Interactive African drumming, wine tasting, a South African braai and marimba combine to offer a uniquely local way to connect with Cape Town’s culture.

Who would have thought that on the scenic slopes of Constantia Nek in Cape Town you’d find an internationally acclaimed show that lit up Broadway and captivated audiences across the globe? Drumstruck has performed for royalty, world leaders and celebrities from Shakira to Dolly Parton, earning a reputation as one of South Africa’s most successful cultural exports. Today, this global success story has its home at Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, where guests can enjoy interactive African drumming, theatre, rare traditional instruments, wine tasting and a generous South African braai — all in one unforgettable experience.

Here are 10 reasons Drumstruck at Silvermist absolutely should be on your Cape Town itinerary this summer:

1. An authentic introduction to South African culture

Drumstruck’s authenticity stems from deep research and cultural expertise in traditional African music. Its creators have spent decades curating an extensive collection of books and instruments, and documenting the stories and evolution of Southern Africa’s musical traditions. This work has led to the publication of a definitive book on African traditional music and the creation of an orchestra of indigenous instruments dedicated to preserving these sounds. This depth of knowledge underpins the entire experience and creates an environment where guests feel connected to South Africa in a real and meaningful way.

2. You Become Part of the Show

Every guest receives a drum and gets to play along with the show. The Drumstruck cast guides the room with humour, rhythm and skill, turning strangers into a unified ensemble. Whether you’re musical or rhythmically challenged, don’t worry – you’ll fit right in. The cast keeps things light, funny and completely pressure-free, and somehow everyone ends up drumming in harmony. The result is an easy, joyful sense of togetherness that you rarely find in a traditional theatre setting.

3. A Living Museum of African Music

The Drumstruck theatre doubles as a museum showcasing the largest private collection of traditional Southern African instruments. Many of these are demonstrated during the show, including the Ngoma Lungunda (God Drum), Royal Ghana Drums, Uhadi bow, Kudu horns, Pedi pipes, Venda nanga, log drums and historic mbiras.

4. Not Just a Show, a Learning Experience

Guests learn how traditional musical practices shaped the instruments and sounds we hear today, from Bushman trance harmonies to Zulu and Tswana dance rhythms. They also discover how activities such as stick-fighting, log-drumming and mielie-pounding influenced the development of instruments like the marimba and akadinda. A highlight is learning a traditional Xhosa wedding song.

5. A Rare Chance to See World-Class Performers Up Close

The Drumstruck cast includes some of South Africa’s most accomplished singers, dancers and percussionists, including Mpho Rasenyalo and Tumelo Seleke. These are artists who have performed on Broadway, opened the Beijing Olympics and shared stages with international icons including Shakira, Will.i.am, Linkin Park and Dolly Parton. Their skill, versatility and stage presence bring the theatre to life, but what makes the experience truly special is the intimacy of the setting. Guests sit just metres from performers who usually appear in large-scale productions.

6. A Braai That Captures True South African Hospitality

The braai (lunch or dinner) is generous, delicious and full of familiar South African flavours. Flame-grilled chops, chicken, boerewors, pap and chakalaka, fresh salads and garlic bread are served as the sun sets over the Twelve Apostles. A sweet treat is served as dessert, and vegetarian and halaal options are available.

7. Live Marimba Music That Creates an Unforgettable Atmosphere

During the braai, guests are entertained by one of South Africa’s leading marimba ensembles, led by award-winning musicians Zama Qambi and Lungelwa Mdivasi. Their vibrant rhythms and harmonies create a joyful and uplifting atmosphere that extends the energy of the show into the meal. The band performs a mix of well-loved classics such as “Malaika,” “Summertime” and the “Click Song” along with traditional Zulu dance songs that often inspire spontaneous singing and dancing.

8. A Breathtaking Setting and incredible organic wines

Drumstruck takes place on Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, one of the most beautiful spots in the Constantia Valley. Guests begin their experience on sweeping lawns overlooking the Twelve Apostles, tasting four of the area’s award-winning wines while listening to stories about the Constantia Valley narrated by the winemaker, Gregory Brink Louw, or his sommelier. The combination of mountain views and exceptional wines creates a setting that feels both luxurious and deeply rooted in local tradition.

9. An outing suitable for every member of the family

Drumstruck is one of the few cultural outings in Cape Town that works for every generation. It’s a rare opportunity for the very young and the very old to get stuck in and have fun together. While adults enjoy the wine tasting, children (and non-drinkers) are treated to a tasting of iced-teas, making the experience fully inclusive. Kids feel free to roam the lawns and interact with Silvermist’s farm animals, while adults can relax and enjoy the music and storytelling. Everyone loves the drumming! It’s lively, welcoming and accessible to anyone who wants to join in.

10. Exceptional Value for a Premium Experience

With the Drumstruck show starting at only R280, visitors gain access to an internationally recognised production at a remarkably accessible price. Guests can choose to attend just the show, add a wine tasting, or complete the full wine-and-braai experience.

And if you’re still looking for one more reason, it’s this: you’ll walk away with joy, renewed energy and a deep connection to South Africa.

Visitors consistently describe Drumstruck as “life-changing,” “the highlight of our trip,” and “the most joyful experience in Cape Town.” The message at the heart of the show is simple: When you see Drumstruck, you will fall in love with South Africa.For further information please visit https://drumstruck.com/

The 2025 GQ Men of the Year Awards unfolded last night at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel in Johannesburg, where an intimate assembly of 50 distinguished guests gathered to celebrate South Africa’s trailblazers and cultural heavyweights. The evening honoured the individuals reshaping the country’s creative, cultural, and business landscape with Africori taking centre stage as Sjava was awarded the 2025 Excellence in Music Award.

Sjava’s win follows the resounding success of his September release, Uyena 2.0, a project that further cemented his position as one of South Africa’s most versatile and impactful artists. His seamless evolution from rap to Afropop to gospel continues to demonstrate a dynamic range that places him firmly in a league of his own.

Reflecting on the honour, Sjava expressed gratitude for the recognition and the room of peers who continue to champion his craft:

“It means so much to sit in a room with people who consistently support my work and the work of everyone being celebrated tonight. The world is often quick to criticise and tear others down, so moments like this remind us that we are doing well, that what we create matters.”

Every year, the GQ Men of the Year Awards spotlight visionaries, risk-takers, and cultural forces whose contributions shape how South Africa shows up in the world. The 2025 cohort embodies the spirit of now  bold in their ambition, unafraid in their leadership, and relentless in their pursuit of purpose. From innovators shifting the boundaries of business and sport to artists influencing the sound and narrative of a generation, these honourees not only defined the moment but set the tone for the future.

2025 GQ MEN OF THE YEAR — SELECT HONOUREES

Excellence in Music Award –  Sjava

Sjava continues to build an extraordinary artistic legacy defined by honesty, cultural grounding, and sonic innovation. His BET Award win marked a pivotal moment in his trajectory strengthening a body of work that continues to shape South African music and resonate globally.

Business Leader Award — Sean Barber

Business Leader Award — Sheldon Tatchell

Sports Champion Award — Akani Simbine

Sports Trailblazer Award — Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

Master of Entertainment Award — Shimza

Breakout Star Award — Thandolwethu “Olly” Zondi

Breakout Star Award — Nkululeko “Ciza” Nciza

Breakout Star Award — Lindokuhle Sobekwa

Design Trailblazer Award — MMUSOMAXWELL

The Disruptor Award — Paul Siguqa

Game Changer Award: Music & Entertainment — Siya “Slikour” Metane

Editors Tribute Award — Relebogile Mabotja

Editors Tribute Award — Sarah Langa

The Legend Award — Oscar “Oskido” Mdlongwa

Music Icon Award — Thandiswa Mazwai

Sports Maverick Award — Dr Pitso Mosimane

Sjava’s recognition marks another milestone in an already defining era for South African music one where artistry, authenticity, and cultural resonance continue to lead the global conversation

Follow Sjavas Journey here:

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In a festive season overflowing with novelty serves and bold cocktail experimentation, few drinks manage to surprise while still honouring the elegance of simplicity. The Cocoa Spritz does exactly that. Light, sparkling and subtly indulgent, it captures the art of balance in a way that feels both festive and refreshingly new.

There’s no heavy-handed sweetness or overworked garnish to distract from its intention. The Cocoa Spritz is transparent in its craft; every ingredient holds its own, and at the heart of this harmony lies in ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters, a quiet force that elevates without overwhelming.

Just a few dashes of ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters unlock layers impossible to fake. The bitters’ deep cocoa richness tethers the spritz’ s bright effervescence, adding warmth, structure and a whisper of complexity. For bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts, it’s not simply an addition. It’s the defining thread that turns a clever idea into a truly memorable serve.

As drinkers continue to gravitate toward cocktails that feel considered rather than complicated, the Cocoa Spritz stands out as a modern celebration of restraint. It rewards precision. It demands intention.

Whether enjoyed at a sun-soaked garden gathering, served as a festive welcome drink, or paired with dessert for a playful twist, the Cocoa Spritz captures a new kind of summer indulgence. It proves that innovation doesn’t always mean excess sometimes it simply means knowing exactly what to add, and when to stop.

Cocoa Spritz Recipe

Ingredients:

• 50 ml dry white wine or prosecco
• 100–150 ml tonic water or soda water (to taste)
• 2 dashes ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters
• 1 slice of orange or grapefruit
• Ice

Method:

Fill a large wine glass with ice, add the wine or prosecco, then top with tonic or soda water. Add two dashes of ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters, stir gently to combine, and finish with an orange or grapefruit slice as garnish.

Serve immediately and enjoy the lightest, most refreshing cocktail of the festive season.

The Profile

Crisp, bright and delicately decadent, the Cocoa Spritz offers soft layers of citrus, florals and velvety cocoa. Every sip is lifted by ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters, which binds lightness to depth and transforms a sparkling serve into a moment of refined indulgence.

For more on the ANGOSTURA® range and inspiring cocktail recipes, visit www.angosturabitters.com. Follow Angostura South Africa on Facebook /Angostura South Africa and Instagram @AngosturaZA for updates, tips, fun facts and recipe inspiration.

As you hike up the berg or wind your way up Table Mountain this holiday, it is easy to look around and think, “This is wild, untouched nature.” But often, it is not.

Behind the views we love, many of South Africa’s mountain slopes are quietly being taken over by invasive trees and shrubs like pines, wattles and gums. They look green and “foresty”, but they are anything but harmless.

According to Husqvarna South Africa’s Marketing Manager, Timothy Isabirye, invasive trees compete with indigenous plants, disrupt ecosystems and reduce vital resources like water. And in our mountain catchments, that has massive consequences for people and nature.

Isabirye goes on to share three more ways invasive plants harm our mountains and why clearing them, safely and correctly, matters:

1. They strip away biodiversity: South Africa is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, yet invasive species remain one of the biggest threats to that richness. In mountain ecosystems like the Drakensberg and the Cape, dense stands of invasive trees shade out fynbos, grasslands and proteas, outcompete slow-growing indigenous plants, and reduce essential habitat for the insects, birds and small mammals that depend on them. The result is a quieter, poorer landscape. You might still see green slopes from a distance, but up close, there are fewer species, less variety and less resilience.

2. They steal our water: In an already water-stressed country, this is the big one! Deep-rooted invasives like pines and gums are very thirsty, and studies show they can reduce river flows by six to seven per cent. That equates to billions of litres lost every single year. Mountain catchments are South Africa’s “water factories”, yet invasives intercept rainfall, draw more water from the ground than indigenous plants, and reduce the flow into dams, rivers and wetlands downstream. This is why national programmes are essential and why Husqvarna is a massive supporter of people and organisations, like Helihack, who are committed to removing invasive plants.

3. They turn mountains into tinderboxes: Fire is a natural part of our ecosystems, especially fynbos. But there’s a very big difference between a healthy ecological burn and a runaway inferno. Invasive trees disrupt natural fire cycles by creating heavy fuel loads, carrying flames into the canopy, and driving fire intensity far beyond what indigenous plants can tolerate. In fact, studies in fynbos catchments show that dense alien stands increase fire severity and worsen soil and hydrological impacts after burns. In simple terms, invasives can turn a manageable mountain fire into a dangerous blaze that threatens lives, damages soil, accelerates erosion and flooding, and sets back indigenous vegetation for decades.

So, this December, as you spend time in nature, remember that those beautiful, clear streams and wide-open views rely on the passionate volunteers and rangers behind the scenes. Organisations like Helihack commit their lives to clearing invasives so that our ecosystems can keep functioning, and they need more companies, like Husqvarna, supporting them.

“If we want healthy rivers, safe communities and thriving wildlife, we must take invasive plants seriously. Clearing them is one of the most powerful ways to protect the places that restore us,” Isabirye concludes.

For more information or to view Husqvarna’s range of products, visit www.husqvarna.co.za

Yesterday, The Foundation L’Oréal and UNESCO announced the 2025 laureates of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards. These awards celebrate 30 exceptional young scientists — 25 PhD candidates and 5 postdoctoral researchers from 18 Sub‑Saharan African countries — recognized for the excellence of their research, their dedication to addressing the continent’s challenges, and their determination to inspire future generations of women scientists.

Selected from more than 550 applications, the laureates were chosen by a jury of 10 scientists, chaired by Professor Priscilla Baker, chemistry professor at Western Cape University in South Africa, who received herself the 2025 International L’Oréal‑UNESCO For Women in Science Award. The awardees represent diverse fields, including life and environmental sciences, material sciences, engineering and technology, and formal sciences.

Their research contributes directly or indirectly to addressing key continental and global challenges such as food security, public health, sustainable development, and inclusive digital transformation.

Progress towards gender parity in scientific research in Sub‑Saharan Africa

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, several countries are making meaningful progress toward a more inclusive scientific ecosystem. According to UNESCO’s latest report, Kenya for example has made remarkable progress, increasing the proportion of women researchers by 12 percentage points in 10 years — from 25.7% in 2013 to 38.4% in 20231. This positive trend demonstrates growing momentum for women scientists.

Women are also increasingly represented in higher education, representing 58% of graduates in Namibia and 60% in South Africa.  Despite this progress, women scientists still make up only 1 in 3 researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa, as it is the case globally. It is therefore crucial to continue taking action to help foster a new generation of young African women scientists.

Young Talents Award: A renewed commitment to advancing excellence among women scientists

In the face of the challenges facing Africa, this year’s Young Talents laureates contribute actively to placing science at the heart of development models across the continent. For example, Margaret Murage is recognized for her work on new cancer treatments, while Ramal Cyrielle Ndougonna is awarded for using genomic data to identify cassava varieties that are disease‑resistant, high‑yielding, drought‑tolerant, and nutritionally enhanced, all crucial for food security in Africa.

Breaking the glass ceiling and shaping the future of science

“We believe that the future of science in Sub‑Saharan Africa relies on recognizing and supporting women scientists. Through the L’Oréal‑UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Young Talents Awards, we showcase women scientists who are pioneering sustainable change and delivering solutions for Africa and the world,” said Pauline Avenel‑Lam, Executive Director of The Fondation L’Oréal.

“UNESCO champions women researchers at the heart of Africa’s scientific transformation. The L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Young Talents Awards show how partnership can open doors, amplify voices, and accelerate impact. By celebrating these remarkable young researchers, we reaffirm our commitment to their success and to Africa’s sustainable and equitable future,” added Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences at UNESCO.

A growing community of more than 270 African women scientists

For over 15 years, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa programme has supported more than 270 women scientists from over 35 countries.

Laureates receive financial grants (€10,000 for PhD candidates, €15,000 for postdoctoral researchers) and trainings in leadership, scientific communication, and career development.

They also join a global network of more than 4,700 women scientists since the international programme’s creation in 1998.

About the Fondation L’Oréal

The Fondation L’Oréal supports and empowers women to shape their future and make a difference in society. It focuses its action on two main areas: science and beauty.

Science: encouraging women’s scientific excellence and inspiring future generations.

The Fondation L’Oréal is committed to supporting women scientists at every stage of their careers, from sparking vocations at a young age to recognizing excellence in established researchers. This commitment translates into an intergenerational approach and dedicated programmes.

In partnership with UNESCO, Fondation L’Oréal has run the international For Women in Science programme since 1998. This programme aims to accelerate the careers of women scientists, remove the obstacles they face, and inspire younger generations to embrace scientific careers. To date, the programme has supported more than 4,700 researchers from over 140 countries, promoting scientific excellence and encouraging many young women to pursue scientific studies.

The Fondation L’Oréal also invests in the future of women in science through its For Girls in Science programme. This programme aims to inspire scientific vocations in young girls by raising their awareness of the scientific challenges of tomorrow and introducing them to inspiring female role models. The goal is to support and encourage the next generation of female scientists, giving them the keys to succeed in scientific fields.

Beauty: restoring self-esteem and promoting professional integration.

Convinced that beauty contributes to the process of rebuilding lives, the Fondation L’Oréal helps vulnerable women to improve their self-esteem through free socio-aesthetics treatments. These treatments help restore their self-esteem and help them regain confidence. At the same time, the Fondation L’Oréal promotes the professional integration of vulnerable women through training in beauty professions.

More than 170,000 women have benefitted from socio-aesthetics treatments and more than 67,000 women have participated in the trainings.

About UNESCO

With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.