The Village NEWS 14 Aug - 21 Aug 2019 by The Village NEWS

Who benefits from abalone?

Hiker dies in Vogelgat Reserve

14 AUGUST 2019

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First team rugby player, Sean Castle (mid-air), scores an spectacular try with support from teammates, Marnus Hamman (left in blue) and Realdo Williams (right in blue) at Inter-schools on Friday 9 August. See more photos on P 23. PHOTO: Karel Wiggins

T'was a whale of a weekend Writer Hedda Mittner

ermanus was bursting at the seams this past weekend and the economy of the whole region benefited from a welcome surge of visitors who came to enjoy the Kalfiefees, hiking trails, surfing, whale-watching and other attractions. “Heavy traffic into Hermanus on Thursday and Friday, and even more leaving the town on Sunday, with vehicles stuck in slow-moving queues all the way to Sir Lowry’s Pass, bore evidence to the number of people who visited our area for a mini break-

away,” says Cape Whale Coast Tourism Manager, Frieda Lloyd. “Although there were also foreigners spotted in town, the majority of long weekend visitors came from Cape Town and other towns over the mountain.” Several local businesses, including restaurants and wine tasting venues, said they’d had one of their best Saturdays ever, not only in Hermanus but throughout the region, all the way from Betty’s Bay to Stanford and Gansbaai. Some even compared the long weekend to the festive season,

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“When I asked business owners how their weekend went, I was greeted with big smiles all round,” says Frieda. “It seems this bustling long weekend was exactly what we needed, providing the impetus for local businesses to push through these last, tough winter weeks.” According to Frieda, large groups of friends and family members were sharing holiday homes this long

weekend. “Most of the bookings made at restaurants were for tables of six to ten people, and restaurants were packed on Friday and Saturday. “The markets also did excellent trade on Saturday, from the Gansbaai Farmers Market to the Hermanus Country Market, while many visitors took advantage of the sunny weather to go hiking or enjoy our beaches. The tourism offices were inundated with requests for whale-watching boat trips and the operators had a busy weekend catering for visitors, mainly

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from the Cape Town area.” The 19th Hermanus Times Kalfiefees was undoubtedly a big drawcard for visitors over the long weekend. Although it was a shorter weekend (three days as opposed to four days last year), Kalfiefees Chairperson, Jimmy Hattingh says the festival venues achieved an average attendance of 80%. He was also pleased to report that a total of 14 artworks were sold at the Kalfiefees Art Exhibition in the Municipal Auditorium. Continues on P 4

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14 August 2019

Abalone farming, the State and the Zama-Zamas Writer Elaine Davie

hock! Horror! That is the invariable reaction of Overstrand residents every time there’s a new abalone bust in the area, as there was last week in an upmarket townhouse complex in Sandbaai. Yet poaching incidents consistently occur in plain sight in this part of the world; it can hardly be a surprise anymore. How could the other householders in the complex not have known what was going on in their midst? The smell alone would have been impossible to miss. A full abalone processing plant was being operated in every section of the house, involving live and dried abalone worth around R3.9 million. And this was obviously not a onceoff, hit-and-run operation. Equally, a casual stroller in broad daylight along the rocky shoreline between Gansbaai and Pringle Bay is very likely any day of the week to encounter the Zama-Zamas of the ocean either in the sea in wetsuit and goggles, or casually emerging from it with their catch in hand. Only a couple of weeks ago, there was a shoot-out between poachers and police just outside of Kleinmond. The web of intrigue surrounding abalone poaching is difficult to unravel, involving, as it does, transnational drug, prostitution and money laundering operations, mostly controlled by powerful cartels in the East (see The Village NEWS of 19 June 2019). However, there is also evidence of rampant corruption in this country, mainly linked to officials employed by various State departments and agencies, tasked with protecting the natural resources of our country. Ironically, in contrast to the criminal activity surrounding abalone poaching in the Overstrand, this same region is also home to a lucrative legal abalone industry, involving nine well-developed farms. How, one wonders, does the illegal trade affect their business and to what extent are they involved in attempts to eradicate it?

Tim Hedges, Managing Director of Abagold in Hermanus, sketches a fascinating picture of the global industry: It appears that South Africa is, in fact, quite a minor player on the world market. Its legal output is only approximately 1 500 tons of the total 170 000 tons produced annually. China itself, with extensive cage farming operations in the South China Sea, produces approximately 85% of the legal abalone on the market. Other producers are Mexico, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Korea. Most interesting of all, however, is that none of these other countries, thanks to their stringent management and control systems, has a poaching problem. Some of them, like Japan, harvest on a strict quota rotation and are actually able to restock the ocean. With all these competitors, why is South African perlemoen so sought-after in Asia then? It seems that the sub-specie, naturally available and produced on aquaculture farms in this country, Haliotis Midae, has a particular flavour and delicate texture that ensures a place for itself in the premium range of the market. It is a prized luxury food item to be found only in the top restaurants in China, or, in canned form, presented as an expensive gift on special occasions. “The wild product poached from our oceans, amounting to between 2 000 and 3 000 tons a year,” explains Tim, “feeds into a completely different market from ours, due to the processing methodology employed by the illegal exporters of this valuable resource. Because the sea is becoming so overfished, the poachers are taking out smaller and smaller specimens (which, of course, has disastrous implications for the future survival of the species) and the flavour tends to be less refined than the farmed product, considering the unsophisticated backyard processing taking place. That means that it sells for a lower price on the Asian markets and fills a more accessible niche for the ordinary man in the street. “The resilience of these shellfish is a

Live abalone confiscated during the recent bust in Sandbaai. PHOTO: Supplied constant source of amazement to us,” he adds. “We kept thinking that within 12 to 15 years, the stocks would have been completely decimated, but they continue to re-appear. We’re not sure if they’re moving to greater depths or into more inaccessible spots, but, unfortunately, the poachers are becoming more and more sophisticated and resourceful themselves and as has recently occurred at Robben Island, they keep finding them.” Discussions have been held about the possibility of restocking the sea with farmed product, but the authorities are not keen on this idea, as they fear inbreeding, due to a lack of genetic diversity in the captive species. In any case, there wouldn’t be much point while unbridled poaching continues. As it is, the industry worldwide is under stress, due to global warming on the one hand and China’s current trade wars with the USA, on the other. No expansion is currently being undertaken in any of the countries where abalone is farmed, except China itself. In our region, recent environmental challenges (like the two unprecedented red tides of 2017 and 2019), along with the protests and political unrest have had a major impact on the industry, leaving production way behind schedule. Abagold alone employs 400 people, impacting on probably around 1200 individuals in our communities. Over and above that,

Poached abalone in a Chinese medicine and abalone shop in Guanchzhou, China. PHOTO: Tim Hedges

it supports local businesses for as many of its supplies and services as it can. However, on a world-wide scale, aquacultural methods are becoming more streamlined and cost-effective, and if the local industry is to continue being competitive it will have to be more productive and efficient; it will have to produce the highest quality product at a significantly lower cost. In the end, though, like a vicious circle, most of the local challenges come back to the pressure of unemployment and poverty, together with venal, blatant corruption on the part of officialdom. As a result of the re-structuring of the fishing quota system by the government some years ago, many small-scale fishers whose families had lived off the sea for generations were deprived of an adequate living. Out of desperation, they became easy prey to the Godfathers of the poaching industry. As Tim Hedges points out: “Until these circumstances change, there will be no incentive for the poaching to stop – or until all the abalone has finally been wiped from our oceans forever.” And then, once again, the Zama-Zamas will have nothing more to mine and the endless cycle of unemployment and crime will repeat itself. Tim is, nevertheless, cautiously optimistic that a workable solution can be found, if only political will can

be mustered. “In 2016,” he says, “a remarkable initiative was taken by the then Western Cape MEC for Agriculture and Fisheries, Beverley Schäfer when she organised a series of public hearings on the problem of abalone and rock lobster poaching. She included everyone, from small-scale fishers, to the scientists and commercial aquaculturists – even poachers – and they all had the opportunity to have their say. "What emerged was a very thorough report accurately reflecting the sentiments expressed at these meetings and making suggestions for dealing with the matter, both from the point of view of putting a stop to the poaching and rooting out departmental corruption. “One of the issues in this regard is that Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) officials are prohibited from working overtime, so many of the poachers schedule their operations to take place after-hours, but far more serious questions have been asked about what happens to confiscated stock after a bust. What we do know is that there are any number of possibilities for very lucrative, but illegal activities to take place. We are also aware that most of that stuff is finding its way onto the Asian market. What we are not sure of is who is benefiting.” Continues on P 5

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14 August 2019

New board elected for HPP Writer De Waal Steyn

new board of directors for Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) was elected on Monday evening at the 21st Annual General Meeting, following the resignation of the previous board.

a clean sheet was achieved regarding safety on the Cliff Path with no serious incidents reported during the period. The CCTV surveillance system operated optimally, with minimal downtime.”

According to outgoing chair, Roger Smith, the board made a unanimous decision to resign after it was served by the Overstrand Municipality with a final notice of termination of the Central Improvement District (CID) agreement between the municipality and HPP. HPP announced in January of this year that it will begin with a winding-down process after it was informed by Coenie Groenewald, municipal manager, in December last year that the municipality can no longer impose the additional rates for HPP for the 2019/2020 municipal financial year, commencing on 1 July 2019. This has come about as a result of changes that have been made to the Property Rates Act, the Special Rating Area By-law and the Special Rating Area Policy. The levy that residents were paying was stopped on 30 June. “As a board we feel that we were elected to run HPP on behalf of the residents and not to oversee its winding down in its current form. The time has come for new ways of thinking and new ideas as to how HPP can operate. These challenges will be up to the new board,” said Smith.

The new board of HPP consists of Guy Redford (left), Errol van Staden, Tobie Louw, Clinton Lerm and Barry van Vuren. Ward Councillor Kari Brice retains her seat as a non-voting member. “At the December 2018 meeting we were informed that the CID levy providing the income for HPP will cease at the end of June 2019 and were advised that the establishment of a Special Ratings Area (SRA) by the Hermanus ratepayers will be the only viable option for a levy to continue,” he said. Subsequently in January 2019 the HPP board informed ratepayers that the levy was to be discontinued and that HPP would commence a winding down process allowing for the continuation of normal operations until January 2020 when the reserve funds would be depleted and HPP dissolved. “The primary reason for the early communication was to encourage the community to start with the process of registering an SRA soonest,

as it is a lengthy process,” he said. According to Smith, in March 2019 HPP was included by the Hermanus Ratepayers Association (HRA) in an initiative that would allow for the transition of the Hermanus CID to an SRA in line with a process that was followed in Cape Town. The municipality agreed to refer the request for a legal opinion but at a meeting held on 25 March the mayor said that any process that will bypass full public participation and disclosure will not be agreed to by the municipality. On 5 April Groenewald issued a document outlining the process that will need to be followed when the HPP Board finally dissolves HPP. This includes the formation of a joint working committee with the munic-

ipality, as they have an oversight responsibility, and outlines the process regarding the remaining assets when HPP is finally dissolved. “It is indeed unfortunate that at the time of writing this report, very little progress had been made to establish an SRA, which remains the only viable long-term funding solution for HPP or a similar organisation,” said Smith. He added that he was, however, pleased to report that HPP continued to make a valuable contribution towards public safety within the CID, which stretches from Voëlklip to Swartdam Road. “Although the news of the CID termination came as a shock, we decided to adopt a ‘business as usual’ approach. I am pleased to report that

Smith said the HPP mandate of supporting and facilitating ‘Public Safety in Public Places’ within the boundaries of the CID remained unchanged, with the core activities being security patrols, CCTV surveillance and litter control. He said the HPP CCTV surveillance system, which is a joint venture with the municipality, is now in its third year of service and continues to grow in importance. The three camera positions in the industrial area have been extremely valuable in identifying suspicious activities. “HPP is in a very sound financial position, with fixed assets mainly unchanged at R1 133 203.” Brian Wridgway, chair of the HRA, thanked the outgoing board as well as general manager, Hennie Niemand as well as secretary Christine Hibberd, for their hard work. The outgoing board consists of chairman Roger Smith, deputy chair, Callie Westraat, Coenie Bierman and Michael Clark.

Confiscated abalone – who benefits? From P 3 MEC Beverley Schäfer, now Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities, which includes agriculture, economic development and tourism, takes up the story herself. “It is estimated that since 2006, more than 96 million abalone have been poached out of Western Cape waters which amounts to a loss of around R1 billion a year to our Western Cape economy. The thing is, after a bust, when the abalone has been taken

to the central storage site and is auctioned off, the income is supposed to go into a special fund to protect our marine resources. However, the DAFF has been telling Parliament that they do not have the money or the capacity to adequately protect the coast or the legal fishers. So where’s that money going to? "For government to be selling poached abalone at commercial prices on the international market is completely unacceptable and very dangerous. There is corruption going

on right up to the highest levels of government.”

competency rather than a national one.

She is absolutely determined, she says, to continue driving this project. Her 2016 100-page report was tabled before the parliamentary select committee and discussed; then nothing further came of it. “Since then,” she says, “poaching has continued to escalate by leaps and bounds. We made a number of serious suggestions about overhauling the small-scale fishing industry in terms of quotas, and in fact making this a provincial

"We also believe this could provide the opportunity for a valuable private/public partnership with the commercial sector. At its core would be the re-establishment of a viable small-scale fishing industry, with the fishers themselves acting as stewards of this sustainable resource. “We are not in a position to take on the illegal transnational trade in marine resources – that is up to the

law-enforcement authorities, but we can try to cut off the source on our side. I believe that the new National Minister, Barbara Creecy has the will to tackle the corruption in DAFF head on, but it will not be an easy task, because I am convinced it goes all the way to the top. From our side in the Western Cape, we will give her all the support we can. I am obsessed with the need to put an end to this blight on our industry and to provide sufficient protection for our marine life and our fisheries.”

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14 August 2019

FROM THE EDITOR Let the good times continue The past long weekend saw thousands of tourists visiting the towns in the Overstrand. At times it felt like the December season came early this year with traffic jams being experienced as far afield as Sir Lowry’s Pass.

Most business owners smiled from ear to ear as economic worries slipped away for a few days. As one owner remarked: “The long weekend in August spells the end of the quiet times that May, June and July bring with them.”

Walking through the streets of our towns there was a festive atmosphere as the blistering cold made way for bright sunshine, drawing large crowds to the ocean hoping to catch a glimpse of a whale.

And after this past difficult year, many residents are sighing a collective sigh of relief that predictions for the number of tourists for the remainder of the year are showing signs of growth. As an area that is largely dependent on

tourism this is indeed good news. But the struggle for economic survival for many businesses in the region is far from over. In order for our towns to stay economically sustainable we need to adapt to the ever-changing marketplace and its needs. But business owners cannot do this on their own. What is needed is a partnership between all businesses in the Overstrand and between businesses and the local and provincial governments.

The days of petty politics dictating the success or failure of any initiative that is to the benefit of all, must be put behind us. There is no more room for egos or cliques. If we want to be successful, we must find ways of working together and find solutions that will ensure a brighter future for all of the residents of our region.

This is the good NEWS – Ed

Guns ’n Posers: Who’s the Real Deal?

A Far Kraai

By Murray Stewart thevillagemuze@gmail.com

The original plan was to keep folks informed once a month about what’s really happening in the news around the world, but since our last exposé – only a couple of weeks ago – the pace at which things have been moving requires more frequent updating.

Oddly enough, they’re not questioning his attitude towards everyone who’s not a whiter shade of pale, or the billions of dollars spent on subsidising his farmers in the escalating trade wars. Nor are they worried about the fact that he lies continually with a straight face and without even realising it, or that he can’t find a bricklayer to build his promised wall.

These short bulletins are aimed mainly at those who understandably do the ‘ostrich-head-in-the-sand’ routine, due to the news being too horrifying, morbid and depressing to stomach. Well, like the ostrich – which has to come up for air now and then – take a deep breath, clench teeth and buns, and settle down for a brief but enlightening catch-up.

They’re also not overly concerned that he’s managed to insult all his allies publicly on TV and Twitter – like Germany, Britain, France and Canada, among others – while schmoozing up to leaders of traditional enemies like Russia, China, Saudi Arabia and North Korea, also among others. The reneging of the Paris Accord on Climate Change and the breaking of the arms agreement with Russia to curb nuclear proliferation weren’t even mentioned.

There’s no doubting that people all over the world are frustrated with the Angry Orange in the very White House. Even here at the Duck ’n Fiddle, the elves at the Explanation of Everything have received thousands of emails from as far afield as Borneo, Bermuda and Benoni.

No. The queries have all been about cosmetics. Tan-Fastic from China for example, are the manufactures of a spray-on instant tan in a can that doesn’t turn orange under his tanning lamp. Because of his trade restrictions though, the USA may not import Tan-Fastic any more, so he’ll just get

oranger and oranger, which will soon frighten the children and give them nightmares. In addition, Ben Dover, the press liaison officer from the international Gay Pride movement has also received thousands of complaints concerning the lilac eye-bags the Angry Orange has managed to cultivate. They claim that the colours clash offensively, never mind their proximity to the peroxided yellow badger crouching overhead. This, they claim, is a blatant encroachment on the patented multi-coloured rainbow of the Gay Pride flag, and he should drop at least one of the colours. Tannie Fotheringham-Botha from Franskraal was also offended. She runs a B&B and is gatvol of guests making fun of her curtains and matching duvet covers. “The lilac curtains next to the TV in our guest cottage have been there since the sixties and nobody ever minded,” she wrote. “Now every time Trump comes on the screen, people think I’m a supporter because of the identical colour match between the eye-bags, curtains and duvets. News spread that I could also be

a closet racist, and turnover has plummeted. But I’m damned if I’m changing Ouma’s curtains, and have rather installed a black-and-white TV to eradicate further damaging rumours.” Well, Tannie, I’m glad those are the least of your worries. People in Venezuela, Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, North Korea, Cuba, China, Russia and Mexico wish they had your problem. They are all at war with the Toxic Orange for world dominance, and we can be thankful his weapon of choice so far is confined to financial arm-twisting. Soon there is to be a joint ‘training exercise’ between South Korea and the USA within spitting distance of Kim Jong Un, who despite his accolades for having the second most ridiculous hairdo, must be spitting mad. Let’s pray these two don’t get into the ‘mine’s bigger than yours’ contest or we’re all in for a bumpy ride. Nostradamus predicted a major apocalypse, which will destroy most of the world – except the ‘land of the olifant’ apparently. Well, India’s in the firing line so we’ve got nothing to worry about.

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14 August 2019

LET’S TALK

If Mossel Bay can, why can’t we? A request by a good friend to accompany him as he pursued the (hopefully) love of his life brought me, this past long weekend, to Mossel Bay, a town that, frankly, I have been dismissive of since the first (and only) time I visited in the 1990s. Boy, was I wrong! Mossel Bay has been transformed and it became abundantly clear, in the 48 hours I was here, why the town continues to attract new residents and development. A number of things stood out for me: Firstly, they really have a great Central Business District (CBD) that is alive in the evenings. Buildings are taken care of, the streets are clean and, at night, the police regularly patrol and are visible where the bars and restaurants are located. With residential housing integrated into the CBD, it was clear that this is a town that you can easily walk around in. In fact, for the time we were there, the car remained parked. My inquisitive mind led me to check out the latest Integrated Development Plan and the Local Economic Development and Tourism Strategic Plan for the municipality. Lo and behold, CBD regeneration was one of the objectives. But instead of just putting it into a document that gathers dust as has been the case in the Overstrand, this municipality was actually putting their (actually taxpayer’s) money where their mouth was. And it is clearly making a difference.

Based on the strength of this proactive municipality, a Tanzanian businessman I spoke with had just opened up a new restaurant, The Cork & Plunger, investing millions into restoring an historic old building and creating interiors that are simply amazing, along with 25 new jobs. The local residents (at least the dozen or so that I spoke to) are positive about the town and what is happening. They are great ambassadors about the positive change that is taking place. Yes, Mossel Bay has the same issues as the Overstrand. But they seem to focus less on them. So often, as a Hermanus resident, I feel that the tone of our conversations very quickly takes a turn to the negative or personal. If their website mosselbay.gov.za is anything to go by, The Mossel Bay Municipality seems to be much more accessible to their residents. Looking for information was fast and simple. By comparison, our Overstrand Municipality website overstrand.gov.za is a relic that should be relegated to the dustbin. To ensure public participation for the IDP process, posters had been hung on street lamp posts. The calendar of council meetings and events is one of the first things you see on the website. The tourism office is very proactive and gets involved in organising their own events as well. In fact, this past

weekend, they organised the Soul Festival and used the event as an opportunity to get the whole community involved. I attended a wine show, watched open mic sessions, children’s puppet plays and dance competitions. It does help that the Tourism Bureau is in a beautiful building with a wonderful view of the harbour, a strategic decision that was clearly taken by the municipality to highlight tourism’s importance to the town. And by the way, their tourism office is open seven days a week and has longer operating hours than the Hermanus office, opening at 8:00 during the week. The Municipality of Mossel Bay is roughly the same size as Overstrand Municipality in terms of population and municipality budget. Both are Democratic Alliance-led. Inmigration from the Eastern Cape is a serious concern for the municipality as well. Increased homelessness was also apparent.

The Village NEWS - All Over Overberg: For the latest news and breaking stories.

Village Explorer: Places and people of the Overberg.

With the exception of this past year, something the mayor was clear would be rectified this year, Mossel Bay has received clean audits for the previous six financial years. But it does seem that Mossel Bay is tackling the same issues that we are facing in the Overstrand in a far more proactive way. So my question is: If Mossel Bay can do it, why can’t we?

The Village NEWS - What's Cooking: Restaurant news and reviews.

A Slavid

Thank you Baboon Action Group I would like to thank Pat Redford and the Hermanus Baboon Action Group, but most especially Pat for her relentless, unwavering pursuit (at great personal cost) to assist the community in the battle to get support from the Overstrand Munici-

pality, CapeNature and the provincial authorities to combat the ongoing scourge and carnage being caused by the baboons in Voëlklip and surrounding areas.

us for longer than 18 months. lt would appear that Pat’s efforts will finally achieve a resolution to our problems in the near future. Thank you, Pat. Biddy Schouw

The baboons have been terrorising

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14 August 2019

Rock around the Overberg Writer Dr Anina Lee

nyone who lives in the Western Cape must be aware of the extraordinary mountain ranges we have to criss-cross every time we travel. We would have noticed the beautiful rock formations in passes such as Seweweekspoort, Swartberg or Meiringspoort. These striated, contorted rocks are part of the Cape Fold Mountains. Our own Kleinriviersberge are another example right here on our doorstep. Look at the rocks of Mosselberg in Fernkloof (especially when the late afternoon sun turns it to gold) and you can not fail to wonder when and how these apparently solid rocks were so squashed, contorted and turned upside down. This is my own, very lay interpretation of how the Cape got its magnificent mountains. The Earth To explain what happened, we must look very briefly and simply at the structure of the earth. We know that the centre or core is solid (even though it is very hot) because of the huge pressure of everything above it. The mantle wraps around the core and is made of minerals that are also very hot – so hot that it’s almost like boiling porridge. On top of that is the earth’s crust that makes up the land masses and the bottom of the sea. The crust is cooler and almost solid – like the solid surface of the porridge when it cools down. But underneath the crust the boiling porridge is moving (called convection currents) and the top crust floats with it. Hot porridge rises to the top and pushes the crust out to the edges. But the porridge crust is confined to the pot, so when it hits the solid side of the pot, it dips back under the surface, while more porridge rises over the flame under the pot. Plate tectonics We can look at the earth like that too. Molten stuff rises to the top in places on the earth’s surface forming a new crust, while older pieces of the crust (with its continents or seas on top) float away with it. These floating pieces of crust are called plates and the floating around is called plate tectonics. But the earth does not expand. So where does such a moving crusty plate go? When it hits another plate, especially if it’s a thick continental plate, it dips underneath it. This is called subduction. Now you can imagine that if one part of the earth moves below another part of the earth, even if very slowly, this can be pretty dramatic. The drama can be enacted in the form of earthquakes, volcanoes or majestic mountains being thrust up into the sky. Petty awesome either way. The restless Earth Let’s backtrack a bit. As we now know the earth’s crust is made up of a whole lot of plates floating about its surface. Some of these plates carry continents (continental plates) and some carry oceans (oceanic plates). Millions of years ago the earth didn’t look anything like it does today. Over these millions of years, ancient continents have been repeatedly crashing into each other and again drifting apart. New continents formed and then ripped apart again, Oceans opened and closed again over aeons of time.

Pangaea To explain the formation of the Cape Fold Mountains we only have to go back to 500 million years ago to a supercontinent called Pangaea. The name is derived from the Greek “pan” meaning all, and “Gaia” meaning Mother Earth. This supercontinent encompassed all the land masses of the time and it was centred in the southern hemisphere. Skip a few millions years and convection currents in the mantle started pulling this landmass apart again. The tectonic plates carried with them what is now South America to the west, the Falkland Plateau to the south, East Antarctica to the east and India moved northeast. Between South Africa and the Falkland Plateau a sea opened up – called the Agulhas Sea. The landmasses all around the Agulhas Sea were buffeted by rain and wind and the land eroded to be washed down rivers into this sea. Slowly, layer upon layer of sand and mud were deposited in the sea. Eventually, the weight of the deposits exerted enough pressure to turn the lower layers into sandstone (sand) and shale (mud).

When Pangaea split apart.

Gondwana But the earth is never static. After more millions of years the plates started to converge again. The Falklands Plateau and other landmasses drift inexorably back to southern Africa. Except, the Agulhas Sea is now filled with layers of sandstone and shale. No matter – the earth’s forces cannot be stopped. As the Falklands Plateau slams into Africa, the oceanic crust behind the plateau buckles down and gets subducted under the land. It pushes up the Falklands Plateau into epic mountain ranges which in turn push, squash and buckle the rocks in the bottom of the Agulhas Sea. What used to be sea bed, is elevated to mountain heights – mountains that show their violent origin in the folded and faulted layers of sandstone we see in the Cape Fold Mountains today. The supercontinent so formed by the landmasses of the southern hemisphere and India is called Gondwana, meaning the ‘Land of the Gonds’, a tribe in India. But the earth has a never-ending story. After more millions of years the tectonic movement of the plates reversed again. Gondwana started to break up. The Falkland Plateau with its majestic mountains pulled away from Southern Africa, leaving the Cape Fold Mountains behind. These mountains, composed mainly of sandstone and shale, eroded over more millions of years, leaving us with the present sandstone mountains. The shale, being softer, eroded more quickly and accumulated in valleys between ranges and to the north, where they formed fertile agricultural soils. On the other hand, sandstone soils, poor in nutrients, contributed to the amazing diversification of the fynbos plants that grown on them.

Pangaea supercontinent breaks apart, reassembles as Gondwana and mountain chains are uplifted. IMAGES: Wikipedia

So that’s the very simplified story of our beloved mountains and the precious fynbos they are home to. When next you look at them, ponder the forces that formed them over hundreds of millions of years. To learn more about the rock formations we see daily all around us in the Overstrand, come and listen to geologist Dr John Bristow, who will present the monthly talk at Whale Coast Conservation on 20 August.

Cape Fold Mountains.

THE VILLAGE

EXPLORER

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Celebrating 21 years in wine O

n 3 August 2019 the extended family at Wine Village Hermanus celebrated 21 years of offering the best South African Wine Experience and one of the largest selections of wine to consumers from far and wide. The secret of this longevity? Passion and Paul du Toit and his team! Paul and Cathy du Toit opened the doors of the Wine Village on 3 August 1998, with wines from 19 producers displayed in an innovative “wine cupboard” style, instantly creating what would become a comprehensive wine library – red on the left, white on the right. An invitation to browse and experiment with new labels, new producers and new trends was extended and the journey of Wine Village Hermanus started. From the outset, the du Toits developed strong relationships with producers, particularly the relatively new farmers in the Overberg, from Elgin to Elim, for some time even concentrating on this region as the theme of the annual Hermanus Wine and Food Festival. “We had a symbiotic relationship with the producers, we supported and helped each other and over the years we have evolved with the growing and now significant South African wine industry. Today we represent 260 South African wine producers and have more than 2 600 wines and wine-related products on our shelves,” said Paul.

Through the years many young people have worked at the Wine Village and it has been rewarding for the du Toits to see them achieve success as winemakers, wine consultants, viticulturists and more. The first requirement for any employee at Wine Village is passion, after that comes customer care, product knowledge and qualifications. Paul and Cathy believe in building lasting relationships with regulars and they have been so successful at it that they now welcome what they call the “generational customers”. Sons and daughters who visited the wine library with their parents are now friends of the Wine Village, sharing this welcoming experience with their own children. Today Paul and Cathy’s business is a family affair. Foreman Dyani started shortly after the doors opened, 20 years ago and today has his own loyal following of customers. Ulla du Toit put her jewellry design business on the shelf to join the family team and son Johannes, an IT expert, married Karien, the business bookkeeper. They have two sons, Alexander and Benjamin who are naturally everyone’s favourites. Roëtter Smit and Yvette Botha share their tasting expertise daily and Sinethemba, Aliyanda and Tesh complete the friendly team.

But it is Paul’s passion for wine and every aspect of the industry that has been the driving force behind the success of the Wine Village. A natural teacher, Paul has taught his favourite subject to every member of staff and, most importantly, emphasised that every wine has a story. The team prides itself on unearthing new discoveries, collecting the great diversity the wine industry has to offer, from obscure boutique wines to rare vintages, and offering them to visitors to enjoy – with the backstory of course!

The “Fine Wine Time Experience” does not stop in the Wine Village and experiences are not confined to wine. Several events and developments flowed naturally from the team’s efforts: the annual Hermanus Wine and Food Festival, the annual Wine Celebration in December and January (when more than a dozen different wines are available for tasting daily), the Gin Revolution, the Pot Still Brandy Exploration and the Hermanus Wine Club (whose 80 members enjoy monthly tastings hosted by winemakers from throughout the country). Loyal customers and deliveries of wine around the world and several “wine coup” tastings such as those hosted by world-renowned UK wine writer and Master of Wine, Tim Atkin, and the all-new Platter’s Wine Guide Posh Red tasting have followed.

“We talk about the vineyards, food, pairing, trends, wine people, the weather, the wedding, the restaurant wine list – about everything!” says Paul. So do not expect to simply walk in and buy wine. No, you walk in and you have an experience, from the warm welcome from every member of staff to the invitation to taste the day’s selection of fine South African wines.

As an active sportsman, Paul could not resist the temptation to get involved with the Cape Epic 14 years ago when he joined their organising team as the Race Oice Manager. His enthusiasm and hard work brought the Epic to Hermanus four times. This naturally led to creating running and cycling trails in the Hemel-enAarde Valley, where Paul negotiated accessi-

The du Toit family at your service: Daughter Ulla, with owners Paul and Cathy du Toit, daughter-in-law Karien and son Joh. bility with his farmer friends and established Hermanus Adventures. The trails are a great asset to mountain biking in the area and are still maintained and run by Hermanus Adventures.

Ulla takes the money, Karien counts the money and Cathy spends the money”. At the centre of it all is the passionate core and the ethos: ‘Give a little, take a little, and give a little more’.

Charity organisations have also benefited from Paul and his team’s energy and hard work, the most significant being the Hemel-en-Aarde Pebbles Project, Camphill School and the Cancer Relay for Life in Hermanus.

Be assured, selling a bottle of wine is not the main purpose at the Wine Village. Turning visitors into lifelong wine friends, teaching them about wine, giving them the opportunity to try something new and different, and making sure everyone leaves the shop with a smile and a wish to return, that is the main aim. – Glynis van Rooyen

As Ulla jokingly refers to the “executive management” at Wine Village, “Paul talks the money,

STERLING

RENAULT

5 Mitchell Street, Hermanus, 7200 Tel. 028 312 1143 sterling@sterlingrenault.co.za www.renault.co.za

10 | FOOD & WINE

What's Cooking

14 August 2019

It’s always tea time at Curiositea

By Hedda Mittner

igh Street in Hermanus, which runs parallel to Main Road from the Royal Centre down to Woolworths, has a character all of its own. It is one of the few streets in the CBD where small speciality shops, eateries and galleries co-exist with private residences, creating the laidback ambience of real village life. Someone who is new on the scene but who already feels very much at home in High Street, Is Tanya Bassi of Curiositea, “the tiniest tearoom in town”. In this quaint and cheerful little shop you can browse, sniff and taste various speciality teas (loose leaves and tea bags) and enjoy a cuppa with a sweet treat such as real Belgian waffles, pancakes or freshly-baked scones served with cream and tri-berry & peach jam; or a wholesome 'sarmie' made with home-baked brown seedloaf. Caffeine addicts don’t need to feel left out, as Curiositea also serves excellent Terbodore coffee, along with milkshakes and a delicious Lindt hot chocolate. Hand-roasted Terbodore coffee (Mocha Java, Great Dane, Italian Hazelnut, Dutch Chocolate) and various teas from Dilmah, Carmien and Enmasse are available for purchase, along with the Oh So Prettea range of organic rooibos teas, hand-blended in Montagu. “The tourists of course love everything to do with rooibos,” laughs Tanya. Then there are the rusks and cookies – shortbread, macadamia & white chocolate, biscotti, Florentine, Amaretti, Venetian Cioccolatini – and jams, olives and olive oil, which all make great gifts for foodie friends. Tanya also stocks a small selection of ceramics, kitchenware and tableware, scented candles and baskets; you might just feel the urge to buy yourself a present! Among all these treasures, the most curious item I found was a range of Bird’s Nest Tea Soup with different flavours that sound rather exotic, such as Devil’s Advocate, Green Caip-

ABOVE: Tanya Bassi, the owner of Curiositea in High Street, with her assistant, Abigail in the background. TOP RIGHT: Tea fixes everything, especially when accompanied by a decadent treat. RIGHT: Customers enjoy the intimate and peaceful ambience of “the tiniest tearoom in town”.

irinha and Sticky Naartjie. Apparently Bird’s Nest Soup originated in China 400 years ago and has become an expensive delicacy, also referred to as the ‘Caviar of the East’. And yes, the real thing is made from swiftlet nests, which are not only rare and difficult to find but have to be picked at just the right time – after one batch of eggs has hatched. The nests then have to be painstakingly cleaned before they are safe for consumption. True story! Fortunately, Curiositea’s Bird’s Nest Tea Soup, produced by Enmasse Tea Merchants, sounds rather more palatable and I am told that it’s packed with the flavourful aroma of herbs and spices and innocuous noodles, instead of glutinous swiftlet saliva. You simply add hot water to the tea

soup bag and, voila! Tanya is a boeremeisie who met her husband, Marcelo, while working at the Houwhoek Hotel, which at the time was owned by his family. Marcelo is of Italian descent and grew up in Chile before moving to South Africa. “Marcelo and his cousins and nephews all married Afrikaans girls,” laughs Tanya. Before they moved to Hermanus earlier this year, Tanya had a shop in Paarl called ‘Curiositea’, and the mosaic signboard displayed in her new Curiositea shop was made by Learn to Earn in Khayelitsha. “I am so happy to have found a new place to hang my mosaic,” says Tanya. The couple, who have three grown-up boys, have owned several businesses

in Ceres and Paarl, where they’ve run the Under Oaks Pizzeria for 10 years. It is now being managed by their youngest son, while Marcelo commutes regularly to keep an eye on the business. Marcelo’s ‘Chilean connection’ explains the presence of South American dishes that sometimes appear on Tanya’s blackboard, such as the Empanadas she served over the Kalfiefees long weekend (“made by my hubby and monster-in-law”) or the decadent Milhojas – a cake that consists of layers of puff pastry, caramel and custard cream (“simple but yummy”). “We just love living in Hermanus,” says Tanya. “The locals are so friendly and after I took over the shop in

April, all my neighbours here in High Street came over to say hello and make me feel welcome. I’ve enjoyed getting to know all the shop’s regular customers, some of whom have lived in Hermanus for many years. They always tell me how much they enjoy coming here because it’s intimate, peaceful and quiet.” There are only a handful of tables inside and, when the sun is out, two are carried out onto the pavement. This is the perfect spot to spend your lunch hour, meet up with friends or just sit quietly and gather yourself while allowing Tanya to spoil you with a special treat. You’ll find Curiositea at 26 High Street. For enquiries, contact 083 665 2805.

NEW Blackboard MENU AUGUST SPECIALS 2-course Lunch/Dinner special @R150

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Beef & Mushroom Pie cauliflower puree and vegetable garden

FOOD & WINE | 11

14 August 2019

Duck ‘n Fiddle's clever elves lead the pack

hich famous rock star was jailed for nine days during the group’s 1980 tour of Japan for possession of cannabis? Well, you’d never know unless it popped up as a pub-quiz question, as it did in the Whale Coast Wiz Quiz, which has been running simultaneously at Fusion in town and VB’s in Sandbaai over the past six Thursdays. (The answer my friend, is not blowin’ in the wind – it’s hidden further down the page…) Most restaurants dread the onslaught of winter, and some even switch off the lights for a few weeks due to the dearth of diners. But quite the opposite happened at these two restaurants – they were packed to the rafters for one simple reason: The Whale Coast Wiz Quiz! Rivalry was fierce and brutal as teams from across Walker Bay gathered at these venues to do battle for the coveted trophy, and be crowned the Whale Coast Wiz Quiz Champi-

WINE & DINE

ons for 2019. Piano Ben and radio personalities Pieter van Aswegen and Janet Marshall were the Quiz Masters controlling the eager ‘eat, drink and be merry’ competitors, as questions ranged from sport to history to science to Paul McCartney to geography, among others. The competition ran for six weeks and the Grande Finale will be at the Hemel-en-Aarde Brewery on Thursday evening 15 August, when the top six teams will go head-to-head. It is rumoured that negotiations for live coverage by the BBC and CNN are underway. After six weeks and 240 questions, the top six teams between the venues, who will be battling it out on Thursday evening, are: The Duck ’n Fiddle – 197; The inQUIZition - 186; QUIZaholics – 183; Pointless - 180; Tequila Mockingbird – 179; and the Quizzical Looks – 177. Watch the press for the final results!

The InQUIZition team: Tim Tindall, Kerry Tindall, Tony Webb, Pieter van Aswegen (quiz master at Fusion), Sally Bartlett, Tony Bartlett and Sheila Whitfield. PHOTO: Taylum Meyer

The Duck ‘n Fiddle team: Murray Stewart, Anna Young, Lucie Conradie, Piano Ben at the back (quiz master at VB’s) John Cowan, Claudia Schindler and John Morris. PHOTO: Hedda Mittner

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VENTURE

S O

Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0 Bi-turbo, Double Cab, 4x4, A/T

FL YD & LLO D John Floyd

Frieda Lloyd Nissan Navara 2.3D Stealth Double Cab, 4x4, A/T

Does Stealth win over a Raptor?

t is not often you get to drive new vehicles from rival manufacturers on a back-to-back basis, so we were extremely fortunate to experience both the new Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0 Bi-turbo, Double Cab, 4x4, A/T and the latest from the Nissan stable, the Navara 2.3D Stealth, Double Cab, 4x4, A/T. It proved to be a diicult comparison as these are very diferent vehicles.

John: The huge Ford badge dominates the front grille, magnesium alloy side steps and very large lared wheel arches plus the increased height and width over its donor indicates there is a big diference between Stealth and Raptor. Whereas Stealth is a customized special edition of the Navara LE, the Raptor is a highly-developed performance vehicle.

Frieda: We all know about Hemel-en-Aarde’s reputation as ine wine country but who could guess that there is much more agricultural magic in the stretch of farmland adjacent to Hermanus? Trips in the Ford Raptor and Nissan Stealth focused on the scope of farming activity from the dizzy vantage provided by the high clearance of the vehicles.

Frieda: But then, this vehicle is not about looks. It’s about performance. This is the type of vehicle that has men reciting stats and talking in code. While the admiration is causing their eyes to blur, it provides a gap for us women to take the keys, go of, park on whichever curb you ind and not hold back with the loading of shopping or passengers. There will always be space for more.

John: Both employ turbo diesel engines and automatic transmissions, the Raptor boasting a twin-turbo set-up for the new 2.0 litre 4 cylinder developing 157 kW @ 3 750 r/min and 500 Nm of torque between 1 500 and 2 000 r/min. The Stealth employs a 2.3 litre turbocharged 4 cylinder engine ofering 140 kW at 3 750 with torque of 450 Nm between 1 500 and 2 500 r/min. The Raptor uses a 10-speed automatic transmission from the Ford F150, the Stealth employs a 7-speed automatic transmission. The interior of both signiies they are top of the range models. The Stealth is pretty much standard Navara LE with all the bells and whistles you would expect from Nissan. The Raptor is similarly standard Ranger but with some distinctive changes. A Ford sports steering wheel with a red centerline and magnesium paddle shifts complement the sports style seating, providing the support you will need in this one. Another change is the analogue-style tachometer replacing the vertical digital unit of its siblings. Stealth and Raptor both use coil over rear suspension systems, rather than conventional leaf springs. So far the vehicles are pretty wellmatched but a look at the body styling and diferences become very apparent. The Nissan Stealth is very much a Navara in the metal with no changes to body styling. Variations are mainly cosmetic with the grille, front bumper side mirrors and side steps and the black 18 inch alloy wheels all featuring the distinctive black and orange trim plus Stealth decals. But this is where the similarity between the two ends. The Raptor is far from a standard Ranger. Frieda: On irst sight, the Raptor looked rapturously huge and my thoughts drifted to the number of wine boxes that could be loaded into this omnivorous space. Or the number of people for a tour of the lesser frequented roads of the Cape Whale Coast.

John: Ford has selected a strengthened chassis, front and rear track increased by 150mm, 285/70 R17 BF Goodrich tyres speciically designed for the Raptor, a high-performance braking system and a set of interesting dampers completes the package. Sourced from Fox Racing these dampers are capable of absorbing huge stress loads and recover rapidly when grounding after a very big jump. There is also a 2.3mm thick metal frontal guard to protect the vital components below the engine bay if it all goes wrong. Our test route was from Hermanus Ford and Hermanus Nissan to the R320 through the Hemel-enAarde Valley onto private gravel roads traversing the foothills of the Babylonstoren mountain range. Frieda: We headed of in the direction of Hemelen-Aarde as there are so many options to test the Raptor’s grit. I realised that there is quite a productive gateway between Hermanus and Caledon. Bosman Hermanus is a farm with one of the few vine nurseries in the southern hemisphere. When you consider any bottle of wine for enjoyment, chances are that the rootstock was grown right here in our own valley. From a tasting room close to De Bos Dam the vine garden is visible and one of two hiking trails on the Bosman property will take you past the cultivation vineyards.

high-speed of-road driving. This mode also allows you to set both stability and traction control to suit the driver’s requirements. This is no ordinary of-roader. It is unique in so many ways. Apart from the normal of-road ability, the Raptor demonstrated an awesome level of grip and, on more open gravel roads, the true abilities of this vehicle will surprise many and make most passengers close their eyes in disbelief. It’s a real of-road racer. Frieda: The dirt road leading to Tesselaarsdal posed no challenge to the Raptor. This road was part of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic mountain bike trails and just the thought made me thirsty. At the Tesselaarsdal turnof, we were in free-range country. This is home to the Solitaire free-roaming chickens. It was time for a cofee stop. We followed the signs until the quaint stoep of De Postkantoor Café came in sight. No shortage of bygone authenticity at the little oasis that was established in 1891. A nostalgic venue with views of the valley and mountains. Good for refuelling our spirited appetites. Just enough country vibes to tempt additional exploration before we continued to the R326 that would ultimately lead to Stanford. John: Time for the Navara Stealth to face the preplanned route. The Stealth was no diferent to the standard Navara LE and, like the Raptor, provided good ride quality on both tarred roads and gravel. With 229mm of ground clearance, it traversed our course with ease and did not require the use of its full 4x4 mode, low range or diferential lock, although I engaged them on occasion to experience the transmission’s ability.

Stealth as it carries a load of one ton and tows up to 3.5 tons. This is where the Stealth scores over the Raptor that sacriices carrying capacity for performance. The load mass of the Ford is reduced from 1050 kg to 600 kg and the towing mass drops from 3.5 to 2.5 tons. Frieda: Making our way back, Stanford Manor Restaurant on Stanford Valley Guest Farm was in easy reach and it was time to reward the Stealth with a break while we humans opted for contemporary country cooking and a taste of the local wines. Diicult as it was, we resisted the call for a comfortable stayover in one of the 19 whitewashed, self-catering cottages on the farm and proceeded to complete our tour with only one more stop at Klein River Cheese Farm for their famous Gruberg. Hermanus was calling and we heeded the call to go home and not spare the horsepower. John: You may ask why we had less to say about the Stealth? That’s a simple one. The Navara-based vehicle is a well-proven package, an extremely competent all-rounder. If you are looking for a vehicle of this genre then the Stealth has to be a great choice and the price diference must play a signiicant role in such a decision. However, if you are looking for a very special performance bakkie, I doubt whether there is anything available in South Africa that is capable of matching the Raptor. I agree, it is a niche market, but it truly is a unique Ford. Making your decision regarding these two must come down to “Horses for Courses”. Pricing:

John: The irst impression of the Raptor was the excellent stability on tarred roads, no sign of that jittery steering feel at higher speeds so often found in of-road vehicles. Comfort level was good but it was the gravel that was to be the true test. With a selection of driving modes available, Normal and Sport for on-road, and of-road options of Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja, the last proving interesting.

Frieda: The Goatly family have been farming at Tolbos farm since 1995. The farm produces apples and pears. Thanks to the micro-climate apples are available for harvesting all year round. As with Hemel-en-Aarde vineyards, the cool sea breeze, warm days and cold nights enhance the development and character of the fruit. The apples are enjoyed across the globe but mostly in the UK and Asia.

Named after the famous Mexican Baja Desert Rally, this mode demonstrates the Raptor’s ability to the maximum. When selected, the throttle, transmission and steering response is enhanced and the Raptor is ready to tackle unbelievably

John: The power steering is well-weighted and was a real beneit when parking in town. With the tightest turning circle in its class, it soon becomes clear that this is a great all-rounder. The towing and load capability are further bonuses for the

Ford Ranger Raptor2.0 Bi-turbo, Double Cab, 4x4, A/T: R803 300 Price includes a 4-year/120 00km comprehensive warranty, 5 years/unlimited km corrosion warranty, 3-year roadside assistance and a 6 year/90 000km service plan. Nissan Navara 2.3D Stealth Double Cab, 4x4, A/T: R659 900 Price includes a 6-year/150 00km warranty, 5 years/unlimited km corrosion warranty, 3-year roadside assistance and a 3-year/90 000km service plan.

A bright idea for the times F

or Ford and Nissan Hermanus power couple, Wikus and Adré Niemand, bright ideas seem to always come in twos.

It started in September 2016 when, along with their then business partners, Tank and Isabella Coetzee, they took over the Ford Hermanus dealership and immediately doubled the monthly car sales simply by implementing the best practice in the industry that their combined 40 years of experience had taught them – better car loor plans and stockholding, a focus on pre-owned car sales and trade-ins, and improved customer and workshop service. “If there is one thing that became glaringly obvious in my business analysis of the market, it was that people did not buy in Hermanus. I found that people wanted to buy in Hermanus but didn’t feel that they were getting good service. That’s why I focused on the workshop, spare parts and service,” said Wikus. But an improved customer experience required investment in building the Ford Hermanus team and, within months, the staf complement had doubled from the 12 who were originally there

when Wikus and Tank took over.

didn’t want to be doing the same old, same old.”

passion for the sport.

In February 2018, opportunity came knocking when the existing Nissan franchisee wanted to disinvest from Hermanus to focus on his other dealerships in the country. For Wikus and Tank, this was a no brainer.

From this conviction, the idea of the Mahala Promotion, of giving away a car to a lucky customer, was born. “The Mahala Promotion was a way of re-establishing Nissan Hermanus in the market,” said Wikus. “You never think you can give away a car. But, in doing so, people realised that we meant business.”

Tank’s retirement at the end of April 2019 provided an opportunity to strategically re-examine the two businesses and prepare them for the future. From this, the idea of creating the Bright Auto Group, with Bright Ford Hermanus and Bright Nissan Hermanus as the two member companies, was born.

The irst Mahala Promotion draw took place in February 2019. So successful was the six-month promotion for Nissan, that the idea was quickly applied to Ford, with the launch of the Pasella Promotion where a Ford Figo was given away in July 2019.

“We consider ourselves to be a group, which is a milestone in our lives,” said Wikus. “We wanted a company name we could use in our marketing eforts. We wanted something positive that speaks about the culture of the company and the team.”

“Tank was a Ford man with 20 years experience and I was a Nissan man with similar years of experience with the car company. So it was easy for us to take on the new challenge of managing two dealerships,” said Wikus. Again, by applying best practice in the industry, sales doubled when they took over Nissan Hermanus in April 2018. Having the Ford and Nissan dealerships allowed them to ofer potential customers a diferentiated selection of car models with very little competitive overlap. Improved customer choice backed by strong after-sales service, which included upskilling the workshop to achieve Red Star status, was a winning formula. But Tank and Wikus were not satisied. “We had to do something distinctive to make a mark in town,” recalls Wikus. “We needed to be diferent. We

And the future? “We are deinitely planning another Mahala and Pasella promotion that is going to be even bigger and will run for a year instead of just six months,” says Wikus. Right from the beginning, the decision was taken to focus Ford’s and Nissan’s primary community involvement on two schools, Hermanus Primary School and Hermanus High School, as well as the goling fraternity, a relection of Tank’s lifelong

“My dream is to double again. That would be a goal for me personally. Nothing is impossible in life. We are going to have to think out-of-the-box. The industry is going to change. There will be more and more electrical vehicles, for example. ” said Wikus.

– Raphael da Silva

Bright Ford Hermanus Team

Bright Nissan Hermanus Team

Markus Koen (above) and his wife Nicole were overjoyed when their set of keys opened the doors of the brand-new Figo that was up for grabs in the Pasella Promotion run by Ford Hermanus. Around 800 people attended the draw last month.

More than 200 people joined in the festivities at the lucky draw which was the culmination of the Mahala Competition run by Nissan Hermanus in January 2019. Here Pieter de Vries was congratulated by Wikus Niemand (left).

WHAT’S ON

OVERBERG Wednesday

programme. Tickets at R230–R300 pp can be purchased online at www. webtickets.co.za or at the Hermanus Tourism Bureau (Tel: 028 312 2629). Dutch Reformed Church, Onrus | 19:30

Meditation Class Have you ever wanted to learn to meditate? Join Dr Arien for a free class where you’ll learn how to relax and unwind your busy mind, for only a few minutes every day, to the benefit of both body and mind. For more information or to book, contact 067 116 6111. 26 Whale Rock Estate, Hermanus | 17:30 Grape Expectations Join The Wine Glass for their ‘Easy Wednesdays’ and get up close and personal with Domaine des Dieux. Arrive to welcoming drinks and canapés, followed by a talk and tasting presented by Megan Parnell. R195 pp includes two courses with wine, plus dessert. Early reservation is essential as the event is limited to 40 tickets. Contact foh@thewineglass.guru or 082 082 0007. The Wine Glass, 2 Harbour Rd, Hermanus | 18:30

Thursday

www.thevillagenews.co.za/whatson

BodySensing Join Nicholas for a series of healing-through-movement sessions that will show you how to unwind, restore sleep, release pain and find freedom within. Bookings are essential on 082 437 9776. BodyMind Studio, Sandbaai | 08:00 – 09:15 Whalers Athletics Club Join the Whalers for their weekly time trials, every Thursday afternoon. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome. Choose between a 3 km, 5 km or 8 km route. Meet at Hermanus Country Market | 17:30 Joburg Ballet Gala Evening A rare chance to see ballet at its best! The Joburg Ballet Company is back in Hermanus with four performances, starting with a Master Repertoire Class on Wednesday 14 August. The Gala Performance on Thursday evening will be followed by another Special Performance on Friday 16 August. The programme will include highlights from ballet classics such as The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker, as well as exciting neo-classical pieces. Entitled ‘Dance to Enhance

our Children’s Lives’, this performance is a fundraiser for the Just Care Aftercare Centre. Tickets are R300 – R350 pp and can be purchased online at www.webtickets.co.za or at the Hermanus Tourism Bureau (Tel: 028 312 2629). Dutch Reformed Church, Onrus | 18:30 Rotary Club of Hermanus Visitors are welcome at Rotary’s weekly meetings, every Thursday. Contact Frank on 082 870 1187 to confirm your attendance. Mollergren Park, Main Road, Hermanus | 19:00

Friday

Hermanus Hacking Group Volunteers are welcome to join the HHG, every Friday morning, on Rotary Way. For more information contact Charlyn Vosloo on 082 558 8731 or charlynvosloo@gmail.com Rotary Way | 07:15 – 09:30 Bhuki Café Everyone is welcome at Friends of the Library's Bhuki Cafe where a cup of tea or coffee and delicious eats will cost only R25, every Friday. Each cup helps to raise funds for new books. Hermanus Library | 09:00 – 11:30 Kolwyntjie Teetuin Enjoy a sweet treat and tea or coffee at a nominal fee, and make new friends at the Onrus Care Centre, every Friday morning. Onrus Dutch Reformed Church | 09:30 – 11:30 Napoleon and the Duke of Wellington The second part of U3A Overberg’s new series of six lectures that will

explore the careers, personalities and military strategies of Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France, and Sir Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington. Both were born in the year 1796 and their military careers climaxed at the historic Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Napoleon spent his final years in exile on St Helena whereas Wellington became Prime Minister of Britain. The second lecture is entitled The Life of Napoleon Part II. Catholic Church Hall | 10:00 Wine Down Friday Join Hermanus’s trendiest wine bar for their 2-for-1 special every Friday afternoon. Buy a glass of any of their lifestyle wines, beers or bubblies (MCC), or a tapas dish of dates and bacon, and get the second one free. A great way to wind down your week and ease into the weekend! The Wine Glass, 2 Harbour Rd | 16:00 - 18:00 Around the World with 80 Plants Local artist, photographer and conservationist, Duncan Butchart will be the guest speaker at the Hermanus Botanical Society’s Friday Evening Talk. Duncan has always been interested in nature and lived in the South African Lowveld for 20 years before settling in Hermanus five years ago. He has made a career for himself in the wildlife tourism sector, creating illustrated publications and mentoring safari guides in 11 African countries. In this illustrated talk, Duncan will present a selection of his own photographs and provide interesting facts on 80 plant species that have captivated him on his journeys to wild places around the world. Fernkloof Nature Reserve | 17:30 for 18:00 Joburg Ballet Special Performance At this bonus performance, the audience will have the rare opportunity of meeting the dancers, still in costume, after the show, while enjoying a glass of wine and snacks. See Thursday 15 August for more details on the

Rewind Join Backstage Café & Grill (previously Soul Café) every Friday night and relax to the tunes of their resident band, Rewind, as they perform all your favourite hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. R50 pp. Call 028 313 2137 to book. Backstage Café & Grill, 181 Main Road, Hermanus | 20:00

LIVE MUSIC Des Bosch: Friday 5–9pm Terrence Takura: Saturday 2–6pm Des Bosch: Sunday 1–5pm

Come and enjoy our Winter Wood Fire Grill Specials in our beer garden, taproom or restaurant 028 316 4626 | info@hermanus.beer www.hermanus.beer/

Saturday

Hermanus parkrun Meet for the weekly 5 km timed walk or run, come rain or shine. Run for your own enjoyment at your own pace. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome. Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley | 08:00 Betty’s Bay parkrun Join this free weekly 5 km timed run (or walk) where it’s only you against the clock. The whole family is welcome. Grab a post-run coffee in the Red Disa restaurant with fellow parkrunners. Harold Porter Botanical Garden | 08:00 Staalwater MTB Challenge The 10th annual Staalwater MTB Challenge will again be hosted by

The Caledon Hotel and Spa, at a time of year that brings with it a hypnotic feast of yellow canola blossoms and lush green wheat fields. The oneday-only option provides exciting routes perfect for the whole family. Mountain bikers can choose between 15 km, 35 km and 60 km routes, while the trail runners have a choice of 7 km and 15 km. Registration will take place from 06:00 to 09:30 in The Caledon Hotel’s Swartberg Conference room, with costs ranging from R110 for the 7 km trail run to R300 for the 60 km cycle. Find all the event information at www. tsogosun.com/the-caledon-casino/ whatson/events/10th-annual-staalwater-mtb-challenge or call 082 809 9878. Make sure you pre-register at www.dirtopia.co.za/index.php/staalwater. Caledon Hotel & Spa | from 09:00 Market in the Garden Hunt for treasures at this peaceful market set among the shady trees of a beautiful garden. St Peter’s Church, Main Road, Hermanus | 09:00 – 13:00 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

ROCK AROUND THE OVERBERG Anatomy of the Overstrand’s Exceptional

GEOLOGICAL EVOLUTION DRS JOHN BRISTOW & DAVE MOURANT Tuesday 20 August 2019 17h30 @ the Green House R20 donation to environmental education | Info: 083 242 3295 or anina.wcc@gmail.com

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 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 Stanford Saturday Morning Market Come and sample the artisanal delights on display, from home-made sheep and goats’ cheeses to cured meats, farm-fresh vegetables and deli delights to tantalise your taste buds! Stanford Hotel Stoep | 09:00 – 12:00 Gansbaai Farmers Market Specialising in organic, homemade and homegrown 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 Joburg Ballet Matinee Performance See Thursday 15 August for more details. Tickets at R180 – R250 pp can be purchased online at www.webtickets. co.za or at the Hermanus Tourism Bureau (Tel: 028 312 2629). Dutch Reformed Church, Onrus | 15:00

Sunday

OAK Concert Niël Rademan (highly acclaimed SA cabaret singer, folksongs, lieder and operatic music), Anjulie de Vos (cello performer and composer), Lucas Heinen (accordion, accompanist, composer) and Louis Jones (percussion) will entertain the audience with a classical karett-style programme, which will include songs such as Sons, Amsterdam, Por una cabeza, Madeleine, Jantjie, Lisa se klavier and Al lê die berge nog so blou. Tickets at R150 pp (R60 for students) are available from the Hermanus Tourism Bureau (Tel: 028 312 2629). Contact René du Plooy on 082 940 4238 for further information. Municipal Auditorium | 15:30 Ha!Man in Hermanus Enjoy an intimate show by the HA!Man, Francois le Roux, the enigmatic Spontaneous Music & Movement Expression Cellist. Tickets at R180 pp include a complimentary glass of MCC or sherry on arrival, and a light meal and glass of wine after the show. Available from the Wine Village in Hemel-en-Aarde Village (Tel: 028 316 3988). The Class Room Restaurant | 16:00

Monday

Eastern Extravaganza with Cat Simoni Spice up your Sunday with a smoking-hot selection of saucy songs by Cat Simoni and a delectable curry buffet to warm the winter right out of you! The buffet will include Mutton Curry, Chicken Biryani, Brinjal & Feta Curry Potjie, Yellow Dahl (lentil curry) and a selection of Eastern Sambals, Basmati Rice and Roti. The cost is R250 pp. For enquiries and bookings, contact 028 284 9809 or 079 504 3593 or email daphne@ecologylifestyle.co.za. Ecology Lifestyle Farm, R43 | 12:00

Doodmenslik (Afrikaans lecture series) U3A Overberg resumes its Afrikaans lecture series with a presentation by Dr Willie van der Merwe about his acclaimed debut collection of poetry, Doodmenslik. Dr van der Merwe, Professor of Philosophy at Stellenbosch University until 2008 and Professor of

Philosophy and Theology at the Vrije Universiteit van Amsterdam, is the brother of the well-known land artist, Strydom van der Merwe. Catholic Church Hall | 10:00

al, always fresh. Stay for coffee and breakfast. For more info, call Tabby & Alex on 076 243 1930. Graze Slow Food Café, Stanford | 09:00 – 12:00

Duplicate Bridge All who enjoy playing bridge are welcome to join in, every Monday. For more information, contact Riekie Louw on 028 314 0662. Fernkloof Hall | 13:00

Home Industries Market Get your fresh micro-greens, home-processed and home-baked goodies at this family- and pet-friendly market, every Wednesday. New vendors are welcome. Contact Lani on 082 679 7819 or visit www.afdaksrivier.co.za Café Tango & Afdaksrivier Nursery | 09:30 – 12:30

Mindful Mondays Join Nicholas and Ferdi, holistic health coaches who awaken inspiration from within, for a mindfulness-based movement and meditation session. For more information, contact 082 437 9776. BodyMind Studio, Sandbaai | 18:00 Hermanus Astronomy Centre Meeting Join HAC for their monthly meeting where Dr Jenny Morris will present a talk entitled More unusual curvaceous geographical wonders of Earth. For more information, contact petermh@ hermanus.co.za or call 081 212 9481. Catholic Church Hall | 19:00

Tuesday

The chemistry of carbon U3A Overberg’s series of lectures on carbon, one of the most important elements in our world, continues with a presentation by John Taylor entitled Carbon and its Plastic Polymer Applications creating extraordinary man-made products. This talk on Plastics takes the audience to the start of it all: how was plastic invented, and by whom? Just how does carbon polymerise to create extraordinary manmade products, which have changed all our lives since the late 1800’s? Catholic Church Hall | 10:00

Swem Sunflower swem Hermanus High School presents a performance of their play which has been entered in the ATKV Tienertoneel competition. Tickets are only R20 pp and all are welcome. For enquiries, contact Dayne Nel on 028 312 3760 or dnel@ hermanushigh.co.za Hermanus High School Hall | 18:00 Nataniël in Concert Catch Nataniël live in Hermanus when this popular entertainer lights up the stage with Charl du Plessis. Nataniël has over the past three decades established himself not only as a singer, songwriter, producer, director, designer and public speaker, but also as South Africa's leading

exponent of the solo stage act. Call 028 316 4911 to book your tickets. Curro Hermanus | 19:00

Sunday

Sondag, 1 September 12:00

Sandbaai Country House nooi jou uit na ’n lente-ete deur Emile & Renette van Rooitamatie met pragtige musiek van Stef Kruger en Petronel Baard R380 pp | Bespreek teen 15 Aug by Angelique 072 756 8637

Rock around the Overberg Join Whale Coast Conservation for a presentation by John Bristow on The Anatomy of the Overstrand’s exceptional Geological Evolution. The Green House, R43 Vermont | 17:30

Wednesday

Graze Farmer’s Market Reduce your carbon footprint and get your fresh veggies – always season-

To advertise your event in the newspaper costs R400 for a pop-up ad. Community and non-profit organisations are FREE.

16 | COMMUNITY

14 August 2019

First students for Hermanus Varsity Writer Raphael da Silva

he Hermanus Varsity Trust (HVT) commenced operations this week when 33 students, supported by 15 volunteer tutors, began the course ‘Introduction to Local Economic Development (LED)’, a three-month short-learning programme accredited by the University of Johannesburg. The students and tutors were introduced at a welcoming function on Thursday 8 August, held at the HVT Hub, a historic building that was formerly a synagogue. Hermanus resident, Johan Visser, the former CEO of Pep Stores in South Africa and Brown & Jackson PLC in the UK, addressed the students and urged them to make the most of their studies. Recalling his own background growing up in poverty, Johan relected on the eforts his parents made. “The greatest opportunity they gave me was to study,” he said. Johan has pledged R3.75 million to HVT to cover 50% of the estimated operating costs over the next three years. “A number of people are going to think I’m crazy. We’ve got our critics. We have to prove them wrong,” he said. “Everybody is always trying to ind faults instead of opportunities. This

is what distinguishes an entrepreneur – looking for opportunities,” said Johan, who added that it was the inspirational talk by Dr Sindiwe Magona – writer, educationist, cultural ambassador, social activist – at the March 2019 HVT ribbon-cutting ceremony that motivated him to make his pledge. Delana Finlayson, the CEO of HVT, reminded the audience that it is only a year since the idea of an institution for tertiary studies in the Overstrand was irst mooted by Theo Krynauw of Sparklekids, William Ntebe of the Zwelihle Youth Café and Emeritus Professor John de Gruchy of the Volmoed Retreat Centre. “Immediately, the dream was born and HVT is happening now. It always seems impossible until it’s done. It’s only the irst step but we should celebrate it,” she said. Professor Marius Venter, who has designed the LED course for HVT, said, “The whole idea of this course is to open up your vision,” and reminded the students that “lifelong learning is the foundation of LED”. Marius also told the students that they were now not just part of the University of Johannesburg community of 55 000 students but of the wider LED community as well. Solly Madikane, Overstrand Municipality Director: Economic Devel-

ABOVE: The first students to enrol at Hermanus Varsity. RIGHT: Each student received a Hermanus Varsity welcome package.

opment and Tourism, also gave a presentation to the students that outlined why LED was so important to the growth of communities. At the end of the course, successful students achieving 50% or more for their assignment will be awarded a Certiicate of Competence by the University of Johannesburg. The certiicates will be awarded at the HVT certiication ceremony in March 2020.

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14 August 2019

Hermanus Varsity Trust is looking to involve the community of Hermanus in our exciting initiative.

HVT Student & Learning Committee HVT Communications Committee HVT Fundraising Committee HVT Audit & Risk Committee

A WORLD CLASS AFRICAN BALLET COMPANY

IN HERMANUS 15th – 17th AUGUST 2019 JUST CARE is delighted & proud to host Joburg Ballet in our beautiful town of Hermanus.

“Dance 2 Enhance” OUR CHILDREN’S LIVES

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS A combination of performances of the works of classic composers, as well as contemporary work by South African choreographers. PERFORMANCES 2019 Wednesday 14th August

Master Class

15h00

Thursday 15th August

Gala Performance including Sumaridge wine & snacks

19h30

Friday 16th August

Special Performance

19h30

Saturday 17th August

Matinee Performance

15h00

VENUE ONRUS DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH 55 Berg Street, Onrus River TICKETS - Ticket prices : R 250 – R350 Online : Webtickets www.webtickets.co.za

Hermanus Tourism, Station Building Contact 028 312 2629 or Cheryl 082 926 1946 Jacquie 082 570 9757

T i c ke t s Ava i l a b l e f ro m 1 5 th J u n e 2 0 1 9

20 18

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MY WELLNESS

Camphill School gets new wheels T

he official handover of a new 23-seater Mercedes bus to Camphill School (the chosen charity of the 2019 Lighthouse to Lighthouse Ladies Charity Walk) took place at the school on Monday morning. During this momentous occasion, Camphill School’s principal, Jeanne-Marie Botha, expressed their sincere gratitude to the L2L ladies and praised them for the phenomenal work they do for the community.

Among the special guests who were present at the handover of Camphill School’s new bus were Elnora Gillion (Overstrand Municipality Deputy Executive Mayor), Robert and Nicolette Johnson (Patron of L2L), Estelle and Bern van Niekerk from Spar (L2L sponsor), representatives from Mercedes and members of the L2L Committee. PHOTO: Supplied

55 Main Road, Hermanus

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Camphill School was established in 1952 as an independent, special needs school located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The school has

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Among the special guests present were Elnora Gillion (Overstrand Municipality Deputy Executive Mayor), Robert and Nicolette Johnson (Patron of L2L), Estelle and Bern van Niekerk from Spar (L2L sponsor), representatives from Mercedes and members of the L2L Committee. The Camphill learners were very excited to see their new bus and delighted the guests by performing a few songs for them. The bus will be used to transport students to and from the school.

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14 August 2019

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offered generations of children with intellectual and other disabilities the opportunity for high-quality education and care. It is one of only two small, special needs schools in the largely-rural Overberg region and it caters for both day and residential learners aged from 5 to 19 years. Using a curative educational approach, the school not only offers pupils individualised education in small classes, but they also have access to a wide range of therapies, an educational psychologist and a social worker. Jeanne-Marie wished all eight charities shortlisted for the 2020 L2L Ladies Walk, the best of luck with their presentations on Wednesday 14 August. The L2L presentation evening will take place at the United Church Hall at 18:00, when all attendees will have the opportunity to cast a vote for their favourite charity. The shortlisted charities for 2020 are the Butterfly Foundation, Overstrand Hospice, Child Welfare Hermanus, Learn to Earn, Flower Valley ECD, SOFCA, Kleinmond Child & Youth Care Centre and Kids Can! Kleinmond. – Hedda Mittner

www.thevillagenews.co.za

14 August 2019

Stanford’s butterly children ly high Writer Elaine Davie

he thing about butterlies is that they seem to celebrate each day with joy, dancing in the air, throwing all caution to the wind, despite their fragile vulnerability. And which of us can pass them by without a smile and a lifting of the heart? A visit to the Butterly Centre in Stanford has much the same efect. The 12 children, aged between 8 and 14, whose school this is, live life with an uninhibited joie de vivre which is difficult to resist. This, in spite of the learning and life skills challenges each of them has to face and overcome every day. They all live with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), to varying degrees of severity. The Butterly Centre was the brainchild of Jami Kastner of Stanford Hills Wine Estate when she was looking for and failing to find a school which would meet the needs of her young son, Jack, who had been diagnosed with this condition. She was seeking a warm and caring space where the children were understood within their unique context and where each one could be given the opportunity to develop to his or her full potential. Autistic children have a need for structure, but also the chance to explore their world in a safe and supportive environment. The centre she had in mind would meet all these requirements and, of course, offer easy access to children from Stanford, Gansbaai and even Hermanus. A tough call, but one she was up for. When the Butterly Centre opened its doors in 2014 in a rented house in Stanford, Jami did not think that there would be more than a handful of children needing its services. To her surprise, it has continued to expand year by year and now there are children on the school’s waiting list. As Jami (now Chairperson of the Butterly Foundation) says, “It has grown out of all proportion to what I envisaged, both in numbers and in scope. Some of our children had never been to school before and some had been struggling to cope within the mainstream education system; actually, I discovered there was very little understanding in the wider community of what ASD was all about. “That means that we never lose an opportunity of drawing the people of our area into our activities. It’s good for the children, too; they need to socialise and to feel that they are a part of the community. Our annual Sports Day, for instance, which takes place on the Village Green, is attended by many of the town’s people, even if they have no obvious connection to the school. The same is true of the Stanford Stumble, our main fundraising event of the year.” One of the school’s underlying strengths is its whole child focus. Because each one’s abilities, level of development and circumstances are so diferent, teaching is done largely on a one-on-one basis, following a special needs adaptive programme. Currently there are four trained teachers and one facilitator, under

The current Butterfly Centre in Stanford with some of the learners and their teachers. They plan to build a bigger and better school on the Stanford Hills Wine Estate. PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer

the guidance of Head Teacher, Sindy Farley and Acting Principal, Lee Wasserfall, a speech therapist. The teaching of general life skills is an important component of the programme. From cleaning teeth and personal hygiene to outings to the fire department and to the traffic department to learn about road safety, to gardening and the use of electronic tools like calculators (computers are on the school’s wish list), all these practical skills will equip them to fit into a wider community and to strengthen their self-confidence and self-worth. “At the very least,” says Head Teacher, Sindy, “we want them to be sufficiently literate and numerate to function reasonably independently in the wider world. We want them to embrace their uniqueness – they may be different, but they are of no less value than any other child.” Sindy’s enthusiasm is infectious: “You can’t believe how satisfying it is to see the progress some of these children have made in a surprisingly short period of time and how proud both they and their families are of their achievements. One of our children didn’t even know his alphabet when he came to us; now his parents tell me that wherever they go, he is reading street and shop signs. Most are completely different children from those who first came here… and none can wait to get back after the school holidays!” Important aspects of their educational programme are physical exercise, art and crafts and, in some cases, therapy of some kind – be it speech therapy, occupational therapy, art or music. Jami expresses her appreciation for those therapists who offer their services pro bono, but she emphasises that running a special needs school of this kind is extremely expensive. Although all the parents are expected to contribute something toward their children’s education, more than 50% of them cannot afford to pay the full fee. “We don’t yet receive a government

subsidy,” she laments, “so although we have all kinds of dreams for the extension of our programme – for example, we’d like to introduce a pre-school class, because the younger they are when they come to us, the better are their chances of making really significant long-term progress – at this stage, that is out of our reach. "At the other end of the age range, another goal is to introduce a vocational skills training element for the older children, so that there is the possibility of their leading meaningful, independent lives. Unfortunately, the biggest bugbear is always funding.” However, since the building they are in is on the market, the school’s most pressing need is to build its own premises on the Stanford Hills property. “It’s both terribly exciting and terribly scary,” says Jami. The plans have been passed, the paperwork done and it’s all systems go for a bigger and better Butterly Centre which will be able to accommodate up to 40 children. “Just think how fantastic it will be for them – all the space in the world, animals to interact with, gardening to do, all kinds of new skills to learn, and it will all be rent-free! But… there’s also the matter of R1 million to raise before we can start building. And that’s just the structure. What it will cost to equip it is more than I can bear to think about.” Jami acknowledges with gratitude the financial assistance the school continues to receive from members of the local community, together with donors from further afield, but this is an extra-big ask. There is something about butterlies, though, that speaks of faith, a joyous living of each day for its own sake. So, if watching a kaleidoscope of butterlies dip and dance on the air in free light, appeals to you, this is your unique chance to become ‘the wind beneath their wings’. Jami Kastner can be contacted on jami@stanfordhills.co.za or 082 897 2390.

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14 August 2019

MY HOME

The seasons are a-changing – prepare for guests market where there is an oversupply of accommodation, it is even more critical that your preparedness for guests outshines that of the other hosts.

By Stuart Cohen CabinCare Property Management & Project Specialists

nyone involved in the shortterm rental market will tell you that it has been one of the quietest periods in a long time, which has taken its toll on cash reserves and property maintenance. We still have to remain hopeful that the tide will turn and with that will come the tourists to revel in what the Overberg has to offer. During these off-season quiet periods it is opportune to take a hard, critical look at the property you have listed on one of the holiday rental portals (e.g. Airbnb, Booking.com etc.). Even though the supply of available rentals increased dramatically as the noose tightened around cashstrapped owners, and the number of visitors dwindled, many of these properties are not in an appropriate condition to warrant positive guest reviews and repeat bookings. In a

Rather than wait for the first seasonal bookings and then do “necessary” maintenance of the property, start earlier and plan for this before it is too late. One of the biggest issues ends up being the availability of contractors as we get closer to yearend, when everyone suddenly wakes up to the work that needs to be done and cannot get the right level of workmanship timeously. I am constantly reminded of wise words from decades ago when I was told “the world waits for no-one” – and never will a contractor wait for you when you have last-minute requests at their busiest time of the year. As a simple guideline, take a good look at the exterior of the property and ask yourself: Will the type of guests I want find this appealing? Remember that first impressions are lasting and if you want to leverage

referrals or repeat bookings, then guests need to be impressed from the outset. Don’t ignore the condition and cleanliness of window frames, gutters, outdoor areas, pathways, driveways and gardens, as these are often the first aspects people notice when scouting for rentals. A negative impression could impact on bookings at the outset, never mind post-vacation reviews. It may be a better idea to get honest opinions from other “unbiased” people who appreciate the standards that you would be expected to provide for your guests. One of the top prioritues is the cleanliness of accommodation. I am constantly amazed at how much grit and grime still remains in homes after a “professional spring clean”. One just needs to look at areas such as behind toilets, the tops of extractor units, fins on fans, door handles, skirting boards, tracks of sliding/ stackable doors, behind blinds and curtains, and on staircases.

Don’t forget those areas that attract spider webs and then, the worst of all – kitchen appliances that appear to be clean but have grime in hidden places and crockery and cutlery that have not been properly cleaned. Next in line for the critics is the quality of the linen and towels supplied. Of course the “comfortable bed” is a no-brainer for a holiday, but if the linen has become worn and faded then the time to update has arrived. And where so many establishments feel the need to follow the “trendsetters” and provide everything linen-related in white, remember that it is the colour most difficult to keep clean. Try bringing in some tastefully-chosen linen and towels in colours that will enhance the impact of the accommodation and are likely to have a longer lifespan. The death knell for many guests is the amount of tasteless clutter that some people insist on displaying in their holiday rentals. Whilst these are often hand-me-downs from family members (even if they do have loads of sentimental value to you, your

guests have no connection to them), make sure that they add appeal to your property rather than deflect from the positive aspects. Family photographs and religious icons are a no-no. Ensure that you do not leave drawers full of old and broken kitchen utensils and that what you do leave for guests is in proper working order. The one thing a holiday maker does not want is the hassle of keeping the accommodation clean with old, broken or semi-functional items like brooms, mops and vacuum cleaners, so ensure that those are in an acceptable condition. Whether you have seasonal bookings yet or not, be prepared at all times to avoid the nightmare of dashing to find cleaners and maintenance providers at what is always their busiest time.

Protecting what you love

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14 August 2019

Nissan sponsors vehicle Nissan Hermanus (now called Bright Auto Nissan Hermanus) has sponsored a Nissan Almera for Hermanus Primary School. Owner Wikus Niemand and Nissan Hermanus’ sales manager, Christof Hanekom, visited the primary school on Wednesday 7 August to hand over the keys to the school’s principal, Mr Barry Cilliers. Nissan Hermanus is also the sponsor for the school’s rugby teams’ kit. “We are very grateful for Nissan’s continued support in the school,” said Mr Cilliers. The vehicle will be used for out-of-town teachers’ meetings and for trips where larger vehicles are not required.

Barry Cilliers (left), principal of Hermanus Primary School, accepts the keys to a new Nissan Almera from Bright Auto Nissan Hermanus owner Wikus Niemand and sales manager Christof Hanekom.

OVERSTRAND MUNISIPALITEIT ERF 370, DERDELAAN 41, SANDBAAI, OVERSTRAND MUNISIPALE AREA: VOORGESTELDE OPHEFFING VAN BEPERKENDE TITELAKTEVOORWAARDES, VERGUNNINGSGEBRUIK EN AFWYKING: ME PLANNERS NAMENS L ENGELBRECHT

OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY ERF 370, 41 THIRD AVENUE, SANDBAAI, OVERSTRAND MUNICIPAL AREA: PROPOSED REMOVAL OF RESTRICTIVE TITLE DEED CONDITIONS, CONSENT USE AND DEPARTURE: ME PLANNERS ON BEHALF OF L ENGELBRECHT

Kennis word hiermee gegee ingevolge Artikels 47 en 48 van die Overstrand Munisipaliteit Verordening vir Munisipale Grondgebruikbeplanning, 2015 (Verordening) dat die volgende aansoeke, van toepassing op Erf 370, Sandbaai, ontvang is:

Notice is hereby given in terms of Sections 47 and 48 of the Overstrand Municipality By-Law on Municipal Land Use Planning, 2015 (By-Law) that the following applications, applicable to Erf 370, Sandbaai, have been received:

•

Aansoek ingevolge Artikel 16.(2)(f) van die Verordening vir die opheffing van beperkende titelaktevoorwaardes B.2.(a); (c); en (d) soos vervat in titelakte T2999/2014 ten einde ‘n eenslaapkamer tweede wooneenheid op die eiendom as ‘n selfsorgeenheid vir toeriste aan te wend, asook in lyn te wees met die ontwikkelingsreëls en primêre regte soos vervat in die Overstrand Soneringskema Regulasies;

•

Application in terms of Section 16.(2)(f) of the By-Law for the removal of restrictive title deed conditions B.2.(a); (c); and (d) as contained in title deed T2999/2014 in order to utilize a one bedroom second dwelling unit on the property as a self-catering unit for tourists, as well as to be in line with the development rules and primary rights as contained in the Overstrand Zoning Scheme Regulations;

•

Aansoek om vergunningsgebruik vir toerisme-akkommodasie ingevolge Artikel 16.(2)(o) van die Verordening ten einde die een slaapkamer tweede wooneenheid op die eiendom as ‘n selfsorgeenheid vir toeriste aan te wend; en

•

Aansoek om afwyking ingevolge Artikel 16.(2)(b) van die Verordening om: a) die westelike syboulyn te verslap vanaf 2m na ±1,349m, ±1,222m en 0m om respektiewelik ‘n tweede wooneenheid, sonkamer en ‘n motorafdak te akkomodeer; en b) die suidelike laterale boulyn te verslap vanaf 2m na 0m om ‘n gedeelte van ‘n toegeboude stoep te akkommodeer.

•

Besonderhede aangaande die voorstelle lê ter insae gedurende weeksdae tussen 08:00 and 16:30 by die Departement: Stadsbeplanning te Patersonstraat 16, Hermanus.

UMASIPALA WASE-OVERSTRAND ISIZA 370, 41 THIRD AVENUE, SANDBAAI, E-OVERSTRAND UMMANDLA KAMASIPALA: UKUSUSWA OKUCETYWAYO KWEMIQATHANGO ETHINTELAYO YETAYITILE, UKUSETYENZISWA KWEMVUME NOPHAMBUKO: ME PLANNERS EGAMENI LIKA-L ENGELBRECHT Isaziso sinikezelwa gokwemiqathango yamaCandelo 47 nele-48 loMthetho oYilwayo kaMasipala wase-Overstrand ongoCwangciso lokuSetyenziswa koMhlaba kaMasipala, 2015 (uMthetho oYilwayo) sokokuba ezi zicelo zilandelayo, ezibhekiselele kwiSiza esinguNombolo 370, eSandbaai, zifunyenwe: •

Isicelo ngokwemiqathango yeCandelo 16.(2)(f) loMthetho oYilwayo olungiselelwe ukususwa kwemiqathango ethintelayo yetayitile B.2.(a); (c); kunye no-(d) njengoko iqulathwe kwitayitile T2999/2014 ukulungiselela ukusetyenziswa kwegumbi elinye kwiyunithi yesibini yesakhiwo ekwipropati njengeyunithi yabantu abaza kuziphekela kulungiselelwa abakhenkethi, ngokunjalo nokuhambelana kunye nemithetho yophuhliso kunye namalungelo aphezulu njengoko equlathwe kwiMImiselo yeSkimu soCando saseOverstrand

Application for consent use for tourist accommodation in terms of Section 16(2)(o) of the By-Law in order to utilize the one bedroom second dwelling unit as a self-catering unit for tourists; and

•

Isicelo semvume yosetyenziso ukulungiselela indawo yokuhlala yabakhenkethi ngokwemiqathango yeCandelo 16(2)(o) loMthetho oYilwayo ukusetyenziswa kwegumbi elinye kwiyunithi yesibini yesakhiwo njengeyunithi yabantu abaza kuziphekela kulungiselelwa abakhenkethi; kunye

Application for departure in terms of Section 16.(2)(b) of the By-Law for the following: a) to relax the western lateral building line from 2m to ±1,349m, ±1,222m and 0m to respectively accommodate a second dwelling unit, sunroom and a carport; and b) to relax the southern lateral building line from 2m to 0m to accommodate a portion of an enclosed patio.

•

Nesicelo sophambuko ngokwemiqathango yeCandelo 16(2)(b) loMthetho oYilwayo kulungiselelwa oku kulandelayo: a) ukunyenyiswa komgca wesakhiwo esisecaleni lasentshona ukususela kwi- 2m ukuya kwi- ±1,349m, ±1,222m kunye nakwi-0m ukulungiselela ukufakelwa kweyuithi yesibini yokuhlala, igumbi eliselangeni kunye nekhapoti; kunye b) ukunyenyiswa komgca wesakhiwo esikwicala elingasezantsi ukususela kwi-2m ukuya kwi-0m ukulungisela ulwakhiwo lwesahlulo sepatiyo evalalekileyo.

Details regarding the proposals are available for inspection during weekdays between 08:00 and 16:30 at the Department: Town Planning at 16 Paterson Street, Hermanus.

Enige skriftelike kommentaar moet ingevolge die bepalings van Artikels 51 en 52 van die Verordening ingedien word en die Munisipaliteit (Patersonstraat 16, Hermanus / (f) 028 313 2093 / (e) loretta@overstrand.gov.za) bereik voor of op 13 September 2019, met u naam, adres, kontakbesonderhede, belang in die aansoek, en redes vir kommentaar. Telefoniese navrae kan gerig word aan die Stadsbeplanner, Mnr. H Boshoff by 028 313 8900. Die Munisipaliteit mag weier om kommentare te aanvaar na die sluitingsdatum. Enige persoon wat nie kan lees of skryf nie kan die Departement Stadsbeplanning besoek waar hul deur ‘n munisipale amptenaar bygestaan sal word ten einde hul kommentaar te formuleer.

Any written comments must be submitted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 51 and 52 of the By-law and reach the Municipality (16 Paterson Street, Hermanus / (f) 028 313 2093 / (e) loretta@overstrand.gov.za) on or before 13 September 2019, quoting your name, address, contact details, interest in the application, and reasons for comment. Telephonic enquiries can be made to the Town Planner, Mr. H Boshoff at 028 313 8900. The Municipality may refuse to accept comment received after the closing date. Any person who cannot read or write may visit the Town Planning Department where a municipal official will assist them in order to formalize their comment.

Munisipale Bestuurder, Overstrand Munisipaliteit, Posbus 20, HERMANUS, 7200 Municipal Notice No. 106/2019

Municipal Manager, Overstrand Municipality, P.O. Box 20, HERMANUS, 7200 Municipal Notice No. 106/2019

Iinkcukacha eziphathelelene izindululo ziyafumaneka ukulungiselela uhlolo ngeentsuku zomsebenzi zeveki phakathi kwentsimbi yesi-8:00 ukuya kweye-16:30 kwiSebe: loCwangciso lweDolophu elise16 Paterson Street, eHermanus. Nawaphi na amagqabantshintshi kufuneka angeniswe ngokuhambelana nezibonelelo zamaCandelo 51 nelama-52 zoMthetho oYilwayo yaye zifike kuMasipala (16 Paterson Street, Hermanus / (f) 028 313 2093 / (e) loretta@overstrand.gov.za) ngaphambi okanye before 13 September 2019, uchaze igama, idilesi, iinkcukacha zoqhagamshelwano, umdla kwisicelo, kunye nezizathu zamagqabantshintshi. Imibuzo ngemfono-mfono inokuthunyelwa kuMcwangcisi weDolophu, uMnu H. Boshoff kule nombolo 028 313 8900. UMasipala unakho ukwala ukwamkela amagqabantshintshi afike emva komhla wokuvalwa. Nawuphi na umntu ongakwaziyo ukufunda okanye ukubhala unakho ukutyelela iSebe loCwangciso lweDolophu apho igosa likamasipala liya kumnceda ngokuqulunqa oamagqabantshintshi akhe. UMlawuli kaMasipala, kuMasipala wase-Overstrand, P.O. Box 20, HERMANUS, 7200 Inombolo yesaziso sikaMasipala 106/2019

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14 August 2019 Share your sport news with us! It has never been easier. Send it to admin@thevillagenews.co.za and we will gladly consider it, whether it be competition results, a friendly rivalry, a once-off feat or a major tournament.

MY SPORT

Putting Pirate begins a new chapter and this is borne out by the award he won (for the second time) as the Western Province Golf Club Professional of 2019. "To have won this award twice is an honour and a privilege that I hold close to my heart,” says Julian, who is now in the running for the coveted title of National Club Professional of the Year. His achievements since turning professional in 1990 will stand him in good stead when this award is announced.

By Tony O'Hagan

ulian Shaw, our ‘Putting Pirate’ who writes a weekly golf column for The Village NEWS, is leaving the shores of Hermanus.

Affectionately known by many as ‘Jules’, he has accepted the position of Director of Golf and Golf Operations at Erinvale Golf Club, commencing in November this year. He currently holds a similar portfolio at the Hermanus Golf Club and has been the resident golf professional at the Club for the past 14 years. When I ask him why he chose the Putting Pirate as his byline, he replies: "I have used every type of putter – short, medium and long – in my endeavour to ‘pirate’ the ball into the hole". Julian leaves the Club with fond memories and says he will miss the wonderful members and Club Captains he has been privileged to serve. However, he goes on to say that "the Erinvale opportunity is a career move and presents me with new challenges. It is an offer I couldn't refuse." His experience over the past 14 years has added great value to furthering his career as a club professional. His portfolio at the Club during these years has included operating the pro shop and driving range, junior golf pro-

Since qualifying with a BSc (Honours) in Agricultural Business Management from the University of London in 1989, Julian has dedicated his life to golf. He played the Sunshine Golf Tour before taking up the position as Golf Director at Dainfern Country Club. This was followed by his appointment as the Club Professional at Humewood Golf Club.

grammes and, most importantly, taking care of the 1 500 club members. Julian joined the Hermanus Golf Club as the Club Professional in 2005 and took on the role of Golf Director in 2016, which "opened a whole new avenue into club management and golf operations at the Club. These include daily golf, timesheets, caddies, members, rules, marshals, competitions, rules of conduct etc." Julian is the epitome of a golf club professional

In the years following this and prior to his arrival in Hermanus, Julian bought the national franchise for Option Golf and joined the Jamie Gough Teaching Academy in Cape Town. In 2004 he was voted among the top 10 national golf teachers and in the same year wrote numerous instructional articles for South Africa’s best-read golfing publication, Compleat Golfer, also appearing on the cover. Teaching golf has been a big part of Julian's life since turning professional almost 30 years ago. "I have given over 30 000 golf lessons throughout my career and still enjoy interacting and talking golf with members," he says.

Julian was elected onto the Western Cape PGA Committee and says he would like to promote PGA professionals to not only follow the playing and teaching route, but encourage them to take on club management as golf directors, club managers and general managers. Julian's contribution to the Hermanus community is reflected in his involvement with a special needs school in our town. "One of my most rewarding times in Hermanus has been serving as Chairman of the Board at a local school for the past five years. The school specialises in catering for children who do not fit into the mould of mainstream education." I had the privilege of dealing with Julian during my career in the sports industry, both with Adidas and Nike Golf. I found him to be an honest, straight-forward and dedicated golf trader. He is held in high esteem by all suppliers to the golf industry. Julian says living in Hermanus has been a great experience and he’ll treasure the many good memories. “The decision to accept the position in Hermanus 14 years ago was the best move for me and my family, by far. Hermanus is a fantastic place and I am going to miss many of the members." We wish Julian, his wife, Amanda, their two children, Kirsty (21) and Gordon (16) bon voyage and much success as they pursue the next chapter of their lives at Erinvale.

Category 1: Achievers of Excellence Category 2: Woman of the Year Category 3: Environmental Conservation Category 4: Entrepreneurial Achievements Category 5: Tourism Development Category 6: Junior Achiever

The nomination forms are available at the Mayor’s office or can be requested from Doret Taljaard. The closing date has been extended to Friday, 23 August 2019. All completed nomination forms can be forwarded to dtaljaard@overstrand.gov.za or hand delivered to the Mayor’s office by no later than the above mentioned date.

The Mayoral Awards Evening will be held at 18:00 on Thursday, 3 October 2019 at the Overstrand Municipality in the Auditorium. Attendance will be by invitation only.

Services

18th August 08:30 Ken Jackson 10:00 James Gray 09:45 Lighthouse Kids & Gen-Z in the Upper Room 18:00 – 19:30 A.D. Kingdom & Empire Video & discussion PARENTING Course FOR THOSE PARENTING 0-10 YEAR OLDS On Wednesdays, (5 sessions) 21 Aug-18 Sept from 7-9pm. Video, discussion, coffee & desert, learning & more! R.S.V.P. Val: 072 416 8527

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14 August 2019

MY SCHOOL

Cheers to 25 years of Inter-schools H ermanus High School and Overberg High School (in Caledon) competed in their 25th and final Inter-schools against one another on Friday 9 August.

Sadly, the schools decided to end their Inter-schools sports days as Hermanus High School has grown too big and many of their teams don’t get a chance to play. Inter-schools started earlier in the week with a quiz, chess and golf and

all the Hermanus High School (Hermies) teams played exceptionally well. Every student played to the best of their ability to make their final Inter-schools against Caledon a memorable one. In the end, it became one that they will never forget as only four of the Hermies teams lost their games to Overberg High School (Ovies) on Friday.

and the matches were nail-biting to watch: the hockey boys beat their opponents 2-1, the girls’ hockey won 2-0 and the netball won 27-16.

Inter-schools ended with a 'gees' performance by each school, followed by the first team boys’ rugby game, which got the spectators’ adrenalin pumping. After trailing 5-20, Hermies managed to completely turn the game around, which ended in a 27-27 draw with Ovies. Well done, Hermies!

The first team games were the highlight of Inter-schools

“To say that I am proud of Hermanus High would be an understatement,” said principal, Greg Hassenkamp.

“The school’s performance was superb for the entire duration of the Inter-schools. It was wonderful to see all of the students, parents and past pupils representing their school with such pride and passion. Not only am I proud of the school, but I think that the entire Hermanus community can be proud of what the school achieved, both on and off the field on Friday.”

Hermanus High School's principal, Greg Hassenkamp, raises a glass to his students on the pavillion as their rugby first team prepares to compete against Overberg High School.

1 2

PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer 4

1 – David van Wyk looks for a gap in the defence. 2 – Chanleigh Smith, Angelina Sakulski, Tarmin Jacobs and Trezley Adams enjoy their school’s 'gees' performance. 3 – Liam Trevorrow (right) and his teammate try to get the ball from an Ovies player. 4 – Nicole Albertyn passes the ball to her teammate. 5 – Celino Pieterson attempts to get out of his opponent’s grasp. 6 – Elizabeth September, Kelsey Block, Chanleigh Smith and Holly Prior celebrate a goal. 7 – Gian Bester looks to pass the ball to a teammate. 8 – Greg Hassenkamp hugs Nivenna Jantjies after the netball girls’ win. 9 – Zoë Meyer and Ocean Erasmus cheer for the Hermies teams. 10 - Kara Slabbert and Kelsey Block share their excitement after scoring the first goal. 11 – Ronel Coetzee and Mari Carstens are overjoyed about the netball girls’ win. 12 – Kyle Scorgie holds up the trophy while Cayden Roets applauds.

11 12 9

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14 August 2019

MY SCHOOL

Taste the Hermie Magic! I n February this year, Klara Skein, a Grade 12 learner at Hermanus High School, entered an online competition launched by PenBev. The rules of the competition were simple: tell us why your high school should share a Coke with Coca-Cola. Klara’s winning entry read as follows: Hermanus High is a proud, diverse school full of Hermie magic and “gees”! Similar to the mission of Coca-Cola which is to “create value and make a difference”, we strive to add value to our school and community by reaching out – “to inspire moments of optimism and happiness…” thus also making a difference in this world, just like Coca-Cola.

The most spoken words in our school at break-time are probably “’n pie en ‘n coke, pie en ‘n coke” in the tuck-shop line. And oh, man – “Life Tastes Good” with “’n pie en ‘n Coke”!

Hermanus High and Coke share common core values of Integrity, Passion, Leadership and Diversity. As a school we stand together and face every challenge and opportunity with integrity, holding our heads up high and coke cans up even higher! The vast diversity of people and cultures in our school makes us unique and stand out, because despite our differences – SIBANYE! Having our school name on a Coke can

would bring us a tremendous amount of pride and give us, Hermanus High, a chance to really “open happiness”. Coca-Cola, please come to Hermanus and give us the opportunity to let everyone “TASTE THE (HERMIE) MAGIC”! Having won the competition, every pupil and staff member of Hermanus High School received a can of Hermie Magic Coca-Cola on Thursday 8 August. The cans added to the already high spirits at the school, as the learners were getting ready to face off with Overberg High School at the Interschool sports day on Friday 9 August.

Klara Skein (right) with her best friend, Kiah Saaiman and their cans of Hermie Magic Coca-Cola.

Scout Scarf Day in Hermanus On Wednesday 1 August, the Cubs and Scouts from the 1st Hermanus Sea Scouts wore their scarves to their schools (Hermanus Primary, Curro Hermanus and Generation Schools Hermanus) for Scout Scarf Day. This is a global event and former Scouts, active Scouts and Cubs from all over the world participated. Scout Scarf Day is an event where all active and former Scouts wear their scarves in public to make the “spirit of scouting” visible ('Once a Scout, always a Scout!'). The date

of the event commemorates the very first Scout Camp on Brownsea Island in 1907. If you are curious about the activities of 1st Hermanus Scouts, visit their Facebook page, ‘1st Hermanus Cubs and Scouts’. Adventure is out there! In the back row, from left are Liam Walton, James Moulder, Vosloo Mulder, Aphelele Tini and Divan Brand. In front: Jesse Beveridge, Timothy Weaving, Liam Taylor, Danika Schneeberger, Liam Dayson and Calem de Kock. PHOTO: Sanet Mulder

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The Village NEWS 14 Aug - 21 Aug 2019

Articles inside

Stanford’s butterfly children fly high

First students for Hermanus Varsity

Wine Village Hermanus celebrates 21 Years in Wine

New board elected for HPP

Abalone farming, the State and the Zama-Zamas

T’was a whopping weekend for Whale Coast