Author Topic: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread (Read 485828 times)

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2500 on:** July 28, 2023, 10:43:08 AM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on July 28, 2023, 08:42:05 AM

Any statement from Avron's? To me that implies it is not kashrus related, or it would be immidiate. Does that mean they are going to continue without a hechsher, say they are still kosher, and hope people trust them?

Not Avron's, but a statement Kosher SA:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=304670828621889&id=100072369230849&mibextid=9R9pXO

Dan · « **Reply #2501 on:** July 28, 2023, 10:51:29 AM »

Quote from: Something Fishy on July 28, 2023, 10:43:08 AM

Not Avron's, but a statement Kosher SA:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=304670828621889&id=100072369230849&mibextid=9R9pXO

Man, they're getting dragged hard in the comments. Lose-lose situation for the hashgacha in these cases, either they're accused of being greedy/not disclosing what happened or they're accused of slander/reckless statements.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #2502 on:** July 28, 2023, 11:09:01 AM »

Quote from: Dan on July 28, 2023, 10:51:29 AM

Man, they're getting dragged hard in the comments. Lose-lose situation for the hashgacha in these cases, either they're accused of being greedy/not disclosing what happened or they're accused of slander/reckless statements.

See the comments on the first post, everyone complaining that there's no statement. Lose-lose, although IMO the statement could've been just as informative if it was a simple "this was due to financial matters and not any kashrus concerns".

Dan · « **Reply #2503 on:** July 28, 2023, 11:10:51 AM »

Quote from: Something Fishy on July 28, 2023, 11:09:01 AM

See the comments on the first post, everyone complaining that there's no statement. Lose-lose, although IMO the statement could've been just as informative if it was a simple "this was due to financial matters and not any kashrus concerns".

Then they would call the hashgocha greedy and causing the last remaining restaurant to go out of business.

It's a lose-lose for sure.

Yehuda57 · « **Reply #2504 on:** July 28, 2023, 11:28:31 AM »

Quote from: Dan on July 28, 2023, 10:51:29 AM

Man, they're getting dragged hard in the comments. Lose-lose situation for the hashgacha in these cases, either they're accused of being greedy/not disclosing what happened or they're accused of slander/reckless statements.

Well, the post comes off as being preemptively defensive. It's not a matter-of-fact statement.

Yehuda57 · « **Reply #2505 on:** July 28, 2023, 11:42:02 AM »

There has long been discontent (in JNB, I don't know about CPT) in the community about the way the hechsher charged local establishments. It seems that now CPT and JNB are no longer completely separate like they used to be. I'm sure that is a contributing factor to the tone of the statement.

Dan · « **Reply #2506 on:** July 28, 2023, 11:50:25 AM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on July 28, 2023, 11:28:31 AM

Well, the post comes off as being preemptively defensive. It's not a matter-of-fact statement.

Yes, it's poorly worded, but they'd get dragged no matter what.

Yehuda57 · « **Reply #2507 on:** July 28, 2023, 11:52:03 AM »

Quote from: Dan on July 28, 2023, 11:50:25 AM

Yes, it's poorly worded, but they'd get dragged no matter what.

Is your disclosure warning applicable to this thread as well?

moish · « **Reply #2508 on:** July 29, 2023, 09:02:44 PM »

Quote from: Travellover1 on July 26, 2023, 05:30:46 PM

What’s the best shark cage diving near Cape Town?

Don't waste your time. The White Sharks have all gone

Travellover1 · « **Reply #2509 on:** July 30, 2023, 02:08:17 PM »

Anyone have any experience with an Airbnb in the sea point area that has a generator for backup during load shedding?
Thanks

Saulius · « **Reply #2510 on:** July 30, 2023, 03:18:03 PM »

Quote from: Travellover1 on July 30, 2023, 02:08:17 PM

Anyone have any experience with an Airbnb in the sea point area that has a generator for backup during load shedding?
Thanks

Just note, only larger establishments, like hotels are very likely to have generators. it's rare for Airbnbs in South Africa to have one. You would need to search the listings, and most likely you will find listings that would mention that they have an Inverter / Battery backup. We have inverters with large lithium batteries to power the wifi and essential lights, and certain designated electrical outlets, and the batteries get recharged when the power goes back on. Loadshedding is now twice a day for 2.5 hours at a time (by me in Joburg, power on average goes back up after 2 hours and 8 min). Some places also have solar as well. In Joburg cloudy days are very rare in the Winter, and solar output is the best in August, and relatively flat the entire year, but in Cape Town in the Winter, the solar output being over 50% less doesn't help as much.

Also, some places in Cape Town, (particularly the V&A waterfront vicinity) - are not effected by loadshedding, as they are on same powerline as Somerset Hospital.

And now we are getting a cold front for the second time this Winter, with tempartures tonight dipping to 0°C/32°F, but by day it's pleasant being out in the sun. Note, even the places which do have inverters/generators - they are usually not powerful enough to handle electric heaters.

mijo · « **Reply #2511 on:** July 30, 2023, 04:06:49 PM »

Quote from: Yehuda57 on July 28, 2023, 08:42:05 AM

Any statement from Avron's? To me that implies it is not kashrus related, or it would be immidiate. Does that mean they are going to continue without a hechsher, say they are still kosher, and hope people trust them?

No statement or response yet

Quote from: Yehuda57 on July 28, 2023, 11:28:31 AM

Well, the post comes off as being preemptively defensive. It's not a matter-of-fact statement.

It came out shortly after the comments and requests in their original post with a notification

Quote from: Yehuda57 on July 28, 2023, 11:42:02 AM

There has long been discontent (in JNB, I don't know about CPT) in the community about the way the hechsher charged local establishments. It seems that now CPT and JNB are no longer completely separate like they used to be. I'm sure that is a contributing factor to the tone of the statement.

CT's pricing was usually much lower but reports are that prices have increased in the past year+ The nationwide Kashrut dept. is certainly a contributing factor in Kashrut management in CT nowadays.

Quote from: Dan on July 28, 2023, 11:10:51 AM

Then they would call the hashgocha greedy and causing the last remaining restaurant to go out of business.

It isn't the only one. The Press (fleishik) is still going strong, Cafe Riteve and Coffee Time (both milchik in the Garden's area) as well as fresh kosher cooking in Spar, Checkers and PicknPay Sea Point branches.

There seem to be many factors in the Avron's story: LOCATION, size of store front, no liquor license, vibe etc. He had many catering gigs but perhaps that wasn't enough? Disclaimer: I've known Avron for over 36 years and am sad for his situation. I don't have all the facts and hope that he manages to come out of this, either get the Kosher SA hechsher back, or one of the other ones... Maybe he'll change his business model?

Quote from: Travellover1 on July 30, 2023, 02:08:17 PM

Anyone have any experience with an Airbnb in the sea point area that has a generator for backup during load shedding?
Thanks

Not that I managed to find, spoke to a few hosts and asked some locals, was looking for family in Feb next year

Quote from: Saulius on July 30, 2023, 03:18:03 PM

Also, some places in Cape Town, (particularly the V&A waterfront vicinity) - are not effected by loadshedding, as they are on same powerline as Somerset Hospital.

Some in that area, but Sea Point isn't on that line, it's hit as bad as the CBD

Dan · « **Reply #2512 on:** July 30, 2023, 04:14:50 PM »

Quote from: mijo on July 30, 2023, 04:06:49 PM

It isn't the only one. The Press (fleishik) is still going strong, Cafe Riteve and Coffee Time (both milchik in the Garden's area) as well as fresh kosher cooking in Spar, Checkers and PicknPay Sea Point branches.

Yup, typo. *One of the last remaining restaurants.

Travellover1 · « **Reply #2513 on:** July 30, 2023, 07:29:54 PM »

Quote from: Saulius on July 30, 2023, 03:18:03 PM

Just note, only larger establishments, like hotels are very likely to have generators. it's rare for Airbnbs in South Africa to have one. You would need to search the listings, and most likely you will find listings that would mention that they have an Inverter / Battery backup. We have inverters with large lithium batteries to power the wifi and essential lights, and certain designated electrical outlets, and the batteries get recharged when the power goes back on. Loadshedding is now twice a day for 2.5 hours at a time (by me in Joburg, power on average goes back up after 2 hours and 8 min). Some places also have solar as well. In Joburg cloudy days are very rare in the Winter, and solar output is the best in August, and relatively flat the entire year, but in Cape Town in the Winter, the solar output being over 50% less doesn't help as much.

Thanks so much for the info. Do you know if the president hotel or TAJ have generators.
Also, if an Airbnb says they have generators, would that be enough for lights and electrical appliances (fridge, hot plate…) to work?
And is a generator better than solar?
Thanks so much!
Thanks !

Also, some places in Cape Town, (particularly the V&A waterfront vicinity) - are not effected by loadshedding, as they are on same powerline as Somerset Hospital.

And now we are getting a cold front for the second time this Winter, with tempartures tonight dipping to 0°C/32°F, but by day it's pleasant being out in the sun. Note, even the places which do have inverters/generators - they are usually not powerful enough to handle electric heaters.

Travellover1 · « **Reply #2514 on:** July 30, 2023, 07:37:04 PM »

Thanks so much for the info
Do you know if the president hotel or the TAJ have generators?
Also, in an Airbnb what’s better a generator or solar?
And if an Airbnb has a generator, would it be enough for lights and appliances (fridge, hot plate)
Thanks!

Saulius · « **Reply #2515 on:** July 31, 2023, 04:46:58 AM »

Quote from: Travellover1 on July 30, 2023, 07:37:04 PM

Thanks so much for the info
Do you know if the president hotel or the TAJ have generators?
Also, in an Airbnb what’s better a generator or solar?
And if an Airbnb has a generator, would it be enough for lights and appliances (fridge, hot plate)
Thanks!

Yes, both of these hotels have generators. Just hotels are usually large establishments, that generate enough revenue to afford large generators which cost a fortune.

The question would be if a AirBNB would have a generator or an inverter. An inverter is a device that converts battery power (DC) into alternating current (AC) of a higher voltage. If a place has solar, it would recharge the batteries with solar power in addition with electricity from the grid when power is back up. In Cape Town, in the Winter due to cloud cover and significantly less sun, solar power output during the day would be insufficient. However, I did stay in lodgings in more suburban and country areas (near George) which were completely off grid - as they have large enough batteries and solar panel farms.

Most AirBNBs are unlikely to have a generator or an inverter with enough watt output, other than to power the essential lights, computers, and wifi.
The batteries cost in the equivalent of thousands of dollars, and before we were having loadshedding 3 times a day, with one or two of the times at over 4 hours at a time. Refrigerators are usually not under backup as 2-4 hours is not going to damage produce if they are left closed.

Loadshedding hours rotate each day or week, and the amount of hours of loadshedding also changes, subject to the power demand and the number of generating units in the countries 15 coal powerplants which are down because of breakdowns, maintenance, sabotage, corruption, etc.

Today in Sea Point it shows load shedding from 6 am to 8:30am, and 10pm to 12:30am, and tomorrow 4am-5am, and 12pm-2:30pm.

One can be informed to up to date loadshedding schedules and notifications via app store: ESP EskomSePush Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ashwhale.sepush.eskom / Apple: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/esp-loadshedding/

and for your amusement: https://twitter.com/Eskom_SA

Saulius · « **Reply #2516 on:** July 31, 2023, 08:13:04 AM »

Rabbi Bernstein, the choshuve rov of the Milnerton Hebrew Congregation (suburb of Cape Town) started a fundraiser for the restaurant:

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/avron-almeleh-5665522229719036243

Dan · « **Reply #2517 on:** July 31, 2023, 09:23:32 AM »

Quote from: Saulius on July 31, 2023, 04:46:58 AM

Today in Sea Point it shows load shedding from 6 am to 8:30am, and 10pm to 12:30am, and tomorrow 4am-5am, and 12pm-2:30pm.

Failed state...

tavster · « **Reply #2518 on:** August 07, 2023, 02:05:16 PM »

I have a LY flight landing in JNB at 7am

LY has interline with SAA

Is a 8:10am SAA domestic to CPT too risky?

Sounds risky but I thought I would check since the following SAA is several hours later

Dan · « **Reply #2519 on:** August 07, 2023, 02:06:55 PM »

Quote from: tavster on August 07, 2023, 02:05:16 PM

I have a LY flight landing in JNB at 7am

LY has interline with SAA

Is a 8:10am SAA domestic to CPT too risky?

Sounds risky but I thought I would check since the following SAA is several hours later

Maybe there's a VIP service, but otherwise seems unlikely unless you bribe someone.

Cbs	Link
Markus	Link
shmebeble	Link
Yaalili	Link
Ponash123	Link
Yehoshua	Link
Jomaster28	Link

Name	Type	Hours	Contact	Location & Description
Avron's Place (Sea Point)	Meat	S – T: 11am – 3pm; 5pm – 10pm; F: 11am – 2:30pm	+27 (0)21 439 7610 Link	19 – 33 Regent Road - Oldest kosher meat restaurant in SA. The humbly adorned, family-friendly eatery, serves a wide variety of dishes, including beef ribs, burgers, mixed grills, boerewors, Cape lamb curry, vegetarian platters, pastas and sushi. Prices rather reasonable. On Tuesdays there's a special on its beef burger and chips (R49 instead of the usual R59). Offers takeaways and catering and packed Shabbat meals for visitors. For the Sephardim the meat is Bet Yosef. But check to make sure.
The Press (Sea Point)	Meat	S – T: noon – late; F: 11am – 3pm; Sat: 1 hour after Shabbat till late	+27 (0)21 434 7724 Website	176 Main Road - Restaurant and Bar (many craft beers on tap).
Coffee Time (Gardens)	Milk	M – T: 8am – 3:30pm; F: 8am – 3pm	+27 (0)21 461 8414	20 Breda Street - Set in an old house in a lush, garden environment. Lawn seating with views of Table Mountain. Breakfast, brunch or lunch. Menu includes scrambled egg, salmon and humus wrap, fish bobotie with homemade chutney, tuna lasagne, sandwich, salad, quiche or smoothie. Early-morning special between 8am and 11am (a combo of two eggs, grilled tomato and mushrooms goes for R25) and also serves a delicious, and incredibly popular, buffet lunch every Wednesday between 12:30pm and 2:30pm. Gluten-free and sugar-free options. Offers catering. Proceeds support the Astra Centre.
Café Riteve (Gardens)	Milk	S – T: 8:30am – 5pm; F: 8:30am – 3pm	+27 (0)21 465 1594 Website	88 Hatfield Street - Located on a piazza that’s part of the same centre as the historical Gardens Shul, the South African Jewish Museum, the Cape Town Holocaust Centre and the Jacob Gitlin Library. Large and varied menu includes three-egg omelette, sushi salad, grilled hake, falafel with dukkah wedges and humus, tuna and mushroom cannelloni, smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich and chocolate ganache-filled croissant. Also sells range of shakes and juices as well as kosher wine and liquors. Offers catering, takeaways, no delivery. They had some CY, just ask. The earlier you go the more likely the have.
Goldies Deli and Diner (Sea Point)	Meat & Pareve	S – T: 8:30am – 8pm; F: 8:30am – 4:30pm	+27 (0)21 439 3008 Link	174 Main Road - Meat and parev deli and bakery - next door and connected to The Press. Menu include burgers, steak rolls, schwarmas, bagels, salads, fish cakes, breakfast plates and more. Specials every Wednesday and Friday (deals like a three-course meal for four for R120). Delivery is free in Sea Point. Bakery treats include carrot cake, cinnamon twists, chocolate brownies, doughnuts, cupcakes, apple crumble, croissants and teiglach. Offers Shabbat meal orders.
Café B'tayavon @ Highlands House	Milk		021 461 1100	9 Gorge Rd, Highlands Estate - Snacks and Light Meals
Jean's Kitchen @ The Kaplan Centre	Milk		021 650 3064 info@jeanskitchen.co.za	The Kaplan Centre - University of Cape Town - Tea, coffee, sandwiches, gourmet salads, falafel etc
Baskin Robbins @ Mojo Market (Sea Point)				Note: This is the only kosher B & R All ice creams, ice cream cones, milkshakes and waffles are Kosher, milchik. The following topping ONLY are kosher: Crushed Almonds, Crushed Cashews, Fudge, Mini Astros, Mint Crunch NB: Cakes are NOT KOSHER

Name	Cost	Distance from CPT	Description and Notes
Boulders Beach	R170	35 min	• "I found that there were two different entrances, boardwalk and beach. The boardwalk has a higher density of penguins but if you want a better experience, I recommend visiting the beach side- especially at low tide. Because of the tide I was able to walk past the few dozen folks on the beach, climb under and over some boulders, and encounter effectively a different private beach- with penguins!!" • For budget travelers, take the train to Simonstown and from there a cab to Boulders beach - R20.
Betty’s Bay		1.25 hours	Also features African Penguins though less crowded than Boulders beach, though further.
Chapman's Peak Drive	R45/car	45 min	• Beautiful scenery, you have the mountain on one side and the ocean on the other side, great pics, great to make a BBQ come during daylight hours. NOTE: You need Rand or an SA issued card to pay for the Chapman's Peak toll.
Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point	R360/pp	1.5 hours	• LONG but AMAZING drive • almost a full day activity
Lions Head			• Hike - not difficult • Paragliding - around $85 (prices might be outdated). Book ahead
Robben Island			Tours depart three times a day and take about 3.5 hours, consisting of a ferry trip to and from the island, and a tour of the various historical sites on the island that form part of the Robben Island Museum. These include the island graveyard, the disused lime quarry, Robert Sobukwe's house, the Bluestone quarry, the army and navy bunkers, and the maximum security prison. Nelson Mandela's cell is shown. Reviews are mixed
Table Mountain (Cable car or hike)	~R350		• Follow on Twitter for updates on if open or closed • Cableway costs ~R350 rand pp - depends if morning or afternoon • Can repel down • 895 rand pp (prices might be outdated) • repel for like 15 mins • hike back up is 25 mins • Closes 6pm • BOOK IN ADVANCE
Signal Hill			Go there for a sunset with bit more a "local" flavor. Views aren't great compared to Lion's Head and can be quite crowded at sunset.
V & A Waterfront
The Garden Route			long scenic drive

Kirstenbosch Gardens
Shark Diving	$88 +$34 for video (prices might be outdated)	2 hours	Can do in Gansbaii. Links:1, 2, 3
Sandboarding			Bring goggles!
Skydiving	$170 (prices might be outdated) Cheaper
Quad Biking (ATVs)
Hout Bay market
Kayaking at Hout Bay	Link		Amazing experience. Views may very but can often see Heaviside dolphins jumping right in front of you
Cheetah Outreach			Where you can go and pet cheetahs and other animals super cool. Website
Aquila Private Game Reserve		2 hours	Pricey but quality accommodations for overnight stays. Good for people who aren't leaving Cape Town area but want to see wildlife. Some dismiss as a "glorified zoo"
Cango Wildlife Ranch		5 hours

Cbs	Link
Markus	Link
Yaalili	Link
Yehuda57	Link
Ponash123	Link
Yehoshua	Link

Name	Type	Contact	Location & Description
Corner Cafe (Glenhazel)	Milk	+27 11 440-3160 Link	Corner of Queens square and cross road in Glenhazel. Corner Café is the best place to go (or maybe the only) for kosher gluten free muffins. I’m told they’re very good. They also have great breakfasts and pastas, but I usually stick with a toasted cheese and chips.
Dee-Jays (Sandton)	Milk	+27 11 883-2265 Link	Morningview Shopping Centre, 100 South Road, 2196 - Dee-Jays provides casual dairy food that is perfect for a breakfast out with the family. Their fishballs are really good and if you need a cake in the Sandton area, they’re the place to go.
Market Cafe (Norood Mall)	Milk		Cholov Yisroel cafe
KosherWorld, Mi Vami Kosher and Chop N Wok (Glenhazel)		+27 11 440 1402 Website	1 Long Avenue, Johannesburg, 2192
Gelatisimo (Glenhazel)			Across the road from Kosher World, authentic Italian gelato. Chalav Yisroel. Absolutely fantastic.
Michelos (Glenhazel)	Milk	+27 11 885-1500 Link	17 Northfield Ave, Johannesburg, 2192 - Michelos is the second best pizza restaurant. They are very centrally located (in the Jewish area of Glenhazel) and their food is nice. Never go there the night after Pesach because you’ll wait hours but most other times are good, plus they serve chalav yisrael.
Nandos Kosher (Savoy)	Meat	+27 11 885-1496 Website	553 Louis Botha Ave, Savoy, Johannesburg, 2090, South Africa - Nandos is a large chain of Portuguese chicken restaurants, but there is only one kosher Nandos in South Africa, so be aware that you can’t step into any of them! They serve top notch chicken but be sure to also try their beef burger (and order extra sauce).
Next Door "Non-CY" (Norwood)	Milk	+27 11 728-2577 Link	80 Grant Ave, Johannesburg, 2192 - Next Door is rated as a top restaurant in Johannesburg, kosher and not, so you know it must be pretty good. It is usually full so booking is highly recommended. While their sushi may not be top class, their pizzas certainly are and, if you’re around in Summer, definitely try their fish braai (barbeque in South African).
Pie Works (Sandringham)		+27 11 485 2447 Website	74 George Ave, Johannesburg, 2192 - Their pies (clearly) are the best kosher pies in the country and are perfect if you want to buy some to take home and reheat. Their burgers are delicious and the have a milk side with pizza that is really good. They’re situated on what is known as the Kosher Strip, so any Jew will be able to direct you.
RTG "Ready to Go" (Norwood)			A fast food place next door to ... Next Door. While they do offer steak and a Chinese menu, the focus is their extensive burger and hot dog menu.
The Deli Store (Sandton)		011-656-3142 / 4915 info@thedelistore.co.za, http://thedelistore.co.za/menus/main-menu/	Shop 52, (opposite Woolworths) Morning Glen Shopping Mall Cnr Bowling & Kelvin Road Gallo Manor - Reviewed in CBS's TR, as having excellent food for very low prices. According to Google is "Permanently Closed".
So Sushi (Glenhazel)
Jozi Blue (Glenhazel)	Milk		They have some items Cholov Yisroel, which they will serve on disposables on request

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Author Topic: Southern Africa (SA/Zim/Zam/Botswana/Namibia) Master Thread (Read 485828 times)