Refined Issue 2 Digital

refined 02

There’s an ample, comfortable seating area so you can sit down and
relax and enjoy eating and drinking with friends and family. It’s probably
the best place in Harare today for a late breakfast, brunch, or something
more substantial. Most of the foodie stalls also offer takeaways so you
can grab something convenient for those weekdays – or nights - when
you don’t have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen but still
want something healthy and delicious. You can meet old friends there,
connect with people you haven’t seen for ages, or make new friends.
Especially now, in this post-COVID recovery period, it’s great to get out
and about and re-connect. It’s child friendly and pet friendly too so it’s
great for families to share a day out together. There’s lots of secure parking
available, although it does tend to get a bit crowded at peak times, and
there’s none of the hassle with street kids and vendors you’d find in the
city centre. It’s shopping, entertainment and socializing all rolled into
one. Because it’s such a great place to see and be seen you’ll find loads
of trendy young (and not so young) punters showing off the latest fashion
trends and accessories.

The Old Stables Market was established by Vicky Bowen just as the
pandemic first hit Zimbabwe. They opened and closed several times as
the pandemic regulations changed although they always worked closely
with the Ministry of Health and ZRP to ensure that all the relevant criteria
were met. There’s still mandatory sanitising and mask wearing so you
can feel safe and secure when visiting the market. The stalls are set up
with wide walkways in between so it’s easy to maintain social distancing.

Vicky Bowen, who’s the brains and inspiration behind the Market, 051
was initially looking for new premises to set up a market to promote
local talent and our own unique brand of artists and artisans. Vicky furniture using old or reclaimed timber and other quirky
has been involved in the equestrian world for many years, in the materials like pressed ceiling boards and vintage handles and
polo industry as well as breeding and racing, so she was aware of the accessories. Each piece of furniture he creates is unique and full
potential offered by the old stables. As the business of horse racing in of character and history like the old door and window frames
Zimbabwe declined the stables were mostly neglected or ignored and which are fitted out with mirrors in place of the original glass to
became vacant and unused. Vicky had the foresight to see the potential create one-off wall hangings.
for development. In recent years the Borrowdale Racecourse has been
exploring new income generating projects including allowing a number Besides renovating and refurbishing furniture for the shop’s
of other businesses to set up shop at the racecourse so the plan for the stock Pharaoh also offers a specialised service for customers that
market was a win-win proposition. need their furniture repaired renovated, restored or updated.
Pharaoh and his team of skilled craftsmen can sensitively repair
Once Vicky had decided on the new venue there were a couple of and re-finish antique furniture adding value and extending their
months’ work involved before the market could be set up, cleaning out the usable lifespan. Their services include re-caning or replacing
old stables which had been quite neglected, doing repairs and renovations rattan panels, replacing riempie strapping, re-finishing damaged
to the walls and roofs, setting up toilet facilities for the public, a children’s varnish, lacquer and veneers, and upholstery. They’re also adept
playground, planting lawn and generally making the premises suitable at various paint effects for furniture including distressed and aged
for their new function. Although the renovations were quite extensive techniques.
Vicky wanted to retain the rustic feel of the stables to give the new place
a unique charm and feel. There was, and still is, an emphasis on home Lately Pharaoh’s been including a small range of gift items,
grown food products, so it was important to keep a more natural, organic carefully curated and selected from international sources, like
character. One of the most fun projects was getting local artists involved in linens, fabrics, ceramics and rugs. If you haven’t visited Pharaohs
painting the murals at the front entrance. yet you in for a treat. If you have visited before keep going back
for new items stocked on a regular basis. They’re one of the most
An iconic venue at the Old Stables is Pharaoh’s Trading Store, which diverse and exciting decor shops in Harare today.
relocated from their Chisipite branch to the Stables in 2021, so
they’re founder members. Pharaoh’s is one of the only establishments At Old Stables you’ll find a selection of unique goods and
– apart from Madd on Flowers – that’s open throughout the week services that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s not just a shopping
and not just on Saturdays. Pharaoh Tsaga has been in the business of experience - Vicky Bowen has focused on our local talent to
buying and selling antique and cottage furniture for many years and empower communities and improve livelihoods – sustainable
has established a well-deserved reputation as one of the leaders in the shopping with a conscience. And it’s a great deal of fun too.
business, with a keen eye for collectable and vintage furniture and
accessories. Because of his high turnover there’s always something
new and interesting in stock so it’s worth visiting the shop on a
regular basis to see what’s just come in. Apart from the necessary
repairs and restoration needed for antique and collectable furniture
pieces, Pharaoh has recently started making his own cottage style

market

P H A R O A H ’ S ’ ’ ’ ’Borrowdale Racecourse
Stables Market Place
-T RAD I N G STORE- +263 773 261 432
[email protected]

052

refined 02

...food as medicine

Also at the Old Stables, Lush Chocolate powder used ‘Amaranth is a
Green offers a range of natural as an anti-depressant,
products specially designed fennel seeds for super-food with
and organically grown to menstrual problems, 053
help treat a range of chronic hibiscus tea which great health
conditions as well as providing
and infection and benefits’
founder, Felicity McConville, promotes liver
has a family background in health, and her special
organic farming and plant Omega-3 seed mix
based, holistic health solutions.
and nutrients and may
Felicity believes that vibrant
health starts with caring for blood sugar levels. All of
the soil and the environment Felicity’s products are locally,
so that plants can provide the organically grown either by
maximum nutrients, health Felicity herself or sourced from
reliable producers.

Felicity has worked extensively ‘Avocado stone
with Cancer Care Network dust reduces
Zimbabwe to provide
natural dietary products and cholesterol and
supplements to help in cancer Velvet Chocolate
treatment and palliative care.
powder can be
Through many years of research used as an
and marketing Felicity has
helped to re-establish some anti-depressant’
of the ancient grains and food
stuffs to enhance general
well-being and treat chronic
conditions like diabetes, high
blood pressure, high cholesterol
levels and depression.

Felicity has been instrumental
in the renewed interest in
amaranth as a super-food

Other products include
organically grown turmeric
– renowned for it’s potential
to improve heart health and
prevent Alzheimer’s and
cancer – avocado stone dust
to reduce cholesterol, Velvet

health

Many of Felicity’s suppliers, like for baobab powder for instance, are small scale farmers so Lush Green helps support rural
economies – in particular women from disadvantaged communities. In many cases they offer more affordable and healthier
alternatives to imported food supplements.

054

SEED FOR LIFE FLOWERS OF LIFE FRUITS OF LIFE
Produce Products Medical herbs and spices
Alternative grain & seeds - muesli - moringa
- amaranth - artemesia
- turmeric latte - turmeric
- chia

Place Name Carry your own
Place Name personal touch.
Place Name
Place Name

homes

Rain Gutters:

Why are They Important?

Rain gutters are the thin troughs that run along the
base of a roof. They are part of a house’s water
discharge system. The build is not complete if
it has not guttering. For a house to be certified
complete, it needs a gutter system and one that
functions properly at that.

Importance of a Gutter System

Your gutters are responsible for water
management. During a downpour, gutters
effectively channel water flow from your roof into
the downspouts, and the drainage system diverts
the water to appropriate areas away from your
home. That way, the siding, windows, doors,
walls and the foundation are protected.

A properly installed gutter system reduces
the probability of

056

What’s more, gutters can facilitate rainwater
harvesting. You can simply place barrels or water
tanks below the downspouts of your gutter system
and the water collected can be used for non-
drinking purposes. The rainwater can sustain you
during water shortages.

As the leading company for gutters in Harare,
Tanium Gutters only wants the best for your
home. That’s why we are the leading company
for quality gutters that protect your structure from
water damage and leakages. You can also contact
us if you want your gutters cleaned or fitted with
gutters guards which prevents blockages from
occurring in the first place.

Did you know clutter, butter, shutter and flutter rhyme with GUTTER, but no word rhymes
with eave trough? Eave trough is a more technical terminology used for rain gutters.

PURPOSE MADE GUTTERING Some of our Projects Include:
Beitbridge Boarder
Supply and installation nationwide
Munhumutapa Building
Call us for all you gutter needs. We install beautiful, Kadoma Textiles
durable, reliable and affordable purpose made guttering
on residential, commercial and industrial buildings What you get:
anywhere in Zimbabwe. On top of enjoying a professional, timely and
worry-free service, our customers will also get a:

20 year corrosion warranty
10 year workmanship

Colours:
Different types of colours to suit

your design, style and taste

for more information visit our website at www.taniumgutters.co.zw

EMAIL: CALL: VISIT:
[email protected] +263 242762699/ 714 387 996 127 Nelson Mandela, Harare

HomeTech ZW’s

text by Farai Chaka

058

Home Tech started operating in July 2021, brainchild of a Management Accounting graduate who used to work for
one of the leaders of technological innovation in Africa, Econet Wireless. Alistair had been soaking up inspiration
while at Econet Wireless so when his aging grandmother complained about how she was finding it physically
taxing to even switch lights on and off, he had enough knowledge and motivation to afford his grandmother the
convenience and ease of doing things she wanted. The solution was in home automation technology.
Home automation or smart home technology allows for the automation and remote control of smart household
features, activities and appliances. Having your home automated means that you can easily control the utilities
and features of your home via an Internet or in some instances Bluetooth connection. Every device or appliance
has internet connectivity which makes automation and remote control possible.
That’s when I realised that smart home technology could also bring convenience, the ease of doings things and
luxury in the homes of more people other than my grandma. It enhances our lifestyle choices.

refined 02
That is when I went on to source smart devices and appliances from smart televisions, smart cameras to smart light
bulbs and coffeemakers, ultimately starting this business,” he explains.

HomeTech, “The Home of Technology” is one of a few start-ups offering this cutting-edge tech service in Zimbabwe.
With less than a year in the industry, they have become the go to experts for quality yet affordable smart lighting control,
smart thermostats, smart home security, wireless cameras, doorbell cameras, door locks, smart phones, smart TVs, smart
watches, smart appliances and home assistance – all smart everything. “You do not have to worry about competition
when your products and services are of the highest quality and yet affordable,” says HomeTech COO, Alistair.

Their smart technology devices come with a one-year warranty and in the event that new
smart home innovations get offloaded on the market, which is often, every client in their
database will be informed and those open to a system upgrade will be treated to it at a
discount. In addition to that, HomeTech can be contacted for maintenance and repair of the
systems they have installed.

Alistair says that offering customised smart home technology solutions mean that there is a
solution for everyone. “We do not work with a particular segment of the market. We have both
expensive and affordable smart home devices that we get from the UK, Dubai and China. It all
depends on what the customer wants.”

Two of the most talked about home technology devices that
you can find at HomeTech are the smart camera, vacuum
cleaner and smart locks. The smart camera gives off feed of
your home or office environment in real time, with the camera
sending notifications when human motion is detected.

059

homes

A smart lock enables the locking and unlocking of doors remotely. With the
tap of a button on an app or punching of a passcode, you can remotely lock
or unlock the door whether you’re at home, at work or on vacation. This is
smart home technology improving home security in an unimaginable way.

The smart robot vacuum on the other hand, can be scheduled to clean
tiles and rugs autonomously and can also be voice commanded to do
the cleaning.

“At the moment we are in the negotiation phase with Grand Homes. We
want to install smart home technologies for one of their apartment com-
plexes. We have also worked with Flutterby Interiors who wanted smart
lamps. At a voice command, this kind of lamp either switches on or off.
You can just say, “Alexa or Siri, goodnight” and the lamp turns off.”

Despite sounding upscale and expensive, smart home technology
actually lowers energy consumption in your house because you can
now schedule your lighting, air-conditioning, thermostats, dishwashing
and vacuuming thus significantly lowering your energy and water usage
bills. It is a sensible investment, one which affords you luxury and
convenience and saves you money.

Apart from installing smart home technology systems, HomeTech is also HomeTech SA, HomeTech Botswana and so on. One thing I have taken
into electronic products retail. With Zimbabwe starting to warm up to from my journey in tech is that nothing under the sun is impossible.”
the idea of electric cars with a few already on our roads, HomeTech has
qualified personnel to set up electric car charging stations in residencies. “We also want to try our hand at e-commerce. One can now place
orders with Alexa voice assistant or Google Assistant in Zimbabwe,”
Asked what the future holds for him and HomeTech, Alister is beyond explains Alister. This forward-thinking does not come as a surprise
optimistic. He is looking at expansion of the HomeTech brand, coming from someone who cites Elon Musk and Steve Jobs as his prime
establishing stores in nearby countries like South Africa, Botswana and role models.
Mozambique. “We want to soar to the point of having something like

060

A technology institution is also on the cards. He says that he has been
looking into what goes into manufacturing these smart devices and
came to the conclusion that it was not that intricate. He added that
with the proper relevant training and raw materials, nothing can stop
Zimbabweans for being manufacturers of these products.

Reach out to HomeTech on +263776967343 and get a quotation for
your genuine yet affordable smart lighting control, smart thermostats,
smart home security, wireless cameras, doorbell cameras, door locks,
smart phones, smart TVs, smart watches, smart appliances and Wi-Fi-
extenders. You can also visit their website at:
www.hometechzw.company.site to view their product catalogue.

We are here to revolutionize your lifestyle
with smart home technology...

Welcoming you to a future where you can
interact with your home using your voice
and even your smart phone from anywhere

in the world using the internet.

23 Mvumba Road Msasa Park Harare +263776967343/ +263716162550 @hometechzw

homes

Siyadah Bathroom Solutions

– Superior Products At Affordable Prices

Text by Patuma Salimu, Photos by Refined

Siyadah Bathroom Solutions specialises in the supply of

premium quality bathroom sanitary ware at competitive

prices. Our range of products is carefully selected to

help create inspirational modern bathroom designs

062 for all our customers who include middle income and
upmarket residential owners and larger commercial

projects. If you have a building project Siyadah

Bathroom Solutions is the one stop solution for all your

exclusive bathroom needs.

refined 02

Siyadah Bathroom Solutions is situated at Westgate Mall, Shop FC5, Fountain Court. 063
The business started in 2021 and is set to soon open branches in Victoria Falls and
Bulawayo. Our products cover a wide range of exclusive freestanding tubs that are
available in different colours and designs, drop in bath tubs, freestanding faucets, vanity
sets, countertop hand basins, a variety of toilet and bidet sets including wall hung toilets,
shower sets, basin mixers, mirrors, a variety of high-quality bathroom accessories and much
more. We believe that a bathroom should be more than just a necessity, it’s a space to
unwind, relax and recharge your batteries. At SIYADAH BATHROOM SOLUTIONS we aim
to create truly beautiful bathroom experiences, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized.

Our experienced and enthusiastic sales team is made up of people who have extensive
product knowledge and are responsive to our customers’ requests helping to create a
friendly shopping environment. We offer a variety of platforms to communicate with our
clients on social media or other channels. We also offer an after sales service for customers
so you can be confident in our products.

What makes us unique is that we are the
ideal local choice for modern homes,
hotels and commercial buildings.
Siyadah Bathroom Solutions constantly
explores and innovates to provide
innovative bathroom design schemes. We
offer durable, high quality products at
reasonable prices without compromising
on quality and exceptional service from
our highly trained staff. We also have
credit terms for all our clients including for
commercial projects.

Siyadah currently has a sales team of
five people in Harare and several brand
ambassadors have been employed in other
towns across Zimbabwe. Our products
can be delivered to customers in the most
convenient and timely manner.

BRINGING SOLUTIONS TO YOUR
BATHROOM COMPLEXITIES.

Shop FC5, Fountain Court, Westgate Mall +263780253161
Westgate, Harare, Zimbabwe

siyadahbathroomsolutions | siyadah
siyadahzw | 0780253160



torque

with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio

In life the company you keep can more or less
reveal your character. Whenever my father
wanted to dissuade one of my young brothers
from hanging out with certain friends he would
say, “show me your friends and I will tell you
your character”. The company you keep
moulds your future. I would go further and
say show me your competition and I
will tell you about character and
personality.

066 The Stelvio competes with
potent vehicles. A quick look

at the Stelvio competition will

show you that this is not your

ordinary SUV. The Stelvio

inherits perhaps the most

important quality of any Alfa

Romeo: uniquely desirable

styling that stands out in the

SUV crowd. It competes

against one of Audi’s finest:

The Q5 is a top-selling

SUV in the Ingolstadt-based

brand’s stable and the latest

version impresses as a well-

finished product that exudes

refinement.

refined 02

Interestingly it is rubbing shoulders 067
with Bavarian all-rounder: The
exterior styling of the new BMW
X3 may seem too evolutionary
for some tastes, but the Munich-
based marque’s executive SUV
has been improved in many
ways. As if it is not enough, it
goes toe to toe with the Sinuous
feline: The F-Pace which has been
reinvigorated offering a more
fashionable appearance. Primarily
it’s the closest to matching the
power and torque of the Alfa. The
Stelvio refuses to be the underdog
as it goes hand in hand with the
award-winner: The Mercedes-Benz
GLC 250d 4Matic AMG with its
prestigious image, smart interior
and willing performance. It takes
the fight to the full-house Lexus:
The top-of-the-range NX300
F-Sport, which is very well specified
and, therefore, looks awesome, but
perhaps it lacks the requisite star
appeal in this segment. However,
this is for those people who are
nostalgic about top luxury but do
not want to be showy about it. The
Stelvio is for those who appreciate
fast paced cars with a luxury
interior. They have virtuous taste
about comfortable fast SUV rides.

torque

Of late, Zimoco had stopped importing the Alfa Romeo Women are mostly interested in the practicality of cars.
brand. I suspect because of pricing and demand disparities.
They must be reintroducing it into the market largely to But men want more from a car. Majority of men see their cars
trends on the local and world market. Their able marketing and trucks as sensitive beings with unique personalities and
team must have done enough homework on how they quirks and needs. This raises a question to whether a car or
will promote this beautiful brand. Competition is tough in truck has more than a practical purpose? Absolutely! Usually
the SUV market, a situation which requires good market when a car-loving guy looks at a special vehicle, he’ll often
research to understand how best you can meet the needs of see the beauty and the power before he gives any thought
a fussy customer who wants the best at a reasonable price. to concerns like fuel-efficiency or the monetary value of it.
That is when you hear men saying, “I like to listen to my car.
Most customers want something that will get the town You can hear when the turbo clicks in – that vacuum-cleaner
talking or noticing. A research conducted by CNBC effect. You can just feel the giddy up effect, and the sensation
revealed that men love their cars for 4 months while of power is brilliant – you can feel it through the steering
women love them for 3 years from the time they buy it. wheel and the back of the seat.” There is no doubt that the
This means funds permitting men could change cars every new Stelvio will become part of this conversation on golf
4 months. It would be no surprise to find men discussing courses, pubs, work, homes, and even churches.
cars each time they meet. Therefore it shows their
attachment to cars.

068

When we think of seminal products for a particular brand, the Styling
Hilux would be considered one for Toyota, the Polo Vivo one
for Volkswagen, but for Alfa Romeo, the product in its current There is no getting past the sensational exterior of the Stelvio,
portfolio that carries the most weight is certainly its Stelvio SUV. and despite styling being an inherently subjective matter, I
am certain that there are very few who would argue that this
Stelvio is definitely worth a look if you are bored of the is an achingly pretty SUV, which garners attention wherever
German and British establishment. It has got style and flair in it will go.
spades. Locally it is cheaper than the Jaguar F -Pace.

refined 02

Interior and space

As you enter the Stelvio you will be greeted with additions in
the form of on-board tech, with the Drive Assistance Pack that
includes Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist and high-beam assist,
while there are also electrically adjustable front seats, the addition
of rear USB ports, a wireless charging pad and a rear cargo net.
The same 8.8-inch infotainment system does duty in the centre
console, and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is
reasonably good, but lagging behind some key rivals now.
From a practicality perspective, the Stelvio offers a healthy
525-litres of boot space, which extends to 1 600-litres with the
rear seats folded flat, while the rear occupant space is good for
the segment. For those looking to tow, there’s a 2 300kg limit,
but l shudder to think of what the fuel returns would be like.

069

torque Pricing

Performance The Stelvio retails for US$110
000.00 and comes pretty much fully
Powering the Stelvio is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces specified. The model comes with a
206kW and 400Nm of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed ZF- 3-year/100 000km warranty. Contact
sourced torque converter automatic gearbox that sends power to all four Zimoco for a test drive. By the way
wheels. Performance is more than adequate, with the 0-100km/h sprint time test drives are free.
being dispatched in 5.7 seconds and the top speed pegged at 230km/h.
Weighing in at 1 660kg, the Stelvio is lighter than key rivals, which may Verdict
explain why it feels as sprightly as it does when changing direction.
It’s one vehicle you will enjoy hoping
I am told the driving experience on offer from the Stelvio is surprisingly into. I loved the sound it makes when
sporty when “D’ is selected on the DNA driving mode selector. It has you hit the ignition button. Its looks
an incredibly direct steering response and handling characteristics that are mesmerizing, which is important
make it genuinely fun to drive, which some may see as entirely pointless when shopping for a premium
in an SUV, while others consider it an endearing characteristic. Leave performance SUV.
the vehicle in its default “N” driving mode and it goes about its business
in a rather fuss-free manner, offering the expected refinement, comfort Power Max: 206 Kw
and occupant satisfaction one anticipates from a car at this price point. I Power Max rpm: 5250 r/min
cannot wait to get my test drive soon from Manfred Chaniwa, the ZIMOCO Torque Max: 400 Nm
Business Development Manager. Torque Max rpm: 2250 r/min
Engine Size: 2.0 l
Safety Cylinders: 4
Fuel Type: Petrol
The Stelvio range was crash-tested by the ANCAP assessment programme Engine Position / Location: Front
in 2017, where it achieved the maximum 5-Star rating. The rating includes Transmission type: Automatic
97% for adult occupant safety, 84% for child occupant safety, 71% for Gear ratios quantity: 8
pedestrian safety and 60% for its safety assistance systems. Gearshift: Automatic
0-100Kph: 5.7 s
070 Fuel economy Top speed: 230 Km/h
Gear shift paddles: yes
The Stelvio’s perceived Achilles’ heel is its fuel consumption, which Alfa All-wheel-drive: yes
Romeo claim a fuel consumption figure of 7.0 L/100km. However, the Turbocharger: yes
target market for these cars is not the person who will be checking the fuel
gauge every minute. [email protected]

GIVEAWAY

LETS SEE HOW #ThinkDrivingThinkDragley
QUIRKY YOU CAN

GET!
If I was a driver I would...

Fill in the blank with the first thing that pops into your mind and we will
choose the 3 best comments and surprise them.

Don’t forget to use the hashtag #refinedmagazinezw #DragleyDrivingSchool
Let the fun begin!!! Go wild!

Horse & Trailer Provisional Ref resher Class 4 Class 2
Training Lessons Course & Retest

072