The Village NEWS 24 February - 2 March 2021 by The Village NEWS

THE VILLAGE

NEWS

24 FEBRUARY 2021 YOUR FREE COPY #ALLOVEROVERBERG The next issue of The Village NEWS will be out on 3 March 2021.

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The annual harvest is slowly but surely getting underway in the Overberg after cooler than normal temperatures delayed the start of the season by a few days. Winemakers and viticulturists agree that last year’s ample rain and this summer’s moderate temperatures made for bumper crops, as the conditions slowed down ripening and allowed for fuller flavour development on the vines. While the wine industry suffered devastating blows due to lockdown restrictions, many farms in the area report that both online and international sales have helped them to survive and ensure space in the cellars for the new vintages. Winemaker Nadia Newton Johnson was among those who thoroughly inspected the crop before the pressing of the grapes started. PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer

New plan for Fernkloof Writer De Waal Steyn

ine years after consultants were first appointed to develop a management plan for the Fernkloof Nature Reserve (FNR), a final draft plan is expected to be approved in principle by Council on Wednesday. Consultants were tasked in 2012 to develop an integrated development plan for FNR and the first draft was advertised in 2014. The comments that were received were worked into the plan and it was workshopped with interested and affected parties for another three years. However, the 2017 version of the plan was shrouded in controversy after conservation bodies and the public rallied against a section of the plan that allowed for proposed development rights within the borders of the reserve. According to that version a zipline, a coffee shop on Rotary Way and even a cable way could have been allowed should developers apply and succeed in their applications. These plans were

nipped in the bud after a public outcry shortly before the closing date for public comment on the plan. At the time social media was alight with posts, comments, and petitions against the adoption of the plan, which also included the possible future development of management offices, a tourism office, model aircraft flying sites, bird hides, educational centres, picnic sites, a conference facility, accommodation units and an astronomy centre. After a public meeting where objections were raised against the proposed development rights, the lack of consultation with the Fernkloof Advisory Board (FAB) and input from interested and affected parties, the plan was withdrawn and sent back to the drawing board. “After another round of workshops and public meetings, the final draft was supported by CapeNature and the Fernkloof Advisory Board (FAB) and advertised in 2019. The comments were considered and incorporated into the final draft of the Protected Area Management

Plan (PAMP),” states the agenda for this week’s Council meeting. Should the PAMP, for the period 2021 to 2025, be approved in principle by Council it will be submitted to Anton Bredell, the Western Cape’s Minister of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning for final approval. According to the plan its primary objective is to ensure the protection, conservation and management of the protected area concerned in a manner which is consistent with the objectives of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEMPAA) and for the purpose the reserve was declared. “The FNR PAMP is a strategic document formulated to provide a framework for the operation and management of the reserve. It is an adaptive management tool that allows for adaptive and/or refined management processes to respond to the changing factors that may affect the FNR,” according to the agenda. According to the plan’s Conservation Devel-

opment Framework the FNR is classified as a Core Conservation Zone and all possible future developments within the reserve will be required to go through the standard processes of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), the NEMPAA and the municipal application procedures. The plan states that the municipality has the mandate to sustainably develop the FNR within the framework of an approved Concept Development Plan (CDP). The municipality will initiate the development of a CDP that will address the future improvement and development of all infrastructure within the reserve. As stated by the PAMP, the reserve will continue to provide quality eco-tourism experiences to visitors, but some degree of tourism infrastructure development, guided by the CDP, is required to serve the required recreational and social needs. Emphasis should be placed on facilities and services that enrich the visitor’s understanding and appreciation of the biodiversity and cultural heritage of the FNR, according to the plan.

LOVE A LITTLE LOCAL

Curro Hermanus celebrates excellent matric results A fter last year’s academic challenges, Curro Hermanus is proud to congratulate its Class of 2020 on a 100% matric pass rate, following the release of the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) exam results on 19 February. A total of 92% of Curro Hermanus learners qualified for university studies (Bachelor's Degree Pass). “Our learners’ 100% IEB pass rate is truly an extraordinary achievement taking into account the immense pressure they were under as a result of Covid-19,” says Andries Greyling, Curro Holdings CEO. “Our 2020 matrics have certainly outdone themselves.” The class average for Curro Hermanus’s 2020 matrics was an impressive 70.3% and the group averaged 2.1 distinctions per learner. Out of a class of 26, six learners achieved an A aggregate and eight learners a B aggregate. “We are extremely proud of our Class of 2020 for showing grit and perseverance during a tough year which has tested them in more ways than just academically,” comments Kobus Vermeulen, Executive Head of Curro Hermanus. “Despite a year full of challenges, quality learning continued and I am gobsmacked by these truly excellent results.” Vermeulen believes it was Curro Hermanus’s quick transition to a remote learning strategy during the initial lockdown that helped secure 2020’s academic success. “The last academic year posed great uncertainty, but none of the year’s challenges were greater than a full move towards the virtual classroom in your final school year. Our teach-

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24 February 2021

ers and staff also need to be commended for the professional dedication shown towards our remote learning strategy. Without everyone’s commitment and our parents’ unwavering support, we simply would not have been able to achieve this level of academic success.” Curro Hermanus’s top matric student for 2020 is super star Jean Weight, with an astonishing total of 8 distinctions, including 100% for maths, 95% for AP maths and 96% for IT. “The 2020 school year was a very different experience than what we’d expected. It became apparent at the start of the pandemic that it would be a time to adapt and overcome many new obstacles,” says Jean.

P TO

E EV

Curro Hermanus

congratulates the world’s future leaders The Class of 2020 100% IEB pass rate | 92% bachelor’s degree (BD) pass rate 8% diploma pass rate | 100% tertiary exemption 70,3% class average | 6 learners with A aggregates 2,1 distinctions per candidate

“It took a lot of hard work from both the students and teachers but in the end it was all worth it. At the time we were writing our final exams the first wave had fortunately passed its peak and we had what most would consider a normal exam experience.” When asked if he has any advice for the current and future matrics, Jean says it is important to work hard but also to remember that it’s crucial to reward yourself with breaks and time to relax. “When studying for final exams it is very useful to include working through past papers in your study plan.” And when you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed? “Remember to breathe!” he says. Jean plans to study Computer Science this year. “My dream is to design AI systems for robots. It would be incredible to start a robotics company that delivers solutions to current global problems. I would like to make a positive impact on the world.”

Jean Weight

Luke Grindley-Ferris

Shanéa Smith

Shanelle Prins 4 distinctions

Melissa Jordaan 4 distinctions

Tiah Stannius 4 distinctions

Mia Winter

Anneleize Strauss

8 distinctions 100% for Mathematics

5 distinctions

Chevonne Botes 4 distinctions

Curro Hermanus’s top three matric students of 2020: Shanéa Smith, Jean Weight and Luke Grindley-Ferris with High School Head Pierre van der Westhuizen. PHOTO: Hedda Mittner

Lara Arrison 3 distinctions

3 distinctions

5 distinctions

3 distinctions

Amor Telling 3 distinctions

028 316 4911 hermanus.highschooladmin@curro.co.za www.curro.co.za

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Assist in baboon management Overstrand Municipality calls on residents and visitors to behave responsibly in their interactions with baboons and encourages neighbourhoods to find ways to live with the baboons. Human Wildlife Solutions (HWS), which manages the Baboon Programme in towns in the Overstrand, would like to request all residents who own trees that bear fruit in neighbourhoods that are affected by baboon raids, to remove the fruit from their trees daily before it ripens. During the past three weeks there has been a marked increase in incidents of single and small

groups of baboons running past the baboon rangers to town to feed on figs in particular. Vegetable gardens are also very attractive to baboons and it is advisable to cover vegetable gardens. Residents’ co-operation in assisting to keep the baboon troop out of town is much valued. The dedicated hotline number for reporting baboons in Hermanus and Pringle Bay is 072 028 0008. Visit www.hermanusbaboons.co.za or follow Facebook @hermanusbaboons or email info@hermanusbaboons.co.za for further information and tips.

24 February 2021

Small-scale fishing rights to be reviewed E nvironment, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Barbara Creecy is to approach the High Court to review and set aside the process of awarding small-scale fishing rights in the Western Cape. Based on legal advice, the Minister will seek the review of the entire process of those who originally applied for all Western Cape communities.

Numerous steps will be taken by the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) to minimise the impact of the court application on fishing communities in the province. These include bringing the application as quickly as possible, prioritising the new verification process and conducting it as swiftly as possible. These steps are aimed at shortening the period of impact. Importantly, the court application will request to maintain the current dispensation of providing access to fishing by fishing communities. The Minister will ask the Court to order that whatever form of access to fish communities and individual fishers have, remain in place until the new verification process is completed.

The repair work of the slipway in Fisherhaven has been completed and the facility was reopened on Monday. Users are reminded that it is important to follow the boat safety rules and warnings. The by-law relating to the control and use of the Bot River (page 972 – 980) and Klein River estuaries can be downloaded from the municipal website. Go to www.overstrand.gov.za, click on Documents, click on by-laws, click on estuaries and then 2004 Bot and Klein River.

In addition, the Department is exploring ways to improve this interim relief dispensation that will apply during the court application process to ensure better and more equitable access for fishing communities in the Western Cape. The Minister’s decision to approach the courts follows multiple complaints from community members about the fairness and accuracy of the verification process for small-scale fishers. The internal audit process was launched in 2019, and concluded that the verification process was

“wholly inadequate”, and that the “results of these assessments cannot and should not be relied on for any decision making purpose in terms of the Regulations”. Among the errors identified were problems such as the inaccurate capturing of information and the incorrect adjudication of applications by community panels. There was inconsistent application of criteria between communities, an incorrect and incoherent application and appeals process, as well as incomplete and inaccurate data, including lost applications. Should the court application be successful, originally registered individuals will have an opportunity to submit new information to support their original applications and thus ensure a process that is applied fairly and consistently to all communities. All Western Cape communities will be affected. While the Minister understands that there are some communities who have no objection to the outcome of the verification process, these could not be singled out for different treatment given that the problems with the process are widespread and the only available option is to review the process for all communities in the Western Cape. Approaching the court will cause a delay of at least another year in the granting of rights for some communities. But, the Minister believes that the consequences of not approaching the court are potentially even more disastrous. A new process is the only way to ensure that rights are allocated fairly.

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‘Mini Nemo’ returns T

he Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) in Gansbaai is thrilled to announce the successful deployment of an acoustic transmitter onto one of Gansbaai’s most iconic white sharks. Known as ‘Mini Nemo’, the shark was first logged as a young 2.5m male by the crew of Marine Dynamics in 2013 and, according to marine biologist Alison Towner, “it was simply incredible to see him grow over the years, returning as a healthy 4m adult”. Since his first observation was logged, Mini Nemo has been seen visiting the area one to three times a year and is identified using the trailing edge of his dorsal fin, a unique feature to each white shark, as well as the many small notches and bumps, most likely caused by parasite attachment. The stunted nature of his right pectoral fin also allows for easy identification. Mini Nemo was named after the animated Disney movie character Nemo, a clown fish with a similar stunted pectoral fin. (DICT is also monitoring two larger females with similar fins named Nemo and Big Nemo.) The newly re-named ‘Not so Mini Nemo’ arrived back in the area on Saturday 13 February and was first spotted by Sharklady Adventures. According to Kim (Sharklady) Maclean they took two trips out from Hermanus with local tourists and were very excited to come across three great whites that day, a rare sighting indeed since these sharks started moving out of the area and staying away for longer periods of time. “On our second trip out on Saturday, we were in for an even bigger surprise when the male shark we’d come to know as ‘Baby Nemo’ arrived at our boat. This shark has been in our area for years and years but we had not seen

Since 2001 -

Still your

PHOTO: Kelly Baker, sharkwatchsa.com

him in about two years. It was amazing to see how he had grown as the last time we’d seen him he was no more than 3m in length. Baby Nemo is missing most of its right side pectoral fin and must have dodged some perils in his life, but this disability does not seem to have stopped this little guy from visiting us again.” A few days later, early on the morning of Wednesday 17 February, two vessels of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust launched from Kleinbaai harbour, and anchored on the inshore to set about attracting bronze whaler sharks to the boat as part of a collaborative research project with Shark Spotters, Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP) and Save Our Seas Foundation, aimed at quantifying the shark species’ movement ecology and assessing their population dynamics in Southern Africa,” relates Alison. “The day started very well, with both a male and female bronze whaler successfully tagged by midday. Then, a large black shadow and dorsal fin appeared in the distance, heading straight towards the research boats. Much to everyone’s delight on board, it was the shark we had all hoped to see – Mini Nemo! “He arrived and began to slowly circle our vessel, rolling on his side and eyeing out our excited crew while making approaches at the bait. An acoustic tag was attached to his left side, and as we put our hydrophone into the water, we were able to record his tag ID. This incredible shark then proceeded to circle the vessels for another two hours – clearly the tag attachment did not faze him at all.” Alison says it was a busy field day all round for the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, with their third vessel Lwazi, also out at sea with team Sea Search on board. They were retrieving

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acoustic loggers (the devices that recently recorded the first ever vocals of a killer whale in SA) and were spoiled with humpback and common dolphin sightings near Dyer Island. “Marine ecologist Leigh De Necker along with Brandon Kilbride, were also on board to assist with tagging. Both used to crew on white shark diving vessels in False Bay and both had smiles stretching from ear to ear, after seeing their first white shark in over three years,” says Alison. “Much debate is currently ongoing regarding where white sharks have gone to from Gansbaai and False Bay, but one thing is for certain, the answers lie in the spatial movement data of this species. We look forward to seeing where Not so Mini Nemo goes to from Gansbaai, via the national array of receivers through ATAP.” Kim says the theories about where our great whites have gone include “global warming and climate change, changing currents, depleted food stocks for great whites in our area, as well as the Orcas and Chinese long-line fishing. “Whichever it might be, hopefully this was a sign that things are changing,” she says.

The iconic shark known as ‘Mini Nemo’ returned to our waters and was tagged by the crew of Marine Dynamics near Gansbaai on 17 February. PHOTOS: Dyer Island Conservation Trust

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FROM THE EDITOR

24 February 2021

Fernkloof gets what it deserves

While Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on tourism industries all over the world, it is good news indeed that one of our most precious tourist attractions is getting the recognition and protection it deserves. The Fernkloof Nature Reserve is internationally renowned for its unique indigenous biodiversity and is visited daily by tourists and residents alike. For this reason, the protection of the FNR is of the utmost importance and the completion of the Protected Area Management Plan is an important milestone for conservation in our area.

The FNR is not only the mountain reserve behind Hermanus but also includes, amongst others, the Cliff Paths and Hoy’s Koppie. A total of 78% of the reserve consists of critically endangered Sandstone Fynbos and 7.4% of vulnerable Agulhas Limestone Fynbos. The reserve constitutes 0.02% of the Cape Floral Region (CFR), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, yet it contains 18% of plant species found in the CFR. To enjoy this natural beauty it offers more than 60 km of hiking, walking, and cycling trails and a world-renowned herbarium.

Fernkloof, and much more to be expected in future, we must understand that it is only through the medium of talking to each other and negotiation that real progress is made. For the future, let us also keep in mind that while the FNR must be protected at all costs, sustainable development in some form or the other will be necessary to cover the ever-growing costs of maintaining the reserve.

agement authority for the reserve, residents and interested parties have made it abundantly clear over the last few years that the ownership of this land lies with the people. In 2017 a public meeting to oppose the then proposed management plan was one of the largest public meetings held in Hermanus to date. It also led to the creation of the conservation advocacy group Hands Off Fernkloof, which has become a well-known voice locally and internationally.

A reassuring aspect is that all potential development will be in line with not only the management plan but also environmental legislation. The new

While there has been robust debate over the last years about the future of

While the municipality is the man-

plan makes provision for a Concept Development Plan and a Sensitivity Analysis that will guide any development, reserve planning, access to and management priorities of the reserve. And while the FNR is set to flourish, we also need to extend a warm word of gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly over the last few years on mapping the future of the reserve. There are countless individuals and organisations that all work together to preserve this piece of heaven on earth for us, and for that we need to thank them. This is the good NEWS – Ed

Goodbye Zan – Hello NEWS Sumatra THE VILLAGE

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apparently. Anyway, he obviously enjoyed these foreigners’ ‘intellectual’ company, because he loved hearing tales of their exploits and adventures abroad, and soon an unspoken bond developed between them.

De Waal Steyn

PUBLISHING EDITOR T: 083 700 3319

E: dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za

Marco recounted his sighting of the Flying Dutchman near the Cape of Storms, and his stay-over in Nice Nè with forest-dwellers who smoked exotic herbs and had pet elephants. He also mentioned his encounter with King Shaka, who’d presented him with a vuvuzela. But he obviously kept mum about the Kruger Millions, wallowing in the shallows of the Lawrence O’Marks harbour.

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

By Murray Stewart murray.stewart49@gmail.com

ith Marco imprisoned in Zanzibar’s ancient slave port of Stone Town, events over the next few months are difficult to authenticate due to linguistic hurdles and virtually no documentation at all. However, fragments of anecdotes and snippets of skinner have been strung together to make some sense of it all. But we do know that Marco, Captain Phillips, and the eyepatched interpreter Napoleon were moved into the Palace’s staff quarters – next to the harem of sultry seductresses and teenage boys. The Sultan swung both ways

To the Sultan, and all who handled it, the vuvuzela remained an enigma. You couldn’t play it like a flute, and it was useless as a drinking straw, so they decided it was probably part of a hookah pipe, and the Sultan lost no time in experimenting with his own exotic herbs. One day, Captain Phillips somehow convinced the Sultan that if he was released, he’d be able to locate the Ark of the Covenant and bring it to Zanzibar. Apparently an Italian bloke called Dan da Vinci had decoded cryptic clues that indicated where the Knights Templar had

hidden it. A stone’s throw away, he claimed, in the St Mary of Zion Church near Aksum, a town in Ethiopia. Well, succumbing to his own narcissistic angels and demons, the Sultan had visions of parading through Jerusalem to cheering crowds and blaring bugles, as he returned the Ark to its rightful place in Solomon’s Temple. History books would immortalise him, he thought, so he allowed Captain Phillips – with a few bodyguards – to sail to Mogadishu en route to the Ethiopian highlands. Records of this expedition reveal that Captain Phillips never found the Ark, but managed to escape and went on to greater things, like landing a plane on a river and saving some private called Ryan – but that’s another story. Anyway, Sultan Suleiman ( You can call me Sul), turned out to be a highly educated bloke, and Marco was surprised at how much he, too, had travelled. As a devout Muslim, he’d visited the Holy Land many times, usually to join up with Saladin, fighting against the Crusaders who claimed the real estate around the Temple Mount – in fact all of Jerusalem – belonged to a church in Rome.

He’d also been east to India with its sugar-cane plantations, flamboyant religious ceremonies and endless cricket matches. They too had elephants as pets, he claimed, and Marco secretly wished he could take one home for Mom in Venice. She’d be so proud… But back to his immediate predicament – locating Pa somewhere in a country much further east. Marco knew the Sultan was curious, so through the interpreter, he would regularly recount Pa’s tales about this land of bamboo and silk behind a wall made entirely of china – and it worked. The Sultan’s enthusiasm grew with each story, and within a few weeks he instructed his Navy Admiral to prepare a small fleet for the journey. Mid-year monsoons blow from Africa towards Indonesia, and being June, they’d have strong tail-winds all the way there. He was delighted that Marco, a strapping young teenager, appeared so keen to accompany him, but we’ll leave it at that. Let’s just say that Marco, grateful for the free ride, happily knuckled down and high-tailed it eastward (via Sumatra apparently) to find Pa and Kubla Cohen in Xanadu. Stay tuned...

E: taylum@thevillagenews.co.za

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24 February 2021

TOTAL CASES AS OF 22 FEB 2021:

OVERSTRAND CASES: 19 FEB TOTAL (ACTIVE)

WORLD: 112 072 399 SOUTH AFRICA: 1 503 796 WESTERN CAPE: 274 046 (18.22% of cases in SA) OVERBERG: N/A

• FISHERHAVEN: 44 (3) • GANSBAAI: 182 (3) • HAWSTON: 440 (8) • HERMANUS: 716 (10) • KLEINMOND: 671 (11)

• MT PLEASANT: 355 (11) • ONRUS: 204 (7) • SANDBAAI: 215 (2) • STANFORD: 377 (3) • VERMONT: 91 (2) • ZWELIHLE: 1 081 (9) TOTAL: 4 973 (68)

LAST WEEK'S TOTAL CASES:

(15 FEB)

WORLD: 109 505 562 SOUTH AFRICA: 1 491 807 (15th in the world) WESTERN CAPE: 272 302 OVERBERG: 13 121 (459 deaths) OVERSTRAND: 4 947 (137 deaths)

LET'S TALK

Unbroken Cliff Path will enhance Hermanus I must react to the full-page ‘Save our Shores’ advertorial on page 10 of your 10 February edition regarding the Cliff Path Action Group’s (CPAG) proposed Cliff Path extension at Poole's Bay. There are numerous incorrect facts as set out in the 14 points under the headline: Stop the unnecessary destruction. I will deal with those points made in the same order. Firstly, this area is not an exclusively Critically Endangered Ecosystem – the rest of Walker Bay is classified as such, also where we swim on the beaches and walk our dogs. lt is no different to any other rocky parts anywhere along the Hermanus coastline. 1. The reasons why the Cliff Path has not been continued along this particular stretch of coast years ago are because of the cost, the legality and the homeowners of properties bordering the proposed path – and

not because of “endangering users of such a proposed path”. 2. While I agree with the sentiments in this paragraph, it has little or nothing to do with the desirability or not of the proposed path. 3. Survey work had to be done to align the proposed new path. It was done with absolutely minimal disturbance, leaving no scars. 4. This is clearly incorrect. High Water Mark is not "below the median sea level". Mean Sea Level (MSL) – please note the correct wording – is way below the High Water Mark (HWM). The lntertidal Zone is way below the High Water Mark and will be only slightly affected intermittently when the sea reaches its highest point. 5. The "profound degradation of concrete" referred to in this paragraph is nonsense. All the harbours in the world are built of concrete,

with the sea thundering against the structures. A properly engineered structure with quality concrete will have a maintenance-free life span of 50 years or more. 6. The structures have been carefully considered, with input from world-renowned engineers. The new path will in turn become famous, just as 'The Snake’ in Kirstenbosch Gardens has become world famous. 7. This is correct – there will be elevated walkways and buttresses. The walk will be spectacular, an enhancement to Hermanus as a special place. Everybody will want to walk from the town all the way to Grotto. 8. Great consideration is being brought to bear on the environment. Read the scoping report before making wild claims of "scant consideration…" 9. Refer to point 5 above. lt is irre-

sponsible to make assertions that it will be "severely damaged, if not destroyed, by wave action along the Hermanus coast". Please explain why the Old Harbour is still there after 100 years and the New Harbour requires no maintenance after about 40 years? 10. The cost is funded by the IAP's. The cost of R20 million is way over the estimate. The CPAG undertakes to guarantee the availability of funds before the project commences and won’t demand municipal funding for the project. 11. The project will take less than a year. There will be no concrete batching on site and the concrete will be delivered already batched. Great care will be taken at the two working areas at either end of the walkway in clearly marked and defined areas. 12. This statement is seriously misleading. Great effort is being spent

assessing the environment and the impact of the proposed pathway. Scientific studies by experts in their field concluded that there are no significant warning signs from a historical or avian point of view to prevent construction of a path. 13. On walking the whole route this author rapidly came to the conclusion that the ‘Save our Shores’ (SOS) lobby is alarmist. There were no signs of the creatures listed by SOS. 14. The bird island will not be disturbed. Witness the birdlife on Voëlklip lsland with swimmers and surfers all around them. ln conclusion it must be pointed out that in my opinion the SOS lobby has made a poor submission, which in many instances is actually incorrect. Pat Hart Pr Eng, Pr CM, BSc (Civ Eng), MICE, PE (Nam)

Michael Welchman: No ordinary man 8 September 1920 – 5 February 2021 Dr Michael Welchman passed away on Friday 5 February at Kidbrooke Place, five months after celebrating his 100th birthday. He was no ordinary man.

when he was a second-year medical student at Wits. In 1940 he joined the SAAF and obtained his wings a year later, flying Hurricanes and Tomahawks.

He was an adored husband, father and grandfather, a radiologist of note, overseeing the first scanner EMI brought to South Africa, a South African Air Force pilot during WWII – a period in his life he never tired talking about – and, post-retirement, a successful artist.

Subsequently sent to North Africa, he was posted to No 40 Squadron. As a reconnaissance pilot Michael flew operational sorties in extremely dangerous situations. Squadron members had to fly unescorted single or double aircraft missions over enemy concentrations to gather photographic and tactical information.

Michael was born and raised in Johannesburg. His father had been a surgeon and he decided to follow in his footsteps. WWII broke out

After the war, Michael completed his medical studies. He joined the colonial service and was posted to Ugan-

da – a country the Welchmans grew to love. It was there that Michael had the opportunity to work with lepers. He travelled to the UK intermittently to study tropical medicine and then to specialise in radiology. On leaving Uganda, Michael accepted a position at King Edward Hospital and later at Addington Hospital in Durban. Michael and his beautiful Betty fell in love more than 70 years ago. He was holidaying with his varsity friend, Bob Rogers (later Chief of the SAAF), at Scottburgh when he saw her for the very first time and fell in love. Betty also had a passion for flying. In the

1930s, while still a teenager in Johannesburg, she saved all her pocket money to take flying lessons. The couple married at St Peter’s Church in Hermanus and had links with the town for many years as Betty’s parents lived here. A strange coincidence was that her parents’ home in Contour Street, Fernkloof was next door to the grandparents of another war-time RAF pilot, Roger Bushel. Bushel organised and led an escape from Stalag Luft III, a German prisoner of war camp, where he had been incarcerated. The film The Great Escape was based on that escape. Michael and Betty retired to Her-

manus when Michael was 65. He is survived by Betty, three children, Jenty Young and Richard Welchman (who now live in the UK) and Rowena Spence (in Australia), eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. – Nelly Roodt

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OVERBERG 25

THURSDAY

Coastal Archaeozoology Join Whale Coast Conservation for a Zoom talk by Dr Graham Avery (Iziko Museums of South Africa) on changing sea levels and past environments, and the animals and people who lived on the south-western coast during the Middle and Late Stone Age. Contact anina.wcc@gmail.com for the link. Online with Facebook Live | 18:00

FRIDAY

Wine Down Friday Celebrate that TGIF feeling at The Wine Glass at the end of a busy week! Enjoy the vibe and get two for the price of one on selected wines, beers and nibbles. Book via www.thewineglass.guru or call 082 082 0007. The Wine Glass, 2 Harbour Rd, Hermanus | 16:00 – 18:00 Bottomless Bubbles Fridays Start the weekend in style at the iconic Marine Hotel with bottomless bubbles from L’Ormarins and chef’s welcome canapés at R200 pp, every Friday. Booking is essential on 028 313 1000 or bookings@themarine.co.za. The Marine | 17:00 – 19:00 Stanford Sunset Market Stanford's favourite, family-friendly, dog-friendly market is reopening! Bringing local food, coffee, deli products, gifts, plants, fresh produce and live tunes to the heritage market square on the last Friday of the month. Pop in, meet new people, hook up with old friends, support local vendors, and take delicious food home for the whole weekend. Free entrance and plenty of free parking. Please wear a mask and follow Covid protocols of social distancing. Stanford Market Square | 18:00 – 20:00 (in the event of rain, the venue will be at Birkenhead Brewery)

SATURDAY

Stanford MTB Classic This year’s Stanford MTB Classic will take on the popular guided ride format which was used for last year’s De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience. Three distance options: 85km Ultra Marathon (R850), 50km XCM (R650) and 25km Fun Ride (R450). Enter at www. entryninja.com. All entries include a burger and a beer (optional dinner at Manor House Restaurant). For more information visit www.overbergmtbevents.co.za or contact 084 228 0414. Stanford Valley Guest Farm | 07:00 Hermanus Country Market A favourite among the locals. Young, old, two-legged and four-legged family members are all welcome. You’ll find wholesome goodies, homemade crafts, local produce, beers and wine, speciality foods, coffee and live music. Next to Hermanus Cricket Field | 09:00 – 13:00 Stanford Saturday Morning Market Come and sample the artisanal delights on display, from homemade sheep and goats’ cheeses to wood-fired ciabattas, pastries and pies, farm-fresh vegetables, freerange eggs, flowers, preserves and deli delights (including gluten-free, wheat-free 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

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Gansbaai Farmers’ Market Specialising in fresh produce, homebaked foods, and crafts. Come and enjoy entertainment and refreshments at this popular kuierplek. For enquiries, contact 028 384 1439 or doulene@gansbaaitourism.co.za Kapokblom Street, opposite Gansbaai Tourism | 09:00 – 13:00 Ceramic Workshop Well-known sculptor Nanette Ranger presents a ceramic workshop for Hermanus FynArts on ‘Hands’. Her large sculpture, ‘The Hunted’ is part of the 2020 Sculpture on the Cliffs exhibition, and she exhibited a number of her whimsical smaller sculptures, including a variety of hands, in the FynArts Gallery last year. Tickets at R250 pp include tea/coffee. Book via webtickets.co.za or contact Chantel at admin@hermanusfynarts.co.za or 060 957 5371. Foyer, Dutch Reformed Church, Hermanus | 10:00 – 12:30 En Plein Air Painting Workshop Enjoy a morning of painting with like-minded artists on the lawns of the scenic Sumaridge Wine Estate at this FynArts workshop, which will be repeated on Sunday 28 February. The lake, set against the backdrop of vineyards and mountains, and the commanding views stretching to the ocean, provide plenty of inspiration. Artists will be offered the opportunity of exhibiting artworks from these workshops for 14 days through the FynArts Gallery (a commission of 20% will be payable for all artworks sold). Tickets at R100 pp include a glass of wine. Book via webtickets.co.za or contact Chantel at admin@hermanusfynarts.co.za or 060 957 5371. Sumaridge Wines, Upper Hemelen-Aarde Valley | 10:00 – 12:30 (Sat & Sun)

number of local artists who will be painting their second bollard for this very successful project, Artists for Hermanus. FynArts supplies paint in the three primary colours, as well as black and white. All artists are requested to submit a sketch of their proposed painting to Chantel at admin@hermanusfynarts.co.za. And for those who are not artists, do pop down and enjoy watching the paintings unfold. This two-day project runs from Saturday to Sunday. Above the Old Harbour, Hermanus | 10:00 – 12:30 (Sat & Sun) Charl du Plessis – All of Me Hermanus FynArts is proud to present two more performances featuring this celebrated Steinway Artist. ‘All of Me’ celebrates the world of classical, jazz, boogie-woogie and blues piano as well as the intricate art of improvisation. All Covid protocols with be strictly adhered to. Book your tickets at R225 pp by contacting admin@ hermanusfynarts.co.za or 060 957 5371. Dutch Reformed Church, Onrus | 11:00 & 14:00

Artists for Hermanus – Bollard Painting All artists are invited to join with a

WINE & DINE

Hiram Koopman & Friends Join Bartho Eksteen and family on their farm with super-talented saxophonist Hiram Koopman for a day of old-fashioned hospitality, fabulous music, great food and superb wines. Safety precautions and social distancing protocols will be observed at this open-air performance. To book at R350 pp, contact mana@hermanus. co.za or 072 323 5060. Bartho Eksteen Wines, Hemel-enAarde Valley | 16:00

SUNDAY

Floral Workshop Learn how to make a ‘tussie mussie’ with Yvette Steyn-Churchman of Kelkiewyn Florist in Caledon. Following on her very successful FynArts Christmas wreath-making workshop, Yvette will show you how to ‘say it with flowers’ by guiding you through the fascinating intricacies of herbs, flowers and colours. Each small posy will reveal a special message through the flowers and foliage you select. Tickets at R250 pp can be booked via webtickets.co.za or contact Chantel at admin@hermanusfynarts.co.za or 060 957 5371. The Wine Glass, Harbour Road, Hermanus | 10:00 – 12:30

FRIDAY

Neuroplasticity & Creativity Workshop Join Dr Arien van der Merwe from The Green Healing Space in Hermanus for a learn-play-grow experience where you’ll learn all about how to use your whole brain for optimal mental functioning and wellbeing. The workshop will include fun activities and refreshments. All materials will be supplied. Limited tickets available at R350 pp due to Covid-19 precautions and safe distancing. To book, contact Hermanus@DrArien.co.za or 067 116 6111. Fernkloof Hall | 09:30 – 13:00

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24 February 2021

LOVE A LITTLE LOCAL

A surprise round every corner Writer Elaine Davie

he first thing you notice about self-taught artist, Antoinette Coetzee is her smile. Its warmth and spontaneity not only lights up her own face, but reaches into the darkest corners of the environment around her. There is no doubt about it, this is a Giver. And so she turns out to be – a spreader of kindness. Raised in Bloemfontein, Antoinette knew from the youngest age that she was born to be an artist, like her mother and grandmother, but there was a caveat: “I knew that art had been given to me as a gift to share with all; that it wasn’t just a means to make money, it was to give away to others for their pleasure and happiness,” she explains. As a child, she wasn’t able to take art classes, but she painted pictures for her friends at school and the more she painted, the more she learnt. Her friends decided she should have a distinctive branding and conferred the name, Amira (meaning Princess in Arabic) on her, which she still uses as her nom de plume (or, perhaps, nom d’art). Because of her deep love of animals and the natural environment, she now categorises herself as a conservation artist. Arriving in Betty’s Bay in 2019 and then in Kleinmond, she was overwhelmed by the beauty of the region. However, she knew nobody, so she decided the best way to reach out to the wider community was through art, and specifically rock art, which was gaining popularity all over the world. If that term conjures up ancient caves with walls covered in San art, you would be wrong.

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No, what Antoinette did was to start a Facebook group which she called Overberg Pebbles or O-pebbles (she prefers to call them pebbles, instead of rocks, which sounds too harsh to her). Using acrylic paints, which she varnished to protect them from the weather, she began to paint pebbles of various sizes and hide them in plain sight all over the Whale Coast, from Hermanus to Rooiels, on walking and bike trails, along the coastal paths, in shops, wherever someone might unexpectedly come across them. As she describes the project, “it is to find a pebble, take a picture, hide or keep the pebble and share on O-pebbles or #opebbles. It is so exciting to see some of these pebbles pop up in France, Germany, all over the globe, actually, picked up as a special gift from the Whale Coast. The world is so often such a hard place and these little pebbles speak to them of happiness and kindness.” A project which she started on her own has spread like a friendly pandemic throughout the region. She began to run free pebble-painting workshops for both children and adults, especially older people. On the one hand she says she wanted to get children excited about creating something of their own to share with someone else and at the same time to get them out to explore nature. “Like me,” she giggles; “I’ve never done so much walking and climbing in my life.” She loves working with older people, especially those in elder care. “They so often feel abandoned, see their life as having lost meaning, and this is a very healing activity. They don’t have to be artists to pebble-play; they can do written messages, too, if they prefer. And it is such a

LEFT: Antoinette Coetzee (Amira) with some of the painted pebbles that she hides in plain sight all over the Whale Coast, from Hermanus to Rooiels, on walking and bike trails, along the coastal paths and in shops. RIGHT: In addition to painting pebbles, Amira also produces conventional paintings in oils, usually working from professional photographs. The portrait of a fireman is from a photograph by Justin Sullivan, taken during the devastating wildfire in Betty’s Bay in January 2019. CIRCLE: Antoinette’s only reward is the joyful surprise when someone unexpectedly comes across one of her pebbles.

joy for them to see their handiwork turn up on Facebook.” She tells the story of a woman in Hermanus who lost her husband and completely gave up on life herself. She refused to step out of her house or see people. And then Antoinette and her pebbles came into her life. Now painting and hiding them has become an all-consuming passion and she is out and about spreading the kindness, non-stop. Another fun project Antoinette recently completed was the painting of two of the larger-than-life penguins which appear all along the Whale Coast to bring pleasure to visitors and draw attention to the many attractions of the area. Her happy pair are Peggy in Kleinmond, with proteas in her hair, and the very dapper Sir Robert in Stanford. Make sure you pop in to the respective Tourism offices to make their acquaintance. Of course, as Amira, she also produces more conventional paintings in oils, mostly of wild animals. Again, although she paints on commission as well, the majority are given away free of charge to conservation bodies wishing to raise funds for

their cause. She paints from photographs by wellknown photographers from whom she always first obtains permission. For example, a portrait of one of the firemen who fought the Betty’s Bay fire in January 2019 (photographed by Justin Sullivan) was used to raise funds for the publication of the book, Fire Storm which documented the experiences of those caught up in it. Another, of a baboon Mother and Baby (Pete Oxford) was used to raise funds for the protection of the baboons of the Kogelberg. “My artist friends often ask me why I give everything away. Well, to my mind, art is meant to bring colour to the world and at the same time to reflect its beauty. My talent was given to me free of charge; I didn’t pay for it, so why should I keep it to myself? My reward comes from the happiness it gives those who need it most. Someone I do not know may pick up a particular pebble on a particular day in a particular place that will have special meaning for them. That’s enough for me.” Antoinette can be contacted on amira@miworld.co.za or 083 497 6184.

Hemel & Aarde

Place: Hemel & Aarde Bartho Eksteen Date: 27 February 2021 Time: 16:00 Price: R350 per person Bookings: mana@hermanus.co.za / 072 323 5060

Picnic Hampers, Bartho Eksteen wines, Old Harbour beers & non-alcoholic beverages available to purchase

This is an open-air performance - safety precautions and social distancing will be observed

Bookings: mana@hermanus.co.za / 072 323 5060

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24 February 2021

MY WELLNESS

Have a glimpse of the future you! By Lindi Prinsloo

irror, Mirror on the wall… Will my skin sag or will it wrinkle overall?

Our country has been hit with a pandemic, affecting our salaries, our lifestyle, and our skins! There is no time (or ‘moola’) to be running around to test and trial every product or treatment people tell you “has worked for them”. So how do you budget for your skin during uncertain times? What if I told you that with just a flick of a swab you could save money long-term on your skin journey? Sounds too good to be true, right? But, imagine you could have a crystal ball… a scientifically proven look at the future you. This sobering ghost of your future face has an impact on all of us. For the first time in history, we can give you a golden opportunity to change that future – with SkinDNA. SkinDNA tests your genes to determine how you will age. It identifies your skin’s overall genetic health in five areas – Firmness and Elasticity, Wrinkling, Sun Damage and Pigmentation, Free Radical Damage, Sensitiv-

ity and Inflammation. The results then suggest active ingredients, not products, to counteract the ageing process. I was lucky enough to have a SkinDNA test done, as I just had to see what my results would be. And this DNA testing we have all been reading about was the real deal. Being in the industry for over 25 years, I was convinced that I knew my skin inside and out. I was very sure that I was using all the right products and getting the treatments that would delay the signs of ageing. Well, was I surprised! I scored 75% on low risk for Collagen Breakdown (my focus has always been on collagen stimulating treatments and products). So that’s why, perhaps, people guess my age a bit younger than my 42 years. Bonus, right? But, unfortunately, I scored badly on Wrinkling /Glycation – with a higher risk of developing lines and wrinkles and a medium risk on pig-

mentation and sensitivity. But what really won me over, was the information provided on free radical damage. Genetically, I may have a reduced ability to produce essential antioxidants. My results also suggested that I am likely to be sensitive to environmental pollutants and by living an unhealthy lifestyle, will ultimately increase my lifetime free of radical production. This also explains why my skin often flares up when exposed to stressful situations, alcohol, harsh ingredients or certain foods. My home care regime has always consisted of

resurfacing products or collagen stimulating ingredients, but the best solution for my skin, according to the test, is to use a product that contains high amounts of anti-oxidants such as Vit C, Ferulic Acid and Alpha Lipoic Acid. This test gave me insight into what lifestyle changes would be needed to preserve my skin and help counteract the way I will end up ageing – with treatment recommendations that I have hardly been applying to myself in the clinic. What an eye opener! The upside to this test is knowing how to prevent ageing. Isn’t that what we are all looking for? Like everyone says, prevention is better than cure. So now we can apply it to our skincare. At the moment aesthetics and skincare is a symptom-focused profession. We wait until the pigmentation appears, or the dark circles, or the

acne. And only then do we embark on a journey to try to reverse it. By knowing your genetic map, we are able to identify any weaknesses and put reinforcements in place, right now! By applying these ingredients to your skin, adding these supplements and lifestyle changes to your routine, and utilising these professional protocols we have a 75% chance of changing your skin’s future and stopping those weaknesses from creating the pigmentation, acne, sensitivity, wrinkles, skin texture, redness and broken capillaries that we saw in our parents and grandparents. We now have the tool to create affordable lifelong programmes to help you shape a more youthful future. How does it work? An easy 10 second mouth swab and your DNA will be sent to a laboratory in Australia, followed by a report mapping out focus points to become the forever beautiful you! SkinDNA – changing skins, one swab at a time. This is the future in the fight against ageing. If you are interested, talk to one of our professionals about SkinDNA.

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24 February 2021

So who are you, really? Writer Elaine Davie

or all you know, you could be a prince(ss) in the guise of a frog – or the other way round – looking for love in all the wrong places. If this sounds like your own play script, perhaps you need to turn to the ancient mathematical wisdom of the Enneagram to clear up the confusion. After all, it has a pedigree of success stretching back through millennia of human development. Great builders as they were, this system was incorporated by the ancient Greeks into their architectural designs which have stood the test of time. It was familiar to the renowned mathematician Pythagoras and to philosophers Plato (‘The worst of all deceptions is self-deception’) and his student Aristotle (‘Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom’), who internalised the same mathematical principles. Even the structure of Homer’s Odyssey is said to have been built around its nine numbers. Even more amazingly, all the major faiths of the world, from the Jewish Kabbalah to Buddhism, incorporate the same principles. More recently, they became cornerstones of the work of Freud and Jung. In present time, the study and implementation of the Enneagram is gaining traction around the world, but as is often the case, South Africa is lagging behind.

According to practitioner, Karin Wellman of Stanford, “It’s not about who we are, but how we are: it’s about being completely authentic. It’s not putting people in boxes, it’s breaking down walls of unconsciousness. When Buddha was asked who he was, his reply was, ‘I am awake’.” For Karin, the Enneagram has limitless applications. She herself uses it as a business tool. As a master coach she counsels corporate executives not only in South Africa, but thanks to the world-wide-web, around the globe. Since relocating to Stanford with her husband and family a year ago, she has also been acting as a tutor at Hermanus Varsity, which she describes as an amazing experience. “I just love the students,” she says, “they’re so determined. Even lockdown didn’t dampen their enthusiasm.” Which is why she will be running two full-day Enneagram workshops on 12 and 13 March at the Varsity Hub to raise funds for the institution. Participants will need to complete an online assessment before the time, which she will use to prepare a comprehensive report prior to the workshop. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, each workshop will be restricted to about 25 participants who, on the day, will be divided into smaller groups of four or five people who will work together for the day. “It becomes a very rich experience

when people are given the time and space to share their lived experiences with one another. I have been doing this for the past 27 years and I’m still learning. In fact, it’s an all-consuming passion. Every time a participant has an Aha! moment, it’s a thrilling experience for me. The system has absolutely nothing to do with judgmentalism; instead it results in deeper self-awareness and a better understanding of how we impact on others, leading to a stronger sense of tolerance and empathy,” she explains. “I’ve had insight into literally thousands of profiles and each one is unique, just as in a family no two siblings are the same. In fact, working with whole families can be amazing. We all choose our own Enneagram type instinctively at about the age of four, and under pressure, we always revert to type. It’s a childhood survival mechanism: to thrive, we need to develop the characteristics that make us stand out from our siblings for our parents’ attention and love.” Karin comments that in a workshop or private consultation, when participants are able suddenly to recognise the child in themselves, they say it’s like emerging from a trance or regaining their sight. Some have said that this discovery has literally saved their marriage. They are no longer in a box, they are out! “You can imagine, if you belong to

the type that needs structure in their lives, that needs to be perfect in a perfect world, and you are never able to achieve this, you can beat yourself up unmercifully. These are the people for whom fierce self-discipline is the norm, who constantly judge themselves (and everyone else), who may develop eating disorders in the hope that one day they will be perfect, worthy of love.

obfuscated by words. As Karin says, “It allows us to reach a state of balance and self-understanding, where we are not constantly operating on auto-pilot, but are able actively to decide what we want and to reach out to ourselves and others with love.”

"When they finally realise why they are doing these things, they are motivated to turn the very same characteristics into strengths instead of perceived weaknesses.”

Booking for either of the two Enneagram workshops by Karin Wellman on 12 and 13 March can be done by contacting Christine on christine@hermanusvarsity.co.za, or for further information call Karin on 083 600 4623. Please book well in advance so that you can complete the online assessment before the workshop.

Because the Enneagram is built around numbers and not labels, there is no danger of stereotyping. There is a logic about numbers, which is not

Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all. - Aristotle

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24 February 2021

LOVE A LITTLE LOCAL

Celebrating creativity and craftsmanship T

he next time you find yourself in Hemel-en-Aarde Village or popping into Biga Bakery & Café, do yourself a favour and nip into Creative Emporium to the left of Biga’s entrance. The premises previously formed part of Source restaurant and the windows at the back give a glimpse of the lovely courtyard garden which now forms part of Biga. Creative Emporium was born at the end of November last year when local resident Jaci Less brought a group of local artists and artisans together under one roof. Starting with five vendors, the ever-expanding group now numbers 14, and they all take turns to work in the shop, which is open seven days a week. Together these entrepreneurs have created a unique gift shop that offers a great variety of handmade products, ranging from leather goods, clothing and accessories, to baby products, health and

wellness products, deli products, home décor and artworks. Among the many ‘local is lekker’ brands are Madeira Lifestyle, Olive Coffee Beans, Stella Vue, Snooze Sack, Wood Slice, Ginger, Culinartistry, Lienkerbel, Onneriberg, Gigantic Throws, Twist Active and many more.

make goods you want it.

Whether you are looking for something unique to spoil yourself or that special someone in your life, come and browse these oneof-a-kind products, locally produced, by hand and with love. And if you are looking for something very specific, many of the vendors will to order, just the way

You’ll find Creative Emporium at 12 Village Lane, Hemel-en-Aarde Village. For more information, contact 076 402 3044 or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. – Hedda Mittner

Jaci Less (Culinartistry) and Frikkie Zeelie (Olive Coffee Beans) in the front part of Creative Emporium, relaxing on a large, comfy sack (Snooze Sack) surrounded by some of the unique products stocked by this proudly local gift shop. PHOTO: Hedda Mittner

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24 February 2021

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24 February 2021

MY PET

Home can be a dangerous place By Dr Hilldidge Beer

ummer’s proliferation of insect life and garden pests sees a dramatic increase in the amount of pesticides, poisons and baits used by homeowners, but few appreciate the danger this poses to their pets. Snail bait poisoning, for example, is one of the most common reasons dogs are rushed into veterinary clinics this time of year. Snail pellets scattered around plants are an irresistible lure to many dogs, yet snail and slug bait (Metaldehyde poisoning) is extremely dangerous, leading to respiratory failure and death if not treated urgently. Because it is available in pelleted form, powder and liquid, dogs may eat the pellets or lick the liquid off their paws. Either way, they’re ingesting the poison. There are many alternatives to snail bait, so do your research (www.ebervet.com/snailbait-poisoning-in-dogs/). Fertilisers, bone and blood meal, and organophosphates (like Malathion,

used to control plant pests) are all potentially deadly to pets. Fertilisers may also contain herbicides, pesticides and fungicides which increase the risk of poisoning. The main dangers from bone meal are intestinal obstruction and pancreatitis, while blood meal can contain iron which is toxic in large doses. Your best bet with all of these is to keep them locked in the shed or garage and away from prying snouts. Unfortunately, many baits used to lure and kill rodents and ants can also look tasty to our pets, especially if they contain food (peanut butter) as a lure. If ingested by dogs, these poisons can cause severe problems. The scary thing about rat poison is that symptoms usually only start after 5 – 7 days, so many owners won't take their dog to the vet at first because the dog appears unaffected. That's the wrong thing to do. Getting your dog to the vet as fast as possible is essential. In some instances, the dog may have eaten the poisoned rodent, and not been directly exposed

to the toxin. Explore alternative options like pet-safe bait stations. Common symptoms of poisoning • Drooling • Vomiting • Difficulty breathing • Staggering and stumbling • Tearing eyes • Abnormal heartbeat • Collapse • Urination • Defecation What to do if your pet is poisoned • Stay calm. It is important to act quickly, but rationally. • Gather up any of the potential poison or its packaging that remains – this may be helpful to your veterinarian and any outside experts who assist with the case. If your dog has vomited, collect the sample in case your veterinarian needs to see it. • Get your pet to the vet as soon as possible. • If your dog has sudden nose bleeds, weakness, loss of appetite, is vomiting blood, has blood in its urine or stool or pale gums, he or she may have ingested rat poison without you

knowing it. Get your dog to the vet immediately! How to prevent poisoning Keep all forms of poison locked away and out of reach of children and animals. If you need to use rat poison, rather use bait stations that are pet-friendly. These only allow access to rats and mice. If you find dead rats and mice around

the house or garden, dispose of them as quickly as possible where they cannot be eaten. Explore natural options to control garden pests. There are many excellent products on the market. – Veterinarian Dr Hilldidge Beer is the CEO of EberVet Vetshops and the EberVet Petcare Group, www.ebervet.com

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24 February 2021

MY ENVIRONMENT

Midges and ‘muggies’ – pesky little bloodsuckers By Dr Anina Lee

have a confession. I call myself a conservationist but there is one animal I hate. I know that every living thing is part of nature's complex interconnectedness and the delicate balance of species, so I stop short of waging outright war on them. I'm talking about certain members of the midge family – the biting midges. Biting midges are the bane of my life in summer, especially at dusk. They are like stealth bombers – you never see them approach or feel them striking until it's too late. They can get access to your skin under your clothes and in places where you never thought to smear insect repellent. It's only a day later, when you suddenly have an unexplained itch, that you realise the full horror. You absentmindedly scratch the itch – and your fate is sealed. That itch will turn into a huge red mound (a 'welt' is too polite to describe it) that will itch uncontrollably

for the next week. No amount of juice from Bulbinella, Carpobrotus (sour fig) or Cotyledon ('plakkie') will stop the agony. Even commercial antihistamine cream gives scant relief. So you see why I'm not a fan. A wide range of small flies is included in the general names midges, gnats or 'muggies'. They are all members of the order Diptera to which all flies belong. The name means two-winged. Midges are not a well-defined group – there are at least 10 families of different midges. This means that their lifestyles and biology differ considerably. Fortunately for us (and other animals), not all of them bite. Some feed on nectar or decomposing plant material, and in some species the adults do not feed at all. It's the 'vampire' midges that feed on blood that are my problem. But I'll come back to them later. Like all flies, midges have four life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The larvae of most midges (except gall midges) are aquatic. The eggs are laid in or near water, and the larvae are found in the water, in the mud at the bottom of rivers, lakes or ponds, or even in very damp places. The larvae feed on detritus, diatoms and other microscopic plants and animals. Their presence in a water body usually indicates a healthy environment.

In due course, the larvae pupate, and soon the adults emerge. They can appear in such numbers that the vast swarms can be picked up on radar. I experienced such a dense swarm of muggies a few years ago near the Klein River Estuary that was closed off from the sea that year – a perfect muggie breeding spot. I could hardly breathe or see, as muggies went in my eyes, up my nose and into my mouth. It was one occasion when a Covid mask would have been welcome. Although a nuisance, these muggies are harmless and a great source of food for many other animals like dragonflies, fish, birds and frogs. If conditions are right, muggies can breed up to four times a year, providing a constant food source for animals – and irritation to people. But let's go back to the biting midges. Like some mosquitoes, female biting midges require a meal of blood before they can lay their eggs. These little bloodsuckers have extremely sharp mouthparts that cut into your skin with a scissors-like action. In close-up, you can see the whole tiny head drilling up and down as it sinks its jaws deeper and deeper into your skin until it hits blood. Then it injects saliva that contains an anti-coagulant into the wound to stop your blood clotting in its tiny mouth. The little vampire then sucks up your blood, like a smoothie

New guide for sea-goers While there is nothing quite like the thrill of encountering a whale or a pod of dolphins at sea, many sea-goers are unaware that their attempts to get close to these mammals are probably not only illegal but also potentially damaging to the animals. Now a new booklet provides legal and ethical guidance for operators of recreational vessels to help them understand the rules and how best to

handle their vessels around whales, dolphins, sharks, seals and seabirds to be found in South African waters. The booklet also serves as a useful field guide offering illustrations and detailed descriptions of some of the animals one is most likely to encounter at sea and what their common behaviours are. It is the product of a sustainable

Female biting midges are little bloodsuckers that have extremely sharp mouthparts which they use to cut into your skin with a scissors-like action. PHOTO: New York Times through a straw. It’s the saliva it injects into you that causes the severe allergic reaction and the terrible itch. The problem with biting midges is that they can carry viruses that cause severe diseases in livestock. Indeed, they don't only bite people, but sheep, cattle, antelope and horses too. African horse sickness is a highly infectious and deadly disease caused by the African horse sickness virus, which is spread by midges. It commonly

the rules but also about behaviours that could be disruptive and even damaging to marine life.

marine tourism project recently conducted in the Plettenberg Bay area by the Nature’s Valley Trust in conjunction with Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and funded by the WWF Nedbank Green Trust.

Legally, recreational vessels may not intentionally approach a whale or dolphin within 300m. If the animals approach a vessel of their own accord, the boat operator should move away slowly at a ‘no-wake’ speed.

Dr Gwenith Penry, marine mammal scientist and research associate with the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, said the intention was to inform sea-goers, not only about

The research team also found that the approach speed influenced how the animals reacted. If operators drove at speed towards the animals, they tended to take a long, deep

affects horses, mules, and donkeys. Dogs can also become infected by eating contaminated horsemeat. Bluetongue is another serious viral infection of domestic and wild animals first identified in sheep in South Africa. It, too, is spread by biting midges. Midges, muggies, gnats – call them what you like – but the blood-sucking variety can be an irritating nuisance to humans and a serious threat to other animals.

dive or change direction or the pod might split off into smaller groups. This is highly disruptive as the animals could be socialising or heading towards a feeding ground or nursing their young. The booklet also advises anyone who comes across an entangled animal to contact the local NSRI rather than try to free it themselves. To download the guide and more information: https://www.naturesvalleytrust.co.za/resources/ marine-tourism/

24 February 2021

www.thevillagenews.co.za

Discovering a hidden kingdom By Jax Bath

the kelp. The combination of colours is astounding, with urchins, anemones and sponges adding purple, red and blue hues to the rocky walls that run through this area, creating large drop-offs and shallow outcrops. It’s impossible not to feel like an intrepid explorer as you make your way through the crevices on one breath, trying to take in as many of the sights as you can before bursting back up through the canopy.

eading into a kelp forest is like sneaking into a Narnia, exploring a forgotten land or discovering an entirely new kingdom. Every excursion into the forest yields something new and exciting, and the more time you spend in a forest, the more you begin to see.

I spotted the octopus before the shark, and the kIipvis before the octopus. In the incredible book ‘Sea Change’, Craig Foster talks about the relationship between klipvis and octopus. The fish will hang out around their eight-legged fried in the hopes that their friends might flush out some prey that they might catch and quickly devour. In the case of this story, however, neither the fish nor the cephalopod were top dog, with a sly shy shark lying in wait under a thick clump of seaweed. The octopus would make a small yet satisfying meal for the predator. The klipvis, a snack.

Kelp forests line the rocky areas along our coastline and form a canopy under which life thrives. Like all forests, you can visit these oceanic havens a million times and each time, it appears a little different. The time of day, the tide, the visibility and the water temperature greatly impact what one might find and see, and this week’s ocean story is a mixture of my last few visits to the kelp forests of De Kelders.

The kelp canopy holds life too. As you make your way deeper and deeper into the forest, you’ll find yourself clambering through the kelp. Cryptic klipvis make their homes between the fronds but are quickly flushed out as you approach. As you travel through kelp clearings, you meet silverfish trying to make their way towards the beach. You’ll find periwinkles scaling the stipe of the kelp and sometimes, when you put your hand on a frond, you might feel something slightly silkier instead. On my last dive here, I touched a Giant clingfish by mistake, who was luckily quick to forgive and stuck around so that I could snap a photo or two before leaving it to disguise itself once again on the kelp. The entry to this forest is over pebbles into a clearing where silver schooling fish will enjoy their time in waters slightly less frigid than what they’re used to. It’s a lovely introduction to the snorkel spot, clear with a sandy bottom, and if you had to stare from the cliffs above, you would sometimes see the light reflect off the scales of the fish as they turn and twist their bodies. Although you’ve not technically entered the forest yet, you will begin to find some of its inhabitants in this section. Klipvis are usually aplenty and I’ve spotted an octopus or two here too over the past few months. Surf shrimp sometimes hang out in this section too, but the weirdest, most wonderful creature I’ve sighted here so far was a luminous sea slug. As I was about to end a snorkel a couple of weeks back, a bright orange gumdrop-looking creature appeared. A lemon pleurobranch side-gilled sea slug had found itself a little too far from home and was moving at a snail’s, or perhaps rather a slug’s, pace back to deeper waters.

On my next snorkel, I found the visibility clear and the surge gone, so I also moved into deeper parts of the forest to see what it might hold. With such incredible conditions, it was like rediscovering the cove for the very first time. The sea fans seemed more vibrant, the soft corals a few gorgeous shades of pink. These creatures find their homes in the crevices beneath

In another section of the forest, seaweeds are a little more prolific. They’re also important, providing the perfect place for mermaids to attach their purses safely to the surrounding algae, which will then house these precious parcels until one day, a tiny shark will emerge. The mermaids are in fact shy sharks, which are ferocious predators in the forest but not so easily sighted by snorkelers, due to their incredible ability to blend and sneak their way in and out of the rocky overhangs. For months I have happened upon this spot but only recently have I actually come across one of these mysterious cartilaginous creatures in the near vicinity.

The cephalopod, proving to be the more intelligent of the two, must have sensed that something was not quite right and snuck away beneath a rock somewhere before the shy shark could turn the corner. The klipvis took no time to mourn the absence of its friend and turned around to carry on with its day. As it turned, it came face to face with the shy shark and then proceeded to show off just how fast these charismatic and generally confident creatures can make themselves disappear. The shark didn’t seem too disappointed and lay in the area for a few minutes more before finding its own hiding spot. As cute as the shark was, I must admit that I was rooting more for the fish and its friend, so I’m glad they both made it out unscathed.

The past few snorkels have proved both diverse and filled with drama, which is exactly what any nature lover wants when they set foot, or fin, into any wilderness. Here’s hoping that this coming week will present another opportunity to peer into life below the canopy.

24 February 2021

www.thevillagenews.co.za

MOTORING

on cars

Compiled by John Floyd

Shelby and Ford celebrate Valentine’s Month

ne of the most famous motoring love stories is the one between Carroll Shelby and Ford Motor Company which began in the 1960s. Despite Carroll Shelby’s passing in 2012, it’s a love story so powerful that it continues to be celebrated the world over with new anniversary models dedicated to the legend himself. These include the Shelby GT-H, Super Snake and the many Heritage Cars. Love for Ford comes in many shapes and sizes but the match between Carroll Shelby and Ford stands out as a highlight, and for this reason Ford South Africa is paying tribute to its relationship with Shelby during this Month of Love. “Throughout Ford’s history, certain individuals have been destined to leave their indelible mark for all to see and experience for generations to come. Carroll Shelby was one such person - an extraordinary human being who took the world by storm through his

achievements with Ford from the very beginning. It is a love story for the record books and Carroll’s fierce passion as well as his dedication still shines through Ford Motor Company and Shelby American,” says Atloli Lesela, Brand Manager at Ford South Africa. A chicken farmer by profession, Carroll also had a passion for motor racing and horsepower which earned him a spot in the US Automotive Hall of Fame. During the 1960s, he was fascinated by Ford’s V8 engine and believed that it was well-suited to all forms of motor racing. Under his own company, Shelby American, he began transforming the AC cars by fitting Ford V8 engines to them. He didn’t need to wait long for success; his first labour of love produced the race-winning AC Cobra throughout highly competitive motorsport events in the USA and in Europe. The Cobra’s successor, the Shelby Daytona Coupe also won the World Manufacturers’ GT Championship, bestowing

it with the honour of being the first American vehicle to win the prestigious championship. At the same time, the Cobra was a major success for Ford dealers, and together Ford and Shelby would define the muscle car segment and lead it into the next chapter with the Ford Mustang. Shelby’s influence with the Mustang brought the muscle car’s past, present and future together all at once. At the time, Lee Iacocca, Ford Division General Manager, was concerned that the Mustang, while selling well, lacked a performance image. He enlisted the help of Carroll Shelby and when the Mustang GT 350 made its debut in 1965, it quickly established the Mustang as a thoroughbred performance icon – both on the road and the track. Carroll’s love for the Mustang nameplate continued to be amplified with the GT500, added in 1967. This was the first time that the Mustang’s hood was enlarged to hold a big block V8, and that performance heart and soul is still a vital part of the

Mustang’s DNA many years later. At around the same time, Carroll had taken over Ford’s GT40 program with one of the main objectives being to beat Ferrari at Le Mans. This heroic and triumphant story has been recreated in the movie Ford v Ferrari with Matt Damon playing the role of Carroll Shelby. Interestingly, Carroll Shelby is the only person to win the 24 Hours Le Mans as a driver and as a manufacturer with the Cobra Daytona Coupe. After a hiatus, which saw Carroll travel around Africa, he returned to the Ford Mustang. Although the Mustang had evolved into a modern-day sports car for new markets around the world, Carroll was still able to add his own character, unique power modifications and cosmetic upgrades with a series of special editions. Shelby

upgrades on the Mustang continue to be carried out at authorised Shelby mod shops globally. “There are only seven Mod Shops outside of America,” says Peter Lindenberg, owner of Shelby South Africa. “Two are in Canada and Europe and then one in Australia, China and South Africa in Malmesbury, Western Cape. Our technicians are trained at Shelby American and we only use Shelby components.” “For those who are looking for real American muscle in a car that historically has proven to have a future embedded value, there is nothing out there to compare with Mustangs, and the range of Shelby Heritage cars including Shelby Daytona, Shelby Cobra and the GT40 MKII from the Shelby stable. Owners of Shelby vehicles feel the love for their ride on a daily basis,” says Lindenberg.

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24 February 2021

Updated Jaguar I-PACE now available in South Africa A

n updated Jaguar I-PACE offering a new infotainment system, improved driver assistance technologies and quicker charging capabilities is now available in South Africa. Pivi Pro: A new Pivi Pro infotainment system, which is rolling out across various Jaguar and Land Rover models, features a 12.3-inch high-definition virtual instrument cluster together with 10-inch and 5-inch upper and lower touchscreens and multi-function, haptic rotary controllers. Inspired by smartphones, Pivi Pro is easy to use, and its powerful processor is supported by a built-in back-up battery meaning navigation initialisation takes just a few seconds. Its flat menu structure makes navigating the system easier than before with frequently used features and functions accessible via the home screen with just a click. The redesigned navigation system reduces the number of steps required to set a destination by half, and customers are now able to pan and zoom in and out of the map with a pinch of the fingers, just as with a smartphone.

an optional wireless device charging pad beneath the ‘floating’ centre console. Wireless charging also includes signal boosting, ensuring the phone’s signal remains stronger for longer. A Smartphone Pack with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on all derivatives, as is a dual modem embedded SIM and Bluetooth technology which can pair two phones simultaneously. Charging: I-PACE now comes with an 11kW on-board charger as standard, enabling customers with access to three-phase electricity supplies to enjoy significantly faster charging. When connected to an 11kW wall box 53km* of range (WLTP) per hour can be achieved, while a full charge from empty now takes only 8.6 hours – ideal for overnight charging at home. South African customers with access to single-phase supply can continue using 7kW wall boxes which charge up to 35km per hour, with a full charge taking 12.75 hours. When charging ‘on the go’, a 60kW charger will add up to 76km in 15 minutes, while a 100kW charger will add up to 127km over the same period.

The navigation uses self-learning algorithms to optimise routing, voice guidance even knows to remain quiet when you’re travelling through areas you know, and maps will always be up to date thanks to software-overthe-air (SOTA) functionality.

Driver assistance: Visibility is significantly enhanced with a new 3D Surround Camera that provides a 360-degree digital plan view of the surrounding area and potential hazards, visible through the central touchscreen.

The I-PACE is now also available with

Inside the cabin, the ClearSight rear

view mirror improves vision and convenience by ensuring the driver always has an unobstructed view of the road behind, even with three people in the rear seat or with the 656-litre luggage compartment loaded up to the roof. ClearSight uses a wide-angle, rear-facing camera linked to a high-resolution screen within the frameless glass mirror. A small toggle switch on the mirror allows the driver to switch seamlessly between the view from the standard mirror and the camera feed. Neatly integrated within the roof-mounted antenna module, the high-definition camera works in all conditions, including low ambient light, while a protective lip and hydrophobic coating help to repel water and ensure the camera lens remains as clean as possible. Cabin air ionisation designed to remove allergens, also features a filtration system which captures ultrafine particles – including PM2.5 particulates – to improve occupant health and wellbeing. One important benefit to the new filtration system is that, when charging, customers can use the I-PACE’s pre-conditioning system (which optimises battery temperature) to also purge the cabin of allergens and ultrafine particles before beginning a journey. Enhanced customer choice: A new Atlas Grey grille tip finish is complimented by a new Bright Pack option, available on all models in the I-PACE range. The Bright Pack accen-

tuates I-PACE’s design with a Noble Chrome grille surround, Atlas Grey door mirror caps, Satin Chrome window surrounds and Atlas Grey for the rear diffuser. The contemporary Black Pack option is enhanced with the application of the gloss black finish to the rear badges, and a refreshed paint palette now features colours such as Caldera Red, Portofino Blue and Eiger Grey. Inside, customers can now benefit from the option of an enhanced Meridian 3D Surround Sound System with TrifieldTM technology. The system features two additional speakers in the cabin headliner, meaning the 16 speaker and one subwoofer arrangement delivers an exceptional experience for all occupants. Going electric: With a range of up to 470km (WLTP) from its 90kWh battery, customers with an average daily commute would only need to charge their I-PACE once a week**. A range calculation tool on www.jaguar.co.za makes it easy to see how factors such as vehicle speed, ambient temperature and climate control settings can influence the real-world range you could expect to achieve. For queries ‘on the go’ I-PACE customers can also get help 24/7 from the I-Assistance service – at the touch of a button they’ll be connected directly to an expert to answer any queries about the vehicle. Since its debut the I-PACE has won

more than 80 global awards, including 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year, World Green Car and AutoTrader 2020 South African Car of the Year, reinforcing its status as the Jaguar which tore up the rule book to become the first and best electric car of its kind. The I-PACE is offered with an 8 year or 160,000km battery warranty on top of the standard Jaguar Care plan which offers a 100,000km warranty and servicing within in 5 year period, whichever comes first. All new or Approved Pre-Owned Jaguar customers in South Africa also receive complimentary driver training at the state-of-the-art Experience Johannesburg facility in Lonehill, Johannesburg. The package is available to owners and a partner, and includes refreshments, lunch and adrenaline all free of charge. For more information on complimentary driver training for customers, or any of the other offerings available from Jaguar Land Rover Experience please visit www.jaguar.co.za/experience, email info@experience.jaguar.co.za or call 010-023-0462. Prices: I-PACE EV400 S: R1 942600 I-PACE EV400 SE: R2 005 100 I-PACE EV400 HSE: R2 112 300 * Range added per one-hour/15minute period is WLTP range ** Based on data captured by Jaguar’s Go I-PACE app in the UK.

24 February 2021

www.thevillagenews.co.za

Go There. The new Kia Picanto X-Line J

ust three years after its initial invitation to South Africa to Get In, the evergreen Kia Picanto has undergone a subtle mid-life refresh as the brand embarks on an exciting journey to the future. Extending the invitation to now also Go There, Kia South Africa also introduces the allnew Picanto X-Line with modern and distinctive crossover styling. “The Picanto is a mainstay in the Kia product-line up and has for many years been recognised by industry experts and members of the press alike as one of the best cars you can buy in the entry-level A-segment,” says Stephen Crosse, Sales Director, Kia South Africa. “The introduction of the new X-Line derivative sees Picanto gain an adventurous spirit perfect for those who believe in seizing the day and sharing experiences beyond their daily lives. It’s the perfect car for here, there and anywhere.” From the city to the open road The new Picanto X-Line features a series of bespoke design details that make it stand out from its siblings. At the front, a redesigned radiator grille – a new interpretation of Kia’s well-known ‘tiger nose’ – and aggres-

sive front bumper gives the X-Line a sporty stance, perfectly augmented by its eye-catching LED headlights.

and Android Auto. The system also incorporates a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines.

At the rear, a bespoke and completely redesigned rear bumper completes the picture, with faux skid-plate detailing and full LED rear lights ensuring it looks the part from all angles. Crossover-inspired cladding, mud guards and 15-inch alloy wheels gives X-Line a true ‘Go There’ stance.

Shaking things up Apart from the Picanto X-Line, Kia has also introduced subtle revisions to the remainder of the Picanto range. While there are no exterior design updates, the range specification has been revisited in order to ensure that customers get the value for money that Kia is renowned for.

Customers have a choice of 10 exterior colours, including a new shade of Astro Grey. An optional sunroof is available on special order. All the creature comforts Just because you’re chasing life’s adventures doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable, which is why the Picanto X-Line comes standard with all the creature comforts you can think of. Replacing the SMART derivative in the Picanto range, X-Line features a vast array of specification and features, including two-tone artificial leather upholstery and a new 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system, allowing for the safety and convenience of screen mirroring services such as Apple CarPlay

Feature highlights across the START range include power steering, an adjustable steering column, manual air-conditioning, as well as a radio with RDS and MP3 capability, Aux and USB connector jacks, Bluetooth connectivity and two speakers, to name but a few. The Picanto START retains its 13-inch steel wheels with stylish wheel covers. On STREET models, the most notable update is the addition of the 8-inch infotainment system with integrated rear-view camera. This includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The Picanto STYLE now has new alloy

wheels that add to its value proposition which already includes automatic headlamps, electric folding mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, to name but a few. Kia’s well-loved 1.0 MPI and 1.25 MPI engines remain on duty in the Picanto range, with the new X-Line derivative only offered with the 1.25-litre engine. The fuel-efficient 1.0 MPI three-cylinder engine produces 49 kW at 5 500 r/min and 96 Nm torque, while the four-cylinder 1.25-litre engine develops 61 kW of power and 122 Nm of torque. Customers have a choice between a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Safety first The Picanto remains the safest A-segment vehicle Kia has ever built, with 44% of its bodyshell cast in Advanced High-strength Steel (AHSS). This super-strong steel has been used specifically to reinforce the Picanto’s floor pan, roof rails, A- and B-pillars and engine bay, strengthening the core structure of the car. Overall, 67 metres of joins throughout the body structure is also reinforced with structural adhesive, improving the Picanto’s torsional stiffness by 32%

over its predecessor. “Various safety tests have proven that the Picanto’s expertly engineered safety shell makes it one of the safest cars you can buy in its segment,” comments Stephen Crosse. “With ABS, ISOFIX, Datadot and dual front airbags across the range, Picanto offers superb safety standards.” Time to Go There The Kia Picanto has always been ahead of the pack with its amazing looks and incredible build quality. With its crossover styling, high-tech features and ‘Go There’ attitude, the new X-Line brings a fresh spirit of adventure to the compact segment. Pricing • Picanto 1.2 Manual X-Line: R237 995 • Picanto 1.2 Automatic X-Line: R251 995 All Picanto models ship as standard with KIA’s industry-leading Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance), as well as a prepaid 2-year / 30,000km service plan. The 2021 KIA Picanto range is on sale immediately.

www.thevillagenews.co.za

24 February 2021

First out of the blocks for F1 T

he first of the 2021 Formula One Championship contenders was revealed on the 15th February during a virtual launch at the Woking headquarters of McLaren. Joining drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris were Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing and Andreas Seidl, Team Principal. A large display screen featured some 200 virtual McLaren fans from around the globe. The launch of the new MCL35M marks the return of Mercedes power to the McLaren team, a winning combination in the team’s history and one that could assist the team to retain the third spot in the constructors title chase and hopefully close the gap to the Mercedes and Red Bull teams.

McLaren MCL35M Technical Specification 1. CHASSIS • Monocoque: Carbon fibre composite, incorporating driver controls and

fuel cell • Safety structures: Cockpit survival cell incorporating impact resistant construction and anti-penetration panels, front impact structure, prescribed side impact structures, integrated rear impact structure, front and rear roll structures, Halo secondary roll structure, driver headrest protection and safety seat • Bodywork: Carbon-fibre composite, including engine cover, sidepods, deflector, floor, nose, front wing and rear wing with driver-operated drag reduction system • Front suspension: Carbon-fibre wishbone and pushrod suspension elements operating inboard torsion bar and damper system • Rear suspension: Carbon-fibre wishbone and steel pullrod suspension elements operating inboard torsion bar and damper system • Weight: Overall vehicle weight 752 kg (including driver, excluding fuel), Weight distribution between 45.4% and 46.4% on front axle • Electronics: McLaren Applied.

Including chassis control, power unit control, data acquisition, sensors, data analysis • Instruments: McLaren Applied steering wheel display • Brake system: 6 piston brake calipers with front / rear master cylinders, 'Brake by wire’ rear brake control system, Carbon-carbon ventilated discs and pads • Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion • Tyres: Pirelli P Zero • Race wheels: Enkei • Paint: AkzoNobel Sikkens products • Cooling systems: Charge air, engine oil, gearbox oil, hydraulic oil, water, and ERS cooling systems • Advanced manufacturing: Stratasys 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing Mazak Advanced Technology Solutions 2. POWER UNIT • Power unit type: Mercedes-AMG M12 E Performance • Minimum weight: 150 kg

• Primary PU components: Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic (MGU-K), Motor Generator Unit – Heat (MGU-H), Energy Store (ES), Turbocharger 3. INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE • Capacity: 1.6 litres • Cylinders: Six • Bank angle: 90-degree vee angle • No of valves: 24 • Max speed: 15,000 rpm • Max fuel flow rate: 100 kg/hour (above 10,500 rpm) • Fuel consumption: 110 kg ‘lights to flag’ regulated fuel capacity limit • Fuel injection: Direct injection, single injector per cylinder, 500 bar max • Pressure charging: Single-stage compressor and exhaust turbine, common shaft 4. ENERGY RECOVERY SYSTEM • Architecture: Integrated Hybrid energy recovery via Motor Generator Units, Crankshaft coupled electrical MGU-K, Turbocharger coupled elec-

trical MGU-H • Energy store: Lithium-Ion battery, between 20 and 25 kg, Maximum energy storage, 4 MJ per lap • MGU-K: Maximum speed, 50,000 rpm, Maximum power, 120 kW, Maximum energy recovery, 2 MJ per lap, Maximum energy deployment, 4 MJ per lap • MGU-H: Maximum speed 125,000 rpm, Maximum power unlimited, Maximum energy recovery unlimited, Maximum energy deployment unlimited 5. TRANSMISSION • Gearbox: Carbon fibre composite main case, longitudinally mounted drive train • Gear ratios: Eight forward and one reverse • Gear selection: Electro-hydraulically operated seamless shift • Differential: Epicyclic with limited slip by multi-plate friction stack • Clutch: Electro-hydraulically operated, carbon multi-plate

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Suzuki increases Jimny production capacity S

uzuki Motor Corporation has added the Gurgaon Plant in India to the Suzuki Jimny production roster to help address global waiting lists. The Jimny assembled in India shares the same specification as the export models produced at the Kosai Plant in Japan. The Suzuki Plants in India boast the largest production capacity for Suzuki and already accounts for significant global production volumes of models such as the Swift, Baleno and Ignis. The fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny has outperformed even the most optimistic market predictions, especially after winning the World Urban Car of the Year award. This has led to long waiting lists and backorders in many markets, including South Africa. An increase in Jimny production will assist in shortening the long waiting list and get eager customers into their new Jimny as soon as possible.

The Suzuki Plant in Gurgaon is one of the largest in the company’s global network and it acts as an anchor-facility for high-volume products. As an integral part of Suzuki’s production network, it has fully implemented Suzuki’s Global Quality Management Policy. This ensures that all Suzuki models meet the highest Japanese quality standards, regardless of their origin. The Suzuki Jimny last year marked its 50th birthday with celebrations from Suzuki distributors and fans across the globe. The compact off-roader has earned its stripes as one of the most affordable and capable 4x4 vehicles in the world. It’s the winner of many titles such as the 2019 Urban World Car of the Year, the winner in the Best 4x4 category in the 2019 UK Car of The Year Awards, the Top Gear Philippine Car of the Year and the winner in the Lifestyle Utility category in the AutoTrader and SAGMJ South African Car of The Year Awards in 2019.

24 February 2021

The Village NEWS 24 February - 2 March 2021

Articles inside

Discovering a hidden kingdom

Suzuki increases Jimny production capacity

New guide for sea-goers

Midges and Muggles

First out of the blocks for F1

Updated Jaguar I-PACE now available in South Africa

Home can be a dangerous place

So who are you, really?

-Duck 'n Fiddle: Goodbye Zan - Hello Sumatra

What's on Overberg: 25 February - 2 March 2021

Have a glimpse of the future you!

Letter to the Editor: Unbroken Cliff Path will enhance Hermanus

Go There. The new Kia Picanto X-Line

Love a Little Local: Celebrating creativity and craftsmanship

Assist in baboon management

Love a Little Local: A surprise round every corner

Michael Welchman: No ordinary man

Shelby and Ford celebrate Valentine's Month

From the Editor: Fernkloof gets what it deserves

Small-scale fishing rights to be reviewed

'Mini Nemo' returns

New plan for Fernkloof

Love a Little Local: Curro Hermanus celebrates excellent matric results