Johannesburg, South Africa – SAA Voyager is partnering with Total South Africa to offer SAA Voyager Miles at participating Total retail service stations nationwide. SAA Voyager members can now earn Miles every time they fill up at Total.

“With Total being the largest fuel retailer in Africa, and SAA Voyager being Africa's leading airline loyalty programme, there’s a natural synergy between the two partners. We want to give our customers greater value and added benefits, at the same time; we understand their need for quality brands. We therefore have joined forces with SAA Voyager, a premium brand, to give value back to our customers,” explains Qetello Zeka, Total South Africa General Manager: Sales and Marketing.

Voyager is SAA’s loyalty programme which boasts a global membership. SAA Voyager members earn miles when they fly with SAA, other airline partners and non-air partners including amongst many selected hotels, financial institutions, car hire companies, lifestyle-related service providers, and now their first petroleum supplier partner, Total South Africa.

“By teaming up with Total South Africa, we are now able to offer our members yet another opportunity to earn SAA Voyager Miles. This is in line with our efforts to actively extend our range of partners for our valued members beyond airline travel. With 500 participating Total service stations nationwide, we are confident our members will be really pleased with this latest partnership,” says SAA Executive for Customer Loyalty, Suretha Cruse.

SAA Voyager members earn one SAA Voyager Mile for every one litre of fuel purchased at Total, and these Miles can be redeemed for flight tickets, car rental, spa vouchers and lifestyle products or services.

This latest offering offers Total customers a value-added lifestyle experience beyond just the day-to-day necessity of filling up with fuel.

SAA Voyager Miles are only available to SAA Voyager members. Customers who are not SAA Voyager members, who would like to take advantage of this benefit from 1 August 2014, need to register to become a SAA Voyager member at www.flysaa.com.  

For more information contact:

Total South Africa
Nonkosi Dyan
Corporate Communications Manager
Cell : +2782 783 0436
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

SAA
Tlali Tlali  (Mr)                                                                        
SAA spokesperson                                                                                                         
Mob: +27 82 333 3880                                                   
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   
Website: www.flysaa.com
Twitter: @flysaa
Facebook: www.facebook.com/flysaa

About South African Airways

South African Airways is a Star Alliance member that offers flights to 38 destinations worldwide. Domestically, SAA operates 544 flights a week between Johannesburg – Cape Town, Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth. Regionally SAA offers 24 destinations across the African continent and its international network creates links to all major continents from South Africa through 10 direct routes. In the regional category, SAA has received the Skytrax ‘Best Airline in Africa’ Award for 11 consecutive years.  

About SAA Voyager

SAA Voyager is the largest and most popular “Frequent Flyer Programme (FFP) in South Africa and on the African continent with a mature base of well over 2.5 million members with the majority residing in South Africa. Miles are the currency of the SAA Voyager Programme and are available to individuals over the age of 2 years. SAA Voyager’s free enrolment, which comes with a generous account activation bonus of 2, 500 Miles, opens the door to numerous benefits. Members are linked to world-wide destinations through Star Alliance airline partners. Over the years, as with many FFPs, SAA Voyager has evolved from an “airline frequent flyer” programme to a multi-sector travel and retail programme. Companies participating in the programme are from many sectors including air travel, hospitality, property, cruises, car rental, financial services, lifestyle and retail. Today the programme has a total of 62 partners, categorised into airline partners of 35 and non-airlines of 27. SAA Voyager continues to partner with companies offering products and services that are aligned to our industry and that add value to the programme and its members. In addition, SAA Voyager serves as a strong marketing tool that enables partners to generate incremental revenue, enhanced loyalty and aid in customer retention.  

About the Total Group

Total is one of the largest integrated oil and gas companies in the world, with activities in more than 130 countries. The Group is also a first rank player in chemicals. Its 97,000 employees put their expertise to work in every part of the industry – exploration and production of oil and natural gas, refining and marketing, new energies, trading, and chemicals. Total is working to help satisfy the global demand for energy, both today and tomorrow. In Africa, besides exploration and production and renewable energies, Total is active across the whole petroleum product supply chain (service station network, general retail, lubricants, aviation fuels, bitumen, LPG) in more than 40 countries, where the Group is a sector leader with an estimated 15% market share. Around 1.4 million customers are served every day at one of TOTAL's 3 500 service stations on the continent.      

About Total South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Total South Africa is a subsidiary of Paris-based global energy group Total S.A. It is a leading energy solutions and petroleum company and is 49% locally owned. Total South Africa’s core business focus encompasses the manufacturing, sales and marketing of a range of petroleum products and lubricants for the retail, commercial, agricultural and industrial markets. With a portfolio of over 530 service stations across the country as well as holdings in the NATREF refinery, TOTAL is also a key player in the country’s petrochemical market.

The National Department of Tourism, in partnership with South African Tourism, created the Lilizela Awards, a premier award that gives recognition to the top tourism players in the sector. The awards reward and celebrate the highest levels of excellence across the tourism industry.  

Aquila Private Game Reserve has been honoured to be awarded second place for Service Excellence in the Accommodation category. The judging was largely based on guest feedback, as measurements were put in place to allow the public to cast their vote.  

Judges were comprised of the Tourism Grading Council assessors, trade partners, tour operators and independent auditors who oversaw the judging process. Judges considered the consumer feedback, site visits, TGCSA scores, accessibility and affordability, authenticity of the experience and the overall quality of the experience.  

Set in the pristine Southern Karoo Highlands against a backdrop of dramatic mountains, the Aquila Private Game Reserve offers an exciting taste of real Africa just two short hours from Cape Town by road.   Aquila is home to an enormous variety of game, including the Big 5 -- elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard -- giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, many different antelope, baboons, jackal, bat-eared foxes, hippos and crocodiles. And many migratory birds stop en route at Aquila's own wetland.  Two- to three-hour game drives are a perfect way to see the animals (in four-wheel-drive vehicles, quad bikes or on horseback).  

Aquila's four-star chalets are built largely from rock, thatch and wood to blend with the environment and offer every comfort like  roaring log fires, wooden viewing decks, air conditioning, crisp percale linen, rock bathrooms and, in some, alfresco rock showers. A luxurious honeymoon suite is perched on a hill for the ultimate romantic getaway.  Aquila also offers ideal facilities for conferences and business meetings and it's a perfect place for the wedding of a lifetime too.  

There are two swimming pools, a pool bar, a cosy cigar lounge and a large dining room where the executive chef presents a rich variety of authentic South African cuisine. Feast on a breakfast fit for a king and for lunch and dinner a range of meat dishes including springbok and roast lamb, a variety of beautifully prepared vegetables and other side dishes, and to round off your meal, an array of superb puddings created on the premises as well as local cheeses and biscuits. Superb South African wines are on offer with your meal.  

If you don't have a lot of time to spare, a daily shuttle service from Cape Town International airport and all major Cape Town hotels will take you to Aquila and back for a perfect day trip.  

Owner of Aquila Searl Derman has always been committed to uplifting the town of Touws River, ever since hearing about the withdrawal of the railway from the town in the 1980's. This left massive unemployment of approximately 97% of a town of 9000 people. Derman has been recognised as 'Champion of the Poor' by the press and has been featured on Carte Blanche and Fokus for his award winning social upliftment and conservation efforts that have sustained the town. These include; a soup kitchen that has swopped food for litter and feeds up to 12000 meals per month. By cleaning the town, the recycled litter is used to pay for the school teachers. Derman continues to support the old age home and developed youth by sponsoring the town's rugby, cricket and soccer teams. Furthermore, Derman has donated several thousand blankets over the past 10 years, providing at least 1 blanket to almost every person in the town.  

Aquila Private Game Reserve has always been proud to host all visitors to Cape Town, however it is always very exciting to have visits from both local and international celebrities.  

Over the years Aquila has welcomed very influential visitors like Baroness Margaret Thatcher and Dep. President Rodolfo Nin as well as socialites and celebrities like Paris Hilton, Sacha Baron Cohen,  members of Good Charlotte including front man Benji Madden, Rihanna, MC Hammer, Katie Holmes and Luke Perry to name a few. With quotes left by Luke Perry “I've been to San Francisco but I did not leave my heart there, and it is a damn good thing cause I'd rather leave it here…” and Paris Hilton “incredible experience .. had the best time”, Aquila hopes to see them back on the reserve soon. Watch www.facebook.com/aquilasafari  for updates.

www.aquilasafari.com

If you need to safely pack, mark and secure items for storage, moving or relocating, there is an excellent packaging material solution to consider. There is no need to drive around looking for old boxes or turn your house upside down to look for tape and markers. Now you can buy packaging material online – and have it delivered to your door.

Packaging Material on StorageCube’s Online Store includes moving boxes, moving kits, a variety of wrapping materials, and other essential moving supplies. Here you will find all the basics – and more.

The moving kits (Regular and Student option) include moving boxes in various sizes, mattress covers, couch covers, wrapping paper, bubble wrap, tape, a marker, and “Fragile” stickers. These are convenient options that you can just top up with loose moving boxes. The hangar box is a great option to consider as it is not included in the kits. What makes it great? It has a bracket that allows you to hang clothes for storage or moving – in other words packing and unpacking simplified. For a large move, we recommend buying moving boxes in bulk to save.

Wrapping material as you can guess allows you to protectively wrap items for safe transportation or storage. Materials include blankets, cling wrap, couch covers, wrapping and packing paper, mattress covers, and bubble wrap. StorageCube offers all the right types of protective layers, whether you need to wrap couches, appliances, crockery, glasses and more.

Once you have wrapped and packed your belongings there are only a few things left to do. Secure the boxes with tape, mark them (according to box contents or room it should go in), add “Fragile” stickers to the relevant boxes, and get pad or disc locks for extra security during transportation or storage.Not that is packing for moving and storing simplified.

Visit StorageCube’s Online Store Now

StorageCube offers Storage, Document Storage, Relocation, Removals, and Packaging solutions to individuals and businesses. Find out more.

August 31, 2014 Intertek Sub-Saharan Africa promotes Management System Integration Johannesburg, South Africa

Intertek, a leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide, hosted a Management System Solution symposium in Johannesburg  from 21-22 August 2014, addressing management system challenges and integration.  

Integrated management systems can be implemented by organizations in any sector and of any size. Organizations may consider this step to lower costs and simplify their maturing management systems by fully or partially integrating the requirements of different audit criteria with a single set of documentation, policies, procedures and processes.  Integrated audits can bring many benefits to your organization, such as lower certification costs, fewer interruptions to the organization, reduced documentation, streamlined processes, and more consistent objectives across multiple systems.  

The symposium included presentations by industry specialists, who addressed the benefits and practicalities of integrating multiple management systems, as well as individuals who had been involved in the integration of multiple management systems within their companies.  The event also featured professionals who currently serve on the international committee developing the new ISO 9001: 2015 revision, and who are actively involved in the review of the ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 international standards.  

The proposed changes to the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards, prior to their expected release in mid-2015, as well as the impact of the High Level Structure on the ISO range of standards was of great interest to attendees. Delegates were also provided with the opportunity to engage in working group sessions which addressed generic global and local non-conformances as well as those specific to the SHEQ, CSR and Food schemes.

Intertek will continue to keep the sub-Saharan marketplace abreast of the changes affecting management systems, and to provide solutions to their clients in this area.  Changes to the standards will not only have an effect on management systems, but also on auditing services. Intertek ensures that all of their auditors are trained on the updates to these management system standards in order to provide the highest quality service to the industry.  

Intertek Services (Pty) Ltd currently provides integrated auditing solutions and certification for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000 standards as well as a variety of Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, as well as training on the implementation and auditing on these standards for industry.  

For further information and business opportunities please contact:

Charlene Holm
Key Accounts Manager,
Business Assurance
Intertek Services PTY Ltd,
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 396 1101
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.    

Amanda Pienaar
Key Accounts Manager,
Life Sciences (Food and Pharmaceuticals)
Intertek Services PTY Ltd,
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 396 1101
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   

Adele Krogh
Key Accounts Manager,
Intertek Academy
Intertek Services PTY Ltd,
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 396 1101
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   

Media Contacts
Bridget Day
Media & Marketing Manager,
Intertek Services PTY Ltd,
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 396 1101
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.     

About Intertek
Intertek is a leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide.  From auditing and inspection, to testing, training, advisory, quality assurance and certification, Intertek adds value for its customers by helping improve the quality and safety of their products, assets and processes.  With a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 36,000 people in more than 100 countries, Intertek supports companies’ success in the global marketplace, by helping customers to meet end users’ expectations for safety, sustainability, performance, integrity and desirability in virtually any market worldwide. 
Visit www.intertek.com 

Johannesburg, South Africa – South African Airways (SAA) is adding to its already extensive African flight schedule to offer customers more travel options on the continent. The most recent change is an increase in the flights from Johannesburg–Lagos route, where the airline will offer eight (8) frequencies per week, effective 2 September Johannesburg – Lagos and effective 3 September Lagos – Johannesburg. “All flights will be operated with a long-haul Airbus aircraft offering lie-flat seats in Business Class, which we anticipate will be welcomed by our Business Class travellers, as we have seen a tremendous growth in demand for premium travel in Africa,” says Kendy Phohleli, SAA General Manager Commercial (Acting). The new schedule will provide greater/additional connectivity to the SAA network and accommodate the current passenger and cargo demand that SAA is experiencing on the route. Additionally, it will offer seamless travel for passengers en-route to Perth (Australia), Hong Kong and mainland China.              

The new flight on Tuesdays, SA080, will depart Johannesburg at 23h00 to arrive in Lagos at 04h15 the following day. Arrival is 04h25 in summer and 04h15 winter (Northern Season). SA081 returns on Wednesdays from Lagos departing at 08h00, to arrive back in Johannesburg at 14h55. Arrival is 14h45 in summer and 14h55 winter (Northern Season). “The increase on the Lagos route follows on previous increases to the airline’s Africa route network, in keeping with SAA’s Gaining Altitude strategy, where the focus is on strengthening our presence in Africa,” says Phohleli. Africa routes on which frequencies were recently increased include: Johannesburg – Harare (from 18 to19 per week); Johannesburg – Lusaka (from 20 to 21); Johannesburg - Abidjan (from two to three per week); Johannesburg – Blantyre (from two to three per week); Johannesburg - Dar es Salaam (from 13 to 14 per week); Johannesburg - Kinshasa (from four to six per week); Johannesburg - Nairobi (from 10 to 11 per week); Johannesburg - Ndola (from three to four per week); Johannesburg - Windhoek (from 20 to 21 per week). SAA has also made changes to its international route network, where frequencies on the route between Johannesburg and Mumbai have been reduced by one per week to six weekly frequencies, (effective from 1 July 2014). SAA will, however, offer the same number of seats as a bigger aircraft will be used on the Mumbai route. “The Tuesday Mumbai departure will no longer be operated as this flight historically shows low demand, which is a change also aligned with SAA’s Gaining Altitude strategy, where frequencies on low-performing routes are adjusted in line with our key strategic objective to achieve, and maintain, commercial sustainability, while supporting South Africa’s development agenda,” says Phohleli.

For more information contact:

Tlali Tlali (Mr)
SAA spokesperson
Mob: +27 82 333 3880
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

With its paramount location in Assegai Bush, a beautiful fort near Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, Kichaka Private Game Lodge is the ideal place to enjoy big five safaris in South Africa.Kichaka PrivateGame Lodge can be an unforgettable and quiet luxurious experience. Each suit is surrounded with homely atmosphere and attached with private deck, plunge pool and Wi-Fi connectivity. In assistance with professional and experienced guides, game-viewing from open vehicles or on guided walks are commendable and fascinating.

Kichaka also offers relaxing massage in safari-styled wellness-suite, excellent cuisine complemented by exclusive wines which are combined with customer friendly approach. These are the key components that form Kichaka’s devotion to service excellence and 5 star experiences to tailor-make each visitant’s stay to match individual taste, interest and mood. Kichaka Private Game lodge is pleased to announce its recent safari and accommodation special offers.

Chipembere Rhino Foundation is the proud associated partner of Kichaka and by donating a minimum of R100 to save the rhino, Kichaka can offer a 50% discount for hotel reservation for up to 14 days. Another exciting offer states that paying R3950 per person and staying for 2 nights in the luxury game lodge makes the third night’s accommodation completely free. All the offers are valid till 30th September, 2014. Staying in 5-star game lodges in a private game reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape is now available at economical rates through Kichaka’s silent auction.

It gives the chance to bid what one can afford and this bid includes luxury accommodation, 5 star meals, house wine, morning and evening game drives etc. that fill anybody’s South African safari experience with enjoyment. The 3 plus 3 Cape Town and Bush safari package (May – Sept, 2014) offers 3 night accommodation at Colona castle in Cape Town and 3 nights at Kichaka luxury lodge for just R10930 per person. Another exhilarating 6 nights safari package (May – Sept, 2014) offers accommodation at MannaBay B&B in Cape Town, Kichaka luxury lodge and Schoone Oordt in Swellendam with utter comfort and ultimate pleasure. Those who are looking forward to learn everything about the natural allures of this fascinating nation, Kichaka is the ideal option for them. Kichaka Private Game Lodge can be compared perfectly with greatest paradise on earth.

For further details, look into http://www.kichaka.co.za/.

About Kichaka:
Kichaka is an exclusive 5 star private safari game lodge, based in Eastern Cape, South Africa. It offers thrilling safari activities and luxury accommodation in a key destination of South Africa. Since 2011 it has been touching the acme of excellence by being certified through Tripadvisor. It acts both as an ideal corporate getaway for business conferences and a perfect romantic getaway for weddings and honeymoons. Interested clientele can visit the main office situated in Grahamstown or can book online by visiting the company’s official website. Kichaka guarantees sincere customer service at the most economical rate.

Contact Us:

Kichaka Lodge, Assegaai Bush,
PO Box 7073,
Grahamstown,
Eastern Cape,
South Africa, 6139

Telephone: +27 (0)46 622 6024
Cellular No: +27 (0)83 236 0754
Fax: +27 (0)46 622 6028
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.kichaka.co.za

The transport sector has been highlighted by the government as a key contributor to South Africa's competitiveness in global markets and government has unveiled plans to tremendously increase its spend on improving the country's roads, railways and ports. As part of the solution it’s important to promote collaboration and coalition building among women entrepreneurs as a way to develop women in the industry as well as to advocate policy actions that support this.

As transport month draws closer, Mercatique Consulting in association with Women Economic Forum will be hosting The Women in Transport Forum, a one day medium where ideas and views on creating opportunities and addressing skills gap for woman in Transport sector will be addressed.

“Wits Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) has partnered with Mercatique Consulting on this event. CfE welcomes this opportunity and looks forward to its full development and successful implementation.” Chimene Chetty, Director, Wits Centre for Entrepreneurship

The Women in Transport Forum is a platform for all leading organizations and government to discuss possible implementation strategies and provide solutions to the challenges currently faced by women in the sector. If you’d like to RSVP or find out about the forum, Please contact Calvin Ncube on 011 027 5842 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Forum Details:

Date: Thursday 16 October 2014
Time: 08:00 - 17:00
Venue: Donald Gordon Auditorium, 2 St. David’s Place, Parktown, Gauteng

Contact Person

Calvin Ncube
Tel: 011 027 5842
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The 5-star http://www.hotelizulu.com/ - Hotel Izulu in Ballito will host one of its popular wine market events on 24 August from 12:00 in conjunction with Paul Cluver and promises to be a memorable day for the whole family. 5 unique 

Paul Cluver wines have been selected to accompany the decadent menu of Hotel Izulu’s new Executive Chef, Jennifer Du Toit. The different pairings will be set up at various stations, where guests can sample them all at a cost of R195.00 per adult. Kids (3-16) can enjoy a special kid’s meal, a cold drink and an ice cream for just R70.  All guests can experience a lovely family day around the pool, with a jumping castle for the kids and live music by the band ‘Afritude.’

The food and wine pairing options on the day are a Thai Prawn Salad paired with Paul Cluver Reisling ‘Close Encounter’ 2013, Baked Caprese Salad paired with Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc 2013, and Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce paired with Paul Cluver Gewurztraminer 2013.

Further options Smoked Salmon and Sage Potato Gratin, Chive Veloute paired with Paul Cluver Chardonnay 2013, and Roast Lamb and Wild Mushroom Lasagne paired with Paul Cluver Village Pinot Noir 2013.

There will be a pancake stall on the day as well as Hotel Izulu’s famous Deli offering soup, cheese boards, breads, biscuits and its famous fudge.

All of the featured wines are available for purchase at a special reduced price by the bottle.

Wine chillers are also available to purchase at R79 each.

Reservations Essential: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 032 946 3444

Woman of today have realized that getting their period every month is, well I guess, just the way life goes. In 1996, Instead, Inc. pioneered a new alternative to tampons and pads with the development and release of its innovative Softcup.

Now in 2014, Maybe MOM is proud to announce that they have made this product tagged ‘The Next Generation of Period Protection' available to the South African market. Maybe MOM Instead Softcup gives you 12-hour wear time, comfort and convenience during your period allowing ladies to live life without interruptions.

Softcup is a flexible cup that is worn internally, around your cervix. It collects, rather than absorbs menstrual flow. It's hypo-allergenic, latex-free and completely safe when used as directed. Softcup has gained popularity for its many advantages over traditional methods of feminine protection including greater safety, longer wear-time, and clean sex during “that time of the month. Softcup can be worn during any activity including sports, swimming and sleeping.  Use one reusable Softcup for up to three cycles, which makes it Easy on the Earth and Easy on the wallet retailing in stores for only R49.99.

More than 200 million Softcups have been sold since the product’s introduction in America in 1996, and there has never been a reported incidence of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). In extensive laboratory testing Softcup did not promote the growth of the bacteria that causes TSS. Softcup does not change the body’s natural environment nor does it alter the body’s pH levels, natural bacteria levels or absorb the body’s moisture. “It allows me to use the softcup until the last day of my period, even when my flow may be little to none, it’s comfortable and does not cause dryness or irritation” says Amanda, owner of Maybe MOM South Africa.

“Because the Softcup was uniquely designed for the modern-day woman, it has grown tremendously and developed staying power in the American market, proving an excellent alternative to tampons and pads,” said Joseph Pike, CEO of Instead. Women have embraced the concept of the Softcup because of the greater flexibility and control it gives them over their lives.  In fact, when the Softcup is not offered somewhere, women seek it out rather than buy the alternatives.

The Softcup is an FDA-approved, reusable menstrual product made from a non-absorbent, non irritating polymeric material that has been used for over 20 years in health care products such as catheters and baby bottle nipples and contains no latex. It has undergone extensive toxicology, bio-compatibility and microbiological tests as well as human clinical testing, and contains no drying chemicals or fibers. 

12-Hour Period Protection, Instead Softcup is a proven advancement in period protection. Try it and you'll see how it fits into your busy life.  

For more information and to purchase contact (Wholesale enquiries welcome)  Facebook: www.facebook/maybe mom.com / Website:  www.aeadistribution.co.za /Your nearest Checkers and Checkers Hyper stores as well as Medi Rite Pharmacy’s    For Interviews: Amanda or Elie Kouaiky /Tel:   +2783 2928292 / +2782 8881816 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The second development phase at Somerset Lakes, a 42-hectare residential estate in Somerset West, will be released to the market in mid September. The first phase sold out rapidly, with 114 sales being recorded within just six weeks of the launch. Construction of the first phase is well under way and occupation is expected to take place in mid 2015.

The new phase, Waterford Green, comprises 48 freestanding double-storey houses, selling from R1,3 million including VAT, no transfer duty. These two and three bedroom homes offer spacious, contemporary, open-plan living areas and private gardens. All homes include at least two bathrooms, one being en suite, and the three-bedroom design offers a garage and an optional guest toilet.

According to Dave Harris, Sales and Marketing Manager of Somerset Lakes, the new product has been specifically designed to help meet the growing demand for affordable, quality housing in the popular Somerset West area.

“We’ve been inundated with requests from buyers looking for houses,” Harris said. “People want freestanding homes with gardens, views and security, in close proximity to the centre of Somerset West, and that’s exactly what our latest product at Somerset Lakes has to offer.”

Designed by Schabort Associates Architects, the new development phase is located alongside the six-hectare lake that gives the estate its name.

“This unique feature is a huge attraction,” Harris commented. “It’s ideal for swimming, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing, and home to a rich variety of water birds. A magnificent community clubhouse on the shores of the lake, The Summer Club, will enhance the appeal of this fantastic recreational asset, providing residents with play areas, boat sheds, a sandy white beach, and a swimming pool and deck area with stunning views of False Bay and the Hottentots Holland mountains.”

The developers, Omwieco (Pty) Ltd, a consortium of highly experienced development professionals backed by financial giant Investec, have devoted no less than 40% of the estate’s total area to green, open space for the recreation of residents. This includes the lakes and other water features, a mature forest of stone pine trees, landscaped parks and gardens, and kilometres of walking trails and mountain biking tracks.

An indigenous fynbos nursery has been established on the estate, which was recently awarded the prized 2014 SALI Gold Award for landscape design by the South African Landscapers Institute.“No expense has been spared to implement the most technically advanced security system at Somerset Lakes,” said Harris. "These measures include electrified perimeter fencing with 70 high-definition surveillance cameras, which are monitored around the clock from the hi-tech guardhouse, 24-hour guarding and patrols, and an on-site rapid response team. Other advanced features include biometric fingerprint access control."

All homes in the estate will be hardwired with fibre-optic cabling for superfast internet access, DStv and VOIP telephone connectivity, which will allow free telephone calls within the estate.

A Curro Castle School is being constructed on the estate and is due to open its doors in 2015.

Convenient access to the Somerset West village has been provided by the developers through the R16 million construction of Reunion Drive, which links the main entrance of Somerset Lakes to Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Road under a specially constructed railway bridge. Just a few hundred metres from this entrance, an upmarket new shopping centre is now under construction, where Checkers, Woolworths Foods and Clicks will be the anchor tenants.The Vergelegen Mediclinic and the Somerset West CBD are less than two kilometres away, while popular Somerset Mall shopping centre is just 3,5 kilometres from the estate.

“When you consider the amazing lifestyle advantages Somerset Lakes offers, the security, the convenience of the surrounding amenities, and the incredible natural beauty of the estate, I have no doubt our second phase will sell as fast as the first one,” said Harris.“I strongly advise anyone interested to register online for an invitation to a pre-launch sales opportunity, ahead of our public launch in mid September, to avoid disappointment.”

For further information visit www.somersetlakes.co.za or phone 021 202 2200.