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.
- Former radio presenter and media personality John Robbie chats about Season 2 of ‘Great African Mysteries’ from the ancient kingdom of Thulamela to the extinct quagga.
- Amy Horgan, Client Manager at CGA by NIQ looks at a significant shift in consumer behaviour as more South Africans are choosing to wine and dine earlier.
- Melissa Cumming, Head of Owned Brand Division at New Media shares the new judging process for the 2025 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards.
- 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 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 169 Week 32] The Sandton Times covers an array of topical news as well as these interviews:
‘Great African Mysteries’ With Media Personality John Robbie
The HISTORY Channel Africa, DStv Channel 186, is set to captivate South African audiences once again with the return of ‘Great African Mysteries’. Premiering this August, the local documentary series comes back after a highly successful first installment last year.
Seasoned journalist and radio presenter, John Robbie, returns as the host to delve into three of Africa’s little-known, yet incredibly fascinating mysteries. The first mystery of the new season takes us back over 2-billion years to the earth’s oldest and largest meteor crater near present-day Vredefort in South Africa. An asteroid the size of Table Mountain collided with the earth, causing an upheaval of over 25km of the earth’s crust. This cataclysmic event not only reshaped the landscape but also set the stage for one of the most significant discoveries in human history: gold. John explores how the ancient impact ultimately led to the discovery of gold billions of years later, unravelling a narrative that bridges geology and human endeavour.
The second story in the series focuses on the quagga, a subspecies of the Plains zebra that went extinct over 140 years ago. The documentary highlights the efforts of scientists who are working to revive this unique creature through selective breeding. John takes viewers on a journey into the world of genetics and conservation, shedding light on how modern science is attempting to bring back the genes responsible for the quagga’s distinctive striping pattern. This story not only touches on the quagga’s historical significance but also emphasizes the broader implications of de-extinction efforts.
The final mystery transports viewers to the ancient walled kingdom of Thulamela, nestled within Kruger National Park. Dating back to the 15th century, Thulamela’s ruins offer a rich tapestry of trade, culture, and history. John unearths the secrets of this ancient kingdom, challenging the long-held belief that trade between the people of South Africa and other parts of the world began with the arrival of the Dutch in the Cape. The discoveries at Thulamela provide a unique glimpse into Africa’s past, revealing a sophisticated and interconnected society that existed long before European contact. Produced by Clive Morris Productions (CMP), ‘Great African Mysteries’ promises to educate, thrill, and challenge perceptions about Africa’s past.
‘Great African Mysteries’ returns with compelling stories that delve deep into the heart of Africa’s past. With John Robbie at the helm, viewers are in for an educational and thrilling experience that highlights the continent’s rich and diverse history.
Wine And Dine Earlier With Client Manager At CGA By NIQ Amy Horgan
A notable shift in consumer behavior is emerging in South Africa, where more individuals are opting to go out earlier in the evening. This trend aligns with global patterns highlighted in the CGA by NIQ’s recent ‘How to Win in the On-Premise’ webinar. Based on insights from CGA’s global REACH survey of 30’000 respondents, the webinar revealed changing preferences among those who frequent restaurants and bars.
CGA Research noted that even in traditionally late-night markets like Spain, consumers are choosing earlier outings. This trend is also apparent in South Africa, where early evening outings are gaining popularity.
Despite economic pressures, the love for on-premise dining and socializing remains strong. Over 80% of respondents visit these venues at least quarterly, and nearly two-thirds do so weekly, indicating a slight increase over the past year. The on-premise scene in South Africa serves various social needs, making understanding consumer habits essential for success.
Experimentation is also a significant trend, with 57% of consumers preferring different drinks on-premise than at home, a figure that rises to 65% among 18- to 34-year-olds. Additionally, 69% of respondents buy drinks they enjoyed on-premise to consume at home.
Moderation in alcohol consumption is growing, with 37% of consumers drinking less, particularly younger adults driven by health and financial reasons. This has led to an increased interest in lower-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages. Economic factors have heightened the demand for value, with 38% of consumers prioritizing cost-effectiveness. However, quality remains important, especially among high spenders who seek luxury venues and premium drinks.
Bartender recommendations play a crucial role, influencing 95% of guests to try suggested drinks. Building advocacy among venue staff is vital, particularly in South Africa’s vibrant bar scene. Overall, the on-premise sector is an incubator for new brands, with South African consumers valuing unique experiences that translate into social currency. This trend emphasizes the importance of innovative serves and memorable activations in enhancing the overall experience.
2025 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards Head Of Owned Brand Division At New Media Melissa Cumming
The quest to recognize South Africa’s finest culinary talents has commenced with Eat Out’s newly enhanced judging process. Following extensive consultation with the restaurant industry and its patrons, Eat Out has redefined its judging methodology to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the nation’s top dining experiences.
Eight anonymous judges, selected for their diverse backgrounds and expertise as restaurateurs, chefs, and sommeliers, have embarked on this journey. Each shortlisted restaurant will be evaluated by all eight judges through multiple visits across different seasons and times. This robust approach means the awards ceremony will no longer be held in November but will take place in April 2025.
Research confirmed the relevance and order of importance of Eat Out’s judging criteria: taste and technique (25%) and service (25%) hold the most weight, followed by menu composition (15%), presentation (15%), beverages (10%), ambience (5%), and perceived value (5%). Scorecards have been adjusted accordingly, with each starred restaurant having transparent, automated access to their aggregated scorecard.
Eat Out’s team of scouts, including qualified chefs and food and wine experts, have been visiting restaurants to uncover hidden gems and newcomers. Establishments scoring higher than 70% by a scout are shortlisted for the judges, who will then ratify the scores.
Sandton Times Hour Music Playlist
- Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now
- Fish Go Deep – The Cure & The Cause (feat. Tracey K)
- Stefano Noferini – Disco’s Revenge
- Dr. Alban – Sing Hallelujah
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