Masterminds@Play revolutionises learning for SA’s next gener

 Masterminds@Play, the latest initiative from Mindful Masterminds, has officially opened its doors at Fourways Mall. This dynamic, woman-owned business is on a mission to empower South Africa’s next generation through the transformative combination of technology, innovation, and play.

Led by CEO and founder Avashna Ramnarain, Masterminds@Play strives to build a community where every child becomes a hero, every woman is empowered, and every leader prioritises Africa's future. 

The opening of the Masterminds@Play store marks the launch of a transformative learning space, where technology and play come together to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. The superhero-themed mini-city encourages children to discover their unique strengths and build resilience. With state-of-the-art VR technology and STEM-focused zones such as Virtual Visionaries and the Super Science Lab, children can enhance their critical thinking skills, embrace technology, and gain confidence through immersive learning experiences.

“As a collective of forward-thinking, diverse minds, we are committed to nurturing a more inclusive and harmonious society. Our goal is to positively shape young minds, focusing on children, women, diversity, inclusion, and equitable employment to nurture future leaders in Africa,” says Ramnarain.

She explains that Masterminds@Play balances digital innovation with real-world play. “Children can engage in experiences that spark curiosity and creativity, for example, the Tree of Knowledge for reading and the Imagination Station for role-play, nurture confidence, and social skills.”

In line with its mission, Masterminds@Play has garnered the attention of prominent sponsors, including Epson, & Lenovo. Epson’s interactive laser projectors have enabled the venue to create dynamic learning environments in which children can engage with digital content in a highly interactive way. 

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Masterminds@Play,” says Timothy Thomas, Country Manager at Epson South Africa. “It combines our leading projection technology with their vision for educational innovation. Through this partnership, we’re helping create engaging, interactive environments where children can explore, learn, and grow.”

Lenovo provides the tech backbone for many of the activities, equipping the store with the PC hardware necessary to run its experiences smoothly. Yugen Naidoo, General Manager at Lenovo South Africa, shares, “At Lenovo, we believe in the power of technology to transform lives. Partnering with Masterminds@Play allows us to support the next generation of innovators with the tools they need to thrive in a tech-driven world. Together, we empower children to unlock their full potential through immersive learning experiences.”

In addition, Nestlé has generously agreed to donate Milo towards Masterminds@Play’s Free Expression Fridays social responsibility program through which children receive complimentary meals along with access to technology, ensuring that they engage their minds while receiving the nourishment they need to succeed. This initiative also provides access to underserved communities, making a meaningful impact across various socioeconomic backgrounds. The inclusive environment is designed to inspire creativity and growth while promoting community development.

The store’s offerings don’t stop at individual visits. Masterminds@Play caters for group bookings, birthday parties, and corporate venue hire, creating a tech-driven environment for training and events. With this holistic approach, the business ensures that learning is not only accessible but also engaging and empowering for children in grades one to 12, from all backgrounds.

Masterminds@Play envisions its new store as a catalyst for community enrichment and cohesion. Beyond providing technology learning, the space aims to cultivate family bonding through shared experiences, and the onsite store offers technology and educational toys to continue learning at home. Moreover, it also serves as a platform for local artisans to showcase their work, thereby contributing to the local economy. 

 Celebrating 21 years of this fan-favourite, this season’s line-up features the largest PSL selection ever, with both classic flavours and innovative new creations to delight your senses.

“We’re not just bringing back the original Pumpkin Spice Latte; we’re celebrating what it represents – originality, authenticity, and embracing life’s quirks and imperfections. These values are at the heart of Starbucks,” says Adrian Maizey, CEO of Starbucks South Africa.

A Springtime Celebration of Flavour

This year’s PSL range is the most extensive yet, featuring a mix of familiar classics and bold new blends. Enjoy the signature Pumpkin Spice Latte in both hot and iced versions or discover new favourites like the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and Pumpkin Cream Iced Chai Latte – perfect for those warm spring days.

Returning seasonal treats, such as the Salted Maple and Caramel Latte (hot and iced) and the Salted Maple Caramel Cream Cold Brew, are back by popular demand. Each drink has been thoughtfully crafted to celebrate the season and Starbucks’ philosophy of embracing progress over perfection.

More Than Just a Beverage – A Tradition

The PSL has evolved into more than just a seasonal offering; it’s a tradition. This year, Starbucks celebrates the 21st anniversary of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, a drink that has become a beloved part of the brand’s identity and a seasonal staple around the world. Starbucks invites long-time fans and newcomers alike to be part of the ongoing PSL journey by sampling each unique flavour.

“The asymmetry of our Siren logo is a reminder that true beauty lies in imperfections, and our drinks reflect this philosophy. It’s not just about the finished product but the journey that got us there,” adds Maizey.

Nicci Boutiques has partnered with PinkDrive this Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a beautiful initiative that drives awareness around breast cancer, and educating women - and men - around breast cancer. 

The initiative sees Nicci Boutiques stores nationwide offering lovely limited-edition, locally-made bracelets, with the proceeds going to PinkDrive to further enable its reach and impact.

Breast cancer is a universal disease, one that can be combatted through education and awareness. “Through information and access to health services, together, we can tackle the prevalence of breast cancer. We encourage people to think pink this October and beyond,” says Niki Breger, Co-Founder of Nicci. 

“PinkDrive is incredibly grateful for the ongoing partnership with Nicci, which goes beyond raising funds but is a collaboration to increase awareness of breast cancer and encouraging all women to get screened,” shared Nelius du Preez, Operations Manager at PinkDrive. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October has been designated as "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" in South Africa, reflecting a nationwide drive by both public and private sectors to combat this debilitating disease that impacts all races and classes. 

Most foreign tourists want to visit one of SA’s game parks to see the big five. This is understandable as lions, gnus, wildebeest, etc. do not roam the green pastures of their home countries. Unfortunately, viewing in game parks must be done from the safe confines of a vehicle.

For people who really enjoy a walk in the veld, there is an amazing nature reserve right in the heart of Joburg - Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and Joburg Heritage site. It is possible to walk here because the reserve only boasts the small big five (Leopard tortoise, Buffalo weaver, Ant lion, Elephant shrew and  Rhino beetle) which pose no danger. You will not see large game here as they were hunted to extinction many years ago. A small elusive creature you may catch a glimpse of could be a slender mongoose. Endemic snakes are rarely seen as they escape very quickly into the long grass when they feel the vibrations of footsteps. This is a good incentive to stay on the paths! Bird lovers are also in for a treat. Over 200 birds have been recorded at Melville Koppies.

A walk in Jozi’s veld includes a meander through grasslands, cool forested areas, rocky ridges with panoramic views, a bubbling little river and even an archaeological site. Maps are provided for the 5km trail which loops around the reserve.

The vegetation is all indigenous to the area and survives frost, drought, fire, rain, grazing and thin acidic soils. A unique tree at Melville Koppies is the Parinari capensis which is so paranoid about threats that the whole tree has gone ‘underground’ for protection, except for the canopy of leaves that spread like a carpet on the surface. The ridges also support sweet-smelling Wild Apricot creepers and edible fruit of Stamvrug trees.  After winter fires, pre-rain spring veld flowers dot the veld in splashes of bright colour. In summer the different grasses come into their own. By autumn the grassveld is a shimmering haze of shades of gold. Only 2% of grasslands like these at Melville Koppies are preserved in South Africa. This makes the 50ha Joburg reserve with its rich biodiversity so important to protect for future generations.

‘Koppies’ means little hills which is a misnomer as Melville Koppies is actually part of a series of ridges that run east to west for about 50kms, part of the ancient exposed 3 billion year-old Witwatersrand Supergroup.  Rivers and streams flow north from this ‘Ridge of White Waters’ into the warm Indian Ocean and south to the cold Atlantic. The quartzite rocks of the ridges protect unique trees and shrubs from the fires that often sweep through the grasslands. The grassy valleys in between are composed of softer shale.

The heritage of Melville Koppies is crowned by the best, well-preserved 500-year-old iron smelting furnace in South Africa. This was used by the early Sotho and Tswana farmers who had migrated from the north of Africa. In addition, tools of Early, Middle and Late Stone Age people have been found at Melville Koppies by archaeologists. Modern man has also left traces of his efforts at gold prospecting. Fortunately these were unsuccessful otherwise Melville Koppies could have been flattened by a mine dump.