The Village NEWS 23 Sept - 30 Sept 2020

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23 SEPTEMBER 2020

www.thevillagenews.co.za

THE VILLAGE

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Khaya Shongwe and Waldo Uys were among the local youngsters who enjoyed testing the almost-completed Phase 1 of the Hermanus Skatepark on Saturday. Read more about this community project on P2. PHOTO: Taylum Meyer

Connected Cliff Path a no go Writer De Waal Steyn

T

he much-anticipated extension of the famous Hermanus Cliff Path at Poole’s Bay has suffered a blow after the Overstrand Municipality stated that it does not have the authority to implement a right of way servitude across private property. This follows several attempts by the Cliff Path Action Group (CPAG) over the last three years to have the 12-kilometre-long Cliff Path, which runs from the New Harbour to Grotto Beach, connected at Poole’s Bay. At the moment the pathway comes to an abrupt end at Sea Road on the western side forcing walkers to turn away from the sea to continue walking along Main Road until the path again resumes at Mickey Way near Mollergren Park Retirement Village on the eastern side.

For many years, the coastal walk between Sea Road and Mickey Way has been off limits to walkers, with parts of the way blocked by fences and signs stating that it was private property. The announcement by the municipality comes after the subdivision of Erf 12257 Sea Road was approved by the municipality. This erf, locally known as ‘Jooste’s Big Hole’ made headlines after disgraced former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste halted construction on what was set to be a palatial home shortly after he resigned from the company. All that was left on the seafront erf was a large hole, rumoured to have been intended for either basement parking or a swimming pool. According to CPAG, the Integrated Coastal Management Act makes provision for the implementation of a servitude by the munic-

ipality to allow the public free access to the ocean with each rezoning, subdivision or development approval of land, adjacent to coastal public property (such as the 13 properties at Poole’s Bay). With Erf 12257 being the western access point to this part of the coastline, the subdivision application held the key to unlocking this area to the public and connecting the Cliff Path. But, said the municipality, the Act does not provide them with the authority to implement the servitude. Furthermore, there is no municipal by-law on implementing a servitude as required in terms of the Act. In a letter to CPAG, Stephen Müller, Director of Infrastructure and Planning, said the access servitude to the remainder of the erf will be demarcated in a similar manner to that of the demarcation of public open spaces and will not

prohibit pedestrians. “Safe and easy access to the coastline is achieved from the eastern side of Poole’s Bay and therefore it is not required in terms of this land to provide additional access,” states the letter. But according to Jobré Stassen of CPAG, the current servitude only allows for vehicle access to the erf and does not allow for unrestricted access to the coastal pathway. “When you now want to walk along the coast from this erf to Mollergren Park, as is your right, you must traverse very dangerous areas over and around large rocks, where you can easily trip or be trapped between the rocks and the ocean at high tide. If the servitude were in place, we would be able to facilitate and assist with extending the Cliff Path in such a manner that it would be safe to walk there,” said Stassen. Continues on P3


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23 September 2020

Hermanus Skatepark open to the public H

Decking), Ash Appleby (Southern Right Charters) and Lenvalco Readymix who made sizable donations to get the project started; Dylan Burger (Build It); engineers André van der Merwe (AVDM Consulting Engineers), Eward Grobler (Grobler & Associates), and ABC Civils for donating their time to the project; and Liza van Copenhagen (Hermanus Country Market) for allowing the use of one of her stalls for the promo day.

ermanus Skatepark 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 skatepark, which is located behind the Hermanus Sports Centre, is a community-funded project managed by locals Graham Tjabring and Andreas Burgers. Phase 1 of the park's development is almost complete, with a bit more funding needed to finish the sides. The park is open to the public and dozens of youngsters are already making use of it – all that is required is that you look after the space. “The park has provided youngsters

Design concept by pro-rollerblader Chris van der Merwe for the Hermanus Skatepark . with something to do – especially during lockdown when certain sports weren’t allowed due to social distancing rules,” says Graham. “We hope that with more people taking up skateboarding, we can try to get

the public involved in making Hermanus more bicycle and skateboard friendly.” Hermanus Skatepark would like to thank the Hermanus Sports Club for

making the park a possibility by allocating the land for the project right at the start. They would also like to thank pro-rollerblader Chris van der Merwe for designing the park; Justin and Ryno Swartz (Walker Bay

Lastly, Graham would personally like to thank Andreas for his commitment and for continuously pushing the project forward, especially during the uncertainties of Covid-19. 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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23 September 2020

Access to Poole’s Bay a priority From P1 Stassen also said that they were especially taken aback by the refusal of the municipality to allow for the servitude, as the Western Cape Government released a draft report at the end of September 2018, following a year-long study and assessment of the issues surrounding access to the extensive Overberg coastline, from Rooiels to Cape Infanta. In this report, Poole’s Bay is highlighted as one of 10 sites in need of immediate resolution. The status of access to Poole’s Bay is recorded in the report as “nil”. According to her, the western Cape Government has also indicated that the Overberg Coastal Access Audit and Pilot Study found that this stretch of coastline was identified as an area of conflict, where the public experienced limited or restricted access to the coast because of property boundaries of coastal erven extending to the high-water mark.

According to Section 13 of the Integrated Coastal Management Act restricting access by the public to the coast is a criminal offence. Furthermore Section 18(9) of the act obliges municipalities to ensure that provision is made to secure public access to coastal public property in conditions of approval for rezoning, subdivision, or development of a land unit.

An artist’s impression of what the Cliff Path may look like at Poole’s Bay. The current proposal is for a path built from concrete with a rough aggregate to encourage staining and seaweed / mussel shell growth. There would be no materials that could be damaged in high storm seas.

Müller said while Section 13 does make restriction a criminal offence, in this instance there is access from the eastern side. “The properties along this bit of coast are private property and the municipality has no mandate to implement a servitude. The rights of the property owners are enshrined in the constitution and we cannot act against that,” he said. Stassen said they will be meeting with municipal officials to try and find a solution to this problem and, should the need arise, court action might be instituted to have the Cliff Path connected.

The do’s and don’ts of Level 1 "We have not overcome it, we have improved," were the words of warning from Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma as she announced the regulations for the Level 1 lockdown stage that came into effect on Monday 21 September. Dlamini Zuma said while the new infection numbers had decreased over the past few weeks, it was important that citizens were more vigilant than ever to avoid contracting the Coronavirus. The new regulations are as follows: • Residents must be confined to their place of residence/home from 00:01 until 04:00 daily, except when attending to a security or medical emergency.

Everyone must wear a face mask in public places, and no one will be allowed into public premises, or to use public transport without a mask. Funerals can accommodate 100

attendees or fewer, provided that not more than 50% of the venue's capacity is used, and social distancing measures are followed.

Gatherings at faith-based institutions, social events, political events, conferences and traditional council meetings are limited to 250 persons or fewer in case of an indoor gathering and 500 persons or fewer in case of an outdoor gathering. Recreational gatherings including those at cinemas, theatres, concerts and live performances are allowed, but limited to 250 people for indoor and 500 people for outdoor gatherings. Gatherings at casinos, gyms, fitness centres and swimming pools are limited to no more than 50% of the capacity of the venue, with persons observing a distance of at least one and a half metres from one another. Gatherings at sports grounds and fields, as well as beaches and public parks are allowed, subject to

or demolition. During the National State of Disaster, the following are presumed to be unfair practice: The termination of services in circumstances where the landlord has failed to provide reasonable notice and an opportunity to make representations; the imposition of any penalty for the late payment of rental where the default is caused by the disaster, whether or not the penalty takes the form of an administrative charge or any other form, other than interest.

regulations.

Bars, taverns, shebeens and similar establishments must limit guests to no more than 50% of the venue's capacity.

Hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, timeshare facilities, resorts and guest houses may not make available more than 50% of the capacity of the venue, with patrons observing a distance of at least one and a half metres from one another.

Sporting activities, including both professional and non-professional matches by recognised sporting bodies, are allowed. However, no spectators are permitted at the venue of the sports activity and no international sporting events are allowed. People may not be evicted from their land or home or have their place of residence demolished for the duration of the National State of Disaster, unless a court has granted an order authorising the eviction

The 18 land borders which were partially operational will be fully operational, and the 35 land borders currently closed will remain closed. Travel from the African continent and from countries outside the African continent with a low rate of Covid-19 infection and transmission will resume, but the traveller must provide a valid negative test certificate obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel. In the event of the traveller's failure to submit such a certificate, the

traveller will be required to go into quarantine at his or her own cost. International travel from countries listed as having a high Covid-19 infection and transmission rate, will remain prohibited, except for business travel, which may be allowed with the approval of the Minister of Home Affairs.

Bus and taxi services may not carry more than 70% of their licensed capacity for long-distance (>200km) travel; and may carry 100% of the licensed capacity for any trip not regarded as long-distance travel. Face masks must always be worn.

The sale of liquor is allowed by a licensed vendor for off-site consumption from 09:00 to 17:00, from Mondays to Fridays, excluding weekends and public holidays. On-site consumption is allowed at licensed premises, subject to strict adherence to the curfew.

Specific exclusions/prohibitions include night vigils, night clubs and initiation practices.


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23 September 2020

All hands on deck to rescue grysbokkie By Anina Lee

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he Whale Coast Conservation chameleon rescue volunteers are trained to have eagle eyes. It was this capacity that enabled one of the young chameleon rescuers to spot something under a tree as she and her mother drove past the green field near the old circus grounds. She immediately asked her mother to stop to investigate. What a surprise when the ‘something’ turned out to be a Cape grysbok lying in the shade of a tree. What was the bokkie doing there, far from its habitat in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve and on the wrong side of the Main Road? The likely explanation was not difficult to imagine, but what to do about the bokkie now? It was not safe there, and crossing the road back to the reserve would be more dangerous than staying where she was. What’s more, the incident was starting to attract attention from passers-by, adding stress to the anxious antelope, not to mention overheard plans to “take it home for supper” that equally stressed the volunteers. The obvious first call was to the chameleon project leader, WCC’s Sheraine van Wyk. By chance, Sheraine was close by and immediately went to assess the situation. A call

to the Fernkloof Senior Field Ranger revealed that, by chance, he was also close to the scene and could join the bokkie rescue party. In the meantime, the Overstrand biodiversity manager had also been alerted to the bokkie’s plight, and a team from Law Enforcement arrived in force. The immediate challenge was how to catch a grysbok without causing too much trauma to her. A human chain was the answer. A semi-circle of would-be rescuers slowly and carefully drove the bokkie towards the fence surrounding the field. Despite the calm approach, the bokkie panicked and ran straight into the fence. But the young chameleon rescuer was up to the task and caught the frightened antelope as she tried to break through the human chain. With the help of the more brawny men, the bokkie was loaded into a municipal ‘bakkie’ with a canopy. But wait, there are more twists and turns to the story. There was blood on one hind leg. There must be an injury. The initial plan to immediately release the grysbok back into Fernkloof now took a turn. It was necessary to have the bokkie checked by a vet. If it had a severe injury, it would not survive in the wild. And what is more, she (and a ‘she’ it was) appeared to be pregnant. This was probably the reason for the

bokkie straying onto the grassy field where she could find more nutritious grass for two of them. We may think there is adequate nutrition for bokkies (and baboons) in the fynbos, but this is not necessarily so. Historically, buck of all sorts would have come down from the mountains onto the lowlands where the grazing is much better. Now all the good grazing is covered in houses, greatly reducing their available food sources. This destruction of habitat by humans is the primary driver of the wildlife extinctions we are witnessing. So off they went, to the vet, bokkie on a mattress in the back of the bakkie. At the vet, the waiting room was crowded with little dogs and their owners. No chance of seeing the vet anytime soon. Sheraine knew that the little bokkie would be too stressed to stay in the bakkie for long. Fortuitously (again), an intern with wildlife experience was at hand who could sedate the bokkie and take her for X-rays. It transpired that the bokkie had an injury to the hoof. There was a fractured bone in one half of the cloven hoof. The hoof was duly splinted with a sports bandage and returned to the bakkie. To further complicate matters, the vet determined that she was quite far along in her pregnancy. So now there were two new challenges. The bandage had to be kept dry and removed after around six long weeks of recovery, and there was a baby on the way. That meant that a wild animal had to be kept in captivity for up to six weeks, during which time she was sure to give birth. By this time it was almost dark, and most people had gone home – except the rescue team of Sheraine, the

ABOVE: The pregnant grysbokkie lies sedated in the back of the bakkie after her injured hoof had been treated at the vet. RIGHT: The tree on the circus grounds where the grysbokkie was found. LEFT: The grysbokkie was offered a place of refuge by a farmer in the Valley for the six weeks it will take for her hoof to heal. During this time she will also be giving birth. municipal staff and the chameleon volunteers. Where to find a suitable place for a bokkie and her fawn to stay for six weeks? Well, it was a bit late to find room at the inn. So she was housed overnight in a rubbish bin – or at least a small enclosure that houses the rubbish bins at Fernkloof. This was not an ideal place, with a cement floor and no heating on one of the coldest nights of the winter. Thoughtfully, the chameleon volunteers called in favours and rustled up a dog kennel and some straw. Bokkie took to the kennel and could rest there temporarily. In the meantime, Sheraine was calling her own contacts, and a willing farmer in the Valley came to the rescue. Next morning bokkie, still in her kennel, was transported without stress to the farm. There she was made comfortable in a large horse stall with adequate food and water.

What outstanding cooperation between Whale Coast Conservation, Overstrand Environmental staff, the veterinary clinic, volunteers and a compassionate farmer. But this is not the end of the story. We would like to be able to pay the vet’s bills. A pregnant wild animal has to eat the correct diet – whatever that might be – and be cared for in a way that doesn’t habituate her or the expected fawn to humans so that mother and baby can be returned to the wild. How did her foster family find out what to feed her and make sure she was staying healthy? Be sure to follow Bokkie’s progress in next week’s edition of The Village NEWS. If you can help to pay the vets’ bills for any injured wildlife, please contact Sheraine on sheraine.wcc@ gmail.com. Every bokkie counts.


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FROM THE EDITOR

Levelling with one another over Covid The next edition of The Village NEWS will be available on 30 September 2020. The NEWS can be found at over 300 distribution points in the Overberg.

De Waal Steyn

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

Hedda Mittner

As we ease into the more relaxed Level 1 lockdown restrictions, the threat of a second wave of infections still remains, if warnings are not heeded and precautions are not taken. The alarming rate at which new infections are being recorded in some European countries should serve as a stark reminder to all of us that the threat of Covid-19 is still far from over. President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his national address last week, said the country had “withstood the storm” in its fight against the Coronavirus

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

ONLINE EDITOR

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

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

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

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

Nickey Jackson

While the downward trend in new infections in our country and particularly our region is heartening, we must keep in mind that we have not yet reached the threshold for qualifying as a low transmission country. To reach that, less than 580 new cases a day must be recorded, according to scientists.

Level 1 should be viewed as a time to allow for economic and personal recovery, while at the same time keeping to the essential regulations regarding social distancing, hand hygiene and mask wearing. Super-spreading events, such as large gatherings should be treated with caution and we must ensure that all social gatherings are kept safe.

to this point.

If we look back at the hardships we have all had to endure during the past few months, we need to realise that there is a need for caution in our efforts to return to our normal lives. We should not waste the effort and sacrifices that have brought us

But while the scientists work feverishly to guarantee that future vaccines will be safe, we must safeguard our own personal safety through rational thought and actions. This is the good NEWS – Ed

We have learnt a great deal about the virus and about our personal resilience during this time. It is enlightening to stop and take stock of where we find ourselves today – considering the almost naïve optimism we felt on the first day of lockdown.

The Ape-man cometh and buffaloes fly

CONTENT EDITOR

Raphael da Silva

and data showed a downward trend. However, he cautioned that the country was still in the midst of a deadly epidemic and the most important task was to ensure that it was not hit by a second wave of infections.

By Murray Stewart murray.stewart49@gmail.com

A

rticles in the For Fact’s Sake columns are – according to Google and the Duck’n Fiddle’s Explanation of Everything – based in truth. However, occasionally names and places have been changed to protect innocent people involved. Bigfoot se moer? Recently, increased interest has been shown in an elusive, almost mythical creature which has haunted various cultures around the globe for centuries. This upsurge in interest was, to a large extent, created by media exposure, and lately through documentaries made for ‘reality’ TV. Depending on the location, this beast is known as Bigfoot, Sasquatch or Yeti. They walk upright, stand up to 3 metres tall, and have brown/black fur in the Pacific Northwest/Alaska, and beige/cream in the Himalayas. Science boffins wearing white lab coats and glasses have studied the Evolution Tree, and reckon they’re probably a side-branch of Neanderthals called the Denisovan. They developed and survived out on a limb in

remote, inaccessible areas where we, Homo sapiens on a different branch further up, couldn’t be bothered the schlep of finding them and driving them to extinction too. Like the ongoing elusive UFO saga, Bigfoot evidence is captured on grainy/shaky or out-of-focus clips, leaving the sceptics more sceptical. However, the DNA in hair/fur samples found in various areas have the labcoats puzzled. The genetic footprint doesn’t match any known species. In addition, size 20 footprints have been photographed, crude nests with rancid odours discovered, and unique howls never heard before, are all captured on video/audio. There are definitely beings out there in those thousands of square miles of unexplored wilderness, who don’t want to be found. They’re quite happy as they are, and have been for thousands of years, thank you. As a result, local trigger-happy hillbillies often gather in posses to cuss and curse about Bigfoot for a while, with lots of woopin’ and hollerin’ chucked in for gees. Then, suitably fired up, they head off into the dense, uninhabited woodlands in search of something with huge feet, a haunting

howl and serious BO. These guys all wear checked shirts, faded dungarees, Crocodile Dundee hats and outrageous beards, like ZZ Top wannabes brandishing shotguns instead of guitars. Using night-vision glasses and heat-detecting cameras, they eventually calm down and creep nervously through the woods, with their probing torch beams, itchy trigger-fingers, and buns clenched – just in case. Well, they think they’re creeping, but Bigfoot can hear them and see their flashlights from far off, so the game is on. These made-for-TV reality programmes capture irrefutable evidence of their existence – through brief infra-red glimpses between the trees, a rancid pong, haunting howls and having rocks occasionally thrown at them. So, like alien visitors, Bigfoots exist, but we’ve never actually captured one for the lab-coats, to explore either our history through a Bigfoot, or clarify what we’ll eventually evolve into through an ET. I wonder which will be revealed first – our past or our future? Fingers and Wings Last year we discussed the authentic-

ity of locally sold fish-fingers (piscal digitalus). We also mentioned that these fish are only found in Indonesia where they’re farmed (finger-by-finger), in reservoirs under strict supervision by HIF-FI (Honourable Indonesian Fish-Finger Industry), and seldom reach markets outside the Orient. However, despite documented proof of HIF-FI’s harvesting methods, the Duck ’n Fiddle still gets ewails from the regular Sceptical Sams and Doubting Daphnes who claim it’s all a load of twak. Fish with fingers? We shouldn’t peddle false facts, they say. Well, to all Sams and Daphnes out there, here goes… Crabs can regrow a leg or claw lost in battle, and lizards grow a new tail if chopped off. Squid can regenerate lost tentacles, and if a Planarian worm, common worldwide in wetlands, is cut in half, a new head and tail grow back, creating two worms. Ergo, regeneration of limbs in some species isn’t twak – it happens. So, Sam and Daphne, hopefully that’s the fish-fingers story done and dusted, but rest assured – we’re looking into another suspicious snack, buffalo wings, so stay tuned.

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EL

LAST WEEK'S TOTAL CASES:

TOTAL CASES AS OF 21 SEPTEMBER 2020: WORLD: 31 313 741 SOUTH AFRICA: 661 211 (8th in the world) WESTERN CAPE: 108 813 - 4 120 deaths (16.45% of total cases in South Africa) OVERBERG: 3 597 (81 active cases)

OVERSTRAND: 1 676 Overstrand breakdown of cases by town was not available at time of print

(14 SEP) WORLD: 29 269 529 SOUTH AFRICA: 649 793 (8th) WESTERN CAPE: 107 784 OVERBERG: 3 556 OVERSTRAND: 1 668

OVERSTRAND

LEV

COVID-19 DASHBOARD

LOCKDOWN LEVEL:

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23 September 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. Enjoy our paper. Send your letters to dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za.

Councillors thank community for support On 27 of March 2020, The State President announced a Level 5 lockdown, as deemed necessary in the initial stage of the declaration of the State of Disaster. Subsequent to the Council meeting on 26 March, plans were formulated regarding ways in which to support the most vulnerable community members residing in the various wards in the Overstrand, with daily meals. Soup kitchens were established in every Ward and members of the community also jumped at the

opportunity to show their support by contributing towards the Covid-19 LMC action plan. A Trolley Project was established throughout the Overstrand, with shopping trolleys placed at the major food outlets which the public generously filled with donated food stuffs. Over more than five months approximately 1.5 million meals have been provided. With the contributions from the DA councillors’ salaries, the communities

could also be supported in various other humanitarian needs. Our animals were also not forgotten, and dog and cat food was donated to various animal welfare organisations to distribute to animals in need. With the movement to Level 2, more people became self-sufficient and the decision was taken to gradually phase out the support to the soup kitchens. NGOs however will still continue with their soup kitchens and will thus support those who are still in need of food assistance.

Bollard painting: Come and watch local artists transform the bollards along the sidewalk into colourful public works of art. Hermanus Amphitheatre to Gearing’s Point | 10:00 – 15:00 Local artists will bring their easels and materials for a spot of plein air painting and sketching. The works will be available for purchase by the public.

FynArts Select @ Weekends Programme A weekend of heritage culture, arts, music, talks, fine food and wine awaits! All art galleries in the Hermanus CBD will be open from Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 September. Opening times: 9:30 – 16:00 or 17:00. Special exhibitions for this FynArts Select weekend will be presented at Lize Art Gallery (New Season – works by Lize van der Walt and Jeandré Marinier); Originals Gallery (Covid Anthem 2020: A mask

doesn’t hide you, it exposes you – Terry Kobus); Rossouw Modern (C19 Lockdown – Obert Jongwe); Whale Museum pop-up gallery (Nature – Hermanus Art Circle) and Lembu Gallery, Warrington Place (The Joy of Life – Ed Bredenkamp). Other art events on the programme:

25/26

Fri & Sat - Car park above the Old Harbour | 09:30 – 13:00

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Fri - The Wine Glass | from 08:15 for breakfast; talk starts at 09:30 Come and listen to celebrated pioneer winemaker, Bruce Jack. Tickets at R150 pp include breakfast (choice of 5 options) and coffee.

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Sat - FynArts Gallery, The Courtyard | 11:00 The opening of FynArts Festival Artist, Beezy Bailey’s exhibition, Due to current restrictions, attendance is by invitation only. However, the opening address by Frank Kilbourn, Executive Chairman of Strauss & Co will be live-streamed at 11:00 on Facebook and the public is welcome to visit the exhibition in

All actions will now be redirected to the ‘Let’s get home food gardens growing’ project. The WC Department of Agriculture’s ‘One Home One Garden’ project will be supported and the aim is to teach households to become food wise and grow their own vegetables. We are thus shifting the focus from food relief to food security and, to quote Minister Ivan Meyer, “We cannot encourage a hand-out culture all the time, but rather encourage food sustainability.” This is now our focus.

the gallery at any other time. Hermanus Amphitheatre | 12:00 Unveiling of sculpture by Beezy Bailey, Dancing Jester. Rossouw Modern Art Gallery | 14:30 Opening of exhibition by Obert Jongwe, C19 Lockdown. FynArts Select will also present a programme of talks this weekend. To purchase tickets for any of the events below, contact Chantel on 060 957 5371 or admin@hermanusfynarts.co. za. All social distancing protocols will be observed, therefore tickets will be sold in advance and not at the door.

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Sun - The Wine Glass | from 08:15 for breakfast; talk starts at 09:30 Melvyn Minnaar, well-known art, wine and culture journalist will talk about Art after Covid-19. Tickets at R150 pp include breakfast (choice of 5 options) and coffee. Burgundy Restaurant | 11:00 Cellphone photography with Leanne Dryburgh and Peter Hassall. Tickets: R300 pp

The Overstrand DA councillors would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the public for their selfless support. We can only say that without your contributions, this pandemic would have had far worse consequences. Instead we were as a collective able to support and sustain a feeding programme throughout the whole area. For that we extend our sincere thanks to the Overstrand community. Councillor Riana de Coning and DA Councillors

See the What's On Diary on P11 for details on FynArts Select @ Weekends music concerts on Friday and Saturday. For tickets contact Chantel on 060 957 5371 or admin@hermanusfynarts.co.za.


FOOD & WINE

Celebrating the Whale Coast as a culinary destination Writer Hedda Mittner

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t’s no mystery why visitors flock to the Cape Whale Coast – pristine natural scenery, quaint villages, ‘Champagne air’, mountains, fynbos, beaches, whales. Whether it’s locals from bigger cities on a weekend breakaway, a family on vacation, international adventure seekers on tour, or our ‘swallows’ on their annual migration from the northern hemisphere, no one visits the Whale Coast without leaving a part of their heart behind. Maybe that is why so many return time and time again, and even end up buying property and relocating permanently or semi-permanently. Our tourist offering has grown exponentially over the years, with a wide variety of accommodation options and a myriad attractions and activities, including exploring our towns and browsing unique speciality shops, hiking in our nature reserves, kayaking on our lagoons, sunbathing, swimming and surfing at our Blue Flag beaches, cycling through our wine valley, ziplin-

ing through the forest or exploring our ocean and getting up close and personal with our Big Five marine life. And yet, none of these unique attractions would lure visitors back if their holidays did not include memorable wining and dining experiences. With daily activities planned around meals, a bad experience could ruin the entire day, while a good experience will be remembered as a highlight. There can be no doubt that our restaurants form an integral part of visitors’ experience of the Cape Whale Coast and that the industry plays a vital role on the tourism stage. Nothing makes a visitor feel more at home than receiving a warm welcome, be it at a country market, coffee shop, eatery, restaurant or wine tasting venue, and enjoying an authentic meal made from quality local, seasonal produce, accompanied by a proudly-local wine or craft beer. Originality is key, as visitors want to experience tastes that are unique to our region and are not available anywhere else. Restaurateurs and their staff also serve as ambassadors for our region. While

interacting with guests they do much more than just take their orders – they tell the story of the dishes, ingredients and cooking methods used, they share tips and recommendations for an enjoyable stay, and forge relationships that turn strangers into friends. Those are the experiences that will ensure visitors return to the same venue for more of the same magic, and recommending it to family and friends. So it’s not surprising that long-term relationships are established over time as local establishments welcome back the same faces over the years. Achieving this kind of success does not come easy, as our restaurateurs and chefs not only have to stay on top of their game in terms of creativity and innovation but also have to maintain the consistently high quality of their offering – a tall order in a region that has been rocked by a downturn in the economy, by riots and road closures, load-shedding and, more recently, the Covid-19 lockdown regulations. Through it all, our restaurant industry has fought for its survival and that of its staff members. With unwavering

dedication and hard work, they have continued to innovate and improvise in order to keep their doors open and save jobs. Throughout the lockdown, they put pressure on the government to lift the alcohol ban and other restrictions on trade, culminating in the One Million Seats on the Streets protest. Now, with the country having moved to Level 1 and summer on its way, our restaurants are looking forward to welcoming patrons back, while ensuring that all hygiene protocols are followed to keep customers and staff safe. If ever there was a time for all of us to reward our resilient restaurateurs by supporting this important sector of our tourism industry – and vital driver of our local economy – it is now. After all, what could be better than ending off a day on the beach with a lovely seafood meal and a bottle of bubbly at one of our seaside restaurants at

sunset? Likewise, an MTB ride or trail run in the Valley is that much more enjoyable if you meet up with family and friends afterwards for a hearty brunch. Not to mention the pleasure of stopping off for a hearty country meal while out exploring one of our region’s wine routes. From farm stalls and country markets, to modest bistros and quirky coffee shops, to seafront restaurants and fine dining establishments, the Cape Whale Coast has it all. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and support our local wine and restaurant industry so that they may continue to develop and thrive, and prove worthy of the UNESCO designation bestowed on the Overstrand last year as a City of Gastronomy. To read more about Africa’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, visit www. overstrandcityofgastronomy.com

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. 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

TEL: 0283124082


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23 September 2020

High accolades for local wine industry Writer Hedda Mittner

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aster of Wine and leading UK wine writer, Tim Atkin, recently released his eagerly-awaited South Africa 2020 Special Report, now in its eighth year and widely regarded as the most detailed and authoritative overview of South African wine. After having suffered great losses and hardship during the Covid-19 lockdown, Tim offers some encouraging words for the South African wine industry. “Despite the well-publicised challenges it faces, South Africa is making the best wines in its history,” writes Tim. “Over the decade I’ve been writing these reports, it has been a delight to see the general improvements in quality and the tentative emergence of a South African fine wine sector, with bottles that are discussed, cellared, coveted, shared and sold at auction. Rather than just a few individuals, what we have now is a constellation shining bright above us in the firmament, made up of more than 100 winemaking stars.”

To prepare his South Africa 2020 Special Report under the restrictions of Covid-19, Tim tasted 1 381 wines in London, and had 62 Zoom calls with winemakers to replace his usual month-long tour of the Cape. The 225-page report includes his top wines of the year and the 125 best South African wineries. Hemel-en-Aarde Wines could not be prouder of the region’s spectacular performance, especially when it comes to its flagship varietals, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In Tim’s Wines of the Year selection, 5 out of the 12 Chardonnays and 8 out of the 11 Pinot Noirs are from the Hemel-en-Aarde region. And although the region is not generally known for its Pinotage or Cabernet Sauvignon, two local producers consistently produce top quality wines for both these varietals, which also feature in their categories for Wines of the Year. The Hemel-en-Aarde wines that scored 95 points and above are: • Pinot Noir: 2019 Creation Art of Pinot Noir, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

(97), 2019 Creation Emma Pinot Noir, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge (95), 2019 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir, Walker Bay (95), 2019 Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Pinot Noir, Upper Hemelen-Aarde Valley (96), 2019 Newton Johnson Windansea Pinot Noir, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (97) • Chardonnay: 2019 Creation Art of Chardonnay, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge (96), 2019 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (95), 2019 Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Chardonnay, Upper Hemelen-Aarde Valley (95) • Cabernet Sauvignon: 2017 Restless River Main Road & Dignity Cabernet Sauvignon, Upper Hemel-en Aarde Valley (95) • Pinotage: 2018 Ashbourne Pinotage, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (95) The Hemel-en-Aarde wineries who are among the Top 125 producers are: Hamilton Russell, Newton Johnson, Creation, Restless River, Ataraxia, Bouchard Finlayson, Ashbourne, Bosman Family Vineyards and La Vierge. Also on Tim’s 2020 podium for standout wines and winemakers of the

year is Peter Finlayson of Bouchard Finlayson winery, who was named Winemaking Legend of 2020. Please support our world-class local wineries, not only in Hemel-en-Aarde but also further afield in Botrivier – including Beaumont, Wildekrans, Luddite, Gabriëlskloof, Arcangeli and Benguela Cove – as well as the Stan-

ford area, where you’ll find producers such as Boschrivier, Raka, Sir Robert Stanford, Stanford Hills and Springfontein. Most of these wine farms offer wine tastings, platters, meals, and food and wine pairings in idyllic country settings surrounded by picturesque vineyards and mountains. It’s time for a road trip to wine country!


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23 September 2020

Multi-talented Mariclaire: from cheffing to hiking By Tweet Gainsborough-Waring

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ariclaire Day is well known to Hermanus residents as the successful chef and owner of The Barefoot Cook, which she sold three years ago to follow her passion of working in ecotourism.

She opted to become an international guide, incorporating all her skills which include a rich general knowledge of nature, conversational Dutch and German, considerable local knowledge of our flora and fauna, and the ability to lead a multi-day hike. Add to that her organisational expertise and cooking skills, and Mariclaire had the perfect base from which to reinvent herself in such a way as to make a living from following her passion. What attracted her to hiking, says Mariclaire, is the quiet of the natural world, coupled with the sensation of leaving the madness of our man-made world behind when out in nature. She and her husband Burt, who have travelled extensively in Southern Africa, are always happy to jump in their bakkie with a roof-top tent, fridge and spare fuel tanks to go, either alone or with friends, to nature reserves and areas off the beaten track to enjoy the great outdoors at its best. For them the draw is not to see specific animals and plants but rather the opportunity

FOOD & WINE

of feeling part of nature by simply being in its midst – with minimal encumbrances to enhance that feeling of freedom and lightness that so many wilderness spaces inspire. Mariclaire is a veteran of ten Fish River Canyon hikes (90 km). It was her annual destressing outlet while running the restaurant. I was part of the last four groups she led on that hike, and we must have been the best-fed hikers in the canyon. It was always a wonder that Mariclaire had the fire going and a delicious meal, made from scratch, cooked within half an hour of setting up. During 2019 she took several groups of foreigners on private hiking tours comprising both multi-day and one-day hikes in locations around the country. In addition she and Burt have provided support on a couple of overland 4 x 4 tours. Burt (a level 3 medic) provided both medical and mechanical expertise, while Mariclaire put her language and cooking skills to good use. On one occasion they provided backup for six weeks on a photographic expedition through Namibia and Botswana. In order to become a guide for international visitors, Mariclaire completed a course in tourist guiding NQF level 4 and is CATHSSETA registered, with a valid first aid certificate. She had

embarked on what looked to be a promising new career path until the Coronavirus pandemic spread to South Africa. Having started out on a three-week, country-wide hiking tour on 20 March, she had to turn around while hiking in the Kruger National Park and transfer her guests to the OR Tambo Airport for repatriation to Germany before lockdown started. Undaunted by this setback, Mariclaire realised that flexibility would be the key to surviving lockdown. As the tourism industry came to an abrupt standstill, she turned the wheel back to her days as a chef and started making home-cooked take-away meals that were delivered by Burt. Having good contacts in the local tourism business, she has been able to put yet another of her talents, that of massage therapist, to good use. Despite keeping busy by utilising her many talents, Mariclaire did not lose sight of her ambition for a career change, and the chance to share her love of nature and the environment with others. With the easing of local travel restrictions, she is now getting back on track as a hiking guide, but focusing on ‘local is lekker’. For those who’d like to explore the many breathtaking nature trails in the Overberg, all of which Mariclaire knows like the back of her hand, an exhilarating outdoor experience awaits, whether on your own or with a small

group of friends or family members, whether for a few hours or a whole day or even multi days, and whether it be along the coastline or in the fynbos-clad mountains. Mariclaire can be contacted on 083 2089 522.


WHAT’S ON

23 SEP – 1 OCT 2020

OVERBERG 23

www.thevillagenews.co.za/whatson ences from Africa: Mali, Senegal, The Gambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe. He has spent many years performing and recording his own translations of Bach’s violin and cello music, infusing his interpretations with his lessons from the oral traditions of Africa. Tickets are R150 pp and can be booked by contacting Chantel on 060 957 5371 or admin@hermanusfynarts.co.za. United Church, Hermanus | 18:00

Wednesday

Long weekend Happy Hours The Wine Glass has extended their Wine Down Friday and Super Saturday specials to run over the entire long weekend, from Wednesday to Saturday! Enjoy the vibe and get two for the price of one on selected wines, beers and nibbles between 16:00 and 18:00. Book via www.thewineglass.guru or call 082 082 0007. The Wine Glass, 2 Harbour Rd, Hermanus | 16:00 – 18:00 (Wed – Sat)

Panthera Africa Sunset Visit Visit Panthera’s big cats at sunset, when they come alive after a long day of rest. Your passionate host will take you around to the big cat enclosures and tell you their heartfelt stories, and how they came to be at Panthera Africa. Only for 16 years and older at R490 pp. Telephone bookings only on 071 182 8368. Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary (near Stanford) | Sunset

Barry Hilton Comedy Show South African comedy legend, Barry Hilton will perform a private show, for one night only! Tickets are R250 pp just for the show, or R1 950 for two adults, including the show, accommodation for the night and breakfast the next morning. For bookings, contact 067 110 4136. Hermanus Guest House, 9 Marine Drive | 18:30

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Thursday

Benguela Cove Heritage Day Braai The perfect day out for the whole family to celebrate the cultural wealth of our country on the edge of the scenic Bot River Lagoon. Indulge in tasty braai platters and sip on delicious Benguela Cove wines whilst listening to the vibey beats of the live Marimba band. Bring the kids and let them play a round of Pirate Adventure Golf or enjoy fun courtyard games whilst you relax. Braai platters for two will be available at R380. Be sure to book by contacting 087 357 0637 or info@benguelacove.co.za. Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate | 12:00 – 16:00

24 Sep - 3 Oct Clivia Open Display This year’s clivia show will be an openair event at a different location where the public is welcome to enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the Hermanus Clivia Interest Group’s multi-coloured clivia collection. The entry fee is R20 pp and all Covid-19 protocols will be followed, including mask-wearing, sanitising and social distancing. For more information, contact Gerrit on 082 839 6683 or Heidi on 084 203 1506. Rocklands Petting Farm | daily from 09:00 – 16:00

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Friday

Stanford Sunset Market Stanford's favourite, family-friendly, dog-welcoming, open-air food market is reopening after a long break, bringing local food, coffee, deli products, gifts, plants, fresh produce and live tunes to enjoy on the last Friday of the month (September to May). Pop in, meet new people, hook up with old friends, support local vendors, and take delicious food home for the whole weekend. Entry is free and there is plenty of free parking. Please practise social distancing and note the temporary venue change. Birkenhead Brewery @ Walker Bay Estate | 17:00 FynArts Piano Concert FynArts Select is thrilled to welcome the highly talented young musician, Gerhard Joubert, who has won numerous awards, including first prize in the piano category of the National Youth Music Competition and the Pauline Nossel prize for the best performance of a classical work by a pianist last year, when he was only 17. At this FynArts performance,

all Level 1 protocols will be observed and tickets at R150 pp will be limited. Bookings can be made by contacting Chantel on 060 957 5371 or admin@ hermanusfynarts.co.za. United Church, Hermanus | 18:00

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Saturday

Hermanus Country Market A favourite among the locals. Young, old, two-legged and four-legged family members are all welcome. You’ll find wholesome goodies, home-made crafts, local produce, beers and wine, speciality foods, coffee and live music. Next to Hermanus Cricket Field | 09:00 – 13:00 Die Markie Looking for koek? Vetkoek, pannekoek, soet koekies, sout koekies, lewer koekies? A peaceful place to while away Saturday mornings, glass of wine in hand, with Woefie lying at your feet? Olives, freshly shucked oysters and other nibbles made by real people? Served on real porcelain, using real cutlery, sipping wine from a real wine glass? Then you’ll want to hotfoot it across to Die Markie at Hermanuspietersfontein. Here safe

parking is a doddle and life is easy. Hermanuspietersfontein Wine Cellar | 09:00 – 13:00 Stanford Saturday Morning Market Come and sample the artisanal delights on display, from home-made sheep and goats’ cheeses to woodfired ciabattas, pastries and pies, farm-fresh vegetables, free-range eggs, flowers, preserves and deli delights (including gluten-free, wheatfree and vegan goodies) to tantalise your taste buds! #Nomasknoservice. Stanford Hotel Stoep | 09:00 – 12:00 Gansbaai Farmers Market Organic, homemade and homegrown products such as farm produce, fresh bakes, local wines and craft beers, and indigenous plants. 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 FynArts Guitar Concert Guitarist Derek Gripper has created original music from diverse influ-

028 284 9488 www.wildekrans.com R43 Botrivier, 7158, Western Cape

Relax and unwind under a family of bluegums while you enjoy locally-sourced goods! EVERY SATURDAY 9AM – 1PM GPS: -34.406753, 19.243698

Join us for a special Heritage Day celebration. Choose from a traditional Waterblommetjie Bredie or Shisa nyama, Amarula Dom Pedro or our Marine Milk Tart. We look forward to safely welcoming you for lunch or dinner. Heritage Day 2-Course Menu R 250 pp

Sunday

Songs of Love online concert Concerts Connect, in partnership with Overstrand Arts/Kunste (OAK) presents its next online concert featuring Janel Speelman (soprano) and Makudu Senaoana (tenor), who will join forces with pianist Albie van Schalkwyk to present an attractive programme of love songs, arias and lieder. Tickets at R100 pp (R50 for students) are available online at www. quicket.co.za. Tick the Overstrand Arts/Kunste box when you book. The stream will start at 15:30 with an introduction to the artists and partner organisations, and the recital will start at 16:00. For more information, visit www.brconcerts.com, or contact 082 415 0228 or brent@brconcerts.com. Virtual event | 15:30

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Thursday

Drive-in Movie Night Enjoy the original movie, The Karate Kid, the old-fashioned way by parking your car under the Milky Way! The cost is R350 per car with 2 persons and R450 per car with 5 persons. Online bookings only, at www.milkywayproductions.co.za. Sales close on the 29th, so hurry up as only 36 cars can be accommodated. Venue opens at 19:00 and the movie will start between 20:00 and 20:30, depending on sunset. The Brewery, Hemel-en-Aarde Village | from 19:00

preserve the past for the future

Heritage Day - 24 September


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23 September 2020

MY WELLNESS

Refresh and renew your skin this spring By Lindi Prinsloo

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t's that time of year again when your skin has to transition from winter to spring. A new season means change, renewal and refreshment. So, if you are ready, this is the perfect time for you to bring some changes into your beauty routine and try out various treatments that will help you look better than ever. We know that choosing aesthetic and non-invasive skin treatments can be overwhelming, especially when one starts searching the net. Or when a professional talks about a skin care programme with a series of different treatments that you have never heard of, or where needles and lasers might be involved. Not to mention combining different technologies that work on different levels of the skin… But rest assured: Rejuvenating treatments have come a long way from invasive face lifts and paint-stripping peels that required weeks of recovery. Now, with the zap of a sophisticated machine or the prick of a needle, you can look revived, just in time for the warmer weather approaching. Trends in treatments come and go, with scientific, medical and technological advancements enabling progress all the time. Whether you opt for non-invasive 'tweakments' or procedures that deliver desired results, we are here with you on your journey to great skin. 1. Natural results: 'Tweakments' that deliver natural-looking results are what more and more of us are looking for. It’s about enhancement, not alteration. Keeping the skin in great

condition, boosting everything from collagen to brightness, while tackling visible imperfections like pigmentation, red veins and inflamed skin. These ‘tweakments’ don’t involve the lengthy recovery times they used to and, while this may be a less obvious approach, it will ensure more balanced and healthy looking skin. 2. Combination treatments: Why have one treatment when you can have two or three at once? This spring, we have launched a few new Signature Treatments, which include various modalities for the best results. They are popular with our patients as they surpass expectations. Options include facials with radiofrequency and micro-needling with lasers, or the more low-key approach of hydra facials and rejuvenation treatments. By opting for a mix-and-match approach, it means practitioners don’t always have to take the most invasive route. 3. Super ‘spa-ing’: The days when spas or beauty clinics were places where you could have a touchy-feely facial and lounge around in fluffy slippers are long gone. Spas are increasingly introducing aesthetic treatments onto their menus. I truly believe that wellness is about feeling good on the inside and outside; so if a more aesthetic treatment can give you the confidence to tackle the world, then bring it on!

es and ending off with radiofrequency, targets different levels and achieves amazing results. Think bikini bod. 5. Devices that deliver: Devices are continually evolving and new brands and companies are eager to enter the market. It is important for us to stay on the edge of new technologies. We have recently launched our HIFU (High intensity focused ultrasound) machine that has exceeded our expectations with the outcome of sagging skin. More companies are bringing out devices that combine modalities such as Laser and Radiofrequency, or Micro-needling and radiofrequency, to give better results in only one session. With our increased understanding of facial anatomy and new and refined uses for different aesthetic tools and products, the spectrum of facial aesthetics is constantly evolving. In order to offer patients the best possible outcomes, we should no longer think about individual treatments but rather look at the whole face, and at different tissue depths, to determine the appropriate treatment approach.

More than one procedure may be required to correct all the issues – for example, injectables and other modalities such as topical skincare and energy-based therapies can be combined for optimal results. In addition to rejuvenation, physicians also have the right tools to prevent or delay skin ageing, which can be offered to the increasing numbers of younger patients visiting aesthetic practices. No single technology or neuromodulator can achieve all the results desired in treating the ageing face. The question is when and how to combine different aesthetic interventions safely and effectively for the face, hands, neck, and décolletage. Refine Clinic’s treatment philosophy is centred around each individual, including available time, budget, and expectations. A detailed assessment and tailored treatment plan, carried through with the latest innovation and professionalism while always putting the patient first, make it easy to choose an appropriate treatment for your skin concern. Together we can get you to ‘Spring into good skin’!

4. Better body ‘tweakments’: Body treatments are having a makeover. Combining different body treatments ‘in one go’ or in a series of different treatments done over a period of time, gives desired results with cellulite, lymph drainage, fat reduction, shaping and skin toning. Combining the LPG endermologie treatment with fat reduction injections for stubborn bulg-

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23 September 2020

MY ENVIRONMENT

Tentacles of love: My friend, the octopus By Dr Anina Lee

mans) want to eat it. For this reason, an octopus has extraordinary camouflage abilities. It can change colour almost instantaneously and, using muscles in its skin, can change the texture of its body from smooth to lumps and projections to blend in with the surrounding rocks. It can change its movements, from creeping and slithering to ‘walking’ on two or four ‘legs’. Add to that the jet-propelled getaway, leaving behind a trail of black ink.

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oes an octopus have a personality? Perhaps an odd question to ask, as scientists regard personality as a trait of high intelligence and we have all read and heard stories about how intelligent octopuses are. They can open screw top jars. They can escape from the aquarium they are kept in, travel overland to snatch prey from another aquarium and return to their own homes, looking the picture of innocence. So I was delighted to find two documentaries on octopuses interacting with humans that blew my mind. The Sea Change documentary with Craig Foster, My Octopus Teacher, documents the ‘friendship’ between Craig and an octopus in the Great African Sea Forest off the Cape Peninsula. Every day for a year, Craig visited the octopus in her watery home. After a short while she, in turn, welcomed him by reaching out, inviting physical contact. That is in itself remarkable from an invertebrate cephalopod.

Similar behaviour is recorded in another documentary, the BBC’s The Octopus in my House. Research scientist Prof David Scheel studied an octopus in a large tank in his living room, so that he could observe all its interactions with him and his daughter, Laurel.

PHOTO: Craig Foster

Scheel’s octopus not only recognised faces to distinguish between them but sought their attention. It built up a unique relationship with the young Laurel, trying to hold her hand back when she wanted to end a play session. After the octopus was taught to ring a bell when it wanted attention (and food), it rang the bell day and night. It enjoyed watching television, sitting glued to the side of the tank. Craig Foster documented completely natural behaviours of the octopus in its ocean habitat. Scheel documented the animal’s adaptation to a human-dominated environment. In the natural environment, an octopus’s first priority is avoiding predation – how to survive in a hostile environment where so many things (including hu-

PHOTO: Tom Foster

Interestingly, the octopus in captivity was observed to dream while asleep, changing colour presumably as the dreamscape unfolded. Even while still in the egg, a baby octopus already has the colour-changing ability. The octopus observed by Craig Foster was able to shape itself into a ball and cover itself in shells and pebbles to be invisible to predators. Unfortunately, even this was no match for the acute sense of smell of its main predators – various catshark and shy-shark species.

PHOTO: BBC – Natural World

One of the most remarkable sequences ever filmed is an octopus that lived in an almost barren habitat. It collected two half coconut shells, which it carried along with it. When danger threatened, it retreated into the shell, pulling the two halves neatly together to make an impenetrable hide-away. This behaviour is remarkable, in that the octopus had to have foresight – a mark of high intelligence. It had to foresee that carrying two very awkward objects along with it, will enable him to hide sometime in the future when danger threatens. The eye of an octopus is surprisingly similar to that of other higher animals, including humans – a remarkable parallel evolutionary path. And it uses those eyes to make eye contact with humans, showing a desire to communicate and a high level of awareness. These two documentaries show that a deep connection is possible between humans and octopuses. It’s quite astounding if you consider that octopuses appear to be the closest things to aliens we will ever see on this earth. Yet, humans and octopuses have vastly different evolutionary histories. The last common ancestor in our tree of life is an organism something like a flatworm. In the last half-billion years that we have evolved separately from octopuses, both branches have independently developed very similar eyes. We have also retained the ability to find a connection that transcends 600 million years of divergent evolution. If we can be friends with such an ‘alien-looking’ octopus, how much easier should it be to relate to other humans? Watch these documentaries: My Octopus Teacher: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB8YYS6PytE The Octopus in my House: www.dailymotion.com/video/x7ie2h4

PHOTO: BBC – Natural World TOP: The Netflix documentary, My Octopus Teacher, produced by the local NPO, Sea Change Project, documents the ‘friendship’ between Craig Foster and an octopus in the Great African Sea Forest off the Cape Peninsula. MIDDLE: Similar behaviour is recorded in another documentary, the BBC’s The Octopus in my House. Research scientist Prof David Scheel studied an octopus named Heidi in a large tank in his living room, and recorded the unique relationship that developed between him, Heidi and his young daughter, Laurel. ABOVE: Heidi was able to unravel puzzles, recognise individual humans and even watched TV with the family. CIRCLE: The eye of an octopus is surprisingly similar to that of other higher animals, including humans, and it uses those eyes to make eye contact with humans, showing a desire to communicate and a high level of awareness.


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23 September 2020

MY HOME

By LB Vorster

Non-residents buying/selling immovable property in South Africa

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n South Africa there are currently no restrictions on ownership of fixed property by non-residents (provided they are not classified as illegal immigrants) and therefore all information supplied in previous articles in this series on the purchase and sale of fixed property will similarly apply to non-residents, irrespective of whether they are individuals or legal entities. As an alternative to individual ownership, non-residents may own fixed property through shared ownership in a company (South African or foreign). However, there are certain procedures that have to be followed and requirements that have to be complied with in the event of a foreign company purchasing fixed property in South Africa:

• •

The company, although registered as such elsewhere in the world, will also have to be registered in South Africa; The South African resident public officer will have to be appointed for a South African company should shares in the said company be owned by a non-resident.

In addition, there are certain restrictions on

the granting of mortgage loans to non-resident purchasers of fixed property, whether individuals or legal entities:

• •

They may not borrow more than 50% of the purchase price; The loan will be subject to foreign exchange approval by the South African Reserve Bank, the acquisition of which is normally undertaken by any one of the local commercial banks on behalf of the non-resident.

Foreign funds (normally the deposit, the balance of the purchase price and/or the relevant transfer costs) can be paid into any nominated bank account in South Africa, which in most cases will be the trust account of the transferring attorney. South African Reserve Bank ruling B5 (i) states that “Authorised Dealers (normally commercial banks) may permit foreign nationals to re-transfer abroad capital which had been introduced into the Republic provided that they can substantiate the original introduction of the funds.” Therefore, whenever funds are transferred from a foreign source to a South

African bank account, a “transaction advice” is supplied by the local bank which has to be carefully preserved by the non-resident purchaser as it will have to be presented when the property is sold and the non-resident wishes to repatriate the proceeds of such sale. It is advisable, though, as soon as possible after registration of transfer, to have the original title deed endorsed as “non-resident” by the bank through which the funds were introduced into South Africa. The proceeds of a sale of fixed property belonging to a non-resident, together with any profit derived from the sale (proportionate to his/her shareholding in the property in the case of a legal entity being the registered owner), may be repatriated in terms of our Exchange Control Regulations. However, if the source of funds for payment of the initial purchase price (or any portion thereof ) was a mortgage loan (bond) obtained in South Africa, the portion that was financed cannot be repatriated unless the total amount of the bond was settled with foreign funds. The repatriation of funds is subject to payment of capital gains tax by a non-resident seller. In

order to control and facilitate payment thereof, an obligation has since 1 September 2007 been imposed on purchasers of fixed property, when buying from non-residents for a price exceeding R2 million, to retain and pay to the South African Revenue Services:

7.5% of the purchase price in the case of a non-resident individual; • 10.0% in the case of a non-resident company; and • 15.0% in the case of a non-resident trust as an advance collection of the non-resident’s income tax liability for the year of assessment in which the property was sold. (In this regard, refer to chapter 8 for a comprehensive discussion of Section 35A of the Income Tax Act.) Whenever transfer and/or bond documents are signed outside of South Africa, High Court Rule 63 has to be complied with. In terms thereof the relevant documents have to be signed before a Notary Public in certain specified countries. However, in most countries the documents will have to be signed at the South African Embassy or any Government authority of such country charged with the authentication of documents under the laws of that country.


Local expertise, national presence and international audience

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Architectural splendour in Hemel En Aarde Estate Enhanced by the security estate in which it resides, lies a family home where special features are the norm and not the exception. Greeted on entry by the impressive staircase to the main entertainment area, this 4 en-suite bedroom home is designed with entertainment and comfort in mind. From the wine cellar to the gym, from the indoor theatre to the braai room which leads to a wooden deck and another external braai, you may never have to leave home again. Each bedroom opens to a balcony, overlooking the stunning garden fully supplied by 3 rainwater tanks.To be expected in a home such as this are the large lounge, reading room, dining room and 2 large offices. Internet access via fibre. Perhaps less expected is the man cave on the lower level. The views across the ocean need to be seen to be fully experienced, suffices to record that on a clear day you really can see forever. Call us today to arrange a viewing of this large and beautiful home. WEB 1567774 Stephen de Stadler 082 441 0120 Jenny Kusel 083 262 7578

HermanusOffice 16 Hope Street, Cnr Dirkie Uys, Hermanus, 7200 +27 (0)21 205 7135 hermanus@fineandcountry.com

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www.thevillagenews.co.za

23 September 2020

Keeping the Overstrand clean I

nternational Coastal Clean-up Day (ICC) took place on Saturday 19 September with millions of people from over 100 countries getting together to pick up litter, making it one of the largest one-day volunteer events in the world. The movement was started 30 years ago by two committed ladies, Linda Maraniss and Katy O’Hara, who both worked at Ocean Conservancy. The idea behind the movement is that litter and debris collected by volunteers are documented to help identify ways to eliminate ocean trash in the future. Several groups in the Overberg once again got involved, including Plastic Patrol, BirdLife Overberg, Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) and Overstrand Municipality. After the clean-ups, Plastics SA gathers all the information which is then fed into the global statistics held by Ocean Conservancy. The clean-ups also create awareness and educate people on the effects of littering and pollution. Kim ‘Sharklady’ MacLean’s Plastic Patrol joined the ICC for the third time this year, with 93 volunteers who focused on cleaning the Hermanus New Harbour area, including among the bushes and rocks, in the water and on the seabed. The volunteers were made up of local individuals, local divers and divers from Dive Inn in Cape Town, members of the Mt Pleasant Saints Football Club (who won a prize for collecting the most litter), youngsters from Elonwabeni Children’s Home, staff from the Department of Public Works and Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, Masizole Mnqasela.

The volunteers who cleaned with DICT and Overstrand Municipality covered 2km and collected 160kg of litter. PHOTO: DICT/Marine Dynamics

from Ingomso Lelethu Recycling in Hermanus Industria carted away an astounding 40 bags containing 212 kg worth of litter! Plastic Patrol cleans the waters in the New Harbour daily, and dives for litter on the seabed every weekend. They would like to thank their sponsors for the clean-up on Saturday: Plastics SA; Walker Bay Dive School for facilitating safe dives; Majestic Cruising; Peninsula Beverages/ Coca-Cola and Pick n Pay Hermanus for the bags and collecting tools, cooldrink, water, cups and boerewors rolls which were given to the volunteers after the clean-up. They would also like to thank WildCat Inflatables for their new rubberduck which will also be used for future clean-ups. BirdLife Overberg focused their efforts on the Cape Whale Coast Nature Reserve (Hoek van de Berg) coastline. The 14 volunteers managed to collect 16 bags of litter weighing 80 kg. Among the items they collected were 137 pieces of fishing line and rope, 117 food wrappers, 98 plastic bottles, 295 condoms and wrappers, 5 cigarette butts and 182 small plastic pieces. They were excited to report that no balloons (the number one risk to seabirds) were found and that there was far less plastic compared to their first clean-up of the area in 2017. They will be hosting another clean-up of the area next month and hope to get this stretch of coastline ‘under

control’ after it could not be cleaned during lockdown. BirdLife Overberg would also like to thank Plastics SA for sponsoring bags and tongs and Pick n Pay for the items for the braai, which was held after the clean-up for all the volunteers. Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) partnered with the Overstrand Municipality for their clean-up at Danger Point near Gansbaai.

up a mention on KFM), members of the VW Car Club and Overstrand Car Club, staff from Marine Dynamics, Dyer Island Cruises and the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), students from DICT’s Environmental Education Programme (DEEP), as well as other dedicated supporters. The group covered 2 km and collected 160 kg of litter, including a big blue crate, 658 plastic bottle caps, 588 plastic pieces, 470 glass pieces, 289 foam pieces and a large amount of building wood.

A total of 71 volunteers joined, including Councillor Riana de Coning, media personality Liezl van der Westhuizen (who even gave the clean-

DICT would like to thank Benjamin Kondokter of the Overstrand Municipality for all the logistical arrangements, Nico van Schalkwyk for moving all the waste collected, everyone who volunteered, and the Overberg Rocks project for the specially painted rocks (circle) given to the DEEP students and some of the attending children. - Taylum Meyer

Dozens of volunteers, including youngsters from Elonwabeni Children’s Home and members of the Mt Pleasant Saints Football Club joined the Plastic Patrol clean-up at the New Harbour. PHOTO: Supplied by Plastic Patrol

Plastic Patrol owner, Kim MacLean at the Hermanus New Harbour clean-up on Saturday.

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Once all the bags had been brought in by the volunteers, Denzil Bosman and the team


19

www.thevillagenews.co.za

23 September 2020

LEFT: Pinkey Ngewu from DICT weighs the bags of litter collected by the volunteers. MIDDLE: Media personality Liezl van der Westhuizen joined in the DICT clean-up and even gave it a mention on KFM. RIGHT: Overstrand Municipality and DICT teamed together to cleaned the area around Danger Point. PHOTOS: DICT/Marine Dynamics

The 93 Plastic Patrol volunteers collected an impressive 212kg of litter at the Harbour on Saturday. PHOTO: Supplied

2019 STATISTICS According to Ocean Conservancy’s report, last year 10 337 880 plastic, foam and glass pieces measuring less than 2.5cm were collected. The top ten types of litter collected around the world were: 1. food wrappers (4 771 602 pieces) 2. cigarette butts (4 211 962 pieces) 3. plastic beverage bottles

(1 885 833) 4. plastic bottle caps (1 500 523) 5. straw/stirrers (942 992) 6. plastic cups/plates (754 969) 7. plastic grocery bags (740 290) 8. plastic takeaway containers (678 312) 9. other plastic bags (611 100)

BirdLife Overberg focused their efforts on the Cape Whale Coast Nature Reserve (Hoek van de Berg) coastline and collected 16 bags of litter weighing 80 kg. PHOTO: BirdLife Overberg 10. plastic lids (605 778) This amounted to 9422 tons of trash collected over 39 358km. Some of the weirder finds included: • a couch • an ironing board • dumbbells • a tiki torch • a bathtub • a rubber chicken

• a barbecue • toothbrushes • a gnome • a fire hydrant


20

www.thevillagenews.co.za

23 September 2020

MOTORING

F

on cars

Compiled by John Floyd

First trial of the Mitsubishi XPANDER AP4 A fter launching the XPANDER Rally Team (XRT) in July 2019, Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Sales Indonesia (MMKSI) became the official distributor of Mitsubishi light commercial and passenger vehicles in Indonesia.

MMKSI worked with XRT and prepared the Mitsubishi XPANDER AP4 for its first trial at the Tembong Jaya circuit, Serang, Banten in July 2020. “Our collaboration with the XRT team in realising the first modified seven-seater MPV crossover and joining the AP4 Rally continues. Even in the midst of the challenging conditions, MMKSI and XRT remain committed to prepare the Mitsubishi XPANDER AP4 for national and international rallies. This is one of our efforts to present a unique new adventure for the

Mitsubishi XPANDER family, and of course we will share this experience for our consumers in Indonesia to enjoy,” says Naoya Nakamura, President Director of MMKSI.

excellent feedback for the development of all Mitsubishi Motors models,” says Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa.

Previously, Mitsubishi Motors had a history of participating in a number of global motorsport events which became a natural laboratory to test vehicle performance, driving pleasure, comfort and of course safety features.

This also applies to the XPANDER AP4, which made its debut in Indonesia with the display of the XPANDER AP4 Concept at the IIMS automotive exhibition in April 2019.

Mitsubishi Motors dominated the infamous Dakar Rally from the 1980s with no less than 12 overall victories, including seven in a row from 2001 to 2007, and still holds the record for most victories in this iconic event. “The valuable experience and knowledge developed through participation in motorsport proved

Three months later, in July 2019, the XPANDER AP4 was again displayed at the automotive exhibition as prototype with a design closely resembling the original. At the same time, the XPANDER AP4 went through rigorous research and development at Ralliart New Zealand as a rally car. After the homologation process, the XPANDER AP4, based on Mitsubishi’s new crossover

that is expected in South Africa early in 2021, has finally arrived in Indonesia.

The XPANDER AP4 rally version underwent trials on gravel for the first time in Indonesia. XRT racer and Mitsubishi Motors Indonesia Brand Ambassador, Rifat Sungkar, said: “I was satisfied with our first trial of our Mitsubishi XPANDER AP4 at the Tembong Jaya Circuit, Serang, recently. During 100 km of testing we received authentic data about every aspect of the vehicle’s performance, in the car – from the engine and transmission to the suspension and chassis.” Based on the results of the first trial on the gravel track, the XPANDER AP4 showed excellent performance and results while no significant problems were found.

From these results, useful data was obtained in the development and further adjustment of the XPANDER AP4 in terms of fuel, tyres, turbo cooling water and other areas. The XPANDER AP4 will be tested on an asphalt surface in the near future, after which the vehicle will be prepped to participate in an Indonesian sprint rally championship event towards the end of the year. “As far as South Africa goes, one of the most anticipated newcomers in the Mitsubishi stable is that the Xpander compact MPV will be making its local debut early in 2021. "This vehicle, which will only be available in 4x2, will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine coupled to manual or automatic transmission and is expected to be the quietest in its class,” says Campbell.


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www.thevillagenews.co.za

23 September 2020

Vaughn Gittin’s authentic RTR vehicles now in SA P

erformance Centre South Africa, the Ford-approved distributer and fitter of Ford Performance parts, has been appointed as the exclusive distributer of Vaughn Gittin’s Authentic RTR Vehicles in South Africa.

track as well as a driver-centric experience that makes it a powerhouse to drive,” says Grant Askham, CEO of Performance Centre South Africa. “It is sure to become a favourite among Mustang enthusiasts in South Africa.”

“I’m excited to announce the we have partnered with Performance Centre in South Africa, to be our exclusive RTR vehicles distributor in the country. This means that all of our turn-key Mustangs, as well as all of our aftermarket parts can now be purchased through the crew at the Performance Centre,” says Gittin Jr.

“Our goal was to take the driving and owner experience of the iconic Ford Mustang to the next level," said Gittin Jr. “This collaboration has created a Mustang that offers smile-inducing street driving, diverse capability on the track and a very distinctive owner experience for those looking to stand out from the crowd."

If there is one driver to amplify the blend of fun and performance that embodies the Ford Mustang, it is World Champion drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. The self-taught dynamo relentlessly pursues the best in his own racing records as well as that of the Mustangs he develops with Ford Motor Company.

The RTR Vehicles Series 1 Mustang, Powered by Ford Performance, has the styling and performance-enhancing equipment Vaughn's fans know as his signature. Among the many enhancements, worth mentioning upfront is the Ford Performance suspension which features adjustable sway bars which adapt the chassis balance. This allows drivers to go from taming those vicious S-curves to owning the straightaway.

The local partnership launches with the introduction of a new RTR Vehicles Series 1 Mustang, which was co-developed between Vaughn and his RTR Vehicles team, and Ford Performance. “The new RTR Vehicles Series 1 Mustang focuses on precise street performance, intense agility on the

Other standard equipment fitted to the RTR, and optional on any 20192020 Mustang, includes the Track Handling Pack. The Track Handling Pack lowers the car approximately 25mm and gives it a more aggressive-looking stance with a focus on

handling and track performance. The Ford Performance supercharger, available exclusively on the 5.0 V8 Mustang, and the Ford Performance intake manifold are both offered as an optional package for the RTR enthusiast that wants extra power, pushing the numbers to 529kW and 820Nm on the V8. The RTR Vehicles Series 1 Mustang also has a staggered wheel and tyre package with 19x9.5-inch front and 19x10-inch rear rims. While also on offer is a RTR Gurney flap and RTR grille along with lighting, body and aerodynamics packages. To highlight its muscular looks, this Mustang gets RTR fender badges - while special floor mats, puddle lamps, deck trim panel badging, sill plates, and a custom radiator cover badge are all part of this exciting package. Personalising this RTR package is a serialised dash plaque, which includes a certificate of authenticity for the owner. This complete upgrade package is available for both 2.3-litre and 5.0-litre Mustangs, while only the 5.0 V8 Mustang can have the 529kW supercharger kit.

SUMMARY OF UNIQUE RTR SERIES 1 POWERED BY FORD PERFORMANCE PARTS: Performance • Ford Performance Track Handling Pack • Ford Performance Hood Struts • Ford Performance Aluminium Strut Tower Brace • Ford Performance 19"x 9.5" Front and 19”x10" Rear Wheels • Ford Performance 529kW Supercharger (Optional 5.0L only) • Ford Performance Intake Manifold with Software (Optional 5.0L only) Exterior • RTR Windshield Banner • RTR Upper and Lower Grille with LED's • RTR Front Splitter • RTR Rocker Splitters • Rear Quarter Splitters • RTR Gurney Flap • RTR Rear Diffuser • RTR Powered by Ford Performance Deck Lid Trim Panel with Badges • RTR Fender Badges • RTR Body Graphics

• RTR Logo Centre Caps Black PVD Lug Nuts • RTR Puddle Lamps Interior • Serialised Illuminated Sill Plates • Serialised Dash Plaque Radiator Cover with Serialized Badge • RTR Embroidered Floor Mats • Certificate of Authenticity Conversion costs (including fitment and VAT) RTR Vehicles Series 1 2.3 Mustang R280 000.00 5.0 Mustang GT R280 000.00 5.0 Mustang GT plus Ford Performance Supercharger R565 000.00 Contact Performance Centre for more information by mailing andrew@performancecentre.co.za


22

www.thevillagenews.co.za

23 September 2020

Amarok Double Cab gets a power boost I

n the last quarter of 2020, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be introducing its most powerful bakkie yet, the Amarok Double Cab with 190kW of power. The Amarok range which was launched in South Africa in 2010, has sold almost 35 000 units (single and double cab) in the local market. The Amarok Double Cab was Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ best-selling derivative last year with 2 596 vehicles sold. As of November 2020, the Amarok model range in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana will consist of the following engines; the 2.0 TDI 103kW, 2.0 BiTDI 132kW and the 3.0 TDI V6 190kW. The biggest development with this addition to the Amarok range is under the bonnet. The most powerful Amarok distinguishes itself from the rest of the range through the new 3.0-litre V6 190kW TDI engine, which has 25kW more power as well as 30Nm more torque than the outgoing 165kW derivative. The Amarok 3.0-litre V6 TDI generates 190kW from 3 000 to 4 500 rpm and 580 Newton metres of torque from 1 400 to 2 750 rpm which is channelled through its standard eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The Amarok with the V6 engine completes the zero to 100 km/h sprint in just 7.6 seconds and has a top speed of 207 km/h. It has an average fuel consumption of 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres. With an over boost function that powers the Amarok to a maximum power output of 200kW for 10 seconds, it is also one of the most powerful bakkies on sale in South Africa at the moment. The Amarok 3.0-litre V6 190kW TDI 4MOTION® will be available in the following model lines: Highline and the top-of-the-range Extreme. It is available in the following exterior paint finishes; Candy White, Mojave Beige, Indium Grey metallic and Deep Black Pearl Effect. In the Highline model line, a host of features come standard such as the Vienna leather seats, winter package (seat heating), increased GVM from 2.8t to 3.0t (including heavy duty leaf springs), Bi-Xenon headlights, font and rear Park Distance Control with rear-view camera, climatronic air-conditioning as well as the 18inch Manaus alloy wheels. Optional features on the Highline are the Discover Pro Media system which includes satellite navigation, rubber floor covering and 19-inch Milford

alloy wheels. In addition to the standard features on the Highline, which are also available on the Extreme, the top-ofthe-range model is further customised through the addition of ‘Special Edition’ Nappa leather seats, Discover Pro Media system which includes satellite navigation and 20-inch Talca alloy wheels which also come stan-

dard. The optional features on the Extreme are the Increased GVM from 2.8t to 3.0t (including heavy duty leaf springs), rubber floor covering, 19inch Milford alloy wheels and a sports bar painted in body colour. Recommended Retail Price (VAT and emissions tax included) • Amarok Double Cab 3.0 V6 190kW -

Highline - R908 300 • Amarok Double Cab 3.0 V6 190kW - Extreme - R974 600 The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Amarok comes standard with a 3-year/100 000km manufacturer warranty, 5-year/90 000 km Genuine Easy Drive Service Plan and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000km.

The new Renault Sandero Stepway TechRoad T

he Renault Sandero range has become synonymous with a host of features and fitments exclusive to its class. Powered by a Turbo engine (unique in its class), the Sandero boasts superb safety features as well as smart technologies as standard across the full range.

With its comprehensive and fresh line-up, Sandero has continued to enjoy ever-increasing success recording sales of over 64,100 units to date. The flagship Stepway model has proven to be an extremely popular choice with sales in excess of 30,500 vehicles since its introduction in 2011.

When Sandero first entered the South African motoring landscape in February 2009, Renault’s key objective was to provide a high-value proposition in the entry level passenger car segment.

In celebration of its marked success, Renault South Africa is proud to introduce the new enhanced Sandero Stepway TechRoad, set to replace the current flagship model.

Since then the Renault Sandero has evolved dramatically with numerous quality, feature and styling enhancements. The introduction of the First Generation top-of-the-range Sandero Stepway in 2011 blazed a red-hot trail popularizing the crossover concept in South Africa.

The new Renault Sandero Stepway TechRoad offers the appealing DNA of the Sandero model plus so much more, an even more enhanced SUV look and an even more value for money product. The exterior of the Stepway is distinguished through its bespoke design

and badging with 16” two-tone Flex wheel covers with blue centre caps, and Gloss Black door mirrors with distinctive design decals on B-Pillars & lower sections of the doors.

Powered by Renault’s F1-inspired three cylinder, 900cc petrol Turbo engine mated to a manual 5-speed gearbox, exudes amazing power, unparalleled responsiveness and driving pleasure thanks to low-end torque. With maximum output of 66kW @ 5 250 rpm and a peak torque of 135Nm at 2 500 rpm, of which 90% is available from 1 650rpm, the TechRoad accelerates from 0 to 100kph in just 11.1 seconds, to its top speed of 169kph. All this plus an impressive 5.4 litres/100km fuel consumption and just 124g/km CO² emissions.

StepwayTechRoad offers enriched standard features, such side airbags, front and rear power windows, electric side mirrors, leather steering wheel and gear knob and rear park assist. Cruise control and navigation are also standard (unique in this vehicle segment) while leather seats are an option.

Auto compatibility.

This latest model also offers a new bespoke upholstery design, which is totally on-trend, with distinct blue detailing on the seat design, and throughout the cabin.

The Stepway Techroad comes with Renault’s 5-year / 150 000 km warranty together with a standard 2-year / 30 000 km service plan. Services are at 15 000km intervals.

The comprehensive Renault MediaNav integrated on-board multimedia system with 7” touchscreen, is an extremely intuitive system offering quick access to all settings. The new Stepway offers Smartphone Mirroring, an extremely beneficial functionality with Apple CarPlay and Android

Sandero parts are very competitively priced and Renault’s Gauteng-based Parts & Distribution ensures that parts availability is running at 95% plus.

The Stepway also boasts Rear Parking Camera, to facilitate the driver by alleviating blind spots in reverse mode. The enhanced Stepway Techroad offering remains true to the Sandero value-for-money product range.

New Renault Stepway TechRoad 66kw Turbo retails at R243 900.


Alex Grant Pharmacy

Gateway Centre (028 312 1229)

Wheelchairs Crutches

Trading Hours: Mon-Fri 08:00-17:30, Sat 08:00-13:00, Sun closed, P/H 10:00-12:00. Clinic: Same as trading hours

FOR SALE OR TO RENT

Toilet seat raisers Rollators Walkers Nebulizers

FOR SALE/TO RENT

Visit Alex Grant for more information Even though we have moved to Level 1, it is still compulsory to sanitise your hands and wear a mask in public

Hermanus Pharmacy

145 Main Road (028 312 4039)

Trading Hours: Mon 08:00-17:30, Tues 09:00-17:30, Wed-Fri 08:00-17:30, Sat 08:00-13:00, Hermanus Sun & P/H 10:00-12:00. Clinic: Mon-Thurs 08:30-17:00, Fri 08:30-15:00

Have your balance, sight, hearing, blood pressure, BMI, glucose and cholesterol tested and get your results straight away. Testing takes 30 minutes. Please call Hermanus Pharmacy in advance to make an appointment with the Sister.


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