The Village NEWS 18 Nov - 25 Nov 2020

THE VILLAGE

NEWS

18 NOVEMBER 2020 YOUR FREE COPY #ALLOVEROVERBERG The next issue of The Village NEWS will be out on 25 November 2020.

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Work is underway on the upgrading and pedestrianisation of High Street as envisaged in the Hermanus Old Town revitalisation project. The area from the Dirkie Uys/High Street intersection to Woolworths is currently closed to vehicular traffic, but open to pedestrians. The existing kerbs and road asphalt have been removed and paving of the street will commence at the end of the week. The road will not be re-tarred but will be paved to create more walkway space for people, while at the same time allowing businesses to spill out onto the street.

PHOTO: Hedda Mittner

Putting Seats on the Streets Writer De Waal Steyn

T

he Overstrand is pulling out all the stops to make the coming summer season a success for local businesses, while at the same time ensuring that lockdown restrictions are adhered to.

“In a bid to afford restaurants the ability to welcome more guests while adhering to social distancing protocols, we are launching the Seats on the Streets campaign,” said Mayor Dudley Coetzee. The campaign will allow restaurants to apply for permission to seat customers on pavements and other public areas, thereby creating more space and seating while ensuring the safety of customers. This arrangement will be applicable to all towns in the Overstrand.

“It is expected that the campaign will be

approved at the next council meeting on 25 November. It will be proposed that for the period 16 December to 17 January restaurants will not be charged rental by the municipality for the extra space. It will also be proposed that should it be successful the Seats on the Streets campaign will be extended to 5 April (Easter Monday) next year,” Coetzee said.

“From the council’s side, this campaign is aimed at assisting businesses to cope with the burden that the Covid-19 pandemic has heaped upon them. In addition, the council has agreed that no rent will be collected from restaurants that make use of property belonging to the municipality for the period that they could not trade due to lockdown restrictions,” he said.

Frieda Lloyd, Tourism Manager for the Cape Whale Coast, said the campaign would contribute to an even more festive and relaxed atmo-

sphere during the holiday season. “All businesses in the area are under severe financial strain and the time has come for us to think of new and innovative ways in which to attract customers while keeping them safe.

“The Seats on the Streets campaign ties in with our bigger #weareopen campaign launched earlier this year to draw visitors back to our shores.

The campaign has been highly successful, and the Whale Coast can look forward to being a hive of activity during the season, with only a few options for holiday accommodation still available.

Cllr Kari Brice said close attention would be paid to not impeding the flow of pedestrian traffic on pavements and providing enough parking for cars. “The message of the campaign is that our restaurants are open for business; we miss our patrons, and we are inviting people back to visit.

But top of mind is that safety protocols – such as the wearing of masks, use of sanitiser, social distancing, and responsible behaviour – are adhered to.”

“To give you an example, one booking received by the owner of a holiday home, exceeded R500 000 in total and has already been paid.

In addition to several sizable bookings for accommodation, there have also been enquiries about opportunities for film shoots in our region during the summer. The extended holiday sea-

Brice said the campaign was one way to offer practical options in support of businesses and residents. “This will hopefully become the blueprint from which other campaigns can be launched in future. We have a collective responsibility to ensure that our businesses can keep their doors open.”

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Restaurants pledge adherence From P1 Cllr Brice said a perfect example of creating a pedestrian-friendly environment would be High Street in Hermanus Old Town. “Work has begun on the upgrading and pedestrianisation of the street as envisaged in the Old Town revitalisation project.”

The area from the Dirkie Uys/High Street intersection to Woolworths is currently closed to vehicular traffic, but open to pedestrians. The existing kerbs and road asphalt have been removed and paving of the street will commence at the end of the week. The road will not be re-tarred but will be paved to create more walkway space for people, while at the same time allowing businesses to spill out onto the street.

According to the revitalisation project, High Street will be transformed into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly retail street that connects the current ‘anchors’ of Station Square and Woolworths with the proposed Mitchell Square Development.

“High Street will be landscaped to create a high-quality pedestrian-priority mall. Traffic circulation within the CBD does not allow for the exclusion of all vehicular traffic from High Street, however there is a lot of scope for transforming the street into a pedestrian-dominated space, while still allowing traffic to pass through,” states the project description.

Brice said she was excited about the impetus this initiative would give to the broader economic recovery plans for the CBD. “As we head into the warmer weather with the annual summer break about a month away, this will help our eateries to start recovering from the challenges of lockdown.”

The construction work for the installation of an upgraded stormwater system in Main Road and Dirkie Uys Street is close to completion. The resurfacing should be done by the end of the week and the parking area has been reopened.

In addition to the Seats on the Streets campaign, the Overstrand is also expected to launch a Safe Eat Pledge (pictured on the right) that all participating restaurants will display. The aim of the pledge is to remind customers of the threat of Covid-19 and to offer reassurance that safety protocols are adhered to in these establishments.

Lloyd said compliance with lockdown restrictions and a strict adherence to safety protocols have become a selling point for restaurants across the globe. “Diners want the peace of mind to know that the establishments they visit are safe. Non-compliance has become a hot topic, especially on social media, and we have decided in conjunction with restaurant owners to be proactive.

"According to the provisions of the pledge, restaurants will adhere to social distancing regulations, the health of staff will be closely monitored and diners are requested to wear masks while not seated at a table.

Customers’ details will also be taken to ensure ease of contact tracing should this be necessary.

“Pledge posters will also be developed for the accommodation and retail sectors and all businesses are welcome to take part,” added Lloyd. “The Whale Coast has a responsibility towards its businesses, residents and visitors to be a safe place. We must be proactive if we want to have a busy summer season and avoid any sudden outbreaks of the Coronavirus.”

The Safe Eat Pledge This restaurant pledges to operate in accordance to the following:

Employees who fail the screening are not permitted to work.

Employees must wear a mask at work.

Employees must wash their hands every 30 minutes.

We sanitize tables and chairs between every guest visit and all high-touch areas every 30 minutes.

We ask guests to assert that they are healthy and have not been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19.

All guests must wear masks when not at their table.

We collect guest contact information for every party to aid in contact tracing should that be necessary.

We are proactively working to create a safe environment for all.

Please contact flloyd@overstrand.gov.za should you wish to share any feedback THANK YOU FOR DINING WITH US!

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18 November 2020

Hunting nurdles at Kammabaai Beach O ver the past few weeks, tiny plastic pellets called nurdles have been washing up on beaches from Cape Infanta to Muizenberg. They were first spotted in the Overstrand on Castle Beach (Pearly Beach), at Die Damme (Franskraal) and on Silver Sands Beach (Betty’s Bay).

Last week, Overstrand Municipality reported that large amounts of nurdles had washed up at Bluewater Bay, Castle Beach (Pearly Beach), and at the Pearly Beach Resort towards Soetfontein. The following day, nurdles were also found on Kammabaai Beach in Hermanus.

The municipality sent out an urgent call shortly after that for volunteers to rally and help pick up the nurdles. Generation Schools Hermanus immediately stepped up to the challenge and organised a two-hour clean-up the next day on Kammabaai Beach with some of their middle and high school learners.

After school on Friday afternoon, the learners made their way to the beach, armed with sieves and buckets, and got busy hunting through the sand for the pesky little pellets.

A teacher at Generation Schools Hermanus, Harriet Saville says their staff and learners have been following the nurdle news since they heard about the first sighting a few weeks ago. “We have spoken about it often during class and our learners were eager to get involved with a clean-up on Kammabaai Beach.”

It didn’t take long for the first nurdles to be found as the learners searched along the waterline, scooping sand into buckets of water and swirling it around to dislodge any nurdles, which can be picked out as they float to the top and placed into glass jars.

The learners also found a substantial amount of small plastic pieces, wrappers and straws which had washed up along the beach. The

nurdles they collected will be handed over to the Hermanus Fire Department during the week to be disposed of properly.

The municipality has since then sent out another urgent message that nurdles have also been found over the weekend at the Fisherhaven slipway near the Bot River Estuary. These nurdles that have ended up in our ocean and estuaries are collecting toxins and being eaten by marine wildlife that mistake them for fish eggs.

Nurdles cannot be digested and end of killing marine life. They also never disappear from the ocean completely; they just get smaller and smaller and then get eaten by small marine organisms, eventually becoming part of the human food chain.

Overstrand Municipality’s Environmental Department has again asked residents to help pick up the nurdles when they are sighted on our beaches or estuaries.

If you have collected nurdles, please make sure that you do not discard them into normal household bins or municipal waste bins. Drop off your container(s) of nurdles at the: - Fire Department, - Tourism Offices, - African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (072 598 7117), - South African Shark Conservancy (028 312 3029), or - Dyer Island Conservation Trust (082 907 5607).

Remember to mention exactly where you found the nurdles so that it can be reported to the municipality. Well done to Generation Schools Hermanus, as well as all the other volunteers who have been helping to collect nurdles along our shores.

– Taylum Meyer

PHOTO: Supplied

18 November 2020

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Oral Medicine - What exactly is it?

Oral Medicine is a specialist field within dentistry, dealing with mucosal diseases from the lips to the throat. It involves the diagnosis and treatment of sores of the mouth/lip, fungal infections such as Candidiasis, viral infections such as Herpes, trauma of the mucosa, blocked salivary glands, Dry Mouth, Burning Mouth Syndrome, white and red lesions (Potentially Malignant Disorders due to the fact it may develop into cancer), diagnosis of Oral Cancer, auto-immune diseases of the oral mucosa, shortages in iron/ vitamins (anaemia) and any growth on the lips, tongue or oral mucosa.

A small lesion is removed completely

and if it is suspected to be cancer, a small sample will be removed to first obtain a diagnosis. The sample is sent off to an oral pathologist who will provide the diagnosis within days before we start the treatment. All samples are taken in our rooms using a local dental injection. The treatment may involve anything from anti-fungal medication for Candidiasis to steroid treatment for auto-immune diseases. We liaise with the medical practitioner in many instances to coordinate the treatment.

CT scan for the jaw that gives stateof-the-art imaging to assess teeth and jaw bones. We have the only CT of this kind in the Overberg. The other advantage of the CBCT is that it has a very low radiation exposure, similar to one large dental X-ray photo. Should infections of the sinuses be found, a referral will be given to see an ENT specialist and similarly for any pathology requiring larger operations to remove, you will be referred to the appropriate specialist for treatment.

If the disease involves the jawbone as well as the soft tissue, we will use a Cone Beam CT scan to assess the underlying bone. This is a specialised

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18 November 2020

WWI soldiers remembered

O

n the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month of 2020, the Executive Mayor of Overstrand Municipality, Dudley Coetzee, took part in a special Remembrance Hour at the Hermanus Cemetery to mark the armistice agreement that ended the First World War. Many Hermanus residents came to pay their respects and to reflect on the sacrifices of those who bravely served in wartime. Members of the local Seagull Shellhole of the MOTHs and Hermanus resident Melanie Moore, who initiated the project to upgrade the Hermanus cemetery a few years ago, arranged the special assembly for Remembrance Day on Thursday last week.

Before the official programme started the branch committee and volunteers from Cllr Kari Brice’s Ward 3, as well as learners from Generation Schools Hermanus, planted vygies in their continued effort to beautify the cemetery.

Another special touch was the red paper poppies that were cut out and attached to the white crosses on the unmarked graves.

After Melanie’s welcome speech, she quoted the first verse of John McCrae’s poem, In Flanders fields and Liezel Nel played the Last Post on her trumpet.

A two-minute silence was observed, followed by André Willemse releasing his racing pigeons.

Lieutenant-Colonel Harvey Saayman, former commanding officer of the

Western Cape Regiment, said in his address that Hermanus has a rich military history and that “we should be proud of the influence of South Africans during WWI and WWII”.

Few people know that during World War I, Hermanus had the highest level of volunteering per population size in the British Empire and the War Memorial was erected near the Old Harbour to commemorate the 11 volunteers who never returned.

Lieutenant-Colonel Harvey paid tribute to the connection Hermanus had with General Jan Smuts and his sister, Bebas Smuts, who served as Mayor of Hermanus during the Second World War from 1941 to 1946. Other war heroes included Roger Bushell (the Great Escape) whose grandparents and parents used to live in Hermanus – Hermanus High School has a trophy for the highest achieving learner named after him – and South African Victoria Cross winner, William Henry Hewitt, whose ashes were scattered at sea off the cliffs at Gearing's Point.

Mayor Coetzee thanked all who were involved in arranging the event, especially the Regiment Westelike Provinsie, holder of the Freedom of the Overstrand and the Old Bill of the Seagull Shellhole, the local unit of the Memorable Order of the Tin Hats (MOTHs). He said it was a privilege to have war veterans, Ms Priscilla Drewe and Rifleman Nigel Goldi in attendance. The 95-year-old Priscilla was a Code Cracker for MR5 during World

War II. Coetzee continued by saying: “In my mind’s eye I see the images that war invokes as grey landscapes, muddrenched trenches, flashing artillery – and then row upon row of white crosses stretching as far as the eye can see. But there is also another picture that comes to mind: that of fields bedecked in poppies – symbolic of an earth drenched in the blood of fallen soldiers. To me those poppies are however also symbolic of renewal and our ability to rise again, even after the harshest battles, and seize life with renewed vigour – often not for our own sake but for that of our progeny.

“May God bless South Africa and keep us safe.”

Cllr Kari Brice, Mayor Dudley Coetzee, Beverley MacKay, war veteran Priscilla Drewe (in wheelchair), Sabina Chinoday, Melanie Moore and war veteran, Rifleman Nigel Goldie (white cap) with the Hermanus Seagull Shellhole MOTHs Shaun Haack, Norman Sander, Peter Goldie, Graham van Heerden, Leon Botha, Stephan Loubser and Llewellyn Tiltman.

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18 November 2020

Making a joyful noise in Kleinmond Writer Elaine Davie

A

s we come to the end of a year like no other, most of us probably feel buffeted and bruised and down in the dumps. We’ve all been touched by the pandemic in one way or another, but amongst those who have experienced its most stressful side effects, are children and performing artists. Imagine what it must be like to be a child and a performing artist.

The renowned Handevat Music School in Kleinmond, under the leadership of founder Stefné van Dyk has struggled to keep in touch with its 120 to 130 pupils during lockdown.

Online training took place, but proved tricky in terms of data affordability.

The trainers were unable to make use of their normal teaching facilities at Kleinmond Primêr and although individual lessons were eventually reintroduced at the Mthimkhulu Community Centre, group work could not commence until a couple of weeks ago at the school.

Which is why everyone at Handevat is bursting with excitement at being able to perform again at their annual concert this Friday, 20 November at the Dutch Reformed Church in Kleinmond. It will be a joyous celebration, they promise.

“Music is so important for the overall development of children’s brains,” emphasises Stefné. “Just listening to music activates brain cells in both hemispheres, but making music literally sets the brain alight. Our approach is to give as many children as possible that opportunity, whether they are particularly talented or not.” Their training is progressive, starting with work on the marimbas and recorders and then moving on to more challenging instruments, like the clarinet, saxophone, violin, trumpet and piano.

It includes music theory, harmony, keyboard skills and sight reading.

“Our aim is to release the inner music in pupils, and in mastering their musical skills, to grow their self confidence and inner strength,” she continues.

“I’m interested in whole child development, you see, so I’m also concerned about their physical welfare and sad to say, during lockdown, we had cases of physical neglect which I’m now trying to address by arranging visits to doctors and dentists. How can you feel good about yourself, when your teeth are rotten?”

The formation last year of the Overberg Orchestra is a development about which they are all very excited.

Over and above giving the children the opportunity for ensemble

PHOTO: Elaine Davie

“You can’t believe how disruptive this has been for both the children and the teachers,” comments Stefné.

“It’s like having to start all over again, especially for the beginners.” Every year Handevat learners, as individual performers and members of the famed Handevat Marimba Band, shine at the local Eisteddfod and the self-confidence it gives them to perform before an audience is invaluable.

Last year, their Overberg Orchestra which had only just been formed, won the prize for best orchestra and performed at the prize-winners’ gala event in Stellenbosch, as well as at the Artscape Youth Festival. This year,

of course, there was no Eisteddfod and no other opportunities for public performance.

playing, which is challenging as well as fun, the multi-cultural orchestra incorporates the Handevat teachers themselves, as well as those adult musicians in the region who are interested in being part of the project.

The experience of playing alongside professional musicians is deeply enriching for the children.

Conductor of the orchestra is the energetic and enthusiastic Axolile Hoza, who returned to the Overberg last year after winning international acclaim as a promising young flautist.

He and one of the other teachers at Handevat, multi-instrumentalist, Marlon van Rooyen, are local examples of what it takes to become a successful musician if you have the commitment and talent. And, says Stefné, a number of their pupils certainly do have the potential.

The concert, this Friday 20 November will feature the Overberg Orchestra and the renowned Handevat Marimba Band, as well as soloists and small groups of instrumentalists. The music will be varied and performances brimming over with the joie de vivre of young musicians thrilled to be back on stage again. It starts at 19:00 in the Kleinmond Dutch Reformed Church – not the hall, because the church can accommodate more people and social distancing will be observed.

Tickets available from Albertyn Pharmacy are limited to 200, so make sure you don’t miss out. (And while you’re at it, diarise the annual Christmas Carols Concert at the Kleinmond Lagoon on 21 December.)

For further information, contact 082 9232723 or admin@handevatmusic.co.za; or visit www.handevatmusic.co.za.

TOP: Handevat Artistic Director Axolile Hoza conducts a section of the Overberg Orchestra in a rehearsal for the concert on Friday 20th at the Kleinmond Dutch Reformed Church.ABOVE: All Handevat music pupils start on the recorder and then, if they have the capacity and interest, move on to more challenging musical instruments. Stefné van Dyk is Handevat Music’s Founder and CEO.

Jamela becomes a celebrity On 7 November, Jamela, the lovable young heroine created by Kleinmond’s well-known children’s author/illustrator, Niki Daly (left), was honoured with this year’s prestigious South African Literary Award (SALA) for Children’s Literature.

Over the 15 years of its existence, some of the other literary luminaries who have won SALA awards in one of its 15 categories have been Nadine Gordimer, Prof Mongane Wally Serote, Zakes Mda, Njabula Ndebele and Chris van Wyk. In

Niki’s case, the recognition was for It’s Jamela!, a complete collection, comprising all five of the Jamela stories.

In its commendation, SALA states: “There are few books with characters that speak to the Black child.

Psychologists have found that in early childhood development children holistically developed better when they saw people who looked like them every day.

They need to see these people in

three spheres of their lives; in their education, entertainment and daily environment. It’s Jamela! is a book that ticks all those boxes as it is a push back against the racist patriarchal narrative of men and boy heroes. The story of Jamela and her relationships with others is a useful development from what society is used to… It’s a positive story that should resonate with every child.”

Halala, Jamela! Long live, Long live!

– Elaine Davie

Another old lady needs a facelift The Hermanus Post Office is in desperate need of TLC inside and out, as both locals and visitors have noted. This has prompted Ward 3 Councillor Kari Brice to initiate a project to raise funds for a revamp of this prominent building in Main Road, starting with a fresh coat of paint for the exterior of the building.

“The SA Post Office is a separate agency and does not fall under the Department of Public Works,” says Kari. “At this stage there is

no agency budget for the beautification or painting of any post office nationwide and municipalities may not intervene.”

With the revitalisation of the Hermanus CBD underway, the public’s help is needed to assist in the painting of the town’s post office, and the preservation of its heritage value.

“This is a proactive community by nature and it is hoped that despite the financial strains of Covid-19, residents will once again pull to-

gether and hopefully see this project through to fruition.”

Kari threw her weight behind a similar project, initiated by Avis MacIntyre in 2019, to spruce up the Magistrate’s Court. For ‘Project Paint Post Office’ the bank account of Hermanus Tourism will again be utilised and all monies will be accounted for. Deposits, however small, may be made to: ABSA, Branch code 632005, Account no. 3220143723,

Reference: Post Office + Surname. Please send proof of payment to infomanager@ hermanus.co.za.

Donations of other necessary materials and paint are also hugely welcome, although this may have to be colour co-ordinated. “It is hoped that one of the bigger businesses may be able to assist here,” says Kari. For more information, she can be contacted on 083 650 4206.

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FROM THE EDITOR

18 November 2020

Education under stress in 2020

As the matrics of 2020 face their ultimate test, our special thoughts are with them. The additional pressure they have had to endure this year as a result of the lockdown has been extreme, but we have every confidence that their teachers and families have provided the support they need to meet the challenge.

Of course, the situation has been difficult for all learners, from pre-school upwards, and the effect this disruptive year will have on them in the longer term is yet to emerge. According

to Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, 10% of children who were enrolled before lockdown have not returned to school.

the level of anger boiling under the surface, just waiting to be triggered.

Significantly, it had absolutely nothing to do with the welfare of the already-stressed matrics at the school.

But there is another challenging aspect of education, especially in urban communities, which has recently been highlighted by the events at Brackenfell High School in Cape Town.

The question it raises, which we should all be grappling with, is what educational transformation really means. Certainly, most former Model C schools are now fully inclusive in terms of learner diversity, but what about the teaching staff and even more pertinently, what about the parents?

It is an issue with wide-ranging implications for society in South Africa way beyond 2020, a stark reminder of

NEWS WhatsApp or SMS your stories and photos to 083 700 3319 De Waal Steyn

E: dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za

Hedda Mittner

CONTENT EDITOR T: 083 645 3928

E: hedda@thevillagenews.co.za

Raphael da Silva ONLINE EDITOR T: 074 125 5854

E: raphael@thevillagenews.co.za

Elaine Davie

JOURNALIST T: 084 343 7500

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

E: taylum@thevillagenews.co.za

As educationist Dr Mary Metcalf points out, by focusing on the opportunities this demographic diversity offers us, we can gain new insights into one another’s cultures and values

and possibly form new friendships.

This is when racial differences cease to matter, the happiness of the children is paramount and we begin to see each other simply as fellow human beings, and not the enemy.

We believe that in the Overstrand we are already starting to move in this direction. Let’s make it happen… for all our sakes.

This is the good NEWS. -Ed

Ring-a-ring-a-rosies / a pocket full of posies...

THE VILLAGE

PUBLISHING EDITOR T: 083 700 3319

While the learners may form cross-cultural friendships at school, to what extent can these be extended into their after-school lives? Are they invited to parties at one another’s homes, do they have sleep-overs, do their families socialise with one another, especially when class differences are added to the mix?

By Murray Stewart murray.stewart49@gmail.com

people – a large portion of the then-known world’s population.

T

A few other pandemics popped up over the next few centuries (664 in England/Ireland), but the next viral tsunami was the Black Plague with its multiple sources of origin. One source is claimed to have come from the East. Some corpses of missionaries returning home from Mongolia along the regular trade routes were exhumed, analysed and found to be infected.

With the fleas carried by rodents throughout the Empire’s spider web of trade routes, the plague flourished for 60 years, and continued to terrorise the world for the next four centuries.

he For Fact’s Sake columns are – according to Google and the Duck ’n Fiddle’s Explanation of Everything – based in truth.

Occasionally however, names and places have been changed to protect innocent people involved.

Atishoo! Atishoo! My kingdom for a tissue!

Without getting too morbid on the subject of pandemics, poxes and plagues, some research concerning their origins proved interesting enough to share.

In 1348 about a million people died around Florence alone. That same year, Pope Clement VI, who was living in France, organised a pilgrimage to Rome, and proudly mustered up one million devotees for the 500-mile trek.

Only 100 000 returned.

Apparently there are two main culprits: Bubonic – injected into the bloodstream, e.g. by flea bites, or Pneumonic – air-borne and inhaled.

We’re currently grappling with the latter, but let’s take a look back at how the gods periodically culled humans with new variations of plagues.

By the end of the 14th century, 25 million deaths were recorded – about a third of Europe’s population. What became of the Mongolians is uncertain, but they obviously didn’t give up inventing things, because a more recent virus seems to have its roots in the same neck of the bamboo.

Man has suffered from deadly viruses since Adam, the first being recorded in Babylon in 3 000 BCE which wiped out a third of the local population. Then those Biblical plagues in Egypt were pretty rough going, but for the known world at the time, worse was yet to come.

About 45 plagues were recorded between 1500 and 1720, the most notorious being in London (1666). Until then, nearly 70 000 Londoners had perished, and as a preventative measure – I hate to even mention this – they burned all dogs, cats, mice and rats, hopefully with all their accompanying fleas.

Around the year naught, the Roman Empire was in full throttle, and they’d created traderoutes throughout Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor and beyond. A disease (bubonic), spread across the whole region via these routes, and lasted for 52 years, killing roughly 100 million

It was too little too late. In retaliation against this animal abuse, a conspiracy of cats set alight a shop in Pudding Lane which spread like... well, like wildfire. It raged for four days, reducing 80% of London to ashes. Other major outbreaks occurred in Marseilles (1720), and then of course there was the Spanish flu (1918), which didn’t even originate in Spain.

Not directly involved in WWI, they were the only major European country able to maintain records of all the other countries’ deaths, and became the archive for information and statistics – hence the misleading label.

Descriptions and drawings from 1720 show doctors wearing thick clothing, gloves, and masks with sewed-in ‘beaks’ containing fragrant herbs to ward off the evil smells that carried the pox. Currently, we’re encouraged to follow suit, although thick clothing is optional, and inhaling ‘fragrant herbs’ is fairly common these days anyway. But most of us have become accustomed to wearing a mask, reduce nose-picking, and to stop French-kissing strangers on impulse.

Safety guidelines in various sports have been introduced globally, and one quaint precaution has bounced up in cricket. Occasionally we’ll see a fielder wearing two hats/caps. One belongs to the bowler, and for health/safety reasons, the umpire may no longer hold on to his cap while he’s bowling, as was the tradition since the Flintstones. Apparently, passing the virus on to a teammate is preferable.

Well, that’s just not cricket! Anyone for tennis?

Charé van der Walt MARKETING & SALES MANAGER T: 082 430 1974

E: chare@thevillagenews.co.za

HERMANUS: SEVEN-DAY WEATHER AND TIDE TABLE Wed | 18 Nov

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Nickey Jackson

SALES REPRESENTATIVE & DESIGN T: 079 408 7722

E: nickey@thevillagenews.co.za

ADMIN & FINANCE

E: admin@thevillagenews.co.za

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

18 November 2020

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

Send your letters to dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za.

Support raffle and win big!

Thank you for a very interesting and informative Village News. We have learnt so much about the wonderful Overberg by reading it every week. However, the excellent article on the cover page last week (11 Nov edition) about keeping our guard up made me a little upset as it was illustrated by the photograph above where not one single socialite of Hermanus was wearing a mask or practising

The Hermanus Botanical Society, which was unable to host the annual Flower Festival this year due to Covid-19, is raising much-needed funds with a Raffle. Tickets are only R10 and there are fabulous prizes to be won. HBS thanks all the sponsors who have generously donated the following prizes: CapeNature – 2 nights for 4 people at Grootvadersbosch; Creation Wines – voucher for R2 500; Grootbos Lodge – 1 night Bed & Breakfast for 2 people; Just Pure Bistro – voucher for R500; La Pentola – voucher for R1 000; Lize van der Walt – seascape print; Margaret de Villiers – botanical print; The Marine Hotel – 1 night Bed & Breakfast for 2 people, High Tea for 4 people, and Sunday lunch for 4 people; Refine Clinic – Diamond facial voucher; Walker Bay Nursery – voucher for R500; Wine Village – Fynbos Gin and 3-Wine presentation pack. Van Blommestein Continental Butchery also donated 2 x R200 vouchers as prizes in the lucky draw for ticket sellers.

To buy tickets, please contact Linda on 082 570 3222 or Lori on 082 871 5624. You can also buy tickets at the Fernkloof Nursery at Fernkloof Nature Reserve from 09:00 – 13:00 daily except Sundays.

We need to keep to the rules

HERMANUS BOTANICAL SOCIETY

Raffle

TICKETS @ R10 EACH LOTS OF EXCITING PRIZES TO BE WON! DRAW: 11TH DECEMBER 2020 FERNKLOOF NATURE RESERVE GARDENS NLCSA: 00328/01

Mask up, people!

What is the point of President Ramaphosa and the Overstrand Municipality reminding us to wear masks at gatherings etc, when your front page picture and the picture at a function show unmasked people who should know better and be an example to the many who don’t?

Mark, Sandbaai

social distancing! Okay, they were having a glass of wine, but keeping a distance was not apparent and not all were drinking wine.

Page 5 also showed guests at a function all shoulder to shoulder and not a mask in sight.

What example is this showing to the public, I ask? We really do need to stop being complacent and keep to the rules.

P Wynne, Kleinmond Under current Covid-19 regulations, members of the public who are dining out, gathering at wine bars or attending functions where food and drinks are served, are allowed to remove their masks while eating and/or drinking.

Social distancing is also not always adhered to during these occasions. While The Village NEWS is supportive of all local establishments – and their staff – who suffered great losses during the lockdown before being permitted to resume trade, it remains each one’s responsibility to ensure that the proper protocols are followed by their guests. We are fully supportive of every effort made to minimise the risk of transmission. Where possible, before taking any pictures, we ask people whether they want to pose with or without their masks. - Ed

Night of 1000 Drawings postponed The Night of a Thousand Drawings has become an important annual charity event on Hermanus’s social calendar. The First Fridays galleries that coordinate and host the evening put many hours of work into collecting the artworks and staging the event itself.

The Overstrand Hospice 600 Club’s monthly draw was done on Thursday 12 November

by Theresa Maree from AVBOB Hermanus. The winners were: 1st Joan Saayman, 2nd Willem van Schoor, and 3rd Patricia Hodson. You can support Overstrand Hospice by joining the 600 Club for only R50 per month. Cash prizes are up for grabs every month.

For more information, contact Suzette Botha on 028 312 4679 or fundraising@overstrandhospice.org.za or visit the offices at 10 Hope Street, Hermanus. From left are Suzette Botha (Hospice), Theresa Maree (AVBOB) and Lynn Sillifant (Don Adams Auditors).

As a result of their efforts, hundreds of thousands of Rands have been donated to many Hermanus-based charities over the years and the galleries take great pride in the contribution this makes to the wider community.

There is no doubt that 2020 has brought with it many unforeseen challenges and has temporarily changed many aspects of daily life. In line with this new reality, and with great regret, the Hermanus First Fridays galleries have made the

difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Night of a Thousand Drawings, due to have taken place on 4 December.

After much deliberation, it was felt that it would be irresponsible to host an evening where hundreds of people gather, particularly so soon before Christmas when families are hoping to spend time together.

The unprecedented circumstances that forced this decision will pass and the time will come when the galleries will be able to host Night of a Thousand Drawings and crowds of excited art buyers will once again throng the streets of Hermanus.

Hermanus First Fridays Artwalk Committee

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

18 November 2020

Five-star performance by Overberg wineries Writer Hedda Mittner

W

ine producers from the Overberg once again made us proud when the 2021 Platter’s by Diners Club SA Wine Guide announced South Africa’s winning wineries and 5-star wines last week. No less than 14 local producers were awarded the coveted Platter’s 5-star seal of approval.

“2020 was, to say the least, incredibly challenging for the South African wine industry,” said the publisher of Platter’s by Diners Club, Jean-Pierre Rossouw, “and the after-effects of the prohibition will be with us for some time to come. But, as the results in the 2021 Wine Guide will show, the quality of our wines and the progressive energy of our winemaking teams cannot be denied.”

Taking top honours in the 2021 Platter’s Wine Guide is Kleine Zalze Wine Estate, situated just outside Stellenbosch, which produced seven 5-star-winning wines and was awarded the title of Top Winery of the Year. De Trafford Wines (also in Stellenbosch) and Sadie Family Wines (Malmesbury) each secured six 5-star ratings. Noticeable mention was given to Alheit Vineyards, situated in Hemel-en-Aarde, which

produced five 5-star wines: Cartology 2019, Magnetic North 2019, Hemelrand Vine Garden 2019, Lost & Found 2019, and Nautical Dawn 2019.

to the impact of the prohibition on the sale of alcohol, as well as the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions on the hospitality and tourism industries, the announcement of the latest Platter’s 5-star ratings was welcomed by our embattled wineries.

Two other local wineries each produced three 5-star wines – Oak Valley in Elgin (South Ridge CY548 Chardonnay 2017, Chardonnay Groenlandberg 2019, and South Ridge CY95 Chardonnay 2017) and Newton Johnson in Hemel-en-Aarde (Pinot Noir 2019, Windandsea Pinot Noir 2019 and Chardonnay 2019). Also located in Hemel-en-Aarde, Bartho Eksteen’s two flagship wines, Vloekskoot 2019 and Houtskool 2019 were both 5-star winners, as were two Restless River wines (Main Road & Dignity 2017 and Ava Marie 2018), two produced by Storm Wines (Vrede Pinot Noir 2019 and Ignis Pinot Noir 2019) and two by Crystallum (Cuvée Cinéma 2019 and Mabalel 2019).

Beaumont Family Wines in Botrivier was again awarded five stars for Hope Marguerite 2019 and Vitruvian 2017.

ard Finlayson’s Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019 (Hemel-en-Aarde), Lomond’s Pincushion Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Cape Agulhas), Shannon Vineyards’ Mount Bullet Merlot 2017 (Elgin), Strandveld Vineyards’ Pofadderbos Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Cape Agulhas), Wildekrans’s Cape Blend 2017 (Botrivier) and Thorne & Daughters’ Rocking Horse 2019 (Botrivier).

For the past 40 years, the Platter’s Wine Guide has been regarded by discerning wine connoisseurs as the top authority on South African wines. Star ratings are determined by a points system ranging from 0 to 100. According to JP Rossouw, sighted tastings of more than 9 000 wines were conducted over a few months and only wines that scored 93 points and above proceeded to a second round of blind tastings by a small panel of experts. Making Platter’s annual 5-star wine list is regarded as one of the greatest achievements in the industry.

Beaumont Family Wines also announced that they were “jumping with joy!” Fantastic news!

Beaumont has won two Platter 5 stars this year!

Beaumont Hope Marguerite 2019 has cemented her place at the top with another 5-star vintage.

Our Vitruvian blend has also been awarded its first ever 5 stars… this is a huge moment for the whole team at Beaumont Family Wines. Well done to the @wineonaplatter team and tasters for making this happen in such challenging times.

Joining the 2021 Platter’s five-star list are Bouch-

After having suffered heavy losses this year due

Bartho Eksteen posted his reaction on Facebook: Wow! A year of exceptional highs and heartbreaking lows. We’ve been hit by the greatest blow our industry has seen since Phylloxera, during lockdown. It all became a little sweeter with the news of our two flagship Sauvignon Blancs receiving some of the highest honours in the country!

The complete Platter’s South African Wine Guide 2021 is expected to be on shelves in December.

Pioneering wine farm honoured for innovation by Great Wine Capitals Earlier this month, the Great Wine Capitals (GWC) Global Network announced six 2021 International Best of Wine Tourism Awards, which recognise outstanding wine tourism initiatives that exhibit standards of excellence. This year, the 18th edition was held in a virtual format and the regional winners were: Wirra Wirra Vineyards (Adelaide, Australia), Creation Wines (Cape Town, South Africa), Weingut Thörle (Mainz-Rheinhessen, Germany), Superuco Winery (Mendoza, Argentina), Monteverde Wine Experience Hotel (Porto, Portugal), and Albino Armani Viticoltori dal 1607 (Verona, Italy).

This was followed by the announcement that Creation Wines had also been declared the 2021 GWC Global Winner for Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences. Co-owner and marketing director Carolyn Martin says congratulations have been pouring in from all over the world. “On behalf

of the Creation team we’d like to thank all our friends, clients, suppliers and agents for their heart-warming support,” she said.

The GWC Global Network stated that “Wine tastings at Creation Wines are always a complete immersion into the entire experience of wine. On the back of Covid-19, this winery situated in the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde region, launched their virtual tasting packs to allow their customers to enjoy a sensory and guided tasting of six wines in the comfort of their own homes. Another innovative initiative is to assign one ‘tasting ambassador’ from the Creation team to each visitor, limiting guests’ interaction to that one person and ensuring exclusive attention and engagement.”

GWC is a network of major global cities sharing a key economic and cultural asset: their internationally renowned wine regions. The annual

Best of Wine Tourism Awards is an international competition designed to reward the wineries in member cities and wine regions that have distinguished themselves in terms of delivering quality experiences to the public.

Asked what the global award means to her, Carolyn replied: “To me the 2021 award is all about how we pivoted over the past months. Our team went to extraordinary lengths to mitigate the challenges imposed on wineries during the Covid-19 lockdown and the ban on the sale of alcohol. This happened on many levels: from sourcing materials and upskilling the team to the development of new products and delivery systems. I see the award as recognition for their resilience and courage during a time of great uncertainty and I would like to thank the judges for noticing. Sometimes innovation is born out of adversity; this year was nothing short of a miracle with suppliers, agents, friends and

clients rallying around to create our inspired new reality.”

The estate has played a pioneering role in the field of Wine and Food Pairing, presently offering no less than six options. The latest is the ‘Summertime Story of Creation’ pairing menu which Carolyn describes as “most original and scrumptious”.

“The Summertime Story of Creation is about grace and gratitude. It’s about our deep thankfulness to Nature, our dedicated team and our loyal clients for having made it possible to overcome the restrictions imposed on us by Covid-19. It’s about counting our many blessings and rewarding our clients not only with the finest of wines and seasonal foods from our pristine region but also with the gentle, joyous ambience of our magnificent setting – creating memories.”

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Hoy’s Koppie

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Voëlklip, Stanford & Gansbaai

Onrus, Whale Coast Mall & Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

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1 4 6

Join us at Ficks, 7 days a week, for your favourite pinchos, wine & cocktails. We also have a range of crispy flammkuche available as well as a delicious selection of desserts.

5 Village

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Square

We are situated at 8 Marine Drive, Westcliff , overlooking the historic Ficks Tidal Pool. We have wheelchair access to the left side of the parking area.

Please visit our website to view our full menu.

EMAIL: info@ficks.co.za

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TEL: 0283124082

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3

New Harbour

Hermanus Pieters se Fontein

Market

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(The place our village was originally named after)

Old Harbour

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Gearing’s Point

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

18 November 2020

#ALLOVEROVERBERG: NAPIER

Discover the rural charm and tranquility of Napier Writer & Photographer Taylum Meyer

S

ituated at the foot of the Soetmuisberg in the heart of the Overberg between Caledon and Bredasdorp, the small historical town of Napier is surrounded by seemingly never-ending grain fields, dotted with sheep and cattle. Our national bird, the Blue Crane, can often be seen in large flocks.

When entering this typical Overberg farming village on the R316, one is immediately struck by the beauty of its peaceful rural setting, its litter-free streets, attractive Dutch Reformed Church, quaint cottages and well-kept gardens.

The story of how the town of Napier was established is quite an amusing one. Apparently, in 1838, neighbours Michiel van Breda and Pieter Voltelyn van der Byl could not agree where the community church should be. Michiel wanted the church sited on his farm, Langfontein, while Pieter wanted it built on his property, Klipdrift.

Neither man would give way, so churches were built in both places, with the town of Bredasdorp growing around Breda’s church and the town of Napier around Van der Byl’s church.

Napier was named after Sir George Napier, the then Governor of the Cape.

The sleepy town of Napier is now home to several tourist attractions including an old watermill, a monument to commemorate the Ossewa Trek of 1838, a military museum, and a sundial which is generally accepted to be the largest sundial as well as the only vertical one in the country. Napier also has an annual Wine and Patat Festival, which was unfortunately cancelled this year due to Covid-19.

A variety of restaurants, guesthouses, antique

shops, farm stalls, galleries and a toy museum line the town’s main road, inviting visitors to explore what the town has to offer whilst enjoying the peaceful ambience away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Napier offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from B&Bs, guest houses and lodges to self-catering cottages in and around the town. On the rainy weekend that my partner and I visited Napier, we stayed at the picturesque Stellar Overberg Traveller’s Lodge, located on a farm with a small vineyard on the Klipdrift River.

We were greeted by the new farm manager, David Boyter and three friendly farm dogs when we arrived in the pouring rain after dark on the Friday evening. Our room for the weekend was beautifully decorated with an African theme and local Overberg touches such as furniture by Joshua Tree, wines from The Black Oystercatcher and craft beers from Fraser’s Folly.

On Saturday morning, the rain had finally let up a little and we were able to appreciate the view over a mouthwatering breakfast, which was delivered in a picnic basket filled with half a loaf of freshly-baked farm bread, homemade peanut butter, eggs from the chickens on the farm, locally sourced honey, fresh fruit, homemade muesli with berries and yoghurt, and freshly squeezed carrot and orange juice.

It was all delicious and we later found out that it was mainly prepared by David, who is also a qualified chef.

Setting off to explore the village, we started at the Napier Village Market at the Coffee Café where we browsed freshly baked goods, fresh produce, homemade chilli and curry sauces, Stellar SA Traveller's Lodge

cheeses, eggs, plants and more. Popping into Blue House Books next door, a quaint second-hand bookshop which also sells collectables, we got lost inside for a while as we studied the overflowing shelves, before crossing the road to The Gallery, which is owned by local Napier artist Helen Vale Xenos.

The gallery is filled with contemporary artworks by Helen, as well as pieces by Joshua Miles, Alex Hamilton, Liz van den Berg, Frans Mulder, Chris Jonker and ceramicist Madeleine Murray whose studio, Muddylane Ceramics we later visited.

From The Gallery we walked a short distance down the road to DeeZ (previously Gunner’s), a warm and inviting restaurant owned by Dee and Neal Robinson. Dee was unfortunately in Swellendam teaching a spice seminar, but we were lucky enough to meet Neal who treated us to some samosas and spring rolls. DeeZ sells food with an Asian influence which is as authentic as possible – they also make all their own masala and grow many of their own ingredients. On Saturday mornings DeeZ hosts a flea market where locals can come and sell their wares without having to rent a space.

Napier Antiek is one of several antique stores in Napier where vintage treasures are waiting to be discovered. After browsing to our hearts’ content, we came to our last stop for the day, the quaint Napier Farm Stall & Restaurant, where we enjoyed tea and delectable chocolate cake.

Located in a cosy 150-year-old building with a vine-covered stoep, this eatery offers hearty country fare and a selection of homemade treats to take home.

For dinner that evening, David recommended Pascal’s of Napier and made a reservation for us.

Owned by chef Mark Kerr, Pascal’s is recognised as one of the top restaurants in the Overberg and we were warmly welcomed at this cosy venue. Menu options range from Mark’s legendary Greek-style lamb shanks and Melanzane Parmigiana to awesome gourmet burgers, homemade pastas, seafood and vegetarian/vegan dishes.

Everything is made in-house from only the freshest of locally sourced ingredients.

After a good night’s sleep in our comfortable bed back at the Stellar Overberg Traveller’s Lodge, we woke up on Sunday morning to another scrumptious breakfast before packing up our things and tracking down David, who was busy working in the vineyard. We sat down with him in the main farmhouse as he explained the plans for the farm for next few years.

“We already have about 18 chickens on the farm which we get our eggs from and we are hoping to get some beehives so that we can make our own honey to serve to the guests. We are also growing olive trees and will be making our own wine from the grapes in the vineyard.”

David’s next project will be to establish a vegetable garden and fruit orchards on the farm to help feed the local community. Being a chef, he also hopes to establish a small restaurant on the farm and to turn Stellar Overberg into a sought-after venue for events and functions.

He has the full support of owners Tibor and Doris Tokai who are currently in Switzerland and who share his vision for the farm.

When you book your stay at Stellar Overberg, R100 of your accommodation fee will go towards the Stellar Tree Programme to buy seeds to plant trees, and R100 will go towards the vegetable garden. For more information visit www.stellar-sa.vacations.

18 November 2020

www.thevillagenews.co.za

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The Napier Village Market takes place on Saturdays from 9am at the Coffee Café in the main road. Browse through the tables and then enjoy a cup of coffee!

Pop into Blue House Books, a quaint second-hand bookshop next door to the Coffee Café, and get lost exploring the overflowing shelves.

The Gallery, which is owned by local Napier artist Helen Vale Xenos, is situated across the road from Blue House Books. It is filled with contemporary artworks by Helen, as well as pieces by Joshua Miles, Alex Hamilton, Liz van den Berg, Frans Mulder and Chris Jonker.

Foyle's Herbs & Plants also form part of the Napier Village Market and can often be found set up outside The Gallery on a Saturday morning with beautiful flowers and useful herbs such as thyme and coriander for sale.

DeeZ (previously Gunner’s) is a warm and inviting restaurant owned by Dee and Neal Robinson (above).DeeZ sells delicious food with an Asian influence.

Napier Antiek is one of several antique stores in Napier where vintage treasures are waiting to be discovered.

Napier Farm Stall & Restaurant is located in a cosy 150-year-old building with a vine-covered stoep on the edge of town. This eatery offers heart country fare and a selection of homemade treats to enjoy or take home – like this delectable chocolate cake!

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

18 November 2020

Artist Madeleine Murray's studio, Muddylane Ceramics, can be found on the main road just after the Dutch Reformed Church. Several of Madeleine's pieces are also in The Gallery.

Owned by chef Mark Kerr, Pascal’s of Napier is recognised as one of the top restaurants in the Overberg. The venue is cosy, the staff is friendly and the food is delicious!

Menu options at Pascal's range from Mark’s legendary Greek-style lamb shanks and Melanzane Parmigiana to awesome gourmet burgers, homemade pastas, seafood and vegetarian or vegan dishes. Everything is made in-house from only the freshest of locally sourced ingredients.

Chicken schnitzel with a three-cheese sauce and chips (back), and a beef burger with a homemade patty and bun, caramelised onion and bacon (front).

LEFT: Napier's attractive Dutch Reformed Church. TOP RIGHT: The sundial in Napier is generally accepted to be the largest sundial as well as the only vertical one in the country. BOTTOM RIGHT: A monument to commemorate the Ossewa Trek of 1838.

PHOTO: Xplorio

PHOTO: Xplorio

Homemade malva pudding with fresh cream (back); and ice-cream wrapped in a pancake with almonds, homemade chocolate sauce and homemade berry coulis (front).

18 November 2020

1. Moerse Farmstall & Overberg Nursey 072 592 3693 / 072 287 5845 Tasty home-cooked cuisine. Famous ROASTS every Sunday. Nursery specializes in clivia, orchids.

2. The Fox Pub & Restaurant - 083 998 9178 Where good friends meet.

3. Annette - 072 226 4317 Body massage, homemade candles.

4. Car Boot Market (behind Agri) First Saturday of every month.

5. Steve Peck - 1 West Street 081 817 3223 Guided bird tours, self-catering accommodation 6. Stellar Travellers Lodge - 1 Station Road 072 048 5673, www.stellar-sa.vacations 7. Rife Art Juhlene - 084 808 1969 Fine art, contemporary & outsider art.

8. Annie Pigott- 10 Eskom Str - 082 995 9995 By appointment. Versatile artist & teacher. Book for painting holidays.

9. Carin Maehr - 14 Eskom Str - 071 967 0278 Skilfully crafted, soft-fabric dolls.

10. Edie Wilson Smith - 23 Eskom Str 082 446 4538 Artist, Gallery, teacher of oil painting. Manufacturer of fine lemon cordial.

11. Bayleaf Bistro & Fabio's Pizzeria 072 132 2716 'Food with thought' Accommodation. Pizzas.

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

14. Die Akker Kafee - 14 Sarel Cilliers Str 084 460 7189 Café, groceries.

25. Napier All Sorts - 79 Sarel Cilliers Str 078 131 2031 Militaria, arts, crafts, coffee, accommodation

15. Blue House Books - 40 Sarel Cilliers Str 083 415 2365 Collectable Africana & other interesting books, Art.

26. Muddylane Pottery Studio - 77 Sarel Cilliers Str - 072 602 1857 Contemporary ceramics, handmade on the premises

16. Fragrant Food Café - 44 Sarel Cilliers Str 072 799 2380 Breakfasts, lunches, cakes. Marsala Mischief spices.

27. The Napier Country Lodge - Sarel Cilliers Str Temporary and permanent accommodation.

17. Habby Shack - 44 Sarel Cilliers Str Linleigh 066 238 5746 Hand-sourced fabric, yarns & haberdashery.

18. Napier Village Market - 082 457 2651 Vibey food market every Saturday.

19. Harcourts - 29 Sarel Cilliers Str - 028 423 3202 / Jean Viljoen Agent 079 361 2463 20. DeeZ Tapas Bar and Restaurant 072 799 2380 Open Tuesday to Saturday 11am till late.

21. Gunners Lodge - 59 Sarel Cilliers Str 028 423 3890 Accommodation.

22. Pascals of Napier - 48 Sarel Cilliers Str 028 423 3146 Open 7 days a week, for restaurant & accommodation.

12. Willemine Lieuwes - 082 897 7292 Bird nesting & feeding houses.

23. Seeff Napier - 52A Sarel Cilliers Str 028 423 3533 Napier property experts in buying, selling & letting.

13. Vanilla Cottage - 44 Krag Str -078 522 9685 Self-catering accommodation

24. Suntouched Inn - 54 Sarel Cilliers Str 028 423 3131 Restaurant and accommodation.

28. Kobi Upholstery - Sarel Cilliers Str 079 904 7392 Blinds, curtains, upholstery.

29. Private Gallery Napier - 082 712 0273 / 060 712 4001(by appointment) Herman v Bon Fine Art Photography & Yvonne De Wit hand crafted art jewellery.

30. Napier Farmstall - 106 Sarel Cilliers Str 028 423 3440 Restaurant, catering, famous 'black pan' breakfasts.

31. Vindigo Wines - 108 Sarel Cilliers Str - 028 423 3069 Specializing in locally produced, award-winning wines, Art & gifts.

32. JD Bistro - 110 Sarel Cilliers Str - 082 577 7041 Wood-fired artisan bread, Deli, restaurant.

33. Greta's Place - 028 423 3025 / 083 466 3584 Africana & rare books, wide selection second-hand books.

34. Margy Malan Ceramic Artist - Almond Str By appointment only - 071 834 6334.

35. Peace Valley Guest House - 2 Wouter Str 082 089 6904 4-Star graded guest house,

36. Tambani Embroidery - 1 Kuys Str Ina Le Roux 082 458 1133 Hand-embroidered panels for quilters and crafters.

37. Foyle's Herbs & Plants - 39 Jubileum Str Sarah 073 265 4643 Wide selection of herbs & plants. Posies made to order.

38. Barbie Cottage - 55 Hertzog Str 028 423 3799 / 083 444 1313 Pet friendly self-catering cottage, DSTV & Wi-Fi. 39. The Manor Motel - 8 Groenwoudt Str - 072 370 8411 Self-catering accommodation, 2-bedroom family unit & a 1-bedroom unit.

40. Blue Door Country Store - High Str -072 122 9593 Antique furniture, bric-a-brac.

41. Wokini Eco Cottages - 11 Elm Str - 082 554 3327 Self-catering accommodation, pet friendly.

42. Jan Daamen, Niels Bastiaensen - farm 37 Sandy's Glen Rd 072 097 2317 / 072 133 5476 Art and Photography.

43. Chas Everitt, Krag Str -Vicki 073 422 3172 For all your property needs in Napier.

Compiled by M Murray Nov 2019 Coordinates: 34.4754° S, 19.8961° E Municipality: Cape Agulhas Municipality, Western Cape, South Africa Established: 1838

WHAT’S ON

19 NOV – 24 NOV 2020

OVERBERG 19

Thursday

New Year’s Eve

Pollination Strategies Join Whale Coast Conservation Chair and fynbos enthusiast Dr Pat Miller on a walk in Fernkloof to look at pollination adaptations of some fynbos plants. The group will then tootle along to the Botanical Society Research Centre. Only 10 participants can be accommodated.

Contact 083 242 3295 or anina.wcc@ gmail.com. The cost is R120 pp, with all proceeds going to environmental education.

Fernkloof Nature Reserve | 10:00 Dutchies Charity Dinner Donate and Dine! Help Dutchies to make a difference by supporting the ‘It’s my Shop’ initiative in three easy steps: 1. Collect any 25 (or more) usable items in a fair condition in your home that you no longer need.

2. Deliver the items to Dutchies or arrange for collection by calling 028 314 1392 or sending an email to info@dutchies.co.za. 3. Enjoy a free meal prepared by Dutchies’ chefs and a glass of Iona wine. Bookings are essential.

Dutchies Beach Restaurant | 19:00

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Friday

Greyton Art Walk Enjoy a weekend filled with art in the beautiful village of Greyton. The art route starts at the Art Centre in the DRC Hall, the main exhibition area.

From there, follow the GAW signs and flags and walk the experience, or catch a ride on a donkey or horse cart to all of the participating galleries. Opening hours: Friday from 13:00 – 17:00, Saturday from 09:00 – 17:00, and Sunday from 09:00 – 14:00. For more information, contact one of the organisers – Chris Cloete 082 495 4019 / Rethea Fourie 071 225 6163 / Marianne Ehlers 076 034 5944.

Art Centre, DRC Hall | Fri, Sat & Sun 20 – 22 Nov 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

Join us for the arrival of 2021 with a celebration in the Pavilion.

Start the evening with a welcome drink and canapés.

Enjoy a 5-course feast, celebrate to the sounds of our DJ and toast the arrival of the New Year with a glass of bubbly.

the price of one on selected wines, beers and nibbles. Takura Terry & The Rockingsouls will be back again this Friday to rock you into the weekend!

Book via www.thewineglass.guru or call 082 082 0007.

The Wine Glass, 2 Harbour Rd, Hermanus | 16:00 – 18:00 (Fri & Sat) Bottomless Bubbles Friday Start the weekend in style at the iconic Marine Hotel with bottomless bubbles from L’Ormarins and chef’s welcome canapés at R185 pp, every Friday this November. Booking is essential on 028 313 1000 or bookings@themarine.co.za.

The Marine | 17:00 – 19:00

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Saturday

Covid Classic Due to the enthusiasm of their golfers, Hermanus Golf Club will be hosting the Covid Classic in place of the annual Walker Bay Classic, in collaboration with PSG Wealth.

This event will focus on the social enjoyment of the game and a return to competition golf. For further information contact 028 312 1954 or manager@hgc.co.za.

Hermanus Golf Club | from 07:00

Wildekrans Trail Run Run or walk 5km or 10km on the beautiful estate trails at Wildekrans Estate in the scenic Bot River Valley.

This is a timed event and there will be medals for all, in addition to prizes and lucky draws. Wine tasting included for all finishers over 18. Breakfast and coffee will be for sale. To enter at R120pp, go to raceday.co.za. For more details contact Japie Swanepoel on 082 44 33 033 or japie@raceday.co.za.

Wildekrans Wine Estate | 07:30 Kidbrooke Place Market Come and support the retired residents of Kidbrooke, who have been busy bees for the last few months, making goodies for their popular bi-annual market. You’ll find everything from preserves and cakes to quality second-hand clothes and costume jewellery, arts and crafts, brica-brac and plants. Enjoy a Christmas tea or a meal, and live entertainment

by Piano Ben. Great bargains to be had! For enquiries, contact Convenor Vanessa Ovenstone on 082 567 8121.

Kidbrooke Place, Onrus | 09:00 – 13:00

old, two-legged and four-legged family members are all welcome. You’ll find wholesome goodies, homemade crafts, local produce, beers and wine, speciality foods, coffee and live music.

Next to Hermanus Cricket Field | 09:00 – 13:00 Die Markie Looking for koek? Vetkoek, pannekoek, soet koekies, sout koekies, lewer koekies? A peaceful place to while away Saturday mornings, glass of wine in hand, with Woefie lying at your feet? Olives, freshly shucked oysters and other nibbles made by real people? Served on real porcelain, using real cutlery, sipping wine from a real wine glass? Then you’ll want 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

Hermanus Country Market A favourite among the locals. Young,

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 Gansbaai Coastal Cleanup Everyone is welcome to join Gansbaai Tourism for their second coastal cleanup of 2020. All the necessary equipment will be provided but bring your own water to keep you hydrated. Covid-19 protocols will be observed. The help of sponsors and anyone with a bakkie willing to transport the refuse bags will be appreciated. For more info contact Doulene Els 082 841 1670 or doulene@gansbaaitourism.co.za.

Gansbaai Tidal Pool | 13:00

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Tuesday

Hermanus Leeskring Join the Hermanus Leeskring for a discussion by Marinda Visser of the highly-acclaimed Kinders van die Spookwerwe by Lisa Albertyn du Toit.

Guests are welcome at R20 pp and members at R10 pp. Strict Covid rules will be adhered to. For enquiries, contact Anita Sutherland on 082 806 2347.

Herman Swart Hall, DRC Hermanus | 14:45

What's on at

Wine Tasting Experiences - DAILY Bubbles & Brunch - FROM 10AM | SATURDAY AND SUNDAY Gourmet Picnics - SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | R600 FOR TWO Rocking The Lagoon - 5 DECEMBER 2020 Live Music - 12+13 & 19+20 DECEMBER 2020

INFO@BENGUELACOVE.CO.ZA | +27 (0) 87 357 0637 | WWW.BENGUELACOVE.CO.ZA

MY WELLNESS

Albertyn

Let’s Orange the World T

he 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) runs every year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day), with the theme ‘Orange the World’. This United Nations campaign calls for global action to increase awareness.

Violence against women and children is one of the most prevalent forms of human rights abuse in the world. GBV knows no class, no creed and no race, and it is estimated that 1 in 5 women will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime.

In addition to physical violence, abuse can also take the form of emotional, economic, psychological, sexual and cultural abuse. Although these forms of abuse may not leave physical scarring, the trauma suffered has long-lasting effects on the victim and society as a whole.

From now until 25 November, Jax Bath from Gansbaai has initiated a drive to collect secondhand clothing for women and children which will then be distributed, with the help of local authorities, to victims of GBV in the Overstrand in order to help them start afresh. The following drop-off points and contact people have been arranged:

• •

Gansbaai: contact Jax on 072 585 8090 to arrange for dropoff/collection Stanford: contact Lin on 076 882 6976

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18 November 2020

•

•

to arrange for drop-off/collection Hermanus: you can drop off items at ProActive Gym’s reception (they are open from 05:00 to 19:30 Monday to Friday) or contact Taylum on 084 564 0779 if you can’t get to the gym Kleinmond: you can drop off items at the Kleinmond municipal office at 33 5th Ave or contact Cllr Grant Cohen on 072 436 9068

By becoming active citizens, we can help to stop the abuse of women and children, and assist in supporting survivors. Abuse has been normalised, but we can also fight it in our society by challenging the status quo.

By standing up for women, believing survivors, holding each other accountable and unlearning harmful misogyny and toxic masculinity, we can create a kinder, more inclusive society for all.

Tel: 028 271 4666 Fax: 028 271 4665 WhatsApp: 079 387 2650 Email: albertyn@netactive.co.za

Vir vriendelike diens! caring for you

As part of the UNs’ Orange the World campaign to combat GBV, Women of Strength will be hosting a Social Strongman event for female competitors only at Hemelen-Aarde Village on 5 December from 09:00 – 13:00. There will be some newbies who are new to any form of lifting, as well as SA Pro Strongman athletes, Amateur Strongman athletes and SA Powerlifters, among others. Anyone who would like to assist the organisers to secure more sponsorships and raffle prizes for this event, can contact Michelle on 084 512 8122. All Above are Francois Bezuidenhout and Siebert Wiid of Autohaven proceeds from this event will Hermanus, who handed over a generous sponsorship to Johan and Michelle Kruger on Monday.

PHOTO: Supplied be donated to the cause.

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18 November 2020

MY HOME

Brace yourselves – the tourists are on their way By Stuart Cohen CabinCare Property Management & Project Specialists

T

he sunny days have finally arrived and holiday rental hosts are like bees in a hive readying themselves for action – sprucing up accommodations and amenities in the hope that they will capitalise on the wave of tourists expected in the coming months. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen so much action – and so many rubble skips on the sidewalks of Hermanus!

The biggest and most unexpected surprise is that whilst some of us were still dreaming of welcoming international tourists, our dreams have actually come true with President Ramaphosa’s announcement that all international travel restrictions have been lifted. As long as the countries from which tourists travel allow them out, and they arrive with a negative Covid-19 test result not older than 72 hours from the time of departure, this season could well play out very differently than anticipated.

It remains to be seen what adjustments will be made to nightly rates in the next few weeks.

Up until last week we saw many of the high

and mid-end establishments left with no choice but to drop their rates in order to get a piece of the 2020 season’s holiday rentals pie.

Some hosts had even chosen to delist for the season as their target market is way above the means of most travelling South Africans and enquiry levels had plummeted when compared to the same period in 2019. Now, with the prospect of many international travellers changing their plans, we could be in for a season of note.

South Africa, and in particular the Western Cape, is still one of the most sought-after destinations and with the current state of the pandemic globally, it will be a gem of a destination for those seeking plenty of outdoor spaces, of which the Overstrand has an abundance.

Many of the local market’s holiday rental properties had been moved to long-term rentals over the past few months and whilst there are many available, we will no doubt see a shift back to some of them being listed again for holiday rentals this season. It doesn’t alter the fact that either way, there will be an oversupply of both types of accommodation.

Only two weeks ago Grant Smee, property entrepreneur and managing director of Only Realty, said that even though lockdown is largely over and some international tourists

are permitted, he did not see many of these units returning to the short-term market in the near future.

“This is owing to a number of factors, including uncertainty about the reintroduction of higher lockdown levels (which we now know is not happening in the foreseeable future), commitment to long-term lease agreements (generally six to 12 months) and the restrictive rules around international tourists that will probably limit their influx and keep demand low.”

Whilst the latter is about to change, the good news for those property owners who are in the short-term market, though, is that domestic travel levels will certainly increase and provide opportunity for short-term lets over the festive season.

According to Smee, "I do foresee demand increasing for the more affordable short-term properties. However, luxury short-term letting will see limited demand and be coupled with the need to discount their normal rates."

As mentioned in previous articles, owners who are looking to take advantage of any demand that will return to the short-term letting market will need to make certain their property provides excellent value and a unique offering, with the location, price, quality and overall

experience ensuring that it stands out from competing units.

"Without this additional input and effort, short-term letting may not meet the owners' financial needs and this could mean that the certainty and security of a long-term let, although providing lower income, may be a better option,” said Smee.

Scanning the news articles across the country shows that quite a number of short-term holiday accommodation and Airbnb units along the KZN South Coast have been converted to longer-term rental over the past six months. It is unlikely that those who currently have longterm tenants in place will be able to convert them back to holiday units for the forthcoming season, as most will have at least a 12-month lease in place.

Now the only thing we need to focus on is getting our houses in order, preparing for a better season than anticipated and continuing to spread the word of what an incredible destination and holiday experiences we have to offer in the Overberg. It’s been a long, dark and unstable time for us all, but we have come through it and there is a spring in the step of many who never thought this year-end period would provide something to look forward to – which it now does.

www.thevillagenews.co.za

18 November 2020 PHOTO: Overberg BMX Club

On Sunday 15 November Hermanus hosted the 5th and final leg of the Western Cape BMX provincial series. The 59 entrants ranged in age from 6 to 49 years, with the two biggest groups being made up of 13- and 14-year-old boys.

Members of the Overberg BMX Club took some podium positions in the younger age groups. Boys 6/7 years: Cruz Hendry 1st; Noah Rademeyer 2nd; Andreas Muller 3rd. Boys 8 years: Nathyn Gibbings 1st; Lyle Prinsloo 2nd. Boys 9 years: Jesse Rademeyer 1st; JD Conradie 2nd. Cruz and Jesse (left) will be representing the club at the SA BMX Championships in Durban on 5 December.

Congratulations!

21 The Hermanus Skatepark once again held a fundraising and promo day at the Hermanus Country Market on Saturday and invited members of the public to come and see the progress that has been made on the project thus far. The First Phase is almost complete as they officially launched the south-side banks of the park, and fundraising is well underway to complete the other sides. The skatepark, which is located behind the Hermanus Sports Centre, is a community-funded project managed by locals Graham Tjabring and Andreas Burgers.

The park is open to the public and dozens of youngsters are already making use of it – all that is required is that users look after the space. If you would like to make a donation to the Hermanus Skatepark to help them complete Phase 1, contact Graham on 084 520 8273.

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18 November 2020

L2L Ladies tackle tough practice walk T

he Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse (L2L) ladies held their second practice walk of the season on Sunday 15 November at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve near Gansbaai. Only 75 walkers could be accommodated and a total of 64 took part on the day. Among them were Kirsten Watson from Flower Valley Farm, and a few representatives from the L2L 2021 charities, including Sue Francken from Overstrand Hospice (the secondary beneficiary for 2021); Jenny Vorster from SOFCA; Phil Murray, Rebeccah Dames and Ruth Crichton from the Grootbos Foundation; and ladies from the Children’s Book Network.

The walkers, dressed in blue and sporting a variety of moustaches to raise awareness for men’s health, met at either Grotto Beach or in Stanford early in the morning, where

buses were waiting to drive them through to the starting point of their walk.

The location of this practice walk was a first for the L2L Ladies and was organised in collaboration with Phil Murray and her team, who mapped out the route along Grootbos’s beautiful Fynbos Trail and on to neighbouring Flower Valley Farm, before looping back into Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.

Rebeccah from the Grootbos Foundation set a brisk pace for the walkers as she led the way along the 20 km hike.

The walk was breathtakingly beautiful with pincushions lining the trail, and seemingly never-ending rolling hills blending into the horizon. The ladies passed through a milkwood forest and then made their way down to a waterfall before relaxing under some

The walkers enjoyed a half-hour lunch break next to a beautiful dam halfway through their challenging practice walk in Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.

PHOTO: Supplied

trees at a dam for their lunch break.

The last part of the walk proved to be the most challenging, especially the last 5 km which had a steep incline, but the ladies kept going and made it to the end with smiles on their faces and their souls refreshed. This practice walk was tougher than any of the others the L2L ladies had done and it was a good way for them to see how much they still needed to prepare for the main walk next year.

Those who couldn’t make it to the practice walk on Sunday joined in on a virtual practice walk. They included representatives from Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, Flower Valley Farm and the Children’s Book Network.

– Taylum Meyer

The walk was breathtakingly beautiful and pincushions lined the trail.

PHOTO: Phil Murray

L2L committee members Michele Serfontein and Esmé Henderson wearing blue and beards to show their support for men's health awareness.

The hike offered stunning views, but pushed the walkers to their limit.

PHOTO: Supplied

Rescued grysbokkie and fawn back in the wild H ats off to all those involved in the dramatic rescue of a Cape grysbokkie that was found injured near the old ‘circus grounds’ on Main Road by Whale Coast Conservation’s chameleon rescue volunteers in mid-September. The obvious first call was to the chameleon project leader, WCC’s Sheraine van Wyk, who in turn alerted the Fernkloof Senior Field Ranger, Dean Gardiner.

After capturing and sedating the grysbokkie, she was transported to the Bergview Veterinary Clinic where Dr Maarten van Dalsen took X-rays

to inspect her injuries more closely.

The grysbokkie was found to not only have a fracture in one half of her cloven hoof, but also to be pregnant. Her hoof was put into a splint and she was kept overnight at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Sheraine then contacted Danie and Sonja van Zyl, who offered the grysbokkie a safe haven on their farm in Hemelen-Aarde. With experience in wildlife rehabilitation, the Van Zyls’ farm was the perfect place for the grysbokkie to recover in peace, and eventually give birth safely on 8 October.

The story had a happy ending last

week when the grysbokkie and her baby were released back into Fernkloof Nature Reserve after some weeks of convalescence on the farm.

Overstrand Municipality would like to thank Sheraine van Wyk from WCC for her involvement from the beginning, in capturing the injured animal and arranging a safe haven for her, the Van Zyl family who were more than willing to assist with looking after and caring for the bokkies, and also Dr Maarten and his team from Bergview Veterinary Practice for taking such excellent care of the ewe and fawn.

Field rangers Darrol isaacs (left) and Dean Gardiner from Overstrand Municipality’s Environmental Management Services releasing the grysbokkie and her fawn back into the wild at Fernkloof Nature Reserve.

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18 November 2020

MY PET

What your cat wishes you knew

By Dr Hilldidge Beer

C

ats are mysterious creatures.

Independent, secretive and even standoffish at times, their behaviour can be baffling. But, if you know how to look for the subtle clues they give out, you’ll soon have your cat’s communication skills sorted.

1. Your cat is ill but shows no symptoms This is every veterinarian’s nightmare because usually by the time your cat lets on that he’s not well, his disease/ ailment is far advanced and more difficult, or impossible, to treat. Cats are masters of disguise, and in the wild they know that to show illness is a vulnerability that makes them prey to stronger creatures. All cats will instinctively hide illness.

Look out for: • Peeing in odd places like on your bed or in the bath, basin or shower • Hiding from you and other pets • Drinking more water than usual • Vomiting for more than 24 hours • Straining to poop • Avoiding favourite sleeping places

that are raised (your bed, a window sill)

his chin acne. Switch to a metal bowl and see if that helps.

All of these are clues to potential illnesses like arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer and constipation. Get your pet to the vet for a checkup asap because by the time you’ve picked up on these clues, his illness is probably far advanced.

Other possible causes include immune suppression, stress, food allergy, viruses or environmental allergies. If it’s really bothering you or your cat, your vet may recommend a skin scraping to determine the allergy, or daily chin cleaning.

2. Your cat refuses his favourite kibble (pellets) An astonishing 85% of cats over the age of three suffer dental disease.

Look out for: • Plaque build-up on his teeth and a reddening of the gums.

• He may refuse his usual pellets because crunching them hurts his gums.

5. Your cat vomited up a ‘hair tube’ These ‘tubes’ of compacted fur, commonly referred to as hairballs, are common in spring and summer when cats shed their winter coats.

Look out for: • Vomiting repeatedly for more than 24 hours. This indicates a much bigger problem and your cat must get to a vet as soon as possible.

Unless treated, dental decay can lead to more serious conditions like heart failure as bacteria from rotting teeth enters the bloodstream.

3. Your cat has scratched himself raw You’re diligent with tick and flea control but your cat is still scratching and

pulling out his fur.

Look out for: • Redness and itching around the mouth, face and between the paws.

Many cats are allergic to ticks and fleas but they can also be allergic to their food. Your cat may suffer from atopy, an allergic condition caused by environmental allergens. The only way to determine what’s making your cat itch is to visit your vet and ask about allergies. A simple diet change may help but until you know what the

allergen is, you’re wasting your money trying to cure it.

4. Your cat has ‘flea dirt’ on his chin This is weird because you know he’s been treated for ticks and fleas.

Actually, those tiny black spots are not ‘flea dirt’ at all but rather chin acne, a disorder in which excess oily material (sebum) is formed by glands in the skin of the chin.

Look out for: • Plastic fantastic. Yip, an allergy to a plastic food bowl may be causing

Grooming your cat regularly is the best hairball prevention, and there are some foods that help the food pass more easily through the digestive tract. This is particularly good for long-haired cats like Persians. Ask your EberVet Vetshop for grooming aids or food advice.

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18 November 2020

MY ENVIRONMENT

Those magnificent chameleons and their ballistic tongues

By Dr Anina Lee

H

ave you ever given much thought to animals’ tongues? We all have them – dogs, cats and people. Frogs use their tongues to catch prey and butterflies have coiled mouthparts that they unfurl to suck nectar from flowers. But probably the most amazing tongue belongs to the chameleon. As readers probably know by now, we at Whale Coast Conservation are particularly partial to chameleons.

Chameleons are ambush predators. Their weapon of choice is the tongue. When they spot a potential prey, they keep very still, and focus both eyes on the insect before launching the ballistic tongue. The attack is lightning fast – it lasts only a fraction of a second.

this horn-like structure. Think of pulling some socks over a short stick. When the chameleon is preparing to strike, the retractor (hypoglossus) muscle (4) is pulled over the horn (3) and bunches up against the hyoid at the back, like a concertina. In front of that sits a tube of collagen fibres (5) also wrapped around the horn.

A tube of accelerator muscles (6) wraps over the collagen fibres, but does not cover the tip of the tongue. This leaves the tip of the tongue or tongue pad (7) at the front of the mouth. All these soft tissues are attached to each other and work together.

Let’s look at how all this works:

BELOW: A chameleon's tongue in action.

PHOTO: National Geographic Society Newsroom

The hollow tongue fits like a sheath over the long, tapering cartilaginous spike called the hyoid horn. The horn is attached to the hyoid bone. The tongue consists of three primary components: the sticky tip, the retractor muscles and the accelerator muscles. When at rest, the whole assembly sits at the bottom of the chameleon’s mouth, the base placed down in the throat behind the head.

With the advent of ultra-slow motion photography, it has been possible to see exactly how the chameleon does what it’s been doing successfully for millions of years.

Before striking, the lizard moves it toward the front of the mouth and muscles raise the hyoid bone above the lower jaw. This is when we can see the tongue appearing in the chameleon’s mouth. After aiming with the entire head, the chameleon is ready to fire.

A chameleon’s tongue is made up of many different parts. A look at the diagram may help us visualise the parts. We know about the very sticky end (7) that sticks to its prey and can rip it off its perch. The stickiness is due to very viscous saliva that is 100 times stickier than human saliva. In other words, it sticks like glue.

To help hold on to the prey, there is also a small flap of skin at the sticky end (8) that ‘pouches’ the prey to make sure it doesn’t escape.

The accelerator muscles are essentially ‘sphincters’. These are rings of muscle that squeeze the collagen fibres against the hyoid horn.

The squeezing deforms the elastic collagen and locks in potential energy. It’s like an archer pulling back the string of his bow. His muscle energy is transformed into the potential energy in the bent bow. When the archer releases the string, all that potential energy in the bow propels the arrow forward at great speed.

At the other end – the chameleon end – the tongue is attached to the hyoid apparatus (1 & 2) at the back of the chameleon’s throat. There is a long bony projection from the hyoid – called the entoglossal process or horn (3) – that lies inside the mouth, pointing forward. You can imagine that this bony horn is at the heart of the missile, aiming at the prey.

The chameleon’s tongue is somewhat similar.

When the accelerator muscles contract, they deform the collagen layer, loading it with potential energy. When the muscle pressure is relaxed, the collagen springs back with super-speed to its previous lower energy state, propelling the rest of the tubular tongue forward and out. Muscle contraction on its own could never propel the tongue at such amazing speed.

The tongue is hollow and is sheathed around

ABOVE: Bony Hyoid; (2) Cartilage Hyoid; (3) Entoglossal process; (4) Hyoglossus (contractor) muscle; (5) Collagen fibres; (6) Lingual accelerator muscle; (7) Tongue pad; (8) Tongue ‘pouch’.

IMAGE: Madcham

How does the chameleon retract its tongue again – hopefully with an insect glued to it?

Remember that the retractor muscles were folded around the hyoid horn like a compressed concertina. When the tongue extends, the elastic retractors stretch with the rest of the tongue and glide smoothly off the tip of the horn.

These muscles are connected to the horn with a ligament, preventing them from flying clean off.

Then, after a hit (or a miss), the retractor muscles contract, bringing the rest of the tongue

with it. The tongue can pull back a prey item of about half the chameleon's own body weight.

Because speed is less important for reeling in prey than catching it, the retractors don't need great speed. Rather they need strength. Most of the time the tongue collapses and recoils on the way back, like a strand of spaghetti being sucked in.

Chameleons have been around for almost 100 million years, but now they need our help. Let our grandchildren not say that they disappeared on our watch.

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

18 November 2020

MOTORING

F

on cars

Compiled by John Floyd

Honda Jazz 1.5 Sport Writer John Floyd

H

onda has been involved in many forms of motorsport on both two and four wheels and a considerable amount of the performance technology has filtered through to production models. The motorcycle division has certainly benefitted from its racing department as MotoGP and WSBK results confirm.

In the four wheeled department the company produced amongst other derivatives the diminutive S800, theS2000, the NSX R and the iconic Civic Type R. The latter is probably the finest example, its latest version with a 2.0-litre VTEC turbo four cylinder engine producing an extremely healthy 228kW and 400 Nm a superb 6 speed, short shift manual transmission coupled to an

excellent chassis it truly is one of the best of Honda’s very rapid offerings.

So when I received news that I was to receive the new Honda Jazz Sport I was quivering with anticipation.

pedals, steering mounted gearshift paddles and red stitching throughout, beyond that it is the normal Jazz seating and features including the flat fold rear seats.

It certainly looked the part standing in the driveway from the large chrome Honda emblem on a black grille that blends into the LED headlight clusters featuring daytime LED running lights all this above an aggressive deep front spoiler with a large air dam flanked by fog lights.

It’s nice to know that the Jazz has got occupant safety well covered with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA),Brake Assist BAS/EBA), high level brake light, emergency brake and hazard lights, rear PDC and camera.

Gloss black 16 inch alloy wheels shod with185/55 R16 rubber, an impressive rear diffuser and a very significant spoiler topping the tailgate as well as red pin striping and gloss black detailing enhance the new Sport version.

On the road the good chassis dynamics are obvious with a firm but comfortable ride and great road grip from the tweaked damper settings, likewise stopping power is greatly improved with disc brakes all round.

The sport theme is reflected in the interior, with the addition of metallic

The 1.5 litre 4 cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine claims figures of 97 kW with 155 Nm of torque driving

the front wheels through a CVT gearbox and there is my issue with the Jazz Sport.

Despite the addition of steering mounted paddle shifts the transmission is just not a match for the high revving and very willing motor, acceleration is reasonable but could be a lot better if fitted with a manual gearbox.

Overtaking moves with a flat throttle tend to produce a lot of revs but not the go one would expect from the flagship of the Jazz range.

Pricing is on the high side in this category, I agree there is a lot of kit on board but branded as a sport version and looking every inch a performance derivative, one would expect the driving experience to reflect this, sadly that CVT denies driver fulfillment to match those aggressive looks.

Honda Jazz 1.5 Sport

Vehicle Type: Hatchback Engine: 1.5 litre petrol inline 4 97kW 155Nm Transmission: CVT Automatic / FWD Max Speed: 180 km/h 0-100km/h: 9.8 seconds Fuel Consumption Average: 5.6 l/100km Tank Capacity/Range: 40 litres / 714 km CO2 Emission: 133 g/km Load Capacity: 359- 889-1881 litres Warranty: 5 years / 200 000 km Service/Maintenance Plan: Service Plan 4 years/60 000km List Price: R373 300

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18 November 2020

'Eight generations of innovation, perfected' T

he original Honda Ballade was launched in South Africa in 1982, and it quickly grew to become one of Honda's most iconic models in the country, one which competed well above its class in terms of both style and substance.

Now, almost 40 years later, the Honda Ballade remains one of South Africa's most recognisable brand names and has played a significant role in cultivating the growth of Honda Motor Southern Africa as a stand-alone entity in our market.

“We are delighted to launch the all-new Ballade to coincide with the celebration of Honda Motor Southern Africa's 20th anniversary,” says Yuishi Fukuda, president of Honda Motor Southern Africa. “We unleash the power of dreams by focusing on real-world needs of our customers, and this is certainly true of the Ballade which is one of our longest-running and most successful nameplates in South Africa.

“The all-new Ballade is a symbol of the brand's evolution in South Africa over the past two decades, and has contributed to Honda’s peerless reputation for delivering exceptional durability, quality and reliability in every segment in which we compete,” Fukuda says.

“Our aim is mobility – to free people to enjoy their lives. That means that we must focus on providing products of the highest quality at a reasonable price,” he adds. “To achieve this balance, everything we do, including our product design and business processes, is based on the pillars of quality, durability and reliability. Our customers trust the Honda brand because they know that they can trust our products.”

This is the result of its clean and sculpted body shape emphasised by a lower and wider stance, along with a longer bonnet and short front overhang. The all-new Ballade ups the ante in just about every way, uniquely differentiating it from every other sedan in its class.

The new model is also larger than the outgoing model: 110mm longer, 55mm wider, and 10mm lower. This translates into a lower centre of gravity for greater on-road stability, boosting cornering confidence and improving overall driving dynamics. This also lends the Ballade a more athletic and dynamic appearance, while also increasing interior space for improved passenger comfort.

RS BADGE NOW IN SA The all-new Ballade is the first model to introduce the global Honda ‘RS’ brand name to Southern Africa. Honda uniquely defines ‘RS’ as ‘Road Sailing’, a nod to the smooth nature of a boat sailing on water.

With the introduction of the Ballade RS, the model aims to add excitement to the new line-up with the addition of sporty cosmetic enhancements.

The Ballade Comfort and Elegance models are equipped with projector-type halogen lights, while the range topping RS is fitted with LED headlights and fog lights. All models come standard with LED daytime running lights and distinctive LED taillights that wrap around the side of the body to accentuate the vehicle’s aerodynamic design throughout.

The Comfort and Elegance models are equipped with 15-ich alloy wheels, while the RS model gains 16-inch alloys. The flagship RS model is further differentiated through the addition of exclusive RS design elements including front and rear sport bumpers, a rear trunk spoiler, a meshtype grille and unique fog light housing.

INTERIOR COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE The all-new Ballade’s interior depicts a modern, driver-oriented design which achieves the perfect combination of functional ease of use, high quality materials and beauty. The minimalistic fascia of the interior depicts Honda’s latest design philosophy, featuring attractive soft-touch and accent materials of premium quality.

Driver-oriented ergonomics are also a key focus area of the all-new Ballade, offering a comfortable seating position with intuitive access to the various vehicle controls. Furthermore, the new slim A-pillar and repositioned side-mirrors provide an excellent field of view for the driver while also minimising blind spots.

Driving comfort has been significantly bolstered through the fitment of new seat designs featuring high-quality fabric upholstery on Comfort and Elegance models, while the range-topping RS interior is adorned with premium leather upholstery.

EXTERIOR DESIGN The new Ballade’s striking styling reflects a revolutionary silhouette for a sedan of its kind, creating an overall sleek and sporty appearance.

Electrically operated side mirrors and windows, cruise control, automatic air-conditioning and auto headlights are all standard features across the range.

The flagship RS model gains a host of additional features and technology such as smart entry with walk-away auto locking, a rear-view parking camera, electric sunroof, and an all-new intuitive 7-inch TFT multi-information display replacing the traditional analogue instrument cluster. This allows the driver to easily adjust the contents displayed on the instrument cluster via controls on the steering wheel.

Another exciting addition to the newcomer is the high-resolution eight-inch touchscreen display which has been neatly integrated into the instrument panel. The brand-new infotainment system comes standard on the Elegance and RS models and grants the user full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The unit also

standard safety features across the model range.

Active safety features include an advanced Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) which allow for more effective vehicle control. Rear parking sensors are standard on all but the base Comfort model, while the RS model gains a reverse parking camera for added convenience.

Passive safety is provided for by driver, front passenger, side and curtain SRS airbags as standard across the model range. In addition, all models are equipped with seatbelt pretensioners and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

As with all Honda models, the all-new Ballade has been constructed with Honda's ACE body structure which allows for the even distribution and redirection of collision energy away from the passenger compartment, while at the same time minimising damage to other impacted vehicles.

Honda’s signature design cues are evident throughout the new Ballade, including a solid wing face that spans the entire front width of the car, while incorporating the brand’s bold grille design and the new slim headlight treatment shared with the larger Honda Civic.

While remaining true to Honda’s proud heritage, the all-new Ballade raises the bar to a whole new level. “With a strikingly sporty and sophisticated exterior design, exceptional interior space and an extensive list of high-tech features, the all-new Ballade represents many generations of Honda innovation at its best,” states Dinesh Govender, Honda GM of Automobiles and Corporate.

“The all-new Ballade is a product for our Honda loyalists and Honda fans alike, who have grown up with the brand in their households and who appreciate the inherent values and qualities associated with owning a Honda,” Govender says.

features Bluetooth and steering wheel controls.

ENGINE, TRANSMISSION & SUSPENSION The 1.5L SOHC i-VTEC engine featured on the outgoing model was held in high regard for its optimum balance between performance and efficiency. The all-new Ballade improves on this with the introduction of an 1.5L DOHC engine with i-VTEC technology.

The new and improved powertrain achieves improved efficiency and reduced emissions, without compromising on performance. It now generates a slightly higher power output of 89kW at 6 600 r/min, while the same peak torque of 145 Nm is now reached at a lower engine speed of 4500 r/min.

With global oil prices once again on the rise, fuel economy has become an increasingly important consideration for many buyers. Accordingly, customers will benefit from the all-new Ballade returning an average combined cycle consumption figure of 5.5L/l00km, along with CO2 emissions of 131g/km.

The Ballade is fitted with a revised version of Honda's Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which now features ‘G-Design’ shift control.

This creates the sense of driving a traditional automatic transmission through the integration of artificial gears during acceleration, but with the enhanced efficiency of a CVT. Underpinning the all-new Ballade is a lightweight and highly rigid platform carried over and adapted from the outgoing model. Through the adoption of Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) design technology and new high-tensile materials, significant improvements have been achieved in the overall dynamic performance, handling and safety of the new model.

SAFETY The latest-generation Ballade offers a host of

MODEL SPECIFICATION The all-new Ballade range will launch with three models: Comfort, Elegance and RS. All models are equipped with the new1.5L DOHC i-VTEC powertrain and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The colour line-up for the Ballade includes a new Platinum White (Pearl), Radiant Red (Metallic), Lunar Silver (Metallic) and Modern Steel (Metallic)

WARRANTY AND SERVICE PLAN For additional peace of mind, the Honda Ballade range comes standard with Honda’s fiveyear/200 000 warranty, as well as a four-year/60 000km Service Plan with 15 000km service intervals.

Customers also have the reassurance of threeyear AA Roadside Assistance.

PRICING Ballade 1.5 Comfort CVT Ballade 1.5 Elegance CVT Ballade 1.5 RS CVT

R336 500 R366 900 R396 900

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18 November 2020

Four new Hilux for 2021 Dakar T

OYOTA GAZOO Racing will be entering four crews in the 2021 Dakar Rally, scheduled to start on January 3 in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. The works team will consist of Nasser Al-Attiyah and navigator Mathieu Baumel; Giniel de Villiers and navigator Alex Haro; rookie Henk Lategan and navigator Brett Cummings; and Shameer Variawa and navigator Dennis Murphy.

The team, which has competed at the Dakar since 2012, will field a mix of highly experienced specialists, together with relative newcomers to the rally-raid world for 2021. This will give TOYOTA GAZOO Racing a strong attacking force in the form of Nasser and Mathieu; as well as Giniel and Alex, while building depth and experience in the form of Henk and Brett, as well as Shameer and Dennis.

Since its first Dakar Rally entry, the team recorded best overall results of 3rd (2012), 2nd (2013), 4th (2014), 2nd (2015), 3rd (2016), 5th (2017), 2nd(2018), 1st (2019) and 2nd (2020).

as much as possible from his first visit to the Dakar. Navigator Brett has competed in the gruelling race twice before in the motorcycle category, recording a second place in what was then known as the Malle Moto category for unsupported motorcycle racers in the 2014 edition of the race.

Finally, Shameer and Dennis, also from South Africa, will complete the fourcar team. Shameer, who has won local championships in South Africa in the past, has taken part in the Dakar Rally before, but this will be his first outing with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. Navigator Dennis has worked at the race in a technical capacity for the team in the past and is a multiple South African national champion navigator, but this will be his first time navigating in the Dakar Rally.

As in 2020, the team will be spear-headed by 2019 winners Nasser and Mathieu, who finished second in the 2020 edition of the Dakar Rally.

During a truncated 2020, they secured victory in the Rally of Andalucía and Nasser will be aiming to add to his tally of three Dakar wins. Giniel and navigator Alex will be hoping to build on their 2019 victory in the Rally of Morocco, which Giniel has won three times.

The team will compete in the latest version of the Toyota Hilux, built and developed at the team’s HQ near the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg, South Africa. The current car is based on the race-proven Hilux that was introduced in 2018, and features a mid-mounted engine, independent rear suspension and allwheel drive. The car has seen significant refinements over the years, and its results on the Dakar Rally serves as proof of the reliability and toughness associated with the Hilux. Its first outing saw the team achieve a second and third place in 2018, followed by and overall victory in 2019 and second place in 2020.

South Africans Henk and Brett will be joining the squad for 2021. While this will be Henk’s first Dakar Rally, he recently secured the highly competitive South African Cross-Country Series (SACCS) title for a second consecutive time and will be aiming to learn

The car has seen substantial development thanks the team competing locally in the SACCS. This allowed TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Dakar Team Principal, Glyn Hall, to refine the car on an ongoing basis, while getting valuable feedback from both Giniel and

Nasser Al-Attiyah (Qatar) Driver

Mathieu Baumel (France) Navigator

Career Highlights:

Career Highlights:

• Dakar Rally Winner (2011, 2015, 2019) • FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies Winner (2008, 2015, 2016, 2017)

• Dakar Rally Winner (2015, 2019) • FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies Winner (2015, 2016, 2017)

Giniel de Villiers (South Africa) Driver Career Highlights: • Dakar Rally Winner (2009) • Rally of Morocco Winner (2003, 2006, 2007, 2019)

Henk in race conditions. For 2021, the overall layout and geometry of the car remains unchanged, but refinements to the suspension and the naturally aspirated V8 engine have ensured that the latest version of the Hilux is as competitive and reliable as ever.

One major change to the 2021 race Toyota Hilux is in the exterior design, which now reflects the latest version of the production Toyota Hilux. The new 2020 Hilux combines a striking new front design, the addition of a powerful 2.8 litre powertrain and improvements to both its on- and off-road performance with greater comfort, upgraded equipment and an expanded model range. The front of the new 2020 Hilux has been completely redesigned with a bold, powerfully three-dimensional new grille and front bumper treatment which significantly increases the pickup's road presence and strong stature, whilst reinforcing its tough, robust, go-anywhere credentials.

The new DOHC (1), 16 valve, 2755 cc diesel engine generates 150 kW/ 204 DIN hp at 3400 rpm and, with automatic transmission, 500 Nm of torque between 1600 and 2800 rpm.

Maximum torque for manual transmission versions is 420 Nm between 1400 and 3400 rpm.

The 4x4 Hilux's already peerless offroad credentials have been further enhanced by the addition of a new electronic function (that can be activated in 2WD mode) replicating the effect of a mechanical limited-slip differential for improved traction on low grip surfaces in 2-wheel drive mode (available on 4WD models only); the lowering of engine speed at idle from 850 to 680 rpm and a tuned accelerator response for greater driver control;

Alex Haro (Spain) Navigator

Henk Lategan (South Africa) Driver

Career Highlights:

Career Highlights:

• Dakar Rally 2nd (2019)

• South African Cross-Country Champion (2019, 2020)

an updated VSC system; dedicated Variable Flow Control (VFC) map for appropriate steering effort, and a new tyre angle monitor.

Further reinforcing its go-anywhere credentials, the Hilux boasts class-leading minimum running ground clearance of 310 mm on Double-cabs, all-important approach and departure angles of 29 and 26 degrees respectively, and the ability to wade to a depth of 700 mm.

The 2021 edition of the Dakar Rally will again take place solely in Saudi Arabia, with crews setting off from the city of Jeddah on January 3. The 2021 route will traverse similar terrain to that encountered on the 2020 edition, but the organisers have promised allnew sections the ensure a competitive race. The traditional rest day will take place on January 9 in the city of Ha’il, before the route loops back to Jeddah for the finish on January 15. The 2021 route is also expected to feature two looped stages which start and end at the same place, as well as the traditional Marathon Stage which competitors will have to complete without an overnight return for service in the bivouac.

A new digital roadbook will be introduced for the 2021 edition, with the route only made available right before the start of each stage. This approach was trialled for select stages at the 2020 Dakar Rally but will become the norm. This new format not only adds an extra level of unpredictability but also makes the entire process easier to administer and control by race officials.

Glyn Hall, Team Principal: “We are very excited about the 2021 edition of the Dakar Rally, especially given

the circumstances with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has reigned in a lot of motorsport during the course of this year. As things stand, the race is set to go ahead early in the New Year, and we are overjoyed to be entering four proudly South African-built and developed Toyota Hilux in the race.”

Nasser Al-Attiyah: “I am so happy to be back at the Dakar, driving the Toyota Hilux again. We won with that car in 2019, and finished second in 2020.

Now it is time to go back to Saudi and challenge for victory again.”

Giniel de Villiers: “The Dakar is always a tough race, and last year proved that Saudi Arabia lived up to the toughness of the Dakar. We’re looking forward to taking on the race again in January, and we are ready for another tough challenge in the dunes and tracks of Saudi. The Hilux feels better than ever, and I’m confident that we have the right car for the upcoming race.”

Henk Lategan: “Racing in the Dakar has been a dream for me. Even after winning two championships in South Africa, taking on the world’s toughest race is a daunting prospect. I’m just glad I have Brett with me, who has competed twice at the Dakar already.

Having competed in local cross-country rallies in South Africa, I’m very familiar with the Hilux, which helps a lot, too.”

Shameer Variawa: “My previous experience at Dakar left me wanting more from the race. Now, as part of a works team, I’m looking forward to taking on the race again, and I’ll be aiming to learn as much as possible.

With that said, I’m also looking to record some good results, and will try to find a balance between speed and strategy early on.”

Brett Cummings (South Africa) Navigator

Shameer Variwa (South Africa) Driver

Career Highlights: • South African Cross-Country Navigator Champion (2019, 2020) • 2nd in Malle Moto, Dakar 2014

Career Highlights: • South African Off-Road Champion (2000)

Dennis Murphy (South Africa) Navigator Career Highlights: • South African Cross-Country Navigator Champion (2013, 2014, 2015, 2018)

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18 November 2020

Toyota Fortuner – More Luxury, More Style, More Features W

ithout fear of overstatement, the Toyota Fortuner is one SUV that definitely needs no introduction – it has firmly entrenched itself in the local marketplace and has been a runaway success since its inception way back in 2006. Now in its second generation, the 7-seat Fortuner continues to offer the perfect blend of styling, versatility, off-road prowess and practicality. Forming part of the Innovative Modular Vehicle (IMV) platform and sharing mechanical componentry with the revered Hilux, the Toyota Fortuner has found mass appeal with the South African public.

For 2020, the design and engineering teams focused on amplifying those core attributes that have made it so successful – sharpened styling, enhanced specification levels and improved performance all forming part of the brief.

New Flagship Grade While a two-tier grade strategy (entry and mid) has been in place since introduction, changing market requirements have led to the introduction of a new ‘range-topper’ in the form of the new 2.8 GD-6 VX. The VX suffix is employed on Toyota’s other SUV ranges (RAV4, Prado and Land Cruiser 200) and denotes the highest specification level on offer.

Exterior Styling The design team focused on retaining the characteristic profile of Fortuner while accentuating and refreshing the façade. At the front a larger, blacked-out grille with wave-like mesh pattern (gloss finish on VX) is accompanied by a silver-accented "skid-plate" underrun for a tougher, more integrated look. Re-profiled Bi-LED headlamps provide a sleeker look and these are further enhanced by prominent chrome accent strips that bridge the grille and headlamp assemblies.

The Bi-LED headlamps now feature striking scalloped DRL light guides and are joined by LED fog lamps and strip-like LED turn-signal elements in the lower bumper. At night, these strip lights double as additional puddle lighting.

On the VX-grade, the side profile is enhanced with a thin, chrome belt-line that extends towards the rear, effectively wrapping around the vehicle, and complementing the other chrome detailing. New tail lamp units with integrated light guides, help deliver a more striking nighttime signature.

A roof spoiler and Fortuner-emblazoned centre garnish complete the rear view. The overall result is a sleeker, more premium presentation while retaining the rugged curb-appeal that Fortuner is renowned for.

surface treatment – employing 265-60-R18 tyres.

With the aim of improving refinement and reducing NVH levels, a balance shaft has been incorporated into the 1GD engine architecture.

The above changes have been made in pursuit of offering an elevated driving experience without compromising the core Toyota values of ‘QDR’.

Interior Styling One of the key change points, is the shift to a black interior, in line with market requests. The previously employed brown-leather interior has been replaced by sophisticated black ‘hide’ with silver contrast stitching. High-brightness treatment has also been applied to the accent areas of the interior, resulting in a more premium atmosphere both visually and tactility.

A new instrument cluster design has been employed with metallic-blue dial faces, white needle pointers and a simple, elegant font – complementing the blue interior lighting. These are augmented by an expanded, centrally-mounted Multi-Information Display.

New-Generation Infotainment An all-new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality now calls Fortuner home. This allows users to mirror applications off their mobile phone – for seamless connectivity. Navigation applications such as Google Maps and Waze are natively included and occupants can also access their music libraries and streaming accounts via apps like Apple Music, JOOX, Spotify and SoundCloud. Wireless telephony is supported via Bluetooth with a USB input for additional media options.

The 2.8 GD-6 models (mid and VX) are also equipped with embedded Audio Visual Navigation (AVN).

Power & Performance The mechanicals have not been forgotten, as the output of the 2.8 GD-6 engine has been boosted by 20kW to 150kW, with an additional 50Nm on offer, bringing the figure to 500Nm.

Exterior Colours A total of seven exterior colours are on offer, with Oxide Bronze joining the colour palette (replacing Avant Garde Bronze). Glacier White, Chromium Silver, Graphite Grey and Attitude Black provide the neutral tones, while Cosmic Blue and Chestnut Brown remain the more expressive hues on offer.

Wheels & Tyres The 2.4 GD-6 models retain their 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 265-65-R17 rubber while the 2.8 GD-6 variants receive a stylish new 18-inch alloy wheel with turbine design and metallic

more efficient exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in the intake manifold. A water-cooled double-pipe pre-cooler results in optimum EGR gas temperature. The fuel index ranges from 6.8 to 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres (depending on engine and drivetrain configuration).

Toyota engineers have improved performance and fuel economy simultaneously by adopting a larger, heavy-duty turbocharger with a ball-bearing cartridge for exceptionally crisp and strong throttle response, and a new common-rail injection system with a higher maximum fuel pressure of 250 MPa. Higher outputs in the 1GD engine have also been supported by improvements including a new, coated cylinder-head gasket, revised higher-rigidity cylinder block and new exhaust manifold and gasket materials. Further cooling measures include a reshaped water jacket, revised cooling fan and fan coupling.

Fuel economy also benefits from a new combustion chamber that reduces cooling losses and

glovebox, multiple 12-volt power outlets, cup/ bottle holders and a tilt & telescopic adjustable steering column.

The 2.8 GD-6 ‘mid-grade’ adds an electro-chromatic rear view mirror, power seat adjustment for both driver and passenger, climate control as well as rear fog lamps. A leather steering wheel, leather dashboard accents and matte wood-trim - complete the interior offering.

The new VX model boasts seat heating (driver & passenger), welcome lighting and the Toyota Safety Sense system.

The six-speed automatic transmission in turn has been recalibrated to allow earlier lockup for improved acceleration and cooling performance, especially while towing.

Towing Capacity The towing capacity of 2.4 GD-6 4x4 models has seen a significant increase of 800kg, now registering 3.3 tons and matching that of the 2.8 GD-6 4x4 model. Subsequently, 2.8 GD-6 4x4 models now also boast a towing capacity of 3300kg (an increase of 300kg over the outgoing model).

Ride & Handling Underpinning the model, is the proven bodyon-frame construction of the IMV platform. In Fortuner execution, this comprises double-wishbone suspension at the front with a four-link arrangement in the rear – all using coil springs.

This layout serves to offer an excellent balance between wheel travel, durability and ride comfort.

Variable Flow Control All models benefit from a new variable-flow control (VFC) power-steering pump that improves fuel economy while delivering a more natural driving feel that varies depending on the driving conditions. A high level of assistance is offered at low speeds (parking manoeuvres) while offering lower levels of assistance at higher cruising speeds, in order to improve steering feel. A specific mode for low-range, off-road driving has also been included.

Specification Enhancements All Fortuner models come comprehensively equipped, in-line with their lifestyle usage. The 2.4 GD-6 variants now also include Park Distance Control (PDC) alongside full LED lighting, cruise control and touchscreen infotainment with aforementioned CarPlay and Android Auto. A new Multi-Information Display (MID) screen now includes a large, digital-speed read out and steering wheel angle indicator (for enhanced off-road usability).

These are joined by the base specification items such as one-touch power windows, reverse camera, steering switches, air-conditioned upper

Safety & Security Making its debut in Fortuner is the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) safety system. TSS integrates a Pre-collision system, Lane Departure Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and road sign recognition – to offer drivers additional peace of mind.

TSS joins the existing array of airbags, ISOFIX, seatbelt pre-tensioners and a full suite of active safety aids (ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, VSC, Trailer Sway Control, Traction Control). As before, 4x4 models also include Downhill Assist Control (DAC).

A comprehensive anti-theft system, speed-dependent auto-door lock function and keyless entry is included across the board.

Toyota Connect All models are also equipped with the Toyota Connect telematics system which includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary 15Gb data. Once linked to their profile, customers can manage their vehicle via the MyToyota App. This intuitive app allows on-demand service bookings, vehicle information and history, tracking data as well as Toyota Connect data recharge services and much more – latterly even including the ability to renew your vehicle license online.

Warranty and Maintenance All Fortuner models come with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. A 9-services/90 000 km service plan is standard on all models (service intervals of 10 000 km or 12-months). Customers can also purchase extended service plans and warranty packages via their Toyota dealer.

Model Line-up and Pricing Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 RB 6MT R 566 800 Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 RB 6AT R 588 000 Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4X4 6AT R 616 700 Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT R 700 100 Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4X4 6AT R 770 400 Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 RB VX 6AT R720 200 Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4X4 VX 6AT R 790 500 Note: 2.7 VVTi, 2.8 GD-6 Manual and 4.0 V6 models were removed from the line-up at Epic introduction