africa

❤ Africa, Blog, Lesotho, My Life in Africa

Visiting An African Prophetess’ Cave

By No Comments
Visiting An African Prophetess’ Cave

2This is the cave of Makhetha Mantsopa. The prophetess was a renowned healer, rainmaker and diviner. She was also sister to King Moshoeshoe I – founder and first King of Lesotho. I wrote about Lesotho earlier this week. She was born around 1795, in a place called “Likotsi” or “Ramakhetheng” near present day Maseru (the capital of the Kingdom). In 1851, she predicted that the BaSotho (the people of Lesotho) would triumph over colonial troops led by Major Warden.

There are about 10-15 visitors per week to this cave – where she gave healings, performed miracles, announced prophecies and said prayers. A lot of people pray through her at this place to their ancestors and to God, much like the Virgin Mary in Christianity. The Priory of St Augustine’s is a monastery next to it, established in 1871.

There is a spring at this site, where people come to drink waters they believe are sacred and provide cleansing and good fortune. Watch the video below and read on for photos! Leave any questions you have in the comment section below! (more…)

Blog, Lesotho, Outreach, Rotary

Lesotho, South Africa, A Kingdom In The Sky!

By No Comments
Lesotho, South Africa, A Kingdom In The Sky!

Tami Scripps South Africa

Next in my travel series of throwback trips from last year is Lesotho. I’m writing about Lesotho – a Kingdom within the borders of South Africa – because it meant so much to me when I was there. I was very lucky to get the opportunity to visit as part of a Rotary trip; more specifically, a club visit by my mother District Governor Gianna Doubell. Needless to say, I loved it so much that if I could go back tomorrow I would. Unfortunately, I visited such a remote area that chances of that are highly unlikely!

The history of people living in the area now known as Lesotho goes back as many as 40,000 years.

The present Lesotho (then called Basutoland) emerged as a single polity under paramount chief Moshoeshoe I in 1822.

Under Moshoeshoe I, Basutoland joined other tribes in their struggle against the Lifaqane associated with the reign of Shaka Zulu from 1818 to 1828.

moshoeshoe
Moshoeshoe I

Read on for more photos + facts about this fascinating Kingdom in Africa! (more…)

Blog, Johannesburg

Brunch in South Africa

By No Comments
Brunch in South Africa
The Saxon Johannesburg South Africa Brunch
I enjoy a purple macaroon – one of many tasty treats on offer at The Saxon Hotel in South Africa

This post is for the foodies! Seeing as I’m into the second week of my travel series doing throwbacks to awesome travels last year, I figured I would include this.

Highlight on The Saxon Hotel Brunch, South Africa

At the heart of the City of Gold, beneath the warm sunshine in the opulent, tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst, lies the enchanting Saxon Hotel.

A uniquely perfect blend of rich cultural history and contemporary five-star service, the Saxon is situated on ten acres of magnificent indigenous gardens, providing a private and peaceful retreat like no other.

One of the leading hotels of the world, The Saxon Hotel offers a Sunday brunch in its opulent “Qunu” room or on its Fig Terrace every Sunday from 11:30am-2:30pm.

They have a unique Springbok, Egg + Parma Ham main dish – with South African Springbok meat a popular choice for tourists!

Full menu here.

Brunch includes: a delicious cold buffet with all you can imagine, a plated main meal and the renowned dessert assortment expertly prepared by the Pastry team.

African ornaments adorn the tables
The hotel reception
The enticing entrance to the Qunu room where brunch is held
Four leaf clover cappuccino
The Saxon Johannesburg South Africa Brunch
24K gold flakes on the desserts
Purple macaroons on a bed of chocolate

Mozambique Prawns
The Saxon Johannesburg South Africa Brunch
Delicious, healthy buffet table
The Saxon Johannesburg South Africa Brunch
I chose the oven-roasted seabass, charred octopus, warm panzanella salad of white anchovies, slow-roasted tomatoes, croutons and artichoke puree
South Africa

Cape Town, Best Place For Magical African Inspiration!

By No Comments
Cape Town, Best Place For Magical African Inspiration!
Tamika Doubell Cape Town South Africa Places To Travel on Vacation
Photo by Ariel Katzen, http://capetownguy.co.za/

According to African folklore, leopard comes bearing the message that the time has come to tap into your own innate hunting nature. Apparently when leopard speaks to you, it means you must awaken your inner hunter within to obtain whatever it is you desire! According to one website:

The time is now to go after your desires with fury + passion, laying down your fears to become the fierce hunter.

 

South Africa

Emmanuel Sithole + South Africa’s Reaction To Xenophobia

By No Comments
Emmanuel Sithole + South Africa’s Reaction To Xenophobia

Emmanuel Sithole

Zwelinzima Vavi couldn’t have said it better when addressing media ahead of the “People’s March Against Xenophobia” planned for this Thursday (30,000 expected to march). He called on all trade unions, youth organisations, every religious organisation, every business person, every woman’s organisation, every organisation that represented foreign nationals, and every person who loved “humanity and every person who has been disgusted by what is happening in our country in the past week” to express their collective outrage at the march. (more…)

South African Interviews

Inspired By: Mi Casa

By No Comments
Inspired By: Mi Casa

For my readers who don’t know, Mi Casa is a South African band. They’re most well-known for their hit song “Jika”. They were recently down in Cape Town for a performance at the Cape Town Convention Centre. One of my business partners was managing them on the evening + he took me backstage to meet them, right before they performed for the president! Pretty cool, huh? It makes me proudly South African to see such brilliant talent + especially to see how they’re conquering the global music scene. Kinda like another South African duo – you may know them – Die Antwoord. See my photos with them here. Mi Casa is my “Inspired By” spotlight this month – see last month’s inspiration, Victor Matom.

Mi Casa Jay-Something