The Village NEWS 15 May - 22 May 2019

15 MAY 2019

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Onrus Estuary in the spotlight

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Manser's paddle to Hermanus

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Welcome to Kleinmond, bokkie

With the De Bos Dam level on 40%, the Overberg is still eagerly awaiting the much-needed winter rains. This past week we have been blessed with sunny autumn days that showed off the natural, scenic beauty of Hermanus to perfection.

PHOTO: Kürt Krause (makuvisuals.com)

Back to work after the elections Writer De Waal Steyn

the smaller parties making up the rest.

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The national vote in the Overberg followed the same pattern as the provincial vote, although, in the Overstrand, the Zwelihle-based Land Party was one of the smaller parties to win more than 10% of the vote in the municipality and just under 5% in the Overberg. (Read more on P 7)

he votes have been counted and the results confirmed. Work on the future of the Overstrand is now continuing in earnest, with the focus on housing.

According to the leaders of the main parties in the Overberg, they are committed to the election promises they made and are willing to work together with all other parties and interest groups to the benefit of all the residents.

In the Overberg, the Democratic Alliance (DA) won the majority of the provincial votes, with the African National Congress (ANC) second, and

Overstrand Constituency head for the DA, Masizole Mnqasela, said the party has received a fresh mandate from residents.

“The result shows us that people still have confidence in our ability to govern and we will not let them down. Receiving an outright majority

is something we do not take lightly and, therefore, we will continue on the course set before the election.

This includes addressing the housing need in the region, finding ways to create the Better Living Model housing scheme on the Schulphoek land, and focusing on continued economic growth for all the towns.”

Mnqasela said the integrated spatial development framework that has been drawn up will receive renewed attention and that a lot of effort will be placed on attracting investors to Overstrand towns by speeding up the bureaucratic processes for establishing local businesses.

According to him, all municipalities need to increase their tax base to en-

sure proper service delivery. “In order for us to achieve this, we will work together with the provincial and national governments to create integrated housing developments aimed at providing homes to the emerging middle class, while at the same time, making provision for those who cannot. All residents deserve an opportunity to own their own homes.”

Simphiwe Tebele, Overstrand leader of the ANC, said the party will continue to deliver on its election promises.

“We will fight hard to win back the trust of the voting public. We will be clear and honest with them as to what transpired during the past year. We are fully committed to the implementation of the current local integrated spatial development plan

and we will stay part and parcel of the housing stakeholders’ forum,” he said.

Gcobani Ndzongana, leader of the Land Party, also said they are committed to finding solutions for the housing problems in the Overberg.

“We will work together with the Overstrand Municipality and the provincial government to ensure that people have access to basic housing.

“For the foreseeable future, we will be focusing our energy on building the party to contest the local elections in 2021. In the meantime, we will work with all parties to ensure that there is fair and equitable service delivery to all residents,” he said.

SURED AS

Q U A LIT Y

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15 May 2019

Water quality of Onrus lagoon under the spotlight Writer & Photographer Hedda Mittner

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recent report on the water quality of the Onrus lagoon has elicited much debate on social media especially relating to sampling procedures, the monitoring of those results and the prime indicators used to determine the perceived health risks to recreational users of the Onrus lagoon.

Pivotal to the report entitled Recreational water quality in the Onrus River Estuary: Issues and Appropriate Indicators by the chair of the Onrus River Estuary Forum (OREF), Dr Peter van Niekerk, is the issue of whether the guidelines pertaining to “coastal, marine waters” should be applied to the Onrus River Estuary – or whether it should rather be defined as “freshwater”.

Based on several research studies, Van Niekerk is recommending that, due to its physical characteristics, the estuary should be regarded as a “freshwater-dominated system” as it is mainly supratidal (the sandbar is higher than the tidal reach) with an average salinity that is drastically lower than that of seawater.

This would mean that a different bacteria indicator count is used to determine water quality, which results in more positive readings that classify the water quality as generally acceptable for full-contact recreation. While this might sound like good news to some, others have levelled severe criticisms against the report, with OREF, and Van Niekerk in particular, being accused of wanting to “lower standards” and “smoothing over the real issues”.

However, Van Niekerk stresses that his report does not minimise the issues or suggest there will be no risks. “The report is clear that this is not the case; it is an honest attempt to ensure that the most appropriate quality standard is applied and that we thereby have greater clarity regarding the health risks to bathers.”

Van Niekerk says the report was submitted to the Overberg District Municipality (ODM), as the responsible authority, to consider for implementation.

So what exactly are the conclusions and recommendations of the report?

Background In his report, Van Niekerk points out that Onrus River has been a sought-after family holiday destination for more than a century.

Both holidaymakers and permanent residents are attracted to the area because of its natural beauty, with the Onrus beach and ‘lagoon’ (as it is commonly known) at the mouth of the Onrus River Estuary being a prime attraction.

“In recent years the quality of its water and doubts about its suitability for full contact recreation… received the greatest publicity and caused the greatest public concern, as the lagoon is especially popular with younger children due to its warmer and placid waters,” reads Van Niekerk’s report. “Warning signs, erected by the authorities, discouraged people from using it as a bathing area with consequent detrimental implications for the well-being of the users of the lagoon and the community at large.”

Although it is unfortunate that the appeal of Onrus as well as its local economy have been negatively impacted by these warnings, Van Niekerk says concerns about the water quality at the estuary mouth were not unfounded. Several studies have been undertaken over the years, including the Onrus Estuarine Management Plan, Situation Assessment Report, prepared for the Overstrand Municipality and the Lagoon Preservation Trust by Anchor Environmental Consultants (Pty) Ltd in 2016.

In this report, it is noted that, “Sewage contamination in the Onrus Estuary has been a long-standing concern. Sewage spills have occurred

The scenic beauty of the Onrus Estuary is an important drawcard for holiday makers. However, the quality and safety of the water remains a concern – and a hotly-debated topic.

on occasion, and bacterial counts (indicators for faecal contamination) are frequently high. For example, in December 1999 only two pump stations were in working order and could not cope with the flows during the peak holiday season and the estuary has had to be closed to swimming at times, often during the peak summer season.”

The report also refers to a monitoring study conducted in 2007 – 2008 by Dr Vic Hamilton-Attwell at five sites on the Onrus River downstream of De Bos Dam, which “showed that faecal bacteria levels were relatively low at the dam outfall and Camphill, and increased towards the estuary. Since December 2010, the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency has been testing water quality at the estuary mouth, which shows that E. coli and Enterococci levels are very high with >185 and >500 organisms

per 100 ml respectively.”

Van Niekerk says the continuous faecal contamination of the estuary has been ascribed to two sources: the Kidbrooke sewer pipeline, which was constructed in and close to the riverbed in 1996 and is in a poor condition; and leaking conservancy tanks, being earlier septic tanks reconfigured to link to a small-bore sewer system installed in the early 1990s.

Both these issues were identified in a report by V3 Consulting Engineers in 2000 as having “the potential to pollute the estuary, particularly during rain events”.

According to Van Niekerk, water quality monitoring of the Onrus River and estuary is continuing; the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency (BGCMA) conducts bacteriological testing on a two-weekly basis and this is increased to weekly

during the peak holiday periods.

In addition, the Overberg District Municipality (ODM) in recent years also conducted its own weekly monitoring during these peak times.

The BGCMA also conducts a monthly chemical analysis of the waters of the Onrus River and its estuary. This includes physical parameters such as pH and EC. Actions taken by OREF In 2015 the Overstrand Municipality (OM) initiated the development of a management plan through a public participation process in accordance with the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act. Van Niekerk says the purpose of the Estuary Management Plan (EMP) is, “by means of a step-wise set of actions, to improve the estuary’s health, enhance its recreational utility and retain its sense of place”.

Continues on P 4

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15 May 2019

Report offers new perspective From P 3 The Onrus River Estuary Forum (OREF) was established in August 2016 to monitor and advise on the implementation of the EMP. Addressing the water quality was one of the most urgent issues for OREF to act upon. A portfolio committee was formed for this specific purpose and two actions to address obvious sources of pollution were activated: the upgrade of the Kidbrooke sewer pipeline and the replacement/upgrading of malfunctioning conservancy tanks.

In his report, Van Niekerk states that, “In 2016, environmental authorisation was granted for the upgrade of the damaged and degraded Kidbrooke pipeline. The project involved the in situ replacement of part of its lower section… the construction of two new pump stations and two rising main sewer lines to replace the rest of the old pipeline. The main pipeline replacement was completed in 2017 and the remainder of the project will be concluded in June 2019. The total cost of the upgrade will be R4.8 million.

“Two inspections of conservancy tanks were conducted – one in 2014 and the other in 2018. The first

one resulted in a few tanks being replaced/upgraded. The second one, covering a larger area, found that relatively few tanks required replacement. The latter project, though, only covered some 50% of properties near the estuary. Evidence still exists of tanks in the area that are poorly managed and that could threaten the water quality in the estuary.”

Monitoring results Since its establishment the OREF has kept a close eye on the monitoring of results. Of concern were not only the frequently high levels of the indicator bacteria counts (E. coli and enterococci) but also the variability in the results and the difficulty of using the data in a coherent manner to communicate recreational safety to the public – being the responsibility of the ODM. According to Van Niekerk, a meeting was held between ODM, OM and OREF in February 2018 to discuss and coordinate sampling procedure.

“Since that meeting the record shows a marked reduction not only in the variability in the sampling results, but also the actual levels of bacteriological counts. This improvement is probably due to the attention given since to the sampling process as well as possibly the effect of the improve-

ment of the infrastructure.”

For this reason, says Van Niekerk, the bacteriological measurements from March 2018 onward should be used to assess the health risk for recreational users of the estuary as this data is more consistent, and therefore credible. The ODM uses the classification system of the Department of Environmental Affairs’ 2012 Guideline for Recreational Use. According to these results, the water quality at the estuary mouth, as determined for enterococci, falls in the POOR category (90 percentile count greater than 185). On the other hand, for E. coli, the category is determined as GOOD (95 percentile count less than 500).

Appropriate indicators This 2012 guideline classification system, which was compiled for application on coastal marine waters, recommends enterococci as the most appropriate indicator to communicate perceived risk to users of the Onrus River lagoon. However, Van Niekerk points out that the Onrus Estuary is, in fact, a freshwaterdominated system. “This is confirmed by the electrical conductivity (EC) testing results over the past year.

Salinity averaged over the period at 388 mS/m, or approximately

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2 400 ppm. This should be compared to the salinity of seawater, typically 35 000 ppm.”

The use of enterococci as the primary indicator for the Onrus River estuary can therefore be questioned, he says.

While the 2012 RSA Guideline deals only with coastal marine waters, the 2003 New Zealand guideline for recreational waters (on which the South African guidel ne of 2012 was partly based) covers both marine and freshwater situations. It is very specific about not using enterococci for freshwater conditions, as in the following extract: The pathogens occurring in contaminated freshwater are the same as those occurring in marine waters, except that survival times in freshwater are likely to be longer, esp ecially for protozoan cysts (e.g. Giardia and Cryptosporidium) and viruses. E. coli is the preferred indicator organism for freshwaters, although there may be exceptions (e.g. in proximity to large waste stabilisation pond outfalls). Enterococci should not be used because some enterococci can multiply from natural sources, such as the decay of leaf material. This means that enterococci levels can be very high even in pristine waters, but this may not necessarily indicate high

levels of pathogens.

Recommendations Van Niekerk therefore recommends that the E. coli data should be used as bacteriological indicator in the freshwater conditions of the Onrus Estuary. With the 95 percentile E. coli count of 353 per 100 ml being below 500, the category should be GOOD (according to the 2012 RSA Guideline). In both cases this would translate to acceptable conditions for fullcontact recreation. Van Niekerk therefore recommends that “the current POOR microbial classification of the Onrus River estuary should be adjusted accordingly and communicated to the public.”

However, Van Niekerk points out that there is currently no active operational management system in place for the Onrus River estuary. In his report he recommends that routine water quality monitoring should continue and that an operational management system should be developed for day-to-day management, based on the 2003 New Zealand Guideline.

Sanitary inspections of all sewage infrastructure that may impact the estuary, including conservation tanks (old septic tanks) on private properties, should also be conducted programmatically.

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15 May 2019

Row, row, row your boat, gently to Hermanus Writer Raphael da Silva hen you take your girlfriend on an 11 000 km rowing trip across the Atlantic ocean to get to know each other better, consecrate your marriage by rowing from California to Hawaii, and consider “us time” to be a 100 km bike ride with a stop halfway for breakfast, then celebrating your wife’s birthday with a leisurely overnight trip to Hermanus might seem anti-climatic.

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“There is something special about living where the mountains touch the ocean,” he adds.

But for the internationally-known adventurers, Riaan and Vasti Manser, this was exactly the family time they needed.

“It’s actually not the first time we have had a close call with a fire in Betty’s Bay and Riaan was not there. Obviously, it's very stressful. We have four dogs, four cats and a 100 kg potbelly pig. My biggest concern was getting all our animals to safety. I didn't even think about our possessions. For me to lure our pig into the car without Riaan’s help would have been impossible,” says Vasti.

Their celebratory outing started last Friday with a romantic morning picnic on the beach that Riaan organised, followed by a trip up the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley for a late lunch at Creation Wines to experience their Fynarts tasting menu. After checking into the Windsor Hotel, the couple went for a quiet dinner and a wine tasting at The Wine Glass. For Saturday morning, a trip to the Hermanus Country Market was planned so that James, their one-year-old son, could enjoy a ride on the kid’s train.

Although they live in Betty’s Bay, Riaan readily acknowledges that, like many locals, he and Vasti don’t spend enough time getting to know the region they have called home for the past 12 years. For them, this two-day birthday celebration was about going to places they had not been to before and getting to know their “neighbours” better.

“How many of us book even one night away and act like tourists in our own region?” asks Riaan.

“Besides the picture-perfect weather these two days, I loved Creation’s duck paté. And the vibe and concept of The Wine Glass. Tasting worldclass wines without opening 100 wines. That’s a no-brainer if you love wine,” says Vasti.

Being away, however glamorous it may seem, has its drawbacks. During the fires that ravaged many parts of Betty’s Bay, Vasti, who is a practising junior counsel of the Cape Bar, was by herself while Riaan was, literally, in the middle of the ocean.

Right now, Riaan is in the midst of editing and post-production work on The Odyssey, a documentary on the two-month, 5 500 km row from the Canary Islands to Barbados that he completed in February with novice Fanafikile Lehakha, a Soweto resident.

ABOVE: Riaan and Vasti Manser with their son, James. The family enjoyed the Hermanus sunshine last Friday as they celebrated Vasti’s birthday at Creation Wines, The Wine Glass and the Windsor Hotel.

PHOTO: Taylum Meyer BELOW: The Mansers row into New York City on 20 June 2014 after a 172-day expedition that started in Agadir, Morocco.

PHOTO: www.riaanmanser.co.za

Although Fanafikile didn’t know how to swim, he was chosen from over 15 000 applicants, whittled down to 50, with 10 going through a short boot camp. An effective one-week swimming crash-course and Fanafikile was ready for the journey of his life.

Riaan believes that the Odyssey concept is powerful and is keen to have someone from outside South Africa chosen for the next adventure.

“There is a yearning for people to find their own space,” he points out, before adding, “I’ve realised that my job isn’t about adventure. It is to be an inspiration.”

When Riaan isn’t in the throes of his next big adventure, he spends a lot of his time elsewhere in South Africa, at the office in Somerset West and, sometimes, abroad. Nevertheless, they choose to make Betty’s Bay their home.

“We like the quality of life here. We love the freedom of cycling wherever we want. We love surfing and fishing (I’m a keen fisherman). In Betty’s Bay you have a strong contrast of winters and the summers, the scorching sun and the bitter winds,” he says.

THE “FIRST” COUPLE - RIAAN AND VASTI MANSER The Odyssey is expected to air in November 2019 on DStv. Check your guide to confirm.

If you want to learn more about Riaan Manser, visit his website www.riaanmanser.com

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Riaan was the first person to circumnavigate the coast of Africa by bicycle, a distance of 37 000 km, through 34 countries over two years and two months (September 2003 - November 2006).

Riaan was the first person to kayak around Madagascar alone and unaided, a distance of 5 000 km (August 2008 - July 2009).

Riaan, along with rowing partner Dan Skinstad, were the first to kayak around Iceland, a distance of 2 300 km (March September 2011).

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Vasti and Riaan were the first to row across the Atlantic from Africa, a journey which they completed alone and unaided. They started from Agadir, Morocco and arrived in New York City. Along the way, they stopped off at the Canary Islands, Bahamas and Miami (December 2013 - June 2014).

Vasti was the first woman from Africa to row across any ocean (December 2013 June 2014).

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15 May 2019

FROM THE EDITOR Focus must be kept on priorities for our region It is a blessing that last week’s election went down without a hitch and South Africans have made their choice of who they want to lead our country and provinces.

There is no doubt that the Western Cape is a province that works. It has been able to turn manufacturing, agriculture and tourism into big revenue earners. In the Overstrand, as is the case in many other prosperous regions, the current economic crunch has a definite impact. But we are not faced with an economic crisis.

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The main task of our newly (re)elected leaders is to meet the challenges that the influx of people into the area bring with them. Some of the bigger challenges include spatial planning, housing, upgrading informal settlements and job creation.

This is no easy task as much of this will depend on local and provincial policies being in line with those at a national level. Leaders must be honest in terms of what can be done and what cannot as there are a magnitude of challenges and very little resources.

To help the economy grow, priority needs to be given to public-private partnerships that will not only attract investors to the region but also assist in job creation. To this end we need all parties to work together to create a stable environment. The cost of any protest or mass action will be too high, especially during these quiet winter months. Businesses are already struggling and there is a marked decrease in tourists at this time of year.

With the first whales of the season arriving on our shores and large

schools of dolphins playing in the water all indications are that this will be yet another bumper season for whale watchers. The Overstrand needs to market its winter attractions to a wider audience in order to assist in keeping our economy ticking over.

We call on politicians and residents alike to support our local economy and ensure that the Overstrand remains a centre of excellence and a destination of note.

This is the good NEWS - Ed

Even bad poetry springs from genuine feelings – Oscar Wilde

By Murray Stewart

wanders about lonely as a cloud when they could just join the Bingo thevillagemuze@gmail.com club for company? And talking about ‘lonely’, why would some other bloke – seeking a tall ship – go down to the sea again, where both sea and sky With autumn behind us, the elves are apparently loners, and would decided to have a spring-clean in probably prefer it if he didn’t pitch up the archives at the Explanation of anyway?

Everything. It’s difficult to determine the gender of elves these days, Then there’s this Shakespeare chap, but Thong – a female, I think – found who claimed to be somewhat of a some old manuscripts by this wordsmith. He had a bash at poetry, chap Roald Dahl, titled Revolting but never really cracked the rhyming Rhymes. bits (or the story lines, really) so he just waffled on regardless and called Captivated and motivated, she it prose. By breaking up the lines, decided there and then to enrich the he reckoned it at least looked like world’s literary annals by contributpoetry. ing a poem or two of her own. More about that later.

Bubble bubble, toil and trouble What’s this I see before me, Banquo?

Now, poetry can be treacherous. The Into the valley of death rode the six first few lines can expose poets to hundred sniggers from plebs who can’t differA horse – my kingdom for a horse. Tally entiate between rhyming couplets ho! and coupling rhinos, yet find poetry rather silly. To them it’s just linguistic He also wrote a play. doodling, like Rembrandt drawing Similarly, TS Elliot, Wordsworth, comic strips.

Tennyson, Zappa, Keats and Spike Milligan are equally confusing if Let’s face it though, some poems you’re not on the same medication as can be somewhat confusing. Who they were when writing.

But back to Thong. Inspired by Revolting Rhymes, her poem is based on last year’s research for our column Facts from Fables about The Hood, a den of dubious delights in the Black Forest, where we exposed some shocking truths behind those old fairy tales.

It’s titled: Hoodwinked by the Little Red Rider.

A strapping young lass was our Little Red Rider – bold, and never twee.

And at her leisure, and customer’s pleasure, she’d claim, “We’re here to please.”

So many a gent, came and went, to the Hood to ease their cares, With Snow White handling the queue below, our Redhead remained upstairs.

As a business The Hood was incredibly good, with the cash-till constantly chinging.

With drinks on the house, there was never a grouse – in fact it got all of them singing.

Now Simon, who most people knew as the Pie-man, was always at their front door, And Jack Horner, for instance, would turn on a sixpence, if told he could come back for more.

Now Little Boy Blue seemed a regular bloke – was a regular customer too, And together with Peter, the pumpkin eater, their friendship grew while they queued.

While chatting one day – in a casual way – Pete asked Blue if rumours were true. ”What do you think? I much prefer pink – I only wear blue as a ruse.”

With a whoop and a shout they both came out, and the closet was closed forever.

They married that year and it’s pleasing to hear, they’ve opened a boutique together.

So the question we asked, considering their past, is why would they visit The Hood?

If it wasn’t for nookie, was it Rooikappie’s cookies, which made them feel oh so good?

Well, that’s it. No doubt you’re relieved to learn that our redhead upstairs wasn’t a floosie at all. No. She sold dope cookies.

Anyway, Thong promises to improve – it was her first bash – but she now plans to write a children’s book: Jou Ma se Poems.

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LET’S TALK

Camphill grateful for support I’d like to respond to the letter, Sandbaai Hall not unwilling to help, as published in the 8 May edition of The Village NEWS. I apologise if the article referred to (Gas and smoke still a threat to Camphill School, The Village NEWS 1 May), created the impression that the Sandbaai Hall was in any way unwilling to help Camphill School, or that they left us in the lurch, as that was not our intention at all.

In fact, on behalf of our children, teachers and staff I would like to thank the Management Committee of the Sandbaai Hall for all the support they have shown our School Community during our time of need.

Thank you for accommodating us for four months and for your flexibility in extending our stay, often at short notice.

Since the fire of 11 January 2019 the

school has not been able to return the children to the premises due to the risk posed by emissions from the peat fire in the Onrus River. The majority of our learners are severely challenged, not only intellectually but also physically.

We have been taking advice and guidance from the environmental departments re timeframes for our return. Optimistically the school held on to the hope that we would be able to return the day school to our premises by the end of April.

But in my meeting with the Health and Safety representative of Working on Fire on 25 April, it was confirmed that our children could not return while the work in the river continued.

We also understood that the Sandbaai Hall had put off their maintenance work to accommodate us and that they were running out of time to do so.

The challenge was finding suitable premises to accommodate our 60 special children, their teachers and support staff in a way that would create a favourable learning environment and cause the least disruption to all concerned.

We are extremely grateful to Bosko as they have made several separate rooms and the hall available to our school until the end of term, which is suitable to accommodate our more severely challenged children. This will also enable us to continue with the much needed-therapies for our children.

Camphill School would like to thank the Hermanus community for its support during this time; it is much appreciated.

Jeanne-Marié Botha Camphill School Principal

Take bullying seriously Bullying in schools seems to becoming more and more of a serious issue in Hermanus – one that no one is paying attention to. When children fight, we tend to say “oh, they’re just children” or “boys will be boys”… but surely there is a limit to this? The effects of bullying can last long into adulthood.

My friend’s children had an extremely tough time at a primary school in Hermanus and I am sure that they are not the only ones. They attended the school for just a year before she moved them. Her one son in particular had a very hard time. In one incident, his classmate thought that putting hot glue on the back of his neck would be funny. He still has a scar. The bully’s punishment? He was told to say sorry.

The same son later went on a school camp even though he was terrified of going. While he was out of his room at camp, a few of the bullies looted

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15 May 2019

his bag, stealing a bag of sweets from his mom and throwing his belongings everywhere. There was no punishment for this either.

Her other son was also bullied at the school: he got knocked to the ground and was then kicked in the ribs. He hurt his wrist in the fall. Again, there was no punishment for the bullies (because, you know, “boys will be boys”). She started struggling to get her children to go to school in the mornings because they feared going.

None of the situations were handled properly by the staff or the principal.

I witnessed bullying once again at the school last week when I walked past and saw two young boys on the rugby field before practice. The one boy was standing over the other and picking him up by the shirt, slammed him into the ground repeatedly before I yelled at him to stop. How does an eight-year-old think it’s okay to do this to another child? If that was

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my child bullying students I would be livid. Both the school and the parents need to take responsibility.

According to Childline SA, bullying includes: People calling you names; Making things up to get you into trouble; Hitting, punching, biting, pushing and shoving; Taking things away from you; Damaging your belongings; Stealing your money; Taking your friends away from you; Spreading rumours; Threats and intimidation

– Concerned Mom

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The election in numbers Almost 26.8 million South Africans registered to vote – compared to 25.4 million in 2014. 55% of them were female, and 21.4% were under the age of 30. The largest group of voters (25%) were between 30 and 39 years old.

While 5.5% more people registered in 2019 than in 2014 – one million fewer people voted. In 2014, almost 18.7 million people voted – compared to only 17.7 million this year. So, of the registered voters, only 66% voted this year – down from 74% in 2014 and 90% in 1999.

More than six million adults did not even register to vote, and half of them were younger than 30 years.

This year, 1.33% of voters spoilt their votes – which together would have made them the sixth biggest party in parliament, after the ANC (57.5%), DA (20.8%), EFF (10.8%), IFP 3.4% and FF Plus (2.4%). In 2014, 1.3% of the votes were spoilt.

The IEC says that 97% of sampled voters found election procedures free and fair.

We need to teach our kids that it is okay to tell someone when they are being bullied and that it does not make you a snitch or a ‘tattle-tale’.

Children will not talk to anyone if they feel that they’ll just be bullied more because they came forward.

They need to feel safe and that will only happen if the schools start to deal with bullying incidents properly.

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Healthy and robust debate is crucial for democracy. The Village NEWS firmly believes in freedom of the press as well as the right of individuals to freely express themselves, as long as they don’t infringe upon the rights of others. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors therefore do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Village NEWS. Letters may be shortened and/or edited for clarity and style.

Send your letters to letters@thevillagenews.co.za

A record 48 parties contested the national elections this year and, with both the DA and the ANC splintering votes to smaller parties, the new Parliament will see 14 parties represented when the National Assembly convenes next week for the first time after the elections.

Until now, 13 parties have held seats in Parliament, but some failed to attract enough votes to secure their return. These include the African People’s Convention and Agang SA. Three new parties will be joining Parliament, two of

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which made their debuts in the 2019 elections. Patricia de Lille’s GOOD Party secured enough of the vote for two seats, while the African Transformation Movement Party also secured two seats. The third party, Al Jama-ah, secured one seat.

Provincial elections in the Overberg District: Overstrand: Registered number of voters: 57 150 Number of votes cast: 42 356 (74.11%) Top 3 parties: DA 58.98% ANC 20.96% Land Party 11.00% Theewaterskloof: Registered number of voters: 58 654 Number of votes cast: 33 826 (57.67%) Top 3 parties: DA 48.89% ANC 36.43% EFF 3.26% Cape Agulhas: Registered number of voters: 20 435 Number of votes cast: 13 880 (67.92%) Top 3 parties: DA 56.93% ANC 28.67% Dienslewerings Party: 6.4% Swellendam: Registered number of voters: 19 722 Number of votes cast: 13 183 (66.84%) Top 3 Parties: DA 51.51% ANC 40.92% VF+ 1,77% Source: Independent Electoral Commission

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

15 May 2019

YOUR OPINION FOLLOW US ONLINE www.thevillagenews.co.za

Africa’s pangolins caught in ‘the perfect storm’ Although pangolins are not native to the Western Cape and it is illegal to possess them in the province, this highly endangered wild animal is under threat in a 'perfect storm' of illegal trading across Africa, Europe and China.

Read the Oxpeckers investigative environmental journalism story on this beautiful creature that is native to South Africa and much of Africa. https://thevillagenews.co.za/Africas-pangolins-caught-in-the-perfectstorm/ PHOTO: Courtesy of BBC

Jooste property holds key to coastal access

By Jobre Stassen Chairperson, Cliff Path Action Group Why walk next to the busiest road in town if you can walk next to the sea?

This can be resolved if the Hermanus Cliff Path continues from Sea Road to Mollergren Park Retirement Village along the shoreline, in the same way that the rest of the cliff path follows the coast from the New Harbour all the way to Grotto beach. It is most unfortunate that right in the middle of the route, the path abruptly turns away from the sea, forcing walkers to continue along the pavement of Main Road/R43.

The obvious thing to do is to connect the cliff path.

Yet, for reasons that are outdated, the local municipality is still in denial and clings to an obscure policy of managing the area as a no-go area for the public. It is a real tragedy as this viewpoint prevents the municipality from materialising opportunities to extent the cliff path via Poole’s Bay on behalf of the public.

Such an opportunity is provided by the recently published municipal notice announcing an application for subdivision of Erf 12257, 15 Quantum Street, Eastcliff, Hermanus. Unless Sea Road has had a name change, this property is the former Steinhoff chief executive, Markus Jooste’s ‘big hole’.

The Village NEWS Facebook group celebrates 20 000 members Since December 2008 when the group was first created, The Village NEWS has grown organically, adding new members on a daily basis. Over the years, the group’s focus has changed. From focusing just on Hermanus, The Village NEWS - All Over Overberg, now reaches across the Overberg with a particular focus on the Overstrand.

While 90% of members live in South Africa, The Village NEWS - All Over Overberg has a sizeable following in the United Kingdom, Namibia, United States, Botswana, Australia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Lesotho and India.

In particular, members rely on The Village NEWS - All Over Overberg for breaking news and the latest updates on what is happening in the region.

The application for subdivision of Erf 12257 provides the golden opportunity for the local municipality to apply the Integrated Coastal Management Act section 18(9) to secure longshore access to the coast by servitude right of way in favour of pedestrian access.

Section 18(9) provides that “each municipality approving the rezoning, subdivision or development of a land unit within or abutting on coastal public property must ensure that adequate provision is made in the conditions of approval to secure public access to that coastal public property, which includes the seashore.” The law couldn’t be clearer.

A report released in September last year by the Western Cape Government on coastal access to the Overberg coastline, identified Poole’s Bay as site Her12 and explicitly states on page 116 of the report that “[t]his is a

conflict area and the right of access for the public needs to be resolved”. The municipality now has the opportunity to resolve the matter on behalf of the public.

The coastline in front of Erf 12257 is particularly tricky.

High cliffs and the rugged terrain make access difficult.

The current informal footpath that hugs the coast is in many places above the high water mark and is therefore, technically on private property. The municipality has the mandate to secure access for the public to the coastline and to envisage the continuation of the cliff path via Poole’s Bay. We cannot leave this in the hope that the municipality will act on behalf of the public. The same opportunity for subdivision happened in 2013 when the original Erf 1233 owned by Gavin Relly was subdivided. The Relly subdivision application pointed out the need to continue the cliff path along the shoreline of the property.

Several similar opportunities presented themselves over the past few years as the Jooste property underwent applications for consolidation as well as development.

The Cliff Path Action Group is busy with a community-funded project to extend the cliff path along Poole’s Bay. In the regulatory environment of 2019, building a concrete structure is infinitely more complex than the process followed by the founders of the cliff path, Eric Jones and Ion Williams, many decades ago. The current process involves an extensive environmental authorisation process that takes more than a year to conclude.

Once this process is completed it will make the task at hand so much easier and more cost-effective if a servitude is in place for the cliff path to counter the challenging topography of the coastline in front of Erf 12257.

We would like to encourage members of the public to request the municipality to make provision for the extension of the cliff path in front of Erf 12257.

Written comments need to be submitted before 24 May to aconradie@overstrand.gov quoting your name, address and contact details, your interest in the application and reasons for comment.

Join today at https://www.facebook.com/groups/capewhalecoast/

Public invited to meeting on baboons A public meeting will be hosted by the Hermanus Baboons Action Group in the Fernkloof Hall on Tuesday evening 21 May at 17:30.

itable interaction with angry humans. This is as a consequence of the inconsistent flow of baboon monitoring programmes.

We are honoured to have several expert guest speakers at the meeting: Prof Justin O Riain from the UCT Department of Biological Sciences, an expert in baboon behavioural studies and ecology, and human wildlife conflict; and Dr Phil Richardson, PhD Zoology, a well-known expert on human wildlife solutions.

These wild animals have become a danger to residents, particularly children, the elderly and domestic pets. Residents have been living with all windows and doors fastened and barricaded, to protect their homes, children and pets from raids. Others have calculated damage to their homes, thatching and gardens of hundreds of thousands of Rands.

This meeting is part of a campaign to re-introduce baboon monitors to those areas most affected by the raiding baboon troop. The safety and protection of wild baboons cannot be maintained in a suburban environment, and residents are witnessing a significant change in the behaviour of the Voëlklip troop in particular.

067 770 7629 | theagency@thevillagenews.co.za

Experts advise that the rehabituation of the troop to its own natural environment of Fernkloof Nature Reserve, may be extremely challenging, as the last five generations have been exposed to foraging in human refuse, stealing human food and the inev-

Dr Phil Richardson and Prof Justin O Riain will talk on ‘Experts, Experiences and Expectations’ and respond to emailed questions. Thereafter, an open question and answer session will take place.

Please submit your questions for the experts to: info@hermanusbaboons.co.za by Monday 20 May at the latest. Please include your name, address and email.

Pat Redford Hermanus Baboons Action Group

THE VILLAGE

EXPLORER

THE HOME OF FINE BOOKS

WINE | FOOD | ARTS | NATURE

028 313 0834

Wine Plus brings tasting pleasures T

he sixth Wine Plus programme of tutored tastings – now a firm favourite of the dynamic Hermanus FynArts Festival – takes a few new turns this year. Although each of the seven presentations is a well-worth stand-alone, the complete series is designed to bolster the overall theme of 2019: a closer look at the tasting pleasures of fine wine.

This year Wine Plus has a new home and date slot. The presentations shift towards the end of the festival, from Thursday 13 to Sunday 15 June, as a kind of ‘wine long weekend’.

The new venue is The Wine Glass in the centre of town, which is geared to provide sustenance from their popular menu after the tasting slots of 11:00 and 17:00.

Responding to requests from previous Wine Plus fans, and bearing in mind the arts festival rationale of FynArts, presentations will be finer tuned to provide patrons with instructive direction during the tasting-talks.

Exploring the theme – the tasting pleasures of the fine art of wine – will involve a little wine

education along with the super samples that will be poured. The idea is to provide those not too familiar with the how and the what with an introduction to the art of tasting and enjoying wine.

To provide a glimpse into just how exciting contemporary South African wine is, the programme will offer ‘snapshots’ of three of today’s newsworthy regions and three varietals that define our unique winelands.

Pieter Ferreira

PHOTO: wosa.co.za

Boela Gerber

Wine Plus is curated for its sixth iteration by Melvyn Minnaar, who was honoured last year

by Veritas for his contribution to SA wine. The presenters will include some of the movers and shakers on the contemporary local wine scene.

To start the series, who better than our own international Master of Wine, Cathy van Zyl? She returns from judging a few global competitions to share her passion in the first introductory tasting entitled ‘Discovering the Pleasure’ on Thursday 13 June. Her choice of eight wines includes some reinvented classics and thrilling new wines.

Later that afternoon Bevan Newton Johnson of the well-known wine family will join Cathy van Zyl to present their selection of local super stars in ‘A Snapshot of Hemel-en-Aarde’. Once again, wine lovers can expect a mix of the unusual and the well-known.

On Friday 14 June the focus shifts to two other wine regions. ‘A Snapshot of Constantia’ in the morning will bring Boela Gerber, celebrated winemaker at Groot Constantia, and his regional colleagues Danna de Jongh of Melvyn Minnaar Constantia Uitsig and Brad Paton of Buitenverwachting together with eight super wines.

For ‘A Snapshot of the Swartland’, the internationally-acclaimed winemaking team of Chris and Andrea Mullineux has selected wines from the likes of David & Nadia, JC Wickens, The Sadie Family, AA Badenhorst and, of course, Mullineux.

On Saturday 15 June, the spotlight will be on

Chris and Andrea Mullineux two of South Africa’s standout individual varietals. Celebrating, as it turns out, International Chenin Blanc Day, ‘A Snapshot of Chenin Blanc’ brings Alastair Rimmer, cellarmaster at Kleine Zalze, to the morning session. Supported by the SA Chenin Blanc Association, he’ll present some local showstoppers.

In the afternoon session, Mr Pinotage himself, Beyers Truter presents ‘A Snapshot of Pinotage’.

Supported by the SA Pinotage Association, he will show and tell more about the regional styles and ageing ability of this brilliant local variety.

Fittingly, Wine Plus concludes on a sparkling note on Sunday morning, 16 June with the now traditional bubbly presentation. MCC master

COFFEE, CAKE & QUALITY KITCHENWARE.

11 MITCHELL STREET HERMANUS 028 312 4979

Cathy van Zyl Pieter Ferreira, also known as ‘Mr Bubbles’, is joined for ‘A Snapshot of Méthode Cap Classique’ by Paul Gerber of Colmant to showcase only the finest.

Tickets are R140 for an individual session, R250 for any one day of two sessions, R350 for all three afternoon sessions, or R450 for all four morning sessions.

Bookings can be made via www.webtickets.co.za or www.hermanusfynarts.co.za or at the Hermanus Tourism office.

Contact 028 312 2629 or 060 957 5371.

10 | NATURE

15 May 2019

Explore Phillipskop fynbos and rock art conservancies to protect the biodiversity on their land.

Each new nature reserve or protected place is therefore a reason to rejoice.

One such lesser-known reserve is Phillipskop Private Nature Reserve near Stanford.

By Anina Lee Whale Coast Conservation

H

umans are transforming Earth’s natural landscapes so dramatically that as many as one million plant and animal species are now at risk of extinction. Destruction on this scale poses a dire threat to ecosystems that people all over the world depend on for their survival.

This is the conclusion of a sweeping new United Nations assessment.

In other words, humans must stop the pace of wildlife extinctions — or face extinction themselves. But why exactly is biodiversity so important to humanity?

Naturally biodiverse wildlife supports healthy ecosystems that we rely on.

Conservation researchers Paul and Anne Ehrlich explain that species are to ecosystems what rivets are to a plane’s wing. Losing one might not be a disaster, but each loss adds to the likelihood of a serious problem.

Biodiversity is good for the economy.

Biodiversity is an integral part of culture and identity and it is an essential part of the solution to climate change.

Here in the Overstrand, we are right at the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom where plant diversity is the highest in the world. We therefore have the responsibility – no, the obligation – to protect our wild places.

The truth is, we are doing fairly well.

The Overstrand has a large number of protected areas, from the internationally recognised Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, Provincial reserves such as Walker Bay Nature Reserve, Maanschynkop and de Mond, to municipal reserves such as Fernkloof, Kleinmond and Rooiels. There are also magnificent private nature reserves – Grootbos and Vogelgat come immediately to mind. Furthermore many landowners have formed joint

Each month Whale Coast Conservation tries to find interesting adventures for our members. This month we are visiting Phillipskop. On Wednesday 22 May we will take you on a walk in the reserve, guided by owners Chris and Anna Whitehouse.

You will walk about 2 km through pristine fynbos, stopping to examine special species. At the cave you will learn more about the ancient Khoe (Khoi) and San paintings discovered there in 2016.

Phillipskop rock art site is special. It is currently the only recorded rock art on the Cape Whale Coast. The paintings, which depict a group of men, an antelope, and various decorated hand-prints and finger dots, represent both the San hunter-gatherer and the Khoe herder traditions which began thousands of years ago and persisted into early colonial times.

Although there are many thousands of rock art sites in the Western Cape, the majority of these are clustered in areas such as the Cederberg. Rock paintings in the Overberg are very rare. The rock art at Phillipskop extends the known geographical range of Khoe-San paintings.

Phillipskop Cave was recently added to the Cradle of Human Culture Route as a subsidiary site. Heritage Western Cape has designated the site as a Grade IIIA Heritage Site (High Local Significance). Anna Whitehouse will

be our archaeology guide to explain the significance of the rock art in the cave.

Participants should meet at Phillipskop at 14h30. We will consolidate transport before we go. Our plan is to finish at about 16h30, but it could be later depending on the level of interest. Bring your own refreshments to enjoy under the picnic tree.

Participants should be walking-fit and good shoes, a walking stick and steady feet are advised. This adventure is weather-dependent.

The cost is R120 for adults and R60 for children. All proceeds go to environmental education at both Phillipskop and WCC.

Booking is essential. Please email anina.wcc@gmail.com or WhatsApp 083 242 3295

ART | 11

15 May 2019

Classical music hits a high note in historic villages Writer Elaine Davie

I

t’s no accident that the Classics for All Festival in the historic Overberg villages of Greyton and Genadendal takes place in the autumn (this year from 24 – 26 May). There’s a flamboyance in the air as the last leaves flutter from the oaks to join the golden flurry on the pavements. Despite a nip in the evening air, the days in these peaceful, white-washed villages are usually glorious at this time of the year and their residents throw themselves heart and soul into welcoming music lovers from far and wide.

Coenie Visser, one of the original founders of Classics for All and its director from the beginning, emphasises that it is indeed the village atmosphere that makes this festival so unique.

“This is our 15th festival and one of its joys is that many of our festival-goers have been coming here year after year since the very first one. It’s become an occasion for old friends to meet – like an extended-family reunion, really.

“Apart from the top-class music by some of the country’s finest musicians, what visitors enjoy most is the ability to mingle with the artists as well as locals over a meal or a glass of wine in one of our excellent restaurants or coffee shops. For these three days every year, our twin villages and their people are the festival. That’s why we never want it to grow too big so that it loses its laid-back warmth and the opportunity for personal interaction.”

The music on offer covers a wide range of genres, from opera and orchestral and choral performances to chamber music; and in style it ranges from the great masters of baroque to modern international and South African compositions. This year’s programme of 10 concerts has again been designed to cater for all tastes, from the aficionado to the enthusiast who loves to listen to good music, but isn’t an expert. And all this, in very special settings. In fact, it could be said that until you’ve attended a concert in the beautiful old Moravian Church in Genadendal, you have never lived.

Along with regular concert-goers, some of the musicians have supported the initiative from its first tentative steps. To celebrate this 15th milestone, many of them have once again been included in the programme – artists like pianist Philippus Hugo, singers Minette du Toit-Pearce and Zanne Stapelberg de Lange,

and instrumentalists, Erik Dippenaar, Bridget Rennie-Salonen and Peter Martens.

Although Coenie has been living overseas for several years, from one festival to the next he keeps his finger on the pulse of the local music scene, constantly trawling the internet to follow the younger up-and-coming performers, and sending emissaries to attend concerts and report back to him. When it comes to putting the programme together, he likes to mix experienced performers with some of the younger ones. His aim is always to create a platform for the innovative, the exciting and the stimulating.

This year is no different. One of the more unusual items is the Duo Infinite, with percussionists Cherilee Adams and Dylan Tabisher joining forces in a performance with leading South African clarinetist, Daniel Prozesky.

Another intriguing item features Camerata Tinta Barocca who present a concert entitled Of Plants and Animals: Baroque music inspired by nature, performed on baroque instruments.

Then there’s the Rosanthorn Electric Cello Trio comprising three talented female musicians.

Another highlight sees the combination of Latin American music and dance, featuring internationally-acclaimed dancer and choreographer, Tanya Diamond, classical guitarist, Nina Fourie-Gouws and members of the SoloFLAMENCO dance studio.

Items showcasing children’s musical talent are always favourites and this year will see the participation of the Cape Town Youth Choir under the baton of Leon Starker and the Cape Town Philharmonic Junior String Ensemble.

Last year, for the first time, the festival included a choir from the local Bereaville Moravian Primary School and they will appear again this year.

Coenie has lost his heart to this little group who have received no other training than what their school teachers have been able to give them. “As festival organisers, we’ve decided to ‘adopt’ these children,” he says. “We want to send their dedicated teachers away for conductor training and to enter the choir for eisteddfods and other events. When I go to visit the school,” he laughs, “I’m greeted like a hero – for no other reason than that they love this once-a-year opportunity to perform in public. Their enthusiasm is infectious; they deserve to be offered more options to express their love of music.”

Experiences like this and the affirmation of

Peter Martens

Minette du Toit-Pearce

festival-goers like the Mexican family who, for the past seven or eight years have come out to South Africa for two weeks every year, especially to attend the Franschhoek Literary Festival and then Greyton-Genadendal Classics for All, have continued to enrich Coenie’s life, despite the challenges.

“There’s a never-ending scramble for financial support for our festival, but I never get over how blessed we are to have the whole-hearted support of the small businesses of this area, including accommodation establishments. Without them, we would not be celebrating this exuberant outpouring of beautiful music for an unbelievable 15th time.”

For more information about the Greyton-Genadendal Classics for All programme, as well as accommodation and restaurants, visit www.classicsforall.co.za or call the Greyton Tourism Office at 028 254 9414/9564. Tickets can be booked online or through Computicket.

Zanne Stapelberg de Lange

ART IN ACTION

You are invited to join us for a morning demonstration and exhibition by our amazing team of passionate art practitioners Andrea Hirschon – artist and mixed media specialist Betzy Geldenhuys – acrylic and oil professional Maureen Tomaino – watercolorist and acrylic expert There will be three short presentations on water colour techniques, mixed media oral applications, and oil techniques for portraying owers, with time for some questions and rounded off with tea and coffee.

You will also hear about our programme of WORKSHOPS – which will include LIFE DRAWING, STILL LIFE, and the popular PAINT ’n SIP creative fun sessions.

STIMULATE YOUR CREATIVE CURIOSITY on THURSDAY 23 MAY

WHERE: The Art Shop Studio TIME: From 10.00 am – 12 noon Call Jolene on 028 312 3901 to secure your spot The Rosanthorn Electric Cello Trio will be performing on Sunday 26 May at the Oaks Estate, Greyton.

The Art Shop 13 Mitchell Street, Hermanus, 7200

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8 To Onrus & Whale Coast Mall

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Hermanuspietersfontein Eat Village Stall TO SANDBAAI

Wine Village

Biga Bakery

Plaaskombuis Bartho Eksteen Wines

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Ashbourne Hamilton Russell

Whalehaven Southern Right

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Sumaridge

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10 To VoĂŤlklip, Stanford & Gansbaai

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10 Mount Babylon Moggs Country Cookhouse

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Newton Johnson

Ataraxia

Jakobs Vineyards Domaine Des Dieux Creation

Hemelrand

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WHAT’S ON

OVERBERG Wednesday

www.thevillagenews.co.za/whatson Restoring the Klein River Estuary The Hermanus Botanical Society invites you to a talk on the ReStore Klein River Estuary Project by guest speakers, Luke Boshier and Kobus Stoop. This initiative aims to restore the health of the estuary by cleaning up the river through: improving the quality of the soil, reducing the chemicals flowing into the river, improving the water-holding capacity of the soil, improving yields to make farms more profitable, and sequestering CO2. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy a glass of wine before the talk. For more information, contact Derek Silberblatt on silberd@ mweb.co.za or 028 3122091 / 083 448 3338.

Fernkloof Nature Reserve Hall | 17:30 for 18:00

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Hermanus Bird Club The guest speaker at the club’s monthly meeting this week is John Bowman, who visited Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou and Eastern Highlands last year and will share his experiences. All guests are welcome at no charge. Come early and enjoy a glass of wine for a donation of R10. For more information on the Hermanus Bird Club and its activities, contact Sue Franck on 028 314 0299 / 072 230 9169 or francks@intekom.co.za Fernkloof Hall | 18:00 for 18:30

Thursday

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Afrikaans Theatre Stormy Team invites everyone to the launch of their high school programme, Thumela, vat só! This educational theatre programme is compiled from the literature curriculum for Grade 10 Afrikaans First Language. It includes excerpts from Die Driehoekige Sirkel, Die Testament and several poems. The aim is to expose learners to various aspects of Afrikaans literature in an interactive way and to assist school educators in preparing them for Grade 12. RSVP: anette@storyteam.co.za Municipal Auditorium | 09:30 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

elephants, and how she suddenly had to cope single-handedly with the responsibility of running the Thula Thula Game reserve in KZN. She’ll talk about her new developments, the battle against poachers, the care unit for injured animals – and more. The entrance fee is R10.

Dutch Reformed Church, Onrus | 18:00 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

An Elephant in my Kitchen U3A Overberg presents a talk by Francoise Malby Anthony, the Frenchborn widow of the remarkable ‘Elephant Whisperer’ Lawrence Anthony. Francoise will tell her moving story of how her husband tamed a herd of traumatised elephants and gained their trust. When Anthony passed away due to a heart attack in Johannesburg, the elephants came to her house on the reserve to pay their respects – and repeated it three years running on the same date. With the aid of illustrations and video clips, Francoise relates the special bond between her husband and the

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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 (Dienssentrum), every Friday morning.

Onrus Dutch Reformed Church | 09:30 – 11:30 The Vietnam War U3A presents the highly-acclaimed 10-part American television documentary series, The Vietnam War. Directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, the series cost around $30 million and took more than 10 years to make. Episode 4 covers the period from Jan 1966 – June 1967: Defying American airpower, North Vietnamese troops and material stream down the Ho Chi Minh Trail into the South, while Saigon struggles to “pacify the countryside”. As an anti-war movement builds back home, hundreds of thousands of soldiers and marines discover that the war they are being asked to fight in Vietnam is nothing like their fathers' war.

Catholic Church Hall | 10:00 24-Hour Soccer Tournament The Football Foundation, a subsidiary of Grootbos Foundation, is hosting a 24-hour tournament to fundraise for new soccer boots for its kids. But they need your help, so why not sponsor one or more of the 1 440 minutes?

“One minute for you is a future for all”.

The number of players required per team is 11 and teams of all abilities are invited to register for free. Play a match of 30 minutes with your colleagues as a team-building exercise, challenge your friends or family, or just come for fun. All teams receive a

team photograph and video. Spectators are welcome and entrance is free for everyone. The programme kicks off on Friday at 12 noon with the U11, U13 and U15 kids’ tournaments.

The adults’ tournament runs from 22:00 on Friday evening until 07:00 on Saturday morning, followed by the fun teams until 10:30, and ending with the adults’ final from 10:30 – 12:00. For more information on how you can get involved or donate, go to www.grootbosfoundation.org Masakhane Sportsfield | from 12:00

Eseltjiesrus Book Fair The Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary invites all book lovers to their annual winter book fair. With more than 12 000 books to choose from there are great bargains among this collection of new and fresh pre-owned books: travel, self-help, cookery, non-fiction and the latest novels. For more details contact bookfair@donkeysanctuary. co.za or 023 625 1593. The fair runs over three days from Friday 17 – Sunday 19 May. Community Hall, Voortrekker Street, McGregor | daily from 10:00 – 17:00 (Sun until 14:00)

Stock Clearance MANUFACTURERS OF SIMULATED STONE PRODUCTS

HERMANUS

Art, Wine & Lifestyle Auction This is the fourth annual fundraising auction in aid of Okkie Smuts Primary School in Stanford, which caters for a diverse range of children from the village and neighbouring farms. The teachers and headmaster of this unique rainbow school do their best to give each child a solid education, despite many of the parents being unable to afford the school fees. The school would be grateful for any contributions of special wine, artworks, gift packs or vouchers. Tickets at R150 pp (inclusive of cheese, wine, appetisers and great entertainment) are available at the school. Contact adminokkiesmuts@orcawireless.co.za or 028 341 0611 or Amelia de Villiers on 076 157 9688.

Birkenhead Brewery, Stanford | 18:30 Rewind Join 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. The entrance fee is R50 pp.

Enjoy the Burger Special with a 500ml Beer for R99. Call 028 313 2137 to book.

Soul Café, 181 Main Road, Hermanus | 20:00

Saturday

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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

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parkrunners.

Harold Porter Botanical Garden | 08:00

cine. He will give an overview of the history of mountain rescue in the Western Cape, from the founding of the Mountain Club of SA in 1891 to the transition to Wilderness Search and Rescue, and touch on issues of training and functioning, and how our modern mountain rescue service has become far more effective at saving critically injured or ill patients than before.

Catholic Church Hall | 10:00

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 ind wholesome goodies, homemade crafts, local produce, beers and wine, speciality foods, cofee and live music.

Next to Hermanus Cricket Field | 09:00 – 13:00 Die Markie Where local and international foodies and wine lovers meet. You’ll ind real plates and real cutlery; real cups and real glasses; a real hangout for real people.

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 Farmer’s 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

A Flight Higher This two-day BirdLife Overberg course for more experienced bird-watchers is presented by Anton Odendal and is aimed at enhancing one’s experience of birds by illustrating how to look at and listen to these wonderful creatures. The course includes several brand-new talks on topics ranging from Birds of Prey to Little Brown Jobs and Summer Migrants. The cost is R600 pp for both Saturday and Sunday, and includes the course notes. Alternatively, R250 per individual session. You’ll ind the full programme on www.westerncapebirding.co.za. To register, contact Elaine at mwjasser@mweb.co.za or 082 455 8402.

Mollergren Park Community Hall, Hermanus | 09:00 (Sat & Sun)

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

Bartho Eksteen Blom Rosé Celebration Join the Eksteen family for a cellar tour, tasting and snacks as they celebrate the 2019 vintage release of the ever-popular Bartho Eksteen Blom Rosé. This Provençal-style Rosé, a unique Bartho-designed juice blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Shiraz and Viognier fermented with a whif of French oak, is the irst Rosé in history to be nominated for 5 stars twice in Platter’s Wine Guide. Contact sune@ hermanus.co.za or 072 323 5060.

Bartho Eksteen Farm, R320 Hemelen-Aarde | from 12:00 Grape Expectations Enjoy The Wine Glass’s ‘Sumptuous Saturdays’ with Beaumont Family Wines. Arrive to welcoming drinks and canapés, followed by a talk and tasting presented by winemaker Sebastian Beaumont. R395 pp includes three 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

Sunday

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Albert Frost Live Enjoy a live performance by Albert Frost, South Africa’s pre-eminent guitarist whose unique, genre-crossing style has earned him much respect and adoration among audiences and peers for more than two decades.

Tickets are R120 pp. To book, contact Michael at music@geckohermanus. co.za or 028 312 4665.

Gecko Bar, New Harbour | 19:00

Monday

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Overberg Quilters Guild Everyone with an interest in quilting is welcome to join the guild’s meeting. For enquiries, contact Elize on 082 374 1533.

De Wet Hall, Roos St, Onrus | 09:00 for 09:30 Mountain Rescue The topic of the second lecture in U3A’s series on Mountaineering is Conlict, Crisis and Capacity: Building an Efective Mountain Rescue Service in Cape Town, South Africa, presented by Dr Rik de Decker, a leading Paediatric Cardiologist and active mountaineer who has become a world authority on mountain and wilderness medi-

Mindful Mondays Join Wellness Coach Nicholas McLean and Ferdi Appelgryn, health and life coach from C Beyond Health, for a group session on Mindfulness, Movement and Meditation, every Monday.

Let go of stress and distraction, and realign body and mind to find inner focus and calm. R50 donation.

Contact Nicholas on 082 437 9776 or nicholas@guthealthyogi.com 6 Fynbos Crescent, Sandbaai | 18:00 Hermanus Astronomy Centre meeting Dr Daniel Cunnama, Science Outreach Oicer SAAO, will be the guest speaker at HAC’s monthly meeting.

His presentation is entitled Simulations of galaxies and galaxy clusters.

For more info, contact petermh@hermanus.co.za Catholic Church Hall | 19:00

Tuesday

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Naval Disasters and Triumphs The second lecture in this new U3A Overberg series presented by Admiral Johan Retief, former head of the South African Navy, is entitled Submarines – Lost with all hands.

Submarines are complex vessels operating in an extremely hostile environment and mistakes in design, manufacture, maintenance or operating procedures can have disastrous results. This talk focuses on some of these problems.

Catholic Church Hall | 10:00 Creating Viable Communities Join Whale Coast Conservation for their monthly talk on environmental issues. The topic is Creating Viable Communities: environmental, social and economic planning of settlements, presented by Bernard Oberholzer.

R20 donation to environmental education. For more information, contact anina.wcc@gmail.com or 083 242 3295.

The Green House, R43 Vermont | 17:30

Wednesday

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Graze Farmer’s Market Reduce your carbon footprint and get your fresh veggies – always seasonal, always fresh. Stay for cofee and breakfast. For more info, call Tabby & Alex on 076 243 1930.

Graze Slow Food Café, Stanford | 09:00 – 12:00

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 Fynbos and Rock Art of Phillipskop Mountain Reserve Join Whale Coast Conservation for an eco-adventure at Phillipskop, which was recently added to the Cradle of Human Culture Route as a subsidiary site. Anna Whitehouse will be your archaeology guide to explain the signiicance of the rock art in the cave, while Chris Whitehouse will guide you through the fynbos and birdlife veld experience. R120 for adults and R60 for children. Booking is essential and all proceeds go towards environmental education. Contact anina. wcc@gmail.com or 83 242 3295.

Phillipskop Mountain Reserve | 14:30 Grape Expectations Join The Wine Glass for their ‘Easy Wednesdays’ wine tasting, which this week features Strandveld Vineyards near Elim. Arrive to welcoming drinks and canapés, followed by a talk and tasting of Strandveld’s First Sighting wines, presented by winemaker Conrad Vlok. The cost is R195 pp for two courses with wine, and dessert canapés. Early reservation is essential, as the event is limited to 40 tickets.

Contact 082 082 0007 or foh@thewineglass.guru The Wine Glass, 2 Harbour Rd, Hermanus | 18:30 – 21:00

Friday

Junior String Ensemble. Find the full programme at www.classicsforall. co.za. Tickets can be booked online, at Computicket or the Greyton Information Bureau.

Greyton & Genadendal | 24 – 26 May

Saturday

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Connecting to your Creative Core Join local artist Gillian Hahn for a multimedia art workshop where all materials are supplied. This facilitated workshop is designed to help you get to know yourself on a deeper level, to heal and soften, to build character and self-conidence. The challenge is to let go and set your creativity free.

You will be guided to a space where you feel comfortable within yourself and able to connect to your creative core, so that it can low with ease.

The cost is R300 pp. To book, contact gillianhahn14@gmail.com or 076 181 2964.

Gillian Hahn Art Studio on Southern Right Wine Farm, Hemel-enAarde Valley | 10:00 – 13:00

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Classics for all This three-day classical music festival ofers 10 concerts at various venues in the picturesque Overberg towns of Greyton and Genadendal over one weekend. Featuring the cream of classical talent in South Africa, the performing artists will include leading South African clarinetist Daniel Prozesky, soprano Zanne Stapelberg de Lange, concert guitarist Nina Fourie-Gouws, the Trio du Cap Classique (lautist Liesl Stoltz, pianist François du Toit and cellist David Pinoit), the internationally esteemed Lyric Trio (Suzanne Martens on violin, Peter Martens on cello and Elna van der Merwe on piano), piano prodigies Mike Wang and Qden Blaaw, the Camerata Tinta Barocca, the Cape Town Youth Choir, and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s

EVENT COMING UP? Post your event for FREE on www.thevillagenews.co.za/whatson.

It will be shared on 'The Village NEWS - What’s On Overberg' Facebook group and may be selected for inclusion in the newspaper.

To advertise your event in the newspaper costs R300 for a pop-up ad.

Community and non-profit organisations are FREE.

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15 May 2019

Old Macdonald had a farm…

Writer Elaine Davie

L

ikewise, Kleinmond residents, Gerrit and Annari Coetzee. And on this farm they have some goats; and some chickens; and some cattle… and also springbuck, kudu, eland and oryx! This gives a whole new meaning to mixed farming and some Kleinmonders are perplexed, to say the least.

As far as they are concerned, wildlife belongs in the sea, not on land.

What can the world be coming to when plans are afoot to introduce elephants in the Wildlife Sanctuary down the road and now there are these other animals right on the town’s doorstep – what for?

Of course, the nay-sayers do not take into account the fact that not so long ago, these very same animals’ ancestors roamed free along our coastline in abundance. In fact, up to about 15 years back, there were still a few isolated Cape eland to be found near Pringle Bay. To say that Gerrit and Annari have been harassed by some residents about their introduction of these animals is putting it mildly, so we went to find out what the fuss was about.

Sonvanger is the name of the 15 ha farm that Gerrit and Annari bought three years ago and into which they have ploughed every cent of their savings to make a dream come true.

Annari says she grew up on a farm in the Northern Cape where there were wide open spaces and plenty of game, and although they have been living in Kleinmond for the past 15 years, she has longed to recreate on a small scale the environment she enjoyed as a child and to share her love of animals with children who have never before seen animals like these.

They plan to build an eco-friendly offthe-grid home for themselves on the farm, but up to now, all their money has gone into clearing alien vegetation, erecting game fencing and acquiring and feeding the animals.

At one time, the site was used as a dumping site for every possible kind of rubble and junk from Kleinmond

and at another time as a water melon farm. They are trying to encourage the fynbos and natural grasses to repopulate the property and were lucky enough to obtain several loads of topsoil from the Harold Porter Garden in Betty’s Bay full of fynbos seeds to get things going. In the meantime, the goats on the farm, which are not fussy about eating aliens, do so with gusto, creating pathways through the remaining myrtle and Port Jackson thickets on the property.

Most of the animals have come to them as babies, which have either been abandoned by the mothers, or left behind after a game capture operation. It was up to them to bottle feed and rear them by hand, whilst still allowing them to grow up ‘wild’ (with the exception of the domestic animals, of course). Gerrit made contact with a specialised nutritionist who was responsible for formulating a balanced game food programme for Epol and the natural diet of all the animals is supplemented with this costly feed every day.

For everything they do on the farm, they need to obtain a permit, they say, and Gerrit has a file overflowing with this documentation, from, amongst others, the Overstrand Municipality, Cape Nature, the Department of Agriculture and State Veterinary Sevices. Sonvanger is categorised as a small camp game farm.

Gerrit is also registered as a qualified game capture specialist and they have created a quarantine and capture boma with bare, clean soil, for animals which need to be transported from one region to another and must be declared disease-free by a vet before they can be moved. Locals would have become familiar with the two young wildebeest which were held in this camp until recently when they were moved to a larger game farm on the Garden Route.

During the process of game capture, a vet is always on hand and animals are vaccinated on a regular basis.

Annari tells of how they were given two kids which had been abandoned by their mothers in mid-winter. When they arrived, they were barely alive

and the vet felt there was little hope that they would survive, but with constant TLC and lots of warm bottle feeds, they both miraculously pulled through. One of them has grown into a handsome, vain young ram with impressive curling horns and a bevy of potential wives. The little female has grown into a fat, bossy nanny.

Apart from the small herd of young springbuck on the farm, including some of the rarer cream and black varieties, there is a family of shy kudu which is rarely seen from the road, two beautiful oryx (gemsbok) and recently introduced, four eland, one of them a calf. The Coetzees have been approached by the Rhino Foundation to accommodate black rhino which are also native to the area and they have a permit to do so, but they feel the property is too small to include these large animals.

The Coetzee family, Gerrit and Annari, with their son Adriaan and collie puppy, Jessie. Some of their springbuck graze in the background.

PHOTO: Elaine Davie

It is a requirement when erecting game fencing, to allow a big enough space at ground level for small animals to move through unimpeded, so they have been thrilled to see tortoises, otters, porcupines, civet cats and honey badgers on the property. In the mountains around them, they are also aware of the presence of leopards and caracal.

Before they engage in any further developments, Gerrit has commissioned a full environmental study and although animals may come and go, he has no intention of ever keeping any which are not indigenous to the region (and definitely no lions, as has been rumoured in the town).

Capturing a young wildebeest is no easy task. Gerrit prepares to load the tranquillised animal into the game trailer for the journey to his new home on the Garden Route. With him are the rest of the game capture team including the new owner and a vet.

“This is our dream place,” says Annari, “and I love to be surrounded by these beautiful creatures, but it is our private space and we have no intention of turning it into some kind of zoo. I would love children to be introduced to these animals, but that’s as far as it goes.”

Driving past the farm on a regular basis, as I do, it always lifts my spirits to see the animals peacefully grazing near the road. It is indeed a double blessing for us to have both marine and land-based wildlife on our doorsteps.

Lunch-time at Songvanger for the young Kudu bull and three springbuck.

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www.thevillagenews.co.za and foreheads. This gives a ragged, haggard harsh appearance which shows our age. If you were to paint the picture, an older face would have sharper geometric lines, as opposed to the flow and curves of a more youthful appearance. We use dermal illers – a clear gel found naturally in our skin – to mimic fat and soften one’s features. With dermal iller I prefer to get the contouring of the facial canvas correct before looking at other aesthetic treatments.

MY WELLNESS

Winter heralds a new, younger you M

ay is Mothers’ Month and we celebrate all those who play a nurturing, maternal role within their respective families and local communities.

We, however, don’t have to be mothers to notice the lines that the hand of time draws on our faces so, today, I’ll take you through the story of changes to skin, fat and bone as we age.

Skin changes with ageing: The main components of the skin are collagen, haemagglutinin (HA) protein, and elastin. Sun damage and exposure to pollutants, stress and genetic ageing cause these components to diminish in quantity, as well as decrease in quality.

In skin therapy, we address each of these components and determine whether to stimulate collagen with laser or peels, replace proteins with Dermapen and serum, or simply balance all three of the major com-

ponents of skin with a combination treatment.

During winter, we take the opportunity to use more aggressive treatments because the gentle sunlight ofers the chance for the skin to heal and strengthen before the onset of summer’s harsh conditions.

The Pixel Peel has become an international sensation. This therapy combines Dermapen needling treatment with a Trichloroacetic (TCA) peel that is a light chemical treatment, useful for pigmentation irregularities, such as sun-damaged skin and discoloration from pregnancy. The results are phenomenal. Using the Dermapen needling before the TCA peel allows a deeper penetration of the TCA into the skin through the little micro-channels that are created by the puncturing of the skin through which the TCA is carried down.

Four sessions with the skin therapist, over a period of eight weeks, deliver

15 May 2019

Remember the oral supplementation of collagen and vitamins are also valuable for good skin health. An elixir, with skin-protein components comprising collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA) will be available at Reine, shortly.

Bone changes with ageing: Moving to the deepest level of the face – the bony skeletal structure – we note many changes which lead to a typically, aged face. Starting at the top, note deicits on the forehead. A concavity with a resultant protuberance of the brow area – the face looks angry. Hollowing of the temples –the face looks wasted. Enlarging of the eye sockets – the eyes look smaller.

Diminishing of the cheek bones and lower jaw – the face looks smaller and more fragile.

Loss of facial fat with age: Have you ever wondered why an overweight woman usually has beautiful skin and a good shape to her face? A fatter woman can look younger and less wrinkled than a slim woman, both in their golden years. I tell my patients that fat is not so good for health and longevity, but for facial beauty and youth it’s the best.

The skin envelope, having lost collagen’s irmness, droops forward towards the mouth, leading to folds.

This, in turn, makes the lips look as though they have shrunken into the mouth. Have you ever wondered why your lower teeth start going crooked as you age? It’s because the jaw is shrinking, so there is no space for them.

As our faces age we lose fat, particularly in our cheeks, temples

But fear not, there are recognised treatments to reverse these ‘whoops’

the best results. To start now gives you the time required to complete the programme – and for the skin to heal and strengthen well before summer. We always say, “Get that summer glow during the winter months.”

and ‘droops’. Non-surgical, aesthetic medicine has developed far enough to enable lifting and pushing skin folds up, up, up and away from the jawline, chin and mouth – back to where they belong in the outer upper face.

Thread-lifting technology has advanced at a rapid rate. The Koreans ofer ‘baby’ threads (up to 50 per side) to tighten skin and the Russian threads are becoming popular for their deep-anchoring and lifting capacity and, of course, my favourite – the European Silhouette Soft thread lift for ultimate sophistication in a ‘one-stitch-mini-lift’. It is a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment to lift the skin. The suture acts as scafolding under the surface of the skin to lift sagging soft tissues. A dot of local anaesthetic under the skin in the doctor’s rooms keep wrinkles at bay.

So, you can rest assured that with our complimentary consultation, doctor and therapist can professionally assess your status in the facial-ageing process, and best advise you as to how to remedy the situation.

All I ask in the pursuit of aesthetic medicine and beauty is, keep it real, keep it balanced… Happy Mother’s Day to all you beautiful women out there.

- Dr Michelle Emett and the Refine team Hermanus.

Mon - Fri: 08h00 to 17h00 Sat: 08h00 to 13h00 Tel: 028 316 1532 | 028 316 4122 Hemel & Aarde Village, Hermanus, 7200

55 Main Road, Hermanus

DR MICKEY FAUEL & DR HANRE ZEELIE WE OFFER ALL TYPES OF DENTISTRY INCLUDING IMPLANTS DONE DAILY BY DR MICKEY FAUEL

Brigadoon Village Dementia Assisted Living and Care

ORAL HYGIENIST | BLEACHING ON SITE DENTAL LAB VISITING ORTHODONTIST DR D MURPHY

Contact Liesel Nel 083 607 0347

Tel: 028 312 1213 Emergency 084 791 3721 Nood Mon-Fri 08:00 - 17:00 mcfauel@mweb.co.za | jpzeelie@telkomsa.net www.tooth-implant.co.za | www.whalesmile.co.za www.hermanusdentalstudio.co.za

drfourie@hermanus.co.za righardtvh@gmail.com

info@brigadoongroup.com | www.brigadoongroup.com Brigadoon Village, 30 Wallers Way, Betty’s Bay

Where anything is possible

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

15 May 2019

Just dancing for the fun of it Writer & Photographer Raphael da Silva

I

n a country that is so often marked by division, dancing is a sport that unifies all – young or old, short or tall, big or skinny, black or white... it really doesn’t matter. Even if you were born with two left feet, dancing welcomes you with open arms.

This inclusiveness was very much on display last Saturday in Bredasdorp, when local dance studio, Bailamos, hosted the New Creation Dance Studio from Hermanus at a Match Dance.

Whatever the dance – Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Cha Cha, Boogie, or Eastern Swing, for example – participants from ages 8 to 77 took to the dance floor to appreciative applause from

the audience, which was also invited to take to the floor for a number of social dances.

The Match Dance provided an opportunity for many to dance in front of an audience for the first time, while, for some of the experienced dancers, it was an opportunity to put together an exhibition dance. Exhibition dancing is choreographed ballroom dancing, where theatrical movements and lines are used to enhance the atmosphere of the dance performance.

“Dancing brings out your inner creativity and allows you to express yourself. It makes you feel like your own person and appreciated for who and what you are. You are not measured by the one next to you and you are free to show your own individuality,” says Adél Dreyer, the owner of Bailamos.

The New Creation Dance Studio team: from left are Christiaan de Wet, John-D Cupido, Luzelle Beukes, Anneke Harms, Mitch Scholtz (teacher) and Jordyn Austin, all beginner bronze level. In front are Michelle Barnard (owner and teacher) and Tawani Naudé (teacher).

The Green Room offers new Teddies on a Mission holistic health services The Green Room opened on 8 May 2019 in Green Ways health shop at the Gateway Lifestyle Centre. Some of the services they offer include low-energy laser therapy for acute and chronic pain, intravenous vitamin infusions, acupuncture, reflexology, a clinical psychologist and a naturopath/ herbalist. OK Foods Gateway has partnered with The Green Room to launch ‘Shop with Doc’ in June 2019. “Shop with Doc is an opportunity for customers and patients to learn what healthy products are available and how to use them in daily food preparation. I’ll also discuss general nutrition, lifestyle questions and various diets to help avoid confusion,” says owner Dr Julienne Fenwick.

Flo Borchers of the Friends of Child Protection (FCP) visited the Frail Care Centre at Kidbrooke last week, where the residents, carers, nursing staff, their friends and family members, handed over a large collection of colourful teddie bears they had knitted for FCP’s Teddies on a Mission drive.

FCP was founded as a charity in 2002 by a group of Cape Town women shocked by the incidence of violent crimes against children and the plight of the understaffed child protection units. Under the leadership of Flo’s daughter, Kerrin Marcon, the FCP began supporting all agencies within the child protection system. Together these women have created many thousands of Comfort

Packs for abused and traumatised children – shopping for items, packing and delivering them to the newly-established detective units called Family Violence, Child Protection & Sexual Offences (FCS) units, to hospitals and day hospitals.

The Teddies on a Mission drive, of which Flo is the chairperson, aims to provide each child with a teddie bear that has been lovingly sewed or knitted to bring comfort to these vulnerable children. Flo said they require about 1 000 teddies every 60 days and she was more than grateful for the bounty she received from Kidbrooke. Anyone who would like to support this initiative, can contact Anneke van der Vliet on 082 923 9799.

Standing behind the knitted teddies are Sister Nelia de Kock, Tuysstella Steneveldt (carer), Madré Fuller (carer), Katriena Jimmies (household supervisor), Shaney Marais (carer) and Sister Ina Gericke.

PHOTO: Hedda Mittner Dr Julienne Fenwick in front of The Green Room at Green Ways.

For more information contact: 028 050 2300 efficientelements@gmail.com 133 Main Road, Hermanus (above Tekkie Town) Hours: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 17:00

WEDNESDAYS ONLY PENSIONER’S SPECIAL 20% OFF

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MY HOME

15 May 2019

The views expressed below are those of the writer in his personal capacity and may not necessarily relect the views of Fine & Country as a national and international brand.

Making a house a home

By Stephen de Stadler Managing Director Fine & Country Hermanus, Arabella and Kleinmond

B

y the time this column is published the results of the national and provincial elections will be finalised, and President Ramaphosa will have the mandate and the support of the country to #GrowSouthAfrica together.

No matter for which party you voted, no matter your political persuasion, let us all stand together to build our country to its deserved level within the global community of developing and emerging markets. The property market is eagerly anticipating a return to a more usual trading environment now that the uncertainty over the election outcome is behind us.

The relatively weak South African Rand makes foreign investment in our properties more affordable for overseas buyers, and a recent experience with a couple from outside our borders created the topic for this particular column.

A well-decorated house had been

purchased, title of the property had been transferred to the new owners, the previous owners had removed their furniture and all the contents of their home - and the new owners suddenly realised that their new house now looked like a house, and not like a home.

Whether your new home is a large, many-bedroomed property on a golf estate; a quaint, historic property in the centre of town; or a townhouse in a new development, here are a few ideas on how to turn any house into a home.

turns it from a house into a home.

Cushions, cushions and more cushions... A most underrated accessory that allows you to add colour, texture and indeed character to any room, at a relatively low price. Page through any design magazine and notice how the use of cushions adds flavour to a room.

Don’t be afraid to use colour effectively. White or cream walls are often a safe choice, but a feature wall or darker colour can provide an essential linkage between your home and its furnishings. Experiment and be brave – and allow your walls to contrast your furnishings in order to achieve a more modern look.

Lighting is the key to creating the correct ambience for your home.

Establishing a focal point in a room by installing a commissioned chandelier or even, merely, changing harsh cold lights to the modern, warmer, softer hues will go a long way to brightening your home. Place feature lamps on either side of sofas, beds and console tables to create height and brighten dark corners. Use down lighting under shelving units to allow you to highlight key accessories Consider changing your switches and use dimmable lighting to transform your home’s atmosphere.

Let your accessories reflect your personality. Personal photographs, different or unusual souvenirs from your travels, vases and candles – they all add character to a room and, importantly, reflect your personality and lifestyle. Living in a house that matches your personality obviously

Choosing your own style for your home can often seem overwhelming.

This is why the use of professional interior decorators should not be perceived as an expensive luxury but may often, in the longer term, deliver the required result in a far shorter time – and with less personal angst

than would otherwise have been experienced. The homeowner will need to be able to indicate the required aesthetic to the interior designer (classic, antique, modern, contemporary or a mixture of all of them), and give the professional an idea of his/ her personality. Are you an organiser, artistic, eclectic or traditional? Do you like minimalistic and simple? What is your favoured colour palette, how do you feel about patterns?

The professional interior designer will assess your requirements based on your personality and needs; and deliver your home to you within your

agreed budget. This was the case with regard to the property that triggered the creative thoughts for this article, and the new owners are now happily living in their new home.

In closing, the tips above are just as relevant when looking to sell your home. The initial feeling that a prospective buyer gets upon entering your home is often more important than the detailed review of the property that takes place during the viewing. Consider introducing some of the above options before deciding to place your property on the market for the first time.

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15 May 2019

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Stay warm and save money this winter C hilly weather is on its way across the country and keeping the cold out of your home makes good sense – especially with the looming possibility of winter loadshedding.

Thinking ahead will often save you money.

Last-minute decisions or leaving things until they become a crisis generally don’t. It’s why prepping your home for winter is usually time well invested.

Marlies Kappers, chief marketing officer at DirectAxis, says that thinking ahead and spending a little now on some basic household maintenance for the winter will not only help save money in the long run but could also retain, or even increase, the market value of your home.

According to the experts there are quite a few things homeowners can do to keep out the cold and wet, without having to spend too much money.

Although insulating your home is a good idea, doing so at a time when the electricity supply is under pressure is doubly beneficial. Not only will you save electricity, which is going to get more expensive, but it’ll be easier to keep warm if there is more loadshedding.

Check your doors and windows for draughts.

It’s relatively easy to fit self-adhesive rubber seals to the bottom of doors which are letting cold air in. Alternatively, you can make or buy a sausage-dog draught-stopper to block the gap.

Do the same with windows. Repair glass that isn’t fitted properly or where putty or seals are damaged, fix windows that don’t seal and replace any worn or missing weather strips.

Although these seem like small steps, sustainability websites claim that you can lose up to 15% heat through draughty doors and 10% though unsealed windows.

Curtains are better than blinds for keeping out the cold and retaining heat. When there is a bit of warmth and sunlight you can keep them open to warm the house and close them at night to keep the warm air in.

Once you’ve finished at ground level move to the ceiling. If you don’t have insulation, consider getting some. It’ll keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. It’s not difficult to fit, but if you have doubts about your DIY abilities, call in the experts. Every house differs, but expert opinion holds that an average house

will lose about 25% of heat through the roof.

While you’re up there, check if you have a geyser blanket. Heating water requires a lot of energy, up to 40% of household electricity usage, so insulating your geyser will save you money in the long run. Geyser blankets aren’t very expensive, around R300 on average.

When you’ve finished insulating the inside of your house, check the outside.

Before the winter rains start clear your gutters of leaves and other debris. Water in clogged gutters can break the brackets that support them. The water also needs to go somewhere.

If you’re lucky it will pour harmlessly over the side, hopefully not above an entrance. If not, it can blow up under the tiles and damage ceilings and fittings.

While you’re up there look for loose, broken or missing tiles or ridge tiles. These can cause leaks or allow wind in, potentially causing more damage. Also check that seals around chimneys or other fittings such as skylights are intact.

Take a walk around to see if there are any trees that might blow over or branches that could break and damage the house or installations such as satellite dishes. You may be able to trim them yourself, but if the tree is too big, you don’t have the right equipment or aren’t sure about what you’re doing, it’s best to get in a professional. Bear in mind some indigenous trees are protected, so if you’re not sure ask an expert.

Pack away or cover garden or stoep furniture that you aren’t going to use. Winter weather can damage wooden and metal furniture and even plastic perishes when exposed to the elements. If you live in a region prone to high winter winds, consider that outdoor furniture which gets blown around could be destroyed and can also damage anything it hits.

While you’re looking around outside, check the lighting. It gets darker earlier in winter, so this is a sensible security precaution.

Well-lit paths and approaches will help deter criminals. There’s also the practical benefit that it will prevent you or any of your family or friends tripping and falling in the dark.

Preventing problems is always less expensive than fixing them afterwards. Thinking ahead and spending a little on some basic household maintenance will save money in the long run.

Small improvements to your home will also help retain or even increase its market value.

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

15 May 2019

MY SPORT 20% Discount on bedding!

14 Dirkie Uys Street, Hermanus Unit 4A, Trading Post, Onrus hermanusvet@telkomsa.net

UNITED CHURCH HERMANUS

Tel: 028 312 3065 | Onrus: 028 316 2753

Services

From serving patrons to serving aces

19th May

08:30 James Gray 10:00 James Gray 09:45 Lighthouse Kids & Gen-Z Youth in the Office Foyer PLEASE NOTE: The Services will NOT be held at our premises, but in the Hermanus Primary School Hall.

Gen-Z Youth will meet in the Office Foyer. HOWEVER Children’s Ministry continues in the Lighthouse.

028 312 2717 | www.uchermanus.com Corner of Lord Roberts Road and Royal Street, HERMANUS

By Tony O'Hagan

H

ermanus restauranteur, Francois Barnard, will represent South Africa in the 60- to 65-year-old age group at the Senior World Team Tennis Championships in Lisbon, Portugal from 4 to 10 August 2019.

Each age-group team consists of four players and the format for each tie comprises two singles and two doubles matches. Francois is the No 2 ranked player in his age group and will be joined in the SA team by Duard Botha (Gauteng), ranked No 1; and Piet van Blerk (Boland) and Ahmed Biko (Western Province), ranked No 3 and No 4 respectively.

With tennis players from 119

Training & Development Manager Contract Position

countries participating in the event, the tournament comprises four age groups that include: 50-55, 55-60, 60-65 and 65-70. In Francois' age group there will be 23 countries vying for top honours.

Led by the USA, Australia, Germany and France, South Africa is 13th in the ranking and will participate in the Von Cramm group with three other countries to decide which of the four countries will progress to the playof for higher accolades. Each group in the preliminary stages is named after legendary tennis stars. Gottfried von Cramm of Germany was a winner of the French Open in 1934 and a inalist at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Francois, having grown up in a family steeped in tennis achievements, is a doyen of the Hermanus Tennis Club.

His father, Johan, was a highly

respected president of the South African Tennis Union, and Francois was introduced to tennis from an early age.

His stepmother, Margie (neé Hunt), represented South Africa and, partnered by Frew McMillan, reached the mixed-doubles semi-inals at Wimbledon.

Good luck to Francois and the South African team. Keep serving the aces!

Local tennis players help bring home gold

Abagold is one of the major role players in the Abalone industry, based in Hermanus. We are looking for a dynamic & energetic Training and Development Manager. This appointment will be on a contract basis from April 2019 to June 2020.

The ideal candidate should meet at least the following requirements: • Relevant tertiary qualication coupled with minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior role in Talent Management & Learning & Development.

• Demonstrated Leadership abilities and adaptability to work under pressure. Good problem-solving abilities and capability to make good judgment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills together with a passion for people, training and community development.

• Assertive personality with strong organisational skills • Ability to drive training department strategies • Advanced computer skills • Strong management and business skills • Valid Driver’s Licence • Excellent knowledge of the new Skills Development Legislation as well as Occupational Health Training requirements.

• Strong expertise and track record of engaging with SETA’s and previous knowledge & experience in dealing with AgriSETA will be an added advantage.

Duties will include, but will not be limited to: • Integrating training services with Human Resource systems and alignment thereof with the Company’s strategic business goals.

• Needs assessment, planning, budgeting and coordinating of training program.

• Identifying and supporting the implementation and monitoring of community development projects.

• Administrative duties including funding applications, communicating with various State Departments and organising functions and meetings pertaining to training and community development.

• Liaising with various SETA’s, service providers and funding organisations.

• Assisting with the selection and support of tertiary students, internships and learnerships, together with the relevant departments.

• Researching and sourcing of relevant training programmes that can add value to employees.

• Establish Abagold as a Training Centre • Making a positive contribution to the company’s BBBEE and EE strategy.

Please ensure that your application includes the following: • Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, inclusive of contact and email information, a covering letter motivating the application, proof of qualications, an indication of current and expected remuneration, availability and contactable referees.

• If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please accept that your application was not successful.

• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Applications: applications@abagold.co.za

Hermanus Tennis Club members, Francois Barnard and Stephen Hansen, were part of the winning Boland team at the Senior Inter- provincial Tennis Tournament held in Mbombela (Nelspruit), last month.

Francois is a restaurateur in Hermanus, and Stephen is a practicing accountant in our town. The two have excelled in the senior ranks for many years and have represented South Africa at the Senior World Team Tennis Tournament.

The Boland team participated in the 50-yearplus age group at the tournament and won the gold medal by beating Central Gauteng in

the inals. The team was made up of four ladies and four men. Congratulations to the Boland Senior Tennis Team!

The team members were: Men: Piet van Blerk (Stellenbosch), Francois Barnard (Hermanus), Stephen Hansen (Hermanus) and Eric Loubser (Paarl).

Ladies: Carin van Rensburg (Franschoek), Wietie Reynecke (Citrusdal), Emci Dippenaar (Malmesbury) and Michelle Bruwer (Somerset West).

Putting Pirate

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

15 May 2019

Hermanus ladies are the champions

By Julian Shaw

L

ast week we had a treat of a tournament at Hermanus Golf Club when the Inter Club Foursomes Teams Championships made a return to our scenic course.

This year’s combined Western Province and Boland ladies’ tournament featured 184 avid lady golfers. Twenty clubs from the two regions were represented in the three-day event and it was the Western Province Union’s turn to organise the tournament. It’s quite a spectacle to manage but the union succeeded fantastically well.

This tournament is quite unique as its format is not widely played. Foursome golf is when a two-person team takes alternate shots, so partners must be tuned into each other’s game.

Friday is always the fun day when many of the teams dress up in funky, fancy dress and play the full 18 holes

like that. It was without a doubt the teams from Strand that stole the day early on with their pre- and post-historic theme. Half the team were The Flintstones and half were Martians from another planet. Absolutely excellent – and a worthy mention must go to the girls from Westlake who also made a super efort.

yl have played lots of golf together so were, at this stage, nicely placed.

At the end of Day 2 Lynne and Cheryl had gained two strokes on the leaders but still trailed by three.

Also…this was the ladies’ traditional party evening which has been the downfall of more than a few players in the past.

Although quite chilly in the early morning, the weather played its part with spectacularly warm days.

Day 3 dawned, again the weather was good – and the game was on.

Cheryl and Lynne gained another three points on the leaders and won the count out. Hermanus ladies, out of 20 teams and 184 players, were the worthy winners. When the result was announced at prizegiving, the 22 ladies representing Hermanus erupted into hysteria and the crowds went mad. Hermanus are the champions! Well played, Lynne Behagg and Cheryl Richardson.

Many thanks to the sponsors of the tournament – Adviceworks, Pick n Pay and TaylorMade – while Courtleigh RTD Gin & Tonic and Stettyn Family Vineyards kept the ladies rehydrated after a hot game of golf.

The actual winners of the tournament are on a team gross score, but all divisions – A, B, C and D – are catered for in the nett prizes.

Day 1 saw an excellent score of 77 being posted by the girls from Somerset West: Megan O’ Grady and Bianca Wernich. Closely on their heels was the team from Hermanus: Lynne Behagg and Cheryl Richardson on a very respectable 82. Lynne and Cher-

From the team at Hermanus Golf Club, the staf and all our members, we are extremely proud of you both; and judging from the compliments and comments from players from all over the province, I don’t think it will be long before we welcome the ladies again for another inter-club teams championship.

Hermanus Golf Club members, Lynne Behagg (left) and Cheryl Richardson (right), take honours at the 26th Inter-club Foursomes Teams Championships.

The ladies from Strand in their pre- and post-historic costumes.

Curro Hermanus thanks sponsors Curro Hermanus would like to thank sponsors Alfie Electrical, Acker Builders and Mr JP Wiid for the beautiful jerseys and bags for First Teams Rugby boys. From left are Mr. Rudi Delvoldere (Alfie Electrical), Mr. Acker (Acker Builders), Mr. Pierre van der Westhuizen (Curro Hermanus High Head), James Booi, William Briggs, Joa Beukes, Gershwin Hendricks, Mdu Moshi, Stefan Barnard, Nicholas Bester, Mr JP Wiid, Luke Grindley-Ferris, Stephen Jackson, Declan Lind and Aldo Lucas (Coach).

PHOTO: Curro Hermanus

Chess champs make bold moves

Eight learners from Hermanus High represented the Overberg at the recent Western Cape Chess Tournament. The school is very proud of Zoë Eyberg (Grade 10) who achieved 9th place in the tournament, and Inga Mfundise (Grade 11) who was placed 6th and was also selected for the Western Cape team. Congratulations!

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

15 May 2019

You can’t stop the beat H

ermanus High School staged a performance of Hairspray from 8 – 10 May in the school hall. All three shows were well attended and elicited enthusiastic applause from their audiences.

The original film was made in 1988, with a Broadway musical following in 2002. Hairspray is set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland and the musical follows an overweight, but optimistic girl, Tracy Turnblad, who wants to be on her favourite TV show, The Corny Collins Show (a teen dance

show). She also rallies a protest against racial segregation, hoping to integrate the show with people of all races.

Among the most popular songs were Good Morning Baltimore, You can’t stop the beat and I know where I’ve been, all performed by the talented all-Hermie cast and the school’s choir. All aspects of the show were put together by the hardworking teachers, parents and students of Hermanus High.

– Taylum Meyer

Corny Collins (George Botha) enthusiastically opens his show on the night that they crown Miss Teenage Hairspray.

Motormouth Maybelle (Earnestine van Zeeberg) leads a candle-lit protest march to the TV station where The Corny Collins Show is produced.

Penny (Izaan Steyn) and Seaweed (Lundi Mboyiya) start to fall in love despite strong opposition to interracial dating during the early 60s.

Amber (Lushka Labuschagne), Velma’s daughter, tries to win Miss Teenage Hairspray on The Corny Collins Show, unknowingly with the help of her cheating mother.

The female members of The Corny Collins Show sing to promote the show’s sponsor, Ultra-Clutch Hairspray.

PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer

Motormouth Maybelle (Earnestine van Zeeberg) and the rest of the cast sing You can’t stop the beat, and The Corny Collins Show becomes integrated at last.

WE MANUFACTURE

After Velma (Anna van Deventer) cancels ‘Negro Day’ on The Corny Collins Show, Tracy (Tasnim Murphy) joins Motormouth Maybelle (Earnestine van Zeeberg) and others in protest and is arrested.

DECKING • SKIRTING • CEILINGS

028 313 2183

We supply a variety of wood products to local contractors to create beautiful projects.