Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
MR SA 2017 HAS A HEART
A home in Obs with its youthful lifestyle and great views
PRESENTER, speaker, humanitarian, renowned sports science researcher – and Mr South Africa 2017 – Dr Habib Noorbhai released his first book Heart last month.
In 2013 Noorbhai founded the non-profit volunteer-based organisation The Humanitarians, which conducts various community projects and programmes through sport, health, education, sustainability and innovation. He was nominated as one of the Mail & Guardian’s top 200 young South Africans in 2015, and was included in Fast Company South Africa’s Top 30 creative people in business for 2017.
Heart looks at the roots of Noorbhai’s life and how we are all “provided with the same platform to evoke a sustainable and innovative difference in the lives of others, but each and every one of us has a different path/journey”.
Heart aims to share and inspire people through Noorbhai’s life before and after Mr South Africa. “My book showcases the important lessons I have learnt, together with the fundamental experiences gained as well as challenges and hard yards I have faced,” says Noorbhai, 28.
Hailing from Johannesburg, Noorbhai is now based in Cape Town.
What made you choose Observatory?
I moved here at the end of 2011 to pursue my career in bio-kinetics and further my post-graduate studies at UCT. Because I was new to the city I stayed in UCT’s Obz Square residence and fell in love with the area. It’s for young adults, a student-rich environment, lively, and with all the amenities.
Students could stay in Obz Square for just three years, but I still wanted to live in the area. Then I found a beautiful modern studio apartment to rent in December, 2014.
What did it look like when you moved in, compared to now?
No changes were made, aside from adding my bachelor touch. I went with the theme of black, grey and white; seeing that the built-in cupboards and hob are grey and white. It is also a reflection of my mind: simple and clean.
Did you work with an interior designer or architect?
No assistance. I played around with ideas and had a look at home shops in malls before buying interior decor.
My small square table, under which the four chairs fit, saves space. It is trendy and unique. I built my own shelf from scratch and this is where I store my files, books and archives from years of studying.
What things in your home please you?
The view, certainly. When I work on my square table, and I need to think of what to write or when to strategise for projects, looking at the wonderful view accentuates my cognitive craft.
What do you like to surround yourself with?
Music or sport on television – I am an extroverted person, and it keeps me going when I am doing house chores, working or packing for my next trip. It’s a small space but I love it and nothing beats it.
What are your favourite things about your home?
Firstly, the view. Secondly, the area and complex is secure. It allows one to function with peace and contentment, knowing that one’s belongings are safe and that one can perform the activities of daily living in an effective and diligent manner. Thirdly, my queen-size bed. It is fairly low and is made from leather.
This goes with both linen and duvets, which works in both cold and hot weather. Last but not least, the pool on the rooftop of the complex with spectacular views.
Are you happy with how it is right now, or do you have plans to make any changes?
I am happy. For me, consistency and routine are integral and I want it to stay that way while I continue living my purpose and serving others on a daily basis.
Heart retails for R250 in book stores nationwide, Amazon, Kindle as well as via Noorbhai’s website www.habibnoorbhai. com