Platinum Banking

Platinum e-Zine Issue #65 June 2015

Living the good life with Platinum Banking from Absa

Inside this Issue

Outlook for the SA

residential housing market

Chronic fatigue and immune

dysfunction syndrome

Triathlons - the ultimate

lifestyle sport

Richard Murray - South

Africa's iron man

The Absa Kirkwood

Wildsfees

Exclusive travel offers from

Holiday Tours

Exclusive travel offers from

Good Taste Travel

Go to Platinum Banking Contact Us

More Platinum News

“The current investment horizon for residential

property is believed to be around 5 years to

allow for proper capital appreciation.”

Outlook for the SA residential housing market

According to Jacques du Toit, Property Analyst

at Absa Home Loans, the South African property market showed a steady performance

in 2014, with nominal price growth of just above 9% and real price growth of about 3%

after adjustment for inflation. Du Toit says a normalisation of and more balanced housing

demand and supply conditions have largely contributed to the house price growth seen in

2014.

Du Toit says that this was not a bad performance, taking into account last year’s

economic trends and the ongoing financial strain experienced by consumers. According to

Absa’s latest Housing Review, the average price of affordable homes

increased by a nominal 6,4% in 2014, compared with

growth of 3,5% in 2013. In real terms, prices increased

by a marginal 0,3% last year, after declining by 2,1% in

2013. Middle-segment housing experienced a nominal price growth of 9,4% in 2014 (10% in 2013), while, in real terms, the average price of homes in this category improved by 3,1% in 2014,

after real price growth of 4,0% in 2013. In 2014, a nominal price growth of 9,7% (5% in 2013) was recorded in the luxury housing segment. This translated into a real price growth of 3,5% in

2014 after adjustment for the effect of inflation (-0,7% in 2013). The following price changes occurred in the three middle-segment categories in 2014:

• small houses (80m² ─ 140m²): 9,8% year-on-year (y/y) nominal and 3,5% y/y real;

• medium-sized houses (141m² ─ 220m²): 7,5% y/y nominal and 1,3% y/y real; and

• large houses (221m² ─ 400m²): 7,7% y/y nominal and 1,6% y/y real.

The latest indicators show that nominal middle-segment house price growth came to

8,4% (y/y) in February this year, down from 8,9% y/y in January and a recent high of 9,9%

y/y in September last year. On a month-on-month basis, nominal price growth slowed

down further, to 0,3% in February. “The gradual declining trend in nominal house price

growth since late last year is much in line with continued subdued real economic growth of

1,3% y/y in the final quarter of last year. Full-year growth was 1,5% in 2014 (2,2% in 2013

and forecast at 2,2% in 2016). Somewhat higher interest rates and a continued low level

of consumer confidence could also have played a role in the lower house price growth in early

2015,” explains Du Toit.

The outlook for house prices in 2015 is one of continued single-digit growth, against the background of the outlook for major economic and household sector-related factors, although base

effects may cause price growth to be somewhat lower compared to 2013 and 2014, when price growth of 10% and 9,3% respectively was recorded. “Based on current expectations regarding

nominal house price growth of around 8% and consumer price inflation of 4%, real price inflation is projected for this year, continuing on from the previous two years,” says Du Toit.

The aspects that drive the property market and, ultimately, property prices are believed to be:

Economic factors

Although South Africa’s inflation and interest rates are currently at the lower end of the scale, ongoing poor economic growth and continued high unemployment is putting downward pressure on

growth in house prices.

Consumer factorsConsumers are experiencing a decline in real household incomes, a lack of savings, increased

household debt, worsening credit risk records — more than 10 million credit-active South African consumers currently have impaired credit records — and a lack of confidence in their financial

recovery. Increasing electricity- and transport costs are also influencing consumers’ finances negatively. These factors have a negative impact on house price growth, as it decreases demand in

the housing sector.

Finance factorsThe Reserve Bank has made it clear that South

Africa is in a rising interest rate cycle. The current forecast is for interest rates to rise by

25 basis points in September this year, and by a cumulative 75 basis points through 2016, in

order to curb upward inflationary pressures. Higher interest rates drive down the

affordability of finance, and the resultant decrease in demand slows down growth in

house prices. Furthermore, with more consumers struggling with debt and impaired

credit records, banks may have to re-assess their appetite for risk, and possibly tighten

their qualification criteria for mortgage finance.

Taking all these factors into account, Du Toit believes that investment in property is still advisable,

as it contributes to the diversification of an investment portfolio, while capital appreciation and

income can be derived from the investment in the long term. “The current investment horizon for residential property is believed to be around 5 years to allow for proper capital appreciation.

However, buyers should keep in mind that property values and capital appreciation are determined by factors such as location and physical factors related to the property and the area,” concludes Du

Toit.

Photos - Top: Absa; middle and bottom: iStock

“While CFS cannot currently be cured, many of

the symptoms can be successfully treated, and

medical professionals can assist in improving a sufferer’s quality of life.”

Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome

The 12th of May is World Chronic Fatigue and

Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Day, and while many people may not have heard of chronic

fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, it is a serious and quite prevalent medical

condition that is extremely debilitating.

According to the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), the aim of Chronic

Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Day is to increase awareness of this condition,

for which there is no known cause or cure. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is probably

better known as ‘yuppie flu', and people suffering from it experience severe exhaustion

and develop a variety of symptoms that can make coping with everyday

life very difficult.

Most sufferers of CFS describe their fatigue as overpowering,

a form of tiredness they have never experienced before.

Exercising can exacerbate the symptoms; this is referred to

as ‘post-exertional malaise'. The effect of exercise is sometimes delayed — the resulting fatigue may not develop for a few hours afterwards, or may only manifest the next day. People with severe

CFS are either unable to do any activities themselves, or can only carry out basic daily tasks. Sufferers are sometimes confined to their bed, and are often unable to leave their homes.

The Mayo Clinic says that chronic fatigue syndrome is a complicated disorder, characterised by

extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest. The clinic says that,

although there are many theories — ranging from viral infections to psychological stress — the cause of CFS remains unknown. It is commonly believed in the scientific world that CFS is most

probably caused by a combination of factors that affect people who were born with a predisposition for the disorder. Some of the factors that have been studied include:

Viral infections

Because some people develop chronic fatigue syndrome after having had a viral infection, researchers question whether some viruses trigger the disorder. Suspicious viruses include the

Epstein-Barr virus, the human herpes virus 6 and murine leukaemia.

Immune system problemsThe immune systems of people who have

chronic fatigue syndrome appear to be slightly impaired, but it's unclear if this impairment is

enough to cause the disorder.

Hormonal imbalancesPeople who have chronic fatigue syndrome

also sometimes experience abnormal blood levels of hormones produced in the

hypothalamus, pituitary gland or adrenal glands, but the significance of these

abnormalities is still undetermined.

DepressionMost CFS patients also show signs of

depression, although the correlation between the two conditions is still unclear.

GEMS state that, although CFS can affect anyone, it is most commonly diagnosed in men between

the ages of 25 and 45 and in women of all ages — women make up about 80% of all diagnosed cases of CFS. As there are a number of similar, overlapping conditions that are often associated

with CFS, it is difficult to diagnose, and, therefore, it is difficult to approximate the number of South Africans who are affected by the disease. International statistics, however, reveal that

between 1% and 2% of the population in countries such as the USA and Australia are estimated to suffer from CFS.

The Mayo Clinic reports that CFS has eight official signs and symptoms, plus the central symptom

that gives the condition its name:

• fatigue

• loss of memory or concentration

• a sore throat

• enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or armpits

• unexplained muscle pain

• pain that moves from one joint to another, without swelling or redness

• headaches of a new type, pattern or severity

• waking up un-refreshed

• extreme exhaustion, lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exertion.

Stomach pain and other problems similar to irritable bowel syndrome, such as bloating,

constipation, diarrhoea and nausea, sensitivity or intolerance to light, loud noise, alcohol and certain foods, as well as psychological difficulties, such as depression, irritability and panic attacks,

have also been described.

GEMS explains that CFS often starts with flu-

like symptoms, such as pain in the joints, a headache, a sore throat and mild fever and

fatigue. At this point, many doctors mistake the condition for flu; however, in the case of

CFS the symptoms continue for much longer — persisting for months or even years.

Patients can become increasingly isolated, and run the risk of developing depression.

While CFS cannot currently be cured, many of

the symptoms can be successfully treated, and medical professionals can assist in improving a

sufferer’s quality of life.

Photos - iStock

“Novices to the sport are well advised to get

their toes wet by competing in Sprint/Half-

Olympic events to start off with.”

Triathlons - the ultimate lifestyle sport

According to SA national triathlon coach

Lindsey Parry, triathlons are the ultimate lifestyle sport. Participating in this popular

sport is not an excessively heavy drain on your resources in terms of time and money, and the

diverse forms of exercise means your workouts do not become monotonous, while

keeping you fit and strong at the same time.

The modern triathlon is a multi-stage event consisting of swimming, biking and running in

consecutive order. The multisport race format is designed to test the endurance of its

participants, much more so than the individual disciplines on their own. SA Olympic triathlete

Kate Roberts agrees: “The unique combination of disciplines means three

times the challenge, but also three times the sense of

achievement. A triathlon is an irresistible combination,” she

says.

To accommodate athletes of different ages and fitness and skill levels, triathlons are usually divided into different categories, with varying distances for each event. A Sprint or Half-Olympic event

means a 750m swim, a 20km bike ride and a 5km run. Athletes competing in the Olympiccategory are in for a 1,5km swim, a 40km bike ride and a 10km run, while the Long-

distance/Half-Ironman competition consists of a 1,9 ‒ 3,2km swim, an 80 ‒ 120km bike ride and a 20 ‒ 30km run. Elite athletes competing in the demanding Ironman events face a 3,86km

swim, a 180km bike ride and a 42,2km run.

South Africa has produced many world-class triathlon athletes, including multiple international race winners Dan Hugo and Mari Rabie and Olympians Kate Roberts, Lizel Moore, Gillian Sanders,

Richard Murray and four-time XTERRA Triathlon World Champion and three-time ITU Cross Triathlon World Champion Conrad Stoltz. There are many races in South Africa throughout the year

where tri-athletes can test their mettle — visit www.triathlonsa.co.za for information about upcoming competitions in your area.

Novices to the sport are well advised to get their toes wet by competing in Sprint/Half-Olympic

events to start off with. 45 to 60 minutes of training a day for 10 weeks is enough to get you in shape for your first triathlon. Spinning classes and indoor cycling at your local gym provides

excellent and safe training for general fitness, but experts warn that you need to be comfortable on your bike and ensure that you are competent enough to ride on the open road to ensure a safe and

enjoyable race. A minimum of one outdoor bike session per week is recommended.

For a start, focusing on one discipline — swimming, biking or running — in your

training routine a day is sufficient to get you competitive. To ensure that you do not injure

yourself by pushing too hard, too fast, it is important that you start off slowly, walking

and jogging on the treadmill for 20 minutes on day one, followed by a 200m swim on the

second day and a 45-minute spin class on the third day, for example. Gradually increase

your distances each day as you become stronger and fitter. After a couple of weeks,

you can up the tempo by including a ‘brick’ session to your training, where you do a swim

followed by a cycle, or a cycle followed by a run. Be sure to keep in mind that you have to

be comfortable with the transitions between the different disciplines, so that everything will be smooth sailing come race day.

According to www.thorpetriathlon.com you need the following gear to get your triathlon career off

to a good start:

A bikeEven a mountain bike is perfectly fine, as long as you swap out the heavier tires for a set of

smoother road tires. Make sure your bike is checked over before your race, and that everything is in working order. If you do need to buy a bike, you can get an entry-level road bike.

Goggles

A good pair of goggles that stay put will help you see, and prevent glare during your swim.

WetsuitFor new to intermediate tri-athletes, a mid-market suit will suffice, as these are usually more

buoyant. Wetsuits keep you warm and help you stay level in the water.

Running shoesMake sure you get properly fitted for your foot shape and gait. A good pair of running shoes is an

investment, and will prevent injuries and joint pain.

HelmetA regular bike helmet will do the job; just be sure to buy one from a reputable bike shop.

Socks

Wear socks to prevent blisters. Avoid cotton socks, as they retain moisture and don’t keep you warm, which can result in blisters.

Sunglasses

These need to be designed to keep dust, bugs, rain, sun and debris out of your eyes during the race.

Tri-suitTri-suits cut down on transition time, and the

material is made to wick away moisture from your skin and dry quickly. Tri-suits also have a

small chamois to cushion your ride.

A transition towel/matIt’s great as a visual marker of your bike

location, and gives you a clean place to dry off while you transition.

Wetsuit lubricant

Cut down on added friction against your skin by applying this before the swim.

Sports watch

A decent digital watch able to offer split timing for the bike, swim and run portions of your race will help you track your progress.

Photos - iStock

“You can’t improve if you’re focusing on what

others are doing all the time. It’s good to know

where you stand. From there, you control what you can,”

Richard Murray - South Africa's iron man

Richard Murray is South Africa's top male

triathlete, currently holding the number five spot on the International Triathlon Union's

(ITU's) rankings, following his maiden Triathlon World Cup win in the Sprint section

of the New Plymouth World Cup event in New Zealand in March this year.

This Commonwealth medallist and Olympian

has his mind set on achieving even greater honours in his chosen sport.

Murray was born in Cape Town, and although

he competes all over the world, he still calls Durbanville in the northern suburbs of the

Mother City his home. Murray recently told Discovery Magazine that he

slaps himself very hard in the face in every race, just before

the gun goes off, to “get ready for action!” Murray has

worked very hard to get where he is, and says that he

takes nothing for granted, understanding that triathlons

are “his job, his life and his livelihood”.

This two-times African Triathlon champion started his glittering career competing in

duathlons, where he won the Junior ITU Duathlon World Championship in 2007 and

2008. Murray was also the under-23 African champion in both the triathlon and the

duathlon in 2010. Among his other achievements, he, as a junior athlete, was the

South African Junior Mountainbike Champion on two occasions, as well as the under-15

cross-country champion. Murray’s dream was, however, always to compete in the Olympic

Games, and, as such, he realised that he needed to make the change to another sport if

he wanted to achieve this goal.

Murray has never looked back, and says that the different disciplines of triathlons, namely swimming, cycling and running, mean that he can

vary his training routine and locations, which stops him from getting bored. This is an important aspect, as Murray’s training regime ranges from 18 to 25 hours a week, with the intensity

depending mainly on his race schedule.

Murray made a spectacular entrance onto the world elite triathlon stage during 2012, leading to him qualifying for the London Olympic Games, placing 17th, four years ahead of his planned

schedule of first qualifying for the Rio Games in 2015, where his goal is to win the gold medal. Murray says he is lucky enough to have someone who shares his life who understands his rigorous

training and travelling schedule in Zimbabwean-born champion Dutch triathlete Rachel Klamer, whom he met at the Cape Town Sprint Triathlon in Blouberg early in 2013.

Murray says it is important for him to mentally

recharge to keep his competitive edge, and spending time in SA with family and friends,

surfing, mountain biking and playing golf, is an important part of his routine. His advice for

young people taking up the sport is to become utterly comfortable with themselves, as the

sport is a very individualistic one.

“You can’t improve if you’re focusing on what others are doing all the time. It’s good to know

where you stand. From there, you control what you can,” Murray told Discovery Magazine.

That sounds like sound advice, for sport and for life in general, from a man who knows

himself and is clear on the goals he is striving to achieve.

Photos - Top: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images; Middle and bottom: Roger Sedres/Gallo Images

“At this year’s Wild @ Heart festival, festival

goers of all ages can look forward to faerie trails,

eco-puppet shows, food and wine tasting, and a line-up of artists that is bigger than ever.”

The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees

If you've never been to the Absa Kirkwood

Wildsfees, then it's time to make a date for your and your family's first visit in June this

year. This exciting and popular festival, which annually attracts more than 45 000 visitors to

the picturesque Sunday's River Valley in the Eastern Cape, will be taking place from Friday,

June 26 until Sunday, June 28.

Absa is proud of its continued partnership with the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees since its

inception in 2002, celebrating the Sunday’s River Valley, its people, and all that the valley

has to offer. The festival has grown into the biggest and one of the most sought-after

festivals in the Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape has many tourist

attractions that can be visited alongside the Absa Kirkwood

Wildsfees, such as the Big 7 at Addo Elephant National Park,

all the wonderful attractions in and around Kirkwood, the

Sunday’s River Valley, as well as Nelson Mandela Bay.

Wildsfees firsts include the only game auction

in South Africa where disease-free buffalo from the Addo Elephant National Park are for

sale. The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees was first developed around an annual game auction,

and two auctions take place: The boma auction and the catalogue auction — both with

a diverse range of animals listed for sale. With buyers coming from all over South Africa, as

well as neighbouring states, to stake their investment on everything from buffalo to

impala and every type of buck in between, there will be a great deal of interest in the top-

quality wildlife on sale this year.

The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees is also the first major festival to be wheelchair-friendly; one of

the first South African festivals to go green — education around conservation, which is critical to sustainability, is at the top of the programme agenda; and the first to host a mohair expo. It is also

the first and only festival to include a mix of over 350 specialist stalls, agricultural-, wildlife- and outdoor expos, a supervised kiddies play area, ‘wild’ rides and live entertainment.

At this year’s Wild @ Heart festival, festival goers of all ages can look forward to faerie trails, eco-

puppet shows, food and wine tasting, and a line-up of artists that is bigger than ever. Artists will include Mi Casa, Snotkop, Kurt Darren, Desmond Wells, Dr Victor and many more.

New to the festival is the Tikki Island-style

beach bar, which promises to be the chill place of the year. Other attractions include the Walk

on the Wildside experience, the skaapkop lang tafel, the boerboel show, wine, gourmet food

and beer tents, cooking demonstrations, as well as agricultural, new car and 4×4 expos.

Gates will open at 09:00, and festinos can

party late into the night. Tickets are available from the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees office on

042 230 0064, or visit www.wildsfees.co.za for more information.

Photos - www.wildsfees.co.za

Exclusive travel offers from Holiday Tours

We are pleased to bring you a superb selection

of exclusive travel offers from outstanding local and international holiday destinations in

association with Holiday Tours.

Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris

• Valid: 01 – 31 July 2015

• Pricing (land only): R8 358 per person

Includes:

• 2 nights’ accommodation at a 3-star

hotel in Amsterdam• 2 nights’ accommodation at a 3-star

hotel in Brussels• 2 nights’ accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Paris

• 2nd class train tickets Amsterdam – Brussels – Paris• Breakfast daily

Excludes:

• International and domestic flights• Visa and travel insurance

• Meals not specified• Items of a personal nature

Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa, Mauritius

• Valid for set departure on 27 June 2015• Limited seats available

• Special offer from R15 995 pps

Includes:

• Return flights from Johannesburg to

Mauritius on Air Mauritius on specific flights

• All pre-payable airport taxes and fuel levies

• Return airport resort transfers• 7 nights’ accommodation in a superior

room• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily + selected drinks

Excludes:

• Meals not specified• Premium and imported drinks

• Items of a personal nature• Travel insurance

Protea Hotel President, Cape Town

• Valid: 18 May - 31 August 2015• R3 155 pp sharing for 2 nights.

• Supplements apply on peak flights

Includes:

• 2 Nights’ accommodation

• Room only• Return economy class flights from

Johannesburg or Lanseria to Cape Town• 2 days’ car rental (Group T) on standard

cover, including 200 km free per day

Excludes:

• Meals/Beverages not specified

• Items of a personal nature• Travel insurance

Bongani Mountain Lodge

• Validity – 1 May to 31 July• R3 759 per person sharing

Includes:

• 3 nights’ accommodation in a standard room

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily • 2 game drives per day in Mthethomusha

Game Reserve

Excludes:

• Meals/Beverages not specified

• Items of a personal nature• Travel insurance

Additional details:

• Pick-up times from the gate are @ 12:00, 13:00 & 15:00• A R250,00 transfer fee will be charged for pick-ups outside the times indicated

• Excludes conservation levy, which needs to be paid directly

To make use of these offers please contact Holiday Tours on 0861 102 137, advise that you are an Absa Platinum client and pay with your Absa card.

Terms and conditions:

• Package price is per person, based on 2 people sharing a room and is subject to availability• Prices may increase over peak periods and for individuals travelling alone

• Contact us for additional nights• Subject to airfare increases, exchange rate fluctuations and availability

• Airline taxes are based on the current exchange rate and are subject to change

• Mauritius packages are valid for SADC residents only ̶ proof of a valid passport may be

required by the property

• Standard Holiday Tours T&C apply. E.O&E. • All prices are correct at the time of publishing

Photos - Absa Rewards

Exclusive travel offers from Good Taste Travel

We are pleased to bring you a superb selection

of exclusive travel offers from outstanding local holiday venues in association with Good

Taste Travel.

Mont Rochelle Hotel, Franschhoek

• Awesome pay-stay deal (pay 2, stay3)

• Shiraz Room, including breakfast• Cost: R876.00 per person sharing per

night• Minimum stay of 3 nights required

• Valid from 01 May to 30 September 2015

Kruger Park, Lion Sands River Lodge

• Luxury Room on a full-board basis• Cost: R5 903.00 per person sharing per night

• Minimum stay of 3 nights required• Valid from 01 May to 17 December 2015

Offer includes:

• Luxurious accommodation in a Luxury Room (River Lodge)

• Three meals per day • Tea/coffee

• Mini-bar in room • Drinks (all soft drinks and selection of

beers, spirits, and house wines) • Two game drives daily with FGASA-

qualified ranger and tracker, game-drive refreshments and snacks, and specified

safari activities

Value-add:

• Book three nights and receive two nights

free in a More Quarters luxury apartment or a Cape Cadogan Standard Room • Free nights must be booked in the same itinerary and for same guest

• Offer is subject to availability of rooms • Valid for FIT bookings only, maximum 2 rooms/4 guests

To make use of these offers please contact Good Taste Travel on 087 285 3601, advise

that you are an Absa client and pay with your Absa card.

Terms and conditions

• Book and pay by 31 May 2015

• Prices do not include airfare or transfers• Block out dates are applicable for each individual destination, please enquire to find these

out • All prices are per person sharing

• All prices quoted are based on the cheapest option available, and might change due to currency fluctuations or Best Available Rates at time of booking

• Good Taste Travel has the right to pull a property from this promotion at any time • All percentage discounts have already been applied to all offers, so the price you see is after

the discount • Errors and omissions excepted

Photos - Absa Rewards

Platinum News

Watch your favourite Barclays Premier League team live

Win 19 trips to watch your favourite Barclays Premier League team play live in the UK.

Photos - Absa

Stand a chance to win with Absa Home Loans

Stand a chance to win R500 000* paid into your home loan.

Absa Home Loans recently launched an exciting show called “Guiding You Home” on DStv Home Channel 176. The show takes you on a journey with different families in search of their dream

home - from viewing and assessing properties, to choosing the right one and making an offer.

The show will help you gain insight into the legal steps and processes of buying a home, as well as the requirements of applying for a home loan.

Tune in to find out if each thought-provoking episode will end with a successful purchase!

For your convenience view the TV show time schedule below:

• Mondays 12:30 • Tuesdays 16:30

• Thursdays 20:30 • Fridays 08:30

• Saturdays 15:00 and 23:00 • Sundays 10:00 and 20:00

You also stand a chance to win R500 000 paid into your home loan.

All you have to do is apply and register your home loan with Absa Home Loans. *View terms and conditions.

The winner will be announced during the final episode of the new “Guiding You Home” TV

programme on DStv Channel 176.

Photos - Absa

Fly in style with Absa and Bidvest

A Platinum credit card from Absa gives you wings to enjoy first-class travel experiences with free access to Bidvest Premier Lounges at airports across the country.

The destination isn’t all that matters – the journey’s just as important. That’s why Absa and Bidvest have partnered to allow our Platinum credit cardholders access to a lifestyle of privileged travel.

Our Platinum credit cardholders can make use of the Bidvest Premier Lounges at domestic and international airport terminals within South Africa at no cost.

To qualify, cardholders need to spend a total of R5 000 on point-of-sale purchases during the month of their lounge visit. Alternatively, they can spend R15 000 on point-of-sale purchases with their Platinum credit card over three consecutive months before or during the month of their visit. Cardholders can also invite guests to join them at a discounted rate.

Whichever airline you fly with and whatever class of ticket you hold, Bidvest Premier Lounges provide an oasis of comfort, relaxation and pleasure at the airport. Staff are highly trained and professional and remain focused on providing guests with the highest quality of service.

The lounges offer complimentary Wi-Fi and newspapers, as well as a versatile snack and beverage menu. They also offer private smoking areas, showers and toilets, and facilities for the disabled.

International departure lounges can be found at OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports, with domestic lounges at all of South Africa’s major airports including OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka in Durban, Port Elizabeth, George and East London.

A Platinum credit card from Absa gives you access to ATMs around the world, free basic travel insurance with the purchase of international return travel tickets and 24/7 expert assistance from anywhere in the world via our dedicated Platinum Line.

Not only does it make travelling in first-class style a reality, it also includes a host of other benefits designed to enhance your life. All cards are issued with chip and PIN technology, ensuring that your transactions are done with optimum security in place.

Your card comes with free lost card protection, purchase protection and optional credit protection covering a limited outstanding balance in the event of death, disability or retrenchment.

And, you don’t need to fly to Milan for the latest fashions when you can shop online using your card. Absa’s Platinum credit cards are equipped with the highest security features, with a one-time authentication password to ensure that your online shopping experience is safe and convenient.

If you forget your PIN just as you’re about to pay, don’t panic. Just call 0860 109 085 and follow the voice prompts to retrieve your code, or you can login to Absa Online 24/7.

Remember, you can always call us on our dedicated 24-hour Platinum Line on 0860 109

085 or 011 501 5006 internationally and we’ll be there to give you any assistance you

need.

From a café in Paris to a diner in New York City, apply for your Platinum credit card from Absa and live the life you deserve.

For more information on the Absa Platinum credit card visit www.absa.co.za/platinumcreditcard.

Photos - iStock

Are you adequately insured?

As a homeowner, transforming your home into a haven filled with happy memories is hard work and it comes with great responsibility.

What you can do to alleviate this

Take a moment, sit back, look around you and take a glimpse of your accomplishments. You will notice the collection of electronic gadgets, the jewellery boxes filled with valuable gems and the treasures you have purchased during your holidays. The vehicles you drive, the kitchen you may have recently renovated or the updated security system you installed have a direct impact on you and your insurance cover. But, if an unexpected event happens and you need to replace it, are you adequately insured?

Read your policy documentation

Insurance policies are there to ensure that if a sudden and unforeseen event comes knocking on your door, you will have peace of mind knowing you are covered. Policies do not cover you for everything, so remember to pay special attention to the policy terms, conditions and exclusions. As a policy holder, you have a responsibility to ensure that your cover is adequate and fulfilling ̶ such as maintaining your home regularly. This will alleviate any issues at claim stage. Vehicles must also be maintained regularly to ensure your and your family’s safety. Policy documents contain vital information to ensure you are correctly covered. Take particular note of the vehicle and driver details, the usage of your vehicle as well as the insured sum of your home and items. If you need further clarity in terms of your cover and benefits, simply call your insurance company or speak to your adviser.

Maintain your home to keep it in tiptop shape as certain exclusions may apply

Homes are expected to withstand our changing weather conditions. However, they often need attention. There are some areas on your property to which you must pay special attention on a regular basis:

• Guttering, flat roofs, fascia boards, roof tiles which may be cracked and broken, metal sheeting, boundary walls;

• Always ensure that your property has adequate drainage and that gutters are cleared regularly. This prevents water overflowing into your ceilings

• Thatch roofing requires regular maintenance and lack of this may increase fire risks

Evaluate your assets

Review the value of your home and contents to ensure the insured sum of your items correctly reflects the replacement cost. Underinsurance is when the replacement cost of the item or property you have insured, is greater than the amount you have insured it for. If you are not adequately insured, insurers can apply an average.

E.g. your sum insured on your policy is R2 million and the replacement value is supposed to be R3 million. Then you have a storm, which causes damage to fitted electronic equipment of which the replacement cost is R150 000. Your insurer will unfortunately apply average and this is how it is calculated:

R2 million X R150 000 _________________

R3 million

= R100 000

That means the insurer will compensate you with an amount of R100 000 less the excess applicable.

If you would like to know the value of your residential property, simply check out the calculator on www.absa.co.za for an estimated replacement cost or contact your insurance company or adviser.

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