As South Africans, we generally associate Christmas with summer holidays, the beach or pool parties, braais in sizzling heat and afternoon thunderstorms. But how many of us wouldn’t love to experience a classic Northern Hemisphere Christmas? You know, like the ones you see in the movies – grey skies and snowflakes, freshly cut Christmas trees, log fires, glühwein, a traditional lunch with all the trimmings, woolly scarves and warm sweaters.

Enter Christmas in July!  Forget sweltering Decembers and soggy pavlova – July is the perfect time to reimagine Christmas, believes ekko Director Samantha Pillay. With frost, mist, log fires and the very real possibility of snow in South Africa’s colder regions, it’s the ideal setting for a true winter Yuletide. “Who says we can’t recapture the holiday spirit in true Northern climes style in July? It offers a whole lot of fun minus the pressure,” she says.

So, if you’re dreaming of a white-ish Christmas, South Africa does have a few frosty tricks up its sleeve. Pillay shares some favourite chilly escapes for celebrating, including the majestic Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, the rugged Cederberg in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape’s Hogsback and the highlands of Mpumalanga. So, gather up your family and friends for a Christmas in July getaway that trades flip-flops for fuzzy socks and ice cream for hot chocolate.

How do you capture that authentic winter Christmas magic? Pillay has some ideas:

• Pick your favourite wintry escape and, if you’re an ekko member, use your shares to secure luxury self-catering accommodation with cosy fireplaces (because there’s nothing quite like toasted marshmallows, particularly sandwiched between Marie biscuits, shared around a roaring fire).
• Decide on your own Christmas date – 25^th July perhaps? Pack some tinsel, festive serviettes and decorative candles from home – any no-fuss items that travel well – and turn decoration-making into a holiday activity with the kids creating paper snowflakes, pine cone snow trees or twig and branch wreaths.
• Make gift-giving part of the fun with a one-gift-per-person rule. Set a spending limit and pick a theme like something silly, useful, or homemade to share the Christmas spirit without the shopping stress.
• And Christmas lunch? Use your self-catering facilities for traditional but simple festive fare. Slow-cooked roast meats with roasted vegetables and gravy, or for a more South African flavour – a hearty potjiekos with Christmas spices. They all taste even better in cold weather, and don’t forget to finish with a hot pudding (buy ahead or make and freeze).
• For some ‘night before Christmas’ fun: hold an ‘ugly jersey’ contest. Everyone has to wear their boldest, funniest or most over-the-top jerseys. It doesn’t have to be a Christmas design; anything goes for a laugh.
• Try Glühwein South African style: simmer spiced wine over the coals while grilling boerewors and chops, blending German tradition with an unmistakably local twist.
• Make the most of your festive winter break with activities like scenic hikes. The crisp air and clear views are perfect for walking trails, and many ekko destinations offer beautiful routes ideal for viewing wintry landscapes.
• Enjoy dining and coffee experiences. Winter means more time indoors exploring quaint coffee shops and treating yourself to dinner. Ekko members can take advantage of dining and coffee deals to make meals out even more affordable. It’s an easy way to try local favourites without breaking the budget.
• Many destinations offer discounted access to local attractions, helping keep the kids entertained while you enjoy the slower, cosier pace of a true winter break.

“We see a number of ekko shareholders using this time to take advantage of off-peak rates and discounts that make these experiences more accessible,” adds Pillay. “Ekko’s approach to travel and lifestyle is about making it easier for South Africans to experience quality getaways, dining, and activities, even on a budget. This means you can enjoy all the festive magic of Christmas in July without the December madness – or the December prices,” she concludes.

For more information on how to become an ekko shareholder, please visit www.ekko.co.za.

You know that feeling when you’re lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering why your brain has decided that 11 PM is the perfect time to replay your day on loop? Or suddenly waking up and picturing all the things that could go wrong with your presentation next week? Your bedroom has blackout curtains, is the perfect temperature, and a mattress that blew your budget. You even have a sleep app, so why are you still struggling to get a good night’s rest?

You’re definitely not alone. Studies show that 14.5% of adults struggle to fall asleep most nights, and 17.8% wake up frequently during the night. That’s millions of people battling broken sleep. But while we’re all Googling ‘how to fall asleep faster’ at 1 AM, turns out the answer isn’t in another sleep hack or expensive gadget. What if the solution is as simple as a getaway in nature? According to a growing body of research, nature-based holidays may be the most effective (and enjoyable) sleep remedy.

Samantha Pillay, Director at ekko, a leading lifestyle brand for millennials, shares that like many, she has arrived at a holiday destination before, stressed, overstimulated, and sleep-deprived. “Yet, after just a few days, I’m sleeping deeply, waking up refreshed, and wishing I could extend my stay,” she says. “There’s something incredibly restorative about escaping to nature. From soft ocean breezes to forest walks and crisp mountain air away from the crowds, the benefits go far beyond fresh air and pretty views.”

Here’s five reasons why you sleep better when you holiday in nature and why it’s worth booking that escape:

1. Your body clock resets.

Natural light exposure (especially in the morning) helps regulate your circadian rhythm, the internal clock that tells your body when to sleep and wake. A 2013 study in Current Biology found that just a few days of increased daylight exposure can shift this rhythm into better sync with the natural day-night cycle.

2. Stress melts away.

Nature lowers cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress and poor sleep. A meta-analysis published in Environmental Research confirmed that time in natural environments reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and promotes relaxation — all vital for falling and staying asleep

3. Activity improves sleep.
Whether it’s walking trails, paddling in a river or dam, horseback riding, or simply exploring, holidays in nature naturally involve more physical activity. The Sleep Foundation confirms that moderate movement during the day helps people fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep cycles.

4. You disconnect – properly.

The absence of constant digital noise, artificial light, and city traffic helps your nervous system settle. A quieter environment without screens before bed supports melatonin production, which is key to falling asleep.

5. It’s Not Just Sleep – It’s Wellness

Time spent in green and blue spaces—like forests, lakes, and oceans—has been linked to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and sharper cognitive function. Research in Environmental Health Perspectives shows that greater exposure to nature strengthens resilience and boosts overall wellbeing, helping you return from your holiday feeling mentally refreshed.

Whether you fancy a mountain escape in the Drakensberg, a beach retreat in Thailand, or walks in the Black Forest in Germany, this is when owning an ekko portfolio really pays off. Enjoy discounted luxury travel with access to an extensive range of local and international hotels and resorts, cruises, flight deals, car hire and even tours. Use your shares to book holidays at more than 50 top-tier South African resorts in prime locations or choose from over 10,000 additional SA hotels and resorts at up to 50% off, plus more than 500,000 luxury options worldwide. Ekko offers you access to countless local and international destinations, perfect for connecting with nature.

“The fact is that so often we don’t realise how much our bodies need a reset. So if you’re always struggling to sleep, don’t reach for a sleeping pill, reach for your suitcase and head for the horizon,” Pillay concludes. “A break in nature might be exactly what your body has been asking for.”

We are well aware that the sneaker care industry has long relied on chemical-heavy formulas to clean, protect, and restore footwear. Those of us in the sneaker community have always held true to the idea that sneakers transcend the footwear category; they are cultural symbols, and sneakers continue to be feats of design and engineering within the fashion space.

So, our vision at Sneaker LAB has always been clear, and predicated on two simple questions: how do we respect the care practices instinctive to our community, while moving the needle forward for fashion care practices that protect the planet?

Our commitment to biotechnology-driven solutions prioritise both performance and environmental responsibility; what exactly goes into creating a sneaker care product that is effective, safe, and sustainable?

At the core of our care products is probiotic biotechnology—a science-led, planet-first approach that harnesses beneficial microorganisms to break down dirt and grime at a molecular level. Unlike traditional cleaning agents that rely on harsh surfactants and synthetic chemicals, probiotic-based formulas leverage naturally occurring enzymes to digest organic matter.

If it seems kind of sci-fi, well; that’s because it is. Our process is futuristic, and our products are announcements that the future is here, now.

The development of these probiotic enzymes begins in a controlled lab environment, in which specific bacterial strains are cultivated for their cleaning efficacy. Our bio-chemistry team isolates and grows these microorganisms in optimal conditions, ensuring they produce the enzymes necessary to degrade stubborn stains, odours, and biofilms on sneaker materials. These enzymes work continuously even after application, providing a long-lasting cleaning effect without the need for repeated use of harsh chemicals.

What makes these probiotics even more fascinating is their ability to create a self-sustaining ecosystem on your sneakers. Instead of stripping materials of all bacteria—good and bad—like conventional cleaners do, our probiotic formulas encourage beneficial bacteria to outcompete the harmful ones. This means that every time you clean your sneakers, you’re actively creating an environment that resists future grime and odour buildup.

Creating a sustainable sneaker care product that is eco-conscious, includes ensuring that it performs at the highest level. How else would we convince you to take the road less travelled? Each Sneaker LAB product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure effectiveness on a wide range of sneaker materials, including leather, suede, canvas, mesh, and synthetic textiles. The research and development team conducts laboratory tests to measure cleaning efficiency, pH balance, and material compatibility. Controlled stain tests simulate real-world conditions, exposing sneakers to common contaminants like mud, food, and oil. These tests help refine the formula to deliver optimal cleaning power while preserving the integrity of delicate materials.

Luckily, we have been around for some time and the wear-testing we do today is conducted within our community. Our product must meet the expectations of sneaker collectors, athletes, and everyday wearers: and they do.

Beyond functionality, our team ensures that the probiotic-based formulas don’t degrade the adhesives that hold sneakers together or cause unexpected colour changes. The goal is to provide a cleaning solution that sneaker lovers can trust—one that works on rare archival Jordans just as well as on your everyday pairs, that encounter all kinds of surfaces and terrains.

Sustainability is a vast concept, encompassing many facets. Alongside our commitment to the environment, our ethical considerations are equally important. Sneaker LAB ensures that all its products are cruelty-free, meaning they are never tested on animals. We take care and pride in maintaining ethical supply chain practices, working with suppliers that uphold fair labour standards and environmentally responsible production methods. Our commitment to social responsibility also extends to community initiatives; so the things that make us sustainable are broader than our product offering. We know firsthand how sneaker culture and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

We’re also Green Tag Certified, which means our products meet the highest global standards for sustainability, safety, and environmental responsibility. This independent certification evaluates everything from ingredient transparency and eco-toxicity to ethical supply chain practices, ensuring that our sneaker care solutions are as planet-friendly as they are effective. Our low-impact innovation is driven by biotechnology, designed for performance, and committed to a cleaner future.

As the demand for sustainable care products grows, so does the potential for innovation. We continue to invest in research and development to enhance its probiotic cleaning technology and refine formulas for even greater efficiency. Looking ahead, we believe the future of sneaker care lies in circular systems—in which packaging can be upcycled, refilled, or composted, and where biotech advancements further reduce environmental impact. With continued commitment to sustainability, we’re shaping a cleaner, greener future for the footwear and fashion industries.

Sneaker culture is built on passion, and caring for sneakers should reflect that same dedication. By choosing products that prioritise both performance and the planet, we are dedicated to contributing to a more sustainable future—without compromising on style, or our shared love for design.

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, curry-scented meal, especially when it’s ready in minutes. Bull Brand’s new Chicken Curry Mince, a proudly South African, first-of-its-kind canned meal designed for the modern, time-strapped kitchen. High in flavour and low on prep, this heat-and-eat hero makes deliciousness as easy as twist, heat, and serve.

From lunchbox fillers to dinner saviours, here are five quick, crowd-pleasing recipes using Bull Brand’s Chicken Curry Mince that prove pantry staples can be anything but boring.

1. Bunny Chow

Perfect for: lunches, midnight munchies, or weekend snacking.

Tip: Add a dollop of mango chutney for a sweet twist.

2. Spicy Roti Wraps with Yoghurt & Onion Crunch

Perfect for: easy family dinners or on-the-go meals.

 3. Curried Cottage Pie

Perfect for: a cozy midweek meal that feels like Sunday lunch.

4. Curried Chicken Mince and Potato Curry

Perfect for: a lazy dinner moment.

5. Spiced Jaffle Toasties

Perfect for: after-school snacks or quick TV dinners.

Bull Brand’s Chicken Curry Mince brings spice, warmth, and a hearty dose of convenience to the table. Whether spooned, wrapped, baked or grilled, this versatile pantry gem makes cooking faster — without sacrificing flavour.

So next time you’re staring at your kitchen wondering what’s for dinner, just reach for the can that’s changing the game, because comfort food shouldn’t come with complications.

In South Africa, there is much talk about transformation, equality and empowerment. Yet when it comes to hiring people with disabilities, many businesses still fall short. Too often, hiring is done to tick boxes or boost a B-BBEE scorecard, not because of a genuine belief in the value that people with disabilities can bring to the workplace. It’s time to shift our focus. We need to start “seeing the abled within the disabled” by recognising talent, not ticking compliance boxes.

Because in truth, many South Africans living with disabilities do not lack capability, but the opportunity.

Stop hiring for targets, start hiring for talent
For the most part, the hiring of people with disabilities is still approached as a compliance issue. There’s a push to meet employment equity targets or improve scorecard ratings, but often without the right support, structures or mindset in place. As a result, these hires can feel tokenistic and unsupported.

The Employment Equity Act and B-BBEE codes are designed to encourage transformation, and they are without a doubt necessary. But using them purely as a yardstick for numbers, rather than for real inclusion, misses the point. It should not be about how many people with disabilities a company employs, but about how meaningfully they are included, supported and enabled to contribute to business objectives. South Africa has many talented individuals who live with disabilities – what they need is for employers to see beyond their label and start seeing skills, experience and potential.

Disability is not inability
There is a persistent misconception that people with disabilities cannot work as effectively as able-bodied employees when many roles do not depend on physical mobility at all. Think about sectors like customer service, administration, IT, content creation and finance, where mental focus, communication and consistency matter most.

In South African call centres, for example, people with disabilities often excel when given the right tools and training. While a person who uses a wheelchair might not be suited to a factory floor, but in an office environment, whether remote or in person, they can outperform expectations in the right role.

The key is not to focus on what someone cannot do, but to identify where their strengths lie and place them in roles where they can shine. That is the foundation of inclusive, effective hiring.

Build workplaces that work for everyone
Creating a disability-inclusive workplace in South Africa doesn’t require deep pockets. Small changes, such as accessible desks, flexible hours or assistive technologies, can go a long way toward levelling the playing field.

However, physical infrastructure is only one part of creating an inclusive workplace. Cultural and organisational readiness is equally important and this includes leadership commitment, internal education, and proactive support policies. This is important because when these elements are aligned, inclusion becomes a sustainable practice rather than a symbolic gesture. In many South African organisations, unconscious bias and a lack of disability awareness continue to limit integration efforts. Employees may be unsure how to engage with colleagues who have disabilities, and those with disabilities may feel hesitant to request necessary accommodations. Training, clear policies, and open dialogue are essential to closing this gap.

True inclusion benefits everyone. By building workplaces that are welcoming, accessible, and focused on strengths, companies will benefit from higher engagement, lower turnover, and stronger brand reputation as an enterprise that takes diversity to heart.

Shifting focus from disability to ability
Although deep pockets are not mandatory, the deepest change required will be that of mindset. When the focus shifts from seeing the disability to finding the ability, the hiring process becomes more human and more effective. As such, inclusion should not be based on charity or scorecards but come from a genuine attempt to build diversity in the workplace. Leadership must actively support disability inclusion and ensure that structures are in place for meaningful participation. This can look like working with training providers in setting realistic and measurable inclusion goals and investing in long-term skills development strategies.

It’s important to point out that people with disabilities are not seeking special treatment. They are seeking fair treatment and equal access to opportunity. In recognising the abled within the disabled, South African employers can build workforces that are not only more inclusive, but also more capable, resilient and representative of South Africa’s broader society.