Come August, the Highveld transforms into a swirl of air and red dust. Winds blow skirts up, redistribute hairstyles and make even the sanest types feel a little unhinged. These winds are a portent of spring approaching, so instead of letting them freak us out, we took a leaf from their blowing book instead. Here are some breezy finds to help you embrace the weather.
High fashion
Once soaring above the ocean, these colourful kitesurfing sails have found a new purpose. Cape Town brand Sealand transforms them into bright, durable zipped pouches that are lightweight, water-resistant and perfect for everything from cables to beach essentials. No two are alike. R848. Sealandgear.com
Airstreaming and reading
Thanks to Mole and Ratty’s riverside adventures and Mr Toad’s glorious mischief, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame remains a childhood favourite. This beautifully produced Wordsworth collector’s edition, complete with a cloth-bound cover and gold detailing, is the sort of book you’ll want to pass down through generations. R219. cranfordcollection.co.za
One of the best books we read last year, Sarah Hall’s Helm (Jonathan Ball) is a bold, amusing and exhilarating novel that gives voice to the fierce wind sweeping across northern England. Moving through centuries of folklore, science, faith and human obsession, Hall turns weather into character and climate into history.
If you haven’t discovered The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, now’s the perfect time. Based on the extraordinary true story of Malawian teenager William Kamkwamba, whose homemade windmill helped save his village during famine, this bestselling memoir has inspired an acclaimed Netflix film you can stream today, and, most recently, a Royal Shakespeare Company stage musical that completed a successful London run.
Break time
Not all windbreakers are created equal. Patagonia’s Houdini jacket has earned cult status for good reason. Made from featherlight recycled nylon, it keeps the wind at bay, handles light rain with ease and packs into its own pocket when the sun finally decides to make an appearance. R2,299. goneoutdoor.com
Owning it
What windy roundup ignores Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth)? Affectionately known as both the Windy City and the Friendly City, the Eastern Cape’s coastal metro has spent decades embracing the breezes that sweep in from the Indian Ocean. Here are our favs in that hood:
Best public art: Route 67, a vibrant collection of public artworks celebrating Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of service to South Africa.
Grab a coffee: Mastertons Coffee, where you can enjoy a great cup while watching the roasting process in action. We even buy it in Joburg!
Chow down: Muse Restaurant in Walmer for relaxed fine dining with a modern twist.
