Latest news with #RiverineRabbit
IOL News
3 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Zanne Brink's mission to save the drylands
Zanne Brink works in the most arid parts of the country. Image: Supplied. ZANNE Brink works in the remote, sun-scorched corners of South Africa, where rainfall is scarce and wildlife fight to survive in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Brink is the manager of the EWT's Drylands Strategic Conservation Landscape. Her office spans more than 11,000 km² of unforgiving terrain. Her mission? To protect some of the most fragile, and forgotten, species on the planet. Brink's team focuses on the conservation and promotion of South Africa's semi-arid regions, which make up approximately 60% of the country. She says the Drylands are among the country's most expansive and ecologically important landscapes, and that despite extreme heat, low rainfall, and water scarcity, these arid ecosystems are home to remarkable and often endangered species. Zanne Brink is the manager of the EWTs Drylands Strategic Conservation Landscape. Image: Supplied. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'Unfortunately, due to the system being semi-arid, there are numerous threats impacting on land and communities. Our work is focused on mitigating these impacts through a number of efforts to include advocating sustainable practices and raising awareness of species and the need for long-term conservation efforts.' Her work involves collaborating with farmers and local communities on issues ranging from mining and prospecting to conservation and the illegal trade in succulents, reptiles, and other small animals. She also focuses on preventing desertification through habitat restoration. 'We also focus on species often not known due to their small size (insects or Golden moles for example), or due to their habits (nocturnal species such as the Riverine Rabbit), and we advocate for their habitat protection to ensure the survival of the species within their delicate habitats. Our approach is inclusive, pragmatic, innovative and science based,' says Brink. She recently played a key role in securing the EWT's first wholly initiated conservation servitude, the Lokenburg Conservation Servitude in the Northern Cape, to protect one of South Africa's most threatened tortoise species. Brink says her path began on a farm, where she developed an early curiosity about insects, moles, birds, and small mammals she found in the veld. 'In my career pursuit, I took on various roles to ensure I built up experience, and exposure to various aspects I would never have chosen to do for myself. I soon realised that conservation, business, and agriculture all work in similar settings, but often talk past each other, due to 'wording' and as they say – 'sector lingo'.' Understanding these gaps, she focused on developing skills to bring sectors together and help ease tensions between landowners and government. 'I enjoy my work, and I love showing people the beauty we have around us, in some cases on a scientific level, and others in just appreciating the small things we often take for granted. Working in isolated areas is not for everyone. But once you immerse yourself into your environment, you see how reliant we are on each other.' She's spent years working in South Africa's Drylands and says it's not an easy space — challenges like lack of infrastructure and poor communication are constant. But with the help of strong networks, she's helped implement conservation agriculture, promote long-term conservation of land, and upskill those around her. Currently, one of the biggest threats to the Drylands is the wave of land-use applications; from mining to green energy developments, threatening fragile habitats. "Currently my team, along with numerous landowners, stakeholders and other NGOs are commenting on applications to ensure our critical biodiversity areas receive the needed support when addressing such applications. This means supporting interested and affected parties within public participation processes and advising on legislative requirements where requested and ensuring our species concerns are raised.' Brink says women often underestimate their place in conservation, and don't always support each other enough through mentoring or encouragement. 'We often feel the need to push boundaries to prove our worth within the field. There will always be space to be a ground breaker, but at the end of the day, as a woman, you have stepped into the role that you have, based on your abilities. That is something we need to celebrate.' And her message to women keen to follow her path? 'Be yourself. Never stand back for a challenge, that is how you will learn. Your weaknesses do not define you, but how you handle it, does. Always use the opportunities to learn from others that have forged the path, and upskill yourself, ensuring you can be the best you are.'
The South African
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
South African chef nominated for 'Best Chef' at British Restaurant Awards
Capetonian chef Ash Valenzuela‑Heeger's star continues to rise with her latest nomination, which honours top chefs across the United Kingdom. Valenzuela‑Heeger is the founder of Riverine Rabbit, a restaurant that originally began as a pop-up in Cape Town before finding a permanent home in Birmingham during the pandemic. Her food reflects a bold and personal blend of South African heritage and British seasonal produce, writes the Birmingham Wire . Valenzuela‑Heeger is a Silwood-trained chef who cut her teeth under Luke Dale Roberts at top Cape Town kitchens La Colombe and The Test Kitchen. She gained further international experience at renowned UK restaurants, including The Ledbury in Notting Hill, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Carters of Moseley. She then returned to Cape Town to start her own ventures – first ASH Restaurant in 2016, and later Riverine Rabbit in 2018. According to British Restaurant Awards judges, the Eastern Cape-born chef weaves South African culinary heritage into her menu. Her Birmingham-based Riverine Rabbit has since become a celebrated name in the city's food scene. Among its offerings are spice-infused small plates, crab toast, and honey-cured beef, using seasonal British ingredients. This distinctive SA-UK mix earned Riverine Rabbit a Michelin Bib Gourmand earlier this year, while Valenzuela‑Heeger was the recipient of the Michelin Guide's Young Chef Award for 2025. 'I'm not surprised that Ash has been awarded,' said Eat Out Culinary Director Abigail Donnelly after Valenzuela‑Heeger's Michelin Award. 'I've followed her for many years – particularly when she was at The Test Kitchen. She's just a powerhouse.' 'Her flavours are unique – powerful and packed full of flavour.' Valenzuela‑Heeger also starred on the Netflix series The Final Table – a reality cooking show that featured 24 recognised chefs from around the world. The British Restaurant Awards shortlist will be officially revealed on 10 September. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London later this year. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
13-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
Protecting the drylands: The battle against mining in fragile ecosystems
While mining is the largest contributor to the Northern Cape's GDP, it is environmentally destructive despite efforts to rehabilitate the affected land, conservationists warned. Image: Lisa Isaacs / Independent Media The scars of mining activities are visible as you make your way through the vast dryland areas straddling the Western Cape and Northern Cape. Here, the land is not lush. Here, a little bit of rain goes a long way. Much of the interior region of the country, spreading to the West Coast, is classified as semi-arid drylands and includes the Karoo region. The areas are prone to desertification, drought and land degradation but support an array of some of the hardiest animals and plants, including many endemic species which occur nowhere else on Earth. Much of the interior region of the country, spreading to the West Coast, is classified as semi-arid drylands and includes the Karoo region. The areas are prone to desertification, drought and land degradation but support an array of some of the hardiest animals and plants. Image: Lisa Isaacs / Independent Media Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Succulent Karoo has extraordinarily high plant endemism - there are more than 6350 vascular plant species in this biodiversity hotspot, with nearly 40% endemic. The unique plant life and habitat diversity also support an extraordinary diversity of vertebrates. The Succulent Karoo is home to 75 mammal species, including the Aardvark; 225 bird species and 90 reptile species. The Karoo is also home to one of the most iconic Karoo species, the critically endangered Riverine Rabbit, considered an indicator species for riparian ecosystem health. This means that when they are no longer found in their historic ranges, it is likely due to the degradation of their habitat. Drylands also support extensive rangeland farming, which, if carried out sustainably, is compatible with a landscape unsuitable for many other uses. Despite extreme heat, low rainfall, and water scarcity, dryland ecosystems are home to remarkable and often endangered species, from Riverine Rabbits and golden moles to dwarf tortoises, birds of prey, freshwater fish, and rare succulent plants. Image: Lisa Isaacs / Independent Media Head of the Endangered Wildlife Trust's (EWT) Drylands Conservation Programme, Zanne Brink explains that drylands are fragile ecosystems and vulnerable to overgrazing and unsustainable developments that alter their ecology. Human activities including mining have led to degradation across the landscape, and during a media trip to affected areas including Brand se Baai, Kliprand and surrounds, local farmers expressed fear and concern over an onslaught of prospecting applications. While mining is the largest contributor to the Northern Cape's GDP, it is environmentally destructive despite efforts to rehabilitate the affected land, conservationists warned. Covering 110,268 km² across the Succulent Karoo, parts of the Nama Karoo, and South Africa's west coast, the Drylands are one of the country's most expansive and ecologically important landscapes. Image: Lisa Isaacs / Independent Media Proposed mining activities such as hydraulic fracturing threaten underground water resources and the environment - Brink explains underground water is the primary water source for all Karoo towns and activities. Once areas are affected by mining activities, they would never be the same again, even after decades, Brink said. 'Mining is a huge threat, especially in the Northern Cape. People see the Northern Cape as already transformed… with drought and overgrazing… but as we've seen (with) the life (supported) there, it's not degraded land,' Brink said. Farmers explained how they had been affected by a barrage of prospecting applications, mining companies were seeking copper, diamonds, various ores, and minerals. They expressed how they battled to make their way through extensive legal documents in English, with little effort to make the documents accessible or understandable to a predominantly Afrikaans community. The sparse locations of affected farms and limited access to cell connection or internet made it challenging to express their objections. 'There is a place for mining but there are certain places that should be seen as a hands off. When it comes to your coastal duneveld, when that's gone, it's gone. It's a natural system there, protecting the inlands, protecting species. Even the Northern Cape, the coasts are pretty much mining areas already and being degraded on a daily basis. Everything is interdependent in these fragile systems,' Brink said. Cape Times
BBC News
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Michelin young chef of the year enjoying British ingredients
The winner of the Michelin Young Chef Award for 2025 has said she is enjoying cooking with British ingredients since making the move to the UK from South Africa. Ash Valenzuela-Heeger came over to be with her wife Erin and the pair set up the Riverine Rabbit in Stirchley, restaurant has also caught the eye of the Michelin Guide and it received a Bib Gourmand award in recognition of food which is both good quality and good described the young chef award as a "nice pat on the back" and the couple said they were "very happy" with their restaurant. Before coming to the UK, Ash had her own restaurant in Cape Town and said "leaving a continent is a very hard thing to do".The 35-year-old said "hats off to anyone who does it" and explained it was especially difficult because she came over in 2020, during the coronavirus setting up a new restaurant in Birmingham the couple ran a number of pop-ups in different locations around the said they had been "generating buzz in Brummie circles for some time" before opening Riverine said they eventually settled on Stirchley because they spent a lot of time there "hanging out" and she said there were "a lot of cool independent businesses on the high street"."We felt a kinship to Stirchley," she said. Ash said she really enjoyed working with Asian ingredients and techniques, but when she moved to Birmingham she had to adapt to use British said she was really enjoying working with new ingredients such as scallops and oily fish and said: "Even the beef tastes different over here."She admitted "there's a lot of indigenous flora that you get in South Africa which I do miss a lot," but trying new ingredients was "fun".Presenting her with the young chef award, the Michelin Guide said Ash's "original cooking is big on flavour and draws on influences from her native South Africa to across Asia".It also praised the couple for an "inventive and invigorating restaurant".Riverine Rabbit is a lot smaller than the restaurant in Cape Town, but Erin, 29, said they were "very happy just serving our 12 guests".Erin divides her time between the restaurant and her other job as a materials scientist at the University of Birmingham, specialising in aerospace ceramics, and said there were no plans to expand at this said they "just make things a little bit better every day". Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Birmingham restaurants recognised with Michelin awards
Two restaurants in Birmingham have been recognised by the Michelin Guide. Riverine Rabbit in Stirchley and Tropea in Harborne were both recipients of the Michelin Bib Gourmand, which is awarded to venues offering good value and good quality guide praised Riverine Rabbit for providing food that was "a vibrant joy to eat" and credited the restaurant's dining experience as "a guaranteed fun night out".Tropeca was recognised as "celebration of classical Italian cooking", where the "kitchen's generosity" means diners leave with full stomachs after "relaxed, welcoming service". Tropea was also celebrated by the guide for its Italian wine list, which was said to be "great value"."Its simple, ingredient-led dishes and high-quality homemade pastas, can all be enjoyed in a buzzing environment", it restaurant and bar is co-owned by Ben Robinson Young and Kasia Piatkowska, who said the award means "so much" to them. "It represents what we hoped Tropea would become: a restaurant that serves great food, that's good value, cooked with care and served with love", they said. Riverine Rabbit, which is owned by Erin and Ash Valenzuela-Heeger and specialises in small plates with south-east Asian flavours, was described as a "terrific counter restaurant". Co-owner and chef, Ash said: "We're chuffed to bits, it means a lot to us because we have worked so hard over the last couple of years."Our restaurant is quite unique, it's one big chef's table, I cook right in front of you, I'm handing you the plates and telling you all about the ingredients."Erin Valenzuela-Heeger said working alongside her wife is a great way to spend time together. "It's incredible getting to work with Ash and delivering incredibly high-standard food, watching the person you love doing what they love, is also an incredible thing to witness day in day out."We get on so well and I think it shows to anyone who comes to the restaurant, most people comment on it, especially those who come with their other half." 'Exciting young talent' Ash Valenzuela-Heeger, who is originally from South Africa, has also been recognised with the Michelin Young Chef Michelin inspectors said Ms Valenzuela-Heeger was an example of "exciting young talent" and her cooking had "generated a buzz in Brummie circles". "We always say we strive to be 1% better everyday, so I have no doubt this time next year we will be even better than we are now", Ms Valenzuela-Heeger added. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
