We may be a little biased, but we think we’ve had just the loveliest of North Coast humans grace the cover of our magazine this year. Here’s a little reminder of who they were, as they share their festive season plans with us.
GINA MAZZONI
Share one highlight from 2022 with us.
My daughter selected for the Dubai 7s netball team.
Any special family Christmas traditions?
We always wake up super early on Christmas day to open presents (it can sometimes be a problem to get everyone up, so I go around the house beating a wooden spoon on a pot!)
What are you hoping to find under the tree this year?
A pair of Saucony Ride running trainers and a Garmin watch (either one, but both would be awesome, thanks Father Christmas!).
Any plans for New Year’s Eve?
My son will be home this year for Christmas and New Year, so we plan to spend as much time with him and his wife as possible. Whether we go out or have celebrations at home with the entire family, I will be in my element.
Share one goal for 2023.
To continue growing my business and to run a half marathon.
Details: @ginagtraining
KITA VEALE
Share one highlight from 2022 with us.
Travelling overseas to source rugs was definitely my biggest highlight. It inspired me to grow Homestead Décor and exciting things are coming!
Do you have any special family Christmas traditions?
We all gather over the Christmas period and there’s always great excitement on Christmas Eve as the kids write their notes and leave cookies and beer for Father Christmas. Once the kids are in bed, we relax and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner.
What are you hoping to find under the tree this year?
I haven’t given it much thought, but a little note telling me that 2023 is going to be a happy and healthy year for our family would be fabulous.
Any plans for New Year’s Eve?
We will be in the Transkei, so we’ll be soaking up the slow life – sunny days on the beach, fishing, swimming and having the best time with our little boys.
Share one goal for 2023.
We have exciting plans to grow our rug range. Another goal is to start building our ‘forever home’ in 2023.
Details: @homestead_decor
DR MARISE SUBRAYAN
Share one highlight from 2022 with us.
Witnessing the extraordinary community spirit of Ballito, standing together no matter what adversity is faced.
Do you have any special family Christmas traditions?
We usually enjoy a lovely Christmas lunch at my house, followed by glorious afternoon naps.
What are you hoping to find under the tree this year?
The best gift in life for me really is free quality time with my favourite people … and that is all I need.
Any plans for New Year’s Eve?
We’ll have a relaxing New Year with family and friends from Johannesburg.
Share one goal for 2023.
To continue to give my best to my patients – women and mums-to-be, as I relocate my practice to St Augustine’s Hospital.
Details: www.auroraobsandgynea.com
DURAN KRUMMECK
Share one highlight from 2022 with us.
Watching our first Springbok rugby game at Ellis Park as a family.
Do you have any special family Christmas traditions?
We do (and this one has been forced by my wife, haha) we watch The Grinch every Christmas Eve!
What are you hoping to find under the tree this year?
My family sitting under the tree, healthy with happy hearts. A good coffee would be a bonus.
Any plans for New Year’s Eve?
A beer and braai, paired with an early night to wake up fresh on the first day of 2023.
Share one goal for 2023.
To return to a professional rugby setup.
Details: @duran_krummeck
FRANKY MCCARTHY
Share one highlight from 2022 with us.
Completing my first Comrades. Not only did it boost my health and mental well-being, but it taught me about navigating challenges in life. I was humbled by the strip of tarmac between Pietermaritzburg and Durban.
Do you have any special family Christmas traditions?
We go to the South Coast for a big family lunch on Christmas Day. Our family can be a little wild, so sometimes things get a bit crazy when the tequila and Jägermeister come out!
What are you hoping to find under the tree this year?
As an ocean lover wanting the freedom to discover more of the big blue, I am hoping to find a free diving course and equipment under the tree this year!
Any plans for New Year’s Eve?
I’ve spent many New Year’s away from my family while working on yachts, so I am excited to spend this one with family and friends in the northern Drakensberg.
Share one goal for 2023.
To grow my retail business and do a marathon and/or triathlon in a new country every year, starting with Morocco for the half Iron Man next October!
Details: @groundcoverballito
ZINHLE NDAWONDE
Share one highlight from 2022 with us.
Definitely being part of the SPAR Women’s race, running with phenomenal ladies, rising above our challenges and sharing stories with women who have been through so much in life but risen above it all.
Do you have any special family Christmas traditions?
All our family members usually go to my grandmother’s house on Christmas, where we spend the day together, sharing all the good moments we’ve had throughout the year.
What are you hoping to find under the tree this year?
I’m hoping to find an Iphone 13.
Any plans for New Year’s Eve?
Unfortunately, I’ll be at work on New Year’s Eve, but also grateful that I will be with my ‘work family’, serving our community and being on standby should help be needed.
Share one goal for 2023.
To be limitless in everything I do and turn everything and anything in my space into gold.
Details: @zinhlendawonde
BETH NEALE
Share one highlight from 2022 with us.
The 2022 sardine run in Port St Johns with Offshore Africa, where we spent up to 10 hours a day out on the boat, marvelling at the spectacular Eastern Cape coastline.
Do you have any special family Christmas traditions?
A long-standing tradition is definitely having a swim in the ocean on Christmas Day. It’s a blessing to have my baby Neve to share that tradition with me, and she loves it too!
What are you hoping to find under the tree this year?
I would love another pair of 30 South sunglasses, a local brand and the best part is that they are 100% recycled ocean plastic, and they look amazing too.
Any plans for New Year’s Eve?
I’m not a big party girl, so I am hoping to see the New Year in with loved ones somewhere in nature – most probably on a beach.
Share one goal for 2023.
To continue to film my ocean adventures and share with as many people as possible.
Details @onebreathbeth
ELOISE BRIGGEMAN
Share one highlight from 2022 with us.
Going to Los Angeles with the family to support my son at the World Championships of Performing Arts.
Do you have any special family Christmas traditions?
We all get together on Christmas Day for a bring-and-share of all the delicious traditional Christmas foods. We open our presents with all the siblings, granny, grandpa, cousins, aunties, uncles, nieces and nephews. It is an absolute joy!
What are you hoping to find under the tree this year?
The keys to the new house we are building . . . we just cannot wait to move in.
Any plans for New Year’s Eve?
Not yet. We always seem to leave that until the last minute. A good party would be great though, to celebrate an amazing year!
Share one goal for 2023.
To be more influential in uplifting the poorer communities in our country. Details: @eloisebriggeman
SHAN FOURIE
Share one highlight from 2022 with us.
It is hard to choose just one, but if I had to narrow it down it would have to be taking on the Mrs South Africa journey. It has challenged me in so many ways.
Do you have any special family Christmas traditions?
Every year we hang the names of our entire family – those with us on the day, those who can’t be and those who have passed – on our tree. It is a symbolic tradition of appreciation, remembrance and gratitude.
What are you hoping to find under the tree this year?
Last year my husband gifted me a Dior fragrance that came with a Dior ornament. I would love to keep up that tradition to one day have a fully DIOR decorated tree.
Any plans for New Year’s Eve?
I literally cannot think past tomorrow. So no, none as yet.
Share one goal for 2023.
To raise awareness and funds to get our first safe house built for victims of gender-based violence in KwaDukuza with The Rise Up Movement.
Details: @shanfourie.co.za
NADIA ABOUD
Share one highlight from 2022 with us.
Definitely my graduation, cum laude, at the age of 30. More so because I didn’t give up during extremely hard times and a very busy schedule. Also, being part of the Mrs SA Journey.
Do you have any special family Christmas traditions?
To me, it is just important to take the time to remember what Christmas is really about. We sing songs like “oh holy night” and read from the Bible on Christmas day.
What are you hoping to find under the tree this year?
A special (metaphorical) key that I have been longing for.
Any plans for New Year’s Eve?
Bubbly, celebrations and surrounding myself with loved ones.
Share one goal for 2023.
I am starting my honours degree in psychology next year and hope to make a huge success of my new career.
Details: @nadiahope_aboud
ANDILE PIETERSON
Share one highlight from 2022 with us.
Definitely making it to the Mrs SA finals.
Do you have any special family Christmas traditions?
We always schedule a special Christmas photoshoot.
What are you hoping to find under the tree this year?
A getaway voucher for some much-needed time out.
Any plans for New Year’s Eve? No plans just yet.
Share one goal for 2023.
I really hope to grow the community projects that I am working on.
Details: @andilepietersonsa
