DINEO RANAKA UNPLUGS WITH HER BEST-FRIEND AT KAGGA KAMMA
We travel to an oasis at the edge of time at Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve with radio host and producer Dineo Ranaka-Pesha and her close friend Mbali Kweyama.
Multifaceted entertainer Dineo Ranaka-Pesha took some time out at Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve in the Cederberg, to reflect on her journey and the legacy of women empowerment.
A pillar in the industry, Dineo returned to radio after a 7 year hiatus, and now hosts The Bridge on Metro FM between 09:00-12:00 every weekday. The show attracts a listership of over 4 million South Africans.
Dineo and her bestie, Mbali Kweyama, took some down time to unwind at the reserve which hosts 13 timeshare units and 15 rooms in the lodge, 5 of which are hut rooms and 10 cave rooms.
Situated on top of the Swartruggens, the surrounding vegetation consists mostly of dry mountain Fynbos and succulent Karoo boasting a unique environment with a diversity of plant species, many of which are endemic to the area.
The arid area has great historical importance especially when it comes to the Khoi and San cultures that inhabited and settled in these areas, long before any other culture.
The lodge was developed in the late 80’s when the family who owns the land decided to revamp the space and reintroduce animal species that roamed the land before.
“The idea of the accommodation came from the rock art in the area, the fact that the San people lived in this area, we wanted to continue with that theme and keep it as close as possible to what nature looks like,” shares Hein de Waal, the director of Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve.
The landscape is brimming with unique rock formations, with the accommodation blending seamlessly with its surroundings, taking its cues from the natural environment around it.
“This is my first time experiencing the Kagga Kamma area, first time experiencing such dryness. It’s very dry, it’s a dry landscape but it’s beautiful,” reflects Dineo.
“The surroundings, it almost feels like you’re having conversations with your elders, your ancestors because they are aged, they are textured, they feel like they carry wisdom and character.”
Dineo and Mbali, shared the experience together and enjoyed a stay in an open air room, which seamlessly blends nature and mankind’s hospitality.
The pair enjoyed a tour of the rock paintings depicted on the surrounding rock, enjoyed luxury spa treatments and an exhilarating quad bike ride while savouring the moments together.
“I really romanticise my relationship with Mbali, largely because it’s an empowering relationship, she goes all out to fix a woman’s crown, her sister’s crowns, without having to seek acknowledgement or seek validation, and I think that’s a beautiful character,” shares Dineo about her friendship with Mbali.
“The root of all sanity and serenity, where womanhood is concerned, is in the circle of queens and the quality of queens you keep in your life.”
“And when you find those gems,” adds Mbali, “ as women, we need to really look after them and treasure them, because it’s rare that we have those circles of trust of love of empowerment and just being authentic.”
Dineo shares more about what living better means to her and what legacy she hopes to leave behind with The Insider SA.
What does ‘living better’ mean to you? / How are you aspiring to live better?
It means living at optimum state of happiness and contentment and to me that can only be achieved through being authentically true to self.
What legacy would you like to leave behind?
The legacy of being a champion of self mastery as well as business legacy and philosophies and pockets of wisdom on life for my children.
What 2 valuable lessons / pieces of advice would you like to share with South Africa?
Try your best to not lose sleep or joy over things or situations that aren’t in your immediate control
Where do you go to escape and connect with yourself?
Anywhere that my spirit connects with. Sometimes it’s home, sometimes it’s a holiday destination, other times it’s my parents home.
Do you have an encouraging quote for us, to end off on?
Live light. Laugh long. Love the ones you’re with and serve the ones you love.
