The Village NEWS 16 Sept - 23 Sept 2020

THE VILLAGE

16 SEPTEMBER 2020 YOUR FREE COPY

NEWS

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This atmospheric photograph by Mark Jago was recently taken at sunset at Onrus Beach, a popular spot for local surfers and body boarders. The water quality of the Onrus Lagoon however has again come under the spotlight as high levels of bacteria necessitated the closure of the estuary on 11 September. Find more of Mark's photos on Facebook and Instagram by searching for 'Jago Photography'.

Pollution causes a stink of the water.

Writer De Waal Steyn

A

public outcry followed the decision once again to close the Onrus lagoon for recreational use, after a sewage spillage resulted in high levels of E. coli and Enterococci bacteria.

According to Ward 13 Councillor, Jean Orban, the decision by the Overberg District Municipality (ODM) to close the lagoon was not taken lightly. “There was a sewage leak into the lagoon on 19 August during a power outage. Due to the outage, the pump station was disabled and the backup generator did not kick in because of a technical fault. This led to a build-up of sewage in the system and the resultant spill,” he said.

Shortly after the high levels of bacteria were detected a notice board was erected next to the lagoon, warning members of the public of the dangers and requesting them to steer clear

According to Liezl de Villiers, Senior Environmental Manager of the Overstrand Municipality (OM), a second water sample was taken as prescribed by the legislation. “While the results of the test are awaited, the lagoon must be closed for recreational use,” she said.

But, according to the Onrus River Estuary Forum (OREF) the problem runs much deeper than just this spill.

In a statement, OREF said since its inception it had been in consultation with the municipality to address the problem. “We have repeatedly raised the alarm about shortcomings in the management of the municipal sewerage system and previous sewage leaks into the Onrus Estuary, resulting in high bacteriological test results. Responsible action by the municipality would have avoided the need to close the estuary on 11 September,” reads the statement.

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The management of estuaries in the Western Cape falls under the jurisdiction of the provincial government. In turn, CapeNature is the official management authority on behalf of the province, except for certain estuaries that do not fall within their mandate. In the Overstrand, the Onrus and Buffelsrivier estuaries are not managed by CapeNature.

In the case of these two estuaries, the ODM takes responsibility for their management in such a way as to protect the health of bathers, and there is a strict set of standard operating procedures for the management of sewage spillages.

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It is this overlap of bureaucratic responsibilities and a lack of clear communication that allows for the spillage to hit the proverbial fan, says OREF Chair, Peter van Niekerk.

According to him, OREF has been unsuccessful in its endeavours to persuade the municipality to accept the role of responsible management authority (RMA).

“We asked the municipality a year ago to request the delegation of authority, but we have had no feedback since then. At this stage, it is unclear if the OM has a policy about accepting the RMA role,” he said.

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16 September 2020

Can I manage the personal affairs of my sick mother?

Let's talk Law

By Jonathan de Jager

I

n this new series of columns by local attorney Jonathan de Jager, legal issues that ordinary citizens may encounter over the course of their daily lives will be highlighted, explained and discussed. Each column will be devoted to a different topic. With September being World Alzheimer’s Month, the series kicks off with a question related to the care of elderly parents and the management of their affairs when they no longer have the mental capacity to make personal arrangements or financial decisions on their own.

Question: My mother has been living with Alzheimer’s for a number of years and has deteriorated badly these past few months. I know my father left her some money, and I want to make sure that this money is correctly used for her care. But am I allowed to take over control of her affairs?

Answer: Our law does allow for a person to take over control of the personal affairs of another.

However, this is not a quick process, as the law must make sure that a person’s independence and responsibility for their financial position and health is not willy-nilly passed to another. Where a person no longer has the mental capacity to manage their own affairs as a result of an illness such as Alzheimer’s, our courts can be approached for assistance to transfer the management of the person’s affairs to another.

An application for a court to appoint a curator for the person or property of someone who is of unsound mind and/or unable to manage his/her own affairs, can be made by any person who has

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a direct interest in the matter and must be supported by an affidavit. The affidavit will usually be supported by three further affidavits: an affidavit by someone who knows the patient and is familiar with the patient’s mental state, and two further affidavits by a medical practitioner and a psychiatrist, reporting on the medical condition of the patient and their opinion of whether the patient is incapable of managing his/her own affairs.

When a family member brings such an application to court, it does however not automatically mean that the family member will be appointed as the curator of the patient’s estate or person, and the court may decide to appoint a different curator. The family member will have to provide the court with good reasons as to why they are a suitable candidate to take over the affairs of the patient and/or make decisions regarding their person. Where a curator has eventually been appointed over the affairs of a patient, such a patient is consequently regarded as unable to undertake any legal transactions and can only create legally binding transactions or take decisions through the court-appointed curator.

In your situation, you would be able to approach a court to request that you be appointed as the curator, both of your mother’s estate and her person, in order to take decisions regarding her future medical treatment and care. As this is a complex process and will require appropriate medical reports to be obtained, it is important that you approach your lawyer for assistance with this process.

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19 20202020 16 August September

Latest spill might have wider implications From P1 But according to De Villiers, the OM has received a letter from the provincial government asking for them to take up the RMA position.

“Unfortunately, we have had to provisionally decline the request due to a lack of capacity and funding. In our answer, we requested details on what capacity and funding the provincial government would be able to supply to the OM to take on this responsibility. We are still waiting on an answer from the provincial government,” she said.

Van Niekerk said the latest spill might have wider implications, as the level of the estuary has been very low over the past few weeks. “This means that the ocean breaks through into the lagoon at high tide and it is very possible that the contamination might have spread into the ocean. It is for reasons such as this that we need to conduct a proper study into all the factors that play a role in polluting the lagoon and the ocean. Only when we have a clear understanding of the scope of the problem will we be able to come up with effective countermeasures,” he said.

The most contentious issue, however, still remains the Onrus sewerage system and the various spills that have taken place over the years.

According to Cllr Orban, pollution levels have been low over the past two years since the new pump station was built. “Work on the sewerage system is still continuing and feedback on the status of the work will be given at the ward committee meeting,” he said.

OREF says it has expressed its disagreement with the municipality’s

risk assessment for the Onrus sewerage pump station in writing.

“This has now failed twice since municipal officials gave assurances that the design and maintenance of the pump station’s backup system are robust and will prevent future spillages.

outcome. When the inspection results were reviewed by the Chair he pointed out that only about half of the septic tanks had been inspected.

The municipality has been repeatedly asked when the remaining tanks will be inspected, with no response,” according to the OREF statement.

“In addition, we have requested that all septic tanks which could leak and pollute the Onrus Estuary must be checked. The municipality commissioned a contractor to perform the inspections but failed to adequately supervise the work or review the

And while the various government departments, organisations and stakeholders focus on their respective mandates, and the intricate web of causes and solutions is being disentangled, the users of the lagoon are left high and dry.

So much more than just a phone Writer Elaine Davie

T

he advent of the mobile phone a couple of decades ago revolutionised our lives and its accelerated progression from the early ‘bricks’ to the still-evolving smart phones of today has been even more ground-breaking.

However, most of us are still lagging a couple of years behind when it comes to exploiting its full capacity.

These days, being able to make and receive calls is almost incidental to its other functions.

Last Wednesday saw the launch of an exciting co-operative initiative between the Hermanus branch of FNB, the Zwelihle-based NPO, SHARP Digital, the Hermanus Varsity Trust (HVT) and the Hermanus Branch of Red Cross.

Based on the success of its client-based personal banking App, FNB has begun to explore the development of other Apps which will have a wider empowerment function, such as its Fundaba training course for start-up entrepreneurs.

FNB has worked with hundreds of local business owners and mentors to take them on an holistic business-education journey, from incubating a business idea, to starting, running and ultimately growing their own business. It was, therefore, delighted to link up with SHARP Digital to create grassroots accessibility to the world of digital technology.

There was great enthusiasm amongst everyone present when FNB Business Manager, Alheitia van Niekerk and Branch Manager, Gerrit Barnard handed over 10 top-model cellphones to Delana Finlayson, CEO of Hermanus Varsity and Angela Heslop, Chairperson of Red Cross Hermanus last Wednesday. The role of SHARP Digital will be to supply an ‘ABC of digital technology’ App to start users on a liberating journey to discover the wealth of knowledge available via the cellphone.

As Cath Croxton of SHARP Digital points out, only around 20% of South Africans have access to a computer and only 50% are connected to the internet. Of these, many do not have the technological knowledge to make full use of it. She was shocked recently to discover, while talking to a young student in Zwelihle that she had never even heard of Google.

Although Delana Finlayson and Johann Kruger of HVT confirm that when many of their students enrol, they can do little more with their cellphones than use WhatsApp and Facebook, they are quick to learn new technological skills. “Mobile phones are such a powerful tool,” adds Johann, “and even basic phones can do most things if the user knows what’s available and how to use it. Of course, the cost of data is still a stumbling block – it’s been estimated that some people are spending up to one third of their

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Proudly displaying the phones, from left are Gerrit Barnard, FNB Branch Manager; Angela Heslop, Chairperson Hermanus Red Cross; Delana Finlayson, CEO Hermanus Varsity Trust; Alheitia van Niekerk, FNB Business Manager; Rony Mugedi, Overstrand Learning Centre; Joel Martins, SHARP Digital and Cath Croxton, Director, SHARP Digital.

PHOTO: Johann Kruger income on data, which is ridiculous.

Access to free data is essential.”

Delana says she can foresee all kinds of applications for the students at the Varsity, including carrying out surveys amongst high school pupils to assess course preferences at tertiary level.

Angela Heslop also expressed her gratitude to FNB. The partnership between Red Cross, Food4Love and others in providing food for the needy in Hermanus during lockdown highlighted the need for more detailed information regarding the extent of the need and the logistics required to deal with it. While for admin purposes, and even data capture, paper and pen are still the default option, by its very mobility, the cellphone is the ideal solution.

Red Cross was therefore looking

forward to switching to the digital programme as soon as possible.

Amazingly, Angela reported that R2.6 million had been contributed by the people of Hermanus to meet the food security crisis triggered by the pandemic. Given this level of aid, it was critical to ensure that the food reached the people in greatest need and duplication was avoided.

Cathy mentioned that SHARP Digital already had an easy-to-use survey tool which was designed specifically for this purpose. One of the major advantages of this project was that the data could be directly fed into the mobile App in the field, saving time, ensuring greater accuracy and avoiding the possibility of mislaying data.

As she emphasised, “Digitally challenged operators are often afraid that Apps like this will be

too complicated to use, but all our programmes are super-simple. And people feel really empowered in the knowledge that they have successfully entered the digital age. Of course, there are also employability implications for them.”

There was a tangible win-win atmosphere at the launch of this synergistic partnership between a corporate entity (FNB), two NPOs (SHARP Digital and Hermanus Red Cross) and an educational institution (HVT). In the words of Cath Croxton: “Organisations working towards common goals are also a network of influence and working together can enhance impacts and drive change.”

For further information: Cath Croxton (SHARP Digital) 078 254 5693; Delana Finlayson (HVT) 082 491 9652 and Angela Heslop (Red Cross) 072 609 8655.

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Although smoking and alcohol, especially if used in combination, are the two major causes of oral cancer, young people who have never smoked or abused alcohol may also develop OC. This is due to Human Papilloma Viruses that spread through oral sex and may play a role in OC at the

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Everyone over 40 who drinks and smokes should be screened at least yearly, and those over 50 more than once a year.

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16 September 2020

WHAT'S COOKING

BIGA Bakery starts a new chapter “essential service”, so they were at least able to keep the bakery running and do daily deliveries.

By Hedda Mittner

I

t was a sad day when I had to say good-bye to chef Warwick Taylor and his family as they left Hermanus at the beginning of last year to start a new life in Queenstown, New Zealand. I don’t know two people who had worked harder than Warwick and his wife, Anita to establish their acclaimed restaurant, Source in Hemel-en-Aarde Village.

Warwick was a talented and inspired chef, having honed his skills at various establishments overseas, and locally as executive chef at the Arabella Hotel & Spa and the Creation Tasting Room, among others. The dream, however, was always to run his own show and when the Biga Bakery came onto the market, he grabbed his chance, turning it into a vibrant eatery that garnered rave reviews.

The only thing that was off was his timing. We all remember what happened in 2018 – the riots, the drought, the load-shedding, the general downturn in the economy… Warwick had had enough and I’m happy to report that he and his family are thriving in New Zealand. As it happens, he also escaped the hard lockdown that was imposed here, putting the local restaurant industry under more pressure than ever before.

Which brings us back to what happened to Source. Having reverted to its former owners – and its former name, Biga Bakery – after the Taylors departed, the eatery was once more up for sale at the beginning of this year. And again the timing of the handover proved to be rather crucial, as new owners, Johan Smit and Arthur Coulson, arrived in Hermanus from Sodwana Bay on the day before the hard lockdown was announced.

“We were just very relieved to have made it out in time as we had sold up everything in Sodwana Bay and would have had nowhere to stay if we’d been locked down there!” laughs Johan. The first few weeks of the lockdown also gave them a chance to settle in, to go over their plans and start implementing them.

As a bakery they were deemed an

Many of Source’s staff members are still there, including the two bakers, brothers Howard and Obert Chibaya, who daily produce freshly baked sourdough loaves, ciabattas, rye breads and seed loaves, along with an array of delicious homemade pies, pastries and other treats. The premises are a bit smaller than before, as the main dining area and coffee bar utilised by Source have been closed off and rented out as separate office space, but it still feels spacious enough, especially with that delightful courtyard garden at the back.

The bakers work in an open kitchen so you can enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat while watching them do their thing. I quite like Johan and Arthur’s ‘back to basics’ approach and they plan on keeping things simple. Apart from blackboard breakfast specials, the menu offers toasted sandwiches, a few pasta dishes, burgers, chicken schnitzel, cakes and pies. The impressive Biga oven is also put to good use when it comes to pizzas and focaccias, using organic wheat from Caledon (with gluten-free as an option).

Most of the veggies and herbs used in the Biga kitchen come from the vegetable garden started by Warwick, which Johan and Arthur are keen to expand. “We want to use our own produce as much as possible while also supporting local suppliers,” says Arthur. The coffee is as good as it ever was, and they stock various craft beers and wines from Hermanuspietersfontein.

Source’s days of fine dining are clearly over, but what they have created in its place is a wholesome, welcoming and down-to-earth space that is child- and pet-friendly – and a favourite port of call for the many weekend cyclists and trail runners on their way back from the valley.

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Biga serves breakfast all day and is open Monday to Saturday from 08:00 – 18:00 and Sunday from 08:00 – 15:00. Call 028 125 0188.

1. Biga’s owners, Johan Smit and Arthur Coulson hail from Sodwana Bay in KwaZulu-Natal and arrived in Hermanus just before the start of lockdown.

2. Brothers Howard and Obert Chibaya taking another batch of their freshly-baked sourdough breads from the Biga oven, which takes pride of place in the open kitchen of this down-to-earth bakery.

3 & 4. Biga serves breakfast and lunch all day long. The bakery-eatery has indoor seating as well as a leafy garden where customers can relax in the dappled sunlight.

3

“We want this to be a cosy kuierplek for locals and visitors,” says Johan, “with a bit of a padstal (farm stall) vibe, adding that “artists and crafters are welcome to display their work here on consignment.” Johan and Arthur are not big city people and 1

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16 September 2020

FROM THE EDITOR

We need to keep a clean record The next edition of The Village NEWS will be available on 23 September 2020. The NEWS can be found at over 300 distribution points in the Overberg.

De Waal Steyn PUBLISHING EDITOR E: dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za T: 083 700 3319

Hedda Mittner

As South Africa hopefully nears Level 1 lockdown restrictions it is painfully apparent that we have a lot of work to do to save our fragile economy.

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni said the Coronavirus pandemic has left government finances “dangerously overstretched”, while heightened debt threatens the country’s future economic prospects. It is expected that the country’s economy would shrink by more than the expected 7%.

Locally it leaves most businesses vulnerable and looking for ways in which to ensure survival. With an

CONTENT EDITOR

Raphael da Silva

E: raphael@thevillagenews.co.za T: 074 125 5854

Elaine Davie JOURNALIST E: elaine@thevillagenews.co.za T: 084 343 7500

Taylum Meyer PRODUCTION MANAGER, PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN E: taylum@thevillagenews.co.za T: 084 564 0779

Charé van der Walt MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE E: chare@thevillagenews.co.za T: 082 430 1974

Nickey Jackson

For this very reason, it is of the utmost importance that we as a community work together to fight the effects of both Covid-19 and the second, equally deadly, economic pandemic. It is our duty to support locally owned and operated businesses. Ensure that the money you spend stays local and is not gobbled up by corporate coffers. Furthermore, we must market the Cape Whale Coast as the premier holiday

destination in the country.

For us to do this, we must be perceived as a safe destination in as far as Covid-19 is concerned. All businesses and residents must strictly adhere to all safety protocols. This is important given the fact that it is widely expected that government will soon take a decision on reopening our borders for international travel. The Western Cape government has said it will engage with Pres Cyril Ramaphosa on allowing international tourists back into the country.

At the same time, all levels of government need to play their part. It is

expected that the provincial government will this week give further feedback regarding their economic recovery plan, which will focus on job creation, safety and dignity.

To this end the local government also needs to ensure that it is all systems go for our economy. Lapses, such as sewage spills into the Onrus lagoon, do not assist in promoting our town as a tourist-hotspot. The problems with sewerage and the lagoon, which have long been a bone of contention, must be sorted out. The town needs to stay in the running for another Blue Flag beach – we need it and deserve it.

This is the good NEWS - Ed

For whom the bell tolls and advice from the stars

E: hedda@thevillagenews.co.za T: 083 645 3928

ONLINE EDITOR

economy that is largely dependent on tourism, it further complicates matters as holidays and travelling are among the first things to be scuttled by cash-strapped members of the public.

By Murray Stewart murray.stewart49@gmail.com

A

rticles in the For Fact’s Sake columns are – according to Google and the Duck ’n Fiddle’s Explanation of Everything – based in fact. Occasionally though, some names and places have been changed to protect innocent people involved.

having endured the torturing of Bach and Mendelssohn by the sadistic organist, they all rush off to a venue designed for dining, dancing and generally getting rat-faced. Bouquets are flung blindly over brides’ shoulders for those single maidens willing to endure the hell and high water, and garters are removed from the brides’ upper thigh – hopefully by the groom – and chucked into a scrum of bachelors keen on the idea of being honoured and obeyed.

to guarantee good fortune to the happy union.

These traditions may seem somewhat quirky, but they’re no stranger than some rituals from around the globe. In Mauritania, for example, a chubby bride is required for a harmonious marriage. They spend time on ‘fat farms’ before the big day to radically plump up, despite many falling ill and developing various health issues.

During the ceremony on the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia, wedding guests lie face-down on the dance floor to form a carpet, and the happy couple literally walks all over them. This apparently ensures their future good fortune and harmony.

The Tidong community in Borneo have a rather painful tradition. They lock the bride and groom in separate rooms for three days during which time they may not perform a number 1 or 2. Eish! Quite how that could possibly strengthen future relations is too much to stomach, but I’m sure many would rather forego the agony and take their chances.

Wedding Rituals We’ve only just begun… to l-i-v-e...

White lace and promises… etc. Here’s a bit of trivia for Pub Quiz enthusiasts: this hit by the Carpenters was originally composed by Paul Williams as a jingle for a bank’s TV commercial, aimed at newly-weds as potential clients.

Anyway, most of us are familiar with ‘Western-styled’ weddings where guests gets dressed up to the nines, and watch dewy-eyed as the bride and groom glibly recite vows to honour and obey each other through thick and thin, come hell or high water, till death doth them part, etc.

Then, after the formal ceremony, and

In South Korea, an old tradition maintains that beating the groom’s feet with a dead fish somehow improves his performance on the wedding night. While that might seem strange, brides in Tujia (China) are required to cry for one hour a day for a month prior to the wedding. Female relatives often join in

In some African traditions it was normal for the bride’s mother to accompany the newly-weds on their honeymoon night. Her role was to encourage and educate the young couple’s first foray into the art of matrimonial harmony, but personally I can think of nothing more detrimental to the performance than having your mother-in-law shouting tips from the side lines.

An old French tradition involved a lot of banging on the wedding night, but with a variation known as Charivari. Friends and relatives would gather outside the couple’s home and bang pots and pans all night in relays. To make matters worse, they’re expected to be served drinks and snacks during this ritual. I might be old-fashioned, but I’m quite happy to stick to the bouquet and garter routine any day.

Wedding quips While on the subject of weddings, here are some insights from celebrities in the know.

Clint Eastwood said: Marriages may be made in heaven, but so is thunder and lightning.

Socrates wrote: My advice to you is to get married. If you find a good wife you’ll be happy. If not, you’ll become a philosopher.

This one is from Rod Stewart: Instead of getting married again, I’m going to find a woman I don’t like and just give her a house.

Will Ferrell suggests that before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow internet service to see who they really are.

Too true nè?

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Weekly Rainfall Not Available Last week 6mm

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Weather: www.yr.no / Tides: www.tide-forecast.com

Last week 80.85%

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

16 September 2020

MY ART

FynArts Select @ Weekends: Friday 25 – Sunday 27 September

Freedom Tree by Karin Lijnes

The first FynArts Select @ Weekends programme is being prepared and will include the opening of the exhibition of the FynArts 2020 festival artist, Beezy Bailey, and a number of outdoor activities, including the following:

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Sat – Festival artist

exhibition The long-awaited exhibition, Fallen Angels by the festival artist, Beezy Bailey, will be opened in the FynArts Gallery.

Due to current restrictions, attendance is by invitation only. However, the opening address by Frank Kilbourn, Executive Chairman of Strauss & Co will be live-streamed at 11:00 on Facebook.

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Sat– More on Sculpture on the Cliffs Gavin Younge, curator of the highly regarded Sculpture on the Cliffs 2020 exhibition, will conduct a walkabout.

Details to follow.

The FynArts committee has had many positive responses to this year’s exhibition and would like to congratulate and thank all the artists for the high standard of this exhibition, as well as for their generosity in making their work available to Hermanus until June 2021.

For some perspective: The base of Freedom Tree which is sunk into the ground, weighted by 900kg of concrete and designed to withstand up to 110 km/h winds.

On initial installation, the cabling (1,5m stainless steel) was cut by the wind speed and friction within 24 hours, and the sculpture had to be reinstalled with hardier cables and connectors to withstand the fierce winds on the cliff top.

The steel back of the birds create a flat silhouette with a red X, which refers to the Red Data Book of Birds. The ‘front’ represents a visual interpretation of bird-like forms, in ceramic. The distinction of the two different sides creates a gap or pause meant to draw attention to the disconnect between human and nature. Through the motion of the wind and continuous rotation individually as well as around the main axis, the birds are moving between the two states of invisibility and visibility, presence and absence.

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whether or not they have already participated in the first round. FynArts will supply enamel paint in the three primary colours as well as black and white. Artists must supply their own brushes and other materials.

Artists who would like to take part should please contact Chantel at admin@hermanusfynarts.co.za indicating a preferred date and submit a proposed design by Thursday 17 September. Final details will be sent to those accepted for participation, on Friday 18 September.

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Fri &/or Sat – Plein air

painting 10:00 – 15:00 Artists are also invited to bring along their easels and all materials and spend a morning or two painting or sketching along the Hermanus coastline in the centre of town, between the amphitheatre and Gearing’s Point.

Work completed that morning may be sold between 13:00 and 15:00. Prices must include a 20% commission to FynArts.

Painted bollards at the Hermanus Waterfront FynArts Festival Artist Beezy Bailey with FynArts Festival Director Mary Faure, artist Jaco Sieberhagen and Cape Whale Coast Tourism Manager Frieda Lloyd.

Please contact Chantel at admin@hermanusfynarts.co.za if you would like to

Fri & Sat – Bollard take part, by Thursday 17 September, painting 09:00 – 13:00 indicating preferred date/s. Chantel can also be contacted should you need Artists are invited to take part in the further information. popular bollard painting project,

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LOCKDOWN LEVEL:

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COVID-19 DASHBOARD OVERSTRAND

FynArts is also deeply grateful to its first sponsor for this exhibition, Pioneer Freight, for their generous support. The organisers are pleased that all sculptures have withstood the fierce winds of the past weeks, including the magnificent Freedom Tree for which the artist, Karin Lijnes and her

team have strengthened the cabling.

TOTAL CASES AS OF 14 SEPTEMBER:

OVERSTRAND BREAKDOWN OF CASES: TOTAL (ACTIVE)

WORLD: 29 269 529 SOUTH AFRICA: 649 793 WESTERN CAPE: 107 784 (16.82% of cases in SA) OVERBERG: 3 556

• FISHERHAVEN: 14 (0) • GANSBAAI: 288 (3) - 5 deaths • HAWSTON: 121 (2) - 1 death • HERMANUS: 176 (4) - 4 deaths • KLEINMOND: 105 (5) - 2 deaths

• MT PLEASANT: 137 (2) - 2 deaths • ONRUS: 61 (4) - 3 deaths • SANDBAAI: 42 (1) • STANFORD: 141 (29) - 3 deaths • VERMONT: 21 (0) • ZWELIHLE: 561 (5) - 5 deaths

TOTAL: 1 668 (43) - 25 deaths

LAST WEEK'S TOTAL CASES: WORLD: 27 428 250 SOUTH AFRICA: 638 517 (8th in the world) WESTERN CAPE: 106 257 OVERBERG: 3 474 OVERSTRAND: 1 628

(7 SEP)

PHOTO: Go Bike Hermanus

Enjoy the great outdoors this Writer Hedda Mittner

W

ith the arrival of spring and the Coronavirus pandemic well under control, the Overstrand is gearing up for the summer season, enticing both locals and visitors to venture into the great outdoors and enjoy the many natural splendours of our region. After being confined by the lockdown regulations for so long, there is no better time to celebrate our new freedom by embracing the many outdoor experiences and adventure activities on offer in our region during the upcoming Heritage Day long weekend and the school holidays.

Whether it’s ambling along our iconic Cliff Path, hiking in the fabulous Fernkloof Reserve, enjoying one of the mountain biking routes in our beautiful valley, trail running through one of our famous vineyards, kayaking in the New Harbour or on the Klein River Estuary, there is no excuse for remaining cooped up inside or complaining of boredom!

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For adrenaline junkies, SA Forest Adventures offers a range of adventure activities that present a whole new way of experiencing the natural attractions of the Overstrand. How about a tree-top zipline tour that extends from the mountain, over a small waterfall between the poplar trees and canyon?

You will glide from platform to platform high above the ground (8 m – 50 m) over the tree canopy, with only bird sounds echoing in the forest. This will certainly give you a view of our Hemel-en-Aarde valley that you’ve never seen before!

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, how about SA Forest Adventures’ Quad Bike Trail? You can opt for a route that takes you through the world-renowned vineyards of Hamilton Russell and Southern Right wineries, up the mountain and through the fynbos kingdom into Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Other options include a wine tasting quad trail and a stargazing trip that will bring you closer to the brilliant display of a starry African night sky. Another popular

Tourism Month

option is sandboarding, a thrilling recreational activity that takes place on a large +-230 metre-high sand dune and is guaranteed to be an experience you will remember for years to come!

Visit www.saforestadventures.co.za for more information.

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If horse riding is your passion, how about enjoying a horse trail along the coast? Pearly Beach Horse Trails offers unforgettable horseback adventures that will take you through dune forests and across the pristine white sandy beaches of one of the most exquisite stretches of coastline. Or meander through rural farmland, and into the mountains, discovering the unique indigenous fynbos whilst taking in the splendid scenery.

You’ll enjoy the individual and knowledgeable attention of your personal trail guide, Sarah Coronaios, who will share with you her passion for horses and the Overberg. Southern Right Whales are plentiful in season and the lure of a dip in the cool blue Atlantic beckons on hot trail-riding days. Pearly Beach Horse Trails are suitable for young and old, from novice to experienced riders. All trails are inclusive of a professional photographic package that includes a drone video so that you can take home your special memories. For more details, visit www. pbhorsetrails.co.za.

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A visit to the Panthera Africa near Stanford is nothing less than inspiring.

The main purpose of this big cat sanctuary is to be an educational platform where founders Lizaene Cornwall and Cathrine Nyquist create awareness about conditions big cats face in captivity, and how animal welfare and enrichment play a vital role in giving them the best captive life possible. They are a blueprint of how an ethical non-profit sanctuary can become self-sufficient.

Pre-bookings can be made to visit this 40 ha paradise, where the knowledgeable and passionate staff will educate you on interesting facts about the different species (lions, cheetahs, leopards, caracals and Bengal tigers) and enlighten you

about their unique personalities and their heartfelt rescue stories. Panthera is running a Spring Special on their educational visits until the end of September, where you pay for 3 tickets and get the 4th one free, offered from Wednesday to Sunday at 10:00 and/or 15:00 (depending on availability). Pre-book your visit now by calling 071 182 8368 or visit www.pantheraafrica.com.

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Dyer Island Cruises offers Whalewatching and Eco Tours from their headquarters in Kleinbaai – an experience that many have described as “life-changing”. With the whale-watching season in full swing, why not book a safe and comfortable cruise into the heart of the Marine Big Five? At this time of year you have a good chance of seeing whales, dolphins, Cape fur seals, African penguins and great white sharks, potentially in a single trip, in the company of experienced marine tour guides.

You’ll be taken to Dyer Island, which is located 8 km from shore and is an access-controlled Important Bird Area (IBA) for the conservation of its many resident bird species, including African penguins. From there you’ll cruise to Geyser Rock, home to a 60 000 strong Cape fur seal colony, and into the channel of water between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock known as the world-famous ‘Shark Alley’ and, finally, to all the whale hot-spots in the bay for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visit www.whalewatchsa.com for all the information.

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There are also several shark-cage diving companies that have resumed operations, and while this was already a hugely popular activity among international tourists before the Covid-19 lockdown, more and more locals are now discovering the thrill of coming up close and personal with the majestic Great White Shark. For more information, go to sharkwatchsa.com, sharklady.co.za or whitesharkprojects.co.za.

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And if you prefer to leave all the organising and booking up to someone who has all the local knowledge and experience to ensure that you get that individualised tour

tailored to your specific tastes and interests, why not contact Percy Tours. Whether it’s a wine tour of our valley, a flying trip over Walker Bay to spot the whales from the air, a shark-cage diving experience or simply a Hermanus orientation tour, Percy will devise a completely personalised tour schedule according to your wishes. It could be as adventurous and action-packed – or as relaxed and chilled-out – as you want. Percy Tours is registered & accredited with the Cape Wine Academy, Cape Town & Hermanus Tourism Boards, CATHSSETA, HATT, insured to the highest level and trained in First Aid, which all means that you’ll be in excellent hands.

Check out percytours. com or contact 072 062 8500.

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Lastly, for those of a more gentle persuasion, who might simply enjoy a good walk but don’t know where all the best hiking trails are – why not contact a local guide who has intimate knowledge of the most beautiful trails in our Cape Floral Kingdom? Mariclaire Day is an experienced and qualified guide who knows these mountains like the palm of her hand and enjoys nothing more than sharing great outdoor experiences. Her hikes are ideal for small groups of friends, families or colleagues of all ages, and can be arranged to suit their needs and fitness levels, ranging from a half-day walk to a more strenuous full-day hike or even multi-day hiking tours. Mariclaire can be contacted on 083 208 9522.

PHOTOS: SA Forest Adventures

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PHOTO: Pearly Beach Horse Trails

PHOTO: Percy Tours

2 PHOTO: Panthera Africa

6 PHOTO: Tweet Gainsborough-Waring

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CapeNature free Access Week With September being both Tourism Month and Heritage Month in South Africa, we have every reason to rejoice in and celebrate the beauty of our natural heritage.

concentration of plant species in the world? It contains an estimated 9 500 species, of which 70% do not grow anywhere else in the world.

Not only has spring arrived, but there is reason for optimism as travel restrictions have been eased after so many of us were confined to our homes during the lockdown. To mark the arrival of spring and the significance of tourism and heritage, CapeNature has announced that day access to selected CapeNature reserves will be free from 16 to 22 September 2020.

If you crave adventure in the outdoors, our pristine beaches, scenic forests and rolling mountains provide the perfect backdrop for hiking, cycling and swimming to get the blood pumping. So what more opportune time to reconnect with our natural heritage by exploring the Western Cape and experiencing the sights and sounds of nature? The participating reserves include West Coast, Groot Winterhoek, Cederberg, Matjiesrivier, Rocherpan, Winelands, Limietberg, Jonkershoek, Assegaaibosch, Hottentots Holland, Vrolijkheid, Overberg, Kogelberg, De Mond, De Hoop, Marloth, Grootvadersbosch, as well as others on the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.

There are so many reasons to be proud of our rich natural beauty. Did you know that the Western Cape Province is home to a number of World Heritage Sites, so named because they meet the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) requirements for containing fauna and flora of outstanding universal value? Or that the Cape Floral Region (one of the six floral kingdoms in the world) has the highest

PHOTOS: White Shark Projects (left) & Kelly Baker, Marine Dynamics (below)

No pre-bookings are required. For more information, go to capenature.co.za

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

VILL GE MY ENVIRONMENT Insider Neither wolf

16 September 2020

NEWS

Welcome to the VILLAGE INSIDER family! Let’s keep independent positive community journalism alive in the Overberg!

Although our online readership has grown exponentially since the lockdown, we have also been inundated with calls and messages from people who want to know where they can get access to a printed copy of our weekly newspaper. We are printing as many as we can afford to at the moment, but to keep up with the demand we need your help to print and distribute even more. Together we can do this!

Become a VILLAGE INSIDER from as little as R50 per month and help your proudly-local newspaper to continue bringing you the Good News every week.

Our first Insider:

Local artist and owner of Gallery 19, Jenny Jackson, was the first Village NEWS reader to sign up to become a VILLAGE INSIDER. “The Village NEWS has been there for us, come rain or shine. Now we need to be there for them. We simply cannot afford to lose such an upbeat and informative newspaper!” she said. We are very grateful for your support, Jenny.

By Dr Anina Lee

W

e recently celebrated African Wild Dog Day. We now seem to have a Day for many things, but Wild Dogs are particularly deserving.

Most people who know me think of me as a cat person. It may be because there is always a horde of cats (some mine, some from the neighbourhood) sitting on my garden wall watching the show, or they feature in my posts on Facebook. I’m not sure if the cat magnet is me, soft beds or the food.

Probably the latter. So while I admit to being a cat person, I also love dogs, especially African Wild Dogs.

Like most of Africa’s large carnivores, the African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus) is an endangered species, with very few remaining populations in Africa. Their survival is dependent on the pack and large enough habitat. A wild dog by itself is not that much of a threat to other animals, but there is power in the pack. The name Lycaon pictus translates roughly to ‘painted wolf’.

But the African Wild Dog is neither a wolf nor a dog.

Wild dogs have the most structured social order of the carnivores, living in packs led by a dominant male and female. All other members of the pack play a subordinate role to the alpha pair. The average litter size for the wild dog is between four and eight puppies. They suckle for the first three months of their lives before being taught to hunt.

Contact Raphael on the number/email address below; or get all the information on our website, www.thevillagenews. co.za. Simply click on the search icon and type in: Dear Village NEWS reader.

The hunt Wild dogs hunt every day as they require more meat relative to their size than lions do. About 80% of their diet consists of impala, but a large pack can attack bigger game as well.

062 837 3122

Wild dogs are masters of coordinated hunting. A hunt begins at sunrise or

raphael@thevillagenews.co.za

nor dog

sunset when the dogs perform an elaborate greeting ceremony, sniffing and licking each other, wagging their tails and twittering aloud. They make a range of chattering sounds. They are also thought to vote on when to start hunting by sneezing. During the hunt itself, however, they are silent.

Wild dogs can roam over long distances – up to 250 square kilometres – and may travel over 50 km in a single day looking for food. They fan through the bush looking for a herd of antelope – mostly impala. Once they have located a herd, the most vulnerable member is singled out – usually a female or a youngster. A subordinate male dog usually starts the hunt by trying to isolate one animal from the rest of the herd. Then the alpha male takes over the lead of the hunt, and a deadly endurance race begins.

Wild dogs are high-stamina hunters, capable of maintaining a 40km/h pace over five kilometres and increasing this to bursts of more than 60km/h for short distances. The pack splits up during the hunt, with some dogs trying to drive the fleeing prey towards the others.

If this fails, they press on with determination, taking it, in turn, to take the lead, nipping at the fleeing victim each time it slows down. They literally run their quarry to exhaustion.

Once the animal collapses, the dogs immediately begin feeding, even before their prey has died from loss of blood. This is necessitated by the fact that Wild Dogs have to eat very fast to get as much benefit from their kill as possible before other predators like lions and hyenas are alerted to the food bonanza. The dogs are no match for either hyenas or lions and will often lose their kill to these larger animals.

Wild dogs are restrained and orderly at the kill. The young feed first, followed by the subordinate males and females, with the alpha pair eating at any time. If there is not enough food to go round, the hunt begins again.

Subordinate female dogs support nursing females who remain at the den with the pups. They will stuff themselves with food and then go back to the shelter to regurgitate the

The African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus) is the second most endangered carnivore in Africa after the Ethiopian Wolf. In South Africa, we have fewer than 550 animals roaming our wild spaces.

PHOTO: Bence Máté

remains for the mother and her young to eat.

Highly endangered African Wild Dogs are the second most endangered carnivore in Africa after the Ethiopian Wolf. In South Africa, we have fewer than 550 animals roaming our wild spaces. They need large areas to support themselves and for populations to be genetically diverse and sustainable.

The major reasons why African Wild Dogs are so endangered are reasonably well understood. Because of their need for wide spaces they are extremely sensitive to habitat fragmentation. This brings them into conflict with livestock and game farmers who kill them as vermin. Human encroachment into their habitat also means more road accidents and infectious diseases like Parvo and Distemper caught from domestic dogs.

African Wild Dogs are particularly susceptible to being caught in the snares set by poachers for bush meat.

If one dog gets caught in a trap, the rest of the pack is most likely to go back to find the missing individual.

This often leads to other dogs being caught if several snares have been set in the same area. An entire pack can be killed.

Wild Dog conservation The best conservation strategy to protect any endangered species is to leave nature to its own devices and

give wild animals enough space and suitable habitat to thrive. With our wild areas shrinking and the human population burgeoning, the situation is worsening for African Wild Dogs and many other wildlife species.

We urgently need to look at establishing new protected areas that can hold these animals sustainably. Despite our magnificent natural environment, only a paltry 8% of the country is legally protected, whereas the world average is 15% -– shamefully, South Africa ranks a very low 144 out of 192 countries.

Fascinating facts • Wild dogs have only four toes on each foot, lacking the fifth (dewclaw) that other dogs have on the front foot (and sometimes also on the back foot).

• Once wild dogs reach maturity, it is the females that leave the pack to seek out other breeding opportunities, while the males stay behind to form the nucleus of the group.

• Pups that are old enough to eat solid food are given priority at a kill – even over the dominant pair.

• Wild dogs have specially adapted teeth, different to other canids, to enable the rapid shredding of carcasses and therefore lessen the chance of having their meals stolen by other predators.

• Wild dog fur differs from other canids – they have stiff bristle-hairs and no underfur. They lose their fur as they age, with very old dogs being almost naked.

Source: Africa Geographic

WHAT’S ON

OVERBERG 16

16 – 24 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.thevillagenews.co.za/whatson includes a tour (either cheese making or a forest walk), all courses, tea and coffee, VAT and 10% service fee. For more information and to book online, go to kleinrivercheese.co.za/shop/ the-veranda The Veranda, Klein River Cheese | 10:00 – 15:00

Wednesday

Overberg Pop-in Market Join Afdaksrivier Nursery for their Wednesday markets and get farm-fresh veggies, freshly-baked sourdough, microgreens, jams, pies, gluten-free cookies and other sweet treats to enjoy and take home. The turn-off to Afdaksrivier at the red harvester on the R43 between Fisherhaven and Benguela Cove. For more info call 082 673 4446 or 083 656 7063.

Afdaksrivier Nursery, Karwyderskraal | 09:30 – 14:00

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Thursday

Flower workshop Amulet has joined up with Fleur le Cordeur to celebrate spring with a flower workshop. The first one was fully booked within a few days, but now a second workshop will be hosted on the 17th, with a limited number of spots available. No previous experience needed – just a day of fun, flowers, beauty and creativity. R2 500 pp includes coffee and a delicious lunch. To book, send a WhatsApp to Hélène on 082 871 5491.

Amulet, 4 Broad St, Hermanus | 10:00 – 15:00 Wild Women Drawing workshop Join local artist Gillian Hahn online for her ‘Drawing with confidence’ workshop via Zoom, every Thursday afternoon. You’ll find all the information at www.gillianhahn.com/workshops or contact 076 181 2964.

Virtual event | 14:00 – 15:00 Whale Coast Conservation AGM You are invited to join WCC for their annual general meeting via Zoom Webinar at 17:15. This will be followed by a Zoom chat with Prof Mike Bruton titled Finding Old Fourlegs: The people behind the drama of the Coelacanth, starting at 18:00. Contact anina.wcc@gmail.com or 083 242 3295.

Virtual event | 17:15

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Friday

Wine Down Friday Celebrate that TGIF feeling at The Wine Glass at the end of a busy week!

Enjoy the vibe and get two for the price of one on selected wines, beers and nibbles. This special offer now also extends to Super Saturday at the same time, from 16:00 –18:00. Book via www.thewineglass.guru or call 082 082 0007.

The Wine Glass, 2 Harbour Rd, Hermanus | 16:00 – 18:00 (Fri & Sat) Overstrand Hospice Online Quiz Make up your team of 1 – 4 members and take part in Overstrand Hospice’s first online quiz. This fundraising event promises to be great fun and, best of all, can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home, with brain food and beverages to your heart’s desire. The cost is only R50 per head and there will be fabulous prizes for the winning team. Please support this event and assist Hospice in providing palliative care services free of charge to patients and their families. Contact

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Wednesday

Wild Women creative writing workshop Join local artist Gillian Hahn online every Wednesday afternoon for a creative writing and story-telling workshop via Zoom. You’ll find all the information you need at www.gillianhahn.com/workshops or you can contact 076 181 2964.

Virtual event | 14:00 – 16:00 Suzette on 028 312 4679 or fundraising@overstrandhospice.org.za for further information.

Virtual event | 18:00 – 20:00

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Saturday

BirdLife Overberg Coastal Clean-up Day Everyone is invited to celebrate International Coastal Clean-up Day by joining BirdLife Overberg’s coastal clean-up from 08:00 – 11:00.

The target area will be the eastern coastline of the beautiful Cape Whale Coast Nature Reserve (Hoek van de Berg). Bring your family, friends and colleagues – all ages are welcome. Gloves, bags and data cards to document waste statistics will be provided. Remember your masks and to dress appropriately for the weather. The clean-up will be followed by drinks and a boerie braai at the Onrus Caravan Park at 12:00. To RSVP, contact Elaine on 082 455 8402 or mwjasser@mweb.co.za or Helé on 073 456 0393 or heloost@icloud.com.

Meet at Onrus Trading Post | 07:45

Hermanus Country Market A favourite among the locals. Young, old, two-legged and four-legged family members are all welcome. You’ll find wholesome goodies, home-made crafts, local produce, beers and wine, speciality foods, coffee and live music.

Next to Hermanus Cricket Field | 09:00 – 13:00 Die Markie Looking for koek? Vetkoek, pannekoek, soet koekies, sout koekies, lewer koekies? A peaceful place to

while away Saturday mornings, glass of wine in hand, with Woefie lying at your feet? Olives, freshly shucked oysters and other nibbles made by real people? Served on real porcelain, using real cutlery, sipping wine from a real wine glass? Then you’ll want to hotfoot it across to Die Markie at Hermanuspietersfontein. Here safe parking is a doddle and life is easy.

Hermanuspietersfontein Wine Cellar | 09:00 – 13:00

Stanford Saturday Morning Market Come and sample the artisanal delights on display, from home-made sheep and goats’ cheeses to woodfired ciabattas, pastries and pies, farm-fresh vegetables, free-range eggs, flowers, preserves and deli delights (including gluten-free, wheatfree and vegan goodies) to tantalise your taste buds! #Nomasksnoservice.

Stanford Hotel Stoep | 09:00 – 12:00 Junktique Market One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Pop in and give new life to a previously loved item. Treats and nibbles also available. R50 per stall. To book contact 028 341 0340 or book@ stanfordinfo.co.za.

Stanford Tourism Office Courtyard | 09:00 – 12:00 Gansbaai Farmers Market Specialising in organic, homemade and home-grown products such as fresh farm produce, oven-fresh bakes and pastries, local wines and craft beers, and indigenous plants and herbs. No plastic or polystyrene packaging; only eco-friendly wood, paper, glass and earthenware used to display goods. For enquiries, contact

028 384 1439 or doulene@gansbaaitourism.co.za Kapokblom Street, opposite Gansbaai Tourism | 09:00 – 14:00 International Coastal Clean-up Day Join Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) on International Coastal Cleanup Day on 19 September and help to collect the plastic waste and debris that litters our beautiful coastline.

All are welcome, young and old, but remember to wear your masks and observe the social distancing rules.

Gloves, bags, and data cards to document waste statistics will be provided. Contact Pinkey on 082 907 5607.

Danger Point, Gansbaai | 10:00 – 12:00 Plastic Patrol clean-up Plastic Patrol Hermanus is hosting a shore, underwater and deep-sea plastic clean-up to mark International Coastal Clean-up Day. Volunteer shore collectors and divers are welcome. Bags and gloves will be provided but please bring your own reusable gloves, if you have. Face masks are mandatory and social distancing and sanitising protocols will be adhered to. For more information contact Sarah on 072 505 2707 or Kim on 083 746 8985.

Hermanus New Harbour | 10:00 – 14:00

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Sunday

Klein River Spring Equinox Brunch & Cheese Tour Klein River Cheese welcomes back visitors with its very first pop-up restaurant experience at the reimagined and rebranded premises on the farm, The Veranda at Klein River Cheese. To celebrate the change of seasons, Chef Ricky Broekhoven has partnered with Klein River Cheese to host the four-course alfresco Spring Equinox Brunch & Tour – for one day only. This is not to be missed!

Limited seating is available due to socially distanced tables. The R490 pp

Barry Hilton Comedy Show South African comedy legend, Barry Hilton will perform a private show, for one night only! Tickets are R250 pp just for the show, or R1 950 for two adults and includes the show, accommodation for the night and breakfast the next morning. For bookings, contact 067 110 4136. Barry will quickly have you rolling around on the floor with laughter!

Hermanus Guest House, 9 Marine Drive | 18:30

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Thursday

Benguela Cove Heritage Day Braai The perfect day out for the whole family to celebrate the cultural wealth of our country on the edge of the scenic Bot River Lagoon.

Indulge in tasty braai platters and sip on delicious Benguela Cove wines whilst listening to the vibey beats of the live Marimba band.

Bring the kids and let them play a round of Pirate Adventure Golf or enjoy fun courtyard games whilst you relax. Braai platters for two will be available at R380. Be sure to book by contacting 087 357 0637 or info@ benguelacove.co.za.

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate | 12:00 – 16:00

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

16 September 2020

MY HOME

Gearing up for an uptick in visitors Afristay, Lekkeslaap etc.) and see what is offered and at what rates. Look at the quality of décor, amenities, location, home comforts and special offers and check against your own to see if you are realistic about the rate you are offering. Some owners are showing increased reluctance to take anything less than what they did in December 2019, yet they wonder why there are no enquiries like before.

By Stuart Cohen CabinCare Property Management & Project Specialists

W

ithin days of writing last month’s column on the shifting of the holiday rental market, the country went to Level 2 of lockdown, and Airbnb and holiday rental hosts were delighted to hear that it was all systems go and they could all reopen for “business as usual”.

Many hosts reported increased enquiries for weekend bookings and many have been made for the upcoming Heritage Day long weekend later this month. Some of the better-known and established guesthouses/Airbnbs/hotels are also reporting a distinct uptick in December bookings. The energy and excitement is palpable and there is a huge sense of relief amongst the majority of tourist-oriented hosts.

This follows two years of steady decline in the demand for rentals, not only due to the Covid-19 pandemic but also other key factors such as the Cape Town drought and the 2018 riots in Hermanus. With an oversupply of accommodation and lower tourist numbers, many Airbnb property owners were forced to enter the long-term rental market, and this trend is not only gaining mo-

mentum but also driving down the nightly and monthly rental rates.

Tourists are aware that there are good deals to be had and from personal experience I can see they are applying more due diligence, spending more time researching quality/price options and being cautious in ensuring that they take advantage of the great deals available. Overzealous hosts who do not adjust their rates accordingly may well find that they lose out on a good flow of bookings and the downward pressure on all rental rates, be they long term or short term, mustn’t be ignored.

Clearly this season is going to be a highly competitive one when it comes to available accommodation options. Tourists are going to be so spoilt for choice and many hosts have asked me how they can capitalise on this dynamic. With the strong possibility that international borders may even open before next year, quality accommodation at the right price point is going to be key.

If international borders do open before the end of 2020, there will undoubtedly be an influx of overseas visitors and they will get the pick of the pile, with the exchange rate being in their favour.

Whilst this bodes well for many establishments, hosts have to remain smart and flexible with their rates in order to ensure that they don’t lose out.

My advice to all hosts is to spend some time on the relevant portals (Airbnb, Booking.Com,

Another visible trend emerging is that of homeowners whose properties are not appropriately

appointed for holiday rentals, yet this year they are listing them in the hope that they can make a quick buck in the process. Whilst one cannot criticise the intent in tough times like these, guests need to be very diligent when making their bookings to ensure that what they see is what they get.

Another tip for those searching for holiday accommodation is to look at the reviews and history of bookings that the desired property has. If you are considering a new listing with no reviews and want to be sure that you aren’t going to end up with a horror house, try and get someone to view the accommodation for you or ask for video clips. Photographs are very deceiving and you can end up with a holiday experience that you’d rather forget you ever had.

Whichever way we look at it, there are going to be disappointed and disillusioned hosts who are not adequately geared up for holiday rentals and whose expectations of rental income are unrealistic. The oversupply is increasing and those who have got it “right” in terms of the overall accommodation offering and comforts offered are going to win hands down.

Exciting times in reigniting the spirit of our town are ahead and with great anticipation for a renewed awakening in the Overberg, we have so much to look forward to and to be grateful for.

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MY WELLNESS

Breathing into life Yoga teacher and Ayurvedic massage therapist Christine Döring is helping Overbergers realise their joyous full potential through ancient Indian holistic practices, writes Sarah Taylor.

E

arly on in her television acting career in the mid-1990s, whenever Christine Döring stepped onto the stage or in front of the camera, she developed stage fright and couldn’t breathe.

taught to breathe, to sing, from my chest and not from my belly, which is completely the wrong way,” explains Christine, who was born in Germany, trained originally to be a nurse and now lives between Hermanus and Potsdam/Berlin.

“When I stumbled across a magazine article about yoga and breath, I realised I wasn’t breathing properly. None of my singing and acting training had taught me how to relax. In fact, I had been

“When I began exploring yoga, I had to ‘unlearn’ these bad breathing habits. Even the simple yoga asana, Savasana, the corpse pose, where you lie flat on your back and breathe into your belly, was a challenge for me at first,” says Christine, who also had a stint working as a nurse in state hospitals for three years in her early 20s.

After 10 years of TV work, however, including starring in 134 episodes of the soap opera Mallorca – Suche nach dem Paradies (Majorca – Search for Paradise), from 1999 – 2000, and the popular German crime series, SOKO 5113, from 2000 – 2008, Christine began to realise that “acting wasn’t my scene”.

“I was young. All I wanted was to sing, to be free and to lead a normal life out of the public eye. It bothered me that so many people felt they knew me, but they knew only the mask. I didn’t even know myself,” says Christine. “With yoga, I discovered it is the complete opposite: it’s a journey to your inner self. And the good thing is that this journey never ends! Every day I am in the process of finding out who I am and how I want to live.”

A two-month trip to India on the eve of her 30th birthday was a spiritual awakening for her. While staying in a Sivananda ashram, she was beset with questions about her future.

“Sitting on a beach in Goa, I felt an invisible hand

touch my shoulder. I was flooded with an incredible lightness and I felt as if I could fly. Suddenly I knew that whatever I did, it would be fine. I didn’t need to worry. We’re all going to die at some point, so what is left to be afraid of?”

that, and knowing how to use your body as a tool to live a happier life,” she explains.

India was also an introduction to the benefits and pleasures of Abhyanga, a full-body warm-oil Ayurvedic massage from the top of your head to the tips of your toes.

“In our lives, we are so ‘guided’ by career success and by what other people think, but what matters in the end, I believe, is how much love you put on the planet in your lifetime, not how much money you have made or which university you went to. We wear masks – and I don’t mean just in the Covid-19 era. Fame and fortune, image and money… It’s just a big bubble.”

“After my first Abhyanga, I felt new-born! This was when I decided that I wanted to give such massages.”

Christine has found meaning in the practice and philosophy of yoga, with its 5 000+ year-old history.

Christine describes Ayurveda as the sibling to yoga. This ancient traditional health system focuses on maintaining health through diet, cleansing rituals, massage (Abhyanga) and exercise (yoga asanas and pranayama or breathing exercises).

Returning to breath, she adds that most people breathe incorrectly and this may be related to issues of self-image. “Many people are ashamed of their bodies, of their bellies, especially women, and this affects how they breathe. They are ‘taught’ by society to suck in their bellies, rather than how to breathe properly and relax.

“Yoga means uniting the body, mind and spirit.

It is the combination of the three. Yoga and Ayurveda take each individual into account. We are all one and come from the same source, but we are also individuals and certain practices are not good for everyone. People with heart issues, for example, should not do the shoulder stand.

This is why I like giving one-on-one yoga classes, to make sure the practice is in sync with the practitioner.

“After the breath realisation, the next thing I realised with yoga is that we need to focus inside.

My first yoga teacher instructed us not to look at others while practising yoga. Our lives are very much led by what other people have done or directed by what other people think. With yoga, it’s about yourself. It’s about who you are, realising

“With yoga and Ayurveda, I now understand why I am here, what my talent is that I can give to the world. If I hadn’t found yoga, I would be completely lost – and I am not! And I want to help others find their true selves too.”

To book an Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage or a one-on-one ‘at home’ yoga session with Christine, contact her on info@yogaathome.com

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MY SPORT

Trail runners get a taste of Hermanus L

ocal chiropractor Chad Gordon, who is also an avid trail runner and mountain biker, recently hosted a group of trail runners from Cape Town and made sure they enjoyed a weekend they would not soon forget.

“They loved it so much that they will be returning in two weeks’ time with an even bigger group,” says Chad, adding that with so many events having been cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, many trail runners and mountain bikers are looking for new experiences in scenic venues outside the city.

The group of about 43 trail runners, many of whom had not been to Hermanus before, arrived on Friday afternoon and were accommodated in the Whale Coast Hotel. “I met them there and briefed them on the weekend’s itinerary, which included a short and a longer run on both the Saturday and Sunday,” says Chad. “I wanted them to have not only a great running experience but also to enjoy the natural beauty of Hermanus.”

Saturday morning started with a run on the Cliff Path at sunrise before heading into the mountains. Back at the hotel in the late afternoon, Chad offered a stretching class and a lecture on health, fitness and wellbeing in the Whale Coast Hotel’s conference room. The runners were also treated to a Pilates class by Chad’s wife, Anke and massage therapy by Denise Kotze.

“On Sunday morning we set off on a different route and first went up Hoy’s Koppie before following the Contour Path up to Rotary Way and all the way down to Fernkloof Nature Reserve,” says Chad. “The runners were blown away by the scenery and the quality of our trails, and it was really inspiring for me to bring people to Hermanus and show them what our region has to offer.

I can’t wait for the next group to arrive and this time I’ll also introduce them to village life by including a visit to the Country Market and some of our coffee shops and restaurants.”

– Hedda Mittner ABOVE: A runner enjoying the solitude of nature along Rotary Drive as he follows the route back down to Fernkloof Nature Reserve. LEFT:The runners got drenched on Saturday as they started off with a run along the Cliff Path and then headed up towards the Drie Damme. FAR LEFT: Among the sponsors of Chad Gordon’s weekend running clinic were Rush Nutrition and ButtaNutt, who provided the runners with some of their products. Here the whole group gives a thumbs-up for their support on top of Hoy’s Koppie early on Sunday morning.

BELOW: The Rola Motor Group recently confirmed their commitment to the Ford franchise brand by acquiring the Ford dealership in Hermanus. Rola Ford Hermanus is now one of five Rola Ford dealerships located in the Overberg region. The Group is dedicated to the empowerment of communities, largely focusing on education and development. It is therefore no surprise that the new owners have decided to continue Ford’s relationship with Hermanus High School by sponsoring the 2020 rugby first team jerseys, despite the current challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sadly, the rugby boys will not have the privilege of wearing these jerseys on the field this year due to the current lockdown regulations. Rola is committed to making a difference by building meaningful and sustainable relationships, as well as striving to continuously improve and achieve. They refer to this calling as the #RolaLifestyle.

Front from left are Graham Bellingam (First Team Rugby Coach), Liza Thorpe (Sports Organiser), Catherine Kinleyside (Financial/General Manager, Rola Ford Hermanus), Mohammed Diop (Vice Captain), Gian Bester (Captain), Luhan van Dyk, Marco Calitz (Dealer Principal, Rola Ford Hermanus), Jacques Mangiagalli (First Team Rugby Coach) and Milton Prodehl (Rugby Coordinator) with Hermanus High School’s acting principal, Francois Hooneberg (middle row, left) and the rugby first team boys.

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MOTORING

F

Compiled by John Floyd

on cars

Ford scoops exporter awards F

ord Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has once again been recognised as one of the Eastern Cape’s leading exporters after scooping two Exporter of the Year awards at the annual Exporters Eastern Cape event.

The Struandale Engine Plant also supplies all of the engines used in the production of the Ford Ranger and Everest at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria – for domestic sales and exports to over 100 markets globally.

The Ford Struandale Engine Plant, which produces two diesel engines for the domestic market and export customers around the world, received the Best Exporter OEM award for the fourth time, after previously earning the title in 2013, 2015 and 2018.

“Approximately two-thirds of our vehicle production is exported, so the Struandale Engine Plant’s total direct and indirect exports make up the overwhelming majority of its business, and has helped make the Ford Ranger the top-ranked light commercial vehicle exported from South Africa, and the top-selling pickup in Europe,” Berry adds.

It also received the IDC Job Creation Award for the second consecutive year, reaffirming Ford’s commitment to employment, as well as skills development through its various learnership, apprenticeship and experiential training programmes.

“It is a great honour to win the Best Exporter OEM category for the fourth time,” says Ockert Berry, VP Operations at FMCSA. “This award acknowledges our continued investment in our local operations, and our drive to be globally relevant and competitive.”

Fully assembled engines and machined components are exported to several markets in Europe, South America and Asia.

At the end of 2018, the Struandale Engine Plant officially launched the all-new 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo and 2.0 Single Turbo engine platform, with production progressively ramping up during 2019 for the subsequent launch of the new Ranger, the first-ever Ranger Raptor high-performance off-road pickup, as well as the updated Everest seven-seater SUV in the first half of last year.

The new assembly line has an installed capacity for producing up to 120 000 engines per year, and incorporates Ford’s latest, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that guarantee the

highest standards of workmanship, product quality and performance. The advanced sub-assembly line for the cylinder head features four automated robotic stations that ensure maximum precision in the fitment of parts.

“The introduction of the new assembly line for the new-generation 2.0 Bi-Turbo and 2.0 Single Turbo engines was instrumental in ensuring the sustainability and future of the Struandale Engine Plant in conjunction with the existing 2.2 and 3.2-litre Duratorq TDCi component machining and engine assembly programme,” says plant manager, Shawn Govender.

production teams on the two assembly lines under the guidance of our most experienced production managers, process coaches and team leaders,” Govender explains. “This has enabled us to seamlessly expand our volumes and meet our production targets.

“Receiving the IDC Job Creation award for the second year in a row is a great achievement for our team, and acknowledges the extensive work that has been done to expand our operations with the new diesel engine while maintaining our existing Duratorq TDCi machining and assembly programme,” he concludes.

The Duratorq TDCi engine programme has an installed capacity for up to 130 000 fully assembled units per year.

The Struandale Engine Plant also machines cylinder heads, blocks and crankshafts for the Duratorq TDCi engines, with an installed capacity of up to 280 000 component sets per annum.

The component sets are used for local engine assembly and export to customer Ford plants in Argentina and Thailand.

“With the benefit of running two engine programmes, we have been able to absorb many of our Learnership and Apprenticeship Programme graduates into our

Honda supports Riding for a Limb Honda Motor Southern Africa is proud to announce its support for Riding for a Limb, the South African non-profit organisation which raises funds to provide prosthetic limbs to amputees in need.

The organisation, founded by double-amputee Gerda du Toit and Charl Beukes in 2014, has provided 54 artificial limbs, costing more than

R9 million, to 18 children and 8 bikers during the past six years.

Riding for a Limb raises funds by organising sponsored bike and car drives, including Gerda’s own 4431 km bike ride on a Honda Integra in 2016, less than two years after losing both of her legs due to diabetes.

“I went from a wheelchair to a bike in

two years, and it completely changed my life,” says Gerda. “Riding for a Limb is about more than just giving amputees mobility – it transforms lives, families and communities. Giving amputees access to prostheses allows them to dream as big as they want to.”

A basic prosthesis can cost anything from R80 000. An above-knee ampu-

tation is a minimum of R120 000. This excludes re-fits, which cost anything from R60 000.

“Most amputees do not have the funds to get medical treatment such as physio and attending rehabilitation centres. Therefore, we go to their homes and workplaces where we assist with their rehabilitation and teach them to walk again,” says

Gerda.

Because a child grows, they continuously need new prostheses. With an adult, the stump changes and loses volume (becoming smaller). Amputees therefore require new prostheses as their bodies change. It can take up to five years for the stump to reach its final size. A prosthesis that doesn’t fit properly can result in wounds on the limb as well as other, potentially very serious, complications. It is therefore imperative that the prostheses fit properly.

Riding for a Limb is committed to ensuring that 100% of donated funds are used for recipients.

Honda is providing Riding for a Limb with a sponsored Jazz Sport.

“Even limited support can make a substantial difference,” says Dinesh Govender, General Manager of Corporate at Honda Motor Southern Africa: “Honda believes in the power of dreams. What that really means is our power as human beings to make a difference, and to make our dreams and the dreams of others come true.

Imagine the transformative power of giving people back their mobility. Every contribution makes a permanent difference in someone’s life.”

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All-new Tucson adds revolutionary redesign

H

yundai Motor revealed the first images of its all-new Tucson. New design highlights include the latest evolution of Hyundai’s signature headlamp architecture called ‘Parametric Hidden Lights’ and a dual cockpit layout that offers personalised space intuitively optimised for a hightech user experience. The images hint at innovative features befitting Tucson’s signature boldness and pioneering spirit.

“The mission of ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ is to elevate the emotional qualities of automotive design. We want our customers to feel moved.

With the all-new Tucson, we are introducing its ultimate evolution and a definitive statement about Hyundai’s unstoppable forward momentum,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center. “Tucson’s advanced, experimental design is true to its pioneering spirit and raises the game in the industry’s most competitive segment.”

The all-new Tucson’s advanced exterior styling expresses what Hyundai designers call ‘Parametric Dynamics’ which utilise lines, faces, angles and shapes to create kinetic jewel-like surface details through digital data to offer unprecedented, bold design aesthetics. Parametric Hidden Lights provide a strong first impression.

These signature Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are seamlessly integrated into the jewel-like grille, and only revealed when switched on by the driver.

Overall, the new Tucson’s body is bigger and wider than previous generation models, offering a long hood and short overhangs on a stretched wheelbase that give it a slinky coupé-like character. From the side, angular body panels offer yet another interpretation of this parametric design. Chiseled surfaces create a striking contrast between a sleek silhouette and masculine wedge, suggesting forward motion even when standing still. Taut athletic shapes seamlessly

merge into angular wheel arches, where alloy wheels provide a powerful and dynamic stance.

Getting into the all-new Tucson’s spacious interior, or INTERSPACE, is like entering a neatly organised room where everyday concerns disappear. Here, space, technology and information intersect harmoniously.

The evolution of Tucson’s interior layout led to a lower instrument display and removal of the gauge cluster housing for a decluttered surface. Layered, sensuous forms reinforce the feeling of openness.

The broad ridge of the dashboard blends seamlessly with the doors, wrapping around front occupants like a deep gorge. The vertically oriented, sensuous forms of the fully integrated centre fascia was inspired by waterfalls. Twin silver garnish lines streaming from the centre fascia to the rear doors harmonise neatly layered premium surface materials in complementary neutral tones.

VW’s ID.4 looks as if shaped by the wind itself Superior power, packaged in organic forms: the ID.4 is the first all-electric SUV from Volkswagen. Its exterior design clearly shows the dawn of the new era: it combines a powerful expression with flowing, organic forms and excellent aerodynamic qualities.

With the ID.4, Volkswagen is expanding its offering by an all-electric vehicle in the largest segment worldwide – the compact SUV class. The car will in future be built and sold in Europe, China and later also in the US. Klaus

Zyciora knows the character of the ID.4 like no-one else – the Head of Design for the Volkswagen Group designed the car together with his team.

“The ID.4 represents an electric design evolution,” says Zyciora. “Its exterior design is clean, flowing and powerful. It appears strong and self-confident in a new way.

This is mainly due to the seamless, aerodynamic style of our ID. family, which we have transferred to the

SUV segment for the first time with the ID.4. This means that gentle, soft transitions alternate with sharp, clear separating edges. The design looks as if shaped by the wind itself. At the same time, the modern look of the ID.4 can be seen by the characteristic headlights and the signature light between them.”

Good design is also always functional – in an electric vehicle, drag is a key factor for range. “The electric design evolution of the ID.4 also means that

we have focused very strongly on the aerodynamics,” explains the Head of Volkswagen Design. The ID.4 achieves an excellent drag coefficient of 0.28.

The most important factor for this is the flowing basic shape of the vehicle body and passenger compartment, which is significantly drawn in towards the rear. This is complemented by many precisely executed details.

For instance, the bodies of the tail light clusters together with the large roof spoiler ensure that the air flow is

cleanly separated.

As part of its ‘Transform 2025+’ strategy, the Volkswagen brand will invest 11 billion euros in electric mobility by 2024. The ID.4, the first all-electric SUV from Volkswagen, is the second model based on the new modular electric drive matrix (MEB) following the ID.3.

This platform is designed only for the electric drive system and offers a very spacious interior, thanks to the compact design of the electric drive.

Thanks to the low drag coefficient of 0.28 and scalable battery system, ranges of more than 500 kilometres (according to WLTP) are possible with the ID.4.

The new SUV will initially be launched with rear-wheel drive, and an electric all-wheel drive variant will follow at a later stage. The high-voltage battery is positioned in the sandwich-design underbody to create an optimum low centre of gravity for driving dynamics as well as extremely well-balanced axle load distribution.