NONTANDO MPOSO

THERE is no other gathering such as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in South Africa.

Bringing together music lovers from around the world, the two-day affair is a music extravaganza that caters for several genres. From jazz, to hip hop and afro-beat, there is something for everyone.

This year, celebrating its 20th anniversary, there is a interesting mix of sounds and artists on the line-up. I am looking forward to industry giants such as Chaka Khan, Don Laka and Steve Kekana. And young entertainers such as Shekhinah, Moonchild and Sho Madjozi who are bound to bring the fire on stage making it a great party.

The festivities will begin on Thursday, March 28, with a gala dinner where local designers will showcase their latest collections.

If you won’t be at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, don’t worry the festival energy spreads across the city where restaurants, bars and clubs will have their own jazz-inspired activities. The mother city will be buzzing with visitors and cool things to do. Follow the action using the hashtag #CTIJF. Dubbed the culinary capital of South Africa, Franschhoek is known for its many top-class restaurants. The town is also home to one of the best artisanal chocolate boutiques I have come across.

Co-owners Danver Windvogel and Denver Adonis offer a range of handcrafted Belgian chocolates, which they make from dark and white chocolate imported from Belgium.

Their flavours include brandy truffle, pink champagne truffle and rooibos. Even their sugar-free options taste great. This Easter, chocolate lovers can indulge in giant, handpainted chocolate eggs from Huguenot Fine Chocolates.

Huguenot Rd, Franschhoek 021 876 4096 62

With its shops located in buzzing Wale Street and in Woodstock, this company strives to live up to its name.

Co-owners Anthony Gird and Michael de Klerk aim to make “pure chocolate that has a deliciously distinct feel and taste”.

They also offer dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free and paleo options, as well as old-fashioned rich chocolate cakes, along with quality coffee made from locally-roasted beans.

In addition to their wide range of chocolate-based offerings, their courtyard becomes a trendy gin bar after hours. Now, what better way to enjoy fine chocolate than pairing it with your favourite gin?

For Easter, customers can buy mini eggs with a solid, crunchy filling. In 2017 Jack Rabbit Chocolate Studio won a silver award at the International Chocolate Awards in London, a first for Africa. It was chocolatier Stephanie van Vuuren’s South African milk tart bonbon that won over international judges.

Their range of artisanal treats include chocolate-coated honeycomb, chocolate-coated Turkish delight bites and milk chocolate-coated nougat. Founder Vicki Bain, a qualified chocolatier and pastry chef, believes passion, craftsmanship and excellent ingredients are required to make exceptional chocolate.

Regarding her product, she says, “We want to combine the best of both worlds – seriously Belgian but also, naturally African.”

Their selection includes crunchy hazelnut, granadilla passion, ginger and honey and lime.

Chocoloza have launched limitededition boxes of painted eggs for Easter.

For each egg sold, R5 will be donated to the Onthatile orphanage, which places abandoned babies in permanent homes.