Fisherhaven | Hawston | Kleinmond | Bettysbaai | Pringlebaai | Rooiels
Year 2 • Tuesday 25 September 2012 | Tel. 028 312 3717
Mega success
The recent Agri Mega Week at Mega Park in Bredasdorp drew a record number of 20 818 visitors. Exhibitors and visitors were all very positive about the experience. Seen here (from left) are Dee Robinson (from Red Windmill, just outside Napier), Alison Coughlan (CEO of Cape Algulhas Tourism) and Apphia Joors (tourism officer). They were all exhibitors in the Parmalat tent during Agri Mega Week.
Hotel site ‘an eyesore’ KERRY VAN RENSBURG
When the Beach House Hotel in Kleinmond burned down in December 2006, its general manger vowed the hotel would be rebuilt and restored to its former glory. But the hotel, which was part of the Relais Hotel Group, was never rebuilt. Instead, it was demolished. The empty property, which is situated on prime beachfront land, has, according to Louise Fick of the Hangklip–Kleinmond Tourism Bureau, become unsightly.
A resident of Kleinmond, who describes himself as an “active ratepayer”, feels strongly about the degradation of this particular property. “The land that supported Kleinmond’s one and only hotel, immediately above the main beach, has become an absolute eyesore,” he says. The resident says the Beach House, previously known as the Sandown Bay Hotel, was extremely popular both with locals and visitors coming from as far as Germany, Holland and Switzerland. He believes the owner of the land should either sell it to a hotel consortium, or under-
take to rebuild a small hotel similar to the Beach House. Kleinmond residents, he says, should start agitating for the return of a hotel on the prime site. Louise Fick says that, since the hotel burned down, a lot more guesthouses have opened in Kleinmond. She says the town’s tourism market is very seasonal, but the town can comfortably cater for the demand for accommodation. “The Beach House was a wonderful little hotel and is a product we miss – especially for the international market, as it would give them more choice,” says Fick.
Either way, she says something needs to happen on the unsightly vacant plot. Shavonne Coetzer of African Hotels and Adventures, previously Relais Hotels, says the hotel site was sold. “To my knowledge, the property was sold and the new investors had their own plans for the property. Speaking under correction, I think they may have run out of funding to proceed, and at this stage the property is standing open. “I can confirm that we do not have any connection to the property any more. “The sale was also confirmed between the previous investors, and not through Relais Hotels.”
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General - Algemeen
Kleinmond Gazette
Tuesday 25 September 2012
Best of the braai Cansa Cuppa Hangklip/Kleinmond Tourism Bureau 27 September ) National Tourism Day – Hangklip/Kleinmond Tourism Bureau will be promoting our local attractions. ) Hangklip/Kleinmond Tourism Bureau Annual General Meeting at Mandy’s Kitchen
Hangklip–Kleinmond Tourism, in conjunction with Butcher Brothers (Protea complex) and Werner’s Butchery (Main Road), invites everyone to enter the bureau’s National Braai Day competition. Vouchers to the value of R350 (first prize) and R200 (second prize) are up for grabs. To enter, send in your favourite braai recipe or tip, accompanied by a photograph. Entries may be sent by email or dropped off at the tourism bureau’s office. The closing date for entries is 30 September the winner will be announced on 1 October.
CLIVIA SHOW: The fifth annual Clivia Show will take place in the Hermanus NG Church hall on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 September between 09:00 and 17:00. Each show offers something new and special, and this year an eminent clivia breeder will be featured. A nominal entrance fee will be charged. Call Miriam on 072 904 0415, Caroline on 073 221 5267 or Felicity on 078 710 9485. PHOTO: FELICITY WEEDON
Classic cars a festival fave The Hermanus Whales ’n’ Wheels Classic Car Show is one of the most popular events featured at the annual Two Oceans Hermanus Whale Festival. The organisers are expecting about 350 vintage and classic cars and about 100 modern cars, all of which will be on display at Hermanus Primary’s sports grounds on Saturday 6 October. The show will also include, among others, a Bigfoot, an Appletiser car, tractors, bikes, hot rods and street rods. A selection of the vehicles will make two tours through town at 10:00 and 12:00, giving
The Whales ’n’ Wheels Classic Car Show will take place at Hermanus Primary School on Saturday 6 October.
festival-goers a view of what is on display at the car show. Craft stalls will set up shop in the school hall, which will also hold an exhibition of model toys, remote-controlled aircraft and war games. A toy car auction from a deceased estate will take place at 10:30. Refreshments on offer will include coffee, beer, juices, ice-cream, pancakes, hamburgers, seafood and potjiekos. The atmosphere at the car show grounds will be livened up by music, with James Marais as Elvis presenting two live sessions – from 12:30 to 13:00 as young Elvis, and from 14:00 to 14:30 as an older Elvis. Children can watch out for the sweetie drop from a remote-controlled chopper at midday, as well as a remote-controlled air display and remote-controlled jet start-up. Talks will be presented on the history of some of the vintage and classic cars on display, and their owners stand a chance of winning one of the 30 trophies and prizes. Admission to Whales ’n’ Wheels is R20 for adults and R10 for pupils over 12; entry for children under 12, accompanied by an adult, is free. The best time to attend the car show is between 11:30 and 14:30. Visitors are encouraged to take a blanket and make themselves comfortable on the field in front of the stage. They’re welcome to take their own picnic basket or choose from the array of food stalls at the event.
Whale Fest events Two Oceans Food & Music Emporium Music during the day – free 28 September: DJ evening – free 29 September: Elvis Blue – R120 Tickets from Computicket Municipal Auditorium 28 September: Silwer – R60 29 September: Danielle Pascal – R60 30 September: That’s Life – R60 Tickets from Whale Fest office or at the door Forest Theatre 28 September: Chris Chameleon – R180 29 September: Nianell – R180 Bookings: hermanusforest@gmail.com Die Skuur 29 September: Steve Hofmeyr – R120 Tickets from Die Skuur (028 312 4317) Dutch Reformed Church 28 September: Phantom of the Opera – R60 Contact Phil Pienaar (083 290 6910) Bosko Church 28 September: Hip-Hop Dance Crew Competition – R10. Contact Thapelo (072 092 3718)
function
Chantal Witthuhn from Kleinmond will soon hold a Cuppa function in support of Cansa, running with the theme of “Celebrating Life with Colour and Flair”. The event will be held at the Kleinmond town hall from 09:30 to 11:30 on 6 October. Each guest is asked to take their own crockery and cutlery. “If you would like to be a hostess, you can just set table and arrange some snacks and food – nothing extravagant,” the organiser says. Dress in bright colours. Entrance costs R50. Contact Chantal for tickets on 084 518 5366.
Belangrike vergadering ’n Belangrike vergadering van die Hawston Gesondheid- en Welsynskomitee vind plaas op Donderdag 27 September om 19:00 by die Thusong-saal in Hawston. Die gemeenskap sal die voorreg hê om projekte te plaas op die 2013/2014 begroting van die Overstrand-munisipaliteit. Kom help beplan saam aan jou dorp se toekoms.
Marine matters
The Two Oceans Whale Festival’s Marine Endangered Species Expo will highlight the plight of whales, sharks, penguins and other marine creatures. Presentations will be delivered by speakers from, among others, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Marine Coastal Management, Abagold, the South African Shark Conservancy (SASC) and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust from Friday 28 September to Monday 1 October. The marine expo programme includes shark dissections from Friday to Sunday at 11:00 and 14:00, shark feeding at 13:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and tours of SASC on the hour, every hour from 10:00 to 16:00. In the middle of the expo marquee there will be a book-signing display with a number of authors present on both Satur-
These whales, swimming towards the Old Harbour, were captured by the camera attached to Louis Genade’s remote-controlled aeroplane. PHOTO: PROPERTY SKYCAM
day 29 and Sunday 30 September. Hamilton Russell will retrieve four bottles of wine from the sea bed, and these will be displayed in a glass tank with an informative explanation of this interesting ageing process. Abagold will donate cases of young bite-sized abalone as a taster for those who buy books. The authors and titles include: ) Dirk Schmidt and Kim Sharklady MacLean – White Sharks, Magnificent, Mysterious and Misunderstood. ) Noel Ashton – Watching Whales and Dolphins in Southern Africa ) Jeremy Browne – Cape Whale Coast Michael Scholl – South Africa’s Great White Shark A mini movie house seating 50 people will offer a 55-inch 3D screen with surround sound. Popcorn and cold drinks will be on sale. The movies will run all day, every day, starting at 09:00 and ending at 18:00. The cover charge is R2; screening times and titles will be displayed outside the theatre. Other activities for families include: Face-painting, remote-controlled sharks on the hunt in a clear pool, beach cleanups on 29 September, and a “Bubble Maker” run by Alpha Dive Centre that will give children the opportunity to breathe compressed air at the bottom of a clear swimming pool situated on the top tier of the amphitheatre. The cost is R5 per five minutes; six children will be able to go down at one time. A qualified PADI dive master will be in the pool at all times. Photographs of your children can be purchased after the dive.
FynArts joins festival calendar CILENE BEKKER A third major annual event will be added to the Hermanus calendar, joining the ranks of the Kalfiefees and the Whale Festival. This will be Hermanus FynArts, which is planned to run from 31 May to 9 June 2013. Mary Faure, chairperson of the Hermanus Tourism Bureau (HTB), stated at its AGM on 12 September, that the purpose of Hermanus FynArts, which will be held in the quieter winter period, is to appeal to a new target market. “Hermanus FynArts is a celebration of the arts; it will encompass quality visual art, music, literature, wine and food, and will include exhibitions, recitals, presentations and panel discussions. Courses will also be presented during the 10 days. “For its success we will need significant sponsorship, as well as support from our members for accommodation, venues, et cetera. The large range of courses and happenings will encourage visitors to spend more than a day or two in town.” Hermanus Tourism is a non-profit organisation, and all profit will be put into a trust fund to develop a FynArts School for Hermanus. Faure also ran through the completed and ongoing marketing activities of the bureau, which included 16 generic marketing time slots worth R450 000 on Good Hope FM; Hermanus
weather and whale count mentions on surf guru Deon Bing’s KFM report (Bing was also the guest speaker at the AGM); four editions of the Wegbreek publication that market the Whale Coast; coverage in Golf Digest and Eland News; international coverage of the Whale Crier; and attendance at various shows. Other events initiated over the past year by the tourism bureau are the MyHermanus Photo competition, the Christmas Windowdressing competition and the Re-Use, ReCycle & Re-invent (RR&R) exhibition. New HTB committee members were also elected at the meeting. They are Liz Coates (arts portfolio), John Terras (website) and Chris Johnson (accommodation). In his closing address, councillor Ben Solomon, attending on behalf of mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie – who is still recuperating from back surgery – said the municipality is happy with what has been achieved over the past year in tourism. The municipality supports the development of Hermanus FynArts, he said, and would be open to helping identify suitable ground for such a school of arts. Solomon added that a Dutch TV crew would do a feature on a couple wanting to retire in Hermanus. The show has just over a million viewers. In addition, the SA German Tourism Office is sending a team to Hermanus in December.
Tuesday 25 September 2012
News - Nuus
Kleinmond Gazette
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Drenkelinge almal gevind Die lyk van die laaste van die vermiste mans is Maandagaand gevind ná polisieduikers dwarsdeur die week na die oorblywende drie vissermanne gesoek het wat op Sondag 9 September vermis geraak het. Hul boot het in die Botrivier-strandmeer by Fisherhaven omgeslaan. Die liggaam van Alistair Marais (33) van Hawston is op die dag van die tragedie gevind waar dit in visnette onder die water verstrengel was, maar die ander drie vissermanne was nog vermis. Die lyke van twee van die mans is Son-
dag 16 September by Fisherhavenstrandmeer opgespoor deur die vrywilligers van die NSRI in Hermanus. ’n Vierde lyk is Maandagaand, 17 September ontdek, wat die soektog na die vermiste mans tot ’n einde gebring het. Volgens die departement van landbou, bosbou en visserye (DAFF) het ’n interne ondersoek na die saak bevestig dat die boot nie aan die basiese vereistes van die SA Maritieme Veiligheidsgesag voldoen het nie, omdat daar geen reddingsbaadjies of ander veiligheidstoerusting aan boord was nie.
Lionel Adendorf, direkteur van kommunikasiedienste by die DAFF, het bygevoeg dat geen permitte uitgereik was vir enigiemand om in die Botrivier-riviermonding vis te vang nie. Die Botrivier-riviermonding is een van die beste teelgebiede vir ’n verskeidenheid visspesies. Al vier lyke is deur die gesinne van die vissermanne uitgeken. Naas Marais, was die ander mans op die boot Louis Taljaard (57), sy seun Francois Taljaard (31) en Sergio Titus (23), almal van Hawston.
Call for help to study birds Scientists from the Centre for Invasive Biology (CIB) based at Stellenbosch University, are investigating the spread of invasive bird species in SA and are asking avid bird ringers and birders to take more careful note of the presence of possible invading species. This follows two recent research articles by researchers of the CIB, featuring the results of studies on how two of the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species, the Indian Myna (Acridotheres tristis) and the European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), have established and became invasive in SA. In his study, Dr Cang Hui predicts that if conditions deteriorate, for instance, because of climate change, the European Starling will be likely to disperse and invade other areas of South Africa with more suitable conditions. “Currently, they’re found along the coast of the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape, as well as Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng.” Hui reports that ringing records and distribution records for this species is lacking and generally limited to Cape Town, where 18 European Starlings were first introduced in 1897 in an effort to make the Cape look more “British”. He says it is extremely difficult to stop the spread of a specific species once it has become established, especially in such a large area of the host country. “Even better resourced countries like Australia have given up trying to eradicate the European starling from their shores,” said Dr Hui. “We are nearing a time in which we have to start considering these ‘invaders’ as an inevitable part of our environment, and handle them accordingly.” ) Should you spot a “new” bird in your garden or environment that you haven’t seen before, give a description or better yet, take a photo, and send the information to cib@sun.ac.za.
Ds. Ferdie Postma en sy vrou
40 jaar in bediening Die Gereformeerde Gemeente op Kleinmond het Sondag 16 September die 40-jaar bediening van sy predikant, ds. Ferdie Postma, gevier. Drie van ds. Ferdie en Martsophie se vier kinders en hul gesinne het die geleentheid as gaste van die gemeente bygewoon. Daar was ook ander familielede en vriende teenwoordig. Dit was aangrypend dat die tema van ’n kruik telkens in die prediking en toesprake opgeduik het, sonder dat die sprekers van mekaar se simbole geweet het: dat God ’n gebarste kruik gebruik om Sy werk in ’n stukkende wêreld te doen, maar ook dat God die kruik uit klei vorm om vir Hom diensbaar te wees. Die susters het hulle uitstekend van hul taak gekwyt en die gaste getrakteer op ’n pikante okkerneut- en peervoorgereg, hoenderpastei, frikadelle en groente vir die hoofgereg en dan afgerond met die heerlike Jan Ellis-genot met roomys en vla. KOBIE COETZEE
The Indian Myna
The European Starling
PHOTO: FRAN TRABLON
PHOTO: JP MEYERS
Vision at The Grail On Saturday 29 September, The Grail Centre in Kleinmond will show the film Vision as part of its programme of “screening consciousness-raising films” every month. “This film is a deeply absorbing religious drama about the life of Hildegard von Bingen, who was centuries ahead of her time,” a spokesperson says. “She was a famed 12th-century Benedictine nun who was a Christian mystic, composer, philosopher, playwright, poet, naturalist, scientist, physician, herbalist and ecological activist.” The cost to see the film Vision is R30, but if you would like supper before the screening, the cost will be R80. Supper will be served at 18:00, and the film will start at 19:00. To assist with catering numbers, please RSVP by tomorrow (Wednesday). For more information contact Leverne Coert on 028 271 3410, or 082 219 9121, or send an email to grailadm@mweb.co.za. The Grail Centre, a registered non-profit organisation that provides conference and training space for the non-profit, faithbased community, is situated at 39 15th Avenue, Kleinmond. The centre bases its programme on four “pillars”: the development and empowerment of women (though men are not excluded from their work); social justice for vulnerable groups and communities; eco-consciousness and environmental sustainability; and “the spiritual search for truth, peace, beauty and love”. The Grail Centre has just been selected as a semifinalist in the Eco-Logic Awards 2012.
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Leader - Hoofartikel
Kleinmond Gazette
Tuesday 25 September 2012
Column
Future focus It is heartwarming to see that young and old alike took part in Arbour Week and International Coastal Cleanup Week this month. To show a child how to plant a tree may be easy, but the most important lesson they can learn is to look after the tree in the years to come. The same goes for the coastal cleanup. Youngsters and adults took bags and started collecting rubbish in their neighbourhood, beaches nearby and schools. A good example is set for our youth so that we can strive to have a clean, rubbish-free environment in future. But now, with all the good that is done, the plans to build a nuclear power station in the Bantamsklip area in the Overstrand have raised a call for comprehensive information regarding the pros and cons of nuclear development on our doorstep. Read more on p. 6 and tell us what you think.
Respect your customers Recently three businesses closed down in Betty’s Bay, and another two in Kleinmond. I have also noticed more houses being put up for sale. It is a buyer’s market, as they say, and yet where are the buyers? Unfortunately your home is only worth what people are prepared to pay. Our normal overseas buyers from Europe wanting a place in the sun are also faced with a downswing in the economy in their own countries. I’ve mentioned the strange commercial dealings in the Overstrand in previous columns, and yet the trend continues. The overcharging of visitors, absentee landlords, the ridiculously high prices for goods in the shops, the unprofessional attitude of tradespeople and the lack of good financial sense will impact on every aspect of life in the region. People will pack cooler bags or boxes and make the long journey to well- known stores in Somerset West and other places rather than use local supermarkets, or bring out their own builders rather than employ local labour. Less money circulates in the area, meaning our businesses suffer. If we are to maintain our customer base or create new ones, we need to ensure client loyalty. Sell products at reasonable prices, offer discounts, and stock sustainable goods.
Some stores have perishable goods that are almost two years old, well past their sell-by date. People are more discerning, and if the quality of your wares is less than it should be, you will lose potential income. During the heavy rainfall, I enquired about the possible dampness of the wood that I wanted to purchase, and was told that they had received no complaints thus far. Instead of being open about the wood possibly being damp, the sale had become more important. Nowadays I buy wood elsewhere. Readers have also commended those businesses that make a difference to the region, and have acknowledged their sterling service by continual patronage. I have been told of estate agents who regularly update their clients by sending friendly notifications, of restaurant owners who inform their customers of any significant developments, and of tradespeople who will come and see to your problems at any time. There are also municipal officials who will painstakingly and patiently explain the intricacies of the local authority’s bylaws when they affect you personally. These are the people who bring much-needed money and energy into the Overstrand.
Friends and family who have spent time here are always recommended to those businesses that go the extra mile in ensuring one’s comfort, satisfaction and wellbeing. One reader even mentioned a security company that had helped her sort out a problematic sliding door at her home. There is a panelbeating concern in Kleinmond, just off the main road, that fixed my car radio without charging as the solution was simple. It was done on more than one occasion. I felt the integrity and honesty of the owner. I will always frequent the store for parts or whatever else is needed. It is a simple matter of supply and demand – with a slight twist. I need those goods, but not at the expense of being marginalised. Treat me with respect and I will support your business through thick and thin.
Two Oceans Hermanus Whale Festival comes of age Dear fellow festival participant, You are going to join a great party! We are celebrating the Two Oceans Hermanus Whale Festival’s 21st anniversary! With more than 100 000 visitors expected and the fullest festival programme imaginable, the vibe is right for one big celebration and a unique experience that will be remembered for a long time. Thank you to the organisers, under the leadership of Leon Theron, the sponsors, local business and our very special community for bringing us a true community festival. Allow me to make special mention of Two Oceans Wines, now in their second year of being title sponsor and really showing commitment to our mutually beneficial relationship. Of course we will not forget the purpose of this festival, namely to create awareness of our vulnerable southern right whales, which come to breed here in our waters, as well as of other endangered marine and land species such as the rhinoceros. Don’t miss this exhibition and the many highly interesting and informative talks along with it. Ek het al dikwels gewonder wat maak van
’n fees ’n sukses en dit bring my altyd terug na die sleutelrol wat die gemeenskap speel. Dit is vir my ’n riem onder die hart om te sien hoe die verskillende gemeenskappe van Hermanus die fees nog altyd aangegryp en deel van hulself gemaak het. Ondersteun gerus ons opkomende kunstenaars uit ons gemeenskappe. Dit is hoekom die Overstrand-munisipaliteit besluit het om aktief deel van die fees te wees. Kom maak kennis met ons by ons uitstalling by die Walvisfees en kom praat oor alles wat pla. Ons beoog ook om ’n interessante program van besprekings oor kwessies soos die waterkrisis, ontwikkeling, vooruitbeplanning, loopbaangeleenthede en nog vele meer aan te bied. By die fees is daar iets van alles en iets vir almal en die beste is dat dit teen bekostigbare pryse of selfs gratis geniet kan word. Ek sien daarna uit om fynkos en goeie wyn by Checkers se Voedsel-emporium op die proef te stel en nostalgies te word oor die ou motorvoertuie by die Whales ’n Wheels-veteraanmotorskou. Quality shows are also vital. Thank you Two Oceans Wines for bringing South Africa’s top performers, Peter Mitchell, the Jesse Jordan
NICOLETTE BOTHA-GUTHRIE Overstrand mayor
Siek toets vir sekuriteit
Column
Feeders beware: the fat’s in the fire now
Food is a great of comfort to a society facing rapid change and daunting challenges. Sadly, it often lapses into an unhealthy interest in eating, and the manic overstuffing that now flourishes here as it does in the US shows telling psychological messages around self-image and the perceptions and actions of close relatives. The most grotesquely overweight people clearly do not see themselves as unusual, and neither do their intimates. My natural curiosity has on occasion tempted me to question some of them, but even my most diplomatic enquiries have revealed that even tree-trunk limbs and bulging hams are usually not seen as noteworthy. One poor chap, the 40-year-old son of people I met recently, is the apple of his (rake-thin) mother’s eye, although he is so badly obese and ungainly that just looking at him is an effort. He never strays far from Mum, who serves him three huge meals a day (with unlimited snacks in between), as she has obviously
Band and Elvis Blue, for the evening shows in the Food and Music Emporium on Saturday 29 September. Die optredes van Silwer, die broers Willem en Louis van SA’s Got Talent-faam, Vrydagaand in die ouditorium en Steve Hofmeyr Saterdagaand in Die Skuur gaan sekerlik die kol tref, terwyl Zorada Temmingh op die NG Kerk se orrel Vrydagaand met die Phantom of the Opera en Daniele Pascal met haar Franse flair Saterdagaand in die ouditorium kunsliefhebbers se hartsnare gaan roer. There will be something for everybody to enjoy, even for the youngsters with the Hip Hop Dance Crew Competition at the Bosko Hall. Prevent disappointment by buying your tickets well in advance. Vir die aktiewes is daar verskeie sportgeleenthede in die feestydperk, soos bergfietswedrenne, ’n halfmarathon en langafstandswembyeenkomste. So daar is geen verskoning om nie in Hermanus te wees vir al die feestelikhede nie. The full programme of events is available at the festival office. For more information call 028 313 0928, email festival@hermanus.co.za or visit www.whalefestival.co.za I look forward to sharing this great experience with you all!
done from the start. Out of concern for this good-natured, gifted child and his prospects, I once ventured to ask her with the outmost diplomacy and tact why he was “like that”. I was tackled by a she-tiger: “There’s nothing wrong with my boy! He’s just well-built, not like you, with your scarecrow shoulders and empty trousers!” (This in reference to my 70+ kilos, draped over a 1,79 m scaffold; I openly admit to this failing of mine. In fact, I once caused consternation when I wanted to join a Weigh-Less seminar under the impression that people who know about weight loss should be able to advise me on weight gain). I have noticed that many of these large chaps, of whom the biggest was an American blob of 400 kg, have doting mothers who lovingly handle the logistic nightmare of supplying the millions of calories needed to keep the “little boy” chewing. (The other end of the digestive cycle barely bears thinking about and is mercifully kept off-screen).
I can only conclude that many of these concerned mothers decide early on that their darlings aren’t going to be snaffled by some woman and avoid this eventuality by deliberate overfeeding. And once a young body has adapted to this avalanche of food, no exercise or rationing in maturity can trim the bones and tissues of such an unfortunate. 2 fouriejh@mweb.co.za
My betrokkenheid by die polisie en sekuriteitsfirmas dwing my om ’n beroep op die publiek te doen om oor drie belangrike sake klarigheid te kry. In vandag se tye is ’n goeie alarmstelsel ’n absolute moet. Maak seker dat u dit het of bekom. Tweedens, as u wel ’n stelsel het maak seker die stelsel tegnologies op datum is. Gesels met u verskaffer en, indien nodig, gradeer die stelsel op. As u uitgaan, skakel die stelsel aan. Dan is daar ’n derde kwessie. Sekuriteitsfirmas se rekords wys dat 90% van alarms wat afgaan te wyte is aan eienaars se agterlosigheid. Dit impakteer op die koste van die diens ten koste van medegebruikers. Ons is almal hier skuldig. Daar is egter nog ’n kategorie gebruiker – die ou wat opsetlik die respons van sy verskaffer toets. Besige personeel se tyd word tot 23:00 gemors met klante wat opsetlik stelsels laat afgaan om te kyk hoe vinnig gewapende hulp opdaag. Ons gebied strek van Rooi Els tot Arabella. Om van Pringlebaai af Kleinmond toe te moet jaag om ’n man aan te tref wat met sy horlosie in sy hand staan en ’n “siek” privaattoets doen, is regtig nie snaaks nie. My advies : as daar bewys is van opsetlikheid moet die verbruiker betaal vir die respons. Dink u dié beroep sal positiewe reaksie kry?
ROBERT CROWTHER, voorsitter, Hangklip/Kleinmond GPF
Tuesday 25 September 2012
News - Nuus
Column
The non-existent Palmiet treasure
“At sunset every night, we see him – slowly with a walking stick in one hand, and a lantern in the other. His hat is pulled over his eyes. “Night after night in his slow shuffling movements, he walks along to the rocks.” The old man was a regular sight at a certain Palmiet beach house. He was, as it turned out, looking for the money chest of the Gustav Adolf. It was in 1902 that the ship ran aground at the mouth of the Palmiet River. The threemast barque carried a load of railway sleepers with a crew of 11. They were on their way to Durban, from Fremantle, Australia. Near Cape Town they ran into a fierce storm at sea and sprung a leak in the hull. Conditions were ghastly — the pumps could not manage, and water in the ship rose constantly. Their only hope was to run the ship ashore at a convenient place. While a gale raged, the Gustav Adolph became stranded at the mouth of the Palmiet River. When the waves began to wash over the
ship, Captain Gjeruldsen ordered the two lifeboats to be lowered. The first boat carried six men, and they reached land safely. The captain and four other members of the crew were in the second boat. This boat was wrecked by a giant wave, and only one officer was able to swim to shore. Reverend JR Albertyn, who had a beach cottage at Palmiet, took care of the seven shipwrecked men until they could be transported to Cape Town. The coast between Palmiet and Hawston was covered with sleepers and wreckage. A lot of the timber from the wreck found its way to homes and farmsteads in the area. Loads of sleepers were transported from nearby Kleinmond. Two lonely graves are the only remaining signs of the tragedy of the Norwegian ship. The lonely old man and his lantern were on an endless fool’s errand – the ship had no reason to carry money. Their only “treasure” was the lumber for the expanding railway network.
Kleinmond Gazette
5
Grants-in-aid finalised More than 70 applications for financial assistance – to the value of R6,8 million – were received for municipal grants-inaid during the 2012–2013 financial year. The total expenditure on grants, however, may not exceed 0,1% of the municipal budget, which means that only R791 000 was available for grants during the 2012–2013 financial year. Council says the processing of these applications has now been completed. Schedules of the successful and unsuccessful applications, as well as the final list of 2011–2012 beneficiaries, have
been provided. According to the report presented to council, the purpose of these grants-in-aid is to complement the goals, objectives, programmes and actions of the municipality and so “create a sustainable, credible and caring municipality through the empowerment of communities and by enhancing growth and sharing through partnerships”. The grants go to support certain organisations that deliver services falling within the municipality’s area of responsibility, and help achieve objectives as outlined in the integrated development plan.
Raad pas Internet-beleid vir werkers aan Die raad het pas goedkeuring verleen vir aanpassings aan die munisipaliteit se beleid op elektroniese kommunikasie ten einde dit vir werknemers moontlik te maak om onderhewig aan bepaalde voorwaardes toegang tot die munisipale Internetdiens vir studiedoeleindes te verkry. ’n Voorlegging aan die raad toon dat munisipale beamptes kragtens die Wet op Munisipale Finansiële Bestuur aan bepaalde bevoegdheidsvlakke moet voldoen en ook op ander terreine hul bevoegdheidsvlakke deur formele studie kan bevorder. Die gebruik van elektroniese hulpmid-
dels en materiaal word toenemend belangrik om sukses met verdere studie te behaal. Baie werknemers beskik nie oor hul eie rekenaartoerusting tuis nie en in sommige dele van Overstrand is die telekommunikasie-infrastruktuur van so ’n aard dat Internetdienste nie koste-effektief gelewer kan word nie. Die beskikbaarstelling van die munisipale IKT Opleidingsentrum en Internetdiens aan studente hou boonop die bykomende voordeel in dat dit amptenare se rekenaarvaardighede verbeter en ’n alternatief vir die gebruiklike klaskameropleiding bied.
3 Tons of Fun in Caledon Having blown away their audience during their show at the Caledon Casino, Hotel & Spa earlier this year, the vivacious divas of 3 Tons of Fun will be back there by popular demand on 27 October. This vivacious group has emerged over the last eight years as one of Cape Town and South Africa’s most beloved allwoman groups. “We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting these enigmatic, voluptuous ladies at once again,” says Paul Campbell, the resort’s director of operations and complex general manager. “They delivered an outstanding show last time, and we know they will do it again.” A cocktail function will take place in the hotel’s lounge bar from 19:00, with the divas taking to the Swartberg stage at 20:30. Tickets, at R100, can be bought at the hotel reception or cash desk from 17 September onwards. Get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. For more details point your browser at www.thecaledon.co.za. Alternatively, call 028 214 5100.
Waterinstituut gee erkenning
The vivacious divas of 3 Tons of Fun
Dealing with death In the five years that the Overstrand Hospice patient care team have been operating, they have helped over 400 patients and families. During that time they have been asked many questions on what to do before and after death. “The death of a loved one is a very traumatic and emotional time,” says Alan Toombs, chairperson of the Overstrand Hospice Board. “With this in mind, hospice has put together a package called Preparing For a Family Death – Practical Guidelines for Before and After a Death.” He says it’s important for families to see these guidelines as
HERE TO WATCH AND LEARN: A delegation from the Mogalakwena Municipality, whose head office is situated at Mokopane in Limpopo, attended a recent Overstrand Municipal council meeting to observe proceedings. The speaker, Anton Coetsee, welcomed the members and explained that the Overstrand is run by a municipality with a mayoral executive system combined with ward participation, which is different from Magolokwena’s collective executive system combined with ward participation. Seen here (from left) are Coenie Groenewald (municipal manager), Pieter Scholtz (deputy mayor), speaker Coetsee, Councillor Melba Mabusela, Nicolette Botha-Guthrie (Overstrand mayor), Beyers Smit and Charles Kganyago (Mogalakwena councillors), Philip Appelgrein (mayoral committee member for management service), Rudolf Smith (mayco member for community services), Ben Solomon (mayco member for finance and economic development), and Moira Opperman (mayco committee member for protection services).
early as possible. “Will the surviving partner have access to cash while the estate is being finalised? Is there a living will?” These are just some of the topics the guideline addresses. “We have categorised the aspects that should be looked at for before and after death. There is also a professional brochure from Personal Trust outlining the legal aspects and details of a living will.” The package is available in English and Afrikaans from Dee Back at the Overstrand Hospice head office in Hope Street, Hermanus. A minimum donation of R30 would be appreciated.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Die wyse waarop die Overstrand-munisipaliteit sy rioolsuiweringswerke bestuur, het erkenning van die Waterinstituut van Suider-Afrika gekry. Die munisipaliteit was onlangs as een van die finaliste vir die Instituut se Wilson-toekenning aangewys en het ‘n sertifikaat van uitmuntendheid ontvang. In die evaluering word gekyk na sowel bestuursbevoegdheid as ander inisiatiewe wat aan die dag gelê word om besoedeling te bekamp.
Waarnemende direkteur van infrastruktuur en beplanning, Deon Louw, oorhandig hier die sertifikaat aan burgemeester Nicolette Botha-Guthrie en munisipale bestuurder Coenie Groenewald.
6
General - Algemeen
Kleinmond Gazette
Chamber to hold nuclear power talks The plans to build a nuclear power station in the Bantamsklip area in the Overstrand have raised a call for comprehensive information on the pros and cons of nuclear energy. The Hermanus Business Chamber has been approached by a speaker on the economic benefits of nuclear energy, but has decided to look at the bigger picture and also invite speakers on alternatives.
The open information session and debate will happen at the municipal auditorium on 24 October, and national media will be invited. The shadow minister of energy, Lance Greyling, has agreed to chair a panel discussion as part of the event. Invitations have been extended to highprofile speakers. The chamber has reached out to other organisations in the area, and a meeting
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was held on the matter on 14 September with representatives from Whale Coast Conservation, the Hermanus Ratepayers’ Association and Save Bantamsklip, whose members have already attended many national seminars on this topic. Any other person or organisation wanting to take part or help prepare can contact Alta Pretorius, Hermanus Business Chamber CEO, on 028 315 1619 or at chamberceo@hermanus.co.za.
Tuesday 25 September 2012 Looking at future energy options for the Overstrand are (back row, from left) Rob Fryer (Whale Coast Conservation), Mervyn Milner (Hermanus Chamber president), (front) Rodney Anderson (ratepayers’ association), Dr Anina Lee (Whale Coast Conservation) and Ebeline de Villiers (Save Bantamsklip).
Tuesday 25 September 2012
General - Algemeen
Kleinmond Gazette
7
60+ op ysterperd deur Duitsland STEFAANS OLIVIER Die eerste ding wat ek en my beste vriend sedert 1955, Vanno, moes doen ná ons by die internasionale fietsklub “Ryers oor 60 met swak knieë” aangesluit het, was om ons vrouens te oortuig dat om in Duitsland met ’n fiets te gaan toer nie oorblyfsels van ons middeljare-krisis was nie, maar eerder die vervulling van ’n tiener droom . Ná ons hul onvoorwaardelike ondersteuning verkry het (“Julle wil wát doen!? Op julle ouderdom!?”) was die koop van vliegkaartjies kinderspeletjies. Ons het ’n paar dae opwarming gedoen, die fietse geboks en gelaai en toe is ons fort, Frankfurt toe. Daarvandaan per trein na Gerolstein, die begin van die Kyll-roete na Trier (96 km-lange fietspaadjie deur digte bosse langs die Kyll-rivier). Toe vanaf Trier, met 200 km se fietspaadjies langs die Moselrivier na Koblenz en toe met die fietspaadjies Rhyn-rivier op tot by Bacharat waar ons 11 dae en 376 kilometer later met ’n glimlag maar met swaar harte geëindig het. Beslis die ondervinding van ’n leeftyd. Wat ons beïndruk het was die respek wat motoriste vir fietsryers het, die baie fietspaadjies langs die riviere en in stede en dorpe; die duisende fietsryers wat hierdie infrastruktuur benut, die vriendelikheid en behulpsaamheid van die inwoners, die pragtige ou dorpies (79 op die roete), die wingerde teen ongelooflike hellings langs die Moselrivier, wat mens alles ruik, sien, proe en ondervind as mens met ’n fiets toer. En bowenal – ons is steeds vriende.
Mosel wingerde
Vanno en Stefaans in Senheim.
Fietspad langs die Kyll.
Sporting events at Hermanus Whale Festival Sunday 30 September Hermanus Old Harbour Open Water Swim Under the strict supervision of Walker Bay Adventures and the National Sea Rescue Institute, swimmers will take a round-about trip from the Old Harbour and back – gliding through 400, 800 and 1 600 m sea swims in southern right whale territory. Everybody is invited to join the crowd in the water and do their best Duffy Duck paddle. Every finisher will receive a Whale Tail medal. The entry fee is R80 per swimmer. Entry forms are available at Euodia Cycles, as well as the Wine Village at the Hemel-en-Aarde Village. Those wishing to enter online, meanwhile, can do so at www.enteronline.co.za. Late registration opens at 08:00; the first swim starts at 09:30, depending on the tides and weather, but not earlier than 09:30. Contact Deon Ferreira on 082 460 2943 if you’d like any further information.
Wednesday 3 October Cliff Path Night Run – Grotto Beach to New Harbour This 10 km night run is sheer fun and exhilaration. No moon until late – only the whales snorting, the sea, and the rhythm of your heart. Cruise the cliff paths, skim the single-tracks, cross the Mussel River, stop at the village for a well-deserved break, beat the bushes and enjoy a cold drink at the end. You will be proud to show around your coveted Cliff Path Whale Tail medal. Park at the New Harbour and you’ll be shuttled to Grotto Beach from 17:30, for free! A torch or headlamp is compulsory. A water point will be set up at the six-kilometre mark along the route. Entry costs R80. Entry forms are available at Euodia Cycles and the Wine Village. Enter online at www.enteronline.co.za. Late registration opens at 18:00 at Grotto Beach. The run starts at 19:30. Contact Paul du Toit on 082 820 3331.
Saturday 6 October Hermanus MTB Challenges – Curro School MTB rides of 3, 30 and 50 km Hermanus Adventures has set a new standard with great rides along scenic routes with spectacular single- and jeep-tracks. The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley has produced some of the most awesome rides, and trailblazer Jan van Schalkwyk is sure to create some brilliant new rides. R20 000 in prizes and prize money is up for grabs! Entry fees: 50 km R150, 30 km R100, 3 km R20. Entry forms are available at Euodia Cycles and the Wine Village. Online entries can be done at www.enteronline.co.za. Late registration opens at 06:30; the 50 km ride starts at 08:00, and the rest at 10-minute intervals. Contact Jan van Schalkwyk on 082 850 1062. Saturday 6 October: Hermanus Trail Runs – Curro School Enjoy true off-road–on-tekkie adventures with 3, 14 and 22 km trail runs.
The 14 and 22 km runs will lead you where very few humans have run before – over beautiful mountain trails, snaking past the river bank, and through lush forest tracks. The fynbos will be in full bloom, with protea and heather in abundance. The 14 km route has only 505 m elevation, whereas the 20 km will hit you with 525 metres of climbing – a true challenge for the adventurous runner. The 3 km Bosloop will take the novice up 400 m of climbing with short bursts of single-track, riverside bush trails, river crossings and pure running pleasure. R10 000 worth of prizes and prize money are up for grabs. Water point locations can be seen online. Entry fees: 22 km trail run R100, 14 km Bosloop R80, kids’ 3 km fun run R20. Entry forms are available at Euodia Cycles and the Wine Village; alternatively, enter online at www.enteronline.co.za. Late registration opens at 06:30; the 22 km starts at 08:20, the 14 km at 08:30 and the Bosloop at 08:45. Call Paul du Toit on 082 820 3331.
Fisherhaven | Hawston | Kleinmond | Bettysbaai | Pringlebaai | Rooiels
Year 2 • Dinsdag 25 September 2012 | Tel. 028 312 3717
Kushengel is ’n sport vir oud en jonk LISTON DAVIDOWITZ Die 2012–’13 Boland kushengelontwikkelingsdag wat jaarliks voor die hengelseisoen gehou word, het Saterdag op Struisbaai plaasgevind. Dié dag fokus op al die fasette van kompetisie-hengel. Dit is ’n geleentheid vir juniors sowel as van die senior hengelaars om hulself op te skerp deur te luister na praatjies gelewer deur Boland se top-provinsiale en internasionale hengelaars. Hengelgerei, teiken spesies, aas voorbereiding en aanbieding, die lees van water en hoe weersomstandighede hengel beïnvloed, is onder meer bespreek. Arno Dames en Johan van der Westhuizen het hul ondervindings van internasionale hengel met almal gedeel. Die hoof van Bolandontwikkeling, Johann la Grange, en Bernard Kramer het die juniors se monde letterlik laat oophang met
die praatjie oor aas. André Kratz, voorsitter van Boland-kushengel, en Frans Claassen, sekretaris van SASAA, was ook teenwoordig en het saamgestem die dag was ’n reusesukses. “Die Boland kushengelvereniging gaan alles in sy vermoë doen om hengelsport en die bewaring van ons kus onder meer juniors in die Boland se aandag te bring,” het Kratz gesê. In die nabye toekoms sal La Grange ’n meer basiese ontwikkelingskliniek aanbied, in noue samewerking met van die skole in die Boland, om belangstellende juniors aan die sport bekend te stel. Indien enige lede wil aansluit, of skole wat wil hê die klub moet kinders wat belangstel, betrek, kan vir Liston Davdiowitz, publisiteitsbeampte Boland Kushengel, bel by 082 572 4572. ) Opkomende kompetisie: Die eerste Boland interklub-ligakompetisie vind 20 Oktober plaas, met een kompetisie per maand daarna.
Lede van die Boland Kushengelklub wat die Ontwikkelingsdag op Struisbaai bygewoon het.
Katonkel are jumping around
R
eports from shore anglers have been much more encouraging of late, now that the weather and sea conditions – including the tide and colour of the water – are more conducive to fishing. Last Saturday Gordon’s Bay Shore Angling Club held its monthly competition, which proved to be quite successful. Danie Viljoen won the competition with two kob (6 and 7 kg) and two dassie (blacktail) caught from Witpypies, near Oumansgat. He also caught a 51 cm mussel cracker, but released it as the fish was undersized. While fishing from the Adderley Street reef and Verleëbank, Joe Steyn and Christo Botha weighed in some large dassie. Hennie Truter, fishing from “Aasbankies” off Macassar beach, landed two galjoen and two dassie. The snoek shoals are still around but well dispersed. Boats are still hauling in good catches of snoek from the Kleinmond area. The “ou snoekgronde” straight outside Gordon’s Bay are still teeming with snoek and bait, and local boatmen are reaping the benefits. Local boat skippers reported having up to 600 fish aboard. Reports from Earl Fenwick, who was fishing near Cape Point, mentioned that the water there was dark and a trifle cold, and that there were about 20 other boats fishing for yellowtail and katonkel there. Earl said that, due to the presence of so many boats manoeuvring around the area, boats only caught between five and eight yellowtail each. Matters were complicated by the snoek, which were taking the lures meant for the yellowtail. Last weekend the snoek were widespread from outside Buffel’s Bay to Seal Island and all around Kalk Bay. These shoals of snoek were pushed into this area by the southeast winds. Some of the boats reported catching a few slender tunny between the snoek, which proved these tunny are still around and do move close in to shallow water when conditions are right. The final results of the Western Province Deep Sea Angling Association’s Inshore
League South shows that Gordon’s Bay Boat Club dominated the competition. The top angler was D Hughes, fishing on his boat Relentless. In second spot was L Becker, and third P Christodoulou. The top junior angler was J Geldenhuys. All these anglers were representing Gordon’s Bay Boat Angling Club (GBBAC). The second junior angler was S Brown, and third S Nay Smith, both from the Cape Boat and SkiBoat Club. The second best boat in the competition was Shanken and the third Haven, both from GBBAC. The second last leg of the Inshore West League was to be fished this weekend, weather permitting. On Saturday and Sunday wellknown angler Dr Vincent Taylor, accompanied by Barend Ridgway and his two children, Hilton and Marilyn, enjoyed catching some large white stumpnose at Langebaan lagoon using prawn bait. Local shore angling should pick up for kob, dassie and wildeperd this weekend. Shore anglers should bear in mind that the current run of snoek could result in a shortage of pilchard and pike baits. Anglers wishing to have custom rods made, as well as those who need repairs or rings replaced, should get the repairs done as soon as possible and not leave the work until the season begins.
Dr Vincent Taylor (the Langebaan Legend) shows one of the white stumpnose of just over 1 kg caught in the Langebaan lagoon during the past weekend.
Action-packed Staalwater
Riders assemble for the start of the Staalwater Mountain Bike Challenge at The Caledon Casino, Hotel & Spa on Saturday 8 September. FOTO: VERSKAF The Staalwater Mountain Bike Challenge attracted over 500 riders from across the country on Saturday 8 September. As per previous years, the race started and ended at The Caledon Casino, Hotel & Spa. The three race routes, including the 60 km, 30 km and 15 km, took racers on a scenic journey through a mix of private farms and district dirt roads, with the Overberg Mountains offering an exquisite backdrop. Ailsa van Wyk, Marketing Manager at The Caledon Casino, Hotel & Spa says the 2012 challenge was a great success, with participants and supporters all in great spirits, even the weather played along. “It is gratifying to see friends and families come together to participate in the race. Each year, participation grows and we are seeing an increasing number of people from other regions travelling here to be part of it. While giving professional riders a challenging ride, the race is also a fun-filled event for those who simply want to enjoy a refreshing ride in beautiful surroundings with their families,” she says.