Hangout With Heather

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 Ste

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 ·

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

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 behin

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

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

Niche Radio — 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 weeke

Niche Radio — 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

Niche Radio — 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 w

Niche Radio — 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 acti

Niche Radio — Sharing the joy is always vital to Cadbury’s Dairy Milk and they are encouraging all South African’s to share their stories and brighten up a child’s day, Heather shares more about this powerful initiative. Local chef, David Higgs, is calling all aspiring chefs to stand a chance to be featured on his brand new virtual cooking show – Cooking For A Cause, and if you want to compete you can find out more with Heather on the show today. Restaurants are starting to open their doors again and both Jozi based restaurants Saint and Marble are ready to welcome us back, and Parkhurst based eatery La Parada is open on the weekends, offering you a tasty Tapas menu and much more, Heather went exploring and shares her experiences at this popular hangout spot. We all celebrated on Tuesday when the alcohol ban was lifted, and it was also Pinot Noir Day as well and local wine farm Elgin Ridge are offering you some fabulous Pinot Noir options to order, plus you get a discount if you order online before 3

Niche Radio — Happy Friday all you #HangoutWithHeather listeners – it’s a bumper show, as usual, this week with not only one, but two interviews this week with Vusi Mthimunye from eButler, who are making grocery deliveries accessible, and affordable for all South Africans, as well as to Sethabile Myeni, the Marketing Manager for Trace TV, about their collaboration with the Gauteng Film Commission to support and encourage young filmmakers in Gauteng with their documentary competition. This week Heather also shares about two incredible good news stories, Reflex Solutions have provided free wi-fi for all Doctors and patients at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital amid the COVID outbreak to make sure that patients in need could contact their loved ones, and Mattel South Africa has stepped up to the plate to donate Barbie dolls off the back of their sales to The Children’s Hospital Trust for young patients suffering from Coronavirus. Innovation is key as this year's RMB Turbine Art Fair goes online at the en

Niche Radio — It’s a brand new month, and what better way to start that off than with brand new music and some new brand ideas and innovations too? This week Heather chats to the talented young singer, Yahto Kraft, who has just released a brand new single called ‘Washed Away’ that features some really powerful lyrics that we can all take something away from. The Top 10 Miss South Africa contestants were announced this week, this is one product that keeps innovating and blazing trails and Heather cannot wait to watch the finale in October – but there are loads more news coming before then, so do stay tuned! Reach for A Dream have innovated with their ‘Slipper Week’ which is next week and encourages you to not only donate but snap a selfie of yourself in your slippers and you can also win with Wimpy – a great way to keep the dreams of youngsters with terminal illnesses alive, even during the lockdown, well done! Get hands-on in the kitchen this weekend with a tasty pancake recipe thanks to the team fr

Niche Radio — This week Heather chats with Bjorn Salsone from Pecha Kucha, about their first-ever online event (Heather is speaking at this event as well) – taking place next week, as well as with restaurateur, Larry Hodes from The Dark Kitchen – their pizzas are everything as they come with an extra ‘9th’ slice! From City Lodge Hotel Group who are reducing waste and introducing an environmentally friendly bathroom amenities ‘Zero’ range to the teams from The Breast Health Foundation and Hot91.9FM who are hosting an online Cancer Fundraiser for ‘One Step At A Time’ – the aim is to reach 2 million steps, and call on all South African’s to participate on the day. Get hands on in the kitchen with this weeks yummy comfort food recipe for Mac ‘n Cheese from Chef Anita Faku from Capsicum Culinary Studio (yummo!) or book yourself an ‘isolation staycation’ at the beautiful De Hoop Nature Collection and take your family away for some time in nature, safely and with fullest health protocols. WIN – a bottle of

Niche Radio — It’s always a good day when it’s a Fri-day, and Heather is back with all your latest in entertainment and lifestyle news, and two exclusive one on one interviews this week – the first with Jan Malan from Umzingeli Productions about this years Hospice Wits Night With The Stars annual fundraiser that will still be going ahead – just with a totally new pandemic friendly format – a great cause and one that Heather is delighted to be supporting again. She also chats with Rob Anderson the CEO of Brand Hubb, who have recently launched a unique and exciting online gifting platform called Chip In, that could not come at a better time, and offers an innovative way to give gifts especially now during lockdown – give the gift they really want! A brand new dining experience is heading our way soon in the form of Kulture, which is located in Pretoria and is set to artfully blend contemporary dining and West African flair (yay!) in an epicurean experience like no other and Heather shares more. Keeping

Niche Radio — This weeks show is a bumper show, as Heather chats to Lenerd Louw, a Capetonian businessman who gave it all up to head around the world on an incredible journey of self-discovery and growth, and she also catches up with local entrepreneur and restarateur, Larry Hodes who has transformed his local café in Birdhaven in to a Gourmet Grocer that supports the local community. AFREEFEST shares the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ and freedom with a totally free streaming concert featuring local and international artists, this Saturday 18th July in celebration of Tata Madiba’s birthday, please do join in and donate if you are able. International Hotdog Day is a thing – it's celebrated every year on 22nd July, and if you love hotdogs as much as Heather does, find out more about some little known hotdog facts and also some funky toppings, thanks to the team at Capsicum Culinary Studio. Get creative in the kitchen this weekend, with this yummy winter warmer recipe courtesy of Air France KLM, their Prawn Bisque

Niche Radio — This week it’s a bumper show – Heather is utterly delighted that SA is starting to thrive again and local businesses are opening their doors – and supporting local at this time is really important. Heather also chats exclusively with talented local musician Werner Bekker, who has released a brand new single ‘To Memory’ recently and finds out more about the inspiration for the song, and what else he has been up to during lockdown. Cape Summer Villas is offering some incredible travel specials, book now and travel later, you will want to find out more about these, and Click2Collect is an online alcohol ordering service that allows you to pick up from your closest participating bottle store, without having to stand in queues! Mix Bar and The Cocktail Collection have not been idle during the lockdown, they have launched a quartet of delicious signature serve cocktails that you will want to get your hands on – and if the name ‘Net Nie Nou Nie Negroni’ doesn’t grab you, we are not sure much el

Niche Radio — Happy July month – how excited are we that we have officially passed the halfway mark of winter! Heather is celebrating in true style of course – with great food ideas, a tasty recipe to warm the cockles of your heart – and some ideas of things to get up to (Level 3 permitted) this weekend. This week Heather also chats with Margi Biggs, the organiser of the annual Food & Wine Tourism Awards about what the team have planned for the 2020 awards, how people can enter their fave establishments and more. The team from RADA have launched their July month ‘Comfort Campaign’ and call all South African’s to make a difference (it doesn’t need to be big or expensive) to help others – find out how you can make a difference. Once again Capsicum Culinary Studio have shared a tasty recipe – this week it’s Peri-Peri Chicken, complete with all the trimmings, and if you would like some wine to go with your tasty dish, find out more about Wine of The Month Club have on offer for you. Not in the mood

Niche Radio — It’s chilly in Joburg, but I have plenty lined up to warm you up on this week' show. I have a one on one chat with Tanner Rock from Reveel Digital Screens who are not only breaking the mould but innovating in the digital advertising billboard space, you will want to find out more about Reveel. The Miss South Africa pageant 2020 have announced the Top 15 in this year's competition and the voting is now open to the public – that’s you! Find out more about the ladies, and how the pageant is changing its format amidst the current COVID pandemic. Two events that are innovating and moving with the times are The Vegan and Plant-Powered Show who have moved this first of a kind African event to 2021, and will also be sharing an online event later this year to support local businesses, and also the Franschhoek Bastille Festival who are taking things online for 12 days in July – offering you a unique look at Franschhoek, and a chance to enjoy more around this beautiful Western Cape Town. Looking f

Niche Radio — This week it's all about great food and wine, the things that Heather really loves – but she also loves the monthly IV drip that she has administered in her home thanks to the mobile drip service that is, Vitafuzion. This week Heather speaks to Dr Zubair Cajee, the owner of Vitafuzion to find out more about why boosting your immune system is vital, especially at this time of year. The team from Turbine Art Fair have gotten creative in the time of COVID and moved online, with the launch of their ‘Stilled Life’ community photographic project, which is a platform that South Africans can tell their stories by submitting their own photographs, documenting ‘life in the time of COVID SA’. If you are looking for a great investment opportunity, have you considered diamonds? The market for purchasing is perfect right now, and diamonds are certainly something that will increase in value once the economy starts to stabilise. First Diamonds offers some great advice and tips and I share more around th