4 NOVEMBER 2020
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The next issue of The Village NEWS will be out on 11 November 2020.
Students from Birdmen Paragliding, a paragliding company in Cape Town, enjoyed the beautiful weather over the weekend by going paragliding from Sir Lowry’s Pass and Rotary Way in Hermanus, which offered beautiful views of Walker Bay. PHOTO: Martin Etsebeth
Hidden treasure in Walker Bay Writer De Waal Steyn
W
alker Bay is much more than a playground for marine species such as whales and dolphins, it also hides long-forgotten treasures of another kind in its deep, dark depths. Marx Möhr, owner of local diving company Neptune’s Divers and Cruises found what seems to be the wreckage of a historic ship not too far from Hermanus’s Old Harbour. “The wreckage has been hidden in plain sight for many decades and while it is impossible to say at this time exactly what ship it is, or indeed if it is the complete wreck of a ship, we are extremely excited about what we have found. To date we have uncovered anchors, chains, and several other as yet unidentified maritime
cultural heritage items,” said Marx, who seems to have a penchant for undersea treasures. (He even proposed to his wife, Makayla under water in the New Harbour, but that’s another story.) He said the shipwreck adventure started some two years ago when Makayla gave him a metal detector for his birthday. “I was quite excited to try out the detector and went for a dive. It was not long before I detected a strong metal signal and found links of a chain. I followed the signal and that was when I discovered the first sea-encrusted anchor.” Marx said he immediately realised that he’d happened upon a long-buried treasure that needed to be kept as undisturbed as possible to save it. “Many of the artefacts we have found are so delicate that should you bring them to the surface, they would disintegrate
within minutes.” It is for this very reason that the location of the exact site will be kept a secret. “People removing souvenirs from diving sites can very easily disturb the site or create a lot of damage by Marx Möhr removing pieces. We on one of the have to guard against dives to the that until we have a wreckage. clear understanding of what is still buried deep under the sand and silt.” Earlier this year, the Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage (MUCH) Unit of the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) inspected and
carried out tests on the site, measuring some 200m² and 20 metres deep in Walker Bay. SAHRA approved Neptune’s application for a permit to undertake a pre-disturbance survey for an unknown wreck in Hermanus. This enabled Neptune to monitor and protect the site and to promote it exclusively as a heritage diving site. Vanessa Maitland, a maritime archaeologist, undertook a magnetometer survey to define the boundaries and map the site. This process is ongoing. Continues on P5
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4 November 2020
Diving excursions planned for December From P1 “It has been a challenge to get to this stage – secret dives, all subject to visibility and weather as well as the fact that our yacht from which we also do diving excursions, Ocean Quest, was not allowed in that part of Walker Bay during the whale season,” said Marx. “After the initial find, Makayla and my father Dolf joined the preliminary exploration until we could involve SAHRA and Vanessa, with rewarding results. We hope this new heritage diving site, which we have named Neptune X until a name can be linked to identifiable remains, will lead to more interesting historic finds, and contribute to Hermanus as an enviable tourist destination.” To date four different anchors and chains, as well as a huge anchor winch have been found alongside some other artefacts. Interestingly, the size and shape of the anchors indicate that they date from the mid to late 1800s and would have been used to anchor a ship of at least 200 tons – much larger than any of the whaling ships that used to frequent the Old Harbour. The chains also stretch out away from the anchors, indicating that the anchors were not discarded in the ocean as the chains would then have curled up next to the anchors. Makayla has been doing research on some of their finds and she says it is still too early to positively identify some of the
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heritage items as belonging to a specific shipwreck. “The remains lie at 20 metres on a predominantly sandy reef and it offers an exciting dive to qualified divers. We plan to start excursions to Neptune X in December,” Marx added. The world-wide mysteries surrounding shipwrecks are legion and what still lies hidden at Neptune X is no exception. According to the records of SAHRA, there are about 200 shipwrecks identified along the Overberg coastline, dating from the middle or late 1600s. Frieda Lloyd, Tourism Manager for the Cape Whale Coast, is a representative on the government’s Oceans Economic Working Group which, through Operation Phakisa, focuses on unlocking the economic potential of South Africa’s oceans. She says that developing responsible coastal and marine tourism is a key element of Operation Phakisa and that the discovery and potential of Neptune X could be significant. “Experience and authenticity are crucial elements for the growth of sustainable tourism. Neptune X offers the possibility of both and, as a heritage diving site, it could become an important contributor to coastal and marine tourism in the Overberg and beyond,” she said. Frieda is also looking at possibilities to unlock the marine experiences offered in Walker Bay. The bay closes for boating annually from June to November. LEFT: Mikayla and Marx Möhr, owners of Neptune’s Diving and Cruises in the New Harbour and Marx’s father Dolf are excited about the tourism possibilities of this discovery along our shores. BELOW: An anchor winch that is more than a metre long is among the artefacts that have been discovered at the Neptune X site. PHOTO: Supplied VIDEO: Neptune's Divers & Cruises
New muni manager for Overstrand Dean O’Neill took over the reins as municipal manager of the Overstrand Municipality from Coenie Groenewald on 1 November. A self-confessed lifelong learner, O’Neill originally set out to pursue a career in civil engineering, but after having served in technical capacities – first at Vredendal and then Matzikama – he changed tack and began pursuing a career in public administration in earnest. Today, he holds a master’s degree in public administration and is an Accredited Municipal Manager – a distinction very few people in the country can boast with. O’Neill has been serving as Cape Agulhas’s municipal manager since 2013 and regards the fact that he and his team managed to obtain unqualified audit reports consecutively for the past five years as a major accomplishment. “Rapid changes in the Western Cape’s political landscape necessitate resilience and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment,” O'Neill said. “I regard teamwork as the key and firmly believe that every individual’s input, no matter how insignificant it may sound, is crucial to attaining a common goal.” It was with a heavy heart that the Bredasdorp community bid the O'Neill family farewell since they took such a lively interest in local affairs, served on school governing bodies and played an active part in their local parish. Coenie Groenewald delivered his final speech amidst loud applause and a standing ovation during his last Council meeting on Wednesday 28 October. He thanked everyone for their support over the years and said it felt like yesterday when he joined the Overstrand Municipality in 2003. “It feels like only this morning that I was appointed as municipal manager in 2012. “But as it is written in Ecclesiastes 3: ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven’ and so, because life is a journey and not a destination, it is now time for my wife and I to depart on our journey of retirement,” he said. He added that he thoroughly enjoyed working for the Overstrand Municipality. “This is one of the best municipalities in the country and it is praised from various quarters for, amongst others, the cleanliness of our area and for the high standard of services we render. It is an honour for me to have been associated with a municipality which is in the company of only six other municipalities in the country that could maintain their clean audit status for five consecutive years and more – in the case of Overstrand, for seven consecutive years – and we are holding thumbs for the 2019/20 audit which is soon to commence in all earnest.” Groenewald concluded by saying: “It is never easy to say goodbye to people you care about – thus, I would rather stick to what Mahatma Gandhi once said: ‘There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever I go, you will always be in my heart’.”
PHOTO: De Waal Steyn
The Village NEWS wishes Coenie Groenewald a happy and long retirement and welcomes Dean O’Neill to our shores.
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062 837 3122 raphael@thevillagenews.co.za
4 November 2020
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4 November 2020
2021/22 IDP review underway Writer De Waal Steyn
community,” said Coetzee.
T
He added: “This year our IDP review and budget compilation processes are influenced by the uncertain future due to Covid-19 and the negative effect that lockdown has had on our economy, the post Covid-19 recovery plans as well as the possibility of a second wave. Globally the effect of Covid-19 is devastating. Closer to home, in South Africa, at least 2.2 million people lost their jobs and the country’s fragile economy fell into recession with an 8.2% contraction expected for 2020.
he 2021/2022 review of the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) will align with the Western Cape Government’s post-Covid-19 recovery plan that focuses on jobs, safety and wellbeing. This was made public by Mayor Dudley Coetzee during his IDP review and 2021/2024 budget directional speech during the Council meeting held last Wednesday. The municipality is busy with the fourth and final review for 2021/2022 of the current 5-year IDP. The IDP is the five-year development plan of the municipality that is reviewed annually. Coetzee said the annual review allows Council the opportunity to “pause and assess” whether they are still on track in attaining the strategic direction set at the start of the fiveyear period. The current IDP was approved by Council in 2017 and covers the period from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2022. He said for the 2021/22 IDP review the Overstrand Executive Management Team (EMT) has collectively decided to retain the strategic direction set in the current IDP. “Our vision, mission and strategic objectives will remain unchanged. We emphasised that every member of staff and councillors must live up to our vision to be a centre of excellence for the
“At the IDP review strategic session in October, the EMT deliberated on the status quo of jobs, safety and wellbeing, as well as possible new initiatives for the coming financial year. One of the discussion points was how to attract big companies to our area. To achieve this, it was agreed that red tape reduction must be accelerated; open days should be hosted to get businesses interested in our area; it must be investigated what other municipalities are doing to attract investment – particularly where large pieces of land are not required; and to continue to build relationships with the existing businesses in our area.” Coetzee emphasised the importance of tourism to the Overstrand economy. “It was agreed that we need to ensure that attractions that will draw tourists into our area all
year round are provided. We need to revisit our larger infrastructure projects to determine how these can contribute to job creation and we will also investigate wi-fi connectivity to areas not currently connected.” The outcomes of Overstrand’s post-Covid-19 recovery plan will feed into the 2021/22 IDP review process. “The IDP informs the municipal budget and therefor the IDP review process includes the compilation of the 2021/22 draft budget. Covid-19 is still with us and this has left us with a difficult economic climate in which to budget. Consequently, very stringent budget guidelines have been issued to the administration by Council. All expense items that we are able to control will have a zero increase and at this stage tariff increases are limited 3.5%.” The draft 2021/22 IDP review and draft 2021/22 Budget will both serve before Council in March 2021 for consideration. The mayor urged all stakeholders to actively participate and engage on the platforms created for the IDP and budget review process. He concluded by saying: “As always, the public will have the opportunity in April 2021 to submit written inputs on both the draft IDP review and the draft budget. Public inputs are valued, and the municipality encourages active public participation in these two processes.”
‘Love Hermanus’ lauded overseas Three South African films recently won top awards at an international tourism film festival in Viseu, Portugal. The big winner was ‘Mzansea’, directed and edited by Otto Whitehead, which celebrates the treasures of South Africa’s oceans and the conservation efforts that have led to the extent of its marine protected areas increasing from 0.4% to 5%. The other two films, ‘Welcome to Khayelitsha’ and ‘Love Hermanus’ each came second in their respective categories. ‘Love Hermanus’, which was entered in the locations category, was directed and edited by FC Hamman, an award-winning filmmaker and drone cinematography specialist. FC says he made the short film after South Africa had been in lockdown for many weeks, and he and his friend, Shane Sauvage of La Pentola, agreed that “the people of Hermanus needed something to lift their spirits”. After securing the rights to the music at his own cost – a South African composition called ‘Sacred Quest’ – FC used footage owned by his
company, FC Hamman Films and edited the film to the beat of the music, also at no remuneration. The uplifting film, which makes use of FC’s exciting drone shots, can be viewed on YouTube (https://youtu.be/kZ86lsPeaJ0). The film was widely shared on social media platforms, not only to kickstart domestic tourism to the Cape Whale Coast, but also to promote the area as a desirable film location. “International production teams who come here to shoot on location are a huge potential source of income and job opportunities,” says FC. “And where in the world could you find more diverse and more beautiful locations than here?” – Hedda Mittner
FC Hamman taking time out of his busy schedule to enjoy breakfast at The Eatery, one of his favourite restaurants in Hermanus.
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FROM THE EDITOR
4 November 2020
We are worth fighting for
As the sun’s rays stay with us longer and longer every day and we feel the heat of the first days of summer, life still seems as if it is suspended in a strange limbo.
all pray for those in Europe who are once again going through the pain and agony of a lockdown.
In years to come we may find ourselves counting the years as 2018, 2019, Coronavirus, 2021, 2022, as if this year did not really happen.
And while our daily figures for new infections stay firmly above the 1 000 mark, we are hopeful that summer will bring a more significant drop to ensure that we won’t have to return to higher lockdown levels.
While we wait with a sense of trepidation for our president to tell the nation what the next steps are, we
With some 730 000 confirmed cases in South Africa and only a little more than 80 active cases in
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NEWS WhatsApp or SMS your stories and photos to 083 700 3319
the Overberg, it seems as if the immediate threat is over. But, as it has been repeated several times, now is the time for us to be as vigilant as ever. The virus has proven itself to be unpredictable and a new outbreak would cripple our local economy.
allowed to happen.
destination.
We all have a civic duty towards our fellow residents. We should all be used to social distancing and masks by now – worn properly and covering both nose and mouth! – so let us not break the habit.
If we simply stick to the basic rules and we keep on reminding ourselves how much is at stake, we will become the envy of the country.
Almost daily there are references on social media to the many people who are openly flouting the social distancing and mask-wearing rules. This can simply not be
For the sake of the safety of our fellow residents, our visitors and our economy, it is important for the Cape Whale Coast to become known as a Covid-responsible
pregnant women by telling them in gory detail how long and painful their labour was, will be forced to home-school their children for five months. No, wait, that punishment has already been handed down. Supercrusher will have to come up with something worse...
De Waal Steyn
Hedda Mittner
CONTENT EDITOR T: 083 645 3928
E: hedda@thevillagenews.co.za
Raphael da Silva ONLINE EDITOR T: 074 125 5854
E: raphael@thevillagenews.co.za
Elaine Davie
JOURNALIST T: 084 343 7500
E: elaine@thevillagenews.co.za Taylum Meyer PRODUCTION MANAGER, PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN T: 084 564 0779
E: taylum@thevillagenews.co.za
Charé van der Walt
This is the good NEWS – Ed.
Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it's super... something
Sugar & Spice
PUBLISHING EDITOR T: 083 700 3319
E: dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za
It is within our grasp to have a flourishing region despite the sword of the pandemic hanging over our heads. Let us do this for each other; we are all worth it.
By Hélène Truter
I
f you could choose any superpower, what would it be? To be superstrong? Superfast? I thought long and hard. What would I need to get through the rest of this year? I put in a request for the superpower of not giving a sh#t. Alas, it was turned down. I had to settle for supercrusher.
I can't fly or save the world or grow instant muscles, but I've made myself a red velvet cape and I'm ready to exercise my super-duper supercrusher power. The timid may now move swiftly along. Here comes... Supercrusher! Task #1: Get rid of all the inefficient fat cats in the civil service. Someone has to do it. The government is busy with other stuff, like saving SAA. In a year’s time, we'll do a survey to find out if anyone noticed the difference. Task #2: Supercrusher will crush corona, chaos, corruption and carrots (as an optional extra). Task #3: All mothers who freak out first-time
Task #4: Sort out the sewage problem in South Africa. From our non-existent border with Zim right down to Agulhas. All affected areas will be thoroughly investigated with a fine-tooth comb. I'm thinking of putting Julius in charge of this operation. Unfortunately the area in Gardens, Cape Town – particularly the buildings in Plein and Parliament streets – can no longer be salvaged. The sewage spillage in this particular spot is just too overwhelming and the IMF loan has already been spent. Task #5: Words like superspreader, machne (skin condition caused by masks) mikinis (masks that are too small) and especially the phrase 'with immediate effect' (as in the alcohol ban) will be erased from human memory. Supercrusher is working on erasing the entire 2020, also known as twenty-plenty. Ha! Little did we know what the plenty referred to. Task #6: Crush prerecorded telesales voices screaming in your ear: Awe! Are you satisfied with your insurance?! These cruel humans will be dealt with swiftly... Every time they open their mouths, Supercrusher will shove a pink marshmallow into
the black hole. No, not that one, the one under the nose. Task #7: Where has all the Marmite gone? Supercrusher is on it. I'm negotiating with my colleague, Invisible Man, to sneak onto an outbound South African flight. Yes, of course it's illegal, but we've got an Ace up our sleeve. With Ace and the Command Council on your team, you can do whatever you damn please. And the country's running out of Marmite, so it's in the national interest of our poephol (sorry, I mean people). Task #8: Aaawh?! There will be no task 8. I was planning to crush bad spelling and bad manners... Apparently the Superpower Union has forbidden any overtime, hard work or excellence. Lest the poephol get used to good service. Imagine how demanding the public will become, actually expecting service delivery. What do they think this is? A democracy? Besides, the task manual was stolen along with the lunch money and our flying licences. Oh, and did I mention that we had a shortfall of three billion thousand hundred trillion dollars? Not to worry, we'll toyitoyi and put in a request (i.e. demand). I'm resigning. 'With immediate effect'. I don't need to be some fictitious Superhero. I'm a Superhuman already. Just like you. No, I'm not crazy. (Okay, maybe a little.) Point is, we are all superhuman. We're still here, aren't we? Let the wors be with you.
HERMANUS: SEVEN-DAY WEATHER AND TIDE TABLE Wed | 4 Nov
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4 November 2020
LET'S TALK The Village NEWS firmly believes in freedom of the press as well as the right of individuals to freely express themselves, as long as they don’t infringe upon the rights of others. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors therefore do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Village NEWS. Letters may be shortened and/or edited for clarity and style. Send your letters to dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za.
Hermanus Cemetery Remembrance Day World War I ended at 11:00 on 11 November 1918, which is why Remembrance services are held
at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month to commemorate the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives. Also known as Poppy Day, this event will be observed at the Hermanus Cemetery, where everyone is invited to come and help plant vygies
Talisman Hire Hermanus announced the winners of their braai hamper competition last week at their centre in Arum Road, Hermanus Industria. Entrants had to spend R400 or more at Talisman Hire and like their Facebook page to enter. Pikkie Smal (middle) and his partner Daniel van der Merwe (absent) from Anserbay were the winners of the hamper worth R1 500. In second place was Lionel Leukes (second from right) of Greenwich Homes who received a shopping voucher and wine hamper; and in third place was Willie Botha (right) of Pacific Beach Trading who was given two Talisman beanies and a wine hamper. Pictured with them on the left are Candice Botha (Administration) and Renier Cronje (Hires & Sales) from Talisman Hire.
on some of the prepared sand graves from 10:00. Poppies made from red paper plates will also be attached to the white crosses in the cemetery – please make your own ‘poppies’ and bring them along. The Mayor and the MOTHS will participate in a short
ceremony at 11:00, which will include two minutes of silence and the release of doves. For more information, contact Melanie Moore on 071 239 6646 or melanie.ronell.moore@gmail.com.
Curro Independent School Hermanus would like to thank Franni Vivier, Marlese Lindes and the Grade R parents of the school for respectively sponsoring beautiful Curro Hermanus face masks for the High School, ground staff, Primary school and Castle staff. Franni, a proud parent of the school, is also the owner of Azure One (azureone.co.za) a supplier of corporate gifts and clothing. From left are Pierre van der Westhuizen (Head of High School), Zelda Killingsworth (Head of Primary School), Franni Vivier (Azure One), Elbe Oberholzer (Interim Head of Castle), Marlese Lindes (parent) and Kobus Vermeulen (Executive Head). PHOTO: Supplied
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4 November 2020
Fibre art exhibition opens at FynArts Gallery T
he Art of Thread exhibition is an annual highlight of the Hermanus FynArts Festival, which was scheduled to have taken place in June this year – that is, until Covid-19 struck. While some of the planned events could be presented in a virtual format, others had to be postponed until a later date. One of them was this year’s Art of Thread exhibition, titled ‘Design Matters’ which opened at the FynArts Gallery on Saturday. This inspiring exhibition was curated by Dal Botha, with 20 artists invited to participate. Influenced by postmodernism, fibre art has become increasingly conceptual since the 1980s, extending beyond ordinary embroidery or quilt-making. In addition to experimenting with materials and techniques, fibre artists address cultural, social and political issues in their work. Prioritising aesthetic value and design above utility, they convey emotion and meaning through the use of textiles only,
or combined with mixed media. In her opening address, Karen McKerron said the ‘Design Matters’ exhibition was a hymn to the universe; a hymn to being alive. “These works are about standing firm and moving upwards, like church spires,” she said, while commenting on how deeply each artist went into themselves to release this energy and bring us their vision of what is happening to us during this pandemic. Dal Botha in turn thanked Festival Director Mary Faure for keeping FynArts alive, and each artist for their valuable contribution. Many of the participating artists were present at the opening, with some having travelled from as far afield as Cape Town and George. The exhibition will run until 28 November. The FynArts Gallery can be found in The Courtyard at 2 Harbour Road (right behind The Wine Glass).
PHOTOS: Hedda Mittner
LEFT: FynArts Administrator Chantel Louskitt, Karen McKerron, who opened the exhibition, curator Dal Botha and FynArts Festival Director Mary Faure. BELOW: Among the participating artists who attended the opening of ‘Design Matters’ at the FynArts Gallery on Saturday were (from left) Dal Botha (curator), Glenda Weidemann, Lubi Koorts, Diana Vandyar, Willemien de Villiers, Monique Day-Wilde, Anett Edwards, Kim Tedder, Shirley Sissan and Wilma Smit. In front are Minda du Plessis, Lesley Jurgens and Sheila Walwyn.
WHAT’S ON
6 NOV – 14 NOV 2020
OVERBERG 6
Friday
Ladies social tennis Join the Hermanus Tennis Club for ladies social tennis, every Friday morning. Ideal for those who feel inspired to revitalise their game in a friendly space. No booking required. R30 visitors’ fee applies. All Covid-19 protocols are observed. Contact Lynn on 071 109 8175 for further information. Hermanus Sports Centre | 09:00 Wine Down Friday Celebrate that TGIF feeling at The Wine Glass at the end of a busy week! Enjoy the vibe and get two for the price of one on selected wines, beers and nibbles. This special offer now also extends to Super Saturday at the same time, from 16:00 –18:00. Book via www.thewineglass.guru or call 082 082 0007. The Wine Glass, 2 Harbour Rd, Hermanus | 16:00 – 18:00 (Fri & Sat) Hermanus First Fridays Join the art galleries in the centre of town as they stay open until 8pm, every first Friday of the month. This month’s artwalk includes a treasure hunt to locate a pair of beautiful pearl earrings designed and crafted by Geta Finlayson. This ‘treasure’ could be hidden at any of the galleries, so keep your eyes peeled and you may just become the lucky winner of these bespoke earrings! Please note that all Covid-19 protocols will be followed. No mask, no entry. Hermanus CBD | 17:00 – 20:00
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Booomlee Buules Fridays Spend Friday evening in style at The Marine with L’Ormarins. You can delight in bottomless bubbles and chef’s welcome canapés every Friday, from 17h00 to 19h00 this November. R 185 per person - Booking is essential 028 313 1000 | bookings@themarine.co.za themarinehotel.co.za/whats-on to hotfoot it across to Die Markie at Hermanuspietersfontein. Here safe parking is a doddle and life is easy. Hermanuspietersfontein Wine Cellar | 09:00 – 13:00
Saturday
Hermanus Country Market A favourite among the locals. Young, old, two-legged and four-legged family members are all welcome. You’ll find wholesome goodies, homemade crafts, local produce, beers and wine, speciality foods, coffee and live music. Next to Hermanus Cricket Field | 09:00 – 13:00 Die Markie Looking for koek? Vetkoek, pannekoek, soet koekies, sout koekies, lewer koekies? A peaceful place to while away Saturday mornings, glass of wine in hand, with Woefie lying at your feet? Olives, freshly shucked oysters and other nibbles made by real people? Served on real porcelain, using real cutlery, sipping wine from a real wine glass? Then you’ll want
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Stanford Saturday Morning Market Come and sample the artisanal delights on display, from home-made sheep and goats’ cheeses to woodfired ciabattas, pastries and pies, farm-fresh vegetables, free-range eggs, flowers, preserves and deli delights (including gluten-free, wheatfree and vegan goodies) to tantalise your taste buds! #Nomasksnoservice. Stanford Hotel Stoep | 09:00 – 12:00 Junktique Market One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Pop in and give new life to a previously loved item. Treats and nibbles are also available for sale. CosR50 per stall. To book contact 028 341 0340 or book@stanfordinfo.co.za. Stanford Tourism Office Courtyard | 09:00 – 12:00
WINE & DINE Overstrand
Gansbaai Farmers’ Market Specialising in organic, homemade and home-grown products such as fresh farm produce, oven-fresh bakes and pastries, local wines and craft beers, and indigenous plants and herbs. No plastic or polystyrene packaging; only eco-friendly wood, paper, glass and earthenware used to display goods. For enquiries, contact 028 384 1439 or doulene@gansbaaitourism.co.za Kapokblom Street, opposite Gansbaai Tourism | 09:00 – 14:00
Beaumont Spring Celebration Beaumont Family Wines is hosting a special event to celebrate spring on the farm, where the vines are shooting and the beautiful gardens are in full bloom. Book a vineyard walk with winemaker Sebastian Beaumont, followed by a cellar tour and barrel tastings. Visitors will also be treated to special tastings of new and older vintages of Beaumont’s award-winning wines throughout the day. Book a table to enjoy a delicious brunch or lunch at the Zest Deli. Contact 028 284 9194 or info@beaumont.co.za. Beaumont Wines | 09:30 – 16:00
Elgin Open Gardens Don’t miss the second weekend of the scenic Elgin Valley’s Open Gardens event held in aid of local charities. There will be open gardens ranging from large established country gardens (some which are over 50 years old) to young, recently planted gardens in villages and on smallholdings. A number of gardens will have plants for sale, and some such as Keurbos and Fresh Woods will be offering unusual and interesting plants difficult to find elsewhere. All visitors must please wear masks and adhere to the Covid-19 protocols. Find all the details and download your map to the gardens at elginopengardens. co.za.
Nose to Tail Trail Walk your dog around the picturesque village of Stanford to raise funds for Stanford Animal Welfare. Dog Walk tickets are R50 pp (dogs free!) and R20 for a raffle ticket, available from Stanford Vet Clinic or Veronica Carter on 082 600 1796. Bacon & egg rolls will be on sale. Meet on c/o Sillery and Sannie Badenhorst Streets, Stanford | 08:00
Elgin Valley | 09:30 – 17:00 (Sat & Sun)
SAARP meeting The guest speaker at the South
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African Association of Retired Persons (SAARP) Hermanus’s meeting will be Vicki Hudson from CapeNature and her topic is Working dogs and tortoises. Vicki will be accompanied by Brin, a dog trained to sniff out geometric tortoises! For enquiries, contact Sheila Craul on 072 324 7894. Sandbaai Hall | 09:30 for 10:00 Wild Woman Within creative writing workshop Join local artist Gillian Hahn online every Wednesday afternoon for her creative writing group workshop via Zoom. The cost is R200 pp. Gillian also offers private one-on-one workshops on drawing and creative writing. You’ll find all the info at www.gillianhahn. com/workshops/ or contact 076 181 2964 or gillianhahn14@gmail.com Virtual event | 14:00 –16:00
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Friday
Fleur le Cordeur Workshop Joins Bosman Hermanus at their De Bos Farm in the Upper Hemel-enAarde Valley for a one- or two-day workshop spectacular presented by the Stellenbosch-based floral artist Heike Hayward of Fleur le Cordeur. Using the farm’s own fynbos she’ll show you some clever skills, and the science and technique behind her astounding installations. You’ll also learn about sustainable farming and how to forage for natural gems, and be spoilt with beautiful gifts, fabulous food and fine wines. The cost is R3 750 per day, or R7 000 for both days. To book, contact 084 498 0779 or visit www.bosmanhermanus.com. Bosman Hermanus | 08:30 for 09:00 – 17:00 (Fri & Sat)
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Saturday
Mussels & Craft Beer Festival Come and celebrate summer in The Courtyard with local craft beers and scrumptious mussels. There will also be live music, an open kitchen and full bar available. Free entry! Contact 082 082 0007 or visit our website www.thewineglass.guru for more information. The Wine Glass, 2 Harbour Rd, Hermanus | from 12:00
1 Hoy’s Koppie
Voëlklip, Stanford & Gansbaai
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Onrus, Whale Coast Mall & Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
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Join us at Ficks, 7 days a week, for your favourite pinchos, wine & cocktails. We also have a range of crispy flammkuche available as well as a delicious selection of desserts.
7 Village Market
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EMAIL: info@ficks.co.za
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Square
We are situated at 8 Marine Drive, Westcliff , overlooking the historic Ficks Tidal Pool. We have wheelchair access to the left side of the parking area. Please visit our website to view our full menu.
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TEL: 0283124082
9 New Harbour
Hermanus Pieters se Fontein (The place our village was originally named after)
Old Harbour
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Gearing’s Point
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What's on at
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Wine Tasting Experiences - DAILY Bubbles & Brunch - FROM 10AM | SATURDAY AND SUNDAY Gourmet Picnics - SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | R600 FOR TWO Rocking The Lagoon - 5 DECEMBER 2020 Live Music - 12+13 & 19+20 DECEMBER 2020
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INFO@BENGUELACOVE.CO.ZA | +27 (0) 87 357 0637 | WWW.BENGUELACOVE.CO.ZA
4 November 2020
www.thevillagenews.co.za
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It’s Angie, it’s Kleinmond, it’s Just Delicious Writer Elaine Davie
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ou’ve been running from pillar to post all day and you’re too exhausted to cook. You have unexpected guests and it’s too late to cook. Your wife is away and you’re sick of braais. Never fear, Angie is here. There was a sense of jubilation in the air at the launch recently of Angie McCormick’s new venture in Kleinmond called Just Delicious. Angie, her daughter, Yvette and assistant, Mary Lehopa have moved into one of the smallest shops in town and are already cooking up a storm.
Somerset West, as well as a pie shop both there and in Long Street, Cape Town, followed by The Rose and Thorn, an upmarket restaurant and wedding venue, also in Somerset West. When she was persuaded to retire three years ago by her late husband, Peter, she reluctantly sold her business in Kleinmond. But sitting still was not for her and before long she was at it again with a stall at the Elgin Station Market. After a year and a half there, once again her children suggested it might be time to put her feet up and relax.
She will be remembered by all her fans in Kleinmond as well as many visitors from further afield for the delicious fresh-made meals, pies and sweet treats she produced at Angie’s Pudding and Pie. On the other hand, Hermanus residents still have fond memories of Yve’s Pudding and Pie on Marine Drive and Yvette’s famous cheesecake. Mary, too, is a long-time member of the dream team, having joined Angie in 2008.
This time her ‘retirement’ lasted six months. And then came lockdown and a new opportunity for the ever-resourceful Angie. With people unable to visit restaurants, but hungry for a change in diet, she, Yvette and Mary started cooking and delivering freshly-cooked meals to local residents twice a week. Soon, they could barely keep up with all the cooking and delivering and they decided the next step would be to find a small venue, centrally-located, where a selection of meals would be available for collection every day.
A mother of four children – all daughters – and grandmother of five, Angie is a workaholic and multi-tasker of note, with many years of experience as a foodie, having owned a pub in
“I was a bit dubious at first about the size of this one,” she says, “but it’s all worked out well in the end. It’s right in the centre of town with plenty of parking across the road at the OK and,
of course, there’s no need for seating, because it’s not an actual restaurant. Another plus is that our next-door neighbours are William Chiwara and his wife, Florence, and their renowned Natural Health coffee shop. What a perfect fit!” Customers come to collect a meal or a slice of cake from Just Delicious and pop in next door for a coffee or health-shake from William, or vice versa. Together, they serve coffee with scones and cream on Sundays. Be sure to drop in for a real treat. The Just Delicious team has two or three full meals to choose from every day of the week, as well as Sunday lunch. In fact, a roast of some kind is a daily option. Angie’s success lies in the quality of her ingredients and her passion for cooking, as her many customers will testify. At this time of financial distress, her prices are another major drawcard. On promotion at the moment, a generous week-day meal (different every day) will cost R80 with a free dessert, and
Morongwe (Mary) Lehopa and partners, Angie McCormick and her daughter Yvette. PHOTO: Elaine Davie
a Sunday roast with all the trimmings, R100, also including a free dessert. In addition, Angie’s famous cookies, rusks and biscuits will always be available, and to order, complete cakes. Whatever you choose, you can be sure it will be Just Delicious. For more information or to place an order, Angie can be contacted on 071 197 9692 or angiespuddingandpie@gmail.com.
Handmade goodies galore at The Handmill A few newcomers to The Courtyard off Harbour Road have ensured that this vibrant little hub behind The Wine Glass remains a sought-after destination for browsers and shoppers in Hermanus Old Town. While the Art@Africa Hermanus Gallery and Jewellery Art by Simon are launching this week (in the premises previously occupied by Kunskantoor and Intethe), the quirky little Handmill shop in the opposite corner of The Courtyard has been open for a few weeks already. Owned by Jan and Joan Visser, who recently traded farming in the Sandveld for coastal living in Hermanus, the shop is filled with artisan delights ranging from handmade chocolates, cookies, rusks, nut brittles and nougat to hand-painted and embroidered tea towels, place mats, napkins, wine carriers and wicker baskets. There is also a selection of homemade jams, herbal teas, coffee, olives, olive oils, pestos,
chutneys… all carefully sourced from artisan producers across South Africa. “Many of the products we stock are among our own favourites,” says Joan. With their four children all grown up now, she and Jan decided to sell their potato farm on the West Coast and start a new chapter in Hermanus. “It’s wonderful to be living in a town where we’ve spent memorable holidays,” she says. “We enjoy the beautiful environment, the climate, the atmosphere,” adds Jan. Foodies will have a great time in this friendly little shop, whether you are shopping for yourself or looking for that special gift, and you’ll be sorely tempted to grab a cup of heavenly coffee and a freshly baked sweet treat while you’re there. The Handmill is open on Mondays from 13:00 – 17:00 and from Tuesday to Saturday from 09:00 – 17:00 (closed on Sundays). For enquiries, call 083 302 5364. – Hedda Mittner
Former farmers from the Sandveld, Joan and Jan Visser offer true country hospitality and select artisan products from around the country at their new shop, The Handmill in The Courtyard off Harbour Road. PHOTO: Hedda Mittner
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www.thevillagenews.co.za
4 November 2020
MY HOME
Buying and selling – but which one comes first? By Stephen de Stadler Managing Director Fine & Country Hermanus, Arabella and Kleinmond
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ome is the place where most of us start, and usually end, an ordinary day. Home is the base for our family network, a place where we simply live life. Home is the place where we entertain our friends, where we relax and recharge the proverbial batteries.
But when Covid-19 struck, our homes suddenly became our lockdown location. For many, their most prized possession became their work domicile. Even as the lockdown regulations were eased, many homeowners realised that their home no longer met their needs the way it had in the past. For those who had to clean their homes without assistance, perhaps the extra guest bedroom became an unnecessary requirement. Financial pressure could also have led to the decision to downscale, while for others who now spend most of their workday at home, the lack of a study or home office in their current home became an issue. Even considerations like the availability of fibre
have become important in this so-called new normal. Having thus decided to find a new home, the prospective client now has to reach a decision as to whether they become a seller or a buyer first. In the absence of the required resources allowing you to become a buyer without first having to sell your existing home, most clients need to become sellers before they can commit to buying a new home. In a buyer’s market (which we are currently experiencing) the most powerful buyer is always going to be a cash buyer. A buyer requiring a bond in order to finalise the sale is in an equally strong position, as long as the estate agent has satisfied him or herself that the buyer has the financial wherewithal to raise a bond. The existence of mortgage originators such as BetterBond has also helped this process tremendously, because it gives the buyer access to a one-stop shop in order to secure the best possible mortgage finance. The buyer who creates a sales chain which requires the sale of their existing home before the transfer of their new home can be affected, is the weakest buyer in the market. The seller holding a ‘subject to sale’ offer is
able to continue marketing their home in the interim period, and the fact that they have an offer (albeit conditional) allows them to use this offer to place negotiation pressure on any other prospective buyer in their market. This is not a bad situation for the seller, but a rather less than perfect situation for the ‘subject to’ buyer. Therefore, if you want to first find a new home to move to before selling your existing home, you should realise that your ‘subject to’ offer is far from being a secure sale and has in actual fact given the seller more power and future negotiation ability. In a buyer’s market, this creates an unnecessary power shift. With a ‘subject to’ offer, estate agents will always refer to the 48- or 72-hour clause. This they say is the buyer’s protection because it means that the buyer has the right to remove their condition (the sale of their existing home) or match the price of a new competing offer. Most buyers who have made a decision to buy before they sell are not able to remove the condition until they have actually sold their home, and if they can, they would probably have been advised better to enter into an unconditional offer right at the start of the process.
A word of warning to both buyers and sellers – read the 48- or 72-hour clause carefully. They do not all say the same thing. Some allow for price increases, while some only allow for the removal of conditions. It is far better to be a clean buyer than a conditional buyer. There can be no disputing this fact. My suggestion to any client is thus to always, to the extent possible, sell your home before committing to the buying of another. You will be in a stronger position to negotiate and, in addition, you will then know exactly how much you are able to invest in your future home. If you do not get exactly what you expected for your previous home, you will also be able to look at the correct pricing category for your new acquisition. Always remember, however, that if you buy and sell in the same market conditions, a deemed loss on one side is more than made up by a deemed gain on the other side. If you ‘sell low’ but are able at the same time to ‘buy low’ you have effectively lost nothing. The views expressed above are those of the writer in his personal capacity and may not necessarily reflect the views of Fine & Country as a national and international brand.
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Green crusader of home food gardens Writer Hedda Mittner
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bring people together. How can we be separate if we are working together with our hands in the same soil?”
nspired by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s ‘One Home One Garden’ campaign, intrepid gardener Trevor Nkoyi has rolled up his sleeves once again to help his community. With a little help from the Department, from local businesses and his many friends, he has cleared the yard of the shack in Zwelihle where he lives with his father, and is busy turning it into a thriving organic vegetable garden.
Each job Trevor has had has taught him something new towards becoming more proficient in his calling. But after several years in Stellenbosch, when he heard about the unrest in Hermanus in 2018, he knew he was needed here, so back he came and joined the team at the Zwelihle Youth Café, run by William Ntebe and Fikiswa Gxamesi.
“I want this garden to be a showpiece – an example to the members of my community of what can be done to improve food security for them and their families,” says this humble young man with the green fingers. “The aim is to encourage others, and to train and assist residents to establish their own gardens.”
Getting the vegetable garden at the Youth Café going was back-breaking work, but neither that nor the lack of financial backing stood in the way of Trevor establishing a thriving, farm-sized organic vegetable and herb garden. During the time of Covid-19, this produce has made a huge contribution to the Youth Café’s ability to feed countless hungry tummies through their daily soup kitchen.
Trevor has always been happiest with his hands in the soil. Born in Queenstown, he moved with his parents to Hermanus as a child. He was unable to continue his schooling beyond Grade 7, but, as a teenager, he remembers hanging around the Saturday market, intrigued by the beautiful fresh vegetables and fruit he saw for sale there. This led to Trevor seeking piece-work as a gardener, and over the years he has worked in many a local garden, as well as at Camphill Farm, where he was introduced to the principles of permaculture and biodynamic farming.
“It was a real community project and so many people worked together and assisted us with donations of seeds, fertiliser and hay bales. I invited everyone to come to this happy place and share in my knowledge and love of gardens. Especially for children, it’s very important for them to realise that they can do things for themselves and feel proud of what they produce, instead of waiting for someone to do it for them. Nothing tastes so sweet or is as healthy as a carrot or a lettuce that you have planted yourself and picked from your own garden.”
In 2012 he relocated to Stellenbosch to work at Longridge Wine Estate, which implemented strictly biodynamic farming methods, both for their vines and the vegetables they grew for their restaurant. “Sally (the wife of winemaker Jasper Raats) taught me so much about organic farming,” says Trevor. “And also that gardens
With the emphasis now shifting from food relief to food security, Trevor has decided to take his extensive knowledge and skills into the community to enable residents to become self-sufficient. With the enthusiastic assistance of his friends and neighbours, they are tirelessly building plant boxes, improvising their own
‘One Home One Garden’ volunteers David Vantu, Gladstone Cunu, Trevor Nkoyi, George Nyasulu and Clayton Hendricks with the thriving vegetable boxes they built and planted in Trevor’s backyard. PHOTO: Hedda Mittner rainwater tanks, and planting and tending a variety of vegetables and herbs. For now, surplus produce is distributed free to the elderly in his neighbourhood. A born teacher, Trevor has also organised his first training session and hopes to inspire other households in Zwelihle to follow his example. “I am very grateful to everyone who has supported me on my journey,” says Trevor. “People
like Sally Raats and Marilyn van der Velden are like mentors to me. I would like to thank them and also Camphill Farm, Superplants and Walkerbay Nursery for donating seedlings and compost. I want them to know that they are being put to good use.” Anyone who would like to get involved or assist Trevor in any way can contact him on 079 481 3155.
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4 November 2020
MY WELLNESS
Making sense of supplements By Dr Arien van der Merwe
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e’re all more aware of the importance of supporting our immune systems and looking after our health and wellbeing during these times. More than 90% of positive Covid-19 cases cope well on the road to recovery. We need patience, perseverance and discipline to stay focused on supporting ourselves through self-care, and extending this to our loved ones and those around us. Food supplements for optimal health Supplements are daily additions to a person’s normal diet to ensure optimal health and functioning of the mind-body unit. They support and strengthen the systems of the body so that the metabolism can function optimally. And specifically now, they’re essential additions to a healthy diet, to support immune and respiratory system health. Supplements consist mainly of micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids and medicinal herbs. While most of us consume enough – and often too much! – macronutrients, which include carbohydrates (starch), fats and proteins, our diets are often lacking in sufficient micronutrients. The daily requirement for micronutrients is an intake of five to nine portions (a portion is equal to a large serving spoon or one medium-sized apple, one orange, etc.) of fresh fruit and vegetables, to prevent chronic diseases and ensure optimal health. Chronic diseases include diabetes, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, arthritis, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, atherosclerosis (thickening of the arteries), high blood pressure, eczema, psoriasis, chronic infections (such as sinusitis) and osteoporosis. The 5–9 a day recommendation is intended
for the prevention of disease. As soon as we subject the body to an increased workload, our daily need for micronutrients increases accordingly. This happens during the stresses and strains of daily life, any form of exercise and also while the body is dealing with, or preventing, a disease process. This sets up a vicious circle: a lack of micronutrients plays an important role in the origin of the disease process. Disease and stress increase the burden on the body, causing an increased need for more micronutrients. If these are not provided through diet or food supplements, the disease gets worse and the body’s resistance to infectious organisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites) and stress is reduced. Apart from eating fresh, good quality fruit and vegetables, you also need to vary your daily intake. It is not good enough to eat seven apples a day. An example of a balanced intake for a day would include a banana and a large slice of pawpaw for breakfast; a large mixed salad containing lettuce, tomato, onion, three carrots, an apple and a quarter of a cucumber for lunch; and broccoli (lightly cooked), pumpkin (cooked until soft but without butter and sugar), cauliflower and green beans (both lightly cooked) for supper. Use different kinds of fruit and vegetables every day. It is rather difficult to comply with this quantity and variety of daily intake of fruit and vegetables. Our lifestyles do not always permit it and, even if we eat as many fresh fruit and vegetables as we can, we do not always know how fresh the products are when we buy them. Research has shown that the longer fruit and vegetables are removed from their source, the lower their vitamin and mineral content. For practical purposes, it is therefore essential to take supplementary micronutrients in the form of food supplements. They provide peace of
mind and an extra health insurance policy. Choosing the right supplements The next challenge is choosing the right supplements from among the bewildering variety of products lining the shelves of pharmacies and health shops. We need to take natural food supplements or nutraceuticals, extracted from natural food sources, and not synthetically manufactured. When ill, more of specific micronutrients and medicinal herbal remedies are required. I recommend that you contact a qualified, experienced health practitioner to discuss your specific needs in this instance. Three basic products are required for optimal wellbeing – more is not necessary. I often see patients in my practice that are using far too many products at a huge monthly expense! Micronutrients work together synergistically in complex ways. It is therefore recommended that you take a micronutrient combination rather than one, two or three micronutrients on their own. Helping my patients make sense of supplements forms an important part of my practice. 1. Calcium and Magnesium supplement together in the correct ratio. The minerals should be in an amino acid chelated form for optimal absorption and bioavailability. Your supplement should also contain Vitamins D and C, and minerals Boron and Potassium. To be taken in the evenings at bedtime. 2. Essential fatty acids in the form of Omega-3 (such as cold water salmon, cod liver or fish oil with EPA and DHA). Most of us take enough Omega-6 in the form of plant oils that grow on land. 3. For general heart, brain and body support, a comprehensive multivitamin and antioxidant combination that includes the
following: Vitamin A (with beta and mixed carotenes and carotenoids), Vitamin C, Vitamin E (in all four forms – alpha, beta, delta and gamma – and also in the natural form such as d-alpha-tocopherol), Vitamin B-complex (including B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6 as a group, Vitamin B9, also known as Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, choline, lecithin, inositol and biotin), minerals (in an amino acid chelated form for optimal absorption by the body) Selenium, Chromium, Zinc Copper, Manganese and Iron (15 mg for premenopausal, pregnant and breastfeeding women only). In addition, any phytonutrients in your multivitamin-antioxidant combination are beneficial to your health. Examples of phytonutrients (plant nutrients) include the bioflavonoids quercetin, green tea, acerola cherry extract, tomato powder with lycopene, broccoli powder extract with sulforaphane, grape seed extract with proanthocyanidin, resveratrol, Gingko biloba, and alfalfa (lucerne) extract with lutein. Using supplements in the correct quantities and combinations will help you to thrive in a condition of optimal health and wellbeing. So will adopting a positive attitude to life. Fear is our intimate enemy and practising stress management and daily relaxation techniques are wonderful tools we can all use for physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health! - Adapted from Dr Arien van der Merwe’s book Health & Happiness Dr Arien van der Merwe is a medical doctor and author specialising in natural and mind-body medicine, herbal remedies, fat loss, stress management, workplace wellness and holistic health counselling. Her practice is at The Green Healing Space, 16 Hope St, Hermanus. Tel no: 067 1166 111. Email: Hermanus@DrArien.co.za. Website: www.DrArien.co.za
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4 November 2020
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4 November 2020
MY ENVIRONMENT
The ghost of Walker Bay By Dr Anina Lee
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trollers on Grotto Beach in Hermanus have no doubt come across ‘mermaids' purses’ washed up on the sand. They are actually shark egg cases from which the little sharks have (usually) emerged. Does that mean that sharks lay eggs like birds? Well, some of them do 'shed' eggs. About a quarter of all shark species shed eggs into the sea. We call them 'oviparous' sharks and they comprise mainly the small shysharks and skates. Unlike birds, they don’t care for their young. Inside the egg is a shark embryo with a large yolk sac which it feeds off while growing. Often there are tendrils or hooks on the egg case which secures the egg onto a plant or rock. When the yolk is used up by the growing embryo and the embryo is ready, it hatches from the egg case, which then often washes out onto the beach. The most commonly found egg cases on Grotto are those of the St Joseph shark, also known as a Cape ghost shark or Cape elephantfish (Callorhinchus capensis). Other types of shark eggs commonly found are puffadder shyshark, dark shyshark and spearnose skate. St Joseph (Cape ghost) sharks are really weird looking. They have a floppy, trunk-like nose which is a sensory organ used to fish tiny creatures from the sand – creatures like small crustaceans, worms, urchins, and other tasty morsels. Although they look a bit scary, they are actually not dangerous, unless you are a shrimp. The end of their snout has highly specialised pores that can sense movement and electrical fields, making it easy for them to find almost anything. Those little sand critters don't stand a chance. St Joseph ghost sharks are smallish (between
0.5 and 1.2m in length), silver and scale-less – and, like all sharks, they have cartilage instead of bones. Their bodies are soft, their heads are large, and they only have a single gill opening on each side. The reason why there are no other fishes that look like them is that they have evolved separately from other cartilaginous fishes for about 400 million years. They are a member of the subclass Holocephali, commonly known as chimaeras – the only member of this group commonly found in South African waters. In Greek mythology, a chimaera was a beast composed of the parts of different animals, many of which you may have heard of – minotaurs, gryphons and Cerberus, the multi-headed dog that guarded the gates of hell. Unlike these mythical creatures, the St Joseph ghost shark is as close to a real-life chimaera as we can get – a combination of traits commonly associated with sharks and those associated with bony, ray-finned fish. You can think of a St Joseph shark as being halfway between a typical fish and a typical shark.
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is unique, as other chimaeras mainly live in deep water. St Joseph ghost sharks reach sexual maturity at the age of three or four years when they are just over half a metre long. During the breeding season, females move closer to the shore to lay their eggs, and juveniles will remain in these shallow waters for the first few years of their lives. These nursery areas are prime targets for overfishing and a significant reason why this species has been classified as Red on the WWF SASSI List. The eggs are sort of leaf-shaped, and they are laid directly onto the sea bed. The frilly edges of the 'leaf' are thought to anchor them into the
sand or surrounding rocks. Inside the egg, the baby shark develops, feeding off the yolk of the egg. After about nine months, the baby shark emerges from the egg. But in rough weather, when the autumn winds start to blow, many of them are washed out on the beach. Some are unhatched with embryos still inside, or already hatched. This is when we get to see them. When next you go down to Grotto Beach, try to spot some egg cases of the ghost that may be living in Walker Bay. If you would like to identify all the egg cases you find, you can check the board on the wall of the Grotto Beach building. Happy shark egg-case hunting! 1
According to the Two Oceans Aquarium, some of the key differences are:
• Elasmobranchs have multiple gill openings, but Holocephali like St Joseph sharks only have one on each side – a trait they share with bony fish. • In addition to having only one set of gills, these are covered by operculums (gill covers) – structures only seen in bony fish. • Their upper jaw is fused with their skull, whereas the upper jaw moves freely in true sharks. • Like other sharks, St Joseph sharks have external claspers that are used for reproduction. However, they also have three tentacle-like structures, two that can be extended from the pelvis and the other from their heads, to help clasp the female during mating. • Unlike sharks, their teeth are not replaceable, and they only have three pairs of large grinding teeth that must last their entire lives. Cape ghost sharks live in shallow coastal waters, predominantly along the southern and western Cape, which is why we see many of their empty egg cases on Grotto Beach. This shark's habitat
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1. St Joseph (Cape ghost) sharks are really weird looking. They have a floppy, trunk-like nose which is a sensory organ used to fish tiny creatures from the sand. PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons 2. Inside the shark egg is an embryo with a large yolk sac which it feeds off while growing. Often there are tendrils or hooks on the egg case which secures the egg onto seaweed or corals. When the embryo is ready, it hatches from the egg case, which then often washes out onto the beach. PHOTO: Sheraine van Wyk 3. The most commonly found egg cases or ‘mermaids’ purses’on Grotto are those of the St Joseph shark, also known as a Cape ghost shark or Cape elephantfish (Callorhinchus capensis). PHOTO: Ispotnature.org 4. A Pyjama shyshark that was caught in a fishing net and sadly died. PHOTO: Nicola Stelluto, sharkwatchsa.com
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