Table of contents for Issue 1 2023 in Destiny

“The romantic in me believes in the idea that love is everlasting, that romance is alive.” Weddings are big business. Not only have they grown in scale, but couples are also putting themselves and their desires foremost and not pandering to the opinions of others. I’m an ardent watcher of reality shows, and weddings are top of my list. Indian wedding shows, Greek wedding shows, Our Perfect Wedding, African weddings, shows about wedding planners and how they execute weddings ranging from tiny to stratospheric budgets, cross-cultural weddings, blended weddings, cross-ocean weddings. Shows where the bride knows nothing and the groom decides, with his buddies, on everything about the wedding from the bridal dress to the food – sometimes with disastrous effects. Shows like Say Yes to the Dress where the…

The BMW 7 Series sets the bar high when it comes to luxury sedans, which now includes its first electric i7 flagship in the range. The innovation found on the luxury sedan is a digital experience I have not seen before. From its 31-inch screen to automatic doors, AR overlays on the camera, touchscreen door panels and voice commands in natural language, I was amazed this was packed into an electric car. Katharina Mödl, Project Manager for the user interface for BMW’s Operating System 8, tells DESTINY that the 7 Series features the latest technology standard, and the biggest highlight is its very distinguished rear seat entertainment. Starting up to silence and driving quietly is something that grows on you. It helps take you in and appreciate the surroundings, in…

When difficulties with mental health, substance abuse or other forms of addiction lead a person to a crisis in their work or personal life, this low point can become a starting point for healing and recovery. “For a person who is struggling with deep-rooted trauma and emotional issues, it can seem that drinking, getting high or using another form of ‘escape’ offers a short-term solution or coping strategy,” says John Ralphs, Occupational Therapist in the COPE therapy team at Netcare Akeso Stepping Stones mental health facility in Cape Town. “All too often, when someone does not receive the professional help they need after hitting rock bottom, the dangerous combination of a psychiatric condition and substance abuse can cause their lives to spiral even further out of control. At first one…

Understanding fragrance can be as complicated and confusing as selecting your favourite wine. Much of the terminology is the same, and there’s the olfactory influence of the nose. Experts say buy what you like. Also, ignore the scent descriptions, especially if you have no idea what chypre musk or oud is, for example. If you get a headache or start sneezing with any fragrance, it’s not for you. The best advice is to follow your instincts and trust your nose before committing to a signature scent. Start with musky (think clean laundry) and aqueous scents, which are lighter, then progress to citrus, fruity florals and heavier woods. Try, at most, three at a time to give each one time to shine. Spray it on areas that aren’t frequently exposed to…

Résumé confidence is all about being confident based on everything you’ve achieved. However, feeling confident on the deepest level, regardless of your résumé, is important because what happens if you get fired tomorrow or your career starts going badly? Your confidence will go with it. So how do we move from résumé confidence into real confidence? How do we get to a point where we no longer need the résumé for our confidence anymore? I want to see my success as the traits that got me here. The beautiful parts of my character that make me who I am today. The value I have as a person. If I make my success my achievements, then I’m not going to be focused on connecting with other people. I’m going to be…

Turning your home into a smart home is no longer a futuristic idea – the smart home market is growing rapidly all over the world. In South Africa, homeowners are moving quickly towards installing cutting-edge technology to make their lives easier, healthier and more energy efficient. Once expensive and out of reach for the everyday homeowner, smart home products have become more accessible, cost-effective and user-friendly. The definition of smart homes has also evolved to not only include voice-controlled, automated houses. There are many simple, efficient and easy-to-use appliances that make your home smarter, more secure and more comfortable, says Trevor Brewer, Director of Solenco, a lifestyle technology manufacturer and importer. “Homeowners can start with smaller, less expensive items to turn their homes into smarter, easier and healthier places to…

Created in 1990, L’Absolu Rouge by Lancôme is an iconic lipstick that transcends the passage of time. Today, it remains instantly recognisable by the golden rose emblazoned on the cap, a seal of Lancôme’s love for femininity, and that addictive click mechanism known and adored by women all over the world. Having reinvented itself through the decades, this time around the iconic lipstick is now available as L’Absolu Rouge Cream and Drama Matte, enriched with ingredients to deliver all-day luscious comfort in new signature lip shades.…

The female body undergoes major changes from the time women get their periods until they reach menopause. With these changes come unique health concerns requiring specialised care and support. However, as Covid-19 took a swing at an already limping health system, all resources were diverted to address the pandemic, leaving women’s healthcare buckling. According to Statistics South Africa, routine and emergency maternal health services were the hardest hit. Furthermore, the high unmet need for contraceptives resulted in an alarming increase in late-adolescent pregnancy, as well as diseases. As more and more doors closed on girls and women seeking medical attention, leveraging technology seemed like the best way to make quality healthcare more accessible to all women, say co-founders of Zoie Health Technologies, Thato Schermer and Dr Nonhlanhla Sitole. “Before Zoie,…

Winemaking as a career sounds like the most romantic vocation – reaping the fruit ripened by a quintessential set of factors determined by nature and guided by those destined to be winemakers. However, it requires a storytelling talent that entices consumers to buy wine and keep this courtship of nature and man alive. Ed Beukes is such a raconteur, exuding creativity and optimism, who, in his own words, thrives on commitment, control and challenge. As wine often trickles its serendipitous magic across a wine lover’s path, seeking small-town serenity outside the Mother City five years ago led to Ed’s full-time position at DTK Wines in Rawsonville. Consumers became acquainted with the name Du Toitskloof Wines, which started as a cooperative in 1962 and continues its bottled legacy in many households.…

Car insurance is there to cushion you against the financial losses associated with unpleasant and unforeseen events, such as the theft of your vehicle, an accident that causes damage to your vehicle, and you accidentally damaging someone else’s property. Most people who understand what their car insurance covers and follow the terms and conditions of their policy have a good experience when it comes time to claim. However, there are also some misconceptions about what car insurance will cover and what it won’t. Ernest North, Co-founder of digital insurance platform Naked, lists a few of the eventualities that are excluded from car insurance. MAINTENANCE AND WEAR-AND-TEAR Your car loses its shine the more you use it. Components like brake pads, windscreen wipers and tyres get worn out and need to…

I’ve never related to privilege. On my father’s side of the family, my generation are the first college graduates. We are the generation building a substratum for our children and enabling them to do the same for their children. Prior to us, my dad, his parents and grandparents were not educated. They were the epitome of working class in South Africa. School was secondary; earning money came first. On my mother’s side of the family, scandalous affairs ran so deep, it’s hard to separate truth from fiction, so I have little knowledge of the generational lines. I understand that money and status are not the only factors that define privilege because we didn’t just battle poverty; we also battled the elements associated with poverty. I grew up around alcohol abuse,…