I’m here to review The Mussel Monger Oyster and Mussel Bar and while I wait for my partner to arrive, I take in the Mojo Market vibe.  Having never experienced the market, I am pleasantly surprised by the activity at 7 pm on a Friday night, and sorry that I haven’t tried it before.

Finding your Mojo is easy, as the market caters to a variety of foodie preferences.  Whether you fancy some Thai or have a super sweet tooth, the sky really is the limit here.  As I wait, I can smell earthy pizza to my right and I am sure there is a savoury whiff of macaroni cheese hitting me from the left.  Besides food, you can wander about and buy all sorts of local clothing, beads, skincare products, swimwear and jewellery, just to mention a few.

But, I am not here to get my retail therapy on, I’m here to SHUCK!

What is Shucking?

Shucking is the art of removing the oyster meat from its shell, and while that may sound simple, you only have to watch the ladies at Mussel Monger to know that it is an extremely delicate procedure.  A firm hand, the right tool and an appreciative attitude for the beauty that lives within, will produce a fresh oyster and yummy sought-after oyster nectar.

A Warm Mussel Monger Welcome

Once my partner arrives, we head straight to The Mussel Monger Oyster and Mussel Bar, the seafood experts, which is ideally positioned near the entertainment stage and bathrooms. (two essential ingredients for any normal female).

On explaining to the smiling lady behind the bar that I am there to review, she acknowledges that she knows who I am and that we can take a seat right there on the corner of the bar.

The manager instantly comes over and welcomes us warmly, asking us what we would like to begin with.  A menu is slid under our salivating mouths, and we scan.  It is clear we are oyster virgins, and so she makes a few suggestions.  While we wait, we sip on our drinks and chat.  A band starts up and we are entertained with soothing sounds and the surrounding chatter.

Before we know it, we are presented with little glasses filled with what looks suspiciously like an oyster floating in a syrupy liquid.  I gulp and so does my partner, giving each other the “oh my goodness” eye.  But, as it were, those were not the last Oyster Shots we had that night.  Delish!

We move through a variety of seafood Farm to Fork dishes that night.  The fresh oysters in the shell with lemon and Tabasco sauce are a real treat and we are taught the correct way to eat them.  Don’t just chuck the oyster down your throat, actually give it a little chew to ensure you take in all the flavours and juices.

The Game Changer!

Our favourite was The Game Changer!  And, what a game changer it was!   Mussels cooked up with crunchy goodness and served with sesame seeds, onions and a mayo-style sauce.  So good!!

As we work our way through the amazing seafood menu of fresh delights, we befriend a local couple across the way, also indulging in the Mussel Monger offerings.  A war of “who can buy the other more Oyster Shots” ensues, and we make nice with our new friends.

We learn that mussel meals come in many forms and our taste buds are attacked by a smorgasbord of steamed mussels in a veggie mix, paired with Vetkoek rolls.  What a treat!

A Huge Seafood Thank You!

Wow, what an evening of tongue titillating seafood, great service and a wonderful atmosphere!

Thank you to the ladies of Mussel Monger and we will definitely be back to get our Shuck On again!

The Mussel Monger Oyster and Mussel Bar can be found at the Mojo Market in Sea Point and online, where you can order to be delivered too.

For more local delights, be sure to check in here.

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Body Language insight through photography

Over the years, as a portrait photographer, Marike has taken the time to learn about body language.  It has been a very interesting journey and just when she thought she had it waxed, she realised that she doesn’t know everything.  Marike Herselman, the owner of Marike Herselman Photography, says that it is very important to understand the client in order to guide them into the perfect portrait, and so she is constantly training herself and learning.

It is vital when dealing with her subjects that she be able to read the signs that their bodies are giving her.  People rarely verbalise what they are feeling, however, their bodies do not lie.  By understanding what mental state her subject is in before they start the shoot, she is able to assist them to relax and in the end produce photos that are both quality and that complement them.

Here is where she starts:

THE EYES

As cliche as it may sound, the eyes are most definitely the windows to the soul.  Very few people can put on a poker face, and even those who can, rarely can hide the truth in their eyes.  A dullness in the colour and look of the eyes can equate to someone who is tired and not quite with it that day.  On the other side of the scale, a bright twinkly spark will mean they are quite up to the task.  Eyebrows, as far as she is concerned, form part of the eye, and readily mirror what the eye is trying to tell me.  From raised eyebrows to frowns that almost cause uni-brows, the eyebrows are super expressive.

THE HEAD, NECK AND SHOULDERS

You may be having a bad hair day and that alone shouldn’t reflect how you feel inside, however, the experts say that a lot of the time if your hair is a little ‘bedraggled’, it generally means you are feeling out of sorts and not quite together.

As for the shoulders, it is easy to see when someone is either down, happy or otherwise mentally occupied.  The shoulders slouch or they appear upright or somewhere in between.

As the neck holds up our head, it can affect the way our head reacts.  A slight twist of the head to the side can mean a contemplating attitude and possibly someone who doesn’t want to make a decision today.  Marike finds those folk very often easiest to shoot, as they are very happy for her to direct them in their poses for portrait photography purpose.

THE MOUTH

Our mouths talk all day long, but it is in the silence that one can read so much.  Lip biting – downward turning lips – bright open teethed smiles – running a tongue across the teeth – licking of lips – all these have different meanings in someone’s psyche.

THE ARMS AND LEGS

Arms across the chest are classic defensive mode or aggression but often can just mean the person isn’t comfortable.  The moment those arms leave the chest, she knows she has taken a real leap with them.  Cross legs can be similarly analysed.  Jittery legs or constantly moving arms can suggest nervousness, however, some people are just built that way with a nervous energy that doesn’t allow them to keep still.  An active, on the move shoot, is then the call of the day.  Often this will help them lose the jitters as all that is required is some movement.

THE BODY AS A WHOLE

While Marike doesn’t claim to be a qualified coach on body language or understanding the human psyche, she does know how to read people.  “And, I have found, over the years, I am able to sum up someone’s mental state by studying them for a few minutes.  The body, as a whole, is able to adapt and it is to that adaption moment that I constantly strive to bring my clients to, knowing that once they accept their bodies and their circumstances, they will enjoy the experience even more.”

Marike Herselman Photography is a bespoke Portrait Photography business based in Cape Town, but able to travel.  To connect with Marike and have an enjoyable photo shoot, reach out today.

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The morning started out with introductions from key players in Deloitte and moved quickly into the main keynote speaker, Hans van Grieken, world-renowned EMEA Technology Research & Insights Leader at Deloitte.

We received a 360-degree view of what Deloitte believes has shaped the tech environment so far over the past decade and what is still to come.  We got inside views into businesses who are using amazing tech to grow and prosper themselves, and more important, others.

WHAT ARE THE KEY EIGHT TRENDS?

MACRO TECHNOLOGY FORCES AT WORK

Taking into account nine macro forces – analytics, cloud, digital, core modernization, the business of tech, cyber, cognitive, blockchain and digital reality – there is much to be said for what has been and what will still come

AI-FUELED ORGANISATIONS

A company that considers deploying machine learning and using tools such as cognitive tech will see a great difference in the long run – let the data drive your business

NOOPS IN A SERVERLESS WORLD

Step aside cloud computing, move in NOOPS – abstracted and focused on management tasks, we look to automation as the driving force, allowing those IT talented folk to focus on activities where machines cannot tread

CONNECTIVITY OF TOMORROW

For CIO’s to grow beyond today, they need to be considering the advancements in connectivity  – advanced network products and services are at hand right now

INTELLIGENT INTERFACES

Touchscreens are what we are now used to, but intelligent interfaces will soon be the new norm

BEYOND MARKETING — EXPERIENCE REIMAGINED

If you want to reach the more intelligent and tech-aware customer, you need to be looking to better experiences – how?  – through the new generation of marketing techniques and tools

DEVSECOPS AND THE CYBER IMPERATIVE

We know DevOps – merging Development with Operations – but, the concern has always been the security element or the security gaps -DevSecOps takes that worry away

BEYOND THE DIGITAL FRONTIER – MAPPING YOUR FUTURE

Is digital transformation achievable?  Deloitte thinks so and it all starts with embracing it at that right moment, where tech, science and business meet for a cup of coffee

For the full report, click through here – “Tech Trends 2019: Beyond the digital frontier”.

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10 MINUTES WITH CRAIG LUCAS

We were privileged enough to get an exclusive interview with Craig Lucas, the up and coming young SA star.  The Elsies River boy has come a long way since his The Voice SA 2017 win and with one album, Restless, under his belt and a string of singles doing phenomenally well, we are looking forward to what more he can bring to the locals.  His “Heart’s Exposed” song is a dedication to his coming out and the video even features him romantically connected with his current partner. Quite controversial but it’s not the first time a newby singer has come out openly – Will Young, UK Idols winner comes to mind.

Craig had this to say about winning The Voice SA and the years that have followed, “Everything has been so new, of course, and so I still get goosebumps thinking about the win and all that has happened since then.”  We got a little deeper and asked Craig what he would tell the 12-year-old Craig if he could go back in time.   With a heavy sigh, and hand swipe across his face, Craig said he can hardly remember that boy, but he does remember that he didn’t seem to ever be 100% happy. “12-year-old Craig was constantly trying to find happiness through achievement, excelling in academics but failing socially.” He would tell that boy that it really isn’t that bad and to just look to be happy with the simple things in life.

We spoke about other famous singers, such as Luther Vandross, who once stated that his ultimate venue to sing at would be the Royal Albert Hall in London, which he eventually achieved, loving both the intimacy and expanse of the iconic building.  On asking Craig where he would like to perform, he gave a little laugh and admitted that he hadn’t given that much thought as he was still so overwhelmed with the local performances.  He said he wasn’t quite sure yet whether he preferred big stage and big audience shows or the more close and personal gigs.  Well, Craig, we will definitely ask you that question in a year or so and look forward to your answer.

MORE ON THE JAZZ FESTIVAL

FRIDAY’S LINE-UP

As for the Jazz Festival, besides a kick-ass line-up, the event was a resounding success, bringing in jazzy fans from all around the world.  Friday saw Curiosity Killed the Cat, a long-standing UK band who began in the ’80s, giving us some sweet tunes, oldies and covers both.  Knower, an American electronic duo, who played jazz-funk, had the crowd stomping and jiving for a good hour.  What followed, on the same stage, was Shekhinah, the Durbanite, who made her mark in the 2011 SA Idols and again in 2012, oddly not winning, but clearly winning wasn’t necessary.  She has climbed to international fame with her distinctive sound and voice, and we know we haven’t seen the last of her.

SATURDAY’S LINE-UP

Saturday’s jazz festival artists featured a real icon, Jonathan Butler, who got the crowd going with many classics.  The Gypsy Kings created quite a stir getting us to swing our hips and raise our hands up.  Local artists like The Lady Day Big Band were a real hit and Reza Khota Quartet warmed our hearts with their soulful sounds.

There were 5 stages to choose from and amazingly you couldn’t hear the music from one stage to the next.    Craig Lucas ended the night off the jazz festival on the Bassline stage and one could see that no one wanted to go home.

We are always proud to report on local talent and even more so on local events.  We hope that if you were there, you had a ball and that we will see you next year for another star-studded and jam-packed line-up.

A warm thank you to Craig Lucas for the intimate interview and wish him well this year!

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“Themba Romario Maneli (24) and Nanky Tozama Kanase (24) were arrested last week Friday and have been charged with fraud, theft and money laundering in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court,” said Hawks spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase.

“They remain in police custody and are due to appear in court again on Thursday for a formal bail application in the same court.”

Hawks managed to freeze the remaining millions from fraud

Maneli, a Finance Clerk at Clicks IT Finance Department, allegedly colluded with his girlfriend and submitted fictitious invoices over a period of time for payment exceeding R4 million to a company owned and directed by his girlfriend.

“Over R1.6 million was already transferred to different bank accounts and the stolen funds were quickly depleted through electronic payments and ATM withdrawals.”

Capt Nkwalase said that the Hawks’ swift investigation landed the two in jail whilst the Asset Forfeiture Unit managed to freeze the remaining alleged stolen millions of rand.

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This is after it acted on a information on Tuesday, at about 09:30, and arrested two men, who were found in possession of unlicensed firearms at the Bishop Lavis Magistrates’ Court.

“Police were conducting crime prevention duties in the court when they observed two men carrying firearms, and upon investigation, it was discovered that the licenses that the suspects produced were invalid,” said police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana.

“The two men, aged 30 and 42, were arrested and three firearms, an automatic rifle with 60 rounds of ammunition and two 9mm pistols with 45 rounds of ammunition were seized.”

How many firearms are in South Africa

She said that the suspects are expected to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court where they will be facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

According to the Small Arms Survey report of 2018, an estimated 5,351,000 firearms are in civilian possession in South Africa – placing it as the 20th highest country in the world in terms of the number of guns within its borders.

Still, while number of register civilian gun owners is low in South Africa, when compared to other countries like the United States and Saudi Arabia, the country has a high number of unregistered/illicit firearms circulating among communities.

Of the 5 million firearms, only around 3 million are registered (legal) firearms. The rest are unregistered and are often used in crimes like murders and robberies, which remain a concern in the country.

Effectively, there are 9.65 firearms per every 100 persons in South Africa.

The various law enforcement agencies in the country have around 250 481firearms and the SA Defence Force has around 350 636 military firearms.

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This became apparent when Diran Zacharan (24) appeared at Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Friday last week for dealing in dagga.

“Zacharan was arrested in Table view by the Hawks led multidisciplinary team during a disruptive operation undertaken by the team on Thursday,” said Hawks spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase.

“A third and fully operational hydroponic dagga lab was uncovered with a total of 95 dagga plants worth R95 000 in Table view, Cape Town.”

This follows after two others that were dismantled at small holding farm in Mikpunt Klipheuwel and in Palm Beach Harbour Island last December and February respectively.

Capt Nkwalase said that Zacharan was arrested at his Table view premises for the allegedly dealing in dagga connected to the operating and cultivating hydroponic dagga lab.

“Furthermore, over R20 000 cash notes was also recovered during the search and seizure at the suspects’ residence.”

The case against Zacharan was postponed to 23 May for further investigation whilst he was released on R2000 bail.

Dagga – just how legal is it now

Whether you agree with the ruling or not, and whether or not you personally have ever had (or intend to have) anything to do with cannabis/marijuana/weed/dagga, we all need to be aware of the implications.

Any form of supply or purchase, even in private, and any possession or use by a minor (under 18), anywhere, would still put you at risk of a criminal record and heavy penalties.

Read more on the legalities around dagga growing and use in South Africa here.

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“Sinenhlanhla Buthelezi (26), Mariam Abdullah Majiet (31), Samantha Christal Hughes (40) and Kgomotso Comfort Masindi (37) appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, facing charges of fraud and corruption,” said Hawks spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase.

“They were arrested in Cape town, Jeffreys Bay and Port Elizabeth on Tuesday and Wednesday last week following an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation together with the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public works.”

Capt Nkwalase said that the four were allegedly linked to a syndicate implicated in processing fraudulent vehicle roadworthy certificates.

“These Western Cape vehicles were reportedly exempted from being physically tested at the testing stations in Jeffreys Bay and Port Elizabeth in exchange of bribes.”

Suspects released on R2000 bail

All four were each released on R2 000 bail and are expected to be back in the same court on 25 April 2019.

“Furthermore, the court ordered them not to go near any vehicle testing station and not to access NaTIS system.”

The issuing of false roadworthy certificates remains a challenge for authorities.

At least 230 000 fake roadworthy certificates are estimated to have been issued in 2012 alone.

The fraudulent issuing of Certificates of Roadworthiness (COR) and Certificates of Fitness (COF) was now rife while it poses a danger to be the vehicle drivers, their passengers and other road users.

Still, operating motor vehicle without roadworthy certificate carries a fine of R 1 000.

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“The community of participated in partnership policing this morning when they shared valuable information with the police about suspects that were involved in a murder in Bloekombos, Kraaifontein,” Cape Town spokesperson.

“Police members were patrolling in the area when they saw a Mazda 323 that fitted the description of the one that was reportedly involved in a murder earlier.”

Man found in Kraaifontein with multiple stab wounds

Police said that an unknown man was found at around 02:45 with multiple stab wounds in an open field next to the De Nova Youth Treatment Centre, old Paarl road, Kraaifontein.

“The witnesses saw four suspects fleeing the crime scene in a white Mazda 323.”

Police followed up on the information and spotted the vehicle and upon searching it they found a knife that was allegedly used to commit the murder and four occupants inside the vehicle. 

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The Marketing Manager of La RicMal, Mr Malcolm Green, who will be travelling to the West African country next week, says his decision was motivated by the growing demand for the South African wine in Ghana.

Green will be one of about 30 businesspeople who will be participating in the Outward Trade and Investment Mission to Ghana from 24-30 March 2019.

The trip is organised and funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance Scheme.

The objective of the scheme is to develop export markets for South African products and services and to recruit new foreign direct investment into the country.

The mission will comprise of a trade and investment seminar, business-to-business meetings and site visits.

According to the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, the mission to Ghana is part of South Africa’s investment-led bilateral trade approach with African countries aimed at increasing intra-Africa trade and investment.

“Over the years we have seen the demand for the south African wines in Ghana growing as a result of an increase in their consumption.

“Our research has established that the volumes of SA wines consumed in Ghana are starting to overtake the French and Portuguese wines. This is due to the fact that Ghana has a strong appreciation for the South African products and recognises us as one of the countries in the world that produce wines of highest quality and taste,” says Green.

Western Cape company, La RicMal, setting up plant in Ghana

Green says the impressive increase of the SA wine exports to Ghana has inspired his company to set up a bottling plant in Ghana in order to expand its footprint to the West African region.

His wines have already made significant inroads into the region as they are exported to Ghana, Nigeria and Mali in addition to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Kenya and Mozambique.

“We will be using the trip to Ghana to continue the discussion with the businesspeople in Ghana on our plan for a partnership or joint venture in setting up a bottling plant there. We are looking at exporting bulk wines to Ghana, and bottling the wines in that country.

“This will make it easier and cost-effective for us to export to the West African region and beyond with Ghana being the hub. It will be a win-win situation for all of us as a South African company will be investing in the Ghanaian economy and creating employment for the people of Ghana and exporting the South African product to the country,” says Green.

He adds that the direct impact of his company’s successful expansion into Ghana will be an increase in production, exports and jobs.

Caption: Keen to capture significant share of West African wine market – the Marketing Manager of La RicMal, Mr Malcolm Green with his wines

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