Congratulations are in order for our stunning new Miss South Africa 2020, Shudufhadzo Musida from Limpopo, who took the crown in a glittering online ceremony last weekend. The beautiful 24-year-old has a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Pretoria, and is currently doing her BA Honours in International Relations at the University of Witwatersrand. Well done!

Heather is excited to be taking part (virtually) in the iThemba Walkathon this year to help raise funds, and awareness, about breast cancer. The event is in its 15th year but is going online for the first time ever, with participants countrywide joining in on Saturday 31st October 2020.

Nederburg is making the weekends even more welcome, with the launch of the Summer Sunset Stoep Sessions, every Friday afternoon at the old manor house on the farm, a relaxed vibe and beautiful views are what you need to start your weekend off just right!

The newly launched Farm Shop & Deli at Blaauwklippen in Stellenbosch is all about local, offering a country-style destination in the heart of Stellenbosch that’s easily accessible for locals and stocks the best of locally grown and produced deli fare. A great relaxing spot and a chance to stock up on tasty goodies to take home, await all who visit.

WIN WIN WIN!!! Heather has 2 competitions running this week and you can stand a chance to win a hamper from Comfort Perfume Deluxe which includes a years supply of Comfort fabric softener to care for your laundry and make your clothing smell extra special - valued at R 600 AND there are also 3 hampers from Skip Washing powder up for grabs valued at R 200 each including a limited edition locally designed face mask, Skip washing powder, and a few Comfort Perfume Deluxe samples as well to add to your wash – laundry has never looked this exciting! heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · www.heatherhook.com

This week Heather speaks exclusively with futurologists and thought leaders in the field of futures, John Sanei and Dr Iraj Abedian about their book called FutureNext, which shares an insightful and thought-provoking look into what the future holds for the world, this interview will certainly make you look at things slightly differently.

The Inanda Africa Cup goes ahead (virtually) this weekend if you love polo - find out more, and if you are down in Durban you will not want to miss the first-ever 'Drive-In Concert' at Greyville Racecourse this weekend!

The team from Frost Popsicles are back with a fun summer sparkling alcoholic bevvie called Frost Sparkles and Starbucks launch their limited edition Vampire Frappuccino next week just in time for Halloween.

Its competition time with 2 competitions on the cards - you can win a fun, football-inspired chocolatey hamper from Cadbury's valued at R300 or a CD from local folk singer Faraway George valued at R120!! heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · www.heatherhook.com

The weather is looking way more summery, and what better time to get yourself out and about in our beautiful country? This week Heather chats with the Sales and Marketing Manager for Klein Welmoed, Loriane Grobbelaar, about this hidden Stellenbosch stay-over gem and their extensive range of wines.

Everyone’s favourite SecretEATS is back in October, and tickets are selling fast, so if you are looking for a fun and ‘secret’ night out with great food, wine and entertainment – then this is for you!

Taking things online this year, the RMB Starlight Classics returns, the concert is available online for all to enjoy and features fabulous local performers of song and dance from diverse backgrounds, collaborating to create AfroSymphonic musical magic, and also going online this year is the annual Inanda Africa Cup polo tournament, who will be livestreaming the prestigious tournament.

Hyde Park Corner have announced a host of new stores and going’s on at the shopping centre this month, from stores such as Botanicus (floral heaven) that have opened their doors, to the ongoing KAMERS/Makers showcase, Paul’s Homemade Ice-cream, Santa’s Shoebox project and loads more!

Celebrate in style with the latest offering from Robertson Wineries non-alcoholic range, their dry pink blush bubbly is out now (and they offer a 15% discount if you order online) and if you prefer the real deal then the Franschhoek Uncorked Festival is back in November and offers you an opportunity to see some beautiful scenery while sipping (responsibly) on some fabulous local wines.

WIN a set of double tickets valued at R 240 each to enjoy the opera, either at Joburg Theatre or online if you prefer, and enjoy all your fave classics with the world-class opera, Cantiamo – Mzansi Opera Celebration – stay tuned to find out how you can win. heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · www.heatherhook.com

The weather is getting warmer, and many local venues are opening their doors again, so if you are looking for some ideas and fun things to do this weekend, this is for you!

This week Heather chats to Antoinette Dickson from the iThemba Walkathon who are taking their entire event online and virtual this year in a first for this event that has been running for an incredible 15 years.

If you love playing Escape Room – the solution is here! Heather shares about a local company called &SCENE who have launched an online virtual escape room game, and it is an utter blast. The ESC games run over the weekends, and all you need is a good internet connection and your team, find out more on today’s show.

Local initiative RADA are creating awareness around Alcohol and drug abuse this October month, and if you need advice or know someone who does, then you can find out more, and the Miss SA 2020 pageant is going to be broadcasting on 24th October – find out more about how to get your ticket for some incredible behind the scenes action and an exclusive interview with our brand new Miss SA.

Middelvlei Wines in Stellenbosch have launched their ‘Burger and Beats’ evenings again, and offers great entertainment and a fun outing for the whole family, and Franschhoek’s Mystery Weekends are back, and if you are looking to travel and explore our beautiful country, in a romantic setting – this is the perfect opportunity, and besides, you don’t even have to plan anything, they do it all for you!

Local coffee roastery, Coffefe are back at it – this time offering half price on off all takeaway coffees for the month of October as a kick-off to their campaign to thank the community for their support. They are located in the Gourmet Grocer in Birdhaven and offer tastings, make your own blend options and more.

WIN a set of double tickets valued at R 240 each to enjoy the opera, either at Joburg Theatre or online if you prefer. heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · www.heatherhook.com

It’s a special show this week as Heather joins the 9 Block Radio team, and shares more about her adventures in the beautiful valley of Elgin, located in the Western Cape. Heather chats with winemaker Marinda Kruger-Claasen from Elgin Vintners about their tasty wines, and the beautiful manor house property that is now open to receiving guests to stay over again in Level 1.

It’s fashion to the fore as the team from Skip detergent have teamed up with three local designers to create a fabulous limited edition range of face masks that are available with select purchases, a great way to not only promote local designers but help to keep our community safe at the same time and fashion designer Mantsho has joined forces with 1st For Women and Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi to launch a collection of trendy T’s to encourage be ‘fearless’ and the offers a symbol of strength and power.

The team from Tokara are ready to welcome summer with their just-released Sauvignon Blanc 2020, a perfect summer sipper to welcome in the forthcoming warmer weather and Roodeberg’s 1949 wine brings home a Gold Medal from The Decanter Awards in London – local is indeed lekker!

Iconic rock band +LIVE+ have announced their SA tour dates for 2021, and the great news is that if you booked to see them in 2020, your tickets will be valid for the 2021 shows, great news indeed, this is one group that is a much watch, well… live!

And of course, there are loads more lifestyle and entertainment news heading your way too… heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · www.heatherhook.com

This week Heather chats with Lucilla Booyzen, the Director of SA Fashion Week about their new look Fashion Week and a few other cool pop up events that they have planned in the upcoming months, well done SA Fashion Week!

There is no excuse to not drink great local roasted coffee, thanks to the team at Coffefe Roastery which is opening it’s doors soon, so if you love a good java you will want to discover more, and calling all vinyl lovers – the Spin Music Fair is back this weekend, so whether you are a hardcore vinyl collector, or are just looking for something fun to do this weekend – this one is for you.

Good wine comes standard on Heather’s travels, and she shares more about the newly launched Roodeberg Rose 2020, easy sipping for Spring time, and also about an informative and fun visit to local bio-dynamic winery, Elgin Ridge, who are creating magical wines that are for everyone to enjoy, and are good for the earth too.

Gardeners and outdoor lovers will be delighted to know that also going virtual this year is the annual Garden Day, which will be taking place online on 11th October and promises a host of fun, engaging and informative activities and workshops for young and old, countrywide in their first ever online Garden Day.

WIN!!! This week there are two competitions to whet your appetite – you can win tickets to join the TOPS at Spar Wine Show for an exciting and informative virtual wine tasting and tickets are valued at R495 each AND Heather has 2 CD’s from local artist Nathan Smith up for grabs as well, so make sure to enter and you can win. www.heatherhook.com

Heather is still spending time in the Western Cape supporting local wine farms and businesses, and this week she chats to the GM of the 12 Apostles Hotel, Michael Nel, who shares more about the hotel and the fact that they are open for business and ready to welcome you back, and with their gorgeous sea views, this is one place to make sure is on your list!

SA Fashion Week are innovating and Heather is delighted that this October there will be a first of its kind virtual fashion show taking place, as well as some exciting pop-ups and events, in partnership with Mall of Africa – if you love local fashion, this one's for you.

Local mixer range Fitch & Leedes have launched some funky branded SA cans in honour of Heritage Day which heads our way next week and they are also getting creative with a host of local craft distilleries too – what fun.

De Krans Wine Estate share their Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 wine which is the perfect accompaniment to a Heritage Day braai, or a weekend pizza, or just about anything that you may have planned – this easy-drinking and affordable wine is a must-have on any wine rack and Heather shares more…

If you are heading to the Franschhoek area, then a stop in at Anthonij Rupert Wyne is a must, Heather shares more about wine tasting and the tasty food available at their restaurant, the Terra del Capo Antipasti Bar – a must-visit if you are in the area!

WIN! The team from KAMERS/Makers and Lola & Co. Organics have given Heather a R 500 gift voucher to give away to one lucky listener – beautiful, organic and handcrafted body products from Lola & Co. Organics will get your skin tingling and glowing and what better way to celebrate one of SA’s best artisanal product markets? heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · www.heatherhook.com · www.heatherhook.com

This week Heather chats with local young songstress Marianthe, who has not only released her third single (her second during lockdown!) but has also headed to the UK to further her career in music studies – show them how SA does it, Marianthe!

Kunjani Wines holds a special place in Heather’s heart and she recently spent time at this Stellenbosch gem, their self-catering villa’s are an affordable spot to explore Stellenbosch from, and Kunjani owner, Pia Watermeyer, chats with Heather this week.

Calling all local fashion supporters – Miller Genuine Draft return with their highly popular Miller Design Lab and streetwear fashion guru Jeff Staples, this time with 4 South African designers and a theme of ‘Customised for the Exceptional’ – expect to see some unique pieces and the designers created a unique collection that is customised for the exceptional in a whole new way. All proceeds of the products sold go directly to the designers.

Cooking and comedy fanatics will be delighted that Jenny Morris (aka the Giggling Gourmet) and Mel Jones shave teamed up for a live-streamed event on Saturday 19th September called Cooking Confidential – its definitely PG18 and set to get you laughing!

Get your outings on in the Western Cape this weekend! Must visit wine farms for tastings and lunch include local Constantia based favourite Constantia Glen, whose stunning views of Constantia Nek are worth the visit alone (not to mention the tasty vino and Heather’s fish and chips) and Stellenbosch based Middelvlei Wines, their Boerebraai gets two thumbs up from Heather and also Tokara if wine tasting with views of mountains and the ocean are for you – then Tokara is a must-visit!

WIN! The team from KAMERS/Makers and Lola & Co. Organics have given Heather a R500 gift voucher to give away to one lucky listener. heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · www.heatherhook.com

Things are slowly starting to revert to normal and local businesses are back up and running, which means that Heather is happy and proud to be supporting local again.

The team at Anthonij Rupert Wyne have opened their doors and their wine sales once again and are calling all South African’s to celebrate their heritage this #HeritageMonth with a bottle of their Cape of Good Hope’s Riebeeksrivier Syrah 2015 which matches perfectly with a steak – be it on the braai or pan cooked.

Keeping with our proudly SA theme, local manufacturers at Score Energy drink, have just released a Limited Edition Sparkling Cranberry in time for Heritage Day – keep an eye out for these jazzy cans in select stores, AND fans stand a chance to win some cool goodies too.

City Lodge Hotels are delighted that we are all travelling again and have launched their Weekend Special across their properties, if you are wanting to travel, but are watching the budget then this is for you.

Joburgers are in for a treat as the well-loved KAMERS/Makers has found a beautiful new space in Hyde Park Corner, and offers some fabulous arts and crafts from local artisans – well worth a pop in this weekend if you are in the area.

Bistro Sixteen82 at Steenberg are now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (why not do a wine tasting while you are there as well, like Heather did this week) – and enjoy a cosy fire and some fabulous Cape hospitality at this iconic wine farm.

TOKARA wine farm has recently taken home many awards for their wines (and their olive oils) and offer a roaring fire and wine tasting, its also a very beautiful drive out to the farm, so if you are looking for something to do this weekend, this may just be a great idea! heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · www.heatherhook.com

This week sees Heather chatting with Ancilla Smith, the CEO of Special Olympics SA about their upcoming annual Polar Plunge, which will assist with raising funds for athletes, and also with Marida Goosen, the Resident Manager of The Den apartments in Stellenbosch, your ideal affordable, long term rental to explore Stellies from!

Big ups to the team from KLM-Air France and the French Government for bringing through to South Africa donation of R 1.8 million worth of much needed medical supplies – we appreciate you!

If you love art, then you will want to check out the life-sized Irma Stern Masked Masterpieces works in Stellenbosch. The pieces are scattered around the town and funds raised will go towards assisting Stellenbosch University students in need.

Well-known Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne brand have launched (perfectly in time for Spring) their Sakura or cherry blossoms limited edition Brut Rosé Is an utter masterpiece of visual design.

The team at Come Dine With Us are back in action in September and together with Durbanville Hills Wine are ready to wow Joburg audiences with a virtual event like no other – if you love good food and wine, you will certainly want to join in with this awesome online event.

Viva! to local game lodge – Tau Game Lodge - who are open to visitors and with some awesome packages in place – game viewing and a bush break are now available to everyone! heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · heatherhook.com · www.heatherhook.com