Nominated for ‘Podcast of the Year’ in the 2024 African Podcast and Voice Awards (APVA), the weekly Sandton Times Hour is a Sandton magazine show that brings the wanted online pages of The Sandton Times to life.
- Colin Browne, Founder of HAPPY SANDPIT and author of ‘How to Build a Happy Sandpit’ reflects on an immersive three-day field trip to see corporate culture in action.
- Zelda La Grange, former private secretary to Nelson Mandela, speaks about her new book ‘What Nelson Mandela Taught Me’.
- Alessandro Khojane, visionary restaurateur and owner of several renowned restaurants in and around Sandton, including Gemelli,
- PANTRY by Gemelli, Phirinyane Bar by Gemelli, Therapy, and Manaka Coffee, chats about his secret ingredients to success.
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As the only radio show and podcast dedicated to Africa’s richest square mile, this Sandton magazine show is packed with an array of entertaining and informative interviews blended with the best music, every week on Mix 93.8, Mondays at 7pm.
The Sandton Times offers readers all they ever wanted online, and The Sandton Times Hour is the go-to weekly magazine show broadcast from greater Sandton. The Sandton magazine show features fabulous food spots, luxurious lifestyle bits, first-hand travel tips, motoring notes, and world-class entertainment, business and so much more beyond the borders of greater Sandton.
In 2024, The Sandton Times Hour secured the third spot on Feedspot’s list of the “30 Best South Africa Podcasts” highlighting the top South African podcasts from thousands available on the web, ranking them based on relevancy, authority, social media followers, and freshness.
In this week’s show [Edition 178 Week 43] The Sandton Times covers an array of topical news as well as these interviews:
‘How To Build A Happy Sandpit’ With Founder Of HAPPY SANDPIT Colin Browne
Since 2013, Happy Sandpit has been helping companies around the world discover and develop their own unique organizational cultures. Founded by Colin J. Browne, author of How to Build a Happy Sandpit, the company has worked with hundreds of businesses across 20 countries to enhance employee engagement, leadership, and company culture. From crafting Employee Value Propositions to running innovative games that embed core values and reduce unconscious bias, Happy Sandpit has built a reputation for driving high performance through culture.
A highlight of their offerings is the Three Day Field Trip, an immersive workshop launched in 2016. This hands-on experience gives participants unparalleled access to some of South Africa’s most successful and culture-driven organizations, such as Investec, Nando’s, and Microsoft. Over three fast-paced days, executives visit six top companies, interacting with senior leaders, touring behind the scenes, and gaining insider knowledge on how to foster great culture within their own teams.
Participants come from a wide range of industries, including finance, hospitality, and technology, with representatives from companies like ABSA, Standard Bank, and Old Mutual joining the journey. The outcomes are profound: not only do attendees leave with actionable insights to immediately implement within their organizations, but they also forge valuable connections with fellow executives who face similar challenges.
More than just a learning experience, the Three Day Field Trip is a chance to shift perspectives, spark new ideas, and experience the joy of discovering how culture can truly drive success. With a decade of expertise and a commitment to finding the best examples of culture in action, Happy Sandpit continues to lead the way in transforming the future of work.
For more information on the Three Day Field Trip, visit the Happy Sandpit website.
‘What Nelson Mandela Taught Me’ With Former Private Secretary To Nelson Mandela Zelda La Grange
In What Nelson Mandela Taught Me, Zelda la Grange offers readers timeless lessons on leadership and life, drawn from her 19 years as Nelson Mandela’s closest aide. In this thought-provoking memoir, she reflects on the teachings of Madiba, emphasizing values such as humility, respect, and honesty. Zelda shares Mandela’s wisdom on confronting the biases and blind spots that we all carry. Through his example, she reminds us that only by truly listening—not merely to respond, but to understand—can we begin to heal the distrust and division that exists among us.
Zelda also addresses the modern challenges of social media toxicity, suggesting that Mandela’s lessons are just as relevant today in a digital world that often amplifies anger and misunderstanding. She highlights how living with integrity and self-awareness, as Mandela did, can guide us through the noise of the online age. The book is a hopeful invitation to honour Mandela’s legacy by focusing on personal growth.
Through her experiences, she encourages us all to live with purpose, integrity, and the understanding that change begins within.
What Nelson Mandela Taught Me is available online and at all good book stores.
Secret Ingredients To Success With Restaurateur And Owner Of Gemelli Alessandro Khojane
Alessandro Khojane, fondly known as “Alex” or “The Sotho Italian,” is a visionary restaurateur whose unique journey has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s dining scene. Born in Bloemfontein, Free State, Alex’s life took an unexpected turn when his family moved to Rome, Italy, when he was just six months old. Growing up surrounded by a hospitable Italian family, his love for food and people was sparked early on—a passion that would later inspire him to create culinary magic back in South Africa.
In 2003, Alex’s culinary career began at Marco’s, a popular trattoria in Durban, where he learned the ropes of Italian cuisine under the guidance of Marco and Luciana Conte. His ability to adapt and blend authentic Italian flavors with the South African palate became his signature style, earning him recognition as one of Johannesburg’s top restaurateurs.
In 2015, Alex launched his first restaurant, Gemelli, and quickly expanded his culinary empire with PANTRY by Gemelli, Phirinyane Bar by Gemelli, Therapy, and Manaka Coffee, offering a diverse range of dining experiences. PANTRY by Gemelli, which opened in 2023, is his latest venture—an upscale 80-seater establishment that has already garnered such demand that expansion is in the works.
Beyond his restaurants, Alex also runs a consulting business, guiding budding restaurateurs on everything from menu development to team training and restaurant design. Reach out to Majortroy Consultancy for further information.
Sandton Times Hour Music Playlist
- Roxette – Dressed for Success (New Radio Mix)
- Speed Of Yellow – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
- Chris Rea – Auberge
- Jonas Blue, Liam Payne & Lennon Stella – Polaroid
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