THE VILLAGE
NEWS
13 JANUARY 2021 YOUR FREE COPY #ALLOVEROVERBERG The next issue of The Village NEWS will be out on 20 January 2021.
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PHOTO: David Boyter, Steller SA Overberg
David Boyter of Stellar SA Travellers Lodge in Napier recently captured this photo of a female Carpenter bee collecting pollen from a Golden Dewdrop (Duranta erecta). Male Carpenter bees are in charge of protecting the female and the nest. Although they are harmless, as they do not have a stinger like the female, they are aggressive bees which will dive bomb offenders. The female builds the nests, using vibrating mandibles against wood to burrow holes and tunnels. After burrowing she will lay eggs inside the tunnel and the offspring will remain with her until they mature, feeding on pollen grains.
Local infection numbers down Writer De Waal Steyn
W
hile South Africans will face another month of adjusted Level 3 lockdown regulations, the number of active coronavirus cases in the Overberg district has decreased over the weekend. On Friday 8 January there were 2 004 active cases in the Overberg compared to Monday’s 1 518. In the Overstrand the number decreased from 734 to 552 over the same period. A total of 324 people in the Overberg have died since the start of the pandemic in March last year. According to the Western Cape government, the total number of active cases in the province increased to 44 303 on Monday. A total of 3 323 patients are in hospital, with 374 of them being in intensive care units.
The announcement on Monday evening by Pres Cyril Ramaphosa that the lockdown will be extended by another month, comes amid questions of whether it will be safe for schools and other academic institutions to reopen their doors in the coming weeks. It has been reported that the South African variant of the coronavirus is more infectious and may lead to children infecting more adults.
there are teams of officials working behind the scenes to ensure that our systems are running optimally, and we have all the necessary supplies. The Department of Health's purchasing teams have worked throughout the festive period, a time when many suppliers were closed for the holidays.
While infection numbers far exceed the numbers experienced during the first wave of the pandemic, the provincial government said they are doing everything possible to ensure that our healthcare system can stay in front of the wave.
“Since the start of the pandemic, our supply chain management teams have also been liaising directly with manufacturers to ensure continuity of supply of respirators and sufficient PPE supplies. Since the beginning of the pandemic the department has procured over 19 million pairs of gloves, over 10 million masks, and millions of other PPE items. Through proactive procurement, based on current figures, the department projects adequate buffer stock for the next three months,” Winde said.
Premier Alan Winde said while healthcare workers are fighting Covid-19 on the front lines,
According to him additional beds at healthcare facilities across the province are being made
The president said more information as to what the academic year will hold will be made available in the coming days.
ENROL ALL YEAR ROUND
No school fee increase for 2021
available. This is being done together with the opening of new wards, the appointment of new staff and the installation of much-needed bulk oxygen tanks.
Among the changes in the lockdown regulations announced on Monday evening were new curfew hours from 21:00 to 05:00, and the closure of some of the country’s land borders. The sale of alcohol is still prohibited and the restriction on the gathering of no more than 50 people indoors, or 100 outdoors remains in place. Local beaches will also remain closed to the public. Ramaphosa urged South Africans to adhere to the restriction of no more than 50 people at a funeral. “Funerals have been found to be super-spreader events and I want to urge everyone to consider very carefully before they attend a funeral,” he said.
• From 4 months to Grade 12 • Small class sizes • IEB examination • Indoor swimming pool • Hockey AstroTurf with floodlights Quality education for future leaders Starting date for new academic year: 13 January 2021
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Please Contact us for more info 072 091 3409 www.dezandt.co.za
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13 January 2021
Country Market fighting for survival Writer & Photographer Hedda Mittner
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letter sent out on 3 January by Liza van Coppenhagen, the organiser of the Hermanus Country Market, to inform her traders and the public that the market would be closing permanently, with immediate effect, led to such public outcry that various stakeholders are now doing all they can to prevent this from happening. After a meeting on 5 January, chaired by the Municipal Manager and attended by amongst others the Mayor, members of the Mayoral Committee and representatives of the Hermanus Country Market, a statement was released which said: “The Overstrand Municipality values the significance of the market toward creating jobs, ensuring the livelihoods of traders, its contribution to the economy and tourism of the region.” Although the municipality confirmed that “The market structures have been identified as non-compliant with the national building regulations, which the municipality is obliged to enforce”, it went on to say that “the importance of the market was agreed to by all and the way forward was mapped. To give effect to these discussions, further deliberations will be had with all affected parties to find an amicable solution to ensure the continued operation of the Hermanus Country Market.” Following this meeting, a group of traders took matters into their own hands and announced on Friday that the market would be open on Saturday. “This is absolutely a humanitarian decision and 100% in line with the Government gazetted guidelines,” the group said in a message that was widely circulated on social media. “A lot has been done by all involved in the last couple of days to get to this point. Our priority is now to get trading in a safe manner so our traders can make a living again. There is a lot that needs to be done to secure this market for years to come, but getting income into our traders’ pockets is now the priority.” Enthusiastic patrons who arrived in droves at the market on Saturday to support the traders had to comply with strict Covid-19 protocols and some had to stand in line before being allowed into the venue. Only 50 traders were
Among the group of concerned local residents and traders who are championing the cause of the Hermanus Country Market are (back) Natalie Munro, Bernice Baumgarten, Tourism Manager Frieda Lloyd, Carole Dods and Mike Bayer; (front) Anthony van Hoogstraten, Peter Hodgskin, Cobus Stander and Elaine Bayer.
permitted to set up their stalls and members of the group not only kept a register and checked patrons’ temperatures on arrival, but also kept count of the number of people inside the venue in order to ensure that only a limited number entered. Another message posted after the market thanked everyone “who made today possible. Without the help and support of the Hermanus community at large there would be no market. There may be many hills to climb in the future, but nothing seems daunting with a passionate community cheering us on and supporting us. We endeavour to be the best and safest market experience in South Africa now, and for many years to come.” In her letter of 3 January, which was also published in last week’s edition of The Village NEWS, Liza set out the reasons why she’d come to the conclusion that the market was “no longer sustainable”. The insurmountable obstacles she had to face included the initial hard lockdown, when the market was unable to trade and therefore generated no income between March and August, while its costs in respect of rental, insurance etc. remained constant. Even when the market was permitted to resume trade under lockdown Level 2 regulations, Liza said the reduction in trade, mostly due to the absence of tourists and ‘swallows’, resulted
Strict Covid-19 protocols were in place at Saturday’s market, with many waiting patiently in line as only a limited number of people were permitted to enter the venue.
in the market’s average turnover being reduced by almost 70%. Putting protocols in place to ensure that the market was Covid-compliant also came at an additional cost that the market could ill afford. “The stark reality is that I am just not able to sustain the costs and absorb the loss any longer, especially with Covid looming over us for the foreseeable future,” said Liza. There were, however, other issues besides Covid-19 that led to Liza’s decision to close the market. Among them are the constant pressures from the municipality regarding the fact that the structures on the market are non-compliant with building regulations and would need an estimated R400 000 to upgrade. Although Liza had submitted architectural plans and an engineer’s report last year, as requested by the municipality, as well as recommendations by a local contractor for upgrading the structures – all at her own cost – she said she had received little feedback from the municipality, and no clarity on the way forward. Added to that is the uncertainty of tenure and repeated requests from the Hermanus Sports Club (HSC), which was developed on municipal land, to move the market to another location, in order to make way for a parking lot. The portion of the land where the market is located, is sub-leased by the HSC to the market for a monthly rental of R5 500, with an increase to R6 000 effective from 1 January 2021. A request by Liza in June last year for a 5-year lease was denied and only a 1-year lease was given on the grounds that the HSC wished the market to move to the area alongside Bosko Church, in terms of the Site Development Plan agreed with the municipality. Discussions and negotiations between the various stakeholders will continue this week in an attempt to secure the future of the Hermanus Country Market. The chair of the Hermanus Ratepayers Association, Brian Wridgway, speaks for many when he says: “For a very long time the market has been one of our main attractions, catering to both locals and visitors from far-flung destinations, while enabling local traders to make a living. In many respects the market has epitomised what local community-based tourism should look like.”
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From Wendy Houses to Talking Masks
THE VILLAGE
NEWS WhatsApp or SMS your stories and photos to 083 700 3319 De Waal Steyn
PUBLISHING EDITOR T: 083 700 3319
E: dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za
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 MARKETING & SALES MANAGER T: 082 430 1974
13 January 2021
By Murray Stewart murray.stewart49@gmail.com
I
t was 1992 and Queen Elizabeth wasn’t a happy camper. “It was an annus horribilis,” she lamented during her annual Christmas speech, which got teenage boys sniggering at the innuendo. However, it had nothing to do with Her Majesty’s bottom line, but concerned a few unfortunate occurrences during the year. Apart from three of her children’s marriages collapsing, so too did part of her favourite Wendy House which she’d been playing in since childhood. It’s called Windsor Castle. Huge chunks of it caved in when a butler kicked over the braai and a raging fire ravaged the old structure, destroying 100 rooms. One hundred rooms? One wonders how many rooms a self-respecting castle needs, and what the heck does Wendy (or Lizzy) do in all of them? Out of morbid interest, Wendy was Peter Pan’s bit on the side. In a murky Mafia-style hit, Tinkerbell (the foxy Jezebel), connived to get Wendy shot by members of Pan’s gang, Da Lost Boyz. Realising too late they’d been out-foxed, they immediately erected a shelter over her body while she recuperated. It became known as Wendy’s House – like a doll’s house but bigger – and the craze went viral. Today they’re available everywhere in multiple shapes and sizes, usually without a bullet-ridden fairy though. But back to annus horribilis. Let’s face it, 2020
new normal. A year ago, nobody thought we’d be watching empty sports stadia with eerie, dubbed-in crowd SFX, or wearing masks wherever we go. For how long depends largely on us, but it opened the door to a brand-new industry…
was a real bummer, and I’m sure we’re all relieved it’s behind us. But before looking ahead to 2021, here’s where 2020 fits into the tragic hit-parade of Worst Year Ever for loss of human lives. A CNN survey reveals that at number 5 is the Visigoths’ slaughter/sacking of Rome in 410. Then at number 4 is the 30 Year’s War plus the collapse of the Ming Dynasty in 1644 – populations were severely decimated globally.
Face masks for billions of people world-wide come in multiple shades, designs and styles. In Japan, one bloke with a 3D printer makes a range of flexible full-face masks of famous people. They have holes at the mouth and nose for normal breathing, so you can wear a regulation cotton mask over them. He also produces these in dozens of variations.
Number 3: Mount Tambora’s eruption in 1816. It was around 1 000 times bigger than the 2010 Icelandic eruption that grounded air traffic for months. It caused a ‘volcanic winter’ across Indonesia, and without sunlight, crops failed and millions simply starved to death.
So, you can appear like Donald Trump wearing the Russian flag, or Bill Gates munching on an apple, or Oprah sporting a KKK logo. Perfect for bank robbers. (Lat: Incognito pilferatum.)
Number 2 is the Holocaust in 1944, where an ideology, and not a disease or natural disaster killed over 6 million people – the worst in modern history. At number 1 is the bubonic Black Death in 1348 which wiped out an estimated half of Europe’s population back then.
Another chap has created a regulation mask that translates. It has a built-in microphone and ear-piece with Bluetooth access to your phone.
2020 put Mother Earth at number 6 with Covid-19. Sadly, the global mortality rate is sky-rocketing, but our own actions and the vaccine will hopefully bring it back down to earth – otherwise 2021 will shoot up the charts. This is one (s)hit-parade where we definitely don’t want to be Top of the Pop-offs.
For example, in Tijuana you ask for directions in English, then select a language – Mexican – and Penelope Cruz’s computer-generated voice, plus the Spanish/Mexican text will pop up on your phone. Just play/show it to any bloke with a moustache, and his spoken reply in Spaxican is back-translated/transcribed by Penny into English through your phone and ear-piece. Olé.
Unmasking the future Necessity is the mother of invention, and it’s amazing how people have adapted to the
Ideal for robbing banks in foreign countries.
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VALUATION DAY IN HERMANUS South African Art
•
Silver
•
Oriental works of art
Monday 25 January 2021 The Marine Hotel, Marine Drive Strictly by appointment. Please call 021 683 6560. Strauss & Co are currently inviting consignments of Art and Decorative Arts for their March 2021 Marquee auction. www.straussart.co.za Erik Laubscher, Farm Landscape (detail), R 400 000 - 600 000
00:48 07:13 13:32 19:26
Local expertise, national presence and international audience
R 5 300 000 FINE & COUNTRY FEATURE HERMANUS HEIGHTS, HERMANUS, WESTERN CAPE
Spacious home with spectacular mountain views Nestled between the mountains above and the ocean below, this gorgeous, luxuriously spacious home offers sanctuary style living. Geared for family living with 6 beautiful en-suite bedrooms, open-plan living areas and a Jacuzzi room to come home to after a busy day to soak all your troubles away. A luscious garden with palm trees, a splash pool and an outdoor braai area provide an entertainer’s idyllic setting. A bonus is a flatlet with a private entrance and parking area. Ideal for a family or work-from-home abode. Set in the prestigious suburb of Hermanus Heights coastal town living while surrounded by nature. There are many fabulous restaurants at your future doorstep. Country markets, art galleries and cultural events are held in Hermanus such as the FynArts Festival, Kalfiefees and Whale Festival to name a few. On every first Friday of the month, the fabulous First Fridays Art walk takes place, enjoy a glass of wine and drink in art and culture during the early evening stroll. Hike in the beautiful Fernkloof Nature Reserve with its variety of trails. Bhavinee Siepman 082 797 6233 Stephen de Stadler 082 441 0120 WEB 1809878
R 3 800 000 FINE & COUNTRY FEATURE ARABELLA COUNTRY ESTATE, HERMANUS, WESTERN CAPE
A pristine piece of paradise We are proud to present this exclusive sole mandate.This immaculately kept home, which is conveniently situated at the 3rd tee on a corner plot, is a unique find for those in wanting to downsize or a lock-upand-go home. This single level home offers 2 well-sized bedrooms featuring 2 en-suite bathrooms, an easy flow open-plan kitchen, dining area and lounge featuring a wood-burning fireplace with easy access to the terrace and the enclosed landscaped garden. This home is equipped with a double garage and embraces the surrounding environment for serene living. The comfort of a traditional home but with all the convenience of low maintenance style and easy-care living. Wake up in nature to the sound of birds chirping surrounded by a beautifully landscaped and manicured garden all around. If home security is important to you, then this is your chance to live in an environment that does not look like Fort Knox, but is completely secure at the same time. Find the perfect harmony between safety with proven technology and fine living of world-class standards. Bhavinee Siepman 082 797 6233 Stephen de Stadler 082 441 0120 WEB 1856819
Hermanus, Arabella and Kleinmond 16 Hope Street, cnr Dirkie Uys, Hermanus, 7200 +27 (0)21 205 7135 hermanus@fineandcountry.com
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Regionally 20 offices throughout Gauteng Nationally 50 offices across South Africa Internationally Over 300 offices globally
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13 January 2021
Pop into TR for bespoke fashion and accessories
H
arbour Road, with its close proximity to the waterfront and its attractive mix of bars, restaurants, galleries and clothing shops, has always been one of the top shopping destinations in the CBD. And in spite of the toll that Covid-19 has taken on retail – especially the small speciality shops – a delightful new business has recently opened its doors in this vibrant street, right next door to the charming Originals Gallery. TR Creation & Curation is the brainchild of Theresa and Graham Rothschild. Theresa’s flair for design spans from superbly hand-crafted, limited edition garments made from the finest organic textiles, to the funky Loonz Pantz for guys and gals – comfortable, loose-fitting pants with practical drawstrings made from durable and fun fabrics. Graham, an ex-creative director and agency founder, now goes under the moniker Brand Nomad. He takes care of the branding and marketing,
and curation. Theresa’s designs are thoughtfully curated alongside local speciality brands such as Walk the Talk Africa, Cape Alpaca, Skinesiology, Tanja Bousquet and David Green, which all, in one way or another, feel luxurious on the skin and good for the soul. Based in Cape Town but with family connections in Hermanus that go back four generations, the couple have recently started spending more time at their holiday home in Onrus. After many years designing for private clients, Theresa and Graham took their curated collection of brands to the Hermanus Country Market when it reopened after the first lockdown. In early December, they decided to take the plunge by opening their first fully-fledged shop in Hermanus. “Harbour Road is full of interest and character; it is sad that due to recent events some of the iconic shops are no longer there. We hope that TR Creation & Curation, in its own
way, can contribute to bringing this street and the town back to life,” says Graham. Theresa describes her clothing as ‘slow fashion’. She is committed to making clothes that are timeless and believes that craftsmanship and attention to detail are key to great style. “I prefer working with natural fibres and I seldom make more than one garment in one colour per size. For me my work is a real labour of love,” she says. If understated class and enduring quality are what you’re after, look no further than TR at 5 Harbour Road, Hermanus. You’ll find everything from cool cotton frocks and classic shirts and tops, to bags, hats, sunglasses, slippers, socks, scarves, jewellery and skincare products. TR Creation & Curation is open Monday to Saturday from 09:30 – 17:30 and on Sundays from 10:00 – 14:00. Call Graham on 082 559 7526. – Hedda Mittner
Theresa and Graham Rothschild in their new clothing store, TR Creation & Curation in Harbour Road, which stocks Theresa’s superbly hand-crafted, limited edition garments made from the finest organic textiles, alongside carefully curated speciality brands of accessories. PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer
13 January 2021
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WHAT'S COOKING
The Breakfast Room – pretty as a picture By Hedda Mittner
F
irst there was The Rock, then came The Gecko, and now there is The Breakfast Room. Located at the far end of the restaurant, down a couple of stairs, this snug area enjoys some of the best sea views offered by this popular establishment perched on a precipice above the New Harbour. The ambience is intimate, friendly and comfy – a place where people are invited to sit back, relax and linger over a leisurely breakfast or brunch. Since the opening of Harbour Rock back in December 1997, owner Francois Barnard has continuously updated and expanded his business – over the years the restaurant was enlarged, a new viewing deck was built and the Gecko Bar was added. The menu, too, has undergone several revamps, and an extensive sushi offering was added to ensure a unique and innovative dining experience. Now Francois has not only engaged the help of local architect DJ Carr
13 January 2021
to give the restaurant and the bar a fresh new look (and ‘refreshed’ the menus, courtesy of chef Dean van Huyssteen) but he’s also added breakfast to their extensive offering. For this latest renovation project, he was joined by his talented wife, Carol, who owned the delightful little Java Rock coffee and gift shop in High Street before selling it four years ago and returning to her career as a nursing sister, specialising in wound care. With valuable input from interior designer Debra Parkington, Carol has managed to turn this previously under-utilised space in the restaurant into another gem. Surrounded by the blue of the ocean on both sides, The Breakfast Room is filled with plants and light pouring in through the large windows, gorgeous fabrics and natural materials such as wood and cane. Even the open kitchen, with its lovely wallpaper and light fittings, is pretty. And in a setting like this, you would be quite right to expect some pretty food, too. Head chef Dean and pastry chef Nadia Buckley, who both joined Harbour Rock in October, were given free rein to develop the breakfast/ brunch menu, which includes delectable cakes and pastries, coffees, teas, juices and smoothies. The menu
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is small but offers more than enough irresistible options such as Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, French toast with banana and Nutella, smashed avo open sandwich served with a poached egg, rocket and red pepper puree, fish cakes served with a sesame dressing salad, and homemade quiche of the day. In the corner next to the stairs Carol has created a gift shop reminiscent of Java Rock, with carefully sourced items that have all been handmade in the Western Cape. Once you’ve browsed the shelves, you are sure to leave with something special to remember your visit by.
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The Breakfast Room at The Rock, New Harbour, Hermanus is open daily from 08:30 – 15:30. It is the ideal venue for breakfast, brunch, coffee and cake, or special events such as a kitchen tea or birthday. Please note that the opening times could change, depending on the Covid-19 regulations. Call 028 312 2920 to book.
PHOTO: Hedda Mittner
1 1. Owner Francois Barnard with his wife, Carol and chef Dean van Huyssteen.
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2. Enjoy a selection of cakes with a cup of tea or coffee. 3. Smashed avo with a poached egg and rocket on ciabatta. 4/5/7. The Breakfast Room occupies the far end of The Rock and is an intimate and inviting space with plenty of natural light and gorgeous sea views. 6. While enjoying your breakfast or brunch you’ll be sorely tempted to do a bit of shopping, too!
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PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer
WINE & DINE
CL EA R ANCE Up to 50% off
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Only available at Core Hermanus Shop 16c, Lifestyle Centre Caitlin - 028 313 1775
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13 January 2021
Life on the ocean wave with NSRI Writer & Photographer Elaine Davie
completing a rescue is huge, after a time, some people feel they can no longer cope with the psychological strain of situations like body recoveries, for example.
PHOTO: NSRI Hermanus
I
f you’ve grown up in Hermanus and the ocean is in your blood, in the air that you breathe; if you’ve swum in it, surfed its waves, fished and body boarded, and if you have an urge to give back to your community, then the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is probably the answer.
"On the other hand, volunteers also tend to sign on when they are young and then their personal circumstances change – they marry, have a family, relocate – which is why we are always on the look-out for new members.” At the moment they have three vessels at their disposal: a 4.2m, two-person Rigid Inflatable Boat, a 6.5m Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat which can accommodate 3 – 5 crew members, and a 10m deep-sea vessel which is manned by a crew of 4 – 6 people.
That was certainly the conclusion reached by André Barnard, who signed up as a trainee volunteer nine years ago with NSRI Station 17 in Hermanus. Last year he became Station Commander. With some trepidation, he stepped into the giant sea boots of the legendary Deon Langenhoven, who, as André puts it, had been there since Noah launched the Ark. “From the very first day I enlisted as a trainee in 2011, I fell in love with it,” he remembers. “There are about 20 of us at the station at the moment, including seven trainees, and we are a tightly-knit family. Like a family, we work together, fight together and most of all, have huge amounts of fun together. This can be dangerous work, so it’s absolutely essential that you know and trust the person you’re working alongside. When you’ve experienced everything the ocean can throw at you, it’s difficult to describe the feeling to outsiders, but you know that members of your own team share it.” The NSRI is a unique organisation in that it is manned entirely by volunteers who are willing to risk their lives for others for no monetary gain. More than 50 years old, it was launched in Cape Town in 1967 as the South African In-Shore Rescue Service (SAISRS), soon changing its name to the National Sea Rescue Institute. Its first volunteers were Captain Bob Deacon
They are hoping this year to acquire a larger ORC-class vessel. As a harbour-based station, they are also required to assist larger sea-going vessels, like trawlers and tankers. These tend to involve the medi-vaccing of injured or seriously ill seamen. and Ray Lant, and their boat, a 4.7m inflatable vessel named Snoopy was donated by the Society of Master Mariners. Today there are 41 stations along the South African coast and at inland dams. NSRI Station 17 in Hermanus was established in 1978 and one of the things that André particularly admires about it is its non-discriminatory attitude. “A life is a life,” he emphasises. “We will answer a call to assist any person or animal in distress in the water and will throw everything we have into saving their lives. In fact, some of our most interesting activations have been to disentangle Southern Right whales from the ropes and fishing tackle that imprisoned and threatened to kill them.” As he points out, there is also no differentiation in who they take on as volunteers, as long as they have the commitment and the heart for the job. “We have a shore-based team and we have sea-going crew and neither is more important than the other. We try to deploy people to particular tasks according to their skills and
personalities. Certainly there are no barriers as far as race, gender and age are concerned. For instance, our Deputy Station Commander here is a woman, Danielle Fourie and our two longest-serving volunteers, Antonie de Klerk and Jean le Roux have been here since Moses parted the waters. Each one of them is valued as much as the newest, most energetic recruit.” The comprehensive NSRI certification programme, including high level first aid training, must be undertaken by every volunteer, no matter what their role and takes from six months to two years to complete. Until then, they are required to work alongside fully-qualified members. But training doesn’t end there. Twice a week every volunteer is required to attend an in-service training session at the Base or on the water. According to André, there is a relatively high attrition level at most NSRI stations, but Hermanus has had a very stable team for a number of years. “This is a high-pressure and demanding commitment,” he explains. “Every call-out is a challenge: you have to be agile, to be able to think on your feet. Ocean conditions are never the same, the weather is never the same and the type of rescue is never the same. While the satisfaction in successfully
André underlines the importance of maintaining effective on-going relationships with other service providers, like ambulance operators and hospital emergency services. They also often work in tandem with their two neighbouring NSRI stations at Kleinmond and Agulhas, especially when it involves search and rescue operations or even sea exercises. “The thing is you never know when the next call-out is going to come, what the circumstances are and whether further help will be necessary, so it’s one for all and all for one in the NSRI.” As the organisation puts it: ‘Sea Rescue is in the business of hope. We do not manufacture or sell a product – we instead sell the idea that a group of people who offer up their time, funded by a group of people who offer up finances, can collectively help others at their most vulnerable.’ Readers are advised to make a note of the following call-out numbers for the three local NSRI stations: • Hermanus: 082 990 5967 • Kleinmond: 063 699 2765 • Agulhas: 082 990 5952
12 LOCKDOWN LEVEL:
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COVID-19 DASHBOARD OVERSTRAND
www.thevillagenews.co.za
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TOTAL CASES AS OF 11 JAN 2021:
OVERSTRAND BREAKDOWN OF CASES: TOTAL (ACTIVE)
WORLD: 90 862 330 SOUTH AFRICA: 1 231 597 WESTERN CAPE: 240 233 (19.50% of cases in SA) OVERBERG: 10 731
• FISHERHAVEN: 32 (4) • GANSBAAI: 145 (20) • HAWSTON: 341 (57) • HERMANUS: 577 (94) • KLEINMOND: 577 (69)
IN LOVING MEMORY
Tjaart Olivier Well-known skipper instructor, boat inspector and fisherman, Tjaart Olivier died on 14 December 2020 of a heart attack while fishing at the Klein River Lagoon. Tjaart was born in 1943 and was fascinated by boats and fishing from an early age, building his first boat himself out of corrugated iron. He became hugely knowledgeable about boats, fishing and the sea. He achieved his Coastal Skippers ticket in 1972 and accumulated ski boat experiences in Sodwana, Cape Vidal, Mapelane, Plettenberg Bay, St Helena Bay and Kosi Bay.
1943 – 2020
the Potchefstroom and Birkenhead (Gansbaai) Ski Boat Clubs and was an honorary member of all three. Many local fishermen caught their first fish off his boat. Tjaart was a successful businessman and active Round Tabler in Potchefstroom. Our local community was enriched by his presence when he retired to Hermanus, where he continued with his Insurance practice. He loved music, movies and books and his knowledge of birds and wildlife was extensive. His experience and enthusiasm in sharing this knowledge benefitted many.
In 1979 he qualified as a SADSAA boat inspector. Over the following 28 years he trained and examined more than 800 skippers and often did as many as 150 boat surveys per year. He was always assisted by his wife Annatjie, who provided loyal support and innumerable cups of coffee for his trainees.
A loving family man, Tjaart had a lot of affection for his friends and was much loved in return. He is survived by his beloved wife Annatjie, his daughters Natasha and Tanya, his son-in-laws Shane and Dennis, and his grandchildren Alex and Isabella.
Tjaart was a founding member of the Walker Bay Ski Boat Club in 1993 and chairman for five years. He was also involved in the founding of
His ashes will be distributed by his family in a private ceremony at sea on 23 January due to Covid-19 restrictions.
13 January 2021 • MT PLEASANT: 297 (34) • ONRUS: 154 (18) • SANDBAAI: 174 (34) • STANFORD: 306 (57) • VERMONT: 71 (13) • ZWELIHLE: 979 (100) TOTAL: 4 157 (552)
LAST WEEK'S TOTAL CASES: (4 JAN)
WORLD: 85 614 877 SOUTH AFRICA: 1 100 748 (16th in the world) WESTERN CAPE: 218 836 OVERBERG: 9 183 (270 deaths) OVERSTRAND: 3 671 (73 deaths)
John Noël Bishop 22.07.1936 – 04.01.2021 John Noël Bishop, 84, passed away on Monday 4 January at Negester Care Centre in Onrus. Noël was born in Hermanus to Bill and Matty (Stemmet) Bishop, the eldest of three children. He completed his schooling at Paarl Boys High and SACS and went on to graduate from the University of Cape Town, with a degree in architecture. Noël practised architecture at Interplan in Cape Town. He married Sally de Wet in 1967 and they had two children, Billy and Sara. He later opened his own firm while the family resided in Durbanville. Noël truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures: fishing, diving, playing tennis and golf, watching sport, collecting many shells, travelling, singing in the choir, listening to music and strumming his guitar. Time spent with friends and family was especially precious. Noël loved Hermanus; all he wanted to do was retire next to the sea, and guard the heritage of the land and people he loved so much. He succeeded in this and spent
hours teaching his children and grandchildren the many delights and mysteries of the sea. A true gentleman with a charming nature who was gentle and kind. He was a loving father and special grandfather. A good friend and an amazing story teller. We shall miss all his stories of years gone by. We will always carry his memory in our hearts. Special thanks to the staff, nursing staff and carers at Negester Frail Care Centre for their attentiveness, loving care and support over the past few years. Noël is survived by his son Billy and his wife Christine, daughter Sara and her husband Stan, sister Anette and his grandchildren, Emma, Sadie, Luke, Nathan, Nicholas, Rudy and Jared, and special friend and companion Janice, all of whom meant the world to him. Noël was laid to rest in the Hermanus Cemetery, beside his parents and brother Eric, on 12 January in a small family ceremony. - Glynis van Rooyen
Magdelene (Maggi) Buys Magdalene Buys, Maggi, Auntie Maggi. Esteemed colleague, friend. Your laugh has gone quiet. To the older generation at Hermanus High School, Magdalene Buys, fondly known as Maggi, was a friend, a sister, someone who was always willing to listen, ready with advice or sometimes just with her contagious laugh. And could she laugh! For the younger staff and learners she was Auntie Maggi – the one who had to help with everything, from finding a needle in a haystack to finding your own coffee mug. Maggi could find it. Maggi would find it. For guests at our school Maggi was not just the friendly lady who brought tea and treats, she really went out of her way to take care of visitors.
Her friendly and helpful nature endeared her to everyone. She will be sorely missed by the entire school community. Rest in peace, dear friend and colleague. I can say honestly that while working with Maggi at Hermanus High School for the past 18 years, she was always friendly and helpful. Conversing with her was easy, and the last two years we often spoke and laughed about our upcoming pension days, and spending time with our grandchildren. Maggi will be sorely missed. – Mr Francois Hooneberg (Acting Principal)
Maggi was the most delightful lady. Always friendly and welcoming with a warm smile. She added so much warmth to the offices in which she worked, to the staff room, amongst her working colleagues and to the school as a whole. Maggi was loved by all who worked with her, including the pupils at the school. Many generations of Hermanus High School staff and pupils will remember Maggi fondly for being the kind, friendly and caring person she was. Maggi, you will be missed. – Mr Greg Hassenkamp (Principal 2015 – 2020)
I had the privilege to work with Maggi for 20 years. I remember her spoiling me on a daily basis with coffee and tea. She was a dedicated worker and prepared snacks for many a meeting. Maggi was a loving mother to William and always friendly and hard working with her daily chores. Maggi was loved by all. Rest in Peace. – Mr Werner Ladewig (Principal 1992 – 2013) Maggi, thank you for doing your chores and so much more every day. Thank you for your friendliness. Thank you for showing us that family should be the most important aspect of your life. Thank you for caring for every single person at school. Thank you for always making our guests feel welcome. Thank you for being an example of what a Christian should be. – Ms Elsa Nel (colleague and friend)
13 January 2021
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MY WELLNESS
Mindful living for a healthier, happier you Youthful Living with Dr Arien van der Merwe
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indfulness can be described as being in tune with your internal world and listening to your body and its needs.
Mindfulness is: Being fully present in the moment Bringing awareness to what you are experiencing via your senses and/or thoughts and emotions (i.e. your state of mind) • An intentional act and non-judgemental • Part of all of us, but like all things, practise makes perfect and it is more readily available to us if done daily.
• •
Mindfulness is a broad term and can be applied to all eight dimensions of wellness – physical, spiritual, mental-emotional, social, financial, environmental, intellectual, and occupational. Each dimension contributes to our sense of wellbeing or quality of life, and each affects, influences and overlaps with the other dimensions. For optimal health you need balance in all eight dimensions. Mindfulness applied to physical wellness (incl. proper nutrition and exercise) is generally the easiest place to start for most of us, but remember that it influences and affects the other
dimensions as well. At Ariani Health Solutions we focus on a mindful and holistic approach to health and long-term weight loss. Top 5 practical tips for mindful living 1. Gratitude for your magnificent being Focus on how grateful you are for your wonderful body. This is self-love, not selfishness. It is a miracle to be alive, happy and healthy. Gratitude lifts our spirits and puts us in a high-vibration frequency. Thank your body for keeping you alive and allowing you to move. Our bodies were created to move and regular exercise improves the functioning of all your bodily systems and cells. Thank your body for digesting and absorbing your food effortlessly, without you even noticing it. Bless and thank your food for its healing and nourishing powers. 2. The power of now Be in the moment while exercising and eating. Move in a slow and controlled manner, no matter what exercise you are doing. It could be anything that makes your body move and brings you joy, be it yoga, dancing, boxing, swimming or hiking. Enjoy the experience and the moment. It shouldn’t feel like a punishment. Eat slowly and involve all your senses by really tasting and smelling your food. You can even eat with your hands and listen to the different sounds the foods are making when you eat them. Remem-
ber that food is the fuel for life! 3. Listen to your body If you experience pain while exercising, then stop. Adjust posture, form and technique; then continue. Don’t push your body into a painful range. Your body knows when you’ve had enough, but it takes time for your brain to register that you are satisfied. Therefore, eat slowly. Start noticing your feelings and emotions when you want to eat, when you are busy eating and after you eat. This will give you an indication of whether you eat to feel better (aka emotional eating) or perhaps to relieve stress (stress eating). Of course, you also need an idea of what healthy foods are. It is important to know that your body will not crave unhealthy foods. If you do experience cravings, they are driven by your mind and emotions. Drink water instead. 4. Become silent: breathe and relax Make time for yourself to recover, refresh, revitalise and replenish. This is known as self-love and it is crucial for improving your concentration, memory and productivity, and enabling you to give more time and energy to others. Start exploring what makes you feel re-energised and relaxed. Take deep breaths while exercising and eating. Follow the breaths. Incorporate balance and flexibility stretches into your workout routines. Yoga incorporates strength, balance and flexibility (3 of the 4 basic exercise categories, the 4th being
aerobic exercise, aka ‘cardio’) and is also great as a mindfulness practice. Take a few deep breaths (5 to 10) before each meal. Your body can only digest and absorb food properly in a rested state (when the relaxation/ parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest, digestion and recovery is active). So relax, breathe and taste your food. Eating quickly and in a rushed state is one of the major causes of indigestion, bloating, and stomach aches and pains. 5. Mix it up Keep things interesting by exploring different workouts and exercises. Remember that exercise is not a punishment and that your body craves movement! Make sure to incorporate all four categories of exercise, to ensure optimal fitness. Start exploring different foods and get creative in the kitchen by adding herbs and spices to your cooking and trying new tastes. Remember that food is not bad and your body needs it for fuel. Food is life! Start looking at your relationship with food. Most of our Weight Control Clinic patients have limiting beliefs around food and weight that stand in their way to optimal health and happiness. Written by Anri van Rooyen (Holistic Counsellor and Lifestyle/Mindfulness Coach), partner with Dr Arien van der Merwe in Ariani Health Solutions and the Weight Control Clinic.
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13 January 2021
MY HOME
Reflections on the property market Hermanus increased by 10% (year on year) in 2017, but reduced by 11%, 31%, and 12% (year on year) in 2018, 2019, and 2020 respectively. Arabella and Kleinmond returned results of 15% and 14% growth in 2017 and 2018, but declined by 16% in each of the years 2019 and 2020.
By Stephen de Stadler Chief Executive Officer, Fine & Country South Africa
A
retrospective of the residential property market over the past few years should in my humble opinion be prefaced with the disclaimer that ‘this has not been a normal year’. But, when the last few years have all been abnormal in one way or another, does this not mean that abnormality is in fact the new normal? Is the world as a whole in such a turbulent stage of human capital development that traditional macro-economic policies are not really able to manage economies as they did in the past? How far are we in South Africa from using blockchain technology to facilitate the purchase and sale of residential property? How are we going to deal with that purchaser who wishes to acquire a home using bitcoin? These questions are outside my particular area of knowledge at this time, but it does make me wonder to what extent we can reliably predict what the future holds. South Africa has experienced significant levels of turbulence over the past five years. We have had to deal with corruption at a government level such as never experienced before. We had a period where we were unsure as to whether the ruling party would be able to put its house in order and elect a new President, one who would make it his primary objective to ensure that state capture and corruption came to an end.
The same general trend of increase in 2017, followed by declines for 2018, 2019 and 2020 is evident for Rooiels, Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay, Gansbaai, Franskraal and Pearly Beach. The positive news for 2021 is that although we are undoubtedly still in a period of economic recession, the negative trends in the residential property market started to reverse during 2020, despite the year not being a full period of trading.
Then we were hit with the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic. All of the above events have had a real and negative effect on the economy. An economy is only able to grow when it is effectively balanced; when the income generated is sufficient to meet the expenditure requirements. When there are going to be known revenue shortfalls, it is normally possible for any economy to balance its books by borrowing that which it requires to meet its expenditure requirements, as long as the expenditure in question generates future economic activity, and in turn revenue. When revenue is misappropriated,
stolen, or lost through an unexpected, unusual event, that revenue is lost forever, and cannot be easily replaced by borrowing money in the debt capital markets. This is what South Africa has had to endure over the past five years or so. We have lost revenue, and critically we borrowed money in the past, thinking that revenue would be there to cover the repayments.
been caused in part by reductions in interest rates making it easier for homeowners to enter the market. In addition, our population continues to grow, which means that more estates are developed and more complexes are built, but again, from a price perspective these are heavily weighted in favour of the lower end of the market.
Is it therefore any wonder that the property market has experienced levels of stress over the past five years? But wait, I hear you saying, other commentators are saying the market is good; look how much we have sold. Yes, there has been an increase in sales volumes, but these sales have been heavily skewed in favour of the lower end of the market. This has
Looking at the total sales values as interpreted by Fine & Country from figures supplied by Lightstone, we have generally seen positive movements in the value of annual sales from 2016 to 2017, but thereafter from 2018 to 2020, with only a few exceptions, sales values in the coastal regions from Rooiels to Gansbaai have declined.
Assuming this trend continues into 2021 – and at this time there is no reason to assume that it will not – the property market should show levels of growth during the next year. This does not mean that property prices will necessarily increase, but it does mean that more buyers and sellers will be prepared to enter the market. Certainty as to the future outlook, even if it is negative in the short term, still allows for investment to increase, whereas uncertainty or a lack of clarity has a more negative effect on the market in general. In summary, therefore, even though the economic outlook is negative in principle, because this is an expected result, the property market is likely to show increased activity during 2021 when compared to the previous years.
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13 January 2021
De Zandt: Where every day is a holiday! H
ermanus is one of South Africa's most desired coastal towns, known for its superior lifestyle, excellent Mediterranean climate, attractions ranging from wine to whales, and proximity to Cape Town. It is not just attracting local buyers, but has become a destination of choice for retirement, holiday and semigration buyers, as well as rental and holiday investors. From a development perspective, Hermanus is one of the most exciting residential towns. Paul Kruger, Licensee of Seeff Hermanus, says the addition of the new De Zandt Lifestyle Estate is another exciting innovation for the town. It will be the first multi-generational lifestyle estate, offering diverse property choices to suit every age demographic and a superior range of amenities. The estate offers close to 40 hectares in a prime location at the foot of the fabulous Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Valley. It further boasts a spectacular eco-friendly setting surrounded by mountains, beautiful nature, white
sandy beaches and ocean as far as the eye can see. The estate offers 24-hour security with biometric access control for total peace of mind living. It is designed in a modern Cape Winelands vernacular style with plenty of greening.
and 21 freehold stands. It boasts sought-after lifestyle benefits such as a children's play park and pool, braai area, 24-hour security, interior finishes such as frameless glass doors on patio and louvre lock-and-go security, prepaid electricity and much more.
The development will consist of a mix of sectional title and full title properties, along with further planned developments that include a lifestyle centre, frail care centre, retirement village, boutique hotel and retail facilities with convenience shopping. It is also on the doorstep of the Curro Hermanus private school.
The sectional title units offer a choice of studio, one, two or three bedroomed apartments, of which some first floor units have impressive mountain views. Prices start at R1.255 million. The freehold stands come with an approved three bedroomed house plan which can be customised to a starter two-bedroomed home. Plot prices range from R998 000.
De Zandt is developed to be pedestrian and pet friendly. Other features include solar energy, fibre to home, exercise equipment, tennis and squash courts and swimming pools. Shiraz residential estate is part of the First Phase which is now selling. There is no transfer duty payable and bonds are available for approved buyers. Shiraz includes 48 sectional title units
Residents will enjoy easy access to the Hemel-en-Aarde wine route, Onrus beaches and the surrounding nature reserves. Cape Town International Airport is a 90-minute commute. Hermanus property has proven to be an outstanding investment and with developments, the earlier you invest, the better the capital growth that you
will benefit from. The town is a popular holiday and weekend spot with a busy tourist and local residential market, hence offering the added opportunity to earn rental income. Hermanus is world-renowned as one of the best whale-watching destinations, with the opportunity to view the magnificent Southern Right whales on their annual migration to Walker Bay
from land or by boat. It is a water sport and nature paradise offering excellent trails, whether you want to walk, run or cycle. The town itself offers top class facilities including a regional shopping mall, a private hospital, oncology services, golfing, a yacht club, food and craft markets, fabulous restaurants, boutiques and much more. Contact 071 091 3409 for more info.
Imagine these feet on your bed Get to them before they get to your linen.
We stock a wide range of pet-friendly, natural shampoos with soothing herbal ingredients that won't irritate or dry out your dog's skin. PLUS detanglers for those impossible-to-comb out knots, & brushes & combs for long & short hair. HERMANUS Whale Coast Mall (entrance 1) tel 028 3121453
ONRUS HERMANUS 2 Wybo Newmark Road Station Mall, tel 028 316 2904 Checkers Centre tel 028 312 3028
13 January 2021
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Out and about in beautiful Walker Bay! to make a meal of an octopus.
By Jax Bath
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I’ve also had several interactions with these cryptic creatures recently, with the best being the interaction below. This octopus went full crypo as we approached, disguising itself with some kelp and hoping we would pass without too much fuss.
Diving below is an immersive experience into a whole different world that is almost impossible to imagine from above. Walks along the cliff connect us to species that need both ocean and land to survive, and kayaking brings with it a feeling of adventure reminiscent of what early explorers may have experienced. I hope that in this new year, you resolve to try at least one of these oceanic experiences.
appy New Year all! This week, we’re taking a break from the tropical waters of the Seychelles and talking about the awesome oceanic happenings of Walker Bay over the past few weeks. There are many different ways to access our corner of the Atlantic Ocean, and over this festive season I have tried to indulge in as many of these activities as possible. This week’s ocean update will contain tales of working on a whale watching vessel, what happens when you take the plunge and dive below, how you can walk the same stretch of coast a million times and still get lucky and, last but not least, sea kayaking!
When the wind turns west and the visibility drops in the forest, ocean access becomes a little trickier. During this time, a walk along the cliffs is the best way to get your daily dose of ocean. On a recent cliff walk, I had the sighting of a lifetime when, just after sunset, we came across an otter mother and her two pups. Despite spending most of my life around water and over a decade searching, this was my first ever otter encounter and I could not have been more in awe.
Although the southern right whales have left Walker Bay for their feeding grounds, the bay has been a hive of activity! The fish have been favourable over our past few eco tour excursions at Ivanhoe Sea Safaris, so we have been having some incredible dolphin sightings. The common dolphins have been out and about more than any other species and are truly a delight. Common Dolphins are found in tropical and temperate oceans and can form super pods of up to 10 000 animals.
As we spotted the otters, my friends and I lay on our bellies so as not to frighten this family. Cape clawless otters are elusive and can be quite shy, so we kept our distance and peered over a platform to watch as the mom groomed and played with her babies as they lay belly up. It’s always amazing to watch the parental care of mammals, with mom clearly loving this quiet moment of bonding with her two kids. We watched this sweet display until it was almost too dark to see, before heading back home, still in absolute awe.
These dolphins love to interact with boats and upon discovering our presence, will rush on over for a closer look and a ride on the boat’s wake. Some of the pods have been scouting pods moving through the bay in search of fish while others have been larger, with our most recent encounter featuring several tiny calves. The little ones stay glued to their mother’s side and give away their newborn status by bearing fetal folds. These ‘folds’ are vertical lines running down the body of the baby caused by time spent very tightly packed in the mother’s stomach. The cow calf pairs are littered within the pod and one has to look closely to catch a glimpse, with the acrobatics of the other adults often outshining the youngest members of the family. Sea kayaking is another amazing way to get on to the ocean, and it provides a great perspective because you’re sitting almost at eye level with the water. Just after Christmas, it was decided that we would do a paddle out towards the infamous Danger Point. To get to the lighthouse, one must travel over an extensive kelp forest with the occasional rock revealing itself in the form of a wave break. As you paddle through the kelp, giant limpets reveal themselves as they grasp lightly to the head of the kelp and try to evade predators. Once one passes the kelp line, this stretch of coast unveils her true beauty, with hundreds of delicate terns littering the sky whilst some of their friends rest on adrift sea bamboo. Blue bottles also drift by, revealing the complex colonies of organisms that make up this dainty-looking predator. After spending two hours in the sun watching dolphins and our other magnificent mega fauna, there is nothing like cooling down in the Atlantic by taking a snorkel at the De Kelders drip cave. This snorkelling haven is protected from the South-easterly wind and boasts a myriad of life. Every dive presents the forest in a completely different light and with every change, a chance to discover something else in the crevices. A prominent feature in the forest is the presence of these beautiful orange feathery-looking creatures known as the sinuous sea fan. They line the crevice walls and in between them one might spot the Cape rock crab or a camouflaged klipvis hiding out. Despite the cool waters, there are also purple soft corals to be found here, which add a touch of bright pink to the walls next to iridescent blue baby bait. If one ventures a little deeper out, there is a chance to spot a shy shark swimming along the bottom or, in the case of our last snorkel, a Cape fur seal looking
What the past month of exploration has really brought home is that every way we access the ocean brings with it a completely different experience. Whilst the boat tours give one access to Walker Bay’s mega fauna, every activity brings with it the opportunity to encounter species that the others will not allow.
Some more photos recently taken by Jax Bath in Walker Bay:
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13 January 2021
MY ENVIRONMENT
The cockroach hiding in the fynbos By Dr Anina Lee
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e have all encountered cockroaches of some sort. It's hard to miss them as there are more than 4 500 species of cockroach in the world. Many of them haunt human habitation, where there is plenty of food lying around. Giant roaches crawl out of Cape Town sewers, scuttle across kitchen floors and lurk in cupboards. They will eat anything, so don't stand still for too long. Besides these household pests, which are mainly foreign invaders, there are large numbers of ‘wild’ cockroaches native to South Africa. One of my favourites is the Table Mountain cockroach (Aptera fusca). If you walk anywhere in the fynbos, whether it be in the Fernkloof mountains or on the Cliff Path, they are there unseen, lurking under bark or under stones and other dark, dank places. They come out at night and scavenge on anything dead or rotting. But not always. A female has been spotted on the Cliff Path, feasting on a plant (Blombos) that was very much alive. Being relatively large, (they belong to the family of giant cockroaches) they make quite an impression if spotted during the day. You are most likely to see a female – a large brown insect with bright yellow margins to the segmented body. She is somewhat unusual for a female insect as she has no wings. The males are smaller and have brown wings. They some-
what resemble the ordinary household roach, so you are less likely to notice them.
LEFT & CIRCLE: The female Table Mountain cockroach (Aptera fusca) is somewhat unusual for a female insect as she has no wings. PHOTOS: Pat Miller & Isabelle Betancourt
The mountain cockroach has a very effective way of deterring potential predators. I made the mistake once of interfering with a lovely lady to photograph her better before she scuttled off into the undergrowth. I should not have. She made a loud squeaking noise (by rubbing the roughened edge of one segment of the abdomen against the surface of the next segment) and secreted a brown fluid from her back that stained my hand with indelible brown ‘ink’ that took days to wash off.
BELOW LEFT: The male Table Mountain cockroach is smaller and has brown wings. PHOTO: whatspecies.com
Not only did it leave a stain but also a distinctive ‘cockroach’ odour. The secretion comes from special glands called ‘repugnatorial glands’ – very aptly named. So it's wise to look, but not to touch. Table Mountain cockroaches are unique in that they are social and often hang around with family and friends. It's not unusual to spot a female with a male or two and a whole bunch of nymphs (babies) crowding together in a sheltered spot. As is the case with most animals, cockroach reproduction relies on eggs from a female and sperm from a male. Usually, the female releases pheromones to attract a male. Most roaches are oviparous – their young grow in eggs outside of the mother's body. In oviparous species, the mother roach carries her eggs around in a sac called an ootheca, attached to her abdomen. Many female roaches drop or hide their ootheca shortly before the eggs are ready to hatch. Others continue to carry the hatching eggs and care for their young after they are born. The Table Mountain cockroach (and some other giant cockroaches) differ from ‘domestic’ cockroaches in that they do not lay eggs – they are ovoviviparous. Rather than growing in an ootheca outside of the mother's body, the baby roaches grow inside the mother's body.
The developing roaches feed on their egg yolks, just as they would if the eggs were outside the body. When they are ready, the young are deposited one by one, up to 25 in number. Newly-hatched roaches, known as nymphs, are usually white. Shortly after birth, they turn brown, and their exoskeletons harden. They begin to resemble small, wingless adult roaches. The mother exhibits brooding behaviour, protecting the young with her body for the first few weeks. Nymphs moult several times as they become adults. Between each moult the nymph is known as an 'instar'. Each instar is progressively more like an adult cockroach. The Table Mountain cockroach is not just cuter than your typical household pests, but it also has ecological value in fynbos. It plays a vital role by breaking down plant material to make nutrients available for fynbos growth.
ABOVE: A mountain cockroach seen on the Cliff Path. These insects play a vital role in the ecology of fynbos. PHOTO: Paula Combrink
