Summarized score cards: CSA 3-day Franchise Academy Week

OUDTSHOORN 26 – 28 JANUARY 2017

DAY 1 of THREE DAY MATCH

COBRAS vs TITANS

Cobras Academy 1^st Innings 318/9 (R Cyster 101*, J Cassiem 52, Shabir Mallie 39, Matthew Goles 38, Thomas Hobson 2/46, Andrew Rasemene 2/56)
Titans Academy 1^st Innings 15

KNIGHTS vs WARRIORS

Knights 1^st Innings 150 (Beyers Swanepoel 57, Marno van Greunen 25, Sithembile Langa 5/32, Bongolethu Makeleni 3/17)
Warriors Academy 1^st Innings 106/6 (Phumzile Majaja 32, Sean Whitehead 3/24) 

LIONS vs DOLPHINS

Lions Academy 1^st Innings 93 (Lifa Thaba 35, Gareth Dukes 5/23, Nduduzo Mfoza 3/22)
Dolphins Academy 1^st Innings 190/5 (Dudu Zondo 79, Bruce Kerr 52*, Glen Adams 3/58)

Summarized score cards: CSA 3-day Franchise Academy Week

Friday Morning Edition

Good morning all,

This Edition is sponsored by Little Stint Self-Catering.

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My View

Stilbaai farmers ask for help – so please folks if there’s anything you can do.

The Garden Route gals lead the way at the SA Open.

Trump, Trump, Trump – who knows where this is headed…

Aus Open:  Federer vs Nadal? & Williams vs Williams – has the world stood still?

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Latest Local News

Calling all choirs and choral practitioners

THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPORT IS CALLING ON ALL COMMUNITY CHOIRS AND CHORAL PRACTITIONERS IN THE EDEN DISTRICT TO REGISTER WITH THEIR LOCAL MUNICIPALITY TO PARTICIPATE IN CHORAL MUSIC TRAINING AND FESTIVALS. 

Mayoral project benefits bus service

An enthusiastic team of 30 champions have been deployed to inform and assist GO GEORGE passengers during the latest series of route refinements.

Mayoral initiative of Hope at Tourism Bureau’s

The George Municipal Local Economic Development Department (LED) and the George Tourism Department have joined hands and are inviting local artists and crafters to showcase their handicraft (Arts and Crafts) at the Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu Tourism Offices.

Knysna Literary Festival News

LET YOUR IMAGINATION TAKE FLIGHT. Explore creative minds and encourage youth to tell their own stories. 

A Culinary Abundance @ Kurland Hotel this Valentines

January 2017 – The multi-award winning Kurland Hotel, outside Plettenberg Bay, presents a feast of the senses this Valentines, starting at 19:00, with a 7 Course Plated Dinner at R650.00 per person created by Executive Chef, Leon Coetzee.

Calls for donations for farmers affected by Southern Cape fires January 26, 2017

The Stillbaai Business Chamber is appealing for donations for farmers affected by last week’s devastating fires in the Southern Cape.

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Latest Local Sports News

Pace mounts case for SA Women’s Open hat-trick

Lali Stander – SAN LAMEER (KwaZulu-Natal), 26 January 2017 – Lee-Anne Pace proved once again that form is temporary, but class is permanent when she capitalised on a blistering start to take the first round lead in the SA Women’s Open on Thursday. 

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International News

Click here for the latest International News

Trump meets with Republican lawmakers January 26, 2017

Donald Trump has made his maiden voyage outside the Washington area as US president meeting with lawmakers to map out their 2017 policy strategy.

Trump proposes 20% import tax to pay for the wall

Washington – Determined to wall off America’s border with Mexico, President Donald Trump triggered a diplomatic clash and a fresh fight over trade on Thursday as the White House proposed a 20% tax on imports from the key US ally and Mexican President …

Trump moves forward on “America first” foreign policy

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump began this week to reshape the U.S. role in the world, laying the groundwork, in a series of planned and signed executive actions and statements, for the “America first” foreign policy on which he campaigned.

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National News

Click here for the latest National News

R50m for ANC war room ‘a figment’

Shaka Sisulu says he was “not involved in a smear campaign”, but the so-called ANC “war room” waged “aerial battle” in last year’s elections.

Gordhan court bid rattles Guptas January 26, 2017

The politically connected family wants the court to dismiss the minister’s application

Does ANC really push equity? January 26, 2017

The sudden push for Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to become the ANC president seems disingenuous.

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Business News

Click here for the latest Business News

SABC Inquiry committee awaits parly’s legal advice on report January 27, 2017

Parliament’s legal advisers are expected to give an opinion on whether the SABC inquiry draft report can be sent to the affected parties without recommendations.

“SA ranked amongst countries with serious corruption problem” January 26, 2017

The latest Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International has just been released.

It’s a good time to be Elon Musk January 26, 2017

Shares of Elon Musk’s Tesla Motors have surged 40% since 1 December, putting the stock within reach of a 52-week high. The acquisition of SolarCity is complete. Musk’s sprawling Gigafactory is now producing battery

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Sports News

Click here for the latest Sports News

Live: Numbers that prove Federer’s immortality

Rafael Nadal will take on Grigor Dimitrov for a chance to play Roger Federer in the men’s final, while Aussies Sam Groth and Sam Stosur will attempt to seal a spot in the mixed doubles final.

Snyman ready to lead from front January 26, 2017

Philip Snyman took the Blitzboks all the way to the final of the Wellington Sevens last year and is keen to do the same in 2017.

Serena on all-Williams final: ‘We’ve both won’ January 26, 2017

Serena Williams has declared the Australian Open a victory for her family as either herself or Venus Williams will triumph in the women’s singles final .

‘Four real things’ F1 needs to focus on January 26, 2017

From a “more democratic approach” to improving the “race experience”, F1’s new commercial boss has laid out the key areas that the sport needs to focus on.

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Press Releases

Madibaz skipper seeks improved batting effort

Mecer NMMU-Madibaz captain Matthew Christensen has called on his team to improve their run-scoring when they compete in the Varsity Cricket Twenty20 tournament in Potchefstroom next week. 

Why we shouldn’t overlook biltong as South Africa’s best weight-loss snack

A new year, a new you. Why we shouldn’t overlook biltong as South Africa’s best weight-loss snack. 

Romantic Valentine’s Picnic by the Sea @ the Radisson Blu Waterfront Cape Town

This Valentine’s Day enjoy an exclusive picnic for two on the rolling lawns of the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 

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Regular Columns & Opinion Pieces

Ford GT “fastest production car to wear the Blue Oval”

Delivering the highest output of any EcoBoost® production engine to date, the all-new Ford GT couples its extraordinary power with impressive aerodynamic efficiency and advanced active dynamics to achieve a maximum speed of 216 mph – making it the fastest Ford production vehicle on the track ever.

The calm before the storm

Mazars tax consultants share their budget expectations 26 January 2016: With less than a month to go before the 2017 Budget Speech, attention is shifting to possible tax amendments expected to be implemented in the new tax year.

Join Lanzerac for their popular Winemaker Dinners

In case you missed out on the popular Lanzerac Winemaker Dinners last year, you’ll be thrilled to hear that they are back.

Cartoon – 2017 Academic Readiness

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Until next time…

Bruce

Friday Morning Edition

Calling all choirs and choral practitioners

THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPORT IS CALLING ON ALL COMMUNITY CHOIRS AND CHORAL PRACTITIONERS IN THE EDEN DISTRICT TO REGISTER WITH THEIR LOCAL MUNICIPALITY TO PARTICIPATE IN CHORAL MUSIC TRAINING AND FESTIVALS.

Types of choirs

• Community choirs
• Church choirs
• Conductors and accompanists
• School choirs
• Soloists
• Institutional choirs

To register send the name of your choir and contact details to:

Mosselbay – njika@mosselbay.gov.za  (044 606 6245) / yvanaswegen@mosselbay.gov.za  (044 606 5224)

Knysna – smagodla@knysna.gov.za  (044 302 6300) / flimapi@knysna.gov.za  (044 302 6300) / ssigula@knysna.gov.za  (044 302 6300)

Bitou – jpika@plett.gov.za  (044 501 3124) / dmeyer@plett.gov.za   (044 533 4763)

Oudtshoorn – franxino@oudtmun.gov.za  (0442033960) / erna@oudtmun.gov.za  (044 203 3960)

Hessequa – raymond@hessequa.gov.za  (082 713 7804)

George – rose@george.org.za  (044 801 9111) / jonel@george.org.za  (044 801 9111)

Kannaland- tertia@kannaland.gov.za  (028 551 1023) / mm@kannaland.gov.za  (028 551 1023) / hendrik@kannaland.gov.za  (028 551 1023)

DIE DEPARTEMENT VAN KULTUURSAKE EN SPORT DOEN ’N BEROEP OP ALLE GEMEENSKAPSKORE EN KOORPRAKTISYNS IN DIE EDEN-DISTRIK OM HULSELF TE REGISTREER BY HUL PLAASLIKE MUNISIPALITEIT OM DEEL TE NEEM AAN KOORMUSIEKOPLEIDING EN FEESTE.

Calling all choirs and choral practitioners

Ford GT “fastest production car to wear the Blue Oval”

Delivering the highest output of any EcoBoost® production engine to date, the all-new Ford GT couples its extraordinary power with impressive aerodynamic efficiency and advanced active dynamics to achieve a maximum speed of 216 mph – making it the fastest Ford production vehicle on the track ever.

Brian Joss – Capable of an exceptional top speed, Ford’s all-new supercar is designed and optimized for track performance to honor its racing heritage. In 2016 development testing, with all contenders track-prepped with new fluids, fresh tires and optimal suspension settings, in identical conditions and with the same driver behind the wheel, Ford GT bested both the McLaren 675LT and Ferrari 458 Speciale at Calabogie Motorsports Park in Canada.

Ford GT: Ford GT bested both the McLaren 675LT and Ferrari 458 Speciale at Calabogie Motorsports Park in Canada. Picture: Quickpic

The numbers speak for themselves: Ford GT: 2:09.8; McLaren 675LT: 2:10.8; Ferrari 458 Speciale: 2:12.9.

SAE-rated at 647 horsepower and with 550 lb.-ft. of torque, Ford’s new high-output 3.5-litre V6 powerplant produces the most horsepower of any EcoBoost production engine ever, making Ford GT the fastest production car ever to wear the Blue Oval badge. The engine’s wide powerband produces 90 percent of its peak torque from 3,500 rpm.

“Our expectation has always been that the EcoBoost V6 would perform exceptionally well in the Ford GT – both in terms of power as well as aerodynamic efficiency,” said Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. “We tested and developed this powertrain through the Daytona Prototype race car that ran in IMSA for two seasons, last season racing with Ford GT. We are extremely pleased with how it performs, both on the track and on the road.”

Ford GT’s dry weight just tops 3 000 pounds, which places the supercar between its two primary competitors, the McLaren 675LT and Ferrari 488. Ford GT’s power-to-weight ratio is 4.72 pounds/horsepower.

“The Ford GT is all about performance,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, global product development and chief technical officer. “We achieved considerable weight savings with the carbon fiber architecture. We then reinvested some of that savings into where it counts most – performance, specifically, the active dynamics. The result is an even faster car.”

The active dynamics systems – for both suspension and aerodynamics – are designed to make the car perform with optimum downforce, drag and balance at any speed, creating a faster setup regardless of driver skill level.

Ford GT, with no excuses to give, has proven itself time and again, racing to class wins at Le Mans and numerous other tracks in both IMSA and WEC last season. The production Ford GT shares a great deal with the high-performance track version, with advanced aero and suspension features added that take it to another level.

Ford GT “fastest production car to wear the Blue Oval”

The calm before the storm

Mazars tax consultants share their budget expectations

Tertius Troost – Tax Consultant at Mazars SA

26 January 2016: With less than a month to go before the 2017 Budget Speech, attention is shifting to possible tax amendments expected to be implemented in the new tax year.

A mere year ago the South African markets and Rand were reeling on the Nenegate scandal and it was up to “newly appointed” minister, Pravin Gordhan, to steady the ship. Since then it seems that the market shock has subsided and it is business as usual. Could this be the calm before the storm? Lately, talk of a cabinet reshuffle and a possible investment downgrade has resulted in large foreign capital outflow from the South African market, revealing the rocky waters ahead.

Similar to the water shortage currently experienced in parts of South Africa, one cannot help but deliberate when National Treasury’s coffer might run dry as well. This feeling is supported by the 2016 Mid Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) that stated that gross tax revenue is expected to fall short of 2016 Budget targets by R36.2 billion in 2017/18, and R51.9 billion in 2018/19. In response the MTBPS proposed to raise an additional R43 billion through tax measures over the next two years. While most taxpayers expect these tax measures to reinforce actions to reduce government spending and to combat corruption, their interest will mostly lie with the tax changes that directly impact their pockets.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

VAT remains the least disruptive and most equitable method of obtaining additional revenue. This point was reiterated by Judge Dennis Davis in a 2016 interview, where he stated that VAT is “obviously a tax that has to be increased whether next year or the year after or the year after that. It is the easiest way to increase revenue. It has potential for retrogressive effects, I agree, but I think that can be dealt with depending on where the money goes to”. However, in South Africa the divide between rich and poor will complicate this choice of action. Any changes in VAT rates will need to be accompanied by further amendments in order to zero rate additional products consumed by the poor. Under these circumstances VAT is expected to remain unchanged at 14%.

If the VAT rate remains unchanged, National Treasury could seek to amend the exemptions to the VAT Act in order to acquire additional tax revenue.  More specifically, the exemption of financial services could be amended to exclude interest.  This would result in the payment and receipt of interest to be subject to VAT, which would have significant financial impact on borrowers, especially home owners with mortgage bonds.

Corporates

A trend towards lower tax rates has caused quite a stir globally. In the United Kingdom, Theresa May has suggested cutting corporation tax further and faster than expected, potentially reducing it to below 15%. Her proposal seems to be in reaction to newly appointed US president, Donald Trump, who has also vowed to cut corporate tax in the US.

In South Africa, corporate tax rates are not expected to change. With a vast budget deficit, and the risk of higher interest rates on government debt due to a ratings downgrade, government is unable to follow the global trend of cutting rates.

Furthermore, to remain internationally competitive, the scope to increase corporate income tax and various withholding taxes (i.e. dividends, interest and royalties) is limited. Investor confidence is already waning from a rocky 2016 and increasing any of these rates would impair South Africa’s status as an attractive investment destination.

Individuals

High-income earners currently pay tax at a rate of 41% on taxable income above R701 300. A single percentage point increase to 42% will amount to approximately R5 billion in additional tax revenue.

Many commentators have deliberated the idea of a super tax bracket. This could take the form of a new tax bracket for individuals earning more than R1 million in taxable income. This bracket can easily be subject to a tax rate of 45% with minimal legislative change.

In the 2016 Budget, Minister Gordhan made use of the effects of fiscal drag, in order to collect additional revenue to the tune of R 7.6 billion. In simple terms, the lack of adjustment to the tax brackets and an increase in taxable income of individuals (pursuant to salary adjustments) in the following year, meant that the individual taxpayer is effectively being taxed at a higher rate and thus contributing more to National Treasury. It would not come as a surprise if this tactic is implemented once more.

Government, though, will be left needing to provide sound explanations for applying what could be seen as strangling the goose that lays the golden egg.

The usual hike in sin taxes is expected.  This together with the implementation of sugar tax will result in the consumer of a Brandy and Coke with a smoke being subjected to a triple tax increase.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

Amendments to the CGT inclusion rates in the 2016 Budget Speech, probably signals that this would stay constant. However, scope remains for an increase of the individual inclusion rate.

Unfortunately, it seems South Africa has reached a crossroad. A choice will have to be made between generating additional revenue or compromising economic growth. It will be interesting to see which road Minister Gordhan chooses.

Tertius Troost

CA(SA)

Tax consultant at Mazars

The calm before the storm

Madibaz skipper seeks improved batting effort

Mecer NMMU-Madibaz captain Matthew Christensen has called on his team to improve their run-scoring when they compete in the Varsity Cricket Twenty20 tournament in Potchefstroom next week.

Matthew Christensen will lead the Mecer NMMU-Madibaz team at the Varsity Cricket tournament in Potchefstroom starting on Monday. Photo: Full Stop Communications

The Port Elizabeth outfit will join seven other varsities in the hunt for the title of student T20 champions, with the incentive of qualifying for the Red Bull Campus Cricket World Finals looming large.

Reflecting on last year, the 20-year-old Christensen, who played for Eastern Province when they won the Africa Cup T20 early this season, said they would be looking for better performances at the crease.

“We didn’t score enough runs last year,” said the former Rondebosch High and SA Schools captain. “We averaged 120-odd runs as a team per game and to compete we need to score 150 or more consistently in a tournament of this magnitude.”

The Madibaz skipper said they had a well-rounded unit, who often played their best cricket when their backs were against the wall.

They open their programme against University of Johannesburg on Monday and while he said they would be aiming for a good start, he added that consistency in their cricket through the week would be the essential ingredient.

“I wouldn’t say a win in the first game is the be-all and end-all of it, although it does set you up for the week and ease some of the pressure,” said the top-order batsman.

“But to win the tournament you need to play well throughout, not just in the beginning.”

Christensen said their biggest challenge would be putting together the right combinations for the format.

“We have lost some players to franchise commitments and others have finished their studies so we have to work on filling those gaps.

“It’s an exciting tournament that a lot of the guys look forward to play in. They enjoy showing their skills on a bigger stage, but I don’t feel there’s that much pressure because quite a few of our players are still learning to play at varsity level.”

He added that players such as fast bowler Solo Nqweni, legspinner Junaid Dawood and batsman Aubrey Ferreira had the potential to do well.

“Solo has amazing skills with the ball and experience with T20 cricket, as he showed in the Africa Cup for EP.

“Junaid Dawood is an up-and-coming legspinner and Aubrey Ferreira adds attacking play to our batting line-up.”

Christensen said much of their preparations had been done indoors.

“We’ve been working on specifics as we need to adjust to up-country conditions. Our coastal pitches are very different to what we’ll be playing on at Varsity Cricket.”

The tournament runs from Monday to Saturday, with the final being played at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom on February 4.

NMMU’s fixtures are:

January 30: vs UJ; January 31: vs Free State, vs NWU-Pukke; February 1: vs UWC; February 2: vs UCT; February 3: vs Maties, vs Tuks; February 4: semifinals and final

Madibaz skipper seeks improved batting effort

Join Lanzerac for their popular Winemaker Dinners

In case you missed out on the popular Lanzerac Winemaker Dinners last year, you’ll be thrilled to hear that they are back. The series of dinners planned for 2017 kicks off at Lanzerac Wine Estate, home of the world’s first Pinotage, on Tuesday, 28 March at 18:30. 

For dessert, you’ll be treated to a heavenly Coconut and Grapefruit Panna Cotta with Beetroot Gel, Coconut Sorbet, Meringue Crumble and Beetroot Sponge. Paired with the Lanzerac Blanc de Blancs Brut

Join Cellar Master Wynand Lategan and Executive Chef Stephen Fraser for an exclusive dining experience of sophisticated wines and gourmet cuisine, executed to perfection. Your experience includes canapés, an artistically curated three-course summer-inspired meal, and a selection of distinct wines from the Lanzerac portfolio. The line-up of wines includes two new releases from the estate’s Premium range as well as firm favourites such as the Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage which they have become known for.  Furthermore, guests will have the opportunity to visit the underground cellar with Wynand and taste young wines from the 2017 harvest straight from the barrels. 

The evening will start with a welcome drink and a selection of canapés, which will be served on the Picnic Terrace on the Cellar’s rooftop, with the expansive views of the vineyards and a picture-perfect Jonkershoek Valley sunset as a backdrop. Chef Stephen’s superb gourmet cuisine boasts the very best of local and seasonal ingredients, taking diners on an exciting culinary journey. Guests can expect decadent flavours such as Prawn Panna Cotta and Parma Ham Mousse, tender Noisette of Lamb, Bone Marrow Ice Cream, Coconut and Grapefruit dessert served with Beetroot Sponge, acclaimed wines to pair it all with and the Estate’s fine Blanc de Blancs MCC Brut to round off the perfect evening.  

The cost of R550 per person includes welcome drinks and canapés, the three-course dinner, 10 wines from the Lanzerac portfolio, coffee and gratuity. Space is limited to 30 guests to ensure an exclusive and personal experience with the Winemaker and Chef. Bookings are essential and can be made with Zelda Furstenburg on winesales@lanzerac.co.za or 021 886 5641.

In case you can’t make this one be sure to book for one of the other dinners they have planned for this year. The dates are as follows:

Tuesday, 25 July

Tuesday, 26 September

Tuesday, 5 December

Watch the press for further details.

Join Lanzerac for their popular Winemaker Dinners

Cartoon – 2017 Academic Readiness

Cartoon – 2017 Academic Readiness

Why we shouldn’t overlook biltong as South Africa’s best weight-loss snack

A new year, a new you. Why we shouldn’t overlook biltong as South Africa’s best weight-loss snack.

Well, we’re here. It’s the start of another new year and gym memberships are on the rise, fad diets are in craze and queues of us are getting in line to change our bodies. 

But simply slaving away at the gym doesn’t cut it. 

Many personal trainers estimate 80% of your focus should be on what you eat and only 20% on how much you exercise. But when you’re chained to your desk having missed lunch to finish a report for a client, it can be tempting to head down to the nearest corner café and bury your face in the chocolate aisle. 

And as for the myriad snacks professing to be healthy (from yoghurt treats to granola bars and everything in between)… are they really so good after all? 

We chatted to Maxime Eon, founder of Biltong Board, about why South Africa’s staple food is one of the most underrated weight-loss aides of all. Max has started biltongboard.com to deliver carefully-packed uncut meat to subscribers’ doors monthly, and he believes that a mind-set shift will help us all shed the pounds. Because biltong isn’t just a throwaway snack. It’s a true superfood. 

It’s quick and easy, and fills you up

 “To really curb a craving for food, you need something high in protein,” Eon says. “Biltong is packed with proteins, and better yet, low in sugar.” It’s also not a carbohydrate, which means it’s absorbed slowly and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. 

Biltong tastes great too, and thanks to the curing process, can be infused with a variety of herbs. What you get then is a fast, easily-accessible snack that keeps your body satiated for hours, not minutes. 

It’s nutritious

Biltong’s history is inexorably tied to the history of South Africa. When the early settlers (Voortrekkers) arrived, they needed a way of storing their meat lest it went off! 

Thus, the curing process was formed, a century-old method passed down the generations and designed to preserve the integrity of the meat. 

The protein-rich super snack that results is perfect for diabetics or the gluten intolerant. It’s also naturally high in creatine (who would have thought?) which boosts muscle growth, making it a natural snack for athletes. 

It’s versatile

Biltong’s natural spices and flavours make it a versatile snack. 

“I have many clients,” says Eon, “who toss it together with a salad for a delicious healthy snack.” 

Others prefer to eat it on-the-go on its own. 

Biltong is cured in vinegar and salt and left to air naturally, so it lends itself to a variety of flavours. 

One of Eon’s most popular flavours, chilli biltong, puts an extra pep in your step. “Chilli is good for your digestion and speeds up your metabolism to boot.” 

It’s not beef jerky

To compare biltong with beef jerky is tantamount to sacrilege. Plus, it’s a mistake, because the two – while distant cousins – are very different indeed. 

“Jerky,” Max explains, “is cooked in a dehydrator for 6-12 hours and given preservatives. The result is a snack high in salt, stripped of the natural goodness in the meat.” 

By contrast, biltong is given as long as a week to dry naturally, and cured using vinegar and spices, resulting in lower salt content and a more protein-rich meal. 

Max believes biltong item has been commoditized to the point that many foodies and weight loss gurus overlook it. But next to a sugar-rich yoghurt bar, there’s only one clear winner. 

Consistency is key

“Sticking to a consistent diet is crucial,” Eon says.

That’s why one of the reasons Eon is championing his subscription service, whereby a fresh box of biltong is deliver to subscribers’ doors monthly. 

“The subscription food model is becoming more popular in South Africa, and it’s easy to see why,” he says. “With hectic work days, people are prone to lapse back into bad habits. But when you’ve got a delivery straight to your door, there are no excuses.” 

In the end, Eon believes there’s no substitute for true protein, and thinks that our diets are far too high in sugar as well. 

“The sooner we change our perception of the biltong industry and start treating it as a serious health snack, the better.” 

To take a look at the Biltong Board, visit www.biltongboard.com.

Why we shouldn’t overlook biltong as South Africa’s best weight-loss snack

Why we shouldn’t overlook biltong as South Africa’s best weight-loss snack

A new year, a new you. Why we shouldn’t overlook biltong as South Africa’s best weight-loss snack.

Well, we’re here. It’s the start of another new year and gym memberships are on the rise, fad diets are in craze and queues of us are getting in line to change our bodies. 

But simply slaving away at the gym doesn’t cut it. 

Many personal trainers estimate 80% of your focus should be on what you eat and only 20% on how much you exercise. But when you’re chained to your desk having missed lunch to finish a report for a client, it can be tempting to head down to the nearest corner café and bury your face in the chocolate aisle. 

And as for the myriad snacks professing to be healthy (from yoghurt treats to granola bars and everything in between)… are they really so good after all? 

We chatted to Maxime Eon, founder of Biltong Board, about why South Africa’s staple food is one of the most underrated weight-loss aides of all. Max has started biltongboard.com to deliver carefully-packed uncut meat to subscribers’ doors monthly, and he believes that a mind-set shift will help us all shed the pounds. Because biltong isn’t just a throwaway snack. It’s a true superfood. 

It’s quick and easy, and fills you up

 “To really curb a craving for food, you need something high in protein,” Eon says. “Biltong is packed with proteins, and better yet, low in sugar.” It’s also not a carbohydrate, which means it’s absorbed slowly and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. 

Biltong tastes great too, and thanks to the curing process, can be infused with a variety of herbs. What you get then is a fast, easily-accessible snack that keeps your body satiated for hours, not minutes. 

It’s nutritious

Biltong’s history is inexorably tied to the history of South Africa. When the early settlers (Voortrekkers) arrived, they needed a way of storing their meat lest it went off! 

Thus, the curing process was formed, a century-old method passed down the generations and designed to preserve the integrity of the meat. 

The protein-rich super snack that results is perfect for diabetics or the gluten intolerant. It’s also naturally high in creatine (who would have thought?) which boosts muscle growth, making it a natural snack for athletes. 

It’s versatile

Biltong’s natural spices and flavours make it a versatile snack. 

“I have many clients,” says Eon, “who toss it together with a salad for a delicious healthy snack.” 

Others prefer to eat it on-the-go on its own. 

Biltong is cured in vinegar and salt and left to air naturally, so it lends itself to a variety of flavours. 

One of Eon’s most popular flavours, chilli biltong, puts an extra pep in your step. “Chilli is good for your digestion and speeds up your metabolism to boot.” 

It’s not beef jerky

To compare biltong with beef jerky is tantamount to sacrilege. Plus, it’s a mistake, because the two – while distant cousins – are very different indeed. 

“Jerky,” Max explains, “is cooked in a dehydrator for 6-12 hours and given preservatives. The result is a snack high in salt, stripped of the natural goodness in the meat.” 

By contrast, biltong is given as long as a week to dry naturally, and cured using vinegar and spices, resulting in lower salt content and a more protein-rich meal. 

Max believes biltong item has been commoditized to the point that many foodies and weight loss gurus overlook it. But next to a sugar-rich yoghurt bar, there’s only one clear winner. 

Consistency is key

“Sticking to a consistent diet is crucial,” Eon says.

That’s why one of the reasons Eon is championing his subscription service, whereby a fresh box of biltong is deliver to subscribers’ doors monthly. 

“The subscription food model is becoming more popular in South Africa, and it’s easy to see why,” he says. “With hectic work days, people are prone to lapse back into bad habits. But when you’ve got a delivery straight to your door, there are no excuses.” 

In the end, Eon believes there’s no substitute for true protein, and thinks that our diets are far too high in sugar as well. 

“The sooner we change our perception of the biltong industry and start treating it as a serious health snack, the better.” 

To take a look at the Biltong Board, visit www.biltongboard.com.

Why we shouldn’t overlook biltong as South Africa’s best weight-loss snack