The Village NEWS 24 October - 30 October

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The

24 October 2018

Cape Whale Coast

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HAPPINESS IS Carefree children, seemingly unaffected by the many challenges facing our communities, welcomed the warmer weather to get outside and play. With temperatures expected to remain in the high 20s for the rest of this week, summer has finally arrived.

PHOTO: De Waal Steyn

Urgent housing plan needed De Waal Steyn

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here has been much debate regarding the shacks that have seemingly sprung up overnight around the destroyed Zwelihle swimming pool, and on the Schulphoek land that is still private property.

According to the Municipality, some 2 100 structures have been erected in what is now called Marikana, next to the pool. Many of the structures were erected on what were formerly

municipal rubbish dumps. Reports place the number of structures in the Schulphoek area, now referred to as Dubai, at close on 900.

Residents of Beach Club, which is located adjacent to Dubai, are reporting that shacks are being erected at a pace of at least five a day. “Work on erecting structures continues day and night with chainsaws being used to cut down the Milkwood trees, followed by burning the remaining stumps in order to clear the site. The smoke from these fires hangs over the area

like a thick smog,” said one resident.

Stephen Müller, Municipal Director of Infrastructure and Planning, said work on the 150 emergency plots that were agreed to with the community is continuing, but the number of additional shacks that have been erected is hampering the work.

“It is difficult to install services when you have to work in between structures that are very close to one other. We now have to try and plan how additional services can be installed to service all the new

structures that have been erected.”

With regard to the Schulphoek land, Müller said the Municipality has no power to act against people erecting illegal structures, as it is private land.

“There is one part of the land next to Abagold that belongs to the Municipality, where we do not allow people to erect any structures as this is the future site of our desalination plant. The reason that piece of land is so important is that it is situated next to the site where Abagold extracts seawater.

“The extraction of water from the ocean constitutes at least 25% of the capital costs of erecting a desalination plant and it is through this saving that desalination will be an economically feasible option for Hermanus,” said Müller.

“The plan is to start construction on the plant by the end of 2019. If we cannot build the plant on that piece of land, desalination will not be an option and future water security of Greater Hermanus will be put at risk,” said Müller.

Continues on P 3

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24 October 2018

One step forward, two steps back From P 1 Co-owner of the 48ha Schulphoek land, Leslie Viljoen said that the sale of the land to the Western Cape Government is still a possibility.

“There are several legal processes underway that will map the way forward. As one can expect these processes are at a sensitive stage and therefore more information cannot be given at this time,” he said. Viljoen is the chairperson of the Cavcor Group, which is a co-owner of the land with the Rabie Group.

Müller said his department has applied for funds from the Provincial Government to start the planning process for the Schulpkoek land. “We were told that the funds are available, but will only be paid over to us once the sale has been concluded. In the meantime, we cannot go ahead with any of the processes.”

According to him the work of the Housing Task Team, comprising representatives from various communities, the Municipality and Provincial Government has ground to a halt with regard to plans for housing in Zwelihle. “We need input from all parties but at this stage all talks have been halted due to politics and we will have to wait until the impasse has been resolved.”

Work on delivering housing opportunities to the communities of Mount Pleasant and Hawston is,

however, continuing. In Mount Pleasant several sites have been identified where serviced plots will be made available to residents. “People qualifying for Government’s Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) will be able to buy these plots,” said Müller.

“The good news for these people is that notice will soon be given that the FLISP programme will be extended to include those who earn up to R22 000 per month per household, from the previous R15 000 p/m. This will give more people access to these opportunities. The Municipality will also make three building plans available at a special tariff to the new landowners that will allow for the erection of 40m², 60m² and 80m² houses respectively.”

In Hawston, construction of houses will start soon and serviced plots should be on the market before the end of the year.

“What makes housing planning a challenge, especially in Hermanus and Kleinmond is the fact that we have very little land available and we are at the mercy of national and provincial policies that we must follow. The new cycle of the Spatial Development Framework is set to start soon, and this will give us the opportunity to relook at our future plans. The Vermont/ Hawston/Fisherhaven area is basically the only place where there are still development oppor-

tunities,” said Müller.

With regard to informal settlements springing up in and around our towns, Müller said that this was not a problem that was unique to the Overstrand. “This is something that happens all over our country, and in fact all over the world. Even Paris has shanty towns. It is something that will not be changed overnight.

“We are under pressure from residents to apply the bylaws relating to housing in all suburbs. But one must account for the fact that we cannot simply remove people from where they are staying. The law stipulates that if someone becomes homeless due to an eviction order granted by the court, it is the mandate of the Municipality to supply them with emergency housing for at least 12 months. Should we then remove all the illegal structures in Zwelihle with its 3 000 formal plots at an average of 3 informal structures per plot, we will be forced to supply emergency housing with services to at least 21 000 people. That is impossible to do.

“So, we have to accept the fact that policing the bylaws in Zwelihle is a near impossible task. But we will continue to do so in other areas as we cannot simply allow everyone to do as they please. I am aware that this is a controversial stance, but we are caught up in a no-win situation,” said Müller.

Summer Lounge proposal rejected Just and Joke Gonggrijp, the owners of Dutchies Restaurant on Grotto Beach, have reacted in disbelief to the news that the Municipality has rejected their Summer Lounge proposal and, instead, awarded it to Mossel Bay-based restaurant chain, De Vette Mossel.

“We were flabbergasted and astonished. And after that, we were really hurt,” said Joke. “How can they award a proposal to a non-local business instead of supporting a local entrepreneur who put blood, sweat and tears into building the Summer Lounge from scratch.”

In a letter dated 18 October 2018, Roderick Williams, Director Community Services, Overstrand Municipality said that the proposal “was not considered because you failed to submit your proposal on the official municipal proposal document. Apart from this, the tender was awarded to a service provider who tendered a higher amount.”

In fact, after submitting the proposal, the mistake was soon picked up. Quickly returning to the Municipality, the noon deadline was unfortunately missed by 20 minutes and the form was not accepted.

While not disputing the fact that the application form was not attached, the result, said Joke, of an administrative error when the proposal was submitted, she confirmed that every piece of

According to Just, the difference between the Dutchies and De Vette Mossel proposals is R5 000 over the 5-month leasing period. “Bring the bar back. Stick to what works. I love the

information required by the Municipality was included in the covering letter.

bar. It’s the only place where you can enjoy sushi and cocktails with sand between your toes”, said Zurica Lubbe, 28, a local business owner and llong-time resident, in reaction to the news.

“How can a Municipality, with whom we have worked so closely to bring Grotto Beach to the next level, set you aside like that?,” Joke exclaimed.

The Gonggrijps are appealing the decision with the Municipality.

– Raphael da Silva

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24 October 2018

Thoza Tours - the toast of the town Hedda Mittner

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here are those who have much but give little, and there are those who have little and give much. One Hermanus resident who falls squarely in the latter category is Thozamile Stuurman, the winner of the Entrepreneurial Achievement trophy at the 2018 Mayoral Awards.

At the awards ceremony, Thozamile, better known as Thoza or Mr T, was lauded not only for his passion for tourism and his entrepreneurial skills in establishing his own touring company, Thoza Tours, but also for his commitment to his community.

“Success is not the end goal of my business; I want to do good things and make a difference in people’s lives,” says Thoza with his bright trademark smile. “We have to build up, not break down.”

Building his own future started when Thoza was still a young boy growing up in the Burgersdorp area as the youngest of six children. His father worked as a construction truck driver for the then South African Railways and, as he was often on the road, his family only saw him at weekends. His mother struggled to make ends meet and they moved often from one dwelling to another. “At one stage we were backyard dwellers as we had nowhere else to go, so I know only too well what many people in Zwelihle are going through,” says Thoza.

His love of nature provided a ray of light during these years, and Thoza recalls how he would disappear for hours to play at the river near their house. Another ray of light was his commitment to getting an education. “I enjoyed school because I always wanted to be the best,” he says with a big grin. “If another student beat me at something, I was determined to work even harder!”

After his primary school years he attended high school in Sterkstroom, where he stayed with family members during the week. He won several academic awards and also excelled in sport and as a member of the debating society. But tragedy struck when his father died suddenly just before Thoza’s final matric exams. It cast a shadow of sadness over his matric farewell and end-of-exams celebrations. “When I received my results my father was not there to share in the joy of my achievements,” he recalls.

Determined to further his education, Thoza enrolled for a two-year diploma course in Tourism Management at the Ed-U City campus in Port Elizabeth. “I did not know anyone in PE and had to survive as best I could,” says Thoza. By this time, his two sisters and three brothers had settled in Hermanus, where Thoza’s aunt lived. “They used to send me what money they could, but only one year after my father, my sister died in a car accident and another three months later my brother died when his shack burnt down.”

Entrepreneurial Award-winner Thozamile Stuurman of Thoza Tours says: “I was born for this.” supported me in obtaining more training in everything from hospitality to wine.”

share our cultural values and our way of life; it is all about building bridges and sharing the love.”

As always, Thoza strove to be the best and received several in-house awards, including Shining Star of the Month and Shining Star of the Year. He also continued to gain more experience in the different fields of tourism and hospitality by applying for internal vacancies. That is how he ended up in the Spa, starting out as a receptionist and working his way up to wellness agent. At the same time he was building a new domestic life by marrying Nolitha (her name means ‘dawn’ or ‘the beginning of a new day’) in 2003. The couple now has three boys aged 16, 14 and 7.

Thoza not only shares the love with visitors but also with members of his own community. In 2015 he launched the ‘From Poor to Hope’ initiative which sees Thoza donating a portion of his tour guide fees to a fund which he uses to buy food and groceries for 15 needy families in Zwelihle. When, during a township tour, he came upon a woman living in terrible conditions with her children in a dilapidated shack, he took his entire earnings of the day to buy them food.

Thoza left Arabella in 2010. “I was looking for new opportunities and always wanted to start my own business,” he says. This is the stuff that entrepreneurs are made of – energy, drive and big dreams. Before long he had a new job at the Harbour House Hotel, where he still works as a receptionist on the 2 – 11pm shift. In the mornings he dedicates himself to his touring company, Thoza Tours, which he registered in 2012.

Recognising those who assisted him on his entrepreneurial journey is very important to Thoza. He mentions Alta Pretorius who was with Hermanus Tourism at the time and supported him in enrolling for an accredited tourist guide training course. He also praises his instructor on the course, Magda Benade, and Bulelwa Makeleni at SETA who helped him to register as a profes-sional guide in Cape Town.

Thoza recalls his first full-day tour for a group of 10 tourists from Holland. “They wanted to tour the Cape Peninsula – which I’d never done before – and I didn’t have a vehicle big enough for 10 people, so the night before the tour I was still looking for a bus to hire for the day!” He laughs jovially as he recalls his dilemma – one that would easily have given the more fainthearted among us a nervous breakdown.

During this difficult time Thoza says the SAPS in PE came to his aid. “They were very good to me and let me sleep at the police station. They also sometimes gave me food.” Without proper accommodation, Thoza remembers sitting on the pavement while working on his assignments, but he persevered and eventually obtained his diploma.

In 2001 he, too, made his way to Hermanus to join his surviving siblings. The eldest brother is a teacher at Lukhanyo Primary School, the other works for a security company, and his sister works at the Spur.

But with his usual optimism and determination, Thoza was able to secure a bus and did his homework on all the tourist attractions of the Cape. A German friend, Hans Hammelrath also came to his aid by stocking a cooler bag with refreshments and accompanying Thoza on his first tour. Needless to say, it was a huge success and his clients, the Hoefnagen family from Amsterdam, have since become firm friends and supporters of his business.

With his usual drive and positive energy, Thoza took his CV around and within three days he had landed a job at the Arabella Hotel & Spa near Kleinmond. Starting as a runner in the restaurant, Thoza’s talent and enthusiasm were immediately noted. “I told the food and beverage manager, Mr Groenewald that I wanted to be a waiter and he

“Hermanus is a place where you can communicate with nature. It has everything that visitors enjoy – blue skies, the ocean, the mountains and friendly people,” says Thoza. “It is all about knowing how to look after our tourists and how to ensure that they have memorable experiences. By engaging with our visitors we

“I came home empty-handed to my wife that day, but I had put a smile on that mother’s face,” says Thoza, to whom that smile clearly meant more than the money he’d earned. He even went so far as to enlist a few helpers to demolish the shack and together they built the woman a new Wendy house because “no one should have to live like that”. And when he saw children playing aimlessly in the streets he helped to organise two youth soccer teams whose jerseys are sponsored by Thoza Tours.

Now that he has received the prestigious entrepreneurial award, Thoza says he is committed to continue doing his best – both for our tourists and for his community. “My heart is filled with gratitude to Adinda Jantjies from Whale Coast Tourism and Cllr Vuyani Macotha for nominating me. I couldn’t be more proud,” says Thoza, who once again can’t resist mentioning all the people who have supported him over the years, including Frieda Lloyd, Gardean Lucas, Anneline Duminy, Chantel Louskitt and Deputy Mayor Elnora Gillion.

But at the end of the day Thoza’s success comes down to his own positive energy, his many years of dedication and hard work, and his ability to dream big. One only needs to read what visitors say about his township tours to realise how much his work contributes to the image of the Overstrand and how it assists in building bridges between our different communities.

Thoza Tours offers tailor-made day tours, township tours, wine tours, safaris, fishing trips, shuttle services and airport transfers, and a myriad of activities that include whale watching, sharkcage diving, paragliding, scenic flights and much more. While he is very proud of the fact that he managed to save up enough money to buy a new car last year, Thoza is still in need of his own bus. At the moment he has to hire a vehicle in order to accommodate larger groups, but I have no doubt that even this seemingly impossible dream will be fulfilled one day.

Contact Thoza Tours on 072 203 7806 / 081 544 8653 or thozamile.stuurman@gmail.com

Thoza donates a portion of his tour guide fees to a fund which he uses to buy food and groceries for needy families in Zwelihle.

Tripadvisor comments from happy clients from all over Europe, the UK, Australia, the USA and Canada: It was very nice! Thank you so much Mister T, you are the best guide ever! I will never forget that day and I will certainly be back one day!

An immensely interesting tour and insight into township life, by a professional, humorous yet sensitive guide. I could not recommend or praise Thoza enough.

Mr T showed us what our tour of the Garden Route was missing – the true South Africans and their way of life. Mr T took us to the township and for three hours we were greeted by the most welcoming people who are all so inspirational in how hard they work and help each other. We felt very safe and learnt so much from talking with Mr T and the others he introduced us to along our journey.

We were so touched by what we saw and recommend all who visit to not be afraid of going but to be open to a very strong and vibrant community that is often hidden.

A tour never to forget by a very enthusiastic, funny and compassionate tour guide, highly recommended.

Mr. Thozamile Stuurman is a very competent guide with historical knowledge and he is proud to show you around in ‘his‘ Zwelihle.

Besides the social insights I had a lot of fun with him on this tour.

This was a very interesting trip. Our guide showed us how life is in a township [and] we learned all about its history… We highly recommend this tour to learn about this culture and way of life!

We first met Thoza when he picked us up at Cape Town Airport and drove us to Hermanus… he made us feel welcome, safe and the transfer enjoyable. Great guy, very friendly, warm, positive, relaxed but passionate about the area and about tourism. Made great suggestions for things to see and do. Later, he drove us through stunning scenery to Stony Point to see the penguins... Lots of local stories and information during the drive. If you want a great day trip from Hermanus, give him a call.

Mr T from Thoza Tours… What an amazing and wonderful person. He gave us the best African experience! For all who are planning a tour, I can highly recommend him. Words come short… you have to experience it for yourself. Mr T, thanks!

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24 October 2018

Little boxes on the hillside De Waal Steyn Zwelihle (Noun) – Place of beauty.

While many people will roll their eyes at the actual meaning of the word Zwelihle, this area carries deep within its heart a true sense of beauty.

With rows and rows of shacks popping up on areas that are now called Marikana and Dubai, many residents have asked how this could be allowed to happen and when would these structures be removed?

But it is between these rows of little tin houses, some literally built on rubbish dumps, where the beauty lies. It lies in the pride of the residents in having their own parcel of land, their own structure they can call home. It lies in the smiles of the children playing in the dirt and the families inviting one in to share a glimpse of their lives. It is in those hot and muggy little rooms where Mom, Dad and Granny often share a bed while the children sleep on the floor – and where there is no electricity, no water and no sanitation – that the life of a shack dweller stands in stark contrast to the rest of our area.

From the outside looking in one feels a sense of apprehension before entering Marikana. With dust clouds drifting in the breeze and the wafting smell of the rubbish dump underfoot, the setup

looks chaotic and almost depressing.

But once you are warmly greeted by smiling faces your reluctance to accept a shantytown relaxes its grip.

“As your forefathers lived without basic amenities, so do we survive in the modern era. We carry buckets of water from the nearest tap, on cold nights we keep warm by a fire and we cook on either paraffin or gas stoves. Our washing dries in the sun and we wash our bodies with cloths,” says Cindy Batyi inside her one-room structure on top of the old rubbish dump.

With the rhythmic tap, tap, tap of hammers suddenly ringing out, you find a group of young men erecting a new shack. These prefabricated shacks can be bought from a shop in the township for between R3 500 and R4 000. They consist of four corrugated iron walls and a roof, to which a door, flooring, and one or two windows can be added. It takes the handymen about an hour to erect the structure and, from there on it is up to the owner to ensure that the structure is secured by either cementing the corner posts into the ground or tying ropes around them, anchored with huge rocks. Down payment options are available for those who cannot afford the full amount.

“My neighbour has a motorcycle and a car that he parks next to his house.

Don’t ask me how he gets it up here, but he does,” she says, pointing towards a shack with little terrace steps leading to the front door. Next to the current structure, the beginnings of a second room is taking shape. From here, Zwelihle sweeps into the distance while the blue sea shimmers in the sunlight. Smoke from the Schulphoek land where Milkwoods and shrubs are being burned to open space for more shacks hangs over the area.

Looking out over the majestic mountains above Voëlklip your mind invariably recollects the lyrics of a popular old song. Little boxes on the hillside.

Little boxes made of ticky tacky. Little boxes on the hillside. Little boxes all the same. There's a green one and a pink one. And a blue one and a yellow one.

And they're all made out of ticky tacky.

And they all look just the same.

Looking out over the burnt-out remains of the swimming pool, you can see children playing in the rainwater that has accumulated in the now fast-bleaching blue hole in the ground. Their excited laughter rings out while the singing of a group of church goers adds to the Sunday afternoon atmosphere.

Indeed, little boxes on the hillside. No matter from which side you look, they and their occupants are all the same.

People living and working in Hermanus. People looking to have a roof over their heads. People looking to make a living that will enable their children to do better than they have.

There’s a green one and a pink one…

See our Facebook page for drone footage of the Schulphoek area.

PHOTOS: De Waal Steyn

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24 October 2018

THE

NEWS

Let’s Talk

NEWS

Send your letters to dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za

Remember to save water in this heat The sudden soaring temperatures that descended on the Cape Whale Coast caught many of us off guard after the cool and windy spring weather we have become accustomed to.

Words of caution on Hermanus Varsity I have read with interest the article (The Village News, 10 October 2018) about the proposed University College / Varsity. I was particularly intrigued by the choice of faculties and the proposed location of the campus in the Hermanus Old Town.

which there is local, national and global demand. Don’t think Overberg. Think the globe.

In closing, I fail to see how the proposed institution would fuel ‘educational tourism’ (mentioned in the article). Wishful thinking?

Errol van Staden

It would seem that the preliminary conceptual design is underpinned by conventional thinking. If we consider how the 4th Industrial Revolution and the emerging Gig Economy are already changing the World of Work, it does not make sense to offer qualifications (e.g. in the Humanities and Office Administration) for which there will be questionable future demand. The proposed institution would simply be adding more graduates to the growing pool of the unemployed. Given the reality of changing demand and emerging global trends, the focus should be on technology, technical competencies and entrepreneurship.

As for location, and assuming the varsity-idea proceeds, I would caution against locating the campus in the Hermanus Old Town. One simply has to look around the country to see what university campuses have become (especially the so-called Universities of Technology). Given the low barrier to entry, university campuses now also attract hooligans, masquerading as students. Their sole purpose is to demand, disrupt and destroy. Recently published statistics (News24) indicate that only 21% of students entering university eventually graduate with a B-degree. Alarming statistics, and what a waste of money! Above all, imagine what student unrest in the Old Town would do to business and tourism.

If Hermanus wants to make a meaningful contribution to the development of its youth, why not start a technical high school? An example is the Jakes Gerwel Technical School in Bonnievale (recently showcased on national television). And instead of creating just another ‘university’ campus that churns out students with qualifications for which there is limited demand, what about an apprentice training school, where people could train and become recognised artisans? At least we would be equipping students with saleable skills for

Before endorsing the project, I would like to see a solid business case for why there is a need for another ‘varsity’ campus. In addition, I would like to know more about its funding model, and what will be unique about its offering. I would much rather back a strategy that will resolve unemployment than one that might exacerbate the problem. Although the intent is noble, the establishment of the proposed institution should be guided by fresh thinking that considers future trends.

Hermanus

Prof John de Gruchy, on behalf of representatives of the Hermanus Varsity responded as follows: We are grateful to the author of the letter for raising very important questions about the Hermanus Varsity (HV). Many of them have been raised before within the various working committees of the HV and discussed at length, leading to some important changes. In fact, since the article was published in The Village News two weeks ago, several major developments have taken place, and our plans have been significantly modified. As mentioned in The Village News article, the HV is a work in progress, and what was reported back then was by no means cast in concrete. We welcome all criticisms and comments and will do what we can to take them into account as we continue to go forward. But we suggest that people may want to wait until the final proposal is presented to the Hermanus community on 22 November. Even after that is done there will be opportunity for making improvements.

As we want this to be a Hermanus community project, the more people who are involved, including those who want to make constructive criticisms, the better.

Together with the heat came the news that the De Bos dam level stands at 68%, slightly lower than the 70% at the end of the rainy season last year. Water consumption last week stood at 10,4 million litres per day.

With dams in the Western Cape standing at 66,2% full versus 35,9% last year, water supply in the province seems to be in a much better position. But we need to remember that water is a finite source and that we live in a water-scarce environment, especially with a warm summer and the busy season still ahead of us.

We urge our readers to note that Level 1B water restrictions for the Greater Hermanus area are still in place. This means that no washing of vehicles with a hose is permitted. Washing of vehicles and boats is only allowed if a bucket and cloth are used. Watering of gardens and lawns (including irrigation) is still allowed with municipal drinking water twice a week, for one hour – before 09:00 or after 17:00. Even numbered street addresses can water only on Wednesdays and Sundays, and uneven numbered street addresses only on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

With all of us working together to save water, we can help to conserve our environment and resources.

– This is the good NEWS - Ed

Weather forecast for the next week & De Bos Dam level

Wednesday 24 October

Thursday 25 October

Friday 26 October

Saturday 27 October

Sunday 28 October

18°C / 24°C

22°C / 26°C

21°C / 27°C

21°C / 28°C

20°C / 27°C

Partly cloudy

Clear

Clear

OPINION Matters

THE

Clear

Partly cloudy

Monday 29 October

18°C / 20°C Partly cloudy

www.yr.no

Tuesday 30 October

16°C / 16°C Cloudy

De Bos Dam Level

68.07%

7

24 October 2018

The Team

Hermanus microfinance initiative update Since the announcement of the Microfinance Initiative for Hermanus, now called Hermanus Siyakha (“Together we are building”) at the end of June, there has been much activity behind the scenes.

At present we are trialling the system, its administration and implementation with five small business enterprises in the region which have been given small, interest-free loans. Once we are sure that the correct systems are in place, we will launch the fully-fledged initiative and invite financial contributions from members of the community in the region.

The mission of Hermanus Siyakha is simple and direct: “Providing access to financial assistance that will empower people in poverty to transform their lives, their families and their communities through the establishment and growth of small enterprises.”

In providing access to financial

assistance it aims to contribute to the transformation of the Overstrand region in order to rebuild our communities, build connections and form relationships so that we can move forward as one.

At an individual level we want to equip people to provide for themselves and their families, thus restoring a sense of purpose, worth and dignity.

The initiative enjoys the support of churches and businesses whose representatives, together with a number of retired business executives, make up the Management Committee. It is also actively engaged with other organisations providing entrepreneurial training and grant funding. Financial accountability is ensured via a registered non-profit company (Hermanus Siyakha NPC) whose directors serve on the Management Committee. This company will act as facilitator, accepting contributions and making disbursements on the recom-

mendations of the Management Committee.

Hermanus Siyakha will provide small, interest-free loans to active and emerging entrepreneurs in poor communities to enable them to establish or grow their small business ventures. Loans will be repaid over an agreed period and a mentorship programme will assist the recipients in achieving their desired business outcomes. Small grants will also be considered in certain circumstances.

Once the pilot projects have demonstrated the scalability of the initiative, we will be announcing the launch of the Hermanus Siyakha website, which will showcase approved projects seeking funding, and at that stage we will invite financial contributions to fund loans to these projects.

The website will also provide necessary information on the initiative, details of how to contri-

6 Royal Street, Hermanus

028 312 2234

bute financially, and report on the progress of funded projects and their impact. Details of this official launch will appear in The Village NEWS. At this stage we are not asking for financial contributions; the pilot projects have already been funded. However, if you would like to become involved in Hermanus Siyakha we would welcome additional volunteers who could assist with business mentoring or be available to provide administrative support. It is envisaged that the initiative will be run by volunteers so as to keep administrative costs to a minimum.

If you would like to know more about Hermanus Siyakha or volunteer your services, please contact Phillip Parsons at philpars@telkomsa.net or Jerry van Niekerk at jerryvniekerk@gmail.com.

A Far Kraai Murray Stewart thevillagemuze@gmail.com

Office Administrator Tania Hamman admin@thevillagenews.co.za

Toys, play marbles, doctor-nurse, build tree-houses and soap-box carts. Toktokkie was regarded as hilarious.

Back then, pasta was seldom eaten outside Italy and curry was a surname.

A takeaway was something to do with arithmetic, and calamari was called squid and we used it as bait.

A Big Mac was Dad’s raincoat, and tea was brewed in teapots using tealeaves. Seaweed was not recognised as a food, and Kebab wasn’t even a word, never mind something you ate.

Eating raw fish was punishment, and cooking outside was called camping.

I don’t have to get up early every morning. I get an allowance every month and have my own pad. I don’t have a curfew. The people I hang around with are not scared of getting pregnant. I can come and go as I please and can buy rude magazines or brandyflavoured toothpaste if I want to. I don’t get acne.

Water came out of taps. Suggest bottling it and charging more for it than petrol, and you would have been the laughing stock at any bingo evening.

I have a driver’s license and my own car, so I don’t have to nick Mom’s anymore.

(This misadventure had me bundled off to boarding school on a strict diet of bread-and-water pills.) I am in possession of an ID which gets me into pubs or pole-dancing clubs, and also guarantees discounts for pensioners.

Getting older, many are flabbergasted over how much wobbly weight they’ve gained. That six-pack has developed into a keg (bloatus maximus), those compact apples have become pear-shaped (firmus debilitatis), and you’ve grown a third bun (glutus horrificum).

Milk was hand-delivered by a milkman who obviously got around a bit because he was often mentioned when any pregnancies were announced. It also arrived in bottles (milk, not pregnancies) with soft tin-foil caps, because no one had yet started poisoning political opponents.

Design and Layout Nickey Jackson 079 408 7722 nickey@thevillagenews.co.za

Marketing Manager Kathy Bentley 083 581 7219 kathy@thevillagenews.co.za

Although shops closed daily at lunchtime and 5pm, and from Saturday afternoon to Monday, we never starved.

As a semi-retired Seenager (senior teenager), I’m lucky enough not to hanker after life as a youngster anymore, and without being smug, I now have pretty much everything I wanted as a teenager, albeit half a century too late.

Back then Moms wore nylons that came in two pieces. Male teachers all wore ties and female teachers had their hair done every day and wore high heels.

CocaCola came in glass bottles.

Content Editor Hedda Mittner 083 645 3928 hedda@thevillagenews.co.za

Phillip Parsons

Kids today: Where on earth do they play?

The longer we shift through the gears as we trundle up life’s twisty road, the more we can see in the rear-view mirror.

Some of these memories are more pleasant than others, but no matter how much masking tape we stick on that mirror, the less pleasant ones often linger. Like the black eye you received from Chuck Forbes, being caught cribbing in the Maths test, or your first rejection from Mary Huff in Std 5.

Publishing Editor De Waal Steyn 083 700 3319 dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za

However we survived to enjoy Wick’s Bubblegum, Hula Hoops, a Moon landing and records that spun at 78, 33.3 and eventually 45rpm. Kids would gather wide-eyed to watch Superman on their radios, never taking their gaze off the loud-speaker in case he zoomed out to rescue the universe without them.

Being sent to the headmaster’s office

was nothing compared with the fate awaiting us at home. Basically, we feared for our lives, but not from driveby shootings, drugs, or gangs. The wrath of our parents and grandparents was a much bigger threat.

Being told to go and play outside in those days – as opposed to now – was an invitation to adventure. We’d create little towns in the garden for our Dinky

Some cherished recollections though, are almost gone forever behind the masking tape and mists of time. Cowboy books, the Famous Five, Brylcreem, Springbok Radio and dials on telephones fill some distant gaps in our memories.

But talking of memory gaps, one way or another, the road ahead is still more enticing than the rear-view mirror, although I can’t for the life of me remember where I left my car keys.

Mmmm…or my car…

Marketing Representative Laetitia Prinsloo 082 738 3765 ads@thevillagenews.co.za

Journalist Elaine Davie 084 343 7500

Photography & Social Media Taylum Meyer 084 564 0779 taylum@thevillagenews.co.za

WHERE TO FIND US The Village NEWS is published every week and the next edition will be available on 31 October. The NEWS can be found at over 300 distribution points on the Cape Whale Coast, from Pringle Bay to Gansbaai. Get your FREE copy from major retail stores such as Spar, Checkers and Pick n Pay, and at restaurants, tasting rooms, galleries and shopping centres. Should you wish to receive a copy, call us on 028 312 2234 or 083 228 7523 or pop into our office at 6 Royal Street, Hermanus.

MEMBER OF

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24 October 2018

Wag in the park Harcourts held their first ever ‘Wag in the Park’ charity event on Saturday 20 October in aid of the Hermanus Animal Welfare Society (HAWS). The venue for the event was the park across from their Harcourts offices in Onrus. Visitors were treated to a dog show, doggie parade and flea market. Those entering their dogs in the show were asked to donate pet supplies or give a monetary donation as an entry fee and were welcome to dress their dogs up. The many dogs that were entered ranged from small breeds such as Chihuahuas and Daschunds, to larger breeds such as Airedale and Staffordshire Terriers as well as a variety of mixed-breeds. Members from HAWS and two Harcourts staff members served as the judging panel for the day, while the rest of the Harcourts team ensured the day ran smoothly and some even partici-pated with their own dogs. The day was enjoyed by all and Harcourts and HAWS have said they would like to do it again next year.

PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer

ABOVE: Harcourts agent Herby Skog with his daughter Katya and their dog Dasher.

Sadie, one of the winners of the Best Dressed Dogs award, in the outfit her owner Marina de Beer made for her. Marina’s other white Chihuahua, Liefie, was the other winner.

RIGHT: Ruby, a fully -grown Staffie, won the award for the Best Personality. She was full of love and wags for all who crossed her path – people and dogs.

Village

EXPLORER The

FOOD • WINE • EVENTS • HEALTH • BEAUTY

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Global Challenge, local fun

ith the summer season approaching, locals can look forward to a great lineup of outdoor events – and none are more eagerly anticipated than The Global Challenge, which will once again be hosted at Hermanus Golf Club from 9 – 11 November.

This international professional women's golf tournament will see two teams – one from the Northern Hemisphere and one from the Southern Hemisphere – teeing up in pursuit of the coveted Ralph Walton trophy.

What sets The Global Challenge apart is the dedication of the players who participate without receiving any prize money and who, at the same time, use this platform to raise funds for the selected charities by challenging their fans around the globe to make a pledge to the #BangTheDrum campaign.

The nominated beneficiaries for 2019 are the Full Tummy Fund, Learn to Earn, Just Care and Overstrand Association for Persons with Disabilities (OAPD). For the first time in sporting history, each of the participating teams will include a worldclass sportswoman who has overcome the challenges of a physical disability. The players that were selected by captains Nora Angehrn from Switzerland (Team North) and Morgana Robbertse from South Africa (Team South) are Dutch Paralympian tennis gold medallist and now golfer, Monique Kalkman and golf champion amputee, Caroline Larsson from Sweden.

The Global Challenge will kick off with an exciting programme of events for members of the public to meet the players. The Champions Dinner, hosted at Ocean Basket Hermanus on Thursday evening, 8 November, will include a delicious dinner and a cabaret show by Janet Marshall and Andrew Herriot, featuring all-time favourites from Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé.

The official opening ceremony on Friday, 9 November at Hermanus High School will be open to the public. Plenty of food stalls and preentertainment by DJ Shark Lady will be on offer before the main event – a live open-air concert by the iconic South African band, Mango Groove. For the first time in golfing history, an anthem called

PHOTO: Maria Beautell for The Global Challenge 2017 WINNERS Last year’s Global Challenge was won by the Northern Hemisphere, captained by Nora Angehrn from Switzerland. She is pictured here with her team mates Marta Silva and Carmen Alonso from Spain holding the Ralph Walton trophy. #BangTheDrum has been specially composed for the event by Mango Groove. The gates open at 17:00 and there will be ample parking. Mango Groove will take to the stage at 19:00.

Round 1 of The Global Challenge will be played on Saturday, 10 November and round 2 on the Sunday, 11 November. Both days will see the players tee off at 08:30. Competition on the greens will be fierce but in between there will be more fun and festivities down at Dutchies Restaurant on Grotto Beach, where a Beach Party with the Pros will be hosted on the Saturday evening, 10 November, starting at 18:00. The pubic are invited to join in and make their

bookings for dinner at Dutchies.

In the inaugural event held in February 2017, Captain Nora Anghern (Switzerland) led Team North to victory. This year Team South, led by Captain Morgana Robberste (South Africa) is looking forward to the rematch and will be challenging their opponents to bring the trophy home to the Southern Hemisphere.

But The Global Challenge is much more than just another golf tournament – it is a unique event that gives the professionals the opportunity to support local charities that play a vital role in our communities. It also showcases inclusivity by

creating affordable sponsorship packages to allow small businesses the opportunity to be a part of a global sporting event.

To pledge your support for the #BangTheDrum campaign, visit www.theglobalchallenge.co.za and follow the links. Tickets for the Mango Groove concert can be obtained from Hermanus High School, the Hermanus Tourism Bureau or Nutickets via theglobalchallenge.nutickets.co.za/10904.

Follow The Global Challenge on Facebook or contact Janet Marshall for more information on 082 456 8091 or janet@theglobalchallenge.co.za.

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24 October 2018

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Thursday 25 October

■ Fernkloof Fireflies: Join Whale Coast Conservation on an eco-adventure to learn more about the magical Fernkloof fireflies. R120 for adults and R60 for children (6 years and over). This event is weatherdependent; contact Anina Lee on the day to confirm at anina.wcc@gmail.com or 083 242 3295. At Fernkloof Nature Reserve, from 19:00 – 21:00.

Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 October Forest Adventures in the magical Hemel-en-Aarde Valley for a 5 km Fun Walk. There will also be tractor rides, food stalls, live music and entertainment, and prizes for the best dressed. Tickets at R40 pp will be for sale at the venue. For enquiries, contact Manisha on 028 313 0129 or 074 266 9809 or email debbie.oti2012@gmail.com. At the OTI Bush Diner on the Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde; registration starts at 17:00 and the walk at 18:30.

■ Rotary Club of Hermanus: Visitors are welcome at Rotary’s weekly meetings. Contact Frank on 082 870 1187 to confirm your attendance. At Mollergren Park, every Thursday at 19:00.

Friday 26 October ■ Bhuki Café: Support Friends of the Library's Bhuki Cafe where a cup of tea or coffee and delicious eats cost only R20. Every cup helps to raise funds for new books. Every Friday from 09:00 – 11:30, at Hermanus Library.

■ Kolwyntjie Teetuin: Everyone in the area is

welcome to enjoy a sweet treat and tea or coffee at a nominal fee, and make new friends at the Onrus Care Centre (Dienssentrum). Join them for a special Spring Tea this Friday. RSVP: Joan or Hannie on 028 316 1745. At the Onrus Dutch Reformed Church, every Friday between 09:30 and 11:30.

■ Vine to Valley: The third in a series of six monthly Trail Running events on wine farms in the scenic Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, brought to you by Homes International Hermanus. Ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors and a healthy lifestyle, balanced with fine wines, camaraderie and a good dose of fun! This month’s trail is an easy 5 km vineyard run amid breath-taking scenery. Afterwards you can enjoy food, drinks and of course wine with your family and friends while the kids get to play. For more information, contact Bianca on 082 075 7477 or info@coastlineevents.co.za. At Sumaridge Estate Wines, at 09:00.

■ Hermanus Country Market: A favourite among the locals. Young, old, two-legged and fourlegged family members are all welcome. You’ll find wholesome goodies, home-made crafts, local produce, beers and wine, speciality foods, coffee and live music. Next to the cricket field, Fairways Avenue, from 09:00 – 13:00.

Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 October ■ Quilting Exhibition: Everyone with a passion for quilting is invited to attend this exhibition presented by the Overberg Quilting Guild. Entrance fee R20. In the Dutch Reformed Church Hall, Hermanus, daily from 10:00 – 16:00.

■ Hermanus Music Society: Wessel van Wyk, acclaimed as one of South Africa’s most prominent and versatile classical piano soloists, will perform all 14 of Frédéric Chopin’s canonic, opus-numbered, waltzes. Music Society members should book early for their guests at R120 pp and inform David Rowson if they cannot attend on 028 316 2335 or rowson@telkomsa.net. In the homestead cellar of Bouchard Finlayson winery in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley; drinks at 17:45 and recital starts at 18:30.

■ Peace, Love & Paws: Dress up in your grooviest gear and boogie the night away with Omega Limited, aka The Idiots, in aid of Hermanus Animal Welfare Society (HAWS). Don’t miss the coolest, hippiest rock jol to ever hit Hermanus! Tickets at R250 pp include dinner and a cash bar will be available.

Support this worthy cause and get your tickets from the HAWS office or contact 082 225 5789 or 082 901 8643. In the Sandbaai Hall, at 19:00 for 19:30.

■ Rewind: Join Soul Café every Friday night and relax to the tunes of their resident band as they perform all your favourite hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. R50 pp. Call 028 313 2137 to book. At Soul Café, 181 Main Road, Hermanus, at 20:00.

Saturday 27 October

■ Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market: Where local and international foodies and wine lovers meet. You’ll find real plates and real cutlery; real cups and real glasses; a real hangout for real people. In the courtyard of Hermanuspietersfontein wine cellar at The Village, from 09:00 – 13:00.

■ Market in the Garden: Hunt for treasures at this peaceful market set among the shady trees of a beautiful garden. At St Peter’s Church in Main Road, Hermanus, from 09:00 – 13:00.

■ Botrivier Hotel Market: For hand-made crafts and tasty treats, come and browse the new weekly market in the hotel garden. New vendors are welcome; contact Erna at ernastark@outlook.com or 028 315 2582 or WhatsApp 076 708 0818 to book your stall. At the Botrivier Hotel, every Saturday, from 10:00 – 14:00.

■ The History of Ancient Egypt: This popular DVD

■ Partners in Pink: Creation Wines will host guest speaker, Dr Justus Apffelstaedt at a special Ladies’ Pink Tea in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. He will talk about his work as a specialist breast cancer surgeon and Reach for Recovery’s Ditto Project, which has provided many women with prostheses to restore their confidence post-recovery. Tickets at R150 pp include sparkling wine and breakfast canapes and all proceeds will be donated to the Ditto Project. RSVP: salome@creationwines.com or 028 212 1107. At Creation, from 10:00 – 12:00.

■ Fairy or Scary: Dress up as a fairy – or someone scary – and head out with the whole family to SA

■ Hermanus parkrun: Meet for the weekly 5 km walk or run, come rain or shine. The route is dog friendly and children are most welcome. Set off from the Overstrand Training Institute (OTI) farm on Camphill Road in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, at 08:00.

■ Penguin Palooza: The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) and CapeNature invite you to the annual Penguin Palooza which forms part of the month-long celebrations around marine conservation. Visitors will have an opportunity to view

pop-up cooking demonstration where you’ll learn how to make Mawash Murabiyan, a Middle Eastern dish of shrimp, green lentils and rice. This comfort meal is so simple and tasty that it begs to be eaten by hand. Join Eunice and learn about communal eating.

R120 pp includes a taster portion. To reserve your seat call Megan on 028 312 4979. At Goozi Kitchenshop, at 10:00.

series presented by U3A Overberg continues with the topics of Dynasty XXVII, The Persians and Alexander the Great, presented by Gert Claassen. In the Catholic Church Hall, at 10:00.

■ Elgin Open Gardens: This much-anticipated annual event offers the public the chance to visit 15 unique gardens in the Elgin and Bot River districts, ranging from large established country gardens (some over 50 years old) to young, recently planted gardens in villages and on smallholdings. A number of gardens will have plants for sale, with some offering unusual and interesting plants, shrubs and trees difficult to find elsewhere. Many gardens are also offering teas and light meals, in addition to the many other restaurants and food gardens in the area. Full details can be found at www.elginopengardens.co.za or by contacting Barbara Knox-Shaw on 021 844 0154 or 078 021 2101.

Sunday 28 October ■ Music in the Courtyard: Enjoy summer tunes in The Courtyard with a DJ, oysters and bubbly, wine, craft beer and tapas. For more info or to reserve a table, call 028 312 2553. At The Wine Glass, 2 Harbour Road, every Sunday from 12:00.

Monday 29 October ■ Afrikaans Lecture Series: U3A Overberg presents a talk by Prof Andre de Villiers entitled Die vestiging van ‘n universiteit in Hermanus in die konteks van die huidige uitdagings in die tersiêre sektor in SA. In the Catholic Church Hall, at 10:00.

Tuesday 30 October

■ Fioré Country Market: Browse this new country market in Bot River for homemade crafts, books, local treats, fresh fruit and more. Stands are free and in the event of rain the market moves indoors. For enquiries, contact Debbie Randall on 028 284 9220. At Fioré Garden Centre & Coffee Shop, Bot River, from 09:00 – 14:00.

■ Kidbrooke Christmas Market: Kidbrooke residents attend arts & crafts workshops during the year where they produce goods for the annual market that range from hand-painted gift wrap and decorated boxes and bags, to pretty candles and table lights, linen, bags, eats, cakes and puddings – all at giveaway prices. There will also be a bric a brac section and a second-hand stall piled high with bargain treasures. The funds raised are used to add value and pleasure to all residents, including those in Frail Care.

Contact market convenor Vanessa Ovenstone for more info on 028 316 3480 or 082 567 8121. At Kidbrooke Place, Onrus, from 08:00 – 13:00.

■ Goozi Arabesque: Eunice Rademeyer hosts a

African penguins, all hand-reared or rehabilitated by SANCCOB, being released back into the wild. There will also be a community market and educational activities, as well as a social media competition. The first 100 visitors will gain free entry to the colony and a complimentary cup of coffee. For more information contact CapeNature on 082 743 9920 or SANCCOB on 021 557 6155. At Stony Point, Betty’s Bay at 10:00.

■ Marine Evening: Join Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) for a presentation by Judith Scott on Whale watching around the world. Having spent much of the past 18 years travelling, and having whale-watched off all seven continents, Judith has become a keen photographer and nature lover. She will tell her story of some of the places where she has been lucky enough to work and visit. The cover charge is R25 pp and a donation box will also be available for DICT’s conservation efforts. RSVP: cari@marinedynamicstravel.com. At the Great White House in Kleinbaai, at 17:15.

Wednesday 31 October ■ Pink Sunset Walk: Take an inspiring hike along the coast to Stanford’s Cove and back in aid of the Breast Cancer Association. Your ticket will include a chicken mayo pancake, ice cream and liquid refreshments. Bring your own glass. Tickets are available from Gansbaai Tourism at R50 for adults and R25 for students. For more info call Doulene on 082 841 1670. Meet at the Tidal Pool, Gansbaai at 17:15.

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24 October 2018

The nostalgic beauty of patchwork quilts

Elaine Davie

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he Overberg Quilters Guild, with a membership of about 65 quilters drawn from the various communities between Betty’s Bay and Gansbaai, will be hosting a special exhibition from 25 – 28 October in the Grobbelaar Hall in Hermanus. Residents and visitors are invited to look out for the Block Quilt Flags outside the building, walk in and enter a fantasy world of colours and shapes, all hand-made with love – a kaleidoscopic reminder of a childhood you thought you had lost forever.

From the early and usually quite basic designs, stitched painstakingly together by hand from left-over scraps of material, the art of quilting has become a highly sophisticated craft or art form (the never-ending debate continues about which it may be). Since the ‘80s and ‘90s, quilting is almost exclusively done by machine, rather than by hand and more recently, just about everything can be pre-programmed on computer apps built into the sewing machine.

Actually, the history of quilting dates back to the earliest civilizations of the Middle and Far East, as well as to the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

The nomadic people of the desert used to hang quilts in their tents to protect them from constant sand-heavy winds blowing across the dunes. One imagines that the carpet-making traditions of the Middle East and India are closely aligned to quilt-making in those same regions.

Kleinmond resident, Carool Johnson, who used to own a quilting shop in Swellendam, is a quilting teacher and an active member of the Overberg Quilters Guild. She is a mine of information on all

aspects of the craft and mentions that quilts have played other practical roles in history. Like our own traditional beadwork, they have been used to send messages. “During the American Civil War,” she recounts, “the women at home would send quilts to their men on the front line with secret messages sewn into them.”

Speaking of times of war and distress, she also talks about the tradition of sending Love Quilts to comfort those in the midst of a disaster, whether natural or man-made. “This tradition continues today,” she says. “If we know of anyone who is seriously ill or has been shaken by some unforeseen tragedy, we may make a special knee quilt to assure them of our love and well-wishes.

“The thing is, quilters are givers,” she adds. “During the London Blitz of WWII, this was taken to the extreme when Canadian quilters sent literally hundreds of quilts to Londoners who had lost everything. Then, more recently, after the Fukushima Tsunami, when thousands of Japanese were evacuated and lost their homes, quilters all over the world, including South Africa, sent quilts to them, a first step towards rebuilding their lives.”

Carool, who has been a quilter for the past 28 years, says she thinks what makes this a life-long passion for most of them is that it exercises the whole brain, both the mathematical and the creative sides and it changes the way they look at the world. “In every landscape, I see the possibility of a new quilt,” she explains. “Because quilts are multi-layered and because the quilting design is meant to enhance the image we wish to create, nature offers a good model to follow.”

World-wide, three main categories are

recognised: the bed quilt, the wall hanging and the artistic quilt; then, of course, there are other items which can be quilted, like bags, cushions or waistcoats. Annually, there are three major international quilting events, the largest in Houston, Texas, the next in Japan and the third one in Birmingham, UK. South African quilters regularly win prizes at these prestigious events. Interestingly, men are amongst the top quilters worldwide, most of them being professional manufacturers and designers.

Fortunately, many very old quilts have been preserved and can be seen in museums across the world, including South Africa. They make an invaluable contribution to the social history of the country. For example, in our case, the Voortrekkers, as they moved inland and far from towns and purchasing opportunities, covered their old, threadbare blankets in patchwork and later, many of the women held in concentration camps during the South African War made quilts to keep them and their children warm and to send to their husbands fighting running battles in the veld. Indeed, one of the most sought-after items sold by the smouse (peddlars) who criss-crossed the country in their wagons was cloth for garments, with the offcuts jealously hoarded for lappieskomberse (patchwork blankets).

Today, most of the fabric used for quilting is pure cotton, which is the easiest, most stable and predictable material, but silk might sometimes be used or poly-cottons. The range is enormous and quilters are always on the lookout for an unusual, choice piece, which, if not used immediately, is added to the stash most of them keep in a cupboard for just the right moment. The batting might be cotton, polyester, flannel or even a beautiful soft bamboo product, which, however, tends to be very expensive.

The back of the quilt is generally expected to be beautifully worked as well, in order to complement the more elaborate front, and stitched to the back of every quilt a cloth label should list the name and address of the artist, together with the title of the piece, its size and the date. Many of these items may become heirlooms and will be even more valuable if their provenance is known.

Kleinmond resident, Carool Johnson has been a quilter for the past 28 years.

The exhibition at the Grobbelaar Hall from 25 – 28 October will be open from 10:00 to 16:00 each day.

There will be a minimal charge of R20 per person. For more information contact Chairperson Leonie van der Mescht on 083 666 8498 or Carool Johnson on 083 231 5332.

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24 October 2018

Get a bite of clean eating with Appetite Knight

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oodies all over Hermanus are looking forward with anticipation to the new venture of local entrepreneur, Emilia Knight, whose Facebook and Instagram pages, Clean Eating Recipes from Appetite Knight have a firm following.

With the acquisition of new premises at the Walker Bay Art Gallery, Emilia’s mission – to help people fall in love with deliciously healthy foods – will become that much easier.

In this delightful space, now named Appetite Knight @ The Gallery, she has a fully-equipped kitchen, a leafy courtyard with a tranquil water feature, a cosy interior with a coffee bar… and stunning artworks all around.

“When I first saw these premises it was like walking into the arms of my soulmate,” she smiles. The space is now filled with her personal touches, including crockery and vases from her home and odd pieces of upcycled furniture. The kitchen, too, will be like an extension of her home kitchen, says Emilia.

The menu will consist of “simple, unadulterated, good-mood food”. Her offering will be seasonal and change regularly, with the focus on sourcing locally and enjoying food in its most natural state. “Clean Eating is not a diet, it's a happy and healthy lifestyle,” says Emilia, whose glowing good looks are enough to convince anyone.

Emilia grew up in Stellenbosch and spent many years living overseas, including 12 years in Scotland. Returning to South Africa with her husband and two young children in 2004 (the youngest, Oscar, was soon added to the family), the family lived in Swellendam and Cape Town before settling in Hermanus in 2008.

In true entrepreneurial fashion, Emilia has held many positions in different fields ranging from project manager for an architectural firm to food consultant for restaurants to dietary

What’s Cooking RESTAURANT NEWS Hedda Mittner advisor for Weight Watchers. She has also owned several businesses, including a restaurant in Swellendam, The Milestone; catering companies such as the Party Food Company, specialising in canapés and the Arty Farty Party specialising in children’s parties; and Rhubarb & Custard, which manufactures babywear and pouch slings.

Her overriding passion, however, is food science and nutrition, recipe and product development, food styling and photography – and sharing holistic, wholesome and nourishing food. She can be found trading at the Hermanus Country Market and regularly hosts health workshops and cooking demonstrations. Now she is looking forward to doing all that and more from her new ‘home’ in the heart of Hermanus.

Appetite Knight @ The Gallery will open on 2 November, which coincides with the monthly First Fridays Artwalk. The restaurant will be open from Monday to Friday for breakfast, brunch and lunch, and on Friday evenings once a month during the Artwalk, when platters will be served. On Saturdays Emilia’s loyal customers will still be able to find her and her wholesome treats at the Country Market – and Sundays will be her well-deserved day off, although this ball of energy is more likely to be found hiking in the mountains or along the coast than resting with her feet up.

Emilia can be contacted on 076 837 4231 or via her Facebook page: Clean Eating Recipes from Appetite Knight.

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24 October 2018

Local youths on their way to becoming future chefs

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ifteen excited students from Warwick’s Chef School in Hermanus received their National Youth Chefs Training certificates at a graduation ceremony held at Belmont Square in Cape Town on 18 October.

The students, from Hawston, Mount Pleasant, Zwelihle, Kleinmond and Stanford, completed a 10-month programme, which entailed theory and practical training at the chef school once a week, while the other four days a week were spent working at top establishments in the Hermanus area, including The Marine, The Class Room, CanD’s Kitchen, Pear Tree and Arabella Hotel & Spa. The National Youth Chefs Training Programme is coordinated by the South African Chefs Association and is fully sponsored by the Department of Tourism. Aimed at creating opportunities for the unemployed youth of South Africa while also addressing the skills shortages in the hospitality and tourism sector, the programme started in 2011.

This is the first time it was offered in the Overberg region, starting in October 2017 with Warwick’s Chef School as the service provider.

While working towards a City & Guild International Certificate in Food Preparation and Cooking, the students received tuition, uniforms, knife sets, training material and a stipend.

she emphasised how they have grown over the past 10 months and how, having gained confidence in working in a professional kitchen environment, they are able to put their newly-learned skills to full use. She also acknowledged and thanked the Department of Tourism and the South African Chefs Association for bringing this opportunity to the Overberg to empower the youth of our area with an internationally recognised qualification.

“This programme is well structured and not only gives an education with job opportunities to these students, but also supplies skilled staff to the hotels and restaurants in our town, thereby contributing to the local economy,” said Sumien Warwick.

Since entering this unique partnership with the National Department of Tourism in 2011, the National Youth Chefs Training Programme has seen 2 000 aspiring young chefs complete the programme, with 72% securing permanent employment.

As a result of this initiative’s impact and outcomes globally, Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thabethe received the Ministerial Award in recognition of its achievements at the Global Summit of Women in Sydney, Australia earlier this year. "This award recognises the programme’s success in building strong business skills and leadership capabilities among the youth, particularly women," she said.

Warwick’s Chef School is very proud of the 15 graduates who received 13 distinctions and 2 merits. Markwill Miggel from Stanford achieved the top student award. The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Elizabeth Thabethe was the guest of honour at the awards ceremony, where Executive Chef Louis van Reenen of the Arabella Hotel & Spa received the award for the best workplace in the region.

In their second year these Hermanus students will now continue with the diploma level of the programme in Food Preparation and Cooking and in their third year they will specialise in patisserie (pastry). The Village NEWS wishes Warwick’s Chef School and their students all the best on their inspiring journey!

When student Amber Ambros addressed the audience on behalf of her fellow graduates,

Warwick’s Chef School can be contacted on 028 316 1166.

The first graduates of the National Youth Chefs Training certificate course in the Overberg, offered by Warwick’s Chef School.

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24 October 2018

The magic of non-surgical makeovers

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iewers are glued to their television screens on a Thursday at 8pm, waiting for the next magic makeover to happen on KykNET’s second season of Mooimaak, a popular reality makeover show hosted by former journalist, attorney and jewellery designer Clare Wiese-Wentzel. Women throughout the country are getting hyped on the new non-surgical techniques to make them look at least ten years younger, and leaving them with a surge of self-confidence.

At Refine Clinic we are flooded every day with requests from women for the treatments they had seen on the previous makeover show. This has made us realise just how much women need a “pick-me-upper” every once in a while.

Some just want to refresh their look with small and subtle improvements while others want a major “I-did-noteven-recognise-you” transformation.

Either way, rejuvenating your look can elevate your style and leave you with increased self-confidence.

Life’s clock marches on and the ageing process is relentless. While a solid skincare routine can slow it down, there comes a time when we all need a little help. However, not many people have the time or desire to undergo cosmetic surgery, which is why we at the Clinic have devised a non-surgical makeover that does not take up too much time and delivers excellent results!

Non-surgical Makeover Consultation We devise a unique combination of non-surgical procedures suited to each patient’s needs and desires that work in concert to provide an aesthetic result

results; however, some denser dermal fillers could last up to two years.

Beneficial effects from Laser Resurfacing and TCA Chemical Peels last even longer. A robust skin-care regimen and avoidance of the sun will go a long way to extend the benefits achieved from your non-surgical makeover.

REAL LIFE MAGIC MAKEOVER Before and After: Combination treatment of the 3-for-me laser (Fraxel/IPL) with silhouette lift (one-stitch lift), courtesy of Refine Clinic and Dr. Michelle Emett.

that looks natural and fabulous.

Candidates for a Non-Surgical Makeover If you have concerns about wrinkles or lines on your face or loss of facial volume, causing an unappealing gaunt appearance, drooping eyebrows, skin irregularities from sun exposure, brown spots, large pores or early skin sag, and don’t want surgery, then our Non-Surgical Makeover may be for you. This procedure can enhance your appearance and improve overall self-confidence and self-esteem.

The Non-Surgical Makeover Plan After a thorough facial evaluation, we outline a recommended Non-Surgical Makeover plan combining various

modalities to transform your face in a subtle, yet spectacular fashion. The combination may be simple, like Botox for facial wrinkles and Dermal Fillers for your nasolabial folds, or more extensive treatments such as the 3-for-me Laser Resurfacing that treats pigmentation, redness and antiageing/tightening, together with the Silhouette Lift, the popular, nonsurgical thread lift, leaving you with an accentuated jawline and tighter skin without the sag. The latter has become our claim to fame!

We utilise nerve blocks or topical anaesthetics to maximise your comfort level during these nonsurgical makeover procedures. There is modest swelling and bruising immediately after the treatment, but

we apply ice packs and it usually subsides within the hour. Depending on the combination procedure, most people return to work the same day and even have the procedure during their lunch hour. More extensive combinations may require a longer recovery of two to seven days.

How long will my results last after a Non-Surgical Makeover?

Most of the products and modalities used are not permanent and the beneficial effects last for varying lengths of time. The advantage is that they don’t disappear dramatically overnight, but slowly dissipate over time.

Dermal Fillers are not permanent, and must be repeated to maintain optimal

While I agree with many of the concerns people have about the pressure on women to look younger, I also think it's perfectly natural to want to look as youthful as you feel inside. There's nothing wrong with not wanting to appear knackered when you are, in fact, full of energy. I see no problem with seeking to restore the natural glow of your 20s, even if that means exploiting the artificial light of good skincare and treatments. It is perfectly reasonable, for example, to want your brows to stay where they were, and not gate-crashing your eyelids. This is where advances in beauty technology can be enormously helpful.

The results of cosmetic procedures can be excellent. Those who say Botox makes you look weird are talking about bad Botox, the kind we know is out there. Administered correctly and in moderation, it can be fantastic and undetectable. We have tried and tested some of the best non-surgical makeovers we’ve seen in the last decade, with excellent results and happy customers. We trust that this will inspire you to tweak whatever it is that might need some freshening up – just in time for the festive season, when you want to look glowing and beautiful at your year-end function or Christmas table.

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24 October 2018

Feel fab at The Lab

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nly two months after its opening in June, Hermanus’s chic new beauty salon, The Lab, grabbed the opportunity to extend its premises and is now able to offer clients even more bespoke treatment options than before. Located in the little alley that connects Main Road to the Village Square, owner Cailyn Hendriksz has completely transformed the space where Hair Affair used to be, and in August she also took over the adjoining premises of Goodiez.

lighting, clients can enjoy massages and body treatments ranging from a spray tan or full body exfoli to a holistic or aromatherapy massage.

They also offer Swedish, Hot Stone, Sports and Pregnancy massages; or simply a head, neck and shoulders, or a foot and leg massage. As soon as all her equipment has arrived, Cailyn says they will be able to offer additional treatments such as Laser and IPL hair removal, endermology, body sculpture and wraps, and laser skin treatments.

With the renovations completed, this pamper palace with its stylish, custom-designed interior now incorporates not only a hair salon, a double pedicure station and a nail bar, but also a day spa with a shower and double massage room.

Tattoo artist Lexi Zovitsky of Forgotten Wonderland Tattoos has also joined The Lab.

Yet, more than anything else, it is the thoughtful extras that make The Lab a stand-out destination. Apart from a coffee station there is also a lunch menu from Char’d and Pear Tree that clients can order from, courtesy of Cailyn’s brother-in-law, Petri Hendriksz. Special Spa packages have been exclusively designed for The Lab’s customers and include either a health breakfast or a light lunch and bubbly. And when it comes to bridal parties and other special events such as a matric farewell, Cailyn says her staff members will gladly go to a client’s house or a special venue to treat them there.

Cailyn, who grew up in Hermanus, says that after six years overseas where she and her husband, Jaco Hendriksz worked on super yachts, they missed their family and wanted to settle down. She was inspired to open her own salon while they were based in Antibes in the south of France. “There was this salon that I used to go to, where they did everything from nails and hair to facials and massages. The salon was beautifully decorated and there was always good music and a great buzz.”

At The Lab customers can expect the same range of services, including hair styling, manicures and pedicures, facials, threading, waxing, tinting, lash extensions, permanent makeup and bridal packages, to name but a few. Their retail station also offers skin, body and hair products such as the RegimA skincare range, Bio Sculpture gel nail polish and high-end hair products from Schwarzkopf, Joico, Redken and ghd. For those who are interested in nonsurgical makeovers, aesthetics practitioner, Dr Esmari du Toit visits The Lab from Pretoria once a month to offer clients Botox, fillers or a lunch-time facelift.

In the tranquil day spa, with its atmospheric

“Opening my own business, especially in the dead of winter, was a scary prospect,” says Cailyn, “but fortunately my husband and my inlaws, Petrus and Estelle, have been very supportive and encouraging.” The Lab has been as busy as a beehive since they opened and it’s not difficult to see why clients are flocking to this oasis of serenity and rejuvenation.

Take your mom or a friend along and start your pampering session off at the double pedicure station, followed by any of the other treatments that will make you feel like a brand-new person.

“This is not a pink, girlie place and men are more than welcome too,” says Cailyn, who adds that their couple’s sessions are very popular. The Lab offers loyalty cards and 20% discount on selected treatments for over 60s and students up to Grade 12. Contact 028 312 2450 for an appointment.

– Hedda Mittner

Cailyn Hendriksz (far right) with her team at The Lab: from left are nail technician and therapist Christal Emin, hair stylist JC Castelyn, spa therapist Margeaux Wucherpfennig, and salon assistant Privilege Mango (in front).

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24 October 2018

Changing lives with horse-riding therapy and spending time with the horses reap considerable benefits. These include improved balance, coordination and sensory integration; improved self-confidence and posture; and enhanced interest in animals (in this case, horses). Sharing a wealth of experiences in this form of therapy enhances their mindfulness of others and teaches them to have more patience. Dr Laset adds that the benefits of riding can also be seen in the classroom. Most importantly, the children enjoy horse riding as a therapy.

Tweet Gainsborough-Waring

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ortunate to have a riding school only a few kilometres from their farm school in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, children from Camphill have been reaping the benefits of horse riding for several years.

At any given time, every child at Camphill has the opportunity to participate in at least two therapeutic programmes, depending on their needs. As a result of this holistic approach, some quite remarkable emotional, physical and intellectual progress has been evidenced in the learners.

Why horses? Well, there’s something about a horse that brings out the best in a child with intellectual or physical challenges. Perhaps it’s being up higher than their carers for once that encourages the child to squeal with excitement and experience a moment of living on top of the world.

The use of horses as a therapeutic tool dates back to the Greeks who, in the 5th century, made use of them for the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers. In modern times this caught on in a big way during the 1950s and spread throughout the world as a means of helping children with physical and intellectual challenges. In short, it was found to give purpose, change lives and bring smiles to kids who may have

Children from Camphill School benefit greatly from therapeutic rides at the Hermanus Equestrian Centre. From left are: Bukho riding Muis, Wilhelmien (leading), Nikita riding Fire, Ben (co-worker) leading and Emmanuel riding Vulcan, led by Enoch. spent a lifetime in a wheelchair, or trapped in a world of their own.

Getting onto a horse and merging with its warmth, strength and rhythm does wonders for these children. For example, the rhythmic motion of the horse’s walk has a relaxing effect on muscles tightened by spasms. The rhythm is similar to a human’s regular walking gait, and

Wilhelmien Valentine, who manages the Hermanus Equestrian Centre (HEC) says she has seen improvements after only one ride in some children. “One young rider started a ride barely able to sit up and by the end of the ride his posture was considerably better.”

Volunteers accompany the children and are on hand to offer support to the young riders should it be necessary, as safety is of paramount importance.

while relaxing those with tight muscles, the motion serves to strengthen the stabilising muscles of children with poor co-ordination and balance. Riding encourages them to sit up straight and strengthens their core muscles.

with horses takes place in a quiet, unhurried environment. Feedback from those working with the children is encouraging and varies from noted physical improvements to simple things like better integration into the family.

Hermanus Equestrian Centre also offers riding lessons at all levels and to all ages including jumping and the relatively new discipline of Mounted Games. Riders from HEC have competed successfully in the SANESA, a regional inter-schools event incorporating various disciplines like dressage and jumping.

Hyperactive children can benefit from the generally relaxed atmosphere found in a stable yard; working

Camphill’s Dr Julio Laset, who coordinates the individual therapy programmes, says the children riding

For further information Wilhelmien can be contacted on 082 847 8800.

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24 October 2018

Allergies: a scourge of summer

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ummer may bring plenty of opportunity for running in parks and gamboling in the garden but it also delivers a host of nasty allergens that drive your pets crazy. Pet allergies are especially plentiful at this time of year, though the causes are myriad – from grasses to fleas and food.

How do I know my pet has an allergy?

Constant scratching, biting and licking are sure signs of a skin allergy, a more common ailment than one might think.

Your pet may develop bald, bleeding patches and raised bumps or blisters on the skin. Or, if there is a food allergy, this could present as redness and itching around the mouth, face, between the paws and on the tummy.

What causes pet allergies?

There are several possible causes.

1. Fleas. Allergies from flea bites are the most common diagnosed by veterinarians. You might say ‘but my pet doesn’t have fleas!’ because you can’t see any, but only adult fleas can be seen with the naked eye – and they make up

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MY Pet Dr Hilldidge Beer

only about 5% of the total flea population! Flea allergies usually present as redness and scratching of the tail, rump, neck and back area. Cats will often pull out lumps of fur trying to rid themselves of the itch. If your pet is itching it is wise to apply a flea treatment as a first line of defence. Speak to your EberVet Vetshop about a suitable flea prevention product. It is not advisable to self-medicate as some flea treatments are harmful to pregnant or lactating pets and to puppies and kittens. And never, ever give flea treatment for dogs to a cat.

2. Environmental. Yes, just like us, some pets are allergic to pollen, grass-

es and mould spores, so spring and summer can be torture for them.

Some dogs are allergic to grass and pollen their entire lives, while other dogs develop allergies as they mature.

Watch out for an itchy skin rash with patches developing all over the body.

Dogs that are allergic to grass may also have watery eyes, noses, and scratchy throats.

3. Food. Even if your dog’s diet hasn’t changed, that doesn’t mean the ingredients in his food have remained the same, or that your dog’s sensitivity to the ingredients has remained static.

Food allergies present as redness and itching around the mouth, face and

between the paws. It’s important to feed your pet a food with high levels of Omega-6 fatty acids. However, if your veterinarian advises a food change, it could take up to eight weeks to see an improvement, so patience is needed. Most premiumquality pet brands stock foods specifically targeting allergies.

The more your pet scratches the more susceptible he/she becomes to secondary bacterial skin infections where bacteria attack the raw, exposed skin.

This becomes itchier, more painful and this vicious cycle will ultimately lead to a severe skin infection commonly known as ‘hot spots’.

Once you have applied flea protection, take your itching pet to a vet for a full examination and diagnosis. Treatment may include medication like cortisone, antihistamines and antibiotics or a change in diet and regular flea control.

EberVet Vetshops stock a wide range of highly effective flea products and supportive treatments like essential fatty acid supplements and shampoos specially formulated to keep itching at bay.

Allergies can be frustrating for you and your pet and there is rarely a total cure but the symptoms can be managed to give your pet a good quality of life.

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24 October 2018

How to finance an investment property

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or those who believe in the merits of property investment and wish to grow their portfolio, perhaps the most critical hurdle to overcome will be sourcing suitable property finance.

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Many of the mainstream retail banks aren’t as eager to finance investment properties as primary residences, says Gareth Bailey of Pam Golding Properties.

“I presume this is because these banks believe that individuals are most likely to prioritise the stability of their homes and family, and so are more likely to honour their monthly bond repayments on their primary residence before any other financial commitments.

“An example of this is how these banks treat investment property rental income. As part of any property finance application, banks require an investor to submit an income statement detailing all monthly income and expenses, thereby demonstrating that the investor has sufficient free cash flow to pay for the monthly bond instalments on the bond being applied for.”

Bailey says for most property investors starting out, the expected rental

consider registering a bigger bond than the initial property finance amount. For example, it is possible to ask the conveyancer to register a bond in the deed’s office for R2 million notwithstanding that the bank’s loan is for a lower amount of R1.5 million.

Gas Installations 028 312 2020 income from the proposed investment property forms an important contribution to the affordability of their monthly repayments. A bank’s unwillingness to take this income into account can spell the end to the bond application and hence their property investment.

Most of the mainstream retail banks are not keen to take the proposed rental into account for first-time property investors, and if they do, they only consider a portion of this rental income. The same applies to existing property investors buying another property. In this scenario, unless the investor has a strong track record, these banks will take the full bond instalments on each of the

existing properties into account but are reluctant to consider the full rental income generated by each – again, rather opting to only take a portion of the existing rentals into account, which is often capped at 70%.

One method to overcome these challenges, suggests Bailey, is to ensure that the bond application is supported by copies of existing signed lease agreements and bank statements proving consistent rental income from the property in question. “A complete and well-organised bond application will be wellreceived by the banks and ensure your best chance of approval. If there is an existing tenant, some of the

banks will consider including a percentage of the rental income with proof of the monthly deposits and the existing rental agreement.

“Another option is to seek out a specialist bank which has a more entrepreneurial view on property finance rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. These banks back the investor and consider each proposed investment on merit, taking all rental income into consideration. However, these banks have criteria for the clients they finance, including the investor’s profession, strength of earnings and balance sheet.”

Adds Bailey: “Once a bank is willing to grant finance, an investor may

“The benefit of this is that as the property grows in value, the investor is able to refinance the property, subject to another credit application, and increase the property finance up to the registered threshold to make more funds available for subsequent property investments. Registering the higher bond amount upfront saves the investor time and money later as there is no need to register a bigger bond down the line when more finance is required.

“Some may find the obstacles in raising bond finance for property investments too daunting, but those budding investors who push hard, make sacrifices and find a creative solution to financing their first investment property will find that each subsequent step in the right direction will open new doors to finance and therefore further property investments.”

Source: propertyinsider.co.za

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24 October 2018

Expect Champagne performances at this year’s FNB Wines2Whales

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he rebranding of the three events within the FNB Wines2Whales stable is predicted to have the greatest impact on the elite women’s race. In 2018, the elite women will compete in the Chardonnay event, which takes place from the 26 to 28 October, without any elite men or competitive mixed category athletes on the starting line.

by the race’s tenth anniversary. Lining up alongside the crème de la crème of South African mountain biking, are a number of international stars.

Visit www.wines2whales.com for all the details

With R100 000 up for grabs for the winning team, the battle to be crowned champions in the rebranded Shiraz event, which takes place from the 2nd to the 4th of November, is sure to be fierce. Adding to the depth of the competition is the fact that all FNB Wines2Whales prize money, barring that paid to the Women’s categories which are contested in the Chardonnay event, is awarded in the Shiraz event.

With R175 000 in total prize money up for grabs in the elite women’s race, FNB Wines2Whales boasts the largest prize purse of all South Africa’s three-day stage races. This and the prestige of the event guarantee a stellar field for this year’s edition, which is arguably the strongest ever.

Along with the elite men, the men’s age group categories and the mixed category prizes will be bestowed after the final weekend’s racing.

Inspired by absolute equality South Africa’s top women’s mountain bikers will be out in full force – supported in a number of cases by elite partners from around the world.

The 2018 FNB Wines2Whales Chardonnay event sees the defending champions return but partnering other riders. They will not only have their ex-teammates to worry about, as any one of a number of combinations could walk away victorious after the 207-kilometre race from Lourensford Estate in Somerset West to The Marine Hotel in Hermanus.

The Chardonnay field includes Jennie Stenerhag (defending champion) and Mariske Strauss, of Silverback CBC; Candice Lill and Adelheid Morath (defending champion), of Summit; and the exciting Team Spur combination of Ariane Lüthi

PHOTO: Tobias Ginseng

and Barbara Benko. Also lining up on Friday, 26 October in Lourensford are the dormakaba pairing of Samantha Sanders and Amy Beth McDougall; Galileo Risk’s Theresa Ralph and Sarah Hill; and the FNB Wines2Whales Adventure defending champions Simone and Lolita van Aardt – though the mother and daughter team are now riding with Lara Tennant and Desiree Strydom respectively.

The dark horses for the race are the Ascendis

Health pairing of Robyn de Groot and an as yet unnamed partner. De Groot was scheduled to race with Sabine Spitz, but a crash in early October left the 2008 Olympic Gold Medallist with a broken hand and fractured ribs. At the time of writing, a replacement to partner the South African marathon champion, De Groot, had yet to be announced.

On the men’s side the Shiraz event is one worthy of the celebratory atmosphere created

The stellar field is headlined by the defending champions, Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes of PYGA EuroSteel. The pair have not enjoyed the invincible year they did in 2017, so their title defence is anything but assured. Taking up the challenge of defeating them are the NAD Pro MTB teams of Nico Bell and Matthew Beers, along with their support team, Gawie Combrink and Wessel Botha.

The battle between Beukes, Buys, Bell and Beers is a familiar one to South African mountain biking fans, but there are a number of other combinations who will be looking to get in on the melee.

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24 October 2018

Men raise funds for High School Hermanus High School hosted a Gentlemen’s Evening on Friday, 12 October with TV personality Johan Ferreira as the MC and guest speaker Marais Viljoen, the legendary cricket umpire entertaining the guests. The aim of the evening was to raise much-needed funds for the school. “With more than 180 guests and several corporate sponsors a total of R145 000 was raised,” says Thinus van Schoor of the Parent-Teacher Association. “As a first try the evening was very successful and we aim to build on this in years to come. A Gentlemen’s Evening is the perfect opportunity for our parents and sponsors to relax and enjoy an evening of fun, laughter and great conversation.”

HERMANUS HIGH SAYS THANK YOU Hermanus High School hosted a formal dinner on Wednesday evening, 17 October to show their appreciation to all the individuals, organisations and businesses that had supported the school financially or in any other way during the year. More than 250 people were accommodated in the school hall and treated to a delicious three-course meal. Before the main course, the school choir entertained the guests with an outstanding performance (above).

PHOTOS: Hedda Mittner

Christiaan de Wet (centre) of the PTA at the Gentlemen’s Evening with guests Johan Ferreira (left) and Marais Viljoen (right).

The special ladies who made the Gentlemen’s Evening a great success.

Rolling up their sleeves to help feed the guests were Amanda Reinke, Dayne Nel and Elenore Wessels.

Hermanus High Principal Greg Hassenkamp (right) chatting to Christiaan de Wet.

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24 October 2018

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Building cultural bridges at Zwelihle Cafe’s Third Thursdays

he Zwelihle Youth Café, founded by William Ntebe and Fikiswa Gxamesi, has come a long way since its humble beginnings four years ago. Not only has it been a labour of love for this committed couple but it’s become a beacon of hope for the community.

Now that they have moved to their new premises at the RDP Centre, William and Fiki, as she is widely known, are not only realising their dream of making a difference in the lives of the youth in their community, but are also creating an environment where people of all races and ages can come together, simply enjoying the opportunity to spend time in one another’s company.

With this end in mind, they have initiated Third Thursdays, a cultural event that takes place on the third Thursday of every month.

All are welcome to come to this safe haven in Zwelihle to socialise and network, or to showcase their talents, be it in art, music, food or poetry.

At the inaugural Third Thursdays event on 18 October there was delicious local food to enjoy such as fish and chips or boerewors, pap and chakalaka, prepared by talented cook, Leeroy Kaizer.

Creation had a stall where their wines were for sale and there were also local arts and crafts stalls. Talented performers, including Terrence Takura and Spiwo Mlanjana kept everyone entertained with their moving songs and soul poetry as the sun set.

The Zwelihle Café is indeed “a place where bridges are built and where healing takes place”, as William describes it. All who attended agreed that it was a night to remember.

The next Third Thursdays will take place on 15 November from 16:30. For more information, William can be contacted on 076 696 5830.

Young artists Zizipho Mehlo and Tony Mnwana with Trevor Nkoyi, who is in charge of Zwelihle Café’s vegetable garden.

PHOTOS: Hedda Mittner

Zinhle Makheta (middle) serving Creation Rosé to Frieda Lloyd and her guest who enjoyed dinner at Third Thursdays.

Terry Tahkura’s music inspired all who attended the cultural evening.

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24 October 2018

The Currie Cup – holy grail of domestic rugby

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espite the abridged version of the 2018 Currie Cup, rugby players and supporters still see this competition holding a special place on the rugby calendar. Although now lagging behind the Rugby Championships and Super Rugby in importance, it is the most prestigious prize in South African domestic rugby.

The new seven-team, one-round format is more geared towards unearthing young talent, although a blend of experience is still evident in the competing teams. The exclusion of many of the Springbok players under contract with the South African Rugby Union, as opposed to players contracted by the Unions, has led to the appearance of some exciting young players. This bodes well for the future and increases the depth of our resources.

Although games were played prior, the first official Currie Cup rugby competition was played in 1892 and won by Western Province. However, the first holders of the Currie Cup were the Griqualand West rugby team. This came about during the tour of South Africa by the British Isles Rugby Union team in 1891.

The touring team set sail from the UK

Offside Tony O’Hagan

and among the baggage, boots and balls was a golden cup donated by Sir Donald Currie, owner of the Union Castle Lines, the shipping company that transported the team to South Africa. His instructions were clear – the cup was to be given to the local team that provided the best game on the tour. After a spirited display by Griqualand West which the unbeaten British Isles won 3-0, Griquas were awarded the trophy.

The 1892 Currie Cup Competition won

by Western Province included three other teams: Griqualand West, Transvaal and Eastern Province. Western Province dominated the early years of the Currie Cup and by 1920, Province had secured the trophy on 10 occasions. Griquas were the winners in 1899 and 1911, while Transvaal won the competition for the first time in 1922 and again in 1939, beating Western Province, a first loss for the

latter at Newlands. Between 1920 and 1930, Western Province was victorious on four occasions and shared the trophy twice with Border.

After WWII, in 1946, Northern Transvaal secured their first win, beating Western Province 11-9 at Loftus Versfeld. 1990 saw Natal’s first victory with an 18-12 win over Northern Transvaal, inspired by fly half, Joel Stransky. The 1990s saw further improvement by Natal and the rise of Transvaal, led by Francois Pienaar.

Since the age of professionalism in the rugby union during the 1990s, the Currie Cup has become much more competitive, with no team able to carve out an era of dominance like that of Western Province in the early years or Northern Transvaal in the 1970s and 1980s.

All of the so-called "big unions" have

won the Currie Cup in the last 20 years: Western Province (6 times), Blue Bulls (Northern Transvaal, 5 times), Golden Lions (Transvaal, 3 times), Sharks (Natal, 3 times) and Free State (Cheetahs, 3 times). In 2006 the trophy was also shared between the Blue Bulls and Cheetahs.

Overall wins in Currie Cup read as follows: Western Province 34, Blue Bulls 23, Lions 11, Sharks 7, Cheetahs 5, Griqualand West 3, Border 2.

The Currie Cup competition of 2018 culminates with the final at Newlands this Saturday, 27 October between Western Province and the Sharks. This after two nail biting semi-finals, the Sharks beating the Lions 33-24 and Western Province beating the Bulls 35-32. Western Province won after 20 minutes extra time was played and they “snatched victory from the jaws of defeat” after the Bulls missed a conversion to seal victory in regular time. Once again this year’s Currie Cup had all the ingredients of the great matches of past years. It is a competition steeped in history and tradition dating back to 1892 and is regarded as the cornerstone of South African rugby heritage.

Currie Cup

Sir Donald Currie

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24 October 2014

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New golf rules head our way!

reetings once more from Hermanus Golf Club. In a blink it will be the end of October and the season is almost upon us. Life at the club is already getting busier and it’s lovely to see some returning members – welcome back to you all.

The Putting Pirate Julian Shaw

will have the right answer straight away but I will find it. We have new definitions, new language, new dropping rules, new areas to demarcate around the course, and much more.

HAWS Golf Day This week saw the return of the Hermanus Animal Welfare Society fundraising golf day and as ever Cheryl Richardson took charge of the event and did a wonderful job. Here is a quick report by Cheryl: “The day was a wonderful success. The weather was perfect and everyone was in high spirits, especially the gang from Remax who turned the day into a real social event, with a boerie braai and beers on the practice putting green. The 136 players who participated included 18 visitors. I was so grateful to all who participated and provided such generous sponsorship – we had prizes up to 13th place for a 4ball alliance!

“The money raised will be put to really good use in our clinic where we treat animals belonging to those in the community who cannot afford vet’s fees. I would like to say a huge thank you to all our sponsors/donors and the players who gave so willingly of their time and money to support us.”

New rules I have just come back from a two-day seminar in Cape Town concerning the new rules for 2019. All I can say is the old rule book must go in the bin and all players should make sure they get a copy of the new rules as soon as possible.

Start going through them and ask questions; there’s no guarantee that I

I will be holding an evening or two going over what I think are the really important points and maybe even get a new rules guru here to help me out! The good news is that the new rules are designed to speed up play and actually make the rules easier to understand. It’s been 50 years since the “modern” rules came into play and this is a massive shake up!

The winners of the HAWS Golf Day: Sheana Bennett, Carol Brownlee, Les and Pippa Adams. In front are the organiser Cheryl Richardson and Lady Captain Lynne Behagg.

The winner of the Roger Bushell trophy, John Simpson. This trophy was presented to the club by RAF Squadron Leader Roger Bushell’s mother. This South African-born British WWII military aviator, whose parents retired in Hermanus, became famous as the organiser of a mass escape from a German prisoner of war camp in 1944. After the escape, Bushell was a victim of the Stalag Luft III murders.

His story is told by Paul Brickhill in The Great Escaper and was also depicted in the movie, The Great Escape, starring Steve McQueen.

In fact, a point of interest is that the old rules that expire on 31 December this year were actually written by a member of Hermanus Golf Club, ex R&A Captain and the first person knighted for golf, Sir Michael Bonallack. So watch this space; we may go over one or two new rules here in the coming weeks!

Theewaterskloof Golf Day I think it is always important to support other clubs in the area and especially when it is for a good cause.

This time it’s the turn of Theewaterskloof Golf Club, a delightful course with super downto-earth people. Anyway, on 17 November they are holding a golf day at a cost of R300 per player, with great prizes, a lekker braai afterwards and a chance to bid on a rather special auction.

Scores at a glance SATURDAY ALL TOGETHER 13 OCTOBER The Roger Bushell Trophy Individual Stableford 139 players South course winner: Lynne Behagg 40 points North course winner: John Simpson 40 points East course winner: Tank Coetzee 36 points LADIES’ TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER Betterball Stableford 43 players Winners: Janet Taylor and Kim Davies 46 points Runners-up: Antoinette CalenderEasby and Toni Upton 45 points MEN’S WEDNESDAY 17 OCTOBER Individual Medal and Stableford 115 players A division winner: Mike Frost nett 68 Runner-up: Tyron Davidowitz nett 70 B division winner: Audie van Noordwyk nett 67 Runner-up: Mike Bryant nett 69 C division winners: Frans Prins 38 points Runner-up: Peter Boshoff 37 points Best gross: Tyron Davidowitz 66

The event is in aid of the Vrederus Retirement Home in Villiersdorp. They really need some financial support and there are a few people trying to help, so, if you would like to play please, email me on golf@hermanus.co.za and I will put you in touch with the right people. I think there are also opportunities for businesses to sponsor prizes and holes on the day.

Come on, Hermanus, let’s help our neighbours.

Until next week, play the course as you find it and the ball as it lies!

Julz and the team

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24 October 2018

MY School ESKOM EXPO FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS At the end of August, 26 learners from Hermanus High School participated in the Eskom Expo District Competition in Stellenbosch. From the 296 projects that were entered by 33 participating schools, one of Hermanus High’s projects was chosen to represent the Stellenbosch District at the International Science Fair.

This project by Grade 10 learner, Louw de Clerque was entitled Emergencies in State and Private Hospitals. It was one of 16 projects selected for the international competition that Louw attended in Johannesburg from 1 – 4 October along with the group of learners representing the Stellenbosch District. Hermanus High School is very proud of Louw for achieving a silver medal at this prestigious competition.

OVERBERG DISTRICT TENNIS TEAM 2018 The following tennis players from Hermanus High School have been chosen for the Overberg District Tennis team, following the Overberg trials. This team will participate in the Kavaliers Country Tournament in Worcester on 26 and 27 October: U15: Luca van der Westhuizen and Gretha Herholdt; U17: Emile de Clercq, Vion Wium, Mia le Roux, Maia Bellingan, Monique Hugo and Cara Mulder; U19: Thiart Venter, Louw de Clercq and Derik Serfontein.

Dillon Maree has, for the second year, been selected for the U17 Boland Country Team which will participate in the SA National Schools Cricket Tournament in Kimberley from 10 – 14 December. However, this talented young sportsman is in need of sponsorship to finance this tour to Kimberley. He also needs assistance with his travel costs to Paarl for his weekly practice sessions. Anyone who would like to assist Dillon’s family in supporting him, can contact Carina van der Merwe at Hermanus High School on 028 312 3760 or 082 823 8632.