The richest gold field in the world was discovered right here many moons ago. Now it is the most important business and financial district in South Africa – with the worst possible traffic. (I worked here for 6 years, just ask me.)
The bronze statue of Mandela in Sandton’s Nelson Mandela Square weighs 2.5 tonnes! The statue stands 6 metres high and measures 2.3 metres from elbow to elbow. The statue depicts Mandela wearing his Madiba shirt while dancing in what was referred to at the unveiling as the “Madiba jive”. This statue was unveiled on 31 March 2004. It was the first-ever public statue of Mandela.
Mponeng Gold Mine is the deepest mine in the world (currently). It takes an hour to get down the 4km deep shaft. It is located towards Westonaria – the western area of Johannesburg.
Johannesburg is the world’s largest city that isn’t located near a coastline or navigable river. However, it has the world’s largest dry port that was developed in 1977 already.
Johannesburg’s traffic is hectic, but not as bad as Cape Town’s. Joburgers are generally more aggressive in their driving style but only because they have places to go and people to see.

Next time you think that there is nothing to see in or near Joburg, think again.

We have Orlando Towers and of course Vilakazi Street, Maropeng, Constitution Hill, the Apartheid Museum, Liliesleaf, Gold Reef City, Museum Africa, South African Museum of Military History, Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, the Nelson Mandela Bridge, James Hall Museum of Transport, Wits Origins Centre Museum, Lindfield Victorian House Museum, Wits Johannesburg Planetarium, more than 1 Mandela statue and even one of Gandhi…

If you want to kick it old style you can still catch a steam train. You can get to any part of the country via train from Johannesburg – just not by steam train.

This one is the kicker, we also have our own winery! Gerakaris Family wines ferment and bottle grapes from the Cape Winelands in the heart of Jozi.

Here are some cool things you can do while in Johannesburg:

November 18, 2019 2 Mins Read

Suitcase parenting: Travel with your kids!

The one thing I have learnt is to not stress about the small stuff – but to be in the moment enjoying it. A wind that sweeps hair in your face while you’re trying to take a family selfie is nothing compared to your kid laughing about your misfortune. Having mud on your clothes is a small price to pay for scooping up your baby and hearing them giggle…

I took my kids to "Thailand" and took this picture — I was there… I snapped the picture of hubby and the kids in front of Nan Hua Temple

I believe it’s never too early to take your kids on an exploration of the world. They may not remember everything, but they will remember you were there with them – and that’s all I want. You don’t have to tell me that it is exhausting to take kids on trips (even if it is just to a grocery shop) and that your luggage exponentially multiplies…

Remember this photo?

I posted it last year June/July. We were on a family holiday on Reunion Island – 3 generations nogal! It was my mom’s first any only overseas trip and my oldest kid got to have this trip with her grandmother, grandfather and parents. Who wouldn’t one day want to remind their kid of such a special holiday?

Not everyone can afford to jump on a plane to an international destination, but you can jump in your car to some of the most amazing places right here in South Africa.

I joked about it to a friend, but you can really fake a trip to Thailand and Paris not too far from Joburg…

Nan Hua Buddhist Temple in Bronkhorstspruit (I’ll post some more photos later)
The Eiffel in Parys

You also really don’t have to go too far from wherever you stay – just do stuff with your kids. Go to the movies, parks, National Parks or even just prepare meals together…

October 8, 2019 1 Min Read

Take a walk through history at Maropeng – Long March to Freedom Statues

Walk through almost 100 statues of icons from South Africa’s past at Maropeng. The Long March to Freedom public art exhibition is a must-see with its life-sized bronze statues. This exhibition was previously housed at the Fountains Valley Resort in Pretoria but thanks to an agreement with the National Heritage Project Company it found a temporary home at Maropeng.

It is rumoured to be the largest outdoor exhibition anywhere in the world – and with an estimated value of around R100-million! The statues will eventually grow into a procession of over 400 bronze statues over time.

You can walk through the loosely spaced statues and snap selfies with chiefs, missionaries and freedom fighters like Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela. The statues depict figures dating back as far as the 1700s. The details on the statues are spectacular – so pay attention.

How much does it cost to visit The Long March to Freedom exhibition:

The Long March to Freedom exhibition is absolutely free to visit currently. You can opt to visit the Maropeng exhibition while you are here – this however does have a price tag.

August 18, 2017 2 Mins Read

The Kruger National Park in pictures

It is no secret that I grew up in the old Transvaal that became the Northern Province…and then Limpopo. I didn’t have sea vacations as a child (well maybe 3 times), we went to the Kruger Park. We camped from Cape Town to Zambia – I didn’t know hotels existed until I left home.

This picture I took on an impromptu visit to the Kruger Park enroute from Mozambique. This picture is special because that bakkie is driven by my parents…and its not any day that a giraffe decides to cross the road between cars.

Do I have an obsession with giraffes or something? A by chance photo of a bird having a nice view from a giraffe.

This “little” guy got way too close for comfort – even though he/she didn’t seem aggressive, I don’t like to get too close.

When this happened… I was like let me pull my mouth from the floor.

I see you!

I sometimes wonder what they think when they look at us.

A bag a nuts!

Not pretty, but smart??

Stately buffaloes…

Still in my pajamas!

A feathered affair!

It is amazing just how quiet a herd of elephants can be…

Slowpokes..

Blood on the paws 🙁

It is always about the cats!

…and that’s it for this post!

November 20, 2016 2 Mins Read

Exploring Gauteng: Nzamiye Mosque, Midrand #INSTAX

We don’t often stop at the beautiful place between us and our destinations, but when we do – magic happens.

Last week I started my “Doors of… Project” with 3 cameras in tow, my trusty Fujifilm digital camera that I have dragged all over the world, my iPhone 6 and my brand new Instax Mini sponsored by Fujifilm. Taking photos with digital cameras are super easy – if you don’t like a photo or it is out of focus you just take another one. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 was a whole different story…

To see all Instax photos just vist this Instagram link #INSTAXgoddess.

Nzamiye Mosque, Midrand

First on my itinerary was this new mosque built in Midrand. Its pointy towers pierces the skies from a large piece of land next to the Old Johannesburg Road. The Nzimayi complex consists of the mosque, school, restaurant and more and its sheer size is impressive.

I phoned ahead to make sure that I would be allowed to take photos in the mosque complex – and it’s a good thing I did. During my visit I was asked 4 times if I had permission to take photos. As soon as I reassured them that I had permission , they were all very happy for me to drag my cameras around. As per usual with mosques I had to cover up from ankle to wrists and wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.

The mosque courtyard is surrounded by white arches that gives you glimpses of doors surrounded by blue flowery mosaics.

Standing inside the mosque you will feel dwarfed by this impressive space. It has a high ceiling with many windows – and down below students that are learning and worshipers. The opulence feels new, not yet lived in but beautiful.

…and this is what it is all about, the doors.

Do you want to visit?

If like me you like to take photos you have to phone ahead. You can also organise a guided tour. Entrance is free. Read more about the mosque on their website, click here.

August 21, 2014 2 Mins Read

In the mountains of Magoebaskloof

When I go home, I go to one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions.

I grew up in the shadows of mountains in a valley bustling with farming activities. I hiked those mountains with my friends and 4×4’ed it with my family. Some of those roads were barely wide enough for 1 vehicle with sheer drops on the one side.

As a local I know the places to go for rides on the rocks, the trails not open to the public, all the best farm stalls to visit, where to buy the best plants and have the best cake. For tourists to the area there is trout fishing, a cheese farm, the quaint village of Haenertsberg, hiking trails, Coachhouse Nougat and the most spectacular views – even while driving. The best thing about visiting is Cheerio in Spring, lunch at the hotel and visiting Wheelbarrow with its amazing nursery.

This special place in the heart of Limpopo is generally known as Magoebaskloof, but it really is Houtbosdorp. It is wedged between Haenertsburg, University of the North, Duiwelskloof and the Mooketsi valley (where most of South Africa’s tomatoes come from). Unfortunately it is on a commercial farm so you can’t just drive in, but I thought I would show you my special place.

*This view is a memorial to a professor that worked on this commercial farm. His ashes is buried just over the edge in a large rock.

South Africa