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 digital pages of The Sandton Times to life.
- Ash Müller of ‘Ask Ash’ takes a look at Sandton property trends, infrastructure developments, and rental insights.
- Tat Wolfen, Entertainment Commentator for The Sandton Times, takes a look at two new movies: ‘The Salt Path’ and ‘Final Destination Bloodlines’.
- Owner and Co-Founder of The Grillhouse group of restaurants, Saul Mervis, alongside Marius de Larey, on why they’ve bought Fournos Bakery Group.
- Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.
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 91.9 FM, Mondays from 7pm to 8pm.
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 show features fabulous food spots, luxurious lifestyle bits, first-hand travel tips, motoring notes, and world-class entertainment, business discussions and so much more, even venturing 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 196 Week 21] The Sandton Times covers an array of topical news as well as these interviews:
Sandton Property Trends, Infrastructure Developments, And Rental Insights With Ash Müller
Sandton continues to assert its dominance as Africa’s business epicentre, with its glittering skyline, luxury malls, and corporate head offices. While the pandemic slowed the South African property market, signs of a quiet resurgence are emerging in this powerhouse district. Seasoned property broker Ash Müller – known as the “property stock queen” – shared cautious optimism about the area’s future, highlighting key developments and shifts in consumer demand.
Among these, the R2-billion Olympus project stands out as a game-changer. Launched in February 2025 by Tricolt and Growthpoint Properties, this mixed-use marvel features 510 residential units and lifestyle elements at its base. With over R1.3-billion in sales secured within weeks, Olympus is reshaping Johannesburg’s property narrative – previously a feat mostly seen in Cape Town.
Ash notes that not all developments thrive. Some projects stall due to poor market understanding or weak launches. In today’s landscape, successful developments hinge on momentum and timing. Mixed-use precincts are proving to be the holy grail – spaces that seamlessly integrate living, working, dining, and leisure in walkable, secure environments.
Investor interest – particularly from African countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana – is growing, with buyers drawn to Sandton’s infrastructure, lifestyle, and business opportunities. Many are investing in properties with strong rental appeal, capitalising on a hot rental market driven by rising global ownership costs.
Ultimately, Sandton’s real estate appeal lies not just in its buildings, but in the lifestyle it offers. From top schools to fine dining, it remains a cosmopolitan hub. Challenges like load shedding and market fluctuations persist, but Ash believes Sandton is on the rise again.
With adaptive developers and savvy buyers, its next chapter is taking shape – quietly, confidently, and with plenty of promise.
‘The Salt Path’ And ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ With Entertainment Commentator Tat Wolfen
The Salt Path
The Salt Path, the bestselling true story that touched hearts worldwide, is now a major motion picture starring Golden Globe winner Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. Directed by Marianne Elliott with a screenplay by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, the film brings to life the remarkable journey of Raynor and Moth Winn.
Just days after learning that Moth, her husband of 32 years, is terminally ill, Raynor is dealt another devastating blow – they lose their home and livelihood in a legal battle. With nothing left but each other, they make an extraordinary decision: to walk the entire 630-mile South West Coast Path, England’s longest uninterrupted trail, from Minehead to Poole.
With barely any money and only the barest essentials on their backs, the couple live wild across windswept cliffs and coastal terrain. As they navigate hunger, exhaustion, and grief, each step becomes a testament to resilience and love.
The Salt Path is a deeply honest, moving exploration of grief, nature’s healing power, and the meaning of home. It’s a story of survival, rediscovery, and how the wild can restore the human spirit in the face of overwhelming loss. A powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, hope can still take root.
Final Destination: Bloodlines
New Line Cinema’s chillingly successful horror franchise returns with Final Destination: Bloodlines, a terrifying new chapter that takes audiences back to where it all began. This latest installment delves into the origins of Death’s twisted design, revealing how fate’s cruel hand first took hold.
College student Stefanie, played by Kaitlyn Santa Juana, is tormented by a recurring nightmare filled with gruesome visions. Desperate to escape the deadly cycle, she returns home to confront her past and seek out the one person who might help save her family from their inevitable doom.
Directed by Adam Stein and Zach Lipovsky, Bloodlines features a fresh cast including Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, Anna Lore, Brec Bassinger, and franchise veteran Tony Todd. The screenplay, penned by Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor, builds on a story crafted with Spider-Man: Homecoming director Jon Watts, taking fans deeper into the franchise’s dark mythology.
With stunning visuals by cinematographer Christian Sebaldt and haunting music by Tim Wynn, Final Destination: Bloodlines promises to deliver the suspense, gore, and gut-wrenching twists fans crave. This is not just another sequel – this is the origin of fear itself. Death, it seems, still doesn’t take no for an answer.
Fournos Bakery Re-imagined With Co-Owners Saul Mervis And Marius de Larey
Fournos Bakery, a cherished Johannesburg institution known for its buttery croissants and Sunday morning queues, is embarking on a bold new chapter under the ownership of The Grillhouse Group’s Saul Mervis and Marius de Larey. While the pairing of a steakhouse group with a bakery may seem unexpected, the two brands share a deep-rooted history, having grown side-by-side over the past three decades in Joburg’s northern suburbs.
Established in 1989, Fournos quickly became a staple for locals, expanding from its original Rosebank location to 12 branches across Johannesburg and Pretoria. However, recent years saw the bakery face challenges, prompting its sale by a private equity firm. For Saul and Marius, this acquisition isn’t just business – it’s personal. Both see Fournos as a brand rich in tradition and ripe with potential.
While the new owners have no plans to reinvent the iconic croissant, they do aim to subtly enhance the Fournos experience. This includes elevating the sit-down offering, fine-tuning deli items, and integrating behind-the-scenes efficiencies – like central kitchen upgrades and staff training using Grillhouse standards. There are even whispers of incorporating Grillhouse-style burger patties and refining the menu, though ribs remain firmly off the table for now.
Interestingly, Fournos and The Grillhouse have been partners for years, with the bakery supplying the rosemary bread served at the steakhouse. In that sense, this new alliance formalises a longstanding culinary connection.
The team is also looking globally for inspiration, attending international bakery expos to bring back the latest trends. Still, the essence of Fournos will remain untouched – loyal customers can expect the same warmth and quality, with just a touch more finesse and a splash of Grillhouse charm. The beloved Fournos is rising again – fresher, stronger, and tastier than ever.
Sandton Times Hour Music Playlist
- Matt Hansen – First Time
- Rules – Wanna Be Somewhere With You
- GoodLuck & Youngr – Would I Lie to You Baby
- Zerb, Franky Wah & Soiya Nazu – Mwaki (Tiësto’s VIP Mix)
Get The Sandton Times Hour Playlist
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